A/N: You'll noticed that I called the attack on Konoha "The Black Death". It has nothing to do with the "Black Death" from medieval times, but I was unoriginal with the name. Unless you, the readers, have some suggestions, that's what I'll stick with.

Enjoy Chapter 3!

Chapter 3: Dreaded Duty

After leaving the gallery, Sakura returned to her room and began the long procedure of cleaning her armor. She began by washing her armor's inserts with cold water and a mild detergent.

Once she was satisfied that the last speck of mud had been rubbed off, Sakura carefully rinsed off the detergent and inspected with a sharp eye for any signs of wear.

Upon not finding any damage, the experienced warrior gently dried her armor with a well-used cloth. A pleased smile graced her face as one of her most prized possessions gleamed slightly in the sunlight.

She set the piece aside, and focused on her forearm protectors, one shoulder protector, her knee-length metal boots as well as her breast plate.

Using special mineral salts, Sakura sprinkled an adequate amount on each piece, and rubbed them well into the metal with another piece of cloth.

Once that was done, she proceeded to wax them, humming a random tune as she poured her love into her work.

The time passed rather quickly as the sun was already well past its midday position by the time Sakura was done with her grueling chore.

Carefully placing each piece into their proper places within the display, Sakura drew out her sword from its leather sheath.

She couldn't help but admire its long, shining form adored with tiny amethyst jewels. The precious gemstone represented power, protection and healing; the very qualities Sakura strove to achieve as the only kunoichi healer among the Phoenixes, aside from the queen herself.

The champion brought the sword to a metallic table near the balcony, and sat down on the lone chair.

Opening one of the table's drawers, Sakura took out a flat stone, and positioned her sword downwards.

She grated the piece of stone over her sword several times, scrapping off the barely developed bits of rust. She also made sure to sharpen the sword's edge.

She sliced a thin finger over the tip, and grinned as blood flowed from the cut.

She summoned her healing chakra to the area, and resumed her task.

Upon finishing her work, a low horn calling for dinner sounded.

Sakura wiped a thin film of sweat from her forehead, and walked over to the display. She placed her beloved sword back within its leather sheath, and walked over to her vanity mirror.

After twirling around to make sure she looked presentable, the rosette made her way out of the bedroom.

She nearly bumped into her maid whose vision was obscured by the pile of elegant robes she carried in her arms.

Sakura raised an eyebrow as she studied her maid. "Where are you going with those?" She asked as she looked at the clothing with disdain.

The maid huffed in effort. "They're for you, mistress. The queen strictly instructed me to bring them to your chambers." A sly grin plastered itself on her childish face. "They must be for your birthday," she teased.

Narrowing her eyes, Sakura moved past her maid and continued to the dinner hall.

The kunoichi's insides tightened uncomfortably at her maid's remark.

Her twenty-first birthday was coming up in a month: a day that would signify her initiation as a woman, and with that she would be expected to fulfill her most sacred duty to her society.

An unflattering frown glued itself to Sakura's face as her mood darkened.

She grumbled to herself unhappily, before she fixed a neutral expression as she entered the dining hall.

It was already packed with hungry women and girls alike who helped themselves to the delicious dishes that were presented.

Sakura grabbed a tray, and followed the line as the women took their food.

The champion opted for smoked salmon complimented with steamed broccolis and carrots, and a scoop of mashed potatoes. She grabbed a slice of fresh bread, and a bowl of strawberry flavored yogurt before she stepped into the crowd.

Surprisingly, it didn't take her long to find her friends who were seated at a table closest to the large windows.

Ino was the first to spot her, and waved before Sakura sat down beside her. "About time you got here, Sakura. I had to tell Tenten and Hinata about your patrol from last night."

The brunette offered Sakura a wide grin. "Did the cat rip off their pants and force them to run around in their underwear?"

Sakura discreetly snorted as she took a bite of the delicious fish. "I'm afraid not, Tenten. Though seeing them running around trying to find their way out was humorous enough."

The four women laughed at the thought.

Ino tasted her vanilla yogurt, and sighed in content. "Ahh," she started. "If only Tsunade-sama didn't work us to death." She said dramatically.

The quietest woman of the group fixed her pearl eyes on Ino. "Our training has made us strong enough to protect our home," she answered calmly.

Ino took another taste of the cold treat. "Yeah, I know that. But we're still women. We have to take care of our precious possessions." She said as she twirled a finger through her glossy hair.

Tenten rolled her eyes. "I have no idea how you managed to join the Phoenix ranks," she commented before biting into a piece of barbeque beef.

Sakura and Hinata stifled their giggles as the blonde glared at Tenten. "I'm a very talented kunoichi, thank you very much!" She yelled in indignation. "I just happen to care more for my looks than any of you."

"Looks won't save us from death," Hinata quietly said as she sipped her tea.

Ino huffed in annoyance. "You'd be surprised when your looks could seduce a man into doing what you please."

Sakura frowned at her statement. "We shouldn't have to rely on men to do what must be done."

Ino raised an eyebrow at the rosette. "There are times when both genders have to work together to accomplish something. It's how the world worked before ours was flipped upside down."

Sakura snorted dismissively before she stabbed at her meal with unusual aggressiveness.

As she devoured her meal, the champion didn't catch the shared look between her friends.

It wasn't until she started on her dessert that Sakura caught her friends staring at her intently. "What?" She asked after a few unblinking moments.

Ino was the one to answer. "What is up with you? You've been acting strange this morning. Is something the matter?"

Sakura turned to face Hinata who stared at her intensely. "It's because her birthday is coming up," the quiet woman stated.

Sakura immediately looked away as the realization fell upon the small group.

"Oh right," Tenten commented after a moment.

She then kicked Sakura's shin.

The rosette slightly glared at her.

Tenten ignored her friend's grouchiness. "It's not so bad," she offered. "The courtship is actually fun if you put effort into it."

Ino nodded enthusiastically. "Definitely!" She agreed. "Listen to Tenten, honey. As our senior by one year, she already had the pleasure of going through the initiation."

Said girl rolled her eyes, and crossed her arms. "Look Sakura," she started seriously, "I know you're dreading about your upcoming birthday, but you of all people should realize the importance of the initiation. It's what allows our society to thrive and grow. An increase in strength means an increase in forces for our protection."

Sakura grumbled to herself as she stared out the window. "I understand that," she said.

"Then what's holding you back?" Ino asked.

The champion's frown softened slightly as she looked back at her friends. "I don't want to put my heart in the hands of a vile man."

The other women's eyes widened at her statement.

Ino was the first to recover. "Eh? What's with all of the hate, sister?"

Sakura's eye twitched at the outburst. "All of you know how our society came to be." She replied defensively. "Konoha was once a peaceful village surrounded by violent nations that were always threatening to destroy it. And they did manage to bring Konoha to its knees, or have you forgotten about the Black Death?"

Immediately, a sober mood gripped the women within its tight hold at Sakura's reminder.

Hinata placed a hand over Sakura's clenched one. "You are afraid because you believe that surrendering to a man will leave you helpless and take away your individuality."

The rosette stared into Hinata's pearl eyes. "The only thing a man cares about is power." She said bitterly.

The quiet woman shook her head before she continued. "Do not let Tsunade-sama's teachings cloud your judgment. If you were to open your eyes, you'd be able to see that the world is full of good people just as it is full of evil."

Ino placed a comforting hand on her friend's shoulders. "Hinata's right. Not all men are like that, Sakura. You just have to be patient and find the right one."

Sakura's posture slumped as she blankly stared at the table cloth. "How can I possibly believe that after what I was put through?" She asked monotonously.

Sakura didn't wait for an answer, for she stood up with her tray. "I'll see you all when I get back," were her last words to them before she left the table.

After placing the tray into the cleaning pit, Sakura made her way back to her room.

She sighed sadly once she entered the safety of her room.

The champion stripped off her day's clothing, and put on her nightgown.

She collapsed onto her bed, and let out a low groan.

Her friends' words continued to reply in her head, and Sakura grew annoyed at their persistent nagging.

Deciding that she couldn't ignore them, the kunoichi slid under the warm blankets, and stared at the setting sun through her balcony window. She continued to observe it until the sun had completely disappeared beyond the horizon.

Sighing once more, Sakura turned around, and closed her eyes as she willed her troubled mind to rest.

After some forceful meditation, sleep found Sakura at last, and took her to its peaceful realm.