Sakura had been doing a great effort researching and preparing the soldier pills for Naruto training, if it had not been for Sai, she might had poisoned his friend. At first, Sakura held a bit of a distance between them, but little by little Sai had showed improvement. Until now as they finished sparing did Sakura could admit it had been wrong to compare him to Sasuke. Both could not be more different, physically and mentally. It may be her imagination, but she felt Sai smiles less fake, he might be holding some sense of what it feels to be happy. The young ANBU proved to be quite entertaining at some topics, it was a relief having someone else she could ask about strategy and serious stuff. Naruto was too much of an airhead, endearing at times. So as a good friend Sakura answered Sai's questions about social bonds. There was no chance she will leave Kakashi tarnish what may be the only decent male shinobi… no need to show him been a pervert.
What she didn't expect was THAT topic. Being quite specific about the subject, but for the sake of their friendship, she hold back the hit. Since Kaoru was just in front of her unpacking a huge box, on her hands a little doll.
"Why do you ask Sai?" Kaoru inquired, putting aside her gift.
"At first, I thought there may be just rumors… but now that I had seen it with my own eyes I'm intrigued." Sai took another item from the box, a scroll with the Kazekage handwriting. "Is this part of a normal courtship or parentship?"
Her friend blinked and laughed, Sakura didn't find it funny at all. "We just send each other updates. Go on. I have nothing to hide."
Sai stared at the scroll and the box as if it will jump out something, Sakura promptly take a look inside the box, it had a book, few bottles with something inside and a little envelope sealed, which was strange. She could not open it.
"Hum… Mind trying opening this?" Kaoru had the same surprised expression, but complied. This time it worked and when she took a paper out something else fell. Sai took the two little papers and stared hard, Sakura wished he could give some kind of reaction, so she leaned to take a peak. Feeling herself blush, but could not take out the cute image off her mind, never had she thought the Kazekage could look so peaceful with a baby on his arms. Surrounded with little kids, the orphans comfortable surrounding him, but she was absorbed on his face. Was he… smiling?
"Oh my GOOD…" Sakura couldn't hold back the excitement, Sai stare flickered a brief second, until Kaoru took the photo on her finger not looking at it, at first. Staring between them with different expressions.
It was when she finished the letter and returned her gaze at the photo that she blushed. Hugging both items tenderly, Sakura had to know so she asked about it.
"What is going on?"
"That weasel of Kankuro… argh!" Munching her lip, thinking briefly and then smiling softly "But… it's so beautiful" Sakura had to shake her friend since she was talking with herself.
"So you two are dating! I knew it!" Sakura grin got even wider at her deppening blush.
"It's not that! UGH… is… something silly"
"For me it's just a simple photo" Sai opinion give the breath that Kaoru needed.
"Well, the thing is… Gaara doesn't like photos. He is quite shy about it, but I really wanted a photo of them." Kaoru then showed us the other photo, a perfectly normal family shot with Gaara and his siblings, this was clearly planned, therefore the only ones smiling where the other two.
"Oh, so the one with Gaara smile is like a secret?" Sakura inquired, Kaoru nodded and took both of them.
"Now I have to send back something really nice for him."
"I assume the Kazekage doesn't smile much?" Sai inspected the bottles of the box.
"hmm… how could I put it? Had you seen yourself on a mirror Sai?."
"... Is that… a question or one of that jokes I don't get?" Sai countered closing the box and just looking around the house. Sakura sighed, didn't knew why her teammate still tried knocking some humor on Sai, of all the people.
Kaoru just laughed and they continued packing the things that will go to the Nara State, the hospital and the mail office. Sakura didn't have idea Yoshino could be gentle, so watching how cheerful Shikamaru mother talked with Kaoru as they updated each other was perplexing.
"Next time send that little boy of yours. He is such a sweet roll" Yoshino waved at us as we continued our way.
"He hasn't returned… wonder if Tsunade-sama had news" Sakura poundered, Sai was the first to reply.
"There is no way to know until they come back, but I do think something is not right"
"Hmm, what do you mean? They are just doing a survey around the Fire country. Yue's team are on a safe escort mission. At some point they will be back."
"I just think so." It was all Sai could say, because he could not talk about his reports to Danzo, or the short meeting he had after them. He could not erase his grin and compliments, it raise a sense of sentiment which he was familiar, danger. The girls leaved him once the chores were done, Sai walked back home before thinking better about it and look out for Naruto.
Sakura POV
At night Sakura and Kaoru were comfortably washing the dishes, the pink haired knew her invitation was because her friend hated being alone. Avoiding it as much as possible and if not she might found her again asleep on the ground of her garden with a bucket. Sakura didn't mind it much, because they could talk about interesting things. Her suspicion proved right once they set the covers and pillows ready for the night and Kaoru rolled around her finger the strand of raven hair nervously.
"Sakura… How long had you knew about the Nine Tails?"
Haruno adjusted her back to stare back at her. Would she want the truth? Yet Kaoru sighed and stared at her toes.
"Did… Sasuke knew?"
It was involuntary, really. Everytime his name was mentioned Sakura just lost her voice, therefore avoided answering covering her face.
"Oh, sorry. I didn't knew you still held… feelings towards him"
"How could I don't?" Sakura argued, as if it had been obvious.
"He never said he liked you, well not in the way you wanted" Sakura stared in disbelief, Kaoru noticed her reaction and covered her mouth. For the sake of their friendship Sakura hold the anger, because she didn't mean it in a bad way.
However it was the truth, nothing her heart was willing to hear.
"Does that stopped you from loving Shisui?" Sakura paused. "Do you know how to love?" It sounded harsh not exactly what she intended, but it had pained a bit. An awkward silence followed, as Kaoru hugged her pillow.
"I'm starting to get the idea." Kaoru didn't stopped there "And forgive me for saying this but Sakura, I don't think it's love what you feel for Sasuke but… obsession"
No. In the blink of an eye, before either could react, Sakura slapped Kaoru. "What gives you the right? How could you even knew how I feel? Just… JUST… WHAT THE HELL?"
Sakura expected a punch, something else but silence.
"I'm saying this for your own good. Just think about it!"
"MY GOOD? What do you want? I really love Sasuke and want him back. I have been waiting for him to…"
"To what?" Kaoru butted in "Seriously Sakura, tell me why do you "love" him?"
And Kaoru waited, the pause stretched a lot, more than she intended and regretted being so forward when Sakura could not hold the stare. The pink teammate trembled, Sakura could not answer and Kaoru felt a cold splash on her chest, guilt has been a common feeling for her. This was not supposed to happen, Kaoru tried to touch her shoulder but Sakura quickly stood up, leaving the place. Isamu who had been watching silently in his ethereal form gazed at the little woman whose eyes were set on the window.
"Was that necessary? I think you had over done it"
His queen didn't replied, it was until she stood and went out to stare at the moon that Isamu hear her answer.
"The time is slipping out of our fingers, I had to start doing my part…"
Isamu do felt sympathy, he knew it was going to be another burden for her the charge of responsibilities. Yet he was grateful his woman understood that it was better keeping her friends safe. Because the upcoming journey as a shaman will change everything.
"Well, at least you will be forever stuck with me, so you will never miss me" That made her laugh, he admired his human that night. Not that he will spill out he cared for her, or that he thought it was nice having a true friend. Different, odd, amusing, a headache at times but it was the most he could experience from what it mean mortality. It had been a long time since he actually found someone like her on this harsh world. His previous allies had their quirks and weakness, she was no different. But for him, she had the advantage, as a woman she had a strength that men lacked, something Isamu respected.
"Seeing you like me that much, can I ask you a favor?"
Since she didn't asked much from him, Isamu nodded. "Could you let me see the Kyubi?"
He quickly regretted accepting, but nonetheless assured he will stuck with her the whole time. Isamu just hoped the fox won't mess up his plans.
Kakashi POV
Kakashi just leave Naruto rest on the grass floor, not caring much his charge was half naked and wet and Naruto might got a mess of himself on the dirt. Yamato waved on the distance where Kaoru approached with a huge basket. She had brought food for them, Kakashi laughed when she blushed at Naruto and quickly pushed him to the waterfall so he could wash properly. It was endearing his little student could be so shy about the most simple things. Then she noticed not far another basket with balls and Kakashi said Sakura had left once in a while soldier pills for Naruto.
"Ok, I will burn them out" She took the basket and before she could set the flames Yamato shouted.
"Wait! There is no need to be so drastic. Isn't it a bit harsh to just…"
"Yamato-taicho, I knew she means well but Sai said they taste worse than dirt. Besides, stuffing him with soldier pills will risk Naruto health on the long road."
"Are you sure? Sakura is a talented medic that…"
"That hasn't lived centuries like my invisible partner here" She pointed to her right side, where Kakashi believed might be Isamu. "I trust him, besides I have a few things from my finished experiments I like to leave to you"
"It sounds more like test trials than gifts" Kakashi blunted with a playful tone, Kaoru puffed out in frustration.
"Then, the best gift will be for Naruto and Yamato-taicho" She took three wristbands, and two boxes. Yamato took with a tearful happy face the cage, as she explained what was inside and how to use it. Kakashi listened impressed her studies had done something good and they were safe approved by the Hokage.
"This is for you Kakashi, please try to be responsible" It had two scrolls some bottles, something like a paper and bandages. "Here I wrote simple instructions, read them carefully" Pointing out the blue scroll "Here has a set of the new magnetic powder and how I think it may be useful on missions, I had some explosives as well, adding some new patches and other tricks but everything is wrote there"
"And the occasion is…"
"Well, I'm sure I will forgot your birthday again. So this is my apology" Her answer was a bit suspicious but before he could muse about it Naruto returned leaving droplets on us but fully clothed this time. Kaoru stood up quickly and took him aside. The blond following reluctantly since he was starving.
"Does she had a taste for crafts and metal? It looks good" Yamato commented as he put one of the metal bands and smiled, Kakashi thought in putting one of them. It felt slightly similar but he could not remember. Instead he grinned thinking his raven student tried to much on making this group kind of a family.
Naruto POV
"HELL NO! This is the worst idea ever!" Naruto was about to ran away but Kaoru hold his arm strongly.
"I promise I will be careful. Please Naruto, do it for me" She pouted cutely, but this was serious for him and she had to understand that.
"That is EXACTLY why I refuse. Kao-chan, you might get hurt and I won't take it if it's because of me" He gazed at the forest, not willing to even imagine the possibility. It had been horrible when Yamato-taicho confessed HE was the one that injured Sakura that time. There was no need for a repetition, because he didn't know just what that fox planned. Now that he thought of it, he hadn't talked with him in any other way that didn't threatened something.
"Look at me" Feeling the soft tugging of his arm, remembering she held it captive on her warm embrace. Naruto resisted, when her hand traced his face and made his eyes meet hers, he breathed preparing for the retort on his mind but she completely turned the tables. Positioning herself better, grabbing his shoulders with both petite hands, feeling exposed on those brilliant green eyes.
"You will never hurt me." His eyes following her lips as she grinned softly. The kind of smile that reassured him so many times and now made his chest bump in anticipation. Of what? He don't know.
"I want to know him because it's part of you." As she blinked, briefly touching his whiskers as her eyes focused on something else he was grateful she distracted easily and could not notice the heat on his ears. Well, usually he didn't reacted like this but there was something that had been changing. Maybe he was just too conscious because no one used to treat him so tenderly, well not physically. Besides she was his friend, there was no other intention behind her actions, she was that forward and honest with lots of things. So … WHY WAS HE THINKING MORE OF THIS?
"I had done this before, it's just that… I want to be sure you are safe"
Then as her hand lowered down to his chest, where he prayed she didn't feel his pulse. Kaoru finally returned the stare to his face, evident concerned and in panic of thinking she might notice the blush beginning on his cheeks he clumsily hugged her to his chest.
"OK I GET IT… UGH! What are you doing to me?" When he noticed exactly what he said he freezed a moment, but thankfully Kaoru replied cheerfully.
"Nothing bad, just relax while I prepare" Leaving his arms she bit her thumb enough to draw a bit of blood, drawing on her wrist a symbol he was unfamiliar, but reminded him of the moon. Paused to blink at him for a second, then drawing another seal on her other wrist. Then her fingers glowed purple and take his wrist to repeat her actions on his arms.
"Well, I'm being extra careful since it's our first time and I need you to come with me."
"Why?" Naruto tilted his head as she let a rope of purple surround his arms and felt something ticklish crawling up.
"Ok, here we go" And just like that Naruto felt as if someone had pulled him down in water.
When he opened his eyes Kaoru was right on his face with Isamu behind, an amused expression as they stood contemplating the space around them. It was like a room, so long it's walls you could not look if it had an end but he was familiar with the cage. Like before the floor was not smooth but water that touched the bars in which a pair of eyes stared back at them.
"This is a first, how careless… Naruto" the taunt was clear, he stood ready to defend his friend but the god answered first.
"Try it, I dare you."
"Isamu" She interrupted before either of them could say more. "We didn't came here to fight"
"As if you had a chance… but I admit something feels different with you" This had been the first time Naruto actually talked civilly with Kurama.
"I hope not to bother so much intruding in your space." Naruto stared back at her, of course she will be like that. Isamu laughed and Kurama huffed but got closer to the bars, sniffing and scoffing.
"I might had liked you… if you didn't smelled like a racoon"
"I told you" Isamu snickered as she hit the God young man besides her, which Naruto find it fascinating and started poking. Elated that he could actually touch the spirit, irritating him along the way. Their little friendly interaction was interrupted by the fox whom looked annoyed.
"Get out. I had enough of nonsense"
Kaoru take a few steps to the bars, Naruto tried to stop her but Isamu clutched his shirt and told him to observe.
"Ok, I will be blunt then. I wanted to meet you, since Naruto is my friend… his safety is everything to me. Therefore, I hope we can talk this out smoothly"
Silence at first, Naruto was just as speechless. His friend was doing what he never thought before, yet he dread the answer as a loud growl emerged from the cage.
Suddenly the Kyubi attacked, Naruto panicked but the purple flow surrounding her friend alleviated his concern. Isamu strolled her way calmly being clear he had to stay there for his own good, the confident grin didn't went unnoticed. He was late to notice that he practically had tied his legs with a scarlet glowing rope. Unable to stop his friend when she entered the cage with Kurama. As she continued protecting herself or dodging his attacks, with a serene aura.
"My name is Kaoru Higa" Jolting on time avoiding a feral bite. "I don't want to hurt you" using her rope to swing her way out of his tails. "I want to hear why…" Again dodging the fox paw "you feel so miserable" this time Kurama dashed forward and she stood right there with a hand in front of her as it glowed slowly. "and I won't move from here until you talk with me"
"Kao-chan!" Naruto could not resist and struggled, but as soon as Kurama was about to smash her did the scarlet ambers swirled and stopped the fox. This was the second time he witnessed Kaoru merging her soul with the soul King, whom made a shield, not like her usual defense. A pair of huge wings had stopped Kurama, she took advantage of his distraction and shouted "Tengoku Geto"
A trail of doors white and old with ancient carvings on the post encased fully Kurama. And now he seemed fully stupefied, almost… scared. And his friend did exactly what she said, didn't slashed on the captive fox and touched his fur gently. "You and Shukaku are so stubborn… but I hope you give me a chance to prove I mean well"
Naruto stared as her usual rope approached the beast and could only wonder what she was planning. Her wings dissipated on little lights flying around them, as she continued caressing slowly the fur of Kurama whom was too shocked. Naruto wondered what was he seeing, since the connection was on. He had never seen his friend so powerful and calm before, but he noticed the lone tear falling as she opened her eyes and returned to his side. The lights continued flying around as Kurama was released.
"I'm sorry… " Kaoru apologized to the fox whom was having a hard time breathing.
"Let's go Naruto" They went out, walking back, she flinched and Naruto supported thinking why she looked so distracted.