Mission
Haruno Sakura had found many ways to distract herself from the absence of Uchiha Sasuke. Most of them included working non-stop, occasionally visiting Naruto and Hinata, and enjoying her time reading and studying new medical jutsu’s and procedures.
While many, including Yamanaka Ino, suggested she find herself a partner, Sakura could never find it in herself to do so. Her heart, much to her best friend’s dismay, had always belonged, and would always belong to Sasuke. Was it something Sakura wished she could change? Sometimes. It got lonely, but most of the time, it didn’t bother her. She enjoyed helping others and using her time working at the hospital.
She thought of his most recent departure often. His unsaid promise that one day he will return. That one day, when he completes his path of redemption, she could join him on his travels.
Sakura was no fool, she knew the whispers that spread around the village.
“She is beautiful, strong, smart, she could have anyone.”
“I don’t understand why she still holds onto the silly notion that the Uchiha will ever return her feelings.”
“It’s so sad, don’t you think? Watching her save herself for someone who won’t love her back.”
Sakura mentally scoffed to herself and shook her head at the memories, grabbing the files of her recent patients. A couple of ANBU had been injured during a mission; a few broken bones, minor cuts and bruises, however one was needed for immediate surgery.
Thankfully, they were healing just fine and would likely be discharged sometimes within the next week, perhaps two.
Sakura sat in her office, grabbing the bowl of Ichiraku Ramen that Uzumaki Naruto had brought her for lunch. It was a daily thing that Naruto would bring her different types of dishes for her lunch break, and it was very much appreciated. She made a mental note to take him out for dinner to say thank you for never giving up on her.
She never knew how good ramen tasted - but, perhaps it was due to the fact that she hadn’t eaten anything other than a singular apple, within the last 24 hours. Tsunade would have her head if she knew that Sakura wasn’t taking proper care of herself. She mentally flinched, already picturing the lecture she would get. No doubt she would be forced to have days off. Even a week off work was brutal to Sakura, and she knew that Tsunade would do just that. Maybe to even spite her, two weeks off. She shuddered at the idea, and focused on her meal.
The aroma that wafted through the air and filled her senses had Sakura’s mouth watering. Beef broth, steamed vegetables, seasoned meat… her stomach growled.
As she opened her mouth to invade her tastebuds with another savoring taste of the ramen, she heard a tapping on her window. Pausing and suppressing a sigh, she glanced to her left.
Perched on the windowsill was a hawk.
Sakura lifted an eyebrow at the bird as it shook its feathers out, and scratched its belly with its beak, before it looked up at her expectedly.
“Hello there,” Sakura said softly, standing. She approached it, admiring its beauty. Different shades of browns and yellows, with a remarkable set of sharp, pointed talons.
Attached to its ankle was a piece of paper, which she was quick to untie. Running her fingers along the back of the bird, she smiled.
“Thank you,” she said.
Screeching in reply, the hawk flapped its wings, crouched, and then launched itself in the air. She watched as its silhouette grew smaller and then disappeared behind a tree.
Sakura glanced down at the parchment paper, unfolding it to read the contents inside.
Sakura, I hope you’re taking care of yourself.
It’s been too long since you’ve seen your old Sensei, eh?
Why don’t you stop by and come see me when your shift is over.
(No, that wasn’t a question. It’s an order from your Hokage.)
P.S. If you don’t come I’ll tell Tsunade you’re overworking yourself again.
You know she won’t be happy about that, so come see your old Sensei.
-H. Kakashi (A.K.A., your favorite teacher… And Hokage.)
Sakura rolled her eyes at the letter, but couldn’t help herself from giggling. She knew Kakashi was bored with all the reports and paperwork that came with being Hokage, but didn’t think he was that bored that he would threaten to expose her to Tsunade.
Chuckling to herself, she placed the parchment onto her desk, and continued with work.
“A mission?” Sakura inquired, lifting an eyebrow at her former Sensei.
Kakashi leaned casually against the Hokage’s chair, arms folded over his chest, “yes, a mission.”
“I don’t know, Kakashi-sensei…” Sakura started slowly, a small frown forming on her lips, “there’s a lot that needs to be done at the hospital. With Tsunade-shishou no longer at the hospital- and, not only that, the construction for the buildings for the orphanage, there’s no possible way I could-”
“Sakura,” Kakashi said, lifting his hand to silence her, “please let me explain.”
Huffing, Sakura sat on the chair across from him, lifting her eyebrow at him. She waved her hand, signaling to continue.
“I’ve already spoken to Tsunade, she and Shizune have already agreed to take over while you’re gone. Ino has also said she will help at the hospital as well, and whatever else is needed for the construction of the orphanage.”
Sakura scratched her arm, unsure, “what kind of mission?”
“Now, you know I love you Sakura, you’re my favorite student after all-”
“Oh great,” Sakura muttered under her breath.
“-but this mission cannot be done by anyone other than you.”
Sakura refrained from rolling her eyes and pinched the bridge of her nose. She wondered how many times he had used that line on other Shinobi.
“Hand me the report,” she grumbled, holding out her hand.
He plopped the parchment in her waiting hands, grinning behind his mask.
Then, his eyes narrowed slightly and he grew serious, something that had her straightening her back and staring at him intently.
“This mission is not for the faint hearted, Sakura. I did not choose you out of some whim. It will be grueling, dangerous. There will be things that are… Quite unsavory, that you will have to not only witness, but participate in. Some of that will require your specific expertise at Iryō Ninjutsu and your combat experience. You will leave within the hour.”
Sakura nodded, glancing down at the parchment that held the details of her specific mission, before glancing up at Kakashi and nodding once more.
“I accept, Kakashi-sensei,” she said, “I will do whatever it takes to complete the mission.”
Kakashi reached across the table and grabbed onto her wrist before she could get up and leave, “and Sakura…”
Her green eyes glanced back at him, eyebrows furrowing at the unexpected gesture.
“...Please be careful.”