Hello, folks! I'm sorry for the late upload but I had so many things to take care of :S. Here's the next chapter. I hope you liked it. It's longer than usual to make up for the lost time :P Have fun and I'm awaiting your reviews!
PS I do not own "Naruto" it belongs to Masashi Kishimoto ©
PPS. ChibiVampireQueen had asked me if stealing other participant's ribbon was allowed. The answer is YES! Everything was allowed as long as it was restricted to taijutsu.
Chaos in my head
The whole universe is at rest
When I'm in your arms
Is when I feel the best
Locked inside your creative being
Whirling about your unfailing truth
Attacked with power by ferocious love
Salvation alone belongs to you
"Safe with you" by Skillet
Sakura stirred her coffee, frowning at its bitter taste and cracked her neck, twelve hours sleep weren't enough, obviously. Her body ached, especially her shoulder. Tsunade had set it last night but it was still sore. The kunoichi sipped from her hot beverage and stood up, heading to the fridge. There should be some milk left in there. Sakura rummaged and finally found the bottle, left in the back, behind the pineapple juice. Without realizing that the white drink was way past its expiration date the kunoichi smiled. "Yosh!", she bit her lower lip and poured it in a bigger coffee cup, adding the remains of her coffee.
Lumping heavily in the sofa in the living room, Sakura closed her eyes and eased back her head. There were still few hours till the formal lunch with the Kages and the participants. Passing out right after she crossed the finish line wasn't exactly her idea of magnificent performance. Sakura was eager to find out which place she took. Third? Definitely not first. She knew it because of the look in Kakashi's eyes when he saw her coming back. There was a flickering spark of worry and relief in his look. Almost as if he had given up on her returning. Was his trust in her and her abilities that low? Something clenched in Sakura's heart. No it wasn't that, it couldn't be that. He was just being over-protective. Sakura knew it best. Spending years with him in the same team, she knew at least that much about her old ex-sensei.
She pressed the edge of the cup to her lip, without sipping, inhaling the rising steam from the hot coffee. Remembering the moment before the start of the tournament in her tent, when he had given her that frustrated, almost sad expression, before hugging her, Sakura smiled at herself. That was the closest thing to emotional that the silver-haired jonin had ever been during those six years. But what caused him to be that normal? Feelings weren't something that Kakashi let in his heart, yet alone allow to cloud his sober view of things. He always wore that blank stare above his mask, hiding his thoughts, making you wonder if he even had any to begin with. But Sakura knew better. He had thoughts, and they were probably too many and too self-destructive to be healthy for the Copy nin.
Spending hours in front of the memorial stone, staring mindlessly at the carved names in it, wasn't something that brought good and cheery thoughts in your head. He did say that he had lost a friend back in time and Sakura knew that Kakashi was blaming himself for his death, but was the loss that great to cause him twenty years of misery and permanent, probably irreversible, psychological damage? Curving her lips in something similar to a sad smile, Sakura bowed her head. It was possible, hell, she knew it from first hand experience.
When Sasuke knocked her out unconscious on a side walk bench and left the village, Sakura definitely felt heartbroken. The pain in her chest was so strong that she only tried to live through it during the first few days after his departure. And after that the realization of him gone, had crushed her with its full force. Even now she remembered the ache and tearing in her chest. Further he went, longer she cried, the pain just never seemed to stop; only it was getting stronger, sharper. Weeks after that she felt consumed by it, not wanting to live, desperately trying to bring back time, but the only thing she succeeded in was to make Naruto feel guilty and give him a burden to wear all his life. Years after that, even now, her best friend had this ashamed flicker in his eyes when he saw her. But he wasn't the only one. It wasn't he who disappointed her; it was Sakura herself that she was ashamed of.
Was she that blind not to see the true face of her teammate, to see his lost in darkness and revenge soul? She claimed that she loved him, but when you love someone you actually try to get to know them. Hell, if you loved them, you should have known them beforehand. But no. Sasuke was just so cool back then, everybody loved him. He was the Uchiha's successor, the only survivor. The genius boy who excelled in everything he wanted. Blindly in love, Sakura had missed the arrogance, selfishness and indifference. Now, looking back in time, she hated herself for what she had felt, she even hated herself because she had been manipulated to think that she was just good for nothing, weak and a burden to her team.
If his departure could make her so fucked up in her head for years why wouldn't the loss of a dear friend be a lot more disastrous and ruining than getting your heart broken at the age of twelve? Sakura could always search for Sasuke, find him and punch him in that pretty face of his but Kakashi would never be able to bring his friend back. She never actually lost a teammate before; there was always some lucky coincidence that saved their asses.
Sakura heard a knock on her door. She wasn't expecting anyone. The kunoichi stood up and opened it. Immediately a blonde girl stormed inside her apartment.
"Ino?", Sakura closed the door and turned around to see her already sitting comfortably on the sofa, "What are you doing here?"
"I just got back from my mission with Shikamaru and Choji. And what do I find out? Forehead had entered a tournament!", the girl grinned widely tapping on the seat next to her, "Sit! You have a lot questions to answer." Sakura sighed and obeyed, knowing that nothing good would come out of this conversation.
"So, why you?", there was a flicker of excitement in her blue eyes.
"Bad luck, I guess.", Sakura shrugged and folded her legs under her on the couch.
"Bad luck?", Ino gaped, "Forehead, you're going to be famous in the whole five nations! You might even get in the bingo book soon."
"And how is that of any good to me?"
"Isn't that all you ever wanted? Someone to acknowledge your abilities, to prove yourself strong enough!", the blonde chuckled.
"You have no idea what this whole tournament is really about, Pig. Things are far more difficult and important than just famous and glory.", Sakura looked down at the folded hands in her lap, "This burden is heavier than I can carry."
"Then why did you participate?", her friend glanced at her confused.
"I didn't. And I couldn't even if I wanted. I'm under the age limit."
"Than how…?", Ino stared.
"I don't know.", Sakura sighed and growled, "Hell, I don't even know why Tsunade let me participate?"
Her blonde friend silenced looking at the pinkie next to her. There were dark shadows under her eyes and her skin was covered in cuts and small scratches. She was definitely looking exhausted and worried. Ino reached her arms and pulled her in a tight embrace. Sakura glanced weirdly at her companion but soon she relaxed in her arms. It was comforting. It's been a long time since she had been with her friend like this.
"What else did I miss?", the blonde grinned, placing her chin on Sakura's head, knowing that further talking about the tournament would only cause her headache.
"Nothing much.", the girl murmured, burying her nose in Ino's chest. It was a kind of a perverse habit of hers when they were huddling up. Sakura loved to snuggle in her friend's breasts; they were much bigger than hers and so soft and Ino didn't mind it at all, for which Sakura was most grateful.
"Really?", she pulled back a little so the kunoichi could glared suspiciously at her friend's face.
"Yeah."
"Then probably the rumours I've been hearing since I came back this morning are wrong.", Ino eased her head once again on the girl's.
It was Sakura's turn to pull back, "What rumours?"
"Oh, nothing much.", Ino waved reassuringly with hand before her face, "Just people gossiping around about you and Kakashi."
Sakura's mouth snapped open in disbelief, "You're messing with me."
"No, really. The whole town is talking about…what were their exact words…ah yes: how he "gently, worriedly and possessively grabbed you in his arms and carried you in your tent", where according to rumours you spent quite some time alone with him and the Hokage waiting outside." , Ino grinned as she saw the paled face of her friend.
"It can't be true.", Sakura shook her head, "Nothing happened! They are wrong! Completely out of their gossiping minds."
"Is that so?", the blonde smirked, "Then I guess Kakashi didn't leave your apartment suspiciously early in the morning three days ago too."
Sakura didn't answer, how she was supposed to explain everything to her friend. When she agreed on this nursing thing she never included people's thoughts about them in her calculations. A slight blush appeared on her face.
"So, he did was in your apartment!", Ino chuckled, "How was it?"
Sakura got ripped out of her inner disorder at her friend's question, "How was what?", the devilish sparks in the blue eyes of Ino answered her, "It's not what you think, Pig! Really. We haven't done anything!", excusing and defending herself wasn't exactly helping her convincing the girl before her, "I just nursed him – "The moment words came out of her mouth Sakura realized their double meaning, blushing even more at the thought that arose in her head.
"Ohhoo – ", Ino grinned and wrapped her arms around Sakura's head, pressing her in her chest again, "If that's how you call it."
The pinkie gave out a cry of desperation and frustration. She knew nothing good would come out of this conversation. It never did when Ino and gossips were involved. Further more if Sakura was the food for these rumours. Her friend would be mercilessly teasing her for probably months after everything. Another growl escaped her lips as Sakura heard Ino still chuckling; the pink-haired kunoichi frowned and poked her finger in her breast where her nipple was supposed to be. Her friend screamed startled and pushed her away gaping at her.
"Oh, you just didn't do that!", her voice was a mixture of pawkiness and playfulness, the blonde reached her hands forward in very intimidating, according to Sakura's vision, way. The pinkie pulled back in the corner of the couch grinning devilishly, knowing that Ino would probably tickle her to death. Suddenly the other kunoichi jumped over her and straddled her hips, "You should have seen that coming –", the words escaped her lips as a mere whisper but Sakura gawked at her, shaking negatively her head.
"Don't! Pig, don't even think about it!", the pink-haired kunoichi screamed as her friend grabbed her boobs roughly from under the blouse, pinching her nipples. Sakura couldn't help but burst in uncontrollable laughter, as she felt Ino's fingers tickling her teats.
Both girls rolled over and fell from the couch on the hard floor but that didn't seem to stop them from fighting. Both of their faces were reddened and hot from the efforts they were putting into this struggle. Sakura's hands counter-attacked Ino's tits and grabbed them, teasing her nipples. Her friend rarely wore a bra and now the pink-haired kunoichi was so happy about it. Suddenly a quiet knock on the door echoed in the air. The girls silenced and stared across the room. Sakura knew she had to get up and open it but if she moved now the kunoichi straddling her would take advantage of the situation and she'll be assaulted with another wave of tickling. Another knock was heard and the pinkie cursed, letting go of Ino's boobs, rising on her feet. She knew that the kunoichi behind her was trying to reach her again and Sakura rushed to the door laughing. Once her hand was on the handle and the girl pressed it down Ino jumped behind her, wrapping her hands around her chest mercilessly squeezing the small perky breasts. Startled by the attack Sakura screamed surprised and opened the door unknowingly.
Kakashi and Naruto froze in their places at the picture before them. The blonde boy popped his eyes and gaped at the two girls. The Copy nin just smirked at them and cleared his throat, "I hope you haven't forgotten about the formal lunch."
Sakura blushed heavily trying to push away Ino's hands, "No I remember but what are you two doing here?", the kunoichi for some reason couldn't look her teammate at his one eyed gaze. Was it because of the rumours? Why was she affected by those lies and gossips? She forced herself to look at his face.
"Tsunade appointed us as your an her escorts.", the Copy nin scratched behind his head indifferently and entered Sakura's apartment, followed by Naruto, "I suggest you start getting ready."
The pinkie glanced at Ino who was grinning widely. Damn her! She was thinking about the rumours again. Her friend grabbed her bag from the coffee table in the living room and passed by Sakura, whispering in her ear, "Nursing, ha?" As the blonde girl exited the flat, she shouted to the other kunoichi, "See you later, forehead! To finish what we started – "
Sakura blushed even heavier as she noticed Kakashi's curious look in his eye. She knew that her friend was referring to the conversation but still considering the situation who knows what her teammates were thinking right know. Especially that pervert Copy nin, "Um…, I'm going to change my clothes and we'll be going.", the pinkie murmured under her breath before disappeared in her bedroom.
Naruto sent a questioning glance at his ex-sensei, "What was that all about?"
Kakashi gave him and eye crease and patted him on the head, "You're just too innocent to understand it." The Copy nin pulled out his orange book and buried his nose between the covers, chuckling to himself.
The Kyuubi Jinchuuriki knit his brows and murmured something about "just like Ero-sennin" and shook his head. He saw the half-empty cup with coffee and the boy reached out to drink it, before the beverage touched his lips Kakashi's hand was already grabbing his wrist.
"It's spoilt. I can smell the milk in it from here.", the silver-haired jonin put the cup back on the table, "That's why Sakura probably left it anyway." Naruto frowned and crossed his legs on the sofa waiting for their teammate.
Deep, threatening but still quiet rumble in Sakura's stomach arose and sent a dreadful warning to the kunoichi. She bit her lower lip and pinned another piece of tomato on the tip of her fork, looking around to see if anybody noticed the sound. Everybody on the table was discussing the recent event and Sakura tried to focus her mind on in as well. The Kages and their participants were currently laughing about something which Sakura couldn't understand as she wasn't following the conversation. Sipping from the water to suppress another quiet growl of her stomach Sakura missed the strange glare the Kankuro sent her. Sitting across her at the rectangular table, the Sand shinobi hardly was taking his eyes from the kunoichi in front of him.
The pink-haired girl took a deep breath and tightened her abdomen to silence another stronger gurgling. She needed to go to the restroom, but Sakura knew that Tsunade would kill her if she moved right now. She had to endure it at least until the main meal was over. The girl shifted uncomfortably in her chair and crossed her legs under the table, trying to focus on the talking and to distract her mind from the sudden stomachache.
"Where is Chojuro, Mizukage-sama?", Tsunade asked the old man before gulping from her wine glass, emptying half of it.
"He's still recovering, Hokage-sama.", he smiled formally and turned his head away from the emerald stare of the blonde.
"I can probably help him with the healing, if you want?", Tsunade narrowed her eyes suspiciously at the desire of the other Kage to close the subject.
"It won't be necessary. Our medics can take care of him.", the Mizukage once again smiled and cut the steak in his plate.
"I'm sure, I'm a little better than your medics, Yagura-san.", Tsunade glared at him with a cocky smile. Sakura bit her lower lip at the arrogance of her master. Probably the alcohol was already starting to cloud her mind.
The Mizukage stared at her with blank expression, "I'm well aware of that. But as I said our medics can take care of him. He needs some special attention."
Everybody on the table turned their eyes on the Kirigakure's leader. Only Tsunade was smirking under her nose, soundly munching her pork steak. Then Sakura realized that it wasn't the alcohol talking but her shishou deliberately asked those questions, she was suspecting something and obviously her suspicions were confirmed. Only Sakura and maybe Kakashi, who was standing right beside the Hokage, noticed the look that the blonde kunoichi shared with Gaara. Sakura made a mental note to talk about that with her master.
The pinkie took a deep breath as once again her stomach clenched in sharp pain, threatening to growl louder. A small drop of sweat appeared on her forehead and the kunoichi frowned. She won't hold it much longer. They were in the middle of the lunch at least one more hour before they serve the dessert. An hour! That was hell a long time for her swollen and gurgling belly. In her mind she imagined her embarrassment and humiliation if she didn't leave the room now.
Naruto and Kakashi behind her shared confused looks. The Jinchuuriki drew closer to his ex-sensei and whispered under his breath, "What's wrong with her?" the only answer he got were the shrugging shoulders of the Copy nin.
Sakura's mind was running wild. What could have caused her that stomachache? Suddenly she remembered pouring milk in her coffee. She cursed in her mind. Probably the drink had been spoilt. Great. Just great. The kunoichi pulled Tsunade's sleeve and murmured under her breath, "Shishou, I need to go to the bathroom."
The blonde shot her a dashing smile, covering the bloody flame in her honey eyes, "We're in the middle of a formal lunch, Sakura. Hold it."
"But, shishou, exactly because we are in the middle of a meal, I should go to the restroom –", almost growling through her teeth but still with a sweet smile on her lips, Sakura glared at her mentor.
"Big breakfast?", Tsunade chucked and cleared her throat, realizing that giggling in the middle of a formal lunch was something inappropriate for a Kage to do.
"Milk in coffee.", Sakura felt a bead of sweat rolling on her temples.
"I see."
The pink-haired jonin brushed gently the corners of her mouth with the purple velvet napkin and prepared to stand up and excuse herself when the Mizukage loudly cleared his throat to catch the attention of the attendees, "I think it's time to announce the ranking of the previous test."
Sakura desperately moaned under her breath and pressed a hand on her stomach. She had to leave now. The girl turned around and waved to Naruto to come closer. The blonde curiously bent down to her best friend expecting.
"Get me out of here.", Sakura whispered in his ear.
"Why?"
"Just do it!", the pinkie growled intimidating and pinched him on the arm.
"But – "
"I need to go to the toilet, idiot.", Sakura blushed and turned around to face the other people. Thank God they were listening to the speech of the Mizukage and nobody paid her attention.
"Ah – ", the boy placed a hand on her shoulder and nodded seriously, "I know what it's like. Poor you. But no worries I have an idea."
The pink-haired shinobi sighed in relief and concentrated on the announcement, as the boy behind her executed the summoning jutsu and a small jumping toad rushed under the closed doors as soon as it appeared on Naruto's palm.
"Each participant will receive a certain amount of points each game. That's how we're going to determine the winner in the end. That means it's not necessary to win all of the games.", the old man, wearing blue-white robes made a pause and looked the participants in the eyes, "So…Last place takes Chojuro of the Kirigakure! 10 points." Applause echoed in the room. "Third place is Kankuro of the Sand – 20 points!" Sakura smiled at the boy across the table and nodded in respect, remembering their outrun to the final, "Second place – Sakura of the Konohagakure – 35 points." Tsunade grinned and slapped her on the back proudly, the pink-haired girl, bit her lip, sweating, trying to hold her composure and not run to the bathroom, "And first place – Darui from the Kumogakure – 50 points!"
The winner just nodded indifferently and Sakura noticed how his eyes slowly averted to her. There was something in them that sent chills down her spine. That man was dangerous and she was glad that she didn't have to fight him in the first part. A sudden sharp pain pierced Sakura's tummy and the girl gasped for air, frowning, not able to retain her poker face. And before Sakura could anticipate it or take precautions for it, a humiliating and loud noise, similar to the one of a deflated balloon, echoed in the hall. Everything suddenly became deadly quiet and all eyes started to look curiously around, searching for the source of the noise.
Sakura's mind started working at full capacity. She had to do the same. She had to stay calm and not blush. Tsunade next to her had definitely known that she had done it but her mentor purposely chuckled while looking around to the other people. The pink-haired kunoichi did the same, cursing in her mind that Naruto had been late. Nobody dared to say anything afraid that they would be accused of this embarrassing event. Suddenly the doors opened with a bang and Shizune entered panting.
"Sakura-san. We need you to come in the hospital. There is an emergency that requires your immediate attention."
At first the pink-haired kunoichi jumped from her seat startled and stared the other people on the table and slowly her eyes moved to Naruto's. The boy winked at her and the kunoichi put a worried expression on her face turning around to the Kages and participants, "You'll have to excuse me. I have a life to save." Sakura rushed after Shizune through the door and left the confused attendees speechless.
"Well, that's my Sakura! Selfless and always ready to help the others!", Tsunade raised her hand in a toast and then drained her full wine glass, thinking, "Crisis averted."
Naruto was still grinning as Kakashi bent down to him and whispered with seemingly indifference, "Did she just fart in the middle of lunch with Kages?"
The blonde grinned, "Milk is unforgiving and merciless."
Kakashi only sighed, "She won't stop amazing me sometimes."
"Like a true member of Team 7."
"Yeah."
"Would you be ready till the next test?", Madara growled at the plant-looking man before him.
"I had already sent my Chojuro-clone back to Mizukage. Everything should be fine by now.", Zetsu smirked, "I never expected that Lava-user to wound the previous one so bad that I would almost lose the henge. I barely kept it until I hid in the tent."
"I'm completely aware of that. You almost blew my plan.", the Uchiha narrowed his eye, through the orange mask, "Never fail again or you will join the kunoichi."
The plant guy frowned and a wrinkle appeared on his white half. Obviously he didn't like the other shinobi but considering the difference in their strength he kept quiet and only nodded in agreement. A time would come when he'd be able to get his revenge on him. But now wasn't that time. Zetsu turned around and walked out of the room, passing by Sasuke who was waiting at the doorstep. The young Uchiha glared at the other Akatsuki member in disgust and entered the hall.
"Remind me once again why are we doing this whole ordeal when we can just kidnap her?", Sasuke sat heavily on the bed in the middle of the room.
"Because it's amusing to play with their lives as a puppeteer with his puppets on the stage.", Madara chuckled and drew closer to his face, "Aren't you having fun, Sasuke-kun?"
"I'm getting impatient to have my eyes healed.", the dark-haired boy growled and grabbed him for the collar of his Akatsuki's cloak, "Just teleport in her room, and then teleport back here with her. No matter how strong she had become, the little Sakura-chan is still no match for me. With or without my sight."
"Easy. Easy, Sasuke-boy.", Madara chuckled again and ripped his hands from his clothes, "And what would happen if we kidnap her? Do you think she would willingly heal your eyes?" Sasuke remained quiet, knowing that the older man was right, "We need something that would make her play by our whistle. Something that would keep her mind away from planning escape or completely destroying your eyes.", the orange-masked guy patted Sasuke's head, "You are an Uchiha. Your eyes are your most dangerous weapon, without them, you are as good as fighting naked."
The dark-haired boy cursed and spat on the ground, "Just make sure that I get my eyes healed. Or you're dead man."
"My, my. Don't be a swank.", Madara laughed openly and his attitude changed, "You're way too green for me, boy.", the older shinobi drew closer his masked face to the Uchiha's, "You're not even worth soiling my blade." His voice was dreadful and low.
Sasuke didn't even winked at the threat. A small smug appeared on his lips, "Your song had been sung, geezer. You're nothing more than a breathing museum artefact. Deal with it.", the boy shoved his shoulder at Madara's and passed him by with a cocky smile.
The latter one narrowed his eye and clenched his fist, "I need to put up with this spoilt brat just a little longer. Until my plan is ready."
Sakura stretched on her bed and put the book on her night table. It was barely ten o'clock but the kunoichi was feeling tired. The whole afternoon she spent sulking alone in her apartment about the embarrassing situation at lunch. Thank God Tsunade and Naruto covered up everything. Her thoughts once again turned in direction to the tournament. So she had finished second. Unexpectedly good performance, in her opinion. It could have been much worse like for example Chojuro. He had finished six hour after Kankuro. Probably he was fourth because the other kunoichi died. Her dried face appeared before Sakura's eyes and sent cold chills down her spine, making her shiver.
Will she be ever able to forget that image? Or it had been burnt in the back of her mind permanently? Sakura glanced through the open door of the balcony across her bed. The moon was high in the sky and a transparent reddish ring was circling it, gently wrapping it in its silky trail. She remembered Kakashi telling them that a moon ring was very bad omen. Someone somewhere was suffering right now. The same night when their teacher told them about it, they were attacked by sound jonin shinobi. The three of them, Sakura, Naruto and Sasuke, were only twelve, just finished their first higher-ranked mission where they encountered Zabuza and Haku. Kakashi somehow managed to keep them from harm once again. But the attack stayed in the kunoichi's mind and every time she saw the kind of moon, something in her jerked and trembled.
Sakura smiled softly. Those were good times. Carefree and full of laughter. And how could they not be? Team Seven was still whole. Not ripped apart and later mended by Danzo with putting Sai in it. Not that Sakura didn't like Sai. He was her friend, true friend but he became one only by coincidence, only because Naruto managed to show him what bonds were. Since then he had been loyal and reliable and now two years later, he could call himself not Sasuke's replacement but a rightful member of Team Seven. But in the kunoichi's heart nothing could replace the feeling of completeness, when Sasuke was with them. Even for a very short time that cocky bastard was their friend, her and Naruto's. Especially Naruto's. The pink-haired girl shook her head. Now it wasn't the time to think about him. He was gone and Sakura hoped…no…she prayed not to see him again. It took her six years to pick up the pieces of her heart and to sew it again whole. But even after six years she wasn't completely sure that all pieces were in their respectful places. What if some of them were missing? What if she falls apart again when she sees him again?
A single small tear-drop escaped from the corner of her eye. Startled Sakura dried it with the back of her hand and stared at the wet place on her skin. Why was she crying? Why was she even letting the thoughts of him affect her? Why after all this time she couldn't erase his existence?
"Why couldn't I just forget him?"
"Because you let yourself to remember him."
A man's voice whispered in the room. Sakura jumped out of her skin and turned her head to the balcony just to see Kakashi standing on the doorstep. The kunoichi eased her back against the pillow behind her, "What are you doing here?"
The man entered her room and sat on the edge of the bed, "Came to see if you were OK."
"I'm fine.", Sakura couldn't dare and look him in the eye. She was ashamed of herself. After all these years to still cry over Sasuke.
"You don't look fine.", the man gave her an eye crease, "Wanna talk about it?"
"Not really."
"Wanna talk about your gassing of the Kages?", Kakashi chuckled, "Girl, that was strong – "
Sakura blushed kicked him in the shoulder, "I had drunk spoilt milk!"It's not like I wanted it to happen."
The Copy nin rubbed the sore place and laughed again, "At least it wasn't smelly, you know…"Another kick but this time the silver-haired jonin grabbed her foot and pinned it to the bed.
"Stop it.", Sakura blushed even more and crossed her arms on her chest, "So, really…What are you doing here?"
". . ."
"Lately, you spend quite some time in my apartment and how to put it…it's rather unusual for you.", Sakura continued after she didn't get an answer on her previous question, "I doubt that you even knew where my apartment was before Tsunade put you here for nursing…"
Kakashi glared at her offended, "I did knew where you live, Sakura."
". . .", it was her turn to be silent.
"And maybe I like talking to you, that's why I keep coming to see you.", the man whispered and glanced the kunoichi. He noticed the sharp flicker in her eyes disappearing and her gaze softened.
"Come on, join me.", Sakura lifted another pillow next to hers an moved to make a room on the bed so he can relax next to her, "I'm too lazy to get up and be a proper hostess."
Kakashi smiled and took off his ninja sandals, stretching on her bed next to her. He placed his arms behind his neck and eased his head on the pillow, "This is actually kind of nice."
Sakura nodded smiling, enjoying the silence, "Yeah."
"Just don't fart, OK?", the Copy nin glanced at her seemingly worried.
The kunoichi growled and pinched him on the arm, "You're never going to let this go, aren't you?"
"Not until you at least burp." , the man laughed and gave her an eye crease.
Sakura didn't say anything just lifted her face so she could look at his black eye, "Have you heard?"
"About what?", he seemed confused.
"Rumours."
"Ah, that.", Kakashi sighed and cleared his throat. He didn't pay them attention at all, after all they were just lies and gossips. But he knew that Sakura would be affected by them. Deeply affected, "Don't mind them.", his voice was carefree and light.
The kunoichi next to him kept her serious look on her face for a few seconds but then her expression changed and she gave him a bright smile, "If you don't mind them. I won't as well." It was true, why should she care what others were saying? The important thing was that she, Kakashi and their friends knew the truth. They were friends, nothing more than that. Sakura slid lower, almost lying on the bed and turned on her side facing Kakashi, "It's not that easy to force yourself not to remember.", her voice was just a mere whisper but she knew that her ex-teacher had heard her.
"You don't have to force yourself…you have to choose not to remember.", Kakashi answered quietly.
"Then why did you choose not to forget, Kakashi?", Sakura lifted her head from the pillow slightly, staring at his blank one-eyed gaze.
The man beside her stirred uncomfortably at her question. Why indeed? Because he couldn't? No, because he didn't want to. Because he deserved to live with this pain and these memories. Because he was the cause for Obito's death, because he didn't protect Rin, because he was weak and those memories kept him running, breathing, fighting.
Sakura saw the pain that flicked in his black eye, she shouldn't have asked that question. Not now. She had time, she could wait until he was ready to answer because she would be right here next to him when that time comes, "You have to let it go, Kakashi. No matter what's holding you, it's in the past and it's pulling you back there. You are here. With me. Live now not in the past.", her eyes were glistening from the light that was coming from the balcony and the lamp on her night table. They were watery and she knew that any minute tears would start falling on her cheeks.
"I'm not someone you should cry for. Neither is Sasuke.", Kakashi pulled her closer to him. Sakura cuddled in his body and placed head on his firm chest, wrapping arm around his waist. As soon as she buried her face in his shirt, the tears escaped her eyes and quiet sobs came out between her slightly parted lips.
The Copy nin watched the crying girl amused. Nobody had cried for him. Nobody had ever been sad for his sake. The only emotions he saw in people's eyes in the past were pity and ill compassion. He hated his father for what he did to him, for making him go through all that misery and shame. Taking your own life was cowardly thing to do, just another easy way out. It wasn't something the great White fang should have done. He was hero yet he was treated like trash. And what for? For keeping his teammates alive. For not completing the given mission. It was all thanks to Obito that Kakashi was finally able to see the reason why his dad overlooked the orders. It was Obito who taught him to respect and cherish his teammates and friends.
How could he not remember his friend, his first real friend? How could he forget his death when that meant forgetting that he lived too? It wasn't right; it would be a disgrace to his memory. Before dying, Kakashi promised him that he'd become his eye for the world. He just couldn't closed that eye, it would severe too deep the bond he still shared with the Uchiha boy. It would stain his bright image in the Copy nin's mind.
The silver-haired jonin frowned and his lower lip trembled under the mask. He realized that the girl in his arms had stopped sobbing and sniffing, she was breathing slowly and evenly. Sakura had fallen asleep. Kakashi smiled softly and reached to turn the night lamp off. As soon as the light faded, a pleasing darkness surrounded the couple. A silver glow was penetrating gently through the window and the balcony's door, reflecting on Kakashi's hair making it glitter. The Copy nin looked down at the sleeping kunoichi on his chest and moved aside a fallen pink hair lock, blocking the view of her calm, puffy from the crying face. His arm rested wrapped around her petite body, keeping her cuddled in him. Sakura stirred slightly in her sleep at his touch, snuggling up more comfortably in his body. A weak sigh escaped her parted lips and small hand, gripped Kakashi's black shirt.
Jonin's lips curved in a soft smile, "I'm not going anywhere.", he almost breathed out the words, caressing her bare shoulder.
It was becoming a habit of his, more like a ritual, to grab a bottle of sake and sit on the roof of the building across her bedroom window and watch her. He felt like a dirty stalker but couldn't help his desire to observe her movements, to see her expressions change when she was lost deep in her thoughts. It was amusing and at the same time aching to be able to be so close, yet so far away from her. But tonight when he saw her crying something in him cracked. He knew Sakura needed a friend now, he also knew that tomorrow she'd put her fake smile again and nobody would have known for that moment of misery and sadness. Not even Naruto. Hell, even he wouldn't know if he didn't see her.
Personally, Kakashi had thought that she had forgotten all about Sasuke, that she had turned him into an unpleasant memory, nothing more. But when he heard her asking herself that question, the Copy nin realized she was far from forgetting. She may have learnt how to live with the pain but that didn't mean that it was gone. She was too kind, too caring and genuinely compassionate when it came to people she held dear and close to her heart. It wasn't a usual thing for a shinobi to be so dependable on their feelings. They were considered unstable and dangerous to rely on them. But Sakura had managed to turn them into a source of unlimited power, strength, no matter if it was rage, love or even stubbornness.
Kakashi wondered if she still held somewhere in her heart love for the Uchiha. Somewhere deep in the Copy nin something jerked as if a monster in him spiked its nailed in his insides. What if she did love him? What if someday Naruto succeed in bringing him back to Konoha? Would she still run into his arms? And what if this time Sasuke held them open for her? And why the fuck was he even thinking about that? He shouldn't be thinking about her love life, yet alone be irritated by thoughts of her and Sasuke. She was his friend and he cared deeply for her. That was the reason he felt sick and in pain when he saw her cry for that bastard. That was the reason for which he wanted to rip his neck apart.
Because they were friends.
That was the reason as well why he held her tightly in his arms right now, to sooth her pain and sadness. Because she needed someone to be with her, to keep her away from those miserable and frustrating thoughts about Sasuke, and Kakashi was glad that he could be that person. A smile appeared under the mask on his face. The man remained gazing at the sleeping girl, not moving trying not to wake her up. This moment was too perfect to be interrupted. Because it felt so right to be here with her, because he felt as a normal man again, a man without ghosts from the past, haunting him in his sleep, only happy memories, occupying his tired mind, pulling him into a peaceful slumber.
"Sakura."
A voice was calling her but she felt too tired to answer it. Here in the darkness it was peaceful and relaxing. The girl didn't want to reply only to keep sleeping next to the warm male body. The tranquillity that it was radiating was flowing right in her, making her even sleepier.
"Sakura!"
It was a man that was calling her name. Probably it was for the best to open her eyes and just tell him to shut up and leave her undisturbed. He was ruining the best sleep she had in years.
"Wake up. You'll be late for the tournament."
Ah, the tournament, right. She was one of the participants –
Wait a minute. What tournament?
Sakura's eyes snapped open and she jumped taken aback, looking hastily around her. When she noticed Kakashi lying beside her, she screamed startled, forgetting for a moment that he came to visit her last night.
"You should probably get ready.", the Copy nin murmured sleepily, "The start of the second challenge is in two hours."
"And you're telling me this NOW?", Sakura jumped hastily, sending a burning glare at the masked jonin in her bed, ignoring the fact that they had indeed slept together.
"I forgot. Sorry.", Kakashi gave her an eye crinkle and stood up from the bed as well, stretching up, "Do you want me to make some coffee and breakfast while you're preparing yourself?"
"That's the least you can do – ", the kunoichi grumbled and pulled out a clean pants and a matching bra, "There are some eggs in the fridge. Can you make an omelette?"
"Sure thing.", the Copy nin headed to the kitchen, leaving her to take a quick shower.
How could he forget something as important as the tournament? Well, it could have been much worse – for example if they overslept. Letting the hot water to caress her skin Sakura recalled falling asleep, cuddled in him last night. A slight blush formed on her cheeks. It wasn't something unusual for her to share bed with another one of her teammates but to snuggle up with them was different, completely different. But she couldn't lie that she didn't like it. It was emollient and it was making her feel at ease, forgetting all about Sasuke even for only one night. Sakura never thought that she'd use her sensei as a cry-pillow. Yes, he was always there when she needed him to be but he was somehow emotionally detached from her every time she was comforted by him. The words of consolation were mechanically escaping his mouth, without the slightest bit of compassion or any other emotion.
What had changed in him? Or what had changed in her to think that he had changed? What caused that alteration in the attitude of both of them? They had gotten closer for reasons too hard for her to understand. She liked it. Sakura had tried for years to demolish the wall that her ex-sensei built around him. Finally, the metal armor he was wearing in front of everybody started to crack, at least in front of her. He could use a friend and Sakura could use one as well. Naruto and Ino were really great and understanding but she couldn't talk with them for everything, some things were just better off unsaid. And Kakashi, he was different. He was mature enough to understand her reasons and give her a proper respond, or just to keep silent and let her whimper like last night. He was there with her but he wasn't crossing her emotional personal circle she had drawn around her with asking questions. He was just Kakashi and that was all that Sakura needed.
"The next challenge – ", the Mizukage paused to wait the exclamations fade away, "Would be held in two parts. One later today and the other one would be tomorrow."
Sakura turned slightly to her right and observed Tsunade's reaction. Her shishou looked completely lost in her thoughts. Something was worrying her and the younger kunoichi bit her lip nervously. What would be so bad to make the Hokage worry?
"Everybody knows that gathering intelligence on your enemies is a crucial part of shinobi's job.", the leader of the Mist paused again, "Your goal in the first part would be to ferret out an information, given to another shinobi from other village."
Kakashi averted his eye in direction to Sakura, watching her staring at the Hokage. Something was troubling her and the Copy nin jerked inside, knowing what would follow in the second part of the tournament. Probably she'd hate him for that but he preferred to be hated by her for what he had to do than to let someone else do it.
"As I told you for the first task, there is only one ground rule. This time it's called: "Your best weapon.", Mizukage smirked as he continued, "You can use whatever means necessary to get the information. Whoever gets it, passes to the second part, if not – he's disqualified. It doesn't matter if you finish first or last. Take your time. You have three hours to prepare yourself. Anything you need would be provided by your respectful kage. Any questions?"
Darui raised his hand and murmured lazily as the Mizukage nodded in permission for him to speak, "Usually when you gather intel from a particular person you have his background checked. It's just normal to have some info about our targets as well."
The Mizukage rubbed his chin and shared looks with the other leaders, "Fair enough. The files for your targets would be handed in thirty minutes. But…", the old man smirked, "Don't expect full background and a list with their weaknesses, you have to think of the best way to treat your source of information."
Sakura narrowed her eyes and let them travel to Kakashi's place. He was looking right at her but something in his eye made her think that he wasn't telling her everything about this challenge.
Naruto change his weight to his other foot uncomfortably as he saw Kakashi looking at Sakura. His best friend was hiding something and according to the disturbance in his sensei's chakra he was as well. The Jinchuuriki snorted and scratched his neck. Whatever. It was none of his business. If Sakura decided to tell him – fine. If she doesn't – it was her own choice. The blonde snorted again obviously annoyed when he felt someone's closing to him.
"You're curious, aren't you?", Ino chuckled behind the young jonin.
"What do you know?", Naruto whispered, looking back above his shoulder.
"Right now, I know that Kakashi-senpai is staring at her."
"I can see that.", Naruto grumbled.
"What was he always saying…. Look underneath the underneath or something – ", the kunoichi poked him in the arm and passed him by, heading towards Sakura.
"Yeah. Yeah. Right.", the boy murmured and teleported from the square.
Sakura waved at her friend and rushed to her, "Where have you been? You missed the announcement of the second test."
The blonde smirked, "I heard it all. Do you have a plan?"
The pink-haired kunoichi just shrugged, "I'm waiting to see my target's file. Then I'll start thinking."
Ino chuckled, "Come with me. I have a better idea."
The two girls ran away from the crowed, heading to the nearby hotel. When they reached the entrance, Ino stopped Sakura and made a hush sign, "Earlier, while I was doing my morning ritual on the balcony – "
"You mean, peeking at the Jonin HQ's changing room – ", Sakura chuckled.
"It's not my fault that my terrace is just across their windows.", Ino whitewashed with a smug expression.
"Pig, you had your whole apartment reconstructed – "
"Never mind this now.", the blonde waved her hand in front of her face, "So, while I was at the balcony – "
"Peeking at the jonin – "
"Drop it, Forehead. I'm trying to help you here.", Ino poked her annoyed.
"Ok, ok. Sorry. What were you saying?"
"I heard two men talking about the tournament. They were passing just below my balcony. One of them mentioned that he was participating in tonight's test."
Sakura's eyes popped out, "But he could be other participant's target."
"His exact words were, "Man, I'm so lucky to have this chick interrogating me. I heard she was hottie. I'm ready to tell her everything if she let me interrogate her..."
The pink-haired kunoichi frowned and narrowed her eyes, "Oh, he won't know what had hit him."
Ino chuckled, "Pig, you're a kunoichi and he's a shinobi."
"So what?"
"You remember the motto of the challenge: "Your best weapon"?", Ino's lips formed a devilish smile and she raised her hand up.
Sakura smirked and gave her friend quiet high five, "But I'm gonna need a lesson or two."
"Oh, no you don't. You have a natural talent for this, especially when you know what he likes.", the blonde grinned as Sakura pinched her on the arm.
Kages and their escorts were seated in the hall where the formal lunch was held. But this time the windows were darkened and a large screen was placed on the wall in front of the observers. The second challenge included the possibility of inappropriate scenes for the younger population of Konoha, so the Kages took a decision to record it on a tape and then give it to the media which will censor it enough for publishing. A small camera was put in one of the corners in the room and it was transmitting directly in the hall with the Kages.
Tsunade was smirking and the other leaders as well as Kakashi were beginning to worry what exactly her student requested. The Copy nin bowed down to the Hokage and asked with an even voice, "Do you mind telling me what's so funny, Hokage-sama?"
"Oh, well. You'll see.", the blonde kunoichi grinned, sending chills down Kakashi's back, "Sometimes it's better not to know everything. But I suggest you to take a seat. You'll spoil the fun if you pass out during her turn.", the elder woman chuckled.
He had never understood, nor liked the Hokage's sense of humor, "I've seen quite a number of unpleasant interrogations, Hokage-sama. I think I can handle few more."
"Don't say that I didn't warn you, Kakashi."
The silver-haired jonin kept standing next to the Hokage, ignoring the empty chair next to her. What was Sakura up to?
A bell rang and announced the beginning of the challenge. The first to enter the room was Chojuro. The boy looked a little bit insecure when he began his interrogation as if he was scared of the person tied in the chair. He was just asking random questions, not even connected to the information he was seeking and his target was answering wholeheartedly with a little smirk on his face. Obviously, he was thinking that the boy was too afraid to do him any harm. Suddenly Chojuro drew closer to the chair and bowed his head next to the ear of the "prisoner", whispering something that the camera couldn't catch. As soon as the words were said the man in the chair paled and stared terrified at the camera, everybody could see the plead in his eyes. The Mist participant smiled softly and whispered something else. Instantly the other shinobi started pouring out all of the needed information.
Kages were watching amused. Just in fifteen minutes, the little boy managed to get all of the intel. Kakashi stared shocked. What the hell did he say to him? He wondered if that little boy was as innocent and weak as he looked like, or he was just hiding his true power.
There was no time to wonder about those things because it was Darui's turn in the room. Unexpectedly his target was a girl, a small blonde girl may be fourteen or even younger. Kakashi couldn't believe that they had placed so young kunoichi to do this job. The white-haired participant uncovered a small metal table, and pulled it next to the chair. There were all kind of tools on it, from needles, pincers and extractors to two pair of pliers; Kakashi even noticed a bunch of scalpels and small pocket saws. The Copy nin quickly glanced at the Hokage to see her reaction but his leader's expression was as blank as in the beginning of the challenge. Her smirk was gone and Kakashi noticed a small wrinkle on her forehead. So, she was indeed against the participation of the girl. Only a monster would allow this.
Darui was silent, not uttering a word to the girl. At first the kunoichi was calm but as she saw him, cleaning the tools one by one, the girl stirred uncomfortably in the chair. The shinobi thought for a second with a straight face and then kneeled before the blonde kunoichi.
"Would you please tell me the information I need?", Kakashi could hear him talking through the speakers.
The girl gulped and licked her dry lips. When Darui realized that he won't get an answer, he smiled at her, "I really don't want to hurt you. But you see…I don't want to lose either.", the man grabbed a needle from the table and in an instant, the sharp tool was stabbed under the pinky's nail of the girl. A sharp scream of pain echoed in the room. Kakashi's heart clenched. This was cruel. The small girl was crying and the Copy nin saw a small tickle of blood flowing from her mouth. She had probably bitten her tongue.
"See? If you had told me this wouldn't have happened…", Darui sighed. His expression hadn't changed, his eyes hadn't flickered. He was emotionless, "Will you tell me now?"
Girl tightened her lips and closed her eyes. The older shinobi shook his head, "You never learn…", another needle was driven under her pinky's nail. A cry of despair and pain resounded in Kakashi head. The silver-haired jonin closed his eye. He couldn't bear to watch it. Something in him cracked with the third scream of the girl. It was enough. Someone should stop him. Someone. When the fourth cry came Kakashi snapped his eye open and without thinking grabbed Tsunade's shoulder. When the Hokage raised his sight at him, the Copy nin saw only regret. The blonde woman shook her head negatively. She couldn't do anything. He couldn't do anything.
Suddenly his thoughts traveled to Sakura. Was she watching this? Did she hear the screams? Kakashi's insides twitched as he imagined the innocent and compassionate kunoichi watching this. He had lived though two wars, he had been held captive, he had been tortured. Hell, he had even tortured people himself. But she, she was still pure, unstained. She hadn't even attended to interrogations. This may scar her for the rest of her life. Kakashi realized that there were no more screams, when he lifted his gaze to the screen, he saw Darui smiling at the girl who was spilling everything out.
"It's her turn.", Tsunade whispered, knowing that Kakashi had heard her.
The Copy nin noticed a second chair brought in the room, facing the one where the target was held captive. Until now a bright light was emanating from the bulb, hanging from the ceiling in the middle of the room but now two shinobi, who Kakashi recognized as Kotetsu and Izumo, installed two other lamps, looking more like a spotlights. The Copy nin frowned as the bulb was turned off and the room drowned in the darkness. Suddenly the spotlights lightened up in a soft red glow. The man in the chair looked around confused. He had been expecting an interrogation and that was nothing like it. At least not for now.
Kakashi felt curiosity eating him up from the inside. The Copy nin heard a quiet slow music starting to sound as background. Its sensual tune was sending chills all over his body. A leisure motion in the back of the room caught his attention. Then he saw her. Wearing the most tempting underwear he'd ever seen. The purple texture of her cheekies was wrapping gently around her rear and the black lace was only emphasizing on this exclusive sight. The man in the chair as well as Kakashi were speechless. When Sakura turned around, the Copy nin could see almost through her bra. There were no pads or additional layers to cover her breasts.
The kunoichi drew closer to her target and placed her right foot between his legs, staring at his wide-open eyes. With her back against the camera, Kakashi could fully enjoy the view of her bottom. And that little purple-black lace attached to her tight was somehow completing the overall view, making her look even more naughty. The Copy nin was shocked by her look that he even forgot why she was in that room, until he heard her murmuring in sweet voice.
"Why are you so scared?", Kakashi saw her finger traveling on the chest of her target. The man before the kunoichi was still speechless, "I won't hurt you…unless you don't want me to – "
The silver-haired jonin felt his throat dry and tried to gulp but it didn't help much. He felt his temperature rising and suddenly he wished they were somewhere in the open. He reached his hand and half-unzipped his jonin vest. He couldn't tear his eye from the screen. The image of Sakura was too tempting not to watch.
He saw her unbuttoning her target's shirt, causing a slight flush on his lips, "Do you want to make a bet?", her voice was almost like lisping. The man before her nodded quickly, "If I win, you're going to tell me all of the information I need."
"And what if I win?", the man asked with a cracked voice.
"I'm going to let you interrogate me as much as you want – ", Sakura purred.
Kakashi's jaw almost dropped on the floor as he heard the words that came out of Sakura's mouth. Was she for real?
"Agreed. What is the bet?", the man smirked, his initial shock was obviously gone as soon as Sakura mentioned the bet.
"I'm going to make you cum only by watching me. No touching."
The Copy nin chocked on his own saliva and felt his head spinning. This was crazy. She was absolutely insane. How could she make him…Why would she even try to… he needed to sit down. The silver-haired jonin lumped in the empty chair next to him, missing the amused expression on Tsunade's face.
Kakashi saw the man before Sakura grinning. Obviously he was absolutely sure that she couldn't win her own bet. Then the kunoichi pulled out a small pocket knife and cut the ropes which were keeping the man's hands tied. "Where the fuck she pulled that out from?", the Copy nin's eye widened and he ran his fingers though his hair.
"You can touch yourself if you want to, but you know, I'll be the one who's going to benefit from it.", Sakura smirked, "Shall we start?"
"Whenever you're ready, pinkie.", the man's voice was a mixture of excitement and nervousness.
Sakura clapped her hand and another girl entered the room, carrying a wine bottle and a glass. Kakashi popped his eye even more when he realized that the other girl was Ino, who was wearing a maid's uniform. The pink-haired girl smirked at her friend and poured some wine in the glass, handing it to the man, "You might get thirsty."
The silver-haired jonin gulped and tried to close his eye. That was Sakura on the screen, he shouldn't be drooling over her. On the other hand, probably every man in this room was doing the exact same thing. Why couldn't he as well? Because she's your friend. His consciousness screamed but Kakashi couldn't hear it because of the pumping of his heart, sending blood to his groins. It was wrong but the Copy nin just couldn't help it.
Tsunade smirked as she saw the shocked expression on the shinobi besides her. He hadn't expected it and he was caught completely off guard. The Hokage only grinned and turned her eyes at the screen again, enjoying the scene.
The silver-haired man saw the two girls chuckling about something in front of the man, they were moving slowly with the music, caressing their bodies. The shinobi in the chair licked his lips and gulped the wine at once. He was completely spellbound by their movements, so was Kakashi but the difference was that he could only see one of the girls.
The pink-haired kunoichi brushed her hand on Ino's cheek and her forefinger drew the outline of her lips, the blonde mimicking the movements of her friend, stroke her cherry lips. Kakashi's breath hitched as he saw Sakura licking and then leisurely taking the finger in her mouth. That was so sinful that almost felt like torturing to the Copy nin. The face of the man in the chair had reddened he noticed that his hand was slowly unknowingly rubbing the swelling on his trousers. If he wasn't in a room full of VIPs he would be doing the very same thing. Damn. A familiar itch appeared in his pants and Kakashi knew that only scratching wouldn't make it go away.
The girls have fallen on their knees when the silver-haired man realized that Ino's hand was cupping Sakura's breasts, making her nipples hard. His mouth snapped open under the mask as he heard the blonde girl lisping to her friend, "I'm devoted entirely to you, my mistress. Let me show you my love for you." Ino's hand traveled down to Sakura's body and stroke her tights. A slight moan escaped the pink-haired girl's lips as her friend's fingers caressed her between her legs.
Kakashi choked and started coughing, drawing the attention of the whole room, "I'm fine, don't mind me.", he murmured and slid lower on his chair embarrassed as he heard Tsunade chucking next to him.
His eyes were back on the screen just in time to see the two kunoichi colliding in a sensual kiss. The silver-haired jonin felt the throbbing in his pants. He was hard and he was completely sure that anyone who looked at his lap would see it too. Damn, that Sakura. She was torturing him, instead of the man in the room. Kakashi noticed that the shinobi in the chair had closed his eyes. He was fighting with his own body, trying not to lose the bed but when he opened them again and saw the blonde over Sakura, slowly kissing, the man cursed loudly and a small wet stain appeared on his trousers. Both girl stopped immediately and the pink-haired kunoichi drew closer to the man with a smug on her face.
"It's your win.", his voice was weak as he began to tell the information. Kakashi could see the serious look on Sakura's face. She was probably wondering if he was telling the truth but then the kunoichi grinned and gave him a quick kiss on the cheek.
"Thanks.", she shouted before disappearing through the exit, followed by Ino.
Kakashi raised on his feet immediately as the chatter began and bowed to Tsunade, "Excuse me but I need to go to the restroom. For a while."
The Hokage grinned, "Say hi from me to the poor man.", she nodded in direction to the screen, "He'll be there too, probably. Even though that his work was finished."
Kakashi's face flushed above the mask, "My deepest apologies, Hokage-sama. But it's not what you think."
"Oh, really. I'm a medic, Kakashi, I think I can tell the difference between a boner and a flashlight in the pocket.", the blonde chuckled.
The Copy nin gasped for air at her words and disappeared in a pouf of smoke.
"My, my.", the kunoichi settled more comfortably in the chair, "At least he outran the others.", Tsunade murmured as she saw all of the men in the room excusing themselves for going to the restroom.
TBC