Chapter 28 - December Chill
Sakura is studying in her garden when her particular brand of Cherry Pines begin to dance in the nonexistent wind, wailing in a tone only she can hear. There are several dozen temperature moderating fuinjutsu around her garden and house, courtesy of the Uzumaki family, so she feels none of the December chill.
In her hands is one of the four katas that all Haruno must learn to be gifted their Juzu beads and ornamental instruments. The Kata one learns is helpful in defining their intended path in the clan.
Between healer, traveler, executioner, and shaman. Very rarely do executioners come about, the katas being over 180 stances long. Traveler is the second most rare, and it is the traveling priests who set up temples outside of Hi no Kuni or replenish them. The kata is 129 stances. The shaman is more of a dance than a fighting style, but it includes 150 stances. It is easier than traveler, though. Healer has the least at 113 stances but the most scriptures. Shaman has the second most scriptures.
“Healing is the most difficult task there is,” Kaede had told her when she asked why.
Her brother had memorized the shaman kata and scriptures, much like their father. Though Kizashi had been torn between executioner and shaman. But the elders declared his shaman katas more perfect and began him on that path.
But the scrolls around her mean nothing to her at the moment.
Because the trees are all wailing about clouds overshadowing the full moon.
It’s noon. There are no clouds in sight, let alone the moon.
And Sakura?
She frowns.