human
Sakura Haruno
The end of the War was, for most, a blessing and miracle within itself. But for Sakura Haruno, it was a bit of a torment, really. Even though all the bloodshed was finally over, it hadn't come without dire costs. To be more exact, two of them. Naruto Uzumaki and Sasuke Uchiha had wound up killing each other off near the very last second. No one had seen it coming, though she supposed sheshouldhave. And even to this day, she cursed herself for not having done so.
She had tried -- tried her damnedest -- but the wounds had been too fatal. Sakura hadn't been able to save even one of them. And shehatedherself for failing not just her former comrades and classmates, but Tsunade-sama, her mentor whom had taught her medical ninjutsu.
The aftermath of the war hadn't been kind to anyone really, regardless of what side one was on. But for quite a few of the Konohagakure shinobi, they had been hit with the worst of everything it seemed, from the physical injuries to the more mental and psychological ones. Even Tsunade had, unfortunately, been included in this. And thus it led her to where she was now; trying desperately to juggle both her duties as a medical kunoichi in the Konohagakure Hospital whilst aiding Shizune out with the Hokage duties.
But she had noted that Shizune also had her own limits with how much she could help Sakura out. She'd suggested to Sakura a few times to ask someone else. But for so long, the pink-haired kunoichi had relied so much on Naruto and Sasuke. Now that they were gone .... she didn't know whom to turn to.
At the moment, she was alone in the Hokage's office, her head resting on her hands. A low groan left as she reluctantly looked up amongst all the files, a sad and soft sigh leaving her lips." ... Shizune's probably right. But ... "Her head lightly shook from side to side, still unsure whom to ask for. After a few more minutes of mulling silently over possibilities, she decided to give up on contemplating this for now.
Her left hand caught her head as it rested within it, her right hand beginning to pick a file up, put it in alphabetical order, then ensure the rest were in the correct arrangement. Of course, it'd clearly been far too long since anyone had bothered to do this task accurately ... so none were. Another sigh left her lips. It would be one of those long and tiring days, it seemed.
gpt
Shikamaru knew of the loses in the last battle, the battle to protect the his friend Naruto had ended with the scarifice of his friend, which left so much unknown in the world. The alliance that was formed slowly fell apart, the villages going back to their old ways, without someone as charismatic as Naruto to push people and give them hope and help with their ideals, there was nothing to hold the alliance together. Granted so many shinobi had died, that it would be at least one generation before any of the village was ready to act on a larger level. Yet, the fact the villages were so weak caused a growth in bandit attacks, and problems that were unrelated to the ninja world.
Shikamaru, had to deal with telling women the fact the ones they lost were lost, he had to tell his teacher's lover, Asuma had died, and he had to tell his mother, his father had died. He was tired of having this painful responsibility. He was now the leader of the Nara clan, and he had the responsibilities of a leader of the clan that was always the advisers to the Hokage. He hadn't acted on it recently, but he knew he would need to do so.
Shikamaru found himself wondering towards the office of the Hokage, everyone knew that Tsunade was a shell of herself, that the place was ran mostly but Shizune, Sakura with the help of other top jounin shinobi. It had to be a hard situation, but even he knew it was where he had to put his mind and his work. It was his responsibility as leader of the clan to help. He thus found himself walking into the office.
"Sakura, I am here to help in any way I can, as a the leader of my clan, I know that I can help at least some with the issues that are going on around the village right now," Shikamaru commented softly as he looked up at his pink haired woman, whom was also his former classmate and rivals with Ino.
human
Sakura Haruno
Her head quickly glanced up from the files, though not before eyes tried to scan the desk for an appointment book of sorts. Had she forgotten that someone was to be here today? Sakura assumed the answer to be no and let out a low"Damn ... "as she failed to find the book she had been seeking. Green orbs gazed up to find Shikamaru, the new leader of the Nara clan. Her eyes couldn't help but subconsciously soften; he had endured quite a bit himself -- not just from the war, but even before with the loss of his sensei, Asuma. And then he had to fight him again in an undead state no thanks to the Edo Tensei and ifthathadn't been bad enough, his father sacrificed his own life to ensure the war ended. Not just his, but all of Team Asuma's.
The gesture was honorable but still sad all the same when all was said and done. Even in the normally stoic shinobi's eyes, Sakura could see and almost feel the very slightest hints of sorrow. Then again, few people had truly recovered from all the War had taken from them. Moreover, it hadn't been only her which lost Naruto; all of Konoha had. Hinata was taking the loss perhaps even worse than Shikamaru, andhehad been one of Naruto's first friends from back during their Academy days.
Still, there were some times she couldn't help but feel a bit selfish and forgot that others within Konohagakure had lost not just Naruto, but even Sasuke. Both her and Ino used to fight so much over the Uchiha ... and now, he was gone. She knew, as did everyone else in Konoha, that she was perhaps one of the last people who deserved to sit in the chair she was in. But Tsunade had managed to insist that she, as opposed to anyone else, take over. She had entrusted her with this responsibility ... and like hell if Sakura would easily let her own mentor down.
All the same, this wasn't the place to think back on the past nor the time. She managed a weary smile as she looked up to the Nara then down to the desk."I'm ... not yet on the mission or more current files, unfortunately. I'm ... still going through and organizing all the death certificates."Once the words left Sakura's lips, she supposed she could now comprehend one reason her mood hadn't been the best as of late probably. She had already ensured to get both Naruto and Sasuke's done; they had been some of the very first ones. But there had been so many other names her green orbs had to gaze upon ... and to know that she hadn't been able to save any - assuming they hadn't been used via the Edo Tensei - had made her heart sink.
She should have been able to do more .... shouldn't she? After all, she'd been trained by one of the best living medical ninjas. Why had she failed so many? Let so many down? For a few brief but noticable moments, her fists trembled. This time, though, she managed to calm herself and steady her hands. Exhaling deeply, she looked back up to Shikamaru.
"But if you want to see if you can just find the missions yourself ... go for it. It'll help clear space for me, if nothing else. Good luck in advance if you do though. I think I've been here the past ... three days now just trying to get all of these sorted out. I feel like .... like I'm getting nowhere."A small chuckle managed to leave and then a sigh did as she glanced back down to the files.
Really Naruto? You really wanted this? It seems so ... annoying, at least this part of the job does ...
As her mind went to her former classmate and friend, she felt her body tense as it shook once again, a shiver trailing down her spine. Though she had tried to forget, Sakura had often been reminded many times of the exact moments of Naruto and Sasuke's death. She'd forgotten for a few moments, albeit long enough, that Shikamaru was inside the office with her. Tears that she'd sworn she had finally finished crying the last of several days ago slowly began to form in her eyes, so very eager and close to falling from her eyes and onto the files and desk.
gpt
Strain had been on everyone of the village, Sakura was no different then any of them, she was just a woman, a young woman whom had lost the people whom she cared most about. So many people were heart broken, but she had more reason then any of them to be so, she lost more then anyone, even more then Konohamura who lost his big brother, or Hinata whom lost the love of her life or even Iruka whom has lost his surrogate son. It had to harder on her, for she lost both Naruto and Sasuke, each where were important to her. He knew in the village the sadness of Naruto was much greater then the last of the Uchiha, only a dozen or so old friend worried about the traitor, he didn't care about him, himself, despite their connection and his once attempt to return him to Konoha.
The strain would have to be dealt with in some manner, maybe it was something he learned by fighting Asuma the second time. He found that the dead didn't want us to grieve to much for them, they wanted us to be happy, and find a new source of happiness. He figured that Naruto wouldn't want people to grieve over him to much, outside enough to show he had been something. He would want them to keep pushing forward with the dream he had, and to reach a better future.
He nodded his head at the comment about missions, his mission wasn't one in the folders, it was easy see, it was to help this young woman out. He sat down and pulled out a group of folders, one thing great about being lazy was, you learned how to use the time you did work far better so that you could spend more time lazying around doing nothing at all. His eyes looked though the folders quickly as he knew the arrangement of where everything was, the class of mission the place and the date, as well as when it was given out. He went about putting the folders in a systematic order moving them quickly reading what he needed and the arranging it into is proper place. It was work, serious work, and at one time he would be bummed out by it, but there were to many shinobi and he had to many responsibilities to be so now.
He smiled at her comment, this needed order, and it would need organization, the once the missions were out, they could figure who was left and what teams to send out where. There were still things that needed to be done, and well there was a lot actually that still needed to be done, but he figured the faster he got though it the faster he would be done and the faster he could go back to lazing around again. He knew this job was one that took a lot of work, why he told his sensei he was to lazy to do it when they last spoke.
He looked over and saw Sakura crying, the stress had to be getting to the young woman. He got up and walked over and put a friendly shoulder on her own shoulder, "it is okay, Sakura-chan, if you need to rest, and take a bit of time off you can, go down to the graves, I found that it helped me when Asuma-sama passed away, helped give me more focus on things" he said as he somehow found himself in a hug with the pink haired shinobi, man life could be troublesome sometimes. He just would have to help however that was.
human
Sakura Haruno
Somewhere in between the tears continuing to form and zoning out, flashbacks raced through the pink-haired kunoichi's mind. It started back before the Academy days, when her and Ino were no older than ten or so years old. Then it raced to when she found out she would be on Team Seven ...withthe Uchiha. Oh how she gave Ino such a difficult time and teased her about it for so damn long. Soon, she saw the Chuunin Exams, her witnessing Naruto and Sasuke fight on the rooftop, the night Sasuke left Konoha .... and many, many more memories after that. Some were painful, others made her smile; but regardless, all made the urge to cry stronger. Only when it went back to their last fight and how they both looked, how she had failed to save either of them, did the desire give in and her tears fell finally, streaming slowly down her face.
She felt the flashbacks almost attempt to repeat again, stopped only by the foreign sensation of being embraced by Shikamaru. It was ... an interesting gesture from the Nara. He was usually lazy and saw women and most things related to them as 'too troublesome'. So to feel and see he would do such a thing to help her out ... she wasn't sure how to feel. Although Sakura was definitely still a bit confused, she was also very grateful all the same for the attempt to cheer her up and keep her somewhat sane.
As his words finally echoed in her mind, a bit of panic couldn't help but fill her tone." .... Break?! But ... but Tsunade .... she trusted me with this. I ... "She stopped, her head glancing down as a few tears fell upon Shikamaru's jacket. The logical side of her began to kick in as she thought seriously on her own retort. While it had been true that Tsunade had asked her to do this, she knew she wouldn't get anywhere like this. All depressed and barely thinking straight. She would only let Tsunade down and fail her if she allowed such emotions to keep dominating her.
How she had resisted suicide was honestly beyond her. Some days ... she had no idea why or how she was still alive.
Her head shook no lightly but quickly, trying to shove the temptation away as it quickly tried to enter her mind again. A low sigh left as she made eye contact with the Nara, knowing he wouldn't care if he saw her crying."... Are you sure? I mean .... I probably should but my work ethic says I should remain and keep going .... "
Worse than that, she felt horrid and guilty on the mere thought of forcing him to take over what was to behertask,herobligation. It seemed wrong somehow. But he was offering .... maybe ... maybe she should accept. If not because she wanted the break, at least for her sanity.
gpt
Shikamaru could tell the young woman was at her limits for her ability to work, not only that, she had choose then hardest job to arrange the files of the people whom had died in the conflict between them and Madara. Could tell that wasn't all though that kept her here working so hard, it was more then the need to work on something connected to the ones close to her, but a need to live up to the expectations of her mentor. He remembered back when Naruto had to do the same thing in the face of Pein's attack, or himself when Asuma passed on. To continue your mentor's work was something that was hard to not do, to do something in honor of them or get revenge or many other things.
"Break, you need one badly, just take the day off, I am sure tomorrow you can come up here and you will be able to get a fresh start, sometimes we work ourself so hard, that harder work actually doesn't equal better results. Go, walking around the village will help, share smiles with villagers, tears too," he said as he looked at her backing up a bit as he did so, "Asuma told me, that our most important job is to protect the King, apparently it was something he was told by the third hokage. It took a while, but the king is the next generation of shinobi, whom will come after us, we need to focus on them now, I think make sure they grow up strong."
He gave her his normal lazy look but he was thinking on the situation as best as he could in the moment. He was calculating what needed to be done, or in this case said, "Remember when Tsunade fainted, we ended up with Danzo in charge of the whole village, overwork yourself and it could always happen again. I am sure Tsunade didn't want you to be unhappy, I am sure your happiness it the thing that most concerns her, and if you want her to get better, finding a way to be happy might be a key."
They had to keep things together in the village at least till the next generation would be able to take over. He had a feeling sooner or later the job would be passed down to Konohamaru, but till then they had to keep the house in order and help get it back on its feet. He motioned to the door, "go for a bit a couple of hours, if nothing else, go to the park or to the graveyard relax, and don't worry about in here, I will handle it."
He hoped that Sakura would take him up on it, it was so clear to tell she needed a break more then anyone one else. It would do her a great deal of good. Plus it would leave the work so that he could focus on it, and not worry about her and he would be able to get a lot of it done in that situation.
human
Sakura Haruno
Even to this day, Sakura couldn't understand how Shikamaru was so smart and wise but at the same time very damn lazy. His words blew her away with how accurate they were. If it weren't for the fact she was seeing for her own eyes that she was actually speaking to Shikamaru as opposed to his father or Asuma, she would almost swear that at the moment, Sakura was speaking with someone at least ten years older than herself if not more. Exhaling softly, her eyes closed as she remembered the 'era' that Konoha had when Danzo took over.
The man had creeped her out about as much as Orochimaru and the feelings had been fair. Thank gods he was dead and stayed that way. The man was the last thing Konoha needed and ... Shikamaru had quite the valid point. If she allowed herself to stress that badly, someone as bad - if not worse ... oh how that made a shiver trail down her back - could take advantage not only of her position but possibly the nation as well. And with all of the other countries having gone back to their own ways of life and traditions, help wouldn't be able to be obtained anytime soon.
A low chuckle left as she nodded slowly, standing up on her feet."I ... I think I will. I'm ... sorta overdue to visit them anyways."She bowed her head, gently pulling away from the embrace somewhat reluctantly as she headed to the door. Her hand rested on the doorknob before she turned back to him. A sly smirk crossed her lips as she teased to him,"You know ... not all of us women are troublesome. I think you just showed yourself that to some degree with how you just aided me out. And .... thanks again for all of that. I .... haven't wanted to bother Kakashi-sensei otherwise I'd probably have had him ...."
She stopped, deciding there was no point in going on and on. He was smart, he could fill in the blanks fine. Giving him another bow of her head, she finally stepped out of the office, nearly jumping as a light breeze danced across her skin. Her head shook at herself and the reaction it gave her.
Ugh, geez. If just that is getting to you ... yeah .... you've been inside way too damn long. I guess you did need this huh?
She would, as promised, go to the graves. But not before making another stop first.
A small bell rang as she opened the door to a familiar destination; the Yamanaka flower shop.
All it took for the blonde kunoichi to see was Sakura's tear-stricken face to know exactly why she had come here. A sad smile crossed her face as she merely nodded and gathered two single red roses for her. After cutting the thorns off, she handed both to Sakura.
" .... Thank you ... "She murmured softly, turning on her heels and heading to the graves.
Her feet guided her there with ease; she had been here since their demise so many times. A few of the visits had resulted in her crying herself to sleep in front of both Naruto and Sasuke's graves even. She didn't intend to copythatagain .... but she would definitely finish what she had started back at the Hokage's office.
As she fell to her knees in front of the two tombstones, she set a rose in front of each and stared at the names. Her fists clenched and pulled back. For a few split seconds, it looked like she actually wanted to punch the graves; but her hand landed right in front of each instead.
"Damnit you two ... "She murmured, her tears flowing much quicker and freely now that no one was around her. With the need to hide them gone, she let her emotions take over."Why?!"
She knew she wouldn't get a verbal answer from them ... but it was a habit she often did when visiting the cemetery, especially for her former teammates' graves. She spoke as if they were still alive, still able to reply. Shaky hands slowly reached up as her fists unclenched and hid her tear-stained face. It was weak and low in volume ... but were anyone nearby, they would soon hear a simple phrase leave her lips.
" ... I miss you two ... "
Her hands remained firmly in front of her face as she allowed herself to get her crying fit out of the way. Shikamaru would definitely understand, she knew. He had cried a few times in the past himself; so at least she knew for certain there was definitely one individual who wouldn't try to scold her for seeming and acting like a child.
That simple fact ... couldn't help but make her feel just a bit more calm and at peace.
Maybe ... she and Shikamaru weren't as different as one would immediately assume. Maybe ... it would be worth considering being around him more. An amusing and intriguing thought; and yet a very serious one all the same.
gpt
Shikamaru smiled as he saw that Sakura had exited from the building, that was a great sign, the young woman needed her rest if she was going to be able to handle the job that Tsunade had given to her. He knew that if things kept on as they were, at the current pace she would just wear herself out and the village would be able to make money cause no missions would be going out as well as the fact that it would be horrible on her as well. Something had to be done, and he came here to do that despite what he wanted to do, laze around.
He picked up the folders and got himself back to work, organizing the missions one at a time quickly moving the papers into quick shorting groups and then moving them aside, it didn't take him as long as he had though, his time was actually much better then his projections had accounted for. He mission paperwork was easy to file by type and rank of mission, still he could see why Tsunade was always behind, it would take a workaholic like the third hokage to be able to handle this. How the heck was Naruto going to manage it, shikamaru paused and shock his head, somehow he figured he would end up here helping Naruto if he had survived the war, working the paperwork just as he was, like it somehow was his unsaid destiny to help out the next Hokage in need of him.
Shikamaru got the missions finished and had every D ranked mission out, and he had them assigned with in a short period of time. That was the hard part giving out the missions, but he managed to do so at a much slower rate then filing the missions, luckily Choji happened to be around, and then found the dutiful Sai as well, and both worked to give out the missions to the various people they were to go too. The gennin hadn't fought in the war, having been left out of the conflict. It was much like it was when the 9 tails struck, so many higher ranking shinobi gone, but the gennin still there. That would be where he got people for the D-rank missions, he could only hope they would learn and become as good as people whom died had been. He would wait on the C rank missions and higher till he knew just excatly whom was still around and not, minus those whom lead gennin teams in the field like Ebisu.
Soon he found himself somewhat content with his work. As he did curiosity got the better of the young man, there was something he always had wanted to do, but never had actually done before. Shikamaru put down the files and walked out of the building. Turning down the hallway, he left the room in much better shape then before the files that were taken by gennin carefully written down, he actually knew some of them from his brief time in the academy teaching some of them. He made his way to the roof and laid down. He had never cloud watched from here, it would be different, or a new angle of the clouds.
Shikamaru laid down on the roof of the main building in all of Konoha and looked up, his eyes focusing on the sparely cloudy sky as he relaxed, and thought about his day. Sakura wasn't so bad, she seemed nice enough, and not as bad as Ino made her out to be.
human
Sakura Haruno
Even when Sakura had sworn she truly did cry all the tears possible, more seemed to fall for a good hour -- probably longer. She wasn't exactly sure without some source which told the time. But when she was done regaining her composure - mental more than physical - she stood up on her feet. Swallowing softly, she tried to contemplate on what to do. The visit hadn't only been on her behalf but also for Ino. She knew her blonde friend would have eagerly joined her if she had the opportunity. But now especially that all of Team Asuma had been forced to be mostly orphans, everyone from the group was busier than usual. Though it was definitely more if one had business-like duties to attend to, like Ino herself.
As the suggestion to walk around the village from Shikamaru echoed in her ears, she nodded. She already had an exact person in mind who probably needed some form of support and almost never had any at her own place.
Hinata Hyuuga. The poor heiress's father was often busy with his duties to the clan or teaching Hanabi to try to take over. He was a complicated and eerily stoic man that few people could begin to understand. Though with knowing he had been forced to watch his own nephew die protecting both Naruto and Hinata, he probably had been wearing the guilty very heavily as of late.
Her head shook lightly as pink locks tossed from side to side gently. Her feet guided her towards Hinata's residence. With no more Uchihas alive, the Hyuugas now had the biggest households around in Konoha so it was as easy to locate as the Hokage's Office. After a soft sigh left, she gave a gentle knock on the door.
Thankfully, it was only Hinata whom had answered. It meant, more likely than not, that Sakura had calculated well enough she would be completely - if not mostly - alone. A soft smile crossed her lips as her green orbs met the pair of Byakugans in front of her. The other kunoichi's face didn't look much better than her own ... and it was fair to assume she'd had her own crying fit recently too.
Then again ... she had genuinelylovedNaruto and anyone from the Academy had known that for years. All knew this except the baka Naruto ... up until she confessed when Pein invaded. And even then ... the poor Hyuuga's words had seemed to go unheeded. She neverdidget a reply back now that Sakura thought on it. Were it not for her still seeing Hinata in front of her, she would have allowed her fists to clench and given into the urge to punch something.
Even with Naruto's flaws, though, he had definitely been one of the most charismatic shinobi all of Konoha ever had. And that had definitely been one good reason so many from the village were still mourning him. But Sakura also knew there were many other reasons that the death had bothered Hinata. For her, Naruto hadn't just been someone she had loved, but her inspiration and hero.
"How are -- ??"Sakura then stopped, sighing softly as she pulled the girl in an almost sisterly-like embrace." .... Sumimasen ... "She murmured softly, the simple apology causing poor Hinata to resume sobbing softly, her tears falling on the pink-haired girl's clothes and shoulders.
Verbally, not much was said but when Sakura felt she had finished helping the Heiress out, she bowed her head. Only when she was damn well sure she could leave her alone and she would be well enough did Sakura begin to head back towards the Hokage's Office. Before she actually got inside, though, her eyes found him on the rooftop. A low chuckle left and after a quick jog up the stairs to the top of the building, soon arriving at the roof, did she climb up beside Shikamaru.
"I'm assuming everything that needed to be dealt with has been back in that messy excuse of an office?"She asked in a half-teasing and half-serious tone. Really, Tsunade did a horrid job of keeping that workspace organized. How did it not drive her insane? Well ... maybe it did and that was why she often drank a lot. Who knew the exact reasons?
Her own eyes stayed upon Shikamaru for a few moments, not minding his own remained upward and away from her. While awaiting his reply, her head turned and joined his as she, for once, began to gaze up towards the clouds and sky. Sakura began to understand a bit of why the hobby had appealed so much to the Nara; it easily brought forth a sense of peace and calmness. The emotions were otherwise difficult to obtain from a typical shinobi's life and routine.
Maybe ... she should do this more often. Her smile widened at the idea as she continued to gaze upward.
gpt
Shikamaru knew that he had been found out pretty quickly actually. , as his eyes wondered the endless amounts of clouds that were above him in that moment. He knew that Sakura had returned from her time away. He heard her question and could tell by her question a few things, that the trip had been good for her, and that she had regained some of her former energy and flare of life as well.
"Well, everything no, that will take a heck of a lot longer then that, but, I have gotten to a good start, gennin are back out on missions, maybe we can start to create a sense of normalcy in the village again, that would be rather helpful," he replied looking up at the clouds still as he said the words, "I trust your walk did some good as well," he asked already pretty much knowing the answer when he asked the question.
He paused after asking the question getting the answer in reply, and taking into his thoughts, he closed his eyes and thought, for a moment, letting the calmness of the moment actually help him think a bit, "saw your former teammate, the one still with us, he seems to be handling this whole situation pretty well, I guess not having had feelings for that long gives you a different perspective on things, and that guy is just different period," Shikamaru commented on Sai as he continued to look up. "He actually volunteered to take on the job as a gennin sensei, man those kids are going to have their hands full," he said as he envisioned Sai leading a group of students whom were somehow to become a bit like the former root member.
"I figured I would wait till you were done with your work before I started to give out the higher ranked missions or till you did, I don't know how many of what rank we have above the gennin. It was impossible to place any mission above the basic become of this," he said with a slight sad tone to his voice as he made the statement.
After a moment or two he returned his focus back to the clouds, as his eyes scanned them, they were so without any worry, without anything holding him down. It seemed as though they were free something he would never be. He knew that all so well now, he was starting to make his peace with the fact, that he would have to many responsibilities to be free as a cloud. He wanted though to be a cool adult like Asuma had been, and that was had been his goal for quite a while, granted he made that declaration with Naruto whom wanted to be a cool adult like Jiraya as well, given their mentors died at about the same time. It was odd, but he knew if he would of lived, Naruto would of managed to pull that off.
human
Sakura Haruno
Her head shook slowly as she inwardly scoffed herself upon realizing how stupid the question had sounded. Of course noteverythinghad been completed .. but as he said, progress had still been made. And indeed, it would be a good start. She gave him a slow nod as he took his turn to ask on if the walk had helped out any."Yeah, it did. I stopped by Ino's shop to get some roses for them."She remembered perfectly how Shikamaru had reacted to Sasuke's return to Konoha ... but hell, he was heeding her then and there. She saw no reason to keep anything hidden away ... not if he would be generous and hear her out. Few within Konoha could even begin to do that ... though she couldn't overly blame some of them. Sometimes, the kunoichididtalk for too damn long.
For a few moments, she had been confused on whom he was speaking of. But then ... the answer came to her; Sai-kun. And suddenly, a new wave of guilt swept over her as she thought back to when Sasuke had returned. She had been so focused on the old Team Seven reforming ... that she hadn't dared to acknowledge Sai's presence. True, he hadn't been with Team Seven since day one ... but she and Naruto both accepted him pretty quickly after he had been introduced to them.
He had come off as a very unusual individual with ... quite the revealing top. It was definitely not something seen on a male often, if ever. Her first impressions of him, now that she began to think on that day ... were rather unfair. She owed poor Sai a lot of apologies it seemed. In the end, he had been as loyal and devoted to Konoha as everyone else who aided out in the war.
I must seem like the cruelest bitch here huh?She mused to herself, sighing lowly as the realization mentally slapped her.Some kunoichi I'm turning out to be ....
A smile couldn't help but cross her lips, a low laugh soon following as she tried to imagine Sai dealing with the younger genin." ... Poor Sai. I wonder if he really understands what he just got into. Some of those kids can be quite the handful. Then again, I never had a blood sibling ... it's hard to try to guess when you've never had experience with the concept or field you speak of."
When the task of assigning C and above missions were brought to her attention, she gave an affirmative and appreciative nod to him. "... Yeah, that was definitely the best course of action. Thanks though ... I almost don't know about sending anyone out. No one's really fully recovered from the war .... mentally or physically. But ... I'll see what can be done all the same."
As Shikamaru went silent, her peripheral vision noted he was focusing solely on the clouds at this point. She hesitated, biting lightly on her lower lip even. As she let go, she finally mustered enough courage to speak up." ... What about you, Shik? You ... you and your mom doing okay?"She, personally, had never had a family before. Her parents had probably died fighting the Kyuubi when it attacked Konoha so long ago; many people's parents did, including Kurenai's she'd heard. It wouldn't astound her too much if hers were included in that death list as well. She'd just never bothered to attempt seeking the answer to that out.
Still, Shikamaru hadnotbeen like that before. He probably wasn't used to being now mostly, nearly completely, alone. He'd had a sensei, father, mother. Now ... he was reduced to only having his mom and gods knew how she was coping with the loss. Hopefully well enough ... he didn't need anymore pain or suffering. He'd had more than enough; hell everyone in Konoha had really.
gpt
Shikamaru listened to what Sakura had done, it sounded like she needed to do what she needed to do. He knew that her and Ino were once so close, and that things broke apart for a long while, but he also knew the friendship grew back overtime, he knew Ino quite well, most likely whom he had heard the most about Sakura from. From the jealousy of her and Sasuke to her happiness of becoming a chunnin as well. He knew that the two of them would need each other, and he was glad they had such a friendship.
He nodded at her comment about Sai, the shinobi was so different, and most likely had never been on a team as the rest had when he was a gennin, yet, he had faith in the odd shinobi, "He will be fine, he is a different type, but there is a great intelligence about him, he will figure it out and he will most likely do some good things, I feel sorry more for the kids, not sure how they will take any penis references," he said with a laugh, remembering stories about how he was so able to get under Naruto's skin with those jokes.
"My mom is doing well enough, she is a tough woman, you can see the sadness in her eyes sometimes, she misses him a great deal, but she had done well, considering. That being said, she focuses her attention on me now cause of it, that isn't so much a pleasant thing either, you don't want to know how many time I have been asked if I have move on Ino or Shiho, they both know and love her, and help. I am pretty certain, she is going to be one of those mother whom wants grandkids before long, as troublesome as it is, then it just might get a bit more troublesome," he said with a soft sigh as he looked up at the clouds. She meant well, she cared, but she was just so..her.
"Kurenai comes over and spends time with her too sometimes, her and Hinata as well, that brings hope, I think the little one helps bring smiles to those around and a bit of happiness in the lives of the people whom see him," Shikamaru comment, "of course that will only in time lead the the problem I just said growing most likely," he said as he sighed for a moment as he thought about something different. "the missions will be fine, the gennin need the training, and sadly we have to have the income or we will be in serious trouble."
human
Sakura Haruno
She went quiet to think more on Sai. He hadn't acted it when she first met him ... but he was right. Sai was rather intelligent. In that manner, he was like Naruto; didn't often act his age or intelligence but when one spent enough time around the growing man, it was clear what traits were indeed within him. And wits were definitely one. Now if he could just use them more ... though that mission would be a damn good opportunity, too. A low chuckle left as a smirk crossed her lips."Yeah, I remember how easily that offended Naruto."She didn't dare say it aloud but with how easily it bothered him, she should have teased him with wondering if the jokes were true or not. But that would probably sound disturbing if she'd said that aloud ... let alone to one of his best friends.
Her head nodded, glad to hear that despite having recently lost her husband, she hadn't lost her will to live. If anything, it had strengthened that which was good. It almost made her feel weak though, knowing she had come close to doing just that; forfeiting her life. The loss had felt like too much and Hinata wasn't much better. She was barely hanging on herself, being greatly aided out by her own family and former comrades, sensei especially. Kurenai wouldneverjust allow that to slide. She paused ... before giving another light nod as a thought came to her.
"It isn't just because I'm a woman that I'm about to say this but in a way ... I can't overly blame your mom. It isn't just a somewhat natural instinct or desire ... but like you mentioned, we need to focus on the future generations. Well ... how big is that going to be? The most I know of is Kurenai's .... what did it turn out to be anyways? Daughter? Son? But aside from her own child being brought into this world, too many of us have lost that chance from the war. And personally ... I don't want to die pure, even if from a more noble cause. I know it's our job as shinobi ... but I'm still barely a teen when all is said and done. We all - most - have that small but existent selfish portion within us that wants to do something we want for once .... that make sense?"
She went quiet to let the words sink in, a light frown crossing her face."We still have the treaty with Sunagakure, do we not? From back when we had our Chuunin Exams ... the one we made not too long after Orochimaru tried to take over?"A shiver couldn't help but trail down her back as she practically forced herself to say the Sannin's name. It was a very unpleasant one though there was no other way she could begin to feel about the man. He had been very creepy ... unnatural. And as far as she had seen, he had possiblysurvivedthis war still.
But ... with no more Uchihas .... he would just hide away, right? She so badly wanted to believe that .... but fear began to try to overwhelm the poor kunoichi as butterflies began to fly in her stomach. With barely any jounin or higher ranked shinobi still alive ... would they be able to even fend off if he dared try anything again? Was that he was waiting for?
Her head quickly shook no, trying to shove the thoughts away.You're just overthinking... She tried desperately to reassure herself, wanting nothing more to be true.
gpt
Shikamaru laid there as he listened to Sakura's comments about it being natural for someone to want to have thoughs and feelings like his mother. He knew she was right, it was most logical, and it made a great deal of sense, but he somewhat was stuck in the mindset of it just being a bit troublesome to deal with when such things were pushed on you. Still, he of course loved his mother deeply, and knew that she cared for him and wanted the best for him, and would want him to end up with the best person for him, more then just end up with some random woman to have grandkids with.
He nodded at her comment, "Yes, we still have that alliance, it is stronger or as strong as ever, it is one of the good things that came form the war, Gaara wants to honor the memory of Naruto, and wants to keep our friendship and alliance as close as possible, especially considering the state of the world. I think it is one thing that might help us a great deal, we both lost a lot in the war, though I would figure we had more to lose then them. Temari told me this the last time she was in town, to visit, she seemed sure of the alliance, and that was enough to convince me as well," he said as he looked over at Sakura for a moment pausing. "I think seeing his father actually helped Gaara a lot, but who knows for sure."
He pulled himself up slowly, as much as he liked laying there, he knew he couldn't do so every moment of the day, it wouldn't be such a good thing, and now he had things to do. To be a cool adult like Asuma he had to get things done, no matter how troublesome they happened to be. "Kurenai has a little boy, adorable named after his father," he said to Sakura as he brushed himself off and reached down towards her and offered her a hand to help her up from the ground with.
"I have to be going, thinking of mothers, mine wanted to make a meal for me, and well, I don't really have a choose if I want to show up or not. I will hear it for ever if I don't and it will be really..troublesome," he said as he looked at Sakura, "Now, the day is about over, I suggest you find something to go eat too, I am sure there are plenty of young men whom would offer you a free meal still, even with Lee of the market," he said with a smile as he looked at the pink haired shinobi, whom had never lacked for admirers, Naruto, Lee, and others always interested in Tsunade's student.
human
Sakura Haruno
The lack of a verbal reply from Shikamaru regarding his mother's thoughts and her own on having children suggested he was thinking on that. Thankfully, he wasn't the type to simply ignore words, especially when they were important. So there was no worry at all on him having purposely avoided hearing those thoughts. Still, she could understand Shikamaru's point when she thought more on it. It was like she had said herself; everyone whom was a jounin or the select few chuunin were still barely in their teens. Would it really be a good idea to consider something like that now? It could be dangerous, mainly financially. But still, she definitely saw both Nara's points of views now that she considered both sides of the coin.
"Then we can use that somehow, I would assume. Something about co-op missions maybe? I'll ... think on it."She murmured, inwardly cringing as her stomach clenched, signaling she was hungry. As the name 'Gaara' came to mind, she wondered ... how he was. Mentally and physically, he had taken quite a bit from the War, including said unexpected visit from his own father. She could never begin to imagine what it must feel like; no one had such tactics to use against her. And Naruto and Sasuke's graves were very securely guarded; all of the ones in Konoha's graveyard were, now moreso than ever. No one wanted the Edo Tensei incident to repeat again ... and from what Sakura had witnessed, she couldn't blame anyone.
Her eyes opened in time to see Shikamaru's hand."...Thank you... for everything today."She finally said aloud and stood up. The idea of Kurenai having a son ... maybe she should visit them later. Right now, she knew whom to go to for the possibility of a meal ... if nothing else, company. And she had promised herself to go to him eventually ... may as well now. She definitely had the time; no sense in wasting it.
Carefully moving off the roof, she gave Shikamaru one last bow of her head before heading down the stairs and out the door of the Hokage's Mansion. Her feet guided her to a small apartment that for a few moments, she merely stood in front of. Sighing softly, she finally mustered the courage and knocked a few times, lowering her hand afterwards.
The reply .... came from her only remaining teammate ... Sai. It was only for a few seconds, but she had noted some confusion in his eyes. She probably did seem rather random just showing up like this, she supposed. Still, he gave her a smile all the same."Evening, Sakura-chan. Err .... you're not here to punch me, are you?"
Her head shook as a low chuckle left her lips."No, no. I have no reason. No, I ... heard of your mission you took up. Um ... may I ... ??"
Poor Sai looked a bit confused for a few seconds before he realized what she was trying to ask and nodded."Oh ... yes. Sorry, you may come in."Moving aside, he then closed the door after Sakura walked in, guiding them both to a small but comfortable couch in his living room. He took a seat across from Sakura and stared into her green orbs." ... Was there something else you came here for, Sakura-chan?"
She paused, taking her own time to study him back. He truly was intelligent ... and had read her rather easily. A small smile managed to cross her face as her hand tilted lightly in midair."My main purpose really was to visit, though Shikamaru suggested - I think it was meant as a bit of a tease maybe - that one of the other guys would offer me a free meal. But I ... wouldn't, couldn't, push for that."Before she could go on much longer, Sai got up to his feet.
"I wouldn't mind. You clearly need the company. You've been really lonely ever since Naruto and Sasuke died .... haven't you?"With that, he headed off to the kitchen, coming back about twenty minutes later.
The two ate in mostly silence and it'd taken all of Sakura's remaining willpower to keep from crying in front of him. Once they finished, she was offered to use his bed while he took the couch to sleep on. By then, she was so very drained - mentally and emotionally - and eagerly accepted. Only when she was confident enough that he had fallen asleep did she give in and let herself sob softly.
His words had been so right. Ever since Naruto and Sasuke killed each other, shewaslonely. Worse than that, she had begun to question the point of remaining in Konoha. She didn't feel worthy as a medical ninja, kunoichi, hell just a woman in general. But the visits to Hinata and Sai had reassured her ... she wasn't yet a fully lost cause. Besides, if she wasn't wanted, it would have been clear. She probably would have been exiled for what she had seen as 'failures' while other had noted as 'unfortunate deaths'.
When the realization of her being where she belonged registered in her mind overtook her, so did sleep. Her green eyes slowly, steadily closed as slumber overtook her....
gpt
That night things went pretty much how he had expected them to go for Shikamaru, he got home and he explained where he was and what he had been doing that day. This triggered a number of questions from his mother asking about Sakura, and if he was finally going to man up and make a move on one of the troublesome girls, that there were to many smart and talented young women out there, and he needed to man up and make his move on one of them, so that she could be a grandmother before she turned old in her own words.
Now other places in Konoha things were happening that were no so light or maybe even comical, the elders of the village had a meeting, this meeting was to talk about the situation of the village and the future of the village all at once. They knew the village was going to need to get back on its feet or one of the other villages would go after them. They doubted having the power of the village in the hands of a young woman. They wanted someone whom has power, whom had success and whom had a direct type to one of the hokages, Sakura had only that she was the 5th Hokage's student. That helped her get this far, but she didn't have experience and experience was key, at least in their own judgements.
They did something rashly, and with all things done in rash, perhaps not the wisest of moves, they welcomed back Orochimaru quietly behind the scenes as he was easily able to return. He had power had ran a village and had been one of the legendary sannin. He was the man to lead the village to the future, they wanted him to be Hokage, they wanted him to lead the village back to the days of power it had once had.
Orochimaru returned quickly, the man once thought to be in line to be the 4th hokage, before Minato's rise, was more then happy to take this chance, with Sasuke gone he had lost his interest in turning over a new leaf, and helping. For him, his aims were gone now, he couldn't be the windmill blown by the Uchiha genius, but he could go back to his own old ways. He knew that to do this he would need power and he would need people to use for his experimentation. Maybe he could create an new Uchiha, it was possible for a non-uchiha to have a sharingan, Kakashi had proven that fact.
He meet and gratefully accepted the job, late that night, it would be a honor to be the temporary hokage, just in name till the current one passed on, with all the real powers, just not the official title that went along with the job. Similar to how things had worked on the idiot Danzo, when Tsunade was out of it for the first time. Now he would go to the office the next morning and get to work, restore order set in motion laws that would help him and make examples of any whom dared to challenge him openly.
human
Sakura Haruno
As Sakura woke up in the morning, she remade Sai's bed, a silent way of thanking him. After a brief glance around his room, she was able to easily find an unused sheet of paper and a pen. After writing down a brief 'Thank you' note, she walked out of his bedroom, laying it down on the table beside him. A smile couldn't help but cross her face; if he was that exhausted, the kids would do a worse number upon him. Ah well .. he'd find out the hard way, she knew. And as her mind went to the assignment he had taken up, she remembered ... the other missions!
"Shit! I completely forgot about the other ones!"She murmured quietly, managing to avoid waking Sai up. She didn't exactly run out though Sakura didn't walk either as she made her way back towards the Hokage's office. The closer she got, the more something began to feel very off. She could detect another chakra source ... but it wasn't Tsunade-sama's. Her eyes narrowed and her heart raced. Was ... Sakura just imagining things? As she got up to the door, sheknewshe wasn't; the chakra signature was very strong from this distance. Slowly, her hand wrapped around the door as she opened it.
Part of her had expected to see Shikamaru, thinking he would attempt to give her another break. Thus, she had been ready to say she was fine ... but her green eyes soon found piercing amber ones that she hadn't seen inyears."...H-huh?! W-wait a sec ... "She pinched herself ... hard. But the same eyes and figure were still there and her fists quickly clenched.".... Mind explaining what you are doing here?"She asked, a stern tone entering her voice.
Still, she didn't dare rush towards Orochimaru or make any aggressive moves. She distinctly remembered when he'd done the Death Foreseeing Technique to her and Sasuke; he hadn't needed to do handseals. Just ... gaze at them. And as that memory struck her like a harsh slap, she quickly averted her eyes, not at all wishing to repeatthatexperience again. Her fists remained at her side, ready to put them in front of her in case they were needed.
Poor Sakura was confused ... and terrified. What in the hell was going on? Why was the Snake Sannin here of all people?! Was this ... some horrid joke? Nightmare? As she snuck another pinch in against her skin, all the pink haired kunoich saw were those same unnatural, yellow orbs. She swallowed, unsure what to begin to think or do. Some of her was screaming to run ... to inform the others. But she kept her footing as the other insisted she hear him out and get the answers she was so desperately wanting to hear.
After all, therehadto be a reason he was here ... right? And still alive? Wouldn't he have otherwise be killed on sight? She'd like to believe so.
gpt
Orochimaru let his eyes stay on the young woman as she walked into his new office, he blinked as he paused for a moment a snake like grin on his face as he looked at the young woman. He knew whom she was, he heard seen her before, the girl whom was crazy about Sasuke, the one whom was on his team, and the student of Tsunade as well. A interesting development, he had heard that someone young was leading the village for the last while, he had no clue it was this young woman.
"I am the Hokage, so this is my office, I think the question would be better put, what are you doing here, I was given power by the elders to run this city as I saw fit," he said as he walked around quietly to the desk, "this place is a mess, I can see why they wanted me to come in and take over, you couldn't handle the situation and now I get to clean up your mess," he said looking at the pink haired girl, he knew she might attack, but he knew he could handle her, he was pretty strong after all, and this young woman wasn't in his class at least not yet.
"So, Sakura Haruno, medic, chunnin of the village," he said as he already had her file given to him by the elders, "I am looking for a lacky someone whom will do what I want from them, when I want, basically someone to jump when I say jump, to take the place of old Kabito, I am sure you remember him as well," he said with a bit of a snake like sound in it, having known the fate of his aid falling so horribly to Itachi Uchiha in the cave, he was useless now. "If you don't want the job, perhaps I can find someone else for this work," he said pausing as he looked at the folders.
"Maybe I can call up this Ino, or this Hinata, I am sure they could handle the work, that I will give out," he said calmly. He knew that it was a game, that he used the names cause they were the same age as this young woman, and most likely Sakura would know them and be friends with them, and therefore want to protect them from him and what he would ask them to do. "So what do you say, you be my assistant, or should I go look in other places for a new one," he asked looking at her. He wanted to she how she reacted as much as what she said, he was sure she would agree, but how she said it would tell him how much of an eye he would have to keep on her.
human
Sakura Haruno
"Tsunade-sama entrusted me to take over her place. I was intending to --- "She stopped as the revelation that the Elders had approved of this caught her ears. Her head shook no slowly, in shock and disbelief."....N-nani?! Have they gotten that senile over the years?! That's ... insane!"Still, there were few other ways coming to Sakura's mind as to how Orochimaru was here ... and alive. Had ... they really said that? And on their own whim? She felt hurt ... betrayed about as much as when Sasuke had left Konoha. Maybe a bit worse, honestly. At least the Uchiha hadn't tried to leave behind her back; the process in which this clearly had been done. And all without allowing her any say at all ....
If she hadn't been infuriated before, she definitely was now, and it made her fists clench even tighter.
Then, he went on to say he was looking for a replacement of Kabuto. She scoffed and rolled her eyes slightly, nodding as the question of whether she remembered him or not was brought up."Of course I do. I was one of the few to resist his Temple of Nirvana jutsu when you tried to take over during the Chuunin Exam years ago. I could never forget someone like him."She'd damn well nearly laughed upon hearing the offer being given to her.
But then ... he brought up Ino and Hinata's names and her heart quickly sank. Were this any other man, she would pray that he was joking. But this was Orochimaru; if anything, he was dead serious. Her head bowed, her fists slowly unclenching. As Sakura's green orbs closed, her head slowly shook from side to side."No ... "Forcing her eyes to open again, they made contact with the yellow serpentine eyes once again."....I .... I'll do it. Besides, no one else knows medical ninjutsu as well as myself. None ... would be able to help out as well as they could, should, be able to. I'll ... replace Kabuto."
She swallowed softly, her body shivering lightly. Her mind went back to Shikamaru .... though she wasn't exactly sure why. Maybe because of all he'd done for her yesterday. Would he hate her for this? Would he understand the mess she'd been in? She could only hope as she sent up a silent prayer.
Onegai .... Shikamaru .... everyone ... forgive me. Don't hate me ... onegai ...
gpt
She had taken the bait, it worked, he nodded his head as he gave her a look over, he knew that this young woman would be the key to his new experiments. He smiled as he could feel that his plans would work, they would have the effects that were needed and they would take off and be successful as well. He pulled out a piece of paper and handed it to her, it was the new law of the land. It was harsh, public execution for opposing the hokage, as well as other things such as reopening the jails that the Root has used and opening the academies to younger students with more militarized teaching methods to be enforced.He handed it over and looked at Sakura for a moment. "Good, that is the way things are, if you see anyone going against the village, you are to report it, right away," he said turning and looking out the window.
He knew his labs that were closed by the third hokage were still there, and he could use them again. He had plans to use them, he narrowed his eyes as he thought of what he wanted to do. "Assistant, I want you to come up with a list of civilians in this village as well as in the areas of Fire Country whom will not be missed if they disappeared. I want you to have shinobi round these up and take them to the base of the mountain, you will find a door, take them though it, it is hidden from view or has been till now, then we shall get started on our new works. I also want Anko, I know you know whom she is, she is to be brought to the area as well, willing or unwilling, either way is fine," he said as he knew that his former student would be useful as well. "I want this all done by tomorrow morning when the sun rises, then I shall announce the new laws, of the city, I have placed loyal former sound ninja in the city to challenge any unrest and put the law into action if need be."
He had what he wanted, he had a whole town to play with and do with what he wanted, his goals were possible, he would be able to find what he was looking for out of these people, the tricks and secrets to everything were possible given enough time, and enough subjests that he could work on openly. Now that he was hokage, he had the power to do anything that he wanted. Nothing at all could stop him. He had the look of supreme confidence in his eyes as he turned and looked at Sakura and then he motioned her off, "now I think you best be getting to work, assistant," he said as he motioned her off.
The new Hokage was already ready to get to work. He left the office not that long after the pink haired woman left, letting his snakes follow her this once to see if she would do what she had said she would do. He moved to his own labs, they would work, they were untouched almost from when he left, abandoned, he would need to spend that night working on them, getting them up to pair, and they would be when the people started to come in the next day, oh glorious day it would be, and the first of many glorious days he was most assure of.
human
Sakura Haruno
It didn't feel possible .. but the more Orochimaru spoke, the deeper her heart sank. It only got worse as she looked slowly down to the piece of paper, the new laws making butterflies dance in her stomach. She bit down on her lower lip to keep from protesting aloud, her head staying bowed. Gods, what had she agreed to?! And to think ... so much of this would be her fault. Her hand trembled as it held the new rules, her eyes re-reading the text over and over again, as if hoping it would alter somehow. But it didn't .. it remained the very same.
As amber eyes went towards outside of the window, she tried to follow his gaze and see what he was. But there was nothing immediately catching her green orbs. Her head bowed down again, her hand barely staying steady by this point. She heard all the orders ... though her own thoughts were quickly racing in her mind.
Gods what do I do?! Do I seriously obey or ... ??
She didn'twantto. How could she live with herself if she dared heed any of this? But worse off, what would happen if she didn't obey? Death seemed like the immediate answer, though even if she got spared, he would probably seek out Ino or Hinata. And if he got a hold of either ofthem... her head shook no slowly. As unfair as this was, they definitely didn't need to be dragged into this. No ... she wouldn't put them in this position or jeopardy. If anyone was going to get their hands dirty, she would.
Granted, Sakura hadn't quite expected to be forced to do such brutal tasks like this. Hadn't Kabuto been mainly a medical shinobi? Though she supposed, he had other tasks to aid out with if he wasn't healing anyone. She bit down harder on her lower lip, mentally cursing herself for not having thought of this. She should have been at least a bit smarter. All the same, she didnotregret taking the chance to save Ino and Hinata. Just that it all had come down to this.
Her mouth had opened to reply that no one knew where Anko had been since the war ended. She had been reported as MIA status; unknown whether she was dead or alive. But before the words could leave her lips, she was dismissed and told to go start up on everything. Her head lowered as she slowly walked out of the Hokage's Office, quite a bit of color drained from her skin and face, her hand still shaking as it barely held onto the paper with the new rules. Even though he was going to announce them - and simultaneously reveal himself tomorrow - she felt like she had to talk tosomeoneabout this.
Civilians who won't be missed? There's ... no such thing like that here though! Even if they were mere children ... they'd be not only missed but noticed .... Her green eyes finally gazed away from the paper as she noted she was practically in the dead center of Konoha which, for now, was mostly empty.
No ... she couldn't begin to try to do these tasks. Her mind was racing too quickly, her heart matching it's pace. Shehadto talk to someone. Her feet managed to stay stable enough to allow her to break off in a run as she headed to Shikamaru's place. She knocked firmly but gently as she shakily called,"....S-shikamaru? I .... I'm sorry for bothering you but ... I have something very urgent you need to know. Please ... please answer ... "
She could already feel tears begin to try to form. Now would be the true test. Would he forgive her? Or hate her? A whimper left as she waited, hoping she hadn't been too late to find him. He was one of the few who showed he could actually listen and heed her words. Now more than ever ... she wouldneedthat same attention once again.
gpt
Luckily for Shikamaru, and Sakura he was still awake and he was not that far from the door when Sakura had knocked on it, he wasn't sure what reaction his mother would of had to see a woman crying at his door looking for him. It could of been joy, or anger at him for causing her to cry in the first place something out of a misunderstanding of the situation and relationship between himself and Sakura. It could of been very vexing and very troubling all at the same time, which would of not been fun at all.
He hadn't expected to hear Sakura arrive, he had not expected to see her till at least the next day, His mind wondered about what could bring her to his door. He thought of the possibilities rather quickly and came to the conclusion something had to be rather wrong. The other answers were to insane to be true, that she wanted to admit something to him, or was having a mental breakdown suddenly. He knew she wasn't one to confide in him about her personal life, and secondly, if she was going to have a mental breakdown, she would of had it earlier that day in the horribly disordered office of hers.
Shikamaru opened the door to see her in such a sad state, as she stood there on the other side of the door. He heard her statement about having something to tell him, so his thought about it being something bad seemed to match up quite well with what he was seeing before himself. How bad had something happened, had someone tried to attack another village, were they under attack, a number of possibilities rolled off his mind and went unsaid as he looked at the pink haired colleague of his.
He put his hand on her shoulder as he looked into her eyes, "so now, what brings you to my home at this hour, please tell me Madara hasn't reappeared again," he said looking at her, giving her a small smile, cause he knew that was a impossible situation. He gave her the smile too, cause he wanted her to know that he was their to listen, it was one of the things he was actually pretty good at. He waited for the reply, as he knew that something was up, but still having no clue as to what it was. It just was apparent, whatever it was, it had Sakura really upset."
human
Sakura Haruno
Her head shook no. Whether it'd been a mere guess, joke, or anything of the sort was beyond Sakura but honestly ... Shikamaru hadn't been too far off."Not Madara, no."She looked over both her shoulders before back to Shikamaru. She swallowed softly, not sure how to go about this. Then again, she knew taking too long probably wouldn't be good. Orochimaru would only be so occupied for so long; and if she took too long to do this .... he'd find out she'd been stalling as opposed to going about her 'chores'. She moved her lips close to his right ear, ensuring no one else but him could hear the next word to leave her lips."Orochimaru is .... but what makes it more confusing and worse is the Elders approved of this!"
She pulled her lips away, her hand trembling so bad she had to hold onto it with her other one to try to keep it stable."He's .... going to put all of this ... into effect, ASAP. And ... when I went in to resume working on those folders ... the first thing he brought up after how he got here ... was that he needed a replacement for Kabuto.... "She kept the paper stretched out, offering for him to take and look at it all himself.
Her head bowed as tears streamed down her cheeks."He ... asked me to. And I ... I almost said no .... but then he suggested he'd try to get Ino or Hinata to instead .... I .... I couldn't just put them in that! But now ... I can't do what he's asking me either!"The shaking had gone from her hand to her legs, threatening to make her fall to her knees. She swallowed again, sniffling as tears continued to fall down her face.
Green eyes slowly, nervously, looked back up to the Nara's dark hues. Her voice stayed steady enough to be able to continue speaking ... somehow. Will power if she had to take a good guess."You ... don't hate me .... do you? I .... heh .... "A nervous chuckle left her lips as she wiped her tears away, though more replaced them despite her efforts to make them go away."It ... may not matter, regardless of your answer. With all he's going to enforce ... I'll probably die tomorrow for failing to do any of this. But I suppose I want to know ... make sure I don't have something else still weighing on my shoulders before then .... "
Even though Sai had helped her realize Konoha didn't blame her for all the deaths in the last war, she did still place some of the blame on herself. She was always difficult on herself like that -- no doubt a troublesome thing to the Nara. Her heart raced as she waited for his reply, glancing out of the corner of her eyes before focusing again on Shikamaru.
gpt
Shikamaru looked at Sakura's reaction to his words to her, it was interesting to say the least, and confirmed the fact that something bad had taken place in the village. When he felt her moving closer to him, he knew it was really bad, otherwise she would say it in the open, and that caused him to consider the situation of grave importance before he even heard a single word from the pink haired shinobi, she didn't need to say anything her actions were enough to worry him before hearing the fact.
He looked at the papers and the laws, draconian if there was ever a set of laws that could be put as draconian. He could tell that this was really bad, worse then past problems that had had with the elders, something which could cause severe problems in the future of the village. He read each word quickly speed reading it, as he knew that it would be best for it to be kept out for only a short time period, he nodded his head in reply, "I see, it is good to know the new laws in the village thanks, for telling me," he said calmly, he was sure, it was being overheard by someone.
Shikamaru looked around and waited for a moment as he found what he needed to see, and then looked down and saw Sakura on her knees crying, he knew this was having a issue with everything, she of course was, it was horrible what was planned, and what would be done by Orochimaru, he just didn't show his emotions due to the fact, he was sure he was being watched, and didn't want to be labeled as a enemy of the state.
"Come on in Sakura, we need to have a few words on the things we talked about this morning," he said looking at her as he leaned down, and put his arms around her, "I don't hate you, you had no choose in the matter, you were stuck, you protected your friends, you did what you though wise, come on in, there is a place we can talk, figure out answer, and a course of action," he said in a very hushed whisper so that she would hear him only.
He let go of her and motioned her to follow him into the building, knowing that if the snake tried to come it, it would be trapped in a shadow trap by the door that was made to prevent people form entering without the permission of the owner of the house. He walked leading her to a basement stairs, walking quietly as he held the door open to the lower level room, "well, I think we are going to have to think up something to avoid this, two smart minds should be able to figure something out, or maybe neither of us is really a genius as were suppose to be."
human
Sakura Haruno
Right now, Sakura truly envied Shikamaru. So calm, smart, collected ... how did he do this? And all the time too? The invitation was a blessing. Pushing herself quickly up to her feet, she eagerly followed him inside. The possibility hadn't exactly been in her mind much but she'd noted his own tone had been as soft and gentle as her own. Shikamaru always did things with incentives and reasons behind them all. She would trust his instincts, given her own were barely working at the moment. Her legs shook as she followed him downstairs, taking the first nearby seat or table and falling gently upon it. A tear-stained face and green eyes slowly looked up. She'd already said quite a bit, there was no sense in hiding what had been asked of her.
She exhaled deeply, trying her damnedest to calm herself down, even if only a small bit. After waiting and ensuring he'd be able to understand her fine, she nodded and began to speak."He ... he wants me to find several whom won't be missed and take them ... to the base of the mountain. There's supposed to be a door there ... which will probably have answers on why he seemed so dire for them to be there."Her own mind tried to recall if she herself remembered seeing anything nearby there. She'd visited the Mountains a few times herself but ... doors? The pink haired kunoichi didn't recall such a thing being nearby.
"He ... also ... wants Anko but ... she's been missing even before the war officially begun. There'd be little to no chance to find her before morning though .... "She paused, a new idea beginning to enter her mind."Maybe ... she would have an idea how to go about this. She knew him better than most of us. Tsunade-sama would probably be one of the few others to give suggestions but with her in her current state ... that's not possible. And Kabuto's also missing ... possibly dead."It would definitely explain why he'd wanted a replacement; if he'd killed his own right-hand man by himself. But there was no real proof on that.
Regardless, she'd rather go to a more trustworthy source and between Anko or Kabuto, the choice was obvious."Gods ... what do we do though? I'm supposed to do those by sunrise but .... one's impossible and the other ... is just wrong beyond words, along with the rules. There's no way no one will notice, fucking idiot."The unusual curse words slipped before she could stop herself, though she was beyond caring and she doubted Shikamaru would judge her for that. He'd already confessed he didn't hate her for the part she'd truly been afraid of ... what was one curse word?
More deep breaths continued to leave as she used the back of her hand to try to wipe her tears away, trying so hard to keep calm despite the new horror and circumstances Konoha was in. Finally, her head shook no." ... I'm not doing them. I ... I can't. Even if it means this is likely to be my last day ... so be it."A nervous chuckle left as she recalled her own words yesterday. She'd meant it when she'd told Shikamaru she didn'twantto die a virgin and yet ... that was becoming more and more likely, especially now that she'd made up her mind.
"But in case I do ... thank you for everything. Even until the end ... you, Sai, the others ... all stayed with me. Even if at times, I didn't deserve it. So... thank you."Genuinely scared and anxious eyes met his dark ones, her body still trembling though not nearly as much as it had been when she arrived at his door. She was calming down ... somewhat. But the very real possibility of death within hours was making her angry and afraid. It wouldn't even be from something more noble, like a fight.
No, it'd be because the Elders went senile and stupid andallowedsomeone like Orochimaru to take over! Oh, if she ever found them, she'd punch sense into them both .... literally, too.
gpt
He looked at Sakura so determined, so focused on her goals and aims, so determined to do what she saw as right, he could see why Tsunade had her as a student, and wanted her to watch over the village for her. She had a great bit that made her special, oddly, it wasn't till the last few days that he had even noticed any of that, but he could see what drew people to her, and made people like Lee, and Naruto like her so much, she had her own type of charisma to herself.
"Killing yourself won't help, and not following the law is the same as killing yourself, then he will get someone else and they will do the same thing," he said as he looked over at her, knowing that he would do just such a thing as that, "I think that we are going to have to deal with this, figure a way to deal with it, or it will kill us all off, and we won't be able to life to see another great hokage."
His mind thought about several things at once as he listened to her, and trying to think of a way out of the mess they were in, people to be rounded up, people acting against the hokage would be crushed, no doubt that would mean no chance to rebel, any such chance to organize would be destroyed before it could start. He had to think of a way to get rid of Orochimaru and get things back to a better situation.
"First, we still have prisons don't we, this is bad, but perhaps, you get your people from their or from the graves, only places I can think would do the least amount of harm, though sadly, I think the prisons might do the least given his knowledge of bring people back from the dead," he commented pausing for a moment as he thought of something, "Anko, that is the key to everything."
"Give a mission to Sai, he can keep quiet better then anyone, have him search for Anko, he won't really search for Anko though, since she is missing and chances are she won't be found," he said pausing for a moment to explain, "he will instead go to Suna, and tell Gaara of the horrible situation, Gaara can mobilize, maybe cloud might help as well and they can attack us from the outside, which will draw Orochimaru's focus away from the village and then we rebel from the inside defeating him, risky yes, but the best move open to us."
human
Sakura Haruno
So ... Shikamaru was encouraging her to go through with the plans? She was astounded and amazed. Still, she managed a nod, continuing to rid herself of her tears. A slow nod left as she took a long, deep breath."The closest thing to a prison that comes to my mind is anyone in ANBU custody. There aren't many but hopefully ... it'll be enough. I'm pretty sure he wants living and breathing individuals though. So .... I'll see what can be done regarding that."
Her heart sunk slightly upon hearing the idea regarding Sai. She understood where Shikamaru was going with the concept but ... he was right. It would beincrediblyrisky. And yet, with how well Sai was at being silent, he might indeed be the best chance to get help from other nations. Her head looked up as she thought more on the idea. A defeated sigh left as she looked back to the Nara and nodded slowly,"If he leaves fast enough, he may be able to stay unnoticed by Orochimaru I suppose. I .... I hate asking the only other teammate of mine to do this but ... I don't see many others still alive who could go through with this."Neji could have ... but he was deceased, buried with his uncle. And with him having been one of the few others Sakura could see completing such a mission, Sai truly was the best option.
A slow nod left as she ran a gloved hand through her hair."I .... alright. I don't like this .. any of it. My stomach feels like it's twisting around, really but ... if all of this can buy us some time to get things back to normal .... I'll do it."She didn't yet want to leave the Nara, his presence was greatly helping her calm down. But she knew she had wasted enough time as it was and with each passing second, more and more opportunities were flying by. Reluctantly but steadily, the pink-haired kunoichi pushed herself off of the table, now inches away from Shikamaru.
"I .... I'm sorry if this seems out of place but .... "She pulled him in a gentle embrace, her eyes closing. She'd give anything at this point to make time stop ... or at least pause to better enjoy it. But alas, there was no jutsu that she knew of. And even if there were, it was probably as forbidden as many Orochimaru knew. The urge to sneak in a kiss was trying to dominate her ... though she restrained herself. She wanted there to be something genuine, not just instincts. It'd be a mix if she went through with it now. Moreover, she didn't want to take aback or make Shikamaru annoyed with her.
It was hard to do, but certainly not impossible. He could have a temper ... and when it showed, it as pretty severe. She doubted a kiss would do that but ... she still didn't want to take those risks. She slowly pulled away, another soft smile crossing her lips."Thanks ... for everything. You ... really are quite the lifesaver."As far as she was noting, him and the others within Konoha were the main source to keep her own self sane and calm enough."I don't want to .. but I probably should go."
And with that, she gently took the paper Orochimaru had given her from him, heading out through the front door. Her pace was fast but avoiding looking as if she were in too much of a hurry. First thing was first .... the ANBU office. Everyone gave her odd looks upon the request of having most of the prisoners suddenly transferred to a barely known location; but the showing of the rules and paper quickly changed all of that. They didn't fight or hesitate anymore, instead swearing and insisting on ensuring it would get done. She could hear some of the members whispering among themselves as she left, asking how anything involving Orochimaru was happening. Her head bowed slightly as she knew the answers .. but didn't have it in her to say it aloud.
Soon, Sakura found herself glancing at Sai's door once again. Her hand raised, ready to knock but hesitated. Gods help her, she didn'twantto. But she had to! Before she could go through with the action, however, the door opened. Soon, she found Sai's eyes once again looking into hers, his usual smile across his face."Hey, Sakura-chan."As he noticed her tear-stained face, though, concern for his comrade instantly took over."What is it?"
She nodded over his shoulder, silently suggesting this would need to be discussed inside. It took several minutes for her to explain exactly what Shikamaru suggested along with what was now going on. Sai remained silent the entire time before finally nodding."Alright then. I'll do it."
"But ... are you sure you want to? Neither of us will push you for it if you -- "
His head shook no insistently."Like you pointed out, if I leave soon enough, my lack of a presence won't be noticed."He rested a light-skinned hand upon her cheek gently."It'll be okay ... I promise. However, I need to start getting ready. You can use my apartment to remain here though, if you wish."And with that, he got up and left to what Sakura assumed to be his room, gathering a few necessary items, before giving her a hug. He kept silent even as he left, working now on sneaking out of Konohagakure.
Sakura remained still and quiet herself, astonished at everything. First Orochimaru being Hokage to Shikamaru encouraging her to comply with him and now ... Sai agreeing to go out and get help from Gaara and other nations. It was all for Konoha, she knew, but it didn't make the guilt fade away. She took up Sai's offer, feeling too sick to her stomach to head back to her own place. If anyone wanted to try to visit her, they could find her here ... somehow. Still shaking slightly from all the revelations, Sakura got up and headed into the kitchen, beginning to make herself some lunch. Maybe some food would help her out.
gpt
Shikamaru was more then a bit surprised when Sakura hugged him, and the feelings he felt when she hugged him were just as surprising as the fact she had done so. He didn't find it so much troublesome at all. He didn't actually mind it, it felt pleasant, and not out of place in the least. He knew that Sakura was going though some hard stuff, they all were, but she was the focal point of the troublesome things. He felt for her, having to deal with that, it was insane, he didn't show that, he figured that he had to be calm and collect to help the young woman.
He had seen a side to Sakura that not many had seen, something that could cause him to see why she had so many suitors over the years. He hoped she was successful, that Sai could be able to get this done. He had to think up a back up plan, putting your eggs in one basket was to dangerous, and with this they were doing so. He walked inside the living room and turned and looked at his mother glaring at him.
"Hmm, idiot," she said glaring at him just a bit, "you say your so smart, but you miss out a whole lot, just like your father," she mused looking at him, she had seen him and Sakura together, and she was a pretty good judge of such things, but she wouldn't spell his mistake out for him. "So your going to ask me for a favor, cause your dear old mother was once a shinobi, isn't on the record book, and knows the woods well enough to escape out of the village," she mused, knowing father and son well caused her to figure them out pretty well, even if she wasn't as smart as either of them.
"Yes, I was going to see if y0ou could find Konohamaru's gennin team, they are out of the village and haven't returned, find them and tell them to go to Kumo for aid, go with them, don't return here," he said to her as he looked at his mother, the look told that the seriousness of the situation by itself, and caused his mother to nod her head in reply before she took leave of the area.
Orochimaru waited for Sakura in his lap, he was curious if she would or wouldn't do what he told her, he didn't care, his reactions would change, but the overall picture wouldn't change that much. He looked at his lab, he had spent the whole night working, getting it set up, he had to get it up fast. He figured maybe one or two people might slip out, from his lack of focus on other things but if he got it up fast, then he could get to work on his experiments faster, and get his needed results that much faster as well. He had plans for the village, to make it how he had always thought it should be.
human
Sakura Haruno
By the time the next day arrived, Sakura almost didn'twantto wake up. She was so very exhausted ... mentally and physically. But she also knew that she was being waited for. And right at the moment, she didn't feel like testing out the Sannin's patience. She began to change before remembering .. she had 'borrowed' Sai's residence. She wouldn't find any of her own clothing here. A low"Damn .. "passed her lips and then a soft chuckle. It'd be ... interesting to actually be in shorts and a midriff top; but it likely wouldn't suit her. No, she preferred her own outfit fine, thanks. After re-folding the blanket up that she had used to cover herself while sleeping on the couch, she then headed to the bathroom. Before she faced Orochimaru as his new 'assistant', she would become more presentable first. If she'd gotten up at a better time, she would have done her laundry .. but as it was, poor Sakura was already pressed for time. So she would have to rush and go against her preferences.
Her stomach turned and twisted inside as she remembered why Sai wasn't here to greet her along with what she'd requested from some of the ANBU members. Hopefully they'd gone through with the task --- and another part of her prayed no one knew it had beenherwhich asked for any inmates to possibly - likely - end up walking towards their deaths. Or to something that would cause them to beg for it. Even if they were prisoners, she doubtedtheydeserved whatever plans Orochimaru had in mind for them.
And then it only got worse when she remembered the new rules ... and that they would be announced soon. Gods would he reveal her new role? Just that alone made the foreign temptation of wanting to pass out try to overtake her body. But her head shook no quickly as she regained her composure and thought well enough. And yet ... a faint smile couldn't help but cross her face. That must have been how Hinata had always felt when she'd been around Naruto; the sensation was ... interesting to note. Another chuckle passed her lips and with that, she set her clothes upon the counter of the sink and stepped into the shower.
The warm water definitely began to help Sakura wake fully up and relax .. while she could. A soft sigh left as she tilted her head slightly back, allowing the water better access to even areas such as her neck and the more difficult places to reach. After finishing cleaning herself up, she dried herself off swiftly and then got back into her clothes. Brushing her hair quickly over, she then looked herself up and down. Good enough; not at all perfect by any means though she knew the Sannin wouldn't mind and right now, she hardly did as much as usual.
Her hands went over her stomach as she forced her ankle and feet muscles to go towards the supposed destination that the inmates had been sent to. And once she stepped foot in, the same dizzy and near-fainting sensation tried to overwhelm the kunoichi again. The prisoners were, indeed, there -- but all around them was what could only be described as a living hell to endure. Her body couldn't help but lightly tremble at all the sights and instruments around the place. It was very unnerving .... but she slowly guided herself upon an empty medical table.
In Sakura's green eyes, she felt as if she deserved to be here ... not these men - and some - women. Her hands found her head as it began to feel as if it were swimming, a low groan leaving. Exhaling deeply, she forced herself to glance up and wait for her new mentor of sorts - though worse than that - Hokage.
gpt
Orochimaru found the numbers matched up as the people were all put into different cages and isolation cells, they would be good guinea pigs for him to work out experiments, but there was one that he needed more then any other. He wanted to do it first before he even thought about working again on so many different combinations of things he could use, when they worked they would make powerful shinobi that could be able to be used for his own wishes. He figured these were not important people now, but those whom lived would someday be.
Orochimaru walked looking at each of the in kind, thinking about what experiments would be best for which one, making mental notes about each of them, what they were capable of and what additions would be best for them to be able to be of any use at all. He noticed a couple of them, they were older, he knew they were former song shinobi, which meant most likely all of them were prisoners from the village, interesting, but it mattered not, a body was a body if a ninja or a criminal.
Still there was one that he needed more then the others, and she was standing by a table, he needed her for a rather simple reason, she had connections to Sasuke Uchiha. She would understand the abilities of the Uchiha better then any other alive. He looked at her as he walked up from behind her silently not saying a single word as he approached. His eyes picking up on the dread, the worry and the feat perhaps, that she had inside of her at that moment in time.
He walked up to the table around her and then looked at her, "good, you got the numbers right, perhaps you are not so useless as I first thought you would be. They look like they will be good test subjects, so did you get all the prisoners already, I know, some of them used to work for me after all," he said with a smirk on his lips as he looked at Sakura, she would know he knew that she had done that. "It matters not, they will work out just fine for what I have planned for them, and you will work out fine for what I need you for."
He walked around the table and cleaned it up a good bit, "You remember your old team don't you, Sasuke, and Naruto, both long gone now, but what if I told you, I was able to save enough DNA to have a bit of fun with a good old experiment. You are the test subject, you see, this test is far more important then the others, I worked for a long time to combine the bits of DNA of the Uchiha and the Uzumaki clan, the longevity of the Uzumaki and the power of the Sharingan, it isn't perfect, cause I need a host to combine these powers into, a vessel as it were," he mused as he knew she would understand quickly where he was going.
"the operation is simple, you will be out for a good while, a whole day more then likely, the results assuming that you live, are unknown, it is very possible it may do nothing and be a waist, it may be possible that you will in fact have a bit of your former teammates in you, and their natural gifts as well. It will be most interesting to find out what happens, on the table, I can find someone else to try this with if you don't want to do so. I had thought about the Hyuuga, that would be rather interesting too, given combining eye jutsus together."
human
Sakura Haruno
Sakura's head quickly glanced up as the voice of the Sannin caught her ears. The praise disgusted her ... this wasn't what she wanted to be told she'd been 'good' for! But she didn't regret keeping Ino or Hinata safe from being put intothisposition. No ... neither of them deserved it. Well to be more accurate, no one did honestly. But push had come to shove ... and she stepped forward and took one of the most deadliest wounds to herself and especially her pride --- for both her comrades and Konoha. Her heart raced as she nodded slowly. Her eyes left for a moment to gaze upon the prisoners and once her green hues re-met the amber ones, her hand tilted slightly in midair.
"They're as prepared as possible. I had - and still do have - a clone out in the midst of seeking out Mitarashi Anko. That, alone though, is taking up quite a bit of my chakra so the delivery of the men here was ... slightly rushed. But done all the same."Hopefully the Sannin would buy the lie for now. If even the slightest bit of treason was detected ... gods she didn't want to think of what would happen. A faint shiver trailed down her spine though not nearly as obvious as it could have been.
Her heart raced more as he went on, the simple but very powerful phrase catching her ears.
"...and you will work out fine for what I need you for ...
Oh gods, there was more than merely being his assistant?! She hadn't dared think this could possibly get any worse ... but those words quickly proved her wrong. There was no way this could begin to be good. It was tempting to give up the strong front in front of the man and conceal her face with her hands. A whimper had been ready to pass her lips but as he went on to explain what he wanted, she blinked, looking right into his eyes.
"....Wait, what?"When had this happened? And how?! At least how with Naruto; Sasuke she could easily understand and figure. Hehadbeen with Orochimaru for a hell of a while. But ... Naruto? The teammate whom had always been against Orochimaru? Her gaze looked down ... and she remembered the time that the kunoichi witnessed him alter into his Kyuubi form for the first time with her own eyes.
So ... back then?!It was the only thing that began to make sense. Regardless, it didn't seem to matter; she wouldn't dare question he'd managed to get these somehow. When Orochimaru wanted something, the man made damn well certain he got what he desired. She alone was current proof of that. True, a bit of manipulation had been needed but when all was said and done to her, it didn't matter. She was still serving him, replacing Kabuto for him.
And yet despite how wrong it seemed and felt to be offered the DNA of her fallen teammates ... maybe she should accept. Though definitely not for her own desires, hell no. If this worked .... she'd be even stronger. She could be good not only at taijutsu and medical ninjutsu ... but elemental as well. Her skills with fighting against genjutsus may even enhance. There were so many pros; about as many as cons with this. And if it could buy herself and Konoha enough time .... she along with all the assistance others were getting to correct the order which had been ruined would set things back. Everything could go back to normal. The more the idea echoed in her mind, the more appealing it sounded.
Stll, the very real possibility of death being a risk was enough to make her swallow softly. Her head quickly and adamantly shook no upon hearing him think of Hinata being the test subject for this."N-no. It... it's fine."
You fucking idiot, no it isn't!
Still, more words continued to pass her lips."I'll do it. I already gave my allegiance to you; no sense in you needing to find others for this."
But you could die!!
Her inner self -- other half, per se - was practically bitching and screaming at her. It was all justified, no doubt. But she had stayed silent for as long as she had to think carefully on this. And right now, she saw more good possibilities than bad ones.
Besides ... she would likely have a better chance than surviving this for one simple reason. Among any of the other shinobi and kunoichi in Konoha, hardly any others knew medical ninjutsu. She had been told at several points in time by Tsunade that medical ninjas had a better tendency to survive even the most desperate situations. With any luck ... shewouldpull through and live through the surgery. If nothing else, shehadto .... for Shikamaru and all of Konoha's sakes as well as to buy everyone else who needed it time.
gpt
Orochimaru wondered if there would be any trouble with this, if she would try something or if it would be a problem, but it turned out it wasn't which was of course a good and somewhat pleasant surprise as well. He motioned her onto the table and he had a IV prepared fo the treatment of the young woman. He had other assistants he found in the village prepare the solution into the IV treatment to give the young woman. He walked around and watched carefully.
He had lied, the Uzumaki DNA wasn't from Naruto, it was from Karen, but she didn't need to know that, they were from the same clan, and it was much easier to get it from her, it would have the same basic effects though on her increased longevity. He had the IV hook up correctly and then a needle went into the arm of the young woman, he watched her carefully, as the IV dripped with the solution, and paused as he waited. He figured in a few hours he would know if it worked or if it didn't work.
While he waited, Orochimaru went about the other experiments setting them up, making sure they were in their correct state. He knew that the IV would keep Sakura out of it, he wondered if combining the DNA would cause her to have odd dreams, it seemed possible, that she would have such things, but he wasn't sure about that fact, it would be interesting to see what reaction if any it had on the pink haired woman. He needed an Uchiha, and if he couldn't find one anymore, he might as well create one.
The other experiments were going just fine, each of them progressing well, only a couple of the test subjects had died, their bodies disappearing quickly into the junk, as he made notes about each experiment he tried, some were going slowly, some were more simple and would by their nature move along faster. He noticed more people arrived, they were people from sound, whom were his subject then too, they were kept in cages as well so they could be worked on. He figured that things were looking very much up at this point, that no one could match his genius and he was safe and good.
He walked back into the area where Sakura was, to check on her, and find out the results of what had happened, his curiosity was peeked at finding out, it would be most interesting to see what effect the combination had, and if successful could effect what he could do with other experiements, it would open a new door in experimentation for himself.
human
Sakura Haruno
By the time she followed Orochimaru to the table he wanted her to be upon, her heart was pounding so fast and loud she'd be amazed if he didn't hear her pulse. A shiver from both the cold surface reaching her back and anticipation trailed down her spine was she lied upon her back. Was this seriously going to work as smoothly as he'd assumed? Well ... with the risk of death being there, maybe it wasn't as simple as she'd thought. Her heart seemed to race faster and then sink as she realized he wasn't putting her under. Not yet at least. He wouldn't force her to remain conscious for the part with the Uchiha DNA, would he?! She had a relatively high threshold of pain and all ... but being forced tofeeleye surgery? That ... might be a bit too much even for her.
She swallowed softly, glancing to the IV. She doubted it was something like poison or a trick liquid, per se, but Sakura couldn't be too sure. Among many other things, Orochimaruwasknown for his fascination and affiliation with snakes, which symbolized liars more often than not. Her head slowly shook no as she tried desperately to convince herself heneededher alive. If she died, it wouldn't be from the IV but something else. Gods what a depressing thought.
It hadn't been until Orochimaru began to head back and check on her that somethingwashappening -- but not at all what she'd thought or expected. Her fists quickly clenched though remained still as her eyes shut. Even then, the abrupt pain didn't go away. If anything, it got worse the closer Orochimaru was to her. But no tails tried to grow from her ... andthatwas when it dawned upon her.
First off, this wasnotNaruto's like he'd said. It made her a bit relieved though; it meant he hadn't been able to tamper and desecrate her fallen comrade's body and DNA. But .... what was this? She stayed silent, only making the sounds of struggled breathing through her nose. And then, the second revelation began to make sense to her. To be more exact, she was sensing not just Orochimaru's chakra signature but all within this hell hole.
"Th...this .... is .... not Naruto's. This ... this is that .... that one girl's who followed Sasuke around for so long .... isn't it? Because your signature is stronger by at least .... ten fold .... "Likely more, but she didn't want to admit that aloud. Her pants continued to pass through her lips, her body adjusting to the DNA changes --- likely where the pain was coming from at all. For now, at any rate. She paused and while Sakura knew this would be a bit of a risky move, she wanted to know the genuine truth this time and not some bullshit lie."You ... don't really have Sasuke-kun's DNA .... do you?"She finally asked.
It'd be ironic and rather hilarious. But it was hard to imagine he had only gotten one of their DNA samples. Orochimaru would have wanted both at the same time. And now that he all but spelled out he'd failed to obtain Naruto's, why should he have Sasuke's? Even with him having stayed by him as long as he had ... wouldn't experimenting upon the Uchiha be risky? Moreso with his Seal having been on him for so long? But if all of thatwastrue ... then whatwouldhe do? There were no living Uchihas .... right?
No names were immediately coming to her mind. Simultaneously, the possibilities on things hecoulddo made her poor heart race even more.
gpt
Orochimaru looked at the young woman, smarter then he first had guessed she was, she figured his lies both out rather quickly. He shrugged his shoulder, "of course I don't have Sasuke's DNA, that would be hard to get given, I don't even know where his body is at the moment, and the violent manner of his death as well," Orochimaru commented, "Though there is a bit of it in their, it is from a long dead Uchiha, that it comes from," he said calmly as though it didn't really matter if she knew or not.
He looked around and was surprised that it had worked to that degree, it was a success, far more then he had hoped. He figured that it would be most interesting to see how the rest of the experiement worked. Yet, it held promise, if she could sense people, then that skill had transferred quiet well. "I am sure you remember Danzo, right, he was almost Hokage here after all, if my memory is correct," Orochimaru commented as he looked at her, "Well, didn't you know that he had a number of Sharingan implanted into his arm and his other eye, the ones that were hidden by bandages? Who do you think implanted them into him," he said with a grin.
"I had a number of Uchiha bodies at one time that I could use to make the DNA, in truth it is a bit of a mixture, and a bit of Sasuke is in it too, you just need a bit of blood to figure out the DNA structure. The one whom it is mostly should worry you far more then that though, but you don't know him, Itachi killed him around the time you were born," Orochimaru commented in a matter of fact type of fashion.
"You may go, if you have anything else to ask do so now, and if there is any developments keep me appraised, I will be here working with the others whom you sent here so kindly, and my old subject," he added as he paused for a moment having walked away from Sakura, "I suggest you get some rest, I don't want anything bad happening to you, you are a most interesting experiment yourself," he said as he stood by the door for a moment longer to see if the pink haired woman had anything to say, nor worried if she did or didn't. "If this works, I will need members of your villages important clans to visit this place, to give examples of their dna too."
human
Sakura Haruno
Another wave of relief, even if mingled in with the immense pain, rushed through Sakura to hear Sasuke's DNA hadn't been obtained either. Good, she felt a lot less ... like a thief, for lack of a better wording. She had a retort in her head but kept it there, terrified of pushing her luck too much with the Sannin. She didn't expect him to endure much back talking before he'd finally retaliate and even if she could likely heal anything done to her, she would use up so much chakra in the midst of keeping herself alive. And if she drained herself too quickly .. it'd be bad for her. So the pink-haired kunoichi stayed silent, listening to his hints and all the information he was telling her.
A low scoff was his reply upon hearing if she'd heard of Danzo. Oh yes, she not onlyheardof him but had never felt good on the man. He was as creepy and unnatural as the Sannin in her opinion. She was glad when the news of his death had reached her and the rest of Konoha. Her head slowly shook no though. What few times shehadseen him, Sakura couldn't honestly admit that she had taken the best notes of his appearance. Though now she wished she had, making her inwardly curse at herself. Her stomach clenched and twisted as the last hint on whom gave all the Sharingans to Danzo was revealed.
It only got worse as he revealed that some of Sasuke'swasin the mixture."Gods ... "She half-whimpered and half-groaned, shakily pushing herself up. This was becoming almost too much for her mind. It felt ready to break and snap at all that was being hinted and suggested to her. It hadn't overly helped she was still trying to mourn for the two whose DNA was now in her.
Maybe it was due to all the mixing and mingling within her, but Sakura had damn well nearly laughed at his suggestion to leave.Like this? Yes because it's easy to just get up to my feet and focus on where to go with all this pain. Fucking idiot ... How had Kabuto been able to stand the Sannin? Then again, his story was so much more different compared to her own. But then a thought crossed her mind .... how likely would this even succeed?
She wouldn't find out by staying here, unfortunately. Shehadto get up, no matter how much it hurt her to do so. Managing a weak nod, she finished pushing herself up. Deftly and simultaneously firmly, she pulled the IV out, her fingers covering the wound seconds after the needle was removed from her skin. She needed to get to her work ... and quickly. Despite Sakura being off today - or rather, she was meant to be - she would call herself in for today. She'd need it ... and the access to medical files. Not just her own though that was indeed one of them.
Keeping her left hand pressed firmly over the area where the IV had been, another shudder trailed down her spine as she barely managed to catch another phrase from the Sannin.
"If this works, I'll need members of your village's important clans to visit this place ... "
That would definitely mean Hinata, Ino, Shikamaru even. And she didn't want any of them being forced into this. More to acknowledge she heard his words than anything, she gave another weak nod before beginning to stumble out of the lab and towards the hospital.
Any and all stares were ignored. She was too hell bent on getting to her work, her destination. It'd been something that either Orochimaru hadn't thought of or had but didn't bring up. But blood types mattered ... greatly. And if you mixed incorrect ones together, it could goverybadly. Her fears only seemed to intensify as the pain continued to get worse ... and she wasn't anywhere near Orochimaru anywhere.
"Fuck ... "She whimpered lowly, panting as she forced herself to break into a run. She didn't want to pass out despite the urge trying to dominate her. Not yet. Even if only for a bit longer, she had to remain conscious. With a weak shove from her right shoulder, she forced the doors open and began heading towards the file room. Again, all stares, gasps, and other hints which suggested she'd been suggested were ignored for her mind.
Her mind was quickly switching, wondering between the new information she'd just thought of and for a reason she couldn't pinpoint ... Shikamaru. Her head turned slightly, as if trying to sensehischakra signature alone. But there were too many around her; it was easier said than done, especially since she hadn't controlled this new ability yet. A low cry of agony and anguish passed her lips as her shaky legs continued guiding her, seemingly on their own, towards the file room.
gpt
Shizune had been as worried as anyone else whom knew the truth behind what had happened, the number of people whom knew of course grew rather a great deal larger that day when the new rules were announced in the city. She was worried for her village, she was at the hospital doing what she could to help those there when she noticed Sakura of all people looking really weak and almost pale too. This of course caught the woman's attention, and cause her to worry about the younger woman.
Shizune wasn't as strong as either Sakura or Tsunade, but she wasn't extremely weak either, and she managed put pull semi lift Sakura and take her into the nearest room where she started to run test on the young woman. She started treatments to hopefully help stablize her as fast as possible. She had no clue what was wrong, so she had no idea what was causing the issues with her body. It was strange to see something like this, she had never seen reactions like she was seeing before. It was hard to help in such a situation where you didn't know what was wrong, all she could do was to give general aid to the issues and hope it was good enough till she could figure out what the root cause of the issue was.
Shikamaru had gone to see if he could find Sakura, he knew that it was going to be a hard one for her, hard for anyone in her situation, but he figured that she would hopefully not be in Orochimaru's layer, he first checked in her office and found it empty. He hoped that didn't meant that she was still in his layer, so he checked the next most likely place to find her, which was the Hosptial, it was there when she saw one of the doors open and had a feeling that he needed to go and check it out.
He did and walked in to see Shizune working on Sakura. He blinked as he looked for a moment bewildered for a moment as to what had happened. He was worried, very much so, he had a bad feeling about it, could Orochimaru had done something. He didn't get in the way of Shizune though, he knew she knew her stuff and it best to not interupt a doctor when they were working on a patient. He moved over to the side of the room and thought about what could be up, similar to how Shizune was at that moment, but he despite his genius couldn't think of anything, even if it was an experiment it could be almost anything. He watched worried, hoping that Sakura would somehow pull though.
Shikamaru was angry at himself, for not having foreseen Orochimaru's actions before he came too. He should of seen them, he was a genius, he should of been able to see the coming danger and warned the village, or at least people important to him, before it went down. He was suppose to be the great intellect but he could prevent what had happened. It was something that rather annoyed him, and made him feel he had not grown all that much since he had not been able to prevent the death of Asuma. Which in all honesty was a very troubling thought for the young man.
human
Sakura Haruno
A gasp and whimper mingled in as she felt herself lifted up. Thankfully, her green eyes turned to see a friendlier face; Shizune. Compared to anyone else it could have been, that was merciful to some degree. By now, though, her logic and thinking wasn't as good as normal and her head shook no pleadingly."File room ... let .... let me go there ... please."She pleaded, wincing and breathing heavily every now and again. Her body trembled as it was set upon the nearest bed. Her hands moved to the edges of the bed and once her left moved away, Shizune - and when he was in view, Shikamaru - would see that she'd had an IV in her recently.
She had finished mentally counting down from five in her head before Sakura's head quickly turned. A new signature had barely registered in her mind ... and after a few blinks of making sure she wasn't seeing things, the figure of Shikamaru came to her." ... Shik .... "She murmured softly, the name barely above a whisper as she broke contact with him. Even if he didn't hate her, she still loathed herself for everything thus far. She'd failed too many people ... and now the possible results of how the experiment may or may not go would wind up possibly endangering him and so many of the others in Konoha.
Hopefully Sai would be fast enough. It was one of the few things keeping her from giving into falling completely to despair and misery. The latter, though, still remained -- though the pain wasn't exactly helping either. A shudder, wince, and then sigh - all in that order - passed her lips. Her head stayed turned away ... but finally she began to speak up. With her being a medical kunoichi herself, Sakura knew an unwritten rule of thumb. No one could begin to help a patient out unless they knew what to look for.
And with this being anythingbuta typical condition, she didn't expect Shizune to understand what was working on her body. She was skilled, no doubt; but she wouldn't be able to do any good without an explanation.".... Onegai ... Shizune. Look ... look up .... Sasuke and Karin's blood types for me along with my own. I .... don't think they're compatible .... and with the experiment he just finished ... it's fighting against everything .... trying to at least."
Her teeth found her lower lip before she softly confessed."... If he gets his results though .... I'll be somewhat like Kakashi due to the Uchiha DNA ... "She added, a nervous chuckle leaving soon after the words did. Even if Shizune didn't understand, she had a feeling Shikamaru would soon enough."But ... the chakra signatures ... they're so much more .... noticeable, stronger. It fucking hurts ... I can feel everyone's .... "
Speaking of ... wherewasKarin anyways? Damnit all! The only person who could even begin to help her get this new ability under control was likely hidden away or dead ... much like Anko. It made her whimper and tremble softly, her fists clenching for a few moments before she grabbed at her head, concealing her face away. A muffled scream of agony passed her lips and while she couldn't keep Shikamaru from hearing that, she would at least keep her pained expression hidden from him as best as she could.
She alreadyfeltpathetic enough as it was; the last thing Sakura wanted was to be seen in such a state. Then again, she hardly knew exactly what she wanted. But there was one thing that was a definite given; Shikamaru to stay nearby. His presence had been greatly aiding her out so much in the past few days. It had helped her stay sane enough ... and with all her body was trying to endure, she wouldneedit ... maybe even the Nara himself.
But gods help her, she didnotwant to be alone. Hell and no!
gpt
Shikamaru looked at the woman whom was in the bed, she was in a great deal of pain, and that bothered him a great deal, he moved toward her without even thinking about it. He looked at her and he looked at her and then blinked for a moment as he just heard his name being spoken by her, he stood there reaching down and taking her hand in his own, as he did so, he noticed the IV mark on her arm, and motioned Shizune to come and look at the mark, which she did quietly before Sakura had made the comment about the files.
Shizune nodded her head as she and Shikamaru heard the comments, and blinked, she had heard stories of this type of experimentation by Orochimaru. She was worried for the younger woman. She looked at her for a moment quietly, "I will get the notes," she announced as she looked at the young woman, she then headed out to a place where she kept extras of her notes in case Tsunade wouldn't remember what she needed. She hoped that she would be able to figure out the problem, but her mind was already working on possiblities of what she could do to help out Sakura.
Shikamaru didn't leave with Shizune, he took the continued to hold Sakura's hand as he looked at her. He tried to think of a way that he could help her. "You feel and sense everyone, I am guessing it is overload of your senses. Here this might help a bit," he said softly as he continued to hold her hand, "focus completely on just one, let your mind just focus on one of the signatures, so that you can drawn out the other outside ones, and just zone in completely to that one, keep it simple, just focus on some on one thing. It is what Ino use to tell me she did when she used her skills to talk to a large group of people. I might help you a little bit," he said to her as he continued to hold her hand.
He felt bad for her, he really wished he had the answer to save the village in the moment, but he didn't have that knowledge sadly, despite what he might want. He took a deep breath as he looked at her, "I will stay here, I am not going to leave here Sakura, we will find a way to get you back to being better," he added in quietly as he looked at her.
"AB," Shizune said as she walked back into the room, walking over and looking at the two of them and pausing for a moment, before looking at Sakura, this seemed to help her at least some, which was a really good thing. "Okay, so we need to way to help this new dna adjust to your body," he said as she sighed not knowing how to do what she said.
"So basically, you need an adapter somehow, something that will cause her body's natural dna to adapt to her new dna, like how people have adapter plugs when they use two different fittings on a outlet in a home," Shikamaru said as he looked at the two of them and had no idea at all what he could do or what they could do to actually do that.
human
Sakura Haruno
"Thank you ... "Sakura whined weakly to Shizune as she finally headed off to check the blood types. Her teeth gripped her lower lip tighter as Shikamaru began to speak, even took her hand. How was the urge to cry even possible by this point? Hell if she knew; but she didn't want to break down in front of him. Not again. But between the physical, mental, and emotional pain rushing through her ... it was so very tempting to anyways. Another soft chuckle left her lips as her right hand slowly moved away from her face which had gotten rid of most facial hints of agony the experiment had caused her.
"... How the hell do you do it? So calm ... so collected. I'd give anything to have that sort of composure and not panic like a pathetic child."She murmured softly, squeezing slightly around his hand as she took steady, deep breaths. Her head still throbbed slightly but sure enough, the pain was lessening in a manner of minutes as she focused solely upon Shikamaru's signature. She knew keeping the focus would work long enough; but certainly not forever.
She allowed a bit of a pause to linger in the air between them, contemplating on whether to add on the parts she hadn't yet revealed to anyone just yet. And the kunoichi couldn't find a reason to not speak up. She'd been a double agent for Konoha, Shikamaru especially, since the get-go. No point in ceasing. Nodding slowly to reassure herself, her head glanced out towards the window to ensure no one was nearby; no one who didn't need to hear the next revelation she was about to give the Nara anyways.
"He ... he intends to do more DNA experiments if ... if I somehow get the Sharingan, regardless of whether it's only one or both. But .... "Her hand squeezed the slightest bit more, letting the rest trail off. That was definitely easy to finish putting together, about as much as adding two and two. That was probably another good reason she was fighting her damnedest against this and a secondary source of pain. And ifthatwas true ... she was fighting against the Uchiha DNA, against the Sharingan.
So she'd likely have a new eye color soon enough. The thought alone made a shiver trail down her spine.
Her gaze went from the window and up to the dark eyes of Shikamaru."... Thanks by the way though ... I thought you figured we - women that is - were too troublesome to deal with. Changing your mind finally?"She teased, managing a weak smile. It had, on a serious note, intrigued her that he even attempted to be half as decently kind to her as he'd been thus far. She wouldn't begin to complain ... but she was curious as to why. More often than not, Sakurahadcaused so much trouble to him and a lot of the other men. It'd been especially bad when they all went out to try to get Sasuke back from Orochimaru and ran into the Sound Five.
She'd only tried to get in the way, thought of practically nothingbutSasuke. Even the factor that all of them had damn well nearly died never crossed her mind up until that very moment. And it made her feel even more unworthy that he was remaining here; and yet the same comforting feeling also remained.
But still ... why? As he'd likely say it himself, Sakura could truly be quite the 'troublesome woman' -- to most of Konoha if not just himself. So why the change of heart?
And then, Shizune finally walked in and with the simple answer, her heart sank more. If she'd beengivingher blood or DNA to either of those whom she'd been forced to accept ... this would be going so much more smoother. But no ... it was the other way around. She could only receive from others with O blood. And especially with both having been AB ... there was no attempt at trying to balance this all out. The constant punishment and pain her body felt was more than proof enough of that.
Her head gave a slow, defeated nod."The idea's good but .... going about it on an actual body is much easier said than done. I ... don't know .... "She paused and after feeling her heart sink more, let out a weak sigh.".... I don't think there's a way to apply that to a body, Shik. I'm .... just going to have to grin and bear it, endure it. That's what Sasuke had to do with his Seal .... and it hurts about as much."
She'd not only seen him have the mark forced upon him, but perfectly recalled his reaction - screams especially - after it branded itself firmly into his flesh.
And if her body hadn't been panicking enough, her heartstoppedas she couldn't help but wonder. If shedidget the Sharingans ... gods would she wind up with a Seal herself?!
That was only making her fight against breaking down and crying get weaker and weaker. Tears definitely formed at the thought but barely remained in her eyes. They were so close to falling and escaping ... but she wouldn't let them. Not yet.
gpt
He looked at her and took a deep breath as he thought about it. It was troublesome, this situation, they needed help and they needed it as soon as possible, he wasn't sure when help would come, or what he could do. Really at this point, there wasn't that much he could do at all, really. He looked at her as he let out a deep breath and then looked at Shizune for a moment and then back to Sakura.
Shizune looked at her fellow pupil and smiled sadly, "Well, I will get to work reading though Tsunade's medical files, you never know, it might be possible that she has to deal with something similar in the past, she has done a whole lot of different stuff during her life," Shizne said trying her very best to sound up beat and positive in a way that was natural to the woman, as she decided that it would be best for the moment to work and leave these two alone , to let Shikamaru help her as best as he could.
Shikamaru looked at her as he shook his head, 'it is an illusion actually, the calmness and all is at the surface, I am quite worried, about you, and my friends and my family and this situation, it troubles me greatly, I want to find some way to stop it, and trust me, I have tried to think my way out of the situation so many times already. I am mad at myself, disappointed in myself as well, far from calm under the surface,' he wanted to say, but didn't, he just smiled, "Well cause it is what is needed at the moment, it is what I must do, and the most logical way to approach this situation," he said with a smile.
"You...are right, I am changing my mind, in some ways, you women are still a lot of trouble, don't think otherwise," he said giving her a smile still, "It just so happens that some women are worth the trouble. I think I finally understand what my father was getting at when he told me that when I was younger. Always thought he was off his rocker and just wrong, well I did till recently honestly. I got to actually know a really troublesome young woman, whom I think it worth all the trouble, she might put me though," he said as he gave her hand a little squeeze. He looked at the window from her for a moment pausing.
"I am sorry for all of what has happened," he said honestly as he let out a sigh, "It is my fault as much as anyone maybe more," he added in as he then turned his gaze slowly back to her, "I should of seen it coming, I am the genius whom can think so many steps ahead, but I didn't see this happening, and I should of. I knew that Orochimaru was out there, and that the village was run by incompetent elders, my father told me about the all the time. Yet, I did nothing to help prepare the village, and I did to little to help the village it was far to late to really matter if I did anything at all. If I had been on my game, working as I should to help you, to help the village, you wouldn't of ever had to go though all of this, and for that I am very much sorry," he said with a sad tone as he looked down at her.
"Maybe we can find some way to help, but I will be here as I said to help you however I can," he said finishing up his little comment as he stood there looking at her, for a moment, he worked his way around her onto her bed, and slipped his arms arms around her to hold her, "if you need to cry, it is okay, I have done so many time too."
human
Sakura Haruno
Sakura gave Shizune an appreciative nod though it was clear that even as the elder medical kunoichi left, her attention was much more upon Shikamaru than anything else by then. Just as the Nara had taken the time to heed each and every word she'd said, the same respect was given back. Also, she didn't want to risk missing anything that left his own lips. She wanted to get rid of any chance of misunderstanding him; though thiswasShikamaru. He was blunt and to the point more often than not ... so while the possibility of that was low, it was still existing.
"Well it isn't all our faults, you know? Whatever kami made us didn't do the best job. We're horrible at certain things, especially handling delicate and emotional situations like .... this wreck going on now with him taking over Konoha. Our first instincts is often to panic and have a fit."Speaking of fits and tempers ... oh the one Anko would have if she knew her former mentor and sensei had actually done this. In a way, she almost hoped Saididrun into her and inform her.
But no one had seen or heard of her since she self-gave herself the mission to follow behind Kabuto from afar. And he'd been, last she heard, fused with Orochimaru at that time. No one had heard from her since. And even during the war, not a trace or hint of her was noted. That alone made her worry more for her.
She was one of the few women who could easily break the stereotype she'd just mentioned to Shikamaru. Even if it cost Anko her life - which was a damn good possibility - she'd fight for Konoha. Hands down, no second thoughts. And for that, she admired her.
In fact, she never understood why so many thought the Special Jounin survival expert to be so creepy. She was a respectable woman, damnit. Ah well, the hell with what people thought.
She was pulled away from her thoughts, though, as Shikamaru hinted ... wait. Had she heard that right?".... Hold up. You .... you mean that? You ... but no! Too much is relying on me as it is. With how my body's reacting .... I'm pretty sure my eyes will change. And when they do and he finds out .... "
Her head shook no as her body trembled lightly."Just as you have your own reputation of sorts, I kinda do too. Maybe not for being a genius -- but of my team, I was. I could fight against almost anything the best, genjutsu wise especially. I should have expected this and now .... even at the expense of trying to keep you, Hinata, Ino ... everyone safe .... I still may fail .... "
All it'd take was for her green eyes to become onyx with the crimson hints ... and she knew everyone with the most powerful and significant bloodlineswouldbe forced into that damn lab. Worse off, it'd be her fault ... all because she'd failed to fight this. But it was hurting like hell to keep this up. All she could hope for was time -- that there would be enough in between her body giving in and Sai returning.
It took almost no time than the offer for her to go on and cry to leave Shikamaru's lips before she snapped and the tears began to stream down her face."I'm tired of having lost so many already! I can't ... don't want to! I'm barely staying intact as it is! I .... I don't know what to do, save the obvious few choices. But even with continuing to fight against this ... try to get the new ability under control ... I'm horrified none of it's going to matter in the end, that it'll be for nothing."
Her hand trembled, her body following suit as she sat carefully up. Green tear-stricken eyes looked right into Shikamaru's before another weak chuckle left her lips as a thought came to her."Won't Temari kick my ass by the way if she found out all you've hinted and said to me? She seems .... fond of you, for lack of a better wording."
The still very persistent feeling of being so unworthy of Shikamaru was definitely continuing to pest Sakura. Then again, so was a new command she couldn't quite understand and also fighting against. But with how close they were and how both seemed to feel of one another ... it almost felt like a sin tonotgive in and lock lips with Shikamaru.
But in her mind and eyes, she didn't deserve that. Not unless he could persuade her. Andthatwas a much easier said than done task.
gpt
Shikamaru listened to the worries of the young woman whom was next to him now on the hosptial bed, and could understand just feel this worry and the sadness coming from her as she let herself let go of her tears. To do so, was most likely something that would be good for her, to pent up all that emotion couldn't be a good thing, and in fact, most likely was part of what problems she was facing at the moment. He pulled her closer as he looked at her before hearing her light laugh and her comment about Temari.
"Temari, huh, well, people always read way to much into that then there is, we are friends, but trust me that is all we are, we have two different lives, her's in Suna and mine here. We are not the close pair everyone things, we are just friends, in fact, I am pretty sure she has someone back in her homeland, but I think you are safe from her wrath," he said with a smile on his lips as he made the comment, "Plus, it is my choose whom I am interested in too, just cause someone may or may not like you, doesn't mean you have to be with them, as I am sure you understand," he added in. He had always been for some reason miss connected to many females, Temari, Ino, Shiho for example.
He thought about something for a moment, "you know what, what would he do in this situation you think. Naruto, you think he would go right up to Orochimaru and challenge him right away, cause I have a feeling that is just what he would do," Shikamaru though as he tried to envision Naruto doing just that. "It is to bad he isn't here, I am sure he would of figured something out, maybe idiotic, that somehow would of worked by now, it just one of his better qualities, or was really."
Shikamaru wondered what he should do, what would be the best way to counter this move. They had only so long before things got worse, and they would get worse. It was a two day trip to Suna, and that meant, two and a half more days till something happened. He knew that this was a tense situation, but he had to do something, seeing Sakura suffering as she was, and knowing that others were in a similar situation was something he didn't want to see. "Kakashi, I think I need to go find him or Gai as soon as we are done here, or really I need to find Ino. I think I have an idea, maybe we can retake the village."
human
Sakura Haruno
Sakura knew it was the best course of action; to cry rather than not. But goddamn she was annoyed at how often she appeared to do it. Simultaneously, Shikamaru didn't seem to mind which was ... different to note in a man. Most would probably scoff or encourage her to go on. But Shikamaru ... he didn't judge her. Even now with her taking the position as Kabuto's replacement to save most of the other females .... he didn't scold her. Hell, heencouragedher to play along in this game. Her hands slowly rested upon his shoulders, keeping contact with his eyes.
How long would hers stay the typical green anyways? Hopefully more than three days at the minimum.
Then he went on about Temari ... and even admitted he was only friends with the Sand kunoichi. To some people, location and distance wouldn't matter. But he was making it more and more clear that Temari was definitely another comrade ... but nothing more. Shestilldidn't feel worthy of his verdict. Simultaneously, she could feel the desire to kiss him getting even stronger.
Do it, you fucking moron! DO IT!
The order was practically screaming in her head. Was it only because she felt unworthy that the kunoichi was so adamant on fighting against it? Hell no. But it was definitely one incentive. If the Sannin found out they were more than comrades .... that alone made another shiver trail down her spine. Hewouldbe cold enough to use that knowledge against her ... and she couldn't imagine any way would be even slightly merciful. Her forehead rested against his as she sighed.
"How ... how long do you think you'll stay here?"She asked softly, partly for her knowledge and the other just simply to know how many more seconds, minutes, whatever she had to contemplate whether to do the action her mind was begging to go through with or not.
gpt
Shikamaru looked at Sakura, "not to much longer actually, only a short while before I must find Ino, and get everything set up, you should find out by the time you wake up tomorrow morning what has happened," he said to her softly, leaving his plan, what he was thinking about doing and what natural danger their was in his plans out of the statement that he gave to her. He looked at her, he knew that if things kept on the pace they didn't, it wouldn't matter if the village was found by Gaara or Killer Bee in three days, then, Orochimaru would destroy everything if he thought he might lose. That would surely include Sakura, it was a thought that rang out to him, he knew it was so true, and that it would happen.
He would have to use his genius, and he would have to rally the people, raise up against Orochimaru, it was the only way, true, their would be violence, and death, maybe a friend would die, maybe he would die, maybe they would lose and then the village would really be Orochimaru's but it had to be done. He had to do something rather bold and had to challenge the snake. It was what Naruto would do if he were here at this moment, it was what Asuma would do, it was what anyone would do. He had to take the risk and he had to go for it. He didn't want to worry Sakura more then she was already, and thus he didn't want to tell her about the plan, he hoped she would find out after the fact.
He caressed her cheek as he laid there, "the most important thing that you can do is to get better, you need to focus on that, even if your eyes change your the same person, even if the worse happens, there is always at least a bit of hope," he said looking at her, "Well, I think it is best I get going, the more time I am here, the more challenging it is to leave this place," he said in a jesting fashion as he looked at her for a moment longer, before he did something bold, the first of what most likely would be a night of bold actions. He grabbed hold of Sakura tightly and he kissed her on the lips for a good moment before he slipped out of the bed.
"Now, wish me luck, trust me, tonight I am going to need plenty of it," he said with a grin as he slipped out of the room, and walked past Shizune and headed to find Ino, to get the plans for that night ready, and to get everything about what he had to do, done. It would be his stand against Orochimaru, it would be the village's stand, he just hoped that he could pull this off somehow.
human
Sakura Haruno
"... Wake up?"A nervous chuckle left her lips."If I sleep at all, it'll likely be just from pain. And even then, I doubt it'll be long. I .... I'm too scared. I really don't want to lose anyone more. I already feel bad enough sending Sai out as it is .... "How was he anyways? And where at? She'd give anything to know the answers, to have a slither of hope she hadn't just sent her friend off to his death. If that did end up happening .... she had no idea what to do with herself. It made her tremble and weakly whimper.
The lack of an actual reply or hint on what Shikamaru intended to do only made her more scared. He'd had no qualms before being blunt ... so why was he refusing to say any actual words now?".... Shik? What ... what do you intend to --- ??"That was as far as she got before he either read her mind or followed his own instincts. But soon he took initiative and began the kiss she'd struggled to start. Her arms eagerly but gently wrapped around his neck as she leaned into it, sighing lightly as a shiver trailed down her spine. A bit of the weight that had been forced upon her shoulders lifted to feel and know she wouldn't have been selfish if she'd done the action sooner.
"Now, wish me luck .... "
Eventhosewords merely convinced her whatever his plan was, it was dangerous. And likely the reason he was refusing to say anything."No .... wait!"A still trembling hand had reached out to grab his arm before he could get too far. But in her state, Shikamaru was definitely faster than the not-so-stable Sakura. Her face then went to Shizune and it was taking the last bits of her willpower to keep her voice able to be understood."Please ... tell me you have something, anything to make this hurry up. I can't just be stuck in this bed. I .... I can't lose anyone else. Neji, Naruto, Sasuke .... I already failed to save any of them. Please .... no more .... "She pleaded, her tears streaming faster down her face.
The hell with the supposed 'curfew' that was supposed to be in effect."What nonsense ... "The blonde flower shop owner murmured, sighing softly. As she finished closing the shop up, she held in her hands three de-thorned roses."We're not children .... "She added, clearly annoyed at being treated as such. Quite a few rumors had been going around and some had involved Sakura. All were rather disturbing either ... and the fact she'd failed to be able to find her childhood friend/rival only made her fear they were more true than she wanted to believe.
Had she really been forced to serve that snake bastard like Kabuto used to? Her hand shook in anger at the thought. Why hadn't she told her? Probably to protect her but it still didn't take away how infuriated the guess had made her. Her head bowed slightly as her feet guided her to the graves, the reasons for the roses being in her hands. Two were for the same people Sakura would have placed them before while the third was for Asuma. In that sense, she was going on her own, Sakura, Kurenai, Shikamaru and even Chouji's behalves with the last three being mainly for Asuma. She knew they all would have if there were a less tense atmosphere surrounding Konoha now.
Everyone was practically on edge and she couldn't blame them. One wrong move ... and it was sworn peoplewouldbe used as examples. And without knowing what a 'wrong move' exactly was, any sane person would be terrified by now. Her right hand slid through her blonde locks as she kneeled before all of the graves, her eyes immediately upon Asuma's.
He'd beg them to fight back; there was no question on it. He'd all but forced them all to do so when he'd been brought back to life via the Edo Tensei. Poor Chouji had a hell of a time going through with it at first; it'd taken the efforts of their fallen sensei, herself, and Shikamaru to make him realize he couldn't just stand back. Theyallhad to fight even if none liked it. And now ... that seemed to be the logical route to take even now. But ... this was one of the three Sannin!
Realistically, no one in the village would really be able to stand against the man. Even if it was everyone against him ... so many would die in the process. An annoyed sigh passed her lips as another dawning crossed her mind."If no one fights back, people will still die ... "She murmured lowly, groaning in annoyance. This was a complicated situation ... one that felt very much like a lose-lose and - worse of all - nightmare. But it'd never end if steps weren't taken.
And yet ... wouldn't Asuma want them to try to live on? Not join him so soon in the afterlife? That only added onto the torment and uncertainty of what to do. Her hand rested against her own forehead as she massaged it."Urgh! Where's the genius when you need him the most?"She mused softly, her own soft laugh passing her lips. Shik would definitely know more exactly what to do than herself.
gpt
Shizune had noticed that Shikamaru had left the room, and the short haired woman had a good idea what was up. She walked into the room, and saw Sakura in tears and walked over and listened to her fellow pupil, they were both pupils of the same person, though she knew that Sakura was far better and closer to Tsunade in many way then she would ever be. She still enjoyed her friendship, as she did with her own students. She looked at her as she made her statement.
"Yes, there is a possibility, I found it in one of Tsunade's old books, I think I can pull it off, but I must give you the warnings first," Shizune commented as she looked at the teary eyed young woman. "I am going to use medical chakra and your own chakra as a kind of adapter, your body will hurt beyond what you have ever felt before in your whole entire life. I can't put you under for the operation either, though it will be somewhat fast, it will be extremely painful. It will though if successful cut the time of your recovery from days to perhaps even a hour. There is also the chance it will kill you, if Tsunade was doing this I would say 10 percent chance, but with me, 20 percent chance it will do so," she informed the young woman as she looked at her.
Shizune knew the choose was up to Sakura, and that choose was not going to be an easy one. "Well, we all have lost these people, not just you, it isn't your responsibility to take all their loses onto your shoulder. I am sure Lady Tsunade has told you, how it hurt her when she did such a thing, when her little brother and Dan died," Shizune said with a short chuckle, "Jiraya used to say, Tsunade got her rack cause it was filled with greef," she added in, remembering over hearing that remark a time or two. "Anyhow, we are all here to make the best chooses possible, it is a imperfect world, and there is only so much one person can do."
Shikamaru knew where to find Ino, he had a idea that he would have to move fast, he walked quickly across town, moving in the shadows avoiding notice as he made his way to her home. He saw the door was locked and the store closed, but he knew how to get past that, and used his key to slip into the store. He looked at the blonde whom was standing in the store and blinked, as he overheard himself reference, and almost laughed.
"Well now, I guess I better show up here, if you are really needing to talk to me," he said looking at his longtime friend and teammate, "I am afraid things are far worse then you even know," he said as he walked up to her, "perhaps, we should head to your house," he commented knowing that it was connected, "I need to talk to you, Ino, I think I have a plan to at least give us a shot to get out of this nightmare," he commented as he walked with her.
"Sakura, has gone a experiment herself, it apparently is something rather cruel, forcing dna of others into her, without regard for what type of blood they have," he commented as he walked, "apparently, this is the test cause and if it works, we all can be looking forward to such adjustments to our bodies as well as having our secrets take out of our dna in most likely not the most fun or pleasant manner," he added as he wanted to stress the importance of the moment to her, before he went on.
human
Sakura Haruno
More additional chakra? It made Sakura shiver. She had no idea if she could handle it. No ... shehadto endure a bit more. Even with the risks and pain ... if she didn't then more than only Konoha would be lost. It was ... nerve-wracking, for a lack of a better word, at how many things were being given to Sakura as an option with the possibility of death. But she'd already overcome one procedure and resisted Death; and that one had been from someone who easily could have made it fail on purpose to kill her. At least with Shizune, that fear would be gone. She wouldn't have to worry about her trying to make her die too soon. And among other things, that was one incentive that made her want to agree.
A deep sigh passed her lips as Sakura let her head fall back upon the pillow behind her."Go on then. I already had a procedure not long ago --- and from someone even less likely to trust. Death was a possibility from that too."A faint smile crossed her face."I'm already likely to be forced to become an Uchiha in some aspects. Even if there weren't any pain from this procedure ... there would be once the eyes alter. It's ... a lose-lose for me like that. But I'm more than willing to endure more."
Not because she enjoyed pain or the sensations that came from it. No no ... far from it. But for too long, the pink-haired kunoichi truly had relied too much upon her teammates. And now that especially both were dead and gone .. she could no longer do that. There was no longer anyone to aid her out in that manner, no one to take any finishing blows for her. She had to defend and fight for herself and hell if she'd allow Shikamaru to easily sacrifice himself for her. She had no qualms with him wanting to set things right for her and Konoha's sake; but she was now officially hell bent and determined to not lose him to Death.
"I'm sure, yes."She reassured Shizune. It would, no doubt, be the next question. Her body trembled lightly. The worst part of this surgery would definitely be the fact she'd be conscious during this entire procedure. The pain .... would have likely been inevitable, even with anesthesia. But now to hear the chances had faded completely away to 0% only added and increased the fears and anxieties within her. But the one keeping her from pushing herself off the bed and having a panic attack were the thoughts of Shikamaru, the kiss they'd just had, and knowing she didn't want it to be the last one they had.
The sound of Shikamaru's voice made Ino turn. A weak but content smile crossed her face. With the new atmosphere that had practically been set upon Konoha, the usually cheerful mood was all but dead. So she'd never really gotten to check on even her comrades. It was, therefore, a relief to see Shikamaru alive and well. Her smile slowly disappeared as he went on to hint the rumors weren't only those but a living hell and nightmare. But it'd been at the worst point when Sakura was brought up. The news hit her, as if a harsn punch landed upon her gut.
"... DNA? Do .... do I want to know which one?"Part of her knew that even if he didn't mention it, Ino would find out one way or another. But mentally ... would she be able to handle it? It'd be difficult but not by any means impossible, thankfully. After all, shewasone of Konoha's strongest genjutsu users. Already, it meant she had a better capacity to handle things that would normally threaten to make someone go insane. The truth, all the same, wouldn't get rid of any pain that Inowouldfeel from hearing it.
Her pace in how fast she walked increased as she nodded. Her house .... they had to get there. It was heartbreaking to remain inside alone at times. She'd been raised by her dad for so long before her own gave his life up in the war along with Shikamaru's and, as far as she knew, Chouji's as well. They'd all sacrificed themselves to end the war and while the cause had definitely been noble ... a selfish part of her sometimes wished it hadn't happened. Not like that.
Blue eyes glanced around them before she pulled a new set of keys out, opening the front door to a small house. It wasn't nearly as big as the Hyuuga estates or what used to be the Uchiha residents; but it was enough for her and a small family. And that was all Ino really needed. Waiting for Shikamaru to enter first, she followed suit and walked in behind him."So, Shikamaru, go on with the rest .... "
When she had said his full name rather than the nickname of just 'Shika' ... that alone made it obvious how nervous the news had actually made her. She was keeping a strong front for the most part, though her lightly trembling fists hinted what her eyes refused to. Ino was furious with how things were going --- though no sane person would be enjoying the damn Sannin of all people taking over.
gpt
Shizune looked down at the pink haired girl and gave her a smile as she looked at her. "Well, lets get this going, I want to get it done, so that you can get the pain over with, Sakura," she commented before she went over and washed her hands and then looked at them for a moment going over the process in her mind, making sure she knew just what she was going to do with this operation.
Shizune slipped over and looked down at Sakura, "Well, remember focus on something positive, something hopeful, I hear that is the best way to deal with the pain," she said as she took a rag, and put it in the mouth of Sakura, "this is so that you don't bite your own tongue off by mistake," Shizune said as she then put her hands on the stomach of the young woman, whom she was to opperate on.
Shizune then pressed her chakra into the young woman, the blood was easy to find, it was pressed outward, the conflict between the two were easy to notice too. She pressed her chakra on high, using it to invade Sakura's body and pull her chakra out using the two chakra's to press and force the adaption of her blood and that of the AB blood together, working it as it were some mix, it would be hell for Sakura, and she knew it, mixing the blood and the chakra would turn her into something other then O or AB blood type when it was done, it was not the worry, but it would force her to adapt. Of course she knew if Orochimaru won, she would be forced to do this to others, a thought that worried her to no end, and made her want to help win this fight too, but she wouldn't be able to, she would be to worn out to do anything after this.
She went along, charging her whole body over the period of ten minutes, everything she had she put into the oppuration, it was something that had to be done right and fast actually. If she slowed down, the operation would fail, and Sakura would die. She finished around the nine minute mark, done with the last things he needed to do to adjust and fix her blood types to fit together, she moved back and looked At Sakura, to see if she was still alive.
Shikamaru looked at her and shook his head to her question, she didn't want to know, she wouldn't take the knowledge that Sakura had some of her first love inside of her really well, it wasn't needed at that moment. "Lets just say it isn't good at all," he said with a sigh as he looked at the young woman for a moment. "Okay, we need to focus on winning, losing will mean a bad end for us all," he commented openly to her.
"I need your skills, I need you to contact everyone that you can, that you know will be friendly, all of our old friends, our old sensei, that are alive, jounin and chunnin that you know might be helpful. I want you to tell them a message. I want you to have all of them except for Kakashi, Gai, Lee and Chouji to start a massive riot just outside of town, this should get the attention away from the target and should give us the chance to be able to go after Orochimaru, we will depend on Kakashi and Gai to defeat Orochimaru, we will be his support in the situation and will join in defeating anyone helping him," he commented as he looked at his old friend.
He looked around, "you can do this right, I am depending on you big time for this," he said looking at her double checking that she could still handle such a thing as this, it was hard and big mission to handle, it was a big and risky operation too, things would have to go well though and he knew this was the only shot they would have while Orochimaru didn't have complete control yet.
human
Sakura Haruno
"So do I ... "Sakura murmured softly in agreement. Her body only seemed to shake more as the cloth was handed over to her. Shizune hadn't needed to explain; she'd put two and two together given she knew there would be no way to be put under during this process. All the same, Sakura knew it'ddefinitelybe needed too. Her mouth opened as she took the cloth and bit down on it. Though no scalpel was used to cut her open - a blessing she was no doubt grateful for - Shizune hadn't been kidding. The pain was horrid and it only made her tears stream quicker down her face, muffled screams passing her lips.
A few times she felt her body give in and she blacked out from it all, taking what one could call 'small naps' lasting no more than a minute before her eyes shot open. Each time, she breathed heavily through her nose, blinked a few times, and passed out again not but moments after regaining her consciousness. And even with that, her mind continued to remind Sakura of the kiss her and Shikamaru had .. why she had agreed to this in the first place. It helped out, especially the few times her heart had slowed, damn well nearly completely stopped even. But the hell bent kunoichi was determined to stay alive, no matter how much or little by the end of the operation.
By the time Shizunedidfinish up, she would see Sakura still with her eyes shut, her entire body shaking violently, though some of the worst areas were her clenched fists. Green eyes slowly glanced up at her mentor's niece as she managed a weak smile."Th...thank .... "That was as far as poor Sakura got before her eyes closed again. The steady rising and falling of her chest hinted she truly was asleep by now --- and likely would be out for a while, as Shizune had suggested.
Her pulse would be there if she checked. Weak ... but still existing all the same. Andthatwould likely be what mattered most.
Ino's head shook as she chuckled softly."Oi oi Shik ... have you already forgotten one thing my clan can do? Our Telepathy technique. Otou-san taught it to me before ...."She bit her lip before another soft laugh passed her lips."Really though, sometimes you act like the blonde and me the genius. But yeah, I can handle it. We both can ... "She added.
Exhaling softly, Ino then rested a hand gently upon Shikamaru's forehead."Focus on all whom you want to connect to and with ... you'll feel when it's ready."She didn't get to count past five in her head before she, too, felt the proper cue. Giving Shikamaru a nod of her head, she encouraged him gently,"You know what you want to say so ... you do this. I'll ensure no one tries to break the connection and ruin this and find out of it ... or worse.... "
gpt
Shikamaru focused his mind as he felt that it was time to give the message, how to put it, that was key whom to address first was also key, "friends, we have come to a very dangerous moment in our village's history, Orochimaru has taken over, this I am sure you know. I am sure you feel like that you can't do anything to change what is happening. This isn't the case, it is our responsibility to rise up and create a change for the good of the village, to rise up and to show that we are still relevant and willing to fight for ideas that we held in the past," he sent the thought into people's minds as a first thought.
"I need you too, go and start this rebellion, meet at the gate, and turn, show the goons of Orochimaru your righteous furry, and cause as much of a distraction as possible, this will enable the plan to take hold. It may not seem like much, but this is the key, if you can draw Orochimaru's attention to you, then the plan might work, we might be able to take back the village for ourselves, and return order to things," he commented as he focused his mind on what he needed to express, "remember you are shinobi, and you are capable of more then a average person, meet in 2 hours when it gets dark, and start, I and the whole village are dependent upon you."
Shikamaru then focused on the selected people he would need for the mission, "I need you 4 to meet at the center of town after you see and hear the start for the rights and the actions from the village gate, I will be there, and we will slip around Orochimaru's group and hit his headquarters, they won't be ready, and we should have an degree of surprise on our hands, we have to do this, we have to not let the village fall to the snakes."
He was done, he knew that things were set up to go down, and that it was only a matter of time before they did, it would only be the challenge of doing everything, and having it work out, that would be the hard part now, and he knew that it was going to be very hard, but it was something that truly had to be done, for the future of the village they had to take a chance, they had to try to save themselves, and advance the dreams of Naruto now on their own.
human
Sakura Haruno
Ino stayed silent the entire time Shikamaru spoke. It was brief but not so much the message didn't get put out to all within Konoha. She gave her comrade a soft smile, as if to silently say she was proud of him and knew her dad was as well. They may be about to follow in their father's footsteps soon ... with the same result being a huge possibility. It terrified Ino definitely. But at the same time, she would have no regrets. If it could even begin to makesomeprogress ... that would be a good start. Sakura had already been experimented upon once. She didn't want to begin to think of how long this may be able to go on if Orochimaru remained in power.
Only when Shikamaru was done did her hand slowly leave his forehead. There was no doubt one of the most serious expressions within her blue eyes that he would note as she looked right into his."Where do you want me to be when this all begins? Just say it ... and I'll be prepared."She reassured, swallowing softly after. Even with the continued strong front before the Nara, it wouldn't begin to make her feelings completely fade away. Any sane person would be even slightly, if not very, scared of what was about to happen. It was just human instinct. Her eyes couldn't help but go more towards the hospital. She paused before adding softly,"... Is ... Sakura there by chance?"
gpt
Snakes slipped into the hospital, Orochimaru knew just where Sakura would be, and what she was going to be going though. He figured that it would be the most logical place for her to be, and as he walked in, he found her asleep bye herself. He walked up and looked at the young woman, and activated a genjutsu he had put on her, to gather the information that had happened while she was under his experiments. He smirked as he saw the kiss and heard the words that had been said, he sat down and waited for the young woman to wake up. He had noticed the aid to the former hokage was asleep too, which meant an operation, which meant that the odds his experiment worked were going to be high, he felt good to know that, to know that he had gotten help from a unlikely place.
He gave her a simple charge of chakra in her foot, to act as a shocking agent to wake up the young woman. She wouldn't be in any condition to go against him, but there were people in the village whom would be dangerous to go against, this young Nara seemed like he could be one of these people, and he knew that the Nara had feelings for this woman, and this woman had feelings back for her as well.He knew where the Nara was as well, he knew that she was with the one of his former teammates, he figured he would have to do something about the trouble, but he would have to do something quite and keeping things in order.
He had a plan, it was simple, use Sakura to keep the village in line, and also give out a punishment to show the village that he couldn't and shouldn't be messed with. He couldn't give that punishment out to the Nara, that would embolden the young woman, to challenge him, a dangerous thing with her gathering new unknown powers, how he would go about that, he wasn't sure of yet, but he would think of something good in time. He looked at the young woman as she stirred, knowing that she would wake up soon, and knowing that she was now his key to control, that the the relationship she had created a key to keeping possible trouble makers in check in his new village.
human
Sakura Haruno
Even before the chakra went to her foot, Sakura began to stir. She didn't understand why but her mind was all but screaming for her to wake up. And she soon easily heard the argument on being weary still, that she didn't want to just yet. Multiple inward curses and scoffs were heard in her mind as she kept trying to convince herself. The chakra in her foot finally did it, a low groan mingled in with a whimper. Her body stayed still for a bit, as if she were trying to block it out perhaps. Finally though, her arms moved from her sides and rubbed her eyes gently, getting the sleep out of them."... What?"She murmured, clearly annoyed that she hadn't gotten nearly as much rest as she should have. Especially after the procedure she'd endured.
Her tone quickly changed as her still green eyes looked up to the amber ones beside her, her heart stopping for a few seconds."Oh .... sorry. I just ... didn't expect to be needed again so soon."It was a true enough statement though more than not being sought out by the Sannin, she hadn't expected to be forced from her slumber. Ah well, that didn't matter now, she knew. Slowly pushing herself up to a sitting position, her heart quickened more. She didn't want to ask ... but the medical kunoichi knew that hadn't just been done for a cruel joke. No, he had an actual motive behind waking her up so abruptly. And despite not wanting to know, she'd find out regardless of whether she asked or not.
"... Yes?"She asked softly."What is it?"Dear gods, she'd never hated speaking so much like now. Sakura would give anything to avoid asking such questions. They were making her more anxious than they should be, more afraid. All she could hope for was that sooner rather than later, Sai would return. Yes, she'd sent him out on one hell of a trip but any assistance he would end up getting was so badly needed. Her eyes wanted to go towards the window, as if hoping to feel his chakra signature but they remained firmly upon the Sannin's, refusing to move away.
gpt
Orochimaru looked at the young pink haired woman who was in the bed. She had no idea what you discovered and what he knew about her that she didn't want him to know at all. "It seems that someone is the village is causing a lot of trouble recently, I had to order a lockdown of the entire village," he said as he stood up and walked over to the window looking out it calmly. His tone was calm too, far to calm for the given situation that he just explained to Sakura.
"When I did the operation I need a picture you under one of my special jutsu. This jutsu allows me to see every single thing you gave done when I choose to look. It seems you have a new boyfriend in your life. The very one who started all the trouble they cost a lot everything down. So, should I behead him in the square tomorrow," he said pausing as he looked over at her with a smirk on his face. He wanted her to squirm at this knowledge.
He turned and looked back at the young woman,"Well now I don't have to actually do the punishment, it will require you to be more loyal to me. If you do everything I ask you to do, I won't kill him, or have my men kill him in front of you. Everything, I want you to ask how high if I tell you to jump,@ he mused knowing he had something big on her now. "Now I am sure you are improving and the experiment is successful. Now we can make these more...widespread."
"Of course tomorrow there will be a punishment handed down you can try to over throw me and not expect a demonstration in public. Don't worry it isn't you punished tomorrow," he said with a smirk,"you are to important for such a public thing to happen to you but you will be there to do what I tell you understand?" He commented as he came up with an idea in his mind as he grinned at Sakura.
human
Sakura Haruno
Lockdown? Trouble? Dear gods, how long had she been out? It hadn't been long in actuality, but it felt much more. And then, as if the Sannin had slapped her, it dawned on the pink-haired kunoichi. He'd found out about Shikamaru's plan. Her heart sunk as panic swept over her. Her gaze slowly followed Orochimaru as he walked to the window and as he went on to talk, she felt sick once again. Not only had he found out of Shikamaru's plan but ofthem! Her mouth opened to explain, speak up, do something ... but nothing was even beginning to come to her mind.
Only when the thread of public execution was brought up did she finally seem to find her voice once again."No! Wait .. don't."Any attempt at trying to convince him all he'd seen was false had gone out that window; literally and metaphorically."Leave him be, please."Her body tensed and she could hear herself screaming at the next reply that would leave her lips. But it didn't make her regret them or change her mind.
"Let me take his stead, please. I should have stopped him when he visited anyways."In truth, she had no idea if there would be any damn way to endure more punishment. But hell if she wouldn'ttryto keep Shikamaru safe. He'd likely scold her for this ... but that was fine. Right now, the mere thoughts of him being wounded or killed were worse than anything he could begin to say."I will be able to endure it. Please. You've already seen so far I'm not just saying words for the hell of it. I can back them up. But please, let the others be. I'll take their stead .... "
She wasn't denying her loyalty to him .. but all the same, Sakura wanted to see if any form of negotiation was possible. Compared to being forced to watch and comply with an act - one likely against Shikamaru - she'd ratherbethe example, not see it. Her body lightly shuddered as she kept contact with the amber eyes, repeatedly sending up prayers to some ... god that might be watching. But if he wouldn't accept this ... no. She didn't want to think about that.
He would agree ... wouldn't he? Gods she hoped so.
gpt
Orichinaru's eyes focused on Sakura as he heard her statements. Your surprise that he admitted to the fax so openly that he expected for her to keep it secret and deny everything as long as possible. Found most interesting that she was going to take his possible punishment without knowing if he was Going to be the one punished or not. He wondered just how strong these feelings were and how much he could use them against her.
"I am not going to punish you," he said coldly,"You are far too important for my plans and in the plans of the future of this village for me to harm you. I will also not punish him, if you do everything I tell you to do. If you don't I will," he said as he walked over and looked at the chart on the desk. "You and Shizune will be the ones to apply the DNA markers from now on. I need to make sure as many of my future warriors live. You will gather the people I tell you together and bring them to me when I tell you to bring them to me. If you do not do this you're boyfriend will suffer something far worse than death."
He have her a somewhat naturally creepy look like he was so good at giving out. "Now why you're laying there just suggest you agree to this or I will change my mind if you don't and all your friends will be dead before the sun rises in the morning," he added in as he walked to the door and stopped at the door and turned."It is your choose now and what will it be," he asked calmly as he waited for her reply.
human
Sakura Haruno
Her hands slid under the sheets as Sakura clenched her fists. To say she was infuriated he hadn't accepted was an understatement. Even if only a bit of relief, there was still some to hear that Shikamaru wouldn't be the one enduring the punishment. But then ... whom? Her head bowed as she glanced down. Never once did she believe anyone could make her go on such an emotional rollercoaster ride of sorts. Even Sasuke hadn't made her feel anything like this; and he'd actually nearly killed her once. A low sigh passed her lips and finally, she gave an affirmative nod.
"No ... no need to kill anyone. I'll .... do whatever you want from me tomorrow."As her eyes went back to glance at the amber ones, they snuck a glance at a nearby mirror in front of her. They were still green ... for now. But how much longer would that last even? Swallowing softly, Sakura found the ability to muster up enough courage to speak again."Please ... I really am tired. May I get more rest again, especially to be able to focus on whatever you want from me?"
Her stomach twisted and tied itself in knots, making her wince lightly. Shehatedherself by this point. How could Shikamaru even begin to deal with her? Hell, how could anyone in Konoha look at her without glaring angrily at her? Kakashi ... he'd say something along the lines of being disappointed, having believed he taught her so much better. Or so she was certain, though she wouldn't blame her sensei. He'd be right; hehaddone all of that. But she'd become so weak, so vulnerable somehow. Sai ... when he returned ... what would he say?
Her fists remained under the sheets as she awaited consent, knowing he'd gotten the reply he wanted. Maybe she could wake up and find out this had been a horrible genjutsu or nightmare of some sort? It'd be a hell of a miracle, but one she wouldn't mind waking up to.
gpt
Orochimaru knew who was the best example to punish. It wasn't younger group of shinobi, that wouldn't show very much that he had power. No Start at least one big you someone who would draw attention of all the villagers and maybe the other villages. It was easy to pick this target out for she was weak already. His target wasn't someone normal but what's the former leader of the village Tsunade.
Tsunade was an extremely easy target go after. She was down depressed and she had lost her way. Yet, she still very much was a symbol of things before the war. And everyone would know what he done when he had punished her. He sent his loyal guard that morning to find where she happened to be. Finding her wasn't that hard actually. When he had found her, he send his ex-teammate to the center of town to the stocks. He placed her in the stocks publicly without any clothes as anyone could see the weak former leader of the village in all her glory.
The villagers gathered slowly at the Center of town. There were guards everywhere as they gathered keeping an eye on everything prepared to take down anyone. Shikamaru was with them he was shocked when he was found out so fast and locked in with Ino, his plan having failed. He looked on as he was forced to gather with the others. He had a horrible feeling about this and what was going down. He had a feeling some was wrong and couldn't be changed easily.
He watched hoping Sakura was alright not able to see her as he looked around at the crowd around himself.
Otpchimaru sent a summons for her to come to the gathering spot as he wanted to see the consequences if going against him as seen used o. Her own mentor.
human
Sakura Haruno
While Sakura had the ability to do so, she embraced and took the chance to get as much rest as possible. If one could begin to call it that, of course. The poor kunoichi had practically cried herself to sleep, terrified and disgusted at herself. Her mood only got worse when she woke up and found this was still all very much real, a low whimper passing her lips as her head shook no slowly."No ... why?!"She murmured, shivering as she held herself. Shakily, she pushed herself out of bed and glanced into the mirror, covering her orbs quickly.
They weren't fully done changing .... but more like half and half. But there was definitely hints of onyx, the suggestion that the experiment had indeed worked. At rate it was going, she had by tomorrow or the day after. Another whimper passed her lips and as Sakura caught sight of the summon, she damn well jumped. Upon following the summon, she soon found herself in the square of Konoha, a place she hadn't been at in years. And of course, the damn thing led herbesideOrochimaru. Her steps were so very reluctant ... but she forced herself to comply silently.
No sooner than she went through with it did her gaze lower. Not only from shame but she didn't want anyone seeing what was going on with her eyes. All who hadn't known what she'd been forced to do, that she was helping and allowing so much of Orochimaru's plans to work out ... it would all now be revealed. Kakashi, any other friends of hers ... they now knew. Her fists wanted to clench but they didn't. Instead she quickly held them behind her back tightly, still keeping her eyes down. She'd give anything to hide, die, run... in fact, it almost felt like she was indeed the one being shown off as an example.
But .... that was the odd thing. She didn't note anyone for that just yet so ... whom? She managed to lock onto Shikamaru's signature in the crowd even without glancing at him and felt both amazed but simultaneously glad. Orochimaru didn't seem like the type to keep promises. Maybe he did, but he just had a warped sense of justice and such? Probably.
So ...if Shikamaru's here then ... ??
gpt
Orochimaru notced that the pink haired woman was in the group."Well my new little psychic is made it here isn't this great," he said loud enough so that everyone could hear her statement even the mostly out of it naked former hokage who was stuck in the stockade with her eyes glazed over from perhaps drugs to her system. "I am sure you know who this failure is don't you my little agent," he said as he motioned his hand to her teacher.
Orochimaru walked up behind Tsunade and slapped her butt hard. He smirked as he pointed to a table with various things. "Minion get me the large vibrator, and apply it correctly to the prisoner," he said with a smirk on his face as he looked at her. She was being punished just not in the way she had expected that she would most likely.
He looked around his key people were in the crowd they would spread word on things cause rumors on things to spread. Control the news, the rumors and controlling the people could be so much easier then.
Shikamaru was so angry as he watched the scene unfold. As he did he heard horrible false rumors to what the former homage really was up to while she abandoned her people and they were horrible and so untrue. He looked at Sakura, he had been told if he did anything again she would suffer horribly. He couldn't have that happen. He couldn't let her be harmed more. Yet from what he had been told, her life might even be in danger. He had to find away to help without being noticed. Yet, for now there was nothing that could be done at all.
He hated himself for not being able to help.For all of those great mental skills that he had, he had nothing and Sakura was suffering and that bothered him more then anything else. He sighed softly as hated himself for failing in his attempt to win back the village.
human
Sakura Haruno
The sound of Orochimaru's voice reluctantly made her turn to face him, her eyes soon finding Tsunade. A trembling hand covered her mouth to muffle a shocked gasp. She'd never been forced to see her own mentor in a state like this before. The Sannin had definitely done his homework, indeed. Shewasbeing pushed. Even being asked to have whipped or physically harmed Tsunade would have been much more merciful. This ... she didn't know if she could. Even with the threat of death towards others, this was too much. Her body stayed still as she swallowed, wanting nothing more than to be able to vanish.
Shikamaru wasn't the only one infuriated. Beside him was an angry and terrified Ino; not just for Sakura but at the sight and task being forced upon her. A simple command would soon echo in his ears and he would definitely be able to comprehend what it meant easily enough."Be ready to catch me. She's going to get herself killed standing there like an idiot."
Hopefully this would be able to merely pass off as her fainting. She waited for Orochimaru's attention to be away from the crowd before making the 'seal', a circle created by her hands as it went over Sakura's body."Shintenshin no Jutsu .... "She murmured weakly, her body collapsing forward.
Sakura gasped as she felt an all-too familiar sensation; just not one that had been sensed in years. Since the Chuunin Exams to be more precise.
I...Ino?! What ... what are you ... ??
Saving you, duh. You have to, you know that ...
Soon, Sakura felt her hand grasp the handle of the vibrator as she moved behind Tsunade. Although even Ino wished she could make Sakura shut her eyes, that wouldn't do any good. She needed, unfortunately, her sight to complete this task. As she made Sakura guide the toy inside Tsunade, she'd hear her speak again.
Think of it this way .... I'm the one making your hands dirty, per se. This isn't you doing it .. not in actuality of a sense. Oi ... your eyes. What ....
Later ... I ... don't want to .... think or talk of it ...
It almost felt inhumanly possible to even cry as much as Sakura had in the past several days. But she could feel the urge to do so, even with Ino guiding and controlling her. By now, the pink-haired kunoichi had no idea what was the worst; doing the act in front of everyone or risking having Orochimaru figure out shewouldn'thave been able to do this without Ino's assistance. It made her tremble but for once, she didn't try to force Ino to leave. The second she did ... it'd only get worse.
She'd just have to wait, continue to comply until he allowed her to stop.
gpt
Orochimaru knew he had won a great victory over this woman she would remember it for a long time. "That is enough minion," he said as tsunade started to get wet from the effects of the toy, which would only demean her memory and justify to some the rumors about her being nothing but a slut whom had used the village for her personal advantage and to get cash as legit.
As shikamaru held ino he figured this out too. Something was also being used to keep Sakura from acting out too. He had a bad feeling it was something really bad if this was going on. He had to think of something a way out of this nightmare. He looked at ino and felt bad for her having to act in the way she had too. He looked on in shock as he heard the next comments by the snake.
"Three days from now, the hag will stoned to death. Till then she is free game for anyone wanting to enjoy these curves," he announced to the crowd as he looked at Sakura. "Now come with me our work for today is just getting started. Much more important things to do at the lab."
Shikamaru felt the eyes of guards on him as he looked to see them with threatening looks."come along now. Bring the woman too, The Lord needs you both in his layer now," he commented as he left shikamaru little choose as he followed the large guards still holding Ino in his arms.
human
Sakura Haruno
To Sakura, she felt as if time had slowed. Then again, thiswasthe Sannin. He likely had such a capability and thus she wouldn't put it past him that somehow, he'd done this to further torment her. Finally though, he allowed her to stop. Her hand eagerly let go, both from her own whims and Ino's internal command. The next part was too much ... and finally she did break down. Even after complying with the act, Tsunade was going to die. Her legs trembled and were it not for the command of Sakura being asked to follow him to the lab, she'd fall on her knees then and there.
Not yet, Sakura.
How?! How can you be so calm?! You and Shik both ...
There was a pause before Ino gently replied.That's but an act. Neither of us are. Simultaneously, allowing ourselves to panic then and there, in the view of him ... what good will it do either of us? None; if anything, that's what he wants. I'm not saying by any means this is easy ... far from it. Even I don't know if I could have immediately obeyed that order myself. But damnit, don't just toss your life away. We've lost enough as it is ....
But we're going to lose Tsunade in three days!
An inward sigh echoed in Sakura's head. Ino could definitely see her view and why this all seemed so helpless. Still, she hadn't made Sakura cease moving behind Orochimaru; if anything, she made damn well certain to avoid falling too far behind. Another pause and finally, Ino replied once again.Look ... just keep hanging on. No one's against you despite how everything is going. No one in their sane mind would have agreed to be Kabuto's replacement without some coercion. Shik told me your alternative choices. I appreciate that, by the way; thinking of me and Hinata's sanity. No matter what happens, me and Shikamaru will be there for you. The latter at least if not myself. But don't allow yourself to fall completely in despair, okay?
Alright. Thank you. I ... I think I'm fine for now.
And that was all Ino needed to hear. As her eyes opened and she returned to her own body, a low groan passed her lips. Though the technique was simple to execute, it always took a lot out of her. After a few blinks, she noted herself still in Shikamaru's arms but heading ... with ... Sakura? Wait ... what was going on? Despite all she'd just told Sakura, Ino couldn't help but feel herself panic slightly herself. It didn't show in the blue eyes ... but the quickening of her pulse was an easy enough sign. And with her so close to Shikamaru, he'd know without her having to say anything aloud.
As Sakura walked into the lab, a shiver couldn't help but trail down her spine. Shehatedthis place, with a passion. But she'd just finished making a promise to Ino --- and technically Shikamaru also at the same time. She wouldn't break it, even if she herself would be broken. Wiping the tears away from her half and half eyes, she exhaled deeply, sitting upon a table as she glanced slowly up to the Sannin."... Yes?"She inquired softly, allowing him to see for himself the changes that were steadily proving the experiment had worked. Or was making progress in doing it's job at least.
gpt
Shikamaru could but help notice that Ino was nervous. Because interface that he known her long enough to be able to pick up when she was nervous and he could tell she was at this moment. He could feel her heart beating fast as he held her so close to himself as they walked to the nightmarish place that they were being lead too. He was nervous too, he had no clue what was going to happen in this horrid place but it couldn't be good.
"Sakura, was injected with someone else's DNA. See happen to be injected with the DNA of an uchia clan member," he told ino. He knew ino would be able to put the rest of it together as what was happening to her friend. Something else greatly worried young man, the sharifian reached its final limits by killing the one most important to you. Was that why tsunade was going to die to cause the change. If that was the case it meant ino was in danger if it failed, she and Sakura had such a long history together.
As he walk into the place he couldn't help but notice the smell. It was horrible something unreel the sciences Smouse they just were nasty. As he was stunned one of the guards slipped up on him and gave home a shot causing him to black out before grabbing Ino from his arms and giving her a shot to knock her out too.
At the same time orochimaru was leading Sakura around as they looked at various charts. "However give you a little bit a test here to see if you're really worthy of being my assistant," he said with a grin on his lips as he looked at her."I am sure that you want to do your very best in this situation, causes a failure causes lot of issues for you. As well as the two you will be adjusting."
He lead her two a room, Ino and Shikamaru were out cold on tables as they were under medications. "Now for the test, you are to mix the blonde's DNA with that of the yuri clan giving her some nice ice abilities which should be interesting. The boy, well I think some work at creating another artificial senju will work with him. With you skills you should be able to handle this easily," he said with a smirk.
"If you don't think you can handle it I'll do it Balastrol very good at this and you know the outcome may not be so good," he said as he knew this had to be very hard for her but that made it all the more fun for him.
human
Sakura Haruno
So .. her eyes were slowly becoming Sharingans? Ino's teeth found her lower lip."This isn't fucking right .. "She murmured. Normally, the flower shop owner didn't bother resorting to cursing, but this all was truly getting out of hand. Her eyes widened and before she could warn Shikamaru on the guard behind him, she watched him slip into unconsciousness, falling on her ass in the process." .. Oi! What are you -- ??"That was as far as she got before she followed suit, a low gasp barely passing her lips before she lost her consciousness fully.
Sakura quickly glanced up. Had she just heard Ino's voice? She almost swore the answer had been yes. But what really made her feel worse was picking up on Shikamaru's chakra signature. Her head shook no in disbelief.He's not here ... is he?!But after a few minutes of being guided from room to room, she found herself glancing at an unconscious InoandShikamaru. Her body shook more as she stared down, switching between her new lover and best friend before finally to herself. Swallowing softly, her head shook no slowly.
"..N-no. I can do it. But ... I'm going to need time and the respective DNA samples you want me to add in ... along with doing a test upon myself."They would at least be unconscious for this; a luxury she hadn't had. But the same procedure that Shizune had given her yesterday wouldhaveto be given to both in order for them to have a chance. In the midst of the procedure being completed on Sakura, she now had created a fifth blood type. AB and O combined somehow, allowing her to getandgive blood cells.
She'd at least need to give the AB portions to them both. But .. did either of them already have that?"... If possible, I also need to see their files for the blood types. If either already have AB, I don't need to go through with the idea in my mind for them. They can .. can just be given the new DNA with no real issue."None involving blood complications, at least. And sometimes, those were the worst and most severe types of things that could go wrong in any medical experiment and procedure.
Now hopefully he'd allow all of this. After all, Kabuto had likely had to do all of this before when he used to serve. Why shouldn't she be given all the same .... privileges? That was one of the better words she could think of even in the grim situation.
gpt
The files are handed over right away as he had them set aside knowing what he was going to do the day before. He was not surprised she wanted the files or that she was going to do the action either. He knew this would be interesting and helpful, so helpful for his future plans for his village.
Orochimaru handed the information on the people whom the samples came from too. He wanted this to work as well as use it as a way to keep Sakura in line as well. " Do this, you may use whatever things you need for the operation, their lives are in your hands and you may die whatever you need to create two more successful experiments."
He walked over to the guards and talked to them in private as he then turned and looked at Sakura."I will leave this to you, I have a village to run and will be in the hokage's office working. You may come find me when you are finished her or just remain with these two experiments if you want. The guards will give you anything you need within reason."
He turned and walked out of the door heading to his new office.
human
Sakura Haruno
A sigh of relief passed Sakura's lips ... but only when the Sannin had left. Before he was out of sight, she'd give him a quick bow of her head. Her hands were shaking so fast and hard that it took nothing but willpower to keep from dropping the files. Shakily going to their vital statistics and information, she saw Shikamaru already had AB. Ino though ... she would need to do the surgery upon her to make this work. And that single factor made her want to get Ino's done and over with first. Hers would take longer, much more than Shikamaru's.
Her head shook as she glanced between the two one last time, standing beside Ino."I'm so sorry you two ... "She murmured, letting her hands rest gently upon Ino's chest. After a deep exhale, she began focusing her chakra the same way Shizune had yesterday with herself. Hopefully whatever medicine had knocked them out would keep her asleep during this. It'd be bad enough she'd be sore when it was all done; she didn't want her to be conscious like Shizune had made her.
And if Sakura had the opportunity, she would have gladly begged to be put under. It'd hurt like a motherfucker, every damn second of it.
As she finished, Sakura first checked to ensure Ino's pulse was there. Weak ... but existing."Thank gods ... "She murmured, turning to the table and grabbing two small vials and two different scalpels. Sharing the same needles wouldn't be a good idea, after all, and there were reasons it was never done in medical practice. Dragging the tool across her finger, she let her blood fall in first, enough to be able to compare Ino's. Slipping the top upon her vial, she repeated the same procedure with Ino, giving each of their index fingers an easy healing.
Setting the two vials side by side, Sakura then glanced into the glass containers carefully, nodding slowly. The colors were the same .. the surgery had worked. Good, that had been the most difficult part. Her eyes scanned Ino's file again .. .and quickly frowned as she grasped the syringe for the Yuki DNA.
" ... Baka, this is impossible ... "She murmured, her head bowing. Ice needed atleastWater or Wind chakra, preferably both, to make it begin to work. Ino's ... was Earth. In a way though, she supposed this might be good. All she'd have to do was pull out of the procedure and Orochimaru couldn't use her for his own means. Moving strands of blonde hair away, she softly spoke to her rival and friend, not minding or caring she was still unconscious for now."You better not die on me. Wake up from this ... got it?"
Sakura had to practically force her hand to remain steady as she injected her, bandaging the wound quickly up as the last drops finished entering her system. Her eyes closed as she gave herself a small mental break. And somewhere in between thoughts, a new one came to her. In the end, wasn't all this DNA testing merely helping them out more than anything? Assuming, of course, it all worked. Still though, she used herself as an example. Soon, the Sharingans would be finished and if the Uzumaki DNA had already mixed in as well, it meant a longer life for her. Those two combined made her a good ten times stronger than what she'd been before. With all this power ... wasn't Orochimaru merely setting himself up to wind up being defeated?
Though that was what it seemed like, she knew he never did things without reason. Well ... at least Ino would remain safe, hopefully. She'd be exempt from being used by the Sannin.
Slowly, she moved beside Shikamaru. A trembling hand rested upon his cheek as she glanced down. Leaning down, she snuck a soft kiss upon his lips before moving quietly to his file to check on his own chakra type. Her heart sank again. Unlike Ino, hedidhave at least half of the chakra type needed to make the possibility of being able to accept the Senju DNA. He'd soon likely be able to use Wood jutsus as his file showed that he, too, had Earth chakra. Her head shook as she clenched her fists angrily.
"... I'm so sorry."She whispered, grabbing the second syringe. Moving his sleeve up to get access to his shoulder, she added gently."I love you ... "before pushing down and forcing the liquid within the syringe to enter his system.
Now ... Sakura had to play the waiting game out. A hand trailed down upon Shikamaru's wrist as she kept her index and middle fingers there, ensuring his pulse remained there. Her eyes slowly closed as she waited to hear suggestions that one of them were beginning to come to and regain consciousness.
gpt
Yes I'm really strange dreams after he been put under you can put a finger what they were he just knew that the restringing really strange and different for me than before. Shikamaru of course had no clue what was going in but he just odd off even in his dream as if he was being invaded my something and unable to change it at all.
After a while the young man woke up. He right away felt the pain of what it happened and it did not feel good at all. His eyes scanned the area around himself as he figured out where he was. He was in orochimaru's layer and he was in a bed with Ino not far away. His head hurt a good bit as he saw Sakura he blinked looking at her.
"What happened, what went down, what happened to me? Where is the snake at right now," he asked as he looked at the pink haired woman.
He didn't feel like getting up, just laying there seemed the best thing possible to help get rid of the overwhelming pain in his head. He had a feeling something had happened along the lines of what happened to Sakura which worried him a great deal as he waited for her to notice him up and her explanation.
Orochimaru had gathered up the scrolls that were forbidden. He was looking for a certain one one that would give him power over his experiments one that would in short work like a mind control jutsu allowing him to use them to take over the other villages which would enable him to take over. He knew that it would prevent any danger from them too. Yet, so far he hadn't found any jutsu. Yet, there were so many forbidden jutsu he hadn't read through yet.
human
Sakura Haruno
As Sakura's eyes opened, Shikamaru would better note they had already begun to change."... I'm so sorry ... "She repeated, grasping a hand gently. Her mouth had opened to begin answering all his questions before a throat clearing behind her made her stop."What he said. But eesh you two. Get a room."She managed to tease, the blonde having noted Sakura taking Shikamaru's hand.
A weak smile crossed her face as she turned around and stuck her tongue out. Childish? Maybe. But it was something she hadn't been able to do in years. And right now, she neededsomeway to keep her spirits up somehow."Just hush and listen, damn pig ... "She murmured, exhaling softly. Her left index finger lightly tapped upon her jaw as she figured how to explain this ... before slowly letting go of Shikamaru's hand as she held up the now empty vials, ensuring they could see the respective labels nearby.
" ... Yuki? Huh? What of snow?"
"Just as I have Uchiha and Uzumaki DNA ... you do too. Though I doubt any actual changes will work. Your chakra's not compatible with half the components needed to make Ice techniques since you're Earth and at least Water or Wind is required. At worst you might get a bit --- "But she never got to finish as soon Inofeltwhat the word was going to be.
Her head and body ached but not so much she wouldn't heed the internal urge. And right now, it said to run and find a bucket. Sakura sighed as she heard Ino begin puking, nodding slowly."Yep, sick because you're going to be rejecting the DNA due to lack of the ability to properly mix. But ... the pain should be a lot lessened since .... I had to tamper with your blood type."
After a few gasps and pants, Ino managed to regain enough composure to weakly ask."..What .. do you mean? Gods .... "
Taking another deep breath, Sakura walked slowly behind Ino. While her friend did tend to have her hair held back in a ponytail, it was reassurance all the same as she kept it held back and helped her make sure it didn't fall forward and get caught in her own illness. After hearing a weak"Thank you .. ", Sakura gave her a nod and began to relay what they hadn't seen happen yesterday in the hospital.
"Your idea for an adapter with my chakra ... Shizune figured only one way to make it work, Shik. I ... well .... more or less have AB and O. So .. ABO. Some new blood type. I had to force yours, Ino, to be ABB ... accept the AB though basically to ensure this would even work at all. Otherwise .... "Her voice trailed off, not wanting to finish off the rest. Besides, they both could have.
"...So my normal blood type plus now the ability to be given any blood type all at the same time?"She asked as she slowly stood up, feeling most of the urges to puke go away now.
"Basically, yeah. Whether the AB just ends up over-riding the B or not .. I'll have to check later. It may but I doubt. How are you feeling now?"
Now it was Ino's turn to manage a small smile."I've had worse. Really. I can probably take a few pain killers and get a warm bath to help me forget about the headache. I'll go do that now, actually. A bath especially sounds damn good."Tilting Sakura's head up to get a better look at her, especially the eyes, she sighed softly before pulling her in a sisterly-like embrace."Don't push yourself too much. In the midst of sparing me and Hinata's sanity, you took a hell of a chore up. I do still appreciate it .. but don't think I won't worry about you. You need to stay somewhat sane, too, you know? You are needed ... and goddamnit, you haven't failed anyone. Neji, Naruto, Sasuke ...."
The surprised look from Sakura made a light smirk cross her lips."Oh come now. You didn't think I was only making you go through with the task, did you? I skimmed a few of your thoughts, recent ones especially. None of that or what's going on is your fault though, okay?"The feeling of Sakura nodding slowly made Ino pull gently away."Okay, I'm holding you to that then. You take care of him for me, will ya? I gotta go deal with myself for now."After giving Sakura a teasing wink, she made her way somewhat shakily out, heading eagerly back to her apartment.
Sakura's head shook. She'd noted the wink but direly tried to ignore it. Her attention went back to Shikamaru as she sat beside him, re-holding his hand."The concept is similar, just not DNA. Yours ... is from the Senju clan and given their specialties plus your chakra .... you're ... likely to feel odd over the next few days. I don't know how or anything ... I .... gods I'm so sorry. Orochimaru's in hi -- the office."
While he might consider it his, she wouldn't agree with the Sannin on that. It was hers, damnit! Someone much more worthy than himself at least.
"... I'm so sorry... "She repeated again, her hand trembling. Sai, it seemed, truly was one of the best bets for Konoha to begin getting back to normal once again. Hopefully he'd be back later tonight or tomorrow. Regardless of that, though, she would remain by Shikamaru. Aside from her dislike for the Sannin, it was standard procedure to remain with patients after they'd undergone a major procedure. And knowing his would likely have a result but not Ino's ... she would need to ensure Shikamaru's vitals remained stable.
gpt
He hurt like crazy as laid there. There was pain in his whole body from his feet to his head and every single bit was so annoying and painful. He hasn't felt like this in a long time since he was a lonely gennin fighting to advance in ranks against a number tough foes. He wanted to just curl up into a ball and fade away but his training helped him deal with the pain throughout his body. He couldn't focus on the talk between the you females but he hoped Ino would get better then she was at the moment.
He watched as she walked over to him and gave her a squeeze of the hand as she started to give apologies to him. "I am fine, or I will be in time. We have to survive no matter what it takes to rebuild this village back to where it happened to be, before of all this happened to us," he said as he focused on her eyes as he saw the change so easily in her eyes."I think I am going to miss your emerald eyes but onyx doesn't look bad on you either."
He figured that keeping things light would help them out."so senju, I am guessing it isn't tobirama then but hasirama if they did that. I guess if I need to build a house or want to spend time in a forest either one shouldn't have any issues."
"The pieces are on the table he can see what you do right, which is how he saw my plan but we still have hope remember we just have to survive. When it is over then we can fix things," he said weakly pulling Sakura into a kiss.
human
Sakura Haruno
Though Sakura couldn't sense Shikamaru's pain and feel it, shecoulddetect his chakra already working and changing. It made her inwardly frown, not just with how efficient the experiment appeared to be but how Orochimaru seemed to be getting everything he wanted. In fact, she wouldn't put it past him that all had been done on purpose since he found out they were a couple now. The files .. they'd been so conveniently ready to be handed over. Between the time she fell back asleep to now, he easily could have taken them, noted the chakra types and purposely chosen Ice DNA for Ino and Senju's for Shikamaru, knowing it'd work for the Nara. Yeah, that sounded like the cocky and sneaky bastard.
"But how?! He's made it clear he's not messing around. I had to beg for him not to execute you once already. It feels like we've hit checkmate or damn close to it."Though Sakura had never actually played shogi, she knew Shikamaru used to a lot and did at least know basic terminology. The easiest method seemed to be waiting for them both to complete the DNA changes. Senju were some of the first and most powerful clans Konoha had from the beginning. That plus her own Uchiha and Uzumaki ... maybe then theywouldhave a chance. Until then, they'd have to tolerate everything, something she wouldn't look forward to.
Moments like the one she soon found herself in, however, were a different story. As she felt Shikamaru guide her down, she leaned into the kiss. It wasn't at all her preference on where she'd be for such an intimate gesture. But she was beyond caring ... well ... mostly. There were still guards, unfortunately, so the option of going to either of their residences was likely out of the question. It'd been bad enough the Sannin found out she was Shikamaru's lover; he didn't need to know more. Soft sighs passed her lips as she gently lied beside him, being careful to not force him off the table as her arms slowly wrapped around him, pulling their bodies closer.
Her head gently rested against his chest as she pulled slowly away from the kiss, her hands still shaking."... I'm holding you to that, then. At least physically, I'll survive."The mental aspect wouldn't be as easy but still doable all the same."So you too ... be careful. No more reckless plans like that."The chances of her being able to beg for Shikamaru to be spared would steadily dwindle with each time Orochimaru's patience got tested. And both knew after a certain point, he'd be beyond caring and just do it.
Andthatwas something Sakura didn't even begin to want.
gpt
Shikmaru knew that Sakura was worred, and that he had to protect her, protecting her meant more then protecting her mentally, but also physically as well. He knew that the later he couldn't do very well at the moment, whom knew how long it would take for help to get there, they would have to organize it and then come over the desert or across the land. Still he had to hold out as long as he could and support Sakura as best as he could as well. He held her in his arms tightly as he knew that the guards were there to keep an eye on them. He knew that things would be changing and honestly he didn't feel so well at the moment, but that wasn't what mattered, helping and protecting Sakura was the most important part. Yet, in his state, he was just content with laying there for the moment.
"No more reckless plans, promise, I will do my best to keep down low and out of trouble, I am sure you need to do the same as well," he said as he looked at Sakura with a weak smile, he was for sure still not feeling his best but he knew that in the moment, he had to show the strongest side possible. He knew that things were not going to get better, he just would try to hold out till at least help came in some form or fashion.
The guards watched them as they said nothing didn't move or anything else, they were like stones, which was crazy as he looked up. It was a odd thing about this place, he had no idea how fast time moved in it, maybe cause there was no way of seeing out side, but whatever it was, it was kind of creepy, which generally fit with the whole place.
Orochimaru came back a bit later with a smirk on his face happy, he hadn't found the jutsu he wanted but he got some great news though. "Well now, it is good too see you again, seems Sakura you and I will be getting some help in the coming days, I have been able to locate, my old assistant, he was stuck in a cave of all places, go figure, he will be back her and back to his old self in a couple of days, so I guess you will have more help in your experiments for me, make sure to pass him along all the information that you have, when he gets here."
human
Sakura Haruno
"Thank you ... "She murmured, relieved to hear he'd start being more careful now. She sighed and nodded slowly, resting her head upon his chest as the kiss ceased. Even just to remain by his side, she was more than content with that. Going further .. she wasn't confident with herself in attempting just yet. But more than that, the guards definitely didn't need to see anything they did beyond kissing. The fact they'd seen the brief but still intimate display was bad enough; they could relay that to Orochimaru already. And he had more than enough information to use against them both. No sense in giving him even more advantages, especially with all hedidcurrently obtain.
Sooner than she would have liked, the Sannin walked in. Her cheeks flushed furiously but she didn't make any move to push herself away or off of Shikamaru. She had no regrets and had stood her ground thus far. She wouldn't begin to back down now. As he spoke, she swallowed softly. Kabuto .. was alive? But perhaps worse than that, he'd be beside her soon. To say she was less than content was an understatement. But there was no point in protesting. Kabutohadbeen Orochimaru's right hand man for many reasons. It wasn't too amazing to hear that once he'd been found, the snake would eagerly allow and re-invite him back to his side. She'd just hoped it meant she could have stopped her role.
But of course, it wouldn't have beenthatsimple. No, he had to make this even more difficult. Her fists stayed behind Shikamaru's back as she continued to hold him. Soon, he'd feel them clench, gently pressing against his spine. Still, her half and half eyes gazed up to the amber ones, knowing better than to seem as if she were daring to ignore him." ... Very well. Does he have enough chakra to heal himself up should it be needed? Or will that need to be something he'll require assistance with?"
gpt
Orochimaru looked at Sakura ignoring the Nara for the moment, as he needed her for something, and he had something as a bargaining chip to use. He moved up closer to her as he waved his hand. The two guards that were in the room slipped away into the hall or someplace else as he didn't need them or want them around at that moment in time. He then focused on Sakura, and narrowed his eyes as he looked at her eyes, it was coming along, it would be a matter of time, but by then he hoped everything would be lined up just how he was hoping for, and he could advance his own vision of the future of the village.
"No, he can't do anything, he is catatonic at the moment, and is completely still, he can't do much of anything, I will need you to bring him back from gone to this world. I am sure he is under some genjutsu, one that was put on him by Itachi Uchiha, one which can only broken by someone with a sharingan, which you will have by the time he gets her. Here is what will happen, he will come, you with your new skills will change him, help him and in turn, maybe I can do something for you," he said pausing letting Sakura thing, knowing she was smart enough to say nothing. "I will make you a deal, and I will let your teacher live, and I will let you look into a way of reversing her condition as well though my books, and jutsu, this is a two part deal, and I will require something from you as well in addition if you wish to make the deal, actually more from your friend over there," he said pointing to Shikamaru, "but I figured it is something you would have to agree to anyhow, so I should put it to both of you."
Shikamaru turned on the bed as he saw the Sannin, he didn't say anything, he just remained there quietly as he knew that he couldn't show his dislike for the snake at the moment. His mind of course tying to think of some way out, some way to save the situation, but still unable to, they were just in a spot where they had no power at all, and couldn't do anything to fix what was going down. "Okay, what is the second part of the deal?"
"Hold on, Nara, this woman has to tell me if she wants to hear it, I am sure she knows I have more books on jutsu then anyone, and a good chance is that one there might save Tsunade, so I want to hear her thoughts first before I tell you?" Orochimaru said as he remained focused on Sakura the whole time.
human
Sakura Haruno
The sight of the Sannin's eyes narrowing made Sakura a tad anxious. She hadn't done anything wrong to her knowledge .. but such a gesture was usually what it meant. Thankfully though, any slaps or jutsus being used upon her that she'd feared didn't happen. Instead he went to explain on Kabuto's state and how she could help him out. It was slightly interesting that he seemed to be certain it was Itachi as opposed to Sasuke. Though as she thought more upon it, Sakura supposed her former teammate had never been one for genjutsus much, evenwiththe Sharingans. So .. it probably was his elder brother and likely one of his last moves before being forced back to undeath via the Edo Tensei.
"I'll - I will .. "She murmured. It was tempting to have said 'I'll try' .. but that wouldn't at all appeal to the Sannin. Hopefully though, she could figure out the new eyes when they arrived and soon enough. That task would definitely be easier said than done though. There were now officially no living Uchihas alive for her to ask. None she knew of, anyways. So no one could guide her --- wait. Kakashi, that might be her only and best hope. He wasn't an Uchiha but hedidhave one Sharingan. And he'd learned how to activate the eye, use the abilities .. yes. Going to her first mentor would be the best course of action. An inward sigh of relief passed her lips. Slowly but surely, the pink-haired kunoichi could feel her spirits lifting.
And they only did so more upon hearing a way to possibly save Tsunade. But ... why would he need Shikamaru also?Thatwas the only portion which made her uneasy about agreeing. But once Shikamaru spoke up and showed how he'd have no qualms with helping out, it made her feel less guilty on saying 'yes'. If he really did feel that way ... a firm nod left her head."... Yes. Go on with the second part."Her pulse quickened as she agreed, knowing this didn't only seal her fate but her lover's as well. Hopefully this would be a lot more merciful than what she'd had to do earlier that day to Tsunade.
gpt
Orochimaru knew that Kakashi was around and that he would possibly help his student, if it worked it would help him a lot, if not, nothing lost, now the second part, the reason for something else would become much more clear when she heard the second part of the agreement. "Well now, I bet you were wondering why I gave Ino genes that she couldn't use," he said looking at Sakura for a moment tilting his head and then looking at Shikamaru behind her for the first time, as he remained somewhat serious looking the whole time he looked between them.
"Your boyfriend has sex with the Ino woman, the one that had the operation that you performed on, if he does that, then, well I will give you the books you need to save your teacher, and the former hokage's life," he said flatly as he looked at her. Shikamaru was about to jump out of the bed if he could, he wasn't a bit happy as he looked at Orochimaru.
"So, Nara, it is partly up to you, you can have sex with your former teammate and have your former hokage recover perhaps, or you can just toss away the life of the hokage, as if it didn't matter and keep yourself there for this pink haired woman, your choose and her choose," he said with a twisted smirk on his face as he knew that this was something that he or she hadn't predicted or prepared for. He was having fun messing with the two of them, and this would be the best way possible that he could think of to do so.
Shikamaru froze for a moment as he wanted to yell out no,but he knew how much it meant to Sakura to have her mentor, and to others. His face showed how ready he was to say no, but he took a deep breath remembering that he promised to not do anything bold, and let out a long sigh. "I will do it, if you keep your part of the deal, and if it is okay with Sakura, and Ino, if either of them disagrees, then I disagree, both of them are important to me after all," he said trying to gain a sense of stoicness but somewhat failing in his his attempt.
"And there we have it, just like I though we would," Orochimaru said looking back at Sakura for her reply to what was going down or could be going down. It was interesting to see her reactions, they told him much about her and the way she thought. He was learning more about this woman every moment.
human
Sakura Haruno
Any and all control was gone the second Sakura heard the offer. She sat up quickly, not even trying to hide the glare she shot him."Now that is pushing it! Even if I said yes, Ino wouldn't want it either. Not when she knows I'm with her teammate. She's better than that."It had been true that for years, they fought over Sasuke. But neither would have resorted to tacticsthatlow if the other got to the Uchiha first. No, the loser would have accepted defeat and gracefully backed away, finding another way to move on. Even during her pause, her mind was racing as fast as her heart. And a few things came to mind.
There was always the possibility of trying to seek out the proper jutsus and techniques on her own, even with the risks it brought. But the most dominant one was what passed her lips soon enough."Executing Tsunade will not get rid of the Will of Fire that's existed for years. If anything, it'll strengthen it. Neji's sacrifice and others before it are all proof of that .. otherwise the nation would have fallen and crumbled much sooner. I won't begin to say it's in perfect shape, especially not now. But in the long run, it won't give out the desired effect you're originally thinking. Mourning will naturally happen, of course. But those who've had resolve to make changes ... it'll only get stronger."
The words, even if they may sound like it, weren't threats. Just facts, and both the Sannin and Shikamaru knew them to be the truth. Each and every one had been. By now, her heart was racing quickly, still clearly infuriated he'd dared to suggest such a plan."I'll still help with Kabuto. But ... no. That last one is pushing it."She finally added, at least reassuring him that despite her temper, she hadn't nor would forget all of what he'd said or begin to go back on the promises shehadmade. But clearly, she wouldn't just stand and watch anymore happen, not if it could be controlled.
It was odd but for the first time in her life, she'd finally found the initiative and shove to stand up on her own. No one was beside her, only behind for once rather than her being in the back of other men. No, finally she was firmly setting herself in the front, keeping Shikamaru secured and guarded. If Orochimaru wanted to physically harm her right then and there ... she was ready for it. It would only prove her points on strengthening the resolves of people.
gpt
He looked at her and noticed the look in her eyes, she had some strength he hadn't predicted on seeing, he hadn't expected her to stand up to him on anything that he had asked of her. He figured she would back down, but she hadn't, this was most interesting, but perhaps pointless once he had his jutsu researched and figured out, he could get them to do anything he wanted. He looked at her for a moment testing her resolve, seeing if it was something real or if it was something fake.
He shook his head, "then fine, the Hokage shall stay in the state she is in now, but alive, you shall do what I asked, and it will work as I explained," he said coldly relenting on the point, figuring he could win the point anyhow at some later time and in some different fashion, there was always more then one way to handle a issue. He slipped off soon after heading out of the room to do some research and to keep track with his other experiments as they were being worked on. He had better things to do then to deal with Sakura at the moment, but he could see why she was Tsunade's student at least now.
Shikamaru was proud of Sakura, she stood up for herself, for Ino and him as well. He would of gotten out of bed and hugged her as soon as possible, if he could of done such a thing. He smiled as he reached out and grabbed her hand, "see, you are much stronger then you know, I can see why Tsunade trusted the village in your hands, Sakura," he said softly to her as he looked up at her, with a proud smile on his face as he did so. "It might be a tiny victory, but at this point, that is better then anything else we have had so far, and it tells us we can win."'
He figured that such wins would help keep hope alive for them, show them it was possible to win, and to advance and survive to see a day when Orochimaru wasn't around and they were free to do what they so choose. He had ideas that if things worked out well, his life would have a lot more of this used to be troublesome pink haired woman in it, at all times of the day most likely.
human
Sakura Haruno
The silence mentally killed Sakura, even if she didn't admit it aloud. Her fists trembled and while the main incentive was still anger, there was definitely hints of fear and anxiety. All she'd just said and done finally registered in her mind and she was terrified. Her eyes closed, half-expecting to feel some source of pain for a few brief moments before breathing her last breath. But none of that happened. Somehow, she'd lived and been spared. By the time he did speak, the tone was cold -- though that was no surprise. It'd be more of one if it wasn't. Never once had she tried to budge from her spot or dodge anything he would have given. So whether the Sannin had liked the results or not, it had all been very real.
When he finally left, her body stumbled forward as she shakily held Shikamaru. A very anxious chuckle passed her lips, pink bangs gently moving from side to side."Oh dear gods. I can't believe I really just said that ... and lived. And right now, Ino would remind you that I'm in my more 'stubborn mode' than strong one."She teased lightly. Mixed eyes slowly closed as her head fell lightly against a shoulder, her left hand moving from around Shikamaru's back as it felt the diamond upon her forehead.
At leastthathad gone undiscovered so far. During the war, Tsunade had entrusted most of her abilities and powers to her. She hadn't expected them to be so easily given and transferred .. but her sensei had been persistent that it had to be her. She'd also hinted her natural life span was close to completely dwindling, even before giving her powers over. What better person to give it to than her own student? Her finger subconsciously traced over the shape lightly before going back and re-wrapping over Shikamaru, gently pulling his body closer.
"No more victories can occur unless we're both in decent shape, physically and mentally. Get rest. You'll definitely need it. With any luck, Sai will be back in the morning ... and preferably with good news. Until then, I'll remain nearby to check on your vitals, ensure they remain more ... normal and don't try to go abnormal or anything."Her head gently nuzzled against his shoulder lightly as her body began trying to relax. This wouldn't be her preference by any means, but the past several days had made sleeping easy enough to accomplish. Today had definitely been no exception, not with having been forced to degrade Tsunade in public.
She'd tried so hard to forget the memory but it was practically etched into her mind. It pained and saddened her. But she wouldn't give the Sannin that knowledge or advantage by allowing him to realize it. Knowing she only had a bit less than 72 hours to live didn't make it any easier for her, even if it seemed otherwise. But everyone, Sakura had learned the hard way,hadto die at some point in time. Some just had the misfortune of doing so sooner than they deserved. But Tsunade .. if she were in her right mind, she would have embraced Death by herself rather than be humiliated. It was one of her ways, her nindos.
Just like how Sakura's was being done with forcing others to do everything for her. She was ready to grow fully up, take more responsibilities regardless of how easy or difficult they were. The final thoughts helped her swiftly drift off to sleep, still holding gently onto Shikamaru.
gpt
Orochimaru had it almost figured out, the jutsu, it was starting to make more and more sense to him. He would have it down, then that woman would do whatever he wanted, and whomever he wanted. He would have complete control over the whole of the village and he could get away with about anything. He figured that cracking the code would be hard, which was why he was putting so much of his focus, it wasn't like anyone would challenge him now, he was on the right path to complete control over all jutsu, and in time the ninja world as well. He looked over the scroll, and thought about what he could attempt on his experiments to come, so many possibilities.
Orochimaru sat there when he heard the sounds of his alarms going off. He put the scroll into a sealed box and hide it in another sealed area of the office to make it doubly safe. He wondered what was going on, if someone had started a revolt, the trouble makers were next to each other asleep it seemed. That meant that the threat might be coming from the outside and that could mean it could be anyone from Suna to Iwa, to some rogue ninja that was at his doorstep ready to challenge his powers. He stood there as he saw a man appear, a man was saying to much. This person was a mindless drone whom would do whatever he said. He reported that a man had appeared and was causing serious problems in the north.
Orochimaru sighed as he nodded his head, he was not amused by what was going down. He would have to go out and deal with the issue himself, and handle it. It could be a challenge, but he was ready to face it, he could send more experiment trouble after this person to attack in kind. He wasn't sure if it would work, but it was the best option open to him in the moment. He figured that a direct strike would work its way out the best. He locked up everything and head down the main street in the general direction of where the problem was known to be located at.
He arrived a bit later to see a man whom looked like a Bishonen to the eyes of Orochimaru, but he wasn't someone he knew, that was odd. That a unknown could do so much damage. He focused his eyes on him as he sent his snakes at him, fast, figuring it was luck or that he wasn't the main threat to him. The man whom stood taller then Orochimaru, with cyan hair, that was held into a high ponytail and long banes in the front as well, just side steped the snakes and dispatched them with a odd looking long sword which he put away as he looked at Orochimaru.
"Well, the snake is as overrated as I have been told, you are nothing, you will be killed as well all villages be eliminated soon, the age of the village is past, a new day is coming, you best wake up before it arrives. The ghost of the Uchiha shall cleanse the land from its old ways and usher in a grand new world far better then anything before, trust me, I Seiryuu am his first herald," he announced his voice as cold as ice as it came out, he smirked as he could tell Orochimaru was preparing for something of a bigger attack, and that time was up. He then was gone as fast as he had shown up not trace but evidence of a scroll remains for a long distance fast movement jutsu remained.
Orochimaru returned to work, his mind worried now, for he didn't know whom the new player was, and the term ghost of the uchiha, worried him a great deal. That could mean one person whom he thought had been killed someone whom he had trained himself. He knew it best to not tell those who knew him about this factor, not that would be far to dangerous. As the morning sun rose, he worked now on something new that his mind was on, a mystery that he was going to need to figure out, or he would find himself in a great deal of trouble.
human
Sakura Haruno
During the night whilst Sakura and Shikamaru slept, another figure slipped over towards Konoha. Sure enough, the pink-haired shinobi had been correct on her guess. It was Sai, whom had returned. He was alive but clearly tired and were anyone else nearby, the answer as to why would be easily revealed. He was carrying a barely conscious and alive Anko, whom he had found in an abandoned cave on the way back from Konoha via sensing a weak chakra signature. At the moment, the special jounin was borrowing one of his shoulders, a few low curses and winces passing her lips. But otherwise, she was staying silent like he'd asked her to do the walk back thus far. Onyx eyes glanced over to the pupiless ones, slight hints of concern within them."You okay, Anko-san?"He asked gently, his own voice barely above a whisper as they arrived at Konoha's gates.
"I .. have been better. All the same ... I've been worse. But .. thanks for ... for the effort all the same .... "The sight of a pale finger in front of her lips made her go silent as Sai spoke once again.
"We're almost to my place. You can eat and rest there; you'll need it."When he saw the shaky but affirmative nod from the elder kunoichi, his focus went back to in front of them both. And no sooner than both had slipped through the gates and back into Konohagakure did the two almost instantly feel an abrupt and new emotion. The atmosphere didn't have the typical, calm feelings. No .. it was so very tense. They looked to one another ... and knew something was incredibly amiss.
Still, Sai managed his own nod, though his head moved from side to side. Now wouldn't be the time to let emotions take over and the shaking hand over his shoulder hinted that if he didn't try to keep Anko calm, that would be exactly what would happen."Later. You're not going to be able to do much in your current state."He gently reminded her, quickly opening and closing the door to his residence. After locking it, he helped Anko sit upon the couch."Please .. just remain here for now. Things will be done and dealt with. But right now the only thing you should be doing is regaining your strength."
Anko's fists clenched, not bothering to hide the fact she was clearly annoyed. Still, the defeated sigh which passed her lips told Sai for now, he had won this small debate."Very well. You've got many good points, somewhat unfortunately. Thank you again. I know you don't have to be doing this."
"Have to? No. But I did promise Sakura-chan to keep my eye out for you."Onyx eyes glanced up to watch the woman head for the kitchen as he himself went to his bedroom. Upon finding it empty, Sai deduced the pink-haired kunoichi wasn't here at the moment. Hopefully, she was still safe. But he wanted to know for damn well sure on this. Grabbing a nearby pad and quill, he began to draw upon it. Three ink-outlined mice soon popped out from the piece of paper and to life.
A weary but genuine smile crossed his face as he gazed down to them."Go find Sakura-chan and let me know that she's at least safe ... please."And after a few weak squeaks, they ran off, sneaking under the door to his apartment and out into the streets of Konoha. They were smarter than usual and kept to more secluded and shadowed areas, ensuring to remain hidden away.
Within mere moments, two returned and Sai had seen through their eyes that she was indeed secure -- and with Shikamaru. The knowledge made him feel a lot more confident. She was one of the few teammates he still had left -- no, the only one. And he didn't want to lose her, not if it could be helped.
The mouse which hadn't come back stayed upon Sakura's chest, right below her breasts. And it would be one of the first things she would note upon waking up.
In fact, it damn well nearly made her scream. But she noticed the ink and smiled, a soft sigh passing her lips."...Good. He is back then. I'll try to rendezvous with him later. Until then, I hope he can wait for me."She murmured softly. Normally, Sakura would feel incredibly odd to even speak to an animal. But she knew this was a special case. No sooner than it seemed to hear her words did the small rodent disappear in a puff of smoke and ink combined.
Even as the mouse disappeared, Sakura's smile remained. With any luck, he'd been able to get a hold of most of the other nations and see about obtaining assistance. Both herself and Shikamaru had put so much faith into him .. and it was rare for him to fail assignments. Not without damn good reason, at least. Hopefully, he had avoided such scenarios.
Her arms remained gently around Shikamaru, continuing to keep him held as her mixed eyes glanced over his still sleeping form. He appeared to be adjusting from the DNA experiment well .. but she would make damn well certain of that. Her head fell gently upon his chest, using her ears to monitor his heart. It was at a normal and relaxed pace, a good sign. Now hopefully the outward signs he was showing matched him internally. She wouldn't want to hear she'd forced him to endure pain similar to what she'd felt. However, if she had, she would eagerly remedy that and work on getting rid of each and every ounce.
After all, they'd both need to have as much strength as possible.
gpt
Shikamaru was pretty swore when he woke up, his body still hurt a bit from the whole operation, but not nearly as badly as he thought it would look, and not nearly as bad as Sakura had looked when she had been done with her own operation not that long before. He slipped an arm around Sakura seeing that she was up before him, which really didn't surprise the young man in the slightest. He ran his finger over her cheek cressing it softly as he looked down at her.
"So, good morning," he said as he leaned down as much as he could to give her a good morning kiss. "Well any sign of any trouble this morning, seen the snake around yet," he asked curiously, wondering if he had missed anything while he had been asleep. He sorta stretched his arms for a moment removing them from her before replacing them back to where they happened to be moments before.
He knew that the senju gene was going to be hard to control, he knew that it caused problems for others, and the one person whom could really help in this matter was not around anymore. He figured he would have to be careful with this wood style ninjutsu, that it was very powerful as he had seen in the last fight, but he still couldn't picture himself doing anything like it to be frank. "So I didn't shot out any weeds or small branches while I slept right?" he asked in jest as he figured something to lighten the mood would be good at that moment in time.
Across town, Orochimaru was looking up though every file for any information about the person that he had ran into anything at all. He had to figure out whom he was against, and what info about their skills was on file. Yet, nothing was, this guy he battled was like a ghost someone who was completely off the record with skills which were quite impressive. He wasn't sure what to think, a danger he did pose, but it was the man he served he had a feeling whom was the true danger. He had to figure out what to do, and thus he would search on, most likely for the whole of the day to gather more information.
human
Sakura Haruno
Sakura's head shook no quickly."No. Something else has been keeping him occupied enough that he has yet to arrive."Hopefully, this was a good thing too and not something .. well, to quote Shikamaru, 'troublesome'. But with him having taken the position of Hokage, it was hard to begin to guess. Her eyes closed as her cheek moved gently, enjoying the feel of his hand against her skin. It may not have been an overly complex gesture, but it had a sweet and sensual emotion behind it. Even during this living hell, she could feel and better understand that all Sakura would endure wouldn't be done completely alone. And it helped keep her sane and willing to survive and endure everything that had occurred and would do so in the future.
"I did, though, see hints of someone else who arrived -- probably while we were asleep. Sai-san, he's back ... "An idea came to her mind as she glanced up for a few minutes."If you feel well enough ... do you think you could meet up with him and ask how things went? I'm never going to be able to, not with my new ... job."That in itself annoyed her greatly. But Orochimaru wouldn't pester for Shikamaru to be by his side like he was all but demanding for herself. This would, therefore, be one of the few ways to keep in touch with Sai without seeming like she was plotting behind the Sannin's back.
Her head shook no again, a low chuckle passing her lips."I'm pretty sure you didn't, no. I'd likely have some splinters, cuts, signs you otherwise had done so but seeing as I'm fine ... I'm pretty sure you didn't either. Your own body will probably take a few days itself to fully adjust."A low sigh passed her lips and only due to the reflection in both Shikamaru's eyes and the surface of the medical table, Sakura noted her own was working more towards finishing up. Instead of the fifty-fifty ratio, it was more along the lines of eighty-twenty, with her green being the lesser percent.
"... I guess I'm going to have to see Kakashi-sensei sooner than I wanted to."She added, her head going back upon Shikamaru's chest. Until he had to leave, she wanted to be with him for as long as possible. But before then, Sakura didn't overly like the idea of being alone.
gpt
He looked at her as he noticed the change in the eyes, it would be soon till her green ones were gone and her new oynx eyes were all that would be there. He listened to her idea, it was sound, going and seeing Sai and seeing what he knew was the best way to communicate, though, that too would have to be carefully done. He thought about the possibilities, and there were so many on how his trip went, and he wasn't at all sure how it had turned out. He was also curious to find out about this himself. He wanted to know how things were progressing, and knowing first would be a way to somewhat protect Sakura if things didn't turn out the way they wanted them to turn out.
"Deal, it seems like we are going to have to be busy today, you do as you said need to go see Kakashi, I am sure he can help you or give you tips to practice work with your eyes, and I will go see Sai," he said softly in agreement with her own statement, "I feel well enough to handle important business and that is important, it is just to bad Captain Yamato isn't around anymore, or I might be able to get a head start on my own skills," he sad as he then kissed Sakura softly on her lips, pressing his own lips against her lips for a good long moment, a kind of wake up kiss to relax himself if nothing else.
"So, we just need a time to meet back up here, I am guessing that if something comes up, you will know about it before me, and most likely I will be summoned here by the snake, sound about right?" he commented as he thought the situation over in his mind for a moment, "I will try to keep the meeting down to as little as much time to be on the safe side, and then we can think about what we should do next once we have all the information that is possible in our possession."
He paused, "moments like this thought, are why it is hard not to be at least a bit lazy though," he said referring to the chance to be snuggled up with Sakura as they were at that moment.
human
Sakura Haruno
"Mhm though to be fair, I doubt there will be few days I won't be somewhat occupied. Hopefully, however, the day where it'll be in more favorable terms will return soon. There's about a million other things I'd rather be working on or beside than him."The number was clearly an understatement but not the rest of the sentence. The longer Sakura had been forced to be Kabuto's temporarily replacement, the worse things had gotten. And knowing she would have to recover and help out said ninja in a few more days ... it was an unpleasant thought. She'd encountered him several times and neither had turned out the best. Though the first was likely the more merciful encounter, given she'd been able to fight off his Temple of Nirvana technique, something almost no one else had been able to do that day.
After a bit of a pause - and the morning kiss - Sakura looked down to Shikamaru."Maybe you can find some scrolls hidden away regarding them? In the current state, I doubt they'd deny you the ability to view them. But more importantly, better you find them than the Sannin first. That'd be what I'd tell whomever is even supposed to be keeping them hidden away."She distinctly recalled the time Naruto had gotten quite a bit of nerve and managed to steal one himself .. but was failing to remember if anyone had even guarded them and if so, whom. It'd seemed easy enough to think that maybe the answer was no one .. but that had also been done years ago. Time never stood still for anyone so there could be someone keeping the scrolls under closer watch now.
The main reason the answer could still be no truly was with how weakened and vulnerable Konoha was at the moment. Besides, the last thing on most of the other's minds, she imagined, was ensuring certain pieces of paper didn't get stolen away. Lives and safety were all at stake.
"... Hm, time? I'm not sure if I can promise one. But I'll definitely see about making myself available by sunset. It all depends on what Orochimaru has for today, really. Until then though ... I'll head to Kakashi-sensei once you go rendezvous up with Sai-san."Before then though, she really did want to remain beside him. Her smile widened slightly as her cheek moved gently along his hand at the comment of wanting to be lazy."So do I. Look what you're doing; rubbing off on me like this. Shame on you."She teasingly scolded him, pressing another soft but passionate kiss on his lips.
"That's okay though ... "She whispered softly in his ear upon pulling away and finishing the kiss."Even whilst I tried to chase Sasuke down and Naruto did the same with me ... I've never been quite this happy before. Thank you, Shikamaru."She murmured, her head going back upon his chest gently.
gpt
"I am very glad that you are happy, I know that I am happy with you as well, you are worth all the troublesome possible, for all the happiness you provide," he said with a smile as he looked at Sakura. Shikamaru could remember his father's words to him about women, and they seemed to ring true when dealing with Sakura. He held her for a moment longer, but he knew that he couldn't hold her all day, that they would have things to do and people to go and see as well.
He slipped out from the bed slowly giving Sakura time to move as well and made his way to his feet, he felt good enough to get around, which was good cause he was going to have to go and find Sai and Anko and have a talk with them. He smiled as he looked over at Sakura, "I will meet you when I meet you I guess," he said with a smile as he leaned over and kissed her one last time, before calling out to the guards and having them show him the way out of the place so that he might be able to go and find whom he needed to talk to that day.
Kakashi was sitting reading over something around the same time, he wasn't busy or anything, just had nothing else to do, and he happened to be avoiding another contest with Gai, which would be something he figured would happen, when he rain into the green clad shinobi. He just knew the basics and had been working to figure out what other things were going on and talking to others about their ideas and options to the problem at hand. He hadn't figured out anything, and thus he was sitting reading as he waited for nothing at all. He figured sooner or later Gai would find him and challenge him to something. That or he would go out and have lunch before visiting the graves that day.
human
Sakura Haruno
For a few moments, Sakura could almost swear sheheardthe seconds and minutes ticking away. But alas, when Shikamaru began standing up, she knew he was going to meet up with Sai for her. The fact they had a plan of action was still nice and it made her smile. It annoyed her she couldn't join him but knew it would be far too risky to attempt such a thing. Orochimaru would put two and two together and she would be in dire trouble with him. Swallowing softly, she snuck two fingers upon his wrist, doing a quick check-up on his vitals before he got out of reach and noted them.Stable ... thank gods ... After giving him one last soft smile, she slid off the table that had been a makeshift bed and got to her feet.
Her heart raced slightly. Sakura hadn't been near Kakashi much even during the war. The last time she could honestly say she'd been around him for a long amount of time had been ... the last time she saw Sasuke, before he tried to kill her. Both Naruto and Kakashi were the only reasons back then she was still here, alive and breathing. She couldn't say it was by any stretch one of her happier moments; if anything it'd been an eye-opening one. But it was annoying to just give up on Sasuke .. at least back then. Now ... it didn't matter.
Her feet seemed to hesitate, having two main places in mind. When the more dominant one suggested heading to the training center, where she'd been included officially in Team Seven first, her feet began to guide her there. Sure enough he was reading .. though for once, it didn't appear to be his "Icha Icha Paradise" book. That was new for her."Finally got tired of the books eh, Kakashi-sensei?"She lightly teased, managing a small smile.
Worse than Shikamaru hating her for Sakura sacrificing herself for the other women, Kakashi was probably the other main individual high up on her list. But with how he always went on about people who abandoned comrades were trash .. hopefully he wouldn't be mad at her. Her new 'job' had easily been revealed to everyone during the display to Tsunade; so she knew that Kakashi had put two and two together on that. But with her gaze averted, she doubted he had noticed all the DNA experiments and how they were turning out upon her.
"... I .... I need help ... "When he looked away from the book, he'd see exactly what she was referring to. And already, Sakura was trying to mentally prepare herself for an explanation.
Back at Sai's residence, he was helping ensure Anko took it easy, never doing anything too overly-strenuous and regaining her chakra. With ROOT disabled, there was no need for him to rush out and about. Hopefully his absence hadn't even been noticed while he was gone ... not by Orochimaru anyways. Rumors had swept into his ears when he returned with the Special Jounin. Things truly were bad, noworse, than Sakura had been able to hint. And for once ... no no, the second time, in his life .. Sai was genuinely worried.
Now that he thought back, the first was when Sasuke had just abruptly returned to the battlefield, claiming to be on Konoha's side once again. But it hadn't felt ... right. And it appeared his guess had been correct. He was glad in a way and not. In the long run, he knew the pain of losing him would be especially bad for Sakura. But at the same time, anymore future betrayals were now gone.
At the moment, Anko was now asleep. He himself was sitting in a chair, tapping a quill lightly against a pad of paper. He wanted to draw ... but what exactly? A low sigh left his lips. Hewouldtry Anko .. but didn't want to creep her out and thus decided against that. So he decided to forgo that idea, instead letting his hands rest upon the back of his head as his eyes closed gently. Simultaneously, he kept his ears very alert. Hehadto be on high alert; no one on Orochimaru's side was supposed to know of Anko. That was what common sense was hinting .. and it'd likely get him killed, but he'd do his best to keep her hidden away until she was stronger.
gpt
Kakashi heard Sakura arrive, he didn't look up when she came into the room, but focused still on the book knowing whom it was and that most likely if she needed him, she would bring up the topic, which he was sure also that she would do as well. Kakashi knew his student pretty well, and knew that in the situation they were in and after what had happened to her the day before, she would be there asking him for her help, he just wasn't sure what she would ask him to help with or her condition either.
"There is only so many times you can read the same books sadly," he mused as he looked up at her from the books, his eyes catching her eyes, and knowing right away what she was there for. He didn't again push the issue, just to make sure it was what he thought it was, and not jumping the gun at all in the situation.After he heard the request though, he slipped the book gently on the counter and nodded his head.
"How far along are they are you noticing any effects yet," he asked as looked at her, he figured not cause they were not really formed yet, "It shouldn't be to much of a issue to help you with this, given your natural talent at picking up things, it should really easy for you to pick up on the jutsu, genjutsu connected, though that being said all eyes can have different abilities," he commented calmly as he looked at her.
Shikamaru carefully slipped into the house and looked around for a bit as he looked at Sai, "Well now, I figure you have a moment to talk about daily stuff going on correct," he said as he looked over at the former Root member, "I think there some funny new stories being written up in the paper," he said giving a nondescript reason for meeting with the young man, and entering the house. He figured that Sai would catch up, that it was incase other eyes were on them.
He walked inside and waited for Sai for a moment making sure the place was secure, which he was sure it was given the fact that Sai was good at that sort of thing. He wondered what the news was, and he knew that he would have to keep the news for Sakura and update her on everything that had gone down the next time that he could.
human
Sakura Haruno
Her smile widened slightly as Kakashi replied to her joke. Finally, his gaze went up and to her eyes and she swallowed softly. When the question came up on noting anything, Sakura's head glanced up. Aside from the physical changes ... not really. And there was only one reason that she could begin to think of. Her head slowly shook no before she glanced down to Kakashi. He'd have to know the whole story, enough to understand her reply."I don't just have an Uchiha's, Kakashi. He kept a bit of DNA from Karin ... and I don't know if she revealed it to you or even knew herself, but she was an Uzumaki. So respectively and ironically ... I have my own former comrade's DNA. A lot of adjustments had to be made as it was, including Shizune intervening and altering my DNA to better accept theirs as it wasn't compatible at first."
She paused, nodding to herself to re-think on her guesses and ensure they all made sense."I'm not sure if one's been neutralized due to all the work that's been done, if it's just taking a while because of all the work or what. But only the physical changes have been noted, nothing more."A weary sigh passed her lips as she sat down across from Kakashi, her head bowing. How in the hell was she supposed to have these ready in two more days? It felt impossible, especially imagining just how much she had to learn regarding what exactly could be done with the new eyes.
Hopefully Sai was having a much easier time.
His head quickly nodded as two fingers went upon his own lips, giving a slight nod to the sleeping Anko."She was barely alive when I found her. Yes, go on and sit down."Before he joined the Nara in that concept, he first locked his front door and pulled any curtains in front of the windows. He didn't want anyone working for Orochimaru seeing or hearing them and all they were going to talk about. After a quick glance around, Sai took a seat upon the floor.
"Sakura-chan ... is she well enough? She seemed ... desperate for me to head out and didn't really get to fill me in much before I left. But going off the rumors I've heard since arriving, it's clear that Konoha's definitely been much better."And then it hit him .. he'd just been asked to report back, making him inwardly smile and chuckle at himself. He'd nearly missed the request due to his concerns. A light nod passed his head before he went on to return the favor.
"They all need time, unfortunately. After us, Suna took the most and worst amount of damage --- physical, emotional, mental and financial. They all have said about seeing what can be done but can't make any promises it'll be within a week. It's pushing more along the lines of a month and that's minimum. They did, though, give me days to head out and rendezvous with a shinobi from them and be given an update and hint as to when they can get over and help out."He knew it wasn't the best reply but it was definitely a step in the right direction.
gpt
Kakashi thought about her situation, a interesting mix, he figured he could understand the idea behind the combination at least, "emotions, that is what brings out the sharingan, your strong emotions and connection to others, worry, anger, the need to protect something, that can cause the first level of the sharingan to take hold and open up. You most likely won't have it when it changes," he said as he looked at her for a moment longer, "it is like a child whom has a sharingan, they don't have it at first either. Yet, you aren't a child, if you need to force it into happening perhaps focus on the feelings of lose, losing Naruto, losing Sasuke, and other such feelings," he advised her.
"The greatest problem I have had with the Sharingan is stamina, it can drain the stamina right out of you very quickly, it will take practice to get use to the drain it has, before you can do things like like copy moves or genjutsu with the sharingan," he informed her, "yet, I am sure with your chakra control, you will advance in this area faster then normal," he said looking back towards the bar he was sitting at. "Sakura is there anything else I can do to help you, besides train you, I know things are bad, so if you need help do not be afraid to call on me, I am not bad with this whole ninja thing afterall."
"Sakura is doing well enough, she has gone thought a lot since you left, she nearly has complete Uchiha eyes, and her sensing skills are picking up really quickly, She has had a busy couple of days, and the experimentation by Orochimaru has increase, Ino and my self have both been experimented on as well, the former Hokage has been publicly embarrassed and I think that might be the least of our worries," Shikamaru commented with a softly sigh following his comment.
"You see now, Orochimaru has been around us for the last few days straight, but today he hasn't been around, I ahve a bad feeling like when you can smell a storm on the horizon that will come at some point," he said as he shook his head, "I think a month will have to do, we will have to figure out a way to get though this month, I don't know what Orochimaru will do, but most likely the experimentation will increase in scale, and things will continue to get worse. Still there is hope in that we have a time at least for how long we have to hold out."
Shikamaru thought about this new challenge, Sakura wasn't going to be happy, but it was what they had to deal with, "Did you see Konohamaru's team while you were out, they were on their way to Kumo to get aid from them, along with my mother," he informed him, it was his card he was playing in a back up plan, but it would take much longer to get to Kumo then it would to take to get to Suna. He figured that either way a month was about how long they would have to wait at the least.
human
Sakura Haruno
So .. have another crying fit? It did seem like the easiest way from what he was hinting. But she'd done that ever since their loss, though she supposed that was also before Orochimaru had ever waltzed into Konoha. It annoyed the hell out of her to some extents. Hadn't she done this so much over the past few days? And even during the time she'd been forced to take the two sets of DNA?Gods, is it really not working?!Panic instantly overwhelmed Sakura, her teeth gripping her lower lip as her head bowed and fists clenched.
It was true that she was trying to take better initiative and be in front more as opposed to having someone guard her. But now really was the time she wished someone could at least be at her side, if nothing else. And the lack of Naruto or Sasuke made her heart ache; then again, neither would be able to behave around one another more likely than not. Her eyes finally managed to look up as a weak smile crossed her face.
"I'm glad you have so much faith in me .. but I honestly have no clue. All I've really been able to do is tag along ... play his cards. I don't know if I can, knowing what he wants this for is to get Kabuto out of a comatose state."It made her sick and disgusted, even more than when she had to publicly humiliate Tsunade. True, she'd had help --- but no one needed to know that, especially not the Sannin. And yet it was when her mind went to Tsunade that she realized, thatwouldbe the third day. So by the time she headed out to retrieve Kabuto, Tsunade would likely have her execution done.
"What am I doing?!"She murmured, falling to her knees as she hid her face."It probably wouldn't be good to see her in the current state before ... but .... still .... "Her voice and body were shaking and even with her face hidden, a few tears slipped from in between her fingers."Don't .. don't join Naruto and Sasuke please. You nor Sai. If all of Team Seven ... because of me ... me failing to be able to have done anything .... I ... I don't ... "
A whimper passed her lips and her hands covered her face tighter, a scream soon leaving."It hurts! Ngh ... "The push she'd needed seemed to have finally come, though she could literallyfeelthe change actually happening now. It was like her eyes were being lightly etched and carved in order to have the proper alterations done ... and goddamn it hurt like a bitch. Her left hand stayed in front of her face, a bit of blood mingling in with the tears as her right outstretched, trying to feel for a hand. Once she found it, she moved herself closer beside her sensei and squeezed on his hand, shuddering and shaking as the pain continued.
Sai remained silent the entire time, unsure how to react. He was normally stoic and yet the news was actually making him angry, even annoyed. He'd left Sakura at no doubt the worst time and hadn't been able to do much. But if even Shikamaru and Ino had been experimented on, it seemed as if this had been bound to happen regardless of whether he'd been in Konoha or not. Finally, he gave a slow nod in agreement. When the hints on experimentation becoming more frequent caught his ears, he gazed down at himself, wondering if he'd be exempt.
His bloodline wasn't quite as strong as anyone elses's ... not from a first evaluation. But the ability to draw something and make it somewhat real could be devastating if thought about carefully."Well .. until she's better, I'm going to see about keeping her hidden. She damn well nearly had a fit upon hearing Orochimaru's name; it took an amount of convincing to get her to behave. I'm also going to assume that my absence wasn't noticed and use that to my advantage."
When the question regarding Konohamaru's team or even his mom was brought up, he had to recall. His head shook no after a few moments."I think, though, Kumogakure is in the opposite direction as Suna, isn't it? I wouldn't have run into them and the distance is longer anyways. But if they headed out the same time as me, they should be back in a few more days if not sooner."He replied, hoping to reassure the Nara. Though Sai had always been alone, he knew that hadn't been the case with Shikamaru. He'd had a father before the war had begun .. the thought of his mother being added in wouldn't be, he guessed, a pleasant one to consider.
gpt
Kakashi held her hand tightly as she went under the transformation, he was sure it was a pain in the butt for her, something that she would rather not have to go though as well. He held the hand comforting as he noticed the change, it was a sad state that the village was in, but the best he could do now was just help his former student, and make sure that she was alright, and do the most he could for her.
He could tell the stress in her voice, as well as the seeing it with his eyes, or eye given that one was closed at the moment. He looked at her and gave her a calm, collected look as he looked at her, before he hugged his student. He knew her well, he knew her strength and that she was stronger then she knew. He just hugged her for a moment, he was sure she would need the hug, and that the hug was something that could help as much or more then words. He let her release some of that stress as he hugged his student for that moment.
"Sakura, you are one of my students, you were all capable, you are no less capable then Naruto or Sasuke," he said with a soft smile as he looked at her, he put his hand on her shoulder as he looked around, "I think that you are handling this far better then Naruto would of, or Sasuke, I think they would of both lost their cool and we would be in a state of war against ourselves by now," he said with a smile as he thought about adding something in as well. "You know they never found Sasuke's body, and Naruto's body isn't in his grave either," he said as he looked at the young woman. He wasn't sure she had ever been given that information, and it was high level information, but given the situation, he figured it best to share with her. "Still, I have no plan of going the way of the dodo, I am pretty good at this job, and I will be careful, you are the one whom needs to watch out right now, Sakura, keep your eyes open, and I am sure you will think of something to get us out of this fix."
Shikamaru nodded his head, "Well then, that should be most interesting, and I hope helpful in someway as well, I figure that we will need a good vit of force to retake the village, and we will find a way to get by for this month," he said nodding as het hought it over, it was going to be hard to get by another month, but it was something that was going to be needed. He looked at Sai for a second more. "Now, I will get ahold of you if anything comes up, and I will make sure that Sakura hears what you have told me, tell Anko good day for me when you can, I need to go and visit my former teammate, it was good seeing you, and take care of yourself," he said politely to Sai as he knew what he needed to know, and figure it would be best to slip out, which he did shortly after.
He walked over to Ino's shop and home and knew how to get it, he had been there so many times before. He hoped the door and slipped in, looking around, he figured that Ino was still worn down from the day before. He looked up the stairs, "Ino, are you home, if you are, I am here to visit and to check up on you," he called out as he looked in the direction of her room, the place he figured was the most likely for her to be at that moment.
human
Sakura Haruno
For what felt like forever, Sakura had no idea on how to speak up, only whimper shudder or tremble. But then the rather disturbing news on Naruto and Sasuke's bodies caught her ears and her head slowly moved off of Kakashi's chest and she began to open her eyes."... Wait ... what? So .. neither are ... dead? Is that what you're ... suggesting?"It was a very odd slither of hope, especially to think that Sasuke may be out there, somewhere. But it seemed impossible. She'dwatchedthe two battle, watched them die and kill each other. How ... ? Wouldn't she have noted or felt if a genjutsu had been used against her? Her lower lip bit and by the time Sakura had begun to get a grip on herself, Kakashi would see a good reason why she'd been in so much agony. The process had seemed to skip a step but her eyes weren'tjustSharingans --- they'd gone almost instantly to Magenkyos.
It seemed his advice on focusing upon emotions had been heeded very well, to say the least. Not only had it made the change hurry up but go to one of the most powerful phases.
Sakura's mouth opened to ask herself what happened, but got an easier idea. Her hand slowly pulled a kunai out and used it as a makeshift mirror. After a few blinks, she found herself staring at her new eyes and felt her pulse quicken slightly. True, it did explain why she'd been in so much pain, but she hadn't thought that it would be quite that effective. Swallowing softly, she slipped the kunai away, wiping away any remaining drops of blood upon her face."... N-now what?"She asked softly.
Shikamaru would see Sai bow his head before he got too far out of range. The weary artist took another glance at Anko and decided she had a smart idea and crawled into his own bed, deciding that rest would likely aid him out with being able to get inspiration easier.
At the flower shop, the bell to signal a person entering or leaving would gently echo in Shikamaru's ear. No reply seemed to immediately come up until a few moments later. An exhausted but otherwise Ino walked out from the back, giving Shikamaru a bow of head of acknowledgement, concealing her mouth to hide a yawn."Morning ... afternoon ... whatever time it is."A genuine smile crossed her face as she managed to catch his motive for stopping in and nodded slowly."I am, yeah. Just feeling a tad drained .. but not nearly as bad as I could be, actually. Which .. given all the work Sakura said she had to do is .. a bit unusual though I won't complain. Maybe being unconscious helped out in it's own way though ... "
She mused on the last sentence before waving her hand, deciding it didn't matter at the moment. A small sigh left her lips as she recalled the recent events, mainly when she'd let Shikamaru speak to everyone .. and their plan had failed. How was beyond her too, she'd ensured to select only minds whom she and Shikamaruwantedto know on the sabotage. And yet, it'd still gone wrong somehow ... which slightly infuriated her. Her eyes softened slightly as she asked gently,".... Now what? Do we really just live like nothing's happened?"After they'd both been experimented on, it was clear things would definitely get better before worse. The idea wasn't her best preference. However ... if it was something that would have to be done, she'd do so. It'd be a bit reluctant but otherwise followed through.
gpt
Kakashi looked at the young woman's eyes for a moment and paused as he could tell that they had advanced very quickly, they had the three rings that were assosicated with someone having the upperlimits of a sharingan, impressive, but it made sense when one thought about it, she had a lot of experience in battle, and she had gone though so much agony though her whole life, her life wasn't easy, and that was most likely why her eye had adapted and changed.
"I do not know if they are alive or dead, it is very possible, that someone in the village moved them somewhere different, once they figured their graves would be targets, it is also possible that they were stolen, and the village has been hiding the fact, and it is also possible they are alive, it is unknown to me what happened to them, but I think it might be a good idea at some point to figure out just what is going on," Kakashi replied to her statement before her eyes really started to advance themselves.
"First you need to learn to use the eyes, a figure that a bar is a horrible place to train them, you will need to get used to the vision, and I figure I should train with you to help you adapt, to help you leaern how it feels to copy someone else moves, most of it should come naturally, it actually wasn't that hard to learn, but getting used to the feeling of having it could be a challenge for you as it is different to be able to do so.," he advised as he stood up and put his book away and turned towards the door. "best we get heading towards a training ground, but even having thoughs eyes doesn't mean you can heal your target, each sharingan can have different unique skills such as Itachi's eyes and Obito's eyes had different skills, but we will figure out what yours can do while we train."
Shikamaru was glad that his former teammates was doing okay, he knew that it had not been easy for either of them and that things were changing, not just cause of Orochimaru, but cause he was in a relationship with her best friend. He smile as he thought about her statement, he had a plan, not one to take over the village that would be foolish at this point, best figure out where all the pieces were before making another bold move that could be risky and dangerous all at the same time. It was best to do something else.
"We have to sadly endure, one month, but I have a feeling something is up, and we need to know more about what is going on from Orochimaru, we need to be in the know and the only way to do that is to spy on him," he said as he looked at Ino, "that way, we don't get so badly caught by surprises anymore, to do this we need to figure a way near the snake, so that we can keep watch," he said as his eyes focused on her, "your skills make you perhaps the best choose in the matter, you can gather information from various sources and use people and birds and animals to keep watch over Orochimaru, which could work best to keep track as to what he happens to be up to at any moment in time," he said with a confident tone, he knew that Ino could pull this off, and he knew that it was very much needed as well.
human
Sakura Haruno
Just the thought of the bodies having possibly beenmovedalmost instantly disgusted Sakura. Even if that was the case, didn't people still need consent for such things? All the same, Kakashi was right. The best thing to focus upon at that moment wasn't yet the possibility that her comrades might be alive and hiding away somewhere but the training with her new eyes. It felt so odd .. having seen for herself and knowing it'd worked, though that was an understatement really. It'd gone practically perfectly, maybe even exactly how the Sannin wanted. And that alone made a shiver trail down her spine.
Her head shook no in understanding as the warning about having Sharingans didn't mean she'd be able to heal someone well enough."That ... that's fine. I'd rather use actual medical ninjutsu for that anyways, not risk trying something that isn't likely to work."Her feet and body shook, still clearly taken aback at all that'd happened. And it hadn't even been a full week yet ... or had it? It was damn close, that much was for sure. Her gaze went towards the ground as the idea of her having a unique skill was hinted. She'd been incredibly stupid and naive but had seriously thought all Uchihas had the same abilities. So to know there may very well be something else, something even Orochimaru had never seen before ... she wasn't certain whether to be more excited or terrified at that.
It'd likely give her an advantage in the long run. Simultaneously, it'd mean experiments upon her would only increase, especially after she helped Kabuto get back into Konoha. Her stomach clenched to think that after today's training was over, she'dhaveto report to Orochimaru and show him the changes were done. There were, thankfully, at least 48 more hours until she had to head out to get his first right-hand man ... but that didn't mean by any stretch of her mind this new training would be easy. In fact, it'd probably be more annoying than Kakashi's "bell test".
By the time her gaze went back up, Sakura's feet ceased moving as she saw they'd arrived. A small smile couldn't help but cross her face. This locationdefinitelybrought many, many memories back. They were good and bad .. though a bit more on the positive side for once. Exhaling softly, she glanced up to Kakashi. All of a sudden, she felt like a Genin once again."Alright then ... so .... what's part one exactly?"She asked, holding her wrists behind her back as the pink-haired kunoichi tried her best to at least mentally ready herself for the new lessons.
"... One month?! We'll be lucky he doesn't just massacre the whole village by then!"Color had likely drained slightly from her face to even imagine living withhimas Hokage for that long. One week would be preferable but ... beggars couldn't be choosers. Her right index finger caught a few strands of her blonde hair as she began lightly twirling it, a nervous habit of hers she did at times. A sly smirk couldn't help but cross her lips upon the new idea her teammate appeared to have.
"Spy upon the man who had one of his own as his right-hand man? If I didn't know you, I'd swear you were beginning to go just a bit insane, Shika. But ... hm .... "Her finger ceased as she rested her arms upon the counter in front of her, closing her blue eyes as she held up a hand to silently hint for him to wait a bit. She gave a nod as they opened within a few minutes, swallowing softly."There are several guards with him. And while it is true I could do it ... all of the possible techniques are short-range. Meaning we're going to have to risk getting close ... like outside the Hokage's office or something. And my only issue with that is not knowing if he's taken any precautions since the past few days. If he has, there'd be no way I can even begin to try to spy on him."
Her fingers tapped gently, nodding as she re-thought on his suggestion about using animals instead. And it made her snap a finger, shaking her head at herself."Never mind ... even better. Alright .... "Another teasing smirk crossed her face."You'll have to convince Sakura I don't keep swooning or trying to steal you though; wouldn't want her getting the wrong idea. Especially now that she's essentially taken over Tsunade's place .. and I don't feel like enduring one of her insanely strong punches."To many, the statement may have seemed out of place. But if she just let a more depressing mindset take over her, that wouldn't do her any good. So she tried to lighten the mood slightly, even if only a bit.
It'd be slightly risky to do the Mind Body Switch Technique from this far ... but it just meant focusing more on the thing she wanted to do it with instead. Pushing herself away from the counter, she glanced out the window and towards the Hokage's Office, getting it into the best possible view from her shop. Making the circle, she closed her eyes to focus again. After one last deep exhale, Ino's body collapsed backwards towards Shikamaru.
If he focused, the Nara would sense she'd put herself into one of Orochimaru's snakes. Thankfully, it was one he hadn't sent out of the office and thus wouldn't seem out of place if she remained. It was nerve-wracking, even in an animal's body, to be so close to the man. But to an extent, this was indeed easier. Humans could more easily give away that they weren't in their right minds, literally. Animals .. did no such thing, not really. She remained coiled up, hating having to be this close but more terrified of doing something out of place. One wrong move was all it ever took, especially after doing this technique.
At most, her head began to slowly move around, mentally noting the number of guards, where exactly they were, things of the like. All the while, she waited ... knowing that soon, the voice of the Sannin would echo in the room and her ears.
gpt
"Part one is simple, just watch, and observe, your eyes should be able to pick up on my movements and you should be able to memorize them really quickly, I will do the hand seals for the jutsu really slowly to help you pick up on them the first time, after I am done, I want you to give it a shot, if it works or not is not the key, the key is seeing if you can pick up the physical hand seals," Kakashi instructed Sakura as he looked at her looking towards another direction, but at a angle in which she could easily pick up the hand seals he was going to do. He as he told Sakura did each of the hand seals for the jutsu slower then normal so that it would be easier for her to pick them up with her eyes.
"Water Release, Water bullet jutsu," Kakashi announced as he shot a basic level ranged water jutsu at one of the targets before turning towards Sakura and looking at her, for a moment, "So were you able to pick up on the hand seals that were used in the jutsu," he asked calmly as he looked at her, he felt there was a good chance she did, but how she would feel about this almost cheating ability she now had, that would be interesting to see as well.
Shikamaru held Ino in his arms as she fell towards him, he knew that this was important, to spy on Orochimaru was key, so they would be able to see what he was up to, and he had faith in his teammate, she had a lot of skills and abilities, she was the only one whom could pull off such a thing and have a hope of getting away with it.
Orochimaru wondered back into the office, he was very vexed as he walked in, slamming another folder on the desk hard, as he opened i t, it was a lits of missing shinobi, it was a old report too, before the war, actually over a year before the war, it was the last place he could look, it was thick and had much more information the the bingo book did. As he read, he was so focused on finding the blue haired trouble maker from earlier that day, he didn't notice the snakes at all. His eyes scanned though each of the pages as he looked at the faces of the people, he had to find the person somewhere, they couldn't be some kind of ghost.
He stopped as he looked at the picture of the youngster, it was dated 3 years before the war, the young man in it fit the describition of what he saw though perfectly. Orochimaru looked at the file for a moment longer, "Well now, I have found you, Seiryuu Yugama, missing shinobi of the Waterfall Village," he said to himself as he then ordered an assistant to come into the room, and then ordered the man to go to waterfall and gather as much information about the troublemaker. As he left he sat down and sighed, "the ghost of the Uchiha, hmm, I wonder if they are just using that name for cover, whatever that must be it," he convinced himself as he then slipped out of the room and head to go work on his experiments more.
human
Sakura Haruno
To any other set of eyes, the hand seals would have looked impossible to follow. It was one of Kakashi's specialties; he'd purposely made his hand seals faster than usual over the years to better and quicker execute moves. But to her astonishment, they seemed to be in slow motion as she watched them. The seals continued to replay in her head even after her sensei was finished. A slow nod left her head before looked silently to one of the targets. The 'replay' had stopped one last time but not before she allowed herself to be able to remember the appropriate sequence. Even as she performed them, her own hands seemed so much faster on their own naturally. She swallowed softly, watching the same Water technique happen -- but now from her own hands.
It looked as if the effects were as devastating and powerful as they'd appeared, both before and during having the Magenkyos."I ... I did it would seem."She managed to reply, smiling softly as she set her hands down in front of her, feeling them tremble slightly."I .. see what you mean on needing to get used to this though. It really does feel weird as hell. N-not in a bad way but still .... "
She exhaled softly, getting a mental grip on herself as Sakura nodded after a while."A-alright ... I guess I'm ready again ... "She added, her eyes ready to look upon the target once again and mentally note another new technique to use .. or whatever exactly Kakashi intended to show her.
'Ino's' head tilted up slightly as the footsteps were heard. She had to almost slither away with how close the bastard had stepped on her. The first thing she noted save an unusually serious expression in his eyes was the folder he was carrying. She inwardly cursed and even after the Sannin left, Ino knew what she had to do. It was incredibly risky but if it was done at practically the perfect time, this would be worth the double usage of her jutsu. Once Orochimaru was out of view, she mentally noted the direction he headed off to ... and shuddered.Ugh, those damn labs again ...
Thankfully, she didn't have to immediately go there just yet.
First thing was first ... she switched back to her normal body, panting and breathing softly. She said nothing aloud and the signal of her making the circle once again would be all Shikamaru would need to see to know what was going to happen. A low groan passed her lips before she moved again, this time to one of the guards in the room. She felt the body almost instantly tense and even try to shove her out. But his willpower still wasn't enough and finally, she subdued him enough to make the next move.
She remained silent as her fingers pressed firmly into the side of the other guard's neck, watching him collapse. Even without the Hyuugas, everyone had been taught some basic anatomy and pressure point knowledge, thankfully. So she did know a few things that Neji would have known all of. It'd be incredibly risky .. but she'd known this from the get-go. Closing the folder, she tucked it away ... and then returned back again to her body.
"Goddamnit ... "She murmured, blue eyes weakly opening as she set the folder down, her panting and breathing having increased quite a bit by now."I .. forgot ... how exhausting this is. Though I've never really had to use it multiple times either. Hm ... "Her eyes closed once again, now focusing on where Orochimaru's labs were. It was easy enough to pick up chakra signatures and not just because it was one of her specialties. She'd been there before, so she knew exactly where to sense for.
It'd been like she'd expected; guards outside the lab."Hopefully this should be the last time for a while. Read over that and figure why him trying to seek this 'Seiryuu' down mattered so much. There may be something I didn't get to find."And with that, she went silent once again.
Soon, she reappeared in one of the guards outside the lab. The face she'd taken over looked as serious and calm as it had been .. but deep down, poor Ino was nervous as hell. And with her in a very weakened state - but at least not wounded - one wrong move would truly be the worst thing to happen to her right now. If it weren't for the fact there was another one so close beside her, Ino would have gladly made a telepathic link with Shikamaru to better keep in touch with him. But she couldn't .. not yet. Besides, that would likely be pushing her limits regarding how much chakra she'd used. And she didn't want to deplete herself completely; she'd still need some left over.
The guised guard remained quiet, hearing nothing save her pulse as she waited for a better hint on what he was trying out now.
gpt
Kakashi looked over as he noticed Sakura's eyes, they were at the final stage, which meant that he hoped it wouldn't have the draw backs, due to not being natural, which he figured was the case, but one never knew given Orochimaru and what his plans might be or what they might not be. He figured that they would have to figure out something on how to deal with him, but there was so much wrong with the world at that moment. They needed Naruto more then ever, and sadly he was no where around.
"Yes, it is different from what you have ever done before, so thus, it is odd, and yet, it takes time to adjust to it, there is one thing you should be aware of, even though you can copy a move it doesn't mean you can just copy it. This basically means taijutsu, I am sure you remember way back when we first meet Rock Lee, he challenged Sasuke and defeated him, Sasuke could see Lee's attacks and copied them, but at that time, he wasn't able to do them cause he wasn't physically able to do them, thus you will have the same limits," he said as he looked over at Sakura before he refocused on the target that was ahead of himself, using the same basic hand seals before he shot off another water bullet jutsu at the targets.
Shikamaru watched as Ino came back and left again, she was pushing herself, and while he was naturally a bit worried for his teammate, remembering the feeling of almost being killed from lack of chakra once during the final fight with Obito, he knew she had come a heck of a long ways, and her skills were rather amazing, and she could handle herself. He watched her carefully having moved into an more isolated area of the store, so that no prying eyes would be upon them as she did her work. He felt the connection the second time, he knew that whatever she found had to be extremely important, and valuable to the village.
The guards were moving back and forth, the other one was quiet not saying a word standing like a statue as he looked out before he noticed something, that looked like a mouse or something small, which got his attention, it ran off fast, and something told him, that it was something he needed to look into, He turned to the guard that Ino was controlling, "I will be back in a couple, I need to double check that wasn't so type of trouble," he said referring to the mouse like thing he thought he saw move by himself so quickly moments before.
Inside was a file that Orochimaru was keeping on this new group, the only files being that of Seiryuu, and the other being on the ghost Uchiha, no information on the ghost Uchiha, but plenty on Seiryuu, well what was to be found, his home village, and his gennin rankings as well as the jutsu type he used when taking down guards to get into the city,The front had a marker of priority on it, he needed to know more about this person. The last paper was on the group and the information that the group wanted to destroy all villages, the basic stuff he had heard from Seiryuu that day. Under the folder was one other one, that had the plans for the mind control jutsu inside of it, as well as some of his plans for whom to use for what experiments and the experimental crossing of dna plans inside of it as well.
human
Sakura Haruno
A small nod of acknowledgement left Sakura's head as she paid heed to all Kakashi was saying, subconsciously running a hair through her pink locks. Even though it was short in length, she felt as if it were much longer, similar to back when she was younger in age. The memories made her smile slightly. Maybe she should let her hair regrow again? Shehadliked it longer and was an annoying sacrifice to have made. But now that herself and Ino were done fighting over Sasuke .. it seemed silly. It was time to do certain things for herself once again, that could easily be one, yes? She saw no reason why she couldn't.
It was quiet but the sounds of hands moving still got her attention all the same. Sakura's glance moved over in time to see Kakashi doing another water technique. No sooner than her eyes copied it did Sakura begin to copy the movements. But then, a realization made her panic about half-way, yet she still proceeded with the seals all the same.Oi, baka, wait! You don't have a chakra type!But maybe it was becauseofthat sole fact ... that it worked ... anyways? She blinked, slightly confused as she looked down at herself for a moment before back to Kakashi.
"...W-wait. Since I don't have wind like Naruto or any already designated element ... does this mean jutsus will be easier actually?"After all, the worry about the 'chakra opposites tree' was now gone in such a body like hers. Therewasno opposite, no worries on what was 'wrong' or 'right' to cast from her. Sakura suddenly felt her stomach clench tightly, making her arms go across it, her knees shaking so hard they threatened to cause her to fall and sink to them soon.
Dear gods, all of this was thought out so far. He knew all this from the get-go ... didn't he? He's likely planned it all even before setting foot here, ne?
Then again, that first set of Ninja cards that Kabuto stole during the Chuunin exams years ago ... they were never retrieved, were they? Her face drained slightly of color as she remembered the answer to be no. Age, height, weight could change throughout the years. But one thing that never did was chakra types or lack of ... not lest they were forced to via experiments anyways.
Ino made the guard do nothing save give a simple nod, terrified of speaking the wrong words or anything else. When she was alone, her eyes peeked slowly in the labs.He's ... gone? Odd. I saw him head here.To some degree, this made everything easier for her and more difficult simultaneously. She wouldn't have to worry about being interrupted -- not at the time, anyways. But she'd have to be faster than usual, not knowing a definite time frame on when the Sannin would or wouldn't return here. And she definitely wouldnotwant to be caught red handed doing all she was in this body. It'd make alarms go off -- maybe in a very literal sense.
Her eyes first caught sight of that 'Seiryuu' figure once again. Her eyes narrowed as she read the name 'Uchiha' in it.Tch, please. What Uchihas? They're all gone ... All 'natural' ones were, at least. The new and forced Sakura was becoming one in a sense and some could call Kakashi one, albeit he was also forced like Sakura. But not nearly in the same aspects or degrees .. his eye had been an offer, a gift. Poor Sakura had little to no say in the matter and she felt her heart sink for her friend. Tucking the file away under her arms, her body froze as she read up on the second file regarding the mind-control jutsu.
Bu...but ... that ... requires ... She didn'twantto finish her thoughts, shakily and hastily grabbing it.Don't panic, don't panic ....It was even harder to get Ino to such points like this than Sakura. But right then and there, she couldn't help it. She'd never admitted to SakuraorShikamaru she hadn't been overly fond of the first set of experiments. But she'd tolerated it well enough for a few reasons. For one, it'd been Sakura who'd done it and thus mercy was given to her. Two ... with the element of mercy came the ability to be put into a state of unconsciousness. Pain wasn't an issue and even with being slightly sore, that wasn't nearly as bad as it very well could have been.
Three ... wait, which was that? She felt like there was one but her heart and mind were racing too fast to recall. Her head shook as she made her feet move once again. Regardless, the concept wasn't one that she overly enjoyed just fromthinkingabout. Hell and no! This was supposed to be something unique toherclan alone! Not to some bastard like Orochimaru. The mix of fear and anger were surging through her as she returned to her post. Sneaking a glance around to ensure she was alone, Ino made damn well certain that she was alone before returning to her own body and Shikamaru.
Three files in a matter of minutes was more than good enough. More than that, she didn't know if she could handle leaning much more, honestly."Either get me to your place ... or close this one and quickly, please."She murmured, a few struggled coughs and gasps leaving, shaking hands clasping the two new files to herself closely. It wouldn't take a genius to realize sabotage had been performed against Orochimaru once the files were found missing. And when they were, there'd be a search, a manhunt. Knowing she was now already wanted for another experiment was bad enough. Shedreadedthinking of herself as a prisoner --- or likely, worse. A to-be-executed kunoichi with her luck and 'crimes' against the new 'Hokage'.
gpt
Kakashi blinked and thought about her question for a moment, it was a good question to have for him, and he thought seriously about the ramifications. "Well, someone whom isn't naturally attuned to one element might have a easier time to pick up on more then one, though, I do find it odd you are not attuned naturally to one, have you ever been tested to see if you were?" he asked curiously, it was possible she had never been tested to see what she was attuned too, heck naruto didn't know till he was 16, and she had gone into learning medical jutsu which would mean ninjutsu wouldn't be important to her till now.
He looked at her, "you just need to relax, you are improving learning a new skill takes time, and one as complicated as the sharingan has to take more time, at least that is my logic. Even people whom are attuned to a element can learn multiple, such as myself or sasuke, it is nothing to be worried about, now, is there anything else bothering you besides this trouble with Orochimaru we are having right now," he added in curious, as he could tell she had been under a lot of stress and the best way sometimes to deal with such things was to come out and say what was bugging you.
Shikamaru could tell that this jutsu for Ino was not something easy and was challenging her limits. He knew the best way to get to his own home. He nodded as he continued to carry Ino, slipping from her house, he looked both ways, and walked into down the street a short ways before he slipped into the woods that were around his family's home. He walked though them quietly, knowing that it was the best way to approach his home, and that it would be the least troublesome route. As he walked, he hoped that Sakura was having success at working with Kakashi at the same time.
Shikamaru slipped into his home and carried her to the living room, laying her down on the couch gently, as he walked over to the kitchen and got a glass of water and carried it and put it on the table next to the couch, so that Ino could have the water, knowing she had to be worn down from all the work she had done that day. He sat down in a chair across from where she was laying and looked in her direction.
"So, it seems like we are going to have a lot more problems then I first though," he mused as he looked towards one of the windows, the connection had worked and he had seen what she had, it wasn't good news at all. "We have two large problems, and they might or might not be related, thought I doubt it, unless this person, is whom Orochimaru plans to try out his mind control jutsu on first," he mused not knowing that the two things were completely unrelated to one and another. It seemed to him they might be given that the two files were stacked up on each other. Still, figuring out whom this person was, might be very helpful, but he had no idea how to do that, he couldn't leave, nor could Ino, or Sakura, they couldn't get Sai to leave when he was taking care of Anko, either.
human
Sakura Haruno
Sakura nodded slowly."From .. what I remember even back in the Academy, they could never find one. Even when Shizune helped me do my blood enhancement surgery, she had my file from then."She inwardly cursed, wishing she had bothered to peek at her own information. But it was fair to assume one usually knew everything about oneself. This hadn't only dawned on her until now, the fact she had no chakra type and how many ways it was easily both good and bad. Her knees finally gave in as she fell upon them, her arms still holding herself as a weak smile managed to cross her face."I just .. feel ... so very disgusted, sick ... like a damn marionette even almost."
Shikamaru and the others were one of the few factors reminding Sakura this wasn't the case just yet. She was forced like a puppet, yes. But far from it. Puppets didn't have minds or souls; she at least had those even if she didn't feel like it always."Aside from that? Just really, really exhausted; physically and mentally. I suppose I'm not exactly fond of Tsunade's execution or having to retrieve Kabuto either ... though nothing else is immediately coming to mind."Her right hand shakily moved away and unwrapped from around her midsection, moving pink strands out of the way of her Magenkyos and behind an ear.
"I just .. want a damn break. But that's not gonna happen for ... a while."She finally confessed, sighing softly as she let herself fall on her back and rest upon the grass, glancing up at the sky like Shikamaru loved to do so often. Peace ... where had it gone so swiftly? And why,whyin the hell had the Elders agreed to let Orochimaru take over? Did they really forgetwhomexactly he was? Had he forced them? The Sannin had insisted no but ... no sane person would just let this happen. Right? It felt like her and all of Konoha's world had abruptly been flipped upside down and the sensations were less than pleasant.
The steps towards Shikamaru's place seemed brief enough. Then again, Ino had used a good majority of her chakra with all the switching around. Time estimations were likely not as easy for her to determine as usual. Soon enough, she found herself in his place and upon a couch. She sat up to sip the water, setting the files shakily down on a table across from her. The very stoic expression upon her comrade's face suggested he'd gone into his 'thinking mode' and was trying to figure something out. Setting the glass of water down on the table, her head fell against one of the pillows on the couch as she tried to help him.
First thing was first ... and that was to relay the unfortunate facts. Her head shook no slowly as she went onto explain."Our telepathy and mind control - switching, whichever you want to call it - is specifically known only to the Yamanakas. We don't teach anyone else those. He ... "She bit on her lower lip as a shiver trailed down her back. The blonde didn't want to finish the sentence but damnit, shehadto."He'll likely need me first before that can even be successfully attempted at all. Seiryuu .... isn't that a significant name from myths or something? It rings a bit of a bell, honestly though that may be irrelevant."
Her eyes closed as she rested upon the couch, still quickly thinking. Even without looking at him, Ino could feel his uneasiness and anxieties, especially on making a move."Make a clone and relay the information to someone else in ANBU would be the best thing that comes to my mind. That way, you wouldn't be leaving but still getting information. But the only person who is or was even in ANBU and still alive are Sai and Kakashi ... unless I'm forgetting someone else who's alive and we can rely upon."
Yeah yeah, Sai was in ROOT but still ... it's close enough, yes?The point would get across, if nothing else. Shikamaru would understand what she meant regardless of how it was or wasn't worded.
gpt
Shikamaru nodded as he thought about the dragon in legend, he wondered if there was any connection between that and the person, "perhaps there is, it could reference his style of fighting or his importance, if we knew the other names we might be able to figure it out, for that legend talks of four creatures if my memory serves me correctly," Shikamaru said as he created the clone and looked at the clone for a moment before the clone took off and left.
"I would agree, but Sai has to watch out for Anko, I think it best we send the clone to Kakashi, then he might run into Sakura and inform her on what happens to be going down as well," he said as he rubbed his chin just a bit thinking for a moment, "I wonder if this ghost Uchiha person is using the hideout Akatsuki that are still unknown out there or if he is using Uchiha hide outs, maybe he found a map of them, and got some gear from them, Orochimaru would know where the Ataksuki hide outs are, and he didn't seem to show any movement towards them, so I guess he isn't thinking of that as a possiblity, or he knows it isn't the case."
"We know why he wanted to experiment on you know too, at least we have some answer, and some clues to go alone with the loads of questions that are still in the air," he mused. Something was bugging him, something felt like this group if they were against them, would use the situation more in their favor, which they were not, they were playing a different game he figured, but what was it.
Kakashi listened to his former student letting her get out what she had to say, he hoped that it would help and that it would help be a destresser to some degree. He nodded his head, "that I can understand, but sadly our work is hardly ever done, part of the job, I figure." he said pausing for a moment, "especially when someday you have students to watch out after, but it is something that a teacher takes pride in too," he mused."You are doing well, given the situation, far better then you are giving yourself credit, when this is all over, maybe you can talk the villages into having a big meeting somewhere tropical," he added in as he knew someone had arrived.
"Good," the clone Shikamaru commented as he looked at the pair of them, "I have some information that I need to tell you, Kakashi, and it is good your hear as well," Shikamaru said as he walked up and then took a deep breath. He went about telling the both of them, what he had been up too, what information that he had been able to come across indirectly, the information about the attack and Seiryuu, and the Ghost Uchiha as well as in formation on the mind control jutsu too. He looked at the both of them as he finished giving the information, waiting for a reaction, noticing that Kakashi has a serious look, or what he figured was one on his face.
"Okay, hmm, so that was what I heard this morning, interesting, a new rouge group already formed, one wonders if it is a Madara copycat group wanting to use the name to strike up fear and thus an advantage over any possible enemies," Kakashi mused after hearing the information.
human
Sakura Haruno
Ino gave a slow nod, glad he'd confirmed her own thoughts. It had sounded very similar to a name regarding a mythical creature and to hear him say just that all but clarified it. Maybe not perfectly but enough to make a head start for themselves. Sitting carefully up, she began going through each of the two files regarding this Seiryuu person. She double, even triple, checked each before her head shook no."Either the others haven't been found or don't exist. It's all hard to figure out."A still slightly shaking hand laid the files down, her mind trying to think of any and everythingbutwhat she'd just finished doing. Still, she couldn't help but wonder just how much time she had left before the Sannin would send others over. By now, would he even want to experiment on her? Or would he just outright kill her for stealing the files?
It was all enough to make her gaze to them, biting on her lower lip for a few moments before glancing over to Shikamaru."Burn them? Somehow ... get rid of them?"She suggested, hoping to make it even just a bit easier on herself. It was incredibly selfish, she knew. They'd all been taught to face each and every challenge head on, not run from them. But this was no doubt one where Ino wouldn't mind trying to break the rules. Whether it'd succeed or not .. that was a different matter. But if it could be attempted and at least have a chance at saving her life, would it not be worth doing?
Her head throbbed slightly as she massaged it, trying to calm her racing mind and heart. Letting it fall back on the pillow, she began taking steady breaths in and out through her mouth and nose respectively.Don't think about it ... And yet, the task was easier said than done. It made a small smile cross her lips as she managed to go to Sakura.Oi, hope you're having much better luck and less stress than me. You'll likely need it.
The sounds of footsteps made Sakura tense up but as the chakra signature got stronger, she exhaled in relief."Hey Shik ... "She murmured softly, inwardly cursing at having been found in a weak-looking position so easily. Ah well, better by him than someone else. She gave Kakashi a quick nod to suggest she heard him clearly and understood all that had been said to her. It translated into a simple concept, just not one she enjoyed. He'd said nothing less than the unfortunate truth. The thought of being a teacher made her inwardly chuckle. It was odd but between having children or students, the latter seemed more difficult to her somehow. Besides, with her forte being in medical ninjutsu, it seemed easier to remain at the hospital.
As she gazed up to look at Shikamaru, he'd see the change had finished and even skipped the first step, having gone immediately to the Magenkyos instead. Regardless, the same green hues were no longer there. She frowned upon hearing the name of this supposed ... group?"... Uchiha ghosts?"She'd been ready to ask Kakashi if this was some stupid joke. But if anything, he only proved that it was very real, as apparently their existence had been brought up within ANBU.
" ... So ... this is for real?"She didn'twantto be! Damnit, they'd just finished a war against Madara. If these people were anything like him ... it made a shiver trail down her spine. Those who had lived had barely done so. Enough people had been lost in the last war as it was. She didn't want to begin thinking on what very well could andwouldhappen to any and everyone living in Konoha should her thoughts be correct. The knot in her stomach tightened even more. Things truly had seemed to go from bad to worse. They never used to .. not until Orochimaru showed up.
She'd never been so close to genuinelyhatingsomeone before. But here Sakura was, ready to give into that exact temptation. Perhaps one of the few things keeping her held back was recalling what it did to Sasuke. Disgust, annoyance, despair, anger ... the emotions all began going through a mental washing machine, going through the spinning and repeating cycles.
gpt
"Most likely the others have not been found yet, the odds are, that this group as just been recently found, and it is much larger then we thing, normally groups don't just comprise of one person," he said as he looked at the file, he took the second file and put it on a desk and then took a deep breath as he sat down and focused his mind thinking back to the past, using his skilled mind and great memory to try to recall something he saw from Yamato the time they battled together against Akatasuki together.
"Wood release, wooden crate jutsu," he said as he focused his mind around the basic handseals that seemed to given the wood user control over his jutsu. As soon as it was done a box formed quite quickly, building itself from the ground itself as a average sized create was formed and he put the two sets of folders into it and sealed the box with a seal that his father used for important things and documents that the family was to keep hidden. His father had to read though many important papers from the council meetings, and he had seen how to make that type of seal once or twice.
"This will work, if we had burned them, then if we have to show people, our allies why they are helping us, we can't, this is so, that we can show the world the dangerous that are facing them as well, maybe we can work to bring back some type of alliance again, between us, at some point," he said looking over at Ino, "I have a feeling this threat doesn't only face us, but will face the other villages too, especially if it is anything like last time."
Shikamaru listened to Kakashi's statement as he moved over closer to Sakura, maybe it was out of some unknown desire to be closer to her, or just the need to comfort the pink haired woman, that he had now.He looked at her and smiled, "well at least, you have some skills down, I bet," he said softly, "I also started using the wood release today," he said as he looked at her, he was a wood clone, not a normal shadow clone."
"So he attacked this morning, that would mean that he was trying to get attention, if he just came and attacked and left, which it seems like, then it was to send a message, an announcement of the arrival of a new player on the worlds stage, or that is how I would take it, otherwise they would either of come in force, or attacked in force," Shikamaru mused outloud as he looked at the two of them. "One has to wonder if similar attacks have or haven't happened in the other villages," he added in as he let out a sigh.
"Most likely they have," Kakashi commented as he looked at the file, "I can tell, this has caught Orochimaru off guard, cause normally the snakes has near perfect information on everything. The mind control jutsu, that seems up his alley though. What this means for support from other villages might not be so good though, if they were attacked, they might not want to go and help others while they need to defend themselves," he mused out loud.
human
Sakura Haruno
An eyebrow lightly raised as Ino watched Shikamaru work on the jutsu. A smile crossed her face as she nodded lightly to him."Heh, not bad. That's actually pretty good."It made her think back to the useless ice chakra which had been forced into her body. Maybe therecouldbe another use for it? It'd likely involve more medical procedures. But if she broke down the ice ... making it effectively just water and wind chakras, she'd have three types. She could expand on her ninjutsu. It made her grin widen more.That .. actually doesn't sound too bad. Yay, me!But she couldn't do it just yet. She'd already used far too much chakra up as it was. Maybe tomorrow ... assuming she wouldn't be sought after for the unwanted experiments now.
And then another realization dawned on her, one that made Ino's eyes widen as she sat right up."Son of a bitch, that's it, isn't it?! The additional chakras ... he gave them ... that's why he wants to learn the Mind Control. Obtaining that will get rid of any and all drawbacks from giving us the additional DNA ... "A frustrated groan passed her lips as her blonde locks fell back upon the pillow, her hands covering her face quickly to muffle a not-so-typically heard array of curses pass her lips. She was frustrated, angry. How had she not seen this sooner?! True, it was Shikamaru who was the genius but the motives had all but been spelled out as far as Ino was concerned.
Her hands slowly moved away from her face, shaking as she looked down to them. Was there really no way to stop this? Her eyes went upon the seal that Shikamaru had put upon the crate ... and then back down to herself." .. If we could make a more selective version of a chakra seal ... maybe ... it could do something. 'Selective' meaning only I can allow my chakra to function when I choose for it to --- or not. Like a mental command of sorts. Otherwise ... forbidding techniques and of the like to be stolen from me. But .... "Her head shook.
"I'm not exactly sure how to go about executing that. Putting an actual seal would spell out what we did. Something more discreet .... as if from a shot, something that can't be directly seen ... "Her sentence trailed off as she looked slowly up to him. He was much better at this fast-thinking than herself. Hopefully he could figure something out, especially with having been given ideas.
Damnit, Shik. You're making this hard. I'm trying to be somewhat subtle here.But none of those showed in her eyes or tone. If anything, she welcomed the approach, albeit it was incredibly difficult to avoid blushing in front of Kakashi. Then again, with all the books he read, this display probably spelled it out for him. If it didn't ... well .... that was his loss. But his intelligence was about on par with Shikamaru's. Kakashi was a difficult man to fool, much like the Nara.
"It's ... a work in progress but I'm getting there."Her arms slowly unwrapped from around her midsection, blinking at the news he'd adjusted to the new chakra so soon."Oh? Have you? How's it been working for you? No bad side effects I'm guessing since you're here, correct?"It appeared to be the case which made her smile slightly. It was funny how now the simplest things could make her go from the more typical Sakura everyone knew of to more along the lines of a nurse. Having heard about this development, though, had been one. She'd never been able to check that nothing badhadn'thappened from the experiments so this was one way to do just that.
As Kakashi spoke up, his words echoed a few times over in her head.
"I can tell, this has caught Orochimaru off guard .. "
Was that the only reason he hadn't pestered her to do something by now? Well maybe not only but a good one. He likely knew she was trying to work on her eyes and learn any and all possible skills before the next two days arrived. She'd need enough so that when she went to retrieve Kabuto, she'd be at least strong enough to break him out of the ... state he was apparently in. Her mind began heeding the words frombothKakashi and Shikamaru as her voice lowered slightly.
"Sai .. maybe when he headed out, he noticed something from Suna? It ... could also possibly be the reason the others haven't yet returned .. if something within Kumo is going on ... "They had at least one source available to ask about this; Sai himself. But she had wondered especially on Konohamaru's team and why they seemed to be taking longer than usual. Even at a young age, they'd shown to be able to handle themselves rather well. And yet they were suddenly .. slowed? Not much more made sense. Though she hadn't known Shikamaru's mom as a kunoichi, she doubted the woman took her time when a task such as this was given to her. It'd seem silly ... something like this needed to be done faster than usual.
But with a proper incentive, she'd be forced to slow a bit, yes? Hopefully they were all at least fine otherwise.
gpt
Shikamaru listened to Ino and she made some really good points, he sat there, and took the stance, that he was known to use when he was thinking hard on a problem or issue that was in front of himself. How to limit one persons abilities, to seal them away so that only they could use them. He thought on this hard, it wasn't something that was easy at all. It was to a large degree medical in nature, the seal that would have to be done.
Shikamaru thought about others whom had seals, on themselves, there was the seals that Orochimaru had used on people to given them new powers, and a bit of his dna, and then their were the tailed beast seals. He blinked as he thought about that, remembering that the tailed beast in Naruto hadn't been a complete seal and was able to keep the demon chakra outside of his own, for a long time.
"Maybe, it might be possible to do a specialized seal, almost like one that Naruto had but instead of withholding the nine tails chakra, it would without your kekkai genkai," he mused outloud as he thought on the issue more, "such a seal will be hard, and I am sure has never been tried before, but if we can do it, it would have the impact of what you were talking about," he said as he looked over at her, "Maybe it would work on Sakura and myself as well, it could limit the new DNA and enable ot to accessed only when it was needed, a kind of control over these new powers so they don't become overwhelming to us," he mused, "but I think Sakura and Shizune would be the only ones to have even a clue how to do this."
Shikamaru knew the possibility that the others were under attack, it was not something he liked to think about, but he had sent his mother to find Team Ebisu for a reason, and he had faith in Naruto 2.0 aka Konohamaru to be able to watch out for the group with Ebisu's help. He knew the young man would make a flashy entrance when he returned, with support if he did, it was just to much in his style not to do so. He knew that the young man was just like how Naruto had been when he was that age. It was one of the things which gave him some degree of hope for the future.
"Well, we can't help them, or any of the other village till we figure a way to deal with Orochimaru, he is our first problem, after that, it doesn't look like things are going to get any easier, in fact, I have a feeling that this might be the far easier of our problems that we have to deal with," he said letting out a soft sigh as he thought over all the problems that were facing them at that moment, it could be overwhelming. "Still talking to Sai, is a good idea, I will meet you there, the real me," he said with a nod of his head before turning to Kakashi, "Kakashi sensei, please keep a look out of anything strange, any notes on anyone going by Suzaku, Byakko, and Genbu, they might be related to this new issue we have on our hands."
Kakashi had nodded his head, he had noted how the two were acting around each other, and though it was so tempting to make light of it, in some way, this sadly wasn't the time to do so, he would remember to do so in some future moment when things were less tense.
Shikamaru's clone then turned into a piece of wood sending all the information it had learned to the real Shikamaru whom looked at Ino, "I am heading to meet Sai, if your up for you, you can come with me, if not I will tell you what I find someway as soon as possible," he said as he looked at his old friend before turning to head out to meet up with Sakura.
human
Sakura Haruno
"Shizune's our best bet. Sakura has her hands full as it is. Besides, asking her to do the procedure would be pushing our luck ... and simultaneously raising even more suspicion around her. If worst comes to worst, she can lie and say we had delayed side effects on our files .. something of the like. I would have a clone do it myself .. but we're both likely to be unconscious during the process. Once that happens, my clone will vanish and it won't get finished up."Just the possibility of it being able to be done was honestly a good thing to hear. Any start was much better than none.
Her head shook no as she remained on the couch."I don't know if I could easily get up. More than that, I probably need to regain a bit more chakra and composure. Once I get both, I can see about trying to get a hold of Shizune and speaking to her on the seal."She thought her own words over, nodding after a moment. It was a sound plan. The last thing anyone in Konohagakure would need was to all be turned into mindless puppets. If used incorrectly - which in the case of Orochimaru, was very likely - would be the end result.
A light nod left Sakura's head."I'll be there as soon as possible."It was a risky course of action. Like Kakashi had said, Orochimaru was distracted at worst. But there was no guarantee hewouldn'task for a favor from her. And if he traced her to Sai's place - let alone with an alive Anko - yeah that wouldn't go well for her at all. Her gaze shifted over to Kakashi, waiting for Shikamaru to have left first before speaking up once again."Was there anything else you wanted to discuss with me before I head off for a bit?"She asked, getting up to her feet but not yet heading out.
The past days had passed and though they'd gone smoothly enough, it was ... incredibly annoying for the Special Jounin to force herself to remain inside. But Sai had updated her on everything and thus she knew why it would or wouldn't be smart to step foot out. Of all things she was doing at the moment, Anko was - amazingly - posing for Sai. It wasn't anything too risque but it was ... interesting. She'd only agreed probably because of the fact she could remain decent in front of the former ROOT member. Well, not only but it was a good reason for sure. Both her hands were over her right knee, which was crossed over her leg.
The typical attire for Anko was in the midst of being washed and with few alternatives, she was forcing herself to maintain clothed via the Henge no Jutsu technique. By a first glance, she appeared the same. In reality, though, she was completely nude. Thankfully, she could have immensely good concentration when it was needed, like now. Her voice was calm but still very much hinting she was beginning to get slightly weary of waiting so long."So? How's it coming along?"She asked.
"Almost. Really, I mean it this time."He added, continuing to make careful, delicate strokes with his sketching pencil. His eyes always went and used peripheral vision every now and again, a habit he'd had suggested to him from Danzo. It was better to be somewhat paranoid than not at all and now was definitely one of those times. Konoha had been thrust into it's own version of Hell ... and the only people he knew for sure he could trust were the familiar faces. Or, in Anko's case, those he knew to be affiliated and devoted to Konoha. Otherwise, he was cautious on speaking to any other person.
A light hum passed the artist's lips as he continued to work, finishing and handing the pad over."See? Decent as promised."
A smile of approval crossed Anko's lips as she nodded."You're right, it is. I ... I'm sorry I just ... "She sighed softly. It was so odd, being so close and yet so far from her former mentor. The only thing that had kept her safe was a chakra seal she'd forced herself to wear over the past days, hiding her chakra signature away from him.
A nod left Sai's head as he held a hand up."No need to add more. I ... think I understand. It'd be odd if Danzo-san did the same thing to me and came back into my life."He began to get up to his feet but Anko beat him, shaking her head gently to him.
"I can get something made. Besides, I'm not meant to be seen .. not by any unfriendly faces. This way, you can keep your eyes open for others who may be showing up."Not allowing for any arguing, she took confident and fast steps into the kitchen, wasting little more time in beginning to cook. Soon, the aroma of food could be detected as it lingered in the air.
gpt
Kakashi looked at his former student as she asked him the question, and paused for a moment as he thought about it. There was such a large degree of her life that was connect to his own life, she was his student one of the more important things in his life, and he was always proud of each of his students as their teacher.He shook his head as he looked at her, "no, your a grown woman, you can make your own choose when it comes together, just remember to see what you do though the end, and that it is better to be a ninja whom doesn't follow the rules then one whom abandons their friend, which I am sure you already know both of those things already," he said calmly, "then go ahead, I will be working to see what I can do on my end of things dealing our issues."
Shikamaru nodded his head as he agreed with her, they were putting to much on Sakura's plate, and they had to know it wasn't good for the young woman to deal with so many things, plus her connections made it more likely they would be found out then if she had no connect to the things going on sometimes. He nodded at her statement, "Well then, get some rest, and do what you need to, I will see you later, or we will communicate in someway," he said before walking out the door giving Ino a wave of his hand before heading to where he knew Sai and Anko happened to be.
Shikamaru walked to the door and looked around for a moment before he knocked and waited for a reply by the pale former root shinobi. He figured that now Anko would be up and about and would be able perhaps to given them another prospective on things, which could hurt given the fact that in general they needed all the help they could get at that time. He figured the more input the better output as it were. He looked around as we wanted to see if Sakura was nearby as well.