Memories of the Blossom Heart

Chapter 22: Letter To Tsunade

After the private conversation between Sasuke and Sakura, they both went along with everyone heading back to the camping site. Even so, the leaf squad talked about their recent battle with the four rogue ninjas that got frightened of Kurama and Susanoo. It was only because the powers were restored to the Sacred Tree, giving access to the full chakra.

They were amazed at Sakura's explanation of her encounter with Serulata, whom she now met in real-life and was thankful enough to receive a gift from her.

"Oooh, girl! I'm so happy for you. You're lucky that someone from your dream actually spoke to you," Tenten squealed giddily and queried. "What kind of gift did she give you? Another special jutsu or weapon of some sort?"

"No, it's not like those," the pink-haired kunoichi shook her head dismissively.

"It must be something else," Hinata noted.

"Hmm... it's a personal one," she mumbled shyly.

"Ah, alright," Ino said as she nodded in understanding.

"You know, we fought with the rogue ninjas without using our powers," Tenten mentioned.

"Yeah, we use only our hands and feet to beat the lights out of them," Ino laughed.

"Good thing, Naruto and Sasuke summoned Kurama and Susanoo," Hinata said.

"They scared them off like a bunch of rats," Tenten snorted funnily.

"I see, but do you think they will come back and kill us?" Sakura wondered.

"Who knows. As long as we know how to defend ourselves and teach those assholes a lesson, then it shouldn't be a problem," Ino pointed out sassily and flipped her long ponytail.

Inner Sakura didn't respond back since she decided to remain quiet and listen.

"Ladies, you are in charge of the food preparation. By the way, we will resume our activities soon," Kankuro informed.

"Who told you that?" Ino questioned weirdly.

"Our lovely leaders, Tem and Shika will be here soon," Kankuro said, then he and the others heard a rapid swift from the air, much to their surprise. He stood on his spot, whistling. "Less than any minute."

Temari looked at everyone as she approached them in fret, asking. "Anyone got here safe?"

"Yes, we are!" Tenten replied.

"What happened back there?" Shikamaru asked.

"We lost the treasure because the enemies assaulted us in the cave, which therefore collapsed due to the explosion," Choji frowned.

"And then, Gaara and Sakura got separated from us," Sai pointed out.

"But they both returned after," Lee added positively.

"I see..." Temari nodded in relief.

"It felt like months, just searching for them," Kiba groaned.

"Chillax. They're both here now," Ino said.

"That settles it. We should resume our schedule. First, let's have breakfast first," Shikamaru clapped his hands and rubbed them together.

With that being said, he stretched his arms out and yawned loudly as he headed towards the tent.

Sasuke then took a glimpse of Gaara arranging the wooden logs on the grass, along with Lee and Naruto. He then began to observe in his mind about him skeptically. "Did anything happen between him and Sakura?"

"Argh! I can't even measure this wood properly. They're not the same size!" Naruto complained.

"They look fine to me," Lee shrugged.

"To you it is, but ugh... Man, it's been two months since I had my last spicy ramen. I missed it," Naruto wailed with a funny, teary-eyed expression.

"I also miss drinking sake. It helps me boost up my stamina and speed," Lee nodded.

"Get real. You'll end up drunk and high with your taijutsu moves," Naruto snorted a laugh in amusement.

"Hey, at least, it's worth the risk," Lee said defensively.

"That reminds me, I should make dinner for Hinata once we get back home," Naruto beamed in secretly.

"Sweet and wonderful idea. She will enjoy it. How about you, Gaara? How's everything with you and Sakura?" Lee asked.

"Yeah. You guys were together recently. Did you get the chance to help her?" Naruto queried.

"Umm..." Gaara paused for a moment to peer at the pink-haired kunoichi, who was giggling with the girls. He heaved a longing sigh.

Sasuke's indifferent gaze was kept on Gaara dubiously. He was about to walk further to him until one of their leaders spoke up.

"Okay, y'all. Shikamaru and I sent a letter to Lady Tsunade about our situation here a few days ago, so she replied to us that she will be taking care of this issue and will have an investigation on the island that we're on. If you have any questions, feel free to ask one of us. Sakura, I need to speak to you privately and I suggest none of you should follow us. Otherwise, you very well know that I won't hesitate to storm you off into the ocean," Temari said with a strict smile, which made Kiba, Choji, and Lee gulp sheepishly.

The pink-haired kunoichi got startled in surprise as she straightened her posture to follow her. The two of them were walking side by side, whereas the others were looking at them in puzzlement.