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Sakura clenched her fists so tightly that her fingernails penetrated the skin.
"Are you coming, Sakura?"
Kakashi called out to her as he turned away from the village front gates. She did not answer him, nor move. The Hokage shrugged his shoulders before heading towards the Hokage tower. He had more to do than watch the young Kunoichi.
Sakura watched the silhouette of her two former teammates disappear into the distance, rage boiling in her veins.
' How dare he. '
She had waited a long time for Sasuke's release from prison after his imprisonment. She had always been there for him, supported him. When she saw him leave the penitentiary, Sakura rushed to meet him with a smile on her face.
Flashback
"Sasuke-Kun!"
He turned to her, his face tired, and stared at her calmly. She had stopped barely two steps away from him, using all her control not to jump at his neck.
"Sakura? What are you doing here?"
The question surprised her. Sasuke must have known - or suspected - that she would always be there for him. That now they could put the past behind them, and think together about their common future.
"I've come to get you. I've got the guest room ready until we can move in together."
Sasuke raised an eyebrow as he crossed his arms over his chest.
"Guest room?"
He sounded confused, and Sakura felt sorry for not being more clear, she corrected.
"I still live with my parents, and they refuse to let us share a room."
Sakura blushed at the mere thought of being alone, barely clothed with Sasuke having barely any clothing himself. Lying side-by-side, in her small bed, Sasuke's warm muscular body touching hers. She shook her head before returning her attention to the man in front of her. She realized that he seemed to be waiting for an answer from her. He must have asked her while she fantasized.
"So - sorry Sasuke, I didn't understand your question."
He sighed irritably.
"I ask you why I would sleep over?"
Sakura didn't understand why he asked her something so obvious. However, it was possible that he thought she had changed her mind by now. After all, he had to believe that she didn't love him anymore after all he had done. But she never doubted him. She would have followed him to the ends of the earth if he asked her. She would have fought anyone who dared to chase after him.
"Because I haven't changed my mind, Sasuke-Kun. I still love you just as much."
She decided to be upfront. After all, they wasted a lot of time on his revenge quest, and then the war. Now it was time to settle down and rebuild the Uchiha clan. Sasuke, who watched her, stepped back as she reached for his forearm. Sasuke had just smiled...A sincere smile, brilliant, and she knew he had just offered her his answer. As she stepped forward again to take him in her arms, Sasuke passed quickly by her side. Confused, she turned her head to see who he was heading towards.
Naruto.
Arg.
The blond idiot had a terrible habit of always arriving at the wrong time. Once again, just when Sasuke was about to give her the importance she deserved, the blonde broke that event. She sighed trying not to lose patience, knowing that her future husband liked - for some reason unknown to her - Naruto. So she forced a friendly smile on her face, and approached the two ninjas.
"Teme."
Naruto had just insulted Sasuke again, and Sakura was about to put him in his place but Sasuke did something strange. He chuckled. She furrowed her brow wondering what Naruto had said that made the taciturn man laugh like that. She had never heard him laugh before.
"Sakura-chan!"
The blond man's nasal voice irritated her so much that she would have liked to hit him hard on the shoulder - just like in the days when they were genin - but she restrained herself.
"Naruto! What are you doing here?"
She tried to mask her irritation.
"I came to get Sasuke."
Sakura watched him for a moment, stunned by the lack of respect the blonde showed. She wanted to intervene but Sasuke grabbed Naruto's arm. He opened a portal before pushing him inside and following him. The kunoichi watched them disappear with her mouth half open and her arms flailing along her body. But what happened? Why had Sasuke followed his friend into the portal? He could have simply made him disappear and followed Sakura home. But it was also likely that Sasuke wanted to explain to Naruto the next steps in his life. He would now live with her. Yes, that must be it.
However, five days later, she heard from Ino that Sasuke was leaving the village for a few months. Without waiting a second, she rushed to the main gates, and Sasuke was there. But he was not alone. Kakashi and Naruto were present. She assumed the two men had come to wish him a safe journey. Sakura noticed that at Sasuke's feet a second backpack was placed. He thought of her. Sasuke wanted her to accompany him on his redemption journey! He probably asked Ino to notify him, to surprise her.
When she arrived near the three men, they all turned their faces towards her, looking at her strangely. She saw Naruto exchange a look with Sasuke, but none of the three ninjas moved, letting her approach.
"Sasuke-Kun!"
"What are you doing here Sakura?"
Sasuke interrupted her before she could continue her sentence. His voice was cold, with impatience. She looked at him with surprise. She didn't understand why he reacted like that.
"I...well, I'm coming to accompany you."
He sighed heavily as he ran a hand through his hair, quickly revealing his rinnegan. Then he walked over to her and leaned towards her ear.
"I do not desire your company, Sakura. This is not a pleasure trip."
He turned away from her before walking over to Naruto, who bent down and grabbed the second backpack, and put it on his back. Sakura watched them, her body shaking with barely contained rage. How could he embark on a trip without her? And why had Naruto put the second bag on? What was going on?
"Have a safe trip, both of you. Take care."
Kakashi declared with a smile under his mask. The two young men greeted him warmly, and without a backward glance they set off.
End of flashback
It was not going to happen like that. It was obvious that Naruto had found a way to manipulate Sasuke. How and for what reason? Sakura didn't know yet, but she would find the answer and rescue Sasuke. It was out of the question to let the demon bearer claw into Sasuke's life, and destroy it. No. It was her role as a future wife to ensure Naruto would finally leave Sasuke alone, and live his life as he wanted.
When she finally decided to go back home, it was noon, and the village was bustling with life, but she didn't pay attention to it. Her head was filled with ideas. She would get Sasuke out of Naruto's way, and finally have the life she deserved with him. They would get married, have children, and live a long and happy life together.
Having a plan in mind helped her not freak out. This is because she was furious that Naruto had managed to 'steal' Sasuke from under her nose. She decided to get ready to eat before heading to the hospital for work for the day. It would take her a few days to get her plan in motion, then she would have to find a way for Kakashi to offer her an assignment outside the village for at least a week. Sakura was satisfied with her idea. With a smile on her face she began to eat. In less than two weeks, Sasuke will be back in Konoha.
One week later. Near Kumogakure
Sasuke watched Naruto who was still sleeping with his head tucked into his shoulder hollow. The blonde was soothing for him. He never slept for long. But with Naruto's presence, the nightmares that haunted him seemed to disappear, and he woke up feeling rested. And moreover, Sasuke would never have believed that one day Naruto would return his affection to him.
Flashback
Naruto visited him every day while he was imprisoned. After the third day he looked at Sasuke for a long time before leaning towards him. He put his arm through the bars, grabbed his shirt and pulled him towards him. Sasuke had not reacted, too surprised by what was happening. Before he knew it, Naruto's soft lips touched his, gently with hesitation, with a question. A moment later, Sasuke then reached his arms out of his prison bars and held onto the blonde. When they had to separate because of oxygen shortage, Naruto looked at him with a look so bright, so full of love. He thought his heart would jump out of his chest.
"It took you a long time."
He had said to the blonde who laughed, Sasuke couldn't resist and - for the first time in years - laughed with him.
They talked for a long time, their hands joined together, kissing as often as they felt like it. Naruto - after the fifth day - asked him if he could accompany him on his journey. Sasuke was surprised by his lover's request. He thought he wanted to stay in Konoha, and start his apprenticeship to become the next Hokage. But Naruto guessed his question, because he explained.
"I have achieved all the goals I set for myself. But now that I know you feel the way I feel about you, I really don't want to waste even one second without you."
Sasuke kissed him fearing he would lose control of his emotions if he answered verbally. He couldn't stay in Konoha - at least for the moment - and didn't ask Naruto to accompany him. He knew that the blond had a dream, that he had worked so hard to succeed. To know that Naruto preferred to accompany him rather than become the next Hokage made him realize how much his lover was a special man. But that same night, in the darkness and humidity of his cell, Sasuke was overwhelmed by doubt and guilt.
He didn't deserve Naruto's boundless love... Not after all he had done, the evil he had caused especially to Naruto. On the other hand, he wanted to be selfish and keep the blonde for himself. But he knew he had too much blood on his hands to be so. So when Naruto reappeared the next morning, Sasuke told him it would be better to stay in Konoha, and finish his dream. Sasuke had seen Naruto angry a few times, but never like now. Kurama's aura enveloped him immediately, and an arm of chakra literally ripped the door off its hinges before dropping it noisily to the ground.
Naruto entered the cell, grabbed him by his shirt collar and yanked him harshly towards him, like he weighed nothing. His eyes were on fire.
"If you don't want me on your trip, tell me directly. But don't tell me to stay here and do something I've made it clear I don't want to do anymore."
He growled the words. His canines and his fingernails had grown longer. Sasuke then realized he had underestimated his importance in Naruto's life. He leaned in close to the jinchuriki’s scowling face and kissed him. Not having bars between them finally allowed them to take each other in their arms, and they did not deprive themselves. They spent the day lying on Sasuke's bed, caressing, kissing, and talking. When the guard made his rounds, he saw the door on the floor, and the jinchuriki with the prisoner. Not knowing how to react and not wanting to alienate the village hero, he ran to Kakashi's office. The Hokage smiled under his mask when he heard the guard's statement. He said Sasuke would be free to leave the prison the next morning.
Naruto left the prison that night with a smile spreading across his face, and apologized to the guard for the door. The man shook his head, wondering why the Uchiha didn't leave his cell now that he didn't have a door to hold him. But instead, he didn't ask any questions, and just explained to his replacement what had happened.
But the real reason why Sasuke didn't leave his cell at the same time as Naruto was quite simple. Already his 'forgiveness' had angered many villagers and ninjas, he had decided to stay in jail until the last minute allowed. Naruto didn't like his idea at all but accepted his decision. So the next morning, when Sasuke stepped outside he was surprised that Sakura was present, and not his lover. But the kunoichi was still living in her delusion that he was returning her affection, and yet he had been clear in his previous statements. The attitude of the young woman was seriously irritating him, but he had promised Naruto to try to be patient with her, so that she would eventually understand. However, her attitude this morning proved to him that she would never understand, and it was apparent that she didn't want to.
Sakura had spoken to him as if he would follow her, to move in with her. His patience was disappearing rapidly, all he wanted to do was open a portal, and push Sakura inside. However, he knew Naruto would be upset if he got carried away. So he took a deep breath to calm himself down. He hoped that the blond would arrive soon before he did something he wouldn't regret that would make his lover angry.
Finally, Kami helped him, and Naruto appeared. Like every time he saw him, Sasuke's heart swelled with happiness and he smiled. He usually had a neutral expression, but the fox carrier had given him back the taste of life. This brought him a happiness he had never thought he could feel again.
End of flashback.
A few days later, Sasuke enjoyed the quiet morning, lying with a sleeping Naruto in their shared tent. Since their departure, the weather has been good to them, and Sasuke almost had the impression that he was imagining this trip with Naruto.
Naruto - his face still in his shoulder crook - muttered in his sleep. It sounded suspiciously like 'ramen'. Sasuke chuckled, not surprised as he hugged the warm body to him. He would do everything in his power to live up to the happiness the blonde deserved. He would destroy anyone who dared to hurt him. Even though the war was over, even though the Akatsuki no longer existed, there were still rogue ninjas. And they were still loose. There was no guarantee that they wouldn't try to take the last jinchuriki for their own gain, and Sasuke would stop them.
Naturally, Naruto didn't seem worried about it. He was - surprisingly - still trusting people. How was such a thing possible? Sasuke still wondered, but he knew it was part of the blonde's personality. He forgave him for everything he did and gave him his love. So he should not ask himself too many questions, and protect him. At the same moment, Naruto moved slightly a few seconds later. His gleaming blue eyes caught his attention, and a smile lit up his face. Gently, he leaned in before kissing him tenderly.
"Good morning."
Sasuke could not help but smile before returning his kiss. Letting the feeling of well-being overtake him, he let himself be rocked for a moment by Naruto's happiness.
"Where do you want to travel?"
The black-haired man asked him, ending the kiss. Naruto stretched for a long time, like a cat, before taking his place in Sasuke's arms.
"Hm. Maybe we could visit Killer Bee?"
Sasuke should have suspected that his lover would want to visit the other jinchûriki considering he wasn't that far from the village. He hadn't seen him since he tried to attack him with his 'Taka' group. He wondered how the other ninjas would react to his presence. Naruto seemed to guess what he was thinking because he propped himself up on his elbow leaning his head on his hand, and placed another kiss on his lips.
"Don't worry, Bee knows I'm traveling with you."
Sasuke pulled Naruto to him and kissed him again.
"Okay."
Naruto cried of happiness before pulling himself out of his arms and leaving the tent. Sasuke joined him a few seconds later, and together they dismantled the tent and prepared their meal. When they finished, they put their things in their backpacks, and left again. It was pleasant to travel like this, hand in hand, quietly and without hurrying.
However, the only blemish in the picture was that twice Sasuke detected a vaguely familiar chakra that seemed to follow them. But each time he studied the surroundings with the sharingan, he didn't detect anything. So he blamed it on his own paranoia, and Naruto didn't seem to notice anything strange. So Sasuke decided to ignore this feeling for the time being, but remain vigilant. His sixth sense had never misled him before.
The rest of their day passed quietly, and Naruto occupied the silence with his amusing anecdotes. His jovial mood soothed Sasuke's heart, and he couldn't help but smile as he listened to the blond man tell his stories. By mid-afternoon, they had stopped by a river to eat and rest for a while. They took off their sandals to put their feet in the water. They stayed there in silence, enjoying each other's presence.
'Uchiha.'
Sasuke gasped and opened his eyes, sharingan already activated sword in his hand. But it was Naruto - actually Kurama - who spoke to him.
"Kyûbi."
They didn't particularly like each other, but their mutual affection for Naruto allowed them to be generally civil to each other. But neither of them missed an opportunity to comment on the other, infuriating Naruto in the process.
'You're being followed.'
He swore low. He slowly turned his head from left to right, but didn't detect anything. But he wasn't willing to contradict the demon. If the fox addressed him directly, it meant he had contacted Naruto. But obviously the blond - who had not said anything - had not wanted to worry him.
"Usuratonkachi."
Naruto's gaze, which had been reddish from the time Kumara spoke to him, turned blue like the sky again. He must have known about their discussion because he nervously ran a hand across his neck.
"I didn't want to spoil our trip. Anyway, Kurama watches over us."
Sasuke shook his head not that he was angry, but it was his job to protect the blonde, not the other way around.
"You must have known I detected this presence."
Sasuke said, staring at his lover.
"And you did not tell me."
He replied immediately, smiling as he winked. Sasuke watched him for a moment, the sun illuminating his skin, the breeze blowing in his hair. It almost looked like a wheat field. He was beautiful in every way imaginable.
"Because I couldn't see anything."
Naruto moved closer to him, slipping his arms around the raven’s neck before leaning in, blue eyes flickering from his lips to his eyes briefly before soft pouty lips pressed on his. Automatically Sasuke wrapped his arm around him, deepening their kiss. Kissing Naruto was the best thing he could do in a day, and he appreciated every opportunity. They still hadn't done the full 'act'. Sasuke wanted to do so desperately, but waited for the appropriate moment. And Naruto followed the same thought. They hugged and kissed for a while, until Sasuke lost feeling in his legs. He slowly pulled away, and Naruto dazzled him with his smile.
"Let's get moving."
Sasuke stood up with the help of the blonde man. They put on their sandals and backpacks, and set off again. They were in no hurry and sleeping under the stars was more natural for Sasuke than sleeping in a bed. He had spent most of his adolescence that way, and Naruto understood.
When the sun disappeared from the horizon, Naruto suggested they find a place to camp tonight. They were not far from Kumogakure. The Uchiha understood that his lover wanted to offer him another night outside. A few minutes later, they found a small clearing, and without talking to each other they got to work. Naruto set up the tent while Sasuke gathered wood for their fire. Once everything was ready, they sat down in front of the fire. Naruto sat between his lover's legs, his back resting on his chest, and Sasuke wrapped his cloak around them.
It was moments like this that gave Sasuke a sense of calm. It chased away all his doubts, fears, and allowed him to accept the happiness that Naruto brought him. They let themselves be hypnotized by the flames that danced in front of them, enjoying each other's presence.
"Ouch!"
Naruto exclaimed as he slapped his neck.
"Damn mosquitoes."
Sasuke chuckled as he kissed his beau's head.
"That's because you're delicious."
Naruto burst out laughing. A warmth spread through Sasuke's body. He loved making his lover laugh. He tightened his grip on Naruto's warm body letting the silence cover them with his cloak. After a while, he noticed that his lover had fallen asleep in his arms. A tender smile appeared on the usually stern face of Uchiha. Slowly, he got up and took Naruto with him, and brought him into their tent. He laid him down on their sleeping bags before lying down beside him. Naruto did not move, his breathing was calm and deep.
'He must have been more tired than he let on. '
Sasuke thought as he watched his lover sleep. Looking at him like this filled him with such happiness, and he still had trouble accepting it sometimes.
Usually, if the blonde fell asleep before him and he had to carry him, he woke up every time. He kept his gaze on him for a long time, memorizing all of Naruto's features, even though he knew them by heart. This was a soothing activity for him. He moved closer to the blond, surprised that Naruto didn't turn around and put his head in his shoulder hollow. He also usually puts his arm around his waist. Sasuke shrugged, wrapping his arm around his boyfriend, drawing him closer. Once again he was surprised that Naruto did not react.
Suddenly worried, he tried to wake him up but failed. A cold hand grabbed his heart, the sharingan instinctively activated, and he scanned Naruto's body.
Nothing.
He saw nothing that indicated why Naruto remained unconscious. He seemed to be sleeping, but not reacting. Sasuke tried to contact the kyûbi and to his horror, he realized that he was unable to do so.
'What's going on?'
He sensed movement outside their tent, and the next second he was outside, sword in hand. He scanned his surroundings before cursing softly as he tried to keep a neutral expression.Sakura was walking slowly towards him. She looked at him with bright eyes, a demented smile, and in her hands she held a small transparent bottle. Inside was a greenish liquid that seemed almost heavy, moving only slightly as she approached Sasuke. Five steps away from him, Sakura stopped walking, tilting her head to the side with the same smile that showed she was no longer in her right mind.
"What are you doing here?"
Sasuke asked through clenched teeth. His hand held Kusanagi, ready to attack. Sakura's attitude made him uncomfortable. She seemed to have finally lost it, and her look wasn't her usual one. What had she done?
"I came for you. To travel with you."
The Uchiha rolled his eyes as he sighed loudly. How many times should he repeat himself? Was she that stupid? The grip on his sword almost hurt, but he had to restrain himself. He had to find out what she had done to Naruto and Kurama first.
"Sakura,”- he breathed in trying to calm his growing anger - “I explained to you that I'm not interested, that I have no desire to travel with you.
He saw a vein protruding from the kunoichi's forehead. The smile disappeared for a split second, but reappeared as she raised the hand that held the bottle.
"I've always been there for you, I've always looked for a way to reach you, to save you. After all I've done for you after the war, why do you deny me this right to be your companion and spouse?"
Unable to help himself, Sasuke laughed cynically and walked towards the kunoichi.
"You? I don't remember you ever trying to get me to return to the village. You never fought to keep me from death! You - he breathed in trying to calm the rage boiling inside him - you are seeking to take credit from Naruto. Everything you just said to me is all actions taken by Naruto, him alone and no others."
During his speech he walked up to Sakura leaving only a small space between them. He activated the sharingan, determined to put her under a genjutsu and demanded that she tell him what she had done to Naruto. But she pushed him mentally back hard, surprising him.
"Tsk, tsk. Don't you remember that I have a very high tolerance for Genjutsu?"
Sasuke inhaled slowly through his nose, quickly analyzing the situation. If he couldn't immobilize her like this, he would have to use another ploy. It disgusted him. Just thinking about this plan made him gag. However, he had no choice.
He took a slow breath before glancing over his shoulder. He could see Naruto's silhouette still asleep, and that gave him the motivation to do what needed to be done.
Sasuke put Kusanagi away in his scabbard. He closed his eyes for a moment, then crossed the distance to Sakura, and put his hand on her cheeks. The kunoichi emitted a groan while blushing. Sasuke leaned towards her ear and whispered.
"Where do you wish to be?"
He forced himself to stroke her cheek with his thumb, blowing slowly into her ear. He noticed goosebumps that appeared on her skin.
"Away from here?"
As she pressed against him, he quickly took one last look at Naruto before opening a portal, and disappearing inside with Sakura.
Sakura couldn't believe her plan worked. But the second Sasuke put away his sword and walked over to her to stroke her face, she knew she had won. She worked hard to find a poison to stop Naruto and his demon. She had made the concoction a little more powerful because the link Naruto had with the nine-tailed demon made him more powerful than the other jinchuriki - except for Killer Bee - . The kunoichi searched high and low in the Konoha library to find this poison. She was surprised that no one had thought of using it against the jinchuriki. It was powerful enough to disable these powerful demons. Admittedly, she might have rummaged around in the forbidden section of the library. But nobody watched her, so Tsunade and Kakashi would never guess she had borrowed the recipe.
Obviously, she had anti-poison on hand. Sakura didn't want to take any chances, if Sasuke wanted to be difficult, she would just threaten to destroy the antidote, and Naruto would remain unconscious for the rest of his life. The bottle she had in her hand was - obviously - not the real remedy. The kunoichi knew Sasuke well. He was smart and cunning. He could have stolen the container from her. If he had taken the chance, Naruto would never have woken up again, and Sasuke...She didn't know what would have happened to him. Sakura didn't think it necessary to think about it because she was sure he would see for himself what the right choice was.
When the gate opened, Sakura gasped. The Uchiha had brought her near a lake surrounded by vast fields of multi-colored flowers. She made sure before stepping forward that this was not a genjitsu. Realizing that this place was real, that Sasuke had not tried to play her, Sakura burst out laughing as she dropped to her knees on the soft sand. The sense of accomplishment she felt was almost palpable. The happiness of having Sasuke by her side was intoxicating. The kunoichi raised her head looking for Sasuke with her eyes. He stood in front of the lake with his back to her. She got up and walked towards him, and wrapped her arms around him, sticking her body against Sasuke's back. Sakura felt him tense against her before relaxing. Poor him, he was not used to affection. The kunoichi decided to change all that.
"You will be fine with me Sasuke. I will teach you true happiness."
He didn't answer her but laid his hand on hers, squeezing too tightly. But Sakura knew it was due to her lack of experience. They stood still for a long time. Sakura was ecstatic, and her happiness was complete. The place Sasuke had brought them was peaceful, and the fatigue of the last few days caught up with her hard. The kunoichi let go of her hold on Sasuke's body before walking around him. He looked at the horizon with an unreadable expression. Sakura placed a hand on his face. The inky look that came over her seemed to have no bottom, she shivered involuntarily.
"I'm tired."
He nodded before returning a bit higher up the beach. He pulled a roll out of his bag, creating a tent. He assembled it in record time, and invited Sakura to sit in it. She quickly slipped inside, and asked Sasuke to join her. He did not hesitate. He took off his cloak, sandals, and laid down on his back. A shiver of envy ran through Sakura's body. The fatigue that had overwhelmed her a few moments earlier was forgotten.
She knelt down. Sasuke's onyx gaze was on her, and she got comfortable. First she took off her headband, letting her half-short hair fall on her shoulders. Then she took off her sandals, shorts and top. She found herself - finally - almost naked in front of Sasuke, dressed only in her underwear. Uchiha's eyes glided over her body, analyzing every part of it. Sakura didn't look down, knowing she was beautiful, and without embarrassment she got down on all fours to hover over Sasuke. She didn't wait, she had already waited too long.
She kissed him. And Sakura thought that the world had just ceased to exist as the sensation was extraordinary. She opened her mouth to take Sasuke's tongue, wrapping it around her. Suddenly she found herself on her back, Sasuke's face close to hers. She stopped breathing waiting for him to come closer.
The last thing Sakura saw was the grin on Sasuke's face, and in his hand was the vial of anti-poison.
'How is this possible?'
Sasuke stood up, pushing Sakura's motionless body away in disgust. He couldn't believe she thought she could do this. He shook his head before putting his sandals and cloak back on. He naturally guessed that the vial in her hand was not real. Sasuke had to use all his calm and patience not to lose control with Sakura. He had decided that the best way to convince her that she had convinced him was to move away from Naruto. This decision to leave Naruto alone and defenseless had been devastating to him, but he had no choice. He still had time to throw a light genjitsu to hide the tent.
He had chosen a secluded place that also seemed romantic to make Sakura even more comfortable. The rest was a game of patience. He had waited and watched every move the kunoichi had made. When she undressed, he noticed a small pouch hidden inside her robe. Sasuke knew immediately that the remedy was in that place. All he had to do was wait for Sakura to approach him by herself. He didn't have very long. The second she was on top of him, he used his mangekyô sharingan against her. Sakura's natural resistance to genjitsu could not help her against this powerful attack, and she fell unconscious.
Sasuke didn't spare the nightmare he had created for her, after all it was all she deserved for trying to manipulate him, and hurt Naruto. He took out a scroll from his bag, placed it on the ground near the almost naked kunoichi body, and made the necessary signs. She disappeared inside the scroll. Sasuke summoned a raven.
"Take this to Kakashi. Make sure he reads the memo attached to it."
The bird grabbed the outstretched scroll and flew quickly towards Konoha. The next second, Sasuke opened a portal and flew back to Naruto. When he appeared in the clarifier, he quickly inspected the surroundings, and was relieved to see everything was quiet. He slipped into the tent, opened the bottle and let the liquid flow between his lover's half-opened lips. Impatiently, he waited for the antidote to take effect.
Sasuke waited impatiently for his lover to open his eyes. Time seemed to stretch for Sasuke, although he knew he hadn't waited that long when finally Naruto's eyelids opened. The blue of his eyes was still cloudy, but it didn't last, because they changed color. Kurama had just taken control.
'Uchiha! What happened? I could not move, nor could I wake Naruto up.'
The anger that radiated from his lover's body was frightening, but Sasuke was not afraid. He knew the demon's anger was not meant for him.
"Sakura poisoned you."
Naruto growled, and Kyûbi's red aura covered him. Sasuke had to reassure him quickly before he caused too much damage.
"I've taken care of Sakura."
He turned his head towards him, his eyes squinting, revealing only a thin line of his gaze. He watched him for a moment without saying anything, but his aura slowly disappeared.
'What did you do to her?'
"I created a nightmare specifically for her using my mangekyô. She was then sealed in a scroll that I sent to Kakashi with an explanation note."
Kurama nodded with Naruto's blonde head, accepting his explanation. The next moment was a bluish look - still haggard - that looked at him.
"Sasuke? I feel like I've been sleeping for ages. It's strange."
Uchiha hesitated for a moment before answering him. He knew Naruto didn't want to believe that a ninja or kunoichi from Konoha could be bad, or thoughtless. But he didn't want to hide this information from him. So he drew him to him, took him in his arms, and kissed him tenderly. Then, without allowing Naruto time to deepen their kiss, he explained what had happened since he had 'fallen asleep'. Naruto listened to him without interrupting. His face was without emotion, and one of his hands opened and closed by itself. He was angry at Sasuke's explanation to him, but Sasuke had to tell him the whole truth.
When he finished his story, Naruto closed his eyes, and put his face in the hollow of his shoulder. He took a long breath. He kept silent. Sasuke knew he was analyzing what he had just learned. He also knew that it was not easy for his lover to accept the fact that a 'friend' wanted to get rid of him to get Sasuke for herself.
"I understand her to a point, you know?"
Naruto whispered into his neck. Sasuke gently stroked his back enjoying feeling the muscles move under his fingers, and the warmth that came from him. He didn't answer. Naruto explained what he meant.
"I've been doing the same thing in a way. All these years I chased you to bring you back to Konoha. I did it as much for myself as for you."
A shiver ran through Naruto's body and Sasuke tightened his grip on him, pulling him closer to his body.
"Maybe so, but you didn't force me to fall in love with you."
Sasuke gently grabbed his lover's chin, and placed his lips firmly on the other.
"You saved me Naruto, without you I would have died. I would have succumbed to my darkness, my revenge, and never known the happiness of loving you."
There were tears in the blonde's eyes, but he did not chase them away. As he pushed Sasuke on his back, he kissed him with all his love.
"I love you too."
The two ninjas wrapped themselves in Sasuke's cloak creating a cocoon of warmth and intimacy. They kissed tenderly, running their hands over each other's bodies, enjoying the chance to be together. Without saying it out loud, they both knew they would live all their lives together.
The next morning.
Kakashi opened the door of his office, still half asleep, coffee in hand. He was startled when he heard a cawing sound coming from his office. A raven was perched on a piece of parchment. He rolled his eyes and moved forward. He recognized the raven Sasuke was using, and wondered why he communicated with it so quickly. In fact, the Hokage had a doubt, and hoped he was wrong. Before he could take the scroll, the raven pointed at a memo with its beak. Kakashi grabbed the paper and unrolled it before reading the contents.
"Damn it! This isn't true!"
He walked around the overflowing desk before dropping into the chair before burying his face in his hands.
'Shit.'
Sasuke expressed concern about Sakura's obsession with him, but the copy ninja reassured him. The kunoichi understood his message that he wasn't interested, so she wouldn't be bothered. But he remembered Sakura's reaction when Sasuke left the village with Naruto. She had seemed offended, somewhat angry as well as disappointed that Sasuke had chosen to travel with Naruto instead of her. But at the same time, one would have to be blind not to notice the bond and attraction between the two boy ninjas.
Kakashi sighed for a long time wondering what to do. Sakura crossed the line and had to be punished. He looked at the scroll that contained her, and he took it in his hands. Another sigh escaped from him. He hated punishing a Konoha ninja, let alone a former student, but he couldn't let this incident go.
After a moment, he made the necessary signs to release Sakura, and she appeared with a loud 'poof'. A scream ripped through her throat. She stepped back crawlinga, her eyes hallucinating. Kakashi rolled his eyes. He should have known Sasuke would use a mangekyô sharingan to punish her. The copy ninja grabbed a blanket on the sofa, and threw it to the kunoichi. She grabbed it mechanically. Her eyes were empty, and her body shook with spasms.
He walked to the door before opening it and informing the guard in place to find and get a medic. For now, he orders Sakura to be placed in a psychiatric ward, and locked up. Then he would demand a full evaluation of the young woman. But he thought she would no longer be fit to be a kunoichi. He had read somewhere that a person with this type of obsession was called a monomaniac. This person required years of treatment before being considered on the road to recovery.
A few minutes later, a medic knocked on the door, and entered when Kakashi gave permission. When her gaze fell on Sakura, who was also a medic, she turned sharply to Kakashi.
"She was the victim of a visual attack. She needs to be admitted, and I want a full psychiatric evaluation."
The young woman bowed low before fetching a wheelchair from the hallway. With the help of another medic, she settled Sakura into the chair. And the kunoichi quickly disappeared with their newly arrived patient.
Kakashi wondered if he should demand Sasuke and Naruto's return and shook his head. Those two had been through enough, and for the moment he didn't need their testimony. He would call on them only when necessary. After all, they deserved to taste their newly acquired happiness of finally being together.