Sorry, I've been gone for so long. I had to finish some school stuff that needed attention; plus I got a new laptop for school :) Anyway, back to the story,
As a ninja, one had to hone their senses. The safety of one's life did not depend only on what one could see. If shinobi only relied on sight, there would be more names of the memorial stone in the training grounds than one could count. It is also a rule that every ninja should be aware of their surroundings always.
Even so, being back in her home village, Sakura couldn't help but relax under the familiar sights, sounds, and smells. Casually strolling through the streets of Konoha, Sakura allowed her senses to spread and gauge the area around her. Since it was the early afternoon in the middle of the week, not as many people were out, so Sakura could worry less about bumping into people as she walked with her eyes shut. She took deep breaths as if each intake allowed her to absorb bits of her surroundings, more than just air.
The sounds of vendors setting up their wares and goods got louder as she approached the center of the village.
The solid thunk of tables being set up on streets.
The sizzle of pans of delicious street foot being prepared for the hungry stomachs of civilians and shinobi.
The heavy footsteps of civilians walking around.
The rustling of heavy bags leaving or empty rucksacks approaching the markets.
The giggling of-
Wait…Sakura smiled a little to herself before she straightened her face. Never once did she open her eyes or hesitate in her relaxed gate. She feigned ignorance, waiting until the little gigglers decided to reveal themselves. Sakura heard a shift in the bushes and trees forward to her left. Anytime now. And just as she predicted, three little blobs rushed out in an attempt to tackle her. She was prepared for the three, so she remained standing even as they pounced on her. However, she was not expecting a fourth blur that was MUCH heavier that managed to throw her on her still-sore back.
With a graceful oomph! Sakura fell...
