Sakura, on the other hand, was travelling with difficulty. As soon as she left the protective yet stifling embrace of her village, she found herself surround with rogue ninjas. It's as if there is a large target painted on her back. But she's not worthy of being called Tsunade's apprentice if they can simply defeat her. She emerged victorious but not without injuries.
Yet, she persisted. She wanted to put as much distance as she can from Konoha, from the suffocating traditions that she married into. She didn't want to leave, but she can't be the reason for everything falling apart.
But the threats followed her. Everywhere she went, there is always someone who challenged her. Someone who wanted her blood. She's a fighter and a medic but being in constant fight took toll on her until she cannot fight anymore.
Itachi sat beneath the cherry blossom tree, its delicate petals falling around him like silent whispers. The once serene and peaceful place now carried the weight of his solitude. The necklace, holding the rings Sakura left behind, hung from his neck, a constant reminder of the void left by her absence.
Tsunade approached him, her steps quiet against the rustle of fallen leaves. She observed Itachi for a moment before speaking. "Itachi, I'm sending on a mission."
Itachi looked up at Tsunade, his onyx eyes reflecting a mixture of weariness and suspicion. He asked to be let out of missions. So why is his Hokage assigning one to him now? "A mission? What kind of mission?"
Tsunade sighed, her gaze steady. "I recieved a scroll from Gaara. It detailed how his shinobis found a pink-haired Konoha shinobi severly wounded and unconscious a few kilometers away from Suna's gates. Your mission is bringing back the shinobi here."
Itachi's eyes widened at the mention of a severely wounded pink-haired Konoha shinobi found near Suna. His heart raced with a mix of worry and hope. "Sakura," he uttered, his voice barely audible.
Tsunade nodded solemnly. "Yes, it seems she's been through a lot. Gaara's shinobi couldn't get much information from her due to her condition, but they recognized the Konoha headband."
Without waiting for further instructions, Itachi stood up, a renewed sense of purpose in his eyes. "When do I leave?"
"As soon as possible. Gaara has informed his medical team to stabilize her for travel. Be prepared, Itachi. She might need more than just physical healing," Tsunade warned.
Itachi nodded, his mind already racing with thoughts of the reunion. He couldn't ignore the worry that lingered, wondering about the trials Sakura faced after leaving the village. With a determined stride, he left the cherry blossom tree behind, ready to embark on a mission that held the promise of seeing his wife again.