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Entering, the door released an imperfect little creak. It shut soundlessly. Sakura took in how the sun shined on the timeless furniture and its surroundings inside the premises of the long corridor. Her finger grazed the top of a commode, no dust. There were four doors. Looking up she ventured into an open room, she felt as if it was waiting for her to cross its threshold. Coming to a stop in front of a tidily organized desk, her curiosity sparked. In the middle sat a letter, gently poked by the sun.
To Sakura, From Tobirama.
Smiling she shook her head, because of course he'd use the most simplest of forms despite their very not simple relationship. The letter felt light in her hand, folded three times she noted. Her fingertips skimmed the outline and she carefully unfolded it. Her breath hitched and her nose prickled by the first word simply because it was his handwriting. A thought settled in her mind right then.
Could a certain type of handwriting, belonging to a certain man, give so much comfort that her whole body lit up?
She smiled a broken smile. There was no Hello, My Dearest or even a Sakura. It cut straight to the matter, just like he cut through speed.
The sole cause of you opening this very letter can mean only one thing – you have fallen deeply into darkness. Believe me when I say that I am so very sorry for that. However, by the end of this letter I expect you to stand up and fight. Do not even dare to stain the memory of me by giving up. Do not let the past steal your present moreover, I challenge you to make your present life a masterpiece until your very last breath. I challenge you to join the ranks of those people who live what they teach, who walk their talk. I firmly believe, no, I know you are one of them and what more Sakura, you are one of a kind. How can I possibly know that, you surely think? The answer is simple.
I love you. I love you desperately, violently, tenderly, completely.
You would say it is too soon to feel this way. You would ask how I could be so certain. But some things cannot be measured by time. Ask me an hour from now. Ask me a month from now. A year, ten years, a lifetime. The way I love you will outlast every calendar, clock, and every toll of every bell that will ever be cast.
I discovered a pivotal universal truth upon walking on this earth without you. You can love someone so much…But you can never love people as much as you can miss them. How much I miss you is equally as much as there are stars in the sky.
I want to talk with you forever. I remember every word you've ever said to me. Each memory of you clings tenderly to me. There are things that I have never told you, things that are not meant for the ears, only available for the eyes. Things which were meant to be written in this very letter for this very occasion.
One of them would be the moment you quite literally popped up in front of me whilst I was in the middle of battle. My heart stopped when I saw you take the blow instead of Izuna. Until today I have no explanation for it. At that time one thought had spilled my thoughts –
Why would she do that for him?
The first thing I noticed back then was your hair, but then I saw your eyes. Sakura, your forest green eyes – they took my breath away. Of course you had to open your mouth and the spell was gone.
Another time, when you were sparring with your summon, I was silently watching you from afar. Your movements fascinated me, you looked desperately free. Careless, without a single worry.
Yet by far the biggest impact you had on me was when you have told me to teleport and leave you alone, at the mercy of the Uchiha. I had to bite my lip all the way back to our camp so I wouldn't return for you. It hurt me physically to leave.
Do you know the exact moment when I realized that I have fallen for you? It was back then.
You were beaten, broken and shed of your innocence. I thought I was turning mad. I waited day in, day out for you to wake up. The mere thought of you never opening your beautiful eyes with those imperfect little sparks of yellow was breaking me apart. From that point on, I considered you my second half.
There was that time where I volunteered to act as decoy for Kumogakure's Kinkaku Butai. I was determined to die that day. Of course you had to come and rescue me, and I was so very grateful. Not because I didn't die, but because I was granted to spend more time with you. That didn't stop you from vanishing on me again, though.
If I were allowed to have any regrets, it would be to have not been born in the same time as you. I know for a fact, trust me, that were you to have permanently lived in mine, I would have made you love me and we would have had a fullfiling life. Every love has its own time. That time was not ours.
I wanted to tell you that before I left how completely abjectly sorry I am for all the pain I will most certainly have caused you with this letter and that the moment I die, know that you were the one true love of my life and that the last thing I will think about will be you, my last breath will be spend by murmuring your name. Please know I am still always at your side… Yet I know that it is by no means enough. That is why I wish from the bottom of my heart that you will find yourself in love with someone.
That kind of love that awakens the soul and makes us reach out for more, that plants a fire in our hearts and brings peace to our minds. And that is what you have given me. That is what I hope you will be given.
Now, stand up and walk straight ahead with your head held high.
She sniffed, her nose prickled again. Gently, with the heel of her hand she wiped the streaming tears away.
"They won't stop." No matter how hard she rubbed, for each she took came another. Hiccupping, she let them be. "Huh.." She just now realized how scratchy her voice was, how dry her mouth and how very empty her heart had been before. Before the letter. His letter. Him.
It was inevitable, really. The dam she so carefully build around herself broke.
Itachi, Shisui and The Third didn't comment on the disarray that was her face when Sakura stepped outside. The wind picked up the second she looked up, it was maybe but a minute however, when she turned her head in their direction and nodded with a bittersweet smile, a grieving smile, they knew.
Sakura was back.
On their trip back she moved with intention, each step perfectly aligned to the next branch that would carry her weight. They travelled in silence, giving the pink haired kunoichi space and a little time. Soundlessly, they reached the gate. Sakura thanked and apologized in a deep bow, they accepted. What else could they do, really? Itachi watched her head in the direction of her shared apartment with Orochimaru.
Would she move to Tobirama-sama's house now? He wondered.
Orochimaru greeted her with a rare hug and a kiss on the top of her head. She bowed deeply and apologized to him, as well. She entered her room, changed into her mission gear of blue leggings ending inches underneath her knees and a red tunic. Heelless sandals adorned her feet and she braided her hair.
"You're leaving." Orochimaru stated, leaning against the doorframe with crossed arms. Sakura stopped short and after a moment turned her head giving Orochimaru her sweetest smile so far.
"I won't be long." He nodded, worriless this time. His gut told him she'd be safe to whenever it was her ability took her.
Leaving without a backpack, Sakura exited via her window and let Air carry her to a space with lots of trees and flowers, a safe distance away from any buildings. Sitting in a meditative pose, she closed her eyes.
She was in the beautifully lit space again, with Ootsutsuki Kaguya - Hime's form freely towering miles above her.
"I shall grand you your wish, child of mine." The tingle of her whisper engraved Sakura wholly.
"Thank you."
X
X
"Nawaki!" Tobirama yelled, the force of his voice echoing through the forest, yet his nephew didn't hear him yell. His whole team was watching, unable to act on time – not him though. No, he wouldn't let Hashirama's youngest grandchild die. Not on his watch, not ever. He pushed with speed never used before, quicker than wind. Twenty feet left, he could do it. In an eye-blink he was inside the triggered explosion but his razor-sharp awareness knew beforehand – one Hiraishin takes zero point one seconds. It was quicker to save Nawaki and die in his place. The last thing he saw were his nephew's widened pupils then nothing.
Senju Tobirama, Second Fire Shadow, brother to the god of Shinobi was dead. Dying in action, saving his nephew. Just like he always wished to end his life, in a gesture of heroism and his deep care for those living in Konohagakure.
The ceremony was held on a sunny day, it was scorching hot which surprised everyone, for the day before it rained buckets and thunder made each face wince with the realization of their chosen Protector being no more. Tsunade held Nawaki's shaking form, her brown eyes sunken with worry. It was selfish of her, really, to be grateful for her great-uncle's sacrifice. No one noticed her tears were ones of gratitude, not grief.
Uzumaki Mito stood next to her grandchildren. Her face was weary, since her early days she had seen many precious people die. When Hashirama made his dream come true she had hoped for less loss. A time of peace even, with her fifty-six years she hadn't seen true peace yet and probably never would. Images of pink hair flashed before her, her tears had gotten the better of her. Shielding her unsightly face with the ends of her long sleeves she cried for Tobirama and his unrequited love. Her heart clenched, Sakura had been his only love. He never looked at other women twice, because he simply knew they weren't her. No one was. So he decided to wait and hope and be patient until he may see her again. Mito hoped they finally found each other, those star-crossed lovers.
Not one was aware that their final moment has already taken place. The Moon and the Sun already met, in the exact moment of the explosion.
Instead of the unawareness death brought with it, Tobirama was surprised to find himself in a brilliantly lit sphere. There was no floor yet, he could stand. He took every speck of color in, not quite believing it.
"Tobirama." His heart – did he still have one? – jumped at that voice. Her voice. Inhaling shakenly he turned only to see her gentle smile, full of dare he even say.. love?
"Sakura.." He whispered. "Sakura." This time it sounded grounded. "Sakura!" He closed the distance between them and embraced her, feeling the silk that was her hair, smelling her fragrance, feeling her physical form – it was no illusion. He withdrew and looked at her. Really looked at her. All those unsaid things were delivered with this simple gesture. They needed no words. Gently, Sakura placed her hand on his cold cheek. Her eyes warmed at the sight of Tobirama.
"How can you be so certain?" She quoted. Tobirama felt warm inside, clenched his eyes shut and smiled. Because she read it. His red irises were glistening when he opened them again.
"Because I love you. I love you desperately, violently, tenderly, completely."
And he kissed her, embracing her with his whole body. It started tender, unbelievingly so and escalated into a battle of wills. Both were panting when their foreheads connected.
"I don't want you to go." He whispered, nuzzling her neck tenderly. Sakura leaned into it and smiled.
"I don't wanna go." She kissed his crone as he scattered butterfly kisses across her shoulder and jaw. She took his hand and releasing a shaky breath said. "Let's sit down."
He didn't move from the position on Sakura's neck. "Why?" His voice was muffled against her collar bone and she giggled, it felt tingly.
"So you can ask me questions, silly." She answered patiently, as if waiting for a child to calm down from their sugar rush. Sighing he obliged and they positioned themselves in a lovers embrace. Sakura was sitting between his legs and leaned into his chest then closed her eyes. The scenery changed to a summer meadow, a gentle breeze accompanied their hushed talk. Tobirama leaned against the tree that appeared out of nowhere.
"This is real, is it not?" Sakura hummed, content. "Tell me about your childhood." Tobirama placed his head on top of hers and closed his arms around her.
"Hmm.." He felt her voice vibrate. "I was raised by civilian parents. Haruno Kizashi and Mebuki, at some point they had been genin, I think." She scrunched her nose, concentrating. Tobirama exhaled against her neck, she told him to stop since it was a ticklish spot, knowing that now he didn't. Sakura continued her story. "I was spoiled since I had no siblings, so their attention was wholly on me. When they enrolled me in the academy I didn't leave my room for a straight day."
"You didn't wish to be a kunoichi?" He asked, raising a disbelieving brow. Sakura chuckled.
"Nope."
"What made you change your mind?" He asked, intrigued.
"Well, there was no point in crying over spilled milk so I grudgingly accepted their decision." She smiled, remembering the exact moment when she took a liking to her might-be future. "Y'know, I was bullied because of my large forehead, which meant I was the class-loser. I had no backbone to fight back, really." It was pathetic, she thought looking back at the scene of her crouched form and crocodile tears running down her face. "Then!" She exclaimed dramatically. "There came this blonde girl and long story short I had a red ribbon and we became besties."
"What happened next?" Tobirama asked since Sakura went silent.
"Oh, we became rivals 'coz we liked the same boy." Sakura grinned while Tobirama sweat-dropped. "Guess what? He was a Uchiha." She made eye-contact and Tobirama narrowed his eyes upon hearing this little tidbit of information. Without warning he kissed her demandingly and long. Their lips parted with a loud smack. Sakura blushed, lowering her head. He smirked. She cleared her throat, murmuring something incoherent.
"A – Anyway, the Academy ended and we were each assigned a specific team of three. I ended up with Uzumaki Naruto and Uchiha Sasuke. Later, they would be known as Konoha's Hero and the Avenger. It was a bumpy ride, really. In the end I did find my drive and strove under Tsunade-shishou." The wind grew while she remained silent for a little while, remembering her past.
"Why Avenger?" Of course he would ask that, Sakura smiled. Not at all surprised.
"He was the last remaining member of the Uchiha clan. His older brother, Uchiha Itachi, had killed all of his clansmen in a single night. But he couldn't bring himself to kill his little brother. Nobody knew at that time but he acted on the Third's orders. Konoha decided to annihilate the Uchiha before a coup de'tat could've taken place."
"Who was the Third?" Tobirama already knew, he had to make sure though.
"Sarutobi Hiruzen. The decision was made too rash and it was mostly Shimura Danzo who pushed everything."
"Danzo died decades ago, Sakura." She chuckled and gave Tobirama a one-armed hug.
"I'm talking about my original timeline."
"It must be confusing, living on the edge. Never knowing where you'll land." His expression saddened.
"Don't worry, I'm fine. I would even go as far as call it normal." She laughed. He squeezed her in return, seeing through her. They fell into an easy silence, listening to their heartbeats and enjoying the moment. Tobirama broke the silence.
"When are you now?" Sakura looked into the sky, wondering about that herself.
"When I asked the Hime to send me to you, I was around.. give or take forty years in the future." She calculated.
"How is it?" His voice was soft, Sakura caught his undertone. She kissed him on the nose, smiling.
"Peaceful." She lied easily. Tobirama didn't want to burst her bubble so he accepted her answer. A few minutes and another kiss later Sakura grew solemn. Her guts told her it was time to part with Tobirama.
"Did you enjoy this?" Sakura asked Tobirama, looking into his red eyes. Nodding he closed his arms around her with more force. Sakura let her head rest against his neck, smelling the smoke from the explosion.
"It's time." She declared. Both rose to face each other. They said words without saying them, the long silence filled with more meaning than any sentences could've ever hoped to achieve.
"Maybe – "
" – if it was in another time –" she filled in.
" – and another world – " he conjured.
" – we would have been given a choice in this." They stated at the same time.
Sakura lowered her eyes, clenched them shut and willed the tears away. She snapped her head back up and smiled the best she could muster.
The light took them both away, ripping their embrace apart and sending them into different parts of the universe.
Senju Tobirama, Second Fire Shadow, brother to the god of Shinobi died with a smile on his face whispering the name of his lover.
Unknown to Sakura nor Tobirama or anyone else really, something magical happened at the very moment their souls had touched for the very last time. A sparkle shot out into the vast cosmos, intent on a single destination. It has landed in a different world, just like they said. At the same time.
X
X
01. September, Tokyo.
Leggings clad legs held a marathon throughout the vast streets of Japan's capital. An outspread arm held a book above one pink head hopeful not to soak. The other was clutching a messenger bag, intent on not losing it to the crowd. A cupid-formed mouth exhaled and inhaled in rapid succession, the lip-gloss long gone. The green trench flew behind the girl and her long tresses of hair with it, abandoned by the neatly formed braid long ago.
"Sorry!" She screamed. "Excuse me!" That might have just been an elbow to ones stomach. "Let me through, please!" She wheezed, intent on making it on time. Her superior hated tardiness and loved sake, from which the second sounded nonessential but was in fact, quintessential when it came to ass-licking.
Emerald eyes widened, the building was in sight – Hooray! Not caring in the least about traffic – and it should be a priority in a city such as this, which looking back at the scenario made her an idiot – she shot through the jamming traffic, already planning her to-do list.
And swiftly got hit by a car.
Current state of mind: Concussion. Indication of bodily harm by breathing: Achy. Note To Self: Do not run into a fully functioning car.
A cool hand made her want to concentrate on the almost fairy glow of it. Upon further inspection she came to believe to have met her guardian angel. It was noteworthy how he motioned her astray legs in position and quite literally swept her off the floor.
"You're quite physical for a guardian angel." She heard herself murmur and heard a suppressed snort. She was sure it would have been a lovely sound.
"And you're surprisingly lucid after your run-in with my car." If it was sarcasm she heard, it wasn't noted because almost as if a spell was lifted, she blacked out. To everyone's amazement, her bag was still tightly clutched between her bruised fingers.
Quite the spitfire, Tobirama summarized.
X
X
Tsukihiko felt the familiar pull of the summoning technique and let himself transport. Amidst trees, grass, flowery and a house sat his most recent underling; Sakura. Searching her from head to toe with his impeccable gaze he found her alive but changed. She was rough around the edges, her energy flow controlled in a very much perfectionistic nature.
"You are back." He concluded. Sakura opened her eyes and smiled, the gesture calculated.
"Ready to dispatch." After an awkward silence, Sakura continued. "Do you have any intel on Uchiha Byakko's murderer?" Tsukihiko crossed himself, seriousness reigned. Any notion of awkwardness gone.
"My sources told me he was positively confirmed to be an Uchiha. However, his face was obscured by a mask therefore his identity remains unknown. No notable clan member reached the strength of the White Tiger of the West."
"So it was an outsider, then. A possible fraud?" Sakura questioned.
"That option remains open." The rabbit titled his head in concentration. "He took the Uchiha clan head's life, in his own home nonetheless, and managed to escape. The battle was fierce but quick, when it ended people were still wondering. There was no time to act for Shinobi, only Byakko. Despite that he managed to cut the hand of his killer off, but.." He squinted his brows.
"But?" Sakura prompted.
"He was relieved of his eyes and some skin." Sakura's body tensed.
"..Byakko had Uchiha and Senju blood running through his veins. Which means – "
" – he might have possessed the Rinnegan, and even if he didn't his genes were the perfect recipe for it." Her summon provided. Sakura stood up.
"Have you had word with any of the Hokage?" Tsukihiko shook his head.
"I will notify them but I believe they came to the same conclusion, given that Byakko-san's body was left behind." He snorted.
"That is probably because of the time-frame. Lucky for us." Sakura nodded grimly. Her thoughts were divided between the mourning Uchiha and their lack of a clan heir. Byakko-san did tell her about future possible prospects. They were having a maelstrom in midst a tragedy. She started to head for the Hokage tower when Tsukihiko's voice cut through.
"This house.. it smells of him." The wind picked up, providing Sakura with fresh air. She inhaled greedily.
"It is mine now." In the corner of her eyes she saw him nod. The moment her feet touched the tress and she exited the barrier she felt freed. Her expression changed to one that many feared and would start to fear. Stepping onto another branch she planned her further steps. There was a lot to cover, starting with finding the murderer of Yuu's and Madara's son. How sad it was, seeing their lineage end with the tragic loss of their only offspring. Shaking her head, Sakura prompted forward.
There was no time for nostalgia, she had a killer to catch.
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There. The Tobirama part is officially over now. From this point onwards, it'll be guided toward ItaSaku, as it was and still is my original plan.
Seeing as lots of you like the way I portray TobiSaku, I decided to create an adjacent story, aligned with the modern world plot I've put in here. It'll be in the far future though.
Lastly, thank you for reviewing, faving and most importantly liking my story! It means the world to me.