The Queen of Masks [Sakura Haruno Story]

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I would just like to thank everyone for voting for this story! I finally got to 1k votes! Thanks a lot guys!

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That sounded way too calm considering that I am still freaking out despite the fact that I reached 1k a few days ago....

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OMG THANK YOU GUYS SOOOOOOOO MUCH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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That's better.

Everything was perfect.

The sun was shining in the sky. The birds were singing soft melodies.

When Sakura had gotten home around six in the evening, after hanging out with her friends, she found a grand dinner all made by her parents waiting for her. She had watched a movie with her family and had gone to bed early. On top of all that, Sakura had, for once, fallen asleep right away.

Before Kisaki had left the small party at Rui's place, she had told Sakura to meet her at the training grounds at eight in the morning, and thats where Sakura was headed.

Strolling down the road, Sakura was almost tempted to burst into song, like one of those cheesy musicals, she was in such a good mood.

Arriving at the training grounds, Sakura spotted her master sitting under the shade of an old oak tree. She waved and jogged over, plopping down beside Kisaki.

"You wanted to talk to me, master?"

Kisaki startled, as if she had never noticed Sakura. "Ah, yes, Sakura. Please, sit down." Kisaki paused as she realized that her student was already sitting.

Kisaki pinched the bridge of her nose, worrying Sakura. It wasn't like her master to be so scatter-brained.

"Sakura, I asked you to come here today to tell you something very important. Actually, I need to tell you a lot of things."

Sakura nodded, indicating for her master to continue.

"My name is Kisaki Hemuri." She stated. "Though it's spelt C-h-m-u-r-y, meaning 'clouds'." She paused. "I had three siblings; one sister and two bothers. Evret and Evelyn were both five years older than me; they were twins, and Akio was two years younger than me." Kisaki smiled at the memory. "My father's name was Kazuto Chmury, and my mother's name was Emiko Chmury. However, my mother died when I was two, while giving birth to Akio, so I never really knew her. We lived in a small village, and my father owned an inn.

"When I was growing up, I had always known that I was the lone wolf in the loyal pack. While my family preferred going camping in the forest or mountain climbing, I enjoyed devoting myself to my training. So, when my master found me, it didn't make much of a difference regarding the amount of time I spent with my family."

Kisaki leaned heavily on Sakura's shoulder, as if all the energy and strength had left her body. This worried Skaura until she saw the look in her master's face; it was like she was in total peace.

"My master's name was the Shinrin, meaning 'forest', and she was widely known as the Mask of the Forest. Of course, that name isn't very well known now since she died around two hundred and ninety years ago." Kisaki shrugged.

"She trained me for around six years before revealing her true age to me, which was two hundred and thirty six, and telling me how it was possible.

"You see, I am the third member of the line of Masks. The second was my master, and the first was my master's master. And you, Sakura, will be the fourth." Kisaki reached into her shirt, pulling out something that glittered brightly.

Sakura peaked at the object. It was a clear crystal that was tied onto a simple, black cord. The crystal was cut strangely with it's elongated shape with a curve at the bottom, all most like a hook, but the end pointed inwards even more, making what resembled a swirl. And it somehow managed to catch the light in such a way that it seemed to almost glow.

"This was my master's necklace, and before that, it was my master's master's necklace. It has been past down though the Masks." Kisaki paused, as if adding suspense.

"It's what keeps me alive."