PROTECTION

Chapter 0

“W-What are you talking about? Master? Is this some kind of prank?” Sakura blinked, looking at the boy infront of her, who was kneeling, holding her palm with his hands. He shook his head, red eyes looking at Sakura with pure loyalty.

Visible sweats formed on Sakura’s forehead as she recalled why she was stuck in this situation.

A few months ago, as Team 7 was sent on a mission to retrieve a special relic, Sakura stumbled to a homeless boy names Yakiro. He was pale, malnutrition, and lookin’ like he was in the verge of death. Sakura, who can’t leave the boy alone the dark alley decided to bring her to the cabin she, and her team were staying in.

“Who’s this, Sakura-chan?” Naruto asked, looking at Yakiro with judgement. He felt pity yet cautious.

Sasuke, however, was analyzing him for any signs of threat. Their teacher was out for gathering information, leaving the team alone the cabin to prepare for the upcoming adventure. Sasuke grabbed a kunai before holding it tightly, glaring at the unknown figure infront of him.

“You can’t just bring a random person here, Sakura.” he said.

The pinkette shook her head before sighing, indicating Yakiro to sit on the empty couch. “I saw him in an alley. I can’t leave him knowing he’s at this condition—” she paused, looking down. “I’m pursuing medicine afterall. Whatever happen, I’ll take responsibility.” she showed her team a determined look as Sasuke, and Naruto looked at each other with hesitation.

“B-But Sakura-cha—”

“How can you be so sure that we can trust him?” Sasuke cuts Naruto off, holding his kunai tightly, while Sakura slowly shielded the boy. She paused for a moment, looking at the pale figure behind her before sighing.

“I. . . I’m not sure,” she replied. “But should I just leave him there to die?” Yakiro flinched at the last word, observing the two sides arguing. Naruto looked down as Sasuke slowly retreated his kunai.

“Keep an eye on him.” he looked at Sakura, and then Yakiro. “Just so you know, once you do something, I won’t hesitate to cut your throat.” he ended before going to his room, leaving Sakura, and the blonde alone the lounge.

Naruto gave Sakura a small smile before squinting his eyes at the boy. Sakura lets out a sigh of relief before turning to Yakiro, patting his shoulder before smiling. “Are you hungry?”

Yakiro looked hesitant before nodding, looking away as Naruto, and Sakura observed him. She then smiled before looking at Naruto, both her hands on her hips as she pointed her fingers at the kitchen.

“Get some bread there, Naruto. I’ll prepare his bath. Also, I’ll steal a few clothes from you if you don’t mind.” Naruto gulped, opening his mouth to complain but his eyes landed on Yakiro, slowly nodding as he made his way to the kitchen. Sakura went to Naruto’s room leaving Yakiro alone.

He was confused yet he felt a slight tingle of joy. Sakura trusted her. He escaped the hell he’s in. He was set free. Yakiro looked down, tracing his fingers on his palms as Naruto approached him, placing the plate full of bread, and fruits.

“Here uhh, what’s your name?” Naruto sat on the couch, looking at Yakiro who grabbed a peace of bread, munching on it before looking at Naruto.

“. . . Yakiro,” he whispered as Naruto widened his eyes, slamming his hands on the table as he turned into a stuttering mess, pointing his fingers at Yakiro who was surprised at his sudden action.

“Y-You c-can TALK!?” a slam on the head interrupted him, with Sakura glaring at her blonde teammate.

“Of course he can talk you idiot!” she placed the clothes on the table before looking at Yakiro. “Anooo. . . Yakiro-san, would you like to eat or take a bath first?” she asked, her voice soft as she looked at Yakiro.

He paused for a moment, placing her bread on his plate as they both watched him stood up. “. . . Where?” he spoke in a low tone. Sakura beamed, holding his hand as she escorted him to the bath room, Naruto following with clothes on his hand.

“Now Naruto, you wait here outside okay?” she looked at him with a bossy look as Naruto nodded, saluting to her as Yakiro entered the bathroom. 

Yakiro went inside, removing his clothes as he poured the water on his head, giving him slight shivers at the sudden contact. He was quiet, recalling the sceneries that had happened today. Was it his birthday? A celebration? Why was he blessed with kindness all of the sudden. Minutes have passed and he’s suddenly finished. He knocked on the door while Naruto talked to him, giving him his clothes. Once he’s finished, he opened the door, revealing a freshly new him.

Naruto widened his eyes. “What!? Y-You’re actually not brunette!?”

Unlike the Yakiro earlier, he was way different. The dirt covered his white hair that was mixed up as brown before. His red eyes, stood as always. Although he looked malnourished, no one can deny that Yakiro was a good looking man. Naruto was stunned as he finally got a grip of himself, escorting Yakiro back to Sakura.

“Oh, here Yakiro-san, eat.” she gave him a small smile before nudging Naruto to come along with them. Both of them stared at Yakiro, who was devouring the plate of bread, and fruits. She gave him a small smile everytime he glances at her.

Seconds, minutes, days, weeks, it’s been a wheel of time since she brought Yakiro. He was slowly opening up to Sakura. Kakashi was struck though when he went back to the cabin, meeting a kid he’s not familiar with. Naruto also got close to Yakiro, telling him stories about the pranks he did, and the dream he wants to achieve. Sasuke, however, wasn’t quiet fond of the boy.

The bond between Sakura and Yakiro developed. She helped him with his questions, the things he’s curious at and more. When Yakiro asked why she helped him, she would always answer with a, ‘Just because.’ Yakiro trusted Sakura the most. He owe his life to her and he plans to return that favor. That is why he was kneeling infront of her now, telling her a revelation, a secret he’s been hiding from them.

“Y-Yakiro-san, I don’t understand. What do you mean serve me?” she pointed at herself, laughing nervously while Yakiro remained with a stoic face.

He stood up, looking at Sakura before sighing. “I want to return you a favor. Even if you won’t allow me, I’ll still serve you.” he paused before continuing. “Y-You won’t leave me alone, right?”

Sakura widened her eyes before looking at him, raising her eyebrows. “What do you mean?”

His eyes seemed to shine before putting on a frown. “After your mission. I heard that Hatake-san found the relic from a boutique. Y-You’ll eventually leave, right?” he looked down, biting his lips as he lets go of her hand.

Sakura was confused. She doesn’t have an exact plan yet. He was right, their team sensei found the relic; but they don’t have an exact date at returning to Konoha yet. She promised responsibility.

“Bring me with you.”

It was suddenly quiet. “What?”

Yakiro placed his hand on his chest, looking at Sakura with a determined look. “Bring me with you, Sakura-san. I was trained once, I was just abandoned. Bring me with you, and I’ll grant you protection.”

Sakura was struck. She needs to ask Kakashi regarding this matter. More on, Sakura gave him a reassuring smile, patting his shoulder as his eyes widened at the action.

“I promised you, didn’t I?” she gave him a nod. “I’ll try my best to bring you with me.”

After those words, everything shined for Yakiro.

:)