Naruto Fan Fiction ❯ Cat's Eyes ❯ The Gathering ( Chapter 7 )

Chapter Seven

 

The Gathering

 

 

The abrupt end of the meeting was too much for Sakura. She just sat there unable to do anything but shoot pleading looks in Kakashi's direction in a desperate attempt to gather the shattered pieces of her reality.

 

Little sister, do not worry we promised you.

 

Sakura took a deep breath and nodded shakily.

 

Kakashi looked at her trembling and only with supreme effort was able to keep from throttling Tsunade. That woman is a brilliant fighter but when it comes to relationships… He broke off his thoughts.

 

“Come on Sakura lets get you back to my apartment, I think you have had enough for one day.”

 

“Nonsense Kakashi, I think it would be a good idea if Lee accompanied you, after all her is the girls consort.” The elder with the dogs smirked. He obviously liked to be in a position of control.

 

Kakashi bit back his retort and school his face into a bland mask of compliance.

 

“Well then while we are at it we might as well gather the team. I believe Naruto has yet to meet the cats…”

 

The elder grit his teeth but said nothing. Kakashi hadn't defied him, Lee would be going he just twisted the situation to put the elder out of control.

 

Meanwhile unaware of the power struggle going on two chairs over Sakura sat in the center of a ring of her guardians.

 

Kitten, Shi'i'na, soothed with a calming purr. You must not worry, you are our kin, the elder will set things to rights. Calm down, you need all your wits about you to play this situation right.

 

She is right Ki'li, if we play this right we might just achieve all our ends. Ki're'na glanced at Kakashi then back at Sakura. Trust me, this will be worth it.

 

I for one still don't like this at all, are you sure I can't just eat the fowl human and be done with this mess?

 

Absolutely not Ha'ki'to, this type of situation requires a level of finesse and I am sure we can do just that without soiling our claws and fangs. It that not right?

 

The cats reluctantly agreed that She'li'na's advice we the best course of action however this did nothing to placate Ha'ki'to who still stood by, that given the opportunity he would eat the annoying human.

 

“Alright then,” Kakashi's voice broke threw Sakura's concentration of her guardian's conversation. “Let's head home.”

 

Lee leapt up immediately, “Allow me to assist you Sakura!” He bounded over intending to take her arm, but when he got within five feet of her Ha'ki'to stuck out his tail and casually sent in flying into the council room door.

 

You will stay away from her you filthy human! He growled harshly.

 

“He can't understand you.” Sakura whispered as she stroked his head grateful for the protection.

 

It matters not little sister, he will not touch you.

 

At these words spoken with such conviction Sakura finally managed to calm down.

 

Kakashi looked at the boy against the door grinning to himself. “Lee if you don't mind you are blocking the door…” Lee scrabbled up. “And Sasuke, why don't you get Naruto and Ino I think it might do some good for Sakura to be surrounded by friends right now.”

 

Sasuke looked at Lee then at Kakashi and raised his eyebrow. Then gave a quick nod, and departed before Kakashi's glare could get any more murderous.

 

I have changed my mind, Ha'ki'to growled on the way home, as he noticed that Kakashi had picked up Sakura and was carrying her greater and greater distances from Lee, I think I might actually like this human.

 

Sakura who had heard the comment blushed.

 

They arrived at the apartment minutes later. Kakashi went about settling Sakura while sending Lee into the kitchen to fetch Sakura a drink.

 

We were right about him Shi'i'na! Ki're'na purred. He is good for her.

 

Suddenly Lee banged in. “My love! I have your drink, here let me hold it for you while you drink.”

 

Kakashi raised his eyebrow at the idiot, and calmly took the drink for Lee's hands. “I think Sakura can manage on her own.” He handed her the glass and sat between her and Lee on the couch.

 

Lee looked rather put out by this but nothing kept the green beast down for long.

 

Suddenly the doorbell rang. “Intruders! Do not worry my blossom I shall protect you!” And with that he bolted to the door only to bed only to be thrown back by Naruto.

 

“Sakura-chan! Are you alright? You were in bad shape a few days ago.”

 

Sakura smiled at the exuberant blond. “I'm fine, Naruto.”

 

He grinned.

 

I like this one.

 

You would Sakura purred with a smile, he is like the human brother I never had.

 

I like him too, Ki'li he must be fun.

 

He is, but he is not well liked, he carries a fox spirit.

 

No wonder then, he is kin, Ki'li'na'ra you have found a good friend in him.

 

“Stay back you fowl villain. I shall defend my love…” Lee interrupted again before Naruto's punch hit him square in the face. “Is fuzzy eyebrows bothering you Sakura?”

 

Sakura was quiet. There wasn't much she could say. Then Kakashi came to her rescue. “I think he needs a good sparring match to calm him down. He has had a lot of excitement today. Naruto do you think you can oblige him?”

 

Naruto smiled broadly. “Of course, Oi, fuzzy brow, come on we have a score to settle.”

 

Lee looked torn. He wanted to stay with Sakura but he was a man who never backed down. “Alright, prepare yourself, Sakura my love I shall win quickly so that I may return to you with all haste…”

 

His speech was cut off as Naruto dragged him from the room and Kakashi slammed the door.

 

“That should give you a bit of respite from him.”

 

“Thank you, Kakashi-sensei.”

Kakashi frowned. “Just Kakashi, you live with me, all these formalities can be rather tiresome.”

 

Sakura blushed. “Ok, Kakashi.”

 

And as soon as the words left her lips Ino walked in, took one look around and squealed.

 

“You have to tell me everything!”

 

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Comments:

 

Did I ever mention I hate technology? I swear this chapter does not want to cooperate. This will be my second? Third? Repost attempt and hopefully it will be successful.

 

Murphy says:

 

To err is human but to truly fowl things up requires a computer.

 

Notes:

 

I apologize for the delay. I could give any number of excuses from my lack of power to the removal of my wisdom teeth. But in truth it boils down to me not getting the chapter out on time and I apologize once again and I thank you for your patience with me and my deficiencies.

 

On a more positive note thank you to my reviewers:

Princess Kitana

Hitomi Brighteyes

ChristinaRR

Game girl

Kagomeme 2000