...
..
.
X
X
"Not here." Sakura murmured quietly and disappeared back into the greenery of Konoha's outskirts. Inhaling the sharpness of the forest she smiled, the odor was welcome company. It brought forth long forgotten memories. On this very ground it once took place; her first chuunin exam. She laughed, an eerie sound. Speeding up she rejoiced in the feeling of shinobi motion. With a decisive flip she met the ground. Still crouching, she looked up.
"Not here either." A few calculations later she was back in the air, already thinking about the next might-be location. She was in pursuit of a giant training ground decorated by tall trees – logically the Forest of the Death appeared to be the most suitable choice. She didn't think it would cover this much ground though. Originally the Forest of the Dead was located in a far part of Konoha's training grounds and had a ten kilometer radius, there was a river and in the middle of it a checkpoint.
Originally.
Now, due to some unexplainable mistake, she might or might not have influenced The Forty-Fourth Training Ground. To begin with, it no longer was a ground meant for training – by far that's the littlest thing to worry about. It now had 478 million hectares, resided outside of Konoha and ranked as the biggest area with a large number of untouched flora and fauna. As a bonus, the ones who dare try the Special Forces also known as Anbu are to survive for three days and nights in it without any provisions whatsoever.
"How the hell did that happen?" Sakura asked no one in particular. Either way, the change was of no matter to her, she had other things to worry about. A clearing to summon Tsukihiko on. It had to be huge due to his massive size – no way would he not take a chance to show his by humans unattainable 'prowess', and far enough as to not be noticed. Sensor types were a pain to deal with, also if the trees wouldn't cover Tsukihiko's form anybody with a proper set of eyes would be able to spot him instantly. Damn rabbit and his pride.
Jumping down Sakura sped down the length of the naked ground save for some fresh grass. Smiling she drew blood from the wound her one-digit chakra scalpel inflicted then pushed her hand on the ground. A giant poof later there he was. Proud, samurai attire and sword intact, still wearing a one-eyed blindfold and apparently grumpy as ever.
"Long time no see." She cheered in greeting, watching him eye the surroundings.
"I see you are still alive and kicking."
Her grin was infectious. "How long has it been o' mighty one?"
"I was under the impression you already knew." He crossed himself. The plush grass seemed very tempting. Relenting, Sakura sat down.
"Around twenty years since we met last, without counting those ten since Kurama attacked." That brought forth her question. "Are you aware of his whereabouts?"
"I am." She did a double take, he was?
"You are?"
"I am." He reassured her. Blinking, she shook her head. No way was she able to decipher him.
"May I ask you where he is?"
"You may." He was so teasing her, she saw that evil mouth twitch back there.
"What is the location of the Nine Tailed fox Kurama?"
"Lily Island." She was getting nowhere with him.
"Please elaborate."
He rolled his eyes murmuring something about humans unaware of their own lands. "Long ago before you began your travel, Hashirama as well as Madara were yet to be born and Uzushiogakure was yet to meet its destruction, a certain clan with impeccable powers feared the attention of others. Justifiably might I add. High intellect, immunity against ninjutsu and genjutsu. Those were weapons to be scared of in the middle of the Warring States, power meant eventual destruction. However, before others could even act the Okuninushi went ahead and did an exchange with the Uzumaki. Intelligence for a single jutsu." Sakura was engrossed in Tsukihiko's history lesson. "You see, the Okuninushi had a plan how to escape slaughter and war. Isolation; they picked suitable land far away from disputes and bloodshed which made it possible for them to disappear from history. Yet, it would not be had not been the exchange. Uzumaki received ancient knowledge which helped them perfect their Fuuinjutsu. Meanwhile, the Okuninushi took a coating jutsu. Their land is completely invisible for those who do not seek them out with a pure purpose."
Sakura felt wind caress her cheeks. "That means their secret died with the Uzumaki clan." Tsukihiko nodded in affirmation.
"Then, Kurama settled there down?" Another nod. "Will you help me seek them out?" He sighed but agreed nonetheless.
"I will come for you, firstly preparations must be made. You are not aware of their culture, I will have to bring offerings for the Old Hag." He wasn't looking forward to that.
"Thank you." Sakura spoke sincerely. Tsukihiko grunted, letting his eye wander. He didn't ever do that. Sakura figured he must be silently asking her of the tail that managed to follow her.
"You're free to go now, it's under control." Sakura laid down on the grass crossing her arms behind her head. Puffing away, Tsukihiko grunted. He absolutely loathed being ordered around. Lucky for Sakura, he had serious business to attend. Finding the right artifact worthy of the Old Hag is no matter to be taken lightly.
"You can come out now." Sakura shouted, eyes fixed on cloud watching. He appeared with a quick intake of breath leaning forward so she could see his furrowed brows and pursued lips.
"We've got nice weather today, don't we?" It wasn't really a question just like Itachi's next words weren't really meant to sound angry.
"You vanished on me." He said.
"Sometimes it's too hot or too cold, today though is perfect. I might do a picnic."
"I looked for you all over Konoha trying to pick up your chakra signature, it was gone."
"I mean, there's this really nice breeze. It just makes me want to eat outside."
"There was a moment, where I was about to inform Yondaime-sama of your absence."
Sakura put a finger to her lip. "What do you put inside a picnic basket? Apples, vegetables, sandwiches?"
Itachi narrowed his eyes until they were slits. From hell. "I even felt inclined to fire up the whole forest with my Katon techniques when, after hours of searching, I heard from an old lady some pink-haired woman asked her about Konoha's agriculture and that she was heading toward the Forest of the Death."
"What is even the typical picnic basket made of? Straws or just material, I'd go for straws. It's more picnicish."
"Are you even listening to me?" Itachi shouted about to shake some sense into her.
Sakura looked him in the eyes all serious without any sense of humor. "I always listen. All the time. To everything and everyone. There are times, however where it's pointless hearing a man's lament of how he got a straight hit at his ego. Whenever you'd like to talk Adult, let me know. Meanwhile, I'll be planning how to get somewhere impossible to be."
That shut him up and, for the possibly first time in his life, Itachi felt embarrassed. Chastised like a nosy child. And it was true, he'd felt frustration eat at him because for once someone else had the upper hand. It felt bitter, having it splashed all over your face like a bucket of cold water.
"I apologize." Surprising him, Sakura smiled and slowly rose to stand in front of him. It was gentle, her smile. Yet, he thought she looked weary. So very weary.
"There's nothing you need to be sorry about." Just like that, his guilt was gone. Whisked away by her forgiveness.
Looking at his sandaled feet Itachi decided to risk his luck. "I overheard the conversation you had with your summon." He felt a tad bit nervous, with her eyes so very sharp nothing went by unnoticed.
"I know." So very simple. "You have to understand something. A very important something. I am not under the command of the Hokage, I help the village and do what is best for it – sometimes with Konoha's help, sometimes alone. I will not surrender myself to the Hokage, there are things, dangerous things, he has no idea of that most definitely only I can take care of. Having him order me around would – therefore – be pointless." It was against every rule of Itachi's. Her ideology was so very different and new. Possibly even wrong.
"Yet you live here and have Konoha's symbol on top of your head. By law you are obliged to fulfill orders directed from the Hokage."
Sakura slipped her headband off, sorrow and memories all written over her face. She clenched the badge shut in her fist. "It's not Konoha's emblem I wear anymore, it's the Shinobi symbol. A promise I made to myself." She whispered, Kaguya and her were united in thoughts. Neither knew whose were whose or when it was chosen, that promise. "Never cruel or cowardly. Never give up never give in."
Itachi just stood there, frozen. Was she, did she actually speak twice? At the same time? He didn't understand. Nothing about her made sense, nothing but perhaps only the simple fact that she wanted to protect. All of them.
"As for Konoha." Sakura shrugged, unconcerned and back to normal. "It's my home, the place I hold most dear, the place worth protecting and making sacrifices for. The Hokage is necessary to maintain Konoha's military power and acts as a safety net for the people. I don't need those. I don't live a usual life, it's the opposite really." She looked him directly in the eyes. "I am the exception to the rule."
He managed to gather his wandering thoughts. "You could be seen as a threat by the authorities."
With her back to Itachi she answered. "So be it." And was gone. Again. Itachi was left alone thinking of laws, politics and their meanings. Of wrong and right, of boldness and stupidity. In the end, he left with a smile. Certainly Sakura was an exception, he'd even say her importance was vital. The only difference; she worked in the shadows rarely showing herself in public, never asking for a thanks or gratefulness. She was just there. Itachi went home with a fresh point of view, content on awaiting his summon. She would ask for his help seeing there was no Second anymore. The Doctor always needs his companions after all.
X
X
Hopping from roof to roof Sakura's eyes shifted from left to right and back. Searching, prodding her surroundings for answers. People were buzzing around in the evening sun, doing some last-minute shopping or simply enjoying the last strays of warmth.
"Ah!" Sakura involuntary released the sound, pleased to have finally found the location of her apartment. Surely, Mito-san hadn't just thrown her out. If so, she'd have to improvise. Crouching on the pavement of the red-roofed apartment complex Sakura straightened up and took a initiate step toward the stairs. Reaching apartment Number Seven she knocked, tentatively. Just in case someone actually lived in there. She heard shuffling behind the closed door and sighed, now another worry to add on top of the ever-growing pile of crap; living quarters. Turning around she stepped away then halted, abrupt. The door creaked slowly open, her head whipped around. 'That chakra..' Silky black hair and yellow eyes, gentle yellow eyes.
"Orochimaru!" She cried out. The man – clad in his usual yukata – blinked, shell-shocked. He knitted his brows together, mind working methodically. His sleepy eyes widened instantly.
"Sakura-sensei.." Uttering her name out aloud must've turned on a switch because the next second he was latched on to Sakura, hugging her like a lifeline. Returning the embrace she squeezed him gently. "You're back." She heard him say. "You're back." He reassured himself.
"I am." She smiled, he was a good head taller than her the words were muffled by his shoulder. Both withdrew, she grinned. "How comes you're living in my apartment?"
Orochimaru actually twitched like a chastised kid. "I feel more at ease here, almost.." He let the implication hang in the air. Like you didn't leave. Trying to cheer him out of his depressive thoughts Sakura clapped her hands together.
"Good thinking, Orochimaru! I left in a hurry and didn't have time to ask someone to take care of my plants."
"There were no plants when I moved in."
"So you bought some, even better. I always wanted some nice flowers."
"There are no flowers, I grow out poisonous organisms belonging to the vegetable kingdom." He answered with a straight face. Sakura guessed some things never change.
"Even better, that way there's no need to visit the greenhouse. Really, a lab and you wouldn't even need the hospital."
"I converted the third room into a laboratory." Oh all that's holy.. "Shizune and I often work at my – your place." He corrected awkwardly. Sakura raised an eyebrow.
"Orochimaru, it's more of a home to you than it ever was to me. Consider it yours." She hummed appreciably. "I guess I could find some other place to crash at, I don't want to push myse – "
"No." Orochimaru cut off. He smiled. "Your clothes, weapons and scrolls are all where you left them. Your room hasn't changed one bit, the only thing I did there was to clean the dust and open the window frequently." He stopped, suddenly unsure. "It's your home and I consider you my family." Sakura bit her lip, keeping the sudden urge to cry at bay.
"That's wrong. It's our home and we are family." Leaning her arm on her hip she continued. "Now, do I get to see your amazing lab or do you plan on having me sleep on the doormat."
Orochimaru smiled. "Okaeri." Taking off her shoes, Sakura replied.
"Tadaima."
After the initial steps of settling in and the frequent comments about a few changes in the décor, both of them were settled at the table and taking bites of Orochimaru's homemade food. At first, upon hearing it Sakura had flashes of baked snakes and onigiri filled with poisonous plants. Orochimaru assured her he didn't eat his summons nor did he plan on poisoning her.
"The toxic induced rice balls are for me to eat." He's told her with a straight face. Sakura went momentarily pale and to her utmost surprise Orochimaru busted out with heartfelt laughter, apologizing for his sense of humor. It dawned on her then, that there was no longer any hope for the old Orochimaru to appear. It warmed her hearth.
"So," Sakura nipped at her non-poisonous onigiri. "any thoughts on starting a family yet?" The feral grin his teacher wore assured him of her very serious state of intoxication. Sake made the head go loose, he liked his firm which left him to deal with Sakura-sensei on his own. The usually penetrating question didn't seem to bother Orochimaru much, Sakura realized in dismay. She grimaced, that guy was still a prude all right.
"I don't wish to procrastinate." He sipped his tea calmly. Sakura frowned, his cup was still half full while she was on her third bottle.
"Yet or at all?" She prodded.
"Yet." Lavender tea was his favorite, he ignored Sakura's hand as it made its way to his other cup sliding it nearer his right arm. She looked accomplished when he took a sip of it.
"You're like what, thirty-nine? How long will it take 'til you reach your 'yet'?" She sounded genuinely interested. Orochimaru shifted, slowly getting uncomfortable.
"I do have a family." He sent her a look full of hidden meanings and a promise made long ago. Sakura's green eyes widened. He remembered she thought.
"The sense of true belonging. Of being part of something unique, unquestionably comforting." He pulled his tiny arms wide out, reaching for the sky. "Family. Home is where your precious people are. I just came to that conclusion and felt the need to tell you about my feelings. Because you see, I don't want to be forgotten so I want you to remember. I want you to know that blood is unimportant; what matters is the bond. Sakura- san, can we be family? Can I.. wait for you? You know, I already love you and I think it is better to say sorry than ask for – "
Sakura couldn't handle the crystal clear tears so she lunged for the boy, her little precious disciple. There was no denying it. "Of course, you idiot! Don't ever ask, because you already know the answer. No matter what, we're family. I'll come back, just you wait. And when I do –I want to see you be the greatest healer in all the five nations. On par with me." She took hold of his face and bumped foreheads with him, crying. "You have one of the most sensitive hearts I've ever seen. Don't let it go to waste, take that sensitivity and turn it to compassion. Don't let them take your kindness, take hold of it and shower it down on others!"
At that point both of them were weeping crocodile tears, clutching at each other. How long was it, since crying? Sakura wondered. At that moment she was resolute. "No matter what, remember who you are." My family.
"You're right." All this time, he remembered. Her words; he took it to heart, she has truly helped him somehow. Sakura kept her tears, a warm smile forming on her lips. Letting out a laugh she tossed back her sake and refilled grinning at her pupil – her mind must've been seriously gone back there for her to think of Orochimaru - who was technically around twenty years older – as her pupil.
Between refills and warm laughter something occurred to Sakura, out of nowhere from a deep part of her consciousness. 'Mother and father, I wonder how they are.' She blinked and spilled a little of her beverage. That's right, her own family.
"Would you like a glass of water?" Sakura blinked. How did Orochimaru got this near. She must've lost her bearings back there. Shaking her head she nodded thanking him. Gulping down the cold splash of reality, Sakura threw herself back into enjoying Orochimaru's pleasant company.
Later that night she fell into a heavy sleep. Somehow she found herself back at the Nothingness. There was really no other way to call it. It had no ground, no ceiling, no walls. Just colors. Everywhere. And that creepy figure currently standing in front of Sakura. If the rest was all about colors, this something was all dark matter; balancing it all out.
'Why..' Sakura flinched. The voice was chopped, pained nevertheless there was this nagging feeling in the back of her mind. Whose..voice is it? She obsessed. Its head rolled to the side while the body twitched once or twice. 'Why..' It cried on. A whisper, a tremor of thunder all at once. Gulping down her fear, Sakura took a stop only to gasp out and crouch. 'Too much.' She couldn't move let alone speak. She pressed her lids together. 'It's..too much.' Overbearing emotions closed in on her. Whispers of pain, despair, loneliness, abandonment, anger, hate.
Pain. Lots of pain. So much pain. Her delirious mind couldn't even spell the word.
Despair, loneliness, abandonment. It all crashed on her, physical pain was nothing compared to this hell. She clenched her heart, it was not possible to handle. Too much. Had she been physical her body would've closed down from all of it. Were humans even allowed to feel this much?
'Why..' That lamenting. Sakura fell, on what she had no idea - trying to cough up those remnants. The word struck her, why remnants it was no memory of hers. The laments grew. They grew and grew and grew. Paindespairlonelinessabandonment.
Anger.
Hate.
Suddenly, it all stopped.
Not trusting in the least, Sakura lifted a part of her head peeking one eye open. She fell back on her backside and crawled backwards. The black figure was in front of her, head rolled to the utmost right.
Sakura no hana wa itsu hiraku
Yama no osato ni itsu hiraku
It..sang?
Sakura no hana wa itsu niou
Warau nana no ko asobu koro
Why would this thing want to know when the cherry blossom would unfold? Why would it want to know when it would happen in the mountain village? Why would it want to know when the blossom would be fragrant?
How does it know it's when the laughing child of seven plays? Just what.
Sakura no hana wa itsu odoru
Utau nana no ko nemuru koro
When will the cherry blossom flowers dance? When the singing child of seven sleeps. Sakura's mind gave up on reason, it just transmitted the words that enigmatic thing sang. She shuddered.
Sakura no hana wa itsu kuchiru
Shinda nana no ko noboru koro
When will the cherry blossom flowers decay?
..
.
.
When the dead child of seven rises.
"UWAAAAAAAH! AAA! UAAA!" Sakura woke herself with screams of anguish. Her eyes were practically useless, there were too many tears to see anything, her hands had blood on it. Blood. "..sei!" She scrambled to her knees crawling towards what she hoped was the corner of wherever the hell she was. Covering herself up in arms and limbs she transformed into a human turtle. It was more than a simple fetal position, she wanted to completely be gone. Diminish. Die. "Blood. Blood. There's blood on my HANDS!" Her fingers scratched any available inch of skin while her arms held on tightly.
"SAKURA!"
Her head shot up. That voice.. "It's..Orochimaru, isn't it?" She had her voice back. A gentle whisper, still he got it. Nodding he slowly entangled Sakura from her fleshy cocoon. After a few seconds, for her it were minutes, she was free and in a more normal shape. Physically at least.
"What did you dream about?" Orochimaru murmured soothingly.
"It was a nightmare and so much more." Instead of a pillow she had Orochimaru's lap and in place of a blanket his body heat. She allowed her heart rate to calm and fall asleep to the gentle voice of her once-pupil as he retailed his many adventures with Team Sarutobi.
X
X
A muted but insisting feeling shook Sakura from her dreamless slumber. The level of her awareness was at its minimum and she enjoyed the surely short-lived peace. Trying to reach her mouth in order to de-crust it from the remains of the night, she found it unmoving. Not ready yet to give up her sleep she pushed Orochimaru off her right arm and rolled on her stomach, using his kimono as pillow and sun-cover at once. The thirty-eight year old snapped to glum awareness. Sake was never his favorite, he abhorred the delirious sense. However, since his sensei decided to pop open the bottles he indulged. Rubbing his eyes with a somewhat coherent grace he pushed off the shelf Sakura had punched him into and perched himself on his elbow. "Sensei?" He asked.
Sakura grumbled something sleepily and fell silent again. His brows furrowed; should he ask yet again or perhaps let her rest since she had a pretty serious " – You'll have guests coming over any minute now." She solved his dilemma. Orochimaru let out a tired yawn. "Who?" He wouldn't prod about her above-earth skills, he trusted the pinkette completely. Anyway, it wasn't as if he didn't know she was a special traveler, breaking into Tobirama-sama's once-archive wasn't that strenuous for a genius.
"I don't care, I'd rather sleep." The second part sounded as if she was heading back to lalalala land, her sound breathing confirmed his theory. Getting up from the wooden floor Orochimaru dusted off his pants and went to prepare breakfast. Just as the kettle was being placed on the stove his door gave off an echo of loud thuds. His brow flinched, must be Jiraya. Only he would pound on his door this early in the morning. On his free day.
Tired, Orochimaru walked through his corridor, adjacent genkan and creaked the door open. He wasn't completely off the mark, in front of him stood Jiraya and to his right Tsunade with rings under her eyes.
"Woah. Creepy! That weird door and how you open it." Jiraya exaggerated greatly.
"Not to mention the complete darkness inside." Tsunade added craning her neck to get a better look. "Seriously, do you even see anything in there?" She asked with a raised brow. Jiraya sniggered.
"Now now, let's not forget snakes don't need eyes they just taste their surroundings!" Jiraya gestured wildly with his hands earning him a blow to his side from their fiery blonde teammate.
"That's disgusting, sukebe!" Tsunade crossed herself looking sharply away. Jiraya groaned, clutching his side.
"Hey that hurt. And I'm neither old nor a pervert." He sounded glum. Before it could get more embarrassing Orochimaru decided to step in.
"What do you two want?" He cleared his throat, it felt horrible. He needed tea.
"You're so coldhearted." Jiraya was a great actor pulling out depressive stunds like it was his livelihood. "I wanted to take you out to some team breakfast." The white-hair brightened instantly. "I already got Tsunade to agree." She harrumphed. " – only you remain." He grinned broadly. It's too early for this, the snake-summon thought unamused.
"Why?" He asked blankly.
"You're my bud."
"I saw you yesterday, Jiraya. I'm sick of you." Nodding at a grinning Tsunade, Orochimaru promptly slammed his door shut. He could hear Jiraya's aggravated voice echo throughout his whole apartment. Entering the kitchen he stopped at the threshold.
"Sakura-sensei." Sakura glanced at him briefly between bites of onigiri and snatches of tea.
"That stuff's really good, honest." She continued eating his homemade food. By some reason he felt fine by it, even content. It made him all warm inside. He decided to cook more for her in the future.
"I was under the impression you wished to continue sleeping." He joined her at the four-place table and poured himself a cup of tea.
"Even if I wanted to, you three were too loud out there." He looked up.
"I'm sorry." Sakura blinked, swallowed and grinned toothily.
"Don't apologize for everything, it doesn't suit you." 'At least the old you.' Sakura added in her head. This time it was Orochimaru who blinked, stoned. A smile tugged at the ends of his mouth. He nodded and took one onigiri off Sakura's plate. She laughed, her eyes twinkling with amusement.
X
X
Sakura was gaping. Her mouth was hanging ajar. There wasn't much that could've possibly surprised the living hell outta her. Most of it had to be on the top of the Sakura Priority List to even dream of getting that reaction. Something along the lines of Kushina-san playing with a midget Naruto, Uchihas all around Konoha, a heavier population, a dark haired Shinobi lazily eating dango around the corner and trying to get a grip on his halo of curls. Those things weren't all that shocking.
Things like that weren't on the S.P.L, no. Her head would combust if she'd try to process it logically. But then there were those would-be events that – again – surprised the living hell outta her.
Things like Senju Tsunade walking alongside Kato Dan on a cool Konoha evening, looking genuinely happy and – in Dan's case – pretty much alive.
Holedyfuckedyfuckfuck.
First off, she was aware of Tsunade-sama's staying in. It didn't need much calculations. Besides, she showed up at Orochimaru's. After she heard Nawaki still lived it was pretty obvious to guess she decided to stay home. Kato Dan though? She didn't take him in the equation, at all. Then again, a smile rose on her face.
She was following them like a lost puppy when the couple laughed over something trivial. Her Shishou was happy and it was only fair she got good luck this time around. Preparing to turn around she didn't notice the hand that was heading for her shoulder. Instinct acted first and the dark haired Shinobi ended up sprawled on the ground underneath a stealthy Sakura.
"I don't take kindly to surprises." She squeezed his arm for good measure. He grunted in pain. Preparing to interrogate the strange man she opened her mouth but the word wouldn't come out. He shunshined. That means.. "Shunshin no Shisui." She thought aloud.
He appeared taken aback. "You know me?"
Standing up and turning to face him she creaked an eyebrow. "Who doesn't? You're Uchiha Shisui of the Body Flicker Technique. A shinobi with no knowledge of you is overestimating himself." She allowed a smile to play on her lips, Shisui lived. Truth to be spoken she had a feeling, still. He was quirky and alive.
"Well," He teasingly grinned. "I had no idea Byakugou Sakura knew of me. I mean, it's not like you could possibly overestimate yourself – " He was quicker off the busy Konoha street and on the training ground than he could say Shun. His hair was messy, he felt disoriented and frankly speaking his pride was damaged. Someone was quicker than him and, possibly, Konoha's Yellow Flash.
Hearing him talking - on the street - about her affiliation with Byakugou Sakura made her act on instinct. The element of Wind and Shinobi speed were together soundless and undetectable.
Sakura counted the facts. One – Itachi didn't tell him, he was under pledge. Two – Tsunade was way too engrossed with Dan and outside their hearing range. Three – Well, she'd voice that.
"How do you know?" Shishui's eyes widened. She didn't seem surprised. He counted on it.
"Itachi is not the only genius in town." He let his easy demeanor go, it wouldn't work with her. He wanted to be on the same team as her, so he'd behave accordingly.
Sakura nodded thoughtful. She crossed herself and narrowed her eyes. The wind picked instinctively up, sharp – unusual sharp and heavy. "I assume you're no threat." It wasn't really voiced as a question, more like a warning. Something along the lines of 'Run or Face Me'.
He put his arms up. "Correct. I simply wish to be on the same page." Sakura tilted her head, her long tresses of pink – they grew quite a lot throughout the travelling she only now noticed – created a veil around her face.
"Why?"
"My only desire is to protect. You seem to be whenever there is danger around. It is logical to turn to you If I want to shield Konoha against any incoming storm." He answered straight.
"You wear your heart on your sleeve, impressive." He didn't know whether she meant his statement was impressive or that he wore his heart on his sleeve. Which, he's gotta admit, was true.
Positioning her arms in front of her, elbows in, Sakura threw her arm rapidly to her right and made a quick palm-up gesture. In cue with her movements the earth rose creating two boulders reaching them to their calves. Scowling, Sakura smoothed the bumpy surface away. "I'm still somewhat rusty." She murmured and sat on one of them. Before she could gesture for Shisui to do the same he burst out.
"Seriously? You can actually, really do that?" She smiled, he was like a puppy. Sakura hoped it was only occasionally, she always imagined he'd be more.. ,well – refined and adult.
"Seeing as I just did, I leave the rest to your imagination. Sit." She ordered, crossing her legs and propping her head on her palm. "How much do you know about me?" She inquired.
Shisui smiled, he could write a book about her.
"Please don't. I'd like to keep my anonymity." Seems he just said that aloud, or perhaps.. "Don't be silly, I can't read your mind." His eyes bulged and Sakura smirked. "Your face on the other hand is an open book." Shisui rubbed his neck, guilty of the crime.
Sitting down he cleared his throat. "I met you once. You surely don't remember since at that time you had your hands full with the Nine-Tailed fox, but I remember the moment clearly. Actually, when you met up with the whole of Uchiha those ten years ago, that impact hit many. Not just me." He looked meaningful at her. "Some of us see things differently since then, it's as if you took our hands and made us open our eyes."
Sakura's face had shock written all over it. She had no idea anything of that size happened, after all, all she did was shout at them. Cringing, she reminded herself to work on her temper.
"I knew you were of importance since then and I looked everywhere for any paper trails. I couldn't very well talk to the Hokage about business I had no right to even know was there." Sneaky little Shisui, Sakura smirked. "I found a room full of information about you."
Her insides tightened on instinct. "Before you ask, let me explain. It served as Tobirama-sama's personal archive and only the Hokage that were to come after him are allowed to search it."
"Yet you entered it, the security is horrible here." She would see to destroy that room, possibly burn it.
"No really, that's not the case at all. In fact, it's the most secured room in whole Fire Country I'd say."
"Yet you managed to break in." She stated scornful. Shisui shook his head patiently.
"I didn't. Its doors opened for me." She rolled her eyes.
"I bet they did, you see when you try to break a lock doors tend to open for you." Shisui looked calm and collected, it unnerved her.
"I stood in front of them thinking about you and what you did for Konoha, looking for help on how to find you and they opened." Sakura parted her mouth to make yet another scornful remark but decided against. She got his point.
She rememberd about the Okuninushi and they island.
Their land is completely invisible for those who do not seek them out with a pure purpose. Tsukihiko did clam that.
"You can't possibly mean the doors open by intent."
He shrugged. "I don't know but I have a feeling no one would be allowed to enter if they weren't wishing for Konoha's best interests."
"So you're one of them, Konoha's most loyal."
He grinned. "I'd like to think so, yes." She sighed.
"All right, I'll tell you if anything would appear to shift in the wrong direction."
He stood up and held his hand out, grinning. "Thanks, I'm honored to be working together with you Byakugou-sama." Shaking his hand Sakura's brows furrowed. "Don't refer to me like that, it's just wrong."
"Got it." He saluted and shunshined away, before she could've even think to ask how much exactly Shisui knew. Sneaky bastard. Sitting down Sakura allowed her thoughts to wander, she thought of times long forgotten, battles fought together and of white fur. Well, since it appeared to be Tobirama's special office she guessed he took all the necessary precautions. She decided to let it be. After all, if there was anyone who took security very serious it would have been him. She left the grounds with a gentle smile adorning her face, oh she did miss him.
X
X
Bothering her bottom lip Sakura went through the motions of summoning Tsukihiko. She was fully aware he'd pop out annoyed seeing as he was in search for something meant to be given to the 'Old Hag'. She had no idea if it was an actual name or if he simply couldn't stand her. Whatever, it was clear to Sakura the character held some significance. She wouldn't put it past her to be the Okuninushi's leader.
He appeared in a puff of fluffy smoke, unfortunately as foretold – annoyed. "WHY DID YOU SEE THE NEED TO SUMMON ME, AGAIN!" Sakura closed her eyes, his spit was all over her and he reeked of perfume. Cringing her nose Sakura brought her fingers to it clenching her nostrils shut.
"Please refrain from poisoning me." Because his huge poison-filled nail was inches from her neck. He did need a manicure. Tsukihiko growled, that was a first. Taking a step back he crossed his paws and Sakura squinted her eyes. . The images, they just wouldn't leave her.
"Tsu..Tsukihiko. Is that..Do you actually have lipstick all over your face?" She really had no idea how she could've missed it. His whole face was covered in it. Again a first and surmising him further he actually didn't wear his Samurai attire, just some gray Yukata.
"I have nothing of those likes on me." He actually sounded offended.
Pointing at her cheek, Sakura continued. "No, but. Your cheek.."
"That's paint."
"Yes, for women. Their lips to be exact."
"What did you call me for?" He tried to misdirect their conversation which was fine since Sakura started cringing at the thought of..couple rabbits doing things.
"I'd like to train, I feel rusty and we haven't touched Air or Fire."
"I know for sure you're a natural for Air." She did wield it. "Though it's more instinct than anything. You need more rigor and nail polish." What.
"What?"
"What?" He asked, not at all aware of his momentary slip-up. She shook her head.
"Never mind that, can we meet up for – "
"No, we cannot." And the torture continues. "I am indisposed, as I am sure you have already noticed, I am looking for something worthy of the Old Hag."
"And a brothel is the best place to look?" She asked blandly.
"I would never visit such a place, never mind the fact that in my – dignified – world there exists no place like that." Jiraya would cry, Sakura just knew. "As for the training, I will send one of my colonels to supervise your training schedule." His work just rose.
"You mean I could've had another mentor from the very beginning?" She asked, as if just having discovered candies flew from the sky.
"I am afraid you are stuck with me." He dared to grin. Upon further inspection Tsukihiko actually swayed a little, his one pupil was a little redder than usual too.
"Are you drunk?" Now, she could name the strong smell; alcohol.
"Of course not."
"But you did drink alcohol." There was no way he didn't.
"I drank organic compound in which the hydroxyl functional group is bound to a saturated carbon atom."
"You just explained the chemical built of alcohol, which means you admitted having drunken it."
"Just shut up and take this!" He placed a cup in her hands. In all this nonsense the mighty summon forgot to give his disciple a very special something. She should be kneeling and composing hymns of him, it was that special.
Sakura eyed the green gelatin-like mass inside the cup with scepticism. "What's this?" She pointed an offended finger at it.
Tsukihiko gestured for her to take it. "Toss it down your throat." It obviously couldn't be drunken nor chewed. Ew.
"What for?"
"Do you have to question everything?" He rolled his lone eye. "Seeing as you will be visiting the Okuninushi lands it would be wise to be immune against anything possible. They eat poison for breakfast." Sakura stared at the aesthetic mass. Grimacing she took it in her hand and – squeezing her nose – tossed it down as demanded. Immediately after, she picked up water droplets and started gurgling. Five minutes later she was lying on the ground, mouth ajar and panting.
"What the hell was that?" Her voice came out as groggy.
"Medicine."
She raised a delicate eyebrow. "Consisting of what; vomit?"
Tsukihiko crossed himself. "If you must know, it's herbal rabbit snoot." No. No damn way.
He did not just say that.
"…"
"…"
Sakura felt her heart race, palms went sweaty and she heard her pulse. "YOU FUCKING FED ME YOUR BLOODY SNOOT?!" She launched at him, her pink furry knowing no bounds.
"It wasn't mine just from some minor subject of our Order, I wouldn't ever gift my snoot to the likes of you. It's far too valuable for that." He dodged Sakura's earth induced arm, in fact her whole body was inside an earth armor. Despite the situation, Tsukihiko congratulated her mentally, of course.
"Who in the bloody world would want your bloody snoot!" She created a water whip and aimed at him feverishly.
"Any sane being. It is the best medicine anyone could think of!" He was getting annoyed; was this the thanks for going out of his way and actually asking one of his sick employees for domestic help? He flushed, ungrateful brat. If Sakura would only know that the humanly called 'rabbit snoot' was a natural neutralizer for any kind of poison and bacterias, humans would go on voyages to just get a clue of where his dimension resides.
Oh. Now that he thought of it there was something important he did not mention, in fact. "Sakura, you better lay down."
"Why the hell should I?" She was hell bound on pummeling him – he couldn't help the snore – into the ground.
"Your body will shortly be in a coma, it has to accommodate to the genetic nuances changed by the medicine." She shot to a stop, fist in front of his jawline.
"You changed my GENETIC CODE!?" The nerve that lad had. She should be on her knees kissing his feet for it.
"I did no such things. The 'rabbit snoot' as you humans ungracefully call it – on the other hand – did."
He's already noticed signs of her fall; dilated pupils, unsteady body, shaking limbs. Before Sakura fell into a deep slumber Tsukihiko heard her murmur some last parting profanities.
"What am I supposed to do with your body now, huh?" He sounded annoyed.
Itachi was enjoying a hot cup of tea placed on their veranda table and had his feet rest over the barricade when it happened. Firstly, he knew what great pride and significance their traditional garden had to his family, especially his mother. She had a green thumb, dry grass turned green after one day of her tending. She was a hobby gardener, if not more. Mikoto worked closely with the Yamanaka matriarch and they both exchanged tips and tricks for a healthier flora. His mother was gifted, that much was clear.
Naturally, that meant if anything happened to their carefully arranged garden she would be more than devastated. She'd get the Red-Hot, a symptom of fury developed by her closest friend Uzumaki Kushina. It's safe to say, that if even the tiniest stick would break the Uchiha men would suffer. Blood must have blood.
Counting all these facts it was probably the humiliating shock that made Itachi stare cloud eyed at Sakura's huge summon while he stepped on everything that was holy to the Uchiha matriarch. No matter who or what in this case, Mikoto wouldn't accept any explanations. Didn't matter if it were the Hokage. Didn't matter if it were any Kage at all. It certainly didn't matter that it was one of the Ancient Ones from the Summon world. That to say, Itachi was shell-shocked, even if it weren't apparent going by his facial look. He didn't lose his cool often but he was inclined to this time upon imagining his mother's fury.
"Just what have you done?" He only managed to say, taking in the total mass destruction of the garden. It has merely taken giant feet and a blast of wind to render his mother's creations to shards of once upon a times.
"Delivering a Sakura." He tossed her unconscious form like one would a raggedy doll. Acting quick Itachi jumped and secured her in his arms. Landing he exhaled, his eyes were momentarily wide from the shock. Looking icily at Tsukihiko he said. "Don't throw people, they don't land on paws like a certain species." The mass of fur growled. "I shall not be deterred by your rudeness. I have business to attend to." He plopped away, just like that. Itachi didn't even manage to voice his anger regarding the annihilation of his garden. Light steps announced the incoming form of his mother. Itachi started a marathon to the hospital all the while ignoring the echoing yell of his name.
It'll probably take a while until he could show himself in front of Mikoto.
X
X
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See? I didn't abandon anything :D Please don't always assume the worst, my personal life was a little busy..and I had a really tough Art-Block. Good thing my Bamboo tablet saved me outta it.
As you can probably tell I made references from Doctor Who (I loveeee that show! Didn't think I'd enjoy it that much!), and GoT. No idea if there's more.
Thanks for reading and please leave me some thoughts, would ya! I hope you all enjoyed this chappie. It's the longest yet.
'till next time!