Kai didn't have to lift that little girl for Sakura to see that he was carrying her forcibly, as the girl stumbled with trembling feet that couldn't keep up with an adults brisk pace. But she didn't make a sound, didn't voice a single complaint as her feet dragged across the paved tar. While she might have been quiet, there was a hurricane of emotions swirling inside her.
They came towards the entrance of the underground tunnels, but that's when Kai stopped. Eri who had her heartbeat playing in her ears was taken aback by this. Turning her head up with wide eyes, but her lips remained shut.
"So you're still here." Kai saw Nemesis step out of the shadows.
"Yes," she replied, her eyes flicking to Eri. "Is this your daughter that we were chasing?"
Kai didn't so much as flinch at the question, "That's right. She can be a bit of a troublemaker but we're heading back now."
He moved with the intent of passing her, taking a firm grip of the girl's upper arm now and dragging her. His mind was already filled with the intent to kill. Whichever one of his men allowed a mere six-year-old to get passed them was worthy of death.
"Are we returning to our conversation?"
He didn't stop walking, and that's when Sakura could tell how distracted he was. Even willing to turn his back on her.
"Let's discuss your decision another time,"
"But I've already made up my mind, that's why I'm here,"
Kai stopped but he was impatient and the tone of his voice carried that implication vividly."Well?"
With slow, weightless steps, she made her way over to Kai, hands curled behind her back as if she was strolling a park. Sakura didn't know anything about Kai's quirk, but she was certain of the tell signs. When he pulled off his gloves, and his blood lust spiked on the meter her instincts called. As well as the way the girl Eri reacted, practically jumping to his side with a face twisted in fear.
"It's a rather troublesome decision. But I know it's the right one."
That mutter was the last thing Kai would hear from her, as she loaded her legs with chakra, that took her from strolling to vanishing like spoke in the wind right before his eyes. Her shadow barely seen swiped across the buildings before she materialized right in front of him. Barely half a step away, their eyes met before Kai felt his breathe knocked free.
Sakura didn't waste any time, nor did she intend to drag out a battle, but she did want him to hurt. So she hit where she knew her punches would crack. Straight into Kai's chest, with a force that sent him flying across the street to the other side. He crashed into a nearby building, and Sakura could proudly concur she put enough force behind to crack a rib.
She then swooped down and grabbed Eri securely before jumping onto the rooftop, out of sight and any danger. Eri, acted as if she was a frightened animal in a state of total shock, unable to move as Sakura raced across the rooftops, distancing themselves from the entrance of Shie Hassaikai hideout.
Even if Kai was still conscious, he wouldn't be able to pursue them, and by the time he had called in reinforcements, Sakura intended to be far away. Even if she could take that group, she wasn't willing to risk this chids safety. Not even for all the confidence in her abilities and the rage boiling under the surface of her mask.
'Well, Sakura you did it this time,'
Ninja's are meant to endure, and act rationally, their doctrine strict on enforcing a sense of discipline that allowed them to carry out their missions successfully and keep the bias of emotions out, but even a diligent student like Sakura had her shortcomings. When she saw the way Eri curled into Izuku with trembling eyes, it brought Sakura's heart to tremble as well. The way her entire posture was begging for protection, Sakura heard that cry so loud it still rang in her ears.
She was moving at high speeds from above the buildings, leaping across the structures but had to be mindful of the small child in her arms that seemed to barely be keeping consciousness.
"It's alright," Sakura told her, feeling the girl shake like a leaf in her grasp. "It's okay, he's not going to get you,"
"B-But…." Sakura thought that she might cry, but then she felt the weight in her arms shift and saw that the girl had fallen limp, fainting from what Sakura hoped was the relief of stress.
..
..
Check for injuries. That was Sakura's first decisive order of business the moment she believed they had escaped all eyes. Sakura returned to her hideout in the mountains, the floorboard of the abandoned house creaked from the extra strain she put as she rushed through the doors.The girl had been unconscious through the entire journey, which Sakura took as a positive sign since her breathing was stable. With her speeds, she tried to keep the trip as steady as possible.
And she took this chance to get the girl as comfortable as possible for when she woke up, because there would need to be a bit of unraveling when she opened her eyes. As Sakura watched the girl, laid out on the futon, covered in bandages, her face scrunched in a restless expression she couldn't help but wonder what had happened back there with Izuku and that other hero intern.
Why didn't they try to help this girl?
It wasn't like Izuku at all to turn away a cry for help. That was the same person who snuck out with his classmates to rescue her and Katsuki. Whatever was going on there, it was part of a loop that she stepped out of.
'Well at least she's safe,' Sakura didn't know what Kai was doing to this girl but she was about to find out. Her medical training gave Sakura different eye's, as Tsunade had pointed. She could look at a would and write a novel of the cause. And Sakura was preparing to read this little girl's story, as she unwrapped her bandages.
That was the moment Sakura felt her face turn white, and her stomach burn. She looked at the thin arm, that even Sakura could wrap her fingers all the way around. Her skin littered with indentations of scars. And upon further investigation, scattered across her arms and legs, and further along like someone was trying to paint her in them.
Sakura's throat felt like something thick was lodged inside, her muscles pulled taut as she continued to inspect. She traced and felt the different textures to these scars, and realized this was not an overnight job.
'Overhaul!' What happened to this little girl was not accidentally or due to childish recklessness and liberty.
She told herself why, wasn't important to the fact that it happened, but in her state, Sakura didn't just want answers. She wanted to be omniscient on this, every detail.
She sucked in a breath, craning her head to touch her back. 'Don't go off the rails,'
If she wanted to get answers, she could simply wait for the young girl to open her eyes, and hopefully gain the strength to tell her story.
..
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..
Eri didn't like being sleepy; for a while when she would wake up, she'd be fully aware of her surroundings. Drowsiness didn't exist to her anymore, because when you were drowsy, you couldn't properly see the figures at your door or hear the footsteps coming down the hall and that gave you less time to try and hide away.
But this time, when she woke, her mind was still covered in fog. Her eyes's fluttered and blurred with hardened tear stains. She didn't see the familiar ceiling of her room and that's when she jolted up. The blanket falling off her shoulder's as she looked around the unfamiliar room, and the unfamiliar futon she laid on.
It was harder than her own bed, but still comfortable enough to lull her into that state of sleep.
Where was she? How did she get here?
After a few minutes, that's when the fog cleared and she was able to remember. How the man who was supposed to be watching her had turned his back, and she took that chance to run. How she found an exit she remembered seeing and how quickly she was caught and being dragged back. Her stomach contents churned at that memory. And then she remembered watching someone actually hit Overhaul and send him flying. Someone had beaten him.
With movements of a snail, Eri turned to look out at the window. From her angle, she saw no buildings or streets and heard no noise. All she could see was the stretch of trees and mountains, the air sending a shiver through her.
Then she smelt something unfamiliar. It was warm and the aroma tempting as it made her stomach growl. Eri turned her head and saw a figure emerging from the shadows. It was a young girl, holding a tray under her arms.
"Hey there," Sakura said softly, staying at the threshold of the door. "How are you feeling?"
Eri looked flabbergasted, and her fists were shaking as she gazed at Sakura. "I'm fine," she muttered, her voice barely above a whisper.
"That's good to hear. I brought you some dinner," Sakura took slow silent steps towards the girl, holding out the steaming bowl of chicken soup and bread. "Here, eat, it'll make you feel better."
Despite her alarming hunger, Eri hesitated and just stared at the food as if it was going to bite her and she also watched Sakura the same way. But when Sakura didn't make any movements after setting the tray down beside her, Eri finally gave into her desire and took the tray onto the futon carefully.
Her expression melted when she took the first sip of soup, and bite of bread. The taste sitting on her tongue.
Meanwhile Sakura settled down on the floor, keeping a respectful distance so the girl didn't feel cornered. "I'm glad you like it." Eri hiccuped a little at her soft comment, and seemed to want to stop eating but Sakura encouraged her. "Don't worry, I made plenty if you're still hungry,"
Eri's eyes travelled slowly from the bread in her hand to Sakura's chin, "Thank you…um…
"Sakura, my name is Sakura." She gave a small smile to the girl, "I'm the one who brought you here."
Sakura didn't want to cause the girl anymore distress by looking over her shoulder. "I was wearing that silly outfit when we first met and had a mask so you might not recognize me,"
"...The one in the mask?"
"That's right. I know you're scared," Sakura continued. "And you have every right to be. But I promise you, you're safe here. I won't let anyone hurt you."
Eri looked up at her, unsure whether to believe her. "W-Why…."
Sakura's expression softened further that it was like trying to hold up wet paper. "Because you looked like you wanted someone to help you, and that's what I am. Someone who wants to help you. You did ask for help right?"
Eri nodded, her eyes filling with tears, burning as she realized that she had done it. She had finally escaped his grasp. Those hands that reached for her, that tore her apart, they weren't there anymore. Those whispers of ambitions she couldn't understand properly were gone.
But what would happen to her now? She hadn't thought that far, but was only desperate to escape the hands that destroyed her.
Sakura could read her expression clearly, and she wanted to talk with Eri longer, to reassure her that she was safe again. But this wasn't going to happen in a single moment. Everything was a process and some took longer than others. Patience was key; especially when it came to dealing with children. They were more instinctual than adults and would react according to their feelings, not to the feelings others. And that was as it should be.
"You're safe now, no one is going to hurt you," Sakura said again. She wanted to embrace the girl but wasn't given an indication that would be helpful for her condition or adjustment.
"What's your name?"
The girl hesitated, answering softly, "Eri…"
"Eri, that's a nice name," Sakura told her, "Are you feeling okay Eri? Does anything hurt?"
The girl shook her head honestly. She would normally feel some kind of ache or pain, but whenever she cried about it before they would take her to Kai and he'd explain that he'd fix her again. That's when Eri stopped telling anyone when she was hurting. But this time she was telling the truth.
Sakura stood up, "Well you can finish up your dinner, and if you're still hungry there are leftovers.
Sorry, this place is a bit run down and remote but you're free to explore, the bathrooms down the hall and the plumbing works. We're a bit into the mountains and it's dark, so if you want to go outside not too far, you'll be able to see everything better in the morning. And if you need anything just call me, I'm gonna be in the other room next to yours and I'll leave the door open."
Sakura was informing Eri of everything like she was a house guest, knowing that she wouldn't be forthcoming. But she wanted her to know that these would be her liberties.
"I'll leave the lamp in here so you have some light okay,"
Sakura moved to the door, leaving it wide open. "I'm here if you need anything,"
"Um." Eri started and Sakura waited for her to say something. It took a good minute before she gathered the strength to voice herself.
"Do you want to ask me anything?" Her voice now timid.
"No, no," she waved reassuringly. "You've gotta finish your dinner, and you can get some more rest okay?"
Eri nodded, but Sakura saw her wavering. "Do you want me to stay with you?"
"I'm…okay,"
Sakura relented, "Alright. I'm going to be right next door,"
..
..
With the stress of the day's events she wasn't able to have a proper conversation with Eri, but Sakura saw that her constitution wouldn't allow it anyway and forcing one would just damage progress. Still Sakura was now in a dilemma of her own making.
And yet when she remembered the look in that little girl's face. She couldn't care less about the complications. After all, how could she consider herself a medic, or a good kunoichi when she couldn't bother to save one little girl?
That night Sakura stayed awake, listening as Eri finally settled back into the futon, and her breathing becoming even.
'What should I do tommorow?'
..
..
When Eri woke again, she was less startled when her eyes met the worn out ceiling. But she was still like a wounded animal. She stayed in bed for what felt like hours, huddled under the covers listening to her breathing, trying to assure herself this wasn't a dream. That she was finally out, and she was hit with that reminder when she glanced to the window and saw the trees and mountains in the distance.
This might have been what gave her the courage to venture out.
Tiptoeing down the hallway, trying to keep her steps quiet but the old wooden boards wouldn't allow that. She walked further through the big house, until from the corner of her eye where light shone brighter than she was used to, she found Sakura on the terrace.
Feeling the presence, Sakura turned slowly, "Eri, good morning. Did you have a nice sleep?"
Eri mumbled a reply, feeling a flutter of warmth in her chest at Sakura's friendly tone.
"Are you hungry?" Sakura asked. "I'm going to make breakfast."
With a nervous face, Eri nodded, while Sakura gestured her to the kitchen.
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..
While preparing breakfast, Sakura kept her body partially facing Eri so she could see her face, so she could calm the girls nerves.
Breakfast was than what she would have in the morning, but the situation called for some spoiling, and Sakura was determined to soften Eri's exterior with some good food.
"Do you want juice or water?" Sakura asked, setting the bowl of cereal, french toast, and store-bought pancakes in front of her.
"Um…" Eri was still staring at the spread in front of her. The table she was at, was low and she could sit on the tarp-covered floors, which was more comfortable than she realized. Sakura didn't' sit in front of Eri, but on the side, so that the girl wouldn't be uncomfortable, with someone staring at her while she ate.
The only signal Eri received to eat was a friendly wave, but when that didn't stick, Sakura said to go ahead and not hold back. At first, she only nibbled at her plate, but the taste was eventually enough to overcome her hesitance in the slightest and start having more. But she was still like a frightened mouse, who would react to any sharp movements.
At first, Sakura tried to grasp a bit of small talk, but this was a scared six-year-old girl who was in a state of uncertainty. However, Sakura expected this much, but that's what progress was meant to be.
"Is there anything you want to do after breakfast?" Sakura asked gently, "You can take a bath, though I don't have any clothes for you right now we can get those later. I'll just wash what you have now. Or you can explore the house? The outside if you want-
"I can go outside?" Sakura had told Eri this before, but hearing it was like manifesting a dream that was out of reach for so long.
"Of course, there's nothing to worry about. It's a bit secluded up here in the mountains, our closest neighbors are quite a ways away. You can see quite a few animals here though,"
Eri didn't seem to know what to make of this, and it showed in her expression.
..
..
..
Of course with this new development, all other plans for Sakura was happily placed on the back burner of priorities. It would have been helpful to full understand the severity of what she had endured, but Sakura knew that wasn't something she should pry out. Whatever had been done to Eri, whatever images Sakura was painting in her mind, whether or not Kai actually had familial relations to Eri, it wasn't something to push onto that girl.
Sakura glanced at the little girl quietly picking now at the fruit. "If you're full we can wrap that up for later okay?"
"O-Okay,"
Eri stood up, but fidgeted, with her hands with her eyes wandering. Waiting to be told what to do next. This gave Sakura an idea of how the girl might've been living so far, and it didn't sit well. The white dress hung around her like a sheet, it wasn't in poor condition but it came across as too bare for a child who lived with Yakuza that went about their days in suits and masks, yet they couldn't be bothered to give the girl something more colorful and childlike?
Clothes that wouldn't be stained easily if she were to play, or paint?
Sakura smiled, "How about a walk?"
..
..
Kai gritted his teeth as he paced through his office, his frustration and anger bouncing off the walls in waves that his men hesitated every time they passed him. But that's because they knew the severity of the situation.
He had just lost the key ingredient to the ambitions, which he had been working towards for years on end. Although his wounds had been healed, the sting of Nemesis' punch still lingered, making his blood boil and his skin breaks out in a rash.
"Boss, what's our next move?" One of Kai's henchmen asked, breaking his thoughts.
"We find Nemesis and get my ingredient back," Kai growled, slamming his fist on the desk. "I won't let that piece of trash ruin everything I've worked for."
"But boss, Nemesis is one of the most dangerous fighters in the underground. We need a plan," another henchman chimed in.
"I don't care how dangerous Nemesis is," Kai snapped. "He has something that belongs to me, and I want it back."Kai took a deep breath, trying to calm himself down."File an official report that Nemesis has kidnapped my daughter. Get all of our underground contacts on it. I want everyone looking for Eri."
The henchmen nodded, knowing better than to question their boss's orders. As they left the room, Kai slumped into his chair, feeling the weight of the situation on his shoulders. He couldn't let Nemesis get away with his ingredient.
No matter the cost.