Sakura's gaze was fixed on Shikamaru as they started their journey. Shikamaru had mentioned that Sasuke was in a small town near the Country of Wave.
The country of wave…How long would it take to reach there? Sakura pondered.
In the meantime, Sakura noticed that streaks of passionate red, bright orange and soft mauve coloured the sky. She lifted her head. The Sun was indeed setting. The glowing orange orb now hung lazily at the far end of the horizon, its golden rays soothing and warm.
Shikamaru, too, had noticed that evening had arrived.
"We'd better stop for now." He proclaimed.
Naruto jerked his head irritably. Sakura could feel his displeasure too. After all, at this rate, they might never catch up to Sasuke…
"It's better that we stop. All of us need a good rest, so that we can continue tomorrow at full speed ahead."
Although Sakura was still reluctant to do so, she knew that Shikamaru was right. At the corner of her eye, she could see Hinata yawning, rubbing her sleepy eyes that threatened to close anytime now. It would be pointless to continue this journey if everybody was fatigued and exhausted.
"Let's take a rest, Naruto," she said.
As they set up their tents, Sakura said that she would get some water for the team.
She strolled into the dense forest, humming an uplifting, melodious little tune as she walked. It was unusually dark in the forest. The thick canopy formed a continuous leaf layer, preventing the soft moonlight from penetrating it. Trees towered above her, casting a great shadow.
Just then, the wind blew, carrying with it the fallen leaves on the ground. The branches swayed gently with the wind, their leaves rustling. The leaves fluttered to the ground, encircling Sakura as she tried to step over a great big branch that blocked her path.
Thud, thud, thud.
What is that noise? thought Sakura urgently. The grip on her bucket tightened as cold sweat trickled down her forehead. She did not notice another log lying innocently on the ground, and she tripped.
Sakura fell with a thunderous crash.
She grazed her kneecaps and arms and sprained her ankle, but that was the least of her concerns. Whoever it was in that small clearing had heard her and was now looking for the source of the noise.
Sakura picked herself up hurriedly. With her hand in her small pouch, ready to pick up her shurikens and fling it at the approaching person, Sakura stood apprehensively, her eyes searching for any movement.
Sakura could see him now. He had short white hair that gleamed brightly in the tranquil moonlight, as well as a purple vest.
Sakura readied herself.
Thud, thud, thud.
The sinister sound of his footsteps was getting louder.
Sakura's eagle-like eyes scanned the area in front of her. She reached even deeper into her pouch…
Thud, thud, thud.
"Hey, pinkie. What are you doing here?"
Sakura nearly fell over with shock. Her initial plan to fling those shurikens was forgotten as she stared in wonder at the man before her.
He was unlike anyone Sakura had seen so far. From far, one would have made the assumption that he was just some other guy you saw on the street. Yet, as Sakura scrutinized his face, the most prominent feature of his was his neat row of sharp pointed teeth.
Just like a shark's, thought Sakura.
"Getting water, too?" he pointed at the bucket that lay upside-down on the ground, a fair distance away from Sakura.
Sakura regained her composure.
"Yes," she replied, her voice steady.
"My name's Suigetsu." He said casually.
He walked slightly ahead. Soon, they reached a clearing. Sakura could see a magnificent waterfall falling from a great height. Like a sparkling blue ribbon, it unraveled gracefully from the top of a cliff before hitting the ground beneath with tremendous force. The waters shimmered in the soft moonlight, glistening invitingly.
Sakura watched silently as he scooped up a bucketful of water.
A gratified gleam appeared in Suigetsu's eyes.
"Sasuke should find this enough." He spun around and walked back into the forest.
Sakura doubled over in shock.
"W…Wait!" she cried at the top of her voice.
"Did you just say Sasuke?"
Yes! I finally finished my 3rd chapter! Hoped you liked it! Next chapter would be about Sakura meeting with Sasuke! PLEASE READ & REVIEW. 3 Your comments are highly appreciated and valued!