Chapter 36: A Meeting Across Worlds
Sakura settled into a cross-legged position beneath the ancient tree, its leaves whispering secrets in the evening breeze. She had just sent an icy phoenix—a shimmering creature of frost and light—to deliver her request to the living Kisame for a meeting. Now, she entered a deep meditation, seeking to connect with the version of him that existed beyond life.
As she focused her chakra, the air around her grew cold, the temperature dropping as her spirit sought its counterpart in the afterlife. She visualized the icy phoenix soaring through the cosmos, carrying her message across the veil between worlds. A moment later, a familiar figure materialized before her: the dead Kisame, his demeanor calm yet tinged with the shadows of his past.
"Sakura," he greeted, his voice low and resonant, echoing like the waves of the ocean. "I felt your call."
She opened her eyes, finding solace in the sight of him. "I'm glad you're here. I wanted to speak to you about what's been happening—what I need to do now."
Kisame regarded her with those piercing blue eyes, the weight of their shared history hanging heavy in the air. "You've returned to change the course of history. I've watched you grow from afar. You've become quite formidable."
"Thank you," she said, a bittersweet smile crossing her face. "But I need to tell you the truth about why I'm here. I've come to change the future—to save lives, including yours."
His brow furrowed, a flicker of interest sparking within him. "You mean to alter my path?"
"Yes," she replied, her voice steady. "I know what you went through, and I know the choices you made. You don't have to be trapped by that anymore. There's still a chance for you to find a different way."
Kisame's expression softened for a moment, a mixture of longing and sadness reflected in his gaze. "It's strange, Sakura. I've always walked the line between duty and my own desires. I want to believe in your vision, but it feels like a distant dream."
"I know it's hard to see beyond the shadows of the past, but I believe in you," she urged, her heart swelling with hope. "You have the strength to change. You've always had it."
He studied her intently, the silence between them stretching, laden with unspoken words. "The living me will have to make choices you can't foresee. Are you prepared for that?"
"I am," she replied, unwavering. "Whatever the outcome, I'll support you. I'm willing to face whatever comes next because I believe in our friendship."
As the warmth of their shared moment enveloped them, Kisame's form began to shimmer, the ethereal light of the afterlife pulling him away. "Sakura," he said, his voice growing faint. "No matter what happens, remember that you have the power to forge your own destiny. I'll be with you, even if not in the way you hope."
"Goodbye, Kisame," she whispered, her heart aching as he faded from view. The lingering warmth of their connection remained, a flicker of light against the darkness that often threatened to engulf her.
As the remnants of his presence dissipated, Hashirama and Tobirama stepped into view, their spirits radiating strength and support. "You are stronger than you realize, Sakura," Hashirama said, his gentle voice resonating with encouragement. "Your ability to forge connections transcends even death."
Tobirama nodded, a rare softness in his expression. "You've taken on a heavy burden, but you're not alone in this. We are here to support you."
Sakura offered them a grateful smile, feeling their energy bolstering her resolve. "Thank you. I know I need to prepare for Kisame's arrival. I have a lot to discuss with him."
"Trust in yourself," Hashirama advised, his presence enveloping her like a warm embrace. "You have the wisdom of your experiences to guide you."
With their encouragement still resonating in her heart, Sakura broke her meditation. She took a moment to gather her belongings, setting up a small camp beneath the tree that had witnessed so much in her life. The sky darkened, stars twinkling like distant beacons, each one a reminder of her mission.
Sakura built a small fire, its flickering flames casting dancing shadows around her. As she sat beside it, she let her mind drift back to her time with Kisame, the bond they had forged through struggle and understanding. She knew the path ahead would be difficult, but the support of her mentors and the hope of changing Kisame's fate fueled her determination.
As the night deepened, she prepared herself for the living Kisame's arrival, ready to embrace whatever the future held. With the stars shining overhead and the warmth of the fire at her side, Sakura felt a sense of peace, knowing she was on the right path.
