Chapter 8: The Hyuga Clan

Amidst the searing desert heat, Sakura kept pace with Kankuro, sporting a compact tan bag strapped to her back. As far as the eye could see, there were vast sand dunes and imposing boulder formations. The monotonous scenery left Sakura feeling fatigued, causing her to let out a weary yawn.

Kankuro chuckled, his voice carrying through the arid expanse. "It's only been four hours, and you're already tired? What happened to that relentless attitude of yours?"

Feeling a tad irritable, Sakura puckered her lips and replied, "I haven't done this before, so it's only natural that I'd be enthusiastic about something that sounds fun."

A smile formed on Kankuro's face as he playfully suggested, "Do you want me to carry you?" However, Gaara interrupted, unyielding, "Don't coddle her, Kankuro. She needs to learn the hard way like everyone else."

Kankuro's face contorted with irritation at his younger brother's attempt to issue orders. He retorted, "Like she said, this is her first time. We can't push her too far when she doesn't have as much chakra control as we do."

Attempting to diffuse the growing tension, Temari, as the older sister suggested, "Hey, how about we stop to have lunch? I'm feeling a bit tired myself."

Gaara's frown deepened as he continued to defend his stance, "It's too early to take a break. If she can't handle this mission, then she should go home."

Despite her fatigue, Sakura was determined and argued, "Guys, I'm fine. Gaara's right; I don't need a break."

Temari glanced back at Kankuro, slowing her pace to match Sakura's, and said, "Sakura, don't listen to Gaara. He's only saying this because he doesn't like to take his missions lightly. If you need a break, just let us know, okay?"

Reluctantly, Sakura nodded, and the three continued to run in silence for another four miles. As time passed, Sakura's fatigue grew, and she began to feel dizzy. She hadn't had any water since they left, and she gradually slowed down, watching the siblings run ahead of her. Eventually, she collapsed in the soft sand.

The three siblings stopped when they heard the loud thud of Sakura collapsing onto the sandy ground. Kankuro, concerned, rushed to her side, feeling her flushed face. He remarked, "She's dehydrated; she must have forgotten to bring water and was too afraid to mention it."

Gaara smiled quietly and chuckled, "I'm impressed she made it this far. She's strong; you should be proud of her. Let's take a break here. We'll carry her for another six hours, and then we'll rest for the night."

Temari, in her usual composed manner, observed, "So you pushed her to see how strong she was, not just how strong she claimed to be."

Gaara explained, "I wanted to test her limits. After Kankuro told us about her, I was curious to see how far she could go with limited access to her chakra."

Kankuro sighed, "She could have gone on longer if she had water. I can't believe she didn't say anything."

Temari empathetically added, "She doesn't like to be a burden to others. It's a better personality trait than Gaara's."

Gaara, sounding slightly defensive, asked, "What's that supposed to mean?"

Kankuro replied with a hint of jest, "It means you're still a bit of an asshole, but we know you're trying to be better."

Gaara rolled his eyes and walked away, muttering, "Whatever."

They decided to stop late in the afternoon and retrieve the lunchbox meals that Sakura had prepared. The assortment of fish, poultry, and beef with vegetables always made them happy. Sakura took joy in feeding them, and it worked out well. They prepared a portion for Sakura and left her a jug of water for when she woke up from her rest.

As the siblings engaged in conversation, Sakura slowly began to regain consciousness, fluttering her eyes open and groaning softly. Temari rubbed her shoulder gently and offered her some water, advising, "Take small sips for now, don't drink too quickly. We can't have you passing out on us again."

Sakura followed Temari's guidance, taking small sips from the tin of water. With each glass, she felt more awake than she had moments before. Gaara examined her closely and noticed that her face was still red, prompting him to ask, "Your face is still red. Are you feeling alright?"

Kankuro chimed in with a laugh, teasing, "Nope, that's all Sakura."

Temari joined in the laughter, which intensified as Sakura became more embarrassed. She couldn't believe she had collapsed before them, feeling like she had wasted their time. Temari reassured her, saying, "Don't worry, we're making good time. So eat up, and we'll keep moving."

Kankuro told Gaara, "Hey, you should use your sand to carry Sakura so she can rest properly. I know how you feel about it, but it's only a few more hours until we rest for the night."

Temari agreed, "Yeah, that's a good idea."

Gaara sighed, reluctantly conceding, "Fine, it won't consume too much of my chakra."

Sakura waved her arms around, protesting, "No, don't carry me, it's okay. Don't waste your chakra on me."

Temari and Kankuro frowned at her, clearly disappointed in her for neglecting her health. They looked at Gaara, awaiting his response. Gaara asserted, "Well, now I have to carry you."

Sakura gasped, "What? Why?"

Kankuro argued, "You're being overly selfless. It's not good for your health, so cut it out."

Temari leaned on her gently and added, "We appreciate how much you care for us, Sakura, but sometimes you have to let us take care of you too."

Sakura blushed and reluctantly agreed, "Okay, fine."

Once she had finished her meal, Gaara employed his sand to carry her, allowing the group to continue running for a few more hours. Sakura lay down, gazing at the stars above her. Surprisingly, as Sakura drifted into slumber, she found herself on firm ground. Nearby, Temari was peacefully asleep, while Gaara kept a vigilant watch over their surroundings.

Kankuro shuffled under the coverings beside Sakura in the pitch darkness, retaining her tightly in his arms. He gently groped her breasts, stroking his sheathed penis on her cheeks. 

Sakura moaned, "Kankuro, what are you doing?"

Kankuro swiftly rolled on top of Sakura and carefully covered her mouth as he whispered, "Shh, don't wake Temari up."

He adjusted his black body suit to draw out his penis and pierced it inside her vagina, stretching her labia. Kankuro had shoved some black fabric in her mouth to control her. He extended her legs, thrusting them forward. Sakura was flexible enough to bring her legs beside her head. The thumping noises caught Gaara's attention, prompting him to walk around the rock formation and investigate the source of the loud sounds. To his surprise, Kankuro was fucking Sakura, pounding on her like a wild beast. Disgusted by the sight, he walked away, pretending as if it hadn't happened. 

Kankuro whispered in Sakuras's ear, "I'm gonna cum." 

Sakura moaned, "Wait, I don't want to get pregnant." 

"I can't stop," Kankuro wailed as he plowed his penis deeper, striking her cervix and unleashing his load. 

Blushing, Sakura shot Kankuro an irritated glare, and she exclaimed, "Kankuro..."

Breathing heavily, Kankuro defended himself by asking, "Would it be that terrible to have a kid together?"

Blushing, Sakura gently punched Kankuro in the chest and retorted, "No, but it's too early to end my career as a Shinobi when I've worked so hard to become one." 

Kankuro nodded with a smile, saying, "You're absolutely right. I apologize. Now, all we can do is hope for the best." 

"Can we go back to bed now?" 

"Sure thing. You don't have to ask me twice."

As the sun rose over the horizon, Sakura found herself cocooned in Kankuro's warmth. Temari was packing everyone's belongings while Gaara scouted the area with his third eye. Gaara glanced at Sakura and noticed that she was beginning to wake up. He informed Kankuro, "She's waking up."

Kankuro shifted his body over Sakura to look into her eyes, his face adorned with a big smile. He was relieved to see her complexion returning to normal, knowing she was healthier after a restful sleep. Kankuro kissed her gently on the forehead and inquired, "Are you ready to give it another shot today, but this time, remember to drink more water?"

Sakura blushed and nodded, "Yes, I will."

Kankuro leaped up from the sand with renewed determination and helped Temari pack their supplies. They resumed their run, noticing a change in the landscape as they encountered more plant life amidst the desert, starkly contrasting the parched, barren sand they had initially crossed. Hours passed, and they were steadily progressing toward the Land of Wind.

Gaara eventually slowed his pace to converse with his siblings and Sakura. He said, "I don't want to argue about this, but once we catch up to our mission, Sakura will continue to Konoha."

Kankuro was concerned, "You won't let her fight?"

Temari said, "Gaara, we need all the help we can get on this mission."

Gaara elaborated, "Kankuro, don't you agree? I'd rather have her go to the Hyuga Clan for treatment before she gets injured in battle."

Kankuro sighed, reluctantly conceding, "Yes, but Sakura should be the one to decide what she wants."

Sakura promptly responded, "He's right. My mission is different from yours. My mission is to go to Konoha and unblock my chakra. I just need to ensure my own safety. That's my mission."

Gaara nodded in agreement, a faint smirk playing on his face. Temari sought clarification, "Are you absolutely sure about this?"

Sakura reaffirmed her decision, "I'll be fine."

Kankuro still had reservations, stating, "Yeah, but you shouldn't have to go alone."

Sakura reassured him, "You can catch up with me once you're finished here. We'll all be okay."

On their journey's final day, Sakura bid the siblings farewell as they rushed to assist with the Sasuke recovery mission. She headed straight for the imposing red gates of Konoha. A couple of Jonin guards intercepted her, blocking her path. Sakura asserted, "I am the Princess of Sunagakure, and I must speak with the Hokage."

The Jonin exchanged perplexed glances but eventually nodded, agreeing to accompany her. They walked her through the vibrant village of Konoha, which was far more colorful than she had anticipated. As she neared the Hokage building, she couldn't help but notice the carved heads of all the Hokage on the walls, with the final one in line being the Fifth Hokage, a woman.

Sakura ascended the spiral staircase leading to the Hokage's office. Upon reaching the top, the Jonin accompanying her knocked on the door, and a voice from within called for them to enter. Sakura entered the office, her eyes falling upon a woman with fair skin, brown eyes, and straight blonde hair that parted just above her forehead. Her hair framed her face, with bangs extending to her shoulders, while the rest cascaded down to her lower back. A distinct violet diamond-shaped mark, a result of a jutsu, adorned the center of her forehead.

The woman had a slender figure with a curvaceous frame, above-average height, and notably ample breasts. She donned a grass-green haori featuring the kanji for "gamble" (賭, kake) on the back, enclosed within a red circle. Beneath the haori, she wore a sleeveless, grey kimono-style blouse fastened by a vast, dark, bluish-grey obi that matched her pants. The blouse was cut low, revealing her generous cleavage. Her attire was completed with open-toed, strapped black sandals boasting high heels. Her fingernails and toenails sported red nail polish, and she wore soft pink lipstick.

Sakura began with a respectful bow, her words momentarily escaping her as she faced the formidable figure before her. The woman introduced herself as the Fifth Hokage, Lady Tsunade, and inquired about Sakura's name.

Sakura hesitated before responding in a quiet tone, "My name is Sakura. I am the daughter of the Anbu Black Ops leaders of the Hidden Sand. They gave me the nickname 'Princess of Sunagakure' because my chakra was blocked, and I was unable to become a Shinobi until now."

Sakura recounted the events and challenges she had faced, captivating Lady Tsunade's attention. Tsunade acknowledged, "I see. To unblock your chakra is no simple feat, but it is possible. I will need to summon the head of the Hyuga Clan household for such a powerful jutsu."

Sakura, curious, inquired, "Who exactly are the Hyuga Clan?"

Tsunade explained, "The Hyuga Clan, much like yourself, is a noble and one of the strongest clans in the village. Every member possesses the Byakugan, a kekkei genkai that grants them extended fields of vision, the ability to see through solid objects, and even the chakra circulatory system, among other things. Members of this clan also have an innate ability to expel chakra from any of the tenketsu in their body."

Lady Tsunade summoned a messenger bird, attached a letter to it, and watched as it took flight toward the Hyuga Clan, initiating the process of seeking their assistance.

Sakura asked Lady Tsunade, "In your medical opinion, do you believe this will be successful?" With a warm smile, Lady Tsunade responded, "Here in Konoha, anything is possible. I've learned that over a lifetime of living here." She then handed Sakura a map outlining the way to the Hyuga Clan, neatly drawn on paper. Sakura was pleasantly surprised that the clan's location was just a short distance from where she stood.

Curious about the situation with her friends and their Sasuke recovery mission, Sakura asked, "When do you anticipate everyone will return from the Sasuke recovery mission?" Tsunade sighed, her gaze drifting out the window. She replied, "I can't say for certain. But for now, focus on your journey to the Hyuga Clan. I will notify you once they've returned."

Sakura nodded in understanding and took her leave from the Hokage's office. As she walked through the bustling streets of Konoha, she couldn't help but notice the curious stares from the locals drawn to her attire from the Hidden Sand.

Upon reaching the gates to the Hyuga Clan, she spotted a figure standing there, accompanied by attendants or family members. This man possessed long, jet-black hair and featureless white eyes, characteristics shared by all members of his clan. He typically wore traditional, loose-fitting robes with long-sleeved, brown hair.

With a courteous tone, he greeted her, saying, "Greetings, young Princess of Sunagakure. I am delighted to make your acquaintance. I am Lord Hisashi Hyuga. Please, come inside so that we may converse." Sakura entered through the clan's magnificent gates, finding herself in a spacious and beautifully appointed living area. She settled onto a couch, ready to begin their discussion.

Sakura once again shared her heartfelt story with him, her desperation palpable. He was her final hope in achieving her dream of becoming a Shinobi. Hisashi, his eyes filled with curiosity, inquired, "Why do you harbor such an intense desire to become a Shinobi?" Sakura replied with determination, "I yearn to be a Shinobi so that I can safeguard my village and the people who hold a special place in my heart. The Kazekage family has always been there for me when I needed them, and I want to repay their kindness by offering the same level of care and protection."

Hisashi was deeply moved by Sakura's words, his head nodding in understanding. He assured her, "I will assist you, but first, we must go to the Konoha hospital." Sakura readily agreed and followed him to the bustling Konoha hospital. Although the facility was bustling with people recovering from near-fatal injuries, there was no sign of the Kazekage siblings. Hisashi arranged for Sakura to change into pristine white hospital robes before leading her to an examination room.

Lying on the bed, Sakura glanced up at Hisashi, who was donned in his own medical white robes, the hint of a smile evident beneath his mask. He asked, "How are you feeling, Sakura?" Sakura admitted, "I'm nervous." With a reassuring tone, Hisashi responded, "It's natural to feel that way, but there's nothing to fear. I'll be using my chakra to gradually unblock your chakra pathways. However, I'll need to place you under a sleeping jutsu because the process can be quite painful."

Sakura nodded, seeking to understand, and asked, "Could you explain exactly what you'll be doing?" Hisashi began to clarify, "The chakra pathway system is intricately interwoven within the body, serving as the conduit for chakra throughout the entire system, much like the circulatory system for blood. This network also plays a role in chakra production, drawing physical energy from every cell and protein in the body, which is then refined into chakra by various organs, notably the heart. When a technique disrupts or severs the chakra flow to a specific body section, that part loses the ability to release chakra from any of its tenketsu."

Sakura, comforted by the explanation, wore a smile as she remarked, "So I'll be all right, in other words." Hisashi nodded affirmingly, signaling the Medical Shinobi team to initiate the procedure. Lady Tsunade entered the room as they administered the sleeping jutsu, her presence comforting. She approached Sakura, who was slipping into slumber, and conveyed, "While the mission didn't go precisely as planned, the Kazekage siblings are in good health and currently en route to Konoha."

Sakura, her eyes growing heavy with sleep, offered a heartfelt "Thank you..." before succumbing to the slumber induced by the procedure.

Sakura slowly regained consciousness in a room filled with natural light, finding Kankuro curled up and resting beside her. Her body was swathed in bandages, though she didn't experience any pain. Kankuro, noticing her awakening, eagerly stirred and greeted her with a warm smile. "Hey, you're awake," he exclaimed. Sakura reciprocated the smile and gently caressed his cheek. "Hey, Kankuro."

Temari, also in high spirits, approached Sakura with a playful tone, asking, "So, Sakura, how do you feel? Are you feeling all powerful now?" Gaara, seated on a nearby bed and leaning against the wall, calmly interjected, "That's not quite how it works, Temari." Temari shot her brother an irritated glance, frustrated that he constantly dampened the mood. "Why must you be such a buzzkill?" she grumbled.

Hisashi, entering the room, noticed Sakura was awake and in good condition. He used his chakra to assess her vitals before nodding to the nurses waiting outside the door. Addressing the group, he said, "Sakura is stable enough to be discharged, but she must take it easy initially." The siblings nodded in agreement, fully aware of the importance of Sakura's recovery to avoid any risk of permanently blocking her chakra.

Kankuro gently lifted Sakura from the bed, cradling her in his arms, and carried her outside. He regaled her with tales of how he had come to the rescue of the Genin of Konoha, and Sakura couldn't help but laugh, thoroughly enjoying the entertaining stories.

Together, the siblings carefully transported Sakura back to Sunagakure, where she would have the opportunity to rest and recuperate at home until she regained her full strength and functionality.

One morning, with Temari's gentle assistance, Sakura descended the staircase and sat alongside Granny Chiyo and her brothers in the dining room. Kankuro, a furrow on his brow, expressed his concern, "Temari, what's the rush? She shouldn't be out of bed."

Gaara added, "It hasn't even been a full week yet."

However, Granny Chiyo chimed in with a reassuring smile, "No, it's alright. She should be fine as long as she moves slowly and gradually. In just a few more days, she'll be fully recovered." Kankuro, yielding to Granny Chiyo's wisdom, shrugged and allowed her to continue the conversation they had been engaged in.

Feeling a burgeoning curiosity about the future plans for Sunagakure, Sakura seized the opportunity to inquire further.

"This is going to be a challenging year for the three of you, understand?" Granny Chiyo began, her tone firm. "You will each need to prove yourselves individually to advance your ranks. That means you'll have the opportunity to compete against each other. Sakura, you can stay here and spend some time with me to figure out your role in the coming years while they travel across the continent, sharpening their skills."

"Alright," Sakura agreed.

For six long months, Sakura bid farewell to the Kazekage siblings. This parting didn't weigh heavily on her; she recognized it as the perfect opportunity to hone her newfound Shinobi skills. During this time, Granny Chiyo paid her a visit and presented her with a thoughtful gift—an exquisite white shamisen that had once belonged to her mother. With this precious heirloom, Sakura was determined to harness her power and become a formidable Shinobi in the Land of Wind.