A Tale of Happiness and Sorrow

Written by: Wind Sage 00

Chapter 4

Naruto solemnly exited Tsunade's office, his head bent low and body slouched, all signs of how terrible and depressed he really was. Tsunade had just told him that news of Akatsuki's movements around the Fire Country had been reported again. But he was not allowed to leave the village under any circumstances.

"Great…That's all I need right now. Granny Tsunade won't tell me anything of where to find this Akatsuki leader, nor will she send me on any more missions till this clears up…", said Naruto.

A deep sadness for the loss of his mentor consumed Naruto. His sadness slowly turned to rage; rage for the murderer of one of the greatest shinobi he had ever known. The man was like his uncle or grandfather, the only form of a relative that Naruto had ever known…and all he could do was sulk here and do nothing to avenge him!!!

He thought, "Is this what Sauske felt like?".

Sauske…another friend that he couldn't save. Why is it that every time he grows close to someone they tend to drift away, leave, die, or bash him in the…

"Sakura!"

A wave of panic swept over him.

(To himself) "Is she back to go crazy woman on me again?"

Sakura walked toward Naruto, carrying a bundle of papers and boxes to deliver to Tsunade before she went home for the night. As he looked at her though, he couldn't help feel that something wasn't right. She wasn't happy, sad, nor mad…

(In a solemn voice) "Oh…Hey Naruto."

"Sakura, what's wrong?", said Naruto.

Sensing that Naruto could see that she was feeling down, she did her best to play it off that she was just tired.

"Nothings wrong, I'm fine. I'm just tired from running Tsunade-sama's errands all day. It's nothing."

(Not wanting to upset her by pressing the subject) "Oh, ok then.", said Naruto.

Naruto said goodbye to Sakura and began to walk out a nearby door to leave; however, a troubling question had been brewing in Sakura's mind for a long time now, and she needed to get it out.

Sakura shouted after Naruto, "Uh, Naruto?"

(Turning around) "Yeah Sakura?"

"I'm going to drop these off for Tsunade-sama then I'll be going home later. Could you give me a second and we can walk back together or something?"

Taken aback by Sakura's comment, Naruto didn't know what to say. For years he had been trying to get the chance to walk Sakura home…really, to do anything with Sakura actually. Besides…the way he was feeling right now, he felt like he could really use someone to talk to.

"Sure Sakura. I'll meet you outside."

A small smile crept onto Sakura's face, as she turned and said…

"Thanks Naruto. I'll be right back."

Naruto went down the outside stairway and waited outside for Sakura. His palms began to sweat, and he began to pace back and forth.

"Oh man, oh man! What am I going to do?"

About the same time, Sakura was looking down at Naruto from a window. She backed away and began to bite her lip and pace back and forth.

(To herself) "Oh!! What do I do, what do I do?"

After a few minutes, Sakura walked down to Naruto and they both gave a nervous smile to the other as they walked down the street, side by side. The sun had long since set, and the stars began to shine brightly in the evening sky. The wind blew crisp and cold against Naruto's brow, which helped to cool the beads of sweat pouring down his face. Naruto's mind began racing with questions. Should he talk to her? What do I talk to her about? Sakura though, was thinking the same thing. The two friends continued to walk down the street in a painful silence. When they had almost arrived at Sakura's house, the two finally started up a conversation.

"So, what's it like training under Granny Tsunade?"

"Well she's tough, but she's also very kind and a good teacher. The training was hard, but I told myself: "Next time, I'm not going to be a hindrance for my team. I'm going to protect you…I mean, you guys."

"Sakura…you never got in the way of anyone. You were always the one who held the team together and always remembered all that boring stuff from back at the academy."

"Well if you had paid attention more you wouldn't have needed me to tell you everything."

"Nah, I'd still prefer to for you to tell me anyway."

Sakura felt a warm glow flow over her, and she couldn't help but smile at him. Here was the guy she couldn't stand, whose ignorance and stupidity at times got her in a whole lot of trouble…but, he also was always there to get her out. No matter how bad the situation,j he had always fought for his friends, never giving up. More importantly, he had always been by her side, even when she didn't want him to be.

The two of them finally arrived at Sakura's house. Sakura stopped in front of the door, her head held low and arms crossed in front of her. Suddenly, she lifted her head and opened her eyes, staring straight at Naruto. The night's dazzling array of stars glimmered in her eyes like a thousand diamonds. Naruto stood mesmerized and couldn't think of anything to say; everything he thought of didn't compare to what he saw before him. He opened his mouth to try and say something, when Sakura leaned in close and softly kissed him.

He had been waiting for this moment for as long as he could remember; he couldn't begin to describe the feeling inside of him. It felt amazing and wonderful…but, he couldn't shake the feeling that something was off, that maybe this wasn't right. He quickly tried to dismiss the thought and held Sakura closer in his arms. Farther away, a heartbroken Hinata stood in utter horror at the sight she was witnessing. The tears wouldn't come to her eyes though; eyes that longed for the small comfort of tears, to help pass the sorrow of a broken heart. All she could do was walk away in shame and embarrassment. Here she was trying to visit and apologize to Sakura, and ask advice on how to tell Naruto her feelings; only to find Sakura in the loving embrace of her one true love. Drowning in a sea of emptiness and sadness, Hinata faded into the darkness of the night. She was only to willing to be surrounded by the shadows; here at least, she thought, nothing could hurt her.

END OF CHAPTER 4