I've started this story before but got seriously stuck after 2 chapters. There isn't a better sign that I messed up than constantly getting stuck. I've rewritten chapter 3 countless times and no matter what I did, it remained a horrible jumble of words. So I went back to chap 1, reread everything, took my notes with me and the outline, and saw that it seriously messed up my storyline.
The crime scene was completely wrong and I couldn't figure out how to fix it without rewriting it.
Is it better now? You tell me. There are still a lot of questions, but they'll be answered in later chapters. More details of the crime scene will follow later and after the autopsy, more answers will come.
The base of the story stays the same as the previous one.
It will be a slow-burn romance between Sakura and Genma, with a criminal investigation in the foreground. Most of the story will be from Sakura's point of view, and sometimes from Kakashi and later on Genma. It has all the signs that it will be a long one. As what I had ready for the first chapter had now been divided into two, I do not doubt that it will be the same as the other chapters.
Additional notes; Kakashi isn't Hokage in my story, Tsunade still is. Sasuke is... somewhere. I don't care where he is, he isn't much in the story.
The age of Sakura and the boys is around 22 years. Genma 33. Kakashi is roughly the same age as Genma. So you know, nobody is underage (and I do know that the age gap is smaller than in the cannon... )
I do not own Naruto or any of the original characters, only the storyline is mine.
In the Embrace of Blossoms.
"Sakura must do it," said Tsunade with a firm voice, a content look on her face as she relaxed in her chair.
Kakashi raised an eyebrow, surprised. "Sakura? She's never done something like this," he began, but Tsunade stopped him.
"I personally taught her. I know how good she is. She can handle it," Tsunade interrupted, sounding sure. With that settled, she went back to her papers. "Tell her and explain what's going on." Tsunade jotted something on a paper. "I'm confident she can do it." She gave him the paper and signaled him to go.
Kakashi let out a sigh as he left Tsunade's office, feeling the heaviness of the job. How would he tell Sakura? "Oh boy," he mumbled to himself. Raido was nearby, looking a bit worried.
"You okay?" Raido asked, sounding concerned.
"I'll manage. Or I might start my retirement sooner," Kakashi replied, his hands casually finding their way into his pockets. He couldn't help but imagine himself relaxing on a rooftop, lost in a book, savoring the peaceful moments.
"Need any help?" Raido offered.
Kakashi shook his head. "No, I'm good, but thanks."
Just as he was about to leave, a door down the hall opened, and Genma poked his head out. "Raido, want some coffee?" Genma's voice echoed, his eyes shifting to Kakashi, extending the invitation. The scent of fresh coffee drifted down the corridor, tempting Kakashi's senses.
Kakashi declined with a shake of his head, even though he was tempted to join them. He had a mountain of tasks to tackle before the day's end. Exiting the academy, he turned toward the hospital, mentally preparing for his upcoming talk with Sakura. Along the way, his thoughts looped back to the events of earlier that morning.
She lay on her back, her vacant blue eyes fixed on the sky above. Petals of cherry blossoms adorned her form, clinging to the blood that stained her neck and chest. Blonde hair, once neatly styled, was now matted with dried blood and earth. Beneath the petals, Kakashi could make out her attire, a short black dress that seemed undamaged, paired with sleek black high heels. A smear of lipstick marked her lips.
Kakashi took a shallow breath through his mouth, trying not to let the overpowering smell of trash littered in the alley overwhelm him. Underneath that unpleasant scent, he could still detect a faint hint of the sweet perfume the woman had worn. He thought he also caught a whiff of bleach and something else, though he couldn't quite place it. A few stubborn flies were buzzing around the dried blood, crawling on her face and neck.
Kakashi couldn't bear the sight anymore. He shut his eyes and turned away from the lifeless woman on the ground. Stepping out of the alley, the warm sunlight hit him, and he paused, letting the gentle heat seep into his clothes. Sai was there, standing with the man who had discovered the body. Though Kakashi couldn't see the man's face, he could feel Sai's irritation in the air.
"No, sir, I haven't touched anything or seen or heard anything." The man's voice quivered with panic. Kakashi let out a sigh. The day that had started so peacefully had taken a sharp turn into a murder investigation. He shoved his hands into his pockets and walked over to join them.
Kakashi began to think that maybe letting Sai handle the questioning wasn't the best choice. While Naruto might have been better suited for this task, Kakashi had given him the job of collecting evidence and securing the crime scene. It was an opportunity for both of them to step out of their comfort zones. Sai would deal with civilians, and Naruto would learn to pay attention to details, both areas that weren't their strongest points. But maybe not the best decision today.
The man looked around anxiously, fidgeting on his feet. Kakashi could practically detect the scent of the man's sweat in the air. He also noticed Sai gripping his pen so tightly that it snapped in his hand. The man saw it too, his face turning pale, and he seemed on the verge of fleeing at any moment.
Stepping up beside Sai, Kakashi got the young man's attention and pointed toward Naruto and the alley. Sai understood, turning and left without a word. Kakashi retrieved a notepad and pen from his pouch and turned his focus back to the man.
"Could you please tell me everything you saw, heard, and did this morning?" he asked in a calming voice, hoping to ease the man's nerves.
For the next ten minutes, Kakashi did his best to listen patiently as the man recounted every detail of his morning. He understood Sai's irritation now. The man kept circling back to the petals, the blood, and how cats were making a mess of the trash. Kakashi resisted the urge to roll his eyes at the mention of the cats. He made affirmative noises, nodding and offering encouraging words. It became increasingly clear to Kakashi that this man couldn't provide any useful information.
During their conversation, Kakashi could hear Naruto and Sai talking in the alley, and he almost wished he could be there instead. Dealing with the dead was easier than dealing with overly talkative non-witnesses. When the man paused for a moment, Kakashi swiftly interjected before he could dive into another prattle, likely about stray dogs to accompany the cat story. Kakashi thanked the man and let him go, asking him to remain available in case they needed more information.
A sigh of relief escaped Kakashi as he watched the man walk away.
"Dreadfully, truly dreadfully. That something like this happened in our beautiful neighborhood," Kakashi was just about to put his pen and paper away when an elderly woman appeared beside him. She leaned on her walking stick and gazed at the alley, shaking her head and making disapproving sounds.
Turning toward her, Kakashi braced himself for what might be another lengthy tale about... whatever topic seemed to occupy the minds of the people in this part of the village.
"I have heard nothing this morning until that poor chap started to scream," she continued, offering her insights without any prompting. "I doubt you want to hear all about my morning, young man," she added with a slight smile. "Besides, if I were to bore you with it, the least I could do is offer you some tea to go with the story."
Kakashi couldn't help but smile back at her polite humor. "No, ma'am, I don't think I need to hear about your morning," he replied. Behind him, the camera's shutter sound echoed. Naruto and Sai were working diligently in the alley, carefully securing and documenting everything they found.
"By chance, do you know who she is?" Kakashi inquired, hoping the lady might have some useful information.
"How would I know? Are you suggesting that I walk into that alley and take a look at her?" The lady responded incredulously.
"I wouldn't dare," Kakashi muttered. He then went on to describe the young woman from the alley to the lady beside him. "She has blond hair, about shoulder length, blue eyes, and a small mole beside her nose on her left cheek. She's wearing small earrings with a red stone, and a short black dress that goes just above her knees, paired with black heels. I estimate she's around 1.60 meters tall," he concluded.
The lady paused for a moment, lost in thought, before finally shaking her head. "I'm sorry, dear, but I can't seem to recall anyone who matches that description. Although, you might want to ask young Tomo from down the street. He's always out and about, and he might have seen something."
Kakashi thanked her for the suggestion and bid her farewell. As Naruto and Sai came out of the alley, they all gathered to discuss their next steps. Sai raised an important concern about the current medical examiner. "If I'm not mistaken, he won't be available for a while. Ino mentioned that his mother is seriously ill."
Kakashi gazed up at the sky, lost in thought. "I'll go and inform Tsunade about this situation. She needs to know that we'll require a replacement for the medical examiner. In the meantime, I want you two to find this Tomo. He seems to live around here. According to that elderly lady, he might have some information." Kakashi pointed at the retreating back of the mentioned woman.
With a nod, Naruto and Sai set off on their task, and Kakashi headed back to report to Tsunade.
It was busy outside the hospital. Civilians and shinobi who needed medical attention or went to the hospital to visit a patient. Kakashi's thoughts were still lingering in the alley where the woman had been. He had given permission to bring the body to the morgue earlier, after Naruto and Sai had gathered all the evidence they could find and snap as many photos as possible. Kakashi knew that Nobu liked to see the body where it was found, but due to the fast-rising temperatures today, he wanted to minimize exposure. Plus, Nobu was currently on leave, and there was no current medical examiner on duty… yet.
Shaking his head, Kakashi made his way towards the hospital's entrance. He greeted a few familiar faces with a wave and pushed open the doors. Inside was just as bustling as outside, with visiting hours starting and the lunchtime rush about to begin. Nurses, visitors, and patients moved past him. Hospitals weren't his favorite places. The sound of shoes squeaking on the floors, the hum of overhead lights, and the lingering smell of disinfectant – they all brought back memories of his own times as a patient here.
Kakashi couldn't ignore the guilt that gnawed at him. Sakura was one of the most dedicated and caring individuals he knew. She gave her all to help others, and he didn't want to burden her with more responsibilities on top of her already heavy workload.
Yet, he didn't have a choice. Kakashi understood that Tsunade had made the right decision in choosing Sakura as the temporary medical examiner, even though she had never performed an autopsy before. He believed in her ability to handle it. What he was uncertain about was her reaction. Knowing her, it could go either way. Kakashi hoped she'd view it as a challenge and accept the role.
Walking past the reception area, he headed to the elevators. He'd been to the hospital enough times to find Sakura's office without much thought.
Sakura opened a window and leaned out, enjoying the warm sunshine on her skin. She let out a happy sigh, feeling the tension from her busy morning melt away. "Finally, a beautiful day after all that rain," she whispered to herself, a little smile lighting up her face.
Just as she was enjoying the peaceful moment, a familiar voice surprised her from behind. "You're right about that," Nami's cheerful voice chimed in, and she appeared with a smile on her face.
Sakura turned around, pretending to be cross. "Nami, you scared me!" She put a hand on her chest, making an exaggerated gasping sound.
"Oops, my bad! I couldn't help it," Nami laughed, standing next to Sakura and joining her in looking out the window. "The weather is amazing, and I'm stuck here at work," she pouted, showing her desire to be outside on such a lovely day.
"Why not come over later? I'll get some wine, make snacks, and we can chat about your big day and your fiancé's wedding nerves," Sakura suggested with a chuckle. Earlier during their coffee break, Nami had talked about her fiancé's stress over every little wedding detail. This time, it was the appetizers that seemed to be keeping him awake at night. Sakura knew Nami loved him a lot, but he could be quite a perfectionist.
"That sounds great!" Nami replied enthusiastically. But before she could say more, her pager beeped loudly, demanding her attention. "Room six, again," she sighed, turning to leave. "I'll catch up with you this afternoon." With a wave, she hurried around the corner, off to attend to her patient.
Sakura watched her friend go before heading down the corridor toward her office. She had one last thing to do on her list: deliver some files to Tsunade. Then she could finally enjoy the rest of her day. However, her smile disappeared when she noticed Kakashi standing in front of her office "Kakashi-sensei, what brings you here?" Sakura asked, curiosity in her voice. Her eyes quickly scanned him for any signs of injury, but he seemed to be perfectly fine.
"Hey Sakura, do you have time?" Kakashi turned towards her, a playful note in his voice. "Don't worry, I'm not hurt," he added.
"Glad to hear it," Sakura smiled and unlocked the door to her cozy office, tucked away in a quiet corner of the hospital. Even though it wasn't large, she enjoyed her space. Soft colors, comfy chairs, and a study desk made it feel inviting. Since she spent most of her time in the surgery and the classroom, she found solace in her tranquil office to unwind after long days.
Kakashi settled into one chair, crossing his ankles and letting out a nearly silent sigh of contentment.
"Long morning?" Sakura asked, her voice tinged with amusement as she settled into her chair.
"You could say that," Kakashi replied, a small smile forming around his eyes. "Had a couple of unexpected things pop up this morning."
"Nothing you couldn't handle, I'm sure." Sakura teased.
"I'm managing. Though I do miss the days when the most challenging mission was catching a runaway cat," Kakashi replied with a chuckle, his voice dripping with fond nostalgia.
Sakura joined in the banter. "Without a doubt. If I remember correctly, you spent the whole day reading."
Kakashi grinned, his eyes crinkling with amusement. "Well, those were important tactical manuals, you know."
Sakura rolled her eyes playfully. "Sure, Kakashi-sensei, anything to justify your reading addiction."
He put a hand to his chest, feigning offense. "Addiction? It's called intellectual exploration."
Sakura leaned back, her smile wide. "Of course, of course. Exploring the intellectual depths of Icha Icha Paradise."
Kakashi's eyes curved into a smirk. "A well-rounded ninja should have diverse interests."
Sakura laughed. "Diverse indeed."
Sakura leaned forward slightly, her expression growing more attentive. Despite Kakashi's laid-back attitude, she had honed her ability over the years to pick up on the subtle shifts in his tone and body language that often signaled something deeper.
"Kakashi-sensei," she began, a note of seriousness now coloring her voice, "I can sense there's something more serious on your mind. This isn't just a social visit, is it?"
Kakashi met her gaze, his eyes crinkling as his playful demeanor gave way to something more solemn. "You've got me pegged. We found a woman's body this morning, murdered."
Sakura's eyes widened, a mix of surprise and concern crossing her features. "Murdered?"
"Yes, someone cut her throat," Kakashi stated solemnly, watching Sakura's reaction closely. He continued to provide her with the details of the woman's tragic end.
"And here we come across a slight issue," Kakashi shifted his posture, looking directly at Sakura. "You're likely aware of Nobu's mother being ill and his decision to take a leave of absence."
Sakura nodded thoughtfully. "Yes, he mentioned it to me. I think he was trying to arrange for a replacement," she recalled, thinking back to her earlier conversation with Nobu.
"He did, but unfortunately, the replacement never arrived. And we find ourselves in need of someone to fill his role..." Kakashi's voice trailed off as he observed Sakura's reaction closely, gauging her response.
The realization of where this was heading began to dawn on Sakura, and she took a deep breath to steady herself. "Kakashi, I've never actually performed an autopsy alone. I might be a doctor, but I haven't received formal training in pathology. I've assisted Nobu on occasion, but that's hardly enough to conduct an autopsy on my own," she explained, her tone carrying a mix of concern and uncertainty.
"I wouldn't ask you if it wasn't absolutely necessary, Sakura. And I have full confidence in your abilities," Kakashi replied, his empathy clear in his voice. He placed the paper that Tsunade had given him earlier on her desk, and Sakura looked at it, recognizing Tsunade's distinctive handwriting.
Shaking her head, uncertainty and doubt swirling within her, Sakura voiced her concerns. "I'm really honored that both you and Tsunade believe in me, but this is such an enormous responsibility. I wouldn't want to mess up and hinder the investigation," she explained, feeling the weight of the decision resting heavily on her shoulders.
Sakura took a deep breath, placing her hands flat on her desk. Her tools of the trade were a source of pride for her. With long, slender fingers and short, unpolished nails, she could see the small veins under her skin. She closed her eyes, envisioning the path of blood through her hands and up her body. She imagined the opening and closing of her heart's valves, pumping oxygen-rich blood throughout her body. In her mind's eye, she visualized the intricacies of each organ and how they all worked in perfect harmony to sustain life. When it came to living organisms, she felt she knew their secrets well.
But a deceased body? That was a different matter.
If she was being honest with herself, the idea of conducting an autopsy both scared and intrigued her.
Sakura opened her eyes and found Kakashi watching her intently while waiting for her answer. She shifted her gaze to the paper he had placed before her. Even without reading the words, she knew its contents. Taking a pen from the tray, she signed the paper and placed it on top of the files designated for Tsunade.
Looking up, her eyes met Kakashi's. "I'll do the autopsy." She began while pushing her chair back. "But my current workload is already overwhelming. I need to speak with Tsunade about an assistant for the autopsy, and I need to delegate a few of my tasks to someone else."
Deep in thought, Sakura entered the academy, her mind already a whirlwind of information regarding performing an autopsy. As she turned a corner, her attention was caught by the sight of Genma leaning casually against the doorframe, a steaming mug of coffee cradled in his hand.
"Hey, doc," he called out as he noticed her.
A smile tugged at Sakura's lips, grateful for the interruption from her thoughts. "Hey Genma," she responded warmly. "You flying solo today?" she asked, glancing around to see if Raido, Genma's usual partner-in-crime, was nearby. Not spotting him, she walked over and leaned against the wall, adjusting the bag she carried and pulling out her water bottle.
Genma's grin was infectious as he replied, "Not anymore." His tone carried a hint of mischief. "Raido's out on a small assignment."
Sakura nodded. "So, that means you're handling coffee duty all on your own?" she playfully quipped, aware that Raido was often an accomplice in Genma's coffee escapades.
A chuckle escaped Genma as he raised his mug in a mock salute. "You know me too well, Sakura. Coffee is my lifeline."
Sakura laughed. "I'm convinced you're the reason the village's coffee shop thrives."
Genma's eyes sparkled with amusement, a mischievous glint shining through. "Someone's got to do their part for the economy, right?"
A playful smirk curved Sakura's lips. "And here I thought missions were your actual job."
Genma leaned back theatrically, a mockingly dramatic sigh escaping him. "Missions are just a clever ruse, you know. It's all about the coffee bean reconnaissance."
A chuckle escaped Sakura, her amusement clear as she shook her head in feigned exasperation. "You're truly hopeless."
Genma's grin remained in place. "Well, at least I'm not the only one indulging in vices. Have you witnessed Kakashi and his beloved Icha Icha books?"
Sakura playfully rolled her eyes. "Oh, come on. Those books are on a whole different level of addiction. At least coffee won't give you a nosebleed." She chuckled, recalling the time she had read one of Kakashi's books. It hadn't caused any physical reactions like a nosebleed, but it had definitely left her feeling a bit flustered.
Genma laughed. "True, true. But you can't deny that coffee adds a certain charm to life. Like an adventure in every cup."
"An adventure in caffeine highs and jitters, you mean?" Sakura retorted, a playful gleam dancing in her eyes.
A wink accompanied Genma's response. "Details, Sakura, details."
Sakura theatrically sighed, her expression a blend of mock exasperation and amusement. "Well, as long as your coffee addiction doesn't interfere with your missions."
Genma assumed a feigned seriousness, a hand dramatically over his heart. "Don't worry, I'm in the midst of developing a coffee jutsu. Just imagine being able to summon a cup of joe right in the middle of a battlefield."
Sakura burst into laughter. "You'd undoubtedly be the most energetically wired ninja out there."
With an impish grin, Genma raised his coffee cup in a mock toast. "Here's to never sleeping on duty!"
Sakura couldn't help but laugh, her water bottle playfully clinking against his coffee cup. "And here's to the ninja who's always awake!"
Their laughter gradually subsided, and a moment of comfortable silence settled between them.
Sakura's expression shifted to a more thoughtful one as she glanced at her wristwatch. "As much as I'd love to stay and chat, I have to meet with Tsunade."
Genma nodded, his playful demeanor giving way to understanding. "Ah, I see. Official business."
"Something like that," Sakura pushed herself away from the wall, tucked her bottle back in her bag, "I'll see you around, Genma." Sakura said while waved goodbye.
"Always," Genma muttered into his coffee while his eyes followed her towards the door leading to Tsunade's office.
TBC
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