A WHITER SHADE OF PALE
DISCLAIMER: Standard disclaimers apply. That means I don't own Naruto. But I, at least, own the uncountable nameless original characters here.
Bwahahaha!!!!!!!!
A/N: This is the continuation of the first chapter. Again, the story flow may be a bit weird, but some unanswered questions may be answered here.
Ital-flashback
CHAPTER TWO: Sweet Rememberings
They reached the village of Hinamatsuri at the break of dawn. The sun filtered through the trees and slowly woke from slumber as they exited the forest and took the path towards the parish. The village itself was guarded off to both sides by two mountains, securing it perfect weather throughout most of the year. From the rest that Kakashi knew, few ninjas inhabited the village, as its main economy was agriculture. They hitched a ride with a man on a farm cart, and rode the rest of the path.
They arrived at the gate not too long afterwards. The entrance had no emblem, befitting its status as a non-ninja village. Two gate guards stationed at post gave them only the slightest of queries as they passed, and paid them no more heed. Apparently one of the appeals of the village was its peacefulness, and indeed much about the village seemed diplomatic, the early mornings only added to its serenity. Few activities were about, as the inhabitants were only just starting to rouse from sleep, though a few early birds were already preparing for another day.
Kakashi decided that he was wanting for breakfast, and set off to find an open restaurant. Dragging off his reluctant charge who would much rather stay put, but finding no escape, he decided to head towards the village square. Upon reaching it Sasuke suggested that Kakashi find a Shoppe, and he would stay here. Kakashi nodded, not noticing the strange look of recognition that passed the pale face.
After all, what other way would Sasuke react to an image of a cherry tree right smack in the middle of the square? And the girl next to it…
It did not belong here.
Such was the first thought that entered his mind as he beheld a beautiful cherry tree, full-bloomed, in the courtyard. The forest within which the Sound village stood was cold and harsh and surely something as delicate as a cherry tree was not meant to grow there.
As he stood upon the steps leading to the courtyard, a swift breeze rippled his shock of white hair and tingled his skin. He pulled up his mask as he walked down the steps, intending to wander about the tree further. Yes, surely the tree was out of place but its compatibility paled in comparison to the boy standing next to it.
Boy?
The boy stood with his back to him, unaware of his presence. In a gracefully tired way, he leaned against the tree, unaware of the other man's presence. To the latter, the indifference the boy had, and the way his back seemed quite familiar accounted for a sudden flash of recognition and movement on his part. The moment of silence was broken. The boy turned to face him.
She looked up as she sensed eyes upon her, turning her attention to the slight cloaked figure that stood to the side, looking up at her and the tree in an oddly familiar way.
Sasuke noticed her for the first time, the girl in the red dress. Her face was not what would catch one's eyes for the first look, for she was like a flower who's beauty is only noticeable the second moment you looked, and looked closely. Her eyes were green as the grasses were, but there was strength in it and clarity. It was the first thing that drew him to her.
The wind blew, and blossoms too weak to hold on to their branches fell with gentle grace to the ground. He did not see this. Her eyes held him.
She tilted her head to the side, a possible inquiry to his strangely rapt attention.
Once again the wind blew.
Once again the wind blew, and blossoms too weak to hold on to their branches fell with gentle grace to the ground.
Fine raven-colored hair fanned in the breeze, and eyes of the same hue looked out to him under long lashes, out to him from a pale, pale, face. His delicate chin was tilted upward, giving him a strangely regal air.
A passing look of surprise crossed obsidian eyes, but after which was emptiness.
Somebody shouted, and his attention was distracted. A man ran to him, and in great incense reproached him for trespassing through a place that was the master's alone. He shook his head in apology, and let himself be lead away.
When he looked back the boy was gone.
Kakashi shouted, and took his attention away from the girl. Happily the older man led him by the elbow, telling him of an open restaurant that specialized in noodles. Kakashi didn't stop chattering, and when he looked back, the girl was gone.
"See? Told you I found a nice place!" proudly the older man gushed, as Sasuke was shown the place. It was a nice restaurant, quiet and not very crowded. It was managed by a middle-aged man and his daughter. Kakashi took a seat, and waited for his companion to do the same before ordering. He requested two bowls of ramen. The owner took their orders.
"So it's two bowls of miso ramen then" The owner repeated their orders to make sure he made no mistake. "One with extra vegetables, and the other with not so much meat, correct?" Kakashi saw no protest from Sasuke, so he answered in the affirmative. The storeowner turned to leave.
Pretty soon, the soft thunk of porcelain bowls signaled the arrival of their order.
Several more minutes and two more bowls after, the two of them left the Shoppe, satisfied. However, a commotion greeted them outside. A group of ninjas seemed to be fighting right in the middle of the street. There were five of them, two were girls, one of whom was wearing a red dress and had pink hair, and the rest were men. Kakashi frowned, recognizing one of the women and the men.
"ANBU!" he said out loud. The ANBU group was surprised at the recognition, and this gave the pink-haired girl enough time to escape. A puff of smoke served as a cloud, and safely she ran away. The others moved to follow her, but their captain signaled for them to stop.
"We'll have time to search for her later. I have a more pressing issue on my hands." The speaker faced Kakashi and Sasuke, and took of his mask. He had a gnarled face that showed years of experience and hardship, and apparently the experience involved Kakashi, for the man addressed him.
"Kakashi, so we meet again." His voice was callous and unpleasant to the ears. There was harshness in his address.
"Makino."
The man named Makino regarded Sasuke, a questioning look on his face.
"Is this the boy? If so, we need to talk."
Kakashi nodded his accordance. Makino led the way, and took them off to a secure location.
A few minutes later saw them at an abandoned farm house at the borders of the village. Makino sat at a stool, and motioned for Kakashi to take the other one. The other ANBU milled close to them, wanting a share in the conversation. Sasuke was told to wait outside.
Inside, a heated debate was taking place. Tension was running high and voices rose and fell.
"You abandoned your mission!" Makino shouted.
"You don't realize the reason I did it!" Kakashi shouted back.
"Then tell us why!"
Kakashi fell silent, memories running through his head. He looked down, as thoughts he would rather keep to the back of his mind came forward, and there was bitterness in his voce as he grudged them the answer.
"There is no reason you should now. You will never understand."
"You let your emotions take control of you, isn't that correct?"
Kakashi's head shot up. Briskly he turned and strode out the house. The door slammed shut.
There was nothing in Sasuke's eyes as they met Kakashi's angered ones. He decided to ask nothing and just followed the older man. He understood. As they walked away, Makino looked at them and whispered, unhappiness lacing his voice.
"If it has to be this way, then let it be. But Kakashi, the next time we meet, you will be the hunted, and I will be the hunter. Remember that."
Only a soft answer was returned to him.
"I will."
"So you know them?"
"Yes." He answered curtly. But there was something else in his mind, and the younger boy sensed it. He stopped. Kakashi heard the halt of footsteps, and he arrested his steps as well.
"Kakashi, is there something on your mind?"
He sighed. Slowly he faced Sasuke, for he knew that the use of his first name was the signal of seriousness on the boy's part. He spoke.
"Should you know the truth, would you still accept me?" He waited for answer, fervently.
There was no hesitation in Sasuke's answer.
"Of course."
Yyyyyyyyyeeeeeeeesssssssssss!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Another finished chapter!!!!!!!!!!
I would like to extend my deepest gratitude to AijinMegami, thank you so much for your review!!!!!!!!!!