Happy Chapter Day everyone!
"Another belief of mine: that everyone else my age is an adult, whereas I am merely in disguise."
This month I've been celebrating/coordinating a handful of birthdays, and it had me reflecting on the way time has been passing. As I grow older, certain loves never waver. Including my writing. Especially for Sakura.
Rather than being my anchor for stagnation, she has become my inspiration for change.
Her strength and growth that showed you can become the best of yourself without losing yourself and the things that makes you-you. Flaws and all.
You can get updates on all of that on my Tumblr. Or type KATSURA369 (Find my socials)
Chapter 105
Sakura was coming to enjoy the bullet trains more than the subway ones. They were above ground, and gave an open view of the city, and it was fast but built in a way you didn't feel like you were moving. After watching the blur of buildings and cityscape, she asked.
"Chiyo-san, where are we going?" This wasn't to the hospital, and I thought they might be heading to a different one. It had taken nearly an entire day to sort out the paperwork from her last debacle with the civilian. There were calls from the hero safety commission, hospital boards, and also Nezu. But Chiyo handled most of the situation herself.
"I have to see some regulars now," Chiyo said, settling back in her seat. "This is also a part of being a healing hero. You're needed to help those who need to overcome their injuries and get back out into the field."
"Other heroes," Sakuar confirmed. Resting her chin on her hand.
"Of course, that also means a lot of fighting."
"Huh?"
"You'll find out soon, dear. If you want to take on this kind of hero work."
Yes, lately, Sakura might have been showing more interest in becoming a medic-type hero ,perhaps her own desires and previous doctrine seeping through into this world. Sakura knew that she didn't intend to chart these seas, but if she couldn't find land soon, then she might as well make sure she left on a strong boat.
Perhaps that was just an excuse to placate herself to the reality she was accepting, perhaps too soon. It was hard to be as much of an optimist; she wasn't like Sasuke, who could keep a calm head even in the worst of situations, and who was as unapologetic towards everything he did in order to obtain his goals. And she wasn't like Naruto either, who believed he could push through and get everything his way as long as he never gave up. No, Sakura wasn't like them at all.
The boys didn't have to look in the mirror for more than a minute, only checking their external shapes. She could spend fifteen minutes on that alone, and then there were the deeper things: could she hide the nervous twitches of her fingers, or did she need to put her hands behind her back to clench them, did her eyes show too much emotion that day, was her face twisting against her will when she thought about something in particular? Or could she hide it all behind a smile or an unpleasant frown? For the past year, that had been Sakura's main concern whenever she looked at herself in the mirror. Was she still keeping her head high, with determination, while she felt hollow? While she feared that her heart wasn't even her own, but something that had been taken and molded by Kaguya? Would she be able to walk across that row of windows at school, without thinking she's seeing her teammates' or friends' reflections right beside her? Asking her why she had turned away from them? Why did it seem she was surrendering after such a short time? If she were still a ninja? Or just putting on a mask while she snuck on a cape on her back. She'd likely never get a clear answer, because how could it be so simple? That wasn't life. Nor her reality.
..
..
..
Sakura stared at the building in disbelief. She wasn't familiar with it, but she realized its glory when she saw the plaque out front on what this building was meant for. The current number one hero in Japan, Endeavors agency.
Her lips twitched, "Chiyo-san?"
She hoped Izuku didn't get injured again to the point where they actually had to call in Recovery Girl because right now, this is where he was, and his track record said he could find and make trouble anywhere.
The woman chuckled lightly, "We're here to see a stubborn lad who's been missing their doctor's appointments."
..
..
..
It became clear that Sakura wasn't the only one surprised by this in-house call when they came up to reception, which stood in a lobby that looked like it was cut from a five-star hotel. The receptionist also seemed taken aback by Chiyo's arrival.
"So Endeavor has been missing appointments?"
The number two hero, after his encounter with the High-end Nomu, had been quick to return to work. And that was mostly thanks to Chiyo, who flew in just to heal him at the hospital; he still required check-ups. Normal people don't get slammed through buildings and dropped from story heights just to walk away in less than a week.
"For a month now," Chiyo might have said it in that usual sweet tone, but Sakura was able to read when there was a sting behind it. "Which is why we're making a house call. I have an appointment with Endeavor for his check-up," C.
"I'm sorry, but I don't see anything on the schedule-" The receptionist began, her fingers flying across her computer keyboard to scan for an opening."and Sir Endeavor has just returned from patrol."
"I am well aware of that. Which is why I am here at this time, before he goes off again. I would like you to tell him that Recovery Girl is here, waiting in his lobby. And if he wants to get back out there and not have his hero license suspended for neglecting his mandatory physical therapy, he will see me. Please."
Sakura almost felt bad for the receptionist who had to make that call to her superior. The man was a fire that burned too hot to find comfort unless you were several feet away.
Sakura looked at Chiyou who just smirked at her, you know by now you have to have a firm hand as well as good bedside manner. Sakura couldn't help but think this was more Tsunade style. But Chiyo, who came off as this kind grandmother type, also revealed to have a no nonsense doctrine when it came to medical practice. She was a professional.
She pressed a number and held the device to her ear. "Sir? I'm so sorry to disturb you, but Recovery Girl is here, and she says, yes, sir, no, sir. I told her there was no appointment, but…yes, sir, right away."
She hung up and turned to Chiyo with a slightly shell-shocked expression."Endeavor will see you now, ma'am."
..
..
..
The two entered into a wide, spacious office with enough windows to cover the front of a house. Typical of heroes who want to overlook the city they protect. Near the center back, near a desk, Enji stood, like he was waiting for them.
He approached them, but Sakura noticed his rather stiff posture, not in an attempt to intimidate but rather to placate. "Recovery Girl."
"Endeavor," she replied pleasantly.
"You didn't need to make the trip. I've been meaning to reschedule-"
"Of course I did," Chiyo interrupted, the smile didn't leave her face, but even Sakura felt a chill go down her spine. "After all, my inbox was flooded with doctors begging me to ensure you are doing well, Mr. Number One."
Like when firing the first warning shot, everything fell silent. Telling him not to challenge her authority, no matter his rank.
"I've been busy-
"Yes-yes, I know, being the number one hero and all that, you don't have time to bother with the concerns of us oldies." Okay, now she was just mocking him, subtly gone.
Enji sighed, "Would you like something to drink before we get started?"
"No, I'd rather we get started. After all, I don't have all day either."
Endeavor said he'd take her to the medical ward, "You have your own medical ward for your sidekicks with a personal doctor and nurse, but of course you won't even check in with them,"
All the hero could do was apologies again for the sake of it. Sakura realized she might be left standing around until Chiyo was done, because she would've made indications by now that she wanted her to participate.
"Oh, what are your work study students up to today?" Chiyo asked.
"They're having lunch right now," Enji replied. "Cafeteria, floor twelve."
"That's nice," Chiyo said, then looked at Sakura with that knowing smile. "Haruno, why don't you join them?"
Enji didn't object. "Floor twelve. Take the elevator on the left."
"Thank you," Sakura said, already heading for the door.
As she stepped out into the hallway, she heard Chiyo's voice drifting, "Now then, let's see about that shoulder you've been pretending doesn't hurt..."
Was he always so docile? Sakura wondered as she made her way to the elevator.
..
…
…
Sakura came to what looked like a cafeteria, smaller than UA's sprawling hall, of course, but still spacious enough to accommodate the agency's staff. A few of Endeavor's sidekicks were wrapped in conversation over their meals. And amongst them, Sakura caught sight of three familiar faces in the mix. Shoto, Katsuki, and Izuku are finishing up their meals.
One of them met her eyes, and she waved as Izuku nearly choked on his rice. While Katsuki yelled at him to chew, probably. Shoto and Izuku seemed pleasantly surprised that she had decided to appear, Katsuki of course pleasantly pissed. But that was likely just how his face went.
"Hey, guys."
"What are you doing here?" Shoto asked, setting down his chopsticks.
"Well, Recovery Girl had some business with your dad," Sakura explained, pulling out a chair, "and I'm shadowing her, so here I am. How have you guys been doing? Work studies going well?"
"Yeah!" Izuku chirped, his eyes ablaze with that typical spark he got whenever he talked about hero work. "It's been really intense but amazing! When we first got here, we were told we'd probably be working more with the sidekicks, but Endeavor has been taking us on personally."
"I bet it's 'cause he wants to watch Icy Hot," Katsuki said, still not looking all that pleased at Sakura's presence. And yet, despite his grumbling, he moved his half-empty tray over when she sat down, making room for her at the table.
"So how's the training been? What kind of things has Endeavor been having you work on?"
They told her about the first day that was rough for reasons aside from training, Endeavor had expressed his reluctance to take on anyone besides Shoto. However he had changed that tune almost as quickly as he laid it out. Supposedly they were going to be sticking with the side kicks, but then Enji just stepped in and stated they would be working with him alone to train. He asked them to give an introduction on their quirks, and what they were hoping to accomplish or improve during the work studies. Shoto wanted to work on his control with his fire and speed, Katsuki said he wanted to find out what it was he couldn't do humble as ever and Izuku had gone on a long ran that was somehow understood by Endeavor and said that he wanted to learn to properly control his power. Though Izuku admits that's not much different than whatever were already doing with Sakura. But now they were going to have more full time on this because those moments had to be squeezed between classes and curfew at ua.
"What about you? Why did you and Recovery Girl come here?"
"This is also part of her job, you know," Sakura said, "Recover Girl takes care of heroes who want to get back out onto the field as soon as possible. She has to make sure they're not rushing recovery and causing permanent damage to themselves. Your dad's not the best patient."
"I believe that," Shoto said, returning to his food.
"What are you doing after this?"
"Training," Izuku said.
..
..
..
The training room was nearly an entire floor, the ceiling was designed higher, and there was enough space to accommodate various individuals based on their sizes and quirks. There was also a lot of fireproofing done, as many of Endeavors ' sidekicks had flame-based quirks.
It was already occupied by a few sidekicks who were getting in their workout routines for the day. One of them was a woman with green flaming hair and a wicked grin with no hostility.
"Oh, look who's here."
"Burnin," Shoto greeted as she approached them eagerly.
"Thought you bunch would be revving around with Endeavor by now,"
"He's occupied at the moment," Sakura said.
"Oh, who's this, new intern?"
One of the sidekicks on the other side of the room called, "She's someone's girlfriend, boys?"
"Shut up!" Katsuki yelled back through the snickering.
Burnin looked at Sakura, her gaze was especially piercing, with how wild her eyes looked. Externally, they were bright with rings around. "Oh, I remember you now. You're the kid who beat the crap out of that villain in Kamino."
"Uh, yeah,"
"She's doing work studies with Recovery Girl,"
"Who is doing a check-up on Endeavor, so my classmates are keeping me company?"
She waved her hand forward, "Well, come on then. Let's see what you've got."
"What?"
"I wanna find out how tough you are,"
"I was just going to watch the boy's…."
"Always good to spar with someone new."
Sakura considered for a moment, then shrugged. "Sure. Why not?" She then turned to the three, "Aren't you coming?"
Izuku shrugged his shoulders, "All of us?"
Sakura grinned, "Don't you wanna see if you've improved?"
"You seriously wanna go for on one with us?" asked Burnin, her lips spread wide across her face, admiring Sakura's guts.
"Yeah, I'll make it easy and promise not to use my full strength to slug anyone."
That comment was the match that set off Katsuki's fuse, "You're on Five-head!"
They stood ten paces away from each other, taking in fighting stances. The sparring match began. Sakura was genuinely impressed. Katsuki, Izuku, and Shoto's movements in this short span of time were already showing improvements. She felt the breeze behind her back, ducking, watching a black blur from the corner of her eyes.
'Black whip,' Izuku came out with this move first.
Shoto came around her, ice creeping at her feet. She threw herself back, hands out, following five flips before she had to block Burnin coming at her side, while Izuku and Katsuki flanked her left and above.
They'd improved. It wasn't so much their individual skill, but something the boys didn't even seem to realize yet. They were coordinating together, almost weaving into a pattern for their attacks, leaving openings for someone else to fill.
'Perhaps they would've gotten the bells this time,' Sakura thought as she ducked under a coordinated assault from all three directions. 'If I wasn't fighting back.'
..
..
The sparring went on for a few minutes. Sakura wasn't giving an inch, while the boys were surrendering, Burnin had already opted out. Izuku, Katsuki, and Shoto were driven to overcome her, though the distance in skill was still apparent.
The sight of Endeavor and Recovery Girl was greeted by all his sidekicks cheering out in the bleachers at the four, while they sparred. Jumping around the room in blurs, trying to knock down one target.
Finally, Sakura decided to fight back. As they came at her from three directions, closing in, she moved. With a kick that felt like her imprint was left on their intestines.
"I'll say this round goes to me," Sakura said cheerfully around the moans.
"She's impressive," Endevor said to Chiyo.
"Quite a surprise at times," Chiyo admitted, watching them. Sakura was already in motion to help the boys, fussing over any potential injury despite their assurance. "I didn't think she'd want to continue her work studies with me. I assumed perhaps she truly didn't enjoy combat, but that doesn't seem to be the case."
Enji's eyes became far off; he felt his shoulders grow heavy. "Would you consider…letting me take over?"
Chiyo looked at him, surprised, "You want to recruit her?"
"Yes,"
"Why is that?" Certainly, Sakura was talented, but it was the students' decision on where they would do their work studies for the sake of their future careers. "From what I can tell, Haruno intends to focus on being a healing hero above all else."
In truth, Chiyo wasn't even sure she wanted to do hero work; Sakura hadn't shown much passion in fighting, not the way other students would at least. They had a glow about them when they talked about hero work and even their specifics, but that shine Chiyo only noticed in Sakura when they were taking care of patients at the hospital and learning medicine and medical procedures.
"But her combative abilities and strength would do better in the field," Endeavor had become soft spoken now, his eyes trailed.
He wanted to tell Chiyo the true reasoning of the information he had been given by none other than Hawks, but he couldn't risk exposing something this great. What was going to come for them in a few months? A storm that was going to rock everything and everyone. Heroes, civilians, and even those still in training.
He was urged to train the students under him to their best, to their peak, so that they would be ready for what would come. And they needed the best, not just in numbers.
"She'd be a valuable addition to-.
"No," Sakura interrupted before Chiyo could respond. She stopped in front of Endeavor, craning her neck to meet his eyes. "I appreciate the offer, but my interest is in healing, not combat-focused hero work."
"You'd be learning on the job," With real people, in real emergencies, with guidance. That wasn't a chance many would pass on.
"There are enough fighters in the world. Breaking things is easy. Healing them isn't."
But for some reason, Endeavor didn't let things be. "The offer stands any time. The work studies will still be happening for the next few weeks. You should consider joining us here. Having someone with your particular skill set would be... beneficial."
There was something in the way he said it, something weighted, like there was a layer of meaning Sakura wasn't getting. She studied him for a moment, trying to read what was behind the offer.
Why was he so adamant about this? She was a first-year student focused on medical training. What possible value would she add to an agency run by the number one hero?
"I'll think about it,"
Hey, love
So, you just read that chapter.
And now you're sitting there. Staring at the screen. And thinking about bookmarking till the next update?
Well you don't have to wait.
Right now, over on my Ko-fi
Get 3-6 MONTHS ahead of public posts!
That moment you're dreading or hoping for Sakura? It's already written. Sakura has already walked through what comes next and I promise you, she does not disappoint.
If this story has lived in your head rent-free, made you feel things you weren't ready for, or made you want to throw your phone across the room in the best possible way the Ko-fi memberships are for you.
What's waiting for you over there:
The chapter directly after this one
EARLY Chapters to binge (3-6 months ahead)
And coming soon: My author notes-the unhinged behind-the-scenes commentary only Ko-fi readers get.
I write this story because I love Sakura the way you love Sakura.
I want to keep giving everyone the best experiences of her.
AND PREVENT STORIES HIATUS:
Thanks to my Sprout and Seedling Members
I have a consistent posting schedule.
No story is discontinued or put on Hiatus
Joining means becoming the precious sand filling my hourglass with time. So I can devote it to creating more chapters and new stories.
They allow me to write, work and study in the same day.
Thank you for reading.
Check out the SCHEDULE POSTS On Tumblr, and if you like my stories, want to give me some extra support to help the creations of new stories and can't wait for the latest chapters consider joining me as a special member of my seedling troupe:
TYPE: Katsura369 into the Search Bar Or www. Tumblr . com / blog / katsura369
EARLY CHAPTERS FOR MEMBERS NOW: BUYMEACOFFEE
-Kunoichi amongst Heroes chapter (106, 107, 108, 109, 110, 111, 112)
-Kunoichi amongst Pirates chapter (50, 51, 52)
-Crossroads of Fate chapter (41, 42, 43, 44)
-Through the Looking Glass chapter (56, 57, 58, 59)
- (Bleach crossover) Kunoichi amongst Reapers: (7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13)
- Kunoichi amongst Benders (Avatar x Naruto crossover) (18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24)
-Kunoichi amongst Heroes WHAT IF SPIN OFF: Dorms and Exams
-SPECIAL HALLOWEEN CHAPTER: Shinigami amongst Shinobi
-Commission: Demon slayer x My hero academia (PART 1 & 2)
Got something to share? Comment down below!