Pain of Love
Note: hehe...me going on vacation for a week...won't be updating until me get back.. but...don't forget to REVIEW! REVIEW!
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"...his name," he choked out softly staring at the ground in shame. "his name...was..."
"Sasuke..."
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Sakura's eyes widened slightly with shock. She studied the Hokage for a few minutes before shaking her head in disbelief. "It's not possible," she whispered softly. "I know Sasuke...he wouldn't ever hurt the innocent...especially a child."
"Sakura...have we ever lied to you before?" asked Kakashi weakly. "It's the truth...even though I have a hard time believing it myself...but it's the truth."
She went on as if she hadn't heard a word. "He my friend...my teammate," she said slowly trying to decipher something. Sakura ground her teeth in frustration. "You must have mistaken something!" she hissed losing her cool. "I've know Sasuke every since we were kids...he has always protected and helped others."
"Never once...never...have I seen him take advantage of anything...or anyone," she muttered crossing her arms defiantly. "What makes you think it's Sasuke? You don't have any proof, save only that man's word. What makes you think you should trust him?"
The Hokage suppressed an urge to snarl in fury. "You're right...words can lie...but blood doesn't," he grumbled, "And it was more then just that one man's confession...there have been many incidents throughout the five countries. And all the evidence...all the accusations point towards Sasuke."
The anger that had been steadily boiling through her veins burst. "How could you of all people accuse him?!" she shrieked losing every once of self-control she had. "He was your student...the number one rookie of our year. He's done so much for our village...and this is how you repay him?!"
"Look, Sasuke might be your friend but he was my pupil," replied Kakashi trying to thaw out her anger. "I want him alive as much as you do," he said stiffly. "But...most importantly...you have to follow orders. Don't forget about your friends in the village," exclaimed Kakashi. "Don't you want to protect them? It's essential to protect and cherish the ones you love...no matter the cost. It is the way of the ninja."
"I suppose you're right," she said reluctantly. "But how could he do such a cruel thing? It's not like him..." Sakura stared at the ground with a torn expression on her face. "But as you said...the proof...blood doesn't lie...."
"So Sakura...what's your choice? Where does your loyalty lie?" added the Hokage, tapping his temple impatiently. "Think carefully...you're future...is in your own hands. If you join him...or help him in any way whatsoever...you know what the consequences are," he said slowly.
Sakura nodded absently, and replied almost automatically, "If I break a law I'll be declared rogue and kicked out of the village...I'll be a missing-nin. The punishment...is...death." She closed her eyes in pain. "So what you're saying is that...only one of us could remain among the living?" she whispered. Sakura lifter her hand to her heart when she felt a pain of agony and sorrow.
"We wouldn't have hired you unless we were absolutely certain," replied the Hokage gently. "We know that this would be hard for you...but we really don't have any other choice. Think about your friends, Sakura. What do you think will happen to them if Sasuke gets them?"
Kakashi saw the stricken look in Sakura's eyes. He sighed reluctantly before turning towards the Hokage. "I propose we find another alternative," he said slowly, fully aware of the glare that Hokage sent his way. "That we find another hunter-nin to search for Sasuke...it's too cruel to ask so much from Sakura."
An angry glint flashed across the Hokage's eyes. "You know there isn't another alternative. Sakura is the only one with enough skill and power to destroy him altogether. Plus she has an advantage over him...one that no one else has."
"And what is that?"
A slow malevolent smile twisted it's way onto the Hokage's lips. "She knows him better then anyone else...he might even have a soft spot for her..."
"You're going to use their friendship against him?" questioned Kakashi his eyes dead serious. "Do you have any idea how much that would hurt them? Both of them?"
The Hokage waved his hand dismissively. "It matters not...as long as he's destroyed.." His eyes pinned Kakashi to the ground, "Sometimes Kakashi...I have doubts where your loyalty lies...you've been only trouble even since Sasuke showed his true face."
"Forgive me Hokage-san," muttered Kakashi after another moment of silence. "If I may take my leave..." The Hokage quickly gave his consent. When he reached the door he turned stopped and announced loudly, "Sakura...I'll give you another piece of advice. Follow your heart...if you do...you'll have no regrets."
Sakura nodded slowly, "I'll keep that in mind sensei," she whispered softly.
"So what is your choice? Are you going to help or not?"
Sakura took a deep breath and his her emotions beneath her usual mask. "Very well Hokage-san, I have decided that I will fulfill this mission at the risk of my life. Nothing will stop me. I assure you...I won't fail."
"Good...don't forget the consequences Sakura," he warned, "Don't forget..."
Sakura bowed respectfully before disappearing into thin air.
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Note: sorry...this chapter is so short...me going on vacation...and have 2 get ready. Plus me have 2 update me other fic. Don't forget to read SURVIVAL OF THE FITTEST!
Last Chapter: They're finally on the damn ship...and are heading out on a tropical cruise. However...things aren't always that simple...there are only four rooms...who shares with who? Read and find out! Characters: Sasuke, Sakura, Ino, Neji, Hinata, Shikamaru, Kin, Rock Lee, Ten-ten, and Naruto. DON'T FORGET TO REVIEW! REVIEW!
Pain of Love: hehe...does anyone like the story so far? me need more reviews! XD me well update again next week! wish me luck! REVIEW! REVIEW! REVIEW!