The Monster Within Me

Chapter 17: Wasting Time In The Kitchen

Sakura ran towards Koori and caught him before he hit the tree. "You should discipline your pet, b**tch!" Karin said as Sakura settled Koori at the base of the tree. Sakura appeared behind Karin with a kunai at hand. "Lay another finger on Koori one more time and I'll put a beautiful red thin line on that neck of yours with this kunai. Got that, b**ch?" Sakura coldly said as she pressed the kunai on Karin's neck a little making Karin quiver in fear. Sasuke simply watched the scene. Sakura walked back towards Koori and took his hand as they went back in the base.

"Nee-san, sorry." Koori suddenly said. "What did you do to Sasuke that provoked the dog?" Sakura asked, clearly annoyed. "Eheh, it's quite funny if you ask me." Koori laughed awkwardly as Sakura pulled him.

Flashback...

Koori entered the training grounds only to see Karin training with Sasuke...urm...flirting. Sasuke twitched, trying so hard to focus on his own training. "Are you supposed to be training?" Koori asked, eyeing Karin with disgust. "What did you just say to Sasuke-kun, brat?!" Karin shouted, glaring at Koori. 'No, I'm pretty sure that was directed to you' Sasuke thought, sweatdropping.

"You're a burden to Sakura-nee's group." Koori said coldly, making Karin snap. "You damned brat! What made you think you can talk to Sasuke-kun that way?!" Karin shouted.

End of Flashback...

Sakura stared in shock at Koori. "You said those things to Sasuke?" Sakura asked. "No, it was directed to the girl." Koori said, laughing. "So Karin just assumed that you were talking to Sasuke?" Sakura asked, raising her eyebrow. "Yeah, and it was funny. Her sharp nails scared me though." Koori said, rubbing his head.

They entered the kitchen only to see Kakuzu counting money by the counter with Suigetsu and Juugo. Sakura sat Koori on the counter and started making snacks. "What do you want to eat for snacks guys?" Sakura asked. "Anything will do, Sakura-chan." Suigetsu said, grinning making Juugo nod. "Something inexpensive." Kakuzu answered.

A few minutes later, Sakura served snacks. "Thanks for the food." They said as they started eating. "This is good Sakura-nee." Koori said, making the other three nod in agreement. "Thanks." Sakura said, grinning.

Sakura eyes narrowed as she saw blood on Koori's head. "Koori, you're bleeding!" Sakura said. Koori looked at Sakura in wonder and touch his head. "What happened?" Suigetsu asked as he stared at Koori. "Koori is suddenly bleeding." Jugo answered. "Yeah, I think everyone here knows that." Kakuzu said.

"It must be from Karin a few minutes ago." Sakura said, examining Koori's scalp. "Here." Kakuzu said, handing Sakura a tissue. "Don't use too much, it's expensive." Kakuzu said, making everyone in the room sweat drop.

"Thanks." Sakura said, wiping off the blood. Koori closed his eyes as he felt soothing chakra enter from his head. A few mimutes later, he fell a sleep in Sakura's arms. "So Karin did that?" Suigetsu asked, looking at the deep gash on Koori's head as Sakura heals it. "Yeah, I thought it was only a scratch." Sakura said, looking at Koori worriedly.

"I don't like that girl." Kakuzu said, counting his money. "I know, right?" Sakura, Suigetsu and Jugo said all at the same time. "I'll take Koori to his room." Sakura said. "Let me. I heard Orochimaru-sama call for you." Suigetsu said, taking Koori from Sakura. "I thought it was Kabuto-san?" Jugo said. "I should be going then. See ya." Sakura said, walking out. "See ya, Kakuzu." Suigetsu said, grinning as he walked of with Jugo. Kakuzu sighed as he continued counting. "Such troublesome bunch." He said to himself.

To Be Continued...