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Disclaimers:

-Dedicated to Julia

-I do not own any of the Naruto franchise, I'm just making my SasuSaku dreams come to life.

-More personal notes will be situated at the end of the chapter

Enjoy!

"Some beautiful paths can't be discovered without getting lost."

― Erol Ozan

The dewy grass left trails of freshness that wafted towards her nose, for it was sunrise when she had approached the village. It was massive, buildings wrung with wood and stoned grounds, stalls brimmed with fresh, rosy apples or exotic, blooming flowers flung themselves at her every second, catching her cocooned curiosity quickly. Her dress was modestly masked with a cloak, in case the spring cold would make itself known once more, and torment her small being with its ever freezing bite.

Her footfalls scraped slowly as she wandered through the streets, not paying heed to much of the crowds or clamour for she wanted to check her surroundings at the very least; it was not as if she had anything physically to hide. Her most prominent feature that would glimmer daintily in the sunlight, her glowing pink tresses, were now concealed from prying eyes. And her jewel, the captivating viridescent rhinestone, was tucked away safely in her skirt pocket, where her hand had been tucked in, lightly grasping it for fear that it would suddenly disappear. The only thing that would hold people's gaze would be her foaming green irises, but she had held her head away in her hood that it would be impossible to observe such globes with practically no sunlight to hover over them. They practically glimmered under the sun's speculation.

Her strides were slow, and her chest heaved slowly. She took in her sights, savouring her surroundings as she walked further, and further, through the roads. Marketing was certainly a thing she'd caught on straight away, for there were a myriad of sellers, creating clamour for people to take a peep at the things they held in possession. Many were farmers, she took a guess, as they had all sorts of crops and vegetables, fruits and whatnots sitting in their respective baskets, just anxiously waiting to be eaten. Others seemed to have sewn fine clothing, or smooth, meticulously crafted pottery, lathered in clean coats of polish to finish them nicely and make them look quite presentable.

The domesticality was all new to her, a culture she wasn't very familiar with. Living in a coven all her life, food supplies either discreetly and swiftly delivered or fetched as soon as possible. Residing secretly was something she was used to, the exception of the ritual she had just experienced, along with attending all the others. She wasn't suited for such open marketing, which proved her uselessness currently all the more when she realised there was not one silver coin in her pocket. Even packed with all her clothes, food to suffice for just a few days, and scrolls to help her study, she wasn't able to purchase one single thing. It was fruitless to whine and beg, she wouldn't succumb to such vulgarity. Her mentor taught her that, and even so, there was no way she would lower her position as a witch before those humans.

Even so, she couldn't help but smile. Ino would enjoy this, she knew. The outdoors was just so suited for an out-going, confident girl such as the said blonde, and it was unfortunate she wouldn't be accompanying the pinkette. The sun would be much entertained playing with golden locks, and accentuating such crystal eyes.

A new start was certainly refreshing, and she had a tingling feeling that it would be quite soon that she would be reaching new horizons and milestones

::

Wherever Sasuke traversed, a cold, sinister aura always accompanied him, But his firmness wasn't able to intimidate everyone, so to say. There were, however, many who greatly feared him and the power he held. Those were mostly outside the palace walls, though. Within the elegant patterned pillars and marbled flooring, there was nothing short of being annoyed by the Uchiha. His servants, the dainty things they were, served him rightfully, not complaining unless amongst the company of themselves, and he paid no heed otherwise.

Hearsay was something not really familiar within the castle walls.

However, in the court, it was more than likely to be the everyday news.

Sasuke took his place at the old oak table, sitting comfortably at the head, his eyes steely piercing through the silence of the room. To his right, sat stiffly none other than Hyuuga Hiashi, in all his glory, arms crossed low around the biceps, his mouth achieving such a downturn it surfaced a memory of his own father doing such imposed actions. It made his brows knit deeper, before cooly turning to face frontwards.

"I take it you're all well," his words meant nothing; it was just procedure to stall a little before heading to the main topic, he had to remind himself. He'd seen many of his ancestors do so before him, and he wanted nothing more than to place his feet in their steps. A cold stand of wind shook the omnipresent tension this room always carried when such meetings took place.

Silent nods prodded him to continue, and so the raven folded his hands, leaning his elbows pointed on the table as his palms stood in front of him. He sharply inhaled: this conference would last an hour (as always), and so bringing different subjects to light at the right time was always something laying dormant at the back of his mind. He decided to start with the one that probed the nightmares that shook the living daylights out of him.

"Witches. And Warlocks. Those creatures still hang free," He licked his lips in such a tantalisingly slow way it made one gulp.

"Why?"

His Adam's apple bobbed as the last word came out. His voice was a dagger, slicing the peace of the government before him in one single blow.

"Pardon me, your majesty,"

It was one of the further participants at the table who spoke, nevertheless, his voice wrung firmly, and his eyes, though pale like milk, shone with tenacity that they were quite nice to be held in.

"Those creatures may be vulgar, but they hold some sort of intelligence, sire. They're hard to catch, and they certainly do not want to be found. I suspect they dwell in an abandoned part of Konoha's vast forests, but it would be a matter of searches to see. Alas, you and I both know these follow ups have been taken before, and everytime, the result has always been futile."

"Do you suggest that we abandon our searches entirely, Neji?" he gritted out with venom spitting from his teeth.

"I do not suggest as such, my Lord. However, there is only so much you can do; you're not yet King of this land, you are Crowned Prince. The level of your status has merely succeeded upwards. There are still elders who have more power over you," he fussed haughty, for his own clan leader was one of the few. The temptation to stomp over to his chair and rip his throat with the Uchiha's bare hands was so enticing, but he had self control. He knew it was not the time to play like animals.

But Neji was truly a jackass.

"Hyuuga," the domineering, stygian orbed male nodded to Hiashi, receiving his stern attention. The silence between them spoke louder than anything, for the elder knew exactly what the prince desired. And although it was something that was made to sleep for the moment, everyone in that room wanted nothing more than those chakra-wielding things to die. A common trait shared by all the civilians and warriors. Those of flesh and bone.

"You ask me to send out troops to find passages to where they lay, Sasuke," he bit out gruffly. He cleared his throat, almost as if to show he had still a sort of superiority towards him.

"I can do so, but the most I can send is two troops of twenty. It's a fleeting risk, however, all the more scarce that they will have to split halves in order to scatter north, south, east and west," he answered. Sasuke refused to release the relieving breath he was holding, and instead flared his nose, as if to contemplate the proposition. It wasn't much: ten of their men each searching thousands of acres, How long it would take to know of their return infuriated him beyond measure, but then again, less members meant more freedom.

They could move better in less numbers, so that was something that he could hold himself onto. Apparently, it was enough to convince him.

"I'll take that chance," his voice was hoarse from not trying to rush his words, an attempt to not sound desperate, for even in a room full of eyes his pride was bound to be torn like a ravaging pack of lions.

A small nod from the Hyuuga was all that he needed to know. Another search was going to be sent.

"Is that all you want to discuss with us, my Lord?" the aforementioned narrowed his eyes at the man who spoke. The lackadaisical, smart annoyance had his arms crossed behind his head, leaning comfortably on the back of his chair as if he had a care in the world. It wouldn't surprise him if he didn't. The audacity of the Nara didn't disturb the Uchiha as much as before, so it only gave him so much as a twitch to his left eye.

"No, but most of the topics I am to discuss aren't as much of importance. Feel free to sleep through the rest of this conference," he spoke the last sentence sarcastically.

"May I but in before I snore then, your Highness?" he sighed.

The dark haired male shrugged, as if to say do as you wish.

"Some girl entered the village today," he chided, "strange gal. Doesn't look like she's from here. We ought to keep an eye on her." he proceeded to yawn, and leant back further, he looked as if to fall off his chair.

"Her appearance, Nara?" the young Hyuuga male inquired.

From his observation, she wasn't very memorable, having been concealed through a cloak. The only thing that caught his eye was her eyes: the bright, emerald orbs they were.

Interesting.

::

It didn't take long for Sakura to tire herself out through gallivanting aimlessly, padding her way through stones and pebbles on the ground, the sky's heat accentuating through every hour, and the board weighted pack on her shoulders smally growing heavier by the minute. She wiped the swelling beads of perspiration that scurried down her forehead with the back of her hand, and released a breath of exasperation.

This village was immense in land expanse, and she hadn't even gotten through to the heart of it, the place that made her mind twist with fascination- the palace itself. In all its splendour, the building stood proudly in the heat, almost glimmering with pride: she could see it. But it seemed today was not one of which she could journey so far. She'd seen carriages steadily rocking bye, the horses trotting with such elegance she was entranced so much she stopped just to see them going by.

Oh, what a place this was.

She'd brought with her many of the scrolls containing the recounts of some of her predecessors' experience, those-of course- who'd made it out alive, and she pondered whether her experience would be deemed just as exhilarating. Or, gruesome enough to know she'd be burnt alive at the stake. She really didn't know.

She then had encountered a bakery, blooming with warmth and delicious treats stacked at the window sill, enticing all who laid eyes on them. The pinkette frowned in despair as she knew she would not be able to purchase such a delicacy. Her stomach even whined at how imbecilic she was for not even bringing any coins to spare.

As she was about to move along, a voice caught her attention.

"Excuse me Miss, I can't help but see how you're looking at the pastries in our shop. Would you like to buy something?"

Unlike the Haruno, this girl wasn't wearing a dimple, and so her chestnut locks gleamed hazelnut-like as she made her way towards her. Said strands were neatly folded round the top of her head to create two buns, only a ragged fringe framing her face. She dressed simply, with very few (maybe two) rosy petticoats that rivaled Sakura's own hair. Not that it mattered- it wasn't as if she could see it anyway. She wore a slightly darker shade for her bodice, the tone drifting to a crimson, and her flat stomacher was an off-white, almost cream colour. She was a civilian, no doubt, but she seemed more dressed up than what would be necessary.

"Your shop?"

"Ah, it does seem like I'm not best suited for the occasion in this," she picked up the thick skirts as a way of gesturing to her outfit, "however my family does own the bakery. You're not from here, are you? I'm Tenten, a pleasure to meet you!"

Her beam was so bright and fulfilling it made the rosette pop a grin as well, taking her hand and shaking it firmly.

"Sakura, nice to meet you too," she smiled softly.

"And I would love to buy something from your shop, it's just that I don't have any money on me right now. I'm very gratified at the offer, though."

The brunette shook her head with a laugh, before grabbing the Haruno's wrist and practically dragging her into the store. They were instantly met with the cozy smell of bread and sweet aromas, and the warmth of ovens burning with fervour.

"Oh, har har! Since you're new around here, I'll let you have a pastry for free! Your choice: pick one and it's on the house," she gestured to the room. The room was tantalisingly dizzying her with spells of temptation, and this girl was a civilian!

The pinkette smiled weakly and bit out a childish, nervous giggle. Not eating for a while seemed to take a toll on her.

"I couldn't. Really, Tenten, I appreciate the offer, but I must get going-"

"But you're new, Sakura! I bet you don't even have a place to stay." she wagged an accusatory finger at the aforementioned. The latter grew pale at the revelation, trying to scatter ideas through her head and pick out the most logical option. However, there was none. It really was inevitable. She didn't know what to do or say, but opening and closing her mouth frantically in an attempt to let out words was an amusing sight to display.

"Aha!" The brunette smirked. She then proceeded to run behind a counter, and with a flimsy towel, she meticulously pulled out a small, hand-sized meat pie, with slow strings of steam wafting upwards. She pushed her hands towards the Haruno's petite frame, and instantly caught a whiff. She swallowed, before acquiescing.

The inside of her mouth burst with flavour as she took a bite. Her tongue tingled as she chewed pensively, still captured in the eyes of a certain baker's daughter.

"I-It's good," she commented.

She ended up eating another one after.

::

Shikamaru was always observant, his skills made prominent for the Uchiha's gain, and although it was a trapping situation, he didn't mind. His life always bore him no matter what he did, the most he spent doing was making out the shapes of clouds in his spare time. That, and help soothe the load of paperwork that had been flung on his shoulders.

As of this moment, the conference had come to a close, and he was free to roam as much as he desired.

Instead, he sat at a small bar stall, a metal mug of beer filled to the brim with golden alcoholic liquid, topped off with frothy substances bursting atop. One pint of the drink, and above all, his tobacco pipe puffed with intoxicating reels of smoke, making the man beside him choke in disgust.

"God, Shikamaru, do you have to smoke that crap?! It stinks!"

He would have scoffed at the said Uzumaki, who vexibly stalked him to this den after claiming that he needed some sort of relief off of all his errands as 'Teme's Right-Hand man', and wanted some company. He still had no clue how the blonde was able to get away with that filthy nickname. But it wasn't his place to judge their relationship, as the topic itself was something so obscure it confused even the two men in the involved party. And the Nara really didn't appreciate getting himself into puzzling situations that twisted his brain unless he was forced to, or it was a pastime he participated in.

"If you don't like it, you can leave, Naruto." he sighed, as he took a swig at the beer in front of him, gasping as the bitter drink swelled down his throat. It was a bitter-sweet feeling, but he was used to it. It burned, but he relished in the pain.

"No way! I'm staying, 'ttebayo. Oi, bartender! I'd like a pint sized mug of whiskey if you will!" she exclaimed, slamming his fisted hand on the sticky countertop. No one made enough effort to properly clean the wooden table, but no one complained.

Shikamaru shook his head, punching the blonde's bicep rather harshly:

"I'm not taking care of a drunk you."

He swatted his hand in the air as if dismissing him lightly, his nose wrinkling in laughter. As his drink was carefully handed to him, he recklessly bumped it towards the beer on the counter, slightly tipping the liquids together in an attempt to make some sort of toast.

"I'll be careful, promise."

The Nara was tempted to mutter something along the lines of 'tis what you said last time', but he held his tongue and instead sucked in yet another breath of tobacco, his mind slightly clouding in a sort of dizzy utopia. He heard a breathy exhale from his left before a slightly slurred sentence arrived, leaving his brows furrowed in calculation.

"Hey, heard from Sasuke that there's a new girl in town. Do you know where she is, now?"

"What, are you willing to scare yet another one of the female species that resides in Konoha?"

The Uzumaki sputtered, leaving a smirk to cross the brunet's features.

"Go to hell, Shikamaru!"

"And no, I just wanna meet her." he lipped, pouting like a child. He was obviously highly offended, and that added to the other man's pride.

In the end the two downed their drinks forcefully, not wasting one drop and yet attempting hard to sustain themselves from succumbing to the drunkenness. However their walking patterns seemed quite unsturdy and Naruto was easily daydreaming, so it wasn't a good sign. In the end, they tossed their cash to the bartender carelessly, and stumbled around the village in search of a certain lady.

::

They found her, and quite simply too. The Nara remembered she was last seen, and where he found her, at the bakery he most frequented, since their baked goods were better than the others, it was a good travelling pace of exercise, and it was conjoined with a neighbouring weaponry store next door which they also owned. So, easily, they found her, although that was just going to be a place of questioning her whereabouts.

The bell chimed as the wooden door opened.

"Tenten," Shikamaru respectfully regarded, a clumsy Naruto staggering behind. The shop was warm and cozy, and instantly scents of sweet and savoury adorned his senses.

"Tenten! Nice to see ya, we were wondering if you've got any information about where the new girl is-"

The brunet stopped in confusion at the sudden halt of breath from the Uzumaki. Something that he didn't do often. Something in his opinion that he should do often. But that wasn't the point.

He found the blonde gaping ahead of him, all sense of inebriation perished as his eyes glistened with a look of familiarity at whatever was behind him. Instantly, he turned around.

A small girl sat at the furthest table, shoulders squared and eyes wide with the same look of intensity as the male beside him. Her mouth hung lowly, as she was blinking frantically, as if they were an illusion she was trying to escape from. Her rosy brows knitted as she tried to find the words to say, but the whole room rushed cold as the two apparently came to the same sort of conclusion of words.

"Sakura-chan?!"

"Naruto?!

;:;:;:;:;

Hi! Merry Christmas, or whatever you celebrate around this time. Can you believe it? 2020 is finally over, my God. My friends and I are deciding to go on a zoom call and play rick astley's never gonna give you up as the end credits of this year. Seriously, it all goes downhill from here fnhdbkjdf. One of my friends is already stomping on 2021, don't get me started lol.

I hope you guys enjoyed this chapter! Please comment/review, as I really like to know that people still read my story, especially on ffnet and ao3. To those who have done so before, thank you so much! Every comment/review makes my entire day.

since my beta reader had something come up, until you read this, Julia! XD

Yours truly,

-Avis