Satori (Between the Lines)
Chapter 11

"What are you doing, kid?"

Sakura startles, nearly dropping the scroll she is reading. Anko catches it with deft fingers, quickly surveying its contents.

"Reading up on ways to break grabs," Anko says flatly, expression unreadable. "Y'know, these ordinary defensive maneuvers won't protect you against the Nara hiden," Anko continues dryly.

Sakura flinches slightly, shoulders hunching inward in an attempt to protect herself.

Anko crouches beside her, eyes gentling even though her voice remains hard. "Yeah kid, I heard. Hell, I think the whole gossip mill of Konoha heard. That shit gets churned out pretty quickly. Konoha would collapse without the steady, ever-present heartbeat of gossip."

"Oh," Sakura says in a small voice, keeping her gaze on her hands fisted in her lap.

"Hey it's—I'm not attempting to make you feel bad," Anko says, clearing her throat. Sakura sees Anko's hands flutter awkwardly in her periphery before Anko fists them against her sides. "It's smart."

Sakura finally looks up, meeting Anko's gaze. "Really?"

Anko nods, leveraging herself down into a seated position beside Sakura. She clears her throat, directing her eyes to the far wall. This part never gets easier for her over the years; still tightening her throat in that awful, prickling way. "You were hurt—betrayed." Anko's face twitches for a moment, an old, personal pain showing before it settles once more into a placid expression. "It is not an unusual experience, especially as one of the few kuniochi of Konoha."

Sakura swallows at Anko's words, something about them ringing strangely true. She thinks about the makeup of her class; the proportion skewing male by far majority. In fact, very few of the shinobi that Sakura has encountered in her daily life or even at the Academy are women. As she contemplates further, she lingers on the history forged by Konoha in blood and iron.

Only a handful of the named individuals were women.

Yet, Sakura knows, she knows, deep in her marrow that this country runs on the backs of women as well as men; women like her mother, like Sarasa, like Aiko, like Anko herself. And somehow, their stories, their legends, their burdens, go unsung.

Something wells in Sakura's eyes as a bitter sense of unfairness settles into her. "Is it?"

Anko glances at Sakura in her periphery. She sighs at the sheen in Sakura's eyes, forcing her body to relax, hands unfurling palm up. "There are far too many monsters within this world, seeking to prey on those that they see as easy victims. Yes, you fell victim this time but you survived. You've survived and you're training to become a monster all your own."

Sakura squeezes her hands tight, the sting keeping her tears at bay. "I don't know if I want to be a monster."

"You won't be a monster like them. A monster is strong; it can protect itself. It can protect others should it choose. You can make yourself into a monster who can protect those who are seen as prey."

"What if I become the other type of monster?" Sakura asks, staring hard at her clenched hands. She is reminded of Shikamaru, of the shocked horror in his face during and after the incident. She thinks of Shikaku, of his stilted but seemingly heartfelt apology regarding the circumstances his machinations wrought. They didn't intend to hurt her, but they did. It doesn't change the fact that she still bolts upright, chest heaving, in the middle of the night from lurking nightmares. She still cannot bring herself to forgive either of them, the trauma of the incident still too raw. "What if I do not mean to, but I do?"

Anko shrugs. "You realize it and make a conscious decision about it. You either decide to continue to prey on the weak or you own up to your mistake and make reparations for it. You grow and continue to learn." Anko inclines her head toward the scroll beside them. "You're already seeking to prevent it from ever happening again." Her mouth stretches into a dangerous smile, one with a sharp knife's edge. "You're already on the right track."

Sakura mulls this over in silence for several long moments, considering the weight of Anko's words. She glances askance at Anko for a moment, wondering at the jagged, festering wound that she still carries. Reading between the lines, Sakura thinks that Anko perhaps considers herself a monster of the second order. Finally, her shoulders straighten out of her slump as she considers the mantle that Anko offers to share with her. Sakura smiles and places her hand in Anko's palm. Sakura can feel the way Anko twitches beneath her touch before stilling eerily. Sakura isn't sure if Anko is even breathing. "I've got a lot of work to do, if I want to be big and strong enough to become a monster that eats monsters."

Anko laughs her wild, raucous crow's laugh, intertwining her callused fingers with Sakura's in a tight squeeze as she begins to breathe once more. "Oh yes. I think you'll be just fine."

"My, oh my, something smells amazing!"

Sakura continues to whisk the sauce as she glances up at her father's booming voice, grinning. "Welcome home, otou-sama!" she chimes, returning her attention to her cooking. "How was your guild meeting?"

"Ah, it went well enough," Kizashi says, moving around the island of the kitchen to ruffle Sakura's unbound hair. "I wish your mother was present; she has a unique ability to get all of these pompous artisan guild leaders to shut up."

"Oka-sama is terrifying," Sakura says sagely. No one, not even Anko or Ibiki before she got to know them, is as scary as Mebuki when she chooses to be. Sakura has never had that terrifying presence directed her way, but she has seen it emerge sometimes with obstinate family members and difficult clients.

"She is," Kizashi drawls in a lovesick sigh.

Sakura wrinkles her nose a bit at that, shaking her head. Her parents are strange, but she loves them nevertheless. She guesses that maybe love makes you a little bit odd to those who are on the outside looking in. She doesn't quite understand it, but the sight of her tall, powerful father acting so lovelorn over her mother warms her through to her toes.

"You're making quite a spread here," Kizashi says with a low whistle. There are multiple platters of already prepared food and he inhales the scents of spice. "You're using those spices we brought back from Suna? I'm not certain most Konoha palates can handle that sort of heat."

Sakura smiles up at her father a little mischievously. "Well, they're all shinobi-in-training or certified shinobi; it'll be a practice in managing pain."

Kizashi laughs outright, patting Sakura on the shoulder. "You sure Morino-san and Mitarashi-san aren't training you in any torture techniques? Because you are downright devious."

"I get it from you, otou-sama," Sakura replies.

Kizashi chucks her under her chin, smile softening. "You sure do. I'm going to wash up; holler if you need anything at all."

"I will," Sakura says, shifting to remove the saucepan from the stovetop and place it to the side to cool slightly. "I think everything is almost ready. If I know anything about the Aburame, they will be frustratingly punctual."

Kizashi huffs a slight laugh. "In that case, they'll probably arrive before your mother. That Council meeting is bound to run long."

There's something unusual in his usually steady voice, a threadiness or lilt that snags Sakura's attention. "What is the Council convening on today?"

Kizashi clears his throat, gaze skittering away for a moment before returning to Sakura. His background as a samurai-in-training in Iron serves him ill here; as his straightforward, honest manner fights the subterfuge he attempts to commit. "Uh...that is...I don't know?"

Sakura channels the posture of people in the Intelligence Division, keeping her stance solid as she arches an unimpressed brow. Her father actually fidgets beneath her stare before wilting slightly.

"Ah, Sakura-chan," he says, almost whining.

"Otou-sama," Sakura replies evenly.

Kizashi cracks beneath her steady questioning, scrubbing his hand across his mouth. "They're discussing the introduction of new legislation regarding civilian-born students at the Academy; new protections as it were." He raises his hands as he notices the curiosity sparking in her eyes. "I don't know any more than that. This is all in the early stages of development. You can speak with your mother about it after the dinner."

Sakura nods, tamping down on the questions that brim and nearly bubble over the surface. She manages to restrain herself, lifting her arms to her father. He picks her up in a hug and she busses a kiss across his cheek. "Thank you, otou-sama."

"You're welcome, Sakura-chan," Kizashi says, twirling her around once. No matter how amazing tree walking is, it still does not compare to the giddiness that fills her when her father spins with her. He sets her down. "You are just too smart for your own good."

Sakura doesn't argue with him, his words ringing true.

She hums to herself as Kizashi heads upstairs. Sakura looks up and around briefly before moving to one of high cupboards. She shimmies up onto the counter, utilizing a bit of her chakra to stick firmly as she opens the cupboard and starts drawing out plates for the dinner. Her chakra-laced feet assist her in staying balanced even as she piles more plates onto a tall stack. She places one hand firmly over the stack of plates as she climbs back down and sets the table for dinner.

A strict pattern of knocks on the door draws Sakura attention and she leaps toward it, throwing the door open without hesitation. After all, she knows full well who knocks like that.

"Shino!" she exclaims with a ebullient smile. She notices that both Torune and Shino look a bit surprised, but she isn't sure why. "Torune, Shibi-oji! Welcome to my house. Please, come in!"

"Thank you Sakura," Shibi says, smoothly stepping between his stunned wards to enter her home. He smirks slightly at the antics of his children, amused by the fumbling of their youth. He peers around with a soft lilt to his mouth. "You have a beautiful home."

"Otou-sama has impeccable taste," Sakura replies with a giggle. "Oka-sama says that's why she married him."

"Revealing all my secrets, Sakura?" Kizashi asks drily, coming down the stairs. "You are a sly one." He turns his attention to the Aburame clan, a more serious mien overtaking him. "Aburame-sama," he greets, grasping Shibi's hand without hesitation. "It is wonderful to see you again."

"I am glad you seem in good health," Shibi says, impressed by the fact that Kizashi displays no fear in making skin-to-skin contact with an Aburame. Most people, civilians and shinobi alike, display fear and distrust of the Aburame, perhaps based out of the very base fear of insects. It seems that Sakura is not the only Haruno with a spine of steel. Shibi cannot help but find his respect for Kizashi grow. "Thank you for inviting us into your home."

"Of course," Kizashi says, releasing Shibi's hand and looking to the Aburame children. "I wanted the opportunity to meet all of Sakura's friends." Shino and Torune fidget a little bit but hold fast beneath the weight of Kizashi's stare, keeping their expressions open and earnest. "Besides, this was all Sakura's idea; she wanted to cook for you all."

"Otou-sama," Sakura says, catching his hand as her cheeks flush.

"You cooked for us?" Torune asks, looking dumbfounded for a short moment as he processes this information. He directs a dazzling smile to Sakura as he quickly draws her into an embrace. "I know it will be delicious."

"I hope so," Sakura replies softly.

"It will be good," Shino says. "How do I know this? You are dedicated, meticulous, and methodical; you are more than capable of preparing a successful meal."

Laughter bubbles out of Sakura as she claps her hands together. "Thank you Shino!"

"You are welcome," Shino replies.

Shibi notices something in Kizashi's face softening toward the Aburame children at their visible show of support to his daughter. Truthfully, the clear display of the bond among the three of them melts something within Shibi himself.

Uncertain times linger ahead, especially for Sakura, Shibi knows this well. There are storms in her future and some of them are already darkening their horizon. Yet, some of the tension and heaviness in his heart eases because he knows that the union among Sakura, Shino, and Torune will serve them well.

"Lead on, Sakura," Shibi says. "I look forward to tasting this dinner you've prepared."

Sakura gingerly turns through the pages of the tome, tracing over the curling characters. She's read lots of handwritten reports and scrolls, but this is her first time reading through a handwritten bound book like this. It's quite a deal different from the plain but legible writing in the reports. The author of this book, who writes under an apparent pseudonym, clearly has an artistic hand. The letters are written with a flourish, a whimsical lilt to them that immediately engages her.

She found this book among the historical archives of the Intelligence Division and it immediately caught her attention. All of the other documents available in the archive are nonfiction; yet this text…

It is entitled the Journey to the West.

Sakura knows the general story, but she has never read it through in its entirety. Yet, as she began to delve into this handwritten text, she noticed there are some glaring inconsistencies with the actual story.

Which is what brings her here, doing something of an informal text analysis as she compares the handwritten book to a copy of Journey to the West that she was able to check out from the library.

The handwritten book picks up after Tang Sanzang, the travelling monk, has gathered together his disciples Monkey King, Pigsy, and Sandy. The dynamics of the traveling group are slightly off compared to the actual tale, as there is even stronger animosity between Monkey King and Pigsy. Pigsy is characterized as much more taciturn, severe individual, very focused on their mission. He clashes with Monkey King, not because of Pigsy's laziness as in the original story, but seemingly from jealousy.

The handwritten story is much shorter than the other and written almost in episodic format, following the misadventures of Tang Sanzang and his disciples. Sakura finds herself engaged in the story, especially interested in the character of Sandy who provides some much needed levity throughout as tensions continue to mount between Tang Sanzang and his numerous opponents.

Another point of deviation from the original is the fact that this story is woven from the perspective of Yulong, the steed of Tang Sanzang. Yulong offers further insight into the characters of the story, bringing them more to life for Sakura than the original tale does. She appreciates Yulong's voice as it draws her into the plight of the characters. She loses herself for hours on end in the story as the struggles and triumphs of Tang Sanzang's group unfurl as they face off with uncountable enemies.

Yet, it all comes to a head abruptly with the deaths of Tang Sanzang and Sandy in an ambush from twin dragons. The details of this battle are scarce at best, but the scene that follows leaves Sakura feeling unsatisfied and even a little uncomfortable.

Monkey King and Pigsy are the only two of the original four left and they take to the task of burying their fallen comrades. A heavy silence lingers between them throughout the grueling job of digging the grave, but, as they cover the bodies once more, a new bond is forged in blood between Monkey King and Pigsy.

They swear upon their lives and the honor of their fallen friends that they will have vengeance upon the dragons, even if they have to sunder the heavens apart to make it happen.

Sakura flips through the next few pages, a chill passing through her as she realizes that they are perfectly blank, leaving their story unfinished.

Sakura checks the rest of the book, finding it empty before closing it. She drums her fingers across the surface of the tome as she thinks about everything she just read, left with more questions than when she first began.

Why is this book here?

Why is it the only fictional book in the historical archives?

Why is the story different from the original tale?

Why are the characters so changed from the original?

Why do Tang Sanzang and Sandy die?

Sakura frowns at the cover of the book before shaking her head and standing. Her legs are shaky after being seated so long in an odd position. She stretches, deciding to head over to the Academy to train a bit on the training grounds to exercise her physical capabilities rather than her replete mental facilities.

She places the book back on the shelf, leaving behind the historical archives room and all of her unanswered questions.

For now at least.

"Sakura-chan!"

"Good morning, Naruto," Sakura greets, startled to find him in the classroom. It's odd for anyone to arrive before her and Naruto does not have the most stellar record for class attendance besides. "You're here pretty early. How are you this morning?"

"Fine, fine," Naruto replies, brimming with energy. "I wanted to make sure I got here in time."

"In time for what?" Sakura asks.

"To make sure I could sit beside you today," Naruto says guilelessly. "You're always sitting with Ino and Shino in the back before I get here."

"You usually arrive around third period," Sakura cannot help but point out, charmed though she is by the simple request.

Embarrassment filters across Naruto's face for a moment as he scratches his cheek. "School's pretty boring; I like exploring the village more! Chōza-oji made me promise to come to class more often though."

"That's good!" Sakura says, making her way to one of the tables in the middle of the room. This way she can sit with all of her friends. Her heart sings at the thought of even having to consider such seating logistics when it comes to her friends. The memories of her friendless days are still fresh and painful in her mind.

"Lessons are so interesting," Sakura continues, unable to hide the excitement in her voice as she chooses a seat. "Learning all the aspects that encompass becoming a shinobi; the skills, the knowledge, the tools, and the history necessary to be a good shinobi. Did you know that Konoha consistently lowers the age of graduation from the Academy in the two to three years before a War begins? And we haven't had a war in decades because the chunin exams took their place. The exams make for greater profit and entertainment for the nations; there's a severe uptick in tourism and wealth within the village that hosts the exams."

Naruto's eyes go wide and he plops down into the chair beside her. "How'd you learn all of that Sakura-chan? Chōza-oji only recently told me about the fact that the chunin exams have shinobi from all of the villages competing together."

"I've read about it," Sakura replies, purposefully keeping her answer a bit bland. She learned most of the information that she has in coded documents from the Intelligence Division. The resources on the exams available in the public library are frustratingly vague. Truthfully, some of her knowledge is drawn from conversations she overhears among her extended family; each branch is excited when the exams are announced to be held within their nation. "There are some amazing books that can supplement the lessons we receive here."

"Yeah," Naruto drawls, rubbing the back of his neck. His brows pucker in a crestfallen expression.

"What's wrong?" Sakura asks, catching the noticeable change. Naruto's cheeks flush a bright red. Sakura reaches out and places her hand over Naruto's. "Naruto?"

Naruto turns toward her, looking so ashamed that Sakura immediately wants to comfort him and take away all of his problems. "I'm not very good at reading. I haven't read a book in over a year."

Sakura restrains herself from reacting, trying to put herself into his shoes. She cannot imagine a world without reading. However, Naruto is an orphan; his parents did not foster and encourage a love of reading in him. He's never had his father read him a bedtime story or his mother weave a tale with the most fantastic voice acting. Sakura's throat tightens a moment with that realization and she squeezes Naruto's hand.

"Books are pretty great," Sakura confides. "Before Ino, they were my only friends." She pauses, watching Naruto beneath her lashes. "Would you like to practice reading with me? If you don't like it we can stop but-"

"Are you serious?" Naruto interrupts. "You'll teach me to read?"

Sakura nods, not even given a chance to be nervous as Naruto throws his arms around her, drawing her into an uncoordinated hug. "Thank you, thank you!" Naruto says, breath tickling Sakura's ear. "I won't let you down. I'll be here early every day! You won't regret choosing to help me."

Sakura laughs into Naruto's hair, embracing him in turn. "I won't ever regret it."

"I knew you were the right choice," Naruto says, almost to himself.

"Right choice?" Sakura repeats.

"For my first friend," Naruto says, pulling away and grinning pure sunshine at her.

And then nothing will do but to pull Naruto into another hug, if only to hide her misty eyes.