As luck may have it, there was absolutely nothing behind the waterfall. After running in circles for a while, Sakura finally came to a halt, an idea popping into her head.

"Wasn't this an organized mission?" Sakura called out.

"Yeah, why?" Naruto called back, cleaning something off his shoes.

"Because if Tsunade told someone we were to be here, wouldn't someone have come to meet us?" Sakura called.

"I'm guessing I made you wait a little too long." A dark yet cheery voice said, as a small man appeared from the shadows. "I'm Kikoro, and sorry for the wait." Kikoro said, his head cocked to the side. "You three can follow me." He finished.

The three gave each other a concerned look, before shaking it off and running to his side. After they all introduced himself, Kikoro began to explain more details on the mission.

"Lately many important people have died. Not just normal villagers, but people from the council too. We are all deeply concerned for our village leader as well. Many children have been reported missing, so we just want all this to end." He explained, a sad emotion clearly shown on his face.

"But usually, higher-ups can easily defend themselves, right?" Sakura asked, concerned.

Kikoro shook his head. "They've died in their sleep from some unknown drug. We have yet to find out who this is." He lifted his head up, a happy expression returning. "Well, we just have to dive into this pool. I want you to follow me from there." Kikoro said, waiting for the other's approval before jumping in.

--

"Shizune!" Tsunade said, not happy at all. "Have you spread the word of the betting pools? Absolutely no one has made any bets!" she yelled, her desk jumping up and down every time she slammed her foot down.

"Lady Tsunade, I spread the word but maybe everyone agrees with Kakashi and Kurenai, that-" Shizune started, but was cut off.

"Spread the word that EVERYONE in the village has to vote. Okay?" Tsunade said. Of course, Shizune nodded and ran off. What had gotten into Tsunade?

--

Coughing, four air-deprived heads rose from the water, swimming ashore. The village was full of people, and the three genin were soon brought to a hotel.

"You three will be staying here. If you need anything, just meet me at a small house down the block." Kikoro smiled and left the three to check in.

Three beds that seemed to have been made for them. Sakura's bed was completely pink, Naruto's was orange and yellow, and Hinata's was purple and black. It was rather eerie actually.

The Waterfall village had a sky that almost seemed fake. Maybe it was the sky overall, but it certainly did give the village a dark color.

Hinata was too busy with thinking of how she was going to get Naruto alone than anything else, and her eyes seemed to grow more and more dull as the day went on. However, Naruto was his usual self. Loud, obnoxious, and hyperactive.

What if she just asked to be alone? It would probably work, and it was worth a try anyway, right?

"Uh…um, Sakura? Could I talk to Na…Naruto alone for a minute?" Hinata said lightly, blushing a deep red.

"Eh? Yeah, sure…" Sakura said, stepping out onto the balcony while the two talked. Was Hinata finally going to come out with it? It was no business of hers, anyway. Maybe it would finally keep Naruto from clinging to her…

"What is it, Hinata?" Naruto said, concerned. His baby blue eyes gave off an interesting look, and he'd have looked stupid to everyone except Hinata.

"Na..Naruto…I…I…" Her face was purple, and all oxygen was escaping from her lungs. She was going to black out, she truly was. That was until Naruto caught her, and as terrifying as that was she forced herself to say it.

"I LOVE YOU!" She screamed, loud enough for Sakura to hear. If you think about it, that's probably why Sakura stayed outside for so long.

Naruto dropped Hinata, who's head smashed to the ground. How was he supposed to react? What was he supposed to say? Is that why Hinata had always been so weird around him? Not knowing what else to do, he ran straight out of the motel and far, far away. May as well see the village while he was thinking some things out, no?

Sakura was to busy examining the villagers. Who was a ninja and who wasn't? While doing so, a familiar hairstyle passed. "Sasuke?" Sakura said rather loudly to herself. There was no way it could be him, even if they did have similar hair. She was so sure of herself until he turned around, and Sakura backed herself up into a chair. What was going on here? Her green eyes were as wide as they could possibly get, and her mouth was practically smashing through the floor. Pulling herself together again, she ran to the edge of the balcony.

"Sasuke? Is it really you?" Sakura called. He took a few steps back until he was directly under her.

"Yes it is." Sasuke said. As much as she hated to admit it, he was somehow cuter. His wardrobe had changed for the worse, but no matter.

"You…you want to come up?" Sakura called, and was very surprised that he nodded, and used a substitution jutsu to appear behind her.

"Why are you here? Didn't you go to Orochimaru?" Sakura asked, her voice shaky and her pink hair covering her eyes.

"I needed to get away for a little." Sasuke replied.

"You left and I hated you for it, but I really missed you. As much as I don't want to I couldn't help it." Sakura said. "Naruto is with me! You want to see him?" Sakura asked, her face lighting up a little more.

"Lets keep this between us. I'd rather not have him know, considering our last fight." Sasuke stated, completely ignoring the previous statement made by Sakura.

Before long, the two had gotten to talking, and Sasuke found he ACTUALLY enjoyed talking to Sakura. She wasn't being clingy, or trying to impress him. She had really grown up.

-Yes, it took long. Sorry for that, I'm a little busy with school. Please comment!-