Howdy do Amazing Readers! The gears have been turning this month and the midnight oil is burning! I'm hoping there will be lots more to give as we come towards the end of this year. Be looking forward to it.
Hope you enjoy this chapter!
"Don't let go of my hand, okay?" Sakura's voice carried a soft tone of caution as she cast a watchful eye over the bustling scene before her. The vibrant space of Sanrio Puroland was alive with colors, sounds, and the infectious laughter of children. She had seen a mother dash after her adventurous child who had strayed too close to an exhibit, a reminder of just how captivating this place could be for young ones.
Eri, her wide eyes filled with wonder, held Sakura's hand with a sense of diligence that was beyond her years. As Sakura gently lifted off her hood, Eri let out a surprised yelp, a small hand quickly reaching to pull it back into place.
"It's alright, Eri" Sakura reassured her in a soothing voice. She crouched down to be at eye level with the girl, her presence providing a comforting shield against the overwhelming spectacle around them. "I'm right here, there's nothing to worry about, okay?"
Eri's gaze wavered between the colorful characters and the reassuring smile of Sakura. Her hesitance slowly ebbed away, replaced by a flicker of trust that glimmered in her eyes. She stole another glance at the kaleidoscope of sights before shifting her gaze back to Sakura, offering a small nod as if acknowledging that she wasn't alone in this dazzling world.
"So, what do you want to do first?" Sakura asked. With a gentle gesture, she extended a pamphlet toward Eri. The pamphlet showcased a plethora of rides, exhibits, and attractions that awaited their exploration. Though the park was a symphony of sensory overload, children were immersed in their own world of delight, chasing after their favorite characters and chasing their imaginations.
"I can choose?"
"That's right, I'll read out anything you need but you get to pick what we're doing today,"
Eri's tiny fingers carefully took hold of the pamphlet, her gaze skimming over the vibrant images and descriptions. A sense of empowerment radiated from her as she held her choices in her hand, each one a possibility that she could shape into reality. It was both overwhelming and exciting.
Sakura watched Eri, sensing the little girl's blossoming excitement. Amidst the whirlwind of activities around them, Sakura hoped to create a space where Eri could experience the same joy as the other children.
The air was filled with the laughter of kids as they darted from one attraction to another. Sakura's attention remained firmly on Eri. As Eri pointed to a few options in the pamphlet she wanted her to read out and elaborate on them.
"Great choices," Sakura encouraged.
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The first floor of Sanrio Puroland greeted visitors with an enchanting spectacle. It was as if a whimsical forest village had sprung to life. Stairs led the way to kawaii-decorated bridges that meandered along trees, seamlessly merging with charming cottages that adorned the floor. This fantastical fusion was designed to delight kids and adults alike, offering a realm of imagination to explore and enjoy.
Sakura and Eri stepped into this delightful place. The cottages, each uniquely adorned with Sanrio characters, seemed to invite them to step into a world where magic was not just a concept, but a reality. The entire space was bathed in perpetual daylight, a celestial sky painted across the ceiling to evoke a timeless, sunny day.
Amidst this charming setup, beloved characters stood at various corners, their welcoming presence beckoning visitors to capture memories through photographs. Children squealed in delight, their excitement palpable as they gathered around them.
Sakura's gaze shifted to a notice, indicating the opportunity for a meet and greet. She turned to Eri with a smile, her eyes warm with anticipation. "Eri, do you want to meet some of these characters for a meet and greet?"
Eri's eyes widened as she absorbed the scene before her. Though the concept of a "meet and greet" was foreign, she sensed the excitement in Sakura's voice and nodded, a small smile gracing her lips.
Guiding Eri with gentle encouragement, Sakura led her to a place known as the Hall of Residence. The room embraced them with a pink hue, every detail infused with a strawberry motif. From furniture to monitors, the theme was evident, and Eri's curiosity grew with every step.
Sakura booked a meeting with one of the characters, the guide had to show her how to use her phone to create the booking but she had done it somehow. "Eri, we're going to meet one of the characters later. But before that, there's a concert."
Eri's ears twitched with intrigue, and she tilted her head towards Sakura, her eyes seeking understanding. "A concert?"
The realization that Eri had never encountered the concept of a concert before struck Sakura. With a patient smile, she embarked on explaining a concert—a space filled with music, laughter, and dancing. Eri absorbed the description.
"I'm sure you'll like this,"
As Sakura observed Eri's reaction, she decided that the concert would be best suited to end their day. If the experience became overwhelming for Eri, they could depart knowing they had immersed themselves in most of the park's attractions. Even at this stage of things, Sakura wanted to remain cautious of Eri's psyche. Her healing had been remarkable thus far, and Sakura didn't want to slide her back through thoughtless actions that Sakura should now as a medic.
This may also be the last time they can go out of the city for a while as Sakura intended to draw her focus back to Hassaikai after this. And she wasn't going to stop until her mission was accomplished.
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Sakura and Eri found themselves in a place of whimsy and creativity. A workshop awaited them, a haven where imaginations could take flight, As they entered the workshop, the air was abuzz with anticipation. Tables adorned with an array of materials were spread out, themed with light pastel colors and cute characters.
"Wow…"
The centerpiece of the workshop was a collection of charming animated resin creatures, each holding onto a wide base that was just waiting to be engraved with names that would be turned into keychains. This was the first thing Eri wanted to do here at the park.
Sakura chose a cheerful little puppy, its eyes twinkling with mirth. Eri's choice was an image of Hello Kitty.
With the base in hand, they approached the booth manager, who guided them with a warm smile. Eri watched with rapt attention as Sakura carefully placed the base on the plate, ready for the engraving process. The booth manager's skilled hands moved with grace as they etched Sakura's name onto the base, turning the simple piece into something uniquely hers.
Eri's turn came, and her excitement was palpable. With a determined expression, she positioned the base under the engraving tool, holding it as if it were the most precious thing in the world. The manager's patient guidance helped Eri create her masterpiece, the letters of her name and Sakura's spelling out a bond that was unbreakable.
"Look at that," Sakura grinned at Eri as she held out the plate to her.
The next step involved choosing accessories to adorn their creations. Rows of delicate resin pieces beckoned, each a tiny work of art waiting to find its place. Eri's eyes danced over the options before she selected a few cute charms that would fit on her keychain, including some of her favorite fruits and desserts.
As the final touches were added, Sakura and Eri stepped back to admire their creations. The little puppy and the mischievous cat now bore their names and a reflection of their personalities.
"That was fun,"
Eri's smile was radiant, as she nodded her hand finding Sakura's. As they walked away, the keychains swung gently from their bags.
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The games section of Sanrio Puroland beckoned to Sakura and Eri, a place of colorful lights and cheerful sounds. It was a place where children's laughter melded with the electronic melodies of arcade games.
Eri, who had never set foot in an arcade before, was captivated by the myriad of games that surrounded her. She watched in fascination as other children engaged in various challenges and activities, trying to make sense of the flashing screens and intriguing gadgets.
Sakura noticed a child finishing a drumming game and saw an opportunity to introduce Eri to the world of arcade fun. She herself wasn't too familiar with it, but she had seen young children and high school students going into arcades still in uniform to play games.
She guided Eri towards the colorful drumming machine, where the notes on the screen matched up with the drums she needed to hit.
Eri, a bit lost at first, started to follow along, timidly tapping the drumsticks in rhythm with the colorful cues. Her concentration wavered, and she became flustered, struggling to keep up. It was a new experience for her, one that required both focus and coordination.
But Sakura's words of encouragement, combined with the joy of playing, began to ease Eri's uncertainty. "That was like having your own little concert," Sakura remarked with a grin.
Eri's eyes widened in amazement. "That was a concert?"
Sakura chuckled softly. "Sort of. You were the drummer on stage."
This simple notion filled Eri with excitement, her heart dancing with newfound enthusiasm. She couldn't wait for the actual concert later. Her eyes then fell upon a few pieces of paper emerging from the machine.
"What's that?" Eri asked, pointing at the tickets.
Sakura explained with a warm smile, "Tickets. Sometimes when you play a game, you win tickets, and then you can use them to choose prizes."
Eri's curiosity deepened as she inquired, "What are prizes?"
With a gentle gesture, Sakura directed Eri's attention toward a ticket booth adorned with an array of colorful toys. "They're rewards for your game winnings. Your tickets are counted, and the more you have, the better the prizes you can get."
"Ooh,"
Sakura and Eri continued to explore the arcade. They tried their hands at a variety of games, from hoop shooting to ring tossing, and even the classic duck pond. Every game held its own unique charm, offering challenges.
Sakura and Eri tried bowling, raced miniature cars, and engaged in whack-a-mole. Eri marveled at the concept of playing in such a lively and colorful environment. She couldn't help but notice the frenzy of activity around her as other children darted from game to game with boundless enthusiasm as if racing against an invisible clock. However, Eri couldn't fully grasp the urgency of their movements.
As they strolled through the arcade, they approached a claw machine filled with plush toys and prizes. Sakura explained the rules to Eri but also warned her that these machines were often rigged, making it difficult to win.
Undaunted, Sakura decided to give it a try for Eri. She maneuvered the claw with skill and precision, aiming for a particularly cute doll. The claw descended, and for a moment, it seemed as though they might walk away empty-handed. However, just as hope began to wane, the claw clutched the doll firmly, lifting it to the prize chute.
Sakura grinned and triumphantly retrieved the prize. She handed the plush doll to Eri, her eyes sparkling with delight. "Sometimes, all you have to do is ask for a little help."
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With arms laden with a delightful assortment of prizes and toys, Sakura and Eri embarked on a brief respite from their fun-filled adventure. Eri's stomach, having been entertained by games and laughter, now protested with a loud rumble, signaling that it was time to refuel with some of the delicacies that the assortment of restaurants had to offer.
Navigating through the vibrant and bustling park, they found themselves at the food court. Although the place was packed with visitors enjoying their meals, the lines for ordering hadn't been too lengthy. As with everything in Sanrio Puroland, the dishes themselves bore the charming themes of beloved characters. Sakura and Eri decided to indulge in a Hello Kitty steak curry and a Pompompurin shrimp chicken, each dish artfully crafted to reflect the whimsical essence of Sanrio.
Eri, wide-eyed and attentive, couldn't help but observe the multitude of people bustling about. Her gaze lingered on families dining together, especially the children surrounded by their parents.
Sakura, noticing Eri's thoughtful expression, waved her hand gently in front of the young girl. "Hey, after this, we'll go explore some of the walkthrough attractions and maybe try a few of the larger rides, okay?"
Eri's eyes sparkled with excitement as she nodded vigorously. "Mm!"
"Then you'd better finish your lunch first, or we might run out of time," she teased.
Eri obliged, eating a bit more quickly but with meticulous care to avoid any accidental mess on her clothes. Her appetite matches her energy.
Meanwhile, a perceptive server at one of the food booths had been keeping a close eye on Sakura and Eri. She observed them intently, stealing glances while efficiently taking orders from other customers. Not too far away, Bubblegirl, Nighteye's sidekick, maintained a discreet vigilance over the pair.
"They're on the move, sir," Bubblegirl reported through her earpiece as she watched Sakura and Eri conclude their meals.
Nighteye, receiving the update, remained vigilant as well. As Sakura and Eri ventured deeper into the theme park.
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With their stomachs now full, it was nearly time for the much-anticipated meet and greet with the characters, followed by the highly awaited concert. However, to make the most of their time, Sakura decided to explore the park's larger rides with Eri, in the hope of finding something that might capture the young girl's interest. When they were at the arcade, Eri appeared somewhat disinterested in the typical attractions like the carousel and the mini cars and horses. She couldn't fathom the appeal of these stationary rides, nor the joy they seemed to bring to the other children.
"It's okay, Eri. There are more exciting rides waiting for us."
Eri, her eyes flickering with uncertainty, surveyed her surroundings. "Um..."
Before she could arrive at a decision, they were approached by a mascot donning an adorable cat costume, who extended flyers their way. "Excuse me? If you're looking for an exhilarating yet kid-friendly ride, we have our special Kuromi Cruise on the third floor. The next line will be starting soon."
Sakura examined the flyer, discovering that the ride was designed exclusively for kids. It resembled a cruise ship, that would carry them through a tunnel adorned with vivid projections and enchanting attractions.
"This could be fun, don't you think?" Sakura inquired, as she showed Eri the flyer.
Eri observed the flyer, "But will I be going on it alone?"
The cat mascot, eager to provide reassurance, chimed in, "Don't worry. You'll have a screen to see the kids' ride, and there will be a supervisor acting as the ship's captain, guiding them safely through the adventure."
Eri contemplated the offer. "Can I go?"
"Of course, Eri!"
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The ride Sakura and Eri had chosen was one of the park's popular attractions, but thankfully, they hadn't arrived too late, managing to join the line just in time for the next departure. This particular cruise took its inspiration from an episode of the show the theme park was based on, featuring a special vacation voyage taken by the characters. During this journey, they accidentally ventured into the enigmatic Bermuda Triangle, where time twisted, and they encountered various peculiar experiences.
"That sounds about right," Sakura murmured to herself as she examined the concept behind the ride. She then directed Eri's attention to the massive monitor where other kids were embarking on their adventure with a cheerful mascot by their side. "You'll be riding with the other kids and I'll be watching you from the monitor. Are you comfortable with that?"
Sakura was well aware of the delicate balance she needed to maintain. She wanted Eri to grow independently while offering her the security and comfort she needed to heal from her past traumas. She believed that nurturing Eri's independence was a crucial step in her recovery, and this ride presented an ideal opportunity to see how far she had progressed. Eri had to see that she didn't need to be attached to Sakura constantly to exist and enjoy her life. While something like this might seem small, for a child the scales were in a different perspective.
The special cruise ship arrived, designed with multiple rows of seats and a single front row reserved for the mascot. For safety reasons, passengers were secured with proper harnesses and safety belts, much like those found on roller coasters. Given the potential for exuberant excitement, the need for safety measures was clear.
Sakura helped Eri into a middle seat, ensuring her safety harness was properly fastened. "You still feeling good, Eri?"
Eri nodded, her eyes gleaming with anticipation. "Yes."
"Great," Sakura replied, double-checking the straps. Afterward, she stepped off the boat and patiently waited as other parents and guardians settled their children.
As the ride began, the cruise entered a tunnel structure that wrapped around the entire floor, providing an engaging visual experience for all aboard. Sakura waved at Eri, reminding her that she would be waiting for her right here. She then shifted her focus to the massive screen displaying the entire ride.
The journey was enchanting, with different thematic sections, each highlighting various characters and their unique aesthetics. Sakura watched with delight as Eri appeared to be genuinely enjoying herself. There was even a chatty little girl seated beside her, although Eri seemed a bit reserved.
The ride took them through a beachfront exhibit, an enchanted forest teeming with magical creatures, and even the sky, complete with whimsical cloud palaces. All was going smoothly until the screen suddenly went blank, plunging the ride into darkness. Gasps and whispers swept through as panic set in.
"What happened?"
"Is there a power outage?"
"What about the kids?"
Then, a voice came over the park's speakers, attempting to calm the growing unrest. "Please remain calm. This is just a temporary loss of power. Wait patiently for the generators to restart."
Sakura's thoughts immediately turned to Eri. "I hope she's not too scared."
After about two agonizing minutes, the power was restored. Lights flickered to life, and the music resumed playing, but Sakura's attention remained glued to the screen, eagerly awaiting the return of the ride's camera feed.
But the screen remained blank.
Growing increasingly anxious, Sakura approached an employee stationed at the entrance. She grabbed him by the shirt and demanded, "Why is the screen still blank?"
"It's nothing to worry about, miss. I believe it's just a circuit issue," the employee stammered, feeling the weight of Sakura's intense presence. Her aura seemed to envelop him like a wild beast ready to pounce. "I've contacted the supervisor, and the boat will be arriving shortly with the children."
Sakura nodded, releasing the employee, who scurried away in relief. She waited impatiently for the ride to return through the tunnel, and, soon enough, it did. The supervisor and all the children disembarked. But, to Sakura's distress, Eri's seat remained empty.
Panic and fury surged within her, and she stormed back to the employee, her voice trembling with fear and anger. "Where is my child?"
The terrified employee was spared from Sakura's wrath by a voice from behind her. "Sakura Haruno."
Startled, she turned around, her rage momentarily forgotten. There stood one of the mascots, dressed like a cat in overalls.
"I would like to have a word with you."
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In that tense moment, the only rule Sakura could think of, the fundamental principle that all shinobi were supposed to follow, seemed utterly irrelevant. She didn't care about enduring or about any of the countless other rules she had memorized throughout her training. Her mind was consumed by one overwhelming concern: the safety of Eri.
The assurance she had received about Eri's well-being came from a man in a cat costume, which, given the circumstances, was hardly comforting. Still, she had little choice but to follow him as he led her away from the bustling park and into a more secluded area.
As they walked, Sakura's patience dwindled to almost nothing. The tension and fear for Eri's safety had pushed her to the edge, and she had no tolerance left for games or riddles. She confronted the man in the cat costume with a voice laced with a deadly promise.
"You better be taking me to my kid," she hissed, her green eyes narrowing dangerously, "or you're going to be choking on your blood."
The man in the cat costume didn't flinch. He opened a door to what seemed like an employee's locker room, and Sakura stepped inside. Her eyes fell upon a sight that both shocked and puzzled her.
Sitting at a table in the room were two familiar figures. One was Shouta Aizawa. The other was Detective Tsukauchi. But what took Sakura by complete surprise was the person in the cat costume.
He removed the cat's head, revealing his true identity.
It was Nighteye, the hero she had encountered before as Nemesis. The same hero who had questioned her about Eri's whereabouts during their confrontation with the Shie Hassaikai.
And that's all for now! Don't forget to check out my TUMBLR for more info regarding the latest chapter updates and…WAIT!
Here's a little SNEAK PEEK into what you have to look forward to:
KUNOICHI AMONGST HEROES CHAPTER 53
Shouta's expression remained stern. "No, Haruno. Enough of this."
"You don't think I can take care of her? Because I've been doing just that, on top of saving her, which is more than any of you managed to accomplish."
Shouta retorted, "Then you can agree that after everything she's been through, Eri deserves better than a life as a runaway, which she will be if she leaves with you again."
Sakura responded firmly, "You're talking as if you've got me all figured out."
Shouta sighed, running a hand through his hair, "I heard about what happened with the girl. Midoriya was one of the first to find her. He's been frustrated about it. However, he was following orders not to rush into a fight with Overhaul under Nighteye's orders."
Sakura replied calmly, "I don't hold anything against him for following orders."
Shouta continued, "And yet you won't follow any yourself."
Sakura asserted, "Because you don't realize I'm not standing on the same platform as the others. I can make my own judgment calls."
And that's what you'll be getting in the next update but if you want to get a hold of these latest chapters check out my Tumblr where you can join as a member.
MEMBERS NOW:
-SPECIAL HALLOWEEN CHAPTER: Shinigami amongst Shinobi
-Kunoichi amongst Heroes chapter 53, 54, 55
-Kunoichi amongst Heroes WHAT IF SPIN OFF: Dorms and Exams
-Kunoichi amongst Pirates chapter 19, 20, 21, 22
-Crossroads of Fate chapter 14, 15
-Through the Looking Glass chapter 17, 18. 19, 20
-(SEQUEL) Through the Spyglass chapter 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
Public post 30 NOVEMBER
-Kunoichi amongst Heroes chapter 53
-Kuniochi amongst Pirates chapter 20
-Through the Looking Glass chapter 18
SEE YOU SOON!