I don't own Naruto, there that's my disclaimer.
(I'm curious if anyone knows who they will meet during their mission and what it might be about. Maybe it is suspected or it is a complete surprise!)
This is why she hated Naruto sleeping with her. The amount of heat he was able to produce was obnoxious! Getting up and preparing her things, leaving the room allowing Naruto to continue sleeping. Throwing her bag on the couch, she started to make a simple but filling breakfast. The next one awake was Neji, who came to assist her.
"Your roommate was loud last night," Neji smirked
"Oh, you heard my intruder?"
"It wasn't hard. He's worried about you; you shouldn't push him away." Neji spoke softly, knowing that she was racked with worry
"I know. But he can't treat me like I'm the weakling from team seven anymore." Sakura replied, starting the finishing touches, "He has to learn just as Kaka did, I might go on a mission and never return. It's all about being a ninja."
"I'm not that naïve, Sakura-chan," Naruto spoke from her doorway
Turning surprised to hear her brother, "Naruto-."
"I'm not saying you're weak anymore, what I don't like is how calm you are. You don't know who you will be dealing with and yet you haven't blinked an eye about it." Naruto came to sit down at the island
"Naruto, it comes with being a medic. I have to keep my calm about myself, that is probably the reason that I was chosen. A reason Neji was selected for this mission. If you could feel my stomach, you'd understand that I have my own hesitations.
"The next time we can, we'll make sure you're told of what is going on. We'll do what we can to keep you in the loop. Hopefully, it only lasts six months and we'll be done!"
"Okay," Naruto spoke, ending the conversation
Plating the food, they sat eating in silence once more. Once he left to work with Gaara, which would be where they would say their goodbyes. They had a couple of matters to discuss on their own before leaving. Including opening the scroll that held more details of the mission. Sakura was doubtful there would be any useful information in there. Naruto finished before them, going to get dressed for the day. Following suit finishing their food, they made sure to clean the mess up for Naruto. When Naruto emerged from his room, they were sitting waiting for him.
"It's that time isn't it?" Naruto asked
"Yeah, it is. We'll walk you to where you need to go, then we have some matters to discuss." Sakura answered
"Alright." Sakura smiled softly at him, going to give him a hug
Feeling him squeeze her back, "Don't sulk. You have to be optimistic, just like you always are. We need it to leave!" Sakura spoke with some cheer in her voice
"You're right. You'll do great, you're all grown up and getting to go on the toughest missions!" Naruto cheered back
"Hell yeah." Sakura smiled back at her friend
Throwing their cloaks on, they headed to the tower. Naruto led the way, talking about what they'd done yesterday. He seemed to really enjoy what it took to be Hokage, excluding the part about not doing missions. Sakura wondered once he finally got the office, if he'd mind. He would get to be at home all the time, while checking in on all the people of the village. Getting to their destination there was a small group waiting on them. Gaara, Temari, Kankurō, and the Head medic, sitting patiently.
"Morning everyone," Sakura announced gaining their attention
"Morning." She heard from the group
"We're going to start out on our mission, we wanted to come to say goodbye," Sakura spoke, not sure why there was a group of them
"Best of luck to both of you." The head medic came forward first, "Here is a scroll with some light reading, along with some things you spoke of wanting to know. I'm not sure if you need it but it's there, as thanks for all the help."
"Of course, thank you."
Watching her depart soon after, they turned to the sand siblings. "Alright, we have to go discuss some things, so we have to get going," Neji spoke for Sakura
"Of course, have safe travels. Our home is always open to you!" Kankurō spoke for the group
"Thanks, hopefully, we don't need it except to return to our home." Sakura smiled
"I too must be off, see ya later!" Kankurō smiled patting them on their backs
"Don't do anything stupid, if you need help ask for it. I know you two are stubborn assess but know your limits." Temari reprimanded them before they did anything wrong!
"Got it! Thanks for that!" Sakura laughed
"Sakura, here are these. It has a map and some locations that are good for stopping in our country. Avoid stopping in Geysers, they tend to have less than appealing hospitality." Gaara gave them a map, "As the other two said, make sure both of you know your limits."
"Thank you, we will." Sakura took the map, placing it in the hand with the scroll. Turning to Neji, who took what they were offered. Turning to Naruto, she engulfed him in a big hug. "Don't be dumb, okay? We'll make it, on top of figuring this all out. You make sure that if we need you, don't fuck around- get to us. Got it?"
"You bet Sakura-chan. Is this how you felt every time I went away on missions?"
"Only to an extent." Laughing lightly
Hearing him chuckle, "Good luck. I'll always be ready to come to help you."
Pulling away, she watched him move to Neji. Speaking so quietly that she didn't want to listen in, knowing it must be that man's business. After they were done, they said their last goodbyes before returning to their apartment. Getting the scroll out and map out, Sakura began reading it.
Sakura, Neji,
This may seem odd how I've left so many details out for a mission that is ranked as such. You will meet the one I've been in contact with, you will not trust them. I know that you won't. Give them the message: The sake has been dry lately. If they do not return with: The new ingredients are changing it. They are not the ones you are to be dealing with- get away from them immediately. This will be the message you meet with them unless it is changed between you. As you've heard, you're meeting them in the Land of Lakes. They will find you once you get there, do not go looking for them.
From there, you will help them determine what is needed for their task. They cannot go into villages without causing a commotion. This is what needs to be avoided, you're both personable.
You're probably wondering why I've sent you on this mission together, well the reason is. It felt right. I've seen your interaction over the years, no matter the location and the circumstances you work together well. Sakura he's helped you to become a stronger kunoichi than you can imagine. Continue on your path and you'll do great things together.
Do your best on this mission, there are lives counting on you to finish this. The time frame given is just an estimate, take this time to learn and grow. It's vital that you continue to learn while away on this mission. On top of that enjoy each other's company.
Watch each other's back, and trust no one. With time, you will discover the reason behind the mission. Until then work hard, as you both always have.
Until the next time we talk- try to be punctual to speak on the third week of every month. I expect to hear from the two of you next week. I will try to answer any questions that you have then.
Good luck.
~T
"Could that have made it any more confusing than it already is?" Sakura laughed, asking her partner
"Except that, we're to be dogs for them." Neji stated flatly
"Fair enough." Sakura began looking over the map, calculating the distance from their location to the border. It would take a couple of days to get there. "I guess, we should get going."
Smirking, "Hai, captain."
"Oh, don't start that! It's just the two of us, I'm sure that title goes with it."
"Nope," Neji spoke grabbing his things
Sticking her tongue out at him, she threw her cloak back on with her pack under it. Checking her room one last time and making sure they had the map and scroll given to her safely packed away. It was go time.
Walking through the village, "How do you think we should proceed?" Sakura asked Neji watching the shops opening, people starting to come out for the day
"That is up to you."
Glancing over to him with a glare "Neji."
"I think we should listen to the Kazekage, get to the border to rest before crossing over into geysers."
"Thank you," Sakura said sincerely
They didn't talk the rest of the way out of the village. Hitting the border, they took off. Sakura knew where she wanted to stop, the map showed a small rock quarry. That would provide them protection for the night. Thankful for the cloaks, they kept the wind from hitting their faces. At least to an extent. Neji ran beside her, every once and a while she noticed he'd activate his byakugan. Giving her a quick shake of the head that there wasn't anything around them. Stopping when they could to have a quick lunch, they got back going to reach their destination. Hating to keep Neji out of the loop, Sakura felt that it was best, for now, to keep their stopping locations to herself.
Once they reached their destination for the night, they scouted for a cave to reside in. Neji found a small one, it would suffice for what they needed. Finding dried pieces of vegetation, they started a small fire to keep the chill out of the air. Eating some of their rations, they sat close to keep warm.
"I hate the desert," Sakura spoke finally breaking the silence
"Yes, it is better when we can stay out of the elements," Neji answered
"I'm just trying to make sure to spend our money wisely," Sakura said, hearing a certain tone to his voice
"I know. Doesn't make it any better."
Settling her head on his shoulder, she finished off the jerky she'd been nibbling on. Feeling him rest his on hers, sitting in silence looking out of their little cave. "I don't want to mess this up."
Hearing her finally talk, letting him understand her state of mind. "That's understandable."
"I didn't want Naruto to overhear anything. Hell, he doesn't need to worry anymore about us than what he already is. I'm a bundle of nerves right now! Just the thought of something happening while we're out here and me not being able to pull my own weight scares me."
Finished with his food, he wrapped an arm around her. Finally feeling her tense shoulders, and the worry in her voice. "You will do what you always do and give it your all. Just like I will do, it doesn't sound like we'll be fighting much. At least that's what I hope, the less we battle the better off we'll be."
"That's very true. We have better odds with less fighting, that's probably one reason Naruto can't come. He always finds a battle!" Feeling Neji chuckle "You can relax some too. Remember that too much stress can be more of a burden rather than helpful."
"I know. The second mission in years and this is what they give me!"
"Because they know you can handle it."
Sighing, "I hope you're right."
"Why don't we get some rest."
"Yeah, we got a distance to go before entering the unknown. There's that small town on the border, we can stay there tomorrow night." Sakura spoke
"That sounds good. Why keep our stops a secret as to where we were stopping tonight?"
"I don't know. I just figured if something goes wrong, it's best if only one of us knows the stops."
"That only works when there are more than two people."
Withholding the blush she felt, "Oh."
"That's something you'd learn when or if you became ANBU. On these types of missions, you have to have plans set up for if something does go wrong. Even backup plans. This allows for the team to meet at the next location, given a certain amount of time before heading out again."
Sakura nodded, "I am not prepared to act as captain. Especially for this style of mission."
"You will do fine; I will help you along the way. By the time we get back, you can go for ANBU and pass with me as your teacher."
Smiling up at him, trying to find comfort in his words. "Thank you. Alright, it's that time."
Adjusting their beds so they were together, they laid down. "Goodnight Sakura."
"Night Neji."
After eating a quick breakfast, they were off in the early morning. Sakura's legs were stiff from the previous day's travel, she should have done more laps while training Hanabi and her own training. The day shifted slowly, the sun starting to beat down on the lone figures. Finding another small cave, they rested taking this time to eat their lunch. Sakura voiced her annoyance at her stiff leg muscles, earning smart remarks from her partner. Making sure they were hydrated, they headed back out into the sun.
Their run came to a stop before they entered the village, not wanting to cause a 'ruckus'. Walking together, they came to the small village. Finding the small place Gaara directed them to stay at. Entering the small hut, they found an older lady waiting for them at a small table.
"You must be Hurano-San."
"Hai."
"Kazekage sent word that you two would need a room. There is a small hut behind this one that should provide the amenities that are necessary for your stay tonight."
"Gomen. We really appreciate it!" Sakura smiled
"Anything for our Kazekage." She held out the key
Taking the key, they said goodbye before leaving. Heading to the back, the hut was small. Entering, it seemed smaller than it looked. It was all in one room. The kitchen, the bath, and the bed rolls were all within reaching distance. Setting their things down on the small table.
"Well, this is better than the sand and wind." Sakura spoke, skeptical
Hearing Neji chuckle, "Yeah."
Grabbing her shower things and a fresh pair of clothes, "Well I'm making the most of this."
"How do you plan to shower?" Neji smirked
"I'm pinning the cloak up." Sakura placed her hand on her hip
"Hn."
Making a face at him, she did as she said. It was finicky, but she got it. Making sure she had everything, she made quick of the shower. Keeping her back to the door, not thinking Neji would peep but in the present time, she wouldn't put it past him. Finishing up, she reentered their small quarters. Neji was sitting facing the other way, thanking him. Returned with your welcome, Neji announced that he too would take a quick shower. Sakura nodded, moving to the kitchenet. Pulling out some ingredients, she made quick work of dinner. Neji joined her just as dinner was completed. Eating quickly, wanting to get some shut-eye.
Laying in their cots, Sakura looked over what the head medic gave her. It was some light reading, there was only so much room to put information. Putting that away, she grabbed the map. "I think we should be able to get through Geysers, to get into silk. It looks like there is a hotel at this location. It's near one of their landmarks. We can stop for lunch just outside of Geysers."
Feeling Neji roll to see what she was talking about, seeing his finger trace the map. "That's a good idea. We're making some good time, that way we can get the meeting done and over with."
"That's what I'm thinking. The quicker we can get this done, the fast we can go home." Sakura looked at him, he still had his head wrapped. "Your head wrap?" Not sure how to ask
"I never take it off during missions. My headband will come off, never the wrap." Neji offered a soft smile
"Thank you."
"Don't feel that you have to figure out how to talk about it. Just say it, something else I don't like remaining stagnant on." Nodding, placing the map back in her bag.
Turning the small light off, Sakura curled up on her roll. Saying their goodnights, they both fell asleep. The next morning went as the previous had, they returned their key to the elder. Leaving a payment on the table. She had refused it repeating it was for her Kazekage.
Not wearing the cloaks that were given now that they were away from the sand. Sakura was glad that they'd only encountered a few people. None of them wanted to bother them, going about their business. Sakura didn't want a fight this early on, only if it could not be avoided. The duo didn't talk much. With their focus on high alert for this country. Stopping for a quick lunch, they hurried to leave no trace behind them.
Sakura could feel Neji relax beside her when they passed into the new country. Leading them to the next town on their map, wanting to stay the night with running water. Sakura slowed their pace, coming close to the village.
"I'm glad to be out of that country. Gaara-san was right, it just doesn't have a good feeling to it." Sakura spoke, finally breaking their silence.
"Let's hope we don't have to go back through it," Neji spoke, brushing off his shirt. Free of the sand, it had a new grit that came from running as hard as they had
"Oh, don't say that! Now we'll end up back there!" Sakura laughed
Rolling his eyes at his companion, "Where are we staying?" changing the subject at hand
Sakura looked at the map and then back up to their surroundings, "We're almost there."
Neji looked around; it was a larger town than he expected them to be staying in. Making their way to their destination, Neji was surprised that it was one of the larger ones he'd seen. Walking in with Sakura, he let her do all the talking. He'd done his fair share; it was someone else's turn. Watching her turn and smile, she nodded before motioning to follow her. Proceeding up the stairs, they reached the third floor going to their room. Watching Sakura open the door, he was glad to find better cots here. Not that he would complain too loudly if at all, but there was nothing like real beds. Checking the room for any bugs or traps, they discovered a small bathroom and toilet room. Settling in for the night, Sakura had splurged by ordering dinner to their room. It was only a little more, it would be a nice change from the jerky they had been eating. Each took another shower before they both laid down for bed.
Doing the same course of action for the next couple of days before they reached the land of Lakes. They hadn't spent much time talking, hell they'd barely spent time sleeping. Assuming that this would be a quick mission if they ran their asses off for it. Yet, both had an inclination that it wouldn't be as simple as they were assuming it'd be. It had been smooth sailing, one of the best missions that they'd been a part of.
Slowing their pace after they were a moderate distance into the new country. Not sure when the encounter would come, with both speculating on who it could be. Deciding to call it a night, they would take it easy and slowly move towards the ocean.
Four days had passed, and no one stopped them. Just the occasional passerby who would wave and smile. Sakura was frustrated that they were making them wait, something she'd always lacked- patience.
"They will show themselves. When they do, we will be ready." Trying to get the girl beside him to find some patients. She always blamed her teammates for jumping into the fights, yet here she was itching for something to do other than travel. Not hearing her response, he took it as she was trying her best to control the itching feeling. Seeing another person coming to pass by them, they spoke formalities. Continuing their own ways. After another five minutes, Sakura stopped in her tracks.
"What is it?" Questioning the sudden brakes
"We have seen that person three times now." Sakura looked around her, trying to sense anything around her
Taking his own turn to look around, there wasn't anything but animals around them. "Are you sure?"
"Of course, I am." Sneering in his direction, who was he to question her instincts
"Just a question," Neji muttered to her death glare at him
"Good of you to trust your instincts Hurano-san." Craning her neck, she spotted the one and only Itachi
"Uchiha." Sakura turned to face him, not wanting a fight but willing to do so
"No need to prepare yourself, I am not here to fight you."
"Then what are you here for?"
"I have been observing you since you entered this country. Gathering information."
Scoffing at him, "Why not approach us earlier? What do you need from us?"
Smirking to the girl, her fiery nature on display. "You have grown."
"How do you know? It's not like we know each other."
"I have my sources."
Growling in annoyance at the missing-nin, "I don't have time for you."
"Ah, that is where you are wrong."
"How am I wrong?"
"You're not saying the right thing to me."
Feeling Sakura move to her pouch, "Don't, we don't need a fight right now." Hearing Neji mutter to her
Growling at him, Sakura knew he was right. Fighting an Akatsuki member was certain to expel the energy that they may need in the coming days. "He's right you know. If only you'd say the right thing, would I then answer your questions."
"What is the right thing to say to you?" Sakura asked annoyed, then it dawned on her. "No- it can't be."
"What is that Hurano-san?"
Looking at her partner, Neji had the same concern in his eyes. "The sake has been dry lately."
"The new ingredients are changing it." Smirking as he saw the pink-haired kunoichi's eyes widen at his response.
"We're supposed to trust you?" Sakura hissed, unimpressed with the situation
"Did that not clarify I am who you are to meet?"
"Why you? What does a missing-nin need from the shinobi of our statue?"
"Those are understandable questions; we should get off the main road. That way I can answer your questions." Watching the pair before him share a look, they appeared to not need words to communicate their thoughts. That would be beneficial to them.
"Fine. We don't trust you."
"If you did, I'd believe that this mission would be compromised." Itachi spoke, "Follow me."
Taking off after him, he led them back toward the center of the country. The foliage was hard to see through at this level, watching small lakes pass under the branches the only thing visible. Traveling for a distance, they followed him to a small hut. It looked like it could fall over at any moment, if a gust of wind hit it, it would meet its end.
"In here," Itachi spoke, ushering them in. Not wanting to waste more time out in the open than they already had. Creating a seal on the door and placing a couple of traps, Itachi joined them in the small hut. It looked to be incredibly better shaped, not how it was perceived from the outside. Settling down at the small table, Sakura watched Itachi's movements. Still unsure if they should trust them, he gave the right response, yet nothing seemed right about this.
"Go ahead, ask your questions," Itachi spoke settling down himself
Not sure of where or what to start with, Sakura remained silent lost in her thoughts. "Why are two shinobis sent to the aid of a missing-nin? Why should we trust you not to send us into traps?"
"I'm in need of assistance."
Scoffing, "The all-powerful Itachi, that killed the Uchiha clan on his own, needs our help? This is ridiculous."
Watching his face turn into a snarl, "You know nothing of what happened that night."
"You were charged with the task from Danzō, willingly complying."
"That is far from all of it."
Eyeing the older man before her, she felt that he was being truthful. "Then you need to give some insight into that then."
"Very well. As I'm sure you've heard that there was a coup to overthrow the Konoha Village, and my father was the one to lead this. I was not alone in this attack; Tobi was also involved. However, this is where the records were destroyed. Madara is Tobi. He and Danzō were the masterminds. Danzō still holds the information from this in his personally filing cabinet. Who I thought was Tobi, he and I watched him place it there afterward… Yet, Danzō turned the village against me, never saying a word about Tobi. It was all just a plot to destroy the Uchiha clan, earn more power, and take the Sharingan from my people. The third was to protect Sasuke, see how well that went."
Confused and trying to process the information, "Hold on." Sakura furrowed her brows "I thought Madara was dead?"
"No, he's been in hiding and planning. Mastering the full extent of the Sharingan."
"Is Tobi still alive?"
"Yes, he has no memories of that night. Yet, remembers everything else. That is only the start of my finding."
"The third didn't know of your special mission from Danzō?"
"No, he in a way has more power than the Hokage. Or so he thinks. He tends to go behind the backs of the other village heads to get what he wants. That I believe is why my father was planning the coupe, that might have been the only way to get him out of there."
Leaning back, Sakura took the information in. She'd never liked Danzō, there was always something off about the man. At times he mocked her for her lack of experience or belittled her clan. They were a mockery to the village, disowning their own daughter and taking in a simple village girl. "Why should we believe what you are saying?"
"Your Hokage found these one day. Her assistant found them tucked down in the library of our village. They were hidden behind a sealed chamber." Itachi took old scrolls out of a bag at his side, handing them over to Sakura
Taking them and opening them carefully, Sakura began reading. Once done she handed them off to Neji, taking in what she read. "How can one hold so much power over the shinobi countries?"
"That is what I need assistance with. I cannot complete my tasks with the Akatsuki and search for more answers. If the Akatsuki get the inclination that I am turning on them, they will kill me, and anyone else involved."
Sakura turned to Neji, who had long finished the scroll and it was rolled back up. "What information are you looking for?" Neji asked
"Shifts in powers that seem out of place, money going in that does not align with anything else. Where that money is coming from." Itachi explained, "There is more."
Rolling her eyes, "Of course there is."
"I need information on rare jewels, that are set within a kunai. It is said that those are the originals from each of the great villages. However, there is no new information to go off from. The last known siting was during the third Hokage's first time ruling. It is said to have gone to the island of moon, or to Iron. It was Danzō's doing yet again."
"Everything seems to revolve around him," Neji spoke
Confusion hit the only girl in the hut, waiting for Neji to continue his thought yet he didn't. "Why are you concerned with a kunai that has jewels in it?"
"Because Madara and Danzō are looking for it, it is claimed to hold special energy that can influence power. I am tired of running; my time is coming, and I want to see these two monsters taken out. That way when my time comes, I can rest in piece knowing that I have fixed some of the mistakes I've had or created in my life. I owe it to my brother and my fallen family."
Sakura stared at the older Uchiha; it was clear that this life was taking its toll on him. The wear on his face was clear, it was worse in his eyes. It was clear that he was tired, for being only late twenties. "You're sick," Sakura stated plainly.
"What gave you that idea?"
"I'm a medic-nin, my eyes are trained to look for injuries or illnesses. If you know how much I've grown, that's one thing you should know about me."
Smirking at the girl before him, his brother was foolish to ignore this girl. Knowing that she'd only grown this strong due to his rejection, just as Sasuke grew due to him. "Yes, I am."
"What is it?"
"I do not know. I am merely taking painkillers at the time." Standing up, Sakura moved to his side. "What the hell are you doing?"
"What does it look like? You damn boys with eyes that can see everything yet are clueless to what is close." Sakura began her exam, checking over him. While she was doing that, she had Neji throw her pack at her. Once the exam was done, she began taking blood. After settling that back into her pack, she returned to her spot, she began to mix up something. "Take this once a day, before you sleep would be best. It will help the pain and slow the spread. Once I can, I know of something that can help but it is hard to find. It's something I read a long time ago, it should be a cure."
"Do not worry about me, you have your mission." Itachi stood
Standing up as well, Sakura stood her ground. "I know my mission and it will be successful. I also know that you need to survive for it to be completed. On top of that, you have some unfinished business with a couple of people."
"Like whom?"
"Sasuke for starters."
"Hn."
Scowling, "Don't 'hn' me. Sit down, we still have much to discuss." Sakura backed away, going back to sitting
"You're bossy. Have you always been this way?"
Neji made a sound that sounded like a small laugh, this caused Sakura to glare at him. "It's the medic in her," Neji spoke, locking their eyes.
(Sorry, these haven't been uploaded on Fridays. Saturdays have been a little easier for me if you're enjoying it leave it some love!
Were you surprised at who they met or were you expecting someone else? I'm curious about what you think they'll get into in their upcoming mission. Until the next time be safe ~ DQ)
