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Scene: Ten-ten, Neji, Lee, and Sakura mid-battle in a forest between Suna and Konaha.
The dark forest covered the threat.
As the tree leaves thrashed Sakura tended to Tentens wounds. Lee covered them from the oncoming shurikien. The attacks seemed random, she expected it to continue for the next hour - but as if the enemy read her mind the onslaught stopped.
Lee returned from the frontlines looking worse for wear, Neji by his side was disheveled with dirt and blood.
Neji locked eyes with Sakura, the young woman gave him a sharp nod, noting for him and lee to gather beside her. The three circled Tenten as Sakura worked on bandaging the larger wound.
A presence found its way to the light as the attackers leader came out, he wore dark blue and black. Sakura couldn't see him but the gasp elicited from Lee and a 'tch' from Nejo, she knew who it was. His masculine features framed by dark hair. And the voice...
"...It's been too long, Sakura."
His voice was smooth as a weathered stone, yet sharp, like a snake ready to strike - in it was a toned laced with greed.
At one point in her life she would have ran to that voice, but the voice before was uncaring and angsty. This one was weathered, and more patient.
As Sauske had ignored her other team members, she ignored him.
His face lifted and his bangs were pushed to the side, his sharingan was closed off. But the look in his eyes were still cold and menacing all the same. "Tsk guess there's no warm welcome."
She finally piped up, "You've been missing for months. What could you possibly want from a scouting team?"
He smiled slyly at the pink haired woman, "Scouting?" he scoffed, "You mean telling the Sand village that Itatchi has been spotted in their area."
Green eyes narrowed, "A few other things as well... But yes. Have you seen him?"
The man she thought she knew cackled, then crossed his arms condescendingly. "Of course. Why else would I be here? My plan was to destroy him and that I will."
His eyes looked left then right, signaling his comrades to turn back. "While you go warn your 'allies'" he rolled his eyes at the last word, "I'll be getting rid of the threat."
The sun was covered in a flock of ravens, the man in front of them moved like lightening and ran past them, stopping close enough to Sakura and whisper in her ear, "I'll be back." His tone was one she had never heard come from his mouth, husky?
She tried to not dwell on it. For when the sun came flashing back she looked at her teammates to see what the next best thing would be to do.
The group decided that half return to Konaha and the other half go to the next village. Sasuke wanted to be found, otherwise his presence would have gone unnoticed. He had planned on intercepting them. As to why, no one knew. So they went to warn the rest of the villages near.
Gaara glowered at Sakura. "What do you expect us to do with this information. You're all elite Shinobi and yet couldn't apprehend a measly Uhchiha?"
His frown line turned into a small smile, the sarcasm in his voice was finally understood, and the whole room relaxed.
It took Sakura a moment to realize that he actually did appreciate the troop coming back.
"Go back to Konaha and warn Tsunade. She will have a much more interesting reaction I'm sure..." he smiled into his robe, "Also, tell Naruto I said hello."
Sakura nodded her head and bowed along with the other three as they departed. She was proud that the Sand Kazekage was able to grow out of his adolescent madness, but she still had to wonder at his sense of humor. She could almost compare him to Sai when it came to that.
She smiled inwardly while dashing through the trees. The other three team members along side her were apprehensive about the current mission, but also very excited. It had been awhile since something interesting such as this had happened.
After a few more hours the group was able to make it in between the lands of Konaha and Suna. Neji had the idea of resting once they reached a landmark and all three of them agreed that it was a good idea. Setting up camp was easy, and since there were much more lush areas than before Lee was able to find rabbits for a meal, then Ten-Ten prepped the fire and cooked, while Neji surveyed the area.
Sakura tasked herself the chore of cleaning the Kunai, gear, and other items tainted by who knows what.
Down by a small creak the pink haired woman knelt, using a rag to wipe the gunk off of the sharp weapons. After she finished cleaning them, Ten-Ten had given her some poison to coat most of her weaponry. Of which Sakura was glad too do.
Ten minutes had passed by the creek when a dark bird had fluttered next to her. The bird looked familiar.... Sakura stopped what she was doing and looked at the shimmering black bird, it had hues of green and blue to it.
She would've compared it to the ravens she saw the day before, but this one was much more elegant. Almost too pretty to exist in the area they decided to rest. Either way, the bird was gorgeous and she couldn't help but stop what she was doing in hopes it might come closer.
The birds beady eyes were pointed towards her, as if dissecting whether she was friend or foe. Its neckline creased as it tilted its head.
"Caa-Caaw" the bird crowed then hopped closer to the pink haired ninja. She lifted a finger to see if it might perch, instead of hopping towards her hand the wild bird puffed into a cloud of smoke.
Sakuras eyes widened.
She must've been to pre-occupied to realize she had a visitor...
A visitor who had an affinity for dark colored birds, and a new interest in pink haired ninjas.
Itatchi watched through the birds eyes. It sat on a tree watching her facial features change with each thought she had. Her name is Sakura Haruno and was trained by the great Tsunade herself. Part of team 7, his younger brothers team...
To watch an adept ninja do something so mundane was interesting. He was tired of running. From his brother, the Akatski, and every other ninja that knew he went AWOL.
They either wanted him dead or to recruit him. All the dark haired ninja wanted to do was be alone and in peace.
He scratched his chin while watching Sakura; purple was smeared on each sharp weapon with her skilled fingers. It seemed like they were poisoning them for a possible upcoming battle. He smiled while leaning against the back of the tree he was on. They might be prepared for an attack, but what if it was something a little more interesting?
Lee watched Sakura from several yards away.
Although they were no longer children, he still held the same affections from then now. This time though he had to hide it. At least until she was ready.
He had taken her out a few times. Not a date, just as friends. But, he always felt she was so distant. Drawn into her mind as if something bothered her constantly, he could never get it out of her though. Every time he tried she would smile brightly and act as if that sorrow never flashed across her face.
He left the trees and went back to the camp. If he kept watching her he would want to talk to her, and he knew that she would want this time alone. I mean, her previous crush and friend had just showed up out of nowhere acting as if nothing had happened between them.
As Lee walked away Sakura shivered, she thought Lee had been the visitor - but she was wrong.
The eyes from the bird, gone now, had moved a few meters behind her. She held still, waiting to see if they would approach, or leave.
The wind had blown her hair to the side, sending her scent down wind - but at the same time sending another scent away as well. This hid the identity and whereabouts of the intruder, and it made her calm demeanor turn to one of irritation.
A creek could be heard above her somewhere. Her green eyes flashed upwards, locking on a dark pair a few feet from her. She jumped up immediately.
He was taller than the one she was familiar with. His face more emotional, equally as cocky, but more honest - mature? It read that he was seeking more from her than her life. His eyes followed her movement but he didn't move from his spot when she stepped several feet back. And while her eyes locked on his feet to avoid a fearsome gaze, her stance stood of someone who would be aware of any movement made.
"What do you want?" her voice was filled with something other than fear, Itatchi did not expect this. He let his eyes rove over her form, assessing what her next move would might be - and her tan and toned frame, while she was small, she held strong womanly attributes that would be hard to miss.
He needed some humor in his life and messing with this kuinochis head seemed like a good way to do it.
Sakura was well aware of Itatchis cooperation with her home village.
In fact, she learned a little too much about him one night when her shishou was intoxicated.
'I swear if Itatchi was into blondes- *Hic* I would show him.."
"Shishou!" Sakura yelled. The bar was smokey and filled with people, but the last thing she wanted to hear was how horny Tsunade was for the Uhciha eldest.
"I'm just saaaayyying" she whispered with a drunken giggle, "When you meet him, you'll understand."
Her sensei, and now her friend looked out in the distance to a handsome young brunette man, who was in for it if he went home with her. Probably about to be dragged back and kinked beyond belief with her sensei.
Itatchi chuckled at Sakuras facial expression, he began with a cool and vague voice, "I'm merely hiding from the same thing you are."
Sakuras brows rose, "Aging?" To her he seemed to look young and healthy, which was odd since this mystery man had been through much.
Itatchi took a few steps forward, "You have a good sense of humor for a kunochi."
She blushed before she felt irate at the, 'kunochi' part. One thing she wasn't well known for was her sense of humor, so the fact he mentioned it made her feel... different.
"You have to be light hearted in times like this." Sakura replied, waving her hand in the air as if to change the subject.
Itatchi plucked at non-existent lint from his robe, "Konaha is doing well, what could you possibly mean by that?"
Sakura dared to look up at his face. What was he getting at? Itatchi held a non-nonchalant look, one much different from his younger brother.
"I uhm. Just saying a-" Sakura was cut off by a kunai that whizzed past her head.
He frowned.Turning his head to the side, he commented to someone Sakura couldn't see, "That's no way to treat a team-mate."
Ten-Ten moved away from the trunk she was hiding behind, "Sorry Sakura, are you okay?" her eyes went from Sakuras, then narrowed them at Itatchi, "what does the other Uchiha want with us now?"
Ten-Ten was also aware of the situation with Itatchi and Konaho. It was the only reason she dared miss by a hair. Enough to get the attention, not enough to injure.
Sakuras eyes pleaded with Ten-Ten to not mention Sasukes name, but she had already let the cat out of the bag. Now the troop will have to deal with family drama that could cause mass havoc.
Itatchi practically floated towards the young brunette, "Pray tell. Was he much trouble?"
The brunettes eyes flashed back to Sakuras, as if hoping for an answer, because she was unsure how to read the room and if any trouble was about to ensue.
"He is looking for you, obviously" Sakura said with a sigh, "I thought the Uchiha clan was smarter than the rest of Konaha" she teased, hinting that they were too easy to find.
Itatchis brows furrowed, "We are. I just wanted to see why my brother would stop his madness just to say hello to you" crossing his arms he turned back to Sakura, "you didn't believe you met him on accident, right?"
-ouch-
The pinkete sniffed, then walked towards Ten-Ten, "Itatchi isn't a threat, only annoying" she said with a light touch on her shoulder. The brunette relaxed immediately, Ten-Ten looked cautiously at the missing nin, it was an unusual encounter to say the least.
His face was complete stone again, "Tell Tsunade I send her my regards when you get back."
Both kunochi opened their mouth to reply, but he was already gone.
"Sakura..." Ten-Ten said with worry in her voice, "Is there something we don't know? Or rather, should know?"
The other woman sighed, "I don't know. Probably. Whether or not we will find out why Itatchi is being so.... Unlike what we were told to expect, is beyond my reasoning."
When they arrived back at camp Sakura made sure to tend to Ten-Tens wounds once more before they headed back out, they would have to leave now rather in the morning. This was something that couldn't wait an extra night.
"So he was here?" Neji said, concern in his voice as he looked at Ten-Ten, "I thought the surroundings felt different."
Leaning against a tree, Lee spoke up to give his two cents, "I agree this is off putting, one brother was enough to get the ball rolling. Now there is obviously a threat, if not a threat, something we should be aware about."
The the sweet natured Ten-ten shifted spots and gave a light chuckle, "Agreed. I get this feeling if there isn't blood shed, someone is going to go missing."
All three raised their eyebrows at her, Sakura was the one to ask, "what's so funny about it?"
"Well..." Ten-Ten sighed, "You have to make the best in these sort of times." She then winked as Sakura, who blushed furiously at the reference. Apparently she had listened in on the conversation than Sakura would have liked.
Neji and Lee looked at each other confused.
"Uhm... Is there-"
"No." Sakura cut off Lee, "There isn't. Once Ten-Hut here can jog I say we head out."
Neji snickered at the comment towards his girlfriend.
Lee sighed, aware that there was something to be said, 'Girls' he thought, 'they cause more trouble now then they did in our youth.'
Ten-Ten stretched while the rest packed up whatever was left, which wasn't much.
Silence overcame the group.
Sakura decided she wanted to get out again, just to avoid any potential conversation.
"I'm going to scout ahead and check it out."
Lee piped up, "I'll come with!"
"...No it's okay."
The brunette kunochi rose from the ground, "Actually, that would be a good idea, I'm about ready to go, so Neji and I can catch up in a bit."
Sakura didn't dare give her eye contact, since she was on the spot, later she would definitely give her a mouthful.
"Fine." Sakura said, "Let's go Lee, but let's move fast. We are only seven hours away and I'd like to make it there in five."
The other three were used to her biting comments, but now it seemed Sakura came out a bit spiteful.
Lee and Sakura took off, both inside their own head with separate worries.
Sakura was concerned about Itatchi and Saskue, what would happen to the village? Was Tsunade's life at stake? and when will Naruto be back? These questions wracked her brain with endless anxiety.
The Yellow haired ninja was off on a escapade. And ever since life had calmed down, Ninjas business went downward, they began to help with other crisis than crime. Instead they would help build buildings and help places where devastation stuck.
So Naruto was off living his life, while here Sakura was stuck and constantly concerned about everything around her - even her best friend.
Lee on the other hand was wondering about Sakura, her depression had gotten worse. Perhaps it was because the Hospital wasn't as busy and she had not much else to do. Her passion seemed to have waned over the past few months, she almost looked as if she was ready to do something else with her life.
He understood how free time can play tricks on the mind, that anxiety and flashbacks came unannounced. There were support groups for that, and even then he desperately wanted to be there for her. To be closer and better friends - if he could just talk to her...
But, that luxury died when he had proposed a vacation with his team and with a few others. He assumed since Sakura spent most of her time with him meant that she was finally coming around to him, more than just friends. He was mistaken. Ever since then he was the last person she wanted to spend time with, it was due to the fact they never talked about what happened.
Silence filled the run, it wasn't a good silence. It was forced. She ignored his presence, and Lee was too concerned to bring up any conversation.
-BAM-
A branch hit Lee right in the face.
"Fuck" he cried, coming to a halt. He had half expected Sakura to keep moving. Instead she leaped over to him and lifted his hand away from his whipped face.
He backed away from her touch, "It's fine Sakura."
She frowned, her eyes studying him.
"...Sakura?"
Her gaze changed, she had a light smile across her face.
"I'm sorry Lee" she said with a sigh.
"For what?" he asked, hoping to get the answer he was hoping for.
"You know what I'm talking about" she said frustrated, "I haven't been treating you like a teammate or a friend."
Lee shrugged, "yeah. I just didn't want to cause conflict and address that."
The kunochi sighed and sat on the branch, "Lets wait for the other two." Patting the thick branch to her left she gestured for him to sit.
"I need someone to talk to, and it seems my pride won't let me."
Instead of sitting next to her, he leaned against the trunk. "Yeah..." Lee replied, unsure of what to say next.
Swinging her legs over Sakura looked him over once more, "It took you saying 'Fuck' for me to realize that." she laughed, "I always pictured you so serious, and caring, so hearing you curse brought me out of my thoughts, you should curse more often."
"Yeah right, the second Guy hears me, I'll be doing push-ups for weeks."
Several tree branches could be heard rustling behind them, Sakura was glad Ten-Ten and Neji made themselves known.
"Hey guys, you look well rested" the arriving woman joked.
"Only 'cause we were waiting for you slow-pokes." Lee retorted.
Neji sighed and picked a few leaves from his hair. "We have five more hours and I want a hot shower, I'm no longer the sprung ninja I was a few years ago."
The other three laughed, Neji had reached his 23rd birthday just last month, but they all understood what he meant. Being a Ninja was worth it, but a complete chore. After a few comments about Neji and Ten-Tens sex life, the group decided to finally head home. Unbeknownst to the four about a figure who had tailed them for the past 7 hours.
The pair of obsidian eyes watched them leave.
"... When has Konaha gotten so soft?" the stranger whispered, eyes directed on the flowing pinkete's hair.