Fighting for You-

Disclaimer: We do not own Naruto!

Chapter Twenty

Transitioning


It had been a while and Sasuke knew he was in trouble the second he saw his mother was calling him. Thankfully she didn't scold him too much and he wasn't upset about the two of them going out for lunch alone together. He'd been so busy lately, but he knew he needed to make more time for his mother. She deserved it. Mikoto met him at her favorite restaurant, dressed in a pretty, fitting black dress that hugged her body down to her knees. She was beautiful, always had been the most beautiful woman in the world to Sasuke… but Sakura definitely gave her a run for her money.

Not that he'd ever admit that to his mother.

His first fight in the welterweight division was two days away and he'd be hopping on a plane first thing in the morning. Today he'd already completed his morning training and would be taking it easy until his fight. So, it was nice to spend some quality time with his mother and catch her up on everything that had been going on in his life. Of course, Sakura was brought into it, but Sasuke didn't mind talking about her. He'd always been able to be open with his mother whenever he wanted to be and he told her time and time again that he and Sakura weren't officially dating… but he didn't deny that he wished they were.

Sasuke had to be on his best behavior, he had to prove to Sakura that he could make her parents accept him and he would make sure they did. After all, he was a respectful man. He was kind and polite and he would take care of Sakura and care for her. Even if they were a little on the complicated side, he was certain that they would want nothing more from the man who would be with their daughter and Sasuke was going to be that man, no matter how hard he had to fight.

Things were in his favor right now. He'd invited the three of them to his fight, which made it possible for Sakura to come without having to be sneaky about it. This fight was a big deal for Sasuke, but he wasn't worried. He never was. He'd thoroughly looked into his opponent and had memorized every little detail about his fighting style. He was looking forward to squaring up with the older man and pleased to know that he actually respected Sasuke and wasn't a hater like most of the guys he fought. Even in the man's interview, he'd been so calm and professional, talking about his excitement and even praising Sasuke for all of his hard work.

Competing in two different weight classes wasn't unheard of, but it wasn't an easy feat. Only someone as determined as Sasuke could even attempt such a thing. Things had settled down on Instagram—at least on Sakura's part. His interview had helped along with his many other posts. He was constantly uploading new photos which kept his followers on their toes and always eagerly awaiting his next post. He was literally posting pictures of everything, from his food and protein shakes, to himself at all different times of his days, even while he was training. Today he posted a picture of his beautiful mother, and one of the two of them together.

Lunch was great and he was happy with himself for spending some much needed time with her. She could be a bit much sometimes, but Sasuke adored her deeply and he wanted her to know as much. He was actually keeping up with his notifications on his personal Instagram so he noticed right away when Sakura commented on his picture with his mom, mentioning how cute they looked along with many heart-eyed emojis. He smiled at her comment but didn't respond publicly, knowing he had to be careful. Instead, he replied privately through a text directly to her, sending nothing more than a few kissy-face emojis.

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Sasuke had gone as far as talking his manager into allowing Sakura and her family to fly out with him in the private plane they'd be taking—along with Naruto and Ino too. Kakashi was still reeling over Sasuke's clean up in his last interview, so he hadn't even tried to argue about it. The next morning, Sasuke was the first to arrive at the airport along with his crew. It was still early morning hours, a few hours before he normally even woke up in the mornings. He was standing next to Kakashi, listening to the schedule for the day before the weigh-in that night while he stretched his limbs. Kakashi didn't seem worried either, but Sasuke knew his manager had a lot of faith in his abilities.

He felt bad that his invitation to Sakura's family had been so last minute, but he was so relieved that they agreed to come. Sasuke was really looking forward to showing them who he was in every possible way and that began first and foremost in the octagon. Naruto and Ino arrived before they did, having already been invited long before because Naruto wouldn't have dreamed of missing any of Sasuke's fights, just as he would never miss any of Naruto's.

"Oy, Teme! Ready to kick some ass tomorrow?" Naruto beamed as soon as he was standing next to Sasuke, slapping him on his back repeatedly.

Sasuke rolled his eyes and shoved Naruto away from him, smirking. "Of course I am." He was going to win, no matter what.

"Good, don't go letting this bastard make you lose for the first time. We gotta both stay undefeated until we finally fight each other, ya know?"

Sasuke laughed and the two of them bumped fists. "You're on, Dobe."

Sakura and her family arrived not long after them and after a few minutes of pleasantries, the group boarded the private plane and prepared for take off. Flying was something that Sasuke honestly dreaded, he didn't understand why some people were so fascinated with it. It wasn't that he was afraid of flying, he just wished that he could drive to all of his fights instead. Sometimes that was just impossible and other times it saved them all a lot of hassle. This time they were going across seas, so there was no other option.

The flight was scheduled to be around ten hours, but he wasn't dreading it like he normally would—not since he had Sakura to tag along with him. And everyone else too. Since it was so early, most of them would catch a bit more sleep. Sasuke would as well, but he spoke with his friends, with Sakura, with her parents until after they'd smoothly transitioned from land to the sky. He thanked Kazashi and Mebuki again for coming, and Sakura too, winking at her smugly since her parent's couldn't see him from their seats behind his.

Annoying as usual, Kakashi chided him and told him to get some more rest. Sasuke only didn't argue because he knew Sakura's parents were listening, and because he had to be in top form for his fight that next day. So, he agreed, putting in his earbuds and playing some soft music on his playlist before he closed his eyes. It didn't take long for him to fall asleep.

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After his nap, the flight consisted of light chatting and a comfortable atmosphere. Sasuke ate and ate, snacking during the entirety of the flight after that because he wouldn't be eating as much the next day. While he planned to go in and go hard and quick as he usually did, he was stepping into a whole new world, facing an opponent unlike any other he'd faced before. He had to be prepared in every way—and he would be. He was resting his body, stretching as much as he could on the flight, drinking plenty of fluids and he was actually having a good time with everyone.

He was starting to think Sakura's parents were going to accept him after all.

Between two rented SUVs, everyone was taken from the airport to the hotel they'd be staying in. Sasuke had taken it upon himself to have his manager book rooms for everyone, at his expense. Sakura's parents were the only ones who tried to argue about it, but they relented after Sasuke explained it had been his way of thanking them for coming to support him.

They all had to take time to get settled in to their rooms. Sakura and Sasuke would be the only ones with their own rooms, which Sasuke didn't really like but he didn't have much of a choice. If it was up to him he would have had Sakura staying with him, but he knew she would never allow it with her parents tagging along. He did, however, make sure her room was right next to his and they were in between Naruto and Ino, and her parents. Sasuke's team members all had their own rooms across the hallway.

There was only about an hour before Sasuke had to leave for the weigh-in and he was dressed in his usual promotional clothing, his shorts under his loose pants since he would have to strip soon enough. He took a selfie in the mirror of his room and posted it on Instagram, immediately getting a reaction that threatened to make him turn his phone off. He settled for silencing it and then left his room. He wanted to go to Sakura's, but he went to Naruto and Ino's instead.

Ino wasn't in there, Naruto was alone, on his phone when he opened the door for Sasuke—a cheeky grin on his face. "Hey bastard, I left you a sexy comment under your selfie." He teased, wiggling his brows and Sasuke smacked him upside the head.

"Don't make me have to kick your ass." Sasuke snorted. "Is Ino with Sakura?"

"Huh? Oh, yeah… they're getting changed in Sakura's room." Naruto explained and Sasuke nodded in understanding.

"We will all go to dinner after the weigh-in. I can't wait to eat." Sasuke mused. He would also have a big, healthy breakfast the following morning but after that, he wouldn't eat much at all. Maybe a protein bar along with his fluids.

Naruto threw his arm around Sasuke's shoulder and proceeded to take a picture of them. "We haven't talked about your lightweight bouts. Will your next fight be welterweight too?"

Sasuke sighed at that, he'd been trying not to think about it. "Unfortunately no. My next fight is in a month, and it's lightweight."

"Shit!" Naruto screeched. "That's not long to cut all the weight you've gained, Teme."

The last thing he'd be listening to was Naruto's chiding. "I'm used to cutting weight… I'm disciplined. You don't need to worry, I already have my meals planned for the whole month."

Naruto laughed loudly at that. "Why am I not surprised?"

The sound of giggling had the boys turning their attention to the door. Ino was wearing a plum halter strapped dress, and Sakura in a cherry red one with a sweetheart cut neckline. Their arms were linked together. They stopped walking as soon as they saw the boys, Ino giving the both of them a once over.

"Ready for the weigh-in, huh?" Ino grinned.

Naruto chimed in. "Bastard is probably gonna say something like, 'I was born ready'."

Sakura giggled at that but gave him a warm smile. "How are you feeling, Sasuke-kun?"

"I'm feeling great. Never better." He returned her smile affectionately, so grateful to have her by his side—and having her parents give him a chance. This was all he needed to make them accept him and then finally, he and Sakura could be together in peace.

The weigh-in came quickly and Sasuke was back in the spotlight, but the kind of spotlight that he craved. As soon as he was in the center, Sasuke was in work-mode. He and his team were quick to join the other fighters. Sasuke had easily made weight since he had a lot more room to work with, but he wasn't looking forward to the fifteen pounds he had to lose. He would manage it, he was used to losing five to ten pounds before a fight, so this wasn't too much worse. He'd always been barely hanging on to his weight for the other class.

His opponent was happy to meet him and Sasuke was excited to fight someone with so much experience. The guy had thirty-four fights completed and had only lost six times. It would be seven come the next day, but Sasuke was confident that this guy would be more of a challenge for him than anyone else ever had been.

Sasuke completed a short interview after the weigh-in before meeting up with his guests. It amused him that Sakura's dad looked so thrilled being involved and he was the main one doing the talking as they exited the center and made their way to the waiting cars.

Sasuke was really looking forward to dinner. They were all heading to a five-star place where Kakashi had reserved them a private dining area. His manager wasn't happy about it, but Sasuke rode with his guests instead of with his team.

The ride to the restaurant was full of lively conversation. Sakura even sat next to Sasuke, and when she was sure her parents wouldn't see, she held on to his hand and gave it a light squeeze. Her green eyes shone with excitement, genuinely happy to be with him on such an important event.

The restaurant was as fancy as they all expected it to be, and it was amusing to see how different Naruto reacted to it compared to Sakura and Ino—the disparity between Sakura's parents highlighted all the more. It only reiterated to Sasuke that the Harunos were used to places like these, the husband and wife not even looking the least bit impressed, but they did look like they belonged.

And that was probably why the girls dressed up. Naruto was only in his joggers and team shirt, definitely an eyesore. But the blond didn't care, what he wanted was the food, and that's exactly what Sasuke wanted as well.

Dinner came and went without much of a fuss. The food was good, and his team did a lot of talking, going over who Sasuke's opponent was again and how they were all confident Sasuke would win.

"I know you will," Sakura whispered to him. "But also please be careful."

"I always am." He whispered back, smiling reassuringly at her. It was touching to know that she worried, even considering how capable he was.

Sasuke really adored her.

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Finally it was time to fight. Sasuke had been eagerly awaiting this for so long it seemed—even though it hadn't been that long. The place was sold out. His guests were front and center, already in their seats while Sasuke sat in the back with his team, waiting on his time to walk out and listening to Kakashi's unnecessarily long pep talk. He still listened quietly, focusing on clearing his head. He had to be prepared mentally as much as he was physically.

"It's time." Kakashi said and not a moment too soon. Sasuke hopped up from where he was sitting and cracked his neck.

Finally…

The crowd was roaring when he finally made his entrance surrounded by his team members. Sasuke was bouncing on his feet as he walked the distance to the octagon, listening to his entry music that always pumped him up so easily. He was raring to go. He could barely keep still long enough to strip down to his shorts and let the ref check and prepare him. Once he was cleared to go, Kakashi leaned next to him.

"Don't go embarrassing yourself in front of your girlfriend and her parents." He teased and Sasuke rolled his eyes and put in his mouth piece before jogging up the stairs and into the octagon.

He found his guests in the crowd and raised a fist to them before facing the camera and waiting for his opponent to make his entrance. The music changed to a tune Sasuke had already heard considering he'd watched every single fight the man had ever had. A few minutes later, the man was finally in the octagon with him, having just as much energy as Sasuke did. He looked so excited and Sasuke couldn't deny that he was looking forward to it too.

They touched gloves and the match began. One thing that put Sasuke at a disadvantage was the man's reach and his weight. He was fifteen pounds heavier and considering it was all muscle and this man knew what he was doing, if he'd been a lesser man, Sasuke may have worried. He had a level head coming into this fight, he knew everything about Sasuke and the fighter that he was. For the first thirty seconds, they just circled each other, feeling one another out.

Sasuke had tuned out the crowd, being focused solely on the man in the octagon with him. They went at each other at the same time, both of them being ground fighters. In a split second, the older man had his arms wound tightly around Sasuke's middle, using all his strength to try and slam Sasuke down. Sasuke wouldn't allow it. He wasn't used to dealing with such weight and his strength was outstanding, but if Sasuke was anything—he was prepared.

Ducking to the side, Sasuke rearranged his grip on his opponent and snatched him up before tackling him sideways. It took every ounce of strength he possessed to make the move and it had happened in a matter of seconds from the time they charged each other. As soon as they were on the ground, they were rolling around in a struggle for dominance, quickly making different moves to try and get the other into a submission.

He was skilled, just as Sasuke expected and was able to move with Sasuke easily. Both of them kept breaking out any time one of them came close to getting a submission, and he was the first to come close. Sasuke was taken by surprise when he'd been blocking a knee and his opponent heeded the opportunity, changing his position and grabbing hold of Sasuke's arm to try and get him in an arm bar.

Sasuke maintained his strength and flipped his position to lessen the strain on his arm, using his free arm to send an elbow flying towards the older man's face and felt immediate relief when he connected. His elbow landed hard on the man's nose, instantly making it pour blood. Without hesitating, Sasuke moved to mount his prey. He'd dazed him, so instead of going for a submission, he went in for a punch. The first was blocked, the next connected. There was no stopping after that, He was in full mount, raining his fists down on the man until the ref pulled him off.

The relief he felt washed over him strongly and Sasuke rested his hands on his hips as he breathed, finding that it had really been thrilling to actually have to put up a fight. But once again, he'd come out on top. He was victorious. He was still undefeated—his first win in welterweight was secured. His opponent came quickly and then the official announcement followed before the man came and leaned against Sasuke, patting him on the back and congratulating him on his win. Sasuke thanked him for the fight and then was called to speak with the announcer.

When it was all over, Sasuke was led by his team to the back and then while Kakashi was raving, Sasuke was tackled from behind by Naruto.

"Damn, Teme! You killed it!"

"Hn." Sasuke accepted his water bottle and had a drink from it.

He could barely drink since Naruto was shaking his shoulders, all smiles and gushing about Sasuke's win. Ino joined in, a little less enthusiastic but Sasuke knew she was genuine with her congratulatory remarks.

It was nice to receive their praise, but his eyes sought someone else out. Sakura didn't come running into his arms this time, or give him a surprise kiss. When he finally saw her, he frowned.

Sakura was with her parents, and she wasn't smiling—she wasn't even looking his way. Her mother was speaking to her, but their voices were too low for anyone to hear. Sakura rolled her eyes and sighed, her arms gestures looking wide. Mebuki had a disapproving look on her face, brows furrowed and wagging a chastising finger at her daughter. Kizashi places a hand on either of their shoulders, smiling and pulling them apart.

He wanted to know what they were talking about, but Sasuke knew it was better to ask when they were alone.

Sakura said something else to her parents that made Mebuki gape, even Kizashi looked surprised. But Sakura only turned her back on them and approached the three.

Sasuke was feeling concerned. Her parents didn't look happy at all and they weren't coming over to congratulate him on his win. Something wasn't right, but he didn't know what and there wasn't anything he could do about it. He could only hope that it didn't have anything to do with him. And it shouldn't, because he hadn't done anything wrong. He was probably just worrying over nothing.

"Is everything okay?" Sasuke asked her quietly and hesitantly when she came to his side. He wasn't even sure if he wanted to know.

Sakura waved him off, and gave him her best smile. "Don't worry about it, Sasuke-kun. Congrats on your win!"

"Yeah… thanks." Sasuke wanted to not worry about it, but there was just this awful, sinking feeling in his gut that he just couldn't shake and he didn't like it.

Whatever just happened, definitely had something to do with him.


A/N:

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What do you guys think Sakura's parents spoke to her about?