Disclaimer: I don't own Naruto or any of the characters (obviously)
Author's Notes: Kakashi is extremely dark in this story, please be warned. Sakura is 18 and Kakashi is 26, so the age gap is smaller here than in canon. Kakashi is also significantly more powerful in my story for plot purposes.
Chapter 1: The Beginning
Sakura wanted to punch something; more specifically, she wanted to punch her so-called sensei in his impassive face. Scratch that, she wanted to stomp him into the ground until he was nothing more than a broken, bloodied mess.
She was so tired of him and this speech he seemed to have specifically for her. Last year, when she was 17, she asked to be included on the more dangerous missions with Naruto and Sai. After all, she was just as accomplished as they were, wasn't she? She trained under her mentor Tsunade-sama in both medical ninjutsu and taijutsu since she was 13. She could shatter mountains with her fists, and she even was able to master the Byakugou seal – not even Shizune was able to do that. Yet, she wasn't 'allowed' to go on missions that were higher than a B-rank. Or at least, that's what he decided, and somehow influenced the Fifth Hokage to agree with that decision as well.
She thought this year would be different now that she turned 18. She thought if she just proved herself in their team training, he would notice she wasn't weak little Sakura anymore. Yet, she may as well still be that pathetic 12-year-old girl for all the consideration he gave to her as a ninja. She knew she was nowhere near Naruto's equal, but she thought she was at least on par with Sai. However, what she thought made very little difference because it's apparently what Kakashi-sensei thinks that matters.
"I know this is frustrating to hear Sakura, especially now that you're 18, but I just don't believe you're ready to go on A-rank missions. As your sensei your safety is my responsibility, and I couldn't comfortably recommend you to The Hokage for an A-rank mission. You've improved tremendously over the past year of course! Perhaps next year we can reconsider this," Kakashi finished stating. His eye crinkled in that carefree way that meant he was smiling to soften his words.
She looked at him stoically and didn't reply. She took in his slouching shoulders, his messy silver hair, his very presence which gave the impression of someone who didn't take many things seriously. She knew that he was a lethal force on the battlefield, and that he's never lost a fight. She heard from Naruto, who was strangely tight-lipped about his missions with Kakashi-sensei, that he's never even been injured. I guess she could attest to that, since she can't remember ever seeing him at the hospital since she began working there. He didn't participate personally in their training sessions often, but when he did, he overshadowed even Naruto by such a degree it couldn't even be considered a spar. It didn't escape her notice he has never sparred with her either.
She turned her back abruptly and walked away. She was done with the great Copy Ninja. She was going to request to be transferred to another team, as much as it hurt her to leave Naruto. She was never going to be allowed to grow as a ninja on the field if she stayed under Kakashi.
"Sakura! We still have a training session. Try not to be too angry with me," Kakashi called after her.
She willed herself to ignore him, he wasn't worth responding to. She would talk this over with Tsunade-sama and never have to deal with him again.
"Sakura, I didn't dismiss you," Kakashi stated in a patronizing way.
"I don't care sensei, I'm done with you," she replied.
"Oh? Do you think so?" He said with a dismissiveness to his tone.
"Yes Kakashi, I do. I don't know what your problem is, but I clearly have learned all that I'm going to under you." Sakura responded with conviction. She also left the sensei honorific off his name, wondering if he'll notice. She looked back and noticed his eye widen slightly. It seems he did notice.
When she turned back, he was already in front of her. His arms were crossed, and his posture was deceptively relaxed. If it weren't for the fact he was blocking her exit she would think this whole conversation bored him.
"Come now Sakura, let's not be difficult. I only have your well-being in mind, which believe it or not, is important to me."
She looked up at what she could see of his face. She always knew Kakashi was tall, but it never really hit her just how much larger he was than her until now. Standing this close to him, the top of her head only came up to his collarbone. He shifted closer to her, and she got the inkling he was trying to intimidate her by drawing attention to the disparity in their sizes. She rolled her eyes because she knew she could kill lesser ninja with one punch.
"I doubt that! You let Naruto and Sai go on A-rank missions when we were 15. I am much more capable than they were then. Do you think I'm blind?" Sakura snarled.
"There is much more involved in being capable for a high-level mission than just raw power. I never said you were weak Sakura. However, you would be a liability on the type of mission you're requesting," he bluntly stated.
"Fuck you Kakashi!" She blurted out. She couldn't help it; she was so sick of him. He treated her like she was an invalid. "I was the apprentice of Tsunade-sama, and yet you act like I'm some chunin! I'm the best medical ninjutsu user in the village after Lady Tsunade, which would definitely be useful to a team on an A-rank mission!"
"Exactly why I need to be sure you're ready Sakura. You're a valuable medic to the village and if you were to get injured or kidnapped on a mission, that could be a great loss to us." Kakashi calmly stated. "Sometimes one's strengths serve their village best closer to home."
"I also have my master's strength Kakashi, so I'm not only a medic," she bit out.
"My decision is final Sakura. Why don't we start training so we can focus on getting you up to par for the future?"
"Did you not hear me Kakashi? I said I was done with you! I'm off the team, so you can find another kunoichi to keep under your thumb," She yelled. She looked over at Naruto and Sai and was a little baffled Naruto didn't try to butt in yet. When she glared at Kakashi she noticed a crack in his figurative mask. Kakashi always looked either indifferent or amused, but she has never seen him angry or upset. The slight tightening around his visible eye hinted at his displeasure with her though.
"Am I annoying you? Good, now you can feel a modicum of my irritation for your pompous ass!"
"Enough Sakura, you know I won't let you be reassigned to another team." He bluntly stated.
Her eyes widened at that as she stared at him. Who did he think he was? If he thought he would control her life he had another thing coming. She didn't care about his reputation; she was pretty sure she had more influence over Tsunade-sama than he did.
"We'll see about that won't we Kakashi-sensei?" She mocked his honorific. His eye narrowed a little more at her.
"Sakura-chan, I think you should calm down. Why don't we get some ramen?" Naruto interjected nervously. She spared him a glance before responding, "No, I won't calm down Naruto. He hasn't prevented YOU from advancing in the field. Now, get out of my way Kakashi!"
"You don't want to challenge me Sakura," Kakashi said quietly in a serious tone. Sakura knew she should have sensed the foreboding warning that was clear to everyone except her in that moment, but she couldn't stop herself.
"Get out of my way before I make you!" She growled. She noticed he neither moved, nor even uncrossed his arms. His blatant disregard for her as any kind of challenge irked her enough to react stupidly.
She swung a chakra infused fist at his face and then felt her wrist caught in a steel grasp. She stared at him in shock. She expected him to dodge it; she knew who she was dealing with after all, but she hadn't expected him to halt her attack. The enormity of their power difference was always known to her, but it was never more tangible to her than right now.
"That wasn't nice Sakura, are you going to continue to be difficult? It's such a beautiful day for training don't you think?" He asked in his normal lighthearted tone. It seems he reigned in the glimpse of his temper she saw.
She glared at him silently, her wrist still immobile in his grip. She had to be smarter about this. She couldn't blatantly challenge him, as he so obviously proved she had no chance. She knew this was his way of humiliating her into compliance. Show her how weak she was compared to him, and she would be properly cowed into submission. She'd let him think he humbled her for now, and then she would talk to Tsunade-sama. Once she did that, she was certain there was nothing even he could do if The Hokage reassigned her to another team
"Fine Kakashi-sensei, you win," She bit out. "Can you let go of me now?"
He released her wrist and his eye crinkled in his normal smile. "I'm glad you can see reason Sakura."
She didn't respond, she wasn't going to say another word to him now. She walked back over to Naruto and Sai and vowed to ignore him the entire training session. "Are you going to give me the cold shoulder Sakura?" Kakashi called out. She still ignored him.
Throughout the entire two hours she didn't so much as look at him. She could tell he was amused by that; you could see the merriment in his face. She'd have the last laugh though. When they were finished Naruto again invited her to ramen, and she reluctantly agreed. She'd let Kakashi think she gave up for now, so acted as she normally would.
When they got to Ichiraku's she ordered her usual and looked at Naruto fully. He seemed to want to say something and glanced around nervously, before bending his head toward her. "You need to be careful Sakura-chan. I know you just want to go on the same missions as the rest of us, but you shouldn't challenge Kakashi-sensei. He's way stronger than all of us."
"Naruto, I wasn't challenging him, he just wouldn't let me leave. What was I supposed to do?" She asked exasperatedly.
"I know, but just be careful, Kakashi-sensei is… different on missions than what you've seen."
'That was vague,' she thought in annoyance. "I've been on a mission with him before Naruto," she reminded him.
"Yeah, but not one that matters. He isn't the same as he is with you here in the village. He's different."
"Okay? I'm aware of his reputation Naruto and what he can do. I know he's not just some lazy guy who reads porn."
"That's not, really what I mean… Kakashi-sensei has a certain fondness for you I think; he's over-protective. That's why he won't let you go on missions with us. You're definitely his favorite, but that still will only go so far if you challenge him again." Naruto warned.
Sakura rolled her eyes at him. She knew Kakashi was being overprotective of her. For what reason, even she couldn't say. "Kakashi doesn't run my life Naruto, and the sooner he realizes that the better."
"Sakura, you're not going to go behind his back to granny, are you?" Naruto asked in trepidation.
She didn't reply and sipped her soup nonchalantly. He took that as a yes and exclaimed, "Sakura, you don't know what you're doing!"
She stood up and smiled at him softly and ruffled his hair. "Naruto, it's time you all stop trying to protect me. I'm not the girl you knew anymore, I've grown up. I can protect myself and I need you to realize that."
"I do know that Sakura-chan, that's not the issue!"
"Well, Kakashi will know in time too when he's forced to recognize it."
She walked off without waiting for Naruto's reply. He stared after her before saying softly, "you're going to regret this Sakura-chan. You have no idea what he's really like."
Sakura stormed off to see The Hokage, she wasn't going to bother waiting until tomorrow morning. She needed to get some control back over her life, and Tsunade-sama was the only one capable of granting her that now.
"Enter," after Sakura knocked on The Hokage's door.
Lady Tsunade looked at Sakura in surprise. She didn't make a habit of dropping by unannounced at such a late hour. "Do what do I owe the pleasure Sakura?"
"Lady Tsunade, I'm requesting to be transferred from Kakashi-sensei's team. I don't feel I'm being given a fair evaluation under him. I am refused the opportunity to participate on jonin-level missions with Naruto and Sai. I also am not given an explanation as to why. Please my lady, I need to be moved. I can't grow as a ninja if I don't," Sakura finished.
"Am I to understand Kakashi refused your request for a high-level mission, and you're here in front of me without his knowledge?" Tsunade questioned.
"Yes, but he won't listen to me. You're the only one that can overrule him on the matter, please!" Sakura pleaded.
"Foolish girl, you're going to bring me nothing but a headache doing this," She responded, narrowing her eyes. This was just what she needed, the copy ninja in her office fuming because she went behind his back and gave Sakura a jonin mission.
"Tsunade-sama, you can't honestly agree with him on this matter? You've taught me well and now that I'm an adult, and see my peers recognized in a sense as above me, it's humiliating. It makes me look weak and I'm not weak."
"Sakura, not going on A-rank missions doesn't make you weak. A jonin is the highest-level ninja in the village can aspire to be. Many ninja never reach it, and there's no shame in that."
"Do you really believe I'm not jonin level my lady?" Sakura countered.
Tsunade studied her a moment before responding, "I do think you're jonin level. I'm very proud of you Sakura. However, moving you to another team will be difficult. Kakashi won't agree to it as you are probably aware."
Sakura looked at her in amazement. Why should Lady Tsunade care if he agrees to it? She's The Hokage, not him?
"My lady, I don't understand? You can overrule him. His judgment is faulty in this situation!"
"Sakura, I will need to discuss this with Kakashi. I don't believe I can persuade him to move you. But I think I can convince him to allow you on the next A-rank mission with him."
"You're The Hokage! Why do you care what he thinks about it? This is ridiculous!" Sakura yelled in anger.
"Don't raise your voice at me brat, you will still show me respect!"
Sakura bit her lip and whispered, "my apologies my lady, I overstepped."
"Just because I'm The Hokage doesn't mean I'm always the one truly in charge of things Sakura." She admonished her.
"Kakashi isn't one of the elders Tsunade-sama?"
"No, but he's the most powerful ninja in the village, more powerful than I am. If I were to override his authority, he would make my life especially difficult. I'd rather keep him on my side if I can," Tsunade explained.
"Are you afraid of him my lady?" Sakura asked in shock.
"Afraid isn't the right word, but I acknowledge he's an irreplaceable asset to the village. He deters enemies from attacking us directly by his very presence here, and anyone serving under him in a mission hasn't been fatally injured. I can't say the same for any other captain in the village. Dealing with a few of his shortcomings in exchange for the safety of our village is a small price to pay."
"Shortcomings?"
"I'll say no more on it, but I will discuss this matter with…" She trailed off as they both heard the knock on the door. "I guess I shouldn't hope it's ANBU should I," Tsunade mumbled to herself. "Come in."
Sakura knew before she even turned it was him. He normally kept his chakra reigned in, but she felt it wash over her immediately. He must have known she was here; she once again saw his displeasure written on his face.
"So sorry for the intrusion Lady Tsunade, but I noticed Sakura here lost her way home. When I realized she was speaking with you I confess that's troublesome to me. Sakura and I just had a discussion today, didn't we?" His voice was light, but she heard the edge to it.
"Sakura, wait outside please. I need to discuss some things with Kakashi."
She went to move past him, but his hand lightly came down on her shoulder, halting her exit. Her eye ticked in annoyance. This was the second time he has stopped her leaving today.
"No need to leave on my account Sakura. I'm sure this conversation will be about you so by all means, stay."
The hand on her wasn't painful, but she wasn't getting loose in a hurry. She reluctantly turned back around as Kakashi moved to stand next to her. His arm slung around her loosely now, in an almost affectionate gesture. Or it would have been if she didn't feel the tension in his body. She guessed he really wasn't pleased.
"Kakashi, I decided you should allow Sakura to go on the next A-rank mission with you. I don't agree with putting her with another captain, but as The Hokage I think you should give her the chance, don't you? "
"As The Hokage? Hm, interesting," he said in an amused way.
"She will be under your protection still, but if you don't allow her to grow, you're going to run into more of this rebellion from her Kakashi."
"We wouldn't want that would we?" He deadpanned.
"Kakashi, please." It almost sounded to Sakura like she was pleading with him. Sakura couldn't believe her ears. Her lady was never timid.
"If she disobeys any of my orders I will drag her back to the village," he warned after a few moments passed.
"Done, you're both dismissed." They both bowed, Sakura rather awkwardly, considering Kakashi still didn't remove his arm from her. She shrugged him off and started walking home. She could feel his presence behind her, and she sighed to herself. It didn't seem she was getting rid of him yet.
"That was clever of you Sakura, I must admit I didn't expect it tonight. I'm almost impressed at your nerve."
She didn't respond to him; she knew he was goading her. She got what she wanted; more or less, so she wasn't about to ruin it by fighting with him.
"I have to warn you Sakura, do that again and I won't be so nice next time."
"This is you nice?" She exclaimed.
"Believe it or not, yes," he laughed. She felt his arm wrap around her waist, and he pulled her into his body. She gasped in surprise; she's never been in his personal space like this before.
"The reason I haven't allowed you on these missions isn't because of my doubt in your skills as a ninja, it's my doubt in your ability to follow my orders. You're stubborn and while it's a cute trait in general, I won't tolerate it on a jonin mission. Am I clear?"
"Crystal sensei." She breathed out.
"Good, should you forget this conversation in the field I will make sure you never go on another mission."
She couldn't help but retort, "you think you have that much sway sensei?"
"Try me."
She had a feeling she didn't want to, so she growled to herself. She felt the vibrations of his chest as he chuckled. She was still pressed against him, and it was starting to make her uncomfortable.
"You've made your point," she said.
"I hope so Sakura, you know I hate upsetting you, but sometimes it's necessary."
"Did you give Naruto and Sai this hard of a time about following orders when they first went on a mission with you?" She asked.
"No, I didn't need to. Let's just say they were more than aware after the mission what would happen if they chose to disregard me."
She exhaled in disbelief. That sounded like a threat to her. "I'd like to go home now."
"I'll walk you home," he responded. "No, thanks. I can find my own way home without you shadowing me," she retorted.
"I insist," he said lowly as he bent down toward her ear. "Fine! Whatever." She felt him slowly release her and she shot forward out of relief. Being that close to him was unnerving.
They walked toward her apartment in silence, and she sighed in relief when she finally was in front the door.
"You're mad at me Sakura-chan." He stated bluntly.
"I can't get anything past you, can I?" She scoffed sarcastically.
"You'll come to find my hesitation in allowing you on these missions was for your own good," he said cryptically.
"You keep saying that. I know I'm not as strong as Naruto, but do you really think I have less skill than Sai?!"
"I think you're actually above Sai in skill."
Sakura's eyes widened at that because that wasn't the response she expected. If he really thought that, then why was all this necessary?
"So, this all comes down to you thinking I won't listen to you? When have I ever given you a reason to think that in training or on the missions we've been on?"
"I have a feeling you won't agree with my methods in these types of missions."
Okay, that still wasn't a real answer? She looked at him and when he didn't continue, she figured that was as much as he was going to say right now.
"Well, like it or not you have to take me on the next mission with you," she reminded him.
He didn't reply and just stared at her blankly. She rolled her eyes because his annoyingly vague warnings aren't enough to deter her. She wanted this; it's been a long time coming. She was finally going to be able to prove herself in a significant way. She didn't care how big of an asshole he was as a captain; she wasn't going to change her mind.
"Well, goodnight Kakashi-sensei."
"Goodnight, Sakura." He waited until she locked the door before turning away. He felt sorry for the poor girl. She was everything he wasn't: compassionate, soft-hearted, and put much more value on human life than he did. He has so far tried to shelter her as much as possible from what he really was. She thought he was just an asshole, and he smirked darkly to himself. His beautiful, innocent Sakura's reality was going to come crashing down, and she can't say he didn't try to warn her.
The mask he wore would be ripped off and she would see him for what he truly was, a monster.
This idea has been floating around in my head for a while, so I decided to put it on paper. This story will depict a toxic relationship, and I don't condone this in real life. With that out of the way, please review! This is my first Kakashi/Sakura fanfic :)
For some reason I had a ridiculously hard time posting this story and it got deleted. So, I'm hoping the second time is the charm!
