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Chapter Text

The sudden thud and shake was the only warning before the very Earth herself seemed to rattle and disintegrate. Thick mountain air pressed onto Sakura's back, straining and intruding. Her body refused all commands to open her sealed eyelids and to just breathe. Her lungs are searing and burning. Igniting a fierce survival instinct. 

Even though there is no ground under her, her legs wobble and shake. Bones too frail to support the muscle and fat connected to them. 

Sakura's shaky hands hover over the hot liquid trailing down her neck. Bringing her calloused hand to her lips, Sakura sticks out her tongue to taste the mysterious fluid. Salty sweat and sweet iron assaults her taste buds. Blood...

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The back of her head seemed to be determined to not find any comfortable perch on the ground. Her tore–when did that happen?–clothes rubbed against aching wounds and her pink hair clung to her high cheekbones. Sharp blades of grass tickled and brushed against her face. Sunlight warmed her chest and turned the inside of her lids a gentle orange–the kind from evening sunsets.  

Her vibrant green eyes finally peeked through heavy eyelids, as though weights settled on top of them. Rich browns from strong tree trunks filled her vision along with the beams of light between them. Sakura immediately felt panic at the foreign surroundings. 

Instincts inscribed into her from a young age take over. Begging her own leg to move, it dragged up. Dirt spewing upwards and soaring pain accompanied it. Right leg was the same situation, but with far less pain. She decides left arm before right. 

When her left arm raised a startled yelp drew from her mouth, her dry throat caused the sound itself to hurt too. Sourly, Sakura acknowledged the big probability of sustaining multiple broken bones. Her right arm then raised unceremoniously, concluding that she must have taken the brunt of the fall on her left side. Pulling herself into a sitting position next, Sakura drew an unstable breath to somewhat ease her pain. At least she hasn't been impaled by a poisoned sword. 

Running a swift diagnostic over her body she noted her dislocated shoulder, her fractured humerus, broken left femur bone, and very low chakra. First numbing her left arm, she popped her shoulder back into place and healed the fractured bone. Once that was done she brought feeling back into her limp limb and moved onto her left leg. The soft green glow admitted from her palm showed over her thigh, healing her femur. 

The thin cuts scattered across her body will be saved for later. Sakura already assured herself that none were infected and her chakra was to be savored. Darting her doe eyes across her surrounds she found no threats. She also found nothing of any familiarity. Sakura didn't plan to meander aimlessly through this mysterious land. 

She would head west. North-west, Konoha, home. 

Yet when she stood, her knees buckled and she trotted backwards. Right on her ass with a hard thump. The sharp jagged pebbles bit into her butt and her palms which landed behind her for useless support. 

The light, now blinding, showed onto her pale forehead illuminating the sweat slipping down her face. Sakura felt as though the world flipped upside down, as only to upset her–inconvenience her. But thoroughly confused by her state, Sakura checked her state for injuries once more. Sakura brought her hand up to the back of her head. Weaving her hand through the short matted pink locks she felt a thick warm liquid breaking through a dry layer of the same substance. Blood was the only conclusion she could draw. 

Bringing the same hand to her face she tried to stare down at the fluid, but her eyes still hadn't focused. Only impotent blurs filled her vision. Fine, she will make use of my other senses in the meantime. First smell. Metallic.. iron.. metal. A smell Sakura has become unfortunately too accustomed to through her time as a healer and warrior. Blood . Fresh and old. No other need to confirm with taste either. 

A critical head injury on the back left side of her head. Only further proving her working theory. But how did she fall? Sakura tried to gather any reminiscence of the cause, but only found one fleeting memory of darkness. Has she suffered severe memory loss or only minute memory loss? 

She went over the basic information that was usually found on the documents of shinobi. Name... Haruno Sakura. Age... 17. Height... 5'3. Usual assignment team... Hatake Kakashi, Uzumaki Naruto, Sai, Yamato, and... Uchiha Sasuke. Master... Princess Senju Tsunade. She is a medical combat nin... proficient in hand to hand combat and known for her absurd strength, mostly immune to genjutsu. This could all be false memories implanted into her. Or she could be missing grave details of her life, but it was what she was running with–it was all she had. 

Activating her medical ninjutsu once more, Sakura brought her hand to the forgotten wound to begin her steady healing. She was concussed, likely was in a comatose state for hours. Maybe days. The damaged nerves behind her cracked skull affected her sight and memory. Great. 

After she finished the precise healing she attempted to stand once more. This time went over much more successfully. No spinning, no throbbing, and no falling. At least she has done something right. Now beginning her track north-west Sakura was determined to head back to where her mentor would guide her and her friends encourage her. Konoha. 

Home.   

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Already starting her track west was risky to be frank. Sakura mostly disregarded her less than small amount of chakra, her seal too is depleted. The mass of bubbling chakra and power that Sakura became acquainted and proud of was no more. Left as a mere sliver of chakra that is barely keeping her moving. This realization sprouted other questions on what she experienced. 

Intensive battles and continuous back breaking medical procedures are basic conclusions to her depleted chakra yet there are only signs of a fall and not a battle on her body. Also medical procedures would not end with her taking a brutal fall into the middle of the deep woods. 

Was it maybe a space-time ninjutsu? Is her luck really worse than Tsunade-shisou? If she was caught up in maybe a transportation jutsu then she could be weeks away from Konoha. Exasperated from the unknown of her situation, Sakura stopped walking ( Sakura walked instead of jumping from the trees to conserve chakra ) and listened for the sound of water. 

Well, maybe her luck wasn’t too bad. 

A rushing river is heard a few miles South. Even though it takes Sakura off track she knows her priorities. Wrapping her cloak tighter around her body as she walked south, Sakura wondered how much longer her torn clothing would last. The sleeveless red shirt, the light purple skirt, and black spandex shorts wouldn't last much longer. Ino would probably be sad to see the outfit she picked out ripped. Eh. 

Once she drinks water she will begin west again and stop at the first village for supplies. 

Soon the River is in sight and Sakura begins to walk faster until she senses other chakras. In which are not animals, but humans with more chakra than civilians. But in Sakura's tired state she failed to notice the two nin quickly enough. Snapping their heads back, two men ogle at her. The man on the left has middle length brown hair that is down in a loose braid, his deep purple eyes are the only thing on his face seen as the rest of his face is covered by a black face covering. He is perched on a mossy rock just off the river and he is clothed in traditional garments. 

The other man on the right stood tall with a sword by his hip, spiky red hair cascades down his back. His face is adorned with a strong nose and burning wide-set hazel eyes. He is also in traditional garments, but with loud purple coloring. 

"I am also a ninja, but I do not come here to fight. I’m just getting some water." Sakura states in a commanding tone. "The hell? A little girl.. as a ninja? You look like a girl from a cat house with such revealing clothes." The red head man spits. His ogling from prior over, replaced with  resentment. "You must be looking for something with such flashy attire 'ninja'." The dark haired man chimes in while climbing down the rock. 

They both stand next to each other now, the red head's sword still at his hip. What the hell is with this old man's garbage?

"If you really are looking for hostility then I'll give it to you. SEXIST ASSHOLES."

Chapter Text

"If you really are looking for hostility then I'll give it to you. SEXIST ASSHOLES." 

With one look to one another the two men lunge towards her, dirt flying upwards with their large bodies. The redhead doesn’t even bother to grab his sword, arrogance seeping off of him in waves. She is going to show his stingy ass. 

The brunette man claps his palms together once before his fingers come together to form a summoning jutsu. Instead of nicking his thumb and summoning a creature, an intricately decorated scroll appears. 

Releasing the flashy scroll, the brown haired man reveals a grass cutter sword. Not unlike Sasuke’s. 

The brown haired man comes in on Sakura’s right and the cocky redhead to her left. In one swift motion Sakura rises up in the air above them. Then lifting her toned leg up she splits the Earth open with the heel of her open toed boot. An easy distraction. 

The rocky ground doesn’t faze her. While her opponents are caught with their eyes bulging out, Sakura races to deliver a final attack to each of them. Deciding on using her chakra scalpels to serve the nerves allowing their limbs to move, Sakura’s arm raises to first incapacitate the redhead. Inconveniently however, the man snaps out of his trance and delivers a hard punch to her nose. 

Sakura’s green eyes begin to severely water. Blurring the images around her of rocky Earth, blue water, and loud clothing patterns. Her head wobbled back with the punch forcing her body to follow. Sakura topples back a yard before regaining her footing, she lost four crucial seconds. 

Instinctively healing her broken nose, Sakura then raised her hand quickly enough to block the brunettes' attack with his grass cutter to her abdomen. Getting back to her plan, Sakura activates her chakra scalpels once more and serves several nerves in the man’s muscular legs.  

The brunette’s knees collapse inwards, folding himself in half. He lands with a pained grunt and his sword clatters next to him. That’ll teach the bastard some manners. Jeez. 

Lastly, turning to the redhead, who is finally using his sword, Sakura sends an enraged glare toward him. He remains unaffected and charging. Still cocky? Sakura cracks her knuckles, releasing tension in her hands and a sickening pop.

Latching her hand onto the sturdy tree behind her, Sakura yanks the tree (roots and all) out of the ground. Using the plant as a shield and a sword, Sakura easily traps his sword in the tree.

These shinobi must be low ranking. But to be so snarky. Was it really just because she’s a girl? 

Then Sakura also severs the redhead’s nerves, leaving both men unable to stand. Finally being able to quench her greedy thirst, Sakura drops near the river. The cool liquid rolls down her chin as she kneels next to the rushing river and feeds her need for water.

Her chakra depletion and concussion finally getting to her, Sakura’s body suddenly begins to feel as flimsy as a leaf in a storm. Sakura sways until she inevitably tumbles into the cold river water. Dizziness betraying her. 

The icy water stills her breathing and raises every one of her hairs. Shit. Sakura found herself repeating encouraging words to herself as she struggled to swim against the pushing current–a strategy Shizune-san taught her years ago. The doctor in her screamed at this fucking awful situation. The cold water crisped the air in her lungs and numbed her aching limbs. It stung her thin cuts and Sakura briefly wondered if the water would infect them. 

Sakura’s body finally stilled to a harsh stop once her back crashed into a large rock. Her hands frantically grasped the rock and she pulled herself on top of it. Rolling off the moist rock into the plush grass, Sakura gasped and dry heaved. Her green eyes glanced up at the sky and noted the evening shift. 

Pushing her torso up into a sitting position, Sakura teetered back and forth. She contemplated what she should do. There was obviously shinobi here and she had no clue where the nearest village was located. 

“Good evening, are you lost young girl?” An old firm voice questioned. Shifting her body to the side, Sakura saw an old woman. She was tall, taller than Sakura, with a blue and black kimono. The kimono was decorated with constellations and was well worn. Her gray hair was pinned up into a sophisticated bun, her face was lean, and the old woman was blessed with striking foxy features. 

“Yes, I am.” Sakura admitted. The old woman’s face flashed with empathy. “My name is Taibana Hasuno, I will assist you young girl.” Hasuno spoke with stern kindness. Leaving nothing for debate. 

Willing herself to stand, Sakura’s cloak ripped in half revealing her ‘uncanny’ outfit. Hasuno’s eyes widened comically. “What are you wearing?” Hasuno demanded. Now fed up with this–assumed–far away place, Sakura decided on a story to tell. A half truth, mostly lie. “Well... you see I have traveled wide after my village was recently destroyed.” Memories of Pain’s destruction still left stinging wounds making this even more believable. Even though it pained Sakura to fib to such a kind civilian. “I come from very far west, where this attire is normal.” Finished with her story, Sakura held the woman’s gaze. Hasuno’s deep blue eyes calculated Sakura and the latter couldn’t help but appreciate her need to be thorough. “I see.. I will bring you to my home and help you to your feet again.” 

Hasuno’s hospitality was grand and beautiful. Hasuno’s face crinkled, a determined smile blooming. “Thank you. Thank you very much.” 

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Chapter Text

Grasping both of her wrists, the old woman pulls Sakura to her feet. The sudden motion causes her head to spin and black spots along the edges of her vision to appear. Sakura almost stumbles forward. 

Seeming to have taken notice of Sakura’s nausea, Hasuno gently rests her palm on her forehead. “My, my… You seem to have a horrible fever, it’s what you get for swimming in that river.” Hasuno scolds, mistakenly taking Sakura’s chakra exhaustion for illness. She reminded her of her own mother.  

“Oh no Taibana-obasan, my ill state is from chakra exertion.” Sakura politely corrects. Hasuno’s eyes widened with creeping fear. “You're.. a shinobi?” Hasuno hesitantly questions, her voice a mere whisper. “Yes? I am a combat medical nin.” Sakura’s voice is respectful, but it is edged with fatigue. 

“Medical? I’m sorry, but I’ve never heard of such…” Hasuno’s voice is suddenly submissive and wary. And Hasuno dipped her head in a light bow. “Well I am from a far away village Taibana-obasan, so that’s alright.” Even though Sakura’s voice is kind, Hasuno’s mouth curls into a frown at her oversight. 

“Why do you seem to be afraid, Taibana-obasan? You have no such need to be so respectful, you are my elder y’know.” Sakura tries to casually slip the aching question, yet she rushes the words in her brash attempt to know and fix the situation. “Well you see-..” Hasuno cuts herself off quickly. Taking the hint, Sakura announces her name. “I am Sakura.” She decides to leave her last name out of the mix, many is unknown about the kind of world–or time–she is in.

“Thank you. You see Sakura-sama… Many shinobi have snatched children who possess more chakra than standard and thrown them on the battlefield. Ninja have killed for the joy and ruthlessly cut down civilian villages. They have demanded homing from civilians and.. Well I don’t mean to disrespect you Sakura-sama.. But I fear your power over me.” 

Hot anger surged through Sakura’s body. The obvious disrespect of plain old morals was clear in these ‘shinobi’ Hasuno describes, bringing a rotten disgust to fill Sakura. “How dare any shinobi commit such heinous crimes. Shinobi who have done this will be dealt with.” The threat is concise and clear. Sakura has always had a soft spot for children, especially civilians. She relates after all.  

The shock in Hasuno’s face is as clear as a nostalgic summer sky. Hasuno quickly scolds her expression and straightens her posture. “I respect your morals, Sakura-san.” Pleased with Hasuno’s new change in attitude, she consciously spreads a smile across her features. Attempting to further ease the old woman. The slightest hint of distrust was still visible in her indigo eyes. Only detectable by a trained nin, such as herself. 

“Now, I really don’t mean to intrude on you at all. So if you may, will you give me directions to the nearest village, Taibana-obasan?” Sakura’s respectful demeanor didn’t fade even with the threat of fainting evident in her body. 

“I will do more than that Sakura-san. You are coming with me to my home.” Hasuno stated, her firm kindness returned. A genuine smile sprouted from Sakura’s lips this time. Hasuno grasped Sakura’s wrist once more and led her away from the sparkling river. Moonlight splayed across the splashing water, the dewy grass, and the moist rocks. 

They walked at a leisurely pace through winding paths. Hasuno was ever mindful of Sakura’s condition. Soon they reached Hasuno’s home. 

It was located on the edge of a moderately sized civilian town. Her traditional quaint home was decorated with a variety of vegetables, adding a pop of color against the neutrals. 

Hasuno stops walking at the front of the house. “Tadaima! Sanakai, Nakote come out here!” She calls. “Okaeri Obachan!” Two squeaky voices reply. Tiny stomps are heard from the house before two children fly out the front door. 

The first a little boy, the second a tween girl. The boy is dressed in worn out tan hakama pants, without a shirt. He is mostly tan with raven hair and brown eyes. The girl is dressed in a muted red kimono, she also adorens raven hair but is accompanied with deep blue eyes, not unlike her grandmother. She however is much less tan. 

“W-who is that Obachan?..” The girl weary questions, her distrust evident. Smart girl. “She is sooo pretty! Pink hair!” The young boy shouts, his voice booming over his sister’s. “Hush-Hush Nakote!” The boy Nakote pulls out a shy smile at his grandma's scoldings. Hasuno then shifts her gaze to the girl Sanakai. 

“To answer your question, this is a shinobi from a far away land looking for assistance.-” Before Hasuno is able to elaborate, fear washes over both children and they step back. “I do not wish to harm you, I’m sorry for whatever notion you have set in your heads of shinobi. But I will not harm you.” Sakura sternly declares, disgusted with this infamous reputation. 

“Do you really think your grandmother would put you in harm?” Sakura finds herself asking. Both children visibly shrink at her words. Sanakai peeks her head up, about to reply, but Nakote shoots his arms up and barks- “PLEASE SHOW US A NINJA TRICK–NINJA!!”  

Before her grandson's remark, Hasuno looked at Sakura gratefully, now she glares down at Nakote. Holding back fierce reprimanding. Sakura brings her hand to her chin innocently, feigning intense thought. “Hmm… Well I could walk on water… But I don’t think you guys would want to see that.” Both children's eyes sparkle and Nakote takes a step closer. “Or I could show you my healing.. Or my super strength?” Sakura’s voice is teasing and childish, the voice you reserve for children. 

“O-oh my goodness…” Sanakai trails off, her voice filled with wonder and curiosity. Her prior weariness shaken off. “SUPER STRENGTH??!!!” Once again Nakote is screaming over his excitement. He’s like baby Naruto… 

“She can show you this tomorrow! We will let her rest!” Hasuno firmly states. Sakura is ever grateful for the promise of rest. This surprisingly doesn’t deter the children as Sanakai leads Sakura inside and Nakote goes to fetch water. 

Once the three women are inside and have taken off their shoes, Sanakai rushes off to a distant room. Sakura looks around the modest home. Everything is well lived and photos hang lovingly on the walls. Old tatami mats rub under Sakura’s feet and a kitchen\dining setting surround her.  

Once again, Hasuno grasps Sakura’s wrist. She guides her through the traditional home to a small bedroom with Sanakai standing in it. “Here, you may sleep here Sakura-san.” Hasuno informs her. 

With a small bow, Sakura says; “Thank you for your hospitality.” 

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Chapter Text

Hasuno soon leaves the bedroom to prepare supper and Sanakai equips Sakura with ‘more appropriate clothes’. The clothes in question is a muted pink kimono with smoky orange fading at the bottom. “It was my mother’s..” Sanakai had informed her. 

Before dressing, Sakura had asked Sanakai if she could bathe. Sanakai made a tub with the water Nakote provided. Now sitting in the lukewarm water Sakura mulled over her situation. 

This family must either be extremely poor or… She is in the past. The possibility of that was being ignored by the pinkette, at least for the meantime.

Done with her bath, Sakura stands and steps out of the bath. Her hair drips down her back and her skin is glistening wet. She then grabs her provided towel, dries herself off, and dresses in the sunset resembling kimono. Walking out of her room, Sakura still holds the soft towel in her hands as she dries her hair. 

“How... was your bath S-sakura-nee?” Sanakai’s timid voice questions. Sanakai is positioned on the floor folding laundry that was just brought from the old laundry lines outside. “It was nice, thank you Sanakai-chan.” A soft blush adorens Sanakai’s face at Sakura’s address. The little pre-teen is truly adorable. 

Folding up her towel, Sakura kneels next to the girl. “Sanakai-chan?” Sanakai glances up shyly. “What do you want to do when you grow up?” The attempt at casual conversation doesn’t go over well when Sanakai bends forward on herself nervously.

“Uh- um… I r-really want to be a teacher. I-I want to teach other little girls to read…” Sanakai’s adorable confession blooms a warmth in Sakura’s heart. “That is amazing Sanakai-chan!” At Sakura’s approval, Sanakai’s face lights up with a toothy smile. A misplaced smile on her face, one that doesn’t see the Sun often.

“When do you go to school?” Sakura eagerly questions. “Um… Obachan doesn’t allow me to go to s-school. She says that I am going to marry good n stuff…” Sakura’s positive interest fades, turning somber. “Is school free or cost money?” Sakura moves her hand to Sanakai’s shoulder, silent encouragement for her answer. “I-its free. S-she says that girls s-should do the chores and… Umm yeah.” 

Tick. Tick. Tick. The clocks chimes in the absence of their conversation, Sakura then continues; “You are capable of doing whatever you want, Sanakai.” 

With that one sentence it seemed Sanakai’s whole world filled with vibrant color. “You r-remind me of my kachan!” Her admiration suddenly turned to crocodile tears and tiny sniffles. The shy pre-teen long gone, replaced with a crying baby. Sakura embraced the child before her. Sanakai’s tears formed a pool on Sakura’s shoulder as she cried. Rubbing her hand up and down the small of Sanakai’s back, Sakura comforted the crying child. 

“Has your mother passed?” Sakura questioned after Sanakai’s tears stilled. “Yes… Obachan never approved of her. She was always upset that Otosan married her… She would say that she was a wild woman.” Sakura frowned and her brows furrowed. Noticing Sanakai’s says; “Uh! B-but I’m not supposed to tell you that…” A guilty expression strikes Sanakai’s chubby face. 

“Don’t worry Sanakai-chan, I’m not a snitch.” Sakura lost her serious attitude to a) Ease the girl and b) because she sensed Hasuno making her way to the room they currently occupy. “T-thank you Sakura-nee…” Sanakai lowered her head into a polite bow, her wild hair strands shielding her puffy face. 

Just when Sanakai’s head raised, Hasuno marched into the room. “Why so thankful, hmm? Sakura-san already showing you magic?” After her question, Hasuno saw Sanakai’s red rimmed eyes and puffy cheeks. The grandmother's attitude immediately shifted. 

Hasuno walked up to Sanakai and Sakura, stopping right before Sanakai before kneeling next to the girl. “What- or who! Made you cry, this isn’t very appropriate before a guest…” Hasuno’s hand cradled Sanakai’s face in a maternal manner. 

Taibana-obasan is an old woman, though she is so kind and loving, she still clings onto conservative views. Specifically, gender roles. Sakura knew she shouldn’t prod, but she needed to help them. Her heart wouldn’t refuse when she saw Hasuno dotting, heard Sanakai’s sniffles, and watched Nakote radiate excitement. Maybe Sakura gets attached too easily.  

“Um- uh…” Sanakai’s stutters snap Sakura out of her thoughts, before Sakura can answer the question herself Sanakai blurts; “I sliced my finger!” The quick fib proves faulty when Hasuno grabs her right hand and checks it over. “I don’t see any cut-” Before hastily raising her left hand, Sanakai slices her finger on the twine basket next to them. “This hand Obachan…” 

“Oh I see… Must have hurt dear. Let me grab bandages.” Moving from her knees to her feet, Hasuno raises with a tired huff and grunt. The type Sakura’s father would release after getting up from the couch–some form of unhealthy food in his large hand.

“I think now is a good time for a little magic…” Sakura says with a mischievous grin. “Hmm?” Hasuno replies. “T-the healing you were talking about?” The shy question is accompanied with dazzling excitement and curiosity mixing in young blue eyes. “Yes you’re right, Sanakai-chan.”  

Gently grasping Sanakai’s hand in her own, Sakura activates her healing technique without seals. The soft green glow admitted from her palm lights up the shiny red liquid pouring from Sanakai’s finger. In less than a second the rough gash is healed. Sanakai’s eyes shine with admiration, her lips slightly parted. Hasuno however, stands with her jaw to the floor. “H-how?!” Now with a stutter herself, Hasuno’s surprise leaks from every form of emotion. 

“Oh, well I did tell you I was a medical shinobi Taibana-obasan. Besides, this is nothing at all. I have performed surgeries, removed poison, made antidots for said poison, healed broken bones, healed severed limbs, and stuff like being impaled by swords and burns.” At Sakura’s mini ramble, Sanakai and Hasuno’s eyes widened more and more. 

And a daunting realization washes over Sakura. 

These people have never heard of medical ninjutsu. They live so modestly, with no modern conveniences. They cling to traditional views. What time period is she in?... “What year is it, Taibana-obasan?” Sakura knew she had to pop the question. This blindness to medical jutsu is–strange… Bad.  It's... uncanny. 

“It's... It is ****.” 

One sentence stilled Sakura's whole world.

Thump.

..

Thump.

…..

Thump…

Thump.

Thump. Thump. 

… 

Thump! 

Sakura could hear her own heart beat in her ears, it drummed through her head. Banging against invisible walls as it started to speed up.  

THUMP. THUMP.

Thump. Thump. Thump. 

The hard pangs rang throughout her whole torso and a shiver made its way down her head to her toes. 

 The only outwardly sign of her turmoil was her ragged breathing and expanded eyes. 

Fucking… Fucking, a  hundred years in the past. This has sealed the nail in her coffin, her hope that this was just a poor family. How foolish is she?

Chapter Text

“I see.. Thank you.” Sakura almost laughed at how put together and polite she sounded, when she felt nothing of either. Rage, confusion, sadness–dred. That’s what she felt. Yet that was what she could not show. “I am absolutely famished and exhausted, before I sleep could I maybe have something to eat?” “Yes, yes. I have prepared a meal.” Hasuno casually spoke to Sakura again, her face clearing of all prior astonishment. Just as Sakura and Sanakai stood Nakote dashed into the room. 

“HEY! Did- Did I miss anything?” The panting boy is covered in splotches of dirt and grime. “N-no you didn’t otouto…” Sanakai kindly speaks, used to her little brother’s behavior, but shocked by his burst into the room. Unlike Sakura who sensed him. 

“Don’t sneak into a room!” Hasuno scolds, her right pointer finger waving in the air. “Now, did you get the firewood, boy?” Hasuno firmly questions. “Yes ma’am!” Nakote pairs his enthusiasm with a salute. “Good. You put it away?”  “Yes I did Oba!” The boyish gleam in his eye reminds her too much of a little Naurto. 

“Thank you Nakote… But your state is atrocious! Dirt, mud, and soot. Who ever raised you?” Hasuno marches over to Nakote and grabs his arm, leading him away to clean up. Only minimum complaints coming from the disciplined boy. The difference between Nakote and Naruto may not be noticeable to many, but Sakura noticed it. Nakote was mannered, he was raised by someone. Naruto only learned through observation and he is still very ruff around the edges. 

If only Naruto could have been granted the same love.  

Sakura takes a deep breath threw her nose and out her mouth. Taking all signs of her earlier distress with her breath out. “Let's go eat Sanakai-chan.” Sakura holds the young girl's hand in her own. Sakura’s hand is calloused and rough, Sanakai’s soft and polished. Sakura leads the way to the dining room, passing neglected house plants and flourishing house plants on the way. 

Soon they reach the dining room and Sakura moves to grab their dishes to bring to the table, only to be stopped by Sanakai. Sanakai stands in front of her, her head to Sakura’s collarbone. “Y-you’re the guest S-sakura-nee. Allow- allow me.” She politely demands, it was no suggestion. Aggressive manners. “Okay Sanakai-chan...” Sadly nodding her head, Sakura turns to the table instead. 

Kneeling at the table now, Sakura watches as Sanakai brings a variety of plates and bowls to the table. Some chipped and worn, others sparkling and shiny. Some bright blue, others deep red-almost brown. The dishes form a place for five people. Must be her father joining. 

“Sanakai-chan?” At Sakura’s address Sanakai raises her head from her task. “Y-yes?”  “Is your father eating with us tonight?” Sanakai pauses at the question, her eyes meeting Sakura’s without hesitation. “Yes. I-is that a p-problem?”  “Oh! No, of course not.” Sakura gifts a soft smile with her reply, immediately easing the mini teen.  

Sanakai returns to her task. Bored and tired, Sakura blows her damp bangs out of hair. Her current coping tactic to ignore the dire situation she’s in. Right then, Hasuno and Nakote enter the room. Nakote in sparkling condition, wearing a deep red kimono. “Heeelloooo Nee-san, Sakura-nene!”  “H-hi otouto.” Sanakai greets, Sakura’s only greeting however is a slight drop of her head. 

Bunching up his sleeves, Nakote trots over to Sanaki to assist. “You two finish up bringing the plates! Then I’ll serve the food.” Hasuno commands, two hands on her hips. “Is there any way for me to help, Taibana-obasan?” Sakura questions eagerly. “No.” The curt one word reply immediately dampens Sakura’s brightening mood. “Okay…” Sakura breathes. 

Folding her hands into her lap once more, Sakura stares down blankly at the wooden table. Trying to think of anything except her current situation. Even though it was the one thing she should plan. 

No, avoidance wasn’t going to help her, but Sakura stubbornly refused to think about her situation until she was fed and rested. She- she just needed the basics first. Yes, she wasn’t avoiding. 

Rushing from the kitchen area to the dining table, Nakote brought a few  steaming dishes to the table. Following close behind was his elder sister. Sanakai set down bowls with savory smells and steam waving off of it. Smiling gently up to the kids as they set down the dishes, Sakura opened her mouth to question again if she could help. “Are you sure I can’t help-” Before Sakura could finish, a determined set of brows furrowed on Sanakai’s face and she said; “No, S-sakura-nee!” 

Sanakai’s whiny tone caused Sakura to laugh. A brief one, but a laugh nonetheless. A good distraction, humor–amusement.  

The next second Hasuno walked into the room. The old woman set down some unimportant objects on the table before grabbing both children’s hands. “Now let's go greet your father, he should be arriving soon.” Both children squealed at the news, expectedly for Nakote, unexpectedly for Sanakai. Sakura then stood as well. 

“Taibana-obsan, does he know of me?” Sakura hesitantly questioned. “Yes, yes. Nakote interrupted him during his black smiths work to tell him, this was when Nakote went to fetch wood.” Hasuno finished her reply with a dismissive wave of her hand. 

“Now, come-come.” Sakura followed Hasuno and the kids to the front of the house. Now standing on the porch, a man in the distance bared ebony hair and snoot all over his face. Is this their father or is she mistaken? “Otousan!” Nakote and Sanakai shouted. Their voices are high and childish. They were released from their grandmother’s grasp as they ran up to their father. Not mistaken. 

The man, now closer, wore an indigo kimono and a deep purple haori. He took both of his children in his arms, a warm fatherly embrace. “Ah!!! I am being attacked!” You could hear his smile when he spoke, his voice deep and comforting.  

He had stringy hair that sat brushing his shoulders and gray eyes. He had few lines on his face, though he seemed like a young father. Lines in the corner of his eyes and lines on the top of his forehead–barely concealed by wispy bangs. He is very handsome. 

Walking up to the porch now with both children still secured in his arms, he smiled down upon me. “Good evening, you must be Sakura-san? Hopefully I am not mistaken.” He put forward his calloused hand for a shake. Sakura took it gleefully. 

“Yes, yes I am. I’m afraid though that I don’t know your name…” Sakura smiled sheepishly as she firmly shook his rough hand. “I am Taibana Malikai. Truly a pleasure.” Our hands released and flattering smile lines appeared with his returning smile. “The pleasure is all mine I assure you.” 

“Let’s not let Sakura starve any longer!” Hasuno announced. Hasuno then turned on her heel, heading toward the dining area. Getting the hint, Sakura and Malikai, with the children in hand, followed. 

Now I can eat. 

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Chapter Text

They all sat politely around the table. Sanaki and Nakote occupying each side of their father, Hasuno seated next to Sakura. The only sound filling the room was the sound of their eager eating. Sakura ate impatiently, completely famished. She poured bubbling soup down her throat and shoved fresh bread into her mouth. Her hunger all consuming, exhaustion  proddied at every sense of her body. 

Sakura acknowledged her concussed state, the dizziness, nausea, and memory loss. She knew, from beginner medical training, that the optimal thing for her was food and sleep. The basic necessities– the obvious. 

The devouring need in her gut suddenly dispersed. After being pulled out of her thoughts and shoveling of food, in which Sakura thought was never ending, she realized her impolite gluttony. Deeply embarrassed, a dark blush appeared on her face. Even darker than her vibrant pink hair. 

“I’m sorry for my behavior. I was just completely starved…” Sakura meekly apologized.  “Don’t you apologize for eatin’ my cooking! If anything I’m flattered.” Hasuno replied, the woman’s indigo eyes closed and her shoulders hunched in a prissy manner. Sakura once again found herself fond of the old woman. 

Sakura’s blush mainly faded, leaving a light pink hue across her pointy nose and the apples of her cheeks. Sakura smiled shyly and continued eating, much less aggressively this time around. A breathy laugh came from the amused man in front of Sakura. Malikai grinned and a puffy laugh flowed from his mouth once again. Sakura’s pink eyebrow raised teasingly, her blush now disappearing. 

“What’s so amusing, Malikai-san?” Sakura questioned in a chaff manner. “Ah…” He drew out, his very much amused smirk still plastered on his sun kissed face. Malikai glanced forward at Hasuno all knowingly. Hasuno scowled and sighed.

“Okasan here,” Malikai focused his eyes on Hasuno to prove his point, slight bitterness lingering in his gaze. Malikai opened his mouth, once again, to continue; “She used to get so annoyed at my late wife, Tori, for eating so much.” Gloomy clouds fogged over Malikai’s eyes for a moment before hastily disappearing. “You seemed to have softened up Okasan’s jagged edges.” He laughed again, this time more somber–forced. And Sakura yearned for this man–this father who has long lost his dear spouse.

“My old brain is still acceptable to change.” Hasuno replied defensively. Malikai released a heavy sigh before smiling once again, the corners of his eyes crinkling and defined smile lines appearing next to his lips. Though Sakura had a sour suspicion that a lot of his smiles were for the people around him, not him. 

Malikai still looked tired when he smiled. So tired. 

“Y-you aren’t old Obasan!” Sanakai shrieked, easily retorting her grandmother’s words. The young teen’s cheeks puffed and the whites of her eyes were barely visible, blue in place of the off-white. “Yeah!” Nakote agreed, his two tiny fists slammed onto the table. Shaking the delicate dishes in his miniature rage. 

“Me being your grandmother is evidence enough of my age.” Hasuno readily dismisses. She puts her hands on the table and forces her shaky knees to hold her up-right. Hasuno almost stumbles with the weight of her body on top of her weak knees. The woman’s eyes snap shut in discomfort, crinkles forming in the corners of her foxy eyes. 

“Let’s clean up now.” Hasuno commands, Sakura stands with Malikai and the children. All of them gather the colorful dishes filled with the residue of their meal. Sakura stands with multiple dishes in hand before Sanakai swiftly snatches all from Sakura. “You a-are a guest, Sakura-nee.” Sanakai reminds, as though Sakura had done something terribly insulting. Sakura pouts and obediently waits for the family to finish cleaning. 

Once they had all finished, Sakura says her goodnites to the children and Malikai. The trio plans to play a card game before bed, while Hasuno watches and reads her own book. Hasuno once more escorts Sakura to her quaint room. However a question nagged at Sakura’s mind once they entered Sakura’s temporary bedroom.  

“Taibana-obsan?” Sakura grabs the attention of the woman setting up her own futon–in which Sakura insisted for herself to do it. “Hmm?” Hasuno acknowledges. Hasuno grunts and stands back up to her feet from her knees to face Sakura. The woman seems a bit winded from her movement on her knee. “Would you like for me to fix your knee?” Hasuno seems very taken aback. As though Sakura suggested that the stars were made out of rice. “You can do that too, Sakura-san?!” Hasuno yells, exasperated. 

Amused Sakura says; “Please sit down on the futon and trust me, Taibana-obasan. You are in good hands.” Sakura kneels on the futon, an encouraging smile painted on her face as she gestures for Hasuno to sit. Hasuno decides to trust Sakura and kneels next to her, though hesitant. “Please extend your leg.” Hasuno does just that, her knee now rests in Sakura’s trained hands. 

“Okay this might feel a little weird, but it won’t hurt.” Sakura reassures. “Okay… I trust you Sakura-san.” Hasuno’s soft confession warms Sakura’s heart and solidifies her drive to help this family. Sakura pulses some of her chakra into Hasuno’s leg to run her diagnostic, with her chakra infused in Hasuno’s leg Sakura gets to the root of the old woman’s problem. Her right kneecap is completely shifted to the left, most likely due to standing for long periods of time. 

“Okay, so your right kneecap is no longer aligned. It has majorly shifted to the left.” Hasuno’s face darkens with dread and confusion. “What does that mean to me?...” Hasuno wearily questions. “It means that I will break the bone then realign it.” Fear draws itself over Hasuno’s face before it becomes determined and neutral. “I want to stand without pain. Please go through with it Sakura-san.” Hasuno declares. “Yes ma’am.” 

First numbing the nerves around the missguided kneecap, Sakura presses her fingertips against the old woman’s knee. Then with her super strength she breaks the hard bone, the ugly crack rings through the room and Hasuno braces herself for the impending pain. Yet when it doesn’t come the old woman’s face twists into bewilderment. Sakura then readily heals the bone and brings back feeling into the once numbed nerves. “How?!” Hasuno demands, clear awe stricken on her face. “I numbed your nerves, broke your bone, then healed it. You should be fine now, but just be easy on your knee for the time being.” Sakura casually informs the old woman.

“T-thank you Sakura-san. We are forever in your debt, truly. Whatever you need we will try our best to provide.” Hasuno professes with a deep bow. An embarrassed blush platters on Sakura’s face. “Oh, no. Thank you Taibana-oba.” A maternal smile takes over Hasuno’s face as she gets up from the futon–without pain–and says; “You sleep now okay. Rest child.” Hasuno then trots out of the room, excited. 

Excited herself now, Sakura climbs into her futon. She lets go of the tenseness in her body one by one. Toes… thighs… hips… abdomen… shoulders… then finally her eyes close into a dead sleep. 

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When his son bounced into his workshop informing him that they were housing a shinobi, fear had crept into him. He feared that his children would be special –special in the way that ninja would capture them and force them to the field. Their tiny hearts ripped out of their bodies and put into shallow graves. Yet this young girl was so kind, so polite–so human. She talked to his precious daughter as though the young girl was a sparkling gem to her as well, maybe the kunoichi did think that too. She looked at his son with such tender eyes, filled with the utmost patience. Patience Malikai always tries to provide.

And he found himself trusting the kunoichi–Malikai trusted Sakura. Especially when his mother burst into the room declaring Sakura had fixed her knee. She spoke of how Sakura was able to do it with no pain and in only the matter of a minute. A miracle worker. An angel. 

With that–Sakura reminded him of Sanakai. And he does not want Sakura-san to be in battle without a fierce weapon. A dilemma that Malikai will fix. He will repay this angel, he will not let her die. Malikai will repay her. 

He will . 

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Chapter Text

“No! T-that book is mine!” 

“Uh-uh! It’s mine now!” 

“O-Obasan! Tell him now please. Tell him to get his g-g-grubby paws off my book!” 

The now familiar, girlish shrieks are what awoke Sakura from her sleep. She might as well swear up and down that she slept as well as the dead with the deep lines on her face. Sakura’s bones seemed to be filled with lead and her neck had an uncomfortable tweak in it. One that Sakura readily fixed, not one to be bothered with trivial pain. 

Slight Sun snuck into her room through the dainty curtains, Sakura assumed the time was around 8:30 am–a reasonable awake time. Sakura dragged herself around her room all while drowning out the background noise of the children, her lethargic state only adding to her concussed state. She isn’t a morning person.

Sakura reminisces on the team seven days. Back when Naruto’s never ending jabbers were the main cause for her morning ire. Not the stress of a doctor, not the pain of a fighter. The days were when she was immature. Maybe she is still immature. Who knows. 

She then stepped out of her room when she found herself at least somewhat presentable, even though Sakura was never too key on her appearance. Never that happy with it. 

Mornings suck. For lack of a better term– just suck . 

“B-but… It’s MY book! Mine!” 

There in the common space stood the tiny Sanakai. The preteen’s hair was in knots and her kimono was rough around the edges. Mornings seemed to not be her thing either. Across from Sanakai was Nakote. Ironically, the dark haired boy was in a much better condition than Sanakai. 

Between the children, a worn out green book was grasped in both of their adolescent hands. The spine of the book was practically splitting open and the corners of the crinkled pages stuck out. Now trying to separate the siblings was Hasuno. 

The woman was in her normal pristine condition. She wore a different kimono this time, yet it was still one of constellations. One could possibly call Hasuno an astrophile. Malikai was nowhere to be seen or sensed, he most likely already headed off to his work. 

“Sanakai!” Hasuno raised her voice at the young girl. A heated glare being sent down from the old woman. Sanakai’s lip trembled and a pathetic hiccup escaped her parted mouth. Rebellious hair strands fell into Sanakai’s face and got captured by her fresh tears. 

“I-It’s… m-” 

“Don’t even finish that sentence! I don’t even want to hear it!” 

Hasuno was fuming, yet the woman seemed so conflicted. Unsure in her own actions. 

Sanakai released her grip on the book–surrendering that, but she brought her hands back up to block her tear stained face. Nakote now held the old book in his hand, he looked up at his sister guiltily. A meek expression on his chubby face–a foreign expression. 

When Sakura took a step closer the wood creaked under her foot and all eyes snapped towards her. Except for Sanakai, the little girl continued to fight her unrelenting tears. A battle Sakura always loses, salty sadness always rains victorious–all time champion. 

“Good morning Sakura-san…” Hasuno breathed. As though she was out of breath from her own mental turmoil. The older woman’s indigo eyes seemed to be two deep ponds in this moment. Eerie ponds, with swirling emotions lurking within. Emotions of shame, guilt, rage… Sakura watched as Hasuno’s ponds froze over. Seeming as though frosty sheets of fresh delicate snowflakes laid upon the pond, giving her eyes a glassy look. Hasuno has such pretty eyes–pretty eyes decorated with expressive crinkles lining them. 

“Good morning Taibana-san, Nakote-kun, Sanakai-chan…” 

Sakura glanced over the children once more. Sanakai’s hands were spread underneath her pronounced eye bags, revealing her hazy eyes. Nakote still held his guilty face, now he seems to be closer to tears than anything else. 

What is going on?

“If I am not being too forward, what happened?” Sakura ripped the question, like a bandaid. Too impatient to make it that polite. 

“Ah- Both Nakote and Sanakai wish to use this book, but it’s not for Sanakai.” Hasuno steadily replies, her voice betraying nothing. Yet her eyes remain treacherous to her true feelings. 

“Why is it not for Sanakai?” 

“It’s a book about weapons of various kinds and surviving in the wild. It’s obviously for a boy –for Nakote.” 

“I w-want to l-learn about t-that too…” Sanakai’s voice wobbles with the quiver of her lip. “A-and I wrote m-my name on i-it first… It’s mine!” Sanakai cries. 

“We… We can share nee-san. I’m fine with that…” Nakote whispers, a dry crisp to his small voice. 

“Really?” You can taste the excitement in Sanakai’s tone.

“No. Sanakai should not be reading such things!” Sanakai once again deflates at her grandmother’s words. 

“Why is that Taibana-san?” Sakura remains passive to this conflict, much like her shrink would do–she always appreciated that. It brought a beautiful sense of logicality. 

“Because– I don’t want a good man to refuse to marry my granddaughter because she’s reading about weapons and, godforbid, grows a collection of these things. She needs to remain marriable.” Hasuno states it as though it was the obvious, a well known fact. To Sakura these were alien words– stupid words. 

“I-I just want to r-read about it because Otousan makes w-weapons!” Sanakai wails. Nakote rests a comforting hand on his sister’s shoulder.

“Why did your husband marry you Taibana-san?” 

“Because… I dress nice, I clean well, and because of my cooking. I was a role model house wife. I raised my children– child… well.” 

Ignoring the switch to child Sakura states; “I’m sorry if this is rude Taibana-san, but that sounds like hollow reasons to build a marriage with.” 

Hasuno droops her head somberly. 

“Do you really want that for Sanakai? Do you not wish for her to follow her passions? I mean– Sanakai wishes to teach. That’s amazing, she could have such a nice life. That would just need your assistance, your support.” 

The girl in question looks up at Sakura in wonder. Her matching indigo eyes filled with her own swirling ponds, these however speak of trust and gratitude. Sanakai looks at Sakura as a true role model. 

Hasuno also returns her eyes back to Sakura, however this time the frost has melted on the pond. Leaving the melted snowflakes to crowd in beads on the red corners of the old woman’s eyes. Hasuno wins her battle and the tears retreat. Yet the fog of her war still remains, the threat of the tears still present–forever lingering. 

“Is that what you wish to do with your life, Sanakai?” 

“Yes obasan… It is.”

“I… I’m so sorry dear.” 

Hasuno pulls Sanakai into a tight embrace, the older woman’s head settling on top of the little girl’s knotty hair. Both of their eyes are clamped shut. Sanaki nestles her head closer, further into her grandmother’s chest–greedily soaking up this affection. 

The two soon part, Hasuno now having her granddaughter at arms length. 

“I will always support you two…” Hasuno plants a kiss on top of both her grandbabies' heads. The two children in question brighten. “Why don’t you two go read that book now. Let me discuss some matters with Sakura-san.”

Sanakai smiles, Nakote nods. Then they are both off, the book in hand. 

Lastly, Hasuno leads Sakura to the kitchen where she provides Sakura with breakfast and settles her in to talk. They sit across from one another, a serious expression on the gray haired woman and her ponds resembling turning gears. 

____

Hasuno never thought she would reflect on something a practical stranger had said to her. 

In her teens, Hasuno was untouchable. She was gifted with silky black hair that flowed down her back as though it was an ethereal waterfall paired with piercing blue eyes. She was beautiful. Her foxy features intimidated people and her refined skills exceeded expectations. 

Kimachi Hasuno was ideal. Only fit to marry the best, the richest. Her father had ensured that. Hasuno was put in the hands of a distinguished man. 20 years older than her 15 year old self. Something she was wary of, but her mother quickly assured her that it was a good thing. The normal thing, the best option.

Hasuno was never really allowed opinions or dreams growing up, everything was predetermined. 

Every passion or interest she ever had was dismissed by her father and blown out by her mother. Hasuno’s mother had smited her passions as though she was blowing out a candle–as though Hasuno’s enthusiasms were as replaceable as a candle. 

So Hasuno adbonded them, only doing the things a proper housewife should do. So no, she wasn’t going to study the stars or become a chef ( maybe own a restaurant! ) Those dreams were stupid, childish–immature. 

So she had to be content, even though her own husband never loved her. Never complimented her, never tried to know her. He treated her as though she was a shiny object to show off. She’s not . 

He never listened when she talked. Hasuno would swear that the things she had to say were intelligent. Well maybe they weren’t, she is just a girl . 

So Hasuno occupied her time with children. She had two children before her husband passed from old age. She was left a widow at age 25. She tried not to act like she was relieved by his death.  

She had lost her first son before her husbands ‘tragic’ death.  Hasuno had given birth to twins, yet the first born had passed at age 7. 

She had also given birth to still-born triplets– 

She never cried in front of her other son, Malikai. She couldn’t let him see that, see her weakness–her imperfections. Because Hasuno was untouchable and she didn’t have imperfections, her mother always made sure of that. 

Yet she felt as though she had lost a limb. Hasuno lost her baby . Hers . He was just a baby–he had a bobble head and the fattest stomach ever. 

Her baby. Give her back her baby!- 

Her baby didn’t get to experience. He didn’t get to love, to grow up, to read, to write, he didn’t get to hike in a forest or paint on a off-white canvas. Her baby didn’t get the fine things in life. 

He didn’t get to dream, maybe she didn’t get to either. 

But now Hasuno is 53 years old and a young girl–older than when she was married–held more wisdom than her. Sakura has more compassion, more kind. She had unknowingly told Hasuno that she was like her own mother. Was she prohibiting her grandbabies? Was she just like her mother? 

Mother, am I like you?

Mother, I don't want to be like you. 

Hasuno won’t crush her babies’ dreams anymore. She won’t stop Sanakai from teaching. She won’t stop Nakote from wearing that pink kimono he had wanted to dress in two days ago. So Tori– you can curse all you please, laugh as loud as you can, and eat all you want. She loves her babies, she loved her daughter in law and love should be accompanied with support. 

Mother, I am not you. You didn’t have Sakura-san to give you a slap to the face. 

I am just a wasted life, I won’t let my grandchildren waste theirs either. 

Oh, I regret everything.

_____

Sakura and Hasuno sat perfectly across from one another. Silence was left in the air instead of conversation. 

The medic had taken one look at Hasuno's tormented face and decided to leave her alone. Reflection is an emotionally exhausting thing and Sakura was not going to rush that. Instead she thought on her own situation, like she had promised herself she would do after she rested. 

The conclusion that she was in the past is final. Sakura also concluded that this was her second day. When she awoke in the forest it was afternoon, leaving it most likely that her morning was wasted unconscious. Then she was found by Taibana-obasan in the late afternoon and put to rest in the early evening, awakening once more in the mid morning the next day. 

So now Sakura ponders on getting back home. 

The cause of her trip here is going to be left irrelevant. Simply because there’s no evidence of anything . She only awoke with injuries from a fall on her left side. Nothing from a jutsu, nothing from a battle. No evidence of weapons, or summons… Summons! 

The answer was simple, she could just contact Lady Katsuyu and have her send a message to Tsunade-shisou. That would be with the optimistic approach of Tsunade being awake from her coma. Which she has to be. Hopefully… 

That plan would also be with the optimistic hope that her summoning contract is still valid even though she technically isn’t born yet, or Tsunade-shisou… That plan falls through the floor. 

“Sakura-san.” 

“Hmm? Yes?”

“Our quaint village is probably not too accommodating to your shinobi lifestyle. What are you planning to do?” 

Hasuno’s eyes bore right into Sakura’s. And the pink haired girl’s shoulders slumped forward. It was the exact question Sakura didn’t want to answer, the exact question she didn’t know the answer to. 

“In what ways does this village not… support me?”

A peak of amusement crosses Hasuno’s face, as though regarding a child's wild behavior. “This is a civilian village.”

“So a civilian village wouldn’t possibly have books on space-time ninjutsu?” 

“No. Not at all.” 

Hasuno doesn’t evade Sakura’s privacy about why she needs those scrolls, she doesn’t even flinch at the question. 

“Then I will have to say my goodbyes… I have a mission.” 

“You are without a village so if you are ever in need of a home, the Taibana family isn’t going anywhere.” 

Sakura can’t help it when she slightly tears up at the reassurance. At the pure kindness. 

“Thank you obasan.” 

“No, Sakura…” Hasuno lightly shakes her head and Sakura’s eyes cross in confusion. 

“Thank you, Lady Sakura.” 

“Oh- I’m flattered… But I’m no lady-” 

Hasuno bends over on herself, her head grazing her covered knees. The older woman is in a deep bow for Sakura .

“Thank you for healing my knee. Thank you for treating my grandchildren with love. And thank you for giving me a much needed reality check. I-I am forever in your debt, Lady Sakura. You are an angel.” 

Sakura didn’t fight the single tear that slipped out of her right eye. She didn’t wipe it away when it rolled down her chin, not when this woman regarded her with so much respect. Respect Sakura wasn’t used to getting. 

When Hasuno raises from her bow, Sakura doesn’t hesitate in pulling the older woman into a tight hug. 

Thank you, Taibana-Obasan. 

____

Sanakai didn’t really think about her leaving. She didn’t want to. 

Not when the beautiful kunoichi treated her properly. 

Properly in the fact that Sakura didn’t make fun of her speech impediment or make fun of her slippery tears. Sakura-nee respected Sanakai. And that’s all the little girl wanted, all she never got. 

“Oh Nakote-kun! You might knock me over.” 

Sakura’s laughter chimed like tiny bells as she was tackled by one of Nakote’s signature hugs. The sound of Nakote’s chaos drowned out as Sanakai had to accept Sakura’s short departure. 

Who was going to support her? 

Was it really grandmother? 

Would grandmother stay true to her old ways? 

No she doesn’t think so. 

She knew her grandmother would now love and support her till the end of her days. Sanakai knew the moment her grandmother had hugged her, she just couldn’t even fathom it. But the thought of being able to ramble to her grandmother about her passions ignited a giddy feeling in her chest. 

Maybe Sakura-nee’s departure is alright.

“Bye-bye Sanakai-chan.” The pink haired girl’s smile could light up a dark room.

Thank you, Sakura-nee. 

___

It hurt Sakura’s heart to leave. 

Nakote’s squeals, Sanakai’s stutters, Hasuno’s scoldings, and lastly Malikai’s laugh. 

Sakura had barely talked to Malikai. But just by his presence, Sakura felt comfort. She knew he was a good man so Sakura easily went out of her way to say goodbye to him too before heading to the big city\village Hasuno provided directions to. 

The moment Sakura walked up to the black smith her nose was assaulted with the smell of smoke and her eyes watered from the merk. The chimney pumped the onyx gas out of the traditional building. Leading herself further in the building and away from the chimney, the smoke’s effects waned. 

Soon Sakura located Malikai. 

He was standing over a fuming furnace, flipping a strange metal over. He was covered in glistening sweat and flaking snoot. The man’s shaggy hair was pulled into a low pony, a tiny pony. 

“Malikai-san?”

“Ah! Sakura-san!” Malikai immediately turned around and greeted Sakura with a familiar smile.

“I have just come to say my goodbyes.” Sakura returned his smile.

“Thank goodness you stopped by… I have something for you!” He reached his hand into a cluttered corner and pulled out a medium sized ordinary scroll. 

“For… me? What is it?” 

“You’ll love it, I crafted it just for you.” 

Malikai swipes his arm across a wooden table next to him, spilling the contents on the floor. He then rests the scroll down on the table and releases it–revealing a summoning pattern. Malikai then gestures for Sakura to summon the object in the scroll. 

Confused, she does as asked. When she releases the object a puff of smoke blows up and the table creeks. After the smoke disperses, on the table sits an enormous hammer finished with red detailing. 

“You- You made this for me?!” 

“Of course! It’s the least I can do for my thanks… I don’t want you getting hurt on the battlefield, Sakura-san.” 

“Thank you. Thank you, Malikai-san.” 

“It’s my pleasure, Lady Sakura. You are an angel.” 

Flustered Sakura puts the hammer back into the scroll and says; “That’s what Taibana-oba said…” 

A puffy laugh draws from his mouth, though it’s somber from their topic. 

“Heh, whatta y’know…” 

“Thank you. If you ever need protection, healing, or even a babysitter–I  am right here.” 

“Just stay alive out there Sakura-san.” 

With that Sakura has left the Taibana family, starting her trek to the big village. Concluding two days in the past. 

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Chapter Text

The trek to the big city was an easy one. 

Sakura’s concussion mostly faded, leaving her only slightly winded after a few hours of tree jumping. The rich air also helped with her journey. The lush forest was dense with branches and vibrant green leaves. While Konoha was known for its forests, nothing could beat unhumanized nature. 

The trees started to wane as she grew closer and closer to the city. Soon Sakura was left jogging on a narrow dirt road. She never encountered any people, most likely due to her coming from the countryside. 

When Sakura finally encountered Civilization, it was male workers slaving away on fields. The baskets on their hips were filled with an abundance of crops from harvest season.  Even with the autumn chill, the workers glistened with sweat. As a result of their tired state, they failed to notice the pink haired girl walking on the road surrounding them. 

Sakura carried on forward–trying to wade off the sadness she felt at the intense labor these people experienced. As she continued, with a purposely clear mind, she saw the buildings get nicer. Then more luxurious. 

Sakura then realized, with disdain, that it was a social class system. Workers on the bottom, owners on top. 

The traditional buildings surrounding her were obviously ones of homes. There were tiny plant pots on door steps and bustle coming from each and every house. To get away from the residential area, Sakura headed to the north part of the city. 

There she found the shopping district. 

Sakura couldn’t take her eyes off the exotic objects in the shopping stands. Or the colorful sweets on display. Her eyes danced back and forth as she tried to take in her surroundings. 

It was so pleasantly chaotic! 

This place seemed like the kind of place where you visit, not live in. And Sakura was very content in visiting. 

Once Sakura felt her stomach clenched unpleasantly, she surveyed the food stalls for something to fill her human need. Ecstatic, Sakura saw a stand containing umeboshi. She trotted up to the stall, a hop in her step. 

The man running the stall had sun-kissed olive skin and balding hair on his head. When he looked down at Sakura, his eyes narrowed and frown lines appeared between his bushy eyebrows. What’s this dude’s problem?

“Hello, may I please have two boxes of the umeboshi?” Sakura planted the most polite smile she could muster on her face. 

“...That will be 2,000 yen.” The musky man bit out each word and disgust crept into his voice. 

The polite smile still on her face, Sakura reached down on reflex to what she’s used to being her pouch. Yet all her hands felt was the smooth fabric of her obi. Then it dawned on Sakura. 

She’s broke. Totally broke. 

“...Ah- Um, never mind. Have a nice day sir.” The forced smile fell from her face, replaced with her own deep embarrassment. 

As Sakura turned to walk away, the older man threw a malice glare at her retreating form. What an ass. 

With her growing hunger, lingering side effects of her concussion drew in once more. Leaving her slightly dazed as she wandered through the city. No longer was she amazed at the glorious district, instead frustration boiled within her. 

“Excuse me?” 

To her right stood a pale man with thin silvery glasses and a steamed black kimono. He wore a tight expression on his face, and thin wrinkles permanently ornate his boyish honey brown eyes. Everything about him was carefully put together, not a hair strayed from his perfect brown haired low man-bun. He seemed to be in his late twenties. 

“Yes? May I help you?” Sakura kept herself to the same level of politeness this man gave. Matching his energy if you will. 

“What are you looking for with your kimono so undone? Hmm?” His prim and perfect voice turned sharp and bitter in a heartbeat. 

“Excuse me?” Again matching his energy, Sakura’s voice dropped low with her anger. However, she was confused at his words. But when she looked down at her appearance–she saw her sunset kimono’s top folds completely undone. Her cleavage exposed. 

Hastily, she folded the kimono once more and tightened the hold. She crossed her arms over her chest for extra measure too. 

“Oh my…. Did you not know? Dumb girl.” The unknown man mocked in a sing-song tone. His finger waved disapprovingly in the frigid air. 

“Y’know, there is a better way to inform people of their… messed up apparel… You don’t have to be such a bastard about it.” Sakura retorted. His bratty behavior reminded her of when she would pound Sai into the ground for similar actions. 

The man brought his hand up to his chin in a mock thinking manner. As he faked thought, Sakura took to leaning on her left leg and setting her hands on her hip dips. This must have been the reason the shopkeeper treated me so poorly. Sakura concluded. 

“You see pinky-” 

“Do not call me pinky, asshole.” 

“Then don’t call me an asshole.” He finished his statement with a wink. Sakura glared. 

“As I was saying, before I was rudely interrupted, my reason is; it is much more fun to make people hate you!” The bastard chirped. He fucking chirped. Chirped?! 

“Wow. Guess it worked then…” Sakura really didn’t know what to say in the face of such arrogance. Of course the medic had worked with people as exhausting as him, but really now? She is too tired to deal with this now. 

“Anyways my lovely pinkette-” He clasped his hands together and his chipper attitude did not waver, sadly. “What is your name?” He finished. 

“Haruno Sakura. It’s a pleasure.” The ‘pinkette’ in question sarcastically replied. 

“Hah! Named after a flower that dies only days after its bloom. If only the same happened to you…” He mocked sadness as he drew out his sentence, a sigh escaped his lips for dramatic effect. 

“Oh yes. Haha.” Sakura spat bitterly in a sarcastic voice. Her brow twitched and her teeth grit together painfully. 

“Yes! Haha! Oh, and though you didn’t ask, my name is Nohara Saiaku.” 

“Saiaku?” Sakura parroted. 

“Yes. Are you dumb and deaf?” He faked a concerned expression. 

“No…” Her ‘no’ turned into a taunting laugh at the end. “It’s just that you are insulting my own name while your name translates directly to horrible. Isn’t that a bit ironic?” 

“Oh, you see Haruno-chan… I love my name! You, however, seem to hold no love for it.” 

Sakura hates to admit he was spot on. 

While others always stated that her name suited her in every aspect, Sakura couldn’t find a single reason why it would. Well other than her hair color. But a weak, dainty, finite flower? That’s not who she is now. That is who she was as a genin. And as a genin Sakura found pride in being named after a supposedly beautiful flower, now she holds no attachment. 

“Good for you, Nohara.” All of Sakura’s prior spite retreated from her facial expression and her tone. Saiaku seemed to be the slightest bit surprised by her change, the only giver of this being the minute raise in his left eyebrow. 

“Would you like to sit down at a restaurant for a late lunch? You look quite tired and famished, so ugly really.” 

A vein popped up in Sakura’s forehead at his rude, unnecessary, additional comments. But she was not going to pass up the opportunity to eat and rest. 

“Why, thank you.” 

He turned away from her then with a sassy pop in his hip. Assuming she was supposed to follow–Sakura trailed behind Saiaku. The man led both of them through the busy street, they bumped into no one and didn’t stop for a second to admire the shops. 

In record time, they arrived at a kare raisu type restaurant. All restaurants and shops in this city sell specific things and this restaurant strictly served the savory food–kare raisu. 

Saiaku entered before her and purposely slammed the wooden door into Sakura’s face. Little mother f- Needless to say, Sakura let herself into the restaurant. 

They both sat down at a low table and ordered their food and parchments. The establishment was modern (for the time period) and the staff wore stiff smiles on their faces. 

When the steaming food and the cold beverages arrived, Saiaku spoke. “Now I’m going to ask you some questions-” Alarmed, Sakura drops her chopsticks down into her curry. 

“Huh?” 

“Well. Now that you are getting food, you have to stay and answer my questions!” 

Ulterior motives, disciplined facial expressions, and easy read of character. He has to be a shinobi. But this dawning only haunted the unasked questions Saiaku has to have stirring in his mind. Sakura decides to play it out, she needs food after all. 

“I can get food elsewhere.” Sakura lied.

“No you can’t. You’re broke.” Once again he winked. 

Sakura admits nothing and denys nothing. 

“So, Haruno-chan?”

“Hmm.” Sakura is the only one eating her food, instead Saiaku stares at Sakura’s forehead. 

“What’s that black diamond on your large forehead?” He innocently starts his list of questions. 

“You are so hypocritical. One, your forehead is as big as the sky and two, it is called the byakugou seal. It is connected to medical ninjutsu and it basically allows me to store large amounts of chakra.” 

Saiaku holds no mocking expression on his face, instead his brown-doe eyes hold calculations. 

“You’re… a shinobi?” 

“Yes. I assume you are too.”

“Well obviously. I heil from the Nohara clan.” Saiaku rolled his eyes at Sakura. 

“Well, I’ve never heard of that!” 

“Do you really not know anything of the clans?” 

No, no she doesn’t. In Sakura’s time period it’s likely that many clans from this time are just dead, wiped out, or faded. 

“No, I-I come from a village from far, far west. That village was… recently destroyed.” Sakura’s eyes fell downcast. She once again felt guilty for lying to people, but she didn’t feel as guilty as she did with Hasuno. 

“I’m sorry for you loss, Haruno.” He closed his eyes in silent solace. So you aren’t just an asshole. 

“Thank you, Nohara.”

“Hmph. So~ The Nohara clan is a healer clan. We specialize in healing remedies and also… poisons!” 

“Oh, interesting…” Sakura’s amazement was genuine. She had never heard of a clan actually taking medical relations as priority. It only added to her curiosity of why she had never heard of this clan or anyone with the last name, Nohara. 

“Yes, yes. But what is this medical ninjutsu you spoke of?” Oh right. No one in this time period knows what medical ninjutsu is, not even a clan with an abidance of healers. 

“It’s using chakra to heal. Let me demonstrate.” Sakura only piped Saiaku’s curiosity as she brought her right hand to her left wrist. Then in one swift motion, Sakura twisted her wrist painfully. The poor joint was contorted and her skin already started to turn purple. 

“What!- What are you doing?!"

Sakura’s palm glowed green and she twisted her wrist once more, only this time in the right direction. She then healed the bone, veins, and nerves. Sakura gave herself a mental pat on the back for dealing with the nauseating pain in stride. 

“I was showing you an example of medical jutsu. I can perform surgeries, heal cuts, resemble and reline bones, remove poison, make antidotes for said poison, and blah blah. I basically have a degree in everything.” 

“I-I am going to stop asking questions. Otherwise my brain might explode!” 

“Okay then, Nohara.” 

“Can- Can I offer you a job, Haruno?” 

“What kind of job?”

“To heal Uchiha Hikaku.” 

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Chapter Text

“To heal Uchiha Hikaku.” 

Pregnant silence occupied the space between them. Sakura had dropped her chopsticks and openly gaped at him, her green eyes going beady. Saiaku starts to regret his proposal more and more as the silence continues. 

Saiaku squares his shoulders and musters up courage to speak once more. “...He has been seriously wounded and my clan was hired to heal him. Specifically, I was hired. I am on my way to the Uchiha grounds now… What do you say, pinky?” 

Sakura lets a tired breath escape her mouth and picks up her chopsticks once more, but she does not eat. Instead, she gazed downwards thoughtfully. Her short bangs fall into her eyes pitifully and Saiaku inwardly gives his sympathy towards her. 

“Uh, okay—Saiaku, here’s the deal.” Green meets brown and neither backs down. Instead, they glare stubbornly at each other. “I… I don’t have supplies.” She awkwardly stammers, as though she could not manage to find a reasonable excuse. Interesting. 

“I can make adjustments to fit you, princess. Don’t even worry about it, you are too valuable to not pamper.” Saiaku teases, he always tries to lighten any somber moods. But with almost all shinobi business, things take morbid turns that his banter can’t fix. 

“M’kay, I won’t worry about not being fed then~” Sakura picks up on his avoidance of serious moods and ends her sentence with a wink. Saiaku’s pockets will be bare and dry from this woman’s stomach. “How long will the journey be?” The medic started to talk casually, as though discussing rainy weather. 

“Just one more day. Unless you can’t tree jump… Then your stubby legs will take us much longer.” He consciously winces to convey the thought of walking as too horrible to bear. 

An angry vein pops up in Sakura’s forehead. “I can tree jump! Also, I’ll have you now that my legs are not stubby.”

Saiaku rolled his eyes and ignored her tree jump comment. “Mhm. And I don’t have a mile long forehead.” 

The medic's anger vanishes and she pops up in excitement. “Hah! You admit it, your forehead is huge.” 

Little b-

“Ugh. I’m ending this conversation, pinky. Eat your food, slob!” He waves his hand in sassy dismissal and narrows his eyes at Sakura. 

“I will. Food is a power source, but assholes don’t tend to know that.” She grumbles the last part. 

I see this horrible friendship lasting a long, long time. 

____ 

As she had promised, Sakura tree jumped next to Saiaku. Her concussion almost completely faded now. Thank Kami. And she freely moved throughout each forest and each road. 

The air was filled with their good humored banter. Saiaku jabbed at Sakura’s trusting nature and Sakura prodded at his hypocritical tendencies. However, she did not ignore just who she was traveling so far to heal. 

Sakura had never heard of Uchiha HIkaku, the only prominent Uchiha of this time period being Uchiha Madara. 

At least that was all the textbooks provided. 

Thick, heavy books with scripts filled with information of this time were overflowing with biased words of the Senju. Sakura read of almost every Senju shinobi that was above average, yet she only heard of Uchiha Madara. And it wasn’t in a very good light. 

The picture that was painted through these words was one of a gloomy man with red protruding horns—that were complemented by matching red eyes, of course. The biased texts of Senju over Uchiha were just one example of propaganda in her village. 

Afterall, three of the village leaders were Senju—all closely related too. While no Uchiha have their faces carved into the looming mountain, they did have the police force established by the Uchiha. However, the prominent clan had lost all respect and freedom after the Kyuubi attack. 

Their backs were followed by untrusting eyes that painted a bloody target over their clan crest. Sakura’s mother told her of the sad sight, now the medic can compare it to how she was treated as a civilian born shinobi. 

‘Cannon fodder…’ Venomous words spat in her direction. ‘Forfeit… Save yourself the trouble.’ Mocking words spat in her face. ‘You’re expendable.’ A cruel point of view forced upon her. But now she comes on top, she took her future into her own hands and was trained by Princess Tsunade. Actually, it’s ironic she says that her own future is in her hands as she was sent back in time not by her own hand. 

But now in her current situation, Sakura is taking charge and deciding where to go and who to trust. So now, she is trusting Saiaku. She trusts Saiaku to not lead her to her untimely demise and not to abandon her. 

Maybe Konoha shinobi are too trusting, just like they say. 

___ 

”The Nohara healer has arrived!” Izuna bellowed. He slammed the two large wooden entry doors into the walls in his arrival. Madara put his healing scrolls to the side and hastily stood. 

“Let’s get going then, Izuna.” The two brothers marched to the Uchiha compound entrance. 

Madara had been scared when his cousin, Hikaku, came home sick and wounded. The fright only worsened as Hikaku started to succumb to his injuries. The Uchiha healers weren’t skilled enough to remove the suspected poison in his system. So, Izuna hired the Nohara. 

The Nohara was famous for their healing remedies. They strictly strayed away from battles and instead took to powerful alliances, the most powerful of them being the Uchiha. As a result, they are enemies to the Senju. But that matter not to them with their Uzumaki alliances, Madara had actually just been studying Uzumaki healing material in an effort to heal his fallen cousin. 

But his efforts were in vain, as the hired Nohara arrived just in time. 

“Let the healer in!” Izuna ordered, eager to help his close cousin. Madara sensed two chakra sources beyond the gates. One was nothing out of the ordinary and was undoubtedly a Nohara, however, the other was everything but. 

The unknown chakra was precise and cunning, it was bright and warm. It was also concentrated to a point in their forehead. Their chakra was in a constant, controlled stream to the middle of their head and the chakra gathered there was already grand. But Madara had a feeling that they were still gathering the chakra. 

When the guards opened the entrance and Madara laid eyes on the strangers, his sharingan activated on reflex. 

Because one of them had dark brown hair tied in a bun and thin, fragile glasses, while the other had short pink hair and piercing green eyes set in a glare. The pink haired kunoichi held her back straight and her chin up, as she scowled into the sharingan—not a hint of fear. 

And Uchiha Madara found her beautiful. 

He found her beautiful as she strode up to him, the unknown man at her hip, and tilted her head up slightly to stare him in the red eye. Izuna straightened next to him, neither of the brothers underestimated the young woman. 

But he needed to snap out of his trance, because she obviously wasn’t a Nohara.

Before either brothers could dare to open their mouths, she spoke first. “I am Sakura. I am a new friend of Nohara Saiaku,” She gestured to the man next to her. “And he has asked me to help heal Uchiha Hikaku.” The now known woman finished. 

“How could we trust you? We only trust the Nohara to heal our family. What clan do you hail from, kunoichi?” Izuna questioned, his glare was poisonous and his words spiteful. 

“I am civilian born, my last name is Haruno. You don’t have any way to trust me, but you do have a dying family member in your home.” Madara was surprised with how quickly she snapped back, he had never met a woman who didn't cower. He has met female shinobi however, and a few Uchiha women do fight—but most of the time it is more beneficial for the woman to start families instead. 

“And if you trust the Nohara, then you trust me. And I trust Sakura.” The Nohara man next to Sakura spat, annoyed with Izuna’s rude behavior. Izuna’s face curled in anger. 

“Brother! What do you think of this?” Izuna questions and snaps his head towards Madara, who still hasn’t spoken. The Nohara man’s gaze shot to Madara, and now all eyes bore into him—But Sakura had never taken her gaze off of him since they met. 

“I don’t need to think about anything,” Madara calmly states. “Haruno-san, would you please consider our selfish request to heal our cousin?” Madara politely requests. Not only would his cousin most likely be healed, but Madara might be able to learn about this woman. 

“Of course I will, Uchiha-san.” She smiles and shifts her glare to Izuna. “Lead the way.” She finishes. 

“O-Of course, Haruno-san.” Izuna bites out, angry to have been forced to trust an outsider.

Just who is this powerful woman?

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