Sakura No Yousei: Chapter 6- A Man Named Gato

A soft breathing could be heard in the dark room. A sleeping figure lay in the bed, his breath the only noise in the silent chamber. A dark shadow sat in the chair beside the sleeping boy, her hand twirling a glittering kunai as she waited for the boy to rouse. Her emerald eyes watched him as his rapid breath continued to disturb the silence.

She rose impatiently from where she sat and moved over to the fire, her eyes falling on another form seated at the hearth. Noticing her presence, he looked up at her intently with his onyx gaze. She kneeled beside him, her hand returning the kunai to the satchel at her thigh. He smiled at her lightening mood. She smiled back, but looked away and into the fire as her face returned to its bleak expression. He had grown worried over the last few hours.

She had refused to leave the side of the sleeping boy in the bed, wanting to be there when he awoke from his seemingly endless slumber. She denied food and sleep and must surely be weary from the numerous hours she stayed up, the light in the sky far gone, the night creeping slowly towards dawn. She had requested him only when she had grown lonely as time stole on. He obliged, although hesitant at first. The atmosphere around her had changed since her mission with ANBU.

She had grown strong and independent, not to mention ruthless and cunning. The boy in the bed shuffled, but continued with his slumber. He was even lucky to still be alive. He had nearly met his death at the hands of the girl beside the fire. She was fierce and had granted him no mercy, which alarmed her companion that sat beside her.

He missed the girl whose sole purpose was to prevent violence if necessary, the kind spirit who was affectionate and soft spoken. But she betrayed that and turned to a life of force and determination. She was willing to kill if it came to that. He looked sadly over at her, his will to speak slowly overcoming him.

" Sakura, I don't want you to leave me again, it was unbearable last time and I know that this time you may not return. Don't do this Sakura," he said pleadingly as Sakura sat cross-legged in front of the warm blaze of flames, her mind racing with the thought of Gato and his karma that would be delivered through her.

She realized Sasuke was depressed at the thought of her leaving him again to kill a man they barely knew, yet committed unspeakable crimes. But she smiled at his worrisome nature. She wouldn't be leaving him; in fact, she had persuaded Gai to allow him to accompany her in her mission. But due to her careful watch over Gentai, she had forgotten to tell Sasuke.

She turned to him, her wide grin on her face. He looked at her hopelessly. ' Why is she smiling, doesn't she care,' he thought. Sakura scooted over to him until she was touching his warm body. She tipped her head and let it rest wearily on his shoulder as he wrapped his hand around her.

" Sasuke, I'm not leaving you. I forgot to tell you earlier, but you're coming with me," she said, his expression instantly changed. She chuckled as he tickled her scoldingly. " Why didn't you tell me earlier! God, Sakura you had me soo worried," he said, embracing her as she nuzzled into him. " Sasuke, who else would go. I know the anger and pain you have inside. I thought maybe if we did this together, you would let some of the hurt go," she said into his shirt, her eyes aching to close, but she forced them to stay open.

He pulled her close to him, thinking about her words. She was right. If he could come to terms with knowing death, then maybe he could grow stronger from experience. But he found it weird to talk about murder in such a casual way. It didn't bother him at all, as he often thought of murder, especially when it came to Itachi.

He just never thought Sakura would go as far to consider murder, and if she was the one doing it, it was even more ominous in his mind. Sakura had changed soo much being around ANBU. She had the attitude of the hunter-nin, and she had only been here for a week. Her rapid transformation made Sasuke a bit troubled. ' Hopefully when we go back to Kohona, she'll return to normal,' he thought, the small shaft of hope peeking through the bleak darkness that surrounded him and Sakura.

Sakura moved uneasily in his arms as she began to doze off. Sasuke looked at the pink haired angel lying in his arms and smiled weakly, the thought of her murdering Gato still fresh in his mind. He pulled her into his arms and rose to his feet. He carried her over to the plush chair and laid her comfortably in its arms, taking the blanket from the end of Gentai's bed and draping it over Sakura's body.

He turned and walked back over to the fire, holding his hands out to gather the heat radiating from the flames. He heard a rustling behind him and turned to see Gentai sitting up in his bed. He rubbed his head sorely as Sasuke walked over beside Sakura and sat on the patch of cushion her body didn't occupy. Gentai looked over at Sasuke, his eyes narrowing as his memory came back to him. Sasuke didn't move, but watched Gentai as he tried to leave the bed, finding it hard to maintain balance.

He looked at Sasuke, his anger rising as Sasuke simply watched him struggle. He felt like Sasuke was mocking him, even if his face was blank. He saw Sakura curled up behind him, her arms wrapped closely around Sasuke's waist. He looked away, the hurt and betrayal returning. He felt ashamed and his pride wounded at the thought he had let Sakura fool him then kidnap him. She was a clever girl and he was a boy who let his hormones rule over his intuition and mind.

He had felt something suspicious about the way she had come on to him so quickly, but she had a body that he couldn't tear his eyes away from. Not to mention the most beautiful eyes to match a gorgeous face. She was perfect in every way, and yet, she was tricky. He had felt her true innocence in her touch, but knew she was forcing the seductive part of her to the surface. He looked from her to her companion.

He felt immensely jealous at the thought that Sasuke would always be there for her, and vice versa. He wondered what it was about the boy next to her that she was drawn to. He was dark and a cloud of despair seemed to float above his head and yet she clung to him lovingly with a soft smile on her lips. She loved him, but why? Sasuke decided he had enough of the strange looks he was receiving and spoke up.

" Good to know you're awake," he said casually as Gentai grunted before allowing himself to fall back on the bed. " What the hell do you care," he said callously, a deep frown on his face. Sasuke looked down at Sakura, but decided not to wake her. He was capable of small talk while she had herself a much-deserved nap. He looked up at Gentai, who stared at Sakura, his eyes misty.

" So you really like Sakura, I take it," he said, a smile forming on his face. Gentai looked at him nastily and turned away to avoid the smirk on Sasuke's face. Sasuke started to feel guilty, knowing what it felt like to be jealous. " Look, I'm… uh, well, I'm sorry Sakura had to fool you. We just wanted information on your father, she didn't mean for you to get hurt. Sakura kind of lost her head when she fought you, I doubt she meant to injure you soo badly," he said seriously, finding the apology a lot harder than it had seemed in his mind. Gentai turned over to look at Sasuke.

" Yeah I guess I'm sorry too. I should have known a girl like her wasn't really interested in me. I knew she would probably kill me for threatening you, but I hadn't expected her to really try. She vicious, that one, a lot stronger than she looks, I have to say it hurt pretty bad having her rake her nails through my skin. And about my father, it makes sense that you're after him. He's an awful person. Personally I despise the man. All he cares about is his damn money. If people get in the way, he kills them. Or should I say, he sends his ninja henchmen to do the job. He doesn't think about whether they have families to support, loved ones, lives. All they are are hindrances in his grand scheme to own the village. And if it weren't for you and Sakura saving Tazuna, the bridge-builder, he would have succeeded. I bet you thought I was pretty vile myself too. I admit I wasn't exactly prince charming in my intentions with Sakura. Sorry if I got carried away. I suppose she already told you what happened," he said, Sasuke speechless at the sincerity in Gentai's voice. He wasn't the person he had expected him to be, and he supposed Sakura had known it all along. He smiled at Gentai, letting him know it was okay. Gentai relaxed and glanced over at Sasuke's headband.

" So are you two from the Village Hidden In The Leaves?" he asked carefully, not knowing whether it was proper to ask a question like that to the dark ninja. Sasuke felt it was okay to let him know and nodded. " I noticed how Sakura had looked prepared for battle. Umm, I know it's probably intrusive to ask, but what's your name. You don't have to tell me if you don't want though," he added quickly, seeing Sasuke hesitate at the question.

" It's Sasuke," he said. " Just Sasuke?" Gentai said, wanting to know if he was who he thought he was. " Uh… Sasuke Uchiha, I guess that's what you wanted me to say, right?" he said as Gentai's face lit. " I knew you were the prodigy Uchiha. You're quite renowned here, for some odd reason. So is it true, do you really have the Kekai Genki, the Sharingan?" he asked casually, even if his insides were bursting with excitement. He had heard of the immense power the Sharingan brought to the beholder, its bloodline jutsus deadly and only usable to those who possessed it. Sasuke nodded and looked over at the fire.

Gentai hesitated, but began to speak again. " So have you ever used it?" he said curiously. Sasuke looked back over at him darkly and Gentai became silent. Sasuke sighed, figuring it didn't matter to him if everyone knew. Why shouldn't he have fans here too? " Yeah, I've used it on one of my teammates before, and when I killed Zabuza, but I don't use it often," he said, as though it were no big deal.

Gentai laughed loudly. " Man, you really do mean business. Me, my father hires rouge ninja to teach me jutsus, but I could never stand up to battle anyone like you or, well…," he cut off looking at Sakura nervously as she stirred, her hand wrapping further around Sasuke. Sasuke smiled down at her as her eyes fluttered and she sat up wearily.

" Damn Naruto, I was trying to sleep," she said groggily before she realized she was lying on a soft chair behind Sasuke with Gentai watching her from the bed. Her cheeks went a dark pink, realizing Naruto was nowhere in sight.

" Uh just kidding," she said slightly embarrassed as she scooted to sit up better and ruffled her hair. Sasuke turned in the chair as she crawled around him to sit on his lap. Her eyes met Gentai's as she cuddled up against Sasuke, still wrapped in her warm blanket. " I was beginning to think you died from blood loss. You slept for almost a day," she said, noticing the rays of the sun peering through the blinds in the window.

Gentai smiled slightly and she smiled back, her anger dissipated. She was friendlier and had forgotten about Gato and her murderous venture.

" So, want some breakfast," she said as she rose from Sasuke's lap, the cold air creeping up the back of her bare legs as his warmth disappeared. Wrapping the blanket tightly around her, she walked over to Gentai and lifted him from the bed, supporting him with her arm. Sasuke stood and took Gentai's other arm and led him out of the dark room into the wooded hallway.

As they entered the kitchen, Sakura seated Gentai at a chair at the small table and moved over to the fridge. Sasuke followed her and helped her remove the makings for breakfast. Sakura moved past Sasuke and reached into a high cabinet for a glass. She made to turn, but a hand pinned her to the wall.

Sakura gasped at the tight grip around her wrist, realizing Sasuke wouldn't hold her like that. The grip tightened and she let the glass fall from her fingers, the crystal cup shattering on the wooded floor. She reached for her satchel, but another hand grabbed hers and slammed it against the cabinet door beside her face. Sakura struggled before her anger rose and her eyes went an eerie white. She looked over her shoulder to find Gentai holding her arms tightly. Sasuke was standing beside him, simply watching as Sakura's rage rose.

Her dangerous white eyes flashed as she crouched quickly, an unexpecting Gentai's hands still gripped to her. Sliding out behind his parted legs, she in turn grabbed his wrist as he released her, dragging his arms through his legs. Sakura pulled hard and he fell to the floor on his back with a tremendous thud that shook the floor below them. Sakura turned to Sasuke in fury, walking toward him as he slowly backed away from her.

Sakura cornered him, her eyes burning intensely. She looked into his onyx eyes, his eyes empty and full of hatred, before hers returned to their emerald glow. They brimmed with tears as she backed away from him unsteadily, before turning and running from the kitchen. Sakura ran through the house and burst through the front door into the pale light of morning.

She ran down to the river, the water splashing around her legs as she came to stand in the freezing water. Her cheeks were stained with tears, her heart sore. She sank to her knees, the water wading around the hem of her black shorts, the bottom of her satchels pockets soaked with the icy water. She bought her hands to her face as she sobbed, her tears falling like soft rain onto the slowly flowing water around her. Sakura took her hands from her face as the sound of the dewy grass being crunched under feet met her ears.

She rose and turned quickly as she saw a trio of hunter-nin approach her. Their masks signified their brutal endeavors, the white masks stained and splattered with blood. She rose as they stopped feet from her, their hands forming three separate jutsus. Sakura recognized each before ducking under the water as streams of fire ignited over her head.

Sakura opened her eyes under the water as the flames died. Her eyes lit in the blinding white as the water swirled around her. The hunter-nin stumbled backward as Sakura was lost from sight in a torrent of white water. She stood in the water as it swirled around her. The hunter-nin watched as she formed the water around her, the circling stream spinning around her body.

Sakura pushed her hands forward and the massive stream flew at the hunter-nin, knocking them to the ground. Sakura walked forward, the water parting to form a dry path in front of her, her eyes glowing dangerously. The three hunter-nin rose to stand in a tight row. Sakura stopped on the slope, the water following her up the dry path, the enormous stream of water around her being fed by the river.

It formed into a ferocious dragon as Sakura's eyes changed from the illuminating white to a deep green. The dragon rose forth, swaying above her menacingly as the hunter-nin stood hesitant to attack. Suddenly the hunter-nin parted, revealing Sasuke who stepped past to stand before Sakura. Her eyes widened as the dragon let out a tremendous roar that sent rain falling around them. Sasuke's Sharingan burned in his eyes, the swiveling chakra comas spinning in his red glare.

Sakura was taken aback by Sasuke's actions, knowing he meant to do battle with her. The hunter-nin retreated to leave Sakura and Sasuke in a face off. Sasuke wasted no time in attacking. His hands moved swiftly in the fire no jutsu, his fist brought to his mouth as he blew a stream of fire at her. Sakura stood to the side and raised her hand to face him, the dragon rushing forth to extinguish the intense flames the threatened to engulf her.

The two jutsus met in an explosion of steam, the flame and dragon dying on impact. Sasuke looked through the steam as it cleared, but Sakura was not to be found on the other end of her attack. A shadow blocked the sun in his eyes and he looked up to find Sakura soaring from above, a kunai gripped in her fist, her emerald eyes blazing.

She landed in front of him as he moved back to avoid the slash she threw at him, narrowly avoiding his neck. He duck and shifted as she lunged the kunai repeatedly at him before he grabbed her around her waist, drawing her into his close embraced. He squeezed her tighter and tighter, her breathing growing shallow as he crushed her slight frame.

Sakura felt her shadow jutsu flow to her hand before lunging her fist into his stomach. He instantly let go of her and stumbled to his knees, his arms wrapped around his waist as he gasped for air. Sakura back flipped away from him, landing with her leg outstretched in a crouch.

Catching herself with one hand, she moved the free hand to form the dragon jutsu as the enormous creature rose out of the water, its long watery scales glistening in the sunlight as it flowed beside her. Wrapping around in front of her, it waited for its chance to attack, its long fangs gleaming as it reared its head at Sasuke, who stood weakly to his feet. He smiled as he noticed Sakura through the clear water of the dragons form.

Sakura wasted no time and forced the dragon forward, its long body hastening forward to meet Sasuke. Sasuke flew backward and slammed against a tree as the water continued to press against him, the never-ending flow pounding his body. Sakura lowered her hand and the rush of water ceased as Sasuke slumped to the ground, his head hitting his chest as he lay unconscious against the trunk of the ravaged tree.

Sakura rose and ran to him, fearing she had killed him. She fell to her knees immediately as she reached him, lifting his head in her hand. His eyes wearily opened to look at her, his gaze distant and cold.

" Sasuke, why," she asked as she pulled him to her, his soaked body pressed against hers. Sakura felt the burn of the familiar tears in her eyes as she held Sasuke in her arms. " Why did you do this, Sasuke, tell me," she cried out as he looked at her, his face contorted in a twisted grin. " I hate you," he whispered before going limp in her arms, leaving Sakura sobbing as she held his body against her.

Sakura gasped as she rose, sweat clinging to her forehead. She looked around frantically, finding herself in a dark room lit by the soft glow of fire. Her eyes found Sasuke sitting over her, his arms wrapped around her. Sakura burst into tears as she clung to him tightly, feeling the loss and pain bursting in her chest.

Sasuke stroked her hair gently, holding her tightly as she wept into his shirt. He looked over at Gentai who sat at the edge of the bed, his eyes pleading with Sasuke to let him know what happened. Sasuke shook his head, just as confused as Gentai was about what had occurred. One minute Sakura had been sitting on his lap after she had woken up from her nap on the chair, and then she had fainted and fell to the floor.

Gentai and Sasuke had tried everything to wake her, but they could only sit and watch as she struggled in Sasuke's arms, her body tossing and turning, the cold tears slipping from the corners of her eyes. Then she had simply woken up, searching around her. It had frightened Sasuke terribly. She had been in what seemed to him in a deep dream that lasted for more than 20 minutes and he had begun to think he had lost her.

All she did was squirm, as she seemed to struggle in the nightmare she was having. Sasuke was relieved when Sakura pulled back, her glistening face, her eyes wide in relief. " Just a dream," she mumbled as she reached up and wiped away the tears with the back of her hand. Sakura looked into his face to find the gaze she adored. Without hesitating or caring Gentai was watching, she pulled Sasuke's lips to hers and kissed him deeply.

He simply let her lips caress his as he sat with her in his arms. She pulled back slowly, her lips wetly leaving his as her tears slipped over them. Sasuke opened his eyes in surprise, not expecting her to act so randomly after her nerve-wracking performance. She opened her eyes slowly, the tears slipping from under her ebony lashes. She gazed up at Sasuke, her emerald eyes shimmering with joy.

" Sasuke, I love you soo much," she said embracing him tightly and pressing her face into his chest, her ear listening to his soft heartbeat. He wrapped his arms tighter around her, his face buried in her silky pink strands. " Sakura, what happened," he whispered so lightly into her ear. She lifted her head to meet his onyx eyes. " Sasuke, it was so awful. I….I… killed you," she said, her breath hitching as she let the words come from her mouth. Sasuke shifted her in his arms so she was facing him head on.

" Sakura, tell me," he said as she cuddled into him comfortably. She looked over at Gentai who busied himself with the fray at the hem of the blanket wrapped around his bare chest. He noticed her eyes on him and looked up at her to find a smile on her lips. He took it as a cue to listen and he nodded as she rose off of Sasuke and walked over to the fire to warm herself. " It was as though I never left. It was soo real. I had taken Gentai to the kitchen and you had helped me, and as I was trying to get a glass out for Gentai, he grabbed me from behind. He held my wrists against the cupboard and wouldn't release me, so I attacked and left him on the floor. I noticed when he was attacking me, you didn't help me, you just stood there and it made me soo angry. I felt this powerful rage and my eyes went white. I came after you after I had knocked out Gentai, but the look on your face…," she inhaled as the tears threatened her again,

" it was dark and distant and I didn't know who you were. I ran outside and waded into the river and cried, but three hunter-nin with bloody masks came for me and attacked me, but I unleashed my shadow jutsu on them. I summoned this dragon out of the water and controlled it. It was so weird, I could feel the chakra flow through me, it was the best feeling. But they didn't fight back when I attacked with the dragon, instead you came and the hunter-nin left and…," Sakura felt the soft tear trail down her cheek as she hesitated,

" you attacked me, and you had the Sharingan in your eyes. You fought me intending to kill me, Sasuke. I did all I could to not use chakra, but I knew that if I didn't I might die, so I used my dragon jutsu and pinned you against a tree, but when you fell to the ground, I could see I had hurt you badly. I ran to your side and I remember asking you why, why you would attack me, but you looked at me and told me, t-ttold me you hated… me," she sighed as she cried freely into her hands," and you died. I killed you, Sasuke," she sobbed, the words slurred as she wept into her hands, the tears running down her palms and dripping of her elbows.

Sasuke rose, walking over to her as she turned to him, her eyes swimming in the dark sorrow that slipped from her emerald orbs. " Sasuke, I can't do this, I can't kill him," she said as he pulled her to him, the tears stopping as she realized she couldn't handle the seriousness of her task. Gentai rose at the words, his eyes wide. " Kill who Sakura?" he said nervously. She pulled out of Sasuke's warm embrace and walked toward Gentai.

She took his hand, her face weary and drained of the rosy pink that graced her soft skin. " Gentai, I never wanted this to happen to you, you're more than I expected, you're my friend. Gentai, we have to kill your father. This is why we took you, we needed your help to locate him. I'm soo sorry," she whispered as he pulled his hand from hers, stumbling backward onto the bed.

" Kill him, my father," he breathed, not completely understanding what she had said. He knew this day would come, he had even prepared to know the sorrow by severing all real connection with his father, but now that it was happening, he felt the pain and loss rush back. Gentai felt he owed them an explanation for his sudden grief. Sakura sat next to him on the bed, Sasuke beside her, as Gentai told them the life he had under his father's watch.

He had never really had a relationship with his father. Everything was business to him, Gentai just the son he now had due to a short-lived marriage with a wealthy heiress. He had agreed to take the boy in and lavish him to his pleasing when Gentai's mother was on her deathbed. He had never agreed to love the boy or spend time with him, show him the world, teach him about life. He just hired people to do that for him while he was busy with earning money. Gentai grew up to find the world was lonely, greedy, one purpose to serve. Life wasn't what a child his age would be to others.

They might find nature entrancing or people good hearted, being raised by loving parents in a healthy environment. But Gentai, only knowing the guidance of a nanny, was separated from that. He only saw hatred that lied beneath the surface of the friendly smiles he would receive from the neighboring villagers. He trusted no one and kept to himself. That was until he met a girl. His father had arranged for girls rich and fair to wed his son.

But Gentai had refused the others, knowing their hearts were as tainted as his, their parents having the same desires as his father. But there was one. Her name was Anka. She was a beautiful golden girl who lived in the village, coming from no wealthy family, yet raised to love all around her. She wasn't what Gentai's father would consider worthy of Gentai's affections. But Gentai loved her endlessly.

Her free spirit and sensitive touch surrounded him in a safe place no other could penetrate. He lived for her, he loved for her, he learned everything about what life really meant from her. And she loved him back, just as passionately. He knew his father would never agree for their marriage, but Gentai continued to love her, to be with her, to sneak from his father's watch to see her.

But when the day Gato found out about the peasant girl his son fawned for, he was outraged. In a desperate attempt to save the good name of him family and to save his son from a shameful marriage, he had the girl and her family killed. Gentai was crushed at losing the one girl that made his life complete, his vision clear, the world less stark. He had hated his father for it, despised, scorned, absolutely loathed him for causing his heartbreak. And all his father would say was it was for the best that he never knew the disappointing life he would live with her.

Gentai couldn't survive knowing a life without Anka, so he left, ran away and abandoned all his father had provided for him. Gato wasn't about to let Gentai leave though. All Gato had built would someday become Gentai's and he must learn to accept death and even enjoy it. If he were to ever own Gato's business, he must learn to crush those beneath him lest he be crushed himself.

Such was the paranoia that surrounded Gato. Gentai refrained from his father's company if he could, not wanting the poison of mistrust and obsession to rule him like it did his father. After Gentai fled from his father's watchful eyes, Gato sent only the most skilled of ninja to retrieve him unharmed. When Gentai was cornered by the ninja, he was surprised his father would trust anyone more powerful than he. Gentai knew if he were to ever truly escape, he had to become more influential than his father. And then it had struck him.

If became a dangerous ninja, his father would have no choice but cast him out. He would fear and respect Gentai, maybe even love him for beating him at his own game. So Gentai returned with the ninja and demanded to be trained by them, and naturally to keep the boy satisfied, Gato obliged and Gentai began his training, growing more powerful each day. Gato was none the wiser to his son's growth.

If he had, he might have realized he had made a huge mistake. But upon discovering Gentai's mastery of the dangerous jutsus, Gato was quite the opposite of what Gentai had thought. He adored his son's personal commitment to power, even if he didn't truly know what he did it for. Gentai was astounded at his father's sudden interest in him. His father actually loved him, and Gentai had been so foolish to think he wanted to destroy his father.

He found himself blinded to the truth. He forgot about the death of Anka, the destruction of the town's people, the deceit and lies. All he knew was that his father finally loved him, and it was all he wanted. He was happy for the first time and began to open his eyes to the world his father knew. Gentai was brainwashed by all the treachery that his father did behind his back.

He cared not for anyone but him and his father. He was whole, even if it was a long way from the complete feeling he had with Anka. He didn't want to believe he was wrong in abandoning his conscience. He just wanted the father that never was and never could be. He didn't know his father was wiser to Gentai's plan than he had let on.

He knew all the boy wanted was love from the only one he had left in the cold, empty world. But Gentai soon found his father's love was trickery. It wasn't real and Gentai knew his father was an evil man, all his clawing and climbing to the top of the moneymaking industry his only concern. Gentai knew sooner or later someone would get the upper hand and claim his father's life.

It was best for Gentai to abandon all love he though he had for his father and move on with life or what was left of his. He obliged to the marriage arrangements his father made him, meeting the shallow women who seduced him and left when they realized he couldn't love them. He didn't care for any of them.

But when he saw Sakura, there was a light around her that had drawn him to Anka and he had felt his heart beat again for the first time in years. But of course, as was his life, it was simply another trap he fell into. But he didn't realize he would become friends with the angelic girl. " I suppose when this is over, I'll come with you to your village and train there. I'm happy that I've made such wonderful friends. Its really a first for me since I was normally alone my whole life," he said thoughtfully, but with no regret in his voice.

Sakura was horrified at how Gato could allow Gentai to live such a hollow life. To think of a man who wouldn't love his own son made her mentally slap herself. It was ludicrous this man knew only of his son's existence and nothing more. She looked into Gentai's sparkling blue eyes, searching for hope, but found darkness. " Gentai, you shall come with us, I wouldn't leave you here. Ever," she said, smiling at him, his face lightening in an instant. " Yeah, you'll love Konoha," Sasuke said. " Maybe you can join our squad," he said happily, knowing another addition to the team would even out the mood and maybe quiet down Naruto.

" Sure, who else is in it?" he asked eagerly, his joy rising at the thought of a new chance at happiness. " Well, there's me and Sasuke of course and Naruto Uzumaki," she said happily. Gentai pondered the name, knowing he had heard it somewhere, but where? It suddenly dawned on him. " You mean the boy who contains the nine-tailed fox's spirit. I remember my father talking about it when I was younger. He sort of famous, even my father thinks the boy is some hero," he said.

Sakura nodded, smiling at the thought that even a weirdo like her best friend had admirers. She chuckled. " Yeah, he's something," she said. " Nothing you'll expect though," Sasuke added, seeing the slight hesitation in Gentai's eyes. Gentai smiled and rose weakly to his feet. " What are we waiting for, I want to meet him. Plus, I'm starved," he said, his face growing red as his stomach gurgled.

Sakura rose and he placed his arm around her shoulder as she helped him walk. Sasuke walked to the door and opened it, nodding to the hunter-nin that stood guard. They parted and Sasuke took Gentai's other arm as Sakura and Gentai came out of the room. The trio made their way to the cozy living room and set him down on the soft couch.

Naruto was fast asleep on the floor next to the extinguished fireplace, his loud snores filling the room. Sakura giggled and moved over to him, kneeing and shaking him. He grunted and opened an eye to find Sakura peering down at him, her tired face smiling. Slowly sitting up, he yawned and smiled over at her.

" So did you get it?" he asked before taking notice of a brown haired boy on the couch seated next to Sasuke. " Who's he," he said loudly, Sasuke wincing slightly. Sakura laughed heartily and helped him up, Naruto's face still in a state of confusion. " No really, is he with AN… ," " Umm, no Naruto, that's Gentai, Gato's son," she said, quickly cutting him off. Sasuke was tense in his seat, but relaxed as Sakura spoke.' That was close,' he thought.

" Oh… why is he out here then," Naruto asked, his arms behind his head, his blue eyes searching the boy. " He's coming home with us and possibly becoming one of the team," Sakura said happily, the anticipation in her voice obvious. Naruto's jaw dropped. " WHAT! Sakura-chan, he's the enemy, we can't take him home like he's some harmless pet you found!" he exclaimed loudly as Kakashi and Gai entered the room.

Kakashi noticed Gentai sitting on the couch and he looked at him intently. Gentai looked up, noticing the sensais and looked quickly away, knowing they probably didn't like him out of his room either. Gai glanced at Gentai and Sasuke before looking at the two fuming Genin in the center of the room. Sakura became upset and pointed at Gentai.

" He's not the enemy, Naruto, Gentai is innocent. He told us everything," she said angrily as Naruto stared her down. " How do we know he's not lying to you," Naruto yelled at her, becoming just as upset. Sakura stepped forward, her emerald eyes flashing dangerously. " You should know that I have better judgment of anyone in this room Naruto. Of all people, I think you know that," she said through clenched teeth.

Naruto's eyes went wide as he understood what she was getting at. He had been the outcast of course, but she had seen through the lies and outlandish tales the people of Kohona filled their children's heads. She saw Naruto for who he really was and she didn't think he was any different then her or anyone else. She never believed what she heard, no matter how convincing it may have sounded. She felt there was a greater good in everyone, and especially in Naruto, so she befriended him. He frowned and Sakura lightened.

" Trust me, Naruto. Gentai is a good person, he's nothing like his father," she said reassuringly as Naruto glanced nervously at Gentai. He looked back at her and smiled faintly. She smiled back before turning to find Gai and Kakashi-Sensai standing beside them. " Oh forgive me sensais, I didn't realize you were present," she said, embarrassed she had almost let her anger get the better of her in front of them.

Kakashi's eyes lit in a smile and Gai nodded. " So the boy's coming with us, is he, Sakura," Kakashi said heartily. " Yes, I think it would be best if he escaped this village," she said boldly, standing up to her sensai. She could see the fabric stretch across his hidden mouth as he smiled.

" Fine, have him packed and ready to go as soon as you and Sasuke return from your mission," he said, turning to follow Gai to the kitchen. Sakura looked down before speaking. " About that, sensai. I don't think I can anymore. I seem to have lost all need for its purpose," she said. " Perhaps you can send the hunter-nin instead. Sorry to disappoint you, sensai," she said sadly, but Kakashi turned to face his student.

" Sakura, you are wise to not take up the mission. Death is not something someone your age should be dealing with. I am highly impressed that you were confident enough to take it up in the first place, though. I am in no way disappointed in you, Sakura," he said cheerfully. Sakura raised her head and smiled brightly. " In that case, does that mean we may leave sooner," she asked. He nodded before walking from the room.

Sakura, overjoyed, turned to equally as happy company. They beamed at her, but most of all was Sasuke's smile that caught her eye. He looked relieved to know she wasn't leaving. She walked over at an elated Gentai. " Let's get something to eat before we get things packed. Oh Gentai, I'm soo happy you'll be coming with us! You'll love it in Konoha! Plus, you'll train like a real ninja should," she said, her weary face now bright and full of energy.

She pulled him to his feet and steadied him as she, Naruto, Sasuke and Gentai walked to the kitchen. She seated Gentai in a comfortable chair and took a mug from the cupboard behind her and poured hot tea into it before placing it before him. " Drink this, it will restore your strength," she said happily, walking over to the fridge to prepare food for breakfast and the trip ahead of them.

Gentai lifted the mug to his lips and felt the hot contents flow into his mouth, his body warming with each sip. He finished of the last of its contents before standing to his feet, feeling better than ever. " Wow, that stuff is great," he exclaimed as he walked around, the fatigue gone completely from his muscles. " Thank you, it's my secret healing herbal tea," Sakura said as she handed him a plate of eggs and toast.

" That was fast!" he said hungrily, sitting back down and devouring the food on the plate. Sakura walked over to Sasuke and Naruto and set their plates down before sitting next to Sasuke with a piece of toast and her herbal tea in her hand. " I'm glad you decided against going after Gato," Sasuke whispered to her as Gentai and Naruto inhaled their food. " I just realized I couldn't do that to Gentai. I mean, we are his friends now and I don't want to be the one to hurt him," Sakura said as she watched Gentai and Naruto race to see who could finish off their second helpings of eggs first.

Naturally Naruto had finished before Gentai could get the last mouthful of eggs on his fork. " Shoot, you must be hungry," he said, setting his fork down and taking a sip of his orange juice Sakura set in front of him. " Thank you for the great breakfast," they all chimed as they rose to leave to pack. Sakura smiled warmly before Gentai and Naruto ran off down the hall, pushing and laughing at each other.

" Looks like they'll get along just fine," Sakura said to Sasuke, watching as Gentai took the lead before rounding the corner with Naruto at his heels. " Yeah, lets just hope they don't destroy the house before we leave," he said as the tinkling of shattered glass rang through the hallway. " NARUTO, BE MORE CAREFUL!" Sakura yelled down the hall. " SORRY!" came Naruto's voice.

Sakura turned and gathered the dishes with a smile on her face, shaking her head. " So do you think Gentai knows how to fight?" Sasuke asked as Sakura set the dishes in the sink. Turning to face him, she smiled faintly and moved over to where he stood. " I don't know, but I guess we'll find out, won't we," she said happily before walking toward her and Sasuke's room, Sasuke following beside her.

" He seems like a good guy. I do wonder though, where will he stay?" Sasuke asked as they entered their room. " I suppose he can stay with me in my spare bedroom. You know, just until he can get a place of his own," she said, noticing the hesitation on Sasuke's face. " Look I know its not exactly convenient, Sasuke, but Gentai is a good guy," she said, knowing Sasuke would object. " Can't he stay with me or Naruto? We both have big apartments and plenty of room for him," he said casually, although his heart was about to burst from the thought of Gentai and Sakura alone in her apartment.

" Sure, I guess he can stay with one of you, that is, if you don't mind the extra company," she said sarcastically. Sasuke smiled before kneeling to pick up his pack, stuffing the stray clothing and weapons scattered around it. Sakura did the same, walking to the bathroom to retrieve her things. Sakura placed the last of her things on top and buckled her pack while checking around the room for forgotten items before lifting her pack and settling the straps on her shoulders.

Sasuke followed Sakura out of the room with his pack in hand, closing the door behind him and walking to the room next to theirs. Naruto was running to and fro, gathering the numerous items thrown about the room. Gentai watched him from a chair in the room's corner, amused at the messiness of the fox boy. Naruto stuffed everything into his bag before turning around, his eyes searching frantically.

He ran to the bathroom and emerged in a frenzy, falling to his knees and looking under the bed. " Naruto, what did you lose," Sakura asked as Naruto tore through his bag. " My headband, I can't remember what I did with it last night," he said, slightly out of breath as he ran over to the closet and rummaged through the random boxes. Sakura giggled and placed a hand on Naruto's shoulder.

" Naruto, it's on your head," she said through suppressed laughter. Naruto stopped and brought his hand to his forehead to feel the cool metal slate beneath his fingers. His face went a bright red as he looked away from everyone. " Umm opps," he said embarrassed. " Ready to go then," Sasuke said from the doorway. Naruto grabbed his pack and stood next to Sakura. Gentai rose then realized his shirt was still missing.

" Umm, I kind of need a shirt," Gentai said, feeling the cold air on his bare chest. Sasuke dug into his bag and pulled out a black, sleeveless shirt and tossed it to Gentai. " Here, it should fit," he said, closing his pack and slinging it back up on his shoulders. Gentai pulled the shirt over his head and smiled as it did fit him well.

He joined the others as they walked from the room and gathered again in the kitchen. Sakura filled their food bag with sandwiches and other food before zipping it closed and handing it to Sasuke. Kakashi and Gai walked in and greeted everyone. " Alright team, ready to go," he said. They all nodded, save Gentai who was still apprehensive about whether he was part of the team.

" Well then lets head out. I expect to see you soon, Gai," he said to Gai. " Yes, we should be back in Kohona in a few days after the hunter-nin have finished their job," he said as he shook Kakashi's hand. He turned to the others. " Sakura and the rest of you, thank you for helping us," he said, shaking each one of their hands before stopping in front of Gentai. " And thank you Gentai, without your help, we would still be lost," he said heartily, taking Gentai's hand in his. Gentai beamed up at him before he turned and left the five standing.

" Off we go," Kakashi said, leading the 4 ninja out the door and into the warm breeze. They trudge through the town, the news of Gato's demise could be heard in the cheering townspeople. Gentai was silent as he met the stares of the many villagers who knew him. Hushed whispers passed from person to person as he stared ahead, catching bits of what they were saying. " Isn't that Gato's son?…. Are they taking him too?…. Poor boy, father is dead," they said as he passed. Sakura sidled up to him and wrapped her arm reassuringly around his shoulder, his face brightening a bit.

" KAKASHI!" came a voice from behind. They all turned to see Tazuna the bridge-builder run to meet them. Tears were swimming in his eyes and a wide smile was on his face. " Thank you all soo much, you've saved us," he said shaking Kakashi's hand enthusiastically. " You're welcome Tazuna. We can't wait for your bridge to link our villages," Kakashi said earnestly before Tazuna nodded and watched them leave up the path out of the village.

The group walked a good ways till they came to the boats and stepped into the same one they had arrived in. The small boatman smiled as he rowed them across the vast blue water, the trees of the Land Hidden In The Leaves appearing on the horizon. Gentai was in awe as the boat scraped across the sandy beach. They all stepped out of the boat, their eyes meeting the familiar trees they missed so much.

" It's so amazing," Gentai exclaimed as he reached out and felt the tall trunk of the tree in front of him. " Yes, just wait till you see Konoha," Sakura said, pulling Gentai away from the tree and onto the path. They walked a great ways before coming to the bridge. The sun was high in the sky and the five walked carefully across the wooded bridge, the clear spring visible at the bottom of the steep ridge. Gentai's eyes took in everything around them, his mouth wide in astonishment.

" There's nothing like this back in my village," he said in a whisper. Sakura smiled at Sasuke shyly, remembering the incidents that took place in the hot springs below. He smiled back, a pink tint flushing his cheeks. They stepped onto the solid ground and continued through the steadily thickening forest until they reached the familiar oak poles making the entrance to Konoha. It was a sight to see, Gentai was in awe at the massive mountain with the carved Hokage behind the quaint village.

Sakura felt her heart swell with happiness as they walked the sunlit streets. They stopped in the center of the village, each of them going a different direction home. " Well team, training is early tomorrow so get a good sleep," Kakashi said before disappearing in a puff of smoke. " So Gentai, how about we show you around," Sakura said. Gentai turned every which way, observing the delicate grassy meadows, the glistening streams that cut across the forest floor, the wooded houses decorated in billowy white ribbons for the upcoming festival.

Gentai was in love with the gorgeous village. His eyes met a tall, black brick manor perched high on an ominous dark hill. It was immense, stretching along the mountainside, its dark walls shadowed in the mountains overcast. Sasuke noticed the stare the ancient house received. He looked away solemnly, his vast knowledge of the gloomy house haunting him. It had been the home he had grown up in, the home of his clan. That was until the day his brother had murdered them all and left him there with only hatred and revenge in his heart.

Even to this day, the blood stains splattered the walls, refusing to fade from the wooded walls and floors, just as his memory of the day refused to fade from his mind. He couldn't stand to look at the house any longer than he had to. It brought back too many painful memories of his loved ones that were long since gone.

" Who lives there," Gentai asked curiously, his eyes taking in the decrepit old house. Naruto cringed and waited for Sasuke to speak. " No one, not anymore," Sasuke said coldly before turning from it and walking toward a meadow in the distance where he normally could be found training. Gentai turned to watch Sasuke go, his face brooding and emotionless.

" Was it something I said," he asked as Sakura looked after Sasuke, her face concerned. She slowly shook her head and turned to him. " He used to live there, before his whole family was murdered in that house," she said before walking away from him to join Sasuke in the clearing. Gentai spared one last glance at the dark house, a shiver crawling up his spine.

" Its okay Gentai, come on," Naruto said before running to catch up. He ran after Sakura and Naruto and joined them as they walked across a small wooded bridge that led to the meadow. Sakura, Naruto and Gentai stood silent and watched Sasuke. He had set down his pack and was busy training, his focus undisturbed until…

" SASUKE-KUN! YOU'RE HOME," came a loud voice from the direction of the village. A blonde haired girl in a navy blue top and a matching kimono skirt came running towards them from across the bridge and tackled Sasuke to the ground. " Ino," Sakura growled in a whisper as Gentai watched in surprise at the girls actions. He was entranced at how familiar she seemed to him. Naruto slapped his hand to his forehead in frustration.

" Oh Sasuke-kun, I missed you sooo much!" she sang into his ear as he pushed her off of him. Sasuke stood as Ino sat immobile on the ground, her wide grin adorning her pretty face. She glanced to find Sakura glaring down at her along with a surprised handsome brown-haired boy whom she had never seen and the ever-present Naruto.

" Oh hello, Sakura," she said sourly, the smile never leaving her face. " Hello Ino," Sakura replied just as bitterly. " Who's your friend? Not a boyfriend I suppose," Ino said slyly, her voice edgy with hope as she rose to her feet. " Oh, this is Gentai, he's part of the team now. But no, he's not my boyfriend," she replied happily.

" I am," Sasuke said, Ino spinning around to face him, her eyes wide in shock. " What!" she said in disbelief. Sasuke sighed before walking around her to grab Sakura's hand. " She's my girlfriend," he said, holding up their intertwined fingers. Sakura smile sweetly, kissing Sasuke on the cheek, Sasuke returning her smile.

" Oh, I see," she said, her voice slightly deflated, her mouth still agape. Sakura watched her as Ino's eyes looked over at Gentai. ' He's cute, almost as cute as Sasuke-kun,' she thought, a smile spreading across her face. " So, Gentai, is it?" she said sweetly, stepping forward to look up into Gentai's blue eyes.

He looked back down into her equally and blue orbs. " Um yeah. Nice to meet you. It's Ino right," he said shyly. " Ino smiled and nodded her head. " So you're new here, I take it," she said, twirling the end of her long blonde strands with her fingers. Gentai nodded.

He was caught off guard at how Ino looked almost exactly like Anka. Ino smiled up at him before stepping back. " It was really nice meeting you. Maybe I'll see you around," she said before turning to Sakura. " It was good seeing you Naruto, Sakura and … Sasuke," she said before walking away over the bridge. Gentai watched in wonder at the golden haired girl traipsed casually out of sight.

" Wow," he said under his breathe before noticing Naruto, Sakura and Sasuke were staring at him. " So Gentai, looks like you've met Ino. She's a sweet girl, but she's ruthless. Me and her kind of fought over Sasuke when we were younger and she was pretty hard competition, I must admit," Sakura chuckled, seeing the tinge of pink in Gentai's cheeks. " Yeah, she's a psycho," Naruto said under his breath, but just loud enough for everyone to hear.

Sasuke sighed in relieve that he could cross one more of his crazed fan off his 'who to avoid' list. Yes, he had a list. Sakura looked up at Sasuke who clung to her hand. " That was really unexpected," she said surprised. Sasuke looked down at her confused. " What do you mean?" he asked. " I mean, you normally keep personal stuff to yourself. Why did you tell Ino about us?" she asked curiously. " Because she can't be all over me when I'm your boyfriend and she needs to know that. Who knows, maybe news will spread to your fan boys and they'll know to stay away," he said, a sly smile on his face.

She smiled at him and laughed at the thought of her fan boys. Naruto and Lee of course led the large group of admires. She couldn't even leave her house without being hounded for numerous dates. Her house always had vases full of Sakura blossoms and she couldn't even tell what was junk mail anymore due to all the poems and mush she received.

But she figured that Sasuke would keep the flood of boys from her doorstep. She smiled and turned to Gentai. " Okay, we need to figure out where you'll be staying," Sakura said glancing at Naruto and Sasuke. " He can stay with me!" Naruto exclaimed. " It'll be great. We'll have ramen and train together, it'll be soo much fun!" he said. Gentai laughed heartily and nodded. " Sure, I'll stay with you, Naruto, if that's alright with you guys," he said to Sakura and Sasuke.

" Its fine with us as long as you're not late for training," Sakura said. " Sure, when am I not on time, Sakura-chan?" asked Naruto smiling. " Well, I do recall this one time... ," she said laughing as Naruto chuckled. " I'd never miss training, you know that," he said happily. " You'll love it, Gentai. Kakashi-sensai is the best sensai ever, that is, if you don't mind him constantly being late and reading his dirty book," he said smiling at him. " Um no its… fine?" he said laughing. The foursome walked off toward the village in the late afternoon sun, talking of food mostly before settling on Naruto's favorite ramen restaurant.


Yes Yes Rock On! Poor Gentai, sorry for the long background and all but i had all this stuff in my head and it was, woo, exciting. So yeah, Sakura is all cute and she likes to cry as you've come to realize, like she cries all the time, i could change that but she is a very emotional person soo you go ahead and cry Sakura!

As for the whole Sasuke and Gentai " No one lives in that house" moment, Sasuke has NOTHING against Gentai. They are sorta friends and what not, but he doesn't have anything against him. Now you might like to think that though but no they are quite nice if you recall the whole shpeal in this chapter about the whole Sakura and woe is me thing between them. Sasuke is just forboding when it comes to the Uchiha residence, hm wonder why that is, duh.

So yes Ino is massively annoying, she likes cute guys. I hate to think that Gentai is her next target but... hehe you have to read the next chapter! muahahahaha RUN GENTAI RUN!