A Lotus in Winter: A Rock Lee Love Story

Chapter 15: The Anbu Test part four

Rock Lee's POV:
I held her close to me until Lady Tsunade suggested I lay her down. She woke up soon and gripped at her chest as though in pain. Lady Tsunade kneeled by her and whispered something to her which I couldn't hear.

Sayuri's POV:
I had managed to maneuver my body into a position so that hitting the wall wouldn't cause any damage. However I glanced up at the last second and saw on the faces of those around me the same look of my superiors in the Land of Woods. A look of pride and disappointment all in one breath. I was never good enough because of my emotions, so they took them away. Those watching me knew as well as I that I was still injured and not at my best, but they still hoped in vain. My curse mark began to slip and I felt the crushing weight of my past fall on me and the intense emotion made me black out.
'I can't give up, I have to show that I can be useful. They saved me for a reason, I must repay this village for accepting me, for giving me a purpose.'
The next thing I knew, I was waking up on the ground. Lee was looking over me concerned, as well as Guy Sensei and Lord Hokage. My curse mark flared up and it felt like a kunai was being plunged into my chest. I gasped and gripped at it desperately. The only time I ever felt anything was when that curse mark acted up, I wanted it gone. Then again, what would it be like to feel? That was when Lady Tsunade kneeled beside me and whispered.
"Your curse mark is what caused you to pass out, correct?"
I nodded as speaking would be too painful.
The hokage helped me stand and then went before the anbu superiors to explain what had caused my loss of consciousness no doubt. They seemed...pleased...impressed even. Superiors always approved of my skill, but hated my compassionate soul as they called it. It was my biggest handicap and so they destroyed it. Destroyed me. Once they were done, I was their shining achievement, their dog of war.

I looked to Guy Sensei and pushed back the pain to get on my hands and knees, I bowed to him, touching my forehead to the ground.
Sayuri: "You have defeated me, you're truly an excellent opponent. I would be honored if you would teach me."
Such a display as this is a sign of utmost respect and humility in the Land of Woods and would be met by a distant authorative voice and beatings to ensure the caste. However that was not the case now. I felt a gentle touch as someone ruffled my hair and Guy's kind voice.
Guy: I would love to teach you! You're in the springtime of your youth and you can never know too much!
Lee piped up, "I have enjoyed sparring with you Sayuri! We can teach each other many things and learn under Guy Sensei!"
I thanked them both and was helped up by Guy Sensei. 

I had lost the match, but I had gained much more, a sensei and a sibling student.

That was when Lady Tsunade's voice cut through. "The next match will begin soon. This match will test your Ninjutsu."