At Kilika...
As the group got to Kilika, Sakura went to go and introduce herself so she could perform the sending. "Greetings! I am the summoner, Sakura. I have come from the temple in Besaid." said Sakura as she got out of the boat. Suddenly, a man and woman approached her. "M'lady Summoner!" cried the woman. "If there is no other summoner here, then please allow me to perform the sending." said Sakura. "Thanks be to ye!" cried the man. "Our loved ones... we feared that they would become fiends!" cried the woman. "Please... take me to them." said Sakura as the man and woman nodded their heads "yes" as they led Sakura to where their "loved ones" were. Temari and Yamato then followed her while Shikamaru decided to wait for Sasuke to walk with him. "Come on. Let's go see what we can do to help them in town. Let's go, Sasuke!" cried Shikamaru as Sasuke silently walked to where Sakura and her friends were. Since Sasuke had no idea what was going on, he decided to ask Temari the question about the sending. "Uh, Temari, what is a "sending"? Are we going somewhere?" asked Sasuke to which Temari scoffed and asked, "You know what, kid? You truly are clueless. Are you sure it's your memory that's the problem?" "Well excuse me, but I'm new at this whole "summoner" thing." said Sasuke as he got mad while being insulted by Temari. "Fine then. I'll tell you. But don't make me repeat myself, okay? You know how I hate repeating myself. The dead need guidance. Filled with grief over their own death, they refuse to face their fate. They yearn to live on, and resent those still alive. You see, they envy the living. And in time, that envy turns to anger, even hate. Should these souls remain in Spira, they become fiends that prey on the living. Sad, isn't it? You see Sasuke, the sending takes them to the Farplane, where they may rest in peace." said Temari. "So... summoners do this?" asked Sasuke. "Yes." said Temari as she nodded her head, "yes". Sakura then began doing the sending. Of course, people were crying at losing their loved ones that they cared about so much.
After the sending...
As Sakura returned to the dock, the villagers surrounded her. "It must be tough, being a summoner." said Sasuke. "Sakura had chosen her own path. She knew from the very beginning what it meant to go on a pilgrimage. But now... all we can do is to protect her along the way... until the end." said Temari. "Until the... end? Wait a minute... Temari... what's the end?" asked a confused Sasuke as everyone looked at him and Temari... including Sakura. Temari then did a huff and said, "Until she defeats Sin... idiot." as Temari walked over to Sakura. "Hey! That's not nice!" cried Sasuke as Shikamaru walked to Sasuke. "Sasuke... if ever Temari says anything insulting to you, just ignore her, okay, buddy?" asked Shikamaru. "Alright." sighed Sasuke. "I hope... I hope I did okay." said Sakura as she walked up to Temari to which Temari hugged her. "You did very well!" said Temari as she stroked Sakura's hair. "They've reached the Farplane by now. But... no tears next time, hm?" asked Temari.
"I wished there would never be a next time. No more people being killed by Sin. No more sendings for Sakura. Everyone stood there watching her. It was strange, and somehow... horrifying. I never wanted to see it again." ~ Sasuke.
The next morning...
As Sasuke woke up, he decided to go and see Shikamaru only to run into Lee. "Oh! Good morning Sasuke! I see you just woke up! You might want to go see Cap'n Shikamaru. He's waitin' for you!" cried Lee. "Okay." said Sasuke as he went to go see Shikamaru. "Oh, there you are, Sasuke! I've been looking all over for you! Besaid Aurochs! Huddle!" cried Shikamaru as The Besaid Aurochs climbed down to join him. "So, we're off for the temple to pray for victory! You know, High Summoner Hiruzen Sarutobi used to live in the Kilika temple here. Yep, High Summoner Sarutobi was once a great blitzer, you know?" asked Shikamaru. "Shikamaru..." said Sasuke. "Hmm? What is it, Sasuke?" asked Shikamaru. "Praying for victory's all good... but is this right?" asked a confused Sasuke. "Why? What's wrong with enjoying blitzball?" asked Shikamaru. "Well... because back in Zanarkand, the one I'm from, we never had blitzball. All we had was The Zanarkand Exam Preliminary Matches. But... I don't know about you... but if my friend, Gaara found out about me playing blitzball, I think he would be a little bit jealous when he found out that I was playing blitzball with you and not fighting with him anymore." said Sasuke. "Well... if you find your friend in Luca, then maybe the both of us can talk to him together. That way, we'll see if he accepts the fact that you play blitzball with us or not." said Shikamaru. "But Shikamaru... is this really the time?" asked Sasuke. "Why Sasuke, this is the only time, man! The players fight with all their strength; while the fans cheer for their favorite team. They forget pain, suffering... only the game matters! You see Sasuke, that's why blitz has been around for so long. At least, that's what I think, anyway." said Shikamaru. "Well... okay, Shikamaru... whatever you say." said Sasuke. "So... let's play and win! Right?" asked Shikamaru. "Right!" cried Sasuke as he and Shikamaru bumped fists and giggled. "The temple's beyond the jungle there. Come on Sasuke, let's go find Sakura and the others!" cried Shikamaru as he and Sasuke went to go search for the rest of the party.
Meanwhile...
Shikamaru and Sasuke then finally caught up to the others. Shikamaru then ran up to Temari and asked, "What's up?" "Sakura's saying that she wants you with us." said Temari as she walked forward to where Sasuke was standing. "Huh?" asked a confused Sasuke. "Sasuke... I want... to ask you... to be my guardian." said Sakura as she smiled. "Sakura! What? This is no time for jokes, alright? I mean, he may be a competitive kid and all, but up against fiends? Besides, he's a newbie." said Shikamaru as Sakura stopped smiling. "Okay... then... not a guardian. I just want him nearby." said Sakura. "What!" cried Shikamaru as his eyes widened in shock as he slapped his left cheek with his left hand. "Wait. What? What do you mean?" asked Sasuke. "It's just that, well..." said Sakura only to be rudely interrupted by Temari. "Sakura... we're all going to the temple anyway. Can't this wait till later?" asked Temari as she walked to Sakura. "I'm sorry Sasuke, I shouldn't have..." said Sakura. "Hey, Sakura... you have nothing to be sorry for. I'm just not sure what's going on." said Sasuke. "I'm sorry, Sasuke. Please forgive me." said Sakura as she bowed to Sasuke. "It's okay. I forgive you." said Sasuke, smiling as the group decided to go ahead to the temple only to stop at the steps of Kilika Temple. "Whoa-ho-ho! These stone steps have a history, you know? Yep! That's right! Lord Sarutobi trained here at this peak." said Shikamaru as Lee and Neji chuckled. "So... it's a race, right?" asked Sasuke. "Yes." said Shikamaru. "Yes." said The Besaid Aurochs. "So... you think you can beat me?" asked Sasuke as The Besaid Aurochs lined up to which they started chuckling. "Sakura, if you please." said Shikamaru. "Are you ready? On your mark... get set... go!" cried Sakura as she ran away, giggling. "Hey! That's not fair! She cheated!" cried Sasuke. "What? Haven't you heard the phrase, "ladies first"?" asked Shikamaru. "Well, yeah, but..." said Sasuke. "She's a summoner. Summoners are supposed to cheat when it comes to races. Well don't just stand there, Sasuke! Let's go!" cried Shikamaru. Suddenly, as Sasuke ran up the steps, Geneaux appeared as The Besaid Aurochs came running down. "Look out!" cried Lee. "Everyone, quick! Sinspawn!" cried Shikamaru as the party began fighting Sinspawn Geneaux.
After the battle...
After the battle was over, Sasuke gasped for breath as he said, "Sheesh! That scared the living heck out of me!" Eh heh heh, sorry about that Sasuke! I hoped to break you in a little slower." said Shikamaru. Sasuke then walked over to Sakura making sure that she was alright. "Sakura... are you alright?" asked Sasuke. "I'm fine, Sasuke. Just fine. Thank you." said Sakura. "Man! Being a guardian is a lot of hard work, right?" asked Sasuke. "You handled yourself pretty well, Sasuke. And you know what? You got talent, kid." said Shikamaru. "Nah, I'm not that good. All I am is a rookie. That's about it." said Sasuke. "I think you're wonderful." said Sakura to Sasuke as she smiled at him. "And awesome!" cried Shikamaru finishing Sakura's sentence. "So anyway, what are these "sinspawn" things that you speak of, anyway?" asked Sasuke. "They are fiends that fall from Sin's body, and are left alone behind in its wake." said Temari.
"From the moment that Shikamaru had told me that I had talent when it came to battle... I think that was when I seriously considered in becoming a guardian." ~ Sasuke.
Later...
After that, the party then continued on their way to the temple. "So, uh... do they have any fiends in Zanarkand, too?" asked Shikamaru. "Well, there's only a few. It's a big deal if one shows up, though. Wait! Since when did you believe me about Zanarkand anyway, Shikamaru? Huh!" cried Sasuke. "I was thinking that if maybe, just maybe that if people get to close to Sin, then they won't die, right? I mean, come on. I mean, what if Sin just carries them ahead of time in a thousand years? Won't Sin just come back?" asked Shikamaru. Temari then shook her head and said, "Amazing. Simply amazing." "Huh?" asked Shikamaru as Temari continued talking getting back to the "Madara" subject. "You make up one theory after another, while at the same time refusing to face the simple truth. Sin didn't take Madara anywhere. Sin crushed him and left him on the Djose shore! Don't think that your brother will come back Shikamaru, because guess what? He won't. Oh, and another thing. Even if you are close to Sasuke, I doubt in my heart that he could ever take Madara's place. No can replace Sir Itachi, either. And also, there is no replacement for Sir Jiraiya and there never will be a replacement for him. So not only is it pointless to think about, but it's sad at the same time as well." said Temari as she stormed off in anger. "Temari! Wait! Sasuke's not like that!" cried Sakura as she started following Temari while running after her. "I... I could never be what Madara was." said Shikamaru as he pounded his fist on the ground in anger. "Well, stuff like that happens, so there's no need to worry, right?" asked Shikamaru as he stood up and walked away as he left Sasuke alone.
"It was strange. Shikamaru, Temari, and Shikamaru's older brother, Madara. I didn't know anything about Madara at first, until I remembered about what Shikamaru was saying to me that Madara was his older brother and Temari's fiancee. But something had happened between those three a long time ago. But whatever it was, it wasn't any of my business. It would have been best for me not to ask." ~ Sasuke.
At the entrance to the temple...
As Sasuke and his friends were about to enter the entrance to Kilika Temple, three blitzball players from The Luca Goers named Kakazu, Kisame, and Pain appeared at the entrance of the temple as the three of them approached Sasuke, Shikamaru, and The Besaid Aurochs. "What, are you here to pray for victory, too? Hmmm?" asked Shikamaru. "Ha! Us? Pray? Who needs praying? Why where we come from, The Luca Goers always win!" cried Kakazu. "Oh yeah? Then why have you come here?" asked Shikamaru. "That's because we've been praying for competition this year, too!" cried Kisame. "So what's your goal this time? Oh, wait. Don't tell me. You're going to "do your best again"? Huh? Well, guess what? Your best goal isn't good enough! So why even bother showing up?" asked Kakazu. "This time, we play to win! Right Besaid Aurochs?" asked Sasuke as The Besaid Aurochs lunged and fistpumped at the same time. "Oooh! Go ahead, play away! But just remember that even kids younger than you people can play too, boys." said Kakazu as The Luca Goers stormed off. After Shikamaru, Temari, and Yamato entered the temple, Sakura walked up to Sasuke. "We'll beat them. We have to!" cried Sasuke. "Wait, Sasuke, you know that team?" asked Sakura. "Why, of course I do, Sakura. But by putting people down... why they're as bad as my older brother!" cried Sasuke as Sakura widened her eyes in shock. "Yeah, but Sir Itachi was a really kind, and gentle man!" cried Sakura as she couldn't believe what she just heard from Sasuke. "Yeah, well... heh. Like I said before Sakura, Itachi's not the same Itachi I once knew 10 years ago. My Itachi also had a girlfriend named Ami who almost looked exactly like you, Sakura. Only except... not only was she our cousin, but she was also considered Itachi's "girlfriend". But... at first she didn't understand why I hated him so much until she finally understood why... it's because... he massacred our entire clan. So... I vowed myself that not only would I revive The Uchiha Clan. But... I would also kill Itachi as well. I am an avenger. That means I must be stronger than my prey. I only have one brother... and I will kill him!" cried Sasuke as he walked away from Sakura. "Wait... could it be... that Sir Itachi is the same Itachi that Sasuke once knew 10 years ago? Or... could it be the same person that Sasuke's talking about? Who knows? It might even be the same man! I must find out more about Sir Itachi from Sasuke." said Sakura to herself as she sighed to which she caught up to Sasuke as the duo entered the temple to join the rest of the party.
"Even ten years after he left... but... whenever I thought about the night my older brother killed The Uchiha Clan... it just made me... really angry... yet... made my heart full of revenge. I then decided that the next time that I would see Itachi after 10 years of being apart, then... then I could finally prove to Sakura that the "Sir Itachi" that she's talking about and my Itachi are the same man. But... maybe that was my way of keeping him inside my thoughts. Nah. It'd best to not think about revenge right now. All I had to think about now... was Sakura's pilgrimage. But... it would be better that if I helped Sakura complete her pilgrimage... until the time came that I would finally avenge The Uchiha Clan. Just wait Itachi." ~ Sasuke.
Inside the temple...
As the party arrived at the temple, Sasuke decided to pray with Shikamaru by not only praying for Sakura's pilgrimage but to pray for victory at Luca's Blitzball Tournament. "Lord Sarutobi, please guide our feet." said Shikamaru. Just then, a red-haired woman with glasses and orange-haired man came out of The Cloister Of Trials. She then scoffed and asked, "A summoner, are you?" "Yes. I am Sakura Haruno - and I am from the island of Besaid." replied Sakura as she approached the red-haired woman as she introduced herself as Karin. "Karin. So, you're High Summoner Jiraiya's daughter. Now that's quite a name to live up to... don't you think? My, my, my... and you call all these amateurs your guardians? My, what a mob! Well now let's see... if I remember correctly, it was Lord Jiraiya who had two guardians, correct? One was named Sir Itachi Uchiha while the other was named Sir Kakashi Hatake." said Karin. "Wait... you know... my older brother... and Kakashi?" asked Sasuke, shocked. "Yes. It seems to me that Itachi often spoke a lot about you, did he not? You must be Sasuke... his younger brother... correct?" asked Karin as Sauske silently nodded his head, "yes' still shocked about the whole "Itachi and Kakashi" thing. "Well at first... I thought that the whole Uchiha Clan was wiped out. But I guess I was mistaken. It seems he only left one survivor alive... and that's you... Sasuke. But never forget that your brother was not only a killer... but also a traitor to Zanarkand. Once a traitor... always a traitor. Never forget that Sasuke." said Karin as Sasuke gave an angry glare to Karin as he punched her to the ground as she fell to which her guardian, Jugo caught her. "Never... call my brother a traitor. Do you hear me, Karin! Never!" cried an angry Sasuke as he got mad at Karin for calling Itachi a traitor to which Shikamaru and Temari held Sasuke back "Let it go, man! Let it go!" cried Shikamaru "Let me at her! Let me at her!" cried Sasuke as Temari let go of Sasuke as he fell to the ground while he said, "Ow!" to which she said, "Hey! I thought Shikamaru told you to let it go!" to which Sasuke mumbled, "Fine". "Karin!" cried Jugo as he helped Karin up to which she said, "Thank you Jugo." to which he replied while asking, "You're welcome Karin. Are you alright?" "Yes. I'm fine. Thanks again." said Karin as she turned to face Sakura as she continued talking to her. "Why it's quality over quantity, my dear. But of course, I would never think of questioning your ways not after what Sasuke did to me. But if you were going to consider him as a guardian, I suggest you kick him out of your group. Heh, I hope that I never see him again. Why what om the world were you thinking while including him in your group? After all, I only have need of one guardian. Right Jugo?" asked Jugo said, "Right, Karin!" while nodding his head, "yes". Yamato then went closer to Jugo while glaring at him, angrily. "I only have as many guardians as I can trust. For you see, I trust them all with my life... including Sasuke! So no. I will not kick him out of our group. But to have that many guardians, is a joy... and an honor as well! So, Lady Karin, I ask of you: please leave us in peace... and stay away from Sasuke from now on... because if you do... I'll kick the heck out of you... and when I do... it's not going to be pretty. But also, I would never consider of questioning your ways, either." said Sakura. "Fine then... you do what you want. Jugo, we're leaving." "Right, Karin!" cried Jugo as the duo left the summoner and her group of guardians to which Sakura and Sasuke glared at her. Sakura then went over to Sasuke and asked, "Sasuke... are you alright?" to which he replied while nodding his head, "yes" while saying, "Yes. I'm fine. Thank you... Sakura." said Sasuke.
"It was strange... if ever something happened to me, Sakura would always ask me, "Sasuke... are you alright?" I then started to realize that she had grown fond of me. But... a guardian is someone that a summoner can rely on. It's someone that she can trust with her life. But when she was getting mad at Karin for her wanting me to be kicked out of Sakura's group, that's when I started asking myself, "Did she just... protect me?" But then I wondered... does Sakura really feel that way about me? Does she... like me?" ~ Sasuke.
Sakura then looked at Sasuke and smiled at him.
"Wait a minute. What the heck is she smiling about? But then when I thought about what Karin said to me about Itachi while claiming that he was a "traitor" to Konoha, I then thought to myself, "How dare she say that about Itachi!"" ~ Sasuke.
At the entrance leading The Cloister Of Trials...
The party then finally got to the entrance which led to where The Cloister Of Trials was. "Well, the fayth is below. So what are we waiting for? Let's do it!" cried Shikamaru. "Uh, the "fayth"?" asked a confused Sasuke. "But first, let's go to The Cloister Of Trials. Yamato? Shikamaru? Are you ready?" asked Temari as the two men silently nodded their heads, "yes". "Strength, everyone!" said Sakura as she did the Yevon bow. As Sasuke was just about to go in the elevator to join the rest of the party, Yamato pushed Sasuke off of the elevator. "Hey! What the heck, Yamato! What gives?" asked Sasuke, getting mad at Yamato for pushing Sasuke back. "Uh Sasuke, I forgot to mention that you're not a guardian yet." said Temari. "Don't worry Sasuke... we'll be back as soon as we can. So just stay there and don't move, okay?" asked Sakura as she smiled at Sasuke before the elevator lowered (with the party and Sakura in it) to The Cloister Of Trials as it returned, empty (without the party and Sakura in it). "Oh, sure! Soon, like "tomorrow" soon, I bet!" cried an angry Sasuke.
""Don't worry Sasuke... we'll be back as soon as we can." Pfft! Yeah right. I then thought that they would leave me alone again until tomorrow, I guess. I am kind of an impatient man, because I hate waiting. Even Sakura knew that I hated that." ~ Sasuke.
A few minutes later...
While Sasuke was pacing the floor while waiting for Sakura and the others to return, he thought he heard Sakura and the rest of her guardians. "Sakura?" asked Sasuke only to find Karin and Jugo standing there. "Oh no, not them again." complained Sasuke to himself remembering what Karin said about Itachi earlier. "What do you want, Karin?" asked Sasuke as he sighed while impatiently tapping his left foot on the ground while waiting for her answer. "We just want to know where Sakura is." said Karin. "She's in there." said Sasuke pointing to the elevator that led to The Chamber Of The Fayth. "So... what are you doing here... alone... Sasuke?" asked Karin as she smirked. "Look, I know that you're thinking that I'm a guardian, right? Well, guess what? I'm not. All I am is an amateur... that's what... you called me earlier. But anyways, only guardians are supposed to go in. And I'm not allowed to go in, right?" asked Sasuke. "Hmmm. Not a guardian, you say?" asked Karin while rubbing her chin, thinking of what to do with Sasuke as she looked at Jugo. All of a sudden, Jugo picked Sasuke up and tossed him onto the elevator platform. "Hey! Wait! What the heck do you think you're doing! Ah! Lemme go! Ow! Hey, what's the big idea, buster?" asked an angry Sasuke. "Oh, shut up!" cried Jugo as Sasuke landed on the elevator platform. "Ha! That's what you get for beating up a girl, you big jerk!" shouted an angry Karin after getting beaten up by Sasuke earlier. "Well excuse me!" cried Sasuke as the elevator descended into the entrance leading to The Cloister Of Trials. When Sasuke got to the doors that led to The Cloister Of Trials, he said to himself, "Hmmm. So there's only guardians allowed, huh? Well, I'm no guardian, that's for sure. Well, I guess it's too late to turn back now." He then stepped inside the doors that led to The Cloister Of Trials hoping to find Sakura and her guardians there.
At The Chamber Of The Fayth...
As Sasuke got inside the waiting room which led to The Chamber Of The Fayth (to where Sakura and the party were), his heart beat fast while he was unsure of what to say to Shikamaru when he was thinking about that whole "incident" with Karin and Jugo. "Well, here goes nothing." said Sasuke to himself as he cautiously walked to find Shikamaru, Temari, and Yamato waiting for Sakura to get the aeon, Ifrit. "Whoa, whoa, whoa! What in the world is going on, Sasuke! And why are you here!" asked a shocked Shikamaru as he ran to see Sasuke. "Hey! Don't look at me, Shikamaru! It wasn't my fault! It was that stupid ugly girl Karin, and her so-called guardian, Jugo's fault!" cried Sasuke, getting angry at Shikamaru. "Sasuke, do you know what this means! It means that Sakura will be the one to suffer the consequences!" cried Temari. "Uh, Temari... what consequences?" asked Sasuke, confused. "It means that Sakura will be excommunicated from the temple! Do you want that to happen to Sakura, Sasuke! Huh! Do you!" cried Shikamaru. "No, no, no! As I said before, it was Jugo and Karin's fault! It was not mine!" cried Sasuke, getting angry once again. "Stop it, you two!" cried Temari demanding the two men to stop arguing. "Look, it's alright, Sasuke. You just didn't know. And... I'm sorry for yelling at you, man." said Shikamaru. "Yeah... I'm sorry too." said Sasuke as the two men hugged in a friendly way. "So wait... what's in there, anyway?" asked Sasuke. "It's the fayth, remember?" asked Shikamaru. "Oh yeah. How could I forget?" asked Sasuke. "The fayth are people who had given their lives up by battling Sin. So in the end... Yevon took their souls, while at the same time being given from their still-living bodies." explained Temari. "Huh?" asked a still confused Sasuke. "Now that they live on forever, they are forever trapped in statues. But when a summoner summons, the souls and the fayth are reunited once again. That's what we call an aeons in Spira." said Temari. "So wait... the fayth's in that room? Then why is Sakura in there?" asked Sasuke. "That's because Sakura prays with all her heart to save Spira by defeating Sin. But beyond the chamber is a sacred place which only summoners can enter." said Temari. "So what? The guardians can't go there in too?" asked Sasuke. "Sorry Sasuke, but it's forbidden!" cried Shikamaru. "Oh. I see. So what do we do now?" asked Sasuke. "Well Sasuke, for now... we'll just have to wait outside in the waiting room for Sakura to come out of The Chamber Of The Fayth." said Shikamaru as Temari put her left hand on her forehead as she shook her head. As Sasuke was about to go in and see Sakura, Yamato pushed Sasuke a few inches away from the door. "Hey! What's the big idea, Yamato!" cried Sasuke getting angry. "I thought Shikamaru said that it was forbidden to go past this door, did he not?" asked Yamato. "Oh. Right. Sorry. Hey! Here comes Sakura now!" cried Sasuke as Sakura exited The Inner Door and almost passed out to which Temari caught her just in time.
"There was something that I didn't want to tell anyone else that day. But the song that we just heard in there that I heard in the temple... I remember that my parents used to sing it to both me and Itachi when we were babies as Itachi sang it to me and as Gaara and I sang it during our childhood. Even to this day, I remember it well. But somehow, there was proof that there was a deep connection between Zanarkand and Spira. Well, at least... to me it was. But then... I kept thinking about Gaara and Kakashi again... especially Itachi. I then shrugged my head as I asked myself, "Wait a minute, why should I be thinking about Itachi?" But then... Karin's words about Itachi kept echoing inside my head. Could it be... that he was not only a guardian to Sakura's father... but a traitor? I then felt like... like I wanted to go home. I then thought to myself once more while remembering what Ino had said saying, "Maybe Ino is right. If I find anyone in Luca like Kakashi or Gaara, then I'm sure someone over there in Luca will recognize me... right?" I was trying to say something, but no words were spoken. I felt like... I didn't want to talk to anyone right now. I then thought about putting my feelings aside for Zanarkand for now until we got to Luca. But as they returned, my feelings for Zanarkand grew bigger and bigger, until finally... I was at the point where I was about to burst and couldn't take it anymore." ~ Sasuke.
As the group had left the temple area, (while being followed by paparazzi at the same time), Sasuke took a step back while walking alongside Sakura. "Sasuke... are you alright?" asked Sakura asking that same question over and over by making sure that Sasuke was alright. Although it was getting quite annoying, Sasuke didn't really care if she asked him if he was alright. If Sasuke was okay with it, then Sakura could ask Sasuke if he was alright whenever she wanted, as he started to realize of how fun it was to be around her. In fact, he liked her so much, that he vowed himself to stand by Sakura's side... forever. Anyway, moving on. After Sakura asked Sasuke if he was alright, Sasuke replied, "Uh... I'm not sure if I am, Sakura." "Well then... what do you want to do, Sasuke?" asked Sakura. "I don't know. Maybe... to scream really loud, I guess." said Sasuke as Sakura did a nervous chuckle. "AAAAAAAAAUUGH!" screamed Sasuke as Shikamaru and Yamato were frightened by Sasuke's scream while Temari scoffed while ignoring his scream and said to herself, "What an idiot."
Meanwhile...
Finally, it was time for the party to go to Luca as they approached the dock while leading to another boat that led to the city of Luca. "Finally! We're off to Luca! And Sasuke, don't forget that the matches start as soon as we get there. So don't forget to take a nap, okay buddy?" asked Shikamaru as Sasuke silently nodded his head, "yes".
Later that night...
As Sasuke was about to go see Sakura, he unexpectedly happened to see Kakazu and Kisame standing just a few feet away from Sakura. "Uh, hey guys. So... what are you talking about?" asked Sasuke as he started talking to Kakazu and Kisame. "Oh, and who are you supposed to be, huh?" asked Kakazu. "Wait a second. I remember you. You're that kid that we saw in Kilika, remember?" asked Kisame. "Huh?" asked a confused Kakazu. "Kakazu! How could you not remember him! He's one of The Besaid Aurochs, for crying out loud! I think if I remember correctly, he said something about winning the cup." said Kisame. "Oh wait. Now I remember. You're the idiot that screamed earlier." said Kakazu, finally understanding who Sasuke was. "Hey! Don't talk about him that way! He's the last survivor of The Uchiha Clan! His own older brother killed everyone in the entire clan except him! So you could be a little bit nicer to him!" cried Sakura getting angry at Kakazu and Kisame to which the two members of The Luca Goers snickered while Kakazu said, "Yeah but... he is an idiot. No, not an idiot. Amateur! I bet that he doesn't have what it takes to win the cup! Especially since he's a part of The Besaid Aurochs!" "No! You're wrong! They will win! Why, he used to be a competitor in The Zanarkand Exams!" cried Sakura as Kakazu and Kisame continued snickering at Sasuke. "Ha! Is that so? Then that means that you're a newbie and a newbie is someone who doesn't know anything! Heck, I'm sure he doesn't know how to play blitzball!" cried Kakazu. "You're right Kakazu, as if someone lived in those ruins. Besides, everyone already knows that Sin destroyed it 1000 years ago. So there's no way that there could have been ruins in that city." said Kisame. "Look pal, you may think that's it all just ruins, right? Well guess what? There is a big city there! There is! Sasuke told me so himself! Didn't you, Sasuke!" cried Sakura as if she felt like beating both Kakazu and Kisame up for making fun of Sasuke. "Yeah... but Sakura... I-I got to close to Sin and--" said Sasuke as Sakura cut him off by saying, "Yeah but Sasuke, I'm telling you! There is actually a city there! There is! I know there is!" Kakazu then looked at Kisame and said, "Fine then. Whatever Lady Sakura says." as the two men left Sasuke and Sakura, laughing. "Hey Sakura, what's wrong? You seemed kinda mad back there. Are you alright?" asked Sasuke. "I'm fine. It's just... they were not being very nice to you, Sasuke. But really Sasuke, I do believe that your Zanarkand truly exists. I really do." said Sakura. "Why? Why on earth would you think that, Sakura?" asked Sasuke. "Because Sir Itachi always told me stories about Zanarkand. He even told me a lot about you, Sasuke. As I said before, I have been dying to meet you for 10 years. But... it'd be fun if we could go see Zanarkand together... you know... just you and me. I'd love to go there with you." said Sakura as she smiled at Sasuke to which he turned around not facing her and said, "Yeah."
"So you want to see Zanarkand, huh, Sakura? Yeah right, as if... as if Zanarkand was still there." ~ Sasuke.
After Sasuke left Sakura alone for a few minutes, he had decided to eavesdrop on Temari's and Shikamaru's conversation about him once again. "What? Aren't you going to say something, Shikamaru? Are you or you not going to take full responsibility of him?" asked Temari referring to Sasuke. "Aw, come on Temari! Could you at least relax? As I said before, he might find someone in Luca that he recognizes once we get there, that is." said Shikamaru. "Oh, and what if doesn't? What then, Shikamaru? What then, huh?" asked Temari. "Well... he could always join a blitz team. Anyhow, it's better than leaving him back in Besaid!" said Shikamaru. "So what, you're just going to abandon him in Luca? I can see that Sakura's grown rather fond of him as he has for her." said Temari. "Oh, yeah, right, geez... there's that too, eh?" asked Shikamaru. "And whose fault do you think that is?" asked Temari. "Not mine!" cried Shikamaru as Temari glared at him. "Well... I guess it is my fault after all, huh?" asked Shikamaru as Temari silently nodded her head, "yes". Sasuke then continued eavesdropping on the gossiping pair. "Temari, I don't understand. Why would Sakura want to make Sasuke a guardian anyway? What does she see in him?" asked Shikamaru. "The reason why she wants him to become her guardian is because he's the younger brother of Itachi Uchiha, also known as the man who massacred the entire Uchiha Clan but Sasuke 10 years ago." said Temari. "Oh, right. Wait a minute, are you sure about that, Temari? I mean... is Sasuke really... Itachi's... younger brother? Is Sasuke really... the only survivor of The Uchiha Clan?" asked Shikamaru. "Well, for one thing, yes Sasuke is the last survivor of The Uchiha Clan because Itachi told us all about him. And second, he even told us that Sasuke was his little brother. But... I believe that Sakura believes that Sasuke is really Itachi's younger brother." said Temari. "Well, alright then." said Shikamaru to which Temari scoffed and asked, ""Alright?" That's all you can say? "Alright?"" asked Temari. "Well, yeah, but... okay... look, Temari... what I'm trying to say is... it's up to Sasuke to decide if he wants to stay with Sakura or not. Well, I guess Sasuke and Sakura should both decide that, don't you think?" asked Shikamaru. "Well... I guess you're right... for once." said Temari as Shikamaru cleared his throat which made Temari say, "I wonder which is best for him... Shikamaru... shouldn't you be the one to tell Sasuke to become Sakura's guardian?" asked Temari. "Well... I know I want to... but you remember what that "Karin" girl said about him being kicked out of our team after she was beaten up by him." said Shikamaru. "Shikamaru... when I see Sasuke tomorrow morning by the time that we head for Luca, I want to apologize to him for saying all those nasty things to him. In fact, I'll go talk to him right now." said Temari as she saw him... gone... as he disappeared and ran off to see Sakura. "No. Maybe... I'll wait until the time is right." said Temari to herself as she made a fist and looked up at the beautiful night sky. "Madara... I was wrong about Sasuke. I guess... it's time for me to move on, yeah? Don't worry Madara... I'll take good care of Shikamaru while you're up there resting in The Farlanes." said Temari to herself while thinking about Madara and Sasuke.
Meanwhile...
Suddenly, a blitzball rolled to which Sasuke stopped it with his right foot. He then remembered The Fire Style: Fire Ball Jutsu that his father taught to him.
Flashback...
Fugaku (Sasuke's father) was teaching Younger Sasuke how to do the Fire Style: Fire Ball Jutsu Technique. "Fire Style: Fire Ball Jutsu!" cried Fugaku as he did the Fire Style: Fire Ball Jutsu technique. "Wow! Awesome!" cried Younger Sasuke. "This is the basic ninjutsu that belongs to our family, The Uchiha Clan. The only ways to release it are the seals that I showed you just now. First, you concentrate your Chakra and stop it at your chest, and then once you do it, you'll be able to release it at full strength. Go on, try it." said Fugaku. "Alright!" cried Sasuke as he was about to do the Fire Style: Fire Ball Jutsu technique. "Father is actually teaching me the jutsu himself. And now, he's finally giving me a chance to see that I'm important, too! I can't disappoint him! I can't!" cried Sasuke to himself. "I can do it! Fire Style: Fire Ball Jutsu!" cried Sasuke as only a little bit of fire came out of his mouth. "Hmph. Just as I thought. You can't even reach Itachi's level, Sasuke. I think you need a bit more practice." said Fugaku as he left Younger Sasuke alone to practice The Fire Style: Fire ball Jutsu Technique.
Later that night...
While Sasuke was still doing the Fire Style: Fire Ball Jutsu technique, Itachi found him as he was about to bring him home for dinner. "So... you're trying to follow in my footsteps, are you? You see Sasuke, I usually charge for lessons. That technique is done... like this!" cried Itachi as he did the Fire Style: Fire Ball Jutsu Technique. "Fire Style: Fire Ball Jutsu!" cried Itachi. "Foolish little brother. You can't do it, Sasuke. But don't worry, you're not the only one... brother. No one else can do it. And you wanna know why? It's because I'm the best! Yeah, baby!" cried Itachi.
End of Flashback...
As Sasuke was doing The Fire Style: Fire Ball Jutsu Technique, Itachi's words echoed in his head: "Foolish little brother. You can't do it, Sasuke. But don't worry, you're not the only one... brother. No one else can do it. And you wanna know why? It's because I'm the best! Yeah, baby!" Afterwards, Sasuke finally did The Fire Style: Fire Ball Jutsu technique which made the blitzball fly into the sky and into the sea. "Ha! You think you're the best huh, Itachi? Pfft. Yeah right." said Sasuke. Suddenly, The Besaid Aurochs gathered around him. "Uh... Shikamaru... what's going on here, why are The Besaid Aurochs circling me?" asked Sasuke. "Sasuke... that move... was awesome! What's it called?" asked Shikamaru. "Actually... first my father taught it to me... and then... Itachi. So... it's called The Fire Style: Fire Ball Jutsu Technique. "Come on! Show us one more time Sasuke, please?" asked Shikamaru. Sasuke then did The Fire Style: Fire Ball Jutsu Technique once more. Suddenly, Sakura clapped for him. "Wow! Sasuke, you're so cool!" cried Sakura. "How long has she been standing there? Was she... watching me... this whole time?" asked Sasuke to himself. "Ha! I knew it! I knew that you were something special! I just knew it all along! I knew it! I knew it! I knew it!" cried an ecstatic Shikamaru. "I'm... going to talk to Sakura." said Sasuke as he decided to walk over to see Sakura. "Wait... Sasuke... wasn't that... The Fire Style: Fire Ball Jutst Technique?" asked Sakura. "Wait a minute... Sakura... how do you know about that technique?" asked Sasuke. "Sir Itachi showed it to me in my childhood. He called it "Fire Style: Fire Ball Jutsu Technique: Itachi Uchiha Style!." said Sakura. "Hmph. What a stupid name, huh? Well you know what, Sakura? There is no such thing as a Fire Style: Fire Ball Jutsu Technique: Itachi Uchiha Style!, you know? All there is to me and to our whole clan is Fire Style: Fire Ball Jutsu, Fire Style: Dragon Flame Jutsu, Fire Style: Phoenix Flower Jutsu, and Fire Style: Great Dragon Flame Jutsu. But Itachi had always tried to impress the crowd with The Fire Style: Fire Ball Jutsu Technique. That was what our father had taught both of us. You see Sakura, our father was the one that taught us the technique. But... ever since Itachi was the crowd favorite, I used to get so mad because I wanted to be more popular than he was. It's almost kind of like of how Gaara felt about me." said Sasuke. "Wait... is that the friend that you also got separated with... Sasuke?" asked Sakura. "Yes. How did you know?" asked Sasuke. "Shikamaru told me." said Sakura. "Oh." said Sasuke. "What a blabbermouth." said Sasuke to himself, muttering about Shikamaru in his head. "Hey... Sakura... do you know if... Itachi is still alive?" asked Sasuke. "I don't know. But all I know is Sasuke, is that Sir Itachi was also not only your older brother, but he was also my father's guardian as well." said Sakura. "So wait... so he's popular here, too?" asked Sasuke. "Yes. You might hear his name all over Spira. Not only would you hear his name but you would also hear Sir Kakashi's and my father's names too. Tell you what Sasuke... when we go to Luca, I'll help you look for him. I'm sure that he's still alive. I'm positive." said Sakura. "So... what would you do if we found him?" asked Sakura. Sasuke then sighed and said, "Ah, who knows? All I know is that Itachi died 10 years ago. Well.. I'd probably try to yell at him for killing The Uchiha Clan. And maybe I would get my revenge for not only him killing The Uchiha Clan but for always being in the spotlight. After all... he was famous. I mean, come on Sakura! You should know about that, Sakura." said Sasuke. "Huh?" asked Sakura. "Sakura, not only is Itachi famous but so is your father. So everyone in Spira knows all about him, right?" asked Sasuke. "Yeah." said Sakura. "It's tough... isn't it?" asked Sasuke. "But you know Sasuke... it is hard to follow in his footsteps as a summoner, you know." said Sakura. "Hmm. Yeah... right." said Sasuke. "But the honor of having famous people like Sir Itachi and my own father surpasses all that, don't you think?" asked Sakura. "Yeah, but... I don't think there was anything much to honor about my brother... at least... that's what I would think anyway." said Sasuke. "Sasuke! You shouldn't say anything like that about Sir Itachi! I think your brother was extraordinary. I mean, sure he may have left you as a survivor by killing your clan Sasuke, but he was also my father's guardian." said Sakura. "Hey! I got the right to say that about my brother!" cried Sasuke. "I guess.... I guess you do." said Sakura, sighing. Suddenly, a blitzball hit him. "Hey Sasuke, you mind doing that move again?" asked Shikamaru. "Uh... sure!" cried Sasuke as Sakura giggled.
"I didn't think my older brother would ever come to Luca. He never did like watching other people play blitzball. Personally, he liked the Zanarkand Exams better back in Zanarkand... my Zanarkand. I didn't know it at first... but... I had this sudden feeling of dread... as if... like something bad was going to happen. But these feelings that I'm going through right now... they're usually right. I mean, sure I told Shikamaru that I'd help him win the tournament. But... I wasn't sure of how to play blitzball. It's like... this world, Spira... was something new to me. Well... I did hope that I would find Gaara... Kakashi... or Ino in Luca. I hoped... maybe." ~ Sasuke.
And so, later that night before they went to bed, it was then decided by Sakura that Sasuke would become her guardian. She had grown fond of him after all. But whenever Sakura would grown fond of Sasuke, he wondered if she kinda had feelings for him. Well... who knew, right? Who knew?