AN: Note that I do not own Naruto, Naruto Shippuden, or any of the characters from either Anime. This work is a fanfiction written out of my love for the series and not in any attempt to make a profit.
Proofread by: Author and Kyluxia
A little late with this upload, but I still uploaded it. Yay me. I hope it was worth the wait for those who worried.
Chapter 48: The beginning of a date
Acupuncture wasn't an entirely foreign concept to the twins. They knew of the practice to be an alternative medicinal art of questionable origins and according to Tsunade, a pseudoscience. They had inquired to Tsunade about the art when they read about it. While stabbing a person full of needles to cure them of diseases or pains seemed far-fetched, similar effects could be achieved with senbons if one knew what they were doing. Tsunade had informed them that if that was what the intention one used the needles for, it might prove to be of some benefit, but the art hadn't been developed by Shinobi or chakra users. Tsunade had then admitted to having attempted to adapt the idea for medicinal use herself, and while possible, the traditional use of the Mystical Palm Technique was far more effective. There hadn't ever been a need to develop the art properly, as it would end up less useful or effective, not to mention time-consuming than what anyone would ever have use for.
The twins had agreed with Tsunade, even before Tsunade gave them her research on the topic. While the needles themselves were harmless, infections and other complications could easily arise when used by an amateur. In the hands of a professional, the treatment could in fact provide pain-relief and short-lasting benefits, but from Tsunade's conclusions, unless one used the needles in combination with medical chakra, it was all a result of the state of mind, rather than a physical effect caused by the treatment itself. Something which could be achieved using easier means.
Understandably, the twins weren't really interested in going through with a pointless, potentially harmful, and painful treatment like that. The rest of the itinerary seemed alright, but the Acupuncture was a definite no-go.
Sakura was about to leave the changing room and ask Sai that they not go through with the treatment, even if it would only take about an hour, but found herself stopping. Despite their knowledge of the treatment, there was still some amount of professional curiosity within them that wanted to experience it, even if just to say that they had done it. There was also the matter of Sai, and the need to consider his feelings. He had been reintroduced to the social side of Shinobi life relatively recently, and this was his attempt at making a good impression on a first date. Suffering through a one-hour session to spare his feelings, might be a better idea. They could always tell him about the uselessness of Acupuncture later, claiming to have researched it after the date.
Agreeing together that it might be a better idea, the twins decided that they wouldn't sour the date by avoiding it. If the treatment did cause any issues, they were confident that they could treat it themselves afterward, and considering the establishment's exclusive nature, Kotone was likely a professional.
Granted, Acupuncture wasn't the first of the activities on the itinerary. First, came a full body oil massage, followed by a hot sand bath. Then it would be time for Acupuncture in combination with Aromatherapy relaxation, and lastly, there would be a cold mineral bath, followed by a second, hot, mineral bath. Sakura optimistically hoped that the massage and the sand bath would distract them enough to forget about the Acupuncture.
Stepping back out of the changing room, Sakura was glad to find that the massage did indeed help her forget about her worries about the Acupuncture. Heikō offered to simply lock the memory away temporarily, which was rather tempting, but Sakura decided against it, considering how many problems ignoring their issues had brought them previously.
The massage itself surprised them with just how relaxing and throughout it had been. It had been distracting enough that Sakura only felt embarrassment over being practically naked next to Sai in retrospect. It had been a full body massage after all, and for most of it, they had both kept their eyes closed and had towels to cover them, but it was still embarrassing nonetheless. Knowing that Kotone had not just seen, but touched most of their naked body was more embarrassing, although it was made better by how professional she was, and the fact that she was a woman. Neither Sai nor Kotone had said anything about it, making Sakura feel like they were missing something the two of them knew but was too embarrassed to bring up. Heikō didn't care about it too much and just thought Sakura was being silly about it, like always.
The hot sand bath was surprisingly pleasant. The twins had been slightly skeptical, thinking that the sand would feel rough, too blistering hot on their skin, and hard to move in. It was a pleasant surprise to find that it was none of those things. The baths used were obviously powered using seals, visible around the edges of the baths. When the twins tried to decipher them, they figured out that the only thing they did was ensure that the heat was distributed evenly throughout the sand. Asking Kotone how they worked, why the sand felt so soft, and why it was so easy to move in the sand, almost as if it was water, Kotone explained to them that it was a very fine type of sand, purified in-between sessions to always ensure it was clean. The fact that it was easy to move it was because the bath was heated using hot air blown in from below. The air filled any openings it could within the sand, so when it moved, the movement was aided by the air filling the spaces between all the grains of sand, removing friction, as well as making the sand lighter and less dense. It was quite impressive and informative, not to mention comfortable.
Unlike while they were being massaged, Sai and the twins were left alone in their sand baths, giving them the time to talk and get to know each other.
"So, there are two of you? Sakura and Heikō?" Sai asked them, making the twins sigh. They knew that it was coming, and supposed that it was in the spirit of the date to explain it eventually, but had hoped that Sai wouldn't get right to it.
"Yes, there's two of us. It's not a simple mental condition either. We both have our own chakra, and our brain is wired to allow for two consciousnesses. Or, well, at least that's our guess. Our brain changed soon after Heikō joined me in it, and it's completely different to a normal person's brain." Sakura explained.
"Oh, I believe you misunderstood me. I wasn't trying to confirm the legitimacy of there really being two of you. I wish to understand you. What makes the two of you different. I wish to adjust how I behave around you two to make it more comfortable for you." Sai informed them.
"It's alright, we don't hold it against you either way. We figured that you would ask sooner or later. As for what makes us different, we both share memories, most of them, but our personalities differ. Heikō has always existed, to a degree within me, and even before our Kekkei Genkai awakened, I would occasionally hear her. Unlike me, Heikō is more certain of herself, less restrained, and more open-minded than I, I suppose." Sakura began explaining.
"How does that work? Isn't a person's personality a culmination of their upbringing, their nurturing environment, and their biological nature?" Sai asked, making Sakura nod.
"That is the general consensus amongst those studying the mind. There are differences there as well. While we share memories, Heikō and I don't share a consciousness. We can be asleep or awake independent of each other. However, the original difference that sets us apart, was that Heikō was aware of herself before I became aware of her. Before the awakening of our Kekkei Genkai, Heikō was only present in my subconscious. Her perspective was different than mine. Unlike me, she didn't have to listen to rules, learn customs or conform to morals or our societal norms. She was free to choose what to learn and what to ignore, free of consequences, mostly. Honestly, I'm fortunate that she turned out the way she is. She could have turned out to be completely amoral and murder happy." Sakura explained, shrugging.
"I don't think that's an issue. I still developed a lot from you, and I could still see the value in a lot of the things you were taught. I just don't like being told what to do, or cripple my options when it comes to enjoying myself. Like for example, reminding you that Sai is completely naked under that sand, just like you." Heikō helpfully reminded Sakura.
Sakura held herself back from reacting to Heikō's teasing, and instead decided to distract herself by resuming the conversation. "What about you, Sai? I assume you've read up about psychology to understand your own mental development and lack of feelings?" Sakura inquired.
Sai nodded in confirmation. "In ROOT, we learned how to take advantage of other people's emotions, how to spot social cues, and how to respond, but it isn't the same as experiencing them yourself. It makes it hard to understand things from another's perspective when you can't feel like they do, and books don't make it much easier. They do help, slightly, but I think what you said previously might be the right way. Stop thinking about it and just let myself relearn everything in its own time." Sai explained.
Sakura nodded in approval, only for Heikō to take over shortly after. "Alright. I assume that this date is also in line with that kind of thinking? Experience as many different things and scenarios as possible to speed up the process?" Heikō asked, "Oh, and it's Heikō in control now." She added, as an afterthought.
"I suppose. But it isn't just that. While I didn't feel physical attraction towards you based on your appearance, the way you reacted when you saw me, as well as the mystery surrounding you, it intrigued me, and a date seemed like the fastest way to get to know you." Sai explained, honestly. Although, the twins couldn't judge if he realized how insulting it felt to hear him calling them unattractive, even if indirectly.
"Right, well… For future reference, don't imply to a woman that their appearance isn't pleasing or to your tastes. In addition, if you know they're in a relationship, don't outright compliment them too much in front of their partner either." Heikō decided to help Sai out, not taking his words to heart.
Sai simply blinked in surprise, before cocking his head slightly. "I didn't realize what I said could be taken that way. I apologize, I never intended to insult you two. I don't feel physical attraction in general, at least not based on appearance. It was part of my ROOT training. We were desensitized and re-taught how to view people to avoid being deceived by appearances and common seduction tactics." Sai explained, which suddenly made the twins feel awful at the admission.
"In a twisted kind of way, it makes sense. The three Shinobi prohibitions are lusting for Alcohol, Money, and Women. Danzō probably included that in his perfect Shinobi brainwashing." Heikō concluded.
"That's both impressive, and sad…" Heikō told Sai, frowning for a moment, before looking at Sai again. "So, we both asked each other something. Now, how about another question while we wait?" She suggested, making Sai nod in agreement.
"Alright. Would it be out of line to ask you to explain your Kekkei Genkai? I don't know anything about it. It seems to be related to there being two of you in one body, but Sakura mentioned you existed before your Kekkei Genkai awakened, how does that work?" Sai asked, intrigued, but aware enough that they might not be willing to explain about their Kekkei Genkai.
"Ah, give us a moment to discuss this," Heikō responded, before turning inwards to debate how much they were willing to reveal to Sai. Just because he was rid of the seal, did not mean that they could trust him, after all, meaning full disclosure was right out.
AN: Disclaimer, I know very little about Acupuncture. I am aware that it did not originate in Japan, but China. However, the elemental nations are not completely Japanese in nature or culture. There is plenty of evidence to this in the show. Much like in our world, nearby countries and the chaotic eras when there was war, led to a lot of people fleeing, moving around, and such. My headcanon for Acupuncture in this world is a form of alternative medicine that originated from people without chakra, theorizing about being able to manipulate chakra within the body through physical means, based on the knowledge of techniques like the Hyuuga fighting style. Of course, there will be more to it when the actual Acupuncture part comes into play.