A/N: Yay! More comments! 'jumps for joy'
Amyst: Wow! Thank you sooo much for commenting on every chapter so far! Well, if you're wondering, I didn't forget that this is a SASUxSAKU fic. Let's just say I want to put the readers through suspense and anticipation mwahahaha! I'm glad you and everyone else that commented are liking the story so far!
Anyway, this chapter is very long. This will show the special platonic bond Sakura and Naruto share with each other. It may get on the emotional side, so you better have a tissue box near...(if you're weak at heart).
xoxoxoxox
Today was the day; the day she would face the deadly former Akatsuki member.
Sakura felt a mix of anger and fear within her. She wanted him to die, and suffer a violent and bloody end. She knows that Sasuke was the one who wanted to avenge his older brother for all the torment he put him through, but if he couldn't do it, Sakura was willing to do it for him.
In the back of Sakura's mind, she felt that Sasuke's body had gotten taken over by Orochimaru already. He would be inside her ex-crush's body and consume his whole inner being. He wouldn't be the same Sasuke anymore, therefore he wouldn't contemplate about avenging his clan and murdering his older brother. Orochimaru had plans of his own, and was probably using his body to do so.
No, no, no! Why are you even thinking of 'him' during this time of crisis? I must push these thoughts aside in order to fight properly…
She suited up herself with the black tights that clung to her curves and the protective white vestiges over them. She put on the additional protective arm and leg gears and anything else that the ANBU were required to wear. She also gathered her pastel pink tresses to form a high pony tail on top of her head.
She grabbed her pouch and neatly placed the necessary weapons and medical products that were needed for the mission. She attached the pouch to her right hip, on the white vestige.
Medical products…check.
Shurikens…check.
Kunais…check.
Senbon needles…check.
Oh yeah, and my katana.
She opened her closet and carefully got a hold of her katana. It was placed in a beautifully decorated holster.
Katana…check.
Ah! And of course, my ANBU mask.
She went to her drawer and opened it so she can get her ANBU mask. It looked like a face of a devilish neko (cat) with various red lines on it. She carefully placed the mask on her head, but not over her face. It was turned sideways towards the right side.
She went to her refrigerator and drank some milk from the carton. After that, she looked over her contents to see if she had all of what she needed.
Now she was ready for the mission that may have a huge impact on her life.
OK, it's time to kick major ass!
She walked out of the apartment and was about to close the door, but before she could do so, she opened it again and looked inside. I will come back home to this place after I'm done with this mission…then she locked the door after her. She headed towards the village's gate.
"Shit man! It's 7 in the morning! I'm still sleepy!" Naruto wailed to his squad mates as he rubbed his eyes.
"Haha Naruto, you better wake your ass up and prepare for the battle of your life!" Kiba mocked.
Naruto's body straightened up and his eyes opened up more. "Hmm yeah, you're right! This could also prove my potential for being the next Hokage, dattebayo!"
"You and that dream of yours, Uzumaki. I'm surprised you haven't given up on it," Neji smirked at the fox demon.
"Yeah right! It's my way of the ninja!" Naruto shot his fist in the air. Now he looked like he was completely wide awake. Ten-Ten and Shino let out sweatdrops.
All of them were clad in their ANBU gear. Neji was helping Ten-Ten polish her special weapons, since she's the weapons specialist in the squad. Kiba and Naruto were fighting about who would be the first to find and execute the Uchicha psycho. Shino just stood around, while having a little "conversation" with one of his bugs on his right index finger.
"Good morning, everybody!" Sakura happily greeted.
"Sakura-chan, you made it!" Naruto broke out of his argument with Kiba and greeted her.
"Of course! I would never flake out on a mission!"
"Hey Sakura-chan! I have to talk to you about something!" Kiba exclaimed.
Oh no, is this about Nozomi-chan and the blind date!
"What is it, Kiba-san?" Sakura asked, expecting her thoughts to be confirmed true.
"It's about Nozomi-chan…" Kiba's cheeks turned pinkish.
I knew it…
"OHH! Does Kiba have a girllllfrienddddd, dattebayo!" Naruto mocked, as he stuck out his tongue.
"Shut up, Naruto! You don't see me taunting you and Hinata-chan!" Kiba roared at him. Both of the boys started another shouting match.
Sakura covered her ears and walk passed them. She walked towards Neji and Ten-Ten.
"Ohayo Neji-san and Ten-Ten-chan!" She warmly greeted them. They smiled at her in acknowledgement.
More of there ANBU comrades showed up shortly there after, along with some of the hunter-nin.
"OK everyone! It's time to get organized and let this mission commence!" Neji proclaimed as loud as he could. The boys ended their shouting match and looked towards their captain's direction.
They all proceeded to walk out of the gates of Konoha. Sakura whipped her head back to look at Konoha one last time, and then turned her head forward to continue walking with her ANBU comrades.
"Hey Sakura-chan, sorry about earlier. I was supposed to talk about the situation with Nozomi-chan with you until freakin' Naruto had to butt in," Kiba whispered to Sakura as he was walking beside her.
His pace started to slow down more, making him go towards the back. Sakura understood his gesture, and proceeded to walk the same pace as him until she reached the back of the group with him.
"Well, I visited her a few days ago and she's still wondering if there will be a social event happening in Konoha soon. She really wants to visit and meet you too! She's so happy that you accepted the offer. I told her a good amount of information about you. She told Yasashiku-san about you and he's anticipating to meet you as well!" Kiba excitedly told Sakura, trying his best not to talk so loudly.
"Wow really? I don't know what to say?" Sakura gave a gentle smile to Kiba.
"Do you know of any social events happening soon?"
"Hmm, I'm pretty sure there will be one next month. But I'm not too sure of what the plans will be though. Gomen!"
"That's OK. I'll find out sooner or later."
As trees shortly appeared before them, the huge group jumped upon the branches and started to swiftly move from one branch to another with quickness.
"Hey everyone, this will be our first time going to the Land of Lightning. So this is our first mission in this unfamiliar territory," Neji proclaimed from the very front of the group. He took out a map from his pouch and glanced at it.
"In order for all of us to get to the Land of Lightning, we must head northwest. We have to depart from the Land of Fire, pass through the Land of Sound—"
"NANI!" Naruto loudly interrupted his captain, as his eyes widened like saucers behind his fox-like ANBU mask, "that's where Orochimaru resides at! That snake motherfu—"
"Silence, Lieutenant! Remember what Tsunade-sama told you: don't let your emotions interfere with this mission," Neji told him with a dignified tone in his voice, as they continued to jump from one branch to another. The squad was still trailing behind them.
We have to pass through the Land of Sound? What if we encounter that perverted asshole Orochimaru… and him? Sakura shook her head behind her mask.
"It will take approximately 2 to 3 days to reach the Land of Lightning. Once we get there, we will enter the Hidden Cloud Village," Neji continued his speech. The mass nodded in acknowledge to their captain's speech.
Suddenly, he activated his Byuukugan vision behind his mask. Veins bulged out from the corner of his eyes. He looked ahead of him, then to his right and left side.
"So far, this area is clear of any danger. Let's continue on, comrades," Neji's dignified low voice rumbled throughout the forest.
They continued to jump from one branch to another.
It was already 5'o clock in the afternoon, and they were finally out of the Konoha territory. They were still in the Land of Fire, but very close to its borders. They were almost reaching the Land of Sound.
The sky started to turn into a canvas of purple and orange haze, as the sun started to set over the land. The scene made Sakura softly sigh in awe because of its natural beauty. Sweat beads were dripping on her face behind her mask. She panted lightly from the continuous pace the squad kept going in. She wasn't the only one starting to feel the effects of exhaustion. Sakura heard many volumes of panting around her.
"Everyone, we are almost reaching the northwest border of the Land of Fire. We are going to precede Sound territory there after," Neji proclaimed through his panting. Ten-Ten came next to him and lightly patted his back.
"You're an incredible captain, Neji-kun," she whispered to him through her mask.
An hour later, they finally reached the border. They retreated on land next to a beautiful waterfall.
"We will halt here for now and eat dinner," Neji captain announced to the squad.
"OK, captain," Naruto replied, "yosh! It's a good thing I brought my little pot and instant ramen with me!" He proceeded to take off his mask and take out the mentioned products out of his backpack.
"Neh Sakura-chan! I brought enough instant ramen that could feed about 9 to 10 people. Do you want in on this?" the young man flashed his foxy grin to her, "you know you can't resist this offer, dattebayo!"
"Sure Naruto! Thank you so much. I didn't bother to bring food with me because I had a feeling you would bring a lot. Plus, lugging a backpack around would be too much of a hassle for me," she replied as she took off her mask. She was wiping the sweat from her face.
"Hey Kiba! You want in on this too, man?" Naruto offered to him.
"Sure. Thanks a lot! I didn't bring food with me either. I'm fuckin' starving!" Kiba was rubbing his stomach in a circular motion.
"Haha. I knew bringing a shitload of ramen would come in handy!" Naruto felt proud of the generosity he displayed for his colleagues, "and whoever else wants ramen, come join the club!" Neji, Ten-Ten, Shino, and a few others accepted his offer.
Naruto went to gathered some scattered sticks from branches of trees so he can start a fire for the cooking…or more like just heating up the instant ramen. He came back and started the make-shift fire. He cooked the 10 packets of ramen one by one, serving them to his teammates. He looked goofy stirring the ramen in the pot while he had a huge foxy grin plastered on his face.
The squad proceeded to eat.
"Lieutenant, you're a life-saver! Good job on bringing the food and thanks a lot!" Neji proclaimed as he patted Naruto on the back. He was full from eating the Beef Ramen.
"Yeah, thanks a lot, Naruto!" Sakura and Ten-Ten said in unison.
"You're welcome, guys!" Naruto beamed another smile while rubbing the back of his head. He let out a loud burp and excused himself.
"We'll stay here for the night, before entering the Sound territory," Neji announced, "so we'll rest for the time being."
Few minutes later, people started to sleep one by one
Sakura and Naruto decided to walk towards the waterfall and have some conversation time with each other. After all, they are best of friends who need to catch up on each other's lives.
"Neh, Sakura-chan, how have you been lately?"
"I've been OK. How about you, Naruto?"
"Oh, I've been great myself! I've been spending vast amount of time with Hinata-chan! Sakura-chan, do you know how much I love her? It's so unexplainable. I don't think there are enough words to describe the joy she has bestowed upon me. She's taught me how to truly love. She's practically the only one who showers me with so much love and care, other than Iruka-sensei," his azure orbs started to glaze over as a small smile formed on his face. He looked into the crystal clear water at his own reflection.
"Sakura-chan, I want to ask her hand in marriage soon. I'm still thinking of a special and romantic way of doing so though, dattebayo…" his voice became softer and he looked at Sakura.
Sakura grinned at her best friend. She was truly happy for him. Once she heard him confess his love for Hinata, she let out a mental "awwwwwww!" inside of her mind. She gently rested her hand on the golden-haired young man.
"That is extremely sweet, Naruto! I am so glad that you and Hinata are happy with each other! You two are such a beautiful couple," Sakura replied with a soft voice as she kept the smile on her face.
"Sakura-chan, how do you think I should propose to her?" he asked her, "like for instance, what would your dream proposal be if a man were to do so for you?"
Sakura was silent for a moment at the question her best friend asked of her. She retreated back to a dream she had a month ago. That dream…
"Well…" she finally said, "I remember I had a dream a month ago, and it was about the very same question you just asked me…"
Naruto's azure orbs became more fixated on her.
"I remember in the dream, I was blind-folded and a callous hand took mine to slowly guided me into a wooden platform of some sort. I wasn't sure what it was, but it was extremely wobbly. He guided me slowly over it and proceeded to carefully sit me down on it. Curiosity stung me so much and I couldn't help but giggle so much. I felt him go on to the wooden platform as well. Before I knew it, we started to move. I started to figure out that I was on a wooden boat. I heard him gently rowing the oars over the water. I kept asking him if I could take off the blindfold yet, but he said not yet. I clung tightly to my dress, eager to see the surprise. A few minutes later, he slowly took off my blindfold. We were on a beautiful, crystal clear lake. There were a lot of swans floating around us, staring up at us with its beautiful features. They seemed to move and create a path for us to row through. Cherry blossom trees also surrounded the lake and I saw the pink petals float on the lake like delicate feathers. With each row, cherry blossom leaves fell upon us. I kept gasping and I squealed with delight. I hugged the man tightly, as tears fell down my cheek…"
Naruto had an awe expression on his face as he was listening to the dream of his roseatte-haired teammate.
"…then I remember he said, 'Sakura, I brought you here because this is the only surrounding that comes close to explaining your beauty. It was difficult to find anything that could compare to your beauty. See the swans swimming around us: looking at them makes every individual admire their gorgeous existence. This is how I feel whenever I look at you, Sakura sweetheart. See the cherry blossoms surrounding us: it's aromatic smell and gentle aura they omit brings comfort to everyone. That is how I feel whenever I'm around you. You glow with happiness and are willing to comfort me, no matter how much I have pushed you away. You refused to give up on me, even though I insulted you to the point where I broke your heart. Even though I did all of those horrible things to you, you still managed to love me despite everything I put you through. I asked myself why and I finally realized that I am a lucky man to have such a woman who is willing to endure so much pain because she loves me so much. Sakura, you have taught me to open up, be free of my troubles, and what true love and bliss is. I want to continue feeling these emotions that I have within my heart whenever I see you, hear you, smell you, and touch you. Sakura Haruno, will you marry me?'…"
A tear slid down her cheek as she continued with her dream.
"I was speechless and my face turned a crimson red as I saw him slowly take out from his pocket a velvety navy blue box and opened it in front of me. My face was sticky with salty tears and more came out as I saw the beautiful, shiny diamond in front of my eyes. I finally said yes and hugged him tightly, while saying 'I love you'…"
Naruto patted Sakura's back. "Sakura-chan, that is such a beautiful dream…" he hesitated on the next question he wanted to ask her, but he decided to just ask her anyway.
"The man in your dream…was it…S-Sasuke…?" he asked with a quiet voice.
Sakura's eyes started to fill up with more tears and she looked at the golden-haired boy in the face. She started to sob.
"N-Naruto, I-I don't know w-why h-he was the o-one i-i-in my d-d-dream. I-I-I try my h-hardest to s-s-stop th-thinking about h-h-him, but i-it's s-s-soo fu-fucking d-d-d-d-difficult," she leaned into Naruto's left shoulder and he was rubbing her back in a circular motion. She was violently sobbing and hiccupping. She was on the brink of hyper-ventilating through her crying fit.
"Shhh, it's OK, Sakura-chan. I know you deeply love him. You try your hardest to deny it, but you truly do…"
She looked up at him and gave him a slight nod.
Fucking Sakura! You weakling! I can't believe you're crying again! Inner Sakura butted in.
Shut up! I can't help it! I STILL LOVE HIM! She fought with her Inner self.
What about that Yasashiku guy? Aren't you going to go on a blind date with him, baka? Inner Sakura rebutted.
I am…but it's not like I have feelings for the guy! Remember, I'm only doing it for Kiba-san. I want him to hook up with Nozomi-chan!
Oh will you give that crap up? Something will form between you and that Yasashiku guy!
I don't want anything to happen between us! Inner self, just leave me the fuck alone right now, alright?
Whatever, you damn crybaby. Keep on suffering for all I care…
"I'm sorry I brought this subject up, Sakura-chan…" Naruto felt guilty for making his best friend re-live her thoughts.
"N-No N-N-N-N-Naruto! It's n-n-not your f-fault! I-I-I keep th-th-th—" Sakura choked on her sobs and started to hyper-ventilate.
Naruto immediately hugged Sakura tighter, rocking her in his arms. He felt like crying as he saw his best friend cry from agony and pain below him.
Sasuke-teme, look at the hell you're putting Sakura-chan through. You better come back to us and mend her broken heart. I hope you've changed for the better…Naruto thought as he looked up at the nightsky and continued to rock Sakura in his arms.
He was getting drowsy and he started to drift asleep, while he was still hugging Sakura. She fell asleep on his chest while she was having her mental breakdown. The two nins were lying next to the waterful, which the gentle trickling lulled them into dreamland.
"Sasuke-kun…" Sakura unconsciously said in her sleep.
Naruto opened his eyes half way and looked at her.
Sakura-chan, one day your dream will come true. I know it will…then he proceeded to close his eyes and go back to sleep.