A/N:

Hello my lovely readers, here's the next chapter.

Here I am trying my hardest to do some creative writing.

I am still struggling with motivation to continue, which is why updates happen so seldom.

With the end of this chapter we are entering the second part of Sakura's story, so hopefully at some point I will continue it.

That said, I do wanna mention this. Please review. Writing is a all-consuming experience and whenever we (the authors/writers) receive a review it brings us joy and we feel appreciated - that our hard work is recognized. I know a lot of fellow writers who feel the same way and the fact that you (the reader) leaves a little something for the author is wonderful. That said, those who do continuously leave me reviews, let me say that I really really appreciate your kind words. This chapter I dedicate to all of you. Now, let us go onward.

- masayume

Important...this story is rated M for a reason - you have been warned.

Chapter 22. From Ashes

It was already early evening when Sakura plucked another arrow from the quiver — her aim steady as she gazed upon the drawn target on the large oak tree nearly forty meters away from her. She was determined and eager to master the skill of archery as it was one of the few training sessions that focused solely on strength and endurance — and she had plenty of both. With each passing day came another training session, and with each day she became stronger and more confident with her abilities. She remembered her early sessions with Itachi and how he took the time to teach her or rather reawaken her fighting spirit — the duality of a warrior and a physician at battle within her, roiling wildly like an unyielding ocean. And yet, here she was accepting of who she was. Sakura, the kind and caring physician and Uchiha Sakura, the matriarch of a large clan and a blooming warrior, ready to protect her loved ones.

"Easy, just like that. Don't forget to exhale as you release the arrow," Aoi instructed as she watched Sakura's every move. She remained focused on her pupil, evaluating her stance as she readied to fire the arrow.

With a soft exhale, Sakura lets the arrow loose and it flies in a steady line, aiming for its target. As the arrow plunges into the center of the oaken trunk, her stance relaxes, and a soft smile appears on her lips.

"Well done. Ten more like that and I think we can call it a day," Aoi said. Then, her eyes fell upon the two men standing a few meters away from them, currently engaged in a rather playful example of swordsmanship. "Unless you want to switch to swordplay?"

Sakura lowered her bow and glanced over to the men. Sasuke and Naruto were dancing in a circle, in both of their hands was a dulled short blade and the two clashed with equal speed. For a moment, she watched — intrigued by the nearly animalistic pattern of moves between the two old friends. Rarely she had seen the men of the compound display their swordsmanship. One of the moments that she could recall from memory was of Itachi and his almost graceful and elegant sword fighting when he jumped in to protect her and Sachiko in the meadows — that seemed so long ago, almost as if it were but a distant memory.

"I'm intrigued. Can we watch them for a minute?" Sakura asked.

"Sure, at the rate they're going one of them is going to be injured and you'll be needed to tend to their wound," Aoi scoffed, and she sat down on a vacant tree stump.

As Naruto swung his right hand, aiming towards Sasuke's shoulder, the young Uchiha barely moved out of the way in time, nearly losing his balance in the process.

"Come on Sasuke. Watch your blind spot!" Aoi yelled.

Ignoring Aoi's words, Sasuke straightened and attacked his opponent with more fervor. Eagerly, swinging the blades against his blond opponent, as if the young Uchiha was merely in a mood to show off his skills. Naruto taking notice of Sasuke's actions began to do the same — having fun as they blocked, deflected, attacked in an endless spar. Like a pair of wild demons, they danced with their swords, eagerly striking at each other with their speed increasing with each stroke. It was only a matter of time when Sasuke's arm gave way and he leaves himself open, causing Naruto to come into direct skin and blade contact. Sasuke winced in pain, dropping the dulled blade onto the ground. Sasuke's hand immediately shot up to his face, pressing it tightly against the bleeding wound.

"You were supposed to block that!" Naruto exclaimed.

"The sun reflected from the blade and blinded me… tell me how I was supposed to block that?!" Sasuke answered

"The sun has long set. Try to figure out a better excuse next time old friend," Naruto teased.
"Fine, the moon did then," Sasuke grumbled as he held his hand over his wound.

Sakura handed the bow to Aoi and with quick and nimble feet she moved between Naruto and Sasuke. "Let me see," she says as she slowly moves Sasuke's hand away from the wound. Reluctantly, Sasuke looks up at her, seeing his sister-in-law examine his bleeding features. Sakura quickly glances over the wound — an even slice into his right cheek, ranging from his cheek bone to his jaw. She rips the white sleeve of her kimono, and she presses the fabric against the wound.

"Well, this needs stitches. Let's get to the infirmary. Keep pressure on it," Sakura ordered.

"Can't you use your chakra healing?" Sasuke questioned as he kept pressure on his right cheek.

"No, I cannot. I have just endured a three-hour long training and I need time to rest. So, let's go make you less pretty with some stitchwork," Sakura teased, and the quartet made their way out of the barracks and down the main path.

Shisui's heart felt heavy in his chest as he galloped with full speed towards the Uchiha compound. In his arms, he held his greatest treasure — the woman his heart yearned after and at this moment, she was not breathing. With the utmost urgency, he rushed home, hoping that Sakura would be able to save her. The sight of her burns, her half-burned kimono made Shisui think the worst — Ino was the only one who had not been engulfed by the flames, the only one of her clan to still remain, and Shisui could only pray to the gods that he was not too late.

"Ino, please stay with me. Don't leave me," Shisui utters as he glances down to the unconscious blonde in his arms.

The memory of the red-hot fire that swallowed the entire Yamanaka compound haunted him— the paper-thin walls shredded into ash, there was nothing left. He dared to plunge into the fiery pit of what remained, hopeful to find his intended and with quick speed he turned to head home to seek aid from the one person he knew could help — Uchiha Sakura.

"MAKE WAY!" he screams as he enters the compound full speed. He continues on, making his way to the infirmary, urging people to get out of the way. His horse comes to a halt right outside the Uchiha infirmary.

"I NEED HELP HERE! I NEED HELP NOW! PLEASE!" Shisui calls out.

Aoi peers out the door and quickly steps down onto the gravel path. Instantly, she helps support the blonde woman in Shisui's arms so that he may disembark from the horse.

"Come on, Sakura's inside," Aoi said.

A few days later.

Within the safety of the Uchiha infirmary, Sakura sat diligently next to her newest patient, keeping a watchful eye over the young blonde woman. Young Ino remained asleep on the warm futon her wounds from the fire carefully tended to as the burned skin slowly began to heal. Her burns were extensive and therefore Sakura had to employ a variety of treatments to salvage Ino's life. Sakura's eyes fall to the fish scales adhered to the burns upon both of Ino's legs, her right side her right arm, and her neck and jaw. The girl was lucky to be alive — no doubt in a terrifying deluge of indescribable pain — perhaps the fact that she remained asleep was a blessing.

As soon as that thought vanished from Sakura's mind, her blonde patient stirred — her eyes fluttering open for the first time since her arrival at the compound. A wave of panic appeared upon the blonde's face as she eagerly tried to sit up, only to scream out in pain as her shift in movement send a jolt of pain throughout her body.

"Easy, easy. You mustn't move. You're safe. You have sustained a lot of burns. My name is Sakura and I'm your physician. Can you tell me your name?" Sakura asked with a calm and soothing voice as she made sure the blonde woman remained still.

The patient's voice is hoarse. "I-Ino," she utters weakly. "Wh-where am I? Shisui…"

Sakura "Ino, you are at the Uchiha compound. Shisui found you and brought you here for me to take care of. Stay calm, just breathe. It's going to be alright. Is the pain too much?" Sakura inquired, as she assessed Ino's fish scales, making sure none of them slipped off her wounds.

"Y-yes," Ino utters.

Sakura instantly rushes a wave of healing green chakra with the intention of numbing the healing burned skin to offer some comfort to the burn victim.

"Alright, that should keep you calm for a little while. I will make sure Sachi adds some strong pain relief into your meal. For now, rest. I will let Shisui know you've awakened," Sakura said.

Sakura stood near the preparation room when Shisui entered the infirmary. Her healers were sent off to collect more tilapia fish from the markets, so that they would be prepared for Ino's second application. Sachiko, who was her ever-present protégé was sitting across from her, pounding herbs into a thick paste in an old stony mortar. The two Uchiha worked in silence as they worked on filling up the infirmary's stores with herbal medicine. Sakura's feet ached — it had been days since Ino had been brought here and she has been relentlessly fighting for her life. It was finally a moment for her to slow down — to rest, and yet the Uchiha matriarch remained on her feet, doing her best to ensure the patient's survival — burns of that caliber were not an easy road to recovery especially in this era. As she stood by the collection of jars and fabrics, she closed her eyes for only a moment. Her left hand pressed against her abdomen as she took a few calming deep breaths, needing a second to gather her strengths and continue on — perhaps, a rest break would be an option. From her vantage point, she could easily see to her patient, who was currently comforted by the curly-haired Uchiha warrior. Decided, Sakura made her way to settle down onto a vacant futon in the preparation room and resting her eyes for a few moments.

Shisui was sitting next to Ino, minding her injuries as he focused on her face, gently wiping away stray tears from her face.

"I'm so sorry my love," Shisui nearly whispers.

"You must think me hideous," Ino answers with a weakened voice.

Shisui shakes his head in disapproval of her words.

"Don't say such silly words. You are beautiful and I cannot wait to marry you — if you'll still have me," Shisui said gently.

Ino closes her eyes, as if she were attempting to still the relentless tears from falling. In her eyes, she was damaged goods — nothing but a mere memory of the Yamanaka clan, the only one who did not turn into ash and dust.

"I want to, I really do, but I have nothing to offer you anymore… my clan is gone," Ino said solemnly.

In that moment, Shisui reaches for her unburned hand and with the utmost tender care, he lifts it up and presses soft kisses against her skin. His rough calloused hands are as gentle as silk. When he lowers her hand down, he leans closer to her, making sure the young blonde would gaze into his eyes.

"I only want you, grow old with you, have a few kids running around, the whole thing. I just want you, nothing else matters anymore," Shisui said as he gently moved the smalll wisps of her blonde hair from her forehead. Then, he leaned down and pressed a tender kiss upon her brow, thankful to the gods and beyond for not claiming her life. At his gentle gesture, Ino eased and with her good hand she returned the soft squeeze of his.

"Shisui," she calls out to him. Shisui meets her gaze with an intense passion — the love and fire hiding behind his charcoal eyes only delving in deeper into Ino's cerulean blue ones.

"Say you will marry me," Shisui nearly pleaded.

"I will. You know I will. I love you," Ino manages to utter.

And finally, Shisui feels weight lift off his shoulders — the never-ending pile of rocks that seemed to crush the life out of him only moments ago was gone. The loss of the Yamanaka clan was a tragedy — but the silver lining was the woman still breathing before him. For now, all that mattered was that Ino was safe, and their life together was just beginning. Tomorrow would be another day.

A/N: Until next time.