Shizukana's P.O.V.
The days seemed to slowly blend. It had been the same routine over and over. It was no wonder that I was slowly getting irritated. Lady Tsunade had implemented so many rules that I might have spent the rest of my leave in the hospital.
Sakura tried to make things better. Things were interesting with her... the problem came after she leaves for work.
I promised to follow all the rules that Lady Tsunade said on one condition. The condition was that Sakura had to continue her shifts at the hospital. Obviously, it was rejected but with a bit of pleading, they caved in and assured me that Sakura would continue half of her shift while she stayed with me.
It wasn't what I wanted, but it was better than nothing.
Putting on my sandals, I glanced at the clock, mentally calculating how much longer Sakura would be at work. I was allowed to go out, but Lady Tsunade asked me to limit my traveling at least until my 'medical leave' ended.
Sighing to myself, I locked the door as I made my way down the corridor. I couldn't help but stop in front of Takada's door. Haru's door.
Huffing in exasperation, I continued walking. Just as I took a few steps, I heard a loud 'thud' and more clattering coming from behind Haru's door.
Spending a few seconds, I contemplated my decision before turning around and knocking on the door. I placed my hand in my purse, ready to pull out a kunai if needed.
Loud and hurried footsteps came from behind the door. On the other side was a disheveled Haru who had blood dripping from his hairline.
"Shizukana?" He asked, his eyes darting around the corridor before his hand went to his head, possibly where the wound was.
My hand gripping the kunai, I looked behind Haru to find a lot of stuff on the floor.
"Are you okay?" I asked, gesturing to the blood and the fallen things behind him. "I was passing by when I heard a loud noise. I wanted to see if you were alright."
"Oh," Haru exclaimed before looking behind. "Yeah, about that. I'm fine. I was cleaning because my mom said she was coming over to see me and I panicked cause I didn't clean and then she is very picky about how clean things are." His hands moved erratically as he continued his rambling. "I mean, it's been nearly a month since I moved in but I still haven't unpacked my things and I know she's going to say things and I was rushing when I slipped on some water and bumped into a box and fell to the flo-"
My eyes widened at the sudden rush of words, but chuckled softly when he realized what he was doing.
"I'm rambling, aren't I?" He said, his blood-tainted hand moving to his neck. He smiled sheepishly before nodding his head. "Yeah so. That's what happened."
He looked helpless, and he reminded me of Naruto. Going against my instincts, I sighed. "Do you want some help?"
It was his turn to widen his eyes. "Oh," he whispered. "Please, don't burden yourself. I can manage. I'm pretty sure that I can quickly move things around and solv-"
I interrupted him before he continued to ramble. "Please, it's no problem. I'm quite bored."
"But you seemed to be going somewhere?" He said, his hand gesturing to my clothes.
Knowing that I was just going to wander aimlessly, I whipped up a white lie. "I was coming back to my apartment."
"Why not then," He said as he opened his door wider, inviting me in. Walking in, I clutched my purse, unable to avoid my eyes from widening at the mess.
"Sorry about the mess," Haru muttered, a small smile on his face at his joke. "How about we get started?"
"Let's get your injury taken care of," I replied, pointing towards the blood that was dripping dangerously close to his eye.
A few hours later...
"And done," Haru sighed in relief as he placed a small wolf ornament on the table. He then disappeared into the kitchen while I sat down on a stool.
"That was quite the workout," I remarked, my body begging for rest. Some boxes weighed twice my body weight. Usually, I wouldn't have had too much of an issue, but the lack of exercise within the past few months was really taking a toll.
"Here."
Looking up, I found Haru standing in front of me with a glass of iced water. Thanking him for the water, I took a sip of it as I watched him sink onto the sofa.
"So, what do you do for a living?" Haru began. He was leaning against the armrest.
"Chunin," I mentioned, placing the half-empty glass on the coaster.
"You get tired quickly for a shinobi," he joked lightheartedly.
"I'm on leave for a few weeks," I briefly explained, causing him to nod his head in understanding. "And you? What do you do?"
"Same. Well, Jonin," he began. "But I'm waiting for my partner to come back from a mission to get back into the field."
"Any field you specialise in?" I asked, curious to know what Haru was interested in.
"Ah. I was thinking of specialising in weapons, but I'm more of a jutsu person." He said, bringing his hands to form a seal. Bringing his hands down, he looked at me. "What about you?"
I shrugged. "I don't exactly have any specialisation. I simply dabble in all."
"An all-rounder." He commented, making me nod.
Drinking the rest of the water, I found myself staring at one of the cracks on the windowpane. I remember what caused it. It happened when Takada and I were goofing off. Realising that I was smiling, I quickly looked down.
We continued to talk for a few more minutes before I glanced at the clock. 11.30. Sakura would arrive in about half an hour.
"I think it's time for me to leave," I said, standing up. Haru followed my actions. "The place looks much better."
I couldn't help but get hit with the memories of Takada and how we would spend time in this very apartment. Now they were plagued with horrible memories. Masking my emotions, I smiled at Haru when he nodded.
"I really can't find the words to thank you." He began, taking one look around the room. "Now my mom won't have anything to nag at."
"It was no trouble. You saved me from aimlessly wandering about the streets." I replied, before realising my mistake.
Narrowing his eyes, Haru also caught my mistake. "I thought you were coming back from your errands."
"Either way, you did me no harm," I spoke while silently blaming myself for getting caught.
We had already made it to the door when I remembered my purse. Haru turned back to grab it when I heard someone clearing their throat from behind me.
Turning around to face the person, I was staring straight at Lady Tsunade. Slightly shocked at her appearance, I stood straighter.
"Shizu-" Before she could speak, she was interrupted by Haru.
"I almost couldn't find it." He spoke, unaware of the new person. Without a care in the world, he went on rambling. "Also, what do you carry in this? It is quite heavy despite its size. Then again, don't tell me. It might be filled with lady thin-"
Once he finally realized that we weren't alone, Haru froze. Things got even weirder when Haru realised who was in front of him.
"Oh," was all he said as he looked down. Handing the purse to me, I murmured a quick 'thanks'.
"Lady Tsunade. What a pleasure seeing you here," I said, turning to face her. "Meet my new neighbour, Haru," I said gesturing to Haru, who simply bowed in response.
"Haru, meet the Ho-"
"It is a great honour to meet you, Ho- Hokage-Sama." Haru greeted, bowing stiffly. He couldn't help but wince at his stammering.
All Lady Tsunade did was put on a smile. She looked exactly like she does when she makes public appearances. A few beats passed where no one said a thing. Deciding that things were going nowhere, Shizukana smiled before turning to Haru. "I think I'll get going. Have fun with your mom."
I then turned to Lady Tsunade before gesturing towards my apartment. She continued walking while I flashed a quick wave to a slightly stunned Haru.
Once we reached the door to my apartment, I quickly unlocked it and let Lady Tsunade in. She immediately looked around the room, eying the spots that were signs of damage caused by weapons. Closing the door behind me, I let out a long sigh. Feeling eyes on me, I automatically tensed up. Putting on a smile, I faced her. "Lady Tsunade, what brings you here?"
"I have some things I would like to discuss in private now that you are out of the hospital," Lady Tsunade replied, her face turning more serious with every word.
Gesturing for her to take a seat, I walked closer to her. "Tea?"
"Sure."
Walking to the kitchen, I couldn't help but get nervous over the conversation that was to take place. Discussing in private with Lady Tsunade often led to uncomfortable endings. I quickly made two cups of tea before bringing them to the living room where Lady Tsunade was reading the back of a book I had started.
"Poison?" she asked, waving the book around.
Placing the cups on the table, I shrugged. "Curiosity."
"Shall we get to it?" She asked, pointing to the chair in front of her.
Reluctantly, I brought the chair closer to the tea table and sat down. "What did you want to discuss?"
"Your future as a Kunoichi and the people you may meet in the future." She replied, pulling out a file from her bag. "We have about an hour before Sakura gets back."
Glancing at the clock, I furrowed my eyes. "I thought she would be here in fifteen minutes?"
"I gave her some more work since I didn't want any interruptions." Lady Tsunade opened the file and laid out several photos on the table with names written on the corner. "These are members of the council that are known to pick up 'proteges' to train them to protect the village."
I scanned the pictures in front of me and recognised a few faces and names from newspapers and different flyers. I immediately looked away when I saw his face. Danzo Shimura. "You're afraid they might approach me?"
"Some of them have already taken an interest in you," she replied, eying Danzo's picture. "Two days ago, a member, Sato Akane, approached me."
I looked at the pictures of someone with that name and found myself staring at this old woman who had a kind smile on her face. She didn't look like someone with sinister motives, but it was her eyes that gave her away. Her eyes were pure black, which reminded me of an endless void. I didn't know how to explain it, but her eyes told me that her entire personality was simply an act. "What did she ask for?"
Shifting in her seat, Lady Tsunade looked into my eyes after taking a sip from her cup. "She wanted to talk about you." She then paused and searched my face for any reaction.
I simply sighed and waited for her to continue.
"She was curious about the incident with Sasuke. Your name was brought up, and she inquired more. I tried my best to change the topic of the conversation but that was when she asked me for your file." Lady Tsunade explained, causing me to widen my eyes.
A Shinobi's files were considered valuable things. They contained information that could be vital to the survival of a Shinobi. Even Danzo didn't have my complete file. It was the only part of it that was inside Takada's safe.
"You didn-"
"Of course, I didn't give it to here." Lady Tsunade interrupted, making me let out a breath of relief. "I told Sato that she wouldn't be able to get the file and that you had no intention of joining any of her programs. I have told Shizune to keep an eye on your file, as well as Naruto's and Sasuke's. Unless, of course, you want to join," Lady Tsunade said, her eyes narrowing.
"I would never," I answered, a little offended that Lady Tsunade's monitor think this way. Me joining any 'program' would only result in being dissected on a table for my ability. On that topic, I never tried my time manipulation after that unfateful day. If I'm being completely honest, I am afraid of the outcome.
Lady Tsunade continued speaking, which dragged me out of my reverie. "These photographs are people who might approach you, asking you to join their side in return for protection and fame. However, each one of them are as slimy and cunning as Danzo."
"But only Danzo has had the guts to make such an open move on me," I said, causing Lady Tsunade to nod.
"Now, remember their names and faces and if you see them, turn around and walk the other way. I won't blame you if you run." She advised, placing the now empty cup on the table. "Your name has been stirring in the village's depth. It wouldn't be a surprise if there was a bounty on your head now that all the major characters in the council and other higher places know that both Orochimaru and Danzo are doing their best to acquire you."
I stayed silent. Taking in all the information that was being said while making a mental note of all the names and photographs. I knew already that people have been taking interest in me. My mind drifted to the last conversation I had with Lady Tsunade.
"Do- do you think they'll be b-bold enough to do anything in the open?" I asked, silently cursing at my stammering.
"Seeing as Danzo didn't seem shy when it came to you, I don't think the others will be as discreet as before. They may not resort to violence at the start, but it's best to be prepared at all times. They may use deception and lies to get to you on their side." Lady Tsunade answered. She was telling me to keep my guard up at all times and that trusting strangers was an enormous risk.
I couldn't help but place my head in my hands, and I controlled my breathing. The severity of the entire situation was hitting me like a tidal wave. Deep down, I was panicking. I slightly flinched when I felt Lady Tsunade's hand on my shoulder. Looking at her, I could see her eyes softening.
"You need to be strong." She started. "I've already briefed Kakashi about everything and I need to remind you that you can always come to us, even Shizune, Jiraiya, and Shikaku. We'll do our best to help you, and all you need to do is ask."
Smiling at her words, I nodded.
"Is there anything you would like to say before we wind up?" She asked, hinting that this was the time to come clean of any secrets I had. I had contemplated telling Kakashi Sensei and Lady Tsunade about the time manipulation, but after that day, I pushed that back until I figure out what happened.
I shook my head in reply, to which she nodded.
"Keep this file. Read it in your spare time. Do ask questions if needed." Lady Tsunade said, handing the file to me. "I'll be heading out now since Sakura would be back in a few minutes. Take care and try not to cause any more trouble."
I nodded, holding the file against my chest. I walked with her to the corridor outside my door. "Thank you, Lady Tsunade. This will really help." I said, gesturing to the file.
"Just be careful. We can't afford to lose you." She replied as she walked away. Standing there for a few minutes, I walked back in before locking the door. Sakura had a spare key she could use.
Placing the file on the table, I began cleaning up. Waiting for Sakura to come back.
A/N. Hey guys. Apologies for the late update. I really don't have any excuse for this but I was struggling to finish this chapter. I hope you all enjoy it. Some serious stuff took place here.
Have a great holiday. Stay safe and happy.
Ciao