Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto
Sakura stares up into the Okiya Mother's eyes with defiance and a pout on her face. Her hands are clenched behind her back and she is trembling with anticipation.
Her mother's blue eyes watch her out of the face of another and Sakura stops herself from flinching at the memories.
"Well?" Sakura asks—demands—crossing her arms.
The Okiya Mother smiles sadly and lands a hand on Sakura's head. Fingers thread through pink strands and Sakura tries her hardest not to move away.
"Is this what you wish?" The Okiya Mother asks gently.
Sakura's eyes harden and she glares.
"My wish is to protect Akiko-sama."
The Okiya Mother glances towards the dark-haired woman with twinkling eyes and Akiko-sama throws up her hands in desperation.
"Fine! If that is what the child wants." Akiko-sama sulks, stomping away from them. Her spring kimono billows out from behind her and Sakura would've felt horrible about disappointing her if her safety wasn't in question.
Sakura will always protect Akiko-sama even if Akiko-sama does not like it.
The Okiya Mother is still smiling at her when Sakura looks back to her.
"You are to learn to be a shinobi in the new semester."
Sakura whoops and throws her arms around the Okiya Mother yelling her thanks.