Flaming Heart

Written by Creidhe

An unexpected incident sends Sakura into the past. She has a chance at saving everything, but as the wise say 'Playing with the hands of times brings you the most deadly consequences,' However, Sakura was not one to be intimidated...

Chapter Two

(Edited 23/01/2015)

Sakura often wondered how it would be like to have a new life. A complete new white sheet of paper in which she could write whatever she wanted. However, this time she would do so more carefully, more cautiously, more wisely, more deliberately… or perhaps not. Perhaps she should not change anything. The risks were too great. But then again, how could she not change the future? Would she be able to turn her back on the only chance to save everything and everyone?

A groan escaped her as she tossed and turned on the hospital bed. What could she change then? Somehow, she could not concentrate and it annoyed her. It was her second sleepless night in a row and she was growing tired of her own musings. She was tired of thinking. She suddenly pulled a pillow from under her head and pressed it to her face. She screamed then. Once she was done, she sat up and threw the pillow at the floor. The Hokage's smile brought her painful memories. It was oddly remarkable how he and Naruto looked so alike. Something seemed to tug on her whenever she thought about the man's smile. It was as if she was supposed to crack a puzzle. But what puzzle exactly?

She sighed heavily as she leaned her back against the cold wall. She was now under his team's supervision. It was a good thing, right? It would give her time to think and find a way out of this mess. If something was able to send her back in time then there surely was something out there that would allow her to return to her own time, right? The question at the back of her mind though was; did she really want to go back to her own time? She did not know what was expecting her there.

An unexpected soft knock on the door startled the pink-haired medic from her thoughts. She looked at the door and her stomach suddenly flipped nervously. "Come in!" Sakura blurted out, her gaze fixed on the door.

A brown-haired girl mumbled an apology as she stepped inside. She looked to be around Sakura's age. The girl was a tad taller than Sakura was, her brown hair reached her shoulders and she had two purple stripes, one on each cheek.

"Anou… are you Haruno Sakura?" she asked timidly.

Sakura blinked and then she nodded, "Yes. I am."

The brown-haired girl stepped forward and smiled nervously, "I'm Rin," she introduced herself, her tone was shy but her eyes were warm and kind, "I have brought you some clothes. I hope they will fit."

Sakura eyed the bags that Rin was carrying. She did not care what they looked like or if she would look good in them. She was dying to take the hospital clothes off and that was all that mattered, "Thank you," she said happily as she accepted the bags and placed them on the bed.

"Anou… Minato-sensei has asked me if you could stay with us for a while," she added softly, "O-only until you have the means to find your own place…"

Sakura nodded and smiled, "Thank you Rin." She said and raised a curious brow as the brunette girl blushed.

"We're also going to be team-mates,"

"Really? That's geat!" Sakura added with a feigned tone of excitement. She had pressing matters on her mind and forming a team right now was not one of them. She needed to gather information. And forming a team, going out in missions and the constant training would only be in the way.

Rin smiled shyly. Both girls remained in silence for a few minutes. Sakura could tell that the other girl was growing uncomfortable. Tough though. The truth was she had nothing to talk about. And she had never been that good when it came to talk with strangers. Then again, Rin did not seem the talkative type of girl, which to be honest it suited Sakura just fine. It meant that she would not be questioned.

"Rin!" a very familiar voice sounded from behind them. Both girls turned around at the same time.

For a moment, Sakura's heart came to a halt. She felt as though she was being strangled and all of the air around her was vanishing right there. Her hands began to tremble but she quickly hid them behind her back. She could barely believe in what her eyes were seeing. It was Kakashi-sensei… well… a much younger version.

The silver-haired boy had the familiar mask in place. He rose a wonderingly brow and looked at the dumbfounded pink-haired girl. Then he shifted his gaze towards the brunette, "I have been looking for you," he said sounding somewhat upset.

Rin's cheeks seemed to grow redder, "Ah, Kakashi-kun, t-this is Haruno Sakura… she is our new team-mate,"

Sakura's jaw dropped. NO WAY! No frikkin' way! This could not be happening to her!

Kakashi's brows furrowed and he suddenly whirled around leaving both girls staring at each other. Rin bit her lower lip and looked away from Sakura's curious gaze. "Kakashi-kun does not like new people," she said softly, "He… has a hard time connecting with new people I mean."

Sakura felt that Rin often apologized for Kakashi's behavior. She wondered what the hell Kakashi's problem was. She had never seen Kakashi-sensei being rude, ever. Then again, this was his child version.. erm… teenager.

"I—I'll be waiting outside."

"Alright…"

Sighing, Sakura reached for the bags and withdrew a pair of blue pants that were slightly shorter on her ankles. She spotted a matching blue t-shirt and smiled. Once she was done dressing, she sat briefly on the bed. She had just met Kakashi. She knew that she would meet someone she knew from the future. It was inevitable. Her thoughts went back to Rin. She detested not being able to provide for herself. For that reason alone, she promised that she would do her best to repay Rin's hospitality and kindness.

Standing up, Sakura decided it was time to leave. Her hand shot out towards the door's handle when she suddenly heard faint voices from behind the door.

"And you agreed to it?"

She frowned. It was definitely Kakashi's voice. He did not seem happy at all.

"Anou… I… I did try b-but Minato-sensei said… it was time… t-to find a new t-team mate and-"

"And you agreed to it?" he repeated, an edge of irritation on his voice.

"I did…" Rin replied softly, "I'm sorry, Kakashi-kun."

Sakura's eyes narrowed. Why on earth was Rin apologizing? Kakashi was such a brute!

"WHY?" Kakashi's voice grew louder, "Why did you agree to it? Damn it Rin!"

"B-because… because we are falling apart!"

Sakura took a deep breath. In that instant, she could not help but to feel that she and Rin were very much alike. Rin was only trying to save her team like both Naruto and herself had fought to save theirs. In a whole different way but the main purpose was there.

"Our team is already finished," Kakashi's tone scared Sakura. It was filled with so much pain. She lowered her head and closed her eyes as tears began falling down without permission. He was her sensei. There was this urge, this need to comfort him.

"T-that's not t-true!" Rin whispered, "Kakashi! Kakashi-kun wait!"

Kakashi was beyond furious. How could she accept someone she nothing about into their team? He had never heard of Haruno Sakura before and he prided himself in knowing everyone and everything that happened in the Village.

"Calm down."

He pinned the Hokage with a glare, "Calm down?" Kakashi repeated almost mockingly, "You promised that no one would ever take his place!"

Minato let out a long suffering sigh, "No one will ever be able to replace Obito, Kakashi. You know that. Rin knows that. I know that." He said calmly as he looked back at Kakashi. He did not feel fazed by the teenager's hard glare at all, "It is only a temporary thing. I need you and Rin to keep an eye on her that is all."

Kakashi's glare disappeared slowly and he now looked somewhat curious, "Who is she? I have never seen her before,"

"Aha, that's the thing. No one has ever seen her before," Minato said simply, "Sakura was found by Hitoshi. She had a leaf headband with her,"

"That's odd," Kakashi offered and Minato nodded.

"Yes quite. That is why I decided to take her into our team. We need to find who she truly is. Where she came from and what are her intentions," Minato added as he placed a hand on his student's shoulder.

"You could have just sent her into interrogation." Kakashi said, feeling slightly confusion with his sensei's actions.

"And then if she is truly an enemy they would send others." Minato replied with a smile, "Now what will her superiors think when they are informed that she is with us?"

A smile formed underneath Kakashi's mask, "They will think that she sold them out,"

"Indeed,"

Sakura could not help but notice that Rin seemed completely uncomfortable as they walked side by side. She could also feel people staring at them. Frowning, she looked around and found numerous heads that turned to stare both at her and at the brunette. She remained calm and did her best to ignore the constant staring. After a while, Rin had her head down; "I'm sorry." She mumbled quietly, "They are staring at me not at you," she added quietly only making Sakura all the more curious.

"I heard her family disowned her,"

"They left the village didn't they? They could not handle the shame,"

Sakura clenched her jaw and tried her best to ignore the vile comments. She hated gossipers. When the comments did not stop, she suddenly whirled around and glared at the two women.

"Do you have a problem?" Sakura asked, her nostrils flaring up as she was quite angry.

The women looked quite taken back with the pink-haired kunoichi's attitude. Only then they noticed the headband on her forehead and quickly shook their heads.

"Sakura-chan," Rin whispered, a small smile on her face, "Just ignore them, really. I'm used to all the talking,"

"Well you only have yourself to blame then," Sakura spoke, starling Rin, "You should not allow anyone to step on your toes. People, once they get a taste of it, will not stop until you do something about it."

Rin blinked as she looked at Sakura. Months ago, Kakashi had said almost the same thing to her. She took a deep breath and looked away. She couldn't say or do anything. She deserved all the talking and all the staring.

"Do you have everything?"

"Of course."

"Are you sure?"

"Positive. I even double checked. Now can we just go?"

"Relax. She won't even know what hit her."

The second counterpart stopped in his crawling and glared at his twin brother, "Just make sure Rin will not hear us."

The first boy merely shrugged and pulled his long raven hair away from his eyes, "Then just hurry!"

The second boy nodded and sighed, "Right, the plan is we go in and get out as quickly as possible,"

"That's the plan."

They slowly took their time and opened the door. Then they crawled inside. They both took their time, trying not to make any more noise than necessary. They looked at each other every now and then, their naughty smirks in place. The second boy nodded, signaling at the first boy that it was time. The two of them split, one headed towards the head of the bed while the other went in the opposite direction.

The second boy withdrew a small wooden box from his rob and placed a hand on his mouth to stop himself from giggling. He looked down at the box and he could hear a faint noise coming from inside, "Alright…" he said slowly as he opened the box.

"If you even think about putting those on me I will make sure to rip every member of your body apart," the body from the bed spoke, turning piercing green eyes on the second boy.

The twins jumped as they had been caught. A loud sound echoed into the room and the twins looked in horror at the box that they had let fall onto the ground.

"KENJI YOU BAKA!" the first boy shouted as he immediately stood up. He scratched his skin non-step and tried to keep the small green bugs from biting him.

"Shut up! Just stay still!" the second boy screamed as he quickly tried to remove the bugs from his brother.

Sakura sat on the bed and looked at the boys with a smirk on her face, "So you're Rin's little brothers," a small laugh escaped from her as the two boys kept trying to shake the bugs from themselves.

"RIIIINNN!" the boys cried in unison as the first one fell to the floor, scratching his back on the wooden floor.

"What is going on!?" Rin cried out as she burst into the room. She spotted the two boys and her expression hardened, "Kenji! Kenjiro!" she called their names with a hint of disappointment in her voice.

Sakura and Rin's gazes met and then the two of them were laughing, together.

The two brothers immediately stopped scratching as they stared in disbelief at their sister. It was something completely new for them to hear her laugh this way.

When Sakura was a little girl, she found herself lost in the mass of crowded streets of Konoha. A kind old blue-haired woman helped her by walking her home. The old woman had a mysterious knowing smile that had caught the little pink-haired girl out of guard. It felt as though the old woman could peek through her soul. The old woman had told her that life was the best teacher that we could ever have. And Sakura found herself thinking that the poor old woman had never met Mrs. Makino, her kindergarten teacher was the best teacher. The old woman kept talking about life; she insisted that life possessed the wisdom that no human would ever be able to possess. Each lesson it taught, each test it handed out, it remained forever craved in your mind.

It had sounded like a very hard riddle to the young six-year-old girl who could not yet comprehend yet the meaning of such deep words. Sakura now knew that those words were meant to never be forgotten. Those words had a much deeper meaning; almost as if she had been supposed to remember them at this precise moment.

At the age of seventeen, life had taught her all sorts of unforgettable lessons: good not always triumphed over evil, everything you needed to know couldn't always be found in books; not everything was what it seemed; what did not kill you made you stronger, it was always darkest before the dawn and the most hard lesson that she came to learn; not everyone in your life was meant to stay.

The weight of her secret crushed her. It was simply too much to bear. Yet, she had no other choice. No one was allowed to know. Her knowledge of the future was a treasure that many would kill for. She now had her own dangerous game to play. Her own quest. Her own mission.

She had decided. There was no changing her mind. She was going to change everything; for Naruto's sake. Her heart… it still thumped in her chest and pumped blood through her body but it felt so damn empty. It felt drained and broken beyond repair. She did not belong here. And as much as she wanted to go back, she wanted a bright future for her friend. She wanted him to grow up with parents, to be loved.

Slowly, Sakura wiped the tears away and smiled. The future was still a bright one. There was still time.

"Sakura?"

A kind voice broke through Sakura's fortress forcing her thoughts away. She slowly turned around and shook her gently. She forced herself to look at the other girl, "Hmm… I was just lost in thought," she said quietly.

Minato nodded his head. The medic almost felt bad for lying but she knew that she could not let him know what truly was bothering her. She forced a smile and could not help but to think that she should have asked Sai to teach her on how to hide her emotions.

Yondaime looked up and his mouth instantly formed a straight line as two teenagers walked past them, both greeting the Hokage in a warm manner.

"Iruka and Kyo are excellent Shinobi," immediately Sakura's head turned to stare at the two boys. A small smile played on her lips as she spotted her old sensei. Iruka looked quite carefree and much younger. His face was still free from the famous scar that would come to adorn his features, "Come Sakura I will introduce you,"

"Wha- er… it's quite alright-" she tried to argue but Minato cut her off as he gently dragged her along.

"Nonsense. It will be good for you to meet more people. After all they are fellow Shinobi," he replied with a small smirk watching as Sakura's shoulders sank in defeat. "Hello boys!" Minato added in a cheerful manner as the two boys eyed Sakura.

"Hokage-sama." Both boys said and bowed their heads respectfully.

"I'd like to introduce you to Sakura. She is a new member of my team," he said as he smiled warmly at the two boys.

Iruka raised a curious brow and then he flashed Sakura a smile. She was not able to keep her poker face and flashed him a smile of her own. On the other hand, Kyo's dark-eyes eyed her closely sending a cold feeling down her spine.

"It's a pleasure to meet you. I'm Umino Iruka and this is Kyo Uchiha,"

She blinked as she stared at the Uchiha boy. Maybe… she could still save the clan and that way save Sasuke…"

"It is a pleasure to meet you both." She said as she offered them her best smile.

"SAKURA!"

Sakura and the others looked behind to see a waving Rin dragging two young children along with her. She looked over at Minato seeking his permission to go over there and he merely nodded.

The old man stared at his old office and a small smile played on his lips as many memories still plagued his mind. From the office's window, he could see his own face carved in the mountain. It had not been that long ago since he abandoned the office. A light coughing made the man turn around and look at his successor.

"There you are," the man spoke as he looked at Minato, "Even as Hokage, it seems that you cannot be confined to this old office,"

Minato chuckled and approached the man, hugging him gently, "Sarutobi, what brings you here?" he asked, a smile on his face.

Sarutobi stared directly at the blue-eyed man and shook his head with a light smile on his face, "You called for me,"

"Ah yes." Minato said as he took a seat, "You probably have heard-"

"About a certain new member of team seven?" Sarutobi interrupted, "Indeed. The entire Village has been talking about her,"

The old man stared down at Minato's worried features.

"There is something about her," Minato started as Sarutobi too took a seat. "Whenever she looks at me… it feels as though she knows me,"

"Why did you did not go through with the standard proceedings? She was to go to interrogation,"

"I know."

"But?" Sarutobi asked knowing too well that there was always a "but" with Minato.

"But… there is just something in her eyes… I want you to see her. To talk with her. Then you will know what I am talking about."

Sarutobi sighed, "Minato… just be careful. Not everything is what it looks like…"

"I know. She will still be under constant vigilance…"

The ex-Hokage smiled, "And how is Kakashi taking it?"

"Not too well." Minato replied as he ran his hand through his hair.

Suddenly, the door to Minato's office was hastily opened. Both men quickly turn to stare at a red-haired young woman. She offered Sarutobi a sweet smile and then she proceeded to pin the blonde-haired man a glare.

"Kushina…" Minato breathed in and smiled slightly.

"Are you some kind of an idiot?"

"Errrm… is that a rhetorical question?" Minato asked and winced when her glare hardened. Why did he always give her the wrong answer?

She quickly reached him and poked him hard on the chest. "Where the hell have you been? You are thirty minutes late! Again! Do you honestly think I have nothing else to do all day?"

"Er… well considering you did wait… and… er… calm down…"

"Well… I shall take my leave," Sarutobi said but no one even listened to him.

Minato pulled his best apologetic face, "Kushina… look…. I'm really sorry. Something came up… and just come here." He reached out for her and wrapped his arms around her waist.

Kushina drew her brows together. Was he not aware how upset she was? Her cheeks reddened as she was losing her patience with him.

The Hokage smiled at the sight of her flushed cheeks; whether of embarrassment or of anger he did not care.

"M-minato?" Kushina asked as her both hands moved onto his chest. She tried to push him away but his hold was stronger.

"Why do we not stop this entire charade, eh?" he asked her, as his eyes looked at her rosy lips.

"What charade?" she asked, gritting her teeth together.

She knows exactly what I'm talking about, Minato thought as he smirked, "You know as well as I do that… there is this undeniable thing between us…"

"What thing?" her eyes turned into dangerous slits. Minato either ignored them or he did not seem to notice it.

"Come on now Kushina. You know that we are meant to be together," he told her and she started to shake slightly. Minato is not sure whether it's from nerves or furious anger.

"You…"

"OW! What was that for!?"

Being angry was a misunderstanding. Kakashi was furious. Rin was never late. In fact, she was always the first to arrive. He growled and kicked a rock. Behind him, Minato watched his pupil, a mask of amusement on his face. "Be patient."

Kakashi looked up at his sensei and his angry mood lightened up slightly, "It's probably that girl. She is being a bad influence already." He said as he spotted the two girls from afar. They were walking side by side, laughing. He narrowed his eyes slightly.

"On the contrary, Kakashi," Minato looked on, watching as both girls approached them, "When was the last time you saw Rin look like that?"

Kakashi's uncovered eye glanced over at Rin. Her brown eyes beamed and as she looked away from Sakura to look at him, she smiled. His already heavy heart compressed even tighter.

"Minato-sensei! Kakashi-kun!" Rin exclaimed as she approached them.

Sakura on the other hand merely bowed her head in a greeting fashion and completely avoided looking at the silver-haired nin.

"You're late." Kakashi said bluntly.

The smile on Rin's face vanished and she quickly offered an apology.

Sakura rolled her eyes and forced herself to stare at Kakashi, "Yeah. You know, on the way here, Rin and I had to show the way to an old woman and help her to carry her luggage,"

At that very moment everyone around Sakura froze.

Rin gasped.

Kakashi was looking at Sakura as if she had grown a second head.

Minato's face was void of any expression but if she did not know better she felt that his gaze had somewhat hardened towards her.

Sakura felt a knot on her throat. She had no idea what she had said wrong. After all, Kakashi-sensei often gave them lame excuses of the sort.