A Lotus in Winter: A Rock Lee Love Story

Chapter 43: War

Sayuri's POV:

I remember growing up that my mother would say "Wishful thinking doesn't get you far in this world baby. Hoping for the best doesn't mean that it will come true, always be prepared for what may come and the world will never take you by surprise."

Her words would turn out to be true, as would my prediction. War was now inevitable but with the Hokage coming out of her coma, things were looking up. That didn't mean I was going to put my guard down. Our enemies had already demonstrated that they had the strength to bring our village to its knees. What they didn't count on was that the ninja world was going to give it back to them ten fold. The cycle of hate may have been continuing but nothing is ever ended without a great sacrifice and heart ache.

The Hokage gave out our assignments, I of course was under the medical detail, but unfortunately brother, Lee and I wouldn't be near each other. I couldn't protect them if they should need me. I felt helpless, but if I could do my part and keep shinobi healed, then they could help the ones I loved and keep them safe on my behalf.

The fateful day came, when war would begin and we would have to part ways. I stood in front of elder brother on my tiptoes expecting my hair to be ruffled, but instead he pulled me close to his chest and held me tight. He made me promise that I would be okay and after a long while he let me go and ruffled my hair. With that he was gone and I was left alone with Lee.

I lowered my head and couldn't bear to look at him, but he gently lifted my chin to look up at him.

"I'm going to be okay peach blossom. Please don't be sad or scared for us, I promise we will win and when we do I'm taking you on a date."

I couldn't help but smile at him. He truly was kind and romantic.

He pulled me into his arms and held me tight. He smelled like the woods he trained in and this scent always calmed me. Then he kissed me for what felt like forever but not long enough. I didn't want to come up for air.

Watching the ones I loved going off to war was one of the hardest things I ever experienced, but soon I too was going to war. I was determined to save as many lives as I could. I would make them proud