Summary: She had given up on the idea of being anything more than a friend to him, concentrating more on her training than him. During the course of her training, he had begun to realize that what he felt about her was past peripheral vision. Sasuke/Sakura.
Pairings: Sasuke/Sakura
Disclaimer: I don't own Naruto, at all. All the characters belong to Kishimoto Masashi-sensei. The only thing in this story that is mine will be the OCs and the plot itself.
Past
Peripheral Vision
Chapter
Twenty-One – Academy Life
"Hinata-sama!" said the Jounin urgently, watching helplessly as the Hyuuga heiress tossed about on her futon. Her parents, as well as her younger sister Hanabi, were by her side, a frown on their faces.
"I'm alright," coughed out Hinata, her voice raspy as her fingers clutched tightly on her futon. Looking up, the Jounin's eyes faced the opalescent ones of the heiress' immediate family. "I'll be able to go to the Academy today," said Hinata weakly, the fit of coughs subsiding for the meantime.
The others in the room looked warily at each other. Hinata had always been the stubborn one. When she had made up her mind to do something, she wanted to see it through. Although to begin with, there weren't very many things Hinata made up her mind in doing. She still somewhat lacked in the self-confidence department.
"Neji, inform the Godaime, as well as the Academy, to look for a different Chuunin to take over Hinata's class while she is sick. She's much too weak to handle the strain of teaching a class," spoke Hiashi quietly. Despite the tone of his voice, it still commanded much authority.
Bowing, Neji kneeled down before making his way out of Hinata's room. Before he did leave, however, Hinata's managed to open her mouth to speak.
"I… I can…" spoke Hinata, barely managing to string the words together. In her mind, she knew what to say but she couldn't command her vocal chords to vibrate enough for her to speak the words.
"Hinata-sama, your class will be fine for the time you will be gone," reassured Neji, the rare smile appearing on his face before he left. Hinata's hand fell back down as she closed her eyes, the pain throbbing even more. Hopefully, Neji would be right about what he said.
Hokage Tower: Tsunade's Office
Sakura shifted her weight from one foot to another, waiting for her turn to be spoken to. She didn't know why she was called when Tsunade was already meeting with Neji. Maybe, she was going out on a mission with Neji in charge, just the two of them. Tsunade was probably giving Neji the mission particulars that only he should know.
"Hinata-sama was quite persistent about being healthy enough to go to the Academy today," said Neji, his voice low. A slight smile appeared on the Godaime's face, her hazel eyes resting on the fidgeting Chuunin before focusing her attention back to the opalescent-eyed Jounin.
"Hmm, alright then. How long has Hinata had the fever?" asked Tsunade, a plan already formulating in her mind.
"Just yesterday, although we thought she was just tired from lack of sleep," replied Neji. A knowing smile made its way to Tsunade's face as she sat up straight. Silently, she motioned for Neji to call for the pink haired Chuunin. Turning around, he opened his mouth to speak. "Sakura."
At her name, Sakura's ears perked up. She made sure to not look too excited that she had finally been called for. Her footsteps were loud in the otherwise silent room. Under Neji's stoic gaze, Sakura found it hard not to shiver, despite being his friend, or acquaintance at the very least.
"Sakura, Hinata has called in sick so I'd like to assign you to teach her class for the remainder of the week. It's only two days and it will do you some good in the future. As a Jounin, you have the chance of teaching a trio of Genin just as Kakashi had done for you, Naruto, and Sasuke," explained Tsunade, drumming her fingers against the mahogany of her desk.
"Two days, are you sure that's enough time for Hinata-sama to get better? No offense meant, Godaime-sama," asked Neji, slight worry evident in her voice. This time, it was Sakura who responded.
"Whatever Hinata-chan is sick of, Neji-san, I'm sure she'll be up and healthy after two days. She has an incredible immune system and I doubt she's sick of anything grave if Tsunade-shishou says two days rest is enough time for her to get better," explained Sakura, her voice cheerful.
"As you say, Sakura, as you say," said Neji, conceding to the explanation of the younger shinobi, worry for the heiress still in his mind.
A Few Hours Later: the Ninja Academy
The class was in its usual hustle and bustle, common to every single one through the years. The boys crowded around in one side, usually talking about the latest in weaponry or their idol shinobi, be it a Chuunin, a Jounin, or the Hokage herself. The girls were in another corner, talking about which boys looked the cutest, regardless of age. There were, however, a select few who didn't join in with the talk. Fuuko, Kyouta, and Shuunto happened to be a part of that handful.
"Ne, ne, what's talking Hinata-sensei so long?" complained Fuuko, stretching out on the desk in front of her. Kyouta shrugged carelessly, choosing to slump down deeper on his seat than to reply to his classmate.
"I hear Hinata-sensei is sick," said Shuunto, dragging a pencil along a clean piece of paper, writing down characters. Fuuko looked up at him, curiosity shimmering in his eyes. "I have to pass by the Hyuuga Household to go to school you know," informed the left-handed student, still concentrating on his writing.
Every morning, Shuunto had to pass by the Hyuuga Manor in order to get to the Academy. His house was located some five or so minutes away from the tract of land that the Hyuuga Clan had owned.
The Hyuuga Clan, like the Uchiha Clan, lived separately from the rest of Konoha. The Hyuuga and Uchiha territories were separated from the rest of Konoha by a large fence. Though the land owned by the Uchiha Clan was easily bigger because it had more Clan members, people said otherwise since the massacre had occurred.
"I wonder who'll take her place then…" thought Fuuko out loud, talking to no one in particular. The boys on either side of her shrugged, leaving Fuuko to her own devices until the substitute came.
No one noticed the door slide open as a Chuunin walked in, an air of authority surrounding the shinobi. Everyone was still engrossed in what they usually did. Hinata was the type to wait another five or so minutes before calling their attention. The Chuunin who walked in, however, was not.
"Good morning class," chirped the Chuunin. The ten year olds froze. The voice was still feminine but it didn't sound like Hinata's at all. In fact, it was somewhat louder and more confident than that of their Chuunin instructor.
"S-Sakura-s-sensei!" stammered Fuuko, standing in her place.
"Well, get to your seats," said Sakura, shooing them off to their places. The students droned their reply, their shoulders starting to sag. A slight frown appeared on Sakura's face as she watched them. Of course, she heard they were talented Academy students but without motivation, what good was it for them to graduate and become Genin?
"Sakura-sensei, where's Hinata-sensei?" asked Kyouta, his hand shooting up as he remained in his seat.
"Hinata-sensei has a fever so I'll be your substitute teacher for today and tomorrow," explained Sakura as she took out a stack of papers. The students shuddered at the sight of the stack of white sheets. It was probably the test they took the week before. "I was given these papers to distribute. Though I didn't grade them, I saw your scores and I'm mildly pleased at the results," said Sakura as she began to call out the names.
Twenty Minutes Later: Academy Students' Training Area
The students gathered outside, shifting their weight from one foot to the other in anticipation. Sakura had spent the past couple of minutes scrutinizing them, as if she could see something more about them beyond the way they looked. Soon enough, she had stopped and began to speak.
"I've been informed that you were about to start the Bunshin no Jutsu today, right?" asked Sakura for clarification.
"Hinata-sensei said that she'd give us a brief introduction on the Bunshin no Jutsu and its uses, as well as how to perform it," informed Fuuko, hoping it'd help Sakura even a little bit. The Chuunin nodded before continuing.
"You all know that there are three basic Nin Jutsu which Academy students learn during their years here, the Kawarimi no Jutsu or the Replacement Technique, Henge no Jutsu or the Transformation Technique and the one you're about to learn today, the Bunshin no Jutsu," explained Sakura. "For now, it's the Cloning Technique."
Closing her eyes, Sakura gathered the needed chakra and began to perform the technique. In a matter of seconds, four puffs of smoke appeared, two on either side of her. As the smoke began to dissipate, replicas of her appeared, doing the exact same thing she was.
"Of course, these bunshin will do the same thing you do, be it raising your arm or taking one step forward," added Sakura, lifting her hand to show emphasis. Indeed, the other four clones did the same thing. "The Bunshin no Jutsu is useful, especially in confusing the enemy. Each bunshin disappears when they are hit," she added with a tone of finality.
"Sakura-sensei, I hear of another cloning technique called the Kage Bunshin no Jutsu. Do we get to learn it?" asked Shuunto, his green eyes glittering slightly.
"As a Jounin, perhaps you will, although there is a Chuunin who knows of this technique already, even as a Genin. But, I sincerely doubt any of you can handle the strain of learning the Kage Bunshin no Jutsu at your age and skill," replied Sakura, making her clones disappear in another puff of smoke.
"Then what is the difference between Kage Bunshin and Bunshin no Jutsu?" asked Kyouta somewhat pointedly, slightly irritated that he couldn't get to learn the more advanced technique.
"In Bunshin no Jutsu, the clones do exactly the same thing the shinobi does. However, if you use Kage Bunshin no Jutsu, you create real bodies, able to move separately and voice out opinions and such during attacks. They can help out by using Tai Jutsu or even molding chakra to help you use a jutsu. However, once they're hit by an opponent, they disappear just like regular bunshin. It's different when they hit as opposed to when they're hit," explained Sakura, hoping they could get the explanation she just gave.
"When can we start practicing Bunshin no Jutsu then, Sakura-sensei?" asked Fuuko enthusiastically. Kyouta had at least settled down slightly after hearing the major differences between the two cloning techniques.
"Now, actually," said Sakura with a laugh. The students nodded as they began to move apart, to make room for their bunshin. "For now, practice creating just one bunshin, progressing to more bunshin as you get used to the technique. Your goal for the week is to create one bunshin, or if you're lucky, two," instructed Sakura, her green eyes reflecting the sight of the students before her.
After Classes: By the Swing
The sun had already begun to set and the last of Hinata's students had just left. It was a pretty tiring day, despite just having to teach Academy students how to perform the Bunshin no Jutsu.
Sakura was more tired with having to walk around and explain once more how to perform the Jutsu than actually being spent because she taught. She wondered how tired Kakashi had been after teaching the three of them. Team Seven's members were so different in style.
Sakura was more the strategic type, to stay behind the lines and offer support. Naruto, though he planned a bit, was more the type to just attack his opponents face first. Sasuke was a combination of both Sakura and Naruto, but definitely much stronger, physically, than Sakura. Kakashi was a perfect balance of the three, so to speak.
A lone figure lingered by the swing, pacing around quietly, as if waiting for someone. A soft smile found its way to the Chuunin's face as she stepped closer towards the figure. Putting her hand on the figure's shoulder, she opened her mouth to speak.
"How'd you know I was here and why are you here anyway?" asked Sakura, a slight grin on her face. He snorted as he shrugged off her hand from his shoulder.
"I saw you earlier. I was passing by the training area to go to my shift in the East Gate," he explained, blunt in his manner. He was always like that anyway.
"So you say," said Sakura as she relaxed her posture, letting her hand swing freely at her side. He grunted a response that seemed so like him to do. "What are you doing here though, Sasuke-kun?" she asked, honest curiosity in her voice.
"Felt like being here," he reasoned as he turned around. Sakura nodded, her eyes twinkling.
"Want to go to Ichiraku with me for dinner? I'll even pay for your dinner," invited Sakura, tugging on Sasuke's arm for added emphasis. The Uchiha's eyebrow rose, wondering why she was doing this. "Is it wrong for a friend to just invite another for dinner, hmm?" countered Sakura, a smile playing on her lips.
"…I suppose not," he mumbled, hardly having any reason to decline her invitation.
"Great! Let's go then," said Sakura cheerfully, pulling him along with her.
Ten Minutes Later: Ichiraku
"..And I'll have the Chicken Ramen with Miso," ordered Sakura as she put down the menu. Sasuke had ordered his usual ramen, the Ramen Special.
Ichiraku was the official headquarters of Team Seven, at least for meals. Naruto would drag them there most of the time. And for the others, who didn't survive by eating ramen, it was fine with them. Ichiraku ramen was indeed very palatable and they could break the monotony of the taste by buying a snack afterwards.
As the ramen owner and his assistant began to cook their food, an awkward silence fell over the two Chuunin. It's not like they've never kept silent before in each other's presence but for some reason, neither of them, especially Sakura, could start a conversation, even a one-sided one.
"…What were you doing in the Academy anyway?" The question from Sasuke caught the female off guard a little, not expecting him to start a conversation at all. Nonetheless, she answered it.
"Hinata-chan is sick with a fever and Tsunade-shishou advised her to stay in bed today and tomorrow. I'm taking over her class until tomorrow," explained Sakura, her cheeks turning red in the process.
"Hn," mumbled Sasuke as he nodded slowly, accepting her explanation.
"I want to become like Kakashi-sensei, as a Jounin anyway," said Sakura quietly. At that, Sasuke stared.
"You…what?" he hissed, hardly being able to imagine Sakura being similar to that perverted, forever-late Jounin who, sad to say, was one of the best.
"Not like that! I mean, I want to teach a Genin Team just like he did!" explained Sakura quickly, her face turning a dark crimson in embarrassment.
"…At least," Sasuke mumbled in relief. It would be hell if there was a second Kakashi. There was hardly enough room in Konoha for one.
Silence hung like a huge canopy over them, Sasuke going back to his brooding and Sakura, back to her humming. The smell of cooking ramen wafted in the air, enough to make a certain blonde Chuunin grow even hungrier. Thinking about him, Sakura hadn't seen him for days.
She was busy with her training and she had just gone back to making her rounds in the hospital, making sure the shinobi who were under her charge were getting better.
"Sasuke-kun, where's Naruto? I haven't seen him in days," asked Sakura, tilting her head slightly to see the Uchiha better.
"Mission I guess," replied Sasuke, shrugging. He wasn't the type to go snooping around, finding out information on the whereabouts of certain ninjas, especially if that ninja was Naruto. Unless, of course, the blonde had gone missing or something, then he would but otherwise, he'd rather stick his nose in his own business.
Sakura nodded, satisfied with Sasuke's answer. She hadn't expected much in the first place but the fact that he answered meant something, even just a little.
"Here you go kids, Chicken Ramen with Miso for Sakura-chan and Ramen Special for Sasuke-kun," said the stall owner cheerfully, setting down the bowls of steaming ramen in front of them.
He had known Sasuke and Sakura since they were still Academy students, the pair sometimes visiting for food. Their visits to the quaint Ramen stall had increased the minute they became Genin.
"Itadakimasu!" said the Chuunin in unison, breaking their chopsticks and starting to eat their freshly cooked dinner.
5:00pm the Next Day: Hyuuga Household
Sakura shivered slightly as she walked through the large corridors of the Hyuuga Household. The students were quick to catch on with the Bunshin no Jutsu, faring much better than yesterday. They still needed a lot of practice but they had at least gotten the basics.
Kyouta had managed to create a bunshin, a useless one but at least managing to do so. Sakura had spent a good five minutes consoling the brooding young Academy student who had hoped to get it already.
"Hinata-nee-sama is doing better," informed Hanabi quietly. Hinata's younger sister had taken it upon herself to guide the pink haired Chuunin to her sister's room.
"That's good. Tsunade-shishou sent me over here to check on Hinata-chan's health as well as report to her about her class," explained Sakura, her feet padding gently against the wooden flooring. Hanabi nodded knowingly.
"This is Hinata-nee-sama's room. When you're done visiting, Neji-nii-san will show you the way out. He's inside anyway," instructed Hanabi, sliding open the shoji door. With a slight, somewhat stiff bow, Hanabi left Sakura's presence.
Taking a deep breath, Sakura stepped inside the room. She had gotten used to being under the gaze of one Hyuuga at a time but being under the gaze of at least two was probably unimaginable for many shinobi.
As soon as she stepped inside, Sakura's eyes widened. True enough, Neji was there, leaning against the wall and staying near his cousin's bedside, Hinata was indeed feeling better, already sitting up, but the presence of another startled her. It was Hinata's father, the current patriarch of the Hyuuga Clan.
"You must be Haruno Sakura-san. Hinata has told me about you," greeted Hiashi, his tone somewhat warm. Sakura felt her cheeks color slightly as she nodded, bowing slightly. "So what do we owe your visit to, Sakura-san?"
"It's alright, you can call me Sakura," corrected the Chuunin with a slight laugh, feeling it odd to have the –san honorific attached to her name by one of the most high-ranking shinobi in Konoha. The older Hyuuga male nodded. "I just came to check on Hinata-chan's health by Tsunade-shishou's orders and to tell her the progress of her class," explained Sakura, tucking a stray strand of her rosette colored hair behind her ear.
Both male Hyuuga stepped aside, allowing for Sakura to approach the hopefully recovered Hinata. All external signs were good showing that she had gotten over the worst of her sickness. Other standard check-up procedures were done as well, just to make sure she was indeed healthy.
"Well, with enough sleep tonight, you should be able to go back to the Academy tomorrow," announced Sakura, a smile on her face. Hiashi breathed a sigh of relief as he heard Sakura speak. "And Hinata-chan, your students are doing well. Most of them have gotten through the basics of Bunshin no Jutsu already," added Sakura in the end.
"Already that fast?" said Hinata, more a statement than a question really. Another nod came from Sakura. "Thank you, Sakura-chan," said Hinata, her voice slightly quieter.
"No problem."
Tsuzuku…
And I have a beta-reader. Since I was able to choose before this chapter was uploaded, Yuugi-chan was able to beta this. Hope it ends up better.
MERRY CHRISTMAS!
Despite the lateness.
With nothing left to say, I'm looking forward to writing the last five chapters of this story, taking a break, then starting anew on the second part of the Vision Trilogy.
I leave you with the fact that this will be the last update of the year 2005, the next one already in 2006 as I have no time to write anymore for what's left of December.
As a parting note, here's the chapter preview for the next chapter.
Next Chapter: Chapter Twenty-Two – Katon: Okibi Arashi no Jutsu
Chapter Preview: Usagi, Ryuu, Hebi, Inu, Tora. Hare. Dragon. Serpent. Dog. Tiger. The seals flashed by quickly, Aya's hands lingering on each seal for the quickest of moments. As Aya's hands drifted to her side, a long, wide ribbon of fire burst forth from her mouth, only to tear into smaller tongues of fire. Patches of Sakura's skin glowed orange and the flames burned brightly as the landed everywhere. "Katon: Okibi Arashi no Jutsu."