The Spirit World

by Navy blossom

A strange and magical adventure is happening now. Sakura, Sasuke, and Naruto are in a world unknown to Konoha. Even now, they're figuring out a way to escape the world's madness and beauty. A power within, change of emotion, one adventure.

2. The middle and end

End flash back

"After I took care of him, his house was burned down by his brother. So I let him stay with me, and as we live together we fell in love and got married." Sakura said as she took off her hand on Sasuke's forehead. "I was happy before I got killed."

Sasuke head swung back and forth. "Ugh..."

Sakura sighed. "Perhaps, you are even more stubborn than he is today. Pathetic."

Sasuke fell back to the ground, dizzy from the memories that flood his head. Sakura used her powers to put him in a more comfortable position. "Hmph... handsome like that day." She gave him a kiss on the lips then disappeared. "Maybe I was wrong about you, Sasuke Uchiha... take care of Sakura..."She passed away.

Naruto and gang...

"Kiba! Kiba!"

Kiba turned around. "What is it, Naruto?"

He landed on the ground and thrashed his hands wildly. "I can't find Sakura and Sasuke anywhere! D-did you find them!"

He shook his head. "No, but I fought a strange guy and his doppel gangers," then he scratch Akamaru's head. "But I do remember seeing a gold bracelet on his wrist."

Naruto put his hand on his chin. "Yeah, I do remember seeing a golden bracelet on his wrist. It even glowed at the command data drain."

"Strange. Maybe we should stay together to look for Sasuke and Sakura. That way if we run into that guy again he would be at a disadvantage."

"Good idea."

"What are we waiting for? Let's go!"

"Yeah!"

Naruto and Kiba jumped through the trees again, looking for the mysterious ninja. Kiba found a clearing, but chose to ignore it. Nothing would have happen if they we're there. Kiba and Naruto landed at Kite's house again. He knocked the door and Kite was there with a bandage on his cheek. Naruto found it suspicious. That's the same place where it was cut. Naruto shrugged. Must have been a cut from the ax. Kiba also gave a suspicious look while Naruto chat and ask questions with Kite. 'That scent. He has the same scent as...!'

"Naruto, get back! I think this guy is the ninja we encountered!" Kiba jumped back and Akamaru growled. Naruto stared at Kite and he was preparing to attack. Naruto jumped out of the way before he launched it. "Data Drain!"

"Kiba! Get out of the way!" Naruto hopped away from the streaming light. Kiba jumped up and threw kunai knifes at Kite. He did a back flip, but a kunai stabbed him on the leg. "Argh!" he stopped and pulled out the kunai and threw it at Naruto.

Kiba landed on the ground. "Naruto! Watch out!"

Naruto reached into his holster and grabbed a shuriken and kunai out. He threw the shuriken first then the kunai. The shuriken canceled the attack and the kunai went for Kite. "Eat this!"

"I will!" he smirked, he pointed his arm up. "Data Drain!"

The kunai knife was in the light and it became a plain stick. Kite was still bleeding because of the kunai. The data he collected was enough to heal his wound. "Samakumai!"

He placed his palm on his wound and a golden saliva like liquid was covering the wound. Kite got up and charged at Kiba. Naruto landed on the ground and gathered his chakra. "Kage Bushin no Jutsu!"

Twenty clones of Naruto appeared and grabbed a kunai out of their holsters. "Ready or not!" they jumped in the air and pierced Kite in every direction. "You ready to die?" Kite asked. "Data Drain!"

The clones disappeared, but Naruto manage to get away. Kite summoned his chakra and- "Kage Bushin no Jutsu!"- there was 20 Kite's ready for action. Naruto gulped and Kiba growled. Naruto had fallen into a trap and Kiba was just a toy to him to play with.

"Akamaru! Let's go!" Akamaru climbed on Kiba's back. "Jujin Bushin no Jutsu!" Akamaru transformed and jumped off. "Grr!"

Kite winced. "Ugh! That mutt has a scary face on and I don't like it!"

Kiba growled. "Mutt you say? You'll regret that! Akamaru!"

Kiba and Akamaru spin themselfs into torpedo hurricanes, going straight toward Kite. Kite stand up quickly and did a back flip to avoid the attack. He landed on a tree branch, smirking at him. "I am no fool by this technique, mutt. I gathered information on this attack to learn how to avoid it."

Naruto, who was watching the fight, decided to take action. Naruto pulled out a shuriken and threw it at Kite. "Don't think you'll dodge this one!"

Kite jumped to the ground. "You think that, but you're are wrong!"

"Oh? You think so?"

"Huh?"

Kite looked back and saw Naruto ready to kick him on the head. He put up his arm and he kicked it hard that made him fall sideways. "Ow...!"

Naruto looked him straight in the face. "Ready to give up?"

"Never...!"

Naruto grabbed his collar. "Okay, since you don't want to give up, answer this question."

"What question?"

"Where is Sasuke and Sakura?"

"Not telling you, baka!"

Naruto put him on the ground and put a kunai at his neck. "Tell me where they are!"

Kite gulped. "In the Spirit World."

"The what?"

"Spirit World."

Naruto dropped his kunai and it landed on the ground next to Kite's neck. There was no way that both Sasuke and Sakura could have died! Naruto looked over to Kiba and Akamaru. They could have... if only they could have...

Naruto turned his direction to Kite again. "Okay, where is this so called 'Spirit World' you say?"

"At the little clearing in the forest. There, you will find what you need." Kite rolled to the other side and jumped off. Naruto was about to follow the data drainer, but Kiba stopped him. "Let him go, Naruto. We got all what we needed."

"I know, but..."

Kiba raised a brow. "But what?"

Naruto put his head down. "Sasuke and Sakura..."

"Yeah, what about them?" Akamaru jumped into Kiba's coat.

"They're dead..." Naruto finally said it.

In the Spirit World...

Sakura was taking care of Sasuke while he slept. His headband was taken off and left it on the lamp table next to his bed. She was watching over him for 2 days straight. If you love a person like him, you would stay up and watch him all night till morning. She rubbed the sleepiness out of her eyes. 'Sasuke, please wake up.'

Sasuke eyes twitched a bit. Sakura put her hand on his forehead. Back to normal, but why isn't he waking up? Sakura smiled. He was tired.

She looked outside the window, never leaving Sasuke's side. Dark. It was dark outside. It's like home except for the floating white blobs and wise monks at places where things are never there.

Sakura turned her direction back to Sasuke again. 'What happen to him?'

"Sasuke..." she said in his ear. "... please wake up..."

She tucked in a strand of hair that fell on his face. She yawned and looked at the clock. 1:00 p.m.

She lay her head on the bed and fell asleep. "Sweet dreams, Sasuke..." she muttered.

In Sasuke's dream...

Sasuke was walking in a thick fog. It was useless to use the Sharingan in the fog's bog.

"Sasuke..."

A voice was calling him somewhere. He kept walking, finding the voice calling him.

"Sasuke..."

There it was again, only a lot closer. How dense was this fog anyway? He stopped. If he went further into the fog, he would lose track of whoever is calling him.

"Sasuke..."

Sasuke looked around the area. Nothing. Nothing. Nothing. Noth- wait! There was a black figure walking toward him.

"Sasuke..."

It was calling him. But who is it?

Sasuke got his guard up. He tried to grab a weapon, but his holster was gone. 'Figures.' he thought. Ninjustu would work if he can hit it. Taijustu is useless in the fog. Genjutsu? Maybe.

When Sasuke looked up that figure disappeared. He blinked and then froze. It was right behind him, waiting to be realized until now!

Sasuke put his hand into a fist and was about to punch the person behind him until he stopped.

Whoever this person is, it looked like Sakura. "Sakura?"

Her eyes lifted to him. "Sasuke..."

He unclenched his hand. "Sakura?"

She stepped up and whispered in his ear. "Sasuke... please wake up..."

End dream...

Sasuke's eyes popped open, then he relaxed. 'Strange.'

He checked around the room for a bit. His headband was on a lamp table, no wonder why he felt nothing in his head. There was a second bed next to his. So technically, it's a couples room.

Sasuke sat himself up only to find Sakura's head resting on his lap. He touched her soft hair while she was unconscious. 'Did she took care of me?'

He stopped for a minute and took his hand back. 'I don't like her! She's just a teammate, nothing more!'

Suddenly, he was starting to regret what he thought. She was more than a teammate, she was his friend. 'Boy, did I mess things up bad!'

'That's right, you idiot!'

Sasuke flinched. Where did that came from? He shrugged. Nothing.

'Hello! I'm talking to you, Sasuke Uchiha!'

Sasuke narrowed his eyes. 'Who are you?'

'I am your good side. One with emotion unlike you!'

Sasuke gritted his teeth. He going to kill himself for that. 'So, why are you here? To get me to show emotion and give up my pride? Not going to happen!'

'Oh, no! It's not like that!'

Sasuke smirked. Outsmarted him.

'I'm going to make you do it!'

'What!'

'Don't complain! I'm just going to switch with you, that's all!'

'No you can't do this to me!'

'I can and I will!'

Sasuke's body was shaking. A strange blue aura was cover his body like the curse mark. He had his hands on his head, trying to stop what his consciousness was doing, but it had it's full aura around him. Once that was done, Sasuke smiled for the first time. "I'm taking over, Sasuke!"

The real Sasuke was trapped in his own consciousness, fighting to get out. 'Let me out of here!'

His consciousness smirked. 'Not a chance, unless you change, you'll never get out!'

Sasuke looked over to Sakura. She's still asleep even after the switch. He shook her shoulder, gently. "Sakura... wake up..."

"Hmm...!"

Sakura sat up and rub her eyes. "What? Oh, good morning, Sasuke-kun! How are you feeling?"

He smiled. "Great!"

Sakura blushed a little. He just smiled at her. The real deal! She got up and went in the kitchen to get something for him. While she was gone, the real Sasuke was really angry! 'What did you do!'

"Giving Sakura a chance. Why?" he asked.

Sasuke slapped his forehead, which he has no headband to slap on. 'You idiot! I can't smile and then go off in romantic way!'

He smirked. "That's your problem. Mine is much more different than yours."

Sasuke raised a brow. 'Such as?'

He put a finger on his chin, playfully. "Oh, I don't, how about... kissing Sakura!"

Sasuke shuddered. 'Are you crazy! You can't do that!'

He smiled, evilly. "And what if I did kiss her, huh? What are you going to do, Sasuke-kun?"

Sasuke clenched his hand into a tight fist. 'If you do, I swear I'm going to kill you! Just you wait!'

He shrugged. "Change or deal with it. Your choice, Sasuke, cause there's no way you're getting out!"

'Fine!'

Sakura came back from the kitchen with a bowl of soup and milk for herself. "Sasuke-kun! Look what I got for you!"

Sasuke grabbed his headband and tied it on. "What is it?"

She giggled. "Close your eyes. No peeking!"

He closed his eyes and waited for the surprise. Sakura grabbed the spoon from the bowl and blew on it softly. "Say 'ahh.'

Sasuke opened his mouth. "Ahh..."

She fed him the soup and he licked his lips. "Mmm..."

"Do you like it?"

He looked at her. "I like it."

She smiled of satisfactory. "Thanks!" then she put the bowl aside. "Once you're done changing, we can go to the spring fair together, if that's okay with you?"

Sasuke was already out of bed and taking off his shirt. "Sure! Can we go somewhere else, like the... cherry blossom lane?"

Sakura nodded. "Okay!"

For a second she blushed. She has got to get out of here before it gets too revealing. She walked out of the room and waited outside. Sasuke already had his shirt off. "What's with her?"

Sasuke growled. 'Hello! You were changing in front of her! That's just wrong!'

He smirked. "You want me to go naked and hurt your precious pride?"

Sasuke was humiliated at that. 'No! Don't you dare do that!'

"Then deal with it!"

Sasuke sat quietly in his mind. 'Wait till I get my hands on you!'

"Heh."

From out the window, Sakura was calling for him. "Sasuke! Are you ready yet?"

He quickly put a new shirt on and ran out the door. "Coming!"

Sasuke closed the door and walked toward Sakura. "Ready!"

Sakura looked at him suspiciously. "Are you okay, Sasuke? Because you seem more... cheerful."

He smirked. "I'm fine, Sakura. I'm just excited that's all."

Sakura smiled a little. "Okay. Let's not waste time!" she took his hand in her's and ran off with him.

Naruto and Kiba...

Kiba was stunned from that. "H...how can they die, just like that? I mean, there has to be a reason why?"

Naruto gritted his teeth. "No, there is no reason to that. Nothing."

Kiba walked up to him and punched him. "Snap out of it, Naruto! There must be a reason!"

Naruto rubbed his cheek. That's the same place where Sasuke hit him. He punched Kiba back. "There is none! They're gone! T-they're gone..."

Naruto fell to his knees. "They're gone... forever."

Kiba sighed. Naruto just can't understand things that are around him. He grabbed his arm and lift him up. "Come on. I found a clearing in the middle of the woods, maybe we can find a clue where Sakura and Sasuke gone to."

Naruto sniffed. "Do you think we'll find them there?"

"I hope so, Naruto, I hope."

Kiba and Naruto jumped through branch to branch. Although Naruto was at top speed, he tripped on a twig and fell on the ground face first. Kiba stopped and sighed. 'What an idiot.'

Naruto covered his face. This was not his day. He looked around and found the clearing Kiba mentioned. He walked over there. "Whoa... this place looked like a fireball just landed here!"

Kiba walked by him and picked up the ashes in his fingers. "Hmm... judging the warmth of the ashes, he or she must have been here... 4 hours ago."

He cocked his head to one side. "Well, maybe it was Kite?"

Akamaru was sniffing around the area, finding Sakura and Sasuke, until his nose bumped into a basket. "Woof! Arf! Bark, bark!"

Kiba looked up. "What is it, Akamaru?"

"Bark!"

"What?"

Kiba walked where Akamaru is and picked up the basket. "Herbs? And a ribbon?"

Naruto looked at him. "What!"

Kiba held out the ribbon and basket. "This must be the basket Sakura was using to pick herbs and Sasuke must have dropped this after this happened."

Naruto touched the ashes. "Were they destroyed? Or-"

He smeared the ashes off and red droppings of dried blood on the ground. "Or being transported to a different place?"

Kiba grabbed Naruto's hand. "Here." he put the red ribbon in his hand. "Give this to Sasuke when you see him."

Kiba summoned his chakra and he disappeared with a poof. Naruto looked at the ribbon in his hand. 'Sakura... Sasuke... I'll find you both even at the cost of my life!'

Then Naruto hopped off to Kite's house. If he lived here, he has to know how to get there. He knock on the door hard like there was tsunami coming. Kite opened the door with annoyance. "What do you want?"

Naruto grabbed his collar. "Tell me how to get to the Spirit World!"

He sighed. "Didn't you see the paper?"

"What paper? All there was just scraps of it!"

"To bad. That was the only way to get there. Luckily, I kept a copy of it." He dug into his pocket and revealed the paper. "Now can you let go of me?"

Naruto grabbed the paper and dropped him. "Alright!"

He ran off to the clearing to retrieve them. Kite dust off the dirt. "That fool. He has no idea that once you're in the Spirit World, there's no way to get out."

The Spirit World...

Sakura was having the time of her life. First the roller coaster in the front seat. Next, the sweet taste of cotton candy in her mouth. Last, winning a stuff animal from Sasuke! This is heaven...

Sakura and Sasuke were on the roller coaster in the back seat, feeling happy. It went on a U turn and was about to drop. Sakura looked down and gasped. They were really high and was about to drop. Sakura cling onto Sasuke and screamed while going down. "Wwaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhh!"

Sasuke kept one hand on the safety bar and the other on Sakura's waist. The real Sasuke was covering his ears. 'Why are you doing this to me?'

'Because you need to soften up a little. Sakura has loved you since 12, you can't ignore her forever.'he though.

Sakura clung onto him tighter. "Sasuke!"

Sasuke can't wait for the ride to end. 'Her screaming is killing me!'

He brought her closer to himSakura buried her face into his chest. He put his head on top of her's. "Sakura, relax. It's just a ride."

She looked up and saw his face close to her's. Their lips almost met, but she pulled away blushing from that. "Yeah, I know that, but I'm scared of heights."

The ride was over and Sakura got out shaking a little. Sasuke held her hand for help. "Want to go on another ride?"

She sighed with relief. "Sure. Just a ride without high heights."

He smiled. "Sure..."

Sakura ran down the stairs with Sasuke, being pulled by her, to the ride. The Ferris wheel. Her favorite ride. Ever since she was little, she rides the Ferris wheelwith Ino. This time, instead of Ino, it's with Sasuke.

Sakura aboard the ride with glee and Sasuke smirked at her delight. 'She's just like a child. I feel great to feel outside the box!'

'Yeah at least you're having fun...' he muttered.

Sasuke sat down next to Sakura and she was looking at the view. "Ahh... just the same as always..."

He looked at her. "What are you looking at?"

She turn her attention to him. "The sunset. It always remind me of my mother's eyes."

"Your mother?"

"Yeah. My mother use to ride with me while I was little. Ever since then, I've been riding with Ino most of the time and then myself when she spends time with Shikamaru." Sakura looked back to the sunset. "Sometimes..." she muttered.

"Sometimes what?"

She turned her direction back to him again. He had curiosity in his eyes. "Sometimes it can get lonely when friends are busy with training or dating."

Sasuke looked down. 'She has been lonely for most of her time. I said that we're not alike, but I guess, sometimes, we are.'

He slid his hand on her's. "I'm here, Sakura. You're not alone anymore. I can make it go away..."

Sakura touched her arm. Those scars have been there for a while. "Can you... can you get rid of these scars? They have been my worst memory for sticking up for myself."

"I can't. But I have a surprise for you later in the lane." he touched her arms where the scars that were made long ago. "I promise you'll like it."

Sakura blushed. 'He's... he's touching my arms...!'

She pulled her arms back and wait for the ride to end. The conductor opened the door to let them out for the next people to enjoy. She walked down the steps, holding a small white dog. 'Is this really Sasuke? He a little more... open and... kind to me. Maybe I'm just imagining things or...' she turn around for Sasuke to catch up. '... or he really opened his heart...'

Sasuke was taking his time going down the steps. He notice that Sakura was staring at him like he was hypnotizing her. "What?"

Sakura snapped out of it. "Huh? What?"

He looked at her with confusion. "Why were you staring at me?"

She made up a quick excuse to this. "Uh... nothing just, waiting for you that's all."

"Okay..."

Sakura and Sasuke were walking on a path to the cherry blossom lane. Sakura was still confused by Sasuke's sudden change while he was having a conversation with his other half.

'Why did you touch her like that! You can't just grab her like that!'

'Well, I can! I'm in control! If you can soften yourself up-'

'Yeah, yeah. I get it already! That's not the point! I'm talking about is she's not a play toy for a jerk like you!'

'Ohh...! Being overprotective, huh? Well can you handle more what I got in store?'

'What are you-? Wait you're not serious! You're actually going to do it!'

'Yes, why wouldn't I?'

'Don't you even dare doing it! This will ruin my reputation!'

'Deal with it!'

Sasuke and Sakura are in the lane. Sasuke, being a gentleman, let Sakura sit first on the bench. He sat down next to her and put his arm around her waist. Sakura looked down and blushed a little. He was enjoying the view of falling petals in a rhythmic way. She put down the dog and forced a breath out. "Sasuke...?"

"Yes?"

She looked at him, right in the eyes. "Are you okay? I mean are you really okay?"

"I'm fine, just in a good mood, that's all."

She's still a little suspicious about why he's in a good mood. Sakura shrugged it off for now. She can just relax and enjoy the time. Sasuke, on the other hand, he has other plans to deal with. "Sakura...?"

"Hmm...?"

Sasuek grabbed her chin, gently, making her face him. "Can you close your eyes for a minute it's nothing really special, but I think you'll like it."

Sasuke was about to faint. 'You're really are going to do it!'

He did it slowly to enjoy every minute of Sasuke's fainting process. Sakura had her eyes closed already and was waiting for her surprise. Sasuke closed his eyes and put his lips on her's. Sakura opened her wide eyes. 'Sasuke-kun!'

Sasuke felt a pleasurable tingle on his lips. 'This can't be happening! He's doing this just to annoy me!'

Sakura's eyes were beginning to droop. She loved Sasuke for more than 4 years, this year, he had fallen for her. She closed her eyes and enjoyed the kiss. Sasuke felt a little pressure and sweet taste of Sakura on his lips. 'Mmm...'

"Mmm..." his consciousness moaned. Never in his life has he experienced a real kiss from a girl. Can't blame him for being behind a barrier wall. He had his eyes closed, but his other half seems to enjoy the sweet taste. 'Looks like he's enjoying it. Another day wouldn't hurt to be outside the box.'

Sasuke stopped the kiss for air. Sakura almost fell back from the pleasure on her lips. Her eyes were still closed when he caught her. 'She fainted! Good job there, genius! How are we suppose to get home now?' Sasuke had his arms crossed. His scowl deepened.

"Don't worry! This can't get any worse!"

A bunch of ninjas appeared out of nowhere with their weapons ready for attack. One of the ninjas came out of the shadows and appeared in the light. "Are you Sasuke Uchiha?"

Sasuke held his ground. 'I think things has gotten worse now!'

'Ya think?'

"Oh, boy..." he muttered. The ninjas jumped up and was about to attack, but a guy appeared out of no where. Sasuke growled. 'Hey, it's...!'

The figure was in the shadows covered from the dust until he stepped out.

Naruto...

He was taking his time for the teleported trip he needed to find Sasuke and Sakura. He took a deep breath, then he bit his thumb and slap it on the ground. From the blood that was distributed, a white ball hovered in front of his face and expanded. "What the-!"

The ball of white covered Naruto's whole body. "Gaahh! The light! It burns!"

Suddenly, Naruto landed on the ground with an, "Oof!"

He rubbed his head and looked around. The white ball was gone, there was monks everywhere, and blobs of white are hovering over his head.

Naruto ran to a monk, who was sitting under a tree. "Hey! Do you know where I can find a girl that has pink hair with a fierily temper and a boy that has black hair with a fan on his shirt?"

The monk opened one eye. "Go to the spring festival. I believe they are there, in trouble perhaps."

"Thank you, uh... what's your name?" Naruto asked. "Lei. Lei Goken the monk."

Naruto was about to leave until he remembered something. "Hey! Aren't you that guy that smeared your kunai on Sakura's arms years ago?"

He stood up with his hands folded together. "Yes indeed I am, but I died at the age of 25 from a assassin."

"Well, thanks, Lei!" and he ran off to the festivities. Lei smiled at him. "Spunky."

Naruto arrived at the festival. Now to find the cherry blossom lane. There was a sign and an arrow that's leading to the lane. He ran on the pathway only to find two figures together and 12 other figures surrounding them. Naruto ran with chakra in his shoes and kicked the leader and gang with a good kick. The figure saw him knock down the gang. "Naruto!"

Although he was covered with dust and hidden in the shadows, Naruto can't help but answer. "Sasuke-teme?"

"Naruto come out of there! You don't know what you're doing!" Sasuke left Sakura by the nearest tree, hidden from the battle. Naruto jumped out of the dust before a random ninja almost slash him with a kunai.

"Naruto! Get out of the way!" Sasuke shouted. Naruto jumped away and he inhaled. "Fire Style! Fireball Jutsu!"

He blow out a giant fire ball in front of the ninjas. "GGGgaaaaaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhhhh!" the ninjas yelled out from the burning blazes of the fireball. "Let's get out of here!"

Every ninja left, but the leader still stands. "Is that all you got?"

Naruto summoned his chakra. "Kage Bushin no Jutsu!"

At least a dozen of Naruto surrounded him. "Don't get cocky, boy! This is no game you're playing!" He grabbed him sword. "Mikazuki no Mai!" three copies of himself went after Naruto's clones and sliced them up. Naruto was tossed in the air. "Wwwaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhhhh!"

"Naruto!"

Naruto landed on his back. A little blood came out of his mouth. "Gahk!"

Sasuke grabbed his kunai out of his holster and charged at him. The person holding the blade put up his sword ready to block. Instead of going head on, he turned to the left side and stabbed his back.

He fell forward looking dead. Sasuke wiped off the blood on his cheek. "That was easy. To easy... Oh, no... Naruto behind you!"

He looked behind him and he was ready to stab him. "Got you now!"

"I don't think so!"

He stabbed Naruto and he disappeared. "A clone!"

"Take this!"

Naruto kicked him up in the air, like a soccer ball, did a back flip, and kicked him with his front foot. "Sasuke! Heads up!"

Sasuke jumped in the air and kicked his head down. Face first to the ground. He spit out the blood. He's done. What a weakling. Sasuke picked up Sakura in his arms. "What happened to Sakura!" Naruto asked.

"She fainted from excitement on the roller coaster. I think she had enough for today..."

Naruto looked at her arms. "Those scars... I found one of the thugs who scared Sakura, but he's dead and in rest now."

'Good! Let's keep it that way!' Sasuke blurted out.

"Let's go back, Naruto..."

He smirked. "Yeah! But... where?"

Sasuke beat his head. "At our house, idiot!"

"Wait you didn't- you actually didn't do it, did you!" Naruto gasped.

"It's not what you think, Naruto! We're-"

"Augh! That's sick, Sasuke! Augh!" Naruto hacked.

Sasuke wacked him again. "Naruto! I didn't do it! I didn't have sex with Sakura! We both live together because we're stuck here! Does that make sense to you?"

Naruto rubbed his face. Twice in one day he's been punched by Sasuke. "I get it already."

"Good!" Sasuke was already walking. Naruto jogged up next to Sasuke to return to the rented house.

Inside the house...

Naruto kept an eye on Sakura while Sasuke made dinner. She was asleep, exhausted from today's excitement. Sasuke brought out ramen for Naruto and just a tomato for him. 'At least it's not sweets.' he muttered.

Naruto grabbed the ramen and started slurping with his bad manners. Sasuke took a bite out of the tomato. It squirted out a little juice from it's soft skin and landed on Naruto's cheek. "Oops!"

Naruto wiped his cheek. First the punches, now this? He suck up the warm soup in his mouth and spit it at Sasuke's face.

"Koff, koff...! Naruto! What was that for!" he wiped his face with a towel to get rid of the burning on his face. Naruto licked his lips from the leftover soup in his mouth. "Payback, Sasuke!"

"Is that so? Well then, have some more!" Sasuke pushed the rest of the tomato onto his face. "Eat this, Naruto!"

"Aaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhh! fresh fruit! It taste-!" he took a bite out of it. "- Good!"

Sasuke just smirked. 'At least he tried something.'

Naruto ate the rest of his ramen then grinned evilly. He dumped the rest of the soup on Sasuke's head. "Hope this helps!" "Gaaaahhhhh! Naruto!"

Soon, Sasuke was chasing after Naruto around the house with the bowl still on his head while Sakura was starting to wake up. "Ugh..."

She sat up in bed. Naruto was on the ground, covered in bruises. Sasuke came in with a towel on his head, without a shirt on. Sakura blushed from the past memory. "H-hey, Sasuke? How did I get back home and how did Naruto get here?"

He took the towel off his head. His hair was in a messy style that made him look stunning. "I'll tell you later... but for now, let's have a good night sleep."

She smiled. "Fine."

Naruto woke up from that thrashing. "Ugh... Sakura...?"

She turned to the other side. "Naruto, are you okay?" Naruto got up and rubbed his head. This really isn't his day. "I'm fine just... got a headache."

"Naruto why don't you sleep in my bed." she asked. "O-okay." he climbed in and pulled the covers to his neck and fell asleep. Sakura tucked in the covers to make him more comfortable. She only wants one day with Sasuke, but that's never gonna happen. She can't remember anything except the cherry blossom lane and a passionate feeling.

Sasuke came to her for a talk. He took her shoulders. "Sakura, you're not enjoying this are you...?"

She glanced at him and shrugged his hands off. "Sasuke... I don't want to go back, but... I miss my friends. This place is amazing! I couldn't go after this!"

He sat down near the window, looking at the hard frosted rain. "Sakura, I know you're sad that you miss everybody, but we can come back after we get out."

"I know that."

He turned his direction toward her, but she disappeared. "Sakura?"

She was outside playing in the rain with her clothes getting wet. She was splashing in the puddles, sticking out her tongue for the drops, and laughing for joy. Sasuke ran out the door and joined her. "Sakura!"

Sakura stopped her cherished play time. "Sasuke? What is it?" Sasuke took her in his arms and spun her around. "Whee!" she said.

He put her down. "Is this another childhood memory?" Sakura looked at him. His hair was damp soak from the rain that made it fall to his face. "Yeah, but it was just me only enjoying the rain."

'I wish I was there to cheer her up.' he whispered. Sasuke had his eyes on her's since he came out. Sakura got out of his arms. "Sasuke, are you enjoying the rain, it doesn't look like you're having fun."

The real Sasuke struggled to answer for him. "No..."

"Well since you're not having fun..." Sakura crouched down, her hand in the puddle. "Take this then!" she splashed water at him. It gotten on his face. Wiping the dirty water from his face, he saw Sakura was gone. "Right behind you, Sasuke!"

"Huh?"

He turned and Sakura hit him again. Instead of covering himself for protection, he splashed her back. She recoiled from the muddy liquid on her face. Sasuke scratched his head. 'I need a shower tomorrow.'

Getting rid of the water from her face, Sakura wiped the mud off his face that covered his headband. Sasuke didn't notice until now that he was covered in mud himself. She was clean, but soaked from the rain. "Sasuke, you need a shower now. You're covered in mud!"

He looked at himself. What a mess he turned out to be! He wiped off some of the mud so he can go inside later. "Don't worry, Sakura. I'll change when we get inside."

Sakura grabbed his hand and walked back in. "I'm getting tired. It must be at least 11."

Sasuke and Sakura opened the door quietly for them to sneak past Naruto without waking him up. Sasuke changed in the bedroom while Sakura changed in the bathroom. As soon as they were done, Sasuke showered and went to bed while Sakura slept on the couch. She wants them to have a good night sleep even if it mean giving up her bed to Naruto. She already had her pillow and blanket with her, but something bothered her... something big.

CRASH! BOOM! BOOM!

She scrunched up in a ball. Lightning. The one thing she hated about was lightning. Sakura went over to Sasuke and shook him gently. "Sasuke... Sasuke...?"

He woke up. "What is it, Sakura?"

"Sasuke c-can I sleep with you tonight?" she stuttered. Then the lightning went again and Sakura jumped. She hung onto Sasuke like she was a child. "Please, Sasuke? I'm scared..."

Sasuke sighed and patted her back. "Don't worry, Sakura, I'm here. You can sleep with me tonight."

She didn't let go. Only soft sniffles were making noise. His shoulder was slightly damp and she was shivering. Only crying can do that. She really was afraid of lightning. He put her down gently next to him and wrapped his arms around her for comfort. Eventually, Sakura fell asleep in his arms. Not even the loudest lightning would wake her up. Although Sasuke can go to sleep his other half seemed more displeased. 'Okay, the fact is that she's scared, but you don't have to put my arms around her!'

In his mind, two figures stand there, talking to each other like they were brothers.

'Well, what choice do I have? She's scared and she needs comfort from her crush.'

'Whatever. I don't see the point of actually falling in love with Sakura. Why do I even need her?'

'Why? Because one: you want to restore your clan. And two: to unlock your emotions. You need feelings to understand people care besides being a brat that struts around acting like a bad boy.'

'Hey!'

'Oh! And one more thing, I'll let you out for tomorrow. If you change before the sun goes down, you can live your life again.'

'And what if I don't change before then?'

'Then... you'll never come of here!'

'Ha! I'll change before then! This will be easy!'

'Are you so confident that it will be easy? Love is not like a fairy tale you know. It's not that simple.'

'We'll see about that... I'll restore my clan. I'll destroy my brother and have my revenge. This will be like a mission.'

'If you compare missions and falling in love together I would say it's a... S rank mission.'

Sakura shifted and cuddled near Sasuke, shivering a little. He opened his eye slightly and smiled. She's not shaking much, but he thinks the shiver means that she's cold. The reason why is because she tossed the top half of the blanket beside her. He grabbed the blanket and cover her shoulders. Her shivering stopped and she wrapped her arms around him. Sasuke had his eyes opened completely. "Ugh..."

He was red, burning with embarrassment. 'Okay, it's gotten worse. If Naruto wakes up, I'm done for!'

'Don't worry. He's fast asleep, talking in his sleep.' he tighten his hold on Sakura, gently. If you hear really carefully, you can hear Naruto murmuring. "... I love you ramen... no I love you...! ... mmm... delicious..."

'That idiot. He's dreaming about ramen. At a time like this!' Sasuke groaned.

He closed his eyes and went to sleep. Sakura moan and snuggle onto his chest, feeling comfortable as ever. "...Sasuke..."

The next day...

The real Sasuke was still asleep in Sakura's arms. She was still asleep also, but woke up. "...Sasuke..."

He only twitched for a second then relaxed. She got one of her arms out of his grasp and touch his face. "Sasuke... wake up..."

"Mmm..." he murmured. "Just 5 more minutes, mom..."

'Mom!' she thought. "Sasuke, wake up...!" Sasuke's eyes were starting to open. "Huh...?" then he realized he was still in bed with Sakura and him hugging like a couple. He let go of Sakura and got out of bed quickly. "S-sorry..."

He only got out of bed because he thought Naruto was watching. Sakura was still in bed, combing her hair until she notice something. "Huh? Why is there green in my hair? And why is there a mark on my shoulder?"

Sasuke took a strand of her hair. "It is green. How did this happen?"

Then Naruto came out of the kitchen. They both looked at him. "Naruto...!"

He looked at them strangely. "What?"

Sasuke started dragging Naruto back into the kitchen and put him in a headlock. "Okay Naruto, why did you dye Sakura's hair green?"

"I don't know what you're talking about! I was in the kitchen making myself some breakfast!" Naruto got out of Sasuke's grasp. "Besides, I saw you and Sakura in bed, hugging each other!"

He blushed. "That's because she was afraid of the lightning. She came to me for comfort that's all."

Naruto nudged him on the shoulder. "Come on, say it! You know I'm right!"

Sasuke just punched him. "I don't have to!"

Suddenly, Sakura squealing went in the kitchen. "This is so cute! I love it!"

Sasuke and Naruto came out of the kitchen to see her posing in front of a mirror. She was wearing a sea green with blue complement dress that came to her knees. Her hair was cut short again. The remains were on the floor in little groups of green. Green! Naruto looked at her for a second. Green hair? He took a strand of her hair in his hand. "Sakura, how did- why did you- how did your hair turn green?"

"Well, the mark must have changed me." she turned her frame so that the comma like marks showed. "I didn't know what happened, but I'm liking it!"

Naruto released the strand of lush. "Well this is a new change in you, but what if it stays like that when we go back?"

She touched the mark. "I don't think so. Maybe this is temporary when I'm in the Spirit World to long."

Sasuke just notice something else that's different while Naruto and Sakura talked. The dress. It's sticking onto her body and little scales are appearing. Her feet were starting to fade also. 'What is with this mark? It's spreading like wildfire.' he thought.

He decided to find out in the library. He rushed past them and ran out the door, leaving with the door hang ajar. 'I got to find out now before it covers Sakura whole!'

Sakura shut the door behind her leaving Naruto at home to rest. He caught a cold, even in summer you can get them still. She's only going out to buy some medicine for him. Once Sasuke left, Naruto started sneezing all of a sudden then his nose had a tinge of red.

"Poor Naruto..." she said. She went in the market and looked for the medicine. "Colds... colds... aha! Found it!"

She took hold of the bottled cure that was fill with strange silver liquid. "A dollar and fifty cents, huh?" she payed up front and left. A shadowed figure was following her out the store with yellow eyes glowing.

Naruto was in bed, staring at the ceiling bored. Colds. They always been less helpful in most situation, but this is even worse. "Stupid cold..."

But he smirked at Sasuke, getting more attention from Sakura may drive him jealous. Even though a cold is a good excuse to miss training, he wants to smell the fresh air again. Good thing the window was open. "Cough, cough!"

'Hurry, Sakura! I don't to be in bed forever!' he thought as he went to sleep.

Sasuke...

He was reading through a book with red and black backgrounds on the front cover. By reading it, he discovered there were steps in the curse mark.

1. The user's hair and eyes turn into opposite colors

2. Who's clothes are turned into scales

3. The feet disappear and a tail is grown

4. He/she grows sharp teeth with fork tongue

5. His/her body length is doubled and he/she grow to the height of 22 feet.

6. When all these steps are complete, the mark will shift to the middle of the forehead.

Sasuke closed the book and shuttered. She's transforming into a snake! Not good. Definitely, not good. She'll be destroyed by the spirits that died here. Also, they'll never return unless she's cured. He ran through the pages to find a cure. On page 215, it said:

"From the mark it will grow,

Take the stab and let it go.

The curse will disappear,

from first love kiss appears."

Sasuke looked at it as if were crazy. 'What is with this book?'

On the bottom paragraph, a English version translating the first.

"The mark will grow more powerful with every minute, only the purest sword called 'Stab' will break the curse. The curse will disappear if the welder is it's first love only. By stabbing it straight on the forehead, it's turns back into it's regular form."

He just now figured it out. This is getting worse. Way, worse. Sakura will be half snake when she's out. If she still has some energy left, there's no way he can stop her. He left without looking at the last paragraph to the rest.

"The only way to get rid of the curse is to kiss the victim. This can only work if it's unconscious. The curse's effect will revert back to it and disappear for the next 2 years."

He ran to their rent house. 'Gotta get there and tell Sakura what it is! If she transforms now, there's no way to get her back.'

He unlocked the door and opened it in a rush. "Sakura!"

Naruto woke up from his slumbering. "Huh? What is it!"

Sasuke looked in every room. He got out of bed and placed his cap on the lamp table. "Sasuke-teme, what has gone into you! You just woke me up, screaming for Sakura and-" he stopped. Then he smiled evilly. "You do like Sakura!"

"Can we talk about this later! We need to find her first! Sakura's in trouble! Big trouble!"

Naruto cocked his head. "What kind of trouble?"

Sasuke told him everything. The curse's steps. The transformation. Everything. Naruto got into his clothes and put his shoes on. "We got to hurry! Sakura's already at the- at the- Achoo!" he sneezed. "At the herb shop! Let's go!"

Sasuke slam the door shut. Naruto and him crossed the bridges, hopped through trees, and past monks with shredded clothes. When Sasuke and Naruto finally arrived at the store, the place was covered with fire and shredded slashes in random places. Sasuke took a deep breath. "Fire style! Fireball Jutsu!" he blew fire at the store. Both fires made contact and burned out. The store was saved, but a shadow was lurking out of it. He stepped back for it to come out. With his guard up, he asked. "Sakura? Is that you?"

Her blue eyes appeared with a glowering glare. "Sss..."

Naruto took a step forward then she appeared out of the store. "Sakura!"

She slithered out. Her scales shine from the sun's rays and her fork tongue stuck out back and forth. "Sss..."

Naruto took two steps back. She slithered further and her head stood up. "Sss..."

'This is not good. Sakura's transformation is already complete! But, where's the mark?' Sasuke found out that the transformation isn't complete.

"Sssa... sssuke..."

He flinched. She can talk!

Naruto punched him. "Sasuke, wake up! This is no time to be dazing out!"

Sakura opened her mouth and was ready to eat them. They both jumped out of her attack only to get wrapped by her tail. Naruto and Sasuke struggled to get loose, but couldn't. "Hn...! I can't... get... free!" Naruto muttered. "Sakura! Let us go!"

'Naruto...!' her grip loosen a little, giving a chance for them to escape.

"Naruto! Now!" Sasuke called out as he tossed a kunai at her. It hit her side and she recoiled back. Naruto threw his shuriken and it hit her belly. Blood oozed out from the wounds. Sakura swung her tail at them. Sasuke jumped, but Naruto was tossed back. "Naruto!"

He slid and landed on the ground. "Ugh...! Sakura..."

Sasuke picked up Naruto and hopped off. 'Sakura's getting more vicious. Soon, it will be complete. I need to find the sword fast!'

He placed Naruto down on the bench. 'But where can I find Stab?'

The same monk that he met earlier answered for him. "You can find the legendary Stab in the purest lake, which is right next to you."

"How are you knowing my every thought? You aren't a mind reader, are you?"

The monk grabbed his shoulder and tossed him in the lake. "I think that is none of your business, boy. Look in there. I think you'll find what you're looking for."

Sasuke coughed out water and saw that the monk was gone. "Stupid monk..." he muttered as he climbed out of the water. "Woah!" he tripped on something that made him fall face first in the water again. He dug into the muddy water and grabbed it. He pulled it out and gasped. Stab! The legendary sword, Stab! But how did it get in the water? He'll have to put that aside, because Sakura is wreaking everything in sight. He got out of the water again, with Stab in his hand, and ran toward her destruction.

"Wwwwaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhh!" she cried. All the trees she been knocking down and the monks casting spells. Blood's been oozing down from head to neck, making her tired.

"Keep purifying it! It's almost dead!" they kept shooting spells until she fell at last. "Yeah! It's finally dead!"

All the monks and priests left leaving Sasuke at shock. A puddle of blood was forming. He took this chance and stab the mark on her forehead. The sword glowed and it transformed her back to her original form. Her dress wasn't scales anymore and her feet are back. Her sharp teeth became normal, but the curse mark is still there. Her wounds were still there, dripping out droplets. He had her in his arms, waiting for it to disappear, but it didn't. "Why isn't it disappearing?"

He remembered a word that said there was a cure. 'Kiss... I think.'

She is unconscious, nothing left but to do it. He pulled Sakura close to him and put his lips on her's. There was a little poison left in her mouth, but he took that chance. 'Please come back, Sakura! This can't end like this! I need you!'

The poison entered his mouth and it started taking effect. His head swayed back and forth until he collapsed. She was still in his arms so she fell on top of him. "Sakura... come back..."

Naruto...

"Where are they?" he said while jumping through crush down trees and smashed rocks. "Ugh... stupid cold..."

His vision was getting blurry. The headache made it harder for him to concentrate. 'Just a little further...!' he thought. 'Ugh...! Oh, no! I can't... move...!'

The cold is paralyzing his body function. His sight on Sasuke and Sakura turned blurry. "Darn it! Ugh!"

His vision became so blurry that he made contact with the tree. "Oof!" then he sank down again, unconscious.

Sasuke and Sakura...

"Ugh...! What happen to me...?" Sakura said while getting up slowly, out of Sasuke's arms. "Where... am I?"

She looked around the area. "What happened here? It looks like a monster came here and destroyed everything!"

She saw Naruto out of the clearing, it looks like his cold got the better of him. She ran over to him and shook him gently. "Naruto... Naruto..."

"..."

Sakura sighed. She pick him over her shoulders and walked back to Sasuke. She placed Naruto next to him. "Sasuke... wake up..."

He didn't wake up. Sakura felt his hand. His hand was cold. Dead cold. "Sasuke...! Wake up, please!" she shook him. He still didn't wake up. She put her head on his chest to listen for his heart beat. No pulses. "No! Sasuke!"

She had tears in her eyes, falling on his shirt. "Sasuke! Please come back! Please... come back, Sasuke..." she whimpered. "I love you..."

Her tears fell faster onto his shirt. She tighten her grip more. 'Sasuke... please come back... please!'

Tiny blue sparkles were hovering over his shirt. They entered into his body and started healing him. The poison disappeared and he was coming back to life. His eyes twitched slightly. Sakura opened her eyes and notice her hands are twinkling. She placed both hands on top of his chest and focused all the power she has into his body. "Bring him back! Please, bring him back!"

The sparkling stars made his body glowed. Soon, his eyes were opening. "...Ugh."

She still had her eyes closed, bringing him back. "Please come back...!"

Sasuke's eyes opened completely. Sakura stopped and she was panting slightly. He sat up, but she knocked him back down. "Sasuke! You're alive!"

She had her arms around his neck, tears dropping onto his shoulder. "Sasuke..."

He had nothing left to do but pat her back for comfort. "It's alright, Sakura. I'm here for you. I'm here..."

"I thought you were gone, Sasuke... I thought I'd lose you..."

Even though it's not his style, he hugged her. "Sakura, it's okay. Calm down, I'm here."

Her trembling stopped and she looked at him. "I'm glad you're alright, Sasuke."

"Yeah..."

They remain like that for about 3 minutes, but then Sakura started leaning in, her eyes closed. Sasuke know what she's doing. He closed his eyes and leaned in also. Their lips met. It was short, but sweet. "Mmm..."

They broke apart and Naruto woke up. "Ugh... What the-?"

Sakura had a little red on her cheeks. "Naruto, are you okay?"

Naruto had his hand on his head. "Yeah, but a little dizzy from the cold."

"Here. Let me help." Sakura placed her hand on his forehead. Five little stars went into his forehead, healing his cold and headache. Naruto was amazed. "Woah...! How did you do that?"

"I'll tell you when we get back home." Sasuke said. Naruto got up, feeling better than ever. Sakura got up as well, but when she took at least 2 or 3 steps she fell on the ground. Sasuke and Naruto turned around. "Sakura!"

One day later...

"Mmm..." she muttered. After healing Sasuke and Naruto, she never felt this tired in her life. Her eyes were still closed, no energy to open them at all. There was a little murmuring near her bed. It sounds like someone's talking about something. She rest a little while longer, until someone shook her gently. "Sakura...? Sakura..."

She opened her eyes slowly. "Mmm..."

"Hey, Sasuke! Sakura's coming around!" Naruto called out to him. Her eyes opened completely. "Naruto...?"

He hugged her. "Sakura! You're okay!"

"Naruto, get off! You're hurting me!"

He got off her and scratched the back of his head bashfully. "Sorry, Sakura. I got carried away, hehe..."

She sat up in bed and looked around. "It's okay, Naruto, but how did I get home?"

Naruto was digging in his pocket for something. "Sasuke carried you all the way here. He must have been really worried about you." he took out a box. "Here. He told me to give this to you when you wake up. He never told me what's inside it."

"Thanks." Sakura took the box and began to unwrap it. She gasped. "A necklace!" she held it out. It gleamed in the sun's rays making it more valuable. It was a cherry blossom necklace with golden chain and life like cherry blossoms. She put the necklace on and squealed.

Naruto covered his ears until she was done. "So that's what he got you! A necklace!"

"Hey, Naruto."

"What?"

"Do you like anyone by any chance?"

Naruto thought hard about this. "Nope!"

"Not one?"

"Well there is one girl I have an eye on, but she keeps running away from me."

Sakura groaned. 'That idiot! He has no clue it's Hinata!'

"Oh, yeah! I forgot Sasuke out getting lunch! Duh!" Naruto hit himself and he fell back of the chair.

Sakura got out of bed and lifted him up. "Naruto, you're such a klutz!"

"Hehe."

Sakura went outside, smelling the fresh air she missed. The light breeze cooled her. The pleasurable sight of the sea and the sun warming her face. She sighed sadly. This is all going away once she leaves. She sat down next to the waves that crashed on the land's surface. She dipped her feet into the water and sighed happily. "Aww..." she forgot how the water felt like. The little fishes swam around her feet, tickling her. Sakura giggled and stared out into the sea. "It's so beautiful!"

Someone sneaked behind and hugged her. She turned around and smiled.

Sasuke...

Since Naruto like the ramen from Ichiraku, he bought one for him. He carried it in his left hand because there was a special treat for Sakura in his right. 'I guess I was wrong about you, Sasuke Uchiha.'

He was walking back home for him to relax. 'So, can I live my life again?'

'How will I know that you're not going back as a cold hearted bad boy?'

'Don't worry. I know my lesson today. I'll spend more time with Sakura and get to know her, so relax.'

'My, my..! You have changed! A lot! But you're still level headed.'

'I'll take that as a complement.'

Sasuke took out his keys and unlocked the door. Naruto was on the couch, waiting for the right moment. He placed the bags down and sat with him. "Naruto, I got you some ramen. Aren't you going to eat it?"

He kept watching T.V. before Sasuke waved a hand across his face. "Hello? Earth to Naruto! Wake up!"

He turned his head. "What is it, teme?"

"Naruto aren't you going to eat your ramen?"

"Nope!"

"?"

"Hey, Sasuke-teme!"

"Huh?"

Sasuke turned around and Naruto was there, holding his ramen. "Fooled you!"

He turned his head back to Naruto. He smiled and then poof. He disappeared. "A clone?"

"Ha!"

"Hey, Naruto. Where's Sakura?"

"Outside in the backyard. Watching the sea."

"Thanks."

Sasuke grabbed the plastic bag he placed on the table and opened the back door. There she is, looking out at the sea her feet in the water looking carefree. He placed down the bag carefully and sneaked over to Sakura.

"It's so beautiful!" she said.

He got closer and hugged her. She turned around and smiled. "Hi, Sasuke-kun."

"Hi, Sakura-chan."

She giggled. "What are you doing out here?"

"Looking for you and I brought lunch." he let got of her and bring out the bag. "It's a special treat for you."

"Oh! What is it?" she asked.

"Close your eyes and guess what it is."

She closed her eyes. He waved his hand in front of her face. "Good."

He opened the bag and took out the bento boxes. He opened one of the boxes lids and grabbed a tiny piece of rice with the chopsticks. "Say ahh!"

She opened her mouth. "Ahh..."

He fed her. "Well?"

"It's rice from a... bento box? Am I right?"

"Yes! Can you guess the next one?"

He closed his eyes and put his lips on her's. Then he stopped for her to guess. She lick her lips. "A kiss from a hot teammate?"

"Correct."

She kicked her feet in and out, splashing water in the air. "Ready to eat?"

He gave her the bento box and he started eating his. She ate a little of her rice then stop to look at the sea again. He notice something different about her. Those scars. They're fading. She's using her gift to get rid of them. Why is that? Sasuke put aside his lunch and tapped her arm causing her to flinch at his touch. "Sakura, why are you getting rid of your scars?"

She touched the almost faded scars. "It's memories kept bothering me. If they're gone, I won't have to suffer anymore."

She continued the process and ate more rice. He couldn't do anything to stop it. What does he have to do? Beat up his brother with a bazooka? Toss Naruto in a lake infested with flesh eating fishes? Kick Lee's butt in a fight? Whatever.

"Sasuke...? Are you okay? Sasuke...?"

He was in some sort of daze experience. Sakura waved a hand in front of his face. "Sasuke! Wake up!"

"Huh?"

"You were staring at me. Is something wrong?"

"No. It's a bad habit. Nothings wrong."

"Well, I'm making sure if anything is wrong with you."

"Heh... I'm fine, Sakura."

She finished the remaining rice left and open the door. Naruto sat on the floor, polishing his kunai knifes from the last battle. She threw away her trash and sat next to him. "Hey, Naruto?"

"Hmm...!"

"That girl you mentioned earlier,"

He stopped polishing his dagger. "Yeah, and?"

She nudged him. "You like Hinata, do you?"

"So that's her name. Hinata. It always escapes me whenever I'm on a mission or training with Jiraiya-sensei."

"Don't ask why, but I think you should,"

She whispered in his ear. "And then... after that... got it?"

"Got it! Operation: Hinata Pinata starts tomorrow! Thanks Sakura!"

"Oh, Naruto. One more thing."

"Huh? What is it?"

"Stay away from Neji. He gets over protective on Hinata. That's why she's kept guarded."

Naruto put away his cloth in his pocket. "Gotcha! Stay away from Neji."

Sasuke came inside, holding the plastic bag in his hand. "What's going on?"

Naruto opened his mouth. "We were talking abo-" Sakura covered his mouth and laughed nervously. "We were talking about how to get out of the Spirit World, right, Naruto?"

He took her hand off his mouth. "Yeah! Nothing more than that! Hehe he..."

He threw away the bag and sat down also. "Speaking of that, how are we supposed to get out of here?"

"Well, I found a little paragraph that tells where we can get out of here." Sakura pointed out. "The little paragraph said that if want to get out, we have to say the word Kai when we first arrived here."

Naruto punched a fist in the air. "Yeah! Now I can see Iruka-sensei again!"

"But..."

Sasuke banged his head and Naruto covered his head where the bruise is. "But, what?"

Sakura placed an ice bag on top of his head. "But, there's a catch, when we say the word Kai, a ogre will appear and wants proof that we're alive."

"Doesn't our headbands count as proof?" Naruto removed the ice bag from his head and wacked Sasuke back. "Take that, teme!"

She scratched her head. "True, but that wouldn't do. The ogre only accepts a strange pink bracelet that's only found in a cherry blossom tree."

Both of them are now fighting. Throwing punch and kicks at each other. "Hey! Are you even listening to me!"

Their little fight went outside out the door, scaring monks and priests passing by. She sighed. "They're never going to stop are they?"

Sakura locked the door and went after them. "Sasuke! Naruto! Cut it out! You're 16 for Pete's sake!"

Kiba and Akamaru...

They already crossed the gate back from their exploit mission. "Hey, Akamaru? Do you think they found her yet?"

His whining was his answer. Kiba laid back on the tree. "I hope so, Akamaru. It might have been crazy, but it was a little fun fighting that Kite guy."

"Bark! Arf!"

He patted his head. "Yeah, let's look for Hinata. Maybe we can go out for lunch together."

Akamaru got into his jacket. "Woof! Bark, bark!"

"Come on. Let's find her!"

The Spirit World...

Sakura looked in the cherry blossom tree, searching for the bracelet. 'The book said that the bracelet is found in a cherry blossom tree when Yin and Yang circle each other. What did it mean?'

She looked out in the opening. "Those idiots. Do they ever stop?"

Their battle became so intense, people gathered around and her teammates were kicking up dirt. People were yelling and screaming for one of them to win.

"Yeah! Beat him up, Sasuke! Show him what you're made of!"

"Naruto! I'm betting all my money on you to win! Don't screw up!"

"Sasuke!"

"Naruto!"

"Sasuke!"

"Naruto!"

'Just ignore them, Sakura. It'll be over soon. Just find what you're looking for.' She hopped to the next tree and searched. 'Hey! Isn't this where I fed the fishes earlier?'

Two big fishes were circling around each other. One black. The other white. Sakura looked at them. "Yin and Yang?"

The two fishes continue to circle each other. The Yin and Yang symbol image appeared, spinning slowly as they swam around each other. She turned back to the tree and searched at every possible places. "If the fishes are Yin and Yang then that means-!"

She looked under a pile of blooming blossoms and there was the bracelet. "-It was here all along! Got to tell Sasuke and Naruto I found it!"

She jumped down and ran for the ruckus they're making. She put it on her wrist so she doesn't lose it. When she got there, people were crowding the view. "Get out of my way! My friends are in there!"

She pushed through the crowd until she was up in front. Still, Sasuke and Naruto were battling for dominance. 'Those fools! Can't they settle down for once?' she thought. "Sasuke! Naruto! I found what we're looking for!"

Both of them looked where Sakura is and jumped out of the circle. They grabbed her arms and started running away. "Hey! Where are we going! The entrance is the other way!"

"We know that! We have to lose the crowd first!" said Naruto. "It's the only way to lose them! We want to go as much as you do!"

"Did you found the bracelet?" Sasuke asked.

"Sure did!" she held up her wrist. The pigment colored ornament dangled up and down as they ran. They turned left at the corner and slip into the shadows.

"Hey! Where did they go! That guy owns me money!"

"Hey! Maybe they went this way! Come on!"

The angry mob went straight into the clearing. They sighed with relief. "Are they gone?" Sakura whispered. Naruto took a peek around the corner. "They're gone. We can get out now."

They got out of the squeezed tight corner and ran for the exit. "Come on! The mob might see us if we're out in the open to long!"

They manege to get to the sign without seeing the mob. "Ready?"

"Naruto we can't just do it separately! We need to say it together to get out!"

"Sakura's right. If we did it separately, then only one of us will go back to the other side."

"One, two, three!"

"Kai!" they said at the same time.

When they said the word, a strong wind blew in. From up above, a dragon flew down in a circle landing right in front of them. Naruto was amazed. "Woah..."

The dragon lowered it's head. "Are you the one's who called me?" it said in a low voice. It puffed out it's breath making Naruto fall down. Sasuke answered for him. "Yes we did. Will you take us back to the other side?"

The dragon turned his attention to him and glared. "What makes you think I will accept this request? You might be vengeful spirits wanting to escape as humans. Do you have proof that you're alive and not some trick?"

Sasuke returned the glare and stepped aside for Sakura to show him the ornament. She held up her wrist and he looked at it with his yellow truculent eyes. He brought his head back and got down for them to climb. "It is proof that you are real, but that boy, that boy is unique with his talent."

Sakura cocked her head. "But, aren't you supposed to be an ogre?"

Naruto was climbing up along his scales. Sasuke was already aborad. His head raised up to her eye level. "The book has many typos in it's literature. Instead of an ogre, I am a dragon name Kai. My duty is to take people in and out of the Spirit World."

Sakura fumbled with her fingers. "Um... Kai...?"

His eyes blinked. "Yes...?"

"Could I... may I... can I ride on top of your head...?" she stuttered, playing with her hair.

"Not many people rode my head in a 1,000 years. Only people that rode my head had courage to do it." he said, blowing out blue fire in the sky. It made a fiery circle showing a clearing where a basket and blue flower lay there. "Is that where you first came here?"

She nodded her head. Kai lowered his head again and she climbed up. His head rose and unfold his wings. He entered the portal and off they flew. Inside the portal was fascinating! It might be in fast motion, but Naruto thought it was cool. "Woah...!"

"You better keep your head in before you fall off into the nether world!" Sasuke said. Naruto reared back, afraid he might fall off. "Thanks for the info, teme!"

Besides the fact that they're fighting again, Sakura was amazed. "Wow...! You've been doing this for a 1,000 years! It must be amazing for people to see it!"

The blued scaled dragon had a feeble smile on his face. "People do enjoy the ride. That why I come in handy for this pleasure."

Sakura pat his head. "Must have been boring since people haven't ridden you for a 1,000 years..."

"Nah! A first this wasn't my choice, but they made me put into the position. I was turned into a dragon and been put by my duty to the test."

"So you were a human being before you became a dragon!" she gasped.

"Indeed I use to, but it's been fun being a dragon! You can fly and blow fire!"

"Well, ether way, I think being a human and a dragon is most fun."

"Hang on! We're almost there!"

Sakura, Naruto, and Sasuke clung onto him. The portal opened up and they went in. When they crossed to the other side, Kai flew up and then landed on the ground softly. "We have arrived."

Naruto and Sasuke jumped off him and waited for Sakura. She was climbing down until she slipped. "Wahh!"

Sasuke took action and caught her. She clung onto him, screaming. "Sakura. You can stop now."

She opened one eye and got off him. "Thanks, Sasuke-kun."

Kai was about to take off. "Wait!"

He fold his wings back. "What is it?"

Sakura held out a piece of chocolate. "Here. It's a thank you for taking us back."

His tongue slipped between his teeth and grabbed the little candy. His tongue tickled her hand. He ate the little candy. "I hadn't have one if these in a 1,000 years! Thank you for your generosity."

"You're welcome!"

He flew off into the portal and disappeared. Leaving them to find their sensei. After a while, they found their sensei sitting in a tree reading his indecent book. "Kakashi-sensei!"

"Yes?"

He was behind them. They turned around and sighed. "Can we go home?"

He assumed the position and they disappeared.

Next time... World of Water...

That's the end! So what do you think? Thanks for reading! Navy blossom