"..." Normal chat.

ABC. Thought.


Chapter 22


Since when had these thorns appeared in my heart? They were the reason for these uneasy feelings, ugly thoughts that I had recently. And by feeding on my desperation and jealousy, it kept on growing days after days.

Instead of succumbing to bitterness and jealousy. I decided keep on loving him and being by his side. Hoping that someday he would realize my feelings and freed me from this painful thorn.

Without telling anyone, I tried to get rid of this thorn alone. Believing that the longer I stayed being ignorant, the sooner it would be gone since there's no longer negative thoughts to feed on.

It would, right?


"Why do I have to act close to her? Isn't that your job to begin with?"

"Another dead weight to the team."

"I don't trust her one bit."

It started quite roughly for you and him. And I did my best to keep you comfortable when living alone in Konoha. Despite the misunderstandings we had for each other from the start, you acknowledge my effort and appreciated it greatly. Soon we became friends.

"I will go get her. You stay here and finish the rest."

After going through that D-rank mission, your feelings toward each other started to change. Truly I was happy, seeing that we were be able to sort things out easily and acted like a team again.

"Don't get too carried away, I simply follow to find out what more of these things can possibly do."

Despite acting the most calm out of the team, I knew that he wanted to save you as much as Naruto did.

I was shocked when knowing that he was the only person to gain knowledge your strange power. And that you both had been hiding about it from us all this time. For who knew how long if it wasn't for that incident at the forest.

"But why? Aren't we suppose to be a team?!"

You couldn't answer my question.

"It was a secret. A life-threatening one."

So he said it in your stead. And just like that, our conversation ended.

During our Chuunin exam, your name was mentioned in our chats from time to time. Of how would our team turn out if the three of us became Chuunin after this while you wasn't. Whether you would be left behind, perhaps going to appointed into another Genin team due to different in rank.

It's obvious that Naruto hated for that to happen. And by the look on his face, he didn't seem to like the idea either.

Still, Naruto didn't want to put any pressure on you to be a Chuunin. Because he had promised from the start to support whatever choice you made.

"I will encourage her. Nina-chan definitely won't turn us down when we're being too sincere."

...Or so I said. Thinking that it was the easiest way for us to maintain our four-member team. By persuading you to join the next Chuunin exam. If you agreed and even passed, we would never be separated.

They were simply visions that I drew in order to satisfy our imaginations, yet I noticed his expression soften when thinking about it.

Was I doing the right thing?

Would it really matter? Because I knew that in the end, you would refuse our request. Insisting to remain as a Genin since you was weak and afraid of battles.

Exactly like how you had told me back then, right? Nina-chan?

And if you was to be appointed to another team. Would he be sad? Maybe a little. Though I was certain that he would soon forget and move on.

After Chuunin exam was over, thinking that he and I could have spent a day together to enjoy our little peace after countless stressful days we'd been through. I started searching, and finally found him coming out of a sweet shop carrying a box in his hand.

I had never seen him buying sweet for himself before. So what's the change of heart?

"It couldn't be for her, could it?"

Before I knew, I was already standing before him and blurted out my deepest doubt. Heart beating so fast that both of my ears feel like they were burning out of nervousness.

However he looked confused, his head slightly cocked to one side.

"What did you say?"

Turned out those words came out of my lips were so weak that they only sounded like a whisper.

"I..."

Despite not doing anything, I was still out of breath. No right words came out of my throat like how I wanted it to. Holding my hands up against my chest to hold back the pain. I prayed that none of this was real.

"...It's nothing."

Why couldn't I say anything at all? Was it because I was afraid to hear his answer?

"Ah, Sakura."

As if destined, we bumped into each other on way our home. After exchanging a couple words of greeting you held out a box of sweet to me, asking to join you for a cup of tea at your house.

It was the same box that Sasuke was carrying with him from earlier.

You didn't mention that it was from him, and you thought that there was no way I would have known since I wasn't around when he gave it to you.

Just what was her purpose? Did she go look for me just to boast about the sweet he gifted her? Or was she trying to mock me because I was not the one to receive his gift?

Jealousy easily won over me and I could no longer hide that ugly expression on my face. As I was about open my mouth and lash every mean word at you, another thought suddenly came into my mind.

What if she didn't realize what she did was hurtful?

If that was true then it would be even more messed up. And I would hate you even more.

"Later."

Holding back the urge to yell at your face, I walked off. Confused, you tried to follow my steps and called out my name. Ignoring everything, I held my breath and dashed away. Till no longer hearing your voice by my ears and collapsed on my knees.

The more seeing him opening up his heart to you, willingly and naturally. The bigger and nastier that thorn grew. To the point that it's too painful for me to subside it.

Why does it have to be her? A complete stranger that you've meet no more than three months.

He hates seeing you and Naruto being happy together, how you both fit in like a perfect picture. And the fact that you cared for Naruto more than him.

You are be the only one in my heart. My everything. What do I have do to make you look at me?

Saying what you had was a bond called friendship. But it wasn't that simple.

What does she have that I don't?

I tried not to hate you for being ignorant, but it looked like I couldn't last any longer.

"Why won't you say anything to me? Why are you always keeping quiet?"

Did he hate me for saying stupid things from the past? Or simply because I was not you?

"I love you with all my heart! I would do anything for you. So please, stay with me!"

I wasn't afraid of getting rejected, as long as he would change his mind and stayed by my side.

"You really are annoying."

Still, he ignored my plead and disappeared out of my sight. Gone out of my reach.

"Sasuke-kun... Please bring Sasuke-kun back! I beg of you!"

I couldn't care less if he chose you, as long as you used that advantage and brought him back to me. Surely he would agree to go with you, right? Because you showed that you actually cared for him.

"If it's you, I'm sure that Sasuke-kun will listen!"

As long as he returned safely, I would happily to accept whatever you threw at me. Pain, pity, heartbreaking or not I would take it all. So please, Nina-chan...


"I'm sorry but that's impossible."

It's too risky and will definitely affect this story progress, something that I will never allow to happen.

"Why?! Do you even care about him at all?!"

Not accepting my rejection, she shouts and cries even harder. No longer able to hear what I am trying to say over her sobs and unintelligible words.

Therefore I have to shout for her to listen.

"Can't you see, Sakura?! This is too dangerous! I may die if I go!"

Sakura's eyes wide open in shock and she finally looks at my face. Figure that I've gained her attention, I speak softly again so that only two of us can hear.

"Even if I die, nothing will change."

Perhaps having accepted the truth, she stops throwing fits and runs off into the village.

"Sakura-san!"

Lee's left speechless by the turn of event and tries to follow her. But doesn't have enough strength to. After knowing that I will leave to comfort Sakura, Lee nods. Looking somewhat sad.

On the other hand, seems to be satisfied by my practical answer, Shikamaru sighs in relief and continues walking away with the others.

Naruto's also concerned about his friends however, there is no time left for them to waste so he has to move along.

After searching around for a while, I find Sakura standing alone on a small bridge near the entrance. Despite hearing my calls, she keeps staring at the water below. Hasn't stopped crying.

"Are you alright?"

Standing next to her, I ask and Sakura shakes her head. Trying to hold back her tears but fails miserably. She's still trembling, red eyes and messy hair, bruises on her knees and palms. Perhaps due to a fall when running away.

"I'm sure everything will be fine."

Even if it's nothing but a false hope. Sakura still strongly believes in it. Because she has to.

...

..

Later The Recovery Team returns. With Neji suffering from severe injuries, Choji was left near-death from his use of Three Colored Pills. Kiba and Akamaru were also injured, but not life-threatening.

Kakashi's there with them, though he keeps most words to himself and soon disappears. Probably off to Obito's grave again to reflect on his past and regrets.

Then Ino comes to inform us about their returning in a hurry. Without knowing the result, of course Sakura's excited.

"Come on, let's go to the hospital!"

We follow Sakura toward to the hospital. When she's about to turn the doorknob on Naruto's room, Sakura overhears their conversation about what happened. And that cheerful smile quickly fades away.

In the end we have Tsunade lead us inside to greet them, and the moment seeing Sakura. Naruto apologizes to her. Then Sakura promises that they will find Sasuke together before leaving.

Everything happens like how it should be, however, there's something bothering me from the moment walking into the room.

Naruto's been averting my eyes and barely speaks to me.

Thinking that perhaps he's still tired and confused after the big fight with his best friend, I leave him alone for some rest. Hoping that things will turn back to normal eventually.

Or so I thought...

"Naruto, you have been avoiding me for a while now. What's going on?"

He looks away, again. What the hell?

Usually Naruto will just blurt everything out after a couple of nagging or so. Yet it's been days already and he hasn't cracked a single word.

"It's nothing."

"You are overthinking it."

These are always his to-go answers whenever I attempt to bring this matter up. And Naruto will try to change the topic as much as he can before drifting away.

"Fine, maybe I am."

Tired of having to deal with his excuses one after another. I admit that it's my fault and let thing slide. Even right now, when he's about to leave the village for two years and a half for training, Naruto's still acting stubborn and hiding stuff from me.

"Just promise me that you will stay safe, okay?"

"Alright. Take care."

We say our last goodbye and he turns around, leaving the village with Jiraiya. While I turn back into the village and begin my search for our teacher, Kakashi.

Because after today, or tomorrow. He's going to leave the village for his mission for god knows how long.

But why do I have to look for him? Well, for the past few weeks my progress of hitting every library within the village just to translate those Ninpo scrolls is zero. Mostly because it's too tough for a child like me, who doesn't have much experience in everything. Bonus with the fact that I'm not even that smart...

So I am desperate for a guidance and If I don't find him quickly. It's going to be over for me.

After a while I notice my target's hanging around near a tree in the park by himself. Enjoying his favorite book peacefully while lying under the shade.

"Kakashi-sensei!"

Right away I take a seat next to him and start talking non-stop. Despite the word displeasure is spreading all over his face, I'm certain that he still listens carefully.

Once I'm done speaking, Kakashi sighs.

"You do realize that I'm a busy man, right?"

Hearing so I gulp, trying to reason with him.

"Well... There aren't many high leveled Shinobi in Konoha that I'm close to except for my one and only supervisor. So..."

Therefore I promise him to not become a bother as I'm capable of self-study. As long as he deciphers those Ninpo scrolls for me. I will try to make it work, somehow.

"You don't have to watch me all the time, just come by to check whenever you're free. I won't run away and cause any trouble anymore. I swear!"

That desperate speech eventually earns me a reluctant nod. Finally!

"When are we going to start?"

"Now."

Kakashi closes his book and stands up, much to my surprise.

Wait, what? Really?

So now here we are, standing in the middle of a vacant spot near a forest, which is not too far away from Konoha (it takes hours to get here by foot) but nowhere close to civilization.

Despite being urged around by Kakashi to pack things up quickly and get moving right away, it's almost sunset when we arrive to our destination.

There's a stream nearby and plenty of food around. So I take that I'm going to stay here for the night, and probably for a good while too.

"Here are the scrolls that I've told you about."

I take out three scrolls from my backpack and hand them to him. Not wasting time, Kakashi removes the seals on green scroll and takes a quick scan at what's written in it before turning to me.

"Let's start with physical training first."

Kakashi states. and I'm dumbfounded. "Eh? why?"

"These things takes time. Therefore instead of laying around waiting, you should start finding a way to work around with what's available in you at the moment."

From what I can understand, what's available in me right now that needed some work with would be that risky power that I've been trying to hide.

Does that mean he wants me to try improving its usage?

By doing so also means that Kakashi will have more chances to observe clearly how it functions. Perhaps even understand it better than I do and ends up using that power against me.

Which is definitely not good for my life. But it's not like I have a choice here.

"Right. Let's do this."

I closely follow his instructions and start my training immediately.

The most notable flaw I can think of is that because my body is too weak to hold it properly. Therefore physical training should be sufficient for the first step, not to mention that it's the easiest training for me since it doesn't require much brain power.

"So..."

After a while he speaks up, yet not finishing his sentence or aiming it toward to anyone.

Confused, I repeat after him childishly and he frowns, more like in usual annoyance than angry. Though he doesn't answer right away and actually waits for me to slowly figure it out.

Let's see, what kind of thing do I have that Kakashi desire so much? is it Intel?

Of course, Kakashi wouldn't just agree to help me out of the blue like that. I was so absorbed with getting stronger that completely forgot about this stuff.

"Fair trade. Fine. What do you want to hear?"

I stop whatever I am doing and wait for him to think of right a question to ask.

"The invasion. Gaara's power and Sandaime's sacrifice. You knew it all beforehand, didn't you?"

And I nod, no point in hiding that now.

Kakashi frowned. Seems to be in deep thought before speaking up again. This time his voice sounds a bit broken, as if he doesn't want to believe in what he's about to say himself.

"You... possess knowledge of the future, do you?"


"I missed this place, it hasn't changed one bit!"

Standing on top of a pole, Naruto says proudly as he watches the scenery before his eyes. Once hearing Sakura and the Konohamaru's team are calling for him from below, he jumps down to greet them. Though their first impression toward each other after so long aren't going smoothly as they have expected it to be.

"Hey, Sakura-chan. Where is Nina-chan?"

After being beaten near-death for his childish prank, Naruto asks of her and Sakura drops him to the ground.

"I... don't know."

Sakura averts her eyes. Acting somewhat awkward. "To be honest I haven't seen or heard of her much ever since she left the village for her training."

"Really?! For training?! With who?"

Naruto gasps out loud once knowing Nina's left Konoha almost right after him, and the one to tutor her for these years is actually their one of a kind teacher, Kakashi.

"Uh huh. I was surprised at first too."

According to Sakura, Nina returned the village from time to time, mostly to restock the items that she needed and left the moment after that. It was definitely not an easy task to track her down since the time she picked to go home was random.

Sakura tried to follow her whenever she could, yet always losing sight of her as soon as she reached to the forest. In the end no one knew exactly where Nina went and what kind of thing she was training for.

"Then how do you know all of this, Sakura-chan?"

"Well you could say that it was luck."

Thanks for that one time she caught Nina walking out of her house in one early morning, when she's on her way home from Tsunade over night training. Then they had a chat at the river bank nearby, mostly because Sakura insisted them to, but she didn't remain long.

"Still, Nina-chan didn't reveal much about what she was doing either. All I knew was that the training was quite tough and she needed more time to prepare than she's suppose to."

And that was the last time she saw Nina, months before of her and Naruto reunion. It's way worse with Kakashi, since he was too busy with both work and training Nina at the same time to be even at home for her to find him.

"Seriously, these two and their ridiculous secrecy."

Though there was one thing for sure that Nina didn't participate in the last Chuunin exam. No one knew whether she didn't want to or simply forgot about it like Naruto did.

"Anyways, Naruto. Let's go to Godaime's office. I'm sure she's waiting for you there."