cнαpтer 15.2: мeмorιeѕ

Note:

-lots of events awaits within this chapter and the next one.

-numerous time skips

Quotes of the chapter: "Everyone believes that people will eventually leave, but the memories made, will never fade."

"Having fun makes you feel better while taking it seriously just hurts you more."

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~cнαpтer 15.2: мeмorιeѕ~

"Can I be Sasuke's replacement?"

Those words reiterated inside Sakura's mind.

"What?!"

She thought as her body was trembling in confusion with a mixture of nervousness. She gulped and took all the vigour that her body can able to, in order for her to reply fiercely. "No one can ever replace another person."

"And you just answered the question to your problem." The mythical Gaara of the Sand sealed his eyes closed as his simper widen. "Gotcha." He spoke as he let go of the pinkette. Gaara glanced and saw her forming a fist, gathering up her power.

"Don't you ever play with a girl's feelings!" Suddenly, when Sakura was about to attack, she felt a palm touching her knuckles with much force. Gaara caught her fist.

It was Gaara's turn to return the glare. "Who said I was playing? I was merely checking your belief."

"You call that asking a person's opinion?!" Sakura calmed herself down and folded her arms while looking away. "You should've just asked."

"Then you would change the topic and forget about the whole question." Gaara placed his hands inside his pockets lightly as he gave his usual stoic expression.

Sakura was speechless. He was right. "Clever boy." She admitted as he nodded. They began walking to the next habitat.

Little did they know that there was one person who saw the whole situation. He smiled under his breath, knowing every little thing.

~

"HOLY CRUD!!" Ino ran outside the gate and hid behind Shikamaru who was standing before the entrance of the Panda Empire as the pineapple-haired boy sighed.

"Ino what are you so afraid of?" Tenten asked, hugging a baby panda inside the Panda's habitat.

"T-That thing whose snuggling you!"

"What do you mean? It's the cutest animal I've ever seen!" Tenten brought the lovely animal down for it to go back to its mother.

"But Ino-chan, it's just a harmless animal." Hinata said as she carry another baby panda. "Look." She stretched her arms, close to Shikamaru's shoulders for Ino to see the little panda.

The platinum blonde took a peek as she shrieked. "It's the panster!!" She once again hid behind Shikamaru, her human shield.

Kiba listened as he joined them. "Panster?"

"Panda plus monster equals panster, duh genius." Ino said with her eyes half-closed.

"I'm starting to have second thoughts if you were really sick or that was all an act." Kiba remarked due to Ino's sarcastic attitude towards him was back.

Ino crossed her arms to her chest and left with a 'Hmph!'

"Typical Ino." Shikamaru smirked a little.

Sasuke was just staring into space, ignoring the world as often while Ami was flirting with him.

"You said it." Kiba's eye twitched as a reply to Shikamaru's remark as he slung his arm to Shikamaru's and Sasuke's neck, saving Sasuke against Ami the coquette. "So, shall we go inside the Panda Empire and scare Ino?"

"Better than getting flirt." Sasuke mumbled in his head. "Hn."

"What a drag."

The three boys passed the gate leaving a furious Ami who's currently cursing Kiba for taking Sasuke away from her.

Hinata was still carrying the little panda as she saw her partner with Neji and noticed Naruto, who was Neji's partner, alone walking by himself. Hinata hesitated for a moment but finally decided to talk to Naruto with her cheeks flushed in the shades of pink.

"N-Naruto-kun, do you like to carry this panda?" Hinata showed the diminutive panda as it gave a cheerful expression at Naruto.

Naruto grinned happily as he nodded. Taking the adorable panda from Hinata's hands, the panda gave Naruto a hug. Hinata giggled at the sight of the cute little panda along with her deep crush.

Naruto's smile went wider, returning the hug as his gaze averted to Hinata. "Thanks Hinata!" Naruto let down the panda for it to stroll around the fields of the area.

Steve brought up his microphone and spoke. "Yoo hoo!" He waved his left hand up to catch everyone's attention. "Ztu-dentz ov Ko-no-ha High, let uz goh toh tha ma-rin li-ve realm!! Yah." He roamed to the next room as students and teachers follow him.

(Translation: "Students of Konoha High, let us go to the Marine Life Realm!! Yah.")

Naruto saw Neji and Tenten went ahead. He looked to Hinata and questioned. "Since my partner is with Tenten, would you like to come with me for the trip?"

Hinata gasped silently as her heart skipped a beat with butterflies skimming around her stomach, all at the same time. She snapped herself back to reality and quickly consented.

"Yosh! Let's go Hinata!" Naruto grabbed Hinata's hand as they ran to the next site both smiling with the presence of each other.

Upon entering a dimmed room, Steve waited for everyone to calm themselves in tranquility for them to reach their final destination. Once all the people inside the room was behave in silence, a gigantic door opened, exposing an almost endless passageway.

Coming in at an imperial underpass, a variety of marine animals with different kinds swimming beyond the tunnel as the students and teachers explore the place in astonishment.

Steve gave them the freedom to look around along the marine life gallery. The big tunnel had two smaller interconnecting hallways that was curved, so that visitors from both sides may appreciate the ocean living animals. Also, they might have the chance to see the people at the other linked hall.

Neji and Tenten were on their own, like having their own 'date' as Naruto and Hinata were together with Kiba, Sasuke and the others while Sakura was with the sand siblings, of course.

Sakura's vision was glued to the alluring aspect of the sea creatures, colorful coral reefs displayed at the ground, distinct fishes, innocuous stingrays, harmless sharks swimming around.

Her gaze followed a young shark. It passed through the coral reefs that made her vision stop. She saw a blurry masculine figure that was at the other connected gallery. She leaned closer to the glass and blinked twice in order to know who the person is. When the anonymous person is now exposed, Sakura slowly realized that it was the one and only, Uchiha Sasuke.

Sakura shrieked silently as her eyes widen in surprise, still staring at him. Sasuke changed the direction of his eyesight to his right, then got locked in an eye contact with Sakura.

The eye contact was very hard to demolish. It was like destroying a diamond without using any metal nor an employ of heat.

Eventually, Sasuke got the power to broke the contact and moved on to follow the others while Sakura had to take a minute before coming back to her senses.

Unfortunately for Sakura, an Uchiha never shows his true expression at his face so she didn't know what's on his mind.

As Sasuke's feet brought him to his friends, he took a peek at Sakura, seeing his former friend laughing and hanging out with people he hardly knew.

"She has them now. She has Kankuro to keep her company, Temari to relate with her and Gaara to protect her..."

He looked to Tenten and the others who were making noise as always.

He closed his eyes once again and turned over a new leaf to his thoughts when Naruto and Kiba called him over.

~

After a lot of new lessons, when they got back from the zoo trip, all were exhausted so they hit the hay. The second day finally rose up which means a whole day at the beach. The teachers had a bunch of activities planned out for the students not to let boredom pass them such as, volleyball match, intriguing games, sharing experiences with a bonfire and many more fun matters.r

Sakura woke up as she gasped, shaking in confusion and her heart beating rapidly.

How did this happen? Imagination.

Her memory was a bit blurry and incomplete, but she remembered the very important scene in her dream. At some point, they were going back to Konohagakure and Sasuke was her partner for the ride back home. Even though her vision was messed up, she heard Sasuke say. "Do you want to go out with me?" Meaning in a boyfriend and girlfriend relationship. Of course, Sakura couldn't reply no and as they rode back to the airplane, Sakura was holding hands with Sasuke as her head resting at Sasuke's shoulder, sleeping while Sasuke's head tilted at her head, also sleeping, like a true couple. And that's when Sakura snapped back to her hotel room with a surprised feeling.

Sakura shook her head and forced herself to forget that fantasy. Sakura stretched her arms as she yawned. She looked around and noticed that Temari was not at her bed. She scanned her surroundings and found a note posted at the desk, saying...

"Hey Sakura! I just went out to grab breakfast for the four of us, you know how much Konoha high school students eat ;) Freshen yourself up and I'll see you at the cafeteria!

-Temari"

Sakura just kept the note and began her daily routine, erasing the memory a while ago.

~

The moment when the students were busy digging in their food, Tsunade turned on the microphone to make an announcement. "Attention!"

All stood up firmly, like a cadet. Why? Usually, the students would ignore her statement or stand up slowly and grumpily. Well, for them to have a fun field trip along with discipline, Tsunade offered them a deal. If they follow her orders or the teacher's instructions, she will dismiss the classes a week earlier before the Christmas break. Of course, the students agreed with it. No school is one of their biggest dreams they have in their minds.

"Stop fidgeting!" One of the teachers directed as Tsunade continued her message.

"As you all know, today will be a day to enjoy the beach. We have prepared activities for you to have fun with proper behavior. The first one will be a Volleyball match, so girls who would like to play, sign up now but the matches will be distributed and teams would be random. The winners per match would battle until a two victors may be crowned. Although the Basketball game consists of five members in one team so one team per batch level and this match is somewhat like a championship. Let's see which partner is the best for playing Volleyball per level and find out which batch is the best in terms of the sport, basketball. Now, line up if you want to sign up! Also keep in mind that the participants will be limited." Tsunade ended her speech as whispers can be heard from the student's voice, planning the participants while the others started to line up since it's a first-come, first-serve basis. 

The sand siblings and Sakura were eating their breakfast near the buffet area. Kankuro was wearing a jet-black shirt and jeans while Gaara was wearing a ultramarine blue v-neck shirt and dark gray shorts. Sakura wore her jade green swimsuit which matches her emerald eyes, underneath a white tank top and navy blue shorts. Temari picked her fuchsia swimsuit, white loose shirt and lavender shorts with very tiny polka dots.

( I'm not good with fashion. )

"You guys gonna join?" Kankuro said after swallowing the food in his mouth.

Sakura nodded as Gaara and Temari agreed.

Kankuro laughed as he coughed due to choking. "G-Gaara is gonna join the volleyball game HAHA!!" He teased.

Gaara slapped his face with his palm. "I'm gonna join the basketball tournament, you idiot."

"Just admit it little bro, you're just gonna join the basketball game so that you can get a girlfriend." He patted Gaara's head with a wink.

"Like you have one." Gaara stood up to sign up for the basketball game.

Kankuro gritted his teeth in defeat, muttering. "Someday, I'm gonna steal that eyeliner..."

Sakura burst out laughing as Temari joined.

"Anyways, how about you?"

Kankuro sighed, putting down his sandwich. "I'll start making the documentary with Lana since Kaka-sensei assigned me to...for extra grade."

"Lana? You're lucky since she's fun to be with. It's easy to go along with her." Sakura remembered the times she hung out with Lana because of the projects given. She's very joyful even if she suffered a great tragedy in her life. 

Kankuro just nodded and looked around. "Hey, I suggest you sign up now since the line's gonna be long if you stay here."

Temari immediately stood up from her seat and ran to the line. "Sakura, hurry up!"

By the time Sakura went to sign up, she saw Ino and Ami signing up not too far from them. Memories flashed back to where she and Ino used to play volleyball together. When Sakura always spike and hit the ball as Ino blocks every counter-attack of their opponent. It was their sport.

Sakura shifted her vision away, moving on even though she misses her and the past so much.

~

When all slots were taken, they quickly chose & posted the partners and began the tournament. Ironic thing is, Ino and Sakura were partners. Ami got partnered up with Fia, a Sasuke fangirl as Temari got paired up with someone else and moved to compete with the higher batch due to her age.

The first activity will be the volleyball game, the match will be per batch, whoever wins will be crowned the best volleyball players of their year level. No doubt that Temari will win with whoever her partner is. Although, per set will only consist of 2 players instead of 6 to refrain from taking too much space. 

For the juniors:

#1 Match: Ino & Saku vs Yna & Laren= Pair 1

#2 Match: Ashina & Rhia vs Kia & Weya= Pair 2

#3 Match: Ami & Fia vs Cheela & Deen= Pair 3

#4 Match: Tenten & Karin vs Zenia & Madi= Pair 4

=====

>>Pair 1 vs Pair2= W1

>>Pair 3 vs Pair 4= W2

=====

>>Championship: W1 vs W2

Throughout the years, Sakura and Ino were known as the "Queens of Volleyball" due to their attacks, blocks and cooperation. Even though they haven't talked to each other for so long, they managed to bring up the old times. Teamwork was visible. Both girls were enjoying the game at the same time happy that they are in good terms, as proof during the game. It's just like in one snap, they already got in the championship against Ami and Fia. Sadly for Tenten, her partner was Karin and well......volleyball wasn't Karin's cup of tea. As for the other girls, they did their best though they weren't mad at each other, they actually made friends because of the game despite the minor injuries and falls, they still had fun.

It was around 2 o' clock in the afternoon when they finished the battles and began the championship between W1 and W2 which is, Sakura & Ino vs Ami and Fia for the juniors' batch.

Everyone was gathered at the beach to watch the battle between the winners, one batch then another comes afterwards. The last year level that will battle will be the seniors and before them will be the juniors.

A whistle cleared the end of match and signals the juniors to battle next. Before the girls walk to their designated places, they shook hands as a sign of friendly game. Ino shook hands with Fia as they both give a warm smile at each other. On the other side, when Sakura and Ami shook or maybe crushed each other's hands, both send glares at each other like there was an electrical shock between them.

Ami simpered and mumbled something under her breath. "Let's see who's best."

Sakura, for once, concur and smirked back. "Bring it on." 

Another whistle blew as the game finally started. Fia was the first to serve the ball. She did the underhand serve. The ball made it's way pass the net as Ino spank the ball, hitting it towards the ground. One point for Team Ino & Sakura.

Ino's turn to serve. She dribbled the ball twice and spike the ball as Fia returned the ball to the other side while Sakura shot it back to them and Ami blocked the hit with a jump. Ami smirked, one point for her team.

When it was her turn to serve, she breathed in and stretched her arms, holding the ball. She exhaled and served, though Sakura had thoughts of counter-attack but then she noticed the ball landed on the outside. She raised an eyebrow over Ami as an insult to make the match more intense. Another point for Team Sakura & Ino.

Ami clenched her fists, trying to calm herself down with positive thoughts even if the game just started.

"Oh it's definitely on."

It was all the same, as Team Ino & Sakura increases a point, so did Team Ami and Fia. Tough game however it came to the point when Team Sakura and Ino had the score of 24.

Ami was now panting. She was running out of energy. She glanced to her enemies, seeing Ino and Sakura both shared a grin at each other.

"That is it. I can't lose. Especially to that damn pinkette."

Sakura closed her eyes, seeking concentration. When she heard the signal of the whistle, she immediately used "The Floater" type of service. Due to Ami's current emotions, she quickly determined the movements of the ball and charged for attack. After Ami's move, Fia caught the ball as it reached to the other side. Because of wrong perspectives, both Ino and Sakura thought that it was an 'out'. Realizing their misunderstandings, they both laughed and apologized to each other. How they missed the old times. Instead of thinking the game as a survival match, they play as if they were just having fun, but that's what made them the masters of volleyball.

Same score, 24. They are both tied up, whoever scores the last will be the champion in their batch. Ami took this game very seriously rather than having fun, like if she lost the game she will die. But of course, they are no match with the queens of volleyball.

Sakura gave Ino a certain look as Ino smirked, giving her a nod. When Fia served the ball, Sakura quickly jumped as Ino moved backwards.

A smile was shown at Shikamaru's face. "So they're doing 'that' move huh?"

Hinata nodded in response with much delight as Naruto and Kiba both cheered in happiness at Ino and Sakura as support. Neji and Tenten watched the game with curiosity and familiar thoughts connecting to the familiar backfire.

For the first time in forever, Uchiha Sasuke grinned in seeing Ino and Sakura doing the particular attack.

Ami was very confused on what their plan was, it seems she can't predict their movements but it was just a diversion. Ino secretly hit the ball from the bottom as Sakura spike the ball, aiming the ground while saying. "Twisted spike!"

With that, the ball landed hard at the ground as the game was finished. No one could ever beat the 'Queens of Volleyball.' The last whistle was heard, ending the game. Ino and Sakura hugged each other, embracing the victory while remembering the past. Ami ran out of the court in a grumpy manner.

Ino and Sakura let go with sudden realizations. Sakura spoke up first. "Nice game." She lend out a hand.

Ino smiled, accepting Sakura's handshake. "Yeah."

Gaara and Temari called Sakura as she went to them, leaving Ino with the others.

"Here's your stuff." Gaara gave Sakura her small backpack as Temari handed over Sakura's book.

"Thanks." Sakura said while getting her things.

"HEY SAKURA!!" A female voice howled, catching everyone's attention.

Sakura looked behind to see who it was. Big mistake.

As Sakura was about to turn back, a volleyball hit her head. "HEADSHOT!" The girl who called Sakura roared.

Most of the people automatically gasped with a deep "Oooo."

Sakura stayed stiff, standing with her same position. She blinked and realized it was Ami who hurt her.

"Thought so."

Everyone was waiting what Sakura would do. Instead of reacting with shouts, she simply turned to Ami as she smirked while Ami raised an eyebrow. Sakura held her thick book tightly as she threw the book over Ami's head, yelling. "FACEBOOK!"

All of them cracked up or replied, either  "Woah!" or  "Boom!"

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EDITED.//5.19.2014//

Short :/

I am SOOOOOOOOOO very sorry for the slow updates...been busy with my own life especially with school works since sumer's coming up.

Anyways, Advance Happy Birthday to Tenten! :)

Hope you enjoyed the chapter even just a little.

Thanks for reading!

:)

~TheSketcher