The Queen of Masks [Sakura Haruno Story]

52

Sakura shot though the forest, jumping from branch to branch at a high speed. She had been running for quite a few hours and wasn't showing any signs of stopping. Sakura wasn't sure where she was going, or when she would get there, but she knew that it would be far away from everything she had ever known.

Sakura hadn't taken anything with her, only the weapons she happened to have in her pouch, the necklace from her master, and, of course, her mask.

Blood trickled down her face and dripped off her chin, reminding Sakura that she had yet to heal her lip and forehead. Her gut twisted with guilt as she remembered how she got these injuries.

She had abandoned them. She had left her village, her family, and her friends to protect themselves against such a formidable enemy. And she had done it simply because the moment was convenient for her. She had done it so that she could leave in the chaos and not have to explain herself to everyone.

However, she knew that Naruto was, without a doubt, strong, and he would most defiantly win this battle.

With that thought running in her mind, she continued onwards towards her new life.

First things first, Sakura had to start a few rumours that a new mask was alive and kicking.

'The Masked Cherry Blossom'

Sakura liked the ring of it.

"What the hell do you mean 'Sakura's dead'?!" Rui grit his teeth as he feel his feet rise from the ground, an angry blonde gripping this throat.

Naruto went on, not even bothering to give Rui a chance to answer. "It's impossible that she's dead. Nagato returned life to all those who died in this battle, so even if she had died, which I doubt she would have, she would be alive right now!"

Rui coughed, running out of air.

"You did something to her, didn't you?!" Naruto accused, tightening his grip.

"Naruto! Put him down!" Shikamaru came to Rui's rescue.

Naruto scowled at his friend before releasing his hold.

Rui dropped to his feet, and backed away a few steps.

"Sakura's gone."

Naruto narrowed his eyes at him, sensing an underlying meaning.

"She's no longer here."

Naruto tried, but couldn't figure out what Rui was trying to tell him.

Rui sighed in exasperation, deciding that he really wasn't that much of an honest man, and he did really have to keep his word. "Sakura has left the village, and she told me to tell everyone that she's dead."