Welcome back my fellow cherryblossom lovers!
I hope the seasons are treating you better than this author-who has a case of the sniffles. Don't worry I'm still cognitive enough to bring out your new chapters.
Don't forget to stay safe and healthy!
Here's a quote that made me think "You may not be able to alter reality but you can alter your attitude towards it, and this paradoxically alters reality."
I remember thinking about where my obsession writing about Sakura came from, and it may have started when I began to ponder her reality and attitude within the confines of a story that maybe didn't have the capacity to articulate all of her. And maybe there were other's out there who wondered the same.
Big changes coming up soon and something to look forward to: Stay up to date with me on TUMBLR!
Or type KATSURA369 (Find my socials)
Let's enjoy this journey together!
CHAPTER 54
"I'm not from this world."
Sinbad blinked, "What?"
"You want the truth? Here it is."
Sucking in a soft breath, Sakura looked up to Sinbad, her eyes and face blank. "My name is Sakura Haruno. I am a kunoichi from the Hidden Leaf village. My teammates are Naruto Uzumaki, Sasuke Uchiha, and my sensei was Kakashi Hatake. I was the apprentice of the fifth Hokage, leader of our village, Tsunade."
"Sakura, I don't-
Holding up her hand, she spoke. "Just listen."
Sakura gave Sinbad what he wanted. She told him everything that she had been keeping from him. Her village was where she had lived and trained to become a ninja. One day, she had come from a mission, returning to her village, only to be taken from her world when she found the mirror known as the Looking Glass. The way the mirror shattered and how she had woken up in Beleth's dungeon, fighting her way through and conquering it. Told she was going to have to keep doing this until she collected all of the shards of the mirror so that she could restore its power to take her back to her world. The Looking Glass belonged to a magi, and the djinns that were summoned by the magi would have the shards on them.
The last part gave clarity to a lot of things, and all of a sudden, Sakura's behavior all these years, her abilities, and her goal. The enigma that was Sakura Haruno no longer existed this night.
"That's why…." Sinbad breathed softly, "You left."
Sakura nodded, "At the time, all I cared about was getting back home."
"But, you always came back to me," Sinbad whispered, stepping towards Sakura, but she stepped away from him, shaking her head.
"Don't come near me!" Sakura snapped. Clutching her head as images of the past flew across her face, the first day she was assigned to team seven, the introductions of Naruto, Sakura, and Sasuke. Kakashi's bell test, which she would've failed if it hadn't been for Sasuke making the first move to break the rules for Naruto. Their first real mission to the Land of Waves. Learning to use the chakra to climb trees. The Chunin exams-the written exam, Sasuke receiving the curse mark from Orochimaru. Naruto and Sasuke are fighting one another. Sakura is trying to stop Sasuke from leaving the village. Making Naruto promise to bring Sasuke back to her. Sakura promised Naruto she would no longer be dead weight.
"My name is Sakura Haruno, what I like…I mean the person I like…"
"This time you'll have to watch me from the background."
"On that day, you taught me that solitude is painful. I understand that so well right now. I have family, and I have friends, but if you were gone, Sasuke…to me, it will be the same as being alone."
"Naruto, this is a once in a life time request. Promise me, promise me you'll bring Sasuke back to me."
"I'm sorry, Naruto. You might have to wait for me a little while, but next time-I promise I won't be dead weight."
"Sakura…."
"Don't you get it, Sinbad? Why didn't I want to tell you?!" Sakura's voice raised slightly at the end. "I will always have to bear the pain of knowing I abandoned my world for this one, but I did it because I want you. I want to be with you. I'm choosing my own selfish desires over my responsibilities."
Sakura threw her head back, tears streaming down her face, gathering at her chin, and falling in big drops on the floor. "I had my path set; to do whatever it takes to get back home, and then you came along and changed my whole direction! Now all I want is to be by your side!"
As if in pain, Sakura wrapped her arms around herself. "I chose you! Over my family, my friends, my promise, my morals, everything! I can't deny you-I'm weak!"
Sinbad swallowed, coming towards Sakura slowly as if he was approaching a wounded animal, in pain, unable to sense the intent of those wishing to help them, and willing to snap their jaws and snarl. "Come here."
Shaking her head, Sakura continued to move back, whimpering softly with her eyes closed. She continued stepping away until her back hit the wall, ceasing all movement. Sakura's eyes snapped open, emerald met gold. Sakura could feel the gentle pressure of Sinbad's forehead against her own.
"You're not weak, Sakura," Sinbad said, firm in his statement, before his voice grew soft, bordering on hurt. "You've been carrying this burden on your shoulders for such a long time. You must've felt so alone. And I must have made it worse by making you choose me all the time."
"You didn't make me do anything; I made the decision on my own," Sakura said, closing her eyes, taking comfort in her closeness with Sinbad. "That's the worst part."
"Sakura." Engulfing the pinkette in a tight embrace, Sinbad whispered softly in her ear. "I promise, I won't ever leave you alone. I won't only build a country to change the world, but to make a home for you as well, and I will always be by your side. So let it go. Let it all go and just stay with me."
"But, but Sinbad; there's still so much…and what about Sasuke?"
"Sakura," Sinbad thought for a moment, wondering if he should tread lightly or not. "You love Sasuke, don't you?"
"Yes."
"Then you shouldn't be upset," Sinbad stated. "After all, you're not the one losing someone who loves you; he is."
"Sinbad."
"Just let go, Sakura. Forget it all. Stop your pain."
Sakura sniffed, resting her head against Sinbad's shoulder and pulling him closer towards her. She would do it. She would set aside her burdens, her responsibilities, and her debts to her world and forget everything she was leaving behind and start a new life with Sinbad. No more pain, no more conflicts, no more solitude, and no more fear. She would let go of it all. She wouldn't look back on her past anymore. It would be like a dream-a dream she has been woken up from.
"Yes," Sakura whispered, smiling softly.
..
..
..
Ja'far wasn't usually the kind of guy to intervene in Sakura and Sinbad's intimate relations (given the last traumatizing surprise that occurred when he accidentally entered that boundary); however, he couldn't help noticing that the two had a certain content behavior, which he found a bit unsettling. It was like they were at peace, which wasn't something anyone believed to be possible when it came to Sinbad and Sakura. He didn't have a lot of time to question it because they left in a carriage that morning with Barbarossa to inspect an island, which was also a potential land for Sinbad's country.
At the end of a cliff out on the horizon, in a mountain region in Parthevia, a few miles away from another city, connected to the land by two large bridges, extending in a crescent-like shape, with mountains, forest, and hundreds of small buildings and houses crammed together, was the island.
"Well, what do you think? It's a nice island, isn't it?" Barbarossa asked the three awe-struck friends.
It was like a wave of excitement washed over them as they stared down at the island. Sinbad, in particular, was speechless.
"Shall we go in for a closer look?"
The Island was located a few hours North of Parthevia's Capital City, connected to the mainland by two large bridges. The island's city flourished as a stopover point between Reim and Balbadd. However, after the outbreak of war with Reim, it was abandoned. According to Barbarossa, the reason for this is that its structure had an unobstructed view and therefore did nothing to hide it from enemy sight.
The stone buildings were cracked and worn, with most of the windows covered with wooden planks, but they were not beyond repair with some maintenance. The docks were filled with boats, boxes, and fishing equipment.
"The buildings and equipment left on the island are mostly as they were back then, when this city was thriving. If there's anything useful here, you're welcome to it." Barbarossa said, waving his arm around to gesture.
Sinbad nearly tripped over his feet, snapped out of his awe-struck daze. "Everything in the city? Not just the island?"
"That's a very generous offer, Lord Barbarossa," Sakura said, folding her arms as she surveyed the area. Ja'far was already speaking on how it would be an advantage for them to use the port as it already was; the buildings could also be used after repairs.
"Well, everything here has just been sitting and gathering dust since the war; it's better to put it to use." Barbarossa pointed, smiling at Sakura, to which she returned, although her heart was not into it.
Sinbad noticed something while scanning a particular area. On higher ground of the city, there was a large building overlooking most of the city, but they were different from the rest around the island. The walls were firm, with no cracks portraying long age. "It looks newer than the other buildings."
"Yes, that's a military research facility that was built more recently. It's already been abandoned. If you'd like to buy the island, we'll demolish it for you."
Sakura thought it strange; Barbarossa was offering for them to take the entire island as is, but to destroy only one building that might just need some cleaning out and less maintenance than the rest.
"Parthevia will be responsible for negotiating the fee for the island," Dairu said to them. "We couldn't ask for anything better than for you to use this place as a trade city. What do you think?"
Sakura and Ja'far kept quiet, both in unspoken agreement that the final decision would be up to the company leader.
"It's amazing, isn't it?" Sinbad said, his voice trailing firmly. "Can't you imagine how wonderful it would be to make this place our country? We've finally found a place just for us…."
Sinbad threw his arm over Sakura's shoulders to pull her close, "Our very own….Kingdom of Sindria."
Sakura smiled, looking at Ja'far who smiled in turn. Sakura knew she wasn't the only one who had been waiting for this, others have for longer. "We have haven't we?"
"I'm thrilled you like it." Barbarossa turned to his subordinate. "Dairu."
The said person produced a scroll from his bag, and in that instant, the euphoric fantasy came crashing as it mingled with the capitalist world that was reality. It appeared that Barbarossa was well prepared for them to agree to buy the island.
"On to business negotiations. The purchase price for the island comes to 10,000,000 dinars. Part of the cost includes the price of the land, but most of it covers the added value."
"Let me guess." Sakura stepped in, the only one who appeared unsurprised by the price range for the island. Her lessons with Princess Serendine are coming into practice in diplomacy with a mix of politics. It came along with Serendine telling Sakura that you must always know who is worth keeping by your side, regardless of personal preference, and in that moment, it becomes strictly business, often a trade where you need to decipher ahead of time the true value and price of something and whether it is truly worth it. "The island's operation as a trade city?"
"Yes, and the right to become an independent territory."
"That's more than ten times what Sindria Trading Company makes in a year," Ja'far murmured to the two. "Even if we can pay for it in installments, it would take us at least 10 years to pay it off. That's a large sum."
Sinbad sighed, "I had prepared myself for this, but buying a country is still no easy feat."
Sakura folded her arms, speaking loud enough for everyone to hear. "That's true, but isn't it still worth it? After all, we've got to remember the situation Parthevia is in as well. A ceasefire treaty creates its own expenses, so it's only natural that this land should make a profit. It's not fair if both sides of the party don't benefit, right?"
"Yes," Barbarossa nodded. "You're rather well informed, aren't you, Sakura?"
"No more than our company president."
"In addition to that, we hope that inviting Sindria Trading Company here will help to rebuild our economy. We would greatly value your support in our efforts."
Sakura walked over to Sinbad, whispering to him then. "You want to save this country, too, right? Well, this is a way to do it."
Ja'far was handed a few scrolls, the drafts of the laws and regulations surrounding the establishment of a special administrative district.
"This will be reviewed by the committee, and if they approve it at the next meeting, it will become law. This is decided by all of our constituents." Dairu told them. "Parthevia is definitely facing a recession, but despite that, our influence as a large country hasn't weakened. We can be a great source of strength for you. So please use your power to help save this country."
While Sakura appeared certain (well, more than her comrades at least), Sinbad and Ja'far were still giving each other unsure glances.
"Well, that's all there is to see for now," Barbarossa said.
"Where are we going now?" Sinbad asked.
Craning his neck to look back and over the armor's collar, Barbarossa answered Sinbad. "Have you forgotten? Besides our governing body, there is one more important person in Parthevia."
..
..
Sakura, Sinbad, and Ja'far were once again back in Parthevia's royal palace before the young king Ceylan. Barbarossa informed him of their negotiations with Sinbad to purchase the uninhabited island, and the young king didn't seem to have any queries. He welcomed the news. Sakura observed the boy propped on the throne; the crown appeared ready to swallow his head.
"I was surprised. I never would've imagined that one of King Rashid's escorts was actually Sinbad, head of the Sindria trading company. I would welcome your trade activities here in Parthevia. Allow me to apologize for this country's past injustices towards you. I'll ensure your removal from our wanted list. Please feel free to visit our country without fear." Ceylan spoke with a smile on his face. Sakura wondered if that face was true or just for show. She had seen her fair share of children without families, and she knew that it was a wound that sliced too deep to heal in time before it was opened again.
The meeting was brief, as the 'royal symbol' of Parthevia didn't actually have much to do other than hold face up front, while the rest worked in the background.
"That's good, isn't it, Sinbad?" Barbarossa said as he walked beside the three down the seemingly endless palace hallway. "Throughout Parthevia's history, there hasn't been a case of a wanted criminal having his name expunged."
Sinbad appeared in thought, it was ironic really. Once a wanted criminal in his own country and now welcomed.
"It's good that Lord Ceylan is a wise person," Barbarossa said.
"Huh?" Sinbad cocked his head to the side.
"He obviously understands his own position."
Barbarossa went on to explain that Ceylan understood the country's present position and the treatment of the royal family. How he understood not to step beyond his boundaries.
"We couldn't have asked for anyone better to fulfill the position as a symbolic 'king'. Until now, Parthevia's royal family has ruled solely with power, not backed by actual ability, and without realizing they were leading this country to ruin."
Sakura grimaced; Serendine would be infuriated if she had heard such a thing, and probably cut down the person who said it. Parthevia's power resided solely with the royal family; that was until the former king's death and Serendine's disappearance.
'Good thing she isn't here-
Sakura's head snapped to Sinbad. His head was lowered, bangs hiding his eyes, but Sakura could tell that there was something wrong. It was a glimmer of a wave, barely there like the softest breeze, only it didn't soothe her. Barbarossa went on about how no other royal, aside from Ceylan, may have accepted the position that he currently held.
"Because setting up an autonomous nation is blasphemy to the royal family." Barbarossa finished. "Shall we go? There's more to discuss."
Sakura, Sinbad, and Ja'far stayed a little way behind, watching Barbarossa walk away with his attendants.
Ja'far let out a sigh, pulling a bit on his hood, "If Miss Serendine heard what he just said, she'd probably be angry…"
"Yeah…" Sakura trailed, glancing at Sinbad, who was now motionless. It didn't take much for Ja'far to notice their leader's strange behavior.
"Sin?"
Sakura's eyes widened as she saw Sinbad start to move, one hand landing on the sheath of his metal vessel and the other towards the hilt. Before she could step in, Ja'far put his hand on Sinbad's shoulder. The violet-haired boy automatically craned his neck to look at Ja'far. "Sin, we're in the royal palace. I don't know what you are intending to do, but you don't need your metal vessel."
Sinbad looked at Ja'far as if he could see the words coming from his mouth, but he couldn't really hear them. "Metal vessel? What was I…?"
Frowning, Sakura placed her hand on Sinbad's cheek, tilting his head to meet his eyes. "Sinbad, are you okay?"
"Maybe he's just tired," Ja'far suggested skeptically.
There was something nagging at Sakura in the back of her mind, tugging like a thread. Seemingly meaningless to continue pulling until it unraveled everything. Despite this, Sakura chose not to cut it.
"Sinbad, I think you should rest. Come on." Sakura coaxed softly, rubbing Sinbad's face.
"Yeah…you're right. Can I get a massage?"
Sakura nodded, "Whatever helps you sleep."
..
..
..
Sakura had her face buried in the pillow, hiding the heat of her embarrassment under the bed sheets. The room was dimly lit with an oil lamp, but she was confident that a certain arrogant, purple-haired teenage boy would be able to see her as clear as day. Huffing, Sakura turned her head to the side when she felt a poke at the back of her head, looking at Sinbad, who was leaning against the headrest, grinning.
"When I said whatever helps you sleep, this is not what I meant."
Sinbad beamed. "What else could you have meant?"
"Just a massage!" Sakura exclaimed, pulling the pillow closer to her chest. She was going to be sure to be more specific in the future.
"Well, either way, I'm definitely relaxed."
"Pervert."
"That's the girl who didn't reject the offer."
Groaning, Sakura buried herself back under the covers. She doubted that she would ever get used to Sinbad's smugness. She wondered if this was just because they were so young. It wasn't unusual in this world, but in hers…she erased the thought.
Feeling that things had suddenly fallen too silent, too soon, Sakura turned her head back up again. Sinbad had his knee up, still under the sheets, resting his elbow on it. His mouth pulled down, slightly crooked, and by the look in his eyes, he didn't seem to be present in the room anymore.
"Sinbad?" Sakura tapped his arm. He looked at her.
"I was just thinking, it's strange. With this, we should be able to create our own country." Sinbad shuffled down to wrap his arm around Sakura, resting her head on his chest. "After all our struggles to get to this point, for it to become a reality. I conquered Baal, left Parthevia, founded my own trading company, and started gathering funds to build a country. Before I knew it, three years passed."
Sakura threw her arm over Sinbad, smiling. "I know. It's a bit overwhelming to think about. When I think back over these years I've spent in this world, I still can't believe it sometimes. At first, being in this world, all alone, feeling true solitude, it was like a nightmare that wouldn't end, and now, it's a dream that I'm afraid to be woken up from."
"I'd be more than happy to keep this dream going on forever," Sinbad stated, pulling Sakura closer. He stared up at the ceiling. "I wonder what kind of country we'll create. I'd like to extend the harbor to accommodate more ships and to make our company's main branch more 'majestic.'"
Sakura snickered, drawing circles along Sinbad's chest. "I think you should be more worried about making a palace for yourself."
"Yes, you're right. A palace for us to live in." Sinbad watched as Sakura's face became flushed once again, but she stayed in his arms. "I'll definitely create a good country…."
"A good country for a good king," Sakura said confidently, feeling Sinbad gently tug at the back of her hair. He wanted her to grow her hair out a bit like before, but she kept saying it was more convenient for her if it remained short, saved a lot of time, which neither got much of these days.
Sakura was content, her head resting on Sinbad's shoulder. Her eyes were closing, and she was ready to nod off into a peaceful slumber when she felt vibrations against her skin. She looked to see Sinbad quivering. In her experience, there were typically only two things that got him like this.
"I'm not going again!" Sakura warned, glaring at him now.
"It's not that!" Sinbad defended, honestly. "I'm just excited-
"Sinbad, we just-
"Not 'that' excited!" Sinbad raised his eyebrow, "Now who's the pervert?"
"Still you." Sakura deadpanned.
"I'm just thinking about the island. Every time I close my eyes, I see it."
"You were supposed to rest. That's initially why we retired early." Sakura moaned, tossing on her side so her back was facing Sinbad. "And I'm tired now too, you know."
Just as quickly as she said it, Sakura wished she hadn't because she could sense the extra step Sinbad's enormous ego just took. Sinbad didn't try to prod her with that, though, because he wanted her on board with his idea.
"Let's just use our djinn equips for a quick fly out. We'll be back in time to get a few hours of sleep. Think of this as a second inspection."
Sakura grumbled, glaring at Sinbad while he smiled, knowing he had her. "I hate you."
"Love you too."
..
..
..
With Baal and Beleth's fully equipped djinn bodies, the two set off quietly out of Parthevia's royal palace. Arriving at the island within an hour. Sakura, who was still tired, wasn't in a cheerful mood, least of all in comparison to Sinbad. He continued to try to hype her up during their flight by explaining that this was necessary since it was the location for their new country. Although Sakura commented she'd rather inspect the thread count on the sheets in bed until she fell asleep.
They landed near the harbor at the foot of the island, removing their djinn equipment shortly after. Sinbad pointed out to the encasing, narrowing the harbor. "We should definitely clear that, don't you think? It'll make much more room for more ships."
Sakura rubbed her eyes, "That's a fantastic idea."
"Was that sarcasm?"
"No, of course not." Sakura gave a half yawn before Sinbad poked her in her ribs. "Sinbad, it's late, and I just realized, we can't see much in just the moonlight."
Walking without response, Sinbad bent down towards some rubble near the docks, clicking noises of wood were heard, and then the ripping of fabric that ran up your spine. Sinbad looked back at Sakura with a cheeky grin, holding a stick with a thick wad of cloth wrapped at the top. "Think one of your djinns could give me some fire for this?"
"Smartass."
With a set lit, Sinbad and Sakura made their way from the harbor, heading towards the upper part of the island, going along the city streets. It was completely quiet, aside from the pair's soft footsteps against the hard ground and their soft breathing.
Looking along some of the empty houses, Sakura felt a chill the further along they went and the more she stared into the windows and doors that probably welcomed many residents who called it home, but now only welcomed complete darkness, with a promise of no warmth or comfort.
"Do you think this island is haunted?" Sinbad asked, his tone casual.
Sakura scoffed, turning her eyes away from him. "Of course not; don't go making up ghost stories just to try and freak me out."
"I wouldn't try to do such a thing." Sinbad mocked, cocking his eyebrow towards Sakura as he watched her continue to avoid making eye contact with him. It was seldom that Sinbad had seen Sakura scared; she made a clear point that she did not enjoy snakes, but other than that, there weren't any other phobias that Sakura had been known to have. Of course, he didn't mind prodding for a new discovery.
"But just imagine, what if there was a restless spirit roaming along this island. Chasing off all intruders."
Sakura rolled her eyes, "Sinbad, if you're trying to scare me, you're going to have to do a better job than that. Naruto always came to me with his conspiracy theories on ghosts because he was terrified of them."
As Sakura walked in front of Sinbad, the young man softened his footsteps, slowing them until they completely stopped. When Sakura could barely see anything, she realized she must have walked too far from Sinbad. She turned around to tell him to pick up his pace, but when she did, he was no longer behind her.
Frowning, she started to scan the area, squinting her eyes. Something must have caught Sinbad's eye, and he took off; he did have that case of wanderlust. Once it grabbed hold of him, he was difficult to maintain, and even his mind wandered.
"Sinbad, where are you?"
Sakura spotted the torchlight flickering around the corner of a building and followed after. As she came around, expecting Sinbad, she only saw the torch resting against the wall. Sinbad wasn't in the alleyway where it had been left.
"AH." Sakura jumped, feeling a sudden brush of wind against her neck (which made her hair stand on end). Her yelp was soon followed by choked snickers, and she spun around, glaring at Sinbad, who was holding his hand over his mouth.
"You idiot!"
"You told me to try harder!"
Sakura spent the rest of their stroll with her arms crossed, head turned, and lips sealed, ignoring Sinbad whenever he attempted to grab her attention (and that was often.) Although the silent treatment didn't last very long.
Sinbad and Sakura came atop a high point of the island overlooking most of the city, leading to the harbor, a crescent moon in a star-filled sky, reflecting off the calm ocean, a soft breeze blowing across them; it was the perfect inducement for tranquility. It was as if their eyes were instantly set, unable to move from the scene before them, and they didn't mind at all.
"This is a good island."
"It is," Sakura confirmed, taken in by the scenery. Sinbad shuffled closer to her, his hand touching her waist to get her attention.
"I've decided, I'll definitely buy this island and make it our home."
Sakura smiled softly. "Our home."
With the night still young and Sinbad's persistence, the pair continues to make their way across the island. Up a flight of worn stone stairs, further long the city roads. Sakura saw the research facility Barbarossa had mentioned.
There was a tugging at her, a pull drawing her towards the building. Sakura didn't know if it was pure curiosity or something else. Either way, she wanted to quell this thirst before it went from uncomfortable to unbearable.
Sinbad didn't seem to be paying any particular attention to where they were going. In fact, he seemed far off from the present. His eyes were looking straight ahead into nothing.
Linking her arm with his, Sakura called his name. "Sinbad? Is something wrong?"
He shook his head, "No, I was just thinking of my hometown, Tison Village. I wondered, if they knew I was building a country here in Parthevia, would they come and join it? If that happened, I could see everyone again…"
With a gentle smile, Sakura began to discreetly tug Sinbad in the direction of the research facility. "I'm sure you could persuade them, you are very good at that."
Sinbad laughed, "Yeah, I mean, I got you to stay with me, right?"
It didn't take much coaxing for Sakura to nudge Sinbad in the direction of the research facility. A fence surrounded the building, a building which happened to be in far better shape than any of the others on the island. It was well-kept. It was nothing short of ominous to Sakura.
Sinbad stared up at the building. "Isn't this....?"
"The research facility Barbarossa mentioned." Sakura was already climbing over the fence, which didn't do much to keep out intruders, but it was obviously there as an indication that uninvited visitors were not welcome.
"What are you doing?"
Sakura hopped off the end of the other side of the fence, "I want to get a closer look."
Sinbad raised an eyebrow, "What are you up to?"
Rolling her eyes, Sakura held out her hand for the torch, "You dragged me out of bed to explore the island. Let's explore."
Without further argument, Sinbad handed Sakura the torch and placed his hands on the top of the fence…
..
..
Sakura and Sinbad walked through the abandoned research facility. The entrance was around the corner of the building, with no latched doors, just a dark, wide-open space. They went in quietly, and for a long while, there was nothing but dark hallways, filled with cobwebs and dust, as expected. A rat or two crawled alongside the walls when they were caught in the light of the torch's flames. The building itself appeared far from worthy of demolition.
"Isn't it strange?" Sakura asked, "Barbarossa didn't even give you a chance to decide whether or not you wanted to keep the building. He just said he'll demolish it."
"I guess, but I'm sure he had his reasons."
"Yeah, but what reason?" Sakura asked, pressing for Sinbad to find an answer on his own. "Why does he want to just destroy this building?"
"He did say that it was a military research facility; maybe it's not as safe as it appears." Sinbad shrugged.
"Then why didn't Barbarossa just say something like that? He didn't even give an explanation for wanting to destroy the building."
"Wait," Sinbad stopped walking. He looked at Sakura. He raised his chin, his mouth turning downward. "Sakura, what is this about?"
Sakura sighed, "I was just curious, something was nagging in the back of my mind about this place, and I thought it might be worth a look."
Sinbad raised an eyebrow, "Are you sure that's the only reason?"
"Yes," Sakura stated, but something about Sinbad's question had formed a frown on her face. "Do you think I have some ulterior motive?"
"I did not say that. It's just that I know you're not fond of Barbarossa. Did something happen?"
Sakura turned her head, away from Sinbad's gaze.
"Sakura, what aren't you telling me?"
Sakura opened her mouth, she appeared ready to say something before closing her mouth again and then opening it. "Okay, you're right. I don't like Barbarossa. He might be helping Parthevia to recover, but he has done so at the expense of Serendine, my friend. I do not believe that he is a good person. Of course, I won't let my personal feelings towards Barbarossa jeopardize your chance at establishing your country. It's just-I'm skeptical, so when I thought something was off about the research facility I-
"Okay, okay. You don't have to explain anything else. I get it." Sinbad soothed, holding his hand up. Chuckling softly, Sinbad took Sakura's hand, pulling her along the dark walkway. "Thank you for telling the truth."
Sakura was about to respond when she spotted something in the corner of the light, dimly lit. The long hallway had come to another turn, into a door-less entrance. Lying in the corner were several thick pipes coiled together, with a thick liquid pouring out with no smell to it.
"Sinbad." Sakura directed him to look at what she was seeing, and he frowned.
"What is that?"
Without answering, the two quietly entered the opening. They didn't take more than two steps before coming to an abrupt halt. Taking in the sight before them.
There were more pipes running along the ceilings and floors like veins under the flesh. With a single pipe leading to a large, glass cylindrical container, a tank, some were cracked, half broken, or intact, holding a clear liquid, which Sakura and Sinbad doubted was water. The lining continued on into the darkness of the room where the torch's light did not reach from its current distance.
Sakura swallowed as she peered at one of the large tanks; the contents of the tank were nearly indescribable, and neither knew what it was. A twisted knot of limbs, judging by the small foot they could see in the coil, as well as a head, upside down, mouth gaping wide open with no sign of teeth or tongue, the eye sockets were exposed, opened into a black abyss.
"W-What?" Sakura started breathing heavily.
"Look." Sinbad swallowed hard, directing his torch to pass the contents of the tank. There was something written at the base, a plaque nailed onto it. What she read made her stomach churn.
"Aldo village. 6-year-old male Kufar."
Sakura staggered back, nearly tripping over the pipes. "Y-You don't think…"
They stopped.
Stopped moving, stopped speaking, stopped breathing. So that their ears could hear it again. That heavy, gruff, grunt-like noise that couldn't have come from them or any inanimate object in the building.
They heard it again, right behind them.
Trembling, slowly, painfully slow, they began to turn around, the flames creating a light to the dark end of that room, although not entirely, but they saw what the light had to offer. They saw bars-thick bars, the pipes leading all the way in from the ceiling and floor through the gaps between the bars. Behind the bars, shackled in huge chains, was a creature neither was prepared to stomach. Its eyes were black with white pupils, five of them on its forehead. Its face and body resembled an ape's, only far larger, less constructed and natural, disfigured with a long face and black hair, teeth bared, showing off its large fangs.
Sinbad drew a fast breath, reaching for his sword, while Sakura made a fast move for her hairpin. But then they both stopped, as the creature opened its mouth, and instead of a growl, roar, snarl, or grunt. It spoke in their tongue, and it wasn't so much the fact that the monster spoke as what it said.
"Sinbad…." It said, holding onto the bars of the cage. "You really are Sinbad, aren't you? Sinbad of Tison Village?"
Sinbad was stuck, halfway to drawing his sword, the words caught in his throat, and probably blocking the bile that wanted to come up with them. "Yeah…"
"You've really grown. You look just like your parents." The creature told him, with familiarity that frightened both he and Sakura. "Welcome back, Sinbad."
Sakura unconsciously touched Sinbad's arm when the creature's eyes fell on her.
"Oh, who is this Sinbad? You have a woman; you're all grown up now, aren't you?"
Sinbad attempted to move the pinkette out of sight, shifting her behind him in vain, and Sakura, in her surprised state, wasn't able to do much other than gawk. "S-Sinbad, what's going on?"
"I-I don't know."
The creature chuckled, "It's not surprising you don't recognize me. I'm stuck in this body now." Holding a large hand cross its chest. "It's me. I was with you back in Tison village. I was the one who stayed with Esra during her final moments, too."
Sinbad's eyes widened in realization, and an image of a husky, middle-aged, plump woman with black hair and a warm smile took place in his mind.
"A-Auntie?" Sinbad asked, unsurely.
"That's right. I'm glad you remember!"
Sakura gasped, so this being that they had presumed to be a monster was actually a human being, if that was the truth, then that led to the question of what exactly was going on in this 'research facility.'
"Bu-but how?" Sinbad asked, sweat dripping down his forehead. "Why are you in a place like this…and why do you look like this? What happened to you!?"
Sakura put her hands on Sinbad's shoulders in an attempt to calm him, but it had little effect.
"I was brought here. It happened a few years ago after you left Tison village."
Sinbad and Sakura listened quietly to the story of how citizens from the Tison village were rounded up by soldiers. The 'unpatriotic' citizens who had committed treason against Parthevia. The Military had used this facility for experiments, using the people they had captured for their tests, turning humans into monsters.
"It was horrifying, person after person falling victim right before my eyes."
Sakura and Sinbad stepped back as they expanded their view of the cage. Coming out of the darkness surrounding it were other creatures, similar to the one Sinbad referred to as Aunty. Their forms were similar to different types of animals-elephant, snake, horse, lion-there were too many to count.
"Y-You mean you were all human before?" Sakura swallowed.
"Yes, unfortunately, I'm the only one who can still speak." She told Sakura. "See, we are 'failed' experiments. We were fused with dungeon monsters, but we were 'unsuccessful'. They are going to dispose of us; until then, we are trapped here."
Thinking back to that day, they had first met Judar, Sinbad, and Sakura, who realized that what he told them about the purges in Parthevia and people being taken away and experimented on was the truth. Barbarossa had already admitted to the purge, although he said that they only took criminals…
'And undesirables, ' Sakura grimaced.
"Sinbad, you understand, don't you? No matter what any of us do, those in this country that don't fit their standards are labelled as 'Unpatriotic citizens,' and those of us who are labelled are eliminated." Clutching the bars tight and crying out towards the two teens on the other side. "Sinbad, please save us. If we stay here, we'll be killed!"
She continued to ramble on, desperately telling Sinbad about how she had heard about him, how he was successful in Reim, the head of the top trading company in the world, and how that surely meant he had the power to do something to help them.
"Please save us! Sinbad!"
Time stopped, for Sinbad and Sakura, their fear washed away and replaced with something worse: indecision. They couldn't do what was requested directly; if they broke the bars and let all these people free, where would they go? What would become of them? They'd expect Sinbad and Sakura to continue to aid them, and that would evidently destroy their relationship with Barbarossa and Parthevia. The island offer would be off the table, and that wasn't even the worst of their worries. If word got out about these beings, the story of the experiments of 'undesirables' could be spun either way. Innocent people forced to endure abuse of their rights or just sentences for criminals of the nation? Barbarossa clearly had a lot of influence-from the guest list at the celebration, it was easy to see. This could spin out of control.
On the other hand, if they went directly to Barbarossa and told them of what they saw and petitioned for their release, what would happen then? Whether they win or lose that fight, Sinbad's relationship with Barbarossa would be damaged beyond repair-no, it wouldn't be damaged, it would be completely eradicated.
They wouldn't just be at risk of a setback; this could become so much more than that.
All of those thoughts ran through Sakura and Sinbad as they tried to work out a solution to their predicament. The weight of the situation was suffocating and so heavy, not even Sakura felt like she could lift it.
When Sakura looked to Sinbad, he was trembling, holding a hand up to his face, fingers spread, eyes wide, beads of sweat forming against his forehead. He himself must've realized all of this, but knowing the consequences of making a decision, in this case, didn't make it easier for him to decide. It was like standing still with a blade ready to fall across your neck, and you could move one way or the other, but once you did, there was no going back-and if you remained…
"Sinbad! I'm begging you. Save us!" The bars rattled under the pressure of being shaken, as was desperation and hope-the hope that came in the form of Sinbad. "Please don't abandon us! You're the only hope we have left!"
Sinbad looked down, muttering quickly, so fast that it was like he didn't intend to mouth any of them. They were thoughts, overwhelmed and spilling without permission, and only Sakura could hear them clearly as she leaned closer towards him.
"I-I've come so far…I…what must I do? What must I do?"
Clutching his head tightly, Sinbad heard the voices, many of them overlapping with images running across his mind, blinding his reality.
"Our own country…the Kingdom of Sindria."
"They're going to dispose of us."
"I want to save this country with everyone's help."
"Sinbad is not fit to be king!"
"I'll create a country to help change the world!"
"It seems like we really can become good friends."
"Do what you need to do. You found it, didn't you?"
Then he saw Ja'far, standing in front of him with blank eyes. "Think about that dream, Sinbad, that dream that reeled all of us in, towards you. Are you honestly going to give that up just because you got your hands dirty?"
'That's right.' Sinbad thought, 'We're already…
Swiftly grabbing her wrist, tight, as if intending to bruise, Sinbad dragged Sakura away from the cage, out of the room, and out of the building without uttering a single word. They could hear the women from Sinbad's village calling out to them, begging them to come back, asking where they were going, rambling turned to raving, the cage rattling while the other experiments who had lost their ability to speak, let out screeches, grunts, and growls of their own. Crying out as wild animals caught in a hunter's trap and on the verge of death.
"Sinbad-stop!"
No matter how loud Sakura called out to him, over all of the noise, all of the chaos. Sinbad did not acknowledge her until she attempted to tear herself free from his grasp, and he tightened his hold, making her wince. Sakura felt like it wasn't going to matter if she used her strength to stop him. He'd likely just grab her again until he got her where he wanted her.
This whole situation had gotten to him, and for now, the best decision might be to go along until she was given the chance to speak with him. Sinbad continued to drag her along the dark hallway, further from the room, until they were standing outside at the entrance of the research facility.
Sinbad stopped, releasing Sakura's wrist. She immediately rubbed the aching limb; she was not the only one who underestimated their strength at times.
"What the hell, Sinbad?"
He didn't respond, Sinbad kept his back facing her, but Sakura was determined for answers and continued to persist.
"Sinbad."
Again, he was silent.
"Sinbad, I know that this situation has you in a difficult position, but you can't just stand there quietly. Say something."
This time, Sinbad did respond-but with a question Sakura did not expect.
"Do you love me?"
Sakura frowned, "What are you-
"Do you love me?" Sinbad's tone for the question hardened, pressing for the answer, sending a message that he wouldn't stop until she answered him.
Sakura continued to rub her wrist, raising her eyebrow. "Of course I do. Sinbad, why are you-
"Transform into your djinn equip."
Sakura stumbled back, eyes widening before narrowing once again. "Sinbad-
He turned around, eyes blazing and the rukh fluttering wildly around him; his face indifferent.
"Transform now, Sakura."
She frowned, watching Sinbad cautiously, like waiting for a paper bomb to go off. However, Sinbad knew that Sakura, being as stubborn as she was, wouldn't just take off without an explanation, especially with what was happening.
"Sakura, we're going to transform into our djinn equips, fly back to our room, and never mention what happened here tonight."
Sakura stepped back, gasping softly, realizing what Sinbad was intending to do, and she couldn't stop herself from speaking. "Sinbad, are you actually saying you plan to-
"And no questions either." He cut in, clenching his fists tightly at his side.
"Sin-
"No questions," Sinbad said, firm, hissing softly at the end. His muscles were tense beneath the skin, unable to relax. Sakura was ready to open her mouth, ready to argue, and Sinbad knew she was ready to fight, but Sinbad wouldn't have that. Not this time.
"You can't tell me you're willing to abandon those people. Sinbad, some of them are from your village. They might look like that, but they were human."
"Exactly. They were human, but they aren't anymore; if we freed them, where would they go? This world won't accept them as they are right now, and you know what it will cost if Parthevia finds out we were the ones to help them. Sindria trading would go up in flames, along with its goal, my goal, and yours."
Sakura bit her bottom lip, drawing blood, her eyes glaring strongly. Her shoulders trembled, her mind working to find another solution to this problem, another way to do this. Perhaps being outside, away from the poor failed experiments, suffocating lab, and choking air would help her think more clearly, but there was no difference in results from when she was inside the research facility, standing in front of that cage.
There was no solution.
There was only one way, but it was one that would lead them away from the light and into darkness. Hiding everything they didn't want the rest of the world to see.
"I do understand all of that," Sakura admitted, the pit of her stomach twisting into a painful knot, getting tighter.
Sinbad walked towards Sakura, placing his hands on her shoulders. What was once a gesture of comfort seemed to be used now to keep her in place. "You said you love me, you said that you chose your own selfish desires over everything else. So tell me, do you want me?"
Sakura narrowed her eyes, clenching her teeth as she answered. Truthfully yet painfully. "Yes, I want you."
"Do you want to be with me?"
"Yes."
"Will you deny me?"
She knew what Sinbad was doing; he wasn't asking a question, he was requesting a promise charade as a question. And there was only one answer she could give to that question, but she knew that it was going to come at a price. One of equal value to the consequences she had experienced before with the slave rebellion.
"Why are you asking me this?" Sakura asked, not for an answer but to stall for time. In the futility of finding an alternate solution, plant a seed of hope that wouldn't breed eternal misery.
"Our hands are already dirty; there is nothing we can do to remedy that. Saving one life won't bring back one that's been taken. All we can do is keep moving forward, even if we have to bathe in the dark; we keep moving. Eyes straight ahead, towards the goal." Sakura didn't flinch when she felt Sinbad's fingers clutch into her skin.
"That's what I decided, that is the sin that I am willing to carry, now it's up to you to choose; to make you decision and you should know this. You're either behind me, beside me or in my way; so I'm going to ask you again Sakura…."
When he didn't continue, Sakura's eyes met his, and she realized that he was waiting for her to look at him again.
"Will you deny me?"
Sakura didn't try to hopelessly stall or flinch in her answer because what she said next was the truth.
The cold, hard, painful truth.
"No."
Her voice was soft, but hard in truth and confirmation, erasing all doubt, though laced with disdain now. Sinbad visibly relaxed; he started to rub Sakura's shoulders, attempting to soothe her tense form.
"Let's go."
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, there are 3-7 chapters ahead of what's publicly posted. That means 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.
What's waiting for you over there:
The chapter directly after this one
The plot reveal I've been building toward since chapter one
3–7 full chapters to binge (And more incoming)
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.
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 early access chapters are for you.
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:
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EARLY CHAPTERS FOR MEMBERS NOW: BUYMEACOFFEE
-Kunoichi amongst Heroes chapter (105, 106, 107, 108, 109, 110)
-Kunoichi amongst Pirates chapter (49, 50, 51)
-Crossroads of Fate chapter (39, 40, 41, 42)
-Through the Looking Glass chapter (55, 56, 57, 58, 59)
- (Bleach crossover) Kunoichi amongst Reapers: (5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11)
-Commission: Demon slayer x My hero academia (PART 1 & 2)
- Kunoichi amongst Benders (Avatar x Naruto crossover) (16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22)
-Kunoichi amongst Heroes WHAT IF SPIN OFF: Dorms and Exams
-SPECIAL HALLOWEEN CHAPTER: Shinigami amongst Shinobi