Disclaimer: I, Lady Sassy Sas, do hereby disclaim all rights to the wonderful world that is Naruto.
A few months had passed and Sakura's rehab was going nicely. She could move about albeit slowly. She could talk although sometimes it took her a while to reply to questions but she was getting there and that was the main thing.
And she found her other senses becoming stronger to help make-up for the loss of her sight. She knew who was coming to see her by the way they walked or by their smell. The first time she had recognised Kakashi by his scent had thrown her off. It was rather disconcerting knowing who had entered the room by smelling their scent.
She wanted to practice her chakra control but was forbidden so by Tsunade. Her plan to use it when she wasn't there was thwarted almost instantly after Tsunade had said no to the practice, under the threat of putting chakra suppressors on her.
She got out of the bed and started to walk around the room. She had gotten to know the layout of the room so she didn't crash into anything much anymore. The first time she had tried was embarrassing, frustrating and infuriating. Her legs were very weak and so couldn't hold her up. Kakashi had had to assist her the whole time. And by the time she had gone five steps, she had been exhausted.
She grumbled to herself at the memory. If this is what Lee had gone through after the incident with Gaara, she now held more admiration for him than she had previously. She sighed and paced back and forth.
She could hear Tsunade, Shizune and Kakashi entering the corridor but continued to pace as she thought about everything that had happened to her in the past four or five months. It was around springtime (according to Kakashi but with his time-keeping skills, she wasn't too quick to believe him) which meant the flowers would be blooming and the sounds of new wildlife would be making an appearance. The sun would be out…oh how she missed the sun.
She frowned and did her best to reign in her frustration and not break the glass that she knew was in front her. Instead she put her hand against it and sighed. She wanted out. She felt like a caged animal in here. For the first time since she started working in the hospital she felt caged by it. She was feeling the beginnings of claustrophobia setting in. She needed out of this room at the least and moved to one where she could feel the heat of the sun on her face.
Her hand curled into a fist and she hit it against the glass but not hard enough to break it.
"I need out of here, Shishou!" she exclaimed when she heard the door slide open.
There was no reply as the three of them filtered into the room and took various places in the room.
"Sakura, come sit on the bed so I can do a check-up." Tsunade spoke out as if she hadn't heard Sakura's comment.
Sakura didn't budge, "I need out of here, Tsunade."
There was more rustling as the Hokage sifted through her charts, "We'll talk about that after your rehab is-"
"HELL NO! I'M NOT GOING TO STAY HERE FOR THAT LONG! I NEED OUT OF HERE! I'M BORED! I NEED FRESH AIR, FOR GOD SAKE! YOU CAN'T KEEP ME COOPED UP IN HERE THE WHOLE FECKING TIME! I'M A KUNOICHI!" Sakura roared. She wasn't willing to stay here much longer. She'd get out by force if she had to.
There was no sound in the room except for Sakura's heavy breathing after her outburst. All was silent as each of them replayed her words in their head and then when Sakura got the last bit of her outburst she froze. She was a Kunoichi still, wasn't she? She was still a shinobi, right?
And then she trembled. If she wasn't a Kunoichi then what was she? Sure she could become a full-time medic-nin but to be stuck in the hospital day-in-day-out? Would she be able to cope with not being able to go on missions anymore? Not being able to be a field medic and helping on the field. She wouldn't be able to cope with the worry and frustration of not being able to be out there helping in the there and then.
"I'm a Kunoichi. I'm a Kunoichi of the Leaf. I'm a shinobi, god damnit," she kept repeating it like a mantra as she slid to the floor and brought her knees to her chest and wrapped her arms around them in an act to keep herself hidden from the eyes in the room. If they didn't see her having an emotional breakdown, then she never had one. And she kept replaying the words like a mantra as tears spilled from her eyes.
And then she felt herself being dragged into someone's arms and held tightly to their side. She couldn't tell who it was because she hadn't been paying attention to the sounds and her nose spilling forth its own thick tears that she couldn't smell. And she obviously couldn't see even if she opened her eyes. Of course, this thought made her cry even harder and her hands gripped the arm closest to her in an effort to pull the person closer.
Kakashi glanced at the woman in his arms before glaring up at his leader. He had warned Tsunade about Sakura's mental state from being kept in the hospital for so long, add to it her emotional instability and you had a full pink-haired mess on your hands. He had discussed this at length with the blonde woman over the last week and had vehemently argued with her.
If himself, Yugao and Genma were going to be with her then what was the harm of taking her for a stroll outside and around the gardens of the hospital? If there was any trouble, they could have her somewhere safe in seconds. It wasn't like they were going to let any more harm come to her. He honestly got why Tsunade was wrapping her in cotton wool for if he had a child then he guessed he'd act the same way. But Sakura was a Kunoichi and to undermine that wasn't going to help. Sure, she needed help now but later on when she was fully able what would Tsunade do?
It wasn't like she could keep the girl locked up. Sakura would find a way to escape any confinement even if it was in place to ensure her own well being. The woman who was so strong and compassionate had been reduced to a woman scared for her future.
"Tsunade, you have to let her out – not discharge her but let her out in the fresh air. Hell, move her to a different room, one with a window," Kakashi calmly renewed his attempt to persuade the blonde.
"Hatake, we've discussed this and I've made my decision,"
"The wrong one,"
"Excuse me?"
"It's the wrong decision and you know it. How would you feel if you were in her position? Would you like to be kept away from the outside world? Not being able to do anything except having people coming in at various hours poking and prodding and then sit around waiting endlessly for something or someone to keep you company? No. You'd have hit whoever tried it through the wall and then use the hole created to escape."
"Listen here, brat! I am her doctor and I am doing what will help her most in the long run!" Tsunade shouted.
"With all due respect, Hokage-sama but that's bullshit. You and I both know that," Kakashi sighed and looked back down at the woman in his arms. She had calmed down somewhat but she wasn't asleep, "How is keeping her in here all the time, good for her well being?"
Tsunade stood there with narrowed eyes and breathing slightly heavy, "She hasn't recovered enough. She won't be able to defend herself should anyone try to attack her again. She won't be able to walk for long and she's safer here,"
Kakashi snorted, "She's recovered well enough for a walk outside and if she does get tired, I can carry her back. As for defending...you know that's complete and utter poppycock. I'll be with her the whole time and can transport her out of danger and there are others in the village who can help should a confrontation occur," Kakashi met Tsunade's gaze head on, "You're grasping at straws here, and you know it,"
He was pushing it and they both knew it. It was the matter of if she would cave or not. He felt Sakura pull herself closer to him. Whether she was scared of Tsunade's answer or if she was seeking more comfort he didn't know.
"Hatake…take her outside for twenty to thirty minutes only. I'll have Shizune meet up with you once we sort out her new room," Tsunade's tone was one of defeat.
Kakashi smiled and nodded before he picked the pink-haired girl up in his arms and was about to walk out when Tsunade grabbed him, "Let her walk for about five minutes outside but that's all. Take a wheelchair with you, I don't want her strain herself and put a kink in the works to her recovery,"
Kakashi nodded once and carried on his way with Sakura in his arms.
"Kakashi? Why did you argue with Tsunade-Shishou over letting me out? Don't get me wrong, I'm grateful but why?" Sakura asked quietly as she walked slowly around the hospital gardens. She took her time, careful not to trip over her own feet and feeling the ground when she put either foot down. Kakashi was by her side and had to pull her out of the way of a few people a couple of times.
"Hmm, it doesn't really matter, does it? You're out and that's all that matters," Kakashi watched the sky as they walked, his hands stuffed in his pockets.
Sakura pursed her lips, "I guess so,"
They walked for another few minutes before Sakura stopped and exhaled lightly. She turned her face towards the heat of the sun and a smile graced her face. Kakashi watched her and he felt a surge of pride. He didn't feel sorry for Sakura or pity her. She didn't need it. She was strong and he knew she would get through this sooner or later and he knew she would find a way to continue being a Kunoichi even with the loss of her sight.
He watched as her hair swayed gently in the breeze, her eyelids closed, face relaxed apart from the serene smile that played upon her lips. Yes, she had been through a terrible ordeal but there was a tigress inside hidden underneath all the pain and anguish and hatred. She was already beginning to heal mentally as well granted it would take a long time before she was back to her old self..or as near to it as she could be. He doubted she would ever fully heal given the situation; he knew he hadn't from his past but he had learnt to deal and she would too.
"I'm tired, Kakashi. Can we sit down?" Sakura broke through his reverie.
"Ah. Would you like me to carry you or do want to walk?"
Sakura was silent for a moment before she turned her face to him with slight determination, "I think I can walk it but could I maybe use your arm for support?"
Kakashi gave his classic eye-crinkle which went unnoticed by the medic, "Ah."
She looped her arm through his and he led the way to a nearby bench. They sat down but instead of letting go of his arm she held more tightly and leant against him, resting her head on his shoulder.
"Sakura…if Tsunade can't find a way to fix your eyes, do you have any idea on how you're going to get around? I mean to be able to carry out missions?" Kakashi asked hesitantly. It wasn't something he really wanted to bring up in case it caused her to cry again but he wanted to know if she herself had come up with any ideas.
She took her time to mull over his question. She had been thinking about it but nothing really came to mind for a solution. She had come up with a few idea's but none of them would work from a medical standpoint – scratch that. None of them would work, period, "I have but I haven't come up with anything plausible. I'm sure we'll find a way,"
Kakashi smiled under his mask. She was including her team in this. She was asking for their help in her own roundabout way, "Yes, we will."
"It's an absolutely incredulous theory! There's no chance in hell that that happened!" Tsunade slammed her fist down on her desk and glared at Shikamaru, Yugao and Shino. She was sure Kakashi would've been here too if he hadn't decided to take Sakura on a stroll on the hospital grounds.
"It's one of the two explanations we've got and this one fits better than the other one," Shikamaru replied steadily, trying not to let his irritation leak through.
"We know it's absurd but we can't rule out the possibility, Hokage-sama," Yugao interjected quietly, "Kakashi already explained the reasoning behind it. The only thing we can't figure out is the how – if there is one."
"OF COURSE THERE'S A HOW! THERE HAS TO BE ONE IF YOU'RE ALL SO ADAMANT THAT THIS IS HOW IT HAPPENED!" Tsunade roared and threw her empty Saké at the wall. Tonton whimpered from her spot on the desk.
"Out of the two possibilities this one is most likely. Why? Because it would explain the total devastation of the house and how blood got on nearly every surface. Only someone skilled could have caused so much destruction and mutilate a body with so much precision." Shino took his turn to speak.
Tsunade glared at him, "Don't you think I know that?! I'm the top medic in this goddamn village Aburame! If anyone knows how bodies can be defiled in such a way it's myself." The blonde sighed and pinched the bridge of her nose as she settled back into her seat. She didn't want to believe any of it but the more they went over it the more it made sense and that's what scared her, she sighed and made her decision, "I want you two to keep this to yourselves, understand? Not a word to anyone. Yugao, I want you and Genma to continue watching over her in the shadows. I'll have a talk with Hatake about this later on. Dismissed!"
"Hey Sakura-chan! How are you feeling today?" Naruto set down the back that contained ramen.
Sakura scrunched her nose up as she smelt the 'food'. She didn't know what was worse: hospital food or Naruto bringing ramen with him every time he visited.
"I guess I'm alright, all things considering. How're you, Naruto? Have you asked Hinata out yet?"
Naruto looked at her in surprise, "I've been going out with her for nearly a month now, Sakura-chan. How could you not know that!?"
Sakura covered her ear at his screech, "I've been in hospital? You do realise I was only moved to this room half a week ago, right?"
"Eheheheh…sorry, Sakura-chan,"
She just shook her head and got up and gave him a hug, "Baka. It's alright. So, what news have you for me?"
"I think Sai has a special someone,"
"WHAT!?"
"I don't know! But I swear he does! He's been acting extremely weird and not the normal Sai-weird. He pays more attention to couples he's around and takes a lot of notes and then asks if he can practice them on someone," his face had all the irritation that leaked through in his tone.
Sakura burst out laughing, "He asked to practice on someone!? Oh, who did he ask?"
There was a pause, "Kakashi, Yamato, Kiba – that one was hilarious, Kiba's reaction was priceless! – Ino, Hinata and I'm pretty sure he asked baa-chan at one point." The smirk was heard in his voice.
"Oh my god!" Sakura cackled and when she calmed down enough to ask, "Why do you think he asked Shishou?"
"Well…as I was walking towards her office, he came flying through the wall of her office. She was heaving breaths and looked pissed off and incredulous at the same time; very hard not to burst out laughing. Then Sai got up and asked in all seriousness 'Should I take that as a no?'"
"Oh god, he did not!?"
"He did!"
Sakura was bent over holding her sides and trying to keep herself on her feet she was laughing that much. Naruto had joined her and when they had calmed down; Naruto asked if she wanted to go for a dander down the corridor to which she readily agreed seeing as she would have help.
When they got back Sakura sat on the hospital bed and turned her face to Naruto's to a degree, "Naruto? Who was the first person Sai asked?"
There was a long silence before he answered, "He didn't ask the first time,"
"What do you mean?"
"I mean he acted instead of asked," Naruto said somewhat irritably and defensively.
Sakura's expression turned to one of amusement, "Who?"
"…Me."
Sakura had to stifle her laughs, "You? What did he do?"
She heard Naruto shift obviously uncomfortable with the question and all she got was a mumble in reply.
"What?"
"…."
"Speak up, Naruto."
"He….."
"One more time and louder,"
"He started to snog me,"
Sakura snorted in her attempt to stifle her laugh, "Started?"
"Yeah…." Naruto obviously didn't want to continue this conversation.
Sakura grinned widely, "Naruto…what did you do?"
"I…I didn't do anything. I was too taken aback. By the time I was ready to react he'd stopped. But then I chased him and decked him for it. The bastard," Naruto huffed.
Sakura smiled, chuckled and shook her head before getting up and embracing him, "Baka. But you're one of my baka's,"
The last of my KakaSaku multi-chapters to be updated today! Yay!
I know it's short and I promise I'll be doing longer chapters sometime. It may seem like I'm repeating the same scene with Tsunade in her office but there is a reason for it but I won't be telling why.
Anyway, please review!
Love to y'all!
Lady Sassy Sas xXx
