A/N:
Here is the second chapter, as promised! Also, I forgot last time... Shameless plug! I have another story that is not posted on my profile, but I co-write with another FF author on here, Amrun. Since FF doesn't have a co-author option, we posted the story on her profile! We have equals parts of work into it. If anyone is interested, you can find the story in my favorite. It's called Under the Moon's Eye. This is the summary:

By the time they wake up from the dreams induced by the Infinite Tsukuyomi, it's all over. The world is saved - or so they'd like to say. In the wake of the war, every day is as uncertain as the night before the confrontation. Some wake, while the civilians dream on, leaving the ninja to fend for themselves without their support network. Every day is still a fight.

Sorry for the shameless advertising, but since I don't get to have it on my profile and alerting those who follows me... :P

Well, enjoy chapter two! It's great to get reviews again and I hope you guys enjoy this new version of Porcelain more than the previous one.

xxx

"Kakashi-sensei?"

Kakashi flipped to the next page of his Icha Icha book, not needing to peek at Sakura to know the look on her face. "Hmm?"

Sakura would be angry, there, lying on the grass next to him.

Propping herself on her elbows, she inched closer. "Everyone says you're a perv for always reading those dirty books in public."

"So they say."

Tentatively, she pulled on his sleeve. "That can't be all there is to it. Why do you do it?"

It was a second before Kakashi answered, a pause to allow him to consider his strategies. "Here, read it. You're smart, aren't you? Try and figure it out."

Sakura snatched the book he handed her, almost making him laugh. Sakura was always a demure girl, until all eyes were off her.

Kakashi let her read in peace for a moment, eye up at the sky to follow the cloud's sluggish movements.

"It's just sappy porn," she finally said, whacking his shoulder with the book.

Kakashi laughed, retrieving his property.

"It distracts," Sakura said after a short pause. "It's shocking and people look at the book more than they do you."

"Hmm."

"You're really a perv, though."

Kakashi laughed again, watching the raucous grin she flashed him.

xxx

Chapter Two: Play Our Game Again

…

Sakura sighed as she watched herself in the mirror hung to the door. The inn hadn't changed overnight, of course; it was still a crummy inn. There was little to complain about when you had a decent night's sleep, though. In the mirror, Sakura examined her reflection. Blonde, loose hair and brown eyes that were unfamiliar to her. Features she didn't possess shaped her face; high cheekbones she'd once wished to have, thin lips she had always hated on other women, even larger breasts she still coveted today. With a simple hand sign, all of it disappeared. Kunan still slept behind her, on the bed. He would have a shock when he woke up. Looking back in the mirror, Sakura saw herself. The pink hair pulled into a ponytail and the loose strands that framed her face were a much better fit than the blonde color.

Sakura ran her fingers on her cheeks, inspecting her now rounder cheeks. Her facial features had always remained young. She would never grow out of them, it seemed. Only the full lips and made-up eyes gave her a womanly allure. Slowly, her hand lowered to her neck and her stomach. Her breasts had grown somewhere in her late teens, though still nowhere as impressive as Ino's. They were respectable, at least. Where Sakura felt confident was when she looked to the waist and below. A flat, taut stomach that even female ninjas envied. Flared hips with just the perfect curve. Her frame had always remained small and childish - she measured barely five feet four even into adulthood - but had been blessed with long and shapely legs.

A small sound broke Sakura out of her thoughts and she spun on her heels to see Kunan jumping out of bed, reaching for his weapons.

"Kunan," Sakura called, raising her hands in defense. "It's me."

"Suzuka?" Kunan frowned, nonetheless clutching his katana. "Wait," he said, recognition flashing in his dark eyes. The tension in his shoulders lessened and he deflated somewhat, though he remained defensive. "You're Hokage-sama's apprentice. That girl we were talking about yesterday."

Sakura nodded. Honestly, she did feel guilty for deceiving him and Shokubai, but there had been no other choice.

Kunan lowered his weapon, replacing it in its sheath. "Do you mind explaining this?"

"It's a long story," Sakura sighed. "I had to. That's all I can say."

Kunan took a moment to weigh his options, then nodded. "What's your name already? Sakura, was it?"

Sakura nodded and bowed to Kunan, smiling awkwardly. "It's nice to meet you, Kunan."

"I knew there was something about you." Kunan smirked, approaching her. He tipped her chin up with two of his fingers, his wicked grin back into place. "Energy too wild to be a nobody."

Sakura straightened up again, wishing she could hide the darkening of her cheeks. Before she could reply, a knock sounded from the door.

"Come in," Kunan called.

Kakashi and Shokubai entered the room. Kakashi only froze briefly when he saw Sakura. He, too, had gone back to his normal appearance.

"You're - "

Kakashi quickly interrupted Shokubai. "This is Sakura. She had to disguise herself. Now on to more pressing business."

Shokubai frowned, obviously still confused, but he didn't argue.

"Are you all already to leave?"

Kunan and Sakura nodded. Kakashi motioned for them to follow them outside. Kunan shouldered his backpack and slipped his weapons back in their holsters. Before he crossed the threshold of the door, he threw Sakura a smirk. Sakura followed in silence after Shokubai, burning under his glare.

"If we travel at a moderate pace, we should reach Suna by the evening," Kakashi said, leading them outside. "That's how we'll go about it. Pace yourselves."

Under his directions, Sakura recognized the warning. Conserve energy. Expect the unexpected. Whoever attacked the border was still out there and their motives were yet unknown.

"Let's go."

Immediately, the team broke out in a run, no obstacles in their way since they had slept on the outskirts of the city. Shokubai settled into place besides Kakashi, several feet ahead. Sakura could hear him speak clearly.

"Is she going to slow us down?"

"No," Kakashi replied dryly.

Sakura smiled to herself. Although Sakura could stand on her own merits, having Kakashi back her gave a substantial boost to her credibility. The beginning of her career had depended on it - and Tsunade's word - but what she had achieved was all thanks to her hard work. The changes she had brought to the healthcare system in their village were beyond what anyone else had ever achieved. Sakura had been a more willing teacher than Tsunade had ever been. With Shizune's help, they had raised the next generation of medics and they didn't disappoint. A decade's worth of work had drastically increased survival rate and efficiency in the hospital, as well as in field work.

"That technique, yesterday," Kunan said from her side, keeping his voice low so their conversation remained private. "That's the one you perfected then. You only taught it to Konoha nin?"

Sakura nodded, watching the way the grass was swept back by the air they disturbed. "Only to our most promising students. It's impossible to master without absolute control over your chakra."

"I've heard of them." Kunan looked ahead, dark eyes serious. "Combat-oriented medics. They say they're very useful on the field."

"They are," Sakura said, unable to keep from smirking.

"I assume you'll show us just how useful soon enough?" Kunan mirrored her smirk, his expression one every ninja knew very well.

The anticipation of facing an enemy or having the occasion to watch them display their skills. Seeing by your own eyes what one was capable of - and then wondering how you would measure against them.

"I'll spar with you," Sakura offered. She'd had the itch for a while, already. Kunan would be as good as any other. "When we're back home, if you want to."

"Don't accept that," Kakashi interrupted, slowing down to join them. "Now stop chatting and follow us, you're falling behind."

Sakura's cheeks burned with embarrassment, noticing Shokubai really was a good distance ahead of them. Kakashi ran ahead to catch up. Kunan followed quickly, his gaze remaining on Sakura, a hint of excitement for the coming days in them. Biting the inside of her lip, Sakura followed, settling besides him again.

...xxx...xxx...xxx...

By the time they had reached Suna, it was dark. Their pace had been slowed further by a mild sandstorm. Though very annoying, it hadn't proved a great obstacle to their travels. Ahead of his squad, Kakashi discussed with the guards. Their arrival was expected and it wasn't long before one of them recognized Kakashi and sent for their welcome party.

"Shikamaru!" Sakura called the moment he climbed out of Suna's wall.

"Sakura-chan," He greeted, returning her embrace when she crashed into him. He stumbled back a few steps, but remained solid on his feet regardless. "It's been a long time."

"A long time?" Sakura frowned, glancing up at his face. The years had been kind to him; he was pretty handsome, now. "You call two years a long time? You need to visit more often. We miss you."

"I'm kept busy here," Shikamaru said, placing his hands on Sakura's shoulders to distance himself. Two years hadn't made him anymore affectionate, though. "You could visit too."

"I'm always too busy myself," Sakura muttered, and it was the truth. If there were no patients in the hospital - which, of course, never happened - then there were stacks upon stacks of paperwork. She usually skipped it for training with Kakashi, but that was besides the point. "With the hospital and all."

"So I hear." Shikamaru nodded, then turned to the rest of the squad, never one to forget business. He led them down the cliff and into Suna. "Kazekage-sama will receive you tomorrow in the morning. We've already prepared your sleeping arrangements. I suppose this poses no trouble?"

Kakashi shook his head, falling besides Sakura. "Not at all. We could use the rest."

"Of course. Follow me."

Running atop the rooftops of Suna always left Sakura disappointed, somewhat. In Konoha, she saw far in the horizon. She could even see the Hokage Monument clearly. In Suna, you could only see the edges of the cliff they were hidden in. It was barren. What caught Sakura's eyes, though, was the civilians truding through the streets below them. A decade ago, she recalled seeing more life in Suna, under Gaara's leadership.

Gaara had been a good leader - the best Suna could have had. Really, Sakura had done her best to treat him when his heart began to gave out, but it had been hopeless. There was nothing medical ninjutsu could do against genetic mess ups and a rough life.

Before long, Shikamaru came to a halt in front of a building siding the Kage tower. He led them inside and down the hallways.

"These four rooms," Shikamaru said, pointing to the last four, "are yours. Food and refreshments will be served at demand downstairs. Give your name to the servers when you order. It's on the house."

"Fancy," Shokubai said, huffing as he placed his hands on his hips. "I'll take you up on that."

Shikamaru smirked, scoffing. "Of course you will. I'll show myself to my own bed now, if you don't mind."

"Of course," Kakashi said, extending a hand that Shikamaru didn't hesitate to shake. "Apologies for the delay."

"This is Hatake Kakashi we were expecting," Shikamaru chuckled. "Delays were accounted for."

Kakashi laughed, scratching the back of his head. "My reputation follows me."

"Ah, but Shikamaru-kun," Sakura called when Shikamaru turned the leave, hurrying to his side to tug on his sleeve. "We'll have time to catch up, won't we?"

"I'll make time for it," he said, waving to her as he walked away. "Good night, Sakura-chan."

Kakashi lost no time to claim one of the rooms, as did Shokubai. Kunan, on the hand, remained behind with her and took her hand in his, smirking. "Are we still sharing a room, sweetheart?"

"How rude," Sakura laughed. "Propositioning a woman other than your betrothed."

"Kind of sucks when your fiancée doesn't exist," Kunan chuckled, turning to go into his own room. "I'll see you tomorrow then."

"Good night," Sakura said, waiting for him to close the door before she headed for Kakashi's room.

He wasn't surprised when she walked in, not even bothering to knock. Immediately, Kakashi walked closer to her.

"Kakashi - "

Kakashi's hands were already on her shirt, pulling the sleeve down and ripping the seam in his carelessness.

"Kakashi-senpai!" Sakura yelped, trying to swat his hands away but he was having none of it.

Kakashi's eyes were fixed on her left shoulder - more specifically on the black insignia of ANBU. "Why did you lie to me?"

"I didn't lie to you - "

"Sakura," Kakashi barked. Sakura started, shrinking under his scrutiny. "Answer the question."

Sakura frowned, ignoring the burning friction when he dragged his thumb against her skin too roughly. A vain attempt to smear the ink. "You know why!"

"I know why?" Kakashi replied incredulously, shoving her shoulder into the wall. "So I wouldn't have the chance to stop you from making such a grotesque mistake?"

"So you wouldn't - " Sakura scoffed indignantly. Shaking his hand off her shoulder, she stepped closer to him, tipping her chin up to look him at him in defiance. "Listen to yourself! How ridiculous you can be, senpai!"

"Me? Ridiculous" Kakashi spat, cornering her against the wall. Sakura backed into slowly, laying her palms flat against it. "Look who's speaking. ANBU - with your responsibilities!"

"Oh, don't you lecture me!" Sakura growled, struggling to keep the volume of her voice in check. She shoved him back to distance herself, but Kakashi was quick to react and keep her trapped where he wanted her, pinning her wrists to the sides of her head. "I know my responsibilities. And guess what. You're one of my fucking responsibilities!"

"I am?" Kakashi said flippantly, pointing to himself. "Remind me who's the mentor here. Remind me who has genins back home and a whole hospital resting on her shoulders."

"My duties at the hospital are taken care of," Sakura defended, tempted to knock her forehead into his when he leaned in too close. "Shizune and Tsunade are making up for my absence. They're training Umeboshi to step in my place once the time comes - like I was before I came here. And my genins? They've been chuunin for weeks!"

Kakashi frowned at the last bit of information.

Sakura didn't let him recover. "I wonder why you didn't know that, huh? Maybe because you couldn't be bothered to watch their exam. Maybe because you ended up landing yourself in a semi-coma before I ever had the chance to tell you!"

"This is part of the risks of what we do - "

"I know that!" Sakura screeched, fighting her hands free to shove Kakashi's shoulders back. He stepped back and she followed him, unrelenting. "But ANBU is a whole other level. You know how I know that? You're flipping out that I joined! It's too dangerous for me, but not for you?"

"I'm useful here - "

"And I'm not?" Sakura retorted, glaring at him with all her might. She laid a hand on his chest and fisted it in his sweater, preventing him from stepping back further. "You didn't even bother to tell me! I found out when you were dying in my hands!"

"I didn't die."

Sakura punched his chest weakly, fighting back tears. Kakashi stood slouched as he always did, looking down at her, face blank thanks to his mask. "You were dead. I brought you back, senpai. You were dead."

Against her best efforts, Sakura's tears still won. Kakashi matched her glare for a while, finally softening when hiccups shook Sakura's body.

He pulled her into his arms, stroking her back with one hand. "Don't cry."

"What would you do if it was me on that table?" Sakura cried in his shirt, gripping folds of it. She could still see it so clearly - his blood on her hands, his glassy eyes. "If you were the one desperately trying to save my life?"

Kakashi's arms tightened around and Sakura knew she had hit a sensitive nerve. For all the pain they caused each other, Sakura knew he still held her close to his heart. Knew that they were bound together through it all.

"Why didn't you tell me?" Sakura croaked, pressing her cheek to his breast. "Wasn't I important enough?"

"That's not how it is, Sakura," Kakashi tried to comfort, cradling the back of her head in one hand. Gently, he pulled away just enough to look down at her through his tired eyes. "You would have stopped me."

Not you would have tried, you would have stopped. Because they both knew what he was truly doing to himself. It was why she had to disguise herself, after all. Kakashi would have found a way to keep her in Konoha.

"You should have let me," Sakura whispered, not daring to look up at Kakashi's face. "You can't go without me."

"Sakura," Kakashi said, more stern. "Don't say such things. I don't want to hear it."

"Deal with it," Sakura muttered, pulling away to wipe her tears. Kakashi wiped his thumb along her cheek, erasing the tracks they left. "Where you go, I go. You'll never get rid of me."

"I will someday," Kakashi chuckled, lowering his mask. "One day, I'll go too far and you won't be able to follow me."

Sakura sniffed, ignoring him and instead cupping his cheeks in her palms. A few days' worth of stubbles prickled her skin. "You need to shave."

"You need to bathe," Kakashi mocked, leaning down to press his forehead against hers. "You've tortured my nose enough already."

Sakura giggled, staring into his grey eyes. "Your nose will always freak me out."

To be fair, Kakashi was entirely right. A whole day of running in Suna's desert was much harsher than traveling to Rain Country. Even though they had changed to lighter wear, they had all sweated like pigs.

Kakashi stepped back, letting his hand linger in her hair.

Sakura stood there for him to watch. Kakashi was still so much taller than her. As a child, she had foolishly fantasized that one day she would stand as tall as him. The chances had been slim and it hadn't happened, of course. Kakashi's eye lowered only for a fraction of a second to look at her upper body, and Sakura realized that in his haste to see her tattoo, he had ripped her shirt nearly in half, exposing her bindings.

"Help me, will you?" Sakura said, pulling the torn garment over her head and showing her back to Kakashi.

Kakashi got to work without another word, slowly peeling the bandages from her torso when she raised her arms. When he was nearly done, he said quietly, "Resign when we come back home. You don't need to follow me here."

"I'm not a child anymore, senpai," Sakura whispered. The discussion was old. "You can't tell me what to do anymore."

Kakashi sighed in her hair, handing her the bundle of bandages when only a single layer covered her from his view. "You don't need to keep reminding me that."

Sakura turned to face him, dropping the bindings to the floor. Kakashi had already seen her naked so many times before, as she had him. It was part of their closeness and their life. Sharp weapons had a tendency to shred clothes and wounds were inflicted to all kinds of places that required too much intimacy. Let alone that part of Sakura's job was a yearly inspection of Kakashi's entire body.

"Are you sure?"

"Positive," Kakashi said, keeping his eye locked with hers.

It didn't take more than for Sakura to lean closer to him for Kakashi to do the same and press his lips to hers, his kiss already impatient and rough. He trapped her against the wall once more, but this time Sakura had no complaints. Her lips moved against his with ease, her eyes sliding shut to enjoy the feeling of his body molded against hers.

When she became more demanding and hooked a leg around his hip, Kakashi broke their kiss, pressing his forehead to hers as he sighed. His eyes slid shut, though Sakura knew it was in order to keep himself in check, rather than a more pleasant feeling. "Sakura…"

"Senpai," Sakura whispered, watching his closed eyes open, the battle in them. It was a battle she'd seen a few times already, whenever he began to give into her. Her hands fisted in his vest, trying to will him into coming closer again. "It's okay."

Instead of kissing her again, Kakashi pressed his mouth to her neck, suckling and kissing the sensitive skin in the crook of it. Sakura moaned in surprised, arching into his body. She could feel Kakashi's quickened breaths on her skin and, when she rolled her hips into his, the hard bulge in his pants that was all the proof she needed. It was a game of mouse and cat. The victor was predictable, its victory only a matter of time.

"Enough," Kakashi breathed out as he broke away from her. "Go bathe."

Sakura remained against the wall when he walked away from her to sit on the edge of the bed, her chest still heaving. The look in his eye now she knew well, also. The shame that came from giving into her game. Shame he created for himself. One day, maybe, Kakashi would realize this.

Too tired for any more arguing, Sakura simply obeyed. He didn't protest when she headed for the bathroom attached to his room instead of going back to hers. She would sleep here tonight, in his bed, and he didn't try to fight that fact, because he wanted her there. Because nights were long and lonely; they had been for so long already. He needed her there the same way she needed him there. Fighting the ghosts of the past wasn't as harsh a battle when they were together. It had always been the very essence of their relationship.

And when she came back, dressed in her pajamas to torture him no further, he proved her right, welcoming her into his bed when she stood at the side of it. She slipped under the blanket he held up for her, lying on the side of the mattress always reserved for her. Perhaps it was unfair of her, all that she dangled in front of him, knowing he would never let himself have any of it, but this was how they knew to be together. In the end, she was the one Kakashi always returned to. She wouldn't allow it to change.

...xxx...xxx...xxx

"Missy miss," called a deep voice. "You've overslept, missy miss."

Stirring, Sakura cracked an eye open to search for the owner of the voice she didn't quite recognize. It sounded so familiar, but...

"Missy miss," it cooed. "You'll sleep the day away, missy miss."

"Who are you?" Sakura mumbled as she looked around her, her vision far too blurry to see anything. "Where are you?"

"Missy miss," it responded. "Right over here. Open your eyes, missy miss."

"Stop calling me that," she grumbled as she sat up, rubbing her eyes.

"Missy miss," it chuckled. "Missy miss is grumpy this morning."

With her sight cleared up, Sakura observed her surroundings again. Trees. Grass. Darkness. The environment made her feel peaceful, somehow.

"Where am I?" she asked, still so tired she might pass out.

"Missy miss," the voice repeated as it approached. "You're at home, missy miss."

Lacking the strength to stand up, Sakura crawled towards the person speaking, tired of being teased.

"Who are you?" she questioned hastily. "Why are you there?"

"Missy miss," the stranger encouraged. "Just a few more steps, missy miss. You're almost there, missy miss."

Sakura could feel she was getting closer. If only her body didn't feel so heavy...

"Missy miss," the person urged. "I'll be gone if you don't reach me soon, missy miss."

Her heart pounded in her chest as she registered the words. Even if she had no idea who she was speaking to, the thought of him leaving made her panic.

"Wait for me!" she pleaded, scrambling to her feet, only to trip on a root that seemed to have materialized out of nowhere.

"Missy miss," he whispered shakily. "I need you. Please help me, missy miss."

"Just a second," Sakura called out as she forced herself back to her feet. "I'm almost there!"

Ignoring the protests of her tired muscles, she ran towards him. She had to get to him, she couldn't leave him be. The closer she got, the more branches whipped at her face. Sakura growled in frustration as she pushed them away, wondering where they even came from in the first place. She could see several feet ahead of her, yet couldn't see them before they slapped her.

"Missy miss," he called again. "You're a lovely woman. I'm happy to have met you, missy miss."

"What?" Sakura let out, confused, certain that they had never met before. "Hang on, I'll be there in a second."

When a dark silhouette finally came into view, Sakura collided with what appeared to be a chest-high wall of roots. She gripped it, gasping for breath. She was so close...

'Missy miss," he said. "It's okay. You did everything that you could, missy miss."

"No!" Sakura screamed as she kicked through the wall and leapt towards him, only to be stopped by another barrage of roots.

Now that she was closer, she could see that the roots were connected to the stranger that was still hidden in the darkness.

"What are you doing?!" she shouted as she punched the new obstacle. "I'm here! It's okay!"

Just when he was within her reach and she extended her hand to touch him, new roots wrapped around her limbs and kept her in mid-air, her fingers just barely an inch away from him.

"Missy miss," he breathed out, eerily quiet and serene. "Your heart was never mine to you for trying, missy miss."

The silhouette disintegrated before her eyes. They widened in shock, her efforts to free herself renewing but futile nonetheless. Sakura screamed in agony when the last of him was gone, leaving her to lay on the ground now that her restraints had dissipated. Defeated and broken, she cried into the night, howling her pain without shame.

...xxx...xxx...xxx…

Sakura jerked awake when Kakashi shook her shoulder. Half asleep, she swatted his hand away, searching the room to identify her surroundings. Right. Suna, Kakashi's room. Meeting with the Kazekage. Sakura rubbed the sleep out of her eyes, pushing the hazy memory of a nightmare down in her mind with all the others. Whatever it was, she couldn't remember - nor did she wish to.

"Get ready," Kakashi said, already dressed. "We have to go. Shikamaru's here."

"Already?" Sakura mumbled, rolling out of bed and hurrying into fresh clothes. Her version of the Konoha uniform was appropriate to meet the Kazekage. "Didn't you set the alarm clock?"

Kakashi didn't reply.

Sakura sighed. "Right. Hatake Kakashi and all."

By the time they were out the door, Shokubai and Kunan were standing in the hallway, waiting for them. Shokubai didn't try to hide his amusement. He smirked, looking directly at Sakura.

Kakashi paid it no mind. "Where did Shikamaru go?"

"Downstairs," Kunan replied, pushing himself off the wall and uncrossing his arms.

Kakashi nodded and walked forward, closely followed by Kunan. Shokubai remained a few paces behind with Sakura.

"So this is how you earned your place," he gloated, walking with the pride of a lion at her side. If anything, he was more like a vulture. "Why am I not surprised?"

"Shokubai," Kakashi snapped, reminding Sakura of the way he sometimes bossed his dogs around.

Shokubai fell into submission the same way the dogs did, adjusting his pace to walk at Kakashi's heel. Sakura smiled to herself, taking her prized position at Kakashi's left.

"Finally," Shikamaru sighed when they came into his sight. "I was starting to think my calculations were off."

"They're never off," Sakura teased, waving a dismissive hand at him.

"Follow me," Shikamaru said, walking away before he was even done speaking. "Kazekage-sama is waiting for you."

Sakura skipped ahead to fall into place behind Shikamaru smirking as she tugged on his sleeve. The sun was bright, as it always was in Suna, forcing her to squint to get a good view at Shikamaru's face. "Say, Shikamaru."

Shikamaru hummed, throwing her a calculated glance.

"Is Temari expecting yet?" Sakura asked, too hopeful. "We've all been waiting for the news forever."

"No she's not," Shikamaru replied, irked as he always was when prodded about the subject. "What is it with you guys pushing this on us?"

"I just can't wait to see baby Shikamarus," Sakura said, weaving her hands together as she envisioned the children. "Even with just a handful of them, they'd be like baby geniuses taking over the world before their first birthday. I can just see it!"

Shikamaru grimaced, running a palm down his face. "Sakura."

"What?" Sakura protested, pouting and placing her hands on her hips. "You know I'm right."

"We're here," Shikamaru sighed, opening a door and gesturing for them to go inside. "First door on your right."

Kakashi's team followed his direction, entering a large dining room where a copious breakfast was being served. They formed a line along the wall, bending a full ninety degrees at the hips before saying in unison, "Kazekage-sama."

Sakura remembered the days where this was Gaara they bent to. How he'd immediately tell them to forego such formalities with him.

But he was gone now, too.

"Come sit," Jishin invited, gestured to the empty seats on his left.

Shikamaru, Temari and Kankuro filled the opposing seats, consisting of his guard.

Kakashi pulled Sakura's chair for her, reserving her spot before Kunan or Shokubai could embarrass themselves by arguing over it. When she was seated, Kakashi took his place at the Kazekage's side, keeping Sakura on his left as always.

"I don't believe I've had the pleasure?" Jishin said, nodding towards Shokubai and Kunan.

They introduced themselves, their polite behavior leaving a prickle on Sakura's skin. Formal gatherings always did; there was something inherently dishonest about them.

"Of course, you two don't need introducing," Jishin chuckled. He nodded politely at Sakura. "Haruno-san, it's a pleasure to see you again. The work you did with our young medics is showing more than ever even today. They are taking up students on them, lately."

"I'm pleased, Kazekage-sama," Sakura said, smiling. The first two years after the war had been spent alternating between the five Nations. Teaching medical ninjutsu had kept her busy. Though Jishin hadn't been Hokage during that time, they had been well acquainted as he was the grandson of Chiyo's brother. "I am certain they are doing well."

"And you," Jishin said, gesturing to Kakashi. "The legend in the flesh. I can rest undisturbed knowing you are at the head of this investigation."

Kakashi simply nodded. Sakura frowned at his icy composure, brushing her leg against his under the table. He pushed it away with a jerk of his knee. Sakura straightened in her seat, transitioning back into the manners he had taught her.

"Were your rooming arrangements to your tastes?" Jishin asked.

Kakashi raised his hand in refusal when a dressed up waiter tried to place a plate before him. "Of course, Kazekage-sama. Frivolous, even."

Kakashi spoke the truth. Though she hadn't been quite in the right mindset to enjoy it, Sakura couldn't remember the last time they had slept in such a classy establishment. The towels had even been scented.

"Perhaps I've overdone in my haste to please Hokage-dono," Jishin chuckled, watching Kakashi closely. "Such a hard woman to please."

"Isn't she?" Kakashi said, mimicking Jishin's tone of voice.

Mimicking to put him at ease, hoping to bring his guard down and uncover any hint of an answer to their real questions.

Jishin laughed, dismissing the comment when breakfast was served. "Don't hesitate, dig in! I'm sure you're hungry after your travels."

Sakura obeyed, though she ate with no appetite. The corpse at Ame's border was fresh in her mind, bringing with it a sense of impending danger. Peace was never everlasting.

Kakashi leaned his elbows on the table, weaving his fingers together. "Don't you wish to hear our report, Kazekage-sama?"

"Of course," Jishin replied, offended. He frowned at Kakashi, gesturing towards the food. "Isn't it rude to demand you report while eating?"

"I'm not eating," Kakashi said, pointing his hand towards his lack of a plate. "No rudeness."

"Then by all means, let me hear it," Jishin said, leaning back in his chair.

"I'm sorry to say we found no concluding evidence," Kakashi started. Kakashi was a good liar. A liar by omission. "It was obvious to us that explosives were used, and not jutsu. This makes it harder to trace the attack back to a single person or group."

"This is unfortunate." Jishin frowned, clasping his hands together on his lap. "Ame needs to own up - "

"So you confirm that you believe Ame perpetrated the attack?" Kakashi interrupted, watching Jishin's every move.

"I certainly haven't ordered such a foolish move," Jishin scoffed. Sakura swallowed her bite, her throat a little too dry. "If not Ame, then who?"

"I have to admit they have a compelling motive - what with all the increases in import taxes you've decreed in the past few years - "

"Increases that are necessary to ensure our survival," Jishin defended. The argument was well known in the country. Suna had few sources of income besides its military. "You and I both know how well the ninja business has been doing in the last decade."

Business. Sakura held in her sneer. Her service was nothing but a business.

"I know very well," Kakashi chuckled. "My bank account is a constant reminder."

Jishin laughed. "Isn't everyone's?"

"I concur," Shokubai said from the end of the table, joining in the laughter.

Kakashi leaned back in his chair, resting one hand on his thigh while the other brushed against Sakura's. Sakura sat straighter and leaned her elbows on the table, laying her chin in her tangled fingers.

"So you aren't aware of any, say, rebellious bunch that might be acting against Suna's best interest?" Sakura asked, her voice more high-pitched than usual. "Against your orders?"

"I would have their head if I did." Jishin frowned, his stance already more defensive.

At her side, Kakashi kept an eye on their companions on the other side of table. Shikamaru, Temari and Kankuro remained silent, as if oblivious to the conversation. As expected of guards.

"Now, now, I thought this was a report," Jishin said, raising an eyebrow. Sakura reclined in her chair, offering him a charming smile. "I haven't been informed I would be interrogated. Does Konoha think so little of us? After our alliance?"

Sakura touched her fingers to Kakashi's thigh under the table, her heart beating too hard in her ribcage.

"My apologies, Kazekage-sama," Kakashi said sheepishly, reverting to his cheerful persona. "You must understand we must be fair to all parties. We will ensure Ame receives justice, once we find the right evidence."

"As it should be." Jishin nodded.

Sakura sat still through the rest of the conversation, not touching another morsel of her food. When Kakashi finally stood, announcing their necessary sudden departure, Sakura couldn't have been more relieved.

...xxx...xxx...xxx…

Running through Suna's desert proved less daunting this time around, the sandstorms lacking. It was still several hours before Kakashi called a break.

"Kunan," Kakashi called. "Verify the surroundings."

Kunan nodded, pressing his palms together. Sakura smiled to herself. A sensor type. How unusual they were.

"Clear," Kunan said.

Kakashi nodded then turned to Sakura expectantly.

"He lied," Sakura said quickly, staring at her feet. Sand was blown on them by a small gust of wind. Tonight, she'd take off her boots and find a pile of sand in them, somehow, she was certain. "Though I can't confirm if he simply knew details he didn't reveal or…"

Kunan frowned at her side, turning his head to look at her, incredulous. "How can you confirm this?"

"The signs of lying," Sakura answered, counting them on her fingers. "Increased heartbeat, no blinking, shallower breath - "

"Increased heartbeat?" Shokubai asked, his narrowed eyes giving away his suspicion. "How could you possibly confirm that from across the table?"

"Wouldn't you love to know?" Sakura taunted, arching an eyebrow.

Kakashi sighed, placing a hand on her shoulder to keep her from arguing further. They all fell silent then. The truth was sinking in. They were all in for more than they bargained. Conflict was brewing between the five nations again. Peace would never last. Kakashi didn't need to say it out loud for them to understand: this was a terrible sign.

...xxx...xxx...xxx...