"I knew you were good at chakra control, but to get chakra strings down in less than a week, that's impressive." Sakura smiled, puffing out her chest at Sasuke's compliment.
"But of course, precise chakra control is what I specialize in, after all," Sakura said.
"Don't get cocky." Sasuke watched as Sakura nearly fell over, not expecting the sudden put down. She glared at him and sighed, crossing her arms. A small puppet that stood between them did the same, even turning up it's nonexistent nose. "Stop that! You're going to give it an ego of it's own!"
"Ugh! You're such a kill joy!" The puppet flew back, landing in her arms.
"So, what about your other training?" Sasuke asked, walking towards her. "The candle thing?"
"Huh? Oh, I'm picking that back up today," Sakura answered. "Shura and Kankurō both agreed that their trainings could conflict so I should only focus on one. Since Kankurō was training to help me with hers, I focused on his."
"Have you tried it since you started?" Sasuke asked, stepping into the hallway. Sakura nodded and followed him.
"Yeah, I tried it once, and I did see an improvement in speed and control, and that was when I had first started chakra strings." Sakura smiled as she looked down at the puppet in her hands. "I can't wait to see what it's like now that I've mastered strings."
"How much of an improvement?" Sasuke asked.
"I lit them both without touching the wick, but they didn't react how I wish that they had," Sakura answered. "So I'm going to try again. Hopefully, now that I've mastered strings, the flames will do whatever I want."
"What about the fight?" Sasuke asked.
"Fight?" Sakura looked at him strangely for a moment before realization dawned on her. "Oh, between the flames and chakra system. Wait, how'd you know about that? Not even Gaara or his siblings knew."
"Tsunade knew," Sasuke answered. "And plus, I can see it." Sasuke looked at her, his eyes flashing red for a moment. "Your chakra is restless, on edge. And the flames are angry. The chakra feels like it's territory is being conquered, but the flames feel like you should have belonged to them all along. But, for the moment, they seem to be quelled."
Sakura frowned and turned her head down as they walked. A hand drifted towards her sword, and the fleeting thought that it was because of her sword floated through her mind.
"By the way, what's with the sword?" Sasuke asked, pointing at it. "You're not a swordsman, not even close."
"Not true!" Sakura pouted and turned her head away from him. "I know how to wield a sword just fine!"
"Oh really? Care to prove it then?" Sasuke placed a hand on the hilt of his sword, intending to draw it right there, in the middle of the hallway. Sakura jumped back and shook her head quickly.
"I-I can't! Not here, not any where near Kyoto," Sakura said. "If I do, I'll just cause trouble for everyone. If I can, I'll show you when we return home."
"By 'home', I'm guessing you don't mean the village." Sasuke sighed, a bit saddened at the thought.
"Konaha will always be my one true home, but right now, I have a new home," Sakura said. "And it's with my two brothers."
"I understand." Sasuke sighed and lightly ruffled her hair. He smiled slightly and moved on. Sakura frowned before hesitantly following after him.
"Why are you being so nice to me?" Sakura asked suddenly.
"You're my teammate, so you're like a sister," Sasuke answered.
"A sister that rejected your proposal." Sakura looked at him nervously, hoping that she didn't strike anything with her comment. Sasuke's mouth twitched down. He narrowed his eyes. His next words had to be chosen carefully. If he said anything wrong, she would take it the wrong way. They had dated for four months, and Sasuke had proposed, only to be rejected. They were both hurt by her answer, but he knew that she had made the right choice. A part of him was even glad that she said no.
"Neither of us were in the right place when I asked for your hand." Sasuke turned to look at her and sighed. "To be honest, I don't think I'll ever truly be in the right place after everything that's happened. And while I do admire you and have affection for you, you deserve better."
"But-" Sakura flinched back when Sasuke placed a finger over her lips. She frowned, pouting slightly, Sasuke smiled and stroked her cheek with his knuckles.
"I'm glad you rejected me. You finally know what you're truly worth and what you deserve," Sasuke said. "As long as you pick someone that truly deserves you, and treats you with the respect you have earned, I will be on your side. Don't sell yourself short like you did when we were kids."
Sakura sighed and nodded. "Alright, I'll try."
"Maybe that Suguro kid would make a nice candidate." Sasuke chuckled as he dodged the punch Sakura threw his way. Her cheeks were bright red and she glared at him, her fists still raised.
"Why are you such a pain!" She shouted, swinging her fists.
"Come on, didn't you want to find Rin and train?" Sasuke asked, changing the subject.
"Yes." Sakura sighed and crossed her arms, storming past him. "And don't think I've forgotten about this!"
True, they may have broken up, and things may have been awkward for a while, but Sasuke was happy for her. They were getting along again. And most importantly, in his opinion, she had her spark back.
"There you are." Sakura smiled as she landed next to her brother. She grabbed him and pulled him into a tight hug. Rin yelped, not expecting the sudden attack. Shura laughed as she snuffed out two candles. Sasuke landed behind Sakura and settled at the top of the roof, watching her carefully.
"You know, for shinobi, your guards are pretty obvious," Shura said, taking him in. "Shouldn't he be hidden or something?"
"Because Tsunade's sent friends," Sakura explained. She glanced at the candles that were sitting on the roof. Even though they were just lit they seemed to be in perfect condition. "You've improved."
"Yeah, I haven't been slacking on my training," Rin said.
"Says the guy who just said he was going on a break," Shura muttered.
"Hey I changed my mind and came back!" Rin shouted, glaring at her. "And I wasn't on break! I was gonna change my shirt!" Sakura smirked and tugged on his ear lightly. Rin grunted and looked at her in confusion. She looked at the candles, her eyes wide, a matching smirk on her lips. The end candles lit up perfectly, not even a second between them.
"I've mastered them both, so you better step up, little brother." Sakura snickered as he looked at the candles in amazement.
"How are you always so good at this stuff?" Rin groaned and fell onto his back, glaring at the night sky.
"Don't over think it, you'll be fine," Sakura told him. She leaned down and gently patted his cheek. She walked up the roof and sat down next to Sasuke. Kuro eagerly ran over to Sakura.
"Sakura! I've missed you!" Sakura laughed and scratched the cat's ears.
"Kuro, we saw each other this morning." Kuro meowed and jumped into her lamp, hitting his head against her stomach.
"But you always give me a treat! Just like how Konekomaru plays with me!" Kuro said.
"I give you a treat, huh? I don't seem to remember that." Sakura hummed and looked away, acting like she didn't know what the demon cat was talking about. Kuro gasped and looked at her in shock.
"Y-You don't?" If it were possible for a cat, Sakura was sure that his lower lip would be trembling.
"Kidding!" Sakura smiled and pulled out a few cat treats. Kuro cheered and eagerly took them from her hand, eating them quickly. "You're so eager to please, Kuro."
"Demon cat, huh?" Sasuke hummed and leaned closer to her, looking at Kuro. "Never actually seen one. But I heard that was the type of demon that Kirigakure caught." He reached over and scratched Kuro's ear, making the demon cat purr.
"Really?" Sakura hummed, stroking Kuro's back. "So they caught such a small fry? Why are they making such a big deal out of it? Demon cats are easy low level demons. I swear, that one cat in our village is. How many genin teams have caught him?"
"True, but still, we don't see very many demons after the war." Sasuke pulled back his hand and leaned back. "Catching anything is a big deal recently," Sasuke said. "Especially in a village with a tailed beast. Demons stay clear."
"Wow, we have our own brand of demon repellent." Sakura sighed and shook her head.
"Hey! What did I say about engulfing the candles in your godly hell fire!" Shura shouted at him.
"I hate this stupid candle thing!" Rin shouted.
"I don't care if you like it or hate it! You gotta light them!" Shura shouted. "It's not as hard as you're making it out to be!"
"If it's so easy then you do it!" Rin shouted. "Oh wait, that's right! You can't! So shaddup!" Rin looked back at the candles, glaring at them. They three of them burst into flames, causing him to let out a frustrated scream.
Sakura hummed, stroking Kuro's fur. She glanced over at Sasuke, who was using a kunai to shave a stick. He put the kunai down and out a senbon, and began prodding the center of the stick. She tilted her head, watching him carve out the innards.
"Are you…making a flute?" she asked.
"I'm bored," Sasuke said simply. He blew into the center, blowing out sawdust. He took his kunai and carved holes into the top.
"Will it work?" Sakura asked, leaning close to him.
"It should." Sasuke blew against the holes, ridding it of sawdust once more. After shaving it a few more times he seemed satisfied with the results. He held it up to his mouth and blew into lightly, creating a low whistle. He handed the flute over to her so that she could look it over.
"I didn't know you could make instruments," Sakura said, blowing on it once. A soft note came out of it.
"One of my cousins used to make them when she was bored. Her favorite was the pan flute," Sasuke said. "I always found it interesting how she could do it, so she taught me. Never got it right before she died. Still can't get the leaf whistle right."
"It's still pretty amazing." Sakura handed the flute back to him. He held up his hand, shaking his head. Sakura shrugged and placed it between them. She looked over at Rin, frowning as he pushed aside three more melted candles.
Rin placed three more candles in front of him and took several deep breaths. He only needed the flames to touch the wicks. And he didn't even need much of the fire, just small little puffs.
"Don't over think it...huh?" Rin closed his eyes and took a deep breath. "Just a little touch, that's it." He breathed out, opening his eyes. After a moment, blue flames appeared on the wicks of the end candles, flickering softly.
Everyone paused, looking at the candles in shock. The rooftop was engulfed in silence as they watched the candles flicker, as if they were dancing out of pure joy.
"I….I did it!" Rin cheered, jumping up in celebration. Sakura laughed and tackled him into a hug.
"You did it, Rin!" Rin laughed and grabbed her waist, spinning her around.
"Hell yeah I did!" He let go of his sister and turned to Shura, grinning triumphantly. "What do ya think of that, Shura?"
"Not bad, not bad," Shura agreed. "I guess you can get to the next step and really get serious."
"What do you mean 'really'?" Rin asked.
"While you were able to do it, you still struggled," Shura said. "You need it to be as easy as blinking or breathing."
"Guess you gotta point, but still, it was a huge improvement!" Rin said.
"Yeah, I'll give you that." Shura smiled fondly and shook her head.
"Well, he got the hang of things faster than Naruto would have, I'll give him that," Sasuke said.
Sakura laughed. "I don't know, I think they might have tied. Naruto has matured after all."
Any comeback Sasuke could have had was cut off when an explosion rocked the roof.
"What was that?" Rin asked.
"Look! There's smoke over that way!"
"You're right, but what could be over there?" Sakura asked.
"It's the field office," Shura answered with a gasp. "Something's happening over there." She jumped off the roof, not giving any other explanation.
"Sasuke!" Sakura called, looking back at him.
"Well, we've run into danger with less information." He turned to Rin, giving him an expectant look. "You coming? Or do you not trust me?"
"I don't trust you alone with her," Rin said. "Battle, is another thing. Just don't force me to do something I'll regret."
"Please, I would kill you before you got the chance." Sasuke scoffed.
"Sasuke." Sasuke blinked and looked over at the pinkette, who had blue flames surrounding her. She looked up, her blue-green eyes swirling darkly. "You do anything to my little brother, and I'll make sure that the Uchiha legacy ends with you."
Sasuke gulped lightly and turned back towards the explosion. Without giving her an answer, he jumped off the rooftop, heading towards the explosion. There was a slight haste in his step. If you asked him, he'd insist that he was worried about the explosion. There was no way he was scared of Sakura and her flames. No way! Who'd be scared of her? He sincerely hoped that she couldn't suddenly read his mind.
Sakura stepped towards the edge of the roof. "Come on!"
The four of them had entered the Keep. The ceiling had collapsed and there was rubble and exorcists everywhere.
"What happened here?" Rin asked.
"Did something happen to the other eye?" Sakura asked.
"Don't know yet," Shura answered.
"Enough is enough!" They pushed past the exorcists and saw Suguro in the middle of the crowd, holding onto an old man. "All of this is your fault, isn't it? There couldn't be another reason for Mamushi to turn traitor, or for the mess we're in!"
"Suguro!" Shura grabbed Rin, pulling him back.
"Don't interfere, got it?" Rin looked conflicted, but nodded.
"Ryuji, please..." the old man pleaded.
"Tell me, is she right? Have you really betrayed everyone?" Suguro asked.
"Of, of course I haven't! I could never betray you." Suguro narrowed his eyes and tightened his grip on his robes.
"Alright, if that's true, then I'm sure you wouldn't mind telling everyone everything that's going on," Suguro declared. "Go ahead, tell everyone the truth, right here, right now!"
"Who is that baldy anyway?" Shura asked.
"That's Suguro's dad," Rin answered. Sakura blinked and looked at the old monk in shock.
"Really? I'm surprised, I thought for sure that Suguro took after his mother, but it seems he gets a good part of his looks from his father."
"That's what you notice?" Rin sighed, not finding it hard to believe that he wasn't surprised that that was what she focused on. He must spend too much time with her to have partially expected a comment like that.
"A doctor never rests," Sasuke said in explanation. She once saw a picture of his family and was able to trace the exact genealogy several generations back. She was able to work out his entire family tree by just looking at their facial features. Her mind truly never rests.
"I'm sorry Ryuji, but the truth...is something that I can't even tell my own son." Suguro blinked, not believing what he was hearing. He let go of his father and took a step back, his fists shaking. "Actually, in truth, it would be best if I never had to tell you."
"Seriously? Despite everything that's going on, you…still refuse to tell me?" He blinked in shock when a hand landed on his shoulder. He looked back, his eyes widening when he saw Sakura.
"I'm sure, as much as it pains you, your father has a good explanation for everything that's going on," Sakura told him. "In fact, it probably hurts him more to have to keep this secret from you."
"What the hell would you know?" Suguro shouted, turning on her. "What, do you know what's going on."
"You know that I don't have the first clue as to what's happening! In fact, I'm even more clueless than you right now!" Sakura shouted. She took a deep breath and narrowed her eyes. "But I do know, that sometimes people have to keep secrets from the ones they love, even if it pains them. Sometimes, it's the better choice. My life is built on secrets and deceit."
"She's right, Ryuji," his father said. "Anyway, I have to follow Mamushi, so be a good boy, alright? Listen to your teachers, and especially your mother. And keep your friends around you, alright?" His hasty retreat was cut off by his son's shouts.
"Give the caring father routine a rest would ya?" Suguro narrowed his eyes and glared at him. "If you leave right now, I will never recognize as my father ever again!"
"Suguro!" Sakura shouted, pulling harshly on his arm. "I know you're upset but that's no reason to say something like that!"
"Shut up!" Suguro shouted, slapping her hand away. Sasuke was beside him in an instant, gripping his wrist harshly.
"You sure you want to do that?" he asked, glaring darkly at him.
"I'm sorry Ryuji, but I gotta go." Suguro watched in barely hidden shock as his father turned around and left. He didn't get far before someone else had grabbed his robe.
"O-Okumura? What are you doing?" Suguro asked in shock.
"How the hell do you keep doing that?" Shura shouted. "Are you an escape artist or somethin?"
"Where do you think you're going?" Rin asked. "Suguro's your precious son, isn't he? And you, Suguro!" Rin turned around and swung. Sakura stepped behind Suguro, stopping him from being thrown back. "You're a huge, jackass, ya know that!?"
"B-Bon!"
"You okay?" Sakura asked, pushing him up straight.
"Yeah, I'll be fine." Suguro grunted, rubbing his cheek. He swiped the back of his hand against his chin, seeing blood on it after he pulled it back.
"I don't know what's going on, or why you're saying this, but trust me, you'll regret it later! So apologize to your father right now!" Rin shouted out his order, glaring at him. "You can't just disown your father like that!"
"Who the hell do you think you are?" Suguro shouted, storming over to him. "Didn't you want to defeat yours?"
"Come now, Ryuji, Rin, aren't the two of you friends?" Suguro's father asked meekly. "Stop fighting and make up already."
"I have to agree, this fight is pointless," Sakura said with a sigh. "You're both fighting over things that are out of your control. You two are much better off as friends, so why don't both of you calm down and kiss and make up, alright?"
"Stay out of this!" Suguro shouted at her. "Why do you keep butting into my business? I don't need or want your help! And you!" He turned towards his father, glaring heatedly at him. "Why don't you just get lost already! I don't care if you ever come back!"
"Suguro!" Sakura pushed his shoulder, forcing him to look at her. "Calm down, okay? I know you're mad at him, but there's no need to say such things! You're only going to regret it later."
"The hell do you know?" Suguro growled.
"Because that's my life!" Sakura shouted. "I've said things that I've regretted, things that I never got the chance to take back or apologize for. You don't ever walk away from anyone angry, because you never know what's gonna happen next. Now apologize to him."
"I'll never apologize to him," Suguro told her. "The only way I will is if he tells me the truth."
"Suguro..." The two looked over at Rin, seeing small blue flames flickered on his shoulders and arms. Sakura's arms widened and she rushed over to her brother, holding him back. "I thought you were cool, but I guess I was dead wrong!" He pushed Sakura away and ran forward. Sasuke caught Sakura before she could slam against the railing.
"Rin!" Shura shouted, trying to push past the exorcists. "Stop! Sit, boy, sit!"
"On Basara Gini Nenhatana Souka!" Rin's fists collided with the shields Suguro threw up.
"What the hell makes you think I want to be Satan's son? I've only ever had one father, and that was Father Fujimoto!" Rin shouted. His hands burst into flames, burning the shields. He grabbed Suguro's shirt and pushed him back a few paces, glaring at him. "Aren't you different? Well, huh?"
"Bon!" Juzo swung his staff, forcing Rin to jump back from Suguro.
"J-Juzo?" Suguro looked at the elder Shima in shock.
"Sorry to interrupt you two, but you gotta run!" Juzo shouted.
"Om Mani Pad Hum!" Rin fell to the floor, screaming, spasms went through his tail, making it twitch and writhe.
Suguro gasped, worried for Rin. "Okumura!"
"Rin!" Sakura gasped, looking at her brother in shock. "Hey Shura! I never said you could use my gift like that!"
"Sorry, but I had to have an anchor, and something with sentimental attachment works a whole hell of a lot better," Shura said. "On Gyachigyachi Gyabichanjuyanju Tachibanasouka!"
Sakura panicked as she heard the exorcists around them whisper in fear and confusion. "No, Rin..."
"Don't get up." Sasuke said, noticing her wincing as she tried to move against him.
"But, Rin! I have to get to Rin!" Sasuke wrapped an arm around her waist and held her back.
He leaned close to her ear. "What good will it do if you reveal your status to everyone?" Sakura froze, her outstretched hand trembling.
"...n-no..."
Rin grunted as he forced his arms to push himself up.
"Rin, have you forgotten the conditions for your release?" Shura asked quietly as she knelt beside him. "You need to get a grip right now, otherwise the Vatican will exorcise you for losing control."
"Shura...I'm having, an important conversation right now," Rin said, glancing at her. "So butt out you hag."
Shura growled, feeling a tick mark appear on her forehead. "On Gyachigyachi Gyabichanjuyanju." Rin screamed once more as he fell onto the ground once again.
"Rin! Rin!" Kuro ran over to his master, sniffing him and licking his cheek. "Wake up Rin!"
"You've gotten yourself into a fine mess, dumbass," Shura said with a scoff. "Hey, can someone help me seclude him? Don't worry, he's not gonna jump out and attack you. He's out like a light, I made sure of it."
"Chief Kirigakure!" The director approached, barely holding back his coughs.
"Oh, director! I'm so sorry for all the commotion," Shura said.
"I'll ignore it for the moment, but you will be explaining everything to me later," the director said.
"Of course, I wouldn't have it any other way!"
Suguro looked at Rin, frowning as he watched the exorcists carefully pick him up. He turned his head, looking at Sakura who was watching Rin, tears in her eyes.
"Sasuke, let me go," Sakura said, pushing against him. "If I let them take him they'll kill him!" She punched his chest, trying to get him to let go of her.
"Calm down." Sasuke grabbed her fists and glared at her. Sakura glared right back, not scared by him.
"I've known you since we were kids, your glare doesn't scare me!" Sakura said hotly. Sasuke grabbed her face roughly, forcing her to look at him.
"How about this one then?" Sasuke closed his eyes and when he opened them again they were red and black. Sakura froze as she looked into his eyes. "Sleep."
"No...fair..." she groaned and slumped against him, slipping into unconsciousness.
"Hey! What did you do to Haruno?" Suguro ran over to them.
"Nothing, just knocked her out," Sasuke answered. He winced and flexed his right hand. "Help me take her back to the Inn."