Chapter Twenty Eight: Beautiful World Part II-Life with Tsunade
A/N: Life with Tsunade is going to be different than life with Kakashi.
Sachiko: I know… I know…
Author-sama: Don't be sad. You're going to have lots of fun still!
PS. Sachiko's appearance has changed drastically. I just wanted to remind you guys. She no longer has the dark circles under her eyes, which allows a cute brown freckle to finally get some attention. It was never noticeable when her eyes were dark rimmed from lack of sleep (because of Chihoko). Her scar that said 'Hate' has been removed by the medical ninja. Her hair used to be in higher placed pigtails but after she got out of the hospital she did her pigtails like Tsunade's. Her outfit is a lot different as well. I think I'll describe it in a later chapter. But I just wanted you guys to know how weird it is to see her now and think of her when she first started in the story. She looks very different and it's difficult for her to be recognized by someone who used to know her…
Sachiko peaked over the heap of paperwork Tsunade had asked her to file. They were like mountains and mountains of things that were so meaningless yet somehow were very important. She wasn't really complaining but she knew that Naruto was going to strongly dislike the paperwork part about being Hokage. She sighed as she filed the first stack of paperwork. The second stack she actually had to read and fill out. Sachiko truly felt sorry for Tsunade having to take on all these responsibilities as Hokage and yet she was glad that she wasn't Hokage and didn't plan on being the Hokage.
"You got more paperwork finished today than I would in a week," complimented Tsunade as she walked into the office, "You're really good at this… You sure you don't want to give Naruto a run for his money and become Hokage one day?"
"No," Sachiko replied with a laugh, "It's his dream, not mine."
Tsunade nodded and then asked, "What is your dream Sachiko? What goal do you have?" Tsunade sat at her desk, folded her hands neatly and gazed to Sachiko, waiting for an answer.
"I'm not sure," replied Sachiko with a shrug, "I guess I'm living it… I just want to be happy."
"And you're happy with me instead of Kakashi," asked Tsunade with an intense stare. Shizune had just stepped into the office with some tea for the two. She placed a cup at Tsunade's desk and handed the other to Sachiko.
Sachiko shrugged again. "I'm proud to call myself Hatake Sachiko but I'm proud to be training under you as well. It is an honor and I'm very lucky to have this opportunity."
"Good answer," said Tsunade as she took a sip of the tea Shizune had brought her. "Today Sakura is going to watch me perform surgery… Would you like to watch? Sakura's got a year of medical training under her belt but we can try to catch you up."
"Yes, I'll watch," said Sachiko with a smile and then added, "I like to read so I don't mind studying some of your medical books to help me catch up."
Tsunade nodded as she stood up and went through some of the books on her shelves. "You've had enough paperwork to deal with for the day…" She picked a book nearly as thick as Sachiko's arm and then three half that size. Tsunade found several more smaller books. After she placed them all in Sachiko's arms the poor genin couldn't even bee seen past the stack. "Study these for now and then I'll give you some more later."
Sachiko would have nodded but she knew there was a good chance of tipping over. "Thank you Tsunade-sama," she said as she walked to the door. Shizune opened the door for her and held it until she passed through. Sachiko left to take the books to her room.
"That girl must have a lot of guts," said Shizune, "To want to read all of those books."
"Hai," Tsunade agreed as she stared after Sachiko. "I'm not sure if she'll be able to catch up to Sakura though. Sakura has had a lot of training and has worked very hard… Sachiko doesn't have enough motivation to catch up… All that girl desires is happiness and she said she already found it. Sachiko doesn't have a goal, whereas Sakura does."
"Give her time," said Shizune with a smile, "I think she might just surprise you."
NARUTARDNARUTARDNARUTARDNARUTARD
Sachiko's head was pounding from all the information she was retaining as she read. She felt her brain might just swell up into a watermelon but she had to keep going. Sakura had a year under her belt and that meant Sachiko had a lot of catching up to do. She frowned as she remembered what she heard from Tsunade's office one day.
"That girl must have a lot of guts to want to read all of those books."
"Hai. I'm not sure if she'll be able to catch up to Sakura though. Sakura has had a lot of training and has worked very hard… Sachiko doesn't have enough motivation to catch up… All that girl desires is happiness and she said she already found it. Sachiko doesn't have a goal, whereas Sakura does."
"Give her time. I think she might just surprise you."
Tsunade didn't think she could do it and that motivated Sachiko to prove her wrong. Sachiko smiled as she closed the last of her books. She had read all fifteen books Tsunade had given her in one week total. Sachiko had not skimmed or cheated and had read every word and had learned everything the books offered to teach.
"I'll prove you wrong Tsunade-sama," Sachiko said with a grin, "I may not have a goal similar to the other shinobi but I'll prove you wrong."
NARUTARDNARUTARDNARUTARDNARUTARD
The hospital had been almost a nice place to visit for Sachiko. Surprisingly, she had lots of fun memories in the hospital. It was the place she discovered her name, met Naruto, among other friends, and it was the place she found out she would have a home. Sachiko knew the hospital from top to bottom, room to room. After she had been able to walk Sachiko had spent her time in the hospital walking everywhere there. The nurses had had a hard time keeping her in the bed after that. Today there was no time for reminiscing. Tsunade had summoned Sachiko suddenly and asked her to come to the surgery room because a ninja had been seriously injured. They had to perform surgery right away if they wanted to save him.
Sachiko went straight to the surgery room and found Tsunade and Sakura already there. The shinobi that was injured had had a run in with a Mist Village ninja on a mission. The Leaf shinobi had suffered from multiple kunai attacks, a bruised ribcage, and poison needles to top it off. It was a wonder he was still alive. Tsunade was preparing him for surgery as Sakura began to clean up some of his wounds.
"Sachiko," said Tsunade, "Watch us carefully."
"Hai."
The poison needles had to be removed from the body right away so that more poison didn't spread to the rest of the body. Sakura did this expertly and Tsunade began to heal up his kunai wounds. The ninja's heart was dropping to a slower and slower beat until it started to die out. Tsunade looked to Sakura and asked her to retrieve some electrodes. Sakura searched and searched around the room but could find none.
"Hurry Sakura," cried Tsunade, "We're losing him."
"I can't find them Tsunade-sama," cried Sakura, still in her desperate search.
"Sachiko, help her," instructed Tsunade.
Sachiko approached the patient and concentrated heavily into her two hands. If she could summon up the same electricity she used in her attacks just on a lesser scale she would have the same effect as the electrodes. Tsunade stood back once she saw Sachiko trying something with her hands. Tsunade was surprised to see how the girl was completely focused on her hands and the patient. "What the heck is she doing," thought Tsunade as she watched Sachiko's hands twitch and go into spasms.
"Think like lightning… Think like lightning," she thought to herself, hoping it would work like last time. Sure enough, miniscule charged electricity began to run through her hands. The charge kept growing until she harnessed it to the proper voltage. "Clear," she said as she pressed her hands onto the ninja's chest. She lifted her hands slowly and saw he needed another one. "Clear," she repeated as Tsunade and Sakura stared in astonishment. Slowly the ninja's heart rate began to come back and steadied to a somewhat regular heart rate.
"How did you," asked Tsunade, unable to finish her sentence.
"Kakashi-sensei taught me many lightning based jutsus. I just work well with them," Sachiko replied as she stepped back and sat in her chair to watch. "I won't do it again if you don't want me to… I know it's unorthodox but he was dying and I just wanted to save him…"
"No," Tsunade encouraged, "It's fine… You did good, very good." Sakura gave her an encouraging smile as well and then returned to her work.
NARUTARDNARUTARDNARUTARDNARUTARD
A/N: Sachiko has lived a year with Tsunade now. This is her second year with Tsunade so she is fifteen now. Kakashi hasn't returned yet and neither has Naruto. It's spring time presently.
NARUTARDNARUTARDNARUTARDNARUTARD
Sachiko walked into the flower shop that Ino's family owned. She had promised to help Ino out that morning because business was picking up during the spring time. The flowers were completely fresh and in bloom. Boyfriends were buying their girlfriends more and more flowers these days, and of course married couples as well. It was just a happy time; the spring.
"Ohayo Ino-chan," said Sachiko as she walked into the flower shop.
"Ohayo Sachiko-chan," replied Ino with a smile, "Tsunade-sama finally gave you a break?"
"She's been having me help her perform surgeries like crazy since that fluke back at the hospital," said Sachiko, "But she told me I could have a week off because I was doing so well."
"What a relief," Ino told her, "I hate watching that stuff. I don't understand how you and Sakura could bear to watch… That's why I stick to flowers." Two girls shared a laugh or two and then got to work. Sachiko placed an apron over her head and was ready to work. "You can water the plants," said Ino, "I'll work the cash register and then after our break we'll switch."
"Deal," said Sachiko as she set off for the hose and the squirt bottle. Certain flowers could only handle so much water and others simply devoured it. Sachiko had helped in the flower shop before and so she knew which plants needed certain amounts of water. She cheerily poured some water into the pots of her favorite flowers; daffodils.
"Hey Sachiko-san," said a voice she hadn't heard from in a while.
"Hello Kiba-kun," she said with a cheery smile. "Are you here to buy flowers for anyone?"
"Yeah," he said with a blush, "There's this girl I haven't seen in a while and I thought I'd surprise her… What flowers do you suggest?"
Sachiko, naïve and clueless said, "Well I love daffodils, personally. Yellow flowers are just so happy and brighten the day. Sunflowers are good too though… It depends… Hmm… I'd go with daffodils. I'd get sunflowers during summer time." Kiba nodded and then grinned at her. Akamaru popped out of his jacket and barked. "Oh Akamaru," Sachiko said as he leapt on her and began to lick her face, "I was wondering when you would pop out." After the lick attack, Sachiko held the small dog in her arms and pet him gently.
"So what have you been up to Sachiko-san?" Sachiko looked at Kiba's face. He was so adorable and cute. She had been without a boyfriend this whole time and wondered if Tsunade would mind if she had one. Kakashi had said no way in Konoha but he was gone for the year.
"I've just been training to be a medical kunoichi and then helping out here," Sachiko replied, "But otherwise nothing really. How about you?"
"Well today I was going to buy you some flowers but I didn't realize you were working here," Kiba said to her with his handsome wolf smile.
"Oh you were," Sachiko blushed as she continued to pet Akamaru.
He nodded. "Listen Sachiko," he said to her in the voice she found irresistible, "I was wondering if you'd like to go out sometime?"
"I'd love to," said Sachiko with a sweet smile. Naruto would be furious at her for going out with 'Dog breath' Kiba because the two boys didn't get along well but he was long gone for the moment and so Sachiko was going to do what she wanted.
"Great," replied Kiba, "How about dinner at my house tonight?"
"Sounds good to me," said Sachiko as she handed Akamaru back to Kiba. The dog squirmed to go back into her arms but Kiba told him something to settle him down.
"I'll come by the Tsunade's office around six," Kiba said to her as he walked backwards toward the door.
"Okay," Sachiko agreed, "That's fine."
"Seeya Sachiko-san," Kiba said as he bumped into some flower pots.
"Watch it," Ino growled as she straightened them properly.
"Gomen," said Kiba as he finally got to the door.
"Seeya Kiba-kun," Sachiko told him as he left the flower shop.
"What did you do to that boy," asked Ino as she strolled up to Sachiko.
"What do you mean," asked Sachiko innocently as she went back to watering flowers.
"What do you mean, 'what do I mean'?! He is clearly sprung," Ino said, giving her a playful shove, "I've never seen Kiba like that before… I'm coming over at five to help you get ready."
"Get ready," asked Sachiko confusedly.
"Yeah," Ino replied as she walked back to the cash register, "You can't go on a date without getting ready! And since you're going to his house you're probably going to meet his parents! Of course I have to help you get ready! Now go back to those flowers. They don't water themselves you know." She gave Sachiko a wink and went back to her work.
NARUTARDNARUTARDNARUTARDNARUTARD
Makeup, perfume, clothes, and nerves would be scattered and frazzled that evening. It was five o'clock sharp when Ino showed up at the Hokage's office building. She headed straight to Sachiko's room, makeup kit in hand. Sachiko had been reading up on the anatomy of a shinobi volume three when Ino burst through the door.
"It's time," said Ino with a smile that would have scared anyone.
Tsunade, who had seen Ino heading to Sachiko's room with two huge bags, decided to check out what was going. She knocked on the door lightly.
"Come in," said a voice that was Sachiko's.
Tsunade opened the door and saw Ino putting makeup on a kimono wearing Sachiko. She lifted a perfectly arched eyebrow. "What's going on you two?"
"Sachiko has a date," chirped Ino as she grumbled at Sachiko for not sitting still but Sachiko couldn't help but fidget; she was nervous.
"Who's the lucky boy," asked Tsunade as she took a seat next to Ino.
"Kiba," replied Ino with a giggle.
"Inuzuka Kiba, huh," repeated Tsunade as she cocked her eyebrow again.
Sachiko blushed before speaking. "He's really cute Tsunade-sama…"
"So I guess you like him then," said Tsunade, "Where are you two going?"
"Kiba invited Sachiko to his house," Ino squealed from the excitement, "She's going to meet his parents!"
"Hn… I see… Sounds like he's serious over you," Tsunade commented with interest. "I'll leave you girls alone… Have fun Sachiko, be a good and polite girl."
"I will Tsunade-sama," said Sachiko.
"So are you excited to meet his parents," asked Ino after Tsunade left the room, "I mean that's kind of forward… At least you know he's into you!"
"I hope they like me," Sachiko said assuredly but inside she was a bit worried.
NARUTARDNARUTARDNARUTARDNARUTARD
A/N: This is not Kiba and Sachiko's first date. They've been dating since April and it's currently July. Kiba turned 16 on July 7th and Sachiko turned 16 July 22nd.
NARUTARDNARUTARDNARUTARDNARUTARD
It was a warm July summer night; one of the last summer nights, in fact. Sachiko had been over for dinner at Kiba's house again. His parents had been nicer than usual which would have made her a bit wary but they had always been nice people, even when they first met her.
After dinner Sachiko and Kiba had gone into the backyard to eat their ice cream. Kiba had left Akamaru in the house but the puppy stared out the porch window, tail wagging excitedly. Sachiko felt something brush against her hand and saw that it was Kiba's. She began to blush furiously but still accepted his hand. He led her to a bench and sat down with her, still holding her hand.
"Sachiko-san," Kiba began, "I don't know how to… well…" He smiled at her apologetically because he couldn't get the words out.
"Yes Kiba-kun?" She smiled back, but her smile was one of encouragement.
"If you couldn't tell… I really like you," said Kiba with a shy smile, "I mean well that's obvious since we've been dating for a while… but uh…" Sachiko kept her smile up, telling Kiba to go on. "We've been dating for a while and I was just wondering how you felt because I—"
Sachiko had leaned forward enough until her lips met his mid-sentence and all. She applied light pressure to his lips, not really knowing what she was doing. Kiba pressed back a bit to make it a real kiss. Kiba placed his free hand on her chin and guided her closer. His hand let go of her chin after a while and the two pulled away. Sachiko sat there, blushing. It had been her first kiss and his as well.
"Well I guess that answers my question," laughed Kiba, "But then again I'm not sure… Maybe we should try again?" Kiba leaned back in for another kiss. He met Sachiko's warm lips and nearly melted. Sachiko smiled into the kiss. The two pulled away, smiling at one another. "So will you be my girl?"
"I will," Sachiko replied happily. "Life can be so randomly beautiful," she thought to herself as the two cuddled on the bench.
NARUTARDNARUTARDNARUTARDNARUTARD
"Get out," cried Ino, who had patiently waited for Sachiko's return in her room, "You're officially Kiba's girlfriend?!"
Sachiko nodded, unable to hide her smile. "I am."
"Well it's about time! Ahh! That's so crazy," Ino said as she jumped up and down on Sachiko's bed.
"What's all the noise in here about," demanded Tsunade as she thrust the door open.
"Gomen nasai," Sachiko said quickly, "We'll be quiet."
"So how was it," Tsunade asked, coming into the room and sitting on the bed.
"Kiba asked Sachiko to be his girlfriend," squealed Ino.
"I was going to tell her," Sachiko said as she gave her friend a thwarted look. Ino returned the look with a remorseful one.
"Boyfriends and girlfriends don't last too well for the shinobi," said Tsunade with a grave expression on her face.
"I thought you would be happy for me but I guess not," Sachiko mumbled, running her fingers through one of her pigtails.
"Ino," said Tsunade, "Can you leave? I need to talk to Sachiko. You can see her tomorrow."
"Yes Lord Hokage," said Ino as she gathered her things. "Bye Sachiko," she said before leaving.
"I don't understand," Sachiko said, seriously upset, "I've been dating Kiba since April and you never said a word against it and now that I'm his girlfriend you have a problem?!"
"Kakashi is not going to like this," Tsunade said angrily, "He's going to be very upset when he returns."
"Returns? It's been nearly a year and a half. He's not back yet," Sachiko was so upset her voice volume kept reaching higher and higher until the point of yelling, "I'm sixteen years old now! You're not my mother!" Tsunade slapped Sachiko across the cheek to shut her up. "You… you… slapped me…"
"How dare you say that to me," Tsunade rebuked in a low voice, "I've taken care of you, fed you, clothed you, trained you, and I've always treated you like a daughter. Do not disrespect me. You will learn to regret it." Tsunade got up from the bed and stormed out of the room, slamming the door behind her. Sachiko let out a loud screech and then began to cry. A perfect evening had gone completely awry all thanks to Tsunade.
NARUTARDNARUTARDNARUTARDNARUTARD
Sachiko walked down the hallway to the Hokage's office. Tsunade had called her in to the office and said it was very important. Sachiko was still upset over what had happened last night but she was willing to make amends with Tsunade. After all, she owed Tsunade a lot. Tsunade had taught her the ways of a medical ninja, became her surrogate mother, and had taken care of her. Tsunade had never been selfish with Sachiko and always had Sachiko's best interests at heart but after last night, Sachiko wasn't so sure.
Sachiko put on a fake smile as she was let into Tsunade's office by Shizune. She quickly bowed low to her superior. "Ohayo Tsunade-sama," Sachiko told her respectfully.
"Ohayo Sachiko-san," Tsunade returned the greeting without so much as a smile on her face.
"You wanted to see me… It is very important," said Sachiko, puzzled a bit. Shizune had handed her a note that morning about Tsunade wanting to see her and that it was urgent. Sachiko deeply hoped in her heart that it had nothing to do with last night.
Tsunade stood up from her chair and began to pace the room. "I wanted to apologize for getting angry with you last night… I have my reasons, which you will hear in a moment." Sachiko nodded, a gesture for her to keep talking. "I don't want you to get the idea that I dislike you, I'm actually very fond of you… you should know that by now." She paced more and more, making Sachiko become very nervous. "You're a daughter to me… I love you like a daughter."
Sachiko didn't like where this was going. Sachiko knew Tsunade liked her very much but she didn't understand what Tsunade was getting at. Tsunade was perhaps asking her for a huge favor? Sachiko thought perhaps it was to go pay off a huge gambling debt. It wouldn't be the first time and probably not the last. Sachiko was surprisingly good at gambling. She had already managed to pay off at least one fourth of Tsunade's debts.
"I received a letter with the utmost urgency about a month ago. To strengthen our ties, I was asked to arrange a marriage… It is a top priority and they gave me two months to reply to it. We are at the end of the second month right now." Tsunade gave Sachiko a long hard look for a moment but then continued. "I went through several other girls, even Sakura and Ino… none of them were suited for this case for whatever reason. You must understand that I cannot just send anyone to be married. I searched desperately for a substitute but you were the best choice. I had certain criteria to abide by."
"Criteria," echoed Sachiko, feeling quite numb and disillusioned at the moment, "Like what?"
Tsunade picked up a file from her desk, opened it, and began to read. "Virginity, beauty, skill in the ninja arts, unconcerned when it came to the matters of others, serenity, tolerance, and patience... They also wanted someone who had skill in using wind or something parallel. You are the only girl in this village with your kind of abilities Sachiko… no one else fits this job description."
"Who is it Tsunade-sama," asked Sachiko, disenchantment in her eyes.
"Suna wants a wife for their Kazekage. He's had a difficult past and they ask that you not ask about his history. You know him… well you used to. Naruto told me."
"I did? Wait you told Naruto about this," Sachiko asked, astonished, "He never said anything to me about it! He's supposed to be my best friend!" She had seen him just the other day and he had acted so normal around her. "How dare he!" Sachiko got a nasty taste in her mouth suddenly; she felt absolutely betrayed.
"Yes," Tsunade replied, "Don't be angry with Naruto. I told him to stay quiet or I would revoke him of being a ninja." Speechless, Sachiko's jaw went vaguely crooked as Tsunade spoke. Sachiko had thought herself to be fuming angry with Tsunade last night but today was a whole other matter. "The Kazekage is not the nicest person but I know you to be very understanding. Like Naruto, you seem to find the good in everyone no matter what. I think he passed down his gift to you." Sachiko was still speechless and so Tsunade continued. "You have to understand that it's no simple task to find someone to be in an arranged marriage. Realize that this was not an easy decision for me to reach. Being your foster mother has made this very difficult and complicated for me to give you up to him." Tsunade finally stopped pacing to approach her adopted daughter and place a caring hand on her cheek.
"I'm being married off to some old, wrinkly man," Sachiko asked disgustedly in a rebellious tone. She was past feeling guilty for her bad attitude.
"I know," Tsunade replied, "But he is not old… He'll be a year older than you are on January 19th."
"He'll be seventeen," Sachiko breathed. She felt so young, in fact too young to be getting married to someone she didn't know. A sudden thought struck her. "But what about Kiba… what am I supposed to say to him? Don't I have a say in this?!"
"I already informed Kiba this morning," Tsunade said quietly, "I thought it would be easier for you that way."
"You did…? What did he say," asked Sachiko, feeling wholly isolated, "Was he upset?"
"I'm not going to lie to you… He didn't take it well at all. He began to argue with me and yell… His dog was even growling and snapping at me. He tried to fight with me…his mother and sister had to restrain him," said Tsunade, lips pursed.
"Does he want to see me," wondered Sachiko, suddenly feeling dizzy. She sat down in order to calm herself.
"He did… but I told him it would be better if you guys didn't see each other before the wedding… or after for that matter," said Tsunade to Sachiko.
"Don't I have a say in this," Sachiko growled suddenly as she slammed her hands down on the sides of the chair she was sitting in, "Don't I?!"
"You, as a ninja, have to accept this as a mission and accomplish it," Tsunade snarled back, "It was the choice you made when you decided to become a ninja so you did have a say!" Tsunade calmed herself down before speaking again. "I'm sorry Sachiko… but I have no other choice… Believe me if there was another way I would take it but there isn't. It would be easier for me and for you if you didn't put up a fight with me."
"I had one goal in my life," Sachiko hissed at her, "And that was to be happy. I accomplished it fully last night when Kiba asked me to be his girlfriend. All I've ever done was do everything asked of me… I did everything you wanted me to… I studied book after book, watched surgery after surgery, practiced nearly everyday, performed surgery… everything you wanted me to do… I did it… and now I can't even be happy…?"
"Again, it would be easier if you didn't put up a fight," Tsunade repeated quietly.
"No good deed goes unpunished," Sachiko jeered with a curled lip as she stood up and looked Tsunade straight in the eye, "That's my new creed. My road of good intentions led where such roads always lead. But one question haunts and hurts… It's too much, too much to mention… Was I really seeking good or just seeking attention?" When Tsunade said nothing Sachiko continued. "Is that all good deeds are when looked at with an ice cold eye? If that's all good deeds are maybe that's the reason why no good deed goes unpunished and all helpful urges should be circumvented. Sure I meant well but look at what well meant did!"
Tsunade had about enough of this. She slammed her fists against her desk, drawers flying open to reveal heaps of filed paperwork. "That is quite enough out of you! You will do as I say!"
"Alright, enough, so be it! So be it then… Let all Konoha be agreed I sacrifice my happiness for this village and will live miserably through and through. I promise no good deed will I do again… ever again." Sachiko threw open the door and stormed out, filled with fury a thousand ninjas could not boast.
NARUTARDNARUTARDNARUTARDNARUTARD
It was a cold, late January night. Sachiko could see her crystallized breath as she blew. She walked into the Hokage's office building that was her home. She went down the corridors until she reached her room. Rubbing her hands together to create heat, she packed that night. Sakura and Ino had come to visit her and to help her pack. It would be her last night there for the reason that in the morning she would be leaving for Suna. They say time heals all wounds; they're only partially accurate. While wounds are healed, hearts may still remain bitter and such was the case for Sachiko. Sachiko couldn't say that she was bitter with Tsunade. She couldn't stay angry with her surrogate mother forever. Sachiko was forced to focus her bitterness elsewhere. She was bitter with life, for one. Life had dealt her a cold hand or perhaps it was Mother Serendipity's fault for ignoring her infant's plea yet again. For two, she was bitter with Suna for approving her for the arranged marriage. There was a slim chance of being approved when a came to being a wife of a Kage but the advising council had liked her and wanted her for Suna's Kazekage. Little did they know that Sachiko would remain bitter with her soon-to-be-husband and for the rest of her life with him. She would make him miserable for making her miserable. But of course she couldn't completely give him a hard time; it was just a fantasy of hers.
"It's so exciting to be getting married," commented Ino as she folded up some of Sachiko's clothing and packed it away.
"Yeah it'll be fun," Sakura agreed, making sure to pack kunai and shuriken in Sachiko's bag, "I'm jealous."
"You can marry him then," Sachiko replied with no emotion.
Sakura and Ino both laughed nervously. "Oh Sachiko-chan," said Ino, "You're such a kidder."
"Who's kidding," said Sachiko, lying flat on her bed, "I'm very serious." She hung her head over the bed so it would be hanging upside down. She wanted the blood to rush to her head to make her dizzy and possibly numb the bitterness. "You guys don't have to act like I'm lucky… we all know that what's happened is awful… Tsunade-sama may have told you guys to cheer up but I don't want it… I want you guys to be real with me."
"Well then," said Sakura, "Ask us something… anything and we'll answer it honestly."
"How's Kiba-kun… is he really dating Tenten," Sachiko asked stoically. She told herself she was over him but she was only lying to herself. She had heard that Kiba was dating Tenten and she wanted to know if it was true.
Sakura and Ino gave each other an apprehensive look. Ino nodded her head to let Sakura know that she would take this one. "It's true… but he doesn't like her like he liked you," she said reassuringly as she patted Sachiko on the leg. "The only reason he's dating her is to get over you… he told me himself but I wasn't supposed to tell you. I'm sure she knows that too but believe me, the only reason she's dating him is to make Neji jealous. Everybody knows she's had the hots for him since the Ninja Academy. It'll never last."
"That makes me feel a little better," Sachiko admitted, sitting up finally, "But even after they're over… Kiba-kun is only going to find someone else… that's not me."
"Well let's not talk about Kiba," urged Sakura, "If you think about him you're going to end up upset again… Let's talk about your future husband."
"I can't even remember his name," said Sachiko, "What is it again?"
"His name is Sabaku no Gaara," Sakura informed her, "He's a very strong shinobi and is ruthless in battle." Sakura bit her lip. Ruthless probably wasn't the best word to use.
"Ruthless? Great! I'm going to marry a ruthless bastard," Sachiko said throwing her hands up in the air.
"You listen hear missy," Ino said looking Sachiko in the eye. Sachiko could see Ino was upset and being gravely serious now. "You're going to marry the Kazekage of Suna… That's so prestigious and you're very lucky! He's going to be amazingly handsome and wonderful that you're just going to die of happiness right there on the spot."
"That's a bit over exaggerating," said Sakura with a nervous laugh, visibly sweat dropping. Ino formed a crooked smile as if to say, 'Hey at least I tried'.
"You guys," Sachiko said getting up from the bed and hugging her two friends, "I'll miss you so much…"
"You act like we're not going to go to your wedding or visit you or anything," Ino whined as Sachiko let them go from the embrace. "What kind of friends do you think we are?"
"You're my best friends," Sachiko said to them, "Now let's go kick off this last sleepover with some smores." Sakura and Ino excitedly squealed and Sachiko grinned as they took off for the cafeteria in the office building. Living with the Hokage definitely had its perks.
NARUTARDNARUTARDNARUTARDNARUTARD
Many people came to see Sachiko off and so the occasion wasn't too gloomy. Sakura and Ino were there hugging her and chattering with her excitedly about how wonderful married life was going to be. Hinata, Neji, Choji, Shino, Shikamaru, Rock Lee, Gai, Konohamaru, Moegi, and Iruka were among the crowd to see her off. Tsunade and Shizune, of course were there. Kakashi, Jiraiya, and Naruto were there because they would be escorting her to the Sand Village. Of all the people there, she didn't see the one person she wanted to see before she left. She had scanned the crowd multiple times for him. She could feel her heart thumping hard against her ribcage like a bird dying to escape form its cage to be free. He wasn't there.
"Don't look for him," Ino whispered into her ear. She knew Sachiko too well and had read her mind. "It'll make things easier." Sachiko bit her lip to keep the tears from falling but nodded anyway. Sakura rubbed Sachiko's back tenderly to lend a hand in making her feel better.
"I just wanted to see him before I left," Sachiko said quietly, "I haven't seen him since… since… that night." Sachiko couldn't hold herself anymore. She could feel herself starting to shake, her welled up eyes beginning to drip.
"Shh," murmured Sakura, "Ino's right… Its better you don't."
"Its not," whispered Sachiko, voice trembling, "I just wanted to make amends." Ino wiped the tears from her eyes as Sakura continued to rub Sachiko's back.
"Don't cry," Ino told her, "Big girls don't cry…"
Sachiko was finally able to suck it up after that. "Arigato Ino-chan, Sakura-chan." Even as she said those words, she gave the crowd a last scan for him.
"Looking for someone," asked a voice the Sachiko couldn't believe was there. She turned to see the boy she had been looking for, Inuzuka Kiba.
"You're here," Sachiko whispered as she enveloped him in a full-size embrace. Sakura and Ino stood some distance away to give them privacy.
"Of course I'm here," Kiba said to her, hugging her fiercely, "Not even the Hokage was going to keep me away from you today… Tsunade's the only reason I didn't go to see you… she threatened to revoke me of being a ninja… but believe me, I thought about it plenty of times… just so you know." Akamaru poked his head out of his jacket to lick Sachiko on the face and then ducked back in when the deed was done because he too, knew that they need privacy. "Akamaru still loves you," Kiba told her with the wolfish grin she had fallen for.
"But do you," Sachiko asked but she knew she shouldn't have.
Kiba drew back from the embrace and looked deeply into her eyes. "You know you shouldn't ask that… It'll only make things harder for us…" Sachiko said nothing in reply. Sometimes by not saying anything, you say more than when you speak. Kiba understood what Sachiko's silence meant. "But between you and me… I do." He grew quiet for a moment but then added, "You're going to make a beautiful bride… Tell the Kazekage that I'm jealous."
"Sachiko-chan," Naruto griped to her, "Stop talking to dog breath… it's time to go."
"That is just like you to interrupt us when we're having a private moment," growled Kiba to Naruto. "It's just like all those years ago when Sachiko and I went to Ichiraku Ramen and then at the hospital too! I'm glad you went away for those two years because we finally had some time to ourselves!"
"Blah, blah, blah 'ttebayo," said Naruto in a blasé voice as he gestured a shooing motion toward Kiba, "Dog breath never says anything I understand."
"That's because you're an idiot," barked Kiba as he began to raise his fist, "Why is that whenever you come around my hand gets a strange hunger for a hammer?!"
"Well, well, well," said Kakashi the mediator, standing in between Kiba and Naruto, "Some things never change, huh?" Naruto crossed his arms and stuck his tongue out at Kiba and then turned away. Kiba said various threats to Naruto but of course, Naruto was ignoring them. "Naruto's right Sachiko… It's time to go. Jiraiya's getting antsy. He's threatening not to write another Itcha Itcha Paradise book if we don't leave within the next few minutes. Everyone wants to take their turns and say goodbye to you… hopefully they keep it short."
Tsunade approached Sachiko and took her in an embrace. "You are like a daughter to me," she said as she hugged Sachiko tighter, "I know you are bitter over this… but you came to Konoha from the Sand Village… and you knew the Kazekage… you going over there to marry him just might re-jolt some old memories… Be a good girl and take care of yourself." Shizune had given her a hug as well and told her a, 'Good luck, you'll be missed.'
Gai and Rock Lee approached Sachiko at the same time. Their green spandex was a tad overwhelming for her but she knew she was going to miss it. Rock Lee gave her the 'good guy pose' and then said, "Sachiko-san! You are going to make a wonderful bride and forever be happy! I will do four thousand push ups for your happiness after you leave!" Sachiko smiled, Lee got carried away sometimes.
"Alrighty little miss," said Gai-sensei, "You'll have to come visit so you, Kakashi, Lee, and I can have an extreme relay race. But beware; our spirit of the youth will be even stronger than it is now!" He began to chuckle uncontrollably. "Speaking of carried away…" Sachiko smiled nervously and nodded to him. She breathed a sigh of relief when they left.
Shikamaru and Choji had approached her. "Marriage is gonna be a drag," Shikamaru told her, "But at least being the wife of a Kage is going to be laid back… unless he makes you do paperwork… Paperwork is troublesome…"
"I don't know what you're talking about Shikamaru," roared Choji as he shoved some potato chips in his mouth, "Being married to the Kazekage will be good because she can have a delicious feast every night! That's true happiness!"
Hinata, Neji and Shino approached directly after Shikamaru and Choji. Hinata gave her a tight embrace and whispered, "I wish you the best Sachiko-chan… I'll pray for your happiness."
"Arigato Hinata," Sachiko whispered back to her, "Don't be so shy with Naruto… I can guarantee you he'll like you back." Sachiko smiled as Hinata blushed furiously. Though she was a bit flustered, Hinata nodded. Shino and Neji both wished her good luck and a happy marriage.
Iruka, Konohamaru, and Moegi came up to her. Moegi tugged on her and said, "Sachiko-chan you're going to be so pretty." Konohamaru hugged her tightly.
"Take care of the Boss while I'm gone," Sachiko said to Konohamaru, "Promise?" Konohamaru nodded to her. "Iruka-sensei… glad to see none of your other pupils are setting you on fire."
"Me too," replied Iruka with a laugh, "I wish you the best Sachiko-san."
Sachiko turned to her two best friends to see them talking to Kiba. Their attention went to her as she walked toward them. Sakura and Ino left Kiba to go hug Sachiko in what they called their 'Triple Threat Hug'. "We better get invitations to the wedding," Ino told her as if she were ruffled over the matter.
"Yeah," Sakura chimed in, "Don't forget to invite us!"
"'Course not," Sachiko replied, "What kind of friend do you think I am?"
"You're my best friend," they said simultaneously and then each sharing a laugh after. Both girls said their goodbyes and personal comments to Sachiko, and then left her to let Kiba say his last words.
Kiba was the first to speak but it wasn't much, "Hey future bride."
"I guess this is goodbye," she said to him dejectedly.
"You act like goodbyes are forever… this is more of a seeya later," said Kiba as he gave her a last hug. He smiled to her as he pulled away. "Don't change Sachiko-chan. Stay beautiful."
NARUTARDNARUTARDNARUTARDNARUTARD
The four ninjas turned their backs to Konoha and stood at the village's gate to set off for Suna. The sun had just begun to rise; it was finally six in the morning. Sachiko took the first step toward her future, the others followed. There was a saying that goes, 'If you knew where you would fall, you would throw a pillow there'. Even though life hadn't landed Sachiko exactly where she had wanted to land, she would make the best of it. It was all she could do was to enjoy whatever life threw her way.
"Can I be your best man," asked Naruto as they walked through the forest.
"You knucklehead Naruto," said Sachiko, "Only the groom has a best man… And you can't be a bridesmaid."
"How about I walk you down the aisle," Naruto asked her with a grin.
"Sorry kid but that position is taken," Kakashi told him with a laugh.
"What? That's not fair," cried Naruto angrily, "I never get to do anything important! What am I supposed to do? I want to be someone important at the wedding because I am important! Believe it!"
"Fine Naruto," Sachiko said, "You can be my maid of honor."
"Oh that sounds really important," chirped Naruto, not so upset anymore, "What's that."
"Naruto," Jiraiya finally spoke, "You've got a lot to learn about women."
"Huh? What'd I say?!"
A/N: That was a fun chapter to write. I got to use a lot of lyrics from songs, which I will give credit to in a moment, as some of the character's speech. I love to do that because if you know that song you're like, 'Right on!' Lol. Anyway, tell me what you guys think about all this. I know that I actually got upset at Tsunade and then I got myself all worked up over Kiba and Sachiko's goodbye… I guess I've gotten to attached to the characters in this story… heh… anyway… Sachiko-chan!
Sachiko: Hai! –Salutes-
Author-sama: Now give credit where credit is due.
Sachiko: Hai!
"No good deed goes unpunished. That's my new creed. My road of good intentions led where such roads always lead. But one question haunts and hurts… It's too much, too much to mention… Was I really seeking good or just seeking attention? Is that all good deeds are when looked at with an ice cold eye? If that's all good deeds are maybe that's the reason why no good deed goes unpunished and all helpful urges should be circumvented. Sure I meant well but look at what well meant did!"
"Alright, enough, so be it! So be it then… Let all Konoha be agreed I sacrifice my happiness for this village and will live miserably through and through. I promise no good deed will I do again… ever again."
Sachiko: That was No Good Deed from the musical Wicked and sung by Idina Menzel.
"Don't change. Stay beautiful"
Sachiko: That was Stay Beautiful by The Last Goodnight from their album Poison Kiss. Now that the credit has been given it's time for you, as the reader, to give credit to the author and REVIEW!
Author-sama: You're getting better at this Hostess stuff.
Sachiko: Thanks, I've been practicing!
PS. Please tell me any ideas you have for Sachiko and Gaara getting into it before the wedding. Any ideas for arguments, trouble, etc. Let me know! I need ideas!
PPS. Does anyone know how to take your own story out of someone's C2? Mary Sue You has put both of my fanfics in her "Crapfic" C2. Is there anything I can do about that besides lose my temper?