Chapter 10

Sakura found herself less lost by the minute. Madara had walked with her and told her what she needed to know. The limits of the camp; the places she should not venture to; to stay in the near vicinity of his own tent.

That one was a little confusing.

But she felt calm, even as those watchful eyes fell on both of them. He did not show any dislike, a few nods of respect would be directed to him by men and women wearing similar clothing to his. Even if the respect faded as they glanced at her.

The others who dressed in other colours and had slightly different features just looked elsewhere whenever he would turn to them. Usually right after they glanced at her.

She really stood out like a sore thumb…

Sadly, her hand lost the grip on his sleeve as he was fetched by another man who looked like a younger version of himself. - "I'll be back. Stay here." - he told her with a heavy sigh.

So, she did.

The pinket stood there, staring at anything and everything over and over. Unable to keep her mind quiet, when she thought about one thing, her mind jumped to the next. Questions floating everywhere and anywhere over and over.

What time of day was it? What season?

Trivial things for trivial matters for normal people. But she started to realise how not normal she felt.

We all need a sense of normalcy to connect us to anything in this world, whether or not we like the word "normal" or we don't.

it helps to understand whatever is going on is normal, it has happened before, you aren't alone in this.

But she was. Why?

She could not answer, just feel it.

Other than that, everything was another day in the world of these men and woman around her. They all worked in sync as some packed, unpacked and moved around camp; others arranged and took care of weapons and supplies; and then there was those on guard.

For what? Or for whom?

To keep her safe or to keep her in?

More questions she could not answer… but her stomach did answer one question for her. The rumble in her stomach echoed around her as it caught the attention of some clansmen.

After a few seconds, and a few narrowed stared. They all seemed to notice she was not growling… she was just hungry.

- "When was the las time you ate?" - turning to the approaching voice, the pinket felt more frustrated with the fact she could not answer another question, time was slipping from her hands as she had no way to tell…

A few hours?

Minutes?

Her eyes could not meet the taller woman who approached her. Only answering with a shrug.

Her clothing was similar to hers, those same embroidered long sleeves with a high collar. Armour of leather and metal blending in with the dark brown of the shirt and trousers. Her boots gave her more protection than the small sandals the pinket sported for the time being.

- "Do you even talk?" - the annoyed woman huffed in frustration, surprising the pinket with her tone. Had she insulted the woman? - "Do I have to fetch someone higher in rank for you to speak?" -

The pinket blinked her surprise away and shook her head in denial. - "No, I-" -

Brown eyes rolled in annoyance as she brushed her long brown braid behind her shoulder. - "Save it." - her chin jerked to the side. - "Get on the queue over there and full that noisy stomach of yours." - with that, her heels turned and the pinket was left dumbfounded.

What was that?

A couple of eyes landed on her as she nervously searched for a comforting and familiar face.

Familiar?

She knew some names, noticed the clothing styles and colours from each clan and gender. The facial structures and similarities from each group as much as the way the all act when she is near.

No smiles. No warmth.

Nothing other than suspicion and something else that cause a tinge of guilt to build in the bottom of her stomach.

Was she, their problem?

Whatever reason they had all build tents and worked in this small area was still a mystery to her. The pinket suddenly lost her appetite.

Fear chilled her arms and legs as her mind finally concentrated on that one very important question.

Was she really safe?

They said she was; they said she would be protected; not judged. But those are just words she could not compare to anything else for the simple fact that she did not know anyone.

If she said the wrong thing, how would they act? When she made a bad move, what would they do? She knew as mush of herself as she knew from them. Other than those who showed some level of kindness or whatever the tall dark haired Madara tried on her to get information from her.

Information she also wanted.

One thing she did know was an obvious answer that circled around her like the wind. They were all strong, trained and capable for battle.

The steel and leather they wore and used told her they had been tested on their abilities more than once, those dents on the metal and the wear and tear from their equipment. Even if they took good care of those weapons and armour, you can't erase the scars left behind.

Likewise, their own bodies had muscles, calloused hands and a variety of scars from thin lines to harsher looking markings some had covered with blank ink.

Compared to them, the pinket looked like a little flower with soft petals that can be torn by a strong gush of wind at any moment.

So vulnerable.

The realisation of her predicament has her beathing in short pants that sent chills down her body.

"Breathe" she told herself. "Just breath." Sakura took one deep and shaky beath. "They are watching you." Held that precious air for a few seconds. "Don't let them see." She exhaled.

"You will remember something… anything!" her mind yelled.

- "Sakura?" -

"They can hurt you if they wanted to."

- "Hey, Sakura?" -

"Don't let them get close."

- "Are you ok?" - the brush on a hand over her shoulder stole a gasp and a jump from her. - "Whoa, hey. It's me." - the pinket turned a little too fast as the world started to spin.

Did she forget how to breath?

Maybe.

But that hand holds her steady on her feet as she took the person in. - "Hashirama?" - she almost squeaked.

That familiar tall man smiled brightly at her. - "You remember my name!" - hey eyes drifted to those dimple that marked his face, emphasizing his smile.

This man was born smiling, apparently.

Her meek nod had his smile falter for just a second, but she noticed. Even as her mind finally stopped screaming at her and the world no longer felt so suffocating.

That smile grew even larger as his eyes crinkled with emotion. - "You must be famed. Come." - he took her hand.

He took her hand!

When was the last time someone held her hand?

With care, he pulled her towards an open tent with a delicious smell. From above she could spot the few puffs of smoke from the fire. They managed to keep their tracks as unnoticeable as possible.

Even as they walked, there seemed to be absolutely no footprints or markings on the ground other than the few rocks scattered, patches of grass and dirt.

With how thick and lush the forest seemed at the edges of the small clearing, no one would be able to see them unless they got too close.

Sakura had a feeling that anyone who would get anywhere near the camp would be taken care of.

Another chill shook her body.

Her smaller body.

The clash of physical differences between her and these clansmen was so obvious.

Another reason to keep her guard up. How would she do that? Act normal? … but what is normal!?

- "Sakura." - the brunette stated with enthusiasm as he pulled two bowls with steamy content. - "Soup?" - he lifted one hand to her. It smelled good. - "Or… meat?" - his other hand showed a bowl with chopped lean meat that also smelled good.

Hesitation took over her.

What was in it?

Glancing her unsure green gaze at the taller man, she just blinked. - "What's in it?" - her whisper was low and controlled.

Those brown eyebrows arched to his forehead. - "Oh." - he stared at both bowls with the same question. He had no idea. He just ate whatever he was given most of the time or get something himself. He did have reasons to trust the people in this camp. - "Maybe rabbit?" -

the pinket scrambled her mind, had she seen a rabbit before? Surely, she has…. Right?

- "And… potatoes?" - he asked the bowl of soup. The steam and scent were the only answer he got. - "Uh…" - for once, the man was speechless.

- "Here." - another voice approached her. Turning to face that tall silver-haired man with sharp eyes, Sakura noticed he held his hand out with a round red object. One she seemed to remember. - "It's an apple. Clean and fresh." -

The pinket blinked in surprise, had he gone out of his way to find it? Or give her some of his?

Either way, she could tell what it was. The silver shine of the round and delicious looking fruit called for her. It was safe to eat. Her smaller hands reached and brushed his when the apple was in her grasp. - "Thank you." - she smiled brightly at his kindness.

He noticed her apprehension, her lack of knowledge or memory about what is safe to eat. If she had any allergy, she would not remember. Taking small snacks from others after they tried it first was the only safety she had.

He even snatched his own water container from his belt and handed it to her when they took a seat on carpet inside Hashirama's tent. Something he had mentioned would be more comfortable.

Away from so many watchful eyes.

- "Thank you." - Sakura repeated over and over every time he did something. It was hard to ignore how he put effort in her comfort even if he looked like he was completing another mission.

stern, tall and strong. Just looking after the smaller woman who seemed lost. Her feet felt more grounded when he was, her shoulders sagged after she took the first bite of that delicious and juicy apple.

All her worries melting away, for now.

If this was the normal Tobirama, she could not compare other than the other faces he showed her earlier and last night. The man who she had on his toes and held her when she was crushing down.

He did not judge her or say anything about that night. Hopefully he would wait until they were alone and-

- "Sakura? Are you ok?" - the brunette asked, concerned.

- "Sorry?" - she woke up from her daydream and found two sets of eyes, staring back at her. Searching her form and face.

- "You face it all red." - Tobirama pointed out before placing the back of his palm over her forehead.

Maybe she just needed to stop thinking altogether. Because that is what just happened at that moment.

A few hours later, and Sakura found herself in a predicament…

- "I told you not to move." - he stated sternly, brows slightly forming a frown of disappointment. - "Can't you listen?" - her knees could buckle at the intensity of his stare, but she stood with both shoulders squared and chin high.

- "Woah! Now, now." - Hashirama steeped in between with both hands up to ease the tension. - "I took her. She needed food." - he tried to explain as if talking about some pet…

Those dark eyes narrowed as he stared at the devoured apple, or what's left of it on the small table in the cosy tent. - "An apple?" - his tone was almost condescending.

- "Do you want us to feed her anything and have her sick?" - Tobirama interjected, almost angry at the man. Something that seemed like a normal response to said man blocking the entrance of the tent with his massive form, arms tense and fist clenching and unclenching slightly.

They all held power in the way they talked, moved and even breath. Yet they towered over her and had a staring contest over who was supposed to "take care of her" or something about "Keeping a watch on her" that caused her to feel uncomfortable.

She was no child, at least she could feel like a full-grown woman rather than a troubled little toddler. She had a name and a voice at least.

- "Stop." -

- "Don't you-" -

- "I said stop Uchiha." - her eyes now burned with determination over these men. - "My stomach was growling so hard half the camp hear me!" - his eyes widened at her tone. - "I was unsure of the food and Tobirama was kind enough to give me something safe and fresh." - her arms pointed at the table. - "He even shared his own water to make me feel at ease with my own safety." -

Both men stared at her for long seconds. After a few deep breaths and shared glances between the men, Madara finally spoke. - "You feel unsafe?" - every word was spoken with care, his tone softer as if she would run if he moved one millimetre.

Her resolve was so close to crumble, but she took a deep breath to keep her feet grounded. Honesty was hard when those eyes dig at her like that. She did not want to hurt anyone, but she also wanted to be heard.

- "I do." - she stated. - "I don't know where I am." - her eyes drifted to the small sliver of light from the tent's entrance. Then back to those dark eyes. - "I don't know who you all are. Or what you want. But I do know something." - she glanced at his weapon on his hip and the various threatening looking ones she could notice on his boots, poking from his back and chest. Sharp and dangerous. - "I am defenceless while you aren't. Can you blame me for thinking I could be giving you reasons to keep those weapons handy. Everyone stares at me like I will suddenly grow claws and give them a reason." - her voice waivered at the end. - "A reason to use those weapons." -

The silence was loud… too loud.

Her body jerked up from the sudden sound of Tobirama clearing his throat. Her eyes searched his as he slowly stood with wide eyes. Obviously surprised at her reaction. Once she noticed he lifted his hands to show her he held no weapons, a deep breath finally left her lugs. A beath she had no idea she was holding until now.

- "Then." - the tall brunette caught her attention, brown eyes warm and understanding. - "Let's talk." -

- "No." - Madara almost whispered. - "Not without my brother." - his eyes stared at those green emeralds, searching.

- "Oh." - he was asking for her permission. She did not know his brother or talked to him. But he wanted him to be involved. - "I'll wait." - suddenly not knowing what to do with her hands as she fiddled with the hem of the soft fabric that kept het warm. - "I don't have anything to do." -

She was practically free and available with no apparent responsibilities like they did to keep them busy.

A lot of free time on her small hands. Time for her mind to just wander away over and over…. She needed someone to talk to. To tell her she was not crazy at least.

With a sharp nod, Madara took off.

When his brother strolled in, unannounced and with agitated eyes. He was ready to slice down the threat that caused his bother to remove almost every weapon he held that was visible and his hands itching to strip his armour.

If he hadn't reminded his brother about how bad of an idea it was to stroll around camp, in front of his men and the Senju without any protection - It was against their own teachings to remove any visible threat they dressed in an area that was near possible danger.

They needed to attack as much as they needed to defend. You can't protect anyone if you can't block a blow or even parry.

Every single layer they dressed was necessary for their survival. With his brother muttering words of agreement, he followed behind the messy dark hair his brother sported with pride.

Those wild spikes that he also mimicked, a brotherly bond since childhood. Mikoto would constantly remind them of the similar wild mane their biological mother had.

Before Mikoto took them in. Even if she did not have to, she was devoted to Fukaku as much as his late sister. They had become almost sisters instantly.

And swore to protect her family and clan with all her power.

- "Move." - rushed his brother. - "I need you there." -

If he wasn't watched by all those eyes in camp, Izuna would have faltered on his step. This was a matter that had nothing to do with the clashing of weapons and the slamming of bodies.

Before he could ask, a moody Tobirama stared at him from the tent. Souring his mood. Once he stepped in the luxurious tent, his eyes travelled around the cosy interior. No wonder his brother complained about the Senju being… "eccentric."

But he narrowed his attention to the fidgety pinket. She was always so proper in the way she spoke to them, held her gaze high and shoulders as straight as a noble.

Maybe she had no memories, but her body remembered. She came from a good standing, educated and well-groomed compared to the many travels and people he has met along the way.

The only other woman Izuna knew that held herself like that was his legal guardian, Mikoto. As skittish as the pinket was since she regained consciousness, she was as radiant as the moon surrounded by darkness. Bringing light to everything and anything it reached.

Those big bright eyes landed on him, and her body relaxed.

Suddenly the air turned and Hashirama spoke. - "Now, we can all talk." -

He glanced at his brother and only took a seat once he nodded. They would talk, but only say what's necessary.

Otherwise… there will be consequences.

- "First… May I ask." - the pinket hesitated. - "Where did you find me?... exactly." - her eyes searching every pair in the now crammed space.

So this is what's going on? A talk to jog the memory? Find out where to start?

Tobirama took the first initiative. - "In a place known as "The Land of the Lost"." - simple answer, but her expression was more confused and worried than what they hoped.

- "I don't know any place by that name." - he could see her mind scramble her brain for a snippet of recognition. A name, a sound, a smell, even a familiar touch can bring up a memory. She was desperate for that.

- "It didn't have that name before." - Madara, his history smart brother stated. - "That was before the great war." -

But then, her eyes lit up. - "Which one?" -

Which one? There has only been one recorded in history. - "What do you mean by that?" - Hashirama's tone was calm, but he seemed more intrigued, and he showed it.

Her chin tilted slightly, a clear sign of the effort to remember. - "Yes, many." - she almost whispered. - "It seems like the world likes to break apart at every change it gets." -

Now… he was intrigued.

- "Have you been in one?" - he had to ask.

But her expression darkened. - "Not exactly." - her eyed fixated on Izuna's dark gaze. - "I… I don't want to talk about war. How did you find me?" -

They would keep that information for later.

- "The Valley is very vast. A huge forest riddled with monsters and black ink." - Tobirama interjected.

- "Black ink?" - her eyes widened, not worried at all with the creatures mentioned.

- "Black matter. A substance that covers your body and eats you alive." - her eyes landed on those guarded black iris's. Madara had a horrible relationship with the plague that started to take over more land by the day and more life's than they can count. - "There is no cure." -

She blinked in surprise, feeling the seriousness of that statement. The hurt and pain behind those dark eyes that saw friends, loved ones, innocent people succumb to the condition. Uchiha were strong and fierce in battle, but they could not defeat the ranging spread and suffering caused by the disease.

Some doctors called it that way, some called it a curse. Causing fear and constant speculation over what caused it or where it came from.

No one really knew.

- "It brings pain." - continues the younger Uchiha, his brother hated discussing about it more each day. Especially since they always ended up empty handed. - "Some people start hallucinating; others start acting differently. It shows in random parts of your skin." - he lifted his arm and folded the sleeve. A few fine silver lines of old scars and pale skin. He pointed at his wrist. - "It can be anywhere, Let's say here. The blackest spots covering patches of skin and traveling up your arm." - he dropped his hands to gazed at her. Wonder and worry marking those beautiful features of hers.

- "They will start to multiply as they cover more skin. It looks like a new tattoo to most. Shapes like flames, vines, odd shapes, and writings." - this time, Tobirama stole her attention. - "It could take days, weeks, months." - his eyes warmed at hers. The emotions ranging in those green emeralds told them how much she felt for the victims. The steady rise and fall of her chest as she took it all in. - "But eventually, they will suffer until they die." - he ended.

Thick silence hovered over the occupants of the cramped space. - "That's… awful." - her shoulders slump and gaze concentrated on her hands, not knowing what to say or do. - "Is that why?" - she started, a little unsure. - "Is that why you are here?" - she searched everyone in the room. Only receiving sharp nods as an answer. - "Can I see it?" -

Confusion washed over the youngest Uchiha, "see what?" It's not like they would drag her back to the Valley and put her in danger. - "We won't take you back there." - he stated harshly. - "It's not a safe place." -

The pinket pipped up at his tone. Just like a deer in headlights. - "Oh!" - she expressed. - "That is not what I mean." - her hands rose to express her intentions, trying to mimic her words. It was something he rarely saw in people. - "I wish to see this "Black Ink" that you speak of." -

- "Why?" - Madara almost barked. Both dark brows knitted together.

Again, the woman lifts her hands in surrender and spoke. - "It just sounds familiar." - the pinkets shoulders squared in defence of his sudden change of mood. - "I mean no harm." -

The small table shook as the oldest Uchiha rose to his feet and stared at her with a guarded gaze. - "You will never go near it." - he stated before heading out of the tent.

The panic rose in the pinket as she blinked in confusion, sadness and concern at each and every men left in the tent with her. But they could not expose her to any danger. The mission had turned and their camp would be split in half.

One group would stay and keep informing of any changes that may occur after they found the strange woman as well as protect the area.

The other group would escort her, and any evidence found. Hoping to get answers from a specialized research team. Or from anyone at this point.

They would have to keep it as discreet as possible, but they had the Royal Family on their backs. Waiting for an answer.