Elevate - A Naruto Fanfic

Chapter 3

The gentle glow of early morning sunlight filtered through the curtains, casting a warm radiance across Sakura's sleeping form. Her eyes fluttered open, consciousness slowly seeping back as she stretched languidly beneath the soft sheets. For a blissful moment, she simply basked in the comfort, savoring the plush mattress and fluffy pillows cradling her small body.

"Now this is the life," Sakura murmured contentedly, a lazy smile playing on her lips. After years of restless nights in dingy safehouses and cramped vehicle backseats, waking up in a real bed felt positively decadent.

She burrowed deeper into the cocoon of blankets, relishing the peaceful quiet of the house. No gunshots or sirens piercing the air, no need to stay vigilant for potential threats. Just soft birdsong drifting through the window and—

The tranquil morning shattered as the sound of breaking glass echoed through the house, followed by muffled shouting. Sakura bolted upright, adrenaline flooding her system as her hand instinctively reached for a weapon that wasn't there. Her heart raced as she scanned the room for potential threats, mind whirling to formulate an escape plan.

It took several seconds for reality to catch up, reminding her that she was no longer the hardened assassin always on alert. She was a child now, safe in her family home. There were no enemy operatives lying in wait, no rival killers out for her blood.

Still, old habits died hard. Sakura slipped out of bed, bare feet silent against the cool wooden floor as she crept towards her bedroom door. She pressed her ear against it, straining to make out the heated voices drifting up from downstairs.

"—can't believe you would encourage this foolishness!" The shrill voice of her mother cut through the air like a knife. "After everything we've been through, everything we swore to protect her from!"

"She's our daughter, Mebuki!" Kizashi's deeper tone rumbled in response, an uncharacteristic edge of frustration coloring his words. "We can't keep her sheltered forever. She deserves the chance to make her own choices!"

Sakura's brow furrowed as she listened intently to the argument unfolding. It didn't take a genius to deduce the subject of their heated debate.

"Her own choices?" Mebuki scoffed, voice dripping with disdain. "She's a child, Kizashi. She doesn't know what's best for her. It's our job as parents to guide her, to keep her safe from—from those monsters!"

"They're not all monsters, and you know it," Kizashi shot back, a weary note creeping into his tone. "Some of the finest people I've ever known were shinobi. They risk their lives every day to protect this village, to protect us."

"Oh, don't give me that sanctimonious garbage," Mebuki snarled. "You've always been too soft, too willing to turn a blind eye to the darker side of their world. Well, I won't stand for it, not when it comes to our daughter!"

The sound of stomping footsteps drew nearer, and Sakura tensed as she realized her mother was heading for the stairs.

"Where are you going?" Kizashi demanded.

"To talk some sense into my deranged and naive daughter," Mebuki spat.

Sakura's eyes widened. She had no desire to face her mother's wrath, especially not first thing in the morning. Making a split-second decision, she darted back across her room and threw open the window. With the ease born of years evading pursuit, she slipped out onto the roof and shimmied down a nearby drainpipe.

Her bare feet touched the cool grass, and Sakura paused for a moment to get her bearings. The streets were already bustling with early morning activity as villagers went about their daily routines. Vendors called out their wares, the enticing aromas of fresh bread and grilled meats wafting through the air.