2monk smiled. His face was serene and radiated peacefulness, evidence of a heart filled with compassion. The result of a life dedicated to meditation and deeds of felt her own heart
grow strangely warm as she looked upon him.
"Kakashi-Sensei...it's been a while. So, the wheel of life has brought us together again."
They all gasped. Kakashi's eyes widened.
"Sasuke."
"I no longer use that name. That one is dead. You may call me Sakayumi."
"How in the world...you're supposed to be dead." Kakashi sputtered out. In the last days of the War Sasuke was reported killed in battle, having guarded Madara with his life.
"The one you knew is dead, Sensei. So is his desire for revenge and hatred..." His voice wavered. His eyes turned to Sakura and his serene eyes grew troubled. Sakura stared at him.
This was Sasuke Uchiha? The Sasuke she had known, loved and given up for dead? The one that had abandoned her? Naruto looked shocked. Kakashi alone had recovered from the shock.
"Sas...Sakayumi. I would like to speak with the head monk. About our mission." He paused. "What do you know of the bandits?"
"They are ordinary thugs, a few rogue ninja."
"I don't get it!" Naruto blurted out. "If you're here why not just take out the bandits yourself?"
Sasuke shook his head. "My order is forbidden to use violence for any reason."
"Oh, I see." Said Kakashi. "I was wondering myself."
"I will lead you to the head monk."
He turned and began to walk, his former team mates following behind. Sakura stared at his shaved bald head. Gone were those raven locks she had fantasized about running her fingers through.
Gone also was that arrogant smirk and thouse wounded, puppy-dog adorable (well, Sakura thought so) eyes. She'd always wanted to hug him and never let him go. It wasn't like she hadn't
grown up herself, but still, seeing him like this was unbelievable. A monk? He'd never seemed that religious. Well, he had meditated a lot and had once recomended the Lotus Sutra (A/N-A book on
the mystical teachings of the Buddha) to her after she complained about how stressed out she was. And she had once watched him perform a purification ritual in a warerfall when he thought no
one was looking. She'd always felt a little guilty about peeking on him during such an intimate moment but she was 13 and also occasionally meditated, had studied the Sutras and
even gave regular offerings to the Buddhas, but she hadn't run off to become a monk! What had led him to this? They entered into a large hall. A group of monks were seated, meditating. There was
one monk at the head of the room. Sasuke walked up to him and gently touched his shoulder. He opened his eyes.
"Yes, Sakayumi?"
"The shinobi are here to see you."
"Ah, thank you." The monk stood up and walked over to them. They bowed.
"Let's go outside." They followed him back outside.
He explained the mission. Afterwards,they decided to go out in town. Naruto asked Sasuke to join them. After being given permission from the head monk he agreed to come. They chose a restauraunt Sasuke told them was good and sat down. After ordering they began to talk.
"So, what have you been up to, Sasuke?" Naruto asked.
"After the last time you saw me...my god that feels so long ago...I was half-dead. I wandered for a bit before winding up at the temple. They accepted me and I have been there for the past two
years. What of you two?"
"Oh, things have been quiet." Naruto said. "I made jounin."
"Oh, good for you." Sasuke congragulated.
"Thanks. Sakura-chan's been lucky with the guys-"
"Naruto!" Sakura shouted, wacking him on the head as her face turned five shades deeper than her hair. The hint of a smile crossed Sasuke's face.
"What? It's true! You and Shikamaru, you and Lee, you and and me for a while."
"Shut up!" Sakura shouted "This is why we broke up!"
Sasuke burst out laughing. They both stared at him. He shook his head.
"You guys haven't changed."
They both smiled and exchanged glances.
"So you monk guys are celibate right?" Naruto asked.
"Yes." Sasuke answered.
"What happened to wanting to restore your clan?" Sakura asked softly.
"The same thing that happened to me wanting vengeannce on Konoha." He paused. "And why would I want to revive such a clan that was haunted by tragedy and sorrow?"
"Not entirely." Said Kakashi, putting down his book to speak. "Some of the finest, most honored shinobi in Konoha history came from your clan."
"Maybe so, Sensei." Sasuke said as if considering something. He glanced over at Sakura. "Sakura, I hope you've forgiven me for...for the things I said the night I left. For trying to kill you..."
"Don't, Sasuke. It's okay. I forgave you years ago."
"One day I may leave the temple, I may find a woman and settle down." He said. "But I'm just not ready. It's myself I haven't forgiven."
Sakura stared down at her tea.
"Did you ever love me, Sasuke?" She asked and all those feelings she once had came back and for a moment she was twelve years old again.
Sasuke stared down at his tea.
"I don't know. The only thing I knew how to feel back then was hate. Just blind hate and anger. But I cared about you."
Sakura sipped the tea. She hadn't even known what she'd wanted to hear, but she'd needed to know.
"Do you still have feelings for me?" Sasuke asked.
"I think about you sometimes." She said.
"So do I." He answered.
"We could've been. Still could be."
Sasuke was silent. "I'll never forget that night, Sakura."
"Nor will I."
They finished the meal in silence.
