21st Century Tokyo Konoha International High School
Author's Notes:
I wrote this chapter swiftly after the last. So I haven't had any reviews to work on to improve. For me, I don't want to create a long gap between chapters as it damages my creative flow in writing. If you understand what that hopefully I can keep the consistency of this story until the end.
Enjoy!
Chapter 2: A Flashback
Sakura was sitting in front of he macbook pro checking her emails. Still in shock seeing one part of her high school burning away on the news minutes earlier. She looked up on facebook to see her friends writing facebook statuses about their shock. There were photos being uploaded showing police departing the scene. There were a few reports that a teacher and two students had been injured. Sakura's concern was coming from the hopes it wasn't someone she knew.
Ping. Ping. Ping.
Several notifications popped up from her fb mailbox, it appears someone did know the goss. It was Ino! Sakura decided to call her instead of typing, she couldn't figure a way to calm herself down to type coherently. A message filled with typos were not going to help her cause of getting information, she picked up her iPhone and dialed.
"Moshi moshi!"
"Ino-pig! What happened! What do you know! Who was hurt? Who was there? Why did it happen?"
Sakura's frantic and constant bickering had been cut off in and out. Ino registered that Sakura was very concerned, in the news, it appeared it was the old building with the cafeteria and the science labs that had a floor burnt down. But firefighters at the scene were able to stop it going further down from the top floor.
"Hold up! Forehead! Slow down! Let's meet at the hospital!"
"The hospital!? Who's there?"
"I don't know how it happened, b-but, Hinata got injured!"
Sakura was in complete shock, wasn't Hinata just with them moments earlier. How did she get involved with the fire and the damage? Why was she back there? Sakura grabbed her pale pink jumper and put it over her head and stormed out of her room.
"Mum, Dad! Hinata's at the hospital! Ittekimasu!"
"Oh goodness! Be home soon! Itterasshai!"
Sakura grabbed her bike that was parked in front. She didn't enjoy taking it out too much as the streets of Tokyo had a dangerous traffic, and despite her life here she never grew used to peddling through. Her thoughts raced through her head as she made a quick turn on her bike towards the hospital. Ino's silhouette was seen out the front pacing around the entrance. Sakura jumped off her bike and locked it by the bike rack.
"Tell me!"
Without hesitation, the two started talking and walking into the hospital. Somehow word had got out and Sakura saw the waiting room was filled with familiar faces too. Sai was drawing in the corner. Shikamaru and Chouji were seated beside him. Neither were really speaking but there was growing concerns and a strange atmosphere around the room. On the other side of the room there was Neji being comforted by Lee.
Lee was a Chinese boy who sought to excel in Shaolin, and attempted many contests and was in Neji and Tenten's year. He had a crush on Sakura, but it was very trivial as he spent a lot of time focused on his athletic performances.
Kiba and Shino were comforting each other in the corner. As the two girls entered the room, Tenten ran towards them. At that moment, Sakura had only known of Hinata being in the hospital. But the grave atmosphere indicated there must be someone else. As Sakura started scanning around the room, she made notes of everyone's presence and that was when it struck here.
"Naruto! Where is he?!"
Sakura yelled into the room, eyes looked towards her before avoiding her eyes again. Desperately searching for someone to answer her she looked around. Shikamaru got up and directed his head towards a door and indicated her to follow. It was the best part of his character, he knew it was troublesome but he knew someone had to take on the responsibility.
Sakura entered the room, and there lying in bed, tired, was Naruto's frail body. Sakura ran to his side. Assessing the injuries that Naruto had sustained, she noted several burns on his body and a large cut that was bandaged up on his left shoulder. She sat down at the seat beside his beds, and footsteps were heard coming towards the room. And a familiar face came in.
"Ah, Sakura, you're here... "
Sakura turned on the spot and saw it was the School principal standing there with some papers.
"Tsunade-Sama! What happened?"
"I just finished talking to the doctors and the police about the incident... They spoke really quickly in Japanese, but I managed to understand all the technical issues... It seems the school was attacked by vandals, but it shouldn't be an issue. Class will commence. I've got Shizune messaging all parents to not be concerned. But it seems the Vandals came in just to burn down a building. However Kakashi-Sensei was in the building when it happened. He tried to stop the fire but got trapped in the lab. I believe Hinata was walking home when she saw Naruto running in. Naruto did his best to pull Kakashi-sensei out when a minor explosion occurred. Hinata was running in at the same time, and I believed she managed to get the door open when Naruto was running out. A window shattered above them, so Hinata has a few cuts but Naruto and Kakashi have a few burns that need to be treated... They'll be here for a while."
Sakura's eyes fluttered towards Naruto's body. He's always trying to save people. What a stupid hero. But Sakura couldn't get mad, he's been doing this his whole life, running into stupid situations and getting hurt. As the three were staring at Naruto's body, Narutos eyes opened suddenly. He tried to get up as the others tried to hold him down.
"NANI!?"
Naruto looked around trying to grasp on his surroundings and then he noticed a teary eyed Sakura standing on his left.
"Baka! Stop moving!"
Sakura yelled, and her endearing expression she was just staring at him with earlier changed. She seemed to be annoyed at Naruto trying to get out and about. Patients, should remain seated.
"Oh! Hinata-chan! Kakashi-sensei! Are they okay!?"
Naruto looked around nervously.
"Naruto!"
Naruto turned to see the other person in the room was Shikamaru and Tsunade. He calmed down as their expression didn't seem to be too alarmed. He relaxed and lied back into his back pillow.
"Don't worry. They're all in a better condition than you"
"Hinata-chan?"
"Yeah she's fine, she is sleeping at the moment but she should be out of the hospital in a few days"
Shikamarus calm words seemed enough to calm down Naruto. He closed his eyes seeming relieved. It was funny the way he reacted, everyone but him knew of Hinata's crush on him. But his oblivious head of his, always seemed to cause Hinata into embarrassing situations whenever he got too close.
Tsunade directed Shikamaru and Sakura out of the room. Everyone in the waiting room took turns visiting the three patients. Everyone's mood lifted. Kakashi was just reading in his bed, he just had a few burns on his leg and had his chest wrapped up. Hinata was very dazed for most of her visits but she was happy to have visitors. Despite all the happy moments shared that evening, everyone could tell trouble was afoot and this incident was surely not going to be the only one. Security at the school was put up around the school grounds, and repair teams were booked in to start their work the following day.
The incident made it on the news again the next morning but a controversial political party was getting involved. The Akatsuki Party had always been very disapproving of the growth of International Schools, as it challenges the Japanese tradition. They use any opportunity they get to advocate their disapproval, as they believe the schools interrupt the peace of Japan. They were not well liked, but they do have a steady growth of followers. Thankfully they have never been voted in.
"Sakura, be careful now. I don't like the look of this new agenda in Japan."
"Hai, mum. I'm sure the school will be fine. And it'd be a huge discrimination issue if something like that happens".
Sakura finished up, greeted her mother and her father before deciding to walk to school. She could feel eyes on her more than usual. Having pink hair does caused her to stick out like a sore thumb, but her school uniform must be the cause of interest since her school made it on the news. The stares didn't feel dangerous, but must be out of curiosity. Sakura had always felt welcomed in Japan despite her heritage or appearance. She brushed it aside, and continued on her usual route to class.
Tokyo is definitely an interesting place to live – switching from London to Tokyo was definitely an interesting experience in her younger years. She did miss the ease of speaking english whenever she liked, but she was fluent in Japanese now, though she didn't really have many Japanese friends to speak with. She loved the cute things available in Tokyo and she couldn't find fault or something that wasn't interesting in Japan. The seasons were just changing. And spring was ending so the colder months were coming. This also meant Ino would start to become moody about the weather. Sakura didn't mind the cold weather, London was always dismal for most of the year anyway.
Ino's slipper locker was next to Sakuras. And it appeared Ino wasn't late this morning.
"Urgh, I hate the cold"
Ino was sporting the uniform with an oversized cardigan and a big fluffy white scarf. Sakura just nodded in agreement because she didn't want to start Ino into her ranting spree. It was still only 20 degrees, Ino loved overreacting.
"Have you heard from Hinata yet?"
"Hm, I got a text this morning. She says she'll be discharged tomorrow morning"
"That's good to hear"
Sakura got her slippers out and placed her loafers in. It was good news, but the atmosphere around Konoha had definitely changed. Shikamaru was walking in through the doors when the duo closed their lockers.
"Oi, you two."
"What do you want Shika?"
Ino was annoyed, her eyes hooded and gave the poor boy a deathly stare.
"Calm down, I think you guys should hear about the news."
"What news? What else could have happened?"
Ino's tone had changed, this startled Sakura as well. What else could have happened at the same time. Wasn't the news of last night enough drama for now?
Shikamaru seemed to have regretted starting this conversation, but seemed obligated to finish what he started. For such a smart guy, it made no sense as to how he was such a lazy one even when it came to socialising. He rolled his eyes and then directed them into a more quiet place in the hallway outside their classrooms. He took a deep breath in and leaned against the wall as the two girls stood still staring at him.
"Well, the Akatsuki Political Party, you guys know of their members right?"
"Yes of course..." They agreed together.
"Including the Uchiha?"
He said as he eyed them for a reaction. Of course there was an uncomfortable reaction as the name was said. Sakura looked down at her feet, and Ino tried to stay unphased as her bottom lip trembled.
"Yeah so what?"
Ino said louder than she had hoped.
"Well the leader of the group has started a campaign to shut down all the International Schools. In Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, etc"
The girls eyes widened at this new information, how did they miss this new story?
"Since Uchiha Itachi is supporting the group. Despite being an ex-student here, the head of all the schools have decided to be a bit bitter about it. "
The girls didn't understand how this new information could possibly be affecting anything, it was a threat but the board had always been able to deal with it civilly and professionally. The idea they were going to be bitter about it seemed strange, what could they do beyond fighting against the party?
"Since the end of Junior High, Sasuke has had his place kept on hold in the school. Even despite the fight he had with Naruto. Since he has not returned, and due to his brother's actions the board has decided to pull out the Uchiha's recognition in the school. He's officially been expelled and marked so our University Partners will not accept him into their programs. It's pretty harsh."
'Uchiha Sasuke'
The name resonated through Sakura's thoughts. It was a harsh punishment, imagine being blocked off from finishing your tertiary education in Japan. That'd make life quite difficult. But. Where is Sasuke? Sakura's eyes seemed to have focused onto a spec on the floor of the hallway. She didn't realise how long she had been in silence for and it wasn't until Ino started whimpering. Shikamaru placed a hand in Ino's shoulder, the two looked up when they noticed Sakura had left and entered her own classroom.
Seated in her personal seat, she pulled out her things and opened an old book. It was one of those memory books you had when you finished elementary, you got your friends to write notes and stick in any shared purikura stickers. Her book was still being updated. A photo from her last birthday was stuck inside. She began flicking through it all, she didn't seem upset but she didn't seem at her best either. Perfectly aware that Naruto has been kept from that secret and probably bored out of his mind at the hospital. She needed someone to be her confidante, or someone to listen. She looked around the classroom and realised the only other person who knew things the way she did was Sai... but he was not the type of comfort her the way she wanted.
Her seat screeched back, she picked up a tote bag from her satchel and filled it with the memory book and a few pens and scrap paper. Possibly, she could skip out on the first class of the day. Her mind was clouded, and she wasn't sure how traumatised by the recent events had made her. Or whether the first class of the day was going to be of any use to her studies.
Her slippers had taken her to the quiet corner of the library. She knew this could be her safe place for the time being. She opened her memory book and started flicking through, she read the little comments she had written at 12. On a particular page she had scrawled "Team 7", there she had the same photo from her locker. It was a purikura sticker the three had taken together at a younger age. Naruto's distorted face, Sakura's smile and the young Uchiha Sasuke.
Sasuke was the son of a rich Japanese family. His family had a history of powerful politicians that joined the parliament of Japan. Due to the families' history of being a big political power, it was common for the family to send their young to international schooling. However, when Sasuke was younger, at 8, there was an attack at their household. There must have been concern of the Uchiha's power in Japan's politics that Sasukes' mother and father were murdered within their home. Attacks occured simultaneously that evening as well, leaving the Uchiha brothers without anyone to fall back on. This complicated Sasuke's life, Itachi, his older brother took custody of him and continued being a political figure. However, the public was shocked that he chose to join the opposing and controversial party – Akatsuki.
Sasuke held a lot of dislike towards his only surviving family member, thinking he had gone against his families' original moral. Until he was 15 he was forced to stay in Itachi's care, however when he turned 15 at the end of Junior High School, he took the opportunity to jet off and disappear.
Only a few people expected his departure. Naruto, Sasuke and Sakura were growing into a very close group of friends. It all started when they had to a major class group project together that lasted 6 months. And soon they became inseparable. Though it was mostly Naruto and Sakura who had to drag Sasuke along. Their friendship was admired, one goofy American boy, a pink haired English girl and a moody Japanese boy. They were definitely a dynamic trio, but somehow balanced each other out well. She remembers the night he left.
Sakura was walking home when she saw the black haired boy with a large suitcase. He was walking towards the major train station. At first, the 15 year old followed quietly until he stopped in a quiet road. He turned around and made eye contact with Sakura. Startled by being discovered. She called out. she took a step forward and could only think of a very weak way of stopping him. Maybe her pent up love could stop his hatred of his brother.
No, its not going to work, is it?
"Sasuke-kun. Please. Don't go... Happy Birthday."
He didn't seem very phased by her words. He did seem to rest his weight on his heels a little more. And he tilted his head a little back. Sakura saw his hair fall back at the motion. She continued.
"Sasuke-kun. I love you. So much!"
Tears streamed down her face. She dropped her little bag, and started to jet towards him. She stopped only a few steps away.
"Please. Didn't these last few years mean anything. You may not love me back but, aren't we at least your new family. Our memories, our trips together. We've been through so much. Please it must mean something, anything to you. It's your birthday, you're supposed to be celebrating with friends. You don't need to leave Tokyo! I'm here!"
"URUSAI! ... You're annoying."
His sneakers took a few paces forward, pink eyebrows furrowed together, shocked. Emotionally hurt that the impact of her words meant nothing. It was not worth any hesitation. She meant nothing to him. Her self-value depleted. Her knees buckled. Thump, her knees hit the gravel of the path. Her whimpers escaped her lips as she tried her best to console herself. The street lights shone upon the lonely scene, of a crying teenager sitting on the gravel of the ground, as the shadows of another boy leaves the scene.
"Thank you"
Her eyes flicked upwards, as she thought she heard his voice. Her exhaustion took over. It was another 30minutes before she collected her things. Rubbed the palms to eyes and with a sense of hopelessness before returning home.
It was a week of mourning for Sakura. She wasn't able to contain her feelings from others. It was publicly known that she was distraught, that she loved Sasuke. Naruto had received a message earlier about it. Unable to hold in her feelings, one of the first people Sakura contacted after cleaning herself up was him. Naruto had managed to chase Sasuke to Narita Airport. They had a public brawl, but Sasuke managed to get through his gate and fly off. Naruto was left behind, requiring stitches in the airport sick room.
Everyone was affected by Sasuke's departure. There was a gaping hole in the social group. The students all moved into the High School, the transition to the new school was enough to distract many of them from the strange absence of the Uchiha. Maybe except for a few.
"なぜサクラちゃんはここですか?"
(Naze Sakura-chan ha kokodesu ka? – Why is Sakura-chan here?)
"Oh Sai-kun, please, you know how much more comfortable I am with speaking English."
"Hai."
Broken out of daze, she must have been thinking about her past for at least an hour. The sun was making its way into the sky. Sai was standing behind here, analysing her actions.
"What are you doing? You missed first class."
"I didn't feel like going. And it's okay, I finished my notes for the entire year now. I just need to revise and do some exercises before the exams."
Sai looked at the book that was hidden under Sakura's hand, it seemed strange for her to be using that book to study with. Sai let it rest for the time being, he never really understood things like that. He never really had friends growing up, even in his Japanese schools he had issues making friends.
"What are you doing here Sai-kun?"
Sakura said over her shoulder. Embarrassed that Sai had almost seen her crying about old memories. Sai knew of Sasuke, how he was taking Sasukes old place in the class but never really fulfilled the role Sasuke had for Sakura.
"Oh, class ended early today. Teachers are all meeting up. Something about Akatsuki winning, and some Uchiha Madara and funding stripped."
"NANI!?"
Sakura shocked she somehow missed out on hearing this information again. She'll definitely need to ask someone who was in the know. She has a lot of questions to answer. And now what, another Politician? But wasn't Sasuke and Itachi the last Uchiha's?
Author's note: Yay, we have an antagonist to blame. Theres finally a plot and drama to work with. I'm not sure if I should write more romance into this since we're revolving around Sakura. I've never enjoyed the writing of Sakura's character as it seemed to always revolve around her motive of having Sasuke. But let's wait and see what happens next chapter.
Favourite and Review please! Next chapter will be out soon!
