Forged Beyond

Behind the Doors

Okay this is chapter 2 of Forged Beyond! Feel free to give suggestions and comments! THANK YOU SO MUCH!!


ENJOY!! <3

Sakura hesitated before knocking softly on the door. The sound of footsteps echoed behind the wood, growing louder with each passing second. She took a deep breath, steeling herself for what was to come-mentally and physically.

The door creaked open, revealing her mother, Mebuki, whose face twisted in irritation. "What is it now? Another one of those ridiculous missions?" she spat, her voice dripping with disdain.

"No, mother... just some extra work at the academy," Sakura replied, her voice barely above a whisper.

Mebuki scoffed and turned her back to Sakura, walking toward the dining table, and setting down dishes with a clatter. "This is what happens when you waste your life becoming a ninja. So stupid. You should be focusing on finding a husband instead."

Sakura swallowed hard, forcing herself to remain composed as she slipped off her shoes and placed them neatly by the door. She closed it gently behind her, hoping not to provoke any further remarks. But before she could take another step, her father's voice broke through the air, sharp and mocking.

"Who in their right mind would marry her? Have you seen that monstrous forehead?" Kizashi emerged from the hallway, a grin plastered across his face as he chuckled at his own cruel joke.

Mebuki joined in with a snicker, and the sound of their laughter filled the room, bouncing off the walls like daggers piercing Sakura's heart. Her hands clenched into fists, but she kept her head down, refusing to let them see the pain they inflicted.

"Come on, it's just a joke," Kizashi continued, his voice light as if his words carried no weight. "Learn to take one for once."

Sakura's lips trembled slightly, but she stayed silent, walking toward the kitchen to escape their gaze. She couldn't trust herself to speak-if she did, the tears she was fighting so hard to hold back might finally fall.

She stood by the counter, her back turned to them, gripping the edge tightly. Her parents' laughter still echoed in her ears, but all she could think of was how badly she wanted to leave. To get stronger. To prove them wrong.

But not yet. Not today. She wasn't ready-not yet. But soon.

Lost in her thoughts, she almost missed Mebuki's voice.

"I don't know why you're even bothering with the academy. It's not like you're going to be anything great. Maybe if you stopped dreaming and started being realistic for once, things would be easier."

Sakura's nails dug into her palms as she exhaled slowly. Soon, she told herself. Soon, she would show them all.

She straightened her back and turned to face her mother, her expression neutral, hiding the storm brewing beneath the surface. "You're right, mother," she said, her voice steady. "But I have to see this through."

Before Mebuki could respond, Sakura excused herself, walking down the hallway toward her room. As soon as she shut the door behind her, she let out the breath she had been holding.

Sakura sat down at her desk, staring at the old, worn kunai lying on the surface. Her mind was already elsewhere-away from the house, away from the village, somewhere where she could finally be free.

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Sasuke walked through the gates of the Uchiha compound, his eyes scanning the familiar surroundings with thinly veiled disdain. The so-called prestigious Uchiha clan-it was nothing more than a facade, a hollow shell of bloodline and power. To him, it was a joke.