#Sasuke wouldn’t be protecting the village if he didn’t love his girls

[setsunasknife]

Gimme stone faced Sasuke finding out he’s gonna be a dad. You can’t tell me that boy wasn’t feeling 8 billion different feelings at the time. I 100% believe he cried when he found out.

He cried because he was happy that he could maintain his lost clan. He was terrified because he didn’t want to curse his baby with the fate of Uchiha’s. He was terrified because he didn’t know what it was to be a father, and he had so many responsibilities. He was sad because he knew his past was a scary and upsetting one and that his child would one day know of it. He was determined because he knew he’d have to work hard to be worthy of not only his child but also Sakura. He was sad because Itachi would never know his niece or nephew. He cried because he would be someone’s father, the man they would look up to.

He burrowed into Sakura’s arms and thanked her profusely for giving him this child, for nurturing their baby. He thanked her for loving him even when it should’ve been impossible. Uchiha’s love hard so even though he is stoic, I imagine his walls crumbled at the news of little Sarada.

Like that’s daddy’s baby 🥹🥺

[kiyomi-uchiha777]

Naruto sibling scenario

what type there are

Naruto uzumaki

⁃ he is the funny one ⁃ always put pranks on the villagers with you ⁃ Alone it’s quite boring for him ⁃ both of you are orphans so he has take the responsibility for you Because he’s the older one by 4 min ⁃ He is not good in it but he try’s ⁃ Can not cook but he has Rahmen coupons ⁃ Even if he don’t say it, you’re his biggest treasure ⁃ You are the one who remember him that you have homework, and than let him copy yours ⁃ The only fight that you have was one time about Rahmen topic ⁃ “One day I become hokage and then you gonna help me right Yn ?”

Kakashi hatake

⁃ Definitely the over protective one

⁃ Dude lost his whole team and family way to fast

⁃ Not letting you become a Shinobi

⁃ Feel guilty that he must leave you alone so often

⁃ Put his books Far far far far away from you

⁃ In his eyes you never will grow up

⁃ He try to spend all his free time just with you

⁃ You too fight sometimes because you will not understand why he is so protective

⁃ You a cute and quite clueless girl

⁃ Everyone like you because you like everyone

⁃ “You’re too precious to me that I let you out to the danger as a Shinobi”

Shikamaru Nara

⁃ He is the lazy one SURPRISE

⁃ Shout across the whole house just so you bring him his book that next to him

⁃ Even if nobody not even you see it he truly love you

⁃ Often play shogi with you because you the only one who is on his level

⁃ You have Way To much energy If you ask him

⁃ They are invincible if you put both siblings in one team

⁃ You’re are support him where you can ⁃ because if you wouldn’t he will give up everything in his life before it really start

⁃ “Your not such a drag Yn you know”

Sasuke uchiha

⁃ he is the one who act like he didn’t care for you but Deeply love you ⁃ he just don’t want another person close to him that he can Lose

⁃ You pass out in the night because of the shock so you don’t know that you Older brother did this

⁃ Sasuke really want to tell you what that monster did but he can’t

⁃ He didn’t want you become a Shinobi too but in this case he can’t stop it

⁃ Often try’s to get out of your way

⁃ You think he did this because he is angry of you that you so weak

⁃ You wish he would become the old sasuke that care for you

⁃ He is a TSUNDERE

⁃ “Dont come with me I don’t want you To get hurt…I’m mean Hold me back”

[madara-fate]

I saw the ask of that other Anon and can’t help but laugh at it, saying that Hinata was the only one who accepted him is like being completely blind to the fact that when Haku told Naruto that if you’re protecting the person you care/love, you’ll become the strongest that you can be, and surprise; Naruto remembered how he summoned thousands of clones to protect Iruka. I don’t see Hinata anywhere even when Naruto told Gaara about the people who saved him from his loneliness. It was Team 7 and Iruka and no Hinata. Iruka was the one who raised him, scolded him when he needed it, accompanied him, and uplift him. Let’s not forget that.

Furthermore, why do people always act like Naruto even deserved to be liked by his peers back then? Most fans always think that Naruto was this good, heroic, completely void of sins, and filled with sunshine when he wasn’t. He was selfish (decided to make Sasuke look bad in front of Sakura so that Sakura wouldn’t like Sasuke anymore, tied Sasuke up to pose as him in front of Sakura so that he could know what Sakura thinks of him, would’ve ended kissing Sakura if it weren’t for his stomachache, blamed Iruka for failing when it was his fault and Iruka did nothing but try and discipline and watch over him, painted the faces of the Hokage monument and got the whole class suffer the punishment and he didn’t even felt apologetic and etc.) he’s also an attention-seeker, a troublemaker who does idiotic things and annoys everyone.

Even Sasuke himself doesn’t deny this, in Chapter 3 that haters/anti’s use so much to hate on Sakura— Sasuke tries to tell Sakura that the life she thought Naruto is living in (a life filled with freedom) is nothing but a fantasy by saying to Sakura that people who grew up with no parents/families always become selfish, not denying any of Sakura’s claims of Naruto and even confirms it or I daresay, justify it. Saying that Sakura disliked Naruto because she picked up what the adults have are people in-denial to the fact that Naruto can be dislikable. We finally get to see what Naruto’s peers think of him through Sakura because from the past 2 chapters we get to see how the adults see him. Hiruzen wasn’t wrong but Sakura isn’t either. Hiruzen thought Naruto’s peers only stayed away from him because the children did what their parents did, but on the other side of the truth— through Sakura’s lenses and even Sasuke’s we got to know that Naruto is dislikable and isn’t as innocent as people make him out to be, like are we just gonna forget how he introduced the Konoha 11?

Moreover, none of the kids even hate Naruto, yes they follow what their parents do but that’s because monkey see monkey do, it’s not because they picked up the hatred that their parents have for him because you need a reason to hate someone and the children have no reason to hate Naruto at all (dislike maybe but hate is such a strong word), and saying that Sakura is one of those children is pure reaching because Naruto would never like a girl that hates him, Naruto even grew to dislike the adults because of the way they look at him. Naruto only sees the hatred in the adults but never on his peers. When Sakura confessed her honest thoughts about Naruto to Sasuke (who’s actually Naruto) that she can’t stand Naruto and that he actively torments her, it even made Naruto realize why he loves Sakura.

Additionally, someone and that’s me, would like to say that words and good intentions that are not backed up by actions are as useless as those who never said anything. Hinata caring about Naruto didn’t stop Naruto from suffering. Just like to put it out there.

With regards to who Naruto thought of as his first true bonds, it certainly is true that Hinata wasn't among them, but to be fair, the point that Anon was making wasn't that Hinata always had a profound impact on Naruto's life from early on, it was just that she was among the few people in the village who never treated him poorly, and indeed she was, but she just wasn't unique in that regard.

With regards to Naruto's poor behaviour, again to be fair, he resorted to poor behaviour precisely because he was lonely and being shunned by people. So he desperately wanted attention, regardless of whether it was good or bad attention, because he was starved of it. So yeah he definitely wasn't a saint and he did a lot of bratty things, but there was an understandable reason he became that way. Now obviously, I'm not about to link Naruto's loneliness to something like him posing as Sasuke and tricking Sakura, because that was entirely different and I'm not even gonna try to defend or justify that, but I'm just attributing his loneliness to his general misbehaviour.

With regards to Sasuke's comments during chapter 3, I wouldn't say he justifies Naruto's selfishness as much as he understands it. I mean yeah he didn't deny Sakura's comments, but he got pissed off at her because she didn't know the first thing about the hardships that himself and Naruto had to experience due to being all alone. Naruto's poor behaviour was a product of this, and Sasuke knew that.

With regards to your final comment, I'll say that words and good intentions don't always need to be backed up by actions as long as the recipient actually hears them. Hinata's "Proud Failure" speech wasn't backed up by any actions, but her words alone were enough to restore Naruto's self confidence. Hinata's good intentions from afar were useless, but they did a lot when she actually spoke to him.

[raziroo]

Ma

Pairing: Naruto Uzumaki x motherfigure!reader

Genre: Fluff

Warnings: None, as far as I recall

Word count: 1398

Author's Note: Y'all i suck at titles i was so close to just naming this shit The Smile™. anywho enjoy this piece of motherly love churned out in like forty minutes.

She remembered how she’d found him. There was only the smallest crowd surrounding him, murmurs and whispers flitting back and forth. She’d been on her way to get groceries, initially ignoring the group of people herself, when the name ‘Naruto’ attracted her attention.

Naruto. Minato and Kushina’s son.

Instantly she’d stopped in her tracks, changing directions as to investigate what exactly was up. And oh, the condition the boy was in was enough to tug at her heartstrings - gashes and bruises were scattered across his body, peeking out from under the torn tatters of his clothes; blood seeped from his nose, his split lip, the multiple cuts his body had.

Shifting the bag so that it hung on her shoulder, the woman lifted the frail, clearly undernourished child up, and paying no heed to the villagers who were clearly appalled at the sight in front of them, she’d hurried to Konoha’s hospital.

It was while she paid for his medical expenses did the woman decide – she wouldn’t trust the poor child at the Hokage’s hands. However great a Kage may be, in the end of the day, he too was nothing at the hands of the people and politics. The villagers of the Leaf were bent on not accepting the boy solely because he was a Jinchuriki; a fate bestowed upon him by the Fourth Hokage, his father, the man the village worshipped. It truly was strange seeing all these mature adults resent a mere toddler just because he had the Kyuubi sealed inside of him. They didn’t realise that he was protecting them in a manner ever so sacrificial; they didn’t care that the Nine Tails would probably harm the boy more than it would ever them.

He’d woken up (jumped up, rather), began pestering her with questions. It was truly so sorrowful; the boy couldn’t – he simply wouldn’t – believe that someone would actually try to help him. When she’d told him that he was going to be living with her from then on, that she would be his guardian; oh, the sheer, unadulterated joy on his face shook the woman to her core. In all her years, in her entire thirty-three-year lifespan, never had the female witnessed an expression so pure – his euphoria shone through the shocked look on his face, and then through the face-splitting grin he wore.

He’d hugged her. She’d been surprised. After all, no child, even a four-year-old, hugged a stranger this freely.

She’d hugged him back anyways.

“Well, introduce yourself. It’s bad manners not to.”

“I’m Naruto Uzumaki, believe it! I’m going to become Hokage someday, you’ll see! The strongest Hokage ever!

“Oh?”

“Yes! I’ll save the village, and then its people will give me ramen!”

“Oh… you’re quite ambitious. Very determined too. I’m sure you’ll be Hokage, but for now, why don’t we get you something to eat? What would you like?”

“Ramen!”

She remembered the first time he’d called her ‘ma’. He’d been seven-years-old. She’d been putting him to bed, telling him fables of the Yondaime Hokage and his adventures. She hadn’t thought it wise to tell him that she’d been a mentor of his. That was a tale for another time.

She had crossed the threshold when she heard the little child’s voice call out to her.

“Yes, Naruto?”

“…Who were my parents? What were they like?”

“…”

“I - I’m sorry if you don’t wanna say it!”

“Your parents, Naruto, were two of the kindest, bravest people I’ve met. Your father was very charming, and your mother was beautiful. They were like prince and princess.”

“Oh. So… if they were prince and princess, then what am I?”

“Well, that would make you a prince, won’t it? When a prince and princess grow up, they become king and queen. So you’re prince.”

“Oh. You’re so intelligent! So you’re a queen too then?”

“Well… that depends. Would you want me to be queen?”

“Yes! I’m the prince, and the mother of a prince is a queen, isn’t she?”

“…Do you think of me as your mother, Naruto?”

“Of course! You take care of me, make food for me, buy clothes for me, tell me stories, put me in bed at night. That’s everything a mother does!”

“…”

“You’re my Ma, believe it!”

She’d kissed him goodnight. She might have shed a tear or two, too.

She remembered all their friendly banter. The quarrels over ramen, how she’d become a little stern, how he’d apologise fervently.

“Ma?”

“Mm-hm?”

“Can we have ramen for dinner today? Please?”

“Didn’t we have ramen for lunch yesterday? You can’t eat that all the time, you need to eat other stuff too, you know. Vegetables, fish, rice, miso -”

“But none of it is as good as ramen!”

“Really? You think so?”

“Yes! Believe it!”

“I do believe you, you knucklehead. But since you value ramen over my healthy, home cooked food, why don’t you make food for the rest of the week?”

“…Hah? No! Ma, I was kidding, believe it! Please, your food is great, it’s the best!”

“…Better than ramen, then?”

“Well, no, but -!”

She remembered when he left the village for training with Jiraiya. She couldn’t help but compare the scene of Naruto beside Jiraiya to Minato beside Jiraiya.

“Don’t be sad at all Ma! I’m gonna get stronger after training with Pervy Sage, and I’m gonna bring back Sasuke, believe it! I’ll save him from Orochimaru, that bastard -”

“Language, Naruto.”

“Sorry! But anyways, I’m gonna go now. Goodbye, Konoha! I know you’ll miss me! Bye, M – Ma? Ma, what -?”

“It’s nothing, you idiot. I’m your mother, aren’t I? Can’t I hug my boy goodbye?”

She remembered when he’d encountered Sasuke and Orochimaru.

“I was useless, Ma, useless! I couldn’t do a thing! I preached of bringing him back, but in the end, I turned out to be nothing but a pathetic loser who can’t even save his own friend! How am I ever gonna become Hokage?!”

“…”

“…Ma…?”

“…”

“…”

“Naruto, did you know I was part of ANBU?”

“W – wha -?”

“While my time there, I had many a companion, many a comrade. I remember them all to this day. There was one, though, one shinobi who stood out among all of us. When any of us would doubt ourselves, would try to blame ourself for a mission’s failure, he smacked us across the face. Be it girl or boy, he did not tolerate self-doubt and deprecation at any cost. He said that if we wished to be worthy shinobi, then pride mattered. If there was something that each and every human shares, it’s the sense of dignity and self-respect. No matter how big or how scarce, everyone has that. He taught me to never let my dignity be stripped of me. Because in the end, even when a man has nothing, he can always hold onto dignity. People who lose their sense of self and self-respect end up becoming like that Kabuto Yakushi. Don’t you ever, Naruto, ever think that you’re not worthy. You, my child, are the bravest, most kind-hearted shinobi I’ve met. It’s understandable that you’d feel weak after defeat at the hands of someone you call a rival, but I can assure you, you will bring Sasuke back. That’s something you can quote me on.”

She remembered how devastated and grief stricken he'd been when Jiraiya died, and how she had hugged him the tightest she'd ever hugged anyone. She remembered how he’d saved her, the Hokage, his friends and so many others when Pain had attacked. She remembered how he’d saved the village over and over. How he’d brought Sasuke back. How he’d rescued Hinata from the moon. How he’d come out victorious against Madara Uchiha, for God’s sake.

She remembered feeling struck when he’d smiled at her on his wedding day. Her boy had grown up, become tall, mature, become a man. But when he smiled at her, all she saw was the four-year-old whom she’d announced to that he was going to live with her.

It hadn’t been much of a surprise when that same blinding smile adorned his features when he had Boruto.

It was expected of him to smile at her that way when he had Himawari.

She felt so proud of him when he gave her the smile when he became Hokage.

Truly, her boy had grown up. He was the strongest shinobi to ever live, surpassing the God of Shinobi, his Master, his father.

Naruto Uzumaki. Her son.

[95jezzica]

Crediting Kakashi

Hatake Kakashi deserves more credit than he’s given. There’s no arguing he messed up at times, but you also can’t deny he has lived a rough life and still managed to do the best with what he got. 

By now we all likely know what Kakashi’s childhood was like, but I still think it’s worth reminding people that he was an orphan who lived by himself by the age of 6 years old. He was just 14 years old when Minato (the last resemble to family he had left at the time) was killed. Everyone thought Obito was dead, and Rin definitely was. Kakashi was just 14 years old, but already a recognized Anbu rumored/known in Konoha as “friend-killing Kakashi” despite it not having been his fault that Rin died. 

After Minato’s death Danzo actively targeted a vulnerable Kakashi and manipulated him to almost betray the village. Kakashi backed out and helped to stop the assassination attempt on the 3rd Hokage, but then he had to watch as the 3rd Hokage did NOTHING about everything Danzo had done - not even after Danzo actively began to target Kakashi’s life for the Sharingan. Kakashi had to practically beg the 3rd to let him save Tenzo/Yamato from Danzo. 

The village constantly screwed Kakashi over, over, and over throughout the years - (mostly the 3rd Hokage in Kakashi’s teenage years tbh) - but despite depression and probably a lot of anger he stayed loyal through it all. He stayed. I wouldn’t have blamed Kakashi if he hadn’t.  

Team 7 was likely the best thing to have happened to Kakashi, and without doubt they helped him a lot - but he was also still a depressed and traumatized adult made into the teacher of the most difficult team they could possibly have given him. They gave Kakashi the traumatized genocide-survivor, the orphaned boy the entire village hated, and a girl who reminded him of Rin almost a painful amount.

Did Kakashi make mistakes? Absolutely, but considering how he was constantly screwed over by the village I’m surprised it didn’t turn out worse. He was out on a mission when Sasuke left the village, but Kakashi probably blamed himself for not being there to stop him. Can you imagine what Kakashi must have thought when he found Naruto’s body out in the rain after he finally caught up? I honestly don’t know what Kakashi would have done if Sasuke had chosen to kill Naruto instead of just leaving. 

Kakashi spent years as a loyal and incredible strong ninja for Konoha, but perhaps even more importantly a beloved and respected sensei. Fans have spent a lot of time discussing Kakashi’s treatment of Sakura, and I agree he made mistakes, but truth to be hold we don’t actually have any canon information about what the time-skip looked like for them other than that Tsunade sent Kakashi on a LOT of missions while she trained Sakura. All I’m saying is that Kakashi can’t have been an absolutely horrible teacher to Sakura either, because Sakura clearly still likes him and respects him a lot, and Kakashi clearly cares a lot about both Sakura and Naruto as well. Sakura’s and Naruto’s children call him “old man” and “uncle”, guys. 

After everything in the 4th Ninja War Kakashi then also spent even more years doing an incredible job as a Hokage despite how much he hated the job. He rebuilded Konoha from the ground before handing over Konoha into Naruto’s care. 

Kakashi has many faults, but in the end of the day he did amazing with the plate he got, despite depression and a life full of traumas and being a bit of a self-sacrificing idiot. He’s a genius who mastered the Mangekyo sharingan - a feat not even many Uchiha were able to do - all the while keeping a kind heart and trying to protect his loved ones. 

Hatake Kakashi did an amazing job, despite his mistakes. 

There are a lot more I could mention about Kakashi, but this post is already getting long and the bottomline is that he has done an incredible job throughout the years, and he deserves a lot more credit for the things he has done for the Naruto universe than he gets from the fandom. 

[captnjacksparrow]

Okay this is just for fun. I saw a NH shipper person comment on a strictly Sns platform ( don't know why they bother) say that Sasuke was jealous of Hinata. When someone else replied that he wasn't even aware of her existence and Naruto literally ignored her confession in pein arc and right away went pining for Sasuke and in the next arc, repeated the same lines to Sasuke as Hinata (guessing Hinata's lines are retconned since there's no way Kishi wrote her lines before Naruto's to Sasuke), this was their response:

no he didn’t he just forgot u can tell that he liked her because he was worried if she was injured or not and he really think Sasuke was his first ever friend that got me annoyed cause like shikamaru and choji was always there for him and he straight up and said that I love Naruto but he can be dumb sometimes and the only reason he was chasing after Sasuke was 2 things kinda 1. Was the promise that Naruto and Sakura had form the Sasuke saving arc episodes

2. So he can get there bond back together so Sasuke wouldn’t break it forever I’m clearly not dumb I actually watched the anime and fell in love with the plot and the characters instead of shipping Sasuke and Naruto for the kisses and there rivalry I ship Naruhina because hinata was always there for Naruto since they were 3? She didn’t care he had the nine tails in him she was the first to admire him and she literally confessed to him she’s a strong girl and she had a good character development Naruto will protect his friends to Sasuke he’s like a brother to him he loves Sasuke as much as he loves all his friends in the hidden leave village including gaara we all know Naruto liked Sakura and we know why but it was never confirmed that Sasuke liked Naruto but he might’ve liked Sakura in one of the Naruto movies with the actor he looked jealous Sakura was fangirling and he was like 😒 or 😐

(Anon again) So yeah.....levels of delusion are just crazy...

Gosh!!! This is not fun at all, Anon. Don't you pity me??? 😩😩😩😩

These shippers are just lunatics to the power of million.

he just forgot u can tell that he liked her because he was worried if she was injured

According to Naruto (the character's) standards, his reaction was pretty substandard as compared to how he worried for other people before. He just felt her Chakra in Sage mode and found that she was fine... Aaand that's all. He didn't even bothered to ask her 'How does she feel?'

he really think Sasuke was his first ever friend that got me annoyed cause like shikamaru and choji was always there for him and he straight up and said that I love Naruto but he can be dumb sometimes

This is what I call, 'Cockblocking'. There you go, I said it.

Before Shikamaru and Chouji gave any damn about Naruto's strength, Sasuke realized Naruto's pain when they were just 8.

By Land of the Waves arc, he already offered up his life. So, I would appreciate them if they stop spouting such bullshit.

1. Was the promise that Naruto and Sakura had form the Sasuke saving arc episodes

There you go, he said it. It's not for the promise he made with Sakura. He wants to do it for himself.

2. So he can get there bond back together so Sasuke wouldn’t break it forever

I don't even understand what this means. But do they even know anything about Sasuke???

I’m clearly not dumb I actually watched the anime and fell in love with the plot and the characters instead of shipping Sasuke and Naruto for the kisses and there rivalry I ship Naruhina because hinata was always there for Naruto since they were 3?

Well, that person is dumb actually. Why did that person bring up some filler shit?? I agree Anime added few stuffs in Pain Arc. But it was not when they were at age 3.. It was around when they were 6 or 7, where he saved Hinata from bullies and Hinata kept her eyes on him ever since.

She just stalked him creepily but never provided any emotional support. So, ignore that creepo.

She didn’t care he had the nine tails in him she was the first to admire him and she literally confessed to him she’s a strong girl and she had a good character development

None of Naruto's peers knew about Nine Tails until Part 2. How come Hinata knew this before?

Talk about Character Development... Pffft.... She Stalked, Naruto kun..... She Stalked, Naruto-kunnnn.... She Fainted, Naruto-kunnn She Clowned before pain, She Orgasmed over Neji's dead body, Naruto-kunnnn, Your hand is big and warm.....Poof..... She got Naruto-Kun's Duck.

Naruto will protect his friends to Sasuke he’s like a brother to him he loves Sasuke as much as he loves all his friends in the hidden leave village including gaara

Ahhh, This Brother bullshit. Nobody will declare to die along with their brother. Brotherly bond or any Sibling bond is all about protecting the younger one at any cost. Here, Naruto says,

So, If I ever say this to my little sister, then I am the worst sister in this world. 

If I let my little sister say this to me, I would slap her so hard. 

As for Gaara,

Yes, Naruto empathized with him and tried his best to save him. When he saw Gaara dead,

Naruto was crying. Agreed. And why is he making reference to Sasuke here??? I wonder.

When Naruto can’t stop Sasuke, 

Naruto was Sobbing. 

So, crying for someone’s death and sobbing for someone who is still alive but travelling on the path of darkness should not be measured on the same scale, Right????

Not to forget, Naruto got hyperventilated for Sasuke when he heard that the entire world turned up on him.

Naruto liked Sakura and we know why but it was never confirmed that Sasuke liked Naruto but he might’ve liked Sakura in one of the Naruto movies with the actor he looked jealous Sakura was fangirling and he was like 😒 or 😐

Movies are not canon, for shit sake. 

Even by that logic, in Bonds Movie, When Hinata was trying to flirt with Naruto, Naruto was disgusted. So, can we accept that Naruto never liked her???

Sasuke never looked jealous at Sakura in that movie at all. He was looking like his normal self.

But he made jealous remark on Naruto for admiring that princess though. LOL.

Here Sakura is also admiring about the hero of that movie but resorted back to admire Sasuke.... to show her loyal feelings. 

But Sasuke don’t care either way for her remarks. However when Naruto started to admire about the princess, Sasuke made a witty (jealous) remark. LOL

Sakura : Geez!... I want to watch that Michy Sama who played Sukeakuro a little longer. Oh, But Sasuke-kun you are the best, of course.

Sasuke : .......

Naruto : Isn’t there someone like her anywhere? If I could fight for a princess like her, being a Ninja would would be heaven.

Sasuke : Ridiculous!! It was just a movie.

So, Sasuke was jealous.... True.... but not on Sakura!!!! LOL

Again in Bonds Movie, Sasuke shutting up Hinata...... 

Apart from the Last movie, Pinata is just a wastrel who did nothing in the Manga!!! Or Even in the movies. 

NH wankers are some buffoons who don’t have enough canonical materials to participate in a discussion and yet they make loud noise by twisting facts related to other people like Sakura, Sasuke, Gaara, Shikamaru, Choji. 

DISCLAIMER : By no means, I consider the above gifs from movies are canon. It’s just that NH stans brought up a movie crap and I am responding accordingly

[kusagrasskusa]

Yandere! Itachi X Reader Headcannons

The reader is precieved as a normal civilization rather than a ninja.

ALSO I learned how to do the "read more" thing on my phone and now I'm happy uvu- and to any friends that read this, I'm so sorry but I've never been so dedicated to a fandom in a long time lol. I might make a oneshot later for this, too, and I do, you should see a link under this paragraph somewhere.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

🖤 Itachi is a mature and collected person, so I'd think it'd be unlikely for him to just grow obsessed at once. Itachi would have to come across Y/N many times before releasing he's in love.

🖤 The way he'd meet Y/N would be when he'd be scouting an area for a particular enemy. He'd happen to come across her, who interacted with him a little but nothing interesting happened. Overtime, the two would see each other here and there, until eventually everyday.

🖤 When his enemy he was looking for had been eliminated, he said his goodbyes to Y/N before leaving. He expected to move on, but his mind would wonder back to her no matter how hard he tried.

🖤 Eventually, Itachi would see Y/N whenever he had free time. He'd make room in his day to spend hours together; they'd go out to eat, participate in festivals, talk, and more.

🖤 On Y/N's side, it didn't take long before she started to feel romantic interest. Afterall, Itachi was calm, collected, smart, strong, fun to be around, and seemed genuinely interested in her. She was definitely in love before he was.

🖤 Around the time Itachi would visit the Leaf Village to find Naruto, he strangely started to worry a lot about Y/N learning about who he was and fear him. He couldn't help but want to shield her from the truth, and if the people around them learned that the man Y/N was with was wanted, it would end bad for them.

🖤 Itachi was inevitably worrying a little too much about the possibility of her finding out. He went to see her and did his best to distract her from any gossip or drama whatsoever to ensure she'd never hear about the Akatsuki. His time spent with her increased from a few hours to half the day.

🖤 Itachi wouldn't ever want to kidnap or drag people into his life. He hates killing, he hates being "evil", he hates everything about his dark lifestyle. The decision to either abandon someone he began to care for or to take her away was a very hard one.

🖤 Itachi realized something in the process of thinking of a solution. He loved Y/N; he loved her to the point where the thought of her hating or fearing him scared him so badly. Even with Sasuke, the thought of him having him was terrifying but something he could live with.

🖤 It was releasing to learn about his own true feelings. He was desperately in love with Y/N, to the point where she was like air, or food, or water. Like in order to live, she had to be around.

🖤 As word spread about two strange people walking around Konoha and that Orochimaru took the last Uchiha, it was inevitable that Y/N would learn about the info. The next time she saw Itachi, she brought it up to him and expressed her discomfort in the fact that she could be among evil people.

🖤 He was scared. So scared that she would hate him for his lifestyle after finding out about who he really is. So that was it; his mind was made. He took Y/N away that night.

🖤 When word about the Akatsuki in Konoha, he received a lot more looks when he was in public than normal. He'd usually have a normal kimono on and have his hair in a different, though similar, style in order to appear normal. But he knew deep down in his heart that people are bound to start suspecting him of being an Akatsuki. And overhearing someone talk about an S class Uchiha member is what did it.

🖤 "You've been asking about where I live for a whole now. Would you like see my home?" Itachi asked. Y/N happily agreed to go, and sorta expected his home to be outside of her village. But the further she traveled, she grew a bit nervous and wanted to return home (as you would if you were led outside of your village into deep woods)

🖤 Itachi wasn't escorting Y/N alone. Of course, the Akatsuki is bound to learn about that girl Itachi insisted on bringing up in most of his little amounts of conversations. It was obvious he was obsessed with her, as much as he would try to hid it, but he just couldn't get her off his mind. So the night where he choose to bring her home, Kisame was watching the two frkm afar in case something happened.

🖤 Before that day, Itachi had mentioned that he wanted to protect Y/N. Over the three months Itachi spent with Y/N, he had plenty of time to talk about her enough to where the other members basically knew her.

🖤 Itachi actually got a few of the members (ex. Kisame, Deidara) were interested in Y/N as well. How could someone as "heartless" as Itachi Uchiha fall in love, and in such a dramatic way at that? They were sorta curious to see what was so special about her.

🖤 Anyway, you can imagine how Itachi convinced Y/N to go far enough into the woods to go to a small little cottage. Was it part of the Akatsuki hideout? No. Itachi would never trust the Akatsuki members with Y/N alone, and she needs her freedom to walk around a house.

🖤 The inside was sorta minimalistic, but not completely empty. To the far right was a kitchen was a small dining table with two chairs, and on the opposite side was two rooms. In one room was a single bed with a closet in it, and in the other room was a bathroom. Between the kitchen and two rooms was a small living room with a couch, coffee table, and more. There were bored games in a little dresser in the living room, along with a full bookshelf with books of all genres.

🖤 "Care for dinner?" Itachi had asked. He wanted to tell Y/N why she's there over a dinner he made and had prepared in advance. It turns out he was amazing at cooking.

🖤 It wasn't very easy, but Itachi managed to explain his feelings towards Y/N. Of course, Y/N happily excepted and was quick to hug and express her feelings towards him. He returned the hug and spoke about how he loved her very much, however he had so much more to say to her.

🖤 Justifyingly so, Y/N was frozen in shock when Itachi told his story. He killed everyone in his clan aside from his brother, the well-known Uchiha. How he fled his clan after committing the murders and joined an infamous group; The Akatsuki.

🖤 While displaying himself as calm, he was so overwhelmed and scared within his mind. He knew he'd have to tell her why she's staying at the house and why, from now one, she'll never leave. But he was smart enough to know she wouldn't simply except living here out of love. He would have to be a bit manipulative to keep Y/N.

🖤 Y/N was mortified and didn't notice the tears pouring out of her eyes. She fell desperately in love with a murderer. She felt so sick, so scared. She stood up, begging to go home so desperately, trembling over her own words. She was so scared for her life now, and what Itachi's intentions were. Truly, Itachi's heart broke at this.

🖤 "Y/N, darling," Itachi spoke, his words laced with love as she softly grabbed Y/N wrists and leaned close. "I had to take you away. I couldn't let them take you from me."

🖤 He was very delicate with Y/N as he calmed her down, as if she was glass. His heart ached at her pain, but he truly believed it was for the best. In a way it really was; people saw Y/N with the tall raven boy many times in public, and her parents and friends had met him too. Once they find out that boy is the Itachi, Y/N could be killed if they think she was aiding him.

🖤 Itachi did his best to show her around and make her feel comfortable. But no matter what he did, Y/N felt so broken, so empty, so confused. There's no way that sweet Itachi she loves is a killer. He has to be lying.

🖤 Over the course of a few days, Y/N learned to except the fact she's held at that small home. She tried to think on the good side; she could decorate it how she wants, has more freetime, can focus on her hobbies and learn to cook new things, and more! Even if she's never allowed to leave the house, Itachi let's her do basically anything around the home.

🖤 Y/N still loves him. As months go by of being alone for a few days without Itachi, some days with him for a little bit, and some full days with him, she still couldn't help but appreciate him just as much as before. No, she appreciates him more even. She just can't help but love him, and he loves her too.

🖤 Itachi felt much more relaxed around Y/N and tried to spend every second he could with her. He was so shameful of keeping her from her home, but it was for the best wasn't it?

🖤 Most of Itachi's emotions about keeping her was all because he lived her and never wanted to see her with anyone else. But he had always found an excuse as to why it's for the best that she's never with anyone else.

🖤 Kisame had met Y/N a few times. She was never comfortable with him however and was typically holding onto Itachi's sleeve, or leaning on him when he's around. However Kisame would be around when Itachi wasn't sometimes to keep watch.

🖤 As long as Itachi or Kisame was present, Y/N is allowed to go outside and visit close villages other than the one Y/N is from. She would be allowed to buy anything she wanted and could afford from these places, but she had to go home eventually.

🖤 At the end of the day, Y/N had quite a lot of freedom and eventually, she was happy. She was happy to be living with Itachi and was perfectly happy calling him her husband.

🖤 Itachi never wanted a marriage though. He was going blind and he planned to be murdered by his brother and he never dared to make her a young widow. When Izumi had died, he felt so distraught and he knew Y/N is bound to feel the same, but even worse if they got married.

🖤 When Itachi died, as said, Y/N was distraught. No, she was mortified. Absolutely mortified. Even if she was free, she had lost the last person she had a connection with. And she carried that sorrow to her grave.

[ladykissingfish]

The Akatsuki as Parents

Obito

Was a bit reluctant when he found out he was going to be a daddy ... at first. Not because he didn’t want kids ((he really did)), but because he severely doubted his own ability to be a father. But the second he holds the baby in his arms, he’s hooked. He will be so eagerly helpful and hands-on that during the child’s infancy, the other parent will rarely have to lift a finger. Diapers need changing? Obito’s on it. Baby needs to be fed at 2am? Obito’s already out of bed and warming formula on the stove. Rash? Fever? A cough? Obito is consulting every doctor within a 20 mile radius on what to do. Note that Obito is a hard-core traditionalist and, if he isn’t married to the child’s other parent before he gets them pregnant, he’ll be persistent about doing so before the kid is born. Sobs the first time his child calls him “papa”. As the child grows older, Obito will be a tireless teacher and mentor, and you better believe that the kid will know every facet of what was once the Uchiha clan. Sharingan training is a bit nerve-wracking for Dad, because while he wants his child to grow strong, he knows the power of the eye is a deadly one, and doesn’t like to see his son/daughter get hurt. Is the type to be a bit more strict with his sons than with daughters, in fact being a complete pushover for anything his little girl(s) wants. Very, VERY likely to insist a girl be named Nohara. Also the type to sneak and let his kid eat lots of sweets (like Obito himself does) before meals, much to the other parent’s chagrin. Also involves the other Akatsuki members as uncles/aunt in the kid’s life, especially Itachi and Sasuke as he wants the kid to be exposed to members of the family more often.

Hidan

The literal first words out of his mouth are “pregnant? Why the hell didn’t you make me wear a condom?!” Takes a long time to warm up to the idea of parenthood, but once he does, he’s surprisingly better at it than anyone would anticipate. He tends to be very fast-paced in his body movements and not really used to being careful, so if he’s holding his infant it’s best to make him sit still in a chair first. Once the kid(s) is older, it’s better, because Hidan’s energy levels will match (and overshadow) even the liveliest of children. It will be a big point of contention between Hidan and his co-parent on whether or not to introduce their kid to Jashinism, and Hidan will eventually promise to wait until the child is an adult to start talking about “all that shit”; although Hidan’s idea of adulthood seems to be when the kid is old enough to use a kunai. Puts a startling amount of emphasis on his kid getting a good education, and will be sure to send him or her to the best village school that he possibly can. The reason behind this is because Hidan himself had a poor education growing up, and is in fact barely able to read or do basic math; and he says over and over that his kid “isn’t gonna be some dumbass like his/her father”.

Kakuzu

Nearly faints when told he’s going to be a father. Will immediately get out a calculator and start figuring out expenses like diapers, food, toys, education ... is so preoccupied that he ends up neglecting the person who carries his child, causing them to go off on their own expecting to be a single parent. Oddly, it’s Hidan who sets the old guy straight. He stays on his case and talks to him until the nonagenarian sees the error of his ways, and goes after the person having his baby. Kakuzu will be gentle with a baby, and show a surprising affinity for making up and singing lullabies. As the kid gets older, Kakuzu will be a bit more strict. “Food is expensive; you better eat every bite on your plate.” “A hole in your pants? No give them to me and I’ll mend them; buying new clothes is unnecessary.” His child will grow up knowing how to stretch a buck and budget money better than any other kid their age. Kakuzu isn’t really one for showing much warmth or affection, but there will be a few rare moments in his kid’s life where his father hugs him and tells him how proud he is of him. Kakuzu knows that the life of a shinobi is hard and therefore encourages his kid to pursue other career paths, such as opening up his/her own business.

Konan and Nagato

These two are so closely intertwined that they could only be parental mates to each other. When a baby comes into the picture, Nagato will still maintain his position as leader of the Akatsuki as Pein, but will insist that Konan quit. It’s for a practical purpose rather than a sentimental one; they both lost their collective parents to war, and Nagato always thought that if he had a child, he’d ensure that at least one parent would be around to always take care of him or her. Konan, however, will still keep in touch with all of the Akatsuki members, who will become very enthusiastic uncles to her child. She’s always been a good cook but with a child she’ll level up to professional chef caliber, creating dishes that are fun and healthy. Her child(ren) will be taught all of their mother’s paper jutsus, and Nagato will work to devise a way for the brightest one to get his rinnegan once he passes. The kids will primarily spend time with Nagato through Pein, and only be taken to meet their father when Konan feels they’re ready. Because Konan and Nagato had a childhood devoid of parental love, they’re often at a loss for how to be affectionate or sentimental, instead putting a lot of emphasis on “toughening” their kids up, so that they’re prepared to face the cruelties of the world. But the kids will know that mom and dad love them; it’s obvious in everything they say and do.

Deidara

Will be the fun, loving, yet highly irresponsible father. As soon as his kid is born he anxiously awaits to see if he or she inherits his explosion-release kekkei genkai; and if the kid DOES, he’s ecstatic. “Art is an explosion” won’t just be a saying in his household; it’ll be a way of life. The child will grow up given complete freedom to express his or her artistic tendencies, with Deidara highly praising any and every impact they make on the outside world. Yet despite being for artistic creativity, he’ll be (surprisingly) strongly against the child joining any kind of organization that’s like the Akatsuki; he regrets his own decision to join as he feels it out a horrible damper on his artistic expression and independence. Likes to tell his young children stories every night, which are actually just heavily edited and sanitized versions of his Akatsuki missions. Like Obito, will be a bit more of a pushover for a daughter than a son, and will love spending hours brushing and styling the beautiful long hair that the girl inherits from him. He’ll let any member of the Akatsuki around his kids except for Hidan (because he doesn’t want his foul language around the child).

Zetsu

There are people in this world who know for certain that their lives wouldn’t be fulfilled by having children, and Zetsu is one of these individuals. While wanting no offspring of his own, he IS rather a good “uncle” to the children of his fellow Akatsuki members ((although the majority of these kids are too terrified of his physical appearance to want to go anywhere near him until they’re at least teenagers)).

Sasori

A child would be hard-pressed to elicit any kind of emotional reaction from Sasori, as the man cleared himself of most feeling when he underwent his puppet transformation. However, one thing that he could never rid himself of, was his ability to love. Even if he has difficulty showing it, he loves his child and would do literally anything to help or protect them. When the child is a baby, Sasori will spend hours crafting tiny puppet-dolls for the kid to play with. As he grew up with a skilled medic grandmother, he possesses a wide knowledge of herbs and healing, which he will painstakingly pass on to his children. Not one to baby his children by any means, as he lives by the philosophy that the world is tough meaning you have to be tougher; however will offer advice, support, and encouragement on any issues that may be troubling his son/daughter. Early on he expresses a desire for his child to learn to be a master puppeteer like himself; however will be understanding if they choose to pursue a different path. Is very smart and naturally mistrustful of strangers, so will likely choose to educate his kids at home rather than send them to a village school. The type to seem more like a trusted mentor or an interesting uncle than an actual father; also the type to relate to his teen or adult children better than young kids.

Itachi

Itachi never feels like he deserves any of the good things in life, because of what he’s done, and therefore doesn’t know how to handle blessings that are given to him. A baby is the ultimate example of this. Itachi will feel as though any child of his would be better off not knowing him or being “exposed” to the cursed Uchiha bloodline, so at first he’ll make it a point to barely be around his baby ((even though this kills him inside)). Surprisingly, of all people, it’s Deidara who will talk him out of this mindset, telling him how important it is for a child to be around their father “even if he is a damned red-eyed weirdo”. Once Itachi allows himself to fully commit to parenthood, that’s it — he’ll be the best damned father in the universe. He’ll be warm and affectionate, especially liking to pick his kid up (no matter how old they are or how embarrassed it makes them) and squeeze them. He’s not much of a disciplinarian, believing that kids need to be able to make mistakes in order to grow from them. The only time he’ll ever get angry is when the child does something that could have resulted in a serious injury. Itachi’s intelligence has always been off the charts, and he utilizes this to help his kid be a spectacular student. In fact, as the kid gets older, they’ll start bringing his/her friends around the house in order to receive Itachi’s tutoring. Itachi’s brother Sasuke will adore his nephew/niece and come home more often simply to be with them. Also Kisame will come around practically every day, and the kid will grow up learning an impressive arsenal of water jutsus to compliment the traditional Uchiha fire jutsus.

Kisame

The tall, somewhat awkward father that scares all of his kid’s friends with his intimidating physical appearance ... until he opens his mouth and they hear a god-awful dad joke come out. Any child of Kisame’s is going to be part shark, and therefore have some affinity for being in/breathing under the water. Kisame’s favorite pastime will be taking his baby (and yes, I do mean baby, as he tends to start his kid on this when they’re young) out for long swims in the ocean. Kisame has always been self-conscious of his looks, so from the time the child is born he will spend a good deal of time teaching him or her to have self-confidence and love for him/herself. Like many of the others in the Akatsuki, Kisame never received much of a formal education, and therefore puts a lot of emphasis on his child going to a “normal” school and giving it their all when it comes to their studies. When the child proves him or herself physically capable, Kisame will start training with them on how to wield/control samehada, as well as fight with a variety of swords. It goes without saying that Itachi will be in Kisame’s kid’s life from the day they’re born, and be their favorite “uncle”.

[airashisakura]

For @ssskmonth Prompt used: Safe and Sound

Present

A/N: Major spoilers warnings for those who don’t follow Boruto Manga. After chapter 55 events.

Part 1

Part 2

Part 3

FFN | AO3

When a bunch of papers settled on Sakura’s desk, she realized she had been slacking off work more than she should have. The last few days had been too exhausting. Although she had been relieved when both Naruto and Sasuke had returned to the village, her heart clenched with the thought that if she had accompanied them, the situation wouldn’t have gotten so dire.

The last time Sasuke had come back injured and Naruto was brought back by kids, she had been determined to be there to protect them the next time. But that hadn’t been the case when Isshiki infiltrated Konoha, and an emergency was declared. She knew at the time of emergency, her role as medic nin was a greater priority than fighting in the battlefield. Still, the fact that they had left without her still stung her.

Why was she the one who was always left behind?

These days felt akin to the days she had trained under Tsunade — being left out by her teammates, unable to help them or make a difference. Always waiting for them to return then, waiting for them to recover now.

She sipped her coffee, before glancing at the clock and starting to go through the file of one of her teammates (her inner self blurted out Hokage-sama). She looked through the examination report she had run in the morning on Naruto. Naruto had protested, but she was adamant about it. Some things never really changed, she realized.

Although she was relieved that the reports stated that Naruto was fine, she knew her friend was struggling emotionally. Kurama had been there with him for a long time, and separating from him had left a big dent on his soul. Not to mention the issues with his son had been bothering him. She had overheard their conversation when Sasuke was at the hospital, and she had known him long enough to figure out the tone of his speech.

Closing the file, she realized it was about time she should go home. But before that, she reminded herself that she needed to make a quick visit to Tenten’s shop.

*****

When she reached her house, she found Sarada splayed on the couch with a book lying open on her chest. A gentle smile spread on Sakura’s face seeing her sleeping, but it faded when she realized she had been out for the whole day on her daughter’s birthday. She covered Sarada with a blanket, realizing it was too late to wake her up to give her birthday present. She took off her glasses and kissed her forehead, murmuring an apology.

Sighing, she walked to her room and was greeted by the sight of Sasuke sleeping — his head, resting on the headboard with an open scroll lying on his lap. She leaned against the door, taking a moment to observe him. He looked the same as he had that morning — tired and defeated.

The last time he had come back to her with serious injuries, she had thought nothing could be worse than that. She had hoped this time that she would welcome him back, but when things didn’t go as she anticipated, she couldn’t feel but feel angry that she was left behind.

She was spiralling deep into her redundant thoughts when she heard Sasuke saying, “Welcome back.”

She blinked, shaking her thoughts off because she couldn’t change what was done, and whispered back, “I’m home.”

“Is your eye giving you any trouble?” she asked, walking towards him.

Sasuke shrugged, “A little.”

She knew he was having a hard time, but he wouldn't admit like his sixteen year self. Some things never changed, she realized again.

“Did you eat?” Sakura asked as she started examining his left eye.

“Aah,” Sasuke smiled.

Sakura's heart warmed up seeing him smile. “Did something happen?” she asked.

“Sarada…" Sasuke sighed in relief as Sakura's chakra flowed through his eye. "She has really grown up,” Sasuke admitted.

Sakura admitted the same, smiling, but her features were still sad.

“Sakura?”

She looked towards Sasuke — a man she had known long enough, yet he looked so different to her now.

She lied, “Nothing. I feel bad because I couldn’t give her any time today. I wanted to make her favourite dishes.”

Sakura checked his other eye as she went on, “It’s just that she always treasures the little things. Once around her birthday, you had sent a letter, and…”

For a moment, she paused, pretending she was concentrating on checking his vision, but her inner self was daunted by the realization that she had been alone there too — raising Sarada all by herself.

“... and she had treasured it so much. I bet she still has it,” she tried to laugh it off though.

Before she could excuse herself, Sasuke held her wrist. Sakura didn't avoid Sasuke's gaze like she had done in the hospital. She flinched on realizing how immature it was to project the bitterness of being left behind on him like that.

They didn't say anything for a minute and savoured the silence between them.

However, when her vision blurred with tears, Sakura averted her gaze, and she let out her insecurity. “'I'm scared, Sasuke-kun.”

Scared because I’m used to you always coming back sound and safe to me.

She cupped Sasuke's cheeks, tenderly tracing them, as she whispered almost like a prayer, “Always come back safely to me.”

However, when Sakura saw the struggle in his eye, she apologized for what she had said.

Sasuke leaned forward against Sakura's torso. Sasuke thought about his resolve. He didn't want to back off from his resolve even if that hurted Sakura because he was Itachi's brother after all — like his brother, he would bear the pain of his loved ones but would hesitate to show it.

Sakura held him close to her body, clutching at his overgrown hair. She had married a man who put his duty first. Moreover, she was a shinobi herself, and she knew what she was asking was unfair. She just couldn't match the picture of her that always thanked him for his sacrifices, and her current self who lamented because she was afraid that in spite of his promise to return back to her, one day he wouldn't.

When they part, Sakura wipes her tears away, and Sasuke says, “Sakura, can you bring me a paper and pen?”

Sakura raised an eyebrow, but she did what Sasuke asked for.

She handed him those and sat down, looking in amazement while Sasuke tried to scribble something. After a few attempts, Sasuke’s vision finally adjusted, and Sakura read while he wrote.

Dear Sarada, You’re the light of my life.

Happy Birthday!

Sakura almost smiled, but she didn’t when she saw Sasuke frowning.

He scribbled something again and handed it to Sakura. Sakura read it now and smiled cheerfully after days. And for the first time after so many days, Sasuke felt like he was home. The bright smile on his wife's face was enough to assure him of that.

Dear Sarada, You’re the light of my our life.

Happy Birthday!

She rolled the paper carefully, saying, “We will give her in the morning.”

Sasuke nodded. Perhaps now he could understand what Itachi had felt. Now he finally realized that Itachi never regretted his decision, because he wanted Sasuke to shine. He was wrong when he thought that what he had lost had all been in vain. The little girl who brought so much light into his life thirteen years ago now had a bright future ahead of her.

fin

Credits: Thanks to @something-like-air for beta-ing and my constant source of motivation while writing this :)

[vialeza]

The Struggle of a Long-distance Marriage [a short story ] sasusaku fanfic

It was past midnight and Sakura was still up since she seems to had a lot of paperwork plus she had to check the records of her patients, this day had been a nightmare for her, since part of her time she was busy in the hospital, then she had to check on the new apprentices that enlisted to be a medic ninja and to add more she was several times summoned by the Hokage office, basically this whole day was one of those where they don't seem to have an end, and you could tell since she still hadn't finished with her work.

Suddenly the sound of a door being unlocked flood Sakura's ears, she knew who it was this about, it was him, he did this all the time, it was usually when he finished a mission and came back home, from what she could see, he probably passed for the Hokage office to turn in his report about his mission, just like Sasuke, Naruto was working hard too, from what Hinata told Sakura, Naruto spends most of the time on his office and he barely makes it home, Sakura was worried for Sasuke and Naruto, both have strived their best to keep the village safe yet they barely make time to spend with their family

"You're still up" Sasuke pronounced with his raspy voice making echoing all around in the silent house.

Sakura slowly glared at him and nodded at his statement; in the corner of her eye, she could see Sasuke silhouette leaving his black cloak over the chair right next to her at the dinner table.

Sakura was spacing out, this night she seemed to be more thoughtful than ever and the cause was because, since today's day she was busy going back and forth in the village, she couldn't help but hear people talking about her when she was around, and that wasn't a problem for her, if not the rumors about her and her relationship with her husband, back when she got with Sasuke many people didn't stop talking about them and their strange relationship, at the time she didn't really mind since they were only simple rumors that she tried to avoid but recently while she was working she would hear things like:

"Wow Sakura Uchiha hasn't aged at all, she still keeps being a beauty like she was in her youth"

"Did you know about Sakura's daughter, Sarada, being only a genin her accomplishments as a ninja are one of the most remarkable of the village"

"There are rumors about Sasuke might be betraying the village since he's always out"

"Did you know that Sasuke only married Sakura to restore his clan"

"Oh lord, really that must be terrible I feel so bad for Sakura"

"Rumors say that Sasuke and Sakura are divorced and that's why he only comes once in a while to visit her daughter"

"How can Sakura have a husband so absent of home for so long time, if I were her I couldn't stand for someone like that"

And rumors like that had spread all around Sakura's presence in events and even in her hospital, she couldn't help but be affected by them because the rumors were the same most of the time, and she somehow started to feel uncertain about the rumors.

And what if maybe they're true and I just have lie to myself all this time she questioned herself.

She rapidly shuddered to think that.

"Sasuke-kun " she pronounced with a lump on her throat.

"What is it?" he abruptly stops and turns around to Sakura.

She could see that he was probably very tired since seem to be walking to his room.

"You know what, never mind, go to sleep you must be tired" she smiled at him and shook her head at what she was going to ask him.

I must be really stupid to be affected by those lame rumors. she thought to herself trying to appease the lump on her heart that has been formed.

"What is it?" Sasuke repeated himself this time walking towards Sakura and leaning his hand on the table.

Sakura knew that Sasuke was staring at her looking for an answer from her.

"Oh don't worry, I'll tell you tomorrow" she glared back at him with a fake smile on her lips, trying to make Sasuke go away.

"Tomorrow I'll be leaving out for another mission, so say it now"

She suddenly lowered her head and stared at her feet, a sudden rage followed by a bit of sadness despaired her, she clenched her fists around her and furiously stood up.

"Why? why do you have to go?" she said crestfallen.

"You know exactly why" Sasuke bluntly retorted.

"It's not fair for me, I only get to have you for a couple of minutes, and then you're suddenly gone" she frowned at him.

He didn't say anything and was only staring at her jade green eyes.

"I know I'm sounding very lame and selfish, but believe me, I know it, but why can't I be selfish for once? why can't I have the opportunity to spend time with you and Sarada as a family? why can't you be with us for more time? it's killing me knowing that Sarada is missing a lot of memories of his dad and not only her but me too" she burst out raising her voice.

Sasuke only gave her a last glanced and started to walk out of the room without saying anything about the outburst that she just had.

"So then the rumors are true" Sakura's voice started to crack "You only are with me to restore your clan? "

In a span of seconds, Sasuke was already in front of her, staring face to face Sakura nervously gulped

"Do you really believe that?" Sasuke's husky yet velvety voice made Sakura's ears tingle at his closeness.

She didn't, she knows that her bonds to Sasuke were deeper than anything else, that even though he wasn't that expressive when it comes to affection, she knew that he loves her in his own way, but the uncertainty and insecurities have always been chasing Sakura since was little.

Sakura didn't reply to his question instead she only stayed silent and glared at her feet.

"Look at me, Sakura" he slowly pronounced close to her ear "don't make me repeat myself" he added.

Sakura slowly move her face towards him, and there he was, eyes darker than the night sky, a sharp nose followed by some plump lips, and an unexpressive face, that you couldn't tell if he was happy, sad, or mad, he was a whole enigma yet only his wife could sometimes read through him, even for Sakura, sometimes it was hard to tell what Sasuke was thinking.

"It's not about if I believe or not, it's what everyone else believes" she mouthed.

"I asked you if you believed it, not them, so...do you?"

"N-no " she stammered "But I can't help but get so insecure when you're not here, I feel lonely, I feel like I can't talk to someone before going to bed because you're not here, I'm sorry that I get carried away with people opinions, but being here without you for so long it pains me, the uncertainty of not knowing if you are going to come back home sound and alive is slowly torturing me... but I have to be strong for Sarada and you since you two are everything to me..." she added with tears streaming down her eyes.

Sasuke's expression soften and gently started to cupped her face in his hand, sakura shivered at his unexpected touch, but deep down she enjoyed being touch by him, since that was the only way that she could only feel like he was home, by feeling him in her skin.

"I'm sorry that I make you cry" he softly pronounce whilst wiping her tears away

Sakura in response only buried her face against his broad chest, allowing herself this moment to fully lean on him and feel his presence.

"You don't know how much I love you, Sasuke-kun" she muffled, and in response, Sasuke tilted his head and planted a kiss on her forehead.

Not too long from that touching moment Sakura's body faints in Sasuke's arms, he rapidly holds her tight and takes a moment to appreciate the delicate face of his wife, he smiled the scene of having Sakura fainted on his arms, she was probably so tired from too much work and to add more, all the burst of emotions that she had set free this night must have left her exhausted and overwhelmed.

Sasuke carefully poses her over his shoulder to carry her to their bedroom, gently he places her in the bed but before he could leave her side, Sakura's hand grabs his arm "please don't go" she pouted and pulled him towards her.

And there they were, the two of them laying on the bed in the darkroom, Sakura couldn't help but snuggle on him, the familiar cologne of Sasuke invaded Sakura's senses unconsciously making her sniff Sasuke's neck.

"Shannaro, I missed you so much," she said.

"I did too" Sasuke retorted while tenderly running his fingers through her hair.

By the time, both of them fell asleep together, after all, it was a long night and both of them have been exhausted by it, Sakura for a moment was happy to be in Sasuke's arms, and Sasuke was relieved to get to see his wife once in a while since he got to be away from home for long periods he misses the presence of his partner, couldn't see her when he wanted, couldn't talk her when he wanted, couldn't touch her when he wanted to it, missing all those things was torturing him, he was repressing himself from all of those things, only to protect the village and his family, which in the end it had paid off.

The next morning, Sasuke woke up very early to go off on his mission, but before that, he took a glance at the woman that was laying in his bed, his wife, he knew that he was going to miss her a lot, so before leaving the room, he leaned over Sakura's side to take a close look to her face and say:

"Until next time" he poked her forehead.

Before continuing with his way off the house, he stopped on the threshold of Sarada's room and quietly opened the door, by far he could see that his daughter was peacefully sleeping, he smiled at the cute image of her asleep and resume his going.

Hours later, Sakura woke up and realize that Sasuke wasn't there anymore, instead of being depressed about it, a slight smile form on her lips, even though she probably wouldn't see Sasuke for a long time, she could only pray for him to come back home safe and sound.

"Mamaaa!!! breakfast is ready! " Sarada shouted from the kitchen.

Oh, this girl woke up so energetic this morning she thought while giggling.

"Okay I'm coming"

With this, the Uchiha family started a new day, Sarada going on a mission with her team, Sakura going to the hospital, and Sasuke...well that's a new mystery.

**********************************************************************************

Story written by Via Leza

Twitter: leza_via

Tumblr: vialeza

06/02nd/2021 

i hope you like the fanfic, follow me for more

[kishillaa]

SSM21 Day 3: Nighttime

"Sasuke-kun." Sakura's weak voice murmuring the three syllabus of his name with the addition of the honorific he has grown to like coming from her.

Her body falls forward, and before it reach the dirty ground Sasuke uses his hand as anchor to support her unconscious body.

Head strain upward as he watches the big bright moon in the black non starry sky, Sasuke sighs. He pulls out the other hand that tucked deep in his pocket while listening to Sakura's chaotic speech earlier. He used both hands to hoist Sakura up and carry her bridal style.

Sasuke gazes down at her vulnerable tears streaked face, regretting what he is about to do to her. He couldn't go back now, not even to send Sakura on the comfort of her house, as he knows, one step backwards and he won't be able to left the village behind.

He walks to the bench, and stop beside it. His stares never leaving Sakura's face as he carefully, gently lower her down and place her on the bench.

Her confession earlier. It was too genuine to be faked. She might be desperate, but he knows Sakura enough to know that she's spoke her heart. It's been years now that he has heard that word coming from someone directed at him, that's why he couldn't take his mind away from it.

He touches Sakura's cheek, cupping it at such gentleness, wiping her remaining tears in the process. He realized it before, but right now is when he really acknowledge it. Sakura's feeling has never been one sided.

He remembers vividly when he was just a child, getting overwhelmed by the pink haired girl who somehow manage to give him a challenge in written test, who is just so clever that he has to work extra hard just to beat her during exam. He admired her then. He always does, because she is one of the reasons he was top of the class. He makes sure that his skills in everything is over average level, just so he could beat her during exam. It help a lot when the girl is lacked in so many things beside theoretical related. She was shy, and has zero shinobi skill. He thought she's annoying when she start to fawning over him, like the rest of the fangirl. He hated it, for once he thought maybe there's someone worth compete with. Sakura though surprised him; even though turning to be one of his fangirl, she's still the smartest in their class, she wasn't as good at it at other tests, but decent enough for him to acknowledge her. And when they were declared to be in the same genin team, he started to feel the urge to keep her away from danger, to always be her protector. He makes sure, during mission, that she is always in his range of sight so he would detect it if enemy is nearing her.

Her approaches are what annoyed him to no end. Despite that, he can feel the rage and some mixed feelings he couldn't comprehend what it means coming from within him when someone like Lee make a move on her. Sure, she rejected each and every one of them, but the thought that she'll call other people with -kun honorific just didn't sit right for him.

He pushed all those thoughts away as he caresses her cheeks, hoping that he didn't have to do what he's about to do. Hoping that his family is still very much alive, that his brother isn't the murderer of his entire clan. Hoping above all, that he won't leave the girl on the bench, cold and alone and in much danger of many possible things, and perhaps tell her he feels the same about her, probably not as much as she does but close enough that they can share it together. Hoping that Sakura isn't the one coming to talk him out and convince him to stay, so he won't be left wondering things he is currently wondering.

"I'll come back," His mind speaks to Sakura, wishing she hears it. It was nighttime, he's leaving Sakura on the bench. He's walking out the village, become a missing nin, maybe. He wonders if what he's doing is an act of betraying the village, and if they will kill him for what he's about to do. He hope so, because once Itachi is killed, there's no more purpose he has in life. Sakura will found a new boy while he's away, someone she deserves. Someone that can always be by her side, that can always protect her. Because it's nighttime, and he do a lot of thinking during this time, and right now he's thinking about a future of him and Sakura, and he just know, he knew that there's nothing he can give, he can offer, this girl that loves him with all her heart. He doesn't deserve her.

As he bends down, a tear roll down his cheek. He kiss her forehead, linger there for a second while the reality sat in. He's leaving everything behind, his family, his friends–or friend really, his home, his sensei of whom he respect, Sakura, Sakura.

And with that, he walks away. Not looking at her again, knowing if he does he'll just delay his journey. Its too late anyway. And his companion is waiting for him.

She'll be sad for a week or two, or maybe a little longer. But she will move on, she will. After that, she will realized she doesn't really loves you. It's just a feeling she mixed with her simple crush. She will get over it, she will get over you.

He chanted over and over again, hoping that its true, knowing deep down it don't. Because Sakura is passionate and honest, and even though he haven't admit it out aloud, he is too, falling for her. Who wouldn't if its Sakura. Beautifully pretty, annoyingly kind, hair oddly pink, and eyes mesmerisingly green, Sakura.

[dimigex]

Beautiful, Perfect Disaster - KakaSaku

A03, FF

This is an old piece that has been waiting on me for too long. I've decided to start lightly editing the mostly finished pieces I have to clear out doc. Also, @birkastan2018 I believe we talked about this story once, and you wanted to see this whenever I finished it!

The sun sank beneath the horizon, gold and orange deepening to purple or blue as stars fought their way through dusk. Kakashi sat at his desk with a stack of paperwork beside him; the words had begun to blur together. He stubbornly refused to admit that his vision wasn't what it had been ten years ago. Thirty-three and already an old man, Kakashi thought. He blamed it on the stress of raising genin, then leading the village; it had nothing to do with age.

Truth be told, Kakashi should have gone home hours ago. The summer sun set well after the end of the day for most office jobs, but he wanted to try and get ahead of his workload. It kept his mind from wandering to all the things that he didn't have. There was no one for him to rush home to, no one who cared if he spent an extra three hours working on reports, or even stayed at the office all night.

Popping his neck, Kakashi rose and removed the Hokage's robes. The hat rested on an empty chair on the opposite side of his desk. He only wore them when necessary, but hadn't bothered to change back after his last meeting. Even the newly designed jonin armor felt more natural, though he wasn't wearing that beneath the robes today. The charcoal grey pants and undershirt were comfortable enough since he'd planned to be at his desk all evening. It wasn't as if half a dozen Anbu wouldn't appear at the first sign of danger, anyway.

With one glance at the work still piled on the desk, Kakashi turned toward the door. He started to open it, then stepped back in surprise at finding a figure in the shadowed hallway. Sakura glanced up at the sound, lip caught between her teeth and eyes puffy from crying. Kakashi did a double take, hating the way his chest tightened at the sight of her. When he said her name as a question, the girl forced a fragile smile onto her lips. Then, her facade crumbled, and a single tear slipped free of her left eye.

The protective barrier shattered, and Sakura threw herself forward with a sob. Kakashi managed to catch her awkwardly, if only to keep them from falling to the floor in a tangle of limbs. Her arms curled around his middle, body achingly warm in a way that had nothing to do with the summer heat outside. Belatedly, Kakashi realized that Sakura wore jonin blues and no armor over it. He struggled to suck a breath around the lump in his throat. "What happened?"

Tears spilled out of Sakura along with broken words. "Sasuke said I'm too clingy and needy, that he's already told me that we'll never work together. And he has, I shouldn't have tried to get him to spend time with me when he was back in the village. I shouldn't have-"

The next words were muffled when Sakura hid her face against Kakashi's chest. As the dampness of her tears bled through his shirt, hot anger stirred in his gut. Kakashi normally prided himself on his ability to divorce emotion from his life, but not this time. Sakura's hands tightened, and his heart hammered hard enough that he feared Sakura would be able to hear the sound. He struggled to draw breath through his constricted throat.

Thankfully, heartbreakingly, Sakura pulled away and wiped her eyes with trembling fingers. "I'm sorry. You must think I'm being terribly childish."

"Not at all," a voice that sounded very much like Kakashi's answered. Then, it continued. "I think he's a fool who never deserved you in the first place."

Sakura's green eyes widened. She pulled back until they stood half a dozen feet apart: Sakura shy and embarrassed and Kakashi conflicted by the truth he hadn't meant to say.

Her eyes searched his, looking for Kami only knew what, then she nodded. "Thank you for saying that."

"It's true." Kakashi had more control over his voice this time, but barely. "What you have with Sasuke isn't love; it's not supposed to hurt this way."

Heat flared between them, and Sakura closed the distance to glare up at Kakashi. "And you're an expert on it?"

Of course not, Kakashi thought. Look at how poorly I've handled this. For months, I've felt something, but I refused to admit it until it came spilling out like poison. Kakashi couldn't say that. Sakura's anger wasn't directed at him, anyway. He could bear the brunt of her fury if that's what she needed. He could bear a lot of things. "I know enough to see that this isn't it."

Kakashi knew that he'd made a mistake when Sakura looked at him with a mixture of pain and disbelief. The room spun, and he thought that he might be sick. He fought the nausea down and took a half step in her direction. "I'm sorry."

"For what?" Sakura spat. Somehow, she drew herself up, towering over Kakashi in her fury. "For lecturing me about something you don't understand? For acting like you cared about me? For-"

"For falling in love with you." The words hung between them for a moment, louder than the echo of Sakura's anger.

Kakashi had never looked squarely at the thought, never viewed what was happening between them as more than general protectiveness. But now, he knew it for what it was. He let out a breath and closed the distance between himself and Sakura. "I'm sorry, but you deserve someone who won't put you second or third or fourth every time."

"And, that better is you?" Sakura's voice changed in a way that Kakashi couldn't quantify. It had a breathy quality, an uncertainty, but he couldn't read the tone over the buzzing in his ears. "Is that what you mean?"

Kakashi forced out a humorless laugh at the suggestion. "No."

"You're just like Sasuke," Sakura accused, stepping into Kakashi's space. "You throw that word around so easily that it doesn't mean anything."

"I am nothing like Sasuke," Kakashi ground out, biting off each word. Icy numbness and burning anger surging through him in turns.

Could Sakura honestly believe that Kakashi would say something like that to make her feel better if he didn't mean it? That he'd make up a lie to help her forget the stupid boy who had never loved her or protected her the way that she deserved? Sasuke had always been more empty words and broken promises than anything else. Kakashi had broken only one, one that he made to himself months ago.

It would be easy to cross the line now, everything was falling apart anyway. Kakashi could pull Sakura back against his chest and show her how inadequate words were. Except, he couldn't bring himself to do so. He's already said far more than he should have, more than he ever thought he'd have the opportunity to say.

Sakura looked up at Kakashi through teary lashes, eyes red and puffy. She didn't speak at first, didn't respond to the venom in his voice. Then, she challenged him with her stare. "Did you mean it?"

The hope in Sakura's voice made Kakashi ache and his lungs clench. "I can't-."

Before Kakashi could finish his thought, Sakura scoffed and turned away. HIs hand caught her wrist, gentle enough that she could pull free if she wanted to. Then, a voice that sounded so much like Kakashi's spoke without his permission. "You deserve more than I could ever give you."

Sakura exhaled and leaned in enough for Kakashi to feel the residual heat from her body against his. Her hands came up and brushed Kakashi's cheek, pulling a soft sigh from his throat. Emboldened, she hooked her fingers in the fabric of his mask. Sakura paused at the whispered warning of her name, fingertips slipping away from the fabric, then asked, "did you mean it?"

Kakashi couldn't deny the truth, not with those brilliant green eyes shining up at him. "Yes."

Rising on her tiptoes, Sakura pressed her lips to Kakashi's, the fabric of his mask between them. The tentative brush made his knees weak, especially when her hands slipped down to his shoulders. Closing his arms around her felt like the most natural thing in the world as the room tipped around him.

Kakashi waited for some sign that Sakura felt the same, some indication that everything had changed, but she didn't speak. He took courage from the fact that Sakura didn't pull away at least. Kakashi raised one hand to trace the delicate curve of her lips and felt the shiver that raced through her body. He couldn't breathe through the fabric of his mask, so he lowered it.

Sakura's eyes remained squeezed shut when Kakashi lightly kissed her forehead. He whispered against the skin, hardly recognizing his voice. "I didn't mean to make things more difficult. If you don't feel the same, we can pretend like this never happened."

"Can we," Sakura asked Kakashi's chest, head dropping forward to rest against him.

When Sakura's eyes didn't rise to meet his, a swirl of anxiety twisted through Kakashi. His heart pounded hard enough to break his ribs when he hummed in agreement. "If that's what you want."

The words came easily, but Kakashi didn't know if they were true. He had only recently started to realize that the anger and fury he felt when Sakura talked about Sasuke went beyond friendship. If she turned away from him now, he would accept it, but things would never be the same. He feared what the kiss had done to their relationship, even as he longed to pull her closer.

Kakashi didn't push Sakura for an answer. He waited without speaking until she lifted her gaze. Sakura paused, taking in both the familiarity and foreignness of the face that she'd seen through a mask for so many years. Kakashi forced himself to smile like his entire life wasn't hanging on her answer.

Sakura's hand came up a second time, tracing the bare skin. It took every ounce of self control that Kakashi possessed not to pull her tighter. Then, with aching slowness, she rose to kiss him. Colors exploded behind Kakashi's eyelids at the warmth of Sakura's lips against his. The curve of her body beneath his hands, the touch against skin so unused to it-everything left the room spinning.

They parted slowly, just enough to draw a breath but Kakashi couldn't stop the way his head tipped back toward Sakura's. He tasted her breath on his lips and almost crossed the line a third time. In that instant, he knew that he would never be able to go back to just friends. This moment, no matter what came from it, would be cemented in his memory forever. He would never be able to look at Sakura without remembering the soft curl of her hands in his shirt or the pattern of freckles he'd never noticed across the bridge of her nose.

After a moment, Sakura let out her breath in a whoosh that made Kakashi's knees weak. Then, she looked up and smiled so beautifully that it made his heart skip a beat. "I want to know if it's ever more than empty words."

A dozen flippant replies rose in Kakashi's throat, but he quieted them at the memory of what drove Sakura to his arms in the first place. None of his replies would have been enough to convey the depth of what he wanted to say. He raised one hand to brush her cheek, then slid down to tilt her chin. Sakura sighed when Kakashi met their lips together a third time, a breathy uncertain sound that knotted his stomach.

For a moment, Kakashi felt trapped on the edge of a precipice with logic and safety on one side, the unknown spanning below him. He tightened the arm around Sakura's waist, pulling her closer as he surrendered to the dizzying emotions spiraling through his chest. If Sakura needed something more than words, he could offer actions.

Kakashi poured every ounce of withheld longing into his touch, dropping his walls in a way that he'd never done for anyone else. Sakura melted against him, every perfect inch of her body pressed against his. Kakashi threw himself over the edge and plummeted through the heartstopping freefall.

It took Kakashi a moment to realize that his hands had drifted low enough to lift Sakura from the ground, and a longer second to realize her legs were wrapped around his waist. Electricity pulsed through his body as he stumbled back toward his office until she bumped into the edge of his desk. Sakura's fingers tangled in Kakashi's hair, inviting him to follow her backward.

Bracing his palms on either side of Sakura's hips, Kakashi pulled back to gasp in a desperate breath. The space gave him the clarity that he needed. He wanted Sakura more than he'd ever wanted anyone else, more than anything. And, he knew that was the exact reason to stop, before he didn't have the strength to do so.

Kakashi leaned his forehead against Sakura's, surprised when she didn't object to the sudden stop. He drew another shaky breath before attempting to speak. "I don't want this to be tangled up in your relationship with Sasuke. I don't want to be the one you run to when it's bad only to have you promise me that everything's better the next day. I don't want-"

Sakura pressed a finger against Kakashi's lips. "I know."

Darkness poured through the windows behind Sakura when Kakashi turned his gaze toward them. She drew him into a gentle kiss that held only a flicker of the earlier fire. "I don't know what to say," she confessed in a soft whisper that made bile rise in Kakashi's throat. "I never expected you to say these things, I never knew that I wanted you to say them."

The woman glanced away, a blush coloring her cheeks as she continued. "I just-can we take things slow? I don't want any of the things you mentioned either, but I know that I don't want to leave this room not knowing if I'll ever feel this way again."

"What are you saying," Kakashi questioned, leaning more weight on his hands. He would take whatever Sakura gave without a hint of disappointment, at least until she left. Only then would he allow himself to feel the pain. He braced for the truth, that she wasn't ready for more or that she'd just gotten caught up in the moment.

Sakura raised a hand to run her thumb along the scar that had taken Kakashi's original eye, tracing the path the mask normally hid. He fought the urge to pull away when she followed the curve of his cheek, and turned instead to lightly kiss her palm. The blush on her cheeks deepened. "I'm asking you to dinner later this week," Sakura finally answered.

Kakashi couldn't stop the chuckle that rose in his throat. None of her words even remotely suggested that, but he wanted it enough not to care. "Only if you'll allow me to walk you home tonight." The corners of Sakura's lips pulled down, but Kakashi quickly added, "just to the door, I promise."

Snorting softly, Sakura nodded and Kakashi offered a hand to help her jump down from his desk. Fire scorched through his entire body at the connection but he forced himself not to react, especially when her fingers threaded through his. By the time they'd reached the street, Sakura pulled away and walked beside Kakashi like she'd always done. But, he couldn't shake the thought that nothing would ever be the same again.

[absolutelyinvinciblebritishgent]

What if the Sound Trio survived and became Leaf ninjas?

Headcanons under the cut (bitch, it’s a lot of headcanons)

~ Chunin Exam Finals/Invasion~

Dosu was shown to be suspicious of Orochimaru because of the whole Sasuke/curse mark thing and seemed like he wasn’t wanting to be a part of Orochimaru’s shit anymore so he’s the one who realizes something is up

Rather than face Gaara he somehow finds out about sand’s allegiance with sound (overhearing Baki and Kabuto on the way to Gaara, eavesdropping on Orochimaru [because, again, sus], etc...) and that’s what pushes him to defect from sound (also how he manages to live)

Dosu, Zaku, and Kin aren’t necessarily close, but in the anime Dosu did sort of say he was gonna get revenge on behalf of Zaku for what happened to his arms so there is a sense of something there (whether it be friendship, camaraderie, or just wanting to stick together to survive... idk) and Dosu tells his teammates what’s up and convinces them that they gotta GTFO

Zaku is a little more difficult to convince because why would Orochimaru do that to him? He saved Zaku from being a street rat, he gave Zaku power

Dosu ain’t having it and is like “if you wish to stay behind then that is your decision, in the end it is better for us to not have to carry any dead weight” (obviously referring to Zaku’s inability to do anything because of his arms)

Dosu then proceeds to tell Zaku how he no longer serves a purpose without his arms and he was nice enough to still want to take Zaku with him, Orochimaru would not be so kind

Zaku is upset because he knows Dosu has a point and they all leave

They (read: Dosu) decide that their best chance of survival is staying in Konoha because, the minute they leave, the sound village/Orochimaru will be gunning for their asses and also they’d be missing-nin, so others would try to kill them too

But what can they do to assure they don’t get imprisoned or killed due to having worked under Orochimaru? Rat out the sound village and give all the information they know/found out about the invasion and sand’s involvement

Third Hokage is a cool dude and also was Orochimaru’s teacher so he knows the kind of power this bitch can have over people which is why he agrees to let the sound trio stay and have them watched by Anbu

Dosu does not participate in the chunin exam finals because witness protection, or something

The invasion still happens because Orochimaru ain’t stupid. His “pawns” are nowhere to be found so it’s likely they’re betraying him, so obviously he makes changes to the plan

Dosu, Kin, and Zaku do not participate in fighting off the invasion because, uh, super strict house arrest orders???

Third Hokage dies and this FREAKS the trio out because a) oh shit Orochimaru actually did it and b) we’re only allowed to be here because of him, so what’s going to happen to us

Council is deciding what to do with them and has them staying hidden/as they were, but what’s more important to them is finding Tsunade and having her take over as Hokage so the trio are just anxiously chilling

Tsunade is Hokage now and she decides to let them stay because they turned their backs on Orochimaru and also she trusts Sarutobi’s judgment on letting them stay initially, but they are still going to be watched by Anbu to be sure

Naruto and co. find out about the trio and they are PISSED because “not only did you try to kill Sasuke, not only are you from the village that attacked us, not only did you work for Orochimaru but you did nothing to defend Konoha during the invasion. If you want to be a part of this village then you should have helped”

Tsunade tells these bitches to simmer down. They were under Anbu house arrest. She’s Hokage and they need to respect her decision. Also Zaku, let’s fix your arms.

~Sasuke Retrieval Arc~

Everyone is immediately on the trio’s ass because “we knew you couldn’t be trusted”

Tsunade has to tell everyone to stfu again

The trio want to go (to prove themselves) and feel they can be of assistance but Tsunade is like Catherine of Aragon because she says there’s no no no no NO WAY. It’s already a dangerous mission, it might be more so for them because Orochimaru is probably after their heads for betraying him and knows all of their skills

Everything about the arc is the same until the point where Shikamaru, Kiba, and Lee need help. Instead of the Sand Siblings being the ones to arrive it’s the sound trio

Zaku saves Kiba... mainly because I imagine them being friends once the trio are accepted and I just want this to be the beginning of their friendship. How he saves him idk because I’m not creative when it comes to fights

Kin saves Shikamaru. Again idk how. Zaku’s slicing sounds waves make more sense here because they work similar to Temari’s fan but I want it to be Kin because kunoichi vs. kunoichi, genjutsu vs. genjutsu, and also the idea of Kin saving the guy who beat her in such an embarrassing way does something to me, but also is a sort of redemption? I just want this battle to show off how skilled Kin can be because she was very underutilized and kinda weak in the original story and I love her so much, she deserves to do cool shit. So let her outsmart Tayuya and, in a way, she is outsmarting Shikamaru because he had no more plans to fall back on

Dosu saves Lee. Again, idk how and, again, I think Zaku’s slicing sound waves would be better here because they can keep Kimimaro (a close range fighter) at bay but I guess seeing Dosu and Kimimaro throwing hands would be cool. And then you have that redemption moment with Lee because Dosu kicked his ass in the forest of death and now he’s saving Lee!

After the mission, despite its failure, the trio are accepted as leaf shinobi and are introduced to their new sensei: cue Anko crashing through the window with a big sign introducing herself again

Similarly to the moment when Naruto spoke out and Anko threw a kunai at him, Zaku gives a snide comment and Anko is immediately at his throat, and then she’s like “JK! But don’t say that again you little shit!”

Anko was chosen to lead the trio due to her past with Orochimaru and because of that she can better understand them

~Other Headcanons~

It took the Konoha 12 a while to accept the trio. The first ones to accept them were Kiba, Lee, and Shikamaru (duh) but also Choji and even Naruto. Choji became cool with them when he found out Shikamaru was cool with them because he trusts Shikamaru’s judgment, and despite originally trying to kill his teammate, Naruto accepts them because they came out and helped so that means they’re a-okay in his book. Neji was slightly taken aback but also accepted them pretty quickly. Basically, the retrieval team was like “yeah okay” and vouch for them.

The ones who took the longest to come around were Ino and Sakura because did y’all just forget what happened at the forest of death???

As I said, I imagine Kiba and Zaku being friends. Mainly because I feel they have similar personalities in the sense that they’re both pretty cocky, boisterous, and talk shit. I imagine them kinda being like rivals in the sense of they’re always trying to one up each other

Zaku is still not fond of Shino because of the whole bugs in arms thing so whenever Shino is around Zaku is just like “I hate your teammate” to Kiba

Kin/Shikamaru could potentially replace the Temari/Shikamaru relationship. Both Kin and Temari are very similar in the sense of being an ex-villain, being viewed as scarier/more intense compared to the Konoha girls, being older by a couple years, and they both lost (well, Temari technically won but we all know she lost) to Shikamaru. Because of this the Kin/Shikamaru relationship wouldn’t be all that different to how the Temari/Shikamaru relationship is shown

That being said I love the sand siblings and don’t want them gone and because of how similar I feel Kin and Temari are they become really good friends and Kin enjoys when Temari visits. They both make Shikamaru’s life hell though. Double Trouble™️

Also I said potentially because I like exploring the idea of Kin/Zaku or Kin/Dosu (:

Dosu and Shino actually get along really well (much to the dismay of Zaku). They’re the type of people where they can sit in silence with each other and it’s just chill. And when they have to work together they kinda have flawless teamwork and don’t even need to speak to know what the other plans on doing

Kin and Sakura actually get along now? They’re not best friends by any means but they can be civil and respect each other

Team Kurenai and Team Sand are the teams that the trio get along with the best/most easily tho

Kin cut her hair to her lower back. Cue everyone cracking jokes about Neji and Kin looking the same from behind. Kin stops tying her hair after that

The trio have really well trained ears because back in Otogakure they had to learn to pick up on the subtlest of sounds in order to spy on enemies and communicate at such a low volume that to any normal ear sounds like silence but to them the message is loud and clear

Because of this they’re all amazing singers (Dosu is the best tho because he has the best trained ear. Seriously, being able to tell what someone is writing based on the sounds of their pencil? Skills.) and everyone likes hearing them sing.

That being said, despite being from the land of sound they didn’t actually know any songs because the sound village doesn’t really do music. It was forbidden because no one is allowed joy in the land of sound. Jk. But it did have to do with depriving people of normalcy because Orochimaru was creating an army of followers

This little singing/music tidbit was discovered by Naruto and he took it upon himself to show the trio music. It wasn’t all good music, but it’s music!

Also, despite being the best singer, Dosu doesn’t really do it. Dude doesn’t even hum. He’ll only sing if Kin and Zaku start pestering or if Anko wants him to

The first (and only) time Kin and Zaku saw Dosu cry was shortly after they became leaf shinobi. Anko and Tsunade were telling the team how brave it was for them to leave Orochimaru and sound behind, and Anko especially complimented Dosu on taking him and his team out of that situation. Kin and Zaku had been trying to hold back tears and keep up their tough image but the minute they saw Dosu crying, not trying to wipe away his tears or hide them or anything they lost it

No one talks about their little crying session. It’s a secret

Despite getting his arms fixed by Tsunade, Zaku still has problems with them, especially his right one (I think that’s the one that got blown off) and needs to get them treated consistently. Partly due to the fact they he didn’t give himself all the time to heal after Tsunade fixed him because he went to help the retrieval team and, mainly, because of Orochimaru’s experiments. Like, essentially Zaku’s air tube surgery was actually kind of botched and, for lack of a better term, experimental, and is fucking with the nerves and muscles and chakra in his arms and kinda eating away at them. And the crazy damage he took from getting his arms blown off only fucked everything up more

Eventually Zaku gets a better version of his air tube in his left arm and has to completely replace the right arm with a cool prosthetic that lets him do stronger/cooler jutsus

Kin has combined singing with her genjutsu and has created a sort of mind control jutsu... I may or may not have gotten this idea while listening to Come Little Children and remembering that Sarah Sanderson would control kids with song

The trio think Sasuke is a fUCKING DUMBASS for willingly going with Orochimaru. Like, bitch we had to leave that no good asshole for the betterment of our lives and you just waltz out of Konoha and straight into his arms?! What is you doing Uchiha?!

[thefairyletters]

Suigetsu x Sakura?? 👀

Ask me a ship:

SuiSaku

Who proposed the other first?

Suigetsu.

He often proposed to Sakura, flattered her and tagged along with her at any and every opportunity. It wasn't until he kissed her on one of their dates (not that Sakura knew they were dates) that Sakura finally realised he had meant everything he said. With Suigetsu, its hard to tell for her when he is serious and when he isn't. He is worse than Naruto in that respect. Of course she said yes to him.

So when they met up with others the next time, it was Sasuke who took one look at them and muttered something suspiciously about how they were so annoying.

Who kissed the other first?

Suigetsu.

Sakura wouldn't have realised he existed otherwise.

Who gives a good-morning kiss to other?

Sakura.

Unlike Suigetsu who works part-time at Tenten's weapon shop as a weapon engineer and isn't required to show up to work as early as 6 in the morning, Sakura has a hospital to manage and therefore is expected to leave late and arrive early. He is a heavy sleeper and she knows he wouldn't wake even if the village were to get attacked in the middle of the night. So if she gets emotional every morning because he looks like an angel in his sleep and showers him with light kisses because she feels like the luckiest women in the world, he doesn't know any of it. Not that she wants him to, it'd be embarrassing if he realises she cries every morning over him.

Who likes to play footsies?

Not footsies but...

Suigetsu loves biting her ankles, wrists, and anything of her thats fits his mouth. It might be a kiri thing, to mark people as their own, is what Sakura thinks about his fetish. Nevermind that Sakura loves being marked by him.

Of course she heals it all in the morning. Suigetsu doesn't mind because he gets to bite again. Well, when Sakura allows him.

Who is the dominant one?

Suigetsu.

For all his lean figure, he is stronger than everyone gives him credit for. You can't hold up a huge ass sword being weak. As much as Sakura enjoys pinning him, he almost always flip the roles without much effort. Not that she minds but she never goes down without a fight.

Simply put, their bed becomes their preferred battlefield.

Who likes to keep a picture of the other with them all the time?

None.

Both of them are more or less always in the village, and whenever Sakura is assigned a solo mission, Suigetsu accompanies her as her selfassigned partner. Kakashi lets them go together because if he doesn't grant permission Suigetsu would nag Sasuke (or Karin) who in turn would come straight to him and complain until he either send them away on a mission or permits them to kill him.

Sakura never minds him tagging along on her missions because she knows he knows she is capable of handling herself and only joins her because he will be bored without her. That and Karin had once specially, desperately, requested her to take all her belongings with her when she takes on a mission.

It is only after they have children that Suigetsu stops accompanying her on missions to take care of their baby girls.

Who likes to buy the other gifts?

No one.

To Suigetsu, material things hold little value. There's not much that excites him besides swords. When she once got him a stolen sword, which absolutely thrilled him, only to spend two hours listening to him rant and rave about the poor condition of the sword and how could they, to this little baby, really??? No worries I'll treat you like a princess Ah no, sorry love, but Sakura is my only queen. Regardless to say, she never got him another sword.

To Sakura, the first and last material gift he's ever got her is his own sword. He taught her Kenjutsu so she could take it with her on days he wouldn't be with her. He says she is a horrible swordsman, but they both know she has beaten him with his own sword more times than he is willing to admit. She rarely uses it on missions – always choosing to go for her versatile axe – but she always keeps it with her.

Who takes initiative in making physical contact?

Sakura.

She has always been a romantic. It took her an embarrassingly long time to figure out Suigetsu actually liked her. Holding back had been easy when they were friends, but when they moved in together as soon as they began to date, it became a challenge for Sakura to keep her distance. Their relationship isn't completely based on lust. As much as they love their bedroom moments, but they also equally enjoy the private moments where they do nothing but cuddle in their couch, take care of their weapons and watch reruns of their favourite movies.

She finds his eyes to be the most beautiful pair of eyes she's ever seen and hates it when his bangs hide them from her view. She always brushes his hair aside whenever she could so she could look into his eyes a little more. Suigetsu knows she has a thing for eyes, especially his eyes, so he grows out his bangs and never makes any effort to pin it away from his eyes.

Who plans their dates?

No one.

Their date nights is just them drinking and dancing their night away at their favourite bar every weekend.

Suigetsu is the only person she's come across who has almost beaten her at drinking. Turns out, Kiri men are exceptionally good at drinking. No wonder Tsunade and Mei had intense competition going on between them.

Who was shy on their first date?

Sakura.

When he kissed her to drill into her that he actually liked her, she was floored. He took her out to a bar he knows she has never been to before – mostly because it was on more expensive side of things and she was relatively an economical person. She was unsure if this was the kind of setting she preferred for a date and had felt incredibly guilty that she wasn't enjoying herself when he was doing it all to give her a good time. They had a drink respectively – Sakura chose the cheapest drink on the menu which still costed more than what she spends on her drinks per month.

Suigetsu could tell she was uncomfortable and was worried if she didn't enjoy his company. He decided to do what he knew would cheer her up as a last ditch effort to open her up to him. All their doubts evaporated when he somehow convinced dj to play her favourite slow songs so they could dance to it. He has asked her to dance with him many times but never on slow, romantic songs that she knew he didn't like. She thought she fell in love with him for first time by the time first song ended.

Soon Suigetsu realised it wasn't him she felt uncomfortable with but the concept of spending money on overpriced drinks. They went to their favourite udon place for dinner, just like they have many times before.

Who wakes up the other?

No one.

Before kids: Sakura would wake up before him (who is not at all a morning person) because of her work, leave him with romantic handwritten notes. Suigetsu, on the other hand, would drop by her office to eat dinner with her because he knows she wouldn't be home until very late.

After kids: they would kick each other awake, play scissors or bribe each other to take turns to do their jobs as parents in the dead of the night. More often than not, Sakura wins.

Who was shy in taking their relationship to next level?

Suigetsu.

For all he flirted with Sakura, he was not an expert in the intimacy department. When Sakura boldly guided his hands on her body where they have never travelled, Suigetsu was at loss. He hadn't stopped or retracted but his mind was miles away – calculating her every reaction to his every move. Sakura noticed he was stiff and his careful actions conveyed his inexperience, but she never teased him until they were ready to drop dead to the world.

After a third-round on their first night, both realised he was a quick learner.

Who hogs up the blankets in their sleep?

Suigetsu.

He hogs up not only blankets but also Sakura. His bloodline limit leaves him colder than most people. Sakura doesn't appreciate the chill that seeps into her bones when he snuggles up to her. If she, out of reflex, kicks him out of the bed, it is not on her.

Who is easy to get jealous?

Sakura.

Suigetsu is one of the friendliest men she's met. While she understands why he gets along with rookie 9 what with bright personalities like Naruto and Kiba in the bunch, but that doesn't explain how he manages to charm women so easily with only his grin.

Her only consolation is that his charming grin is always solely directed at her.

Who cooks in the house?

Sakura and Suigetsu hadn't known to cook anything beyond the basics required to make rice balls and grilled fish.

Until they took cooking lessons from Chouji when Sakura got pregnant. Turns out, to Sakura's dismay, Suigetsu is the better cook between them. Until she used the excuse to get him cook for them every day, much to his annoyance.

Who 'protects' and who 'nutures'?

Sakura protects.

Suigetsu nutures.

[gaasaku-fanfests]

Broken Hearts (Empty Grave)

Title: Broken Hearts (Empty Grave) Author: ofhealinglove Rating: T Word Count: 2,940 words Summary: Haruno Sakura was killed in action fighting Akasuna no Sasori. While Konoha grieves the loss of a beloved shinobi and friend, Gaara is keeping her safe and secreted away until she falls in love with him. He's the one who saved her. He's the one who brought her back from the brink of death. Konoha couldn't keep her safe, so he will. Forever. Trope: Yandere.

.

Gaara attends the memorial for Haruno Sakura.

He, his siblings, and several council members who want to suck up to the grieving Hokage (they didn’t even know Sakura) travel the two days it takes to get to Konoha and stay for three days: one to rest and settle in, one for the memorial, and one for politicians to politick and Gaara to spend with Naruto, and then leave that evening.

The memorial is enormous; most of Konoha is in attendance. In her work at the hospital, Sakura had saved countless lives and it seems like there isn’t one family or friend her healing hadn’t affected in some way. The flowers come in all shapes and sizes; the mourners are genuine in their grief. ANBU, jounin, chuunin, genin—all of them have something to thank her for.

But it is the Konoha 11 that grieve the hardest. Some stoic, some with tears streaking down their faces, some still standing shell-shocked, like they can’t believe she’s really gone. These are the two blonds of the group, both with blue eyes: one is a Yamanaka kunoichi Sakura’s age, and the other is Naruto.

Gaara watches Naruto closely, a small part of his heart guilty for what’s happened. After all, it’s because of him that this memorial is taking place; if he had been strong enough to defend against the Akatsuki by himself, Sakura would never had fought Akasuna no Sasori—a criminal from his own village, at that—and been injured as she was.

There are other reasons why he feels guilty, but with a clan that has a mind-reading kekkei genkai in attendance, Gaara doesn’t dare to think of them.

The Godaime is one of the stoic ones, but there is more than that: she is furious. Gaara thinks, looking upon her face from his seat in the delegates box, that she has lost one person too many, and knows it when she announces all-out war against Sakura’s murderers.

Sakura’s death could have been prevented. Chiyo had been old and Sakura not ready to fight an Akatsuki with just a retired jounin at her side. They should have had back-up and they shouldn’t have been left alone, no matter what Chiyo said. When the old woman had crawled out of the wreckage of the fight, Sakura’s body lost to the cave-in and Sasori dead (by Sakura’s hand, Chiyo had solemnly emphasized with her head bowed, “I wouldn’t be alive without her,” and “She sacrificed herself for me”), Gaara heard that Hatake Kakashi, her team lead and jounin sensei, had just about killed her on the spot. It was only with the restraint of Maito Gai that Chiyo had been alive to revive Gaara, and Hatake still hasn’t recovered.

Naruto had told Gaara on the day of their arrival that “Kakashi-sensei” was on a two-month-long suspension and had mandated weekly appointments with a Yamanaka psychologist after he had attempted suicide, but Gaara had to keep it a secret.

(Gaara doesn’t feel guilt for that, not like he does for Naruto.)

After the memorial is over, everyone leaves except for the Suna shinobi and council, Konoha 11, and the Hokage and her assistant. They meet in a room in Hokage tower and drink and reminisce. Gaara doesn’t partake and doesn’t say anything. This isn’t a sad occasion for him, it’s a victory. While everyone else grieves over Haruno Sakura, Gaara doesn’t.

He knows she isn’t dead. She’s recovering in a secret room beneath the Kazekage manse, well enough that he was able to leave her alone for a few days.

Temari had said that Konoha deserved to know. Kankuro disapproved of what Gaara had done. But they’re both his brother and sister as well as shinobi of Sunagakure, loyal to him before all, and by the time they’d figured out what was going on, it would endanger the alliance to reveal the secret.

Now that the memorial is over and Haruno Sakura officially declared dead after weeks of excavating the rubble trying to find her body (long gone), there will be war if Sakura is ever discovered.

She won’t be, though. All the world needs to know is that she died a hero killing Akasuna no Sasori.

And Gaara is going to keep it that way if it kills him.

 When Gaara first noticed Haruno Sakura, she had been doing her best to defend Uchiha Sasuke and was going to pay for that with her life. She hadn’t been strong or particularly useful, either; just cannon fodder, likely as her council had intended. She squirmed and fought under his crushing sand but didn’t give up until she passed out from lack of air, but even in her unconsciousness, he had noticed that she still twitched against death like she was fighting to survive even when her mind was gone.

This had intrigued Shukaku and Gaara had hesitated, and then Naruto saved her life and changed his.

Shukaku had seen something in her, something he liked, and that was why Sakura had survived. Gaara had been fast enough even then to end her before Naruto arrived—it was Shukaku’s order to stop that had spared her.

Even moving forward on a different path to a different destiny, Shukaku kept going back to the pink-haired girl and Gaara found his interest piqued, as well. It started with wondering why Shukaku had hesitated, then soon enough, he was following the bijuu down the rabbit hole.

What led such a weak kunoichi to fight for her life like that? As soon as his sand was upon her, she had to know that it was over, and yet she struggled even near death. For a shinobi of some caliber, that was to be expected. To a pathetic little genin who hadn’t even made it past the preliminaries? It made no sense.

Naruto talked about her in his letters, and while Gaara did his best to be circumspect, he learned much about the kunoichi he’d grown so interested in. Shukaku praised every tidbit of information—except for the fact that she was in love with Uchiha Sasuke.

But he was kidnapped and she was killed in action.

After he was revived and Sasori defeated—they had found his body, or at least the splinters left of it—he thought he’d never see her again. Shukaku was gone but the obsession was not, and he had spent his time off during the rebuilding venting his fury deep in the desert.

That was how he found her.

 Sakura had not, in fact, been killed by Sasori’s poison.

When Gaara had found her, deep in the desert between Iwa and Suna going vaguely north, she had been grievously injured by the cave’s collapse, traces of poison flowing through her veins, fever, severe dehydration, and on death’s doorstep.

His first thought was that he was seeing a mirage but he went to her side anyways. Later, he found out she had kept herself alive through complex ninjutsu that she had subconsciously invented purely to survive just that much longer; her Will of Fire, but more importantly her will to live, had kept her going this long, delirious and confused and injured but alive.

She would have died within the day if he hadn’t found her.

Without hesitation, he hurried her back to Suna, but with hesitation, he didn’t take her to the hospital. He took her into the bunker beneath the Kazekage mansion and brought a traveling doctor in to care for her, supplying all his needs with the best money could buy. He hadn’t known what it was he was doing until the next morning when he woke up and realized that he should have immediately sent for Konoha to bring their med-nin to care for their kunoichi before bringing her back home, but…

She was alive—because he found her. She was going to recover—because of the money out of his own coffers. She had been found—because he grieved her.

Didn’t that make her his? And why should he send her back when it was her own team lead’s neglect of her that had gotten her declared KIA in the first place?

So he didn’t say anything, and killed the doctor (quietly, discreetly, no sand coffins or blood splatters) as soon as she was stable and Gaara knew how to care for her.

No witnesses.

 He remembers the moment she first opened her eyes. She still looked sickly and burnt from the sun, but they had opened with clarity and she had looked around quickly, assessing her situation even as her hands and feet flexed and twitched against the restraints holding her down.

She saw him and whispered in a croaky voice, “…Kazekage-sama…?”

He’d hurried help her sit up and drink a glass of water to wet her throat. She drank greedily but not too fast, not needing his advice to not make herself sick. A prodigious med-nin, to be sure.

Once he’d pulled the cup away, she’d blinked and asked in a clearer but still thready voice, “…Where am I? Why… why am I restrained?”

“Safety precautions, Haruno-san,” he’d told her. He would stay polite, even if he wanted to be able to speak the caress of her name on this lips and tongue. He would stay distant for now. He didn’t want to scare her.

“Where… am I…?” she asked again, eyes roving over the interior of the bunker’s main room.

“Safe,” he said.

She seemed wary of him but was too out of it to be outright suspicious, and once he let her drink a second glass over water, she fell back asleep. He laid her down carefully, determined for her to never feel any pain ever again.

It was Konoha’s fault she had almost died.

He didn’t want her to die.

She was better off safe down here in his bunker where he could protect her. He would never let any harm come to her.

Ever.

 It didn’t take her long after her first awakening to start asking questions. Her memory of recent events was spotty at first, but once she started remembering healing Kankuro, going to save him, bits and pieces of her fight with Sasori before her injury and ‘death,’ their relationship became strained.

He told her what he could, and most of it had to be lies. He truthfully told her that she had killed Sasori in the end and Chiyo had been a casualty of the fight. Gaara had had Shukaku taken from him, but he’d survived. She had been searched for, but only for a few days before her team headed back home. Naruto was going to try to come back for her body, but they all assumed she was dead and he heavily implied they didn’t care.

(Hatake didn’t, sending her in unprotected like that.)

Some of the lies she believed, some she didn’t. It took time and constant repetition to get it to sink in that Konoha hadn’t really cared about her. She fought against the lies about Naruto and Tsunade the hardest; she’d been suspicious of being restrained.

And then she found out she didn’t have chakra anymore because of Sasori’s poison, just enough to survive with civilian levels, and she’d just about broken.

He’d been sad to see it, but it was necessary. It was, in fact, a seal he’d discovered deep in the family’s library, used for subduing dangerous criminals for execution. Archaic and brutal, he’d gotten a sealmaster to bastardize it into being temporary. He was no Uzumaki, but he said the seal should hold. Gaara didn’t want Sakura in the bunker forever. Once he felt she could be trusted, she would ‘regain’ enough chakra to defend herself. Maybe one day, she’d ‘miraculously’ get all of it back.

But that would be after they were married, after they had children, once they were older and there was no chance of her defection. He had to keep her safe.

He made sure to repeat that to her. She was safe, he was always going to keep her safe. Konoha hadn’t kept her safe, and they didn’t care what happened once she wasn’t. She’d been left behind, by her team, by her village. No one was coming for her; no one cared enough.

That was apparently her worst fear and what started breaking down the fastest.

He brought her meals, took her to the bathroom, brought her knowledge and entertainment. He was her only source of social interaction, the only person she relied on for all her basic needs, by design. He needed her, so she had to need him.

It was basic conditioning. He was sad he had to use it on her, but there was no other way to make sure she’d willingly stay by his side. The first time he had touched her, she’d flinched. The day he’d left for the memorial, she had initiated a hug goodbye.

(He knew she would fall for him eventually, just like he’d fallen for her.)

Telling her about his three days away for her memorial service had been very, very difficult. Of course, she hadn’t known it was her memorial service, but she had still cried and pleaded for him to stay. She didn’t want to be without him, she said. What would she do, all alone? What if the food ran out? What if something happened to him?

It was hard to leave her, but he did.

 He’s eager to get back to her more than anything else, but he doesn’t show it. He worries that if he’s away for too long, some of her conditioning will start to wear off and she’ll regress. If she thinks too long, she might untangle some of his lies; after all, he knows she’s extremely intelligent and it’s only been a little under a month. There’s a large margin for error here, leaving so soon, but it would have been more suspicious if he hadn’t come. She’d killed one of his village’s own missing-nin in the conflict to save his life. If he’s not there, barring an emergency, it’s a blow to the alliance.

Gaara needs this alliance, but he might not always. If Sakura were to surface back from the dead in, say, five years or so, Konoha’s reaction might not matter.

(She won’t want to go back anyways. He’ll have made sure of it by then.)

When he comes back to the bunker, Sakura is pacing the room. It doesn’t look like she’s tried to escape and there’s no damage speaking of any fits of pique or defiant anxiety, which is somewhat surprising.

“Gaara-sama!” she calls with a smile once he’s sealed the door behind him.

“Sakura-san,” he replies, finally able to call her by her given name, a small smile quirking his lips. He doesn’t necessarily expect her to run up and hug him, but it’s nice anyways.

His sand doesn’t even try to keep her from him. He thinks it’s a sign.

(A sign that they’re meant to be. He’s doing the right thing, keeping her here.)

“Don’t leave me like that again, okay?” she demands. She’s still got a temper, which is something that is so integral to who she is that he’s glad it’s not completely conditioned out. Still, she hadn’t destroyed anything. It’s a sign of progress. And the desperation with which she’d run up to him…

Maybe he should leave her alone more often, but his heart says otherwise.

(He has to keep her safe. He loves her, he loves her, he loves her.)

“I’ll do my best,” he says. He’s always been a man of few words.

“Did you bring any food?” she asks. “I’m pretty hungry—I ran out this morning.”

No, Gaara had not brought food. He’d been too excited to come see her.

“I’ll go get some for you,” he tells her, and turns for the door. Sakura steps back to give him space—she always does—and he unseals the exit.

He doesn’t see her coming from behind him and his sand doesn’t react when she hugs him again; she doesn’t mean to harm him, if the sand isn’t reacting. “Don’t take too long, okay? I’ve missed you.”

“Stand back, Sakura-san,” he orders her quietly, warmed by the fact that she’s so desperate to touch him, feel him, hold him.

Sakura nods against his back. “Okay…”

In a move he hadn’t expected and therefore was unprepared for, Sakura’s hands snake up under him and grab his throat.

He chokes on her inhuman strength. She shouldn’t have chakra! What is going on?

“Next time you put a seal on someone, you should make sure you know it’ll hold,” she snarls, and her hands clench brutally.

 When Gaara wakes up, it’s three days later in the hospital. Sakura had crushed his windpipe, but Temari found him in time to get medical treatment and survive.

He grieves that Sakura got away, but he swears he’ll find her. She can’t have gotten back to Konoha yet and therefore he still has time to find her and bring her back. He’ll leave her in isolation for much longer this time, a punishment. He’d hoped to never have to do that to her, but Sakura has a strong will (Naruto had emphasized that so often and Gaara had seen it firsthand when she fought against his sand coffin) and it needs to be broken down more… thoroughly this time.

“I’ll find her soon enough,” he tells Temari.

And then Kankuro rushes in with a crumpled missive with the Hokage seal in his hand, announcing with worried eyes that Konoha has declared war.

[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.