Chapter 2 Crimson Petals, Hidden Truths
In these spring days,
when tranquil light encompasses
the four directions,
why do the blossoms scatter
with such uneasy hearts?
Ki no Tomonori (c. 850 – c. 904)[
Stepping out of the academy, Sakura found herself swept up in a gust of wind, carrying a flurry of pink petals along with it. Mesmerized by the sight, she watched as the delicate petals twirled and danced through the air, eventually coming to rest near the shelter of the trees. A soft smile graced Sakura's lips. The blossom season was a favorite of hers. She usually made it a point to join the hanami celebrations, but this year had been an exception. An urgent surgery had kept her occupied well into the evening, leaving her too drained to even think of attending the festivities. Instead, she had crashed on her office couch as soon as she got the chance.
Apparently, quite a bit had happened during the hanami, as Ino had later informed her. Sakura was well aware of her friend's knack for picking up on the latest gossip. It often served as Sakura's window into the village's happenings. No doubt, when they had a chance to meet, Ino would fill her in on all the details.
After emerging from her thoughts, Sakura found herself standing in front of the hospital's entrance. Instead of immediately entering, she made a spontaneous decision. The weather was beautiful, and she didn't want to miss the chance to enjoy it. While she could have taken a shortcut through the hospital, she opted for a detour. The morgue was located at the back of the hospital, and it had its own entrance.
Walking along the path that led to the rear of the hospital, Sakura was greeted by the sight of trees and flowers on one side and the building on her other side. The air was filled with the melody of birdsong and the gentle hum of insects. A low wall separated the grass from the road. Further down the path, she spotted a familiar figure perched on that wall.
"Hey, Naruto," Sakura greeted with a warm smile as she approached. Naruto seemed deeply engrossed in some photos he held in his hands, only looking up when he heard her voice.
"Hey, Sakura," he responded, quickly tucking the photos away in a folder. He sprang up from the wall, immediately pulling her into a tight hug.
"How are you? I've been waiting for you." He stepped back as he held the folder out for her.
Sakura accepted it, her eyes immediately drawn to the image of a woman's face secured in the corner by a paperclip."Is this the victim?" she asked, looking up at Naruto, who nodded in confirmation. Carefully, she opened the folder, revealing a series of photographs inside. As her eyes moved across the images, she couldn't help but sharply inhale at the close-up that showed the woman's neck wound in unsettling detail.
"Do you know who she is?" Sakura inquired, her fingers gently closing the folder as she prepared to hand it back to Naruto.
Naruto shook his head, his hands finding their way into his pockets. "Actually, those are for you," he said, shifting his weight. "Normally, Nobu would want to examine the scene in person, but since he's not available, and we didn't have a medical examiner until now, Kakashi-sensei had her body taken to the morgue. With the high temperature and all. We tried to capture as much as we could in the photos so you could get a feel for the crime scene."
"I understand. Thank you, Naruto," Sakura said, her voice tinged with a mix of gratitude and sadness. As she gazed down at the photograph, she couldn't help but feel a pang of sorrow. While she could enjoy the warmth of late spring, the woman in the photo would never have that chance again. "So, do we have any leads on her identity?" she inquired.
Naruto shook his head. "No, not yet. Nobody in the vicinity of where she was found seems to recognize her."
"Nobody?" Sakura's surprise was evident. Her gaze returned to the photo in the folder, a sense of melancholy washing over her. How could it be that no one knew this woman? Surely, there had to be someone who missed her?
Naruto's reassuring tone cut through her thoughts. "Don't worry, Sakura. It's still early in the investigation. We'll figure out who she is." His warm smile offered comfort.
"Yeah, you're right," Sakura agreed, mustering a small smile. She shifted her attention toward the entrance of the morgue. Inside awaited the woman's body, a silent bearer of the mysteries it held. With a last wave to Naruto, Sakura headed to the morgue.
Sakura walked through the doors into a quiet hallway. This part of the hospital was always hushed, as not many people wanted to face this side of life. She waved to the secretary behind her desk and headed straight for the basement, where the dressing rooms were located. She wanted to change into her scrubs and coat before entering the autopsy room.
It was silent in the basement. The current shift hadn't ended yet and nobody was in the dressing room. Sakura took a clean pair of shrubs and coat from her locker and changed into them swiftly. Realization of what she was about to do hit her as she closed her locker.
Taking a deep breath, Sakura sat down on the wooden bench and closed her eyes. She felt her hands trembling slightly, so she balled them into fists to steady them. She continued to breathe deliberately, inhaling and exhaling slowly in an effort to calm her nerves. Even though she had been a medic for years and had experience with surgeries and treating patients, this was a different situation. She had never performed an autopsy on a deceased person before. Well, that wasn't entirely true; she had done it during her medical training, but this was different. This time, she was seeking answers, clues to a puzzle that needed solving.
As Sakura breathed deeply, she reminded herself that the person on the table wouldn't feel anything. The mistakes that could be critical in treating a living patient didn't apply here. Still, an unexpected fear lingered within her. Tsunade had walked her through the process and assured her that Shizune would be there to assist. Sakura knew she had the knowledge and skills necessary for the autopsy.
With each deliberate breath, Sakura felt her racing heart gradually slow down. She focused on her breathing, letting it become a steady rhythm that anchored her in the moment. The trembling in her hands began to subside, and a sense of determination started to replace her initial fear. She knew she could do this, that she could find the answers they needed. As her nerves settled, she opened her eyes, ready to face the task at hand.
Sakura stood up from the bench. She reminded herself of the importance of this task – not just for the investigation, but for the closure it could provide to the victim's family and the pursuit of justice. Tsunade's words echoed in her mind: "You're capable, Sakura. You have the knowledge and skills. Trust in yourself.".
Pushing herself up from the bench, Sakura straightened her scrubs and adjusted her coat. She glanced at her reflection in the mirror, giving herself a small nod of determination. She was a trained medical ninja, and she had faced challenges before. This was no different.
With renewed resolve, Sakura made her way back up to the autopsy room. She could feel her heart racing, but she focused on the knowledge that she was doing this for the victim, to find answers and bring justice. With a deep breath, Sakura stepped into the autopsy room. The air was cooler in here, carrying a faint scent of disinfectant. Shizune was already busy arranging the instruments on a gleaming steel table, her back to Sakura.
"Hey, Shizune," Sakura greeted, her voice steadier than she felt inside.
Shizune turned towards her, offering a warm smile that seemed to radiate reassurance. "Sakura, you're here. Good. Ready to get started?"
"Yeah, I'm ready," Sakura replied as she walked up to the table. The woman's form lay beneath a white sheet, a stark contrast against the sterile, well-lit room.
She pulled on a pair of gloves, the snap of latex breaking the silence. With a glance at Shizune, Sakura nodded once more, a silent confirmation that she was ready to begin.
Together, they lifted the sheet, revealing the woman's body. Her blonde hair spilled out, framing her face in a haunting contrast against her pale skin. The small mole beside her nose, the blue eyes that held a gaze now forever fixed, the subtle details that made her a person rather than just a body.
Sakura took a steadying breath and started by carefully examining the external appearance. She noted the dried blood around the wound on the woman's throat, the faint bruises on her arms, the signs that would offer clues to what had happened before her death. Shizune photographed the body from every angle and all the details they both found important.
With careful attention, Sakura began to write down every detail she had observed, her gloved hands moving skillfully as she noted each finding. As she worked, a sense of distance settled over her, focusing her on the task and helping her manage her emotions.
Hours passed as they continued their examination. The room enveloped in the hushed sounds of their work. Eventually, they wrapped up the autopsy, stitching the incisions closed and tidying up the tools. Stepping away from the table, Sakura glanced down at her gloves, now marked with evidence, and felt a deep sense of accomplishment.
As she removed her gloves, Sakura looked at Shizune, gratitude and accomplishment shining in her eyes. "Thank you, Shizune. I couldn't have done this without you."
Shizune smiled warmly. "You did great, Sakura." Sakura smiled when Shizune tried to say something more, but had to yawn deeply.
Sakura chuckled softly, her exhaustion catching up with her as well. "Looks like we both could use some rest," she remarked with a tired smile. "You should head home and get some sleep, Shizune. I'll stay here to finish documenting our findings and making the initial report."
Shizune nodded, stifling another yawn. "If you're sure, I will. Call me if you need anything."
"Of course I will." Sakura watched as her friend gathered her things, and together they left the autopsy room. "Take care, Shizune." Sakura waved as Shizune headed towards the exit.
Sakura walked quietly through the hushed corridors of the hospital, heading to her office. She could have used Nobu's office near the morgue, but it didn't feel right. That wasn't her space, and right now, she needed to be where she felt most comfortable. As she reached her office, she flicked on the lights and settled into her desk chair.
Sakura leaned back in her chair, closing her eyes to let her weariness settle. The day had been full of ups and downs, a real rollercoaster of feelings. Despite it all, she had managed to tackle every challenge. A soft smile curved on her lips. When she opened her eyes again, she noticed the clock indicating it was already past eight in the evening. She sighed and set to work, organizing her notes and the autopsy documents. She knew that the initial report was just the beginning; there were more steps to come. The tests had to be run, and some aspects needed further analysis. Her thoughts, however, kept circling back to the young woman in the morgue. Who was she? What events led to her tragic end?
The rhythmic tap of keys and the focused silence surrounded her until a gentle knock on her office door interrupted her concentration. Startled, she looked up, her surprise turning into a smile as Kakashi entered. In his hands, he balanced two mugs of coffee and a paper bag. The scent of coffee wafted into the room. "How did you know?" She asked, eying the beverages as he walked in and placed them on her desk, being careful around the scattered papers. Sakura gathered the papers and organized them into a neat pile.
"Shizune gave me a heads-up," Kakashi answered, his tone casual. He settled into the same chair he had occupied earlier.
"She's a lifesaver," Sakura remarked with a chuckle. "Thanks for being my evening hero."
Kakashi chuckled softly, his eyes crinkling with warmth. "Well, a ninja's gotta be prepared for anything, even late-night coffee runs," he quipped, a playful glint in his eyes. Sakura picked up the coffee mug with a grateful smile, enjoying the warmth that radiated through the cup. The sandwich shop's logo on the bag caught her attention, and she couldn't help but feel a pang of hunger. "You even brought food. You're officially my hero of the night," she said with a grin, finally allowing herself to relax a little.
Kakashi leaned back in his chair, his casual demeanor easing the tension in the room. "Glad I could be of assistance. How's the report coming along?" he asked, genuinely interested. With a casual ease, he lowered his mask to take a few sips from his coffee. Sakura's smile softened as she observed him. It was a simple action, but it held a meaningful impact. Though she had caught glimpses of his face in the past, each occurrence reminded her of the trust he had in her.
"You know," she began thoughtfully, "it's funny how even after all these years, there are still moments that catch me off guard." She took another sip of her coffee, letting the warmth spread through her.
Kakashi raised an eyebrow, his curiosity piqued. "Oh? Do tell."
Sakura leaned back in her chair. "I've seen your face a few times now, but every time you lower that mask, it still surprises me. It's a simple thing, yet it speaks volumes about trust and familiarity."
Kakashi's eyes softened, a warmth in his gaze as he met Sakura's eyes. "Trust is a two-way street, Sakura. We're a team, and we rely on each other."
Her heart warmed with gratitude for the connections they had built over the years. Sakura nodded, her smile genuine. "You're right. And I'm grateful for that."
Sakura shifted her focus back to the matter at hand, her tone growing more serious. "So the autopsy," she resumed, settling herself more comfortably in her chair and pulling the papers closer. She laid out a few photos on the edge of her desk for Kakashi to see.
"You already know the cause of death. A laceration of the throat," Sakura began.
"You know what kind of knife was used?" Kakashi asked, picking up the photo that showed the cut.
"It looks like a very sharp, small knife," Sakura replied. Seeing the curiosity in Kakashi's eyes, she offered a small shrug. "At this point, I can't tell you much more. As you can see from the photo, the edges of the wound are smooth and not jagged."
She took a few sips from her coffee. "You are looking for a right-handed person. Taller than the victim. The assailant stood behind her, held her head with his left hand and cut with his right. See how it cut is higher on the left side of her throat? Then it goes down in the middle and up before he withdrew the knife on the right side of her throat. Slicing right through both her carotid arteries. She bled out within seconds." Sakura explained. Not that Kakashi didn't already know that. He'd been a ninja longer than that she was alive. Kakashi agreed with her.
"If he held her, did you find any fingerprints on her?" Kakashi's question hung in the air, and Sakura's brow furrowed as she considered his words.
She shook her head in response. "No, he seemed to be quite careful. He must have worn gloves, and it looks like he also wiped her down with bleach."
Kakashi's eyes widened in surprise at her answer. "Wiped her with bleach?" He placed the photo of the wound back on the desk, his fingers tapping thoughtfully. He then picked up another photo, this one showing the victim's entire body. It was an image taken at the crime scene, likely by Naruto. "So, the bleach was on her," he mumbled to himself. He met Sakura's gaze. "I did catch a whiff of bleach in the alley, but I assumed it was from the garbage around her. I thought someone had tried to clean the area."
Sakura nodded, understanding his line of thought. "In a sense that is true. Only it hadn't been a person living there but the killer wiping away all the evidence."
Kakashi's expression remained thoughtful as he leaned back in his chair, tapping his fingers against his chin. "This killer is meticulous and organized. But they left her out in the open for anyone to find. There's more to this than we're seeing." He turned his attention to the photos, his gaze focused. "And those cherry blossoms... It's no small task to gather and arrange them like that. But what's the significance?" A blend of fascination and confusion tinged his voice, and the room settled into a thoughtful silence, both minds absorbed by the puzzle before them.
"Did she fight back?" Kakashi asked after a few minutes.
Sakura shook her head. "No, there were no signs of struggle or defensive wounds on her body that we could observe."
"So he overpowered her or…" Kakashi's words trailed off, his mind evidently running through various scenarios.
"He might have used a sedative or some form of drug to incapacitate her. We've sent samples of her blood and urine to the lab for testing. Once we have the results, we'll have a clearer picture."
Kakashi picked up his cup and emptied it with a single gulp. "Indeed, the more we dig, the more questions seem to emerge," he remarked, a trace of frustration in his tone. He shifted in his chair, casually tossing the empty cup into the bin. "You've had a long day, Sakura. It's time to go home and get some rest. We can resume our efforts tomorrow with fresh minds. Maybe by then, some of these mysteries will start unraveling."
A soft yawn escaped Sakura, and she nodded in agreement. "You're right, sensei," she said with a smile, using the title she had once used when she was a young student under his guidance. She stretched her arms above her head, feeling the weariness seeping into her muscles.
Kakashi's eyes crinkled in response to her smile. "Take care, Sakura," he said warmly. With a wave, he turned and headed towards the door. "Rest well. We'll continue tomorrow."
Sakura watched him leave, her thoughts lingering on the day's events. She turned off her computer, carefully gathered all the papers and photos into a neat folder, and held it in her hands. Standing up, she walked over to the door of her office. With a last glance around the room, she turned off the lights and locked the door behind her. Making her way down to the basement, she changed out of her work clothes and left the hospital. Her feet carried her home to her empty apartment, her mind still absorbed by the details of the autopsy. She hoped that tomorrow, Naruto and Sai could uncover the identity of the victim. It bothered her to refer to the woman as 'the deceased' or 'Jane Doe.'
Upon entering her apartment, Sakura dropped the folder on the table, the weight of the case momentarily set aside. Fatigue clung to her, and she headed straight for the bathroom. A warm shower would help wash away the day's stresses before she could finally get some much-needed rest.
TBC
