Under Sakura's feet

Sakura Haruno lounged on her plush gray-blue sofa, her deep crimson nails glinting under the soft afternoon light. She sipped her tea, feigning calm, but her emerald eyes burned with purpose. Today would settle a score older than their genin days.

A knock echoed through the quiet room.

"Come in, Ino," Sakura called, her voice honeyed but cold.

The door opened, and Ino Yamanaka strode in, her trademark confidence radiating. "Sakura, you said it was urgent. What’s—"

"Close the door," Sakura interrupted, setting her cup down with a sharp clink. "Sit." She gestured to the floor in front of her.

Ino raised a brow. "Uh, the floor? What’s your problem today?"

Sakura’s smile didn’t reach her eyes. "Your problem, actually. The Konoha Intelligence Division’s latest mission failed because someone leaked intel. Care to guess who’s responsible?"

Ino froze. "That wasn’t my fault! The files were—"

"Your team’s negligence," Sakura snapped, rising to her feet. Her chakra flared, crackling like a storm. "Because of you, three agents nearly died. And I had to save them, even I was able to just save one of them."

Ino flinched but held her ground. "Don't dare to show that you care about shinobi that dies you you just want to show that you are better than me you always did just because you’re Lady Tsunade’s—"

Sakura moved faster than Ino could blink. She grabbed Ino by the collar and slammed her onto the sofa, pinning her wrists above her head. "You’ve always been jealous, haven’t you?" Sakura hissed. "Even now, you can’t admit I’ve surpassed you."

Ino struggled, but Sakura’s grip was iron. "Let go, you—!"

"No." Sakura leaned closer, her voice a venomous whisper. "You’ll learn your place today."

With a brutal yank, Sakura dragged Ino off the sofa and threw her to the floor. Ino gasped as her knees hit the hardwood.

"Stay," Sakura commanded, settling back onto the sofa. She crossed her legs, deliberately flexing her bare foot—pale skin contrasting with her blood-red polish. "You owe me reparations. Starting now."

Ino glared up at her. "I don't owe you nothing Sakura."

Sakura smirked. "Aren’t you?" She lifted her foot and pressed the sole against Ino’s cheek, smearing a faint dust print across her flawless skin. "Look at you. The great Ino Yamanaka, reduced to kneeling. How… fitting."

Ino recoiled, but Sakura’s chakra pinned her in place. "You’re insane—!"

"Massage," Sakura ordered.

When Ino hesitated, Sakura dug her heel into Ino’s collarbone. "Or should I tell the shinobi's family who was responsible of their death"

Ino’s hands trembled as she reached for Sakura’s foot. Her fingers gripped the arch, kneading reluctantly.

"Harder," Sakura purred, tilting her head back. "You’ve always been weak with details."

Ino’s nails dug in, but Sakura only laughed. "Still trying to fight? Pathetic." She suddenly shoved her foot forward, forcing Ino’s face into her toes. "Breathe it in. That’s the scent of someone who outclasses you."

Ino gagged—musky leather and sweat invaded her senses.

"Lick," Sakura demanded.

"Never!" Ino spat.

Sakura’s chakra surged, crushing Ino’s resolve. "Lick. Or I’ll ruin your clan’s reputation forever."

Tears welled in Ino’s eyes as her tongue flicked out, tracing the curve of Sakura’s arch. Salt and bitterness coated her mouth.

"Good girl," Sakura cooed, twisting her toes into Ino’s lips. "Now between the toes. Properly."

Ino’s humiliation crested as her tongue wriggled into the tight spaces, collecting every trace of grit. Sakura’s mocking sighs filled the room.

"All these years, you thought we were rivals," Sakura mused, tangling her fingers in Ino’s hair. "But you were never close to my level." She yanked Ino’s head back, forcing eye contact. "Admit it."

Ino’s voice broke. "...You’re better."

"Louder."

"You’re better than me!" Ino sobbed.

Sakura released her, kicking her onto her back. "Remember this lesson. From now on, you address me as ‘Lady Sakura.’ And if I ever need my feet cleaned…" She smiled sweetly. "...you’ll come running."

Ino nodded, her pride in tatters.

As Ino fled, Sakura leaned back, admiring her glossy nails. Finally, the hierarchy was clear.

Days later, Ino avoided Sakura’s gaze at the council meeting. When Naruto asked why if they are fighting on something, Sakura merely flexed her foot, catching the light with her crimson polish.

Ino’s face flushed. "N-Nothing I will never dare to fight with … Lady Sakura."

The room fell silent.

Sakura sipped her tea, victorious.