SAKUR:A
Chapter 9 : Nameless Soldier
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**Sakura's Memories**
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"Good morning, everyone. I'm Sakura."
It's a lie.
"I'm twenty one this year."
My age is real.
"And, I come from Kusagakure, the Grass Village. I've no parents, siblings and hobbies."
It's true that I knew nothing about my family for I was selected to be a soldier ever since I was a child. Who my father, mother of if I had siblings, they were no longer important to me. We only had one Mother; the leader of Bu'Lan, Kaguya. She united the whole nation during the times of struggle and made them survive!
That was how I could still see daylight to this day; survival. My only duty is to survive and fight for Bu'Lan.
For me to be here, I lead a team of ten elites with the assistance of an envoy from Kusagakure to pass the Great Shell of Konoha without being suspected since Konoha were in good terms with the Grass.
That, was how I came to stand here; this school that nurture these selected children to be elites or intellects of Konoha.
It's not that I wanted to fool all these people before me; innocent or not. For my people. For Bu'Lan. It's my mission to seek the core of Konoha's defense and shut it down. And when that happens, the real war starts and Bu'Lan will take over Konoha once again.
The people of Bu'Lan will have food to eat, good water to drink; no one would suffer from famish, no one would die of illness!
I, Soldier S02158, will tear down Konoha with my own hands.
Konoha will taste our bitterness that their ancestor, Hashirama has driven us to this day. That man stole Konoha from us; he divided the land when we were whole, threw us into utter suffering and one after another, tragedies befell us.
The Fire; that raged through the land, burning crops and animals alike.
Then the lands were ripped by an unforgiving draught; that sucked the nation dry, food became scarcer.
Came the invasion of Otogakure, they took advantage of our weakened state of famine and fewer soldiers. They always had eyes on our technology when Bu'Lan was still part of Konoha that was well known for its highest intelligence in the entire world. The Great Shell of Konoha proved its worth of absolute defense.
No one...Really...No one would ever understand how we have suffered.
I swear, for the people of Bu'Lan, all of my Brothers and Sisters, my Mother, that I will bring back the information for us to take back our motherland once again!
Children of Konoha,
Prepare to die.
That. WAS the plan,
Until I met this guy; This idiot.
"I'm Uchiha Sasuke. I know you're Sakura. But, don't you have a last name?"
"I thought I made myself clear. I've no-"
"I heard you. Didn't you try giving yourself one?"
Nothing makes me more irritated than a guy who has enough free time to think about petty information whereas I have no time to waste. I didn't immediately snapped at him and retained my composure; it would be irrational to lose my temper and create suspicion on the first day.
"No," I put on smile.
"Then. I'll think one for you," deciding on his own, he snapped his fingers excitedly.
This guy has been bugging me since I sat next to him during lecture. If I knew, I should have retained my seat at the back. I thought blending in amongst them would be a better idea. Now, he's attached to me even after class,
"Let's have lunch. Today they will be serving pasta."
"No, thank you. I prefer eating alone." Seriously, what's this pasta thing? I've never heard of such a thing.
The sound of it was luxurious to begin with and it made me sick that these people get to enjoy good food. They have no idea...no idea what an empty stomach felt...talk about good food!
I was hoping this guy would leave after I've made myself clear. But he was bizarre! I've not known of a person such as him who wouldn't understand simple language. He held me by my arm without my consent all for the sake of one pasta.
At the cafeteria, he sat me down and whizzed off somewhere and returned excitedly,
"Dig in."
Sasuke took the opposite seat the moment he place down the plate before me; a constant smile on his face and he was rather eager to watch me eat.
Fine. If I could get him off my tail I would do what he wished me to do. So, I sunk my fork into the pile of slimy yellowish noodles, tomato sauce begin splattering all over the place.
Messy! What's all of this!?
He chuckled when sauce got onto my shirt, staining it red-orange.
Fine. Fine. Fine! I'll just endure this and get on with it.
"..."
"How's it?"
*Slurp*
"Good, eh? I told you so," Sasuke smirked without taking his eyes of me.
Really...
*Slurp*Slurp*Slurp*
For some reason. I just...
*Slurp*Slurp*Slurp*
Couldn't stop eating this 'pasta'!
*Slurp*Slurp*Slurp*Slurp*Slurp!
From the very first bite to the last spoonful of sauce, I ate them all. I wasn't sure why. I wasn't sure how I was this easily defeated!
I...I...I…
"MORE!"
There's this burst of flavour in a harmonious blend of sweet and sour along with this...richness and the silky noodles altogether. I...really…have never eaten something like this.
Then it came; the feeling of guilt. I shouldn't be doing this. I had no right to enjoy anything when my people had none. However,
I am addicted.
To what it means to live without hunger.
To what luxury was about.
To what living is like.
I became a sinner, a traitor; being selfish was my first time, I've always lived to serve everyone in Bu'Lan. I fought, and fought, and continue to fight.
I never once thought for myself…
What I really wanted.
Because of a plate of pasta, my thoughts were swaying; I am to betray Bu'Lan because of this? I'm trembling at the thought of being selfish but the sensation of pampering myself even for just a while was comforting.
We have suffered for far too long. I have too.
"You alright?" Sasuke asked in a tender voice. Despite I considered him a stranger, he sounded...kind.
No way!
Konoha wasn't the way I'm thinking right now after all those years I've spent training myself to come here. Konoha is the enemy with everyone living in it and they were all cruel people!
That.
Was the resolve that I was given and had embraced to this day,
But.
But!
Why…?
Does it seem like it wasn't like it should be!?
"Don't touch me." I gritted my teeth, if his hand were to move any closer I would stab him.
"Hey, are you okay? Do you have a fever? You look pretty red."
"Don't touch me!" I glared dangerously.
He stopped; I know I looked ugly right now. I know how vicious I could get when I'm agitated or afraid. I just don't want to get too involved with anyone; not with Konoha. I wouldn't want to shatter the resolve that I've been living in all this life, telling me that it's all a lie.
Would Mother lie to me?
Never.
Mother would never lie to her Children. Never…
Konoha is the enemy.
Konoha is the enemy.
Konoha is the enemy!
And I hate them.
.
.
I really do hate them. These Konoha people!
I see them as arrogant and stupid and selfish and pampered and useless! Trash! Konoha became a land-filled of trash! Talk about having the world's best intelligence. It should have been Bu'Lan.
"What's the matter? Are you scared?"
Snickering baffoon!
"Oh, your frown is scary, pinky. I bet you must be screaming 'why not pick someone your own size'!"
Son of a Bxxxx!
"If you're not up for it, why not run home to Kusagakure?"
A bunch of low-breeds!
As I said, these people shouldn't be living in Konoha! Spoilt brats! The ruin of this land's future and shame on them for being 'selected' students of the University!
"Is this the way you treat newcomers?" I said, wiping off some blood from my broken lip.
It was these bunch of idiots who gave it to me. The girl standing behind the boys surrounding me, Ami, she must be the Head of this group and her attitude stinks. It all started when she had her gang cornered me as I was walking the university hallway half an hour ago, say that Ami had some 'business' with me.
Don't ever think I would cooperate with someone I wouldn't know or associate when I do not feel like it. I was prepared for the worse and I planned to run;
Again, I am a spy of Bu'Lan. At any cost I would avoid attention or create unnecessary suspicion until I'm at my mission's end. It has only been a week since I got here, I wouldn't want to alarm the authorities of Konoha to begin searching for the rest of my team throughout the nation. When we hadn't been able to contact each other since we separated. They might be too cautious to set up our connection system or maybe...ah, I worry too much.
But first this,
The boys began throwing me punches as soon as they dragged me into quieter ground of the university. To be honest, it didn't hurt much despite the bleeding. I let them throw me around, making me look weak, hoping that they would leave me soon.
Seems like it doesn't work that way.
Ami finally strolled up to me and grabbed my hair; she was rough and it was painful,
"You little vixen! I thought I let it slide but seems you're cunning enough to get Sasuke to be all over you!" she yanked my hair hard enough to make me fall on my back.
Cruelly, she stepped on my shoulder, I winced in pain! The sting was awful for I heard a crack; she must have dislocated my arm or something. That bxxxx!
For the sake of love, she had the guts to kill someone I believe. Should I admire her courage or she's utterly dumb.
And I'd say pretty dumb for a pretty face, not knowing who I really am; she's just as defenseless as I see it even with her group that pinned me down. I had no problems cutting them down this instant with the dagger hidden in my sleeve. I was trained to kill afterall.
But.
"SAKURA!"
Great. Now comes the hero…
I must say, he did arrive in the right time as I had decided to make the kill. Now it's better.
Quickly, I hid the weapon I was about to draw and picked myself up. I was a little wobbly and Sasuke didn't hesitate to support me which Ami hatably eyed me for it. I pushed the raven guy away, not that I liked being helped. Not in this drama.
Heartbroken, Ami left with her boys chasing behind after her heartthrob gave her the cold shoulder and a few mean words I couldn't hear much. The pain on my shoulder has taken over my senses; I needed to recuperate.
"Sakura, I'll take you to the infirmary. Best get your arm checked," Sasuke stopped me. "I'm sorry, Ami is just...I've already told her time after time but she just wouldn't give up on me. I-"
"Stop." I had enough of this nonsense.
My aim was to finish my duties quickly and make full invasion and take over Konoha. It was the least did I expect to be injured by reason of petty affairs!
"I don't care who she is to you. And I don't care you have or not feelings for that girl. Because I don't know that girl. And YOU. At all." I made it strict, cold and clear that I want him off my tail.
Just. This guy was insensitive?
"But I WANT you to know."
Or was it me...who was insensitive…
I don't want my thoughts to thread further into what I had a guess about. I don't wish to know. I don't wish to hope. There IS no hope.
For us.
"Why didn't you fight back?"
My feet stopped. I was slightly taken aback when I was about to leave the perimeter. I didn't turn around right away, I thought a bit; was I just mistaken that he knows I am a fighter?
"You had a weapon under your sleeve. You could have threatened and scare them off. Why didn't you do it?"
He sounded so sure of himself. And he was right.
What should I say? How would I react? The fact that I was a little panicky had dulled my reaction. Never did I expect to be exposed this early.
Should I kill him here, now?
"You're a spy. You're Bu'Lan. Am I right?" he voice was deep and calm.
I couldn't help but to face him. Since he had known this much, I had no reason to keep it secret from him. As long as it dies with him.
I raised my dagger and in the speed of light, the edge of my blade was at his neck. I wasn't hesitating, it was suddenly I grew curious of this male's intelligence.
Should I be impressed of this University's Genius?
"I won't tell anyone. You have my word," he uttered calmly.
Trying to escape death? I don't think so.
"Hmph. You're afraid of dying. Normal. What assurance can you give me to hold your words?" I teased him a bit with a sense of hope despite I had no intention of letting him live.
"The Secret Archives. If the professors hadn't entered, you might have found the information you wanted," astonishing.
My heart skipped nervously; he knew? I am skilled. I confident that I had left no traces or made any wrong moves!
How…
"I've read most of the books in the National Library. Even some of the Secret Archives. Professors in the University kept nagging me to read all of the Archives. Too bad I was lazy or I could tell you what you want."
Was he...mocking me…?
Detestable man. How dare he test me in such a way to make me feel that it was foolish to end him.
"I'm not mocking you." He said. "I just want to know you, better."
I snorted. Fancy talk.
"How sure were you that I'm Bu'Lanian," since he's so smart, I could use a bit of entertainment for a while.
"You just told me. It was a question, am I right?"
Tch!
This guy wasn't named genius for nothing and the fact that the professors entrusts him with important tasks from my observation; he would be part of the next group of elites. If I kill him now, that would be one obstacle less. Just,
Something.
About Uchiha Sasuke was...I don't know…
I just didn't know how to describe the guy. First, he didn't seem to be affected by the danger he was under. He casually walked off from my blade and laid comfortably under the nearby tree. I smirked to myself. Seriously, his lazy demeanour was…heh…
I kept my weapon away. Part of me was certain that he was not a threat. Could I try to trust this person?
He continued to lay with his eyes closed; relaxed. I stood staring at him. Not a single moment he was worried or anything; it made me curious if one could really be as confident in one another…
Something that I don't have.
.
.
Knock! Knock! knock!
Knock! Knock!
Knock! Knock! Knock! Knock!
Knock! Knock! Knock! Knock! Knock! Knock! Knock! Knock! Knock! Knock! Knock! Knock! Knock! Knock! Knock! Knock! Knock! Knock! Knock! Knock! Knock! Knock! Knock! Knock! Knock! Knock! Knock! Knock!
"Coming! Coming! Coming!"
Who the hell!
Show some courtesy and not abuse the door! I had to rush right out of the shower just to get it. That person was just so rude.
"SAKURA!"
Argh...and shouted in my face.
What is it. This. Time. Uchiha. Sasuke.
If I had to regret something, the first thing was having a friend like this guy right here. I thought he was lazy guess I was wrong about that side of him. It has been two weeks since I've agreed being acquainted with him.
We. Are. Just. Friends.
If he doesn't bother me, I won't bother him. And if he doesn't put me in trouble, I won't take his life. That's our agreement.
So far so well for the trouble part. Not, when I find him being a little too attached.
When he does, it's annoying.
Like right now,
"I'm sorry. I didn't know you were in the bathroom," he waltz right into my room, closing the door behind him and made himself comfortable in my dormitory.
If I were to describe the guy right now; shameless. I've never met such a man who would be ungentlemanly as him!
"But there's no time to lose!"
Sasuke burst out loud again, I could see that he was excited for some reason and a reason that would probably involve me as well. Not the best thing for me…
"Hurry, hurry, Sakura. We've got to get to the park and—"
"Not going."
Bluntly, I had no means to indulge into his ideas. I've got plenty of work to do, most importantly, I need to try connecting with my Bu'Lanian teammates. Two weeks yet no sign on them, I began to worry as their leader.
"No excuses. You're coming with me, I've got lunch prepared too!"
Without another second for me to reject, I was dragged right out of my room and set out onto his two-wheeled vehicle; a bicycle.
I have never sat on such a moving mechanism before; I was impressed how fast we were going and Sasuke peddling at ease. The view as I sat on the passenger seat behind him…was truly beautiful.
Flowers.
Blossomed on hundred of trees stretched into the distance along the streets; of white and pink and purple and many, many beautiful shades of colours…that I've never seen.
The entire city wasn't like this yesterday or was it that I didn't notice. Today was different. And. The most beautiful one.
Should I be thankful...to be here?
.
.
"This is a good spot."
That fussy raven guy finally decided to settle down after searching for the perfect place for minutes since we arrived at the park. I strolled behind him as though it wasn't as important. It really wasn't to me.
I just watched Sasuke busy himself; setting the blanket on the grass and began pulling out stuff he brought. Food, food, tea and food.
"Why are you still standing. Come sit," he told me, patting the spot next to him. Ugh!
"Here, I'm not a good cook so no complaints."
He grinned sheepishly as he handed me a box full of sandwiches.
There were even sausages and salads and many other simple meals he made. It was obvious that he was right about his claim of not being a good chef, the presentation tells. The taste was far dramatic than it looks; some too salty and too sweet and the sandwiches were overly packed that the filling began to slip out at every bite! But still.
It was worthy.
And surprisingly, I am enjoying this.
Not out of impulse.
Not out of a moment's emotions.
Not out of temptation.
Not out of…
Even if it was, so what?
I was swayed by this relaxed sensation. Like there was no duty to shoulder, no war to fight, no...no…no everything. I liked this.
Right here. Right now.
This 'now'.
I really am living.
This 'now' was far too different from the days that were behind me. It took me many 'yesterdays' to get to 'now'.
If it's fate, destiny, luck.
I really like 'today'.
If I may be greedy, for myself, may I be greedier?
I wish…
I want to wish…
That everyday is like today.
The beauty, the comfort, the peace that incorporated for today, tomorrow, day after tomorrow and the next tomorrow and the next and next, next, next. Everyday.
I am not intoxicated by this and I hope that my people could take part of this beauty as well; I know it may be difficult for us all to forget the bitter past that has driven in the sense of survival but...can we start anew?
I realised that fighting became meaningless.
Why not share?
That was just a silent thought of my own.
"Haru no Sakura."
My thoughts were suddenly derailed by the abrupt words of the Uchiha male who stared at the trees in full bloom of flowers; Cherry blossoms. He let silence grew between us before uttering again,
"Haruno Sakura."
He then smiled at me; with my senses numb and dumb, he reached out for my hair and delicately combed it with his fingers. His graceful act with that petal shower that enhanced the mood had my heart racing for a while.
"Your name shall be Haruno Sakura. It our language it means the Cherry Blossom of Spring, just like your hair, pink and just like you, as beautiful."
…
…
…
I really was in lost for words or reaction. I...never felt so vulnerable, so...embarrassed…
Is...Is he crazy!? All of a sudden like that, without a warning! Is this some type of assault!? Another kind of scheme? H-How cunning! And...what's with that name! Without my consent he gave me a name!?
"W-What are you talking about!?"
I tried to act composed, no matter how much I did, I didn't seem to look like it. He laughed out loud seeing my face when I bet it must be ugly!
It's hot. My face is hot!
"You didn't have a family name. I think this is a great idea. Yup, from now on you be Haruno Sakura," his eyes were brimming with confidence. "In Konoha, without a family name, you aren't able to get married someday."
What…?
Then all of a sudden he grew closer, his face had this blush and his eyes darted around for a bit before he came up with the courage to whisper the most nonsensical words ever!
"Or maybe we could save the hassle and make you Uchiha Sakura instead. Heheh…"
.
.
Those were the words that gave me something that I've never dreamt of,
Happiness.
Before we were married. Before I made up my mind to settle down to a life that was far beyond my imagination. Carry the Uchiha name as mine. Abandon my mission, my identity as the spy of Bu'Lan. Be the selfishest person alive in pursuit of a life as a wife and into motherhood,
Altogether, betray all the hopes of the people of Bu'Lan. Branded as a traitor,
Came the Eclipse.
The Eclipse was the mission I had carried from the beginning to put down Konoha's defences for the invasion of Bu'Lanian soldiers to penetrate the land.
That was when chaos was just all over Konoha; everything were in a mess, people panicking, screaming and running for their lives. It was a happening that there was no time for Konoha's defenders to act as quickly. Bu'Lan was victorious to begin with. And for the next half an hour we COULD have took back whatever we had lost.
Not when I, Haruno Sakura, did something. Because of one man.
Whom I wished to protect.
Whom I came to love.
I was a soldier who was defeated by feelings.
With all the brave I was born with, threatened both Konoha and Bu'Lan to a peace treaty. I forced both nations to decide their agreement in minutes time to sign the peace treaty I've made myself. Either I denote the bombs I've planted in the core of Konoha's power plant and wipe all of Konoha and crush all the forces of Bu'Lan who has invaded Konoha's Great Shell halfway or both nations come to an agreement of ending war.
I thought it was the perfect plan.
However, Mother had Bu'Lan retreat with all the other soldiers and with a few of my teammates who came with me from the beginning. As for the remaining members who didn't manage to escape in that opportunity before the restoration of the Great Shell, remained hiding in the shadows of Konoha city.
Unable to escape, whether or not if they bore grudge against me. It will be up to them to find me. Kill me. Or whatever it would be, it doesn't scare me for I,
Musn't die.
I've thrown everything away just to love this man.
"SAKURA!"
The man who would run to receive me with arms wide for me to fall all over again. It was this culprit.
Whose kisses could make me confident and brave and immortal.
Whose smile that comfort me in the worst.
Whose touches that drove me to betray and be selfish.
Who gave me a name, an identity that was mine. And very mine alone.
"You stayed…," his breath brushed my face as he held me gently.
"I'm giving my all in this. You won't make me regret, would you?" I asked.
"Follow me. I'll take you to the ends with me, even if you got lost, I'll find you," Sasuke kissed me. "Marry me. I promise you, this life, you deserve every happiness you should have."
"You better keep your promise. Not just this life but in every life we meet," he chuckled at my silliness.
"In every life. Any life."
And I, am willing to share this life that he carved for me.
.
With his hand intertwined with mine, there was nothing I could not face; the challenges of being charged and was sentenced to prison for two years. I didn't fight the laws of Konoha in hopes for them to accept me despite my previous deeds.
.
For I knew I was no longer alone.
.
Sasuke would be outside waiting for me.
.
He would ensure me of hope and the better days.
And he would tell jokes just to make me smile.
And brought gifts to make sure that I wasn't lonely during prison nights.
Everyday he would come visit, no matter how busy, how tired.
He always would be there.
.
For every him.
I promised myself;
To survive.
To live.
I will accompany him to life's end.
.
As prison days were over, finally, came the wedding.
It doesn't matter if I was accepted by all the people of Konoha. The certificate of my marriage to Uchiha Sasuke and the name I now carry as Uchiha Sakura was proof that I was free of my past and was welcomed anew by tomorrow.
Dressed in white I was made to say the vows of marriage under the bright sky, under the Sun. The ring was a symbol of our unity and that the golden binds were the proof of our 'now'.
I've made it this far. This 'now' was far, far beyond that I've expected.
Maybe far better than the one that I've dreamt of if the invasion of Bu'Lan actually succeeded.
I guess every woman is made to be an idiot of love. Heh…
.
.
.
"I want you to lead the team, Sakura."
Uchiha Mikoto: Konoha's Defense Minister, my mother in law, turned around to face me with eyes of seriousness and detest. She no doubt has not accepted me after the long years of my marriage with her son.
Her intimidation was far worse than others in the Uchiha family but it wasn't my concern to that. Right now, this woman came knocking at my doorstep and insisted that I take charge of the upcoming Project BAIT.
Something I heard from Sasuke but not in detail. It should be highly confidential yet I was required to participate, surprisingly. But I knew.
I clearly understood where this was going.
"This is just between you and me and a few other higher ups. Not even Sasuke knows this content about Project BAIT."
Mikoto wanted to gamble.
And I was going to be the 'bait' of this project. I will be the one sent to the front lines to fight against Mother and Bu'Lan soldiers. It was also obvious that this project might not succeed. Mikoto knew.
But I didn't object.
I was willing to take the gamble as well. If this project could truly have a chance, even the slightest, to unite both Konoha and Bu'Lan, end war,
Out of the many candidate options, I was the best choice; my skills and prior identity. Therefore, I too am willing to give it a shot.
Just...if, if I might not make it home,
I would not regret.
All of a sudden this maturity hailed me thinking that, if I fail; it's time that I should pay some of the price of my betrayal. This fight would not be same, it would be for the three boys I love;
Souma; that cry baby boy no matter how old he would be, he's the hard head that would throw a punch without thinking then come running home crying.
If I'm gone, I pray that he'll stay the soft-hearted boy as he was born with and grow to be a fine man like his father. Smart and adorable.
Sosuke; this little baby always wanted to be a chef. Always being teased for the love for making cookies and liking pink was the girliest thing a boy would do. Baking and pink isn't just for girls, it's for the kind-hearted. Don't worry, mommy will always root for you, my love.
Last and never least,
Sasuke.
What else should I say?
…
…
…
I love you. So,
Don't worry about me and take care of the boys.
I think...I would break my promise; I couldn't walk with you down the days. However, if got lost into another world, and became an enemy again, please...please find me, Sasuke.
Then you would give me a name again. And hopefully, that time we might live in a world of endless peace. No war. So,
I'll have to leave you. Do something right at least. For the future us.
Alright?
Don't cry. I'm just gone for a while…
We will meet again. Definitely.
In every life. In any life.
.
.
"You dare show your face in front of me, child. I admire that."
Her fearsome eyes, more than ever, I had come to face the leader of Bu'Lan, Kaguya. The woman I was ever loyal to, Mother.
*Beep Beep* Beep Beep*
INFORMATION ACCESS: CONFIDENTIAL.
PASSWORD REQUIRED.
*Beep Beep* Beep Beep*
UNIDENTIFIED BREACH DETECTED.
*Beep Beep* Beep Beep*
She was as fearless and fearful as the day I met her. She never changed, so does her appearance, as intimidating in her attire of white. Behind her was an army of young Bu'Lanian children had their lives set to sacrifice on the battlefield. All of them were sent out to die without knowing who they really were.
*Beep Beep* Beep Beep*
SCANNING FOR BREACH.
*Beep Beep* Beep Beep*
As every Bu'Lanian soldier, they had no names, no family, not even a grave. They had no identities. Never.
Only a duty. Like how I once was.
*Beep Beep* Beep Beep*
BREACH IDENTITY FOUND.
PLEASE ENTER SECONDARY PASSWORD FOR VERIFICATION.
*BEEP!*
INVALID PASSWORD.
*Beep Beep* Beep Beep*
This moment, I felt so grateful that I was different.
*Beep Beep* Beep Beep*
ATTEMPT: CONFIDENTIAL BREACH ATTEMPT..
INITIATING EMERGENCY BLOCK.
*Beep Beep* Beep Beep*
Smiling to myself, I glanced at them one more time and thinking if this blade on my hand could give them a chance to feel what I feel.
*BEEP BEEP* BEEP BEEP* Count down: Five...
"Mother, no, Kaguya. Please...if you have the love within your heart, for the Children you said you love. Make peace with Konoha."
*BEEP BEEP* BEEP BEEP* Four...
A silence was expected from her. It wasn't something that she would consider after a lifetime of grudge. Moreover, she wasn't the kind to be soft towards her enemies, above everything else, a traitor.
*BEEP BEEP BEEP* BEEP BEEP BEEP* Three...
"Hmph…"
*BEEP BEEP BEEP* BEEP BEEP BEEP* Two...
She smiled. I stunned for a while.
.
FORCE START UP.
EMERGENCY DEFENSE MODE:
SAKUR:A
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.
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*End of memories*
.
.
I was so close.
So close to the final part of the past. Sakura's. And it was left to be buried in the depths of my database, forbidden escape to the outside.
Sasuke...What was it that you hid away?
Before I had the chance to peek into the final part of the past. Reality came back to me.
When reality came back to me, a set of threatening teeth with bad breath first came into sight. The massive canine retained by its master's side. The same guy cloaked in dark fur I recognised before I passed out into slumber. He was too busy racing his fingers across his laptop to notice that I had regained my consciousness.
Quietly I tried to leave but I was too careless to realise that I was still plugged in; made me jerk and fell to my knees.
The big beast barked agitatedly at me, alarming its master who doesn't seem to be surprised and was rather calm. Casually he tucked his device away and approached me.
"You...really are something,"
He snorted in the sense of being impressed as his eyes scanned every part of me before staring deep into my eyes.
"They didn't call Uchiha Sasuke a genius for nothing. He really is beyond science. Or should I call him a mad scientist."
I made no reply towards someone I wasn't too familiar with.
"But if it isn't for him. I don't think I could ever see that face again. And learned what really happened and what you've gone through and your thoughts...all this while…"
Sighing, he sounded sentimental as he swallowed hard.
"It's good to have you back, Sister."
He smiled at me. Very sincerely. As if I was her human. He really missed Haru—Soldier S02158.
"You, pried into my memories?"
I frowned a bit realising that he was the culprit behind the memories that were played before me was all his doing? He was extracting them?
"I need to know. If Sister really betrayed Bu'Lan!" He raised his voice then his vigor softened. "You...You always fought for us. We never thought of making peace with Konoha. It sounded the most stupidest thing but...now, I want it."
Looking at this male properly, he had terrible dark ringlets under his eyes and his facial expression was as if too exhausted to portray his feelings further. Moreover, he was rather pale. He must have it hard all this while.
No doubt that he was one of the Bu'Lan soldiers hiding within Konoha.
"I noticed some of your data got corrupted and one of them should be my identity as your teammate," he said chuckling. "I'm Soldier D10015, my duty is to compile data, decipher codes and other intellectual stuff...if you remember."
Puzzled, I only stared in silence.
"You can call me Kiba for convenience sake. It's...a name I came up after all these years in Konoha. It makes it easier to blend into the crowd and get hired in odd jobs once in awhile. Gotta work to survive...since I'm stuck here, you know…"
"Why not return to Bu'Lan?" Straightforwardly, I asked. He snorted a bit.
"I missed the chance. I was injured during the Eclipse war and ended up stranded inside Konoha's Great Shell until today. No one's getting past that invincible wall without getting electrocuted first. I don't want to end up losing my freedom altogether when I'm already stuck here...forever?"
Somewhat, I sounded silly for asking such a question and the amount of sympathy was building for him within me. It really is difficult to survive.
If the peace treaty did went through...should everyone have better lives?
"But anyway, right now, I rather stay here like this. I had my pal, Akamaru and a full stomach everyday."
He ruffled the huge canine a bit; both man and beast shared an envious trustworthy relationship,
"Even if I managed to go back, Mother would kill me for being a traitor. Like it or not," he made a face and chuckled.
He really had it tough.
If I had the ability to shed a tear, I would cry for Kiba. I would shed for the people of Bu'Lan. Because, these feelings couldn't lie, Sakura's feelings; the never ending duty for her people...not as a spy but a soldier of her nation. Within me still lives her fire to fight for them.
How…
Even if I wished to do something for them. I still am this robot built to be loyal to Konoha and from the hands of the man who I should be dedicated to.
"There were seven of us who didn't manage to leave Konoha; life in here wasn't easy. I've seen two of us got caught by the authorities; either they were dead or alive...I'm not sure but supposingly they wouldn't survive. Three died, included the one...you killed."
"I didn't kill him," I subconsciously defended; although it really was from my hand. Kiba didn't seem to be surprised and nodded agreeably.
"I know…" he muttered, "So, that remained the two of us. Me. And you." He snorted. "But I guess you don't count anymore?"
There was a temporary silence at first,
"Kiba." It sounded a little weird to me but I had this request. "You're a hacker right?" I couldn't care if he was friend or foe; my curiosity towards the past of Sakura never subsided. The urge was so strong that it feels like something important I had to know, to do something about it.
Kiba nodded confidently and assured, "Yes. What about it?"
"I want to unlock all the secrets in my database," I was determined to do this.
"I tried...when you were still charging," he sounded guilty for doing so without permission. "Too bad I got kicked out as well. That security code was one hell of a guard dog created by the hands of a demon!"
Umm...I don't quite understand him but that should sum up that he failed. Sasuke, he really had something to hide.
But. That shouldn't be the end.
"What has happened to Sakura at the front lines during the Eclipse war? Did she managed to persuade Kaguya to the peace treaty? I feel that something; pieces of information were missing. Not just this, there are so many things I wished to learn about Sakura," I sighed. "Help me...Brother."
Until I realised, I felt that I had a purpose of living again when I was so stupid to try ending myself. Now, I want…
I want to fight for both nations.
It was Sakura's will...then as her robot, perhaps it should be my duty to revive her dead wish. There must be something I could do. Even if I won't be loved, even if I won't be accepted. Let me be the tool that could be used.
Kiba snorted with his fangs showing from his one sided smile,
"I never thought...I could be hearing you call me that. So long…," he sighed, hung his head emotionally the lift it with determined eyes. "Okay, I'll do it."
WOOF! WOOF! WOOF!
It wasn't more than a second when Akamaru alarmed us, a dagger swift by and stabbed Kiba's shoulder. Ambush! How useless of me; my sensors were unable to notify the attacker's presence!
Immediately, Akamaru took Kiba on his back and sprinted away for safety.
"Don't run! Come b—"
In a blink of an eye, someone who supposed to be the enemy appeared before me. A she; with long blonde hair and blue eyes since half her face was masked.
As our eyes aligned, in that sudden glimpse, I saw tears from those blue eyes. I thought I was imagining but she stopped and revealed her true face.
"Ino…"
Not only she was surprised, I was too. Never did I expect to blurt out a name so unconsciously. She smiled for a while and I was almost swayed by it. I shielded myself with an arm from her dagger that aimed for my neck. This female was terrifying to begin with,
"Fight me, Haruno Sakura."
Notes from the author:-
Hi everyone, did ya enjoy this chapter. It has been a long time since an update, my bad. I've got nothing much to say but thanks, thanks and thank you for reading and reviewing on the previous chapter. Truly brings the motivation towards an author, to feel that the story was appreciated and all. From my sincerest, it's a lovely thing to read the comments and feel that there's someone out there.
Thanks so much for reviewing. And I'm glad that the story made up to your wishes and enjoyment. Hopefully I could continue to update as soon as I could.
Nevertheless, I'll do my best in all the chapters and hopefully make it enjoyable.
As usual, any suggestions, ideas and blah, blah, just pluck them into the review box!
Thanks ya and love ya lovelies! :D