Summary: After being conned into a mission by her former sensei, Sakura finds herself captive to a very hands-on interrogator. Will she be able to keep her secrets, or will the pressure be too much to hand-le?
Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto or its characters, and make no profit from this fic. I do however reserve the right to make characters do naughty-naughty things to each other. Dattebayo!
Chapter One: Handing Out Frustrations
Sakura sat in her dimly lit cell, her surroundings a stark reminder of her own foolishness and powerlessness. Regret and guilt weighed heavily on her chest, fueling her anger. She reflected on the fate that had befallen her team and the imminent danger she faced. Determined to avoid another mission with Hatake Kakashi, Sakura resolved to face any future challenges head-on, even if it meant diving into a pit of vipers. Frustration filled her as she sighed and rested her head against the cold, unforgiving wall, seeking a moment of respite by closing her eyes.
-Flashback-
The soft glow of sunlight filled Sakura's room, gradually pulling her out of her slumber. Stretching her tired limbs, she felt the fabric of the sheet clinging to her curves, while a gentle breeze brushed against her exposed thigh, providing a welcome coolness. Her senses slowly awakened, processing the signals around her. Suddenly, her eyes widened in alarm as she sensed an intruder near the window. She turned her head quickly, only to find her former sensei, Hatake Kakashi, casually perched on the windowsill, engrossed in his beloved Icha Icha book. Relief washed over her as she realized it was only him. However, her relief was short-lived as she noticed his shameless gaze fixed upon her partially covered form. In a panic, Sakura reached for the nearest object and hurled it in his direction.
Unfazed by the fluffy projectile hitting his masked face, Kakashi maintained his signature smile, effortlessly catching the pillow before it could hit the floor. Settling himself against the windowsill, he propped up with the pillow in hand.
Setting aside his cherished book on the nearby dresser, Kakashi cleared his throat and spoke in a playful tone. "Sakura-chan, my dearest student, the radiant beacon of my life, the very reason I find purpose in this world..." He paused for dramatic effect. "Do you happen to have any plans for tonight?"
That despicable man! How dare he jolt me awake on my day off and startle me half to death! That perverted scoundrel! Sakura's inner voice seethed with anger.
Clutching the sheet tightly to her chest, her face flushed with indignation, Sakura prepared to respond, but before she could, another familiar face unexpectedly appeared at the window, startling both Kakashi and Sakura.
"Kakashi," Kotetsu interjected, cutting off whatever Sakura was about to say, "Tsunade has gathered the rest of the team for the mission. Has Haruno agreed to join us?"
Annoyance etched across her face, Sakura sat up abruptly as a second person barged into her bedroom. In her haste, the sheet slipped, inadvertently revealing Sakura's upper thigh. Before she could hastily readjust the covering, a loud crash echoed through the room, causing her gaze to snap up. There she saw Kakashi, now seated on the floor, rubbing the back of his head.
Kotetsu shifted his attention from the fallen Kakashi to the bed, his face turning crimson beneath his bandages as his gaze lingered dumbfounded on the partially exposed Sakura.
"Haruno-san, I... I apologize profusely," Kotetsu stammered, his apology trailing off in his flustered state. He quickly averted his eyes and turned away, attempting to maintain a semblance of decorum. Clearing his throat, he composed himself before speaking again. "Hatake was sent to request your presence on an escort mission. Has he briefed you on the details yet?" Kotetsu asked, shifting nervously from one foot to the other.
Why couldn't Kakashi be more like that? Like a true gentleman... Inner Sakura's thoughts echoed in Sakura's mind, and for once, she found herself in agreement.
Taking a deep, steadying breath, Sakura gathered herself once again, determined to respond.
However, Kakashi beat her to it. "No, I haven't," he coolly interjected, effortlessly lifting himself off the floor while casually massaging his posterior as if the fall had genuinely stung. "I was merely inquiring about her availability for the mission before you rudely interrupted." Turning his attention back to Sakura, he continued with his briefing. "Tsunade has selected me for an escort mission to the northern region of the Wind Country. Once we reach our destination, the person we are escorting will be handed over to the sand-nin for the rest of their journey. It's a straightforward mission that involves passing through the Rain Country. The Hokage has requested a team of four, and since I was reluctantly pulled into this, I thought you might be interested in joining me for this delightful vacation." Kakashi concluded, his eye narrowing in a manner Sakura recognized as his version of a smile.
"Hatake, this is no time for jesting," Kotetsu scolded Kakashi, his tone firm. "You must treat this mission with the utmost seriousness. If you fail to deliver the Kusa dignitary to the sand-nin, it could jeopardize the fragile truce that the Kazekage is striving to establish with Kusagakure." Kotetsu's insistence was clear in his words.
At this point, Sakura seethed with anger, feeling utterly exasperated by the constant interruptions. Not only were these men preventing her from enjoying her morning shower and getting dressed, but they were also testing her patience to the limit.
Stupid men! Kick their asses! Throw them out so we can have a shower! Inner Sakura's furious voice echoed in Sakura's mind, tempting her with thoughts of violence.
Suppressing the impulse, Sakura refocused on the matter at hand.
"Who will be accompanying us? If I choose not to go, who will take my place?" Sakura inquired, her voice laced with an icy tone.
"Shikamaru will be joining us. He will escort the dignitary and the sand-nin back to Sunagakure for a visit with Temari. Shino will also be part of our team. Should you opt out, Ino, with her adequate medical skills, would be your replacement," Kakashi revealed, fully aware that Sakura wouldn't appreciate the idea of Ino stepping in for her.
INO! Replace me? NEVER! Inner Sakura's fury raged within.
"I will take the mission," Sakura responded, her voice dripping with frostiness. "Now get the hell out of my room!" she yelled, hurling another pillow in their direction.
With a nod of acknowledgement, Kotetsu made his way towards the Hokage's tower, leaving Sakura alone in her room. Sakura blew a stray hair out of her face and let the sheets slip from her grasp. She got out of bed and headed towards the open bathroom door, quickly taking a refreshing shower. Afterwards, she packed her belongings and carefully read through the mission scroll.
As Kakashi had previously explained, this was a straightforward escort mission for a Kusa official traveling through the various allied villages. Their route would take them through parts of Ame and Ishi, as there had been reports of Akatsuki sightings on the border between Konoha and Tani, the River Country situated between Konoha and Suna. By opting for the northern path, they hoped to minimize the chancesof encountering the Akatsuki. Nevertheless, due to the potential threat, the mission had been elevated to a higher level, requiring shinobi of at least Jōnin rank.
Grasping the mission scroll and slinging her pack over her shoulder, Sakura made her way to the designated meeting place. There, she found Shino and Shikamaru patiently waiting alongside the Kusa dignitary at the entrance of the town, clearly anticipating the arrival of both Sakura and Kakashi. However, knowing Kakashi's notorious sense of punctuality all too well, Sakura had come prepared with a book.
Two hours later, Kakashi finally appeared, looking at the others with a sheepish expression as he rubbed the back of his head. "Sorry I'm late," he offered with a nonchalant shrug. "There was this elderly lady who needed assistance carrying her groceries across the street and rescuing her granddaughter's kitten from a tree." He grinned beneath his mask.
"Liar!" Sakura growled in frustration, unleashing her pent-up annoyance by whacking Kakashi upside the head with her book. She couldn't help but feel irritated that he had made her wait for so long, especially after he was the one who had rudely awakened her earlier that morning.
As the group finally set off, passing through the village gates, Sakura couldn't help but entertain the thought that perhaps this mission could turn out to be a somewhat enjoyable week-long getaway. The air was crisp and carried the scent of blooming flowers, and the sound of birdsong filled the surroundings. It was a stark contrast to the confined walls of her room and the frustrations that had plagued her earlier.
The journey commenced with Shino leading the way, his silent presence and calm demeanor providing a sense of stability. Shikamaru walked beside Sakura, his lazy expression betraying his intelligence and strategic mind. Sakura appreciated their company, finding solace in their reliability and the shared purpose of the mission. She felt a glimmer of excitement as they ventured into unfamiliar territory, ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead.
