Beacon of Hope

Without hope

Some time ago, after the war, I heard someone say that peace had finally come to us and that it was right and necessary to enjoy it to the fullest. I could not agree more with those wise words, and in my heart, I was sure that it would be the same for everyone.

But wishes and reality are two very different things. While everyone in Konoha and the rest of the world was rebuilding their lives and becoming worthy of a bright and peaceful future, Sasuke was condemned to live in prison for the rest of his life.

Three years had passed since the day he was sentenced, and despite my and Naruto's pleas, we could do nothing for him. Not even Kakashi Sensei, who had taken over as Hokage, could interfere with the decisions of the leaders of the Land of Fire and other powerful nations.

My constant requests for visits were denied one after the other until I stopped insisting. During that time, I was only able to see him three times, once a year, and visits were only allowed under the doctor-patient regime. I couldn't talk to him about anything other than his health and was strictly guarded; Sasuke's appearance was not the best, he had grown thin and pale from poor nutrition. His eyes were always blindfolded to prevent him from using his eye techniques, and although he remained bound by his limbs for some time, I heard from Naruto that Kakashi Sensei had finally gotten Sasuke's body some freedom.

My heart was tearing every day, every instant... It wasn't the life or fate Sasuke deserved. His only absurd crime was to have been born an Uchiha.

"Sakura... Sakura, wake up."

The bright white light from the lamp on the desk caught my eyes as I opened them after hearing my name being called. I straightened my body and saw Ino with her folded robe resting on her forearm.

"What time is it?" I asked with difficulty, trying to take in everything around me.

"Nine o'clock. It's time to go."

"Did I sleep too long? I didn't know when it happened."

Ino gave me a hand to help me stand up. I felt like everything was spinning.

"Maybe you only slept for an hour, it couldn't have been more. You finished surgery at seven and a fraction," she ran her hand through the strap of the bag hanging on her shoulder and adjusted it. "Are you going to rest?"

"I'm staying at my parents' house today. They're still painting the apartment I rented."

"Hey... They're so slow."

I looked at the makeup Ino was wearing, it highlighted her beauty; her lips were pink indicating to me that she touched up slightly with a lipstick.

"Do you have a date with Sai?"

"Well... Yes. It's strange, isn't it?" She laughed. "It's the first time he's asked me out, I've had to do it myself before."

"It looks like things are moving forward. I'm happy for you, Ino."

"Sakura... What news about him?"

His name wasn't even spoken in the village anymore. People seemed not to remember him or refused to; everyone lived comfortably in a peace that Sasuke too achieved for them, and his payment for doing good was to be locked in darkness.

"Please, Ino. Say his name," I asked, "Sasuke is not to blame for human injustice."

"You're right, I'm sorry."

"I don't know anything new," I confessed, "the last time I saw him was six months ago."

Ino's eyes showed sadness, and I almost saw myself reflected in them.

"He must be having a hard time," she commented, "I wish there was something we could do."

I couldn't find the right words to say; what Ino was expressing was my constant thought. But I didn't have the power to change Sasuke's situation, and it was just that helplessness that was destroying me inside.

*

The days went by, sometimes quickly, and sometimes they seemed eternal. The hustle and bustle of life kept me busy, but my soul and thoughts were divided between my present and my desires.

Eating ceased to be a pleasure and became a feeling of guilt. Sleeping in a soft bed was a burden on my conscience. I still wondered how it was possible that the leaders who had condemned Sasuke had the gall to be happy while he spent his life in a dark and cold prison, far from his hometown.

I regained a shred of hope and faith and submitted my request to visit him. I waited for several days until Kakashi sensei called me to the tower. I hoped for a positive answer.

His hands held a white sheet of paper, and he studied it carefully. The back of the leather chair felt icy as nerves came over me.

"No," he uttered with disappointment and I felt my chest tighten. "It has not been accepted."

I swallowed saliva trying not to cry, and cleared my throat to fix my voice. But the feeling of pain was so powerful that it was difficult to control.

"I still don't understand their intentions," I said with my eyes on my lap, "I mean the leaders... I don't see what the problem is with me being able to visit Sasuke."

"I don't understand it either," he replied and folded the paper. "I'm sorry, Sakura."

"Hmm," I shook my head, "I'm not giving up. I'll try next month."

"It's better if you don't do it anymore," I looked up when I heard that, "the only thing you're going to get is that they'll forbid you to give him a medical check-up and change the doctor. For the time being you will have to wait until the date of his next appointment."

I clenched my fists in dismay. My chest ached with rage.

"I can only see him for check-ups," I felt my eyes watering. "I can't even give him words of encouragement or tell him what's new in the outside world. I hate that things are like this," tears inevitably slipped down my cheeks.

"I understand you, Sakura. Really, I'm still doing my best."

"I want to see him... I want to hug him," I remembered the last time I saw his eyes. "I would like to tell him that there is still hope for him... If there is any."

"We will find some way to save him," Kakashi sensei promised, he stood up and put his warm hand on my head. "Sasuke's eyes will see freedom again."

Freedom is an easy word to pronounce, but to reach it and enjoy it often depends not on us but on those who hold the reins of this world.

My body could not touch him, but my heart was always with Sasuke.