Writer's Note: Thank you to everyone who has taken the time to write a review, follow, and favorite this story. It means a lot to grow as a writer and have people responding to my work after so many years. I hope I continue to tickle your fancy in the way only a fanfiction could. 3
"Hello, Sunshine~ how are ya feeling today?" Sakura asked the brunette woman currently rubbing her temples.
"I feel like someone slammed my head into a stone wall several…hundred times. Ugh, why did I drink so much?" Moeka whimpered.
"I think that might have to do with the fact that you saw your ex stalking you on your way to my house. I would have been in the mood to drink heavily too." Sakura unclicked her pen and placed it back in the white coat pocket. Moeka closed her eyes as she slumped at her desk. Sakura made her way behind Moeka and gently placed her hands on the girl's head. A soft glow of light flowed from her hands, relieving the throbbing pain.
"That feels wonderful. I wish I knew how to do that myself," Moeka sighed. "Thank you."
"My shishou wouldn't be very happy if she knew I left my friend to suffer from a hangover. She might let people suffer in pain from their own stupidity but never from drinking too much," Sakura winked.
As Moeka sat up to stretch her aching back, she heard a few nurses shouting.
"Hey! Who let that dog in?! Don't they know that pets aren't allowed in the hospital?"
Moeka and Sakura peeked their heads out the door and into the hallway. A small and very thick bodied grey pug was trotting his way down the hall. Upon seeing the two women, the dog sped up.
"Pakkun!" Sakura said bending down to scratch behind his ear.
"Hi Sakura. Ooh right there. Could you get the soft patch above my tail too?" Pakkun said nodding his towards his rear. Sakura rolled her eyes but obliged. Pakkun tapped his foot on the ground in pure delight. When Sakura gave one more hard scratch, he took notice of the other woman. Moeka sported a blush as she gazed at the plump pug. Pakkun furrowed his brows.
"Oh this is Moeka an ER nurse and good friend. Moeka, this is Pakkun one of Kakashi's most trusted summons," Sakura said nodding at the furry loaf.
"Nice to meet you," Moeka said in delight as she bent down. "May I?" She shyly asked the dog before rubbing the spot between his ears gently. Pakkun gave a dignified grunt before closing his eyes to enjoy the attention.
"So what brings you to the hospital?" Sakura said suddenly curious.
"It's official shinobi business. Tsunade has already been informed that we would be pulling you from your shifts for the remainder of the day," Pakkun said licking his front paw.
"Oh, maybe I shouldn't be hearing this conversation," Moeka shyly responded as she started to inch away.
"You'll be coming with us to see the Hokage," Pakkun said nibbling on an itchy spot on his leg.
"Eh?" Sakura and Moeka squeaked simultaneously.
"We should get going. Can't keep the Hokage waiting too long," Pakkun yapped before disappearing into a cloud of smoke.
The two women just looked at each other in confusion.
When the two women arrived at the hokage's office, Moeka couldn't help but feel out of place. She watched as uniformed shinobi and office personnel walked around hastily with either stacks of papers or shiny weapons. Sakura put a comforting hand on her shoulder before knocking on the door.
The women stepped in after hearing a clear 'yeah' from the other side of the door. Upon entering the office, Naruto stood to give Sakura and Moeka a hug. Moeka blushed at Naruto's friendly gesture and felt awestruck.
"Would you ladies like any tea or coffee?" Naruto offered. The ladies kindly declined. "Alright then, take a seat and get comfortable." Sakura gestured for Moeka to sit in one of the wooden chairs placed in front of the large oak desk before sitting down herself.
"This is about the two attacks that happened recently in lightening and water country. I take it you have been working on the samples we pulled from the bodies?" Naruto asked.
"I haven't been able to crack much. The samples as you know are some sort of chemical agent. Oddly, it gives off a chakra signature. I'm actually planning on stopping by the lab later today to run a few more tests. I have a theory but I'm not sure what results I'll get," Sakura said already sounding exhausted.
"I'm sorry to add to your stress, but I need to send you out on a mission tomorrow morning," Naruto said apologetically as he rubbed the back of his head. "A few of my anbu operatives returned late last night and reported a few bits and pieces of information about a possible syndicate. They may be responsible for the medic deaths and this chemical agent. It's barely a lead, but I have a feeling that they just can't make much of it without the medical background that you have," Naruto sighed.
"What have they found out so far?" Sakura inquired as she grew intrigued.
"Anbu found an abandoned hideout of sorts just a few miles outside the border of lightening country and frost. Several medics in the bordering villages in northern Frost have gone missing," Naruto spoke with a dark expression on his face.
"Have the bodies been recovered?"
"No flesh bodies, just bones. They burned to death. The bones were severely charred. I'm not sure if the village in Frost was able to identify it."
"Do we have permission to examine the bones and figure out what happened? Any ways to extract clues?" Sakura asked.
"Unfortunately, we don't have permission to move the bones out of the village. For the purpose of respecting the families that have had their loved ones go missing, they don't want us moving them outside of the village. With the limited medics, they have requested aid."
"So…you want me to be the medical help and conveniently be the protection they might need?" Sakura guessed.
"Precisely."
"Hm. Since the bones can't be moved out of the village, can I examine the remains while I'm there?"
"That was exactly what I was hoping you'd do. The village has given us a short window of time to examine the bones before they prepare them for a burial. To be sensitive to their customs, I have agreed to respect their wishes. That gives us exactly a day to look at them before they are buried." Naruto said placing a folder in front of Sakura.
Sakura picked up the folder and looked over the written mission details. A moment later, Moeka cleared her throat. Sakura had almost forgotten that she was there.
"Um, I'm not sure how I fit into all of this," Moeka inquired looking slightly alarmed.
"Well, like I said before the medics in the village have started to go missing. I know that you've never been involved in shinobi business, but I was hoping you would be willing to go. Sakura leaving Leaf is already a huge blow, but I know she would appreciate having help that she's familiar with. She's already told me about how skilled you are. I guess it doesn't hurt that you two work well together," Naruto stated seriously. His face seemed to be shadowed with stress.
"I'm more than willing to help Sakura-san and of course help both villages. I'm just more afraid that I'd get in the way. I can't say I'd be much help," Moeka said chewing her lip.
"You'll absolutely be a big help. Don't worry. It sounds like shinobi business will be a minimum. Our main objective is really to re-establish order to the hospital," Sakura said flipping through the folder.
"Obviously, you won't be going just the two of you. You both will need staff to get the hospitals running at normal speed. I'm also sending Genma with you. I've just sent Kakashi out of the village on a mission, but he will join you in Shimogakure for the last two days of the mission," Naruto said handing a form to Moeka.
"What's this?" Moeka asked.
"It's a standard release form. It's an official document that shows you agreed to the terms of the mission. Anything that happens during and after the mission is to be kept undisclosed to others. It also states that you are aware there are dangers by agreeing to go on this mission, but rest assured, you will have protection from the best," Naruto stated firmly placing a pen down next to the document.
Moeka looked down at the document and read it thoroughly. Without hesitation, she picked up the pen and signed. "I'd be damned if someone needed my help and I said no!" Moeka smiled.
Sakura laughed loudly. "That's right. I'd never befriend someone without a backbone," she giggled.
"Excellent! I'm sending the team out early tomorrow morning. Please be ready at the gates by 4:30 sharp," Naruto nodded at them.
Sakura and Moeka walked slowly through the streets back to the hospital. Both had agreed that although their schedules had been cleared, they still had a few tasks to finish. Making their way through the bustling village center, the two women enjoyed the lively walk.
"I'm a bit nervous you know," Moeka said rubbing her hands together.
"I know it sounds dangerous, but I'll be there and so will Genma. He's really quite capable once you get past his lecherous comments," Sakura said honestly.
"I don't doubt that you two would protect me, but I've never really left the village. I've also never been trusted with such a big task before," Moeka said looking to the side at Sakura.
Sakura nudged her friend. "Every day, you are entrusted to care for patients. Many would die without your care. Is there really a task bigger than that? If you can save lives here, you can save lives there too. Besides, this will be a great opportunity for us to see a different hospital system," Sakura said slightly excited.
"I guess you're right. I am kind of excited to get out of the village after twenty-two years," Moeka laughed.
"Twenty-two? Weren't you born here?" Sakura asked suddenly confused.
"My grandfather was born here. I was actually adopted. I don't know the details of where I came from, but my orphanage was apparently not one in fire country," Moeka replied.
"So you came here when you were 4 years old?"
"Mhmm. I don't remember anything before my first day here. I wish I could remember the village where I was born. I've asked my grandfather before, but he always says that there is no point looking for my past. He would yell at me to look forward towards my bright future," Moeka laughed thinking about her grandfather.
"Well, this is the perfect opportunity. Just pack like you are going on a vacation. The mission is nine days long, so I would say a few sets of clothes should be enough," Sakura said.
"I may be carrying as much medical supplies as I can. You never know how well stocked they are over there," Moeka considered. Sakura laughed really loudly at her friend's statement.
"Oh we are two peas in a pod. I usually have a small bag of personal items and about 10 bags of medical supplies," Sakura said wiping a tear away. "People truly think I'm OCD."
"I guess that means I'm joining the club."
When Sakura arrived at the hospital, she bee-lined for Tsunade's office. Unsurprisingly, her old mentor's desk was empty. Taking a sharp left, she headed for the next best bet. Toxicology lab. Thankfully, she was already headed in that direction. Her intent was to reach the department and dive straight into looking at the samples she had placed in the analyzer.
Greeting a few researchers that were leaving the department, Sakura waved and passed through the sliding doors. She could hear a lulled shout from the research lab. Knowing her shishou was a relatively good mood, she confidently walked in.
"These lab results are inconclusive. So what do you do with them?" Tsunade asked while pinching the bridge of her nose with her eyes shut. A young lab assistant with sandy colored hair and hazel eyes shook in fear as she digested the question.
"Report them to Sakura-san before filing them in the lab records?" The young assistant almost quivered. Tsunade looked her dead in the face with a stoic expression.
"That's' it?" Tsunade inquired.
"Yes?"
"WRONG! You report the results, get clearance from your supervisor AND Sakura to do another round of testing. Make a better hypothesis and find out if you're wrong again. Research never just ends and gets filed away. Every hypothesis whether wrong or right should always be challenged, changed and tested. Am I clear?" Tsunade thundered.
"Yes!" The young woman scrambled to gather the files before running off to find her supervisor.
Tsunade 'tsk-ed' before rubbing the back of her neck. "I really don't know what they are teaching medical students in schools these days. They are so damn eager to just finish. Where is the drive? The need for constant improvement?!"
"Shishou, cut her a break. Sometimes, results come up inconclusive and should be left at just that," Sakura said crossing her arms.
"Says the girl that didn't leave the lab for 3 consecutive nights because we finally pinpointed an herb that can help regenerate chakra quicker?" Tsunade teased.
"That ended when I became head of the department," Sakura laughed. Tsunade rolled her eyes.
"So, I take it you know your assignment?"
"Yup. I head out tomorrow morning. It feels strange to go back out on the field. I feel like I haven't done a mission in ages," Sakura said with a sense of nostalgia.
"You haven't gone on a mission in ages. It's time to stretch your legs and explore. Are you going to check on those samples?" Tsunade asked pulling open a drawer. Sakura eyed her suspiciously.
"Yes, I am. I'm hoping that those samples show some sort of clue as to what the toxin is and what it does." She blinked the expression off her face as she realized she was unattractively scrunching her face in confusion.
"Excellent. Well, don't mind me and carry on," Tsunade said dismissively as she waved Sakura away without looking up.
"Why are you rummaging through Kei's drawer?"
"Oh, is that the name of the kind researcher this desk belongs to?"
"...yes? I wouldn't say that Kei is particularly…kind…"
"Ah, well. I heard this desk has a stash of sake I need to get my hands on and I think she's about to share."
Sakura punched her clearance code into the dial pad outside of the lab. The soft glow from the machines and muted beeping was comforting. She walked all the way to the back of the room where a large analyzer was nestled. Flicking a switch, she pulled a lever and opened the lid. She delicately extracted the two vials from the analyzer and placed them in a vial rack. Shutting the analyzer tightly, she turned to tie back her hair before slipping on a pair of fresh gloves and her goggles.
She pulled the vial rack towards a set of microscopes. Resting on a stool, she carefully took a drop of the liquid from one of the vials and placed it on a slide. She covered it with a coverslip and set the microscope.
Confusion clouded her mind as she looked into the eyepiece. Any trace of the chemical solution she had mixed into the sample a few days ago was gone. She hurriedly opened the other vial and took a drop. The second sample looked the same. Both were showing to be two undiluted original samples.
"What in the world…" Sakura was torn from her stupor when she heard a knock on the lab window. She looked up to see Moeka. Getting up from her seat as quickly as possible, Sakura pulled off her gloves and opened the door.
"Finished?" Sakura said going back to her stool.
"Yes. I finished storing the rest of the patient files back into the records department, made my rounds helping in neurosurgery. A patient came in from a construction accident and needed a laminectomy. The only problem was that he wasn't the only one that sustain injuries. Across the village, we had a few people injured in the collapse of a scaffold. Thankfully, everything is under control. What's that?"
"Well, I can't exactly tell you full details, but I can certainly tell you that it's puzzling. I've added a solution made of activated carbon into vial A and a solution with antivenom in B." Sakura tapped on the vials with her nail.
Moeka put on protective gear and snapped a pair of gloves into place before approaching the lab table. Sakura moved out of the way for Moeka to take a look at the microscope. "I don't see any particles of carbon…or antivenom for that matter."
"Exactly. The samples have returned to their original state," Sakura said tapping the lab table in frustration.
"That's impossible. Ok, well technically it is possible since it happened here, but it shouldn't be possible. You said the sample was a mixture of chemicals and chakra, right? Perhaps then we should try something a little more organic? The solutions you put in originally might have been too chemical based. Maybe something a little more purely organic?" Moeka guessed.
Sakura stood thinking about her idea for a few minutes. "If the sample has a chakra signature, perhaps it might react to more chakra?" Sakura used her own chakra to make a small cut on her finger. Squeezing her finger tightly, she let a few drops of her blood fall into the vial as she sent a current of chakra to her hand to give her blood an extra boost.
As soon as her blood hit the sample, the solution quickly started to change color. The once clear violet solution became a murky grey. The glass vial began to rattle and clink against the wooden vial holder.
"What is happening…" Moeka questioned with her eyes as wide as saucers. The vial began to shake more violently. Sakura pulled Moeka under the lab table and pulled her arms around the petite woman. An instant later, tiny shards of glass were sent flying everywhere.
When she was sure everything had settled, Sakura stepped out from under the table and took a look around. Shards of smoking glass were left in the wake of the incident. The only remnants that were proof of the experiment they had just witnessed burned away into vapor.
"The chakra turned the solution volatile. Even though it had a chakra signature, it's almost as if the sample were…alive. It's like it was repelling your chakra, but all it did was make the whole damn thing combust," Moeka said in a long nervous stream of words.
"Are you okay?" Sakura asked eyeing the petite woman as she rambled.
"I'm fine. I'm pretty sure I'm in shock and once the adrenaline runs out I'll be on the floor, but other than that I'm fine," Moeka said searching the area for any traces of the original sample.
"I don't think you'll find anything. This sample is done," Sakura said.
"You mean, both samples are done. The little explosion shattered the other vial," Moeka pointed out almost apologetically.
"Shit."
"It may not be much consolation, but at least we leave in the morning. Perhaps we'll find some more clues in Frost," Moeka smiled as warmly as she could while she spoke.
"Yea, I'm sure Naruto has a few more samples, too. I just can't stand when I can't figure something out. It eats away at me until I get frustrated and cranky," Sakura said frowning. A tiny thought bubble with Sasuke's face seemed to float into her mind. She could feel her eye begin to twitch.
"Well, that's why you bake sweets isn't it?" Moeka laughed as she walked to the closet in the opposite corner of the lab. She yanked the creaky metal door open and pulled out a broom and dust pan. "Once we get this cleaned up and sterilized, we should go out for some cream puffs. I've been craving them ever since yesterday. I know a great little café down the street from me. We should go get some after we pack."
"Oh, done deal. I could use something sweet," Sakura sighed.
