Chapter 10: Unmasking


Back in her room, Sakura sat at her desk, diligently jotting down notes to make sure nothing slipped her mind. A sudden knock on the door interrupted her focus.

"Come in," she called out.

"Your tea, Sakura-sama," Badger's voice announced, with him balancing a tray of freshly brewed tea in one hand while using the other to grip the door handle.

Sakura couldn't help but roll her eyes. "Ah, the nanny duties continue, Badger? Just leave it on the bedside table, please," she said, motioning to a spot where a familiar bottle containing an orange liquid stood. "Thanks, but I still have that bottle of tonic from Kurotsuchi, remember?"

Setting down the teacup, Badger reached for something on the table. "Oh, you mean this bottle?" he asked, now holding an empty vial, the once-thriving plant beside it now suspiciously well-watered.

Sakura frowned at the sight.

"Respectfully, Sakura-sama, you don't even know what's in that concoction. Could be risky," Badger countered before she could protest. "And who knows, it might just be packed with sugar. You know, those drinks that promise everything but are really just sugar bombs."

"Ah, the concerned doctor routine," she replied, a hint of sarcasm in her voice.

"And also the 'you-should-get-some-rest' routine," Badger added, likely a smug smile behind that mask.

Sakura couldn't help but chuckle. This ANBU operative was taking his nanny duties to a whole new level. She made a mental note to complain to Neji about his particularly overzealous protégé. His antics were definitely becoming tiresome.

After scribbling a few more notes, Sakura finally closed her notebook with a soft sigh. "Alright. I'm calling it a day. Time for my meeting with sleep," she murmured, the scent of chamomile tea wafting gently towards her as she stood up from her desk. The idea of curling up with a warm cup was suddenly incredibly appealing now.

As Badger nodded and made his way to the door, closing it behind him, Sakura felt a surge of gratitude toward her husband. She mentally noted to thank him later for training the younger ANBU so well, especially for instilling in them such a keen attentiveness to their teammates' needs.

Alone in her room now, sitting on the edge of her bed, Sakura turned her attention to a task she had been avoiding: a self-diagnostics session. With practiced ease, she formed the necessary hand signs for this particular test, feeling her chakra respond slowly. The familiar green glow enveloped her hands as she pressed them against her abdomen.

As Sakura suspected, and likely already known by Neji and Badger, she was expecting. There was a new life growing within her, a revelation that filled her with a mix of fear and apprehension. Memories of battles fought within her own body during her previous pregnancy flooded back.

But with Neji beside her, she found a constant source of strength. His presence and touch were not only soothing but an assurance that they could overcome anything. Even when her chakra had been out of balance, even when the pain had seemed unbearable, she had drawn strength from him. He made her feel invincible again, like the Sakura from the battlefield.

Closing her eyes, Sakura could almost feel his reassuring touch, his steady heartbeat against hers. But unlike her first pregnancy where its discovery, though not ideal, brought joy, this news now—in this unfamiliar place while solving an unknown illness—brought a heaviness. It wasn't joy that filled her, but a deep-seated fear—fear of the pain to come, fear of the challenges ahead, and fear of the unknown path she was now treading alone.

Sitting there, hands still glowing with chakra, tears welled up in her eyes. Memories of her past ordeal mixed with the present reality, casting a shadow over her thoughts. Taking a deep, steadying breath, she willed the tears not to fall. She couldn't shake the burden of regret that weighed heavy on her heart.

Closing her eyes, she whispered into the quiet of her room, "I should have let him talk me out of this mission. I had been too stubborn again. I never learn."

During her previous pregnancy, it felt as though her chakra had been sapped, as if the baby had been drawing it out from her, cocooning itself to ensure its own life while leaving her unable to use her healing techniques effectively. The memory of that powerlessness haunted her, a stark reminder of her vulnerability. Still, she insisted on managing the hospital and carrying out her duties until her own treacherous body finally incapacitated her.

Tears trickled down her cheeks as she realized the implications of this new pregnancy. Would her chakra be out of balance once again? Could she protect herself and her unborn child in this fragile state?

"I can't go through that again," she whispered, fear gripping her heart. The thought of being unable to use her skills, her strength, when her child needed her most filled her with dread.

With trembling hands, Sakura wiped away the tears that now flowed freely, her mind racing with worry. She knew she had to find a way to balance her chakra. Her current mission had suddenly become even more daunting.


She was only five weeks along. She could manage this. That was what she had been telling herself since sobering up from her crying episode last night. She hadn't cried that much since, well, since that time at Ino's several years ago—a memory that she was sure she had repressed perfectly.

She steeled her resolve once she had gotten over the last hiccups and wiped her face dry. Oddly enough, crying it out almost felt refreshing, giving her clarity about her goals.

So, it had to be just the hormones, she tried to convince herself. Breathe.

"Well, you look like hell," Kurotsuchi commented at the breakfast table, noting her puffy face and the bags under her eyes.

"Thanks. I feel like it too," Sakura sarcastically retorted, managing a weak smile despite the exhaustion evident in her features.

"The tonic didn't work for you?" the Tsuchikage asked curiously.

Sakura shot a side-eye at the ANBU standing at attention on the wall to her right. "Unfortunately," she vaguely replied. "Just a nightmare."

"And here I thought you were immune to those, being a terror yourself," the Iwa ninja joked.

"Ha-ha. Very funny," the medic said unimpressed.

"So, about the volunteers. How many do you need for the blood work?" asked Kurotsuchi, quickly changing the topic.

"Glad you asked. Here's a list," Sakura replied, pulling out a neatly folded paper from inside her notebook. "It includes the required age groups and genders. Also, please lend me two nurses who can assist with drawing their blood. If we're efficient, we should have everything done by noon."

"Got it," confirmed the kage as she took the piece of paper to hand to Mika later. "I'll dispatch teams today to check nearby settlements, including the closest towns, to see if anyone there is suffering from the same symptoms as those we have here."

Sakura merely nodded.

The two kunoichi then proceeded with breakfast, silence enveloping the table as each of them delved into their own thoughts, preparing for the tasks ahead.


Several days after the park bench incident that shook Neji to the core

Neji had been relieved of his ANBU duties, given time to recover from his recent mission that had kept him away from home for weeks. However, instead of resting, he immersed himself in a relentless training regimen. Determined to banish thoughts of pink hair, green eyes, and bell-like laughter, he pushed himself to the limit.

Each morning found him on the secluded Hyuuga training grounds, where he practiced with a fervor that discouraged any interruptions. Sometimes, he sparred with his former genin teammates, particularly engaging in heated taijutsu battles with Lee. Their bouts often stretched well into the late afternoons, much to Tenten's exasperation; she would grumble about their foolishness before abandoning them to their training.

This routine persisted for nearly two weeks. Now, Hinata and her father observed from a distance as Neji tirelessly practiced his Jūken, his strikes threatening to decimate the innocent bamboo trees on the property.

"Do you have any insight into what's troubling him, Hinata?" Hiashi inquired.

"I have a suspicion, but I can't be certain," the Hyuuga princess replied softly.

"Whatever it is, he must resolve it soon. Otherwise, he risks destroying all the trees here," the older man remarked, his patience wearing thin. "I may need to speak with him before his recklessness spills onto the Nara property."

"I'll speak with him, Father," Hinata offered, concern evident in her voice. She feared that if her older cousin faced her father's reprimand without a chance to express himself, he might withdraw even further into solitude.


"Care for some refreshments, Neji-niisan?" Hinata offered, gracefully balancing a tray with a pitcher of cold lemonade and two cups.

"Thanks, Hinata," Neji replied gratefully, wiping sweat from his brow as he settled on the engawa, a welcomed break from his rigorous training.

"I'm surprised you're finished with training so early. Did something happen?" Hinata asked, her gentle eyes filled with concern as she poured the beverage into their cups.

"Nothing in particular. Just a change of pace, I suppose," Neji answered vaguely, feeling that he had adequately prepared for the next mission. He looked forward to the distraction it would provide, a chance to escape the village and the troubling thoughts that lingered in his mind.

"Right. And this has nothing to do with Shikamaru's sudden appearance, telling you to tone it down because you're scaring all the nearby deer?" Hinata teased lightly, a small smile playing on her lips.

Neji chuckled at the memory. "Hardly."

"What's really going on, niisan?" Hinata pressed gently, her concern deepening.

"What do you mean?" Neji deflected, not quite ready to admit his inner turmoil.

"You only get like this when something is bothering you," Hinata stated softly, her gaze unwavering.

"I'm fine," Neji insisted, though the tightness in his voice betrayed his true feelings.

Hinata studied her cousin, knowing him all too well. "And this has nothing to do with Sakura-chan spending time with Uchiha-san?"

At the mention of Sakura, Neji's demeanor shifted subtly. "She is? I hadn't noticed."

"Yes, with Naruto-kun, of course. It seems Team 7 is back. I saw them leaving the village yesterday, likely on a mission. Sakura-chan returned from her family trip not long before that," Hinata explained, her frown deepening as she remembered Sakura missing the spring festival with the other girls. She quickly refocused on the conversation, watching Neji closely for any reaction.

"Hm," Neji murmured, his mind undoubtedly preoccupied with the implications.

"Also, Sakura-chan's birthday is coming up. Have you thought about what to get her this year?" Hinata asked, trying to gauge his feelings.

Neji shrugged nonchalantly, but Hinata saw through the mask of indifference. She knew her cousin was grappling with emotions he wasn't quite ready to confront. It was clear to her now—Neji had a girl problem, and he was at a loss on how to address it. No amount of jūken practice could solve matters of the heart; he needed to talk to Sakura. Hinata hoped he would realize this soon, before his inner turmoil consumed him completely, or before someone else swept Sakura off her feet.


A few hours after the park bench incident that altered Sasuke's brain chemistry

Sasuke's mind was still reeling as he lay on his bed, his hands cradling the back of his head. He could almost feel the soft touch of lips on his cheek, a gesture that had caught him off guard. The stuttering apologies that followed from Sakura were expected, of course. She was always so quick to second-guess herself. Yet, if Sasuke were honest with himself, he didn't really mind her boldness. It was a new sensation, just like the unfamiliar heat that tinged his cheeks with a blush.

However, that blush quickly faded as thoughts of leaving once again crept into his mind. He felt a strange emptiness every time he walked away from the village gates. There was nothing truly holding him here, yet he couldn't shake the feeling of loss. Each time he turned his back on the village, heading toward another unknown journey, he couldn't help but imagine what it would be like if his family were there, waiting for him. Would they eagerly anticipate his return, hanging on to his every letter and promise to come back?

Sasuke knew Sakura and Naruto probably felt that way already. They had shown him warmth and friendship, yet he couldn't shake the guilt that suddenly washed over him. He felt undeserving of their kindness—he felt he had nothing to offer in return.

But for a brief moment, he allowed himself to savor the idea of being in the presence of those few people he could truly call family. It was a fleeting comfort in the midst of his conflicted emotions, a moment where he felt a sense of belonging he hadn't experienced in a long time.


A few minutes after the park bench incident that made Sakura bang her sizable forehead against the door of her apartment

"Idiot. You were supposed to push him away. Not kiss him, for Kami's sake!" Sakura harshly whispered to herself, cheeks burning with embarrassment and frustration.

After the incident, she hastily muttered her apologies and gave the excuse of needing to rush home before the ice cream in her bag melted. There was, of course, no tub of ice cream tucked away. She simply needed an excuse to escape the overwhelming awkwardness of the moment.

Sakura was well aware she should steer clear of Sasuke. He was bad news—the whirlwind that left her heart battered and bruised. His indifference toward her romantically had been made painfully clear time and time again. Yet, despite her rational mind screaming at her to let go, her heart stubbornly clung to the hope of his return, as if he held the key to mending her shattered pieces.

Cursing the stupid pendant that hung around her neck, and cursing her own foolish heart for holding onto impossible dreams, Sakura couldn't shake the pang of regret. She should have known better. She should have been more specific in her wishes. Now the universe was probably scratching its head, unsure of what or who she truly desired.

"Like me back," she murmured to herself, her voice a mixture of longing and resignation. Deep down, she understood that some wishes were best left unspoken, lost to the silent echoes of a heart yearning for something it could never truly have. Yet, even in the face of bitter reality, a small part of her couldn't help but hope for the impossible.


A/N: I don't own Naruto.

Sorry you had to suffer through that very disorganized chapter. I'm just writing before I lose any interest and forget.