Disclaimer: I will not, ever, and I repeat ever own Naruto. Ever. Unfortunately. :(.

A/N: Uh...hi! Thank you for the reviews Darkhope (;D), SilverShadows92, Siri, gamegirl, fullmetal lover, Tee, Kanan com, and the anonymous person! I really appreciate everything all of you said, and I nearly teared because it made me very, very happy. :) Thank you so much everyone! Excuse my lack of updating skills, I had a lot of tests to study for (the first week) and this past week, ahhh God you wouldn't believe how many distractions there could be on a computer! Especially Naruto fanart. Yes, a tad obsessed I am. Maybe. Definitly. Right...so anway, I stayed up until 5AM writing this and barely got anything done cause I fell asleep too many times! And even taking a shower at 3AM did not help! I was ready to collapse...so thankfully, I finished this today. Anyway, enjoy this chapter and the next one will be out shortly. Ja ne. :)

Silent Tears

Chapter 2: Before The Journey

--


"Don't need this, don't need this….definitely don't need this!" Various items cascaded over his bedside, landing messily on the already unkempt floor. The owner of the items continued searching for anything of importance designed for traveling. After all, his mission began as soon as he was done packing, and he couldn't contain his excitement; as frustrated as he was. His thoughts were fumbling with sanity; Sasuke's answer to his question didn't make sense.

--

"But…you didn't answer my first question. ….Why did you...come back…?"
"….because…something Orochimaru said….opened my eyes…."

--

Naruto had stood there a good five minutes before deciding it was probably best to actually move. He had dragged himself up the stairs to his apartment; a troubled frown gracing his features. Grabbing the bag he usually took on missions brought him to where he was now; kneeling on his bed still searching for the items he required. His thought process was wavering, trying to decipher the many different implications his apathetic companion used behind those mere seven words. Of course, this was a difficult task for the simple-minded, and Naruto was definitely in that category; oh how he despised it. But there was always that chance Sasuke didn't intend for him to understand. It was a possibility, his mind reasoned; his expression thoughtful. But what the hell? That's stupid because he still didn't answer my damn question!

Naruto fumed. "Kuso….Sasuke I HATE YOU! I should ask Sakura-chan about this…but wait…no, I shouldn't tell her." Obviously Sasuke would tell her on his own time, if he wanted to. "Ha! I highly doubt that. It was hard enough getting him to talk to me. Imagine her ?" He contemplated this theory numerous times in his head before realizing he should be doing other things; namely packing. "CRAP!" He quickly threw himself onto the floor, rummaging around the mess and shoving random objects, that seemed important enough, in his ninja pack. Naruto regained his rightful posture as he stood up, slumping the now burdensome bag over his right shoulder. What the heck did I put in here, he thought curiously; completely oblivious to the fact he stuffed his entire ramen supply alongside the necessities, if there even were any. In his logical reasoning, Ramen was a necessity, and he would surely die without a bowl every now and then. Go figure.

The door was securely shut as a flash of orange whipped past, hurried feet pounding the few steps postponing his task. Bright azure orbs gleamed, the sun silently piercing the abrupt contact. Now cached in warm light, the blonde believed the mission would be a success. Konoha emanated tranquility; argumentative had it been three years earlier. Though serene, the village was not to be deemed irresolute. Individuals trained endlessly, waiting for the opportunity to arouse enemies. Most of Konoha's objectives had been reached, abhorring past mistakes; desire to redeem far greater than being craven. Naruto had been one of those individuals, never once losing hope or motivation to keep a promise that meant the word to him. A promise he couldn't have afforded to leave incomplete; his promise to Sakura. To bring back their misguided friend, Uchiha Sasuke. He remembered the day it was asked of him; how desperate the requester was.

--

The search for Uchiha Sasuke was about to start; Naruto, Shikamaru, Neji, Chouji and Kiba stole anxious glances at each other.


"Alright! Let's go!" Shikamaru said, the final command being authorized.

"Wait!" A smile voice cried out, foremost reaching Naruto's ears. He titled his head sideways, instantly freezing.

"Sakura-chan?"

"…"

"I heard the story from the Hokage. Sorry, but I can't take you on the mission." Shikamaru said, glancing at her; expression unreadable. "Even you couldn't convince Sasuke, right?" Naruto chose this time to gape; caught completely off guard. Shikamaru paid no attention to his stunned companion, continuing with seldom emotion. "Seems like we gotta force him to understand. Sakura, your job is done." Said girl stayed silent, her eyes seeking comfort at the ground beneath her.

"What…Sakura-chan, you already met with Sasuke!" Naruto exclaimed, quite baffled. He eyed her expectantly, awaiting her voice to prove him otherwise. She hesitated for a few moments before lifting her head to meet his gaze.

"Naruto! I beg you! Please…please bring Sasuke back! I couldn't do it…I couldn't stop him! The only person…who can probably save Sasuke-kun now is you…Naruto. Only you…"

His eye's widened slightly; softening at the pleading look the crestfallen kunoichi held. "Sakura-chan you really like Sasuke huh? I know how much pain you're in because of Sasuke. I can understand."

Tears spilt over her cheeks, swimming across her face to fall quietly off her chin. She wrapped her arms around her trembling body; sobbing pitiably. "Naruto…thank you."

"Don't worry! I'll bring him back! Promise of a lifetime!" Naruto flashed her his widest grin, a thumbs-up accompanying his determined promise.

--

Sakura has really changed since then, Naruto thought absentmindedly. She barely ever shows any emotions for Sasuke…and if she does, it's only because I'm in a fight with him or he happens to speak to her; very rarely on the last notion. Her strength increased immensely, and she's fought in exceedingly tough battles, but it would seem she's losing her ability to fight. Someone's been getting under her skin lately, and it sure as hell isn't me. That bastard Sasuke surely caused this! Naruto's head was spinning uncontrollably; his mind cursing. Lately, he's been paying more attention to her…I don't even understand why! God, if Sasuke hadn't appeared and I had been able to save him, things could have been a lot different; maybe Sakura would like me more.

Naruto smiled half-heartedly to himself. He hadn't kept his promise; he didn't need to. In actuality the ninja was relieved, Sasuke returned on his own; the sudden thought bringing Naruto back to their earlier conversation yet again. "Kuso…what did he mean? This is so annoying!" The pondering blonde continued to decipher his fellow shinobi's implication, deeply absorbed in his thoughts. He was already far beyond his home, lost within himself still to notice a familiar kunoichi's house in his line of vision. The presence of Chakra was overlooked as Naruto approached; ignorant.

"Naruto-kun?" The question literally ripped him from his thoughts, sending him stumbling over any last coherence before his temporary state of shock.

"W-wha-who…!"

"Naruto-kun! It's me, Sakura!" The pink-haired adolescent was looking at him strangely, worrying her lip as a heavy silence spread between them. What was wrong with him? His face was contorted into so many different expressions; she was having difficulty reading him. "N-Naruto-kun?"

A infamous grin spread across his face as she watched him; an act of acknowledgement on his part. "HIIII SAKURAAA-CHAAAAN!" He was ecstatic; she was the perfect interruption to disrupt his thoughts! He had been thinking about her anyway; his grin widened as she mirrored it, only without the stupidity.

"Naruto-kun, what are you doing?"

"Nothing really…just um….preparing a new jutsu!"

"A new jutsu?"

"HAI!" Naruto broadened his smile further, inwardly wincing at his stupid answer; a lie nonetheless. What the heck kind of jutsu am I doing anyway? Is there such a jutsu that tolerates your mind's split personalities and isn't bothered by the constant bickering, he pondered silently. Probably not, especially if it happens on it's own accord; then it's definitely not a jutsu.

Sakura let her sudden frown reflect her puzzlement. "What is it?"

"Uhhh….eh….it's um…." He lifted his arm, quietly scratching the back of his head with his hand to think. Naruto! Think damnit think! And that's just what he did. An idea weaved it's way through, entangling itself between his lips, a smirk replacing his discomfort. "…I'm not telling!"

"...What! Naruto-kun! Why not!" Sakura couldn't prevent the aggravation in her voice; something she rarely showed anymore.

"….I can't tell you 'cause I can only show you!"

"…." Sakura stood baffled, her eyes widening at the mischievous smile her friend was currently holding. "Sho-show me?" Uncomfortable tension formed in the pit of her stomach, leaving her vulnerable; awaiting Naruto's reply.

The words spilt over his lips, the waterfall lodging itself in the kunoichi's mind; uninvited. "…Come here, Sakura-chan." His voice had changed drastically, leaving Sakura in a helpless daze. It was husky, desirable, demanding her to walk towards him; his heated tranquil blues penetrating her reasoning. She numbly found her legs stride slowly forward; the situation incomprehensible to even herself. Eyes that enchanted her previously during their morning walk were driving her insane, her own jade orbs reflecting the emotion. Allowing herself even closer, their bodies nearly touching; Sakura's breath rapidly quickened, her heart beat slamming her nerves in all the wrong places. The anxiety-ridden silence carried on, their heated stares continuously drawing their faces closer; edging their lips foreword. Delicate lashes draped across her eyes, the curtains shielding Sakura from outside disturbances. Imitating her, Naruto slid his eyes shut; he could feel her quick breaths upon his face. Relishing the moment, he instinctively felt his arms lift towards her, wrapping themselves around her waist tightly. He brought her slender form into his own body, resting it between his curves.

"Sakura-chan….this is my new jutsu."

Her mind gaped, taking in several moments to comprehend Naruto's previous statement. That was it, she thought; disappointed. He just wanted to give me a hug? But he always does…how could this be a new jutsu? Is this even considered one? Sakura refused to open her eyes; fear of the delicate moment subsiding.

"Sakura-chan…" Naruto inhaled the strawberry scent he was so accustomed to whenever she was around him. It was almost intoxicating, and he wasn't feeling normal just then.

"Th…this is…" Sakura hesitated, her arms dangling confused at her sides. Naruto was waiting for her to continue, his heartbeat quickening. She could feel it; her own heart thumping savagely in response. "This is…y-your…new jutsu?" Her head was whirling now, the question out at last.

"Why…y-you wanted me to do something else?" The blunt tone in his voice blushed her cheeks furiously; her normal skin color unattainable.

"N-N-No!" Her own voice squeaked uncharacteristically, her answer easily argumentative. I thought he'd…he would have…oh God, Sakura thought. "I-I" The words died in her throat as Naruto's embrace suddenly tightened, chills present along her body. Before she could even blink, soft lips pressed against hers gently; the new sensation threatening to devour her. Jade eyes widened, staring blankly at the closed lashes in front of her. She was immobile, unable to respond nor react to the kiss which hesitantly attempted to deepen. But the inebriated feeling disappeared as his lips slowly left hers; the warmth fully gone, save for the memory. His cheek found hers as he buried his face in her hair once more; senses wavering as his passion heightened.

"….can I kiss you again," he breathed into her ear, triggering her chaotic nerves. Her body shivered in his arms as he pulled her into him more securely. "…Sakura-chan…."

"….." Her voice was gone; she was utterly helpless. He was asking her for permission to kiss again and she was disoriented, not able to answer him. Sakura's blush deepened as her face grew more heated; her heart constricting.

Naruto kept himself around her, nervous to breathe; millions of thoughts swimming in his head. He was amazed at how much he had longed to kiss her, how much he wanted her…needed her. Was he really this in love with her? It had developed strongly over the past three years, more so when Sasuke left them. He had almost been…happy, when it was just the two of them. His mind was torn in two, his heart heavy with guilt after he admitted that to himself. But he couldn't help any of it, he was so in love with Sakura; Sasuke had always been in the way. I need her, he thought. I don't want her to fall in love with Sasuke again…he doesn't deserve her love.

"…..N…Naru…to….kun….." Sakura couldn't believe how nervous she was; her breath was out of rhythm and her mind lost its coherence the moment he hugged her.

"….hmm?" Naruto's senses were raging; anxious.

"….I-I," She trailed off, mentally screaming at herself for acting so daft. After the reprimanding, she regained her composure and whispered the answer he had been awaiting. "….y-yes…."

His face instantaneously removed itself from hers and moved sideways; their lips meeting a second time. Sakura allowed her arms to lift; delicately draping them around his neck. All that mattered to her was their close proximity, the tingling sensation on her lips emitting from his touch. Her eyes slid closed without much effort, her mind wishing for the spell to never end. Entranced by his presence, she was losing herself quickly; dangerously. This was something she had longed for; this was what she had wanted. Naruto and her had become so close; closer than friends could ever be. It was almost as if they had been together the past year; but something had stopped Sakura from accepting those feelings. There were other ones present; in the back of her mind. At the moment, she'd temporarily forgotten about them; eased into her memory to access later.

Naruto gently pulled back to take a quick breath, eyeing Sakura intently. Sakura reopened her orbs to meet Naruto's; the gaze comfortably tense. She wanted to speak, but words failed her the longer she stared into his azure depths. What am I supposed to say, she asked herself timidly. Was she even supposed to say anything? Her eyes trailed to his lips, inwardly craving another kiss. Her stomach hadn't lifted from the floor; her nerves still flinging every which way. Sakura felt inclined to respond; the silence unrelenting. She met his gaze again, awkwardly rolling his name off her tongue.

"….N-Naruto-kun….?" Her voice pulled him out of his trance; alleviating his mind. The bitter solitude of his subconscious was getting rather restless.

"…..?"

"W-we….should get going….the-"

"OH CRAP! THE MISSION!" Naruto released Sakura non-too-gently and opted to grab her hand instead, dragging her forward at his hurried pace. Their feet barely touched the floor as they moved forward, scarcely having enough friction to turn right; flinging themselves down an alleyway.

"N-Naruto-kun! Why are we running?"

"'Cause we're late and-" Naruto's sentence was abruptly ended when he stopped short; Sakura's hand slipped from his as she found herself colliding with someone's body; the impact leaving her gasping. She stumbled backwards as hands shot out, placing themselves on her shoulders firmly. Her balance was steadied, forcing her to stand completely straight.

"I-I-I'm so sorry!" Sakura stuttered foolishly, her head lowered. Onyx eyes rested on her figure, awaiting the reaction she would give him once she saw who he was. The kunoichi slowly raised her eyes heavenwards, silently pondering who she carelessly ran into. She glowered slightly; technically, it was Naruto's fault. Though, she didn't have time to be getting angry at him. After a moment, she met his gaze, instantly gaping at the male in front of her. "S-Sas-Sasuke-kun?"

"….." He watched her expression; guilt was swimming around her jade pools. Why was she so uncomfortable; even this wasn't normal for Sakura. I want to see what's wrong with her, he thought; curiosity getting the better of him. "Sakura….what's wrong?" Kuso, he thought. I sound too concerned.

"…..what? W-what's wrong…?" Sakura was stunned; yet flattered. He cared enough to see she didn't feel like herself at all, or seem like it rather. It was the kiss…she couldn't allow herself to just brush it from her mind. She didn't want to. But her heart was drowning now, the ocean too deep for her to control.

"Sakura," Sasuke pressed, annoyed she didn't answer yet. Her eyes kept looking past him, at Naruto. The bastard was glaring at him; he could feel it. "What's wrong ?"

"N-Nothing….I…I just--"

"Whatever." Sasuke spat, roughly releasing his hands from her shoulders. He didn't care anymore, she didn't seem interested in him anyway.

"But Sasuke-kun-"

"TEME! I actually thought you were going to be nice for once. Of course I should have known it was a stupid act! You're so damn annoying!" Naruto yelled at him, furious at the way he ruined everything; including Sakura's demeanor.

"Shut up dobe. What I said is none of your business."

"ARGH!" Naruto was fuming, enraged at his best friend's answer. "Sasuke!"

"….." The raven-haired ninja made no move to acknowledge Naruto's call. He was occupied with the look Sakura was giving him; a pitiful one.

"DAMN IT SASUKE ANSWER ME!"

"….I don't care what you have to say."

"You will when I kick your-"

"Naruto-kun! Please…! Just…stop." Sakura was now focused on him, her eyes silently begging him to cease their nonsense. Her voice had been barely above a whisper, obviously upset with their constant bickering. Shame palpitated throughout his body as he nodded slowly; averting his gaze. I don't even know why me and Sasuke fight this much, he mused. We're supposed to be best friends, right Sasuke? But he really did know why they always fought; it was Sakura. She's between us and I don't want to lose her. Not to you.

"Come on Sakura-chan! We're already late!" Naruto gestured for her to follow him as he turned his back towards her; his stride quick.

"...Okay." Sakura flashed Sasuke a brief smile before hurrying forward, falling into Naruto's pace beside him. She wasn't entirely comfortable with the situation at hand, but she had no choice; she couldn't just back out of the mission. Although at the moment she really wouldn't mind thinking about it.

"Sakura-chan, this mission is probably really dangerous…." He titled his head towards her, his eyes filled with determination. "So I swear to protect you no matter what!" His face held nothing but sincerity; a smile not able to wane his bold statement. He would give his life for her; he loved her so much.

"Oh…N-Naruto-kun, arigato." She tried to smile, but it didn't feel real. She felt weak in his eyes; but she wasn't helpless! "But I'm sure I'll be fine…."

"I know you're strong Sakura-chan," he said sternly, noticing the defensive Chakra she was emitting. "But your job is to heal, and mine is to guard you."

"Okay, Okay. As long as you promise to let me heal you if you ever get hurt…I don't want you trying to be some crazy immortal."

"Pinky swear?"

"What?"

"You know, pinky swear. Here, give me your pinky." Naruto took Sakura's hand and wrapped the smallest finger on his around hers, grinning triumphantly. "It's a promise!" Sakura felt relieved the tension between the two before was gone, and she smiled in return. Though her content was soon ripped away as his eyes lost their determination; a melancholy manifestation amid them. She knew exactly what he was feeling, also being a little upset herself; but her reasons were slightly different. Her heart was completely shredded, the pieces manipulating themselves into broken strings; inaccessible forever.

"Sakura-chan…?"

"H-Hai…?"

"I….about the…." Naruto trailed off, the words dying in his parched throat. His mind was certainly shattered; at wits end. "Well it….it was stupid! Let's just forget about it…" It pained him to speak those words, his heart ready to burst. His body turned towards her, accompanied by a wide grin plastered on his face. It was a fake smile; she could see right through it. Of course he didn't believe the kiss meant nothing, and neither did she.

"Na-Naruto-kun…." The kunoichi stuttered, aiming to tell him she could not simply forget the intimate moment they shared. Did Naruto forget she allowed him to kiss her the second time, withher permission? Denying the attraction between them would also be foolish, but she was in no condition to confess her undying love for anyone anytime soon. Unfortunately for him, and her.

Naruto was silently subdued, patiently waiting for Sakura to continue. His heart thumped soundly in his chest, half wondering if she could possibly hear it.

"…it wasn't stupid."

Azure orbs widened, eyeing the girl incredulously. "W-What?"

"…Naruto-kun, it wasn't stupid…i-it was nice…" She paused, gracing Naruto with a pleasant smile. "I'm just…con…confused…"

Naruto nodded, completely understanding Sakura's statement. "Arigato…Sakura-chan…." The tension had simply evaporated like water, leaving no traces of angst in either of them. For now.

Trailing behind rather slowly was a dreadfully annoyed Sasuke, having watched and uncharacteristically felt the emotions of his comrades the entire time. Though he had yet a clue to their actions, he was curious as hell and immensely pissed off for not knowing anything. Something had changed between the two since he'd last seen them earlier; that much he perceived. His patience was thinning though, as he continued to watch the pair in front of him. He hated seeing them together; they were like a couple now. They really did do everything together; if it was assumed they were in love, strangers wouldn't be far off. Kuso…why is this bothering me so much? I hate this feeling! I hate them! I hate…her! But as Sasuke's obsidian orbs continued to eye the duo, his previous declaration seemed to be mistaken. To a larger extent, he did not, could not, hate her. Why? Why do I allow myself to feel this way…why won't it just leave me the hell alone!

Sasuke was left to his indecisive thoughts as the West Gate came into view, the sun mirroring friendly rays around the approaching team. The light draped across the sky; clouds translucent against the dazzling reflections. Naruto was the first to spot their other teammates; Shikamaru and Neji. A grin spread across his lips as he shot his arm up, waving excitedly.

"OI! SHIKAMARU! NEJI!" Said ninjas turned towards the shout, finally seeing their long-awaited comrades. Several more seconds passed for the trio to reach the two boys, coming to a halt before them.

"Oi Naruto," Shikamaru said, eyeing the incredibly ecstatic boy with a blank expression. He moved his bronze orbs on Sasuke, giving a short nod; receiving one in return. Finally resting his gaze on Sakura, he smiled slightly. "Oi Sakura."

"Hello Shikamaru; Neji…." Sakura mumbled the last part, but Neji acknowledged her with a short nod nonetheless; his face holding annoyance. Probably because we were a little late, she guessed. Well, since it wasn't all my fault, I don't feel as ashamed as I normally would. But still…

"Shikamaru guess what!" The brunette looked at Naruto expectantly, obviously not in the mood to hold conversation. "Sakura-chan and I made a promise, so this mission is really important!"

"….a promise?" Shikamaru echoed, not really interested. It was rude to simply ignore them though, so he feigned curiosity. They had just arrived, anyway.

"Yeah! And I'm gunna keep that promise to Sakura-chan with my life!" His eyes gleamed with determination as he lifted his arm, closing his fist tightly, save for his thumb. The kunoichi failed to suppress a memory that surfaced from the recesses of her mind; her eyes widening slightly. This was the exact same place Naruto had promised her he'd bring back Sasuke; three years prior. She remembered the scene perfectly, every detail vivid; her tears especially. She had been pitiful, desperate to have the one she loved so much, so dearly; return. Her memory proceeded to flash hazy images of her younger self collapsing from frustration; despair. The vigorous training she had forced upon herself to become stronger, so that she too, could save Sasuke from that demon. She had about reached her attainable goal, accompanying her blonde teammate to start the final mission, the mission to retrieve their separated friend. But their plans had been wasted as they neared the end of Konoha village, Naruto's eyes resting on a shady figure. It had taken him a few moments to register who exactly the silhouette approaching was, and when he did, he gasped. That day had weaved its way into her head numerous times before, still unable to believe he had come back on his own. Then the question that puzzled her the most always associated itself with her vision; why?

"Naruto, shove off it already. You're troublesome." The leader of the team sighed, now agitated by Naruto's resolve. He was imitating Rock Lee's ludicrous pose, and that was very, very, stupid. Nonetheless, Shikamaru admired the boy's loyalty in the vital promise he shared with his pink-haired friend. It's not everyday you see someone take so much consideration into one promise; one pledge from the heart. But that was Naruto for you; dim-witted and honest.

"Hmph…fine," the occupant of Shikamaru's thoughts mumbled, his demeanor lowering slightly; only to be heightened by another consideration. "Shikamaru! We have to hurry and do this, or Tsunade-no-ba-chan will have our heads!"

"She won't have my head. She'll have your head."

"No, she'll take all of our heads! Even Sakura-chan's!"

"If you shut up and let me talk about the mission, maybe we could actually start it."

"….." Naruto pouted childishly, casting his eyes downward out of minor embarrassment. Sakura looked at him sympathetically, but quickly turned her attention back to Shikamaru; her mind apprehensive.

He cleared his throat. "So I was informed this mission was to capture Kabuto of The Sound. Sasuke, I'm sure you know the place very well and can inform us with his whereabouts."

"Hn." Sasuke had no intentions of associating himself with that man ever again, but it seemed he had no choice. He would have denied the mission if Naruto and Sakura weren't on the same team as him. He refused to let Naruto appear stronger than himself. And not only that, but he would never leave Sakura alone with the blonde again. He hated to think what they could have done if he hadn't been assigned to this operation as well. The mission was bringing them to the exact location he had escaped not too long ago and he didn't want to go back. He despised that place, the place which constantly tormented his subconscious. One of the many dreams he had consisted of a violent death to someone he knew all-too-well, vastly scarring his mind. He had yet to perceive whom the person was, but his heart told him the pain was horrendous. He begrudged the feeling, but his conscious felt heavy and that only made him more bitter.

"We are going to split into four rows. Neji and I will stand in the front, acting as the eyes and brains. Naruto, you and Sakura will be in the middle. You will be able to back us up when we are ready for combat. And Sakura, you may fight as well, but don't put yourself in a dangerous situation, your main job is to heal us. You, Sasuke, will be last. Your job is to watch for enemies since you have a good sense of awareness, and work with Naruto once enemies show. Is everyone clear?"

"Yeah Shikamaru!" Naruto bellowed.

"Hai," Sakura answered, feeling a bit frustrated that she was really of no use in combat. Sure, she had brute strength…but it seemed to have been deteriorating. She, of course, trained hard everyday, but her main focus was on medical jutsu; thus leaving her no time to train much of her physical body. Her temper had faded a long with it; she despised overreacting and she had done that often in the past. She quickly mended that part of her personality and liked herself much better now. The temper still appeared every now and then, but it was natural; everyone had a limited amount of self-control. However, these times were, for the most part, reasonable.

Neji nodded to Shikamaru, as did Sasuke; the young men of many words. Neji was leaning against the left side of the West Gate, his arms crossed over his chest angrily. If they didn't leave soon, he was going to get furious. His pearl eyes scanned the group, taking note of their expressions. Naruto was grinning like an idiot, Sakura seemed disturbed by an inner conflict, and Sasuke had a scowl on. Yeah, it would seem they didn't change much.

"Let's go." Shikamaru endorsed them with a slight incline of his head and turned sideways, stepping over the engraved circle beneath the gate. Neji followed suit, walking beside the fellow brunette.

"OKAY! Come on, Sakura-chaaaan!" Naruto walked forward, his position amid the two leading ninjas before him and the lone behind him. The pink-haired kunoichi fell into step beside him, adjusting the bundle on her back more securely. An omnious feeling settled upon her soul, violently slashing her composure. To be honest, she was afraid; afraid of what they might find accompanying their target. She didn't want to see his face and she didn't want Sasuke to see him either; what if he was tempted to go back? Did he ever complete his soul purpose in life? Didn't he say he was just an avenger and had no future since his was in the past? Sasuke had indeed returned to them, as if nothing had ever separated them. Sakura smiled sadly; it was an empty smile. Sasuke did not open up to her; did not tell her what happened to him nor did she think he ever would.