#but that’s in the meantime while gaara heals

[nepobabyeurydice]

“Okay we have the opportunity to be literally the funniest people in existence,” Karin said, a gleam in her eyes that Shikamaru really did not like. “You, me, and a bed, how ‘bout it, Temari?”

What a drag, Shikamaru thought, abruptly alarmed when he looked at his not-quite a girlfriend because that would be treason’s face.

“It would be hilarious if the Otokage and Kazekage were dating in order to extent political pressure against Konoha.” Temari agreed. Her green eyes which Shikamaru so adored began gleaming with unholy light.

He felt like a onlooker to a pigeon attempting to woo a hawk. And it was working.

“…So?” The Devil in Glasses asked. “What do we say, Temari-hime?”

[muuurder]

I’m coming here after your gf’s propaganda, hi >:D

Could I ask about Modern AU (Gaalee)? *O*

(also while looking for your AO3 account in your carrd, I found out that the link is not working!! Just so you know è_é (there is just the “s” missing gbizeubguebgz))

Hehehehe You mayyy. Also thank you!! I'll be real honest I am pretty sure I have one fic on my AO3 Account.

Okay so this specific Au I have plans on writing a fic about but I do not have it written out just a loose plot with elements in my noggin.

But essentially it focuses on trans! Gaara raised in modern day with a conservative cop father.

After the death of his mother, things proved to get harder and his father began to dive deep into his work. Only time he's present is when he's home usually drinking. He's not exactly a good cop by any means. He has a temper and he has his stern beliefs and he quite literally hates his fucking kids, but he especially hates gaara who has always been tomboyish, always the reminder of his failures, and ever the stubborn mule even when he is trying to stay out of Rasa's way. Gaara was never one to listen, he always marched to the beat of his own drum anyways.

After a particularly nasty incident where Rasa went a little too far on the job, Rasa picked up the three kids moved them closer to the city (coughcough Konoha.) Gaara ended up getting involved with drugs, and between the dangerous mix of everything he becomes a spiralling mess as per usual, targeting anyone who breathes at him wrong or he percieves as a threat of sorts. On one ocassion, Our beloved Rock Lee (star track runner, i'm debating on making i'm former head of boy scouts or just a kid who goes to a dojo that Gai totally owns.) ends up getting involved for justice reasons (He's autistic your honor.) and it ends with Gaara beating him with a lead pipe. Obviously charges are pressed and Gaara is sent to a psychward and given community service instead of going to juvie (I do not know if this is even fucking possible tbh but I like it.) While Gaara is in the psychward ( I am so sure there is another reason why he got sent there but w/e I can't remember rn), His father dies in a shoot out with a notorious criminal in the area (wonder who that could be.) Leaving these kids slapped into foster care while things are figured out as Temari isn't old enough to care for her three brothers. Yashamaru works to get custody of these kids in time but in the meantime, it's rough and Gaara is picked up from the psychward not by family. He is picked up by a foster care agent (social worker???) and he is made to serve out his community service. There he meets Naruto, who is also doing customer service for vandalism and they do fight and Gaara forms a baby crush. There is alot that happens around here and then there is a time skip essentially where things change once Yashamaru gets custody of these kids and they find a new normal with a crusty white dog. Gaara gets a safe space to heal and explore who he is.

The plot really begins picking up down the line where essentially gaara post moving away from the city with yashamaru back in their home town, He decides to move back to pursue college. he wants to get into therapy to try to reach others like him and Naruto integrates him into his friend group (or tries rather Gaara is pretty stand offish even if kankuro and temari have done so easily) and Gaara keeps fucking running into Rock lee against his will. Lots of healing, lots of forced proximity for healing reasons. Slow burn. It's a very loose plot I'm still fleshing out. We may see nods to the Moss because I wish I was joking here, That fic altered my fucking brain chemistry. I am still figuring it out. I do know that the main relationships i plan on showing/mentioning are: Gaalee, kakagai ofc, shikatem, kankiba, the polycule themselves narusakusasu, nejiten, hinata is a lesbian idc, and so is ino also perhaps past sakuino I am really excited for this fic ngl but I want to like do everything justice so I don't want to publish till i finish rewatching naruto and refreshing everything so I can figure out what elements I want to bring in and the like. Ngl y'all can ask more about this fic I have thoughts of scenes that would be so cute. HEHEHEHEH THANK YOU FOR ASKING!!!

[imaginativeamateur]

table 9 please. ill have shoyu and chashu. the toppings are wonton, with a side of dango. thank you 🥺💌

[Gaara X Reader] Thunderstruck to Lovestruck

|500 Followers Event|

Order: Table 9: Shoyu Ramen with Chashu and Wonton, Dango

Pairing: Gaara x fem!Reader

Note: Thanks for the request! I still can't believe I dozed off when I closed my eyes to imagine the scene :DD Gaara is so cute, that's all I need to say. Oh, please prepare yourself for extra Chasu ;)) Enjoy!

You smiled when the rain began to pour, bathing Suna’s dry landscapes in precious droplets of water. It was earthy and healing—you took a deep inhale, stretching your arms above your head as you relished the refreshment flowing in the air.

While you were casting your gaze on the rustling leaves beside the window, Gaara quietly encircled your waist with his arms, pulling you into his embrace from behind. You chuckled—too familiar with his sudden display of affection during the day. “Already done with work, love?”

He did not reply to your question, nudging his nose against your neck as a silent confirmation instead. The red-haired contentedly closed his eyes, leaning his head onto your shoulder, tightening his grip around your waist. “What do you want to do?”

“Can’t go back with this weather, can we?” You grinned.

The sky was starting to get darker every passing minute. The light rain that you looked forward to quickly transitioned to a blasting thunderstorm with lightning striking across the sky, thunder grumbling mercilessly, tearing the clouds apart. With his arms still around you, the two of you made it back to the futon in his office, plopping down listlessly. Gaara tenderly tucked your hair behind your ears once he finally let you go from his cradle. “It seems like we’ll be stuck here for quite a long time.”

You nodded, pulling your light cardigan to shield yourself away from the sudden gust of wind blowing from the window. Turning away from his loving gaze, you reached for the folder on the tea table and began flipping through the documents inside. “In the meantime, we can get a head start on reviewing the proposal submitted yesterday for infrastructural installations.”

The red-haired frowned, disapproval prominent on the way his lips drew themselves into an angry curve. “That’s for tomorrow. I want to spend time with you, why do you keep pushing me off?”

“I’m not pushing you off.” You argued, staring at him with a funny look on your face. “I was just—”

Just then, the electricity abruptly cut off, and his office went completely black. You scrunched your nose, realizing just how dark it actually was outside from the sudden blackout. As opposed to your concerning status, Gaara was smiling in satisfaction when his room went lightless, “Great timing.”

You scoffed, trying to place the folder back to its place clumsily because you could not see anything in the pitch-black environment. Your hands were swinging, tracking everything they came across to find the table. “We really need to improve the infrastructure here—oh—”

You let out a cry when your palm came across something and within the next second, something else forcefully grounded your hand back down. “What are you doing?”

The poorly lit circumstance made Gaara’s voice stand out more than you desired it to as he spoke. What is this? You questioned yourself, roaming your hand again to feel the thing underneath it, and your face grew ever so flustered when you finally realized what you have been doing all along.

“That’s my thigh, Y/N.”

The crisp silence was unfavorable.

“I-I know,” you stuttered, “I didn’t mean to touch it.”

“It appears to be otherwise to me.”

“How could I know that it was your thigh?” You muttered, trying to yank your wrist away from his grip.

You continued to exert more force, but he did not budge, still holding onto your wrist like steel. When you paused to refill your strength, Gaara suddenly pulled you forward, and your body leaped from the futon, landing face-flat onto his chest. The documents in your hand fluttered to the ground ungracefully following the impact. You could barely make clear of anything in the dark. Using your hands to push yourself away from his body, you complained endlessly. The red-haired snickered with amusement, his eyes twinkling like stars in the sky.

Once you got yourself up, you certainly realized the position that you ended up falling into was not so hopeful—you were practically crawling across his lap. Despite your effort to slow your thrumming heartbeat, it was still beating wildly in your chest, causing your face to grow red with embarrassment. You felt somewhat comforted knowing that he would not see your tomato cheeks given the blackout.

“Why does it take so long for the generator to work?” You sighed, bashfully retreating back to your original spot. “It should—ah—”

You shrieked loudly when the thunder struck, jerking backward, only to fall back into the arms of a certain red-haired.

“Don’t tell me you’re scared?” He questioned, trying to suppress a chuckle.

“N-No.” You immediately retorted. “I was surprised.”

Leaning your head against him, you refused to turn around, fearing that he would see your trembling lips. You thought Gaara would continue to tease you for your uneasiness, but he simply pulled you closer until your back was flat against his chest. “Come here.”

“I’m not scared,” you mumbled, but still let him secure his arms around your waist.

“You’re not,” he whispered, kissing the crown of your head.

“Then let go of me,” you patted the back of his hands, “I need to go light a candle while we wait for the lights to be on again.”

“No.”

“Gaara—”

“No.”

You begrudgingly turned around to face him, lips pouting. “What’s—”

Before you were able to quarrel his persistence, he quickly pecked your lips, “Now you can go.”

You stared at him incredulously, and Gaara lifted his brows, lowering his head again, “Hm? Do you still want another kiss?”

“No—”

“Too late,” he concluded, leaning in to plant another peck on your lips, swiftly lifting himself up from the futon and shuffled to the window with ease. “It’s stopped raining, let’s go home, Y/N.”

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

Taglist: @dai-tsukki-desu @darling-imobsessed @animepickle7 @simping-master-69 @tirzamisu @rinnegankakashi @the-tiniest-one @greenshirtimagines @adeards @chloe-secret @rory-cakes @byyalady @icedemon1314

[sariasprincy-writes]

Hollow Point 22

One // Two // Three // Four // Five // Six // Seven // Eight // Nine // Ten // Eleven // Twelve // Thirteen // Fourteen // Fifteen // Sixteen // Seventeen // Eighteen // Nineteen // Twenty // Twenty-One // Twenty-Two (here) 

Chapter Twenty-Two Keep your enemies closer…

“Have you found him yet?”

“No,” Kakashi said.

Even though the phone she could hear the anger in his voice. Both towards Kabuto and himself. For not being there for her or for it happening in the first place, she didn’t know.

“I just need more time. I will,” Kakashi continued.

“I know. Let me know when you do.”

They hung up after that.

Outside, the city was just waking. Little streams of sunlight pouring in through the breaks in the clouds. Birds danced in the gentle breeze, chirping their songs as the spring winds carried them between the skyscrapers.

Sakura watched the world continue to turn from inside her apartment. The first one she had bought after moving here. She had holed herself up there for the last three days following Kabuto’s attack. Both to heal and to come to terms with the fact that she had kissed Itachi. CIA Agent, Uchiha Itachi.

She told herself her impulse had been a defense mechanism. An attempt to block out the memory of Kabuto’s murder attempt. That it wouldn’t happen again. It couldn’t. Because he was on one side of the law and she was on the other. Their worlds would only collide in a fiery explosion that would likely end with both of them dead. If not nearly so.

Raising her coffee cup to her lips, Sakura took a long sip before she released a heavy breath. She glanced down at her wrist to distract herself from more thoughts of Itachi. The rope that had bound her hands hadn’t broken the skin but the bruises left behind were still an angry red and purple. Not the mention her wrist was still a little swollen with the sprain. She probably should have listened to Kakashi when he told her to ice it.

Pursing her lips, Sakura eyed her phone where she had set it down on the windowsill. She stared at it for a long while. Weighing, deciding. On impulse, she picked it up and dialed out. The other line rang five times before going to voicemail. She didn’t know why she had expected anything else but she couldn’t help the sigh of frustration that pressed between her clenched teeth as she ended the call.

Less than a minute later, her phone rang in her hand. She hated the feeling of hope that briefly bloomed in her chest before she read the caller ID. Like she had actually been expecting a call back.

Biting back her annoyance, Sakura swiped her finger across the screen. “Orochimaru,” she said flatly.

“Come now, dear. Don’t sound like that when I’m doing you a favor.”

She swallowed back her retort, half-wishing she had never called him that night after Itachi had left. Instead, she waited silently. For him to tell her what she wanted to hear.

“Sheesh, you took after Tsunade more than I thought,” he mumbled, before continuing, “It took me a few days, but I managed to clean up that mess you made in New Jersey.”

“And the bodies?” she asked.

“All disposed of. Most of the men were criminals. Nobodies. No one will come looking for them. And even if they do, they won’t be found.”

He spoke with an air of utmost certainty that Sakura trusted. She knew Orochimaru was cunning, subtle and resourceful. He could likely hide a body in the front garden at a police department and never get caught. Perhaps that was why Tsunade had had so much confidence in him.

Sakura breathed a silent sigh of relief. “Good. How much do I owe you?”

On the other end of the phone, Orochimaru chuckled. “Oh, my dear. You should know by now that I have little use for dollars and coins. My currency is much more valuable. A favor for a favor. I’ll call you when I am in need of your services.”

Then the line went dead.

Sakura lowered her phone slowly, feeling that familiar bubble of irritation build in her chest. This was exactly what had happened last time. Orochimaru had been only too willing to help her clean up the whole Gaara incident, help her sweep it under the rug. Quick and easy and silent. In return, she need only to transport an entire shipment of drugs into China for Orochimaru. To a place she didn’t trade, with a product she didn’t work with.

Everything had worked out fine in the end, but the entire incident had left a sour taste in Sakura’s mouth. She only hoped Orochimaru would be more forgiving of his favor this time around. Though, she sincerely doubted he would.

Turning away from the window, Sakura headed into the kitchen to charge her phone. She powered on her computer in the meantime, planning to check in on things before she wasted the rest of the day watching television. Something mindless that could distract her for a couple of hours.

However, that plan quickly vanished when she saw a new email from Temari sent only a few minutes ago. Without hesitation, Sakura clicked on it, her eyes scanning through the information rapidly. She read the email once and then twice and then a third time, not entirely believing what she was seeing.

Grabbing her phone once more, Sakura called out. The phone only rang once before the line connected.

“I just got your email. You’re sure the shipment was from someone in New York?” Sakura asked before the blonde could speak.

“I had my guys look into it,” Temari replied, her words coming out smooth and slow like she had just finished a glass of wine. “This is what they came back with.”

“You’re sure?”

Temari huffed, obviously offended. “Of course, I’m sure. I wouldn’t have sent you the information until I was.”

Through the phone, Sakura could hear the delicate ringing and chinking of silverware against porcelain. As if she had interrupted Temari in the middle of dinner. Normally Sakura had enough decency to at least let the woman finish her meal, but now wasn’t the time to be courteous. This information was too important.

“I need you to figure out who is was exactly,” Sakura told her. “Can you do that?”

A thoughtful hum sounded in her ear. “Well, it’ll take some men away from my other clients and I don’t know how long it would be before I got back to you…”

“Temari, can you do it or not?”

There was a slight pause on the other end of the phone. Only the clinking of glasses filling the silence. Then the blonde sighed, “Yeah, I can do it.”

“Good. Give me a call when you know.”

Sakura headed out into the city shortly after that, already knowing that Temari wouldn’t fail her. Her reputation depended upon it. Sakura drove into downtown, parking her car in one of the many multi-leveled garages that cost far too much money.

She wandered down the sidewalk, the hood of her black petite coat over her head to protect her from the breeze. At the third intersection, Sakura pulled her phone from her pocket and checked the message from Ino again.

The address came back to a tavern. Wedged between two large, stone buildings, it didn’t look like much. Just a little place that didn’t belong. But the most unusual thing about it was the fact that it was open. It was a little early to be serving beer and fried food, even in Sakura’s opinion.

Unsurprisingly the place was completely empty. Well, almost anyway. In the middle of the tavern was Hashirama and Madara, both wrapped in suits of the most expensive material with shoes that gleamed in the lighting. They were seated at a round table, halfway through breakfast.

“Morning, gentlemen,” Sakura greeted. “Mind if I join you?”

Without waiting for permission, she pulled out one of the extra chairs and lowered herself into it beside them.

Hashirama stared at her for a long moment. One that seemed to stretch on for an eternity. Then a pleasant smile settled on his mouth. “Of course not.”

Sakura smiled in reply, only turning her attention away when a young waiter approached the table. He held out a menu towards her. “Something to drink, ma’am?”

“Coffee,” she told him. She gazed briefly at Hashirama and Madara’s half-empty plates before adding, “And a ham and cheese omelet. With sourdough bread on the side.”

The young man wrote down her request in his notepad before he excused himself with a promise that he would get her order in immediately. Sakura was still wearing her smile as she turned back to the men. “Well isn’t this just a quaint, little place.”

“It is. One of my favorites, actually,” Hashirama told her.

A little needlessly because why else would he pay them so much to open and serve him and Madara breakfast.

Still, Sakura hummed noncommittally as the young man returned with a coffee mug for her. She filled it with cream and a little bit of sugar before her gaze drifted to Madara. He hadn’t said a word since she had sat down but his eyes had yet to stray from her.

“I haven’t seen you in a while. How’s Izuna?” she asked conversationally. Her tone a little haughty.

Madara waved his hand in the air, as if he was already bored of the topic. “Still upset you broke his nose, but it is not the worst thing that has ever happened to him.”

She couldn’t resist her sarcastic pout. “Pity.”

“What can I do for you this morning, Sakura? I’m sure you didn’t just drop in for a chat,” Hashirama said, redirecting the conversation before they could get too carried away. She was certain he was itching for her to state her business and leave so he could continue his conversation with Madara privately.

“No,” Sakura admitted, pausing only to take a sip of coffee. “I’m here because I’m letting you know that I’ve dropped a shipment off with Tobirama and that any future packages might be delayed.”

“Oh?”

“Something has arisen in the East and I am freezing most of my store until the issue can be resolved.”

“Sounds serious,” Hashirama murmured into his coffee mug, sounding utterly unconcerned.

“Nothing too worrisome,” she shrugged. “More of a bother than anything. But I wanted to inform you personally that any movements against Akatsuki might need to be delayed unless it’s an emergency.”

“That shouldn’t be an issue. Akatsuki has gone underground as of late.”

Sakura cocked her brow. “Is that so?”

“My informants tell me that they took a big hit in Africa,” Madara interjected. His tone reflected that of a bored school teacher giving a dry lecture rather than a major dealer finding good news with one of his enemies. “Something about one of their main warehouses in Egypt being raided by police. They have had to move their production elsewhere.”

“Perhaps your problem in the East is from the authorities as well. A leak?” Hashirama offered.

Sakura met his gaze over her coffee mug, trying and failing to read his expression. She didn’t know what he was trying to get her to admit. If there was a leak, she was certain Temari would have found it and told her.

The information on Akatsuki was news to her though. If there was a pause in their movements that would reflect on the port in New York. Unless the person pulling the strings here in New York was involved. She would have to check in on Naruto to know for certain.

“I doubt my troubles in the East are connected,” Sakura eventually said with a casual shrug. “I don’t have any products near Egypt. But I suppose anything is possible. I’ll have to delve into the matter later.”

“I would see to it,” Hashirama said. A demand concealed as a suggestion. “I wouldn’t want your store to dry up the moment Akatsuki regroups.”

Sakura simply smiled in response as the waiter returned with her breakfast. She ate just slow enough to not give the appearance that she was rushing while the three of them continued their conversation. She listened as Hashirama spoke of his plans to overthrow Akatsuki’s territory in Newark. The warehouse was still running strong, the port under Akatsuki’s protection.

“Tobirama tells me they haven’t brought in any more product in the last few weeks, likely because of the raids in Egypt,” Hashirama added with a glance in Madara’s direction. “But they are still continuing to expand in the area.”

“In my experience, Akatsuki likes to build relationships with those already in the Underground here. Once they learn how their contacts work and operate, they take him out,” Madara informed them. “They did the same thing in Africa. It is how they grew to power so quickly.”

Sakura considered this silently as she munched on the remains of her toast. With one, large swig, she finished off her coffee before she wiped her hands and mouth on her napkin. “I’ll chat with my informants in the Underground. See if they’ve heard of anyone looking to make connections in New Jersey or New York.”

“Let me know what you find,” Hashirama told her.

Nodding, Sakura recognized her dismissal. She smiled as she pushed herself to her feet. “Enjoy the rest of your meal, gentlemen. Thanks for breakfast.”

Then she turned and made her exit, only too well aware she had left Hashirama with her tab.

With her hands deep in the pockets of her jacket, Sakura made her way down the block. She merged in with the other pedestrians, crossing the street with the herd before they parted ways. Some turning left, others right. A handful into the coffee shop on the corner while she marched on. Ahead of her, a woman with a stroller parted the crowd. Sakura followed her, finding it was easier than trying to push her own way through the morning foot traffic.

At the next street, their paths parted as Sakura took a left. She was only halfway down the block when her phone vibrated in her hand. It was Kakashi. After popping her headphones into her ears, she answered.

“I found him,” Kakashi told her.

It took a moment for his words to sink in. Then all her senses sharpened as anger and hate and revenge began to build in her chest. “Where?”

“Southern New Jersey. He’s laying low but I can take him out. It wouldn’t be hard to hide the body.”

“No,” Sakura said, her mind already moving. Already planning. “He’s mine.”

“What do you want to do?” Kakashi asked.

“I want you to follow him. Don’t let him out of your sights. I’ll get there as soon as I can.”

With her orders given, Sakura hung up the phone. She hurried down the street, back to the garage where she had parked her car. Rage pulsed through her body like a second heartbeat, pumping through her veins and setting her skin on fire. She wanted Kabuto dead. But she would only be satisfied if she was the one to put the bullet through his head.

Sakura’s phone chirped from a notification as she started her car. She pulled the device out of the pocket of her coat, expecting a text from Kakashi with an address. Instead, what she found was an email from Temari. With no subject and one word that made her blood go from boiling hot to icy cold:

Madara.

Sakura barely registered the rest of her email. Temari told her she was still looking into the name and that she would get back to Sakura once she knew more, but Sakura knew there was no point. Because there was only one Madara in the Underground.

Releasing her grasp on the steering wheel, Sakura sat back in her seat, feeling dazed. Like someone had just punched her in the face.

Madara was working for Akatsuki. He was in league with the biggest threat to hit the United States in years. And she had just had breakfast with him.

It all suddenly made sense. How Akatsuki knew what the Senju were going to do next, how Hashirama had so many moles in such a short time period, how Akatsuki had managed to sneak into New York while Izuna was supposedly monitoring the ports.

Her, Ino, Kakashi, Hashirama, Tobirama, Naruto, they were all in danger. Sakura tried to recall everything Madara had said during their conversation. She had to assume that he had been lying when he said Akatsuki had been forced underground in Egypt. Which meant they were likely building up their arsenal. Sakura would have to move quickly if she was going to outsmart him.

Only before Sakura could shift her car into drive, her phone pinged again. This time it was from Kakashi. A single address. Straight to Kabuto’s location.

Closing her eyes, Sakura inhaled and exhaled slowly. When she opened her eyes, her choice was made. She would go for Kabuto and then turn her sights to Madara. Because while Madara was a catastrophic problem that threatened everything she had worked for, Kabuto was personal.

Once he was out of the way, she could lead the CIA right to Madara. And then she could finally turn her sights on her true objective: Hashirama.

to be continued…

[anerdinallherglory]

Approaching Sun (2)

Author's Note: Sorry for the wait! Despite my 19 hours of required classes, a pre-internship, and a part-time job, I intend to keep this story updated as often as I am able. Also, you guys should know that I enjoy the challenge of writing as closely to character as I am able. For those of you want a quick developing romance with unrealistic scenarios, I’m sorry to disappoint you. It will happen, but realistically and through proper plot progression! Can’t wait. As always, let me know what you think! 

(Chapter 1)

*This fic is tightly adapted to the Sasuke Shinden and Sakura Hiden. Please read the novels or refer to the summaries. I'm tired of waiting for their story, so have decided to write it myself. ( _ signifies time lapse, and . . . . signifies transitions between p.o.v.)

Pairing: SasuSaku

Summary: After 2 years, Sasuke returns to the village where friends anxiously await him. Still troubled by the mysteries of Kaguya and his personal guilt, Sasuke is split between friends and his journey. One specific pink-haired individual has perhaps waited for him with far more dedication than anyone else. Troubled by rising casualties and international dependence on her abilities, Sakura is torn between her love for Sasuke and her duty to her village.

Chapter 2: "Setback"

 "I can't believe it. You're finally home."

The Uchiha responded with a small tilt to his lip and if she would have blinked, Sakura would have missed it. However, Sakura was unable to blink as she gazed up at the individual she had gone more than 2 years without seeing or hearing from. He looked terribly warn, her medically trained eyes assessing his form for any signs of physical injuries. Although he appeared unharmed, Sakura could tell that he had been involved in recent battle due to nicks and bruises on his skin, as well as the various tears in his cloak. Even though he seemed taller and his hair was longer, he looked just like the Sasuke she remembered; his hair was even rising up in the back to form his usual spikey Uchiha hair. Except now, his hair covered his left eye-- the eye she knew was the Rinnegan. Something in his look had changed since she'd last seen him. Was that the trace of emotion in his expression?

"Yes," was his audible reply, before he looked back at the guards who kept their gazes fixed on the two of them. He frowned at them and moved away from her, walking through the gates. Sakura felt unsure of whether or not it was okay to follow him, until he slowed and glanced back in her direction as if to ask her if she was coming. It made her heart jump and it took every ounce of her willpower to keep from running up to him and hugging Sasuke out of her excitement. She caught up to him quickly and the two began to walk in the direction of the Hokage's building.

She couldn’t believe that he was finally home and was here, walking beside her. She had practiced this reunion in her minds so many times, but Sakura found herself at a loss for words. After a few seconds of silence, Sakura asked, "Where are you headed?"

He made brief eye contact with her before stating, "I need to report to the Hokage to relay important intel and notify him of my return."

Of course, she thought to herself. Stupid question. After two years of not talking to him, Sakura felt slightly out of practice. Starting to feel slightly insecure and unsure of what to say to him, she glanced down at their feet as they walked. Sakura noticed suddenly how casually they were walking together, like it was something they always did together. Sakura couldn’t help but notice how slowly Sasuke was walking, as if he were actually taking his time so that they could walk together. Maybe it was just wishful thinking on her part.

"You're up early," he stated plainly, glancing up at the brightening sky above them.

Sakura was somewhat shocked at his observation and giggled. "I could say the same about you."

He made no reply so Sakura continued, "I was just working on a healing treatment for the burn victims at the hospital. Not a lot time to waste these days." She raised the small casing of solvent in her hand, forgetting that she had even had it.

Sasuke glanced over at her then, raising an eyebrow. "Burn victims?"

"Yes," she replied. "The exploding humans did a number on a lot of individuals who put their lives at risk trying to stop them." She noted his frown at her words and wondered why he would do so. "Thank you, by the way," she stated briefly.

"For what," he asked, still looking forward as they walked.

"For what you did to help us. For what you did to help them. Without you, we wouldn’t have been able to-" He stopped walking suddenly and turned to her, cutting Sakura short.

"Without me, none of this would have happened." He was looking directly at her, challenging her to contradict him. Her heart began to pound furiously under his direct gaze. Sakura worked up her courage.

"That's a ridiculous statement. If it weren't for you, those two would have walked around with hate in their hearts for the rest of their lives. What you did was a good thing. You helped them." He simply stared at her and Sakura offered him a small smile before continuing to walk. He followed, saying nothing.

They walked in silence for a few minutes, Sakura simply enjoying his company. Despite the rising sun, the village suddenly seemed brighter to Sakura. The colors of the buildings more fantastic in the dim light. Sasuke returning to the Leaf Village made it feel more like home, almost as if she were returning, too.

"Sasuke, there's so much you have missed. So much I want to tell you," she stated, turning to him. Where would she even begin to start?

Sasuke gave her a slight nod, giving her permission. Sakura smiled and began to tell him about all that had transpired in his absence: Naruto and Hinata's wedding and how everyone was at a loss to what to get them for wedding gifts; she even added a grumbled remark about some sort of baking competition between herself and her Yamanaka friend. She even told him about Shikamaru and Temari's engagement and relayed the details of Gaara's 20th birthday celebration.

Sakura noted that two years had certainly not changed his conversation skills. He remained quiet throughout the entire story. He nodded at appropriate intervals and Sakura appreciated the fact that he was trying. The sun was almost completely above the forest line now and Sakura fell silent when they came upon the Administrative Division of the Academy. Sasuke began to open the door before she stopped just outside, not following him in. She hung back, looking to her left, and Sasuke turned to her.

"Forgive me, I have to return to the hospital. My shift starts soon and I'll have a mob of angry patients to deal with if I am late." She gave him a small smile as he stood waiting with the door open. She felt uncomfortable at his blank stare and thought that maybe she should just walk away.

"Ah," he finally stated before releasing the door and turning back to face her.

Placing her arms shyly behind her back, Sakura began to work up her courage. "Listen Sasuke, if you need anything while you're here, you can come to me."

He moved toward her slightly, allowing a small smile to tilt the corner of his mouth. Sakura's heart stopped at his next words.

"Thank you," he said and went inside.

. . . .

Sasuke looked over at the clock on the wall. 7:58. Where was that man? Sasuke had always known Kakashi to be late for everything, including the meetings, missions, and training sessions back when Team 7 were kids, but did not stop to consider this bad habit might carry over to an official role such as Hokage. The Hokage was supposed to be in his office at the crack of dawn, prepared and ready to assign missions and review official paperwork. By the looks of the towering piles of unorganized documents all over the Hokage's desk, Sasuke could see why Kakashi might refuse to show up on time.

Five frustrating minutes later, a very familiar ninja with a ponytail opened the door, yawning. He stopped for a second when he noticed Sasuke, but entered the room anyway and crossed his arms behind his head. "I thought that might be you Sasuke, but seeing you in person is still as surprising as ever." He yawned again.

"Shikamaru," Sasuke acknowledged, "Sometimes I wonder how anything gets done around here with the two of you in charge." Shikamaru let out another yawn, unfazed by the Uchiha's blatant remark.

"Dealing with you is going to be such a drag," he sighed, moving to a smaller desk on the left side of the room, taking a seat at the chair in the corner. He rubbed at his eyes and began to read one of the many papers on his desk.

Sasuke stifled his impatience. "I need to report to the Hokage. Where is he?"

"Relax. I'm certain he will be here sooner or later," Shikamaru replied, gesturing at another chair in the room, "In the meantime, have a seat."

It was at that exact moment, Sasuke sensed the chakra of his previous sensei as the white-haired ninja made his way to his office. He entered in an almost identical process that Shikamaru had, looking tired and uninterested at the work day ahead. Kakashi glanced over at Sasuke and the look on his face said that he had not been expecting to see the Uchiha anytime soon.

"Sasuke. It's been too long," he stated after a few silent seconds, walking over to his former student and placing a hand on the Uchiha's right shoulder. "I didn’t recognize you without the turban. I see you’ve lost the poncho, as well. Such a shame. I thought they suited you."

At the mutual laughter of both Shikamaru and Kakashi, Sasuke sighed. Yes, these two were in charge of the safety of the Leaf Village. They were making his job a whole lot harder.

Taking his hand from his student's shoulder, the 6th Hokage retreated to the chair behind his desk, looking at the stacks of unfinished paperwork. He immediately turned to Sasuke, giving him his undivided attention. Sasuke guessed that it was merely another way of distracting himself from the heavy workload surrounding him on all sides.

"I have important intel to relay to you in regards to what we last spoke about. I request a meeting with you and Naruto."

Kakashi raised an inquisitive eyebrow. "I see. Unfortunately, Naruto is not in the village at this time."

Sasuke frowned at this information. Mentally scanning the village for his loud friend's powerful chakra signature, he found nothing. "When will he back? It is crucial that I meet with the both of you."

Kakashi absently fingered the edges of the nearest pile of papers on his desk, but paused to look up at his former student's question. With Kakashi's silent evaluation of him, Sasuke could only guess what he was thinking. He inwardly winced as he felt Shikamaru's observant glare land on him. He realized what the both of them were thinking. How could he, who had been gone so long and remained absent of his own free will, start asking when his former teammate would come home? Hadn't they all asked the same question about him? He could only picture his friends as they continued to wonder when he would be back for good. Yet, they made no demands of him to return; they all extended him the patience that gave the Uchiha his freedom.

A small sting of guilt made his way to the front of his consciousness, but the Uchiha pushed the feeling away and kept an even stare at the Hokage. After the incident with Kido, and more recently, Chino and Fushin, Sasuke was even more firm in his resolution of absence. He presented a danger to his friends by even being alive. If his enemies still considered him a vagabond, they were less likely to seek him out at Konoha. Even after the Kido incident, when Sakura's life was threatened by a man who wanted the sharingan, Sasuke became even more cautious about returning home. He knew that weaker enemies would go for those close to him; even though he did show up to help, Sakura had already taken care of everything herself. His friends didn’t need his protection from these types of enemies. Stronger enemies would either challenge Sasuke directly, or would either consider him so insignificant, that they would neither seek him or the village out; these enemies, Sasuke would have to find himself. Kaguya was one of them. He also took comfort in the fact that Naruto would be there to protect the village in the chance that an extremely dangerous enemy did show up.

Kakashi's answer snapped the Uchiha out of his increasingly deepening thoughts. "He only left just last night. His mission's length depends on its completion."

Sasuke sighed slightly in his frustration. He wanted to ask where Naruto would be located but he knew Kakashi would tell him the information was classified.

"I see," the Uchiha said, pondering his next move. How long was he willing to wait for Naruto? What if he missed something important by delaying his journey? How much time did he have left? Then again, with Naruto away, was this village safe from any real danger? Who would protect it while Naruto was gone? Sasuke glanced up at the two men before him. Kakashi wasn’t even looking at him anymore, and was instead concealing a familiar little orange book between two sheets of unfinished paperwork, pretending to be working. Shikamaru was leaning his head in his right hand, starting to doze off. Sasuke sighed irritably at the two of them. He supposed he would have to wait until Naruto came home.