Thank you for all the reviews. It took me some time before figuring out what kind of mission they would be going on. Sorry. I hope this is good enough. I wanted it to be a fairly dangerous mission. Please come with your opinions regarding the mission. (And of course the chapter in general) Thank you very much. Enjoy.

Tsunade deeply studied their young faces. Kiba seemed extremely curious and excited. Lee was smiling cunningly.

Neji's eyes were glowing, ready for anything. Surprisingly, Naruto looked quite serious. His fists were clenched tightly. When they exchanged glances though, a bright smile appeared on his sunkissed face. Sakura looked rather tense, but radiated a small amount of confidence.

"Good afternoon, chuunins." She began, sternly. She sat down, brushing away a golden strand of hair.

"I have appointed you to a very important mission. Listen carefully.." She inhaled a deep breath, before continuing, seriously.

"We have gained knowledge over the whereabouts of an S-class criminal. He has been missing for quite some time now, but has suddenly reappeared before us. You are to track him down and capture him." She commanded clearly.

"Who is this criminal?" Lee asked, seriously. She hesitated for a moment, before replying.

"This may be a difficult task for you, but I have my trust in you and believe you can defeat him with your combined skills. It is Orochimaru." She announced, coldly. Sakura gasped, surprised. She was hoping never to face him again. Naruto's eyes narrowed, anger awakening in his strong body.

"Where is he?" Naruto shouted, infuriated. He took an impulsive step forward. Neji's pale eyes widened slightly with alarm. She stared at him, profoundly.

"He is located somewhere in the forest, not far from the village. He has gone mad and is alone. However, he may be a threat to us and must be retrieved immediately." She uttered, gravely. Naruto growled and his fists were trembling uncontrollably. Sakura noticed and gently took his hand. He suddenly ceased and absorbed the warm comfort he received from her. His cerulean eyes were soft with gratitude, but at the same time, they glowed with remorse.

"Naruto and Sakura, do not tell this to Sasuke. I believe it is best for him not to know. He has just recovered and should not reexperience his past.. We need him here." She requested, sincerely. Her gaze was fixed on Naruto's worried face. Slowly, an understanding grew in his heart. This was his duty. He needed to do this for the village, especially for his closest friend, Sasuke. He could not afford to lose him again. He would not let that happen.

"I understand." He announced, boldly. Tsunade was pleased over the maturity he showed. She was certain that Naruto would become extremely aggravated. However, he handled the news very well, with only a mild outburst of rage, which was only to be expected. Sakura too, reacted in a calm matter. She noticed the fear in her emerald eyes only for a moment. They were soon exchanged with bravery. Somehow, It seemed forced though.

'It must be because they have each other, Naruto and Sakura.'

"Why have you picked us, though?" Kiba asked, curiously.

"I will explain. Although you are chuunins, I am picking you out of strength alone and not rank. Neji, because of your skills and keen eye sight. Kiba, because of your great senses, but also because of your accurate movement. Lee and Sakura, because both of you specialize in different forms of combat. Taijutsu and Genjutsu are a good combination in battle." She stopped and looked at Naruto's bottomless eyes.

"Naruto, you are the leader." Tsunade admitted, slyly.

"What? ME?" He asked, loudly. He was purely stupified.

"Yes. You have fought Orochimaru several times. Also, your combat skills and stamina are vital in this type of situation. Your power is needed." She said, proudly. Naruto was incredibly touched, but was clearly aware over the serious responsibility a leader carried.. He promised himself that he would not let anything happen to his team.

'I swear..'

"Thank you, granny. I will do my best." He uttered, strongly. Sakura smiled, pleasure painted on her face. However, her smiled vanished and she visibly became worried.

"Why do you want him alive?" Kiba asked, bewildered.

"Jiraiya and I want to speak with him." She answered, strictly.

'I will protect you all..'

"If there are no further questions, you are to leave tonight, approximately at eight. Travel lightly, with only necessary equipment.." She told them and declared the meeting over. Lee merely noticed Sakura holding Naruto's hand and a strange feeling swirled mercilessly in his heart.

'No matter what.'

They departed from the building. All seemed calm, yet slightly tense and Naruto noticed.

"Don't worry. I won't let anything happen to you." He said, reassuringly. His characteristic smile appeared.. They could not resist from returning him a smile of their own.

"It's great that you are the leader, Naruto." Lee said, brightly. "I know you will do well." He added. Naruto's eyes shined with gratitude.

"Sakura, you are the only girl. Are you okay with that?" Kiba asked, chuckling. Sakura gave him a hard glare, before it softened remarkably.

"Yes. It does not matter.." She admitted, smiling weakly. Naruto placed his hand softly on her frail shoulder.

"Okay, we meet here at the arranged time. See you then." They went their seperate ways peacefully, yet their minds were drowned with different thoughts. Naruto had yet something to ask of his pale-eyed friend.

"Neji." Naruto called, loudly. He swiftly turned around and observed Naruto running eagerly over to him. Neji stared deeply at Naruto, waiting for his question.

"How did it go?" He asked, curiously. Neji shifted his hard stare to the ground.

"When I came, she was still unconscious. After some time though, she woke up." He whispered and raised his head to meet Naruto's eyes, filled with happiness.

"That's great." Naruto said, combing his golden hair with his fingers.

"I was so happy, I could not speak." He admitted. Again, his eyes were filled with emotions and his expression was soft. Naruto smiled, warmly.

"Thank you, Naruto." He said, gently placing his hand on Naruto's shoulder. The wind blew softly by and obtained these words to carry forever.

"Neji.." That was all Naruto could say, before Neji removed his hand.

"See you afterwards." Neji said warmly and slowly parted his way with Naruto.

"You bet!" Naruto shouted, energetically. He happily turned around, only to see Sakura waiting patiently for him. She tried to smile, but failed.

"Sakura-chan." Naruto said, surprised. He approached her quickly. He was certain that she had left with the others. Her eyes were sparkling like true stars. He could easily tell that something was clearly bothering her.

"What is it?" He asked, concerned.

"Naruto, I can't pretend.." She whispered, insecurely. Naruto gasped slightly but urged for her to continue by nodding weakly.

"I'm afraid." She said, tears dancing vividly down her flawless cheeks. "I did not want to face him again, no matter what.." She managed to say. Her voice was struggling with greif. Naruto was intoxicated with speechlessness. Her brave tears encouraged him. He took a step closer and their eyes met, emerald and sapphire. Their gaze entwined. Naruto slowly embraced her, gently and protecively. Her eyes widened, before calmly closing. She felt warm with his arms around her. She rested her head against his chest.

"It's alright. To tell you the truth, I'm scared too. But I have you. That's enough for me. I told you, I'll protect you, no matter what." He rubbed her back affectionately. She looked up at his glistening eyes.

"Here I am, crying, when I promised I would not cry anymore.." She muttered, sadly. Naruto only smiled.. Her cheeks were aflame. She felt like Naruto had wrapped a comforting blanket around her, giving her strength and warmth.

"Sakura.. It's okay to cry when you want to." He said, tenderly. She looked at him, profoundly. Glittering tears escaped from her eyes. Suddenly, she threw her arms around his neck and cried harder. Naruto held her tightly. As he held her, he pondered on how much he admired her. When she swore not to weep, she did not. She had not cried for a long time. It must have been hard for her to hide her emotions. She really deserved to cry.

"I know you are strong. Don't worry. We will overcome this together." He whispered, deeply.

"Thank you, Naruto.." She mumbled. She pressed her face against his chest. Her tears had stained his shirt. She was not trembling anymore, nor was she crying. He placed his hand on her sublime hair and lowered his head so that it he timidly touched hers.

The flower was bathed by the sun's warm light.

After Naruto had taken her home, he managed to finally leave her and continue onwards.

'Orochimaru, you are going down.' He thought, confidently. He hastened his pace and began to run. He ran all the way home.. He had to prepare himself. In the soft darkness, his eyes were burning brightly.

Sakura carefully opened her jade eyes. She was not warm anymore. She felt like she was floating on a comfortable cloud. She slowly raised her slender torso and realized that she had fallen asleep. She suddenly remembered that Naruto had escorted her to her room and stayed with her.

'Naruto..'

She quickly got out of her bed and began to prepare herself. She took a long shower before packing her bag. She put on her chuunin vest and some simple black clothing which wonderfully flattered her body. Her forehead-protector was tied securely around her neck. She tied her luscious hair back with a green ribbon. Fear still lingered in her heart, but she felt strong.. She could still feel his arms around her.

She slowly walked to her destination. When she reached the crimson bridge that brought back so many fond memories, she noticed a dark silhouette leaning casually against the railing. His eyes were ablaze with a glistening red colour. She halted.

"Sakura.." He called, lowly. He straightened his posture. His figure became clear and she could see his pale, cold face.

"Sasuke-kun." She replied, softly. She walked over to him. "What are you doing here?" She asked. His red eyes turned to a deep onyx colour.

"I went for a walk. Where are you going?" He questioned, noticing her uniform and bag.

"I.. I have a mission." She admitted, carefully.

"Is that so? What kind?" He asked, showing mild curiousity. She quickly remembered that she was not to tell Sasuke.. Restricting herself, she continued catiously.

"Sasuke-kun, I'm sorry. I can't tell anyone, not even you." She said, timidly. She averted her soft gaze.

"That must mean it is a fairly dangerous mission." He mumled, his dark voice echoing through the night. She nodded weakly.

"Is Naruto going too?" He asked, calmly.

"Yes. He's the leader. It should be fine." She answered with discomfort. Sasuke smiled arrogantly, like he always did.

"Hmph. The dope is a leader now. Take care of him, for he might overdo it." He told her, concededly. She frowned, disappointed over his reaction.

"I have to go." She said, lowly. She impulsively began to walk.

"Wait." He called and gently grabbed her by the arm. She swiftly turned around and she met his intense and hard glare. She was consumed in his close presence. His sharp eyes softened slightly. He noticed that she was closing herself off. Something was troubling her and he believed it had something to do with the mission.

"What's the matter?" He asked, sternly. She stared at him for a moment and did not move.

"Nothing. I'm just a bit worried that's all." She answered, quietly.

"Fine. I understand." He muttered, releasing his firm grip. He sighed deeply. He knew that she was hiding something from him.

"I'm sorry, Sasuke." She whispered, preparing herself to continue. He calmed down and silently took her hand. She gasped slightly. Warmth surged through her body.

"Be careful." He said, sincerely. Sakura was surprised, but appreciated it greatly. "I'll be here when you return." He added. She blushed shyly.

"I will." She smiled and squeezed his hand. "Thank you." A special corona formed in her eyes. Sasuke watched her cross the bridge. She had changed so much. Her feelings for him had also altered. He, on the other hand, had also changed his feelings for her.

He regarded her as a close friend and cared for her very much. Long ago, he was drowing in the darkness, but she and Naruto pulled him out. She had done so much for him and he was grateful.

When she was gone, a strange feeling consumed his heart. He shoved his hands in his pockets and headed home.

'If I were to lose you, I would fall again.'

The moon stared at the flower.

Naruto stealthily hurried over to the meeting place. He proudly tightened the blue cloth around his forehead. He wore his uniform, feeling incredibly loyal and strong. When he arrived, he was greeted by only three of his comrades.

"Hello Is everyone here?" He asked, curiously. His expression changed when he registered that Sakura was missing.

"Sakura-san has not come yet." Lee stated, seriously.

"Will she come?" Neji asked, staring intently at Naruto.

"She'll be here. I know she will." Naruto answered, clearly. He looked at the road, hoping she would appear. He had faith in her, yet worry filled his heart.

"AH! Where is sheee?" Naruto whined, after 10 minutes. He was getting extremely restless.

"Calm down, Naruto." Kiba said, roughly. Naruto gave Kiba an uncertain glare as he ruffled his golden hair.

"There she is." Lee called. Naruto swiftly turned around, expectantly. There she was, approaching them elegantly. He was relieved, for he knew he could not do this without her..

"Sorry for coming late." She apologized, clearly. Naruto smiled widely. Her eyes were sparkling again.

"No problem. Are we ready?" He asked, boldly.

"Yes." They shouted, simultaneously.

"Great. Let's go." He yelled, raising his fist triumphantly in the air. They readied themselves and began to move out.

"Naruto.." Sakura called, humbly. He looked at her, zealously.

"I knew you would come." He said, softly.

"I want to do this. For me, for Sasuke and for you." She said, courageously. His heart leaped with joy.

'She looks meek, but truly has the heart of a lion.'

He placed a hand on her shoulder, before hastily jumping towards the rich trees.

"Come on, Sakura." He shouted, lively. She smiled over his incredible enthusiasm and kindness. She felt like she did not need to tell him that she encountered Sasuke. Not yet, at least. She followed her team faithfully.

The flower bloomed.

Hope you liked it. How did you like the scenes? ;) Sasuke is a difficult one.. Please review and I'll update as soon as possible. Thank you all.