Harada's voice alerted Toshizo to their presence, and the dark-haired man turned around to meet them. "Harada, Haruno-san. Thank you for coming."
Pushing the past half hour to the back of her mind, Sakura smiled. "Of course, Hijikata-san. How may I be of ser-"
The rest of her sentence died on her lips when she spied who exactly was standing behind Toshizo. A happy grin split her lips and her whole body hummed with barely contained enthusiasm.
"Iba Hachiro?!"
"Bless my good fortune and the vision before me!" The man's dark green eyes widened, before a smile that rivaled hers lit up his handsome face. "Sakura-hime!"
XxxxX
Sakura-hime?
Sanosuke crossed his bandaged arms across his chest, observing the scene before him. He hadn't seen Hachiro in a long while, but it was obvious he and Sakura were familiar with each other.
Awfully familiar with each other.
"Hachiro-kun! I'm so glad to see you!" With a skip in her step, Sakura rushed to the man and threw her arms around his neck in a hug. He reciprocated the hug eagerly, tightening his arms around the medic's body in the overly familiar way of someone who has repeated the motion many times before.
"Sakura-hime! The Gods must be smiling down upon me," he said, releasing the woman from his embrace and taking her hands in his. "I have been graced with the chance to behold your beauty again."
Sakura giggled at the man's words, her cheeks tinted pink. "Always giving me too much credit, Hachiro-kun. It's good to see that you haven't changed since we last met."
Something in Sanosuke's gut snarled.
"My, Toshi! When you mentioned being in league with a foreign doctor, I never imagined this! How did you guys manage to lure Sakura-hime away from Konoha? I spent a good month trying to convince her to allow me to present her to the Shogun and have her spend a couple of months with us in Edo, but she simply refused to leave her village."
The longer Iba held onto Sakura's hands, the louder the snarling in Sanosuke's gut grew. His eyes narrowed.
Hijikata cleared his throat. "May I ask how you two know each other?"
Sanosuke couldn't wait to know the answer to that question.
Iba grinned. "I was sent to Sakura-hime's village on the Shogun's orders. I was entrusted with overseeing the process of establishing the proper diplomatic relations with the military officials. The Hidden Villages, though secluded and very secretive, offer exemplary military services. Their warriors are remarkable. The Shogun's hope was to contract a few instructors from Sakura-hime's village to train his troops."
Sanosuke filed that piece of information for later. So that's why…She's not just a medic. She's also a soldier.
"As the Hokage's student, she was tasked with being my escort and guide around the village and the diplomatic tables every time our delegation payed a visit. You should see her, Toshi. She's a force of nature!" Iba winked at Sakura, who blushed, tilting her head to the side shyly.
Sanosuke wanted to yell at her for being so damn alluring without even trying, and then proceed to smack himself for being so uncontrollably affected by it.
Hijikata nodded. "I see. I was not aware the shogunate had expressed such interests. That piece of information would have made Kondou's job a lot easier when he first sought to contact Haruno-san's leader."
"Well, it's not exactly a secret that the Shogun has been looking for strong allies to tackle a few rising problems. No one has ever attempted any form of alliance with the Hidden Villages. The Shogun saw a chance to strengthen his position and took it. Perhaps you should let Sakura-hime train your captains, Toshi. I would argue she could take on any of them and wipe the floor with their faces!"
Something ugly twisted in Sanosuke's chest, a strange kind of possessiveness that he hadn't felt in a really long while. It was illogical, he knew, to wish the other man had never witnessed what he himself had only a mere couple of days ago. Hell, Iba probably knew more about her than Sanosuke did. That thought made his stomach lurch.
Remembering his words to her from a little earlier, Sanosuke wanted to shake his head at his own presumption. Special when it comes to her? Get a grip, Harada. As you can see, you never were special.
If he had noticed the power Sakura exuded, that meant others had and would too. Yet, the familiarity between the woman and Iba was a painful reminder that he was not as close to her as he wanted to be. Not nearly as close as he wanted to be.
Sakura chuckled awkwardly, scratching the back of her head. "Don't listen to him, Hijikata-san. Hachiro-kun likes to exaggerate."
The Vice-Commander regarded her with interest. "Still, Haruno-san, his words might have merit despite your insistence that they don't. I have known Iba for many years and I do trust his judgement. I shall call on you to partake in a spar one of these days. I'm sure the other captains will be more than willing to test your skill level."
Sanosuke shifted his eyes to Toshizo, trying to gauge what his intensions were. Hijikata was a man of few words, but he meant what he said. He would be requesting a spar, though Sanosuke couldn't quite tell why he seemed so interested. Iba's words had obviously affected him. And if Sakura's village truly exhibited the military prowess Iba claimed, then perhaps their Vice-Commander wanted to test the theory.
Sanosuke knew that Sakura had ran to Kondou's aid back at the Ikeda Inn, so it was safe to assume that their Chief had witnessed something similar to what he had.
Did Kondou tell Hijikata? Is that why he wants to test her? To see if the rumors are true?
Sanosuke knew Hijikata. He was well aware that whatever the man did was always with the Shinsegumi's best interests at heart. It was rather likely that Toshizo still didn't trust Sakura completely, so he meant to gauge her skill not only to see how they could utilize her to the fullest, but also to see how serious of a threat she could potentially become.
The thought of Sakura being anything other than her usual soothing presence of gentle green light and soft-spoken words was upsetting, to say the least.
"You're in for the shock of your life, Toshi. I know I was when I first witnessed her in action."
Sanosuke shifted his gaze elsewhere from fear that the others would pick up on the annoyed scowl that slipped on his face without his consent. He couldn't look at them any longer. The sight of Hachiro holding Sakura's hand while she blushed like a lovesick teenager was turning his thoughts dark.
He got dangerous when his thoughts turned dark.
"I see." Hijikata answered, seemingly unfazed by the other man's enthusiasm. "Consider me adequately interested, Hachiro. Now, we need to finish our previous conversation, and I'd rather we did it within the privacy of my office. Harada, thank you for fetching Haruno-san. You can return to your patrols."
As if taking note of him for the first time, Hachiro's gaze shifted to him. "Harada! Long time no see!"
Trying his hardest to keep his sudden distaste from showing, Sanosuke plastered a pleasant smile on his face. "Iba. It has been a while. Good to see you again after so long."
Iba grinned. "I'll say! We'll have to catch up sometime. Are Nagakura and the others still around?"
"Alive and kicking. Why don't you join us tonight for supper? We can share a bottle of sake or two."
Immediately, Iba's eyes shifted to Sakura. "Will you be there too, Hime?"
Sakura smiled kindly, and Sanosuke clenched his fist behind his back. "I usually join the captains during mealtime, so yes, I will be there too."
"Splendid! We shall see everyone tonight then. Now, let us retreat to Toshi's office. We have a lot to talk about. It was nice seeing you again, Harada. I hope to hear all about the Shinsengumi's exploits later. After the Ikeda Inn incident, you have made quite a name for yourselves."
Sanosuke nodded, trying to muster all his charm to make his pleasant demeanor appear convincing. "Now, if you'll excuse me, the streets of Kyoto require the service of my spear. Hijikata, Iba." His eyes shifted to Sakura, who was looking at him strangely, as if trying to crack a puzzle. "My lady."
With those words, Sanosuke turned around and began the short walk to where Nagakura was surely waiting for him. Unable to resist the urge, he glanced at the three over his shoulder.
Sakura was watching him walk away with a frown on her face.
XxxxX
"Damn it, Harada! I dislike these damned ronin as much as you do, but you are being brutal. What's gotten into you today?"
Sanosuke ignored Nagakura. Ducking to avoid the swing of a sword, he twirled his Yari in his hand and hit the ronin with the butt end of the spear, taking a sick kind of satisfaction in the sound of his nose breaking.
Fueled by bouts of illogical anger, he threw himself into battle, hoping the sounds of clashing steel would silence the roaring in his gut.
Why would she offer you her undivided attention, in the first place?
He kicked a charging ronin in the chest, sending him crashing into the abandoned fruit cart of a street vendor.
What do you have to offer her in return?
He twirled his Yari above his head and then his hand shot out, catching a ronin in the ribs. Noticing a rebel trying to sneak up on Nagakura, he jumped over a pair of blades meant to ruin his legs and caught the man in the neck.
How do you compare to an Okuzume, Harada? A personal guard of the Shogun compared to a division captain in an organization of samurai that are more hated than respected?
He jumped back to avoid crashing into a staggering ronin who was clutching his bleeding side.
After all, even if you did stand a chance, it won't be very long before she is called back to her village. And then she'll leave.
The thought sent an unpleasant jolt through him, a jarring realization that made his blood run cold.
She'll leave. And I'll never see her again.
"Harada! Watch out!"
He didn't watch out fast enough.
XxxxX
"Had I known you were coming, I would have made sure to come receive you, Sakura-hime."
Sakura smiled at Hachiro, gratefully accepting the cup of tea he offered her. "The mission was classified as S-Rank, Hachiro-kun. And you know what that means. I couldn't have sent word without jeopardizing my cover and going against direct orders from the Hokage."
"Aa, I understand. Still I would have liked to show you the kind of hospitality you deserve."
"You're too kind, Hachiro-kun," she started, sipping her tea. "But the Shinsengumi have been more than accommodating. I assure you, I'm treated with the utmost respect."
Well…Aside from Kanryusai, of course.
"I'm very glad to hear that. The Shogun would be greatly displeased if he were to hear that the alliance he wishes to achieve is at risk because of some rowdy samurai."
The medic put her cup down, her brow slightly furrowed. "Hachiro-kun, the Shinsengumi are anything but a bunch of rowdy samurai," she said resolutely, feeling defensive of Kondou and the other captains. "Please inform the Shogun that his worries are for naught. If anything, the way the Shinsengumi conduct themselves is a reason to see this alliance signed. These men and my village have a lot of things in common, you know."
As they sat under the shade of a tree in the Yagi Residence's quarters, Hachiro observed her for a minute. Then, he shook his head, a smile forming on his lips. "Of course, Sakura-hime. I should have known you'd develop feelings of camaraderie for the Shinsengumi. Honor and protecting one's birthplace are an integral part of your culture, is it not?"
Well, camaraderie is one way to put it. She was certain that her…reactions to Sanosuke were something and camaraderie was not it. "That is quite right."
"Is that why you chose to leave your village and travel all the way to Kyoto?"
Sakura put her cup down. "An alliance with the Shogun will be beneficial to all parties involved, Hachiro-kun. Edo is extraordinarily rich in goods and trading routes that are not being used because of the problems with the Satsuma. Your Shogun is a smart man to employ our services. I'm sure you are aware that it's not only instructors he is after. He wants shinobi to act as road patrols against the raids carried out by the Shimazu family's men. We would be fools not to jump at the opportunity to negotiate a share of the benefits for ourselves. My services are a sign of good faith. My Hokage allowing his Head Medic to travel all the way here is a testament to our commitment. Also, shinobi pay their debts. Hokage-sama owed Kondou-san for saving his life many years ago. You could say that I'm here to repay that debt in his stead."
Hachiro hummed in understanding, pouring them both a fresh cup of ryokucha. "I admire your dedication to your comrades, Hime. To be completely honest though, I'm surprised your teammates allowed you out of their sight. Why, if I do remember correctly, that blond one – Uzumaki-san, was it? – promised me bodily harm if I tried to, and I quote, seduce your innocent mind and drive you to depravity."
"He did what?!" Sakura nearly choked on her tea. Overcoming a short coughing feat, much to her companion's amusement, she sighed deeply. "That Naruto…I apologize on his behalf, Hachiro-kun. Naruto has trouble controlling his overprotective feelings. Don't judge him too harshly because of them."
"Judge him harshly?" The man chuckled, smiling at her widely. "Quite the opposite, Sakura-hime. I consider you a dear friend of mine, so knowing that you are treasured by those around you puts my mind at ease. Especially considering the nature of your profession."
She looked down at her hands shyly, her cheeks tinted pink. She was not used to people expressing their feelings for her – friendly or otherwise – so earnestly. Hachiro's face was positively glowing with honesty, and the young medic found herself smiling at him softly. "Thank you, Hachiro-kun. I consider you a dear friend as well. I give you my word that I'll move heaven and earth to see our alliance to the end."
"I have no doubt that you will, Hime. Now, why don't we-"
"Sakura-chan! Someone! Fetch Sakura-chan!"
The frantic voice that she recognized as Shinpachi's had Sakura jumping to her feet in an instant. Without wasting a second, she took off towards the gates, positive that was where the voice was coming from. She ducked and jumped over objects and people alike, just barely resisting the urge to take to the rooftops.
"Sakura-chan! Over here! It's Harada!"
The moment her eyes fell on the two figures, Sakura's blood ran cold in her veins. "Sanosuke!" With her heart pounding in her ribcage, she flash-stepped to their side. "Shin-kun! What happened?" she barked, assessing the damage done to the unconscious man draped over Nagakura's shoulder.
"Nothing we weren't expecting, just some ronin causing trouble. But Harada…he was out of it. He acted rush. That's not like Sano at all. He's usually a beast in battle but being so reckless is not like him."
Sakura, more preoccupied with gauging the extent of the man's injuries, filed the information away for later. Hang in there, Sano-kun. And once you're better, I'll kill you myself for being an idiot.
"Can you carry him to my room, Shin-kun? That's where I keep my medical pouch. Come quick!"
They hurried to Sakura's room and she nearly tore the door off in her worry. "Put him on the bed. Gently!"
Once Sanosuke was laid on the bed, Sakura put a comforting hand on Shinpachi's bicep. "I got him, Shin-kun, don't worry. Your timely reaction probably saved his life. You should be proud." She tried to smile at him encouragingly. "I know you won't rest even if I tell you to, but I need you to keep your wits about you and stand outside my door in case I require your assistance." She doubted she'd really need Shinpachi's help. The man had already done all he could, and the rest was entirely up to her, but she knew what it was like to watch a teammate suffer and feel completely useless.
Giving him something to do, even if that was to simply stand guard outside her door, was a solace. It'd keep his mind focused on something other than feeling helpless and thinking of everything he could have done to prevent the situation. Such a sad frown as the one he was sporting did not belong on the face of a person as positive as Nagakura.
Shinpachi nodded, eyes clouded. "I'll do anything. Just take care of him, Sakura-chan. Holler if you need anything and I'll be beside you in a second."
"Good," the medic said, kneeling beside Sanosuke. "Now shoo! I gotta start the surgery."
She didn't wait for a reply and focused her attention on her patient but took note of Shinpachi closing the door behind him.
Sanosuke's breathing was swallow and difficult, though it was obvious that his lungs were not damaged. Forming a chakra scalpel, she cut off the bandages around his abdomen, careful not to cause him any discomfort. Two deep slash wounds glared back at her, blood flowing freely in thick scarlet rivers. His flesh, raw and weeping and red, was hot to the touch.
Without missing a beat, Sakura's hands ignited with green chakra, and she pressed them to his abdomen. A strangled cry of agony slipped past Sanosuke's lips, a dagger that logged itself in Sakura's chest.
Come on, Sano-kun. You can't do this to me. Not now.
She mended the flesh and muscle back together, focusing on the sight of healing tissue to give her hope. The war had left its own scars on her, and though she had tremendous faith in the knowledge Tsunade had imparted to her, her fear of losing the people dear to her had increased tenfold.
You don't get to do this to yourself or to me, Sano-kun. I won't let you.
Hours of pouring chakra into him later, Sanosuke's breathing had returned to normal and there was no trace of the wounds left to remind them of how close he had come to death.
Sakura allowed herself a sigh of relief, and the green light around her fingers died out. Rising to her feet slowly, she pulled the door open. The moment he saw her, Shinpachi rushed to her side.
"Sakura-chan! Is Harada alright? Don't tell me-"
"Shin-kun, take a breath. Sano-kun is doing just fine. He's not going anywhere anytime soon. He just needs a good night's sleep and he'll be back on his feet by morning."
Shinpachi sighed deeply, his shoulders visibly releasing tension. "Thank the Gods. And thank you, Sakura-chan. Had it not been for you, I have no doubt that Harada wouldn't have made it."
"Oh, he's still not out of danger, Shin-kun."
"What? But you just said-"
With a sickly-sweet smile on her face, Sakura cracked her knuckles. "Those ronin didn't kill him but I just might do. The jerk deserves it for putting us all through this hell!" She huffed, crossing her arms across her chest stubbornly. She knew she was being a bit unfair, but while her control over her emotions had definitely gotten a lot better over the years, anger still was her go-to way of hiding her fear.
For a few seconds, Shinpachi just stared at her in stunned silence. Then, he threw his head back and laughed, slinging an arm around her shoulders. "You show him, Sakura-chan! I'll be cheering for you!"
The grin he flashed her lifted her spirits, and for the first time in hours the atmosphere felt lighter.
"Can you do me a favor, Shin-kun? Can you please ask Chizuru-chan to bring some water and a few clean rags? A change of clothes for our wounded idiot would be good. He'll rest better if he's comfortable."
Shinpachi grinned and offered her a thumbs up. "You got it, Sakura-chan! I'm off!"
"Thank you, Shin-kun!" she called after him, as she watched him jog away. "Oi! Nagakura! You get some rest too, you hear me?! I better not catch you sneaking around the compound looking for booze!"
His boisterous laughter reached her ears. "Oh shoot, Sakura-chan! Way to ruin my fun!"
XxxxX
When Sanosuke woke, it was to the distinct, albeit strange, combination of cinnamon and blood assaulting his sense of smell.
He looked around, the moonlight sipping through the window painting everything in dim silver hues. He was in someone's room back at the Shinsengumi headquarters, that much was obvious, but not in his own. Off to his right, there was a pile of bloodied rags, and a bowl of water that was tinted dark pink.
We were at the market, rounding up the ronin. Nagakura and I…We were fighting. He frowned, but then his eyes widened slightly. I was stabbed. Twice.
With a bit of effort, he lifted his head to glance at his abdomen. While his pants were stained with blood, his stomach was clean and scar-free. Even more notable was the absence of the two stab wounds.
Somehow, I made it back. Nagakura…he must have carried me back home. To…Sakura. I made it back to her.
He sighed deeply, allowing his head to fall on the mattress only to lift it back up when his pillow shifted. Taken aback, he tried to twist his neck enough to see.
The first thing he noticed was the tail end of a pink braid. Following the path of the rosy locks, his eyes rested on the face that had been haunting his dreams for at least the past fortnight. With her head leaning on the wall her mattress was pushed against, Sakura was fast asleep, the moon bathing her form in its otherworldly light.
I…I am in Sakura's room. In her bed. With my head on her lap.
His eyes swept her features, committing them to memory. For when she's no longer around, he told himself. I want to remember. Unable to control himself, he reached his hand up and cupped her cheek. Her skin was smooth beneath his calloused fingers. Hesitantly, he brushed his thumb over her parted lips. It was feather-light, and barely counted as a touch, but it was enough to set his soul on fire. He could only imagine what it would feel like to touch her with his lips, to be consumed by her taste and her smell.
Stop the foolish dreaming, Harada.
He abruptly pulled his hand back when she stirred and within seconds, he found himself starring into a pair of hypnotizing green eyes that made him think of the coming of spring.
When she saw that he was awake, she carefully cradled his head, and shifted her position so she was kneeling at his bedside. "Sano-kun! Are you alright? How are you feeling? Does it hurt anywhere? Do you need me to-"
Sanosuke laughed, despite his muscles protesting the motion. "Slow down, Sakura. I'm a little sore, but other than that, I feel great. Thank you for saving my hide. Again." The smile he sent her slipped from his lips when he saw the frown on her face. "Is something wrong? Are you not feeling alright?"
"How can you ask me that, Sano-kun? You're the one that almost died. You scared me half to death, you jerk!"
Stunned for just a moment, Sanosuke chuckled. "Well, good thing you were here to piece me back together, correct?"
"What if I wasn't? What then?"
Sanosuke shrugged. "I guess we'll never know."
"Nagakura brought you to me dead on your feet, Sano-kun. One minute I'm drinking tea with Hachiro-kun, and the next Shin-kun is screaming bloody murder and I find you with your abdomen cut open."
Sanosuke's mood immediately soured at the mention of Iba. "I'm sorry I worried you and ruined your evening."
Sakura scowled, huffing in irritation. "That's what you got from what I said? Nagakura told me all about what you did. How you were out of it, doing one reckless thing after the other."
Sanosuke's scowl matched her own. "Well, Nagakura should mind his own damn business."
"He saved you, you ungrateful brat. When you appear so willing to throw your life away right before his eyes, then you're his business."
"What I do with my life is up to me," he said, his temper flaring, caving under the day's pressure. Because of Iba, because of nearly perishing, because of his own inability to overcome his cowardice and simply give in to his desires and kiss her. "I will not be lectured by a woman who's just crossed the threshold into adulthood. I've seen more death than you have." He immediately regretted his words when he saw her expression.
Sakura looked taken aback, and a flash of hurt crossed her face before it disappeared completely. Her eyes hardened to steel and the look she gave him pained Sanosuke more than any ronin sword ever could. Her voice was ice when she spoke.
"No, you haven't." She clenched her fists on her lap. "Very well. Next time you decide to throw your life away, come straight to me. I'll put you out of your misery," she snarled, her eyes blazing angrily. "The ronin didn't finish the job today, but be warned, Harada. I always do. And my blows never miss."
She made to leave, and the thought of her walking away made his heart constrict painfully. Without thinking, his hand shot out and grabbed her wrist.
"Sakura, I…Forgive me." He tightened his hold on her, hoping that his touch would get his point across much more effectively than his words. "I'm a despicable human being and a terrible friend. You…Shinpachi…You care about me. You saved my life and I, rotten thing that I am, took my anger out on you. Please, forgive me."
She didn't move or speak, and with each second that passed, Sanosuke's hope crumbled piece by piece. Until finally, after what felt like hours, he felt the mattress beneath him shift, and he glanced up. Sakura kneeled across from him, her wrist still in his grasp, and regarded him with an unreadable expression on her face.
Sanosuke averted his gaze, ashamed to look her in the eye after the bitter words he had dared speak.
"Look at me, Harada."
Hesitantly, he raised his eyes to hers. She was still hard to read, but her gaze appeared softer, and Sanosuke decided to hold onto that little bit of hope.
"You don't get a say in what Shinpachi feels for you, or what Kondou feels for you, or what Heisuke feels for you. You don't get a say in what I feel for you. People care about you because they want to care. They see you for who you are, and they want to see that person happy." Her voice was sharp, and he was well aware that he deserved it, but for the life of him, he couldn't get past her words.
What do you feel for me, Sakura?
"Shin-kun…He was worried sick, and though exhausted himself, he sat outside this door for six hours, anxiously waiting for news on your condition."
Sanosuke winced visibly, feeling guilt well up in his stomach. He knew Nagakura would never hold it against him, and perhaps deep down he wanted him to. He wanted Nagakura to yell at him and curse him and call him a disgrace. Because that was better than the heartwarming forgiveness he knew Shinpachi would readily offer him. Because then, like a heavy load of iron, Nagakura's forgiveness would turn to guilt in the pit of his stomach. And he already had enough guilt to last him a lifetime.
"How do you think he felt, watching you temp death?"
He looked away, ashamed. "Sakura, I-"
His words died abruptly on his lips when he felt her fingers on his face, cupping his cheek. He raised his eyes to hers, drowning in the green hues of her irises.
"How do you think I felt when I saw Shinpachi carrying you through the gates, drenched in blood? Not knowing if you were still alive or if he was bringing a corpse back to me?" Her voice had lost its edge. She sounded drained, as if the life had been sucked out of her. "It hurt, Sano-kun."
Instinctively, his opposite hand reached for her face, and he started rubbing circles on her cheek with his thumb. "I'm sorry, Sakura. I'm so sorry-"
"Don't," she whispered, and he could feel her breath caress his chin. "Don't be sorry. Just promise me you won't ever do anything like that again."
Sanosuke's shoulders shagged in relief, and he was finally able to breathe again. We're ok. We'll be ok…
"I promise." He pressed his forehead to hers. "I promise."
TBC
Hello there, did anyone order a jealous and possessive Sanosuke?! Cause I sure as hell nearly swooned when writing him like that. :P
When I first played the game, I immediately singled out Sano and labeled him as my favorite. When at some point in the game he finally revealed that his dream was to become a family man, I was like "this man can't get any more perfect!" Favorite guy, indeed.
With a dream to fall in love and settle down, Sano really seems like the kind of man who would fall hard for a woman like Sakura, which is why the prospect of never seeing her again distracted him so much that he ended up getting hurt. Our boy has fallen haaaard.
It was also a pretty good chance for our dear Sakura-chan to experience the fear of almost losing him so that she may come to realize her own feelings. I wanted this chapter to be that turning point, that shift in their relationship, and I sincerely hope I achieved that. They are a lot more intimate now, and they will continue to be so in the chapters to come, of course.
I strongly believe that Sakura never received the romance and love journey she deserved in the original series, which is why I'm gonna give it to her here. I hope you enjoy it.
To answer a few questions:
Yes, this story will mostly follow "Kyoto Winds", and of course, Sanosuke's route. There are many cute scenes from his route that I want him to experience with Sakura and see how they go. I'm not gonna move into "Edo Blossoms" territory, 'cause things get super depressing in that game. Which is a no-no! This story will have its drama and almost-tragedy, but ultimately, it will be a happy ending for all our favorite heroes. I might use a few elements from the other storylines, but it's not very likely. "Kyoto Winds" it is for this fanfic!
And oh my God, I just realized that I intended for this story not to go beyond 2 chapters and yet here we are with chapter 5! :o And I already have plans for at least another ten chapters, good Lord! XD
I'll try to shoot for weekly updates, but that might not always be possible due to my crazy work schedule, so please bear with me.
In any case, I hope you enjoyed this chapter! Lots of romance and drama to come!
If you can, drop me a review to tell me your thoughts. It always makes my day. 3
Until next time,
Lots of love!