"Dammit," Kakashi cursed.
Sakura, who had to gasp for air from trying to keep up with him, felt hugely relieved that they were stopping. She focused on taking deep breaths to calm her racing heart and to get rid of the painful stitch she had developed, before realizing with a sinking feeling why Kakashi had cursed: there was a huge commotion further down the street and that couldn't mean anything good.
"Don't fight, don't fight, don't fight!" Sarada screamed in a high-pitched, panicked voice as if to prove just how bad it actually was.
Feeling dread shoot through her, Sakura craned her neck to catch a glimpse of the little girl, but there were too many arms, fists, heads, backs and other body parts in the way.
Kakashi's body tensed visibly and she got ready to spring forward with him - but just as she did, he stopped so abruptly in mid-movement that Sakura hit her nose against his back painfully.
"Stop," a woman said sharply.
"M… Misses Nohara?" Kakashi stammered, sounding more stunned than Sakura had ever heard him. She went on her tiptoes to see whom he was addressing, furiously rubbing her nose and blinking away the tears that had shot into her eyes. Nohara…? That name was familiar, but she couldn't quite place it.
A woman of about sixty years in dark, loose fitting clothes and glasses blocked their way. She had grey, slightly wavy hair covered by a white coif. Sakura immediately associated that with those religious traveling nurses she had seen in the black and white photo books at the hospital, they had been active before Tsunade had further professionalized the medical corps. Despite her unimpressive height, there was such an unmistakable aura of stern authority coming from her that Sakura instinctively pulled back her head a little, short of hiding behind Kakashi's back.
"Not a step further," the woman said sharply, "I want to see both your hands, Kakashi, keep them wide apart. And I'm sure you'll understand that I'd hate to see harm come to a good medic. It's just a precaution, but only fools underestimate you."
At those words, the sharp point of a kunai was pressed against Sakura's back.
"I'm… sorry," Sakura groaned. What stupid, inattentive cow was she to not realize somebody had snuck up on her?
"Don't worry, Sakura," Kakashi said grimly, throwing a brief look over his shoulder as he lifted his hands up. "And please don't move."
"You are the daughter of Haruno Kizashi?" the elderly woman addressed her directly now in a neutral tone, her eyes focusing briefly on the seal on her forehead. "The Uchiha's wife."
"Are we acquainted?" Sakura asked boldly, elder or not, rude was still rude, trying to ignore the knife at her back but that proved to be difficult because the wielder pressed down a little as soon as she wanted to step forward. The woman was from Konoha? Slightly older than her own parents. Nohara… N…. oh.
"Don't move!" Kakashi repeated with emphasis. Did he think her that rash and hotheaded? Well, she did feel an upsurge of anger - how dare this woman ambush them like this, whomever's mother she was? - but she also knew better than to explode in a situation this ripe with escalatory potential.
Sakura realized they were surrounded. One, two… five, seven… at least ten scowling men were forming a ring around them. They wore no headbands but they were shinobis without a doubt, with clothes that looked like a discrete uniform of sorts. She was sure they would be no match for Kakashi, but it didn't look like he was planning to attack. Because he feared to endanger her, most likely.
"This is my private guard," Mrs. Nohara explained. "You have nothing to fear from them. Please follow me, I only wish to talk. Do not worry about Hiroto and the girl, we'll get them away unscathed. You'll be able to see them shortly."
Hiroto? Was that Kaeru's real name? Sakura trotted behind Kakashi, trying to read his mood and guess his intentions. How she wished she'd know those secret Anbu hand signs! But his Sukea face was impassive and she detected no tension in his body. She'd play along then - even if just to find out why a woman, who dressed like a travelling nurse, would keep a private guard.
They were led back down the street, then through a door of a dark wooden building and up some stairs. It was a traditional tea house, Sakura soon realized, with an elegant, minimalist interior, lovely flower arrangements and little pagoda shaped lanterns on the tables for light.
"Please," Mrs. Nohara said after they had taken off their shoes and pointed to a low table with thin cushions on the tatami mats.
Kakashi lowered himself on his knees, his hands still up in the air. The kunai was pulled back as soon as Sakura had sat down next to him, but the guards did not leave the room, just shrunk into the background. The woman took a seat opposite of them, studying their faces attentively. Or mainly Kakashi's, Sakura realized. This woman seemed to know him, but probably not without his mask. Hopefully, Kakashi wouldn't feel too uncomfortable.
"You are the spitting image of your father," Mrs. Nohara soon observed, confirming Sakura's hunch where her attention had been, "may his soul rest in peace. But you've got your mother's hands."
There was a minuscule emotion flitting across Kakashi's features before he had himself under full control again.
"Mrs. Nohara, I am very surprised to see you here," he addressed the woman. "So it was you who followed us?"
The elderly woman nodded. Sakura frowned. So he did know how to lie? Had he not assured her in the forest nothing was the matter? She'd have to give him an earful about this.
"Why?" Kakashi added bluntly, but the sliding door was opened that very moment and a waitress bowed, asking what she could serve them.
"Gyokuro tea, please," Mrs. Nohara ordered with a small smile, "and a light meal. For five."
Mrs. Nohara folded her hands in her lap. "You can put your hands on the table, Kakashi. I assume you are curious enough now not to bolt and run."
He placed them there carefully and slowly, palms down, probably not wanting to appear threatening. Then, he just sat and waited. Just as Mrs. Nohara did.
"Are you from Konoha?" Sakura blurted out, not ready to do the same nor did she want to watch this not-quite staring contest for even a second longer.
Mrs. Nohara turned her brown eyes to hers.
"Has Tsunade forgotten to teach you manners, girl?" she asked disapprovingly. "Ah, but she never had any either."
"Oh, because it's great manners to force people to drink tea with them?" Sakura snapped back.
"She is the head of Konoha's orphanage, Sakura," Kakashi explained quietly. Like that made any more sense! The head of Konoha's orphanage followed them out of the village with a private army and ambushed them in this border town? Why?
"Is it about Sarada?" Sakura demanded to know.
"Is that the little girls name?" Mrs. Nohara asked back.
"What do you want with her?" Sakura asked aggressively.
Mrs. Nohara didn't answer, she just glared at her. So what Kakashi had feared had indeed happened! Moving Sarada out of town had set things - and people! - in motion. And… oh. Now she understood something Kakashi had said when they had met up with him! Damn Tsunade! Is she really doing this? This woman is ruthless! Had Tsunade guessed what would happen? Had she… conveniently used her and Sarada to flush out their enemies? Knowing they would be as safe as they could be in such a situation with Kakashi to help them?
"Your guards," Kakashi said, "did you train them yourself?"
"No, of course not," Mrs. Nohara smiled, "Danzo used to do that for me. You could have been one of them, but you ran away."
There was a commotion on the stairs before Kakashi could reply, Sakura recognized Kaeru's voice shouting insults at whoever was dragging him up here. She had to smile despite the seriousness of the situation. The insults were very creative.
"Language, young man!" Mrs. Nohara snapped as he was pushed inside and forced to kneel by two large men holding his shoulders and arms.
"W… W…. warden? What are you doing here?" Kaeru stammered, all the color leaving his face as he stared up at the woman looking down on him.
Sarada was ushered in after him, her eyes huge and frightened, her feet running straight to Kakashi so she could bury her face against his chest. Sakura understood her well. Kakashi's chest was a place where one found solace and protection.
"I'll deal with you later, just kneel for now," Mrs. Nohara snapped at Kaeru and turned to Sarada who was peeking out from the safety of Kakashi's arms, her curiosity getting the better of her. Kakashi scowled at Kaeru like he was thinking he deserved to kneel for endangering Sarada like he had.
"I was very curious to meet you, young lady," the Warden said, her voice shaking a little, Sakura wasn't sure why - excitement?, "you've got a natural Sharingan? Can I see it?"
"She has awakened it only recently," Kakashi said in her stead and wrapped his arms around Sarada's body a bit more tightly, "she does not yet know how to master it."
"A raw diamond," Mrs. Nohara whispered and Sakura felt a shudder sneak down her spine.
"What business of yours is it whether she has a Sharingan or not?" Sakura challenged the woman, finding her insufferably rude and condescending and scary on top.
"Not my business," Mrs. Nohara said coldly, "but Konoha's. It changes everything."
The waitress with the opposite of impeccable timing came back, balancing cups, plates, tea and snacks and arranged everything neatly on the table for them, interrupting the conversation once more.
"Please," Mrs. Nohara said with an inviting gesture after sipping some of her tea, "help yourselves. You too, Hiroto, you look like a starved rat."
Why was Kaeru afraid of her? Sakura watched him move forward on his knees gingerly, with his head lowered. Then she recalled that conversation they had had in the Anbu HQ's kitchen. He had told her he had grown up in the orphanage, apparently Mrs. Nohara had been the warden back then. She moved to the side a little for him to join her at the table, but he seemed to prefer to stay back.
"His name is Kaeru," Sakura said sullenly, suddenly feeling moved to take his side and if necessary protect him.
"Is it now?" Mrs. Nohara said. "But names mean nothing. This one has a flawed character, which certainly didn't get any better when he lived on the streets among thieves and beggars by choice - and it won't go away, whatever name he uses."
"If you don't stop to insult my subordinates, I will no longer cooperate," Kakashi said coldly - holding at least fourteen shuriken between his fingers at the blink of an eye. Sarada squealed and ducked underneath the table.
"Stand down!" Mrs. Nohara sighed, signalling to her men to put away their weapons.
"I hate runaways," she added, more to herself. "Ungrateful brats."
"And we runaways hated your institution and Danzo's insane ideas," Kakashi stated matter-of-factly, the shuriken disappearing from view almost like magic. Like a well-behaved boy, Kakashi put his hands back on the table. Sarada reappeared but decided to sidle up to Sakura this time, a warm presence at her arm.
"Oh, but this one loved it," Mrs. Nohara smirked, "Seldom have I met anyone more eager to please. We had great plans for him but sadly, his mind is too weak. His sister's hysterical tears were enough to make him quit."
"My sister is not hysterical," Kaeru pressed out, lifting his head defiantly, eyes flashing. "she was suffering. And she's much better off where she is now!"
"Ah yes?" Mrs. Nohara smiled. "Are you sure that fisherman your sister threw herself at is treating her well enough?"
"Wh… what…" Kaeru went very pale again.
"You should pay her a visit one of these days," Mrs. Nohara said much too amiably. "You'll be surprised."
"Sensei…," Kaeru pleaded, moving forward on his knees a little.
"On our way back," Kakashi said quietly, "we will go and visit her."
"This is the problem with you, Kakashi," Mrs. Nohara said coldly. "Instead of just doing your duty like an obedient soldier, you get sidetracked by sentimentalities."
Gnnnnnnnnnnnuuuuuuuargh! How dare this woman!
"Don't you ever insult Kakashi with your foul...!" Kakashi's hand gripped Sakura's knee almost painfully at the first word she shouted and that made her clamp her mouth shut halfway through her sentence. She saw Kaeru had lifted his head too, his own anger clearly visible on his face, but Kakashi signalled something to him, even if his hands barely moved, stopping Kaeru too.
"You are right," Kakashi said softly and even managed to sound proud. "I realized not too long ago how lucky I am to have a heart left and that is why I let it dictate my actions whenever I can."
"It's unconventional, but it seems to foster strong loyalties," Mrs. Nohara observed with a side glance at Sakura and Kaeru. "So why do you keep resisting the office of Hokage?"
Kakashi raised his eyebrows. He seemed surprised, but Mrs. Nohara obviously enjoyed changing the topic. Was she testing him?
"Danzo tried and failed miserably to remove Tsunade," Kakashi said, "I will most certainly not help to carry out the wishes of someone who was a traitor to Konoha."
Mrs. Nohara chuckled. "That's harsh. Despite his sometimes extreme methods, he only wanted the best for Konoha. Do you? Naruto won't be ready for another decade, we would never get the Uchiha approved in the council - and all the while Tsunade is coming apart faster and faster. She cannot live with this stress any longer. It's time - and there is nobody else."
"Is this why you followed me?" Kakashi asked. "To convince me I should become Hokage? I doubt that."
"I do not speak for myself in this matter," Mrs. Nohara answered and took up some chopsticks. Sarada who had been watching her did the same. "I'm personally not convinced a sentimental person who cannot let go of the past is suited for the position. But in contrast to you, I never mended the pieces of my broken heart. I just got entirely rid of it."
The pain that became visible on Kakashi's unhidden face was like a fist to the gut. Sakura's hand shot out to press his knee for comfort, but he didn't even seem to notice. He bowed forward low.
"What happened to your daughter… what I did to her… I am… I never apologized to you. If I could turn back time, I would do everything differently, I would…"
"Oh, shush," Mrs. Nohara said and hit the table with her hand for emphasis. "Did you even listen to a single word I said? Without Rin forcing your hand, Konoha would have suffered a great loss… worse, it could have ended us. I raised my child to understand that a single person's life is worth nothing. A Shinobi's life only has value if it is spent entirely for the good of the nation. If only you would live by the Shinobi Code of Conduct more rigorously, Kakashi, you would never have taken the incident to heart like you did. You were and you are only one thing: A weapon. Weapon's have no hearts. You killed what had to be killed. Get over it."
Resolutely and like she considered the conversation to be over, Mrs. Nohara began to eat. Kakashi, who had lifted his head, just stared at her.
"How can you say that," Sakura blurted out. "Were you not her mother?"
"I still am," Mrs. Nohara said. "And I never said it was easy. But you'd do well to work on your temper, young lady. Your Sensei's crippling guilt serves no other purpose than to give him an excuse to stall. Konoha needs you, Kakashi. Now more than ever. Get a grip. And now, eat. There will be plenty more."
Sakura wished once again that Kakashi had his mask to hide behind because she could not stomach seeing the raw emotions on his face. Don't push him, it's hurting him, she wanted to shout, but this woman knew exactly what she was doing. Pushing him was quite obviously part of the plan. This woman had worked closely with Danzō Shimura, one of the most ruthless men Konoha had ever known. Sakura knew quite a bit about those dark times, but not nearly enough. Root… Sai and Captain Yamato had been part of that secret branch that had tried to raise super soldiers with no emotions. Kakashi too? And it seemed Kaeru?
But Danzo was dead. Where did Mrs. Nohara stand now? She talked like she had connections. And the way she carried herself, held her chopsticks, effused authority, had money for a private guard…
"Can I please eat too?" Sarada said at Sakura's arm, looking up to her with eager readiness, the chopsticks outstretched.
"Of course, Sarada," Sakura said and smiled at her. "Eat as much as you'd like."
"Always eat well when you can," Mrs. Nohara added, "you must get strong, Sarada. And determined."
She was hungry too, Sakura realized as she saw Sarada dig in with a huge appetite. The food looked delicious. And expensive. The waitress brought more, soup for each of them, a variety of side dishes. With a side glance at Kakashi, Sakura took up her chopsticks too.
"You should eat," she told him softly.
"Listen to your companion," Mrs. Nohara snickered, "she knows what's good for you. And please, don't waste the tea, you must drink it before it gets cold."
"Will you leave Sarada alone if I become Hokage?" Kakashi asked quietly, looking down at his hands.
"I can't do that," Mrs. Nohara said friendly. "The Sharingan is a matter of national security. But her existence gives us more options. Fewer people will have to suffer. Let's say I can offer you time. If you become Hokage before the summer is over, she can have a normal childhood for a while."
Kakashi nodded, still looking down. Don't do it if you're that unhappy about it! Sakura thought, her heart reaching out to him. We won't let this woman take Sarada away from us, whatever you choose.
"Are you plotting a rebellion?" Mrs. Nohara asked her with a sugar sweet smile. "Girl, you are a very capable medic. We will make sure you become even more capable. But don't be naive. You have no idea what you're up against."
"You could always tell me," Sakura said snippily.
"I could," Mrs. Nohara smiled, looking like a predator ready to bite her head off. "But I won't."
Sakura was getting angry again, but she saw Kakashi was taking up his own chopsticks and thus began busying herself with moving dishes close to him for easier reach.
"More than loyalty, I see," Mrs. Nohara observed drily. "This is not your place, girl."
"Listen, lady!" Sakura snapped, still sitting on a mountain of rage that was ready to erupt like a volcano, "what business of yours is it whether I like him or not?"
That earned her a reaction from Kakashi, who looked at her with surprise - and a glare and snort from Mrs. Nohara who chose to ignore her again afterwards.
What? Sakura thought as she looked into Kakashi's Sukea eyes. You think I can't say it out loud? You think I don't mean it? You think I'm not serious? I'm here with you, am I not? I won't let anyone hurt you.
"We should eat," he said softly, his eyes moving from her eyes to her lips, making her heart pick up speed. Do you want to kiss me? Kiss me. She leaned forward a little. She will blow a fuse. I'd love to see that.
He leaned in too and there was a look in his eyes she was trying to figure out but before she could, the door was pushed open with force, making both of them jump. The person interrupting this time wasn't the waitress but a guard. He sank to his knees, clasping his hands around his sword. "Lady Nohara," he reported breathlessly, "they have found out where we are already."
"The other people who have followed us?" Kakashi asked.
Mrs. Nohara looked at him with slitted eyes. "You have to go."
Kakashi got up and signalled to Sakura and Kaeru to do the same.
"My men will escort you," she said, signalling to someone behind her in turn. "Move."
"What the heck is going on," Sakura whispered to Kakashi as they were rushed down the stairs and out onto the street, "who is she? And why did you not tell me that you knew we were being followed? By two parties even?"
"I will tell you later," Kakashi said evasively and before she could complain any more, he had hand signalled Kaeru who promptly grabbed Sarada and made a run for it. The Nohara guard reacted instantly by splitting in half, one fraction going after him, the other trying to form a ring around Kakashi and Sakura. There was a second of confusion in between, which was enough for someone like Kakashi to gain the upper hand. As quick as lightning he struck, one, two, three, four, five, all down, grabbed Sakura and jumped up onto a roof where he took to running fast like the wind.
"Wait here for me," he said a while later when it looked like nobody was following them.
"No," Sakura protested, "I want to come with you."
"Okay," he said, "I'm going back though."
"W… why?"
"I want to see who it is," he just said and started running again without any further explanation.
They took up a position on a rooftop near the restaurant behind a chimney.
"Dim your chakra signature," was all he said. She had thousands of questions for him, but now was not the time to ask them.
At least they didn't have to wait for long.
A group of masked soldiers appeared in the street below, Sakura counted fifteen, but that wasn't why she suddenly felt sick. They were wearing Oni masks and fur, like those men. The ones whose blood had painted her bedroom red.
In their midst walked a woman, several heads shorter than the men around her, yet clearly the one in charge. Curiously, Sakura bent forward a little more.
Did the woman possess special sensory powers? In any case, she suddenly looked up with a frown. Sakura pulled her head back quickly. Had she been seen? Peeking out again carefully, she came to the conclusion that she had not… the men and the woman continued their way down the street and towards the teahouse.
A brown haired woman who seemed very familiar to her.
"Did you see her face too?" she turned to Kakashi, hoping he would be able to help her, but getting quite a shock when she saw his face.
He looked like he had seen a ghost.
"Are you alright?" Sakura asked full of concern. "What happened?"
"Rin," he whispered. "It's Rin."
And before she could do anything to stop him, he had already jumped to the roof on the opposite side and was running towards the teahouse.
