Chapter 8: Parting Glass
.:Save Me:.
I hope you all enjoy!
Two Months Later
Since Toshira's funeral, her precious children still haven't resolved their differences. It's not that effort wasn't put into it, mind you, but the stubbornness of the pinkette. As she promised, she stayed far away from Naruto's sight. No matter how hard he tried, he never even caught a glimpse of her. Even in the dark hours of the night, he tried to search for her in their shared home to no avail. It's almost like she turned herself into a ghost.
Granted, he knows she's staying within the second story of the house, but he can't ever catch her. It's as if she knows whenever he's about to come so she disappears. Oddly enough, she somehow finds the time to make him food like Toshira always did. Another stabbing reminder of the void in his life.
Some days, he gets to their respective training ground extra early to see if she'd show up. So far, she hasn't. The only time he's ever seen her is during missions.
In order for the team to get paid, they all have to do the work. Mundane, agonizingly boring work, but for the chance to see that his sister is alright, Naruto would take a thousand more. Even still, he's never had the chance to speak with her.
He's tried multiple times to simply start a conversation with her, but she's never respond. She wouldn't really talk at all, in fact. If she did, it was only short responses or to answer questions. Other than that, nothing. It's in those moments, that Naruto reflects on all the things that could have been.
How would things have changed if he opened up? If he'd ask what was happening when Toshira was getting sick? If he'd been around more while she was sick? If he'd grieved with Sakura instead of pushing her away? If he'd been less naive about what was really going on with the strange things she could do?
Probably wouldn't be in this mess.
He'd sigh, spar with Sasuke, workout with Kakashi, have tea at the Uchiha house, then go home and cry out all of his regrets only to repeat the cycle the next day.
One Week Later
Kakashi's POV
When I was first assigned team 7, I thought my biggest problems would be the youngest Uchiha heir and the kyuubi. Imagine my shock when my female student spontaneously developed demonic eyes at her mother's funeral. Or maybe she's had them for longer- I don't know for sure. It would explain the strange phenomenons surrounding her.
Especially the bell test.
No matter what kind of story Sakura has tried to spin, I know for damn sure neither of those boys laid a finger on those bells. Yet, somehow, both of them had one in the end. At first, I thought maybe she was simply skilled with using wires in combat and somehow got them that way. Then again, I would've noticed something like that coming from a genin's skill level.
Assuming she is genin level.
It's times like these I wish I had Naruto's brash nature to simply kick down the hokage's door and demand answers. Granted, nothing would come of it, but it would ease some frustration. I know the only missing piece to this puzzle is Sakura's father. It has to be some kind of kekkei genkai from his lineage considering, if she were a kyuubi like Naruto, then there wouldn't be so much secrecy. With that being said, who can I get answers from? Their mother is gone, Naruto doesn't seem like he knows anything about it, Sakura refuses to talk, and Sasuke is just as clueless as Naruto. The only other person I can think of is Itachi, but he'd be worse then Sarutobi-sama. Even with our prior relationship of being his mentor in ANBU, I know that boy is loyal to a fault. He won't reveal anything he hasn't been allowed to.
What if I broke into the hokage tower and went through the classified files only the hokage can see? I wouldn't get into that much trouble-
"Kakashi-san." I blinked, glancing past my icha icha novel to the chunin standing in front of me. "Lord Hokage has summoned your team." With that, he disappeared.
Another mission… maybe I can come up with a plan during that.
Tucking away my book, I started walking towards the hokage tower.
Or maybe, I can get some type of clue out of the old man now?
In The Hokage Tower
As I thought, Sarutobi-sama already summoned my little students. From the look on their faces, I think I walked a little slower then I meant to.
"You're late!"
Yes, a lot slower.
Raising my hands, I smiled brightly through my mask.
"Now, now, Naruto-kun. I'm only 45 minutes late today. That's progress, right?" His glare only deepened. Eventually he huffed and turned away from me completely. His eyes landed on the silent pinkett standing on the other side of Sasuke. At seeing her blank face, his eyes dimmed and he lowered his head a little.
That is another issue that needs to be solved soon.
I'm not going to sugarcoat what happened: Naruto was out of line. He lost his head and said some things a simple apology won't fix. However, life is far too short to allow a close bond to remain broken. I know that better than anyone.
"Now that you're here, Kakashi-kun," flicking my gaze to Sarutobi-sama, I can easily see his eyes warning me not to let my thoughts stray, "let's begin." If you didn't look closely, you wouldn't be able to see the way his eyes softened or the imperceptible comforting smile.
Thank you, Sarutobi-sama.
"I am assigning your team a new mission. You " At that, I expected at least Naruto to burst out in cheers demanding the hardest mission available while Sasuke scolds him yet also requesting a difficult mission, but none of that happened. Instead, the room was silent. Even Sarutobi-san wasn't expecting such a response as he scanned over my team.
Naruto kept his gaze squarely on Sarutobi's desk with his brows pinched together. Sasuke kept looking between Naruto and Sakura from the corner of his eyes while Sakura looked completely uninterested. She didn't even turn her head to look at Sarutobi-sama as he talked. Her eyes stayed glued to the view of the forest stretching for miles from the window to the far right of the room. Even Sasuke looked tensed as he watched her. Now that worries me.
Usually she shows basic interests in the assignments we're given. She's usually the one asking questions on possible threats that may be encountered. Granted, we haven't had a mission that required we leave the village yet, but still. Not to mention, if even Sasuke looks anxious, then something is seriously wrong.
Why do I get the feeling she's a little sui-
"This one," Sarutobi-sama started again, his eyes holding a hardness to them showing his concern, "is harder than the others I've given you." Again, he paused but there was no reactions. "It's an escort mission to Kirigakure." That at least got them to look at him.
"Who are we escorting?" Sasuke asked.
Finally- one of them speaks!
"A bridge builder." A knock on the door paused the conversation. "Come in." Sarutobi's usual assistant held open the door as an older man walked in.
He looks like he spends a lot of time in the sun given his darker complexion. Other than his greying hair and the glasses sitting on the edge of his nose, there isn't anything defining about him. Even his clothes look rather plain.
So why does he need a genin team to take him back to Kiri?
Usually when I think of clients that need a protection detail, everyday citizens don't break my top ten list. Sure, they may be at risk for muggings on the road, but those who are likely to do so wouldn't even meet genin level. Beside that, he doesn't seem like he'd be at a high risk of being mugged given all he has on him appears to be camping gear and basic necessities.
There has to be another factor that he's not telling us.
When I looked back to Sarutobi-sama, I can easily tell he's thinking the same. The tightness around his eyes and the strained smile told me as much. So, why is he allowing this mission?
"Team 7, this is Tazuna. He will be your charge for this mission." Tazuna looked over my team, a scowl on his face.
"Is this it?" I narrowed my eyes at the disgusted inflection in his voice.
Who does he think he is to judge my team like that?
"I can assure you, Tazuna-san, that this team is more than qualified to provide you with the safe travels you desire." Sarutobi-sama smoothly stated, an imperceptible glare maring his kind features.
"Besides," I crossed my arms, leveling the older man with a hard look, "this is what you paid for." His scowl only deepened but he turned around heading out the door.
"Those kids better not screw this up." With that, he swept out of the room.
Now if that isn't suspicious, I don't know what is. He's the one that paid the cheaper price of having a genin team protect him. Why is he criticizing and acting as if something big is about to happen?
If my team gets hurt because of his bullshit, I'll deal with him myself.
Forcing my features to remain neutral, I turned to examine my team. Thinking back to the first time I met them, this is a far cry from the team I expected to outperform any other genin squad in every area. With one refusing to speak, another consumed with grief and the final one stuck in the middle, maybe Tazuna's concerns are valid.
All I ask is that none of this bullshit gets me killed.
"Well," Sarutobi-sama began kindly, "you all should get ready for your mission."
Without a word, Sakura walked out the door. Naruto stared after her but remained in his spot for a while longer before making his way out. Sasuke sighed deeply before following after him. I almost facepalmed at the ridiculousness of it all.
This is going to be a long mission.
It didn't take long for us to get started on the mission. Everyone arrived at the front gates on time- not surprising for my students. Even I wasn't as late as I was planning on being. Then again, I have a lot of questions I want answered. As we began our trek through the woods surrounding Konoha, I kept a sharp eye on Tazuna.
If my hunch is right, then his attitude should start changing the further we get from the village. Judging from what I've seen of him so far, he'll get annoyingly testy at the slightest provocation. When that happens, I can get all the answers I want from him. Then, depending on the results, I'll decide if this mission should end early or not.
"Can't we move any faster?!"
And it begins.
"We're moving at a convenient pace for you, Tazuna-san. Unless, you feel there is a reason as to why we need to get to Kiri faster?" His face paled a little but he quickly turned away from me.
Got him right where I want him.
The smirk on my face was hidden by my mask as I-
"I'd suggest you stop complaining if you don't want your fears to come true, Tazuna." Blinking, my gaze snapped to Sakura towards my left. Her face was as smooth and neutral as ever, but the malice underlining it was jarring.
Does she know what he's hiding?
Despite her strange and silent mannerisms, Sakura is by no means a rude child. She always uses proper honorifics and speaks in a respectful tone no matter the age of whoever she's speaking to. For her to sound so… malicious with our charge, she has to have figured out why we were picked for this mission.
Which also means my hunch was right.
"Whatever." Tazuna grumbled, lowering his head with a deep scowl on his face. Having him do so while in the middle of three preteens was almost comical.
Would make a good joke if lives weren't at stake.
"Hey… uh, Sakura-chan?" Looking straight ahead, Naruto slowed his pace so he was now standing next to Sakura. He fidgeted with his fingers, his eyes staring holes into his feet.
He better be apologizing.
"Look… I'm… What I'm trying to say is-" He raised his head, caught her gaze, then looked away again.
Idiot…
I sighed deeply, resisting the urge to facepalm. Throughout the shitshow Naruto was putting on, Sakura never wavered in giving him her undivided attention. In fact, if he hadn't looked away, he would have seen the flash of adoration and grief that glassed over her face before carefully settling back to its neutral state.
At least she hasn't completely cut him off.
Even in the short time I've had to be around her, I can easily see she needs Naruto much more than even she realizes. Maybe even more than I can imagine. The same goes for Naruto. Hopefully, by the end of all this, we'll return as a stronger team. Who knows- I might even recommend them for the Chunin ex-
I thought I felt a flare of chakra.
Keeping my body relaxed, I scanned our surroundings. Sure enough, I felt three distinct chakra signatures flare faintly before disappearing. Chunin level mistake.
So this must be what the old man was hiding.
If he has shinobi after him, he has to be doing something more than just going back home. It could have something to do with him being a bridge builder. If it does, then he must have a project he's working on that someone with the pull of ninja is sorely against. With that in mind, it could be his next project is cutting off an underground trading ring or inviting competition to it. So, if that is true, then this mission might be too advance for my students to handle. If this was a pure escort mission, then maybe, but this is looking more like a protection assignment.
Now why can't I figure out my students this easily?
I let out a soft sigh as I sensed the shinobi's chakra flair slightly once more. They must be preparing to attack. Scanning my students, I contemplated taking care of this quickly, but that'd be a waste of an opportunity. I can theorize all day why shinobi are trying to kill a simple bridge builder, but, if he faced a near death experience, then he'll be a little more willing to talk. Plus, I can get a gauge of what Sakura's true abilities are if she believes their lives are at stake. Hopefully she'll use those demon eyes of hers.
Kill two birds with one stone.
With my mind made up, I purposely stepped into the trap one of the shinobi placed on the pathway. Immediately, black chains shot from the ground and surrounding canopy, trapping my body in a death grip. Normally, I would easily break out of them without much effort, but I have to make the next part look as believable as possible for my team.
"You're mine!" I felt a sharp tug pull me up into the canopy, the sharp gasp from Naruto and Tazuna the only other thing I heard through the whip of air.
"Kakashi-sensei!" The sound of all three of their voices calling out for me touched my heart.
They do care about me.
I laughed internally as I broke through the thick leaves. Instantly, I broke through my restraints and, in one swift movement, slight the shinobi's throat. His eyes widened as he fell back, but I caught him before he fell.
"Gotta have a body to make them believe they're on their own." Disguising his body as mine, I tied him in the chains then pushed him to the ground. He landed with a loud thump with the horrified gasps of my students following.
"Kakashi-sensei!" Naruto screamed, his voice filled with terror.
I won't die that easily, Naruto.
I mused, watching closely as the remaining two circled my team. Sasuke and Sakura were quick to shield Tazuna who merely stood between them shaking in fear. Naruto bared his teeth, standing firmly, but the slight tremble in his hands gave away his true emotions.
"I'll make you bastards pay!"
I really need to teach that boy some emotional control.
Now that I think about it, that could've prevented the entire charade at Toshira-san's funeral. Hindsight I guess.
"You'll die long before you'll get the chance!" One of the shinobi launched at Naruto, his hand covered in a brass knuckle made to mirror long tiger claws.
Come on Naruto.
Between him and Sasuke, Naruto has been training the hardest these past few months. Personally, I think it's because he feels, once he's physically stronger, he'll be mentally strong enough to face Sakura. For that reason, I know he's more than capable of holding his own against a shinobi that has the same skill level as these guys. When his legs and back went stiff as his eyes blew up, all that went out the window.
Damn it, Naruto!
Before I can even think to jump down, a flash of pink appeared behind Naruto, shoving him down and slitting the throat of the shinobi in one motion. A heavy stone settled in the base of my stomach as Naruto blinked in confusion on his ass. Another flash of pink caught my eye near Sasuke who surprisingly was able to land a hit on his attacker. The flash darted past him, heading straight for the enemy shinobi. I barely was able to register a faint silver flash when a needle appeared in the shinobi's neck as Sasuke punched him in the solar plexus. He keeled over, landing face first in the dirt.
What… what the hell was that?!
I couldn't do anything but blink at the downed men before my eyes found Tazuna. Standing before him as if she never moved was Sakura.
I know I didn't imagine that!
How in the hell did she move that quickly? Forget Chunin level- that had to be at least Jonin level- possibly even ANBU.
She has to have a kekkei genkai.
For moment, I thought she might be a jinchuuriki like Naruto, but that wouldn't explain the secrecy surrounding her. Plus, I didn't sense any type of demon chakra coming from her throughout this fight or during the bell test so it can't be that. However, no ordinary genin- or person for that matter- can do the things she just did or have as many coincidences occur around them as she has. She has to have inherited something from her father's side of the family.
But what kind of kekkei genkai gives you the abilities that she has?
I know for a fact there isn't any recorded familial lineage that comes close to covering the full range of things that Sakura has- from Suna or Konoha. With that being said, I entertained the idea that her father could've been from a different village, but the results are still the same. Actually, the more I look into it the more her abilities match up with accounts people have given that the jinchuuriki can do.
But she's not one of them… right?
"Are you two alright?" Her voice cut through my racing thoughts. Refocusing, Naruto and Sasuke both gathered in front of her, the unconscious shinobi on the ground behind them.
"I think so." Sasuke responded, sliding his kunai back into his weapon's pouch. Sakura looked him over before turning her attention to Naruto. His cheeks flushed red as he looked away, barely concealed anger clear in his eyes. For a moment, she was silent before she sighed.
"Naruto, are you-"
"I froze!" He burst, his head lowering as his body shook. "I couldn't do anything!"
I'm not looking forward to that conversation.
I thought I taught all of my students not to lose their cool when the possibility of danger is still nearby. Shockingly, this is another lesson Naruto will need some tutoring in. Honestly- why is that boy always-
"I was stupid! I acted like a child when I should be better than that!" Blinking, I noticed Naruto was looking pointedly at Sakura who stared back at him with slightly wider eyes.
About time he called himself out on his own bullshit.
"Naruto-" My golden haired student brushed off Sasuke's attempts to calm him. He shook his head hard before returning his full attention to Sakura. A deep desperation made his eyes burn bright till they were a deep blue.
"I'm an idiot and I deserve everything you've thrown at me, but please- please- let me prove myself again! Let me show you that I can be the brother you loved!" A thick silence filled the air as the two siblings stood before each other.
Well, if this isn't going against everything I taught them-
"You used past tense." Sakura's soft voice whispered as she walked between the two boys towards the assailant laying flat on their stomach. She stared at their still body before whirling on her heels to face her teammates once more. "That's bold of you to assume how I feel."
"Then tell me! I know I screwed up- royally messed everything up! Please- please- let me try to fix it!" Sakura turned away from him, her eyes distant as she stared into the forest.
"I'm not stopping you."
"You're avoiding me!"
"Maybe this isn't the time." Again, my dark haired student was brushed off once more as Naruto took a step forward. Sakura still didn't look in his direction, but I saw the flash of longing in her eyes before she closed them.
Someone isn't as cold as she seems.
I rubbed my chin, looking between my students. Naruto looks as if he's about to start graveling at Sakura's feet at this point. Meanwhile, Sakura refused to look at him as she kept her eyes screwed shut tightly. Poor Sasuke was lost on how to mediate the situation.
This team is becoming more of a pain then it should- did he just move?
Narrowing my eyes, I examined the supposedly unconscious body of the rogue shinobi. Just a moment ago, I swear his right hand twitched the slightest-
My eyes widened as I lunged from the tree. Seconds later, the shinobi pounced, a kunai in hand, poised to lop off my female student's head. He was fast, but thankfully, I made it to him before he had the chance to harm her. Grabbing the back of his shirt, I moved to throw him away when Sakura spun on her heels just as fast as I moved and sliced his throat. A sick feeling sunk to the bottom of my stomach as she twisted back around almost faster than my eyes could follow. She simply watched the two boys as they looked at me in horror as if she didn't just kill a man.
What the hell is she?!
Even when I take a step back and think about it, the subtle actions she took before only make the feeling worse. She didn't have any reason to move in front of the shinobi. As far as any of them should've known, he wasn't getting back up. Plus, she had a clear view of Naruto and Sasuke so they could continue having whatever meltdown was going on. It didn't make any sense, unless, she knew the shinobi wasn't as incapacitated as we thought.
How the hell would she know that?
Does she have abnormally heightened senses? It's not that far fetched as the Inuzuka clan is known for having such attributes. However, that is due to their uncanny connection to kanine ninkun. If that's the case, could her father have some kind of affinity for an animal? Obviously he isn't from the Inuzuka clan otherwise I would've been told about it and, again, I've never met anyone from the clan capable of her level of speed.
Could her father be connected to a tailed beast-
"You're alive!" I blinked, my gaze drifting from the back of my female student's head to Naruto's emotionally charged eyes.
I really need to drill emotional control into that boy.
"Ah." releasing the lifeless body of the shinobi. "Let's not dwell on that for too long. Besides," my eyes drifted back to Sakura as she turned and tilted her head to meet my gaze, "we have a mission to complete." Her eyes narrowed slightly before she turned away.
I'm going to find out what the hell is going on.
After a day of traveling, we didn't run into anymore interference. Thankfully, the little altercation we did get into seemed to have spooked Tazuna enough to keep him from insulting my team. On the other hand, the little outburst from my little students has sparked an uncomfortable silence amongst them.
All I wanted was some damn answers.
Why does it feel like this situation is much more complicated than it should be? Sakura's case alone feels more petty then anything else. Being her teacher, I should know everything there is to know.
Do the higher ups not trust me?
That in and of itself is ridiculous. Being an ex-ANBU captain, I've been entrusted with countless confidential secrets that only a handful of people have been allowed to know of. Some things only I and two other people were allowed to know- including the attempted extermination of the Uchiha clan.
So how much worse is the information regarding her parentage to all of that?
Toshira Haruno was a recluse- there's no questioning that- but what the hell could she have gotten involved in? Was she connected to a criminal organization? Was she the daughter of an important figure? A kage maybe? Crime lord? Kami's first daughter?
This is annoying…
"Looks like we're getting closer to mist." Tazuna broke the silence. Glancing over my book, I looked at the backs of the small group I've been charged with. None of my students spoke but they didn't break their formation with Sasuke leading while Naruto and Sakura covered the sides as Tazuna walked in between them.
Speaking of which, he looks even more jittery and tense then after the first attack. In my experience, people become a little more relaxed after a successful take down of criminals as they start to trust in your abilities. However, with him, it seems as if he's expecting something bigger and badder to jump out.
Who the hell did he piss off?
"Indeed." I finally responded, my eyes drifting back to my open book.
Being in ANBU had less mystery then-
A faint spark of chakra was the only warning before three kunai were flying towards my face. Jumping back, the sharp knives impelled the ground.
"You sensed me already, Friend-Killer."
And this mission keeps getting better.
Holding in a deep sigh, I kept my eyes on the brush where the kunai came from. Slowly, a dark figure with a large weapon on their back walked into the light. Short, dark spiky hair with a hitai-ate covering his forehead. All of that is pretty generic, but the bandages covering the entirety of his lower face and the enormous sword across his back is what really gave away who it is.
"Didn't think I'd have to run into someone like you, Momochi Zabuza." His cold eyes creased signalling he's probably smiling.
"I wasn't expecting the old man to have the funds to hire someone like you to protect him." His eyes flickered to my team. The creases only deepened as he looked back at me. "Ah, I see- you're in charge of a bunch of brats!" A dark chuckle left his lips as he swung his sword in a circular motion before resting it on his shoulder. "This shouldn't take long."
So this is what the old man was concerned about.
It took a lot of effort to not roll my eyes.
This mission is at least A rank.
"Let me guess: you're job is to kill the old man?"
"And whoever gets in my way." he lowered into a fighting stance, "or anyone I feel like." Snatching a kunai out of my pouch, I put it in front of me just in time to block the swipe of his sword. The impact made my arms shake, but I didn't allow that to show as I narrowed my visible eye at him.
This doesn't bode well.
Shoving him back, I jumped away from the next strike and landed in front of my team.
"Kakashi-sensei!" Naruto's loud voice wasn't completely filled with fear, but it was evident.
"Protect Tazuna. Do not engage. Run when you have the chance." I heard the beginnings of a complaint from my two male students, but the charging form of Zabuza enveloped my attention.
Dodging a blow, I threw a punch towards his throat, but he bent away from me. I side stepped a kick he aimed for my mid section while throwing two knives from my pouch at him. He jumped away giving me the space I wanted as I performed a few quick hand signs.
"Chidori!" lightning coated my right hand as I raced towards the bandaged rogue ninja. His eyes widened slightly as he moved slightly faster to avoid my attack. My lightning strike disintegrated a tree, but Zabuza still received a nasty gash on his right arm.
"You're becoming more of a pain than anticipated." He hissed swinging his sword at my head. Flipping away, I kept moving as he stayed on me, his sword and legs moving in a flurry of attacks. At this rate, all I can really do is defend until an opening presents itself.
Maybe now is a good time for the others to run.
I hummed, looking between the bandaged face of Zabuza to my team. A little pride flared in my chest at the determined glares they sported. Still, it doesn't change the fact they'd die within five seconds against someone like Zabuza.
Sakura might stand a chance.
"Keep your eyes on me, Hatake!" Jerking back, his massive sword barely missed scrapping my chin. Narrowing my eyes, I reached out grabbing his sword wielding arm, bringing my other elbow down on it. As the bone snapped, Zabuza's entire body erupted into a mass of water.
Annoying ass…
Jumping back, a barrage of kunai impelled the ground where I once stood. Rolling to the side, Zabuza's giant sword would've chopped off my legs.
Fighting dirty I see.
I spared a singular glance over to my team. Sasuke activated his sharingan at some point, his blood red eyes following every movement we made. His forehead creased in concentration while his lips were pressed in a tight line.
Probably trying to figure out how to help.
Next to him, Naruto's entire body was tensed as if he's trying to restrain himself from jumping in. A good idea considering he wouldn't even be able to breath on Zabuza. Tazuna is probably about to shit his pants if he hasn't already if the look on his face is anything to go off of. Finally, my eyes landed on the blank face of my female student. From her stance alone, she looked as if she's simply defending Tazuna, but my gut is telling me there's more going on in her head.
Still trying to figure that part out though.
I grunted, dodging to the side and blocking the giant sword coming for my midsection with my kunai. Flipping back, I tried to put some space between us but he kept on me with a ferocity that gave him the title Demon of the Mist. A stinging sensation in my arm signaled he grazed it as I side stepped another swipe.
This is annoying.
My eye narrowed as I lunged at Zabuza after rolling out of the way of another attack. He moved to the side as I expected him to, leaving himself vulnerable for a split second while he's airborne. Twisting, I sliced at his ribs with the kunai I hid in my sleeve. He let out a pained gasp bringing a smirk to my lips, but the sound of water bursting nearly made me curse.
"It was fun, Hatake, but I have a job to do." Zabuza's voice rang from behind me. Before I could turn, the water from the clone shot from the ground surrounding me in a sphere.
Son of a-
I closed my eye as I took in a deep breath. Out of all the outcomes, he had to stick me in a damn bubble? Looking to my right, his left forearm is also inside of it. I can feel the chakra pumping from the limb into the water, keeping me trapped and- for the moment- paralyzed.
Wonderful.
"Kakashi-sensei!" Naruto and Sasuke both screamed at the same time, their bodies tensed. While both boys looked conflicted on what to do, Sakura's eyes narrowed dangerously as Zabuza summoned a shadow clone.
"Now, to take care of these brats." A wicked grin appeared on the real Zabuza's face as his clone raced forward. My heart dropped into my stomach as I tried to dispel the bubble by sending out my chakra in a large burst, but I wasn't able to.
Damn it!
The clone disappeared, appearing behind my team but in front of Tazuna. My eyes widened as he swung his sword faster then my team would be able to see. Just as he was about to cut off Sasuke's head, it froze, the clone's eyes showing complete shock. Before I could even begin to process what happened, the clone was sent flying clear across the field, obliterating a tree.
What… what the hell?
Blinking, Sakura slowly stood up in the spot the clone once stood, her eyes covered by her hair.
"Don't touch my team." Her voice was low, but the deadly edge sent an uncomfortable tingle down my spine. A shock wave rippling through my watery prison releasing me kept my mind from processing what I just saw.
What the hell is happening?!
Is this what Sakura is capable of? Being able to roundhouse kick an A-rank missing nin's clone hard enough to destroy it and dispel an A-rank jutsu at the same damn time?! Why the hell is she a genin?!
Sarutobi-sama has some explaining to do.
"How the hell did you do that?!" Zabuza's enraged voice brought me back to the present. His attention was fully on Sakura, a dark glare that should've sent a new genin running for the hills. In Sakura's case, she practically disregarded him as she turned her back to look at the rest of our team.
"I'll protect Tazuna. You two back up Kakashi-sensei."
Hell no.
If Sakura was the one that was going to help me, then I wouldn't question it. Naruto and Sasuke are a completely different story. Neither of them have any secret abilities that I don't know about. Plus, neither of them has even come close to doing a fraction of what Sakura has so far.
"Actually," I flashed to stand in front of my team, blocking Zabuza's view of Sakura, "I'll handle this on my own." Zabuza looked absolutely murderous, his chakra surrounding him in a demonic shield.
This doesn't look good.
Lowering into a fighting stance, I pulled out a kunai. As I tensed to lunge at him, a senbon came flying from the trees, hitting Zabuza in the throat. Immediately, he toppled over, hitting the ground in a heap.
What the hell is going on now?!
A shinobi materialized next to his fallen form. When they raised their head, an ANBU mask with Mist's symbol painted on the forehead came into view.
"I apologize for not arriving sooner to help." the young male voice stated. He turned his head towards Zabuza before looking back to me. "I've been ordered to hunt this man down. It's been difficult tracking him. I hope you don't mind me taking him now." I hummed, stowing my kunai back into my pouch.
"Not at all." The young shinobi nodded, tossed Zabuza's body over his shoulder, and disappeared.
Interesting, they sent a single shinobi to hunt down someone like Zabuza?
I know I should've question it more given the dangers Zabuza poses, but then again, I'm not necessarily in a position to. With two genin and a civilian depending on me, I can't really count on backup- Sakura not included. However, the biggest issue remains the fatigue creeping on me and the injuries I already have from fighting. Against an ANBU member whose well rested and in top condition, what can I really do?
I'll deal with it later.
Within a day, we made it to Kirigakure. Since Zabuza's appearance, Tazuna seems much more friendly. I have a hunch seeing how my team handled the Demon of Mist instilled some faith in our abilities. Unfortunately for my ever growing headache, he hasn't explained why someone wants him dead.
What kind of bridge is he building that's worth his life?
"You guys can stay at my home while you're still here." Tazuna paused in the middle of the street, turning around to face us. "It isn't much, but it beats sleeping in a hotel." He scratched the back of his head, his eyes looking towards the clouded sky.
Is this humility I'm witnessing?
Who knew he could showcase that?
"Thank you, Ojii-san." Naruto quietly stated, his eyes distant. Sasuke nodded while Sakura kept her gaze glued to the sea we just sailed across to get here.
Now to deal with that mess.
I still haven't forgotten about that stunt she pulled with Zabuza. There's something seriously wrong with a genin being able to face a S-class criminal while still protecting their team. If I didn't know any better, I'd say she has to be related to some kind of demon.
What are the odds of that?
I hummed, pulling out my favorite orange book from my back pocket. Flipping to a random page, I started to calm my thoughts. Maybe, if I can get her to reveal whatever she did with Zabuza, then I can use my sharingan to see how much power she has? If that's the plan, what can I do that will convince her that their lives are truly at stake without any of them dying?
I have a strong feeling Zabuza is going to do that for me soon.
The ANBU that took him after our encounter was far too suspicious for my liking. Plus, if Zabuza does attack us again, I know I won't be able to protect my team against both of them. That also doesn't include whoever else is paid to kill Tazuna.
I'll have to send word to Sarutobi-sama.
"You must be in deep thought, Kakashi-sensei." Glancing down, I blinked at Sakura while she kept walking as if she didn't say anything.
"Just lost in thought." She tilted her head slightly, her eyes drifting up towards me.
"About Zabuza, I assume?" I nodded.
That's an obvious answer.
"And me as well." I hummed, nodding again. She was quiet for a while before turning straight again. "It's about the clone." Closing my book, I put it away, placing my hands in my pockets.
"That's a part of it." Looking towards the sky, I felt her gaze drilling a hole in the side of my head. "I'm more concerned about your well being then any hidden abilities you have. I can only imagine what the elders might end up doing if they find out what you're capable of." Even though I couldn't see her face, the shock wafted off of her in waves.
Maybe my approach to solving this has been wrong from the beginning. Given her circumstances since she was a toddler, I can guess that people have only ever demanded answers or tried to trick her into doing what they want. Has anyone ever been honest about their motives? Not including Toshira-san or Naruto, has anyone simply talked to her about what she wants?
Why didn't I think of it before?
"Their past record can answer that." The bitter tone of her voice provide she's thought about it before. Lowering my head, we looked at each other.
"Have they approached you before?" She shrugged slightly, her eyes darkening.
"Not exactly."
What's that supposed to mean?
Did they approach Toshira-san? Did they try to force her to graduate the academy early like Itachi? Or did they try to kill her like with the Uchiha clan?
"In what way did they?" She turned away from me, her muscles tensing slightly as if she's expecting me to hound her.
Damn it- I'm losing her.
"I'm not trying to pry or force information from you. I know better then anyone the elders have a history of making bad decisions that end up hurting people rather than helping. If they did something like that with you then I can make sure they don't do it again." When she simply kept walking, I sighed softly. Looking forward, I saw a decent sized house with a young boy and a woman standing in front of it waving at us. "I know you don't trust me fully, but I'm your sensei. All I want is for your success and happiness." I picked up my speed to allow her space. If I try to dig more than it'll only-
"You remind me of mother's stories about father." I paused. Looking over my shoulder, her face was in its usual neutral expression, but there was fond glint in her eyes. "Even when he thought mother was angry with him he'd still do everything he could to make sure she was safe." Her eyebrows pinched together for a split second before she met my gaze. "You can say you're the closest thing to him." With that, she walked past me, joining the rest of the team as they talked to the woman.
I watched her back, the shock of her words slowly ebbing away. After a while, a smile hidden by mask spread my lips as I stepped forward.
So, she thinks of me like a father? That's sweet.
For a solid week there wasn't a single incident, but, to my infinite luck, that ended when Tazuna and his crew were nearly finished with the damn bridge. Turns out, I was right about a crime lord not wanting the bridge to be built. Some guy named Gato apparently doesn't want the bridge to be built because it'll interfere with his drug trafficking ring or some bullshit. Honestly, I don't care what his motives are at this point. All I want is to shove a knife deep into his throat for getting my team into this mess.
Like I thought, Zabuza appeared again as he's the main muscle Gato hired. I tried to get my team to escort Tazuna away while I deal with him but that ANBU showed up because of course he did. From what Zabuza has said, the ANBU is a boy named Haku that is Zabuza's right hand. Based on the looks of the battlefield on this bridge, we might be out of luck.
This is one hell of a mission.
"You know how to end this quickly, Hatake. Hand over the old man and your deaths will be painless." He pointed his giant sword at us while Haku crouched into a fighting position next to him.
Where the hell is our back up, Sarutobi-sama?!
"You could walk away too. Is a petty bridge dispute really worth the time of the Demon of the Mist?" He grunted, stabbing his sword into the ground in front of him.
"I have my own reasonings, Hatake." A flash of hands signs and another Zabuza appeared. Without hesitation, it charged for my team.
Shit!
I lunged in front of it, kicking it in the side of the head. I couldn't wait to see where it landed as the real Zabuza came at me with his sword slashing at my mid section. Jumping over it, I twisted, pulled out a knife, and blocked the next slash as soon as I landed.
"Not bad, Hatake!" He shoved me back, continuing to slash at me.
I dodged and blocked until I found a half second opening. With it, I slashed at his midsection but ended up cutting his shoulder as he dodged. He growled, flipping away from me.
"I underestimated you."
"That's a mistake I won't make." Gripping my headband, I lifted it from my left eye. The enhanced vision my sharingan gave made everything seem like it moved much slower than reality.
"The famous Copy Ninja shows his secret weapon. I'm honored." I ignored the sarcasm in his voice as his legs minutely twitched.
"I'll do whatever I have to, to protect my team!" I lunged for him- something he wasn't expecting given the slight widening on his eyes.
I nick his cheek as he jerked out of the way. I didn't give him the chance to counter attack as I stayed on him. From the corner of my eye, I saw his partner disappear. I grunted, shoving Zabuza back giving me enough time to block the senbon he sent at me.
"Oi, no fair!"
Damn it, Naruto!
I couldn't move to catch him as he darted past me as I ducked to avoid my head from being chopped off by Zabuza. Using a kunai to block the next strike, my stomach dropped as Naruto tried to hit Haku with a kunai using basic taijutsu techniques. Haku easily dodged everything Naruto threw at him until he parried a particularly hard strike causing Naruto to stumble back. My heart clenched as Zabuza blocked my way to Naruto as Haku moved to stab Naruto.
Sakura- save him!
A sharp elbow to my jaw and a powerful kick that I barely managed to block sent me skidding back. Taking a breath, I looked up just in time to see Haku crouched, his mask partially broken while Sasuke stood protectively in front of Naruto.
"Don't underestimate us!" My Uchiha student shouted, holding a kunai in front of him, his sharingan spinning as he glared at Haku.
Thank kami.
"I'd suggest you keep your eyes on me, Hatake!" Side stepping, Zabuza's sword created a crater in the ground where I once stood. Backflipping, I avoided his kick aimed for my head. An unexpected impact to my back followed by a strong kick to my ribs sent me crashing into the railing of the bridge.
Shit- that hurts!
Rolling to my knees, I saw Zabuza running at me with a ferocity that gave him the name Demon of the Mist.
This is going great.
Running through a sequence of hand signs, a shadow clone appeared next to me. Holding my palm towards it, it quickly started to form a rasengan. All the while, my eyes stayed glued on Zabuza's quickly approaching form.
Almost done!
Just as he was a few feet away, a flash of pink appeared in front of him. Pure rage shadowed his face before pain replaced it as a spray of blood misted in the air. Before it hit the ground, my female student was gone, but a kunai was lodged deep in Zabuza's right leg. The few seconds he spent fumbling was enough for my resangen to finish. Lunging at him, he jerked back in time to avoid a direct hit in the chest like I was planning, but I did make contact with his side sending him flying to the otherside of the bridge.
I'm going to have to thank Sakura later.
Snapping to my other two students, they look like they've taken a beaten, but they both stood back to back. What made me feel unsettled was the lack of Haku in the area.
Where the hell is that little brat?
From a nearly imperceptible puddle between them, Haku materialized. I tensed, ready to lunge for him, but I know I won't be able to make it in time. Haku spun to stab both boys in the neck with senbons right as they noticed him. However, instead of killing my two male students, he froze- his needles inches away from their necks. His visible eye widened in shock before Sakura appeared in front of him. In a blink, Sakura grabbed his face and smashed it into the ground.
That was… vicious.
"Are you two alright?" Naruto and Sasuke both spun, their eyes wide. Naruto opened and closed his mouth like a fish out of water.
"Sakura-chan… how did you…"
"Later. Focus on the mission." She patted Naruto on the shoulder before her eyes shifted to Tazuna. "I'll help where I can, but I can't leave Tazuna unprotected."
"You focus on him. We can handle Haku." Looking to Sasuke over her shoulder. She nodded, before heading towards Tazuna.
The moment she was beside him, Zabuza rose back to his feet. The amount of blood he's losing should've ensured he wouldn't get back up, but then again, this is the Demon of the Mist.
"Now I'm pissed." His eyes were crazed, a dark shadow covering his face. "Haku! Kill those brats!" A lump formed in my throat as I felt a concentrated amount of chakra begin to surround Naruto and Sasuke. Turning towards them, I can't hide the jolt of panic as a dome of ice mirrors trapped both of my students inside of it.
"Naruto! Sasuke!"
"Don't worry about us, Kakashi-sensei! Take out Zabuza!" Sasuke shouted back, he and Naruto returning to their position standing back to back.
They're insane!
I tried to run towards them, but a wild swipe of a massive sword forced me to backflip out of the way.
"I'll kill you, Hatake!" His enraged roar was followed by a flurry of attacks that I knew if I tried to block it would probably break my arm.
Where'd did this energy come from?!
Gritting my teeth, I stayed on the defense trying to put distance between us, but it's like Zabuza was attached to me like a magnet. The moment I thought there was an opening, he was there again trying to cut me in half. I can't spare any more than a second glance to my boys in their battle. Based on those, they may be able to stand a few more minutes in that dome before they're in danger of dying.
"Sakura, help them!" I didn't need to hear a response to know she got my message. Two screams of pain nearly made me freeze.
Catching Zabuza's sword wielding arm, I twisted, getting behind him, and placing him in an arm bare long enough to see what happened. My heart dropped as I saw both of my male students, on the ground covered in needles. Naruto struggled to get to his hands and knees, but Sasuke wasn't moving.
"Sasuke!" A sharp strike to my stomach loosened my grip on Zabuza before he kicked me causing me to skid backwards. Holding my ribs in pain, I jumped away as he tried to slice me with his sword. Zabuza moved to come at me again, but a monstrous release of chakra caused him to freeze.
Naruto!
Snapping my attention to the dome, Naruto stood over Sasuke. Swirling red chakra covered his body as he screamed.
"I'm going to make you pay!" He raged, his eyes bleeding red, his nails elongating, the whiskers on his face becoming more pronounced.
The nine tails!
"Naruto!" I took a step forward before a flash shot pass me.
Moving like a missle, it shot through one of the mirrors, shattering it on impact. Landing next to Naruto, Sakura struck him on the back of the neck knocking him unconscious and ending the potential disaster before it started. Her eyes were narrowed as she watched him in slight confusion before turning her gaze up. That's when I saw those demonic eyes she had the day of her mother's funeral.
They look way to similar to Naruto's just now.
With a wave of her hands, four things that look very similar to tentacles appeared around the dome. They were made out of pure dark blue chakra but, for some reason, only my sharingan can see them. It's like they're invisible to the naked eye.
How is that possible?
"You're going to regret hurting them." clapping her hands together, the tentacles smashed into the mirrors breaking all of them in a single blow.
Haku slipped from one of the broken shards, shock clear on his face. Before he could even move, Sakura, surrounded by a fifth tentacle, appeared in front of me and punched him in the face. Haku's body crashed in to the bridge causing the unfinished structure to shake. When the dust cleared around him, he was in the middle of a large crater, his mask completely broken.
"Haku!"
Blinking, I felt that strange chakra surrounding Sakura flare near Tazuna. Turning in that direction, Sakura knelt between Naruto and Sasuke's incapacitated bodies. Those demonic red eyes surveyed Haku's body making sure he wasn't getting up anytime soon. After a few seconds, she waved her hand causing two tentacles to appear in front of her. With a flick of her finger, one slid into Sasuke's body while the other into Naruto's. As she moved to stand, the tentacle's dark blue color quickly turned red as it shot out of Naruto, wrapping around her arm. Sakura barely had enough to register the action before it pulled her towards Naruto's body. With a flash of light, she disappeared.
Sakura's POV
I blinked rapidly, the white spots that invaded my vision slowly disappearing. Rubbing my eyes, I groaned slightly.
What the hell was that?
"Sakura." my blood froze.
That voice… why does it feel like I know it?
Lifting my head, I opened my eyes to see shiny obsidian cell bars that reached up into the misty darkness above. Two torches lit the room in a warm orange glow making the marble floors look as if they were on fire. However, the tall man with flowing red hair reaching his lower back was what caught my attention. His dark red eyes that look so similar to my own stared at me with so much love that it made the room feel cold in comparison.
"Fa… Father?" a small smile spread across his lips. He reached out a hand through the bars of the gate, a black electricity surrounding his forearm as it passed through.
"I've been waiting to meet you for a very long time." The tear that fell down my cheek barely registered as I stumbled forward, my eyes never leaving him. Cautiously, I placed my hand in his. He squeezed it tightly, the smile widening as he moved closer too. "Don't cry, my little flower." His electrofied hand briefly brushed the tears from my cheek before he pulled it back to his side.
"H-How is this possible?" I whispered, placing my hands on the bars. I tried to reach through them, but it's like an invisible force was pushing me back. "How am I here?"
"Ah," his smile dropped as his eyes lowered. "This isn't a place you'll be able to return to. After today, I will no longer have the power to call you here."
"But, I've gotten stronger! If you tell me then I can-"
"The seal will be too strong after today, my little flower." My heart pounded in my ears, his melancholy eyes glowing with emotion.
"But… why?" He sighed deeply, crossing his arms and looking off into the endless darkness surrounding us.
"I hoped this conversation would've started off a little differently. That was a ridiculous idea considering our circumstances."
"Then tell me how you wanted it to go!"
If I can stay here a little longer, then I can figure out a way to come back!
"I'm sorry, my little flower, but that doesn't matter. You can't stay here for much longer."
"No!"
Please! Please let me stay!
Grab the bars and don't let go!
My hands shot out, wrapping around the thick bars as much as possible. The unnaturally cool surface burned the skin of my palm but I didn't let go. I don't care if my hands catch fire- I won't be alone again!
I won't- I won't- I won't!
Comforting warmth grazed my finger tips causing me to open my eyes that I didn't realize I'd closed. Gentle red eyes stared back at me, understanding making those demonic eyes glow.
"It's okay, my little flower. I've always been here and I always will." Staring back into those loving eyes I've yearned to see for years, I couldn't help the tears that poured down my cheeks. Lowering my head, I tried my best to stop them, but the feeling of his warm hands wiping them away only made them fall more.
"Why did you call me here…" If my father didn't have enhanced hearing, he wouldn't have heard me. A soft breeze brushed over the top of my head. As my tears began to slow, I chanced a peak up at him once more.
"You've always been such a smart girl." His voice sounded distant, his head tilting as he gazed down at me. "Even when that dumbass Uzumaki brat mistreated you, you knew what was really hurting him. You knew he was grieving and you used your incredible strength that only Toshira could pass down to persevere." another soft smile formed on his lips as he leaned forward until his head was nearly between the bars. "I couldn't be more proud of the woman you're becoming." He caressed my cheek, swiping a stray tear with his lightning covered fingers. My lips trembled as I returned his smile, but I refused to cry anymore. No, I want the remainder of this time I have with my father to be happy- or as close as possible.
"Thank you, father." His lips stretched for a second, before he dropped his hand. "But I know whatever you called me here for must be a decision of life or death." Another deep sigh left his lips.
"Unfortunately." Crossing his arms, his gaze never wavered from me. "You know I was sealed within this brat the day you were born." I nodded even though he knew the answer. "During the sealing process, I seemed to have… dragged along company." Shuffling from behind him brought my attention to a second figure that I didn't notice before. He walked forward from the back of the giant cage until he stood next to father.
At first glance, he looks exactly like nii-kun. The main differences are his lighter colored locks and eyes compared to nii-kun's deeper shades. He's much older, taller and didn't have whiskers either.
"You're nii-kun's father." The grin he gave me was almost more blinding then the ones nii-kun would showcase on his happiest days.
"You're as sharp as ever, Sakura-chan."
He reminds me of… sunshine.
"My name is Minato Namikaze. Before anything else is said, I want to personally thank you from the bottom of my heart for taking care of Naruto in my absence. I can never repay my debt to you or Toshira-san." He bent at the waist in a deep bow before raising. His eyes shined with gratitude and his lips were poised in a faint smile.
"Naruto is my brother no matter what happens. I'll always look out for him." I replied not really knowing what else I can say to that.
"That's why I know you're the only one that can make this decision." My eyes drifted back to father, his face falling into pure relaxation. "The seal is weakening. It wasn't meant to hold two beings like us for an extended period of time." I blinked at him, my stomach twisting painfully.
"I'm assuming the seal breaking doesn't mean anything good."
"Indeed." his eyes flickered to Minato-san for a moment before returning to me. "If the seal breaks from something like this, the brat will die." My breath hitched at the thought.
I won't let nii-kun die!
"However," Minato-san spoke up, his eyes remaining kind, "there is a way to prevent that."
"Strengthening the seal isn't one of them, is it?" Both shook their heads.
"In order to save Naruto-kun, one of us has to be released. Then, the seal will be able to perform its intended purpose without issue."
Oh, I get it now.
"You want me to choose which of you to release." They didn't have to react for me to know the answer to my own question.
Life is cruel.
It's so typical. Being forced to choose between being happy with my last blood relative I know will never abandon me or bring back the lost family nii-kun has never known. Basically, it's either my happiness or nii-kun's.
"This is your decision to make, my little flower."
"But you want me to choose Minato-san." Father smiled softly.
"That depends." My attention focused solely on him as he watched me with admiring eyes. "I've spent years watching you grow from someone else's point of view. I've never been allowed to catch you when you fell, comfort you when you were sad, or hold you like Toshira-chan was able to. Now, I have a chance to be the father to you I've only been able to dream of." Tears clouded my vision, but I wiped them away harshly. "However,"
No-
Just pick him!
"I've also spent that time watching Minato do the same. We've both felt the pain of not only being forced away from our only children, but mourn the loss as well."
Mother…
"I've also seen how Minato's influence was able to protect you from things in a way I can't. He's been able to provide Toshira-chan and you with an ease of living I can't while inside of the village-"
"Then we can leave!" His smile turned sad as he slowly shook his head.
"Is that what Toshira-chan would have wanted for you?" I wanted to say no- pleaded with myself to disagree, but I can't.
I can't lie to him…
"No…" I dropped my head as the tears fell once more no matter how hard I try to stop them. His warm hand touched my cheek briefly before he pulled it back. Lifting my head, the pain in his eyes was raw.
"I know it's cruel to ask this of you, but allowing Naruto to die in front of you would be even worse." Despite the pain in his eyes, his smile grew. "With me, you will never be allowed to return to the village without being attacked. That means you will have to leave behind all of your precious people. With Minato, you will be able to stay with them, but you won't be able to see me like this again."
"If it means anything to you," my gaze drifted to Minato-san, his eyes shining with emotion, "I want to thank you." A bright grin stretched his lips. "You've been one of Naruto's greatest supporters even when he didn't know it. You've given up far more than anyone your age should have to. For all of that, I will forever be grateful to you. You will get all of the rewards you deserve for everything that you've done." He bowed low once again. When he straightened, a softer, yet blinding smile was on his face.
"Whichever one of us you choose, we will support your decision." This isn't fair. How am I supposed to make a decision like this?
I know the right thing is to choose Minato-San, but my heart wants nothing more then to have my father with me. Aren't I allowed this moment of selfishness?
I deserve to be happy-
Then release him!
But at what cost?
"You want me to choose Minato-san."
"If that is what you choose, then I support you." I squeezed my eyes closed to stop the tears before looking father in the eye once more.
"Then what if I choose you? I'd be able to finally be happy with the father I've only heard stories about. I wouldn't have to worry about you leaving me for being a monster. At the same time, I'd leave all my precious people vulnerable to those who want them dead meaning nii-kun could die anyway." an image of Itachi-san popped into my head before I blinked it away. "Despite how much they may hate me, I won't be able to live with myself if they died when I could've been there to protect them. If I release Minato-san, then their enemies will only find more cunning ways to kill them despite what either of us do. In each scenario, no one will be safe..."
"You can't protect them from the world, my little flower." father gently stated.
I know… but…
"I'll release Minato-san, but," turning to Minato-san, I shoved down all of my emotions to steel myself in my decision, "this will be my last selfless sacrifice." Both of them held expressions of concern as if they know what I'm planning.
They won't change my mind.
That's because you're a stubborn beast.
A soft smile formed on my lips as I looked between them.
"I'm too tired to continue on like this forever. It's exhausting being a shield for everyone all the time, but I won't have to be if I can get rid of the final obstacle to everyone's happiness."
"What does that-"
"I'm sorry, father." his eyes narrowed minutely before they widened as my smile only grew.
"Sakura-"
"Minato-san, please tell everyone that I'll need at least five years to make sure everything is in place. But when I come back, I will make sure everyone all of my enemies within the village are exterminated." Father lunged for through the cell bars, the black electricity surrounding his arm in a renewed fury, but I back away from him. The desperation in his eyes made my heart clench, but there's no going back from this.
This will be my gift to everyone.
A foolish gift.
"Goodbye, father." A final tear fell down my cheek as I reached through the bar to grab Minato's forearm.
"Sakura!" was the final thing I heard before a flash of light and a sharp tug feeling overwhelmed my senses.
When I opened my eyes again, I was on the bridge again. The chill of the misty air ghosted over my skin bringing my full attention to my surroundings. Dark ocean blue eyes stared at me with pure distress.
Minato-san.
"Minato-sensei…" Looking to the right, Kakashi-sensei stood gripping his side. Both of his eyes wider than I've ever seen them as he stared at Minato-san's back.
"What the hell is going on?" Behind him, a three man ANBU team along with a large ninkin was surrounding the tied forms of Zabuza and Haku. Just on their signatures, I know it's Itachi-sam, Shisui-san, and the eldest daughter to the Inuzuka clan, Hana.
They must have taken care of them.
Without needing you.
Closing my eyes, I released Minato-san's arm. I sensed him reaching for me again, but I stepped away from him.
He can't stop me.
He should!
"Sakura…" the breathless whisper made me open my eyes to see nii-kun's tear streaked face. Seeing him so tormented as he looked between me and Minato-san broke my heart more, but I can't let that distract me.
Not now.
"Thank you for the times we've had together." An air of confusion covered the area, but all that matters is Minato-san understands what it means.
"Sakura-" Before he could reach out for me again, I summoned a tendril to teleport me away.
Five years and then, everything will be fixed.
I'm sorry for the late update! I just graduated from college and I've been trying to move to a new house since then. Anyway, I hope you all enjoyed! There's 3 more chapters left for this story! See you all soon. ~