"It's time to get up Sakura."
She blinked. Again, then a couple times more. How long had it been since she had remembered to do that?
Her eyebrow creased as she silently contemplated such a simple reality, barely able as she did so, register anything Ino was actually saying. She felt more than paid any attention as Ino went about her routine of opening her windows and drawing back their curtains. It had been a month since their
"Oh brother, we're gone for a few days and this is what happens?" The blonde continued.
"Did you at least eat anything, we left for you, while we were gone?" The last two months had proven challenging for Ino and her friends. The first two weeks they had decided to give her space to grieve on her own terms but they grew concerned after it became clear
She had gone about business as usual the only difference she seemed to be giving lady Tsunade a run for her money whenever sake was involved. by the third week they had grown concern when they realized that she had shut her self away they had unanimously decided to keep a check the last few months ever since the night Kakashi had take her home she hadn't left her house,
"You stink." Ino couldn't help blurting out as passed by Sakura lying in her bed to open the curtains above it.
Take her by the arms, motioning her to stand, Ino placed a bath soap along with shampoo and a towel in her hands, before leveling her with a threaten she was more than ready to deliver on.
"Here, if you're not showered and dressed by the time I get back in here, I'll bath myself." With that she ushered her to the bathroom before turning around to leave, intent on checking her supplies and making breakfast.
Making her return to her friends' bedroom, her heart constricted as she took in the dejected sight of Sakura, sitting at the edge of her bed.
"Oh forehead…"
Sakura remained seated on her bed, staring blankly at the wall in front of her. She had tried everything that Ino had suggested, but nothing seemed to help. The emptiness and sadness she felt seemed to have taken root deep within her, and no matter how hard she tried, she couldn't shake it off.
Ino crouched down in front of her, trying to get her attention. "Hey, the Hokage just called for me. I have to go, but Hinata will be over soon. Don't do anything crazy in the meantime, okay?"
Sakura didn't say a word, and Ino let out a heavy sigh. She gave her friend a sad, lingering look before standing up and making her way to the door. As she left, Sakura was left alone with her thoughts, trying to find a way to break free from the darkness that seemed to be consuming her
.…..
Ino stood before Tsunade, the Hokage, giving her report on Sakura's condition. "She still hasn't said anything, Lady Hokage."
Tsunade nodded, a look of sadness and guilt on her face. She knew all too well what had happened to her student, and the guilt of not being able to prevent it weighed heavily on her shoulders. She had always stayed out of Sakura's personal life, thinking it was for the best, but things had still gone terribly wrong. And even when she had gotten involved, trying to help, things had only gotten worse. Sakura had lost more this time than ever before, and Tsunade couldn't shake the feeling that she was partly to blame.
"I see," Tsunade said quietly, lost in thought. "Thank you, Ino."
"This is a drag," Shikamaru thought to himself, frustrated by the situation at hand. Sakura was one of their own, and they had no idea how to help her. The girls, Naruto, and Sai had been taking turns staying with Sakura, and he and the other guys tried to help out when they could. But no matter what they did, Sakura remained distant and depressed, barely speaking or reacting to anything around her.
Suddenly, Tsunade stood up from her desk. "Lady Tsunade?" Shizune asked, looking up at her.
"I'm going out," Tsunade said firmly. "I don't want to be disturbed." With that, she walked out of the office, leaving Shikamaru and Shizune to wonder where she was going and what she was planning.
…..
Tsunade entered Sakura's apartment, just in time to see Hinata leaving with a full plate of food. This was a clear sign that Sakura was still barely eating, and Tsunade's heart sank at the thought. She approached the Hyuuga and asked, "Anything?"
Hinata sadly shook her head, and Tsunade sighed in frustration. She walked over to the door and saw Sakura sitting on her bed, staring out blankly. "How long has she just been sitting there?" Tsunade asked.
"I'm not sure," Hinata replied. "She was already sitting there when I came."
Tsunade's heart ached for her student. She had always been strong and resilient, but this tragedy had broken her in a way that Tsunade couldn't even begin to understand.
Tsunade entered Sakura's room and closed the door behind her. Her student looked smaller, more fragile and vacant than she had ever seen her before. "I'm guessing you haven't told them yet," Tsunade said gently, trying to break the silence.
Sakura didn't respond, and Tsunade couldn't blame her. She knew just how much Sakura had lost because of this tragedy, and she couldn't imagine the pain and grief that her student must be feeling.
"I really couldn't blame you, I guess I wouldn't have either," Tsunade continued, leaning against the wall with her arms folded under her breasts, her head slightly hung.
There was a miserable silence that filled the air, and Tsunade knew that she had to do something to try to help her student. "I came here because I've been where you are, and I know just how much you've lost because of it. So, whenever you're ready, you can always come to me. I am your master, after all."
But still, Sakura didn't respond. Tsunade sighed and turned to leave, right at the door before she opened it. She hesitated for a moment, wondering if there was anything more, she could do or say. And then, before she could stop herself, the words tumbled out of her mouth. "For what it's worth, you would have made a wonderful mother."
Tsunade left the room, leaving behind a stunned and silent Sakura. She had no idea if her words had reached her student, or if they had made any difference at all. But as she walked away, she couldn't shake the feeling that she had done the right thing by speaking her heart.