Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto
Arigatou;thank-you;Do itashi mashite; you're welcome
The Hush of Mist Above Crimson
Chapter seven
-THE MEETING OF THE KAGE-
Sakura woke to a white ceiling that was darkened by the lack of light in the hospital room. The black night clawed at the window by her bed, its shadow evened out by the lamp that stood on a small wooden stand next to her.
Blinking a few times, she let the memories of the day come flooding back to her in a rush of pain and excitement. Sakura tore her blank lime eyes from the ceiling to look out the foggy window. She winced, feeling a strain in her neck indicating she had been sleeping for a while.
The Haruno was too out of it to show surprise when she heard well paced footsteps approaching from behind her. She turned to see Sasuke who had stopped beside the hospital bed. He ran his charcoal eyes over her splayed pink hair on the pillow, then to her freshly bandaged side and frowned.
"Does it hurt?" He asked in a somewhat gruffy voice. It was simple to infer he hadn't had much sleep from the slightly darker circles beneath his eyes.
"Not really," she lied, turning her head back to the window. "How long have I been sleeping? I think they gave me too much medication.", she managed a small smile.
"It could have been worse."
He was right, she thought, her eyes clouding at the memory of what happened after returning to the hospital in Konoha.
- - -
Sakura inhaled deeply like the nurse had instructed her to after putting a transparent mask over her mouth and nose. Her eyes fluttered close on Tsunade leaving the room as the drowsiness kicked in, numbing the throbbing pain in her side.
Sasuke stood near the doorway with Kakashi, Naruto and a petite nurse in a modest snowy uniform.
"You are very lucky you brought her here when you did." she said, picking up her clipboard to press it to her chest. "If the wound had been any deeper..." The young woman continued, her voice softening. She looked sadly to Sakura. "It's good she didn't try to heal herself in that state either. Even as a medic, I'm surprised she remained conscious with such a large loss of blood."
"She's strong." Naruto assured her with a grin that held a hidden sadness. She returned the smirk with a nod. "She must be. Anyways, now that Tsunade-sama has healed the internal damage, the skin needs some time to take hold again. Just let her stay here for a while."
"Arigatou." Kakashi gave a curt nod.
"Do itashi mashite."she replied with a smile before leaving the room.
Sakura's head was beginning to pound from the strain of resistance. She wanted to hear more about the mission. Finally, she surrendered to the sleep welcoming her with open arms and fell blissfully unconscious.
Sasuke stopped leaning against the pale blue wall to follow Naruto and Kakashi out of the room but nearly bumped into Naruto when he stopped suddenly in the doorway.
"Sasuke." Kakashi said, turning around. Naruto stepped out from in between them.
"Yes.", he answered, trying not to sound irritated.
"I want you to stay here and watch Sakura until she wakes up."
Sasuke didn't have that much of a problem with staying but what of the mission report? "But there's nurses." He said, briefly looking back to the nurse on a stool beside Sakura's bed. She looked assuringly concentrated as she readied something in front of her.
"Yes, but the nurses have other patients and can't be here the whole time. She'll be needing reassurance when she come-to."
"I understand." Sasuke answered after a moment. "are you going to file a mission report now?"
"Hai, I'll have Naruto tell you how it goes right after."
"Sure." Naruto answered when Kakashi looked threateningly towards him.
"Alright, but what do I do while..." Sasuke trailed off, referring to Sakura's state.
"I'll call you when I'm finished."
Everyone turned to look at the nurse who had overheard their conversation.
"Thanks." Sasuke said, stepping out of the room with the other two.
She only 'mmhmm'ed as an answer.
"See you later Sasuke." Naruto mumbled once outside and began walking in the opposite direction as him along with Kakashi.
"Hmm." Sasuke didn't even bother to look back.
After an impatient stay in the waiting room Sasuke was led back to Sakura by the nurse. She smiled like she knew something he didn't before closing the door behind her, leaving him and his teammate alone.
He sighed and took a place on a chair in the corner. He looked around everywhere in the room except for the hospital bed. Finally, he cast a worried gaze to Sakura and his eyes immediately softened. She wore a pained expression on her usual happy face while she slept. Her playful features outlined in the light of her nightstand lamp.
Sasuke averted his eyes for his own sake to look out the window. The sun was just setting.
Shortly after Sasuke settled down with a magazine- that he was really to distracted by his thoughts to have his full attention on- Naruto came in. He quickly stood up to speak with him outside. The gas that had put Sakura to sleep had worn off long ago and she slept in earnest exhaustion.
Sasuke said nothing, certain this fool would start on his own, and he did. "Tsunade called a meeting of the Kage." Naruto said with restrained excitement. "Excluding the Mizukage of course." he continued.
Sasuke remained silent, though Naruto could see his surprise. "When?", he managed to let out.
"Two weeks from now. Kakashi-sama and I were gonna come back here to wait with you for Sakura but since we were both closest Tsunade assigned us as messengers..."
"And you have to go right away." Sasuke finished. He didn't say anything for a moment."Did she mention why there's going to be such a meeting?"
Naruto appeared dumbfounded. "You didn't think she would let something like the Mizukage's Jounin murdering our suspect and the kidnapping of her own apprentice skip, did you?"
"Hmph." he looked away.
"Well, we're leaving soon and I still have to pack so I'll see you when I get back from sand. Take good care of Sakura!" Naruto called behind him, already walking away.
"Yeah." Sasuke muttered, putting his hands in his pockets.
"By the way, " Naruto turned around, "the old woman wants us at the meeting too."
"Why?" Sasuke immediately regretted asking. Naruto was giving away explanations like candy and as much as Sasuke wanted to be there when the report was given- he wasn't.
"We are witnesses to the strange behavior, heh." He spun on his heel, "later."
"Whatever."Sasuke walked back into her room.
- - -
"You're right, it could have been worse."Sakura agreed nodding slightly.
"Hungry?" Sasuke asked innocently,eager to change the subject. He figured he should ask her anyway. She was awake, his job was almost over, but why not fill her in over some dinner?
"Um...yes actually." She admitted shyly.
"Be right back then.", and with that he turned and left the room.
After about five minutes he returned with two soups and a bottled water. He put the soup and drink on the stand next to her and helped Sakura sit up. She had to hold her breath while she did. Her side was in enough pain with her being so still. The skin there was still tender and her muscle tissue felt like it had been torn to pieces then reconstructed.
No wonder, it had been.
And then there was her unstable emotions. She was happy she was safe, yet terrified of what would come next, but still excited for the adventure. She was waiting to get back out there, yet dreading it at the same time.
Her train of thoughts went quietly on in her subconscious while Sasuke calmly explained the situation between sips of his miso soup. Sakura listened, stirring the tofu up in the thin broth while the chilly night droned on outside the dim hospital windows.
.x.x.x.x.
A week went by slow for Sakura but she had healed quickly. All that remained after eight days were a small scar and the growing hatred for the corrupted Jounin on Mist. With the rest of her time, Sakura trained. She pushed herself as hard as she would go, ignoring Tsunade's warnings. She wanted to be equal to Sasuke and Naruto. She wanted to be able to handle herself and still have energy to spare.
She went over the mistakes she made in battle in her mind. Failure was no longer an option since if there ever were to be a next time she could be certain that being rescued by an undercover Sand nin wasn't going to be likely.
The rest of the village waited in anticipation for the meeting of the four shadows.
And then it came.
.x.x.x.x.
It took three days travel to the village hidden in the sand where the meeting was ultimately held. Though Konoha had issued the meeting, Gaara had insisted it be in Sand. Due to the fact his brother was badly injured from one of his own missions and he worried to leave his side. At least until he had enough strength to move on his own again.
After arriving, each village quickly entered the government building to be ushered into grand oak seats around a large table in the meeting hall. For being so close to winter sand still felt just as hot and humid as the last time they'd been there.
Gaara, the Kazekage, was already seated when Naruto, Sasuke, Sakura and the Godaime entered. Tsunade took note of the blond girl standing behind Gaara as she watched the other shadow take their places. Guards stood idly at the doors, reminding them of how official this was.
Naruto watched in hidden awe after they all had been seated. He still couldn't get over how intimidating the Kage appeared. Even Tsunade seemed to have an amplified aura of authority with her Hokage headdress on.
The fire shadow, the lightning shadow, the wind shadow and the earth shadow all in the same room made him the slightest bit antsy. Naruto was rumored to have no equal in strength as a shinobi...except for these four. They could kill him before he even realized he was in danger.
Tsunade explained the situation at a good pace with a serious expression on her face. At times she called on Naruto, Sasuke or Sakura to fill them in on important details. After she finished there was a heavy silence, her last words echoing through everyones head, challenging them, prodding at their pride.
"It all starts here. Who knows exactly what he's hiding or which one of us he will target next? Either we stick together or fall to war one by one."
"It's not just us we have to worry about," Gaara said quietly, "our countries. Our people. I had Tabenomaru sent to Mist immediately after Yukio was chosen to become Mizukage. Something wasn't right with the strange way Azamaki-sama had been acting. She knew something was wrong. And when he was assassinated...there had been rumors that Yukio had ties with Orochimaru not long ago. I didn't think much of it until now."
"But what proof do we have of this corruption other than a rumor and a few deaths? Honestly, how can we be so sure that those two just didn't like Ishimaru.", reminded the lightning shadow.
The earth added in wisely, "True, but it in any case, it appears quite obvious he does not want anyone meddling in his business and he is willing to go as far as kidnapping or maybe even killing whoever nears the answers to our questions."
"I say we send ninja back."
They turned to face Tabenomaru's fierce green eyes.
"It's the only way to get proof. Pardon me but you can discuss the matter all you like, it will not change what's happening there."
Some of their faces hardened and Gaara wondered if he should tell her to step down. He decided against it as she continued. Maybe they would see it now. "I saw it in his eyes, I heard it in his voice. He doesn't care for your countries, much less his own people. He will kill again and making up excuses for it every time will not benefit anyone but the murderer himself. If you want answers, you need to go out and look for them. They are not handed over to you on a platter."
It became silent again in the room. Sakura, Naruto and Sasuke were the slightest bit shocked at her boldness but the truth of her words agitated the lighting and earth shadows and they knew it. Tsunade seemed intrigued while the wind shadow seemed insulted.
"Hmm.", one of them said after a moment. "The girl is right."
"I agree, we send some back there."
"For the protection of our people." muttered the wind shadow, raising her head.
Gaara folded his hands together on the table,"But who will go?"
"We need shinobi we can trust since in the end it will be their word against his. That is if they even make it back to share." Mused the earth Kage.
"These three." Tsunade said without a second thought.
Sakura's heart caught in her throat. So maybe there would be a next time.
"They may be young but that just adds bravery and wit to their talent. If Mist really is involved with Azamaki-sama's murder then after this incident Konoha will most likely be targeted first. Why send Sand, Earth and Wind ninja on the possible behalf of the fire country."
"And can we trust them?" asked the earth shadow.
Naruto suppressed a scoff at the coldness in his voice.
"I trust these three with my life." Tsunade said earnestly.
Sakura smiled at her teacher and tried to look brave.
Naruto clenched his fists behind her in excitement. Those people would get what they deserved.
Sasuke watched the scene in mild interest. If he went he only wanted one thing- to make Nikko and Nyoko pay and he didn't care how he got it done.
After a bit of pondering Gaara of the sand spoke. "Alright, but on the condition that one of my best come along with you. Tabenomaru knows the land well and has gathered much information about the ninja and security there."
"I see no problem in that." The earth shadow nodded his head.
"If you play your cards right, this could work."
"No," Tsunade glanced to the three ninja behind her, "it must work."
.x.x.x.x.
Four days later on a cool night in Konohagakure, Sakura tidied up dinner in her cozy apartment. Naruto chatted with some other shinobi around her kitchen table. She had insisted that the others come over for a nice supper the night before their departure, since there was always the bleak possibility that it would be the old squad sevens last.
Ten-ten, Lee, Ino, Chouji and the infamous Nara Shikamaru were laughing hold heartedly at on of Naruto's jokes. Hinata blushed and shook her head in playful disapprovement while Neji sat there with a small smile, sipping sake in the strange elegant way he did everything else.
The apartment was nicely lit up and music played softly from the living room stereo. The atmosphere was a picture of peace.
Sasuke sat on a stool, staring into his sake cup, absentmindedly spinning it on the counter. He had long ago blocked out the chattering voices of his friends behind him. He felt some unexplainable need to think about something. About anything. One slip up tomorrow meant certain death . How did Nyoko know Sakura? How had Yukio been connected to Orochimaru in the past? Did he kill Azamaki only for the sake of being head ninja? Could this start a war between the countries...
He felt a hand on his shoulder. "Hey, are you alright?"Sakura's soft voice broke through his numb exterior.
"Huh? Yeah. Just a bit tired. I'm going to go get some fresh air." Sasuke responded, standing. He graced her with a polite nod and then walked past the group out onto the balcony, sliding the glass door shut behind him.
Sakura stared at the door for a moment with concern in her eyes, then dried her hands on the tea towel she was holding and sat down next to Naruto.
Outside the air had a refreshing chill to it. The voices and music sounded muffled, drowning in the thick glass panels. Sasuke leaned forward against the railing and looked out onto the city. The light from the evening lanterns lit the streets and scattered people in the shops below.
He exhaled loudly, running his fingers through his hair. As Sasuke thought back on things, replayed all the information he'd gathered in the last few days over in his mind, it started to all make sense. The subtle comments, the way that girl looked at him back in room with Yukio...Orochimaru. He did this to that family.
Years ago, when he was with Orochimaru a deal had been made between Yukio and Sasuke's former master. It promised the Komotaro clan power and wealth if they sided with him in the last attack against Konoha. A family in the lightning country had agreed, as well as an outraged old man in Sand.
Sasuke scowled as he thought of it. He hadn't minded at the time but...these people were all traitors, worthless cowards in his eyes now.
In the end he had chosen his path. Orochimaru lied to him so many times, in so many ways just to get what he wanted and he almost lost his life in his foolish stumble for power.
But he underestimated me...
He fed Sasuke powers over the years like a mother feeds her new born breast milk- all the while believing he would benefit by ultimately claiming the Uchiha's body. The sannin was killed by the same ruthless strength that he bestowed upon his murderer.
It was the ultimate betrayal.
Sasuke's will and lust for power got him that far so he left that place in search of his brother. He was wounded, but blinded by violent fury and rage that muted out his mild confusion and suppressed his need to think about what he was planning on doing. In that moment, he wanted Itachi dead so badly it sent an anxious rush through the whole forest. Nothing could be at peace just knowing he was there.
Kabuto fled in terror to Mist and told Yukio the deal was off for the almighty Orochimaru had been murdered by his very own apprentice. This enraged him throughly so he send his best Jounin- the cream of Mists elite- to seek out and destroy Sasuke for his betrayal. This was costing Yukio more than just a stab at the Leaf, it was costing him his honor.
The group of ninja, Nyoko being one of them, caught Sasuke on his search for Itachi only days after he had left the lair. After a long and bloody battle he was left there on Konoha's border to die leaving only three of Mists ninja alive to report back. They retreated, two badly injured, one almost entirely untouched knowing the boys wounds would be fatal.
And then, by fate, Sakura came that same night to bring him back...
The word spread to Mist quickly that Sasuke had returned and was in the one place Yukio and his followers could not go without arousing suspicion from his father or brother. In Konohagakure.
After the punishment the surviving received for failing their mission, a deep hatred was born for the pink haired kunoichi.
She saved him. She disgraced them.
'That must be why she attacked her. Because of me...for saving me?' Sasuke backed up from the balcony's railing and slid down on the wall beside the floor. He let the cool air wrap around him and tried to ease his mind.
He was in the process of thinking up a way to fix this when he heard the door slide open. There was a pause before it closed and hesitant footsteps approached. He felt someone sit down beside him and by the sweet scent and gentle sigh he knew it was Sakura.
"Hey...you sure you're alright?" she asked softly, "I mean, you seem a little distracted..."
Sasuke thought about how to answer that for a while but then decided it would probably be in her best interest if she didn't know. Not before the big day tomorrow; even she can get reckless.
"It's nothing. Looks like you're getting most of your strength back. You think you'll be at one hundred percent tomorrow?"
"I have to be." she replied with a smile Sasuke couldn't see but heard in her voice. The two sat there for a while, leaning up against the wall, breathing in the crisp air and staring up at the milky white stars splattered across the sky.
"Sakura," Sasuke said in a tone she had never heard before.
"Mhmm?"
He hesitated. "I'm sorry for hurting you the day I left. I never apologized about it and I don't want to die with stale regrets on my mind." There I go sounding like a jerk again... "That's not why I'm apologizing though. You really didn't deserve what I put you through."
Sakura didn't speak right away and he immediately felt doubt. Maybe she would hit him for thinking she wanted to hear a lousy sorry now.
Truth was, she was letting it all sink in. The apology could almost be classed as random or rushed but for some reason, she didn't mind. She felt relieved, satisfied. "Well," she started feeling a lot bolder. Sakura looked away from the stars to see the side of his face. His peach skin seemed pale in the moonlight and his eyes like pools of coal. Confused, angry, scared and...regretful. "The pain of loss...", she murdered looking away for a moment before continuing. "It's a small price to pay for what I feel when I'm with you." Sakura watched in a mix of anxiety and amusement as his faced changed, somehow and he turned to face her looking straight into her eyes. She couldn't handle the intensity of his stare so she shyly looked away but moments later felt Sasuke's hand touch the side of her face and lightly turn it towards him a soft blush playing on her cheeks.
Her eyes fell back on his and she found herself unable to look away again.
Her chest tightened. His breath caught in his throat.
"Thank-you." he whispered, inches from her face. She let the sincerity of his words sink into her soul. Sasuke slightly opened his mouth like he was going to say something but then stopped.
His hand left a tingling trail down her cheek as he dropped it back to his side. He then, wordlessly stood and walked back into the apartment.
Sakura heard the sound out off again as the door closed, leaving her stunned and alone on the balcony.
Did they just almost...
She bit her lip and looked back up to the stars, the soft light reflecting in her eyes.
'What does the future hold for me?'
End Chapter seven
Hey, I noticed the increase in people reading the story so I decided on an update.
Please review and tell me what you think!
- autumn fortress