Chapter 56: Unexpected Guest
I could tell Akane was devastated after she returned to the village the last time. I could tell she must have tried to keep some distance from Sasuke. She was the time to not want others to worry. So, she take it all upon herself.
These last years, I have been searching and researching for cures with Lady Tsunade. It was still futile. However, I knew Akane was aware what her cure was, she simply did not wish to use it. I also knew who had the answers. Tracing it all back to the time she changed, it was on the day of the 3rdย Hokage death.
Akane was not one to love the village nor its chains. She was not one to simply forgive and move on. She had a soul of fire, wings of will, a strength others tried to fit and mold. I loved that about her, her true self, unfiltered and raw. Akane was more than a friend, she was a sister I always hoped for.
So, I know she would not agree with what I had in mind next. I know she would try to stop me, dissuade me, protect me if she knew. Above all else, I still could not let her perish just like that. It was sad to see a blossom wither before it could bloom. The words once Ino said to me, I wished to give them to Akane this time.
However, what I least expected was to be face to face with someone I have not seen in years, right outside my window. โSasuke?!โ I gently called out to him as I opened the window. Perhaps unsure if he was just an illusion.
โSorry for the unexpected visit Sakura. Have a moment?โ He apologized. He was different. Not only was he grown up now, he was colder, calmer, yet cooler. There were many questions in my head, yet none could answer why he was here of all places.
โSure. Get in.โ I invited him still somehow dazed. He politely went in. I was not sure if Akane absences was a good or bad thing. โHow have you been?โ I found myself asking him. It has been so long since we last met, a dear friend, a teammate, a commarade. He vanished and appeared in a flash, as he wishes unrestrained like wind.
โI am well. What about you?โ He asked back, still not facing me. I did not expect him to ask. He was intent on cutting ties, but, Team 7 were a bunch of stupid kids, we were not ones to easily change our minds.
โHow can we be well when you are no longer around.โ It was a bit salty I admit, but it was also a bit melancholic since I could not add โand Akane is slowly dying on us.โ
โAkane.โ He started, facing me this time, the same frost around as the moment I first saw him again. โIs she sick or did something happen?โ He inquired. A small smile flashed on my face. It was good he still asked about her at least.
โAkane did not want to tell you or Naruto the truth. But, I think you of all people should.โ I know she wanted to keep it a secret, still, I could not hide it from him. He deserved to know, so did Naruto. If saving her was a matter of teamwork, then I was willing to gamble.
Sasuke eyes shook for a second, waiting for me to spit the truth. So, with a shaky breath, I informed him. โAkane is dying. She has a year at most.โ Thunder erupted, his sharingan activated, his frown deepened. I could tell this news touched him.
โWhat? How?โ He asked, in disbelief. I took another breath and explained. โHer existence itself was against human nature, so is her blood. She has Otsuski blood in a human body, even without all the forbidden jutsu, she would have not lived long.โ
It was as far as our researches could go. Sasuke clenched his fists, before he inquired again. โIs there any cure?โ I shook my head. โThere is a cure Akane found, but she refuse to tell us or use it. It was during the hidden leaf attack when she found it. So, I do have an idea on who posses it.โ
I explained. It was just that I had no idea how to infiltrate. Even Tsunade seemed to oppose that idea. โItโs Danzo, right?โ He guessed correctly, so I nod my head.
โI need a chance to infiltrate, so, I need you to do something for me.โ I added, serious mode on. He nods his head, waiting for my next words. โHave Orochimaru stir some trouble, something enough for Danzo to make a move. The rest, leave it up to me.โ
Before Gaara rescue mission, I needed to find that secret scroll as soon as possible. There was no failing. The future of Team 7 Akane wants to see, I will make sure she lives long enough to witness.
It was my nindo. To protect, heal, comfort and make my friends happy. To see Team 7 whole again, to create a trauma healing center for kids so they donโt hurt like my teammates and sensei. I would do whatever it is, to keep true to my ninja way.
