Chapter 21 -
"What a youthful day this will be!" Gai called, peeking through the door of his tent.
"Hai Gai-sensei." Lee could be heard from inside the tent.
"How about some youthful laps of the campsite Lee."
"No" Sakura laughed from what was once the site of her tent. "We're leaving in 20 minutes, and you two have packing to do."
"Hai Sakura-san. Gai-sensei! If we cannot pack up our tent in 20 minutes, we must -"
"Just do it." Sakura shouted, still laughing.
They heeded her command and set straight to work on their tent.
They all ate breakfast and began their journey home.
Not far from them, Team 7 was sprinting toward Konoha.
"Sakura-san." Asuma called from behind her.
"I know Asuma-san, everyone is to conceal their chakra, irrespective of what happens from this point on. Understood?" Sakura said.
"Hai." They each responded.
Itachi's chakra was always concealled, it was only Sakura who could even barely sense him.
She aswell had learnt to never let down her guard, in constant awareness of those around her.
'Sasuke.' Sakura thought with dread. 'The way we're headed, we'll meet before we reach home.'
"Ok, Itachi-kun, I want you next to me the rest of the way, and everyone else, you can calm down. It's just Team 7." Sakura said, loud enough for them all to hear.
Itachi scoffed and jumped up beside Sakura, as per her instruction.
"Rough day?" He asked casually.
Sakura looked at him with an aura of skepticism.
The mask hid her face but he could figure her expression on experience anyway.
"Sakura-chan. Relax. Remember, you've got me." Itachi smirked.
"Comforting. Really." Sakura stopped and turned around, haulting her team.
"I expect we'll be travelling the rest of the way home with Naruto, Kakashi and Sasuke, but that will not change anything. Untill we report to Lady Tsunade, we're still on this mission. You are not to disclose your identity. Am I clear?"
There were nods of submission in reply.
"Good." Sakura swivelled around and began jumping again.
Sakura looked briefly over at Itachi but snapped her head back when he saw her.
She faced him again and grabbed his hand in hers, tightening it as they flew through the air.
His hand held hers gently in response, nodding at her
