Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto or any of its characters. This is just fan work for other fans and not for profit in any way.

Chronicle One: Shinobi in the Mist (Version 1.93)

Chapter 2

The light from the full moon shone across the seaside town, illuminating the streets and rooftops in a pale glow. From his position atop of a nearby building, Rock Lee vigilantly watched The Dolphin's Dive. The town's clock tower suddenly rang out, a deep brass noise that reverberated through the night air. It was half past eleven. He was supposed to enter the bar just before midnight. If all went according to plan, Sakura-chan would have charmed Kane by then and he'd be able to give her the excuse she needed to get close to the mist ninja and fulfil her mission.

Instead of his customary green jumpsuit Lee was wearing a black leather jacket over a red silk shirt. It was an expensive outfit specifically chosen for this mission. His hair was also slicked back and artfully styled. To top if off, he wore a silver chain necklace and a pair of dark leather gloves.

Lee thought back to his extensive play-acting training he underwent when he had first applied to become a Jounin. Unable to use ninjutsu or genjutsu, he had made the most of the things that he could do. Even though he found this outfit a bit uncomfortable, Lee felt confident about this mission. He would not even have to play-act as he'd genuinely been rejected by Sakura-chan before in the past. Just thinking about the pink haired girl brought a slight red flush to his cheeks. She was so beautiful, strong and confident in herself. Lee shook himself out of his reverie. He hoped she was okay.

Sakura splashed some water on her face in an attempt to clear her head. It worked to some extent but she was still obviously drunk. She handled alcohol well and her face wasn't flushed but she was definitely not thinking clearly. She felt way happier than she should be while on a mission.

Making sure no one was looking; she unzipped the back of her dress and pulled it down to her waist, revealing her white satin bra. She reached behind and undid the clasp, exposing her breasts. Remembering her medical training, Sakura got some water and using her chakra, held it over her exposed chest, right above her liver. Using the liquid as a medium, she slowly drew the alcohol out of her body, much like she was extracting poison. She thought back to the time she had used the same technique on a sand ninja to remove a deadly poison from his system. The method was thorough and in a short time, she felt her mind regaining it's clarity as most of the alcohol left her. She dried herself off and quickly redressed.

Sakura staggered back into the bar and took a quick scan of the room. Most of the patrons were gone and only one or two people were left, mostly sitting in the back near the alcoves. No sign of Lee, DAMN. She practically fell back into her seat before giving Kane a lazy, giddy smile. "Hello stranger," she greeted him.

"Ummm, hi."

"Did you happen to see my ex looking for me while I was in the bathroom?" Sakura asked innocently, "He's got bushy eyebrows, disgusting eyelashes and he's dressed ridiculously."

"No I haven't seen anyone matching that description," Kane replied, "Why, is he likely to find you here?"

"He might. Like I said, he's clingy. I've had to stay at some run down place to avoid attracting his attention."

"Where are you staying?"

"Some motel I forgot the name of," she replied absently.

"That's no place for a pretty lady like yourself to stay," Kane told her as he took a sip from his glass. After thinking for awhile, he turned to look at her. "What if you stayed at a place that was booked under a man? Would that escape your ex's attention?"

Sakura gave him her best impression of a wary but drunk young woman. "That man wouldn't happen to be you would it?" she asked.

"Ummm not necessarily."

"Oh no mister. Nice try but I don't think so," she slurred at him. "I don't even know your name."

"It's Ken," he supplied while offering her a handshake. "What's your name?"

A pseudonym; how unsurprising. Sakura opened her mouth to reply but there was a loud commotion at the door. Somebody was forcefully trying to get into the bar. Suddenly, the doors burst open and Rock Lee entered. She nearly didn't recognise him from his outfit.

"Sara," Lee cried out in relief, "I've been looking all over for you. Come home now, it's not safe for you to be out this late."

"I'm never going home with you Eyebrows," Sakura replied back vehemently. Lee looked genuinely hurt and for a moment, Sakura felt that she might have overplayed her part. But in an instant Lee's concerned expression returned and he was beside her.

"Come now, you're drunk," he told her as he took her by the shoulders and proceeded to half carry, half drag her to the door. "We'll talk later in the morning when you're more sober."

Sakura let herself be taken halfway to the door before she started the pretence of struggling. "Let go of me," she snapped at Lee and began to fight him. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Kane stand up and approach them. However, before the mist ninja could intervene, she freed one of her arms and gave Lee a slap to the face. She put quite a bit of force behind the blow and it knocked her "boyfriend" to the ground. 'Perhaps I overdid that one,' she thought to herself but figured she had to make it look convincing. Lee looked dazed and shocked from the blow. Sakura turned to face Kane. He seemed greatly amused by the turn of events. She slowly made her way towards him and snaked an arm around his waist. "Take me to your place," she told him in a clear voice.

"Sure thing Sara," he replied as he brought his own arm around to support her.

Sakura glanced back at Lee. Either he's really improved his role-acting skills, or I probably shouldn't have hit him as hard. 'I'll apologise to him later,' she told herself as she was led away.