So, i'm thinking this will probably be monthly updates just because i'm so freaking busy. Not to mention that there isn't much more left of this story. It makes me sad but happy at the same time. I've had a blast writing this and reading your reviews. so here's 25 ENJOY!
Three loud thumps of a gavel echoed through the stone chamber. General Mifune was seated at the official head of the room with two samurai guards on either side of him. His iron throne glimmered lightly behind his head.
"We shall now commence. Lady Hokage you may begin," his guttural voice sounded.
"Thank you General Mifune," Tsunade nodded her head slightly in his direction. Directly beneath him were the Alliance representatives all dressed to the nines, as if they thought their dress would make them be seen as higher authorities. The Kages were seated around the large stone half circle table with the Kazekage to Tsunade's right and the Raikage to her left. Tsunade figured he hadn't had the time to make a new iron table since A broke the previous one at the Kage Summit. The Alliance Rpresentative's long table touched the two ends of the half circle. "Respective leaders, as you have requested I have brought more than enough proof in the form of kunoichi's from the clan in question. Please hear their testimonies through to the end before directing any questions to them. And just so you know, their stories are not for the light hearted. As such I believe we need to lay out the accusations so that there is no miscommunication as to the how's and why's of this meeting."
The respective Kages all nodded as did the Alliance members. "First, we the Village Hidden in the Leaves have been accused of conspiring with the criminal Haruno Tetsu in order for him to seal a bijuu into one of our Jounin Kunoichi, Haruno Sakura. This is of course false as you will see with the accompanying testimonies and other evidence we have brought."
Sakura's body stiffened but she kept her composure.
"Secondly, we are here to investigate the poor manner in which the Alliance handled the control of said bijuu resulting in two of the beasts to be stolen from their possession. And lastly, we are to discuss the new clan that has immigrated to Konoha, the Harunos."
She promptly sat down after her speech as the central Alliance member from Kumo spoke up, "Haruno Sakura, please step forward."
Sakura took a big gulp trying to steady her nerves when she felt a hand grip her shoulder. Glancing up at the Crow ANBU mask she offered a small smile to Itachi thanking him for lending her some of his strength before standing and approaching the front of the Konoha contingent.
"Members of the Alliance," she nodded in their direction, "Kage's, General Mifune, what is it that you wish of me?" she asked in a controlled voice. She clasped her hands behind her back to keep them from shaking.
"Haruno Sakura," a short female Alliance member from Wind began, "You are a Jounin Medical Ninja of the village Konohagakure, director of the Hospital in said village, as well as the Chief Medical Officer over Konoha's Shinobi Corps is that correct?"
"Hai," she answered slightly confused.
"You are also the Godaime Hokage's apprentice, your chakra control is nigh unbeatable except by said Hokage. This chakra control allowed you to learn the secret to your master's infamous strength and medical jutsu, is this also correct?"
"Mostly correct?" Sakura answered her nerves getting replaced by her growing agitation.
"Please correct me then to where I am wrong," the lady asked slightly perturbed.
"While originally thought that my perfect chakra control was something unique to my person that is no longer so. I have been recently made aware that it is a blood limit unique to my clan," she answered easily.
"We have no record of a Haruno clan ever existing," the Fire representative spoke up shuffling through papers.
"And you won't find any anywhere because that's the way they have always wanted it," Sakura replied, "The Haruno's were once members of the village Uzushiogakure which was destroyed during the Second Shinobi War. They were seal masters alongside the Uzumaki's until the war but they were never recognized by the general public since the Uzumaki's took all the fame for themselves. Since then you will never find a record of the Haruno's as they have purposefully stayed underground and out of anyone's notice."
"If there is no record of this then how do you know?" the Kumo representative asked.
Tsunade spoke up, "If you all refer to pages ten through fifteen. There is a detailed description of both the Haruno and Uzumaki clans. This evidence comes from Konoha's vault and transcriptions were made by Shodai Senju Hashirama and his third cousin Uzumaki Kentaro. Also there are more recent records and transcriptions given by Konoha's Uzumaki Kushina, former jinchurikki of the Kyuubi and resident of Uzushiogakure, as well as a personal record from Sakura's deceased father Haruno Lu Ten. You will find that all transcriptions you are viewing show that the Uzumaki's and Haruno's were sister clans and worked together to perfect fuinjutsu."
The room remained silent while each of the Kages, Alliance members, and General Mifune looked through the documents in silence. Sakura stood stock still concealing her growing anxiety. A bump on her foot had her looking at Tsunade who smirked lightly at her, "Need a drink yet?" she mouthed.
"Maybe five," Sakura silently mouthed back.
Tsunade snorted, "Deal."
"It seems, Hokage-sama, that this information…" the Kumo councilman started.
"Is completely valid and anymore discussion on the topic will be pointless," Gaara interrupted him as he leaned back in his chair, "We should stay on topic with Sakura-san."
"While you are correct Kazekage-sama," Kumo continued before making eye contact with Tsunade, "Why hasn't this information been brought to light before?"
"It was recently discovered deep within Konoha's vaults with other old information," she explained easily.
"Rather convenient," the female councilman stated from Kiri.
Amber eyes narrowed, "Are you questioning my integrity?"
"Should we?"
Tsunade wanted nothing more than to lash out and kill these arrogant assholes but she remained in her seat and folded her arms in order to refrain from reforming the scenery. General Mifune would not be pleased at having to replace his iron palace, "Need I remind you that Konoha was attacked by Pein of the Akatsuki. He completely destroyed our village. Luckily we were able to rebuild and as such most of our files were misplaced. Also it was a very emotional time for me and my people. Sakura is an important member to our society and an important figure in our village."
"I thought shinobi were supposed to suppress emotion as a rule," the fat councilman from Iwa condescendingly stated.
"Do not presume you civilians understand the ways of shinobi," A interrupted with a guttural growl.
"This last war was entirely based on emotion," Mei cut in lounging easily in her chair, "Without it we would have lost and your lives of luxury would now be lost to a madman."
"We are getting off topic again," the Tsuchikage cut in, "I don't want to sit in this seat for very long with my bad back."
Tsunade smirked, "Proceed with your questions to Sakura, Councilmen. Unless we would rather skip this portion and begin our discussion on how you lost two bijuu."
The five Alliance members all shared a glance. "Haruno-san, prior to your kidnapping, have you ever met anyone from the Haruno clan or associated with the criminal Haruno Tetsu?"
"No."
"Your father never mentioned him?"
"No."
"You were never made aware of your heritage?"
"No," she tried to remain professional as they asked the exact same question three different times.
"Do you find that strange?" The Wind female councilman asked.
"No."
"Care to elaborate?" the fat man asked gruffly.
Sakura narrowed her eyes at him. She remembered Naruto telling her about each of the council members, especially the fat one and his inappropriate leering at her pictures, "I don't find it strange that my father wanted to protect his daughter from evil. After what I've been through I'm eternally grateful that he had the guts to abandon his clan in order to protect me and my mother. He did what any self-respecting man would do, not that a lecherous old bastard such as yourself could understand that."
"Haruno-san," Kumo cut off a retort from Iwa, "Please check your language and do not disrespect the council members."
"Sakura's words were valid and justified," Gaara cut in again, "Considering that gentleman's recent actions concerning her person she was very reasonable in her response. But," his gaze turned to hers emerald met jade, "It will be a onetime offense right Haruno-san?"
Sakura nodded in his direction feeling smug, "Hai Kazekage-sama." She could only imagine how Gaara knew that information and it probably started with an N and ended with –aruto. That blonde haired idiot tells him everything.
The central councilman frowned and rubbed the bridge of his nose. It was useless trying to maintain order, all the Kages were against any ruling they would make. But he couldn't help but feel they were justified. Still he had a duty to perform, "Haruno-san will you please give us a detailed description of what you went through during your kidnapping."
With a deep breath she started her story. While she narrated she slipped her hands from behind her back to the front and rested them on the stone table.
Convenient, her inner smirked.
As long as they are touching the stone table it's practice time.
Sakura closed her eyes as she spoke about her torture sessions and focused around the room. Luckily the large table, where everyone except Mifune was sitting, was made of stone. She would have not been so lucky if the table was made of metal like the rest of the chamber. While training with the Gobi she finally realized that she can sense emotions by studying people's heartbeats. And she could focus easier if she closed her eyes. Then of course once she could identify what each person was feeling, she could begin her manipulation based on their feelings. It was a dangerous game but one that she was willing to risk and practice during this meeting, especially if the outcome turned into her and Konoha's favor.
There…that's everyone, Sakura commented focusing on a small steady chakra thrum she injected into the table.
Alright I'll start my analysis you keep talking.
Roger.
During her tale the Iwa Councilman cut her off, "It seems rather far-fetched that any person could withstand the situation that you are describing. By all accounts you should be dead."
Sakura growled, "Where would you like some clarification? Would you like me to explain how Tetsu is very well versed in the human body, it's strengths and weaknesses, pressure points, and most of all stamina. Would you also like me to say that he knew the very basics of healing and he would use it if the treatment became too rough? Or maybe I should also talk about the small healing sessions that took care of all internal damage and infections while my wounds would only be clean by a kunoichi with a dirty bucket and rag. What else do you want me to say about my experience?"
"Haruno-san I think you've made your point," the Kumo rep intervened, "But we have other witnesses to speak to."
Sakura reigned in her retort…it wouldn't do any good to completely lose her cool at what is quickly becoming a complete waste of a stupid Alliance meeting. Not only that but because of her attitude now she just lost control of her chakra and the room. Oh well…her temper usually gets the best of her anyway.
"Could we please speak to Haruno…Kaminari."
Said girl shifted uncomfortably in her seat and only after a nudge from Ryuu did she stand. Sakura took her hand and gave it a reassuring squeeze.
"Kaminari-san, our information states that you were born into this Haruno clan is that correct?" the female Sand rep asked.
"H-Hai," the nervous tone in her voice was evident to everyone in the room.
"We also have information that you were the informant Konoha depended on for weekly updates."
"That's c-correct." Sakura squeezed her hand tighter.
"Why were you chosen if women in this clan were so demoralized?"
Kaminari froze; there was one thing that Tsunade specifically told the Haruno women not to talk about…that was the cycle and their power. The reason being the Hokage didn't want to leak just how powerful of a clan they had just inherited, it would be better if Konoha was seen doing a good service that way the Alliance and the Kages stay out of the immigration business. Fortunately for Tsunade all the Haruno women were expert liars considering they'd lived the first part of their lives suppressing any type of emotion and doing anything to get out of trouble.
"He chose me because I was his personal…kunoichi. He knew I wouldn't betray him," she answered with her head bowed.
"But you did betray him by feeding information to Konoha," the Iwa rep stated. Sakura was really starting to hate this man.
"Hai I did. I did it because I wanted me and my sisters to be rescued from our situation." She thought she was playing her part well, she and the rest of the group would play the typical docile woman who knew nothing better than to submit to their masters. An easy role to slip into considering their experience. The point of all this was for some of them to get badgered then to have Ryuu forcefully put them all in their place, an easy roll for her considering how much she faking she would not have to do.
"Why didn't you just leave and defect. It would have been easier for you?"
She was startled by this question as was Sakura since her grip increased. She honestly had no idea what to say to that question. But thankfully she didn't have to.
"What the fuck kind of question is that?!" Ryuu exclaimed jumping up to pull Kaminari into a mock comforting embrace, "Do you even know what you're asking?"
"I do not believe we have asked you to join our questioning Haruno-san," the Kumo rep stated blandly.
"I don't give a rat's ass about any sort of stupid, pompous, propriety or authority you seem to have! To ask that kind of question of her is wrong and you want to know why? When she said she was Tetsu's personal kunoichi it meant that he owned her. She was his to use and abuse any damn time he wanted her. She was not allowed to stray from her work and by the Kami above if it wasn't for her courage we wouldn't be here today. She even got caught! You know what he did because of her betrayal? He broke her in half and kept her alive throughout the entire process so she could feel every bone break in her body! She was pumped so full of poison that it felt like her entire body was being submitted to constant electrical shocks. Now you tell me would you want to get caught betraying you goddamned master if you knew that that punishment was waiting for you?! Kami you're all idiots asking ignorant questions about a situation you cannot fully comprehend! This is fucking ridiculous."
"Haruno…Ryuu-san, it is not permitted to use such language in this room," the Kiri rep calmly stated trying to diffuse the situation.
"I don't give a fuck and if you're going to treat every single one of my sister's this way then you are not allowed to speak to anyone of them. You may direct your questions to me. Kaminari go sit down," Ryuu ordered not taking her glare away from the "holier-than-thou" civilians sitting in front of her.
Kaminari nodded obediently and used her hair to cover up her smirk. Oh they seriously pissed Ryuu off with that last question. The meeting should get very interesting from now on considering what she knew about her sister.
Kumo sighed, "Alright Ryuu-san…"
The questioning continued and Ryuu answered every one with either a "did you seriously just ask me that" tone or her typical "I'm pissed off at the world" voice.
"So you're saying that every single one of the women in the clan was subjected to the same treatment?" Iwa asked.
Ryuu rolled her eyes, "Did you really just ask me that damn question…you fool."
"Ryuu-san we will not tolerate any more of your…"
"Then perhaps you should be asking better questions," Gaara interrupted with a bored tone, "It seems that you are only clarifying the same point over and over again. It has obviously been established that these women suffered horrific abuse not only physical but it seems psychologically as well. We are drawing out a painful situation on them that needn't be. I think we can move on to other more important matters. Delaying any longer will bother the Tsuchikage's back and I wish to leave before nightfall to return back home."
"I agree with Kazekage-sama, this is beyond pointless. Let's move on," A grumbled folding his large arms in front of him.
"The only physical proof that we have are Sakura-san's pictures," the Kiri rep said.
Ryuu growled she had finally had enough, "You want physical proof then I'll show you proof. Yukari, Hanayo please join me."
Ryuu picked up the small Yukari and with Hanayo they jumped over the stone table and landed in the middle. She set the small girl down and turned her around so that her back was facing the Alliance.
"Do you trust me?" Yukari nodded at Ryuu, "Then hold your shirt in front of you."
Ryuu removed the small girl's shirt and the women gasped seeing the scarring on the small girl's back.
"Yukari had the unfortunate pleasure of becoming acquainted with Tetsu's whip. It was one of his personal favorites. The reason…she wanted another roll for dinner so she could give it to her sick sister in bed," Ryuu explained in a dry tone, "If we were not in the front room to receive our dinners from the men in charge then we did not get to eat." She quickly dressed the young girl after turning her around so all the Kage's could see the damage.
Hanayo easily removed her shirt, her bindings covering her breasts. "Another one of his personal favorites was branding," Ryuu explained while the older woman turned exposing her bulging burn scars, "We were treated like chattel because to him we only lived to serve the male's needs. Hanayo did not please her partner and the next day this was her punishment. He marked us like the animals we were to him. Please think about who is actually the animal in this situation."
After Hanayo dressed Ryuu dismissed them from the center and she started disrobing, "I was the unfortunate recipient to his cat-of-nine-tails." She turned making the whole panel of civilians pale as they observed her. Her back was ripped to shreds, not a single smooth portion could be seen. Her back had healed in such a manner that it looked as if they were staring at a pile of woodchips. And they knew if they actually felt the skin their hands would constantly bump over the poorly healed flesh.
"What happened to warrant such treatment?" the Wind rep whispered.
Ryuu snorted and faced them proudly, her exposed back giving the Kage's a good view, "He didn't like my attitude."
"Why didn't you change?" the Fire rep asked as bewildered as Wind.
"Because I wasn't about to let him win. I told myself I wouldn't care what he did to me. I wasn't going to give in to his demands," she declared holding her head high, "And I won." With that final statement Ryuu donned her long sleeved shirt and jacket and jumped back over the table taking her seat next to Kaminari.
The Mizukage cleared her throat, "That display officially concludes this portion of the meeting. Shall we move on to the situation of handling the bijuu?"
A collective nod was received from the Kage's as well as General Mifune.
Sakura turned and took her seat. She gave Ryuu a certain look then behind the chairs they bumped fists. Round one went to Konoha and the plan turned out perfectly. Kaminari smiled knowing exactly what they were doing.
The meeting ended an hour afterward much to everyone's relief. The council was found guilty of mishandling the bijuu due to poor transportation. The whole problem could've been avoided had the Alliance at the end of the war enlisted shinobi as the guards. But they decided that the Feudal Lord's hired hands from each country would be sufficient. What had the Kage's surprised and simultaneously enraged was the lack of man power when transporting one of the bijuu. The Councilmen were easily laughed at considering they presumed the sealed jars would be safer without as much pomp and circumstance as a host of guardians was likely to draw. In the end Naruto was given custody of the bijuu and he and Bee from Kumo would now be in charge of which nation they would go to.
Then the easy matter concerning the Haruno's residence was put to rest. It was obvious given the amount of paperwork that was introduced at the beginning of the meeting that the Harunos were to be legally instated as citizens of Konoha. With that final edict concluded the Alliance was officially disbanded with the documents signed by all the Kage's as well as the Alliance representatives.
Sakura stepped out of the hall with the rest of the Konoha contingent while stretching her arms. The adrenaline from the meeting was starting to wane and she just needed to go outside and get a nice shock of cold air.
Yeah cold air sounds nice.
"Kami-sama…how in the hell do you people deal with such pigheaded people?" Ryuu half sighed and half snarled as she and Kaminari walked up to Sakura.
Sakura just chuckled, "That's politics…you have to understand in order to play the game. But it doesn't mean you have to like it."
Ryuu snorted with a wicked smirk teasing your lips, "Huh…I don't think I will ever like politics."
"It's all about forming a compromise that best suits everyone. But it seems that I only have a basic understanding," she glanced at Sakura with a shy smile.
"Hai, that's a basic understanding at best. Most of it is finesse. It's how you present your case and make it seem believable and the best option on the table. Of course that never works and you also need to have countermeasures in place in order to continue to defend your claim."
"Stop talking, you're giving me a headache," Ryuu rubbed her forehead.
The others chuckled lightly when they were approached by two Daimyo guards dressed in Kumo garb.
"Haruno Sakura," one addressed her, "Your presence is requested by the Kumo Councilman."
Sakura lifted a brow and crossed her arms, her symbol of defiance, "As far as I know there is no more Council hence no more Councilmen. I am not obligated to grace him with my presence."
"Unfortunately Haruno-san we are under orders to bring you to him," the two men gripped her arms.
"Like hell you will!" Sakura and Ryuu shouted at the same time.
Before the three women could properly react the hands gripping Sakura's arms were removed and the men were thrown away from the women. Sakura stood frozen in place as the ANBU in front of them stood tall, his menacing aura sending shivers down their spines. Another second later Naruto and Sasuke stood on either side of an unmoving Sakura glaring harshly at the guards as they stood up.
"No man, or woman for that matter, has the right to demand anything from this woman," the ANBU threatened taking a warning step forward, "You may report that back to the former Councilman."
"Crow!" Kaminari and Ryuu were startled by the sudden appearance of the Hokage, "Report on the situation," she demanded stepping in front of the group, two more ANBU flanking her.
Itachi forcibly schooled his emotion before he committed a crime that would warrant punishment and a possible demotion, "These two men were forcibly seeking an audience with your apprentice."
The Hokage's glare turned lethal as she turned her attention to the two guards, "You have exactly ten seconds to explain yourselves."
"The Kumo Councilman requested an audience with Haruno Sakura after the meeting was finished. We are here at his bidding nothing more, nothing less," the guard explained quickly.
"That goddamned fool," she seethed, "Naruto, Sasuke, escort your teammate outside I'm sure she could use some fresh air. Crow, Fox, Weasel, you are coming with me so we can meet with this former Councilman!"
"Hai Hokage-sama," the three ANBU answered in unison following her away from the group.
The two guards immediately got out of the way as Tsunade stormed into the room where the Kumo representative was staying.
"What in the hell do you think you are doing?" she raged breaking the coffee table between them, "You have no Kami given right to demand anything of my shinobi! You will explain everything to me before this becomes an international incident!"
The former Kumo councilman sighed. He knew this was going to be the reaction to the situation. He at first thought it very unwise of the Kumo Daimyo to request such a thing especially at this time. But he was a man who followed orders just like the shinobi followed orders from their leaders. He had no choice but to attempt. He hated his job sometimes, "If you would sit Hokage-sama I will explain the situation."
"I'm perfectly fine standing, now explain!"
He straightened his robes then met Tsunade's burning gaze, "The Daimyo wishes to offer an arranged marriage between your apprentice and his eldest son. He wanted me to discuss this with your apprentice today after the meeting. Please understand that I advised against this and am only following orders." He was definitely appealing to Tsunade's rational side…hopefully it wasn't lost beneath the anger.
She held her spot, stunned to silence even though her body language was still boiling in anger. It was very obvious that the man was telling the truth. She cleared her throat letting most of the venom in her tone fade away, "I understand your predicament. Here is my answer to you that you may relay to your," she paused…she obviously couldn't swear at Kumo's Daimyo, no matter how much she wanted to, "Daimyo. My apprentice, Haruno Sakura, is unavailable to partake in an arranged marriage seen as how she is already betrothed to another. And for that matter, the kunoichi's that reside in my village and who are under my command will never be available for an arranged marriage. Because of his blatant lack of tact and respect he is never to make that request of me or my kunoichi's ever again. No such contract will ever be approved of. If he wants a bride for his son tell him to look in the Fire Capital, I'm sure our Daimyo would be more than willing to let one of his daughters go."
With that final statement Tsunade turned and prepared to stride regally yet quickly from the room. But of course a voice stopped her, "To whom is she betrothed?"
She paused momentarily before glancing at Itachi and got a slight nod from him, "She will be marrying the heir of the Uchiha clan, Uchiha Itachi."
"Ah…I see. I will convey your words to the Daimyo. Thank you for your time."
Amber eyes rolled as she finally left the room with her ANBU guard, "Uchiha go check on your betrothed. That's an order."
He was gone in a swirl of leaves.
Sakura stood frozen in the middle of the hallway while Tsunade and Itachi stormed off to meet with the councilor. In the meantime she was arguing with herself.
What the hell was that?
Uhhh…
Why didn't we move?! Or defend ourselves?!
Umm…
You are no fucking help whatsoever!
She was angry. That much was certain. But what Sakura didn't know was why? Why didn't she disable the guard's grip when they seized her? Why didn't she punch them into next century for unsolicited contact? Why was she still freezing whenever a male figure was around her? Why does she always need to be protected? Why, why, WHY WHY?!
"Hey, Sakura-chan?" Naruto spoke temporarily breaking her out of her thought process, "May I put my arm around you?"
She nodded slowly, this was Naruto she could trust him. Besides she heard Tsunade order him and Sasuke to take her outside. But it wasn't until Naruto placed a steady arm around her that she realized how badly she was shaking…and it wasn't from the cold.
I hate feeling weak.
Naruto could tell she was getting close to losing it and tried to lighten the atmosphere, "Don't punch me ok?" He gave her a cheesy grin that went unnoticed by the pinkette. He sighed but let it go for now, he knew that Itachi was the only person who could get through to her in this state.
It was a welcomed relief to her senses once they stepped out into the bitter cold of Iron. The cold sent a shocking shiver down her spine that was a reprieve was her suffocating thoughts. She instantly broke out of Naruto's friendly hold and wandered over to the nearest pine tree. Her body slouched against the rough bark while she absently pounded a fist into the trunk.
When will this fear end? Or am I destined to be weak the rest of my life?
Weakness is all a matter of perspective.
Her eyes widened momentarily…the Gobi was…speaking, offering an opinion or advice? Weird but kinda nice at the same time.
What makes you say that? Her inner asked.
Have you learned nothing in your meditations?
We've learned a great many things from you through these meditations.
Then ponder on your findings and you will know my meaning.
She inwardly sighed, the Gobi was becoming more like this and she had yet to get used to it. But every time he spoke it was usually during an important debate within herself and his advice always seemed to help. So it would be foolish not to heed him now considering her internal battle.
She instantly recognized Itachi's presence because the swirl of leaves he arrived in was blowing in the opposite direction that the breeze was currently in. She leapt quickly into his arms and buried her face in his neck while he held her securely against him. Noticing that others were discreetly trying not to watch he took a few steps deeper into the grove where they could converse in private.
"I froze."
"I know."
"I hate it."
"I know."
"Why? Why did this have to happen to me?"
"You couldn't help it."
"That's a stupid answer."
"You asked an impossible question."
He stopped and set his intended on her feet but she continued to hide her face in his chest. She gripped the sides of his chest plate while he removed his mask setting it easily on the top of his head.
"Look at me," he requested, his fingers running slowly through her shoulder length hair. Sakura shook her head stubbornly but it only made him more insistent, "Please?"
Did he just…say…
Her head slowly rose with an incredulous look. He smirked lightly in response. With his hands still tangled in her hair he leaned down and placed a tender kiss on her forehead.
"It will take time, be patient," he whispered before kissing her again.
"It's just…" she paused, "For all of my life I have always been weaker. I've been trying so hard to be strong and now? Whenever a man touches me I just tense up and my body expects the worst. My own friends won't even touch give me a hug anymore without my permission. I've sunk even lower than before."
Itachi leaned down and nuzzled the side of her upturned nose. Sakura breathed in deeply taking in the mixed scents of the forest, the cold wind, and Itachi. Slowly but surely her body began to relax, she felt so calm and at ease in his presence and she knew that he knew it. She also knew that he was only trying to calm her down so that she could think rationally instead of being a "Negative Nancy" as her mother always used to say. The best part was…his method was working.
"You do not recoil from my touch, you welcome it. You never back down from a fight, you face it. You push yourself hard in training because your body can handle it. If there is a problem you fix it. Any questions that are asked you always have an answer. These things came with time, be patient," he whispered kissing the corners of her lips.
She melted against him, "How do you always know what to say to me?"
A small smile crept onto his face and he met her emerald eyes, "Because I love you."
Her rosy lips tilted into a half smile before he gently prodded his head down into a kiss. Their lips gently embraced while she twirled strands of onyx around her slender fingers. His hands slowly traveled down rubbing small circles on her shoulders then fell down the length of her back. She stiffened again her lips freezing against his.
"Shhh," he cooed before taking her lips again, encouraging her to relax, "It's Itachi."
"Itachi," she whispered back willing her body to relax.
"It's your Itachi," he whispered again moving from her lips to her cheek then traveling along her jaw. His hands continued their slow journey up and down her back. "Say my name," he commanded lightly.
"Itachi."
"Again," he commanded kissing her other cheek.
"Itachi…my Itachi," she kept repeating the mantra. It was another way for her to recondition her body. Sakura believed that if she kept repeating his name whenever he touched her it would help her get over the psychological trauma. That it would help to convince herself that not all touch was bad.
"Sakura," his whispered lightly before kissing her ear.
With a final breath she let all the tension leave her body. She wrapped her arms around his neck holding him as close as she could. He reciprocated the gesture holding her tightly, her feet a couple inches off the ground.
"I love you Uchiha Itachi," she whispered fervently while tightening her grip around his neck.
He buried his face into her hair and placed a feather light kiss against her neck. Her breath hitched at the action but instead freezing like she had earlier she felt butterflies in her stomach. She smiled, maybe her theory was working.
A subtle cough broke the mood as the couple turned to see who had interrupted them.
"Yo," Sasuke was partially turned away from their intimate embrace, "Figured you two were cold so I brought your cloaks. Also the Hokage wants to leave."
"We'll be ready in a couple minutes otuoto," Itachi replied.
As Sasuke walked away Sakura laid her head back on Itachi's chest and absently traced the subtle lines of his neck. With his neck turned watching his brother walk down a small path Sakura could feel the slight bulge of his sternocleidomastoid muscle and just like the rest of his body it was perfectly smooth but rock solid.
Did you really just think that?
What?
You fucking creeper…you named the muscle you were caressing and it's not even a short or remotely sexy name.
Uhhh…
Arguing with yourself over such an inconsequential matter is both ridiculous and pointless. Please continue no further with this quarrel.
Oi Gobi! I'm here for sanity's sake. Things like this need to be discussed so we don't turn into a creepy walking medical encyclopedia!
Inner, I'm sure we can discuss this later. I apologize for allowing that obviously unsexy word to escape into open thought. Can you please just not ruin the moment?
Honey it's ruined he's already staring at us like were crazy.
There are currently three voices in my head…of course I'm crazy.
The Gobi grumbled at that statement but issued no further comment. Sakura chuckled at his lack of response and she could easily imagine the powerful bijuu huffing in his cage.
"What is so funny?" Itachi asked bringing her gaze up to meet his. The look on her face was one he was beginning to recognize easily. She was not seeing or listening to anything in the outside world because she was conversing or arguing with either her Inner or the Gobi.
"Oh…we're just having a…conversation," she answered with another giggle.
"About?"
"About whether or not I'm crazy," she answered giggling again.
One onyx brow raised in amusement before he pulled her into his chest and kissing the top of her head. Sakura held him tightly in return still unable to control her giggling.
The trip back to Konoha was easy and quick. The Haruno's increased stamina allowed for the shinobi contingent to travel at a relatively quick pace with minimal breaks. And once Tsunade deemed them far enough inside Fire Country she gave Ryuu the green light to take to the open skies…as long as she stayed within their line of sight. The flame haired woman wasted no time in sprouting her wings and taking to the air. After years of confinement she used almost any excuse to let loose.
"RYUU-NEE-SAAAAAAN!" Yukari yelled, "TAKE ME UP WITH YOU!"
Ryuu smirked as she eyed her younger sister from one hundred feet up in the air. Pulling her wings hard against her body she dove straight towards Yukari's waiting arms.
"Jump!"
Yukari jumped and Ryuu caught her effortlessly before whisking her up in the air. The small girl let out an amused yell as she clung to her sister's golden neck. The Konoha host paused for a moment as they watched the two sail around in a large loop.
"It's nice seeing her use any reason to cut lose," Kaminari said walking up beside Sakura, "She's a happier person because of it."
"Hai," Sakura stretched.
Ryuu enjoyed listening to her younger sister's laughter. It almost seemed like a regular occurrence now that the hell they lived in was over. A couple days before they left Konoha to head to Iron Sakura had enlisted a man named…Yamato?...to help them build their long term residence. She didn't know how one man was supposed to help until Mizuko produce a large scroll with a seal drawn on it and instructed him to sit in the middle. A few hand signs, lots of chakra, and ten minutes later the blue prints that they had drafted popped to life. She found out afterward that Yamato had a wood style affinity. It was probably the first time Ryuu had been rendered speechless and Mizuko teased her endlessly the rest of the day because of it. She still couldn't completely wrap it around her head that a project that should've taken at least a month's worth of construction if not two or three, had been accomplished in ten minutes. Not that she wasn't grateful it was just…she wasn't really used to…
Generosity? Peace? Living in Konoha? Living around others whose abilities are unknown?
No, she tried arguing back.
It makes you feel inferior, her Inner continued, you have no reason to feel such feelings.
She growled, I'm not feeling anything…I just want-
To be happy. I know. And you will begin to feel happy once you stop feeling threatened by everyone around you.
She knew her Inner was right…but it was still hard. Trust, especially in the opposite gender, was something she never gave easily.
"Ryuu nee-chan what's that over there?"
Yukari voice cut through her thoughts as she spotted a small plume of smoke a few miles away.
"Probably a camp fire," she replied hovering vertically. She took a deep sniff of the air.
That doesn't smell like a camp fire.
Turning around quickly she flew back to the main group.
"Kiba-kun, what is it?" Hinata asked quietly.
His eyes were closed and he held his fingers up in front of his nose, "Fire…but not natural…more like it as caused from an explosive tag," He sniffed again, "There that's blood."
"We need to report it to the Hokage," Hinata told him. He nodded and walked over just as Ryuu landed in front of the group.
"There's an unnatural fire east, northeast," she reported setting Yukari down on the ground.
"She's right, smells like something caused by explosive tags and there is blood," Kiba walked up with Hinata.
Tsunade's eyes narrowed then she quickly looked around the group. She couldn't take children into a potential battle zone but they were left wide open on the road, "Team Seven, Team Eight go investigate the area. The rest of us will find a more secure location. All radios sync to channel three."
"Hai!"
The two teams sped through the trees the instant the orders were given with their radios secured around their necks and ears. Sakura instantly donned her gauntlets.
"Alright let's kick some bad guy ass!" Naruto shouted through the radios making everyone flinch around him.
"Shut the hell up dobe or you will give away our position," Sasuke ordered.
"Oi teme! Don't you yell at me, I'm going to be you future Hokage!"
"Naruto please you'll blow our eardrums out!" Sakura growled at him.
He turned and gave her a sheepish smile, "Nei Sakura-chan, don't look at me like that…please? You look like you're going to hurt me."
Tsunade was listening in on the radio and rolled her eyes, "Naruto cut the chatter. Hinata can you see them?"
"Hai," her voice came over the radio, "There are two groups, one look like Genin team with a Jounin sensei. The other is a group of four men. Both sides have low chakra levels and two of the Genin are unconscious."
"Surround the four perps and apprehend them for questioning and kill any who resist."
"Hai Hokage-sama!"
The two teams traveled for another twenty minutes before Sasuke called for a halt. Using hand signs he communicated to the rest to get into position. Sasuke surveyed the scene, as reported two Genin were unconscious; it seemed to be the two males of the team. The Jounin sensei was standing between the perps and the two fallen Genin. The perps had the kunoichi hostage.
Hinata gasped, "Th-That's a Hyuuga kunoichi!"
"On my mark we will infiltrate," Sasuke took control, "Sakura, Hinata go after the man holding the Hyuuga then tend to the wounded. Shino you will first be the distraction get them to not focus on the Jounin sensei. Naruto, Kiba, and I will take the other three."
"Hai!"
"Shino start."
Lifting both of his hands a small swarm of bugs left his sleeves and began dancing around the four men's faces. The Jounin sensei immediately recognized what was happened and slumped slightly in relief.
"On my mark 3…2…1…GO!"
The rest sprang into action. Hinata cut off the chakra pathways to the man's hands and automatically grabbed the kunoichi and sprinted away. Sakura's eyes flashed deadly silver as she turned the man around and socked him directly in the face. The pained yell he emitted when Hinata attacked his hands was cut off from the force of the blow dislocating his jaw. It promptly knocked the man unconscious so she left him and went to tend to the Genin team.
"Thank Kami-sama above," the Jounin sensei smiled at her.
"Rest now and tell me what happened. Oh and speak clearly the Hokage is listening on the radio," Sakura led him to sit by his team.
"We were just returning from our mission, C-rank escort, when we were ambushed by those four. They knocked out Tai but I stopped them from killing him. They put some sort of jutsu on me and it's been sucking my chakra from my body and I can barely move my leg. I haven't been able to stop it yet."
"Sakura-chan…ummmm," Naruto started his voice echoing over the radio.
"Just a minute Naruto," she said before continuing with the Sensei.
"Ronin was angry when Tai was knocked out and jumped into the fray only to have the same fate as Tai. Then I noticed the got Myabi and we had been at a standoff for a few minutes."
Sakura finished healing his wounds then went next to the fallen boys. Hinata was healing one already so she started on the other, "What did they want?"
"Sakura-chan, I really think you-" Naruto started again.
"I'm busy Naruto!"
"But-"
"Sakura, come here…now," Sasuke's voice cut in.
He sounded deadly serious…he never used that tone on her unless…
She stood up instantly and walked over towards the rest. When she got there the four men were lying side by side all still breathing and all unconscious. All men had very distinct and unique features and each of their forehead protectors had one perfect circle. Her body stilled, emerald eyes bulged out of her head, her breathing was now shallow and erratic.
"Oh Kami-sama…" she whispered.
"What's happening?" Tsuande's voice roared over the radio.
The whole group looked at Sakura, waiting to see what she would do.
"Sakura you had better damn well answer me!" the radio crackled again.
Looking away from the bodies in front of her Sakura turned her head addressing the sensei, "Jounin-san, what did this group want? What did they tell you?"
"They wanted to know the whereabouts of a man named Haruno Tetsu. When I couldn't provide information they said they would take Myabi as collateral and that I was to return here with the information they wanted," he answered solemnly.
The anger was welling up inside of her. Why couldn't those bastards just leave well enough alone?! What the hell are they expecting? That they can waltz into Konoha and get their precious leader back without anyone noticing?
"Whoa, whoa, whoa Sakura-chan calm down!" Naruto yelled at her but she didn't pay attention. Her bijuu chakra began to spike dangerously
Find them!
Sakura ripped her gauntlets off and shoved her hands into the now shaking ground. A giant chakra pulse was sent through the earth. She was focused and determined to find the rest of the group. They had to be close if this scouting group was here. By all that she held dear she would find the rest of them.
They could feel it, Sakura's bijuu power, from their location approximately five miles away. Tsunade was beyond pissed now, especially when the large chakra pulse reached them the force rattling the earth they were all standing on. Some of the tremors caused mild splintering, knocking weak rooted trees over onto the ground. Minor fissures began sprouting from underneath her body. If she didn't stop they'd have to move locations.
"Somebody had better report to me what the hell is happening before you're all demoted back to Genin!" she threatened over the radio.
"Hokage-sama," Sasuke's voice cut through, "the four men we apprehended were Harunos. They ambushed this Genin team to learn the whereabouts of Haruno Tetsu. Sakura…she's looking for them right now. I'm sure you can feel that."
"Get her to calm the fuck down now! Or it's my foot up your ass Uchiha!"
Sasuke sighed and turned his attention back to Sakura. Her face was a mix of anger and concentration. He didn't want to be on the receiving end of her wrath but orders were orders he needed to calm her down. And the only way to do that was to refocus her anger on something, or in his case, someone else.
"Sakura," he said walking over and kneeling next to her, "Sakura stop. Tsunade has ordered you to stop."
"Leave me alone Sasuke," she threatened.
"And what are you going to do if you find them?" he asked, "Run away and leave us all behind?"
"Shut up!"
He knew this was going to hurt, he didn't like his idea, but it would at least make her not angry anymore, "Tch…you're so annoying."
Silver eyes flashed to his face and before he could react she punched him launching his body into the trees.
"SASUKE!" she screamed her anger quickly dissipating. Her eyes faded back into their natural green and her chakra retreating back to normal levels, "I'm so sorry Sasuke!"
He groaned as Naruto helped him up, "Geez Sakura, did you have to hit him so hard?"
"I didn't mean to hit him at all! Sasuke what the hell were you thinking?"
He gave her a pointed look and then she noticed the problem. Snapping his jaw back into place she immediately healed him, "I'm so, so sorry Sasuke."
"Hn."
She smiled at his response; he obviously wasn't going to hold it against her. He had done the right thing and she should have known better than to let her anger get the better of her.
"What the hell did I do to deserve two jinchurikki teammates," he grumbled while Sakura continued to heal him, "Not to mention one whose sucker punches break jaws."
Naruto chuckled, "You left us teme, for Orochimaru. Payback's a bitch ain't it? Hehe."
Sakura laughed at him along with Naruto which Sasuke found particularly annoying.
The large green gates of Konoha came into view just as the sun set behind the mountains. It was a beautiful sight considering the snow covered and desolate landscape of Iron. Needless to say everyone was anxious to get back home but unfortunately for some in the group there would be no sleeping tonight.
"NEE-CHANS!" a loud piercing voice echo down the road.
"Kinu," Kaminari and Ryuu whispered and they ran up to the gate. The rest of the host followed picking up the leisurely pace.
"Kinu what is it?" Ryuu demanded.
"Its Mizuko nee-chan," Kinu started explaining, "She went into labor a couple hours ago and her water just broke! She's at the hospital with Shizune-chan and they told me to get Sakura nee-chan there right away."
"Sakura!" Kaminari yelled, "Mizuko is in labor!"
In an instant the entire Haruno hoard sprinted to the hospital. The automatic front doors barely opened fast enough as they all ran through the hallways towards the maternity ward.
"Everyone has to stay in the waiting room until I send someone to get you, is that understood?!" Sakura barked as she threw on a scrub uniform provided by one of the nurses.
"Hai!"
"I'm coming in to be with her," Ryuu countered.
"I'm sorry Ryuu-chan but I can only allow that if Mizuko-chan gives permission."
"Then ask her!"
Sakura nodded, "I will and if someone comes for you then you can come in alright?"
Ryuu nodded then directed the rest of the group towards the small waiting room. After a good ten minutes Ryuu was aggravated because nobody came out to get her. Mizuko would definitely hear about that later. So along with the rest of the Harunos she waited…and paced around the room. Periodically other shinobi would come in mainly Naruto, Hinata, and unsurprisingly Kakashi. Ryuu kept an eye on the silver haired man, even she could tell he was forming an attachment to the elder sister. She would need to talk to Mizuko about that mostly because she wasn't sure if she could trust a man that kept his face covered. The only reason she could see was if he had something to hide.
And we're back to square one.
We're not discussing this at the present moment.
Suit yourself.
"Breathe Mizuko," Shizune coached as Sakura strode into the room, "Sakura-chan good you guys made it back."
"Hai we did and I came as soon as I heard," Sakura donned the rest of her gear and pulled her hair up, "How long since the water broke?"
"Two hours and thirteen minutes," Shizune answered taking over the nursing position.
"How far is she dilated?"
"I checked an hour ago and she was only 4 centimeters."
Sakura nodded and walked up to Mizuko, "Hey is there anybody you want in the room with you? Ryuu or Hanayo or anybody…maybe Kakashi?" She added cheekily at the end
"No," she gasped but chuckled through the pain, "I'll be fine."
"Alright, it's too late to give you an epidural-"
"I decided against it," she moaned as a large contraction hit her, "I wanted to do this natural."
Sakura nodded then checked her dilation, "Another centimeter. You're in for a long labor Mizuko. Just keep breathing, you're going to be just fine."
"H-hai," she groaned. It wasn't the worst pain she had ever felt in her life but it was damn near close. The biggest difference was in the type of pain almost like cramping during her cycle but much more vicious. It felt as if her body was trying to rip itself apart from the inside. And then the contractions would hit and it took everything in her not to scream into the heavens in agony.
Six hours later Mizuko was fully dilated and the contractions were only seconds apart. She had a death grip on both sides of the bed. Sakura sat her bed up and put her legs in stirrups, the extra "crunch" position would help push the baby out faster.
"There's the head Mizuko!" Sakura shouted not taking her eyes away, "Ready…PUSH!"
"AHHHHHH!" she wailed before gasping for air. She looked to Shizune who was trying to regulate her breathing with quick, shorts breaths. She mimicked as best as she could but could only manage small bits of it. Another rag was placed on her forehead soaking up the sweat.
"The face is out come on Mizuko just a couple more and I can pull it out!"
"H-H-Hai!"
"NOW!"
Another wailed echoed in the room as Mizuko pushed with all her might.
"And again!"
With the final push she felt her child leave her body and with the child gone so was the pain. It disappeared just as quickly as when the labor began. She felt instant relief that her body was no longer at war trying to dislodge her child from her body. Then a small cry rang in the room and she smiled.
"Mizuko," Sakura spoke just over the loud wailing, "She's beautiful."
"She?" the brunette looked up.
"Yes it's a girl," Sakura whispered as she laid the swaddled baby in her mother's arms.
Mizuko's smile was beautiful as her little daughter was placed in her arms. Her little mouth was opened wide as she continued to cry. Her skin was a beautiful shade of pink and she had her mother's dark mop of hair.
"Shhh my baby, calm yourself," Mizuko whispered then kissed her pink forehead. The baby started to calm down, feeling soothed with the sound of her mother's voice. Mizuko started to rock her as she set the small child against her chest. The baby instantly quieted opening and closing her little fingers.
"She's beautiful," Mizuko whispered and she leaned back and closed her eyes.
"What would you like to name her?" Sakura asked watching the interaction between mother and child.
Mizuko shook her head, "Bring the others in first then I will name her."
Sakura nodded then sent a nurse to collect the rest of the Harunos. Sakura quickly glanced at the clock so she could begin filling out the paperwork, it was just after midnight 12:07am on December the 6th. She was tired from traveling all day but seeing that new little baby resting in her mother's arms…she couldn't really describe how peaceful she was right now. This child would never know the hate, the evil, and the trauma that her older sisters went through. She would grow up like a typical child, smiling, happy, and loved.
The door opened and in walked a hoard of Haruno women all anxious to meet the newest edition to the clan. Ryuu strode in almost forcefully and immediately went to her sister's side.
"Be careful around all the wiring," Sakura warned with a light voice, "You don't want to inadvertently rip something out."
They were oddly quiet considering the large amount of people that were in the room, Sakura figured that the nurse must have warned them to keep their voices down. After all is was after midnight in the maternity ward, lots of sleeping mothers and infants were in the nearby rooms.
"What did you name her Mizuko?" Ryuu asked gazing at the sleeping child.
Mizuko tore her eyes away from the sleeping child to look around the room. Everyone was waiting anxiously to hear the name of their newest sister.
"Reina," she whispered reverently, "I've named her Haruno Reina. For she is the first woman to be born into our clan that will not be tainted with our difficult past. She will be clean and pure her entire life." Holding the child close once again she kissed her forehead tenderly.
For those that are curious yes I know what childbirth is like. This a fairly accurate first person perspective. As always read and review I love hearing what you think!
Shameless plugs:
1) Check out my adapted story from Lollie-chan called "A Dance of Bravery". Yes I got permission from the author to take it over and I'm loving it :) I'm fine tuning it as we speak (figuratively) but i think the end result will be pretty awesome :) It's a Mulan adaptation so there will be similarities but there are also plenty of differences that make this story unique. I couldn't let it go when she said she was discontinuing...so I "took" it. Thanks Lollie!
2) Also be on the look out for another ItaSaku but this one is being written by myself and KatherineS (who is a long time reader and fan of Becoming One). Yes we are writing an ItaSaku AU Non-mass together and I have to admit, it's gonna be awesome. If you're looking for a kick ass Sakura and a loving but equally awesome Itachi this story will have it all! We have the whole thing planned out and we've worked endlessly editing and fine tuning different subplots and the like. You will love it! I promise.