No Need for Love

C h a p t e r 16 - The Ordeal Continues

After shifting back and forth within the comfort of my blanket, I realize I'm awake. Slowly opening my eyes, I see I'm in a room. Last time I checked, I was in the forest with Naruto and Sasuke.

'How did I get here?'

Coming to the conclusion that I must have fallen asleep, I comprehend the possibility that someone most likely brought me here...but who? Pushing the question away for now, I sit up and take in my surroundings. While doing so, I notice both Naruto and Sasuke are sleeping in futons on either side of me. Meaning Sakura had to sleep on the other end, next to Naruto. Everyone seems to be sleeping soundly...well except for Naruto of course. He's lying flat on his back with his limbs spread apart in an awkward position. All while snoring slightly.

'He must be really tired from yesterday.'

Quietly smiling at his appearance I get up and head into the bathroom in order to ready myself. Staring at my own reflection, I take in my horrifying appearance. Once prepared, I check myself through the mirror to make sure I at least look decent. Entering the kitchen I find Tsunami cooking breakfast.

"Good morning." I greet politely.

"Good morning (Name), you're up pretty early." She responds, noticing my presence.

"Its not that early so it's no big deal. Um, do you need any help?" I offer.

"No thank you, I'm almost finished with the food, but can you set the table?"

"Sure, no problem."

Gathering the dishes from the kitchen. I set them on the table and begin to place them accordingly. While doing so, Tsunami brings the food out and strikes up a topic I was previously curious about.

"You must've been tired yesterday, huh?"

"What?"

"Well, when I saw you arrive here last night, you were fast asleep in Sasuke's arms. So I only assumed that you were tired." Tsunami explains.

"Oh." I simply respond.

'So it was sasuke who carried me here?! That's so embarrassing!' I think as my face annoyingly begins to heat up.

Apparently Tsunami takes notice of this.

"To be honest, you and Sasuke look cute together. Are you two an item?"

"N-no! Of course not! Why would you ask something like that?!" I quickly say out of embarrassment.

" I don't know, it looked like there's something going on between the two of you." She states casually.

"Well there's not...its not like that." I reply while looking down, wispering the last part.

Trying to move on from the discussion, Tsunami and I finish setting everything up. Soon after, everyone comes out to eat. Taking a seat, I begin eating. Sasuke sits down on my right and Sakura on my left. As I'm eating, I start to think about what Tsunami told me. Finishing my meal, I decided to say something.

"Sasuke."

"Hm." He says turning towards me, his mouth still full.

"I just wanted to thank you, you didn't have to carry me last night." I say.

Swallowing his food, he looks away before responding. "No problem, it wasn't a big deal."

Sasuke shrugs his shoulders before getting up and putting his plate away. Soon enough everyone finishes eating. That's when I notice a certain knucklehead is missing. Looking around, I end up questioning my thoughts aloud.

"Where's Naruto?"

"He's still sleeping." Sakura answers.

"Really?!" I say a little surprised.

"Oh yes, he arrived late last night and instantly fell asleep. Naruto hasn't woken up since then." Tsunami explains.

Kakashi sensei then speaks up. "Anyway, today we'll be guarding Tazuna on the bridge. So we'll let Naruto stay here and rest for a bit longer. He's pushed himself over the limit once again."

After nodding in agreement, I go prepare my things before leaving. Making sure that I have my pouch filled with ninja tools, I put on my shoes and wait for the others. Once everyone is ready, we leave the house. Letting Tazuna lead the way, we finally arrived at the large bridge.

Although, upon arrival we come face-to-face with a horrific sight. Bodies lay stiff along the floor. Each in its own puddle of dark crimson. The gruesome scenery strikes an unwanted memory. The memory of that night. The night that ruined me. The night that ruined my life.

My shocked form begins to shiver uncontrollably. The event took place years ago, and yet it's still so fresh in my mind. Almost as if it happened yesterday. A thick fog suddenly appears. Blocking my view of anything in the distance.

Flashing images continue to dance across my mind. Until I see a face that forces me to focus. Snapping out of my thoughts, I quickly grab a kunai and stand in ready position. Looking straight ahead, I quietly mumble the name of our seemingly relentless problem.

"Zabuza..."