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Sakura was back in the tea house again, however Madara stood next to her.
"Good morning, Lady Sakura." He bowed, his expression solemn. "I trust you had a restful sleep?"
"I did, thank you, my lord." She responded, still trying to decide how to approach the subject. "You mentioned earlier that your people are stubborn and proud. I was wondering if you had given any thought to my words, to find another way forward?"
Madara nodded. "Yes, Lady Sakura. I have given your words considerable thought. You are correct in saying that my people are stubborn, however, I am willing to consider alternative strategies that may help bring peace without sacrificing our goals. If you have any suggestions, I would be most interested in hearing them." She stumbled backwards at the realization and Madara looked at her in concern, reaching towards her.
"Lady Sakura? Are you alright?" His face began to blur, switching from Izuna's back to his own. Sakura retreated and assumed a defensive position, waiting for Zetsu to show himself.
"My, my. You are quite the intelligent one, aren't you?" Zetsu's voice echoed around her causing her ears to pop. She was transported from the teahouse to an empty field. The sky was pure black, not a single star or moon in sight.
"I must say, I'm impressed. You seemed to have picked up on my jutsu easily." He walked slowly towards her, his movements graceful and almost hypnotic. "It's always interesting to see how people react when they realize they're not in control anymore. Some panic, some fear, but you... you're taking it rather well." He paused, tilting his head to the side. She sneered at him.
"You think you're in control? This is my mind and there's a little something you should know about my mind. I'm not the only one who inhabits it." She said to him, smirking. His confusion was visible, and his eyes widened as a second, larger, Sakura appeared. She was dark as night with white outlining her features.
"Meet who I like to call Inner Sakura, and she's not near as nice as me." The dark Sakura grinned at him, her white lips curling into a sinister smile before she spoke.
"You see, she's not alone here, and I've been waiting for you for a long time. You think you can control me with your little jutsu? You're in for quite the surprise." Inner Sakura said and only laughed as Zetsu tried to move.
"That won't work, I'm afraid." The dark Sakura spoke, her voice seeming to come from all around them. "You can struggle all you want, but you're not going anywhere. Playtime is over little boy." She gave him another grin as she grew even larger.
Zetsu's eyes widened, panic setting in as he realized he was trapped. He struggled against the illusion, but the more he fought, the more it seemed to tighten its grip on him. He sneered at her.
"Fine, you win this one you rat." Zetsu growled, trying to keep his voice steady. He would have to find another way. His body flooded with light before he disappeared, and Sakura woke.
Her eyes opened to the ceiling of her room, and she yawned. It was just another dream. She closed her eyes again, thinking back. It had been so vivid, so real. The only consolation was that Zetsu had made a critical mistake in alerting her to his intentions. The only question remaining was if he was here with her at this time? She knew he was created by the Rabbit Goddess, and it wasn't out of the realm to say she sent him here, however it was something to worry about later.
She glanced out of the window. The sky was black with millions of twinkling stars, a sight that always calmed her and she willed herself to fall back asleep.
Her slumber wouldn't last long as Saori knocked on the door. "Lady Sakura, it's time to get up." The pinkette groaned and rolled over, her eyes reluctantly opening. She sat up, rubbing the sleep from them and yawned.
"What time is it?" She asked, her voice gruff.
"2 hours past dawn, I was told there was a change of plans and you would have some time before needing to be at the infirmary. I need to get you dressed in some training clothes. Why didn't you tell me you're a kunoichi?" Saori her voice coated in sadness. Sakura had the decency to feel ashamed.
"I hope you can understand why I wouldn't mention it. I'm in a place I don't know, surrounded by people I don't know, and I don't even remember half of what I can do." Sakura replied defensively. Saori sighed, shaking her head.
"I understand, and I know you probably don't trust me, but I'm not here just to report on you. I like you Sakura, you're kind and I can see you have good intentions, just make sure you don't dig a hole for yourself." Saori said as she picked up the clothes from the bed. She then gestured for Sakura to change.
The training garb was different from her usual clothes. It consisted of a simple black vest with a white undershirt, dark blue pants with a red sash, and black boots. She felt odd wearing it, as if it didn't quite fit her.
"Who am I training with today?" Sakura asked. She knew she shouldn't be so surprised at the thought that the Uchihas would want to gauge her abilities, however she would have to hold back no matter how much she didn't wish too.
"Master Izuna, but I can guarantee that if you don't beat him in physical combat, you could definitely beat him by distraction." Saori teased her. Sakura flushed red with embarrassment.
"You're too young to think like that. Don't be a brat." Sakura said accusingly. Saori just giggled and led her out of the room. The new hallway was long with glossy wood floors. The sound of shuffling feet drew her attention as she spotted a group of people walking in the distance.
"Who's that?" She asked, pointing. Saori followed her finger and smiled.
"That's our second in command. He's not very friendly, but he is very talented, so he is well respected. You'll have your chance to meet him soon." Saori said as they continued down the hallway. Sakura wasn't sure she wanted to meet the man who was staring at her like she was a walking, burning pile of trash.
The hallway ended at a large courtyard with a tree in the center. The tree was massive, its branches spreading out in all directions, forming a natural canopy above them. The leaves were a brilliant shade of red, contrasting sharply with the green grass beneath it. And below it stood Izuna. He straightened as the girls approached him.
"Ah, Saori. Thank you for escorting Lady Sakura." He gave her a gentle smile like a brother would give to a little sister and she flushed red.
"It was my pleasure; Lady Sakura is a delight to be around." Saori bowed low as well before excusing herself. Izuna waited until she had left before turning his attention back to Sakura.
"You've been training as a kunoichi for a while, haven't you?" He asked. Sakura glanced at him warily.
"I'm surprised you're not upset with me about keeping that information from you." She replied.
"I'm not upset, and I'm not surprised. The graceful way you move, the way you carry yourself... as if you're constantly in danger and you're just waiting for something to attack, but the biggest give away is the intricate seal on your forehead." Izuna looked at her seriously and Sakura was unsure how to respond, but he continued.
"Today I am here to gauge your abilities. I know that you are a medic-nin, but how are you on the battlefield?" Izuna asked. He motioned for her to get into a fighting stance, and she complied. She refused to show him any offensive jutsu and decided that defense would be the way to go and Tsunade's training ran through her mind, showing how she stressed the importance of evasion.
Izuna smiled, and then he lunged forward, his fist aiming for her chest. Sakura jumped back, easily avoiding the strike. She circled around him, keeping him in her sight.
"Well, aren't you going to attack?" He goaded and when she didn't respond he lunged forward, aiming a kick at her stomach. She easily dodged the attack and returned with a roundhouse kick of her own, aiming for his ribs. Izuna easily blocked it and retaliated with a punch to her face. Sakura ducked and countered with a punch to his stomach.
They continued to spar, neither of them landing a clear hit. Izuna was fast, but Sakura was able to evade him easily. She was light on her feet, but he was unrelenting. They danced around each other, both of them starting to sweat in the heat. Izuna feigned an attack, causing Sakura to jump back, giving him an opening. He lunged forward, grabbing her wrist and flipping her over his shoulder. She landed on her back with a thud.
She wasn't surprised at his skill. She knew that if they had been in a real fight, things would be a lot messier for both of them. Izuna let go of her wrist and offered her a hand up. As she stood, she wiped the sweat from her face.
"You're quick and you have the heart of a true kunoichi. But there is one thing I want you to work on." He said seriously, "Your attacks. You're holding back. You need to be willing to use your full strength and power." She wanted to laugh. If he knew what her full strength and power really entailed, they would be down a main complex so instead, she nodded solemnly, her expression serious.
"I understand, however as a medic-nin I am much better at evading until I have support." She explained, "I am not as strong as some other kunoichi. It is safer for me to use my speed and my intelligence."
Izuna stood there in silence searching Sakura's face. He seemed to be evaluating something before he finally nodded slowly.
"Very well, Lady Sakura. However, you must also understand that there will be times when you won't have backup. You must be able to defend yourself in those situations." Sakura couldn't believe that she would ever be in a situation where she was to receive a lecture from Madara Uchiha's little brother.
"I understand," she said. "I will work on that. Thank you for the advice, Izuna-san." They stood there for a moment longer, neither one of them speaking. He was one of the last people she ever expected to get advice from, and she couldn't help but wonder what kind of person he was on the battlefield. Was he ruthless or merciful?
"If you ever want to spar again, please don't hesitate to ask," he said. "I'll be happy to help you improve." With that Sakura snatched the opportunity.
"I would enjoy that very much. Perhaps we can fit in some sessions after I'm done helping Eijiro?" She held her breath. If Izuna agreed to train her, then it would only make sense her tai-jutsu would improve and she wouldn't have to worry about holding back. He looked at her for a moment, his expression unreadable, before finally nodding.
"Very well. Eijiro will be waiting, allow me to escort you." He offered his arm, and Sakura placed her hand on it. As they walked through the village, she couldn't help but feel a strange sense of camaraderie with Izuna and how he would be a strong ally to convince Madara to push for peace.
When they arrived at the infirmary, they found Eijiro pacing outside. "Ah, Lady Sakura! I was beginning to worry. Is everything alright?"
Sakura smiled. "Yes, everything is fine. I was hoping I could help out some more today?" she asked, glancing at Izuna. He nodded. Eijiro clapped excitedly.
"Of course my dear! We could always use some knowledgeable help. Besides, I want your opinion on something." Eijiro motioned for her to follow and she waved goodbye to Izuna.
The elderly medic took her to a table where a young boy was lying, his body covered in cuts and bruises. "This is Isamu. He was caught up in a skirmish with some rogue shinobi. They left him for dead, but luckily our scouts found him. He's been unconscious ever since we brought him here. I've done what I can, but I think he might have internal injuries." Eijiro turned towards Sakura expectedly.
"I'm sorry, but I'm not sure I can do much more for him." Sakura examined the unconscious boy, her expression thoughtful. Did the old man know she was a medic-nin? She didn't doubt that Madara had warned him in advance.
"You know I'm a kunoichi, don't you?" Sakura asked, not looking at him. She could feel his eyes on her, studying her reaction.
"Word may have gotten around. I'm just curious about your skill level." Eijiro smiled. "I'm hardly an expert. I'd appreciate your input, if you're willing to share." Sakura found no deceit in his eyes, but she knew he would be reporting everything back to Madara, so she took a deep breath and nodded.
She placed a hand over Isamu's body and began to filter in diagnostic chakra. The green glow from her hand lit up the room and Eijiro waited in silence. After a few moments, she pulled her hand away. "His organs are in bad shape; I might be able to heal some of his injuries, but I can't promise any more than that."
Eijiro nodded. "Thank you, Lady Sakura. I appreciate your honesty. Do what you can for him." Eijiro left the room with a knowing look. Was this his way of allowing her to completely heal the boy without giving the information to Madara? Or was he simply giving her a test of loyalty? Either way, Sakura decided to play it safe. She focused on the injuries she could see and set to work on healing them.
As she worked, she couldn't help but think about the position she had put herself in. Was she unsuccessful and Naruto was still fighting a losing war, or had she succeeded, and Naruto was happily married as the seventh hokage? She felt pressured as she thought about it. No matter which outcome she was facing, she knew that she had to do whatever she could.
Hours passed, and with each cut and bruise she healed, Isamu's body grew stronger. Finally, after what felt like an eternity, she was finished. She sat back, wiping the sweat from her brow, and took a deep breath. "I think that should do it," she said, her voice barely audible as she mumbled to herself.
Isamu's eyes fluttered open, and he groaned softly. "Wha... Where am I?" he muttered, wincing as pain shot through his body. Sakura smiled gently.
"Hello Isamu-kun. Please take it easy for now, while your body finishes healing." Sakura explained, her voice soft and reassuring.
"Are you an angel?" Isamu managed to croak out. His vision was still blurry, and he felt incredibly weak. He could feel bandages wrapped around his body and the bed beneath him.
Sakura chuckled softly. "No, I'm not an angel. I'm just a healer. You were found and brought back to the village." She paused, studying his face. "You fought well, Isamu. I imagine you gave your opponent quite a challenge."
Isamu smiled weakly. "It was... an honor to fight for my clan. Even if I couldn't hold up my end..." He trailed off, his eyes drifting shut as exhaustion overwhelmed him once more. Sakura had wondered what he meant. Did he fail his mission and he was on his way back? She checked his vitals once more before heading off to find Eijiro.
She found him in an adjacent room, tending to other wounded shinobi. "Lady Sakura. I trust that Isamu is doing well?" He gave her a knowing glance.
"Yes, he's doing much better. Thank you for asking. I was wondering if I could speak with you about something. In private." Eijiro nodded and led her to a quiet corner of the infirmary.
"How did you know I could heal him? I know it's not just because I'm a medic-nin." Sakura asked. She felt her heart racing, was she not as discreet as she thought?
Eijiro chuckled softly. "Oh, Lady Sakura. You don't have to worry about being subtle with me. I've known for quite some time that you were more than just a typical medic-nin. Your skills extend far beyond that." He paused, studying her face. "You are confident in what you say. You already know the ins and outs of what to do. These aren't things that you can pick up in a day."
Sakura bit her lip, unsure how to respond. She was grateful for Eijiro's understanding, but she didn't want to reveal too much. "I've always had a knack for healing. It's just something that comes naturally to me." She shrugged, trying to play it off. But Eijiro shook his head.
"It's more than just a knack, Lady Sakura. You have a true gift. And now that you've saved Isamu's life, your talent will not go unnoticed." He paused, his gaze intense. "You could do great things for our village, as one of our shinobi. Perhaps even greater than you've imagined."
"I don't think Madara-sama would like that very much. He has every right to be distrustful of me. I mean, I am an outsider," Sakura pointed out. "I'm just here until I regain my memories, then I must go home."
Eijiro's expression softened. "I understand your concerns, Lady Sakura. But we can help you regain your memories. Master Izuna has taken quite the liking to you and I'm sure he will help you the best he can."
Sakura bit her lip, thinking about what Eijiro had said. He had been a lot more welcoming than she expected, especially for an Uchiha. She only hoped that she wouldn't be caught during her reconnaissance tonight.
"I... I appreciate everything you've said, Eijiro. And I promise to do my best to help the village." He smiled at her, his eyes crinkling.
"I know you will, my dear. And I'm glad to have you on our side. I can't help but feel that you're going to make a big difference here," Eijiro said with a reassuring smile. He placed a hand on her shoulder, his touch gentle and comforting.
Sakura smiled back, feeling a strange sense of belonging in this moment. She wondered if it was because of Eijiro's words or because she truly did feel like she could make a difference here. Perhaps it was a combination of both.
"Now, let's get to tending to the others, shall we?" Eijiro asked. He gave her arm a squeeze before turning to lead her back to the patients waiting. Eijiro had stuck her with more complicated patients, no doubt challenging her, but nothing she was presented with was something she hadn't seen before.
It was early evening when Izuna showed up at the clinic. His appearance caused quite a stir among the patients and the other shinobi, but Sakura barely noticed. She was far too focused on the man himself. Eijiro immediately hurried over to him, filling him in on Isamu's condition and her progress so far. The two men spoke in low voices, their expressions intense.
"I see you've made quite an impression on our Eijiro," Izuna said with a warm smile, stepping closer to Sakura.
"I'm just glad I was able to help," Sakura replied, looking up at him. The two said their goodbyes to the elder medic before leaving.
"Follow me, there is something I wish to show you." Izuna said, walking out of the clinic and into the surrounding woods. Sakura hesitated for a moment, glancing back at the clinic before following after the elder Uchiha. The woods were dark and eerie, with the last of the daylight filtering through the trees, casting long, eerie shadows on the ground.
"What is it you want to show me, Izuna-san?" she asked, her voice soft and respectful. He didn't seem the type to take her along on a simple walk in the woods and here had to be a reason for it. Was he going to kill her?
"I want to show you a spot I like to visit when I want to be alone. It's not far from here," Izuna explained, leading her deeper into the woods. "This is where I come to clear my head and meditate."
As they walked, the trees grew wider and the air seemed to thicken with anticipation. The sounds of the forest muffled, leaving only the rustle of leaves and the occasional hoot of an owl. They came to a small clearing, surrounded by ancient trees. A small, circular patch of moss covered the ground, and in the center sat a massive tree stump large enough for two people to sit upon.
"This is it," Izuna said, gesturing to the tree. "This is where I come to find peace." He walked over to the stump and sat down, his long legs stretched out before him. "Sit, if you please."
Sakura hesitated for a moment, then slowly lowered herself onto the stump beside him. The air was thick with the scent of pine and damp earth, and the sound of the forest seemed to fade away as they sat. After a moment, Izuna broke the silence.
"You're different from most people, Sakura-san," he said, his voice calm and contemplative. "You have a strength about you, an inner fire that most shinobi lack. It's what drew me to you when you first arrived. And it's what I think will make you a great asset to us."
Sakura gave him a confused look. "I thought as soon as I regained my memories I would be leaving?"
Izuna smiled. "You can leave, if you wish. But I want you to consider staying. You have the chance to become a part of something greater than yourself. You could help to change the course of history, if you so choose."
It was as if fate agreed she needed to stop Madara and prevent the cycle of hatred to continue. Sakura took a deep breath, feeling the weight of Izuna's words pressing down on her. She looked into the ancient tree's gnarled bark, finding solace in its enduring strength through countless seasons.
"I want to stay," she said finally, her voice firm. "I want to help. To be a part of something greater." Her attention returned to Izuna as he lifted her hand. She watched in fascination as his long fingers caressed it. She pulled her hand away politely before standing and stepping away from him. This was too intimate.
"Good," Izuna said, rising to his feet as well. "Then let me welcome you into our family. You have made the right choice. " His eyes bore into hers.
As they left the clearing, Izuna began to explain more about their village, their history, and their goals. He told her about the other members of the Uchiha clan and how they had been working tirelessly to prepare for the day the Senju would attack. Sakura perked up when Hashirama was mentioned. Would she meet the legendary ninja? He was rumored to be Madara's best friend after all.
Their walk through the forest seemed shorter on their way back and it wasn't long before the main complex loomed before them. Izuna led her through a maze of paths and buildings until they reached a different training ground. Here, shinobi of all ages and sizes practiced their skills under the watchful eyes of their sensei. The sound of clashing swords and whistling shuriken filled the air as they watched a group of young Uchiha spar.
"They're so young," Sakura whispered sadly. They were no older than 6, but the look on their faces was one of determination and focus. "Do they really have to grow up like this?"
Izuna placed a hand on her shoulder. "The world is not kind, Sakura-san," he said gently. "These children must learn to protect themselves and their village from harm. They will become the leaders of tomorrow. It is our responsibility to train them well." She knew he was right and that this was a different time than hers, it was one full of bloodshed.
As they continued to watch the young Uchiha spar, Izuna told her about some of the other shinobi they saw. He pointed out Isuzu, a girl Sakura's age, who was training with a wooden staff.
"She has a natural affinity for ken-jutsu," he explained. "A common talent among the Uchiha." He also introduced her to Nozomi, the young girl with the blue hair who had been sparring with the boys. "Nozomi is one of the most promising shinobi in our clan," Izuna said proudly. "She is one of our best fire users, and she's only getting stronger."
As the sun began to set, Izuna decided it was time to head inside. They made their way back inside the main complex, where they were met with a flurry of activity. The halls were filled with servants rushing to and fro, each carrying out their assigned tasks.
"What is going on?" Sakura asked, feeling a bit overwhelmed by the bustling activity around her.
"Madara would like to welcome you into the village. Officially." Izuna said, leading her through the halls. "He has arranged a meeting between you and him later tonight." Sakura's heart raced at the thought of being alone again with the imposing man. She was saved from responding as they stood outside her room.
"I'll be sure to send another gown for dinner. Saori will help you get ready," Izuna said before departing, leaving Sakura alone in her room. She sat on her bed, thinking about everything that had transpired. This was way too easy and almost felt too good to be true. But she knew better than to trust the Uchiha clan. They were scheming, manipulative people and they must have some ulterior motive for being so welcoming.
She paced around her room, trying to calm her nerves. Finally, a knock sounded on her door and Saori walked in. "It's time," she said simply, handing Sakura a gown that was even more extravagant than the one she had worn previously.
"Allow me to help you." Saori said, navigating Sakura through the complicated layers. "You look lovely. Now, Madara-sama is waiting for you. Just follow me." They made their way through the halls, passing by several guards who nodded respectfully. They reached a large chamber at the end of the hall, where Madara sat at the head of the largest table Sakura had ever seen. He motioned for them to enter, and Sakura found herself walking and standing before the imposing man.
"Ah, Sakura. It's good to see you again," he said. He gestured for her to sit down on a cushion at his side. "I've heard a lot of things about you today." He glanced over to her. "Eijiro tells me you have saved one of my clan mate's life, I would like to thank you."
"You do not have to thank me. I am a medic, so treating everyone is a part of my code." Sakura said softly, looking down at her lap. She was unsure of what else to say and she knew that this meeting was not just about Madara thanking her. There had to be something else.
"Ah, but you are more than just a medic. You have proven yourself to be a skilled warrior as well. That is a rare gift indeed." Madara leaned forward, his eyes boring into her. "You have impressed us all, Sakura-san. We believe that you will be a valuable ally to our clan." He paused, letting his words sink in. "We would like to offer you a place among us. A home, if you will."
Sakura wasn't sure why she was surprised, after all she knew he was going to offer this. Perhaps it was because he wasn't the hate filled warlord trying to take over the world. It was a side of him she had never seen and she wasn't sure how to respond.
"I'm honored, but if it would be ok I would prefer to be a guest of the Uchiha clan. I want to regain my memories before making any decisions." She said, She was sure she would need an out. She needed to be careful, she was already tempting fate by trying to change it and she didn't want to rock the boat even more.
"Of course, Sakura. You are most welcome as our guest." He paused, leaning back. "But I must also remind you that this offer stands. If you change your mind, we would be more than happy to have you join us." She searched his eyes looking for any sign of manipulation or hidden meaning but found none.
"Thank you, Madara-sama." She said, feeling a strange mixture of gratitude and unease. "I will take some time to think about your offer." Madara nodded in response. Izuna approached and sat down on Madara's other side.
"It shouldn't be too much longer and the rest will join us." Izuna said, thanking a servant as they sat down a bottle of sake before them.
Sakura nodded, taking a sip of the warm liquid, trying to ignore the warm tingling feeling. She wondered if it was customary for them to drink so much.
"May I ask who else will be here?" She asked, gathering that there would be a good amount of people based off of the size of the table and amount of servants bustling about.
"Oh, yes. Of course." Madara said, gesturing for her to continue drinking. "You'll meet many of our most prominent members tonight. Most of them are generals and their families. We're often gone for months at a time, so we try to make these gatherings as special as possible when we do manage to reunite." He paused, his gaze flickering to the doorway. "Ah, here they come now."
A group of people entered the room, led by the man Saori had referred to as second in command. He held no smile or any joy on his face, but she didn't doubt the regal woman and two children behind him were indeed part of his family. Behind them followed a few other families, their faces a mixture of anticipation and curiosity as they took in the scene before them.
Sakura could feel the stares boring into her as she sat across from Madara and his brother. She tried not to let it unnerve her, but it was difficult not to feel self-conscious. The other families seemed to be sizing her up as well, their expressions a mix of curiosity and wariness. She wondered what they were thinking, what rumors might be circulating about her already.
As the night wore on, she found herself listening intently to the conversations around her. They spoke of the history of the clan, of the battles they had fought and their achievements. Sake flowed freely, and the atmosphere grew increasingly celebratory as the hours passed. The children finally began to yawn and the mothers started to excuse themselves, taking them to bed. The men stayed behind, their conversations becoming more candid and intense as they spoke of strategy and politics.
The last woman approached Sakura.
"Sakura-san, if you would like to join, there is a separate celebration for the women." The woman smiled warmly, her expression kind and inviting. "It is not mandatory, but it can be a nice way to meet some of the other ladies and perhaps make some new friends."
"I appreciate the invite and I would be happy to join." Sakura replied, standing up. She followed the woman through several hallways before entering a room. It was much smaller and more intimate than the one where she had been sitting with the men. There were several low tables arranged in a circle, covered with plates of food and bottles of sake. A fire crackled in the hearth, casting a warm glow over the room.
The women were already gathered around the tables, chatting animatedly among themselves. They greeted Sakura with warm smiles and invited her to join them. She took a seat and was quickly introduced to several of them. They spoke of their families, their lives within the clan, and the challenges they faced as women in positions of power.
As the night progressed, the conversation grew more personal. They shared stories of their childhoods, their loves, their losses, and their hopes for the future. Sakura found herself fully engrossed in their stories, feeling a connection to these women she had just met. She listened intently, offering her own insights and experiences when appropriate.
It wasn't long before the conversation shifted towards her.
"So, Sakura-san," one of the women said, leaning in conspiratorially, "what brought you to our little corner of the world?" Her name was Suzume, and she was the wife of a prominent general.
"I'm honestly not sure. According to Izuna-san I was found unconscious outside the village, I'm hoping to regain my memories. I know that my name is Sakura, but beyond that... I'm afraid I don't remember anything else. It's a strange feeling, not knowing who you are or where you belong." A few of the women nodded in agreement.
"I couldn't imagine not remembering who I was, and forgetting my own family would break my heart." One of the other women, Tomoe, spoke up. "I can only hope that you find your way back to them soon, Sakura-san. In the meantime, we are honored to have you among us."
The others nodded in agreement, and the conversation drifted onto lighter topics. They talked about their children and the latest gossip from around the village. As the night wore on, Suzume leaned in close again, this time lowering her voice even further.
"Sakura-san, I must warn you... there are those within the clan who are not as welcoming as we are. Some believe that you are an imposter, here to spy on us or to bring harm to our people." She had suspected as much. "I only share this with you because I feel you deserve to know. Please, be careful when you are alone and never reveal anything to anyone you don't trust completely."
Sakura nodded in understanding. "Thank you for telling me, Suzume-san. I will be careful." She paused, considering the woman's words. "I hope that I can earn the trust of those who are skeptical. I only wish to find what my purpose is and perhaps help those in need at the same time." Suzume smiled.
"An admirable mission Sakura-san." Suzume nodded. "But remember, trust is not something that is easily earned, especially in a place like this. Be patient, and let your actions speak for you. Time will tell if you are who you say you are."
Suzume moved onto a different topic. "About Master Izuna though, he seems to have a liking for you. He's been spending a lot of time with you, training you. I must admit, I'm a bit jealous." She smiled. "I've always wanted to learn how to fight like that. Perhaps you could teach me sometime?"
Sakura brightened at the prospect of training the women. It would definitely be an improvement for the future and it would be best if all Uchihas were trained in combat. "Of course, Suzume-san. I would be honored to teach you. We could start with the basics, and work our way up from there. I'm sure Master Izuna would be happy to help as well." Some of the women had tuned into their conversation and gave each other frowns.
"I'm sorry Sakura-san, but it is frowned upon for noble women to fight. It goes against our station and could bring shame upon the entire clan," one of the older women spoke up. Her name was Hana, "It would be best if none of the men found out." The other women murmured their agreement.
"I'm sure we can set something up." Sakura said, sipping from her cup.
"Don't worry about it Sakura-san, men are afraid of strong women anyway," Suzume whispered with a wink. "We'll find a way to keep this between us. I've always been more of a rebel anyway. It's in my blood." She giggled softly. The other women exchanged knowing glances, but said nothing.
As the night deepened, Suzume leaned in closer to Sakura. "Are you sure there isn't anything between you and Izuna-sama?" she whispered, a mischievous glint in her eye. "I've seen the way he looks at you sometimes. It's almost as if he's lost in thought." Once again this brought the attention back to the pink haired woman.
"Oh, Sakura-san, you're blushing!" exclaimed one of the other women, her eyes wide with glee. "It's so cute!" The other women tittered amongst themselves, exchanging amused glances.
"Sorry to disappoint, but there isn't anything going on between us. Besides he is second in line to take over the clan, he needs to marry someone of importance." Sakura smiled, trying to make light of the situation. The other women nodded in agreement, understanding the complex politics of the Uchiha.
"Well, if you ever change your mind..." Suzume winked, her voice trailing off playfully. "I've been known to be a great matchmaker." Sakura hid a yawn behind her sleeve. An elderly woman clapped, gathering the attention of everyone.
"It is late, girls. Time to return to our homes. Tomorrow will be another busy day for all of us," the elderly woman said with a weary smile. The women of the Uchiha clan nodded and began to slowly file out of the room. Suzume gave Sakura a sly wink as she passed by, whispering, "See you tomorrow, Sakura-san." The other women murmured their goodbyes as well, some more reluctantly than others.
"Wait..What is happening tomorrow?" Sakura asked, clearly confused.
"Well, it's the day of the Uchiha Clan Festival! You didn't know that?" Suzume exclaimed, surprised. "Oh, you poor thing! It's the biggest event of the year. Everyone looks forward to it. There will be games, food, and of course, the traditional combat competition. It's the last day before the men set out again." She gave Sakura a sympathetic look.
"I'm sorry, I don't really have anyone to tell me these kinds of things." Sakura sighed, feeling a bit left out.
"Oh, that's too bad. Well, you should come with me then. I could use someone to cheer me on. My brothers always think they have a lock in on first place," Suzume smiled. "Talk to Izuna-san about it, I'm sure he would be delighted to take you." She said with a wink before leaving.
Sakura mulled it over for a moment. The thought of participating in the festival and getting to know the clan better did sound appealing. Plus, it would be nice to have someone like Suzume by her side. She would have to think about it later though, tonight she had some reconnaissance work to do.
Sakura waited until the sound of footsteps ceased outside of her room. The moonlight streaming through the window cast a soft, ethereal glow across her bed. She slipped out of her yukata and into a simple set of training clothes. At least this way if she got caught she could use the excuse that she was training. Now if she can remember the way back to the room she talked to Madara in, maybe she could find something.
Silently, she crept through the halls of the Uchiha compound. The air was cool against her skin, and the sound of crickets filled the night. She had been wandering around for what felt like hours, and was starting to doubt her memory. Just as she was about to give up, she saw a familiar doorway. Taking a deep breath, she steeled herself and entered the room.
The room was much as she remembered it, filled with dusty scrolls and ancient weapons. In the center of the room stood his desk, upon which rested a large, ornately carved wooden box. The box seemed to glow with a faint aura of chakra, and Sakura could feel the power emanating from it even from across the room.
"What is that?" She whispered to herself. The box looked so important, so valuable, it was like a beacon calling to her. Without hesitation, she crossed the room and knelt down beside the desk. Reaching out, she carefully opened the lid of the box. Inside, it was filled with scrolls and trinkets. She began to rummage through them, searching for anything that might give her an advantage.
After several minutes of searching, she came across a small, intricately carved wooden statue. It was about the size of her palm, and felt as if it were made of solid gold. As she picked it up, a surge of chakra rushed through her body, and her body failed to move. It was as if someone had put her in a genjutsu. She struggled against the unseen force, but it was no use. The statue was enchanted, and she had no choice but to obey its will.
Whispers began to sound through her head, filling her mind with a strange mixture of memories and knowledge. She could feel the presence of the Uchiha Clan's greatest shinobi, their spirits guiding her, showing her their most closely guarded secrets. The statue was not just an artifact, it was a gateway to their collective wisdom, a link to the past that had been preserved for generations. And then her vision went black.