I just want to thank everyone for their reviews and follows, it assures me that people are actually interested in the story! Constructive criticism is welcome.
Sakura walked into her room and immediately sat her desk. She leaned against the cold wood of her chair, taking a deep breath before she began to write. Her quill scratched against the parchment as her heart raced with anticipation.
My name is Sakura Haruno, you will not know me, but it is important that you hear what I have to say. I have vital information concerning the safety of your clan and the entire world. All I ask is you grant me the time to explain everything in person. Please send a response as soon as possible.
~Sakura
Sakura sat the quill down, reading over what she had wrote before sighing. It would have to do for now. She rolled the parchment up and tied it off with a small ribbon. Standing, she stretched and made her way to the door. A servant walked by and jumped as Sakura called out to him.
"Excuse me, do you know where the aviary is?" Sakura asked, her voice calm and collected. The servant, a young boy with a nervous expression on his face, nodded quickly and explained how to get there.
Sakura wasted no time in following the boy's directions, weaving through the bustling village with its featureless buildings. The air was humid and sticky, the sky a hazy shade of orange as the sun was beginning to set. She soon arrived at the aviary, a sprawling wooden structure nestled among the trees, surrounded by a high stone wall.
Inside, the aviary was a cacophony of chirping, squawking, and flapping sounds. Birds of all shapes and sizes filled the air, their dull plumage dim in the fading light. The place was void of all but one man who was gruffly cleaning a cage. His broad shoulders and well-muscled arms spoke of a life spent working outdoors, his dark hair tied back into a messy ponytail. He glanced up as Sakura entered, a look of mild surprise crossing his face.
"Can I help you, miss?" he asked gruffly, his voice deep. Sakura inclined her head respectfully.
"Yes, I'm here to speak with the one who takes care of Tajima. I have an important message that needs to be sent." He gazed at her silently for a moment, seeming to weigh her words before looking upon her with suspicion.
"How does one such as yourself know about Tajima?" the man asked warily. His gaze raked over Sakura's emotionless features, searching for some sign of duplicity.
"It was the bird Lord Madara requested carry this message." Sakura held up the rolled parchment with the ribbon tied around it. The bird keeper's expression turned thoughtful as he considered her words.
"I see," he finally replied, his voice gruffer than before. He set down the cage he'd been cleaning and walked to the back and through a door. The cage inside was spacious and in the middle sat a large black bird with iridescent feathers. Its head swiveled toward them as they entered. The bird keeper made a clicking noise with his tongue, and the bird hopped over to him.
"Please hand me the scroll." The bird keeper held out his large, calloused hand, and Sakura placed the rolled parchment in it. He glanced at the ribbon, noticing its significance, but said nothing before tying it to the bird's leg. Tajima let out a loud squawk before flapping his wings and disappearing out of the small hole in the ceiling.
"How do you know he won't escape?" Sakura asked. The man shrugged.
"I don't, but its Lord Madara's bird so I don't question it." The bird keeper replied with a hint of respect for the legendary figure. He turned back to the cage he'd been cleaning, picking up a small brush and beginning to work on another bird's feathers. "Tajima has been with me for a long time. He's never failed to deliver a message, and I don't expect him to start now."
Sakura watched the bird keeper work, marveling at his skill and the bond he shared with the creatures in his care. As she turned to leave, she couldn't help but offer a small, genuine smile of gratitude. The man glanced up at her briefly, his expression softening before he returned to his work.
Outside, the sun was halfway below the horizon, the streets were quieter, and lights shown through the windows of the houses. Sakura followed the path she had taken earlier, her mind still on the events that had just transpired. She was forced out of her thoughts as Saori called her name.
"Lady Sakura! You're back!" Saori exclaimed, her face brightening as she saw her friend. "Hurry or you're going to be late for dinner." Saori reached for Sakura's hand and lead her to her room.
Inside, a new kimono hung next to her teal yukata. It was beige with a pattern of light-colored violets and a pale blue peacock on the back. Saori held it up for her, a mischievous grin on her face. "What do you think, Lady Sakura?" she asked, her voice filled with anticipation. Sakura was excited that this kimono did not have cherry blossoms on it. Although all the gowns she has been provided were beautiful, she was glad for something different.
"It's lovely, thank you," she said, taking the garment and began to change. Saori helped her tie the dark purple obi around her waist, making sure it was perfectly symmetrical. As she looked in the mirror, she could see the slight flush in her cheeks from the cool evening air.
"You really are talented at this, Saori," she said. Saori blushed.
"Of course, it is my job and I do love dressing you up. Uchiha aren't known for their bright colors and such, and not to mention Lord Izuna seems a lot happier now that you're here." Saori said, carefully brushing Sakura's hair as she spoke. Sakura didn't respond, but watched as the girl gathered her long strands back into a ponytail, tying it with a golden ribbon.
"I know it must be hard for you, though. Always having to be the one who stands out." Saori said softly, her eyes meeting Sakura's in the mirror. There was an unspoken understanding between them, a bond that went beyond the surface. "But you are strong, Lady Sakura. And you have a purpose here. You're going to make a difference."
Sakura turned to face her young friend, her own eyes shining with determination. "I know that Saori. And I won't let you down. I promise." She took a deep breath, steadying her nerves, before following Saori out of the room.
Their footsteps echoed through the hallway as they made their way to the dining room. The scent of fresh flowers and delicious food filled the air, and Sakura could hear the murmur of voices as Izuna and his guests conversed. The room was elegantly decorated with ornate carvings and colorful tapestries, and a long table sat at the center, adorned with an array of dishes.
People glanced at her as she walked in, and she flushed knowing that she was late. Suzume waved a hand, inviting her over to the empty chair next to her. Sakura felt a pang of sadness as Izuna hadn't even looked at her. She couldn't blame him though. She was holding secrets, and it was obvious he held stronger feelings for her. She took a deep breath, trying to compose herself.
The table was beautifully set, with golden chopsticks and delicate plates. The food was a feast for the senses, with vibrant colors and mouth-watering aromas. She sat down next to Suzume, who gave her a warm smile.
"How are you holding up, dear?" she asked, reaching over to squeeze Sakura's hand. Her voice was soft and gentle, filled with genuine concern.
"I'm doing my best." Sakura smiled. "It's hard to adjust sometimes, but everyone has been so kind." She glanced at Izuna, who was deep in conversation with another man. A pang of longing struck her, but she forced it aside.
The conversation around the table flowed easily, with topics ranging from the upcoming harvest to the recent news of the festival. Suzume filled her in on some of the village gossip, and she did her best to appear interested. As the meal progressed, Izuna's gaze kept drifting in her direction, and she could feel the weight of his stare. It made her heart race, but she tried to ignore it.
"I would like to personally thank you for what you've done for us. My daughter, Kiri, she talks about you all the time. She's grown so fond of you. You've made quite the impression." Suzume said and Sakura was surprised. Suzume hadn't looked old enough to have any children, but of course times were different here.
"It's my pleasure, Lady Suzume. I enjoy helping people in need." Sakura replied, taking another sip of the sake in front of her. The drink was smooth and slightly sweet, warming her insides.
Izuna cleared his throat. "Yes, I would like to publicly thank you for taking care of our kin. I'm not sure some would have made it without you." His voice was quiet, but it carried across the table. Everyone fell silent, and all eyes turned to her. Sakura felt a blush creep up her neck.
"It's nothing," she said, trying to downplay the compliment. "I'm just doing my job." She glanced at Suzume, who gave her a proud smile. She received a few smiles, nods, and thank yous before everyone returned to dinner. She took another sip of her sake glancing out of the corner of her eye towards Izuna.
As the night progressed, the conversation flowed more easily, and the sake loosened tongues. She found herself laughing at stories and feeling more at ease. Izuna continued to watch her, his gaze intense, and she felt a heat building in her cheeks whenever he looked at her. Sakura's vision began to blur and she knew it was time to call it a night.
"If you'll excuse me, I'm feeling quite tired. Thank you all for a wonderful dinner," she said, rising from her chair. The men at the table chuckled, nodding their understanding. Suzume placed a reassuring hand on her arm. Izuna stood up with her.
"I'll see you to your room, if you don't mind." His voice was low, but firm. She couldn't help but feel a shiver down her spine. They walked in silence through the halls, the only sound was the tap of their feet on floor. They arrived at her room, and she stopped outside.
"Actually, I want to take you somewhere." Izuna said, his voice low. He took her hand and led her through the halls, past the guards who nodded respectfully. They wound their way through the village, the stars above them twinkling in the night sky. He pulled her down a dirt path, leading into the forest.
"Where are we going?" she asked, her heart racing. The air was cool and crisp, the scent of pine thick around them. Izuna didn't answer, instead guiding her deeper into the woods. They walked in silence for several minutes before he finally stopped.
He turned to face her; his expression unreadable. "I wanted to get away from the village, where we could be alone." His voice was low and husky, sending shivers down her spine. "I've been thinking about you a lot lately." Sakura could see the redness adorning his cheeks and she wasn't sure if he was blushing or it was the alcohol.
"Izuna, I-" she began, but he cut her off with a gentle kiss. His lips were soft and warm, sending sparks through her body. She pushed his chest softly.
"I'm-I'm sorry, but you're one of the heirs to the Uchiha and I'm just a girl from the forest. This could never work between us." She pleaded for him to understand. "You deserve better than me. You're expected to do better than me."
"Don't say that," he whispered, his voice hoarse. "I don't want anyone else. I want you." He leaned in, kissing her again, more urgently this time. His hands moved to her waist, pulling her closer. She could feel the heat of his body against hers, and it was intoxicating. She rested her hands on his chest as he pulled away from her lips.
"Perhaps we should discuss this when we're both sober." Her words were soft, her breath coming out in little puffs as she fought against the desire that pulsed through her body. Izuna sighed before resting his forehead on hers.
"I understand. Allow me to take you to the festival." Izuna said softly, his hands still resting on her waist. "Perhaps we can discuss this further then." Sakura nodded, her heart finally slowing down to normal.
The two headed back to the main house where they stopped once again in front of her room. He gave her a kiss on her forehead before saying goodnight. As she slipped inside her room, she couldn't help but feel a flutter in her stomach. She was so screwed. This was not part of her plan and it definitely wasn't something she had anticipated.
Too tired for a bath, she changed into a night gown before crawling into bed, the soft sheets cool against her skin. She stared up at the ceiling, trying to make sense of everything that had happened. Izuna was the heir to the Uchiha clan, and she was from the future. She was already creating ripples in the pond, but this would be a tidal wave if she continued. It wasn't long before the alcohol took over and she fell into a deep slumber.
She opened her eyes, staring up at her ceiling. Standing she stretched her muscles to lett the tension ebb away and knew she needed to focus. The events of last night came crashing back to her and she groaned in her hands. Izuna...poor Izuna. She knew that it would never work between them. She wasn't even supposed to be here, not to mention she would have to leave to meet with the Senju soon.
She sighed, running a hand through her hair. A knock sounded at her door and she couldn't help but be annoyed that they always knew when she was awake. With a deep breath, she made her way over to the door and opened it.
This time it was a middle-aged woman with a smile oddly similar to Saori's.
"Lady Sakura, I was hoping I would catch you awake. I'll be taking care of you today in Saori's place." The woman said, bowing slightly. "I have planned for an outfit to be brought, and your meal will be arriving shortly. Is there anything you need before I leave?"
"No, thank you. Is Saori ok?" Sakura asked, worry creeping into her voice.
The woman smiled reassuringly. "She's just taking the day off to spend some time focusing on her studies." She paused, tilting her head slightly. "Saori is very fond of you, Lady Sakura, and I wanted to thank you myself for being able to show her the kindness you have. It means a great deal to her, as well as to me." Her expression softened further. "If you need anything else, my name is Yuko. I'll be here whenever you need me." And with that, she bowed once more before disappearing down the hallway.
Sakura stood there for a moment, before closing her door and sitting back down on her bed. She was grateful for Yuko's kind words, and it was nice to know that someone was looking out for her.
It was only a few more minutes before another knock sounded and a servant entered handing her a new outfit. She thanked the servant and drew up a bath, the warm water helping to soothe her sore muscles and calm her nerves. As she soaked, she found herself thinking about what was happening in her timeline. Had she succeeded and everyone was living peacefully? Or had she failed, and the war was for nothing?
Sakura hung her head over the back of the tub, her pink locks wetting the floor. If only she had someone to trust with her mission, to help her navigate this world. She sighed once more, before leaving the bath and dressing for the day.
She poked her head outside of her room, noticing the silent hallways and lack of servants. Perhaps everyone was still recovering from last night? Sakura took this as an opportunity to explore the village.
She made her way to the village center, a small clearing with a few huts surrounding it. In the center stood a large tree, its branches spreading out like a canopy to provide shade. Several villagers were sitting under it, talking and laughing. The air was filled with the scent of cooked food and freshly baked bread. It was a scene of simple beauty and peace, a stark contrast to the war-torn world she had come from. If only these people knew what was coming.
People were bustling about hanging up ribbons and signs in preparation for the festival. She noticed a group of children running towards her, their laughter filling the air. They surrounded her, curious about the strange girl who had come to their village.
"Hello, Lady Sakura!" they chirped, bowing respectfully. A young girl pushed her way to the front before eagerly asking, "Is it true that you're going to marry Master Izuna?" Sakura felt a flush creeping up her neck.
"Well, sorry to disappoint, but Master Izuna will be marrying someone from a worthy clan." Sakura gave a sad smile. A different girl stepped towards her.
"Well, I can tell that Master Izuna loves you. He looks at you like my parents look at each other," the girl replied with a dreamy expression, causing the other children to giggle. Sakura smiled at their innocence before a woman called them over.
Sakura watched the children run off, her heart aching at the thought that she would never be able to marry Izuna. She could only hope that in the future she could find someone else worthwhile.
She wandered around the village, taking in the sights and sounds, trying to lose herself in the simple beauty of the place. Eventually, she found herself drawn to a small house on the outskirts of the village. The door was slightly ajar, and she could hear the sound of someone working inside. She hesitated for a moment before pushing the door open and entering.
The woman inside looked up at her, her eyes narrowing. She was an older woman, her hair streaked with gray, her face lined with years of hard work. "Can I help you?" she asked gruffly, her hands not missing a beat as they continued to work the loom in front of her.
Sakura blushed, feeling foolish for intruding. "I-I'm sorry. I didn't mean to interrupt. I was just, ah, admiring your work."
The woman gave a humorless laugh. "That's quite alright, dear. It's not often we get visitors out here. My name's Tsubaki. What brings you here?"
"I'm not sure. I'm feeling a little lost right now..." Sakura confessed, taking a tentative step closer to the loom. "I've never used one of these, how does it work?" Sakura asked genuinely curious.
Tsubaki set her work aside, motioning for Sakura to sit beside her. "Well, it's not as hard as it looks. See, this is the shuttle, and you use it like this..." She demonstrated the movement, her gnarled fingers moving expertly. "Then you pull the thread through here, and weave it back and forth. It's all about rhythm and practice."
As Sakura watched Tsubaki work, she found herself becoming more and more fascinated. The shuttle clicked against the threads, creating a soothing rhythm, and the colors of the yarn blended together beautifully.
"May I try?" Sakura asked hesitantly. Tsubaki smiled and nodded, guiding her hands to the shuttle and the threads. At first, it was awkward and clumsy, but as Tsubaki gently corrected her movements, she began to feel more confident. The rhythm of the shuttle and the click of the threads filled her ears, and her mind emptied of everything except for the present moment. Time seemed to slow down as she focused on the intricate dance of the shuttle and the weft.
"Alright, Lady Sakura I think it's time you head back now. The little Master will be looking for you I'm sure." Tsubaki gently interrupted her concentration. Sakura realized that the sun had dipped lower in the sky and the air had grown cooler. She nodded towards the elderly woman.
"Thank you for allowing me to help. I never would have thought it could be so relaxing and calming," Sakura said with a sincere smile. She stood up, stretching her hands and fingers, now feeling more at ease. "I must admit, it was nice to get away for once."
"Anytime dearie, please don't hesitate to come back and visit." Tsubaki smiled, her wrinkled face creasing even further. "It's nice to have some company once in a while." She gestured for Sakura to follow her out of the house and waved goodbye.
The streets were starting to slow down as people returned home, and she couldn't help but admire the decorations for the festival. Lanterns hung from every tree and building, casting a warm, flickering light across the stone. Red and blue banners hung across the street each adorned with the Uchiha clan symbol.
She returned to her room where Saori was pacing back and forth. The younger girl looked up, her expression a mix of relief and annoyance. "Where have you been? I've been worried sick about you!"
"I'm sorry, Saori. I just needed some time to myself. I was feeling a bit overwhelmed." Sakura explained, sitting down on her bed. Saori didn't question her further, but pointed to a new kimono. "Your new outfit is here. It's for your dinner with Master Izuna."
Sakura took the kimono, feeling a mixture of anticipation and nervousness. The dinner with Izuna was something she had been dreading, how in the world was she going to let him down without shattering him? She changed into the new kimono, admiring the intricate pattern of chrysanthemums on a deep purple background. The fabric was soft and luxurious against her skin, and the red obi was tied in a way that accentuated her figure.
Saori helped her with her hair, arranging it in a elaborate style that framed her face. She then adorned her with a few small hair ornaments, a delicate silver butterfly and a pair of tiny red flowers. When they were finished, Saori stepped back to admire her work, a proud smile on her face.
"You look stunning, Lady Sakura," she said, her voice filled with admiration. Sakura flushed at her compliment, feeling more self-conscious than ever. Saori led her down the hallway and towards the dining room. As they approached, she could hear the sound of a lone koto playing in the distance.
The dining room was empty save for Izuna and Madara, who were sitting across from each other at a low table. The candlelight flickered across their faces, casting long shadows on the walls. Madara looked up as they entered, his eyes meeting hers for a brief moment before he looked away, his gaze fixed on something just over her shoulder. Izuna, on the other hand, gave her a small smile that she could feel warm her cheeks.
"Sakura-san," Izuna said, gesturing for her to sit down at his side. Saori bowed and disappeared into the shadows, leaving them alone. "I trust you had a good day?"
"It was lovely, thank you. The festival decorations are beautiful, and I met a seamstress, Tsubaki." Sakura tried to keep the conversation light, hoping that it would help to ease the tension between them. She glanced over at Madara, who was still staring intently at something across the room.
"That's good to hear," Izuna replied, Sakura nodded before taking a sip of the water sitting in front of her. The conversation lulled for a moment as they ate their meal, occasionally exchanging pleasantries about the festival or the weather. To say the atmosphere was awkward would have been an understatement.
Sakura found herself glancing over at Madara more and more, trying to decipher his expression. He seemed lost in thought, his eyes darting around the room as if he were searching for something. She wondered what could possibly be on his mind.
"Madara-san, is everything alright?" Sakura finally mustered the courage to ask, her voice barely above a whisper. She glanced over at him, his expression unreadable. He didn't respond for a moment, seemingly lost in thought. When he finally spoke, his words were measured and deliberate.
"I'm fine, Sakura-san. However, I must take my leave. Please enjoy your dinner." Madara rose from his seat, bowing stiffly to both her and Izuna. Without another word, he turned and left the room. Sakura watched him go, a frown on her face.
"How long has he been like that?" Sakura asked Izuna, trying to keep her voice low. She glanced over at the spot where Madara had been sitting, feeling a knot forming in her stomach. Izuna sighed heavily before answering.
"Since this morning. I've tried talking to him, but he only shuts me out. I don't know what to do." Had Zetsu finally wormed his way into Madara's mind? It seemed like the only explanation. She would have to look into it later.
"I think it would be a good time to talk about last night." Sakura said, her voice barely above a whisper. Izuna glanced at her.
"I meant what I said Sakura. I only want you." His words were soft, almost pleading. "I don't want anything else." He took a deep breath, his hands clenching into fists on the table. "I don't know why, but I can't seem to get you out of my head."
Sakura looked down at the table, her cheeks flushed. "Izuna, I don't know what to say. I appreciate the way you feel, but I can't-"
"Sakura...I'm not an idiot, I see the way you look at me too. I just don't understand what is holding you back and... it hurts." Izuna's voice quieted the more he spoke.
Sakura's heart ached at the pain his voice. She wanted to reassure him, to tell him that it wasn't like that, but she couldn't bring herself to lie. Instead, she reached across the table and took his hand in hers. It was warm and strong, and it comforted her just as much as it did him.
"Izuna, I... I care about you too, but it's not just you. It's everything. There's so much going on right now, I don't think I can give you the affection you deserve." She paused, searching for the right words. "I want to be with you, I really do, but..."
"You've been keeping a lot of things from me, but I think that its time you confessed. What are you really doing here?" Izuna's voice was soft, but there was an edge to it that made her heart race. He squeezed her hand, his grip tightening.
Sakura felt her breath catch in her throat. She knew she couldn't lie to him, not anymore. Taking a deep breath, she began to speak. "I don't think you would believe me...even if I told you."
"Try me." Izuna insisted. There was a determined glint in his eyes that made Sakura's heart race. She took a deep breath, gathering her courage before she began.
"I'm from the future. I was sent back in time by my best friend Naruto Uzumaki to stop certain things from happening. If I fail the world will be destroyed." Sakura confessed, her voice shaking as she spoke. Izuna pulled his hand away slowly, his eyes widening in disbelief.
"Does this have something to do with my brother?" Izuna asked. "He's been acting strangely as well, and I've felt like something was off." He took a deep breath, trying to process the information. "And you say you were sent back in time by an Uzumaki?"
Sakura nodded. "Yes, I'm from a village called Konohagakure or Konoha. It was built by Hashirama Senju and your brother Madara Uchiha, but something happened with your brother, and he disappeared. In my time, he's become a tyrant who destroyed the village and everyone in it. He seeks a power called the Ten-Tails to use as a weapon, and if he gets it, it will destroy the world."
Izuna stared at her, his eyes wide with shock. "My brother...he would never." He shook his head, trying to clear the image of the man she had described from his mind. "But if he's responsible for the destruction of Konoha, then why didn't you just kill him when you had the chance?"
"Because I think he can be redeemed, if I just stop him from falling into darkness. It is a sickness that seems to affect certain generations of Uchiha." Sakura explained.
"Is that why you were asking about Indra?" Izuna asked, his voice barely above a whisper. "You think it has something to do with my brother?"
Sakura nodded. "I don't know for sure, but it's a possibility. The more I learn about it, the more I think that stopping your brother might involve destroying the tailed beasts. But first there's a man named Zetsu, the one that attacked us. He is trying to stop me."
"Zetsu?" Izuna frowned. "I've never heard of him. But if he's working against you, then we need to find a way to deal with him. And if it does involve the tailed beasts, I want to help you." He took her hand in his, squeezing it gently. "I can't let my brother be responsible for such destruction. Not if there's anything I can do about it."
Sakura felt a surge of hope at his words. "Thank you, Izuna. For believing me." Izuna searched her face before nodding.