#cursed-as-a-slug sakura

[that-one-ao3-writer]

10 fics for International Fanworks Day

THESE ARE ALL ALMOST FROM THE SAME FANDOMS IM SO SORRY but they are very good I recommend.

Please consider going through the authors' other works as well.

1. Nothing hurts like the almost, almost, almost by communist_sasuke

Fandom: Bungo Stray Dogs

Summary: “Don’t use Corruption, Chuuya.” Dazai tried again. “Let’s just get out of here.”

(A mission goes wrong, and Dazai learns to hold on to the things he can't bear to lose. If only his revelation hadn't come a little too late.)

I KNOW I KNOW mind the MCD tag but it's so well written and the grief just hits best at 1 am.

2. Atsushi's Guide to Surviving in the Armed Detective Agency (and Being a Part of a Family) by FrogintheWindow

Fandom: Bungo Stray Dogs

Summary: Atsushi studies his coworkers in the hopes of understanding what exactly he’s a part of, and realizes that he’s joined a family, not an agency.

Basically a series of short stories where Atsushi writes about his experiences with the Armed Detective Agency (and the Port Mafia)

FOUND FAMILY FOUND FAMILY FOUND FAMILY

3. try again, try again, try again by absolutefuckery

Fandom: Heaven Official's Blessing

Summary: Feng Xin accidentally steals Mu Qing’s first kiss. Naturally, the only logical solution is to give him another one. And another. And another. And another. And—

I'M LITERALLY IN LOVE WITH THIS FIC HONESTLY FQ ARE IDIOTS

4. Sleepwalking in shadows by oilux

Fandom: Jujutsu Kaisen

Summary: “Fushiguro Megumi,” Sukuna drawls. “You summoned—”

“Do you have two dicks?” 

It's all fun and games until you summon the King of Curses from your shadows.

OKAY OKAY SHIP CHOICE IS WEIRD IK BUT IT'S FUNNY

5. and all the things unsaid, come sweetly to your lips by citruspromenade

Fandom: Heaven Official's Blessing

Summary: the Xian Le Trio reconciliation, through the (metaphorical) seasons.

(The actual summary is longer guys) FENG XIN LOVE AND MULIAN FRIENDSHIP WHAT MORE DO YOU NEED

6. pretty face, electric soul by khrys

Fandom: Heaven Official's Blessing

Summary: Feng Xin and Xie Lian are attempting to re-enter high society. Mu Qing helps, and Feng Xin realizes a few things along the way.

LAST TGCF FIC I PROMISE

7. like, comments, share and subscribe by detectorist

Fandom: The Untamed / Grandmaster of Demonic Cultivation

Summary: Lan Zhan runs a popular studytuber YouTube channel. Wei Ying decides to parody his videos. Things escalate from there.

THIS FIC GIVES ME LIFE

8. A Broken Soul by raendown

Fandom: Naruto (dont judge I had a phase)

Summary: Kakashi was born with a counter just like everyone else. But his was different. His was broken.

THIS IS ANGST OKAY YPU HAVE BEEN WARNED

9. Autonomy by beetlebee

Fandom: Naruto

Summary: "But this Not-Sensei soulmate guy could be anybody," Naruto whines.

Sasuke narrows his eyes. "No. He tried to act like Kakashi, use his techniques. He must be familiar with him already..."

"They could be childhood friends!" Sakura gasps.

"Sensei has friends?" Naruto asks, squinting at Obito.

"Or he's a stalker." Sasuke grips the kunai he still hasn't put away.

"I'm not a stalker," Obito lies, pushing away the kunai edging towards him.

----

(A soulmate bodyswap AU)

FUNNY OBIKAKA THERE I SAID IT

10. An Executive's Guide to Love, Jealousy & Everything in Between by mocarin

Fandom: Bungo Stray Dogs

Summary: Dazai Osamu is known for many things. Being the Port Mafia’s renowned strategist, a coldhearted executive, and ½ of infamous duo Double Black is just the shortlist. One thing he isn’t known for, however, is being capable of being in love. More specifically, in love with his hot headed slug of a partner of 3 years.

Or, Dazai attempts to navigate the complexities of love, with varying levels of success. Featuring his own special brand of flirting, an all too knowing audience, and poor, poor Tachihara who just wanted a friend but ended up on Dazai’s personal blacklist instead.

OOC WARNING BUT IT'S FUNNY SO

+1. Snapshots from different lives: It's a bittersweet symphony this life by Crepuscolaria

Fandom: Heaven Official's Blessing (I couldn't resist)

Summary: He didn’t even get to meet Mu Qing last time! And now they could grow together and have a lot of time! Of course he would run to him!

Not that he can explain this to his mom. She would just look at him with the same exasperated fondness she reserves him when he grumbles under his breath things like youths these days, or back in my day.

------

A brief glimpse to that one time FX found MQ and they were both kids and he actually managed to grow with him until old age.

Series

Part 4 of Beyond Space and Time

CRIMINALLY UNDERRATED FIC GO READ IT NOW

(Might make pt. 2 idk)

#ifd2024 #feedback fest #bungo stray dogs #tgcf #naruto #fengqing #soukoku #obikaka

[kuipernebula]

Naruto is a Full Moon Lunar exalted, with the Fox as his spirit shape. His tell is his whisker markings on his face. He obviously makes use of Cunning Anglerfish Decoy and, when he reaches Essence 3, Ant-and-Starfish Trick to employ his shadow clones. There's actually a number of ways to work in Sexy Jutsu. The Rasengan is odd, though, because it's actually probably a Sorcery spell - and his control spell, at that. (The whole Frog Sage thing is almost CERTAINLY a Sorcerous Initiation. Hell, Sage Chakra is basically how Sorcerous Motes work.) Fox Mode is just his hybrid form, and becoming the Fox uses the Kaiju charms. (For what it is worth, Kurama is likely the name of his previous incarnation, and he gets unusually strong memories/perceptions of that incarnation later on.)

Sasuke is odd for a number of reasons - he's a Solaroid, but picking between Solar and Infernal depends on a lot of things. Either way, he's Night/Nadir caste, perfect for being a Ninja. Plus, the Uchiha clan is clearly a (probably Fire) Dragon-Blooded clan. The Sharingan is probably a Sorcerous Working with unique Evocations, which are probably Resonant with those of Uchiha descent - hence why Kakashi isn't as strong with it. His Cursed Form could definitely be inspiration for a Devil-Body if he's Infernal (and Susanoo could be an offshoot of that, for ease of use) Either way he's probably Naruto's Solar(/Infernal) Mate. (Whether that's romantic or not is. Up to interpretation.) Also like Naruto he has a Snake Sage Sorcerous Awakening and his Command Spell is the Chidori, probably.

Sakura... Is weird in that she exalts much later than Sasuke and Naruto, it being during her training with Tsunade. She could theoretically also be a Twilight Solar with Medicine Supernal and Brawl Charms - her Seal would be a Sorcerous Working, and she has a Sorcerous Initiation with the Slugs. She could also be an Exigent to a Medicine God of some variety, and her Seal could theoretically be a proper Charm Tree. (She's a rare Exigent that is on equal footing to Celestial Exalted)

Kakashi is... probably a Dragon-Blood, given his position in the village and what it means. I'd guess Wood Aspect or Earth Aspect, but we know very little about the Hatake clan. The White Light Chakra Saber is almost certainly an Artifact of White Jade (hence Earth Aspect) and he got his eye via Sorcerous Working (and has invested in it via Evocations.) His Sorcerous Control Spell is the dogs, somehow...

Sai is a Chosen of Secrets Sidereal (despite Endings being a better color), his birth and exaltation signs being The Sword and The Mask, respectively. His art technique is a Sidereal Martial Art (Sable Ink of Imitation, with the Scripture of the Lonely Maiden.) He's heavily invested in Integrity charms (hence he seems emotionless) but also in his SMA, as well as a normal martial art using a brush. (Don't ask me to name it now I can't) The reason no one remembers him until he shows up is Arcane Fate, and he is using a Resplendant Destiny.

Shikako (Dreaming of Sunshine) is a Getimian, which I find endlessly funny that she slots perfectly into this. Despite Summer being the right color, she's got the vibes of a Spring caste. Her Origin is either the DoS timeline, or the Real World, and either way she can pull a lot of shenanigans with that Origin. Her Seals may be odd applications of the Alchemy Tinctures that Getimians get, unclear because we only have a partial look at them. Most of her "I know how things go" is from her Origin stuff and Intelligence charms, though.

Maybe later I'll do Team 8 but they're two Lunars and a Sidereal/Solar (still deciding for Hinata) so they're going to be cracked. InoShikaCho are all Dragon-Blooded, clan shit is too integral to their whole deal. Aspects to be decided later.

Akatsuki is also going to be odd but I do know Pain is a Heart-Eater. Probably the only Heart-Eater of the series.

... oh and Orochimaru is probably a Lunar? Maybe???

#typed this out so it could Leave My Brain Forever

[everythingsakura]

for @lollollollolcabbage who requested fantasy HashiSaku!

Lmao whenever I hear 'fantasy' I only think of fairytales dgshs so I drew prince hashirama and cursed-as-a-slug sakura, and also mermaid sakura with good-pirate hashirama XD hope you like it!

I don't really consider myself good at drawing fantasy stuff but here's my attempt lol

#hashisaku #sakura haruno #hashirama #fantasy??-ish #founders x sakura #mermaid sakura #good pirate hashirama #who for some reason I put a red choker on lmao #prince hashirama #cursed-as-a-slug sakura #a spin on princess and the frog hahaha

[kishillaa]

SSM21 Day 20: Summons

"So, Naruto really summon a toad, huh?" Sakura asked after Sasuke revealed that Naruto was the one that saved her from Gaara, not himself.

As humble as ever, Sasuke-kun. She had thought, at the same time thanking Naruto, internally.

Sasuke looks at her from the corner of his eyes, and she blushes. She always does when Sasuke looks at her that way.

"He did."

"That's amazing, isn't it?"

Sasuke didn't answer as he turns his gaze away from her and look over at a desperate looking Naruto, trying to call up chidori.

"If one day you able to summon animal, Sasuke-kun, what animal would you like to sign contract with?"

Sakura asks, genuinely interested while she smiles at him, her hands clasped behind her.

That once again attracted Sasuke's attention to look at her. Blushing and knows that Sasuke isn't going to speak, she said, "I think I'd like to summon animals that aren't just strong and powerful. But also, useful of something else."

She tap her chin as she thinks, "Maybe doing the healing?" She offers, "Do you think there's animal of such, Sasuke-kun?"

"I don't know." Sasuke replies nonchalantly.

And then Sakura hit her fist on his palm, suddenly remember something, "Oh right." She started and look at Sasuke again.

"While you were away training with Kakashi-sensei, I've done some research about Orochimaru."

That name sent chills down Sasuke's spine, he looks at her, his focus solely on Sakura.

"He was one of the Three Legandary Sanin, along with Jiraiya and Tsunade Senju." She acquired, "And they were especially famous with their summoning."

Sasuke nodded, as if urging her to continue.

"Their combination attack of summons were known as Three-Way Deadlock. Orochimaru summons as we knew is snake, Jiraiya is toad and Tsunade is slug."

She beams slightly at him, "Turn out, Tsunade-sama's summon didn't only just fight you know. It heals too."

Sakura looks up at the sky, with her hands hold together onto her chest, "I really like that. But slug is disgusting, aren't they? I was thinking something cute, like bunny maybe?"

Suddenly, Sasuke sounded, "A hawk."

Feeling content that Sasuke responded to her, Sakura beams delightfully, "That suits you so much, Sasuke-kun."

"My father and brother could summon one. I want that too."

Smiling apologetically at the longing look Sasuke is having, Sakura put her hand on Sasuke's shoulder, "I'm sure you could too."

Moving away from her touch, Sasuke narrows his eyes at her, "Bunny isn't practical. Just because they're cute doesn't means they're useful."

Sakura stiffle a giggle at Sasuke's agitation look, "I can always ask Kakashi-sensei if I can sign up contract with Pakkun."

Sasuke shrugs, "That's not bad. Dogs are the best at tracking. It's useful for mission."

"Yes, they are. Maybe we can have 2 summons each, eh?" Sakura suggested.

"I always think you could summon Orochimaru's snake with the cursed seal with you. And then the hawk. I'll be getting that slug and Pakkun." Sakura chuckles to herself, not really taking it seriously.

"Snake will be a worthy summon."

It really surprised her that Sasuke still join her chatter. Usually, he will dismiss her quickly.

"I'm sure it is." She said. "And when Naruto see we have two summoning contracts, he will be jealous of us like he currently of you now." She chuckles lightly.

She then noticed the upturn of Sasuke's mouth as he smirks.

Grinning at him, Sakura close their gap and nudge his shoulder with hers, "You really like him suffer do you?"

Sasuke scoff and turn his head to the other side.

Sakura just smiles at his familiar way of acting, before she sighs, "The two of you are becoming really strong now. I am way behind." She voice out, her tone is so regretful and sad.

She was surprised when she feels a nudge on her shoulder. She blinks a few time before she looks in Sasuke's direction.

He is looking at Kakashi and Naruto but speaking to her. It was like the first day of their Chunin Exam again, when he's complimenting her about her analytical skill.

"You're smart, Sakura." He had said, "If you focus on your training and not carried away, you can go further. It takes an idiot to figure out way of fight. Imagine if someone smart do the thinking."

Sasuke return his gaze to Sakura, who is currently blushing at his compliment and looking straight at him in the eye. For a second, he was mesmerised by the greenest of the emerald orbs.

And then she smiles, "Just like Sasuke-kun, ne? Smart and strong, definitely a worthy warrior."

And he couldn't say anything else because she's looking at him with such fondness and pride, that he feels hot with unknown emotions.

They break apart when someone clears their throat. Both Sasuke and Sakura swiftly moves further from each other when they saw Naruto and Kakashi are looking weirdly at them both.

"Why are you two so red? Did the teme did something to you, Sakura-chan?" Naruto asked, his eyes zeroed on Sasuke.

The later scoff as he rolls his eyes, though the redness of his cheeks remain.

Sakura isn't any better when she looks away, pink blush still adorned her face.

That was when a jounin came up to them, "Kakashi, your team are summon to the hokage office."

Nodding, Kakashi calls the three of them to follow him.

While hopping from roof to roof beside Sasuke, Sakura laughs quietly, "For the time being, this is the only summoning we'll get, Sasuke-kun. Though, instead of us summoning anything, we're the one act as the summons." She let out a playful laugh again.

Sasuke lower his head to hide his tiny smile at Sakura's joke.

#ssm21 #ssm21d20 #sasusaku #sakuraharuno #sasukeuchiha #fanfic #prompt #drabble #kishillaa #kishillaawriting

[electra-pylades]

The Great  Sakura Haruno Fanfiction Recommendation List

Otherwise known as my September 2019 Fanfiction Roundup 

The Get-Goods: In which our girl Sakura gets to train and become the bad ass she was always meant to be. (most romantic pairings are minimal). 

Retrograde Motion by Crunchysunrises -  From sixteen to eleven didn't feel like a big jump until she realized that she was now the best ninja in their class. And that tiny Sasuke hates her for it. [My all time favorite Naruto fanfic. Funny and filled with incredible world building. This is what canon Naruto wishes it was]

Expedient by SwiftKick - Konoha and Iwa sign a truce and agree to an Exchange Program between recently promoted genin to "bolster village relations." Fortunately, if anything were to go wrong, Haruno Sakura was just average enough to risk losing. [This one really plays with the idea of Sakura as a Redshirt and what that would do to your psyche. There’s some Deidara/Sakura, but it’s mostly focused on her growth.]

a girl in the forest of moss and bone by theformerone -  Katsuyu spits acid in her eyes, and Sakura must prove herself worthy enough for the slugs of Shikkotsu Forest to heal. [Sakura goes to Shikkotsu Forest to become a Slug Sage. This one feels like Naruto by way of Princess Mononoke.] 

Pulling My Weight by itsthechocopuff - During their mission to Wave, Sakura realises how behind she is in her training and decides to do something about it. She vows to become a shinobi her Village and her teammates can respect and depend on.

Survival of the Fittest by  cywscross -  Sakura is thirteen, still a Genin, lost in the middle of Earth Country, lugging an unconscious Chuunin around, and so far beyond scared that she’s moved right on to pissed off.

How To Save The World With No One Even Realizing by IncompleteSentanc (Erava) - It all starts with Rin's kidnapping, and her subsequent rescue at the hands of a mysteriously appearing, monstrously strong, murderously violent woman. A woman with cotton candy pink hair.

Kill Your Heroes by Evil Is A Relative Term - It's time to stop waiting for other people to save you. A story about fear, resilience, and Sakura.

Dirt and Ashes, or: The One-and-a-Half Body Problem by Tozette -  The invasion of Konoha during the chuunin exam didn't fail. Team seven is broken, people are dead, and Sakura is hurt and frightened and a very long way from home.

ABO:  In which ABO Fics treat the female characters better than the canon. 

Gratuitous Title Here, Please by Esloriath -  Sakura Haruno has hidden her omega status for as long as she can remember. What happens when an unplanned fight with the Akatsuki drains her of her last chakra reserves - those she uses to mask her scent?

Taken by MistressDragonFlame - Haruno Sakura was an Omega. She didn't let her status hold her back, becoming a Jounin of Konohagakure, a disciple of the Godaime Hokage, and the strongest shinobi in the village. All she had to ensure was that she managed her heats, and kept a respectful distance between herself and her Alpha teammates.

Heart Under a Blade by yunyu -  Kakashi suspects the universe is out to punish him for his failures in the most poetic and painful matter possible, but he's pretty sure he deserves it.

YOUNGins: In which our baby is a baby - and also a bad ass. 

The Flowers Cherish You by  ich_bin_ein_stern -  Nature has always cared for Sakura and Sakura has always loved nature. They have a beautiful, strong bond. But can such a bond withstand the tragedies that follow a shinobi's life? 

About Face by  wroth_and_ruin  - A little yellow-haired boy saves Sakura from the bullies. And everything changes.

Time Flies Like an Arrow by  Katlou303 -  Sakura traveled back in time with the intent of changing everything, but something went wrong, and now she's four years old having nightmares about impossible monsters and losing friends she has yet to meet.

Freedom in the Eyes of Another by Oroburos69 -   The Wave Mission was a failure. They got caught, captured, taken-it didn't end well. Now Sakura has a half-heard order, uncut fingernails, and more desperation than bravery. One way or another, she's getting Team Seven out today.

ROMANCE: 

How & Why by  randomsomeone - A psychological war gets completely out of control. Lust doesn't cut it and love doesn't just happen, so how else can it work? [One of the all time Greats. Gaara/Sakura]

Heartbeat by letmeannoyyoutoday -  From the beginning of their relationship, Sakura never failed to thank Sasuke for every little gesture that he made. It took a while for him to realize that the reason she did it was because, the moment she accepted to be his wife and give him all that she had left to give, she honestly never expected to receive anything in return. [One of the few stories that made me really care about this couple. SasuSaku]

In Case of Blue Scroll by Leola Majora -   In Case of Blue Scroll the Hokage must lock himself in his office and pull his hair out as what he thought were memories of a long lost love turn out to be the memories of a mission he was about to assign his former student, Sakura Haruno.

Roommates From Hell (and Other Miscalculations) by Crunchysunrises -  Itachi has a girlfriend.  So does Kakashi.

Ikebana by waitingatthecrossroads -  She should never have caught his attention. Pursued by a prodigy, can Sakura manage to escape Itachi's determined clutches? Will she even want to?

CROSS OVERS and AUs 

Menagerie by Crunchysunrises -  Twelve of Konohagakure's shinobi are cursed by the animals of the zodiac. Most of them are pretending to be Sakura's pets. [Fruits Basket meets Naruto] 

The Natural Habitat of Haruno Sakura by Tozette - Sakura moves to a new town to attend university and desperately needs to find a cheap room in a share house.Luckily, the Akatsuki need a new housemate.

#sakura haruno #naruto #fanfic #fanfic recs #sasusaku #deisaku #kakasaku #sakura fic #abo fic recs #itasaku #strong sakura #mokuton #naruto fanfiction #fanfiction recs #itachi #sasuke #a canon so broken #that only fanfic can fix the misogyny #and the plot holes #and the bad world building #Let's take a badly treated female character #and give her the agency she deserves

[theeverlastingartist]

"Kill me. Go on, I dare you." (From villain/hero starters)

@sakura-rpblog

The blade was poised, the victory was right there.  Everything was within his grasp for a victory.  His poison could kill her slowly, painfully... or he could just end the headache now with a decapitation or impaling her through the chest.  He had the tools right there.  Battered, bruised, and many broken puppets scattered across the field.  She would finally feel the despair that he longed for her to feel.  The loneliness and emptiness that he felt with her having no one to save her.  He could do it.  He could .... not?

He stared into the emerald eyes of this brat.  There was no fear, there was no anguish.  There was still that ... fire from before.  She was taunting him, provoking him.  How could she cling to hope like that?!  This battle was over by his hands, the hands of a true artist of his craft!  The greatest puppet master ever, and he was ready to show it as well as curse the name of the Slug Princess that worked so hard to train her.  All he had to do was kill her here and now!  Watch the light fade from her overconfident eyes. 

A flash of a memory buried deep within the warped mind of the puppet master made it almost feel like he had arms holding onto him.  Arms that were telling him that this was enough, to fall back.  Comforting arms that told him everything was fine.  In that brief moment, his hand shook with the blade pointed to her throat.  His attention moved from her and to two fallen puppets at the side.  In that moment, he could had sworn he heard his name called out.  A soft voice, worried.  That was ... impossible. 

“... What... did you do?” he finally asked as he took a step back.  He couldn’t do it.  Something was preventing him from moving.  Why couldn’t he do it?!  Was she behind this?  He ever doubted anything in his life, yet he couldn’t run her through.  He had won the battle, but she was winning the war?!  Someone or something was bringing this doubt.  That had to be it.  He was the perfect weapon, the perfect emotionless shinobi.  He didn’t need feelings!  He didn’t need emotions!

So why was it his entire body felt nothing but grief...?

#Here we are! #Anonymous

[formerfool]

thinking about sakura's Marvelous Nomadic Adventures™️ and the sorts of things she would see/learn/get into:

smaller villages/towns tend to be a lot more friendly than larger villages, but can also be a lot more distrustful. main villages are more technologically advanced and have much more protection, so their distrust (as she's learning) tends to be a lot more superficial. sakura's had people spit at her feet because they can simply smell the shinobi on her

sometimes people care less about her medical knowledge and want her to help in other ways such as: using her mokuton to build/fix things, teaching people self-defense, babysitting their children. she begins negotiating to help people in exchange for them letting her teach them about the body and medicine and chakra energies.

she's seen as a god every now and again. people think she's performing miracles or will see her sage form and put her up on a pedastal, which she then has to try and avoid bc yknow. it's the complete opposite of her goal here. people can be kind but also very obsessive.

children are either afraid of her slugs or try and eat them, which. hm. okay. not an issue sakura would think she'd have, but here she is.

wild animals keep stealing her damn sandwiches.

cryptids like nature energy, especially when you have it in abundance, and man, they are ruthless. being dragged by an ankle through the woods and then waking up in the desert is Not the definition of a chill saturday afternoon.

little old ladies keep blessing her and she doesn't know what it means but she's pretty sure they're adding years to her life. or possibly cursing her. who knows.

#will add more to this list #LMAO im just imagining a montage of all the next shit she experiences #idk what this is but take it #main verse tbt. #tidbits.

[viewtifu1backlog]

2020 Backlog Progress in Retrospect

2020 was the year of finally finishing the backlog. The final game ended up being Disco Elysium back on July 1st but in the months since I’ve built up a list again. Going forward I’m hoping to keep the backlog at 10 games or less since I’ve found I do like having a wider list of games to choose from after finishing something. After finishing over 100 games in 2020 there were a ton of classics that I finished for the first time, so many so that making a top 20 list was very difficult. I’ve always made this end of year breakdowns for my own archives but I thought it would be fun to share it this year alongside the full list of what I finished!

Top 20 of 2020 First Time Finished

1 Sakura Wars (Sega Saturn) 2 Skies of Arcadia (Dreamcast) 3 Dragon Quest XI S (Switch) 4 Shiren the Wanderer: The Tower of Fortune & the Dice of Fate (Switch) 5 Ultima Underworld: The Stygian Abyss (PC) 6 Red Dead Redemption 2 (PC) 7 Mega Man Legends 2 (PS1) 8 Shining Force II (Genesis) 9 Xenoblade Chronicles X (Wii U) 10 Super Mario Odyssey (Switch) 11 Sea of Thieves (PC) 12 Phantasy Star IV (Genesis) 13 Yooka-Laylee and the Impossible Lair (Switch) 14 Shenmue (Dreamcast) 15 Last Window: The Secret of Cape West (DS) 16 killer7 (PC) 17 Moon: Remix RPG Adventure (Switch) 18 Maniac Mansion (PC) 19 ZeroRanger (PC) 20 VA-11 Hall-A: Cyberpunk Bartender Action (PC)

Favorite game of 2020: Sakura Wars

When I was looking back at this year, the game that stuck the most with me was easily the original Sakura Wars for the Sega Saturn. Back in December of 2019 the english patch released online and I was so excited to finally be able to play the first entry in one of Sega’s biggest franchises for the first time. I had yet to play any games in the series beyond just fumbling around an import copy of various games on Saturn and Dreamcast and I was glad to be able to experience it with such a well-made fan patch. It’s a very simple strategy game mixed in with lite RPG and Dating mechanics but there’s such a great charm to how well everything mixes together. The way they mix in the animated cutscenes throughout each chapter make it feel like you’re playing a classic mid 90′s anime and it was just a nice cozy experience the whole way. I managed to play through it twice this year and tinkered around with later entrees in the series but I’m hopeful that the sequel will get picked up as a fan translation project soon, otherwise I’ll probably be going through those games the old fashioned way with a printed out GameFAQS guide at my side.

Date breakdown of everything new or finished in the backlog this year:

12-13-20 Started: Cadence of Hyrule: Crypt of the NecroDancer  (Switch)

12-12-20 Beat: Shiren the Wanderer: The Tower of Fortune and the Dice of Fate  (Switch)

12-06-20 New: Fire Emblem: Shadow Dragon and the Blade of Light  (Switch)

12-05-20 New: Shiren the Wanderer: The Tower of Fortune and the Dice of Fate  (Switch)

12-02-20 Beat: Super Mario Sunshine  (Switch)

11-30-20 Beat: Dragon Quest Builders  (Switch)

11-27-20 New: Steins;Gate  (PC)

11-26-20 Beat: Shantae and the Seven Sirens  (Switch)

11-25-20 Started: Shantae and the Seven Sirens  (Switch) Beat: Travis Strikes Again: No More Heroes  (Switch)

11-21-20 New: Cadence of Hyrule: Crypt of the NecroDancer  (Switch) New: Vitamin Connection  (Switch) New: Paper Mario: The Origami King  (Switch) Beat: killer7  (PC)

11-18-20 Beat: Metal Slug 6  (ARC)

11-14-20 Started: Travis Strikes Again: No More Heroes  (Switch)

11-13-20 Beat: ESP Ra.De. Psi  (Switch)

11-12-20 New: Travis Strikes Again: No More Heroes  (Switch) New: ESP Ra.De. Psi  (Switch)

11-11-20 Completed: No More Heroes  (Switch)

11-08-20 New (Null): Cave Story 3D  (3DS)

11-07-20 Completed: Gate of Thunder  (TGCD)

11-06-20 New (Null): No More Heroes  (Switch) Beat: No More Heroes 2: Desperate Struggle  (Switch)

11-01-20 Beat: Danmaku Unlimited 2  (PC) Beat: Triggerheart Exelica  (DC) Completed: Gradius II  (NES)

10-28-20 Completed: Costume Quest  (PC) New (Null): No More Heroes 2: Desperate Struggle  (Switch)

10-25-20 Started: Murder By Numbers  (Switch) Beat: Blue Wish Resurrection  (PC) New: Blue Wish Resurrection  (PC)

10-22-20 Beat: A Hat in Time  (PC) New: A Hat in Time  (PC)

10-17-20 Beat: Thunder Force AC  (Switch)

10-16-20 New: Thunder Force AC  (Switch)

10-14-20 New (Null): Slime Mori Mori Dragon Quest 3: Daikaizoku to Shippo Dan  (3DS)

10-13-20 New: Shantae and the Seven Sirens  (Switch)

10-12-20 Beat: Chex Quest  (PC) Completed: Mega Man 5  (Switch)

10-07-20 Beat: Mega Man Zero 3  (Switch)

10-05-20 Beat: Cave Story+  (Switch)

10-04-20 Completed: DELTARUNE Chapter 1  (Switch) Started: DELTARUNE Chapter 1  (Switch)

10-03-20 Completed: Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney − Trials and Tribulations  (3DSDL)

10-01-20 Started: Dragon Quest Builders  (Switch)

09-27-20 Beat: Star Ocean: First Departure R  (Switch)

09-25-20 New: Murder By Numbers  (Switch)

09-20-20 New: DELTARUNE Chapter 1  (Switch) New: Dragon Quest Builders  (Switch) New: Romancing SaGa 3  (Switch)

09-19-20 Beat: VA-11 Hall-A: Cyberpunk Bartender Action  (PC) New (Null): Super Mario Galaxy  (Switch) New (Null): Super Mario Sunshine  (Switch) New (Null): Super Mario 64  (Switch)

09-16-20 New: Star Ocean: First Departure R  (Switch)

09-14-20 Beat: Armed Police Batrider  (ARC)

09-13-20 Beat: Moon: Remix RPG Adventure  (Switch)

09-10-20 New: Arcanum: Of Steamworks and Magick Obscura  (PC)

09-07-20 Beat: Disgaea 5 Complete  (Switch) New: VA-11 Hall-A: Cyberpunk Bartender Action  (PC)

09-05-20 Beat: King's Quest: Quest for the Crown  (PC)

09-02-20 Completed: Ultima Underworld: The Stygian Abyss  (PC)

08-27-20 Started: Moon: Remix RPG Adventure  (Switch) New: Moon: Remix RPG Adventure  (Switch)

08-23-20 Beat: Wario Land III  (GBC)

08-19-20 Started: Wario Land III  (GBC) Completed: Broken Age  (PC) Beat: Bomb Monkey  (3DS)

08-17-20 New: Chicken Wiggle  (3DS) New: Mutant Mudds Super Challenge  (3DS) New: Xeodrifter  (3DS) New: Bomb Monkey  (3DS) New: Mutant Mudds  (3DS)

08-16-20 New: Ultima Underworld: The Stygian Abyss  (PC)

08-15-20 Beat: Maniac Mansion  (PC)

08-14-20 Beat: Devil May Cry 3 Special Edition  (Switch)

08-10-20 New: Wario Land III  (GBC)

08-09-20 New: Maniac Mansion  (PC) Beat: Red Dead Redemption 2  (PC)

08-03-20 New: Disgaea 5 Complete  (Switch)

08-02-20 Beat: Star Wars: Dark Forces  (PC)

08-01-20 Beat: Donkey Kong Country 2  (GBA)

07-31-20 New: Star Wars: Dark Forces  (PC)

07-25-20 New (Null): Devil May Cry 3 Special Edition  (Switch)

07-24-20 New (Null): Cave Story  (Switch)

07-20-20 New: Shin Megami Tensei  (SNES) Beat: Mega Man X4  (Saturn)

07-17-20 New: Donkey Kong Country 2  (GBA)

07-16-20 Beat: The Wonderful 101: Remastered  (Switch)

07-12-20 Completed: Chip 'n Dale: Rescue Rangers  (NES) Completed: Rockman 8 FC  (PC)

07-11-20 Completed: Mega Man 8  (Saturn)

07-09-20 New (Null): The Wonderful 101: Remastered  (Switch)

07-06-20 Completed: Darkwing Duck  (NES) New: Red Dead Redemption 2  (PC)

07-04-20 New (Beat): Streets of Rage 4  (Switch)

07-01-20 Beat: Disco Elysium  (PC)

06-30-20 Beat: ZeroRanger  (PC) New: ZeroRanger  (PC)

06-25-20 New (Beat): Super Puzzle Fighter II X  (Saturn) Beat: Resident Evil  (Switch)

06-20-20 Beat: Xenoblade Chronicles X  (WiiU)

06-17-20 Started: Resident Evil  (Switch)

06-16-20 Completed: G-LOC: Air Battle  (Switch) New: Resident Evil  (Switch) New: G-LOC: Air Battle  (Switch)

06-08-20 Started: Disco Elysium  (PC)

06-06-20 Completed: Time Bokan Series: Bokan to Ippatsu! Doronboo Kanpekiban  (Saturn)

06-05-20 New: Disco Elysium  (PC) Completed: Mega Man X3  (SNES)

06-04-20 New (Null): Xenoblade Chronicles: Definitive Edition  (Switch)

06-01-20  Completed: Super Mario Odyssey  (Switch)

05-28-20  Beat: Mega Man Zero 2  (Switch)

05-25-20  Completed: Diablo  (PC)

05-15-20  Completed: Aladdin  (Switch)

05-13-20  Beat: Bayonetta 2  (Switch)

05-10-20  Completed: Seaman  (DC)  Beat: Shining Force III  (Saturn)

05-02-20  Completed: Spider-Man vs. The Kingpin  (GEN)

05-01-20  Beat: Etrian Odyssey II: Heroes of Lagaard  (NDS)

04-29-20  Beat: Phantasy Star IV  (GEN)  New: Spider-Man  (GEN)  Beat: Mega Man Legends 2  (PS)

04-25-20  Started: Phantasy Star IV  (GEN)  Started: Seaman  (DC)

04-24-20  Beat: Shenmue  (DC)

04-20-20  Completed: Last Window: The Secret of Cape West  (NDS)

04-19-20  Beat: Sea of Thieves  (PC)

04-14-20  Started: Last Window: The Secret of Cape West  (NDS)

04-13-20  Beat: Shining the Holy Ark  (Saturn)

04-10-20  Completed: Professor Layton and the Unwound Future  (NDS)  Beat: Professor Layton and the Unwound Future  (NDS)

04-02-20  Beat: Boktai: The Sun Is in Your Hand  (GBA)

04-01-20  Started: Professor Layton and the Unwound Future  (NDS)  Completed: Mega Man Legends  (PS)

03-29-20  Completed: Phantasy Star II  (GEN)

03-27-20  Beat: Panzer Dragoon: Remake  (Switch)  New: Panzer Dragoon: Remake  (Switch)

03-26-20  Beat: Skies of Arcadia  (DC)

03-22-20  New (Null): Animal Crossing: New Horizons  (Switch)

03-17-20  Beat: Goldeneye 007  (N64)

03-14-20  Completed: Yooka-Laylee and the Impossible Lair  (Switch)

03-09-20  Beat: Kirby and the Rainbow Curse  (WiiU)

03-07-20  Completed: Popful Mail  (SCD)  Completed: Retro Game Challenge  (NDS)

03-06-20  Beat: Mega Man Zero  (Switch)

03-05-20  Beat: Yooka-Laylee and the Impossible Lair  (Switch)

03-03-20  Beat: Bangai-O Spirits  (NDS)

03-02-20  Beat: Super Monkey Ball 2  (GCN)

03-01-20  Beat: Shining Force II  (GEN)

02-29-20  Started: Yooka-Laylee and the Impossible Lair  (Switch)

02-26-20  Completed: Aliens Infestation  (NDS)  Beat: Banjo Tooie  (N64)

02-21-20  Completed: Ecco: The Tides of Time  (SCD)  Beat: Kirby & the Amazing Mirror  (GBA)

02-18-20  Completed: Shinobi Legions  (Saturn)  Beat: Phantasy Star Online Ver. 2  (DC)

02-16-20  Beat: Super Mario Odyssey  (Switch)

02-14-20  Started: Super Mario Odyssey  (Switch)

02-13-20  Beat: Blazing Chrome  (Switch)

02-12-20  Beat: Dragon Quest XI S: Echoes of an Elusive Age - Definitive Edition  (Switch)

02-08-20  Completed: Alex Kidd in the Enchanted Castle  (GEN)  New: Shinobi Legions  (Saturn)

02-04-20  Beat: Shinobi  (Switch)  New: Shinobi  (Switch)

01-30-20  Beat: Sakura Wars  (Saturn)  New: Blazing Chrome  (Switch)

01-23-20  Beat: Fatal Fury: Mark of the Wolves  (DC)

01-21-20  Beat: River City Girls  (Switch)

01-20-20  Completed: Charge 'n Blast  (DC)  Beat: Gunvolt Chronicles: Luminous Avenger iX  (Switch)

01-17-20  New: Sakura Wars  (Saturn)  Beat: Iconoclasts  (Switch)

01-16-20  Beat: Guilty Gear X  (DC)

01-14-20  Beat: Daytona USA: Championship Circuit Edition  (Saturn)

01-12-20  Beat: Power Stone 2  (DC)  Completed: AI: The Somnium Files  (Switch)

01-11-20  Completed: Azure Striker Gunvolt 2  (3DS)  Beat: Azure Striker Gunvolt 2  (3DS)

01-09-20  Completed: Super Return of the Jedi  (SNES)

01-08-20  Beat: Mega Man ZX Advent  (NDS)

01-06-20  Beat: Disgaea PC  (PC)  Started: Mega Man ZX Advent  (NDS)

#backlog #backloggery #sega #saturn #end of year

[mika080]

Slugs and Cursed Children

by Magical Muffin Ride

Summary: Sakura knew trying to save him would just bring more pain for the both of them. It was still a child though and she would not be able to refuse such a task no matter the cost. So she saved him and found herself a mother of sorts to this living curse. MultiSaku, witch au, found family themes. A collection of ficlets.

Rated: T - English - Family/Romance

*incomplete*

(Additional note: MultiSaku. Supernatural themes. A collection of ficlets.)

Link.

#GaaSaku #fic recs #ff.net #Magical Muffin Ride

[pyropsychiccollector]

Goodbye Despair, Chapter 1: Destination Despair (Pat 1)

            It had been three days since the start of Ultimate Despair’s incarceration on Jabberwock Island. True to Munakata’s word, Class 78 had been allowed possessions and other privileges that most prisoners would never even dream of having. Nothing dangerous was allowed, and of course there were restrictions, but in general it really was like a holiday retreat instead of a tense imprisonment.

            The main thing was the curfew. Every night, at 10pm, the Despairs had to be back in their cottages. And in the mornings, starting at 7am, everyone was required to attend breakfast, which was prepared by Hanamura. Most Despairs were allowed to freely roam the six islands that made up Jabberwock, as security cameras and announcement monitors were stationed in various locations. Exceptions included Kamakura, who was restricted to the first island for the purpose of restraining him if necessary; Asahina, who was also restricted to the first island (unless escorted to and from other islands) because she would become a threat in the ocean; and Sakura, who required a heavier presence of Foundation personnel around her because of how exceptional she was as a warrior.

            Mukuro Ikusaba would have required as much supervision as Oogami, if it weren’t for the fact that she listlessly stayed in her cottage when she wasn’t required to be present for breakfast or anything else.

            Not too surprisingly, Ultimate Despair didn’t act too excited with their freedom. In fact, they seemed pretty miserable and withdrawn, even from each other. Some even deliberately went out of their way to “break the rules” just so they would be forced to stay in their rooms as punishment. They seemed to crave disciplinary action, as more restrictions brought about a “greater” despair for them.

            This didn’t stop their senpai from reaching out to them. But progress was close to nil.

            ~*~

            “Um… What’s the problem, again?” Hajime scratched his cheek as he looked between the Imposter and the prefect, who was huddled and sulking in the corner of the dining hall.

            “He wants more ‘structure’.” The Imposter, now dressed as Munakata, crossed his arms and frowned deeply. “He likes the idea of a morning meeting and a curfew, but he wants to be able to hold… seminars.”

            Hajime blinked owlishly at that.

            “Seminars?”

            The Imposter held an index finger to his face as his brow furrowed thoughtfully.

            “He says they’re too old for high school classes, and we don’t have the materials for college courses, so he wants to hold these ‘seminars’. I asked him about what he had in mind, and he said he would start by educating everyone on etiquette, hygiene, and health. When I probed him further on these topics, he described what was essentially the exact opposite of these things… I assume this is his Despair, so I simply told him ‘no’. And to try again, when he came up with something meaningful. He’s been like this ever since.”

            Hajime sweatdropped and stared at the depressed hall monitor’s backside.

            “And… how long has he been like this?”

            “The past half hour.” The Imposter plainly responded, which earned a sigh from the brunet. He knew the Imposter hadn’t just left him here, and had likely been trying to cheer Ishimaru up, but sulking for half an hour was pretty intense.

            Tentatively, Hajime approached the dark-haired young man and placed a hand on his shoulder. He wasn’t entirely sure what he wanted to say, but he knew he didn’t want to leave Ishimaru like this.

            “H-Hey, um… Ishimaru? Did you wanna hang out?” He paused for a moment. “… Or find one of the others to hang out? I don’t mind if you think I’m boring, I just… want to help, I guess…?”

            Hajime finished off lamely, and the Imposter frowned at his self-depreciative attitude. Hinata had come a long way since becoming the Ultimate Counselor, but he still had that tendency to put himself down. The Imposter supposed all that time in the Reserve Course was to blame for this; as exceptional of an institution as Hope’s Peak was, it did tend to be elitist. Arrogant. Even to the people who paid to attend the school.

            As the Imposter considered approaching Miss Yukizome about having another pep talk with Hinata, the Ultimate Moral Compass stood up rigidly and turned to face Hajime sternly. The Imposter arched an eyebrow curiously at this development, and even Hajime’s eyebrows were raised in surprise.

            “And?! Why do you presume to be a boring person, Hajime Hinata?!” The hall monitor barked out as he crossed his arms in a huff. Though his red eyes were blazing like normal, Hajime could tell something was… different.

            “Um… Well, to be perfectly honest?” Hajime scratched his cheek sheepishly. “I… I was a Reserve Course student at Hope’s Peak. I didn’t even receive an ‘Ultimate’ talent before the world went to hell. Frankly, I’m just a boring, unremarkable kind of guy. The kind of person you’d lose sight of in a crowd and forget about.”

            “But that’s not true…!” Hajime backed up as Ishimaru raised a fist and shook it passionately as he closed his eyes. “It doesn’t matter if you’re middle-class! As long as you work hard, you can get anywhere in life! I, myself, was born into a middle-class family – no, not even middle-class! And despite that…! Despite that!”

            Ishimaru shook his head vigorously before reopening his intense eyes and jabbing a finger into Hajime’s chest. The brunet continued to be shocked.

            “Listen! I don’t care if we are enemies! You got where you are today because you worked hard, right?! Then you should take pride in your achievements! Just because you weren’t born a genius, it doesn’t mean you’re worthless! The people who work hard, they’re the ones who shape society and provide food on dinner tables! Never put yourself down just because you’re ‘plain’ or ‘average’!”

            Hajime wilted under the intensity of Ishimaru’s impassioned state. Having been in the Reserve Course, Hajime never knew what Ishimaru was like, prior to the Tragedy. He’d borne witness to the cold, tyrannical Kiyotaka Ishimaru, but even when he harped on about unreasonable rules and regulations to the general masses, he’d never seemed this… energized. There was a ferocity and passion in those eyes that Hajime couldn’t quite place. Hajime was truly out of his depth.

            But the Imposter wasn’t. Though he’d only known his underclassman in passing, he saw it. A flicker. A faint silhouette of the boy Kiyotaka Ishimaru used to be.

            Cautiously, the Imposter took a step forward.

            “Oi… Ishimaru…?” The Imposter used his own voice without thinking, shocked as he was. Hajime craned his head toward his comrade at the abrupt change in atmosphere; and like a spell being broken, Ishimaru massaged his temple before shaking it vigorously and giving a wide, malicious grin, typical of an Ultimate Despair.

            “My apologies! I seem to have lost myself for a minute there. Hahaha…!” He spread out his arms benevolently. “Rest assured, Munakata-san, I shall rethink my proposal and approach you again in the near future! You better be ready for an intense negotiation~!”

            With one last boisterous, forced laugh, Ishimaru stomped away with that wide grin still plastered on his face. Hajime and the Imposter exchanged looks, both agreeing that incident was… odd.

            ~*~

            “I still don’t get what the big deal is!” Kuwata moaned as a blonde yanked him along a bridge that led to the central island. “Why have a tank all set up, if you’re not gonna use it?!”

            Natsumi’s scowl remained firm, and she cursed under her breath as she stomped along.

            “Because, dipshit, that’s for us to use in case someone like, I dunno, Ogre decides to try something!” Deciding to vent a little more, she yanked his arm harder. “How do you even go from baseball to motherfucking tanks anyway?! It’s like trading a Siamese cat for a German shepherd! Two different animals, dumbass!”

            To the yakuza’s irritation, Kuwata smiled fondly as he ran his free hand through his hair.

            “You ever seen one of those machines that spits out baseballs? Well, Enoshima suggested I should try one-upping that! So the tanks I drive around shoot out baseballs.” He then grinned madly, his eyes glowing a brighter, more ominous red. “Metal ones. Your body gets shot with those suckers, you’re a goner for sure! It’s really somethin’ to behold!”

            Deciding she’d had enough of the former baseball star’s insane ravings, Natsumi slugged the redhead hard enough in the face to knock him out, and then just dragged his unconscious body along the ground as a petty revenge. It was as she was stomping through Jabberwock Park that she encountered another Remnant.

            “Honestly, you can’t go one day without getting violent with someone, can you?”

            Natsumi growled and whirled on her heel to face the woman who was sitting under a tree, looking bored as hell. The woman flipped a strand of lilac hair behind her ear, which only caused Natsumi’s eyes to narrow further. She never did like this bitch.

            “What do you want?”

            “What makes you think I want anything?” Kirigiri asked airily, arching an eyebrow, despite Natsumi’s hostile tone. To further piss the yakuza off, the detective’s posture was completely relaxed, not tense in the least.

            But then, Kyoko Kirigiri had always been one to keep her emotions in check.

            “You’re the one who stopped me.” The dishwater blonde deadpanned. Kyoko made a small noise of understanding.

            “I was just making a casual observation. Wasn’t even addressing you. Feel free to ignore me.” Kirigiri dryly replied, craning her head away from the yakuza and staring out at the ocean. A clear dismissal, but Natsumi didn’t have the patience or control to ignore the detective.

            It was like Sato all over again.

            “Like hell you didn’t call me out just now…!” Natsumi growled as she released Kuwata’s legs unceremoniously and took one step over to Kyoko. “I dunno what bug crawled up your asshole, but you’ve always had a bone to pick with us yakuza! My big bro hated going to the same school and not being able to touch you! When that Sato bitch attacked me, you didn’t give a flying fuck until it looked like we were gonna murder her punk-ass! You were just chomping at the bit, waiting for us to give you a reason to get me and my bro expelled!”

            Kyoko had her arms crossed for the duration of Natsumi’s little rant, and her gaze remained firmly locked on the ocean. Her expression remained impassive. When Natsumi was done, not a fraction of a reaction could be seen.

            “And?” The lilac-haired girl wondered, after the silence had seeped into them for several uncomfortable moments. Natsumi snarled.

            “And?!” The blonde hissed.

            “What’s the point of dredging up ancient history?” Kyoko continued to needle the girl. “Of course the police and yakuza would never get along. Don’t act so shocked.”

            “That’s not the fucking point!” Natsumi all but screeched. “You might’ve become a crazy cold-hearted bitch, but you used to have fucking morals! You preached about the law being unbiased – hell, you threw it in my bro’s face when you thought we’d murder that bitch! – but you ignored all that shit about Sato attacking me and Hinata!”

            “… Oh. That.” Kyoko’s flippant response had the desired effect of Natsumi advancing towards her threateningly. “I guess I just didn’t care. A yakuza wanting justice is strange, don’t you agree?”

            “You bitch…!” Natsumi snarled and almost lunged at the detective, before a hand clapped firmly on her shoulder. When she fiercely whirled her head to face the unwelcome intruder to the conflict, she was only slightly mollified to see the stony-faced Munakata facing Kirigiri. And beside him was Togami, who only looked mildly annoyed to have apparently been dragged along by the second-in-command of Future Foundation.

            “That will be enough of that, Kuzuryu. Get Kuwata back to his cottage – I will be along shortly.” Munakata frowned slightly as Natsumi shook with rage. He thought he would have to call her brother to take care of her, but a few tense moments later she waspishly obeyed, notably shooting Kirigiri the middle finger that the detective naturally ignored. As the yakuza stalked off, dragging Kuwata behind her, Munakata’s full attention was once again on the Ultimate Detective. He crossed his arms disapprovingly. “I had thought you, of all the Remnants, wouldn’t need to be told to restrain yourself, Kirigiri. The rift between you and the Kuzuryu Clan aside, you’ve handled all interactions rationally and logically. You never pick fights, regardless of how annoyed you may or may not be.”

            Kyoko remained perfectly still in her seated position, and didn’t respect Munakata by returning his gaze.

            “As I recall, you’ve given us the freedom to move as we please. If you can’t handle a little hostility between obvious enemies, perhaps you should just put us on ice until the Neo World Program is complete?”

            Munakata’s frown deepened. He tapped his finger on his forearm as the steel in his gaze sharpened.

            “Being allowed freedom at all is a privilege that we can easily revoke at any time. Do not mistake our kindness for softness.” The silver-haired man warned. It seemed to go in one ear and out the other for Kyoko, however.

            “Even Izuru Kamukura?” She replied blandly.

            “Kamakura will not be a problem.” Munakata boldly asserted, causing the detective to finally turn towards him and arch an eyebrow dubiously. She was surprised his confidence held steadfast.

            Such naïve arrogance.

            “You should listen to him.” Togami spoke up in the same bland tone that Kirigiri had previously been using. “Men of Munakata’s status and character are rarely arrogant. And I should know, because he is my business rival, after all is said and done.”

            Kyoko scoffed, while Munakata scowled at the slight against Chairman Tengan. Never mind how much he wanted to deny that Ultimate Despair couldn’t compare to the Future Foundation – they did. Ultimate Despair and the Future Foundation were the only major superpowers in these apocalyptic times. The old world order was in shambles.

            Before Kyosuke could retort, however, his phone rang in his pocket, and he merely shot Kirigiri one more reproachful glare before squarely facing Togami.

            “I will leave her in your hands. Though if Kirigiri stirs up trouble again, there will be consequences for her, so keep that in mind.”

            “Duly noted.” Togami deadpanned in return, arms still crossed as he kept his head craned in a mocking manner. Kyosuke glowered warningly at this, but then strode away briskly.

            Now the heir and detective were left alone.

            “You’re a suck-up.” Kirigiri coldly pointed out, once Munakata was out of earshot.

            Togami rolled his eyes.

            “I am doing what needs to be done,” the heir’s tone was just as frosty as his jaded eyes glared daggers back at the lilac-haired girl. “There is a very real chance that program won’t be completed. If that eventually proves true, we will need to be in a position to communicate with one another. Being holed up in cottages will do nothing but hinder any possible insurrection.”

            For the briefest of moments, Kirigiri was taken aback. But Togami caught that miniscule change of inflection in her face, and there was a sad sort of vindictiveness in being able to garner such a reaction from the poker-faced detective.

            “The Neo World Program… might not get completed…?” Kirigiri whispered, aghast. “What in the hell are Matsuda and Gekkogahara doing?”

            Togami scoffed at the mixture of disbelief and rage that bubbled under her aloof tone.

            “I don’t know the full details, but apparently there really is a bug that is making the program incapable of operating. They brought in that animator to see if he would be able to offer insight to a potential solution, but I have my doubts. I knew we should have gone with the original plan of infecting the program, rather than remodifying its original purpose… We had a copy of Enoshima’s AI stored in Towa City, but now even that is lost to us, and we’re left in this hopeless situation.”

            Kyoko narrowed her eyes as her gloved hands curled into fists and she stared off into space.

            “If we can’t be the vessels for Enoshima’s return… what’s even the point of being here? We should kill everyone here before reinforcements arrive.”

            Togami tilted his head thoughtfully, index finger tapping his temple.

            “Hnn. How strange. I never would have pegged you for a coward. Haven’t you heard the phrase, ‘no risk, no glory’?”

            Kyoko scowled at the uppity tone her blond classmate had taken with her.

            “Don’t tell me Ludenberg has influenced your decision-making. Without Fujisaki, I highly doubt Matsuda and Gekkogahara would be able to fix a computer program. And there’s even less chance they would trust him to be anywhere near their computers. If our chances are close to nil, we might as well cut our losses and get the apocalypse back on track.”

            “And what if we had Kamakura actually be useful for once?” Togami sneered back, causing the detective to broil over with more rage.

            “I am not entrusting our fate to a man even more untrustworthy than the Future Foundation! If he was truly a Remnant like the rest of us, he would have joined our inner ring of leadership, rather than watch as the world burned. He is an indecisive shell of man that Hope’s Peak created, and that Enoshima used like a puppet to gain our loyalty. Nothing more.”

            Togami tapped his temple again mockingly.

            “You forget. He is entirely obsessed with watching the conflict of Hope and Despair. I am confident we can use him to our benefit. Enoshima has shown us that it can be done. You know that Enoshima’s return would bring the most Despair to mankind. You know that I am right.”

            Kyoko did not appreciate being talked down to like a child.

            “And you know that if this fails, the whole plan falls apart, and only despair awaits in our future.”

            “That is the whole purpose behind our organization, is it not?” Togami sneered. “We go big, or go home. Either way, Despair gets the final word.”

            Kirigiri clenched her fists once more as she stared down into her lap, gritting her teeth. She still disagreed on principle, and she knew for a fact that others in Ultimate Despair would side with her, just as others would rally behind Togami. Ultimate Despair would split in two, and there would be no way out for them once that happened.

            Was Togami so blind? Was he so short-sighted?

            ~*~

            “You’ve been awfully quiet since arriving, Oowada.” Fuyuhiko muttered as he leaned against the entrance to the abandoned ranch. The Ultimate Biker sat on a stump nearby, and his hands were curled into fists in his lap. His head was dipped, so Fuyuhiko couldn’t make out his expression.

            “What’s it to you?” Mondo groused. “Didn’t get enough to think about when you brought me in?”

            The yakuza heir scowled at the memory of their last encounter. It was true. Mondo had given him food for thought, and he was mulling that over.

            That didn’t mean he was going to leave his fellow gang leader to mope around. He held more respect for the fearsome leader of the Crazy Diamonds than to allow that to happen.

            “Tch. You really think I’m gonna let that keep me down? You’re more of a dumbass than Hagakure.” Fuyuhiko clicked his tongue and crossed his arms, craning his head away from Mondo.

            Mondo clearly bristled at the insult, but he didn’t lash out like Kuzuryu had half-expected him to.

            “Whatever. I guess one of us has the stones to move on with their life.” Mondo grumbled. “Then again, it’s not like you lost all that much anyway.”

            “You really think Daiya would want you to just give up like this?” Kuzuryu asked rhetorically, and that got a reaction he was aiming for.

            “Don’t go there, Kuzuryu.” Oowada growled dangerously.

            Anger fit Mondo a whole lot better, and Kuzuryu was a lot more adept at dealing with it, even if he himself was known to have a hair-trigger temper.

            “Daiya was an actual fucking leader, if you ask me.” Kuzuryu carried on fearlessly. The sound of tightening fists could be heard from Mondo’s quarter. “You put on a damn good effort, but then you ruined everything when you helped end the world…”

            “I said shut up!!!” Mondo roared head whipping up as his red eyes flared a bright, threatening red. He held a fist up furiously. “You of all people don’t get to lecture me, when you were doin’ all this illegal shit before the world went to hell!”

            “You’re a fucking hypocrite.” Fuyuhiko deadpanned, unimpressed. “We were both in the same boat before the Tragedy, and you know it. The Crazy Diamonds was knee-deep in just as much shit. The difference between us, I actually made an effort to keep the world together. You tried to burn it all.”

            Mondo’s teeth were bared, and his hand was twitching uncontrollably as his body shook. Fuyuhiko imagined the only thing holding Oowada back was the ‘despair’ of refusing to vent his anger. And that was, ultimately, Fuyuhiko’s goal. To get Oowada to pick his old self back up. Screw how unhealthy rage was – it was even worse to bottle it all up.

            “I don’t need to explain a single damn thing to you, asshole! I might be a worthless piece of shit, but at least I acknowledge I fucked up! The most you ever do is admit it’s possible you’re partly responsible for what happened! You wanna turn this into Storytime?! Why don’t you start talking first? Tell me what you assholes did against Enoshima! What you all lost!”

            Fuyuhiko’s lips curled into a deeper scowl. Oowada was still clinging to that. The fact Class 77 had been more fortunate than Class 78. The fact they couldn’t truly empathize with Class 78. And maybe he was right, to an extent.

            That didn’t justify ending the world, no matter how great the pain was.

            But before Fuyuhiko could mouth such a rebuttal, the Ultimate Biker got up from the stump and stomped away, effectively ending the conversation. Fuyuhiko’s mouth clamped closed as he weighed the pros and cons of pursuing the biker, but in the end, decided against it for now. They’d have time to get all of the Despairs to open up… They would just need to take it one step at a time.

            And that sucked. Because time was a rare luxury in this apocalyptic world.

#Danganronpa #Hajime Hinata #Ultimate Imposter #Kiyotaka Ishimaru #Leon Kuwata #Natsumi Kuzuryuu #Natsumi Kuzuryu #Kyoko Kirigiri #Kyosuke Munakata #Byakuya Togami #Fuyuhiko Kuzuryuu #Fuyuhiko Kuzuryu #Mondo Oowada

[kuriquinn]

Penthesilea [14/?]

Cover & Disclaimer: 

 Chapter Summary:   A general sense of excitement falls over the camp, bringing with it an anticipation of the long conflict’s end.

Chapter Beta: None beyond my own two eyes and my writing software.

戦国時代

A week passes, and then another.

Skirmishes between the two sides continue, and Sasuke often finds himself out on the field trying to keep the casualties to a minimum. On his side, Naruto does the same, although twice altercations between their men lead them into trading half-hearted blows.

Well…not exactly half-hearted, Sasuke thinks, wincing at the rather significant bruise across his entire chest from a stray Rasengan.

Whatever Naruto’s personal feelings toward Sakura—Sasuke suspects there may once have been more than simple brotherly concern on his part—he is clearly interested in her happiness. The injury was delivered with few choice, overprotective words and a threat regarding the wellbeing of a certain pink-haired medic.

Sakura herself is conspicuously absent during this time, although on the first night of their long separation, a slug summon informs Sasuke that she is fine but recuperating. It makes sense—he has had his own difficulty recovering following Itachi’s healing. His chakra reserves are nowhere near their usual level; he can’t imagine the convalescence Sakura must now undertake.

It is probably, as she suggested, like what Itachi is experiencing.

While he rests from the stress of his ordeal, Sasuke’s brother is watched over by Rin. Whether she knows the specifics of his healing, Sasuke doesn’t know, but it wouldn’t surprise him if Kakashi and Obito confessed it all to her. There are few secrets between those three.

In the meantime, he and the rest of the unexpected co-conspirators set their plans in motion. While Itachi and his cousin start to meet quietly with those individuals who may be most open to the idea of peace, Kakashi leaves with Inabi and his group. They are so eager to hunt Danzō that they barely question his presence. Several of the Hyūga clan are sent along as well, including Neji. It’s a measure to throw off suspicion, and one of protection; despite Kakashi’s confidence Itachi doesn’t intend to lose his mentor to a kunai in the back.

Meanwhile, Sasuke dutifully visits with the Hyūga elders and broaches the subject of peace negotiations with the Senju and the Uzumaki. He can see that they are somewhat wary, considering he is the one delivering the news instead of Itachi. He can also sense the palpable air of relief that ripples through the assembled clansmen once the suggestion is made. Hinata, standing beside her younger sister, gasps and clasps her hands together, eyes shining with naked hope.

Sasuke wonders if, before all of this, he would have noticed these things. 

“This dissolves none of the previous arrangements,” Hyūga Hiashi maintains. “The Hyūga and the Uchiha will be united.”

Sasuke is careful to keep his expression blank and not betray the minor stab of annoyance and confusion at the rather public reminder. Whatever his personal feelings or situation, it sounds almost as if the Hyūga are suggesting Sasuke’s clan would go back on their word. It’s a veiled insult that oughtn’t be tolerated.

But then he notices the slump in Hinata’s shoulders, and the defeated expression she attempts to hide; he realises that it’s not him that Hiashi is reminding, but her.

It appears she is not indifferent or complacent about their betrothal the way he originally believed.

And if that’s the case, she might be a good ally to have.

“The Uchiha continue to honour their relationship and promises,” Sasuke tells the leader of the Hyūga, although he looks to Hinata when he says it. “I will personally do all in my power to ensure the future leaders of the Hyūga and their needs are best served.”

And I couldn't care less about the current ones, he adds mentally, as Hinata’s eyes widen incrementally. He thinks he sees that same hope from earlier flash across her pale irises. If he’s honest with himself, he has no idea how he will keep that promise. It seems he has lately fallen into the trap of optimism that Sakura seems to bring out in everyone.

They say it’s easier to ask forgiveness than permission, he thinks, suspecting that a better offer might present itself to the Hyūga if peace is achieved.

戦国時代

Quietly, the rest of the plan falls into place.

Generals and well-respected lieutenants are brought into the fold, and then leaders among the camp followers and infantrymen. As the rumours begin to circulate, Itachi holds more meetings with the Uchiha council, bringing in as many allies and proponents as possible to make the arguments for peace. It’s a brilliant tactical stroke, reminding the older generation that they serve the needs of the people, while also deflecting any need for Itachi to grandstand.

He calls upon Sasuke to speak for him in most instances, repeatedly legitimising this decision by mentioning the importance of his younger brother learning the ways of diplomacy.

A general sense of excitement falls over the camp, heavy with the anticipation of the long conflict’s end.

There are a few dark days after Inabi and his men return, Kakashi and Neji in tow. They demand answers from Itachi and the council, and hold several informal gatherings among the army to try to stir up sentiment against the idea. But public opinion remains united in the face of this; in the end, they content themselves with angry mutterings in the face of the official stance.

“I still think we should kill them,” Obito mutters occasionally, but whenever he does someone is on hand to distract him. Rin will deposit his infant daughter into his arms or Kakashi will suggest they spar, and all will be well once again.

It is the most at-ease that Sasuke remembers anyone in his life ever being.

Himself included.

Sasuke receives a pleasant, if jarring, surprise a few days later when he goes to bring his brother news.

Sakura is sitting beside Itachi, still pale and showing the same frailty that he noticed the night Naruto carried her home. Despite this, she talks and laughs with Sasuke’s brother as if they are simply old friends visiting after a long estrangement.

“What are you doing?” Sasuke demands at last, logic returning on the heels of his concern.

“Checking on my patient,” she replies, frowning at him in reproach—as if he should know better than to ask such a question.

“You look terrible.”

“You’re mean,” she grumbles in retort; she stands and wanders over to him. “My chakra system is still recovering. I told you it would take me longer than all of you.” She places a hand on his forehead, ostensibly to check his temperature, but he recognises it as the most overt gesture of fondness she’ll allow herself with company. He suspects this is more for his own sensibilities than hers. Sakura isn’t as uncomfortable showing affection as he is—in public or alone. “How are you feeling?”

“Fine.”

“Liar,” she accuses. “You’re still paler than I’d like. And you look tired.”

“We’re all tired. It’s been a busy few weeks,” he reminds her.

“True,” she says, letting the matter lie although her eyes continue to survey him with a medic’s scrutinising eye. Then she smiles. “Hopefully that will be at an end soon, at least in some respects. I was just telling your brother that, barring any unforeseen complications, he will make a full recovery. His condition is cured.”

Sasuke has to replay her words a few times to make sure he has heard her properly; when the meaning finally sinks, an odd, floating emotion bubbles up within him. The constant weight of his brother’s disease has been constricting him for months now, and to have the spectre suddenly gone leaves him feeling lighter.

And it’s all because of the small figure beaming up at him.

“Sakura…” he begins, not knowing exactly what to say. After floundering for several seconds, he settles on a quiet, “Thank you.”

Her cheeks darken, and she bites her lips. Sasuke’s eyes track the motion.

“You look as ridiculous as Father always did around Mother,” Itachi speaks up, pulling them both back to the present. Sakura jumps a little and Sasuke looks up, noting a rare (and disconcerting) grin on his brother’s face.

He curses himself, wondering how he could have forgotten the older man was is in the room.

“Father never looked ridiculous,” he contends, trying to save face.

“You’re too young to remember,” Itachi dismisses, and then his expression turns stern. “You be good to this woman. I suspect the future of the Uchiha rests with her.”

He gazes at Sakura with a look that is far too knowing for Sasuke’s liking; it doesn’t help that she blushes at the comment and looks away.

“You’re getting sentimental in your old age,” he accuses him.

“Bite your tongue, I’m only twenty-four.”

“If you’re so young and spry, then, maybe we should test you out. It’s been a while since we sparred,” Sasuke suggests. Though the offer isn’t made with any seriousness, he can’t hide the minor note of threat there.

“You will not!” Sakura snaps. “No undoing my hard work, I won’t have it, even from you, Sasuke-kun.”

“Yes, Sasuke-kun, behave yourself.”

Sasuke pretends to grind his teeth, but it’s been ages since Itachi was in such a jovial mood to tease him that he lets it go. His irritation must be convincing, though, because Sakura chooses this point to change the subject.

“I’m not just here to make sure Itachi-kun is resting,” she says, eyes gleaming mischievously. “I also have news from our side. The general sentiment is favourable, and Tsunade-shishou intends to make the announcement today or tomorrow. She’s just waiting on the priests to suggest a good date and location.”

“Ours are doing the same,” Itachi nods.

Sasuke rolls his eyes. “That’s a waste of time.”

“People are superstitious by nature,” Itachi tells him. “Let them find comfort in that. Considering the difficulty in simply broaching the subject of peace, embracing possible supernatural aid might not be a bad idea.”

“This is a matter of policy, not religion,” Sasuke scoffs. “We’d be better served with Obito’s suggestions of getting everyone drunk and drawing suggestions out of a hat.”

“If you could hold your alcohol, maybe that wouldn’t be a bad idea,” Itachi pretends to muse.

Sakura makes a noise between a giggle and a snort, and Sasuke glowers at both of them.

“Peace or not, you two aren’t allowed to keep company anymore.”

戦国時代

The conclave is planned for a fortnight afterward. It is agreed that they will take place on the highest cliff that borders both clans’ territories.

It takes more convincing than anticipated to convince Inabi and his men to stay at the camp. They only accept the decision when Itachi declares that only the Uchiha council and his second-in-command will be part of the Uchiha delegation. Uchiha Yakumi, who sits on the council is an ally of theirs and will no doubt represent their concerns. With this, they must be contented. Kakashi isn’t thrilled to be left home, either, but he has his own duty to perform: keeping an eye on those left behind. 

The day of the meeting, a contingent of Uchiha and Hyūga arrive at the appointed time just after dawn. The Hyūga outnumber the Uchiha greatly, as if to make a point about their force, both to their allies and their enemies. With the exception of Hiashi and his children, they are only the branch members of the clan.

There is a forest shrine within the trees, and they wait there for the remaining delegations. The Senju and the Uzumaki are late by an hour which causes some grumbling and anxiety, but Itachi maintains a positive view.

“It is possible our guests have gotten lost,” Itachi suggests mildly, motioning for Sasuke to go and keep an eye out. His expression reads caution, however, and Sasuke nods.

“Neji,” Hyūga Hiashi orders. “Go with him.” Neji nods. “And take Hinata along. Uchiha-sama and I have matters to discuss.”

“Yes, Uncle.”

Hinata looks both surprised and dismayed, but the expression vanishes a moment later to be replaced with a complacent smile. “Yes, Father.”

Sasuke raises an eyebrow.

There have been rumours that the younger daughter has recently grown in favour, despite Hinata being the heir. The request for Hinata to be absent from the peace proceedings while her younger sister remains is telling.

And insulting.

It bothers him.

She’s a good woman, and Sasuke knows from experience what it’s like to be passed over for a more talented sibling. Perhaps that’s why he speaks up.

“It’s a wise choice,” he tells Hiashi. “Hinata-hime is of a more pleasant disposition than I. She will likely be more welcoming to the Uzumaki and the Senju.”

There is a ringing silence, both from the Hyūga and his own kin; he isn’t sure why this garners such surprise, but upon reflection, he supposes he was a little more polite than usual. Still, when Hinata offers him a grateful smile, he feels vindicated. He has never had to stand up for a friend before.

He blinks, a little surprised, because he didn’t realise he considered Hinata a friend.

I seem to be collecting those, he thinks as they stroll away from the shrine toward the forest edge. 

Neither he nor the Hyūga who accompany him are much for conversation, which is somewhat of a relief. They can simply wait in silence together, which suits Sasuke just fine. He doesn’t miss the suspicious looks Neji keeps sending his way, or curious ones directed at Hinata. Perhaps trying to decide if there is more to their relationship than what is proper.

Eventually the quiet is broken by the sounds of voices in the distance.

“The Uzumaki,” Neji says, the veins in his eyes growing thicker, and Sasuke nods in acknowledgement. Hinata seems to wring her hands nervously.

“Have you ever met the leader of the Uzumaki before?” Sasuke asks her, suddenly remembering her nervous questions about his erstwhile rival.

“N-no, I have…I have never had the opportunity,” she mumbles. “But the stories…and your own words of his character…to me he seems more legend than person.”

Sasuke snorts. “He puts his sandals on one at a time, the same as anyone else. Although, knowing him, he probably does that wrong, too.”

Neji can’t hold back the quiet chuckle at this.

Soon, several dozen people fill the clearing, Naruto at the head. Most of them have the tell tale red hair and freckles of the Uzumaki—like the shrewd looking, bespectacled woman behind Naruto. But there are a good deal of others as well. The man with the scar across the bridge of his nose walks beside Naruto, and a swarthy, skinny man smoking a cigarette.

Nara Shikamaru, Sasuke recalls. He has never engaged with the man personally, but knows of him. He was integral to carrying out the destruction of the Akatsuki mercenaries.

Upon seeing their greeting party, Naruto seems to forget the seriousness of the occasion, because he waves and runs up ahead. “Oi! Sasuke! Could you guys have chosen a more remote location?”

“It wasn’t just the Uchiha who chose this place,” he retorts testily as the rest of the Uzumaki delegation grows nearer.

“Oh, I know, the Senju are just as big on fancy gestures,” Naruto snorts. “I swear, you guys could…”

He trails off as his eyes fall on the two people beside Sasuke—or rather, one of them in particular.

He looks like he’s just been hit by a kanabō, Sasuke is amused to note, watching the other man’s jaw go slack at the sight of Hinata.

Neji clears his throat. “Uzumaki Naruto—allow me to introduce Hyūga Hinata-hime, daughter of Hyūga Hiashi and heir to the clan.”

There’s another lull, and then Naruto seems to remember himself because he staggers into a bow.

“It is my honour to make your acquaintance,” he tells her, and his cheeks seem a little redder than before. He stands and grins. “The Hyūga and the Uzumaki have never had a direct quarrel between us. It’s only due to our alliances we’ve come into conflict. I hope we can be friends again after this.”

Hinata stares at him with a look of astonishment.

And then she suddenly pitches forward in a faint.

There’s a cry from all around, and everyone in her immediate vicinity tries to stop her, but Naruto is closest, catching hold of her.

“Are you all right?” he asks in concern.

She shakes her head quickly, cheeks flooding with more colour than Sasuke can ever recall seeing in them.

Well that’s…interesting.

“F-forgive me,” she stammers. “I believe…the heat…I just…”

She struggles, looking miserable and furious at herself.

Naruto, apparently oblivious to the reason behind her disquiet, says, “Well, we can’t have you fainting on such an important day. Come on, let’s walk for a little. I’ll accompany you.”

“Naruto, you can’t really go anywhere,” the scarred man—his foster father—chuckles nervously. “You’re supposed to be meeting with the other clan heads, remember?”

“I’m not going very far, Iruka-sensei,” he returns. “We’re just going to stretch our legs—right, Hinata-chan?”

He offers her his arm.

Th Hyūga heiress makes a tiny, squeaking noise that is almost lost in the concerned murmurs around them at the familiar tone and gesture.

“I…I…yes,” she manages, ignoring Neji’s frown as she accepts Naruto’s arm.

“Oi! Sasuke—are you coming too?” Naruto wants to know.

“I will await the Senju delegation,” he replies, earning a smirk from the other man.

“Of course, you will,” he leers, making Sasuke want to hit him, but he refrains. Instead, as Naruto leads the two Hyūga off, Sasuke turns to the remaining Uzumaki. The bespectacled redhead is looking at him with undisguised interest, but he addresses Nara Shikamaru instead.

Blood or not, the shadow manipulator is one of Naruto’s close advisors.

“Your leader is apparently courting tardiness, but my brother and Lord Hyūga await by the forest shrine,” Sasuke tells Shikamaru. “You might as well wait there.”

“Troublesome,” Nara sighs, but indicates the rest of the procession should follow him. Sasuke breezes past them, heading to the mouth of the forest path to wait for the Senju.

戦国時代

It’s another half hour before they arrive, in all their finery. Like the Uchiha and the Uzumaki, they carry only light, ceremonial weaponry—these are peace talks, however the war has been so long that no one will arrive unarmed.

The sight of the one leading their procession is an intimidating one. Senju Tsunade is only taller than Sakura by a few inches, but she exudes such a commanding presence that everyone around her seems much shorter by comparison. She is muscular and buxom, with hard eyes and an even harder mouth, but that’s all Sasuke really notices about her just then. His attention is drawn inexorably to her apprentice as she walks beside her.

It’s only been two weeks, but somehow, he feels like it’s been much longer since he’s seen her. She looks different somehow, and he suspects that it is because she is so overjoyed at the potential peace.

“Shishou,” Sakura says when the Senju procession stops in front of Sasuke. “This is Uchiha Sasuke—the brother of Uchiha Itachi.”

The blond woman looks at him with surprisingly cold, penetrating eyes. “I know who he is.”

Then, without a word, she continues on toward the forest shrine.

Sakura stares after her, seeming a little taken-aback by the hostile attitude, but Sasuke wisely did not expect much better.

“I bet she’s just tense about all of this today,” Sakura murmurs apologetically. “It’s such a big deal, and said she wasn’t feeling very well this morning. She barely spoke to me on the way over, which I think shows how anxious she is about all this.” She laughs nervously. “Age is catching up with her.”

“Sakura, don’t be so familiar,” a black-haired woman carrying a tiny pig chastises. She eyes Sasuke with wary suspicion that, while not as hostile as Tsunade, is still not entirely friendly.

“Oh stop, Shizune-sama, I know you’re worried about her too,” Sakura dismisses. “You were panicking because you couldn’t find her in her room this morning and thought she had wandered off or something…”

“Sakura! Hush!”

“It would be best if everyone made their way to the shrine,” Sasuke says stiffly, aware of the eyes of his (former) enemies on him. “The sooner we begin, the better.” He addresses Sakura. “I have to track down the leader of the Uzumaki. He went on an impromptu walkabout with some of the Hyūga.”

“Allow me to accompany you,” Sakura suggests.

“My lady, I’m not sure that’s a good idea,” Shizune frets.

“You can’t really be worried about Ugly’s safety, can you?” a pale man in the background asks. He smiles in a way that seems forced, but when Sasuke meets his gaze, he notices that the gesture doesn’t reach his eyes. “I have heard of Uchiha-san’s many faults from Naruto, but I doubt stupidity is one of them. No doubt he knows if he tried something untoward, she would murder him.”

It takes a moment for Sasuke to understand that the man has not only insulted Sakura, but possibly him. A hot flare of anger rises up within him, and he opens his mouth to offer a reprimand or perhaps an insult, but Sakura raises a calming hand.

“Sai, your, ah, blunt confidence is appreciated,” she says, offering him a wry smile that to Sasuke suggests she is unbothered or even used to his insult. “But such a thing wouldn’t happen today anyhow, because we are on neutral ground. No man or woman among us would dare cause trouble because no one here wishes to court war any longer.”

There are murmurs of agreement, and Sasuke is struck with an admiration and a little surprise that Sakura is actually a decent stateswoman. Perhaps it is not just for her healing gifts and strength that Tsunade chose her as her apprentice.

“Besides, we are hoping to ensure the most favourable terms for everyone,” she continues. “It makes sense that the heirs of the Uchiha and the Senju interact, both officially and unofficially.”

She tilts her head to one side, as if asking his opinion, and Sasuke nods, still not trusting himself to speak.

“Now. Shall we?” she suggests, and he wordlessly leads the way in the direction he saw Naruto and the Hyūga head in earlier.

They are careful not to touch.

“Heirs,” Sasuke echoes once they are out of earshot. “I didn’t realise it was official.”

Sakura looks down modestly although her eyes shine with triumph. “Yes. Tsunade-shishou has broached the subject to our elders. It hasn’t been made legally binding yet, but soon. Since she has no children, and—well, she says Naruto has too much Uzumaki in him to be any use…”

He snorts.

“She thought it was time,” Sakura concludes.

Once they pass the bend in the forest path, no longer even visible to anyone back at the shrine, Sasuke allows himself to relax. Sakura, too, seems to become less tense, allowing herself to gravitate closer to him so that they are almost touching.

They walk together in silence for a while, Sasuke reflects on the fact it’s the first time they’ve done so. Their meetings up until now have been clandestine and careful; he didn’t realise the relief he would experience at spending time with her in daylight and not having to be constantly vigilant in the face of discovery.

At least not so much, he thinks, still very aware of the fact that their relationship must remain secret. Though he wonders if, in the wake of this peace, should someone discover it, would the outcome be worth it?

“Oh, look!” Sakura blurts, pointing ahead of them.

Sasuke follows her gaze as they emerge from the tree line and into a vast valley. It is one of the older battlegrounds, still littered with discarded weapons and marred by the hills of graves. And yet, Sakura beams at the sight, observing with bright eyes.

“What is it?” he asks.

“Don’t you see it?” she asks, a lilt of teasing in her voice. “You, with your mighty Sharingan?”

He frowns at her, and out of spite, refuses to activate it. Instead, he takes a second glance, trying to see what she sees. It takes him a moment, but when he does, he can’t help shake his head in amusement.

Of course, she can gaze upon something so dark and find the light.

Tiny sprigs of green shoot up through the ground, determinedly pushing aside the charred soil. A few of the patches have yielded thick moss and little purple flowers, a sharp contrast of life in the face of a place that has seen so much death.

“Even after everything that has happened here, there’s still hope,” she says. “It’s beautiful.”

“Aa,” he says, though his eyes are fixed on her instead of the newly growing greenery.

She must hear something in his tone, because when she looks back and notes him watching her, she smirks. Before he’s quite aware of it, she reaches out and tugs him by the collar, pulling him close.

“Is this the most opportune time?” he asks, half-exasperated and half-amused.

Sakura draws back, a penitent expression on her face.

“You’re right. I shouldn’t—”

“I never said you shouldn’t,” he cuts her off, leaning in to close the remaining distance between them.

She squeaks in surprise, which turns into a giggle—and then a moan as their lips touch. He wastes no time in deepening the kiss, relishing in the taste of her, while her hands slip lazily under the fabric of his hitatare. As he winds his arms around her, pulling her in closer to his chest, he senses the warmth of her hand through the fabric, travelling downward until—

Sasuke hisses when her fingers prod the still healing bruise on his chest, and she pulls back.

“Sasuke-kun?”

“It’s nothing,” he tells her.

“It didn’t sound like nothing.”

“A bruise from a fight. I’ll survive.”

“Hmph,” she shakes her head, not buying it, and determinedly slides her hands back under his hitatare and kosode, fingers seeking out the injury and brushing her fingers against it. Her cool chakra flows through him. “You and Naruto are supposed to be friends.”

She doesn’t even question who gave him the bruise.

“You keep saying that. Perhaps it isn’t as true as you’d like.”

She rolls her eyes at him in fond exasperation. “Should I be insulted that he leaves more marks on your body than I do?”

“No. You should take it as an incentive.”

“And incentive to what?”

“To leave more,” he tells her, pushing her back against the tree.

It’s been far too long since he’s touched her. If he only has a few minutes to spend with her before the talks—if he only has this moment now before their futures are decided—he intends to spend it reducing her to desperate moans, gasps and pleas for more.  

Her clothing is more cumbersome than usual, but he doesn’t let that delay him for long as he unties her hakama.

“Sasuke-kun,” she murmurs, catching his hands before he can. “There’s something…there’s something I need to tell you…”

“Tell me later.”

“But it’s—”

There is an explosion of sound, and the surrounding forest seems to vibrate.

They both freeze, stunned.

“That came from the conclave!” Sakura whispers, wide-eyed.

Sasuke takes off in that direction; he doesn’t hear Sakura follow him, but knows she is close behind. As they run, they clamber up into the tree tops to find out what’s happening. They breach the canopy of leaves and stare into the distance where smoke and debris rise from the vicinity of the shrine.

But that isn’t what occupies Sasuke’s attention.

“What…what is that?” Sakura gasps.

Sasuke has to swallow a few times, forcing back the bile that threatens to rise in his throat, as the reality of what he’s seeing sets in.

“That’s a Susanoo,” he tells her, his Sharingan burning to the surface as he takes in the massive green leviathan in the distance.

“A what?”

“The strongest ability of those who have awakened the Mangekyō Sharingan,” he explains neutrally. “A being made of the user’s chakra that can fight on their behalf—the ultimate defence and offence.”

She gapes. “But…we’re here for peace talks, why would…?”

“That’s not the problem.”

“Then what is?”

Sasuke clenches his fists so hard that his nails bite into the flesh of his palms.

“It’s Shisui’s.”

つづく

Reviews and constructive criticism are much appreciated! Also, if you are in a supportive mood, I have a ko-fi button at the top of the page, or you can find my tip jar here.

Thanks for your interest in my work!

クリ

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#naruto fanfiction #sasusaku #rating: teen #naruhina #hinasasu friendship #au #warring states #kuriquinn #drama #angst #romance #plot #vatican cameos #sasuke uchiha #sakura haruno #naruto uzumaki #hinata hyuga #itachi uchiha #sai #neji hyuga #shizune

[yangssunglasses]

No Summons Allowed

SSM day 15 prompt: The Slug and The Snake

Rated T

Available on FFnet

.

No Summons Allowed

.

It was a standard, even encouraged practice among those who held summoning contracts to bond with their summons outside of training and missions. It deepened the bond between the shinobi and the nin-animal as both parties got the chance to learn each other's personality and quirks, which in turn helped in perfecting their teamwork on field. That's why, when Sakura found a nest on a tree outside her and Sasuke's bedroom window, she only smiled and cooed at the pair of hawks sitting on their five eggs.

“Look, Sasuke-kun, they're just like us,” she told her husband with a bright smile as they lounged together on their bed. “They're going to be parents too.”

His gaze drifted down to her hand rubbing gently the still small swell on her stomach through the thin nightgown. He put his hand over hers, their fingers overlapping. Sakura sighed happily.

“Do you know when they will hatch?” she asked.

“In about a month,” he replied.

She hummed.

“Well, we've got more time before our baby comes. Maybe he or she will make a contract with the little hawks? What do you think?”

Sasuke scooted closer and nuzzled her neck. “I don't know. It depends on what our child will want.”

Sakura stretched her neck, exposing it to his gentle caresses. His mouth, nose, cheek brushed her delicate skin lightly, making her shiver. She'd never pegged him as a touchy-feely type of a lover, he was always so physically distant with everyone and avoiding close contact, but in the privacy of their bedroom he loved to touch her constantly. He couldn't keep his hands to himself, running them down her arms, back, stomach, putting them around her waist and holding her tightly. He'd never had enough, but she didn't complain as she enjoyed the intimacy just as much as he did.

“Well, it could be that our child will prefer something more powerful... like a slug,” Sakura mentioned playfully.

Sasuke's attentions to her neck stopped abruptly.

“Darling? What's wrong?” she asked, turning her head to look at him.

He wore a scrunched up expression as he kept rubbing her stomach slowly. “I suppose if our child becomes a medic like you, he or she would like a slug summon.”

Sakura raised herself on the elbow. “What is that supposed to mean?”

He looked back at her calmly. “You heard what I said.”

“Are you implying slugs aren't powerful?” she asked with an offended air on behalf of her summons.

“No, I meant they are best suited to medics. Their healing is very powerful,” he explained himself, the irritation seeping through despite his best efforts to keep his tone non-confrontational.

“They're invaluable in battle too! You should see Lady Katsuyu!” Sakura argued.

He really, really didn't want to argue about such a silly thing, but his wife was obviously wrong, so he couldn't help himself. “I understand you're being loyal to your summons, but objectively speaking, snakes are the most powerful from all the summons. Their versatility alone-”

“Slugs ARE incredibly versatile!” Sakura exclaimed. “They can't be broken or crushed, they can bend every way, divide into smaller slugs, make a safe cocoon around you-”

“Sakura, snakes are strong and sturdy and very agile, they can bend and make cocoons too and they're fast enough to dodge attacks instead of taking them. They don't need to divide when their scales are tough enough to withstand even big explosions.”

“Sasuke-kun, didn't Orochimaru teach you that the Slug always beats the Snake?” Sakura asked with narrowed eyes.

“Is that what Tsunade told you?” he replied with a snort. “It may work in a child's game, but the real life is different.”

Sakura pounced on top of him, one hand locked on his only wrist and pinning it down to the mattress, the other on his shoulder. She smirked down at his immobilized form.

“Aren't you getting a bit too haughty? You should cut the crap about this whole snake superiority. It's just a myth.” She leaned down to him to whisper in his ear. “Besides, don't you know... that a summon is only as good as the summoner?” She gave a small nibble on his earlobe and he went rigid as she drew up again. “That's why the Slug always wins,” she said boastfully.

“Sakura,” he said with a growl, roving his gaze over her appreciatively, “you don't know what you're getting into.”

“Oh, I do, darling.”

“Then you should put your money where your mouth is.” He wrenched his hand out of her grip and pulled her down into a demanding, hot kiss.

“Gladly,” she gasped out, before attacking him with her tongue once more.

.

In the end, the winner wasn't clear, but the tension between the couple due to their little spat was all worked out in the best of ways. Sasuke expected the matter of slugs and snakes to be forgotten entirely. It's not like they could predict how their child would turn out. They would just have to see in a few years.

A few days later, when he reached into a basket on the kitchen counter for a fresh, ripe and juicy tomato to snack on and instead came into contact with something cold, slimy and gross, he leaped away with a yelp of disgust. He held his hand up for an inspection. It was covered in a transparent, thick and gooey slime.

“What the hell,” he muttered a curse and quickly washed the muck off in the sink.

Then Sasuke very carefully approached the tomato basket and peered in. What he found inside made his blood boil.

“Sakura!” a yell resounded through the house. It was a short and urgent call, full of restraint. Something happened, not life-threatening, but important enough that her husband raised his voice to call for her assistance.

“Yes, darling?” Sakura appeared in the doorway after a short while it took her to come from the study.

Sasuke was sitting at the kitchen table with a dark expression on his face.

“Please explain why there is a fucking slug in my damn tomato basket,” he said tightly, gesturing at the basket on the table in front of him.

Sakura raised one pink eyebrow. “There's no need to be so coarse,” she commented on his language.

She checked inside the basket and there really was a small blue slug, just a finger long, innocently munching on the tomatoes. She smiled softly at the adorable sight of her summon.

“Thanks for finding her, I was wondering where she ran off to. Looks like she's got a little hungry, right, my little gourmand?” she asked the slug and it nodded shyly.

“Whatever. Just take it away. And keep it out of the kitchen in the future,” Sasuke said through gritted teeth.

Sakura frowned at him. “Why are you like this?” She gathered the slug in her palm and showed it to Sasuke. Cradled safely in her hold, it was a well-fed, happy and friendly slug. “This is Mi-chan, she's Katsuyu's great-granddaughter. Say hello to Sasuke, Mi-chan!” The slug moved its antennae up and down in greeting. “See how polite she is!” Sakura praised.

Sasuke wasn't as impressed, judging by his sour look and how his chair seemed to magically move back a few good inches.

“Sakura, I don't care about your slug's manners,” he told her. “It ate my tomatoes. Don't let it happen again or-”

“Or what?” she cut him off with a sweet smile. “Are you going to fight a little, itsy-bitsy slug? So you admit that slugs are a powerful threat? Just imagine how fast and strong she would grow if she keeps eating your tomatoes.”

Sasuke glared at her. So this was all about proving her point about slugs?

“Don't make such a scary face, Mi-chan will get hungry from the stress,” Sakura admonished. “And don't worry, next time I'll get her a nice big lettuce. Your tomatoes will be safe,” she added nonchalantly as she sashayed out of the kitchen with her slug in tow.

Sasuke's fists clenched as he watched her go.

She may have won this round, because she took him by surprise, but from now on... the battle was on.

.

Sakura enjoyed sleeping in on weekends. It wasn't out of ordinary for her to wake up and stretch out her arms only to find an empty, still warm spot in place of her husband. This time was no different, so Sakura only squinted and yawned cutely as she rolled to the center of the bed.

Something moved under the sheets.

The kunoichi stilled, instantly put on alert, chiding herself inwardly for overreacting. She was probably still dreaming.

Then something chilly and very much alive brushed against her calf.

Her scream of terror rattled the whole house.

In an instant, Sakura flung herself out of the bed. She crouched by the wall opposite to it, panting harshly, a kunai clutched defensively in front of her as she stared at the crumpled covers on the bed. Something was definitely wriggling under them.

Sasuke entered the bedroom. “What's going on?”

“Something's in the bed! Please kill it!” Sakura cried out. She was shaking like a leaf from the scare. Her husband's calm presence was reassuring in this crisis.

“Kill?” he asked dubiously, then lifted the covers. A small, purple snake was coiled on the bed in the warm spot previously occupied by Sakura's body. “Oh, it's just Koda, Aoda's youngest son. I had him help me yesterday and he stayed the night.” Sasuke held out his arm to the snake and it climbed on, wrapping around the warm appendage snugly.

“You mean you had a snake in our bed all night and you didn't tell me?” Sakura's voice rose a few octaves as she came to grips with this revelation. Her green eyes were shooting daggers at him. “What if it bit me?”

“He wouldn't, Koda is very well-behaved. Snakes instinctively seek out heat sources, so he just wanted to cuddle with you when I left.”

“Cuddle?” Sakura choked on the word. “With a snake? They're the least cuddly animals around.” She shuddered at the mere idea, unknowingly giving him the opening he needed.

“You don't know until you try. Here, pet him,” Sasuke held the snake out to her. Koda curiously poked out his bi-forked tongue, tasting the air. Sakura took it wrongly as a sign that he was going to bite and she jerked away with a paling face. She shook her head frantically.

“No! Take it away from me!” she cried out.

Sasuke cocked his head. “Are you afraid of a little, harmless snake?”

“I'm not! I just don't want to touch it!” she denied.

“Then you're afraid of touching a snake.” Sasuke smirked. Hook, line and sinker. “So you finally admit snakes are more fearsome and powerful. Even this tiny one scared a seasoned kunoichi like you to death.”

Sakura gaped at him. “Sasuke-kun!” she gasped, eyes bugging out at his devious mind game. “You... you did this on purpose!”

He didn't bother to deny.

“You put a snake in our bed to prove this snake superiority crap?!” she asked with a growl. “Is this your idea of revenge for that accident with Mi-chan?!”

Sasuke scoffed. Accident his ass. She'd thrown down a gauntlet and he only picked it up.

“Sakura, if you can't handle the payback, you shouldn't have started anything with me,” he replied smugly.

A green fire lit in her narrowed eyes. “I didn't start anything, but I will put it to an end!” she declared hotly. “Training ground 45, in an hour. Don't be late.”

His smile showed too much teeth. “I'll be there.”

.

The showdown between two disciples of the Sannins was spectacular as they pitted their strength, wits and summons against each other, but their fun was cut short when Kakashi dispatched Naruto and his toads to stop things from getting out of the hand. Sasuke and Sakura didn't appreciate their teammate butting into their marital disagreement and the fight ended with a three-way deadlock. Understandably, there was no winner in this outcome.

In the end, Sasuke and Sakura agreed to a new rule: the summons were no longer allowed in the house.

But the dispute of the Slug and the Snake still wasn't settled.

Some changes occurred in the time after their battle—the little hawks hatched, Sakura's stomach got bigger and rounder...

Then she went out shopping for baby things. Later Sasuke found the blue slug-themed blanket and a slug onesie complete with antennae on its little hood in the baby's room.

Next day, Sakura saw a smiling snake plushie in the crib.

The battle raged on.

.

A few years later, little Sarada was playing with her toys on the carpet. Apart from the snake plushie, she had a slug toy that doubled as a pillow, a green frog from Naruto, a cat, a dog, a duck, and a dino. The girl was doing play fights between the animals.

Both of her parents were sitting on the couch. Sakura was watching TV and Sasuke was reading a newspaper, but their attention became riveted on their daughter when Sarada took the slug in her hand. Then the girl paused as she considered which other toy would be the slug's opponent. Both parents waited with a bated breath.

She picked the snake.

Sakura and Sasuke's gazes met. This was it.

Their daughter would decide on the winner.

Sarada acted out a long, arduous battle with many fake deaths, hissing noises and devastating attacks, but there was no apparent victor. Suddenly, the little girl put down the toys.

“Mama, can I have a cookie?” She turned to her mother, surprising her with the question.

“Of course, sweetie... but why didn't you finish the fight?” Sakura couldn't help but ask.

“Oh, Slug-chan and Snake-kun got tired, so they went to sleep.”

As cute as her explanation was, it didn't answer her parents' burning question.

“Sarada, tell Papa who won,” Sasuke said.

The girl shrugged. “They're both so strong that they can't beat each other.”

“So it's a draw?” Sakura asked and Sarada nodded.

“But if they trained up, who will win next time?” Sasuke inquired.

The girl picked up the toys again and pushed their heads together. Then she looked at her parents seriously. “They won't fight because they love each other. Kiss, kiss!” She mashed the toys' heads against each other.

Sakura and Sasuke exchanged amused glances.

“Can I have my cookie now?” Sarada reminded them impatiently and Sakura got up to get it for her.

“She's right, you know,” Sakura told her husband later as she sank into the couch next to him, pressing herself into his side. He wrapped an arm around her.

“What about?”

“The Slug and the Snake are in love,” she said with an impish grin.

He smiled back.

Sakura pecked his cheek. “But the Slug is still stronger,” she whispered.

Sasuke rolled his eyes. “Show me and then I'll believe it.”

“Alright. Bedroom, tonight?”

“Sounds like a plan.”

.

When Sarada was twelve, she obtained her own summoning contract, which wasn't a snake or a slug. But that is a story for another time.

#ssm17 #ssm17d15 #sasusaku #sasusaku fanfiction #my fanfiction

[behindheremeraldeyes]

SasuSaku Festival 2017 . Days 5/ 6/ 15- Saving her Man/ Civilian + Shinobi Love/ The Biggest Gesture . Title: Hidden Loners . Summary: AU- Sasuke is badly hurt and Naruto takes him to a cottage in the middle of the woods so he can get help. A secret lives there, and even without chakra, she won’t just watch him die in front of her eyes. . A/N: At LAST! It took me two weeks to finish and fix this, but now it's finally here! I got so so excited about this idea and now I can't wait to know what you think! I've decided to mix some themes together or I won't finish on time for the SS month. I still want to update my other long stories before July, and because I know myself, I gotta find a way to finish faster! I hope you all enjoy it, and please, leave me some feedback! . . . She was definitely not expecting visitors at such an early hour of the dawn.

The rain was pouring heavily on that night, soaking every hidden leaf that tried to protect itself. The wind was howling like a hungry monster, slipping through the cracks of her old, wooden windows. It was a cold, lifeless night, and yet, the knocks on her door were almost breaking it in half.

“ Sakura-chan! Hurry up! It’s an emergency!”

A desperate voice echoed through the entire forest, mixing with dry bumps, scaring owls and whatever living creature that could hear the blond ninja. His golden locks were darker now, water dripping from them as his entire ninja attire was equally drenched. His skin was cold, his knuckles were already stinging from knocking so hard and he could feel that sticky liquid sliding down his belly. A warm sensation enveloped his torso, and the distinct smell of iron was taking over his nostrils.

Blood was staining his clothes, he could feel it.

But that blood didn’t belong to him.

“ Sakura-chan!”

“ I’m coming!” A rough voice came from inside, creating a gap in between his lips. His eyes widened, and for a fraction of seconds, the blond could feel a certain relief taking over his senses. She was mad, for sure, but at least she was there. And if anyone could help him at that moment, it was that girl. “ God damn it, Naruto! Do you even know what time it i-“

Her words were cut out from her throat as soon as she opened her front door. The sound of the rain got louder, a cold breeze hit her body and her emerald eyes widened as she witnessed the horrific scene in front of her.

Naruto was there, as announced by all the screaming and knocking, but he was not alone, destroying the scenario she had expected. Soaked wet, with hair darker than he night itself, a boy partially conscious was leaning on the blond’s body. He was tall and his head was lowered, but even if she could not identify him, Haruno Sakura could clearly see that he was hurt. And for a medic such as her, that was the only thing that mattered at that moment.

“ Shit. Bring him in.”

Without thinking twice, she took a step aside, allowing both of them to make their way in. Naruto, due to the extra weight he was carrying, stumbled around, almost tripping on his feet as he followed her to what he concluded to be her kitchen. There was a large table there, which was previously set for one and which was quickly cleared in order to create some space. Plates and cutlery flew straight to the wooden floor, being immediately forgotten by everyone in that room as the attention was entirely set on the one wincing in pain.

The lights were now allowing her to inspect the hurt boy with her clinical eyes, as her friend quickly and carefully placed him over the table. The raven haired boy was contorting in pain, as his teeth were clenched and his clothes were torn in several places. They were stained in blood, and even before she could take a better look at his features, her emerald eyes spotted the red and white fan decoration his back.

So he was an Uchiha, she thought.

“ What happened here, Naruto?”

“ I don’t know. I found him like that in the middle of the road and I knew he wouldn’t make it to Konoha’s hospital. I had to bring him here, Sakura-chan… I can’t let him die. He’s my best friend.”

“…” Her emeralds locked with his blue orbs, and even if her friend didn’t say it out loud, she could tell more from his glance than from the rest. Naruto was worried sick, and if she were to place a hand over his chest, the rosette was sure she would feel his heart trying to break his ribcage. His eyes were desperate, holding back tears and silently screaming for help.

His best friend was dying right in front of his eyes, and if she didn’t do something fast, those blue eyes of his would lose their shine forever.

And she could not let that happen.

“ Okay. Tell me everything you know. Get your shit together and spill it out!”

“ H-Hai… There was this letter that was delivered to my house, and it told me to go to the road that leads to the Fire Country’s frontier. When I got there, I felt this weird chakra, and before I saw it, his body was just there-ttebayo!”

“ Anything else?”

“ No- I mean… I don’t remember!” He ran his fingers through his dump hair, walking around but not leaving that small space his despair had trapped him into. Naruto was clearly losing it, and at that very moment, she just could not waste time on that.

“ Get out of here, Naruto!”

“ W-What…? Don’t you need help?”

“Not from you. Now go!"

“ But Sakura-“

“ GO!”

Her scream made him snap, and she could see his Adam's apple going up and down in what seemed to be a dry swallow. He was scared. A lot more than anyone in that room, and she knew exactly how he felt at that time. Powerless. Weak. Useless. He didn’t know what to do to help and he didn’t really know if there was anything he could actually do at that moment to make sure his friend got to see another day.

It was all in her hands. The hands of a girl who gave up her entire village and decided to seclude herself in the woods.

And more than anything, as he walked out of the kitchen, he believed those hands. He had to.

“ Okay…” She let out a deep sigh. “ Now it’s just you and me… Sasuke.”

Her emeralds were now burning in determination, as her instincts started to kick in. As her first emergency move, her fingers went to the raven haired boy’s neck, touching his carotid and looking for his pulse. His muscles were stiffening, making it harder for her to feel anything, but it was clear that his heart was beating slower with every second. The rise and fall of his chest were also getting visibly compromised, as he seemed to be struggling harder and harder to move his diaphragm.

He needed air, she thought. He needed space. He needed her.

With one strong pull, the medic ripped off his clothes, discarding them and exposing his bare chest. Scars marked his skin, proving that his path had been anything but easy, as they mixed with the new wounds that were currently threatening his life. There was blood spread around his belly, and it was coming from a particular spot on his right side, just below his liver. It was a big wound, not deep enough to compromise any vital function, yet, she knew it would be the cause of his death if she didn’t do anything. Especially after she smelled that tricky scent.

It was poison.

His wound, as she could smell, was drunk in poison and by how fast his muscles were stiffing, she could tell the effects of whatever had entered his veins were not going to dissipate if she simply stood there, waiting. Sakura would have to administrate an antidote, and soon, if she wanted to reverse the effects of the poison, and luckily, for him, the pinkette had spent a considerable amount of time training under the tutoring of one of the best.

Those slugs were really coming in hand, she thought.

“ Look, you’ve been poisoned and I can reverse this. I just need to know who attacked you.”

“ W-Wha..?” He listened to her question almost as clearly as he had listened to her whole talk to his best friend a couple of moments before. Her voice- the voice of a faceless woman who knew his name- was distracting him from the entire pain that had taken over his body, and for a reason he did not know, he wanted to answer her questions. Even if he didn’t know who she was and even if he didn’t know if she was going to help him or not, Sasuke wanted to answer and just keep listening to her voice for a little longer.

He wanted to put a face to that voice. And apparently, he would need to tell her what she wanted to know in order to make through the rest of that night alive.

“ Who ambushed you, Sasuke? I need to know so I can use the right potion.”

“ F-Fuck… I-“

“ Just say it…”

“I-Iwa.”

“ Iwa?!”

“ Aah.”

“ Good. Okay.”

At the same moment she heard his voice, Sakura knew exactly what to do next. She ran to her cabinet and opened it with one, strong pull. Her medications were all separated according to the place where the poisons were produced, and her eyes flew around the labels until she found the one she was looking for.

Iwa. The land of Stone, where the poisons were produced with a special, dehydrated plant- Medusa, as she and her master had named it- she spent months trying to figure out the composition of. She tried, and eventually, managed to find a solution for all the poisons developed by the Iwa country, mostly because that plant was the key for everything.

Sakura grabbed the small bottle, rushing back to his side, holding the needle she would need to gain access to his vein. She stretched his arm, and it was quite easy to find the blue line traveling underneath his skin.

His vein was quite visible.

But the poison had already worked its effects on his arm.

“ Shit.”

She cursed, feeling his muscles so rigid under her touch, not being able to pierce the skin above it. Apparently, the poison was slowly turning his limbs into stone, and the consequences of such thing wouldn’t be that hard to imagine. It started from the outside, slowly swallowing the insides until the person died.

Well done, Iwa, she thought, with a smug smirk on her face. The medic recognized a well done job when she saw one, but she also knew better that just that wouldn’t be enough to stop her form saving that boy. If the intravenous wasn’t available, she would just need to find another way in for the antidote.

“ I hope you don’t remember this.”

Not wasting any more time, Sakura opened the bottle with her teeth and filled her mouth with the liquid inside. Quickly, she lifted his head a bit and she leaned down, opening his mouth and covering his lips with her owns. It was a warm sensation that took away his pain for a while, and even if he could barely notice the antidote in his mouth, the Uchiha could clearly feel as her tongue softly brushed against his. She lifted it up, making contact with his palate and forcing a swallowing reflex. The content went down, and before he could savor the only pleasurable moment of dying, it all ended as a cold feeling traveled down his guts.

A calming sensation slowly started to envelop his senses, as his muscles were now succumbing to an unstoppable tingling. The pressure was gone and the pain was not unbearable anymore. He felt as if his entire body was anesthetized, and the only thing he could clearly feel was the warmth her mouth left on his lips. It was the one thing keeping him sane and the one thing that captured his attention while his entire system seemed to be fighting an invisible war.

He was fighting against that poison. And luckily, he was not alone.

“ You’ll survive.”

She whispered against the shell of his ear, and for the first time since he got there, Sasuke tried to open his eyes. His eyelids were heavier than rocks, and the light coming from above blinded him as he tried to see what was surrounding him.

He was trying to see her.

But after seeing an unrecognizable, pink blur his brain simply shut down, leaving nothing but darkness to keep him company.

He woke up to the smell of coffee and a throbbing sensation spread all over his body. There was a strange taste lingering over his tongue and at that moment, he felt an immense weight pulling him down. His ears captured the rain pouring outside- outside of wherever he could be- and for a reason he did not know, he could not fully open his eyes.

What on earth was going on?

His perception, even if messed up, showed no chakra traces around him, and for the moment, that gave him a momentary sense of safety. His senses were lighting up, as the sensibility was slowly returning to his limbs, causing him to feel more pain in an agonizing sensation of impotence. The Uchiha was simply there, unsure of where ‘there' actually was and completely unaware of the current state of his body.

Sasuke felt like drifting in a shallow sea filled with hedgehogs, and that strong scent of coffee was the only connection he had with the safe shore.

That scent was relaxing, soothing and even sweet, no matter how bitter that black beverage probably tasted like.

That coffee was his call home.

“ So you’re finally awake.”

And that voice… It sounded like his safe harbor.

Though he tried to emit any sort of word, his lips refused to allow any possible sound out. There was a shy light coming through his eyelids, and once he was finally able to beat that strength blinding him, Sasuke was able to see through the darkness of his weakness.

And that pink blur felt a lot safer than oblivion.

“ Take it easy…” She placed a hand over his chest, sending shivers down his spine. Maybe it was the pain, or maybe it was just the fact that he was feeling something different for the first time since he was attacked, but that touch felt warm and healing, and if he could, he would ask her to place her hands all over his sore muscles. “ It will take a couple of minutes until the muscle relaxant shows its effects. Now that your veins aren’t so stiff anymore, it’s easier for the medication to work.”

Her voice was low and peaceful, and as his irises adjusted to the yellow, lamp light, the Uchiha was finally able to give a face to the name he had heard in his dreams. Pink, short, messy hair, with bright, green eyes and delicate traces that were corrupted by a bruise on her lower lip. That was the girl whose name kept resonating inside his mind during the entire time he was out of his senses.

Now, Sakura had a body, a soul and a face. And a beautiful one, to say the least.

But that was not the time for him to be paying attention to her looks, he knew. There were many more important things for him to discover about his current situation. And the first thing he had to find out would be wether that pink haired girl was an enemy or not.

“ Who-“ He felt his muscles responding to his commands, to which he took a second to adjust. “ Who are you?”

“ You’re talking normally already… That’s a good sign.” She placed a finger over her lips, as if to indicate she was trying to ratiocinate. “ And since you’re following me with your eyes, I can conclude your vision is fine, too, right?”

“ You didn’t answer my question.”

“ Good perception, short term memory unaffected and indices of personality. A strong one.” The girl nodded, showing somewhat of a content face. “ Now do you remember what happened to you?”

From his horizontal position, he could see her green eyes blinking in curiosity. Her expression seemed calm as she evaluated him, and at that moment, she didn’t seem to be paying attention to his question at all. It felt as if she was deliberately ignoring him, and even if he had just woken up, the Uchiha was already losing his patience.

That girl…

“ If you remember anything, you can t-“

“Sakura!”

His voice came out louder, causing her eyes to widen for a moment. It was clear that she didn’t seem impressed or intimidated by him, but as he had expected, the girl did seem intrigued by the fact that he actually knew her name. At that moment, when things were still so uncertain, Sasuke knew he had to hold onto any possible advantage he could have.

He had to show her that apart from his physical condition, he was not defeated.

He was not vulnerable.

“ Answer my question.” He ordered, his voice strong and consistent.

“ But you already seem to know my name. And apparently, this shows you remember when Naruto brought you to me.”

“ Hn, just your name isn’t enough.”

“ My name and the fact that I’ve saved you are the only things you need to know about me for now.”

“ Tch You-“

His voice was cut out by a sudden cough that escaped his lungs. The violent movements of his chest hurt like hell, and at that moment, Sasuke did his best to shift his position on what he could finally identify as a couch. He tried to move and breath all alone, but it didn’t take long before the girl quickly approached him. Her warm hands returned to his body, reaching for his chest and resting on his back, as she was carefully helping him sit up.

Her hands, as he could feel, were soft and pure from callous, showing him that she clearly didn’t belong to the same world as him and Naruto. Due to her proximity, he could feel her scent invading his nostrils, and even if moving his muscles still hurt like hell, the Uchiha felt a soothing sensation as she helped him. He could feel how much care she put under her touch, showing she knew exactly how much pain he was feeling at that moment.

She cared about him. About a person she didn’t even know. She took him in and saved his life, not minding about his unknown past and his criminal records.

Trying to intimidate her wouldn’t be necessary, for Sakura is merely a civilian, he concluded. She is a good person. And that would be the death of her someday, he knew.

Oh, but he didn’t know her at all.

“ Thanks.” He muttered, as she went to grab a chair to place next to the couch. At that moment, as the covers he had over his body slipped, he could see the bandages wrapped around his bare torso, and judging by the amount of new hematoma around his belly, the Uchiha could tell those ninjas really got the best of him. The pain he felt when he brushed his fingers over the bandages sent electric jolts through his nerves, and he knew he was probably not supposed to touch that again so soon.

“ It will still take a couple of days until it stops hurting like that. And also, don’t worry. Naruto isn’t here right now, but he will be back in a couple of days with new clothes and some medicine”

“ Hn. What happened to me? I mean… After I got here.”

Her eyes were softer now, as she sat across from him, with her arms and legs crossed. A sigh escaped her lips, and she ran her fingers through her messy hair, massaging her scalp in the process. “ You were poisoned by Iwa ninjas. Naruto brought you here and I basically saved your life by giving you an antidote.”

“ And why did you help me?”

“ What kind of question is that? You needed help, so I helped. End of story.”

“ You don’t even know who I am.”

“ Of course I do.”

“ Do you?”

“ Yes. You’re Naruto’s friend. You’re a rouge ninja from the Leaf, who ran after Orochimaru three years ago. You’re a criminal, Uchiha Sasuke.”

As she took a sip of her coffee she had previously left resting on the floor, the Uhciha’s eyes widened in shock. The steam coming out of the mug made her eyes look even more mysterious, and for a moment, he felt defenseless against a girl who couldn’t even hold a kunai. Her knowledge of him was impressive and the advantage he thought he had was now gone.

That girl knew him. She knew more than people normally did, and for a reason he did not know, he knew Naruto hadn’t been the one to tell her all of those things. There was nothing naive about her intentions, for she knew exactly who was the one she was taking care of.

Sakura knew too much. And at that moment, not knowing exactly how much was his biggest disadvantage.

“ So you do know me.”

“ I can say I know a bit more than just your name.” She smirked. “ You know, that’s the problem with you, ninjas… You think us civilians are idiots and don’t know what’s happening around us… but guess what: we live in the same world, so I assure you that we do know a lot of stuff.”

“ Hn. Why don’t you call the ANBU then? The elders won’t like it when they find out you’re hiding a criminal in the village?”

A chuckle escaped her lips when he finished his sentence, and he didn’t know exactly what part of his speech had left her in such a good mood. “ Do you honestly think I care about the elders?”

“ Shouldn’t you?”

“ Maybe… If we were actually in Konoha, I could even pretend to care about them.”

A smirk crossed her lips once again, and he didn’t like how things were turning out at that moment. That civilian girl- Sakura was a lot more dangerous than he had thought. Of course she saved his life and showed concern, but apparently, just that wasn’t enough for her to be classified as a good person. She was hiding her cards, and she was doing it better than many ninjas he knows.

He certainly wouldn’t underestimate her.

“ So that was why Naruto brought me here.”

“ Probably. Hospitals wouldn’t take a criminal.”

“ Hn, you’re calling me a criminal, and yet, you won’t denounce me.”

“ How can you be so sure I haven’t sent the letter already?”

“ A civilian with wide medical knowledge, who lives outside the village, in the middle of nowhere and takes care of a criminal… You don’t seem to want to draw attention to yourself either. So I would say you're either a criminal as well or you’re just running away from something.”

“…” A smile grew in her face, as she placed her now empty mug back on the wooden floor. She rested her elbows on her knees, and approached him with a defying glare in her emerald eyes. “For a ninja, you’re not that stupid, Sasuke.”

“ Tch.”

“ You’re not entirely right, though… I’m not a criminal like you and I’m not really running away. I just want some peace to work with my poisons. If the village found out about my location, they would start coming by and that would be annoying. Naruto brings me enough problems every now and then already, if you know what I mean.”

“ Hn.”

Even if her story did seem plausible, the Uchiha knew it was not complete. Sakura was hiding the real reasons behind her secret exile, and even if he knew that had probably nothing to do with him, he couldn’t help but feel intrigued by that mystery.

Why would a medic be hiding from her own village?

That certainly made no sense, especially considering her strong will to save lives. There had to be something more. Other factors that made her do what she did, because he knows- oh, and how he knows- that leaving the place you’ve always called home is one of the hardest things in the world. Sakura probably had reasons just like him that made her walk through those gates never to return again.

Places to meet. Memories to erase. People to forget.

Could it really be that a girl with such beautiful eyes had so much darkness to hide in her heart?

All those unanswered questions were leaving him mad, and apparently, the expression stamped on his face was giving in to his current internal state. The pink haired girl was looking at him with a sly smile playing on her lips, and even if her social skills had decreased a lot since she left Konoha all those years before, Sakura could read him like an open book.

Sasuke was curious. He was torturing himself over the unexplained decision of a civilian to reject Konoha in the same way he did. He was dying to know the truth. And even if she found amusement in his current condition, the girl wasn’t that much of a terrible person to simply sit there and watch him suffer.

There would be no harm in telling him the truth, she thought.

It was not like he would return to the village to tell the elders about her location.

“ You wanna know why I left, don’t you?”


“ A-Aah.” He looked away, not wanting to show his real feelings.

“ It’s not that much of a big deal, to be honest… It’s just that, being good at something is only good for drawing the wrong attention in the ninja world.” Her eyes aimed at the floor, and he watched as she let out a sigh.

“What do you mean by wrong attention?”

“ Just think about it, Sasuke… A medic who knows the bases of most of the poisons used around the Five Great nations, and who doesn’t have a single drop of chakra in her blood… What do you think people would want from m-“

“ An undetectable weapon.”

His words left his mouth as a whisper after reaching the conclusion her question led him to. His eyes widened and there was a gap in between his lips as he watched her nod, confirming his hypothesis.

Of course, he thought. It all made sense now.

Even if she’s not a medical ninja, it doesn’t mean she’s of no use for the village’s combat strategies. In fact, her lack of chakra made her the perfect person to infiltrate missions, where a fast and imperceptible kill would be necessary. They wanted to turn her into a silent weapon that could easily end many lives with a simple herb mixture.

They wanted to turn her into an assassin.

And he was sure they weren’t satisfied when she said no.

Sakura’s a medic. She saves lives and heals people, no matter who these people might actually be. She’s guided by her ideals, and of course those ideals were the main reason why she didn’t accept the offer from that bandaged man.

She said ‘No' to one of the most influential ninjas of Konoha, and even if she was a civilian, Sakura knew she could never live a normal life again with that man and his special team following her and coordinating her every action. The medic had to leave. And that was exactly what she did on that cold, winter night.

She left it all behind. She was forced to. And for that, the girl whose choices were stollen deserves to have her strength acknowledged.

By him and by the ones who still remember about her.

“ Sakura…“

“ It’s not really a big deal, though… I got used and-“

“ Is it… Is it really okay for you to be all alone?” His voice came out almost as a whisper that flickers a candle’s light, as their eyes were now intimately connected. That was the same question he has asked himself every single day of his life for the past three years, and depending on her answer, he would know exactly what to expect from the girl who saved his life.

The question, he could see, left her a little uncomfortable. He could see it as she tried to look aside for a moment, and when she unconsciously bit her lower lip, drawing blood from her bruise, the Uchiha knew she had been avoiding that answer for a long time as well.

She had been avoiding loneliness for all this time.

“ I don’t mind spending my days without anyone here.” She said, dryly, as she licked the blood from her lips. “ It’s not like things would be that different if I were in Konoha. There’s no one there for me.”

His heart pounded at her declaration, and it was only now that he realized how that girl was a loner just like him. Things were taken from her, yet she grew from that loss. She became a medic, mending the others instead of mending herself, and that was her way of coping with the loneliness she eventually brought upon herself.

Sakura found a good way to move on. And for that, he respected her.

For that, he respected her choice.

“ You seem to be quite confident about yourself.”

“ I am. You gotta learn a thing or two after spending so long living alone. You can even call it… Comforting."

“ Hn.” He smirked. " Naruto wouldn’t like to hear that.”

“ Tch, that idiot comes to my house at least once a week to check on me. He’s impossible-shannarou.”

“ He’s just worried.”

“ He shouldn’t be. I know how to take care of myself.”

“ Are you sure?”

“Definitely. Remember that you’re alive simply because I want you to be, Uchiha Sasuke.” She smirked, turning the atmosphere lighter around them. Slowly, they were growing more comfortable around each other, and the reason behind it was probably because they knew how equally alone they were.

Both Sasuke and Sakura were just two, lonely souls trapped in the choices made by their pasts, and at that moment, finding someone who shares the same loneliness felt more than just good.

It felt safe. And safety is the keyword for that duo.

Safety in a life with no certainties.

“ If you say so…” The corner of his lips lifted in amusement, as he dropped his eyes to his lap. Sleepiness was starting to kick in once again, as he closed his eyes and took a deep breath before turning his head to find her eyes once again. There was a tender expression ruling his face, and even with all the bandages and all the bruises spread around his body, Sakura could see the real Uchiha Sasuke.

Not the stranger. Not the criminal and certainly not the ninja who was trying to intimidate her earlier.

She saw the boy who used to play around with his brother during the spring of their days.

And that boy- oh… He was still as beautiful as he used to be.

“ Well… I think I should let you rest. Something tells me you don’t want to be here by the time Naruto comes back, and for that, you’ll need to heal as much as possible.”

“ Hn. That sounds like a good idea.”

“ Yeah…” She stood up from the chair, stretching her back and allowing herself to release a yawn. The Uchiha was definitely not the only one who needed some good hours of sleep, apparently. “ If you need anything, just call me… It’s a small cottage and I’m a light sleeper, so… Just call me.”

“ I will.”

“ Then… Good night, Sasuke.”

“Aah… Good night.”

She started making her way upstairs, as his eyes followed her every step. That girl was certainly special, and he knew that their story- or whatever had happened between them that night- was far from over. Their paths would cross again in the future, and he knew that whenever he needed, he would know exactly where to find the lonely, civilian medic who saved his life.

The girl who made him feel safe.

“ Oh! And Sakura.”

“ Uh? What is it?”

“Thank you… For saving my life.”

“ Hn.” She smiled. “ You’re welcome.”

“ And sorry about your lip. I didn’t do it on purpose, though. You should know better than to kiss a criminal.”

“ Aah…” She smirked, feeling her cheeks getting warmer. So he didn’t forget about that, after all. “ I think I’ve learned my lesson.”

Enough time passed for both her lower lip and his body to almost heal completely. The rain had stopped along with his pain, and as they were less than 24 hours away from the day the blond was supposed to return, both Sasuke and Sakura knew that the time had come for him to leave.

Even if he wasn’t fully recovered and even if she had asked him to stay a little longer, the Uchiha knew his departure was inevitable. Due to his unfinished business with his past, he knew he could not rest until everything was settled, and postponing things would only make things worse. His path was already traced from the time he set his foot out of the Konoha gates, and no matter what, he could not get distracted.

Not even if he wanted to.

“ Do you really have to go?”

Her small form was standing just outside the cottage, as she leaned against her door frame. Her sleepy, emerald eyes softly connected with his dark ones, and her cheeks were a bit red due to the cold, morning breeze. A warm robe protected her from the chilling wind, and her pink locks were perfectly framing her tired face. Sakura was certainly not used to waking up that early, as a yawn would escape her lips every now and then, and her rib cage seemed to be rising and falling in quite a slow pace.

She should’ve certainly gone to bed earlier instead of preparing his supplies until so late.

Well, but it was not like she would be able to sleep that night. Not knowing he would be gone by the morning.

“ Aah. I don’t want the dobe to find me here tomorrow.”

“ It’s gonna be hard to explain to him why I let you go… Especially when he told me to sedate you until the day of his return.”

A smirk grew on his lips, as he could certainly picture his best friend saying such thing with his characteristic ‘dattebayo' in the end of the sentence.

Naruto was really an idiot.

“ You can tell him I left in the middle of the night or something.”

“ Yeah… Or you could stay and say… hi?” Her eyes were looking at him tenderly, as her low voice came out with the option she would’ve preferred him to choose. There was a pout on her lips, and seeing such thing made his own chest feel a little warmer.

Who would’ve thought that they would end up like that after merely one week?

The time they’ve spent together, even if short, was enough for them to create something similar to a bond. They learned more about each other and shared memories of their old days in Konoha. She gave him Naruto’s spare clothes she keeps in her drawer, and sewed the Uchiha crest on its back just so he wouldn’t have to walk around without his proud symbol stamped on his back. Sakura made him her famous and disgusting soldier pills so he could recover faster, and there were nights when they would actually dine something tasteful together.

It was a life none of them were used to anymore. It was a simple life, lived by simple people who were more than just a medic and a ninja. They enjoyed the time and enjoyed each other’s company, even if loneliness was practically a part of their DNA already.

They had a good time, for sure.

But now it was time for them to go back to what they used to be.

It was time to go back to reality. A new reality, filled with memories and promises that would forever be stuck in their minds.

Nothing would ever be the same. Not even if they wanted to.

“ Hn, I bet he wouldn’t like to see me in his clothes.”

Sakura chuckled, placing a hand on her hip. “ I guess he will be mad about that…” A soft smile went to play on her lips, as her eyes were now drifting to the forest that surrounded them. The tall trees that hid her exile were as strong as ever, serving as walls that kept the world away.

She was thankful for them, yet, at that very moment, as the wind danced around their trunks and reached their locks, the pink haired medic also felt that they threatened something precious. The girl swallowed dry, feeling her chest tightening as she realized his feet were starting to get ready for departure.

The pinkette didn’t want him to go. Not just because he was still not fully recovered, but also because she enjoyed his company more than she would like to admit. He gave her something she believed to be long lost in her heart, and at that moment, she just wanted to make sure that, one day, he could bring back that something, whatever that was.

He had to…

“ … You know the way, right?” Her voice came out as a whisper, her cheeks were blushing and judging by how her lips were forming a thin line, the Uchiha knew she was not talking about the way that led him back to his path of revenge. She was talking about the path that led him back to her. And you bet he knew it by heart.

“ Aah.” He smiled shyly, taking a step away. “ I’ll be back…”

Her entire expression changed at his promise, and she could feel her heart beating faster. There was a beautiful smile on her lips, and seeing her like that made him feel incredibly light inside. Somehow, that girl- the girl with pink hair and green eyes who managed to save his life a week before, was now more than just that pink, faceless blur. She had a face. She had a life, and a place to live her life.

A place that felt more like home than his old apartment back in Konoha.

And someday, he would return to that cottage hidden in the woods so he could call it home.

Someday, he would safely return to her.

“ Just try not to be dying next time you come around, okay?”

“ Hn, don’t worry. I’ll have to be okay if I want to teach you how to use a kunai properly, right?”

“ Oh, so you’re saying they were not made to cut carrots?” She teased, smirking softly.

“ Tch… Civilians.”

“ Hn. Shinobis.”

#sasusaku #sasusaku fanfiction #ssfanfic #sasusaku festival 2017 #ssfest17 #myssfics

[vesperlionheart]

Under the Rabbit’s Moon 3

Part1

Sakura slept so long and so deep. Sometimes she slept for days. She was never beyond the point of being able to wake, but if someone didn’t disturb her she could sleep for almost a week at a time, just storing chakra in her seal. Others around her worried at first, but she always seemed stronger after a long rest. The longer the better, so they let her be.

“What do you dream about when you sleep that long?” Aoi the sentry asked her once.

“The beginning of the world, the end of it, and everything in between,” Sakura once answered before sleeping again.

No one asked her any more than that, but kept a reverent distance and respected her slumbering.

Another month after Tobirama and Sakura perked up at the sound beyond her hedge. She could feel a presence out there, and then there was another. She held her breath as she counted two different presences she almost recognized. As adults they had seemed so different, but the core of their essence remained the same.

“Nothing rouses you like the prospect of playing with children, does it?” another midwife asked her as she helped Sakura into a simple cotton yukata. “Why don’t you have you own?”

“Not as enjoyable and too much work. Besides, its more fun to steal others.”

Sakura pulled her hair up into a bun with her nails and pinned it into place with a wooden pick so simple she could have been a present for not the state of her skin and teeth. The bandages on her hands didn’t even slow her down anymore.

Madara and Hashirama were smart enough to work together in trying to dismantle her traps and genjutsu. They came closer than all the others, mostly because when one started to get trapped, the other would wake him and dispel that layer of illusion.

As a duo they were quite formidable. It was interesting to watch. What would have happened if they never broke their friendship? How much stronger could their empire be?

“There’s someone here with us.”

The tiny Madara was dour as he turned slowly and let his red eyes rove, searching for where she was hiding. She didn’t move when he zeroed in on her location and didn’t even bother to hide herself in the layers of the illusion anymore. She smiled wide when he found her and waved.

Madara cursed. “It’s a peasant.”

Hashirama pushed his friend aside and waved back. “Hello miss!”

Madara glared hard, likely not trusting her but not respecting her enough to consider her a threat. She was still a girl and the Uchiha were famous for their woman hating, traditionalism even in her time.

‘Uchiha never change, do they?’

Oh, this could be fun.

“What are you doing here. I don’t see any of your parents,” Sakura started. She smiled simply and tilted her head. “Are you lost?”

“You don’t look much older than either of us,” Madara sneered. “Who do you think you are?”

Hashirama huffed in good humored agitation. “Madara, don’t be a stick about it. She might be able to help.” He turned back to face her and smiled. “I’m Senju Hashirama. I was looking for a friend my brother made.”

Madara’s eyes flashed red in anger and he glared over at her before turning his burning glare onto his friend. “You idiot, she could tell on us now!”

“Tell what?” Sakura set her hands onto her hips. “Are you sneaking out or something without your parents knowing? That’s not such a big deal. Boys your age could get into a lot more trouble than that.”

“We’re not boys, we’re shi-no-bi.”

Madara huffed up, looking cuter than he meant to. It almost made her laugh. She had seen puppies more intimidating. Madara was on the cusp of adolescence. Puberty would be in a couple years, but for now he was still a cute big kid with cheeks round enough to pinch. She wanted to tease him even more.

“Sure, sure,” Sakura cooed, making her voice patronizing on purpose. It was too fun to watch them get worked up. Also, there was the fact that a part of her still hated Madara for getting used and setting into motion the chain of events that led to …that…that led to….

Her brain started to stall and Naruto was in her head, along with Sasuke and behind the stupid pair there was Kakashi reading his damn book. Sai was there too, as well as Yamato. Where were they, where was she?

Sakura turned suddenly, looking for her friends in the bushes between the trees, believing they had been there only seconds ago. She had heard their voices, she had felt them. She knew what it felt like when they were close and she could tell when she wasn’t alone. Sasuke was just being and ass and Naruto wanted to prank her.

‘They’re dead, snap out of it.’

Sakura stilled, staring away. The world came back into focus.

That was funny. It had been so long since she had another panic attack like that. What terrible timing too. She had meant to be having fun teasing the reincarnations that would one day be her teammates. Sasuke and Naruto were still watching her, but they weren’t Sasuke and Naruto. She blinked and they became new people. Madara and Hashirama were staring at her oddly. Hashirama looked worried while Madara looked grossed out.

“You okay, lady?” Hashirama asked first.

“She’s crazy,” Madara hissed in what was supposed to be a whisper to his friend, but came out too loud to be anything but intentionally rude.

“Oh, wow, I almost forgot about my chores. I think I was supposed to be doing laundry, but I lost my basket. I always get lost around these parts,” Sakura laughed, rubbing the back of her neck. “Silly me.”

“You need help finding your things?” The Senju son looked ready to help, but it was Madara that reached out and pulled Hashiraman back. “Madara?”

“Don’t forget why we’re really here. This wasn’t a joy trip, we actually have work we need to get done. You said so yourself, you need to protect your brothers.” Madara’s eyes went hard. “You know I would do anything to keep my brother safe.”

Hashirama swallowed and nodded. “And me too. I would do anything for my brothers.”

“Keep them safe at any cost?”

“Of course.”

Madara turned his glare towards Sakura once more. “You there, peasant girl, tell us what you know about this area.”

Sakura pointed to herself and made her eyes go wide. “Me? You’re asking me for directions? I’m the worst with those. You’d get lost if I tried to tell you where to go.”

“We don’t want directions, stupid girl.” Madara almost stomped in his frustration. “There’s a powerful warrior in this area that casts powerful jutsu. We’ve come to investigate for ourselves. Are you too dumb or blind to notice, or are you keeping something from us?”

Hashirama laughed nervously, holding up his hands. “That came off a bit strong, Madara. Um miss,” he called out, turning his attention towards Sakura. “My friend is rude and he didn’t meant to say the things he said so poorly. We’re not wanting to make trouble, but we are here on mutual business. There is something off about this place and we want to make sure it’s safe. You have loved ones, yes? Maybe even family members?”

Sakura thought of Naruto when she looked at Hashirama, and Sasuke when she glanced over at Madara. ‘No, I don’t. All my loved ones are dead thanks to a thousand year old goddess that brought me back to this god forsaken era.’

“Yeah,” she lied. Sakura swallowed her guilt and fought to keep up the smile.    

“We’re looking out for them. So, you can understand why we’re out here at all and why my friend is being a bit more rude than he has a right to be.”

“Stop speaking for me like I’m not even here to hear it,” Madara hissed.

“Have you heard of people getting hurt around this area?” Sakura asked, fixing her wide eyed look back in place. “I’ve never seen anyone get hurt here or heard of anyone going missing from local areas. It’s pretty boring out here, but if it’s as dangerous as you say, then maybe people ought to move away.”

“That’s not the same thing,” Hashirama started to say. “It’s not that we’ve heard of anything dangerous happening, but there is a person with great power nearby and the world is at war with itself.”

“Not just your two families?” Sakura interjected, eyeing both boys critically.

Madara tensed in an instant, reaching for a small blade at his side. “I told you she’d tell on us. She knows who we are!”

It was funny, Sakura didn’t remember Madara being this extra when they fought. Sure, the guy was dramatic and long winded like one would expect of a super villain in a story, but as a child he was a little trigger happy with his kunai. Maybe she shouldn’t press his buttons any more than she already had, but it was just too much fun to tease him.

“You’re thinking way too highly of yourself,” Sakura sighed. “There are plenty of people who don’t even care about your stupid family feuds, other than to mock it over tea and laugh about how no one even knows what the bad blood is even about anymore.”

“You insult my family!”

Madara cried, fully brandishing his blade now. Hashirama squeaked in surprise but quickly rushed to hold his friend back. Madara struggled, but didn’t advance even when it looked like Sakura was willing to stay still and let him come at her.

“Stop it, Madara, she’s not a ninja, you’d slaughter her.”

“She knows too much, I don’t trust her.”

“You can’t kill her.”

“Why not?”

Madara looked wild with his hair flying in a mess around his face. He had taken life before, he was used to drawing blood. War had already made him aggressive. He was a child but he was already a killer.

Sakura felt a tickle at her toes and looked down to see a small white slug burrow out of the ground. Sakura reached down to pluck it out of the dirt and lift it to her eyes. The slug chirped in greeting before cooing out a string of sentences too soft for anyone other than Sakura to hear. A moment later, the slug became vapor on her finger, fading fast.  

Sakura turned her attention back to Madara and Hashirama who were talking quietly to each other. “You make up you mind on if you want to try and kill me or not?” she called out.

Madara was still glaring hard, red eyes spinning. Sakura felt her own third eye pulse in anticipation behind her cracked Yin seal. It wanted to play but she held it back. It would do no good to expend energy now.

“Please, miss, we can not let you spread the news of our sighting. You must swear to us you will not,” Hashirama said.

“You wouldn’t believe me even if I did, I suspect. Ah, but I can do something to change that.” She clapped her hands together, grinning. “I’ll show you my dirty laundry before I clean it. That way, you have one of my secrets, too!”

“Why the hell would anyone want to see an old lady’s dirty laundry?” Madara bit out.

“You said you wanted to see the powerful person who lived in this area, didn’t you?” Sakura teased, speaking as if it were the most obvious thing ever.

Before either boy could respond, she started to skip back in the direction of the genjutsu, passing right through it, dismantling parts of it as she went. She heard both boys following close behind, though couldn’t make out which one followed her first.

In a matter of seconds the innocent looking woodlands were pulling away to an open grassy field spotted with crude wood houses and several cultivated gardens. A handful of people were milling about in the open while a large white tent flapped in the breeze not far from where Sakura emerged from the hedges. There were a handful of people moving in and out of the tent.

“There’s my laundry, let me check to see how dirty it is before you follow me in,” Sakura hummed, striding over.

“Where is this place and how were you able to get in?” Hashirama asked in soft wonder. His eyes lingered a bit too long on the houses made out of crudely grown wood and she worried he recognized the art style.

“It’s just a little garden where people go who need healing. It’s a neutral zone, you could never get in unless you were let in or if you came in with a truly neutral heart. You two boys would have been out there forever, no thanks to your warring history. But it’s all good, you’re being watched well enough and I trust you won’t murder anyone on sight.” Sakura stopped walking, causing the other two boys to almost crash into her back. “Right?”

“No, of course not! It was never our-“

“No promises, if someone tries to knife me first I’ll lay em out,” Madara interjected, cutting his friend off.

Sakura hummed, turning around and folding her arms. “You’re not going to see the best part if you have an attitude like that. I’ll trow you out if you don’t swear to non violence while inside the sanctuary like all the others had to.”

“I don’t swear to anyone I don’t trust.” Madara pulled himself up to his full height, which was still a head shorter than Sakura and not that intimidating.

Sakura pulled herself up a little more, easily towering his stature. “I don’t trust you, kid, but I’m showing you a big secret that should earn enough trust for this request. No violence. Swear it now or find out what happens when you don’t.”

“Madara, we’re not here to fight.” Hashirama rested a hand on his friend’s shoulder and pat it once. “I’ll swear it.”

The Uchiha boy huffed in agitation, looking from his friend to Sakura, and then back to his friend again. “Fine! But I’ll defend myself if you jump me. I’ll not be the one who agitates anything around here.”

“You’re as safe as can be when you’re here with me,” Sakura said with a smile. “I’m trusting you with my secret, so trust me not to spread yours. Follow me inside.”

Sakura started to move towards the tent when a pair of men came out to pull the tent flap back for her and nod as she walked over the threshold. They eyed the two kids oddly, but didn’t question anything.

Inside the tent on a table were a pair of dark haired men in armor, bleeding heavily. Their eyes were closed, but one had veins around his eyes that still stood out in a way both boys recognized. Madara hissed and recoiled behind Hashirama.

“That one’s a Hyuga.”

“The other is a Inuzuka I think,” Hashirama said, eyeing the red tattoos on the man’s face. “They don’t like each other.”

“The Hyuga are scum that like no one,” Madara mumbled. “What is she doing with two ninja so badly hurt?”

Hashirama shrugged. “She said this was a place where people who are hurt would come for healing. Maybe there are doctors here who do that sort of thing.”

“For who? These ninja are enemies. Which one would be healed?”

Sakura ignored the boys and moved to the first man, pulling back his armor to see her slugs already eating away the dead skin and bacteria from his wounds. The Hyuga struggled, unconscious as he was when she reached for him. Sakura checked his forehead for any sort of seal and found none, relieving her of some worry. This one wasn’t going to turn into ash in her hands like Neji. Not this time.

Good, he was stable. She could take her time on this one if the other needed more immediate attention.

She moved to the man with the red marks on his face, thinking of Kiba. Sakura found the areas where the heaviest bruising was and noticed his ribs were broken and his heart was bruised. Something was leaking blood as well. It reminded her of injuries she had seen Lee suffering after a heavy spar with Neji, but never this severe. These were wounds meant to kill. This one was close to dying.

“Yeah, this one is in more danger,” Sakura said out loud, tying her hair up. She called for one of the nurses to prepare her some hot water but started healing right away. In the corner, both boys watched as he hands glowed green and seeped light right into the discolored skin. She stayed there for a while, pouring healing light into the body without altercation or hesitation.

“What are you doing?” Hashirama asked after a few minutes had passed.

“What do you think this looks like to you?” Sakura asked, honestly curious.

Had the boys ever seen someone heal with chakra before? Most who saw it for the first time were shocked and stupefied, but these boys were shinobi, they weren’t average people. They would at least recognize the chakra she was using and know it wasn’t magic.

“It looks like you’re investigating his body. Are you looking for clan secrets?” Madara asked, not caring about the state of the ninja.

“No, I’ve already done that and learned what I needed to learn. His heart is bruised and stretching. If it continues the heart could burst and he could die. I’m repairing the bruise on his heart first, before repairing his lungs. His bones will need a lot more time. I’ll get to them later.”

“How can you do that with chakra on another person?” Hashirama asked in wonder. “I’ve only ever heard of chakra doing that to the person it came from. My chakra heals me, but I can never help any of my brothers with it. How are you able to do that?”

“Sakura san are these boys allowed to be in here?” a woman entering the tent with more towels asked. She eyed the boys wearily, especially when Madara started to huff and puff himself up again.

“They are my friends and they requested they be here to see this,” Sakura answered, still pouring chakra into the man on the table in front of her.

“The children?”

“Yes.” Sakura’s voice was distracted as she looked further into the man with her sense of chakra.

His heart was starting to rapidly repair itself with new cells, a process that would have taken weeks, in a matter of minutes. Of course it would be closer to an hour when she felt his heart was strong enough to avoid rupture again, but still, it counted as a matter of minutes to anyone who cared.  

Sakura pushed herself to heal faster, to divide cells more fluidly, to progress the healing as best she could in as little time as possible. Subconsciously, her chakra started to tang with something new and she noticed in her healing there were also brand new cells coming to life. She was creating new cells for the damaged organ. She hadn’t meant to do that, but didn’t stop it once it started.

The new cells were strong and fast, like ones right out of a mother’s womb. They were the kind that could do anything and they were repairing the heart right now. There were voices around her, muffled and far off, but she couldn’t hear them and didn’t pay them any mind until the heart was finished. She started to pull away, but the tang of her chakra started to latch onto the bruised lungs and broken ribs. They were even faster on these things and Sakura had to actually struggle to pull herself away. She was making the man brand new and it was always a custom of hers to leave the patients to heal a bit on their own. She didn’t like making them stronger than her on the first day back.

Sakura pulled her chakra out of him and felt it seep back into her, pooling in her palms. Looking down, her chakra color was green for healing, but there were hues of aqua and shimmering blue she hadn’t seen before. She closed her hands and turned to face the Hyuga from before. She noticed that both boys were watching quietly from the corner, not saying anything even though she knew they must have been extremely bored.

“What did you do to that one?” Madara asked before anyone else could.

He was looking at the shinobi Sakura had just turned away from. Glancing back Sakura could make out a healthy color to the man’s cheeks, some relief in his expression, and a steadier breathing pattern. The man didn’t look to be in so much pain anymore. He looked almost at peace.

“Don’t interrupt the lady when she’s working,” the woman from before whispered to the two boys.

Sakura waved them off before hovering over the Hyuga. “I’ve healed him as best I could without exhausting myself.”

Charging her hands with more green healing chakra, Sakura began to seal up the cuts that were now free of infection. She drew the skin back together, pieced it bit by bit, knit the cells back together and healed the open gashes across his chest. They looked like they had been caused by an animal; dog no doubt. This healing was a little more visible and the boys were captivated with the sight of it.

“That’s faster than mine,”  Hashirama whispered to Madara.

Sakura ignored their whispers and investigated the man’s left hand, noticing the discoloration. Bones in his hand had been broken. Those always took longer to heal and had to be treated carefully. Sakura swelled her chakra and let it fall into his hand, coiling around the shattered bones and piecing them back together. She stimulated the natural growth as best she could once she made sure it was sure to heal correctly, but left before it could be completely healed. He needed to do some of the healing on his own.

“What are you going to do to them when they wake up. They’re enemies. They’ll want to fight each other.”

“As long as they stay in my garden, they’re bound to a vow of honor.” Sakura looked to Madara before going on. “There are no clans here, there are no wars, and no one is allowed to bring those in here with them. You understand this in your heart because you are able to befriend a Senju.”

It was the first time she saw Madara blush so honestly. He didn’t try to hide it or deny it. He almost seemed proud of his ability to look past it all.

“Maybe there is a time where you will no longer be able to see as you are, with eyes unclouded by hate, but here is a place where I do not allow hate or war. If you need it, this will always be a safe place for those who seek it.”

“You mean for us, or…” Hashirama looked sideways at Madara and then back at Sakura. He swallowed. “What about our brothers, what about our fathers. They wouldn’t all agree to something like that.”

“Why do you think I hid this place so well in the beginning?” Sakura asked. “People who need it and people with peace in their hearts will have no trouble getting here. But invaders, warmongers, men with hate at their core will find no such garden.”

It was Hashirama who spoke next.

“You hid the garden.”

It wasn’t a question. Beside him, Madara stood a bit taller, a little less proud and a little more weary. How did he see her now, she wondered.

Sakura brushed off some dirt from her clothing and pretended she didn’t know what their tone of wonder was for. “It’s getting late and you both have families you should be getting back to. Tell them if you wish, I won’t send anyone away who needs healing, but don’t think this is a game or a joke you can manipulate as you see fit.”

#this is years old #but I started writing more for it #just #cause? #I'm tired and it's hard to focus on one thing #I should be doing other stuff #but I think this is one of the last parts #Sakura timeskip #founders era #or is this their warring era #should I do research #no #I should sleep and eat #Sakura #she loves children #Sakura Haruno #senju hashirama #Madara Uchiha