A/N:

Hello everyone. So this is my first ItaSaku story. It is an AU and a non-massacre story.

I've been toying with the idea of writing this type of story for a long time and I wasn't sure how to go about it originally.

Well, here I am trying to do this.

Although I may introduce some secondary couples eventually, this story will primarily focus on the ItaSaku relationship.

This story is rated M for a reason. You have been warned.

DISCLAIMER: This story is a work of fan-fiction. I do not own Naruto.

^^ Happy Reading!

Chapter 1. A Call For Help

Sakura, sakura, sakura

petals scatter freely with the wind

calling you home,

calling you where you belong.

Today was the day her life was going to change forever. She was wide awake, still laying in her cosy bed as she stared at the white ceiling of her bedroom. Today was the day that she would be performing her first solo surgery. For a second year surgical resident this was an immense honor, especially when said surgical resident was only twenty-two years old. Her name was Haruno Sakura and she was one of the most promising surgical residents Konoha has seen in decades. Perhaps it was her delicate usage of the chakra scalpel technique or her bedside manner or simply her need to help those who needed help. Medicine was her calling and she was determined to succeed.

She glanced over at her nightstand, her eyes focusing on the neon green numbers on her alarm clock. 5:29AM. Well, it was time to get up. She made her way towards her closet. As she slid the doors open, her eyes fell onto the mint-coloured scrubs. Although she wore a variety of clothes, lately scrubs were the only thing she was comfortable in. It must have been the long hours in the hospital. She slipped on the mint-coloured uniform and then ran a hairbrush through her waist length soft pink hair. Then she began to braid her hair into two even French braids. After she finished, she made her way into the kitchen to prepare her breakfast. It did not take too long, for she was a fan of leftovers and the container of yakitori chicken fried rice that was chilling in her fridge seemed like the perfect choice As she enjoyed her quick breakfast, she glanced at the clock on her cell phone. 6:31AM. It was time to head out.

She made her way out of her apartment, wearing a grey jacket over her scrubs. Early mornings were always chilly and Sakura was not one to underestimate Konoha's unpredictable weather. As she walked in the direction of the hospital, she noticed the Konohagakure's fire temple. Deciding on making the short stop, Sakura cross the empty road and made her way inside the fire temple gardens. She did not detour often but today she felt that perhaps she needs extra support. After all, nothing bad ever came from offering a prayer in a shrine.

As she entered the empty shrine, she collected an incense stick and made her way towards the altar. She ignited the incense and pressed its end into the sand. Then she clasped her hands together and closed her eyes.

"Today is a big day for me. Please guide me so that I may successfully complete the surgery," Sakura whispered her prayer.

"help me"

Sakura opened her eyes unsure if she heard correctly. She was alone in the temple. She was sure of it.

"help me please"

"anybody"

Sakura took a step back from the temple, looking towards the direction where she swore the voice was coming from.

"help me please"

She walked out of the temple and turned left, following the pleading voice. It led her further into the temple, towards the path of thousand torii gates. As she approached the orange gated path, the voice became stronger.

"help me please"

"i want my kaasan"

"help me"

"i'm hurt"

"help me"

"anyone"

Sakura began to run through the path as the call for help became frantic. She rushed through the path, the orange gates becoming a blur as she reached the end. She came out into a forest clearing. How is this possible? She looked around her surroundings, hearing nothing but the chirping of birds and the soft sob of a child. Her eyes fell to the young child. She was dressed in a pale blue kimono with pink flowers decorating her sleeves. The kimono was dirty and ripped as if the child ran through bushes or rolled on the dirty ground. Her black hair had thistlelike weed stuck to it. She was a medic and she saw a child in distress. Sakura approached her carefully.

"My name is Sakura. I'm going to help you alright?" Sakura said gently as she kneeled down to the child's level.

"H-hai," the young girl spoke, struggling to stop her tears.

Sakura with ease looked over the gnarly wound on the young child's leg. This was definitely an animal bite. The size of the bite would suggest a dog or perhaps even a wolf. How did she get away from the animal? or did he animal simply bite her only to wait for her to die of blood loss and then come back to finish the job? It didn't matter. What mattered was this little girl's life and she knew what to do. Sakura reached into her bag, locating her small first aid kit and her water bottle. She opened the kit and pulled out a clean cloth and the antiseptic powder. As she unscrewed the water bottle, she poured the water onto the cloth, soaking it thoroughly. Then she ripped open the antiseptic powder and spilled its contents onto the drenched cloth.

"What's your name?" Sakura asked gently.

"Sa-Satsuki," the girl answered as she wiped her tears with the sleeve of her kimono.

"Nice to meet you Satsuki-chan. Now I'm not going to lie this will sting but only for a moment alright? I need to clean the wound so that we can prevent an infection," Sakura informed her as she readied the cloth.

"Ahhh!" Satsuki let out a scream as the antiseptic worked its magic with her injury.

Now, I'm going to press my hand against your wound to stop the bleeding alright?" Sakura said.

"H-hai," Satsuki agreed as she watched the pink-haired woman's every move.

Sakura pressed the palm of her hand against the cleaned bite wound Her hand began to glow green as the wound began to heal, repairing the torn skin, leaving only small scars that resembled a canine bite.

"Much better right?" Sakura asked with a smile.

"Hai, arigatou gozaimasu," Satsuki replied.

The young girl wiped her cheek with her kimono sleeve and a smile appeared on her face. Sakura smiled back

"You're very welcome Satsuki. I'm hoping that," Sakura paused as she felt something cold rest on her shoulder.

Her breath hitched as she noticed the sharp steel angled towards her neck. One move and she would be beheaded with a katana. Is this it?

"Do not move stranger!"

His cold voice rung in her ears as fear consumed her. She remained still, too scared to move as she met Satsuki's eyes. The young girl looked up at the man wielding the katana and smiled.

"Oniisan!"

A/N: There will be more.