Chapter 13 – Oversight
After dropping off Sasuke back at the compound, Itachi and Sakura wordlessly decided it was best to go see the Hokage. Itachi had, despite what was clearly a misunderstanding, been summoned. Usually if they were in a sort of hurry they would have sped atop the rooftops, like any other shinobi. There was just one problem with that, and it had to do with Sakura draining her chakra resources only the day before. To tell the truth it was making him twitchy in annoyance. He'd received an order by the highest authority in the village, but it would take at least fifteen minutes yet to get there. It was definitely not up to his standards. Still it was not like he could take Sakura by the arm and drag her there. To make matters worse Sakura seemed almost amused by his skittishness.
"Relax, Itachi-san, the Sandaime is a patient man and he'll know that logically I won't be going anywhere faster than slug pace for at least today and tomorrow..." It was a jab at both him and the Hokage. Him for being twitchy and the Hokage for even thinking her capable of running away. Now that he was taking a good look at her, he could see the amusement was only a cover for her irritation. Maybe it was the situation or maybe it could be herself she was irritated with, he couldn't know for sure.
What he did know was that she was showing those same signs of strain she'd shown back almost three months ago when she'd first awakened from chakra exhaustion. His irritation gave way to slight worry, as he watched her out the corner of his eyes. Neither his mind nor body had forgotten the shock and protectiveness that had welled up within him when she collapsed yesterday. It was not something he wished to see repeated. He almost wanted to offer to carry her, but quickly reconsidered; That girl had too much pride and he'd likely just end up with a scornful remark from that acid tongue she possessed.
Oo o oO
The two eleven year olds stood in front of the desk, their postures rank and as procedure demanded, though Itachi's was more so, waiting for the Hokage to speak. Off to the side was Head Medic of Konoha Hospital, Yakushi Fumio, practically bursting at the seams, but wise enough to let the Sandaime breach the silence first. The old man let out a deep breath and leaned back in his chair.
"I did not expect you to take so long before answering my summon..." He stated mildly directed at Itachi.
The boy stiffened imperceptibly, but standing right next to him Sakura noticed. She frowned. As if she would let Itachi be blamed for this.
"I apol..." Itachi was rudely interrupted by Sakura.
"No, this has nothing to do with Itachi," she said clearly, catching the attention of the Hokage and the other two occupants of the room. Unconsciously she straightened her back, digging forth all the confidence she could manage in front of the Hokage's piercing gaze.
"We came here as fast as we could after the summon, I'm afraid I'm in no condition to do more than walk at the moment seeing as I exhausted my chakra just yesterday. We were delayed further seeing as we had to drop off Uchiha Sasuke back at the compound."
"I would have assumed your ANBU operative informed you of Sasuke's presence," she continued, "and that Fumio-san had informed you of my condition. Therefore I made no move to hurry myself more than necessary. Really if anyone is to be blamed for this entire affair it is me. If it wasn't for my childish neglect for the correct protocol this would never have happened"
"I see," the Hokage folded his hands in front of him and leaned forward slightly, dark eyes slightly curious, "do you care to elaborate, why you found it pointless to sign out of the hospital?"
"Frankly, I did not see the point. Is it not a wide known fact that shinobi disappear from there all the time?"
In a flash the Sandaime's attention was no longer fastened on her, but rather his fidgeting Head Medic.
"In fact I was not aware of this."
"I-I" Fumio stammered. Sakura was not particularly fond of the guy, but she did not wish to make him her enemy. Quickly she formed a plan that would bring the conversation back on a more desirable track. Inwardly thanking Tsunade-sama for her lessons in diplomacy, she spoke up.
"Please don't blame Fumio-san, Hokage-sama. Considering the natures of shinobi it is very hard to keep them in a place such as the hospital..." Once again she held complete attention. Out the corner of her eye she watched the contemplative gaze of her... friend? Inwardly shaking her head back in place she focused on the conversation ahead.
"I would actually have assumed you more interested in the events of yesterday..."
Oo o oO
Truth to be told, Sarutobi was more interested in the events leading up to the girls hospitalization than her leaving prematurely. Still the old man knew that the eleven year old was basically manipulating him, something he found rather disconcerting. Her intelligence was definitely not something to underestimate. Those bright, viridian, deceptively innocent eyes were the perfect shield for her. She was dangerous. Evasive yet completely truthful. As hokage he found her intelligence quite troubling but as a shinobi it was a rush - like finding someone who played the same game. She would without a doubt prove to be quite the asset for Konoha.
With a small smile he was sure she caught the meaning of, he played directly into her hand.
"Indeed, you are correct. Please enlighten me on why you found it necessary to disrupt an operating room."
The girl proceeded to describe the events as she'd seen them. Clinical and to the point, while still managing to soften up her anger on several breaches of protocol. Had he not known Tsunade as closely as he did, he might not even have recognized her indignation. It was remarkable how alike her demeanor was to that of his former student. That more than anything spoke for her story of being apprenticed to the Slug Sannin.
"... I proceeded to use the Saikan Chūshutsu no Jutsu, I assume you know of it? It is the poison extraction technique invented by Tsunade-shishou..."
He nodded shortly and let her continue. He knew of the technique, had seen it used several times, but only with the slug sannin herself as the user. No other medic nin in Konoha had had the control to successfully execute the jutsu, not alone at least. This was actually the really interesting part, Itachi had mentioned in his reports that her chakra control was amazing but for her to use such a high level medical technique it had to be downright exceptional.
As a ninjutsu it was actually only classified as a B level technique, but that was really the curse of medical techniques. Anyone could in theory utilize high level medical techniques, there was just the small hitch that with the slightest waver in chakra input one would kill instead of heal. Realistically the technique should be ranked a much higher level.
Oo o oO
Sakura halted her explanation when she reached the point of her passing out. She'd explained she just felt the need to complete her job. Itachi didn't quite believe that statement. There had been something desperately decisive about her. There was no need for the desperation, the patient was well out of life threatening danger and the Head medic had been almost ready to take over.
While she might have been the most skilled, there was no reason for her to hospitalize herself. She'd been reckless and he didn't quite understand her drive. What had compelled her to go past the line of exhaustion? It's not like she knew the guy, right? Why was he even bothered so much about her reasoning, anyway? He was almost angry at her, but that was an irrational feeling, the young genius mused. He was not one to fool himself. He knew she'd made him almost-worry, if only for a moment. So could it be that was the reason he felt almost-angry? Because she had worried him? Or maybe because the reason for worrying was unnecessary? He was almost amused - anger was not an emotion that came to him easily.
Tilting his head slightly he observed Sakura. She stood a bit too rigid. The girl was tired but trying to hide it. He almost sighed out loud in exasperation. She just didn't know when to stop. Stubborn. He hoped this was over soon. The last thing the boy needed right now was for Sakura to pass out on him again. Then again, her hardheadedness was probably the thing that would prevent the faint session from happening again as well.
Oo o oO
'Dammit, Itachi'She thought, 'stop looking at me like you're dissecting me in you head!'
Sakura held in a growl, schooling her facade into one of patience. The Hokage seemed lost in thought. She really hoped he'd snap out of it soon. Her body was aching and stiff from this position.
Alleviation came in the form of a cough from Fumio. Sakura could have almost kissed the guy then and there in sheer relief as the Hokage snapped back to attention. The old man cleared his throat self consciously.
"Ah, yes. Well I'm glad you decided to help out. From what Fumio-san tells me the result might have been fatally different if not." He smiled that smile at the girl. The smile she knew as the smile of the Sandaime of her childhood. That one smile all the villagers knew because he was their caring leader. Nothing about his demeanor right now alluded to the coldness he'd shown a possible spy on her first day awake in this new past. It was almost her undoing as something clenched and unclenched in her chest. As it was, the smile she sent in return was just a bit shaky.
"Oh, yes," He continued, "This might not be the best time, but now that I have you here, there's a different matter all together I'd like to discuss with you."
"Yes?"
"Ah, I was hoping you'd settled well in Konoha by now," he paused, waiting for her nodded confirmation before continuing, "If I'm not mistaken you expressed interest in becoming a Konoha shinobi when you first got here?"
The question was rhetorical but she still affirmed with a curt inclination of her head. Her heart was speeding up she knew what was coming. Finally they'd decided she was worth trusting.
"Well, I don't think there's any reason to send you through the academy, but there's still the formality of a basic written test and the display of a few rudimentary jutsus."
"I'll get the tests ready in the next couple of days," He trailed off until Fumio cleared his throat, "Ah, yes and Fumio-san would like to test your medical skills."
Was it Sakura's imagination or did Itachi just stiffen and glare at Fumio? It had just been the briefest of glances, but she'd had the distinct impression.
"Of course Hokage-sama, I suppose I'll just arrange that with Fumio-san myself."
"That will do."
She was becoming a Konoha ninja again. It was like getting handed back a missing piece of herself, of her old identity. The character that started building in a forest so long ago with a decision to protect her teammates at all costs; leaving behind the self-centered vain girl of her sheltered childhood. Then Sasuke left and she'd become apprenticed to the fifth Hokage. That more than anything had shaped her personality as it was today, and to have such a big part of her taken away had hurt, though not as much as having lost her friends and family in that one go. Still it was like a step towards her real self again and not this made up truthfully lying orphan from rain country taken in by the Slug Sannin.
It would be a weight off her shoulders and she'd finally gain her freedom. Itachi wouldn't have to follow her around anymore and... With a start she realized Itachi wouldn't be her guard anymore, that his mission would surely be over. Certainly Fugaku would demand that she leave the compound then. From the beginning he'd only tolerated her because the Hokage had assured him keeping an eye on her was an important mission. Where would she stay now? How could she possibly stay close to the Uchihas' and prevent the massacre?
"I, Hokage-sama, now that Itachi-san is no longer my g-guide, where am I supposed to stay?" She could not help the waver in her voice.
The Sandaime smiled reassuringly.
"Do not worry, originally I had intended to find you an apartment, but since Fugaku-sama graciously insisted, you will continue your stay with the Uchihas for as long as you wish."
Oo o oO
Itachi had awaited Sakura's reaction to that piece of news with no small amount of anticipation. He was not to be disappointed. For the incredible span of five seconds Sakura had a look of wide-eyed, open-mouthed disbelief written across her face. If it had been in his character to snicker he surely would have.
Then Fumio-san opened his mouth and the look on her face became possibly more hilarious.
"Ah, yes such touching concern for one that is not of his own blood. Uchiha-sama is surely an admirable man."
This had to stop or he would surely lose his composure, and in front of the Hokage that simply couldn't do. Sakura spun towards him and it was almost his undoing. She had the look of one who for the sake of their sanity asks, "you're kidding, right?". He carefully blanked his face, but he could tell by the narrowing of her eyes that she knew he was having fun at her account. Miffed she turned her attention back to the Third and proceeded to ignore him.
Oo o oO
Sakura stalked down the streets of Konoha towards the Uchiha compound, stubbornly keeping her eyes straight ahead and not straying to the young Uchiha that easily kept pace by her side. Damn his longer legs! Itachi could have told her all that beforehand, but he'd kept the information only because he wanted to see her reaction. Stupid Uchiha. Stupid sense of humor. If she was honest with herself she could probably admit that she'd looked positively hilarious back there, but right now was not the time for that. Right now she needed her rightful anger to keep herself from collapse.
She was dead on her feet, but she'd be darned before showing it to the Uchiha.
As it was she was obstinately brushing off his every attempt at asking her a question. She knew what he wanted to ask her and it didn't really matter if he knew or not, but for now it was her sweet revenge. He wanted to know what she needed to speak about privately with the Hokage before they left. She'd just asked the Hokage not to bother Fumio-san with the lack of protocol, since it wasn't really his fault. The man was nice, if a bit overbearing but he just didn't have the air of a leader. She'd told the Hokage she had a few plans to deal with those problems, but for those to succeed she couldn't have the Hokage alienate the head medic to her cause. So all in all not very top secret, but it bothered Itachi all the same not knowing, so it fitted her purpose all the same.
A small vindictive smile curled her lips.
Oo o oO
Upon entering home Mikoto had promptly shoved some food into the young girl and sent her to bed. That was how Sakura found herself quietly drifting into sleep in stiff newly washed sheets. It was nice to just relax for what seemed like the first time that day. This was her bed, in this house where she was no longer just a foreigner under guard, but possibly a resident. Not a part of the family, but this time a real guest.
It was only afternoon but she was so very tired. Her lips curled slightly upwards, Itachi had actually smiled at her today. Green eyes snapped open. She remembered now! Back when team Kakashi fought the Itachi clone... Heavy eyelids slid downwards. She could have sworn, he smiled... just before being hit by the Rasengan... It didn't make any sense, unless...
… With a deep breath, she fell asleep.
Oo o oO
Once again Sakura found herself waking in the early afternoon. If she wasn't careful it would become a bad habit. She'd been asleep for the better part of 24 hours and her chakra reserves were almost up to their regular standards. Now she just needed to get this sluggishness out of her head and body. With a yawn she stood up and went to the bathroom across the hall. A bath would be a divine thing, indeed.
Oo o oO
"Good afternoon, Sakura dear." Mikoto flashed her a brilliant smile as she entered the kitchen led by her twitching nose. There was something decidedly delicious in the air and she was famished.
Sakura stopped in the doorway, practically salivating at the sight of the steaming plate of food; Fried vegetables with slices of glorious tender meat and a serving of rice on the side. Yummy. Nothing like the grub, she'd been trying to force feed herself yesterday.
"I heard you in the bathroom, so I took the liberty of preparing you something. You must be starving now."
For a moment the young girl just stood there. That women was a mind reader. Or rather she was like the essence of a housewife; There were always extra onigiri in the fridge if her boys should get hungry. The moment was gone. Sakura was on her seat in a flash.
"Thank you Mikoto-chan, you're a life-saver." She grinned at the woman. "Itadakimasu."
After two servings Sakura felt unquestionably more like herself. It was like strength had returned to her body. Ready to conquer the world! She looked down at her decidedly more round belly. On second thought maybe she should just focus on devouring this stuff first. Still her head had cleared and her mood risen sky high.
Doing the dishes with the Uchiha lady, Sakura noticed the house was unusually quiet.
"Where's Sasuke today?" She frowned, Itachi's presence was nowhere in the vicinity either.
"I sent him and Itachi out of the house, so you could get as much rest as you needed." Mikoto smiled bemusedly at the girl, "Sasuke wouldn't stop hanging around your door and I knew the moment I wasn't looking he'd enter"
Sakura grinned. She could easily imagine Sasuke tiptoeing worriedly; Why is she not up yet? She's usually up before me. She was just fine yesterday, though she did go to bed early... Are you sure I just can't take a peek? I'll be real quick!
Little Sasuke-chan really was quite adorable.
Oo o oO
It was rather odd not to be obliged to seek out Itachi, but she'd decided to leave the boys to some brotherly alone time. It had been a long time since they'd have any chance at that for longer than the half an hour it took for her to take a bath, after all. That decision had left her at a bit of a loss at what to do. She was once again reminded how dull Konoha was. It would be good to be a shinobi again. Even genin missions sounded exhilarating at this point. In the end she decided to head to the hospital. Maybe they had something she could help with. Also she wanted to check up on Hayate's team. They should still be unconscious since such an extensive healing session exhausts all the body's reserves.
The young girl entered through the front doors of Konoha hospital. She went immediately towards the double doors on the left, that led to the recovery wards.
"Can I help you with something?" a bored voice drawled out. It belonged to the middle aged woman in the reception area.
Sakura froze. She had not counted on being stopped. What to say?
"I'm visiting Gekko Hayate."
The lady frowned and pursed her lips while she looked through her files.
"He is not allowed visitors yet." Her dry lips stretched into a sugary smile showing off yellow teeth. There was something almost vicious about that woman. Emerald narrowed on bloodshot brown. Had there been other people in the reception area they would surely have found the situation quite entertaining. It's not everyday an eleven year old starts up a glaring contest with 'mean Miki', the scariest receptionist in the entirety of Fire country. Then again to work in the entrance area of a place frequented by worried shinobi demanding access you had to grow some backbone.
For more than twenty years Miki had sat in that chair from 8 am to 4 pm Monday through Friday without a single day of illness. Sakura knew because back in the past future she'd been there as well. Tsunade and her used to have a very, interesting relationship.
Rebelliously Sakura lifted one foot off the floor with a vicious smirk. Tension rose exponentially. Brown eyes narrowed more if possible. What was to happen if Sakura had stepped forward was never to be known though, because out the double doors came a smiling young nurse arms filled with papers. Surprised the kunoichi forgot all about her row with Miki as she came face to face with the nurse she'd made her assistant only two days go.
The nurse almost dropped her burden in excitement.
"It's you! I mean, I'm sorry for being rude. I just never got your name." The young woman smiled apologetically.
"It's Sakura," She answered baffled. She had not expected this type of reaction. Actually she'd feared anger. Perhaps the nurse had not realized she'd been blatantly manipulated?
"I don't think I got your name either?"
"Ah, yes. Kyoko it is. Tanaka Kyoko, nice to meet you." Her smile was almost blinding, making Sakura flinch slightly.
"Nice, to meet you too..."
"So what brings you here, Sakura-sempai?"
Sempai? What the? Sempai is a suffix given to your seniors. The woman was twice her age. Awkward seems to be the correct word.
"I just wanted to see how the members of the poisoned chunin team was doing."
"Oh, but of course. Follow me."
A deliberately cleared throat reminded the two of the third presence.
"Ah, sorry I was supposed to deliver these to Miki-san." She swiftly stepped towards the desk and dumped the stack of papers.
"Here ya go," she announced smiling. "Now I'm ready, Sakura-sempai"
The young woman had not managed two steps toward the young girl medic before the older woman once again cleared her throat. Kyoko made an exasperated grimace towards Sakura that had her cracking a smile, before turning to face the disgruntled receptionist again.
"Gekko Hayate and the rest of his team is not allowed visitors. Protocol states..."
"Aargh, screw protocol!"
"..."
Oo o oO
Silence was suddenly heavy in the room. Looking back and forth between the other two occupants of the entrance area the nurse realized she'd said the wrong thing. The dark aura coming off the young girl was matching the one she'd had two days ago when Kyoko was about to breach protocol. She'd later gone through that patients file and realized he'd actually been allergic to that particular brand of antibiotics. Because of the stress she'd almost killed a person. In other words because she hadn't followed protocol. 'Screw protocol' probably wasn't her wisest choice in words.
"W-What I mean is that the situation isn't quite covered by protocol." Uncertainly she glanced between the two, "See, Miki-san, Sakura-sempai isn't a regular visitor. She's more like a... freelance medic?"
Oo o oO
Sakura wasn't particular fond of Kyoko's view of protocol, but realized it was in all likelihood because no one had bothered telling her why those rules existed. She had seemed quite shocked those two days ago. Aside from that she rather liked the woman's easygoing cheerful nature, it was a bit like being with Ino again. Not to mention, she'd gotten her past 'evil guardian dragon' Miki, which was a huge plus in Sakura's book.
Kyoko's clicking of heels were a huge contrast to Sakura's near silent steps as they made their way towards Hayate's room. They had already looked in on the other three members. The nurse chattered happily of hospital gossip all the way. Sakura listened with only half an ear, focusing only when names she recognized came up and making sure to nod and look startled at appropriate points.
When they reached the correct door Kyoko moved to just barge in before Sakura stopped her. Deliberately she raised her hand and knocked twice all the while keeping eye contact with the nurse. Kyoko looked exasperatedly at her.
"Why do you need to knock? He's not awake yet."
"Protocol."
She was about to reply something that obviously sounded logical in her own head, but Sakura interrupted her.
"Never startle a shinobi or you might find a kunai on collision course with your head."
"But he hasn't got any weapons. He's in the hospital!"
"You'd be surprised," was Sakura's darkly dry response. She ignored the young woman's gaping visage and opened the door.
Oo o oO
Sakura had not expected to find the head medic. He was currently taking a few notes on a clipboard, but looked up when the door opened.
"Ah, Sakura-san. Kyoko-san. I did think I heard someone knocking, but usually people just walk in so I didn't really register it." Sakura bristled as he just smiled toothily. He pushed his glasses back up his nose.
"You'll be glad to know Gekko-san should awaken sometime today or tomorrow," He sighed, "The Hokage will be pleased. He needs to send a team to investigate what happened, but he's not about to send a team into a deathtrap. So until one of the four wakes up..."
Sakura sighed. This guy was completely oblivious when it came to read other people's moods. Also he talked too much.
Fumio made a last scribble on the clipboard, before looking at his watch. He frowned slightly.
"Kyoko-san, I believe your shift ended five minutes ago."
Startled at suddenly being addressed it took a moment for the nurse to register what he'd said. As it finally sunk in, she quickly excused herself with a cheery "see you soon" to Sakura.
Sakura was getting the impression the head medic wasn't quite as unaware as he seemed. He'd successfully gotten rid of the witness, essentially cornering her. No, definitely not as dumb as he came off as. She already knew he wanted to test her medical capabilities and knowledge. To him, the academic that he was, she was probably an interesting specimen that had come to his attention.
"Ah, well, I'm done here." He smiled reassuringly, "I wondered if you would like to have a look at the poison. Also I have someone I would like you to meet."
"Sure," Sakura responded guardedly.
Oo o oO
The two of them made their way towards the basement. It was there all the laboratories were placed. Several levels underground was dedicated to medical research. When Konoha Hospital was first built it was decided to leave the above ground level stories to the patients, since they were in need of the sunlight for recovery purposes. As a result to make sure there was enough lighting downstairs, the hallways and labs were bathed in a cold white light from several overhanging halogen spots.
Those expensive lights was only used on the first three basement floors. The fourth floor was barely lit and it was a floor that went against all she believed in as a leaf nin, she'd only been down there once and it was not something she wished to repeat. It was to be expected really, Konoha was a shinobi village despite it's mostly noble preachings.
On the way the man babbled of how he was sure she and his adopted son were going to get along. Quite frankly Sakura didn't care much for meeting this man's son. With her luck he'd be twice as annoying. The only real reason she tagged along and didn't figure out some excuse to be out of there was because she'd really like to have a look at that poison. Curse her curiosity! Still she was partly relieved the head medic was back to being annoying instead of creepy.
Fumio stopped in front of Poison lab number 2. It was a room Sakura had been quite familiar with during her training with Tsunade. The head medic paused for only a second before throwing open the doors and stalking inside. Sakura followed more discreetly.
The kunoichi froze in her tracks, unable to believe her own stupidity. She should have known; Yakushi Fumio. It was obvious.
The young figure standing at a microscope turned to face them upon their entrance. The angry white ceiling light reflected in round glasses and silver bangs not quite as long as the version she knew. He smiled that smile, that all to friendly smile she'd come to associate with dead bodies and chakra scalpels.
Kabuto, Yakushi Kabuto. Dammit!
Oo o oO
"Should we not be leaving the area faster?"
"There is no need to, my poison is flawless. These days no one has the medical knowledge to counter my poisons. Before it's to late, at least."
"Are you not forgetting Tsunade-hime?"
"That woman is a thing of the past."
Author's note
Kyoko = child of the village
Tanaka = common japanese surname means; in the middle of the rice field
Miki = Beautiful Princess, Priceless Beauty, Beautiful Chronicle, Beautiful Tree