#Kakashi's words made Sasuke truly doubtful

[team7-headquarter]

[prowlingz]

“WRONG PERSON”

(yandere?)Kakashi Hatake x Fem!Reader

when you accidentally send a raunchy text to your sensei instead of your fling..

-SMUTTTTTTTTTTT- (so 18+ please!)

After spending the whole day talking with Ino and Sakura about how much dick they get, you thought about the last time you got lucky.

By no means was it difficult to string a guy home from some random bar for you, but it wasn’t something you outright sought after.

“We’ll I’m saving myself for Sasuke!” Sakura says, sticking her tongue out at Ino.

“You’re still waiting on that loser? Give it up billboard brow, if he wants anyone - it’ll be me!” She smiles at Sakura.

“And besides, your names are too similar anyways. If it weren’t for his last name, you two could be siblings. Of course, you’d be the ugly one!” Ino says while holding her stomach laughing.

After some more banter, they look up at you. Curious about your “dickstory”, a play on the word “history”.

You smile and say “Well it’s not hard for me to find anyone, but it’s probably not as many people as you think”.

You knew you were attractive, guys told you almost everyday. You didn’t mind them though, as you aren’t a very lustful person, truly minding to yourself and taking pleasure when you want to.

Ino jumps into action “WHO, WHO? Do I know them!? Are they also ninja? How many? How old? How many at one time?!”.

The bombardment of questions makes you giggle. You never knew someone’s sex history could be such an appealing topic, as in your household you were taught that sex is taboo and only for people you truly love. You didn’t follow that rule for long, albeit.

“A few were from some random missions I went on. Not too ma-“ before you could finish your sentence, Sakura said

“Can we guess?”

“What do you mean, guess?” You were confused.

“She means, can we guess who you’ve slept with?” Ino asked with a huge grin.

You thought for a moment. The list isn’t that long, but the people on it are most definitely known to these two. Would it change how they saw them? You thought maybe it wouldn’t be right, as the people you did sleep with didn’t give their consent to their sexual history being stated.

“I’m not sure that’s the right thing to do” you say frowning a bit.

The two girls looked at each other, perplexed how that was a response anyone would give.

“Okay let us guess just THREE and you HAVE to tell us if you have!” They said almost synchronized.

You thought about it. You doubt they’d get all three wrong, but you weren’t going to be happy if they got all three right either. Fuck it. You’d been drinking a bit and the buzz was starting to hit you.

“Fine. Just three.” You said calmly and confidently.

They made the biggest shit faces grin ever and talked amongst themselves.

After about 3 minutes of whispers, giggles, “OMG”s and “no way!”s.. they finally had their three.

“Okay, our first one” Ino says.

You hold your breath. For some reason this is starting to just now hit you, but you don’t want to seem lame and back out now.

“Shikamaru!” They said in synchro.

You burst out in laughter.

“You-you had three minutes and came up with.. Shik-“ you cannot stop laughing.

“SHIKAMARU??” You said at the top of your lungs.

They looked at each other and smiled.

“We just needed a baseline of your standards. You know the guy has had it for you since that damn Genin exam!” Ino said in a fit of laughter.

“I always thought he was gay” you smiled while saying.

“Pshhh, probably is” Ino mocked.

You held your breath, yet again, knowing that their next guess was coming and would probably be correct.

“Okay our next guess is..”

“IRUKA!”

You thought about it. Did it really count as sex? I mean, you both came. He was the first guy that did make you cum.. You thought a bit more. The silence only making Ino and Sakura want to know.

“I mean..” you say, still in thought.

The girls look at each other with mouth wide open and smiling. An eruption of “OMG” and “I CAN’T BELIEVE IT”s came flooding out.

“I guess. It wasn’t really sex though” you were still lost in thought.

“What happened?? Tell us!!” Sakura said.

There wasn’t much to tell them, honestly. You were talking with him one day, friendly, and he invited you over to see his new set up. You went over and it was beautiful, leather sofa with a stunning cherry tree coffee table.

He wanted to show you his bedroom and kept apologizing on how weird he made the comment seem. But you made a sly comment back, something like “I wouldn’t mind if you led me to your bedroom more often”.

And that was really it. You just start kissing and got to his bed, and started touching one another. You could swear that you heard him say “I love you” under his breath as he came, but you were too focused on your own orgasm to care.

After cleaning up, you left.

You tried to explain this to the girls but they wanted more details.

You told them they were wasting their time and better get on with their third person before you just get up and leave.

They pouted.

“Okay,okay. Our third person is…”

“KAKASHI!” Biting their lip as they said it.

Kakashi? You and Sakura’s old sensei? Oh goodness no. You can’t even remember a time that you even slightly hinted at a flirt with Kakashi. Your relationship was very student-teacher respectively.

Now that you’ve grown into a woman with.. curves and breasts, though.. You do think about the even slight possibility of him using you. How his words would sound in the heat of the moment.. how his skin would feel touching you, gliding himself all around you..

You notice yourself trailing off, and not given the girls an answer.

“Hello? Earth to y/n” they say, waving their hands in front of your face.

“Sorry. No. Me and Kakashi never did anything of the sort, or.. even implied so” you said, shutting the girls down immediately.

“I swear that guy is a virg!! I’ve never seen him take any girls around!” Ino says to the both of you.

“Oh, no way. Kakashi is super attractive under his mask, he’s gotta! Or maybe he’s celibate? Hmm..” the two girls thought on it for a moment.

Thoughtful silence fills the air.

“Hey, I’d say you have a pretty good chance, y/n.” Ino says, breaking the silence.

“Yeah! You’re super pretty and if I’m being honest, I’ve caught him staring at you a few times since you’ve become a Jōnin” Sakura states.

You blush. Staring at you? No. You always recognize when men stare at you, even not out of lust. You’re a great ninja, and you would recognize someone staring. Maybe he was using chakra to hide his gaze? Why would he do that? No. Sakura must be mistaken.

All these thoughts ran through your head and you excused yourself as it was well past 2 am.

————————————————————————

Before you knew it, you were home.

You went into your bathroom, washed your face and brushed your teeth. Spitting out the toothpaste from your mouth, you look over at your phone. It buzzes, signaling someone messaged you.

Hayate.

You got excited for a moment, thinking it said “Hatake”. It’s become some sort of thing for you to put peoples contact as their last name. You remember the time you and Hayate shared together though.

The text he sent, though you could only see partial of it through the limited character amount given on the Home Screen, read:

“Hey, was just thinking of you and really think..”. That’s all you could unfortunately read before showing him that you’ve read the message.

After your conversation earlier with the girls, you realize you haven’t had sex in around 7 months.

Damn.

You open the message, now seeing its entirety.

“Hey, was just thinking of you and really think we should see each other again. I know I was just a fling to you but I miss you. Not just your body, but you. Your laugh and face. Everything” the message would’ve been sweet if he didn’t send his dick right after.

It wasn’t a bad dick, but why don’t these men know their dick angles?

It was a photo of himself from his point of view pulling his pants forward to show off his hairy, uncircumcised, hard, veiny cock. He was wearing blue underwear and had black sweat pants on.

Honestly, you probably would’ve ignored the message if you weren’t so horny yourself. “Fuck it. Hayate isn’t a bad looking guy and his dick is pretty satisfying” is all you thought to yourself. You snapped a pic you knew he’d like, it was your hands covering your tits, but still showing most of them off. He loved a bratty tease.

You sent the photo and didn’t think much, waiting for his response.

He responded after about 6 minutes with a video of him.

He was now on his bed, ‘pleasing’ himself. The video was only 32 seconds long, but it was a huge turn on for you.

He started slow, but would buck his hips up for you. His tip was now fully exposed, but his foreskin would still slide up and down it as he went on. His breathing was loud and irregular. He would let out slight groans the faster he went. You could see his dick twitching, just before the video ended.

You took your camera and took a photo of you sitting at the edge of your bed with your thighs touching. Your left hand lay behind you, supporting you up. And your right hand taking the photo. It didn’t show your face in it, only your body. But that was fine. It showed off your tits and beautiful thighs and you knew those were the parts Hayate loved the most.

Before you pressed send, you added a text under it saying “You should come fill me up again”. You bit your lip as you pressed send. You decided to go take a quick shower in preparation for Hayate coming over. You knew he wouldn’t be able to resist the invite.

Only about two minutes into your shower, you hear your doorbell ring. Hayate lived 25 minutes away walking, you doubt he would’ve used all his energy to get to you that quickly. Although you can’t be too sure.

You finish your shower up before heading to the door in just a towel. Hair wet and all, you open the door.

You’re absolutely shocked to see your sensei standing in front of you.

He smiles, “I think you sent this to the wrong person”.

Your mouth agape, you already know what you sent him.

“I.. I um” the only words you can get out of your mouth.

You don’t even know what to say. You just sent an explicit photo to your sensei.

“I’m so sorry” your eyes still plastered to his phone in front of you. You make your way up his phone to his contact name for you, though. Before he pulled his phone away, you read “Future Hatake❤️” you blushed even harder.

You both stand there in silence. You’re mad at yourself for this foolish mistake.

“May I come in?” Kakashi says, breaking the silence.

You’re confused. Does he want to talk about it? Maybe he wants to know who it was for? All these thoughts flood your mind and he makes his way inside your apartment.

“E-excuse me. I should get dressed” you leave and run into your room. You go through your clothes and decide on a white tank top and sleep shorts. It’s your home after all, and it’s well past your regular sleep schedule.

You come back in and find him sitting at the edge of your couch, legs spread and forearms resting on them. As always, he’s unreadable.

You sit at a chair diagonal to him and keep your head down.

“I.. er.. haven’t seen you in a long time” you say, keeping your head down.

“Hmm” he replies.

You can’t tell if he’s lost in thought, upset, sad or whatever it be.

“Who was the message for?” He finally says.

“It.. it really doesn’t matter.. haha..” you say, trying to escort the tension in the room.

He lets out a sigh, stands up and faces you.

“Tell me” he says. His voice deeper than normal.

You’re confused. It’s been months since you and Kakashi have spoken. Why would he care to show up after a text sent to the wrong person? Why does he care??

A question runs your mind.

“How did you get here so fast?” You ask, blankly looking at him.

He looks at you, no emotion in his face.

“I’m always there for you” he stares at you and says. You’ve heard him say this to you many times in the past. You never really held anything to it though, taking it like a friend would say as support.

“Kakashi. What are you doing here?” You say, with a bit of concern in your voice. You know Kakashi is a lot stronger of a ninja compared to you, and could most definitely toss you around if he wanted.

“I’ve had an eye for you since you’ve become a Jōnin. You’ve grown so much” he says, making his way over towards you.

“Be a good girl and lead us to your bedroom, hmm?” he says in the most.. casual tone.

You can’t deny this was a major turn on. But was this right? He’s like, what? 13 years your senior? 14? 15?! Plus, he was your sensei. He raised you when your parents didn’t. You definitely didn’t see him as a father figure, more like an older brother looking out for you.

Were you really going to let this happen? No. No way. You have to tell him no.

“Kakashi, I ca-“ before you can finish your sentence he picks you up like you’re weightless.

He drags you to your bedroom. Did he guess? Has he been to my apartment before? No, never. How does he just..know?

You wiggle, attempting to break free from his grasp. You’re still not all sure if this is what you want, but your core is aching. It wants him to touch you so bad, especially after Hayate’s video got you pent up.

Your heart is racing. Still writhing in his arms, he brings you to your bedroom.

In your squirming from the previous moments, you had lost your loose fitting sleep shorts. Now just in a white tank top and black laced underwear.

You wonder if you’re dreaming. How is this happening? Why? Why to you?!

He places you on your back, and you sit up on your elbows staring at him. His face is a slight pink, and his breathing is a bit erratic.

He puts his knee between your thighs, separating your legs from touching. You make a small noise when he pushes further into you. Staring at his knee, anticipating his next move. He lets out a slight chuckle.

“You’re so adorable”.

“Huh?” You look back up at him. He takes his hands and removes his band, and then his mask. You’ve seen him once without the mask before, so it wasn’t a total shock seeing his face.

He stares at you, and you just stare blankly back.

He then looks down at your breasts, your nipples are hardened by the sexual tension.

You move your head a bit more down, staring at his manhood. Even when clothed, you can tell it’s big.

You both unclothe one another and before you know it, you’re both making out nude.

Whilst kissing you, Kakashi says “I’ve been needing you for so long. That message sent me over the edge”. He puts his hands all on you, seemingly not knowing where to put them.

While on top of you, he spreads your legs and pulls you closer.

His dick sits right on top of your pubic bone, and down to the bottom of your belly button. You’ve been with a fair share of people, none of them as big as him.

You wiggle, demanding his attention to your dripping core.

“Such a needy whore, does Hayate know you chose me over him tonight?” Kakashi breathes out with a smirk.

Your eyes widen. How did he know you were texting Hayate? Did Hayate tell Kakashi? No. They may know each other but most definitely aren’t friends. How long has he been watching you?!

“Well?” He says, finally moving his cock towards your core. His dripping with precum, which mixes with your juices.

Kakashi runs his cock across your clit causes you to wince.

“I know you haven’t been pleased in quite a bit, y/n. You’re so pathetic, I’ve only been here 20 minutes and I already have your clothes off and cock dripping on your needy hole”.

You have no answer to him. He’s right. You’re a needy, pathetic slut that needs him so badly, and he knows it.

You try and give him the most doe eyes you can and say “Kakashi-sensei.. please use me..” you see his shield of cockiness falter for a moment.

“Oh fuck..” he says looking at your eyes.

You open your mouth to say please.. but before you can, he’s shoved his entire length into you.

You moan so loud, and instinctively go to cover your mouth. He grabs your wrist before you’re successful, and puts both your wrists over you head with just one hand. His other one reaches over for your phone. He unlocks it with your passcode, no way he could’ve guessed it. It’s literally just random numbers “18849”. He’s been watching you like he said..

He begins to pump into you rapidly.

“Oh fuck..ah~” you moan freely.

“Which one of these boys should I call? Hmm? Who should I show you’re being such a naughty whore for?” He says between breaths.

“S-sensei ple..ahh.. please d-don’t!” You can even speak with how rough he’s treating your core.

“I’m calling Hayate”.

“N-nO.. pl-pleasee sensei. I’m-I’m yours and… mmmfffggh.. only yours.. ahh..” you plead with him.

He decides not to call him, instead taking multiple photos and videos of you getting pumped by him.

He cums inside your pussy, letting out multiple groans throughout. You’re a bit disappointed it ended so quickly.. or so you thought. He continues to pump into you even after cumming.

“K-kashi… did.. did you..mmgfff~”

“Y-yeah.. I’ll stop using you when I want. You’re mine” he says with complete lust in his eyes.

He starts going through your phone.

You’re scared. You have texts on there, pretty nasty, to other guys. How will he treat you seeing them?

He shames you by reading them aloud.

“‘I’ll be so good for you master’ you love calling people titles huh? You like calling me sensei, huh?”

“P-pleaseeee…~~” you don’t even know what you were saying please to.

All you can think about is how unfair this all is. Yeah you’ve slept around and sexted men, but you’re sure Kakashi has texted his fair share of women.

“Hmmm… these photos you send them. Never thought your sensei would want to see you like this? All weak and pathetic over his cock”

It didn’t matter what he said. You didn’t know if he was saying it to be mean or horny but it was the truth nonetheless.

“I..ah~.. I don’t know..” you told him.

You came around his length.

“Ah..heh~” he says as he finishes pumping the last of his seed into you.

With the last remaining strength you have, you sit up and watch the sperm drip out of you.

You and Kakashi take a shower together, and you immediately pass out in bed, totally satisfied with your dick appointment.

You wake up to no Kakashi and a barrage of messages from Hayate saying shit like “you totally blue balled me but that’s okay I went out with one of your girls”. You just laughed so hard, you knew Ino would have no interest in Hayate, her standards are way too high. And Sakura was telling the truth most definitely about saving herself for Sasuke.

You went through your camera roll and sent him a video of Kakashi fucking you til your brain was mush and sent it to him.

Kakashi is all you want.

No.

Kakashi is all you need.

[akamikazae]

Love me Mercilessly Kakashi x Oc Chapter 35: Like real people do tw: slight mentions of ptsd, mentions of alcohol word count: 13k It had been weeks and true to her word Kami-chan had not so much as touched a cigarette. Except of course to throw out the case she kept stashed above the fridge. On occasion she’d yell or get worked up over something minor but she’d slap another nicotine patch on her arm and chew her special gum like a cow. However despite all that she was the happiest Sasuke'd ever seen her. The only times she was still truly grumbly and grouchy were in the mornings before food and coffee and he doubted that would ever change. No man could change that.

And true to his word he was outside facing down the tree the very next day. He hated to admit it but maybe Kakashi was right because every time Sasuke took a vertical step up its mighty trunk all he could think of was how much farther he had to go; the top was worlds away. 

Come February and he had only managed to inch his way higher, and despite Kami-chan and Kakashi having their icky dinner date in the dining room he dragged himself inside and begged for some tips and tricks to get there faster. 

They said the same things they always said, “there are no shortcuts.” Kakashi lectured him again about balancing his chakras and Akami told him to continuously channel all of it to the very bottoms of his feet like a steady flowing river. 

Sasuke rolled his eyes and sighed all the way back outside.   

Akami and Kakashi had started the night with dinner just the two of them, Sasuke had been invited to join but declined. He had said there was no point in eating if they were going to make googly eyes at each other, he’d just puke it all back up. So Kakashi ordered take out from the fancy restaurant on the outskirts of the Hyuga district. He even sprung for the expensive sake. 

And after Akami put a very exhausted Sasuke to bed they continued their night, with a movie and a second bottle. Kakashi knew her well enough to order two, everytime he asked her how it was that she was so beautiful her answer was always ‘sake’, she said it made her glow from the inside out. And now as she sat firmly in his lap on the couch—with said firmness pressing between her legs— he could taste the pear and melon and honeysuckle on her tongue and he understood why she’d found it so irresistible.     

They hadn’t come up for air in nearly 10 minutes. In fact neither of them could have told you what happened after the opening credit sequence, even if their lives depended on it. Kakashi was the first to brake, he pulled away from her lips to press their foreheads together.  

“Fuck, sweetheart,” he mummured, “gimmie a minute.”  

He’d held his breath for longer—submerged in a water prison jutsu or something of the like, it was Akami that left him breathless. She was insatiable and the second her lips were on his it was like they shared the same lung.   He didn’t understand why she wanted him the way she did, he didn’t think he ever would understand. But as he saw it he was the luckiest man alive and you never questioned luck like that.

Akami giggled, her cheeks the prettiest flush of pink, “what did you call me?” her teasing whisper ghosted over his lips. 

“I didn’t call you anything?” he said still trying to catch his breath, 

“Yes you did,” she leaned forward taking his top lip between hers, “you called me sweetheart” he could feel the stretch of her smile press against his mouth, “I liked it” 

Kakashi smirked and leaned in to pick up where they left off, oxygen be damned. 

She squealed when he jumped up from the couch hoisting her legs high around his waist. He liked to carry her without the use of chakra just because he could, and well he might have had a penchant for showing off. He moved a hand beneath her to cradle her ass, so he could turn off the tv with his other and carry the sake to the kitchen. Each and every step he took earned him her lips on his neck and jaw and ear, she’d bite and suck and soothe. And he forgot all about breathing. 

They were just outside her door when Sasuke's opened. 

He wiped his teary eyed face wrapped in his comforter, and Akami jumped out of Kakashi’s arms to pick up Sasuke instead. 

Kakashi let out a tiny sigh, one that definitely came from his part of their shared lung. He opened Akami’s door for them and kissed the top of her head. The night ended with him strolling home alone and Sasuke swaddled in her arms instead.   

He wasn’t mad, maybe a little frustrated…in more ways than one. And look he got it, he knew Sasuke came first, he understood that Sasuke came first, and he was certain that Sasuke’s half of everything was the slightest bit bigger than his. What really bothered Kakashi—as he dragged himself through his front door at one in the morning—was that he’d gone home to nothing. 

The next time he was welcomed back in Akami’s bed, they discussed Sasuke’s recent strings of bad dreams. Her theory was that it had to do with him working himself too hard. 

Kakashi’d be the first to admit that didn’t know a thing about raising or caring for a child. He was honestly astonished he himself had made it this far in life, and maybe because of that he didn’t always know when to keep his foot from entering his mouth.

“Kam, don't you think Sasuke’s a little old to be sleeping with you?” 

Akami shoot up out of bed to properly glare at him, 

“I don’t mean it in a bad way—” He tried to hurriedly defend. And he didn’t, he was trying to help, he thought it’d just be better for Sasuke to learn to sleep on his own. 

Akami didn’t care for his input. She scoffed and ripped the pillow out from under his head, turning her back to him. 

Kakashi clicked his tongue, “Sweetheart, I don’t mean it to be mean,” He cooed, wrapping his arm around her waist, he was trying to butter her up. And unfortunately for him Akami knew it, she rolled over to face him angrier than before.

“I’ll remember that the next time you have a nightmare!” Kakashi sighed, he knew she was going to let him have it and he was dumb enough to deserve it.  “Don’t you sleep better when you’re not alone? Didn’t you crawl in through my window to sleep at night?” She hissed, “Don't you still?” 

Kakashi nodded once, 

“I never made you feel like a child because you needed someone there. What Itachi did to him is worse than you can even imagine, I don’t care if he’s 50! If he wants to sleep with me he can, and the same goes for you.” She rolled back over, readjusting her hoarded pillows. 

Kakashi waited until she cooled off and tried again, “I’m sorry, all I meant to say is, what's gonna happen when you’re not around.”  

Akami kept her back to Kakashi, she laid there staring at her closet door and thinking of what Sasuke had said the other night. How he had woken up with a start in his pitch black room and was too frightened to leave the safety of his covers. 

“I was scared to get up,” he had admitted. It made Akami feel awful for not hearing him, “I’m such a baby” he ducked his face into her pillow, “it was the same, like all the other ones'' he mumbled, “ I couldn’t do anything…I could only watch” and he picked his head up to face her “and then–and then I couldn’t even come get you.”  It kept her up all night.

Akami was dead come morning, if not for Kakashi kissing her shoulder before dipping out the window she probably would have slept straight through work. 

Now she was draped over the counter in Jonin lounge waiting for the coffee to brew. 

She knew it probably wasn't normal that she still let Sasuke sleep with her. She had asked Shikaku about it that very morning on the training field. He had said that Shikamaru stopped sleeping with them by the time he turned three.  She assumed the same was true for Sasuke and his parents.

She groaned watching the coffee drip, laboriously filling the pot, she’d have been better off sticking her head directly beneath the machine. 

Akami decided she didn’t care all that much for what was normal and what wasn't. What happened to Sasuke was so beyond normal, beyond abnormal. And if she can do something as simple as letting him sleep with her then she’ll do it forever. 

The last few drops sputtered and spewed. Akami didn't budge from the countertop and struggled to pour her mug to the brim. The burnt bitter smell had her craving a cigarette. She dug in the front pouch of her flak jacket for a nicotine patch. She considered slapping it directly on her forehead, but in the end settled for her arm–adding it to her collection. 

She lazily pushed herself from the counter and sighed, Kakashi had a point. She couldn’t always be there for Sasuke, no matter how much she wanted to be.

read the rest on Ao3

[kakashifanrp]

Marks of the soulmates 1/2

Kakashi Hatake x reader

part 2 <- here

AN: Soulmate fics get to me. They are soo cute! Soo i decided to drabble down one. Most likely this is part 1.. 😅 most likely a oneshot or two shot. 

(a pic of the mark aswell, just because I liked this one mark)

Soulmates, it had been a thing for ages. Almost everyone had a soulmate, finding it was another story. When the ancient shinobies of the past were able to make the mark of the soulmates it made the search easier for many. A mark would appear on the left wrist, a mark that would only be identical to your soulmates mark. Girls normally made sure to keep a eye out on their chruses wrist between 16 to 18 years of age, it was then the mark would normally appear.

Yours however came around when you were 17 and a half.. Right after you had became a jonin, and your best friend since childhood turned his back on everyone. It was not that you hadn't tried to stop him... Or even try to make him stop ignoring everyone that cared for him.. But after he joined the Anbu it was back and forth, before the sudden conntinuesly ignoring everyone. After days of watching it all go down, you followed him.. Knowing it didn't only hurt you, but also the rest of your friends.

"Kakashi.. Stop for a secound" You had been running after him for 5 minutes allready, after seeing the sad look on Gui's face yet again after Kakashi ignored him, and only gave a cold stare. It had been the boiling point, watching this for years allready. You caught up with him and stepped in front of him, but in normal Kakashi style he just walked around you. This made you clench your jaw as you stepped in front of him again, placing your hands on his chest making him stop by force. "I have tried to stop you for 5 minutes now" You looked up at him, only to be greeted by the cold stare of his.

"Why are you doing this? Do you even see how hurt your friends are? We are worried about you baka!" frustration had been building up over the years, seeing him act like a cold hearted brat. "You really are annoying" Kakashi muttered unimpressed and pushed your hands off him. "didn't you just become a jonin? Isn't it time to act like it?" There it was.. The vemon in his voice again.. Like he hated your gut. "My rank has nothing to do with this, and you know it. I don't know what has happend to you lately, but damn Kakashi.. Saying hi once in a while would not kill you" It was a desperate attempt to make him soften up a bit, and stop throwing away everyone that cared for him..

"You are just pathetic.. Can't belive they let babies become jonin theese days" he scoffed as he started to walk away. "Soo thats what you think of me huh?" His words hurt, it always did when he was in a mood like that.. "Can you be annoying somewhere else, some of us has actual things to do" He spat, not even looking back at you as he walked away.

You remembered that day too well.. It was the day you knew you lost your best friend, and it crushed you.. Not only did he look down on your abilities as a jonin.. But he seemed to had a distaste for you as a person too. As if that wasen't hard enough, your soulmate mark appeared later that day. That was suppose to be one of the happiest day of your life.. To finally get the mark you had dreamed of and start the hunt for your very own soulmate.. But after the talk with Kakashi earlier in the day it only made you sad..

You looked down at your wrist as you walked. The flame like mark were still there, and you had yet to start looking for the matching mark. Had it only been as easy for you as it was for Asuma and Kurenai it would have been great, but you truly had started to doubt if that was even what you wanted in life. "NARUTO!!" you heard the scream from behind you making you lift your head to see the blonde boy running away from the pink haired one yet again. "Y/N sama! Help me!" Naruto ran up and hid behind you which did not stop Sakura one bit as she chased after him.

"hey, I am not a shield!" Being dragged into their fighting was never fun, at least when you knew how hard that girl punched. "Wait until I get my hands on you Naruto!" they run around you, Naruto trying to dogde, while Sakura tried to punch. "Ey ey ey, Didn't you two just pass on a team togheter, teammates don't hit eachother, or use people as shields!" You facepalmed yourself as you watched them. "He tried to call me his soulmate!" Sakura shouted, red in face from the anger boiling. "But what if you are Sakura Chan?" Naruto carefully stood behind you with a nervous smile on his face.

"Guys, why even worry about that stuff now.. It is like 4 to 6 years before any of you get a mark, that is if you even get one?" This caught Naruto's attention, giving Sakura a opening to punch him in the head. "Still, I know my soulmate will be Sasuke, not a Baka like Naruto" She crossed her arms, looking offeded as usual. "ow ow ow" Naruto rubbed his head where he was hit and looked at the two of you. "I almost feel bad for the sensei you guys got.. With this being how you act thowards eachother." you let out a soft sigh. "Kakashi sensei don't seem to care" with narrow brows you looked at Sakura. "Hatake, Kakashi? Is he your sensei?"

"Yeah, He made us to that stupid bell test..what a scarecrow" Naruto mumbled. You had heard he became a jonin leader a while back, but he had not passed a team soo far. "Scarecrow? That was a new one" You raised your brow, knowing Naruto found all kinds of nicknames for people. "Y/N sama, do you have a soulmate mark?" Sakura looked at you, and you nodded. She grabbed your arm, making you gasp in suprise as she lifted the glove a bit to look at it. "wow! Have you found your match yet? When did you get yours? Did it just appear? Was it magical like they say?" You looked at the girl with wide eyes as she studied your mark.

"breath Sakura.. It is just a mark" You shrugged, making her thighten her hold on your arm. You winced at the sudden strenght the girl had when she got annoyed. "It is not just any mark!" She glared at you. "ok, i got it when I was 17 and a half.. And no I haven't found my soulmate.. And yes it just appeared" You muttered and noticed Naruto looking at it too. "hmm.. Soo thats how it looks like." He tilted his head before his eyes light up. "Thank you Y/N sama" He smirked and dragged Sakura with him, taking her by suprise as she looked ready to hit again. You just stood and looked at them walking away in confusion, wondering what he even thanked you for..

Naruto, Sakura and Sasuke had gotten themself a mission, and they were not gonna stop until it was settled. The past week they had been looking at peoples wrist to see if they found you a match, Sakura had been soo happy to finally see a real soulmate mark that she had memorized it in detail and made a a drawing the three of them used to compare with. After a week they sat down defeated at Ichuraka's. "We have looked everywhere! No matches" Naruto whines. "Did you really think that was gonna be easy?" Sasuke looked annoyed.

"I was hoping yeah! It has to be someone in this town" Naruto took another bite of his ramen. "why do you guys look soo down" Kakashi sat next to them with a raised brow. Normally his students didn't hang with their heads while eating ramen. "Baka, Naruto! It can be from another village too! The mark is on people from all villages" Sasuke frowned and scoffed. "Mark? What mark?" Finally it seemed that the three students had noticed their sensei. "soulmate marks, what else sensei?" Sakura frowned. "aren't you three a bit too young to be worrying about theese marks?"

"We are just trying to help a friend" Naruto looked at him. "a friend?" Kakashi looked at them even more confused. He remember wanting a mark when he was younger too, but after he got it he never really cared. "Is it a meeting here today?" Iruka walked in, ready to get his lunch that he had ordered. "Iruka sensei! Show me your wrist!" Naruto demanded making Iruka go pale. "ehh, what?" Sakura grabbed his arm and looked. "nope.. Not Iruka sensei either" She mumbled, as he retracted his arm. "ok what is going on?" He looked at the genin in front of him.

"We have been trying for a week now to find Y/N samas match" Sasuke shrugged, making it sound like it was the most obious thing ever. "we have checked as many in kohona as possible, but it is too many marks and no one matches the one she has!" Naruto almost screamed as he explained, clearly frustrated. "Y/N sama?" Kakashi looked at the three genin, not sure if he heard the name correctly. That name he had not heard in years. "ohh, I see.." Iruka rubbed the back of his neck. "your old classmate, Kakashi.. She helped out at the school from time to time"

"That joke was not funny Iruka sensei" Naruto side eyed him. "what joke?" Naruto looked at Kakashi, almost making the ninja uncomfortable. "I don't belive Y/N sama is that old" This made Kakashi almost shrink in his chair. "I am not even that old" He muttered, making Iruka laugh. "well, You guys should have good luck then" Iruka got the food and left as the genin finnished theirs. "Kakashi sensei, can you help us out on this mission?" Sakura pleaded, started to loose the hope. "Isn't that your mission to do?" He noticed the look in their eyes and sighed. At least they seemed to be working in a team, which made them stop bickering for once. "Ok, I help for today"

Sakura gave him the paper. "We need to find this mark!" She pointed at it, not noticing the wide eye on her sensei. "You sure this is the mark?" He frowned as he looked at the kids. "Yes! She showed it to me. Just remember she must not know about this" The young girl said sternly. Kakashi just nodded as he looked at the drawing, ignoring Naruto's stare. "We have not checked your arm sensei" He said suddenly as he grabbed the arm to look, taking Kakashi by suprise. "hmm" The blonde said as he looked between the paper and Kakashi's wrist.

"what are you doing?" Kakashi tried to retract his arm, but all three of them grabbed it to look. "it is a match?" Sakura looked up at Kakashi, before they let go of his arm. "But you are too old sensei.." The three genin frowned as they watched him, making him uncomfortable. "How old do you three really think I am?" He placed the paper down, eyeing the three kids. "Older than Y/N sama" Naruto said with a obious tone. "But you two are soo different.." Sakura voiced her thoughts before she started to go pale. "oh no, what If I get linked with that baka" She started to freak out, thinking about it. If kakashi sensei could have the same mark as Y/N, with how different they were... What if the was cursed with Naruto!?

"Y/N sama! Over here!" Naruto yelled, making Kakashi pull down his sleeve. You looked over and noticed Sakura's face. "whats going on.. You three looks like you have seen a ghost?" you walked over before noticing Kakashi. "I am doomed!" Sakura ran off making you look shocked. "Naruto, what did you do this time?" The blond glared at you before looking between you and Kakashi. "Nope, still don't belive it" He muttered, eyeing his sensei. This whole thing made you look at them all confused. "Do I even wanna know..."

"Are you as old as Kakashi sensei?" Naruto blurred out, still looking between you two. "Well yeah.. What about it?" This made Kakashi smile under his mask. "I told you, I am not that old" Naruto just shaked his head and started to leave. "Still don't belive it" You giggled a bit, only imagine the shock he must be in. "It could have been worse Y/N sama" Sauske gave your arm a soft pat before walking away. "Theese kids never stops to suprise me" You sighed and looked over at Kakashi. "Now I see what he meant with scarecrow" You mumbled as the expression on his face and hair could remind you of one.

"a what now?" He stood up and looked at you. "Naruto think you look like a scarecrow, I can kind of see it now" You smiled a bit. "You should have good luck with them, they can be a handful." You mumbled, remembering the last time you spoke with Him. "You don't have to say that twice.. They are gonna be the death of me, I allready know it" He sighed and put his hands in his pockets. "oh, you don't know anything yet" You smiled and started to walk away, knowing he was in for it. "Where are you going?"

"I have guard duty today, soo off to my shift" You turned and looked at him. You studies him carefully, not sure how to read him at all.. And still a bit shocked he could talk at all. "Which side of the village?" He asked. "East side, waiting for a scroll delivery" He nodded. "I tag along then" You narrowed your brows a bit. "You tag along? Never thought I would hear that from you again, Hatake" You smiled and started to walk, letting him catch up to you. "well, it is a first for everything isn't it?" He keept his gaze on your hand, knowing you used to talk with your hands before. Maybe he was able to see for himself.

"Soo what is the scroll about? Since they need guards to greet it?" He played it off as he opened his book to pretend to read. "Well, I am not sure, all I know it is a delivery to lord 3rd" you shrugged as you lifted your hands a bit. Kakashi noticed the mark on your wrist as he stopped a bit. "Are you ok?" You stopped and looked over at him. "I gotta go" With a poof of smoke he was gone, making you sigh. "some things never changes.."

[thinknicht]

Hokage!Sakura

“I am a time traveler,” the young woman in front of Hiruzen said. He had not misheard. He stared at her, feeling at a complete loss. “Ah…” he replied intelligently. “What, may I ask, was your name again?”

The woman raised her head, poison green eyes boring into his. She bowed lightly. “Haruno Sakura, rokudaime of wartime Konoha. You will be dead by then though… It’s a pleasure.”

Right.

“Well, Haruno-san… I don’t know what to say. Your claims seem a little…” She didn’t even look like a ninja – pink-haired and short, fragile-looking… “…a little unexpected,” he finished delicately. Clinically insane came to mind as an alternative. The possibility that this woman may be speaking the truth didn’t even cross his mind.

“I know I wouldn’t believe me either, were I in your shoes,” the woman said, her posture no less confident than before. “But trust me, hokage-sama, my words are no lie – and I can prove it. In my time, I was born the same year as Uchiha Sasuke and Uzumaki Naruto. They should have been born by now. You can ask me any number of questions about them or what happens to them in the future. Or the village. For example, I can tell you that your student Tsunade became hokage… after your other student Orochimaru tried to destroy Konoha and you died in the attempt. You see, he used a jutsu known as the edo tensei–”

“Halt!” Hiruzen cried, anxious about the ANBU overhearing their conversation. He did not want knowledge of the edo tensei getting out. What a horrifying tale this woman had recited! “What you’re saying…” He took a deep drag of his pipe. “This is insane, Haruno-san. I can hardly… my student would never do that!”

“Oh, he would,” the woman countered. “When I was twelve, in fact. It happened during the chunin exams of that summer, which were being hosted in Konoha. He had previously killed the kazekage and used his face and name to manipulate sand into an alliance with a village of his own creation. Have you heard of Otogakure yet?”

He had. Whispers… but… could there truly be some truth to what this woman was saying? One way or another, there was no way he could allow her to leave this room, with all the knowledge she possessed. He needed to think. In the meantime–

“Guards.” One word and a look was enough for the ANBU. His protection detail leapt down and made short work of the pink haired woman.

“Hokage-sama?” asked the captain. Hiruzen was glad he’d kept this one in the village today. “Hound,” he said. “I want her confined and drugged. Please hail Inoichi here. I must discuss the situation with him.”

Hatake Kakashi – also known as hound – bowed curtly and snaked his arm around the unconscious woman, clearly intending to sunshin away when –

The woman sidestepped his reaching arm, her eyes flying open as though she’d just closed them due to a state of deep thought, rather than S-rank genjutsu combined with the hit to a pressure point. Hound clearly tensed, no doubt preparing to kill her if necessary. The woman remained calm.

“Hokage-sama,” she said curtly, “I understand you feeling threatened by my knowledge. I do. But none of this is necessary or even vaguely called-for. I will relinquish all of my memories gladly to you, or Inoichi-san without the need of torture or psychological games. Trust me when I say, either would be a waste of time for all parties involved.”

“I have little alternative here,” Hiruzen snapped.

“You do have an alternative. My friend Ino and I – Ino, as you may know, is Inoichi’s daughter – well, we created a jutsu which allows the user to memory-share their thoughts and recollections with many people at once. I will of course teach it to you if you wish. In fact, all of my knowledge from the future is at your fingertips… though I would appreciate not being treated like a lab rat. After all, where I came from I was hokage, as well.”

Hiruzen stared at her in silence. She was utterly insane. She was utterly insane. This woman who didn’t even look like a ninja – hokage? That sealed the deal. He didn’t believe a word. It must have shown on his face because the woman shrugged. “Oh, well. I suppose you won’t trust my fishy story, do you? I had wanted to avoid a torture scenario but I suppose I should have known from the beginning that there was little point in trying.” She turned toward hound. “Kakashi, I am in your care.”

At last she appeared to have said her piece, for she simply arched an eyebrow at Hiruzen and then turned to give hound an expectant look. Hound once again slung his arm around her, this time successfully, though Hiruzen could tell that his operative was much more alert than before. Good. They would just have to wait and see what the deal with her was.

Read the end at:

[rayshippouuchiha]

Hi! So I noticed you have more than a few people here who are getting into Naruto, and wanted to give my top 3 fic recs. Unfortionatly I couldn’t narrow it down that much so, here are (in no particular order) my 9 faves! (3x3 keeps it sort of a top 3?)

1. Nine-Tailed Foxes are Dead – Rowlettlesbian

Summary; For Konoha, it's been one month since the preliminary Chunin exams. For Naruto, it's been six. And he wasn't in Konoha.

At the end of his ordeal, Naruto walks into the Chunin Exam finals without his left arm.

Shikamaru is very concerned. And, eventually, very precious to Naruto as they work together to solve the mysteries of Konoha and bring kindness to the Shinobi world, one adventure at a time.

Comment; You know one of those fics that makes you sit up and go WHOA! This. This is it.

2. Soft as an Unready Mind –  BC_Brynn

Summary; Inoichi’s decision to adopt the boy was a spur of the moment thing, but he stood by it, and he could not be prouder of both his children, even if they lived to give him grey hair.

Comment; Funny and feels in equal amounts.

3. Clouded Mind and Heavy Heart –  dawnstruck

Summary; You reap what you sow. Sasuke plants seeds of doubt. Instead of fighting in the Valley of the End, Sasuke convices Naruto to join him.

Comment; Series. Pretty dark, the mindfuck tag is there for a reason.

4. Wolf and cub (Or how small children became the new must have missing nin accessory) –  Dissenter

Summary; A slightly unhinged Kakashi finds two year old Naruto being beaten up, and decides the best course of action is to kidnap him and go on the run. Hilarity ensues. Other ninjas follow Kakashi's example. Zabuza has no idea how he ended up giving all these Konoha ninja parenting classes.

Comment; Incredibly funny. The chaos is abundant as Kakashi give Naruto the childhood he truly deserves.

5. Hiding in the Leaves –  aventria, iluxia

Summary; Fighting a bitter battle against forces within the village that are more influential and well-positioned, Orochimaru finds himself gifted with one last shining opportunity: three children, a team of genin, handed to him because Konoha has no better choice. He agrees to become a jounin-sensei for the first and the last time, taking on the next generation's Team Seven: Uchiha Sasuke, Nara Shikamaru, and Uzumaki Naruto.

Comment; Author has a tendency towards using Japanese words, especially in earlier chapters. I don’t mind too much but I know there are some who dislike it.

6. Flip the Coin – Inrainbowz

Summary; "When you think about it, Sasuke, we could be standing in each other's place right now" Naruto grows up shunned, hated, without support and full of rage. Sasuke grows up determined to step out of his brother's shadow and be recognized for his own merits.

In which Naruto is the one who runs and Sasuke does the chasing.

Comment; First part of an ongoing series. Great for if you want to cry for a while.

7. A political perspective –  MueraRashaye

Summary; Hatake Kakashi was a shinobi, and as a shinobi, the only people who could give him orders were his military superiors. The idea that a Council made up of civilians and peers was under the impression they could give him orders...displeased him. Or: He was ordered to pass Team 7. He was fine with that, until they actually passed.

Comment; The real problem with this fic is that it was last updated in 2018.

8. Ear to the Wall –  Vodkassassin

Summary; The Minato-sensei beams at him, and replies, “Kakashi! I’m glad you’re awake,” and, yup, that’s Minato-sensei’s voice. Kakashi falls back down against the bed, closing his eyes. It’s too short of a way down, and he clenches hands that are too tiny and feeble and not his in dog-print sheets he hasn’t owned for decades.

Comment; Aka the best redeemed Orochimaru you have ever seen and a Kakashi who really needs a hug.

9. Nukenin –  WhisperingDarkness

Summary; In the sealed scroll he finds a Bingo Book – his own page marking him as an S-class nukenin with flee-on-sight orders. “Ok. That is definitely different.” In his head he blames Naruto – even if his number one unpredictable student had been nowhere near him on this mission. When things go this stupidly impossibly wrong it must somehow be the future Hokage’s fault.

Comment; The one thing really wrong with this is that its only 4 chapters long.

excellent recs!

[kayparker20]

Inner Turmoil - Chapter 4

Chapter 4 - Unspeakable Plans Come Alight

FFN | AO3

                                ~Two Weeks Earlier~

“Sasuke…” Orochimaru hissed. “I hear your little blossom has become quite the kunoichi. Rumors say she rivals even the power of the great Tsunade.” He clicked his tongue thoughtfully.

Sasuke narrowed his eyes at the snake shinobi. “What about it? And she’s not my little blossom.” The raven hair man sneered.

Orochimaru chuckled softly. “The girl was willing to betray the village with you, perhaps you should consider her to be more of an asset, rather than an annoyance.” 

Sasuke continued to stare blankly at his current sensei, though he still refused to call him that. What could this man possibly want with Sakura? She was practically useless, and he had no wish to return to the Leaf village anytime soon. He had yet to kill Itachi, and he would not even begin to think of going back until then.

“And just how could some girl who cared more about her hair than being a proper ninja be an asset to me, Orochimaru?” 

Orochimaru watched the cold man before him. “She could be useful if she still harbors feelings for you. And it would seem she no longer cares for her hair. Did you not hear me the first time?” Orochimaru snapped. “She has incredible abilities she learned from Tsunade Senju, the fifth hokage and my old team mate.” He licked his lips. “I wonder if her medical abilities could fix these wretched arms, and then perhaps I wouldn’t need your pretty little face.” 

Sasuke glared at him in disgust. “That’s doubtful. I’ve already told you, I don’t care about my body as long as I get to kill Itachi and get my revenge.” He spat.

Orochimaru chuckled darkly. “But what if you could rebuild the Uchiha clan to its former glory? Lure that little apprentice into a trap. I bet with the right motivation, she would come running back to you.”

Sasuke thought for a moment, remembering the pride he used to feel for his clan. Really his need for revenge is based a little bit on pride, isn’t it? Not just the pain of watching his whole clan assassinated. And really, what good was revenge if you didn’t get to live with the accomplishment of getting it.

“What are your thoughts?” He sighed.

“We will kidnap that little Yamanaka girl,I have intel that tells me they are best friends. And she’s also an heir to one of the key clans in the village. I’m sure you’re aware of their mind control jutsus. Two birds with one stone, eh?”

Sasuke raised an eyebrow. “And just how do you plan to get into the village and kidnap her?”

“That will be your job.”

Sasuke looked at him again. “Is this just another test of my strength?” He growled.

Orochimaru grinned. “Oh, Sasuke, are you scared that you can’t get past them? Or maybe it’s Naruto you’re worried about.”

“I don’t care about Naruto. Or Sakura, or Kakashi. Not a single soul in that village matters to me more than my goal.” He said in a low tone. “I came to you for power, not to play your little games.”

The snake ninja shook his head. “Power comes in numbers. And what can I truly teach you when I can’t use my hands to teach you jutsu and hand signs?” He chuckled once more. “Besides, that little Haruno would make wonderful prodigies with your blood added into the mix. Tsunade’s strengths and healing abilities with your sharingan? It would be despicable power.” 

“You’re forgetting she tried to kill me.” He spat. “I’m pretty sure she’s lost interest.”

“Did she not hesitate in killing you?” Orochimaru inquired. “Love doesn’t die easy, especially in women. I almost had Tsunade in my grip at the thought of bringing back her deceased husband.”

Sasuke hated how he always seemed to have a new project, a new game, a new goal all the time. It seemed he only cared to prep him for the body transfer, as opposed to keeping his end of the deal, and he was about at his wit’s end with it. However, the thought of reviving his clan was something of interest. It hadn’t come to mind that he should continue his bloodline before the snake took over his body.

“What makes you think Sakura can fix your arms when Tsunade couldn’t?”

Orochimaru clicked his tongue in thought once again. “It was never found out if she could not, it was that she wouldn’t even try.”

Sasuke scoffed. “So let me get this straight. You want to kidnap the blonde annoyance, to lure think pink annoyance. Use me to entice her to come with us and then make her heal your arms?” 

Orochimari just smirked and licked his lips slowly. “That’s exactly my plan.”

                                     ~Present Time~

“Wherever you are, Sasuke, she’s moved on. Odd how she is attracted to the ones that are traumatized. Is it because she’s medic? Is there some kind of pull in the universe?” The once obnoxious and weak blonde shook his head. “No matter, at least Kakashi was willing to try…” 

Sasuke narrowed his eyes as Naruto looked in the direction of the woods where he stood, unaware the raven was actually there and hearing him. “We will still find you and we will bring you home one day.”

Sasuke was shocked to say the least. “Kakashi and Sakura…? That’s a bit… Weird?” He commented to no one but himself. He had to see this for himself, surely it had to be some sick joke. But why in the hell would Naruto sit out talking to the damn forest with some stupid sincerity towards me if it wasn’t real? 

Does the idiot do it often? Just stand on the damn wall and talk to the trees, as if he was talking to me? Has he cried his heart out with the pain of my departure? How pathetic, better to have spent that time training instead of pining after some astray team mate. No wonder he’s still a damned genin.

He made the hand signs to form a henge and approached the village entrance, feigning to be a traveler in need of shelter for the night. Just like he thought, they fell for it. He wandered through the village aimlessly, feeling out for any familiar chakra signatures. He’d run into Team Seven enough times over the years to still recognize their chakras.

He caught wind of Sakura and Kakashi’s chakra coming from one of the bars. He went into the Shuriken, vaguely remembering that many jounin liked this particular bar. And that when he saw it. 

Sakura was sitting awful close to Kakashi, their sides touching and Kakashi’s arm around her waist, his hand on her hip. Clearly they had gotten cozy. An unwelcome feeling of jealousy formed within him. How could she move on, claiming to have loved him? Why did he care that she moved on, didn’t he just claim he had no use for such a useless girl? 

He also saw Ino, sitting all cozy with Choji, which was a little surprising. Talk about a downgrade, Sasuke thought to himself. However, that feeling of possessiveness didn’t flow in his veins at the sight of Ino with someone else.

He moved closer wanting to hear what was being said. 

“Regardless, if he had laid a finger on you that night, I wouldn’t have given a damn about him being a civilian. Neither should you when you’re about to be assaulted. Granted you could barely walk 10 minutes later, your chakra control was probably already affected by then.”

“For being around Tsunade so much, you’d think she would handle her liquor better…” 

“Shame, you were an awful cute drunk.”

“Oh, Sai? Naruto and him get along great now. But he is still amused by antagonizing Naruto from time to time.”

Sasuke scowled at the conversation. Hearing Kakashi refer to her as being a cute drunk was fucking weird. What was he, fourteen years older than us? And he went after Sakura?

Odd how she is attracted to the ones that are traumatized…

Naruto’s words echoed in his mind, angered once again by the idea that she actually could have pursued Kakashi herself. What could have possibly gone wrong to suddenly make her have some change of heart and not love him anymore? They had counted on that very expectation that she was still infatuated with me, in order to get her to us. Now, what the hell are they going to do? Damnit. 

He continued watching them, his blood boiling as he watched Sakura whisper in his ear. Annoyed that Sakura and Ino seemed restless, looking around the bar but not quite pinpointing the cause of their distress. Were they really strong enough to sense an unwanted presence now? He had still been doubtful that Sakura had become a formidable shinobi, but now it seemed that it may be true, as she scanned the room with a nervous look in her eyes. 

She knew she was being watched, but she couldn’t tell by who. He smirked. He was still superior to her, of course he was. 

As he heard them begin to leave, warning of keeping Ino and Sakura under protection and other bullshit of the like, Sasuke felt the plan wasn’t totally screwed. It was obvious Ino and Sakura were close. Perhaps he could still kidnap Ino and she could just be held for ransom. He kidnaps her, and in exchange for her safety, Sakura has to come with him to Orochimaru. That could work, Sakura is probably some self sacrificing ninja now if she’s a medic. 

He decided to follow Kakashi and Sakura as they walked to his apartment, not even shocking to Sasuke it was the same one he had seven years ago. He perched on a roof and watched as she changed into Kakashi’s clothes. Taking notice of the more athletic build her body had now and even some scars, as opposed to the girlish, untouched skin in his memory. He watched as she laid in Kakashi's bed and he lay behind her and held her close to him, like he actually had something to lose again. 

“Awe, the Copy Nin finally let some emotions out, has he?” He chuckled darkly. “What will you do when she comes running back into my arms, Sensei?” 

And that when he sensed it. He had been careless, and now he had been spotted. He stared back at Kakashi lazily, uncaring. His former sensei’s gaze had been hard and he looked ready to kill as he brought his arms around Sakura even tighter.

“Tell the blossom I said hello, Sensei.” Sasuke smirked before disappearing into the darkness. 

Kakashi stiffened, having been staring out his window when he spotted the form on the room facing the direction of his apartment, and upon closer inspection, realized there were red eyes looking at them. Despite the obvious henge, that’s when he knew she and Ino were both being watched, and that it had to be far from good. Only two people that possessed those eyes were alive, and he was pretty sure the elder of the two had no interest in Sakura. His arms tightened around Sakura, now certain he wouldn’t be sleeping tonight.

He laid awake all night, trying to figure what to say to Sakura. He had to tell her, she had to be on her guard. He didn’t want her to leave his sight, but he already knew she wouldn’t stand to be stuck in the house or to not go to work. 

Then there was that tiny piece of that still feared that she still had feelings for Sasuke, that she would drop him in an instant. No matter how much he knew she was serious about him, especially after the talk with Tsunade, there was still part of him that couldn’t let go of that fear of losing her. 

And most importantly out of all this. Why was Sasuke here? Why was he lurking in the bar and watching them in his apartment? It just didn’t seem right. What was his motive? And why didn’t he notice his chakra signature? Had he slacked and let his guard down, being so happy around Sakura? Well it won’t be such anymore.

How would Naruto react to this situation? He still swears to bring Sasuke back. Will they fight again? That went rough for both of them last time that happened.

He stared up at the ceiling, contemplating what he would do. He needed to tell Naruto as soon as possible as well. As well as Tsunade, Choji, Asuma and Ino who should know this information as well. He couldn’t believe how easily Sasuke had gotten into the village, how was he not noticed? Even with the henge, the guards should have been able to see through that… Unless he used genjutsu on them. Kakashi sighed heavily

He looked over at Sakura, her pink tresses covering his pillows, her smaller form clinging to his side. The sun was beginning to come up and she would have to get up for work soon. He ran his fingers through her hair before kissing her forehead softly. “Sakura…” He said softly. 

He would protect her no matter what. He’d die before he let something happen to her. It was the cold hard truth. No one had meant this much to him before and he wasn’t going to lose her. 

“Sakura…” He called out a little louder and she groaned. “You need to get up for work.” He chuckled softly, her unwillingness to get up somehow making his heart squeeze.

“Yeah, yeah, I know.” She grumbled before opening her eyes and rubbing them. She huffed a strand of her hair out of her face before sitting up. “Last night was still weird.”

He nodded and sighed. “Yeah, about that. We need to talk to Tsunade and make sure there is extra guard around the hospital for yours and Ino’s safety. And no missions.” 

Sakura frowned at his last statement but nodded solemnly. “It’s not like I’d been going on missions recently anyway…” She shrugged, seeming only slightly bothered.

“You’re not only our team’s medic, but one of the best medics in the village. We can’t afford to lose you because you’re stubborn.” He chuckled and kissed her cheek. “Now come on, before the gambling Hokage comes here looking for you.” 

Sakura smiled softly and hugged him tight before getting up and retrieving her clothes. She took a look at them and scowled. “This dress is a far cry from professional wear…” 

Kakashi slid out of bed. “I was well aware, I woke you up with enough time for us to go back to your place and get your normal clothing.”

He watched as she turned to look at the clock for the first time and her shoulders sagged. He quickly got ready and walked besides her. “Did you sleep okay? You look a little…” He wasn’t sure how to finish that without being hurtful.

She just shook her head silently before leaning into him. “Let’s just go. I need a shower.” He simply nodded in response, not quite sure how to comfort her.

Once he had dropped her off at the hospital for her shift, he went straight to the Hokage tower. He knocked on the door lightly and was surprised to hear an awake and sober voice come through the wood.

“Come in.”

He stepped inside. “We have an emergency and we will need to summon Naruto.” 

Tsunade instantly frowned before pointing at the ceiling. “Well that part is done, now what is the danger?”

Naruto dropped down from the ceiling, instantly sensing the killing distress coming off his team captain. “Kakashi, what’s the matter?” He asked seriously.

Kakashi looked at Naruto, not sure how to say the news other than getting straight to the point. “Sasuke was in the village last night. I don’t know how he got past the guards, but Ino and Sakura felt like they were being watched towards the end of the night last night.” He scowled at the memories. “Sakura barely slept. Just as she had fallen asleep, I spotted him in a henge sitting on a rooftop watching us. I was only able to tell it was him because he had his sharingan activated.”

“And you did nothing!” Tsunade stood up from her desk and yelled.

Naruto shook his head. “No.” He faced Tsunade. “What was he supposed to do? Wake Sakura and risk her panicking?” 

The tension in her body dissipated. “Does she know?” She asked.

Kakashi shook his head. “I couldn’t figure out how to tell her. She hadn’t slept good and didn’t feel well. She still felt wary and I didn’t want to tell her such news before she had to go into work.”

“We need to put ANBU all around the hospital.” Naruto said instantly. “And we need to tell Team 10 and Sakura somehow.”

Kakashi nodded in agreement. “That’s exactly why I’m here.”

“I am going to send them immediately.” Tsunade said fiercely. “Whatever is going on, it’s probably connected to Orochi-”

“Lady Tsunade!” Choji came barging into the office, Shikamaru and Asuma trailing behind him.

“Choji, you can’t just walk-”

“Asuma, he’s fine.” Tsunade assured, noticing the distress in the young man’s expression. “What is it?”

“Ino is gone! We can’t find her anywhere!” 

“What!” Naruto exclaimed.

“Damnit, it wasn’t soon enough!” Kakashi cursed.

“What is happening? What do you mean ‘not soon enough’, Kakashi?” Shikamaru raised an eyebrow.

Tsunade cursed under her breath. “Shizune, get Sakura here immediately!” She walked around her desk and leaned on the front of it, her eyebrows deeply furrowed. “When did you see her last?”

“I fell asleep on her couch last night after Asuma and I walked her home from the bar.” Choji was still frantic. “I woke up to her mother panicking that she was gone.” Choji’s bottom lip was trembling. “I was supposed to protect her.”

Asuma grabbed his shoulder. “Choji, it is not your fault.”

Kakashi shook his head. “It’s not. None of us sensed him last night.”

Asuma frowned. “Who..?”

Sakura walked into her office and ran a hand through her locks, letting out a heavy sigh. She set her patient charts on her desk and went over to start a cup of coffee. 

She still felt that feeling of being watched. She still couldn’t find anything that seemed out of the ordinary and it was getting on her last nerve. She hated this restless feeling. She sank down in her chair and flipped through the charts. Everything was minor meaning there was nothing that would require her full attention to distract her.

She tried to think about being in Kakashi’s arms, how safe it had felt to be in his embrace. She wished she could have just stayed there with him but she knew that was impossible. However despite that, she still hadn’t slept well at all. She had one of the recurring nightmares about the sharingan again. They had lessened ever since those months where Kakashi let her gaze into his own sharingan, in hopes that it would get her used to it again. It took weeks for her to not shed tears but he would always comfort and not let her push herself.

She hadn’t had those nightmares for months, almost a year now. She’s been healing his eye with no trepidation at all for so long, she had nearly forgotten this nightmare. It hadn’t bothered as much as it did so long ago, but it just didn’t make sense that it showed up again now, as things in her life were going really well.

And then she felt a chill run down her spine before she sensed a presence.

“Sakura…”

She knew that cold, plaintive tone like no other. She froze in place, wondering why he was here. How did he get into the village? Into the hospital and her office? Was he the one watching her since last night?

She turned to look at him, meeting onyx eyes.

“S-Sasuke..?” She stammered before standing back up from her chair, gathering chakra within herself. “What are you doing here?”

He smirked. “Come with me to Orochimaru.”

“What?” She sputtered in disbelief. Did he really just say that? “Hell, no!” She backed away from him. “I will not betray this village like you did!”

“Come on, Sakura. Can you imagine the strength you would have at being trained by not one, but two of the legendary Sannin?” He smirked and took a step closer. “And you’ll get to be with me. We could have a family. We’ll be together, like you’ve always wanted.”

Sakura stared at him in shock. “What did you just say?”

“Come with me. Orochimaru needs your healing ability, and I want to carry on my clan.” Sasuke said, his patience wavering. Why was she just standing there, looking at him?

“You think I’m going to help him?” She spat angrily. “I am not some naive, lovesick little genin anymore!” She growled. “Get away from me! You made you choice when we were 13 when you left me on a fucking bench, you prick!” 

Sasuke’s eyes widened at her words, but gave no response.

“You tried to kill me, twice.” She took a step forward. “And now you’re in my office claiming you want me to bear your children, as if that’s all I’m good for? At least Orochimaru recognized medical abilities!” 

Sasuke flashed towards, not standing inches from her face. “So, it’s true then.” He stated harshly. “You really did whore yourself didn’t you? What, were you not strong enough to make jonin? I knew he was a creep but I never thought he liked little children.” He laughed and shoved her. “I knew it was bullshit that you could have surpassed Tsunade.”

Sakura glared at him fiercely. “What the hell are you on about, now? Have you finally lost your mind?”

“Oh, no. I just never thought you’d stop loving me with all your little protests to be with me, let alone sink low enough to fuck our old sensei to make rank.”

Sakura’s jaw dropped. “How could you…” Her eyes darkened with her anger at the insult. “I was already jonin during the war, far before me and Kakashi had ever become involved. How do you even know about that?” She spat, summoning chakra to her fists and swinging for his jaw. He easily dodged her attack and it was only more infuriating.

Sasuke slapped her. “Look at you. You’re still just a weak little girl. You claim loyalty but you couldn’t even hang on for me! You were supposedly going to be saving grace, or was that some lie Naruto spat back then too!”

Sakura yelped in pain and stared up at him dumbfounded. “I’ll be damned if I spent my life waiting for you to find your team to suddenly be more important than your sick and twisted need for revenge! You showed us time and time again that you didn’t care, so why now! Why are you here!”

Sasuke glared at her, ignoring her question. “You will come to Orochimaru, one way or another. I could care less if you bear my children or not. I wouldn’t want them tainted with your lack of emotional control anyways. If you gave up on me then you never really did love me, anyways. Not that it matters at all.”

“Are you actually jealous?” She stared at him before laughing. “You couldn’t give me the time of day, but now that I moved on, you want me?” She shook her head sadly. “You’re too late. I love Kakashi, and I have for longer than I could even know myself.”

Sasuke’s eye twitched. He grabbed her up by her throat, activating his sharingan and catching her eyes before she could react. “You really think that another broken man is capable of love, let alone how disgusting it is for a student and sensei to be involved romantically? He’s kept everyone he’s ever known out of reach since the death of Fourth, you’re no different. He was probably just horny and you’re vulnerable.” 

Sakura trembled and tried to shut her eyes but she reacted too late, her eyes caught in the swirls of red and black. Not again. 

“You think you’ve grown up so much, but yet you still went after someone who can’t give you what you want. A 20 year old ninja, and yet you still can’t mature past your stupid and childish ideals, blossom.” He spat sarcastically. “And maybe, just maybe it is real, and  he let you in. It’ll be too bad, because I will kill him for ever thinking he could take what’s been mine since the academy days.” He spat. 

And then he put her in a Tsukuyomi, making her watch Kakashi die over and over again, by Sasuke’s hand. He only held for a few minutes but it would feel like days to her that she watched the horror over and over again.

He dropped her and left, leaving to handle her motivation in the case that that was not enough, the chatty blonde having already stretched his patience enough since he abducted her last night.

Sakura sat on the floor of her office, trembling. She tried to release, knowing it was just genjutsu. But she already knew you couldn’t get out of Tsukuyomi, it had been useless to try. She hugged her knees and cried into them, trying to gather her components. She remembered when Kakashi and Sasuke himself had suffered that jutsu from Itachi, and the damage that had been done. She tried to make herself breathe, trying to figure how she was conscious and not in a coma like they had been. It didn’t add up, even if she was resistant to genjutsu, the mangekyou abilities were far stronger than normal genjutsu…

She shook her head and wiped her tears. Tsunade needs to know right away. She grabbed her charts and gave them the front desk, telling her they needed to be reassigned before leaving. She was running up the road from the hospital to the Hokage tower when Ino’s mom came around the turn. 

“Sakura, have you seen Ino?!”

Sakura glanced at her best friend’s mother, just as she realized where Ino was.

 You will come to Orochimaru, one way or another.

“Sakura, come now!” She heard Shizune call. “Oh my god, what happened to you?”

“Sasuke just came into my office!” She called to her mentor, her voice trembling. “What the hell is going on!”

“Oh no, come on! I was coming to get you for an emergency.”

They ran up the stairs just as she heard a male voice ask “who” and many others murmuring. 

Sakura and Shizune entered the office briskly, Sakura struggling to catch her breath.

“My Lady… She was already halfway here.” Shizune started, holding Sakura tightly. “She...encountered Sasuke.”

Tsunade took one look at Sakura and could tell something was wrong, more than just seeing Sasuke. She frowned. She was pale and her eyes were bloodshot and she seemed to be just barely trembling.

“Sakura…?” Naruto tried, moving to her. “Hey, what happened? Did he hurt you?” He gently grabbed her shoulders and shook her.

Her eyes snapped and met his eyes and tears instantly forming, unable to hold them back. She held his gaze before shaking her head to answer his question. She turned to her side to look at Kakashi, meeting his  exposed eye, seeing his gaze full of concern and she frowned again.

“You knew, didn’t you? That’s why you’re here…” She moved towards him.

Kakashi nodded. “He was watching us last night.” He said blankly, unsure of what to say. “I didn’t know how to tell you… I hadn’t realized it was him until you fell asleep.”

The tears slowly flowed down her cheeks, glistening under the light in the room. “Kakashi, he took Ino, didn’t he!” And then she cried out and threw herself into him.

He instantly wrapped his arms around her body, unsure of what else to do. He held her tight in his arms. Tsunade watched them, seeing how unsure Kakashi looked and shook her head as she made a show of flipping her hair, hoping it was enough of a hint to get him to comfort her better.

“We will get her back.” She turned to Shizune. “Was she able to tell you what happened?”

Shizune shook her head. “I only just found her, she was on her way here, turning the corner.”

Sakura shook in Kakashi’s arms. “He wants me to go with him and Orochimaru. I-I refused and he got angry, and told me I-I would join them one or another…” 

“Absolutely not!” Naruto’s eyes flashed red for just a second. “That snake will not get her too!” 

Kakashi glared, stroking Sakura’s hair after noticing Tsunade making direct eye contact with him and flicking her hair across her shoulder. “She will not.” His grip tightened on her.

“Is he still in the village?” Shikamaru demanded.

“I had every shinobi on site spread to lockdown all entrances and to pass the message on behalf of Tsunade as soon as I left the room, and it had only been moments before.”

“This doesn’t explain how I didn’t know!” Choji flared.

“Genjutsu? Isn’t that the Uchiha’s thing with their eyes?” Shikamaru inquired.

Asuma nodded. “He very well could have put the entire household under one long enough to get her out, and made you stay in a dream state.”

Sakura sniffled softly, swallowing down her cries. “Apparently Orochimaru is convinced I can heal his wretched arms, as if I would want to.” She spat. “Oh, and I guess Sasuke wants to be sure his clan is continued on before he gives his body to a snake.” She scoffed.

Naruto looked perpetually confused. “He tried to make Tsunade heal him… But she said she couldn’t, but he was certain she could…”

“I never said I couldn’t…” Tsunade intervened. “I just wouldn’t be swayed by him, especially with the use of forbidden jutsu, no matter how much I miss Dan or my little brother…” Her shoulders went rigid at the topic coming up. “But I still doubt I could have. The Death Reaper Seal often kills the person who uses it, it is a more than powerful jutsu which killed not only the Third but…” Tsunade looked to meet Naruto’s eyes in a solemn gaze.

“My father…”  Naruto said flatly. “I’m aware.” 

“I don’t care if I could heal his stupid arms, I will not.” Sakura said spitefully. “But I have to go…” 

Kakashi looked at her. “No.” He said, his grip on her tightening even more. “I am not losing you, Sakura.”

Naruto shook his head. “We will get Ino back without losing you.” 

Choji nodded. “Neither one of you is more important than the other, no matter who loves who.” He affirmed, now calmed knowing the situation.

Sakura frowned, shifting slightly in Kakashi’s iron grip, and resting her forehead on his shoulder. “There’s something else…” Her voice trembled.

Everyone waited and listened while she seemed to build up her morality to speak again.

“I’m sure you figured out he was watching us last night, and was the cause of the unsettling feelings me and Ino had.” 

Sakura trembled. She didn’t know what to do. She just knew she felt safe in Kakashi’s arms but she knew what she was about to say was going to set everyone off. The simple idea that she would go back to him couldn’t even cross her mind. The aura of the Uchiha’s anger filling her office when she refused still left her shaking. 

Her grip tightened around Kakashi as she finally spoke again. “He told me he was going to kill Kakashi…” She choked back another sob.

“He couldn’t believe I was with him. He went off about how it was disgusting and wrong.” She glared at the wall in front of her. “And insinuated that Kakashi was a pedophile and when I went to hit him in response, he finally understood that it was real.” Her nails dug into Kakashi’s back as she tried to keep her composure. “Berated me about loyalty, telling me I never loved him. I betrayed him. Told me I was just a whore looking to get up the r-ranks… And that if I ever thought someone like Kakashi was capable of love than I’m no less of an idiot than I was when we were 13. But I didn’t know he took Ino until her mother found me...” She shook. “I just guessed because we both felt some unwanted presence last night and then he popped up in my office, and she had liked him back then too so I thought maybe he was finding a different medic that…” 

“Sakura, it’s not your fault.” Naruto said sternly. “And you are definitely none of the things he said.” His anger was beginning to flare again and it was all he could do to keep his emotions in check. “I will find him myself.” He looked at Team 10. “No better search party than us right?”

“No. Last time I sent a mission after Sasuke with emotional attachments involved you almost died.” Tsunade spat.

“Lady, they aren’t chunin and genin anymore.” Shizune cut in. “And I think if we send the right balance of experience it will be a good set up.” 

“I don’t think you’re going to be able to convince anyone in this room to not go after them. It’s personal for us all.” Asuma agreed.

The fifth just sighed. “You all act like you’re the boss around here.” She grumbled. “Fine, then. I want Sai and Yamato in your group as well, making three seasoned former ANBU in your ranks. A Hyuga as well. The more strength you have against Sasuke, the better. I’d say an Inuzuka for tracking, but you already have Kakashi.” She slouched against her desk. “And do not go against Orochimaru. Get to Sasuke before he returns to wherever the hell they are holed up. The more you have, the better.” She sighed. “Yamato is the mission lead.”

She hoped Kakashi and Asuma wouldn’t take offense to Yamato being lead, as they were far too invested in this mission emotionally. While Yamato was part of Team Seven, he was not involved with Sakura, nor did he have the same attachments to Sasuke that the three of them have. Asuma was her sensei, there was no way she could truly trust he could think logically at all times. 

Everyone nodded and left the office.

“Me and Kakashi will find Sai and Yamato.” Sakura affirmed.

“I’ll find Neji and Hinata, at least one should be able to go.” Naruto said fiercely.

“We will meet at the gates in half an hour, that should be ample time to pack and round everyone shouldn’t it?” Asuma stated, watching Choji and Shikamaru. The boys only nodded.

Temari came running up the steps to the tower. “I need to speak with the Hokage right away!” She exclaimed.

Shikamaru’s eyes widened. “Temari! What are you doing here? What’s wrong?”

She hesitated before looking at the group and her eyes landing on Sakura. “We have intel that Orochimaru is-”

“It’s too late.” Kakashi stated plainly. “Sasuke already has Ino…”

Temari's eyes widened before looking at her lover’s team. “I’m sorry, I got here as fast as I could. But we thought he was after Sakura…? Gaara sent me here, we weren’t sure how reliable the intel we got was but we didn’t want to risk it. ”

“They’re using her best friend as ransom…” Choji said, clearly bothered. “We just organized a resume squad and need to retrieve the rest of it.” 

“Let me come! I’m in order to do whatever I can to help.”

“Temari, I don’t think-” Shikamaru started.

“Please.” Sakura cut him off. “We need all the help we can get.”

Naruto nodded. “And there’s nothing like a little wind jutsu to help out!” He gave a smile before jumping to the rooftops, bounding from one to another towards the Hyuuga compound.

Temari nodded and glanced at Choji, who looked explicitly more distraught than Asuma and Shika. She walked up to him and pressed a hand to his arm. “I know you care about her, we’ll get her back.”

“Sasuke is such a drag.” Shikamaru groaned before shaking his head. “Choji and her just got together and he had to go and kidnap all because he’s jealous of Kakashi? He didn’t seem so interested before he left.” 

Asuma shook his head. “This isn’t about interest, it’s about opportunity. He wanted to carry on his bloodline, Sakura just seemed convenient because he assumed she’d still fall to his feet.” He sighed. 

Sakura scoffed. “It’s not even just that. Orochimaru wants me to heal his arms. I’m sure the revival of his clan was just some manipulation on the betraying sannin’s part.” She added bitterly. “I should have knocked him into the next decade but I was in shock…” She shamed herself.

“You can’t blame yourself, Sakura.” Shikamaru added. “We haven’t seen him since the war and he only sided with us then because he wants to be the one to destroy the village. It’s not like we expect to just walk into our town without making himself known.”

“Whatever the case, we need to go get ready to leave the village, and scout it out before. Chances he had already escaped before Shizune raised the alarm but we must be certain. This mission consists of some of the strongest shinobi, we cannot risk leaving if he is still here.” Kakasi said in usual laid back but firm demeanor. 

“He’s right.” 

The rest of the group departed to round up their things and fellow shinobi.

Naruto knocked as politely as possible on the door to the Hyuga complex in his urgent state. Hiashi answered as always with a smile, already sensing Naruto’s chakra. His expression changed when he noticed the serious aura around the usually cheerful young man. “Naruto, what’s wrong?”

“It’s Sasuke. He kidnapped Ino to try and make Sakura join him and Orochimaru.” Naruto said in an even tone. “Tsunade has commanded that at least one Hyuga goes on the rescue mission. I would like to ask for both Hinata and Neji.” 

Hiashi thought a moment before nodding. “I will also send Hanabi. She is quite fond of that one teammate of yours, the former ANBU that uses ink? I also think it would do her some good to go on a mission, it’s about time she is no longer stuck within the village walls. She has much to learn as the future head.” 

Naruto couldn’t help but smile. “You mean Sai.” Hinata had mentioned before that Hanabi was curious about Sai, but frowned in confusion. “I thought you didn’t like letting the clan heads get involved with village business.”

Hiashi thought for a moment about Naruto’s observation. “Neji and Hinata are technically branch members, which is why they went to the academy. Hanabi is the next clan head, but she must see danger and know what it means to protect someone.” He sighed softly. “Sasuke and Orochimaru are a danger to the village which is where we live. And it would also seem that while Hanabi wishes to follow most principles of the clan, she seems to want to be closer to the village.” 

He was never a fan of this, sticking well to the traditions of the Hyuga clan, not ever really close to anyone outside of it. However, that seemed to be where this generation of Hyuga had changed. Neji and Hinata have both fallen for someone outside of the clan, and it now seems that Hanabi will as well. As long as the Hyuga genes were kept pure for the next leader, perhaps he could learn to be okay with it, granted it would be a rather odd arrangement if his younger daughter married outside of the clan.

“She has expressed interest in being a genin team leader. I usually would not support this, but it has seemed that this generation has changed many things, and if she will lead the clan maybe she should experience being part of village relations before she makes such a fundamental decision for our clan.” 

Naruto had listened fully with all the respect he could have. It always bothered him that the clan never did anything unless there was a war, but he was glad to see them possibly beginning to change that.

“That sounds like a good idea when you explain all that then.” Naruto beamed, but it faltered. “We’re supposed to meet at the village gates soon. I don’t need to talk to them, we’re gonna fill everyone in on the run. I still need to get ready while Kakashi and Sakura find Sai and Yamato.”

Hiashi nodded. “I understand the urgency. Go on, I will inform them of the mission.” He watched as Naruto took back to the rooftops into the direction of his apartment, pride swelling in his heart that his daughter would find such a formidable shinobi to love.

Naruto bounded back to his apartment and quickly packed all his weapons and some dried food rations. Before leaving he grabbed his sage scroll and swung it around his shoulder to hang behind him. He sighed and left, running into the rest of the current Team Seven on his ways to the gates.

“Naruto.” Sai nodded towards him.

“Who is coming from the Hyuga?” Sakura asked.

“We are getting Hinata, Neji and her little sister Hanabi!” He smiled. “I had only requested Neji and Hinata. Hiashi had volunteered Hanabi, saying she needed to go outside of the village walls? That was kind of shocking.”

Kakashi and Yamato raised their eyebrows, knowing the history and ways of the Hyuga.

“It definitely is, but you have always inspired change in people.” Kakashi said with pride. 

As they ran to the gate, he thought more deeply about his statement. How this team was the reason he even opened up even a little bit again. How much Naruto reminded him of Obito, and Sakura reminds him of Rin more and more everyday. How much of himself he had seen in Sasuke, and how much he put into trying to stop him from taking the path of vengeance. How it was Naruto who had almost convinced him that letting himself be with Sakura was worth facing the fear of loss once again. Worth having something to lose, granted really he already had something to lose before he let himself fully love her. 

He looked to each member of his team, to Naruto in front of him and Sakura first. The determined yet angry aura that wavered of Naruto was nearly tangible. To  his right where Sakura was right beside him, her fear and perseverance to save her friend just as in reach. He watched Yamato and Sai, trailing behind on either side, the unwavering camaraderie and loyalty in their expressions as they trailed after the three towards the bridge.

He thought of the friends he had made that he had kept just out of reach for years, knowing deep down it would kill him inside if something happened to Gai, Asuma, and Kurenai. Even Genma, Shizune, Iruka, and Anko. He had always had something to lose even when he kept his distance, but the pain would be so much greater if he had ever let himself love. But the more he really admitted it to himself, he wasn’t far from feeling the pain he tried too hard to avoid the longer he had been around Naruto and Sakura. As for Sakura… The time they spent together just slowly became more and more, until they were just always together when she wasn’t at the hospital or with Ino or Naruto.

Reaching the gates, meeting everyone there, he smiled his usual eye crease.

“How many missions are we going to take that involve Sasuke?” Neji asked in his usual agitated tone.

“Neji!” Hinata chastised.

Naruto shook his head. “This time he’s gone after Sakura, again, and Ino. He’s crossed the line.”

“What are you saying, Naruto?” Yamato watched the jinchuriki carefully.

“I’m saying that from here on out, he’s not my brother. He’s not my best friend. He’s not my comrade. He’s an enemy.” He ground his teeth together. “I can’t keep watching him hurt the people I care about.”

“Naruto…” Sakura rested her hand on his shoulder. 

“Let’s not get hasty. The goal of the mission is to retrieve Ino, correct?” Yamato asked.

Kakashi nodded. “Sasuke is still under the influence of Orochimaru, remember.”

Sakura frowned. “He seemed perfectly well aware of what he was doing before.” 

Hinata watched the team with compassion, knowing how much Naruto struggles with the troubles surrounding Sasuke and his desire to bring him back from the darkness.

“We should go. Some Anbu reported here earlier saying there was no sign that they are still in the village.” Asuma stated softly, noticing how antsy his team was getting with all the talk. “Please remember the bonds between Ino and her team go further than just the academy and being genin together. Their clans have been comrades alongside each other for generations, and all three of my team are the next clan heads to take an oath to protect one another, and this is especially hard for Choji, as we all know his feelings for her.”

Shikamaru and Choji nodded, keeping silent but turning to start leaving towards the gates. 

The rest soon followed into the forest. Hinata kept close to Naruto as they leapt through the leaves. Kakashi and Sakura were together, Yamato jumping to the head to lead the envoy. The team leader stopped below the branches a moment, realizing they hadn’t even spoken of plans. “Wait a moment!”

Everyone stopped for a moment, staring at the captain of the mission confused.

“We need to discuss a formation and find a trail before we go high tailing to nowhere.” He gazed over at Kakashi expectantly.

The copy nin slid the scroll from his vest and performed the hand signs to summon his ninken before placing his hand on the ground. “Do any of you have something that could have Ino’s scent on it?” He looked pointedly at Choji.

Sakura shook her head and Choji looked nervous. 

“I don’t have anything…” He said solemnly.

Sakura smiled. “Choji, her scent is probably still all over you from last night. And you slept at her house.”

“Kakashi’s ninken can separate your own scent from hers.” Asuma nodded.

“Pakkun, Shiba, and Bisuke, find the scent of Ino. You’ve been around her once or twice. Follow it, and if you remember Sasuke’s scent still, follow that one as well. He kidnapped her. Report back to me if you find a trail.”

“You got it boss.” 

They went and sniffed Choji a few moments until they found the more feminine scent on his clothes. “You’re her boyfriend, aren’t you kid?” Pakkun asked bluntly.

Choji’s face turned red and he just nodded. 

His nose wiggled and nodded. “That’s it, let’s go.” 

And then the ninken were gone in a matter of blurs taking off.

Yamato nodded, clearly pleased with the success of finding a way to track them. “Okay. We have three Hyuga, so I want one in the front, one in the center and one in the back. Which of you three have the longest range?”

Neji and Hinata exchanged glances before silently agreeing on something.

“Captain, Hanabi does, but she cannot be in the front of line. Understand, she is the clan heirass and must be protected. Neji is further than mine.” She stated quietly but confidently.

Yamato nodded. “I understand. I am going to do a 2,3,2,3,2 formation. Neji, you will be in the front with me since you have the second superior sight range.” He paused a moment to think longer about his comrades abilities and strengths. “Shikamaru, Temari, and Choji you will be the next group behind me, two long range users to use on the enemies ahead, and Choji to give power hits I know the Akimichi have when they get close.”

 He thought about how to best protect Hanabi in an emergency with her in the center. “Hanabi in the center and Hinata in the back. Sai, because you have the super beast scroll and can summon anything, you will be with Hanabi, in the case that this gets too dangerous and a threat to her life, you are to form a beast and escape with her and protect her.” He took note of Hanabi turning just the slightest bit of pink and grinned and a knowing look passed over Hinata’s features, a grin crossing his face to hear no argument.

 Knowing Hinata would be the rear eyes, he glanced between the rest of the team. Sakura needed to be kept within the inner part of the formation as the medic nin and a target of the enemy. “Kakashi, Sakura, and Asuma, you will be between Hanabi and Hinata’s pairs as a group of three, because you all have close and strong combat skills. And we also want Sakura surrounded as our team's head medic and one of the targets of the enemy so she is to be in the center of you two.”

He glanced at Naruto, sure the ninja knew his place now but still stating it and the reason.“Naruto, you will be in the back with Hinata, as you have the most chakra and can handle an ambush attack with your shadow clones and toad summons, as well as your enhanced resilience from the nine tails. Hinata also has her protective trigrams to hold off an enemy use should it be needed.” 

Everyone moved into the formation given without much questioning to their captain. They were focused on saving their comrade, best friend, and or teammate. Sakura hated to be treated as if she were fragile but she knew she had to stay out of harm's way to be an effective medic. It didn’t mean she always had to like it though. She could still feel the fear slowly creeping into her mind again but she tried to keep watching for the next branch to land on, and the next and the next in hopes of distracting herself.

“Sakura…” Naruto called softly from behind.

Kakashi gave him a side glance, curious in what he had to say.

“What?” Sakura inquired.

“What happened?” Naruto asked directly. “You seem different, shaken. And not like you only seen Sasuke. I’ve seen that and this is different.” His eyebrows furrowed. “You’re shaky and torn up like you were traumatized, not just surprised…”

Sakura looked away from both Kakashi and Naruto. “Nothing…” She tried but her voice cracked, giving her away instantly that it was a lie.

“Sakura, did he do something else?” Kakashi asked, and she could hear the venomous threat meant toward the Uchiha lying in the tones of his voice.

“You’re acting like Sasuke after the time me and Jiraiya ran into Itachi and Kisame…” Naruto realized, his eyes widening with worry.

Sakura gulped. She didn’t want to make them worry more. If they found out she’s been through a tsukuyomi they might make her return to and stay in the village. 

“Sakura…” She could hear Kakashi try to steady his breathing.

“He… He didn’t just threaten to kill you.” She turned to face Kakashi. “He made me watch all the various ways he would have thought to do it…” She swallowed again. “It was only for a few mere moments…”

“Sakura! You shouldn’t be pushing yourself!” Hinata exclaimed.

“I’m fine!” The pinkette insisted.

Kakashi was doing everything he could to not lose his temper, not with her, but at the very thought he used any sort of that technique of the sharingan on her. He should have known by now that Sasuke was beyond redemption, but it still surprised just how low he could fall in how he treated his own teammates, let alone the conspiring against the village in such a way. They all should have learned by now.

The pangs of guilt he used to feel for believing he failed the raven kid were beginning to turn into contempt and revulsion.

Those who break the rules are scum, but those who abandon their friends are worse than scum. 

He tried so hard not to feel that way about Sasuke because he knew there could have been a chance he could have gone down a similar path, but the Uchiha chose over and over again to have revenge instead of camaraderie. How much more could he look the other way, as he watched him hurt his team over and over again, the two who still held hope for him until this particular betrayal?

That fact that he put Sakura through a tsukuyomi, not just a genjutsu. He still wondered how she was even conscious, let alone out of bed.

“Yamato, we need to stop. My ninken will be able to keep a trail and follow them to wherever they go.” Kakashi called out with a neutral tone, the same one he had used when he was the leader of missions. 

“Kakashi, I said I’m fine!” 

He gently grabbed her wrist as he stopped on the next branch, pulling her to a halt. “Sakura, even I was down after a tsukuyomi had been used on me.” He pressed. “Stop fighting  us on this.” His tone held a little more authority in the last statement. His grip was gentle but it was still firm.

She knew he was just trying to look out for her but it was annoying that he wouldn’t let it go. Annoyed at the tinge of authority in his voice, even though she knew he was considered second in command on this mission, even though he was technically her team leader. Her best friend was kidnapped and she did not plan on stopping until she found her.

Everyone else had stopped within yards of each other. Yamato came upon the back of the group, looking at his pink haired teammate. “Sakura, you should have been cleared by a medic.”

She huffed annoyed. “I am literally the medical director, and I said I’m fine.” She snapped. “My best friend is literally about to be at the hands of the two biggest rogue nin of our village, and we are stopping over some damn visions.” 

Naruto put a hand on his lifetime friend’s shoulder. “Sakura, even I know they aren’t just visions.”

“Ino’s safety is not worth trading for yours.” Asuma stated bluntly. 

“I am fine!” She tried to insist.

“Sakura, you’re barely holding it together.” Shikamaru pointed out. “Your best friend was just kidnapped by your revenge sick teammate that’s suddenly hellbent on having you, and he just used a forceful genjutsu on you. No one here is expecting you to be okay.”

“What if she needs medical attention, Sakura?” Hinata pleaded. “You have to have full stamina in case she has been severely injured…” Hinata knew that Sakura knew she was right but sometimes you needed to hear from someone else.

Sakura leaned against the tree, the exhaustion hitting her. “I’m fine. You know I’m resistant to genjutsu… I’m just tired and my head hurts. We don’t need to stop…” She trailed off, knowing she didn’t sound very convincing. 

“Sakura, you can’t push yourself to your limits and then expect to be of help when we get there. Or if anyone else gets hurt, you have to be able to be the medic, not one of the ones who needs a medic.”

Yamato looked at her. “You either need to rest and get a handle on your emotions, or I will have to send you back.” He said it in his usual tone of authority.

He knew Sakura would be angry but she was well aware that he did what was best for the mission and that he showed no sympathy. He treated them as ninja and wouldn’t ‘baby’ them. He’s made that clear since the first mission on Tenchi Bridge.

She frowned deeply at her captain’s words, but she knew he meant it. She just accepted it and slumped against the tree. “Fine. But we won’t rest a minute longer than it takes for my head to stop hurting.” She huffed.

Yamato nodded. “We’ll make camp below while we are still in fire country. Everyone dropped below besides the remaining Kakashi, Naruto, and Hinata.

Kakashi picked up Sakura with one hand supporting her back and his other hooked under her knees. “Why didn’t you tell me?” His voice came out harsher than he meant but it had bothered him.

“Because I knew Tsunade, or Shizune, wouldn’t have let me go if I mentioned it.” She stated tiredly. “And there was no way I wasn’t going on this mission when it’s my fault he took her in the first place…”

“What about after?” Naruto asked. 

“I told you when you asked…”

Hinata watched her, admiring her strength, but also worried. “Sakura, you know more than anyone that it’s not wise to go on a mission worn. And you are worn mentally…” She spoke softly, hoping to anger her friend.

Sakura looked at Hinata and smiled before resting her head on Kakashi’s shoulder and sighing. “I’ve never been a ninja that could keep my emotions from clouding my judgement Hinata…” Her expression turned into a bitter scowl as she thought to herself.]

“It’s my biggest downfall, and the reason we’re in this situation today, because it was my emotions that let that bastard live.” She mumbled vehemently, angry at herself.

“No.” Kakashi said sternly. “You and Naruto biggest strengths are the compassion and kindness you still hold in your hearts even after everything you’ve seen.” He looked from Naruto as he said and to Sakura. “Never forget that, either of you.” 

Naruto nodded, feeling some of the same feelings towards himself. “I’m done trying to save him. I meant it.”

Sakura nodded. “He really thought he could just swoop in after seven years, and that I’d just run right into his arms, ready to just be some baby maker and not an actual kunoichi.” 

Kakashi smiled then. “Well, you’ll show him, now won’t you?” His grip tightened around her body. “Only after you recuperate. And I would love to know how you are still conscious right now.” 

“I’m resistant, but I couldn’t avoid it like I can some others. I just kept telling myself it wasn’t real. And I just…” She shivered. “I’m not unaffected, trust me. I’m just…” She looked away. “I can’t let something happen to Ino…”

He nodded softly before placing a gentle kiss on her forehead. “We will get her, I promise, but it will not be at your expense.” He nodded to Naruto before jumping down the base of the tree, joining the rest of their rescue squad. 

“Kakashi, you want to do the honors of starting the fire?” Asuma joked lightly.

“Maybe after I make our medic relax.” Kakashi said offhandedly.

“It better not be in out ear shot, that would be a drag…” Shikamaru groaned.

Sakura turned red as Kakashi laughed, thankful his mask covered the slight pinkish tint that showed up on his own skin. “I actually hadn’t meant it like that but I’ll keep that in mind.”  He gave his normal eye crease before gently setting Sakura against a tree. He grabbed both of their packs and began setting up the tents.

“Kakashi, you might as well only set one up to save on space.” Yamato commented neutrally. “She needs to have a guard anyways. “The less setup we have, the less it will draw attention and time saved in taking it down anyways.” 

The spiky haired nin nodded as he continued setting up.

Sakura had given up on trying to seem fine now that it was out in the open that she really was far from it. She watched Kakashi setting up the tent,trying to keep distracted when Choji sat next to her. 

“I think Ino would kick your ass if she ever found out you were going to risk yourself like that for her.” He commented quietly.

“She might have.” Sakura laughed softly. “Tsunade is gonna kill me when she finds out…”

“Just take care of yourself too, Sakura. I know it’s hard, but we have to remember to keep ourselves in check.” He chuckled a bit. “Not all of us are fortunate enough to have the crazy chakra reserves and healing capabilities Naruto has.”

She smiled genuinely then. “You’re right…”

He rested his hand on her back. “She would have done the same for you, I’m sure of it. But we need you most of all to be cautious and in control. Recover first, so we have the greatest chance of saving both of you.” He gave her a small smile before leaving her side to talk with Asuma, Shikamaru, and Temari.

Yamato came over to Sakura next. “I’m glad you decided to rest.” He said with a careful smile. “I thought you were going to pummel me like Naruto for a second.” He tried to joke a little.

Sakura smiled up at him. “I wanted to for a second, but I know you were right.” She sighed. “I wouldn’t have expected any different from you, Captain Yamato. We both know I let my emotions get the best of me at times, even with the improvement I’ve made.”

He nodded softly as Kakashi came back. “Alright, time to get your hard headed self in a bed. You need to sleep.” 

Sakura slowly stood up. “I don’t know if I want to do that.” She grumbled. She walked into the tent, crouching a bit as she entered. She smiled as she saw the two cots laid side by side, laying on the one closest to the door. 

Kakashi watched her as she went into the tent and laid down before sighing.

“So, you need to fill everyone who wasn’t in that office on all the details of what happened and of this mission.” He looked at Kakashi. “I’m aware I’m the Captain because I don’t have as much emotional tether to Ino as her team and Sakura, nor do I have any bonds with Sasuke.”

Kakashi scoffed. “I think this may be the one move that will make them give up on Sasuke.” He glared at the ground. “I never truly gave up on him, but after this. I can’t keep believing he’s still able to saved…”

Asuma came up, knowing his friend held an enormous amount of guilt for the Uchiha’s choices. It was unspoken between the circle of friends, but it was easy to know he blamed himself. He always did. “I have Sai, Neji, Hanabi, and Hinata gathered around the soon to be fire so that we could fill them and Yamato in on the details.” 

Kakashi nodded. “There’s no time like the present.” He said nonchalantly, before making his way to the pile of sticks the rest were gathered around. 

He performed the katon no jutsu, igniting the pile instantly. The irony in using that technique wasn’t absent from his mind, knowing it was one of the main jutsus of the Uchiha. It only made the bitterness growing towards Sasuke grow deeper.

Even Naruto had given up on him now… 

He sighed, starting at the beginning with the night at the bar when Sakura and Ino felt watched, explaining that he realized Sasuke’s presence watching him and Sakura as she slept in his bed. Ending with the events that passed in Tsunade’s office.

[rosaline-kei]

Under My Wing - Chapter 2

Disclaimer: I do not own Boruto/Naruto nor the characters.

Fandom: Boruto: Naruto Next Generation.

Parts: 「1」 ,「2」, 「3」

Chapter 2′s Title: It Rises.

Synopsis: After her father had taken up Boruto as his student, Sarada began to feel a little... at a loss. Sure, Sasuke still teaches her some things, like how he taught her that Fireball Jutsu. But unlike to Boruto, he isn't her fulltime mentor. And now, she doesn't know who to turn for guidance in mastering her Sharingan. That is, until the Sixth Hokage came along. (Might contain Manga Spoilers)

Rated: T

Pairings (To note: Romance isn’t the main focus, though. But there will be pairing moments, just not a huge lot): Boruto Uzumaki/Sarada Uchiha , Sakura Haruno/Sasuke Uchiha , Naruto Uzumaki/Hinata Hyuga

Read it also on / Leave a Review at:

Ao3 or FF net

Author’s Note (READ AFTER READING CHAPTER): The original Author’s notes is damn long, so if you want, read the full thing on my ao3/ffnet accounts. A summary of it is that i found it hard to write, and i hope i don’t mess up lol.

Please Leave A Review (either here or the above stated fanfic sites!)! Constructive Criticism would be Appreciated :)

Also if any of y'all are wondering about the Chapter's title (it rises), it can be seen as Sarada's past curiosity rising or the rise (start) of the relationship between Kakashi and Sarada, the rise of troubles, the rise of the resolve in regards to Sarada's dissatisfaction etc etc 

-

It was a few days ago when Sarada had confided in her mother about some of the things that had been bothering her. Although, upon Sasuke's return from another one of his investigation related missions, that conversation regarding her troubles was discontinued as of now. Instead, a new conversation took place at their dining table as they ate dinner together. It was a normal family talk involving catching up with recent events. But it didn't touch on Sarada's present troubles. And whenever the young Uchiha felt like the topic was about to shift anywhere near to her personal emotions, she'd swiftly find a way to change it.

Soon enough with the day coming to an end, Sarada went to bed albeit earlier than usual. Her excuse was because she felt exhausted after running some errands that day (even though, in reality that wasn't the case). The real reason however, was because she wanted to avoid continuing the earlier conversation she had with her mother should she bring it up again. And now that Sasuke was back at home, she especially didn't want to talk about it anymore since it did involve him.

She… just didn't want to be a bother to both her dear parents.

…

"Did something happen with Sarada?" was the first thing Sasuke had asked when he was sure that Sarada was asleep and when he was alone with Sakura, sitting next to her on their bed.

So he had noticed. Sakura thought. "What makes you say that?" She asked back.

"When I came back home and took a glance at her while she was still sitting on the couch, she looked a little… sad." Sasuke didn't know how else to put it. "But then she changed her expression into something more… cheerful when she then went forward to welcome me home. And she's just… acting a bit different. Did she get into trouble…?"

"No, she didn't get into trouble." Sakura assured. "She's just… feeling a little left behind."

"'Left behind'?" Sasuke tilted his head slightly. In his eyes, Sarada was a strong and intelligent girl who possessed many talents. So he didn't really understand what she meant by 'left behind'.

That's when Sakura began to elaborate further. She told him the things Sarada had told her. She told him about the dissatisfaction she had of the fact that despite all her hard work in the two years ever since she awakened her Sharingan, there was still only one tomoe in both her eyes. She also told him the things that Sarada didn't say out loud. It was just as Sarada had expected—that even if she didn't convey all her worries verbally, her mother could almost always read her and see through her.

"I think she just envies the fact that you're Boruto's sensei, and that he is your pupil." Sakura said, "I don't know when this envy started. It didn't always seem to be like that. She was genuinely happy for Boruto in the beginning when you did take him in as your pupil after all. But maybe when her Sharingan wasn't evolving as fast as she had anticipated, she must have felt left behind when she saw her other teammates' progress. And then, envious that the only experienced and skilled Sharingan user known to her took in a non-Sharingan user as his pupil and disciple. I understand that you still do teach her new Jutsus from time to time, but there is a big difference, you know, between training someone occasionally, and taking in someone as your personal pupil."

Sasuke bit his lip slightly as he felt a familiar feeling rising within him as Sakura explained Sarada's troubles. Guilt. "So, I'm the one who made her have that look earlier…" He muttered to himself.

Sakura sighed softly, before her hand reached out for his, gripping it reassuringly. "Don't worry. I don't think she resents you for it. She could never truly resent you." She soothed, as if seeing through his own worries. "But, you have a reason for taking in Boruto, and not her, right?"

Sasuke's eyes trailed towards her hand which gripped his, before shifting it to entwine it with hers as he nodded. "Yeah."

He had told Sakura the reason before, but decided to reiterate it anyway. "Sarada's already strong. I am certain if she trains under Konohamaru for a while more, her Sharingan is bound to develop soon enough. Moreover, I have no doubt that Sarada is a smart girl. She already has a proper goal in mind, she is quick-witted, rational and more than anything, unlike that Boruto, she is mature."

Sasuke definitely had faith in his daughter. "She's already on the right path… I don't know how else I can guide her aside from teaching her some Jutsus every now and then…" Although, now that he thought of it, he realised that recently she hadn't really asked him to teach her any new Jutsus whenever he was around in the village. It had also been a while since he last taught her something new. At first, he assumed it was because she had been focusing on honing other skills that were taught by Konohamaru instead. But now that Sakura brought this up, he didn't think that that was the case anymore. After all, there must have been a reason why Sarada hadn't consulted him about this—about her Sharingan at all, right? There must have been a reason why she hadn't ask him to teach her anything new for quite a while now, right? Was it because she didn't want to be a bother? Because she didn't want to be annoying?

Sasuke could only wonder how long she had been feeling this way.

"Then there's that loser's son," He continued, sighing quietly, "He first asked for my mentorship because he wanted to find out Naruto's weakness. That isn't a goal nor the mind-set a Ninja should have. Boruto has the potential to be a great Ninja if I manage to change that immature thinking of his and his immature ways. Gradually, he's realising the path he should take as a Ninja, the one that involves not finding out Naruto's weakness for the sake of pummelling him. He's also beginning to see the other sides of Naruto and not just the one that he used to want to really pummel."

Sakura listened to him intently. When he finished speaking, she gave her response. "Mm… I can agree with you to a certain extent." She spoke, "But, you know, try to see a little from Sarada's perspective. Two years of training and going on missions, and her Sharingan is still yet to develop a second tomoe in both her eyes. Whereas in that span of two years, her two other teammates are showing clear development of their respective gifted abilities. For example, from what I heard, there's Mitsuki's getting better at handling his Senjutsu—his Sage Mode, and aside from Boruto's improvement with his Rasengan, there's also the recent discovery of his Jougan which is bound to boost his strength once there is more knowledge garnered about it."

When Sakura was done talking, Sasuke undeniably had a lot of things to say, and had felt a lot of things as well— all of which, he was unable to articulate and describe. He wasn't good with words.

After a short pause, he managed to ask, "What should I do?" His eyes then shifted its gaze to Sakura's green hues. He looked troubled and was at a loss of what to do now after discovering his daughter's worries. There were still many things he wanted to say and ask for her advice, but he found it difficult to convey it to proper words. And when he finally managed to voice out one of those thoughts, he found it to sound harsh and terrible.

"I can't be her sensei."

He didn't mean for it to be harsh and terrible, though. He had his reasons and Sakura knew that. So she didn't ask him why. He had said enough and she had understood enough, even if he didn't say all the other things in his mind out loud. She could tell what he wanted to say and what he meant just from the way he had spoken, the expressions he made as he did, and the way he'd look at her as he talked. "If that is what you think, then there is no helping it." She said, and she didn't sound upset nor disappointed with his choice which did catch him a little off guard. He sometimes wondered if he deserved someone like her, someone who was able to understand what he really meant, even if he couldn't word it out properly.

"I have a suggestion." She offered softly, with a gentle and assuring smile. "I could ask Kakashi to be her sensei instead."

His eyes widened as he heard her suggestion, he didn't expect that. Kakashi?

It didn't seem like a bad suggestion and idea, though.

Back in the present, Sarada—who had just found out that Kakashi was going to be her personal mentor, her sensei—was still undergoing the stages of denial.

"Did… I hear you wrongly? What do you mean by sensei? And why me?"

"No, you didn't hear anything wrongly, starting from today, I'm going to be your personal mentor." Kakashi reiterated, finding her denial quite amusing.

"But why me?" She repeated, still in disbelief. "Moreover, you're the Sixth Hokage… I don't want to unnecessarily make your schedule busier than it probably already is."

Truly, Sarada was a considerate girl. Sakura wasn't wrong about that. "I heard from someone that you're having issues with mastering your Sharingan," Kakashi started. And already, Sarada knew who that someonewas—her mother. Of course she would be able to read her worries and troubles like an open book. There was no running away from Sakura's discerning eyes when it came to her beloved daughter. Though now, she wondered if she had told her father about her unspoken thoughts and troubles. She'd rather have him not know about her own dissatisfaction about her abilities, her eyes… herself.

After all, Sasuke was already busy with his responsibilities as the Shadow Hokage for The Hidden Leaf Village—Konoha—not to mention, he was also Boruto's mentor. And in addition all that, he still had the duties of a father and husband. The last thing she wanted was to be a bother to him, or worse, be a pest to him so she kept her mouth shut. He already had enough on his shoulders.

"Also, I'm not the current Hokage anymore. Fortunately enough, unlike Naruto who's the Seventh, I don't have to deal with mountains and mountains of paperwork so often anymore." Kakashi spoke, a light-hearted laugh following after. "And although as the Sixth Hokage, I still have responsibilities from time to time, I'm not as busy as before. So rest assured, Sarada. As for your other question of 'why me', Well…" He trailed off, thinking of the best way to say out his reasoning. Although, in the end he only shrugged and said, "I just want to."

Sarada blinked her eyes in response. Eh?

The white haired male then turned away, beginning to walk off to another direction as he signalled for Sarada to follow. "Let's go to a more open space. I'd like to get a closer view of your current strengths and weaknesses."

"W-Wait!" The young Uchiha called out, she still had too many unanswered questions about the entire situation. Though there was one in particular that bothered her a bit more than the others. "Why you?"

In that instant, Kakashi turned back, causing Sarada to instantly flinch despite the fact he wasn't exactly glaring at her even after she had asked something seemingly rude. Her hands immediately went up, waving in defence. "I-It's not that I'm underestimating you or anything like that! It's just…if I want to improve my Sharingan… then shouldn't—"

"I was a Sharingan user." He said, cutting her off. And from his sudden serious tone that had risen and overtaken his earlier light-hearted one, the raven knew that he wasn't joking or lying to make her more accepting of him as her new sensei.

Kakashi took note of the shock and surprise that Sarada expressed once those words left his lips. It seemed like after the previous war, his famed nickname of 'Kakashi of the Sharingan' had died out overtime since he no longer had the Sharingan. So it wasn't a surprise to him when someone of the new generation, that being Sarada, found this fact to be something new. Moreover, there was also some history about the previous war and other sort of things that had been censored and kept hidden to the new generation and pretty much the public eye. For example, the full history of the Uchiha Clan was limited to the public.

They had their reasons for hiding certain bits of history, one of them being that they didn't want to incite anymore hatred. Admittedly, as time went by and as Sasuke atoned for his sins, most people no longer despised him for the deeds he had done in his corrupted past. But there was still a minority of people who didn't think that way, though they didn't lash out nor cause chaos due to the respect they had for Naruto who only wished for and wanted peace.

There were times where Kakashi wondered if keeping such things away from the new generation was an overall good decision, though.

Shrugging those thoughts away, he resumed his walk, expecting her to follow and expecting to receive an infinite bombardment of questions from her soon enough.

It had been an hour since Kakashi revealed to Sarada that he was an ex-Sharingan user, and her questions were still yet to be answered.

"I will answer your questions after you demonstrate your current skills." That was his first answer to her several questions that she had listed out and bombarded him with during their walk to a more spacious training ground.

So within that hour, she had showcased her abilities in all the Jutsus she had learned and copied from. And by the time she had to display her skills in Kunai throwing, her lack of concentration was becoming more apparent to Kakashi when she missed the bullseye by a long-shot on her first throw.

It wasn't like Sarada to show a lack of concentration. But after she had found out that Kakashi used to have a Sharingan, too many thoughts began to cloud her mind. She was distracted and it was clear to Kakashi that whatever she was currently displaying to him most likely wasn't her at her best.

Maybe I should have told her that after I had assessed her. He thought with a sigh as he watched her miss another target. Regardless, as a Ninja she shouldn't lose concentration over any news, whether it be shocking or not… I can't blame her too much, though. But if this had been in a battlefield…

"Sarada." Kakashi called out to her before she could throw another Kunai (and maybe even missing the target again), though in a stern way which was enough to make her flinch. "Focus. In a real battle, you can't lose concentration when your opponent tells you something shocking or disturbing. You will lose if you do."

"Y-Yes… sorry." She muttered. She felt frustrated with herself, she really did. Here she was, having the honour to be the Sixth Hokage's personal pupil and yet she was making a fool of herself in front of him right now.

She knew she should put aside the questions and other things that were currently pestering her after Kakashi said that he used to have the Sharingan. But she couldn't.

There was so little she really knew about the Uchiha Clan. Her knowledge of the Uchiha Clan was as limited as the book she read about it in the library a long time back. And now, today, she found out that a non-Uchiha had the Sharingan.

She was confused. And some thoughts of the past came barging in, distracting her.

There was a time when her curiosity about the Uchiha Clan had surfaced again. But when she asked her parents, her father especially, they always seemed to avoid the subject.

"That's something your Papa should tell you, Sarada." Her mother would say.

"I'll tell you another time, when you're older." Her Papa would say.

She tried to be understanding about it. But as time went by, she grew impatient. And in the end, she realised she didn't understand at all.

Alongside Team 7, she had saved several lives, she faced and fought threats to Konoha and she had survived deathly fights with those threats. And yet, she wasn't old enough to know the history of her own clan?

She didn't get it. Was there something to hide? What was so bad about her clan's history to the extent that not only the book at the library was restricted from telling her, but even her own parents were just as restricted as that book in telling her anything?

And as time went by, the only thing she found out was that her father in particular, didn't seem like he really wanted to touch on that subject. At least not now. He was always… hesitant.

She didn't want to start an argument with him. So in the end, she stopped asking. But now with the new knowledge of the fact Kakashi had the Sharingan, she wondered if those questions would now be answered. If he was willing to share that he once had the Sharingan then maybe he'd also be willing to share the other things pertaining to the Sharingan and maybe some information about her clan… right?

But then again, deep down she already knew that was… unlikely. After all…

"Stop thinking." She uttered to herself, cutting her own thoughts off as she tightly gripped onto her Kunai. "Now isn't the time to falter."

Taking a deep breath, she closed her eyes as she tried to calm herself. "Focus… focus…" She whispered quietly to herself before she opened her eyes, proceeding to throw her Kunai towards the target with great force and as much precision she could muster—but alas, it missed the bullseye… by only a millimetre.

Damn it. She cursed in her mind, her fist clenching. Even something this simple, I…

"Sarada." Kakashi called out to her again, making her flinch again. She turned towards him, expecting to see a disappointed or stern expression which would be followed up by him saying he didn't want to mentor her anymore. She expected the worst, but that wasn't what she met with.

"Come here." He said in a calm tone as he signalled her over. And as instructed she walked over, albeit nervously. "Sit." He added as he took a seat down on one of the large logs lying about. "You're not in trouble, don't worry." And it seemed like he noticed her nervousness.

How could she not be nervous? She was in the presence of the Sixth Hokage, who she just so happened to have messed up in front in the simplest form of training. Granted, she had met and spent time with Kakashi before when she was younger—but that was only as an Uncle. His presence as an Uncle was… light-hearted, there was nothing to be scared of from his aura. However, ever since after the announcement of him becoming her sensei and during the assessment of her abilities… she felt something different from him.

No longer was she in the presence of Uncle Kakashi, but instead she was in the presence of not only the Sixth Hokage, but also a highly-trained Ninja who was well-respected in the Ninja world. And the current aura of his that she felt was anything but light-hearted. She didn't know how to describe it other than the fact it was overwhelming. The last time she ever felt this overwhelming aura and even strength from him was probably back at the Academy, when he was the overseer for one of their exams.

She took a seat next to him. "I'm sorry I got distracted." She muttered, already recognizing her mistake. Kakashi took a brief glimpse at her, noticing the disappointment written all over her face. "As long as you correct it, it's fine." He replied.

A small gust of wind blew by as silence slowly diffused into the air. Though before it had the chance to make the atmosphere any more tense and nerve-racking, Kakashi broke the silence. "An old friend of mine gave me his Sharingan." He started as he looked up to the sky while Sarada turned her attention towards him. "He was an Uchiha, of course. And my teammate back during my younger days. Some things happened during one of our missions which had resulted in what I thought was his early death, and then before he 'passed', he entrusted his Sharingan to me."

Even though Kakashi's tone had the same calm in it as he spoke about his past, Sarada could feel the sorrow and grief he had as he talked about his old friend. "But as you know I don't have the Sharingan anymore." Kakashi continued when she didn't respond. "It's a long story. But in short, I returned it back to him after everything. He's no longer around anymore."

"Oh… I… I'm sorry for your loss." Sarada muttered, in a sympathetic way. "I didn't think—"

"It's fine." He assured.

His words had answered some questions of hers, but it had also left her with more. Like, if that friend of his didn't pass away in the beginning, why didn't he take back his Sharingan sooner? What did Kakashi mean by 'long story'? What did he mean by 'after everything'? What was 'everything'? Did it have something to do with the previous war or… was it something more?

What happened? Sarada pondered.

And as if he read her mind, he continued. "That's all I can say right now." Kakashi said, internally reminding himself not to speak too much of the past—not to expose too much of the Uchiha clan. It wasn't his story to tell, right?

"In time, you'll understand everything." He added on, and he had hoped that'd be the case. She shouldn't be kept in the dark for too long, after all.

I'll tell you another time, when you're older.

In time, you'll understand everything.

Those words were practically the same, and it annoyed her. From something sympathetic, her expression shifted to something troubled. How much longer would she have to wait?

"What's with that expression of yours?" Kakashi asked, noticing her sudden change in emotion.

"It's nothing." She lied. It's everything—that was the real truth.

"Really now?" Kakashi offered a light-hearted laugh. He didn't believe her a single bit. He had enough experience in his life to know that that wasn't the truth. But at the same time, he also didn't expect her to open up to him immediately. He had only just become her sensei after all. But as her sensei now, he had to reach out if he wanted to build trust and form a connection with his new student. "You don't have to open up to me immediately, Sarada. But if you do, I won't tell your parents if that's what you wish." And Kakashi wasn't lying when he said that. He didn't mind keeping some secrets. He wanted to build trust. Although, if one of the secrets Sarada told him for some reason was something as extreme as her wanting to start some war, he would have to go back on his word about not telling her parents. But that was unlikely. The slightest thought of that just happening seemed like a badly written joke.

Sarada briefly debated if she should tell him some of her troubles—troubles that she hadn't even told her parents directly, because she didn't want to burden them. She could sense Kakashi's genuineness and was certain he wasn't lying when he said he wouldn't tell her parents. And apart from the overwhelming presence and aura she had felt from him as the Sixth Hokage and skilled Ninja, there was also something comforting about him—reassuring, even. It wouldn't hurt to tell him some things, right? She thought to herself. I… don't know who else I can talk to about these things.

"I just wish that my father would tell me about the Uchiha clan, and his past. He doesn't seem very open to telling it, and I don't know why. I want to know why. He's… always hesitant. And at that time, I didn't want to start an argument with him over something like that. So I eventually ignored and tried to bury away any remaining curiosity I had left. But now after what you just told me about the Sharingan, it reopened that curiosity… just a little. And I know I'm getting my hopes up unreasonably high when I think you'd tell me more about my clan…" Sarada started, letting the vulnerable side overtake her in that moment as she decided to give him some of her trust. "Because in the end, as much as you've already opened up a little about yourself in regards to the Sharingan you once had, I already know that you won't answer too many of my questions about my father or the Uchiha Clan explicitly and directly. It's… because you respect him and you believe that it is something he should tell me, right?"

Kakashi was impressed by how sharp she was to already know the reason why he wouldn't tell her too much about the Uchiha Clan's history. He made a mental note to himself to be a little more cautious around her. "I'm surprised you'd already be aware of that much." His words were meant as a small compliment towards her sharpness, but she only shook her head in response. It wasn't because of her sharpness that she knew that much. "It's nothing worth a compliment." She sighed softly and offered a weak laugh, "I only know this because my mother is the same."

That's something your Papa should tell you, Sarada. Those words began to echo in her head.

There was a brief pause between the two's conversation. Sarada was reflecting on certain things while Kakashi thought back about his conversation with Sakura before.

"I can't believe you're making me come out from my retirement as a sensei, Sakura." He had groaned. "But you do realise," He continued, his tone gone solemn, "If I become her sensei, her finding out about Sasuke's past as well as the tragedies of the Uchiha Clan might inadvertently happen sooner than planned." Kakashi had said, knowing that Sarada for the most part, was still kept in the dark.

Of course Sakura had been aware of this. Sarada had to know that Kakashi was a Sharingan user if she was to fully accept him as her personal mentor and let him help her with her Sharingan. It was inevitable for her to know that much. And because she'll know he was a Sharingan user, her curiosity that she had buried in the past, would arise again. "I know." Sakura sighed.

"… I don't mean to pry," Kakashi spoke, "But among this generation's Ninja, Sarada is one of the most mature. It wouldn't hurt to let her know some things, if not, she might end up finding out about it the hard way."

Sakura's eyes only softened in a sorrowful way. "That is true." She agreed quietly, "But we're all afraid of something, aren't we?"

Kakashi knew she wasn't solely referring to herself, but Sasuke too. It didn't take a genius to understand what Sakura meant and what he was afraid of.

If a daughter found out that her father was once the most wanted criminal in Konoha, how would she feel? And what would be the worst that can happen after the reveal?

Admittedly, times have changed, so has Sasuke who now acted as the Shadow Hokage, protecting the village when Naruto couldn't. But again, there will always be that minority who thought otherwise.

On a different note, whatever the case might be, he knew that at the end of the day it wasn't his story to tell. He was just her sensei. He was just supposed to help guide her, improve her strengths, diminish her weaknesses, shape her into a better Shinobi and maybe even provide some assistance to her walk towards the path of becoming the Hokage. He wasn't supposed to be a ladle and stir up drama and chaos within the Uchiha Household.

"Kakashi-sensei." Sarada called out, snapping him out of his thoughts. It was the first time she had addressed him as her sensei, and yet she sounded unsure and maybe even still a little in disbelief. She turned towards him as she asked again, "Why did you decide to become my sensei?"

Before Kakashi had the chance to respond, Sarada continued to elaborate. "You could've said no. You had no obligation whatsoever even if you were a Sharingan user. I don't understand why you'd come out of your retirement for the sake of helping me with my own Sharingan."

Her disbelief and denial was truly amusing. Was it so hard to believe an old man like himself would come out of retirement?

"Well, I don't think I would've been able to say 'no' either way." He replied without thinking all too much. "You want to improve. You make an effort to improve. What kind of Hokage, Ninja, Uncle or even person would I be if I didn't help someone as earnest as you? Especially when I know I have the experience and knowledge to help you grow your strengths, and perhaps grow as a Ninja. Moreover, I'd rather not see an immense amount of potential go to waste for someone as earnest as you. In short, I just want to."

Sarada was at a loss for words by the time Kakashi finished explaining himself. She felt touched. And in that moment, she felt the troubles that had been weighing on her mind disappear for a fleeting moment. It was just nice to hear compliments as genuine as his in regards to her abilities, especially when she had been feeling left behind recently.

"Now then." Kakashi said as he stood up, stretching his arms as he walked towards the spacious training ground. "It's still early. And there's one last thing I want to assess you on now that I know your mind has been cleared a bit."

Sarada quickly stood up after. "S-Sure…" She stuttered, "What is it…?"

"It's nothing too difficult. It's to help me get a closer assessment of your current skills." He had said, and as he got into a fighting stance, Sarada could've guessed what it was, but she didn't think for it to be true until he told her. "It's combat. Treat me as the enemy, and don't hold back."

[manikas-whims]

Sasusaku prompt 93

A/N: Sorry it took me so long. I haven't written SasuSaku in ages and my writing is still kinda rusty.

So bear with me dear anon.

And prepare yourself for some angst and comfort..:3

Prompt: “Losing you was the most unbearable pain I’ve ever felt.”

Title: Promises

Ship: Sasuke Uchiha X Sakura Haruno

Words: 1938

Rating: T

Sitting on a couch in the lavish, new apartment that he was relocated to, Sasuke Uchiha looked anywhere but at the unexpectedly quiet, pink haired kunoichi right in front of him. For a brief moment, his wandering mismatched orbs met the obsidian ones of a pale guy named Sai, who is supposed to keep an eye on him for his month long house arrest. The weirdly stoic man stared at him from the far end of the living room, where he was standing comfortably with a sketch pad and a brush in hand. Sasuke averted his attention right back to his ex-teammate. Ever since his pardon (courtesy of Kakashi) for his many unwarranted crimes during his years as a missing S class nin, he had noticed the subtle change in her behavior. Its understandable that they aren’t the same teens who were put together under team 7 yet Sakura was never this guarded around him. It was almost as if she was trying to keep their encounters to the bare minimum, only stopping by to do a quick checkup on his healing wounds and his lost arm. Usually Naruto was around them to diffuse the awkwardness in such situations but unfortunately, the hyperactive blond wasn’t available that day. Something to do with him bidding farewell to his friends from the neighboring lands.

There could be numerous reasons pertaining to her silent treatment but Sasuke didn’t have the patience to mull over all of them and figure it out by himself. The only other option he was left with was to confront her about it. But having hurt her more than once due to his resolve for revenge and revolution, he didn’t know how to strike a normal conversation with her. The last time he uttered something to her was at the Valley of the End, where he had sincerely apologized to her. From then on, it had been just her looking after him at the hospital, narrating fascinating tales about her experiences as a medical ninja whilst he barely nodded his head.

Sasuke sighed. It had always been a one-sided effort— him paying no interest to anything other than his goals as she worked hard on maintaining their delicate bond. But he didn’t want things to remain that way any longer. He didn’t want his soul to stay shrouded in the darkness associated with his clan. If not more, he atleast owed her just as much importance as she gave to their every second spent together. She was generous enough to forgive him for everything he’d done and accepted him with her warm smile. She had let her tormented heart trust him yet again so easily that he wanted to become a man worthy of her forgiveness.

“Sakura,” he tried, hoping his query will reach across her by the shear intensity of his gaze.

The said woman however, didn’t spare him a glance. She was too focused on patching a partially healed cut on the left side of his lower abdomen. “Sasuke-kun,” she replied simply, signifying that she had heard him, her other palm gliding along his bare torso in search of any injuries she might have missed before.

He was glad that even after years of separation she didn’t drop the endearing suffix whenever she addressed him. To a stranger it may seem like nothing but to him, the small gesture meant that she still regarded him with the same level of admiration she did years ago. However, her response didn’t help steer the conversation anywhere.

Sasuke shut his mouth tight, his tongue pressing against the inner wall of his cheek in annoyance. Had it been any other time where she wasn’t mad at him for reasons unknown, she’d have said a few more words, making this whole thing a lot simpler for the both of them. But that day, she just wasn’t in the mood to waste her energy in idle chitchat.

With the examination done, Sakura placed her palms gently on either side of his face and angled it up. A pair of onyx and mauve clashed with refreshing emeralds and Sasuke gulped, watching her send spasms of her soothing chakra through his ocular network. The strain in his eyes reduced comparatively and Sakura let go of his face.

“There. Now you won’t have to stay in Konoha after your probation ends.” The words slipped out of her lips absentmindedly and her pupils dilated in shock. Probably because she wasn’t supposed to say that directly to him.

Sasuke took in a long breath, his calm demeanor replaced by slight irritation. Was that what it was about? Him leaving the village as soon as he was back in shape? He didn’t want to believe that his friend and lover since childhood wasn’t speaking to him over something as insignificant as this. Throughout his trial, the five Kages as well as their subordinates discussed various forms of punishment for him but it was he himself who chose that in the end. He pledged to travel around the allied nations, aid each land in repairing all the damage and inconvenience he had caused as a miscreant and even handle other wrongdoers if he happened upon them during the journey. It was his first step towards redemption— a suggestion that the jury readily agreed to because everyone was excited to give orders to and make Sasuke Uchiha dance to their whims. And so, of all the people he’s acquainted with in the Hidden Leaf Village, he had hoped that his former team would be supportive of his decisions from then on.

“Sakura..” he mumbled, unsure of how to proceed. How was he supposed to convince someone who had always readily understood him without him having to explain a word of it?

“Don’t..” she said, bringing a hand up to stop him, “You have no idea.”

He motioned his lips to try and make her realize how necessary this was for him yet she shook her head and went on, “Do you know how hard it is when your genuine feelings are shrugged off as a mere teenage crush? Do you know how difficult it is when everyone expects you to give up on your very own emotions? Do you!?” her tone escalated and she lowered her head to obscure the fresh tears falling down her eyes, “No you don’t. You do not understand it Sasuke-kun, you can’t! No one can..”

He bit the insides of his cheeks, his only hand twitching to wipe her tears away yet he resisted the urge, afraid of her reaction to his touch— to the touch of the same man who had harmed her on more occasions than protect her..

“Losing you was the most unbearable pain I’ve ever felt.” She stated with a sob, tilting her head up to let him witness the honesty in her tearful gaze. “I can’t lose you again..”

It was true that he didn’t understand. He wasn’t able to comprehend how a woman as benevolent, loving and beautiful as herself came to give her heart to someone so malign like him. He knew it was rude of him to ask for more of her when she had always given her best but he had to do this. She could hate him for the time being– god how he wished she’d have a sliver of hatred for him hidden somewhere beneath all those thick layers of her affection but she didn’t. She was too good to have any sorts of negative emotions towards him.

“I must do thi–”

“Stop lying to me, Sasuke-kun.” She cut him off, a bitter smile gracing her cherry lips, “Just admit that I’m not enough for you to stay. That I never will be..”

For the first time since his return to Konoha, Sasuke’s composed countenance wavered, shock momentarily flitting across his face. Subconsciously, he covered the dormant cursed seal on his neck and turned his head to the side. He had always considered her the small but strong flicker of joy in his rather desolate life so hearing her belittle herself irked him. Had he known that his plans about the travel were causing her this much distress and self-doubt, he would’ve talked to her sooner.

“I admit it.” He spoke, turning his head back to flash her an earnest gaze. “I admit that I can never understand the anguish of your heart. And I do acknowledge your indelible love for me. I’m grateful, Sakura..” He said, wishing somehow his words would express the sincerity in them. “But I can’t answer your feelings right now. I..I’m not worthy of them..”

“Sasuke-kun!” she literally yelled in disappointment. It was her turn to get irritated at his self-loathing. “I told you that I don’t hold you responsible for any of that. We both hurt each-other and..I have put those happenings far behind.”

“Have you now?” he asked pointedly and she bit her bottom lip hesitantly. “Have you, Sakura? If so, then why won’t you let me do the same?”

Her lips quivered then, all her pent up fury and agony unleashing like a wildfire as she broke down into loud sobs. Sasuke noticed how shaky her feet were and immediately wrapped his lone arm around her waist, helping her settle down on the couch next to him. But she paid no heed to his act for she was too busy weeping and wiping her tears, struggling with the sudden shattering of her emotions. And Sasuke watched. He made sure to capture the whole scenario with the power of his eyes..to have a recorded evidence of how much he had bruised the heart of the only woman who had truly and unselfishly cared for him..loved him!

“I..what if you don’t retur–”

His palm instantly clamped over her tear-soaked lips, desisting her from finishing that ominous sentence. This was what he wanted to bring an end to— people actively doubting him. He wanted to prove that he was way above his past, hateful self. He wanted people to trust him like they used to when he was still a willing citizen of this village. But most of all, he wanted to restore that blinding faith she had in him. And for that, he needed to leave. It was mandatory for him to pay the price of sins and redeem himself.

“I will never cause you misery again. I swear this on my pride as an Uchiha. I won’t tarnish your your soul any more than this. So please..have some faith in me.” He spoke as tenderly as he could, reaching out his hand to hold her dainty palm in his calloused one and gave a squeeze in assurance.

The glassy eyes of the pinkette faltered at his words, a mix of shock and pride swimming in them. And just like that, she allowed her head to nod slowly, a timid smile curving upon her lips. She allowed her scarred self to have faith in him.

“I’ll be back to you. And then, we can figure work out this unspoken whatever I have for you..” he added, as if to solidify the foundation of his previous statements.

More tears cascaded down her cheeks— happy tears! And she squeezed his palm in return. “Then, I’ll wait for you. Always..”

Silence took over the room yet again, the two young adults exchanging their sentiments through their meaningful gazes. They were too lost in their own little world to even take note of the pale, ex-root nin observing them the whole time, capturing those sequence of events not just in his memory but also on a fresh page of his sketchpad.

A/N: Hope it was upto your expectations..:)

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Until Next Time...

~Manika

[365daysofsasuhina]

[ 365 Days of SasuHina || Day Two Hundred Ninety-Two: The Solution to all Problems ] [ Uchiha Sasuke, Hyūga Hinata ] [ SasuHina ] [ Verse: A Light Amongst Shadows ] [ AO3 Link ]

Sometimes, the solution to all your problems is a lot simpler than you’d guess.

When he was younger, Sasuke thought he knew what was best. Not just for himself, but for the world as a whole. An angry teenager betrayed by his village and let down by his friends, he sought change on a scale grand enough to encompass the world: tear down the shinobi system, wipe clean the kage, erase the borders that pitted friend against friend.

In the end, of course...he realized that nothing is so simple. It will take work - years, perhaps generations of it - to undo the damage done by those who came before them. This, even with his new power, is more than he as one man can do.

After facing a trial for his wrongdoings (and being cleared), he took to wandering the world for a time before returning, prompted by the resurrection of his brother. Though he’d left to try and gain a sense of scale to the world and its budding changes, Sasuke then settled on a new - and what he hoped would be his last - goal: to, rather than change the world...change his home. So, he returned, did his best to settle in...and find a way to cleanse Konoha’s shadows. He did so with the help of his tiny family, and their new allies in the Hyūga. The old council was ousted as the true minds behind the Uchiha massacre. Both brothers were fully pardoned. And with Itachi set to return to ANBU, and Kakashi working closely with them both, it seemed that Konoha was finally on track to face its past and get better.

...of course...they still had their problems. Dissenters forever convinced of Uchiha guilt would be ever-present. Sasuke’s slowly-mending friendships were still cracked and damaged. But one unexpected gain for him was a new bond: that with Hyūga Hinata. With a clean slate and a better understanding than most of his struggles, it was she who extended the first true olive branch to him. As allies and mutual friends of the rest of team seven, she was around him more often than not. Add in their aligning personalities, similar pasts, and shared uncertainties about their futures...and he soon found himself with a listening ear that didn’t judge. Just understood.

And eventually, well...he realized he wanted to be more to her than just a friend.

Their joint effort to help bring back the police force, finding a new purpose in keeping Konoha safe from the inside, only saw them grow closer as partners until, eventually, they couldn’t deny it anymore...and made the leap from friends to lovers.

It wasn’t easy. Sasuke was wary of his lingering reputation and those who still bore hatred against him. If someone were to try and harm her because of their bond...he’d never forgive himself.

But Hinata said it best: they both knew what it was to lose family. To nearly die. To realize just how short and cruel life can be, so...why not take happiness where you can find it?

So, he agreed...and they began to date nearly two years after the war’s ending. And less than a year after that, they were wed.

The house afforded to them in the nearly-empty land of the Uchiha compound wasn’t as large as the manor, but it suited them well. Both continued their work in the Uchiha-Hyūga police force. They worked well together, played well together, and overall had what most would call the perfect relationship.

...even if it wasn’t totally perfect.

They’d argue, but very rarely, and even less commonly to any serious degree. Though both stubborn in their own ways, they also knew better than to let a disagreement fester. And Sasuke learned early on never to take her or what she meant for granted.

No matter his bad days or his bad moods, she was always there to make them better. Something as simple as her smile could turn his entire week around. He knew just what she was worth. After so long of being alone, and turning his back on the idea of love, what he’d found in her was beyond special.

It was...everything.

Looking over a recent arrest report, Sasuke holds his brow in one hand, the other holding the parchment aloft. A criminal from Iwa managed to make it all the way to Konoha, taking his unlawful ways with him. Now with charges in multiple lands and villages, the handling of his charges is...a mess. Sasuke’s been talking all week back and forth with authorities in Tsuchi no Kuni, and they still haven’t reached an agreement.

At this rate, he’s almost ready to drop what’s charged here and ship the man back to Iwa and be done with it...but he knows that won’t go over well. He’s just so tired of all these nit-picking regulations and laws regarding cross-border criminals.

“Sasuke…?”

Glancing to his study door, he softens a hair as Hinata peeks in, looking reluctant to interrupt. “Hey...need something?”

“Just checking on you. It’s almost ten o’clock…”

His brows lift in surprise. It’s been four hours since he came in here…? His bracing hand lowers to drag down his face with a weary sigh. “...I’m sorry. I just can’t quite figure all of this out, and…”

“The Iwa case?”

“Yeah. I’m about ready to toss it rather than deal with all of this...bureaucracy.”

A sympathetic smile lifts her lips. “I’m sorry, Sasuke...I know this whole thing has been a mess. Is there any way to get some help with all of the regulations…? Kakashi, maybe?”

“He’s too busy for something of this scale. Multinational or not, this guy’s too small-time to bother the Kage with.”

“...well...I doubt you can solve this tonight, ne?”

“...probably not,” he admits with another sigh.

“Well...I thought you might be wearing yourself out, so...I made you a snack.” It’s then she steps fully through the door, revealing a tray of tea and senbei.

Shoulders wilt in relief. “...you’re the best, you know that right?”

Hinata just gives a soft laugh. “Well, I don’t know about the best, but...I thought you could use a little pick-me-up.”

“I have the most thoughtful, attentive wife in Konoha.”

“You’ll make me blush!”

Finally smiling, Sasuke takes a moment to stand and stretch his legs. “Never thought being a police officer would mean so much sitting…”

“Breaks are important.”

“I’d forget all about them without you. You made tea for yourself, right?” He gives her a telling look.

“I did, it’s...out in the kitchen. I didn’t want to b-bother you…”

“Nonsense. I’d enjoy the company, honestly. And a break in the silence that’s slowly driving me mad…”

Hinata stifles a giggle, nodding and fetching her own cup. They stand and have their break, Sasuke wanting to give his muscles a chance to shift positions. Small conversation, more just to let his mind focus on something else for a few minutes, floats between them easily. And as he listens to Hinata summarize her day off running errands, Sasuke just...watches her talk, only half paying attention as a thought strikes him: just how lucky he truly is. It’s a thought he has often, but it still manages to humble him every time. He has a wife he adores, despite being alone for so long. It’s so easy for her to help him relax, help him calm...feel at peace as he was never able after the massacre. She is his rock, his home, his inspiration. One word from her, and all of his problems just...fall to the wayside. If only for a time.

Realizing she’s lost him, Hinata slows to a stop, head tilting. “...Sasuke?”

“...sorry, got lost in thought.”

“Oh? What about?”

His lips twitch upward. “...you.”

In spite of herself, Hinata gives a small jolt, cheeks flushing pink. “R...really?”

“Just remembering how fortunate I am.”

She then softens. “...I do the same. All the time.”

“It’s a little hard to believe sometimes...isn’t it?”

“Mm…”

Finishing the last of his tea, Sasuke sighs. “...well, I’ll give this report one more crack, and then we’ll head to bed. Sound good?”

“Mhm. You’ll get it - I know you will.”

“Then there isn’t any doubt.”

                                                             .oOo.

     I'm about to pass out so I'll be brief OTL      Just some basic fluff in my typical canon verse. Which...honestly I'm thinking of majorly revamping, but I'm so darn busy idk when / if I'll have time for it. But talking with some friends and RP partners has made me realize how many holes the darn thing has, so...we'll see. But very little would change with this aspect (aka SH), so no worries there lol      But yeah, not...too much to say. I'm exhausted and dealing with a sore eye and jaw, sooo...I'm gonna go sleep lol - thanks for reading~

[periodically-changing-names]

Further and Farther away

A/N: character's death and tons of angst.

Summary: "Sasuke-kun, I want to grow old with you" were the wirdst he wanted to hear again.

He saw it in her eyes the moment they looked at each other. It was al over her, in the softness of her words and the brightness of her smile. His wife had truly missed him.

...

He knew now how time dilation worked. The further he travels, the farther they will get from each other. "It's simple physics" his wife says. But he notices.

She is just as troubled by this realisation as him, that they eventually won't be able to recognise eachother.

He promises to come as often as he can. After all even from afar he can feel his wife's longing creeping in to his skin and reminding him of his own yearning. It getting bigger and bigger now not only because of how long he traveled, but also because of how far.

Until one day he gets lost. Dimensions are often tricky and he ends up slipping into one that is just that much further away than he ever wanted to go.

"Sasuke-kun, I want to grow old with you" was the unspoken mantra between his teeth.

...

When he comes back. He sees his daughters face carved into the mountain. And he is flooded with questions. He feels his wife's chakra and rushes to the hospital. Surely his lovely wife would be working herself to the bone like she always does. What he finds though is a woman in her fifties, fixing him with the most beautiful pair of green eyes he has ever seen.

They go home together. Sasuke is now around 20 years younger than her. Because of that, he is extra soft and caring. They kiss and cuddle like teenagers, while burning with the endurance of mature love.

But he sees how tired she is and he tells her so, softly... And she takes it the wrong way. She murmurs how 'offcourse he wouldn't be interested in a woman that much older than him, what was she thinking... Maybe if she were to use the seal, she could look younger and much more appropria...' So he kisses her in the neck, in the jaw, in the lips.

"Tsuma, we should eat something and go to sleep"

"They will have so much time from tomorrow on". He falls asleep with his wife in his arms. He wakes up knowing it to be only wishful thinking.

A day after his return his wife went into a coma. She had been sick and weak until that day. So much so that not even she could fix herself. So much so, that she had cried herself to sleep thinking, that they wouldn't see each other again.

His wife, which would normally be happy and pleased by a mere kiss in the cheek and heartfelt "I love you" had suffer so much, thinking she would be betraying him by dying, that he had left her for good, because he didn't love her, or that not even her death would make him deviate from his mission

So Sasuke waited by her side. Just as she had patiently waited for him. So that she could feel his constant presence.

He wouldn't eat though, only sporadically drink and take almost boiling water showers, to keep himself clean and not compromise Sakura's health any farther. His wife's condition just making him feel nauseous and his heart feel heavy.

He did felt better, When he was by her side though. So, in spite of himself, he would sneak into her room at night, slip soundlessly into the hospital bed with her, cradle her softly against his chest to keep her warm, kiss the crown of her head and sometimes even beg for her to open her eyes again.

If not for him, for their daughter. If not for his love for her, for hers.

A week after Sakura fell into a coma, she is declared clinically death.

...

Naruto tries to talk him into it. His daughter can't even come into the house and talk to him at the same time and Kakashi almost tries to take him to the funeral by force. But it doesn't work. He just wants to stay in his bed... Their bed. To still try and be close to her.

Later he tries to be as far from her as he possibly can. His grieving makes his heart ache so strongly when he sees her face, that he thinks that if he were to rip it out, it would burn less.

He liked sleeping and seeing her in his dreams. Eventually though he becane aware, that her body was cold, her smile fake, her eyes blank. And he didn't want that. He just couldn't stomach the memory of her beloved wife being tainted by his dreams.

That's why, when the nightmares came. He just accepts it. At least the picture of his wife choking in her own blood while he presses his cheek against hers, holding her with his only hand, feeling powerless, is much more realistic.

Sometimes he asks himself

although only for the tiniest of seconds, why did they fall in love with eachother in the first place. The pain he was feeling was so excruciating, that even a fraction of it would outweigh any and every happy moment he could have brought her.

"Maybe Sakura would have been happier without me", he reasons. Maybe she thought exactly the same and knew her love to be much more stubbornness than love. After all in his travels a second to him had been more than a month to her. So Sakura had had more than enough time to ask herself the same.

So he doubts his wife love. He wants to find comfort in someone. He talks it over with Kakashi, who is baffled, with Naruto, who brushes it off, with his daughter, who cries in his arms, just remembering how painful it was to see her papa go and to not know, when he will come back

'Everybody around him is grieving and they are all in denial'. He accuses.

He tries to find comfort in other things: alcohol, gambling, sex. But alcohol didn't help, gambling was boring and although there were a lot of generous men and women offering themselves, he was a married man, he would never cheat on his wife.

Naruto visits him a third time that week. Trying to talk things over with him. Telling him that he can see that he is in pain, but what he is doing to himself, would hurt Sakura just as much. At the time though, Sasuke doesn't care. The realisation of how much he hurt his wife had been eating at him, at his heart ever since. It brought him nightmares of his happiest times with her, to then rip them apart...the moment he knew he was in love, their first kiss, the first time they shared the intimacy of lovers, the moment they knew Sakura was pregnant, the day of their daughter's birth. It is always the same. He looks into her eyes. The way they shine bright full of happiness, just to turn blank and die out in front of him.

So Sasuke, for the first time in 2 weeks, feels something other than pain and confusion; Anger, he kicks Naruto out. How dare he imply that his wife loved him, how there he say that she cared about him. If she ever did, she wouldn't have let him fall for her, love her, let him put his heart in her carrying hands. That's right, she just took advantage of him, of his love-craving heart, of the happy memories they shared from their childhood, of the way he started getting kind of nervous around her and the way her smile made him feel or bubbly and weird.

Inmidiatly after, he feels worst. Not his wife nor his friend deserved that. That night he starts doubting himself. Why was he trying to delegitimize his wife's love for him? In fact wasn't he trying to do that with everyone else's love. Why was he crying over a picture of her again? He thought he was done with this. He had hoped that if he hated her enough she would go away, but it wasn't working.

...

He should have know though, he is a grown man, that has love and still loves in that way. Pain had only cover up the needs, but they would inevitably resurface. Also, he still remembered the embarrassment of the first time he truly felt the that kind of pressure coiling there. He had had something that could barely be call a mature dream, but had his at-the-moment-still-only-a-friend-of a wife saying his name in a slightly to provocative way and that had been enough already. He was flustered, sweaty, in need of a cold shower and new bedding.

So when he greets his wife into his thoughts. He rationalised, that he knows her body best, that even if he isn't yet ready to believe again that she loved him, he at some point did, so it was almost close enough.

He takes care of it and feels so guilty afterwards that he at least has to apologize.

Which takes him to this moment, having visited his wife's grave in the coldest day of winter. He stays for 5 hours until he can feel his own heart freezing and numbing the pain.

He stops at Ichiraku, hoping that the memories would warm him up. They don't, instead he listen to Teuchi's story, that although in rent still visits his daughters business, of how he himself lost his own wife, of how it is still as painful as ever.

Sasuke returns home with the conviction that his wife loved him. He doesn't even know why . He aches the same, but somehow, knowing that the pain won't ever go away, makes him desire the comfort of his wife's love even more.

He is so emotionally spend, that he just collapses on their bed and drifts off. And he sees her again, how her pink long hair is softly being moved by the blowing wind while his head sits in her lap. She is brushing his hair softly with one hand and holding a book with the other. He slowly, almost timidly, tries to take her attention by raising his hands and brushing both of her cheeks. He feels the warm of her skin in the tip of his fingers. At first he worries that she wouldn't recognize him, but it is there the silent aknowledgment in how she beams at him... with an earnest smile and a soft look.

--------------------------------------

Ok, hear me out here. This is my first Fanfiction *ever* and probably the first story I write since I left primary school. I am also not a native speaker and haven't spoken English in over 4 years since I graduated and study in medicine in my second language, german. Nevertheless I do read a copious amount of philosophy and fan fiction in English. I was inspired by trash's Faster than starlight, Marquise de Nile's Syncope, pain-somnia's Helping Hands, TyyTyy's the Deepest of bonds

All incredibly beautiful Fics that make my heart ache in all the good places.

P.D plz for the love of everything that is good quality Fics, read this Fics and if you don't like sad stories, which I can understand, read "work husband" from Marquise de Nile (my favourite Fic/one shot of all times)

Sometimes I think of the transitions in short stories.

Like, this went from grieving, to fight with friend, all the way over to masturbation and ultimately acceptance :D.

It did hurt my heart to let Sasuke die. But he had mistreated himself for over 2 weeks. And I hope I wrote that semi-open ending convincingly. I did mention the freezing heart, which is a reference of a real kardiovascular condition in which cold blood enters the heart and causes severe arrhythmia.

I love Sasusaku. They are the cutest. Even when I write them dying and I mean that in the best of ways.

[myaekingheart]

45. The Youngest ANBU

read the scarecrow and the bell on ao3

index | from the beginning | < previous | next >

               Itachi Uchiha walked down the halls of the ANBU headquarters, fresh gear in hand. He was barely a teenager and yet already an elite shinobi. When word reached the women’s locker room, Rei froze in her spot. This couldn’t be a good idea.

               “Kakashi, I’m not biased” Rei insisted later that night. The copy ninja cocked a brow in suspicion. It was hard to believe she wasn’t prejudiced against the Uchiha when she was responding like this. Little did he know of the plan she and Obito had created right before his death, their friendly exchanges in hopes of helping each other get what they wanted. That was surefire proof she truly had nothing against the sharingan-bearing clan. She just didn’t trust the majority of them.

               “Itachi is a skilled shinobi” Kakashi replied. “Besides, he already knows what we’ve been doing.” The prospect made Rei queasy. The years of secret surveillance, thanks to strained relations with the government, and Itachi wasn’t even protesting. It didn’t make any sense.  

               There was just something about this kid that made Rei nauseous. Every time she looked at him, it was as if she could sense impending doom from his shadows. He had an air about him that was far too professional and poised for a child, something off-kilter and bizarre. So long as she was able to keep as much distance from him as possible, however, she knew she could at least tolerate his presence.

               Rei bit her bottom lip hard as she entered the hokage’s office, preparing for her next assignment. She hadn’t been in the ANBU for very long, and she was still trying to learn the ropes of the protocol here. Lord Third ushered her inside and smiled at her warmly. He explained the details of her next mission, capturing a rogue ninja rumored to be wandering around the outskirts of the village. It was when he announced her teammates that her stomach dropped. “You will be working with Tenshi and Itachi.” Fuck.

               Of course her shitty luck would pair her with the most conceited kunoichi in the village, and the kid that made her break out in cold sweats. She squeezed her eyes shut tight and prayed that this would be quick and painless.

               The three of them hid out in the brush as they awaited signs of their criminal. He had been last seen somewhere northwest of the village’s border; it was doubtful he would’ve gone far since. As they waited, Tenshi glanced over to Itachi and a warm smile touched her lips beneath her mask. “So, how do you like the black ops so far?” she asked him.

               Rei rolled her eyes and clenched her teeth. Now was not the time for small talk. And where did Tenshi get off being so friendly all of a sudden, anyway?

               “It’s not bad” Itachi whispered. “The people seem really welcoming.”

               Tenshi placed a gentle hand on the boy’s back. “I’m glad. If you need anything, you can always come to me, too!” she assured.

               Itachi smiled gratefully, and even behind his mask it was evident that he was still just a child. “Thank you.”

               After a few hours of no luck, Rei sighed and retreated to the upper branches of a nearby tree. “I’m going to try and get a better look, see if I can catch anything suspicious further out” she said. As she took to her perch, however, she spent ample time watching her comrades below her.

               Itachi’s stomach growled, and he winced. Tenshi, however, only laughed. “There’s nothing wrong with being hungry, you know” she said. “If you want to eat, then by all means.”

               He felt weird about doing this on duty but removed his mask and fished around his pouch for a snack anyway. Tenshi watched him with a strange sense of fascination, the likes of which Itachi was almost startled at. When she noticed his paranoia, however, she simply smiled at him and replied, “You know, you really are one cute kid.”

               Rei cocked a brow as she watched the interaction unfold. She had a bad feeling about this. Something felt off. She slowly turned around to find the enemy ninja staring mere inches away from her face.

               Itachi was quick and accurate, as expected of an Uchiha. He immobilized the enemy almost instantaneously, but did not kill him. They needed to squeeze out whatever information he had retained first. As they dragged him back to the village, on Rei’s back of course (“You’re the pack mule!” Tenshi gleamed), the redhead watched as the brunette and the young boy walked ahead of her.

               “You’re so impressive, Itachi” Tenshi gushed. “I bet it’s those sharingan of yours, huh?”

               “I guess” Itachi replied. It was clear he wasn’t entirely interested in what she had to say. He was most likely just being polite. Rei seethed.

               “Your eyes are incredible” Tenshi added, then rested her hand upon Itachi’s head as if she was as familiar with him as family. Itachi glanced back over his shoulder at Rei, a sense of apology and helplessness crossing his face.

               “Maybe we should stop for a minute” he then said. Tenshi recoiled and blinked, then glanced back at Rei and scoured.

               “If it’s her you’re worried about, she can handle herself. It’s just deadweight, anyway” she said flippantly. But Itachi wouldn’t hear of it. Rei had to be only two inches taller than young Itachi himself, and it was clear she was getting tired. Even she would willingly admit that brute force was not her strong suit, either. “Well, you two can sit around doing whatever, I’m going to go and be productive in the meantime” Tenshi replied, flicking her ponytail over her shoulder. She kicked the enemy in the stomach on her way out for good luck.

               “Where is she going?” Itachi asked.

               Rei shook her head. “No clue. Tenshi just does whatever she damn well pleases.” There was a long, awkward stretch of silence then, and for a split second Rei had almost wished Tenshi hadn’t left. She was already bad enough with kids, let alone an Uchiha boy.

               He sat there patient and quiet for a few minutes before he asked, “How long have you been in the ANBU?”

               The redhead blinked a few times, having not expected the question. “A couple months, maybe. Why?”

               “Just curious” he replied. He hesitated for a moment, then added, “I just heard some of the men talking about you in the locker room.”

               Rei’s heart leapt into her throat. She coughed into the crook of her elbow, trying to regain composure. “I-I’m sorry, they…what?”

               Itachi nodded. “They were saying something about you getting captured on a recent mission, and how Tenshi said something about you being a psychopath.”

               Oh great, Rei thought to herself. Just what she needed. The bruntte bimbo spreading rumors about her. Better to spread rumors than your legs, I guess, she thought to herself. “Well…I’m sorry you had to hear that” Rei muttered. She felt small and uncomfortable now, embarrassed. She didn’t want to have this conversation.

               The young boy shook his head. “I don’t think what they said was true” he replied. Now Rei was really intrigued. She turned to look at him out of the corner of her eye, skeptical. He simply fed her a reassuring smile, added, “At least there were some who defended you. That guy, Tenzo, and his friend Kakashi. You know them, don’t you?”

               Rei’s cheeks burned. Kakashi. She nodded slowly. Kakashi defended her behind her back. She wasn’t sure if Itachi was lying or not, but she didn’t want to think about that right now. The idea alone was enough to fill her with hope.

               She truly didn’t hate the Uchiha. Or at least she didn’t particularly want to. When Kakashi returned from the battle of Kannabi bridge with Obito’s eye, she refused to believe he had killed his friend for the sharingan. Kakashi wasn’t that kind of person. Or at least she didn’t think he was. The whole village had opinions, however. She distinctly remembered her father, newspaper sprawled out in front of him, muttering curses toward the Uchiha clan. That they never knew when to quit, that they were power-hungry and ought to be exterminated. Well, Rei thought to herself later, I suppose he got his wish.

               She had only worked alongside Itachi a few more times before he had disappeared from the village. The Uchiha grounds were boarded up and blocked off. Only Itachi’s brother, Sasuke, survived the massacre. A chill ran down Rei’s spine any time she got anywhere near the site of the slaughter. That young boy, that prodigal boy, had actually begun to grow on her. She supposed that was really her mistake, though. She stared at the gates for perhaps a moment too long, then ran off back home with a queasiness in her stomach. I guess that’s what I get for trusting an Uchiha.

[rayshippouuchiha]

Team Uzimaki tag

I noticed both in the posted fic and lots of the drabbles on here that Jiraiya and Tsunade seem…frightened doesn’t seem the right word cause Sannin but concerned TM about Kakashi learning about just how failed Naruto has been. Like Tsunade going “Gods forbid Kakashi learn Naruto thought his parents were traitors” or “the last thing Jiraiya needed was a half-feral Hatake learning that he’d lost Naruto.” I can’t help but feel like you leading up to something with that? Cause Kakashi is one of those who failed Naruto for myriad reasons starting with who the fuck gives a 4 year old a license to kill and ending with how the fuck long was Kakashi in ANBU exactly? And now my brain is on a tangent of exactly how often Kakashi even in the village pre-Naruto graduating? Like Sarutobi seeing how it was for Naruto knew there was no way he’d be able to keep Kakashi away if he knew how bad it really was so just keeps his ANBU captain on constant rotation out of the village. Kakashi keeps returning for graduation and testing a team because surely this year he’ll get Naruto only he doesn’t and just goes back on rotation after Sarutobi stages a very careful viewing of himself taking Naruto out for ramen so Kakashi can covertly see a happy little Naruto before he leaves the village again. When Kakashi does get Naruto but he’s so confused. Cause this is the orange terror that kept his ANBU comrades on the run for years so why is he so…wrong. Like his basics are terrible and he seems dumb sometimes but surely not cause this is Minato and Kushina’s kid, he’s just rambunctious surely. Six months in and Kakashi has more questions than answers. He decides on the chunnin exams hoping Naruto’s been playing an elaborate prank on him all this time and also knowing they’ll be in Konoha, he can get anywhere to save him super quick and Naruto’s very hard to kill. He’s ordered to make sure the last uchiha survives his bout with Gaara and doesn’t get the one-on-one time he was hoping for with Naruto. His original plan being fobbing Sasuke off on Ebisu. After Naruto beats Neji and defeats Gaaru he’s under the impression he was right all along and feels bad he doubted Naruto but also sad cause now he’s in the village but dammit Naruto is leaving with Jiraiya. I realize this AU relies on Kakashi being super ignorant. Almost willfully but it does make me wonder….sorry got away from me.

~~~~~~~

Okay so we all know I actually love Kakashi, that’s my whole husband no matter his fuck ups. But see the other thing is that, of all the shinobi in Konoha the #1 one I would N E V E R actively want pissed off at me is Kakashi.  Gai’s a very very firm #2.

Cause Kakashi, more than anyone else in the entire series, gets the title of genius and constantly LIVES UP TO IT.  The man is absolutely terrifying.

So yeah in this AU both Jiraiya and Tsunade absolutely want to avoid Kakashi having a reason to rampage/go rogue and for all of his faults and all the ways he failed Naruto Kakashi would go off the deep end if he found out Naruto was just out in the world alone with no one knowing where he’s at.

And the AU doesn’t so much rely on Kakashi being willfully ignorant as it relies on him being emotionally stunted.  Like yeah there is a level of ignorance but most of it roots back around to Kakashi’s emotional damage and not malicious ignorance if that makes sense?

Cause Kakashi absolutely didn’t know how to handle Naruto when he was first placed on Team 7.  He was lost on a number of levels.  Emotionally he was reluctant to get closer to Minato-sensei and Kushina-hime’s legacy. And then there’s the fact that genius often doesn’t translate well into teacher.

Plus I imagine that Kakashi looked at Sasuke and saw himself and was determined to not let Sasuke make the same mistakes he made when he was younger.  Unfortunately the parallels he drew (Sasuke=Kakashi, Sakura=Rin, Naruto=Obito) didn’t mean they needed the same things or would react the same way as his Team 7 did.

And then before he could truly correct anything it was too late and Naruto was gone.

It’s not an excuse and Kakashi very very much dropped the ball but …

[borat123]

NaruHina Analysis

Naruto Manga Part 1

Part 3

While everyone else doubt that Hinata could continue to fight, Naruto is seen getting very frustrated. He wants Hinata to prove that failures can change. By adopting his attitude she shows Naruto that she has the same mind set as him and that obviously creates a huge impact on the neglected orphan who no one pays any respect to. That someone admires him and adopts his nindo, that he has such an influence on someone is amazing to him. So thus he naturally respects her and believes in her. He’s very eager to watch and cheer for her, because he sees his own struggles in her and acknowledges her as an equal. While everyone else doubts, he believes and i think that’s very important.

Hinata attacks with all her strength, while Naruto’s words resonates in her mind. She never belittled Naruto, never judged him. She has always believed in him throughout her life, as we see in the flashbacks panels. We see here just how strong Hinata feels for Naruto. He is her comfort, her source of inspiration. She is treated like dirt by her family in a world that forces children to fight as soldiers. Hinata is a natural pacifist. Her calm and kind nature is too peaceful for war and perhaps that holds her back from her potential. Low self esteem and self doubt certaintly doesn’t help either. But when she looks at Naruto, she feels hope, that even she can achieve something, that she is worth something. She looks at the other ”failure” and feel admiration and hopefulness just from watching his behaviour. He’s load, she’s quiet. He is confident, she is insecure. He’s an extrovert, she’s shy. The opposite attracts.

May i ask why Kishimoto would bother to show this if it wasn’t important? Hinata is a side character, yet we see her internal dialogue and how she feels for the main character. All this has a meaning and the answer is that Hinata will become Naruto’s love interest.

Kurenai has seen how much Hinata has tried to change, even when she fails, she keeps trying. She even admits that, although Hinata will lose the match against Neji, Hinata has shown her will to change, and this is a huge step in the development of her character. Naruto is once again her source of inspiration. Knowing that Naruto is cheering for her and looking at her with completly diffrent eyes she feels confidence flow through her and believes in herself more than she ever has before. The look in her eyes says it all.

Hinata gets struck down by Neji and it looks like she has lost the match. I’ve seen comments from haters that say Hinata is weak or useless, but i mean really?! Do they even know who she’s fighting? We see two individual fights of Hinata, Neji and Pain. Neji is the Hyuga Prodigy and a genius, he is also a year older and fought with the intention to kill. And Pain, i mean oh boy. That bloke killed Kakashi, killed Jiraiya, defeated every single shinobi in the strongest village and blew it up with his own jutsu. Almost defeated Naruto and then still had enough Chakra to revive the whole village. He’s an absolute beast and has powers equal to a God. Only Naruto could defeat those two. Also if Hinata fought anyone else there except for Neji, Lee, Gaara, Sasuke and Naruto she most likely would have clapped them, with relative ease. Not everyone in the Hyuga Clan even unlocks the Byakugan and then they have to master the gentle fist. Which Hinata has done at the age of 12. (She also created her own jutsu in shipudden something that is on par with Naruto and Sasuke so she is far from weak).

The only thing that is on Naruto’s mind right now is Hinata. She is the only thing that matters to him and the only thing he can see in this moment. Naruto knows Hinata wants to change herself. He is seen getting quite upset when it appears that she is losing. Naruto payed so close attention to her that he was the first to notice that she was getting up and yelled very loadly to not stop the match. He was the only one that was not suprised to see her rise up. Of course, he knows she wants to change and this new knowledge of her earns his admiration and respect. He believes in her when everyone else does not and he wants to show them her guts and that she will fight until the end. He would do exactly the same.

Hinata rises up and keeps fighting, so she can prove to Neji that she can choose her own fate and change it. Naruto is proud of her.

Hinata then stands up against Neji and acts like the bigger person, and acknowledges the real problem. That it is Neji who is truly suffering. This enrages him and he goes into attack to kill her.

Hinata starts to cough up blood after the gentle fist damages her organs. Naruto screams out to her and is the first to rush over to her. He asks if she’s alright and holds her hand while she loses consciousness. That he reaches for her hand when he checks on her, shows just how strongly he bonded to her. (Kishi also has a thing for hand holding when it comes to romantic pairings *hint hint). He looks very worried for her as we can see from Hinata’s POV and stays with her until she loses conciousness completly.

Naruto doesn’t separate from Hinata until Neji addresses him, reminding him just the same words he told Hinata, a failure can never change.

Naruto gets extremly irritated by Neji’s provocation and Naruto says ”you want to test me?”. He then launches at him to beat him to a pulp. Just because he insulted him and thus also Hinata. Naruto was literally going to fight Neji right there and then just because of the way he treated Hinata, and remember this is just an official match, but Naruto reacts very passionatelly and personal to their fight that is technically none of his business. But he felt this personal bond with Hinata that made him react this way. Rock Lee stops Naruto just in time. He could also relate to Hinata since he’s also considered a failure like them, but for whatever reason Naruto is the one who gets much more angry and feels deeper, personal empathy and understanding for Hinata, he has a certain protective instinct regarding her. Which gets confirmed with his next action...

He remembers Hinata’s Ninja Way and bravery which amazed him, so he picks up her blood with his fingers, squeezes his hand and promises Hinata to defeat Neji for her under a vow of her own blood.

This is a very impressive gesture and speaks volume of how strongly Hinata reached to Naruto. This shows us Kishimoto’s intentions with Naruto and Hinata. Until now, Naruto has never looked so serious and passionate and made something so impressive, especially for what is essentially a side character. Something that he saw in Hinata triggered a protective instinct and made him trigger a very passionate gesture. My only conclusion is what Naruto felt during all this was the first signs of love. Love because he cared so much about her fight, love because he acknowledges her as a kindred spirit, love because he believed in her when nobody else did. This is all subconcious for him, but it is what made him react this way.

Maybe of topic here but when Naruto watched Sakura’s fight, he could not understand why she acted so aggresively with Ino, even due he has a similar rivalry with Sasuke. Kakashi even adresses this. Naruto just cant connect with Sakura. Meanwhile he has no problem understanding Hinata’s situation.

We can see here that his empathy for Hinata is what made him perform his blood vow. He formed a connection with Hinata and that connection was sealed with his blood vow. In Naruto we see how people are connected through blood, for example with the summoning jutsu. Naruto’s blood vow to Hinata was him sealing that connection between them. That will be all for this part. Here are the previous parts if you wanna read them.

Part 1 Part 2 Part 4

[bluefurcape]

Sakura and Kakashi - Part 2

Part 1 here!

For the “Locked In” prompt for Kakasaku Month 2018!!!!!!!! @thekakasakusquad @itslulu42

Phew, wasn’t really planning for it to be this long. I will be posting this on ao3 and ff after some light edits. Thanks for reading!

September was the month that she’d gotten divorced. One day, she’d woken up alone in the bed that she’d shared with her ex-husband and realized that seven years had gone by. She’d wondered then when she’d learned to just accept how things had become. The dinners with just her and Sarada. The parent-teacher conferences where the instructor sympathetically, if mistakenly, patted Sakura’s hand for being so brave as a single mother. The fact that not a closet in their home contained a single item of Sasuke’s clothing.

Maybe she could have handled it if Sasuke’s coldness had only extended to her, but she noticed Sarada watching Inojin with his father at the summer lantern festival with a sadness that broke her heart. Over and over again, Sarada bit her lower lip before shaking it off and putting on a brave face. She was just a child, born into this world with all of Sakura’s love. Sakura knew something had to change.

The divorce was messy, a process that she didn’t care to relive if she could help it. Some people that she thought were her friends turned on her, blamed her for her marriage falling apart. Ino was always there for her and for that she would be truly grateful. Naruto did his best, though on the most basic level, he didn’t understand why Sasuke just couldn’t get it together. At least he hadn’t tried the same kind of stunt he was pulling tonight with her and Sasuke. She shuddered to imagine what kind of permanent damage that would have done. Kakashi at least was willing to humor this. She imagined Sasuke would have renounced Konoha for good, if the situation had been forced on him.

Ino was the shoulder that Sakura had cried on, but Kakashi had been there for her in his own way. Take-out dinners picked up for her and Sarada. Training sessions here and there to help her daughter with a particularly tricky technique. A leak fixed in their ceiling after a particularly bad storm. Chance encounters that always made her feel like the world wasn’t so bad, reminding her that she still had people that she could trust.

The only exit to the room remained secured, the seal glaring back at her like a disembodied eyeball. She couldn't believe that she was still here. She took a piece of paper from the stack of notes left on the table, and after noting that it was regarding a meeting on nothing important (just Naruto’s doodles and a few ideas for Icha Icha fanfiction) she tore little pieces from it and crumpled them into balls. The repetitive action soothed her somewhat.

Eventually, she grew tired of sitting on the chair and, because it was preferable over the floor, she chose to stretch out on top of the table, staring up at the recessed lighting on the ceiling. The fatigue of the day caught up to her and she longed for her bed. She had never been much of a night owl by nature, but she had a suspicion that the same was not true for Kakashi. He remained as he was, engrossed in his book without a single complaint.  Paired with the fact that he often would show up to training sessions scheduled to begin in the morning well into the afternoon, she surmised that he probably preferred being awake at night.

"This is so pointless," she said under her breath. To her surprise, Kakashi's gaze flickered up to her. She could almost believe that she had imagined breaking through his general shield of indifference. The silence had stretched this long, so she wondered why he reacted at all. Being forced into the same room together seemed like an ill thought through plan, a matter-of-fact strategy that was not surprising coming from Naruto. Despite the years since they’d both been taken off active duty, they were still both shinobi. They had endured worse interrogation techniques, though she was tempted to say that this was going to make the top ten. She supposed she should be touched that Naruto still retained more than a touch of the naivete of his youth. He believed in the best version of people, meaning that he failed to understand why people just couldn't get along. It must have been especially hard to swallow when it came to his old teammates. But sometimes that was just how it was. Teams grew apart, lost contact. It was a natural part of life.

"You should sleep. It'll make the time pass faster," Kakashi said. The statement didn’t count as a real conversation, though it would be the first time that he’d spoken more than two words at once to her in more than a year. It veered towards a command, the kind a superior officer would drop curtly. All business.

A part of her didn't want to give him the satisfaction of ordering her around, like he was still her captain, but she was tired. She refused to answer him, turning away and closing her eyes, aggressively trying to fall asleep. Even breathing. Clearing her mind. Counting by multiples of three. She used all of the tactics at her disposal to make herself fall unconscious, but success eluded her. Her brows knitted together.

The problem was that she realized she could feel his attention on her back.

“Quit staring,” she demanded. At the same time, her curiosity speculated wildly on the reason for his eyes being on her.

He coughed. The chair legs dragged as he shifted his position. She held her breath as she waited for his response, but there was none. Did he finally want to talk or was there something gross stuck to her back? She discreetly reached around and patted the area.

“Do you have an itch?” Kakashi asked.

Immediately, she retracted her hand. “No.”

“Naruto…sure is something. Isn’t he?”

“He’s an idiot.”

Kakashi sighed. “I didn’t realize that it had become this bad.”

“Oh, I don’t know. I regularly stop speaking to some of my oldest friends all the time. It’s a completely normal thing to do.”

“…Sorry.”

She sat up, incredulous. “Sorry? That’s it? Sorry? You ignored me for a year. What did—” She stopped herself, realizing that she was about to ask him what she had done wrong, because her default always went to a place where the fault lied with her.”Never mind, there’s no point.” She turned away again to lie on her side, showing her back to him. She cringed at herself, torn between feeling like a bitch and feeling weak. Neither made her consider herself a very good person.

She heard the pages of his book rustle as he closed them. He asked, “Are you okay?”

“I’m not.” Screw it, if they weren’t friends anymore, at the very least she was going to get some kind of closure. She rolled to her back, her body hitting the table like a sack of potatoes with a thump. “Why did you stop talking to me?”

He blinked, the book in his hand halfway raised in hesitation, as if he was considering just hiding his face instead of responding. The muscles in his neck tightened as he swallowed. Finally, he sighed. “I was distracted by a few things.”

Her lips pressed together. She wanted to shoot back that she had seen him out and about, talking with Genma, doing stupid shit with Gai, even grabbing a bowl of ramen with Naruto. She didn’t want to admit just how closely she’d been paying attention, knowing that it would only make her appear needy and insecure. “You could have come to me if you needed help,” she said softly, deciding to ignore what she felt was a lie. Arguing about it would only end badly.

“I wouldn’t want to burden you like that.”

“That’s what friends do. They come to each other for help.” Perhaps they weren’t friends. Perhaps they never had been. Pity could have motivated him to help her back then. She ignored the aching emptiness the thought left in her. “I guess you didn’t see me like that.” He didn’t want to rely upon her.

“I couldn’t come to you for this,” he murmured.

“But we are friends,” she said, contradicting the voice of doubt in her head.

“Of course.”

She grabbed one of the small pieces of crumpled paper that she’d been piling on the table. She threw them at him, one by one. “Friends. Don’t. Do. What. You. Did.” It wasn’t cool. The unaffected, stoic asshole act had lost its appeal to her long ago.

He took the barrage of paper balls without changing his expression. Tiny pieces got stuck in his hair. She giggled, which broke into full on laughter, at his ridiculous appearance. The corners of his mouth tilted up.

“Good to see you finally cracking a smile after all this time,” she said.

“You were always able to make me smile.”

The revelation touched her, but her bright expression faltered. “Then tell me why you stopped talking to me.”

He closed his eyes. “I can’t. I’m sorry.”

#

If not for the chakra dampening stone, Kakashi would have disappeared after his cryptic refusal. She was at a loss on how to draw out the conversation, so she let it drop.

She accepted that sleep was an impossibility for the night. Kakashi went back to reading his Icha Icha in isolation and she was bored. In her delirium formed from a combination of a lack of rest and her emotions, she put together a doll of Kakashi, made of a permanent marker that she’d scavenged out of on of the cabinets and taped on some paper hair cut to resemble his spiky silhouette. She made one of herself too out of a pink highlighter.

“My name is Kakashi, and I’m a big ol’ jerk,” she made the makeshift doll say in her terrible imitation of his voice. She glanced over at Kakashi, who flipped through the pages of Icha Icha in deep concentration. The small bit of conversation that they’d had cleared the largest elephant in the room, but not much had been resolved. He still hadn’t explained why he’d ignored her for so long. In fact, he made it clear just how reluctant he was to broach the subject. She continued in the little Kakashi’s voice, wanting to provoke a reaction, if anything, “Icha Icha is the worst. You know that it doesn’t matter if any of the characters die because they just come back to life later on! There’s no real stakes in the story.”

Kakashi’s brow rose.

She waved little Kakashi in the air dramatically. “The love story in Icha Icha Violence doesn’t have enough development. Am I supposed to believe that Yuki and Soichiro are hot for each other at first sight when they have nothing in common?”

Kakashi started drumming his fingers on the table.

“The villain’s motivation is so weak—so he’s just mad that Soichiro was rude to him? Is that a good enough reason to try and wreck everyone’s lives?” she made the Sakura doll say.

“You’re missing the point of Icha Icha completely,” Kakashi interrupted, an edge of irritation in his voice.

“Enlighten me.”

He leaned forward, on the verge of launching a tirade, before he stopped himself. He settled back into his seat, shaking his head. “Never mind.”

She wasn’t even worth the effort of a stupid argument about made up characters. She let the makeshift dolls fall, her shoulders shaking. “That’s how it always is, isn’t it? Do you know how hard it’s been for me to accept that this is how it’s going to be?” Things had been different right after the war. She couldn’t claim they had been bosom buddies, but there had been more to their relationship than this awkward, tense silence. Her divorce had been difficult. Sasuke had not taken it well, though in the end, he accepted that it was over. During those awful days, her random encounters with Kakashi had been some of the only times that she had been able to smile. He broke through the misery and guilt. She had always trusted him, but she came to learn exactly why. He was there for her in unexpected ways. Not to fix her. He was just…there

And at one point she had thought they were becoming…something more. “I missed you, Kakashi. Really missed you. You were part of my team.” To her horror, tears dripped down her face. Her voice cracked. “You locked me out.”

She hid her face, ashamed that she couldn’t stop crying. The floodgates were open and the truth was, she was never okay with losing Kakashi. She needed his odd, stabilizing presence in her life; the past year had shown her just how much she needed him.

She heard his chair scrape across the carpet and looked up. He moved quickly when he needed to and suddenly he was by the door, sizing it up, then rearing back and slamming his fist into it. Predictably, the seal remained whole, but he stood there, frozen.

“Kakashi?”

He hissed out a swear, falling to his knees and clutching his hand, his knuckles rapidly swelling to an ugly red that had a promise of a darker bruise as time went on. Sakura hurried to him, instinctively reaching for her chakra. Belatedly, she remembered she couldn’t heal as she needed to here. “You idiot, what have you done?” She clicked her tongue and gently cradled his hand. “Did my crying make you so uncomfortable that you actually tried punching your way out? You’re going to have to deal with a broken hand until we get out. Stupid.” She called him other variations of a person without low intelligence as she rummaged through the cabinets for some kind of emergency medical kit.

He watched her as she set the bones, wincing, but quiet. She managed to find painkillers and gave him a triple dosage to help him get through it until morning.  

“I’m sorry that you’re always having to fix me up,” he murmured.

She looked up in surprise. “What’s wrong with that?” She smiled, wiping away the remnants of her tears. “You’re my friend. I don’t mind because I care about you.” She let her voice drop. “You mean a lot to me. I just wish you cared about me too, just a little bit.”

She felt his uninjured hand trace her jawline. “I do care, Sakura.”

“Then why?” Her eyes were filling again with tears. He knew exactly what she was asking him about.

He confessed everything.

#

Kakashi wanted to see her again.

One day, he woke up with that realization and felt his stomach drop. Sakura was a bright, kind woman, with a young child to care for. She had only just gotten through her divorce with a man that she had tried hard to love since she was a child. It must have been difficult giving that up in so many ways. He berated himself for being selfish.

But he never claimed to be a good man. He still found himself running errands around the time that he knew that she would be out and about. Or heading to the hospital during her shift for an injury he could have easily avoided during a bet with Gai. More frequently, he came up with flimsy excuses to cross paths with her. Just hearing her laugh made his day.

He didn’t dare hope that she felt the same way, though there were a few signs that even he picked up. There were the lingering glances. The non-verbal communications that passed between them as easily as if they could speak telepathically. The times when their hands brushed together and remained touching.

He could see a life with her, clear as day. Happy. That state almost seemed like a foreign concept, but he found himself daydreaming about it anyway. He couldn’t offer her much, just himself, and he had to admit that sounded like poor prospects. He didn’t exactly go courting frequently. And he was pretty sure that nobody called it ‘courting.’ Even his thoughts were proving to him that he was an out-of-touch old man. But if she wanted him too…

He waited, gathering the courage to say something. Simply being by her side was enough. His day was good if she turned her smile on him. A little pathetic, he realized.

Kakashi had fallen hard and fast.

He was on his way to the bookstore to pick up a copy of  a title that Sakura had recommended, when Sasuke’s voice from an alleyway stopped him in his tracks. “What do you think you’re doing?”

“Good afternoon to you too, stranger.” Kakashi touched two fingers to his temple in a loose salute. After the divorce, Sasuke had cleared out of Konoha. Not that he had kept his residency here for long periods of time before, but he even cut contact with Naruto. Kakashi only knew that because Naruto included it on his drunken list of grievances against Sasuke. It was extensive, detailed, and repeating.

“What do you think you’re doing?” Sasuke repeated more firmly, stepping out onto the street. He had lost weight. His cheekbones cut more sharply than Kakashi remembered.

“Going…to buy a book?”

Sasuke scowled. “You know what I mean—with Sakura. I come back and find out that you’ve been hanging around her like a puppy.”

“We run in to each sometimes.” Many times a week.

“You fixed a leaking ceiling in her house?” His glare grew pointed. “That better not have been a euphemism.” For a man who chose to be a wandering hermit, he was surprisingly up to date on the gossip.

“Is there a point to this? I have places to be.”

“The divorce only went through three months ago,” Sasuke pointed out.

“Oh, has it been that long?” Kakashi feigned, well aware of the timeline.

“You’re a vulture. The ink’s barely dried.”

“Sakura and I are friends, Sasuke.” Kakashi was a touch exasperated.

Sasuke continued as if he hadn’t spoken, voice lowered in bitterness, “We don’t deserve her.” That gave Kakashi pause, the subtly snarky responses that he’d been volleying back dying in his throat half-formed. “You know it. We’re more alike than I’d like to admit.”

That must have taken a lot for Sasuke to concede, given that he seemed to enjoy flaunting his own rarity through the ‘Last of the Uchiha’ status. (Seemed like he was a bad father, though, forgetting that Sarada was also an Uchiha.) A reluctant part of Kakashi agreed with Sasuke. Kakashi was not a superstitious man, but it did feel sometimes like a curse had followed both of them around for their lives. Misery affected the people that they loved the most. Sasuke had not been able to make Sakura happy and she had chased after him since she was a child. Was it arrogant to think that Kakashi could do any better?

“For her sake,” Sasuke said, “leave her be. That’s what I’m doing.”

“Forgive me if I don’t put a lot of stock in your judgment.” Kakashi drew himself up.

“Then what about this: did you know that there is a lengthy appeal process for divorce?” Sasuke tilted his head, regarding Kakashi coldly. “The statute of limitations is two years. The Council frowns upon divorce and gives every opportunity for couples to work it out.”

Kakashi blinked deliberately, not wanting to betray his thoughts as he put two and two together. “Is that a threat?”

“I gave Sakura what she wanted, but I will still protect her. She needs a different kind of man, not someone like us.”

Someone like us. The words echoed in Kakashi’s mind with growing intensity.

Sasuke stepped back into the shadows of the alley behind him with a stony expression. The red of his sharingan eyes glowed even in the dim light.

His message had been clear.

#

At the conclusion of his story, Kakashi said, “I couldn’t let him put you through the divorce again.” He looked down. “And I didn’t think I mattered enough if I disappeared.”

Oh, she was going to kill Sasuke.

Despite his injury, Sakura punched Kakashi in the shoulder as hard as she could. He yelped. “We’re idiots,” she whispered, then she pulled down his mask and kissed him.

The kiss was sweet, tinged with a year’s worth of longing. He had believed that he mattered so little to her that he could just leave. She wanted him to know how far away from the truth he was. Her lips on his were a promise and when she felt him respond, her heart soared.

She couldn’t help but laugh as a thought occurred to her. “So Sasuke told you not to date me, and you cut off all contact?” The ridiculous logic of it was not fitting with her.

He flushed as he sheepishly admitted, “It was a little extreme, but I couldn’t go halfway. I—” his gaze lowered to her mouth, “—couldn’t trust myself.”

She hummed to herself, leaning closer. “I’m still mad at you. You have a lot of making up to do.”

“I’ll try my best,” he breathed and kissed her again.

#

The door to the room swung open. From somewhere in the back of the group, Kiba groaned, “They’re not naked!”

“Gross,” Ino replied, shoving him.

“Are there any shrimp chips left?” Naruto peered at the discarded bags of various junk food.

Sakura sat up from the table that she and Kakashi had been sharing as comfortably as they could (not very). Her back ached, but not from any lewd acts, as much as she would have preferred that. She scowled, crossing her arms across her chest. “You assholes, I can’t believe you did this to us.” She sniffed. “We ate everything in the cabinets.”

“Everything!” Naruto shouted in outrage. “Even my limited edition fire ramen that I hid in the vent?”

“Especially the limited edition fire ramen,” Kakashi said.

Naruto’s face crumpled. Then, just as quickly, he brightened. “You two look like you’re getting along much better. I knew my plan would work.”

“Actually, we’re mortal enemies now.” Sakura shot a glance at Kakashi, a spark of amusement in her eyes.

“Huh?” Naruto looked to the older man for an explanation, but received none. “Mortal enemies?”

“She is my nemesis. Come on, we’ll let you buy us breakfast.” Kakashi hopped off the table.

Naruto remained behind, frowning as if he was doing highly complicated calculus in his brain. It wasn’t until he saw Kakashi take Sakura’s hand that he finally understood the joke.

He punched the air. “I’M A FLIPPING GENIUS.”

[sakurauchiha2018]

10. “I don’t regret this. But if I could do things differently, if I could avoid hurting you, I would.” Sasusaku por favor :):):)

Sakura blossoms float in the air around me. The swirl of pink make my feet stop in their tracks. Lately my mind has been wandering back to the unique combination of pink and green that is Sakura Haruno. These past few years away have opened up my eyes to many realizations. The one that has been haunting my thoughts lately is the discovered feelings I’ve harbored for her. It’s been no secret that she’s loved me since we were children. But back then that was the furthest thing from my mind. Avenging my clan was my only goal. Darkness was the only thing I wanted and knew

But now that I’ve been brought back into the light, there’s more I want. To see those green eyes sparkle the way that only happens when she’s truly happy, like they did when she would visit the hospital to see me. Being able to confide in someone about my most hidden thoughts and secrets. I want to return the love that’s been given to me for so many years without a second thought. I want to be there for her after long days.

Mostly, I want Sakura Haruno to be happy. I knew back when I left the village that she had made her way into my heart all those years ago. She’s always held a piece of me, even when I didn’t know it. Leaving her with a single gesture that has a secret meaning and a final promise. A promise that I still haven’t fulfilled.

But it seems that will change soon.

As my mismatched orbs take in the soft petals slowly, my body warms as I feel it. The most calming chakra I’ve ever felt in my life. It’s only fitting that a medic of her skill would have a calm, soothing chakra like hers. Every fiber of my being wants me to turn and run for her. But my calm demeanor won’t break.

Through the thick of trees I lay my eyes on her. No doubt she’s grown since the last time I saw her. Her pink hair is shorter but it frames her face well. The purple seal displayed proudly as it should. It’s a true testament of her strength, her reward for years of hard work and determination. She still wears the similar red qipao but now it’s shorter and more form fitting.

I take a deep breath in as she walks towards me. I can’t afford for my walls to completely crumble down.

“Sasuke-kun….” My name rolls off her tongue and it sounds so soothing. Even the way she says my name has me wanting to hear it more.

“Sakura.” The tears forming in her eyes are clear even across the distance between us. Willing my legs to work, we each begin to close the distance. The corners of my lips threaten to turn upward with each step until I’m face to face with Sakura. Her eyes shining with pure joy and love.

Sakura is holding her two hands over her heart, as if she’s trying to calm the thudding. She hasn’t changed.

“Why are you here? Shouldn’t you be in the village?” My questions come off a little snarky. But my entire attitude is the opposite. I crave to be in her presence. To reconnect and tell each other of the past years. Even though we both have kept tabs on each other.

“Kakashi-sensei told me of a rough estimate on your location. Sasuke-kun I want to join you. There’s nothing more that I’d rather do than to travel with you.” She will always be too good for me. After everything she is still trying to put her feeling aside and do what’s best for me. Not any more.

“I’ve missed you Sasuke-kun. It feels like something has been missing at home….like part of my home isn’t there. You’re part of my home Sasuke-kun. And I understand if you never return those feelings. But for now I want to be able to walk beside you. To see the Ninja World with my own eyes.”

My brain processes every word she says in a flash and my heart aches. She clearly has no idea of my true feelings or the meaning behind my gesture. It seems it’s my turn to open up. No matter how much I dislike it, Sakura deserves the truth.

“I don’t regret this. But if I could do things differently, if I could avoid hurting you, I would.” The air around us turns silent.

“Sakura, I needed time to understand my own feelings. For so long I was hidden under the cloud of darkness. I lost myself along the way….But after so long I’ve managed to put most of the pieces back in place.”

I search her eyes for understanding and it’s there, burning brightly along with curiosity as to how I will follow up. Swallowing my pride, I take a step closer to where I tower over her. It seems that I’ve grown much taller than her during our time apart. The way she looks up at me through those thick lashes makes my throat tighten. How could she look at me with such love after all these years?

“You’ve always held a piece of me Sakura. It’s just taken me this long to understand it all. I did promise that next time I would bring you with me. It seems that it’s time for me to fulfill that promise, along with others.”

“What do mean Sasuke-kun?” Those jade eyes widen even more and tears start to drip down from them. Always so quick to cry.

Lifting my lone hand, I softly tap the center of her forehead and a soft blush spreads on her cheeks.

“Let’s start our journey.” I offer her a small smile and in return her two arms wrap around my chest. Her voice is muttered by my cloak but I know what she’s saying. Even if she doesn’t realize it. I may not be close to saying those three words back to her yet, but I do love her.

It seems our journey will be more of relearning each other than learning the world around us. And honestly, it sounds like an amazing journey.