Chapter 2: Chapter 2: Authoritarian
Sakura slowly pried her eyes open, blinking repeatedly as she attempted to adapt to the harsh, bright lights of the hospital room. As consciousness returned, she became aware of the sterile scent permeating the room and the rhythmic beeping of the monitoring machines surrounding her. A dull, persistent ache coursed through her body, and she realized she was lying in a hospital bed. Confusion and disorientation enveloped her as she struggled to recall the events that had led her to this place. With a soft groan, she reached for the bed lever on her right side and propped herself up.
Sakura weakly spoke out a single word. "Gaara..."
A nurse dressed in a blue ankle-length dress with a white smock draped over the skirt gasped. Her eyes, wide with shock, stood frozen at the doorway. Sakura's heart raced, and she felt a gnawing sense of dread.
The nurse hastily retreated, poking her head out the door and shouting, "Doctor! Doctor, come quickly!"
Within moments, a doctor in a white lab coat rushed into the room, clutching a clipboard filled with medical paperwork. His expression was grim, and he looked at Sakura with sympathy and concern.
"Sakura," he began, his voice soft but weighted with a heavy truth, "you've been through quite an ordeal. After the surgery, we were able to repair many of the injuries you sustained from the fall, but there's something I need to tell you."
Sakura's heart sank as she braced herself for the news. She had a feeling it wasn't going to be good.
"During the fall, you suffered severe trauma to your chakra network," the doctor explained gently. "Despite our best efforts, there was one aspect we couldn't fully restore."
Sakura's eyes widened, her thoughts racing. She knew that her chakra was integral to her identity as a shinobi. Losing it meant losing a crucial part of herself.
"You mean... I can't use my chakra?" Sakura asked, her voice trembling.
The doctor nodded sadly. "I'm afraid so. We had to make a difficult choice during the surgery, and in the process, your ability to access and use chakra has been permanently affected. You won't be able to perform jutsu or even discover your chakra nature."
Sakura couldn't believe what she was hearing. It was as if the essence of her being as a shinobi had been stripped away. Tears welled in her eyes, and she looked down at her hands, feeling utterly powerless.
"I'm so sorry, Sakura," the doctor said sincerely, his voice filled with empathy. "We did everything we could to save you, but this was the best outcome we could achieve given the circumstances."
Sakura nodded, her emotions too overwhelming to put into words. She had survived the fall, but the cost was immeasurable. Her journey as a shinobi had taken an unexpected and irreversible turn, and she would have to learn to adapt to a new reality, one without the chakra that had once defined her.
After what felt like an eternity of recovery and therapy, Sakura had finally reached the point where she could leave the hospital. Concerned about her well-being, the doctor insisted on calling someone to pick her up. However, Shijima, her sister, was still on a mission somewhere in the vast Land of Wind, and her parents were wrapped up in a top-secret assignment with the Kazekage himself, leaving them unreachable.
Desdetermined to regain her independence, Sakura decided to leave alone. She had always been strong-willed, and this ordeal had only solidified her resolve.
As she sat in her hospital room, contemplating her next move, a sudden knock at the door drew her attention. It swung open to reveal an unexpected visitor. A young woman with sharp, spiked blonde hair stood in the doorway, her green eyes filled with curiosity and concern.
"Hey there," the visitor greeted with a friendly smile. "I'm Temari, Gaara's eldest sibling. I heard you were here, and I thought I'd come by to meet you in person."
Sakura blinked in surprise, not expecting anyone from Gaara's family to visit her. She had defended Gaara fiercely during her stay at the hospital, believing he hadn't meant to hurt her. Still, she felt a pang of nervousness as she faced his sibling.
"Hi, Temari," Sakura replied, soft but welcoming. "I appreciate you coming. Gaara... he didn't mean to hurt me. It was an accident."
Temari nodded, her expression understanding. "Our father locked him away until he can figure out what to do with him."
Sakura felt a surge of sympathy for Gaara. She knew firsthand how it felt to be misunderstood and judged because of one's circumstances.
"I get it," Sakura said, her tone filled with empathy. "Gaara deserves a chance to prove himself. He's been through a lot too."
Temari smiled appreciatively. "You must really like him."
With that, Temari helped Sakura into a wheelchair placed in the room. Sakura settled into it with a sense of newfound freedom. Temari wheeled her out of the hospital and down the winding paths of Sunagakure, guiding her back to her home.
Sakura sat calmly in the wheelchair, wearing a hospital gown. "Gaara and I have been secretly meeting until the accident."
Temari chuckled, "Yeah, our Uncle was telling us how he kept finding the two of you together no matter how many times he tried to separate you from him."
Sakura waved her arms as if she was manipulating sand. "Gaara showed me all his sand jutsu techniques, but the doctor said I can't use chakra anymore. That I would have to live an everyday life."
Temari looked down at her, feeling bad for what Gaara had done to her. "I'm so sorry, Sakura. I wish there was something I could do to help you."
"I'll find a way to manage somehow. I really like puppets. I can't build them, but I might be able to make weapons or something for them."
Temari suddenly gasped at a brilliant idea she had come up with. "My brother Kankuro is a puppet ninja. I can ask him to help you. It's the least we can do for you."
Sakura gave her a genuine smile, "Thanks, Temari."
Temari stopped the wheelchair at the front of her house. "I can help you inside if you'd like."
Sakura stood up from her wheelchair and said, "No, it's okay. I'll be alright."
"If you need anything, don't forget I'm here to help."
Sakura nodded as she walked to her home. The house she resided in exuded an air of elegance, characterized by its concrete walls encircling the property and the meticulous roof paneling. Greeting her at the entrance was a substantial wooden door that emitted a loud creak as Sakura pushed it open. Before her lay pathways adorned with pebbles, leading her gaze to the front yard where cherry blossom trees had been lovingly planted for decoration. Adjacent to the entrance was a small koi pond, its inhabitants eagerly awaiting their daily meal. Picking up a wooden basket filled with fish feed, Sakura approached the pond. Instantly, a fish frenzy swarmed towards her, mouths agape on the water's surface. Taking handfuls of food, she scattered it into the pond, careful not to overfeed the aquatic inhabitants. Satisfied that she had provided for them, Sakura left the basket by the front door before entering her home, which felt unusually empty. Her family often embarked on missions that could last for weeks, leaving her to anticipate their return.
"I think it's time for a long-overdue bath," Sakura murmured.
Sauntering to her room, she slid open multiple panels to invite fresh air in. Gathering her clothes, she draped herself in a bath towel, grabbed another for drying, and stepped out into the backyard bathing area, encompassed by tall concrete walls. A figure's shadow materialized in the corner, its presence hidden by the wall. As Sakura moved further into the open, the figure came into view.
"Who's there?" Sakura called out, her voice echoing through the serene space.
No response was offered. A young man with spiky brown hair dashed away at the fence's corner. Sakura shrugged, dismissing the incident, and returned to her shower area. She settled onto a wooden stool, cleansing herself before entering the water. This marked one of the few peaceful days she had experienced in a long while. Solitude was the antidote she needed to regain her emotional well-being.
With her family away on a critical mission, Sakura was left to care for herself. After bathing and changing clothes, she set off for the grocery market. Sakura slipped on her shoes, confirming that her black shinobi footwear was adequately secured, and embarked on a short journey, retracing the steps of the day she had faced danger from a new friend. Departing the hospital, the memory of that incident seemed distant, almost as if it had faded from her mind. Pausing, she stood still, gazing up at the sky.
"I wonder how Gaara is doing."
Determined, she stealthily made her way to the Kazekage's office building. Ascending the pipelines along the side, she reached the second floor, clambering onto the sandy rooftop. Peering through a window, she looked into the office of one of the council's elders. The room lacked occupants, containing only a desk and a rigid chair. Piles of paperwork were strewn on the floor while a solitary stack sat undisturbed on the desk. Nearby were the pristine bathrooms, followed by the library, featuring a long table surrounded by towering bookshelves filled with ancient tomes that had collected dust for years.
A movement at the corner of her vision caught her attention. A diminutive figure occupied a chair in the room, secluded in solitude. As Sakura turned her head, the figure became unmistakably Gaara. His demeanor was unmistakably somber, his gaze fixed on the floor, shoulders possibly slouched as if trying to retreat from attention. He might have avoided eye contact or social interaction, seeking refuge in isolation. The intensity of Gaara's melancholy was palpable, an unspoken burden weighing heavily upon him.
In the dimly lit room, sunlight filtered through the window, its glow reflecting off Sakura's silhouette. Blocking the sun's rays inadvertently cast a shadow on the reflection. Startled, Gaara's rapid movement captured her focus. Caught off guard, they stared at each other through the glass. Before any words could be exchanged, a middle-aged shinobi entered the room, flicking on the light switch. Startled, Sakura's instinctual reaction pulled her from the window to avoid confrontation. Yet, her hurried movement caused her to slip on a loose tile, leading to an unexpected fall from the building, with her face pointing downward.
A Genin in a black ensemble with purple face paint emerged from the building, his nonchalant whistle contrasting with the chaos above. The only view she sees is the bright blue sky and her tears floating as she falls. Her spine smashed on Kankuro's shoulder, both falling back first somehow.
"Hey, what the hell?" Kankuro stood up and shouted, "Are you okay?"
"I'm so sorry I landed on you. I was on the roof and lost my balance."
At that very moment, he fell head over heels for her. Her innocence shone brightly, captivating him entirely. Kankuro extended his hand to assist her, his eyes gleaming as if she were the most beautiful woman he'd ever encountered, second only to his mother. With gentle care, he brushed the hair from her face.
"Are you the girl my younger brother knocked off the roof that night?"
"Yes, my name is Sakura. Due to the attack, I lost my chance to become a shinobi. I no longer possess enough chakra, and I'm still weak."
"I can see that. Let me take you home. My name is Kankuro; I'm a puppeteer."
Sakura blushed and responded, "It's nice to meet you."
A stone hidden in the dirt sent Sakura stumbling. She almost fell but landed instead on Kankuro's chest. She groaned in pain, "Sorry, I guess I hurt my ankle on the fall."
"Sit down, I'll take a look."
Kankuro gently laid her on the sand and carefully removed her stocking to assess the damage. Her leg was scraped and bloody from the impact.
Sakura blushed again, "It doesn't look too bad."
He sighed, "Are you kidding me? This wound could get infected. I have to treat you first."
"Oh," Sakura continued to blush without knowing what else to say to him.
He picked her up and carried her inside the Kazekage building. He found an empty conference room and laid her down on the table.
"You are light as a feather," Kankuro laughed, "Now let me go find something to bandage your wound."
"Okay, thank you."
As he left, Gaara peeked inside through the door. Sakura lifted her high-knee socks and covered her wound below her knee. She waved to him as he stared from the door and walked away. Kankuro returned with a medical kit. He began to disinfect her wound.
"I saw Gaara. Did he come in here? Did he do anything?"
"No, he looked at me and walked away."
"It's best if you stayed away from him. He will attack you again."
"Yeah..." Sakura sighed.
He grabbed some wipes from his pouch of medical supplies to clean the sand off her leg and wrapped her in bandages after applying healing ointment. Kankuro helped her stand back on the ground.
"I am so sorry you had to go through that. I can only imagine how traumatized you are about Shukaku. He's supposed to protect the village, not attack innocent children."
"I'm okay."
"If you need anything, call out, and I'll come running no matter when or where. I'll be there, okay."
"Thank you. I'll take your word for it."
"Come on, I'll walk you out."
"Thanks."
The afternoon sun was gently yielding to the hues of the evening as Kankuro escorted Sakura outside of the imposing Kazekage building. Despite the fading light, his gaze lingered on her face, captivating her beauty. He couldn't resist asking, "Why do you climb buildings? It's super dangerous without chakra."
Sakura's eyes glinted with determination as she walked beside him. "My dream was to become a shinobi."
Kankuro chuckled softly, raising both arms to clasp the back of his head as they strolled. "I sympathize with your dream, but still, you should be more careful. I'd hate to see you get hurt."
A delicate blush crept onto Sakura's cheeks. "I'll be okay."
Kankuro let out an awkward laugh. "You sure have a talent for finding trouble. I might have to keep an eye on you."
Sakura's face turned a shade redder, but she grinned at him. "I appreciate your concern. Thanks for walking me home."
"Uh, sure," Kankuro replied, still smiling. "Just stay out of trouble, okay?"
Sakura waved at him with a bright smile as she continued. Her hand grazed the cool handle of her front door, aware that her sister might be home that evening. However, she had no desire to engage with her at the moment. Instead, she wandered through the streets, her footsteps echoing on the pavement as she watched the wind kick dust into the air.
After an eternity of walking, Sakura stood before the building where Gaara had brought her on that fateful night when he confronted and killed his uncle. A peculiar sense of absence enveloped her as she realized that she missed the constant sound of his complaints.
Driven by nostalgia and curiosity, Sakura scaled the pipes along the building's side, determined to reach its rooftop. There, she could see the telltale signs of repairs, evidence of the tumultuous battle that had taken place when Shukaku, the sand spirit, had been unleashed.
Memories of that terrifying day flooded back, the innocence of Gaara's once-precious face now a distant echo. As she gazed out, a river of sand flowed between her feet. Out of nowhere, Gaara appeared. "You shouldn't come near me anymore. I'll only hurt you if we remain friends..."
Sakura couldn't stifle her gasp as she uttered, "Gaara..." It had been a considerable duration since their last interaction, and the boy who stood before her now starkly contrasted to the innocent child she had known. Dark circles had expanded beneath his eyes, bearing the weight of untold burdens. A permanent scar stood out prominently on his forehead, etched with the Japanese word for 'love,' a haunting reminder of his uncle's devastating words that had shattered him in ways only she could comprehend.
Dressed in a black short-sleeved shirt and matching pants, Gaara's countenance held none of the warmth it once did. His reaction to her presence on the rooftop he had once forcibly expelled her from was far from welcoming.
Gaara's fist clenched, his knuckles whitening with tension. "We shouldn't have been friends to begin with."
Sakura approached Gaara, her hand gently touching her chest, her face radiating concern. She questioned, "Why? Our friendship hasn't changed."
Gaara took a step back, averting his gaze from her. He squeezed his eyes shut and clenched his teeth. "I hurt you."
Sakura inched closer, extending her hand toward him as if offering a fragile gift. Her voice trembled with emotion. "Shukaku hurt me, not you."
Gaara's brows furrowed, and he turned to face her. Tears streamed down her cheeks, but his deeply ingrained convictions remained unshaken. With an abrupt motion, he slapped Sakura's hand away and bellowed, "I choose to love myself and no one else. Leave, or I'll kill you..."
Sakura gasped, her fear palpable as her eyes widened at his menacing expression. Trembling, she took hesitant steps backward. "You don't mean that..."
Gaara's anguish manifested in a deafening Shukaku scream. "Get away from me."
A torrent of sand lashed across her side, striking just above her hipbone. A sharp yelp of pain escaped Sakura's lips, and for the first time, she felt a genuine fear of Gaara. In response, his eyes widened, and a pang of guilt pierced through him. He turned abruptly, starting to walk away, tears welling in his eyes.
Meanwhile, his sand acted independently, carrying Sakura away from the rooftop. She landed gracefully on a soft overhang above the front door, cushioned by a substantial pile of sand. In that moment, Sakura couldn't help but imagine that Gaara had orchestrated the sand to ensure her safe landing, even amidst his turmoil. Although she was unharmed, the emotional wounds ran deep. It had been months since they genuinely spoke to each other, and Gaara finally decided to face her.
Sakura rushed home, her tears flowing uncontrollably, and stumbled into the living room with its tatami mat flooring. She collapsed onto the floor and sobbed into her hands, her heart heavy with a confusing mix of emotions.
Moments later, the door slid open, and Shijima entered the room. Her expression was a blend of concern and irritation. Without missing a beat, she demanded, "Sakura, what the fuck happened? Why are you home so late?"
Sniffing and wiping her eyes, Sakura hesitated for a moment. Then, with a shaky voice, she replied, "I was with Gaara. We were spending time together, and... I got hurt on the way home."
Shijima's brows furrowed with suspicion as she retrieved a first aid kit. "You expect me to believe that? Sakura, I know something's going on between you and Gaara. Don't fucking lie to me."
Sakura sat up, tears still streaming down her face. "I'm not lying, Shijima. Gaara didn't hurt me. It was an accident. Please believe me."
Her sister's expression hardened. "I can't believe you're defending him. I've heard the rumors about that little shit. He's dangerous, and he's a threat to our village. You need to stay away from him."
Their voices escalated into a heated argument as Shijima yelled at Sakura to distance herself from Gaara, fearing for her safety and their family's reputation. Fed up with the argument and desperate for solitude, Sakura stormed out of the living room and ascended the stairs to her bedroom. She slammed her door shut, hoping the isolation would give her peace.
Inside her room, she collapsed onto her twin-sized futon bed, her emotions still in a rage. She stared out her bedroom window, where the moon slowly rose in the night sky. The silvery glow cast a tranquil aura over her room, and gradually, her exhaustion from the heated argument took over. Sakura drifted off into an uneasy sleep.
The following morning, sunlight streamed into her room, gently coaxing her awake. Sakura stretched and rubbed her eyes before climbing out of bed. A pleasant aroma greeted her as she descended the stairs, leading her to the kitchen table.
There, she found a plate of rice balls waiting for her. Sakura's appetite kicked in, and she eagerly sat down to eat. The familiar comfort of her favorite breakfast eased some of her distress.
With each bite, she began to reflect on her feelings. She couldn't shake the belief that Gaara didn't deserve the hate he received. If he no longer had Shukaku, things would be different. It was then that Sakura made up her mind: she wanted to find Gaara, to see if there was any way she could help him and maybe even convince him that there was still goodness left in the world.
Once she finished her meal, Sakura wasted no time. She rushed outside, determined to locate Gaara in the village and take her first steps toward making a difference in his life. She sprinted across a bridge near the front entrance of Sunagakure. She was dressed in her Suna robes, with her distinctive black eyeliner. The setting sun cast warm, enchanting hues across the sky, and a gentle breeze tousled her hair as she moved gracefully. A spiky brown-haired boy spotted her below, waving enthusiastically and calling out her name. Sakura paused in the middle of the bridge, leaning lightly on the railing to get a better view as Kankuro approached with a broad, welcoming smile.
"Hey, Kankuro!" Sakura waved cheerfully.
Kankuro's concern was evident as he asked, "How's your leg? Are you okay?"
"I'm fine, thanks to you," she replied, her smile radiating gratitude.
"That's fantastic news," he replied, genuinely relieved.
As the wind playfully tousled Sakura's hair, revealing more of her delicate features, an unexpected gust caught her off balance, blowing her backward. Sakura's body landed awkwardly on the sandy bars of the bridge, her hair trailing behind her. The sand stirred around her as she landed on her backside. Fortunately, she didn't tumble over the railing, which could have caused her further harm. Laughter erupted from a nearby building window, where several boys watched the scene unfold, exchanging unkind jokes. In agony, Sakura whimpered as she rubbed the back of her head.
"Hey, cut it out!" Kankuro shouted. "Leave her alone!"
His so-called 'friends' taunted, "Is that her, Kankuro?"
"Shut up!" Kankuro snapped back. "Sakura, are you alright?"
With chagrin, Sakura struggled to push through the pain and replied, "I'm okay, thanks."
"Darn it, Kankuro! Is she always like this?" his friends jeered.
Kankuro shot them a fierce glare and yelled, "I said, shut up!"
With unwavering determination, Kankuro swiftly descended the tower's steps to reach the bridge's center. With precise chakra control, he navigated over the railing and lowered himself onto the bridge between the bars. Sakura lay there, feeling like all the air had been knocked out of her.
Kankuro rushed to her side, extending a hand to help her up, gently brushing the sand from her shoulders. Sakura's chest tightened, not from the pain but from the overwhelming embarrassment of the situation.
"I'm okay, thanks," she assured him, trying to hide her blushing cheeks.
"Seriously, you seem to have a knack for falling. Are you really that delicate?" Kankuro remarked, attempting to inject some humor into the situation.
"I'm only a few years younger than you, you know," Sakura retorted playfully, her cheeks flushed.
"I didn't mean it that way, I'm sorry," Kankuro quickly backtracked, genuinely apologetic.
"Don't worry about it. Just help me up," Sakura said with a smile.
"Right."
With a careful touch, Kankuro assisted Sakura to her feet. He then gently carried her down to the streets below. A few Jonin and curious villagers watched the scene unfold, some barely suppressing giggles. Sakura's blush deepened, but she appreciated Kankuro's assistance wholeheartedly.
"That was incredible what you just did," Sakura exclaimed, her admiration evident in her voice.
"Thanks. I've been training with some of the most talented puppeteers in Suna. I'm working towards becoming a master, and one day, everyone will bow down to Kazekage Puppet Specialist Kankuro of the Sand," Kankuro replied with a hint of pride, his tone brimming with enthusiasm.
"That's quite a long name," Sakura chuckled, sharing his excitement. "Puppets are amazing. If I could use chakra, I'd want to be a puppet master."
Kankuro blushed slightly, pleasantly surprised by her response. "You can't choose a specialty. You're born with a specific chakra nature."
"I wish I knew what I was born with..." Sakura sighed, a hint of longing in her voice.
"You were born here, so I can guess you were most likely born with wind, earth, or even lightning," Kankuro smiled, trying to lighten the mood. "So, what were you doing up there?"
Embarrassed, Sakura admitted, "I was looking for Gaara..."
"Gaara?" Kankuro whined, concern creasing his brow. "Please stay away from him; he's dangerous. You, of all people, know how frightening he can be."
"Are you afraid of him?" Sakura asked, her curiosity piqued.
"No, but I won't let him hurt you again. I'll protect you from him. I swear on my life that I'll keep you safe."
Sakura waved her arms defensively. "What? No, Gaara is my friend."
"Pfft! Gaara doesn't have any friends," Kankuro laughed, though it didn't sit well with Sakura.
"I'm being serious. He and I hang out sometimes..." Sakura sighed. "He's not as heartless as you think he is..."
As tension built in their conversation, Kankuro struggled to contain his frustration. All he had wanted was to spend more time with Sakura, whose beautiful, sparkling red eyes sent butterflies fluttering in his stomach. Sweat began to bead on his forehead as he nervously attempted to steer the conversation differently.
"Do you want to see something cool?" he asked, a hint of eagerness in his voice.
"I should probably go..." Sakura hesitated her desire to avoid further conflict evident.
Kankuro, in his eagerness, momentarily overstepped, snatching her wrist to prevent her from leaving. He quickly released her arm, realizing he had been too forceful. "Hey, wait. I have a tournament tomorrow for kids who want to become Genin. You should come by and watch the tournament. Afterward, I'll take you out for lunch."
"I don't know. I hate watching everyone my age succeed at becoming a Shinobi when I can't even lift a finger to defend myself from danger," Sakura lamented, her frustration evident.
"Come on, it'll be fun. I'll protect you, I promise," Kankuro urged, his voice laced with sincerity.
"Okay, fine. You've convinced me," Sakura giggled, her mood lightening.
Kankuro allowed his excitement to get the better of him. "Great. Head to the Gymnasium tomorrow morning, and I'll see you there. It's a date."
"A date?" Sakura blushed, the word catching her by surprise.
Kankuro also blushed, rubbing the back of his head in slight embarrassment. "Oh, uh, yeah, it doesn't have to be a date. It could just be two friends of the opposite genders hanging out..."
"I'll be there," Sakura giggled, her smile brightening. "I'll see you tomorrow."
Kankuro was surprised once again. He had expected her to respond immediately, but instead, she hesitated momentarily before finally saying, "Wait? I mean, yeah, I'll see you tomorrow."
She moved away, remembering that her father would be returning home soon. He didn't take kindly to her being absent when he expected her to cater to his whims. Sakura had deliberately kept her plans secret. As she entered the house, she found her father blocking the doorway. Peering past him, she noticed the living room in disarray. Her mother sprawled on the floor, her vacant gaze fixed on nothing. Glancing back at her father, he had crossed his arms and smiled at her. Sakura forcefully pushed him aside and sprinted into the living room, her heart pounding like a drum, to shake her mother's lifeless form on the floor. Tears streamed down her face as she cried, "Mother, please, wake up! Wake up!"
A feeble voice emerged behind her, cutting through the suffocating tension. "She's gone."
Startled, Sakura turned to find her sister lying on the couch, wrists bound to the frame, her once vibrant eyes now cold and distant, fixed on the ceiling. She was covered by a thin blanket, the couch and floor beneath her stained with blood. The horrifying realization struck Sakura like a bolt of lightning; her sister was dying, and an overwhelming fear gripped her, believing she might be next.
Shijima's voice was barely a whisper as she implored, "Run, Sakura. Get away while you still can."
Summoning every ounce of strength she had left, Sakura bolted toward the back of the house, aiming for the sanctuary of the Onsen. Kenjiro, consumed by his maddening pursuit, gave chase and, in his frenzied state, managed to trip her. Sakura tumbled onto the wooden paneling, dangerously close to the steaming hot water.
With the final vestiges of her determination, she waited for him to close in before executing a swift, desperate kick at his ankle. He crumpled beside her, momentarily immobilized. Sakura, her heart pounding like a drum, began to crawl away, but he seized her ankles, clawing his way over her with sinister, chilling laughter. Her terror surged, but then something remarkable happened - a strange calm washed over her as she realized this could be her final moment on earth, and she somehow accepted it.
Lying there, she gazed out at the expansive blue sky above and, in the face of impending doom, began to sing a haunting, mournful tune that spoke of sorrow and the embrace of death. Then, a brilliant white light erupted from her body, radiating throughout the area. Her father, who had collapsed on the floor, coughed up blood but remained alive.
Seizing the opportunity, Sakura sprang to her feet, rushed past her fallen father, and fled through the front door, racing through the streets of Suna alone. She ran as far as Sakura's secret spot in the fields, where Gaara had once shared moments with her. Sitting there, she couldn't help but feel that her deepest fear was becoming a reality - the fear of being utterly alone forever.
The sun radiated its brilliance into Sakura's eyes, warming her skin as she stirred. In the distance, she observed a small gathering of Shinobi making their way towards the entrance of the Sunagakure training gymnasium. It was the day when families and friends gathered to witness their children step into becoming Genin. Among the spectators, potential mentors were looking for promising candidates they might take under their wing. Realizing the day's importance, Sakura gasped and promptly rose from her sandy resting place. She had to find Kankuro, putting aside the unpleasant incident of the previous day for now. Overwhelmed by the sheer size of the gymnasium, Sakura nervously scanned the expansive space where the children would battle it out. The participants headed to the locker rooms to prepare for matches and determine their futures. Kankuro, spotting Sakura, lightly grabbed her arm, a broad grin on his face. "You came to see me. I'm glad you're here."
"Why are you competing? Don't you already have a teacher?" Sakura inquired, her curiosity evident.
"I do, but I'm trying to impress Granny Chiyo. She's one of the most skilled puppet masters in Suna, and I want her to be my teacher," Kankuro explained with enthusiasm.
"Be careful," Sakura urged, her concern for him evident.
"I will," Kankuro replied, his determination clear.
"All Tournament Participants, please get ready in the locker rooms and await your battles. I repeat, All Tournament Participants, please get ready in the locker rooms and await your battles," the announcer's voice echoed throughout the gymnasium, signaling the start of the competition.
"Will you be okay?" Sakura asked, her worry for him palpable.
"I'll be fine. Hopefully, I'll leave here with only cuts and bruises," Kankuro assured her, trying to ease her concern.
Sakura gasped, her worry deepening as she processed his words. "You expect to be cut and bruised..."
"Hey, don't worry about me. I'm fine. I can handle anything," Kankuro said with a reassuring smile as he hurried toward the locker rooms. "I have to go, so find yourself an excellent seat."
As more families streamed past them, entering the gymnasium and exchanging embraces, Kankuro joined the other Suna children, making their way to the locker rooms. They all exhibited similar strengths and weaknesses, some possessing unique talents known in other villages. In the crowd, overlooking the empty grass field, a Suna Jonin stood at the center, explaining the three-round matches, with the third being the final.
Hours drifted by, and finally, Kankuro stepped onto the field. On the opposite side stood a little girl with dark, long brown hair, her gaze fixed on him.
"It's you... My little brother was hospitalized because of what you and your friends did to him," the girl cried, her voice trembling with anger. "This is my chance to avenge him."
"I told him to run. To make this fair, I won't use my secret weapon for now," Kankuro replied, conveying understanding.
Kankuro had a puppet on his back, swathed in white cloth, with spiked and unkempt hair protruding from the top. He lowered the puppet to the ground and retrieved a kunai knife. The young girl extended her hair like a whip, which Kankuro skillfully dodged multiple times, displaying his agility and expertise.
"What the hell? You can manipulate hair to grow! If that's the case, it's definitely time for a haircut," Kankuro remarked with a sly grin.
Swiftly throwing three kunai knives in her direction, he managed to sever some of her hair, but it seemed to regenerate rapidly. Her hair flicked and sliced his arm, causing blood to trickle down and stain his shirt. In a desperate struggle, the girl pushed him to the ground, her hair coiling around him like a snake, constricting him tightly and causing his spine to crack.
The audience fell into an eerie silence. Wood chips fell from what appeared to be Kankuro's lifeless body, and fragments of limbs scattered, revealing a puppet resembling him. But Kankuro was no longer there; only a crumpled white cloth lay on the floor.
"Don't underestimate me," Kankuro whispered, his voice hinting at determination.
"What?" The girl cried out, her confidence faltering.
Behind her, Kankuro skillfully manipulated chakra strings to detach the remaining limbs from his puppet, revealing that each arm ended in deadly spikes dripping with venom. Any injury inflicted by this poison would likely be fatal. The Jonin referee swiftly ended the battle, proclaiming Kankuro as the victor. He waved and cheered to the crowd, then ascended the gymnasium stairs to join the audience section, where Sakura was seated.
"Hey, Sakura! How did you like my puppet show!" Kankuro called out, enthusiastically waving.
"I've never seen you battle before today. It was fascinating but also a little scary," Sakura replied, her amusement evident in her giggle.
"Really..." Kankuro blushed, "I'm glad you liked it. Last year, Temari won, but this year, it's my turn."
"Could you show me your puppet up close when we leave?" Sakura asked with genuine interest.
"Uh, sure. I can show you anything you want," Kankuro replied, his blush deepening.
"All tournament participants, please return to the locker rooms! I repeat, all tournament participants, please return to the locker rooms!" the announcer's voice called out.
"Ah, man, but we just started talking. I'll see you after this round is over. The next rounds are the finals," Kankuro said regretfully.
"Good luck!"
"See ya," Kankuro smiled before returning to the locker rooms.
In the second round, Kankuro faced a new opponent, a male with a fan similar to Temari and skilled in Wind Jutsu. This formidable adversary entered the arena with his massive fan strapped across his back. Kankuro, prepared for the challenge, had already readied his puppet. As the match commenced, powerful gusts of wind sent Kankuro's puppet flying out of the field. The male fan user launched a barrage of wind attacks at Kankuro, sending him tumbling across the gym. Kankuro crash-landed against a sand wall, resulting in severe bruising on his back. Hardened sand crumbled as he fell motionless to the ground.
The concerned referee hurried to Kankuro's side, ready to call the match in favor of his opponent.
"Kankuro, can you stand? If you can't continue..."
"No! I can still stand," Kankuro defiantly replied.
The referee nodded, acknowledging his determination to continue the fight. Despite sustaining severe injuries, including a broken rib and index finger, Kankuro summoned chakra strings from his fingertips to retrieve his puppet and bring it back into the field. Using the puppet as a distraction, Kankuro sprinted across the arena, aiming to attack his opponent from behind while the puppet occupied the other side. However, the boy saw through his ruse. Suddenly, the male fan user unfurled his fan, striking Kankuro's shoulder and sending him sprawling to the floor.
"I never thought I'd use my body as a dummy for a distraction," Kankuro quipped, showing his resilience even in the face of adversity.
"What the hell are you blabbering about?" the opponent retorted, his frustration evident.
In front of him, Kankuro's puppet opened its belly with eerie precision and swiftly pulled the boy inside. The fan user dropped his fan as he was dragged in, his screams echoing through the arena. Once closed, the puppet sealed itself shut, leaving the boy immobilized. This marked the official end of the second match, with Kankuro emerging victorious, surprisingly without any fatal injuries. He waved to Sakura and collapsed on the field, drained and battered.
Sakura gasped and quickly descended the stadium stairs. Medical Ninjas arrived with a gurney to transport Kankuro for immediate medical treatment. Frightened for his well-being, Sakura followed them to the medical unit beneath the gymnasium.
"Kankuro, are you alright?" Sakura asked, her voice filled with concern.
"Yeah, I'm fine. I won!" Kankuro replied, attempting to muster a triumphant tone.
"Don't be stupid; you could have died out there!" Sakura protested, her worry palpable.
"I'm fine, really," Kankuro reassured her, his voice softening.
"Promise..." Sakura pleaded, tears welling up in her eyes.
"I promise," Kankuro smiled weakly. "Now I have to get ready for the final round."
Kankuro tried to rise from the bed despite being bandaged from head to toe. He was determined to achieve his dream of becoming the greatest puppet master. However, driven by concern, Sakura pushed him gently but firmly back onto the bed, tears streaming down her face.
"No," Sakura said firmly.
Kankuro groaned in pain as his body hit the bed. "What?"
"You broke a rib! Isn't that reason enough not to go out there?" Sakura argued with a hint of frustration.
"I can't let a broken rib and finger stop me from reaching my goal. I promise I'll give up if it's too dangerous to continue," Kankuro replied, his voice filled with determination.
Sakura pleaded, her voice quivering, "You promised me you'd take me to lunch, but right now, I don't care about that. Please, at least come out of this standing."
Kankuro replied softly, his tone filled with sincerity, "I will."
"All tournament participants, please return to the locker rooms! All tournament participants, please return to the locker rooms!" echoed the announcer's voice.
"That's me. I have to go," Kankuro said, resolute in facing the final round.
In the last and final battle of the afternoon, Kankuro faced another puppet user. The duel was protracted and repetitive, with relentless kunai knives and poisonous darts exchanges. In the end, Kankuro emerged as the victor. His puppet managed to capture the opposing child puppeteer, fulfilling the objective of the battle.
Exiting the arena relatively unscathed from the grueling fight, Kankuro met Sakura again outside. He reached out, giving her a warm hug, and offered a tired yet affectionate smile. The adrenaline coursing through him and his love for her kept the pain at bay. The sun had already set, leaving them stranded in the darkness.
"Oh, I didn't realize the tournament would take up the entire day. Ah, man..." Kankuro lamented, realizing the lateness of the hour.
"It's okay; I had a great time watching the fights. I was terrified when you were in combat, but I always believed you'd make it through. I had to have faith in you," Sakura reassured him, her voice warm and comforting.
"If we can't have lunch, how about I walk you to the wall near the entrance? It's a bit of a hike, but it's a good opportunity for us to chat," Kankuro suggested, offering an alternative plan.
"Oh, yeah. Okay. What would you like to talk about?" Sakura giggled, her tone light and playful.
Kankuro blushed slightly as he asked, "What are you doing tomorrow?"
"My parents are Shinobi, so I'm usually home alone most of the time. My sister is away on a mission, and my friends are training hard to become Shinobi. So I usually sit alone and craft puppet weapons," Sakura replied, sharing a glimpse into her daily life.
Kankuro's voice carried genuine concern. "Sakura, I am so sorry..."
"I'm okay. It makes me happy to have someone I can talk to," Sakura confided, appreciating his empathy.
"I wish there was something I could do for you. We could have been puppet specialists together," Kankuro empathized, reflecting on a shared dream.
"Maybe," Sakura giggled, her spirits lifting at the thought.
"Do you want to sit down somewhere, or...?" Kankuro trailed off, his cheeks tinged with a blush.
"How about that bench on the entrance wall?" Sakura suggested, providing a destination.
They found a brown wooden bench positioned to the left at the entrance. To the right, border control oversaw the comings and goings of Shinobi and civilians. Nearby, a few storefronts and restaurants bustled with activity as countless Sand Village residents enjoyed their free time, chatting with one another. Kankuro and Sakura settled onto the bench together, gazing at the stars. For a while, neither spoke as they watched the streets gradually empty. The young couple sat in companionable silence, not knowing exactly what to say to each other. Kankuro couldn't help but be captivated by her sparkling beauty, the wind gently tossing her black hair over her face. He gently moved the strands tenderly to reveal more of her features. All his gazing made her feel a bit self-conscious, and she started to shake, unsure if it was due to the cold or her nervous feelings.
Kankuro leaned in closer, his voice soft and concerned. "Hey, aren't you cold? Wearing those revealing clothes can give you chills at this time of night."
Embarrassed, Sakura instinctively covered her crop top, exposing her stomach. Her bare legs were visible, with only fishnets and stockings. She quietly replied, "I don't like wearing baggy clothes. These make me feel pretty."
"I believe you're pretty no matter what you wear, Sakura. Here," Kankuro said. He removed his long-sleeved black shirt, exposing his bandaged chest, and gently draped it over her shoulders. As she settled into his shirt, she couldn't help but notice his masculine scent, which enveloped her, providing both warmth and comfort. However, despite his kind gesture, she still shivered from the cold.
Kankuro took another step, his face now a bright shade of red. He wrapped his arms around her waist and pulled her closer. Sakura leaned into his embrace and began to sing a heartfelt song, her emotions flowing through her voice.
"Wow," Kankuro breathed, deeply moved by her genuine performance, "You have a beautiful voice.
Sakura blushed and admitted, "I like to sing sometimes." Their conversation was interrupted by slow, deliberate footsteps emerging from the darkness of a nearby building. With the night's shadows concealing their surroundings and no one else in sight, Kankuro swiftly rose from the bench, instinctively shielding Sakura from the approaching figure.
As the newcomer stepped into the faint light, he revealed himself as a tall man clad in dark robes with tanned skin. His eyes bore deep circles, and his burgundy hair was spiked in a manner reminiscent of Kankuro's, his eldest son. Kankuro, relaxing his guard but unpleased, groaned, "Dad, what are you doing here?"
The Kazekage's unchanging expression cast a downcast gaze at the two youngsters before him. Two Anbu stood silently beside him, seemingly materializing out of thin air. Rasa spoke, "So, you've befriended the girl Gaara attempted to harm."
Sakura couldn't contain her frustration. Clicking her tongue, she growled, "That wouldn't have happened if you hadn't sent Gaara's uncle to assassinate him. Shukaku awakened and attacked me. It wasn't Gaara."
Kankuro's eyes widened as he looked at his father, torn between loyalty to his brother and belief in Sakura's words. He inquired, "Is that true?"
Ignoring his son's question, the Kazekage focused his attention on Sakura. "What was your name again? Sakura, right? When was the last time you went home?"
Sakura hesitated before responding to a man she despised, reluctant to reveal her desperate actions for survival. Rising from the bench, she offered a nonchalant shrug of her shoulders.
Kankuro, puzzled by her response, chimed in on her behalf, "I walked you home last night. I stayed to make sure you got inside safely."
In response to Kankuro, Sakura confessed, "I jumped out of my window. I'm sorry, Kankuro. I didn't want you to worry about me, so I didn't tell anyone."
Kankuro's brows furrowed in concern. "What would I have been worried about? What haven't you told me?"
Sakura shifted her gaze away, too embarrassed by her past actions to speak openly. "I don't want to talk about it..."
Rasa sighed deeply, considering the situation. "Would you be more comfortable talking to my daughter, Temari?"
Sakura nodded silently. Kankuro, on the other hand, stared at her, increasingly worried about her well-being. He seized her wrist, pulled her closer, and asked with genuine concern, "What happened last night?"
Rasa intervened, calling, "Stop, leave her be, Kankuro. Walk her home now. I'll have Temari visit her home shortly."
Kankuro frowned at his father but acquiesced, releasing his grip on her wrist. Instead, he wrapped his arm around her waist and began to walk her home. Gripped by fear, Sakura avoided looking at anyone's face, terrified of the judgment she might face. She remained silent for most of the walk.
Kankuro eventually broke the silence. "I'm sorry if I pushed you too hard earlier."
Sakura shrugged, her voice trembling. "No, it's not your fault. I'm just...afraid of your father. He's terrifying."
"He's not like that all the time, I promise," Kankuro reassured her.
Sakura changed the subject, feeling uneasy as she walked home alone for the first time since the accident. Her shoes sank into the sand as she stopped and turned to Kankuro, interrupting him. "Hey, I'm okay walking home alone from here."
In a soft, gentle tone, Kankuro pressed, "I can't help you if you don't tell me what's wrong. Did someone hurt you?"
Sakura hesitated but whispered, "Don't tell anyone what I told you, okay?"
"I won't," Kankuro whispered back.
Sakura continued, her voice trembling with emotion. "When I came home, my father was waiting at the door. He had that usual scary grin in his eyes. When I looked behind him, I saw my mother," Sakura whimpered, her voice breaking, "Dead on the floor. My father killed her."
Kankuro's eyes widened in shock. "You can't be serious. Why would he do that?"
"If we do not obey him, we will be punished."
Kankuro wore the most worried expression on his face. "Sakura..."
"He attacked my sister, Shijima. We have to hurry and see if she's okay."
"Right..."
Kankuro followed Sakura with urgency as they made their way to her house. As they turned the corner towards her home, they came upon several Jonin standing guard, engaged in a discussion about the latest developments in the case. Sakura wasted no time and approached them, her voice trembling with worry. "Where's my sister?"
The Jonin shifted his gaze downward, meeting Sakura's tiny face. He replied somberly, "She's in the hospital in critical condition. The medics were unsuccessful in reviving your mother."
Sakura's eyes widened in shock. Her voice quivered as she asked, "Where's...my father?"
"He suffered a minor blow and was knocked unconscious. Whoever did this left no evidence. We are investigating the incident now."
Sakura's frustration was palpable. "You don't know...?"
The Jonin shook his head. "Do you know anyone who may have done this?"
Sakura bowed to the Jonin before approaching her front door. Her heart raced, and she involuntarily stepped back into Kankuro, who offered a reassuring rub on her back. "Do you want me to go in first?" he asked.
Sakura shook her head and mustered the courage to turn the doorknob, causing the door to creak open. She entered cautiously, her eyes falling on the yellow tape blocking access to the living room and another strip cordoning off the backyard. As she tiptoed past the kitchen, she noticed a figure facing away in a chair.
Her shock was audible as she gasped and fell backward onto the floor. Her voice quivered with fear as she cried, "I thought you were at the hospital."
Kenjiro remained eerily calm as he spoke, "Your mother and sister were ungrateful for everything I have sacrificed to provide them with such luxury. Now that it's only the two of us, I've decided to give you a second chance at redemption."
Kankuro, quietly standing by, helped Sakura back to her feet. Trembling, she asked, "What are you talking about?"
Kenjiro's response sent a shiver down her spine. "You've been a naughty girl, Sakura. Come here and play with Daddy."
He slowly reached inside his pocket to pull out a ball gag and a vibrating toy. Beside him, he booted the chair, possessing robust Shinobi climbing ropes.
Sakura whimpered, "I won't do it anymore."
Horrified by her father, Kankuro discreetly stepped back into the hall's shadows, ensuring he was out of sight and earshot. Kenjiro's chakra was so faint that he couldn't detect Kankuro's presence.
Kenjiro abruptly rose from his chair and slowly turned around. His enraged expression was more terrifying than Shukaku's. With a sudden burst of energy, he raised his fist menacingly, moving toward Sakura like a pouncing lion.
In a swift, decisive move, Kankuro utilized his body weight to tackle her father. As Kankuro landed on his feet, Kenjiro tumbled down the hallway. When he raised his head off the floor, a frown formed on his face as he realized the Kazekage's son had intervened. He knew well that he couldn't lay a finger on any of the Kazekage's children without explicit permission; otherwise, he would face severe punishment, potentially even a death sentence for his crimes.
Jonin, who had rushed to the scene, now stood in the doorway, witnessing the tense confrontation. Kankuro, pointing at the guilty father, declared, "He raped his wife and daughters. Get him out of here."
The Jonin swiftly pursued him into the backyard as he attempted to escape. He vaulted over the fence, leading the Jonin on a chase that stretched for miles.
Inside the house, Sakura lay on the floor, her tears flowing freely. Kankuro knelt before her, enfolding her in his arms, a profound sense of guilt weighing heavily on him. He now understood why she had been too embarrassed to disclose the terrible crimes her father had committed against her, her sister, and her mother. He wished he had known sooner.
As they huddled there, offering comfort, the front door quietly swung open, and Temari entered. She knelt beside Sakura, gently rubbing her back and leaning her head against hers. The siblings provided Sakura with the solace and support she needed, offering their presence as a comforting balm.
(hope you enjoying the story :))
Weekly Power Status
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