Chapter Four: Silver Bangles
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The month before the Time Travel…
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Sakura had spent the morning at the bank, making a sizable withdrawal with the unusual request that the money must be fifteen to twenty years old. The bills weren't crisp like the new money, but eventually she felt the sum would be sufficient for her mission. Forging her documents had been more challenging. That night was the monthly Team Seven dinner, so she needed to make sure they didn't suspect anything was amiss. It had been three months since the incident with the moon. She'd learned that Sasuke had come home for a few moments — long enough to destroy the debris that threatened to destroy their village. He'd used the chidori that Kakashi had taught him, but could no longer use without a Sharingan.
It must have really upset Kakashi Sensei that it was his jutsu that saved them, but he'd been unable to do it himself. He didn't act like it bothered him, he was always so stoic. And while she'd opened up the mental health clinic, he'd never utilized the resource that he helped her champion.
When her birthday came and went the week before, she analyzed her life and felt she was treading water. Sasuke didn't sent word, his little forehead poke and vague promise to return was hardly reassuring. He didn't return her feelings— fine. That didn't mean she didn't care about him and so many others in her life that had been so deeply scarred by war and battle.
Sakura became obsessed with finding the time artifact. She'd served her purpose here, maybe she could find a greater purpose. Her friends wouldn't miss her if she made everything better. And really, she just needed to find and convince two people. One — the man she trusted the most. And second, a man she barely knew— in fact her main exposure to him had been from a parallel universe.
"Sakura-chan! You're late!" Naruto called out. He was sitting at a corner table at the ramen shop, Sai and Kakashi flanking his sides.
"Wow, if Kakashi Sensei is already here, I guess I am really late," Sakura answered, a wan smile on her face as she joined them.
"I went ahead and ordered for you," Kakashi said quietly, gesturing to the bowl next to him. "I kept it warm. It's still good."
Sakura was a creature of habit, but it still felt nice that someone had paid attention enough to order her preferred dish. "Thank you." She slid into the booth next to her Team leader and could feel her cheeks blush at the attention. "Sorry for being late, I had to take care of some things."
"I checked the schedule at the hospital," Sai commented. "You've been off for several hours, Sakura. You need to be more considerate."
"Yeah, I'll work on that." Sakura could still feel the steam waifing off the ramen. She'd need to ask what sort of jutsu Kakashi used to keep the food warm. It would be a useful trick for heating up left-overs. "How is everyone?"
"Happy birthday, Sakura!" Naruto said, grinning widely. He slid an opaque aquamarine vase towards her full of pink roses. "That's from me and Hinata."
"Thank you, Naruto." Sakura traced her fingertips over the soft petals. "That's very kind."
Sai pushed a book towards her. "Ino helped me with this. I've included illustrations of some of our Team Seven adventures," he explained. "That way, whenever you get lonely because everyone else is pairing up and you're still waiting for that murderous bastard, you can look back and remember better days!"
Sakura felt her eye twitch. "Thanks," she grit out. She felt a hand on her thigh, gently patting and realized Kakashi was looking at her with a sympathetic smile. "And thanks for dinner, Kakashi." The bowl of ramen must have been his present. "I really didn't expect you guys to get me anything. I really appreciate your thoughtfulness. I sort of thought you had forgotten. It was last week after all."
"We are all very keenly aware of when you birthday is, Sakura." Kakashi set a silver box in front of her. "This is from me."
"Oh," Sakura looked between the elegantly wrapped present and the mysterious man on her right. "Thank you."
Kakashi arched a silvery eyebrow. "Maybe you should see what it is, before you thank me."
"It's the thought that counts." Sakura tore off the paper and then removed the plain white lid to reveal a pair of silver bangles. She picked them up, appreciating the balance and the intricate fine design engraved within the silver. "Wow!" She could feel her eyes well up in appreciation. "They're really beautiful." She slipped them on her wrists and enjoyed the feel— they were lightweight.
"I'm glad you like them. They were my mother's," Kakashi explained.
Sakura turned towards him sharply. "Oh no, Kakashi, I cannot accept these — they are too precious! You must save them for someone—-."
"Someone I care about?" Kakashi asked. "They're yours, Sakura." He gestured at the three of them sitting at the table with her. "We all care about you. Please, do not forget that."
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OoO
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In the Past
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Sakura stared at the ceiling in her bedroom. The apartment didn't feel like her. None of her carefully collected art or furniture adorned the space, there was no antique china set passed down from her grandmother, no framed photo of Team Seven on her dresser, no house plant from Ino. It was a small one bedroom, one bath with a tiny kitchenette and an even smaller den. There was no balcony and the only window faced another building. She had exactly six outfits in her closet — two of which were sexy dresses that she couldn't just wear casually.
She was in a state of limbo. If she wandered around the village, there was a good chance she'd run into her younger self or her parents. Visiting Naruto had been foolish, but she couldn't resist the opportunity to bring just a tiny bit of joy to that sweet whiskered face.
Shisui hadn't come by — he knew where she lived and he was supposed to give back her kerchief. Though, he was busy — he had a job and was part of a noble clan. However, he was the only friend she'd made so far, but he surely had a lot of friends.
And most upsetting, she still hadn't seen Kakashi. She knew where his apartment was and his family home. And of course, she knew where the Memorial was— but he hadn't been at any of those places and she'd been in the past for five days now. Should she just go back home? Nothing would change if she left now. The ripples in the time stream would be small and inconsequential. She could just focus on the mental health clinics and helping her friends move forward and preventing the same tragedies from happening to other kids.
But, she wanted to save her friends from those tragedies.
Would they still be her friends when she returned? Would she still train after Master Tsunade? Would she still have Kakashi as her Sensei? Would she still even be friends with Naruto and Sasuke?
It took a minute to realize she was crying.
Angry with herself, she tossed aside the covers and walked over to the bathroom to wash her face. She was a kunoichi of the Leaf. You worked in the shadows for the betterment of others. It was never for your glory or benefit, but that of the village. She knew that lives would be saved if the Uchiha clan hadn't been destroyed. She found the ancient artifact that made time travel possible— if she wasn't supposed to change the past, then she wouldn't have found it.
There was a brisk knock on her door, followed by a playful series of raps.
Sakura looked through the peep hole and saw none other than Shisui and Itachi Uchiha. The older boy waved her white kerchief — perhaps a sign that they came in peace? She was only wearing her pajamas - a simple pale green statin pair of shorts and a crop top. It might not be a bad idea to answer the door to a bunch of teenage boys she was trying to win over.
She opened the door partway and smiled at the pair. "Good morning. I wasn't expecting company."
The older teen grinned widely and covered Itachi's eyes with his hands, much to the annoyance of the latter. "Ah, Sakura-chan! It's a pleasure to see you — you'll have to excuse my cousin, he's got virgin eyes so I don't want to get him too excited. Might we come in?"
"Sure, I'll just leave the door open while I go get dressed. Make yourselves comfortable." She sashayed towards her bedroom, feeling Shisui's eyes watching her before she closed the door and put on one of the simple outfits she brought. She did without her usual red and white color scheme and knowing the Uchiha tended towards dark blue, picked a pair of black pants and a green button up sleeveless shirt. It reminded her of her war uniform, though that flak jacket had been lost on another planet when Sasuke did a substitution jutsu with it when she found him— saving him from certain death on a wasteland planet. And here she was again, traveling through time and space to try and give him a better life. Hopefully, he'd appreciate it, but if it went well, he'd never knew it happened.
The Uchiha cousins had made themselves comfortable at the bar of her kitchenette, each claiming one of the two stools. "Would you like some tea?" Sakura asked, before she slammed her palm against her forehead. "Never mind. That's a habit. I don't have any tea cups or even a kettle yet."
"What? Well, we should go fix that," Shisui suggested. "You'll need some souvenirs for when you return home— genuine tea pot from Konoha!"
"You saw past our Genjutsu at the door. Who are you really? What did you do to Shisui's father?" Itachi demanded, no preamble.
"What do you mean about Shisui's father?" Sakura asked, she stared back with a guileless expression. "He was sleeping when I saw him — is he okay?" She turned her gaze back to Shisui and his earlier merriment was now absent on his serious face.
"There's no point in lying to an Uchiha, Sakura — if that's your name," Itachi continued.
"Bah, you haven't even activated your Mangeko Sharingan," Sakura muttered. She drummed her fingers over the counter.
"How do you know that name?" Itachi asked. "That term is a clan secret." He turned towards Shisui. "I told you she wasn't a tourist!"
"Sakura, we wore a Genjutsu into this building. It would be pretty suspicious if two Uchiha teens walked into the apartment of someone new to town. Everyone else thinks a couple of young women came up to visit you," Shisui explained. He set the kerchief on the counter and folded it neatly into the shape of a swan.
"I will tell you everything — later. Trust me, you can't handle it right now — it wouldn't make sense. But, I can tell you this — I study medicine. And Shisui, your father's condition should have been treated years ago. It wasn't even that complicated, but I did use an ability that only a few medics have access," Sakura explained. "After hearing what your life was like, I knew I could help."
"So you're a kunoichi," Shisui said. "A medical ninja to be precise." He sighed. "Unfortunately, Uchiha are only allowed to use Uchiha medics and we aren't especially known to be skilled in that area."
"Konoha refused to treat its own citizens?" Sakura gasped in shock. "That's unethical!"
Shisui grimaced. "Not so much Konoha, but our clan's rules. There is paranoia about our eyes you see." He tapped his cheek, just under his eye.
There was a lull in conversation during which Itachi set a dark blue lacquer box on the counter, he opened the lid to reveal cinnamon rolls with thick white icing. "My mother made cinnamon rolls. My brother hates sweets, but Shisui said you liked them."
"You brought me breakfast?" Sakura asked, surprised. "Th-thank you."
"It's rude to visit unannounced without offering a small gift," Itachi explained, avoiding her eyes and looking petulant. Sakura smiled. He had such good manners and was annoyed that he couldn't ignore them. What an unusual trait in the notorious Itachi Uchiha!
Shisui took a roll and bit into it. "Hm, tell Aunt Mikoto they are as delicious as usual." He gestured for Sakura to do the same. And she did so, enjoying the sweetness of the flavor. Shisui sat back and his gaze drifted towards the single window. "So you're a Slug Sage, like Lord Hashirama."
"What? The First Hokage was a Slug Sage?" Sakura had never heard that. "I mean— why would you thinkI'm a Slug Sage?"
"The First was also a Sun Sage. He was a talented man," Shisui said. He looked back at her and smiled faintly. "My father saw the slug that healed him. Thank you, Sakura-chan. You tell me when you're ready. I owe you."
"Okay, how old are you, Shisui?" Sakura asked. "And how old do you have to be to visit the ninja bars?"
"I"m eighteen, and you have to be eighteen," Shisui said. "Are you wanting to give that little red dress a try?" He grinned. "I'd be happy to escort you."
"Why are you wearing a Genjutsu, Sakura?" Itachi asked.
"You can see past it?" Sakura asked.
Itachi nodded.
She glanced at Shisui. "And you?"
Shisui grinned. "The red dress goes really well with your pink hair. Though, being a Sage that does explain the seal on your forehead."
"I thought I was better at Genjutsu," Sakura muttered.
"You are very good, you saw past our Genjutsus at the door. But we are the best in the village at sussing out Genjutsus," Itachi explained. "Now, why don't you explain why you look like Sasuke's little school-mate by the same name, Sakura?"
"Shit? Really?" Shisui asked. "Holy fuck! Are you from the fucking future, Sakura?"
"Don't you remember the little girl Sasuke sat beside when we picked him up? He couldn't look at her directly — the one he has a crush on?" Itachi asked Shisui, but keeping his eyes on Sakura. "I'm a genius, Sakura. I'd like you to explain it to me now."
"I—-traveled back in time to prevent something really bad from happening — something that really fucks with Sasuke," Sakura explained. "And you have terrible language, Shisui!"
"You broke the laws of physics because of Sasuke? And your language is just as bad, sister!" Shisui rubbed the back of his neck. "Well, shit. No one has ever time traveled for me. Your little brother must be quite the Casanova, Itachi!"
"But I did time travel for you — for both of you," Sakura explained. She pointed at Shisui. "You're attacked and you kill yourself to keep your eyes from being used against your clan and to keep your body from being resurrected and used as a puppet in the Edo-Tensei."
"That technique is impossible," Itachi reasoned. "But, you shouldn't even know about it— so maybe it is possible."
"It's not impossible, it's forbidden. It wouldn't be forbidden if it wasn't possible," Sakura pointed out. "And you are blackmailed, Itachi— forced to do such an atrocious act and then forced to leave the village and join the terrorist group Akatsuki as a double agent." She held her hands over her mouth. "What the hell? I didn't intend to tell you any of that."
"Sorry, that's my speciality," Shisui said, his voice didn't sound particularly apologetic. "I have a gift where I can make anyone do what I want." He grinned. "It makes me a very effective spy."
"Though, you're not being straight forward," Itachi pointed out. "I do not care for games. Tell me more clearly — who are you and what is your objective?"
"You know exactly who I am," Sakura retorted. "And my objective is to keep the Uchiha clan from being massacred and also to keep them from waging a coup against Konoha."
The cousins exchanged looks. "That actually tracks," Shisui said carefully. "And how does going to a ninja bar help?"
"I need Kakashi Hatake," Sakura answered.
Itachi started to laugh.
"Oh boy," Shisui added. "What do you need the Copy Ninja for? He'll eat you alive — I'll tell you that right now."
"Look, I don't really know either one of you," Sakura explained. "You died in my timeline," she said pointing at Shisui. "And you," she pointed at Itachi, "were a terrorist and I spent most of my life being afraid of you. Well, except the time I ended up in an alternate dimension — there you protected me and seemed pretty nice." She started to pace and picked at her bottom lip at the same time. "Kakashi was /is/will be my team leader. I trust no one more than I trust him."
"Okay, well, trust me on this, you do not want to involve Kakashi Hatake. He doesn't take chances," Shisui explained. "Look, I can tell you that we've already been looking into the conflicting objectives between the Leaf and the Uchiha clan." He reached up and scratched at his scalp, messing his already unruly dark hair. "Just who are you — in your time?"
"I am one of the three Neo-Sannin, Apprentice of the Fifth Hokage, and the best medical kunoichi in the last ten thousand years since chakra was introduced to the world," Sakura explained, feeling her confidence grow as she listed her accolades. "I know about the alien race the Otsutsuki that brought chakra to our world and with the other Neo-Sannin and Kakashi Hatake — saved the fucking world from a goddess. That's who I am."
"Who are the other two?" Itachi asked quietly. "Neo-Sannin."
"Sasuke Uchiha and Naruto Uzumaki," Sakura answered.
"It's possible, if you change the fate of my clan, you could erase those impressive accolades you just listed," Itachi pointed out. "Are you willing to risk losing the glory you have achieved? What if you endanger the world by changing this fate?"
Sakura clenched her fists at her sides. "I see the pain in my friends' eyes, in my patients' eyes. The emotional scars that make them unable to form normal bonds. The way death haunts their every day lives. And if you two are around, I'm sure you'll be smart enough to save the world."
"Wait," Shisui interrupted. He pointed towards the silver bangles on her wrists. "Where did you get those? I didn't notice them the other day."
"Oh," Sakura reflexively rubbed her arms, touching the silver bangles in the process. "They were a gift from Kakashi in my time— they used to belong to his mother."
Shisui was quiet for a long time. "He's really far gone, Sakura. I don't know what your Kakashi was like — but I seriously doubt he is anything like our Kakashi. The fact that he gave you those — you must be precious to him. What did he think of you coming back in time like this?"
Sakura stared down at her nails. "He tried to stop me."
"Well if I'm dead in your time, it really doesn't matter to me, but I'm going to say I support this team up. You gave my father life again, Sakura. I'll help you, besides I'll be helping myself it sounds like," Shisui said. "Itachi?"
"Your noble intentions are respectable. I believe I understand. I too will do anything for Sasuke — even this strange situation," Itachi said. "I do not know if you'll be able to return to your time though. If you are changing things — your time will no longer exist."
Sakura smiled at him sadly. "Who's to say I survive?"
"Oh! So melancholy!" Shisui complained. "Alright, so you want to go bar hopping tonight? We have clan stuff, but I can probably check out a few with you before hand. And you go ahead and keep up the Genjutsu —- the only people capable of seeing past it are us two, and well, Kakashi."
"You have to be especially careful, Shisui," Sakura explained.
"Why especially? I'm a ninja, I'm always careful," Shisui joked.
"I don't understand all the powers of the Sharingan," Sakura said. "But, Danzo covets whatever your power is. He targets you. He took the eye of your grandfather — wears a bandage over his right eye. I only know this because Orochimaru did the surgery before he defected. Sasuke found the journal detailing this. Depending on how good the transplant was, it could be that it has failed and he's looking for a replacement."
"He was really pissed about Kakashi getting Obito's eye," Itachi pointed out. "Though, so were several of the clansman. Dad really put his foot down, said they needed to respect Obito's last wishes." He sighed and then picked up another cinnamon roll. "Sakura, may I have some water?"
"Oh! Yes!" Sakura had bought exactly four glasses when she had gone shopping. She poured her guests water from the tap and and also herself. She noticed Itachi's gaze on her bangles.
"May I borrow one of those bangles? I understand they are special, but my mother has a great talent at metallurgy. She can analyze them." Itachi met her gaze. "If they are a family heirloom of the Hatake, they might help you convince Kakashi."
"I don't know," Sakura clutched them protectively.
"Borrow, Sakura. I will bring them back later today even." Itachi removed his necklace with the three black rings. "I can leave you this until I return your bangle. This necklace is precious to me, but that way you can trust I will return them."
"You can keep your necklace, Itachi. If you're trusting me, I need to trust you." Sakura took the bracelet off her left wrist and set it on the counter.
Itachi pocketed the bangle and nodded. "What is to stop your friends from traveling back? The device you used — what are its limitations?"
"I don't really know all the limitations, so I came here knowing this could be a one-way trip. But, from what I was able to find out, it will take at least two weeks before someone can use it to travel back or forward in time," Sakura explained.
"So your friends might in theory come back here to stop you," Itachi reasoned. "I don't know if we will be able to completely avert the disaster you are trying to prevent, but maybe we can minimize it."
"Your entire clan — save Sasuke — is killed. By you," Sakura explained. She held her forehead and glared at Shisui.
He shrugged. "Sorry, but it sounds like we have only a week for certain before one of your friends might interfere with the timeline more. I'm not quite a genius like Itachi here, but even I can imagine the ramifications could be dire. And frankly Sakura, I would like to at least try to help you return home."
Sakura could feel her eyes well up with tears. She didn't know what to expect with her time traveling, change the fate of the Uchiha clan adventure, but she couldn't have asked for better allies. "If we can pull this off…."
"No promises," Itachi said, his expression grim. "But at least we know Shisui needs to be more careful around Shimura. I had my suspicions about his right eye already. Given that Shisui has inherited the same special ocular trait that his grandfather had, it would make sense that Danzo would target him." He stood. "I will see what my mother can say about the bangle. I'll return it before you go out this evening."
"See you later, cousin," Shisui said, reaching for another cinnamon roll. "Tell Aunt Mikoto I'll bring home the box."
"You're not going?" Sakura asked.
"Nope, you get to spend all day with me, Sakura-chan! I will need to make sure you don't screw up the timeline too much. And maybe keep Kakashi from killing you. He's pragmatic. If you're endangering the time-space continuum he'll probably stop you. I can probably visit at least two bars with you, but then I'll have clan stuff starting around nine."
Sakura handed him a napkin and he wiped off his hands. "Would you like to help me pick out a teapot?"
"Of course! I have so much money right now, it's burning a hole in my pocket." Shisui folded the used napkin into the shape of a whale. "And when you pop back to the future, I'll hide it at my place and you can get it later - it will be vintage by then, right?"
Sakura stared at the second origami figure on her counter. That was a really cool trick. Maybe he could teach her?
"You should stay away from the academy," Itachi suggested. "If you run into your younger self — who knows what would happen." He opened her window. "If you don't mind, I'll catch up to you two later." Then he jumped out the window and disappeared.
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OoO
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Itachi found his mother cleaning the kitchen when he returned home. She'd walked Sasuke to the academy that morning and his father was busy at the Police station. She glanced up at him in surprise.
She'd been one of the strongest kunoichi's in Konoha, a former teammate of the Fourth Hokage, and now she was a housewife wearing a blue and white polkadot apron with frills. It irritated Itachi that the Uchiha women were expected to be subservient to their husbands. If he married, he'd be sure to treat his future wife with more care.
"Hello, darling, this is a nice surprise. Is everything okay? Did your friend enjoy the cinnamon buns?" Mikoto asked as she finished wiping down the counter before she neatly folded up the towel.
"They were quite appreciated," Itachi assured her. He took out the silver bangle and held it out to his mother. "Do you think you can analyze this?"
"Sure. Where did you get this?" Mikoto asked, took the jewelry and gently ran a cursory exploratory chakra over the metal. She looked up sharply. "Do you know what this is?"
"It belongs to a friend," Itachi said. "And I brought it to you so you can tell me what it is."
"This belongs to the Hatake clan — it was forged long ago, passed down to the clan's matriarch. I recognize it because the First and Second Hokage — their mother used to wear this. It's in all the paintings of her." She held it up towards the window for better lighting. "The engraving is unique. How did your friend come to have this?"
"Mother, do not ask me questions when I am not at liberty to divulge. I do not wish to lie to you and your Sharingan cannot force me to answer your questions," Itachi answered.
"Sorry, old habits." Mikoto held the bangle back out towards her son. "I love you, Itachi. Be safe, my son."
"I always do my best, Mother." Itachi took the bracelet back and tucked it back into his pocket. Would his mother really be murdered — by him—-in a few weeks? "Do you, want to hang out?"
Mikoto frowned at him and reached for his forehead. "You're not sick are you? Eyes hurting? Coughing again?"
"No Mother, I'm well. I just thought it might be nice to spend some time together. I don't have any pressing work for the next few hours," Itachi said.
"That— would be nice." Mikoto smiled at her son. "I thought I might check on the garden."
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OoO
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It had been unexpectedly easy to reconnect with Asuma. Kakashi had run into him near one of the weapons' shop while the Hokage's son was smoking outside. He was having a new pair of trench knives forged by the blacksmith. Asuma was as easy-going as Kakashi remembered.
"Would you like one?" Asuma asked, holding out a cigarette.
"No thanks, their bad for your health," Kakashi chided.
"So is being a ninja, but we're still doing that," Asuma said with a chuckle. He tucked the unused cigarette into his pocket. "That's fine. I didn't actually want to share, I just thought it would give me a chance to see your face."
"Ah, I'm afraid I will have to remain a mystery," Kakashi answered.
Asuma shrugged. "You probably look just like your dad, hardly a mystery."
"Since he's been dead for fifteen years, I don't think many people would remember what he looked like," Kakashi pointed out, his voice flat.
"Right," Asuma agreed with a cringe. "Sorry, man. I wasn't thinking." He put out his cigarette. "Are you in town for long? I'd like to make up for being an insensitive jerk. Let me take you out tonight— get you drunk, help you find a cute a girl to take home."
"I have no use for a cute girl," Kakashi chided. "Give me a hot woman, maybe I'll consider it." He sat next to him on the bench and stared at the weapons shop— toying with the idea of getting a new set of kunai. "I am between assignments."
"Why don't you do some honest work today then? Use your muscles and not your blade," Asuma suggested. "I am working some construction on the East end of the village. That storm last week caused a large tree to crush some buildings. Your Earth chakra would come in real hand."
"Sounds good," Kakashi agreed. "And I'll even let you take me out to a bar without complaining — for at least an hour."
Asuma stood and crushed the remains of his cigarette to the ground, smothering the embers completely. "Great!"
"You better toss that bud, or else you'll get a fine from the police," Kakashi warned.
With a groan, Sarutobi leaned down picked up the cigarette. He tossed it into the rubbish bin. "Thanks for the reminder. My check was getting docked from all those fines."
"You could just quit smoking," Kakashi suggested.
"Nah, I wouldn't look nearly as cool," Asuma argued.
Hours later and after an honest, sweaty job, Kakashi was sitting in one of the bars with Asuma. Before that day, it had been at least two years since they last crossed paths. It was surprisingly easy to be around Sarutobi. Kakashi started to remember how fond he was of the Village prince, but had to remind himself he was on assignment. There was no room for friendship.
Genma Hayate also had joined them. Since he'd switched to guard duty for the Hokage, the two had become reacquainted. Kakashi wanted to ask him about Foxy — make sure she was coping okay. He knew a good sleep aid if the nightmares were too much, but he kept his silence. Sometimes it was better to just ignore the problems, put them in a neat box in the back of your mind
"Well, hello!" Asuma whistled under his breath. "I've not seen her before. How the heck did that guy meet someone like that?"
Kakashi followed his gaze. The woman walking in was accompanied by Shisui Uchiha. They were huddled in easy conversation, obviously comfortable with each other, though it didn't strike him as a romantic interest. The woman appeared perfectly ordinary with her average height, slight build, brown hair and brown eyes. Though she chose a corner booth, one with ample view for attacks. It mirrored his own seating preference. As if sensing his gaze, she looked across the space and for a moment, he thought those brown eyes flashed jade. She lifted her hand and did a little wave. Shisui then waved down a server and his view of her was blocked by the wait staff.
"She just waved," Genma said, clenching his senbon between his teeth and clucking. "That's brazen. She probably recognizes that we're sitting with the Prince of Konoha."
"Har- har," Asuma said, rolling his eyes at the old joke. "She'd be disappointed. I've only got eyes for that sweet little Kurenai."
Kakashi thought about uncovering his Sharingan, just to be sure, but decided that would tip her off if she was in fact a problem. That woman had stared right at him and saw him. He hadn't been looked at directly in a long time — it was unnerving. The waitress finished taking the distant table's order and left the view unobstructed.
"Isn't Kurenai a Chunin?" Kakashi asked, tearing his gaze away from the strange woman. "Just promoted at the last exams?"
"Well, we can't all graduate at five and become Chunin at six," Genma snapped irritated. They may have both been in Anbu, but their paths had differed getting there.
"So neither of you know that woman?" Kakashi asked. "I don't recognize her. She must be a shinobi, or she wouldn't be in a shinobi bar."
"Well, you don't really get out much," Asuma said, jabbing Kakashi in the ribs. "And if she came with Shisui — well — he's a shinobi. She could just be a pretty civilian he invited over."
His two friends — because he decided they were in fact his friends even if he pretended they weren't — fell into an easy conversation. Kakashi made the appropriate sounds to indicate he was listening, but he was focused on the not-so average woman across the bar. Something about her reminded him of Rin, but that wasn't right. A flash of metal caught his attention. He'd seen bracelets like that before — once. He resisted the urge to run home immediately to make sure they were still in his safe. There wasn't much Kakashi Hatake treasured — but his dead mother's bangles were certainly on that list.
"Hey? Are you okay? You look like you've seen a ghost," Genma said, his dark eyes narrowed. He followed Kakashi's gaze towards the woman. "Her again? Man, I've never seen you this interested. Why don't you go say hi?"
She wasn't looking towards them, her gaze seemed to switch between Shisui and on the window and the pedestrians on the street, but he thought she might be watching their reflection. He couldn't be sure. She hadn't interacted with anyone outside of friendly banter with the Uchiha prodigy and wait staff.
"Fine, if you won't, I will." Genma pushed away from the table and strolled confidently towards the brunette and Shisui. The pair turned towards him, sensing his approach.
Kakashi narrowed his eyes, not liking the easy smile that came on her face — it was practiced. He could tell that much. What he really didn't like was that Genma sat across the table from her to continue the conversation. Shisui folded his arms and leaned back causally, seeming to enjoy the other man's attempts to charm his date.
"Good, he's gone. I have got to tell you something weird that's going on," Asuma whispered, leaning in towards Kakashi. "You know how Dad has guards looking after the boy? Right? You-know-who's son?"
Kakashi nodded. Of course, he knew who the boy was — Minato's orphaned son. He'd been denied his request to visit the boy. It wasn't right having an infant raised by Anbu — the kid had no chance of a normal life. Kushina would have been especially pissed. And the Uchiha clan leader had even requested to adopt the boy, but the Third refused. Everyone else was too afraid of the Nine-Tails to consider caring for him. It was the first time Kakashi disrespected the Third's decision— the man was a coward who let himself be ruled by fear. Kakashi forced himself to listen to that man's son. Maybe Hiruzen used to be like Asuma— brave, caring, passionate.
"So someone snuck past the Anbu guard, emptied out the boys refrigerator and pantry of expired foods and replaced it with healthy, nutritional stuff. Like who would do that? Why?" Asuma asked. "I mean, it was nice, but Dad is freaked out that someone snuck past the security."
"That is very odd," Kakashi agreed.
"And the boy actually saw the intruder — a woman — he said it was a fairy that was friends with his mama!" Asuma whispered, his voice barely audible.
Kakashi was barely listening. His attention was on Genma who reached for the brunette's hand. She let him kiss her knuckles and she then smiled at him and the scene made Kakashi's stomach churn as his friend ambled back to them casually.
"Made a new friend?" Asuma asked.
Genma grinned around his senbon. "Indeed. Her name is Sakura — wouldn't tell me her clan name. She's visiting from down south — would't tell me what village — somewhere by the ocean."
"Your skills at gathering intel are astounding," Kakashi deadpanned.
"Oh hush you!" Genma plucked the senbon out of his mouth and set it across his plate. "She told me if I keep chewing on senbons that I'll develop arthritis in my jaw."
Kakashi chuckled, earning a glower from his friend. "Sorry, it's just, usually women fawn all over you."
"I know!" Genma leaned back and stared sullenly back towards Sakura and Shisui. "And Uchiha just sat there with that smug smirk of his. He said he met her on one of his missions months ago and that I didn't have a chance."
Shisui stood, leaving his companion at the table. The woman turned back towards the window.
"Look at that, he's coming over to rub it in your face," Asuma said with a grin. He lifted his hand in greeting to their fellow shinobi. "What's up, Uchiha?"
Shisui grinned, his hands stuffed in his pockets casually as he ambled towards them. "Just enjoying a night on the town, Sarutobi. Kakashi Hatake— I haven't seen you in ages! How did Asuma convince you to come to a bar?"
"Just came for the sights," Kakashi murmured. "Who's your friend?"
"Pretty, isn't she?" Shisui glanced at her briefly over his shoulder. "I don't suppose you guys would like to join us?"
"I thought Sakura had given me a pretty sound rejection," Genma complained.
"Oh, she's not interested in you, friend." Shisui smirked at him, then shifted his dark gaze onto Kakashi and Asuma. "Though, you two— you gotta come. I made it sound like we were really good friends. She's a couple years older than me and I'm trying to impress her."
"I'm sorry to disappoint you buddy, but she doesn't seem particularly interested in you either," Genma said, his tone sympathetic.
Shisui shrugged. "I'm probably doomed to an arranged marriage one day anyway." He looked back over his shoulder, but his female friend was still looking out the window. "My treat — I'll cover your drinks. I'm afraid she finds me boring and I would at least like to appreciate your company a little more. Please?"
"Well, okay," Asuma agreed. He grabbed hold of Kakashi's elbow and jerked the reluctant shinobi to his feet. "You too," he gestured for Genma. "Don't let your pride get in the way of free drinks!"
Shisui led them back to the table. Asuma and Genma took the seats across from the couple, leaving the seat on the bench next to the woman open for Kakashi. The bar was a little crowded and his knee brushed against her exposed leg— her little black dress rode up fairly high on her thighs. She was more toned than he initially thought.
"Oh, wow, hello gentlemen," Sakura greeted, smiling at them. Her gaze lingered on Kakashi and there was a flash of intense emotions in her eyes — shock, excitement, worry — and then she looked down at her glass, breaking the connection and took a long drink of wine.
"Shisui asked us to save you from his boring conversational skills," Asuma said, easily. "Welcome to The Hidden Leaf. I hear your home is near the ocean?"
Sakura nodded. "I like the forests," she said. "I miss seeing the giant trees of my youth and when Shisui and I met a few months ago, he suggested I come for a visit."
"There are forests by the ocean?" Kakashi asked skeptically.
"No. It's been a long time since I saw the forests— my grandparents were from this area." She took another drink from her wine. "They've been gone a long time now."
"It figures, you always have a way of getting people depressed, Kakashi," Genma grumbled.
Kakashi gestured to the pitcher of beer the waitress just set on their table with the empty glasses. "Puts you in the mood to drink free beer," he pointed out.
"How are you affording this, Uchiha? Did you get a raise of some sort or inherit some pot of gold from some rainbow?" Asuma asked. "You're always so stingy with your money — it's a little unusual."
Shisui rubbed his shoulder against Sakura's playfully, eliciting a small giggle. "Sakura and I got lucky at the nearby gambling hall. Made a small fortune — wore out our welcome, but filled our pockets nicely."
"My aunt was quite the gambler," Sakura explained. "She used to take me with her when she was supposed to be babysitting." She grinned ruefully. "You pick up on things."
"My aunt just cooks cinnamon rolls. I've watched plenty of times, but trust me, you don't want to eat anything I make!" Shisui laughed.
Kakashi knew he was staring. He could feel the woman's discomfort. But there was something he couldn't quite place, something nagging at the back of his mind.
"Doesn't wearing a mask make it hard to drink?" Sakura asked, turning towards him. She nervously toyed with the silver bangles on her wrists, under the table and Kakashi resisted the urge to seize them for a closer inspection.
"No," Kakashi answered. To prove his point he slid the glass just under his mask and carefully sipped. It had taken some practice, but he'd been doing it since he was four and his mother died. His father had said he was emotional — as if it was unreasonable for a four year old to grieve. So Kakashi started wearing a mask. And as he grew older, and the face that looked back at him in the mirror looked more and more like his father — he continued to wear the mask.
"I suppose it's our loss," Sakura said a faint smile on her lips as she looked back down to her empty glass.
"So what kind of work are you in, Sakura?" Asuma asked.
"She's a healer," Shisui answered before she could. "You have a headache? Sakura-chan is a whiz at mixing up just the right blend of herbal teas to take that pain right away." He started to laugh and hit his hand on the table. "Oh boy, you remember that time I got stung by the jellyfish on my leg and I asked you to pee on it? You said there were better ways to treat the sting."
"You asked a girl to pee on you?" Genma asked. "I mean, I'm not even brazen enough to ask for that."
"Well, technically urine is sterile," Sakura explained. "But using it on a jellyfish sting can actually trigger the release of more venom. Vinegar is the preferred solution — it's acidic nature neutralizes it."
"That sounds very scientific," Kakashi murmured.
Sakura angled herself towards him, her thigh pressed against his knee more fully. Her shyness seemed to melt away when she started talking medicine — he found that interesting. "The scar on your face — I can make you a salve that will help it fade. If you're interested."
"I—-," Kakashi clenched his hands over his thighs to keep from automatically touching the scar that bisected his left eye or his headband that hid his Sharingan. "No, thanks." When he clenched his right hand, his fingers brushed against the bangle on Sakura's arm. "That's a nice bracelet."
"Yes, it is," Sakura said, pulling her arm away. She shifted so that there was a slight space between them. "It's getting late, Shisui. I should head back."
"I'll walk you home," Shisui said, starting to get up. He pulled out several bills from his wallet — enough to cover the tab as well as a generous tip. They must have been very successful at gambling earlier. "I have to head home soon anyway, got that clan meeting."
"I can walk you home," Kakashi offered. Everyone at the table started back at him in shock. "I need to stretch my legs."
"Um, sure, thank you," Sakura said.
Shisui looked wary. "I'll see you tomorrow then, Sakura. Lunch at the Ramen place?"
"You bet," Sakura agreed.
Kakashi stood and then offered his hand, but she ignored it and stood fluidly while pulling her skirt down.
"Sorry, this dress is a little short. I appreciate the chivalrous effort though," Sakura said, smiling apologetically.
He shrugged. He didn't really care if she took his hand or not, he was just hoping to see the bangles a little better.
They walked side by side, the streets weren't crowded at this time of night. He let her lead and they walked in silence, but it didn't seem awkward. Kakashi finally identified the oddity that was tugging on his subconscious. "You smell like lilies and orange blossoms."
He caught the faint amused up curve of her lip before she could school her face. "I forgot to pack shampoo so had to pick up that blend from the local store."
Kakashi narrowed his eyes. That was a lie. Or at least, if Pakkun's difficulty in finding that particular shampoo was accurate, highly unlikely. He'd visited the flower shop earlier, but they didn't keep track of the individualized bouquets.
"Well, this is me," Sakura said gesturing towards an apartment complex known for short-term rentals. "Thank you for walking me, Hatake-san."
"You can call me Kakashi," he told her. Hatake-san had been his father. He sat on the bench across the street from her residence and spread his arms on either side of the backrest. "Genma said you were interested in me. Is that true?" He patted the bench invitingly.
"I —uh— your reputation precedes you," Sakura admitted. She sat down stiffly beside him. "And I suppose I have a soft spot for battered souls." She turned towards him and he thought he saw that flash of jade again. "You seem lonely, Kakashi."
He arched his silvery eyebrows. "And you're volunteering to ease my loneliness?"
She stared at him for a long time in silence, studying his face. "You're different than I imagined," she whispered, almost to herself. "Good night, Kakashi. Feel free to join me and Shisui tomorrow at Ichiraku Ramen. My treat if you come."
"You must have done really well at the gambling hall," Kakashi mused.
"Well enough." Sakura stood and bowed briefly at him. "Thanks again." Then she scampered off, retreating into the safety of her apartment building.
Kakashi waited until the door shut behind her before he pricked his finger and summoned one of his ninken— Shiba, a grey and white medium sized hound. "Keep an eye on the girl," Kakashi ordered. "There's something more to her than meets the eye."
Shiba gave an affirmative yip and then scampered off.
Kakashi leapt up onto the apartment building across the street. There were only three floors in her complex— Shiba would determine which room was hers. Though, as he watched a room on the third floor— its light switched on and he could see the silhouette of a female. Kakashi narrowed his eyes when he saw the curtains close abruptly. He didn't have to solve the mystery that night.
He passed by his own apartment and instead went to the old family home at the edge of the village— this would make two nights in a row. He didn't like visiting his ancestral home — too many ghosts. He went through the basement of the main house and opened the safe. Nestled inside were his mother's silver bangles. He stowed the safe back in its hiding place and rubbed his forehead. "Just a coincidence. Of course she didn't have mom's bangles."
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