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Author's Notes:
Hello, my lovelies! I hope everyone is doing well
Chapter 99: Continuous Dread
Normal P.O.V.
The afternoon sun was hidden by the darkened clouds, signifying the upcoming rain. The middle of October brought slightly cooler temperatures. It was finally that awkward time of the year. Winter will be on its way soon, hence the chillier weather. The morning and evening temperatures warrant a light jacket, but the afternoons and most of the day brought heatwaves. This type of weather is also signified when the death of some of Mother Nature's plant life and creatures before new lives will be born in the spring. And so shall a new generation of shinobi too, something Sakura Haruno and many others are also excited about.
Currently, the pink-haired bunny is sitting in her office. Her seafoam green eyes quickly review the remaining of her patients' charts before signing off on their discharge paperwork. Two weeks after their return from the was quickly flew by them. This was due to how hard everyone worked during the aftermath. Some of the shinobi from other villages were escorted back to their villages as the remaining three Kages recovered in the Hidden Leaf's hospital. Tsunade and Sakura worked together and expertly managed the hospital. Shizune, Karin, Ino, and Hinata were their main assistants and eased most of the burden. Unfortunately, this took up most of their personal time. Everyone stressed themselves to the point of exhaustion to ensure that their patients recovered to the best of their abilities. Most patients received clean health bills and were released back to their homes, families, and duties. Others are still in touch-and-go conditions and require constant monitoring. And those who did not make it were honored in all five nations. Tiring tasks for the heads of the Hidden Leaf Hospital.
"Finally! All done with the charts. Now, all we have left are the patients on the ICU Floor. Hopefully, we can release them soon too." She sighed as she leaned back in her chair, took her hair out of its bun, and swiveled to look out of the window.
She reached her arms up and sighed more when she cracked her spine back into place. Next, she rubbed the tiredness from her dark eyes with a yawn. "I guess the rain should be here soon. But, man, I hate days like this when I'm stuck in my office. I'd rather be curled up with a book."
Suddenly, a knock on the door let Sakura know that she had visitors. She mumbled for them to come in and was shocked when Tsunade, Shizune, Ino, Karin, and Hinata entered her office.
"Oh, this is unexpected. And just why did everyone decide to crowd my office today?" She teased.
"I came to check on your progress, but I see that it was unnecessary." Tsunade chuckled as she sat in the seat across from her student.
"I expect nothing less from your partner over the hospital, Milady." Shizune giggled.
"Well, I'm for one happy that you're finally done with your work. But, come on, we're getting you out of your office today." Ino smirked with her hands on her hips.
"Sorry, but I would rather not. I may be done with this pile, but there is still a lot of work for me to do. Maybe next time." Sakura sighed as she played with her finished stack of charts.
"Oh, come on, Sakura. You've worked non-stop since we came back. You've tried forcing everyone else to go home and relax, so why can't you? You need it more than any of us." Ino said as she leaned over Sakura's desk.
"Ino is right, Sakura. You really need to take some time for yourself. You're exhausted, and you need to take a break. Besides, Lee said he misses you and wants to take you out sometime." Hinata said shyly.
"Not you too, Hinata." Sakura sighed as she ran her hands through her long hair.
"Yes, her and us too. You can't keep throwing the boy out of the hospital every time he tries to come and rescue you. He obviously wants your attention. You should maybe grace him with your presence every so often, or else he might not think you're interested in him anymore." Karin teased.
"Wow, Karin, I never thought that you would be an expert on my relationship with Lee. I would thank you for keeping your nose out of places it doesn't belong." Sakura glared as she slowly stood up and leaned over her desk too.
"Now, Sakura, mind your temper. Although Karin's psychological methods may not work on you, so please understand that she's coming from a good place. We're all worried about you and want what's best." Tsunade lightly scolded.
Sakura immediately pressed her lips together and slammed down in her chair, turning around to look at the sky. Everyone in the room waited patiently for her answer. Soon smiles spread on their faces when the pink-haired bunny sighed in defeat.
"I guess I could take a little bit of a break. And I guess it's not fair that I keep neglecting Lee for work. Alright, I'll be taking a break. What did you have in mind, Ino?"
"Glad you could see things my way. So, we thought of going to a late lunch or early dinner with the boys: Sai, Kiba, and Lee. Since all of us have been working so hard, I figured a nice night out among friends would be awesome, wouldn't you." Ino's wide smirk gave off a hint of mischief, which worried Sakura and Hinata.
A thin eyebrow arched up towards her forehead as Sakura gave Ino a look of mistrust. "You planned this all along, didn't you?" She accused before looking at her sensei and fellow disciple. "I'm assuming that you two were in on it as well?"
Tsunade smirked and nodded. "Yep. Now have fun. Most of the patients are gone. Shizune, Karin, and I can manage the rest." Tsunade said as she grabbed the patients' charts and headed for the door with her two assistants following her. "Oh, and none of you are allowed back into this hospital unless you are fully rested or something major happens. Be seeing ya." The busty blond-haired person sang as she closed the door, causing her student to sigh.
"Alright, Ino. You win. You always win." Sakura lightly smiled.
"Of course, I do. I always win. Now, get up, go home and change, and meet us at this hibachi restaurant in about an hour. Oh, and make sure to wear something nice. The boys may not think it's a date, but it is for us. We'll be waiting for you!"
Sakura chuckled as she watched Ino pull a nervous-looking Hinata out of her office. Silence echoed in her office as she looked around and sank more into her chair. Despite her tired denial of it, Sakura could really use a break. Her skin felt tight in some places. Deep-dark circles appeared under her eyes. Her hair felt greasy and in desperate need of washing and moisturizing. And finally, after a quick sniff of herself, Sakura agreed that she needed a shower.
Finally giving in to her inner desires, Sakura got up from her chair, popped her spine again, removed her white coat, and locked her office door. Although the oncoming rain threatened to fall, the only thing on her mind now was the chance to hang with her friends and Lee. Even though she was dedicated to her work and helping others, Sakura had to remember that she is a teenager with desires and wants.
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Good to her word, Sakura made it home and immediately showered and pampered herself. Next, she washed her hair, self, ears, and tail with her Sakura Blossom shampoo, conditioner, and body wash. Then, she dried her hair and body before going into her room to put on lotion and pick out some clothes.
Since Ino said it was a "date," at least to the girls, Sakura knew she couldn't get away with too much casual clothing. So instead, she chose a long-sleeved, white, fuzzy turtleneck sweater, a tight, suede, burgundy skirt, and her usual black boots. Once she was dressed, Sakura put some moisturizer in her hair and pinned it up in a messy bun with red hair clips and two bangs framing her face. Next, Sakura added red and black eyeshadow, black mascara, and pink lip-gloss to add to her look. After that, she looked over herself once more before grabbing her matching red and silver purse, keys, and black jacket before walking out of her apartment.
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It didn't take her long before she reached the restaurant. Along the way, she passed the time by staring at the darkened sky where the rain continued its threat to fall. Then, finally, tiredness began to settle within her weary soul. Sakura smacked her cheeks to keep herself awake. Finally, she shook her head and redirected herself towards the evening's events.
After she entered the restaurant, the host led her to a table, where her five friends were waiting. They all greeted her with smiles as she sat down next to Lee, who instinctively placed his arm around her.
"Yo Sakura! It's good to see you out of your office for once. Almost thought that you were going to turn into a workaholic." Kiba laughed as he sat in between Hinata and Sai.
"Your worrying is unnecessary. I mean, it wasn't like I was busy saving almost everyone in the Five Nations after all." She smirked.
"Kiba, don't be crude. Instead, we should be praising her actions. We shouldn't insult the Fifth Hokage's copycat." Sai smiled.
"What did you say, you cheap imitation of Sasuke-kun. Say something like that again, and I'll be sure to send you to meet your maker the expressway." The pink-haired bunny threatened with her fist in his face.
"Now. Now. Can everyone settle down? We're supposed to be having a nice night. So, let's not fight." Hinata said.
"Hinata's right, guys. Let's drink, eat, and celebrate the fact we're all alive and full of youth! Come on, the first round's on me! Server!" Lee smiled.
After the waitress came over to their table, the group put in their drink and food orders. Their first round of drinks and appetizers arrived as they waited for the chef to arrive. Everyone enjoyed the light conversation and drinks. And, before they knew it, the chef came and made a spectacle as he cooked their food. They clapped, cheered, and tipped him while they watched the show.
Next, the waitress brought another round of drinks once their food was served. Again, the combination of excellent food, liquor, and friendly conversation added to the atmosphere. This feeling, the feeling of freedom and peace, was once familiar to her. Now, Sakura can finally enjoy the familiar feeling. But unfortunately, the feeling wouldn't last too long.
"So, are we not going to talk about the war?" Kiba said suddenly.
"Why do you insist on ruining our good mood like that?" Ino sighed as she took another sip of her sake.
"Oh, come on. You mean to tell me that none of you planned to ever talk about the war?"
"Kiba, why do you want to talk about it? It was horrible and left many of us having nightmares and practically shitting ourselves the entire time. So there, we talked about it. Can we please move on to something else?" Ino whined.
"I don't know, Ino. This is the best time to talk about it. I've… been wanting to talk about it, but wasn't sure if we should, especially since we worked in the hospital." Hinata added.
"Yes. I agree. I think if we talk about it, especially while we're in our relaxed states, it will be the best course of action." Sai nodded as he took another drink.
"Fair enough. I also agree with this plan. So, what does everyone want to talk about?" Lee asked.
"Well, there is one thing I wanted to know… Sakura, Kakashi-sensei, Naruto, Sasuke, and you faced off against a literal god while the rest of us were trapped in that weird genjutsu. What was it like, and how did you do it?" Kiba asked.
Sakura didn't immediately say anything as she looked down and held her cup. "It was… like something out of a fairytale. She was beautiful but frightening at the same time. Unlike anyone I've ever met, heard of, or fought against, Kaguya had powers. I didn't exactly know what I was expecting, but she was nowhere near anything in my imagination. And, just when I thought things couldn't get any worse, another twist came from nowhere. If it weren't for Naruto and Sasuke… there was no way, we could have won. That's for sure."
"I think if it weren't for Naruto and Sasuke, we wouldn't be here, period. Those two really became the heroes of our generation." Lee said with admiration in his voice.
"Yeah. But the effort that Sai, Sakura, and Kakashi-sensei made was nothing to sneeze at. I'm so glad we could rely on you too." Hinata smiled.
"I agree, Sai. You're definitely my hero out of everyone." Ino flirted, causing the static black panther to blush and clear his throat.
"It was noted, I suppose. Although I wasn't much help in the end. I got caught in the genjutsu too."
"Speaking of which, what was it like in the genjutsu? Madara and Zetsu kind of explained it as if you were living in a dream-like state." Sakura asked.
"That was precisely what being caught in the genjutsu was like. I remember feeling nervous and calling out to you as the cocoon wrapped around my body. And, before I knew it, I entered a dream-like state. If I was living the life I had always wanted, Whatever I desired came true. I felt ashamed, but I never wanted to leave. It was all so strange." Hinata sighed.
"Yeah, I know what you mean. I felt the same way." Kiba sighed, too, as he leaned back.
"Oh, man. I had the best dream while under the genjutsu. Too bad it wasn't real. But I'm happier in our reality than some dream-world where my chakra is sucked out of me." Ino said.
Everyone cheered as they clinked their cups together and took another drink.
"So, Sakura-chan. Who is left in the hospital?" Lee asked.
"Only Naruto, Sasuke-kun, and the three Kages: the Fourth Raikage, Lord Ōnoki, and Lady Mei. Only Naruto, the Fourth Raikage, and Lord Ōnoki are still unconscious. I'm not sure when any of them will wake up. At least the Fourth Raikage is finally out of critical condition. Now, only Lord Ōnoki is in critical condition, but we're still doing everything we can to keep Naruto and the Fourth Raikage stable. Hopefully, it will be soon." Sakura sighed as she tightened her grip on her cup.
"Man. That's terrible. Wait, you said Sasuke Uchiha was still in the hospital? What's his condition?" Sai asked.
"He's been awake for a while now. He stays in Naruto's room and watches over him. So, we must convince him to sleep, eat, and even shower most of the days. Luckily, it doesn't take much to convince him to shower. Eating and sleeping, on the other hand, is a completely different argument." Ino answered.
"Wait, do you mean that Sasuke just sits by Naruto's beside all day and doesn't do anything else? That's… really sad…." Kiba said with pity laced in his voice.
"What would you expect? His mate has been unconscious in the hospital for two weeks now. If it were me, I would do the same." Ino defended. The air intensified around Sakura at hearing the words come from her friend's mouth. Noticing this, Ino turned and grabbed her friend's hand before she could pull on her ears. "You ok, Sakura?'
"Huh? Oh yes. I'm sorry, I guess I'm still getting used to hearing it myself." She chuckled nervously.
"I think the rest of the village might be feeling that when they find out. I must hand it to them, though. The fact they managed to keep it a secret for so long is impressive." Kiba said as he poured another drink.
"Who could blame them? Imagine the repercussions. Sasuke, the last Uchiha, and Naruto, the vessel for the Nine-Tails Demon? I'm surprised that we didn't have another invasion while they were in the same village." Sai explained.
"It hurts my heart to know that we were taught to praise one and not the other. I mean, the villagers took pity on Sasuke-kun because of his clan's massacre, but they blamed Naruto for the Nine-Tails' attack 16 years ago. They even tormented him when he was younger, and there was nothing we could do about it. So now, Naruto is revered as a hero while Sasuke-kun is still seen as a villain in the villagers' eyes. They may never find peace, and it's not fair." Hinata glared to herself before Kiba brought her back by touching her shoulder.
"They're both too strong to let something like that keep them apart and down. Naruto will start forcing people to accept Sasuke and him when he wakes up. That's just the kind of guy Naruto Uzumaki is, and I admire him for it!" Lee cheered with his blushing cheeks.
"Ok, lee. I think you've had enough." Sakura chuckled as she took his cup away from him. "But you're right. In fact, I wouldn't be the least bit shocked if the guy woke up and tried to make up for all the time he missed immediately." Ino chuckled.
"And Sasuke will be there to bring him down to earth if he hurts himself again." Kiba laughed.
"As much as we may not believe it, I think we all can agree that they belong together." Sakura giggled behind her hand.
Thanks to the discussion about their friends, the heavy atmosphere was lifted, and the group laughed into the night. After about another half an hour or so, the group paid their bills and walked out the door. But, as soon as they were outside, an ANBU agent arrived to deliver a message.
"Ladies Sakura, Ino, and Hinata, I'm so glad I found you all together. Unfortunately, lady Tsunade requires your immediate attention at the hospital. Please follow me immediately."
The large group of friends did as they were told and ran at top speed towards the hospital without giving it any thought. They weren't sure what was going on, but they knew that it couldn't be good. And the feeling of raindrops and the sound of thunder lightening up the sky only solidify the dreadful feeling.
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To Be Continued…