The Decision
Flashback
"Sakura-san," Yukino said as she opened the door, "Did Sasuke-kun wake?" Sakura shook her head, "No." "I see," Yukino put the bag of apples on the table beside Sakura and sat at the far edge of the bed. The door swung open and Naruto entered with two other women. "Sakura-chan, Tsunade-baa-chan is going to heal Sasuke," Naruto said. "Don't call me baa-chan," Tsunade approaches the bed and starts to heal me. I slowly opened my eyes and weakly sat. "Sasuke-kun!" Sakura hopped onto my bed and hugged my tightly. I leaned onto her as support. I still feel dizzy... I saw Yukino avoiding to look at me. At once, Tsunade, Shizune and Naruto went out of the room. Yukino rushed out to follow them, "Tsunade-sama." Tsunade turned around. Yukino bowed, "Thank you for healing Sasuke-kun."
Yukino walked along the street without any idea where she will go. "Yukino, are you alright?" She saw a concerned Neji in front of her. Tears welled up in her eyes, "Neji-kun." "Who is it?" Neji asked. She shook her head, "I'm alright." Neji looked deep into Yukino's eyes, "Is it Sasuke?"
End of Flashback
Yukino, Seki and Reiji went to the Hokage's building to get a new mission. "Say, Reiji," Seki whispered, "Do you know what's going on with Yukino? I noticed that she's been quiet for nearly a month." Reiji shrugged, "I don't know. I also noticed that she's been avoiding Sasuke." Seki rubbed his chin, "Hmmm... Did they have a quarrel or something?" Reiji stopped walking, "Speaking of the devil, here comes Sasuke."
Sasuke: Devil?
Neji and Reiji: Yeah. Look at the horns and tail.
Sasuke: (holds horns and tail) I must be dreaming!
"Yukino!" Naruto waved, "Would you come with us in our mission?" "Mission? Yukino repeated, "What mission?" Naruto shrugged, "Tsunade-baa-chan didn't explain the details. She only said to find a fourth member then go to the Tea Country to ask Jirochou-oyabu for the details." Yukino glanced at Sakura and I, "I don't think I'll—" Seki and Reiji covered her mouth, "She said she will come!" they said in unison.
Yukino sighed, Why did Reiji and Seki force me to join? I don't want to accept the mission! I noticed Yukino glancing me. I reached for her hand. Her eyes widened in surprise and pulled her hand away. "Baka," she mumbled.
I don't know what's wrong, I thought, Yukino's avoiding me. What did I do to make her mad? We arrived at Tea Country. Naruto saw a restaurant and asked, "Say, Sakura-chan, are you hungry?" "A little but—" "Alright. Now that it's settled. Let's eat," and Naruto rushed to the restaurant.
Yukino refused to sit beside me and decided to sit beside Naruto. I was busy looking at Yukino until Sakura disturbed me. "What would you order, Sasuke-kun?" she asked. "Shinta," I replied. Yukino stared outside the window until she heard an unfamiliar voice, "It's broad daylight and you guys are just sitting around. No wonder ninjas are looked down upon." "What's that?" "Konoha is too peaceful," the man continued, "It must be filled with people like you, little rascal." "What did you say!" the angry Naruto said. The man saw Sakura, "Oh my. There's a cute little girl as well. What a great place! I'm Morino Idate. How about you, miss?" "Why you! Don't get too close to Sakura-chan!" Naruto told the stranger, almost ready to strangle him. If that playboy touches my Yukino, I'll kill him, I thought. "Sakura huh? What a nice name! It must be fate that we met. How about we talk about our future?" the stranger winked. Sakura blushed, "Eh? Talk about our future?" The stranger smiled, "What I mean is quit being a ninja and become my wife." "Why you!" Naruto shouted, "Why the hell are you flirting her? Stop fooling around, you idiot!" "Let's just say that I was kidding. Hey, brat! I despise you, you ninjas! If you keep walking around the Tea Country aimlessly, I'll beat you up," he warned us. Naruto smirked, "Is that so? If you're gonna pick a fight, I'll fight you!" I sighed, "This is silly. We don't have time for distractions." "Sasuke, shut up! I will not forgive people who look down on shinobi! I'll make sure that he knows who he is talking to and... eh?" Naruto looked around to find the stranger but he disappeared. No way, I thought, I didn't sense him leave. "Here you go," the old lady put our orders and... two bills! "Thank you very much," she said. "Eh? Two bills?" Sakura asked, "What's this?" "The kid that just left said that you will pay for him," the waitress replied. Our nerves stuck out in annoyance (anime style when angry). That guy! I put my ear near the ground, His footsteps are already far away. He's running at a very fast speed. Naruto stood, "Since we fell for his trick, I can't just stand around and watch! I'm gonna chase him!" he wore his bag and started to run. "Naruto-kun?" "Auntie, thank you for the food. I'll leave the money here, "Sakura left the money and followed Naruto. "Sakura-san?" "Let's follow them, Yukino," I told her. She nodded and followed me out of the restaurant. She suddenly stopped, "Why do you want me to come with you? Sakura-san is..." I looked at her, "What're you talking about? I want you to come with us." She rolled her eyes, "I can't understand you." I sighed and grabbed her hand.
We caught up Sakura and Naruto. "What speed!" I exclaimed, "It seems that he had some kind of special training." "Who is he?" Sakura asked. "Whoever he is, we will definitely catch him!" Naruto said as he increases speed. I looked back at Yukino who is following close behind us, "Yukino." Sakura heard me and followed my gaze, "Yukino, come on." "I'm alright. I'll just follow from behind," she replied.
We saw the annoying stranger trip and fall on the ground flatly. "Haha! You aren't anyone special!" Naruto said. He stood on a tree branch beside Yukino. I stood on another branch beside Sakura. "You have some guts on leaving us with the bill back there," I said. "I'm sorry!" the stranger apologized, "I lost my purse and didn't know what to do. You guys were there so..." We jumped down and approached him. "Hearing about your situation, it sounds pitiful," Sakura said. "If that was that case, you should have told us first," Naruto explained. An abject hit Naruto's head and fell on the ground. He bended down to get it, "What's this?" the stranger suddenly grabbed it and stood, "Don't touch it! This is mine!" he kept the object and removed to what appeared like leg warmers, "I'll count from one to one. Ready... Go!" he drops both of it and dust appears. Naruto coughed, "Carrying something heavy?" The dust slowly clears up and we saw the stranger running again. "Ah!" Sakura gasped, "He ran away again." "That bastard!" We followed him as fast as we can. The stranger increases his speed. Sakura gasped, "No way!" "What speed!" We all stopped following and gasped for breath. "Forget it," Sakura said, "It doesn't seem that we'll be able to catch up with him." But I can still catch up with him, I thought, I increased speed during my training with Kakashi before my duel in the Chuunin exam. But, I looked at Yukino, I don't want to leave her behind.
fast forward to...
"Yukino, do you want to come with me? I'll look around the town and maybe buy something," Sakura asked. She nodded. Sakura turned to me, "What about you, Sasuke-kun?" Yukino looked at me emotionless. Those empty eyes, I thought.
Jirochou showed us our rooms that night. "Where's Yukino?" I asked Naruto. "I don't know," he replied, "Why did you asked?" I blushed, "N-Nothing." Naruto smiled widely, "Sasuke's got a crush on Yukino!" I knocked Naruto's head, "Bastard!"
I climbed on the roof and saw Yukino, "I have been looking for you." I sat beside her, "Why are you ignoring me?" "Why would I tell you?" "Yukino," I begged. "Because you're so stupid," she replied. "Me?" I said, "Why?" She stood, "I'm going to my room." "Wait," I grabbed her hand. "You're so annoying," she pulled her hand away, "Just because you had a date with me doesn't mean that you can go with other girls like Sakura!" she covered her mouth and blushed. "So that's why." "Happy about it?" she looked away. I stood, "How come you said that Sakura and I are...?" "When you were at the hospital after you fought with Itachi-san, Sakura-san never left you," she paused, "More so when she—" "Hugged me?" I continued for her. She nodded. I pulled her close and hugged her, "You already know that I won't trade you with anyone else. My actions for Sakura are just as her teammate, nothing more." She looked up at me, "Are you sure?" I stoked her cheek, "Yes, I am." My lips touched hers. I kissed her deeply as she stood motionless. After a while, I pulled back and gasped for breath. I smiled at her. From the corner of my eye, I saw Sakura glaring at Yukino.
It was early morning. "Yukino," Sakura called from outside the room. "Come in." Sakura opened the door and entered. Yukino stared at Sakura for a moment, "S-Sakura-san?" "I saw you and Sasuke-kun last night," Sakura started, "Did you think that Sasuke-kun is yours?" "Eh? Sakura-san?" "Sasuke-kun is mine. You don't deserve to have Sasuke-kun."
I happened to be passing by Yukino's room when I heard Sakura's voice. Curious of what's happening, I opened the door to Yukino's room. Sakura looked at me while Yukino wiped away her tears. "What happened?" I asked. "I was just giving Yukino a lecture," Sakura replied, "She doesn't know who she's challenging." I rushed over Yukino's side and hugged her, "Leave the room, Sakura." "Eh? But—" "NOW!" I shouted at her. Sakura stomped and left the room. "Yukino, are you alright?" I asked, "What did she do to you?" She shook her head, "I'm fine. Sakura-san didn't do anything... I'm such a fool." "Don't listen to Sakura," I hugged her tightly, "Don't listen her... I'm here, Yukino."
"Stay close to me as we guard Idate," I told Yukino. She nodded. I heard Sakura and Naruto talking about rules in the race. "That means that it's not against the rules to hire shinobi," I explained. "I wonder what the ninjas they hired on the opponent's side are like," Naruto asked himself. "They must be hiding and watching out," Sakura said, "Don't let your guard down, Naruto," she turned to Yukino and glared at her. The runners took their places. "Wasabi runner... Morino Idate." Morino... Idate...? I thought. The gate started to open. "On your mark... Start!" they ran and Idate... runs away! "Hey you bastard!" Naruto called, "Wait up!"
fast forward to...
Yukino sat beside me as I stir the ship. "I remember now," I said, "Morino Idate." "Morino?" Sakura repeated, "Oh yeah! If I remember, the examiner of the first exam... Morino Ibiki." An arrow hit the ship. We saw an enemy ship close behind ours. Yukino and I jumped back. "Naruto, Yukino and I are going to get rid of these guys. Sakura, I'll count on you to take care of Idate, "I told them. "Isn't it better to run away?" Sakura suggested. "It's too late for that now." "Sasuke-kun," Yukino whispered, "Why Sakura-san?" "There's no need for being suspicious," I whispered back, "Sakura is useless in combat." More arrows with ropes hit our ship and the hired ninjas came closer. "We'll keep them busy," I said, "Untie the ropes, Naruto. Come on, Yukino." Suddenly, they appeared on our ship. "Sharingan!" my eyes turned red, "The real ninjas are hiding inside the clones!"
Black water rains. I became irritated and started performing hand seals. "Sasuke-kun, don't," Sakura said. I didn't listen to her and was about to breath fire until Yukino said, "It's oil." The Rain ninjas aimed arrows with fire to our ship. "Sasuke-kun, I'll use my Kekkei Genkai to put out fire," Yukino said. I shook my head, "It's not necessary," then I turned to Naruto's direction, "We'll swim from here to Nagi Island harbor."
"I feel that Idate-san's in trouble," Yukino said. Sakura glared at her, "And now you said that when we're swimming as fast as we can. You're so useless." "Sakura," I gave her a warning look. Naruto suddenly drowned. "They're here," I hurriedly dived with Yukino and Sakura following close behind. We saw Naruto being dragged by the Rain ninjas. "Mizu Bunshin no Jutsu." They made water clones that swam towards us and dragged us down. We're on water, Yukino thought, I have to use my ability in this situation. She started to form an icicle but stops when she sees Naruto clones forming chakra on his hand. Sugoi! Yukino thought. The Naruto clones formed a strong whirlpool that swiped away the Rain ninjas. I swam up to the air and gasped for air. I looked around, "Yukino!" "I'm okey," she replied. I smiled at her. "Sakura-chan, hold on," Naruto ran to the shore carrying Sakura.
Sakura hits Naruto, "What do you think you're doing?" "Hn," I stood, "We have no time to fool around. We have to get back in escorting Idate." I started to walk ahead while Sakura follows. Yukino ran to Naruto's side, "Are you okey?" Naruto nodded, "Yeah, I'm fine... You're so gentle unlike Sakura-chan. No wonder Sasuke likes you." Yukino blushed, "Wh-What're you talking about?"
Aoi attacks us with Senbon. Yukino stood and gathered water on her hands and made a spear made of icicle. "Interesting," he said, "However, I have no intention of playing with you guys anymore." Yukino threw the spear at Aoi but he disappeared before it could reach him. Yukino fell to her knees. I ran to her side, "Yukino!" She leaned onto me, "I'm sorry. I'm starting to feel dizzy."
fast forward to...
"Now that Naruto and Idate-san left, I have something to say to you, Yukino," Sakura said, "Thank you for letting the enemy go!" It's not her fault. Don't blame her," I told her, clenching my fists in anger. Sakura turned to me, "Why are you always on her side!" I wrapped my arms around Yukino, "Because she's my girlfriend." Sakura gasped, "You're lying!" I smirked at her, "No, I'm not." I gave Yukino a quick kiss.
fast forward to...
Come on! Aoi threw me down the cliff after putting out my Chidori. Sakura ran and caught me. We both fell down. Yukino rushed to Idate and protects him. Aoi smirked, "If it isn't the water manipulator." He charged at Yukino and used the Raijin sword at her. Yukino remained motionless after receiving the blow. "Oh? Finished already?" Aoi saw Naruto gathering chakra on his hand.
fast forward to...
Naruto helped Yukino stand, "How are you feeling?" "I'm fine," Yukino replied, "What happened to Sasuke-kun?" "Oh, yeah," he ran to the edge of the cliff. He saw Sakura waving, "Naruto! Go ahead. We'll catch up." Naruto nodded, "Yukino, wanna come with us?" She smiled, "Hai." Idate climbed on the rope, followed by Naruto then Yukino. Idate gave his knife to Naruto, "I-Idate?" "Give this to Yukino to cut the rope," he said. Naruto passed it to Yukino. As soon as she cut the rope, they were thrown to the other side. Naruto gathered chakra to his feet, "I'll use my last chakra!" He stopped the impact of hitting the side of the cliff and carried Idate to the ground. Yukino followed behind. "Nice Naruto!" Sakura cheered. "Sakura-chan," Naruto called back, "I'll come back and save you later!"
Idate is on his full speed. "Go Idate!" Naruto cheered. "You can make it!" Yukino joined in. Idate overtook the Wagarashi runner and reached the finish line. Everyone cheered and screamed in joy.
fast forward to...
Sakura, Naruto and Yukino waved goodbye at Idate. Sakura approached me, "Are you feeling fine, Sasuke-kun?" I slowly nodded. She sat beside me. Yukino saw Sakura glaring at her. She sighed and stared at the ocean.
...Days after I was out of the hospital...
Later that afternoon, I walked on the street, not knowing where to go. "Sasuke." I turned around and saw Neji. "Do you mind if we talk for a while?" he asked. Why did he suddenly asked me to talk with him, is it because of Yukino? …… Thinking isn't going to take me anywhere…"Uh… Yeah, sure."
I saw Reiji, who seems to be waiting. He saw us, "Hey." I followed Neji as he approached him. "So what are we going to talk about?" Reiji asked. Did Neji also asked Reiji to talk with him? I thought. Neji smiled, "It seems that our weakness is the same." "What do you mean?" I asked. "Our weakness is Kaede Yukino," he looked at us, "Am I right?' The two of us froze. How did he know? I thought. "From your look, you may be asking how I knew it," he said, "Actually, I can't remember how I found it out," he paused, "And I think it's about time to settle this matter… What do you think?" "I agree," Reiji replied. "What about you, Sasuke?" Neji looked at me. I took a deep breath, "Let's settle this."
"Welcome! How may I--" I entered the flower shop and saw Ino. I rolled my eyes away from her, "Hn!" Ino's mother waved her finger at Ino and approached me, "What kind of flower would you be looking for?" she asked. "A red rose…"
I jumped from roof to roof until I arrived at Yukino's house. I found her room's window open and entered. I looked around the room and placed the bouquet of roses on her table, If in any case that I will lose this fight, I thought, I want to let her know that I love her.
In Yukino's eyes, Reiji thought, I'm just a friend and teammate of hers. I don't even know how to impress her. He sighed, "I guess I'm just a loser when it comes to this kind of things." Unexpectedly, Yukino passes by. Reiji stared at her, Is this fate or just a coincidence? Either of the two, I have to grab this chance… "Uh… H-Hey Yukino." She smiled, "Reiji-kun." Great! Now that I got her attention, what the hell should I say? Reiji thought for a while. "How are you doing?" Yukino shrugged, "I'm fine. Thank you. How about you?" "Fine… So… uh… See you around, then." She nods and waves at Reiji as he leaves. Not too far away, on the other side of the street, Neji's there, looking at Yukino, "I don't know if I'm going to win or lose. But I'll make sure that you will never become lonely again…"
"What's this?" Yukino curiously opened the letter. It says…
Yukino,
I brought you a bouquet of red roses for my apology if in case that I will fail. I'm with Neji and Reiji at the forest. This may sound funny but we decided to end this rivalry and fight until the best guy for you wins. But, what the hell… Anyway, take care and I love you.
Love,
Sasuke
She felt surprised after reading my letter, They're fighting because of me? and by the thought of that, she blushed.
Reiji attacked, charging first at Neji then at me. Luckily, Neji and I dodged. Then… BOOM! Reiji smiled, "Do you think that I intended to strike at you without a second attack?" We struggled to get to our feet. "I guess you aren't the easy type of opponent to beat," Neji used Byakugan, "I'll be more serious next time." Me, on the other hand, used Sharingan, "Let's have a second round, shall we?" I performed hand seals to use my most powerful attack, Chidori.
After charging up, I attacked them. Unfortunately, Neji and Reiji dodged. What the--! In that case… I turned to Reiji and used the Chidori at him. The impact made him fly backwards. He struggled to stand up but he fall back. With the annoyed expression of his, you can say that he's pissed off. Sorry, Yukino. I failed, and with that, he fainted. I looked at his unconscious body, I… I didn't mean to… I just… I'm… I became guilty of what I was doing, Why am I doing this? Hurting others just to have Yukino? That's selfishness! I turned and looked straight at Neji, "Neji, we have to stop this fight." A smile crept at Neji's face, "So you don't have any more guts to continue after doing that on Reiji." "Look, I know that we all like Yukino but there are other ways besides fighting," I paused, waiting for him to reply. Neji still remained silent.
A rustle came from behind me. I spun around and saw Yukino. I stared at her in surprise, and so is Neji. "Please stop," she said between short gasps. She's in a hurry to get here on time only to stop this ridiculous fight, I thought, I hope Neji understood what I'm saying. He closed his eyes, thinking deeply. "Yukino," Neji started, "I clearly understand you." I smiled, Finally… "But," he continued, "At this point, we can't stop now. Reiji might say that it's unfair to end this fight after he got injured badly," he looked Yukino, "I'm sorry." Neji, again, used Byakugan while I used Sharingan. I performed hand seals to use Chidori as Neji prepares for himself to use Hakkeshou Kaiten. After gathering every charka left in my body, I looked at Neji, "Ready?" Neji nods. I charged at him as he uses his powerful shield…
I slowly opened my eyes, "Where am I?" I tried to sit up but I winced in pain and I fell back down. I looked around, "A hospital?" The doorknob opened and Yukino stepped in the room. She smiled as she sat beside me, "Are you all right?" I nodded, "What happened, anyway? How did I get in here?" "After you used Chidori at Neji-kun as he uses his charka barrier from your attack, both of you fainted so I called Kakashi-sensei for help," she replied. "Kakashi?" I repeated. She nodded, "He happened to be passing by." I looked away, "So nobody won the fight," I muttered. "No," she covered her mouth and blushed. I turned to look back at her, "What do you mean?" She looked down, still blushing, "There is someone who I decided to choose but don't want to be in a hurry to have a deeper relationship or something." "I bet it's Neji," I said. Surprisingly, she shook her head, "That person is not Neji-kun." "Then, who?" She looked at me, "You, Sasuke-kun."
---
Translations:
Baa-chan
Grandma/ Grandmother.
"Baka."
"Stupid."
Byakugan (White Eyes)
This jutsu is activated in the eyes, much like the Sharingan. Sharingan actually developed from Byakugan. This jutsu allows the user's vision to become 360 degrees. The user is able to see fully around them, and all their surroundings. Byakugan also has the ability to see objects, and view the inner coil system of a person's body, and in advanced cases, the Chakra Holes. Using this, the user can attack the inner organs of a person, and do high amounts of damage.
Kekkei Genkai (Bloodline Limit)
The Kekkei Genkai are the abilities passed down from parent to child. These genetic inheritances grant the ninja unique abilities and physical traits not found anywhere else in the world.
Byakugan (White Eyes)
This jutsu is activated in the eyes, much like the Sharingan. Sharingan actually developed from Byakugan. This jutsu allows the user's vision to become 360 degrees. The user is able to see fully around them, and all their surroundings. Byakugan also has the ability to see objects, and view the inner coil system of a person's body, and in advanced cases, the Chakra Holes. Using this, the user can attack the inner organs of a person, and do high amounts of damage.
-chan
Honorific. Can be used either as a diminutive (e.g., with a small child—"Little Sasuke"), or with those who are grown, to indicate affection ("My dear").
Chidori/Raikiri (The Thousand Birds)
This jutsu is Kakashi's sole original technique, originally formed for the use of assassination. The user, gathers such a large concentration of chakra in the had, that it becomes visible. Pushing the limits of the body, the user charges forward, the chakra amount growing, as does the incredible speed. The chakra becomes so powerful, that it becomes similar to a blade, and is able to cut through near anything. The attack creates a constant 'chi' noise, sounding like a thousand birds advancing towards you. The jutsu gained its name from this sound. This jutsu gained the nickname 'Lightning Edge' or, Raikiri - When Kakashi cut a bolt of lightning in half using it.
"Hai."
"Sure."/ "Yes."
Hakkeshou Kaiten (Divination Whirl)
Hakkeshou Kaiten is a Taijutsu technique unique to the Hyuuga bloodline using the Jyuuken. Kaiten is a special technique passed down through the main family line. Kaiten takes advantage of several of the unique abilities of the Byakugan eye. Byakugan gives the clan member an almost complete 360 degree view of their surroundings. This allows the member to see all angles of attack.
-kun
Indicates familiarity or affection.
Mizu Bunshin no Jutsu (Water Clone Skill)
Creates a number of clones, made from water. Each Clone is capable of attacking on its own, yet each is 1/10th the power of the original. A direct hit will cause the clone to revert to water - and it cannot leave a certain radius of the user.
-oyabu
Boss.
Raijin sword
The legendary sword of the Nidaime Hokage.
-san
Honorific. Carries the meaning of "Mr.," "Ms.," "Miss," etc., but used extensively in Japanese than its English equivalent.
Senbon
Acupuncture Needles.
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.
Sharingan
The Uchiha are said to be descendants of the Hyuuga, with the Byakugan changing into the Sharingan over time. This doujutsu (eye skill) gives one the ability to read Genjutsu, Taijutsu and Ninjutsu and then defeat it. As such, the clan member can view a technique being performed and almost instantly memorize the movements required to be able to complete it, including the needed chakra moldings and seals used. However the clan member cannot copy techniques that are unique to another bloodline and the clan member must have a body capable of meeting the chakra and physical requirements to do the jutsu. This rarely stops the clan member though, as such stressful situations often push their limits farther and allow them to harness their full potential.
Shinobi
Also known as ninja.
"Sugoi."
"Incredible."