Chapter Text
Sakura flopped on to her back, her breathing labored. "You really need to come up with another training plan." She was exhausted and annoyed, their training was often overly hard for what was supposed to be light sparring, all she wanted was to keep her reflexes in check not run herself into the ground.
Kakashi stood over her smiling, or at least what she could see of his smile, his crinkled eyes dancing with delight. "Come now Sakura, what’s the point of training if we don’t give it our all." Sakura reached over and grabbed his ankle, pulling his leg out from under him toppling him to the ground beside her.
Sakura smirked at the silver haired idiot crumpled on the ground beside her. "If you're going to mock me, suffer the consequences." Kakashi rolled onto his back. "No respect." they stayed lying in the grass until Pakkun appeared in a poof. "Hey Boss, the Hokage wants to see you." Kakashi rolled to his knees and eyed the pug, "Since when are you taking orders from someone else?" He patted himself down wiping off dirt and grass from his uniform. "She gave me bacon." Was his simple reply. Kakashi hung his head in defeat as he got to his feet. "betrayed by my most loyal companion for bacon." turning towards Sakura who was now propped up on her elbows, he gave her a two finger salute as he disappeared in a whirl of leaves.
Sighing Sakura got to her feet and cleaned herself off, she jumped when she realized Pakkun was still there standing right behind her. "I don't have any treats I’m sorry." She smiled apologetically. "That's okay, bye" and poof he was gone. Sakura rolled her eyes and made her way out of the training ground.
she decided to take the long way home, she could have made it home in record time over the roof tops but decided that a long slow walk home was needed after a hard work out. she was reluctant to go home, post war Sakura and Sasuke had gone travelling for a year and decided to start dating while they were away. when they returned he moved into her apartment and they had been living together ever since, lately though Sakura had been having doubts in their relationship which made her spend more time at the hospital and more time training with Kakashi and Naruto. She hadn’t told either of her sparring partners how she was feeling and she was reluctant to tell Sasuke anything until she knew what was really going on in her head.
She was making her way past the city gates when something caught her eye just beyond. She waved at the guards as she wandered down the road towards the glint that caught her eye. the guards looked at each other and shrugged, not really any of their business if one of the villages best shinobi wanted to take a walk outside the walls.
she walked down the road for a little bit looking for what caught her eye, she was about to give up when she saw it again, off the road and into the forest. She was starting to get a weird feeling, she felt like she should go back and tell someone or get a second set of eyes. her strength was second only to Tsunade but she wasn't arrogant enough to think she would win if she got ambushed by multiple shinobi.
"What the hell am I doing? why am I out here alone..." she mumbled to herself. still on the ground she examined the area, closing her eyes she focused on the surrounding trees for chakra pulses. She felt something faint but nothing strong enough to really worry about. She was about to turn and head back to the road when she was suddenly hit with a blinding white light, her balance was thrown off as something hit her in the chest.
She stumbled and fell to one knee as she rubbed her eyes and tried to focus. Blinded and winded she was going through all of her focus techniques to pin point where the blow came from. Before she could locate the culprit though she was hit again and she went sprawling face first into the forest floor. Before she could get back to her feet a weight pushed her down into the ground, dirt and grass got into her mouth as she struggled to get up. Something was keeping her from being able to use her strength to get herself up.
Whoever had her pinned to the ground leaned close to her ear and whispered, "You know, with you gone, Konoha will fall. Nothing will stop us with their top medic nowhere to be found." She felt his breath on the back of her neck and she tried not to gag as the smell wafted over her. Suddenly just as quickly as he over powered her he was gone.
Sakura was pushing herself off the ground when a hand grasped her upper arm and hauled her to her feet. She looked up at the helpful hand and saw Kakashi glaring at the man who attacked her, his hand still tightly grasping her upper arm. She barely had to time to register that he'd appeared out of thin air when they got blasted with a strong force of wind, Kakashi wrapped one arm around her as they both threw up their free hands to shield their faces. Neither realized the force had pushed them back onto a symbol drawn into the ground.
"the famous Copy-Nin and the villages top medic, very lucky indeed." The rouge-nin's hands flashed as they created symbols, another bright flash and a loud crack and both Kakashi and Sakura hit the ground unconscious.
Sakura was the first to regain consciousness, her head pounded and her whole body felt achy. she groaned as she rolled to get back on her feet. she was kneeling on concrete; in her fuzzy mind she knew that was odd but her concern over the ground was over taken by the sight of Kakashi liking motionless a few feet from her. "Kakashi?" She crawled towards him looking for signs he was breathing. Sitting next to him and confirmed he was alive, he was breathing but unconscious, she took a moment to look around and observed her surroundings.
They were in an alleyway, but the buildings didn't look familiar, they definitely weren't buildings in Konoha. Kakashi groaned and her attention was pulled back to the man beside her. "What the hell happened" He brought a hand up to his head as he groaned again. Sakura helped him up to a sitting position against the wall behind him. "I have no idea." I'm not entirely sure where we are either." They both looked around and Kakashi confirmed Sakura's conclusion that they definitely weren't in Konoha.
Once they were both on their feet they quietly made their way to the end of the alley, Kakashi leaned over Sakura’s shoulder as she peered around the wall, she frowned as a car whizzed past her down the road. “What the hell was that?” She whispered to her companion. She saw other people walking down the road and noticed their clothes were much different than their own, they were absolutely going to stand out. She pushed him gently back down the alley and paused.
“We’re going to stick out, I don’t know where we are but it doesn’t look like a nin-village, we should try to fly under the radar. She tried to use an henge on herself and when Kakashi raised an eyebrow she knew it didn’t work. “That can’t be good. I can feel my Chakra but it feels… muted, like its being shoved down.”
Kakashi tried and confirmed he had the same feeling. “We’ll have to try something else. He removed his Hitai-ate and shoved it in his pocket, Sakura removed hers and handed it to him, she watched has he folded it gently and put it with his own. They both removed their bindings and leg bags. “My clothes are a little less obvious then yours, stay here a minute. I’m going to see if I can find a bag or something.” She lightly touched her forehead remembering the diamond. “it’s not there, but I wouldn’t stress about it. I’m sure it’s just a side effect of this place.” She nodded absently trying not to panic. “be careful, no risks.” He looked at her softly as her eyes drifted up to meet his. “I will.”
She turned towards the alley entrance and took a deep breath. She hadn’t felt this vulnerable in a very long time and she was not a fan. He watched her square her shoulders and slip into the road like she belonged, leaning against the wall he made his way to the ground and waited, meanwhile he started to unravel the wraps around his calves.
Sakura made her way down the busy road, keeping track of where she was since she couldn’t feel Kakashi’s chakra. She found a store that seemed to have what she needed, the bell over the door jingled happily as she entered the store. “Hello!” She was greeted by a short, plump grandmotherly woman. “Welcome to our store, is there anything I can help you find?” Sakura looked at the walls and spotted a bag she liked and that would work for their purpose. “I’m new to town, my friend and I just got here and all our things were stolen, I was just hoping to replace a couple things until we get settled.” She pointed at the backpack on the wall. “something like that, you wouldn’t happen to have any clothes here as well?” The happy woman clasped her hands together, “of course my dear follow me.” She turned and walked towards the back of the store.
When Sakura caught up with the shop keeper she noticed wracks of clothing, nothing flashy or overly stylish but it would keep them from standing out. She selected a pair of jeans and a button down shirt that looked to be about Kakashi’s size, she would worry about shoes later, she needed other clothes now, she grabbed a cardigan for herself. The shop keeper hovered near by smiling. “I’m so sorry to hear your things were stolen, did you fly in?” Sakura was perusing the clothes a little more while she talked. “We did, this morning. We’re from a rather small village, we came here looking for work.” Sakura clutched the clothes to her chest. “It’s been a rough start for both of us, he’s keeping watch over what we have left.” The shop keeper frowned sadly. “not a very good greeting to our town. My name is Abigale by the way, everyone calls me Grandma Abby though.” Sakura bowed slightly and smiled. “I’m Sakura.” Abby made her way to the front as she ushered Sakura along. Abby used a hook to pull down the backpack Sakura pointed to earlier and handed it to her.
Sakura took it and hugged it close with the clothes. Sakura noticed a packet of disposable medical masks and added it to her items. She did one last glance around the store and made her way to the counter. After she deposited her items on the counter Abby pulled it all to her side and out of sight. “How about this, I’ll get these things squared away, remove the tags and pack it up for you, you go get your friend and bring him here, we’ll get the items to have packed in here as well. I assume he’s not far away if you’ve come here alone.” Abby smiled knowingly at her.
“He’s not far, I’ll see if he’ll come here. Thank you Abby, I appreciate that.” Sakura bowed again and quickly made her way to the door.
She rushed down the sidewalk so quickly she almost missed the alleyway. Kakashi stood when he saw her quickly make her way to him. “I found a shop it’s only a block or so away, she has changing rooms from what I saw so you can get changed there.” He nodded in understanding, he handed her leg pouch that had been packed with her bindings. “I told her we were new to town and all of our things were stolen. So we’re just looking for replacements.”
They made their way to shop, Kakashi followed beside her hands in his pockets. It bothered her a little bit that he seemed so unbothered by their whole situation. He did stick out and it didn’t seem to make any difference to him, all she was thinking about was getting back home.
Sakura pushed the door open, the bell jingling announcing their entrance. Abby came into view a smile beaming on her face. “Hello! I’m Abby.” She looked up at Kakashi who towered over both women. He bowed to her in greeting, “Hello, I’m Kakashi.”
Abby scooted past the duo and flipped the sign at the door to closed and pulled the window screen down. “I’d very much like to invite you stay for dinner.” She clapped her hands together happily. Kakashi looked at Sakura over the older woman’s head with widened eyes. “I won’t take no for an answer.” She cheekily grinned. “Come, come” and ushered them up the stairs at the back of the store. The stairs lead to a cozy apartment.
Kakashi stood to the side at the top of the stairs, Sakura stood with him her back brushed against his chest and his hand landed on her hip. Both of them froze at the contact. a light blush dusted across her cheeks. She knew why she was having doubts about her relationship with Sasuke and he was currently pressed against her back in a strange town.
Abby made her way in the kitchen and beckoned them to follow her. “I’m so sorry to hear that your recent travels have gone so poorly” She moved around the kitchen getting placements for the table while she spoke. Kakashi stepped in and took the plates and chop sticks from her, she looked up at tall frame and beamed at him. Patting his arm lightly. “What a nice young man.” Kakashi’s ears turned pink at the compliment.
It hadn’t dawn on Sakura that Kakashi was still wearing his mask and would likely have to remove it to eat in front of a stranger until they were seated around the table, Abby had made hotpot and her stomach grumbled at the smell.
Abby then noticed his mask, his plate had food on it, but it was untouched. He looked down at the food in front of him, normally he relied in his ability to move at lighting speed to eat when others were around, but he suspected with their Chakra being tamped down he wouldn’t be as smooth as he normally would be. “I don’t want to pry, but is there a reason you’re wearing a mask?” She asked gently. “I only ask because if there is something private, I don’t want you to be uncomfortable if there is something I can do.”
Sakura glanced at Kakashi who glanced back at her. “It’s okay, I can wait to eat. I’ve been ill and I don’t want to breath all over the place if I can avoid it.” He tilted his head and smiled. Sakura hoped that Abby was able to read that his crinkled eyes meant a smile.
“Oh, I’m sorry dear.” She smiled at him. “When we clean up, you’ll be able to eat I promise to keep my distance.” Kakashi smiled again. “Thank you ma’am.”
Abby turned to Sakura. “so you said you arrived this morning, do you have anywhere to stay?” Sakura looked down at her plate trying to think. “Not yet, we arrived rather unexpectedly. Its been a bit of a disaster this morning and we’re just trying to figure out our next steps.”
Abby patted her hand. “I insist you stay here. I own this building and I currently have a vacant apartment. You’re welcome to say as long as you like.” Sakura started to protest at her extreme generosity. “I won’t hear it. I can tell you’ve both been through a lot, and nothing would make me happier than being able to help you.”
“Thank you ma’am we really appreciate this. Are you sure it won’t be putting you out?” Kakashi asked leaning forward slightly. Abby waved her hands at him dismissively “Of course not, it would be an absolute pleasure.”
After dinner Abby took them outside to the apartment building entrance, it turned out that her apartment was the only one directly attached to the store. She took them up to the third floor and opened the door for them. The building was not overly large, so each floor was it’s own apartment. Entering the unit, they looked around at the furnished apartment, it had basic furniture, a couch, small coffee table, dining room table and chairs, all basic kitchen appliances. One other thing they also noticed was that it only had one bedroom, the couch they discovered was the pullout kind however so they at least would each get a bed to sleep in.
Sakura and Kakashi bid her goodnight after a tour and some chatting. “I’m glad you came to my store first Sakura; it’s been so lovely meeting you.” Sakura bowed to Abby and smiled widely. “Thank you so much.”
After the door clicked shut they both sighed in relief. They may be in a foreign place but at least they had somewhere to stay until they could figure out how to get home.
“so.” Sakura asked falling to the couch in exhaustion. “Any idea what’s happened to us?” Kakashi settled himself into one of the dining room chairs, he leaned forward running his hands over his face, his elbows resting on his knees. “I have no idea. I didn’t recognize that genjustu he used. We could have been transported to another place, another time, maybe even a different dimension.”
Sakura sighed and sank into the couch. “is any of that even possible? I’ve never heard of anything like them being used.” Kakashi leaned back. “As far as I know we don’t have anything like that in Konoha but it’s possible that another village has created something.”
Sakura sat upright. “He said something about getting rid of Konoha’s top medic, that it would fall without me.” Her eyes went wide in fear. “He didn’t seem to upset about getting rid of you either. We need to get back.”
“Agreed, but we have to figure out where we are first, and why our chakra seems inaccessible.”
“It’s not inaccessible, it’s there I can feel it. It’s just buried, it feels like it did before I went into the academy, like I need to learn to use it all over again.” She leaned back into the couch defeated. “What a nuisance.”
“Again I agree.” He leaned over on the table, exhaustion hitting him like a ton of bricks. “at least we have somewhere to start. We need to rest though, we’re no good to anyone if we’re dead on our feet.”
Sakura nodded getting up from the couch. She went to the closet Abby had showed them, it was stocked with blankets, pillows, sheets and towels. Grabbing a bed set she made her way back to the living room. Kakashi took the bedding from her. “You can have the bedroom, I’m used to open spaces and you’ll be more comfortable there.” She looked up at him shocked, she shouldn’t be though and she knew it, he could be very sweet and caring when he wanted to be. “you sure?” she hoped he was.
“Very.” He set the bedding on the coffee table and pulled it out of the way so he could set up the bed. She helped him get unfolded and put the sheets on. Once his bed was ready Sakura yawned. “head to bed Sakura, can’t have you falling over.” He brushed his hand over her shoulder. “We’re going to get home, don’t worry.” She looked up into her brown eyes, it was still so odd to her that she could be both eyes all the time, and that one of them wasn’t red anymore. She did miss it.
“It’s too bad you don’t have your Sharingan anymore, it might have come in handy.” Her inside thoughts popped out of her mouth before she could stop it. She didn’t want him knowing she was thinking about it eyes.
Kakashi smiled sadly. “we can figure it out without it. I promise.” He whispered his confirmation of his earlier promise.
She nodded smiling back at him softly. “I know. We always figure it out.” She turned away his hand falling from her shoulder, she had her hand on the bedroom door. “Good night Kakashi.” He gave her a small wave. “Good night Sakura.” With that she disappeared behind the door leaving a tired and confused Kakashi in her wake.
He stripped off his clothing until he was left in just his pants. he decided to risk not wearing his mask to bed, he always slept better without it, and he was exhausted he needed to get a proper night’s sleep. Throwing himself under the covers he was unconscious almost immediately.
Sakura meanwhile discovered on the dresser a box filled with the things she had selected from the store downstairs with a note. ‘I hope this helps you get settled, if you need anything else please let me know. P.S. I will refuse payment’ She held the note to her chest and smiled, she was truly grateful to Abby and she hoped to be able to repay her incredible kindness.
She set the box aside for now and crawled into bed after removing her day clothes. She was down to her panties and chest wrappings, as much as she loathed to sleep in her wrappings she figured if there was an emergency it would be better to not be completely nude in front of the man in the other room, even though she knew that’s exactly what she wanted even if she wasn’t ready to tell him that yet.
Closing her eyes she was asleep almost before her head hit the pillow.