Hyuga Hinata groaned lightly as she opened her eyes. The brightness of the room shined through her blurry vision. She recognized this discomfort. Where she was now—it must have been a hospital. Was she back in the village? Her eyes suddenly shot open as she sprang forward. "Neji!" she exclaimed. Her breathing increased, trying to remember what had happened. She clenched her fists and lowered her eyes to her lap. She saved him. She had saved her cousin from such a horrible strike. Hinata breathed out in relieved. At that critical moment between life and death, she had managed to summon her inner strength and kill the enemy before he had unleashed his arrow.
She lied back down on the bed and closed her eyes. Her body felt numb. That had been her first kill. She was a ninja. Was it normal to feel this—to feel guilt for the enemy? The kunoichi frowned. Her clan would most likely scoff at such feelings. Ninja were meant to kill. It was a part of the job. Hopefully, she would not always feel like this. Killing another person was a serious matter. It was much different than from what she had learned. Her teachers had said that killing another could consume and eat away at a normal person. However, this should not happen with ninja, they had said, because they would have to go on killing. Those who trained to be ninja were put through exercises regarding killing. Hinata realized that those exercises did not help when it came to reality.
Most likely, she would never get used to the act of killing. However, if it was to protect someone precious to her, then she would do it again. And again. And again. The enemy would surely have her condolences, but they would not have the lives of those she aimed to protect. With a nod of resolute, Hinata finally relaxed her body. It was probably not a good idea to have a tense body now. The bindings around her torso reminded her of the injuries she had obtained because of the fight. Not just her, but Neji had sustained serious injury as well. In the end, she had fallen unconscious. Before she completely slipped from consciousness, she felt the presence of Neji near her. He was fine. Well, mostly.
"I wonder… if everyone else is fine," Hinata murmured. The kunoichi suddenly heard a person clearing their throat. She blinked. She had not noticed anyone in the room with her. The sound came again. Hinata's cheeks flushed in embarrassment. "Ma-Mayu-san…?" she whispered, sitting up.
Who else would it be?! Honestly, Hinata-chan, I feel so unloved!
"I apologize… So many things have happened." Her mind guest did not respond. Hinata bit her lower lip. "Do you know if everyone's okay?" Mayu gave a negative answer, telling her that she had to go into hiding once the medic ninja had shown up. Apparently, she had gone into a state of unconsciousness upon entering Hinata's body. She had woken up seconds after Hinata did. "So, Naruto-kun is all right?" Mayu's snickering caused a red blush. The kunoichi cleared her throat and closed her eyes for a moment. "And… And the mission? What of Sasuke-san?"
… The mission was unsuccessful. Sasuke is gone.
Hinata frowned. Her poor friend. She sounded so despondent. The Hyuga blinked. Almost unbelievably so… Well, Mayu had rarely shown moments of sadness. Perhaps that was the reason it felt… strange coming from her. "I thought it was not your intention to bring him back?" Her mind guest chose not to response. "Mayu-san… I am sorry this happened. I know that you and Sasuke-san were close."
Yeah… Shame about what happened.
What should she do? As a friend, Hinata wanted nothing more than to comfort her. However, Mayu did not seem like she wanted to be comforted. She wished she could do something for her mind guest. A depressed Mayu was not normal, and honestly, she probably would not know how to handle that. Fortunately, a distraction was provided by the door opening. Her eyes grew wide and she almost gasped at the sight of Hyuga Hiashi quickly moving towards the bedside. "Otou-san…?!" she squeaked. The older Hyuga gave a curt nod before sitting on the bed. His back was to her. His hands were clenching his knees. Hinata's lips parted as she blinked. This was the first time she had seen her father look… weary.
"I heard that you were not originally authorized to go on this mission," he said. Hinata quickly shifted her eyes to her lap again. She nodded her head and stammered out a confirmation. For a while, her father did not speak. "It was a dangerous mission. Knowing this, you went along anyway?" Hiashi asked.
"Of course, father," Hinata replied.
"You almost died…"
"It was a risk I took for Neji-nii-san. A risk that I would gladly take again."
"Hinata…" Her father's shoulders slouched as he breathed out slowly. "What you did for your cousin… was something I could not do for your uncle. Still, you are the heiress to the Hyuga clan. Live properly from now on." Then he stood up and briskly walked out of the room. Hinata blinked. If she had not known her father well, she would have been confused about his actions. Mayu was certainly confused and did not mind conveying her opinion.
What the hell was that?! Hinata, he's gone crazy!
Once the kunoichi was sure her father was out of range, she smiled. No, her father was not crazy. That had been a behavioral trait that only he could do. In this unique situation between father and daughter. "He… He just acknowledged me," Hinata murmured. "I have made otou-san proud." That recognition alone put aside thoughts of guilt for the enemy she had killed. She hoped that she would continue to impress her father in the future. Sighing, she fell back against the bed. The smile on her face widened. The interaction, however small, had just boosted her self-esteem immensely. Ignoring the sudden ranting from her mind guest, Hinata closed her eyes, trying to block out the noise.
She didn't know how long she ranted and rave, but eventually she began to drift. Exactly the plan. Well, Mayu had been a bit miffed that the kunoichi's father could boost her ego with a few words when it had taken months for her to get it the same result. Scoffing, the girl sat up. Hinata, now completely asleep, was ignorant of the fact that her body was being used. Mayu removed the cover from her legs and moved to get up from the bed. At a leisure pace, she walked over to the window.
The girl slid back the curtains, and then the window. A soft breeze came into the room. Mayu shut her eyes and breathed in. The wind stopped. Gradually, her eyes opened again. She wondered how long it had been since she had seen Sasuke… and how much time would pass before she saw him again. Months, years, an entire decade…? At this point, there was no telling. Mayu shook her head. What was she thinking? It would not take a decade, of course. Naruto wouldn't allow that to happen. The blond was not going to allow someone, who had given him the title of best friend, to stay away for so long.
Whatever the time would be, she had work to do. As soon as Hinata was out of the hospital, she would get started. Uchiha and Ishikari, huh? She couldn't say she wasn't curious about the whole thing. Apparently, they were two clans that weren't supposed to clash, and yet they did, resulting in the end of both clans. Mayu snorted. If she wasn't curious by nature, she wouldn't get involved. But since she was, and Sasuke had asked her, she had no choice.
The door to her room suddenly slid open. Mayu turned her head a bit. Nara Shikamaru, followed by Uzumaki Naruto, entered the room. The girl fully turned to face the two. Both shinobi looked fine. Well, except the index finger belonging to the Nara. The appendage was wrapped and held straight by a splint. Other than that, he was fine. Naruto wore new clothes since his usual attire had been torn—a green shirt and white shorts. "So, you're awake, after all," Shikamaru greeted. Mayu fully turned, giving a nod of greeting. "Which one are you?" He sat down on the bed.
"Hinata's asleep," Mayu answered. "Before you ask, she's doing great. Well, as great as she could with these injuries." Naruto closed his mouth and appeared to be pouting. "What about everyone else? Hinata told me that Neji was okay, but since the group gradually broke up, I have no idea about the others." The chuunin let out a slow sigh.
"Naruto and I are the only ones who pretty much came out of this without a lot of damage," Shikamaru stated. "Chouji had the most serious injuries. At one point, they didn't think he would make it. But in the end, he came through. He's on his way to a full recovery." His fingers clasped together, being careful to avoid his fracture. "Hinata and Neji had serious injuries as well, but none of those injuries was life threatening. As I'm sure you've noticed."
"There's aching," Mayu admitted with a nod. She forced herself not to reach for sensitive skin. Also, she could feel the fatigue pressing down on her. That rarely happened whilst sharing. "With any luck, though, Hinata's full recovery will be half the time whatever doctors predict."
"That's good!" Naruto exclaimed, grinning.
"Kiba also sustained injury," Shikamaru continued. "Under my watch, all of you were hurt, but all of you will make it. The last of you will be out of the hospital within a few months. Next time… I'll do better. I'll learn from this and be better for the next squad I lead." Light brown eyes slid in her direction. "Naruto told me that he didn't end up fighting Sasuke, and it was you." Mayu's eyebrow twitched. She turned a mild glare on the blond. He quickly averted his gaze to the adjacent wall. He smiled nervously. Already, he had blabbed. "You should have let Naruto fight him instead. Maybe he could have actually brought him back." Mayu shifted her glare to the chuunin as he continued speaking. "If you, his girlfriend, couldn't convince him, then you should have let the boys fight it out."
Mayu rolled her eyes. Shikamaru's cynical view of women was a bit annoying. "Yeah, whatever," she replied. The chuunin frowned at her impassive response. "There's nothing to do about it now. Determined as he was, Sasuke would have left regardless of words or fists." Shikamaru narrowed his eyes, commenting that she—and Naruto—seemed excessively laidback about the situation. It was then that the blond obnoxiously tried to convince the Nara otherwise.
"But I am upset! My best friend… He left me!" The shinobi even swooned, falling back on the bed with an arm draped over his forehead. He even attempted to produce tears. Shikamaru lifted a brow at the antics. Before Naruto could have a full dramatic performance, and possibly blow their lie, Mayu walked towards the bed and slapped her palms to his cheeks. "Yeoch!" Naruto screeched and turned over. Ignoring his pained wails, Mayu shifted her eyes to Shikamaru.
"The reason I'm so laidback about it is because I knew this was going to happen." At his incredulous look, she scoffed and crossed her arms. "I didn't go on the mission to retrieve him. Sasuke made his decision, and I wasn't planning to make him change his mind. I knew and accepted this before I became a part of the team. I just wanted to know how pissed I was, that's all." For a moment, the chuunin didn't reply. Then he sighed heavily, lowering his eyes to the floor.
"As I thought, only someone who really knows and understands Uchiha Sasuke could become his girlfriend. You can so easily accept his choice," Shikamaru remarked. "Mayu, you probably were persistent in being his friend when he ultimately fell for you… Though, I can't see why from my experience." Mayu pressed her lips together. She almost couldn't believe he still believed that lie. Still, it was… partially true as of now. The girl scowled a bit at his last comment, though. But whatever…
"Sure, but you'd have to ask Sasuke himself why he fell for me," Mayu said, shrugging.
Just outside the room, Sakura's head reared back from the door. Green eyes wide, she held a hand up and covered her mouth, muffling the gasp. Not only did Sasuke not come back to the village, but Mayu was his girlfriend! "So, it's true… All this time…" she thought. The kunoichi's eyes squeezed shut. She hadn't wanted to believe it, but in the back of her mind she had always known. She had always known that Sasuke and Mayu had feelings for each other. Most of the time, they were together. It was bound to happen. Sakura's hand fell limply at her side. Against Mayu, had she ever stood a chance with Sasuke? The girl had been there for him from the beginning. The formation of Team 7 had included Mayu and excluded Sakura. Tears welled up in her eyes. Maybe she had always known that she would never come close—for both her teammates.
"Anyway, stop calling me his girlfriend. I'm not trying to be associated with a wanted criminal," Mayu continued.
"Hey, now…!" Naruto exclaimed, springing up from the bed. "I am bringing him back, you know! Promise of a life-"
"Really, Naruto, don't make me hit you again," the girl sounded annoyed. "I don't need you to promise to bring him back." She sighed. "Eventually, our paths will cross again whether you do something about it not." Trembling, the kunoichi walked away from the door. Mayu had sounded so accepting of Sasuke's mistake. The pink-haired girl shut her eyes, allowing the tears to fall as she walked. Sasuke's mistake…? Perhaps that had been why the Uchiha had chosen Mayu. She probably didn't view his choice as a mistake at all. After all, she had stated that she had gone on the mission, not to retrieve him, but to give him hell. Despite her reasoning, maybe Mayu was more mature than Sakura. The kunoichi suddenly stopped. Her eyes cracked open. The frown remained.
"What have I been doing this whole time?" she thought.
Meanwhile, back inside the room, Mayu was trying to get Naruto to calm down. He was overacting again. The suspicious look from Shikamaru was making her nervous. Gosh, Sasuke was right. She would crack under an interrogation. Clearing her throat, she returned to the bed. "Well, I'm sleep deprived, too, so you guys can leave now." She waved her hand in a way that said 'shoo, flies; don't bother me.'
"Ah, so troublesome," Shikamaru murmured. But he shrugged and moved to leave. He did not see the looks exchanged between Mayu and Naruto. The look was clear. Come back when you get the chance, it said. The blond nodded his head, and then followed the chuunin out of the room. Mayu placed her arms behind her head and stared up at the ceiling. She would have rather talked to Naruto as soon as possible to avoid him blabbering to someone who didn't need to know about this situation. She closed her eyes.
"Gathering info, eh? Hope it won't be too taxing," Mayu thought.
0-0
"Ahh…! We still can't talk to him?" Ino questioned. She, along with Akimichi Chouza, was outside the sixth ICU. The older ninja was sitting while she had chosen to stand remain standing. The young Yamanaka had arrived mere seconds ago to see her father's friend sitting and waiting. Clearly, the man was worried. She had heard that her teammate's condition had stabilized, so there was no point in worrying anymore, right? Still, this man was Chouji's father. The anxiousness was expected.
"Yeah," he said. "But Tsunade-sama said that he will regain consciousness soon." Ino breathed out a sigh of relief. That was good. Both of her teammates were okay. Pretty soon, they would be doing 'troublesome' missions again. "Tsunade-sama's return to Konoha utterly saved us… If she hadn't come, Chouji would be…" The man trailed off, causing Ino's eyes to return to his trembling form. She blinked twice.
"The Fifth Hokage…" Ino thought. Her light blue eyes fell to the floor. Akimichi-san didn't finish what he was going to say, but it was clear to her. If Tsunade had not come back to the village, her teammate could have died. The thought sent shivers coursing through her body. The blond kunoichi hugged herself and shut her eyes. She didn't exactly glorify her teammates, but she definitely loved them. If one or both were to die because they didn't have the proper medical treatment… she wouldn't be able to handle that. Could the village continue to rely on only the Fifth Hokage to save them? Ino bit her bottom lip. The more she thought about it, the more ridiculous it sounded. Tsunade wouldn't always be there, especially just for her team, alone. "I know what I have to do…!" The kunoichi opened her eyes. Her arms dropped. Her fists clenched. A determined expression appeared. "Akimichi-san!" The man's face tilted in her direction.
"Yes?" he asked.
"Do you know where Hokage-sama happens to be right now?"
0-0
Hours later, Mayu awoke to faint knocking. The sound of the door sliding open caused her to open her eyes. Hinata, tired as she was, did not react to the sudden visitor. Mayu, however, focused completely on the arrival. A smile brightened her face as she sat up in bed. Her visitor shut the door behind him, giving a nod of greeting. "Hyuga-san," he said, slowly stepping forward. He halted at the side of the bed. "I believe it is customary to ask of your wellbeing before speaking of true intentions." Mayu's lips twitched in an effort to hold back on giggling.
"Thank you, Gaara-kun, but pleasantries are unnecessary," Mayu told him. The red-haired shinobi tilted his head again. "I am doing fine for the most part, though."
"It is… good to hear," Gaara said. Despite the stoic expression, Mayu could sense the hesitance. "I am uncertain of the situation myself," he admitted after a pause. "But I was hoping to speak with… Mayu-san."
"Oh…! I'm sorry, Gaara-kun!" Mayu exclaimed. "I am Mayu!" His eyes widened just a bit. "You're right to be confused by this. I never got the chance to explain the situation to you. I am sharing this body with Hyuga Hinata. I could show you my temporary body, but it's probably not a good idea to use chakra right now."
"I… I see," Gaara responded. He probably did not, but it was good of him to try. "I came to offer my… condolences. I realize that you and Sasuke were close." Mayu's smile faltered a bit. It might take a bit of adjusting to continue pretending. "Perhaps if my team and I had been quicker-"
"No, nothing would have made a difference," Mayu assured him. "Sasuke is… steadfast in whatever decision he makes. I am positive that if he had been brought back, he would have made another attempt somewhere else down the line." She clasped her hands in her lap and released a slow breath. "Gaara-kun, I do hope you will not worry on my behalf."
"… You are my friend. I think worry comes with the territory," Gaara said. Mayu's lips parted as she stared, eyes wide. His declaration truly surprised her. Also warmed her considerably. What bold confessions she was suddenly receiving… She lowered her eyes, feeling heat rise to her cheeks. She may put on a good front, but having other people tell—or imply—how much she managed to affect them… it mattered. "You… are my first friend, so forgive me if I misstep."
"Gaara-kun…!" Mayu reached out and grabbed his hand. He only flinched a little. It had been quite brazen of her to touch a person that was not used to it. "No need for apologies. Friends help each other. Nothing needs to be forgiven." She gave him a smile. To her delight, red spots formed just underneath his eyes. Gaara was so cute. Quickly, she released the Suna ninja's hand, not wanting to risk lunging at him in a forced hug. Perhaps, it was still too early. "I appreciate you visiting me. You look good." He did. His appearance was gentler than the last time she had seen him. "It seems you're doing well for yourself."
"It is because of you," Gaara replied, unabashed in saying so. Mayu blushed again. "It was your actions and words that led me down a different path."
"I'm no angel, Gaara-kun," Mayu told him. "You chose this path."
"… Angel?"
"Oh, um… My mom likes referring to them," she said, shrugging. "Just imagine a human with giant bird wings." Even without eyebrows, Gaara appeared perplexed. "Eheh… Supposedly really beautiful—they are protectors of humanity and doers of God's will. If you believe in all that like my mom does. People like to exaggerate their roles for big changes—good changes—in their lives, which is why I said I'm not an angel. You got this far on your own merit." Gaara hummed noncommittedly. "Anyway, I'm sure you'll make more friends soon." She meant that. Gaara was so nice and polite. Strong, too. People would flock to him eventually. It was a wonder why Naruto had not crossed paths with him yet. "Thank you for coming to Konoha's aid."
"We are tentative allies, at best," Gaara said. "It's best we quickly become true allies. In the months to come, I hope to have many joint missions between Suna and Konoha. Our villages must actively broker peace if we are to move forward."
"That sounds like something a leader would say," Mayu remarked, proud grin on her face. Gaara did not respond verbally, but a small smile formed. So cute. "How long will you and your siblings remain in Konoha?"
"We will leave in the morning," Gaara stated.
"So soon…? We're definitely not going to be out of the hospital by that time," Mayu murmured, disappointed. "I wanted to eat a meal with you."
"Ah… Perhaps next time," he said.
Mayu opened her mouth, fully prepared to gush how much she would look forward to that, but the door opening caught her attention. Gaara's as well. They both turned towards the door, watching as Yamanaka Ino practically strutted inside. With a smile on her face, she greeted them with a simple 'hello,' though her gaze focused more on Mayu than Gaara. "Hinata, you won't believe the shock I had when I heard you volunteered for this mission!" she said, moving closer. Her steps hesitated as her eyes flickered over to the shinobi of sand.
"Ino… san," Mayu returned, dipping her head in acknowledgement. The blonde shifted her full attention back to her. "What brings you?"
"I was going to visit you earlier honestly," Ino stated. "But I got distracted when I-" She suddenly shook her head. "I'm sorry," she said, turning a bit towards Gaara. "I don't mean to be rude. My name is Yamanaka Ino. You are that ninja from Suna, right?"
"Gaara," he introduced himself with a tilt of his head.
"Thank you for helping us," Ino said. "Konoha appreciates your efforts." Gaara merely grunted. Sensing their conversation over, Ino shifted her gaze back to Mayu. "I wanted to visit you after Chouji, but I suddenly thought I needed to see Tsunade-sama. I requested to become her student."
"Eh…?!" Mayu blinked in surprise. "Why?"
"Honestly… for my team," Ino admitted. "Tsunade-sama won't always be there. Without her, Chouji could have died. I-I can't lose my teammates, especially if there's something I could have done." She frowned then, and Mayu could sense her sincerity. "Also-" A grin formed. She squeezed her eyes shut. "-when I heard you had gone on the mission, I got a little jealous. I was the strongest kunoichi of our graduating class-"
"Debatable," Mayu thought, forcing her face to remain neutral.
"-but it kinda feels like I'm being left behind now," Ino continued. "And that isn't right! I won't lose to anyone!"
"… I… Wow, Ino-san, I'm impressed with your fortitude," Mayu complimented. "I'm surprised you want to apply yourself this way." It was more than a little surprising, actually. It seemed that she had become a motivator to an unintended target. Yamanaka Ino as the student of the Fifth Hokage…? Why did that seem bizarre? Well, Mayu supposed it did not matter. Ino intended to better herself. That was good. "I wish you luck then."
"Oh, I'm not here just to gloat about being trained by one of the Legendary Sannin," Ino said, haughtily. Mayu refrained from rolling her eyes. Then again, she sometimes got haughty herself. "I am also under assignment. Tsunade-sama wants me to evaluate your injuries."
"Your training starts now?" Mayu wondered. She then flatly stared at the kunoichi. "I'm to be your guinea pig then?" Ino only grinned widely again. "Should I be worried?"
"Oh, come on, Hinata! I'll be gentle!" she assured.
"It appears that I should take my leave then," Gaara announced, gaining the girls' attention. He tilted his head again. Mayu and Ino did the same. "Goodbye."
Without another word, the shinobi left the two. It wasn't until the door shut behind him that Ino whirled around, showing accusing eyes. "What the heck, Hinata?!" she blurted. "How do you two seem so close now?!" Mayu sighed lightly. "Don't give me that he's a comrade nonsense either! I could tell you're on friendly terms with him!"
"He is my friend, Ino-san," Mayu stated. "I'm glad he came to check on me." Ino poked her lower lip out. "Are you going to examine me or not?" The blond scoffed lightly before lightly poking the girl's side with two fingers. "H-Hey!" Mayu jerked away from the touch. "Still tender."
"I remember what he did to Lee… I remember his match against Sasuke," Ino admitted. Her touch became gentler. Though, she still poked and prodded, she examined Mayu with care. "I… I wondered how you could… be in the same room as him. He's… dangerous."
"Aren't we all?" Mayu quipped. Ino glowered. "He's changing for the better, I think. We should not form our entire opinion on people or things based on first impressions, Ino. I do hope Tsunade-sama's student will be more perceptive and understanding in the future." The blond poked her hard again. "Ouch…!"
"You've become quite cheeky, Hinata-chan," Ino remarked. She poked her again, ignoring the squirming. "Now, hold still." Mayu pressed her lips together. "But… maybe you're right. I should be more understanding. I'll try. Being afraid of one's allies probably won't do any good long-term."
"Oh, Ino, he's a cuddly panda bear!" Mayu exclaimed. "No need to be afraid!"
"Hohoho! Should I tell Na-ru-to?"
"GaaHina has nothing on Naruhina!"
"Huh…?" Ino laughed out. "You really have become cheeky!"
The two girls giggled amongst themselves.
0-0
"I… couldn't do anything…"
This thought had repeated several times since she had left the hospital. In the end, she hadn't visited anyone. Originally, she had followed Naruto, thinking he had gone into Sasuke's room. But the young Uchiha was not in the hospital. He wasn't even in the village. The mission had failed. What was wrong with her? Even though the mission was a failure, everyone came back safely. That is what should have mattered. Still, her thoughts were on Uchiha Sasuke. Why was she like this? Again, the same thought echoed in her mind. She couldn't do anything—anything significant, anyway. Ever since she became a ninja… No, it was before that.
Why did you become a ninja?
I mean, you shouldn't do things just because other people are doing it. I meant that you should follow your own path.
As she walked, her eyes focused on the ground. Sasuke had told her those things before. She had told him that everyone in their age group was doing, so she did it too. That was partially true, but really it was Ino. She had saved her from a life of being bullied. Sakura had wanted to emulate her. Ino was going to be a ninja, and so she had followed her down that path. Her eyelids lowered. Since the beginning, she had never followed her own path. She merely followed. And because she had followed, she had lost the friendship she had with her hero. Because… Because of a boy that never gave her the time of day, even when they became teammates. She loved someone that had not acknowledged her existence.
You don't love him… How can you love someone you don't know?
Sakura swallowed hard. Now that she thought about it, had she followed along with every other girl with her 'feelings' for the popular Uchiha? The thought caused a dull pain in her chest. She had wanted to fit in badly enough. Uchiha Sasuke was the object of every girl's desires. He was the strongest, coolest, and best boy in the entire class. It was ridiculous not to like him. But… An image of a younger Sasuke appeared in her mind. As usual, he was brooding… and alone. He never had anyone to call friend. All the other boys were jealous of him, and all the girls only wanted his affections. No one really had understood him. Sasuke had become worse after his family had died.
Mayu, you probably were persistent in being his friend when he ultimately fell for you.
No one had tried to be his friend. Sakura, herself, had never thought about getting to know him—not truly. When she had awoken to find herself on Sasuke's team, she couldn't be happier, even if she couldn't remember it, according to Sasuke. However, he had lied; Mayu had taken her place when Team 7 was established, which is why she couldn't remember. Still, she had been so excited that she was placed on the same team as her crush. Even then, she only viewed him as a potential boyfriend, and Naruto as an annoyance. She had made so many mistakes.
"But I'm going to start correcting it now." Sakura's eyes looked up. The sign for the Hokage's office looked back down at her. The kunoichi breathed in, and then slowly released it. She knocked on the door twice. The voice of the Fifth Hokage allowed her entrance. Opening the door, she bowed politely to the blond woman. "I have a request," she announced. Tsunade eyed the girl before shifting her eyes to the envelope in her right hand.
"What is it?" she questioned, returning her gaze back to Sakura. The pink-haired girl pursed her lips. She closed her eyes for a moment.
"Please…" she began. "I wish to resign as a ninja of Konoha." Tsunade's eyes widened in surprise. Sakura ignored the expression and shakily held up the envelope. "This is my resignation letter." She had to do this. She did not have worth as a ninja.
"…" The Hokage intertwined her fingers. "Haruno Sakura… I've heard from Kakashi that you are intelligent and that you have a strong spirit." Her brown eyes narrowed. "Is this really… truly what you want?"
"I do… yeah," Sakura answered. Her hand trembled, as well as her insides, but she forced herself to nod her head. Despite her throat constricting and the distinct stinging in her eyes, she managed to say the words. "I'm not cut out to be a ninja." Tsunade leaned back in her chair and sighed.
"I'm not sure this would be the best decision," she finally said. Sakura's eyebrows furrowed. She frowned. "Your intelligence and chakra control are somethings I would not want to go to waste." Tsunade gave the young kunoichi a piercing look. "Tell you want, I'll give you a few days off. Your teammate has abandoned the village. It's natural for you to feel the way you do. Like you couldn't do anything. Believe it or not, I went through the same thing…" The woman narrowed her eyes, clearing reminiscing about her experience. "From someone cut from the same cloth as Uchiha Sasuke." Sakura flinched at the mention of her estranged teammate. Finally, Tsunade focused on her subordinate. "However, you can't trouble yourself about this situation. Uchiha Sasuke chose his path. It does not mean it must effect yours."
"This isn't about Sasuke-kun. This is about me," Sakura stated. "Honestly, if it wasn't for strange circumstances… I probably wouldn't have lasted this long. I… can't stand on my own two feet as I am."
"Hm… Still…" Tsunade murmured. "How about this…? Instead of completely giving up the life of a ninja, how about changing your line of work?"
"Changing?"
"Yes, with your chakra control, you can become a great medic-nin. Medic-nin are scarce and in the ninja world, this is not a good thing," Tsunade explained. "You could become an important asset in the future. The only thing would be for you to change your training regime to focus, not on fighting, but on healing the human body."
"I… I don't think-" Sakura tried.
"Yamanaka Ino has shifted her focus as well, and I've decided to make her my apprentice," Tsunade stated.
"What? Ino?" Sakura exclaimed.
"Haah… She mentioned you were a rival," she explained. "Perhaps I want to motivate you to not get left behind." Sakura merely blinked. The woman sighed again. "Haruno Sakura, I do not know you that well, but I believe you do have the potential to go far in whichever career you choose. However, your talent would benefit the village the most as a healer."
"Ma'am, I-" Sakura fidgeted in place. It had taken her quite a while to write the letter. Even more time to make her way to the Hokage's office. She was… determined to end this farce of a career. Wasn't she…? Honestly, the biggest reason she wanted to end it was because she felt useless. However, the Hokage spoke as though she could be useful. That was what she wanted. To be relied on. For her peers to respect her. To finally step beside them and not follow. But as a ninja, could she accomplish such a thing? Naruto and Sasuke seemed so far ahead. While she was stuck at the same pace, doing nothing to contribute to missions.
"I'll give you time to think about it," Tsunade cut through her thoughts. "This is a decision you should make after much consideration. Likewise, I will consider your words. I won't force you to be a ninja, Sakura. But I won't allow you to give up because of someone else's actions. Especially since you are capable." She motioned for Sakura to leave her resignation on her desk. The girl nodded her head, and then placed the envelope on the desk. "Come back when you're ready to choose your path."
"My path…" Her eyes expanded ever so slightly, and then narrowed. "Okay… I'll think it over properly," Sakura stated out loud.
"Good. You're dismissed."
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