The whole world didn't have to adjust to Sakura's blindness. She had to adjust to it and find her way.
When she was still learning to grasp her sensory skills and refused to use a cane or ninken, she tripped over steps, rocks, roots, and bullies would trip her every moment they could get in the beginning.
Sakura found solace in mother nature and animals, they would be her companion before she met Ino. She would find comfort in smells, textures, and gentle babbling brooks. During the summers, the young petal would sneak out and wade in the Naka River. Sakura felt like she was floating on air and nothing mattered in the moment.
Team 7—consisting of Naruto, Sakura, Sasuke, and their unusual sensei, Kakashi—prepared for another day of training, but today was special. The team had passed their survival test the day before, and Kakashi had assured them they would finally receive their first real missions as genin.
"Listen up, you three," Kakashi said, leaning casually against the fence at Training Ground 44. "Today, we'll be going over the kinds of missions available to us and what's expected of you as ninja."
"Really? Are we finally moving up to some real missions?" Naruto exclaimed, his excitement making him bounce on his feet.
"Yeah, does that mean we're gonna get to fight real bad guys?" Sakura asked, her heart racing at the thought of action.
Kakashi raised an eyebrow beneath his mask. "Well, not exactly. Today, you'll be starting with D-rank missions."
"D-rank?" Sasuke inquired, crossing his arms with an expression and tone that said he found the whole idea beneath him.
"You may not find D-rank missions very exciting," Kakashi replied, "but they're necessary. A lot of them consist of helping out around the village and dealing with mundane tasks."
"Like helping old ladies cross the street?" Naruto grimaced.
"Exactly," Kakashi emphasized, a hint of a smirk evident in his tone. "Or catching a cat."
"Ugh," Naruto groaned at the idea of chasing cats. "This is so lame!"
"Your mission is to find Tora the cat. Not just any cat, Tora belongs to a very important client named Madam Shijimi. She is the wife of the daimyō of the Land of Fire. This mission is a gentle introductions into the duties of a ninja. Take these walkie-talkies to keep in touch with each other."
Sakura stepped in, adjusting her focus. "Alright, let's find Tora and prove we are capable ninjas. If we work together, this will be easy!"
Naruto slapped his hands together in excitement while Sasuke let out a half-hearted grunt of agreement. "Fine. Let's get it over with," he muttered, rolling his eyes slightly.
"Naruto here. I'm at Point A! Target is in sight."
"Sakura coming in, I'm at Point B!"
"Hn, I'm at Point C.."
But before they could make their approach, Tora shot out like a bolt of lightning, zigzagging through the street with panicked meows.
"Quick!" Naruto shouted, taking off in pursuit. "Get him, Sasuke!"
"Wait! Use teamwork!" Sakura called, focusing her chakra to create a small sensory field that helped guide her teammates. "Pincer formation, NOW!"
The chase continued through the village, Konoha civilians staring in confusion as the trio wove through carts and stalls. "Naruto, cover the left!" Sakura instructed, while Sasuke moved to the right. They split up, trying to zone in on Tora.
With a flick of her chakra, Sakura filled out her senses to locate Tora's frantic aura. She could feel the stray pulses of energy overlapping with that of nearby people. "He's slowing down!" she yelled. "He's around the market!"
Naruto dove to catch Tora, "I got him! I got him!"
Upon arriving back at their sensei, Tora squirmed in Naruto's grasp. Kakashi looked up from his book, his visible eye widening in delight.
"You found him! Good job, team. Tomorrow, we'll shift to chakra nature training and conditioning. Knowing your elemental affinities will be crucial for your growth as shinobi. But most of all, we are going to visit the memorial stone. For now, let's head back to the Hokage's office to report and collect your payments."
As they arrived outside the Hokage's office, Sakura suddenly spoke up, "Hey, you guys. What do you think our next mission will be like?"
Sasuke gave a nonchalant shrug, "D-rank missions aren't exactly exciting. I hope we get to do something that tests our skills more."
As they stepped into the Hokage's office, they were met with a familiar sight, Hiruzen Sarutobi. The aging Hokage sat behind his desk, a pile of paperwork stacked high, but he paused his scribbling to acknowledge the team. "Congratulations on finding Tora, even the simplest missions can provide a lot of valuable lessons."
After receiving their payment in the form of ryo and then bidding farewell to Hiruzen, Team 7 stepped outside. The sun was dipping low on the horizon, casting warm hues over Konoha. Sakura could feel the cool breeze as moon began to rise.
Sakura bid farewell to her team and set off towards her family's house, her steps quickening with anticipation. She had so much to share. When she arrived, she found Kizashi and Mebuki in their quaint home, the aroma of her mother's cooking wafting through the air.
"Mama, Papa! I'm home!" Sakura called out with excitement.
Her parents peeked out from the kitchen. "Sakura! Welcome back!" Mebuki beamed.
"What did you learn today, Sa-chan?" Kizashi exclaimed.
"We caught Tora! And Kakashi-sensei said we'll start our chakra nature training next!"
Her parents exchanged glances, Mebuki lightly chuckling. "Chasing after a cat…who would have thought that would be your first mission? It brings back memories when your father and I were genin."
Sakura continued, "But it was more than that! We had to work together! It was crazy how fast he was running, but I was able to help find him by sensing his chakra. I used my sensory abilities!"
Kizashi's face grew serious for a moment. His chakra swirled with anxiety. "You're really honing your skills, aren't you? I know your training has made you stronger." Then he softened, "We're proud of you, Sakura. Just be mindful not to push yourself too hard."
"I won't," Sakura assured him. "I want to become a great ninja—better than anyone."
Mebuki stepped forward, her hand clasping Sakura's shoulder. "Sweetheart, you don't have to become better than anyone else my little blossom. You just need to be the best verison of yourself. Your strength comes from your determination and heart. That is what truly matters."
Sakura nodded, "I know, Mama..But I want to show them I can do this, even if I can't see what they can."
Kizashi walked over and knelt beside her, resting a hand on her knee. "We know you can, Sakura. What you can't see physically doesn't define your capabilities as a ninja. You have unique skills that others don't.
Her parents exchanged worried glances once more, but Kizashi remained supportive. "Just remember, finding balance is key. Training is important , but also give yourself the time to rest and enjoy life outside of being a ninja. My dear, you're still just a kid. Just remember, it's okay to lean on your friends and family when you need support"
The aroma of dinner wafted through the air once again, redirecting their conversation. "Now, come help me with dinner! We can celebrate your first mission!" Mebuki exclaimed, pouring herself into the preparation of their evening meal.
The next morning, throwing off her blanket, Sakura sprang out of bed with renewed energy. She dressed quickly, donning her ninja tunic, tying back her pink hair into a practical ponytail, and adorning her forehead protector with pride. Sakura always wore no shoes this was a way toconnect with the earth beneath her, feeling it pulse with energy and life as she moved. For her, the sensation of the ground against her bare feet was grounding.
After breakfast with her parents, Sakura set off to meet her team. She could feel the vibrant energy of the villagers surrounding her, hearing the chatter of civilians passing by, and the rustle of the leaves in the breeze. Although her vision was a void, her other senses were heightened.
Kakashi was already at the training ground, this was an unusual phenomenon as the silver haired jonin had a late streak. demeanor contrasting with their excitement.
"Good morning, everyone," he said, raising his hand, a book tucked under his arm. "Today, we're not just training. We're making a stop at the memorial stone first to remember those who sacrificed themselves for the village."
Sakura's heart fluttered. She had always felt a connection to the memorial stone, the silent tribute to the bravery of the fallen shinobi. Even though she couldn't see it, she knew the stone's presence held a weight of history, love, and loss within it.
As they made their way through the village, Sakura tuned into the sounds around her—the chirping of birds, the rustle of leaves in the trees, and the faint chatter of villagers going about their day. Her sensory abilities guided her effortlessly through the streets, allowing her to navigate the familiar paths with ease.
When they arrived at the memorial stone, the atmosphere shifted. The air felt heavy with reverence. Kakashi stood in front of the stone, his posture shifting to something more solemn.
"Take a moment to reflect on those who have come before us, who have given their lives protecting this village. This stone, the names engraved on it, are all ninja who are honored as heroes in our village. This is a memorial stone, and the names of my closest friends are engraved here. In the ninja world, those who break the rules are scum. That's true..But those who abandon their friends are worse than scum."
The young pinkette reached out with her chakra, feeling the history embedded in the earth around them.
With their respects paid, Kakashi redirected the conversation towards chakra nature training.
"Alright, everyone," Kakashi called, breaking the solemn atmosphere and shifting back to his usual laid-back demeanor. "Chakra nature training is an essential part of being a ninja. Understanding your elemental affinity will help you access new jutsu and strengthen your abilities. Each of you has a different affinity based on your chakra."
Kakashi removed three plain papers from his pouch.
"Who wants to go first?" Kakashi chuckled
"Um, Sensei? How does this work?" Sakura raised her hand
"Simple, you add a little chakra into the paper. If it soak, it's water, if it crumbles it's earth, if it scorches, it's fire, if it cuts in half it's wind, and if it crumples it's lightning."
"NE NE, I WANT TO GO FIRST!" Naruto exclaimed. He grabbed the paper and after a moment of concentration, the paper was infused with chakra.
The paper began to rip and the edges of the paper flared out like blown leaves
"Wind! I knew it! Believe it! Naruto shouted triumphantly.
"Great job, Naruto! Kakashi's visible eye crinkled with amusement.
Sasuke puffed out his chest and added a small amount of chakra. It immediately crumpled.
The young Uchiha deflated in disappointment
"How am I not fire, Kakashi? All Uchiha's have fire release? Why do I have lightning?"
"Calm down, and take a look again." Kakashi waved his hand.
Sasuke did a double take. The crumpled paper was scored at the edges. Indeed, he had a slight affinity for fire.
Finally, it the was rose-haired kunoichi's turn.
Her hands trembled slightly. She focused her chakra, letting it flow into the paper.
At first, nothing happened. Worry was building inside of her. Did she not have an affinity? Just as doubt began to creep in the paper sprung to life. A moistened sheen appeared and cracks began to form.
"I-It's both! Water and Earth?"
Kakashi nodded. "It seems our little lady has dual affinities."
"Let's get training. We have a long way to go."