A.N.
To those of you that are reading this please not that there are two stories before this one. They are called Slowly Slipping Awayand Gravity both are found on my profile. The other two stories followed the manga as closely as I possibly could, but this part of the series is completely original and takes place 4 years after the war.
Thank you for reading!
Disclaimer: Naruto and its characters do NOT belong to me. Naruto belongs to Misashi Kishimoto.
Sayuri and any characters that have not and will not appear in the manga/or anime are completely original.
Reviews are welcomed and encouraged! Thank you!
Deserving
The cold water splashed across his face effectively waking him up. He looked up from the running water to his reflection on the mirror and turned the faucet to shut the water off. Grabbing the towel on the rack, he began to dry his face all the while making his way to his room.
The sunlight filtered unto the floor from under the curtain he had now kept closed, the only other source of light in the area being the light over his head. Pulling a clean shirt over his head he headed for his desk where his travel pack and katana laid. He tested the weight of the pack before swinging it over his shoulder then moving on to strapping his katana and its sheath over his hip, black eyes noticed the glinting bell necklace next to his team photo.
"Here take it, I don't want it."
The sound of her detached voice made him clench his fist at his side, sharp black eyes squeezing shut at the memory of Sayuri placing the necklace on the bed. He had been carrying it around with him since that day. It was when she gave it back to him that he realized his mistake, but he was too angry and prideful to take back what he said.
But compared to how they had been back then, they were back on speaking terms. Maybe it's time to give it back. He thought, inhaling through his nose he allowed his tensed shoulders to relax. He snatched the bell from its spot on his desk before heading out the door.
XXX
The morning was sunny, but cold. The winter breeze rustled the dried up flowers that decorated the graves. Sayuri smiled, and pulled out the dead plants, replacing them with healthy new ones. Clasping her hands together she mumbled a quick prayer.
"I'll be back soon." She said to the stone, tracing her finger over the markings. "I'll tell you all about it when I get back, Neji." She bowed and pushed herself back on her feet, picking up the dead flowers to throw away in the trash bin near the entrance of the cemetery.
She adjusted her bag over her shoulders and walked at a steady pace towards the gates. There was going to be a festival, and Naoki would be there…or so they believed. Sayuri's brows drew together as she frowned. Could he be working with more people? What if he really is working with Kenji?
He has to be…The way the murder victims were found. She recalled the day she found Saito. Sayuri could still barely believe that Kenji would do such a thing. The real question is why…why is he doing all of this?
"Sayuri." The young woman blinked. She stood at an intersection, Sasuke standing opposite to her.
"Sasuke, good morning." She smiled, gripping the straps of her pack.
His hand went to the pocket of his cloak, the bell rolling between his fingers, when his brows knitted. "What happened?"
"Huh?"
"Your hands, what happened to them."
"I broke a plate." she said letting her arms fall to her sides, the black cloak hiding her hands from his view.
"You didn't heal them?"
She shook her head. "It'll remind me not to do it again."
"It'll be a hindrance in battle."
Sayuri gave him a smug smirk and shrugged. "I'm not worried." Both turned the same corner and continued their short walk to the gate. He was about it pull out the necklace when he noticed a tall brunette sitting at one of the benches.
"Good morning." Diachi greeted when they were close enough. Sayuri replied but Sasuke did not, instead the former avenger moved to lean against a nearby tree.
"Where are Naruto and Sakura?" Hajime asked as he neared the three ninja. He walked past Sasuke, not sparing him a second glance and glared at Sayuri when she turned to him. The auburn haired girl rolled her eyes and crossed her arms over her chest.
Diachi shrugged in response and turned his light brown orbs back to the road.
"HEY GUYS!" They heard Naruto's yell, from a rooftop causing all of them to wince. The blonde grinned and landed on the ground before them.
"Naruto, some people are still sleeping." Sayuri admonished.
"Oh, yeah! Sorry!" he laughed, scratching the back of his head. He looked to his right and saw Sasuke. "Hey bastard, what are you doing all the way over there?"
"Trying to save my eardrums."
"WHAT DID YOU SAY!?" the blonde asked loudly cupping his ear.
"Keep it down, you knuckle head!" Sakura bopped him on the head then turned to the group. "Good morning!"
Hajime stretched his arms over his head. "Good, you're all here. Let's-"
"OK GUYS LETS GO! GAARA'S WAITING!" Naruto announced enthusiastically running out of the gates, the guards waving goodbye as he rushed by.
"That Naruto…" Sakura shook her head. "Let's go, Sasuke." The Uchiha pushed himself up and walked up to the rosette, Sakura taking off after Naruto first, leaving Sasuke behind.
"Sayuri?" Sasuke looked over his shoulder to the Marihasha. Sayuri took a deep breath and nodded, she watched him leap off leaving her team to stand by the gates.
"You done ogling?" Hajime said between his teeth.
"What the hell is your problem!?" Sayuri demanded, taking a step towards the silver haired young man.
Diachi stepped between them, placing a hand on their shoulders. "All right, now's not the time for this. We need to catch up, move it." He said, pulling Sayuri along, Hajime following closely behind.
They ran through the day, hardly stopping other than to have a small meal before setting out again. By the end of the day they had crossed into The Land of Rivers, deciding to rest up at an inn for the night. They found themselves at the hot springs that night, both groups enjoying the warm water in their own section.
"I've never been to a festival in Suna, I wonder how it'd be." Naruto wondered out loud, as he leaned back into the water.
"Probably full of pretty women." Hajime grinned slyly.
"Don't you have a girlfriend?" Diachi asked.
The silver haired ninja turned to Diachi and crossed his arms over his chest. "It's not like I'm cheating, I'm just pointing out the obvious."
"I'm pretty sure, your girlfriend wouldn't like to know what you said." Naruto teased to which Hajime turned, throwing his small towel at the blondes face.
"You keep your mouth shut!"
Naruto laughed. "At least she isn't here. The one who has to be careful is the bastard here."
"Don't be ridiculous, idiot."
"What, don't tell me that you don't look at other women from time to time."
The three men turned to the Uchiha watching as his cheeks lit up. Sasuke turned to the blonde, who had noticeably pink cheeks of his own and scowled. "Have you been drinking?"
"Bah!" Naruto waved him off. "I'm of age and Hajime drank too."
"Yeah! Let's have another!" Hajime exclaimed moving to stand.
"Don't even think about it, you're a terrible drunk." Diachi shoved him back down.
Hajime whined, eyes flickering to the wall that separated the baths and snickered. "Hey do you think the girls are in there already?" Hajime asked moving over to the blonde, nudging him on the ribs. Naruto's eyes widened and he backed away.
"I'm tipsy not suicidal!" His blue eyes shifted over to Sasuke's glaring ones, although it wasn't the glaring Uchiha he was worried about, it was the pink haired girl on the other side.
XXX
Sayuri hummed, small smile on her lips as she entered the woman's bath, it had been a while since she got to relax in one of them, even if she was on mission she'd enjoy it. Sakura stood by a basket already in a towel, her clothes placed neatly inside. Green eyes turned to Sayuri when she stepped inside. The nineteen-year-old blinked at Sakura in surprise.
"I thought you'd be in there by now." She said as she took out a basket from the opposite side of the wall, removing her vest, and undoing the zipper to her one piece then moving on to pulling off her boots.
"I got a little lost on the way here." Sakura laughed, waving a hand as she did so.
"You got lost?" Sayuri asked as she pulled off her other boot. The cool hardwood floor making chills run up her spine.
"I was thinking, and wondered off." She explained.
"I see." Sayuri peeked at Sakura who was placing the basket back in its place, and paused putting her boots inside her own basket. "What happened to your neck?" Sayuri as she pulled her suit off.
"Eh!" Sakura covered the purple area, turning a bright red. "O-oh…uh…" She stuttered, glancing at Sayuri who rose a brow at her curiously amused smile on her lip. "…Sasuke happened."
Sayuri blinked and waited a second before the words sunk in, her smile faltering. Turning bright red herself, she went back to her basket, grabbing the towel and wrapping it around herself before taking off her undergarments. "I'm sorry." She said quickly folding her suit and shoving it into the basket a long with the rest of her clothes. "That was none of my business."
Sakura watched Sayuri's stiff movements carefully. "Are you alright?"
The auburn haired girl gripped the basket tightly for a seconds before relaxing her fingers. There was no reason for her to be acting like this. This is what she wanted, she asked for this. No you didn't. A nagging voice in the back of her head replied. She shook her head and slid the basket back into its place against the wall just a little too rough. It was for the best.
"I'm ok, just a little tired…you know the last mission and all." She pulled her hair out of the ponytail it was inn, letting it tumble down her shoulders. "I didn't really get to rest before heading out on this one."
"Yeah…" Sakura frowned. "The last mission…with Sasuke."
"Yes." Sayuri stepped up the stairs and past the folds the led to the next room. "You coming?" Sakura heard her ask from the other side.
"Just a second." She replied running her hands through her pink hair. It's ok, Sakura. It was just a mission, no reason to be jealous. She thought to herself, taking a deep breath already feeling like this was going to be a long mission.
XXX
By the time they arrived at the gates of the Hidden Sand Village it was dark. They arrived tired, dirty, and trembling from the cold of the lands winter air.
"Identify yourselves!" the guard demanded from them group as they neared him.
"We're ninja from Konoha, the Kazekage is expecting us." Sayuri said, handing him her ninja registration. The man looked behind her to the tired group in the back as they too took out their papers. The guard handed them off to his companion who ran inside to verify their arrival.
"This is taking forever!" Naruto whined, pulling his cloak closer to him, teeth chattering as another breeze came by. Suddenly he wished he was back at the bath house they were at two nights ago.
Sayuri on the other hand was mildly surprised at the totally apathetic face of the guard before them.
Isn't he freezing? She wondered as she shivered on the spot. The other man came out and handed them their papers before letting them inside. They were led through the cave that led to the village, and were greeted by a smirking Kanakuro.
"Hey guys." He waved.
"Kankuro!" Naruto was the only one to reply as he enthusiastically went up to the puppet master.
"Hey Naruto…" he glanced at the two girls standing on the side. "Ladies."
"We're here too, jerk." Hajime grumbled.
"Yeah, well you don't really come as often as they do." Kankuro chuckled. "Let's get going, Gaara would like to meet with you before he lets you rest."
Sayuri tried hard not to groan as they were lead through the village. Like Konoha it had grown in size, more people had moved within the village borders, so by consequence nightlife in Suna had flourished. There were more stalls open, more restaurants, and more people out in the streets.
"Isn't that…" Some people whispered, pointing at Sasuke as if he couldn't see them blatantly staring. Some villagers stopped in their tracks when they recognized the tall blonde and the ex-avenger. Most began to whisper among themselves, some in awe and some in disgust and anger.
"Just ignore them." Kankuro advised when the ninja became alarmed by some of the darker intent they were sensing. "They won't do anything. It'll die down soon enough, the same thing happened with Gaara."
"You sure about that?" asked Sayuri who eyed a man as he approached them.
"Hey you!" He stood directly in front of Sasuke jabbing him with his finger. "You have a lot of nerve showing up here." Sasuke neither said or did anything other than stare at the man apathetically.
"Leave him alone." Sakura stepped up, green eyes narrowed.
The man turned his dark brown eyes to her and sneered. "Or what? You gonna do somethin'?" His view of the rosette was blocked by a black jacket. He looked back up to see the blonde hero standing between him and his two friends.
"Back off."
The man glared. "Just because you fought a demon, you suddenly think you're better than all of us!?" he spat, but Naruto held his ground. "I can take you." He began to pull his arm back but a firm hand on his stopped him.
"He said, back of." Kankuro repeated slowly, hands gripping the man's arm tightly. "Trust me, you don't want to mess with them." He nodded to the other three ninjas. Sayuri, Diachi, and Hajime were standing up straight, hands on their weapons, muscles taught getting ready to stop a brawl.
The man snatched his arm away and stomped off into the small crowed that had begun to gather around them. The crowd began to murmur among themselves when the ninja pushed through on their way to the kage tower without further incident. Once inside they were greeted by a smiling Gaara, and Team Kurenai.
"Hey guys!" Naruto's smiled enthusiastically. Sayuri smiled and went to stand next to Naruto, her team right beside her, while Sakura and Sasuke stood on the other side of the blonde.
"Gaara."
"Sayuri." The two nodded at each other in acknowledgement.
"Lord Gaara, said that you'd be joining us." Hinata said politely and turned to Sayuri. "Were you able to visit Neji?"
Sayuri nodded. "Yes, I got the flowers you asked for this time."
"I trust that your journey here was a pleasant one." Gaara spoke. "Now, Kakashi has informed me of everything."
"Yes, I apologize for getting your village involved in this. That was not my intention." Said Sayuri bowing at the redhead.
"It wasn't entirely her fault." Sasuke added.
Gaara looked from Sayuri to Sasuke and nodded. "I understand. Hinata has been kind enough to keep watch with me, in case we spot Naoki."
"But we haven't." Hinata shook her head.
"We would help too, but there's not much we can do without a scent or having met him before." Kiba shrugged his shoulders, while Shino stood quietly beside him.
"As you know there will be a festival here the day after tomorrow. If those men really are after women, then that festival will be the perfect opportunity for them." Kankuro said, as he leaned back against the wall.
"The murders were committed outside of the towns. Keeping guards at the village exits will help." Sayuri offered.
"Yes, we plan to keep all exits to the village armed. Temari delivered a picture of Naoki to every gate before heading out to Konoha."
"I guess that explains why Shikamaru didn't come with us." Naruto whispered to Sayuri. The auburn haired girl covered her mouth trying to stifle a laugh while next to them Sasuke and Sakura frowned.
"Yeah, yeah, yeah…laugh it up, Sayuri." Kankuro grumbled.
Gaara cleared his throat and hid a smile behind his lanced fingers. "Right, well, Kankuro would you mind escorting them to their rooms. We'll talk strategies tomorrow."
"Sure." The puppet master strolled over to the door. "Come on."
The group of ninja headed to the door when Gaara spoke again. "Except you, Sayuri." The girl in question looked over her shoulder. "Can we speak in private?"
Wait, what? Sasuke stopped dead in his tracks and turned to the two, mouth set in a hard line.
"Sure, Gaara."
He became rigid when she agreed without a second thought. First she calls him by his first name, now she was going to spend some time alone with him?
"Can't this wait until tomorrow?" Sasuke asked, eyes narrowed at the redhead who tilted his head to him. "She needs rest." Next to him, Sakura placed a hand on his arm.
"Sasuke…" the pinkette whispered, offering the other two a tight smile. Green eyes flickering back to the Uchiha in barely concealed shock when he pulled away. She drew her hand back to her chest and held it there, pink brows dipping in dissatisfaction.
Catching the hurt and anger in the medic ninja, Sayuri crossed her and frowned. "I'm not that tired." She shrugged. "I'll stay."
"Sayuri." Sasuke began but stopped when he noticed that everyone was staring at them. He tsked and allowed Sakura to lead him out. Behind them, Naruto shoved his hands in his pockets. It didn't matter to him that Sasuke was just dating Sakura to show her that he's not the right fit for her, but he didn't have to be rude to her. Blue eyes, steeled at his friends back once they were out in the hallway.
"Don't keep her up too late." Hajime teased, waving goodbye at them on his way out.
"Shut it!" Sayuri snapped.
Hajime faked a smile at the Marihasha. "I know how chummy the two of you have gotten."
Before Sayuri could wrap her hands around his neck, Diachi beat her too it by jabbing Hajime in the ribs with his elbow. "Can't you ever keep your smart mouth shut." He said through gritted teeth, eyes shifting to Sasuke who turned away from Sakura and had his eyes on the silver haired ninja.
"What, I can't joke around now?"
Gaara ignored the silver haired ninja and turned to the Hyūga at the door, gentle smile in place. "Hinata, thank you for all your work."
The young woman smiled kindly. "You're welcome."
"C'mon, Hinata." Kiba said, steering the blue haired young woman out of the office. "I'm tired, let's go."
When the door clicked shut Sayuri turned to Gaara who rose a brow at her. "What was that about?"
"It's Hajime, and his mood swings." When his aquamarine eyes blinked at her, she sighed. "He hates me right now for failing my last mission."
"Why would he hate you for that?"
"He's mostly mad at the fact that because of me, more people are in danger now."
"I wouldn't say that it was just because of you." The red head said. "You got bested, it happens. Is that also why he tried to insinuate something about us?"
Sayuri drew a hand to her forehead and shook her head. "No." She knew her silver haired teammate was trying to get under Sasuke's skin, but she wasn't about to let the Kazekage know that, even if they had gotten closer over the past two years. Looking back at the red head she decided that it was time to change the subject. "So Hinata's been helping you, huh?"
Unfazed the redhead laced his fingers and placed them on the desk. "Yes, she's been of great help lately."
"Right." She smirked.
"Leave it." He warned, aquamarine eyes narrowing.
"Ok, ok." She waved her hands in front of her in a pacifying manner. "So what did you need to talk to me about."
"Your ex-caretaker."
Her sly smirk fell, a lump formed at the center of her throat, her stomach tightened and all of the sudden she felt short of breath. She hadn't talked about him since Moriyo became head of the ANBU, and honestly, she preferred it that way. "What about him?" she asked, inwardly wincing at the apprehension evident in her tone.
"You lived with him, did he ever show any inclination for defecting? Any ties to Obito?" She shook her head, lips shut tight. "Anything suspicious at all? It could help in figuring out why he's doing this."
"We don't know that he really is." She blurted out. "There could be a copycat."
Gaara leaned back in his chair, eyes scrutinizing her. "You still defend him."
"I…" she looked down at her boot covered feet. "It's just hard…to admit that someone you care about could try to…hurt you."
"I know the feeling." Her red and blue eyes snapped back to him, watching him look out the window. "Although under orders from my father, my uncle tried to kill me."
"Then you know better than anyone how hard coming to terms to something like this is."
Gaara turned back to her, wry smile that didn't meet his eyes in place. "I've got this to prove it." He said, pointing at the 'Love' kanji on his head. "You can't keep living in denial, Lady Sayuri."
XXX
He was staring up at the dark ceiling when he heard a knock on his door. He sighed and turned to his left, watching the silver bell shine under the moonlight, but he heard it again.
"Sasuke!" Sakura's muffled voice came from the hallway.
"Shit." He cursed under his breath, and sat up. Running a hand through his hair, he padded over to the door and pulled it open.
On the other side Sakura's eyes widened, a pink tint taking over her cheeks when she first saw Sasuke's bare chest. She cleared her throat, remembering what she came to do in the first place.
"What was that with Sayuri back there?" she demanded.
Sasuke looked off to the side. He hated lying to her, to him she was a close friend, although he'd be damned if he admitted that out loud. He prided himself in being brutally honest, but he also didn't like to hurt her on purpose…not since Naruto knocked him back to his senses. He caused her enough pain as it was but…
"It was nothing." He replied.
Sakura bit her cheek. "That was not, nothing!" She hissed, trying to keep her voice down. "That looked like a jealous boyfriend!"
"Look, we just got back from traveling all this way in the cold. I thought the least that redhead could do was let us rest. Whatever he wanted to discuss with her could wait until we all got some proper rest." He sighed. "I'm tired Sakura, and I'm sure you are too. Go back to bed."
The rosette didn't buy his excuse for a minute but she took a deep breath and let it go. "Fine, have a good night Sasuke." She stepped closer to him and placed a kiss on his cheek before pulling away, bright green eyes staring into his for a few seconds. A flash of disappointment flickered in them but she turned and walked away before he could get a better look.
Closing the door behind him, he tilted his head back and closed his eyes. Sakura was right. What he did back there was nothing, but it was getting harder to stay silent now that he wasn't actively avoiding her like he did a year ago.
"Damn." He breathed and went to his bed, closing his eyes once his head hit the pillow.
"Here take it, I don't want it." She placed the bell carefully on to his hospital bed, eyes not meeting his. "Give it to someone who deserves it."
A.N.
Well that's the end of this chapter. I hope you all like it. I really appreciate all of the reviews! They're all amazing and thank you for the helpful critiques. I know we all have our different opinions about the ending of the series, but in this story I can make it end however I want and that's what I love about :)
Any who, please review and let me know what you think of this chapter. There's definitely more to come!
