A/N: Again, thank you to some of you who commented on the last chapter! Yes, Sasuke actually does have a heart but he still has his over-inflated ego and pride.

In fact, this chapter will revolve more on the thoughts of Sakura and Sasuke. This is an alert for SasuxSaku fans!

Warning: This chapter contains some ch. 273 and 274 manga spoilers!

xoxoxoxox

"Sasuke executed Orochimaru and Kabuto," Neji stated to Kiba. He just finished reporting the observations Sakura, Naruto, and he gathered at the lair to the other squad members.

"Wow, I'm actually glad he did! Do you know where he headed off to?" Kiba asked.

"We have no idea where he is right now, but we have to continue our journey to the Land of Lightning," he replied. Kiba nodded in agreement.

As Neji observed his surroundings, he saw that more villagers appeared from their homes. They were being comforted by his squad, including Sakura and Naruto. Kiba was in the process of entertaining a child who had a pet dog alongside him. Apparently Kiba was excited at the fact that the boy was dog-lover just like him. Shino used his bug summons to help find more villagers in their homes, in case they were too frightened to see strangers approach them.

"Alright everyone, I'm going to appoint some of you to remain here with the villagers," Neji looked around to see who would be suitable to do this task, "hunter-nins, is it ok if some of you stay here?"

"Yes captain," one of the hunter-nins replied, along with 4 others.

"Arigato. The rest of us will head off to the Land of Lightning. In the meantime, please dispatch Tsunade-sama about the findings here at the Sound Village and continue taking care of the villagers until help arrives," Neji cleared his throat, "let us assemble and commence our mission!"

Sakura and Naruto said their goodbye's to the villagers. They adjusted their equipment and quickly assembled with their squadmates.

Land of Lightning, here we come…Sakura thought to herself.

Sasuke-kun, when am I ever going to see you again?

Sakura bit her lip behind her mask and continued in her reverie of Sasuke. The squad trudged to the village gates and continued towards their destination.

I'm still far from the Land of Lightning border. It's going to take about another day to arrive there…Sasuke thought to himself. He was breathing heavily and sweating profusely but continued pursuing his destination.

It's so fucking hot out here! I am getting exhausted and hungry. I haven't eaten for 2 days. I'll have to camp-out somewhere later on. Too bad I'm not properly equipped! Shit…

Approximately 7 hours passed and the squad was filled with fatigue. Sakura was continually trying to fan herself with her hand, trying to fight off the sweatdrops forming on her forehead behind her mask. The small air passages on her mask weren't enough to keep her porcelain face cool enough. The summer heat was taking its toll on her and her other comrades.

"Captain, is it ok if we can rest for a little bit? It's so damn hot out here, dattebayo!" Naruto whined though his mask.

"Alright, lieutenant. I'm feeling exhausted myself," Neji replied, "everyone, let us stop here for now and get some rest."

Thank God…Sakura thought to herself. She proceeded to abruptly set down her equipment. Kiba and Shino proceeded to do the same right next to her.

She observed their surroundings and saw that they were at a forest that was very close to a secluded grassfield. It reminded her very much of the outskirts of Konoha. She would kill to be resting on her own bed in her apartment and to eat a meal that she cooked herself. Too bad they were far away from home. She sprawled on the grass, took off her mask, and looked up at the azure sky. Her emerald eyes sparkled from the sunrays reflecting in them.

"Hey Sakura-chan!" she was interrupted from her daze by Naruto's call. Sakura noted how from time to time she gets surprised at how much his voice has changed. It became a pitch lower, compared to the annoying and loud tone he used to have. He decided to sprawl on the grass right next to her.

"Hey Naruto."

"We're almost reaching the Land of Lightning border! Are you prepared to kick Itachi's ass?"

"Hah, I guess I am. I just have some thoughts in my mind at the moment…" Sakura replied as she continued to look at the sky, mimicking Shikamaru's habit of cloud-watching.

"Ah I know what you mean. What we discovered at the Sound Village was shocking. It still boggles me. Sasuke had the guts and power to kill Orochimaru and Kabuto. I wonder what sparked him to do this…" Naruto looked up at the sky with her.

"You read my mind, Naruto," Sakura said to him, "anyway, about Itachi, I hope we will once and for all take him down!"

"Yes! We can't let him escape like before," Naruto's azure eyes widened, "neh Sakura-chan, I just remembered something!"

"What is it, Naruto?" Sakura turned her face towards Naruto.

"When we encountered Itachi during the Akatsuki battle, I remember Kaka-sensei asking him how much of his vision has reduced due to the excessive use of his Tsukuyomi and Amatersu genjutsus, dattebayo." Naruto plastered a foxy grin on his face.

"Hey….you're right, Naruto! I'm starting to remember that time. Using those powerful genjutsus does consume vast amounts of your chakra, from the medical information I remember learning. If he continues to use them, he will eventually become blind!"

"Sakura-chan, we might have an overall advantage over him when we fight! Yosh!" he shot his fist into the air, as if he was going to hit one of the fluffy clouds in the sky.

Sakura smiled. I'm hoping we will. Sasuke-kun will finally rest easy after we defeat Itachi for him…

Must…take…a…break…Sasuke was panting hard. He decided to pull down his mask and look at his surroundings. He was in a field clearing with minimal amount of trees. I guess this place would do.

"Fuck, what am I going to eat?" Sasuke yelled to himself. He continued to look around to see if there were some bushes where he can pluck some berries from or trees with fruits dangling from them. Luckily, he found some bushes with red berries.

He proceeded to walk towards the bushes and plucked some berries for his light meal. It's not much, but at least I have food to eat…

He sat down under one of the trees and leaned back on the trunk. He gazed at the sky while munching on some of the berries. He drifted into oblivion as he observed the floating clouds.

Itachi, I am going to kill your ass. I know my strength has finally surpassed yours! Hah, I'm no longer your "weak and foolish little brother." Once I have my hand buried in your chest, you will see how much the tables have turned. I will finally avenge our once powerful clan and the deaths of our beloved otousan and okaasan. Burn in hell where you belong!

Sasuke evilly smirked and bit hard into one of the berries. The juice oozed out from his forceful bite and leaked down the side of his mouth. He wiped it off with his left hand.

Sakura and Naruto continued gazing at the clouds. Both of them were quiet and recollecting on their own thoughts and memories.

Battling the Akatsuki was a struggle, but we finally defeated them. I had a depth-defying battle with Sasori. Taking that katana for Chiyo-baa sama was such a feat for me. I still greatly thank Chiyo-baa sama for saving my life. Well, you are within me anyway since you used that tensei (life-giving) ninjutsu on me. Sakura lightly touched her lower left torso. She received a scar from that katana wound.

I definitely progressed compared to my helpless 12-year-old form. Sasuke-kun, you best be proud of me now. You and Naruto no longer have to protect me. I am now the one to protect you two after all the shit both of you went through just for me. I definitely owe both of you…She turned her head to look at Naruto, who was now lightly snoozing. Sasuke-kun, please come back to us soon. We must have a Team 7 formation once again. I truly miss it! I hope you won't become a missing nin or an S-ranked criminal just like your brother…

You baka! You think he would be that idiotic to follow his brother's footsteps? Inner Sakura interjected.

OK so maybe he won't! Sakura's eyelids grew heavy and she drifted into sleep as well.

"Hina-chan…" Sakura opened her eyes and heard Naruto talking in his sleep. "…marry…me?..."

Awwwww that is so adorable! She proceeded to close her eyes and drift off into dreaming of her own beloved.

As he finished eating his berries, Sasuke sneezed. 'ACHOO!' Who the hell keeps thinking about me? I keep getting these damn sneezing fits lately! So irritating…

He lied under the shade of the tree and positioned his arms behind his head. He closed his eyes and drifted off into his thoughts once again.

What will happen after I kill my brother? Should I go back to Konoha? No, what if the Hokage sentences me to be executed because of my betrayal of that village?

Sasuke snapped his eyes open, looking up at the sky once again.

Wait, but I promised myself that I will resurrect my clan. Will the Hokage let me do this at Konoha? Since I promised myself this, that means I have to have a female to help me reproduce heirs. Who should I choose? Why the hell am I thinking about this? I don't even know how to love the opposite sex!

His handsome face cringed a little.

I remember okaasan told me a little bit about love between a male and female. I could have learned how to do this if that motherfucker didn't massacre the whole clan. Besides, the only ones I truly loved were my family and…

A soft expression formed on his face.

Team 7.

I truly care about them as if they are my second family. I just don't know how I'll react if I ever see them once again. I just can't automatically drop my stoic attitude for those idiots, as if they really hit a core in my heart. They will truly see how weak I am and I don't want any of them to see that! That's only for pathetic people. I can't stoop that low!

Sasuke, you fucking idiot, why do you act as if dropping your pride for once will hurt your ego? A "voice" in Sasuke's head sprouted out of nowhere.

Go away! I don't need your input!

You know, with that kind of attitude, you won't be able to find that special female who would be willing reproduce heirs for you.

Sasuke was fighting with the other "voice" in his thoughts.

Pfft whatever. Besides, there is that dumb group of females who follow me around in Konoha, including the ones from the Sound Village. I still don't get why they do that, but I was nice to some of them since I felt they would get out of my hair if I did this. Some were as annoying as Sakura…

Ahhh yes, Sakura Haruno. Don't you ever wonder how she is like now? She's probably beautiful by now. Hell, all 3 of you are about 17-years-old now! I'm sure Sakura and Naruto have grown up tremendously! The "voice" retorted.

I know Naruto has improved strength-wise. He is quick to become strong, from the last time I fought with him at the waterfalls approximately 5 years ago. I still don't fucking get how a drop-out dobe like him can become stronger than me! Plus, that fox-like chakra he has is an unsolved mystery to me. My brother was even after his power! And to think, I thought Naruto would be a hindrance to me but he proved me wrong. I see him as an equal and a best friend of mine. I have to admit that…

Sasuke shifted his position on the grass.

As for Sakura, she is weak and annoying. I do care for her, but she needs more motivation to become stronger and protect her ownself. She can't always depend on me and Naruto to do all the fighting for her. After all, she is a ninja. Nins are supposed to be skillfull in fighting and such. All she ever did was constantly say "Sasuke-kun" and ask me out to dates. OK, I have to admit, she did sound rather cute when doing that, but it got irritating.

Don't be such an ass! What if she is stronger now? Boy would you feel like a dobe once you find out how much she has improved. She could probably kick your ass by now! The "voice" made a rebuttal.

Who knows, maybe she has improved a lot. I would kill to see that!

You know once you see how much she has improved, you will develop feelings for her!

His thoughts started to have an internal argument once again.

Ch! Feelings my ass!

You know you would choose her to become your wife. How can you resist that beautiful face, huge emerald eyes, roseatte hair, slim body, wide forehead, intelligence, perfect chakra control, and sweet personality? You would want your Uchiha children to bestow those qualities, combined with the power of your Sharingan.

Sasuke gritted his teeth and growled to himself.

What the hell makes you say that? She's only my former teammate and comrade.

…who seems unusally beautiful and kind-hearted for her own good…

Shut up!

You know you miss the way she holds you when you're bleeding your guts out; the warmth of her arms around your body, the soft touch of your head against her chest, the floral scent of her hair tickling your face, her soothing voice pleading you not to let your life slip away. You miss how she proclaims her love for you, just like what she did before you left.

Stop it!

When she cries, your heart twinges at the sight. When she is helpless, you can't help but feel the need to jump in front of her and defend her. When you see she's injured, you promise to break every bone of the fucker who did that to her. When she smiles, you feel butterflies in your stomach.

What the hell!

Sasuke was clutching the sides of his head and vigorously shaking it.

Admit it, you miss her. You've missed her for about 4.5 years now. You're just a little chickenshit who won't admit it!

I do not miss her, dumbass!

Then why do you have dreams about her? Why do you get reminded of her whenever you see Cherry Blossoms falling on to your palm? Why do you compare every girl you encounter to her? Why do you keep saying in your head that "Sakura is annoying?" Those 3 words seem to get stuck in your daily vocabulary now!

Ch!

You wonder how her appearance looks like now. You wonder if she grew taller, grew womanly curves, and became more gorgeous than ever!

Arrrrrrrrgh…

You know you want to hold her in your arms, and express to her how much you miss her.

What…

You know you want to be on top of her, feeling her curvy body against yours.

The…

You know you want to kiss her passionately and whisper in her ear how beautiful she truly is.

Fucking…

You know you want to make love to her, feeling her wet warmth, and softly moaning your name with every thrust.

Hell…

Sasuke couldn't take it anymore and immediately sat up. He was hitting his head against the tree trunk, exclaiming every profanity word that exists. He kept pounding his head until he felt blood trickle down on the right side of his forehead.

He buried his face into his hands. As he lifted his head, some tears were trickling down his cheeks.

Fucking Sakura! Why the hell do you do this to me?

'ACHOO!' Sakura's sneeze woke her up out of her nap.

"Bless you, Sakura-chan!" Kiba and Naruto responded in unison. She saw that the guys were wide awake and were right next to her.

"Are you coming down with a cold?" Naruto asked.

"No, I have a sense someone is thinking about me…again…" she was rubbing her eyes as she yawned.

"Damn girl! Who is this person who keeps thinking about you? You've been sneezing a lot lately, like the last time I walked you home to your apartment! You probably have a stalker haha!" Kiba exclaimed as he nudged her right arm.

"Haha shut up, Kiba-san. I do want to know who it is. The sneezing fits get so irritating!" she replied as she sat up on the grass.

Sasuke-kun, is it…you?

"Neji told me that we have about a day left until we reach the Land of Lightning borders," Kiba stated to the both of them, "so I guess we'll remain here until morning. So that means, I get to talk about Nozomi-chan with all of you!"

"Oh great…" Sakura replied sarcastically. Not another "Nozomi-chan and Yasashiku-kun" conversation…

"Hey! What's with the tone, Sakura-chan?" Kiba scowled at her. Naruto giggled.

"What are you talking about? Go on with your conversation!" Sakura plastered on a fake smile on her face. I seriously think Kiba-san is obssessed with her…

Stop thinking about this bullshit, Sasuke! You have another day until you get to beat the shit out of your brother! You don't need a hindrance to get in your way!

Sasuke touched the bleeding spot from his head and looked at the crimson stain on his fingers. He vigorously wiped the tears from his onyx orbs with his left hand.

Damn you, Sakura, damn you!

Another sneeze escaped from Sakura. The guys looked at her with mischievous smiles.

Not again…

A/N:'GASP' Sasuke had an emo moment! Let's see how the next chapter will be like!

Comments would be greatly appreciated!