A/N: lmao I'm still alive. I hope y'all are okay and stay okay. I'll prob be updating more bc of quarantine. Sorry, if it seems a bit forced at the end. It's been a while since I've wrote anything.

Disclaimer - naruto belongs to kishimoto

Chapter 12

Sakura's hands glowed a faint green as she began to heal Kakashi. It had been some time since the end of the battle. Kakashi had copied Zabuza and beat him. Haku then came and Sakura decided to hold her tongue, letting Zabuza escape. Now, the team was staying in Tazuna's house just like last time. The difference — Sakura was now healing Kakashi.

The boys were out in the hall, waiting diligently for their sensei. They had tried to stay in the room as she healed Kakashi but left when she began to crack her knuckles menacingly.

Now half an hour later, she heard Naruto and Sasuke bickering outside the closed door. A vein began to bulge on her forehead as they began yelling 'Bastard' and 'Loser' at each other with no context.

"Shannaro! Shut up out there before I stomp on you!" Sakura yelled, effectively stopping their yelling match and hearts. The door slowly opened and in walked Sasuke and Naruto. The latter looked slightly more paler than usual at Sakura's outburst.

"Are you almost done? We want to train." Sasuke demanded, now standing over her. He was a bit annoyed at having to wait before he could train. Sakura had taken over as leader, ordering them around while Kakashi laid on his ass.

He watched, somewhat nervous he had to admit, as the green light died from her hands. Sakura's pink head turned slowly to look at him. "Actually, I just finished. He should be waking up in a little bit. Let's go help them with dinner." She stood up and grabbed both Naruto and Sasuke, pulling them behind her.

"I don't need you to drag me along." Sasuke scowled, trying to yank his arm out of her steel grip. He failed of course. When the hell did she become so strong?

"Oh, yes. You do, Sasuke. Believe me. I won't let you stray from the path." As she said this, Sasuke had an odd feeling she meant something much more than just a trip to the kitchen.

——

Kakashi groaned as he slowly sat up. Confusion flowed through him as he didn't recognize the room he was resting in. As his eyes adjusted, his surroundings came to him. He was in a dimly lit room and was laying on a low, comfy bed. He felt three familiar different chakra signatures outside the door.

"He just woke up, so no loud noises or crazy movements." Sakura commanded her teammates, looking directly at Naruto.

"Why—why are you looking at me like that, Sakura?" Naruto asked, still confused as Sasuke scoffed. Sakura just gave him a gentle smile…. she smiled at him!

"How long are you guys going to stand out there?" An exhausted voice asked through the door.

"Kaka-sensei!" Naruto yelled, pushing past both of his teammates. Now they can finally train, now that the geezer is up! He watched as Kakashi sat up and gave a small frown.

"Is something the matter, Kaka-sensei?" Sakura asked, beginning to gnaw at her bottom lip. Did I heal him wrong? There's no way that I could have let that happen though—.

"Thank you for healing me, Sakura." Kakashi said, smiling with his lone, visible eye. "I was just thinking about that Hunter Nin."

Naruto and Sasuke both began "What do you mean—," They cut off and frowned at each other.

Sakura continued, "How so, Kaka-sensei?" Of course, she already knew the answer.

"Well, Hunter nin always usually destroys a body at the site. Not later on. If I'm correct, this means that the supposed Hunter Nin and Zabuza are partners." Kakashi sighed and began to stand up.

"Ah, that means we have to fight him again!" Naruto shouted happily, a grin stretching across his mischievous face. Sasuke bore a similar expression causing Sakura to almost facepalm. Geez, they are always looking for trouble.

"We will now begin training to prepare for Zabuza and the Hunter Nin." Kakashi declared, shocking all but Sakura.