Not Afraid Anymore
Chapter 7: A New Day, A New Beginning.
The next morning Sakura had no desire to get out of bed. She laid still while staring at the ceiling. "So tired…" She said to herself. Half-heartedly she sprung out of bed and walked towards the full-length mirror next to her bed. "This is Sasuke-kun's fault…" She spat at the mirror as she looked at her disheveled appearance.
Why did Lady Tsunade have to put him under my care? She could've sent him over to Naruto, they would've gotten along so well. Naruto eats ramen and Sasuke broods, then they beat each other up and become friends again. Perfect balance. She thought to herself.
And then what happened last night…Nope, Nope, No! She thought as she shook her head from side to side trying to composed herself. She should not give it too much thought or else she will get her hopes up and make this situation more complicated.
I need to talk to Lady Tsunade…
She walked over to her closet and picked her usual outfit. Once dressed, she grabbed her headband and proceeded to model in front of the mirror. "Well, I look like hell today. Off I go I guess…"She whispered in front of the mirror before heading to the Hokage's mansion.
She slowly opened her door and quietly looked out to see if Sasuke was around.
I do not want to see Sasuke-kun. I can't avoid him forever; I mean we live in the same place but I rather seen him later than at this moment. She thought as she tiptoed to the window in the kitchen and quietly popped it open and jumped out.
What Sakura did not realize is that Sasuke was up and about, he was in the bathroom. She did not see him but he caught a glimpse of her jumping out the window.
Is she avoiding me? He thought as he stood in the kitchen staring out the window Sakura had jumped out off.
"Today is going to be a long day." He thought to himself.
"Sakura, welcome." Shizune greeted as she led Sakura into Lady Tsunade's office.
"Hey Shizune." Sakura replied. She gave her a small bow and made her way towards the Hokage's desk.
"Sakura, what brings you here? I thought you would be busy at the hospital or with your new roommate." Tsunade said lightly with a smile.
"Yes, well I wish to speak to you about Sasuke-kun and his living arrangements." Sakura stated nervously. It was a delicate topic and she was not sure if Lady Tsunade was in the mood to listen to her after things had been settled.
"Why are you bringing this up? There's nothing more to discuss. Is there a problem?" Tsunade stated sharply as she placed her elbows on the desk and laced her hands together in front of her. Her demeanor firm and serious.
"Why did you place him under my care?"
Sakura was truly curious of her reasoning. She could not understand why she was picked as the person to care for Sasuke. Its not that she does not want to, but she wonders if its right to place him in such a situation. Perhaps he would prefer to be left to his own devices.
"Sigh—Sakura…Sasuke is, or was a wanted criminal…He still has a lot of enemies out there. It is best for him to be in company of people who are in better graces than he is, who could speak on his behalf." Lady Tsunade explained.
"Furthermore, even though he has assured his allegiance to us, one can never be too careful, if I am completely honest."
"I do not think that he has nefarious intentions. Naruto, Kaakshi, and I, fully believe in him." Sakura reassured Lady Tsunade.
"I understand. But it is my responsibility to protect this village, and so, I will take whatever necessary precautions." Lady Tsunade concluded as she stood from her desk and walked around to stand in front of Sakura.
"It will be good for him to be close to an old friend. A positive influence that can reinforce some positivity and optimism in his life. He is most definitely more of an outcast at this moment. That is why leaving him alone is not a wise idea. He needs companionship in order to reintegrate himself into the village." Lady Tsunade continued.
"I understand. I just thought I was an odd choice. I would've thought that Naruto, or even Kakashi would've been a better choice." Sakura looked down as her voice dimmed, saddened by the hardships Sasuke has faced. She once again looked up at Lady Tsunade hoping she would understand.
"Well, I chose you not only because you are an old friend, but because I think there are things that you and Sasuke must settle. He and Naruto have come to terms with each other and resumed their friendship. Perhaps there is something there for you to sort out with Sasuke. I know your history with him all too well. It is obvious that things between you two are not all in the clear." Lady Tsunade confessed with a gentle expression.
Lady Tsunade has loved and lost. An unexpected meeting with a long-dead Dan had allowed them to share that which they were unable to express before he met his tragic end. She did not want Sakura to suffer a similar fate. If there was hope, it was worth trying. Sakura had come a long way. Just as Naruto persisted and managed to make a breakthrough with Sasuke, Sakura may also have an opportunity with him.
Sakura was taken aback by her words and the intentions behind her choice. Lady Tsunade came closer and placed two comforting hands on Sakura's shoulders.
Sakura did not expect Lady Tsunade to be so concerned with her and Sasuke. She was aware that part of Sakura's journey towards becoming one the village's strongest Shinobi involved not only aiding Naruto but to be able to hold her own in order to get Sasuke back. Lady Tsunade knew the deep feelings she had for him. It was never a secret.
"Women have to be strong in order to survive. You can weather this storm and come out stronger. I would not expect anything less from my star pupil." Lady Tsunade proudly said to Sakura.
Sakura's eyes lit up and she gave her teacher a gentle smile. She had come this far; she would not give up. Time will indeed tell whether Sasuke and her have a future together. This was a new opportunity.
Sakura headed out and jumped onto the roof tops in route to talk to Kakashi and Naruto. She thought it would be a good idea for them to get together after everything that transpired. She will check the training fields and Ichiraku's. Naruto is most likely to be at the latter since the war caused him to miss out on his daily dose of ramen. Kakashi may be at either location, or somewhere else entirely. He is highly sought out despite looking like all he does is read Icha Icha Paradise at random intervals throughout the day and in random locations. Always caught in the road of life according to him. Sakura smiled fondly because her team is complete once again.
As she reached a building near Ichiraku she jumped down below and looked into Ichiraku and with her awesome luck today she saw Naruto seated on one of the stools.
Maybe Naruto will know Kakashi's whereabouts.
"Naruto!" Sakura called out as she rushed into Ichiraku's pulling the curtains aside and taking a sit next to him.
"Hey Sakura-chan, what's up?" Naruto greeted as he slurped on some ramen.
"Well, I thought we could all get together tonight for some ramen. I doubt you'll decline a few more servings." Sakura said excitedly. "I wanted for both you and Kakashi-sensei to be present but you will do for now. I'm sure he'll come around when least expected."
"Oh, that's great! I'm down!" Naruto exclaimed as he swallowed up the rest of the ramen and quickly placed his bowl down in excitement.
"Let's go find Kakashi-sensei." Naruto offered as he jumped off the stool, straightening up his headband.
"Sure." Sakura replied as she followed his lead.
"Kakashi." Sasuke stated calmly as he quietly sat with a cup of tea in front of him.
"Sharp as always Sasuke." A cheerful Kakashi replied as he finally appeared by the window in the living room with his hands casually in his pockets.
"Sakura is not here." Sasuke told Kakashi.
"It would've been nice to see her as well. But I'm here to see you." Replied Kakashi.
Sasuke said nothing as he slowly took a sip of his tea.
"How are you?"
"Fine. There's not much I can say or tell you. Not a lot going on these days." He said nonchalantly.
"I see." Kakashi said coolly as he looked at Sasuke.
Kakashi quickly turned his head towards the door as he sensed someone approaching. "We have company."
The door knob turned and the door opened, Sakura and Naruto walked in.
"Kakashi-sensei, you're here. Perfect." Sakura greeted cheerfully.
"Is something the matter?" Kakashi asked with a questioning gaze.
Sasuke looked up at Naruto and Sakura as well.
"Well, yes. I thought it would be nice for us to gather at Ichiraku's tonight, after everything's that's happened. I think it would be nice." Sakura said we a small smile.
Sasuke looked up at Sakura, but said nothing.
"So… what do you say, Sasuke? Kakashi? Naruto pressed excitedly.
"Very well." Kakashi quickly replied with a gentle smile.
"I'll be there." Sasuke affirmed as he looked over towards Naruto and Sakura's figures with a small smile.
Sakura clasped her hands together with a big grin. "Yes!"
Sakura was hopeful for better days. For the coming days where Team 7 is once again together.
