Chapter 20

-Acceptance

ANBU death rituals aren't like their more formal counterparts. Funerals within the secret society of The Village Hidden in the Leaves are kept on a very personal basis. Mostly ANBU and any family members join the service in order to keep identities protected. Shizake, Nitatchi, and Toshika stand among the front of the small crowd, bowing their heads in respect. The candles flicker in the tranquil wind while a small number of people go to rest flowers alongside the grave. Tsunade says a few words honoring the fallen ANBU before the small crowd disperses. After everyone has scattered, the remaining Team Kari members stay behind, still figuring out how to deal with the situation.

Tsunade approaches them, putting on her Hokage hat, which she had taken off out of respect, "I know this isn't easy, but life goes on. You'll have to find a replacement... not now though. I'm giving your team a break, for your success that is."

"Thank you lady Hokage," Shizake answers solemnly, "Although, I'm finding it hard to consider it a success when a valuable team member was lost."

"I understand," Tsuande says, gazing across the now three person ANBU team, "This is the life of a ninja. It is something we must accept in the line of duty."

Shizake nods slowly, accepting her answer as true. In the life of a shinobi nothing is certain. For the men and women who serve their villages, even tomorrow is not guaranteed. It is their duty in order to protect everything precious and it calls for their lives to be put on the line.

Shizake turns around, gazing listlessly upon his squad mates, "Nitatchi... Toshika... I must speak to the Hokage alone. We'll talk later."

Both of them nod without saying a word, leaving the two to discuss whatever they may be talking about.

"Are the rumors true?" Shizake asks.

The blonde Hokage crosses her arms, clearing her throat as well, "I assume you're talking about the Kazekage. Yes... it isn't rumor. This is very real. I found out this morning actually."

"So then what do you plan on doing? They are our allies after all."

"I've already acted. I sent team Kakashi to give them back up and to figure out what exactly is going on," Tsunade says.

Shizake's eyes widen at this revelation. His arms and legs begin to tremble as he imagines those close to him dealing with the Akatsuki head on, "L-lady Tsunade... you. You sent them... after Akatsuki. You...why? And with Naruto...?"

Tsunade places her hands on her hips almost offended that Shizake is questioning her orders, "I couldn't put another team together quick enough so I sent them. Is that a problem?"

"No it's just... nevermind. Lady Hokage I implore you... send me. This could be one step closer to finding Itachi."

She glares into Shizake's determined stare, seeing the glimmers of vengeance that remain etched deep into his eyes. Tsunade closes her eyes and sighs, pondering over the possible consequences of sending the Uchiha ANBU captain.

"It is only a three man team... and the extra manpower couldn't hurt. Plus, you and Kakashi are the only to have dealt with Itachi before. Fine, you may go but you must act as a village ninja, not an ANBU. Wear your headband. Catch up to them as quick as possible and help them with whatever is going on," Tsunade explains, giving Shizake permission.

Shizake bows with respect, thanking Tsunade for allowing him to go, "You won't regret it," The boy says, turning around to go pack his things.

"And Shizake," Tsunade says.

The Uchiha turns around, staring curiously at the Hokage.

"Do not... and I repeat, do not divert from the mission parameters to pursue Itachi if he appears," Tsunade booms.

Shizake nods his head in acceptance, determined to do everything he can to protect those dearest to him. Regardless, the thought of Itachi and the rest of the Akatsuki sit in the back of his mind. I won't abandon the mission but maybe I can find out more about Itachi and where he is. I'll beat it out of them if I have to but right now I need to get to Naruto and the others.

~~~***~~~***~~~***~~~***~~~***~~~***

3 days later

Location: Sand Village

The Uchiha made the lone journey as quickly as possible. As he steps into the bright and sandy village he finds himself dehydrated and fatigued. He wipes the sweat from his brow, gazing around the immediate area. Easily he finds a place to eat and refill his canteen while also purchasing a couple of bento boxes just in case.

"Leaf ninja, eh?" The cashier asks as he hands Shizake his items, "A few of your comrades stopped by here about a day and a half ago."

Shizake nods his head, "You wouldn't happen to know where they went, would you? I need to find them."

"Hm... they arrived with the Kazekage's sister. They looked like they were in a hurry though so it must've been urgent; I think a bad sandstorm kept them from getting here. Speaking of the Kazekage I sure hope he's okay... he protected the village with his life and was kidnapped in the process," The cashier says.

"Yes, we were dispatched to assist sand ninja in retrieving the Kazekage. Thank you for your services but I must go," Shizake says as he pays for the food.

A sandstorm? So maybe I gained some ground on them. Perhaps they're still in the village somewhere.

Shizake waste's no time in searching around the village. He locates a few village ninja and figures out where his comrades are. With haste, he makes his way to the hospital. Once inside he heads to the ICU where he finds Naruto, Kakashi, and an older woman and man sitting on a bench. Kakashi claps his book shut, looking up to see Shizake turn the corner.

"Shizake?" Kakashi asks.

"Glad I found you guys... I was afraid I'd be too late," Shizake says.

Naruto jumps out of his seat while stretching his limbs, "What're you doing here?"

"I heard about the Kazekage and learned that Tsunade sent you three. We talked and she sent me to fill out your squad. What's going on here?"

The old man and woman look over and gaze curiously at Shizake, wondering whom the newly arrived leaf shinobi is. Shizake glances over quickly at them before returning his gaze back to Naruto and Kakashi.

"Kankuro, he went after one of the Akatsuki himself. He was poisoned in the battle and now Sakura is treating him. Apparently the poison he received was pretty nasty and he's in critical condition," Kakashi explains.

The Uchiha takes a seat on the bench next to his comrades, resting his tired muscles, "Sounds grim. I suppose we're to wait then?"

"Yeah... there's not much we can do until Sakura is done," Naruto answers.

"So, any info on Akatsuki?" Shizake asks.

Kakashi clears his throat, putting his book in his pocket, "Not really. We just got here and the sandstorm earlier slowed us down."

"That explains why I was able to find you guys. I just got here as well but the sandstorm had subsided by the time I arrived in the desert,"

Gahh!!

The scream pierces through the doorway, the excruciating agony filling the ears of everyone in the waiting room.

The Uchiha looks through the doorway, seeing Sakura hard at work, "Looks bad in there..." Shizake says, "How long has she been at it?"

"A long time," Naruto answers.

"About an hour, maybe more," Kakashi adds.

Sakura wipes her forehead before cleaning the blood off her hands with a rag, "That should do it! I've extracted most of the poison so he shouldn't be in any immediate danger."

"Alright, Sakura!" Naruto cheers as he walks through the doorway

Both Baki and Temari sigh in relief with Temari falling against the wall and sliding down while holding her chest. Shizake gazes around the room, feeling the stress wash away from everyone.

Sakura begins giving orders and asking for supplies since the procedure isn't over just yet. She explains that she needs to create an antidote using the poison she had extracted earlier. Naruto stares at her in awe, fully realizing the magnitude of her training and how much she has grown. Shizake too begins to understand just how much knowledge the kunoichi has acquired over the years. I knew she was a medical ninja but not to this extent. The pinkette wastes no time in getting to work on the antidote, leaving the room along with the medical sand ninja and heading to the green houses.

Sakura... Shizake thinks to himself. He's snapped out of it when a messenger comes into the room with a scroll in hand. Kakashi, Naruto, Baki, and Shizake all head out into the hallway to talk with the courier and to learn what the message contains. The messenger hands the scroll to Baki and leaves without saying much.

"It's a message from your Hokage," Baki says.

"What'd grandma Tsunade say?" Naruto asks.

Kakashi scans the scroll with his eyes before looking up at Naruto, "She says that Team Guy is on its way here to back us up."

"Huh? Bushier brows sensei's squad?" Naruto muses before chuckling, "I can't way to see how much they've all changed. I heard Neji was made a jonin. Well, all right! No sense waiting around for them to get here. Lets go after the Akatsuki right now!"

Naruto bolts down the hallway but is stopped when Kakashi asks which way he's going. Naruto then realizes he has no idea and turns back around defeatedly. Kakashi shifts back to Baki to ask what kind of results they've had in tracking Akatsuki.

The sand jonin looks to Kankuro still lying on the bed before explaining the Kankuro went alone. After that they sent a tracking group, which hasn't been heard from yet as well as the fact that a captain by the name of Yura has been missing.

"Lord Baki, Kankuro has regained consciousness," One of the medical ninja says.

The group reenters the room as Temari stands over Kankuro, making sure he's okay. Kankuro speaks softly to his sister, completely fatigued from the trace amount of toxins within his body. Kakashi asks if he can go to the spot where Kankuro faced off against the Akatsuki member but is turned down by the puppet user because he had grabbed a scrap of cloth off the enemy.

Kakashi examines the cloth before summoning his hounds into the room. One of the dogs, Pakkun exchanges a few words with Naruto before Kakashi orders them to sniff down the scent from the cloth. After that, the ninja dogs quickly leave the room. The group soon learns that Kankuro faced off with Sasori of the red sand, a former sand shinobi gone rogue.

Shizake balls his fist at the mention of the name. Sasori... if possible I need to question him about Itachi. The Uchiha's mind races at how he would complete such a task without being reprimanded by Kakashi for going astray from the mission parameters. He's snapped out of his thoughts when Sakura comes back into the room with the antidote in hand. She orders Kankuro to drink it before he gulps it down.

Baki mentions that they have rooms set up for the leaf ninja to which Naruto protests, wanting to head after Gaara as soon as possible. He backs down though as Kakashi says they must rest even if it means travelling far tomorrow.

"Naruto..." Kankuro weakly begins, "Save my little brother, will you?"

The Uzumaki smiles brightly with a determined glare, "I will. After all, I'm going to be Hokage someday. For now, the Kazekage can just owe me one."

Kankuro thanks the blonde before lying back down and resting his eyes. Team Kakashi then exits the room and follows Baki to the rooms they have set up. Naruto and Kakashi retire to their rooms while Sakura hangs back with Shizake.

"Hey. I'm sorry I didn't greet you earlier. There was a lot going on," Sakura softly says, "Hope you're not too mad at me," She ends with a giggle.

The Uchiha hears the tiredness in her voice, giving her a warm smile, "I'm not mad. You were busy saving someone's life."

"Hehe, good," She says with a grin, "I heard you talking to the others in the hallway. I'm glad Lady Tsunade sent you."

Shizake puts his hands in his pockets, shifting his gaze to Sakura's eyes, "Well, to be honest, when I heard she was sending you three I told her to send me as well."

"Because of Akatsuki...? And Itachi...?" She asks.

"That... was one aspect of it but to be honest, I was... concerned."

I must remember, she has no idea Naruto is the nine tailed jinchuriki, Shizake thinks to himself.

The girl tilts her head, "Concerned?"

"Yes... this is Akatsuki we're talking about after all. I don't want you getting hurt," The Uchiha boy explains.

A red undertone develops above Sakura's cheek bones as her fingers fidget with one another, "Y-you were concerned... f-for me?"

"Y-yes... well, not just you but, still, yes. Although... I'm starting to realize something now," Shizake starts.

Sakura, giddily, smiles at the ground, her heart nearly leaping out of her throat.

"I'm starting to realize that you're strong... Sakura. I was afraid you'd get hurt... but now I see. You can easily protect your self."

Sakura's eyes go wide in bewilderment, having been acknowledged by the one she has her heart currently set on. The blush on her cheeks begins to develop even further, her face becoming hot from her infatuation with the Uchiha boy standing before her. The girl starts to become dizzy imagining all sorts of romantic fantasies in her head.

"You okay, Sakura?" Shizake asks with a small grin.

His words snap her out of her daze as she embarrassingly begins rubbing the back of her neck, "Y-yes! I um... oh! I just realized... they didn't prepare a room for you. I guess since they weren't expecting you to show up."

The Uchiha looks around the hallway they're in, realizing that she's right, "Oh... yeah. Hm. I'll knock on Naruto or Kakashi's door and see if I can sleep there."

Sakura starts to twist her foot into the ground, clasping her hands behind her back, "Y-you... could always s-stay with me?"

"Well uh...I... if you don't mind. I don't want to invade your uhm... privacy," Shizake awkwardly replies. What is this damn feeling in my chest? Why am I choking up on my own damn words?

Sakura enters the room with Shizake in tow behind her. In the room are a standard bed, couch, and bathroom. Sakura goes in the bathroom to change out of her clothes and shower from the day's trials. Shizake lies back on the couch and rests his eyes; thinking about how tomorrow will go. Soon enough Sakura emerges from the bathroom and crawls into the bed.

"You know..." She begins, pulling the blanket up over the bottom half of her face, "If the couch is too uncomfortable w-we can sh-share the bed. P-plus the desert gets cold at night and s-stuff."

Just like Sakura earlier, a light undertone develops along Shizake's cheeks having never been asked something like that. What the hell? Why does my face feel so warm? The Uchiha even begins to choke on his words, unsure of what to say, "B-but uh I... uh.. it's only a single person bed."

The pinkette fumbles around with the blanket in her hand, "I d-don't mind making r-room."

What do I even say? What do I do? Do I get into bed with her? Isn't that indecent? What if someone catches us? What will they say? Why do I care so much...? Why does my chest feel like this? What's going on with me...?

After an unnerving silence Sakura peeks out from behind the blanket in her hands, "Shizake?"

The Uchiha, caught off guard, hastily takes the girl up on her offer without thinking. My mind acted on its own. What the hell?

Sakura, face fully blushed hides her face behind the blanket, a mixture of flustered joy swirling around in her mind like a chaotic thunderstorm. She scoots over slightly so that the Uchiha has room to lie down. Shizake rubs the back of his head before awkwardly crawling into bed with Sakura. Both of them stay silent with only the sound of gusty wind from outside filling the room.

"Shizake...?" Sakura asks aloud.

"What is it?" The boy replies.

"I want to protect you..."

Shizake lifts an eyebrow, curious as to what she means. He flips over on his side, coming face to face with Sakura. Their eyes meet, Shizake staring into Sakura's sparkling green eyes, "What do you mean?"

"Itachi has hurt you and he's come after Naruto before. I want to protect all of you from him and the other Akatsuki members. I... don't want to be on the sidelines anymore."

Shizake replies with a soft nod, unsure of what to say. On one hand he's grateful for her offer but on the other hand he knows that he cannot allow her to get close to Itachi. For the possibility of her getting hurt is too great in his mind. Their warm breaths caress each other's faces causing them both to break their gaze out of embarrassment.

Shizake's body acts on its own, placing his forehead against hers, "Thank you, Sakura..." He whispers as his eyes becomes heavy. Sakura warmly smiles, allowing the boy to rest his forehead against hers. Within minutes they both fall sound asleep.