Chapter 20: The Springtime of Youth

Lee ran alongside Kiba and Akamaru. The fresh spring air filled them as they panted heavily. The warm breeze caused the tall green grass to bend in waves across the countryside. Curious cattle watched the youths pass by on their routine morning run. Honeybees visited the small wildflowers that sprouted alongside the old, paved road. The first official day of spring was a couple of weeks ago, and now it was time for the seniors of the school to enjoy their highly anticipated prom night.

The trio returned home to see Shino drinking some tea and preparing to do some gardening. Killer B grew quite large, offering Akamaru more of a challenge as the two would play fight. The news channel was playing.

"An update in the case of the former Lieutenant of Police, Obito Uchiha." The news anchor started. "Though we cannot release the name of one of his victims due to the victim's status as a minor in this case, data from the disgraced Lieutenant's cell phone has been investigated fully and the findings are quite disturbing. More charges are being added to his case, including –" Shino turned off the television.

"I was watching that, you dick." Kiba complained.

"Go read about it instead. It's better for you." Shino said. "Besides, I have a new bee colony to attend to." He said as he adorned a straw sun hat.

"Whatever, Luffy." Kiba said sarcastically as he rolled his eyes.

"At least the journalists stopped coming to our house looking for Lee. You were quite the celebrity for a time." Kiba said to Lee as he sipped his water and reclined in the chair in front of the TV screen.

"Boy, am I glad Obito and Deidara are locked up and far from us." Lee said.

"Isn't it weird seeing Sasuke in school?" Kiba asked.

"A little." Lee said. "We have not spoken since that night. I hope I do not run into him again, to be frank." Lee explained.

"You're lucky to be alive after everything that happened. Let's hope the rest of this year is chill." Kiba said.

The last two months were eventful for the youths, to say the least. Obito, Itachi, and Kisame all survived their injuries. Itachi and Kisame were both out on bond, leaving Obito and Deidara to be locked away in jail, still awaiting their trials. Although Deidara was facing some serious charges still, most people held the opinion that the youth be shown some mercy as more disturbing details of his toxic relationship with Obito emerged. The Akatsuki had disbanded as a result of the incident. Other members fled while others decided to keep a low profile.

The embarrassment of such a scandal involving the Uchiha family caused Fugaku, the police chief, to step down from his position. Shisui remained in the force, now more dedicated than ever to doing good in his community and working hard to atone for his past wrongdoings. Fugaku's departure from his role however was a blessing to Sasuke's household which benefitted from his presence.

Fugaku blamed his absenteeism for Sasuke's addiction. Rather than disown his son, he ensured Sasuke got the help he desperately needed and chose to support Sasuke through college despite his poor actions. Though he was disappointed in Itachi, he did not forsake him either. The family seemed interested in moving and started fresh once all the legal matters were settled.


Lee approached Sakura's front door, wearing a gorgeous black suit with a green tie. He held a bouquet for Sakura and a corsage. His heart pounded as her mother answered the door.

"Lee! You look so handsome." Mrs. Haruno said.

"Thank you." Lee smiled and bowed.

"Please, come in! Sakura is almost ready." Mrs. Haruno said.

Lee stepped in and was greeted by her father. The three of them stood at the bottom of the stairs, watching as Sakura appeared at the top of the stairs. She looked so beautiful in her blush-pink prom dress. She smiled as she held a boutonnière she chose for Lee. Her mother was busy snapping photos of her daughter on her phone.

Lee smiled, tears forming in his eyes as she stepped down the stairs. He knew at this moment that this was going to be a memory he cherished forever. Sakura pinned the boutonniere onto his suit by his pocket. She kissed him lovingly as he closed his eyes, tears rolling down his face.

Sakura smiled as she looked at him. He rubbed his eyes with his sleeve, sniffling to clear up his congested nose as he regained his stiff posture. He smiled as he held his hand out for Sakura to take. Sakura took his hand, and he firmly clasped his around hers. They were silent as they gazed into each other's eyes. Lee was at a loss for words at her loveliness. Mrs. Haruno's face was covered in her tears at the sight.

"You two are so perfect together." Mrs. Haruno said.

"Thanks." Lee said bashfully.

"I think so too." Sakura said as she smiled.

"You kids better get going, it's getting late." Mr. Haruno said. "Lee, just don't bring her back too late, alright?"

Mrs. Haruno narrowed her eyes as she glared at her husband. He frowned and breathed an exasperated sigh.

"I know, I know…" The older man said as he looked back at Lee and Sakura. "You two have fun at the disco, and don't stop 'til you get enough." he said as he smiled.

"We're leaving." Sakura said coldly in response to her father's joke as she pulled Lee toward the front door.

"Bye!" Lee shouted as he was whisked away.

Sometime later, Sakura and Lee arrived at the prom. The venue was quite large and beautiful, located at a hotel closer to the city limits. The main ballroom was packed with fellow students dressed in formal attire. Some bopped to the music while others stood in groups chatting. Sakura saw Naruto with Hinata. Hinata filled in her dress quite well, despite being a year younger than Sakura. Sakura felt a tinge of envy, but she remembered how Lee loved her body the way it was.

"Sakura! Lee!" a familiar voice called.

"Ino!" Sakura said as she ran up to her friend, hugging her.

"You look amazing!" Ino said.

"So do you. I always said purple was your color." Sakura said.

Sai smiled as he and Lee watched the girls talk. He turned to look at Lee and Lee was filled with anxiety about what the strange guy would say.

"I don't mean to alarm you, but you should know that Sasuke is here." Sai said.

"No way…" Lee said as his eyes widened in surprise.

"I'll have your back if he tries anything." Sai said, smiling. "He came here with a date, so he's probably not going to bother you."

"What!? But with who?" Lee asked, puzzled.

"Some red-headed cheerleader." Sai said as he scratched his head uncomfortably. "I think she's batshit crazy, but they seem alright together."

Lee recalled a strange girl who was present during his first fight with the Uchiha. She was there in support of Sasuke. Lee's mind began to wonder where Neji and Tenten were.

"Well, thanks for the heads up." Lee smiled at Sai. "You are a good friend."

"No problem. I would do anything for you, baby boy." Sai said while winking.

Lee cringed as he was immediately uncomfortable, still unable to reconcile with Sai's strange mannerisms. Gaara suddenly appeared next to Sai. He wore an all-black suit with a burgundy-red bowtie. His usual wild hair was neatly combed and gelled.

"Gaara! You made it." Lee said as he smiled.

"Hello." Gaara said with a grin on his face.

"You look good in a suit." Sai said to Gaara.

"Thanks." Gaara said sheepishly.

"I'm happy for you, Lee. You and Sakura look great together." Gaara said.

"Who knows, maybe they'll be prom king and queen." Sai said.

"Oh, no way! I sure hope not." Lee said bashfully.

"Why not?" Gaara asked.

"Sakura has been through a lot this past year. The last thing she wants is more attention on her." Lee said. "I am sure in better circumstances, she would be quite happy, but I think it would be a relief for her if someone else had that honor."

"That makes sense." Sai said as the music started to get louder. "Well, I'll be close by if Sasuke tries anything." he said as he raised his voice, trying not to get drowned out by the disco music.

"Have fun!" Lee said to Sai as the athlete turned back to Ino.

"Enjoy." Gaara said as he smiled at Lee.

"Likewise." Lee said.

Lee watched as Gaara walked away, heading toward a corner where Shikamaru and Temari were sitting. He sat at a nearby table, keeping surveillance on the student and his sister. Kankuro was nearby, dancing clumsily with another student.

"Sorry about that." Sakura said as she returned to Lee's side. "We get carried away when we talk. Ino said she saw Sasuke."

"Sai told me about him, too." Lee said as he looked around, scanning their surroundings for the Uchiha.

"It's fine. Let's not let it ruin our night." Sakura said, trying to push away her anxiety.

"Right." Lee agreed. "How about a dance?" he said as he reached out his hand to her.

Sakura took his hand as the pair walked to the dance floor. It was jarring to hear the music that Obito had selected for the prom, but the beat of the music was lively and welcoming even to those who had two left feet. Sakura and Lee smiled as they danced under the large disco ball located in the center of the room. Colored LED laser lights struck the reflective surfaces of the spinning orb, lighting up the walls and floor.

"Rock Lee!" a booming voice called.

Lee and Sakura looked over in surprise. Lee's smile grew wider as he saw his beloved master and father. The man wore an outdated green suit that would have been popular attire during the 1970s. The orange collar of the shirt underneath his jacket was comically large and brightly patterned.

"Guy Sensei!" Lee squealed as he ran up to hug the man.

"Sakura, you look stunning!" Guy said as he approached her.

"Thanks." Sakura said, blushing.

She noticed a man with white hair approaching behind Guy. He donned a disposable mask and also wore an outdated navy-colored suit that appeared to glitter under the lights. He noticed Lee and Sakura.

"Bonsoir." The man said as he waved his hand.

"There you are!" Guy said as he pointed his finger at Kakashi. "My eternal rival!"

"Good grief." Kakashi said as he met gazes with Guy.

Guy had a fire in his eyes, the same type that Lee saw whenever the man was challenged to a duel in the karate studio. He knew something big was about to go down.

"I challenge you to a disco dance-off!" Guy dared.

"I guess I have no choice." Kakashi said as he stretched his back and cracked his knuckles, preparing his primarily sedentary body for the task.

The next song, "Canned Heat" by Jamiroquai played. Kakashi and Guy commanded the dance floor, causing the students to form a circle around them and watch the two dance. The two men danced heavily with their hips and hands to the rhythm of the music. Sakura felt some second-hand embarrassment for the men, but she had to admit she found their duel quite interesting as they displayed some more advanced moves.

Lee noticed Neji and Tenten in the crowd circling the two teachers. Tenten wore an amused smile as she watched the men dance and Neji looked completely embarrassed for them. Neji spotted Lee and smiled at him, waving his hand slightly. Tenten noticed Neji and searched the crowd before seeing Lee and Sakura. Her smile grew into a toothy grin and she waved at Lee and Sakura.

The song concluded as the two men finished the song off with a disco finger pointing toward the disco ball. The students applauded as they panted, exhausted from their efforts. It was decided from the cheering that Guy had his opponent, Kakashi beat.

"I knew you would win!" Lee shouted proudly.

"They were better than I expected." Sakura chuckled.

Guy and Kakashi exited the dance floor and made their way toward the refreshments. Guy limped as his left knee was hurting and Kakashi clutched his back as he walked. The students resumed dancing, this time, with more students on the dance floor than previously. It was the peak time for dancing.

Sakura and Lee danced, going through what felt like countless songs. For what seemed like outdated music, it was quite fun and well-paced. Sakura could imagine what it was like for the people decades ago to dance to these songs when they were new. Lee was smiling, enjoying dancing with his love as he skillfully danced. Sakura was thrilled to have a dancer partner as talented as Lee. She was filled with that same intoxicated feeling she had on homecoming night.

"Your attention, please!" a voice called over a speaker as the music was silenced.

Everyone turned to a stage that was located toward the end of the ballroom. Tsunade along with Kakashi stood on the stage. Two regal seats were positioned on the stage, set specifically for the prom king and queen.

"We are calling all who were selected in the court. Couples, please come to the stage as I call your names." Principal Tsunade said.

Five couples were called, including Naruto, Hinata, Neji, Tenten, Sai, Ino, Lee, Sakura, and Sasuke with Karin. Lee and Sakura appeared nervous standing beside Sasuke and Karin. Sakura kept her head forward, refusing to even look at the Uchiha.

"The king and queen of this year's prom is…" Kakashi spoke into the microphone. "Ino and Sai Yamanaka."

Sakura and Lee breathed a sigh of relief and clapped for the couple. Ino wore the biggest smile, extremely happy with the attention she was receiving. Sai smiled, happy to see Ino was so jovial at the news. They were crowned and they sat in their seats over the next song. Eventually, they made their way to the dance floor as the music turned slower. The king and queen swayed to the romantic, soft music.

Lee danced with Sakura, his eyes closed as they gently swayed together. Sakura breathed in his scent, his spicy cologne flooding her mind with memories and happiness. Lee had his hand on her waist and applied gentle pressure. Sakura smiled as her mind wandered with Lee in her thoughts.

Her thoughts were interrupted by the firm tapping on her bare shoulder. She glanced up as Lee stopped dancing, his grip around her growing firmer. He glared at the man across from him. Sakura turned her head, noticing Sasuke standing with his hands in his pockets.

"Relax." Sasuke said to them both.

Sakura turned to face him. Sai and Ino were nearby, watching closely. Sai scowled at the sight and Ino frowned, nervous to get involved but irritated enough to call Sasuke out.

"Mind if I cut in?" Sasuke asked. "I just need to talk."

"…" Lee was speechless as he continued glaring at the Uchiha.

"Fine." Sakura said to everyone's surprise.

Lee felt like a knife went through his heart. He relinquished his grip around Sakura reluctantly and continued to glare at the young man. His muscles tensed as he watched the two. Sasuke took her hand and swayed with her. Lee took a step back, feeling unbalanced and almost sick to his stomach at the sight, unable to hide his jealousy. Karin stood next to him as he watched Sakura and Sasuke talk.

"What is this about?" Sakura asked.

"I want to tell you that I'm sorry." Sasuke admitted. "I know, I have said that before so many times…"

"I wish you took our concerns seriously long ago." Sakura said.

"I was an idiot." Sasuke confessed. "You are completely right, I should have been a better person and worked hard instead of resorting to taking the easy way."

"I'm glad you understand that now." Sakura said. "But what about your brother, is he alright?"

"They removed the bullet. He's completely fine." Sasuke said. "I knew he was involved in some group, but I never thought it was a gang."

"That's a relief. I did hear your dad stepped down. How is he fairing?" Sakura asked.

"He's been bored having more free time, but it's been nice having him at home for a change." Sasuke said. "I haven't spent this much time with him in at least a whole decade."

That statement made Sakura feel sad. As much as her parents annoyed her, she was grateful they were both present during her childhood. Sakura wondered what became of Izumi and Shisui, but she was eager to go back to Lee.

"I'm relieved to hear you are alright but need to get back to Lee." Sakura said as she looked around for him.

"Right. Thanks, Sakura. I will see you around. Take care." The Uchiha said as he parted ways with Sakura, his sad smile evident on his face as he returned to Karin.

Sakura spotted Lee, who was watching Sasuke as he walked away. Lee turned to Sakura and smiled at her as she approached.

"Sorry about that. He just wanted to apologize." Sakura explained. "This time he meant it."

"He has been through a lot. I am glad he is healing from his experiences." Lee said as his anger dissipated.

"Let's get back to it." Sakura said as she smiled. "One more dance, please."

"Gladly." Lee replied happily.

The pair resumed their slow dance. Sakura relaxed knowing that Sasuke was no longer a concern to her and Lee. Lee was happy to share this night with Sakura, feeling as if he was having a pleasant dream that became real. He had no idea last year that he would ever get this far with the love of his life, but he was pleased his courage and perseverance paid off.

"I love you, Lee." Sakura said into his ear as they danced.

"I love you too, Sakura." Lee replied.

The pair swayed together under the disco ball. It was a chaotic year in a chaotic existence, but right now, everything was right in their worlds. They danced on as the music slowly came to an end, concluding a night the pair would never forget.

The End

[A/N: Thanks for reading! This fic turned out much longer than I originally anticipated, but it was fun to write. I'm excited to write more shorter stories in the near future.]