Ok before you read this chapter I want to clarify a few things. I don't know anything about the other members of team snake except that Jugo has a split personality, Suigestu uses Zabuza's sword and isn't afraid of Sasuke, and Karin is obsessed with Sasuke. If anyone wants to give me some help with their personalities it will be more than welcomed.
On that note I do have a question about Jugo. What makes his other personality show up? I don't know if it's a just poof there it is or if something has to happen for it to show. I did use one small thing that would trigger it in this chapter but I'm not sure if it's right, wrong, or indifferent.
Anyways I would also like to thank the reviewers for this story. Y'all seem to like the story a lot and that makes me happy -. I want to give a special thanks to two of the reviewers. asuka02redeva sent a review that gave me an idea for the next chapter. Also a thanks to a single water lily blooms for the suggestions about jugo's character. I'm trying to keep them in character but I don't know much about Jugo so I'm going off the little i've been able to find.
Disclaimer: I don't own Naruto and I probably never will...though I won't complain if someday I do
Ch. 7: The Fight Begins
"WHAT DO YOU MEAN SHE'S STAYING WITH YOU?!"
Team Snake arrived back at the Sound Village a few days after leaving Konoha. They each had been heading to their respective homes when Karin had shouted. She had just discovered that Sakura was staying in Sasuke's apartment. That might not have been so bad except she knew that Sasuke only had one room in his apartment. That meant that Sakura would be staying in his room...with him...alone. Karin couldn't stand the idea.
"Damn, Karin. Did you have to say it so loud? Now I won't be able to hear for a week," Suigetsu said.
"Didn't you hear him? She's staying in his apartment," she said.
"Yes I heard him. Why does it matter?"
The red head glared at him with annoyance, "Because he's mine, not hers."
"I don't remember him agreeing to be yours," the swordsman commented.
"He didn't have to say anything. I just know," Karin said smugly.
"Right...then he won't be doing anything with Sakura so you have nothing to worry about."
"Oh, there's no talking to you."
She stormed off after saying that. Suigetsu watched her walk away then shook his head at her. Maybe he should stop annoying her but it was just so much fun. He turned and began to walk to his apartment.
Jugo had watched the entire thing with amusement. After they were out of sight he went to his own home.
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Sakura and Sasuke walked into his apartment only to find Kabuto there. Sasuke stayed in front of Sakura so that he could shield her from any attack. He trusted Kabuto less than he did Suigetsu. At least Suigetsu was stable but the jury was still out on Kabuto's state of mind.
Kabuto smirked, "Welcome back, Sasuke. Did you have a nice trip?"
"What do you want, Kabuto?"
Orochimaru's medic responded with, "Tsk, tsk. That's no way to great a guest. You really should be taught manners, Sasuke."
"I'm not in the mood for your games, Kabuto. Just tell me what you want or get out."
"Believe it or not, Sasuke, I didn't come here to see you."
"Then why the hell are you here?"
"To see her," Kabuto said pointing at Sakura.
Sakura looked around for a moment for the girl he was talking about then she realized she was the only girl there. Her eyes widened in surprise then she pointed to herself in question. Kabuto nodded in conformation. Sasuke got pissed.
"What do you want with her?" he growled.
"I was going to show her around the village if she wanted."
Before Sakura could respond Sasuke did, "No way in hell is she going anywhere alone with you."
Sakura looked at him in shock. He had never sounded so... Well she didn't know but she hadn't heard him sound that way before. If she didn't know better she would have said protective but this was Sasuke. He didn't feel protective about anything especially her.
"I believe that Sakura is perfectly capable of deciding for herself whether she wants to go or not. Aren't you?" Kabuto had suddenly turned his attention to her.
Sakura's eyes narrowed, "If you're hoping I'll go against Sasuke-kun's wishes then I'm sorry to disappoint you. If he doesn't want me to go then I won't. Especially beens he doesn't seem to trust you and he would know better than me."
"Can't make up your own mind?" Kabuto teased her.
She pretended to give the matter her utmost attention and then said, "No."
Sasuke found himself smirking at her response. Sakura always did have a backbone. It must have been all those fights with Ino. It would take a lot of backbone to compete with Ino's absolute confidence in herself.
Kabuto shrugged, "Fine. Your loss. I'll see you later."
With that he was gone. Sasuke wondered what Kabuto was up to. The medic never did anything without a reason even when he was having an insane moment. What did he want with Sakura? Well, it didn't really matter. If Kabuto went anywhere near her Sasuke would personally rip him apart.
"Sasuke-kun, are you hungry?"
Sasuke looked over to her and nodded.
"I'll make us something to eat then," she said while walking towards the kitchen.
Sasuke watched her disappear into the kitchen and then headed for the shower. He wasn't nothing more that to take a moment to relax. It had been a very stressful week. Not that he would admit that out loud. He would never let anyone see him in a moment of weakness...ever. He had been in there for a few minutes when there was a knock on the bathroom door.
"What is it?" he called.
"Dinners ready when you are. Don't rush though it'll still be there when you're done," Sakura's voice came through the door.
Sasuke allowed a smile to form. She was always taking care of him. He quickly finished his shower because he knew she would wait on him before eating herself. He didn't want that. She needed to take care of herself instead of worrying about him after all. Besides, he didn't deserve her kindness. He didn't deserve any kindness, especially from her. Not after all the things he had done to her.
He walked into the kitchen and saw her sitting by at the table. She smiled at him when she saw him walk in. Sasuke saw that the plates were already out and the food was already on them.
"Hello, Sasuke-kun. I waited on you before eating."
'I knew she would,' he thought to himself with a smirk.
"Come on, Sasuke-kun. Sit and eat," she ordered.
He didn't fight her. Why bother? He was hungry anyways. So he sat and began to eat. She joined him once she saw that he was going to eat. Sasuke shook his head at her. Did she think he would starve himself? The girl really did take too much time to take care of him.
"Why?"
She looked at him in surprise, "Why what, Sasuke-kun?"
He shook his head, "It's nothing. Forget it."
Sakura looked at him for a moment before smiling. 'What was that about?' she thought to herself. He seemed so confused about something. Sasuke had almost asked about it but he changed his mind for some reason. She wondered why. What was so confusing to him and why didn't he want to talk about it? 'And he called me confusing,' she thought. He noticed her staring and for a moment their eyes met. She blushed and quickly began eating again.
Sasuke felt her eyes on him. He had looked up and saw her green eyes looking at him. She had blushed and looked away. Her eyes were really beautiful. They always expressed everything she felt. Any emotion that she had flew across her eyes for the whole world to see. He had often wondered how she could be so trusting. How could she let others see her heart so easily without worrying? That wasn't all that he wondered about. He also wondered about his own feelings. Sometimes if he looked into her eyes he found himself drowning in them . At that point all he wanted was to wrap his arms around her and... He shook the thoughts out of his head. They kept sneaking up on him. He suddenly realized someone was calling him.
"What?" he asked Sakura.
She shook her head at him, "Are you alright? I've called you about three times now."
"I was thinking."
"Oh, alright. As long as you're ok," she said uncertainly.
"I'm fine. What did you want, Sakura?"
She smiled at him, "I wanted to know if you were done eating. If you are I was going to take care of the dishes."
He looked at his plate. It was empty so he guessed that meant he was done. He nodded his head to Sakura. She smiled and began clearing the dishes. He was just about to help when there was a knock on the door. So instead he answered the door. There stood Karin wearing a seductive smile.
"Hello, Sasuke. I decided to come pay you a visit. You are here alone with that girl so I figured you would want some company. Maybe have a little fun while I was here."
He kept the disgust from his face but just barely. It had to show in his eyes. If it did though Karin didn't notice it. She reached up and placed her hand on his chest. The red head leaned forward.
"Hey, Sasuke-kun, where is...your...dish detergent," the last of the sentence trailed off because Sakura had seen them.
Sasuke looked at her and saw the flash of pain in those expressive green eyes. He suddenly realized how he and Karin must look standing there like they were. The Uchiha felt like punching something and Karin was suddenly looking like a good target. Sakura turned and headed back to the kitchen.
"Sorry. I'll find it on my own," she mumbled.
"Sakura wait," Sasuke started after her but Karin gripped his arm.
"Let her go. She's a complete waste of your time anyway."
Sasuke looked back at her. She took a step back in fear. The look in those onyx eyes would send even Orochimaru running.
"Don't you ever say that about her again. She's worth more than you could ever imagine being. Now let me go and get out of my house or I'll throw you out," he growled.
Karin ran off immediately. She knew better than to mess with Sasuke when he had that look in his eyes. People who crossed him tend to die when he had that look in his eyes. She knew that as long as Sakura was around he would never be hers. That left just one option. Sakura would have to go and soon.
---------------------------------------------------
Sasuke went into the kitchen. Sakura was in there cleaning. She had tears running down her face. He didn't like that. He especially didn't like knowing he was the cause of it. He walked up her and wrapped his arms around her.
"Stop crying," he ordered gruffly.
He was doing it again he noted. Changing his normal character just to make her feel better. He couldn't stop himself and a part of him didn't want to. She was crying and he would do anything to make her stop even allow his emotions free for a moment.
"I'm sorry. I know you hate..." she didn't get to finish.
"Don't apologize. Yes I hate it when you cry but I don't want your apology. I want you to stop crying."
"I'm sor..."
He turned her to face him, "Sakura, stop apologizing. There's nothing between me and Karin. She wishes there was but there isn't. She pulls stunts like that all the time and she thinks one day I'll give in."
Sasuke didn't know why he was explaining himself to her. It didn't really matter if she believed there was something between him and Karin or not. At least that's what he told himself.
Sakura gave him a small smile, "I should have known. Actually I did. It was just that..."
Sasuke shook his head, "You don't have to explain. Just know the truth. Karin means nothing to me and never will."
Sakura nodded.
"Better?" he questioned.
She nodded again so he backed away. He wished he could explain his actions to himself. They didn't really make any sense even to him and they were his actions. He hadn't thought about them. He just did. Sasuke shook his head. One of these days he would sit down and examine his feelings but he didn't have time right now. He had to get rid of Orochimaru and avenge his clan. He didn't have time for silly emotions.
"I'll finish the kitchen now," Sakura said.
Sasuke nodded and then began to help like he had intended all along. Sakura was briefly surprised but then she just shrugged. This was his house. He may feel responsible for helping to clean it. She really shouldn't be surprised.
"I'm sorry for over reacting earlier. I know you can't stand her," she said quietly.
Sasuke shook his head, "Don't worry about it."
Sakura smiled at him but knew she would worry about it. Where Sasuke was concerned she would always worry. As much as she would love to not worry that just wasn't an option. She cared about him too much. That was all there was too it. She loved him and that meant she worried whether they liked it or not. Well,she would worry as long as she knew she could never have him. If he was hers she would have a lot less to worry about. Then all she would have to be concerned about was his health.
When they finished the kitchen Sasuke told her to go on to bed. She started towards the room when she realized that he didn't have another bedroom. She turned to face him.
"Where are you going to sleep?"
He motioned towards the living room. She guessed that meant the couch. The medic nibbled on her bottom lip for a moment. She didn't want to make him sleep on the couch. This was his apartment after all. Then again to keep him from sleeping on the couch she would either have to share the bed with him or sleep on the couch herself. It didn't take her long to decide that she wouldn't let him sleep on the couch in his own place.
"You can keep your room. I'll sleep on the couch."
He shook his head.
"Don't argue with me. I'm not going to take your bed. It is after all your bed."
Sasuke smirked. She had always been too stubborn for her own good. He grabbed her wrist when she started for the living room to stop her. He shook his head again.
"Will you please just speak," she begged.
"No," he said still smirking.
"Ha ha...smart ass. I'm still not taking your bed."
"You won't be sleeping on the couch."
"You won't be sleeping on the couch either."
"You're right."
Sakura blinked, "Huh?"
"I won't be sleeping on the couch either," he stated.
Suspicion showed in her eyes, "I also won't let you go without sleep tonight."
He hadn't let go of her wrist so he just pulled her along behind him. When they reached his bedroom door he opened in and pushed her inside.
"I thought I told you..."
He interrupted, "Go to bed. I'll join you in a few hours. I have some training to do."
She blinked, "Does this mean we'll be sharing the bed?"
"Unless you'll change your mind about letting me sleep on the couch."
"No."
"Then yes we are because I'm not going to let you sleep on the couch either. It's a compromise."
Sakura blushed but couldn't argue with him. He was right and it probably didn't mean anything to him anyways. He was just preventing an argument. He probably didn't care one way or the other except for his manners would let a guest sleep on the couch. Sasuke had always been an honorable person. Being a bad guy wouldn't change his core beliefs...would it? She didn't think so but then again what did she know.
"Well?" he asked.
"What?"
He sighed, "Are you going to change your mind about the couch?"
"No."
"I didn't think so."
He turned and started to leave. She immediately got suspicious that he was going to sleep on the couch anyway.
"Where are you going?"
"To train. I'll be back in about a hour."
She nodded then headed to bed. Sakura prayed she would be asleep before he got back. Otherwise she would never get to sleep because she would be too busy blushing and trying to keep space between them. Yeah she knew that they had to share blankets during the mission but that was different. That had been just blankets. This was a bed. Definitely way different. She was in luck. The medical nin was asleep long before Sasuke returned.
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The next day team snake was sitting in the training grounds. Sasuke was debating on telling them of his plan to kill Orochimaru. In the end he told only Jugo. The big man had no complaints except that they hide Sakura. Fighting was one of the things that always brought out his other persona and he didn't want to risk hurting her. Sasuke agreed.
Sakura hadn't seen Jugo's other side mostly because Sasuke was careful to not let him stay that way around her. There had been a few occasions during the mission that the big man had slipped into his other persona. Sasuke had acted fast to prevent him from staying that way for more than a few seconds. Sakura hadn't even been aware of the brief change in her friend. The fighting however would bring that side out in him and Sasuke would be too busy fighting Orochimaru to stop him.
The problem would be getting Sakura to agree. She would know what was going on. One she lived with him so he couldn't very well keep his coming and goings secret. Two she knew him very well. She already knew that something was going on. She just didn't know what it was.
"Any ideas on how to get her to agree with this?" Sasuke asked.
"No. She's stubborn and she wants to help protect you. Sakura is strong enough to break anything we lock her in so that rules that out."
Sasuke thought for a moment and could see no other choice.
"I'll just have to keep her near me. When the fighting starts be sure to be far away from Orochimaru. She'll be safe near me and just to be sure of it I'll make sure Suigetsu is near by."
"You'll trust him with her safety?" Jugo asked.
"Only if I have to, which in this case I will. He has his faults but being evil isn't one of them. Sadistic and bloodthirsty yes but not evil. If he says he'll protect her then he will."
Jugo nodded in agreement, "Then you'll have to get him to say he will."
Sasuke nodded but remained silent.
Jugo continued, "You'll also have to tell him about the plan."
Again Sasuke only nodded.
"And Sakura too."
Sasuke looked over to the pink haired girl. She was watching Suigetsu train with the sword and his water style fighting. Occasionally she would make a comment and Suigetsu would stop to respond or shift his stance as if she had suggested something. The two seem to be getting along ok. Surely that meant that Suigetsu would protect her. Then again you never know with him. The swordsman could be very unpredictable.
"Suigetsu, come here," Sasuke ordered.
"What do you want your highness?" the man responded in a sarcastic tone.
Sasuke didn't take the bait. Now was not the time to start and argument with the man. Especially beens he needed something from him. Instead he told Suigetsu the plan to be rid of Orochimaru. The silver haired man listened patiently and without interrupting.
When Sasuke was finished he said, "It's about damn time. I was beginning to think that you had chickened out on me. Finally I can test out my skills with my sword."
"I need one thing from you," Sasuke said.
"What would that be?"
"I want you to protect Sakura. You know how Jugo gets when he's around fighting and Orochimaru's men will be after her."
Suigetsu looked deflated, "Man. You had to ask for something I couldn't refuse. I was hoping it would be something I could us against you."
"Are you going to do it or not Suigetsu?" Sasuke asked impatiently.
"Yeah, yeah. I'll babysit the girl."
Sasuke felt himself relax. That was a relief. Once Suigetsu said something would get done then it would. He would even fight Karin if she tried to attack Sakura to keep his word.
"Thanks."
Suigetsu shrugged, "I was going to keep an eye on her anyway. She had managed to become one of the few people I can stand so I won't let anything happen to her. I wouldn't want to loose someone who can have an intelligent conversation with me."
The three of them agreed on a time to start. Orochimaru wanted a meeting with Sasuke that night. They were betting he was finally ready to take over the Uchiha's body. The best time to strike would be once Sasuke was in the same room as the snake so that he wouldn't have to fight the guards to get to Orochimaru.
Once that was agreed upon Sasuke called Sakura. She came over without hesitation and looked at him expectantly. Sasuke motioned for her to follow him and began to walk towards the village. As usual she followed him without question.
He led her to a small restaurant and told her to get something to eat. She agreed only if he got something too. He sighed in annoyance but did what she asked. It would take up too much time to argue with her. While she ate he told her of their plan to get Orochimaru. She finished eating while he was telling her so she sat back and listened to him. When he finished she had a few questions.
"Where am I suppose to be through all this?"
"You'll come with me to see Orochimaru. Suigetsu will join us later and help you fight."
"What about Jugo?"
"Jugo can't be anywhere near his allies during a fight unless I have time to help him."
"Why not?"
"Didn't he tell you that he had a split personality?"
"Yes."
"Is other personality doesn't care about friend or enemy. He doesn't see a difference. All he wants is to kill and that's exactly what he does. Anyone unlucky enough to be near Jugo when he's like that gets killed even if they're on his side. And when the Jugo you know comes back he will tear himself apart with the guilt of killing a comrade."
"Oh, that makes sense. What about Karin?"
"I don't know. We aren't going to tell her about this plan."
Sakura tilted her head to the side, "Why not?"
"She's loyal to Orochimaru. She may tell him about it."
"I thought she was loyal to you," Sakura commented.
"She's loyal to me too but I don't want to find out the hard way that she's more loyal to him than me."
Sakura considered this for a moment then grinned, "How long before you decided that tying me up and locking me away somewhere wouldn't work?"
He smirked, "About five seconds."
"I'll do all I can to help you, Sasuke-kun. I won't get in your way. I promise," she said seriously.
"I know."
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"Hello, Sasuke," the oily voice greeted them as they walked into the room.
Sasuke didn't respond. He just stood across the room from the owner of that voice. Orochimaru looked at Sasuke with expectation. Sasuke looked at the snake with hatred. Sakura was standing behind Sasuke and looked at Orochimaru over his shoulder. She noticed Kabuto standing next to Orochimaru's chair.
"And I see you brought the girl. What was your name?" Orochimaru asked her.
She wanted to tell him it was none of his damn business and to go rot in hell but instead she said, "Sakura Haruno."
"Well, Sakura, have you enjoyed your time here?"
Inner Sakura made her first appearance in years, 'Yeah as long as you weren't anywhere near by.'
"Yes sir," outer Sakura stated.
"Good. Now Sasuke, I need a favor from you."
"What is it?" Sasuke said in a bored tone.
"I'm afraid that you'll have to die for it but it can't be help."
Sakura stiffened and felt the anger boiling up inside of her. How dare he threaten Sasuke. He would pay and not just for that. He would pay for all the pain he's caused her loved ones. Memories of the curse mark on Sasuke's neck and the injuries Naruto had after trying to bring Sasuke home flooded her mind. Oh yes, Orochimaru was going to pay dearly.
Orochimaru continued talking, "Kabuto, will you take the girl away? I don't want any interruptions."
"Yes Lord Orochimaru." (A/N: I couldn't remember if Kabuto called Orochimaru lord or not so if he doesn't I'll apologize now for my mess up.)
Kabuto began walking toward her with slow deliberate steps. Orochimaru called out, "Oh, by the way, because Sasuke won't be there to keep an eye on her you can to what you want with her."
Sakura's eyes widened. Fear joined the anger burning in her veins. She wouldn't let him put one finger on her. She glanced over at Sasuke. He nodded. It was time. Sakura drew back a fist. Orochimaru and Kabuto looked at her in surprise. She smirked then punched the ground. It expoded.
Elsewhere in the village two of the members of team snake had seen the explosion. That was the signal. Both smirked while they started their own form of fun. The guards and other ninja never knew what hit them. One of the two started making his way towards the explosion while killing any ninja that got in his way. The other seem to become someone different and didn't care about anything but killing his opponents.
Orochimaru glared at her, "That will cost you dearly. Now I'll have to have it fixed."
"Don't bother. You won't be alive long enough," Sasuke stated.
"So you think you can fight me Sasuke Uchiha?"
Sasuke said nothing. He got into a fighting stance and watched Orochimaru with those onyx eyes. He had that look in them. The one that sent Karin running the other night. Orochimaru also knew that look. Oh how Sasuke would hate it if Orochimaru told him that his brother also had that look. The two Uchihas were more alike than either would care to admit.
Kabuto started towards Sasuke but Orochimaru stopped him, "Wait Kabuto. Let me handle it."
"Are you sure? You still can't perform jutsus."
"I'll be just fine. Take care of the girl."
"Yes Lord Orochimaru."
Kabuto started to turn back to Sakura but he didn't get the chance. Instead he was sent flying across the room. He didn't know what had hit him. Pain echoed through his body from the blow. He looked over and saw Sakura standing there glaring at him.
"Didn't they ever teach you not to turn you back to an opponent? That could get you killed you know," she taunted.
"Then you should have killed me."
She grinned, "That wouldn't have been any fun."
"We'll see if your still having fun after I win."
He charged at her. She dodged and attacked him. He dodged and attacked again. And so their fight began.
Meanwhile Sasuke and Orochimaru stood there for a moment staring at each other. Each was waiting for the other one to move. Nothing happened for a moment and then suddenly they both moved at once. The fight had begun.
There...finished. I hope you enjoyed this chapter. I tried to keep everyone in character and I'm still not sure who in team snake will stay a bad guy or convert to good guy. Jugo will definitely be a good guy...I've grown attached to him...The jury is still out of Suigetsu and Karin though.
Anyways don't forget to review and tell me what you think and suggestions are welcomed
