Sakura relished the silence and peace that came from the soft pitter patter of the rain. She had always found a weird sort of comfort in the commonly gloomy weather, and upon her discovery of lofi jazz music, her appreciation for it only got better.
As Endeavor's Support Hero, Sakura operated on a 9/80 schedule. Which gave her more free time than she's used to. As a hero of Konoha, her schedule wove around similarly with her peers until she added medical training, which demanded a lot more time out of her. Considering she needed to study literal mountains of medical textbooks and practice hands-on application. As Tsunade's student, she even has a free pass to work in hospitals and clinics to train herself about the ins and outs of the healthcare system. Her limited free time was only used for sleeping and the occasional day off would be spent catching up with her friends.
Well, there's those sleepless nights with recon training but that's an entirely different matter. It's a bad habit, yes, but working made her feel useful and needed.
It's not like she has anything better to do back in her newly rented apartment. She had been staying at a hotel for the first few days of her arrival as she was too focused on proving Endeavor her worth to go apartment hunting. She didn't expect her employer to take the initiative and find a suitable unit for her instead. Then again, that might just be Endeavor's pride talking since she refused a lodge in his company building.
She thought the loft type apartment was a bit too much though.
Maybe she could watch some TV, browse music, check out the local cuisines Musutafu City has to offer, memorize the rest of the city outside Endeavor's territory (but Sakura has already done all of that), or maybe she could just make a lazy day out of it and lay around all day, but that's just not Sakura.
Another reason for her to avoid exposure outside of work was because the Japanese paparazzi had been on her tail hoping to get an interview or something. She didn't want the attention, heck she didn't want any attention at all but lately she's been considering of accepting one so that they could finally leave her alone. Endeavor's pretty much dumped that decision for her after that incidence with the children the other day.
As if her cries of boredom were answered, Sakura happened to stumble upon a humble little café located a few blocks from a school called Aldera Junior High. It's located in an inconspicuous space, barely noticeable, a place perfect for anyone who wanted privacy. But the reason it caught her interest in the first place was because the café has the familiar aura of home.
The small tinkle of a bell resonated throughout the quaint establishment when Sakura opened the wooden door.
"Ah, my lady Shamrock Queen! Welcome, welcome."
The pinkette smiled warmly at the old man behind the counter as she tucked away her dripping umbrella to the rack beside the door. She greeted back, "Hello Sakamichi-san, it's great to be back."
The first time Sakura stepped foot in this place, she nearly cried. The café was obviously themed after the Hidden Villages, even if it leaned closely more to Amegakure. From the ceiling and wall lights, to the decorations, the chairs and tables, and the small knick-knacks on the shelves, everything screamed home. Even the cutlery and cups have a village style to it.
God she didn't realize how much she really missed home until she took a sip of Mr. Sakamichi's specially brewed Fire Tea.
The owner, Mr. Sakamichi, was from a family that has a history in the Land of Rain. Despite not living there anymore due to his grandparent's business here in Musutafu City, he's always loved and respected the unique culture of the Hidden Villages, and decided to make a small business representing them. Although the café was not that big of a hit with a lot of people, he didn't mind since he's already amassed quite enough wealth to support himself throughout retirement.
This shop, he opened only out of passion and hobby in tea and sweet making.
Even now, the café has no other occupant but the two of them but after getting over the initial isolation of the place, Sakura found the ambiance brought by the café to be really comforting. It's only a bonus that this café was also near the local library.
"Is there any specific treat your taste buds are craving for today?" he asked with that warm, grandfatherly smile of his.
Sakura hummed, "Surprise me."
The old man chuckled as he proceeded to work for his favorite customer. Her signature as Shamrock Queen hung proudly at the top shelves behind his counter.
Now in the comfort of her oasis, Sakura eagerly went to her favorite spot and practically dived on the oversized bean bag with a contented sigh. To her left stood a large window that fogged slightly from the pouring rain outside. Sakura pulled off her earphones and enjoyed the familiar jazz beat of a well-known Kumo band playing in the background.
She shifted her position around the lush cushion till she found a lackadaisical position that would make Kakashi proud before taking a book out of the safety of her bag. Sakura had always been a book person, always ready and willing to soak up any knowledge she could get her hands on, preferably anything medical related. Even during her training with the Slug Princess, before she was allowed to handle live patients, Sakura would lock herself in her master's study and just read all day till she sores her back for sleeping on the desk again. Suffice to say Sakura never goes anywhere without a book for her perusal.
Today's tome of choice would be 'Hazama's Textbook of Quirk Pathology', the latest release of one of her favorite medical professionals. The heaviness of the three-inch thick, hardbound book seemed nonexistent to her as she hungrily drank the knowledge of how various quirks affect the human body's anatomy and physiology, with factors including the person's age, lifestyle, family history, and history of illness.
To the outsider's view, anyone would just see a diligent young woman learning about medicine like most university students studying at cafes. It's just a side of her Sakura hoped would remain separated from her career as a hero here in Musutafu City. She's ready for the questions no doubt would be coming for her once she starts at U.A., but she just didn't know how people would react to her contradicting passion and quirk. At least Endeavor didn't question her for being a licensed doctor.
Hours have already gone by but the rain hadn't relented on its gentle downpour outside. Neither did Sakura realize until her body made her know of her stiff muscles when she shifted in her seat.
Sakura arched her back like a cat's, stretched her arms, and wiggled her fingers as she stared down at the progress she had done. She just finished chapter five and will be moving on to the next once she granted herself a minute's rest.
"You work too hard, my lady," the old owner commented when he approached her table with a plate of lunch in his hand.
Sakura blushed at the genuine concern in his voice and hurriedly set aside her notepads to make room for her food. This would be the third time he took the initiative to bring her something because she lost track of time when it's already time to eat.
"Well, these diseases aren't going to study themselves," she said with a smile and apologized for the trouble.
"It's no trouble at all, Shamrock Queen, but I would appreciate it if you pay more attention to yourself."
"I'll try," she smiled a bit wider.
Today's lunch composed of a hefty bowl of rice and crispy tempura with a bit of gyoza and soba noodles on the side. Not only does she favor the atmosphere of this café but the food was excellent as well. As for dessert, the old man has never failed to surprise her yet.
Sakura snapped her chopsticks apart and proceeded to dig in.
Sometime later, with a belly full and satiated for the day, the bell by the door chimed as another customer walked through. The first few times Sakura visited the café and there were customers inside, people tried to ask for her autograph and a picture taken with them. Since her boss wasn't around, she'd give in on the condition that they will order off the menu and promise to keep her oasis a secret.
This time however, it was Sakura herself who did a double take.
"Ah Toshinori-kun, good afternoon. I haven't seen you around in a while," Sakamichi greeted.
"You look well, Sakamichi-san," she heard the blonde greet back, "Oh I've just been going with the flow mostly. Gotta make the most out of my vacation after all."
The old man chuckled, "I'm just glad to see you're doing just as well. So I take it you want your usual? I'll have to ask you to wait though. I wasn't sure when you'd stop by the café again so I might've stashed the ingredients away."
"It's fine. In the meantime, could you make me some of your Fire tea? It's been a while since I had some."
"You got it!"
As the café owner turned to make the blonde's drink, the skeleton-like man turned around to survey the café to look for a good spot to sit. Until, of course, his eyes landed on the pinkette's.
Sakura caught onto his stare, that obviously showed recognition, and with her lips still sucking on the straw of her mango milkshake, winked at him in return.
She popped her lips off of the straw and raised two fingers, "Yo!"
The blonde visibly straightened from where he stood and raised his own (shaky) hand in greeting, "Y-Y-Yo!"
She waved her hand in a beckoning gesture and with, albeit, measured steps, the blonde followed her silent command and stood before her table.
"Hello again," she greeted with a small smile.
"Hi, S-Shamrock Queen," the blonde flustered, "I uhh… didn't think you'd remember me."
Sakura blinked, "Of course I remember you. You're the first person I talked to when I came to this city, and you're also the nice man who helped me with directions. I haven't thanked you properly back then. Sorry about that."
The blonde raised his hands up, "N-No! I mean- you don't have to! I-It's my pleasure- I mean, I didn't think you'd still remember me. You've gotten pretty famous, after all."
"To be honest, I didn't think being Endeavor's Support Hero could be such a big deal. Though it's really nice to see you again, mister?" she drawled at the end.
"Yagi, err, Yagi Toshinori."
"Well, Yagi, would you mind joining me on this rainy day?" she gestured at the empty bean bag across from her.
His eyes widened at her invitation, "You don't mind? I don't want to impose."
"Of course not. What's there to mind about? Unless you still have something to do?"
"Not really, you just caught me by surprise," he flicked his shadowed eyes towards the bean bag in a moment's hesitation, "Well then, pardon my intrusion."
"Apology accepted," she quipped back.
When Toshinori sat at the oversized bean bag, Sakura couldn't hold onto the chortle that came out when his skeleton-like body sunk all the way into the cushion as if he was being eaten. She quickly apologized as the blonde snapped up in embarrassment. Eventually, Sakura pulled the bean bag to her side while he reached for the sturdier, butterfly sofa bean bag from the nearby table.
"Do you come here often, Shamrock Queen? I just, uhh, didn't expect to see you in a place like this," Toshinori started.
"I suppose you could say that. I've been coming here since I first found it. I like the quietness and it reminds me greatly of home. Plus it's a good place to hide from the media. What about you, Yagi? You seem to know Mr. Sakamichi well."
"Just Toshinori is fine, Shamrock Queen," he tried a small smile, "I stop by every now and again. I usually come here for tea and omelette. I also order some taiyaki for my mas- err, for my superior."
Sakura beamed, "Mr. Sakamichi makes omelettes? Now I really need to try some."
"You should. They're really good. Though Sakamichi doesn't put it on the menu. He mentioned that it's not exactly easy to get the ingredients from the Land of Fire."
She nodded in understanding, "Hmm, I suppose the food trade isn't very lax between the Hidden Villages and the Outside Nations. I'll make sure to try it next time though. I just finished lunch and I'm stuffed. Thanks for the recommendation."
In her mind, Sakura could guess that maybe it's because of Sakamichi's heritage that gave him leverage to get ingredients. It's not that the Hidden Villages were selfish of their resources. It's mostly because they really prefer to keep to themselves. Suffice to say the villages took the lessons from the first Quirk War to heart.
"So when you mentioned that you're a foreigner, did you actually mean that you're from the Five Sovereigns?" Toshinori inquired.
Verdant eyes stared back at him with a sharpness that resembled Tsunade's when dealing with troublesome dignitaries for a split second. She didn't mean to take offense in his query. So far, the Japanese media hasn't made connections or theories about her belonging from the Land of Fire.
However, her companion seemed to have caught on and raised his hands in defense, "I'm sorry if I said something out of line. I'm not exactly familiar about the Hidden Villages apart from the common knowledge that they're very private people. I guess I got too excited. You're the first person I met that's from the Hidden Villages. I didn't mean to sound rude."
Her eyes widened fractionally at his confession and Sakura immediately tried to placate the blonde, "I- No! Please don't think like that. I wasn't offended. Honest. I guess I was just… surprised? Apart from Endeavor and Sakamichi, you'd be the first person to know that I'm from the Land of Fire, but it's not like I'm keeping it a secret anyway."
Immediately after, the café's owner came to their table to settle a teacup in front of Toshinori and poured him some Fire tea.
"Why Toshinori, you like Fire tea?" she inquired with enthusiasm in an attempt to divert the subject.
He snapped his head up at her, "Oh! Yes, I do. It has a really unique taste to it that's really different from the other teas that I've tried. I'm kinda sad I couldn't enjoy it as much as I would like. I understand why Sakamichi made it fairly expensive. I'm sure the tea leaves are hard to get by from the Land of Fire."
A sudden thought came to Sakura and her smile widened as she cupped her cheeks with both her hands, her elbows on the table, "How about this then? As a thank you for being so nice and giving me directions, and for the wonderful commentary about my home's best tea, I'll pay for everything you order from the menu today."
As expected, Toshinori's shadowed eyes widened and immediately opened his mouth to protest but Sakura stopped him with a raised finger shushing so closely to his thin lips.
"Nope, nope, nope! Please don't try to refuse my generous offer. I know it's not gentlemanly to let a woman pay for your expenditures but I really do want to repay you," she locked her eyes on his crystal blue ones, "Besides, you're the first person I met in this city so think of it as a reward. Please humor me on this?"
The silence stretched on for a while and whether the redness of Toshinori's cheeks was because of embarrassment or something else, she wasn't sure. When he sighed, Sakura pulled back her finger.
"If you insist."
Sakura beamed, "Thank you."
"So, how are you enjoying Musutafu so far?" he started conversation after taking a sip of that Baltic-colored liquid.
Sakura hummed in thought, her chin propped on her hand as she furrowed her brows, "It's really different from Konoha alright. I've never seen a place so full of steel and concrete besides Amegakure, but it's a nice change of scenery, I guess. I've been enjoying my stay here so far, thank you very much."
"That's great. I can't imagine how culture-shocked you must be. You can probably guess that there aren't a lot who's familiar with the Hidden Villages to make a comparison."
"I don't mind though. I don't look that much different from the average Japanese for them to suspect I'm from Fire Country. I've been treating it as an adventure, but it would be nice if I could do a bit more sightseeing though. I've been here for a few months already but I still haven't seen what Japan has to offer."
"Really? How come?"
She shrugged, "I guess you could call me workaholic? It's not like my boss is a slave driver. My work hours are actually reasonable but I'm just used to working long shifts. I came here for business and I don't know much about the city or the Japanese culture to be confident enough to explore it on my own."
"I see…"
Another round of silence.
"So would you- that is, if you like, err," she looked at him strangely through his stumble and Toshinori had to suck in his breath, "would you like me to show you around?"
Green eyes widened, "Excuse me?"
"I mean, I grew up in this city and I know the best spots around. I basically know it like the back of my hand. I could take you to places that you won't find in any tour plans a-and err…" he looked away with a red face at the end.
Seeing him stutter instantly reminded her of Hinata and how she'd act around Naruto. Though she highly doubted Toshinori held the same feelings towards her at such a short period of time. This was only their second meeting and first official meet-up for goodness sake! She just chalked it up to him being shy.
Sakura was not an excellent judge of character. She can admit that much considering she almost pummeled Sai the first time they met. Then again, calling her ugly to her face was really uncalled for. Still, there's something about the lanky blonde that made her feel secure. That even though she barely knew this person, he gave off a feeling that he's trustworthy and dependable.
Like a hero.
"You don't mind?"
"Of course not!" he snapped his head up, "It would be an honor. Besides, since you said I'm the first person you met in this city, I might as well take responsibility and show you around, right?"
"Why Toshinori! I know we just met but asking me out is just too soon."
"W-W- No! I didn't mean-" poor guy has his entire face red by now.
"I'm sorry, I'm sorry. I was just teasing." Sakura tittered while her hand waved in dismissal. When the bubble of laughter died down, she fixed her green eyes at him, "Thank you for the offer though, Toshinori. I'd love to."
"Really? You do?"
She nodded, the corner of her lips quirked into a small smirk, "Of course. So, this means I'll be expecting you to hold onto your word to give me the best tour."
This time, Toshinori smiled widely with a hint of excitement, "I already have the perfect place in mind."
There really was something to be said about the Outside Nations. With the modernization of the world, she would be lying if she said that the lack of nature didn't unsettle her. Kumo had numerous mountains that could break through the clouds, Iwa lied within a valley surrounded by hard earth littered with ores and minerals, though Ame was home to towering steel structures there was still no definite count on how many bodies of water that surrounded the nation, Suna stood in a literal desert, and her Konoha laid at the heart of dense forests.
She looked down on the poorly written address in her hand. Years of apprenticeship under Tsunade allowed her to decipher the most catastrophic handwritings known to man. Not that her handwriting's any better, but at least she could write a prescription and report decent enough for a civilian to understand.
Unfortunately, even though she just earned herself a new friend and tour guide, Sakura couldn't just ask Toshinori to guide her to this place because it would be detrimental to her mission. Just because she made a new friend doesn't mean she'll disclose her secrets any time soon.
What sort of Konoha Pro Hero would that make her?
Her heel clad feet stopped when she spotted the small, rundown building that stood out like a sore thumb among the rest of the block. Its welcome sign hung dangerously on one side, almost as if it's ready to fall at any moment. Just to be sure though, Sakura looked across the street and true enough, there's a humble apparel store in business there.
Well, she's made it this far anyway. At least one bus ride outside Endeavor's territory.
With a deep breath, the pinkette marched right up to the front door and knocked.
There was no answer.
She knocked again and this time, it was met with a slightly irritated voice.
"Don't want any of whatever you're selling! I'm busy so get outta my property, kid!"
"I assure you I'm not here to sell you anything, but knowing you, you might as well buy some once you see what I brought for you," Sakura chuckled, "and my name is not 'kid', Sorahiko-sensei, its Sakura."
The silence that followed stretched on for a while until she heard a set of footsteps approaching the door. There was a bit of rattling on the other side until one of them creaked open to reveal a short, old man.
"Sakura-chan?"
"It's been a while, Sorahiko-sensei," her smile widened at him.
"So it really is you," he breathed before opening both double doors to reveal his small stature, still clad in his signature white and yellow-gloved hero costume, "Well don't just stand there! Come on in!"
Sakura graciously accepted his invitation and stepped into his humble abode. Her verdant eyes critically passed over the worn wallpaper and stained tiles, and her tongue clicked at the sight of shelves over packed with books and magazines.
"I see you're still as organized as always," she commented.
He huffed, "Of course I am! I take good care of my important belongings!"
"I can see that," she said as she eyed the neat row of familiar orange books tucked away above a small TV. Sakura held out a small box as the old man shuffled quickly around the small sitting area to make it at least neat enough for his sudden guest and prepared some tea, "I'm sorry I barged in on you like this without warning. I hope my little peace offering could make you forgive me?"
The old hero gingerly took the box from her hands after he invited her to sit at one of the overstuffed chairs. The box was warm even through his gloves and brown eyes instantly widened at the sight of his favorite treat. As expected, the pinkette brought him freshly baked taiyaki.
Sorahiko guffawed as he sat across from her and settled the box at the coffee table in front. One of the fish-shaped cakes was already in his hand. When he took a bite, his brown eyes widened at the burst of flavor that exploded on his tongue, "D-Delicious! I know this flavor from anywhere! It's your own recipe, isn't it, Sakura-chan?!"
Sakura beamed, "Oh wow you could tell?! I'm so glad you like it, Sorahiko-sensei. It's been a while since I made taiyaki and the ingredients I used aren't the same here in Japan as it was in Konoha."
She's really glad that Sorahiko, or Gran Torino, was in good health and just as lively as ever. The first time she met the old man was when she was only two years in her apprenticeship with Tsunade and she brought her to Jiraiya's hideout at Mt. Myoboku. The foreign hero was there visiting Jiraiya as well (being friends with one of the Legendary Trio of the Hidden Villages gave him a few perks) and it turned out that he was a friend of her master's as well.
Gran Torino was a bit crude and likes to take advantage of his old age as an excuse to be senile just to prank her. It took her a few tries but when she finally defeated the old man with a finishing punch to the face (which left him disfigured for a few days because Tsunade refused to heal him just so she could gloat on his failure of 'having the best student who can kick his ass'), a great respect had been added between them, and even though he's only taught her how to improve her flash-step and gave her pointers to improve her speed during his limited days of visit, Sakura opted to call him sensei out of respect and learned to bake taiyaki for him just as she learned to cook chicken breast and distinguish quality sake for her master and cook garlic pickled with Japanese basil and karaage-fried chicken for Jiraiya. All out of her respect for her elders.
"Of course, I do!" Beady chocolate eyes twinkled as he raised his chin up in pride, "You really are an angel, Sakura-chan. I wish my good-for-nothing student was more like you. That brat could really learn a lot from you."
She knew that Sorahiko had a student he's personally training as a Pro Hero, but Sakura never met them personally nor did she know of their identity.
"But I'm really glad to see you again," the old hero added, his tone fonder, "I mean, when I saw your face in the news, I almost didn't believe it! But then again, who else can pull off a pretty face with pink hair?"
A vein throbbed at Sakura's temple at his jab. He's one of those people who can never get tired of pointing out her oddly-colored hair.
He continued, "But then again, when I saw that clip of yours flash stepping to stop a truck with your bare hand, I knew for certain that it's really you. Why didn't you come visit me sooner?!"
Sakura clapped her hands together and bowed her head slightly at him, "I'm really sorry, Sorahiko-sensei. I was really busy with my application and it was quite challenging to get the media off my scent. You know we don't have a problem with the paparazzi back home."
He huffed and crossed his arms but there was a small smirk playing along his lips, "Right. Though I'm glad you came to see me personally. That no-good student of mine couldn't even pay his respects and just sends me letters. Honestly, I was really considering of surprising you while you're out on patrol just to see you for myself. You've really grown, Sakura-chan."
"Well, it has been a long time, Sorahiko-sensei. You haven't changed a bit though."
"Call me consistent then. How about my old friends?" he leaned a bit at her.
She shrugged, "Last I heard Jiraiya's out travelling again for inspirations for his new book. I bet he's out there terrorizing and getting banned from bathhouses again."
Sorahiko laughed, "And Tsunade?"
At that, Sakura stilled for a moment at the thought of her master. Without her knowing, her hand just came up to her forehead and traced the purple diamond forever etched on her skin. She didn't need to look up to see the old man's somber look.
"Tsunade-shishou has officially retired," she said as the films of her memories made her remember the most special moment she had with the Slug Princess.
On the day Tsunade announced her graduation from her apprenticeship and officiated her retirement; Sakura just finished unpacking her master's belongings in her humble hut in Shikkotsu Forest when the blonde bestowed upon her final gift.
The diamond on her forehead was more than just a fancy mark. It was a status symbol- that not only had she surpassed her master, but also had the power to bring glory and honor to her name. It gave her the right and privilege to stand beside the great heroes of the Hidden Villages.
It was also on that day that Tsunade revealed her true form. Gone was the youthful blonde Senju but the person who stood before her was an old woman forever grateful and blessed to have found Sakura. The person she deemed worthy to pass on her legacy.
It was the most tearful yet most fulfilling moment Sakura had ever experienced and she made sure to hug her master tight to convey her own gratitude for everything she had done.
"I see," Sorahiko breathed deeply. He was a bit sad, but he's happier that his friend had finally found her inner peace. He looked up at her with a genuine smile on his face, "I'm glad though. That Tsunade… she's really, really proud of you."
Sakura smiled to herself, "I know."
"So what brings you here in Musutafu?" he asked as he reached for another taiyaki.
Sakura shot her head up and openly told Sorahiko about her auxiliary lessons with Recovery Girl and why she's working as Endeavor's Support Hero. Apart from Recovery Girl and U.A.'s principal, Gran Torino was the only one who knew of Sakura's two quirks so she's free to talk to him about her circumstance without repercussions. Plus, it would be good to have him informed just in case something happens and she needed someone to cover for her. She trusted the old man enough to watch her back. That, and Sorahiko may be a bit intimidated at the unspoken agreement that if he didn't look after her, he'd be facing the Slug Princess's wrath. Not that Sakura needed anyone to look after her. Tsunade may be her master, but the blonde treated her like her own daughter.
"I see, I see," he nodded his head slowly in understanding while he caressed his beard, "I have no doubt in your abilities, Sakura-chan, but don't be afraid to tell me if anything inconveniences you, alright? Endeavor's not really known to be the best employer to his Support Heroes."
"I'll be fine, Sorahiko-sensei. Really, Endeavor's not as bad as people say. He's just… uhh… a bit hot-headed," she laughed at her own pun.
"Sounds like someone I know," he mumbled but was loud enough to be clearly heard.
"Did you say something, old man?" shamrock eyes instantly flashed greener at his words and the empty tea cup she held in her hand broke into pieces at the slightest twitch of her thumb. Of course, she made a mental note to replace it later. There's a really nice set of Japanese dragon tea set at one of the stores she passed by during her patrol the other day.
The old hero threw his head back in boisterous laughter till he had to clutch his stomach and tears slipped through the edge of his eyes.
"Not to worry, Sakura-chan," he breathed as he wiped the stray tears, "I'll keep your little secret, but you have to promise me to visit often. I don't usually get any visitors but I hope you can grace this old man with your company from time to time. I'll also make sure to bring out the shogi board on your next visit. I'm afraid it's still tucked away in the storage room… somewhere."
Sakura tittered, "I'll be sure to give you a heads up next time too."