Confession

Kakashi carried Haku and Zabuza'a body. "Kakashi-sensei, why are you carrying those?" Naruto asked. "I'm going to bury the corpse of Zabuza...," he replied, "...and take the Haku into a safe place." "Haku?" Naruto repeated. "But why are you going to take him to a safe place? He almost killed Sasuke-kun!" Sakura angrily asked. "He is related to one of our Konoha ninjas," Kakashi said. "Who is it?" I asked. "Kaede Yukino."

Haku slowly opened his eyes, "Where--?" "It's good that you're alright," Kakashi spoke. "You're—" "Don't worry. I won't hurt you," Kakashi continued, "I intended to miss your blind spot for a few centimeters." Haku sat, "But why didn't you kill me? What happened to Zabuza-san?" "Zabuza is killed by Gatou's men. And I know someone who will be angry at me if I killed you," Kakashi replied. Haku looked away, "The people who are important to me are already dead." Kakashi shook his head, "No, there's one more remaining." Haku looked back at him, "How can you be so sure! You don't even know who I am!" "I can tell," he said, "that you're surname is Kaede and your younger sister's name is Yukino." "How--?" "You two look very much alike. Ask Sasuke-kun, he's her closest friend," Kakashi motioned me to join them. I sat beside Kakashi. We remaine silent until Kakashi stood. "I'll go out for a walk," he said. We heard the door closed. "So," Haku started, "How is Yukino?" "She's fine," I replied, "She's living with Kakashi." Haku smiled, "Sou desu ka? I was so worried of her." I looked at him. Somehow, he acts like Yukino, I envy Yukino. She has a kind brother unlike mine. I clenched my fingers at the thought of Itachi. "Is something bothering you?" Haku asked. "No," I replied, "Nothing's bothering me." Haku bowed, "Thank you for taking care of Yukino. I'll be glad to do anything to help you," he looked at me, waiting for an answer. However, I stared at him, surprised. I simply nodded, "Sure." He smiled at me. I looked away as I blushed.

We guarded and helped Tazuna in helping that bridge. Until…

"You there," an anbu from Kiri called, "Have you seen the exiled ninja, Momochi Zabuza?" Haku nodded, "Yes," he bowed, "In behalf of Zabuza-san, I'm terribly sorry for the things that he did. And since he's dead, I'll take any punishment for his crime." The anbus looked at each other and talked. "Haku," I said, "You shouldn't—" "It's alright," he smiled, "I'm just doing what I have to do." "Do you have a proof that he's dead?" the anbu asked. Haku nodded.

After the anbus confirmed that Zabuza's dead, they decided to take Haku with them since he said that he's with Zabuza back then. They said that they'll keep him in prison for a month for he didn't do any crime as grave as Zabuza's. "Sorry for the trouble, Sasuke-kun," Haku said before he left, "Please take care of Yukino while I'm away."

...Days after we returned to Konoha...

"Sasuke-kun," Sakura spoke, "You're feeling lonely, aren't you? I think that you need to have a hug from me...?" I stopped from staring at the sky and looked at her sharply. She blushed as she looks deeply into my eyes. I sighed, "I don't need it," I replied coldly and continued looking up at the sky. Kakashi's late as usual, I thought, keeping myself busy, looking over the river. I heard Naruto say, "Hey, Kakashi-sensei! Why won't you come on time just once?" Kakashi laughed, "Sorry. I just got lost on the road of life." Naruto snorted, "You're excuse just the same as before."

We trained for the whole afternoon. Finally after some tiring training, I walked home. "Are you going to train, Sasuke-kun? I'll train with you," Sakura said from behind trying to catch up with me. "Get lost," I said, "I don't need you." Sakura stopped dead on her tracks on following me. I just hate that annoying girl! I screamed in my thoughts.

I was just about to turn to the corner to my house when I saw Yukino. "Yukino," I called. She looked at me and smiled, "Konnichiwa, Sasuke-kun." Her smile, nothing is sweeter than her smile. "Uh... Would you like to watch the sunset with me?" I blurted out after thinking a way on how to make Yukino come with me. "Sure," she replied.

"Sugoi!" she said, "Nothing is prettier than the sunset." I looked around and saw no one. All right, Sasuke. This is your chance, I thought. "Yukino," I started. "Hai?" "There's nothing prettier than you." "Eh?" I held of her hand, "I was just waiting for the right time to confess that I love you. I love you more than just a friend." She blushed, "Sasuke-kun."

Not far from behind, two people are watching us. They are glaring at Yukino. One has a short pink hair and the other has a short blonde hair, tied in a ponytail. It's Sakura and Ino. "How dare she take away my Sasuke-kun!" she blurted out. "Now calm down Sakura," Ino said, patting Sakura's shoulder, "Don't you worry. I gave up Sasuke-kun to you. In fact, I have a plan to make him notice and fall for you." Sakura looked at Ino and smiled. Jealously is now all over Sakura while Ino comes up with a plan that'll make Yukino fall from the pit of looseness.

I walked her to her house. We didn't say any word after I admitted to her that I love her. This is the end, I thought, Now Yukino's not gonna talk to me any longer. We arrived at their house. I took a deep breath and said, "O-yasumi, Yukino." I hugged her tightly, This is gonna be the last hug. I gave her a good night kiss on her lips. Her tender lips brushed against mine. I parted from her lips and sighed. I saw from her face that she's blushing. She turned around and started to open the door knob. She looked back at me, "O-yasumi-nasai, Sasuke-kun," she said as she smiled at me, the smile that I always wanted to see everyday.

I arrived home and lay myself down the bed. I smiled, "So, she's not angry at me. I was nervous that she already chose Neji."

---

Translations:

Anbu

The ANBU, meaning "dark side" is actually short for Ansatsu Senjutsu Tokushu Butai (literally Assassination Tactics Special Military Force). The ANBU work directly under the leadership of the Hokage. This specialized ninja battalion generally work in groups of four to five. They are responsible for assassinations and missions requiring highly trained ninjas.

"Hai?"

"Yes?"

"Konnichiwa."

"Good day/afternoon."

-kun

Indicates familiarity or affection.

"O-yasumi."/ "O-yasumi-nasai."

"Good night."

-san

Honorific. Carries the meaning of "Mr.," "Ms.," "Miss," etc., but used extensively in Japanese than its English equivalent.

Sensei

Used to refer to or address teachers, practitioners of a profession such as doctors and lawyers, politicians, and other authority figures. It is used to show respect to someone who has achieved a certain level of mastery in an art form or some other skill.

"Sou desu ka?"

"Is that so?"

"Sugoi."

"Amazing."