Chapter 10: Learning A Truth

My dear diary,

The night came! In the early morning, I gave birth to my beautiful daughter. It was by a total surprise; Kiyami actually had to quickly help Doctor Yakushi-sama with the delivery as he came in just as the head was crowning.

It was painful, but oh, was it worth it once I saw that beautiful child resting on my chest, voice loud with a screaming cry. I can tell Darling was just as happy despite the fact that Kiyami and I were correct on the gender.

I can already tell she's going to have vibrant green eyes and it was easy to see that she had the rare pink hair that trailed in my family. I gave birth to my beautiful Sakura, my treasure of all seasons.

And there was no greater joy than in seeing Darling hold his daughter for the first time, and to see Kiyami rub a gentle finger over her soft cheek. My beautiful daughter...

-Shizune


"Is it decided then?"

"Yes. In two weeks time, my younger son and your daughter will be married on the estate."

"I see then. Well, then, let us toast early."

"Yes. To the marriage of Sasuke Uchiha and Sakura Haruno."


My dear diary,

Soon Father will return with the most hated of news. And all I can do is cry and accept.

My fate is to live in a loveless marriage and carry the children of a man that I only know through family names. My dream of ever being free is now just a broken mirror in my mind.

Just like my heart. My love for Kabuto...it will never be official between us. Because...I can't be free.

-Sakura


"Thank you, Yakushi-sama. At least I know my son will be able to live many years despite this."

"Yes, and maybe over time, who knows? He may be hiding a cure that not even my father could come up with if he was faced with the problem."

"Haha...that would be amusing in some ways, wouldn't it?"

Kabuto gave her a small smile before dipping a small bow in departure and grabbing his bag. "If I find other news, I'll let you know as soon as I can," he said, pushing up the thin frames on his nose. Yumi nodded and walked with him out the door, wishing Jordan a good rest as she did.

"Please, allow me to walk you to the door."

"Thank you."

Yumi smiled, then it faded into seriousness. "Yakushi-sama...is something troubling you?" she asked, sending a small bit of shock through the doctor's system. "Troubling? What do you mean, Yumi-san?" he asked, a thin silver brow raised in curiosity.

"You just seem...off today, if I may be so bold in saying. Like your mind was on something else as well."

"...I guess it was. I'm very sorry for my manner, then."

"It's all right, Yakushi-sama. But, if you wish to speak out your troubles, then please feel free to use me as a spare ear."

Kabuto smiled ever slightly again, "That would be enjoyable. Thank you Yumi-san."


"Your father will return tomorrow."

"My last day of known freedom then."

Kiyami watched as Sakura brought her knees up with her on the chair, wrapping her arms around them. "Sakura, I've been meaning to ask this, and please don't get mad at me for asking," she asked, directing the rosette's attention for spacing out.

"Yes?"

"I want you to be completely honest with me. I won't tell your father, I promise."

"All right."

"...You're in love, aren't you?"

Emerald eyes widened in shock as she stared into the serious brown eyes of her sibling. "W-what?" she whispered, her voice quiet even at that. "I saw you and Kabuto in the garden on the last day, on my way back inside from watering the plants on the far side. I saw your lips touch his," Kiyami said, placing a hand on Sakura's knee, "You love him, don't you?"

Sakura looked away, eyes closed to the room. With a deep inhale of breath, she spoke, "Yes."


"I knew it!"

"Young Lady Ino, could you please lower your voice?"

"Sorry Yumi, but I knew it was true."

Kabuto sighed, pushing up his glasses, "You are very smart, Young Lady Ino. Although I'm curious as to how you knew that I love Sakura." He smirked at the blushing woman, making Yumi chuckle at the sight.


My dear diary,

Oh my wandering mind! Sakura is only a week old, and already I can see visions of her future, or what I predict it will be. I can already see her as an adorable child, around ten or so in my vision, running around in the garden with the most cheerful of laughter, yelling out for Kiyami to pour the water from the can on her so it was like she was spinning around in the rain.

I can see her as a beautiful woman, finding her love in someone. Although I know Darling will try and prearrange a marriage for her, but I would fight for it. My dearest Sakura should be able to fall in love and marry whoever she wants, and become a Lady on her own if she chose to do so.

After all...I became a Lady for Darling fell in love with me. Me, once just a woman that served as a key maiden for Queen Tsunade. And should we deny our daughter the same freedom? I believe not.

-Shizune

Sakura's eyes widened by the end of the entry. 'Mother was just a maid when she met Father? She was free to fall in love with him, despite their positions, and he with her?' she thought, closing the book and hiding it back under her bed.

Taking out her beloved hairpin and sitting it gently in the box on her nightstand, she sat down by her window, staring out at the crescent moon. "Maybe...there may be hope for me. After all, if Mother had that freedom, then...maybe...I can too," she said softly, a hand clutching the fabric of the shirt.


So we now learn a surprising fact about the life of Sakura's parents, and now others know of the secret love between our beloved doctor and blossom. But the question is will something work out for them? Well, that's coming up soon! Until then, ja ne!