Hey everyone! It's good to be back. I don't know about you but it's been flooding on my side of the world. I've been trying to move along with the chapters at a steady pace now, of course there's been a pile up of work, especially since I'm moving to create more of my own stories. You'll be able to find out where those are available from Tumblr to keep up.
I hope you enjoy this chapter!
Kai and Eri walked down the dark, narrow alleyway, their footsteps echoing against the brick walls. Eri stumbled occasionally, her trembling feet struggling to keep up with Kai's brisk pace. She knew without being told that this would not be a pleasant experience. Kai's mere presence was enough to make her feel like she was dying, and she braced herself for the inevitable reprimand.
Kai was always punctual. Eri knew that he wouldn't cancel plans for the day, no matter how much she wished he would. As they neared the entrance to the underground tunnels, Kai suddenly stopped. Eri looked up at him, her heart racing.
Turning around, Kai saw a figure at the entrance to the alley, obscured by the flickering light. He approached cautiously, his hand hovering over the knife in his pocket. As he got closer, he recognized the figure as Nemesis, a fellow member of the gang.
"So you're still here," Kai said, his voice laced with suspicion.
Sakura nodded. "Yes," she replied, her eyes flicking to Eri. "Is this your daughter that we were chasing?"
Kai bristled at the question but kept his cool. "That's right," he said, his voice dripping with false warmth. "She can be a bit of a troublemaker, but we're heading back now and no blood had to be spilled."
Kai took Eri's arm roughly and led her past Sakura toward the entrance. He was already thinking about who he would have to appoint to watch over Eri now since he wouldn't allow this slip-up to go unpunished. For one of his men to allow a mere six-year-old to get passed them was worth death.
Kai didn't sense anything amiss, but he was keeping his guard up. After the scare he had, he wouldn't take any more chances for today.
"Let's discuss your decision another time,"
"But I've already made up my mind, that's why I'm here,"
Kai stopped but he was impatient, "Well?"
'Nemesis' strode over to Kai. She didn't know much about Kai's quirk, but she had seen the way Eri had reacted when he appeared ready to attack. She couldn't stand by and watch it happen again, to see that girl's face twist with so much fear.
"Yeah, a rather troublesome decision," Sakura muttered under her breath. With that, she pumped chakra to her feet and launched herself into action. She moved with incredible speed and agility, darting across the buildings like a shadow.
Kai was caught off guard by Sakura's sudden attack. Before he could even raise his guard, she had landed a swift punch to his chest that sent him flying across the street and crashing into the side of a nearby building. He groaned in pain as he struggled to recover, but Sakura was already moving to escape.
She swooped down and grabbed Eri, pulling her up onto the rooftop with her. Eri clung to Sakura like a frightened animal as they raced across the rooftops, putting as much distance between themselves and Kai as possible. He wouldn't be able to pursue them at the heights Sakura reached or call for reinforcements, but Sakura was not going to risk this child's safety even for the confidence of her abilities.
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'Well, Sakura you did it this time,'
Ninjas endure, and are not supposed to act rationally, but when Sakura saw the way Eri reacted towards Kai and how she had curled into Izuku, her entire posture beginning for protection and help, Sakura couldn't turn away.
She was moving at high speeds from above the buildings, leaping across the structures but had to be mindful of the small child in her arms that seemed to barely be keeping consciousness.
"It's alright," Sakura told her, feeling the girl tremble. "It's okay, he's not going to get you,"
"B-But…." She was ready to cry. Instead, though, Sakura felt her weight shift, and sure enough, the little girl had fallen asleep, rather fainted from stress.
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As a medic, Sakura was eager to inspect for any injuries that might need tending. Being a medical shinobi required individuals to be rational and make decisions quickly, but unfortunately, Sakura's nature was combative with that practice and went against her temperament.
But this was one of her more rash decisions.
There was still a lot to unravel and investigate, but her only source was now this little girl Eri. She had managed to sleep the entire way back to Sakura's hideout in the mountains and even gave the kunoichi enough time to get her as comfortable as possible under the circumstances.
Watching the girl's restless expression but even breathing did give Sakura some reassurance that this wasn't too poor of a decision.
Izuku had been there with another hero, but they didn't help this girl. When she was asking for it. Something was going on that side but Sakura was out of the hero loop now.
For the time being, she would just do everything to ensure the child's comfort. She unwrapped Eri's bandages to assess the damage, but Sakura was astounded. The scars that littered her skin were like trailing cracks in the earth. They were deep and it made Sakura's stomach burn.
What happened to this girl was not accidental, nor due to childish recklessness and liberty. She told herself why, wasn't important to the fact that it happened, but in her state, Sakura wanted answers, to know why Kai hurt this girl. She wanted to be omniscient on this. Every detail, reasoning, wavelength.
She sucked in a breath, craning her head to touch her back. 'Don't go off the rails,'
If she wanted to get answers, she could simply wait for the young girl to open her eyes, and hopefully gain the strength to tell her story.
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Eri's eyes fluttered open, and for a moment she was disoriented. She was lying on a futon in a small, dimly lit room. She sat up slowly, her heart racing with fear. This wasn't her room. Where was she? How had she gotten here?
Minutes later, the fog cleared from her mind and she was able to recall the events. Her foiled escape, being brought back into the shadows by Kai and then someone else emerging to take her away.
She looked out the window, there were no buildings or streets, just a far stretch of trees and mountains. Eri shivered, feeling the chill of the mountain air seeping in through the cracks in the walls.
Then she smelled something. It was a warm, comforting aroma that made her stomach growl. Eri turned her head and saw a figure emerging from the shadows. It was a young girl. Eri didn't get to see many people throughout her life, she couldn't even remember the face of her mother. But she didn't feel threatened by this person's presence, despite her situation.
"Hey there," Sakura said softly. "How are you feeling?"
Eri didn't know how to respond. She was still so scared, but the smell of the soup was still tempting. "I'm fine," she muttered, her voice barely above a whisper.
Sakura held out a steaming bowl of chicken soup and a piece of bread. "Here, eat," she said gently. "It'll make you feel better."
Eri hesitated for a moment, unsure whether she could trust this woman. But her hunger got the better of her, and she reached out and took the bowl. The soup was delicious, and the bread was warm and soft.
As she ate, Sakura settled down on the floor beside her, keeping a respectful distance. "My name is Sakura," she said quietly. "I'm the one who brought you here."
"Are you…the one in the mask?"
"That's right. I know you're scared," Sakura continued. "And you have every right to be. But I promise you, you're safe here. I won't let anyone hurt you."
Eri looked up at her, unsure whether to believe her. "W-Why…."
Sakura's expression softened. "Because you looked like you wanted someone to help you, and that's what I am," she said. "Someone who wants to help you,"
Eri nodded, her eyes filling with tears. She still couldn't fathom that this might be over, that she managed to escape Kai's grasp and his ambitions. But what would happen to her now? She hadn't thought that far, but was only desperate to escape the hands that destroyed her.
Sakura could read her expression clearly, and she wanted to talk with Eri longer, to reassure her that she was safe again. But this wasn't going to happen in a single moment. Everything was a process and some took longer than others. Patience was key; especially when it came to dealing with children. They were more instinctual than adults and would react according to their feelings, not those of others.
"You're safe now, no one is going to hurt you," Sakura said again. She wanted to embrace the girl but wasn't given an indication that would be helpful for her condition.
"What's your name?"
The girl hesitated, answering softly, "Eri…"
"Eri, that's a nice name," Sakura stood up, "Well you can finish up your dinner, and if you're still hungry there are leftovers and a little more in the kitchen. Sorry, this place is a bit run down and remote but you're free to explore, the bathrooms down the hall and the plumbing works. We're a bit into the mountains and it's dark, so if you want to go outside not too far, you'll be able to see everything better in the morning,"
Sakura was informing Eri of everything like she was a house guest, knowing that she wouldn't be forthcoming.
Eri thought that Sakura would've pushed for more answers, instead, she was allowing the young girl to get comfortable with her environment. It was almost too good to believe. Had really she escaped? What would come now?
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With the stress of the day's events, Sakura didn't get to converse very long with Eri but it wasn't disappointing either. The little girl didn't have an outburst that needed to be calmed. Still, Sakura was now in a dilemma and she knew there was no one to blame but herself. Eri asked before Sakura left if she had questions for her, but Sakura wanted her to rest well.
Although she didn't fully understand the circumstances, Sakura could read that Eri needed time to settle. It was easier to talk when you weren't on the verge of collapsing from stress. Sakura hated that a girl who couldn't be more than six had to endure that, but the situation is what it is.
Now all Sakura needed was a clear-cut version of that.
It was often underestimated just how much stress and trauma could affect a person, especially someone so young. The nervous system and the brain were particularly vulnerable to the effects of such intense emotions, and Sakura knew that she would have to tread carefully.
But she was determined to do her best, to provide the support and care that this young girl as needed.
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Eri's eyes fluttered open, but it took her a few moments to remember where she was. Her heart pounded in her chest as she tried to recall the events of the previous night. But the memories flooded back, and the realization left her feeling like a wounded animal, unsure of who she could trust.
For a while, she stayed in bed, huddled under the covers, and listened to the sound of her breathing. She had never been in a place like this before, with so much space and freedom. Sakura's words from the night before came back to her: she was free to wander around. But the thought of leaving the safety of the room made her nervous.
Eventually, Eri summoned the courage to venture out. She tiptoed down the hallway, the old wooden boards creaking with each step.
From the corner of her eye, she caught a glimpse of Sakura on the terrace outside. The teenager was wrapped in a blanket, her eyes closed as if she had just woken up from a long night's sleep. Eri paused, unsure if she should approach.
Unbeknownst to Eri, Sakura had stayed up all night, keeping a close ear out for any signs of distress from the young girl. She had been relieved when Eri slept peacefully through the night.
Sakura opened her eyes and saw Eri peeking around the corner like a frightened mouse. She smiled and waved. "Good morning," she called out.
Eri mumbled a reply, feeling a flutter of warmth in her chest at Sakura's friendly tone.
"Are you hungry?" Sakura asked. "I'm going to make breakfast."
Eri nodded, a nervous expression on her face. She followed Sakura to the kitchen, still uncertain about her surroundings, but grateful for the comfort of a warm meal.
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Sakura kept her back to Eri and didn't look at her until she finished preparing breakfast. It was more than what she would have in the morning, but the situation called for some spoiling, and Sakura was determined to soften Eri's exterior to get the girl to open up to her.
She had to hold in her giggles whenever she heard the little girl's stomach growl.
"Do you want juice or water?" Sakura asked, setting the bowl of cereal, french toast, and store-bought pancakes in front of her.
"Um…" Eri was still staring at the spread in front of her. The table she was at, was low and she could sit on the tarp-covered floors, which was more comfortable than she realized. Sakura didn't' sit in front of Eri, but on the side, so that the girl wouldn't be uncomfortable, with someone staring at her while she ate.
The only signal Eri received to eat was a friendly wave, but when that didn't stick, Sakura said to go ahead and not hold back. The girl then focused on her meal and seemed to forget that Eri was there, which was a relief to her consciousness.
At first, she only nibbled at her plate, but the taste was eventually enough to overcome her hesitance in the slightest and start having more. But she was still like a frightened mouse, who would react to any sharp movements.
Sakura was more conscious than Eri when she was eating her breakfast, she didn't even register the taste of the meal. Just trying to focus on her next move to earn the girl's confidence.
There were too many uncertainties when you didn't have someone's trust.
At first, Sakura tried to grasp a bit of small talk, but this was a scared six-year-old girl who was in a state of uncertainty.
"Is there anything you want to do after breakfast?" Sakura asked gently, "You can take a bath, though I don't have any clothes for you right now we can get those later. I'll just wash what you have now. Or you can explore the house? The outside if you want-
"I can go outside?" Sakura had told Eri this before, but hearing it was like manifesting a dream that was out of reach for so long.
"Of course, there's nothing to worry about. It's a bit secluded up here in the mountains, our closest neighbors are quite a ways away. You can see quite a few animals here though,"
Eri didn't seem to know what to make of this, and it showed in her expression.
'This is going to take a while,'
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Naturally, all other plans had to be put on the back burner since Eri's presence was going to have to take priority, but Sakura already accepted the outcome here. To progress further, she would need to hear the full story from Eir so that all options could be exhausted to get the best possible outcome for both of them.
'With that Overhaul guy, this might cause some trouble,' The man was the leader of a criminal group after all. Even if it was an endangered species. But the Shie Hassakai were trying to make movements, and they were recruiting, so there had to be something in the works, and it had to do with those drugs.
But with all of that going on, to what extent was this man willing to go to get Eri back? He claimed that she was his daughter, which Sakura couldn't confirm or deny. Though she didn't know if he had any actual familial attachments to Eri.
'He did get frantic when he heard she ran away, but what exactly does that entail?' Her gut told her, that this didn't have anything to do with familial ties.
'And Eri is the only one who can help me figure this out,'
Sakura glanced at the little girl quietly picking now at the fruit. "If you're full we can wrap that up for later okay?"
"O-Okay,"
Eri stood up, but fidgeted, with her hands with her eyes wandering. Waiting to be told what to do next. This gave Sakura an idea of how the girl might've been living so far, and it didn't sit well. The white dress hung around her like a sheet, it wasn't in poor condition but it came across as too bare for a child who lived with Yakuza that went on in suits and masks, yet they couldn't be bothered to give the girl something more colorful and childlike.
Clothes that wouldn't be stained easily if she were to play, or paint?
'What was Overhaul doing to her?'
Sakura smiled, "How about a walk?"
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Kai gritted his teeth in frustration as he paced back and forth in his office. The loss of his ingredient was a major blow to his plans for reviving the mafia, and he couldn't let it go. He had to find Eri, no matter what it took. Although his wounds had been healed, the sting of Nemesis' punch still lingered, making his blood boil and his skin breaks out in a rash.
"Boss, what's our next move?" One of Kai's henchmen asked, breaking his thoughts.
"We find Nemesis and get my ingredient back," Kai growled, slamming his fist on the desk. "I won't let that underground fighter ruin everything I've worked for."
"But boss, Nemesis is one of the most dangerous fighters in the underground. We need a plan," another henchman chimed in.
"I don't care how dangerous Nemesis is," Kai snapped. "He has something that belongs to me, and I want it back. And if he won't give it up willingly, we'll take it by force."
Kai took a deep breath, trying to calm himself down. He couldn't afford to lose his cool now. "And while we're at it, file an official report that Nemesis has kidnapped my daughter. Get all of our underground contacts on it. I want everyone looking for her."
The henchmen nodded, knowing better than to question their boss's orders. As they left the room, Kai slumped into his chair, feeling the weight of the situation on his shoulders. He couldn't let his daughter fall into the hands of the underground, and he couldn't let Nemesis get away with his ingredient. He would do whatever it took to get them both back.
There we go folks! You can check out the monthly schedule on my Tumblr Page but here's what's coming up. And sneak peeks!
Members now:
-Kunoichi amongst Heroes 46. 47. 48
-Kunoichi amongst Pirates Chapter 13. 14. 15. 16
-Crossroads of Fate chapter 11
-Through the Spyglass chapter 1 & 2
PUBLIC Posts 30 June:
-Kunoichi amongst Pirates chapter 13
-Through the Looking Glass chapter 14
SNEAK PEEKS: Other story Sneak peeks will be available on Tumblr on 21 June.
Kunoichi amongst Heroes chapter 46
"Tell me if your feet hurt or if you get tired okay," Eri thought she had misplaced Sakura's presence, unaware that the kunoichi was deliberately quieting herself for Eri's content.
When Sakura told Eri to get ready for a walk, she didn't know what to expect and when Sakura explained that they were going to have a picnic in the mountains, Eri had to ask what a picnic was. That astounded Sakura, in the worst way, and she wondered if Kai had kept the girl locked up her entire life until this point.
She still didn't know the full story, but she needed Eri to get comfortable with her. Since she didn't seem that content around others, Sakura thought a day out in the wilderness was best. But she hadn't expected this much curiosity and fascination, as the girl was drinking in the sight of every tree, every bush, and every insect, bird, and animal that crossed their path.
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"I couldn't do anything,"
"Midoriya," Izuku yelped turning on his heel to meet Shouto's blank stare. He had been listening to Izuku unknowingly mutter to himself, with that scrunched-up expression.
"What's the matter?"
Shouto looked like he was ready for bed. There were some bruises and bandages over his face. He and Katsuki were sporting a similar look due to their Provisional license exam course. Another outrageous outcome was that Shouto and Katsuki failed their Provisional licensing exam, while the rest of them managed to make it. Izuku had a feeling it was by the skin of their teeth though.
But if they were able to pass their course, they would be caught up to the rest of their classmates again. The only downside was, they weren't allowed to join the internships, because of this. Katsuki was especially bitter about this.
Izuku was specifically instructed not to discuss the case Nighteye's agency was working on, which included his encounter with Kai and Eri. But much like his muttering, Izuku was oblivious to the fact that he had no poker face. And Shouto wasn't all that great at reading the room.
"I was just thinking about Sakura," The way Shouto's eyes changed, it was like watching a cat's ears stand on alert.
"Aizawa-sensei said they haven't seen her since she stopped that train,"
Yes, the heroes had made quite a showing with that. The villain had escaped, but at least they were able to prevent casualties. There was even footage caught of Sakura stopping a train by herself. She looked fine as well. Not even a strike to the heart was enough to stop her.
"I wish she would come back,"