Welcome to Gaia! ::

Chapter 8 – Promises

He had lied to her. He didn’t know why though, but perhaps it was the realization that Sakura had a lot of burden on her already that adding another story that would shock her was definitely out of the question. He walked a little ways behind her, watching as she led the way down the dark pathway covered in dirt and mud. Even from the back, he could see Sakura’s determination. She reminded him of a little bit of himself, when he was very young. A long time ago, he would always find ways to distract himself from the pain he was feeling knowing that Jounichi and Chiharu were finally getting married.

They had already walked two hours and it was beginning to get dark by the time they reached the northern part of the mountain. It was through the mountains that they would be able to reach the next village in a short time.

“Kiyoshi-san…” Sakura called, without turning around to look at him.

The older man looked up from his thoughts. “Yes?”

“What was my mother like when she was my age?”

Kiyoshi thought for a moment, before answering. “Well, a lot like you, actually. She was strong, confident and determined. No matter how many times she’s been hurt, she would help herself up and continue on with her journey. The only time she ever asked for help was whenever her burden weighed her down too much.” Maybe it was something she would like to hear, but Chiharu would never allow such a lie for her daughter to reach her ears…maybe just this once…maybe it was for the good…

“I’m pregnant…”

Kiyoshi blinked. Where had THAT come from?

“Kiyoshi-san? Is something wrong?” Sakura had stopped walking and was staring at Kiyoshi curiously. When she didn’t hear his footsteps, she began to worry and decided to stop and wonder what had happened.

The older man glanced at her. “I’m sorry, did you say something?”

The pink haired girl just stared at him for a few seconds before saying, “Yes, I asked whether there were times that her burden was too much for her that she would fall on her knees and cry? Was she…” She looked away, ashamed at what she was going to ask next. “Was she weak like me?”

Kiyoshi frowned and walked up to her. He placed a hand on her shoulder and smiled at her reassuringly. “You are not weak, Sakura. You are strong in your own way. Please do not be burdened with the thought of yourself being weak.”

Sakura looked up and stared into his eyes. There was something familiar about him, but she couldn’t quite put it on how. “Thank you, Kiyoshi-san.”

Kiyoshi nodded. “You are most welcome. Your mother would hate to see you feeling weak like this. I am quite positive in believing that your mother would blame me for you thinking that way.” He laughed and walked passed her. “Come, we must make camp before it gets darker.”

Sakura followed the older man silently down the end of the pathway and into a steep hill where a cave was situated just a little bit below the hill. Kiyoshi walked inside casually, as if he has been here several times and kneeled down to set up his sleeping bag. “We will camp here for the night. It would be best to have our energy in the morning,” Kiyoshi said. He spread out his sleeping bag in front of him and slipped inside. He set up his backpack filled with rations to make into a pillow and laid down. Sakura did the same and quickly, the fatigue that has been slowly creeping inside her, finally consumed her and she fell hastily into a deep slumber.

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

“I’m pregnant...” She looked into his eyes. “What have I done?” Tears fell swiftly down her cheeks. “I…I don’t know how to tell him!”

It took him a while to register the information of her pregnancy in his head before he reached over and placed a hand on her cheek and caressed it gently. “What are you talking about? You tell him that you’re pregnant. He would be delighted with it!”

She sighed and shook her head. “No he won’t…I know he doesn’t love me the way you…” she stopped and stared into his eyes the moment she said those words. He was shocked at such words coming from her that he dropped his hand and stopped caressing her cheek tenderly.

“What are you talking about? Of COURSE he loves you the way I do…we both love you.”

She looked away. “I don’t see it. We’ve been married for a year and yet, he still hasn’t said the words I wanted to hear.”

He smiled and placed a hand on her shoulder. “It’ll take time. This child will bring you two closer together! I KNOW it!”

“No it won’t…” She looked back into his eyes and this time, it looked as though she was going to say something else, but instead of doing so, she hugged him gently and walked away without another word.

“Are you going to tell him?” he asked, as she prepared to leave.

She stopped, her hands clenched at her sides, her head drooped down as if looking towards the ground. “I am. I am going to tell him EVERYTHING…Even…” The young woman stopped in mid sentence and walked off without giving him a chance to ask what she meant.

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

Kiyoshi opened his eyes and stared up at the cave’s ceiling. That was the second time he remembered that moment where his, Chiharu’s and Jounichi’s lives would change forever. He turned his head slightly to the left of the cave opening and noticed the morning sunshine greeting him. He glanced around, wondering where Sakura had gone and found her to be sleeping just below him at the side of the cave. For a moment there, he began to worry, his heart beating and thinking that she had gone off on her own without waking him up. But when he saw her sleeping there peacefully, he was glad that she hadn’t left.

She stirred and she too awoke from the sun’s rays. She noticed the older man looking at her strangely and she felt a strange sensation of longing for her father at that moment. She looked away and stood up. “Should we head out now?” Sakura folded her sleeping bag and put it away in her backpack.

“Yes, I think it would be safe. But...hold on a second.” He took out something from his backpack, walked up to her and handed her something.

Sakura looked down. In her hand was the same medicine bottle he has been giving her for the pain in her wound. “Thank you.”

“I took it with me, just in case.” He smiled and walked back to his sleeping bag and folded it as well, careful not to crush the rations in his backpack as he stuffed it gently inside. Kiyoshi put in his backpack and led the way up the hill and into the same straight path they were on last night.

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

Rika stared out the window, pausing from the long story that she has already told the young man sitting in front of her. She could see from the corner of her eyes that the Uchiha boy was more determined than ever to find out more about the history of Jounichi and Sayuri. “I apologize…one must pause at times from remembering such painful memories.”

Sasuke stared at her and said nothing. He allowed her time to think before she finally continued on with her story.

“Of course, Haruno-san taught Sayuri-sama all the fighting techniques he knew as a Shinobi. They were growing closer than ever and both were aware of their attractions for one another. After two weeks of training, there was one night that Sayuri-sama decided to let Haruno-san know of her feelings towards him…in secret that is.”

The dark haired young man knew what she meant. A young Priestess was forbidden to fall in love with anyone…even an outsider such as Jounichi Haruno. Sayuri was aware of that of course, but how far would they go for a love that was growing increasingly deep within their hearts?

As if reading his thoughts, Rika simply answered, “Oh very far indeed, Uchiha-san.” She gave him a look that told him it was the only answer she was going to give him. Sasuke sat there uncomfortably, uneasy with the fact that this middle aged woman was able to read his thoughts so easily. “I have seen many feelings during my day, Uchiha-san that I am able to read thoughts quite simply. As the Priestess’ hand maiden, being trained to be able to read the emotions and feelings of an individual through their faces was quite important in the shrine. Most of them who pray in the shrine are usually quiet about their true feelings, so we must be able to understand through their reactions from their faces.”

“I see…” Sasuke didn’t know how to react to what she had just explained to him.

“As I have said before, they went as far as night visits for their love for each other. I even became the lookout.” She chuckled slightly at that thought. “Her father gave no hints whether he knew of their little affair, but one mistake made them think otherwise.”

“What mistake would that be?”

Rika thought for a moment, but Sasuke knew that she was trying to figure out how to explain it in a way that he understood. He frowned at that thought, annoyed that Rika would think of him as a child. “I am not as naïve as you think I am, Rika-san.”

“Of course not!” She smiled at him. Sasuke was bewildered with her reply, but said nothing. “You are a smart man and you know exactly what you want.” She stared at him intently that made Sasuke even more uncomfortable. It was as if she was hinting to him something about Sakura. “Anyway…Yamakage-sama one day found out about their affair. You see, Yamakage-sama did not trust anyone, let alone a man who was no resident of his village. Haruno-san was there to watch over his daughter, to make sure she was safe and sound and even that wasn’t enough to trust him. He was beginning to believe that Haruno-san knew what he was up to.”

“What was it that he was up to?”

Rika stood up and poured some water in a cup and drank it quickly before answering the younger man. “Yamakage-sama was ruthless in his own way, in which I am sure you already knew of the history of this place.”

Sasuke nodded. “The Yamakage may have loved his daughter, but his greed blinded him from his family. That’s why his wife died. It was grief that overtook her because of his quest for domination of the other countries.”

The older woman smiled. “Correct. You have been paying attention to your history lessons, have you boy?” When he didn’t answer, Rika just laughed and continued on with what she was saying earlier. “Indeed, Haruno-san KNEW every bits and pieces of what the Yamakage-sama planned on doing once the scroll was finished and signed by the Hokage. Two weeks after the shinobi who attacked Sayuri-sama and destroyed the scroll and was killed, conveniently enough by the Yamakage-sama, Haruno-san decided to investigate secretly on what was going on in the mind of Yamakage-sama. During the course of his training time with Sayuri-sama, Haruno-san secretly sent messages to the Hokage-sama on what he knew. To my surprise, he told Sayuri-sama on what he was doing and to my even greater shock, Sayuri-sama did not protest that her very own father was being investigated.”

“I guess she loved him very much to protest.”

Rika nodded. “Yes indeed.”

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

“I think he knows…”

“What?” She looked up and stared into his eyes, making sure whether he was being serious or not and…he was serious. “But…I made sure he WOULDN’T know! That’s why we’re here!”

He glanced down at her, his arms around her as she lies in bed. She was very beautiful clothed in any garment, even with just a blanket around her. “I know you did your best, but eventually, he would find out about us. That’s always the reality.” He removed his hand from around her shoulders and rested them underneath his head.

She fell silent for a few seconds before saying, much to his surprise, “I love you.”

Jounichi glanced down at Sayuri. He didn’t know what to make of that reply. He loved her back of course but… He sat up and stared ahead of him, trying to absorb her words in his mind. “I…” She seemed to have waited for the right answer, because she sat up as well, her blanket wrapped modestly around her chest. “I can’t love you.”

Sayuri blinked. “Nani?”

He got out of bed and began to dress into his usual Konohan attire. “You heard me…I can’t love you.”

The brown haired girl frowned and moved into a kneeling position on the bed roughly. “I KNOW what you said! What, so you really can’t love me? Why not? I did everything for you! Why can’t you say these easy words?”

Jounichi jerked around so suddenly that Sayuri was startled. “Because it’s not THAT easy, Sayuri!” He stared into her eyes which were on the verge of tears. The older man looked away, ashamed of himself. “This…this is all wrong. I can’t do this anymore. I have caused enough trouble for you…for me…for Rika-san and…” He turned his head back at her. “…for my wife.”

Sayuri’s eyes widened. “You…you’re married?”

He didn’t answer.

“Get out.”

Jounichi looked at her. He was shocked to see such an angry look coming from her face. Especially, from a woman he has always known to be gently and kind-hearted. “Sayuri, I don’t want to end it like this. I can’t love you, but we can always stay f-!”

“GET OUT!” she yelled, more tears falling from her eyes. She grabbed a pillow and threw it at him. “I HATE YOU! I HATE YOU!”

Jounichi quickly left, buttoning the last button and looked up to see Rika staring at him in disbelief. “Rika-san…”

Rika frowned. “You love her.”

The older man looked away. “Yes, I love her.”

“Then why couldn’t you say those three words?”

“Because even if I said those words, it wouldn’t be a promise I would be able to keep!” He turned and walked away. He loved her very much…that is what was keeping him from saying them to her. He loved her so much that guilt was running all over his body. He was married to a wonderful woman…Jounichi was already promised to her! “Haruno-san! Wait! I-!” Rika stopped dead in her tracks and noticed just ahead of Jounichi the tall figure of the Yamakage-sama. Her eyes widened in fear at the way his face looked. He seemed angrier, like a dark cloud hovered over him and as if he were to raise his hands, lightning would immediately strike down the younger man standing before him.

“SO…this is how you repay me?” He glared at Rika and at the door where it suddenly flew open to reveal a very scared looking Sayuri, dressed only in her robes. The Yamakage’s eyes flared with anger and Rika could see the fire burning in them. “You are one smart man, Haruno. You use my own daughter so you could see within the castle grounds how I work around here? All this time…” The Yamakage glanced at his daughter. “Have you declared your love for this man, Sayuri? Well, maybe you should have thought about it more, because this man was just using you go get to me!”

Jounichi said nothing.

“Oh? No words to defend yourself? It MUST be true! Now that you have information on me to decline the peace treaty between our countries, what next? Are you going to come take my daughter away? Promise her a place where you can live peacefully and have a family? Do tell me your intentions, Haruno-san.”

“Father, no!” Sayuri ran quickly and stood between Jounichi and the Yamakage-sama. “I…I can’t let you hurt him!”

“YOU!” The fire burned brighter in his eyes. He could no longer contain his anger. He stomped towards her and raised his hand, ready to strike her. “How DARE you try and defy me and sleep with the enemy? You WHORE! You are NO DAUGHTER OF MINE!”

Sayuri closed her eyes, a single tear falling from her eyes, ready for the hit. She wasn’t going to fight back. She knew she deserved it…no matter how hurt she was right now by the man she truly loves. She heard the slap, but she didn’t feel it. Opening her eyes again, she noticed Jounichi staring up at her father with an equal fire burning in his eyes.

“How DARE you attempt to hit your own daughter!” Jounichi yelled, a vice grip around the older man’s wrist. He glared up at him without breaking a sweat. The Yamakage did the same, but Rika had seen a little bit of twitch out of the corner of his eyes, confirming to her that he was ready to back down. To her surprise, he did and the Yamakage only continued to glare down at Jounichi.

“All right, I won’t hit her, but if you leave, I will continue that promise!” He put his arm down and left without a word. “You have disgraced me long enough, Sayuri…Get dressed and we shall talk about the consequences.”

Sayuri watched her father leave before moving in front of Jounichi and glaring up at him with tear-stricken eyes. “You CAN’T say those things to my father!”

“Why not? He was going to hurt you!”

She looked away shamefully and said quietly, “It won’t hurt as much compared to the way you have hurt me…” With that said, Sayuri left, tears falling non-stop from her eyes.

Jounichi watched her leave, his fists clenched at his sides, knowing deep down that his love for her was true. But he couldn’t…he shouldn’t…he was promised to someone else.

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

“And Haruno-san left without even saying good bye to Sayuri-sama. Heart broken, Sayuri knelt down before her father, apologized and told him everything… even with the fact that there was a life growing in her. He was furious with the news and he immediately asked me to…” Rika swallowed hard, unable to say the words.

Sasuke understood what she was going to say. “You mean to kill the child right after it would be born?”

“Sayuri-sama didn’t know of this command from her father, because she thought he would put the child in an orphanage or give it to a couple in the village. Right after the children was born…the twins… I couldn’t bring myself to poison the children that Sayuri-sama brought into the earth with love for Jounichi. I hid them secretly inside a large basket and late at night, put them in an orphanage where they could be safe.”

“And Sayuri knew what you were commanded to do and what you eventually did?”

Rika nodded. “Of course! I couldn’t keep secrets from Sayuri-sama. I told her what her father had asked and what I have done to save the children. Delighted…I saw her die in front of my eyes, with a smile on her face…” She paused and sighed. “Even with everything that has happened to her, she still held a smile on her face, hoping that the children of the man who abandoned her, would be all right. I immediately wrote to Haruno-san, telling him of the bad news, but he never wrote back. At this time, Yamakage-sama was so distraught with his daughter’s death and angered, that he decided to blame all of Konoha for the cause of it all. He sent some of his best fighters to attack Konoha, but Konoha was stronger and…well…” She swept her eyes outside the window towards what was left of the Mist village. “It was an ugly battle, but even then, the shrine was left untouched.”

Sasuke glanced outside. It was true…the shrine was the only thing standing firm a top a steep hill. He was shocked to hear that even Konoha would brutally retaliate against a weaker village.

“Oh, it wasn’t Konoha’s fault that everyone died…no, no.” Rika shook her head and smiled reassuringly at Sasuke. He had forgotten she could read minds. “Yamakage-sama felt he could no longer fight the losing battle so he…” She stared at him, hoping that her eyes would show everything she was hoping to tell him instead of saying it aloud.

“S-so…” His eyes widened in shock. “So he sacrificed EVERYONE BUT the shrine to drive away Konoha’s shinobis out of the village?”

Rika nodded. “Yes. To him, it was the only thing he could do to release his insanity.”

“With his wife dead and then his daughter, it’s no wonder he had driven himself mad,” Sasuke added, standing up to walk over to the kitchen window to stare up at the lonely shrine. “And the twins…did they survive?”

“What do you think?”

Sasuke closed his eyes, and then opened them again, his eyes scanning the deserted area of the village. “I figured as much…why else would they decide to take away Jounichi at this time? They found out about their birthright and decided to go after him.”

“Well, what are you going to do now? Are you going to go after them?”

Sasuke nodded. “Yes. I intend to keep the promise for her. Seeing her sad face is the last thing I want.”

Rika smiled. “I admire your courage, young man.” She stood up and walked over to the sink and opened the bottom cupboard. She reached in and took out something small. Sasuke watched as she walked to him and handed him a black string. Attached to this string was an odd shaped, shiny white pendant in the shape of a half moon. “This was the necklace Haruno-san gave to Sayuri-sama. I didn’t see this until I was asked to clean out Sayuri-sama’s things from her room. I kept it to remind myself that Haruno-san DID love Sayuri-sama no matter what they were both facing.”

The dark haired man glanced down at it, then at Rika. “Why are you giving this to me?”

“Because whenever you look at this, it would remind you what you must do. It will keep you from going astray. This necklace will reflect the face of that woman you love and it will keep you going.”

“Arigatou…” Sasuke stuffed the necklace gently in his pouch. “I should get going then. Thank you once again for your generosity.” He turned and walked towards the door.

Rika smiled, following behind him closely and opened the door for him. “Be well, my boy. I pray for your safe return…” She watched as he stepped out of her small home and journeyed towards the top of the hill to where the shrine would be.

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

“Why is he taking so long?” Kasumi stomped her feet impatiently and glanced at her twin brother sitting casually at a chair made of wood.

“Why can’t you have a little bit of patience, neechan?” Yamato sighed and glanced over to where Kayo was standing near the window and glancing outside. “Any sign of him yet?”

Kayo chuckled and pointed outside where a shadowed figure was walking cautiously towards them. “I believe that’s him.” He glanced at Kasumi, who was already drooling at the thought of Sasuke coming to them.

“Good.” Yamato straightened up and dusted off his long robe and stood up. “Kasumi…prepare otousan. I’ll go and greet Sasuke-kun welcome. Stay where you are Kayo. Pretty soon, you’ll be able to greet Sakura-neesan as well.”

“Awww, why can’t I do that?” Kasumi stomped her feet once more and folded her arms across her chest angrily.

Yamato calmly turned his head at his twin. “Neechan, he’s here to rescue otousan anyway, so you’ll be able to welcome him as well!”

Kasumi thought about what Yamato said and nodded. “Fine. But I want to be able to play with him once you’re done.”

The older twin nodded. “Of course! I would never forget about my neechan!” He smiled and with that said, he turned and left to meet up with younger boy. Kasumi left Kayo alone to go fetch Jounichi.

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

Sasuke cautiously walked up the hill. He felt no powerful chakra around him, indicating that one of those men who attacked them a few days ago were there. He knew there was something odd about the shrine. Most likely, Jounichi would be in there. Where else would the children of Sayuri and Jounichi be to show their father anger and despair that they were abandoned at birth? The shrine was where the Priestess’ body would most likely to reside, alongside her father who would be asked to be buried next to her and his wife. He paused in front of the shrine. Sasuke blinked. Instead of a shrine, he saw a tunnel leading to the very bottom of the hill.

Without light, it would be too dark for him to explore, but now he could feel Jounichi’s aura deep within, along with the three shinobis and he had no choice but to bring some fire with him to search the deep, dark depths below.

Sasuke looked around for any sort of wood debris from the shrine and to his luck, he found a piece of wood, light enough and big enough to make a torch. He picked it up and with just the right amount; he used his fire jitsu and set fire to the tip of the torch.

Slowly, but surely, the dark haired man stepped inside and made his descent down the steps to the darkness. Inside, Sasuke realized it was even more impossible to walk around without light, but it was also difficult even with fire burning in the piece of wood he had in his hand in which he made as a torch. He glanced slightly to his right and noticed another path leading to a downward slope of darkness, while the path to the left, preferably leading to the bottom of the stairs made it more of a possible choice for him. Sasuke made the decision and continued on down the stairs. The smell of decay fumed his nostrils and the sound of running water, as he reached the very bottom of the cemented stairs, tickled his ears.

“Ahh…welcome, Sasuke-kun!”

Startled at the familiar voice, Sasuke whirled around, the fire almost going out at the impact, but he managed to keep it burning even as he faced Yamato. “Yamato…” he mumbled under his breath.

Yamato looked at him, surprised. “Oh, so I see you finally know the history of this place; the place where we were born and where our mother was left abandoned by the man whom Sakura-neesan calls her father.” He lifted up his arms as if to indicate the tunnel in which, Sasuke was pretty sure they created themselves.

“Where is Jounichi?” Sasuke released his chidori, his eyes changing from dark brown into a deep shade of crimson, the black insignia surrounding the pupils.

Yamato shook his head. “Sasuke-kun, that chidori of yours will not work in this place.” Suddenly, he appeared behind Sasuke. Surprised, Sasuke dropped his made up torch and attacked. He could feel Yamato dodging every single attack he could muster, but Sasuke could tell the older man was playing around with him. “Hm…very impressive! Even in the dark, the great Uchiha Sasuke is able to fight back. But…” As Sasuke made one kick, he was caught off guard when Yamato grabbed his ankle, stopping it just in time from hitting his right cheek. “I have seen much already of that technique, Sasuke-kun, that I am able to understand where and how you would attack.”

Sasuke clenched his fists and hit both of them towards Yamato’s chest, surprising him. Yamato let go of his ankle due to the impact and backed off a couple of steps, giving Sasuke a chance to get away. “I want to know where Jounichi is before I kill you…” the dark haired man spoke with a deadly tone.

Yamato blinked for a couple of seconds, before throwing back his head and laughed. “So you think you can kill me as easily as Yai? I don’t think so!” He charged.

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

They had finally arrived. Kiyoshi was correct that the pathway through the mountains took shorter than the original pathway in which Sakura thought she knew. She was shocked to find, that as they stepped into the village, there was no sign of life anywhere. It was quiet around them and the only sound they heard were the vultures high above them, searching for any scraps left by the humans. The pink haired girl felt herself shiver at the thought of dead bodies with vultures surrounding them, picking with their beaks at the human meat.

“There was a battle that happened between this village and Konoha exactly 23 years ago, which led to the destruction to this village.”

Sakura looked ahead and noticed a shrine painted in white at the very top of the hill. It looked as though nothing was touched inside. “Not all the village.” She nodded to the shrine.

Kiyoshi, seeing this for the first time, was surprised at this revelation. “Hm, that’s odd. I don’t really know what led to the reason of having a battle between Konoha and Mist, but someone told me it is because of the Priestess in that shrine that lived there. She was the daughter of the Yamakage.”

The pink haired girl stared at the shrine, but said nothing. She noticed a shadow moving near it. “Hey! Someone’s there! Hey! Wait! Sasuke-kun!” Without thinking, Sakura ran towards the shrine, hoping it would be Sasuke, who could lead her to her father.

“Sakura!” Kiyoshi yelled.

But Sakura wasn’t listening. She followed the figure up the hill and to the shrine where she expected the figure would be waiting for her, but he had disappeared. The pink haired girl glanced down at a dark tunnel. She could hear fighting below. “Sasuke-kun?” she called quietly.

“Sakura!” He caught up to her finally and placed a hand on the young girl’s shoulder. “Are you out of your mind?” Kiyoshi forced her around and stared into her eyes. “What made you run off like that and follow a completely stranger?”

“That was Sasuke-kun I saw!”

Kiyoshi sighed. “If it was Sasuke, then he wouldn’t have run off like that, right?”

Sakura thought for a moment. Kiyoshi-san was indeed right, but she couldn’t just sit there and let whoever that was run off like that. She saw the way the older man’s forehead wrinkle with worry. Why was he worrying himself so much for her wellbeing? It couldn’t be just because Sasuke-kun asked him to watch out for her. She turned back around to face the dark tunnel. “Kiyoshi-san…I think this time I’ll go alone. Thank you for taking care of me.” She clenched her fists at her sides and readied to step down the stairs, but Kiyoshi’s hand on her shoulder stopped her.

“NO,” he said firmly.

Sakura turned her head towards him, her face contorted into an odd frown. “You are NOT my father! You can’t tell me what to do!” She jerked her shoulder away from his hand and continued on down.

Kiyoshi frowned. “You’re right…I’m not your father…”

She knew it was a bad idea to go down the stairs without light, but Sakura was too determined to care about anything like that, now that she was almost at the bottom of the stairs…hopefully. She moved her arms around, feeling the side walls beside her. She winced when she felt something slimy and warm touch her fingers and immediately let go. It was a bad idea, however, when she suddenly began to fall, losing her balance from a slippery ground. She grabbed on for dear life, hoping to find anything stern to stop her from falling. Sakura screamed, closing her eyes, praying to God that someone was there to help her.

Suddenly, she stopped and she felt large and warm hands grabbing her own tiny ones. She looked up and noticed Kiyoshi’s large hands protectively encased around her fragile ones. “Kiyoshi-san…”

“I may not be your father, Sakura but I am not about to let the daughter of my best friend die without seeing him first.” The older man pulled her up gently until she was back at the top.

Sakura looked down. There seems to be no bottom to where she was going to fall. “Gomen nasai…I didn’t mean to yell at you earlier.” She stood up and patted away the dirt from her skirt.

Kiyoshi shook his head. “What’s done is done. Let’s not dwell in the past.” He suddenly lit a fire with a match he took from his pocket using a large brown twisted paper from his backpack as a torch and pointed the light towards a flight of stairs. “I think that is the right way towards Sasuke, Sakura…”

Sakura blushed. “R-right…”

“Shall we?” Without giving her a chance to answer, Kiyoshi led the way down the stairs.

“Yes.” The pink haired girl followed the older man quietly down the stairs.

They had reached the bottom of the stairs quicker than she expected. She could smell death and what seemed like bile. Kiyoshi stepped aside to allow Sakura through. The tunnel eventually led them at the bottom of the sewers where people’s garbage wastes were thrown without a care in the world that the water would carry them to the ocean.

Sakura heard the sound of several footsteps. It sounded as though someone was fighting just ahead of them and the pink haired girl wasted no time wondering what it was as she ran towards the noise. She ignored Kiyoshi’s calls and continued to follow the sound. This eventually led her to two men fighting in the distance. She could tell by the way they moved from the shadows that indeed they were two men and one of them she recognized clearly as Sasuke’s. “Sasuke-kun!” She ran to the two figures, but something was not right…

“Ahhh, just in time, neesan!”

The pink haired girl paused and noticed the same red haired man glancing at her. Sasuke turned to her, but Sakura could tell something had happened and he didn’t seem like the same Sasuke she knew.

Yamato turned to face her. “Kasumi-neechan! Neesan is here!”

Confused, Sakura stared at Sasuke.

A second figure approached the two men. Sakura recognized the figure to be a woman, the same one who tried to seduce Sasuke. She walked up to Sasuke and put her arms around him. “Why hello, Sakura-neesan!”

“…”

Sasuke turned to look at Kasumi and put his arms around her waist. He growled in her ear. Sakura winced as Kasumi giggled, completely ignoring the pink haired girl. Yamato smiled and noticed the way Sakura was clenching her fists at her sides. “Calm down, Sasuke-kun…we have a guest.”

Sakura glared at Yamato. “That’s not Sasuke-kun! What have you done to him?”

Yamato’s grin grew wider. “Why…nothing at all, neesan!”

The pink haired girl knew he wasn’t going to answer her straight, so she asked him a second question that he would surely answer. “Where is my father?”

Just as she expected, Yamato replied, “He’s somewhere around here. Don’t worry, you’ll see each other soon enough.”

“Sakura!” Kiyoshi appeared quickly at Sakura’s side and was shocked to see Sasuke whispering sweet nothings into Kasumi’s ear. “Sasuke? Wha-?”

“Sasuke-kun…what do we do about her?” she purred into Sasuke’s ear.

Sasuke shrugged. “I don’t know, what do you think?” He kissed her lovingly and Sakura felt her eyes sting. No…this wasn’t Sasuke-kun…that WHORE was controlling him! She was controlling him! He would never give in to her!

“b*****d!” Sakura heard Kiyoshi yell. “What have you done to Sasuke?”

Yamato glanced at Kiyoshi. “Who are you? Nevermind that…Sasuke-kun, I want you to attack them!”

“Niichan! I want to tell him!” Kasumi yelled, stomping her feet like a brat.

Yamato sighed. “All right, all right, go ahead.”

Kasumi giggled excitedly and licked Sasuke’s cheek. “Lover…I want you to kill the b***h!”

Sasuke smiled and stared at Sakura maliciously. “My pleasure!”

With that answer, Kasumi and Yamato disappeared, leaving Sasuke alone to handle the two of them.

Kiyoshi sighed. “Sakura…I know I told you I am just a medicine man but…I think it’s time that I stop lying to you…” He grabbed something from his pockets and put it on. Sakura noticed they were meshed gloves.

“Kiyoshi-san?”

“You’ve come this far already and I don’t want you to stop searching for your father just because of one little distraction. Let me handle him while you go and find your father.”

“What? But you’re no fighter! Sasuke-kun is quite strong!”

Kiyoshi chuckled. “I WAS once a Konohan shinobi you know, so don’t underestimate me! Besides…Sasuke is under the influence of that woman so I think I can find a weakness somewhere in his brainwashed mind!” When she didn’t move, Kiyoshi glanced at her and smiled at her reassuringly. “I promise you, I will bring Sasuke back to normal. Don’t worry, I won’t hurt him…much.”

Sakura nodded.

Sasuke charged and Kiyoshi positioned himself into a fighting stance and yelled, “NOW!” Sakura nodded and ran as fast as she could. Confused, Sasuke decided to go after Sakura, but Kiyoshi blocked his way. “No, no boy…you’re fighting me!”

Chapter 9 – Second Chance

They stood facing each other, waiting for the other to make a move. Kiyoshi had no idea what he was getting into, but he wasn’t going to back down and allow Sasuke to take the upper hand.

“Come on, let’s go and make sure we don’t lose them,” Sasuke said. He walked pass Kiyoshi and followed to where Kasumi, Yamato and Sakura disappeared to.

Kiyoshi stared after him. “So you weren’t controlled this whole time?” Part of him was relieved that he wasn’t going to fight Uchiha Sasuke. From what he has heard from the people around the village years ago, about a boy who challenged his brother to the death and had won, it was nerve wrecking knowing that he was going to fight against that same boy.

Sasuke stopped and looked over his shoulder at the older man with a deadly look in his eyes. “I would never fall for the same stupid trick twice. Now, come on.” He quickly went ahead.

The older man followed shortly. “Why did you allow Sakura to go on her own and pretending you were controlled by that woman?”

The dark haired man didn’t answer, walking slightly ahead of the older man.

“I see…you wanted to see how courageous Sakura would be. After everything you two have been through, you have finally learned to trust her in the decisions she makes on her own.” Kiyoshi nodded to himself.

Suddenly, Sasuke stopped, almost forcing Kiyoshi to bump into him. The older man was able to stop in time and wonder why Sasuke stopped all of a sudden. Sasuke was staring ahead of him, towards a gate. The gate, to what the two believed would be where the water source is. They could hear muffled voices inside and one of them was Sakura.

“Sakura!”

Sakura looked up and noticed her father tied up against a wall, just above the large water pipes leading outside. “Otousan!” She knew she had to be careful, because it was far too easy for her to get inside without being confronted by Kasumi, Yamato or that man she feared she would eventually face. She looked around and surely enough, Yamato appeared from behind the wall where Jounichi was hanging. It appeared to have some kind of entrance on the other side. On the other side of her father, was Kasumi. Sakura readied her kunai, but a hand reached over and squeezed her wrist hard. Wincing, she felt someone’s cold cheek leaned against hers.

“Even after tasting you, Sakura-chan, you still smell of strawberries and flowers,” Kayo whispered in her ear.

The pink haired girl shivered and tried to get away, but Kayo was far too strong for her. He twisted her arms behind her back, forcing to drop her kunai on the ground.

“I don’t think so. Don’t even try to get away, or else I’ll give you pain.”

“Sakura! Get away from her you b*****d!” Jounichi struggled from his restraints, but to no avail.

Yamato smirked and walked over to where Sakura and Kayo were. From out of its sheath, he took out his own kunai and pointed the tip against his older sister’s neck. Kasumi bounced right beside him and started to mumble to her brother that she wanted to do the ‘good’ deeds instead. Sakura watched as the two siblings argued, before the brother had the upper hand. He moved back to the pink haired girl and shooed Kayo away so he could take over. Sakura was pushed forward and because she was not warned, she fell on her knees on the ground. Quickly, Yamato grabbed her by the arm and pulled her up, putting his arm around her neck and pointing the kunai against her cheek once again where he would hopefully graze her in case she made any sudden moves. “Look otousan, I am going to harm the only child you have EVER loved!” He said these words with so much disdain.

“DON’T HARM HER!” Jounichi yelled as loud as he could, his voice echoing around the walls of the sewers. He took a deep breath to calm himself down and began to speak quieter. “Please….do not harm her. It’s not her fault. If I had known your mother gave birth to you, I would have come for you right away and not leave you to rot in this place.”

Yamato glared at him, not believing every single word he said. He completely ignored everything he had said. “Isn’t there something you’d like to tell your dear daughter before she dies?”

Sakura looked up at her father. “What is he talking about, otousan?”

Jounichi said nothing.

“TELL HER!” His arm gripped tighter around Sakura, making her choke. Taken aback, she began to cough loudly from the impact.

Jounichi looked up, frightened for his daughter’s life. “You have…a brother and a sister, Sakura.” He stared straight into her bright green eyes, waiting for her reaction. It took a few moments for the information to sink before turning her eyes away from him with tears falling from her eyes. With this, he continued on to say, “During one of my missions even before your mother was pregnant, I was assigned here. During my stay there, I fell in love with a priestess of this place, which used to be a temple. Don’t get me wrong, I also loved your mother very much. I had to at least keep the Haruno family into the noble blood line; I had to keep my marriage with her. I loved both of them equally….I felt guilty afterwards and left. I had no idea that during that time, Sayuri was pregnant with twins.”

Sakura looked back at her father in disbelief.

“I tried to go back but when I found out Sayuri had died, I thought the children died with her. I had no idea that they were still alive and taken somewhere safe. When I found out they were still alive after years of not finding out, I decided to seek them out. I tried to find them for so long, but it was impossible to venture all around this area without being caught by some of the shinobis that recognized me from long ago. I was caught twice and on the third time they captured me, kept me in captivity for seven years. I managed to escape and found a place where I could stay. I was unsure for the rest of three years of leaving the place…aware that there were still shinobis out to get me.”

“And I guess you were just lucky enough that we decided to find you!” Kasumi exclaimed, spitting on the ground to show hate.

Yamato smirked. “So she has heard the whole story. Now it’s time that YOU, otousan feels the REAL pain that you have caused US!” He moves his arm to get ready to stab Sakura in the throat. Sakura closed her eyes, ready to face death.

“NO! KILL ME!” Jounichi yelled. Tears fell fast from his eyes and in a blur, he saw something dark move in between Yamato and Sakura.

Yamato did not have time to react when something painful hit him in the stomach, sending him flying backwards. Kayo was about to attack when a large force hit him as well, sending him to the side. Kasumi was knocked unconscious when Kayo landed on her.

“Sakura…take your father and get out of here.”

Sakura opened her eyes. Sasuke was standing closely behind her, one arm straightened out protectively, while the other caught his weapon that bounced off of Kayo and back to his strong hand.

“What about you?” Sakura stared at the back of his head worriedly. She clasped her hands in front of her and looked down. After all this time, he was still protecting her. She was still weak.

As if reading her thoughts, Sasuke looked back at her and slightly smiled. “You are not weak. Let me and Kiyoshi-san distract them while you make a get away with your father. I will be right with you soon after.”

The pink haired girl touched his back gently with her small hand and whispered, “Please be safe.” She turned quickly and ran to her father.

“That was not very nice, Sasuke-kun.” Yamato got up from the ground and slapped his sister’s face gently before getting up. He dusted off the dust that accumulated on his clothes and looked up at Sasuke. Kayo was already up, cussing silently to himself about the situation. “But I guess three against one wouldn’t be too bad of a challenge now would it?”

“Actually, that’s three against TWO.” Kiyoshi appeared right beside Sasuke.

“Are you sure about this, Kiyoshi-san?” Sasuke said to him.

“Are you telling me I am too OLD for this kind of stuff?” He grinned at Sasuke. “Come on, just because I am a simple medicine man, does not necessarily mean I am a worthless fighter!”

Sasuke nodded and quickly glanced at Sakura, who, to his relief had somehow managed to release her father from the chains.

“Sakura….please, you can leave me here. I have to speak with them.”

“No, you are in no condition to stand up or speak or move around. Sasuke-kun and Kiyoshi-san can take care of them.” She wrapped her father’s arm around her neck and helped him get up from the ground to where he had fallen after being released from the chains.

“Kiyoshi?” He was still hesitating to lean his whole weight against his daughter.

“Yes. Now, lean against me,” Sakura commanded gently.

After a while, he gave up and leaned his whole body against her. Sakura, to his surprise, managed to withstand his whole weight as she helped him out through a secret passageway her father told her that he knew that lead to the outside. “You are not angry with me?”

Sakura said nothing for a moment. It was as if she was still trying to understand her father’s story, but as she thought of this, she shook her head quickly and said, “I know you were trying to do the right thing. We all try our best. We’re not perfect but I am hoping one day, otousan, that we can sit down for a cup of saki and talk about what really happened ten years ago. I found out from Kiyoshi-san that you and mother were arranged to be married.”

Jounichi knew this was coming. But has he told her EVERYTHING yet? Even about Sakura? “Yes, that is true.” He pointed to a corner to their right and they began to turn right as she continued to be his anchor. They could see light at the end of the tunnel and they knew they were almost out of there.

“We’re almost there.” Sakura picked up the pace for them and even when they thought the tunnel was a long pathway, they managed to reach the light and found themselves outside. Relieved, Jounichi released himself from Sakura and sat on a nearby stump. Sakura stood there, unsure of what to do next.

Her father looked up at her. “I think there should be a nearby village if we cut through the woods over here.” Jounichi pointed his thumb at a forest behind him.

Sakura took a deep breath. “Otousan, do you trust me?”

Jounichi looked at her, confused.

“Do you trust me to make the right decisions?” she repeated. She turned around and looked back to where they came from. “I want to help them. I don’t want to be helpless anymore.”

“You’re not going back there,” Jounichi replied with a stern voice.

“This is my wish, please just trust me. Will you do that for me?” She looked back at him with a determined look.

“Are you doing this for yourself or for that young man in there?”

She smiled. “A little of both.” With that said, Sakura walked back inside, ignoring her father’s pleas.

The sound of clashing powers exploded within. Grunts and screams could be heard echoing around them. Sasuke did battle with both men while Kiyoshi fought off Kasumi who was trying to distract Sasuke. It seemed like a tied battle, but each side would take out their best offense and defense only to make it seem like one was winning more than the other.

Nevertheless, it was a never ending battle.

“How long do you think we can keep this up?” Kiyoshi bounced off one of Kasumi’s kunais and blocked her attack with his arms as she charged towards him.

Sasuke quickly blocked off both Yamato and Kayo’s attack with his large weapon, using his feet to kick Kayo hard in the face. Kayo avoided that attack but was surprised to see Sasuke’s left leg flying towards him. That kick sent him flying once again, but managed to regain his balance quickly.

“Not too long, because I know I can kill you both with my two hands!” Kayo had appeared behind the two men while Yamato was still trying to regain consciousness from Sasuke’s previous punches in the gut.

Sasuke blocked off Kayo’s attack with his weapon, but wasn’t that much surprised when he rebounded with his spear as his defensive weapon. Hastily, Kiyoshi blew something in Kasumi’s eyes, making her scream and fall back. That assault for the woman was just in time for him to block off Kayo’s deadly punch. He managed to catch Kayo’s flying knuckles with his hands and make a quick kick with his right leg. Kayo stumbled backward, surprised by this assault. Yamato appeared seconds later behind Kiyoshi, hitting him square in the face. Kiyoshi managed to block his enemy’s second blow, his nose bleeding from the last attack. Sasuke grabbed Yamato’s second hand that was ready to make a large impact on Kiyoshi and kicked him with both his legs. Yamato was sent flying back once again as Sasuke somersaulted back on ground.

“ENOUGH OF THIS!” Sasuke could tell how irritated both men were now. He glanced at Kiyoshi who was now bleeding around his face, especially from his nose where Yamato had punched him. It was odd really how most of their attacks were physical and none whatsoever contained any ninjutsu.

Yamato stood back and formed a seal with his hands. Kasumi followed suit once she regained her health back just a little bit while Kayo stood back and watched, as if he knew what the siblings’ next move was. Sasuke and Kiyoshi braced themselves.

“Kiyoshi-san, stand back.” Sasuke kneeled down on one knee and as both siblings did their technique, Sasuke was doing his own thing as well, forming his hands with his own seal.

“Why, what are you going to do?” Kiyoshi glanced down at Sasuke curiously.

The dark haired youth did not answer. He closed his eyes and continued to chant.

“SASUKE-KUN WATCH OUT!”

Startled by the voice, Sasuke opened his eyes quickly and was shocked to see a gigantic invisible ball coming right at him. He was about to make his move, when a large force started to shake beneath him. He stood up quickly, trying to figure out what was going on. He looked up and noticed Sakura was kneeling in front of him, facing the opponents and her hands on the ground. Sasuke had forgotten Sakura’s moves she learned from the Hokage, but he didn’t really forget the fact that despite the moves she learned, she was still immature in fights such as these.

Emotionally anyway…

To his surprise, however, the technique Sakura used was actually driving away the large ball force that the siblings created.

“ENOUGH OF THIS!” Sakura clenched her fists at her sides and stood up.

“Sakura! I thought I told you to leave with your father!” Sasuke spoke, getting irritated with how stubborn she was being.

“This is MY decision Sasuke-kun…when are you going to learn to trust me too?”

Yamato smirked, folding his arms across his chest. “Wow, this is something new! It’s a damsel rescuing her prince from distress! It’s true love indeed! I guess you lost your chance now, neechan!” He glanced quickly at Kasumi, who seemed to be red in the face from jealousy, then back at Sakura. “You’ve got guts coming back here, neesan. You could have just left these two to die in our hands while you escaped with your long lost father!”

Sakura shook her head. “I can never do that to Sasuke-kun OR Kiyoshi-san! I care for them very much.”

“Both of them? Or just HIM?” Yamato nodded towards Sasuke.

Sakura said nothing.

“Well, you might as well tell him your last words before you die and we all know what you want to tell him!” Kasumi spoke with an icy jealousy. She was getting impatient with her older sister. “And are you serious about going against all three of us by yourself? You are not that strong…who cares if you have that attack, but that’s no big deal! You are too weak to fight back anyway!”

“And when she gets weak, I can have my fun!” Kayo replied, eyeing Sakura with lust.

“Sakura…You don’t have to do this.” Sasuke approached her and placed a hand on her shoulder. “Don’t listen to what they’re saying.”

“Sakura-san, please do not be proud of yourself to go against them on your own.” Kiyoshi took a step forward beside Sakura and looked at her.

“He’s right,” Sasuke replied.

“We’ll fight alongside you until the end. After all…” Kiyoshi glanced quickly at Sasuke, before turning his eyes back on Sakura. “Three against one isn’t really fair!”

Sasuke sighed and removed his hand from her shoulder. He moved to the other side of Sakura and gave her a hesitating look. “Are you sure you want to do this?”

Sakura nodded. “I’m very sure.”

Once again it was a never ending battle. Sasuke, however was very impressed with how well Sakura fought. She had easily beaten Kasumi to the ground and managed to put her unconscious. Sakura had definitely improved with her fighting skills. Kasumi was no problem, but now Sakura was facing one of the greatest challenges in her life…facing off with her supposedly half brother Yamato and the man who lusts for her every time he sees her. Sasuke winced at that thought and imagined himself ripping Kayo from limb to limb.

“Now that your other sibling is out of the way, are you going to challenge me next?” Yamato winced at the blood in his side. Sasuke could tell Yamato was pretending he could still fight after he managed to wound him with his own attacks. It seemed Sakura noticed this too as she seemed to have tensed a little every time Yamato took a step.

“Enough now, Yamato. You’re wounded and you can no longer fight.”

Yamato smirked, his arm crossed over his stomach where his gash was. Kayo was still eyeing Sakura lustfully as he helped Yamato up on his two feet. “I won’t give up easily! I won’t rest until we have our revenge!”

“And what type of revenge would you wish to have, Yamato?” Kiyoshi suddenly said.

“I am not speaking to you old man!” the young man hissed.

Kiyoshi frowned. “You’ve had your chance, so why had you not killed your father yet?”

Yamato did not answer.

“Enough of this now, Yamato. You are young and you still have lots of things you can do. Stop this nonsense. I can take you home and I will become your father.”

“YOU ARE NOT THE FATHER WHO ABANDONED HIS CHILDREN TO ROT IN A PLACE WHERE NO ONE CARED!” Yamato screamed at the top of his lungs. Sasuke could have sworn he saw a small tear escape his eyes. “I WANT HIM TO SUFFER AS MY MOTHER AND MY SISTER AND I HAVE SUFFERED!”

“Then, he has suffered enough,” Kiyoshi said as a matter of fact. “You have taken him away from his daughter and threatened her in front of him…What more do you want?”

His blood was flowing down fast. The three of them could see his life draining away and if they don’t treat it soon, he could die from loss of blood. They all knew that each of them didn’t want anyone to die.

“I WANT HIM DEAD!” With his last breath, Yamato fell on his knees. Kayo stood there, staring at him, unsure of what to do in this situation. He looked around and quickly vanished. It wasn’t much fun for him anymore anyways.

“Why do you let yourself suffer now, Yamato?” Sakura said. “There is someone who is offering you and your sister a home…a second chance. Don’t you want that second chance?”

Yamato had his head down now, coughing up blood. He was letting out a slight noise and after a while the slight noise became a loud laugh, echoing around them. “I’m sure every day you were hoping for one…You KNOW you won’t get a second chance, so why take it?” He slowly stood up and was taking out something from his coat. “Nah…I’ve given up on second chances a long time ago.” He glanced over at his sister. “I’m sure she hasn’t given up on it and I’m pretty sure she’d be more than happy to take that offer! Forgive me, neechan. I guess I won’t be living with you in a nice house anymore…” He smirked again, blood dripping from the corner of his mouth and before the three could even react, Yamato took out his kunai and stabbed himself on the same wound that Sasuke inflicted.

“NO!” Sakura yelled and ran quickly towards Yamato. She caught him in her arms and turned him over. Blood poured everywhere and she placed her hand over the wound, hoping it would stop, however it was too late. She noticed that Yamato’s eyes were closed and he was no longer breathing. Tears fell from her eyes and she embraced him as much as he could. “YOU FOOL! WHY? WHY DID YOU DO SUCH A STUPID THING? WHY DID YOU LEAVE YOUR SISTER BEHIND? WHY DID YOU LEAVE YOUR ONLY FAMILY BEHIND? Fool! Fool…”

And the only sound that could be heard at the moment was Sakura’s long sobs of discomfort and pain.

Chapter 10 – Bring on the Rain

Silence filled the air. Sakura’s sobs continued to fill that void surrounding them. Kasumi stood there, shocked. She refuses to believe that her own brother, the only family she had left in the world would abandon her. First it was her father, then her mother and then…

Pride.

That is what he was looking for this whole time. It was the only thing he cared for.

Kasumi ran to his side, her legs finally able to find the strength to move. She dropped to her knees, her eyes still wide from the shock. She glanced down at Yamato’s unmoving form. She called, “Niichan,” but he did not flinch.

Sakura bowed her head, trying to hold back her tears. Sasuke was by her side seconds later, his arms around her. He whispered that it was okay to cry and as soon as he said those words, the tears continued to flow and she cried in his chest.

“Niichan.” Kasumi poked at him. He was dead…he was actually dead. She clenched her fists, her teeth grinding together. What was she supposed to do now?

“Kasumi…The offer still stands. You can stay with me and make your life anew,” Kiyoshi spoke softly. He approached her slowly.

Kasumi turned sharply, kunai ready in hand and stood up so fast that Kiyoshi couldn’t catch up. However, Sasuke was faster and he blocked Kasumi’s advances towards Sakura.

“Sasuke-kun!” Sakura yelped, watching as blood splattered on the floor. The kunai had stabbed at Sasuke’s arm that was blocking Sakura.

Sasuke kept a dangerous look on his face, his eyes trained darkly on Kasumi. He pulled the kunai from his arm and without even a second thought, threw it aside. “You better watch out where you aim that thing,” he warned her.

“Sasuke-kun, you’re hurt!” The pink haired girl quickly grabbed her Konoha headband and wrapped it around Sasuke’s arm. It washe only thing she could find to stop the bleeding.

“I’ll be all right.” He turned back towards Kasumi. “It’s over now, Kasumi. You’re all alone and no one else is going to help you win against this fight.”

“LOOK OUT!”

The moment those words came out of someone’s mouth, in a haste, Sasuke grabbed Sakura and pulled her behind him. Something fast moved quickly in front of them. And Sakura easily recognized Jounichi Haruno standing awkwardly in front of both herself and Sasuke. “Otousan!”

Jounichi grinned and as soon as he slightly turned, a kunai had pierced through his heart. Kai pulled the kunai from its target and made to attack at Sasuke and Sakura, but Jounichi continued to block with his body, using himself as a shield.

“Otousan, no! You’ll hurt yourself!”

“Sasuke! Please protect her!” He pushed Kai with whatever strength he could muster and managed to grab the kunai from his hands.

“Ahhh!!!” Kai ran towards him once more, blood trickling down his face. He had another kunai in his hand. Jounichi quickly performed a seal and disappeared from his view, only to reappear behind his enemy.

“You will NO longer harm anyone else!” Jounichi screamed with his last breath. “GO NOW!” he yelled towards Sakura, Sasuke, Kiyoshi and Kasumi.

Kiyoshi grabbed Kasumi by the arm and pulled her out.

“But what about you, otousan!?” Sakura yelled to her father.

Jounichi smiled. “Don’t worry about me. I’ll be all right.”

“Let’s go, Sakura!” Sasuke yelled, grabbing Sakura’s hand.

“OTOUSAN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!”

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

All four of them managed to escape the sewers, before a large explosion erupted around the village. When they were safe enough, they rested by a nearby tree. Kiyoshi leaned against it, while Kasumi, still unable to believe what she had seen stood, emotionless.

Sasuke took a deep breath and glanced over at Sakura, who was standing near the entrance. “Sakura…”

Sakura suddenly landed on her knees. “Otou----san……….OTOUSAN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!”

It was night time now. They were on their way back to Kiyoshi’s place to rest up before Sakura and Sasuke had to journey back to Konoha.

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

One mission.

Failed.

It would be a long story for them to explain everything to the Hokage, but Sasuke didn’t mind telling it. Sakura had a lot of things in her mind already.

They walked on foot, Sakura slightly trailing behind. Kiyoshi led the way, followed by Kasumi and Sasuke made sure he didn’t lose Sakura on their way back to the cabin, so he was also trailing behind.

“Sakura…” Sasuke called to her.

The pink haired chounin said nothing.

“Sakura, please say something.” He was actually begging her to say something. It was unusual even for Sasuke.

Sakura stopped and looked up, her eyes still red from so much crying. “What am I going to tell my mother?”

Sasuke sighed and with one hand stuffed in his pocket, approached her. He didn’t dare look at her. It killed him still to see her crying. “You are going to tell her the truth.”

“I failed, Sasuke-kun! I failed to bring him back safely! I am not worthy to be a good daughter! That’s why he-!” She was stopped in mid-sentence when Sasuke suddenly pressed his lips against hers. Shocked, Sakura pushed him away. “What are you doing!? You can’t make me stop my feelings by…by KISSING me!”

Sasuke frowned. “Why not?”

“Because…because…” She didn’t know what to say. She was shocked for one thing, but why now? Why not before when she needed it? She didn’t need this now.

“I am tired of you thinking negative things. You’re Sakura…I would rather see you smile, than cry. I didn’t feel like listening to your sob story, when we both know that your father did what he wanted to do and that was to protect his only daughter! Dammit, Sakura! Why do you have to be selfish!?”

Sakura looked away.

“No, don’t look away.” Sasuke placed a hand under her chin and forced her to look at him. She did not protest, however and he was grateful. He had a gentle look in his eyes that the pink haired girl couldn’t help but look at him. “Listen to me. You did the best you could to protect your father. He had a choice on his own to leave when we told him to, but he didn’t. He decided to come back and protect you. His actions proved what he wanted to say before he left you and your mother. He wanted to renew his relationship with his only daughter and you bonded. You bonded and no matter how small the moment was, it was still enough for him to protect you.”

Tears fell from Sakura’s eyes. “I hate him. I hate him…” She buried her face in his chest and cried some more.

Sasuke closed his eyes and pulled her close in his arms as tightly as he could. “I know.” He kissed her forehead affectionately and allowed her cries to echo in the wilderness.

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

Back in Konoha, rain poured heavily, signaling another death. It was late at night and together, Sakura and Sasuke made their way to the Haruno household where Chiharu would be waiting for their return and…for the bad news.

Sakura stopped in the doorstep and glanced over at Sasuke.

“Don’t worry, I won’t go anywhere. It’ll be okay,” Sasuke said, reassuring her. He leaned against the post of the porch and gave her a soft look.

Sakura took a deep breath and smiled sadly before turning around. She twisted the door knob slowly and opened it.

--- An hour later ---

It took a few moments to realize that what she had said actually was the truth. At first, she thought the story her daughter had told was a joke, but with Sakura’s single tear falling across her face proved to be factual.

Chiharu sat down on the nearby chair.

“Okasan…” Sakura approached her mother slowly. “I’m sorry, I did the best I could…I….”

Chiharu looked up. Sakura had her face buried in her hands and was crying. She stood up and approached her daughter. She wrapped her arms around her and pulled her close. “I know you did the best you could. I’m just sad that you had to go through it alone.”

Sakura shook her head. “Iiee….I wasn’t alone.”

Her mother smiled. “Then you don’t need to feel like you were responsible to what happened to your father. I love you and we still have each other. I’m sure that’s what your father wanted for the both of us, Sakura…”

“I love you too…okasan.”

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

She stepped out of her house and was ready to find out that Sasuke had gone home, but she was surprised when she found him sitting on the porch chair. He stood up, looking at her with such a warmth that Sakura couldn’t help but blush.

“How did it go?”

Sakura smiled. “It went well.”

Sasuke nodded. It seemed like it was a long time since he last saw her smile. “That’s good.”

They stood silent, unable to say anything to each other.

“Listen, about that kiss…”

“I know you didn’t mean it.”

“What?”

Sakura shrugged. “I mean, you were just trying to stop me from saying the wrong things right?”

Sasuke sighed and walked up to her. He brushed a single strand of pink hair from her eyes and curled it behind her ear. “Idiot.”

The pink haired girl blinked, confused. What just happened?

He leaned down and kissed her again. This time the kiss was softer and more meaningful and Sakura found herself kissing him back. After a few moments of bliss, Sasuke pulled back and smiled slightly at her. “You didn’t think I meant it?”

“I…” Sakura was speechless. She frowned and looked away. “Baka…took you long enough to figure that out!”

Sasuke was taken aback with her comment, but was relieved when she looked back at him, smiling. Sakura clasped her hands behind her and tilted her head to the side. This was one of the things that the dark haired man found cute that Sakura does when she was herself. “I wish you had figured that out ten years ago…” Her voice seemed sad and faraway now when she said that.

The dark haired man took her hand. “If I had, it would have been harder for you. I was glad I could figure it out now. I wouldn’t know what I would have done to you if I was still brimming with vengeance towards niisan.”

Sakura squeezed his hand back. “Let’s go for a walk.”

Sasuke glanced towards the streets. “In the rain?”

“Why not?”

“We’ll be wet.”

She laughed. Oh how he loved to hear her laugh. “Sasuke-kun, did you know that rain is one of the reasons that flowers bloom in spring?” Without giving Sasuke a chance to respond, she pulled him along down the street.

No, Sakura…

She let go of his hand and looked up at the sky. She smiled, but Sasuke knew the reason why she wanted to be in the rain. She wanted to hide the tears that fell from her eyes.

He watched her there. Even under the rain, she looked ethereal. Both of them were wet, but it didn’t matter.

Let the clouds hover above us. Let the thunder growl. Let the rain fall. But no matter what the weather, you will ALWAYS bloom.

Sasuke walked up to her and embraced her. “A sakura flower blooms best when it smiles in the rain,” he whispered to her.

Sakura closed her eyes and smiled.

Epilogue

Five years.

Far too long to remember all the things that has happened five years ago, but she still had good memories with her mother before she finally left the world. She kneeled down in front of Chiharu Akatsuki’s grave and said a little prayer.

The rest of her mother’s life hadn’t been a terrible one. Eventually she remarried and adopted her new husband’s child and decided to move in the outskirts of town to get away from the hustle and bustle of the town. Sakura stayed at the home she’s known all her life and settled down.

“Sakura…”

The pink haired woman looked up and smiled. “Hi. Sorry, I’ll make dinner soon, don’t worry.” She stood up and joined her husband in the front porch.

Her husband shook his head. “Iiee, I just wanted to mention to you that they’re here.”

“Oh, they are? Great!” Sakura gave her husband a kiss on the cheek before heading inside. Two people sat in the living room, one woman and one elderly, who was old enough to be her father and joined them there. “I didn’t think you’d come right away!”

The elderly man laughed. “Oh come on, your mother would be upset with us if we hadn’t shown up on your birthday!”

Sakura gave her father and sister a hug. “How are you doing, Kasumi-chan?”

Kasumi smiled and nodded. “Daijoubu!”

“I hope Naruto-kun is treating you well!”

The dark haired girl laughed. “Of course he is! I told him earlier that if you found out that he wasn’t treating me well, then he has you and Sasuke-san to deal with!”

Her older sister smiled. “That’s good to hear.”

“Okasan! Otousan!” Sakura turned around just in time to catch a little boy hugging her around the legs. “Okasan, I learned a new technique!”

“That’s great Jou! Do you want to show okasan later then?”

The little boy named Jou nodded excitedly. “Hai!” He had just come home from school and already her four year old was excited to share her new technique with his parents. Jou embraced both his aunt and his grandpa before heading out again to join his school friends.

“He’s growing up so much like his father.”

Sasuke straightened up, proud of that thought. Sakura chuckled. “Yes…quite handsome isn’t he?”

It was true. Jounichi, preferably named after the father she’s known all her life, was growing up so fast for someone who was only four years old. He was mature for his age and Neji seemed to have noticed that. He had told her that his star pupil was indeed maturing quite fast not only in his mindset, but in his skills as well.

Kiyoshi smiled. “You two are good parents, I’m sure your mother wouldn’t be too worried about that, Sakura.”

“Thank you, otousan.” Sakura looked out the window and watched as Jounichi put his hands together to perform a seal in which brought success. His friends were impressed by the dummy he created, which seemed very lifelike. She felt a hand on her shoulder and she looked up to find Sasuke looking down at her.

“Happy Birthday, Sakura.”

Sakura lifted up a hand to squeeze Sasuke’s hand and smiled. “Thank you, Sasuke-kun. Thank you everyone.”

It was moments like these that she wished her mother and her father had seen this, but it was in the past now and she knew that they were up there, watching her grow up. She knew they were there the whole time she was with Sasuke, married Sasuke and had a child with Sasuke. They were both watching...

Even the brother she never knew existed.

Yamato...