A/N:
Howdy and welcome back! If you're still reading that means the first part wasn't completely trash so yay! I reread what I wrote and I found a few errors in chapter one that I really want to correct, you shouldn't have to suffer from poor writing quality! There's also a few tid-bits I want to add to make sure my story progresses in a way where all the dots connect. Hopefully this chapter has less mistakes, I'm really sorry its slow starting off, but it picks up from here I promise!
Disclaimer: Still don't own Naruto, unfortunately.
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The journey north was long and the clothes Ino and Sakura were given for the trip seemed…. impractical at best. After drying off, Sakura had been handcuffed and lead by Sai to a large mission closet where Sakura and Ino were assigned matching travel cloaks and yukatas for their arrival at the palace that night, neither had a say about the color or style which left the young women a tad put off for the remainder of their dressing.
Ino was taken from the room by two elderly women assigned to tie her obi and arrange the mountain of platinum hair. "You will have no need for the bulky ninja gear" they reminded Ino as they gently took away her chain mail accessories and kunai pack. Was this not a travel mission? Sakura found it hard to believe they would be trussed up like holiday packages and thrown onto the road for bandits to attack, surely a kunai pack at the very least would be beneficial for their travels? They left before Sakura could question them, leaving a bad feeling in the pit of her stomach. Or perhaps that was from the broken rib Ino had healed not too long ago? She glanced at the pile of clothing on the bamboo bench in front of her, its neat package a pretty sight, but not comforting in the least. She supposed she would have to get dressed eventually, it's not like she could wear the thin bathrobe forever.
Still sore from the weeks of abuse, Sakura found herself struggling to get her arms within the deep red yukata without dropping her robe. The white cranes on the yukata seemed to be staring at her in a mocking manner as they motionlessly swooped around the bright red chrysanthemums. All in all, it was a lovely yukata, one she would have been proud to wear for the upcoming festivals but knowing that it had been picked out for her by those who did nothing to stop Danzo infuriated her. Sakura wanted nothing more than to tear the delicate cotton into rags, however, throwing a temper tantrum on an inanimate robe would do nothing to solve her problems. She grew frustrated and sat on a bench, waiting for Ino to come back from the old womans hair pulling and yanking.
"Sakura-san, allow me to help." Sakura jumped with a start, forgetting about Sai in the corner. He strolled over in slow, meaningful steps, his mask still in place and giving her a cold stare. Each step closer was calculated as if she was going to strike him, had she scared him that much with her previous fight? Did he think she was insane, was that why he was actually calling her by her name instead of the derogatory "Ugly"? He had already seen her naked once, so she supposed it didn't matter anyway….
"Yes, arigato Sai..." Sakura sighed in a defeated manner. Modesty be damned, she's a tool and nothing more now. Sai was a trusted team mate from before, he'd saved her life and she had saved his more than once, but he was ROOT. In theory he wasn't to be trusted, Danzo was his master and Sakura failed to see Sai on the day of the attack.
She stood with a huff and handed the yukata to him stretched out hand. Sai came around to her front while she dropped the robe. From here he could see the abuses on her body, the harsh chakra restraining marks that ripped their way across her pale skin, heck she was naked enough for him to see the sword wound from Sasori all those years ago, its mangled scar tissue now a pale purple line on her side.
But, despite exposing her abused and marked body, he made no comments about her ugliness. Sai assisted her as she blushed at the intimate contact. First would be the bra that was included within her yukata. Gentle hands lifted her arms into it, being careful to not inappropriately brush against her exposed breast. For all her rage and discomfort, Sakura knew it was either Sai to put it on or the someone else probably less kind. She was inexperienced with such intimate moments, even at 22. It was humiliating for this to happen and she willed the tears away. She swallowed her pride and allowed it, daydreaming of a day when she could beat him for seeing her so exposed.
Following this was the yukata. Sai uncrumpled the dark cloth and held it ready for her. He seemed to feel nothing, not embarrassment nor lust as he dressed her and for this Sakura was grateful. The last thing she needed was his inappropriate comments that he so routinely made as a passing joke.
"Allow me to fix your hair Sakura-san," a warning that he would touch her again, almost like coaxing a scared animal. With a swift brush at the nape of her neck, Sai lifted and pulled the long hair out, its pastel pink a stark contrast against the crimson of her clothing. Seeing that Sakura hadn't pounced on him yet, Sai meandered around to her front again to tie the obi sashes about her waist and then move to her back to tug on the obi and form it into a bow. "Breath out" Sai instructed with a gentle tone, and cinched the obi as tight as possible, giving her a more delicate frame. His artistic eyes saw invisible wrinkles here or there and smoothed them out while Sakura looked at her reflection in the mirror. She was a skeleton wrapped in pretty paper, a present half dead to deliver to the Daimyo's son. Eyes looked as though they had sunk into her skull, normal jade irises were a dull green, lacking any fire. The long hair reached her mid back and fell in damp waves across the crimson fabric of cranes and flowers.
Before she could make a snarky remark about her current state, Ino emerged from the connecting room, the blonde locks up in a low bun and subtle makeup.
"Oh, thank you Sai! Her obi is perfect." Ino thanked as she glanced Sakura over. With everything checking out, Sakura was led back to the connecting room for her hair and makeup and then they would be off.
The late summer heat was finally beginning to disappear and refreshing autumn breezes brought with them a slight chill that yukatas had a hard time keeping out. If it wasn't for the travel cloaks Sakura would have caught a cold long ago, but the travel was easy on the merchant's road to the imperial palace. Every now and then a cart or stranger would pass them with a polite bow, their dress and entourage making the ladies seem more important then they actually were. Guards from ANBU walked along side Sakura since she was technically the flight risk even with her chakra blocked.
They began their journey in the dark hours of the morning, perhaps 5 when the dew had just kissed the morning grass from the long, chilly night. Sakura and Ino had lost Sai soon after Sakura went to get her hair done in the low bun, it seemed he was not required for the remainder of their travels. Instead, they were accompanied by 5 ANBU guards, one being the man who put her chakra seal on her. His silence was appreciated, but Sakura did not enjoy having him accompany her for this trip. As they left and began the trek to the palace, Sakura began to notice that more and more ANBU were meeting up with their small group along the way, by the time they reached the halfway mark of the trip their company had reached 20 total all masked and silent beside Ino who was chatty as ever.
She caught Sakura up to speed on everything she was legally allowed to know about Konoha now. It seemed as thought everyone, for the time being, was safe. Most were protected by the clans, however Tenten seemed to find temporary protection within the Hyuga as a weapons trainer for the clan's children and recent academy graduates. Naruto was the only one missing, deemed "rogue" along with Tsunade, Shizune, and Jiraiya. It was rumored that had planned an assassination on the elders so that they may take complete control over Konoha, which was a desperate attempt on Danzo's part to clear his name.
"What about Kakashi-Sensei? Where is he in all of this?" Sakura asked, concern written on her face.
"Well you should look underneath the underneath." Ino winked with a smirk.
Sakura looked directly under her feet, a force of habit if nothing else. Only the road looked back at her. With a glance around she spotted a silver haired spike among the crowd of guards, her heart missed a beat. As if he sensed her looking, the intimidating ANBU looked directly at her and did a salute, just as Kakashi had done in her childhood, she could hear the silent "yo" that he was surely mouthing behind the mask.
Her confidence was boosted immediately, but why would Danzo allow both Ino and Kakshi out of the village with Sakura? Her mind tried to wrap around all the possibilities; Sakura should have researched Danzo more, maybe it would give her more insight as to why he did things the way he did.
Sakura was brought out of her musing by a rough hand clamping down on her shoulder. She winced in pain but turned to acknowledge her handler. It was the ANBU who did her chakra seal, he towered over her body in a way that was anything but friendly.
"We will be arriving soon and you're to behave. No talking, unless it is in praise or thanks. And absolutely no violence or threats. Lord Danzo and Ino-san have pulled a lot of strings to get you here and it would be a shame if we had to permanently shut down your chakra reservoirs." His threat loomed above her head, something Sakura would have never put up with if it had happened prior to the three-day civil war. His beady eyes could be seen through the eye holes of the mask, daring her to make one wrong move. Ino watched out of the corner of her eye as the entire group stopped to watch the events unfolding before them.
"Shinji-san," She began gently "I believe she understands you perfectly fine, she's not a child." Shinji kept his hand firmly on the shoulder, squeezing a little extra harder than necessary and reminding Sakura of the previous hurt he had brought her.
"Ino-san, this kunoichi is- "
"Is my best friend, Tsunade-sama's apprentice, slayer of Sasori of Akatsuki, and has a renowned temper that you are certainly provoking right now." Ino daintily turned toward him with a disapproving gaze "Please take your hand from her, hasn't she been a model shinobi thus far? I promise I'll explain to her the delicate matters of this mission, now if you'll allow us a moment."
Sakura stared at the offending appendage bluntly until it was removed, how DARE someone touch her like that. She might be a tool for the village, but she would not be handled like one so carelessly. Sakura had leveled battle fields at the mere insult or threat to her well being, she's destroyed mountains and forests from her infamous strength, and this man was one step from being thoroughly humbled with taijutsu if he touched her one more time.
Ino, sensing the rising anger looped her arm with Sakura's and the group began walking again down the road into the coming sunset, a distinct shape on the horizon coming into view: The imperial palace of fire.
"Sakura there may be a detail that has been left out…I might have lied…"
"You? Lie? Nonsense, you would never lie." Sakura scoffed with sarcasm, it felt nice to relax a little with Ino, despite being in the midst of a miniature ANBU army.
Ino's second hand gave a pinch into Sakura's exposed forearm. "I've pulled a lot of strings for this operation to work and I need a little help, ok? I've…..well…. you remember Dan?"
"What does Tsunade's love life have to do with this?"
"Youretheirchild" Ino stated in one breath, so fast that Sakura had to think for a second before she understood what Ino said.
It clicked eventually, "You can't be serious." Sakura said blank faced.
It wasn't necessarily insulting, but to use her mentor's dead lover in this plot seemed a little dirty to Sakura, one in which she was not thrilled about.
"What about my parents? Surely someone will mention that this is not true? That I'm not Tsunade's child by blood? Why change my lineage for your operation?" Sakura questioned as they approached the palace, its white walls and teal roofing striking an imposing shadow over their group.
"Royalty wanted only the best and rumors were circling about you, how you came to be, why Tsunade returned so suddenly to become Hokage and took you as an apprentice. It's not true, you and I know that, but Danzo could kill a civilian much easier than he could kill the daughter of a Hokage."
The weight of the words hurt Sakura and Ino could see that. She had fought so long to prove her worth since she was not from a famous ninja clan. The blood, sweat, and tears as she spent hours on those training ground and in the scrolls studying everything about the body and science. And now her entire worth was determined by the fact that she was supposedly Tsunade's illegitimate daughter.
It stung, but Ino might have saved her life.
The gates opened when the ground arrived. The walls were easily 30 feet tall and capable of providing a barrier from physical attacks, however, with chakra they were easy to scale if need be. Inside the group walked towards a lovely courtyard of impeccable design, fountains arose from stone statues and a paved pathway led the group towards the palace steps, a royal dignitary stood at the top glancing down at the ground over the bridge of his nose.
"Welcome," his voice boomed in the darkening air "I am Sumii Yasuhiro, right hand of the Daimyo. You must be exhausted from your travels; our fine maids and servants will lead you to your quarters where you may freshen up before dinner." Yasuhiro exalted loudly. He was a stout man with a rotund stomach that fit his royal robes oddly. Graying hair speckled the top of his head where Sakura could see it from underneath the tall black columnar hat he wore. He looked plain at best, but age had wrinkled his face and brought about a sense of wisdom to him.
Ino and Sakura were gently pushed to the front to lead the group, it would do no good for Tsunade's "daughter" to walk last in line. Sakura had always felt as though she never possessed the finer traits of being a kunoichi, but as she and Ino walked in step with each other up the stair case she felt powerful for the first time since her capture. Both women held themselves with the poise of an aristocrat, eyes hooded, chin up, shoulders squared, spine straight.
Upon reaching the last steps they bowed in unison to their host Yasuhiro, their stream line grace was one that looked perfect to all seeing it. He bowed back in an elegant manor, however, deeper than the ladies had done. They were considered nobles after all.
"You must be the fair Sakura I've read so much about, you have your mother's hair." Yasuhiro said to Ino.
"Unfortunately, no, I am Sakura-san's assistant and personal guard, Yamanaka Ino. But I am pleased to finally meet your acquaintance." Ino simpered with a dainty voice.
"Oh I'm terribly sorry for the misunderstanding Sakura-san," Yasuhiro stated with an apology "Please forgive my impudence. Yes, I can see it in….. your eyes though, Tsunade-sama's personality lives in your eyes." Yasuhiro said as he adjusted his glasses. Sakura scoffed in her mind "Doesn't want to mention the pink hair, does he? My eyes? Really?! That was the resemblance, I'll show him some resemblance, just give me my chakra."
As the remainder of the group walked up the stair case, Sakura and Ino were led inside by Yasuhiro, the twin dragon double doors opening to reveal the palace's internal beauty. Marble lined everything, and the ceiling displayed an intrigant design of a dragon circling many different birds. His bright red eyes seemed to look into Sakura's soul, knowing she did not belong under his roof like the true royalty that lived here.
Various servants appeared with light snacks and drinks while the head maid spoke with Shinji about rooms and how to access the many different locations within the castle. Mochi, dango, and tasty fruits were offered to Sakura and Ino as they listened to Yasuhiro talk about the history of the palace. Room arrangements were made and the various ANBU were led away until all that remained were Ino, Sakura, Shinji, and Kakashi in the elegant entry room. Hurried steps echoed from somewhere within the palace, getting louder as the seconds ticked by. All the ninja in the room could hear it, and their curiosity seemed obvious to Yasuhiro.
"That must be the Daimyo's son, Lord Haru-sama. He's been impatiently waiting for your arrival all day. I dare say he might have skipped his evening diplomacy briefing if he's wandering the halls at this hour." The stout man said with a slight pang of annoyance in his voice.
The sounds were coming from the dark corridor just across the large entry floor and within seconds two distinct figures could be outlined in the darkness.
"I've been waiting for this moment all of my life, Sakura-san." The first voice echoed, its deep octave sounded seductively of melting chocolate on Sakura's ears, "If I had known it would take you this long to reach my palace I would have personally stolen you away from Konoha much sooner, I'm a rather impatient man I suppose."
Sakura glanced at Ino, who wiggled her eyebrows and nudged her with her elbow to respond while grinning. "Oh, Kami she's going to keep me up all night talking about this man, damn it Ino calm your hormones now is not the time."
"I'm sorry we kept you waiting so long Haru-sama, I was recovering in Konoha and had just received news that your father had sent for me. I'm sorry to keep you waiting, but I'll be sure to work hard so I may make up lost time for the healthcare project." Sakura stated with a low bow, this was true royalty and he should be treated as such. Lord knows how prissy the Lords get when they aren't addressed properly.
The room was deathly silent as Sakura rose from her bow, a silence she knew normal palaces generally did not hold. When her eyes rose to Haru-samas face Sakura felt faint, it was as if the floor had dropped from underneath her feet and she was in free fall. Ino tensed and Kakashi-sensei made a move to get around Sakura, only Shinji seemed oblivious to the fact that Deidara of Iwa was strutting towards them in the royal robes of fire.
"Healthcare project? I'm sorry I'm not entirely sure what that would be," 'Haru' explained with an apologetic smile, "your group is here to discuss our marriage plans. We're to be wed Friday and its terribly hard work doing this alone."
AHHHH don't kill me! Also, this is a rather quick update for me to do. I'm a college student and I'm (hopefully) working towards medical school so academics come first! This is just a little way for me to procrastinate 😉
