The Testing Gate

HELLO THERE EVERYONE! 

I hope this month's been treating you well. I have come with another chapter for you. I hope this story brings a little more enjoyment to your day! 

Gon, Leorio, and Kurapika arrived in the Dentora region of the Republic of Pakodea after a suspenseful three-day journey. The objective of reaching Killua never left their minds, from the airship flight to the train ride. As they looked out the window from their seats, Kukuroo Mountain loomed in the distance amidst the rest of the landscape. Leorio commented on its aesthetics, noting the dark cloud around the top that gave it a creepy but fitting appearance for the base of a family of assassins.

Sakura, however, couldn't find fascination in exploring a new location. Her thoughts were consumed by the reason that had brought her here in the first place. The burning anticipation of meeting Killua once more overwhelmed her.

"We're so close," she thought

Upon reaching town, their first objective was to gather information about Kukuroo Mountain. To their surprise, it proved to be an easier task than expected. They discovered there was a bus tour to the mountain, and they were fortunate enough to catch the only one of the day.

The guide, a young woman, stood in front of the bus as it took off, welcoming the tourists with a friendly smile and a bow. "Thank you for taking the laminated tour today. We will be visiting Kukuroo Mountain, home to the famous Zoldyck family of assassins."

Sakura shook her head in disbelief, leaning against the window with Leorio beside her. "To think they let you tour the place..."

"Well, it makes our job a little easier," Kurapika remarked.

Glancing behind her, Sakura noticed two men at the back of the bus, facing away from the mountain. One was burly and heavily built, while the other was lanky, but both wore passive expressions on their faces.

"They obviously aren't tourists," Leorio pointed out.

"Doesn't matter," Sakura replied, averting her gaze to her right and resting her good arm on the window sill. "We're only here to see Killua. Everything else is irrelevant."

The rest of the group agreed, and they sat silently as the tour guide continued to lecture about the Zoldyck family estate. Sakura listened to the history known about them, how there were ten members, including their great-grandfather, grandparents, parents, and five children, all of whom were assassins. She couldn't help but wonder about the dynamics of such a family. The concept of growing up amidst assassins was foreign to her, yet she knew Killua had endured it.

As the bus approached Kukuroo Mountain, Sakura's heart raced with each passing minute. Her mind was filled with thoughts of Killua, and she couldn't wait to see him again. She hoped he would be receptive to their arrival and that they could convince him to come back with them.

The bus finally came to a stop, and the tourists were given some free time to explore the area. Sakura, Gon, Leorio, and Kurapika stepped off the bus, their eyes scanning the surroundings. They knew they had to tread carefully and cautiously on this dangerous territory.

"I hope we can find Killua quickly," Gon said, his voice tinged with worry.

"We will," Sakura reassured him, a determined glint in her eyes. "We won't leave without him."

..

..

..

The tour bus came to a halt in front of a massive wall several meters high, adorned with silver dragon statues facing each other. An enormous gate of silver, with jagged carved framing and strange markings, loomed above them. Some tourists had already gathered in front, capturing the sight on their cameras.

The tour guide gestured toward the gate, smiling. "This is the front gate of the Zoldyck estate, also known as the Door to Hades, as no one who's entered has ever returned alive."

Leorio couldn't help but swallow nervously. "Well, there's a pleasant thought."

She continued, "To enter, you must pass through the door beside the security checkpoint."

A small security checkpoint structure stood at one end of the wall, adjacent to a much smaller door. The mountain, Kukuroo Mountain, was visible in the distance but hidden from their current vantage point.

"But the area beyond the gate is private property, so we cannot proceed," the guide cheerily stated.

Sakura had foreseen some sort of obstacle, and this seemed to be it. She suspected that Illumi was confident they wouldn't reach the estate, even if they knew its location.

Leorio exclaimed, pointing up, "The Mountain is over there!"

"Yes, the Zoldycks own Kukuroo Mountain and the surrounding land," the guide replied.

Leorio slumped, realizing that the whole area was the Zoldyck family's backyard. Gon called to the guide, asking what they had to do to get inside.

"Little boy, were you not listening to my explanation?" she teased. "If you go inside, you'll never get out alive! Assassins live there!"

Gon was about to say more when Sakura covered his mouth. "Don't bother, she won't get it."

Someone scoffed, "It's all a sham."

Two men stood out from the group, making their way toward the security checkpoint, carrying sheathed weapons. Everyone watched them intently.

"A family of assassins that no one's ever seen."

"Just a photo of their faces is worth a hundred million."

Leorio, frustrated, regretted not taking a picture of Killua when he had the chance. Sakura reprimanded him with a quick slap to the back of his head.

The men continued to the security checkpoint, and the larger one ripped the door off, demanding the elderly security guard to open the gate. The guard complied, and Sakura noticed something odd in his actions.

Only a few seconds later, screams echoed from behind the door, followed by a chilling silence. The door slowly opened again, revealing the two men as nothing more than skeletons. A large claw covered in purple fur extended from the door. Terrified, the group rushed back to the tour bus.

"Yikes," Sakura murmured, keeping her gaze on the door.

Leorio, Gon, and Kurapika were shaken by the sight, but Sakura's experience in her world allowed her to remain calmer.

The security guard sighed, calling at the door, "Mike! Don't blame me if you get fat!"

The remains of the two men were enough to instill fear in the group, but Gon seemed undeterred.

The tour guide waved her flag to get their attention. "Hey, you kids, we're leaving now!"

Gon stood up, smiling. "You can go. We're staying here."

Sakura slapped her forehead at Gon's display of unhindered innocence. However, the tour guide didn't put up much of a fight in questioning their motives for staying since she was overcome with fear and wanted to leave as quickly as possible. The same went for everyone else on the bus, including the driver, so they took off. Although they hadn't been the only ones baffled. The security guard himself was at a loss. 

..

..

..

It was only after the sun was almost completely set, that the security guard Zebro understood the group's purpose for being there. To see Killua. Gon, Kurapika, Sakura, and Leorio stood in the checkpoint hut as Zebro poured tea for the four. 

"I see, so you're master Killua's friends. I'm happy to hear that." Zebro said as he handed the last cup to Gon, "I've worked here for twenty years but this is the first time any friends have come to visit." 

Sakura gestured to the dustbin in the corner of the room where the remains of the two trespassers were crammed in, their skulls peaking a little from under the lid, "Somehow, I can see why." 

Zebro laughed, "Yes, we get plenty of those types. Since I work here I probably shouldn't say this, but it is rather lonely. Well, a family of assassins is rather unusual so it's the price I have to pay. Anyway, I'm glad you're here." Zebro bowed his head, "Thank you,"

"Don't mention it," Leorio said. 

"However…" Zebro trailed, raising his head once again, smiling. "I cannot let you inside." 

No one protested anything yet, knowing that they were going to get an explanation from Zebro. 

"You saw the large arm of that creature right? Its name is Mike. It serves as the Zoldyck family watchdog. It only obeys family and will attack anyone else. The beast still follows the orders its master gave it ten years ago….and that is to kill all intruders." 

This wasn't anything Sakura was unfamiliar with. There were summoning creatures ninjas could order for the same purpose and even more, she had fought a couple of those animals and they were just as intelligent as humans-some more so, with wills of their own. But that's what made them all the more dangerous. 

"Anyway, I can't let you inside. I wouldn't want to reduce Master Killua's friends to skeletons." Zebro stated. 

"Sir, how is that you're safe?" Kurapika asked. Zebro looked up at Kurta, "You do go inside, right? If you never needed to enter, you wouldn't need a key." 

Zebro smirked, "You're half right. I require no key to get inside. The key is only for intruders." 

Sakura put the pieces together fairly quickly. 

"Oh, I get it now. It's a trap. When you get attempted intruders you just give them the key for the side door," she then frowned, holding her chin. There was still something she couldn't figure out. If the watchdog attacked all those who entered, regardless of who they were and Zebro didn't use the side door to get in, how was he safe still? 

"That's right. Most try to break through using the front gate, but if I refuse to open it then they'll just try to break it down. So we added a side door. The intruders take the key from the helpless guard and Mike eats them." 

Kurapika was then able to put the pieces together, "That's it!"

Zebro smiled, "As you guessed I'm not a guard. I merely clean up after Mike." 

"And the front gate isn't locked!" exclaimed Kurapika. 

"Exactly," 

"What!?" Leorio and Sakura gasped, turning to look at the gate. 

..

..

..

Zebro wasn't lying when he told them that the gate hadn't been locked it was a gate without a key slot. He always told intruders that he couldn't open the gate for them so that they would take the side door, but he rarely gave the reason behind it. He watched as Leorio stepped up, seemingly the strongest of the four. As he pushed, Zebro felt a trickle of amusement when he watched Leorio's face turn red. After a few more attempts Leorio finally pulled away. 

"It won't budge! Are you sure it isn't locked?" 

"It's because you aren't strong enough," Zebro stated

Leorio glared back at Zebro, insulted. He wasn't with monster strength like Sakura, but he was still stronger than average, more so! "That's obscured! I've been using all my strength!" 

Slipping off his jacket and shirt, Zebro stepped up to the gate doors; telling them to watch carefully. 

"The official name of this gate is the Testing gate. Anyone who cannot open this gate is unworthy of entering the Zoldyck estate." 

Veins seemed to strain under the skin against Zebro's muscular arms as he pushed forward against the gate, a sudden burst in power that couldn't have been felt by him before. He pressed his palms against the two doors and pushed them open. He then stepped back, allowing the four friends to watch as it closed only a second later.

"As you just saw, the doors close automatically. So you'll want to run in the second it opens" Zebro pointed, "You don't have to worry about Mike. He has orders not to attack anyone who enters through the Testing Gate." Zebro wiped the sweat from his forehead and head. "Still, this is getting harder as I age. But I'll be fired if I can't open the gate. I should mention that each of gate one's doors weighs two tons." 

Looking back at the gate, the different doors became apparent. Seven in total as it went up with different intersections and increased in size as well as weight. Going up to each gate would double the weight of the previous gate. And with seven it meant that the final gate weighed 256 tons. According to Zebro, the number of gates that opened was dependent on the amount of strength used by the person attempting to open them. 

"Incidentally, when young master Killua returned he opened gates one to three." 

"Gate three-that's twelve tons!" Gon said surely but Sakura and Kurapika quickly corrected him. 

"It's sixteen tons Gon." They said warily. While Gon may have been a great strategist and diverse thinker, his basics in math seemed to be severely lacking. 

"Do you understand now? This is just what's required to get through the door. They live in a completely different world." 

"I don't like this," Gon stated. 

"Neither do I," Sakura said, her eyes fixated on the gate. She began to back away a few steps before stopping, "Everyone, get out of the way."

When everyone looked back, Sakura was standing a bit of a distance from them, but at the center of the gate. A determined look in her eyes. She didn't need to voice her intentions, because they all knew what they were. However, the feat seemed too great, even for someone with Sakura's strength. 

"Sakura, hold on!" Leorio called, "You can't seriously be thinking about-

"MOVE!" Sakura screamed, crouching down as she focused her chakra on her left hand. Leorio stepped aside with Gon and Kurapika. Zebro did the same, however, he was skeptical. 

'She can't honestly think she can open the doors can she?' 

"Okay, I know she's strong but still...." Leorio whispered to Kurapika and Gon.

"Let's just wait and see," Kurapika said. Holding up his hand. Even he was wondering if she could open the gates. 

Sakura glared at the gate, "You say Killua lives in a different world…..well, guess what…" 

With a powerful spring in her step, Sakura sprinted forward her intense glare might have been fixed on the Testing Gate, but it was enough to make Gon, Kurapika, Leorio, and Zebro step back as she let out a cry before slamming her fist in the middle of the first gate. There was hardly a sound on impact, but in that second a powerful force caused every single door of that two-hundred and fifty-six-ton gate to open with a heavy swing. Opening to a forest in view and further in the distance, the mountain was visible. 

"So do I," 

Dropped jaws, shaking limbs, sweating brows, and shrunken pupils; that was what Sakura saw when she had the four males back in her line of vision. The Testing Gate had been thrown wide open. Even after it slammed closed, producing a heavy force that was enough to push anyone back who was directly in front, Sakura remained stationary, her short locks blowing wildly until finally, it settled.

"I am more than capable of opening those gates for us. I am more than capable of reaching Killua, and taking him out of that world." 

Leorio and Kurapika seemed to come out of their awestruck state. Gon's jaw was slightly wide, he barely blinked but was looking more in admiration at the girl's strength. She had fought Hisoka and right now he wished he had been conscious to see that fight. 

"Man, how much strength do you have!?" Leorio exclaimed gripping the ends of his head. 

Sakura grinned, "We'll make it through this gate!"

 "Incredible," Kurapika trailed. 

Leorio whistled, "Seriously, you're like a monster wrapped in a little girl's body," 

Sakura's brow twitched in annoyance, causing Leorio to realize his mistake, "What?" 

"Um-no- that didn't mean it like that!" Leorio attempted to defend, throwing his hands out in front of him. 

"How else could you have meant it!?" 

Zebro didn't know what to say; his mouth had gone dry. He hadn't known anyone outside of the Zoldyck family to be capable of opening all seven gates. Yet a young girl was capable of this great feat. She would probably be able to make it further into the estate-but there would be another problem with that on its own. After all, there was a reason no one was able to reach the Zoldyck home. And he did not wish for that unfortunate fate to befall either of Killua's friends. 

'What should I do?' he wondered. 

Sakura sighed, "Anyway, I can push open the doors and then hold one of them so that you guys can go through-

"No," Gon's voice cut through in that instant, his stunned expression gone. 

The moment of awe quickly dissipated, as another overlapped the previous one. All on account of Gon's next statement. 

"There's no way I'm ever going through that gate!" 

Sakura frowned, "Gon what are you saying? We're here to see Killua aren't we?" 

"Exactly!" Gon exclaimed, "We're here to see Killua, not to be tested. There's no way I'll ever pass through that gate." 

"Are you kidding me!?" Sakura yelled, flailing her arms around. She didn't miss the defiant glint in his eyes then, the same one he had when he was facing Hanzo. "This is not the time to be stubborn." 

"I'm not going through there. Also, it's not fair that you're always the one who has to carry everyone's weight!" 

"Gon!" 

Sakura slammed her forehead against the boy's as she spoke, trying to knock some sense into him but Gon retaliated by pressing his forehead harder against hers. 

"Sakura!" 

Leorio, Kurapika, and Zebro just stood by, watching the two argue with one another. Sakura was stubborn but Gon's hardheadedness was evident during his fight with Hanzo. It was a near-impossible task to direct Gon away from what he wanted or how he wanted things done. However, there was a consensus between Leorio and Kurapika when Gon mentioned Sakura carrying everyone's weight. Pride was a weakness that they all shared and they couldn't deny that she had been assisting them since they met her. But there was still the matter of getting through that gate. 

"What are you going to do then you dolt?!" Sakura hissed. 

Zebro finally decided to step in, clearing his throat, "I cannot let Master Killua's friends be reduced to skeletons. But perhaps if you would be willing to wait a moment," 

..

..

..

Sakura, Gon, Leorio, and Kurapika stood outside the entrance to the tiny security room, while Zebro waited at the phone after making a call. They didn't receive an explanation of what he was planning to do, but they were willing to wait and find out.

"Four of Master Killua's friends are here to see him," Zebro spoke into the phone. After a series of "yes" and apologies, he hung up, looking troubled.

Gon stepped forward, "You called the mansion?"

Zebro confirmed, "I was speaking to the Zoldyck family butler. All communication with the mansion must go through him. It's very difficult to reach any of the family members."

Gon decided he wanted to talk to the butler this time. Sakura was doubtful, but Gon was determined not to go through the dangerous gate just to see Killua. She sighed, calling him stubborn.

Zebro agreed to let Gon speak to the butler, warning him that it probably wouldn't be a pleasant experience. Gon dialed the number, and everyone listened in silence.

"Yes, this is the butler's office," the butler's calm voice answered.

Gon asked calmly, "This is Gon, one of Killua's friends. Is Killua there?"

"Master Killua doesn't have any friends. Please leave."

Gon tried again, but the butler remained firm, insisting that there was no way to verify Gon's identity. The butler even played a recording of Gon's voice to prove his point.

This infuriated Gon, and he argued that if Killua were on the line, he would know it was him. The butler countered that voice and appearance could be mimicked, and he couldn't risk anyone approaching Killua with sinister intentions.

"As long as the threat exists, I cannot let you meet with Killua-sama," the butler explained. "The Zoldyck family practices the trade of assassination. Naturally, it has made enemies. As butlers, it is our job to guard our masters from their enemies. I apologize, but please leave."

Gon hung up the phone heavily, visibly angry. He stormed outside, a visible vein pulsing on his forehead. Leorio, Kurapika, and Sakura watched him, worried.

"He's seriously pissed," Leorio remarked, sweat dropping.

Sakura realized something, "Crap, he's going to climb the wall!"

"What!?" Kurapika exclaimed.

..

..

..

Gon, Leorio, Kurapika, and Sakura stood outside the entrance to the Testing Gate, still unsure of how to proceed. Gon, determined to see his friend Killua, had attempted to climb the wall, but Sakura refused to let him put his life at risk.

Sakura jumped onto the wall, using her chakra to stick to the surface. She stood tall like a plank, looking down at Gon, urging him to get down. Gon was equally stubborn, not willing to go through the Testing Gate.

"Gon, get down," Sakura insisted, her voice firm.

"No," he replied defiantly.

Leorio and Kurapika attempted to intervene, but the tension between Gon and Sakura was escalating, echoing through the silent night.

Zebro, the gatekeeper, walked outside, holding the key to the side door. He offered to give Gon the key, but Leorio and Sakura believed they could convince him to stop.

"Mike may recognize me and not attack," Zebro explained, referring to the giant watchdog guarding the estate. "Though I'm almost a hundred percent certain he'll kill us all."

Gon hesitated, looking at Zebro, who was willing to accompany them through the gate. Zebro didn't want to send Killua's friends to their deaths, fearing he wouldn't be able to face Killua if they were harmed.

Gon showed a moment of understanding and pulled back his fishing line from the wall. He apologized for not considering Zebro's situation earlier.

Leorio, Kurapika, and Sakura were relieved to see that Gon was willing to listen and consider others. Sakura noted that despite her willingness to take risks, she had a soft spot for the green-haired boy.

Zebro asked if he had grown up playing in the countryside. Gon confirmed this, and Zebro smiled, deciding to show Gon something.

"Gon-kun, I'm going to open the Testing Gate again," Zebro announced. "I want you to see Mike for yourself."

Sakura and the others were intrigued by what Zebro had in mind. They waited as he approached the Testing Gate.

Eerie. That was the sensation felt as one entered through the Testing Gate onto the property of the Zoldyck's. It was as if everything just become darker; even the wind was colder. The mountain could be seen in the distance, but already those with experience knew to stay on high alert and were about to find out it was for good reason. 

Leorio looked around carefully, "Is it really okay for us to be here?" 

"It's alright. You entered through the Testing Gate." Zebro assured them, before moving to call out into the forest, his voice echoing all around. "Mike! Come here!" 

Everyone waited with silent anxiousness. It wasn't long before they heard a low rumbling, in patterns that were identified as breathing. Soft but heavy thudding followed shortly after and through the thicket of the forest, emerged an enormous create, towering over everyone, resembling a dog but after looking at its dead-dark eyes, you'd know it wasn't. Sakura felt a bead of sweat trickles down her chin, but she wasn't shaking as badly as her companions. This certainly was an intimidating creature.

Akamaru could also become like this to his enemies, but he did it by directing his malice at his target and could identify friends from foes. This beast, on the other hand, wasn't intentionally trying to intimidate them it was like there was no life in its eyes. Even Gon had become stiff as he stared at Mike. Unblinking as it lay down continuing to watch them. 

"Gon-kun, do you understand now? This is a trained hunting dog." Zebro said calmly, "It's nothing like the wild animals you are accustomed to. You must have expected to be able to communicate with him. Until you looked into his eyes. Mike is currently memorizing the appearances and scents of humans he's never seen. There's nothing else on his mind. He's like a machine. Gon-kun, could you fight him?" 

Gon shook his head, the sweat running down his chin, "No I'm scared. I don't want to fight him!" 

"To be honest," Sakura said, quickly calming herself. "Probably," 

Zebro looked at her, "You've fought against a creature like this Sakura-san?" 

Sakura swallowed heavily, reliving a memory. Once again it took her back to her world, and the monsters that lived in it. The times she had stood up to them, even when she was weak. "I've fought worse." 

"Well, how long will you be here?" Zebro asked. Somehow he believed what Sakura was saying, however difficult it may have sounded to others. It was clear she was on a different platform than her male companions. Perhaps on the same as the Zoldyck's. And that was frightening.

Kurapika, Leorio, Gon, and Sakura looked at Zebro, with confident smiles then as Gon answered. 

"Until we meet Killua! We won't leave until then," 

Zebro snickered, holding out his hand to direct the group. "Then come this way." 

 ..

..

..

They were taken to the servant's quarters. A three-story cabin in the woods near the Testing Gate. Since it was already night and the tour bus that took them up wouldn't be back until the next day, Zebro said that they would be able to lodge here for the night. When Zebro had pushed open one of the two doors, they noticed how the bottom scraped against the wooden floors, scuffling it. 

"Please enter," 

The cabin wasn't too big, but it was rather empty which made up for it in terms of space. Only a bit of furniture that seemed necessary, but it lacked personal touches. With a few paintings on the wall, and a flower vase on top of the drawers. 

"Hey, I'm back!" Zebro called. 

From the staircase to their side, they heard footsteps followed by a tall man with tan skin, narrow eyes and smoking a cigarette. "Oh, you brought guests that's rare," 

"This is Seaquant. He works with me here." Zebro introduced. 

Though his expression seemed indifferent and it didn't look like he was the approachable type, Gon and Sakura found their voices to speak to him. 

"Hello," Sakura said bowing her head slightly. 

"Good evening," Gon greeted politely.

Seaquant didn't give much of a reaction in return though, as he walked past the group with his hands stuffed in his pocket, "If you managed to win over Zebro, you must be special. Well, make yourselves at home, though it won't be easy here."

Zebro poured the four friends tea, while they sat at the table. Kurapika, Leorio, and Sakura are on one of the benches. Gon and Zebro were on the opposite one, while Seaquant remained standing but leaning against the wall. Gon had just finished explaining to him the reason that they were there. 

"You want to see Master Killua?" Seaquant laughed lightly, "That's a riot!"

"Sorry, but we're dead serious!" Leorio told him. 

"Then let me give you a warning: Give up and go home," 

Leorio glowered back at the man, "What was that?" 

"Zebro told you about the Testing Gate right?" Seaquant stated more than asked his tone firm. "That should give you an idea of what this place is like." 

Gon stared at his reflection in the cup, through the seeping steam of the tea. "We understand that it won't be easy. But I'm not leaving. Not until I see Killua," 

Seaquant stared back at the boy, 

"When Killua was in trouble, I wasn't there for him." Gon thought back to the images that had formed in his mind based on what Satotz had told him. "If I had been there, I could have stopped Killua." Gon then looked up a firmness in his eyes. "Killua is my close friend!"

 "The same goes for me." Sakura stated firmly, "I called Killua my friend, but when he needed my help, I couldn't be there. I need to apologize to him and it's going to take a lot more than a gate and giant watchdog to stop me," 

"Oh, there's a lot more little missy," Seaquant told her, his tone dreadfully dripping honesty. "You'll be risking your life." 

"I don't care." Sakura clenched her fist tightly. "I don't care what it takes to see him, but I will….."

Seaquant sighed. "What are you hoping to get out of seeing young Killua again?" 

Sakura frowned, "What makes you think I'm trying to get something out of this?" 

"Well for one, what you're attempting to do is an impossible task." 

"Not for me. I can already breakthrough that gate easily enough and I could easily knock out that dog with one blow if I needed to."

Seaquant couldn't' hold back the short burst of laughter, hearing the pinkette's bold declaration. "You certainly say some funny things,"

"Actually, there may be more substance to them than you think Seaquant," Zebro said, gesturing to Sakura with his hand. "I witnessed for myself, this young lady open all seven gates," 

As if choking, Seaquant frowned, pointing brashly to the girl, "This little girl opened all the gates!? You're pulling my leg right Zebro?" 

Zebro shook his head, taking a serious tone, "She is more powerful than she appears." 

"Sakura is the strongest out of our group," Kurapika confirmed. "It's true, her conviction is sincere to her friends. So much so that she would be willing to break her arm for them," 

All eyes then fell on Sakura who tensed after Kurapika mentioned her arm. "It's true isn't it?" Kurapika asked. "After witnessing that strength you displayed opening those gates, you definitely could have escaped Hisoka's grasp without breaking your arm. Isn't that right?" 

Sakura sighed, "Well I guess, but…" She was uncertain if she should mention the actual predicament she was in during that fight. Somehow Hisoka had done something to keep her in place so that she wouldn't be able to escape his grasp. It was like an invisible force had been holding her down. 

"Sakura, why would you do that?" Gon asked. 

She didn't reply but as she feared Kurapika already knew the reason. He had been dwelling on this for a while because his statement was sharply accurate. 

"It was a type of repentance,"

Leorio, Gon, Zebro, and Seaquant all had their eyes locked on Kurapika and Sakura, who kept her head lowered as if attempting to hide from being unwantedly exposed.

"What do you mean?" Leorio asked the Kurta boy. 

"During Gon's match with Hanzo when he was being tortured, I thought Sakura's indifference meant she was unconcerned about what was happening to him. But then when she fought Hisoka and broke her arm to get out of his grip and after seeing her actual strength, I realized that what seemed to be reckless desperation was a calculated act." 

Sakura closed her eyes tightly, wanting to tell Kurapika to stop talking but she knew that he had already said too much for anyone to disregard this. If she told him to be quiet, her friends were probably going to demand she explains instead and wouldn't hold off until she admitted what she did not want to.

"In other words, Sakura felt so terrible for what had happened to Gon that she broke her arm as a form of repentance for not intervening." 

Gon stared at the pinkette on the opposite end of the table, "Sakura is that true?" 

He was met with stony silence but was determined to hear an explanation. "Why?"

Kurapika's level of observation was admirable, as well as hazardous in Sakura's case. She had been confident he wouldn't use those skills to decipher her anymore, but with it came a different form of concern for her. That was for her well-being. As her friend. 

And because of that, she couldn't channel her anger towards him as her guilt poured with her words. 

"I didn't stop Hanzo, because I knew how much you wanted to pass the Hunter Exam and I didn't stay to watch Killua's fight. I would have had to chance to stop Killua but I wasn't there, and because of his brother he left," Sakura's fingers dug into the fabric of her apron skirt, her bottom lip quivered as she was hit with a horrific sense of nostalgia. 

"I was a terrible friend,"

"No, you weren't!" Gon exclaimed strongly, causing everyone to bristle a little at the outburst. "You were always troubling yourself for our sakes and you're the only one to tell Killua he was your friend. So it's no wonder why he didn't think we were also friends. If anything…" Gon's voice grew a little softer, but remained firm with his next statement, "I'm the one who should apologize to you." 

"That's right," Leorio confirmed, just as aggressive as Gon's tone of voice. "If it weren't for you, Gon and Kurapika, I wouldn't have gotten my Hunter's license." 

"I agree with Leorio and Gon," Kurapika stated calmly, "You've gone to great lengths for our sakes, and even inconvenienced yourself during the Fourth Phase by allowing me to take your badge. As well as letting Hisoka take the other just to protect us." Sakura stared wide-eyed at the three, Kurapika then proceeded to talk. 

"Gon is right. If anything we should be the ones apologizing for making you think you have to bear the weight of the situation alone." Kurapika stood from the table, followed by Leorio and Gon as well who slid out from the bench. The three males stood on one side of Sakura in a line. With straight faces, they leaned forward, arms at their side. 

They spoke simultaneously in an unharmonious manner but it was still enough to make Sakura's heart race. 

"We're sorry Sakura."

Exhaling softly, she covered her, chest swelling with warmth. "You guys….."

"We'll see Killua no matter what," Gon stated, lifting his head to look Sakura in the eye. 

"So you don't have to worry anymore," Leorio told her. 

Kurapika raised his head, "The three of us will use our own power to get to the mountain. So please bear with us." 

As the three males anxiously waited for her response "Alright, I'm counting on you three." 

Seaquant then spoke up, "Seriously, she opened the gate?" 

Sakura glared at him, wiping her eyes. "Don't be stupid enough to underestimate me just because I care enough to cry for my friends."

"Well then," Zebro spoke up, "Why don't you stay here and do a bit of training?" 

"Training?" Gon looked at Zebro curiously. 

"Listen, you are allowed to work together to open the Testing Gate. There's nothing wrong with that." Zebro explained to them, despite Seaquant's objections. "With a little training, it should be possible. How about it?"

Gon looked down, "I don't like the idea of being tested…."

Kurapika smirked, "But if there's no other way," 

Leorio grinned widely, "We've got no choice but to do it!" 

"Alright then, you'll need to put these on."

"Let's see, like this," Sakura winced, slipping on the vest. Her body felt like it was being pulled forward like she couldn't handle her own weight anymore and then realized the reason why. She looked at Leorio who was already on his knees trying to lift himself, while Gon and Kurapika were holding onto the vests Zebro had given them like they were holding a slab of concrete. 

"Each of these vests weighs fifty kilograms. Wear them at all times except when you sleep," Zebro said. "I'll make it heavier as you get used to it." 

'This must be how Lee feels all the time,' Sakura thought shaking her head.

"As expected, you're not struggling with this huh?" Kurapika said to Sakura. 

"Well her physical strength is something else," Leorio remarked. 

"Well, you're half right," Sakura said. "But I can actually feel the strain on my body." 

Chakra enhanced Sakura's physical strength, yes but when she was training with Tsunade, her teacher told her that she shouldn't rely on chakra alone. Which seemed ironic to her at the time but Sakura took it to heart. Normal training at the academy, when Sakura was twelve, had made her stronger than a grown man. It's not as if they could allow aspiring ninjas to have the strength of a child if they wanted to survive. 

It was just in comparison to full-fledged shinobi that they would appear weak. And when Sakura spared with Tsunade, she had started training to increase her physical ability and stamina without the use of chakra but it wasn't until now that she was seeing the results of this. Since most of her battles required her to use her chakra-enhanced strength. 

Gon, Kurapika, Leorio, and Sakura were again at the table with a cup of tea in front of them, Zebro told them to enjoy but when they tried to pick up the cup they instantly realized the difference in weight. Sakura picked it up, only able to use one hand at a time.

"So these are weighted too huh?" 

"Yes, twenty kilograms, and this teapot here is forty," Zebro told her, holding up the black teapot. He told them that all the utensils and furniture in the house weighed over twenty kilograms apiece.

"I get it," Kurapika said as he continued to struggle to lift his cup. "So this serves as training." 

Seaquant walked in then, "It's useless. They'll give up in two or three days." 

"What was that?" Leorio hissed

"Seaquant, I believe your shift has already started," Zebro said to his colleague.

"Oh right," Seaquant then left without giving the group so much as a second glance, which only served to further irritate them. Despite Zebro assuring that he wasn't a bad person. 

Leorio stood up, holding his arms against the table to keep himself from falling. "By the way, where's the bathroom?" 

Zebro directed him to the big metal door on the other side of the room, Leorio took one look at it and then back at Zebro nervously. "Don't tell me….the bathroom door is….?"

"Yes." Zebro said with a bright smile, "It weighs five hundred kilograms." 

Sakura threw her hand over her mouth to keep in her laughter as she watched Leorio panic. 

"WHAT! I CAN'T HOLD IT IN!" 

And thus began their training. 

That's all for now but we've got more surprises to come! You can check out the full month's schedule on my Tumblr. And EARLY CHAPTERS are available for members. 

IT'S SNEAK PEAK TIME!

CROSSROADS OF FATE CHAPTER 15

"Greetings, I am Hishita, a servant of the Zoldyck family." The butler bowed slightly, holding a straight posture. But what he said next caused everyone to grow tense and stand upright. "Sakura Haruno, I have been ordered by my master to escort you to the Zoldyck estate." 

"Eh!?" Kurapika, Leorio, and Sakura exclaimed before realizing they probably shouldn't keep face.

"Really, we're invited to the mansion?" Gon asked. 

"I apologize, but I have only been permitted to escort Miss Haruno to the estate under my master's orders," Hishita replied calmly.

"Wait, why is Sakura the only one being asked to go?" Kurapika asked, frowning. Given where they were it didn't seem likely that they were going to be invited to the main household just like that but one of them was. Something seemed off about it. 

"The master and head of the Zoldyck's Silva-sama wishes to meet with Miss Haruno. A word with his son's companion, to be exact." 

"What?" Sakura gasped, her eyes as wide as saucers. "You're saying Killua's father wants to talk to me?" 

"That is correct, ma'am." 

 "But, my friends, I can't go without them." 

"I was instructed only to bring you." The butler replied curtly. It was clear he wouldn't waver his decision, as it was not actually his to make in the first place. "There would be grave consequences for me disobeying my master's orders in any fashion." 

"Alright," Sakura exhaled softly, looking back to the butler. "I'll go," 

If you want to get a hold of these latest chapters check out my Tumblr where you can join as a member. 

MEMBERS NOW:

-SPECIAL HALLOWEEN CHAPTER: Shinigami amongst Shinobi

-Kunoichi amongst Heroes chapter 55, 56, 57

-Kunoichi amongst Heroes WHAT IF SPIN OFF: Dorms and Exams

-Kunoichi amongst Pirates chapter 19, 20, 21, 22, 23

-Crossroads of Fate chapter 15

-Through the Looking Glass chapter 17, 18. 19, 20

-(SEQUEL) Through the Spyglass chapter 1, 2, 3, 4, 5

Public post 30 December

-Kunoichi amongst Heroes Movie Part 3

-Crossroads of Fate chapter 14

SEE YOU SOON!

Well that's it from me, I hope you look forward to the next chapter! See you lovelies!