I'm so glad many of you liked my first chapter! I was afraid no one would read it because of the length of it. Haha, anyway I was just too happy when I went to check my inbox and found so many alerts from FF about my story being faved and whatnot. I wonder how long I'm going to make this bad-boy of a chapter, ha.
I'm sorry! I actually would've had this posted sooner but I've been sick. I got food poisoning when I went on a trip with some friends of mine; it was not fun at all. I spent most of the time by the toilet getting rid of my internal organs.
Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto.
Sakura walked into Tsunade's office–falling into the soft chair in front of her desk, it was too early. And oh–how her muscles ached, she had slept wrong the night before and now she was facing the consequences. She moaned as she brought her hand up and held it over the back of her neck, pressing chakra into the tense muscles that sat beneath her skin trying to soothe them.
"Bad night?" Tsunade looked to the hunched over form sitting in front of her, swishing around the small amount of saké that was settling at the bottom of her glass.
Sakura looked up, wincing as the muscles moved and tightened once more. "Kind of, shishou." She confessed, slumping over again as she pumped more chakra in to soothe the pain.
Sighing, Tsunade stood from her chair and stopped by Sakura's side. "Let me see." She grazed Sakura's skin with her delicate fingers and began to press her own chakra in, making Sakura sigh in relief of the pain.
"Thank you." Sakura mumbled into her hands as Tsunade shuffled back to her seat behind the desk. She yawned; stretching her arms out and smiling at Tsunade when she didn't feel her muscles cramp or twitch in agony.
"Ah, baa-chan! Why did we have to get here so fucking early!?" Naruto stumbled in with a cup of pork ramen in his hand–the contents threatening to spill over. "The ceremony's not till noon!" He huffed as he sat himself in the only other chair available. "And why did you have to send Kakashi-sensei to come get me? Do you know what it's like seeing a masked man sitting on the edge of your bed having no idea who it is?!"
"Don't be like that Naruto, you knew it was me." Kakashi strode in, leaning against Tsunade's desk as he grinned at Naruto through his mask. "Though I might have to come into your apartment more often; some of the things you mumble in your sleep are just too good."
Naruto glared at the man–preparing to retort against Kakashi's words as he brought up an accusing finger.
"Naruto." Tsunade's voice was stern, demanding. "Stop acting like a child, you should be acting mature. Today is the day you're going to be recognized as the Rokudaime of Konohagakure. I expect you to act like such with grace and manner as a Hokage would." Her eyes pierced the blue depths she looked into.
"That's funny, baa-chan. I see none of that in you!" Naruto laughed, pointing a chopstick in her direction as he chewed on the remaining ramen in his mouth.
"Naruto, show some respect." Kakashi sighed, the arguing never stopped between the two.
Naruto's blue eyes went from Tsunade to Kakashi, narrowing. "Kakashi-sensei!" His voice pleading, as he wanted Kakashi on his side.
"Kakashi-sensei's right, Naruto." Sakura looked to her best friend, wanting him to just give up on the quarrel that would soon begin between the two. "The least you could do is to show some respect for Tsunade-shishou. She didn't have to recommend you as the next Hokage when she decided to resign from her position. You have no idea what she went through just to get the elders to agree with her choice as the next Hokage."
Naruto sat back in his seat, grumbling. He at least wanted one person on his side and he didn't even get that, even if it was just a small argument. "Fine," he huffed before taking another bite of the ramen. "Why is it that you wanted us here so earlier for anyway?" He asked between mouthfuls.
Tsunade glared at Naruto's obnoxious eating habit, "Don't talk with your mouthful." "Didn't you mother teach you better?" No–she couldn't say that, that would've been too low for her. Naruto didn't have a mother to guide him when he was younger–nor the father that she knew he had wanted there for guidance. He had grown up alone until he met up with team seven; they had changed his life more than they would ever know.
Tsunade smiled, Minato would be proud–his son becoming the Rokudaime, like father like son. Naruto was following in his father's footsteps. "What's it like Naruto–seeing that you're about to become one of the youngest Hokage's this village has ever had?" Tsunade gave a soft smile to the blond haired man.
Naruto grinned, "It's great, and I'm going to be the best Hokage Konoha has ever seen!" He hollered as he waved his chopsticks in the air. "Even better then the Yondaime." A soft smile graced his lips as he set his chopsticks in the empty cup in his hands. His father had been a hero and he was going to do just the same. He would live up to and beyond Minato's reputation no matter what was thrown at him.
Tsunade chuckled; Naruto had too much spunk for his own good. "You better not let Konohagakure down, Naruto." She smiled as she downed a small amount of saké.
"Drinking already, Tsunade-sama?" Kakashi eyed the woman suspiciously, "I don't suppose you have a poker game going on behind you also?"
Tsunade glared at Kakashi, huffing. "Hush–whatever I do with my time is of no importance to you."
Kakashi chucked beneath his dark mask, his crow's feet becoming ever more evident. "Alright, alright." He waved off the fuming woman sitting behind the desk.
The door to the office creaked open as Shizune walked in, a smile dancing its way on her features when she spotted who was in the room. She bowed her head slightly as she walked up to Tsunade's desk. "Everything's going just as planned, Tsunade-sama."
"Perfect." Tsunade smiled at the dark haired woman before turning her gaze on Sakura. "Put your robe on, Sakura." She instructed.
Sakura looked up from her gaze at the floor to the Godaime and nodded. She gently lifted the robe from her lap where it had been laying since she arrived. Standing up she slipped the robe over the pale green yukata she wore, small flowers decorating the white obi. A faint smile crawled to her lips; the yukata had been a gift from her friends for her eighteenth birthday, and it was one of the best gifts she had ever received.
Tsunade pushed herself up from the chair she sat in; walking to a small wardrobe closet she pulled out a robe. "Naruto, put this on." She walked to the man, handing him the robe with a small sigh.
Naruto jumped up with a spark in his eyes, "Alright, it's about time I get to finally put this on and get the title of Hokage!" He chimed as he snagged the fabric out of Tsunade's hands. Pulling the robe on with a swift motion, he beamed at the room's occupants.
"It looks good, Naruto." Sakura commented. Laughing, she shuffled over to the blond–fixing the collar to the robe. "There." She smiled as she backed away, admiring really how Naruto looked now that the robe was straightened out and fixed. "You look like a true Hokage."
"Just like your father." A soft smiled played on Tsunade's features. "He would have loved to see this day, you know. Don't disappoint him."
Naruto smiled, tears threatening to spill at the mention of his father. "I won't." He confirmed as he looked at the busty woman with a small nod.
"Alright then, let's get going." Tsunade sighed, leading the way to the door. "You know Naruto–I'm going to miss this office." She stopped at the doorway, looking back at Naruto–grinning. "But I'm definitely not going to miss all the paperwork–that's all yours."
"Come on, Shikamaru! We can't afford to miss this, stop being such a lazy ass!" Ino roared, dragging Shikamaru by his hand. They ran past the crowds of people in the roads, bumping and shoving their way to the Hokage tower.
Sun danced across the Konoha, caressing each and every body in it. Not one cloud in the sky's domain–it was breathtaking. Children ran and played as their parents made their way to the center of the village, gossiping on their way there. Voices boomed, each person struggling to hear what the other was saying. Everyone was heading to one place–the Hokage tower.
"Slow down, you damn woman! It's not like we're going to miss it." Shikamaru complained, bumping into a man. This was not his idea of a good time, by far. There was not one cloud in the sky for him to direct his attention to.
"Oh, Shut up Shikamaru. We're almost there!" Ino chimed over her shoulder at the miserable looking man. "Hinata-chan!" Ino waved with her free hand as the dark haired woman came into view through the crowd.
Hinata's brow furrowed as she struggled to see the woman who called her name through the sea of bodies. She stood at the front of the crowd, ready for the event to begin. She wouldn't miss this moment for the world. The love of her life finally completing his dream that he had wanted for so many years–no, she wouldn't miss this for anything at all.
"Ah, Hinata-chan! I'm so glad I found you; I was afraid I was going to have to watch this whole thing with slow-ass right here." Nodding towards Shikamaru, Ino laughed. "Anyway, when's this thing supposed to start?" She asked Hinata, letting go of the man's arm she had had a tight grip on in the process.
Hinata smiled, "It should be starting s-soon, Ino-chan." She still stuttered, but that was her. Her friends loved her non-the-less, and she loved them for that. She wouldn't trade them for anything in the world; they were always supportive of her no matter what happened.
Shikamaru grunted, bringing his arm up and sighing. A dark hue was starting to creep on his skin, another bruise. "Troublesome." His eye twitched as he looked at Ino, this had been the fifth bruise he had gotten from her this week alone. She had no self control.
Lifting his head back, he analyzed the sky. "No clouds, how disappointing." He scanned the area, looking for something to distract himself from his surroundings. A small bird flew above him and landed on the edge of a building, "I guess that troublesome bird's it." He rolled his head to the side, eyes focusing on the winged creature.
Ino looked at Hinata, "Why aren't you up there with Naruto? Out of all people, I would think you would be up there." Ino questioned her brow rose–waiting for the woman's reply.
A blush danced its way on Hinata's cheeks, "I-I thought it'd be b-better this way; this is h-his moment after a-all." She looked down at the pebble that sat at her foot, trying to not let Ino see her state.
Chuckling, Ino looked to the Hokage tower then reverted her gaze back the woman beside her. "Well I'm sure he didn't sit well with that when you told him."
Hinata smiled, looking up at the blond. "N-no, he didn't." The blush fading as she looked to the tower–seeing Tsunade walk out of the doors and lean against the railing.
The crowd quieted down upon seeing the Godaime casually stand there, watching them. Rays of sun caressed her features, only a man's touch could only do such a thing. She stood wearing her normal attire, but held the Hokage hat in hand. A small smile played on her mouth.
"What if I mess up Sakura-chan? What if I fall on the way walking out? You'll be there to catch me, right?" Naruto quizzed the pink haired woman standing next to him. As much as he told himself he wasn't going to be nervous, he couldn't help it. He was about to walk out and be given the name as the Rokudaime of Konohagakure, how could he not be nervous.
Sakura laughed as she looked at Naruto's worried expression, she had never seen him so anxious and worried before. "You'll do fine, Hokage-sama." She teased playfully at her blond friend.
His worry faded as he looked at his Sakura, she seemed utterly at peace. She stood there next to him breathing evenly as they waited behind the doors. The lights of the hallway played in her hair, highlighting all the stray strands.
"I hope you're right, advisor-san." Naruto chuckled at the name, it didn't fit her. He was better off just calling her Haruno-san if he wanted to sound professional. Shifting his weight to the other leg, he sighed. This was taking too long for him.
Sakura didn't want to admit it, but she was nervous. No matter how at ease she appeared on the outside, she was wrecking inside. Crowds weren't her thing, especially when all the attention's directed towards her way. She fiddled with the sleeve of her robe, waiting for the doors to open so they could walk out.
"What is baa-chan doing out there that's taking so long?" Naruto questioned; he walked towards the small crack that was in-between the two doors that Tsunade had walked out of. Squinting, he peered through it only to stumble back as they opened.
"Uzumaki Naruto!" Tsunade's booming voice reached Naruto and Sakura's ears with an irritating volume.
Sakura grinned, looking at Naruto through the corner of her eye. "After you, Hokage-sama." She nodded towards the awaiting crowd.
Birds soared across the sky and into a tree's shelter, chirping happily. The trees and bushes shook silently from the creatures roaming inside, gathering, eating, and fighting. It was a fight or die world, common nature law. Species naturally fought off others for their species to remain on the face of the planet; and if they didn't–then they would get nowhere and end up dying shortly. It was something that couldn't be stopped, it was an instinct.
It was the same way with humans. They'd slaughter each other just to see another day, there was no remorse here. Shinobi only served their village, they were pawns. If they were told to take down an enemy shinobi, they would. If told to kill a family for the safety of their village, they would. Peace was not a common thing, no–not here. It would be a miracle if one found peace in the shinobi life style, some tried but had died. It was a useless effort. They were just like animals, caving in to their instincts without a second thought at times. They were the queen's pawns, bending at every will.
A womanly figure sighed as she flicked off a small beetle that had rested on her sleeve. "How much longer are we going to keep going? The bugs are eating me alive, Sasuke-kun." She jumped to the side as a large sword soared by her body and dug into a tree. "What the hell was that for?!" Her eyes narrowed at the blue hued man.
Suigetsu snorted, glaring at the thin woman. "There was I bug, I killed it." He pulled the oversized sword from the tree with a grunt and strapped it back into the holder on his back. "Stop your bitching; your voice is giving me a headache." Suigetsu glared at Karin as he strode by her, walking behind the dark haired man.
Karin huffed as she walked beside Suigetsu, eyes narrowed at him. "You're an ass! Why don't you just leave? Sasuke-kun and I will do just fine without you here!" Her chopped hair swayed side to side as she walked.
"Well obviously your 'Sasuke-kun' thinks differently." Suigetsu laughed as Karin's brows knitted together in frustration. "Now why don't you go to the back, like a good bitch should." He grinned, nodding behind him.
"Just wait one day fish boy! I'll kill you." She smiled at the thought. She had only two wishes; for Sasuke and herself to be together, and for Suigetsu to drop dead. And she was determined to make both of them happen.
Suigetsu chuckled, "As if you could catch me." He enjoyed toying with her, despite how much he wished she were gone. She was merely there so he could pass the time by making crude jokes and insulting her. He had to find something to do so he wouldn't be so bored, and he struck gold.
"Both of you just shut up." Sasuke commanded, his dark eyes scanning the area as they walked. Though it was still daylight out, they needed to find a clearing to rest for the time being. He didn't hate his teammates, but he didn't like them either. They were just there for him–so he could get what he needed to get done at a faster pace. They were his pawns, but he was not the queen. No–he was a knight.
Karin pouted as she looked at tall man in front of her, "How much longer is it going to be until we find a clearing, Sasuke-kun?"
Sasuke's eyes narrowed at small area ahead of him; it was empty and was not too close to Konoha boarders. It was exactly what they needed. "There." He lifted a finger, pointing at the small area.
Karin sighed in relief, traveling around for hours on end was taking a toll on her feet. Not to mention the constant annoyance of Suigetsu that she was bothered with. She was surprised she wasn't going insane from it all.
Suigetsu sighed as they walked into the clearing, un-strapping the extra weight from his back. The sword cut through the earth, standing up. He sat against the marvelous weapon, sipping on the drink he carried with him.
The tallest of the four forms walked into the clearing and leaned against a thick tree. A small bird landed on his shoulder, chirping as Juugo brought his hand up and ruffled the bird's feathers with his finger. A small smile graced his features as he looked at the creature.
"We'll stay here until nightfall, and then we'll move out towards Konoha." Sasuke stood under a tree, hiding from the sun that threatened to touch his body. He leaned his head back, closing his eyes. If anyone had walked by other than his team then they would have assumed the Uchiha was sleeping–but he wasn't. He couldn't afford to sleep; he had to be alert at all times. He was an S-classed criminal; he could be attacked at any moment without mercy.
Karin huffed, "Sasuke-kun, why don't we just go right now and get it over with? Then you and I can spend some quality time together." She sat on a rock that was lying in the clearing, glaring at Suigetsu as he slurped at his drink.
Suigetsu chuckled, "How can you be so stupid, Karin? We'll get spotted easier when it's daylight out." He smiled at the woman, his teeth flashing at her.
Karin jumped up, "I wasn't talking to you, Suigetsu!" She hollered, sending a glare at him before looking to the figure that was standing casually beneath a tree.
Sasuke opened one eye to look at the red haired woman, "Suigetsu's right, Karin. The plan doesn't change, we'll wait until dark." He let the lid of his eye close again as he leaned back against the tree. His breathing evened as he listened to the wildlife around him.
The office filled with laughter and voices, the day was going perfectly.
Naruto hadn't fallen like he thought he would have, no–he had walked proudly to look at Konoha's citizens and shinobi with the Hokage's hat sitting on his head. The crowd had roared with excitement as he grinned down at them, promising protection and telling how he was to be the best Hokage they've ever had leading them receiving laughter as a response. Sakura had stood next to him, smiling. She was there–there to protect, to help, to care for Konoha. They made the perfect team, both behind Konohagakure until the day they died.
Naruto sat in the chair he had dreamt about sitting in since he was young, a grin plastered on his tanned face; the Hokage hat laid on his desk, proudly. This was one of the happiest moments of his life, he would never forget this day.
A knock on the door caused the room's occupants to lower their voices, looking towards the door. Sai creaked the wooden fixture open, walking in with an emotionless smile on his face. "Congratulations dickless." He stood in front of the desk, his eyes telling the emotions he could not fully express.
"Sai, it's good to see you! I didn't even see you down there earlier!" Naruto chimed; he had gotten used to the nicknames that were given by Sai, along with everyone else that was blessed with the dark haired man's presence.
Sai looked towards Naruto, his awkward smile sitting on his pale features. It was a pity, he was still unable to let out the feelings that dwelled in his heart and mind completely. He had improved though, compared to when he had first met up with team seven. Then he had been a mime, now he could be a high paid actor–simply faking his façade.
Sai's eyes looked towards the woman standing next to the seated blond, "And you too, congratulations." He nodded in respect towards the two before him.
Sakura smiled, her eyes sparked with appreciation as she looked into dark orbs. "Thank you, Sai-kun." Even though the man was not able to show how he felt clearly, she could feel it. He had meant it, no matter what he looked like on the outside she was able to faintly tell how he was feeling, even if he wasn't aware of it himself.
"So Sai, how did the mission go?" Naruto piped in; unaware that he had broken the silent exchange between Sai and Sakura. "I can only guess it was successful." He looked at Sai, eyes smiling at the dark haired comrade.
"Hai. I have the report right here." Sai stated blandly, moving his hand behind him taking out a small scroll that had been sitting quietly in his pocket. "It contains all the information you need," he looked at Naruto, smiling. "Hokage-sama."
Naruto beamed, the name he had wanted since birth finally being bestowed on him with meaning. "Hai, thank you fellow shinobi of Konoha." He chuckled at his words; never had he sounded and felt this mature. His tanned hand rose, taking the report from the shinobi's hand quickly. He grinned, this would be the first report he's reviewed since he became the Hokage.
"How about I treat you both to some ramen at Ichiraku?" Naruto's eyes flashed between the quiet man standing in front of him and the thoughtful woman next to him.
Sakura frowned down at him, "But there are plenty of things you should be doing right now as your role of Hokage, Naruto." She inwardly smiled, she had officially started her job has the Rokudaime's advisor.
Naruto glanced up towards Sakura as he pushed himself out of the chair that squeaked in protest, "It can wait, Sakura-chan." His blue orbs flashed towards Sai, "You coming?"
Sai looked up at the sound of Naruto's voice, "Hai." He turned and began to walk towards the door, carefully avoiding bumping into the shinobi that were in worlds of their own on his way. He stopped before the door, waiting for the two to follow his lead with a small smile highlighting his face.
Naruto beamed at Sai's answer, the two might not have been as close of friends of he and Sakura, but he still considered Sai a fellow friend. He had been there to aid his and Sakura's attempts at retrieving his childhood friend; Sai had risked his life for him and Sakura. That's a friend–if nothing else. He walked after Sai, grinning at the shinobi he passed on his way to the door where Sai stood waiting.
Sakura hesitated; there was already a pile of scrolls to be looked at and paperwork to be signed. Naruto's ramen run was going to delay it all, leaving more work to be done then there would have been and more stress on Naruto and herself–and that was one of the last things she wanted.
The blond haired man looked back towards where Sakura stood, his brow rose seeing her hesitation to go. "You coming Sakura-chan, or are you going to just stare at the stack of paper forever?" He laughed as she looked up at him, ashamed written all over her face.
Sakura sighed as she glanced back at the papers lying on the desk, "What the hell." She looked back towards the two standing at the door with a soft smile that complimented her delicate features, "Yeah."
"Alright then, come on." Naruto waved for her to follow, his eyes sparked at her answer. He had been afraid she would choose work over her friends like she had done times before, he was just glad she didn't this time. It would've been awkward if it was just Sai and himself going, who knows what the subject of their conversation would've been.
The corners of Sakura's eyes creased as she smiled, "Alright, just let me take this robe off." She had been eager to take off the fabric since she put it on; it was thick–far too hot for today's weather. She had been silently dying from it when she was outside with Naruto, the sun had made it even worse. She was pleased that she had the honor of wearing it, giving her the title of the Rokudaime's advisor, but she didn't think the job came with a mobile sauna privilege.
Sakura grinned as she took it off, the buildings cool air rushing to her. She laid down the attire on the wooden desk; no one would mess with it there. She turned on her heels to the door to catch up with the two that had already begun leaving without her. "They really need to have some patience." She groaned as she made her way after them, ignoring the room's occupants on the way.
"Ah, there's Sakura-chan!" Naruto announced up from the meal he was stuffing his mouth with; he leaned back on his stool watching the woman approach them.
She looked towards the small ramen bar as she walked in its direction, a frown settling on her face. Her thoughts had engulfed and troubled her mind since she returned from her mission, barely getting any true rest. But this was nothing new; her conscious was always troubled when she returned to Konoha. It was her home–but also a prison of her own thoughts.
Sakura would be ashamed if she told anyone that the place that she fought for and loved had such a continuous horrid effect on her. She didn't want to know what they would say to her, she was afraid. She didn't want to be called weak by anyone, not now. She's worked too hard to get where she is now to have a statement ruin all of that.
It was her own little secret–but not the only.
"Have a seat, Sakura-chan." Naruto grinned as he padded the empty stool next to him, his hand bouncing as the stool rejected at the contact.
Sighing, Sakura sat down and looked at the two. "You could've waited for me, you know." She held her head in her hands as her elbows rested on the bar.
Sai picked at the ramen he had ordered, he was never as excited to have a bowl of ramen in front of him as Naruto was. He would have much rather preferred tea than the food settling in front of him, but Naruto had insisted he order it. Sai wasn't going to reject Naruto's request, much since it was the blond's day. He just merely went along with it.
"You were taking so long, Sakura-chan. At one point I thought you were going to get into a staring contest with the papers on my desk. I was worried for you, you would've lost." Naruto chuckled, he wasn't lying. He was worried for her, but not because of the staring contest she would've lost–no.
No matter how hard Sakura tried to hide it, he knew she was in turmoil about something–she always was. That was what saddened him.
Sai looked at the two, his smile long faded. "How are you planning to handle the situation with the shinobi nations, dickless? War looks like it might be the only outcome of it all." He put his chopsticks in the ramen bowl in front of him, not caring about the juice that splashed up onto his hand. He kept his attention on the man sitting next to him.
Sakura nodded, this was a nice distraction from the mess in her mind. Work had always kept her busy and sociable–but more importantly kept her mind at bay. "Hai, I've been wondering the same. The nations have been very restless and uneasy lately, sending even one gennin team out for a simple mission has become quite a risk."
Naruto sighed; he knew this had been on his friends minds–but mainly Sakura's. The question had actually come as a surprise from Sai; he would have expected it to come from Sakura's mouth before Sai's. She surrounded herself with work more than Sai ever did, but he knew she enjoyed it to a level so he never stopped her.
"I actually planned on having a meeting to discuss this with the other Kages soon; we need to come to an agreement or at least a small settlement for the time being. Although most of Konoha's shinobi are here in the village right now, I can't guarantee that they will be here later on and I can't have another nation bounce on the opportunity of us being unprepared. It would be completely chaotic." Naruto chuckled; he was really behaving as the Hokage now. Maturity and all.
Sakura nodded, "But I doubt that all the Kages will agree to a meeting with you, especially Cloud and who knows with Mist." A small frown crawled on her face; turning to the man behind the bar she ordered a bottle of saké in a small whisper.
"Hai, but we can guarantee that Sand's Kazekage will agree to the meeting and very likely Rocks's Tsuchikage too. We already have a treaty in existence with Sunagakure and one's currently in progress with Iwagakure." Sai looked at Sakura as she poured herself a glass of saké as she nodded to his words.
Naruto sighed, "That was the only flaw; I couldn't confirm that they'd all arrive to the meeting that I ordered. They might believe it was a trick."
Sakura looked at Naruto, gesturing towards the bottle she held in her hand. Seeing Naruto nod his head she grabbed another glass that was sitting on the bar and poured a small amount in, placing it in front of him. "Hai, and that still leaves the situation with Akatsuki. They're as equally important in this as the Kages are, but we couldn't just invite them to a meeting. They have to have some ulterior motive that we're not picking up on." She set the bottle down, sipping on her own glass of saké.
"Sounds troublesome." Shikamaru walked up to the three sitting at the bar, setting himself next to Sakura as ordered a glass of tea. "Seems like you're going to have to meet with Akatsuki without the other villages there, it would create less stress on the Kages knowing that Akatsuki won't be there at the meeting. But finding a way to contact Akatsuki is going to be troublesome, they travel every day."
Sighing, Sakura finished off the remains of her glass. "Not to mention we don't even know who the Akatsuki consists of now. They lose and gain members so quickly."
Shikamaru grunted as he pinched the bridge of his nose, "I know."
Naruto threw his head back in the air, "Why can't we all just live peacefully among each other, everything would be so much better that way!" He leaned forward, slamming his head onto the bar in exasperation. All of the talking and planning was giving him a headache, but his head was literally throbbing with pain now.
Sakura huffed as she pulled Naruto's head off the bar, inspecting his forehead for any abnormal damage–but there was none, just a headache plaguing his mind. She closed her eyes as she soothed the forming pain in Naruto's head, "That's easier said than done, Naruto."
Naruto groaned as she lifted his head out of Sakura's grasp, "I know, I know."
Shikamaru coughed as he set down the small glass of tea on the bar, "But it would be nice, not having to deal with all of these troublesome events and tasks. That would be the perfect world." He stood up from the cushioned stool he had sat on, looking towards the three who looked back. "I've got to go see Kurenai, it's been awhile since I have. I'll see you all later."
Sakura nodded as he walked out to the darkening skies, "If only that perfect world was reality."
"Are we leaving yet Sasuke-kun? It's almost dark out." Karin questioned the man as she stood over him, looking down at his muscular figure, eyes gleaming.
"A little impatient, are we Karin? What's the hurry; has a job opportunity at a brothel just opened up?" Suigetsu laughed, "Although I guess that's probably where you could lend your skills the most at. But then again–who would actually want to fuck you?" He clutched his side with laughter, "Well at least sober. I'm pretty sure with a few drinks and you with a bag over your face, you might actually become desirable. But that's still pushing it."
"Shut the hell up Suigetsu!" Karin yelled; storming after him with her fist balled. Pulling back her arm, she went to throw a punch at him but missed as he jumped back. "Get your ass back here!" She charged at him, ready to kick him when the moment came.
Suigetsu jumped to his sword, pulling it out of the ground in a swift motion as he grinned. "I've wanted to kill you for quite some time, bitch. I just can't believe the opportunity is actually here." He chuckled as he swung the weapon around and pointed the end at Karin, the blade reflecting the oncoming moon's light.
"You can't do that, Sasuke-kun still needs me–and wants me." Karin chuckled as she waved her finger towards the sword wielding man. It may not have been true, but if it got Suigetsu from his attempts at murder, then she'd say it to save herself. She had no plans of letting go of life anytime soon.
Suigetsu shook his head, his eyes focusing on the red haired woman. "There you go again, lying to yourself. I wonder when you're going to wake up; maybe it'll be after I chop off all your limbs, who knows?" He grinned at the thought of Karin squirming without arms or legs, the thought pleased him to an extended level.
"Bloodshed isn't needed, Suigetsu. Stop."
Suigetsu frowned at the man standing at the end of the blade that had been pointing at Karin; he let out a small sigh. "And there you go, ruining my fun, Sasuke." He grunted as he shrugged the sword back into the holder on his back. "I wasn't going to kill her." He looked at the retreating figure.
"We're leaving, get ready." Sasuke glanced over his shoulder, looking at his team through crimson. They behaved like animals, irrational and irresponsible. He had to constantly step between their fights, they couldn't just keep quiet like a good team would–no, they had to be loud and annoying. But he needed them all for their own skills; he couldn't have them injuring one another. He would get nowhere with his goals–and that didn't settle well with him.
Karin smiled as she stretched out her arms over her head, her top coming higher then it normally set. She looked at Suigetsu as they began following Sasuke out of the small clearing, "Told you so."
The hued man rolled his eyes at her words, "Wake up." A low laughter escaped his mouth as he looked at her, winking as they walked.
Sakura smiled as she walked to the Hokage tower with Naruto by her side. She looked around, her eyes gleaming at her surroundings. The moon's light playing carefully on every surface, like a small child on a playground. She and Naruto would nod courteously as they past civilians, treating them with utmost respect as they would greet them in a kind jester. She swung her hips out of the way as a group of small children ran past, their faces glowing with laughter. A soft chuckle rose in her chest as Naruto grinned at her, before turning his head to be greeted by another.
It may have been dark, but the night was still young. The streets still crowded with people, making their way home, to their shop, or to the bar. All had someplace to go, and they were going. The colorful lights that hung on surrounding vendors grew to life, accenting civilians' features as they walked by.
The day's earlier events were still wreaking havoc among Konoha. The streets slightly covered in litter, evidence of what had taken place. It was nice reminder of what had happened, though. The gennin teams would have fun picking it up on another time; at least they'd be out of harm's way for a moment.
"I guess I can literally say 'I rule' now, ne Sakura-chan?" A low chuckling sound shook in Naruto's chest as he spoke. The lights played roughly in his shining locks, and his eyes reflecting the lights that shown on them.
Sakura glanced at him, a soft smile appearing on her face. "I wouldn't say that, more like 'I protect'." She grinned down at the small clump of dirt she kicked effortlessly.
Naruto groaned, "Same thing."
But it really wasn't. He didn't run Konoha like a king would, no–he was just a protector. He was there to merely make sure this village would continue its existence in the unfit world it lived in. He needed to guarantee its life, even if it meant leaving his own. But he wasn't the only protector for this village, no–she was too.
Sakura laughed, "Only in your mind, Naruto." But maybe it would be better if it was in everyone's?
He raised his hands above his head, stretching as they walked into the Hokage tower and into his office. A faint purple hue had found its way under Naruto's eyes and now settled there, showing passers his groggy state.
"Tired?" Sakura teased, she faced the window looking out into Konoha. The lights of the streets created a shine to the glass's surface, bouncing on her face.
Naruto yawned as he slumped into the cushioned chair behind his desk, "Just a little." He laid his head on the wooden surface, serving as a pillow. "All this thinking is draining me." He mumbled as his lids drooped, drowning him in slumber as he sat there.
Sakura chuckled as she turned towards the sleeping form, "Goodnight, Naruto." She patted his head, as if he was a small child that was being praised.
She turned on her heels, heading to the door with a faint smile present on her features. "I'll see you tomorrow for your birthday, Naruto." She murmured absently, the man was already asleep. She turned towards him before shutting the door with a soft click, making sure not to wake the room's sleeping occupant.
Dark brown hair shown in the light as a woman stood guard at her post, her armor glowing along with the mask she wore covering her face. Her green eyes pierced through the slits, examining the surroundings for anything out of the ordinary.
There was nothing–it was just like any other night. Quiet and calm.
She sighed; she enjoyed guarding. It gave her a front row seat of all the action if anything happened. It was entertaining, despite the risk.
Grunting; she leaned against the giant wall behind her, sliding to the dry ground beneath her. She rubbed her arms in hopes of warmth; despite the day's earlier risk of heat stoke–it was chilly out now. Her glowing skin rubbed hopelessly against itself, no friction.
The hairs stood on the back of her neck as a bush near her began to rustle. Her eyes narrowed; she enjoyed fighting but she really wasn't in the mood for it right now. She wouldn't hold back if she didn't have to however.
A small furry animal hopped out from the bush, shaking its head as it nibbled on a carrot. The guard sneered at the rabbit, pulling out a kunai she threw it at the animal's direction. The weapon dug into the earth next to the creature, making it run in fear. She had missed it on purpose, why kill it?
She pushed herself up, retrieving the used kunai. She sighed as she turned back to the spot that she had sat in previously, but froze.
"You know, you should really treat animals kinder. You never know what the benefits could be." Suigetsu chuckled; sitting in the spot the woman had moved from, grinning at her while flashing his sharpened teeth. His eyes shown dangerously in the night's light; he had missed his opportunity at a killing earlier, but he wasn't going to miss this one.
The woman glared at the man, it looked like there was going to be a show tonight and just as she thought–front row seat. Her hand fell into her holder, throwing out three kunai in the sitting figure's direction–but they missed.
She gasped as she stumbled back; Suigetsu's movement was too fast for her to track. He stood in front of her, his grin never fading as he took in the woman's frightened state. She dove for the kunai resting in her holder, ready to attack once more–but it was too late.
"There's really no need for those, sweetheart." Suigetsu pulled the blade out of its holder, swinging it in a swift motion. He swung at her midsection, smiling as the blood tainted his clothing.
Direct hit.
The woman fell to the ground, but not in one piece–but two.
The cut was clean, it was even. Suigetsu chuckled as he watched the once beautiful woman fall. "She would've been worth a nice night." He sighed as he swung the sword back into the holder on his back, still looking at the remains of the woman.
Three forms jumped down next Suigetsu, their cloaks flowing in the wind. The crimson clouds that adored the cloaks shown viciously in the night, like a bear on hunt.
"Gross, can't you kill anyone in a less messy manner?" Karin's face scrunched at the sight of the bloodied body, Suigetsu standing over it. Her chopped hair blew as the wind did.
Suigetsu sneered, "Watch your mouth; this could be you next time." He's warned her so many times before, but maybe this one would finally sink in.
"Enough, we need to get moving. There are more guards on the way." Sasuke interrupted, he didn't have time for their childish bickering. He couldn't have them jeopardize the mission more than they already have.
Sighing, Suigetsu looked towards the dark haired man. "Alright boss, where to?" He shuffled the sword on his back, looking for a relief from the heavy weapon.
"To the Hokage tower. Uzumaki Naruto is the newest Hokage and is the Kyuubi's vessel." Sasuke said monotonically, he didn't care anymore. He had no reason to; the people he left in Konoha were nothing but a nuisance to him, nothing more. They were trash; weak, soft, stupid, and annoying. And he was glad they were no longer a part of his life.
They were a waste–they should not even be allowed to live.
The three figures standing with Sasuke nodded their heads in understanding; the sooner this was all over with the sooner they could get back to what they intended to do. To lend their skills to wreak havoc upon the innocent, deep down–they all enjoyed it. There was no hiding that; the glint in their eyes as they killed another, the sinister smile emitting off their features as they looked down at the once living body.
They were mindless killing machines–and that wasn't about to change.
They made the perfect team.
Sakura coughed quietly into the sleeve of the yukata she wore, relieving the small itch that had dwelled in the back of her throat. The heels she wore dug into the dirt road as she walked back to her apartment, occasionally flinging dirt clogs as she stepped. Her eyes scanned the streets as she traveled, taking in everything as it came and went, her emerald orbs delicately reflecting the moon's light.
The streets were clearing off as the people traveled back to their respective homes, enjoying time with their family or enjoying themselves with their other. Whichever brought them more pleasure; Sakura didn't care. It was none of her business, she wasn't about to pry on anyone's private life.
She sighed as she approached the door on her apartment, pulling out a key from a small hidden pocket in her sleeve. Sliding in the key, she stumbled forward as the door opened quickly. A gasp rushed out of her mouth as she almost made contact with the solid floor below her, but she caught herself.
Turning towards the door as she stood in her small apartment, she yanked the key out of the lock and set it down on the table sitting by the door.
Her eyes played on the framed picture sitting next to the key she had put down. She looked into the vicious, glowing orbs that looked back at her, her mouth a grimacing line. The small painted fox looked at her, teeth showing in cruelly manner. It almost looked real–but it wasn't.
She had bought the picture at a small village market while she had been on a mission, the picture had reminded her of Naruto when he was away. It was an ugly reminder, however. The fact that he had a demon inside of him that preventing him from getting so many normal things when he was younger–it made her frown with pity. And even today, he was held back. He was still wanted for the beast resting inside him; he was at a greater risk every time he left Konoha then any other shinobi.
Sakura frowned; she wanted to switch places with Naruto. She would have the demon roaming inside her, not him. All so he could have the life he deserved, the one he had needed from the start. She would suffer, but she didn't care. He would be happy, and that's all she wanted–for her friends to live happily, despite the turmoil she went through.
Shuffling to her bedroom, she closed the door silently. She wanted to sleep, she needed to sleep; and that was all she focused on. Everything disappeared when she slept, no troubles, no pains, no heartaches. Just calm, soothing relaxation.
She slipped off the heels that adored her feet, sighing as she dropped them to the floor with a clunk. She quietly untied the obi she wore, letting it fall to the ground in a pile as she made her way to her bed. Falling on to it, she nuzzled her head into the sheets, breathing in the calming aroma as her muscles relaxed.
Sakura groaned as there was a booming knock at her door, pulling her out of the unconsciousness she was willingly falling into. Slowly sitting up she sighed, all she wanted was to rest and she couldn't even get that.
The pounds continued; whatever it was–it was urgent.
She sneered as she listened to the loud slamming coming from her door, but she didn't care. They could wait. If they needed her that bad, they would.
Coughing she let the yukata slip to the ground, collecting in a clump at her feet. She shuffled over to her dresser, pulling out a red tunic with the Haruno clan symbol sporting on the back. Murmuring complaints as the knocking continued, she zipped up the top just above her breasts, as the tunic itself fell to her mid-thigh.
She rubbed her eye restlessly as she snagged pair of black pants out of the drawer, yanking them on in a swift movement, they reached her calf. They hugged her curves hungrily; they were made of the same fabric the shorts she wore when she was younger.
The knocking intensified, it sounded as if a war was taking place at her door step.
Sakura sighed, "Hold on!" She called, walking to the heels that lay on the ground. She slipped them on quickly, ignoring her feet's aching pain of the shoes earlier. Maybe she shouldn't have taken in as many habits and fashion suggestions from Tsunade, but how could she not? They had spent so much time together when she was her apprentice. It was hard not to take in some aspects of your idol's lifestyle.
She rushed out of her room, pulling her sleeves down to her elbows. Swinging the door open, her brow furrowed.
"It's about time you answer, Akatsuki's here!" The ANBU on her doorstep yelled, he was wasting time here getting her while he should be out in battle. "Your assistance is needed right away, the Hokage is in battle." The man informed the woman who looked back at him, eyes hard.
Sakura looked at the man, why was Akatsuki here? She thought they had given up on their tailed beast quest when their leader had died. She had so many questions, but she knew the man in front of her had no answers.
"Where are they?" She needed to know this; this is probably the most information the ANBU had. Her skills were needed, but she couldn't do anything from standing in her living room.
"The Hokage lured them out to the east training ground." He looked at her, gaze hard behind his mask.
Sakura nodded, "Go get Tsunade-sama." Tsunade was one of the most capable to fight against Akatsuki besides Naruto, herself, and select others. Very few had enough strength just to wound one member; they were extraordinary shinobi, but unfortunately they had chosen the wrong side.
She flexed her fists as the ANBU darted off to where Tsunade was; she had to get to Naruto as soon as possible. "He could be hurt." She sprinted towards the east training grounds, not even bothering to shut her apartment door. There were far more important things on her mind.
She ran through the empty streets, the civilians probably hadn't received the news yet. They would be heading to safety if they had known, leaving to Konoha's emergency shelters for safety. She frowned, why weren't the shinobi doing their job? They were supposed to alert the public, instructing them towards their safe haven.
Spotting the training grounds ahead of her as she turned a corner, she clenched her teeth. There was only one Naruto and four Akatsuki. He was no match for them, despite how much he had grown. She knew he would prove a challenge to two, but to four–he just served as a rag doll.
Sakura jumped next to Naruto, gasping as his blood mixed with the water that had begun to sprinkle from the darkened sky.
He had fallen to his knees, grasping his stomach as he fought to control the beast inside him and keep control of the pain that was erupting in him. Blood seeped between his fingers as they dug into his stomach, he had tried to put pressure on the wound there, but it was futile.
Sakura stared at Naruto's helpless form before she ripped away his hand from his stomach, inspecting the wound that played mockingly there. She gasped as her hand glowed above the injury; she had to stop the bleeding before he lost his life from the cruelly inflicted wound.
Her vision became blurred momentarily as she sent her chakra into him; it was taking far more than she thought. She'd be lucky if she came back from these training grounds alive.
If she were lucky.
She looked down at Naruto as she bent over him, healing him momentarily. He had fainted, but it would be a surprise if he didn't. Who knows what he had already gone through? Hell. He slouched into her hand, his eyes closed.
She grimaced; she would do anything just to see those blue orbs beaming at her–even for a second. They always brightened her mood–she was desperate for them now.
Sakura looked at the slowly closing wound, it was stable. He would be fine for now, but not for long. She didn't want to think about her best friend losing his life simply because he did not receive medical treatment soon enough. Her heart cried at the thought of that.
She leaned him back on the ground gently, making sure not to probe any other injuries inflicted upon his body. He would get the treatment he needed when Tsunade arrived; right now there were more important things at hand.
Karin glared from her spot, "What!? The bitch is a medic!?" She pointed her finger at Sakura's form, how were they supposed to capture the Kyuubi if she was going to continually heal everything they do so he can fight?
Suigetsu groaned, "Shut up Karin and just get the target." He was getting irritated at the woman's stupidity, she need to learn to keep her mouth shut–along with her legs. He smirked, pulling out the honorable sword, pointing it at Sakura. "You're going down, cutie."
Sakura's eyes narrowed; she wasn't going down without a fight, which was certain. Clenching her hand into a fist, she punched the earth beneath her. The ground shook with horror as it shattered, debris flying. She looked forward as the four jumped back.
"What the hell?!" Karin roared as she landed, her gaze falling upon the unrecognizable field in front of her.
Sasuke's eyes narrowed as he looked at the person he once knew through blood lusted eyes. His sharingan swirled as he looked at Sakura, she wasn't the same girl he had seen years ago. She had grown, but most people do in numerous years' absence.
Sakura's eyes looked viciously at the Akatsuki in front of her; she had only recognized one of them. And that one had broke her into pieces so many times before. She glared at his cloaked form, sneering. The man that she had cared for was terrorizing her without him even knowing.
The way he stood there confidently made her want to break his legs, the way he looked at her made her want to burn his eyes, the he thought he could come into this village dressed like that made her want to kill him in one quick blow.
And she was going to do it all.
Ku-ku-catchoo! Took me about a week, glad it's over with. It's 3:19 a.m. I think I might be dying from sleep deprivation. But hey, whatever!
Tons more action planned in the next chapter, this was only the small beginning.
Reviewing is good for my mental stability. It also creates a little voice in the back of my head that urges me to continue writing, and I must comply with its every whim.
Plus the word on the street is reviewing is the new young-hip thing, cave to the peer pressure.