I want to thank everyone who was kind enough to leave a review. Especially the ones who said my grammar didn't matter, or were really enthusiastic. You make writing even more enjoyable! Just for you, I'll try the best I can. But I'm only human.

Blah are Sasuke's thoughts. The others will be written normal. Blah.

The kunai, chapter four: Ultimate despair and.... hope?

By Gasha Aisu

Sakura walked on, completely ignoring the few people around her. It was night, so only few were out, not that it mattered. She was aware of Sasuke following her. She smirked. It was only natural, Sasuke still was Sasuke after all, strong people always got his attention. And her sudden change was partly the reason. Apparently she had meant something to him. Something in her responded, forgotten emotions played up, but she ignored them. No, she refused to feel anything. Suddenly she became aware of Ino approaching her. She made a sharp turn and went in an alley. She had a feeling what it would be about, and she didn't want that in public even though there are only a few people on the streets. She was right, fore seconds later Ino appeared. Sasuke settled himself into hiding, watching the two, but making sure they didn't see him.

"And?" Ino asked, blocking the way out.

Sakura crossed her arms and resisted the urge to sigh.

"And what?" Sakura responded.

Ino's face got red with anger and she clenched her fist.

"Well, are you normal again!?" she asked a little louder than she had to.

Sakura simply raised an eyebrow as answer. But before she could reply Ino exploded.

"He's back now, you still love him. So why aren't you smiling? Why aren't you laughing like you used to, or feel like you used to. I can't stand seeing you like this!"

Sasuke frowned, had his leaving really affected Sakura that bad? He felt a tiny pang of guilt, but ignored it. He was only here to see if she was good enough to work with. At least, that was what he told himself. Sakura stood, her face neutral, not responding whatsoever. This only made Ino more angry.

"Why don't you say something?" she exclaimed despaired.

This time she got a reaction, but like everybody else, she didn't like what she got to hear, and neither did Sasuke.

"What do you want me to say?" Sakura asked. Her voice calm and neutral like it has been for three years now. Ino opened her mouth but Sakura wasn't finished.

"You want the truth?" she asked.

"Yes, I want the truth! Of course I do!"

"That Sakura is dead"

Ino was silent. Her eyes were widened and she slowly shook her head. Sasuke frowned. What? Ino couldn't believe it. No, no it couldn't be. It couldn't be too late! She took a step backwards but Sakura just took one forward.

"I don't like repeating myself but apparently you're just as foolishly hoping as Naruto and Tsunade-sama were. I am dead, leave it that way" she told the blonde.

Ino shook her head again and took a step backwards, tears were threatening to fall. Sakura followed her, as calm as ever. Sasuke frowned, but kept watching.

"Wh....what happened to you?" Ino whispered, eyes wide in disbelieve.

A mocking, bitter smile found its way to Sakura's face. Sasuke shivered, this was not the Sakura he knew, that was for sure.

"I killed myself" she stated, still disliking to speak much but knowing it was necessary.

"Why?" Ino whispered, she couldn't get herself to speak normally. Her voice was too hoarse from holding back tears. Sasuke couldn't get himself to leave, nor to interfere.

"Because I was weak, and I refuse to be protected anymore" Sakura answered. But you're worth protecting...Sasuke shook his head, were did that come from?

Ino stumbled and fell down on her back. She crawled back until her back hit a wall.

"I'm the one who's protecting now" Sakura continued, "I'm useful now" And cold... I don't like seeing you this way... it reminds me too much of myself.

Tears escaped Ino's eyes. Sakura stood calmly before her, waiting for more questions. Sasuke was struggling. Should I go? Should I interfere, or just leave it be and keep listening? This isn't my business...

"Who are you?!" Ino finally exclaimed. Sakura stood, feeling no need to answer. Ino expected none.

"How could you do this to yourself, you were fine the way you were! You never smile now, you don't seem to care about anyone, not Naruto, me or even your parents! If you ask me, you only became weaker. Life is easy without anyone to worry about, but loneliness drives you mad, you got to open up! You got to let people in!" Ino told her, and she wanted to tell her more but Sakura's hand on her neck prevented her to do so. Sakura raised her hand, and Ino with it, until they were at eye level. Maybe I make it my business.

"You think I'm weak?" Sakura hissed; she tightened her grip and Ino winced. "You think you can beat me?" she continued and narrowed her eyes. Ino struggled but to no avail.

Suddenly Sasuke held her wrist in an iron hold. Her cold eyes met his.

"Let her go Sakura"

His voice was as calm, cold and collected as ever. But his eyes were lively. He held her eyes, and Sakura refused to look away. Her forest green eyes flashed and slowly she released Ino. Ino dropped to the floor coughing. Slowly Sasuke let go of Sakura's wrist, but couldn't get himself to step back, nor look away. Sakura snorted and broke eye contact by looking at Ino.

"You're the one who's weak, I refuse to be that way" Sakura told her, her voice as cold as ice.

Ino looked up, tears in her eyes. Even her normally sparkling almost gold hair lost its shine. Ino looked heart broken, as she was. Sakura's eyes softened, and she knelt before Ino, making sure she could look her in the eyes. Ino looked back, ultimate sadness and despair in her eyes.

"I'm lost Ino, forget about me" she whispered, and stood up again. Her eyes turning cold again, and empty. Ino bowed her head, she was defeated.

Sakura turned and looked into Sasuke's eyes.

"Things change" she told him, he nodded.

She walked past him, but his hand shot out and grabbed her arm when she was beside him. She looked at him without turning her head. Sasuke looked back, a silent promise in his eyes.

I won't give up on you...

She understood, but somehow couldn't find the words to discourage him. Slowly his hold loosened, and his arm fell to his side. Sakura resumed walking. Her feet creating a hollow sound on the empty streets.
Sakura was the village's weapon. And powerful at that. She could be usefull. He smirked, and resumed walking, he had a mission to prepare for.

She clenched her fist. What was it what made her lose her cool like that? Did Sasuke's return really affect her like that? The minute she saw him she felt pain again, which was strange. She hadn't felt anything this year. Before that she could feel nothing but pain, it was everywhere and nowhere, it consumed her thoughts. But this year, she had been focussed. She had become numb to the pain she felt everyday. Yet, somehow he managed to get them out again. She stopped for a moment and sighed. She was so different now. It was true that she 'killed' herself but she wouldn't have done it without a good reason. All well, who cared anyway?

Apparently Sasuke did.... She shook her head. That power hungry lonely wolf? No, he was only interested in her power. But that was not what she had seen in his eyes.

I won't give up on you...

"We'll see Sasuke" she whispered, "we'll see..."

to be continued...

Well, that's it for now. I hope you enjoyed reading as much as I enjoyed writing it.

Until next time,

Gasha Aisu