Notes: We're nearing the end of our adventure and it has been a wild ride for me and perhaps for you as well. Should have one more chapter and an epilogue before everything is wrapped up. Thank you to those who've been along on this romp from the beginning and those of you joining just now. Let me know what you think!
halcyon days
"jōnin pt. II"
"You are certain?"
Sakura continues to hold her stance relaxed and loose, fighting off the urge to roll her eyes. She knows Homura's beady gaze will catch it and this whole thing will dissolve into even further meaningless bickering. "I am, Mitokado-sama."
He folds his hands, leaning forward, a disagreeable frown upon his face. "From your report it is apparent that at no point did Konan outright accept your claims. I am not comfortable calling for a Summit on such flimsy evidence."
"Konan of Akatsuki is a world-class shinobi trained by the man who sits opposite you," Tsunade says, an undertone of a bite in her voice as she gestures to a sheepish Jiraiya. "No self-respecting shinobi, especially not one who founded a group such as Akatsuki, would speak so bluntly with an enemy."
Sakura bites the inside of her cheek as Homura makes a reply. They've been at this for hours and it seems as if they have gotten absolutely nowhere at all.
"There is another who pulls the strings," Jiraiya says firmly. "Many of their actions since the loss of Nagato have not made sense. Initially they banded together as a group of freedom fighters; liberating Ame and restoring stability within the war-ravaged village. Their dealings with Orochimaru and Kabuto, the way they farm out mercenary jobs, and even the way they seek to antagonize Konoha and her allies are actions that do not make sense with their plans for stability."
"From your report, it appears that Konan did mention a plan to create world peace," Koharu muses, rifling through the stack of papers before her. "Any idea as to what that plan is?"
Sakura glances briefly towards Tsunade, making sure she has her approval. Tsunade nods so Sakura says, "Based on the intel we've received from our allied nations and our own experiences, it seems that Akatsuki is attempting to gather the jinchūriki."
Shikaku pulls himself out of his slouch, looking interested for the first time since the meeting began hours ago. Sakura hopes that the interest spells an end to this meeting. It has gone on far too long. "They're after the jinchūriki?"
"The information I've gathered from my sprouts tells the same story," Jiraiya says, lending credence to Sakura's words. "At least three of the jinchūriki have been captured by the Akatsuki and one of the tailed beasts was extracted from Kazekage-sama." He nods toward Sakura. "All of the remaining jinchūriki that we know of have had attempts made against them by Akatsuki."
"For what purpose do they want the tailed beasts?" Danzō asks, bracing his elbows on the table.
Sakura does not like the cold interest in his eye. Danzō is a war dog through and through, restless in times of peace. Truthfully, Sakura doesn't think that he believes in peacetime. His ambition has a voracious appetite, never satisfied. It is he who runs the dark, twisting Roots that travel beneath the surface of Konoha. If he thinks he can use the jinchūriki, Sakura's friends, he has another thing coming. Sarutobi may have turned a blind eye to his former comrade-in-arms, but Sakura is not willing to do the same.
Sakura looks askance at Ashura and Indra, catching the contempt in their expressions as they regard Danzō. They nod at her though, in encouragement.
"This is just conjecture at this point," Sakura begins, unwilling to reveal her connection to the Ōtsutsuki brothers before the Council. They are too calculating, too ready to take advantage. She will not allow them to try to use the Ōtsutsuki brothers, though she doubts that the Council truly can. "However, there is lore from every nation over that states that the nine tailed beasts were once one; the ten-tails, Jūbi. A beast of unimaginable power born of Ōtsutsuki Kaguya's rage against her sons."
"A fairytale," Homura scoffs, glancing away from her dismissively.
"A fairytale perhaps, but a fairytale that Akatsuki believes," Sakura counters. "They want to use extract the tailed beasts and create Jūbi. Akatsuki wants to use Jūbi to rule the world; impose their will upon everyone else and force their idea of peace across the world."
"That's all well and good, but what does that matter for Konoha?" Shikaku says, crossing his arms. "You called together the Cabinet for a reason, Tsunade-sama; what gambit are you planning?"
Tsunade smiles wryly, shaking her head. "There's a reason you're our Jōnin Commander, Shikaku. Based on this information and the imminent threat that Akatsuki continues to pose to us, I have come to the decision that we must call a Kage Summit."
"A Kage Summit has not been called since Hashirama-sama's reign," Koharu murmurs. "Is it truly so serious?"
"Just like that first Summit, we are dealing with a threat to all of our livelihoods. And, just like that Summit, we deal again with an issue related to the jinchūriki," Tsunade says. "Hashirama-oji knew the wisdom in splitting the jinchūriki up among the nations. He may have seen the truth within the story of Jūbi. This time, we must discuss how to keep the remaining jinchūriki safe and how to deal with the increasing threats of Akatsuki and Oto."
"And what of Iwa?" Danzō says. "We know that they have a standing agreement with Oto, however informal it may be. They were more than antagonistic to our…diplomats when they visited." His lips twist as he looks at Sakura. Sakura thinks it might be in amusement. She regards him coolly in return, knowing that he does not care for her. As the apprentice to Sarutobi, Sakura is a representation of everything Danzō detests. "Considering that they were imprisoned under false pretenses, I doubt Ōnoki will be open to discussion."
"If Iwa chooses not to attend, then that is upon them," Tsunade replies. "I've exchanged missives with our allies regarding some of the jinchūriki situation, before Akatsuki's plans came to light. I know that Kiri, Suna, and Kumo will answer the call. I doubt that Iwa will pass up this opportunity. Ōnoki is too vain and paranoid to allow a meeting among the great nations without attending himself. He'll think we're planning an attack on Iwa otherwise."
"The call for a Summit is solid," Shikaku says. "I cast my vote in favor of calling the Summit."
"As do I," Jiraiya says.
"Aye," Koharu says.
"Yes," Homura adds.
"Let us move forward with the call," Danzō says, a note of finality in his voice.
Sakura does not care for the greedy look in his eye. Doubtless, he will begin to look into Jūbi himself and begin to explore its resurrection. Thankfully though, he will not have a say at the actual Summit; it will be in Tsunade's hands. And Sakura trusts Tsunade with her life and, perhaps more importantly, with the fate of Konoha.
Tsunade nods, bracing her hands on the table as she stands. "I will send missives to Iron and the shinobi nations to call for the Summit. Let's get moving people; we need to prepare."
Sakura fidgets with the tail of her braid, unable to hide her nervousness. She hasn't done this before, revealed her secret on this sort of scale. And now she stands before a small but powerful group of people who, if they do not believe her, could make her life a misery.
Not to mention the fact that these are her most precious people within Konoha.
If they turn their backs on her…well, Sakura isn't sure what she'll do.
She slaps a no-sound seal on the door, just to be safe, ignoring the way Karin's eyebrows hike high. She knows just high level this particular seal is. She helped create it.
"We're in the Hokage Tower," Karin says, eyes warm with affectionate amusement. "Calm the paranoia."
"She's a shinobi," Kakashi says with a shrug. "It's in her blood."
"Takes after her teacher that way," Shisui mutters, only to yelp when Mikoto elbows him.
"Go on dear," Mikoto says encouragingly.
"Right," Sakura says, taking a deep, bracing breath. "Well…there is something that I've been keeping a secret for a long time now. A few people already know the truth; I informed Hiruzen-sensei, Ino, Sasuke, and Naruto in earlier years and Tsunade-sama more recently…but I've kept it hidden from everyone else for fear of appearing insane." She can feel the way that the focus on her sharpens and she closes her eyes for fear of the judgment she'll see upon their faces. "I…well, I see dead people. That is, I see the spirits of two specific shinobi: Ōtsutsuki Ashura and Indra."
"The grandsons of the first chakra user?" Shino asks, tone cool and calm, unreadable.
"The legends?" Kiba yelps, much more readable than his teammate.
"Yes," Sakura says with a nod. "In the beginning, when we were in the Academy, they were attached to my teammates, Sasuke and Naruto. As time went on, their power grew and they were able to follow me separately. They are able to interact with the physical world sometimes. Their power continues to grow, in ways that I do not yet understand. I think…I think, given time, they'll be visible to others."
"So the Forest of Death…" Shikamaru says, eyes thoughtful and calculating as he thinks back on their rather auspicious exams. The fact that they survived a blindsiding attack from Orochimaru, one of the original Sannin, makes much more sense. "They saved you…saved us."
Sakura nods firmly. "They're on our side. They've been assisting Konoha from the very start. It started with them teaching me simple katas, which I shared in turn with my fellow genin at the time." Naruto lets out a cheer, only to be shushed by Karin and Sasuke at the same time. "As Shikamaru has already said, they held Orochimaru at bay long enough for reinforcements to arrive. They are the ones who kept me alive after…" She trails off, looking to Hiruzen whose expression is a mix of contrition and embarrassment. "Well…they kept me alive."
"Why tell us now?" Itachi asks, expression purposefully blank. Sakura thinks he may be upset with her, though she isn't completely certain. "You've kept it secret for over a decade; why reveal this information to us now?"
Sakura swallows, throat suddenly dry at the responsibility laid before her. She glances askance at Tsunade who only nods, leaving the floor to her. "I have recently returned from a reconnaissance mission in Amegakure." She pauses, allowing them a moment to clamor over that, though she notes that Tenten does not seem surprised. Considering her apprenticeship with Tsunade, Tenten is probably more informed than Sakura herself is. "I encountered Konan of Akatsuki and solidified a few of my suspicions."
Sakura holds up a hand to stall any forthcoming questions. "It is not my place to say what those suspicions are. You can direct any questions you have about that to Tsunade-sama." Tsunade raises a brow, smirking at everyone who glances at her askance. "As you all know, Konoha will be attending a Kage Summit regarding the threats posed by Oto and Akatsuki. We're faced with uncertain, turbulent times. I thought it was high past time for me to reveal my secret to those I trust, which is why you are all in this room with me today." She smiles slightly. "And we need any and every advantage at our disposal. I believe having the Ōtsutsuki brothers on our side is quite the advantage. Especially since they will be a surprise to any of our enemies."
Kakashi snorts, but doesn't speak.
Tsunade stands, moving beside Sakura. "That concludes our meeting. It should go without saying, but do not repeat this information without Sakura's permission or mine." Her eyes go flinty as she cracks her knuckles. "You'll have to deal with me if I hear of loose lips. Any questions you have can be asked of Sakura on your own time; we have a lot of work yet to do. Dismissed!"
Sakura braces for the deluge of questions as her friends and family pour in around her. And, sure enough, they do not disappoint. She fields their questions, laughing with Indra and Ashura at some of the stranger questions.
She feels light, free. It is wonderful to shed the burden of her secret, at least among her trusted friends. She didn't realize the weight of it until it was gone, shared and shouldered now among her friends.
It feels good.
Sakura kneels, brushing the debris from the top of the monument. It is a small thing and Sakura remembers back to the bell test when Naruto announced his desire to see his name up there one day. She doubts that everyone who fell in the name of Konoha is engraved into the obsidian.
The Memorial Stone.
Her eyes trace along the different names, ignoring the drizzle that falls and frizzes up her hair. She bows her head, saying a silent word of thanks to both the sung and unsung heroes. Then, she removes a scroll from her pack, unsealing it. A couple of polished rocks tumble free and she gathers them in hand, situating them before the Memorial Stone.
Haku.
Mitsubachi.
Nagato.
The lost and sacrificed.
But now, unforgotten and commemorated.
She runs her fingertips along the letters of Haku's name, sighing heavily. Yesterday she was told that she would be joining Tsunade's caravan to the Summit as its main speaker. Sakura supposes she understands the reasoning behind it, as she has encountered and built relations among the different villages. She's also the one who gathered the intel on Akatsuki's motives firsthand and she guesses that her account will lend credence to Konoha's position.
She's worried. Sakura knows that tensions are continuing to mount ever higher, she's read her sprouts' reports. It's all about to come to a head, boil over, and Sakura has a sinking sensation that she will be caught in the middle of it.
Considering the players in the game, Sakura doubts she'll emerge unscathed.
Hands press down on her shoulders, lifting her out of her thoughts. She doesn't move, letting their presence wash over and center her.
"What are you contemplating, Sakura-chan?" Ashura asks, rubbing small circles into her left shoulder.
"Seems to be some heavy thoughts," Indra adds, squeezing her right shoulder.
"Sharing them might help," Ashura presses.
Sakura sighs again, staring blindly at the Memorial. "Is it worth this?" she asks.
"Which part?" Indra replies.
"All this wanton war and sacrifice," she says, struggling to find the words for her thoughts. "Haku died for his precious person, a man who didn't see his worth until after Haku threw himself into the line of fire. If we hadn't been there, if we didn't bury them ourselves, they would have been thrown into the ditches with the rest and burned like litter.
"Mitsubachi…" Sakura trails off, breath going ragged. "Mitsubachi died dishonored and alone; buried in an abyss when she should have received the proper Iwa sky burial. She'll be redacted from all of Iwa's reports and all of the Kamizuru clan's records." She picks up the rock, as close to the rocks of Scorpion Canyon as she could find, and grimaces. "This is quite possibly the only written record of Mitsubachi. Is this all she will be remembered as? A pebble scrawled with her name? When I am gone, who will remember her? Who will tell her story?
"I never met Nagato, hell, I haven't a clue of what he looked like or what type of person he was. All I know is that he was taught by Jiraiya-sama and that he grew up alongside Konan and Yahiko in a war torn Amegakure." She touches the smooth stone with his name on it, warming it against her palm. "His death solidified their hatred of Konoha; it was the catalyst for the vendetta they wage against us. They've spent years nursing this anger, returning his death with scores more deaths of people who go unmourned and forgotten. Is this what he would have wanted? Would he want a war waged in his name? I can't claim to know anything of his character, but who would want blood to be shed as their funeral offering? It all just seems so…pointless."
"Death is a difficult beast," Indra says. "It is the final frontier, the last mission."
"For most," Ashura interrupts. "Not for the two of us."
Indra rolls his eyes. "For most people," he says in reluctant agreement. "Death is the end of a person on this plane of existence for the most part. What care have they for what happens to their physical bodies thereafter? There is something that happens after…" He pauses, furrowing his brow. Sakura turns his way. "I can't seem to remember what it was, but there was something."
"Death is a burden for the living, not for the dead," Ashura says, voice gentle. "The way they continue to exist in this plane is in what you are doing right now, honoring them like this. They live on and even take on new life in memories and in the stories you tell of them. You do them justice in this, including them along the Memorial Stone."
"They weren't of Konoha," Sakura says, thinking specifically of Haku and Mitsubachi, "but they were my people."
"And so they continue to be," Indra says. "Death does not end that."
Sakura sits quietly for a time, heedless of the way that the rain picks up and washes her through to the bone. The brothers stay with her, concerned but patient. She will speak when she is ready.
"How will I be remembered? How will my death be used?" she asks, not really expecting an answer.
"How do you think you'll be remembered?" Indra asks, lobbing the question back at her. "Think about your relationships, about your friends. Do you think they would use your death as a platform for their agenda?"
"No," Sakura says, "but I don't think Konan and Yahiko intend to use his death as a platform. They're trying to honor his memory." She looks between them, crossing her arms. "You talk a big game but if I were to die and you knew who was responsible, what would you do?"
"Hunt them down, destroy them, and raze their land to the ground," Ashura says simply.
Sakura raises a brow at Indra, ignoring the darkness of Ashura's threat for the time being. She's trying to make a point.
Indra huffs, face flushing. "We would do what we could to avenge you."
"As you said, death is the burden for the living." Sakura shuts her eyes for a moment before tilting her face up in welcome to the storm that brewed out of the drizzle. "I suppose it's just another thing I'll have to shoulder until one day I don't." She lets the rain wash over her as she stands. Sakura stares at the monument and her three pebbles for a long moment before turning with a smile toward the brothers. "I'll have you two along to help with the burden of living."
"Of course," Indra says.
"Without a doubt," Ashura replies.
Sakura walks through the village, impressed by the flurry of motion around her. Tsunade wasn't kidding about the preparations. Everyone, from elite clansman to craftsman to civilian, is involved in the prep work. She moves among the large metal cannisters being gathered in piles, frowning in contemplation.
She doesn't care for the fact that the mines are on display in the village so blatantly.
"Sakura!" Tenten calls. On each shoulder, she balances a metal cannister. "Right on time as always."
"Tenten," Sakura greets, lifting a cannister of her own with a grunt. She follows as Tenten leads her away from the bustling activity. "You ready to leave?"
"I am," Tenten says. "All my scrolls are packed with everything I might need. Tsunade-sama is procrastinating."
"This is doubtless a busy time for her," Sakura says. It has been a headache preparing all the loose ends for her own imminent departure. Sakura cannot imagine how much harder preparing an entire nation must be.
"I don't think that is the main issue," Tenten says, glancing around furtively. "This will be the first time Tsunade-sama has left Konoha since her inauguration and I think she's nervous."
"Nervous?" Sakura asks with a thoughtful frown. "What cause has she to be nervous?"
Tenten hums, juggling the mines absently. Sakura tenses, despite knowing that the mines are currently sealed. She watches Tenten from the corner of her eye, impressed by the casual strength on display.
"She fears returning to old habits," Tenten says. "She fears regressing. Tsunade-sama doubts her strength."
"But you do not," Sakura observes.
Tenten's smile is a flash of teeth. "No, I do not. I find that people doubt themselves most of all. And why not? They've lived through all of their weakest and lowest moments. However they tend to overlook the moments of their greatest strengths." She casts Sakura a droll look. "You share that in common."
Sakura snorts, but she does not disagree. There's no use arguing the point with Tenten, at least in this matter. Her attention shifts to a number of holes spread out before them. Sakura stops, placing her mine gingerly to the ground.
"Is this the place?" she asks.
Tenten nods. "We're still in the early stages of planting the mines," she says. "We're starting here in the main road, but we will soon shift our attention to the forest." She sets both of hers down, rapping one of them with her knuckles. "Strange aren't they?"
Mines are new to Konoha and certainly new to Sakura outside of theory. While reading Mito's accounts, Sakura, Karin, and Naruto stumbled across detailed descriptions and depictions of the defenses mounted by Uzushio, the foremost of which were land mines that could be activated with complex fūinjutsu. While the journals did not provide exact schematics of mines, the combined knowledge and innovation of the Uzumaki, Nara, Tenten, and Genma managed to produce a land mine unique to Konoha.
Sakura stayed far away from the production. She was wary of losing yet more limbs. One is quite enough, thanks.
"They are," Sakura replies, examining the strokes of the seal on the side of her mine. The boldness of the line work screams of Karin; she possesses a flare that no one can replicate. Plus, Naruto did not receive the best tutelage for his penmanship until later in life. Sakura tamps down the flash of anger she feels at the reminder of the neglect Naruto was treated to growing up. "Let's get these buried. Seal side up; it'll be more effective that way."
Tenten assists her in getting the mine into the ground, companionable silence hanging between them. They make quick work of the mines in this way and, task done, Sakura hefts a shovel left by one of the holes to start filling in the hole.
Sakura enjoys this kind of manual labor, so different from the courts of intrigue she finds herself tangled in these days. It is nice not to think, to just do and feel the pull and stretch of her muscles. She is quite used to this sort of work, spending at least one afternoon a week shoulder-to-shoulder with Sarutobi-sensei tilling the gardens.
Sakura begins to hum the tune to a lively Fire ballad, one that gets bandied around bawdy bars after a few too many drinks. She grins as Tenten adds her own hum, making it a duet. They continue this way, one slightly off tune song transitioning to another until they are done.
Sakura wipes the sweat from her forehead and speaks a mild curse against the humidity. Tenten laughs, crouching and placing a hand against the loamy earth. Sakura does the same, calling chakra to her fingertips and channeling it into the earth.
Sakura's senses weave beyond the mine, seeking out a network of roots. It is a simple enough matter to channel her chakra through the system, so similar yet alien in comparison to her chakra coils. All living things possess chakra, possess life, though few reach the potential of shinobi. Plants, with the little chakra they have, make for fantastic vessels for chakra.
It was the Ōtsutsuki brothers who first mentioned the possibility, a technique learned from their mother that apparently fell into antiquity after they died.
Ino, in particular, is excited for the potential of the technique.
For now, Sakura calls on the plants, accelerating their growth and extending their root system to encompass the mine. When she opens her eyes, the ground where the mine is planted looks no different from the rest of the path.
"That looks good," Tenten says, still kneeling beside hers.
Sakura moves to the third mine, sending her chakra out through the ground. She pauses, frowning as a sort of pulse ripples across her chakra net in response. She delves deeper, stretching her chakra out even further, ignoring the niggling thought that Indra will be pissed and Ashura will be upset. It reaches out, away from Konoha, further down the road. Her chakra web grows thinner and thinner, taut as she strains her chakra.
The pulse skitters across her awareness and she gasps, snapping back to herself. Sakura stands and staggers slightly, pale.
"What happened?" Tenten demands, at her side immediately and scanning her for injuries. "You overextended yourself."
Sakura allows Tenten to place her into a seated position, eyes still wide. She did not predict this. Sakura places her thumb in her mouth, biting down hard. Blood wells and Sakura slams it to the ground.
A purple grizzly bear appears.
"Murasaki, message for Tsunade-sama," Sakura says, eyes focused on the empty road. He is approaching. "Known Akatsuki member, Hoshigaki Kisame, approaching Konoha. Does not seem actively malicious. I have encountered him in the past on semi-friendly terms so I will engage and assess. I will send further word as soon as I am able."
Murasaki nods, disappearing in a plume of smoke.
"Sakura," Tenten says, giving her a hard look. "I cannot allow you to go alone."
"I don't know how he'll react to anyone else with me," Sakura replies, leaving out the uncertainty she feels over how he'll react to her. "I've encountered him on a handful of occasions and came out unscathed. He reached out toward my chakra specifically. We're…friendly."
"You don't sound sure of that," Tenten says, gripping Sakura's shoulder.
"Send Katsuyu," Sakura says, knowing Tenten will not budge. "She can report to you and alert you if I need assistance."
"I don't like this," Tenten says, eyes stormy.
"I know. I need you to trust me."
Sakura holds Tenten's gaze, allotting precious seconds to awaiting her decision.
She does not have to wait long.
"Fine," Tenten growls, summoning two of Katsuyu. She passes one to Sakura who perches Katsuyu upon her shoulder. "Be safe."
Sakura gives her a look of confidence that she doesn't really feel and sprints off down the road. The closer she gets, the more she can feel the weight of his chakra, thick and heavy, a guiding beacon. She isn't all that surprised when she hears: "Are you crazy?"
Ashura.
"Not quite. She's certainly reckless and foolhardy though. Perhaps she could even be considered foolish if she continues moving forward with this slipshod plan."
Indra.
Sakura surmises that her mounting anxiety alerted them and it is little more than a matter of a thought for them to anchor to her.
"It's risky," Sakura admits. "But if his intentions are ill, I can keep him distracted until help arrives."
"Sakura, dear, his skill vastly outclasses yours," Indra says, brutally honest.
"I am well aware," Sakura replies, the barest hint of a waver in her voice. "But I amuse him."
"Will that be enough?" Ashura asks.
Sakura does not, cannot, respond as she finally sees him.
Hoshigaki Kisame.
He walks sedately, seemingly unconcerned about the fact that he is a missing nin deep in enemy territory. His eyes light up when he sees her.
"I thought it was you," Kisame says, grin wide and dangerous.
Sakura returns his smile hesitantly. She feels awkward and off-balanced, unsure of his intentions. "Why are you here?" she asks, knowing that she is rude, that she runs the risk of offending. She cannot bring herself to care; Konoha's safety is her priority.
He laughs, thankfully amused. "You're short-tempered when you're uncomfortable," he says, moving closer. "I came to continue our conversation."
"And which conversation is that?" Sakura asks, keenly aware of their last conversation, the gamble she took in Suna. She eyes his gear with a thoughtful mein. "I see you forewent your Akatsuki cloak."
"For today and all others that follow," Kisame says, smile dropping away into a frown. "I took your advice upon our last visit and came upon a den of snakes."
"You confronted Orochimaru and Kabuto?" Sakura asks, scanning him for injuries. There are none. "Alone?"
"I went into the situation prepared, thanks to you and your words," Kisame says. "It was as you said. Kabuto attempts to serve two masters, though it is apparent that his true loyalties lie with Orochimaru. He was passing sensitive information to Orochimaru when I came upon them. They seek to use Akatsuki as a tool for their own ends." He snorts derisively. "Little good that it does them now."
"What do you mean?" Sakura asks, reeling from the overload of information. Respect, admiration, and a trace of envy thrum through her veins as she considers the man before her. He single-handedly confronted the two men who most haunt her nightmares with nary a scratch left on him by the encounter. "What did you do?"
The smile he gives her is predatory. "I taught them a lesson they won't soon forget, Kabuto especially. I do not take kindly to betrayal."
"And yet you are here." Sakura swallows against her suddenly dry throat, astonished at her own boldness. She avoids looking at Ashura and Indra. "Isn't this a betrayal to Akatsuki?"
"Akatsuki disbanded," Kisame says simply, as if he is merely discussing the weather.
Sakura blinks at his casual tone. This decision will have astronomical consequences. World changing consequences. She is staggered by all of the implications, but Kisame continues.
"My time with Akatsuki has come to an end," Kisame says. "As I tried to determine what to do next, I overheard something interesting: there is to be a Kage Summit, the first since the founding of the nations. Imagine my lack of surprise when I discovered who initially called it."
Sakura flushes at the inadvertent compliment. "So you decided to come here?"
Kisame shrugs. "Might as well, right? I thought you might vouch for me before the Mizukage. You assisted in the treaty between Kiri and Konoha; you have a voice before both parties." Kisame gives her a smug smirk. "I do happen to have some leverage."
"Leverage?" Sakura repeats, trying to appear disinterested. She doesn't quite think she succeeds. "What kind of leverage?"
Kisame rifles in a pocket. Sakura ignores the stifled exclamations from Ashura and Indra. She trusts Kisame enough not to attack her at this point.
He pulls something free with a flourish. He presents it to her in an open palm.
Two bulky, though seemingly innocuous, rings sit in his huge hand, tiny by comparison.
Akatsuki rings.
"Two?" Sakura asks with a forced casualness. If her theory is accurate, this alone may foil the unknown Akatsuki leader's plan to resurrect the Jūbi. "Not one?"
Kisame's smile is a ruthless and bloodthirsty thing. "Blood for blood. Kabuto betrayed me, I took his hand." He pauses, reminiscing. "And his leg." He nods toward her with an oddly soft look. "I thought it only fitting."
Sakura's lip wobbles for a moment before firming. "That may be the sweetest thing a person's ever done for me."
It may be strange, it may be morbid, but it's certainly a fitting gift for a shinobi.
"I could give you a better gift," Ashura protests.
Sakura can tell by the look on his face that Indra is pouting.
She restrains herself from rolling her eyes. The brothers are far too sensitive.
"So?" Kisame asks.
Sakura feels the shift of Katsuyu's eye stalks as Kisame presses the weight of the rings into her hand.
She grins, running high on relief and adrenaline. "Let me handle the introductions."
Sakura stares down at her pack, going through her inventory one more time. All of her shinobi tools are sealed, ready to be outfitted to her arms in sleeves of tattoos. Living with a few fūinjutsu specialists has its perks.
"Am I missing anything?" Sakura asks, glancing over at her companions.
"Of course not Sakura-chan," Ashura says, pressing a hand against her shoulder. "You keep at least two go-packs prepped at all times, even when you're out of the village. You have everything you need."
Sakura nods, drawing some of her loose hair over her shoulder to fidget with it. She isn't used to it down, but she cannot say she dislikes it.
"What's truly bothering you?" Indra asks, peeking an eye open. He sits on the floor in a meditative stance. "You don't usually get like this prior to missions."
"This is no usual mission," Sakura replies, biting into her lip as she tries to put words to the fears that have plagued her since Ame. "Everything is coming to a head. The Kages are coming together for the first time since the Shodai Hokage. All of our work—Sarutobi-sensei's and mine—will come to light, for better or for worse. I trust our relations with Suna and Kiri will hold strong and be of invaluable assistance in what is to come, but I am unsure if the same will be true of Kumo. Our attempts in Iwa definitely worsened relations. I have no idea how the Tsuchikage will respond to my presence."
Sakura frowns, realizing that she's tugging sharply at her hair. She releases it and fists her hands at her side.
Ashura and Indra exchange wordless looks and then Ashura is crowding into Sakura's space, pushing her toward Indra. Indra reaches out, catching her hands and drawing her gently down into the comfort of his embrace. He turns her as he does so, shifting her until her back is pressed to his chest and she is enveloped in his cool, calming presence.
Sakura exhales deeply, body shuddering with the force of it before she goes lax and limp against Indra. She closes her eyes, inhaling his woodsy scent as Ashura sits down across from her and takes up one of her hands, massaging the tendons of her left hand until it uncurls from its bunched state and goes pliant beneath him.
"Don't think I didn't see what you both did," Sakura says softly. "You know I don't like being handled."
"Of course, Sakura," they chime, varying degrees of amusement in their tones.
"However, since it is indicative of your growing teamwork, I'll allow it," Sakura says, sighing happily as Ashura pushes into a particularly hard muscle.
"It has nothing to do with the fact that we've made you very comfortable," Indra says, huffing against her ear.
"Nothing at all," Sakura says, wiggling her toes. Her thoughts return to the initial conversation and she straightens slightly. "The thing is, while all of our dealings are coming to light, so to will the mysterious Akatsuki leader's. We know bits and pieces of the plan; there's no doubt that this leader has heard of the Kage Summit. All of the major players will be gathered together in one place. Just as we go to plea our side of things, I cannot help but think that this leader will show his hand there."
"Most likely," Ashura says, meeting her gaze with a solemness that he rarely wears. "Everything is culminating in this Kage Summit. I cannot promise what the outcome will be, but I swear to be by you through whatever comes our way."
"And I second that," Indra says. "We won't let you face this alone. We'll do this, whatever this Kage Summit calls for, together."
Sakura nods, nestling her head against the crook of Indra's neck. She stares at his wild hair as it pools together with hers, black and pink strands melding into one. It's a mess, not even a particularly attractive one, but something about it grounds the promises Indra and Ashura just pledged.
She believes them.
Still, it does not quell the anxiety that grows within her, festering in all of her doubts.
"Could you sing to me?" Sakura asks quietly, faintly remembering the sound of humming as her world went up in flames scant years ago. When she lost her leg and gained their voices, there was a moment where, as she slumped across Natsu's back and hung in the twilight zone between life and death, there was a song. One that she clung to without knowing why. It rooted her in the worst experience of her life and she hopes it can root her now. "It's silly but—"
Indra's chest vibrates against her back as he begins to hum, a haunting tune that immediately transports Sakura to the innumerable campfires where they told her stories. Those countless moments are precious to Sakura, time spent in the wilds where she felt overwhelmingly safe and secure.
The unending well of anxiety within her eases and, when Ashura's rumbling voice takes up the words of the verse, ebbs away completely.
It is by no means a true solution to the problems that they are bound to encounter ahead, but it is more than enough for her right now.
Sakura listens intently, letting go of her worries. When they begin to repeat the first verse, Sakura's high voice joins theirs, blending into a harmony.
"Sakura—" Karin says, voice rising in anxiety.
"I know," Sakura says around a suddenly dry throat. "It's…not good."
She passes her fingers over the slubs in the fabric once more, hoping, praying that her initial read-through is wrong.
It is not.
Sakura closes her eyes against the memories that assault her, the paralyzing, overwhelming fear. The absolute hopelessness. Orochimaru is on the move.
"We knew this was coming," Sakura says, more to comfort herself than Karin. She is still caught in the throes of the worst pain she's yet to experience in her life. Sakura shakes herself free of the darkness, turning to Karin and catching her hand. She can see the way Karin pales and shakes with memories all her own. Sakura's had her scrapes with Orochimaru, but Karin was subjected to him over a much longer period of time. He may have taken Sakura's leg, but he took Karin's freedom, at least for a time. "We'll be prepared. Tayuya is making sure of that."
"It's just so soon," Karin whispers, the whites of her eyes stark against her red pupils. "I'm not ready."
"I don't know if we'd ever be ready," Sakura replies, squeezing Karin's hand. She scoots closer but doesn't put an arm around Karin. She knows from experience that, when caught in her memories of the past, Karin doesn't do well with a lot of physical contact. It reminds her too much of being pinned and bitten against her will, her kekkei genkai ruthlessly ripped from her. "At least, we'll never think we are. But Karin, you're so strong. He'll never take you again. You won't let him. I won't let him." She giggles slightly as a thought strikes her. "Naruto won't let him."
Naruto is dedicated to his family, both those by blood and by bond. He is incredibly protective of his cousin.
Karin smiles wanly. It isn't much, but, considering Tayuya's message, it is more than Sakura expected.
"There are coordinates here," Sakura says gently. "For four of his major lairs. One of them is a prison where he keeps the dangerous and uncooperative individuals; Tayuya thinks they can be freed when Orochimaru and Kabuto strike."
"They're going to the Kage Summit," Karin says, looking up at Sakura. "They're coming after you."
Sakura shifts slightly beneath the weight of concern in her eyes. "I doubt that I'm their target. At least, not their main one. There will be much bigger threats for them to concern themselves with. Though I have no doubt that they'll be more than happy to catch me in the crossfire."
Sakura shivers and, through their shared contact, Karin feels it. Her eyes narrow. "You shouldn't go to the Kage Summit. They can't force you to go there. Once we tell them of the threat—"
"I must," Sakura says, stalwart and resolute even through her fear. "You know I must. I have to let the Kages know of the danger posed to their jinchūriki. And since Tayuya was able to get this information to us, we can all be on guard from an attack." She frowns down at the simple kimono sent to them by Tayuya, eying the nearly invisible slubs. "Tayuya wasn't told Orochimaru's plans for the Summit; he's too paranoid to share, even with his generals."
Karin nods, gaze down and clouded as she thinks. Sakura leaves her be, just holding her hand and waiting . Finally, Karin raises her head and meets Sakura's eyes, the characteristic stubbornness of the Uzumaki shining there. "I'm going to go to the prison."
"Yeah?" Sakura says, trying to prompt Karin to continue.
"Yeah," Karin replies. "I can't go with you to the Summit; I'm not a part of Tsunade-sama's retinue. I can't be there to protect you." She exhales shakily. "So I'll go where I'll be useful. I've been Orochimaru's prisoner; I'll be able to help those that he's harmed. I can talk to them, understand them in a way that others from Konoha can't—"
"You are so, so brave," Sakura says when Karin cuts herself off. "You have survived so much and your heart is big enough to want to assist other survivors. I admire you."
Karin releases Sakura's hand, flinging her arms around Sakura's neck instead. "I wish I could go with you."
"I know," Sakura says. "I want you there too. But you'll do so much good for the survivors of Oto."
"Yeah," Karin says wetly, as tears begin to dampen Sakura's shoulder. "I know."
"Let's take this to Tsunade-sama. She needs to know."
Sakura doesn't go to move until Karin shifts away from her. Karin accepts her help to stand and slings an arm across Sakura's shoulders. Then, she giggles.
"What is it?" Sakura asks, folding the kimono across her arm.
"What do you want to bet that Team Seven will be deployed to the prison?" Karin asks.
Sakura laughs, leaning into Karin's touch as they head out the door. "That's a fool's bet."
Sakura squints out past Konoha's bright red gates, watching until the figures disappear from her vision completely. She isn't quite sure how she feels; left behind by the team of her genin days. She has not been a genin in years and Team Seven is no longer hers. It hasn't been since she stepped out of Konoha's gates with Sarutobi-sensei. That is the cost of apprenticeship, it has both its upsides and its downsides.
It is now Sai and Karin's team, even Yamato's team and Sakura does not resent the changes though they leave her feeling bereft in moments like this. Where does she belong? Where does she fit? She no longer fits perfectly into the space left her in Konoha. She's grown beyond its borders, embracing and being embraced in turn by the cultures of Suna, Kiri, Kumo, and even Iwa. She's a pastiche of details garnered the world over and it leaves her unable to fit into any of those places perfectly.
"Sakura."
Sakura jumps slightly, turning to look at her companion. "Hinata!" she greets, embracing the girl loosely with one arm. "How are you?"
"I am well," Hinata replies, pushing an errant piece of hair behind her ear.
"I like the haircut; it suits you."
And indeed it does. Hinata, whose hair was once down to the small of her back, wears her hair in a stylish bob, reminiscent of their genin days.
Hinata smiles, a touch of confidence lighting her dimples. "It was time for something new. I feel much lighter now."
Sakura knows she isn't just speaking of the haircut. "I'm glad to hear it!"
Hinata meets her gaze squarely, wearing a sense of peace that Sakura's never seen on her. "I refuse to bow my head any longer. It isn't fair to me or those around me. I cannot be a burden; I am the master of my own fate."
Hinata turns, showcasing the seal at the top of her spine. It is artfully done, looking more like a tattoo than anything else. It is shaped like a lotus in a pale blue ink. The new haircut and the cut of her top display the entirety of the seal proudly.
"My eyes are my own," Hinata says. "They cannot be taken from me, not by the greed of strangers or my own relatives." She casts Sakura a smile. "Naruto and Karin finished it before they left. A going away gift of sorts."
"That's amazing!" Sakura says, throwing her arms around Hinata and lifting her clear off her feet in celebration. Hinata squeaks before beginning to laugh. "Congratulations!"
"This marks the first day of my separation from the Hyūga," Hinata says, satisfaction radiating through her. "Call me Jiyū Hinata."
"Jiyū," Sakura says, rolling the syllables around in contemplation. She nods "Freedom. That's fair."
Hinata nods. "The reason the seal took so long is that I was learning the fūinjutsu involved to create the seal myself. When this whole mess is sorted, after the Kage Summit, I'm going to petition the Hokage."
"Petition her?" Sakura repeats.
"For the right to unseal the branch members of the Hyūga. It is not right for them to be constrained and bound the way they are to the main family. Konoha does not condone slavery and yet we allow so many to be forced into a position of subservience for what? Tradition?" She scoffs. "It may have been allowed during the Third's rule, but I do not think Tsunade-sama will continue to abide it once things settle."
Sakura whistles, blown away by Hinata's resolution. The clans of Konoha haven't dealt with an upset like this in generations. "Will Tsunade-sama be able to interfere with clan politics in such a way?"
"Hanabi is the new heir and she does not care for the way that the branch family is treated either," Hinata says. "There are no others in line for head of the clan." Her lips twist. "Father—Hiashi had his heir and the spare. With my removal from the clan, he has no spare. Hanabi will petition Tsunade-sama for the rights of the branch family. With an heir's backing, Tsunade-sama will be able to intercede more than she would have prior.
"Neji will be freed of the burden of his fate. We can start a new family, a new clan of equals—" Hinata shrugs, "—or not. I will leave it up to Neji. He can stay a Hyūga, become a Jiyū, or anything else he wants to be. No matter what, he'll be his own person, his own Neji."
Sakura takes Hinata's hand, looking down at the heads upon which she stands. She has looked up to these Hokages from childhood, but how did they allow the main family of the Hyūga to rule over the branch so mercilessly? Why did they allow it to continue for years? She knows the fallibility of Kages, knows it intimately from the loss of her limb on Sarutobi-sensei's behalf, but she cannot accept such callous disregard for life.
"That's a fantastic goal," Sakura whispers. "It's the type of change we need."
Hinata grins back at her, squeezing her hand. "We'll make it happen." Her smile falls, face becoming somber. "We stand to lose so much in these upcoming days; we will lose so much. In the aftermath, there will be a time of upheaval and turmoil where such change can be enacted." Her smirk is a calculated thing and Sakura wonders if she's been taking lessons from Shikamaru. "Konoha will not be able to afford to lose any of its allies."
"You're right," Sakura says. She looks out over Konoha as she thinks of a neglected sunshine child and the broken, emotionless children who make up the Roots of Konoha. She doesn't fit in the current Konoha, but maybe she will be able to fit into the one they mold after the Summit. After the war that is about to boil over. "Change is necessary and it rises on the horizon."
Sakura stares at the mountains looming on the horizon, smiling at the reminder of her time in Kumo. Tsunade-sama's retinue set a fast pace across the Lands of Fire and Lightning and they are nearing the Land of Iron. Just two more days of travel and they'll be at the Summit.
And Sakura will have to plead their case.
She takes a breath, smiling slightly as two hands clamp down on her shoulders, a reminder of the fact that Ashura and Indra are going to be with her, no matter what.
"C'mon, Sakura!" Tenten calls, turning to Sakura. "No time for sightseeing. You can do that on our way back!"
Sakura laughs, running to catch up to the company. She glances over at Itachi, not entirely surprised to see him turned away from her. He's been taciturn and reticent since they left Konoha, since she revealed the truth of the Ōtsutsuki brothers. She bites her lip, but continues on, focusing fully on the travel.
It's monotonous to just be running, but Sakura takes the time to run her upcoming speech through her mind, turning it over and working to perfect it.
When they stop for the night, Sakura volunteers to set up the perimeters alongside Itachi, stepping outside the circle of the camp and ignoring the wink she receives from Sarutobi-sensei.
"We need to talk," Sakura says softly, keeping her attention on Itachi and ignoring the way that the Ōtsutsuki brothers flank her. She knows they're trying to be intimidating, but Itachi cannot even see them. "C'mon."
Itachi meets her gaze, but Sakura cannot read his expressionless face. Still, he follows her as she plants a stake in the one corner of the campground. She forms the hand seals to release the power of the stake, nodding in satisfaction as it glows blue and hums with chakra.
"Will you tell me what the problem is?" Sakura asks, looking up at Itachi from her crouched position. He turns his face away. "Look, I know it has something to do with me and that's fine." She shrugs, turning her eyes down to the ground so he can't see the disappointment that swims there. "I need to know that whatever it is won't interfere with the Summit. We can't allow personal issues to get in the way of our Summit. I know you're a consummate professional but—"
"Why didn't you tell me?" Itachi asks, voice small and hurt.
"Tell you what?" Sakura says, slowly getting back to her feet.
"About the Ōtsutsuki brothers," Itachi replies, refusing to meet her eyes. "I thought we were friends."
"We are," Sakura says, cocking her head as she tries to figure out what the issue is. "What makes you think that we are not?"
"Why didn't you trust me? Friends share secrets, don't they?" Itachi says.
"I do trust you," Sakura replies firmly. She is reminded a bit of Sai, of his attempts to understand the "rules" of friendship. Sakura catches one of Itachi's hands in hers, holding it lightly so he can pull free if he wishes. He does not. "It wasn't necessarily a matter of trust. At least, it wasn't a matter of trust in you specifically. There are secrets that you keep that you don't share with Sasuke, Shisui, or me, right? Confidential missions and clan secrets?"
Itachi nods, brows furrowing with upset. "But this isn't a secret you had to keep."
"I thought that I did," Sakura says, trying to navigate the conversation with delicacy. "I thought I was insane at first. I…there's another voice in my head that speaks to me sometimes. It's more than just a sense of conscience. She's me, but also herself. I thought that I saw them because of her. And then, later on, I wanted to protect Indra and Ashura. It's their secret as much as it is mine."
"You told Sasuke and Naruto," Itachi points out sulkily.
"I did," Sakura says, crossing her fingers and hoping that what she's about to say doesn't alienate him. "Itachi, we are friends, but I don't owe you any of my secrets. You don't owe me any secrets either. I won't tell you that you're wrong to feel angry that I revealed the secret to others before you, you're allowed to feel however you like. It is not right for you to try to make me feel guilty for my decisions; you don't get to do that."
"Sorry," Itachi says immediately, squeezing her hand. "It just…I didn't like finding out that you carried that burden for years. I could've helped you. I want to help you."
"I forgive you," Sakura replies easily. "You can still help me. This Kage Summit is going to be difficult to navigate; so many forceful personalities trapped in a room together. We have to be careful. Will you watch my back? I'll watch yours."
"Of course," Itachi says, raising warm gray eyes to meet hers. "I'll protect you. It's why I was chosen for this mission, to protect you, Hokage-sama, and Sarutobi-sama."
"Oh ha, ha," Sakura says with a roll of her eyes, releasing his hand and heading toward another corner of the perimeter. "C'mon. We have to finish setting up the barrier. Sarutobi-sensei will begin to worry."
Itachi nods, looking a bit lost. Sakura peeks over at him before slinging an arm around his waist. Itachi stiffens for several long moments and Sakura wonders if she's overstepped her boundaries, but he begins to relax in increments. Aside from Shisui and Mikoto, very few people engage in physical contact with Itachi. Sakura makes a note to herself to try to foster a friendship between him and Sai when they return; she thinks they'll get along well.
"Kisame, is that you?" Mei asks, stepping forward, the expression on her face disbelieving. "Is it really you?"
"Hello Mei," Kisame greets, ducking his head slightly. A grin splits his face. "Or should I call you Mizukage-sama?"
Sakura smiles to herself, glad that they arranged this little meeting prior to the Summit. Kisame is currently decked in chakra suppression seals from head to toe, fūinjutsu binding his chakra beneath his skin. He is in Konoha's custody, awaiting the decision of the Mizukage. Considering the joy on Mei's face, Sakura suspects the decision will be clemency and reinstatement.
"Yes, you should call be Mizukage-sama," Mei says, drinking him in. "You're still a Swordsman, are you not?"
Kisame shrugs, but Sakura can see the relief in his eyes. "Well, that depends on whether the Konoha shinobi return my sword or not."
Mei turns toward Tsunade who smirks, crossing her arms. "I'm sure we can work something out."
Sakura bows to the Hokage and Tsuchikage before nodding at Kisame. She knows they need to catch up with one another and decide on how he will be reinstated after the Summit. She exits the side room, navigating the opulent hallways of one of the Iron Shogun's palaces. Sakura moves toward the banquet hall, showing her dog tags to each of the samurai who stop her along the way.
She enters the banquet hall, starry-eyed at the brilliance that surrounds her.
"S-Sakura-san, it's good to see you again."
"Hello Chōjurō!" Sakura greets, stepping further into the room. "How have you been?"
Chōjurō smiles at her, eyes darting to her face and away. In the time since she last saw him, he's been through another growth spurt; the top of her head barely clears his collarbone. "I am well, Sakura-san. How is Sashimasu?"
"Hello Chōjurō," Tenten says, sauntering towards them. She's just finished speaking with Tsunade and now she's free to mingle. "Ready for a rematch?"
Sakura watches with curiosity as Chōjurō flushes heavily, wringing his hands in front of himself. Chōjurō is a shy individual, but to have such an extreme reaction…
Sakura hides a smile behind a cough. Someone has a crush. She stands, listening to them discuss weapons enthusiastically when a whisper of sand rasps against her skin. She turns to the side, grinning widely at the group that's just arrived.
She restrains herself from running, but she walks with purpose toward them, heartened by the smiles they give her in turn. "Kazekage-sama," Sakura greets. "Temari-san, Kankuro-san, it is wonderful to see you again! How was your trip here?"
"It was fine, Sakura-san," Temari replies. "Thank you for asking."
"It was cold as hell," Kankuro says bluntly, grunting as Temari digs an elbow into his chest. "What?" he whines. "It was."
Sakura laughs freely at that. "Your desert nights are freezing too," she points out. "I'm the one at disadvantage here; Konoha is too humid to get terribly cold."
"Kankuro is just dramatic," Gaara says, a smile tucked up against his lips. "Not so unlike yourself."
Sakura gasps at that, but her smile belies her faux-anger. "Me? Dramatic? You just say that because you rarely express yourself."
"You express yourself enough for the both of us," Gaara replies, amusement gleaming in his eyes as his eyes flick over the number of layers that she wears. "How in Sage's name do you plan to fight if it becomes necessary?"
"I was just going to leave the fighting to you," Sakura says with a shrug. "As long as I'm warm, I'm fine with sitting on the sidelines."
Gaara stares at her, a softness in his gaze.
"The Iwa delegation just arrived," Kankuro says. "And look where the Tsuchikage is heading."
Sakura turns, startled, to catch Ōnoki beelining his way toward Sarutobi-sensei. Sakura sighs, reading both of their stormy expressions. "Trouble is already brewing. I'm a bit surprised they came at all."
"Sakura, you know as well as I do that oji-sama refuses to be left out of the loop."
Kurotsuchi sidles up beside their group, eyes focused solely on Sakura. Sakura smiles, embracing the woman quickly.
"Kurotsuchi, it is so good to see you! I suppose you're here as one of the Tsuchikage's retainers?" Sakura asks.
"Akatsuchi and me," Kurotsuchi replies, nodding toward the big man that dogs Ōnoki's footsteps. "He's also brought a number of teams left with our hosts. Most of the Bomb Brigade."
"That's good," Sakura says. "We'll need their help if Orochimaru chooses to attack here."
"That wasn't why he brought them," Kurotsuchi says. "Though we were grateful for the warning. He added a few extra teams to the retinue."
"I know," Sakura replies. "Still, it is good to have them here regardless."
Kurotsuchi turns her attention to the others in the circle, recognition lighting her eyes. "Kazekage-sama," she says with a nod, though she does not bow. As the current Tsuchikage's protege in line to inherit the position herself, Kurotsuchi is exempt from certain protocols. "Temari-san, Kankuro-san. I'm not sure if we've had the pleasure of meeting before, I am Kamizuru Kurotsuchi."
"The granddaughter of the Tsuchikage," Gaara says, nodding in turn. His mouth twists slightly at the proximity between Sakura and Kurotsuchi. "It is good to see you made the trip intact."
"Of course," Kurotsuchi says, smirking at him. "We of Iwa are sturdy; you know, rocks as opposed to sand."
Sakura's eyes widen as she looks between them, wondering where the sudden antagonism comes from. She hears Ashura snort though, when she glances at him in her periphery, Indra's elbow is settled firmly into Ashura's side.
"Right," Sakura says, a bit uneasy with the current direction of the conversation. Gaara's self-discipline has improved immensely over the years, but Sakura really doesn't want to test it in a roomful of powerful delegates from the five major shinobi countries. "Have either of you met my colleague Tenten? She's the Godaime Hokage's apprentice and a weapon's master. She and Chōjurō were discussing weaponry techniques when I last left them. Would any of you care to join me in rejoining them?"
"I'm alright," Temari says, hiding a snort at the expression on Gaara's face. She would almost call it pouting and, as fun as it would be to see this all play out, Temari respects her brother's privacy. "Kankuro and I—" She nudges Kankuro discreetly, "—need to speak with Darui-san of the Kumo delegation. Perhaps we'll rejoin you when we're done."
Kankuro almost opens his mouth to protest, but the look on Temari's face and her very sharp, pointy elbows dissuades him from doing so. "Right. We need to speak with Darui about the thing. The very important thing—" He cuts off as Temari begins to walk away. "Sakura-san, it's a pleasure seeing you in good health; Kamizuru-san, wonderful to meet you."
Sakura watches the siblings leave before glancing expectantly at Kurotsuchi and Gaara. "Well?" she asks.
"I will join you, Sakura," Gaara says, placing a tentative but firm hand on her shoulder and staring pointedly at Kurotsuchi.
Kurotsuchi, not to be outdone, does the same with Sakura's opposite shoulder. "We have so much to catch up on, Sakura. Lead the way."
Sakura stifles the urge to frown, especially when she hears Ashura and Indra grumble behind her. She shakes off the urge, heading back toward Tenten with Gaara and Kurotsuchi in tow.
She just hopes that Tenten, with the skills she's gained working with Tsunade-sama, can help mitigate the tension between these two. It wouldn't do to start an international incident, especially before their true enemy attacks.
Sakura bites down on the inside of her cheek, trying to still her nerves. She is seated to the side of the room at the moment as Mifune, Iron's Shogun, stands before the Kages, announcing the purpose of the Summit. She is as ready as she'll ever be, but she cannot keep from being anxious.
She isn't entirely sure why, either. Sakura has stood before each of these Kages at some time or another. Some she counts as close friends or respected allies, others are much more antagonistic. Still, Sakura does not really fear any of these individuals. Her stomach roils and she regrets eating the hors d'oeuvres earlier.
"You will do fine, Sakura-chan," Ashura says, shifting from behind her shoulder to crouch at her side. He places his hand over hers, knowing that she cannot afford to look strange right now. Her "quirks" pass just fine in Konoha, but they will not pass here, especially if they are to trust her word. "They will believe you."
"They'll have to," Indra adds, taking the same position beside Ashura. "They know intimately that Akatsuki is targeting the jinchūriki. They may not believe that it is to create Jūbi once more, but they will see that Akatsuki needs to be stopped."
"Thanks to the intelligence sent to you by Tayuya, they are also tipped off to the likelihood of an attack from Oto. They've brought reinforcements and teams have been sent by Konoha, Kiri, and Suna to dismantle the labs and lairs detailed in Tayuya's missive," Ashura says. "Konoha, Suna, Kiri, and Kumo are united and at peace with each other, through no small effort on your own."
Indra smirks. "And, from the looks of things, Iwa will follow once Ōnoki retires."
Sakura glances up, surprised.
"Kurotsuchi is definitely interested in international relations," Ashura adds, grunting when Indra smacks the back of his head. "It's true!" he says, glaring at his brother. "Not that we'd let her—"
"Haruno Sakura, apprentice of Sarutobi Hiruzen, of Konohagakure, will now speak on the issue of jinchūriki."
Sakura looks up, past the Ōtsutsuki brothers, to the podium where Mifune stands. She rises, walking with a grace she doesn't feel to stand beside him and bowing in respect to the Shogun. "Thank you for the introduction, Mifune-sama."
Sakura steps past Mifune and stares out at each of the Kages in turn. Tsunade and Gaara give her slight smiles that display their confidence in her. Mei and A both smirk, though there is nothing malicious about it. Ōnoki frowns at her, disgruntled, but, considering that she and Sarutobi-sensei fled from his prisons, Sakura isn't surprised.
"Kages, good evening to you all. We are gathered on this auspicious evening with all of the Kages present for the time since the Shodai Hokage. And, like that first Kage Summit, we are here to discuss the jinchūriki."
Sakura pauses and takes a sip of the glass of water at her side, surprised at how parched she suddenly is. "During the first Summit, the discussion was in regards to the distribution of the jinchūriki among the nations. Hashirama-sama did not think it right to keep the jinchūriki together under the umbrella of a single nation.
"Now we know that the jinchūriki are being hunted, picked off one by one by the rogue organization Akatsuki. They have made attempts against each of the jinchūriki and some have succeeded. As of this time, four of the nine original jinchūriki have been attacked and the bijū removed, with only a single jinchūriki surviving the encounter." She nods toward Gaara who nods in return, a suitably grave look on his face though his eyes sparkle. Sakura wonders if that means that she's doing well or doing poorly.
"I have encountered one of the Akatsuki leaders face-to-face. I went into Amegakure and met with Konan of the Akatsuki and she did not deny the claims that I presented to her."
"And what claims are those, girl?" Ōnoki asks, ignoring the looks of disdain that he receives from all of the other Kages.
Sakura meets his eyes calmly, unafraid of his blatant distaste for her. "The claims that Akatsuki plans to utilize the jinchūriki to reawaken Jūbi, the bijū of ten tails," Sakura says, holding his gaze evenly.
"That is a mere myth," Ōnoki replies, scowling at her thunderously. "You mean to tell me that Konoha called for this Kage Summit over a fairytale?"
"We know that the Sage of Six Paths, Hagoromo, is real. We know that his sons, Ashura and Indra are real." Sakura's lips widen briefly into a smile as she hears Indra and Ashura laugh in her periphery. "Hagoromo's mother, Kaguya, the Mother of All Chakra, is real. Why is it so difficult to believe that Kaguya is also the Mother of Jinchūriki, the Mother of Jūbi? Hagoromo was the first jinchūriki and he was host to Jūbi. As he neared his death, Hagoromo, fearing the power of Jūbi, split him into nine aspects, dividing his power nine ways. The beasts, reduced in power and no longer built of Kaguya's hate and anger, were allowed to roam the countryside freely.
"Then the Warring States Era came and the tailed beasts were tracked down and sealed by the fūinjutsu masters of Uzushiogakure," Sakura says. "Hashirama understood the danger of keeping the tailed beasts all together, the danger of resurrecting Jūbi. He called the Kage Summit and auctioned off the tailed beasts to each of the shinobi nations, assisting them in sealing them within the jinchūriki of choice."
"Are you approaching a point?" Ōnoki asks. "We all know our history."
"Well then, let us prevent history from repeating itself," Sakura replies, eyes sparking with repressed anger. "Hagoromo and Hamura, considered by us today as veritable gods, could not destroy Jūbi. They tricked him and sealed him within Hagoromo. We cannot allow Akatsuki to accomplish its goals. There is also the matter of Orochimaru, who himself is a former associate of Akatsuki. He may seek the jinchūriki himself as a potential avenue for immortality."
"And what would you have us do?" A asks, leaning back with folded arms. "Our jinchūriki are safely far away, as per your original suggestion. We have kept them safe so far; why call this Kage Summit?"
"Because we need a long-term solution," Tsunade says. "Akatsuki is patient and constantly looking for opportunity. They scavenge and mob the jinchūriki when they are alone and they succeed in overwhelming them. We must unite together and burn Akatsuki and Oto away."
"Oto is Konoha's problem," Ōnoki says. "Konoha born, Konoha raised, and interested in destroying Konoha alone."
"You cannot possibly believe that," Mei says, visible eye widening slightly. "Oto has been dogging each of our borders, killing some shinobi and stealing others away for experimentation. You cannot say that your people haven't been experiencing this problem."
Kurotsuchi stirs slightly at Ōnoki's side and Sakura can see from the expression on her face that Oto is also an issue for Iwa.
"Oto has set up lairs among each of the shinobi nations," Gaara says. "Oto is everyone's problem. They become more bold daily and their attacks are quite similar to Akatsuki. If we do not unite against them, they will continue to slip within the cracks and fester."
"We are stronger together," Sakura says, seeing the stormy look on Ōnoki's face. "We've seen it already in the intergroup teams we send out. Utilizing patrols from all the nations over, it allows us to pursue renegades regardless of borders. When a team from Suna is being overwhelmed in the Land of Water, a Kiri team comes in and saves them. If we wish to fight the guerrilla tactics employed by our enemies, we must be united!"
"That's sweet."
Sakura blinks as a head appears in the middle of the room, pushing through the floor without issue. He looks different than he did before, fully white, rather than split between black and white down the middle.
"Who is this interloper?" Ōnoki demands, leaping to his feet alongside the rest of the Kages.
Zetsu cocks his head to the side, looking at Ōnoki. "You're boring. I'm not here for you."
He rotates, looking around the entire room as his body emerges from the floor. "Out of kindness, I thought I should inform you that Orochimaru and his colleagues are en route to this location. He's perfected his cursed seals."
Zetsu stops as his eyes alight on Sakura. He begins to wade her direction, unimpeded by the floor he moves through. "There you are."
Itachi and Tenten leap from their spots at Tsunade's side, tantos ready to strike. Zetsu merely moves through them, unbothered. Sakura tries to run, only to find her legs encased in Zetsu's white substance. She struggles to free herself as Zetsu swarms forward, embracing her in his arms, which lock into place around her.
Sakura stares into his one gold eye. "What do you want?" she demands, fear filling her. This is the being or at least part of the being that drove Indra from his family.
Zetsu's responding smile is grotesque. "I have need for you."
His twinkling gold eye is the last thing Sakura sees before she is enveloped and she cannot move, she cannot breathe!
Everything goes dark and Sakura feels herself being dragged down, down, down.
All is silent.
