EDITED: Jan 28th, 2008

HAPPY ONE YEAR ANNIVERSARY FOR THIS FIC! xDD I posted this a year ago, making this the one year anniversary.

Booyah.

I don't like this chapter… bah.

Happy Readings!

-

Not so Weak Anymore

Chapter Thirteen

Separation

-

DATE: Friday, March 6th,

TIME: 6:14 PM

'Sakura-chan…Hinata…'

Sitting on top of the Hokage monument, two objects resided in the Uzumaki's hands,

A picture of team seven in his left. How he missed it those days. With Sakura gone, things just don't feel right within team seven anymore.

And within his other hand he had a necklace. It had a heart shape with an aqua colored diamond in it. Naruto had gotten Hinata this necklace on their three month anniversary. He clutched the necklace tight. Tears rolled down his face. Someone came from behind him.

"Come on Naruto. We need to go out and train now" the voice called. Naruto recognized Jiraiya's voice.

"yeah… okay."

Pain was evident in his face. He threw Hinata's necklace over the monument and down into Konoha.

"You lied to me… Hinata."

-

Sakura and Akira were walking up the stairs to their hotel room, which they shared with Ino, Tenten, Hinata, Daisuke and Yugi. The two girls were on shopping duty, while Hinata was on dinner duty.

Reaching the door, the two girls opened it and walked inside, with their hands full of grocery bags.

Tonight, they were leaving for earth country, and then after a month there, they would head to Rain country. After dinner, around eight at night, they would set out for Rain country. They rather go at night where it was quiet and calm. Mid day, there was a higher chance of getting attacked by rouge ninja. Also, so the girls could train during the day, making the night more of an opportune time to go.

The two girls entered the main living room. Tenten, Daisuke, Kouji, Ryo, Ino and Sora were all sleeping on the floor. Tenten was hogging the couch, while Kouji had the arm chair. Daisuke was lazily spread out on the floor, and Ino and Sora were sleeping back to back. They decided to have a nap before leaving. Hinata was supposed to be in the kitchen getting things ready. Yugi was in his room sleeping and Akito was watching the tube.

"Akira, put the groceries away and get some sleep. You'll need it." Sakura directed the young Uchiha. Doing what she was told, she headed into the kitchen.

Sakura stared at the TV, with an eyebrow raised.

"My hotel doesn't have 13 floor because of superstition, but come on man, people on the 14 floor, you know what floor you're really on.

"What floor are you on?"

"1401."

"NO YOUR NOT! Jump out the window you will die earlier!" The voice on the TV said. Akito was snickering.

Sakura pointed to the TV, "Is that Mitch Hedberg you're watching?"

Akito nodded with a grin. (You can watch this video. It's under my profile. Mitch Hedberg) Sakura remembered all the years of hanging out with Naruto, watching comedians on TV, like Mitch and Dane cook.

"Wanna watch it with me?" he asked. Sakura shook her head

"Hmm, sorry can't. I'm gunna go help Mya cook." Sakura said walking into the kitchen.

"Alright, suit yourself."

Once in the kitchen, Sakura looked around. Hinata was no where in sight.

"Mya?"

Sakura looked around, and there was no sign of Hinata. Heading to her bedroom, Sakura knocked on the door.

"Mya, are you in there?"

Rustling echoed from the room. Sakura proceeded to open the door.

walking in, Sakura saw Hinata staring out the window. The sun was setting off in the distance and Hinata had a sad look on her face.

"Hinata, what's wrong?" Sakura asked using her normal name. Hinata changed her gaze to Sakura, and then looked back out the window.

"I miss him. I miss Naruto so much. I just can't picture what kind of state he is back in Konoha. Before I left, he told me something I won't forget..."

Flashback

"HINATA-CHAN!"

Hinata was walking down the street towards the gate, where her comrades would be waiting for her. The sound of her name made her turn around

"Oh, Naruto-kun!"

Naruto came up to Hinata, blushing, "Hey Hinata-chan, come back home safely, okay?"

"Of c-course I'll come b-back safely."

Naruto smiled. Hinata dug down into her pocket, "H-Here, take this."

Hinata pulled out a necklace from her pocket. Handing it to Naruto, he stood there dumbstruck.

It was the necklace Naruto had given her awhile ago. Naruto was confused, "But Hinata-chan, I gave this to you as a gift. Why are you giving it back? A-Are we over?!"

Hinata giggled, "No N-Naruto-kun, its just when you gave me this n-necklace, it made me f-feel strong, and when you were out on m-missions, it made me feel h-happy, knowing you would come back safely! W-Wear it until I get back. T-That way, you'll know I'll c-come back!" she said with a genuine smile.

Naruto gave her the thumbs up, "I'll be waiting. Believe it!"

Hinata smiled. Naruto embraced her in a hug, "Promise me, you'll come back to me no matter what."

Hinata was dumbfounded about him being all protective all of a sudden, "N-Naruto-kun, I'm only g-gone for five days!"

"Just promise me, please?"

Nodding, embraced him back.

"I promise."

End of Flashback

"I broke my promise to him. I-I-I-I.." she couldn't finish her sentence. She broke down crying. Sakura went to Hinata's side and hugged her.

"Hinata… you didn't break your promise. When we get back to Konoha in ten months, you'll be able to fulfill your promise! Hey, one second!"

Hinata stopped crying as she watched Sakura leave the room.

Sakura went running into her room and rummaged through her things, until she came across her backpack. Grinning, Sakura left the room and headed into Hinata's room.

Once inside the room, Hinata raised an eyebrow, "What's in the bag?"

Sakura grinned, pulling out a shoebox, "PHOTO'S!"

Hinata nodded questionably, as Sakura continued talking, "These are just some old photo's I had. Here, look. Now you have a piece of Naruto no matter where you go!"

Handing Hinata the picture, she couldn't help but smile. The picture was of Hinata and Naruto on their first date. They were at the ramen stand. Hinata was blushing in the picture, and Naruto had his arm around her shoulder.

Hinata looked up at Sakura, "wow…thank you!"

Sakura smiled, "no probs. Its always great to have memories and pictures of your first date."

Hinata looked down a little ashamed, "I'm sorry Sakura, I sound selfish. I'm here, telling you about the one I love, and you…"

Sakura knew what Hinata was going to say, and interrupted her, "Don't worry Mya, I'm fine. I'll find love someday."

Hinata nodded, but then looked at Sakura with a serious look, "You still love him, don't you?"

Sakura at first froze, but then looked out the window as the glowing pink sky as the sun began sinking down to the horizon, "To be honest Hinata, I don't know why I still do… I guess true memories of the first boy you loved, never die. I've tried so hard to get over him. It's just so hard…"

It was now Hinata's turn to cheer up Sakura, "I-I understand Sakura. S-Sasuke doesn't deserve you. You'll find s-someone better someday."

Sakura let out a low chuckle, "Thanks Mya, I needed that. You get some sleep…I'll get Akito to help me cook since he's doing nothing better but watch TV." Sakura said getting up. Hinata smiled.

"Thanks a lot Sakura…for everything."

"No problem. Just get some sleep!"

Unknown to the two girls, someone was ease dropping.

"Uchiha Sasuke, huh?"

-

"Akito, pass me the lettuce."

"Sure."

"Uh Akito, that's spinach. I said lettuce!"

"Oh, sorry."

The chopping noise of lettuce echoed through the kitchen, as it was a constant beat. After listening in to Sakura and Hinata's conversation, something was bothering Akito.

"hey…Rin?"

"Hm, yeah?"

"Did you…"

"Did I what?"

"know Uchiha Sasuke?"

The chopping noise stopped. The kitchen was silent for a moment, until Sakura began chopping again.

"Yes…he was on my genin team back a few years ago."

"oh, I see."

"Why'd you wanna know?"

Akito shrugged, "I…had a run-in with him a year ago. He was strong."

Sakura chuckled, "Yeah, he always has been. He's always trying to become the strongest."

Akito nodded and continued his cooking. Something puzzled Sakura though.

"You ran into him?"

"Yeah. I was walking home, back to my village when I stopped by a river to get water. While stopping off I–"

Akito paused. What happened was he heard shrieks, and went looking for the cause of it. He came across Sasuke and Orochimaru, and a field of dead bodies.

He didn't feel like telling Sakura how he saw him 'killing' everyone, so he changed it up a bit,

"–I saw him training. He was really strong."

Sakura nodded, "yup, that's Sasuke-kun."

Akito continued his cooking, but stole a glance or two at Sakura. He remembered a few nights ago, the talk he and Sakura had. She showed him a few pictures of her friends back in Konoha. They really had a causal conversation with each other.

Flashback

Akito was on the roof top of the hotel gazing at the stars. It was a habit he adopted from his uncle, before his uncle died. He loved listening to the wind blowing. It was so soothing.

Footsteps destroyed the silence. Akito looked up to see who it belonged too. Sakura emerged from the door path that led to the roof from the staircase. She looked at Akito.

"Oh sorry, didn't know you were up here. I'll go back down." she said walking back towards the door. Akito's voice stopped her.

"You can stay if you want."

Sakura turned around and shrugged. She went and sat down beside him, with a show box in hand. Akito raised an eyebrow, "What's in the box?"

Sakura smiled and opened it, "Pictures! These are just some old photos of my genin days. Konoha, the rookie nine, and Gai-sensei's team."

Looking at all the pictures, Akito raised his eyebrow "None of these look like you."

Sakura smirked, "well obviously, I just dyed my hair."

"Alright, well which one are you?" he asked. Sakura pointed to the girl with pink hair and emerald eyes. Akito raised an eyebrow.

"You had pink hair?"

Sakura looked a little annoyed, "Yes, and it was natural. You got a problem with that?"

Akito chuckled, "I never said I did. Its just not every day you see someone with pink hair."

Sakura huffed, "Well I like my hair!"

Rolling his eyes, Akito looked back at the picture, "Who's the rest of the people in this picture?"

Sakura began pointing to people on the picture, "This is Miki,…or Ino. And this is Viola, or Tenten. And this is Mya.. or Hinata."

Akito nodded and continued looking at the picture. There were two adults in the picture, "How about those two?"

"that's Anko-sensei, and Kurenai-sensei, Hinata's sensei."

Akito became curious, "Who's your sensei?"

Sakura shuffled through photos. she came across the one she was looking for.

"Him, Hatake Kakashi. He was considered one of the best jounin around." Sakura said with a grin. In the picture, there was another picture of a guy with green spandex on. Akito was disturbed.

"Who is that?"

Sakura chuckled, "That's Gai-sensei, Tenten's former sensei. If you think he was bad, you should see Lee." Sakura said with an even bigger grin then before. Akito placed the pictures back into the box,

"I don't think I wanna know…"

Sakura giggled, "Fine, suit yourself."'

Sakura looked around, and noticed a guitar case beside Akito, "Is that your guitar?"

Akito nodded. It was your average acoustic guitar.

"Can you play me a song?" she asked. Akito seemed uneasy about it at first, after all, he usually never played his music in front of people.

"Hmm, I don't know…"

"Please!? You can play anything you want!"

Sighing, Akito picked up the guitar, "Alright, but this song isn't finished yet though."

Sakura shrugged and laid back, "Well I wanna here it anyway."

Akito took a deep breathe as he began strumming.

Today is a winding road
that's taking me to places that I didn't want to go
Whoa
Today in the blink of an eye
I'm holding on to something and I do not know why
I tried

I tried to read between the lines
I tried to look in your eyes
I want a simple explanation
For what I'm feeling inside
I gotta find a way out
Maybe there's a way out

Your voice was the soundtrack of my summer
Do you know you're unlike any other?
You'll always be my thunder, and I said
Your eyes are the brightest of all the colors
I don't wanna ever love another
You'll always be my thunder
So bring on the rain
And bring on the thunder

Akito stopped,. "that's all I have."

Sakura looked up to the stars and smiled, "It's a beautiful song so far. Who's the song about?"

Akito blushed, "It was about a girl back in the village of light awhile back. Her name was Ami. She had long black hair and stunning vibrant amber eyes. She was my best friend, and I liked her a lot, but she left the village. She left without a trace. Her father was on a mission at the time, but later died of extreme blood loss… but that was about six years ago. I haven't seen her since."

Sakura nodded, understanding the feeling of losing a loved one so suddenly, "I guess we're in the same boat."

End of Flashback

Oddly enough, she had no pictures of Uchiha Sasuke. This puzzled Akito.

"Pass the salt please!"

"Sure."

"Akito, that's sugar!"

"Oh, sorry!"

-

Tsunade was in her office, looking over the newest mission report. It was an A-ranked mission

and required three ninja. The problem was, almost all possible ninja were on missions.

She shook her head, "Shizune! Give me a list of all the ninja available!"

In a matter of thirty seconds, Shizune came back with a list.

Tsunade reviewed the list. two names came up which she chose right away.

'Nara and the Hyuuga no doubt. Though that third member…' She continued down the list. Kakashi and a lot of the other jounin were on a big mission, and wouldn't be back for a week. Konohamaru and his team were available, but they were in the middle of the chunnin exams. Naruto was currently out training with Jiraiya once again and Tsunade did not want to ruin his training.

She sighed. She had no choice but to use a certain someone who's time was no where near done, but desperate times call for desperate measures.

"Shizune, call in Hyuuga Neji, Nara Shikamaru and Uchiha Sasuke,"

Shizune nodded her head and proceeded to contact the three shinobi.

Within a matter of ten minutes, all three shinobi entered her office. She narrowed her eyes.

"Nara, Hyuuga, Uchiha, I have called you in for an A-ranked mission. All other ninja I would like to take this mission are off on other missions leaving you three. Uchiha, your time is no where near done, but you are needed for this mission. Your mission is…"

-

It was currently eleven at night. The crew consisting of Sakura, Ino, Tenten, Hinata, Daisuke, Akira, Yugi, Akito, Sora, Kouji and Ryo had left Mist and were currently heading for Rain country. They were going to walk till about two and then set up camp for sleep. Then they would get up at 7, and probably arrive in The hidden village of Rain around nine at night.

It was quiet. No one was talking, not even Ino. Thrust however quenched Daisuke's throat.

"Can we look for a river or something to get some water?" he whispered to Yugi. Sighing, Yugi called for a five minute break near a river.

The river was probably 20 feet deep or so, and it was heading out East. It was quiet and clam out. Tenten and Ino started to shuffle through they're bags, looking for a sweater.

They were getting ready to leave once again, but eleven kunai whistled past everyone. Everyone got out of the way in time. Out of the bushes emerged five figures. The moon eliminated they're faces. Sakura, gasped,

'REI?!'

With Rei, were four other ninja, masks covered they're faces. They had headbands on with question marks on them.

"Well, Well Well. People trespassing on our property. We don't like trespassers." He said with a smirk. Kunai went flying everywhere. All eleven ninja managed to dodge. Yugi whispered something to Akito, Ryo, Kouji and Sora. They all nodded and started to fight the "unknown" ninja. Yugi called over Sakura, Ino, Tenten, Hinata, Daisuke and Akira.

"Okay, we seem to be in trouble here. You four girls can't fight because we don't want your powers exposed yet. Your still not physically strong enough yet to use your powers in combat. I want you four girls, and you two," said pointing to the two Uchiha, " To go to rain country on your own. Leave now. Once were done here, me and the boys will make a pit stop somewhere and then meet up with you guys in Rain. Do a lot of mental training and self defense. Make shadow clones now, and then hide your chakra, then get running. Don't stop until you absolutely have to. We'll probably meet up with you guys in a week. Now go!" he whispered. All six ninja nodded and performed shadow clones.

The fight continued between the boys and the "Unknown ninja." The Shadow clones stood around, just watching the match.

For an old man, Yugi was doing well against well against one of the unknown ninja.

Akito was currently up against Rei. Fire was shooting everywhere thanks to Akito. Rei was getting annoyed.

"Eh, you can fight huh? Well… lets get this over with."

-

The girls and the Uchiha's were exhausted beyond belief. They had been running none stop, and took about four breaks that lasted five minutes. No sleep what so ever. What sucked was it was raining too. I guess that's what happens when your in rain country.

They were currently in rain country, but were about a fifth-teen minute walk from the hidden village of rain. Actually, they could see the entrance in the distance.

"MADE IT!" Daisuke said once crossing into the village of rain. Ino rolled her eyes, "Silly boy."

Daisuke was ready to retaliate back, but Sakura put a hand on his shoulder, silencing him. Nodding, he continued walking.

After Tenten and Ino argued over where to find a place to stay, Ino found a hotel which they ran into to escape the rain from.

Once inside, the group looked around the lobby. No one was at the front desk. However, a chart of prices sat on the table.

Ino's eyes bulged out, "What!? That much for a night!?"

Some old man came out from the door behind the front desk. Sakura and Hinata went up to the front desk.

"Excuse me sir, are those prices seriously how much we have to pay?" Sakura asked. The man nodded.

Both girls grunted in annoyance. Even with all their money together, they could hardly afford anything.

"Uhm, sorry sir, but we really need a place to stay, and we don't have that much money with us. Please!!" Sakura pleaded. The old man shook his head.

"Sorry. No money, no service."

The group sighed in defeat.

Out from behind the old man, appeared an older lady. She had a gloom expression on her face, "Bad news hun, our staff went out on vacation, and won't be back in a week. No maids, cooks, front desk clerks… NOTHING! What are we going to do?"

Hinata had an idea, "D-Did you just say you were short staff? W-We could work here in exchange for a place to stay for a week! Y-You wont even need to p-pay us!"

The old lady had delight written on her face, while the old man scowled, "No, sorry we don't nee–"

"Oh let them stay Shin. We need help, and we can't let six kids walk out of our hotel in the rain late at night. We'll get a bad name! Plus, they need help!"

The four girls squealed in happiness. The old man grunted in annoyance, "Fine. be up at six tomorrow morning and meet down here sharp. I will assign you your jobs and your uniforms. We expect a lot of visitors this weekend. It's the festival of the moon this weekend, and the hotel is part in a scavenger hunt and entertainment. Now, what are all your names, and where are you from?"

"I am Rin, These are my best friends Miki, Viola and Mya." She said pointing to Ino, Tenten and Hinata.

The old man pointed to Daisuke and Akira, "and them?"

Sakura what Yugi said to her back in wave, about being guardians to the two.

"This is Daisuke and Akira, my younger siblings. Our parents died back in cloud many years ago. We've been wondering ever since. Miki, Viola and Mya joined up with us in cloud. We don't have a lot going for us…" Sakura said lying.

The old lady gave them sympathetic looks, "Aww you poor kids! This is my husband and the owner of the hotel Shin. I am Kala. Are you all hungry?"

Daisuke's stomach growled loudly. He blushed. Kala laughed, "Come on, Follow me. After you eat, I'll show you your rooms." She said grabbing Daisuke's wrists and signaling them to follow her.

"Thank you so much!" All five girls chorused in and bowed to Shin. He plastered a small smile on his face, "Yeah yeah… but you better be here tomorrow morning at six pronto. Got it?"

All six ninja nodded in agreement and followed after Kala.

-

They had just finished eating, and were following Kala upstairs. The hotel was quiet beautiful. The main entrance was red all around, with marble flooring and plants all around. Fancy couches and lounge chairs were around. The main desk was also made of marble.

The eating area had two rooms. One for picking up your food, and then an eating area.

There was also a hot spring. It had a divider for men and woman. The halls ways to the rooms were a navy color, with a very traditional carpet on the floor, with a hardwood flooring underneath. Every fifteen feet or so was a little table with flowers on it against the wall. The halls were wide. Pictures of famous people and abstract painting were placed everywhere. The doors to each room were white with golden numbers on them. There were at least ten floors.

They were currently on the third floor. Kala unlocked rooms thirty-four and thirty-seven.

"Both rooms have three beds in them, a TV, a bathroom and some furniture. This is just an average room. I can't give you any of the luxurious stuff." She said bowing.

"Goodnight, and be downstairs tomorrow at six!" she said walking away. Everyone looked at each other.

"So who's going where?" Daisuke asked. They all had puzzled looks on they're faces. Ino had an idea. "Lets draw straws!"

"Do you have straws?"

Ino sweat dropped. Sakura sighed.

"Never mind. It would make more sense if I slept with my "siblings" anyway. You guys take room thirty-seven, we'll take thirty-four. Goodnight guys, and be up for six tomorrow!" Sakura said walking to room thirty-four. Akira and Daisuke followed.

"Goodnight Rin, Daisuke and Akira!"

Once inside room thirty-four, Sakura turned on the light.

"Whoa!"

Daisuke's eyes bulged out, "If this isn't luxurious, I don't know what is."

The room was beautiful. Big queen size beds with big white comforters. There was a walk in closet, a TV the size of a wall, a bathroom with 3 sinks, a bath and a shower. All flooring and counters were marble. The walls were a grass green color. There was a balcony as well.

Sakura went to the bathroom to change. After her, Akira changed, followed by Daisuke. Once done, Sakura declared it was time for bed.

As Daisuke climbed in bed, a question popped in his head, "Saku- I mean Rin, are we going to train at all?" he asked.

Sakura shrugged, "I really don't know. Depends if were working or not and when Yugi and the boys arrive. I don't know if they'll be able to find us even."

Akira now had a question, "Rin, why did you say we were siblings?" she asked. Sakura walked to the wall, turned off the lights then jumped into bed and pulled over the covers. She closed her eyes and smiled.

"For many reasons. By saying were related, it's safer for you two to be around me. People will wonder why your with me if you aren't related to me. Also, since you don't have any family left, I guess I'm your guardian–I'm in charge of you. Its my duty to keep you safe. Also, we've gotten close, so I figured it be okay if I called you my brother and sister. Is it okay with you two?" she asked. Akira smiled and nodded right away.

"Of course Rin-chan!" Akira said adding the suffix on. she must really like Sakura. Sakura looked at Daisuke.

"How about you?" she asked. He was looking at the floor for some reason. He turned and looked at Sakura. he had a small smile on his face he tucked himself into bed and faced the wall.

"Yeah I'm okay with it nee-san." Sakura's eyes opened widely. She then smiled.

"Goodnight Akira-chan, Daisuke-kun."

-

Meh, didn't change too much in this chapter.

Yeah, you could say Daisuke and Akira are like siblings to Sakura x)

Hmm, Review, yeah?

The song Akito sang was Thunder - Boys like Girls... possibly one of the best bands today.

Shellzonfire!