A/N : Good day guys! Yeah, it's me again. It's been like what, seven months? And yes, you're guessing it right! This is a new story. This would also be a long one, like the previous.
I'm sorry for those who wanted a sequel but then again, sometimes stories are better left as it is. I would respond though, to those who pm'd me for a new story. This would be for you guys. And to those who had been following and favorite-ing my stories, you have my deepest thanks. I know this isn't much but it is you guys who makes this all worth it.
Anyway, let's move on to the technical part of this note. If you're thinking that this is another NaruSaku story, then you're once again right. This is would be yet again a Naruto and Sakura fanfic. And it is set in an alternate ninja universe (I repeat once more, ALTERNATE NINJA UNIVERSE) exactly about two hundred years after the end of the Shinobi era. This is not going to follow a typical ninja world setting, but rather speaks about a world after that.
And that's gonna be it, for this A/N though.
Disclaimer: I DO NOT OWN NARUTO NOR ITS CHARACTERS OR ANY OF THE IDEA USED IN THE SHOW. IT'S MASASHI KISHIMOTO-SAMA'S WORK AND I HOPE YOU CAN UNDERSTAND IF I TOUCH UPON THINGS PREVIOUSLY LAIN IN THE FIELD.
(Note: Sakura's POV starts after the prologue.)
"Do you know why cherry blossoms are pink?"
.
.
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"Uhmm… … I give up… Why is it mom?"
"It's because of the fox; that's why it's pink."
"The fox?"
"That's right."
One day, a fox found a cherry blossom bud growing in the middle of the prairie, surrounded by a thick layer snow. It's in the middle of winter and soon enough, the whole pasture would be covered under a blanket of ice.
The sprout said to the fox. "Please. Can you lend me your fur? It's so cold here; I don't think I can make it much longer." A drop of snow then pelted the cherry blossom, soaking it completely in frost.
The fox then replied. "I don't know who you are. I don't know what will happen. But I'm gonna protect you no matter what." And without any regrets, the fox walked around the bud and coiled itself around it.
The cherry blossom bathed in warmth from the fox's fur and whispered "Thank you." just before another blizzard came by and consumed them all. Day by day, the snowstorm grew fiercer and fiercer, burying everything in white, freezing everything it touches; lasting as long as what seems to be forever.
.
.
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"Then what happened?"
"Spring came, that's what happened."
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After a few days, the snow began to melt and everything eventually thaws out. Slowly, the animals woke up, the trees shake the snow off their leaves and colors shine brightly under the rays of the sun.
.
"What about the cherry blossom?"
"The cherry blossom is fine honey."
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Right in the middle of a puddle, the cherry blossom bud rose to life, surrounded by a ring of red fur which kept it alive throughout the whole season.
.
"But what about -."
"The fox did not make it."
"… … …"
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The fox died shortly during the storm. It could have lived if it burrowed underground but it didn't, choosing to stay with the bud until the very end.
And as days began to unfold, the cherry blossom grew to a mighty tree and its flowers eventually bloomed; purest white as it should be, but then a tint of red suddenly appeared on its petals. The colors began to mix and at the peak of the day, the flowers turned pink.
.
"Oh! So that's why it's pink!"
"Mm-hmm."
.
Forever grateful for the fox who sacrificed itself to protect it, the cherry blossom tree proudly wore its red fur on its flowers. And in memory of that winter, it shakes off its branches, so that the falling petals would always resemble the snow.
That's the end of the story.
.
"That's a great story mom… … but I'm a bit confused though."
"Confused? Why is that?"
"Why did the fox sacrificed itself for the cherry blossom? Why will someone do something crazy like that?"
.
.
.
"…*chuckles*… When one day you come across a fox? Why not ask it yourself?
(A/N: Prologue's not a part of POV.)
The Princess and the Fox
by imgood12
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…
…
CHAPTER 1 – The Princess
Once when I was ten, I remembered myself playing inside my room, not having a care in the world until I heard someone knocking on the door. It was Shizune-chan, and I can still recall the dull expression on her face. She said grandmother wants to see me, she told me it was urgent and important. And so I went with her and left my dolls on the floor, not knowing that it would be the last time I would see them there.
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"Good Morning, Hime-chan." A soft voice came from behind, from a woman bowing her head with her hands on her back. She's fair-skinned, sporting short black hair, wearing bluish-black kimono with white trimmings, looking all poised and such.
"Mm." a reply came back just as fast. "Good morning to you too, Shizune-chan." It resonates somewhere in front, from where she can see a faint shadow with her head bowed down. Tilting it back up, the black-haired woman shields her eyes from a ray of sunlight flashing down her face. And slowly, as her vision clears up, the blurry figure in front of her took shape as well. Leaning elegantly on the baluster, the person turned out to be this beautiful young woman with lush pink hair that droops perfectly down her head. A well-trimmed white robe covers her from the shoulders down, complete with a purple sash around her waist that was tied down like a ribbon on her back. It was the princess, smiling at her direction before looking back towards the scenery before them.
"Breakfast is almost ready. Tsunade-sama's waiting for you at the dining hall."
"Okay. Let's go now." A sigh slipped between her lips as she answered back with acceptance. Without any more words to say, the pinkette pivots her feet and faced the other direction. Taking a step, she began a slow stride along the open corridors; chin up, hands clasped behind her back as Shizune follows behind.
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Tsunade-bachan is very stern for a young-looking woman, even though she's really old despite her looks. She didn't give me a chance to speak up when she told me everything that's about to happen. She told me it was all part of the system, the training that all part of the royal family must undergo. I couldn't comprehend most of the complicated terms but there's one thing I understood from what she said. That moment on, I knew my childhood's over. It was over shortly before it could fully manifest; like a fruit that ripened before it could even grow. Resistance is nothing but an option, no more than a mere thought. And at the end of the day, despite my unspoken objections, there's nothing I can do than to smile and nod like what a princess should.
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"Oh, you're here Sakura." Were the first words the princess heard after entering the dining room, from which scent she could smell from afar. It was all so grand; the paintings on the wall, the brightly-colored silken tatami mats, and the huge table in the middle. There were lots of food and wine, yet only two plates on each opposite side and her grandmother's already seated on the far end, waiting for her arrival. Servants are lined up on each side of the room, all head bowed down to her presence as she walks towards her seat. And when the pinkette finally arrived on the spot, the servants lift their heads up and quickly moved out, leaving three people inside the room.
"Good morning, grandmother." Sakura replied, watching Shizune as the black-haired woman sat behind her grandma.
"Tch." the woman on the other side of the table groan in displeasure, making the princess grin a bit. "I don't look that old, yet you still keep on calling me grandmother."
"But Tsunade-bachan."
"That too. Erase it from your vocabulary."
"…*chuckles*…" The pinkette took the kettle and gently pour herself a cup of tea. "I will." Seeing her reflection inside the cup, she took a sip and exhales softly afterwards. "As long as everybody stops calling me princess."
"I wish I could help you with that." Tsunade paused, seeing the look of uneasiness on her granddaughter's eyes. "But it's part of the etiquette since ages. Even I had been called like that before." The older woman finishes her sentence with a sigh, lifting a small cup of sake unto her mouth before taking it all in one go.
"Yes I know." Sakura bowed her head, looking at the pair of chopsticks she's holding before breaking it in two.
*SNAP*
"I guess I'm just too tired of hearing them calling me that way." she then looked down at the table, gazing at the large number of dishes served just for them. And it has been a daily dilemma for her, choosing which is which, since there's too much food for them to finish by themselves. And like always, she just picked a part of each one, before looking past her grandmother who seems unbothered at all.
"You know you're thinking things too much. Let's just eat now before the food gets cold."
"Hai." the princess closed her eyes, took a deep breath before sealing everything up with a façade of smile. "Itadakimasu!"
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I wish it would be that simple like what she said. But the truth is that, after all the days that have passed, things had never really been that way, not even close. It's been eight whole years since then, and I can say that a lot of things have changed. I've became more mature, more disciplined and most especially; I became stronger. My tutors had already done their part, same with grandmother, which leaves everything else to me.
That's right…
It's all up to me now.
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"Anyway, you do know what today is?" Tsunade continued their conversation right after wiping her mouth with a clean white napkin.
Sakura had already finished eating by the time she heard such question. And after drinking a half-full glass of water, she replied with a strong yet subtle "Yes.", making her grandmother grin as she placed the empty glass carefully on the table.
CLACK!
"I've been preparing for it the whole year."
"Good." The older woman nodded with relief after seeing her granddaughter's resolve. "I'm glad that's your answer." Looking at the pinkette's expression, the way she clenched her fist in determination, Tsunade knew she's far more than ready. She knew there's nothing more she can teach her, and that the outcome lies on how well Sakura will use what she have learned the past eight years. Regardless of that though, the best thing she can do now is to give her the support that she needs. "Good luck then." Tsunade uttered with a smile, rising from her seat as she finishes everything with a point of a finger. "The elders have high expectations on you so don't blow it."
"I'll do my best grandma!" The princess immediately replied right before she saw the last sliver of her grandmother's robe passing through the door. She's already gone, Sakura thought to herself. And the next time she'll see her would be a couple of hours from now when the evaluation starts. Her grandma, along with the elders and some high ranking officials would be sitting on top of a pedestal, and their eyes will be onto her from start til the end. A shiver suddenly passed through her body as she pictures everything on her mind. But then right before fear takes over, a tap on the back snaps her back to reality.
"Don't worry, Hime-chan." Sakura turned around and saw Shizune's smile beaming at her. "Tsunade-sama may act indifferent about it but she's really proud of you…", "… and so are we."
"Shizune-chan…" The princess replied in a whisper-y tone, overwhelmed by the trust and faith everyone has on her. Right after that, her body stopped trembling, her mind found peace and the pressure had subsided. It's as if on that moment, everything felt lighter and it was just an ordinary day. "Thank you…" she then stood up straight, looking back at her companion as her lips curved into a gratifying smile.
.
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"Thank you for everything."
Around four o'clock in the afternoon
TAK! TAK! TAK!
The sound of a small wooden hammer hitting a block of wood echoed loudly across all four corners of the room. It was Tsunade, seating on a chair atop an elevated platform along with group of high ranking officials as they put the room to order. They were lined up in a semi-circle, while spectators are seated on the sides to watch. Shortly afterwards, when the noises finally ceased, she dropped the gavel and opened her mouth to speak.
.
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"May I present to all of you; my granddaughter, princess Sakura."
It was so fast, like everything happened in just a split of a second. Right after hearing the last word Tsunade uttered, everyone's eyes are all directed onto the wooden double door in the back of the room. It was a mixture of excitement and anxiousness, present in the air, present in everyone's minds. It was not an ordinary sight to see the princess in public, that's why they're taking their chances, waiting and watching with unwavering concentration. And not long before that, their hearts skipped a beat as the handle began to twist and the two flaps of the door began to move on opposite directions.
CREAAAK!
Was the sound that can be heard as the door opened up, revealing a figure of a woman standing in the middle of the entrance. It took no more than a second before the light illuminates her lush pink hair and cast off every tint of shadow on her body, revealing herself to everyone.
It is the princess, it really is her. That was what everyone thought after seeing her elegant form, all dressed in a silken pink robe that covers much of her body. Most of the spectators were caught out of breath; their mouth open wide, still shocked and allured by her majesty's presence. The pinkette didn't mind their reactions and just continued walking towards the middle of the room. And by the time she arrived such spot, the room was dead silent, as everybody quieted down and remained on their seats. Taking a deep breath and out, Sakura raised her head, making eye contact with her grandmother before bowing her head down in respect. She did the same thing to the elders, the officials and everybody else. And by the time she finished, Tsunade stands up, much to everyone's surprise and scans the room from left to right. Seizing the attention of everybody inside the room, she begins.
.
.
"Welcome everyone, to this important day." She paused, looking past everyone under her presence. "As you all know, my granddaughter has just turned eighteen this year. And it is in the tradition of our predecessors, to conduct an evaluation regarding her skills on ninjutsu, taijutsu, genjutsu and other forms of ninja art.", "My granddaughter has started training since she was ten and I believe that she's finally ready. If she is to succeed me in the throne, she must present a certain level of mastery in these skills. That's what this evaluation is for." Tsunade finishes her explanation, closing her lips before glancing at everybody's reaction. Most of them are shocked, some are smiling and the rest felt neutral about the discussion. It's been a long time since the last evaluation on a royal family member. And being the prime successor to the throne, everybody's really looking forward to see how well the princess will perform. At least, that's what Sakura feels about it.
Opening her mouth once more, Tsunade resumed her words, talking endlessly on many long historical things while everyone had no choice but to listen to her as she speak. But it's not completely everyone. Looking at the way her grandmother talk in front, Sakura pretended to listen and instead, sought things through inside her head.
.
It sure sounds nostalgic; everything Tsunade-bachan is saying right now. That's the same thing she said to me ten years ago, about the training and the evaluation and what not. When you exclude the story telling and other stuff, it's not that complicated. It's really simple. But then we have to go back to the past, way back to where it all began.
It's been three centuries ago since the end of the Shinobi era. Because of the treaty that the five nations had agreed upon, wars and conflicts had been long gone and soon enough, the world lived on an era of peace and prosperity. There are no more wars and consequently, there's no more need for shinobis. Less and less people practiced ninja art and gradually, it seems to have never existed at all. But that's not really true. The ninja art is still alive but not all people practices or even knew about it. Usually members of the royal family and other noble-born aristocrats undergo a ninja training, to preserve the legacy for future generations. And that's where I come into the picture.
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"Princess Sakura!" a loud voice rang onto her ears, shattering her thoughts and bringing her back to the real world. She winked both of her eyes and found herself being yelled at by her own grandmother, inside a room full of murmurs.
"H-Hai! Tsunade-sama!" the pinkette replied involuntarily, looking nervously at the sight of everyone's eyes staring at her.
"Aren't you listening?" Tsunade sighed in discomfort, wanting to face-palm herself. "I said you can begin now."
"Oh! A-Apologies." Sakura then answered back in exclamation as she dispels such negative thoughts out of her head. Without any time to waste, she slings a finger beneath the ribbon on her waist and with little effort, tugs it off as it falls gently to the floor. And as she sheds off her robe, the princess is seen wearing a red sleeveless shirt, black gloves and boots, black shorts and a short grey apron skirt. Everyone's eyes were dazzled by her alluring appearance, the way she tied her lush pink hair with a red lace and on how she pulls back each glove, clenching everything into a tight fist. Looking back to her grandmother, Sakura lets out a deep exhale, parting her lips right after.
"I'm ready now. Let's do this!"
Those were the last words she said, or more likely yelled, as the evaluation commenced. And ever since that moment began, everyone was at the edge of their seats, glancing at her graceful form, watching her every move. The sight of the princess was simply astonishing, poised and elegant as she completes each task with little difficulty. From ninjutsu, to genjutsu and taijutsu which seems to be her favorite, Sakura continued dominating each test. Looking from afar, a smile can be seen on Tsunade's face, seeing the fruits of her granddaughter's training finally paying off. It's as if she was looking at a younger version of herself, or more correctly, a better copy than what she was before. And deep inside, while looking at everyone's amazement, it made her feel happy and secured that she'll be leaving the village into more capable hands. That alone will be enough, the last thing she wants before she retires from the throne.
Several minutes have passed, and then hours flew by as the skies went from red orange to dark blue. The windows were tinted black as dusk sets in. And right outside, behind the huge puffs of cascading clouds, a full moon can be seen as high as the roof of the world. It has been a while since the evaluation began and still, the looks on everybody's faces haven't changed one bit. They're as focused and tensed as they were before, not even moving their eyes away from the pink-haired figure in the middle of the room.
Haa… Haa…Haa…
With both hands on her knees, the princess stood her ground. Her back was heaving with each deep breath she takes and sweat drops fell from her face as she was bowing her head in exhaustion. The examiners beside her took a glance at the flapping fish in the table, raising their arms and waving them before announcing their decision.
"Trial Number Eight: Medical Ninjutsu… … ten out of ten." They said in unison, performing a couple of hand seals. And with a puff of smoke, the scrolls, the table and the fish disappeared from their sight. The chief examiner standing on the side then puts another mark below the long list of checks on the folder he's holding. He turned around right after, looking at the current village leader as he waited for her highness' response. Tsunade closed her eyes for a couple of seconds, and then gave an appropriate remark about the matter. "Well done." She said with conviction, leaving no room for contemplation as she continued on immediately.
"Proceed!"
"Understood, your Highness!" were the examiners' united response after hearing Tsunade's voice echo loudly within the four corners of the room. Wasting no time at all, they weaved a new set of seals, one after another before finishing it together with one hand clap.
POOF!
A puff of thick smoke then came out of nowhere, shrouding the area with white. It settled for a second then dispersed into nothing, leaving behind this huge scroll on lying on the wooden floor. Wiping the sweat off her forehead, Sakura began to catch up with her breath, stabilizing it as she maintains her elegant poise all-throughout. Her green eyes eventually saw the object in front, already rolled out on the floor. And right there and then, she gazed at her right hand before proceeding in removing the black glove covering it. The chief examiner saw this and took it as a sign of readiness.
"Last Trial, Number Nine: Summoning… Begin!"
Hearing those words, filled with renewed determination, Sakura brought her naked hand up to her mouth, thumb placed between her teeth. Without having any second thoughts, she bit it down tightly as blood trickled from the tip of her finger, moving it quickly towards the scroll from where she drew a contract with her perceived summoned animal.
"Summoning Technique!" she fiercely roared after performing an array of seals, directing all of her chakra on one hand, raising it above her head before slamming it down the floor, right after the last syllable is spoken.
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.
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This…
This would be that life-defining moment I've waited for so long.
This is where it will all change.
This is the day I fulfill everything.
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"This is impossible." Words filled with confusion came between the princess' trembling lips, shocked and in awe from what she saw. There's no smoke, no summoned creature, nothing. The air looked normal though, the floor's the same as it is but the looks on everyone's faces were different. Their mouths were left open, same with their widened eyes. Not even a second passed by before the whole room was flooded with mumblings and whispers, all were directed at the pinkette.
"Everybody calm down." Tsunade stood up, trying to bring everything in order. Giving a sharp look on her granddaughter, she gestured her to calm down and continue.
"I'm sorry… I-I… I'll do it again!" Sakura extinguishes every bit of fear building inside her and powered through the whole scenario, performing the same seals again."Summoning Technique!" she yelled once more while a hint of frustration can be seen on her face. But just like her previous attempt; there's nothing.
Nothing happened.
"No, no, no! Why isn't it working?!" she bit the other thumb, and tried casting the jutsu with her other hand. But even after trying two times, three times, four times simultaneously, the same thing repeated itself over and over again.
Nothing.
"This is preposterous! Don't tell us the princess doesn't even know something as simple as summoning?" the elders reprimanded the village leader, who at that time, was glancing at her granddaughter with subtle disappointment. Deep inside, she wants to tell her. Keep going. You can do it. But as of the moment, there's nothing else she can say but to minimize the commotion building inside the room.
.
.
DRIP
DROP
DRIP
Teardrops pelted the floor as the pinkette stumbled down in exhaustion, blood-smeared hands clenched atop both her knees. It was faint but silent sobs can be heard resonating from her weakened form. It's over. It's all over now. Those were the words that kept on echoing inside her mind. Looking back ten years ago, she never had a thought that anything like this would happen. And now more than ever, the goal seemed so farther away. Gritting her teeth as she delves deep inside her thoughts, she casts upon one last wish. Right before she blanks out, right before her mind runs out of consciousness, the princess lets out an unspoken whisper.
Please…
Somebody…
Anybody…
I'm begging you…
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.
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"Come forth..."
Those were the last two words she said before a flash of light appeared out of nowhere and consumed everything in sight. The noises suddenly disappeared and so does everyone inside who're making it. In that moment of stillness, as the radiance turned from white into bright orange and ethereal flames seeps through her being, the princess felt something. It was warm, building up inside, driving out the shadows dwelling in her mind. Slowly, she began to regain back her strength, to pull through, to continue, to get back up, to open up her eyes and see it for herself.
And she did.
Not even a second after, Sakura found the urge to lift the heavy eyelids that was binding her sight. Like light peering out from a dark room, everything began to illuminate. And it started as a blur, an orange flare obstructing her gaze. Sometime after, it began to clear up. And that flare becomes more vivid, like a fire burning earnestly on a cold steady night.
Without her knowing, her arm began to move on its own, reaching towards the column of light and flames. Her hand did not quiver one bit, nor did she even had a thought of withdrawing. Her whole limb just drove in, straight inside the furnace, her fingertips touching the inferno. But it didn't feel anything. Instead of getting burned, the wounds on her hand began to heal, much to her surprise.
Or rather; even more to her amazement when she saw the lights began to die out. Like a haze of orange slowly clearing up, the world began to revert back to what it was before. Then she remembered in a heartbeat, the reality she needs to face. One by one, she can see it once again; the elders mumbling unsung words, the terrified spectators hanging on their seats, and the dreaded examination room as it is. Caught in her glimpse, was a platoon of palace guards pointing their spears towards her direction. And it got her thinking.
"... … … … …" she mumbled in disarray, staring at the guards who were saying something but she can't hear a thing. The princess then looks up and saw her grandmother, looking alarmed and such but she can't seem to decode what's going on.
"W-wait… what's happening?" her mind finally snaps back to reality and her senses began to function. She can clearly see it now, everyone's troubled expressions all directed to her. The princess can hear their voices calling her name, asking her to get away but she didn't know why. There's this burning scent proliferating in the air and with that, the pinkette knew something was wrong.
"W-Where am I…?" a hoarse cold-barren voice immediately seized her attention. She was so busy and distracted by everyone's reactions that she didn't notice the presence looming in front of her. The princess didn't even realize her hand was clinging to something the whole time. And the moment she did…
*GASPS*
Everything happened so fast, like a bolt of lightning striking down a tree. Sharp reflexes instinctively pulled her body towards the right direction; tilting her head to a position from where she can see what everyone wanted her to see.
And that's when she saw him.
.
.
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"W-W… Who are you?"
Hearing the same voice call unto her, Sakura tried the best she can to keep herself together. Her heartbeat is racing fast and chills are running up and down her body. The princess' clear green eyes can see everything, every part and every detail of the man before her; his spiky yellow hair, his crystal blue eyes and the faint markings on his cheeks. The way he knelt on one knee and how his knuckles press against the smoldering floor or how he tilted his head as he returns the stare to the pink-haired woman in front of him. An aura of red surrounds every inch of his bare skin, making him appear animal-like, similar to a wild fox, with a mirage of nine tails sprouting on his lower back. It took a moment for the fiery cloak to disappear, and when it did, after looking at him one more time; the princess just remembered the most important thing she should have noticed about him…
.
.
.
"KYAAAAAAAAAA!"
Yes.
She just did.
A/N: End Chapter One. Whew! That's one long chapter one. I'll try trimming down the succeeding chapters, but for this one, it's a given. And like any other given's, Thank you for reading this and I hope you'll subscribe til the end. Have a great day everyone!
Yours truly, imgood12.