Yeah it's been a while but that's what happens when you have a teething baby and then a beast of a chapter to write. Not sure how i liked the turn out so let me know what you think :)
Seito has been unusually quiet ever since he left with the Mayor, Itachi thought to himself. It was morning and the entire troop was heading out to make it to the border. He spied the young Haruno finishing his pack before lifting it over his shoulders and winced.
Probably from the lashings.
But the boy offered no remark to him as he slowly made his way out of the room with a sluggish shuffle. Itachi was at a loss. The boy, plain and simple, lost control. He had seen someone from the past and decided it was his right to execute vengeance. And try as he might, Itachi couldn't find it in himself to blame the boy. Seito was protecting his family and then took his punishment like a man. The only thing Itachi felt for him was pride.
But something else was nagging at the back of his mind. It was very personal. As if that man had personally offended Seito. Granted he took things a little personally when people mistreated his brother when he was little, so that wasn't completely weird that Seito would react thusly. But if Seito was hiding up in the attic watching from afar…how could he hear the things said to his sister? Unless, of course, he was Sakura.
Which was absurd! There was no way Sakura could completely obscure who she was. There were just some things that couldn't be changed or hidden. But then again…
Seito's squeamishness around the other guys in the camp.
His almost neurotic obsession with privacy.
Lack of a sibling name on Sakura's matchmaker profile.
The boy always remained fully dressed in the training camp although the temperature grew quite hot making the men sheds a few layers.
The fact that he, Itachi, was oddly…drawn to the boy…
And now with this attack and his…depression? He has just revealed a very damning secret with even more details than he told Itachi that night at the lake.
All the signs were there. But it just wasn't possible! Was it? It didn't matter right now. Seito was a gifted shinobi and they needed all the muscle they could get considering the amount of enemy shinobi they were facing. But if he did turn out to be a…woman…Sakura…
Their skill set is similar. Uncanny how similar. But if they were the same then why didn't Seito heal his back?
He really needed to stop thinking such thoughts. It really was unhealthy. Not to mention he needed to stay focused on the goal. He was Captain of this group and he needed to act like it. He couldn't stand around lost in his thoughts because that would leave him and his charges vulnerable to a surprise attack. He needed to focus.
o0o
Sakura walked through the village slowly making her way over to the stables. She could feel all the stares on her as she made her way through. It was smart of her not to heal the lashes, even though the mayor insisted on salve, that way everyone could see that in fact she was punished for her brutal display the other night. Hoisting her pack a little higher she winced as it grazed her lashes. She would definitely need to heal them before the battle took place. It wouldn't do to be at a physical disadvantage no matter how much bravado she displayed.
She was almost to the stables when of course the clan boys had to show up. Could she not catch a fucking break?!
"Hey Seito…I…how are you?" Naruto asked with a concerned expression.
Sakura barely spared him a glance continuing her slow shuffle, "I'm fine."
"You sure?"
"I'm fine."
"Can I carry your pack?" He reached for it but Sakura flinched away.
"No Naruto. I don't want anything from anyone. Just leave me alone," she growled.
"You ever heard the phrase to not bite the hand that feeds you?" Sasuke interjected walking up to his other side.
"Last I checked Sasuke, you were the last person to extend your hand," Sakura stated with a bite.
"Hn."
"Yeah like I thought. Anyone else have anything to say to me?" Sakura glanced around at all the men there. Just standing there staring at her as if she were some kind of freak show. Then without another word she turned and walked away.
Kami-sama! They are all annoying! She thought to herself. Itachi didn't even say anything this morning! He didn't even sleep in the bed. Although I shouldn't be complaining. It would've been completely awkward especially since I slept on my face all night. What do you think Inner?
.
.
.
Inner…?
.
.
.
Sakura stopped in her tracks as she searched for her Inner. But she wasn't there. Nothing was coming up. No sarcastic comments, biting remarks…nothing.
…Inner…
Why wasn't her Inner responding to her? She had always been her partner ever since that night!
That night…
Yesterday…
Was she…gone…now? Why did she leave?
Sakura dropped her pack and started rubbing her forehead. The Mayor's words from last night popped into her mind, just as she was leaving the prison.
"Child, don't you think you've let the past rule your life enough? You have to let go so that you can heal properly. You need to be in charge of your own life and not let what happened to you define you any longer."
Was he right? Did her past…did that incident really, truly define her? Is that why her Inner wasn't around anymore? Was she…done with her past? No that couldn't be it…it just didn't seem…she couldn't put it into words.
Last night…it had to be because of last night. She took out ten years' worth of frustration and anger on that man. She beat him to kingdom come all because of his laugh. And then she was beat for her criminal action. But it still didn't make sense. Why would her Inner not be with her anymore?
Maybe she didn't need her. Maybe after that display she was…cleansed? She took a moment to examine her feelings on the subject. Anger was still there, but mostly at herself instead of at everyone else. Frustration at not being able to take that bastard's life, but also at herself for losing her cool in front of everyone. Shame for her actions against that bastard. Then there was a small little feeling that she had yet to really acknowledge…
Peace.
Was she at peace with what happened? Is that the reason why Inner was suddenly gone? Everything she did for ten years, everything about who she was started on that night. Did her past really define her? Was the old Mayor right, that she needed to let go?
Of course he's right. Nobody can stay angry forever and look at what happened to that guy because of my pent up anger. I guess I've always been angry at what happened. Inner was always there to bring me back; to control my out of control emotions. Why me?
That was the most popular question in her mind growing up, why this had to happen to her. And she still couldn't figure out an answer. It just happened, just like it happened to those other girls just like her.
She really needed to let it go, but then what did that mean for her? If she wasn't that badass girl anymore who was strong and doesn't lose in a fight…then who was she?
Now there's the new question that will haunt me for the next ten years of my life.
And that thought was more depressing than the new question.
As it was before, walking through the thinning forests was slow and tedious. But the intensity surrounding the group was new. Sakura felt it every time another cluster of soldiers walked passed her. All of them obviously wary that she was going to snap and beat them half to hell if they even looked at her the wrong way, let alone speak to her.
Everybody knew because everyone was there to witness it. The whispers were the worst part. Some thought she couldn't hear but she could, and they were all about her. Well, they were all about Seito's sister, so they were talking about her in a roundabout way. Rumors began spreading about Sakura not being a virgin, they now knew why she had that reputation in the village, why she never fit in, it'll be difficult to marry her off because of what happened, and her personal favorite…she was a freak. It was honestly getting out of control. And it was pissing her off that people would say those things about her!
Calm down. It doesn't matter. They don't really know me or what I went through.
And it was now more than ever that she wished her Inner was still around. She really could use someone to talk to.
"Seito-san, how is your back?"
She looked up surprised to see Itachi next to her. She had unconsciously isolated herself at the end of the regiment so they had relative privacy.
"It's fine taichou. The Mayor gave me some salve and I put it on before heading out," she answered quietly.
He nodded, "And how are you?"
She looked at him puzzled, "I just answered that, didn't I?"
He smirked, "I asked about your back. You, are a completely different subject."
"Oh," she looked down at her feet, "I'm fine."
"Are you?"
"Hai…I'll be able to perform just fine during the battle I assure you. And I promise I won't lash out irrationally again. That was a one-time thing."
Itachi watched him for a moment trying to take him in. Something was seriously bothering the boy and it most likely was the rumors now being spread around by the entire troop. Now the question was how could he make it better or at least try to ease his mind.
"Don't listen to such gossip. It is always grossly out of context especially when people don't have the whole story."
Sakura snorted, "I'm used to gossip, I've been subjected to it my whole life."
That made Itachi paused, what did he say? He's been subjected to gossip? He kept his observation hidden so as not to alarm him. It was an odd thing to say considering he always stated he was out of the village. But that doesn't mean his clan wouldn't talk or gossip about him. The Uchiha clan certainly did that to him and his brother. Rationalization…I seem to be doing that a lot around this boy.
"I can order them to stop it if it bothers you so much," he offered.
Sakura nodded halfheartedly, "If you want to. Doesn't make a difference to me. It's not like it's actually about me now, huh?" She smiled up at him but Itachi could see a lingering sadness in those jade eyes. The rumors did truly bother him and on a very deep level.
"I'll tell them to stop. Even if it's not you they're talking about it is someone you care about."
She smiled a little more genuinely at him, "I'd appreciate that."
Itachi nodded turning his gaze back to the troops, "Not a problem."
"How long until we reach the village?" Sakura asked not looking up.
"With our pace and the time we left this morning my estimate is we will arrive just after sunset depending on if we stop for a short lunch break or not."
Sakura nodded, "Probably best to do so by a river so we can refill our canteens. Everyone's been drinking heavily considering the heat."
He smirked lightly at her observation, "Very true and we need to be in the best form for when we arrive. The missive I received said they were expecting troops in a couple of days. Hopefully we will have a day of rest before our battle."
She had no idea why he was telling her this but she wasn't complaining. It's nice being in the loop. "How many are expected to arrive?"
"Rain, Mist, and Cloud have joined with the very new village called Sound. They have all declared war on Konoha. My guess is they will only use their best shinobi for these battles and save the weaker shinobi for the takeover of the village. Kakashi-taichou, Minato-sama, and the Hokage-sama all agree with that theory. Unfortunately for us our number of shinobi and civilian fighters will be outnumbered, my best guess at a 6:1 ratio. Other than that I cannot begin to imagine the amount of troops that will show for the battle. I can only hope that our shinobi will be more skilled than theirs thus increasing our chances of winning."
Sakura's face lost a bit of color when Itachi told her the odds. They were grossly outnumbered! And that was probably only half the troops from those villages! She really needed to perform well, as did everyone else. No wonder they asked for everyone to join, it all made sense now. If they were to fall in the field whoever was left in the village would now have to defend it. That thought was disheartening when images of all the village's children running scared through burning roads and neighborhoods flashed in her mind. She fought the urge shiver but couldn't quite suppress it.
"I apologize I should not have burdened you with that information," Itachi apologized.
"No!" she quickly glanced up, "Don't apologize, it's actually nice knowing what we're going to be up against."
"Minato-sama is going to brief everyone when we settle into camp. He didn't want any of the recruits to get cold feet and desert or else they would have to face the consequences. Once they are already stationed they cannot leave easily."
Sakura snorted, "Manipulation from the highest of levels huh."
"Sometimes it's needed."
"I disagree. People shouldn't have to be manipulated, they should always be given a choice. They should be able to think through a situation and agree to the best course of action."
Itachi smirked his hands folded behind his back, "But do the majority of people think rationally? Or do the majority of people tend to think with their hearts and feelings?"
She pondered those questions. "I think that it would also depend on the person. Someone like you or me, warriors in a sense, would definitely be able to look at situations like this objectively. We can weigh the good and the bad and see why such a decision had or was being made. While maybe a baker or blacksmith wouldn't see it the same way they would instantly go to the worst possible scenario and not believe in a different path. With the amount of civilians in this regiment I can see why he wanted to wait. With our training camp so close to home it would be easy to desert and make their way back safely."
"Exactly."
Sakura glanced up at him again to find him watching her with…satisfied eyes? As if she were a slow student that finally got the topic that their teacher was talking about. Kind of demeaning but she couldn't deny the small gleam in those onyx depths that almost lead to an answering blush on her cheeks. Oh if her Inner was still around she would have definitely made a comment about that. She was starting to miss that harping bitch.
"ITACHI-TAICHOU!" Someone yelled from the front, "SMOKE COMING FROM THE MOUNTAIN!"
A quick look up confirmed the shouter's yell. He immediately sprinted to the front with Sakura hot on his heels. They landed next to Kakashi with the entire troop around looking through the trees up ahead.
"They must have arrived early. The main force seemed to be in the midst of the attack. Kiba! Neji!" Itachi shouted. The two boys came to the front. "Run ahead and scout. I want to know what's going on with the main army. Do not engage unless in self-defense. Report back to me with your findings."
They nodded and took off in a flash.
"The rest of you," he turned to address his troops, "Who are accomplished equestrians?"
Sakura raised her hand as did three others.
"Mount the horses, you are responsible for making sure the contents get to the battlefield safely. Go."
The four of them nodded and led the horses to the front and mounted them.
"Naruto!"
"Hai Itachi-taichou."
It was always a weird feeling whenever Naruto had a serious visage. Most likely it was worry for his father who was fighting against the forces.
"Can you make enough clones to carry the civilians while having enough chakra left over in order to battle?" Itachi asked.
"Hai, I'll have more than enough," Naruto nodded confidently.
"Civilians congregate over by the horses. Naruto only make enough clones to carry them, one on one. Everyone open your packs and put on your radios. Sync on channel three."
"Hai!" Everyone shouted.
Itachi walked over to where the horses and carts were. He watched Seito put seals on the horses then another on each of the carts.
"What are you doing?" He asked.
Sakura turned to face him, "This is a stabilizing seal for the carts. It allows a little leeway for maneuvering but it'll prevent them from toppling over. I've used it when our transports were under attack so they can get away with minimal damage. And the ones on the horses are chakra boosts. We still have at least half a day's walk before reaching that village. They'll need the boost to maintain speed especially carrying these loads."
He nodded accepting his logic, "You are in charge of the cart group. The three with you are civilians you take point."
"Hai taichou!" She answered mounting Yoru.
He turned to address the rest of the crowd. All the remaining civilians were piggy backing on a plethora of Naruto's. "When we reach the battlefield I want all civilians dropped in the back of the field. Start first with archery, shoot smart and straight. Once your quiver is empty work your way through the field and eliminate the enemy wounded on the ground. Defend yourselves first before running headlong into the battle. Shinobi! You will immediately attack to back up the main force. We are anticipating that all of our attackers are shinobi with no civilians. They are all high ranking. You know what to do, your training has taught you such. If we stop it is to reissue orders after our scouts get back. Do you understand your duties?!"
"Hai taichou!" They all shouted.
"It will be hard taking lives especially if you haven't done so yet in your life. Save your sorrow and grief for after the battle is over. If you hesitate then you are dead." His hardened gaze bore into everyone present. "Now it's time to run. Seito, lead the horses on the trail, shinobi and carriers we will take the trees. Stay out of the horse's path they will be traveling faster due to a chakra boost. Scatter!"
"YAH!" Sakura shouted as Yoru bayed before shooting forward. She looked back and saw the other three following her. She pushed Yoru faster feeling the troops in the trees already getting a little farther ahead.
"If any of you feel your horses beginning to slow let me know and I'll activate the chakra seal, understand?"
"Hai Seito-san!" Came the reply over the radio.
"I'm gonna pick up the speed a little bit so we can stay as close to the troops as possible. Push them as fast as you can!"
"HAI!"
"Come on Yoru I know you have more in you," she whispered to her companion. With another burst of speed the powerful horse was running as fast as he could with the weight on his back. She knew he had more power and speed in him but with the long run still ahead he was obviously pacing himself while still meeting her demands. Yoru was a smart horse and that was one thing Sakura loved about him. Thirty minutes into the dead sprint she heard a call over her radio.
"This is Fu in the back my mare is starting to slow!"
"Damn I was hoping she'd last a little longer. Hold on Fu. Everyone else move to the right a bit. Fu move your cart to the left."
Another two seconds passed as they followed her orders. Then with a quick flick of chakra the horse bayed as the extra energy shot through her body.
"Once we hit the hour mark I'm going to activate the boosts for the rest of the animals. Yoshi you'll fall in behind Fu while Tsubasa you'll stay behind me. Just flow with their movements and don't try to control the boost. Keep them on track and let them run or else you'll end up hurting them."
"HAI!" They called back.
Fu's cart was already catching up with Yoru near the front. Impressive considering that horse was the first one to slow. Maybe it was the weight that was holding her back. The boost would negate that weight. She was definitely swift.
"Haruno!" Itachi's voice sounded over the radio. "There's an obstruction in your path. Considering it's a large earthen wall we think the enemy placed it there. Can you handle it?"
"Not a problem taichou. I got it."
"Roger, it's two miles ahead of your position."
"Roger."
She squinted ahead not being able to make it out yet. "After I demolish the wall guys I'm activating the boosts. Be prepared!"
"Hai!"
"Yoru-kun keep running I'm clearing the path."
He answered with a grunt and a small shake of his head as Sakura stood on his back. Gathering a large amount of air she jumped off her horse's back. With another flick of her wrist she shot through the air like a bullet. The wall was coming in fast and with her extended hands she landed hard into the thick wall. It shattered at the impact and now she only had one minute to clear the path. Since nobody was watching she used her master's monster strength clearing the path in thirty seconds.
Now she waited for her ride to arrive. She could hear the hooves first and then Yoru came into view. She crouched and right as he was in front of her she reached out for his neck and swung around landing easily on his back.
"Seito! That was awesome!" Tsubasa's voice said over the radio.
"Yeah thanks now hold on!"
Holding her right hand up she activated the other three seals and the rest of the horses surged forward. Sakura loved the feeling of wind blowing through her hair. She loved Yoru's mane in her face as she leaned down to add less wind resistance.
This feeling, right here right now, was freedom at its finest. She soaked it up knowing that at the end of this road was a war that would change the rest of their lives. So for her final moments she decided to relish in this feeling of freedom and weightlessness. This was the last bit of happiness she would have until the war was over.
It seemed almost too soon that her peace was disturbed by the chaos of battle. Another quick hand sign and the boosts were canceled and the horses were pulled to a stop just behind some of the archers. They didn't even acknowledge the cacophony of noise the horses and carts made as they barreled to a stop.
"Taichou, it's Seito. If you can hear me the supplies have arrived," she called over the radio.
"Copy Seito," Itachi's voice cracked over the radio, "Unload the extra arrows for the archers. Then join in the battle."
"Copy taichou."
Seito nodded to the others as they walked over to the mare's cart unloading the extra weapons and laying them at the archer's feet.
"Ok you three," Sakura turned to the three civilians with her, "You know your jobs now. Be safe and I'll see you on the other side."
They nodded at her.
"Be careful Seito," Yoshi said, "You'll be in the thick of things."
She smiled kindly at him, "Don't worry about me. Worry about yourselves, you'll live longer that way."
"Hai." They nodded again before picking up their swords and bows to join the civilians on the ledge. Sakura cast one glance at Yoru before running over to the ledge. And once she took a look at the ensuing chaos she had to stop and breathe.
Blood. Gore. Death. She could smell it all in the air. Konoha was fighting against three different uniforms that Sakura recognized as Kiri, Kumo, and Iwa. She remembered Itachi telling her that Sound and Rain were a part of this whole issue but she didn't see any other markers indicating their involvement in this battle.
Oh well, two less armies to battle means greater odds of survival. She thought, But that doesn't mean they aren't here. Maybe a sneak attack after this large scuffle?
"Seito come in," Itachi's voice called over the radio.
"Hai taichou! I'm here."
"Mist is using a jutsu that is making this rain turn to acid. With your ability I need you to stop the rain then locate the ones performing it and take them out."
"Hai taichou, I'm on it."
She looked up at the dark green clouds. This was going to be tough. Not only would she need to take control of it but she would also need to track the users.
"Taichou, is the rain at all affecting the enemy troops or just Konoha?" Seito asked studying the clouds.
"The enemy troops are not showing any type of effect to the acid rain."
"Hai, give me some time."
"Work quickly, it burns."
She smirked at his last statement. Poor baby can't take a burn. So far the rain was localized to just the battlefield. They must feel confident enough of victory that they don't see the civilians as a threat even though their arrows are very accurate. If she lived then she'd give them props for their good aim.
It was also going to be the safest place for her to work her magic. HA! Magic…
So she nestled herself right in the middle of then her back against a large rock. She sat and assumed a meditative position so she could focus on the chakra being laced in the jutsu. It was powerful. There had to be at least three maybe four shinobi focusing on the jutsu. And the fact that only Konoha shinobi were feeling the effects…yeah she needed to get to the bottom of this fast.
She then turned her focus to the clouds. They were the top priority then the shinobi were next. It was definitely a Mist specific jutsu. They were known for exotic toxins and poisons so they mixed that with a rain jutsu to create this acid cloud. Maybe she didn't have to take it over but more like…disable it. Then she could focus on the four shinobi when the chakra was suddenly cut off. And she needed to not fry her radio until she was sure that she didn't need to communicate with the rest of the troops.
Air first then. And she needed to get right into the middle of the acid cloud.
Jumping down from the ledge she immediately began running through the field. It was rather unsettling jumping over dead bodies, comrade and enemy alike, while making her way forward.
"Taichou, I need everyone to clear out the center most part of the battlefield…if you can!" She shouted into her radio.
"That'll be difficult but continue with your plan and people will clear out as you do your jutsu," he replied.
"Hai taichou."
She kept running, weaving seamlessly through the battlefield occasionally adding a little upper hand for her comrades. She wasn't necessarily killing them just helping the process. And then she reached the middle of the battlefield. The stench of blood and sweat were intensified by the acid and man did it stink.
Itachi was right, it does burn.
One shinobi caught onto her and charged but she didn't have time for a skirmish. With a quick burst of air the Iwa assailant was shot into a large group of his comrades allowing Konoha to take over. Now she was alone. Well relatively alone with the shinobi battling one on one around her.
Focus Sakura. Stop the rain!
With strict focus Sakura began spinning her hands around manipulating the air particles around her. Soon a large focused funnel enveloped her with its speed increasing rapidly. She vaguely heard voices over the radio calling for everyone to vacate the middle of the battlefield. But she had to focus. So with the precision brought from years of training. She shot the funnel skyward to start sucking the acid cloud inside like a giant vacuum.
The reaction was almost immediate, she could feel the chakra surge into the cloud but she was quite determined and she wasn't one to be beat. She never lost a fight…except against Itachi, but that was different. This wasn't a test…this was life and death.
It wasn't long though that the enemy began trying to batter her funnel in an attempt to destroy it. They were obviously all locked into the same frequency as Konoha was with their own troops.
Focus Sakura! Don't let them win!
Four chakras against one, this was either going to take too long or she would eventually tire herself out. And the rain still kept falling and since she stood in the middle of the suction it was whipping her across the face. She realized the acid wouldn't let up until the jutsu was broken. So she needed to break it before it ate her face off completely.
Time for water and I'm about to ache even more than I already am.
Taking one for the team for the good of the war and to protect her country. This was what she has wanted to do for a long time. Be a shinobi. She wasn't going to mess up her chance.
Jumping up into the air the funnel followed her. Now she was in the middle of the acid rain cloud with her funnel spinning rapidly around her. The biting acid stung and she could feel it start to burn through her clothing.
Not good.
But she couldn't worry about that now. This rain needs to stop.
Her radio crackled for a moment, "Well done Haruno. The rain has stopped."
Her rolled her eyes internally, "Not stopped taichou, just redirected for the moment." She muffled her grunt when one particularly large rain drop smacked right into her cheek.
"Well finish then take care of the casters."
"Hai taichou."
Men, so demanding. Kami-sama…
With the acid rain focused in one spot it was easier for her to sense the users. And of course they were at the very back of the enemy force. Lovely. She needed something dramatic before she has absolutely no clothing on and then POP there goes her secret. Well the only way to counter water was fire. Drawing on her inner chakra reserves she breathed out a large flame. The wind immediately picked up the flames increasing their potency.
Perfect.
The acid rain was slowly fizzling out until all that was left was the blaze from the wind induced fire. She could only imagine what it looked like from the ground. Instead of storm clouds there would be a giant swirling fireball. But she was getting distracted again. Now was the time to focus on the enemy.
Staying in the sky Sakura shot forward. The enemy army was large but she reached her target in record time. They were obviously ready for her. As she descended the four shot water in her direction. Increasing the potency of both the wind and the fire Sakura sped through the assault hitting the ground with an earth shattering force.
Eat that suckers!
Two of the attackers fell into chasm her landing created. It always made her feel good when she could use Tsunade's monster strength, especially in secret with nobody knowing. But she couldn't think about that now. There were two more to kill and many more coming to assist.
Fuck.
Spinning quickly out of the direct attack she then countered by throwing kunai attached to explosive tags. The distraction worked letting her easily sneak around and end their two lives.
I just…I just killed someone. My first kill.
It bothered her slightly that after her thought she didn't feel any type of remorse. No shame. No regret. What the hell does that say about her? That she likes killing?
Whatever it was she didn't have time to analyze the situation as more enemy ninja were happening upon her.
o0o
Finally the acid rain is gone. Itachi could hear the collective sigh of relief once the stinging rain disappeared. Cheers sounded from the younger generation as they called out to Seito. He quickly glanced at his arms seeing small welts that will need some healing.
That boy is truly gifted.
When the explosion of fire lit up the sky everyone in the field paused to watch. From his analysis he could see the wind accentuating the power of the fire easily dissolving the water and breaking the jutsu. He reissued the orders and then like a comet in the sky the fireball shot towards the back of the field.
"Advance! Cover his attack!" He yelled into his radio.
Seito was heading towards the rear of the group. That's a lot of pressure to put on a single shinobi. But with Konoha's renewed vigor they shot completely through the front lines. He had never anticipated this fight would consist more of taijutsu than ninjutsu, but he wasn't complaining. If they could get a few key players into the middle of the army then it would be to their advantage to coordinate a large attack breaking up the troops.
He clicked his second radio on that connected him to the main fighting force, "Minato-sama."
"Go Uchiha-taichou."
"Haruno-san is stuck in the back. If we can get a few shinobi into the middle and break up the ranks we can assist him easier."
"Hai, get a few Uchiha into the middle and light up the field. While they're distracted I'll use my Flying Raijin to pick off the ones closest to us. Seito's jutsu was godsend, we need that boy alive."
"Roger." He clicked his first radio, "Sasuke, I need you to get into the middle and on my count unleash the Dragon Fire Technique."
"Hai aniki!"
"Ro, Naori, did you hear the transmission?"
"Hai taichou!"
"Follow Sasuke into the middle and wait for my order." He flipped back to his second radio. "Shisui, did you hear the plan."
"Roger I'm already on the way."
"Uchiha-taichou," Minato cut in, "Send someone in for Seito."
"Hai Minato-sama." As he cut through three Kumo shinobi he called out for Lee, "Lee-san come in."
"HAI TAICHOU!"
"The Uchiha are going to create a distraction, I need to you run through and assist Seito in the back of the group. Grab him and bring him back to our side."
"HAI! I WILL AWAIT YOUR SIGNAL!"
The boy really didn't need to yell, but that was just in his nature. Once he reached the middle they were going to need to act quickly before they became over run. Itachi leapt close to his brother then signaled.
Just like it was planned the entire field lit up in orange fire.
"Lee now!"
Taking two steps forward to create a hole, Itachi barely felt the rush of air as Lee passed between the Uchihas. The plan worked, he could easily hear the small cries from the outliers as Minato picked them off. He could only hope that they would start their retreat right now. Konoha was losing too many men and to make up for it they would need to start using large jutsus to counter it. Which also meant that Konoha could be running out of chakra faster, making for easy pickings.
"UCHIHA-TAICHOU! I HAVE RECOVERED SEITO-SAN AS PER YOUR ORDERS!"
"Are you on our side of the field?"
"HAI TAICHOU!"
"Uchiha's fall back!" He ordered.
"Uchiha-taichou, we should try calling for a halt. We've managed to eradicate all the troops left on the front lines of the fire distraction. Let's see what they want," Minato's voice came over the radio.
"Hai Minato-sama. Your command."
Once everyone was gathered Minato held up his hand signaling a halt. Itachi gave the order over the radio for the civilians in the regiment.
Minato took a few steps forward then yelled, "I am ordering a cease fire. Who is in charge?"
The field was quiet, the sky a pale orange from the fading sun. The clouds had dispersed when Seito had canceled the acid rain; the evening breeze wafted around the group. Minato stood tall as he waited for the other side to answer. And they did, three men coming forward.
"Are you the Yellow Flash from the Leaf?" The large Iwa shinobi asked.
Minato nodded, "I am Namikaze Minato. And who are you?"
"I am Kitsuchi. We are here on orders from the Tsuchikage."
"And what were your orders?"
"The annihilation of Konoha's army so the village is easier to take."
"I did not know that Iwa was involved in this conflict," Minato stated staring hard at the man.
"We weren't at first. Then we reconsidered," he answered with gritted teeth. "Of course that was when Rain and Sound were a part of this strategy."
"Ah, I see two of your villages have decided to renege on your pact. You are also down almost half of your attack force. I propose a cease and desist. You will not win this battle and you will leave your villages vulnerable." He sounded very reasonable.
The opposing side didn't answer and instead conferred with one another.
Minato called the four leaders up to him, "Kakashi, Itachi, Kagami." They approached slowly so as not to cause the enemy to startle.
"If they do not accept this cease and desist we must come up with an alternative," Minato looked at each man.
"We will need to propose some sort of truce, maybe even negotiate," Kagami said, "Let's try diplomacy before we start to battle again. Since it's getting dark we could call for a cease until morning."
"That would allow us to tend to the wounded," Itachi nodded.
"I'm hoping that they will take the opportunity to cease all actions considering Rain and Sound did not show up and offer their support. My guess is Iwa jumped on the band wagon after word reached our ears," Minato folded his arms.
"Seems so," Kakashi glanced over at the trio, "I would work that angle, see if it doesn't work."
"And if it doesn't?" Minato asked.
Kakashi shrugged, "One on one combat."
"Winner is declared victor and the fight stops," Kagami nodded in agreement.
Minato pondered that statement for a second, "I like the idea. Although considering our smaller force we would have to choose someone who is not wounded."
"They may want one of us to be the opponent," Kagami stated, "They cannot choose you Minato-sama."
Minato smiled, "I cannot refuse if they ask."
"You are next in line for Hokage-ship. They would have to settle for someone else, it will be part of our negotiations."
Itachi nodded, "I agree Minato-sama. If they want a high level shinobi myself, Kakashi-senpai, Shisui-senpai would be better candidates."
"They won't pick someone they know they will lose to," Kakashi stated, "What if we fooled them?"
Minato looked at his student, "How so?"
Kakashi glanced at Itachi and smirked, "There is one Haruno-san who by looks doesn't seem to be much."
Itachi smirked but shook his head, "No. He is still injured from his lashing in the village. Whatever jutsu he used to stop the rain and then defend himself from behind enemy lines would tire him out. The advantage would already be in the opponent's favor."
Kakashi shot him a look, "That boy damn near bested you in a one on one spar. If we get our medics to heal him I'm sure he wouldn't lose the fight. That boy is a born bred killing machine with skills beyond that of a typical shinobi. This is the right choice and you know it."
Minato watched their conversation and noted Itachi's obvious hesitance, "This is the same boy who used three elements in camp right?" They nodded. "And you are close with him Itachi-san?"
He bowed his head, "I have…befriended him." When nobody spoke he figured they wanted more of an explanation much to his pending embarrassment. "I want to negotiate with his father for his sister's hand. I wanted to get a foot in the door with her brother."
Kagami smiled, "Well looks like Fugaku-sama will finally get his damn wedding." He clapped the younger Uchiha on the back. "Is she pretty?"
"Kagami-san, please this is not the time," Minato chided lightly although he was happy to hear Itachi was finally taking a bride. "Regardless of personal connection the boy can use three elements-"
"Five," Itachi interrupted, "Seito can use all five elements at once."
"No," Kagami's eyes grew wide in surprise, "I can see why you want to negotiate with her family now. If she has even half that skill it'll breed good children."
Itachi didn't even want to answer that comment because it certainly was not the reason Itachi was going to ask for her hand. But now was not the time to dwell on such thoughts.
Minato on the other hand only smirked, "Such talent indeed sitting inside such a small boy. Alright, Kakashi get Seito to the front lines with two medics behind him healing any injuries. I want him front and center."
"Hai Minato-sama," Kakashi bowed slightly then made eye contact with Itachi, "I'm sorry Itachi-san."
He glanced at his comrade and knew exactly why he was apologizing. That night when they recruited the men and he had humiliated Sakura in front of the entire populace. Obviously Kakashi didn't know he was thinking of negotiating with her and now he was aware of the damage his actions could cause.
"Accepted."
With a final nod Kakashi went to fulfill his orders.
o0o
"Seito."
Sakura looked up to see Kakashi calling her. "Hai Hatake-san?"
"Are you injured?"
She looked down at the cut on her leg, "It's not deep, more like a scratch."
"Your back?"
She shrugged, "Can't feel it anymore."
He nodded. "Hiko, Muneroi!"
"Hai!"
"Follow me Seito-san. Hiko, Muneroi heal him," Kakashi ordered as he walked towards the front lines. "Wait here until called upon."
"Hai Hatake-san," Sakura nodded surveying the scene. Apparently there was some kind of conference going on. Most likely trying to secure a truce. It's very telling that Konoha and the opposing team lost almost the same amount of troops and we are grossly outnumbered. But that doesn't explain why they wanted me here?
"Leave the scars. And let the fresh lashings scar as well," Sakura instructed the two medics.
"But Haruno-san it'll greatly inhibit-"
"I don't care. Leave the scars."
They agreed albeit with reluctance. "We're finished Haruno-san."
She nodded and kept her focus on the field in front of her. Kakashi had rejoined the command group as they whispered quietly to one another. Focusing across the field she could see the three commanders for the enemy force arguing amongst themselves. She silently cursed herself or not paying attention while wrapping her leg when she should've been paying attention to what was happening.
One of the leaders broke off from the group. "My name is Ao from Kiri. We are leaving this conflict. Konoha will not be attacked by a member of my nation for the duration of this war." He ended with a short bow before moving back into the ranks filled with his countrymen.
Sakura studied her commander's faces and they seemed satisfied, if you could call stoic satisfied. Apparently they were expecting Mist bow out of this ridiculous conflict. Hopefully the other two would do the same.
If the other two do not accept the cease fire then it will mean another battle. But then why take the time to heal me…?
Maybe they would wait until morning came to continue the battle and they needed their strongest to act as sentries or assassins. But Konoha is not underhanded or dishonorable enough to send in assassins in the middle of the night. That left only one other option, one on one battle.
And apparently they want me to do it. Which is why they healed me first.
That made no sense. Here were plenty of other shinobi here that could best her. Itachi being one of the men. Kakashi another and even Minato-sama. So why her? Probably because she could use all five elements.
Whatever the reason it didn't matter. All that mattered now was focusing on the outcome and then winning the match. And very discreetly Sakura popped a soldier pill into her mouth.
o0o
"And Iwa and Kumo?" Minato's voice sounded easily across the battlefield. "What say you?"
With the loss of Kiri, Minato could tell they were reluctant to continue yet at the same time they did not wish to appear weak considering they did outnumber Konoha's forces.
He took this opportunity to…sway their decisions, "From my standpoint you have two options. We can cease the battle now and continue in the morning where more troops will be sacrificed. Or we can settle the score now in a one on one battle. If Konoha wins, your two countries will cease all attacks on our village for the rest of this conflict, pending a treaty from our Hokage."
"And if we win?" The Kumo commander asked.
"Then we will continue to battle until one side is declared the victor. We will not give up and we will protect our village to the very last man," Minato declared.
"Who would be your champion?" Kitsuchi asked folding his arms.
"We will choose a soldier from within out ranks. A very talented shinobi."
The Kumo commander smirked, "Too scared to fight yourself Minato?"
He didn't take the bait. "Your answer?"
"Let us see your champion!" Kitsuchi declared.
"No you will choose first," Minato answered folding his hands behind his back, "We will wait five minutes." He turned around, "Is he ready?"
Kakashi nodded, "He should be healed by now and ready to go."
"Good," Minato looked over at Itachi, "So you're thinking of negotiating with Haruno-senpai's daughter. I've heard she's a real ballbuster."
Itachi's lips quirked but he fought the smirk, "She has that reputation."
"Aw come now Itachi," Kagami nudged his shoulder, "You can be honest with us."
"She will be good for the clan."
"You sure about that?" Minato asked.
Itachi nodded, "I wouldn't ask her otherwise."
Kagami smirked, "Uh-huh coming from the most picky clan heir in the village. You like her don't you?"
"I have not spent any significant time in her presence to make such an assumption."
"You have never been one for idle gossip and that's something I've always admired about you Itachi," Minato stated folding his arms, "But if I do know you, she is something special for you to be asking for her hand."
Itachi and Kakashi exchanged a look. It was obvious they were both thinking of Seito's incident in the village.
"She is special in many, many ways," he answered glancing up at the general, "I'm negotiating for her because of how special she is."
Minato placed a firm hand on his shoulder, "I'm happy for you. I hope you'll be just as happy in your marriage as I am in mine."
He nodded in thanks feeling slightly uncomfortable with being the center of attention. Kakashi met his gaze again and offered him another nod of apology. Itachi concluded he must feel like shit still for putting Sakura in that position. That coupled with the revelation of her past abuse, he concluded that shitty probably didn't even cover how Kakashi felt.
But that was not his problem, Kakashi made his bed and now had to sleep in it. What was happening in the now was the most important. Minato turned around to address the remaining two commanders.
"You answer, Commanders."
The two of them straightened before turning to address Minato. "We do not want to be seen as cowards. Therefore we want to see your champion before we make a decision." Kumo stated.
"Opting to spare your men will not make you or your country look weak. If anything you would be seen as wise for sparing your men's lives."
"That is our decision to make Minato-san, show us your champion!"
Minato sighed then looked back at Itachi. He nodded keeping his face perfectly stoic.
"Haruno-san, front and center!" Minato called out.
Sakura took a deep breath before striding forward confidently. Once she stepped up beside Minato the cheers from Konoha were drowned out by the chorus of laughs across the field. She knew she didn't look intimidating and that was probably exactly what her commanders were going for. For now she would have to grin and bear it.
Manipulation at its finest once again. I hate politics.
"You will send a little boy out here to die?" Kitsuchi chuckled. "Please tell me that you take us more seriously than this."
"Oh we take you seriously enough. We have chosen one of our finest warriors to face your champion. Haruno-san shall you show them exactly who they are dealing with," Minato looked down at her and winked.
"All five sir?" She asked.
"Hai."
Sakura nodded then glanced at Itachi seeing him nod in approval. So taking another deep breath she strode forward then started her jutsu. Minato had ordered her to use all five elements so taking a page out of her spar with Itachi she decided to put on the same show. First she started with air, creating the protective sphere. Luckily those chakra pills boosted her enough to make this seem easy. Next came earth, with a loud rumble large boulders were broken into smaller pieces circling the outside of the sphere. Water and fire followed creating an X-formation. And with an added flourish considering there was no storm to help her out, Sakura shot a bolt of lightning from out of nowhere sending the charge around the sphere.
Kami it's great being me. She thought smugly.
The looks on the enemy's faces was one she wouldn't forget anytime soon. It was so very tempting to urge a fight to start with an arrogant, "what now bitches!" But of course she refrained. Konoha does have a reputation to uphold and it was Minato's decision not hers.
With a quick turn the air dissipated as did the fire. Water and earth hit the ground and Sakura shot the extra electricity into one of the rocks making it explode. Then without any undo flourish she made an about face, exposing her back to the enemy, and walked back to Minato's side. It took her focused mind another thirty seconds to detect the cheers emanating from Konoha and the reason behind them.
They are cheering me…because I'm powerful. Her lips quirked into a small smirk and she looked down to conceal her glee.
Minato though had no such inhibitions and allowed his confidence to show. "You have seen our choice of champion. Are we to see yours or are we calling a truce?"
Both Commanders exchanged looks then turned and looked at their troops. Even from across the field they could see the enemy's reluctance to face their champion. Kakashi's idea was brilliant.
Iwa spoke first, "We will call the truce. Konoha certainly has talented shinobi in the younger generation."
Minato nodded, "We do and Haruno-san is not the only one."
"Noted."
"Your name boy?" Kumo asked roughly.
Sakura raised her head staring the man dead in the face, "Haruno-san."
Kumo snorted, "Just as insolent as your old man."
"More so."
"I still owe him for this scar," his hand rubbed his cheek.
"Come anywhere near my father or family and I'll kill you myself," she growled taking a step forward. Itachi stopped her from advancing with a firm grip on her arm.
"I'd watch that tone," Minato warned the Kumo commander, "Making a threat against a Konoha citizen never sits well with me; especially in the situation we are currently in."
"Your name, Kumo-san," Sakura demanded pulling slightly on Itachi's grip.
He smirked at her, "Suzuki Taro."
"Noted and I never forget a face," she promised with a malevolent sneer.
He grinned at her tone then turned to address Minato, "We will withdraw. We accept your cease and desist until this conflict is over."
Minato nodded, "We will collect our dead. Once we are finished you may collect yours. If you attempt to attack my troops during this transition you will be met with lethal force. Once your dead are collected you will leave Fire Country. Your movements will be supervised by our troops. You will not be attacked during this time. I will be in contact with my Hokage to issue treaties and until that time no shinobi from your country is allowed to enter Fire Country. Do you agree to these terms?"
"We agree," Ao spoke.
"Agreed," Kitsuchi said.
"We will agree," Yoshi growled. Sakura narrowed her eyes at him. He returned her glare. And she got the distinct feeling that this wasn't going to be the last time she would see this man. She would remember his face because he threatened her father and her family. He jumped to number one on her shit list.
It was two hours after dark when the enemy force finished collecting their dead and crossed the border. Sakura was a member of the escort team considering she had been healed earlier and her presence definitely intimidated some of the shinobi. Of course she was basing that theory solely on the looks and glances she received. It definitely sent a strange thrill through her being feared by others, especially others from a different country. The only downside to this was the fact she was a boy and not a girl. What she wouldn't give to see their faces once they knew she was a woman instead of a man. That thought definitely made her grin.
She had passed by the medical tent at least three times just itching to walk in and help. But none of them knew she possessed medical knowledge, that was Sakura not Seito. It was honestly driving her nuts. The only thing keeping her outside the tent was the fact that there were no serious wounds being worked on. People either had a broken arm or leg or were dead. The sheer number of dead surprised her and sent a heavy feeling in her gut. Their army started out with around 5,500 shinobi and civilians. 2,300 remained alive. She even knew some of them, had trained some of them.
It felt very surreal.
Walking through the remnants of the battlefield almost felt like an out of body experience. Once the truce was called and the adrenaline gone she could really take in the scene. Blood and the early stages of decomposition were most prominent. That was followed by the smell of sulfur left over from the Uchiha's fire attack and exploding tags. Try as she might to not completely analyze the situation she found her mind acted without her consent. Red welts and mutated flesh were scattered all over the dead remains due to the acid rain. Luckily the acid quit spreading once the jutsu was deactivated. That would save most of the soft stomached men from completely up-chucking their last meal. She did volunteer to remove the bodies considering she had seen, touched, and examined worse than this during her apprenticeship to Tsunade.
Many of the men in the camp raided the town's tavern to celebrate their victory. Minato didn't stop them considering the odds against them; he was happy that so many had survived. He was even happier that the truce could be reached. Now all they had to do was find out what happened to Ame and Oto.
It was during this discussion that Sakura was walking passed Minato's tent and she overheard this conversation. And considering that she wanted to stay away from the celebrating troops she isolated herself from their frivolity and now found herself eavesdropping on a conversation she obviously shouldn't be eavesdropping on.
o0o
"We received a report yesterday before the attack that our Sound spy has been killed," Kagami said handing the report to Minato. "The Hokage wants us to send in a spy to try and infiltrate."
Minato sighed, "How many spies have been sent in?"
"This is the third man who has ended up dead," Itachi answered.
"What is Danzo doing about this?" Kakashi asked.
Kagami shrugged, "As far as I know he hasn't had any success infiltrating either. But nobody really knows what he does the majority of the time even if you are a part of the organization."
Minato nodded, "Unfortunately that's true. I know he and Hokage-sama grew up together but his standard of practice is very archaic. Some things need to change."
"Once the Hokage hands his hat over to you, you can be that change Minato-sensei," Kakashi said smiling at his master.
"I will do my best Kakashi," Minato returned his smile, "But for now we need to focus on the problem at hand. We need to know what Sound is up to and what is happening inside those walls. What experiments is that twisted leader conducting on his people? The threat against Konoha is very real and unfortunately the reports are all hearsay. We need concreate proof and evidence. We need someone to blend in and get us the information we need."
"It sounds like you need someone like me."
The four men looked up at the intrusion to see Seito standing before them.
Minato sighed, "Haruno-san please tell me you were not eavesdropping on a closed meeting."
She bowed her head, "I apologize Minato-sama but the present mood in the camp was not to my liking. I was walking when I overheard your conversation and I just…" she took a deep breath looking him right in the eye, "I know I'm the right person for the job."
"Seito-san I know you are a talented shinobi and we have definitely-"
"Please Minato-sama if you will just hear me out." Sakura was a little disappointed in amount of pleading she let leak through.
He sighed heavily before settling into a more comfortable position. "I'll listen to what you have to say son."
It's now or never. Breathe.
"First I think it'll make more sense if I show you why I'm the best candidate," she stated. Taking another deep breath she looked each man in the eye before reversing the body changes she enacted when she left. The first thing that changed was her adopted scent and she could feel the effect it had on Kakashi. She knew he had an impeccable sense of smell and this only proved it. Next were her reformed bones which cracked loud enough for even her to wince. That hurt just as much as when she first changed them.
"Fucking hell that hurts," she grumbled to herself not noticing that everyone heard it.
Her hair was next the dirty blonde color changing into her vibrant pink. Then with the final step releasing the tight hold over her chakra signature. A long breathy sigh accompanied the final change and it felt as if her entire body could now relax now that she was not pretending to be a man.
When she opened her eyes to look at her commanders she almost wanted to laugh at the shock prevalent in each of their faces.
"Seito-san?" Minato queried almost unsure to speak.
"My name is Haruno Sakura. Haruno Seito is a persona I created in order to join this army. With my father's injury he would not be able to fight in this war without ending up a dead body. And since my cousin, who stands to inherit the family business, is not yet old enough…I couldn't let my father be killed. It would've crushed our business as well as caused my mother and me a lot of grief." She took a breath then looked over at Itachi, "I'm honestly surprised you didn't figure it out."
"I-" he cleared his throat, "I suspected but…"
"You convinced yourself otherwise," she finished his sentence. "Yeah I understand. I figured if I acted like a self-righteous bastard people would leave me alone and respect me. Almost the complete opposite happened." She smiled to herself, "Huh weird."
"So your brother…is not real?" Kakashi asked narrowing his eyes. "This isn't some elaborate illusion?"
Sakura looked over at him, not wanting to answer considering she still disliked him. "Seito was the illusion Hatake-san. Don't forget I still don't like nor have I forgiven you."
He nodded in understanding.
"Sakura-san, do you know what the penalties are for joining the army especially since you're a woman?" Minato asked.
She nodded, "I do and if you see fit to carry out said punishment I won't stop you. Besides it's not the worst thing that could or has happened to me."
Both Kakashi and Itachi shifted uncomfortably.
"Alright," Minato looked at both men seated near him, "That's the second time you both have acted as such. What in the world is going on?"
"Actually Minato-sama," Sakura cut in, "That's my story to tell and also the reason why I think I'm perfect for this spy job."
"Then explain Sakura-san and be thorough please."
She nodded, "Hai. I think the reason why your spies have not been able to infiltrate is because they are all men. You said that the leader of Sound is recruiting women into whatever weird experiments . I'm your answer, one of the only female shinobi in the entire of Fire Country. I am Tsunade's apprentice in every single way. I'm a kunoichi of indescribable power and an accomplished medical ninja. You've seen it and I've proved it. I am the only logical choice that you have left."
Silence.
"And you plan for infiltration?" Minato asked softly.
She gulped, this was going to be embarrassing but necessary. She glanced over at Kakashi before turning back to Minato. "It's not pretty but it'll definitely get me in as long as I come across a supply train or something similar."
Without further ado and with slightly shaking hands Sakura removed her shirt.
"Sakura-san this is not necessary," Minato eyes widened.
"It is Minato-sama," she whispered removing her undershirt leaving her with her bindings that covered her entire torso and homemade armor. "This is the reason why I'm the perfect candidate. As Itachi and Kakashi-san know I had an unfortunate incident happen to me at six years old."
"Sakura…no please…" Itachi interrupted her.
She didn't respond to his plea, only turned around and ran a finger along the seam of her armor. None of it escaped their notice that it extended from her shoulders and hooked under lower body. Once the hooks were released using chakra she took off her armor feeling naked and vulnerable. A feeling that she suspected she was going to have to get used to.
"I was a victim of horrid abuse at six years old." She began undoing her bindings. "The blue lipped rapists came to my home and took advantage of my parent's absence. I'm not afraid of anything Minato-sama. I've faced the worst that life has to offer and I used my fear to become the strongest shinobi known to man. My father trained me until my knuckles bled and I fell to the ground in exhaustion. I have perfect chakra control and I'm able to completely separate my chakra from my life force and use both in combat."
Once the thick bindings were off she was left with the ones covering her breasts, the scars on her back on complete display; her female figure more prominent. She knew what they looked like, pale white, bulbous, jagged, ugly. A lot like how I see myself.
"Ugly aren't they? They are my reminder to not fear the world, my reminder to stay strong. This is what I warned you about Hatake-san, that night of the recruitment. I was willing to strip for you and I knew that once everyone got a good look at me I'd be lucky to end up with a farmer's son. But that didn't matter; as long as my father was and is safe…I will pay any price." She took a deep breath, "I might as well get used to people seeing them. After my display in Beppu everyone can't stop talking about it. My fault for losing my cool. Besides it'll be the new hot topic in Konoha's gossip ring for about the next month. Can't wait to see what everyone says about me now."
"Sakura-san…" Minato hesitated running a hand through his hair, "Please get dressed."
She shrugged, "Why, if there is a slave train or supply train going into Oto I might as well get used to it. Funny though, I've always been so meticulous about keeping myself covered. Always thinking to myself that if someone saw my scars," she looked at her hands to the scars she always kept hidden that were on full display, "That they would think little of me. That people would look down on me considering I'm marked and blemished. That's how society has forced us to think. Women are supposed to be pretty little decorations with smooth skin and submissive demeanors. I disagree. I don't feel weak anymore, now I feel empowered." She clenched her hands into fists savoring the new discovery of feelings.
Bending over she picked up her discarded undershirt and put it on before turning around. Minato had asked nicely after all.
"Here on this battlefield I felt no remorse for the lives I took. For once in my life my scars didn't matter. And now with the situation as it is they will also be my ticket into Oto. Whoever is running the show is taking volunteers. Why didn't Rain show up? Probably because they are in league with Sound. My scars will get me in. If I can fool you into believing that I was a boy then I can play the pathetic damsel in distress yet be the deadly ace in the hole. I'll go as far as it takes."
"No!" Itachi blurted out fisting his hands, "I won't allow it."
Sakura looked over at him, "What's different?"
Itachi took a deep breath before looking at her, "Not whatever it takes."
"Yes whatever it takes."
"No."
"Why?"
"Because whatever it takes is not needed nor is it required of you."
"You don't know that. The situation could be as such that whatever it takes is the only option."
"Then you need to get out of the situation before that happens," he grit out, fisting his hands again.
"No I don't. I'm a kunoichi of Konohagakure. I will complete my mission by any means necessary," she promised with a hard voice.
"The situation is different."
"Please explain."
"Willingness."
Sakura's eyes widened in surprise and slightly outrage. "What about any of this do you think I'm willing about?"
Minato cut it before thing got out of control, "I think we all just need to take a deep breath. First of all Sakura-san, how would we be able to communicate with you?"
"Kigechu." Right on cue her snake slithered out from her hip. "He's my bonded snake, more like an experiment in medical ninjutsu gone wrong. Tsunade and I still can't explain exactly what happened. She thinks it has something to do with life force being transferred but we're not completely sure. All we know it we share a bond, he will always find me, feel what I feel, do exactly as I ask. He changes sizes and color and is the sneakiest little thing I've ever seen. All he needs is to memorize someone's scent so he knows who to deliver messages to."
"Me," Itachi immediately volunteered. "I'll be the communicator."
Sakura nodded sending Kigechu over to Itachi, "Don't move. You may provoke him unnecessarily."
Her snake slithered up his leg tongue lapping up his scent and committing it to memory. Itachi remained stone still as it wrapped around his torso and throat. He could see the veiled amusement in Sakura's eyes as if she was waiting for him to flinch or protest. Not gonna happen, he thought. Only once the snake was finished did Minato address her again.
"Sakura-san, do you want to accept this spy mission?" He asked seriously.
"Hai Minato-sama, I don't see any other option. Every man that has ever been sent in as ended up dead. Do you see what I'm saying?"
He nodded, "I do."
"Who runs the Sound organization?"
"His name is Orochimaru, he's the-"
"Former student of the Hokage," she nodded, "I am familiar with him. I guess it's dumb luck that Kigechu is a snake."
Minato smirked at that, "Or fate. Maybe what happened to you is because this universe knew that at this point in time, we would need you. Your mission is this. Infiltrate Otogakure by any means you can. Find out the secret that Orochimaru is using to create his super warriors and report it back to me. If at all possible destroy anything that links to the super soldiers. Once the mission becomes too dangerous you are ordered to leave and come back here," he stared hard into her eyes, "Do you understand what I mean?"
She nodded with a solemn look on her face, "I understand Minato-sama. I will not disappoint you."
He nodded, "Go prepare you will leave in the morning."
With another bow Sakura picked up her remaining clothing and walked towards the exit. Before she stepped out she turned and looked at Itachi.
"For what it's worth, that night…the lake…was just as awkward for me as this situation probably is for you right now; maybe even more so considering. I can't believe I'm saying this but…I hope this doesn't change anything." Then she ducked out of the tent and left.
Itachi just sat there frozen in his seat.
I hope this doesn't change anything?
Why would she think that? If her past didn't matter to him why would this mission matter?
"Itachi."
He looked up to see Kagami staring at him with bewildered eyes.
"What in the hell are you still doing sitting here? Stop thinking and go after her!"
Sakura was mindlessly packing up all her gear. It almost felt as though she sentenced herself to the firing squad. She was definitely going to be at her most vulnerable during this mission. Possibly even more so than ten years ago. But that didn't matter, she had to put it out of her mind and focus on her mission. She had asked for it and now she needed to complete it. And to complete the mission she had to be seen as a weak civilian meaning no armor protecting her or anything that could identify her as a shinobi.
She was walking into a completely unknown situation and she was going to have to make the best of it and keep herself safe. She could do it, Sakura didn't train her whole life to be weak in the moment where it would count.
Her tent flap opened and she quickly drew a kunai from her pack turning abruptly to face the intruder.
Only to stop dead when faced with Itachi.
"Taichou?"
Her soft question loosened some of the tension in his shoulders, "I told you once…when we're alone to call me Itachi."
She put her kunai in her bag and turned away, "You gave Seito that right not me."
"Aren't you one in the same?"
Her lips quirked, "I guess that's true."
Hesitating for a moment he took slow steps towards her. He caught the wary look in her eyes as she stopped packing to watch his movements.
"I kept denying what I was seeing, even though it was right in front of me. And even now I still can't believe that you're actually here," he whispered.
She turned to face him fully, "I tried hard to stay under the radar the fact that I was…comfortable around you surprised even me."
He cleared his throat, "I want to explain about earlier."
"There's nothing to explain."
"Please," he leaned in a fraction, "Let me get this out."
She nodded folding her arms in front of herself.
"When I said willingness I didn't mean it in the sense that you took it. I meant in the way that you would just give up your life where three others have failed. I don't want you to go when there's a high probability that you will die."
"Itachi…" she bowed her head.
"I'm a selfish man, always have been. What I want I always get. I've been through many matchmaking seasons and you are the first woman I've ever wanted." He took another step closer to her making her tense. "It would be wrong of me to ask you to stay as a fellow shinobi. But as a man…I would hate myself if I didn't at least try to convince you to reconsider."
"Stop…please just stop."
"From the first moment I saw you, in the Hyuuga Compound, I was in awe of you. You took Hyuuga-sama's snide and condescending looks in stride and still kept your decorum. Then when I was spying at the matchmaker's house and you jumped over the wall flawlessly. And you put the other girl in her place without bowing down before her."
"Kigechu helped," she whispered still looking down. Her hands rubbed up and down her arms betraying her nervousness.
"He did, but only because of your command. You're true to yourself and I admire that about you."
"You don't really know me Itachi,"she glanced up at him.
He smirked, "Maybe not...but I have spent the last month with your imaginary brother or did you forget that."
That got her to smile a little.
"Tsunade-san gave me your profile."
"I know, she told me she would and you told me too."
"Onigiri is my favorite," he smirked holding her gaze.
Her hand covered her mouth as she chuckled. Her scars drew his attention as he reached for her hand, lightly tracing her scars with his thumb.
"I meant what I said at the lake," he blushed lightly, "Once this war is over and we're sent back home I will negotiate with your father."
She gasped pulling her hand away from his, holding them close to her chest. "Don't make promises. This war isn't over yet. We're still soldiers."
Making a bold move Itachi lifted her chin with one finger, their faces mere inches apart, "You have to survive. Promise me you will not die in this war."
"That's a stupid promise to make."
"Please," he whispered, "You are the girl I've been waiting for."
"I'm not marrying material Itachi. My reputation is ruined now that I've out-ed myself in this army. You cannot negotiate for me anymore. My tarnished image will blacken your clan's reputation."
"I don't care about that. I want you."
"You can't have me!"
"I'm a selfish man Sakura." She shivered at his tone. "And I always get what I want."
Without another word of protest Itachi gripped her chin and pressed his lips to hers. Sakura was frozen in shock, eyes wide open trying to process what the hell was happening. He was firm yet soft and warm with the way his lips pressed against hers. But this was wrong, he can't just take her first kiss away from her like that!
It took Itachi a moment before he realized Sakura slapped him. The stinging on his left cheek was steadily increasing as he lifted his own hand to rub it. For a moment he was relishing the feel of her lips against his and the next he was slapped away from her.
"Selfish or not Uchiha-taichou, you don't get to make demands of me or my person. And you definitely don't get to kiss me without my permission!" She was nervous and shaking yet her sharp jade eyes betrayed her anger. He watched as she tried to wipe the kiss for from her lips. "I have a job to do. I don't have time to sit here and think about you or your feelings. Kigechu has already memorized your scent and I've placed a seal on Yoru that will activate if I need him. Keep a quick release on his cart." She looked up seeing him staring at the floor his hand still on his cheek. "Goodbye Itachi."
Yes the slap was planning but a lot of the stuff in here literally just fell onto the page. Did it flow well? Was it too much? Let me know what you think in a review!