Day 116
A gentle warmth enveloped Sakura, insinuating her into a cocoon of serenity and security, reminiscent of the peaceful nights of her childhood in Konoha. But a faint, persistent noise gently pulled the young woman from her restful sleep. She opened her eyes, the faint glow of dawn dimly illuminating the room, while questions swirled in her mind. Where was she? What had happened to her? And why did she feel so good?
The puzzle of this pleasant sensation of warmth found its answer when Sakura felt the regular movement of a chest against which she was nestled. A slight blush tinged her cheeks as she realized her situation. Having harbored an unrequited love her whole life, waking up in the arms of a man bewildered her. Half-awake, she again perceived the regular noise that had disturbed her sleep.
Immobile, Sakura didn't react immediately. As a shinobi, she should have been alert to this unusual sound. Yet, she remained there, cradled by this embrace that provided her with unexpected comfort. It was like finding the security of parental embrace combined with the warmth of holding Sasuke in her arms. Was it love? Acceptance? She couldn't say, but for the first time since her arrival in the Sengoku era, she felt a deep tranquility.
The persistent noise pulled her out of her reverie once more, and she blinked to discover the source of this disturbance. Recognizing the room they had been allocated at the Daimyo's, memories flooded Sakura's mind: the journey to the capital of Ta No Kuni, the meeting with the Daimyo, the exchanges with the maids, the meal, and Madara's gesture just before she fell asleep. A shiver ran down her spine as she remembered that embrace. What did it mean for Madara? Had he acted on impulse due to alcohol? No, he had barely touched alcohol during the meal. Madara had been fully conscious when he held her in his arms.
Sakura snapped out of her reverie at the soft tapping on the door of the room but found herself held back by a strong grip.
"Let them go, Sakura-san…" Madara whispered with a voice still filled with sleep, his eyes remaining closed.
"It could be important," Sakura replied softly.
"More important than resting?"
"Perhaps it's the Daimyo," Sakura countered, getting up despite Madara's protests, who wanted to keep her close to him. He had savored the night spent with this woman in his arms. Many times in the past, he had succumbed to the charms of numerous conquests, indulging only in carnal pleasures. Yet, it was the first time Madara had shared a bed with a woman without engaging in such activities.
So, dressed in her black silk pajamas, Sakura silently made her way to the door. Concentrating, she felt the presence of two individuals with minimal chakra reserve. They were either civilians or ninjas skilled in the art of concealing their chakra. As a precaution, Sakura conjured a kunai in her right hand before abruptly opening the door.
Before her stood Hana and Amaya, jumping at the sight of the door opening on a glacial-eyed Sakura. This expression lasted only for a moment before softening, but it was enough for the two maids to perceive another facet of Sakura: that of a killer.
"My apologies," Sakura murmured before sheathed her kunai. "Good morning, Hana-san, Amaya-san."
"Good morning, Sakura-sama!" the two maids bowed, displaying a slight smile. After all, Sakura was in the lord's chamber, which intrigued them.
"What can I do for you?" Sakura asked, now fully awake.
"We are here to prepare you for the day," Amaya replied gently, avoiding waking the lord who was probably still asleep.
"Why?" Sakura questioned.
"Let's say yesterday's makeup has faded a bit overnight," Hana said timidly, hinting at a possible night shared with Madara.
"Hana-san!" Sakura protested in a low voice, understanding the implication. She glanced back and saw Madara still lying down. "I'll be back in a moment."
"Take your time," said Madara, who was slowly waking up as well.
Sakura closed the door behind her, feeling embarrassed, then let herself be led by Hana and Amaya into the adjacent room, which was supposed to be her chamber.
"So!" exclaimed the blonde a bit too loudly, which further embarrassed Sakura.
"So what?" Sakura asked as Amaya led her to the dressing table.
"Did his lord make his declaration after the meal?" Hana asked, receiving a reproachful look from Amaya.
"Hana! It's rude to ask that!"
"Oh! Don't worry, Amaya-san, it doesn't bother me," Sakura quickly intervened, eager not to see Hana punished for her curiosity. "No, my lord did not declare anything to me, and as I said yesterday, there is nothing between us."
"Yet, you spent the night with him," Hana retorted, taking a glove to dip it into a container filled with water.
"Yes," Sakura murmured as the blonde carefully wiped her face with a damp glove. She gently removed traces of yesterday's makeup, particularly where it had been altered by contact with Madara's chest. "But mostly, it's because it's easier for me to protect him by staying by his side."
"My lord doesn't seem like the type to need protection," Amaya countered as she untangled Sakura's hair.
"I am not just a warrior, Amaya-san, I am also a doctor," Sakura added, looking at the brunette through the mirror.
"A doctor? That's rare," commented Amaya, who had never met a doctor but had heard of them. Individuals capable of healing wounds with ointments and other remedies.
"Yes, my lord was injured, and it is my duty to watch over him…"
"In any case, madam was radiant last night and certainly made an impression," commented Amaya, diving back into memories of the previous evening.
"It's thanks to you, ladies… once again, I am grateful to you," expressed Sakura as Hana finished removing her makeup.
"Sakura-sama, I dare ask you a delicate question."
"Please, Hana-san, don't hesitate," encouraged Sakura.
"What are your feelings towards the man you spent the night with?"
"I... I…" Sakura attempted in vain. She struggled with her own emotions, unsure of what she felt for the man in the other room. She could have said she hated him, considering him a bloodthirsty killer and a psychopath. But lying like that would be a betrayal of herself because it wasn't the man she had come to know. Every passing day, the hatred she harbored for him faded bit by bit, until she saw less of him as the trigger of the Fourth Great Shinobi War than the human being in search of redemption, with his own values, dreams, and a destiny of his own. He just needed guidance. "I... I don't know, Hana-san," she finally admitted.
"Do you have feelings for him?" Hana pressed on.
Feelings for him? Sakura felt bewildered. She had thought she knew love all her life, but in the light of her recent experiences and the teachings she had received, she wasn't even sure if that had been real love.
"What is love, Hana-san?" Sakura asked in return.
"Love? It's when your stomach is filled with butterflies at the sight of your loved one, it's when a blissful smile spreads across your lips at the mere thought of him. It's when you can't stop thinking about him and his well-being," explained Hana before being interrupted.
"I think she gets it, Hana-chan," Amaya intervened, seeing that if she didn't, Hana would continue for a while.
"But oh! You cheeky Hana," which triggered a genuine burst of laughter from Sakura. Being among women and sharing this moment of laughter gave her an indescribable sense of well-being.
"I felt that once, Hana-san... but towards my lord... I'm not sure," Sakura admitted, finally able to open her heart to someone who wouldn't judge her.
"Why didn't it work out?" the blonde asked, and immediately Sakura instinctively placed her hand on her heart, the place where Sasuke had stabbed her with his Rinnegan.
"He... let's just say he played with my emotions," Sakura murmured, lowering her eyes. "I think that's why I have trouble loving again... and why I feel lost."
"I'm sorry, Sakura-sama," Hana said, taking Sakura's hands in hers. "I'm convinced that one day, you will find a man who will make your heart beat and bring you happiness."
"We'll see," Sakura replied with a slight smile.
The young woman straightened up, removing her pajamas. Her clothes from the previous day were neatly laid out near the weapon rack. Heading towards her bed to put away her pajamas, Sakura caught the questioning gaze of the two servants when she summoned a new outfit in a veil of smoke.
"Magic!" exclaimed Amaya, impressed.
"Fuinjutsu, Amaya-san," Sakura corrected as she took her time getting dressed. "The seals on my forearms allow me to keep various items at hand."
"What exactly is Fuinjutsu?" Hana asked, showing genuine interest and curiosity sharpened by what she had just seen.
"It's a shinobi art," explained Sakura, aware that this art was highly confidential in the Sengoku era.
"Can everyone do it?" the blonde asked as Sakura headed to the stand to retrieve her katana and fix it to her back.
"Yes and no, it's a bit more complex than that," Sakura replied before sealing all her belongings into one of her seals. Once everything was in place, she turned to the two servants. "Once again, thank you for everything, girls."
"Sakura-sama... may I hug you?" Hana asked timidly.
Sakura responded to her request with a wide smile as she hugged her.
"I'll miss you both," Sakura admitted, squeezing the blonde. "I know we didn't talk much, but I really enjoyed every moment spent with you."
"That's what friends do," declared Hana with a radiant smile.
"Friends?" Sakura repeated dumbly, having never really had friends besides Hitomi.
"Absolutely!" confirmed the blonde, stepping aside to let Amaya speak.
"It was an honor to serve you, Madame," bowed the brunette, more reserved.
"The pleasure is mine, Amaya-san," smiled Sakura as she headed for the door. "Take care of yourselves."
With a light heart, Sakura left the room. She felt like she might have gained two new friends in the capital of Ta No Kuni. Opening the second door, she saw Madara dressing in his combat attire. He seemed to be having some difficulty putting on the top of his kimono due to his partially disabled left arm.
"Let me help you," Sakura quickly offered, approaching.
After assisting Madara in putting on his kimono and attaching his two swords to his belt, they headed to the council chamber. During the journey, Sakura wondered what Madara might be thinking. He didn't seem affected at all by the previous night, acting as if nothing had happened... or perhaps he was just more adept than her at hiding his emotions.
"My lords," announced one of the two guards in front of the large wooden door. "Your weapons, please."
Following protocol, they handed over their weapons before entering to meet the Daimyo. He was having breakfast with Suzuki and Rômaji. The three men seemed to be early risers despite the lively evening they had spent.
"Daimyo-dono, Rômaji-sama, Suzuki-san," recited Madara, bowing slightly.
"Ah! Uchiha-dono," greeted Hashuba for the three of them. "Did you both have a pleasant night?"
"Restful," replied Madara before sitting at the table next to Sakura.
"Perfect," replied Hashuba before picking up a piece of fruit. Plates were already set out on the table, allowing Madara and Sakura to help themselves to fresh fruit for breakfast.
"Daimyo-dono, is the person in charge of Fuinjutsu at your court competent?" Sakura asked calmly, grabbing a grape. They were exquisitely fresh, ripe, and their explosion of sweet flavors delighted her palate.
"He masters the basics," replied Rômaji, sipping his tea and scanning a scroll of parchment. At this affirmation, Sakura made a quick hand gesture, activating one of her seals, which made two scrolls appear in a whirlwind of smoke.
"This scroll, Rômaji-sama, is fire and water resistant. I advise you to store a considerable supply of provisions inside. However, be sure to keep it under surveillance to prevent any risk of theft. In addition, this is an example that he can reproduce to allow you to send postal packages," Sakura explained confidently.
"Postal packages?" Rômaji was surprised, suddenly intrigued, looking up from his reading.
"Yes, in case you need to send items, you can seal them in this scroll, then entrust them to a carrier pigeon. If the Daimyo-dono ever has to pay tribute to preserve his neutrality, this will ensure the safety of their transport," Sakura explained, under the impressed gaze of the council members and the Daimyo.
"I am grateful to you," said Rômaji, as Sakura pushed the two scrolls towards the old man. "Chests have been brought this morning for you to fill them, Sakura-dono."
"Perfect," declared Sakura confidently, then rose smoothly to the chests lined up against the wall. There were ten of them, imposing enough to require the combined strength of four men to move them once filled. Under the scrutinizing gaze of the four guards and the four seated guests, Sakura began pouring a stream of silver into the first chest.
She skillfully adjusted her sealing seal to ensure a fast flow, thus minimizing any loss of time. The characteristic tinkling of silver coins clashing filled the room, offering both an impressive sight and a palpable threat. Because money had the power to corrupt, especially in large quantities. Men had gone mad to obtain more wealth, going so far as to commit irreparable acts to seize the property of others.
After about thirty minutes, Sakura finished filling the chests, thus offering the nation of Ta No Kuni unprecedented prosperity. However, this opulence had not exhausted Sakura's reserves, for in the nearly hundred years that had passed, the elemental nations had seen their wealth grow exponentially. Sakura then turned to the Daimyo, extending her hand to him with a solemnity tinged with respect.
"Your ring, please, Daimyo-dono," Sakura requested.
The Daimyo fixed Sakura with a brief gaze before turning his gaze to Madara, who gave him a slight nod, thus signifying his trust. With a solemnity tinged with a slight apprehension, he then removed his ring, one of his most precious possessions, and handed it to this enigmatic woman. Without this ring, he felt dispossessed, for it was the ultimate symbol of his status in this complex and ruthless world.
Sakura made an unknown parchment appear, which she unfurled with remarkable ease on the floor. The Fuinjutsu seal on it was impressively complex, with a large circle reigning in the center. With palpable concentration, she placed the ring at the heart of this circle before beginning a series of esoteric gestures.
"Fuinjutsu: Shïringukï," she recited confidently, as the symbols on the parchment dissolved, absorbed by the ring. Then, with a fluid and precise motion, she turned to the chests, inscribing a Kanji on each of them.
Once the ten characters were traced, Sakura slipped the ring onto one of her fingers. With a determined movement, she clenched her fist, the seal of the ring aligned with that of one of the chests, while her other hand adopted the ram mudra posture.
"Fuin!" Sakura murmured, gracefully activating the Fuinjutsu on the first chest. Immediately, an invisible chakra embrace bound the ring to the chest, sealing their union. Henceforth, no one could venture to open these chests without possessing the sacred ring of the Daimyo. With methodical precision, Sakura repeated the ritual for the nine other chests, then approached the Daimyo, the rightful bearer of the ring. As she returned his property to him, she inclined her head slightly towards Hashuba, whispering in his ear.
"The chests can only be opened in the presence of your ring, Daimyo-dono."
This declaration caught Hashuba off guard, leaving him speechless. He had not expected such a performance. This woman was becoming more and more astonishing, and he was beginning to understand why Madara held her in such high esteem.
"Well," he finally replied, his curiosity piqued.
"Daimyo-dono, may I offer you an additional gift, a gesture that could one day save your life?" Sakura asked with calculated solemnity.
"What kind of gift?" Hashuba inquired, reluctantly acknowledging that the young woman was undeniably competent in her field.
"I would like to place a Fuinjutsu seal on your skin," Sakura announced.
"For what purpose?" Hashuba asked, intrigued. Sakura then approached his ear, murmuring her words with quiet assurance so that only he could hear them.
"It could save you from death..."
"Go ahead," the Daimyo agreed as the young woman conjured ink and a brush. The Daimyo rolled up the sleeve opposite to his ring, offering his forearm to the artist. Sakura seized the brush with expert precision, tracing symbols and curves on his skin in a complex ritual, more difficult than calligraphy on parchment.
In a captivated silence, the spectators watched every move of the young woman. Even Madara, accustomed to keeping his composure in all circumstances, could not help but be intrigued. They had never discussed this practice before, but he trusted her. He appreciated the flair and determination she demonstrated.
After thirty minutes of intense concentration, Sakura stepped back slightly to examine her work. A satisfied smile spread across her face, lighting up her determined features. She met the Daimyo's gaze with assurance and declared in a clear voice:
"Get ready, it may sting a bit, but it's necessary to ensure its durability over time."
The Daimyo nodded determinedly, prepared to endure the discomfort.
"Fuin!" she sealed, activating her Medical Ninjutsu. The complex patterns on his forearm began to animate, absorbing Sakura's healing chakra. An initial tingling sensation quickly gave way to increasing pain, which the Daimyo stoically accepted, gritting his teeth as the ink penetrated his skin like an evolving tattoo.
Sakura had adapted her technique for the Daimyo, different from the one she used for Madara. The temporary seals she inscribed on the Uchiha were not to interfere with the Tenketsu she was simultaneously repairing.
Five minutes of silent concentration later, Sakura judged her work sufficiently completed.
"Is it finished?" asked the Daimyo, breaking the silence that had settled.
"Yes, on the day you find yourself in a situation where you should die, the seal I drew will act," whispered Sakura before getting up to return to sit near Madara and finish her breakfast.
"One last piece of advice, Daimyo-dono," began Madara, finishing a pear. "Always aim higher. Never underestimate the magnitude of your endeavors. When you plan something, always aim bigger than your initial projections."
"I will keep your words in mind, Uchiha-dono," Hashuba replied before breakfast continued in respectful silence.
A few hours later, Madara and Sakura were walking outside the capital. Cautious, they had chosen to follow the main road on foot, keeping a vigilant eye out for any form of surveillance. When they were convinced they weren't being followed, they opted for the Shinobi method: moving with chakra.
"Be frugal with your chakra, Madara-san. Use just enough for the impulse. I prefer to take our time rather than risk injuring your legs," Sakura ordered.
"Understood," replied the brun soberly, skillfully channeling chakra into his limbs, concentrating particularly on the soles of his feet. In an instant, the two ninjas disappeared from the road. Their rapid and silent movement would allow them to cover in one day what would normally take five days. A ninja method, albeit of low level.
"Madara-san, now that we're out of the capital," Sakura began, carefully watching her companion's reactions. "What do you think of the Daimyo and the council members?"
The brun jumped from tree to tree, pondering the question. "The Daimyo will keep his promises. He has suffered considerable losses to get where he is, and his desire for peace seems genuine. Rômaji, on the other hand, harbors the most suspicion towards me."
"Seriously?" Sakura exclaimed.
"His mistrust is understandable. His age and experience have certainly seen him through numerous political intrigues, rebellions, and betrayals. He cannot be blamed for remaining on guard, even after the blood seal I made," justified the dark-haired man.
"He would indeed have made an excellent Shinobi," conceded Sakura.
"Because he's paranoid? I completely agree with you, Sakura-san. I doubt he will stab us in the back. The risks for him are far too high," Madara reflected as he traversed a treeless valley, channeling chakra into his legs to avoid injury during his swift run.
"What makes you so sure he won't betray us?" Sakura asked.
"He's old. Few people reach his age. Of course, old wolves can still bite, but an old wolf like him is generally loyal to his pack. So he will remain loyal to his Daimyo," explained Madara.
"If we keep our commitments, he will do the same," Sakura concluded after assimilating Madara's arguments.
"Exactly. He is also a valuable asset to the Daimyo. From what I understand, he has extensive networks in Ta No Kuni and beyond, although I had never heard of him before," he added.
"Some people have an innate talent for being discreet," commented Sakura, thinking of herself and her mother, although it was a half-lie, as they did not exist in this era before her time travel.
"Your strategy for Taisho Nakamura was impeccable in ensuring his total loyalty. Nothing like the promise of ever greater retribution for a man greedy for wealth," remarked Madara, acknowledging the effectiveness of Sakura's tactic.
"And what do you think of Riku Koyabashi?" she asked as they approached a cliff. Speeding up slightly, Sakura took Madara in her arms just before jumping off the edge. The twenty-meter fall was brief, Sakura cushioning the impact with her chakra, forming a crater upon landing before releasing Madara and continuing on their way.
"Riku has already proven his loyalty to the Daimyo by choosing Hashuba during the Muromachi wars," explained Madara as he agilely leapt from tree to tree. "As for Tsubasa... it's more complicated."
"Why?" Sakura asked, aware that traitors could lurk anywhere, especially where they were least expected.
"He's just a farmer who managed to rise to the heights of business," replied Madara. "I don't know if he could be a problem. Simple people can sometimes reveal unexpected surprises."
"You're right. You can never really know people," Sakura agreed, knowing that this statement also applied to herself. Despite months spent together, from morning to night, she remained a mystery to him. Her secrets and blurry past kept her in an aura of mystery in Madara's eyes.
"To be watched."
"As for Daiki... he is young but seems loyal to his father."
Sakura found nothing to argue with, and she felt no need to. Hours passed in silence, dusk approaching as they finally made their way home.
Once home, Sakura began preparing dinner while Madara lit candles in the main room, moving with a grace acquired over time spent in this dwelling.
As Sakura set up her equipment to prepare dinner, Madara sat down at the central table in the kitchen. It was a habit he had developed recently, enjoying spending time with this woman, even when she was absorbed in culinary tasks.
"When do you think we can start real training?" asked Madara as Sakura added rice to the simmering water.
"Shinobi training?" Sakura confirmed, making sure she understood the brun's intentions.
"Yes."
"Did you suffer during the journey?" Sakura asked as she cleaned a fish.
"No, I think you spared me the only moment I could have been injured," replied Madara, remembering the cliff where Sakura had supported him. The sensation of weakness disgusted him to the highest degree.
"Probably in about two weeks, I hope to be able to have you practice chakra exercises," Sakura replied, eliciting a slight smile from Madara.
"Who taught you Fuinjutsu?" Madara asked, observing Sakura use this technique daily, whether for medicine, transportation, or even in cooking.
"My mother taught me Medical Fuinjutsu, but for the rest, I had to figure it out on my own," Sakura admitted proudly.
Thanks to her intelligence, she had managed to apprehend Fuinjutsu in a way that few could claim. Only the Uzumaki or Minato Namikaze were perhaps above her, but only because of their virtuosity. With time, Sakura knew she would become a recognized expert in this art.
"Are you sure your mother wasn't related to the Uzumaki for you to have this affinity with Fuinjutsu?"
After all, it was well known that Fuinjutsu was like a second nature to the Uzumaki.
"I'm convinced."
So who was this woman, after all?