AN: Hey! Thank you for all of your reviews! I am so glad to be back to this story! I really missed it! I read your reviews and I really liked the input you gave me so I will be using it! Now, I think it's time for a little getbackers Sasuke style! Enjoy and please review I like getting inspiration from my readers!

Getting Answers

"What?" At that moment in time, only a thin strand of strained patience was holding Sasuke back from totally annihilating the dumb excuse for a blonde. The aura of promised death was so intense around Sasuke that it was almost visible. Hinata and Kakashi backed away slowly not wanting any part of the inferno that was going to bestowed upon Naruto.

Sasuke was fuming. What in the freaking heck! Not even an hour ago, Naruto was so vehemently for him to lose Sakura to that white eyed freak, and now he had the nerve to actually act like he was surprised. Heck no! An explanation would be given in the next thirty seconds or Naruto was going to end up as a pile of singed ash.

Naruto actually looked sheepish before the furious teenager. A nervous chuckle and the scratch of the head signaled that Naruto was ready to share his reasoning.

"Um, well you see I never really thought that you would actually lose Sakura to Neji…"

"Naruto…" The low growl was a distinct warning for Naruto to watch what he said because at this point actions would not be held responsible. Naruto gulped at the advancing male. He was in it deep this time.

Gulp "Well like I was saying I never thought that uh this would happen. I only said those things before so that you would hurry up and realize that you actually like Sakura." A long glare was emitted before Sasuke seemed to let Naruto off the hook.

"Hn." It was neither a rebuke nor welcoming word and the bystanders were left in their pensive state as Sasuke began to walk away.

When he thought he was safe from the near death wrath, Naruto exhaled a large breath of relief. Sasuke was a really scary person to encounter when he was angered. Darn, how did he manage to get himself into these situations? He seemed to have a knack for fraying the Uchiha's nerves in record time. One of these days, it was going to be the end of him. Naw… Naruto thought in competitive glee before he noticed that his best friend had suddenly halted at the edge of the clearing.

"I need a word with you Kakashi," Sasuke's solemn voice rang out in a soft request. Slowly, the silver haired naga met the gaze of his troubled student. A message was passed between their eyes in silent communication, and Kakashi nodded without a word before walking to meet up with the raven eyed ninja. Naruto's eyebrows furrowed in confusion. What were they going to talk about? However a hand and a gentle shake of the head from a certain white eyed kunoichi ceased all thoughts of him pursuing in order to find out the content of this upcoming conversation.

Still, it was hard for Naruto to watch his best friend to walk off into the woods with their sensei. They were obviously going to discuss something that was personal to Sasuke and he felt a hurt that one gets when one if left out of an activity. He wished Sasuke or anyone would confide in him. Maybe if he hadn't said what he had then the introverted teenager would come to him for advice. Instantly, Naruto felt bad. So, Sasuke did like Sakura after all. Now he had lost her. Sasuke had lost so much already and his cutting words had only worsened the situation. Well no more. From here on out he would have Sasuke's back no matter what. Yeah, sure they were going to fight…a lot. But hey, Sasuke was like a brother to him and he really wouldn't have it any other way. So, that meant that he would do whatever he could to help Sasuke get Sakura back. He would do this despite the small ache he felt with trying to let her go himself. But Sasuke needed Sakura. She was his light. Besides, he found that he rather enjoyed standing there in the clearing alone with Hinata…

Meanwhile, Sasuke and Kakashi stood silent in a particularly heavily wooded area. Neither had spoken for two minutes and the jounin wondered if his pupil was ever going to speak. But he was patient, as was his way. The teenager reminded him immensely of himself, so he knew that this must be hard for him right now. The boy had just come to terms that he had just lost someone that he valued as precious. How could it not be difficult? So it was a little surprising when the silence was abruptly broken.

"Sakura…she's a mermaid." The statement was blunt and quick. However, Kakashi caught the bitterness that was almost perfectly masked. Kakashi sighed and stared at the back of the boy before him.

"Yes…she is." He watched as the seventeen year old's shoulders rose and fell.

"So…she's not human." Sasuke's quiet voice whispered almost like a question being caught on the wind. Kakashi closed his eyes and breathed in deeply. This was Sasuke's way of dealing with change.

"No…no, she's not." At this point both knew that each other knew what Sasuke had witnessed when he had returned back to the lagoon. No words were needed or were going to be voiced on that subject.

"And I'm not either." Sasuke's sudden admission actually surprised his normally calm teacher. Sasuke turned to lock gazes with Kakashi. Kakashi didn't utter a sound neither giving a positive nor a negative response. However, Kakashi knew by the steady gaze that Sasuke had figured out the truth. Whether or not he accepted his destiny was still to be decided.

"Let me see your hand." It was a request and a command all in one. Slowly, the older ninja held out his gloved hand and the younger shook his head.

"No, in your true form." A long pause reigned and the wind blew through the trees rustled through the leaves. Kakashi searched the onyx orbs as if looking for an answer to a question for a long while. Sasuke endured the investigation refusing to back down and Kakashi conceded nodding his head in approval. Without a word, Kakashi stepped back so that he was a few feet away before a white light encased his body. A bright flash flared and when the other worldly light dimmed, Sasuke was once again in the presence of a creature of legend.

With his eyes, Sasuke carefully studied the feature of his would be form. Silver scales covered the coiled serpentine tail and small black barbs ran spaced out along from the tip to "mid-thigh." Iridescent white scales decorated the soft flesh of the underbelly from the tip likewise until it melded into human skin. It was fascinating how the scales melded into flesh at the hips. Bare human skin revealed muscles earned from the rigorous life as a ninja. Sasuke's eyes instantly shot to kakashi's hand. Although it was partially gloved, he could distinctly see the razor sharp claws that adorned each finger.

So it really was true. He really was one of those things. There was no use in denying it now.

"How long?" The almost inaudible question was firm with resolution. Kakashi eyed his student before gazing off into the trees. The silence was thick and tense, but there was no point in trying to avoid the subject that would inevitably come to pass.

"I don't know. Sometime after the girls I suppose. Although, after today, I predict that it will be a gradually slower process." Sasuke's eyes widened at the sage like foretelling of his sensei. A second passed before his raven eyes narrowed in controlled anger.

"You knew didn't you?" The accusation was icy in its fierceness.

"You knew that I hadn't said that about her." Sasuke's fists clenched in barely restrained rage. How could he let that happen? Why did he let him endure that all alone? Why?

"Yes." The brief gruff answer only fueled his righteous anger. The teen lowered his head so that his eyes were no longer visible.

"Why…why did you let everyone believe that I said that about her. Why didn't you tell her the truth? If you had then…" Sasuke's voice trailed off in bitter regret. The naga remained quiet though the gleam in his visible eye was clearly apologetic.

"I couldn't. I wish I could have but I have to let the others find out what you have on your own. The results could be disastrous if I revealed that information." Sasuke didn't utter a single word and after another pregnant silence Sasuke began to walk back toward the camp.

"I'm sorry." The apology was brief but was unconsciously accepted. It was an apology for countless things. It was for failing him that night, for creating such terrible false memories in order to make him stronger, for keeping the truth from him, and more importantly for what he had just lost.

Sasuke simply halted and Kakashi barely noticed the slight nodding of the boy's head.

Meanwhile in the deep innards of the lair the vile villain lounged lazily on his stone throne, his tail curling and unwinding in a rhythmic movement. Claws were inspected for any specks of dirt or any other nonexistent imperfections. The king of traitorous snakes looked up form his activity to stare out into the shadows of the poorly lit room.

"Kabuto, it's not polite to lurk in shadows, especially when you have news to tell me," Orochimaru's smooth voice echoed against the walls. A twisted grin played across his features as the grey haired naga emerged watching him carefully.

"So how does our endeavor with Sasuke go?" He asked playfully. Kabuto couldn't help the involuntary shiver. Sometimes his master was outright creepy. It was one of those instances when he questioned his loyalty to the snake traitor but didn't dare challenge him for fear of losing his life directly on the spot. Kabuto shifted a bit mentally preparing himself for the report he was about to give. A sly grin splayed on his lips deceptively masking his anxiety with false confidence.

"As you predicted my lord, Zabuza was no match for Kakashi. However, it was noted that Sasuke proved to be quite protective of the princess. The sharingan was even revealed for a few moments. Oh, and her little bodyguard has also joined their group. With the extermination of the others, your harvest will be quite fruitful lord Orochimaru."

The repulsing salivating tongue swept out from between the two lips in his pleasured moment. (not like that you perverts!) Orochimaru was thoughtful for a moment.

"Hmm, you are perceptive as always Kabuto. Those "friends" of Sasuke's will have to be out of the picture before I can make him mine. Especially, that girl and the blonde. With them out of the way, there will be nothing stopping me from possessing what I desire." "Oochimaru hissed. Yellow eyes peered out into the darkness and then motioned from the shadows for something or someone to come forward. A cloaked figure stepped forward. This was one of the few humans that Orochimaru had allowed into his sinister cult. Kabuto eyed him wearily. Not much information was known about this assassin except for the fact that they had taken a strange liking or friendship to Zabuza while he was still alive. When news of his death had returned to the fortress, minions had died at the quiet rage of the small hooded person. It was interesting to Orochimaru to say the least.

"That is why I want you to do exactly that. Kill everyone but Sasuke. He is to stay alive." After the given order, the figure bowed in respect and comprehension and sank back into the shadows. When he was sure they were alone once more Kabuto looked back to his master in a questioning gaze. Orochimaru smirked already knowing what was on his mind.

"Don't worry Kabuto, this time you and I will be going along as well. I intend to see how much progress my Sasuke has made…"

Back at the camp….

Sasuke walked back into the camp with a new resolution. The weight of his questions had been lifted despite the fact that he refused to come to accept his fate. In his mind, nothing was final until it was undeniably certain. What was undeniably certain was that he needed to get Sakura back. The only problem was, he didn't have any idea how. And it wasn't like he could ask anyone for advice here either, he could take his pick from an absolute dunce of a blonde, a painfully introverted girl who did nothing to capture her own crush on said blonde, and last a blatantly perverted teacher. Gee, was the whole world against him. He was almost tempted to go to Neji himself and ask what he did. A low growl began in the corners of his mind.

That presence…Sasuke was sure it had completely disappeared the instant he had seen Sakura and Neji together. But oddly enough, he was kind of glad that the presence had not forsaken him. Now it seemed like he was back with a vengeance.

Heck no, we will get her back, and we will drive that arrogant fish to his knees for ever trying to take her away from us. The voice was a strange comfort. He had every confidence to bring her back. Ok, so apart from the fact that it probably wasn't mentally healthy to listen to any kind of voices for romantic advice, Sasuke figured that he was his best bet. Sasuke still had no clue that the voice was actually him, and that there was no reason to fear it.

However, no one else was alerted to the Uchiha's mental plan so when he was abruptly tackled to the ground was he couldn't help but be a little more than irritated.

"Dobe, you better have a pretty good excuse or…"

"So whatcha gonna do?" Naruto's hyper energized voice was confusing and yet not at all surprised.

"What do you mean what am I gonna do?" Sasuke grunted as he roughly pushed the blonde off of his person while wiping the dirt off of his clothes. Naruto's foxy mischievous grin sent warning bells off in Sasuke's mind.

"Duh., how you're going to get Sakura back." He said swinging his arms around in a hyperactive frenzy. Sasuke glared and was about to utter a "get lost loser," when he felt a pressure on his shoulder. Said boy looked up to see Kakaashi, once again in human form lazily reading his favorite smut book right beside him.

"If you want, I could lend you this. I'm sure it could give a few "creative" pointers." Sasuke blushed hotly and scowled. He was about to storm off when he felt his breath hitch and his body go immobile. There, walking out of the trees, hand in hand, was Sakura and Neji.

Sasuke felt his heart clench painfully at the sight of the happy couple. That should be him. That should be him cradling her hand in his with the utmost care. That should be him gazing at her lovingly unapologetically. She should be with him. He belonged with her. Instead, he was reduced to watching as her affections were spent on another. It was painful to see her gaze at Neji with those trusting kind eyes. He wanted that. He wanted her. Now he couldn't say a word, because in the end he only wanted her to be happy. But inner Sasuke refused to lose this battle. We will get her back…His words were strong and sasuke couldn't help but believe them.

Everyone stared at Sakura as she now had legs. Naruto gave his best friend a at on the back before placing a cheery smile on and exclaiming "Sakura!" Hinata was already at her side asking her how this was possible and such. Kakashi didn't look up from his book and instead went to sit down to read. Sasuke was left to stare from where he was standing across the clearing at Sakura who now seemed and eternity away. It was like he was being kept in a glass case and she was on the outside.

Suddenly, his vision of her was obscured and a low feral growl started to rumble deep within Sasuke's chest. He was now locking gazes with Neji who had caught his rival's glances and decided to step protectively in front of his line of vision to protect his love. It was obvious that Neji didn't even want Sasuke looking at Sakura. Sasuke's icy glare was beyond frigid and the barely audible growl warned the pale eyed genius to back away from what was his. Neji glared back defiantly. Sasuke stepped forward and thought; now… it's on…

Little did anyone of the real danger that was steadily approaching them…

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