🌸 "Sakura." He uttered shakily.

He was struggling to breathe and his hands trembled. So many emotions flashed in his eyes and I could not tell what they were. It looked glassy and full of longing. He looked like he was in so much pain, it almost made my heart hurt.

Was he about to cry?

He definitely grew a lot taller, I had to look up at him. Perhaps a little more than half a head?

Suddenly, he stepped forward which made me stumble back; but he placed his hand on my pelvis and pulled me into his embrace. His arms wrapped around my frame so tightly, I was sure there weren't any gaps between us. As a rogue ninja, I expected him to kill me on sight or bring me to the Hokage, but here he was.. hugging me? I was shocked to say the least, I had no idea what to do. I stood there like a doll without a soul, suppressing the emotion poking at my heart.

I should feel nothing but hatred towards the shinobis of the Leaf Village.

He finally released me from his hold and looked into my eyes with a gentle gaze. His eyes returned to its bottomless pit. No matter how hard I try to abhor him, I couldn't help but melt under his loving stare. How did he become such a soft and gentle person? It made him unhateable and I loathe it.

He gently grabbed my arms, "Where have you been?"

I quickly composed myself once I snapped out of my daze and pushed him away roughly. His eyes widened a little for a split second and it was immediately replaced with hurt.

"It's none of your business, Uchiha." I glared at him coldly, "What do you want?"

"We have been looking for you for the past 3 years, we are all worried. I'm sure Hina—"

I burst into a fit of evil laughter. "Don't make me laugh. Worried? Of me?" I laughed again. "I think they are more afraid of me exposing the real Hyuga heiress."

His eyes softened, "Hinata was your best friend."

"She was." I emphasised. He doesn't know. "I'm sure you have orders to kill me, yes?"

I watched him intently, reading his body movements. He couldn't look up at me and he swallowed nervously. Beads of sweat dripped down his temple even though it was fairly cold.

It meant yes, they did receive orders to kill me.

"What will you do? Will you kill me?"

His fists clenched and he bit the insides of his cheeks.

"Or will you expose me?" I pushed.

"...I won't." Sasuke muttered.

My eyes widened at his answer, but my lips stretched into a smirk. "Aren't you a loyal one?"

"You have suffered enough. I want you to live your own, happy life." He stated with pure sincerity.

I was speechless.

I was taken aback by the Uchiha's words. How could he? He is betraying his village for me, a rogue ninja. I do not understand why he would sacrifice his loyalty to his village for the likes of me, but it worked to my favour. If he truly was genuine, I would not need to worry about my identity being revealed.

"Hmph." I huffed before turning on my heels and stomping away.

Encountering him made a mess in my heart and mind. I felt confused about my feelings. All those years pushing the attachment I had towards the village, it suddenly came back —no, it's just my hatred that has diminished. It was enveloped by something else that felt too pleasant. It was an emotion far too pure and kind for my soul.

An avenger, that's what I am.

I need no such emotion.

I retreated into my room and spent the rest of the night recomposing my emotions and set my mind right. Bumping into Sasuke and him finding out about my identity was a surprise, I must prepare myself before meeting him again tomorrow. Fate would bring us again, as cruel as it is.

I'm sorry Master Toneri, I can't tell you about Sasuke.

You would kill him.

For the first time, I disobeyed Master Toneri's orders to inform him of anyone who found out about them.

🌻 The game ended with Fuu pouting at my accomplice for tricking her. She had wanted to play another round, claiming that I have cheated, but it was far too late at night and we must rest before the second exam starts. With much persuasion and with the help of her teammates, I was able to save myself some much needed rest.

"Good night, Toneri. Thank you for today."

"It's my pleasure to have you, have a good rest." He said with a smile.

I waved him goodbye before turning around and headed towards my room. Naruto had been next to me, but he was oddly quiet. When I faced him, he looked serious.

Worry washed over me as that was an expression I had never seen on him.

"What's wrong, Naruto?"

He looked at me for a moment before casting his gaze on Toneri's door. "Something about him... doesn't feel right."

==

At last, the morning has come and we had washed up to gather for an announcement by our proctor from the village Hidden in the Sand.

Sasuke was the first to reach the venue and he no longer had that faraway look; rather, he looked miserable— like a child who dropped his candy.

What happened to him? I wondered.

Naruto followed behind me and greeted loudly, for everyone to hear. "Good mornin' Hinata!" He grinned brighter than the sun and skipped towards me.

However, he stopped when he caught Sasuke's expression. He was worried for our fellow teammate who had not smiled ever since Sakura's disappearance.

"What happened to ya, Sasuke?" Naruto frowned.

The ravenette looked up at Naruto and hung his head low again. "Nothing."

Before they would continue the conversation, the proctor had arrived. We were told to fill in a form to rid them of the responsibility upon our deaths or injuries. Then, each team received a scroll. To pass the second test, we were required to collect two scrolls: Heaven, and Earth. Once everyone were ready, each team will enter the Demon Desert from different places.

When we started walking on the sand, Naruto kept a close eye on Sasuke. I smiled at the blonde, he certainly grew up.

"Sasuke, ya don't seem like yourself." Again, he asked as he walked closer to the Uchiha.

The ravenette sighed and quickened his pace to get away from the pesky blonde. "Leave me alone." He groaned.

Naruto glued himself to Sasuke again and whined, "But Sasuke!"

He clicked his tongue. "Just go away!"

"Quit being such an asshole!"

Sasuke retorted, "Quit being such an idiot!"

A vein popped on the blonde's temple.

I chuckled behind them as I watched them bicker about Naruto being annoying and Sasuke being an emo. As much as they would like to hate to admit it, they are undeniably a perfect pair.

"SHUT UP!" Sasuke yelled and punched Naruto into the air.

🌸🌻🌸🌻

Dedicated to CrimsonRosePhoenix for your votes and fun comments!

Comment down all the questions you have about the story so far and I'll answer ALL of them in a special chapter! I'm sure a lot of you (or all) are confused about the 'switching' aspect of the story.

I'll try my best to explain in the Q&A session. :)

~Jo

Published: 19 May 2018