Thanks to everyone for all the support so far, it really drives me to continue writing.

Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto.

Sanguine

def. 1. happy, hopeful; 2. crimson, blood-soaked.

Chapter 3

Homecoming

Sakura eyed the warden as he slowly inched closer to her with a ring of keys in his hand. A while after she had accepted Sasori's proposition, Itachi had called the warden in to free her of her shackles. Naturally, the warden was nervous, as he did not know who she really was until a few seconds ago.

"I suggest you hurry up if you really don't want to get on my bad side," She nonchalantly said. A threatening smile crept onto Sakura's features as she lifted her arms up and dangled the heavy chains. "Anytime now, my good sir."

"Yes, your Highness," The warden rushed to her side, the keys fumbling in his hands as he searched for the one that would set her free. Once he found it, he began to unlock the bindings around her wrists. Sakura hummed in approval as the manacles detached from her wrists. She let out a content sigh as she massaged them.

As the warden fiddled with the shackles around her ankles, she watched as Sasori and Itachi quietly talk amongst themselves on the other side of the chamber. Her eyes were particularly on the shorter of the two.

Sasori caught her eyes while mid-sentence in his conversation with Itachi. He held their eye contact for just a few seconds longer before breaking away.

"Now that this is over with," Sasori cleared his throat, dismissing his conversation with Itachi. "I believe it is time we head back to Konoha." With that said, he pushed himself off the wall he was leaning against and made his way out of the chamber.

Sakura raised a brow. "Look's like someone's in a rush." She muttered.

"My apologies," Itachi murmured, "He happens to be a very impatient man."

Sakura rolled her eyes as she patted the dust off of her behind. Without another word, she hobbled her way out of the chamber, Itachi following closely behind her.

After what seemed like ages of walking down the dark and eerie hallway, they finally reached the main lobby of the penitentiary. 'When was the last time I was here?' She wondered. Seeing the empty lobby made her feel weird, as it was always full with the penitentiary's inhabitants whenever the sun came up.

Itachi motioned towards the familiar large gate that stood on the other side of the lobby. "This way."

The gate was already open, the sun's vivid rays piercing through the opening. Her steps became more eager as she walked towards the gate, breaking out into a slow jog as she got closer and closer. A gentle gust of wind brushed her skin, her hair flowing to the side of her face and away from her eyes. She let out a content sigh as the sun's warmth kissed her cheeks.

Ever since she had gotten locked away at the top of the penitentiary three months ago, she never saw the sun again. Her cell was windowless, with only cold air coming in through the cracks of the walls. It made her ecstatic, knowing that she could finally see the sun again.

"Here."

A large and thick burgundy cloth came into view before it fell on top of her head. As she indulged in the view and breathed in the musky air, Sasori had appeared beside her and unceremoniously dumped the heavy cloth on her.

Sakura scowled and pulled the cloth off of her. Upon further inspection, she realized it was a cloak. Her eyebrows scrunched in mild confusion and curiosity.

"Put this on," Sasori muttered, eyeing the measly, yet revealing fabric that clung to her skin. "It'll take an entire day to reach Konoha. I'd rather you not get sick in the middle of mission preparations, so make do with that for now." He quickly looked away and trudged towards two horses strapped to a large oak tree.

Deeming his reasoning valid, Sakura pulled the cloak around her without another word. As she tied the strings under her collar, she noticed that the cloak had a very faint scent of cinnamons and spices. 'Does this cloak belong to him?' She wondered. She looked over to him, quickly realizing that he was now only wearing a long sleeved tunic to protect him from the wind.

"Unfortunately, we only came with two horses." Sasori drawled, motioning to the steeds beside him. "You will have to share with one of us," He then waved his hand between himself and Itachi, who was tugging his own cloak off of the horse.

She shrugged at the idea of having to share a ride with one of the men. Honestly speaking, she didn't really care, as long as she wasn't walking the distance back to Konoha.

"Hmm," She eyed the two stallions. One horse had beautiful sleek black mane, the other donning a peculiar shade of rustic red. "Ooh." She hoisted herself on top of the red horse, landing comfortably on the saddle.

Sasori gave her a blank stare. "What are you doing?"

Sakura smiled and gently patted the horse's head. "I choose this one."

Sasori gave her a blank stare. "Why... that one?" Sasori slowly asked, slightly perplexed. He was also hoping that she would choose to ride with Itachi. Not choose a horse. It so happened that that particular horse belonged to him. "Why not the other one?" He gestured to the obsidian stallion.

"Because this one is pretty." She simply replied, as if it was the most obvious thing in the world.

Truly, he wanted to commend her for recognizing such grace and beauty within a horse, yet at the same time, the irritation that gnawed at him from within was rapidly growing and growing.

"Apologies, old friend," Itachi murmured from beside him. "Since young, Her Highness tends to be rather... spontaneous at times." He explained.

Sasori inhaled slowly and pinched the bridge of his nose. 'So our assassin happens to be a little odd and difficult.' He exhaled. "Alright." And without another word, he pulled himself up and seated himself behind her.

As his chest pressed against her back, Sakura got another whiff of cinnamon and spices. This time, it was slightly stronger than the light fragrance eminating from his cloak. She had to admit, it was a pleasant scent, and she quite liked it.

After double checking that Itachi was seated on his own steed and ready to depart, Sasori looped his arms under Sakura's and grabbed onto the reins. He gently nudged against the sides of his own horse and slightly pulled the reins, as if telling the horse it was time to go.

As the horses trotted along the dirt path, Sakura noticed their surroundings. All around them were trees of different sizes, each flourishing beautifully with different shades of green. Flowers were also beginning to bloom around the branches and roots of the trees. She also spotted several squirrels and birds along the way. 'The season of spring,' She realized, a wave of contentment washing over her. Without realizing it, her muscles began to loosen up in relaxation. A small tender smile donned her features.

From behind her, Sasori carefully watched her as she indulged nature's pleasantries. He found it odd how nature could easily change a person's temperament. Ever since he had met her in the dreary prison room, the pink-haired princess had a permanent frown on her face. 'She must have missed it,' He glanced upwards to the sky. Then he looked at the trees and flowers surrounding them. His gaze returned to the back of her head. 'Everything,' He realized. 'She must have missed everything.'

'But how did a princess end up in prison?' He mused.

"Stop staring at me."

Pulled out of his deep thoughts, Sasori blinked. "Excuse me?"

"I said stop staring at me," Sakura repeated, a bit louder than the first. "My senses aren't as magnificent as they used to be, but that doesn't mean I can't feel you staring directly at the back of my head."

"It's not like I want to stare at you, much less at the back of your head." Sasori immediately retorted. Then he added, "The size of your head is rather big, if I do say so myself."

Sakura twisted her neck and upper body around towards him and glared at him. "I'd say you're rather short yourself, if my head is giving you a problem." She snapped.

Ahead of them, Itachi quietly chuckled to himself.

Sasori gave a stiff smile. "Turn around before I push you off."

Sakura glared at him once more before turning back around.

By the time they arrived at Konoha, it was nightfall. As the horses trotted down the stone roads, Sakura recognized various old buildings, yet discovered new ones along the way. She spotted several of her favorite shops and bakeries and was extremely pleased to know that the establishments were still operating. The citizens were also as lively as ever, unfazed by the arrival of the night.

As they got closer to the castle gates, a wave of nostalgia washed over her. Delicate white wisteria vines clung to the outer walls surrounding the castle and dangled downwards from the top of the castle gates. The castle itself was as grand and magnificent as she remembered it to be, the walls forged with white bricks, and the roof-tops of each tower made of red tiles.

Upon reaching the gates, a guard stepped forward to greet them. Itachi dismounted his horse and began to trudge by feet to meet the guard halfway. The two began to speak to each other in hushed whispers.

On the other hand, Sasori and Sakura stayed on top of their horse, waiting to be let inside the palace grounds.

"It's been a long time," She softly said, eyes gazing at the palace before her.

Sasori's eyes fell on her, only to stare at the back of her head once more. After a few seconds of silence, he quietly asked, "Did you miss it?"

"Every day." She murmured.

Silence overcame them. A moment later, they noticed Itachi advancing towards them. "We can enter," He briefly said to them, before mounting back onto his horse.

Sasori gently tugged at his reins, signalling his horse to move forward.

After advancing past the gates and down the long and wide cobblestone pathway, they noticed two figures standing at the top of a large grandiose stairway, connected to the entrance of the castle. Sakura's eyes slowly widened as she recognized the identities of the two figures.

Tsunade rushed down the stairway, Shizune following right behind her. On the other hand, Sakura hastily dismounted from the horse and began to shuffle towards them. The mother and the daughter collided, their arms tightly wrapped around one another.

The blonde queen was simply ecstatic. After two years of confinement, her child was finally before her again. Giving Sakura a once-over, Tsunade's heartstrings pulled at the condition the pinkette was in.

The girl was so thin, and so very pale. Her long tresses was now flat and lackluster, having lost their beautiful pink pigmentation. Once filled with passion and ambition, her emerald eyes were now lifeless and shrouded with clouds of despair.

But that didn't matter. Her child was free.

Tsunade hugged her again. "Welcome home," She whispered.

The corners of Sakura's lips slightly tilted upwards. It was a small smile, but nonetheless, it was still a smile. "Thank you," She murmured.

After a night of rest, Sakura spent the entire next day catching up with Tsunade. They talked about many things, from Sakura's two years of confinement, to Tsunade's secret regime for obtaining wrinkle-free skin. Her mother was still as beautiful as ever, with no signs of aging whatsoever. Truth be told, it boggled her mind, seeing how youthful her mother was.

Later that night, Itachi departed Konoha to resume his mission. "We'll meet him in a month," Sasori explained to her. "Starting tomorrow, I will assist you with training."

True to his word, the red-haired prince barged into her sleeping quarters at the crack of dawn and threw her out of bed. "We're going on a run," He briefly said, before leaving her to her morning routines.

Over the course of the next few days, she spent the majority of her time with Sasori. From dawn to mid-day, she ran laps around the palace grounds. After lunch with her mother, they would go through different exercises to increase her proficiency in balance, endurance, strength, and flexibility. Every other day, they would meditate. By nightfall, they would practice hand-to-hand combat before finishing the day with dinner.

It was a cycle. Rinse and repeat.

After two weeks had gone by, Sasori deemed her fit enough to factor weapons into their training. From dual blades, to long swords. From archery to knife throwing. Each day was a different weapon for her to familiarize with again.

Sasori was fairly impressed with the rate she was improving. Perhaps it was because she had endured a similar type of training when she was younger, that she had no difficulties adjusting to his training regimen.

'She's an assassin,' Sasori reminded himself, swiftly dodging a blade that she had aimed at him. 'This is nothing new to her.'

It was now mid-day, four weeks into their training. Frankly speaking, it was currently their last day of training, as they would depart for their mission the next morning. They were currently sparring, with daggers as their weapon of choice for the day. After the first few duels against each other, Sasori realized that Sakura preferred blades over bows and arrows. Regardless of what she wielded though, he noticed that her precision was top-notch.

A blade aimed at his head flew at him. His reflexes kicked in and he sidestepped the dagger, narrowly managing to dodge it. 'If I was a lesser man, I'd be dead.' He mused.

"You haven't told me what I'm supposed to do on this mission yet," She casually said, slashing at him from the front. "It's been a month, and we leave tomorrow."

He leaped backwards, successfully dodging her blade. "Your mother hasn't told you?"

Sakura rolled her eyes before lifting her blades up to block his incoming dagger. She mustered strength into her arms, moving upwards to disengage from the lock she had his blade in. She dropped to the ground and aimed at his feet with a sweep of her own, to which he successfully dodged.

"She has," She replied. "But only the minor details."

"Well, I'm sure you're well versed in the history of your nation," He murmured. "Especially the event twenty years ago that involved the Uchiha clan, with a certain madman as the center."

At the mention of Konoha's strongest clan, Sakura unconsciously increased the strength applied into her swing. Their blades clashed against each other several times, her strength increasing little by little during each strike. Sasori's eyes narrowed as he noticed the sudden power spike. 'How odd,' He thought.

"Uchiha Madara," She said, breaking him out of his musings.

"That's right," He confirmed.

She threw several small daggers at him. "So what is my role in this?"

"Ah," Sasori hummed. He expertly reflected the incoming daggers with his own. "It's simple really," He started. "You'll represent me in this silly competition, and hopefully come out successful. Then we find our guy and kill him before he kills us."

Sakura paused mid swing and gave him an incredulous look.

"Wonderful plan, if I do say so myself." He shrugged.

"Genius," She flatly replied. "Completely fool-proof."

They spent the next few minutes slashing at each other, dodging left and right to avoid deadly cuts. It was like a dance.

Then she suddenly asked him, "So what is the neighbouring kingdom's Prince Sasori doing all the way over here?" Sakura aimed for his left side with the hilt of one of her daggers.

It was a sudden change of topic, he had to admit. What really put him off though, was that the subject of the topic was him.

Sasori's eyes widened and he faltered, unable to avoid her jab. He slightly winced as the blow connected. 'For a tiny person, she hits hard.'

Sakura blinked, slightly surprised that she had landed an attack of some sort on his person. The past month of training with Sasori, she had been unable to deal a successful blow to him. As much as she hated to admit it, the sarcastic and witty man was a fabulous teacher and sparring partner.

"What," She chuckled. "You thought I didn't know?" Then she added, "My mother didn't tell me, by the way."

Sasori frowned. "Then how-"

"How did I know?" She interrupted. She lazily waved her hand around, her blade still in her palms. "I saw you. Years ago, I mean. I saw you on one of your trips here with your grandmother."

Sasori scowled. 'And yet I've never seen her in my life until now.'

Aiming at the hilt of her blade, he chucked his own dagger at her, successfully knocking it out of her hands. He smirked at the yelp that escaped her.

"Well, look at the time," He nonchalantly said. "I believe it's time to meet your mother for dinner."

Sakura glared at him before picking her dagger off the ground. "Insufferable bastard."

The dinner was lovely, as per usual, except it felt a little more special as it was the last one she would have with her mother in a long time. This time around, Sasori had agreed to join them for dinner. Normally, the redhead would consume his dinner inside his own chambers while reading books on the history of the Fire Country's many artworks.

Sakura found it livelier than usual with another person at the dining table. It definitely made her mother more talkative than ever. Truth be told, it made her feel a little warm inside, and she quite liked it.

She also noticed that the red-haired prince seemed to find entertainment in shooting snarky comments at her mother.

With her sleeping quarters as her destination, she silently trudged down one of many hallways within the palace.

It was then that she heard an all too familiar voice call out to her. Her body froze in place. Her heart constricted as anger and anguish overcame her.

There was only one person she did not want to encounter during her month-long stay at the castle before the mission. And yet, the gods above had decided to smite her at this very moment, on the last day of her stay, by presenting Uchiha Sasuke before her very eyes.

They had known each other since young, as his father was the commander of the royal army. They had trained together and gone on missions together. They had fallen in love with each other. Despite not being of royal blood, Sasuke was quite popular due to his attractiveness, and she was the one that had won him over.

Judging by his black garbs and armor plates, he had just come back from a mission. Peeking out of his collar, she noticed three distinct scars on his neck, all of them parallel to one another. They were scars that she had inflicted on him herself with her nails during her rampage two years ago. Deep down inside, she was pleased. 'He deserved it.'

"Sakura," He called again.

She ignored him and began to hastily walk past him.

Sasuke's eyes narrowed at her blatant act of false ignorance. He grabbed hold of her wrist and pulled her back. "Let's talk." He murmured.

"No." Sakura pulled her arm back, but the grip he had on her remained. "Let go," She growled.

"We need to talk," Sasuke repeated, edginess evident in his tone of voice.

She glared at him. "We have no reason to talk."

"We have plenty reasons to talk." He scowled. The hold he had on her arm tightened.

"Not anymore," Sakura sneered. "You are nothing to me now." She motioned between the both of them with her free hand. "Everything between you and I? Gone. Down the drain, since the shit you pulled two years ago." She hissed.

Sasuke's lips pursed, as he held their gaze. A beat later, he slowly said, "You still won't forgive me."

"Never," She breathed. "I will never forgive you."

Without another word, Sakura forcefully yanked her arm out of his grasp. She gave him one last look before turning on her heels to walk away again.

He was a friend. He was a lover. He was family.

He was the man that ignited her rampage two years ago.

He was also the man that had no place in her heart anymore.

Around the corner of a nearby hallway, stood Sasori, his back against the wall. He was planning to catch up to Sakura in order to remind her of the time they would depart in the morning. That was, until Itachi's little brother appeared. 'Interesting.' Sasori did not mean to eavesdrop really, but he also did not feel guilty about it. Having discovered newfound knowledge, he silently walked away before the brooding Uchiha would notice him.

A/N: The appearance of a past flame before departing for a big event.

I can't tell if I'm rushing the story or if the story is progressing too slow. Also, I discovered that I tend to write a lot more while I'm commuting to work and back, compared to when I'm just sitting at home.

When, where, and how do you guys write?