Chapter 2

Narrative POV

The sun shone brightly through the window hitting Sakura in the face waking her up. She slowly opened her eyes squinting. She threw her legs over the side of the bed and dragged herself to the bathroom. She turned the sink faucet on and grabbed her toothbrush. She brushed her teeth and washed her face like her had a million times before. When she was done, she exited the bathroom and went to her room. Sakura went to her dresser and bent to open the draw. She pulled out her skirt and shorts throwing them onto the bed. She then opened another draw and got out her top. She pulled it over her head and continued to put her shorts and skirt on. She headed to the door. Pulling on her shoes, she left her home to head to the bathhouse. Her mouth curved into a smile bouncing as she made her to the bathhouse to relax. She was so excited since she hasn't been there in a while. Sakura was looking at the sky watching the clouds as she bumped into Kakashi knocking his book onto the ground. Sakura bent down to grab the book just as Kakashi did, their hands touching just for a second before Sakura pulled back with the book in hand. She looked at the cover curiously. "Make out Violence? Huh I never saw anyone reading it publically before." She points out as she handed the book back to Kakashi with slight blush slowly creeping up onto her cheeks. Kakashi rubbed the nape of his neck chuckling nervously.

"Where are you headed?" Kakashi asked changing the subject as he turned to look behind him. Sakura tucked her behind her ear.

"I was heading to the bathhouse. Your welcome to join if you'd like." Sakura invited as she started walking again. Kakashi thought for a moment to himself. He shrugged his shoulders and caught up with Sakura.

"Do you think we should invite Sasuke?" Kakashi questioned curiously. He looked to Sakura and saw that her smiled had faded but as quick as it had gone was as quick as it had reappeared.

"No, it's alright. I think he was gonna be busy anyway." Sakura beamed, the sides of her eyes crinkled as they closed. "I was thinking about going for about an hour, afterwards we could get lunch?" Sakura suggested hesitantly as she glanced at Kakashi finally taking in his appearance. She noted his silver hair oriented to the left side. Kakashi shrugged his shoulders stuffing his book in his pocket on his flak jacket then stuffing his hands in his front pants pockets.

"Alright, that sounds good." Kakashi answered. The pair arrived at the bathhouse and went their separate ways for the hour. Sakura went to the ladies area. She took off her clothes and grabbed a towel wrapping her body in it. She walked to the water area and the smoke instantly hit her heating her body creating goosebumps. She strutted to the water, taking the towel off she dipped her foot in first then the rest of her body. She sunk down up to her nose. The water heated her body filling her with calmness and serenity. She leaned against the wall and breathed heavily.

'Mmm so relaxing. It'll probably be awhile before I can really relax once the mission starts tomorrow. I still can't believe Sasuke wants me to pretend that i'm Kakashi's fiancee. He didn't even seem to care that I would have to actually act the part and be somewhat intimate with another man.' Sakura thought to herself as she blew bubbles in the water. She sighed and tilted her head back putting it against the wall. She glanced at the clock hanging on the entrance of the bathhouse. A half hour had already passed by so quickly.

Kakashi looked around the men's side of the hot springs. He didn't see anyone he knew. He took off his towel and dropped into the water. A small towel was on his head weighing down his hair. He kept a white mask on covering most of his face. He sighed in content as he stretched his arms out along the wall of the water area. Kakashi closed his eyes thinking about possible outcomes of the mission.

I wonder who this mysterious person is that arrived in the Village Hidden in the Waterfall. I wonder what causes the people to go missing and what's the point of it. What kind of people are they taking? Will we be able to save them all? Are they all already dead? Will we be able to find the man or woman who's behind this?

Kakashi stretched his muscles as he groaned. He put a hand through his hair ruffling it up. He hopped out of the water and slumped his way over to the men's room as he put his towel on around his waist. He got dressed and met Sakura at the entrance of the building. She smiled slightly at him as they left the bathhouse together. Kakashi took a side glance at Sakura and realized he should get to know her for the sake of the mission. "So uh Sakura, the other day when we came back to the village, how are you feeling since then?" He asked as he eyed her cautiously. Her body stiffened and her eyes grew opened just a bit as as they started to water. She had stopped walking and started to shake slightly as she remembered her fallen comrades. A sad smile appeared on her face.

"I'll be fine." She answered as she started walking again. Kakashi looked after her for moment before catching up.

"You know we'll be entering territory where there's a lot of rogue ninjas we might have to battle." Kakashi informed as he jammed his hands into his pockets. Sakura made a soft murmur to acknowledge what he had said. The two walked in the direction of Ichiraku Ramen and Sasuke's house. Sasuke was spotted by Kakashi coming out of his house. Sasuke was locking his door before he turned around and saw the two walking towards him. Sakura stole a glance at him and noticed his eyes quickly changed to the sharingan before changing back in a moment of anger. Her brows furrowed in fear before she placed a fake smile on her face and looked at Kakashi.

"Maybe we should invite him just in case he's not busy." Sakura whispered in a questioning tone while Kakashi nodded his head in agreement. Sasuke appeared before them looking down at Sakura. "Hey Sasuke, we were just about to invite you to join us for lunch. Do-do you want to come?" She asked hesitantly.

"No, I have stuff to do. Come see me when your done." Sasuke stated as he disappeared leaving smoke behind him. Sakura sighed and continued walking towards the famous ramen shop. The stopped once they reach the counter and sat down waiting patiently for Teuchi to take their orders and serve them. They sat in awkward silence until their food arrived. They talked while they ate. They tried getting to know each other but they didn't really give each other detailed answers, mostly yes and nos about simple things. They finished their meals and paid separately. Sakura was the first to stand up from her seat. She place her hands on the counter as she stood. She turned her head towards Kakashi and smiled sweetly. "Well it's getting late and Sasuke wanted me to meet him so I better get going. I'll see you tomorrow morning at the gate." Kakashi stood and gave a curt nod. Sakura turned her back on him and started to walk away. She took one more look back and gave a slight wave. Kakashi lifted his hands from his pant pocket and gave a two finger salute. He then walked in the opposite direction unsure of where he wanted to go for now while Sakura made her way to Sasuke's place.