"Chapter 11: Rebuttal"
Sai always had that annoying constant smiling face. That façade often hides his emotions and intentions. But today is somewhat different. Maintaining appearance his by the reeking killing intent chakra was too hard to mask at the moment. Who is the recipient of the negativity? Uchiha Sasuke. The sharingan user of course knows it. Why the spite? He volunteered to join Sakura's journey. The decision garnered so much displeasure. It was debated whether his presence was necessary for the mission.
Uchiha's are known to be a clever clan. As the situation calls, Sasuke used his wits to counter argue every one of those doubters. Konoha's ninja squads are always a three man team which ensures a higher survival rate. Plus this journey will require his prowess seeing in the dark.
Sakura may be a genjutsu expert but having to see hidden factors and dispelling with his doujutsu will be very convenient. He can summon hawks and snakes that can aid them in travelling. His travel experience is also an advantage when scouting new territory. He had the skills to make this feat successful. The hokage and the council just had to bend and agree.
"Traitor-san, I believe you have forgotten our deal." Sai mustered when Sakura was a distance saying her goodbyes to friends and family. "Being in this mission does not prove any form of affection." The onyx eyed man stated.
"You are not the type to invest time in things that don't matter Uchiha."
"It's good you think highly of me. Don't bother to look into it too much. It can hinder the goal." The clan heir teased. "I will not let my guard down Traitor-san."
Sasuke nodded. "Neither will I."
Sai shot him a glaring look. "You don't plan on stealing Sakura's wish?" The Uchiha scowled. "I am an avenger not a thief."
"You cannot blame me. I think you want to use it to revive your clan." The artist looked away to stare at the cheerful pinkette. "Kakashi told you something." The other remained silent.
"You want to play hero since and be redeemed from being the useless teammate?" The alabaster skinned man accused. "She does not need you anymore. Everything was going well without you."
"Really? How is it better?" The onyx eyed spat."Kakashi said she is a walking time bomb." His onyx eyes got furious. "While I was away, she exchanged her life for some dumb myth? How could you and the dobe even allow it?"
"It's just like you abandoning everything for revenge." The illustrator crossed his arms. "She was stubborn and went under our noses." Sasuke decided not to comment.
"Even if you get revenge, your clan will not comeback." Sai paused a bit. "But if Sakura's choice is correct, the sacrifice will not be in vain. So I will make sure you don't take it away."
Learning about Sakura's situation upset Sasuke more than he thought it should. How dare they accuse him of wish stealing? What a joke. The reality of the fable is up for debate. They claimed to care of her. Is this how they protect their valued people? Let them die for some senseless cause? Achieve great power but waste its resources on myths?
They let her chose a path leading to death. He knows that his situation is no better. But he had a goal to avenge his clan. There was sufficient reason for him to thread the pat of doom. Yet for her, why her? She is a doctor in training who can save hundreds if not thousands of lives. Her disposition is of sunshine and hope. A future life that can be anticipated as beautiful could await the pinkette. Why would the hokage, who treated her as a daughter, allow such a mad decision?
Why did she choose to die? How come she risked her memories too in the process? He could not fathom where the eagerness to throw life away rooted from. Was it worth that damned aspiration? Does she even remember what her wish is?
Recalling their conversation, it seems she knows what to ask for. Given that fact it definitely does not involve him. Conversely, it surely involves the village. Sakura is not a selfish person. She is bound to dedicate it to something noble. This fact made him more frantic. Sai said she went under their noses. What kind of stealth plan was done that made Tsunade-sama and the rest of team seven not to notice? They were most likely just left to agree and trust her judgment.
"Are you guys ready?" Sasuke's thoughts were disturbed as her smoothing voice reached his ears. Together with Sai they both nodded.
"My,my, I failed to realize both my mission members are not talkers." The lady teased.
None decided to speak. "Giving me the silent treatment?" No reaction was derived from the two.
Huffing the girl continued. "Okay, so we are not going to be speaking too much. I can live with that."
The trio headed to the gates. On the rosette's signal they ran and started the journey. While jumping along the tress with precision Sakura decided to give an overview of what is expected to be achieved on the first day. "Our objective is to reach the end of the boarder by noon toward the village of Hot Water. We will keep going North until dusk and camp out in that community. The next day we will carry on the journey towards Shimogakure. Questions?"
"What's in Shimogakure?" Sasuke inquired.
Finally extracting some interaction the female felt relieved. "In Shimogakure we will find the remains of a temple hidden in their deepest valley, Angalchi Kali. The coordinate to the field of eternel can be extracted there. We have yet to find the actual location of the map of course."
"It is said that Angalchi is buried for centuries Ugly. How can we dig it up?" The stoic artist probed. "Before we start any digging, I will scan the valley for the potential spot. Once I hit the mark, Sai you have to draw a mole that can dig a burrow to the ground. I will channel my chakra for it to follow. When the small tunnel is done, Sasuke can summon his snakes if we need to grab something."
"Based on this plan, we are not entering the temple. How sure is it that we are going to find what we are looking for?" The onyx eyed man inquired.
"I will infuse my chakra to the snake you will summon. It will be like me entering the area. It is less risky than teleporting to the space. We are not sure if it will cave in if entered by humans."
"Can you sustain that control? You are the medic here, if you faint or black out what are we going to do?" The constant smiling man contested.
"It won't take that long. Sasuke or you can stand by my back and fill me some reserves if I start to pant."
"Why do you always choose the methods that will kill you?" Sai muttered in defeat. "It's less hazardous plus I know you won't let me die Sai."
"You trust me too much, what if the end of my rope is reached?" The artist countered back. "You need to be selfish sometimes Sakura."
Whenever Sai mentions her name, Sakura knows he is pissed. To appease while leaping she jumped on his back gently. "Speaking of selfish, why don't you carry me the rest of the way?" The artist could only smirk and welcomed the closeness. "You're heavy but I can manage." Sakura snorted at his comment. Nonetheless, she stayed in place until the first part of the trip was over.
They have reached the boarder just as scheduled. Sakura gently went down from Sai's back. "Let's go find some shade and have a quick lunch. "
Seeing a suitable space the female again inquired, "You boys okay we head out in an hour after the meal? We need to mind our digestion." Both nodded and choose opposite directions to sit in.
The meal was executed in silence. The eeriness of the atmosphere made Sakura burdened. Sai who was sitting across was looking unfazed staring at the horizon. Sakura decided to break some ice with her friend. Standing up and approaching the artist, she took a seat near him. Facing the differing direction, the medic leaned her back to the artist. The weight and feel of warmth broke Sai's reverie.
"What are you doing? You're heavy. I carried you all the way here. Was it not enough?" The man bluntly said. The lady grinning leaned in more nevertheless.
"I am sorry that this trip is necessary Sai. Since we started preparing for this mission, we all knew what is to come right?" The girl iterated softly.
The man could not help but release a tired breath. "I know. I objected vehemently too. But you had to be the willing lamb. I don't understand why." He stirred his position until they are seated shoulder to shoulder.
The woman took it as an opportunity to lean her head towards his shoulder. "It's for the good of everyone. Trust me."
"I have no idea what your planned wished is. How can it be judged?" The man continued to protest.
Sakura shifted her position and leaned her chin on the man's shoulder. Carving a smile on her lips, emerald eyes also glittered. They stared into each other's eyes as if they were telepathically speaking. Sai leaned in that their touching forehead to forehead.
Sasuke was sitting from a distance. His sharingan unintentionally activated. What is with this two and their open display of closeness? He did not expect the illustrator to have a romantic bone. So what if he has? If those two have a special connection, it is none of his business. However using a mission to unabashedly spend time together? This is not some long term date he would insufferably witness right?
He was in no opposition to disturb them. Presenting as a third wheel these awkward situations is one of the burdens that come with it. Curse Kakashi on putting the idea in his head. What was he thinking of getting back what was his. He knows any romantic affair will do him no good. But the fact of getting her back and irking the painter and the loser was so tempting. He wanted to show them that Sakura always has a spot for him. No one can take it away.
Deciding to look away, he closed his eyes to calm himself. There is no sense in getting worked up. It is too late to back out now. Whether he admits it or not, deep inside if Sakura is heading for demise as a teammate he should see her through. He was going to be there for her.
The silence was broken when medic let out a giggle. Sasuke liked the sound just as it irritates him since it is directed to another person. He did not mean to stare but the way her eyes lit with laughter is so enlightening. Her cheeks tend to flush to a rosy glow because of the action. It is amusing how this energy can make the atmosphere less intense. It is dangerously luring him in. However he should not, for the sake of his on objective, he cannot.
She must have felt he was looking and directed her view to him. She waved happily and stated. "Sorry Sasuke, Sai and I are just having a moment." The sharingan user kept a straight face. "He doesn't seem to mind Ugly." The other man retorted.
Sakura tapped Sai, calling her "ugly" means everything is back to normal. "Thanks for always putting it up with me." Standing up from her position and stretching some muscles the wind felt good on the skin. Is it a sign that things are about to go their way? Hopefully yes.
"Let's get going." Sasuke interjected. "To keep our schedule on track." The Konoha nins bobbed and the three sprinted off again to the horizon. The hours of travel was again spent in silence.
The absence of discourse was making Sakura uncomfortable. She is used to the hustle and bustle of the hospital. Both her companions are not talkers were indeed a dilemma. What type of conversation would interest this two? Konoha topics are out of the question. Even if Sai lives there he barely cares about his surroundings. Unlike Naruto, these two don't seem to be the gluttonous type. Both are most likely interested in her wish but that is classified information. What if she talks about eternel instead? Or the temple of Angalchi Kali?
Since Angalchi Kali is their destination, she decided to share some ideas about it. Taking a deep breath she kicked off her spiel. "Guys, Angalchi Kali was mentioned to be managed by a Priestess." Despite not receiving any reactions the kunochi continued. "It was said the Priestess had to fight off a powerful colleague gone rogue to protect the earth."
"Someone gone rogue, well that is interesting Uchiha-san?" Sai teased. The other man remained silent waiting the continuation of the story. "The Priestess won the battle. In order to protect the secret of the eternel, she buried the temple beneath the earth."
"The eternel was meant to be hidden, why not keep it that way?" Sasuke scoffed.
"Good question, Sasuke." Sakura snorted. To be honest she has no idea why the Uchiha came. He seemed not interested initially. Then poof one day he barged to a council meeting announcing he will join. The medic resolved to stake more details.
"The Priestess made conditions for the eternel to be found. There are four conditions to be met. First the wisher must possess great chakra control. Second the wielder's chakra must be infused with nature. So far I have met the two conditions."
"What is the third and fourth condition ugly?" The artist inquired.
"The third, the wisher must be willing to surrender their life force to the planet." The pinkette added.
"Very eager to die aren't we?" The onyx eyed companion muttered.
"And he fourth?" the illustrator pressed on.
"The fourth is a secret." The girl teased. Both companions' faces turned sour. "Come on Sakura don't leave us hanging." The painter scoffed.
Hearing her name escape Sai's lips is an indication that the latter is worked up. The medic meekly smiled. "I can't reveal it yet, but I can give a hint."
"Just say it." The Uchiha urged. Sakura took a deep breath and looked at Sai tenderly. "The hint, it is the reason why I asked Sai to be here."
"That does not make sense Ugly." The painter argued.
"It will when the time comes, believe me." The woman assured.
The sun began to set when the trio arrived in the village of Hot Water. Fortunately instead of camping out, there was an inn available. Excitedly Sakura inquired about the room availability. The inn keeper said that three separate rooms are available. They took the chance to indulge in the luxury.
"I am going to the onsen to relax my muscles. You guys should do too." The rosette encouraged. Sai nodded while the other remained emotionless. "But guys, let's have dinner together in my room." The lady offered.
"I'll pass." The onyx man answered.
"Such a party pooper Sasuke." Sakura whinned.
"Leave him be, we can have fun just the two of us." The artist comforted the girl.
"I guess, Sai you want to order some crabs?" The illustrator smiled genuinely. "Great, but we are not drinking because we have a tough day tomorrow."
"Whatever makes you happy Ugly." Sasuke rolled his eyes hearing the conversation. This date-mission is going to last for a long time. He is beginning to hate his decision.
Sakura got her key first and showed Sai her room number. After assuring their rendezvous later the pink haired lady excitedly went to her room. The two men on the other hand waited for their keys.
The inn keeper took a while with a frown on his face. "I am sorry gentlemen but there was a mistake. One of our guests extended their stay. So we only have one room left. You are comrades right? Would you mind sharing a room?"
The question was ridiculous both thought. Not in a million years. Sai spoke up first. "I am private person, sharing a room with him is a no." Sasuke grunted he feels the same. The sharingan user accepting he is the third wheel made a decision. "He can have the room I will just camp somewhere near." That said the Uchiha heir turned his back and left the establishment.
The illustrator did not mind him. He took the key and headed towards his room. Dinner with Sakura will be very pleasant as always. She doesn't need to know that the rogue left the vicinity. That stoic man can remain out there for all he cares.
Sakura was comfortably basking in the hot spring when she sensed an aura fading. The medic kept it from her male travel mates, but she sort of bugged them. Using aura strings she can sense the distance of the bearer. Meaning if one of them goes away physically, she would know. At the moment it was Sasuke's signature that was fading.
Of course, the Uchiha could have just decided to take a walk. He is not joining them for dinner anyway. The pinkette decided not to worry and relax. It's not like he is going anywhere. However part of her was restless. It is as if she fears the fact that he will leave unannounced. They are a team and he volunteered, so he had no reason to abandon them right? She convinced herself to let it slide. For now she must concentrate on preparing her dinner with Sai.
Getting out of the bath the medic slipped into a yukata. Like in the onsen she kept her hair in a bun. Sakura took the liberty to order the food Sai has a liking for. As promised they will feast on crab tonight. A sense of guilt flooded her thinking that their other teammate will not be joining. The medic made her resolve to convince the artist to let the sharingan user join them. The heir however might be too haughty to accept. Yet her sense of remorse is strong, it is necessary to give it a shot for the sake of peace of mind.
Sai arrived a few minutes after the food was served. As they say their thanks, Sakura started her attempt. "Don't you think this is too much food for just two people?" The man did not comment. "What do you think is Sasuke having now?" The pinkette pressed on. The painter continued eating. "Sai, I know you don't like him. But he is a teammate, we have to be kind."
The artist laid down his chopsticks. "Sakura, he won't join us even if his life depended on it." The lady could do nothing but exhale.
"He actually is not in the inn right now. There was a sudden shortage of rooms. We did not want to share so he left." The man said with finality.
"You let him leave and camp out? Why did you not share the room?" Emerald eyes widened in shock. "I have no intentions of sharing anything with him. The feelings were mutual believe me."
"Sai he is our teammate. Those who treat teammates poorly are worse than trash." The doctor in training reiterated. "He does not treat as that way. We are just his pawns. Sooner or later he will abandon us."
"Why do you think so poorly of him?" The rosette pressed on. "Just enjoy dinner Sakura, we have a long day tomorrow."
It was obvious that Sai had enough of the conversation. She did not want make things more complicated. Deciding to change the conversation the girl inquired. "The crab is amazing don't you think?" The man nodded. "I never had this best meal for so long. Naruto drags us into Ichiraku too much."
"Dickless is too infatuated with ramen. It will be difficult to tear him away from it." The alabaster skinned male stated. Sensing that his female companion is worried, "Sakura, I really don't like Sasuke. For you I am trying. But sharing a room like a friend is too much."
"Have you encountered him before all this? Is that the reason why you are cautious? "The girl pressed on. There was no reply. "You may not be sociable. But I know you are not a poor judge of character."
Sai looked at her in the eye. "I had come across him. We had an agreement which he did not keep."
"What was the deal about?" the lady queried.
"Something important to me, he is planning to take it away."
"How could you be so sure?" the female's curiosity rose.
"Sakura, trust me. He is consciously or unconsciously putting an effort to take something away from me. I will not let that happen."
"Fine, I believe you Sai. Thanks for sharing your thoughts." The female gave him an extra portion of crab using her chopsticks. "Here have some more crab."
The pair ate quietly. Sakura moaned. "Ruined the moment didn't I?" The illustrator nodded. "Sorry Sai, I did not mean too." Putting down his chopsticks he faced palmed and spoke. "Sakura after eating let's go for a walk to clear our minds. Then let's call it even." The woman nodded happily. "Yeah let's do that."
The duo decided to walk around the inn's perimeter. The night was silent and the weather was chilly. The onsens in the area is indeed a blessing for the village of Hot Water. The warmth of the baths is a great comfort as it is a leisure.
The acquaintances talked little. But being side by side gives the comfort of security. It feels great not to be alone. "I used to believe that if someone dies, as a pure spirit they will be one with the stars." The artist blurted out. "That is why when the man I considered my brother passed away, I would look at the sky."
Both stared up the heavens. "I would convince myself that he is the meekest shining star. Like me, he was never a talker. However it did not mean we care less." Sakura beamed and nodded. "Until now I still miss him. It would have been great if you guys have met. The two of us can gang up on Dickless." The girl chuckled at his comment.
Sai redirected his eyes to the woman before him. Pink soft locks move with the breeze while green eyes were brightly lit. Taking the courage to touch her cheek, he directed the lady's face to him. "Sakura, after this mission, if you do die and become a star please shine in a shade of emerald like your eyes." A blush began to creep into the latters' face. "What do you mean?" The painter stroked the woman's porcelain skin. "I want to see where you are. So when my time comes, I know which way I should go."
"Sai.. I .., I don't know what to say.." the medic stuttered with embarrassment. To normal people what he said would sound odd. However for the two of them it is an acceptance of fate. They were shinobi. If in this lifetime they can't have their way, maybe if there is an afterlife exists things will pan for the better. "Sakura, I know you won't let me stop you. But I am going to trust your decisions even if I am against it."
"Sai, sorry I dragged you through this." The artist smiled genuinely, something he seldom does and stated. There was nothing to apologize for. "I am glad you chose me to come with you. This is an assurance for me. It makes me less anxious and more confident."
"What should you be anxious about?" the female inquired. "I chose you."
His smile widened. This time the artist's eyes also sparkled. "This limited time I will savor it." He leaned in to embrace the woman. Inhaling her scent, feeling their heart beat was the most comforting thing in this world. She held him back and kept whispering thank you. He stroked her back when she started to sob. Sai knew that she was afraid too. The choice chosen was really a pill hard to swallow. Nonetheless they both have a duty to fulfill.
Escorting her back to the room both decided to call it a day. Preparing to lay down on the futon, a pang suddenly stung Sakura's chest. "Sasuke.." was muttered out of her lips. He was cold. Of course he will be camping outside this chilly night. A sense of pity was directed to the avenger. As a medic, she should not let people jeopardize their health. While in a yukata she grabbed her cloak and headed outside with a spare blanket in hand.
The lady could not fathom what the sense of urgency that kept bothering her. She convinced herself that this was not stalking. It is her duty to help a teammate in need. Tracing the chakra string aura attached to the sharingan user she headed out to find him.
Why does she feel so sorry for him? Well together with Sai they both enjoyed a warmth bath, a full course meal and comfortable room, while the other was left to endure the pitiable weather conditions. That is something to feel guilty about in a sense.
The pinkette felt their distance getting closer. Seeing a bonfire in view stopping in her tracks his gaze shifted. He was looking intently with wonder. The intensity made her heart skipped a beat. Collecting courage, the lady approached the elusive man. "Hey, I won't force you to come to the inn. Sai told me you did not want to share a room."
He watched her cautiously approach him. Closing in their distance she ushered the blanket towards him. "You might need these. I know you are an early riser, so return it to the inn before I check out."
The Uchiha heir stared at the blanket being offered. Should he accept? Why did she come to give it? How did she find him? Did it take a long to find him? Why waste her energy on him in this cold weather?
Sakura wondered why he would not accept the blanket. Is it because of shyness? The gesture was for his wellbeing. Did he not care about himself at all? Sasuke is like an obstinate patient. Nonetheless Sakura never caves in that stubbornness especially if health is involved.
Using both hands the fabric spread in the air. The movement surprised the Uchiha. In that brief time the medic draped the blanket on his sitting form. He shivered at the hasty contact of her fingers to his body. Warmth enveloped the avenger's body once the action was completed. The woman plaguing his mind is now physically closer. The medic's face is less than a foot away. Up close those lovely green eyes appears to be pleading for cooperation.
Their breathing hitched in the realization of the proximity. No one bothered to move away. Both observed how the illumination of the moon highlighted their best features. A slight tension was present, but a different feeling of longing was more evident. The heir felt his heart tighten. This sensation was like those numerous times, whenever he put her to temporary unconsciousness. It was suffocating him. His emotions are getting riled up. He hates being in situations like these.
They were apart for two years but now together he felt more detached than ever. Throughout the initially journey he saw her get closer to Sai. He never bothered to cut in or at least try to blend in. She chose to forget him. Then why did she come to provide him comfort? Is he making too much out of it? It's just a stupid blanket. Damn her for confusing him. Damn him for letting her.
Amidst the internal conflict onyx turned to red all too suddenly. Surprised by the change in hue the girl backed away. "I am sorry, I did not mean to evade your space." Trembling and increasing the distance between them the female added. "I should be going Sasuke. Sorry for disturbing you keep warm tonight okay?"
The gap increased to an arm's length. She was afraid of him. He wanted to say something but his lips failed to speak. The woman got to her feet and waved her hand to say goodbye awkwardly. He was still seeing red. She was going to turn her back and walk away. He felt panic. As if she leaves him now, tomorrow morning Sakura will be gone. He can't let it happen. He cursed himself joining this excursion. He is annoyed why he wanted her attention back. His left hand gripped the fabric hanging on his right shoulder to stabilize it in place. Gasping he finally called out. "Sakura…"
Sakura turned over her shoulder and looked back. The moon lighted her form as the soft breeze danced with her locks. She offered him a weak smile. Her emerald eyes were glistening. Was she about to cry? "The sharingan activates when you are angry right? I am sorry. I will keep my distance from now on."
"Sakura, you are annoying." He managed to spat out. Her eyes widened, scandalized by what he said. Then he added with a smirk. "But thank you for being damned annoying. "
It was the first time since they meet at the lake that Sasuke vocally said his thanks. Despite being called annoying, which felt kind of familiar, she took it as a positive sign. At least he appreciates what she does for him. Though she isn't sure why it matters if he does. She nodded and smiled more genuinely. The lady decided not to say anything more. He probably wants to rest now, it is better to leave him alone. Turning her back once gain she started walking away.
Her lack of response made him realize he was doing it all wrong. Swallowing his pride he repeated himself. "Thank you for everything." It sounded like a plea as it reached the female's ears.
Raising a hand she gestured that he was acknowledged. The woman decided not to look back and continue walking. She should hide her face, because for some odd reason. After the Uchiha said his thanks a second time, tears fell but her heart felt relieved. She could not phantom the mixed emotions within her now. Is it her hormones acting up? Or maybe she was just tired.
The rosette woman faded from his line of vision. Holding the blanket tighter, he calmed himself. Part of him wanted to run after her. His brain was telling him to lurch on the nearest tree branch of her room. But Uchiha Sasuke does not show longing for anyone. Sure he wanted her back, because it's only natural to keep what was yours. Whether one need it or not. Plus it is to spite that artist and the dobe, no more no less. Soon he confidently swore to himself. Basking in the heat of the blanket offered. Soon he was going to get that annoying woman back.
Author's notes:
Took me a while but as promised here is the next installment. I had to rethink things over for this story. I have a set direction now, hopefully things will be easier from here. Enjoy the piece.