**Chapter 4: A Glimpse of Hope**

As Aisha followed Sakura through the winding corridors of the Hokage's headquarters, she couldn't help but feel a sense of wonder at her surroundings. The buildings seemed to blend seamlessly into the surrounding landscape, with lush greenery and vibrant flowers spilling out of intricately designed gardens. The air was filled with the sweet scent of blooming cherry blossoms, and the soft chirping of birds. Sakura led her to a cozy room with a large window that overlooked the gardens. The room was simply furnished with a low table, a futon, and a small cabinet. A steaming bowl of ramen sat on the table, emitting a savory aroma that made Aisha's stomach growl with hunger. "Eat, rest, and don't worry about anything else for now," Sakura said with a warm smile. "We'll figure out the details later. You must be starving." Aisha nodded gratefully, and Sakura handed her a pair of chopsticks. As she took her first bite of the steaming hot noodles, she closed her eyes in rapture. The flavors danced on her tongue, and for a moment, she forgot about her troubles. Just as she was savoring the last bite, a knock at the door interrupted her. "Come in," Sakura called out. The door slid open, and Hashirama entered with a large bundle in his arms. "I brought some clothes and a few things I thought you might need," he said, setting the bundle down on the bed. Aisha's eyes widened as Hashirama began to unpack the bundle, revealing a set of soft, comfortable-looking clothes, a towel, and a small wooden comb. "These are for you," he said, handing her the clothes. "You're welcome to use the bathroom to change and freshen up." As Aisha changed into the new clothes, she caught a glimpse of herself in a small mirror that hung on the wall. Her hair was tangled and matted, and her skin was pale and gaunt. But as she looked deeper into her own eyes, she saw a spark of hope that she hadn't felt in a long time. Sakura smiled as she handed Aisha a small bowl of warm water and the wooden comb. "Let me help you with your hair," she said, taking the comb from Aisha's hand. As Sakura gently worked out the tangles, Aisha felt a sense of peace wash over her. For the first time in as long as she could remember, she felt like she was in a place where people genuinely cared about her well-being. Hashirama, who had been quietly observing the scene, spoke up. "I'll be outside if you need anything," he said, his eyes crinkling at the corners as he smiled. "Get some rest, Aisha. We'll talk more in the morning." As the door closed behind him, Sakura handed Aisha a small, intricately carved wooden box. "This was left for you," she said, her eyes sparkling with curiosity. "There's no note or anything, just this box." Aisha's heart skipped a beat as she took the box from Sakura. It felt strangely familiar, like something she had seen before, but couldn't quite place. She opened the box, and a small piece of paper slipped out. On the paper was a single sentence, written in elegant, flowing script: "Your journey is just beginning, little one."