Chapter 18: Preparation is Vital
Sakura awoke alone in an unfamiliar apartment, but as she recognized Genma's bed, a wave of nostalgia washed over her. She turned to see Ino lying nearby, and tears pricked at her eyes. If things go as they did last time… Ino might not survive the forest. Her heart ached; she knew her loved ones were at risk, and she had assumed they'd be safe for a while longer. But the piper had come to call, and it might be Ino who had to pay the price.
Determined, Sakura removed one of the beads from her hair and replaced it with one that Ino usually wore. She gently placed her own weapon bead into Ino's hair before leaving the room. In the living area, Genma sat on the couch, a steaming cup of tea in hand, gesturing for her to sit.
"What made Morino bring you home like that last night?" Genma asked, his tone firm.
"Hokage-sama and I had a disagreement," Sakura replied, her voice hoarse from the emotional turmoil. "I was hysterical about how much work I'd put into a plan he'd asked for. I wasn't even supposed to be in the exams, but with all the rookie teams nominated… they're not ready. I won't always be there to look after them, Genma."
Genma studied her carefully. "Did you two almost come to blows or was it just words?"
"Just words," she said quietly, "but…"
Sakura looked him dead in the eye, her fear and anger barely contained. "But I considered it." She tugged at her hair, frustration spilling out. "I didn't work my ass off all these years to surpass my peers, only for Hokage-sama to risk their lives when they've barely had six months of training!"
Genma nodded, understanding the depth of her frustration. "You wanted to protect them until they could defend themselves. You're not invincible; you're stretched thin across twelve responsibilities. You dedicated your life to protecting your precious people, and this plan was meant to do just that." She gestured toward the tower, aware that the Hokage would be watching through his surveillance orbs.
"He agreed to this plan after years of planning, waiting, and training! Now he's flipped everything with one decision, and my friends might end up DEAD because of it. Am I pissed?" Her green eyes blazed with fury. "Oh hell, YES! I'M PISSED!"
Genma stood up suddenly. "I'm sorry you're scared, and I'm sorry that everything you worked for feels like it's falling apart. But, Sakura, if there's one thing I know…" He turned to her, his sincerity clear. "It's that he always has a backup plan. Even if you can't see it yet, I promise you it's there!"
Sakura closed her eyes, taking a deep breath. "Genma, if his plan doesn't align with mine… I might not be here when the dust settles."
He understood her implication. Genma had always known there was more to his little sister than met the eye. She was mature, hardened in spirit, while her body still appeared fragile. People didn't get eyes like hers without reason; whatever twist of fate had brought her into his life, he thanked them every day. If she left, he would stay vigilant, keeping her safe from within.
"If that's true, that's okay… no matter what, Sakura. You will always be my little sister. No matter where you go, what you do, or how long you're gone, I will be here when you come back." Genma vowed, embracing her tightly. He made a mental note to gather supplies and save extra cash for her when the time came, knowing that no one else could know—especially not her peers. They wouldn't understand the sacrifices she was making for their futures.
Sakura hugged her brother tightly, wishing she was wrong, yet deep down, she knew she wasn't. The sadness Hashirama felt confirmed her fears. She would have to leave her home to protect it. Now I understand a fraction of what Itachi felt in the last lifetime.
"I love you, big brother!" Sakura said tearfully as she clung to him, aware that these exams would likely change everything. She had much to do: clothes to buy and pack, money to seal, weapons and medical supplies to gather, maps, and a few books and scrolls. There was no way she could accomplish it all quickly enough.
Stepping back, she nodded, then headed for the door to begin her preparations for the long journey ahead. When she reached her usual supplier, Ichi, the old man looked surprised by the massive quantity of tools, sharpeners, medical supplies, and weapons piled high.
"Big plans, Sakura?" he asked.
"Hello, Ichi-san! My team was nominated for the Chunin exams. I can't be too paranoid, right? Where can I find food that doesn't require cooking, something other than ration bars? I need it for the wild," she replied.
Ichi chuckled, "I gotcha. Head two doors down; they have all sorts of food like jerky that'll help ya."
Sakura bowed, gathering her purchases and sealing them. "Thank you, Ichi-san!" She dashed off before anyone else could stop her, making her way to the food store to repeat the process.
The lady at the shop, a cousin of Chouji, looked concerned. "Sakura-chan, is everything alright?"
Sakura blushed, trying to downplay her urgency. "I just want to be prepared for the exams, that's all."
Mai relaxed at her response. "Nominated already? That was fast! I'll tell Uncle Chouza to have Chouji and Shikamaru come grab some too. You've got a lot, but the boys should pull their weight too."
"I appreciate your help, Mai-san. Thank you!" Sakura replied, feeling increasingly frustrated by how many people were questioning her supply run. Now, to the clothing and armory store. She bolted three blocks away, passing Shikamaru and his father, who paused as she rushed by.
"Wasn't that your teammate, son? Where's she off to in such a hurry?" Shikaku asked.
Shikamaru sighed. "She seems freaked out by our early nomination into the exams. She's probably in preparation overdrive."
Shikaku glanced at his son, serious. "Son, the exam starts tomorrow. Have you resupplied yet?"
Shikamaru looked up, annoyance creeping into his voice. "No… it's troublesome."
Shikaku grabbed him by the scruff of his neck, shaking his head. "There's a time and place for that attitude, and right before an exam that could kill you if you're not prepared isn't it. If your mother had heard you, she would've knocked you one. Your teammate has the right idea."
Grumbling, Shikamaru ambled into the supply shops, greeted pleasantly by the shopkeepers. Following Sakura's lead, Shikaku decided to take his son to the armory before heading to their clan weaponsmith. As they entered the shop, they were surprised to find Sakura engrossed in a large catalog for custom orders, rather than browsing the colorful clothing on the shelves.
"Not finding anything to your taste, kid?" Shikaku asked.
Sakura looked up, surprised. "Oh… no, what I want is too specific, and I'll probably have to order it. It's a pain. I need elemental resistance armor that can be worn over my weights and clothing without being obvious. Something to protect me from the ninjutsu I can't counter yet. My hair is enough of a target as it is. Dyes don't work, and I don't have the time or energy for constant genjutsu. I don't need silly clothes drawing even more attention."
Shikamaru interjected, "My cousin's an armor crafter. He might be able to help you get what you need before tomorrow."
Sakura raised an eyebrow. "You sure? I don't want to impose."
Shikaku nodded, "He's right. You'll get what you need now, and your order from here can be sent wherever you want later."
Sakura hesitated before bowing. "Thank you, Nara-sama, Shikamaru."
Shikamaru playfully cuffed her on the head. "We're teammates. We help each other; it's what we do."
Sakura managed a pained smile. I hope you still feel that way when this is over. She sensed that Shikaku would notice her sadness, but she couldn't hide her worries.
Shikaku observed the pain in her expression and recalled a similar look on the Hokage's face. Looks like I need to ask Hokage a few questions.
Sakura followed the two males back to the Nara compound, where they were greeted by the strong woman known as Yoshino Nara. Her eyes narrowed at first until she saw the insignia on their bags and recognized her son's teammate. "Oh, Sakura-chan! Do you and Shikamaru have another mission?"
Sakura sighed, "We were nominated for the exams. I just want to be prepared is all." She steadied her heart and looked up kindly at Mrs. Nara. "I hope I didn't make them late for anything important."
Yoshino beamed at Sakura, her son's teammate, "Of course not, dear! Thank you for looking out for my son."
Sakura glanced at Shikaku, curiosity dancing in her eyes, but he merely shrugged with a playful smirk. "What can I say? She likes you."
Sakura giggled at Shikamaru's exasperated groans as he and Shikaku guided her toward his cousin's workshop.
Shikato, a friendly older man who seemed to be around Genma's age, smiled warmly, intrigued by the presence of Shikaku and his heir. "Shikaku-sama, how can I assist you today?"
Shikaku replied, "Do you still have that extra elemental-proof armor?"
Shikato nodded, his curiosity piqued. "Sure do! I was about to scrap it. What do you need?"
Shikaku gestured toward Sakura, "She has a request."
Shikato grinned, his eyes twinkling. "How can I help a pretty girl like you?" Sakura felt a blush creep across her cheeks, unused to such compliments, even in her previous life.
"Um, I was hoping to get some armor that blends in with my clothing. Shikamaru, our teammate Chouji, and I were nominated for the Chunin Exams. I need protection against elemental jutsu, especially since I don't have a way to counter them." She bowed slightly, her face still warm. "Can you help me, Nara-san, please?"
Shikato chuckled, delighted to fluster his cousin's cute friend. "I think we can manage that, especially since you said please! Do you want a clan insignia on it?"
Sakura's eyes widened as she responded earnestly, "No! I don't need a clan marking. Just your help is more than enough."
Shikato appeared surprised. "Really? Most civilian-born shinobi have some clan mark on their gear."
Sakura smiled softly. "I love my family too much to put them at risk. If I make an enemy during the exams, I don't want them to target my civilian parents, Nara-san." Her smile turned fragile. "It's better not to add to their worries."
Shikamaru nodded thoughtfully. "I never considered that. It's not safe for civilian-born shinobi to display family marks until they're strong enough to deter enemies."
Sakura's expression turned somber. "Exactly. We have to be cautious. Clans like yours have strong alliances and great numbers, but most overlook civilian families. They often forget that our challenges are just as significant, even if they're different."
Feeling a wave of gratitude, Sakura bowed again. "I apologize if I seem panicked. I just worry about my parents. They're traveling merchants, and if I make enemies, they could be caught in the crossfire. I want to protect them as best I can."
Shikato smiled kindly. "I can measure you. Just stand right here. And no poking!" His lighthearted joke helped ease the tension, drawing smiles from Sakura and Shikamaru. He carefully measured her arms, legs, height, waist, hips, calves, neck, and bust. "Alright, I've got everything I need. I'll have it ready, and Shikamaru can bring it to you tomorrow, okay?"
Sakura bowed once more, her heart swelling with gratitude. "Thank you so much, Nara-san!" Turning to Shikamaru and his father, she added, "Thank you both! I'll see you in the morning, Shikamaru. Please make sure to eat well and get to bed early. I know how much you hate losing sleep."
Shikaku chuckled as they waved goodbye to Sakura. "She knows you well enough. I wish your mother was that easygoing, but she wouldn't be herself if she were."
Shikamaru scoffed, "Whipped."
Shikaku laughed, "One day, son, you'll find yourself in the same boat. Just wait until it sneaks up on you."
Shikamaru's only response was a dismissive, "Doubt it."
Little did he know that just a few days later, he would unknowingly meet his match. The exams would begin in the morning, demanding much from the youth of Konoha, even if most remained unaware of the true stakes. Both Teams 7 and 10 were determined to prepare, especially given Sakura's visible anxiety at the restaurant. None were more vigilant than Sakura herself.
As night fell, Sakura sealed all her new belongings securely on her person, her storage seals hidden beneath her clothing for extra protection. But before she could rest, she needed to write letters in case her worst fears came to pass, forcing her to leave for her mission. They deserved at least this much from her, even if she couldn't share everything. They needed to understand that her departure was for their future, and no matter where she was or what she faced, they would always remain in her thoughts.
