#v postwar

The day didn’t turn out as she expected. It was a simple mission: gather some herbs for Tsunade around a certain spot in the forest she isn’t too familiar with. And while it is a rather intimidating experience to head out towards unfamiliar territory, she still did, thinking the map Shizune has drawn for her and a compass enough tools to help.

And it were; reaching the end of the footpath where a bridge awaits. But instead, the sight she arrived to is that of a hastily-done signpost ( apologising for inconvenience) and what’s left of the bridge Shizune indicated in the map.

Now, she has to find another route to cross to the other side where the rare plant thrives.

“ Mou, why is that plant so picky...? Why can’t it be simple enough, grow on someone else’s garden... “ Sakura mused to herself as her gaze landed upon a garden full of vegetables and fruit-bearing trees.

She smiled, seeing a man whose back is facing her, repotting a seedling. Not thinking much of it, she kept walking but her eyes still firmly cast upon the man’s familiar form.

Just as she was about to simply walk past him, her eyes widened, as one thing becomes clear:

"Haruno-san. I don't suppose I thanked you for the role you played in the war." The General gives a deep bow. "On behalf of the samurai you saved, both in battle and in the medic tents, thank you for your service."

Orbs of emerald averts to one side, a queasy feeling unrelentingly bubbling from the pit of her stomach. Such formality is something she isn’t accustomed to, much so the glorification of her actions from the war.

She is a medic nin -- what else was she supposed to do?

“ General Mifune, “ finally able to move from her rather stiff posture, slightly bending forward to form a bow, to return the greeting and pay respect to the elder man, “ I only did what I was trained to do. The entire medic squad from the Allied Forces collectively worked together to save everyone. Everything wasn’t a result of my efforts alone. Rest assured; I will relay your thanks to our team in Konoha... “

It was embarrassing he has to see her in such sorry state. Her eyes, all red and puffy, after she has already spent a couple of hours sobbing inside a room.

Sakura knocks a few times before opening the door slowly. Peering her head in through the small gap through the door, she sees the Hokage’s assistant, “ Hey, Shikamaru. Kakashi-sensei is out again, isn’t he? “

She smiles, before letting herself inside the office with a handful of papers on one hand. Her eyes never leaving Shikamaru’s face as Sakura makes her way towards the Hokage’s desk to place the documents she needs for signing.

If not for the knowledge the young Nara lost his father after the war, one can barely notice the slight slump on his shoulders or the way the skin around his eyes has darkened, likely from lack of sleep. These small changes to his demeanour gradually grows each day she chanced upon seeing him whenever she accompanies Ino.

    " I've heard through the grapevine that you're having a hard time managing all the injured. I can help with that. You don't have to trust me, just my abilities. "

Sakura looks up; straight at the eyes of the person who suddenly requested for her presence. It is rare for her to make an appearance inside Konoha's Correctional Facility. But she was told this particular inmate specifically mentioned her name.

“ That is a high risk to take considering you contributed to this problem, Kabuto-san. Not to mention your history of switching sides, who knows whose side you could end up with if we let you out? ”

Deep down, Sakura is very much aware of his talents, the information coming mostly from Shizune, who have acknowledged he may be a better medical apprentice for Tsunade than her. He could be just the person they need, but his past is something that terrifies her.

It was a rather peaceful morning for Sakura. Her hospital rounds ended just a few minutes ago and it seems all patients are taken care of -- without anyone requiring her immediate attention.

She sat down. The tea cup almost reaching her lips, she could smell the aroma of the freshly brewed tea when the ANBU appeared in front of her.