Author's note:
Hey there! Thanks everybody for your reviews, follows and favorites! I'm really happy that you are enjoying it and I really encourage you to keep making some criticism. It helps me a lot to improve my writting skills. I hope you like this chapter -it ended up being really long!
I can only upload a chapter monthly since I'm really busy with life and stuff. I'm sorry, I wish I could update more often.
And yep, I'm in love with Naruto Gaiden. I already want the next chapter!
"Hey, are you alright?" A sweet voice asks.
And the darkness that surrounds her lightens up a little bit.
Scared green eyes open. Her short, pink hair is all messed up. There is dried blood on her cheeks. Her clothes are torn and dirty.
The little, pink haired girl is sad, he can tell it by the way her eyes are swollen and red.
She watches him carefully as he just stands in front of her. His hair is black, his eyes are black, and his skin is pale. He looks normal, too tidy to be a villager. She knows he is not a neighbor and so she wonders what he is doing there.
"Run." She manages to say even if her throat hurts.
"Why would I run?" His voice is curious and then his lips curve in a smile. "My brother will proctect me."
She is still sitting on the ground, too confused to speak. Her eyes itch, her head feels heavy. She takes a quick look around her. The houses are not burning anymore. There is only switf smoke reaching the sky now. Grey clouds seem to threaten the place. The sun is not visible. She suddenly remembers where she is laying now.
"Where is mom?" Her eyes search for an answer on the boy's smile.
And it suddenly is replaced by confusion.
"I am sorry but I do not know who your mom is." He apologizes.
She starts sobbing.
"I cannot find dad either." Her voice sounds strangled. "I have not seen them after the fire started."
"Do not cry, please!" The boy sits down in front of her and takes her hand into his. "Hey, I can ask Nii-san to help us find your parents."
"Your brother?" She asks dumbfounded.
His eyes are so soft, she thinks. His sweet smile somehow comforts her. The boy wears a black shirt and black pants. Everything is so black... But his skin is pale, white like the snow. "Is he an angel?" Her tears stop falling while he talks. Her hands are warm and it calms her down.
"Nii-san is the smartest person alive!" He says cheerfully. "He will sure find them, your parents I mean." He then looks pensive. "I would ask Okaa-san or Otou-san, but they are too busy."
She thinks about it one more time, but she feels so alone that she takes his hand.
"Let's go!" He says and his smile reaches her heart again.
Sakura opens her eyes slowly and she stretches lazily, still laying on her futon. That dream again...
Her room is beautiful, she suddenly thinks. Even if it is small, it is comfortable. The wooden walls have flowers painted on them. There are a few paintings of rivers and bamboo forests. The soft sunrays of the early morning light up the room but the shadows still engulf half of it. She passes a hand through her soft hair. Oh, it feels so wonderful, not having her hair tied up in a perfect bun. "It feels so good, not pretending to be perfect."
She should get up and start working at the clinic before lunch. And then she will get dressed and put her makeup on to join Ino for a walk around the Konoha's biggest park. It is been a long time since she has talked to her, like three months, and a geisha has to let the civilians admire her appearance so her danna can be proud of her. They will sit on a bench made of stone and they will pray under the red columns of the Earth Temple. "It is almost been three months without Sasuke."
Sakura opens the bamboo doors and reaches her precious little garden. It is still cold. The morning breeze makes her shiver since she only wears the thin, white dress she uses to sleep. The green grass caresses her feet and the small lake's calm water reflects her face when she picks up a lotus flower.
"I wish you could feel this calmness, Sasuke. I wish you could still be that happy boy."
It is already sunny like a summer day outside when she reaches the clinic wearing a simple, grey kimono. Her geta echo on the pavement while she runs into the small room. Her Okaa-san is already waiting for her, too busy to notice her arrival.
"Tsunade-sama." Sakura bows politely to the blonde woman who stands proudly while arranging some medical tools.
"Oh here you are, Sakura." Her hazelnut eyes are as hard as the bark of an ancient tree. "You will be alone today."
"May I ask why, Tsunade-sama?"
Tsunade stays quiet for a minute -her are eyes locked on the operating table- and Sakura wonders what can make her strong Okaa-san feel so uneasy.
"You are not getting attached to the Uchiha boy, right Sakura?" Tsunade says, her back still facing her geisha.
"Konan-san taught me well, Tsunade-sama." Sakura makes a little pause while smoothing her kimono. "I am so grateful for everything you did for me, Okaa-san, that I could never betray this okiya."
"The mission has changed, Sakura. The Uchiha are still our enemy, you must not forget it, but we will follow another strategy. The Senju cannot allow not lose any more people to this war." Tsunade sighs tiredly. "I have to deal with the Uzumaki now. As the long lost cousin of the Senju, they are our closest ally now." Tsunade sits down on a worn out chair, her brows frowning. She looks sternly at Sakura. "You have not gathered any intel until now but we need something to make our plan, so start listening and watching more carefully." Her eyes narrow, her voice is suddenly engulfed by anger. "There has to be a weakness in that bloody clan."
Sakura watches as Tsunade closes her eyes for a second. Her Okaa-san looks so tired. She is strong and powerful, Sakura knows it. She could break a mountain and make the sky tremble with her fists. But something is consuming her. Something is taking her vitality away, day by day. Is it this war? Is it the Uchiha? Sakura wants to speak, she wants to tell Tsunade-sama about Sasuke and Naruto's plan. She wants them to help her Okaa-san, because she owes Tsunade-sama her life. She wants to save the Senju. She wants to stop this madness.
"I... I actually..." Sakura starts talking.
"Yes, Sakura?" Her Okaa-san asks, looking at her curiously.
But she then feels incapable of betraying Sasuke's trust.
"Oh, it... is nothing, Tsunade-sama." Sakura fakes a soft smile. "I should get to work. Is it fine if I stay alone, then?"
"I trust you, Sakura." Tsunade puts on her green coat and reaches for the doorknob letting out a tired sigh again. "Be careful."
Sasuke's muscles feel sore. He has been training for three hours, no pauses in between, and he already feels exhausted. His stubborn spirit wants to continue, his mind screams him not to stop so he can improve and finally reach his brother -but his heart begs him to take a break. He has pushed his sharingan too much and now his eyes itch painfully.
He lays on the grass, still at the training grounds inside of his family compound. The Uchiha clan has built everything a shinobi would need into their domains, and Sasuke is grateful for that. He does not like visiting Konoha. It reminds him of normal people with normal lives, and he cannot help but feel a little envious. And envy is not allowed for an Uchiha, since they are the greatest clan in the Land of Fire.
It is almost lunch time, he can tell it by the way the sun is at it's peak. He is sweating and his clothes cling to his body. A bath would be necessary before he joins his family for the weekly clan gathering. His uncle Madara made it mandatory when he became Head of the Clan.
"Once a week, the main branch of the family will join for a lunch and so we will keep our boundaries."
Sasuke nearly scofs while remembering Madara's words. "He knows nothing about boundaries." But again, what does Sasuke know? Nii-san, Okaa-san, Otou-san. Only one boundary remains alive for him. Naruto's face suddenly comes across his mind and a small smile grazes his lips for a second. The two young men have only known each other for four months but Sasuke already recognizes him as a rival in shinobi matters, and the closest thing to a friend he ever had. Because he still does not know if his feelings for Sakura are those of a mere friendship. "It is been three months without her."
"Sasuke, you should prepare yourself. Uncle has not that much patientce."
"Nii-san." Sasuke gets up and nods to Itachi, who looks at him kindly. "I will take a bath and wear a clean kimono."
"You should use a little bit of camomille for your eyes." Itachi says while helping his little brother to get up. "They will get worse if you do not take care of them properly."
"I know." Sasuke growls. He does not like when his brother talks to him like he would talk to a child.
Itachi smiles fondly at Sasuke but says nothing before leaving to the main living room. Sasuke walks alone now under the bamboo porch. His dirty sandals leave muddy footprints on the wooden floor and he feels so tired. He knows that it is been a long time since Madara ordered him to raid the villages and he also knows that he will soon be ordered to do it again. And he loathes that. He loathes watching the civilian's terrified faces and the children crying and the smell of fire, ashes and blood. How can Obito or Shisui be so light hearted about it? Sasuke can clearly remember their faces when they finally were back to the compound. Obito was happy to see his family again. Shisui's smile was bright while he talked about paying a visit to a geisha house. It was all relief and tired smiles. No sadness, no grief, no regrets. After all, they were the shinobi his uncle Madara had trained so well so he should not be surprise about their reactions.
Sasuke lets a sigh out after taking his clothes off, when the warm water finally engulfs his body. His own bathroom is his little oasis. The wooden walls are simple. No paintings or decoration, only the brown color of the wood. A small windown lets the sunrays dye everything yellow. He relaxes his muscles and breathes the aroma of the soap. Lavender. Sasuke closes his eyes and enjoys the silence.
"It is so paceful here."
He then looks at his lean body briefly. His cousins are always talking about women. Is it right if he does not feel like letting someone touch his muscles or graze his lips like they do with some other women? Sakura's soft features suddenly appear into his mind and he feels his lower body twitching. She makes him feel really uncomfortable, but he is glad to be her danna. Sakura is the only woman he would allow to be so close to him.
"Enough, Sasuke. You are a shinobi and an Uchiha." He thinks, trying to erase her eyes from his mind.
But what does it mean being an Uchiha? Sasuke frowns and sighs again. He is overthinking too much today. His mind drifts to Sakura once more.
"Will she keep our last reunion a secret? Can I really trust her?"
His uncle Madara, Itachi, Obito and Shisui are already sitting on their cushions near the wooden table when Sasuke finally appears in the living room.
"You are late, Sasuke." Madara's voice is raspier than he remembers. His eyes look like two icy, dark stones.
"I am sorry, Uncle." Sasuke bows politely after sitting down on his own cushion, next to his brother.
He then recognises two women in the room. One of them is smiling to Obito and Sasuke knows she is his wife, Sawako, a nice, black haired Uchiha woam from a low branch of the family. Everybody in the clan knows about Obito's love life, though. He wanted to marry an outsider girl, Ren or Rin or something like that. Madara then found about it and offered her a huge quantity of money so she would let Obito go. It was two years later when Obito got engaged to the kind, caring Sawako, who now has a proud, pregnant belly.
"Oh, Sasuke-san!" Sawako bows her head delicately. "It is been a long time."
Sasuke does not like the suffix '-san' but he knows it is mandatory for the lowest branchs of the family to treat their superiors with utter respect.
"Aa." Sasuke nods. "I hope your baby is healthy." He adds politely.
Sawako blushes and smiles sweetly at him.
"Thank you, Sasuke-san." She says while touching Obito's shoulder lovingly. "I am sure that your cousin Obito will be an excellent father."
Obito laughs softly and rests his hands of top of hers. However, Sasuke can see a hint of sadness into his eyes, and he cannot help but wonder why his cousin is not entirely happy.
"Would you like more sake, Madara-san?"
Sasuke then looks at the another woman. Wearing a black kimono with a white flower patter embroidered on it, Sayuri is his uncle's geisha. She has dark blue hair and light, grey eyes, and Sasuke admits that she is one of the most beautiful women he has ever seen. Madara took her under his protection five years ago and Sasuke thinks his uncle grew fond of her. She now is with him in almost every event, and she behaves like a perfect geisha. "Just like Sakura." Sasuke wonders how can Madara looks like a normal man when he is next to her. His eyes soften, his stern face relaxes. She wears the same facial paint and the same hairstyle that Sakura, but Sasuke dares to think for a second that his geisha is even more beautiful, and it somehow makes him feel mysteriously proud.
"Sasuke-san, it is a pleasure to see you again." Sayuri says politely while bowing her head. "I hope your life is full with happiness as a danna."
Sasuke tries not to blush and keeps his eyes cold.
"Hn." He nods.
"Oh, Sayuri, do you know who his geisha is?" Madara says after taking a sip of sake. "She is the Nightingale."
"Ah, Sakura-san." Sayuri smiles kindly. "She is a nice girl."
"Weren't you a friend of her Onee-san?" Madara takes a bowl of rice and mixes it with some meat.
"Yes, I attended several events with Konan-san." Sayuri's eyes suddenly get a little bit sad, even if Sasuke knows she is trying not to reveal it. "She was an admirable geisha."
"Too bad she chose to be a whore in the end." Madara spats before taking a bite of his meal.
Sayuri stays silent then, lowering her head. Itachi, Obito and Shisui carry the weight of the conversation now, talking about kunai, new jutsu and different types of katana. Sasuke lets them talk while eating quietly. He can only think about the current situation.
His plans with Naruto have a long road to go before being succesful, but he will make sure Madara pays for damaging his family so much. He looks at his uncle, who eats and drinks proudly. Uchiha Madara thinks he is the most powerful man in the entire shinobi world. His eyes are fearless, his hands are strong and his ego is pure fire. Sasuke cannot wait to extinguish it, but he first has to make sure that his own geisha will not be a problem.
Sakura falls on her futon and changes her uncomfortable kimono into her thin, white dress. She then gets up and sits on her boudoir. Her hands work slowly on her hair and her face, taking off all the hairpins and makeup she applied before leaving the okiya to join Ino at the park. She is glad that her blonde friend is alright. Ino is a strong girl but she is too careless sometimes, and Sakura cannot help but to worry about her. Ino has now a danna, a soldier named Sai, and it somehow makes Sakura smile. Her friend will be under protection from now on.
She refuses to light up a candle. Sliding the bamboo door open is a better idea. The moonlight is beautiful, she thinks, and the full moon watches her from the clear, black sky. Sakura then picks up a hairbrush and sits on the porch, brushing her hair carefully. Her feet touch the grass of the small garden and the water of the lake is made of a pearl shade. It is so dark and calm. She would let the world stop in that precious moment, because she lost a patient today -an old, kind woman- and reminiscing the blood and the screams makes her body go numb again.
It makes her think if she is actually worth it for Tsunade-sama. Her teacher takes care of her and trusts her, and what does she do? She screws everything up once again.
Sakura suddenly hears a noise. Her eyes shot open and she watches the cherryblossom tree behind the wall of the okiya. It is a tall tree -it towers the wall- and Sakura tries to see if it is an owl or a squirrel. She likes animals so she wouldn't mind. However, it is too dark for her to see it clearly. Her curiosity orders her to take a few steps to the tree.
And then she sees two red eyes, and she covers her mouth not to scream.
A cold breeze makes her shiver when he jumps infront of her. The moonlight casts a silver reflect on his black hair and his eyes are back to the warm onyx color she likes so much.
"Sasuke!" Sakura gasps.
He covers her mouth again with his hand.
"Do not be so loud, Little Bird." Sasuke whispers. A playful smirk rests on his lips.
Sakura then realizes he is frowning and there is a hint of worry on his face. He is wearing his shinobi attire, the Uchiha crest standing proudly once again on his chest. His Kusanagi rests sheathed in his belt. And he is as handsome as always. The moonlight somehow makes him look even more beautiful. His hair, his lips, his eyes, his neck, his arms. Everything looks mysteriously attractive. Sakura is still lost into her vision of him when Sasuke finally lets her talk
"What are you doing here?" Sakura whispers, her voice showing her concern over the situation.
"I wanted to check up on you." Sasuke mutters, avoiding her eyes.
"If Tsunade-sama finds you here..."
"She is probably sleeping, like you should be." Sasuke scolds her.
"You should not be here." Sakura takes a step back from him.
"I have some questions." He frowns.
"I will be loyal to you as long as the okiya is safe if that is what is making you worry." Sakura whispers in a hurry.
"Naruto wants to know if you will help us." Sasuke's voice is cold like a stone. "You would be useful as an iryo ninja."
"Useful? Am I only a tool for him?" Sakura thinks. A sudden wave of sadness engulfs her heart.
"I..." Sakura hesitates. "I am only a geisha, Sasuke."
And then Sakura suddenly feels self conscious. She is only wearing this thin, white dress, and her face has no makeup, and her hair is not even well brushed...
"What is wrong?" Sasuke whispers, narrowing his eyes upon her fidgeting.
"You should not... see me... like this." She mutters embarassed.
"Like what?"
"Without makeup, nor my kimono..." Sakura does not dare to look at him. "I am supposed to be a geisha."
Then something really weird happens. It is cold, it is a little bit windy, it is late, it is uncomfortable. It is a lot of things. But when Sasuke suddenly smiles, Sakura does not mind what is actually happening. It is such a beautiful smile. His lips cuve the slightest and his eyes turn soft and calm. And Sasuke looks like the kid she dreamed of this very morning. She is blushing furiously, her legs tremble and a bunch of butterflies takes over her stomach. Oh, if only she could embrace him right now.
"I want you to be Sakura." He whispers, still smiling.
They fall silent for a second, and Sakura is sure that Sasuke does not really know what is going on between them either. Their eyes linger on each other and they do not realize they are taking a step closer to each other.
Crack!
Sakura suddenly hears a noise coming from the okiya, followed by Tsunade's voice cursing loudly and the sound of a bottle cracking on the floor again.
They both snap out of their dream. Sasuke looks nervous now as he quickly avoids her eyes.
"Think about what I have just told you." He says before turning back to leave, his voice cold like an icy stone again. "I will not wait much longer for you to decide."
"Sasuke, wait!" Sakura yells, trying to catch his arm and stop him.
But he has already jumped to the cherryblossom tree in the flick of a finger, and Sakura is left alone once again.