Chapter Text
He finds her sitting atop the temple’s arch, her eyes shut, savoring the cool breeze that passes between them. She seems oblivious to their presence, still preoccupied by her silly musings - until they close a few meters from her where she finally moves.
Raising a hand, his team halts on their track and eyes the lone figure with caution.
The bell on her hat tinkers, resonating throughout the empty ruins as she tilts her head in greeting, her lips slowly drawing an innocent smile, yet her eyes, those emerald eyes that often stared at him with promised devotion and pleaded for his return now only look back at him with malice.
He is surprised to see her clothed in Konoha’s sworn enemy when only months ago, she and Naruto attempted to ‘save’ him. Her chakra signature remains identical, however he can feel the waves of hatred and anger emanating from her small figure.
“We meet again, Sasuke-kun.” Sakura greets him, her smile awfully similar to the ones she often shared with him during their Genin days.
His team shares a look of confusion and curiosity after hearing her speak.
“Sakura.” He says simply, gaze narrowing.
A blush appears on her cheeks, and a hearty giggle erupts from her, sending another chime of her hat’s bell to fill the ruins. This time, a feeling of dread seizes him, and his team as they watch her descend from the arch with feline grace.
“I’m glad you still recognize me, despite the - “ she grins coyly, smoothing down her cloak, “switch of sides.”
He remains silent, even though a part of him wants to ask why she became part of the organization the Leaf swears to destroy. She is the least person he expected to meet after Itachi finally makes an appearance to him. And while he isn’t afraid of fighting her to reach his brother, something at the back of his mind warns him that she is different. That behind her vibrant eyes and her innocent smile lies a power that can match his own thirst for vengeance.
She seems to read his thoughts as her expression slowly becomes amused. “Surprising, isn’t it?” A purple manicured finger traces her chin. “However, now isn’t the time for tales my dear Sasuke-kun.”
“What do you want, Sakura?”
“You.” She flashes him a flirtatious grin, and he hears Karin snarl in retaliation. “At least, that’s what my younger self would say.”
“I don’t have time to waste.” He begins to tread forward, obsidian orbs ablaze with irritation. “Especially with your nonsense.”
“Ouch.” Her tone feigns hurt, a pout on her lips however it is quickly replaced by a smirk as she speaks again.
“Itachi-san sent me here.”
At this, Sasuke halts in his tracks and shoots her a look of disbelief. His brother? Her? The curve on her lips widened, his attention now solely on hers.
“He deems you unworthy of his time, and has sent me in his stead.” She replies to his unspoken question.
“ Bullshit. ” He hisses growing tired of her interruption. “What makes you think I’d believe you?”
She shakes her head, and then points to someone beside him. “Ask her then.”
“Well?” He turns to Karin impatiently. His team traveled for days right after his recuperation from his battle with Deidara only to find themselves meeting an old comrade of his who declares he needs to fight her instead.
“It’s empty, Sasuke.” The redhead looks ahead and tries to scan the area more thoroughly. “Not a trace of your brother’s chakra.” She mutters nervously, noticing the shift in Sasuke’s aura.
Before he can even curse under his breath, disappointment and anger painting his features, Sakura cuts him off with an interesting deal. “Defeat me, and I’ll tell you where he is.”
He scoffs at her offer, finding it silly. Outrageous even. “How do I know this isn’t a part of your ploy to take me back to Konoha?”
“Simple.” She reveals the back of her hand, unaffected by his remark and a metal ring shimmers against the sunlight. “My life is tied to my new home.” She explains, in hopes of convincing him.
In silence, their eyes clash in growing intensity, neither of them making a move under each other’s scrutiny as they gauge their strength, a battle formally decided.
Sasuke, despite his cold gaze, is becoming wary of the energy he senses from her. Gone is the girl who once declared her love for him, the same girl who promised him happiness should he stay in Konoha, the one who is willing to betray the village just to be by his side.
Another breeze surges between them.
She discards her hat, revealing her pink mane and her hitai-ate nowhere in sight, except for a single rhombus shaped marking on her forehead, a mark he is unfamiliar with.
Without breaking eye contact, he calls the attention of his team.
“Leave.” He orders, his hand reaching for his Kusanagi. “This one’s mine.”