NB: So here is the reedited version of chpt4. I will only say that this chpt probably has THE MOST plot additions and revisions. So PLEASE REREAD THIS CHPT!!! PLEASE! If I could ask for one more thing, please submit a comment about this newly revised version or my stupid revision campaign. Hate it? Love it? Speak to me, my readers!
Disc.: I don't own Naruto, otherwise the world would've been a better place.
The Perfect Soldier
It was sunset and Sakura took the longer route back to her apartment via the park after doing grocery shopping. Even though the route is longer, Sakura cared less. For one, Sakura was in no rush; it's not like she's rushing to get her dinner made for herself. And for another, Sakura liked the quiet and scenic parks especially at this late hour.
For one obvious reason is because these parks are less noisy. Sakura had always liked peace and quiet; she liked the solitude. Sakura liked the sound of the chirping birds and the whistling trees when it's windy; it's very soothing.
The other reason: parks are less crowded and less people around her. What Sakura disliked most – though practice makes perfect throughout the years – was people staring at her. Although only the soldiers knew exactly where in their social ladder she resided, some (though very few) civilians were also aware of her identity as one of the two women working in one of the most notorious occupations for women. So sometimes Sakura received uncomfortable stares from civilians as well, especially when she wore her uniform to make things totally obvious to everyone. Even worse were the whispering behind her back.
"Is that the other female combat medic in our village? These women are a disgrace in this society!"
"Her hair is pink…is that natural? Maybe she was experimented on like those rumors said."
"Shh! Keep it down! She might hear you. I heard that these people have a very good hearing….maybe those rumors were true."
Sakura unconscientiously hugged her paper bag tighter in her arm as those voices crept into her head again. No…she wanted to stay far away from crowds and today is no exception. Then Sakura felt something close to loss when she saw a young couple in their twentysomethings sitting on a bench, sharing a tender kiss before the beautiful sunset. The lovers' hands were interconnected and gave an aura of serenity, like nothing besides each other was on their minds. The woman's eyes were glowing with warmth and security as she snuggled close to her lover's side while the man wrapped his arm around her waist to keep her closer to him. Sakura felt she need to escape from such a scene where she would only feel nothing but sadness and longing.
"It's something I will never be able to experience."
Then Sakura suddenly stopped her tracks.
There were footsteps with an irregular pattern behind a few bushes. And it doesn't sound like an injured man limping. Just by analyzing the sound, Sakura knew what it was. Stealthily she sifted through her things in her grocery bag….
In a split second, Sakura turn around and fired 8 times at the Menial. Even though Menials are the lowest level of the Chimeran race it doesn't mean they should be taken lightly.
Sakura walked closer to the fallen Chimera with her service pistol still in hand. The couple, with their romantic moment ended, had fled from the scene to call the authorities. The Menial is almost dead from all the gunshot wounds straight to the head. Sakura's death glare at the creature intensified the longer she stared at it.
"Die."
Sakura fired a few more times at close range into the Menial's head until its ugly face was no more.
The Test of Emotions
Days later, Jiraiya summoned the Team Kakashi for a mission briefing.
"You are to go to Kiri, the Osaka Dome, and pick up an engineer named Tazuna back to Konoha. We cannot afford to have this man fall into the enemy's hands. This person you're escorting and protecting is a very important asset to not only our village, but to the entire Japanese Triangle."
Sasuke raised his hand, "Why is this Tazuna such a valuable asset to this village?"
"The reason Tazuna was sent to Kirigakure was because its dome was in a bad shape after that 7.8 earthquake two years ago. He is in charge of repairing the dome and has been staying in that village for over a year and a half now. Tazuna felt that he should return home to his daughter and grandson, since he's been gone for so long with no contact with them. But there is also another reason why he's returning. If you haven't noticed lately, we've been getting more Chimera sightings inside Konoha. Though only Menials have entered it is still an issue."
Was it Sasuke's imagination, of did he just saw Sakura stiffened a bit? Sasuke was surprised to say the least when he watched (without her knowledge) Sakura shot the Menial two days ago. He was more surprised that Sakura showed such an unrelenting emotion before brutally killing it. And now Sakura is feeling tense about what happened? Most importantly, WHY did she react like that? Something didn't add up….
Sasuke ended his train of thought when Jiraiya continued:
"Researchers are speculating that the dome is getting weaker as the mechanism for the dome is growing rusty and old. Therefore Tazuna and several of his colleagues are going to examine the dome to see if this is the cause…though I highly doubt it's the dome….there must be something that we don't know but the Chimeras know….but anyway!
"Tazuna is one of the few people who know the mechanism for these domes inside out. In fact, his father was one of the scientists who created the domes. Therefore he is a highly valuable asset, for Tazuna maintains the security of the villages. He must not be abducted, or even worse, killed by the enemy. He must return to the village alive and as quickly as possible. Understood?"
"Yes sir!"
As the team left the Headquarters, Kakashi dismissed the team so they could get ready for the mission in two days. Kakashi went back to his apartment while Sai and Naruto returned to their dorm. Before Sakura could leave, Sasuke grabbed her wrist, much to her surprise.
"I'm walking you home, Sakura."
And so they set out together to the medical campus. There were a lot of things Sasuke wanted to ask Sakura. This was the only opportunity he had to talk to her privately before the mission. Unfortunately, Sasuke couldn't come up with the right questions; he was never a talker to begin with. Back in their childhood days, Sakura was the one who starts the conversation while he does the listening. Now the role is reversed and Sasuke couldn't get more annoyed than this.
Sasuke decide to try out a question that does not involve their past relationship. Chances are, Sakura might either ignore him or give a vague answer to "avoid trouble." The key is to keep neutral as much as possible and try to grab her attention.
"What happened two days ago at the park?"
That was more than enough to make Sakura stopped walking and was rigid. After looking very surprised, Sakura turned her eyes to the ground in embarrassment. Not a sound came out of her and stood like a frozen statue.
Sasuke kept his game face on, "Hn. You didn't do anything wrong so there's nothing to be embarrassed about."
Sakura looked at Sasuke for reassurance but of course his face gave nothing away. Once again she avoided meeting her superior in the eye. Quickly, she retained her composure.
"I was out of line. I didn't have to shoot him 10 other times when it's obviously dead."
Sasuke's emotionless façade turned into smirk and said amusingly, "But you were not under supervision. I'm sure that means you're not on duty. The rules don't apply when off duty."
Sakura raised an eyebrow. He threw her own phrases against her! Once again she looked away from the raven-haired man. For one, the man pointed out her mistake like a scientist dissecting a specimen. And another is that man's smirk; the pink-haired woman didn't like the way her heart reacted when he did that.
"It won't happen again, sir."
Sasuke almost (keyword almost) laughed at how lame Sakura's response was. This was how Sakura used to react when they were younger as he pointed out one of her slip-ups. Although this time Sasuke noticed how Sakura was more composed than she used to be. Back then she would blush as red as a tomato and hid herself from the embarrassment.
Seeing that Sakura was feeling uncomfortable on being in the center of the spotlight, Sasuke started walking again. Once he was a good two feet away, Sakura followed suit. The thick silence lingered between the two of them once again.
"In your file, it said that your dad was murdered. What happened?"
Sakura stopped and avoided eye contact with him again. This time she didn't look away because she was embarrassed. This time it was because he touched a nerve that hit really close to her. Sasuke also stopped and carefully observed her. Her head drooped down to hide the sadness and shame on her face. Sakura looked very hurt from his question.
Sasuke stopped berating himself when Sakura whispered shakily, "5 years and two weeks ago, dad was killed by a Menial that snuck into Konoha from the abandoned subway stations. He was unarmed and tried to protect me so…."
"I understand, Sakura. I'm sorry about what happened to your father."
Sasuke decided it's best to drop this discussion, knowing it was uncomfortable for the both of them. However he was satisfied with the information. First, Sakura's uncharacteristic behavior at the park was explained; her father's murder triggered the anger. Not just that, she didn't put the usual "Uchiha-san" in the end of her sentences to emphasize the formality and line of superiority between them. Sasuke also noticed she referred to Ikichi as her "dad" instead of her "father." Though these are subtle changes, they were still changes in her character and that is significant.
Yet none of this makes any sense. Why didn't Itachi and their father inform him about this incident? Heck, he didn't even know Ikichi was dead until he read Sakura's file, though the info didn't sink in at first because he was more concentrated on Sakura at the moment. And none of this even explains why Sakura wrote that letter 5 years ago. There's one thing that was very telling, however. Based on Sakura's information, Ikichi was killed a few days before she gave him the letter. But how does this all add up?
But now it has come to this it was strange in the first place that Sakura even has emotions to begin with. Combat medics shouldn't have any emotions, or at least that's what everybody told him so far until now.
"May I ask why you are interrogating me, Uchiha-san?"
Sasuke shook off those irrelevant thoughts and focused on the woman in front of him. Sakura was clearly on the defensive after Sasuke's questioning.
Sasuke feigned hurt, "Can't I be concerned about my teammate?"
Sakura didn't answer back but looked embarrassed once more. This moment was far too awkward for her so she started walking ahead of him. Sasuke smirked to himself and followed her.
Sasuke soon tried one last question, "So Sakura, are you nervous about your first mission?"
This time Sakura didn't tense, which relieved him. "You do not need to worry about me, Uchiha-san."
Finally the two arrived at the residence gate.
"Please rest up for the mission, Uchiha-san."
"Likewise…Cherry."
He threw it back at her again. Sasuke smirked at Sakura when she quickly turned away from him in embarrassment.
"Have a good day, Uchiha-san." She called out as she dashed into the building.
Sasuke sighed, which he's been doing more lately. But a sad smile grew on his face as he watched her go.
Time passed to the day before the mission. Before the mission would begin, Sakura and other combat medics must go to the KMH in the ROOT Sector to retrieve their own assignment. Even though the mission is to escort Tazuna back to Konoha, there were chances that the mission assignment for the CM might be different or that the escort client has some health issues that weren't specified in the official file given by the squad commander.
When Sakura got to the assignment desk, Danzo and other officers are sitting there assigning the files to combat medics that are ready for their mission or combat medics handing in their own report of the completed mission.
"State your name and purpose of presence!"
Sakura saluted, "Combat Medic Haruno Sakura of Team Kakashi present for a mission assignment."
Danzo, as usual, gave no emotion or answer whatsoever, as if he does not acknowledge Sakura's presence. Danzo only gave a short nod and continue to the procedure. An officer by Danzo's right started typing his computer to look up Sakura's profile.
"Your team's mission is to escort Tazuna the engineer back to Konoha safely from Kirigakure, is that correct?" that officer asked.
"Correct, sir."
The officer at Danzo's left then started typing his computer. Once he did so, the officer printed a document and gave it to Danzo to look over. Once he did so, Danzo handed the document to Sakura to look over.
"Since the rest of the team is already assigned to protect the client, you are to assist and protect the members of the team you serve. You are to follow the standard procedures you were trained to obey. Is that understood?"
"Yes, Danzo-sama!"
Once Sakura exited the room, she spotted a familiar individual walking towards the room Sakura just left from. It was a woman with hazel-ruby eyes and long yellow-blonde hair clipped up. She was slightly taller than Sakura and her military-disciplined strictness on her hazel eyes indicated her long career in warfare. When the woman saw Sakura, she lowered her strict demeanor and smiled.
"Ah! Sakura-kun! It's good to see you again and doing well."
Sakura bowed in great respect and also lowered her protocols. "It's good to see you again as well, Riza-sempai. I haven't seen you ever since you and your team was promoted to ANBU status…and that was a year ago."
"Indeed ever since Team Mustang and I were promoted, we've been having missions every week; it's quite tiring. I'm here to file a report for a mission Team Mustang just completed." Riza paused for a moment to analyze at her only female compatriot and became serious. "I see you're going on your first mission."
Sakura faintly smiled back, "I am, sempai. I swore to myself that I will protect the one who is precious to me, just like you. I won't back down."
Riza could feel the confidence and the determination in Sakura's words; Riza could feel the surge of pride inside the pink-haired woman. The truth is Riza Hawkeye and Sakura Haruno are opposites. When they were in the CM training regimen, Sakura was always the idealistic, emotional, and innocent young girl while Riza was the emotionless, strict, and realistic woman. The former female's talent was her intelligence in the medical field, while the latter female's talent was her sharp vision and reflexes in combat, making her one of the best snipers in the military.
However, two things bonded the two women together like surrogate sisters. Due to the fact that they are the only women in the battlefield, Sakura and Riza were the only females in the CM training, with Sakura as a newbie and Riza as a senior combat medic in-training. Because Sakura is the only female in her class, she found no role model except Riza, who is 3 years older than Sakura. The two women looked out for each other when no one else could.
But the biggest factor was the two of them shared the same strong devotion to someone extremely important to them. That itself bridged the two women to deeply understand each other. Both of them knew that they shouldn't bond with each other that closely, fearing that the death of one of them would cause emotional problems in their work. But they find themselves to be good confidants to each other on issues that only the two of them understood.
"I wish you the best of luck, Sakura-kun. A word of advice: there are times when your superiors' orders are not always the best to follow; sometimes your own actions and intuitions are the better option. But of course try to prevent situations that you will end up in that scenario. I hope this would be a very helpful advice."
Sakura bowed in respect once more to her senior, "Thank you, Riza-sempai. I also wish you well on your missions."
And so the two women parted ways and put on their military persona once more.
As she thought of her previous conversation with Sakura, Riza felt uneasy on the inside. Riza remembered her first mission as if it happened just yesterday. The A-rank combat medic remembered how she was pulled into a lose-lose situation. Though in warfare these aren't uncommon, for Riza it was a frightening experience that she didn't want to relive again. She was lucky that in the long-term her ultimate choice turned out in her favor.
"I just hope she wouldn't experience something like that on her first mission."
The cemetery was cold, lonely, and dead (mind the pun). People rarely go to cemeteries because of superstitions. Only Sakura come here frequently. Sakura didn't have much time; she has to meet Team Kakashi for the mission in an hour. But she needed to be here…for her parents. As usual, Sakura would clean the Haruno tombstone with the most delicate of care and then delicately placed a white daisy on top of the sacred stone.
"I'm sorry for not visiting as much, mom and dad. Lots of things have happened the past few days," Sakura spoke to the stone grave that marked her parents' untimely passing.
"I'm finally assigned to a team. The captain is Hatake Kakashi…I'm sure you remembered him. He's a kind and honorable person and so are the members of his team. Although I have only been with them less than 2 weeks, they are like family to me. A family that I never really had. I'll be going out on my first mission. I promise everything will be alirhgt and will make you proud, mom and dad. I will correct the mistakes brought on by my weakness. I won't disappoint you"
There was nothing but a soft breeze that almost sounded like weeping.
"How are you two lately? Are you doing okay up there? I hope everything will be alright for the both of you and wish the two of you the best of happiness."
It was time to go. Sakura tied her hair into a mid-ponytail with her elastic band and put on her black leather gloves. Sakura put on her heavy pack full of medical supplies and weapons. Before she left their presence, she gave her father a somber farewell salute.
It was first day of the mission and Team Kakashi camped in the middle of the forest. The first day turned out better than expected. So far they haven't run into any small Chimeras that might have sneaked passed the patrollers at the border of the Triangle. The only setback was the heavy precipitation mostly throughout the journey. Due to the setback, Team Kakashi should probably reach their destination in the late tomorrow morning instead of tonight.
Naruto and Sasuke caught a couple of fish at a nearby river for supper while Kakashi contacts the other teams nearby with a walkie-talkie and Sai set up the tent. After Sakura grabbed a few herbs nearby and grinded them into powder, she formally volunteered to cook.
"What's the occasion, Haruno? Are you planning to poison us?" Sai lightheartedly joked.
Sakura narrowed her eyes, "Please Sai-san. That would be damnation against my purpose. My purpose is to keep your team alive, not myself."
Naruto waved his hand defensively. "It was only a joke, Sakura-chan."
Sakura said nothing of it and fried the fish on the cooking pan and put a mysterious powder on the fish. The group ate dinner in silence.
"This is good, Sakura. What's in it?"
Sasuke could've sworn he saw a mischievous grin on her, though it could only be his imagination….
"I sprinkled some powdered dried pig liver in."
As she continued eating, they immediately spit out what they ate and begin to feel nauseous from the thought. "What the hell! What for?!"
Finishing the last portion of her fish, she replied, "Dried pig liver is healthy for you, Uchiha-san."
Sasuke managed a grin, "Is this a practical joke, Sakura?"
"I do not recall myself joking, Uchiha-san. I was simply demonstrating to Sai-san that I never had the thought of poisoning him."
After digesting her words carefully, everyone laughed at Sakura's obvious attempt of a pratical joke and "revenge" against Sai's biting comment. Who would've thought combat medics had such a dry sense of humor?
Soon it was night and Kakashi gave out the arrangements for night watch. Since Sakura's sleep cycle is much shorter than everyone due to her night duties at hospitals, she will take the first shift. Sai took the second, Kakashi the third, Sasuke the fourth shift, and since Naruto was already snoring away he will take the last shift.
It was night was clear and with stars scattered across the black plane above. A 9-year old girl with a pink hair and emerald eyes was sitting on a grassy hill located on a beautiful piece of private grassy fields, watching the bright stars above. The girl wore a somber black dress that didn't seem to match her bubbly "pink" personality. Sitting next to her was a dark-haired boy around her age, enjoying the same view the girl was seeing. The boy turned to look at the girl in the eye
"I promise you I will be one of the best soldiers in Konoha and protect you if you're in danger. So you'll never feel scared again!"
Thee little girl gave the brightest smile she'd ever given all day, "Thank you, Sasu-chan. Everything you've said mean so much to me--"
-Sakura jolted out of her slumber and looked around the fire to find Kakashi sitting nearby reading his book. Since Sakura went to sleep when Sai finished only an hour of his shift, Sakura deduced she slept less than 4 hours. As she became more awake, Sakura now noticed her cheeks and eyes were wet and her head had this painful migrane. She quickly wiped her face clean and swallowed the medication as Kakashi looked over to her with concern.
"Had a nightmare?"
Sakura contemplated for a moment. But she looked very confused. "I don't even know what I was dreaming about, Hatake-sama. I was simply sleeping. Aren't I?"
Kakashi didn't answer her, but Kakashi could hear her irregular breathing like she was inwardly panicking.
"Whatever it was, it's not going to hurt you, Sakura. Just take a deep breath and if you need to talk to me about anything, I'm here."
Sakura obeyed Kakashi's suggestion and need to distract herself. She realized she forgot to even tell Kakashi about her separate mission. It's an important procedure because if her mission contradict the Team's mission, confusion and chaos would ensue during crucial moments. Sakura immediately gave Kakashi her own assignment folder. Sakura gave a kneeling bow before her captain.
"I'm terribly sorry for not informing you earlier as I was supposed to. This could've put you and your mission in jeopardy. I'm so sorry."
Kakashi placed a hand of assurance on her shoulder, "Don't worry. We all make mistakes and this is your first mission."
Yet Sakura felt like an apology won't do. So Sakura gave Kakashi some metal cans with a mechanical seal on top. Kakashi have used chloring gas canisters before, but it impressed him that the trigger mechanism was handmade by her.
"I don't think I will have any use for these chlorine canisters for this mission. Please use my personally weapons for this mission. I am sure this will atone the almost fatal error."
Kakashi accepted the offer in order to calm her nerves. Kakashi wasn't sure what was wrong with her. He knew combat medics' average sleeping time was roughly 4hours if not less and this lack of sleep could affect any individual's state of mind.
But before Kakashi could figure, Sasuke woke up and grumpily sat next to Kakashi. Sasuke heavily sighed and straightened his hair. Sasuke rubbed his eyes and noticed Sakura was also awake, looking a bit jittery.
"Sakura did you even sleep?"
Sakura looked up towards the raven-haired man and nodded.
"So she only slept for 3 hours? How could she be still wide awake after sleeping for just 3 hours?" The raven-haired man thought to himself. "Sakura aren't you going to go back to sleep?"
Sakura shook her head, "I'm not tired, Uchiha-san. If you are tired, I could do you shift."
Sasuke gave a noncommital noise which Sakura could only guess as a "No."
"Sasuke, why don't you go to the river and clean yourself up. You look like shit."
Sasuke glared, "Hn. Thanks for the compliment, Kakashi."
"My pleasure."
Sasuke sighed and left the camp. As he left, he could sworn he saw Kakashi giving a mischievous smirk underneath his mask….
Sasuke to the riverside 40 yards away from the campsite where he and Naruto caught tonight's dinner. The midnight-haired man looked at his reflection. He had dark circles under his eyes and the spikes on the back of his head looked wilder than usual; like a madman.
"I guess I do look like shit." Sasuke grinned darkly at himself.
Sasuke released a heavy sigh. He could really use it to wake himself up. Sasuke quickly peeled off every piece of clothing on him. Once the last piece of clothing was off his body, Sasuke entered the cold river, allowing the shivering rush run across his entire body.
"Yeah that really woke me up."
The water was so relaxing, that Sasuke didn't feel like getting out of the river anytime soon. But alas, he had to start his shift. And so Sasuke stood up from the semi-shallow river to grab his clothes….
Until he saw something pink 15 yards away.
"No fucking way!" Sasuke ducked back into the water. His eyes, which are above the water, continued to cautiously look to see if what he saw was really his pink-haired teammate.
Indeed it was Sakura. She was holding a small bucket and her black gloves were off. She stopped after walking another 3 yards; 12 yards away from a water-submerged Sasuke. Sakura didn't seem to notice Sasuke at all as she sat down by the riverside and took off the elastic band on her hair, letting her waist-length pink tresses cascade down to the middle of her back.
"What the hell is she doing here? Is she just filling up water?"
Sasuke got his answer, but it wasn't the answer he hoped for. Once Sakura filled the canteen, Sakura took off her vest and t-shirt, revealing more skin and her black sports bra. It's funny how Sasuke felt so hot all of a sudden even though his body is submerged by cool water.
He needed to find a way to get out of here and fast! But how? His clothes are by the riverside. If he gets up to grab his clothes (even if in record time) Sakura will definitely hear and eventually see him and it would be a catastrophic. Thus Sasuke must hide in the water and wait for Sakura to leave…which he has no clue when!
Uchiha Sasuke is trapped in an unusual predicament: watching Sakura half-naked. The great Uchiha did try to be virtuous and look away from this half pornographic scene. Yet something about a grown Sakura (her body obviously matured in all the perfect delicious places) naked was alluring to Sasuke's masculine needs.
Nothing seems to improve for Sasuke's predicament as Sakura reached for the hook on the back of her black sports bra.
"Oh God! I can't believe I'm reduced to watching something like this!!" Sasuke gritted his teeth, feeling 90degrees hotter especially in his lower half where a coiling sensation below the belt was beginning to torment him. "Fuck! Damn hormones! Stop thinking altogether! Stop thinking about her!!"
This is absolutely embarrassing. Though luckily for Sasuke, Sakura's back was facing him the whole time and did not take anything off after that. But the damage is done.
Meanwhile Sakura remained oblivious to her "stalker" and poured the bucket of water over her head while she bent down.
"Why the hell would Sakura suddenly want to come here washing her hair when no one else is keeping watch-"
Then it clicked: "Kakashi! That son of a bitch! I swear I'm gonna kill that pervert and blast his book into ashes!"
This time Sasuke successfully pulled his lustful gaze away from the unintentionally arousing scene. Sad to say that was a still not a happy ending for Uchiha Sasuke...for the arousing scene has now been imprinted into his brain. The brain is also where hormones of pleasure are located. This combination is a disaster for the sexually frustrated man.
Sasuke was never an imaginative person. But right now his imagination is running wild:
Water dripped down the cherry blossom's sumptuous body. The droplets of water deliciously glide down her curvaceous form, like they were arousing her by caressing her silky skin. Her long wet pink hair plastered on her naked upper half, covering her nakedness like a virgin cloak.
Her delicate fingers massaging her scalp with sensuously slow agonizing circles. If only those hands were doing the same thing down there-
"-Stop! I've had enough! I have to leave NOW!"
In quiet desperation Sasuke tried as stealthily as possible to reach for his clothes without Sakura knowing. If he succeeds, Sasuke could go further downstream away from Sakura, where he could get out of the water and change withother her hearing or spotting him. After 12 tense minutes, Sasuke finally snatched his clothes, got dressed, and took a circular route back to camp.
When Sasuke returned, Kakashi was still reading by the small bonfire, "Did you have a nice 'dip'?"
Annoyed, Sasuke snatched the book away from Kakashi's hands and eye. "What the hell Kakashi! Why did you do that for?"
"Oh so you saw her! How was it?" Sasuke was certain Kakashi's smirk was getting bigger by the second as Sasuke's face turning redder.
"T-that's not the point, you pervert! What the hell was that for?!"
"Nothing, really," Kakashi cheerfully (a little too much for Sasuke's comfort) answered and snatched back his book. "I'm just relieved that you're not asexual or gay as I always thought you were."
"For the last fucking time, I'm not-!"
"I've returned, Captain Hatake-sama."
The two arguing men turned to see Sakura standing behind them with a blank stare. Her wet hair is tied back into a mid-ponytail and fully dressed. Her stoic expression changed into a one of confusion when she noticed her superiors' nervous composures.
"Well I'm done with my shift. Sasuke, you keep watch; Sakura, try to get more rest if possible."
And with that, Kakashi quickly fled from the growing tension between him and his subordinates. Kakashi didn't bother to listen to any of the Uchiha's protests as the masked captain went into the tent and "sleep."
However, that does not mean the tension left the campsite. Sasuke, after almost seeing his teammate and childhood friend half-naked, didn't feel comfortable being in such a close proximity to her, much less stare at her. It was more uncomfortable that Sakura was endlessly staring at him.
Sakura cautiously walked passed the raven-haired man, her eyes never left the man's face. Sasuke was thankful his bangs were long enough to cover his eyes, or otherwise his blush would be completely exposed to the one person that had been in his thoughts too much.
"You could sit down, you know," Sasuke finally said with a bit of irritation in his voice, which didn't go unnoticed by the pink-haired combat medic.
"I apologize if I offended you in any way or form, Uchiha-san."
"Just stop staring at me, Sakura."
"I apologize, Uchiha-san. It's just...something's out of place. You're completely wet but I didn't hear any splashing nearby when I was there. And your face is flushed. What happened, sir?"
"Fuck." Sasuke gritted his teeth and clenched his fists, "Just drop it, Sakura. It's not important."
And that was the end of that. Sasuke turned his back from Sakura, trying to relieve himself of the graphic images. Images of a long pink-haired woman with her partially soaked locks clung to her naked curves like second skin. She was so wet and-
"Yes sir."
Misunderstanding Sasuke's harsh words, Sakura lowered her head and turned the other way.
For the rest of that night neither of them slept nor blinked.
And so Team Kakashi arrived to the Osaka checkpoint that early afternoon. After passing the domed gate, the team entered Kirigakure.
Before the War, all the domed cities have an underground subway and sewage system. But when the government realized that Chimeras are leaking into the city via the underground system, the subway was shut down and the military had to thoroughly seal the subway and the entrances. Only the sewage system remains opened. To this day, the military still guards the underground sewage system.
However with the source of transportation sealed up, what would be the alternative form of transportation? Even the most complex bus network couldn't accommodate such a high population in a big area. Therefore, the former underground subway system moved above ground. Platforms are built all over the Old City and outside of it.
After admiring the city the team had to head out to the Kirigakure Military Headquarters to pick up Tazuna, who would be waiting at that location. To get to the military base, Team Kakashi had to take the train to the center of the Old City district. As they rode the train, it was an unpleasant one to say the least. After a few stations when more people get into the car, all eyes darted straight at them…or rather at Sakura.
The stares were spiteful and cautious. Sakura apparently take no heed to the stares and looked outside to the scenery instead. Kakashi took out his book, also taking no heed the stares around the train car and the tense silence. However. And so being the center of attention (not entirely, of course) along with an uncomfortable silence is like being buried alive.
But the words of the passengers were well within hearing range for not only Sakura but the entire team as they gradually spoke out their opinion of the pink-haired woman. Whether the bystanders purposely made their seething words audible to the team or that they just have a very good hearing, the team could hear every scathing word as these people soon muttered:
"I can't believe Konoha would recruit women to do such work. How gauche! Good thing our village doesn't have a single woman working in such a disgusting job."
"Why would a woman like her even think about doing a job like this? She would have a life far better than this! Look at her! With a beauty such as her she could have anything she wants!"
"A woman like her is beautiful? Women like her are an eyesore! A monster!"
"I feel bad this team is stuck with her."
Sasuke could feel his fingerless gloves tightening around his white knuckles underneath. He felt like a rubber band ready to snap when pulled too far. The B4s all thought the same thing:
"How could they say such awful words like that to someone? They have no right to say that!"
But Sasuke could do nothing. He can't be that opinioned in public; it would worsen the situation for him and the rest of his team. And it doesn't look like Naruto is bursting out loud either, which is uncharacteristic. If the dead last didn't have the guts to speak out his opinion to defend his team and Sakura, then this situation is far too hot to handle.
And so Sasuke decided to let it slide and let the insults come. The only thing he could do is to follow what the rest of his team is doing right now: look away from the crowd and grip the handles as tightly as possible throughout the ride.
Kakashi gestured his team to get off at the announced station and his subordinates immediately followed suit. Of course the stares and scandalous whispers continued on outside the train and the train station, but this time it was less noticeable to the team when they're amidst a massive crowd.
Sasuke looked at Sakura from the corner of his eye and saw that she showed no reaction to the whole event. When the rest of Team Kakashi was further ahead, Sasuke used the opportunity.
"Sakura, shouldn't you feel angry or upset that they're saying things about you like that?"
Sakura turned her head to look at Sasuke straight in the eye. He could faintly see a sparkle of pain and longing in her eyes. Why? Sasuke couldn't fathom.
"I do feel that way, Uchiha-san. But they don't know me or why I do the things I do. So there's no point of defending the legitimacy of my actions. Another important factor is that even if I defend my actions, they wouldn't listen and their opinion of me wouldn't change. Are these reason somewhat obvious to you, sir?"
"Hn."
"But lastly I wouldn't want to repeat myself over and over again to the millions of people who say similar things to me when I'm around. It's a waste of effort, Uchiha-san. It's not worth it."
Sasuke's frowned melted away into a small look of pity. Though her words were brave and seemingly unaffected by any pain her tone showed otherwise. No matter what she does or wherever she goes, she will always be haunted by these daily abuses; her "ignorance" to the scene was just a feeble way to cope.
"Their intentions are not to physically injure me but to let out their thoughts out into words. Their words have no basis so I would ignore them. It's only words, Uchiha-san."
"Hn."
Sasuke decided to walk a bit faster, away from Sakura. He didn't want the memory of her painful letter to him get into his head, "No Sakura…you should know better that words hurt more than anything."
After walking 4 blocks, the team arrived to the sleek and modern building belonging to the Kirigakure Military Base. Once they signed in and entered the mission center, an old man came in. He was apparently beyond 60 years of age with his grayish-white hair and ancient "scientist-like" glasses. But for an elderly man, he was well-built and still straight in stature; about the same height as Kakashi.
"Ah it's good to see you, Captain Hatake Kakashi."
Once Kakashi saw the strongly-built old man, he immediately gave the elder his respects, "It's an honor to be of service to you, Tazuna-san."
Naruto's jaw dropped. "What! You're Tazuna?"
"What? I don't look like an engineer to you?"
Indeed, this man didn't fit the "descriptions" of an engineer. Tazuna's wardrobe was nowhere near sophisticated. Instead Tazuna's choice of clothing was somewhat laid back, wearing a plain black shirt and torn navy green baggy pants with black sandals.
Sai gave his fake smile, "You look old enough to be an engineer."
Tazuna twitched a bit at that comment and looked at Team Kakashi, "Kakashi, you have quite a wreck of team. But they have the heart like your father did and that's the important thing."
"Yeah." Kakashi nodded slowly.
"I see you have a female combat medic, the other one in the village. Are you sure I'll be protected? I don't want history to repeat itself, Kakashi."
"What are you talking about, you old geezer! Of course you'll be protected! We're the best team in Konoha. Believe it!"
And so Team Kakashi and Tazuna were set on leaving Kiri and return to Konoha. As they left the village, Kakashi desperately hoped that history wouldn't repeat itself as Tazuna suggested. Tragedy is something that should be prevented after experiencing it once, not something to be repeated.
End of Chapter Four
If you guessed Riza Hawkeye, you are correctomundo! Congratulations to Laura-chan, Princess of the Dark Riku (who was really Agent Kuma-chan incognito), darkpetaltaki, and CrAzY-SiLLy-Me for getting the right answer (though CrAzY-SiLLy-Me already knew a huge portion of the plot so she'll know the answer hands down :D). Hawkeye was PARTLY the inspiration for Sakura apparent demeanor in this story. I'm sure some of you would've seen the similarities between the two women. I worship her!
Congratulations to DemonicAngel08 for submitting the 50th review! 50 bags of virtual chocolates for you!
First off, I'd never expected to get so many reviews for this story since this is my very first Naruto fic. Thank-you greatly for your dedication! I make the story great, you guys make it greater. Continue to make this story even greater by sending me your reviews and suggestions.
