In the preparation room
"Good job, everyone!" Kakashi-sensei said. The 'Passion' and 'Resurrection' parts were over. Most actors and actresses were resting after such climatic scenes. The play was currently on the first part of 'Acts of the Apostles', and some of the supporting cast would be on stage. Kakashi looked at Sakura and smiled. "Especially you, Sakura!"
Sakura was flustered by his praise and other students looking at her. "Great,Sakura!" Naruto was excited. "Your performance just shook the viewers' hearts!"
Sakura softly rubbed her wet eyes. The traces of tears still remained in her cheeks. The Crucifixion, the blood, and the screams of Phoenix (the Jesus actor)... All looked so real in her eyes. Heartfelt, Sakura had let out the tears from the sorrow in her heart. As she had to sing the lamentation to the Lord, she had sung in a voice choked from emotion. She thought she couldn't finish the song, but somehow she did. When her acts were finished, Sakura hurried to the preparation room and almost tripped over her dress.
Looking all over her body, Sakura found her costume not as she imagined. It was a very fancy crimson red dress, along with bracelets and earrings. Sakura looked like a Jewish princess rather than an apostle of Christ. But the most beautiful girl tonight should be Ino. The blonde girl was wearing a robe of ancient Greek women, showing a little bit of her slender and smooth back. All her accessories shined like gold. Next to Ino was Sai wearing a fierce-looking Roman armor. Those two were definitely born for each other, like emperor and empress. They were staring at her as if appreciating her like Kakashi-sensei did.
To divert some attention, Sakura said to Naruto. "You too! The scene where you denied the Lord three times then regretted… Greatly impressed everyone!"
Naruto giggled. "But I don't have a song to make it more dramatic!" He adoringly gazed at her. "When you were singing there, not only the audience but I was touched!"
Sakura replied. "I think Sai and Ino's performance also made the audience sympathize with the two Roman characters!"
Ino gently stroked her hair. "Thank you so much! I knew my role wouldn't get the spotlight as yours did. Therefore, I'd tried my best!"
Sai unexpectedly spoke. "According to the script, I did not listen to 'my wife'" Then he sneaked a hand to fondle the showing skin on Ino's back. "Normally, how could I ever reject the pleading of such a beauty?"
Ino pinched Sai's cuddling hand and pushed it away. "Then, Pilate, darling...what if I say we have dinner after this play is over?"
Out of the blue, Shikamaru (class 11B10, played as Nicodemus) yawned. "It's good that you two could impress viewers in just some minutes of stage time. I had to appear over and over again without any significance. Troublesome…"
Chouji (class 11B10, played as Joseph of Arimathea) chewed the potato chip. "As long as the Pageant was successful, there will be a party for all of us. Then good for me!"
"Naruto, Sakura!" Rock Lee (class 12A9, played as Philip the Apostle) called. "You two presented the two Great Apostles very well! Very youthful and...energetic!" It was the best compliment Lee could think of. "Well...thank you Lee!"
Kiba (class 11B8, played as Zacchaeus) sat down while wearing a hood and putting his feet on the table. "Everyone performed greatly today!" Then he abruptly tapped the shoulder of Hinata (class 11B8, played as Veronica), who was lowering her head and fidgeting with a white veil. "But tonight the girls were the greatest!"
Neji (class 12A9, played as Lazarus) crossed his arms, leaned against the wall and smirked. "I admit...I was worried to know my cousin was among the cast. But...well done!" Hinata glanced at him as thanks. Suddenly Naruto got closer to her. "Did you just say something?"
Hinata's face reddened. "I said...Naruto-kun...play as St. Peter ...is very cool…"
Shino (class 12A8, played as Simon of Cyrene) appeared out of nowhere. "Sorry guys!" Then he punched his back. "I thought the cross was made of plastic, but It was really heavy wood! My spine broke just to carry it!"
Sakura wondered. "Anyone see Tenten?" Neji replied. "She asked to go home early as she was busy with something. Her role as is over anyways!"
Kakashi-sensei spoke. "Speaking of who's not here...Where is Sasuke? It's about time he should be on stage! You too, Sakura! Hurry up and change the new costume!"
Sakura entered the dressing room. She would be on stage for a few minutes during the 'Acts' part. Although it was Sasuke who would be in the spotlight. Sakura didn't expect the script to be so creative. And where Sasuke could be at this time? From now on, the play would mostly feature him and she only hoped he was ready. Sakura had successfully portrayed her character as she was overcome by emotion. But this time, she needed to be calmer. Sakura took off her bracelets and earring. Even though her friends said she looked gorgeous in this dress, Sakura just wasn't used to it. She'd prefer the modest one before her. Time was short; she should hurry.
…
Sakura quietly watched him on the stage. The first scene Sasuke was in...
On the stage
As Stephen was teaching the Gospel, Sasuke and his subordinates stepped up. "Do not listen to this madman!" Stephen resisted. "No! I'm not mad! He is the Messiah...The way to everlasting life…"
"Your Christ is DEAD!" Sasuke snapped. "And you will go the same way!"
Sasuke pointed his finger at Stephen and shouted. "Blasphemer!"
Stephen wasn't afraid at all. "No! He has resurrected! He is the Christ, the true prophet!"
Sasuke rolled his eyes. "What do you know? Your prophet put himself above the law of our people!"
Stephen declared. "You stiff-necked people! Was there ever a prophet your ancestors did not persecute? And now you have betrayed and murdered Him!"
There was no need for more arguments. Sasuke ordered. "Get him!" Then his subordinates bound Stephen and threw the man to the corner of the stage.
Sasuke picked up a stone. His underlings and the people did the same.
After seconds of silence, Sasuke threw his rock at Stephen's head. Then the crowd frantically cast their own stones. Sasuke backed off to watch in approval.
Stephen collapsed as if dead. When the mob dispersed, Sasuke got closer to Stephen, smirked disdainfully then left the stage.
The lights went off and the theatre was sunk in darkness.
The scene ends
Sakura's heart clenched with emotion. Sasuke did demonstrate what a villain character he was. His emotionless face during the stoning of Stephen… His cruelty was displayed in both his words and actions… But the exaggeration of such brutality had greater meaning: To emphasize the redemption later on. Sakura came to the stage and waited for the lights to turn back on. This time has finally come!
On the stage
Sakura was looking after the brothers and sisters in her church.
Suddenly, a man ran to them in a rush, he nearly collapsed to the ground, inhaled and exhaled wildy. When asked what happened, he replied. "It's...it's Saul. Saul is here!"
Some were frightened and warned others. "Run brothers and sisters! Saul the Pharisee is coming!" Immediately Sasuke and his subordinates stepped on the stage.
Sasuke's voice was full of venom. "The Way of Salvation...do you think you can escape me?"
Sasuke drew his sword, struck and brandished it for a while then pointed at Sakura as if on purpose. "Get them and throw them into the prison!"
Sakura's brethren screamed in pain as they were being dragged away. Her eyes, full of determination, looked at Sasuke. "I must confront him!"
But she was stopped. "No, Sister Mary! Noone can reason with this man! For Kami-sama, please flee while you can!"
A churchman ran toward Sasuke out of confusion. Sasuke swiftly stabbed the sword in his stomach. That man collapsed as if dead. The screams were even more anguished. Sasuke ordered. "Keep some! Stone them to death to make an example!"
In utter powerlessness and distress, Sakura left the stage. The lights went off and the theatre was pitch-black.
The scene ends.
Even on the stand, Sakura still felt so terrified. Sasuke-kun illustrated the character of as St. Paul as the persecutor so genuinely. His eyes were vicious like the devil. The way he aimed his sword at her...as if he truly wanted to kill her. His actings had burst out all the emotions she had tried to hold back. At that moment, Sakura had believed he truly hated Christians. At that moment, Sakura had indeed wanted to face him on Kami-sama's behalf. At that moment, Sakura had thought of the unthinkable: Defending the faith even if Sasuke would abuse her and curse her.
But now, Sakura was anxious to see/watch Sasuke's next performance. Because it would prove to everyone here that he had become a pious man. St. Paul's life...really reflected Sasuke's changes. The lights gradually went on.
…
Sasuke stood alone on the stage, and a white light shone on his eyes. He fell to the ground as there was a voice like thunder. "Saul! Saul! Why are you persecuting Me?"
Sasuke replied. "Who are you?" "I am Jesus whom you are persecuting!"
Sasuke growled. "No! It can't be! You. Are. Dead!" "Now get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do."
The white light disappeared. Sasuke touched his eyes and cried out madly. "Why can't I see anything? Anyone? Help me!" He screamed. "HELP ME!"
Sasuke's underlings dragged him out of the stage. The theater turned dark.
…
Sakura knew Sasuke was always a quiet and calm person. To think how many times he had to scream like this… But surely from this point, he would chill out, as Paul's personality would process.
The play continues
When being told to meet Sasuke, Ananias said. "Lord, I've heard many reports about this man and all the evil he has done to your holy people in Jerusalem. And he has come here with authority from the chief priests to arrest all who call on your name."
"Go! This man is my chosen vessel to proclaim my name to the Gentiles and their king and to the people of Israel." the Lord said.
Ananias put his hand on Sasuke. "Brother Saul, the Lord has sent me so that you may see again." Then Sasuke said he gained his sight back. Ananias baptized Sasuke.
…
Sasuke stood with some church members. All of them were suspicious of him. "We know who you are!" "You've persecuted us!" "You cannot be trusted!" They said.
But Sasuke convinced them he had changed and added. "Love always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always preserves!"
Eventually Sasuke was recognized as an apostle.
…
A dispute happened in the church.
"Peter!" Sasuke pointed his finger toward Naruto. "You are a Jew, yet you live a Gentile and not like a Jew. How is it, then, you force Gentiles to live like Jews?"
Naruto giggled. "Paul, you are probably right…"
…
Sasuke traveled all the places to preach the Gospel and gathered many partners.
…
Sasuke's arms and legs were chained, and two Roman soldiers took him away. His final words were, "I have kept the faith!"
The play ends
Sakura stood speechless for a little while, only after that did she begin to clap her hands along with the audience. Sasuke had portrayed the life of St. Paul so sacredly. St. Paul was one of the Three Great Apostles, along with Naruto's Peter and Sakura's Mary Magdalene. He turned from a persecutor to one of the most prominent apostles. It was understandable when the saint was suspected not long after his conversion. Sakura also hoped one day the church would realize Sasuke's devotion. She loved the 'church dispute' scene. Just as Peter and Paul still worked in harmony for the church, Naruto and Sasuke were always best friends. Many saints gathered with on his missionary trip. On the stage, Sakura noted more than 15 people accompanied Sasuke. Among them were Juugo (played as Silas), Karin (played as Priscilla), and Suigetsu (played as Aquilla). The end of the play foreshadowed 's fate: He would be martyred.
…
In the preparation room, the cast was resting. Sakura asked Sasuke. "May I help you, Sasuke-kun?" "Hn" He sat on the chair behind.
As Sakura was slowly removing Sasuke's shackles, she remembered him quoting Paul's speech about love. Sakura believed her forgiveness, her trust, her hope, and her endurance had redeemed Sasuke. Thanks Kami-sama so much! This night was her most memorable.
Five days later
Sakura knew she'd become very popular in school, just by the look other students gave her. Some even called her 'Mary.' Was her performance so outstanding? Overall, the play was significantly rated, and the teachers had applauded the whole cast. Sakura just did her best and never expected to be a "Queen" or something like that. Well, such popularity would pass, but it would take some time. Sakura just wanted to study, pray, and live as usual. During break time, she could hang out with her friends and no nuisance would happen. However, according to those girls, there were some guys after her. "Do not let those brats seduce you, Mary!" Ino teased. Yesterday, in the church, the loud-mouthed Naruto even babbled about how superb her performance was. How embarrassing! Watching the blue sky, Sakura sighed. There was no way Kami-sama destined her to be an actress!
…
Behind the block in building B of her school, Sakura was standing with another guy. She was surprised when he asked her out. She knew a bit about this boy: Ryou Yukinaga, a Protestant, from class 11B2.
Sakura intended to reject him. She had no problem with Protestants in this school. It was just...she already had Sasuke-kun in her heart. Should she answer that she already had a date? She and Sasuke never went on a date. He didn't even show up at the celebration party. Sakura didn't really know what to say. Perhaps this was a trial to confirm her true feelings.
"Sorry, Yukinaga! I can't…" Yukinaga interrupted. "Why, Sakura? Because I'm a Protestant?"
"No, it's not like that! I'm OK with all denominations!" Sakura didn't expect him to react so aggressively. "I can't because…"
Yukinaga came closer to Sakura. "Because I'm not a devout man yet?" Sakura was agitated and backed off, but Yukinaga didn't mean to keep the personal space anymore. "I could prove to you otherwise! Give me a chance!"
Sakura leaned against the wall as Yukinaga kept pressing her. The tension caused her to sweat. She needed to be clear-cut. "Please, Yukinaga! I can't because I already had…"
"What's all this noise here?" A familiar voice rose.
Yukinaga was startled as he saw Sasuke approaching. His blood ran cold as the raven-haired guy glared dagger at him. Realizing what he had done, the Protestant mildly bowed his head, "S-sorry!", then took flight.
Sakura sighed in relief; Sasuke glanced at her. "Are you not hurt?" "I...I'm fine!" Sakura was dumbfounded for seconds by his unusual caring voice.
Sakura was stunned again when Sasuke asked. "Let's have lunch together, shall we?"
But then, she quickly regained her self-composure and smiled. "Okay…"
Sakura followed him. She was about to say she already had a date with him. But why not make that statement come true first? So much did Sakura hope for happy moments with Paul...wait, no...her Sasuke!