Having faith in your abilities, just like having faith in yourself, was the key to success.
Sakura Haruno knew this all too well to have experienced it more than once in her ninja life. Some people were able to perform exceptional acts which could be considered miracles of life. But Sakura had learned that their success was due solely to the faith of the people who performed them. How many times had she seen Tsunade or other of her fellow doctors perform perilous medical operations and succeed simply because they had faith in them. True, they were competent physicians, but mastery of techniques was not everything: it was truly their conviction that they would succeed and obtain the desired result.
Likewise, when she had presented herself for the Chûnin exam, Sakura would not have succeeded in carrying out all this if she had not believed in herself. Just like all the times she had to fight against an enemy : if she hadn't trusted these abilities, she would never have defeated them!
It was partly because of or rather thanks to this that she had become stronger and stronger. Not only physically but also psychically. She knew that if she got discouraged, that she lost that unwavering faith in herself, she could wither away. So yes, she had finally hardened herself and she had strengthened her mind.
And by developing her self-confidence, the young woman had also increased her stubbornness to succeed in what she undertook. And that was what allowed her to save this man from death when everyone else gave up or didn't even try. But not her! Because when Sakura had an idea in mind, a goal, she succeeded. Even though it was difficult, exhausting, off-putting, repulsive, she continued until she was satisfied.
But the pink haired Kunoichi had discovered something else. If faith could make it possible to succeed, the opposite could also serve certain interests. And as much as it bothered her, Sakura knew that war wasn't just about physical confrontation. No, the war was also waged on the psychic level.
How many nations ended up falling ? How many people had surrendered ? All this because they had lost their faith, because the psychological pressure exerted on them had completely destroyed them and they had not been able to bounce back otherwise. So yes, these people and these nations had no other choice but to accept the worst things : no longer having money, no longer having a house, no longer having free will, even considering that they were no longer useful in the world.
But sometimes it only took one person to make a difference. And this, Sakura also knew it only too well to have known Naruto Uzumaki. He was one of those people who was like a glow in the dark. He had never deviated from his goal: to bring Sasuke back to the village and more broadly, to ensure that peace exists between peoples and nations. How many people had the blonde helped to find the path to hope ? Undeniably, he had been the one who had motivated the troops during the Fourth Great War, the one who had made it possible that the Ninja Alliance did not despair and thus that they all became allies.
So it was while thinking of her missing friend that Sakura was convinced that the peace she was seeking with Uchiha Madara had to go through these two aspects of faith.
Believe in yourself and give back hope.
Day 55
It is now two days that Hashuba, the Daimyô of Ta No Kuni had chosen to rally to the cause of Madara Uchiha. He had been a little reluctant at first, but when he received the second letter his doubts and fears were gone. It was very rare to see a chieftain sign by blood because it was proof that he was committed to doing what he had written.
And if the legendary Madara signed with his blood: he would do what he said because he only had one word. So Hashuba decided to keep his word in turn. He began to think long and hard about how to proceed, as it was going to be difficult to remain discreet given Madara's request. If caught doing this, he would be charged with treason against neighboring countries with whom he had trade deals.
— Tanaka ! Called the Daimyo in a loud voice to the attention of his secretary who quickly raised his head in the direction of his lord.
— Yes Daimyô-sama ?
— Send a letter to all council members, tell them to be present within two days ! Ordered the head of the country to his subordinate who hastened to fetch parchments to make the summons.
— It's as if it was Daimyô-sama, assured Tanaka while he was already writing the first letter.
— Suzuki ! Hashuba shouted towards the door.
Barely two seconds passed when a door opened and a stout man entered the room. He was a man in his forties, a few scars strewn over his face, a sign of a warrior's life. In addition, he had an eye patch from an old wound. His jet black hair was tied back in a high ponytail and he was dressed in dark colored samurai armor.
— Daimyô-sama ! Order and I will obey ! The concerned replied, waving his hand against his chest. They had fought together for many years during the Provincial Wars. One became Daimyo while the other was named his closest advisor and head of his armies. Small army of course, but armed all the same.
Hashuba and Suzuki both mastered the basics of chakra. They were not shinobi, but were able to use rudimentary techniques, such as Bunshin No Jutsu or Hengen. However, they were both skilled swordsmen. They were not, however, samurai, for the samurai would not stoop to the use of the chakra which was dishonorable.
— The mirror is the soul of the woman... The Daimyô began in an enigmatic way.
— As the sword is the soul of the warrior, completed the warrior, realizing such a sentence. To anyone else it was just a warrior saying, but to Suzuki and Hashuba it meant that the beginnings of war were near again.
— Reduced surveillance patrols, nations now know our position towards the world, explained the Lord. Besides, I now need our soldiers for something else entirely. You will split our army into several parts and organize many expeditions.
— At your service...
— Spread the word in the city that we are looking for arms for our caravans and that the pay will be up to the task asked... organize this for the next two days. You are going to have to organize caravans and groups that will head through all the elemental nations, revealed the lord seriously,
— Why my friend ? Permitted himself to ask Suzuki who, although he respected his Lord by virtue of his office, was also his friend. He was helping her rule the country by giving her advice and he needed to better understand this sudden demand.
— For the prosperity and peace of this world... replied the Lord before turning to Tanaka and his guards, what will be said here must never leave these walls ! He added in an uncompromising voice.
The Daimyo was surrounded only by trusted people, but threats were always necessary if one did not want to be betrayed by appearing weak.
— Hai ! The other six people in the room answered in chorus: Suzuki, Tanaka and the four bodyguards. Everyone knew that if one of them ever had the idea of betraying their lord, he would lose his head with his own hand.
— Times are changing, and we must evolve with them if we do not want to be eradicated, stated the Daimyô who seemed to have taken a few years all at once as his sentence had been pronounced with gravity.
Day 57
— Ohayo advisers, I have called you all here today to discuss the future of Ta No Kuni and what I expect to do, Hashuba started looking at his advisers. They were six in number so that even if there was a tie in the arguments, the Daimyo would decide.
They were installed on the floor on cushions, Suzuki to his right and the other five in front of him. Only his secretary Tanaka was placed on a table to record the entire conversation.
— As we manage to survive thanks to our agreements with the great neighboring countries, I received an offer that I could not neglect, continued the feudal lord to the attention of his public. He poured himself a hot cup of tea before continuing. This person is ambitious and wants what we have always wanted to bring : the prosperity of our country.
— Who is this person Daimyô-sama ? Asked a very old man, by the way he was the oldest in the assembly, approaching sixty years old, which was even a feat to reach such an age at that time.
— I will keep his name hidden for the moment Rômaji-sama, Hashuba replied respectfully. He may have been the lord of this country, but Rômaji had always brought him precious advice which led him to where he was now. And that's why he showed him so much respect, but also because he was very old. Know that he will come and meet us in person when the time is right for him to come forward.
— What is he asking us ? Suzuki questioned still in his fighter's armor.
— To prepare, to make huge reserves, to enlarge the capital to accommodate people, Hashuba explained, remembering the last letter that he too had burned so that no one could read it.
— Did he say why ? Rômaji asked who was trying to understand why such a request, if not to make war. The old man in turn grabbed a hot cup of tea before pouring some sugar into it. It was a scarce commodity and only those of the nobility could afford to have sugar.
— He said everything would be explained in the near future, assured Hashuba,
— It may cost our treasure Daimyô-sama dearly, I doubt that we have the necessary finances to achieve such a project, argued another man younger than the others this time. He was one of Hashuba's sons, he was not a fighter, but he was extremely good at managing the country's economy.
— This man is extremely wealthy and has pledged to provide us with the necessary funds for his projects, Hashuba explained to his son before raising the cup to his lips and gently blowing on it.
— What is the proof that he doesn't lie to us ? Rômaji asked wisely.
The old man, from his experience, preferred to make sure that it was not a trap to weaken the country in order to conquer it later. It was known to the world that Ta No Kuni was a neutral country which indirectly had the protection of the great countries which surrounded it.
— A seal of blood...
This simple answer silenced everyone because very few people used this practice which was a solemn commitment.
— Do we not risk attracting the anger of other countries by accepting his offer ? Suzuki worried, seeing the negative side of the proposal. He was a fighter, but had lived through enough battles to wish to avoid future ones.
— That's what I thought too... it is more than likely that we will suffer the wrath of neighboring countries when they find out what we are going to do... but the person who contacted me... has the power to change the world.
— What are your guidelines then ? Suzuki asked.
— We need to gather enough resources to accomplish our goal and find subtle ways to do it to be as discreet as possible.
— Hmm... we have to send caravans to all the countries in order to collect as much food as possible in the event of a siege. Since we don't have a shinobi army, they'll be less suspicious of our caravans, Rômaji offered after a moment of thought.
— I think we should avoid capitals as much as possible, suggested Hashuba's son.
— Your son Daimyô-sama rightly, unless we have a real reason we should avoid capitals... at least at first... and everything will depend on the following instructions from this man, argued another advisor a loud voice.
— I will make contact with friends at Kaminari No Kuni, I could get good arrangements for food, Rômaji continued, gently stroking his white beard.
— Do any of you know someone competent in Fûinjutsu ? Asked at any chance the feudal lord who received only negative nods, except from Rômaji who was still touching his beard.
— If it's something simple, I think I have the man for it.
— Perfect, because we will have to seal all our reserves and put them in a safe place.
— And what do you plan to do for the city ? Asked Daiki, her son.
— Start work... Tanaka ! You will prepare an announcement for tomorrow, that a huge construction site is going to start and that we need manpower, Hashuba dictated towards his secretary.
— Hai !
— Now we have to decide where to send our caravans... stated the Daimyo as Tanaka hastened to lay several cards of the elemental nations on the ground in front of the council.
Day 75
For almost three weeks now Sakura had been imposing rehabilitation exercises on her patient who could feel lucky to have this woman at his bedside. He had a doctor who took care of him twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. But above all, he was not just any doctor, he was one of the greatest the world had. ever known and the most powerful today.
Normally, to relearn to walk with a back injury, it took years of work to expect to stand. Even more to walk alone. But thanks to Sakura's knowledge and her Iryô Ninjutsu, this would be settled in a few months.
— Why does it take so long to heal ? Madara asked who had no idea how long it would take the human body to recover. He had hardly ever been hurt thanks to his skills and his Sharingan. So being in recovery was totally new to him... especially for so long.
— Do you consider yourself privileged Uchiha-san, if I weren't here it would take years before I could walk again, Sakura replied while injecting her chakra into Madara's legs to repair her muscles after the effort.
— Is it arrogance that I perceive ? Madara asked with a small smile. It was the first time he had seen the young woman boast of her abilities, she who had always been humble and discreet.
— I consider you the most powerful ninja of the elemental nations and you think the same... replied the doctor still focused on her work. Does that make you arrogant ?
— I see your point of view, Madara replied, realizing that there was nothing arrogant about saying that you were the best when it was a reality.
— Some more flexions and extensions, ordered Sakura which the man executed with enthusiasm.
Anything that could give him the use of his legs was okay to take, so he never shied away from the directions she gave him. It was much easier now, he practically managed to bring his leg up to his chest. It was proof that everything was healing correctly thanks to the young woman.
— If you had to rank for Haruno-san power, where would you rank ? Madara asked very interested in his answer. After all, he had seen a lot of her abilities, but didn't know what she thought of herself.
— It's subjective... Started Sakura who began to think about where she was in relation to the shinobi world. As you know, even a child can kill the most powerful of fighters if they are prepared.
— You know what I mean Haruno-san, replied Madara who saw Sakura beating around the bush.
— Hmm... As I am not known... only five people would be able to kill me... but of course it is relative, finally answered the cherry blossom which was based on its knowledge of the Sengoku era. If she was in her own time, many ninja would have been able to be her equal, but only because they knew her abilities.
— Who are they ? Madara insisted, curious to know these people.
— You, Tobirama Senju, Ashina Uzumaki, Mû and Gengetsu Hôzuki. Each of those five people, if they were engaged in a fight to the death against me, would probably kill me… Explained Sakura who knew her own limits and who knew when she was outclassed.
If she were to engage in a fair fight against these five individuals, it would be very difficult for her to come out.
— Of course, they would be in a bad state too. But I know my limits... she confessed then.
— You don't include Hashirama ? The dark-haired man wondered that his rival and former friend was not mentioned.
— He's dead... Sakura added as if it was a simple banality.
— Good point, why would you lose to those four other people ? Madara asked in disgust and anger, thinking back to Tobirama for he was a man he most wanted to be eradicated from the face of the earth. He who had caused the death of his brother!
Sakura stopped what she was doing before sitting down on the floor, thinking about the question. She had the advantage of knowing a lot about these two people from the books, but framing it was a whole different story.
— Tobirama, like Hashirama and yourself, are virtuosos of the ninja arts. He's a veteran, so unless you surprise him he would eventually outperform me, he is certainly not an army killer, but he is an outstanding fighter. Regarding Ashina... one word: Fûinjutsu. Thanks to my knowledge of Fûinjutsu, I know that he would be able to take armies on his own. As for Mû, it is notorious to become invisible and I am not a sensory type. And as for Gengetsu Hôzuki... you know very well why I won't stand a chance against him. This man has a reputation for being invulnerable. On the other hand, if they make the mistake of underestimating me, they would die in an instant, conceded the young woman sure of herself.
— I am always surprised to have never heard of you...
— I am a woman and it is a world without pity for the female sex... so I have acted three-quarters of my life under a Hengen. Ok now spread your legs, do a squat, but don't overdo it.
Madara did so and felt the pain in his knees as he bent, he sat up to the limit.
— Well, now hold on to me, said Sakura, standing just to her right. Would you like a little walk in the garden ?
Sakura had a wonderful smile on her lips as she said this sentence, because it involved a lot of things. Among other things, that Madara was finally ready to be able to walk.
— Hai, I would like very much, exclaimed the brunette who could not believe his ears while a very thin smile stretched on his lips. It was the first time that Sakura saw a smile on his face, and it comforted her in her choice concerning this man.
— Lean against me and take your time, recommended Sakura planted at the side of the brunette to support him. The concerned leaned on the young girl and walked very slowly through the main room, one step at a time.
He was moving slowly and that was priceless for Madara. If he had been alone he probably would have shed tears of happiness, but he was a man... and a man never showed his weaknesses. So he swallowed the feeling and concentrated on his legs.
Once at the French windows, he had to take a staircase made up of three steps. It was much more difficult than walking on the flat and bending his leg made him lose his balance. Luckily, Sakura was there to help him and she prevented him from falling to the ground before stabilizing him.
— Easy... Said Sakura kindly.
He brought his second leg next to the first. He had just come down the first step, with difficulty and help, but he succeeded. He was not judged or criticized and could take his time to succeed. So it was with great motivation that Madara lifted her right leg to take the second step. He adjusted his position thanks to Sakura and finally managed to descend the last two stairs.
The feeling of contentment and pride was too great this time and he could neither hide the smile on his face nor the start of tears on his eyes. Still, no tears were shed, but Sakura saw this emotion. She saw the great Uchiha Madara human being: the cold and bloodthirsty being did indeed have a heart and could feel emotions.
After about ten meters, the two protagonists arrived at the edge of the cliff where a wooden bench was placed. She helped her patient to sit comfortably before joining him to admire the view.
— It's beautiful... Madara whispered looking at the valley in front of him. It stretched out as far as the eye could see, disappearing into the horizon. Many mountains made up the land of rice fields and it must have been a difficult place to access.
— Hai.
Long minutes passed in comfortable silence. Everyone in their own thoughts, staring at the horizon and enjoying this moment of peace. Nevertheless, Madara observed the young woman at his side. She was anything but normal, a woman who started out with a unique hair color. Her way of dressing was anything but traditional, she dressed in weird clothes but he couldn't help but find her beautiful in her style.
Her hair had grown a little bit since the first time they had met. They came to her a little below her chin in a sort of faded square, delicately encompassing her face. She wore today white pants accompanied by a striped top made up of several colors, green, red, beige, black. It blended well with her face.
Madara had known many women in his life, he had known carnal desire, physical attraction, but what he had been feeling for some time was a sensation he could not define and it scared him a little. Because after all, the unknown was scary and many preferred to close their eyes than to go in this direction.
— Why do you despise Uchiha-san women ? Suddenly asked the young woman with pink hair. She slowly shifted her gaze in the brunette's direction, her face filled with curiosity. She wanted to know what made a man like him despise the feminine gender.
— Because they are useless and weak... Madara began, looking downwards. Two months ago, he would have ended his sentence like this, but not after meeting Sakura, he added : At least, for the majority.
— Do you consider me weak or useless ? Sakura asked without looking away. She wanted to make him think, she wanted him to change and evolve in the right direction. In a way, what Sakura was doing was psychologically manipulating. Prove that what you thought was not necessarily the right thing, but by making sure that the thought came from the concerned person and not from an external source.
— No... I must admit that you are the only woman I respect, Madara confessed and that made Sakura very happy. It was very difficult to gain the respect of this man and for a woman to earn it it was the equivalent of the end of the world.
— Why ? Sakura continued in her stride.
— You know very well why, retorted Madara reluctant to detail his thoughts on this subject.
— I would still like to hear it from you Uchiha-san, insisted the young Kunoichi who finally got what she wanted.
— Because you are strong and independent, conceded the chieftain. He could only admit that she had these qualities he had just stated and it was weird to see the weaker sex so different from his upbringing. Her father had always told her that women were of no use, that women were nothing less than objects and that they should serve men!
— And why do you think I am what you say ?
— Predisposition, the vagaries of life, training, Madara thought, thinking of what could have made Sakura so competent.
— What if we gave the same opportunities that I had to other women ? Do you think these women would always be... useless and weak ? Asked Sakura who wanted to make understand her point of view to the brown one, that the women were the equal of the man provided they were given the chance to prove it.
Madara was skeptical of what Sakura was saying. To him, she was a unique being that no other woman could match. Even with training Madara strongly doubted that this would be possible.
— I doubt that another woman will reach your ankle...
— A man becomes strong and powerful through Uchiha-san training, a woman is only useless because men have decided that she will be useless ! If you were to give these women the chance to have the same education, training and training as men, you would see that women are far from useless and weak, Sakura explained seriously.
She knew what she was talking about because she had seen many women in her life who were exceptional. Women who were even superior to men in some areas.
— Of course, both men and women can be good or bad in certain areas. But someone's strength shouldn't be defined by the existence of a pair of balls between their legs. It is only through his beliefs and faith in his abilities that a person becomes a strong person, Sakura argued vehemently.
Madara remained silent in the face of this speech, it went against all of his teachings. He could not suppress twenty years of teaching in a snap, it was already extraordinary that he had listened without reacting or even that he had listened to the young woman at all.
— Of course, a woman can never surpass a man when it comes to brute strength, but a woman is more agile, lighter, more flexible and can fight in a completely different way than a man could, Sakura continued facing the silence of the brunette who seemed deeply immersed in his thoughts.
— I will never try in my life a standoff with you Haruno-san, affirmed the brunette on the subject of brute force. He knew that if he tried to coerce Sakura with physical force, he would be the loser, no doubt.
- Wise decision, smiles Sakura before continuing. All this to say that when we have our people, I would like you to consider my words. Women are not objects and even less useless ... yes we are more physically fragile, yes we are more sensitive, but we remain human beings just as capable as any man. Just as not all men are meant to be great fighters.
— I would think about it... Madara conceded.
If it had been someone other than Sakura who had made the speech, he would have ignored her completely. But he couldn't ignore a woman like Sakura, not after what she had done for him.
— Thank you, said Sakura before getting up and stretching her hand towards Madara. It's time to get Uchiha-san home.
The man grabbed the hand and sat up slowly. He wanted to keep Sakura's soft hand in his, without knowing why he had the sudden urge. Reluctantly, he let go of her hand the better to lean against her arm to walk. They took the time it took for the brunette to cover the distance and especially the stairs. And once again in the house, properly installed so that he could rest his legs, the man called out to the young woman who was about to go and prepare the meal.
— Haruno-san ?
The young woman turned to observe the man calling her ; he had a deep voice, as if about to make an official announcement.
— I am very grateful to you for everything you do for me. You took me out of the clutches of death, took care of me, gave me back the use of my legs. For all this and all you are going to do, thank you... Sakura-san.
Sakura was speechless, she really didn't expect to receive such thanks from this man one day. Besides, he hadn't called her Haruno-san, but Sakura-san, proof that she had become someone important to him. She didn't know what to say, a whole bunch of different emotions were going through her right now.
— You are welcome, Madara-san, she replied in a voice almost trembling with emotion, before leaving the room to go to the kitchen.