She attacked Sasuke from the side, striking her knife across his waist, making him wince. Sasuke hated this: not being able to show his true power. He didn't even want to do this; he didn't even know why he even bothered to participate anyway. Still, if it would help Sakura stop being so useless...maybe it was worth it. It totally sucked that he had to go all easy on a weakling like Sakura.
"Is that all you got?" she yelled, as she blocked another one of his attacks.
"Jeez! Your mouth is almost as big as your forehead!" Sasuke retorted as he launched another kick at her gut.
"I'll get you for that!" she hollered, as she kicked him in his chest which sent him 'flying backward'. Sasuke had a sudden urge to rebel against Yumika's plans; he wanted to defeat Sakura. He pushed the temptation out of his mind.
'No,' he thought, 'you can't, Sasuke...just let her win this time.'
Sasuke blinked hard, as he let Sakura jab her Kunai knife half an inch into his upper left abdomen. He had to retreat and forfeit the match, as much as he wanted to beat her right now. He turned back and launched himself into the tree.
"Retreat!" he ordered, as Naruto fell to the ground after Kakashi 'punched him hard'. Naruto wiped the blood from the corner of his mouth, as she jumped up and followed Sasuke. They both began to leave when Sakura began to focus all her Chakra towards her feet, despite how tired she was. She ran straight up the tree and yelled.
"I'm not done with you yet!" she shouted when Kakashi pulled her down from the tree.
"Forget it, Sakura." He said calmly. "They're gone now."
"But what about Yumi---!" Sakura turned around and watched, as Kakashi collected Yumika's body into his arms.
He turned around. "You need to get some rest. Go back home. I'll take her to the hospital."
"But---!" Sakura started, as Kakashi jumped into the sky leaving her alone in the forest.
She decided that she better listen to Kakashi Sensei, so Sakura ended up recovering at home. Kakashi bounced off trees, flying back to his house as the sun began to rise into the pale blue sky.
"That went well," Yumika mused. "I'd like to thank you for playing along, Kakashi."
"Don't mention it." he replied. "How are your wounds?"
"Only a few minor cuts, nothing serious. You?"
"That's good to hear," he said, kicking off another branch. "And nothing either. Maybe a small scratch or two..."
"I'm a bit concerned about Sasuke and Naruto..." she said softly. "I hope they're alright..."
"Oh, they'll be fine." Kakashi smiled, locking their eyes together. "Trust me. The two are a lot stronger than they seem."
"If they were taught by you, I'd imagine." she smiled at him.
He chuckled, "The last time you said that it was in the context of an insult."
"People can change." she laughed.
He smoothly descended from the tree tops and landed gracefully in front of his house, setting her down before him. The door was an inch open; telling that Sasuke and Naruto had successfully made it inside.
She carefully pushed through the house. Naruto and Sasuke were sitting on the couch. Naruto stood up and rushed to greet the two.
"Kakashi Sensei! Yumi-Sama!" he beamed. "That was awesome!"
"Yeah!" she agreed.
Kakashi gave a chuckle; as he watched the three of them from the table. He rested his chin in his palm, as he took out his novel and began to read.
Yumika treated their minor wounds and gave them some food.
"Thanks, guys! See ya!" Naruto gave a closed eyed grin and turned around, following Sasuke outside.
She stood by the door and gave the two boys a quick finger wave. As she turned around, she was facing Kakashi.
"You know, I just realized something, Yumika..." he said slowly. She was surprised he had used her full name.
"What is it?" she replied softly, shutting the door.
He placed a hand on his shoulder, rotating his neck. "Do you remember the competition we had? A while back?"
"Mmhm, Why?"
"I recall myself being the winner..." he noted. "and I still haven't asked for my reward yet."
A chill went down her spine, "What is it you want, Kakashi?"
"Don't go back," he responded, not making eye contact. "I want you to stay with me."
----
A/N: hooraay more fluff *o* <3
★Lee★