Heading west, it took two days to reach Amegakure.
Konan's report came while Sakura was drinking water. Unsurprisingly, she choked, while Kita, sipping tea beside her, wasn't affected—except for a minor burn from the hot tea. Kita laughed softly, earning a glare from Sakura.
Before Sakura could respond, the administrative hall of Amegakure was kicked open. Entering were not only Kakuzu and Hidan, but also two others: a pink-haired girl who should have been in Konoha, and a bald middle-aged man. The man, bound by Kakuzu's threads, was thrown to the floor immediately upon entry.
"The bounty's so-called miracle doctor, Saito! Hey, make her treat her!"
The guttural voice sent the hall into chaos. Sakura smiled faintly and waved off Konan's assistant, Shigure.
Zaraki Kita looked embarrassed, glancing at Saito, who was visibly shaken, and then at the pink-haired girl brought in by Kakuzu. Clearly, she seemed powerless.
"Kakuzu… please, spare me," Saito begged.
"Stop wasting words. If you abandon treatment, I'll kill you," Kakuzu growled.
"Exactly, Kita-san, let her take a look. Kakuzu's been wasting all his energy on this guy. And this girl here? She's free, and she's said to know medical ninjutsu," Hidan added, attempting to flatter.
Sakura couldn't keep her serious face. She smiled.
"What's so funny?" Kakuzu's expression darkened, clearly displeased at her derision. Saito was too terrified to even breathe audibly. Sakura forced herself to stay calm and stepped forward.
"I'm here to treat Zaraki Kita. Your Highness Angel, I am her responsible nurse, and currently her attending physician. You signed the papers—until she is fully treated, I will not abandon her."
She pulled Zaraki Kita's medical records from her backpack, ignoring Hidan's blade pressed against her neck. Kakuzu raised an eyebrow, watching Sakura intently.
The duplicate paper lay on the table. It bore Konan's signature and Sakura's. A complete contract, flawless.
Zaraki Kita stopped smiling and poured herself hot tea.
"L-little girl, go back… this… this isn't the place for you."
Standing in the doorway was Nagato, who rarely left the tower. He had sensed two unfamiliar presences and happened upon this scene.
Sakura did not yield. She bowed slightly, her eyes burning with determination.
"Sorry, Kita-san. Since you are my patient, I will not abandon you."
"Is Konoha trying to use such despicable tactics against a Amegakure high official?" Konan sneered. "Or do you want to continue humiliating us?"
"No," Sakura shook her head, composed and unyielding.
"I stand here by my own decision. I am a medical ninja. The accident is primarily my responsibility. I will not evade it."
"Responsibility? Can you handle it?"
Konan pressed, but Zaraki Kita only smiled faintly, her blue eyes calmly observing both.
Sakura said nothing, removing her forehead protector. She knew entering this den of vipers would not be easy. She was prepared to risk her life, ready to bear the title of "traitor" if necessary. Becoming a competent medical ninja was her dream. If she backed down now, she would never pick up a scalpel again. For this dream, for her youthful naivety…
Sasuke, I told you about my peanut allergy. I took responsibility to protect you from blame. I will continue to live as a medical ninja. Even if I am branded a traitor, I… will not retreat!
Kunai released from her hand. She clenched it tightly, closed her eyes, focusing on the chakra. Iron cut through the air, sparks flying.
Konoha seemed to split in two.
Konan's eyes narrowed, her mocking smile gone, face calm.
"A feigned injury?" Kakuzu asked, voice cold and cruel.
Pink hair slightly disheveled, emerald eyes blazing, Sakura stared at Konan, unflinching.
"Hidan, bring it here," Konan said, calm as ice.
Hidan hesitated, then quickly obeyed. When he saw Nagato, he called him "Boss," but Nagato replied bluntly,
"No need. I already called."
Zaraki Kita glanced at Nagato, then at Konan, slightly helpless.
"You… you wouldn't be serious, right?"
"You have no say in this," Nagato said. He stepped forward, examining Sakura, and asked,
"You are Tsunade's student?"
Sakura didn't know Nagato personally, but she recognized the black Akatsuki robe. Among those present, besides Zaraki Kita and the so-called miracle doctor Saito, the others were all ominous.
"Yes."
Unyielding and composed.
"Why treat Kita?"
"I am her responsible nurse. The accident was my fault. If I don't take responsibility, I have no right to be a medical ninja."
Nagato couldn't quite understand the reasoning, but he saw the unwavering determination in those emerald eyes.
Then it came.
"What's the matter?" He addressed those present, glancing at Saito on the floor, vaguely recalling the conman who had tried to deceive with knockout drugs.
"Test subject 99, bring it," Konan said. She hesitated, then handed over a purple liquid to Konan, realizing what was happening.
"If Kita dies, you die with her. Otherwise, leave. For your courage, I'll let you go—"
Her hands emptied. The purple potion had been entirely swallowed. Sakura's face drained of color.
Nagato smiled, saying no more. Unharmed, he looked at Saito on the floor and explained to Kakuzu:
"Kakuzu, you were deceived. This man is an incompetent charlatan."
"Eh? Really?" Hidan didn't believe it, nodding. "Using knockout drugs to trick people."
"Is that so…" Kakuzu muttered.
He punched through Saito's chest—no struggle, no cry. Saito died instantly, blood spraying everywhere.
━━━━ ❖ ━━━
If you're enjoying the journey so far and want to read ahead, you can check out 100+ advance chapters on Patreon: P@treon(.)com/Crimson_Lore
Every 100 Power Stones = 1 Extra Chapter