Chapter 13 – Suna.
After that embarrassing moment in the woods, both clan heads were now sitting calmly, albeit a bit stiffly, behind Hiashi's desk in the Hyuuga compound, sipping tea, as if it were a normal action that both clan heads often did.
The whole Hyuuga compound was on edge at having their rival clan's head in an office with their head. But that wasn't what worried Neji. No. it was that he and Sakura were at the receiving end of a heated glare from their own clan head. And although Neji knew that it was just to keep up appearances in front of the Uchiha clan head, he couldn't help but want to fidget. He held still despite his urges. He wasn't a Jonin for nothing.
He could feel his girlfriend try to do what he was doing, but was failing miserably. She was an expressive person by nature. Surprisingly enough, she was better than him in hiding her emotions and thoughts when in a battle.
After 15 minutes of waiting around, with two of the most feared clan heads playing 'house', a knock could be heard from the other side.
After getting permission from Hiashi, the door opened, and in came quit an odd combination of people.
First was Hinata, and although she had gained a lot of confidence from when she was younger, the-almost-sixteen-year-old girl looked flustered by the presences behind her, rightfully so.
After her entered Uchiha Shisui, then Uchiha Itachi. After passing greetings and settling down, the Uchiha clan head cleared his throat.
Noticing that everyone's attention has been captured, and that Fugaku wasn't talking, Hiashi started explaining what was going on.
"Something happened today that was unexpected." He paused here, glancing at Sakura, who blushed lightly. "I will be blunt and straight to the point. Your pink-haired friend, here," Gesturing at said pink-haired friend, "Has awoken a hidden bloodline limit." He paused so the people in the room would get used to the idea, before he threw the big bomb at them.
"Luckily, the Third had been expecting it, and had enough knowledge about it to help honing it." Here he stopped talking to give Fugaku the opportunity to talk, and explain about the blood line limit. He had no idea why, but the other clan head seemed excited about having the opportunity to do so. Almost like a child being handed a new toy. And being the grown-up that he is, Hiashi allowed the 'child' to have some fun. Of course he would never voice his thoughts to the guy practically bursting with excitement on the inside, but keeping cool on the outside. He was positive that he would be on the receiving end of his sons Tsukuyomi.
"This blood line limit Hiashi is talking about is not to be discussed outside of the people in this room, for fear for her, and the villages, safety." Began Fugaku. "That being said, I will explain to you what this limit means."
Itachi wanted to bash his head into a wall for all the pausing. But he refrained and was content with the fidgeting Hyuuga girl beside him that was expressing both of their exasperation.
"When Konoha was first founded, there were a lot of blood lines, and each clan was content with inbreeding. And as always, someone happened to disagree. There was an Uchiha girl, and a Hyuuga boy, who supposedly, fell in love, and fought to be together. The tales never said what the names of the two were, but, what they did say was that, although the clans disagreed with their desire to marry each other, the second Hokage had supported them. The clans only relented when the couple agreed to have their bloodlines restricted from them, by cutting the chakra pathways to their eyes which gave them eyesight as any civilian. But what neither clans thought about, was their kids. The kids didn't have the Hyuuga almost-white eyes, nor did they have abnormally black eyes and show hints of getting the Sharingan. So they disregarded the kids' ability as ninja. But what the parents never revealed was that the kids got both blood line limits in one. It never got named and it was never showed, until Sakura-san's uncle used it. After that the secret was exposed, and a lot of people found out about it. They knew from one look what it could do. It is like a white version of the Sharingan, so it was pretty obvious to any Konoha shinobi, who knew about that couple, what these eyes meant. And Shin, your uncle, Sakura-san, was killed because some shinobi tried kidnapping your mother to get to him. After some time your mother married and changed her last name, your grandparents died, and when you were born, you had the name 'Haruno'. Nobody thought to track down your mother since she never was a shinobi to begin with. But what nobody ever knew, was that there is still a possibility that she awakened it even without the use of chakra."
"How?" asked Shisui. "We all know that eye related blood lines require channeling chakra to the eyes."
Hiashi was the one to answer, "Except this one. It is activated for the first time by anger. Now tell me, Sakura, what, exactly, had you so angered that you activated a long lost bloodline limit?"
Everyone turned to a blushing Sakura.
"I... uh … umm…"
"I really don't think that that is the reason you have us gathered here, uncle." Said Neji with a tight voice.
Seeing that whatever it was that had Sakura so angry wasn't a thing to be discussed in public, Hiashi returned to the people around him and said, "Fair enough. You are all here because Sakura would need training in her blood line limit. The third and fifth Hogakes have put up a schedule for that training, and wisely put her in the hands of both our clans, since her blood line limit is almost like ours. Nobody, whether inside or outside the clans, should know about this. The Hyuuga clan will be training Sakura in its' techniques as she is to become the clans future Matriarch. That will be our excuse if any other Hyuuga, especially the elders, ask for a reason." Said Hiashi as he gave his daughter and nephew pointed looks, to which the both of them nodded.
"As for the Uchiha clan, we will train her in upmost secrecy. We are not to be caught while doing this. And if, by any chance, we were, we will declare Sakura as an adopted Uchiha to the clan head."
The stunned silence was broken by a lazy drawl, "I'm afraid that won't be acceptable." Said Kakashi from his perch on the window sill.
"And why not?" Asked Fugaku gruffly.
"Because it is already public knowledge that I've adopted Sakura-chan since her parents' accident." Said Kakashi, nose buried in his book.
Turning to look at Sakura for conformation, Fugaku glared at the nod she gave him.
"Nobody will question us training Sakura-chan, father." Said Itachi calmly from his place.
"We've been training with her for years now, and nobody said a thing."
Fugaku sighed but relented, "Fine, then."
Hiashi looked around and noted that everybody was waiting for orders.
"Okay, then. This is going to be the training schedule."
…
It's been three months since she started training with the clans. Two days for each clan, two days for Tsunade, and one day for Kakashi.
She was currently spent, lying on the ground with her head on Neji's abdomen, and his hand messing with her hair, when it happened.
She felt a rock flying towards them at blinding speed and all she could was close her eyes and hope that it just crumbled to dust. Which it did.
"Huh?" She said to Neji, who was looking at her smugly from his place.
She felt her jaw drop as the Hokages came out from the trees.
"What was that supposed to be?!" Yelled Sakura.
"Well, Sakura-chan. I'm getting old, and honestly, waiting around for you take the hint I gave you three months ago wasn't cutting it. So I decided to take matters into my own hands." He third smiled at her confused expression, and simply waited for her to figure it out.
"Oh. Oh!"
"Yes, 'Oh'. You couldn't be slower, could you?"
Sakura scowled at Tsunade and started her yelling with Tsunade yelling right back at her.
Neji was standing next to the third rubbing his temples and sighing.
"What is it, Neji-kun? Can't handle little Sakura-Chan's volume?"
Neji sighed. "Don't get me wrong, Sandaime-sama. I love Sakura to bits and pieces. But … "
"But?" Prompted the old man.
"But she still doesn't know that we will be heading to Suna in the morning. Her volume's only going to increase."
"Hmm." Agreed the third. "Or she will have her vocal chords scratched, and wouldn't be able to heal them since you just tired her out with that training you two just did."
Neji smirked. "That was the plan from the beginning, Sandaime-sama."
…
Itachi, Shisui, Neji and Sakura have been on the road for three days, and it was a relief to see the Suna walls after so much of seeing nothing.
They caught sight of a familiar trio waiting for them at the gates, and Sakura rushed forward to meet Temari.
After a lot of hugging, squealing, and slapping Shisui and Kankuro upside the head, the group finally moved into the village, and went straight for the Kazekage building in the center.
After the pleasantries and formal welcoming, Gaara began.
"So. What I've gathered from your Hokage's message is that you 'suddenly' developed a bloodline limit for sand. Is that correct?"
Sakura and Shisui glanced at each other and then burst out laughing, Neji sighed and Itachi rubbed his temples.
"Oh, oh. I can't take it! I'm dying!" Yelled Shisui leaning heavily on Sakura who began to gather her composure, only to lose it again and fall to the ground laughing.
After they calmed down, Kankuro sighed and said, "What's so funny?"
Sakura ignored him and turned to Gaara, "Let me guess. Shishou sent you a message with gibberish and words far from each other or written over each other, and you had to analyze it, right?"
Temari and Gaara shared a look, then turned back to the pinkette and simultaneously nodded.
"Yup. She was definitely drunk." Snickered Shisui.
Itachi sighed and mumbled something under her breath about being in this situation before, then proceeded to tell the Kazekage everything in his shortcut way that he shared with said Kazekage and Neji obviously.
Honestly. How could these people relay so much information using the least possible set of words ever?
After hearing the explanation, Gaara leaned forward in his chair, interlaced his fingers in front of his mouth and smirked.
"I'll train you." Before she could thank him he continued, "Under one condition."
Temari, who was standing behind her brother to his left, glanced at him. 'What are you thinking about?'
"Which is?" Asked Sakura hesitantly.
"I want you to help improve our hospital."
Itachi frowned. "That has to be discussed with our Hokage first, Kazekage-sama."
Gaara nodded. "I will give you time to contact her and discuss this matter. For now, Temari will show you to your quarters."
That was as good of a dismissal as any. They all filed out of the office, with Kankuro trailing behind them, talking loudly to Shisui about some new training he was having.
…
Itachi didn't waste any time in writing a letter for the Hokage. As soon as he stepped foot in their temporary home, he wrote to her and gave the letter to one of his ravens to take back to the village hidden in the leaves.
They would have to wait and see what her answer will be.
Itachi sighed when Shisui made some comment and Sakura punched him.
It's going to be a long wait.
…
Three days later they got a letter from their Hokage that they are to agree with the Kazekage, and start training immediately.
And they did. Gaara's training was brutal. Sakura had a feeling that he used her as a training dummy. But she couldn't complain since her Shishou used to do the same thing.
It was as Sakura and Gaara were walking back to the Kazekage's building that something caught Sakura's eyes. It was an old woman twitching her fingers. At first Sakura didn't know what she was doing, then Gaara nudged her with his elbow and tipped his head in the direction of the other side of the clearing where she saw a redheaded boy/man, battling with what looked like a puppet. That's when she remembered Kankuro's fighting style, and that Suna was known for its' puppetry and poisons.
Although Sakura didn't know a lot about the technique, even she could tell that this woman was talented.
After half an hour they stopped, and the woman turned to them and nodded at the Kazekage politely, then she turned to look at Sakura.
"It's rude to stare young lady! Have you no manners!"
Sakura blushed at this, "G-gomen. I just..."
The old lady glared, "Well? Spit it out already!"
"Could you teach me how to do that?" Sakura blurted out.
The old woman glared. "And why do you think that I, lady Chiyo, would train you, an outsider! Preposterous!"
Sakura gawked at her. She hadn't known that there still were people in Suna that hated Konoha.
Before Sakura could speak, she heard Gaara's cold voice from her right, "Lady Chiyo. I would appreciate it if you don't disrespect one of the best ninja Konoha has to offer."
"Best my ass! I bet she's just here to act like a-!"
Gaara cut her off before she could continue that insult, "She is Lady Tsunade, the fifth Hokage's successor. The one that surpassed her. And even though you don't like the slug princess, you still admit that she is very powerful in both the medical and fighting fields. And I'd appreciate it if you don't insult Suna's guest and my friend, Grandmother."
Being the smart person that he is, Gaara knew that calling her that would have her soften a little.
"She's your grandmother?" Asked Sakura in disbelief.
"No, she's mine." Drawled the other redhead that was training with lady Chiyo.
"Sasori-ni-san." Greeted Gaara.
Sasori just nodded in his direction, then turned to explain the situation to Sakura.
"My grandfather and Gaara's grandfather were siblings. So technically Chiyo-baa-san isn't his real grandmother. His siblings call her that since she's the closest they've ever had to a grandmother," He turned to smirk at his 'cousin', "And Gaara does it to pull her strings."
Lady Chiyo scowled and started grumbling under her breath at them.
"We must be going now. Have a good day." Said Gaara as he guided Sakura with his hand at the small of her back.
The whole way Sakura had her eyebrows pinched together and her lower lip jutted out in a pout. Something Neji noticed immediately when she and Gaara entered 'their' house.
Raising an eyebrow in Gaara's direction, who returned it with a shrug and rolling his eyes, Neji addressed Sakura, "What is it, Hime?"
She started mumbling something under her breath.
"You know I can't hear you when you're talking like that, Hime."
At this point, Shisui and Kankuro stopped fooling around and focused on Sakura.
"That old granny won't teach me." She said to Neji giving him that wide-eyed look she uses when something has her intrigued and she just has to learn it.
Neji raised an eyebrow at her. Taking the sign for what it was, she began to rant about the 'old mean Granny'.
"Okay, wait!" Said Kankuro, gaining all of their attentions.
"You asked Granny Chiyo for training, and she didn't kill you?" Asked Kankuro with doubt coloring his features.
"I was with her." Said an emotionless Gaara.
Now that he could believe.
"Look, Sakura." Temari spoke up, "Don't take it personally. Granny Chiyo lost her only son and his wife –Sasori's parents-" At this Itachi perked up. "To the white fang of Konoha." –Only Sakura noticed the look of guilt that fleeted in her Sensei's lone eye- "And you know old people never let go of their grudges." Finished Temari with an eye roll.
Sakura sighed and slumped on the chair that was near her, put her elbow on the desk, placed her cheek in her upturned palm and started grumbling.
Neji shook his head at her antics as Itachi mussed up her hair. At her pout Kakashi ruffled her hair, too, which resulted in more grumbling and pouting from the pinkette, and laughter and smiles from almost everybody else.
…
That night Sakura sneaked out to the roof, where she knew her Sensei was sitting pretending to read his book, when they both knew his mind was elsewhere.
"It's not your fault Kaka-sensei." She said as she stood beside him.
Kakashi sighed and patted the spot next to him. When Sakura sat down, he said "I know, but I still couldn't help but feel guilty. He was my father you know."
Not knowing exactly what to tell him, or how to comfort him, she scrunched up her nose trying to think of something.
Seeing this and noticing how cold she must feel with that top of hers, he said "But you know, a mug of your hot coca could do this old man some good in lifting his mood some."
She cracked a grin at him and punched him lightly in the arm before getting up, "You're not old, Sensei!"
Kakashi couldn't help but smile at her.
As she turned around he spoke up, "Sakura?"
"Hm?" She inquired while twisting her upper body to look at him.
"Thanks." He said with an eye crinkle, to let her know that he was smiling.
Sakura beamed at him and continued on her way to making him that hot chocolate he requested with a skip in her step.
Kakashi looked up into the moon and sighed. He would always be grateful to have people like Sakura around to try and make him feel better.
…
It was a week after that, that Itachi came crashing through their door looking for Sakura.
"You're needed at the hospital, NOW!"
No need to say that everybody was on their ends wit. Itachi never lost his composure and sure as hell never yelled.
Sakura rushed to the hospital at her top speed with Itachi right next to her, explaining the situation, and the rest were behind them.
"Sasori got ambushed on his mission and is in critical condition."
So that was why he was so … out-of-character. Itachi revealed some time during the past week that Sasori was a friend of his. They went on joint missions together since the Konoha-Suna alliance formed.
Sakura rushed to the hospital entrance and the nurses began relaying the details with just one look from the girl.
She reached the ER but her way was blocked by Lady Chiyo.
"Could you please move?" Asked Sakura politely yet with a tight voice, showing her urgency.
"No!" Yelled the old woman. "You foreigner are not going anywhere near my grandson! You'll just kill him!"
"He'll die if you don't move! Dammit!" Yelled Sakura.
"NO!" Yelled Chiyo again, and she opened her mouth to say something when she was cut off by Sakura.
"I'll show you No!" And she promptly shoved the old woman out of the way using her monstrous strength, and barreled her way into the ER and started shouting orders.
Chiyo was about to go after her when Gaara appeared and restrained her with his sand.
Before she could throw a fit, Gaara silenced her and said, "Just watch, Lady Chiyo. You won't regret it."
And so Chiyo watched, fascinated by the young girls work as she healed her grandchild with seemingly little effort, when the hospital booked his case as hopeless not half an hour ago.
After an hour Gaara let her free from his sands confine and he turned to Temari, "Keep me updated on his condition."
He waited for her nod and then excused himself to his Kage duties.
Two hours after that, and four updates to Gaara, Sakura was finished and exiting the room.
She smiled and said, "He's conscious if you want to see him."
The Subaku siblings and Itachi went to see him. Sakura turned to Lady Chiyo and bowed politely to her and said, "I apologize for my rude behavior earlier, but I couldn't let you keep me away from my patient."
Chiyo just stared at her and Sakura was half afraid that the old lady was going to whip out some puppets and start attacking her.
Her fears were put to rest when the old lady spoke, "Meet me tomorrow at the same time, same place you came by last week."
And then she turned on her heal and entered her grandsons room.
Sakura looked up with a bewildered expression to see the same look on Shisui's face, Kakashi with his eye wide and his book about to fall from his grasp, and Neji with a haughty smirk.
"She's going to teach me! SHE'S GONNA TEACH ME! SHANNARO!" Yelled Sakura happily as she jumped to hug Neji.
…
Training with the old lady was harder than training with Tsunade and Gaara, combined. But it wasn't anything she couldn't take.
Sasori had gifted her with a puppet a week after his release from the hospital, saying that he got bored while on 'house-arrest'. Suffice to say that Neji didn't like it. He disliked it even more when he saw that the puppet was a poor imitation of him. Sakura named it Neji-junior much to his chagrin.
Neji officially started to hate Sasori when he started calling Sakura 'dolly', which he got wacked upside the head for, from an over-protective Itachi.
It all turned into a big joke when this Deidara guy stepped in. Apparently he came 'To visit Sasori-Danna, Un!' But started to laugh his butt of when he saw Itachi smacking said 'Danna' upside the head.
"Ita-chi-chi! Long time no see, yeah!"
It was really hard on Sakura not to laugh with Kankuro, Shisui and Deidara acting their stupid selves, and Gaara, Itachi and Sasori glaring and trying to reign in their respective family members/friends.
Currently she was on the way back from a shopping trip with Temari. Tomorrow they will be headed back to Konoha, and she can't wait!
Sure she liked the Subaku siblings and the Suna citizens, but she just wanted some alone time with Neji-kun, and she was not going to get that with all these people surrounding them.
Plus, Naruto is supposed to be coming home soon! She can't wait to see the knucklehead!
Neji looked up from the book he was reading when she came in. She peered around and didn't sense anyone else, squealed and leaped to sit on his lap.
Neji welcomed her with a smirk and he nuzzled her neck with a content sigh.
He relaxed further when she began playing with his hair.
"Hime?"
"Hm?"
"Did you think of a name yet?"
Sakura got this weird vision where he would ask her the same thing if she were pregnant. She pushed that thought, and the blush that came with it, down.
Thank God Neji had his face buried in her neck and his eyes closed.
"I was thinking about ユニークな目 (Yunīkuname)."
"Unique eyes?"
"Mmhmm."
"That's a great name."
Sakura smiled.
"Now, tell me what you were thinking about that made you blush." Neji said with a smirk.
"Eh?!"
…
A/N: Well, it's been a while. *Looks away guiltily*
Anyway! :D
Guess What! I scored an A on my graduation project :D
So thanks for your patience.
I actually had most of this already written but I had to finish it :P
The name (ユニークな目 (Yunīkuname)) is from (BlossomsCherry). Thank you, by the way :P
Tell me what you guys think
Till next Chapter,
Zee