SE: Yes! I'm still alive - I'm not dead, despite what many seem to think.
Updates for other stories shall come soon - really.
Disclaimer: o.
III. Birth.
Nikaidou Yuu greets his ward with a cheerful smile that is not exactly forced.
"Good morning, Sakura-chan!" Despite feeling slightly disgusted at his all too faked voice, Nikaidou still can't help but roll in satisfaction as he feels the power of a Guardian Egg pulse blindingly from Haruno's egg.
From the looks of it, Haruno Sakura's Guardian Character will be powerfully potent; probably the strongest of all Nikaidou has ever seen.
"Good morning, Oji-san," His ward smiles pleasantly in return and Nikaidou's eye twitches slightly in irritation.
Haruno Sakura. She holds the ability to have the answer to all his questions, or be a very annoying thorn at his side.
After coming across a number of failed attempts at bringing out the Embryo, Yuu realizes that perhaps, it is time to get more involved, so to speak. So, in a whimsical, thoughtless manner true to his past self, he adopts the best child he can find that would cause the least amount of trouble.
One who could be studied freely to further his research on the Embryo.
And Haruno Sakura is perfect. An orphan, with no records, no family, and even better, no memories, Sakura holds all the potential to his future research. So Yuu continues on preserving, sticking close to the tiny girl and offering his guidance, despite his hatred for children.
His whole plan revolves on the essence of Sakura's thinly veiled loneliness; he can sense the despair in her heart at times, the bitterness of disappointment and crushed dreams. As the only adult in her presence, Yuu expects Sakura's utmost dependence and devotion towards him, because who else can she turn to in her times of need?
And once she obtains her own Guardian Egg (because Yuu would never adopt a snotty child unless she or he had the potential to produce one), it is only a matter before she relies on him once again and offers the Guardian Egg because of course she can trust a family member with it.
At least, that is the plan when Yuu first lays his eyes on the tiny, petite, pink-haired Haruno Sakura.
But what Yuu does not expect is the hidden fierceness in her character. It is fleeting when it appears, when Yuu takes advantage over his position as her legal guardian to take actions without out her prior knowledge, when he challenges her with sensitive questions that would make even an adult flinch with his subtle worlds.
Yuu realizes – far too late – after spending two months in her presence, that Sakura is fiercely independent. She is fiercely determined when she puts her mind to familiarizing herself again after losing her memories, is fiercely capable of holding her own, and is probably –
Yuu smirks inside as he figures that, when given the chance, Sakura is fiercely loyal when she wants to be.
And, he supposes, if having her utter devotion and reliance is not possible, then unfailing loyalty probably works as well.
It will take time, but Yuu recognizes that these things take patience; and besides, once he begins his job at Seiyo Academy, it will take only a few pushes before the tiny girl situates herself firmly by his side.
After all, Haruno Sakura, as independent as she may be, is just a child. And all children will fall back to the closest adult guidance when needed, sooner or later.
O-o-O-o-O
"What to do with you…" Sakura mutters under her breath, as she lies casually beside a cherry blossom tree near the school building. Holding up the egg in her hand, Sakura takes a quiet moment to wonder at the warmth that seeps from the egg and into her hand.
The pale pink egg does not even twitch, and Sakura sighs as a warm breeze floats in the air and brushes softly against the grass underneath her. She trails a finger lightly over Konoha's insignia once more for what seems like the hundredth time.
I wonder if they're all doing okay…
A sudden pang of aching loneliness grabs Sakura's heart and she crunches the ground beneath her, crushing both vegetation and earth as if they are putty. Holding the egg close to her chest, Sakura curls her body inward and takes in a deep breath, trying to find some comfort in the faint pulses of chakra exuding from her egg.
Just hold on, everybody. I'll find a way back home.
A strong pulse of chakra, stronger than any before, breaks away from the egg. Sakura smiles faintly as the chakra floods into her, like a wave of fresh air and never-ending comfort.
"I guess you're trying to cheer me up in your own way, huh…" She takes a few steps forward and taps a foot lightly against a nearby boulder. It crumbles immediately into dust, leaving only a pile of debris behind. The sight leaves her strangely light-hearted and in a slightly better mood than before.
Faintly, she hears the ring of a bell, signaling that break will end in five minutes.
"Time to face the world again, Egg-san," Sakura gives a sincere smile for once as she feels a slight twitch in her hand. "I look forward to meeting you soon."
O-o-O-o-O
Sakura stretches slightly as she walks down Seiyo Academy's massive steps and rolls her shoulders thoughtfully. The setting sun casts a warm glow of orange and red as students around her chatter about their day.
Relaxing her tense muscles (Kami, she has forgotten how boring civilian school could get), Sakura considers her plans for the rest of the day. Her daily visits to the library only brings headaches and no leads; the only thing that piles up is her frustration, as theories and ideas about time-space travel are more mythical than factual.
It's been a while since I've visited the dojos. Maybe I should continue my research tomorrow…
She pauses and looks forward, blinking at the sight of a drooling Hinamori and a sly Fujisaki. Taking a few more steps, Sakura cannot help but lift her mouth slightly in amusement at the pictures in Fujisaki's hand.
"Amu-chan, don't be duped by her scheme!"
"An interesting hobby you have there, Hinamori-san," Sakura feels a bubble of laughter escaping her lips as the girl turns wildly in protest.
"H-Haruno-san! It's not – I'm not – " Hinamori struggles in embarrassment, her entire face dipped in red. Behind her, Fujisaki sighs in disappointment at her foiled plan, but smiles as well and puts away the picture of a sleeping Hotori.
"I understand," Sakura's face turns completely serious as every hint of amusement disappears from her face. Hinamori's face turns hopefully bright before –
"Everybody has a few odd hobbies. Who am I to judge if your own is collecting pictures of Hotori-san asleep?"
Sakura takes slight pleasure at the sight of the withering Hinamori, soul floating away to the cries of a pink Guardian Character. Fujisaki giggles lightly behind her hand and Sakura nods briefly at the girl in return.
"It is nice to meet you, Fujisaki-san," The 'Queen' smiles brightly before bowing slightly. Sakura is honest when she says that everybody has a few odd habits – frankly speaking, a cross-dressing boy isn't that shocking to see.
Though it's a miracle how nobody else notices how Fujisaki's hip bones are clearly those of a boy, and how his shoulders are broader than what a girl his age and stature should have.
But there are reasons for everything, so Sakura lets it be and simply accepts that Fujisaki just has a more interesting hobby than others.
"Likewise, Haruno-chan." Neither Sakura nor Fujisaki question how they know the other's name, because there isn't a reason for an explanation.
Sakura blinks as Miki shyly circles around her head before landing gently onto Sakura's quickly outstretched hand.
"Hello again, Miki-san," Sakura greets the Guardian Character while ignoring Fujisaki's slightly opened mouth and Hinamori's gaping jaw. "How are you?"
Miki nods respectfully to Sakura, much to the medic's bemusement, and replies,
"Well enough, Sakura-san,"
"That's good to hear."
"Wait!" Sakura and Miki both turn to a shocked Hinamori, with her pink Guardian Character looking not too different. "Miki! Y-You know Haruno-san! Wait, no, you've met Haruno-san before? Uh, no, Haruno-san – "
"You can see Guardian Characters, Haruno-chan?" Fujisake inquires after recovering rather well from his previous shock. Sakura smiles again in bemusement and answers easily.
"Of course." Sakura blinks and glances down at her watch (impractical because of the weight, but useful to keep the time). "Ah, it seems that I must go; there are some people I have to meet before returning home."
She nods at all of them and gives Miki a pat on the head before turning on her heel and walking away.
"Ah, wait, Haruno-san!"
But Sakura is already gone, to the mystified group, and in her place are a few dancing leaves trailing behind a cool breeze of the wind.
O-o-O-o-O
Sakura enters the first dojo in record time, taking no heed of the ongoing fights inside in favor of dropping her bag and grabbing more comfortable clothes. She walks past the sparring students and masters alike and doesn't acknowledge them except for a brief nod and a respectful bow to a few others.
The jujutsu masters here are nothing compared to what she is used to back in Konoha, but despite the disadvantage of this frail, weak body, Sakura holds a good amount of respect for a spare few. Many students and teachers alike of any form of martial arts simply do not have the body or the desire or the talent to further their studies in the art more than necessary.
But Sakura has met a few in the past few months that have gone past the human limitations of this world and then some, and those are the ones she finds worthy of respect from any shinobi.
And, she supposes, they make wonderful sparring partners as well.
"Haruno," Sakura steps out from the changing room and raises a single eyebrow at the cleared sparring room, with the once sparring students and teachers sitting respectfully to the side. She turns to glance at the towering vision of Watanabe Takeru, the master of the Watanabe Dojo.
"Watanabe-dono," Sakura dips her head in greeting. "It is good to see you."
"Likewise, Haruno," The man grunts in a gruff manner that borders friendliness. "It's been a while since you've last visited."
Watanabe Takeru, a veteran of multiple martial arts, holds an intimidating image of a six foot man with scars surrounding his muscled body and a particular large one cutting straight across the corner of his right eye. Sometimes, when she allows her mind to catch up with the rest of her body, Sakura likes to view the man as a less-perverted, less-annoying, and cooler looking Hatake Kakashi.
Not that her sensei isn't cool, of course, but still.
Watanabe rolls his shoulders and a few of the newer students flinch in intimidation as the man lets out a dark chuckle filled with hidden humor and eagerness.
"Back again after a couple weeks, Haruno? So you've finally gotten some muscles on those twigs of yours, eh, pinkie?" Sakura feels her eye twitch as her temper flares inside of her. "Because it looks like you're ready for another beating of a lifetime!"
"Oh? What was that? Are you saying that you've finally gone senile from age, old man?" Sakura takes petty vindication at the scowl on the forty-year-old man's face and channels some of her inner-Naruto. "Last time I checked, it was your old mug that hit the ground first, you geezer!"
(Sakura takes a moment to mourn at the loss of her polite decorum that her mother had worked so hard to emphasize on. After countless years with lovable idiots like Naruto and Sai, Sakura has long since shed any qualms about manners with people she feels comfortable enough with).
"Oh it's on, pinkie!" Sakura feels some of her pent up frustration coming to light at that far-too-often jibe at her hair.
"Bring it, old man!"
Of course, Sakura does not use a single drop of chakra and instead focuses on blocking and deflecting the punches and kicks thrown at her. She is intent on bringing her body up to par to what it had been before, and Watanabe is perfect as a sparring partner to quickly develop muscles and settle her decreasing instances of overreach.
Both Watanabe and Sakura know that she will not win this spar. But that doesn't hold Watanabe back as he hits and blocks with all he has, and Sakura is grateful, because it will only help her immensely in the future.
The two exchange blows for what feels like hours, and Sakura winces as another heavy blow on her arm lands after deflecting the kick to her side. She ducks and flips over Watanabe's head easily, jabbing her fists at non-lethal points on his body.
If her strength is not up to par as of now, than Sakura will just have to make up for it with speed and accuracy.
They continue on for what seems like hours, until Sakura's smaller body gives out due to a lack of stamina and developed muscles. She scowls fiercely from her spot on the ground, but her inner heart crows at the sight of multiple nasty bruises forming all around Watanabe's body.
"Not bad, pinkie," He pants, leaning forward to rest on his knees in exhaustion. But it only takes a minute for him to recover before he pats Sakura's beaten body on the back. She jealously stares at his composed form and rights herself up, refusing the offered hand from the amused master.
"Sure, whatever," She replies, massaging her sore muscles and contemplating the time. Perhaps a visit to a nearby convenience store will appease Nikaidou's questions about her day. "Still couldn't beat you, old man, but thanks anyway."
Watanabe barks out a laugh and clamps his hand on Sakura's shoulder.
"I'd have to bury myself six feet under in shame the day you beat me, pinkie. This old guy still packs a punch." Sakura feels her lips twitch in amusement as she grabs her school bag and flings it over her right shoulder, flicking Watanabe's hand off.
"You're not that old, old man." She rolls her eyes and waves a hand in farewell. "I'll see you later."
"Visit soon, brat!" There is a pause before the man cackles. "But not too soon! Get some muscles, you twig!"
Sakura deigns herself mature enough not to answer and slams the wooden door in response, much to the wheezes of the man on the other side.
Fishing around her bag for some of the pocket-money Nikaidou gives her once a week, Sakura carefully counts the money and nods, satisfied.
Good. Enough for a roll or two of bandages and maybe a box of strawberry-melon ice cream.
She pauses and flips a coin.
Nikaidou has a fondness for those pocky snacks, right?
Juggling the pros and cons, Sakura finally secedes and gives in to her bent morals.
Despite his suspicious intentions, the man has given her shelter, food and an education. Buying some snacks with his money should be the least the she can do.
O-o-O-o-O
It is already her third time visiting this convenience store, but Sakura still feels overwhelmed by the amount of different selections surrounding her.
It is, once again, another cutting reminder that she really isn't in her own world.
"Pocky, pocky, pocky…" She mutters as she glances around the aisle. "Should I get strawberry or chocolate – "
Smack!
"Gah!"
Sakura keeps her hand firmly on the cat-person's head (is this another one of those Guardian Characters?) and continues down the aisle in a casual fashion. The little cat in return struggles helplessly inside her iron grip and paws helplessly at her hands, its claws barely scratching her skin.
"Ah, here we go," Sakura smiles as she picks up a package of chocolate pocky. "I think he'll like this one better, right?"
She turns to look at the stewing Guardian Character in amusement; its tail droops as it finally realizes that fighting back is completely useless, but it scowls nevertheless.
"Let go, you old hag, nya," Sakura starts at that achingly familiar nickname and tightens her grip further, ignoring how the cat squirms inside it.
"Not until you explain why you were trying to sneak into my bag," She lifts the Guardian Character up to look into its (his, she realizes belatedly) eyes. "Hasn't anyone told you that stealing is wrong?"
The cat doesn't have a chance to respond as Sakura ducks effortlessly away from the hand that reaches out to her. She turns around and lightly steps back to peer up at the tall, lean boy in front of her.
"Ikuto!" The cat wails from her hand, and Sakura takes in the bag of cookies in his hands, the highly impractical black outfit, and the blue hair of this Ikuto. "Save me, Ikuto! This crazy hag just grabbed from nowhere and tried to kill me!"
"I did no such thing," Sakura replies back calmly, keeping her eyes trained on the tensing shoulders of the taller boy. "You tried to take something from my bag; you had no right to do that."
And with that, she flings the cat at the boy, who catches the flying Guardian Character with feline grace.
Almost like a cat, Sakura thinks amusedly.
"Control your pet," She orders, looking straight into his furrowed eyes. "I don't tolerate things like stealing for a second time."
And with that, she walks away, keeping her senses alert in case this Ikuto-boy tries to retaliate.
"I'm not lying, Ikuto! That girl has a really strong egg – I was just trying to check if it was the Embryo! Really, nya!"
Sakura files the name 'Embryo' for another time and pays the clerk for her items, rolling her eyes at the cat's half-truths and half-lies.
Honestly, kids these days.
O-o-O-o-O
That was handled magnificently well, Sakura.
The streets are completely empty when Sakura hears a voice and she immediately tosses her bag gently to the side (mindful of the egg), shifting into a familiar defensive stance.
And quick to defend, the voice notes almost approvingly, you indeed are a fine shinobi of Konohagakure.
Sakura tenses as terms that no one in this world should know floats out from the voice.
"Where are you?" She tersely asks, figuring that what it is can be figured out once it comes out from hiding.
The bag next to her shakes and Sakura blinks as her egg shoots out from it, glowing incandescently bright.
Right here, Sakura. Honestly, who else can it be? Use those brains that you are ever so proud of!
The voice militarily barks, and Sakura's back straightens even when her stance does not waver.
It is with a crack that the egg opens, and suddenly the world is filled with a glowing white, as the shadows around the streets disappear as if burned away.
What is left is a tiny figure; its long blindingly white hair tied into a low ponytail, as clear blue eyes stare straight into Sakura's started green.
The little woman flicks a few strands of hair away, her hand resting casually on her hip as she tugs at the forehead protector wrapped around her neck. A white long coat so achingly similar to the one Tsunade had always worn is flung casually over shoulders, as comfortable long, black cargo pants cover her legs, with the rest covered in bandages.
Ninja sandals walk casually on air as the little woman approaches Sakura, and the Guardian Character salutes crisply.
"Yuuki, at your service, Sakura." The Guardian Character introduces and Sakura can only stare as she takes in the kunai pouches around Yuuki's belt, the medical kit near the back, the bandages wrapped around her shoulders and arms as a sleek white shirt covers her torso.
Sakura swallows and takes a moment to gather herself together. Proper decorum demands respect, and so she salutes the Guardian Character back, albeit with one of someone in a higher position. Yuuki nods in approval at that sign before she lands on Sakura's shoulder.
"I am a mixture of who you will be, of who you want to become, of who you already had been," Yuuki explains after a minute of silence. Sakura leans down to pick up her thrown bag and nods in hesitant understanding. "The strange chakra here and your enormous desire for the future is what gave birth to me; though there are some other factors as well."
"I see," Sakura swallows as she begins to walk again, but with a far steadier balance considering the little person on her shoulder. "But what is the purpose of your birth?"
Sakura pauses before hastily back-tracking when the words come across slightly improper.
"I apologize. What I mean is, what is the reason behind these Guardian Character births?"
"That is a phenomenon that I can neither understand nor explain," Yuuki replies steadfastly in return, as if expecting the question. "The most I can offer is that you needed something, and your chakra responded in the best way it could in this environment."
Sakura furrows her eyebrows, but they ease again in understanding. She see the sense in what Yuuki is trying to convey, despite her wariness that comes with the idea of erratic, unpredictable chakra. Control was, and always is, her best point – it is what helped her save hundreds of soldiers and civilians alike. The thought of losing that kind of control over her chakra strangely leaves a sour taste in her mouth.
"There are many things you and I should discuss," Yuuki continues, and Sakura's eyes snap back in attention. "But your guardian's suspicious intentions leave much to be desired; all conversations should be held outside of his vicinity, just in case."
Yuuki turns in question to stare at Sakura, and it takes a full half minute before Sakura realizes with a start that the Guardian Character is waiting for a confirmation order, just like what is protocol back in Konoha.
A fierce kind of warmth flares inside Sakura's stomach as she nods and responds crisply, "Well thought out, Yuuki. Nikaidou's intentions are not the most urgent of our problems, but the last thing we need is for him to discover your existence as well, even if he cannot see beings like you."
It is startling to see such a confident character such as Yuuki flush a light pink, but Sakura pretends not to notice as the little woman salutes without hesitation.
Sakura blinks as the tension in her shoulders dissolves away with the radiating pulses of chakra Yuuki constantly seems to emit. The Guardian Character in return shifts closer to Sakura's face, as if almost unconsciously seeking Sakura's warmth and presence.
We need each other to live, Sakura realizes belatedly as she continues on the silent walk home, both soldiers content to admire the warm spring breeze of the night. It's symbiotic and almost ironic, in some ways.
She blinks as a cooler wind floats by gently past her shoulders, and her long pink strands flutter behind her in response.
It's a bit strange, but I think I can work with that.
O-o-O-o-O
"A new job?"
Sakura blinks as she shoves another strip of bacon (she has decided to forgo the eggs for a while) into her mouth, staring blankly as Nikaidou sheepishly rubs the back of his neck.
"Erm, kind of. I'm actually a substitute teacher at the school sometimes, but no one has really gotten sick until now so…"
It is unnatural how Nikaidou intently does not even glance at the dining table, where Yuuki is sitting to meditate. But Sakura is willing to give Nikaidou the (fake) benefit of doubt as there is no real proof he can see Guardian Characters, and nods in response.
"Oh, I see," Sakura smiles brightly with hidden sharp teeth. "So that's why you really wanted me to go to Seiyo Academy; it's a school you can trust, right?"
Nikaidou grins with a hint of pleased relief as he scratches his cheek.
"Yeah, since I work there and everything," He brightens and adds, "Isn't that great? It's a really great school; great kids and a great education as well. We'll get to see each other outside of home, too."
"I think so too," Sakura responds as her brain rapidly comes to a dozen different conclusions in a matter of seconds. Next to her, Yuuki opens one eye sharply in suspicion before returning back to her meditation.
Sakura is no Shikamaru, but she has worked far too long with the man and the ninja of the T&I department to avoid coming to an obvious realization.
Seiyo Academy is essential to Nikaidou's plans; there is something there that he wants, and it seems he can't get it anywhere else.
It also just might have something to do with these mystifying Guardian Characters as well.
O-o-O-o-O
Word breaks out immediately after morning assembly about the new Guardian, but Sakura pays no heed to news about Hinamori's sudden new rise as the Joker of Seiyo.
Instead, she finds herself under a random staircase, sitting in front of her classmate and listening to her woes.
"I see. So when will you be leaving?" Hatoba Yuki shrugs in hesitance and rubs her shoulder self-consciously, and once again, Sakura is bewildered as to why the girl came to her first, of all people.
"I'm not too sure; maybe in two weeks?" Sakura nods in acceptance as Yuuki flies around the despondent girl, white hair flying in sharp, angular terms. The elementary school girl pauses and blushes in late realization. "Ah, I'm so sorry, Sakura-chan. We barely met and already I'm causing you trouble with my problems."
The girl stands up to leave but Sakura stops her with an iron grip and sets her back down.
"No, I understand. Even though we're on friendly terms, we're certainly not the closest of friends, but that does not mean I am troubled by your problems." Forcing the girl to gently sit back down, Sakura takes a moment to gather her thoughts.
"I think I understand why you're so troubled – you're going to a new country, a whole new world, technically, since you don't really know the language there. And so, you're afraid and unsure of what might happen when you leave."
Sakura pauses again and hesitates, unsure of where to go from there.
"I know how it feels to suddenly move from one place to another one completely foreign to you. But I think the most important thing to know is that wherever you go, the ones closest to your heart will never really leave you.
"Life is far too short for you to be unsure – it's better to spend your time freely with your friends, treasuring every moment, and learning all that you can to make new friends. It's better to look back and not regret, isn't it?"
Sakura takes in the shaking hands of Hatoba and brings the girl's head to rest on her own shoulder. She does not even blink as tears seep into her clothes, and pats Hatoba's head reassuring instead.
Perhaps it is too early for the child to hear these kinds of words.
So instead of continuing on, Sakura lightly adds on,
"Or, if it makes you feel better, we can definitely study English together whenever you have some free time."
…
Hm. Not quite what she wanted to say, but perhaps, good enough.
There is a resounding smack as Yuuki face palms with a dignified groan so like Tsunade-shishou on her drunken hangover days, that Sakura delicately ignores it to save some pride.
O-o-O-o-O
That afternoon finds Sakura walking back home a different direction, in hopes of visiting the local dojo well known for its masters in jujutsu and taekwondo, when a ear-piercing scream fills the air.
"AHHHHHHHHHH – "
"If you could, then that would be absolutely wonderful, Yuuki," Sakura continues on with her request to the Guardian Character, ignoring the shrieks from the field below. "Information is vital no matter the situation."
Yuuki salutes crisply in response before flying away, off to scout the dojo ahead for potential connections and sparring partners.
"Oh, Haruno-san!" Sakura pauses in mid-step to look at the tea-sipping group of Guardians, seemingly perfectly content to watch Kukai drag Hinamori ruthlessly across the field. Fujisaki Nadeshiko waves a delicate hand over and Sakura sighs soundlessly before heading over to the group.
Suspicion begins to override her as the cross-dressing boy's eyes gleam in anticipation,
She nods to each of the Guardians as Nadeshiko hands out introductions like free candies on a holiday.
"It's a pleasure to meet you all," She ignores the urge stab the king-like Guardian Character circling around her face in favor of remaining pleasant to the ones with the most political power amongst the students.
The king regards her appraisingly before turning to Hotori,
"Look at this one! I like the looks of her! I shall allow her to become my subject – "
Hotori appraises the Guardian Character with a scolding look, but does not say a word in favor of asking Sakura a few questions.
"How are you, Haruno-san? I know you transferred recently, but I hope everything is going well with your classes."
Sakura dips her head in thanks for the polite and non-intruding question, trying with strained patience to ignore the purple-haired king inspecting her rather long pink hair.
"Yes, everything is fine as of now, Hotori-san. Classes are not a problem either, though – "
"Tadase, look at this commoner's hair! It is a ridiculous pink, and even more, it seems entirely natural!"
Sakura continues on without even blinking, despite Hotori's brief loss of focus.
" – I do think there are some problems with the labs on the third floor and – "
"I have not seen something this exotic since my ascension to the throne – she shall become part of my inner court, my most trusted servant, my most loyal subject - !"
" – and I am no one's subject, thank you," Sakura politely interjects, grabbing the increasingly annoying king away from her hair. Her lips curl slightly as the amused and exasperated looks of the Guardians slowly melt to surprise, and quietly, she flicks the squirming king to Hotori. A quiet giggle escapes Fujisaki's lips and Sakura's suspicions are confirmed. "It's quite rude for you to think as such."
She pauses and then scathingly (as well as quite unnecessarily) adds,
"And my hair is perfectly fine, in case you were asking. There's no need to tug at it like it's a new, mutated specimen. That is hypocrisy, coming from someone with purple hair."
Blinking at the rapidly falling sun, Sakura heeds a curt but polite nod in goodbye and excuses herself from the group.
Briefly, Sakura wonders if there will be any consequences to Guardians finding out about Sakura's own ability to see Guardian Characters.
Fujisaki's mischievous eyes flash through her memories and Sakura narrows her eyes at the cross-dresser's sly actions.
I've been duped, she realizes with a tiny sense of self-disgust and embarrassment that only comes after one of Naruto's more heinous pranks. Like the one with the ten buckets of blue paint and un-washable sharpies three years back. I've been duped, by a cross-dressing boy nine years my junior, in a matter of five minutes.
Truly, today was not Sakura's day.
SE: And say goodbye to what you knew about the series, because there's no way I'm going to sit down here and simply re-write the entire series with an extra pink-haired character sitting along passively for the ride.
This is the last filler-ish chapter you will ever see, if it's the last thing I'll do.
Sakura will break barriers, will destroy the fragile world of this animated t.v. series, will bring the desperately needed crack and logic all at once and -
so, Sakura will make this totally AU.
Please keep your hands and feet inside the ride at all times, thank you.
Thoughts?
Regards,
Searching. For. Enadi.