Chapter 97
The week was quite uneventful, but I had something to look forward to. The Chunin exam. It was one of the milestones in a shinobi's life as well as one of the few major arcs in Naruto history. I was getting nervous. I wondered how the exam would have went if the siblings had been part of it. Considering they were official Anbu, there was no way that was happening.
The exam was starting early, and I as one of the proctors had to arrive on time. We had an early meeting with the Hokage who once again issued out his orders on staying on our toes. After that was done, everyone went on their way to start their roles. Since my role was not officially starting till the next day, I had nothing to do but hang around the others. I moved around the village and I had to admit, it was interesting. Everyone seemed hyped about the upcoming exam. They were all waiting for the battle stage.
"Pst. Pssst. Sakura. Sakura." I suddenly heard someone trying to whisper but not doing a very good job at it. I turned my head to the source of the sound and saw two awkwardly dressed people who had hidden their faces with cloth. They seemed to be trying to remain inconspicuous but were doing terrible jobs. Everyone around were giving them weird looks. Well, not all the way; I guess I had no idea who they were.
The one in front looked to be calling me over. I felt it would be troublesome if I went over, but everyone had begun to give me weird looks as well ever since they started to call out to me. I sighed and took a step towards them when I saw one motion with the head to follow them. They ran towards a direction with me in tow. After a while we finally got to a small mansion in a remote part of town. It had heavy guards at the front with one or two who looked quite decent enough.
They showed a jade medallion to the guards who knelt upon seeing it after making way for them. It was getting interesting. Made me wonder who they were. They motioned again to follow which I did. I was not particularly worried. What were they going to do to me? It may have sounded overconfident, but…I guess it did.
After reaching the empty hallway, the three finally turned to me. "We finally meet again at last." I raised my brow at that statement. Was it someone coming for revenge? Not that I cared. "Alright, lets get this over with.". The one in front began to say something, but I pulled out a tanto and appeared in front of them I swiped the tanto, but just as I was about to swipe, I heard the remaining part of the sentence "…roko!"
With the blade still on the neck, I asked, "What did you say?" The two looked to be shivering a little, as the person repeated what she said. "I said its me, Hiroko." She took of the mask and there she stood. The daughter of the current Fire Daimyo, Yasuhiro Hiroko. The one behind her shivered as he took his mask of as well. He was the son, Yasuhiro Nakasone. The young man was as white as a sheet. He must have been traumatized back then for him to be so afraid. Sheesh. He needed to grow a pair.
The two were the son and daughter of the current Fire Daimyo I had been assigned to bring back from the land of tea, where I encountered Danzo. What were they doing here, and what were they doing out with so little protection? I had checked and there were only four guards following us when we came to the mansion. "Honestly, what are you doing here?" I sighed tiredly. "I told you we would be coming for the exam, remember?" They did say that. I had completely forgotten about that, and her.
During our talks, tens of guards had surrounded us, well, me, with their weapons out, but I paid them no attention. They were in the right after all, I had just tried to kill the children of the Fire Daimyo. "You are being rude to our guest. Stand down." A group of wrinkly old men suddenly walked in dressed traditionally. What mattered was the old man at the head of the group. Small eyes and the Daimyo headpiece. He was the current Fire Daimyo. I went on one knee to pay respects. Whether I liked it or not, I was a shinobi of the fire country.
Just as I was about to reach the floor, Hiroko quickly grabbed me and pulled me up. "You don't have to do that. You are my friend. Right, papa?" I looked towards the old man who just had a silly smile on his face as he nodded.
"So, this is the young Sakura who saved my children? You have my gratitude, young one." The advisors behind him kept nodding their heads. "I was only doing my duty, sir." I was surprised no one was commenting on the fact that I almost killed the very people I saved. Worked for me.
He nodded once again. I wanted to see the face of their savior and thank them personally. How about you become their personal guards. Hiroko misses you quite a lot. Plus, I will be assured if someone like you is beside them." Just like that the old man decided to drop a bomb. Wasn't it said that he was a mellow and indecisive old man? Where did this come from suddenly?
"Please allow me to humbly refuse, Fire Daimyo. As you can see, although I do possess some skill, I am just a young girl. I believe there are more qualified persons for the job. As for being close to Hiroko, I will try to visit as much as I can. I hope you can forgive me." I could have sworn I saw a dangerous glint in his eyes. Something felt very wrong in the situation. I really hate AU universes where things just keep changing. It might have been my imagination.
"Is that so? No matter. As long as Hiroko is happy, it does not matter. I will see you during the exam." With that he and his entourage left. I did not like the situation that was developing. Me and the siblings caught up on what had been going on in their lives over the past few months. Turned out their father really loved and doted on them quite much. Almost to the point of suffocation, but it was not something they could complain about. Their father had not seen them for years and considering he had almost lost them the first time, no one could blame him.