Sakura Interlude
CHAPTER 10
Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto or any of the characters.
Thinking
'Signs to communicate.'
"Speaking"
A/N: This story will contain POVs from other characters too.
Hey guys! Naruto is over, Shippuden has not yet begun, and this takes place in the three-year training period.
One Year Later
I quickly jump away just as Shizune uses her Dokugiri no Jutsu (Poison Mist).
I hold my breath as the poisonous fumes surrounded me, and suddenly, I feel a sharp kick at my knee.
I fall on one knee and the fumes slowly disappear. I look up and see Shizune's hand snaking out and clenching my hair.
As soon as she applies pressure, she has to pull it back with a sharp intake of breath.
Taking the chance, I sweep her legs from below her, making her fall, and place a kunai at her throat.
"I win." I grin.
Shizune smiles and I help her up. She examines her right hand and questions, "How?"
Her skin is cut up and bleeding. I wrap her hands in mine, starting to heal her and explain, "Ninja wire. I knew something like that might happen," I say, referring to the hair-grabbing, "And I thought I should probably have some protection. I hide ninja wire in my headband, and the strings hide under my hair. That way, whenever someone clenches my hair, their hands get cut."
"That's... genius." Shizune breathes.
"Thank you." I smile, dropping my hands to the side.
The two of us sit down for a quick break and I chug some water.
It's been exactly one year since the team split up, and I've been making amazing progress. I can use my superstrength to, officially, break down mountains, I've mastered Shizune's Poison Mist, and a lot more.
I'm balanced in all aspects at the moment; poisons, Taijutsu, some Ninjutsu, Genjutsu.
And... I've started figuring out Mokuton (Wood Style). During one of my training sessions with Tsunade, I noticed my earth and Tsunade's water style merged and started forming wood.
Sure, it could be only because of Tsunade's relation to Hashirama, but it can't hurt to try, can it?
It happened a few months ago, and ever since, I've been trying to figure out the right proportions for both.
I'm not close at all.
And it's driving me crazy.
Moving on, I'm making progress with the Chakra Scalpels, and I think a few more months should do the trick.
I've started surgery, but I'm not very good at it.
My weights are up to 150 kgs or around 300 pounds, and I'm still being sent out on missions from time to time.
Although, Tsunade prefers to have me around in Konoha to help at the Hospital.
"Ready, Sakura-chan?" Shizune snaps me out of my thoughts.
"Of course, Shizune-san." I smile and we face each other again.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Two Years Later
"Come on, girl! Get yourself together!" Tsunade yells.
I exhale and try not to let my frustration get to me. I stand up and Tsunade runs towards me again, swinging her leg at my head.
I duck and throw a punch at her jaw. She bats it aside and tries to knee my stomach.
I jump back and try catching my breath.
Tsunade's been sparring with me the whole afternoon, with her super strength, and I'm beaten up. She's not going easy at all, and her words are echoing in my head. The ones she said right before she started training me the first time.
"But I must warn you... either reconsider it or take a few days of rest before I start training you."
Now I wish I'd listened to her. These days I barely get a break at all.
I charge with my fist cocked back and I aim it at her face. She bats it away again and attacks with her own punch. I dodge it and throw a kick.
She kicks me back and frowns. "Sakura, take a break. You're exhausted; there's no real power behind your attacks. We'll continue this in the evening."
"Yes, Shisho." I fall flat on my ass, breathing deeply.
Tsunade takes care of my Taijutsu, Ninjutsu and Medical, while Shizune takes care of my poison lessons, and sometimes Genjutsu.
My speed and strength have increased immensely, and my weights are up to 200 kgs.
My repertoire has expanded in terms of Ninjutsu, Genjutsu and Medical.
And I've finally mastered the Chakra Scalpels! Yay! I'm pretty good at it and being a medic, I know exactly where to hit.
I pack my stuff up and head back to the Hospital; my shift is about to start.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Few Months Later
I escorted Mei to Tsunade's office, "Here we are."
She smiles charmingly at me and I knock on the door.
"Come in!" Tsunade calls.
"Sh- Hokage-sama." I dip my head.
She scans the visitors and flicks her hand in my direction to dismiss me.
I close the door behind Terumi Mei, Ao and Chojuro.
They, apparently, had a request for Tsunade.
Fifteen minutes later, Shizune comes looking for me, "Sakura-chan! Tsunade-sama needs you for something."
"Me? Okay, I'll be there. Thank you, Shizune-san." I close my notebook and head to the Hokage's Office.
I pop my head into the office and say, "You called for me, Hokage-sama?"
"Yes, Sakura. Come in." Tsunade says, donning a serious face.
I close the door behind me and wait for her to speak again.
"Sakura, I have a mission for you." Tsunade orders. "It's an S-Rank mission."
"An S-Rank?" I echo, mystified. Tsunade has never given me an S-rank before. B-ranks were the highest, and even that rarely happened.
"Yes. You will be part of a team and help with the rebellion in Kiri. You will be leaving in an hour. Your team will consist of ANBU Wolf and Tiger, along with Hyuuga Neji, Yamanaka Fuu and Aburame Torune. Wolf is the team leader. Meet them at the front gate in forty-five minutes. Got it?"
My eyes widen a fraction. "Hai Hokage-sama!"
"Dismissed."
I turn on my heel and walk out the door. I shunshin home and start packing.
Kunai, shuriken, my bullets, soldier pills...
Okay, got it all.
Forty minutes later, I'm at the front gates with the ANBU and two people who I recognize as ROOT.
Only Neji and the Kiri nin have to arrive.
My eyes widen when I first feel Wolf's chakra.
Kakashi-sensei. Definitely him.
To make sure of it, I make discreet hand signs – our own signals, keeping an eye on his hands.
When he returns them, it's sheer willpower that I don't grin.
Two minutes later, Neji arrives.
At five to 11, Mei, Ao and Chojuro arrive.
"I suppose introductions are in order," Mei speaks with a gentle smile on her face. "I am Terumi Mei, leader of the rebellion, this is Ao," She gestures to the man with blue hair and his right eye covered, "and this is Chojuro."
The nervous man with light blue hair and a huge sword smiles shyly.
"I am Wolf. Close range fighter. This is Tiger, a mid-range fighter." 'Wolf' speaks in a monotonous voice. Then he gestures to me, "Haruno Sakura, medic and all-round fighter." I smile politely and he continues, "Hyuuga Neji. Close-range fighter. Aburame Torune. Long-range fighter. Yamanaka Fuu. Long-range fighter."
"Very well. Shall we depart?" Mei starts walking and Ao and Chojuro follow.
The six of us follow.
After a day's travel, we decide to stop. We set up camp and Neji volunteers for the night watch before I can.
I sleep for a few hours before he wakes me up for the next shift.
I wake up and keep watch, ready to fight if need be. Thankfully, nothing or no one attacked.
At the break of dawn, the next day, we all set out again.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
After days of travelling and sailing, we finally get to Kiri.
I'm greeted by the sight of people either dead, dying or killing.
Mei leads us, in disguise, to their hideout. She requests that I heal their wounded and I immediately agree.
She guides me to the wounded, and I exhale harshly to avoid gasping.
"Here they are," Mei says softly. I smile, "There's no need to worry, Mei-san."
I first move to a man who's gravely injured; broken ribs, damaged lungs, and a possibly fatal stab wound.
A few nurses are working on him, and I speak up, "All three of you can go help the others now. I'll take care of him."
They look at me skeptically, but move when Mei gives them a look.
I place my hand on his chest and start healing him.
I focus on his lungs first, then his ribs, and then his leg. Once he's healed enough to be stable, I move to the next person.
I spend the entire day trying to catch up with the number of patients. I almost lose two patients.
I didn't get any sleep that night.
The next day, when the nurses had everything under control, Wolf ordered me to go to the battlefield.
I took my gloves off and got ready.
And now, here I am. On the front lines. Killing ninjas.
I had decided to use my Chakra Scalpels. I'm injuring and killing soldiers left, right and center.
All I need is one tap to their vital spot, and within a few seconds, they're dead.
Whenever I get overwhelmed, I just punch the ground, blowing them away. And the cycle continues.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Every alternate day, I would either help on the battlefield or help the nurses and doctors.
I got injured many times, but I didn't let it grow into a permanent injury or a fatal wound.
Over the days, I lost another five patients, whom I did mourn, for a minute or two, and then I had to move on.
One day, we were sent to infiltrate one of the enemy's bases where some of our captured soldiers and civilians were being held. The things I saw...
Kids who had been raped and left there to die, adults weeping and mourning the children, the guards laughing as they beat the people.
It made me sick to my stomach, but thankfully, Kakashi-sensei was at my side, his hand on my shoulder, keeping me from murdering those... those pathetic, vile, inhumane swine.
Then, one day, I heard something interesting.
"I heard he's one of the last seal masters! But apparently, he doesn't make seals for anyone anymore! I heard he even denied the Mizukage once!" Two nurses were gossiping.
I raise an eyebrow in interest. A Seal Master? Well, isn't that lucky? I'll have to go meet him.
"He did? Oh gosh! I heard he lives in that small hut in the abandoned village! Is it true he's a gambling addict?"
Wow, these girls are helpful.
I haul myself up and make a mental note to go meet that guy.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
During one of my breaks, I decided to go meet the dude.
I spent ten minutes finding him, then found him in an old tattered hut. I knock on the door, and push it open when I hear a low "Who is it?"
"Uh, I'm Haruno Sakura. I'm a Konoha shinobi here to help with the rebellion. Are you Masaki-san?"
"Perhaps." He replies.
I walk cautiously towards the voice, with a kunai in hand, and say, "I'm here to talk. I need your help."
I walk around a corner and find an old man with grey hair and wrinkled skin sitting cross-legged on the ground with his eyes closed.
"I don't make seals anymore." He replies sharply.
"Why not?"
He sighs, "It's a long story; one I don't wish to get into."
"Very well. I won't pry. How about a bet?" I ask. It worked with Tsunade, so why not?
"A bet?" His voice held a tint of interest.
"Yes. If I win, you have to make the seals for me. If I lose, you can... what do you want?" I sit in front of him.
"Now, what kind of bet are we talking about?" He opens his eyes. His eyes are stormy grey.
I smile, "I will help overthrow Yagura. I will free your country. So, what do you want if I lose?"
He smirks sardonically, "If you lose, child, you'll be dead. Yagura doesn't take prisoners."
I nod grimly, "I am aware."
"You have a deal, child. If you can do that, I'll make the seals for you." His eyes glitter.
"Very well, then. I'll be back." I get up and the last thing I hear is him sighing, "I hope you do, child. I hope you do."
What is that supposed to mean? I thought he didn't want to make the sea-
"There you are!" An un-named nurse yells. "Wolf-san has called you for a meeting!"
She comes running towards me, grabs my hand and leads me to Wolf.
"Haruno, Hyuuga Neji, Tiger and these three," He gestures to two unknown Kiri jounin along with Ao, "Are going to assassinate Yagura."
My eyes widen. "Yagura? The Mizukage?"
He nods once in confirmation. "Yes. You must stay here, however."
"Okay." I nod.
"Good." He whirls around and walks away.
I stare at him for a few seconds, then shake my head and walk away.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
I gritted my teeth as I healed my arm.
While the Assassination team had gone to, well, assassinate Yagura, the jinchuuriki had sent his men to our camp.
There were at least 75 of his soldiers. And there were only about 20 of us in this camp, including the wounded, so that made it 13 of us.
When they came, I ordered two nurses to get the injured to safety, while the rest of us fought the army.
I had to take on around 35 of them, and then go help the others.
As soon as they charged, I took a few steps forward and punched the ground hard enough to bring down at the very least two mountains.
I quickly activated my Chakra Scalpels and attacked as the soldiers lost their footing.
A touch to their Vagus Nerve and a quick tap to their hearts and they would be dead within seconds.
I lost the advantage of surprise after killing 10 of them.
Once they started attacking me in groups, I focused on direct hits to their chests instead of simply paralyzing them.
One of them left a deep slash on my arm with his katana. Wincing ever so slightly, I continued.
Kick, tap, punch, dodge, tap, deflect, lunge.
I worked up a rhythm and soon enough, I was surrounded by dead bodies.
Without a single glance at them, I ran to help the other medics.
They weren't doing very well, since they were more like nurses than kunoichi. They were specifically trained to help around in the hospital, not on a battlefield.
I either killed or paralyzed most of them, shoving my emotions to the side while doing it.
Yes, killing still bothers me, but I've learnt to keep my emotions aside while doing it.
I earned myself a few more cuts on my battered body, but I kept my pace.
Dodge, deflect, tap, kick, tap, punch, knee, tap.
Thankfully, Kakashi-sensei along with a few competent shinobi were also there, so we defeated them rather easily.
Once there were no more attacks, I knelt and focused on healing myself.
I winced as the adrenaline wore off and the pain started affecting me again, but got up and focused on our casualties and wounded.
I knelt next to a woman whose ribs were broken and had a brutal stab wound to her stomach.
"Hold on." I pleaded as her heart faltered once. I sent waves of chakra into her body, trying to heal her properly.
Her heart faltered again.
Please, no.
My blood-covered hands fell to the side limply as I stared at the woman's dead body.
I failed. I failed again.
"Sakura-san!" another nurse snapped me out of my thoughts.
My head whipped around in her direction.
"We need help!" She pleaded.
I ran to her, "Fill me in." I commanded.
"Broken arm, kunai to the shoulder, and it's pretty deep, sword slash to his leg, he's losing too much blood too fast, and a cut to his throat." She explained hurriedly, hands still working on his leg.
My hands flew to his neck first. The other nurse drew her hand back and helped with his leg.
Within a minute, I had his throat healed, but his larynx was beyond repair. He wouldn't be able to speak again.
I focused on his leg next, forcing a Blood-Replenishing Pill down his throat.
I healed him up and moved to the next. It took us hours to get everyone healed. At the end of the day, I was out of chakra.
I collapsed as soon as I finished healing my last patient.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
A few days passed, and the Assassination team finally returned. I saw them hurrying in with the two unknown jounin in Tiger and Ao's arms.
They were pale and looked almost dead.
I went to their side and placed a hand on one of their foreheads.
Along with the normal bruises and blood, they also had-
"Chakra poisoning," I muttered.
I immediately placed my hand on the other's forehead and deduced the same.
I set to work, pumping my chakra around their hearts in the hopes of keeping them alive.
It failed.
They both died as soon as the poisoned chakra cut through my own. I only delayed it.
My hands dropped to my side limply again, and I stared at their now lifeless body.
No. Not again. I- I failed again. Why? Why does this keep happening?
"Sakura." A quiet voice snapped me out of my trance.
I tilted my head to see a battered Neji staring at the bodies.
"You did your best. It's not your fault." He said, still not looking at me. He walked away after saying that, leaving me staring at his retreating back.
He- I- what?
I scrutinized him from behind, trying to figure out why he would say that.
I shook my head and looked down at my sticky hand. Not able to bear seeing the blood on me, I rushed to one of the open sinks. I rubbed my hands hard.
Get it off! Get the blood off! I don't want their blood on me!
A part of my brain whispered, But it's your fault they're dead... You should've healed them... you've failed...
It's not my fault! I screamed back.
Are you certain? It's your fault... and you know it.
I clutched my head in pain. It's not my fault. It's not my fault. It's not my fault! I chanted.
I exhaled a few times, trying to calm myself, but it didn't work.
I-I killed them. I should've saved them. I should've. I'm weak. I'm useless again. H-How will I save the others if I can't save them?
"Calm down." Someone says from behind me.
My posture straightens with a jerk, and I whirl around, my muscles tense for a fight.
I relax when I see Wolf standing behind me.
"Wolf," I say, trying to keep the tremble out of my voice.
"You're blaming yourself for their deaths." He states.
I look away.
"Don't." He continues. "They died due to chakra poisoning from Yagura. It is not your fault. The sooner you realize that, the better." He spins around and walks away.
I blink.
That was unexpected.
Then the previous part of my brain whispers again. He's wrong... You know he-
SHUT! THE! HELL! UP! IT IS NOT MY DAMN FAULT AND I WILL NOT LET MY OWN BRAIN CONVINCE ME OTHERWISE! ONE MORE WORD AND I WILL END YOU.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Yagura POV (Rewind to before Konoha shinobi arrived)
Yagura leaned back on his chair and sighed. The rebellion was going on for longer than he expected.
Damn those Kekkei Genkai users. They're just a curse on everyone around them.
His hand subconsciously went to the scar on his face and traced it. He sneered at the memory of how he got it.
Flashback
"No! Stop it!" A young Yagura screamed.
He didn't stop. The sword came down, just as Yagura leapt out of the way.
The sword cut his cheek.
"Gah!" Yagura yelled, clutching his cheek.
Flashback End
"Stupid Kekkei Genkai users. They all deserve to rot in hell." He growled, forcing his hand away from the scar.
"Mizukage-sama!" His secretary came running in.
"What is it, Akami?" He sighed irritably.
"The rebellion has asked Konohagakure for help! A team from Konoha has arrived!" She said, breathing deeply.
"A team from Konoha?" He muttered. "Describe them to me."
"Four of them have masks covering their faces, like the ANBU, one male with long brown hair and pearl white eyes, a female with pink hair and green eyes..." She continued explaining.
"Hm. You're dismissed." He flicked his hand once she was done.
"Yes, Mizukage-sama." She closed the door behind her and Yagura sighed again.
"Konoha... their Hokage is Senju Tsunade, huh?" He ran a hand through his hair.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Yagura tossed and turned as he, helplessly, witnessed his nightmare.
"Stop it, Kagami! Control yourself!" Young Yagura commanded, dodging a blow to his head.
"STOP IT? STOP IT?! She's dead, Yagura! Dead! You killed her! You sacrificed her!" Kagami yelled.
Kinzoku Kagami, a member of the Kinzoku clan with the Steel Release.
He had short brown hair sticking up in all directions, fair skin, grey eyes, and a katana holster on his side.
He was wearing grey pants along with a white t-shirt and a dark blue jacket.
"So? We're shinobi! It was either her, or the whole mission would've failed! Is that what you wanted? Us to fail our first B-Rank?"
"That would've been better than kill-" The end was just a gurgle.
Yagura had taken the opportunity to slit his throat.
"I'm sorry, Kagami. But you needed to be stopped."
Kagami looked at him with betrayal evident in his glower.
A tear slipped out of Yagura's eyes.
Then he awoke with a gasp.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Sakura POV
I walked past the patients and nurses to the nearest chair. I practically threw myself on it and sighed in relief.
It's already 5 in the evening, and I haven't had a chance to sit down since 8 in the morning.
I've been switching from the battlefield to the medic tent the whole day and I finally get a break.
"Haruno!" Wolf barked.
I snap to attention. "Yes?"
He seems tense. His fingers are twitching ever so slightly – if I hadn't been looking for it, I wouldn't have noticed. His voice is strained – to someone else, it might sound casual, but I can tell the difference – like he doesn't like what he's going to say. His shoulders are locked in place, a tightness in them like he's angry, annoyed and nervous at the same time.
"Get a good night's sleep. Tomorrow we are going to assist Mei-sama against Yagura."
I froze. We... are what? Oh, dear god.
I managed to keep my nerves in control as I asked, "Who all?"
"Ao, Chojuro, me, you." He turned on his heel and walked off. I rubbed my face. This is tiring.
I ran back to the makeshift infirmary.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Yagura POV
Four people stood around Yagura's table. Three males, and one female.
Two of the males had blonde hair, brown eyes and tanned skin. They both had cocky smirks on their faces, with their arms crossed.
They both wore standard Jounin pants, black t-shirts with a protective vest on the outside and metal-enforced boots.
One had a sword hanging from his waist, while the other had a pouch of chakra pills and soldier pills.
They were twins, Kaito and Jiro.
Kaito's speciality was Kenjutsu, while Jiro's was Ninjutsu.
The female had pale skin, long spiky black hair, big black eyes, and an innocent aura about her.
She wore a dark grey kimono and hakama along with a black obi tied around her waist. Underneath, she wore black leggings and black sandals.
She had no visible weapons.
Her specialities were assassination through seduction, poisons and Genjutsu, as well as basic knowledge in medicine.
She was Kiri's poison mistress, Satomi Kamiko.
And the last male, Satomi Kaiza, had a remarkable resemblance to his sister, Kamiko.
Their eye and hair colours were the same, but Kaiza wore standard jounin gear; blue pants, a full-sleeved blue t-shirt and a flak jacket.
He specialized in Taijutsu and mild Medical-ninjutsu.
Kaito, Jiro, Kamiko and Kaiza were Yagura's inner circle. They were the ones he trusted the most.
And they were the ones who were going to help him in defeating the leader of the damned Kekkei Genkai users.
"The plan is simple," Yagura spoke, leaning forward, propping his elbows on the table. "Tomorrow, Terumi Mei, her right-hand men, Ao and Chojuro, the Konoha shinobi Hatake Kakashi and Haruno Sakura will attack. Kaito, you will take on Chojuro."
"Obviously. Let's see how good he really is." Kaito smirked, placing one hand on his sword's handle.
"Jiro, you will take on Hatake Kakashi."
Jiro smirked, "The son of Konoha's White Fang, huh?"
"Kamiko, you will take on Haruno Sakura."
"The girl is rumoured to be the Hokage's apprentice." Kamiko murmured in her gentle voice. "I wonder how she'll fare against my poisons." She twirled a poisoned senbon.
"And Kaiza, you will take on Ao."
Kaiza smirked. "Even with the Byakugan, he won't see me coming."
"I want you to either defeat them or die trying," Yagura growled. "Come back defeated, and I will kill you myself. Understood?"
All four of them nodded, "Yes sir."
"Good. Now, go prepare for tomorrow. You will meet me here at the crack of dawn."
"Understood." All four of them chorused.
"Dismissed."
The four ninjas jumped out the window.
"Well, Terumi Mei," Yagura traced his scar subconsciously. "Who will be the victor, I wonder."
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
"Sakura." Kakashi-sensei approaches me.
"Sensei?" I ask, not looking up from my antidotes and poisons.
"I have a feeling something will go wrong tomorrow. Prepare for the worst. Get all your poisons, antidotes, whatever you need and more. Keep all your soldier pills on hand. You absolutely-"
"Cannot die." I finish for him with a smile. I look up. "I know, Sensei. I'm not a child anymore."
He sighs, running a hand through his hair. "You're only fifteen. You shouldn't even be on this mission. I don't know what Hokage-sama was thinking."
I turn back to my poisons. "Maybe she just trusts me." I give him a sidelong glance. "Don't you, Kakashi-sensei?"
His visible eye widens by a fraction. Then he chuckles and ruffles my hair. "When did you grow up, Sakura?"
I smile and he walks away. My smile fades.
"When I was sent to war," I whisper. "When I had to inflict death. When I lost my first patient. I grew up a long time ago, Sensei. I grew up a long time ago."
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
"Ready?" Mei smiles at us.
I nod nervously. The sun is barely up and we are ready to leave. I've got – hopefully – everything I'll need to fight against a Jinchuuriki, which I honestly doubt will be enough.
We set out, with everyone tense.
And then the Sasuke Retrieval Arc repeats. Almost.
After five minutes of moving forward, Ao warns us of an incoming threat.
A second later, a blonde man jumps out in front of us.
All of us have a kunai in hand.
The blonde dude draws his sword and points at Chojuro with a cocky smirk on his face.
A silent challenge.
Chojuro steps forward, a determined look on his face. My eyes dart to his.
His eyes are tracking the blonde guy's movements.
I look at the hand that's clutching the hilt of his blade.
The flesh under his nail is white. He's gripping it too tightly.
I focus on his breathing. Slightly ragged breaths. He's struggling to control his breathing.
He's really nervous but he's still doing this.
I turn to Blondie.
Loose muscles, casual stance, easy breathing, no sweat, his eyes are fixed on Chojuro's and he isn't bothering to look at the sword. He's underestimating Chojuro.
"You all move ahead." Chojuro's voice trembles ever so slightly.
Mei places a hand on his shoulder. "Join us when you kill him, Chojuro."
He gives her a small smile and nods.
Mei gestures for us to continue moving with two of her fingers. Cautiously, she jumps past Blondie, but he doesn't make any moves to stop us.
That worries me.
It either means there are traps for us ahead, or he is just confident in Yagura. Either way, it isn't a good thing.
Once we pass by, I hear grunts, the sound of steel meeting steel and crashes.
Another five minutes later, Ao warns us again. We all stop in our tracks, weapon in hand again.
It's another blonde dude, who looks exactly like the last. Twins, maybe?
This dude fixes his gaze on Kakashi-sensei. Sensei nods slightly towards Mei.
"Go ahead. I'll join you soon."
Mei nods. "See that you do."
She jumps ahead.
I murmur a quick good luck before passing by Sensei.
The next time someone intercepted us, it is a woman with long spiky black hair. Something about her seems... dangerous. Like the calm before a storm.
She locks her eyes on me. I lick my lips in anticipation.
I nod at Mei, and she along with Ao move on.
This woman smiles gently, "I am Kamiko."
"Sakura," I reply, narrowing my eyes at her. She doesn't have any visible weapons. A long-ranged fighter, maybe? If that's the case, I might have an advantage.
She looks around twenty, though. She might have the advantage of experience.
We both stare at each other, studying our opponent.
She has a... familiar feel about her. She seems too gentle to be doing the usual fighting.
I study her posture. She holds herself as royalty would. Her hands are loose to her side. She is scrutinizing me intently.
Then she speaks, "Let's begin this, shall we, Sakura-chan? Yagura-sama doesn't like waiting."
"Don't worry, you'll see him soon enough. In the afterlife."
I wait for her to make the first move.
Kamiko does. She runs towards me, hands moving to form signs. A cloud of smoke emerges from her mouth.
Poison.
I immediately hold my breath and sink underground. Sensing her chakra, I appear behind her.
I aim a punch at her just as she turns, and she catches my punch and twists my arm, kneeing my stomach.
I use my other hand to use my Chakra Scalpels and slap at her arm. Within a second, her right hand is limp to her side and I'm creating distance between us.
Kamiko charges again, not bothering to do anything about her arm. Even with one arm, she is fast.
A few seconds into the battle, and she already has me on the defensive. I'm blocking her attacks one after the other, having no time to make my own.
I clench my jaw, and quickly pull out a senbon and jab it into her neck.
She shows no signs of surprise. Then she winces and jumps back.
I take the opportunity to quickly take my weights off and seal them away.
When I look up, Kamiko has her hand glowing a soft green – medical ninjutsu.
A second later, she pulls a syringe out and jabs herself in the arm.
That surprises me. How does she already have an antidote?
I frown. She knew she was going to fight me, right? But how did she know what kind of poison I would use?
Realization dawns on me. Unless she specializes in poison!
Kamiko simply looks at me, tilting her head. "Hm. I suppose you are worth the trouble."
That... has to be the sweetest yet most threatening sentence anyone's ever said to me.
I exhale, planting my feet firmly in the ground and flashing through hand signs.
I slam my hands on the ground, and the earth sends a wave straight to Kamiko's feet. She jumps up, clearly using the aid of chakra and lands a few feet ahead.
She pulls multiple senbon out and throws them all at me, all of them aimed at my vital points.
I use a kunai to deflect them all. I charge and meet her halfway. We exchange blows after blows, her landing more hits.
None of us back down. Till she jumps back, makes a few hand signs and multiple clones pop up around me.
I retort by making the same amount of water clones. Kiri has a lot of vapour, so making water clones barely needs any chakra.
Each of her clones engages one of mine while the real Kamiko and I stare each other down. I see a flicker of movement from the corner of my eyes and instantly turn, hitting a Kamiko clone with a back fist. She splashes into a puddle of water.
As I whirl back to where Real Kamiko is supposed to be, I feel a pinch at my neck. I wince and see her behind me, needle in hand.
She steps around me and shakes her head, "How sad. I expected a real battle from you. Oh well, it's only a few minutes before you're dead."
I feel the poison coursing through me, making my muscles feel like jelly.
As it reaches my legs, I lose balance and fall to one knee.
Kamiko leans onto a tree, crossing her arms. I raise one shaky hand to my neck, trying to figure out which poison it is.
She smirks, "Oh, you can still move your hand? Impressive."
I glare at her, forcing chakra through me. Nothing happens.
"Did I mention this is my special poison? It not only weakens your muscles to a fatal point but also your chakra consistency. And since the heart is also a muscle..." She trails off and smiles at me, "You've figured it out, right?"
When I don't respond. She walks over and tips my head up using two fingers under my chin. "Say it."
"I've figured it out." I strain my muscles to say.
"Good."
Kamiko leans back onto the tree. "Another one minute."
I try something Tsunade taught me recently. Moving chakra to a wound to heal it is easy. But forcing chakra to the wound, changing the form to the Diagnostic Jutsu is incredibly hard.
But right now, my life depends on it. I can feel my heartbeat slowing down.
Since the poison is everywhere in my body, all I have to do is change the chakra form. I struggle to do it.
Sweat drips down my skin as Kamiko laughs delicately at my struggle.
I ignore her. Once I manage to do it, my mind races as it goes over the symptoms, the ingredients needed and the antidotes.
"Thirty seconds," Kamiko sings.
I force myself not to panic. The faster my heart beats, the faster the poison travels to it and kills me.
Finally, I find each ingredient and know what to add to counter the poison.
I barely have ten seconds. I grit my teeth and reach into my pocket, struggling. I pull out two vials of liquids that mixed could either be deadly or save countless lives. I've been working on this for the past three weeks.
I don't know the right proportion, but right now it's a risk I have to take.
I start losing consciousness. I quickly pour half of one into my mouth before pouring slightly less than full. My mouth burns like I'm drinking acid, but I gulp it down.
My oesophagus burns and something clicks in my mind.
If the antidote doesn't work, I'll die anyway. Trying this might save my life.
Over the past two and a half months, Tsunade had me store a portion of my chakra in my forehead till I activate the Byakugou Seal. The Strength of a Hundred Seal.
I force all the chakra I can into my forehead. The strain is too much. I can hear the slow thumping of my heart pounding into my ears.
Thump...thump...thump...thump.
Fear creeps all over my body. I lose all control of my body. I feel myself falling backwards till I'm flat on my back. I close my eyes as Kamiko approaches me.
I push the last of my chakra as the beating of my heart fades.
I hear Kamiko muttering, "Dead. I really expected her to be different. But she was nothing but a useless weakling after all."
I mentally sigh. Well, here I go. To another life, I guess.
I brace myself. I wait for the sensation of my soul leaving my body.
Nothing.
There's nothing but silence. Then I feel sharp pains in my forehead spreading all over my body.
I hear a whoosh! and a cold but refreshing feeling washes over me.
I hear my heart pounding in my ears again. It's deafening but I've never heard anything better.
I regain feeling in my body and I open my eyes. I see the blue of the sky and the green of the leaves swaying with the wind. The soft and soothing feeling of chakra rushing to every part of my body.
Gentle things.
Then I feel the hardness of the ground on my back. The rough feeling of strength pushing its way to my jelly muscles. The harsh pain all my memories bring.
And right then, I feel more alive than ever.
Something on my arm catches my eye and I bring my arms in front of me. Black marks swirl around my arms and all over my body. The marks of the Byakugou Seal.
It worked. I grin after a moment of disbelief.
I sit up and feel something heavy on the back of my head. I feel it and my hand comes back sticky. And red. I turn and see a pool of blood. My blood.
I must have hit my head hard when I fell. I can't feel any more blood, so I don't bother with it.
Instead, I notice Kamiko jumping through the trees. I narrow my eyes.
She's not getting away.
I get to my feet, jump to the trees and start chasing her. I feel faster, stronger, and better than ever.
I get close to Kamiko and she realizes I'm behind her. But it's too late. I'm already making my move.
I slam my chakra-powered foot into her back and hear the sickeningly satisfying crunch as she hits the trees.
She falls to the ground, screaming in pain. I jump down, advancing on her.
Her eyes fill with fear. "How?" She whispers. "You were dead. I saw you die. I felt it."
I flash her a feral grin. "Death has never stopped me."
Her eyes widen and fill with cold terror as she notices the marks on my body.
"The Byakugou Seal," She breathes.
My grin widens, "Yes. It is what granted me life. It is what shall grant you death."
Kamiko scrambles to her feet, her hands trembling. She reaches for a kunai, but I kick her wrist; powerful enough for it to twist to an unnatural angle and break.
She doesn't even flinch. I feint a hit to her stomach and she blocks it with one hand, her instincts taking over. I twist my hand, grabbing her wrist and pulling her away from the tree only to hit her with a jumping roundhouse to her face.
Her head slams into the ground, and blood starts dripping. She still gets up, "Yagura-sama needs me," She grits her teeth.
I flash through hand signs and cast Water Release Bullet, shooting numerous compressed globs of water so strong, that it tears bits of Kamiko's flesh off, wherever it hits.
She pulls out her senbon and throws them at me, and I dodge them with ease. She rushes toward me and swings her leg to my head. I duck under it, get inside her defences and punch her in the face. Her head snaps back and I kick her away.
Kamiko lands harshly on her back but quickly rises, her blood still dripping. She sways slightly on her feet, her eyes unfocusing for a second before staring at me.
I run towards her and jump into the air, my leg raised for an axe kick. She predictably moves to the side, her leg ready to attack, but I grab her leg as she kicks at me.
I tug her leg toward me and she loses balance.
She groans as she hits the ground face first, one leg still in my hand. I place one hand over her heel, one under her knee and grimace.
"I apologize for this," I speak.
Just then, I feel two chakra signatures, but recognizing them, I ignore them.
Kamiko's eyes dart to mine, her features coloured with fear as I push her knee up and pull her heel down, snapping her bone.
I squeeze my eyes shut as she screams in agony. I drop her foot to the ground. She starts to get up, but I shake my head and step on her broken knee.
I feel tears in my eyes at her blood-curling scream. I step off and channel chakra into my heel, shoving it into her stomach, making her spit out blood onto my pants.
I kick her again, this time on her ribs, breaking them.
As her yells of agony fade, she can't move anymore.
Her arms are broken, her head is bleeding out, her knee is broken, and her ribs are broken.
I know I've won. Her expression says she's admitted defeat. I kneel next to her.
She turns to me, hate in her eyes. "You will never live your life peacefully again. Everyone you've made suffer like this; someone will pay it all back. Your soul will never rest, Haruno Sakura. You... will... suffer." Kamiko spits at me.
I shake my head. Pulling out a kunai, I slit her throat.
I look away as a gurgling sound fills my ears and the light leaves her eyes. Instead, I turn towards Kakashi-sensei and Chojuro. They both are heavily injured and supporting each other.
"Sakura..." Kakashi-sensei breathes, his eyes taking in the Byakugou Seal.
Keeping it active, I quickly stabilize them.
"Are both of them dead?" I ask the males.
They nod, Chojuro regaining a bit of his colour.
"Dead and burnt," Sensei speaks softly, none of us having enough energy to speak loudly.
I nod and turn to Kamiko. I behead her, seal the head away and Kakashi-sensei burns her body with a low-powered fire Jutsu.
We start moving ahead, in search of Mei.
Since we're slow, it takes us fifteen minutes to reach the next battlefield. Ao and a dude resembling Kamiko. We arrive just as Ao snaps the enemy's neck.
He pants and falls to the ground, his arm bleeding heavily.
We walk over and Chojuro points out the obvious, "Ao, your arm is bleeding."
Ao looks irritated. "Really? I didn't notice half of my body's blood exiting through my arm. Thanks for informing me."
I kneel next to him. "Don't speak. The more you exert yourself, the faster you'll lose blood."
He turns to me, his mouth open to say something. I stare straight at his eye and dare him to speak. He wisely shuts his mouth, only clicking his tongue in annoyance.
I hide a smirk and ask, "What am I supposed to focus on? Your eye or eye patch?"
"Just get on with the healing." He snaps.
I snicker mentally.
"Cheeky brat," He mutters, glaring at me.
I get to work, healing enough to stabilize him and bandaging the rest.
I help him up, but his knees buckle as soon as he stands. I grab his arm and steady him, helping him walk.
We hear blasts and thuds and quickly move ahead.
It takes us around twenty minutes before we arrive at an open field. I take in the damage.
Lava spread around, craters in the ground, rocks crushed to smaller pieces, and blood splattered around.
I rest my gaze on Yagura and Mei. Mei is standing over Yagura's broken body, her lips moving.
I focus on her lips, trying to lip-read: "Your time is over. Kiri will be free of your dictatorship. Mango jelly and micro nail show."
...My lip-reading needs work.
We wait at the corner as Mei turns and staggers over to us. She collapses in the middle.
Chojuro and I run to her, Kakashi-sensei and Ao not having enough strength.
"Mei-sama!" Chojuro cries.
Immediately, I sit next to her and place my hand on her forehead. "Shit."
Chojuro turns his concerned gaze to me. "What? What's wrong?"
"She has chakra-poisoning," I mutter.
"But- but you can heal her, right?"
I bite my lip. "The last time I tried... both patients died."
Mei raises a trembling hand and places it on mine. She sends me a pleading look. "P-Please, Sakura-san... You have... to try."
I feel a hand on my shoulder. I look up and see Kakashi-sensei.
"You can do this, Sakura." He says quietly. "I believe in you."
I nod uncertainly but get started.
A minute later, without looking away, I speak, "I need you to help."
They kneel next to me and await my orders.
"Sensei, Ao, find any wound that looks like a scratch mark, or a thin but deep wound," I instruct. "Chojuro, how much chakra do you have?"
"Barely any."
"Have a chakra replenishing pill."
"But-"
I growl, "Yes, I know you've already had one and a half and it can be fatal, but do you want to save her or not?!"
He gulps the pill down and nods, "My chakra's a little lesser than half now."
"Good. I've been told you know a little medical ninjutsu?" At his nod, I continue, "Perfect. Heal all the wounds you can feel. The stronger her body is, the more it'll resist Yagura's chakra."
He gets to work. Meanwhile, I look at Mei. She's unconscious. Good, because this will hurt.
I push my chakra through her and around her heart. I turn to Kakashi-sensei and Ao. "Find anything yet?"
A moment of silence and Ao nods. "Here. It's a thin slash, but it's not a clean cut like a weapon."
I nod and move over, searching for traces of Yagura's chakra. It's there.
I unseal a medical kit and grab two liquids along with a seal and syringe.
I inject Mei with the liquids while placing the seal over the wound. I use a specific jutsu used to draw blood without a wound, but carefully alter it, hoping to use it to draw chakra.
"Chojuro, stop healing her," I say. "If our chakra clashes... Mei could die."
He retracts his hands immediately. I mutter a prayer before placing a hand on the wound and activating the Jutsu. Even unconscious, this Jutsu hurts the patient, so I wince when I hear Mei's screams.
Chojuro jerks straight, "Mei-s-"
"This is normal. Don't worry."
Ao growls, "But-"
Irritation overcomes me, "Will you let me do my job?!"
Kakashi-sensei mutters something to Ao and he stays quiet, still glaring at me.
I place a hand over her heart and curse. It's not working as fast as it needs to.
One thing left to try. This is going to be so hard.
Yagura's chakra is thin but sharp. It barely has any density. I'll need to send chakra much, much denser to block it. I have to use both hands for the seal.
I manipulate the chakra near the seal to stay light while manipulating the rest of my chakra to get as dense as it gets.
I press Mei's nose close and open her mouth. I press my lips to hers and push my chakra through her.
I push almost half of my chakra to make a thick wall around her heart while drawing the tainted chakra through the seal.
It takes around three and a half minutes. I'm out of breath by the time I pull away.
I ignore the males' questioning looks as I bite my lip, hoping for this to work.
I keep drawing the chakra while keeping one hand over her heart, making sure the tainted chakra doesn't get there.
I fight off a smile when I feel the poisoned chakra lessening, till there's almost nothing left.
Once it's all drawn out, I let the seal drop from my hand and grab a kunai instead. I slice the vein at her wrist and let the blood spurt out for a few seconds before healing it and bandaging it.
"What did you cut her wrist for?!" Ao demands.
"There were traces of poison in her blood. I had to get it all out." I answer. "Mei-sama will be fine. Now she only needs a lot of rest before she's back to normal."
Everyone heaves a sigh of relief, and some tension leaves our shoulders.
We all just sit there for a moment, basking in our victory. Then we stand, Ao carrying Mei.
Chojuro seals Yagura's dead body and we head back.
Midway, I notice Chojuro rapidly paling. He stops abruptly and I question, "Chojuro, are you okay?"
He nods before pausing, shaking his head and replying, "Chakra pill... wearing off."
He faints. Before his body hits the ground, I grab ahold of him, hauling him on my back. Kakashi-sensei offers to carry him, but I shake my head.
"If something happens to you, you both get hurt. Besides, you don't have enough energy."
"Says the one who used the most chakra." He mutters but doesn't argue.
We arrive back at our base and many people surround us, questioning us.
Neji pushes his way to the front and notices the pattern on my skin. I still have the Byakugou seal going. I didn't trust myself not to faint without it.
He smiles slightly and nods in acknowledgement. I nod back, a smile spreading.
Over the next hour, we got everything under control. Mei was still unconscious, but she was doing much better.
I stay in the room till Ao, Chojuro and Kakashi-sensei are all stable and sleeping.
I sigh in relief. I can rest now; I head to my room. Neji joins me and asks, "Mei-sama had chakra poisoning?"
I nod.
"You healed her?"
I nod again. He gives me a small smile, "Congratulations."
"Thank you," I murmur.
"You should probably release the Seal now."
I realize I'm still using it and de-activate it. My steps slow as the adrenaline fades and exhaustion catches up to me.
Neji frowns. "Are you okay?"
I nod.
"Are you certain? You look like you're going to faint."
I nod again, "Yeah. Do you mind catching me? Thanks."
My knees buckle and my mind goes dark.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
I was unconscious for two and a half days.
When I wake up, I find Sensei sitting near me, his book in hand. His identity had already been revealed a long time ago, so he didn't bother wearing his ANBU mask.
"Ah, good, you're up." He eye-smiles at me.
"Sensei. How do you feel?"
"Better than ever." He replies. "But I should be asking you that question."
"I feel fine," I answer. "Exhausted, but fine."
Sensei tells me how long I was out and fills me in with a few more details.
Apparently, Mei had woken up yesterday and was now the Mizukage. We would get the bounty for the two people Sensei and I killed, which was quite high.
We are heading back home in three days, giving me time to heal up. Sensei asks me to relay the events that happened after we left him to fight and I wince.
Now that my mind has caught up to the events, I don't want to know his reaction when I tell him I died.
However, I still have to tell him the truth. I answer him, speeding over the part where I die and quickly finishing the story.
He stares at me for many seconds, making me nervous. "Sensei?"
"You died?!"
I wince. I guess he didn't miss that part then.
"Yes, but I'm alive and fine now!"
Kakashi-sensei continues staring. "You died?! How are you alive?"
I sigh, "We just went over this. Byakugou Seal went poof and alive-d me again." I say slowly as if speaking to a child.
Stare.
Stare.
"You died?!"
"Oh, dear god."
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Mei-sama walks into my room after knocking. She smiles at me, "Sakura-chan – can I call you that?"
I nod, "Of course, Mei-sama."
She shakes her head, "You saved my life, my dear. How can I repay you for that?"
I consider this. "Would it... Would it be possible to find someone to get a few weapons made?"
Mei nods slowly, "Yes, I suppose that would be possible. What weapons?"
"A katana and trench knives," I answer.
Mei arches an eyebrow. "You use katanas and trench knives?"
I shake my head, "No, these are for my friends."
Mei smiles, "I'll find someone for you. I should let you rest. Oh, and if you don't mind me asking, what is that diamond on your forehead?"
Subconsciously, my hand goes to the mark and I smile. "Have you heard of the Strength of a Hundred Seal?"
Her eyes widen, and then she congratulates me and walks out.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
I gasp as I sit up with a start. Another nightmare. I find my fists clenched in the sheets, sweat clinging to me.
I sit up and grab my water bottle, gulping down water. I use my t-shirt to wipe my sweat off and stand.
It's 3.30 am. I shake my head. I can't go back to sleep, I can't.
Instead, I decide to take a shower.
Yes. I'm taking a shower at three-thirty in the morning.
A couple of hours later, I head out to see Masaki-san.
I find his house, undamaged. I head inside and find him sitting cross-legged in the same place.
Without even opening his eyes, he smiles. "I suppose you succeeded, Sakura-san."
I smile, "I did."
"What did it cost?" He opens his eyes. For some reason, I feel like if I lie, something will go wrong, so I answer truthfully, "My life."
"I see."
I sit in front of him. "You're not surprised?"
"No."
"How come?"
"My seals have saved my life before. But once, while I was still young and experimenting with a particular seal, to make it work I had to kill myself. I stored my chakra in the seal and activated it as I felt my heart stop beating. It was a gamble, but it worked. However, I couldn't get over the way I felt – the panic, the fear." He sighs heavily. "I stopped making seals. I couldn't bring myself to."
I'm quiet for a moment. "You don't need to make the seals," I say quietly. "If I had known I wouldn't have asked. Sorry."
He shakes his head. "Don't be. You asking me to make the seals snapped me out of it. I've already made a few. So, I thank you. Now, what seals am I making?"
I give him a small grin and pull out my bullets. "Would it be possible to make seals that make these explode when activated?"
He arches an eyebrow. "I'm the best seal master in this village for a reason kid. Come back tomorrow."
"Thank you," I say, smiling. Masaki pulls out a bunch of seals from behind a table. He pushes them toward me.
"Use them as you see fit."
My eyes widen, "These are-"
"Yes. Explosive tags and storage seals. I trust you will use them well."
"I can't-"
"Take them. I will not live much longer, and I want you to remember me, even if it is for my seals."
I bite my lip. Why did he have to guilt trip me with his death?
I take them and slip them into my pouch. "Thank you, Masaki-san."
He waves his hand. "Now go. I have seals to make."
I smile and walk out. Bored of sitting in the room, I walk around the village.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
"Sakura?" Kakashi-sensei says, walking beside me.
We're on our way back to Konoha; a day's walk and we should reach.
I turn to him and narrow my eyes. He has mirth dancing in his visible eye.
"Yes?" I ask cautiously.
"How was your first kiss?"
I blink, confused. Then it hits me. I flush and groan, burying my face in my hands.
He chuckles, "That good, huh?"
"It doesn't count!" I say, my voice muffled by my hands.
"Then why are you blushing?"
"Because you're being an ero-sensei!"
"Sure, sure. Whatever you say, Sakura-chan."
I flip him off.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
I sigh happily as the gates of Konoha appear. It's taking all my strength to not jump and shout with joy.
I feel Kakashi-sensei's eye on me.
I turn and he stares at me. "You want to jump and prance around, don't you?"
I grin, "You know it."
His gaze shifts to my forehead. I have a Henge cast over me – Sensei's orders – till Tsunade says it's okay for me to reveal the Byakugou Seal.
"Wait for another half an hour and you can do what you want." Sensei chuckles.
I nod, "Half an hour and I get to sleep."
Neji walks up to me and in his usual stoic tone, asks, "Sakura, will you join me with my training in a week's time?"
I blink, surprised. "Yeah. Sure. But I thought I was a failure and would always be one?" I tease.
His ears turn a little pink, "I was younger and didn't understand that training could make you better."
I smile, "I'm just teasing, Neji. Yes, I'll join you in your training."
He nods once and turns to the gate guards, Izumo and Kotetsu, taking the entrance sheet thingy.
Kotetsu grins at me, "Sakura-chan! It's been a while!"
I grin, "It has! Hey, Izumo!"
Izumo grins, giving me a quick wave. He passes a sheet over to me, "Fill out your name, age, mission rank and where you're coming from."
I nod and quickly pass it back.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
"Sakura," Sensei says once the mission reports – apart from mine – were given and it was just him, Tsunade, Shizune and me in the room. "Remove the Henge."
"Hai," I say as I let the Transformation drop.
Shizune drops her cup of tea as Tsunade darts to her feet.
I resist the urge to pull the Henge back as the women continue gawking at my forehead.
"How?" Shizune breathes after an awkward ten seconds.
I fidget with my fingers as I give my mission report.
"You died?!" Tsunade and Shizune repeat in unison.
I turn to Sensei. He sighs and signs, 'Give them a few minutes,'
After fifteen agonizing minutes, Tsunade is the first to get back to the topic on hand: the Byakugou Seal.
Tsunade beckons me forward and places a hand over the seal and withdraws it within a minute. "Interesting. You'll still need practice, but, Sakura, you've successfully managed to activate the Byakugou Seal." She smiles and hugs me. "Congratulations and well done."
I hug her back, smiling wide, "Thank you, Shishou."
Shizune congratulates me too and Tsunade speaks, "I'm granting you both leave for the next week to recover from this mission. Kakashi dismissed."
Sensei bows and shunshin's away.
"Sakura," Tsunade draws my attention back to her. "I know the next few months will be hard for you, but I want you to know I'm here if you ever want to talk, okay?"
I nod, knowing she's talking about my nightmares.
"If not me, you can talk to Yamanaka Inoichi – he's a shinobi therapist, so you can go to him. Tell me if you need anything."
I nod again, "Thank you, Shishou."
She kisses my forehead and smiles.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
A month later
"I'm what?!" My jaw drops.
Tsunade rolls her eyes, "For the fifth time, you're getting the Slug Contract."
I continue gaping at her.
Before I can even move, she kicks me in the stomach. "Snapped out of it?"
I cough, trying to breathe, "Yeah... I'm good."
"Good." With that, Tsunade summons Katsuyu, however, the slug was only my height.
"Tsunade-hime," The Slug greets. "How may I help you?"
"Katsuyu, meet Haruno Sakura, my apprentice."
I bow slightly, "It's an honour to meet you, Katsuyu-sama."
"As it is you, Sakura-san." Katsuyu turns back to Tsunade.
My mentor speaks, "Katsuyu, would it be alright to offer her the Slug Contract?"
Katsuyu does an action I'm going to assume is a nod, "If she passes the test."
"Of course." Tsunade nods. Facing me, she says with a smile, "I'll see you once you pass the test then."
She walks away.
I blink. Did - No. She couldn't have. Did Tsunade just insinuate she has complete trust in me that I'll pass?
Holy dango sticks!
Before I can squeal in excitement, Katsuyu's delicate voice draws me out of my thoughts.
"Sakura-san, there are three parts you will be tested on. Since I'm usually a helper in Tsunade-hime's medical Jutsu, I will test you with medical-related tasks."
I nod determinedly, "I'm ready."
Katsuyu spits out a vial and I catch it before it breaks. I examine it and raise an eyebrow. It's a light-yellow colour, a little darker than champagne.
"That's a very dangerous poison no one but Tsunade-hime has a cure for. I want you to break it down, tell me each ingredient and build it back up into an antidote using the same ingredients."
I sweat drop. Is this where Tsunade-sama learnt her sadism from?
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
I lay on the ground, panting heavily.
I thought Katsuyu was peaceful, but she's a sadistic slug. I am on the verge of chakra exhaustion.
"Well?" Tsunade crosses her arms.
Katsuyu says, "She passed, Tsunade-hime. Almost as well as you. You've taught her well. One year under our combined tutelage and she'll be better than you."
Tsunade smiles proudly, "Don't I know it."
I manage a tired but happy grin before blacking out.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
And that's the end of this chapter! The next few chapters will be shorter – only around two thousand words – since there isn't much to write for their interludes, but once Shippuden begins the chapters will be back to normal!
And when I say 'two years later' I mean two years after they split up.
Fav, Follow and Review!
Bye!
Kristy...