Gerimis

It was almost two hours before Maito Gai came and fetch Sasuke. The bowl haired man grinned guiltily but Sasuke just nodded and said his goodbyes to Fu and Killer B before they exited the Jinchuuriki’s living quarter. Just as Sasuke was about to leave the door, he heard his name being called.

“Hey Uchiha, I looked at your hands and I saw you nimble. Accept this gift of friendship but you have to wear a thimble, cause if handled incorrectly it will hurt your pretty fingers skin and oh, send my regards to your older kin.”

Sasuke paused, the only other kin he was related genetically was Itachi. He had two other distantly linked fellow CHUNIN named Shisui and Izumi, who were currently overseas working with the Suna army to develop their own CHUUNIN army. The one Killer B probably met was Itachi. Mikoto and Fugaku Uchiha were also away on a mission.

Killer B then reached for his back and then flung a black object at Sasuke which the CHUUNIN deftly caught. Sasuke glanced at the object in his hand, it was black and was covered in a leather like sheath. He smiled when he realized what it was.

The Jinchuuriki waved his hand and replied, “Yes, that one. I know you look a lot like him and when Gai mentioned your name I thought I’d check you out.”

“Isn’t that like the one Itachi has?” Gai asked Killer B.

“Wow, it’s a katana,” Fu said as she came forward and checked the weapon closely. Sasuke held it up to his chest level so Fu could take it.

“Ah, I’m fine looking at it from here. What a pretty little thing,” Fu said to Sasuke.

“It’s something I picked on my way here and I gave one to Itachi, that’s one is yours. They came in a pair,” Killer B wrapped his arms around his chest and nodded proudly at Sasuke.

Sasuke looked at the katana and then at Gai-sensei, asking for permission. Gai smiled and raised his thumb.

“Surely you can keep it. This has clearance since it’s already here. Nothing gets in here without Danzo’s approval..”

Sasuke nodded and then smiled at Killer B. “Thank you, Killer B-san.”

Killer B smiled and waved a peace sign. They all nodded and Sasuke and Gai exited the Jinchuuriki bright homely quarter and back to the CHUUNIN military gloom habitat.

As they reached the CHUUNIN quarter, Maito Gai spoke, “I hope your visit to the Jinchuuriki place will help you in this mission. She will face a lot of confusion and conflict and a familiar face will help her transition. Are you clear with this?”

“Yes, I am very clear. What is our next plan?” Sasuke asked. He rarely questioned his superiors but with Maito Gai it was a different story, the green clad man was easily distracted and might only reveal Sasuke’s mission an hour before they depart. As pervert as Kakashi-sensei was, he was better at preparing his troops compared to Maito Gai.

“Ah, thank you for asking, We will depart at 1800 the time which Naruko finishes her work. Wear civilian clothing and meet up with me and Kakashi at the parking.”

Sasuke nodded and bowed to Maito before he left for his room.

He was about to leave the CHUUNIN quarters for the parking, when he met Sakura and Karin in the walkway separating the male and female rooms. Sakura was wearing a laboratory coat while Karin was wearing a battle outfit which consists of a fitted red long sleeved top, black tight pants and boots.

“Hey Sasuke, going on a mission?” Karin called out to him.

Sakura gritted her teeth, she hoped that Karin would not ask Sasuke about the things she had mentioned to Sakura the other day. She saw that Sasuke was wearing civilian clothing but she hadn’t heard about him being partnered with anyone the past few days.

“You look good,” Karin said as she checked Sasuke, from his ebony hair to his khaki sneakers.

Sasuke smirked and looked from Karin to Sasuke. “Yes, I am on a mission.”

“Mmm, you look deli….” Karin was pushed aside by Sakura and she quickly took over the conversation, “When are you getting back?”

“Hey,” Karin shrieked.

Sakura shoved Karin further behind ignoring the pinkette. Karin and her stupid questions, Sakura sighed inside. She wasn’t about to let Karin talk her mouth off to Sasuke. She did agree with Karin that Sasuke looked very delicious in his grey hoodie and black jeans. He was also holding a jacket in his hands.

“I’ll be back by tonight. How was lab work?” Sasuke replied.

“Work was fine. I learned a couple of new things. Why don’t you join us for dinner?” Sakura invited. She still however had to stay mum about the Bijuu Chakra she had been monitoring, a news which was a secret until the Jinchuuriki arrive.

“Don’t just ask about Sakura, handsome boy. I learned how to wield a katana today, maybe you can teach me when you are free. I heard from Sai that you have reached Level 3 in Katana Art. For real Sasuke, just in two months, awesome?” Karin interfered even though she was standing behind Sakura.

“I have to decline that invitation, since I am having dinner with Gai-sensei later. By the way Karin, I am not free right now. Maybe at the start of next year when this mission is completed,” Sasuke said matter of fact at Karin. Truth was he was going to be occupied with Naruko until at least she was turned into a Jinchuuriki.

Karin laughed and came forward placing a hand on Sakura’s shoulder, “You could only make time for Sakura but never for me. Never mind I’ll ask Suigetsu to teach me later. He had this awesome new sword which could hack chakra into pieces, maybe better than the katana at the Weapon Room.”

“Hnn,” Sasuke decided not to entertain Karin. All his loaned weapon from the Weaponry Department were superb. That reminded him off Killer B’s gift which he hadn't managed to unsheath.

Karin chuckled and grinned. “Oh, so when Itachi told me about your katana, he must have referred to the one he was gifting you. I thought you already knew about it.”

Sakura flicked Karin’s hand off her shoulder and said sternly, “you are so nosy. I think we should head to the dining hall now. I'm starving.”

Karin jeered at Sakura and waved goodbye at Sasuke, “Well as much as I hate to cut this conversation short, I am definitely starving. Don’t forget to appear surprised when you receive it ok Sasu-kun.” She flipped her hair and headed towards the cafeteria direction while saying, “I’ll see you at the cafe. You two might want to have some private moment right.”

“Whatever Karin, get your ass off here,” Sakura jibed and laughed.

They watched as Karin slinked away like a cat. Sakura let out a huff and was about to say goodbye to Sasuke when the boy said, “I hope you enjoy doing labworks.”

Sakura smiled and looked at her watch, “I better get going before lunch hour finishes. I hope that you will accomplish your mission successfully.”

“Thanks… Sakura.”

Sakura smiled and left Sasuke. The boy watched as Sakura’s backside disappeared into a corner which led into the cafeteria before he continued to his meeting point.

Just as Sakura entered the cafe, Karin jumped from her table and grabbed her shoulders. She looked behind Sakura for any sign of a dark haired man. “Ah, handsome boy stuck to his words, really too busy to join us these days.”

Sakura should have known by now that Karin was going to hammer the fact that Sasuke and her were on different planets now. She was well aware that Karin being the nosiest of all her CHUUNIN peers was adept at taunting, but she was a good friend and potentially a good medic with her chakra abilities.

So Sakura sighed and said, “Everyone here are for a purpose Karin, so drop it.”

Karin pouted, “Don’t be angry Sakura-chan. Ok, I will stop harassing you about Sasuke. But I do love the idea of you and him, black goes really well with pink you know.”

Sakura would be lying to herself that she had not been thinking about having some kind of relationship with Sasuke, like Neji and Tenten, and Kiba and Hinata. But she was having the time of her life with her career, her exploration in chakra studies had just started. Her training as a medic CHUUNIN was entering the next phase which involves intrusive methods, she could now perform minor surgery instead of just using chakra to heal pain and stop bleeding. Romance was the last thing she wanted to entertain.

Karin leaned into Sakura and  handing Sakura a plate, “I was just thinking that you and Sasuke had been in the same team as Sai for three years. Like, aren’t you two more than friends?”

Sakura sighed and began putting pasta and some vegetables on her plate. She really did not want to discuss her non existent love life in front of her fellow CHUUNIN, “I don’t have to answer that. Just let me eat in peace Karin, or I’ll tell…” she lowered her voice and closed the gap between her and Karin, “or I will tell Suigetsu that you keep a topless photo of him from our time at the waterfall.”

Karin shrieked, “How the hell did you have that information?”

Sakura smiled and headed to end of the table to get meat for her plate. “I have my ways…”

“Ok, ok. I will stop taunting you if you promise to tell me to never spill that to Suigetsu!”

“Agreed,” Sakura said as she placed three pieces of meat on her table.

Karin sighed and picked a piece of fries with her fingers just as Chouji entered the dining hall. “Oi Karin, use the food picker, they are there for a reason.”

“Okay, ok Chef-san, I’ll behave,” Karin said while mischievously grabbed for the picker.

Sasuke was surprised to see Kakashi inside the black Mustang which just rolled into the entrance of the car park. Usually they would use their unmarked cars or SUVs should the mission be in Konoha.

“Come in, Ino said she’s already on her way home now,” Kakashi notified. He was dressed in a stylish jacket with sunglasses on his head.

Maito Gai arrived and addressed his fellow Jounin, “Ah Kakashi, haven’t seen you in awhile. Sunglasses at night? And what a cool youthful car you have.”

“Ah this? You want to have a taste Gai?”

“Of course my dear friend.”

Kakashi got out from the driver’s seat and said, “The wheel’s all yours Gai. Have you gotten your license yet Sasuke-kun?”

Sasuke nodded and crossed his hands over his chest as Gai happily jumped into the driver’s seat.

“Get in the back Sasuke.”

The ride was almost an hour and they arrived at the front of Naruko’s flat at 1905. Sasuke exited the car and looked at Naruko’s window. Kakashi walked past him and placed a hand on his shoulder, “Come let’s go.”

“All the best my dear fellow soldiers,” Gai said while he waited in the car.

Sasuke led the way to Naruko’s walk up flat. He was sure Naruko would faint from them coming to her house like this. Arriving at her door, Sasuke knocked. A minute passed before he heard movements behind the door. Someone was definitely looking at them from the peephole. A few seconds later, the door opened and Naruko smiled at him.

“Ah, of all people it's you. Did you miss me?”

“Hi Naru!” Kakashi appeared from the side.

“Ah boss, what are you doing here?” Naruto exclaimed. “This smells fishy, my boss and Sasuke appearing together before my doorstep. Come in anyway before my nosy neighbour joins in.”

After closing the door behind her, Kakashi addressed her, “I think you need to sit down first. We are here for you but let me explain things first.”

Naruko sat down but frowned confusingly, “Is this about the life changing thing you told me about this morning Kakashi-senpai? I am beginning to suspect a few things. Is this about CHUUNIN?”

Sasuke sat beside her and said, “Yes, you are absolutely right. Can you join us today because we really need you.”

Naruko crept a few inches away and commented on Sasuke’s sudden act around her. “I am still employed at Kaka-san’s cinema. I can’t just leave right?.” She looked at Kakashi.

Kakashi walked a few steps towards Naruko and then paused. “As your boss I am accepting your resignation without a letter.”

Naruko stood in surprise, “Is that ok? What would Konan said. Aren’t we understaffed this week?”

Kakashi sighed and said, “We at CHUUNIN need you now Naruko. You will have to leave your work at the cinema from today onwards and we will explain more when we arrive at CHUUNIN.”

“Is CHUUNIN and your cinema related?” Naruko asked as she looked suspiciously at Kakashi.

“I am the owner of the cinema, but I am also a JOUNIN of CHUUNIN - an academy for gifted teenager. The cinema is my family’s but CHUUNIN is government owned. It’s a military school if you ask me. We need you, because this is something only you can do.”

Naruko left the couch and stepped away from Sasuke and Kakashi. “I really can’t decide right now. What if I hated this CHUUNIN? What would they do to me if I refuse?”

“No one will harm you,” Sasuke said.

“What if I don’t want to come voluntarily?” Naruko said as she stared at Kakashi.

“Well, we would have to kidnap you and send you there. After that we will explain to you what this is all about?” Kakashi answered.

“You really can’t tell me now?” Naruko asked.

“No, we can’t unfortunately.”

Naruko sighed and sat down on the sofa again. She thought about her present life, truth is there aren’t really anything in it for her if she were to continue living like this. Then the ultimate question struck her, Would Iruka be ok?

“What about Iruka.”

Kakashi took out his phone and dialled Iruka’s number. When Iruka picked up he said, “It’s time.”

He then passed to Naruko who took it. Naruko ran into her room with the phone and whispered, “Iruka, Kakashi and Sasuke, err his friend are currently in our house, asking me that I need to go to CHUUNIN now. I don’t know what to do.”

“Ah Naruko, they came at last. I’m glad. Just go with Kakashi and they will explain when you get there. I am sorry that we have to keep it a secret all this while, but I can’t tell you anything.”

“What if they are keeping me in a cell with only bread and rainwater for survival?”

Iruka laughed and then sighed, “CHUUNIN is not that cruel Naruko. Just follow them and all will be explained.”

“I still have my reservations Iruka,” Naruko said. She looked from Sasuke to Kakashi suspiciously.

“They are not hurting you right?” Iruka asked.

“No, they have been… kind towards me.”

Iruka smiled and told Naruko, “Just follow them and do as they told you to. This is your destiny. I am really sorry to have kept this from you, but I promise you that nothing bad will happen to you.”

Naruko remained silent for a minute before responding, “If you say so Iruka…. Will you come and visit me there?”

“I will when they let me,” Iruka said. He too was silent.

“Well then, bye I think. I need to pack. What about your house?”

“Don’t worry, just take care of yourself and do what Kakashi asks you to do.”

“Ok, bye Iruka. Call me when you can.”

Naruko reluctantly gave the phone back to Kakashi and looked at the two guys in her living room. “I need to pack I think.”

“Sure, but bring only a few clothings. We will pack your other stuff for you. Everything you own will be brought along there.”

Sasuke walked towards Naruko and held her hand, “Do you trust me?”

Naruko felt comforted by Sasuke’s action, she really needed someone she can trust right now.

“Ino and Sai will be there too. I won’t keep things from you but we need to move now. All explanation will be provided at CHUUNIN.” Sasuke said.

She almost felt like being kidnapped, but Kakashi and Sasuke wasn’t restraining her nor were she bundled into the car. She had walked herself from her flat to the car. They led her to a black sleek car and a man in green military jacket and green jeans was sitting on the front of the car. As she approached the car the man exclaimed excitedly, “Is this her? She is so adorable. She would fit right in with us.”

Naruko was about to answer him when he suddenly hugged her tightly until she couldn’t breathe.

“I, I, ….” and she wheezed in the muscled men’s grip.

“Er Gai, I think you are overdoing the greeting,” Kakashi stepped in and separated the two.

“Naruko, let’s get in the car with Sasuke at the back. Gai, you can drive us home.”

Naruko followed Sasuke who opened the door for her and she stepped inside the car. It was a really beautiful car and she couldn’t help but ask, “Whose car is this?”

“Mine,” Kakashi said as he winked at her and slipped into the front passenger seat.

She got into the car and followed by Sasuke. As soon as everyone got in, Gai announced, “Well, let’s go,”

Naruko was still feeling surreal with the thing happening to her so she sat as far apart from Sasuke as she could. Sasuke just let her be herself for a moment. He looked outside his window and smiled. Within ten minutes as they drove into the highway, Naruko felt so sleepy and kept nodding off a few times. Kakashi who had noticed just casually commented.

“Just go to sleep Naruko, it’s ok.”

Naruko felt Kakashi’s voice beckoning her to sleep, so she leaned on the door and shut her eyes. In a few minutes she was sleeping.

“Is she out already?” Kakashi asked Sasuke. The teen waved a hand in front of her closed eyes and there was no response.

“Yes, Kaka-sensei.”

“Good. Wake her up when we arrive.” Kakashi then yawned and pulled down his sunglasses and told Gai, “On to CHUUNIN. Subject is secured.”

Gai smiled and his teeth twinkled under the street lights as he increased the speed and took a turn exiting the highway and towards their destination. Sasuke pulled Naruko from her uncomfortable leaning position and let her lean on him instead. He looked at her and realized that she was really going to be needing him in CHUUNIN, until she could accept her destiny. He knew it would be hard for her, and he hoped that she would be able to endure it.

Naruko opened her sleepy eyes and found herself lying in Sasuke’s lap. She quickly got off and leaned away, stretched out her hands and yawned. Trying to act like she had not just laid on someone’s she had been thinking about.

“Still sleepy?” Kakashi asked.

She realized that they were still in the car and had arrived inside an internal car park full of SUVS and black vehicles. She saw Sasuke waking up and hoped that he had no memory of her just now being on his lap.

“Come, let’s go to your room so you can rest,” Kakashi said. They exited the car, the sense of being somewhere mysterious overwhelmed her and the embarrassment of being unconscious on someone’s lap was soon forgotten.

“Naruko followed the three guys out of the car park and into the grey corridors. She was slightly panicking as the pathway felt almost like a sci fi place for her. They headed into a station where a few golf cart like transportation were parked. Kakashi got into the driver side while Gai sat beside him, Sasuke gestured to Naruko to climb in first before he sat down beside her.

The halls were dim as Kakashi drove them about a kilometre through a maze of tunnels. They arrived in front of an entrance and a blonde girl much taller than Naruko. She smiled as she saw them.

Smirking, the other blonde girl watched as the quartet disembarked from the topless vehicle and gathered around her. She was wearing a white tank top, arm guards on her wrists and military boots. Naruko suddenly felt timid when facing such a strong looking woman. Then she noticed the fan necklace she wore around her neck.

“My name is Temari, and you are?” the other girl asked her.

“Naruko.”

“Ah, nice name. You will be friends with my younger brother later. Anyway, welcome to CHUUNIN. I will escort you to the CHUUNIN quarters now.”

Kakashi smiled and nodded at Temari, “Thank you Temari, we will meet you tomorrow. NAruko your new room will be ready tomorrow, but today you will stay with Temari as her brother is on a mission this week.”

Naruko was rendered speechless. Temari had been friendly, she hoped the others were. They all entered the elevator behind the entrance, but Naruko, Temari and Sasuke got out first.

“Where are you going kakashi?” Naruko asked.

“I’ll be around here. We will meet you tomorrow. Have dinner first and mingle around.”

“Ok.” Naruko watched a little nervous as Kakashi stayed in the lift with a smiling Gai and the elevator closed behind him.

“Let’s get you filled with food first Naruko, Sasuke are you joining us?”

“I’m already full but I’ll join in anyway.”

“Ok, I’ll send a message to Chouji to prepare a meal for you seeing that it is way past dinner time and the food would be finished already.

“Are you ok with fish and chips, Naruko-chan?”

“Ah Temari-san, I don’t mind anything. You can call me Naru, Temari.”

“Ah, that’s nice to know, ok Naru-chan.”

They had dinner, only the three of them in the cafeteria fit for fifty.

She was promised information about why she was suddenly hauled into CHUUNIN without warning. Deep down inside she knew it would turn out ok, seeing Temari and Sasuke as new friends made it all better. The knowledge that Kakashi was somewhere here for her also helped her to quell any paranoia she had towards CHUUNIN.

Naruko looked at her hands and her limbs, Temari had a good looking and tough appearance compared to her. She wondered if she would undergo training and be tough like Temari one day.

First thing morning, 8 am Naruko was seated in a meeting room with Sasuke on her side. Temari came in a few minutes later and sat on Naruko’s other side. A few moments later Kakashi in his JOUNIN uniform arrived with Gai-sensei.

Kakashi did not sit down as he looked at Naruko. “Are you ready for what we are going to tell you Naruko?”

“Yes Kakashi.” In her chest, her heart was pounding heavily. Naruko was afraid but she told herself there must be something important behind all of this.

“Your parents are here.”

Naruko stiffened, Sasuke quickly held her hands and placed another hand on her shoulder.

“Where are they? Why are you telling me this now.”

“They aren’t alive or dead and only you can revive them. But the process will be painful.”

Naruko let the confusing facts sink in. She had long abandoned the notion that her parents were alive because no one said they were around. She had often imagined that they would come and get her, and they all live like a normal family. But she had forced herself to realize that life is not always normal. Naruko let go of Sasuke’s hand.

“What do you mean that they are not dead or alive?”

“They are currently in suspended animation.”

“Can I see them?”

“I am afraid you have to do something before we let you meet them.”

Naruko was not easily intimidated. She realized she was being rushed.

“Tell me about my family first before I agree on anything. This is my price for being here and being subjected to whatever you intend to do after this.”

Naruko looked at the room, she realized that this was not normal. Maybe Sasuke wasn’t what he said he was, but her parents are here. Her instincts told her that it would be ok.

“Ok,” Kakashi asked as he pulled down his mask and revealed his other eye with three swirling red dots in it.

Naruko jumped off her seat and pulled Kakashi’s shirt down. She peered into her ex-boss’s eye and said, “I’ve seen that before. What the hell is going on Kakashi?”