The Queen of Masks [Sakura Haruno Story]

98

Everything was perfect.

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

Karasu, who had just recently turned eighteen was strolling down the path to her usual training ground at a leisurely pace. She was in anything but a good mood.

Arriving at the training grounds, Karasu spotted her master sitting under the shade of an old oak tree. She waved and jogged over, plopping down beside Sakura, plastering her best smile on her face.

Sakura smiled a widely at Karasu, hugging the girl into her chest and enveloping her in a warm hug. They stayed like that for a while, simply enjoying each other's presence. When Sakura attempted to pull away, Karasu squeezed tighter, burying her face into Sakura's shoulder. 

That's when Sakura realized her student was crying. It started silently a first but soon grew into choking sobs that racked her petite shoulders. 

Sakura pressed her lips together and squeezed tighter too, tears misting her eyes. 

"It's today, isn't it?" Karasu managed to spit out between sobs.

The Masked Cherry Blossom hesitated before answering quietly. "Yes." This sent the girl into another round of sobs. After what seemed like an eternity, Karasu pulled away and looked Sakura in the eyes, her cheeks red with dried tear tracks. She nodded slowly at her master, not trusting her voice to be steady.

Sakura smiled, prouder of her student than ever before. 

"Alright."