-AFTER CHAPTER: READ AUTOR's NOTE (at bottom) BEFORE YOU CURSE ME!

Thanks.

-Chapter 5- Foolish You

-'Cause you're just the same as me, we're using each other, so selfishly.-

Sakura exited the hospital with exasperation. She wrapped her fur coat around her, shivering from only moments of being outside, and she watched her breath drag away in the sharp wind as she gazed up at the moon. It was nearly full and very high in the sky expressing the lateness of the hour. Naruto finally went to sleep. She had slipped in a drug with the ramen she got from his favorite place, Ichiraku. It was a sneaky thing to do but the over hyper active boy needed his rest. Especially from all the thoughts that were going through his head.

Saving Sasuke was turning out to be the worst thing for team seven then losing Sasuke. It reminded Naruto of his failure. Naruto losing Sasuke resulted in the Uchiha to lose himself. Now no traces of the boy they once knew and loved resided. And it was team seven that felt the guilt of that. It was almost too much to bare.

Tears were endangering her eyes but she shook her head and strengthened her resolve. Tears were no longer allowed to fall, even now that he was back. She had promised herself not one single tear would be released while Sasuke was away, and no matter that his body had returned, he still wasn't here.

Sakura smiled brightly upon seeing the five foot tall, seven foot long dog sleeping in her doorway. And snuggled up against his thick fur was his owner Kiba, fast asleep. Sakura knelled down in front of him, tapping his leg. His eyes snapped open with alertness but upon seeing her, he smiled, stretching. "I heard you got back. I waited by the hospital but I figured you wanted some time, so I came here."

"I've been back for a few days now, you should have come up. And why didn't you let yourself in? What happened to the key I gave you?" His eyes rolled all around, suddenly refusing to meet hers. "You lost it? Again? That's the forth one." She sighed, patting the dog's head when he whined. "Move it." She stepped around him to unlock the door. "Now, Akamaru, I just cleaned my place, don't go wagging that tail unless you want another thrashing." The giant beast bowed his head with a whimper.

"Don't be so mean." Kiba defended, following her in and closing the door after Akamaru entered. He pointed to his make shift bed for the dog and Akamaru quickly went and laid in it. Better to stay where one was wanted then follow his master every where and get in trouble.

"So…"

Sakura looked up from making sandwiches for all three of them. "So…what?"

Kiba shook his head, it was obvious he was going to need to take his time with this conversation. He sat on the couch, "How's Naruto? I heard he got pretty hurt?"

"Nothing that won't heal. Any other person would have died. But not him." She sighed, putting on the top piece of bread. She carried hers and Kiba's in one hand and tossed the other to Akamaru who was waiting patiently, keeping his betraying tail between his legs so it wouldn't wag. She sat beside Kiba, handing him his sandwich and quickly digging into hers. It was her third bite however that she noticed him looking at her. She turned her gaze to him. "Yes?"

"And how's Sasuke?"

Sakura shook her head, taking another bite. She swallowed, resting her head back against the couch, "Different."

"Did you expect anything less?"

She sighed, getting very uncomfortable where this conversation was going. She stood, throwing the rest of the sandwich to the dog after taking one last bite. She poured herself some tea and took a sip. The silence forced out her conviction. "I wasn't expecting anything." It was a lie she knew. She had expected Sasuke to be different...but capable of killing Naruto...was a nightmare she hadn't woken up from yet.

She shook her head, emptying the emotions that were piling. Sasuke and everything related to him wasn't something she dealt with. He was something that she locked deep inside of herself, and thrown the key down a forgotten well. She was not about to release it all either. "I went by your house the other day. I thought since Hinata was here, you would be too."

Kiba understandingly smiled. This was how it always happened when ever any conversations of Sasuke had come up in the past. She would push it aside. She certainly had gotten stronger not only physically but mentally as well. He just wished he could help. Kiba took a bite and nodded. "Hinata wasn't back from another mission so we had to leave without her."

"She's at the hospital. She been there ever since we got back."

Kiba averted his eyes looking to his dog, "Hai, I figured she would be." Akamaru whined in sympathy.

Sakura watched him with a sad smile. This is why they were good for each other. They were both in love with someone else. Kiba was in love with Hinata and she, well, she was in love with a dead man. But that didn't mean they didn't desire a relationship. Any type of relationship. True, they've been together for a little over a year now, but that didn't mean they were any closer to falling in love with each other then they were when they started this little affair. But they had managed to trick everyone around them. All their friends had been happy for them when they finally allowed it to be known. Or when they couldn't keep it secret anymore.

Either way, the relationship filled a gap in both their lives.

"You ready for bed?" His way of getting the subject dropped as well, she knew. They were too much alike in that category.

"Having a sleep over at Shino's again? Isn't your okasan going to figured it out?"

"I'm sure she knows already but as long as we don't talk about it, it's not against the rules." Kiba grinned and followed his girlfriend into the bedroom. Akamaru whined loudly, abandoned.

PAST

Sakura and Ino glared with folded arms as the weapons specialist walked in between her two boys. Her light brown eyes refused to look up. Sakura looked to Ino, "It's really no fun without all of us being involved in this little rebellion."

"But that doesn't mean we're not going to do it. Right Hinata?" Ino looked to the female who was staring down to the floor.

"We..well, I…I…Shino-kun…didn't do anything…and Kiba-kun…apologized…" She looked over to the two boys talking to one another.

"Whatever, go on." Sakura groaned, the female glanced at her for a moment before bowing her head.

"Gomen, Sakura-san." She whimpered walking softly over to them, her eyes however on Naruto who she passed with much heed.

"We're going to have to do some work on her. She needs our help." Ino nodded in agreement. Sakura looked over to Sasuke and Naruto. The blond boy was chattering away like crazy, and Sasuke's eyes were shut. She smiled, he probably wasn't even listening. Sasuke opened his eyes suddenly and she hurried to throw her gaze elsewhere, her cheeks burning in embarrassment.

"Eveyone." He waited till they all looked to him. "Let's go." He didn't know why he was put in charge, and he didn't care to know why. But as long as he was, that meant he could get this done as quick as possible. Everyone waved bye to Lee who was sadly left behind and jumped into the trees. Their speed was unusual fast but no one dared to complain.

Eight hours of jumping through trees and climbing mountains was enough however to make them all complain. Kumogakure no Sato was finally in sight and nearly everyone sighed with the greatest relief. They rested for several minutes, catching their breath, finally winning against the cruel and ruthless Sasuke.

"Damn, who knew he could be such a hardass." Ino mumbled, leaned up against Sakura's back, both sitting on the dirt ground. "I've never been pushed so hard." She mumbled.

"Good thing about it, we still are in time to get a room at an inn. We don't have to camp out." Sakura panted, looking up at Sasuke who was only a little out of breath. How did he get so much energy? The black flash of his cursed seal distracted her and she looked away. It was that thing's doing. That mark that she's come to hate more then the guy who did it. But a positive thing out of it (If it could be viewed as positive), he was getting stronger. He was even nearing Naruto's stamina.

Speaking of which, the blond was bouncing up and down at the moment, "I'm so hungry, how come we didn't stop not once, now I want to get some ramen, I wonder which place is better? Do you think they have a ramen place? I wish I packed some from Ichiraku. I was there this morning for breakfast, why didn't I think of it-"

"shut up!" Sakura and Ino screamed in annoyance. His blue eyes were wide in fear and he scooted closer to Sasuke.

"Let's go." The Uchiha demanded, jumping down the side of the cliff, his rope the only thing keeping him from falling the four hundred feet.

"There is a road you know." Ino complained, grabbing Shikamaru's hand to help her up. (which he nearly fell over, having not offered his hand. He reached out and quickly gripped Choji's scarf and it kept him up.) Shikamaru yanked his hand from her grasp, glaring at her but she only smiled sarcastically. He made a little grumbling sound of complaint which she quickly replied with her middle finger.

The village was quiet for it being so early in the night. The sun had just sunk below the horizon and the moon was slowly rising to take it's place. Villagers were staring with great concern, and talking amongst themselves in a whisper. The place was way different from Konoha. There were no trees, no grass, no color basically. Just rocks upon rocks. The buildings were made of stone, unpainted so no one was different from the other except the signs that hung on the outside.

The ten ninjas followed behind the leader Sasuke but they held skepticism in their eyes. He surely acted as if he knew where he was going. But it appeared as if he was just walking toward the largest building in the village.

Which was exactly what Sasuke was doing. The mission stated he needed to speak with the Raikage so that's where he planned to go. They all went up the steps and Sasuke quickly showed the guards at the door his pass. They were reluctant but allowed them entryway with nothing more then subjective looks.

"This place sure is quiet." TenTen mumbled, gripping her katana in her pouch.

"It's nothing like our home." Kiba whispered and Akamaru barked in agreement.

A guard came into view, "What is your purpose here?"

Sasuke answered, "We need to speak with the Raikage. We come from Konohagakure no Sato."

The guard disappeared behind a door for a few minutes before that door was opened wide, allowing them to enter a huge, seemingly empty room. But to the right, next to a fire was a bamboo screen and it lit up a person sitting behind it. His appearance however was held in shadow.

The eleven ninjas bowed in unison. "Our Hokage sent us to you for a mission." Sasuke said. He really didn't like this. He wasn't a person to be in charge only by the fact that he was not a people's person. He did not like speaking to anyone with respect, let alone people he didn't even know.

"Well, it's about time that woman does something right. Konohagakure having an woman as kage, just as pathetic as the land." The voice was hoarse with old age and lined with over importance.

Sasuke narrowed his eyes, as did every ninja in the group.

Naruto of course was the one to say anything, "hey, she the best damned kage in all of the satos so watch what you say, ojii-san!"

The Raikage's voice was quick with malice, "Do not speak to me you pathetic Ainoko. Only bloodlines are worthy enough. It would do you well, Uchiha, to keep that loudmouth gaki quiet."

Sasuke shot a glare to Naruto and Sakura quickly trapped a hand over the blond's mouth before he was able to respond. "How do you know of the Uchiha clan?"

"That symbol you wear is well known enough. Why don't you show me those eyes of yours?" Sasuke narrowed his gaze, unsure how to respond to such a request. But the man spoke again, "And two Hyuugas. It is my lucky day. Please step forward and let me see you." Kiba glanced to Hinata, who didn't move from her spot as she fidgeted with her fingers. He gently pushed her forward and so unexpected was she, she nearly tripped if it hadn't been for Kiba's arm that held her up. She smiled softly, nervously and then dropped her gaze to the floor. Neji however only stiffened in his stance, not taking one step forward from beside TenTen. The Kage was quick to take note of that and nearly growled, "You dare such insolence, Branch servant. Step forward immediately, or I will have you whipped." TenTen leaned over to whisper in his ear and against his better judgment the boy stepped forward. "Hn. That's more like it." The man behind the screen shifted and he came around, standing at his full height of five feet, nearly even with a few of them. He was crippled and walked with a tall cane, his yellow robes swayed with each step. The Raikage stopped in front of Hinata first, looking straight into her eyes with his own. Naruto gaped upon seeing the man's pupils. They were the typical black but zigzagged like lightening instead of the normal circle.

Hinata was getting nervous, her hands played with the hem of her shirt, refusing to look up. But the old man's croaked fingers rose to her chin and forced her to raise her gaze. "What gorgeous eyes." He mumbled. "How unlucky it was for Hiashi to have a female heir. What's your name? "

"Umm…I'm…I'm Hinata." She whimpered. Her body shook unsure why she showed so much fear when she saw the lightening bolts looking at her.

Naruto suddenly didn't like the look that was in the man's eye and the way he touched Hinata so roughly upon her chin. "stop it, leave her alone." He took a quick step forward ready to grab for Hinata, but the old man's movements, though undetectable stopped him in his tracks. The cane was raised to his neck, the tip of a elongated sword was revealed barely touching Naruto's neck.

"One more word out of you and your comrades will take you home in pieces."

"Sakura, take him out." Sasuke demanded.

The Raikage dropped his shikomizue, hitting the ground and the sword was sheathed once again. "Yes, Ainoko, take out the trash with yourself." Sasuke's narrowed his eyes as he glared at the man, "Everyone else may stay." He said as he looked around the room. "Oh wait." His foot steps sounded and he stood in front of Neji but was glaring dutifully at TenTen. "Is she yours?"

"She is my teammate." Neji's gaze darkened.

"Good, you should know better then to associate with trash like that. You, leave." He waved his hand away.

Neji suddenly whipped his hand out and grabbed TenTen's wrist before she was able to take a step. She stared in confusion but he wasn't turned toward her. "She is staying. She is on my team." Neji released her and the Kage glared furiously up at him. "We came to do a mission." He declared.

The Kage turned to look at the female Hyuuga, "You allow him to speak thus? Whip him." The woman however, just hung her head.

Neji answered for her with arrogance in his tone, "The Main Branch has currently rid itself of such debase actions."

"That explains it. Leave with the trash, you are no different." Neji swiftly turned his back, disrespectfully and walked out, TenTen and the two others following quickly behind. Sakura slammed the door shut in her anger. "Blondie, what's your clan?"

Ino blinked, unsure if that was her he was talking to. But his eyes were on her so she stumbled out, "Yamanaka."

"Hmm..Not too familiar but I have heard that name. You may stay. Now that the filthy Ainokos are gone we will talk about the mission."

Sasuke was no longer willing to show this man any type of respect. Both his teammates were kicked out, he should have put up more of a protest. And would have if he was not the leader in this damned mission. He was finally understanding why the Hokage had put him in charge. He narrowed his eyes deeper when the Kage stopped in front of Hinata again. Kiba and Shino were all to aware. Her two teammates grabbed a hold of her arms and pulled her back, protectively. Akamaru growled dangerously low.

The Kage smirked barely before walking back around his bamboo screen and sitting. "Iwagokure no Sato recently visited us a few months back. While they were here, they managed to steal something from me. I want it back."

"It is not our place to take it back."

"It will be. I have already tried to steal it back and last many precious men because of it. I almost went to war. But I am posing a peace treaty. They will not allow my men back in the city. Since Konoha is so well know for it's pacifism," Sarcasm rolled off his tongue, "they will allow your entry long enough to listen to my peace treaty." A slave came from an entry way in the wall and on his knees went up to the Kage, taking the parchment that was giving and handed it to Sasuke. He stuffed it in his pocket. "When you and your team return I will give you your reward. As for tonight, the bloodlines will be allowed to stay in the sato. Your Ainoko however, must leave immediately. I can still smell that trash from here." Sasuke didn't bother to bow as he turned out of the room, "Uchiha." The ninja stalled in his footsteps. "Do not act like an Ainoko, it's so un-becoming." Sasuke didn't even bother to respond as he continued out, his team following closely behind.

"Man, what the hell was his problem?" Ino grumbled when they walked down the steps of the building.

"He was off his rocker." Sakura shook her head, looking sideways to Naruto. The boy had been awfully quiet since the man kicked them out. "Well, anyway. Let's go eat at a restaurant or something, I am starving. Did you guys see a hotel anywhere."

"Iie." Sasuke bit, not bothering to turn around. "We will go outside the sato."

"but-"

"I don't want to stay in this damned sato anyway." Kiba mumbled, Akamaru barking, agreeing with his owner.

"but-"

"Sakura," Ino cut in, "I don't want to waste my money here. Anything supporting his screwed up ideas will make me sick. When we get to Iwagakure no Sato we'll get the works done with hot springs and fancy restaurants. Yosh?"

"alright." She whispered, unsure why everyone was so against staying here tonight.

Exiting the village to set up camp hadn't been a bad idea. However as Sasuke looked around he knew it was going to be impossible to find food. There were no rivers and no trees. He wondered briefly on what this village did to maintain. He turned to the group, "We have to go back up the cliff and get back into the trees. There we will find shelter and food."

Sakura, of course, fought against this. "Why don't we just go back to the sato?"

TenTen finally backed her up, "I think that's the better. We're still tired from our hike here."

"It won't take that long." Shikamaru chimed in. "If you are that tired we'll carry you."

"That's okay." Sakura smiled, hiding her laugh. They sure were fighting against going back to the village. Even Shikamaru, who didn't want to do anything troublesome, was sure going through the trouble now. She wondered what happened in the room after she was kicked out.

It took a half hour to climb the cliff back up. But after that excruciating trek they were instantly greeted by luscious trees. They set up camp at the cliff side while Sasuke and Neji went scouting for food.

"Sasuke, we need fire." Shikamaru waved him over when he saw the two of them emerge from the trees. They held up four rabbits and a large fox.

Sakura stared ahead at Naruto who stood at the edge of the cliff, looking down into the city. Ino squealed in disgust as Shikamaru skinned the dead rabbit. Sasuke, Neji, and Choji skinned the others while TenTen got to work on the fox. She herself wouldn't touch the pour animals until they were fully cooked. She squinted her nose up when Kiba grabbed hold of the skin Neji had just thrown away. He made it dance, making Hinata bury her head against Shino's arm. It was a funny sight to watch. Which only made her think of Naruto again. He was missing out.

Sakura hugged herself, rubbing her arms as she stood from camp and slowly made her way over to the outcast.

"Hey, Sakura-chan." He smiled over at her but it slowly faded as his eyes moved back down below.

She smiled softly, "Don't let that guy bother you. Come on over and sit with us. It's too cold to stay away from the fire."

"The only reason we're out here is because of him."

"What?"

His blue eyes turned to her. "I heard him through the door. He wouldn't let us Ainoko stay in the sato."

"I don't think so. No one said anything like that."

"They don't want to hurt our feelings." He reasoned.

"Naruto, I'm sure-"

"He's right." Sasuke came up to stand on the other side of the Naruto. "That ass did say that."

"Just because we don't have a clan?" Sakura whispered, being more hurt then angry. She looked down upon the village. "I don't understand why it matters."

"It doesn't." Sasuke turned his back, "Come on, dumbass, before I kick your ass."

Naruto swung around, "Like you could! I could kick you and your pure blood ass any day of the week!" He hurried after Sasuke but Sakura could only smile. Their friendship had sure turned out good for both of them.

Sasuke was way past being annoyed as he sat against the base of the tree. They were making great distance in a short amount of time but after six hours of jumping through the trees Naruto had decided to jump in a lake they momentarily past. And now, there was no stopping them. He had wanted to get to Tsuchi no Kuni before nightfall and they were probably only four more hours away but now with this break in between there was no way they were going to make it.

"Come on Sasuke-teme! Don't be a party pooper!" Naruto screamed from the water.

Kiba stripped of his jacket and with Akamaru at his side ran in creating a tidal wave. Shino sat on the opposite side of the tree and when his name was called to come in the water he stated, "The bugs do not like cold water." Everyone was sort of disappointed. They had wanted to see the man take off his oversized jacket and find out what exactly was underneath.

"Choji." Shikamaru sighed annoyed when the oversized ninja lifted him over his head and began walking to the water. "I can do it myself you know." The genius was flung off and landed unceremoniously in the water.

Ino, Sakura and TenTen however glared with annoyance. "This is just another way to get us to take our clothes off." Ino stated.

"Don't really care about that." Naruto was suddenly behind Sakura and lifted her fully clothed, fighting and cursing body as he jumped in the water with her.

She came up spitting and sputtering, "Naruto!" She screamed. Sasuke hid his laughter behind a small, unnoticeable smile. The pink hair kunoichi splashed all around as she chased the blond kid in the water.

Ino was laughing her head off, "Haha, that's what you get for having such a large forehead!"

Shikamaru and Choji looked to each other before disappearing out of the water and reappearing right behind the blonde female. "You get her arms, I'll get her legs."

"Don't you touch me!" She screamed, fear vibrated in her tone but they paid no mind, tumbling over her and picking her body up off the floor.

"Count of three. One, Two, three!" They flung her hollering body in the lake, laughing their soaked butts off before diving in after her.

TenTen laughed standing above on a tree branch, over hanging the lake. "Kami, those two are morons." She giggled, turning to look at Neji who sat on the same branch, watching the pathetic antics going on below. Her foot however caught in a hole and she tripped, falling over the branch but her hand reached out and grabbed Neji's foot that dangled over.

Being so unprepared by the sudden pull, both their bodies dropped in the water. Neji pushed himself above the water and glared at TenTen who smiled sheepishly in apology.

Feeling slightly left out, Kiba hurried after Hinata who was way too busy watching Naruto swim then paying attention to anything around her. "Kiba-kun?" She whimpered when she was lifted into his strong arms.

Kiba half smiled down at her, "Gomen, Hinata." He threw both their bodies in the water.

"Sasuke!" Naruto's voice yelled over the screaming females and laughing males. "I bet I could swim to the other side and back before you!" Sasuke narrowed his eyes. That little bastard thought he was that good did he? Unable to disregard a challenge, Sasuke did away with his shoes and shirt before jumping in.

It took four hours, just like Sasuke thought, after their little swim to get to Tsuchi no Kuni. The moon was high in the sky as they all landed on the rocky terrain

Ino was the first to state their worst fears as they all stared up into the sky, the mountain disappearing behind clouds. "Oh please don't tell me we have to climb that."

But it was inevitable. Tsuchi enjoyed the fact that their country was surrounded by a large mountainous terrain, they built no cut through to make it any easier. The eleven set up camp and prepared themselves for tomorrow's big adventure.

Words-

Shikomizue- A Japanese sword that is usually disguised as something else.

Anioko- Half breed.

Author's Note: So I put Kiba and Sakura together…..I know CRAZY! But I love Kiba, so I had to make him a bigger part in my story. But don't worry! This is a Sakura and Sasuke Fic! Don't freak out! And don't flame me…they break up eventually…