In a new light

Attack on Konoha

Sakura

A half-year had passed since Naruto's wedding, and I had gradually adjusted to the idea of a life without Sasuke. I had come to terms with his life in exile and focused my energy on my work at the clinic. It was tough at first, but over time, I learned to cope.

My contact with Kakashi had been kept to a minimum since the events of that night. I still had fragmented memories of that evening, and if I were honest, I still didn't know what it all meant. For months, I tried to piece together that night in my mind, but there were still missing pieces. The damned alcohol had apparently taken those from me permanently.

When I thought of that night, I only ever saw him standing at my kitchen counter, felt the intense beating of my heart at the memory, and then I kissed him... The only thing that remained clear was the door closing behind him as he left me alone.

The few times we had seen each other since then, he had been polite but distant, which made me ponder often. I had considered talking to him about it, but I just couldn't bring myself to do it. Instead, I preferred to avoid him.

I blew on my steaming teacup and glanced at the clock. An hour until my shift started—plenty of time to prepare. But as soon as I entered my bedroom, the sirens blared through the silence. My heart skipped a beat. Sirens.

An all-out attack on Konoha? But by whom? Since the great war, there had been peace among the ninja nations.

Tension spread through me as I hurriedly grabbed my gear. I slipped into my vest, pulled on my pants, grabbed some kunai, put on my heavy boots, and rushed outside. As I ran, I tried to strap on my forehead protector. The streets were already in chaos—mothers ushered their children indoors while all the remaining capable ninjas rushed to the main square.

To my surprise, Tsunade had taken up position on a small platform. Her face was serious, her eyes scanning the gathered shinobi. She waited patiently before speaking.

"An enemy more powerful than we initially thought stands before Konoha's gates. Naruto, the Sixth Hokage, and the Anbu have been fighting out there for hours. The situation is dire. We must prepare for many casualties." Her voice was firm, but the tension in her eyes was unmistakable. "All combat-ready ninjas, secure the walls, as the enemy continues to advance... And medics, head to the hospital immediately and prepare for the wounded. Some have already been rescued from the battlefield."

My heart raced. Kakashi and Naruto were already in battle? For a moment, I considered joining them—I was part of their team, I couldn't just stay here! We were Team 7, together. But Tsunade's gaze fixed on me as if she had read my thoughts. Without a word, she shook her head slightly. Her message to me was clear: My duty as a healer took precedence. I hesitated briefly, then turned and ran towards the clinic.

As soon as I reached the infirmary, the first wounded were being brought in. Bloodied and with pained expressions, they bore the marks of a fierce battle. Instinct took over, and my hands automatically grabbed what was needed. My thoughts were pushed aside. I bandaged, set bones, healed with chakra. Everything happened almost automatically.

I treated them one by one as best as I could. Every ninja who left the clinic was a saved life.

But as I worked, unease grew within me. Where were Kakashi and Naruto? Hours passed. The flow of the wounded did not cease, and with every breath, the air seemed heavier. I wanted to go outside, to the front, to find out what was happening out there. What was happening to them. Yet here I was, in the clinic.

Of course, I knew how important my job was here, but it still felt wrong. I kept glancing at the door, hoping someone would come in with news. Nothing. No word, just more wounded.