Chapter Three: Late Night Encounters
Disclaimer: I don't own Naruto
Rather than take Sai's advice, Sakura went to the training grounds with the intention of getting in some target practice.
But it wasn't long before Sasuke found her.
"We need to talk." He said.
"Sasuke, I know I didn't fight you as an equal, but you have no idea what I can do." She replied without turning to face him.
"Then show me."
Sakura pulled a kunai and drove it into her leg without so much as a second thought.
"Sak...Sakura…" He stammered out of concern.
Her chakra-haloed hand passed over the tear and a moment later nothing remained of the wound.
"A medic…" It was fitting for a person like her.
Then she faced him, pulling the lower zipper of her shirt up.
Even in the moonlight he could see the scar that marred her otherwise perfect stomach.
"I was lucky. Most of my wounds were physical. It's people like Naruto who were hurt the worst." She smiled sadly.
"H…How?" Sasuke asked.
"How isn't important. What is important is that you learn to stay away from me. I want to forgive you…but after all that's happened, I don't think that will be possible.
The moonlight filtering through her eyes told him everything: They were the same as the night he left…only harder—more mature and determined.
"Sakura, please…" He began.
"No, Sasuke. No more chances, no more excuses." She replied as she brushed past him.
Naruto was also out late and by some chance, Sasuke ran into him.
"Oh, hey! Sasuke!" The blonde smirked without inhibition of any kind.
"Naruto, would you please tell me about Sakura." He asked.
The Jinchuuriki's eyes softened.
"She suffered a lot. She took most of the emotional pain and plenty of physical blows. But she never gave up, even when we thought it would kill her."
"But she said the same about you!" The Uchiha responded.
"Well, that's the thing. She stopped taking care of herself." Naruto replied.
"She looks fine." Sasuke protested.
Naruto shook his head. "Her heart. And I hate to say it, but up until yesterday, she was getting better."
"I see." Sasuke said as he turned to leave.
Naruto grabbed his shoulder, "If you leave again, she'll never forgive you."
"She already hates me."
"Time heals all wounds." Naruto replied.
TBC