Title: Building The Puzzle
Summary: In which Sakura feels disconnected after the 4th Shinobi War and decides to cut the string attaching her to Team Seven, if only for a few years. This does not settle well with the remaining members, past or present.
Featuring: Queerplatonic!SakuIno, Implied sex (in general)
Warning(s): Cursing, abandonment issues, mentions of past murder attempts, unhealthy coping mechanisms
Main Pairing: Team Seven (including Sai, excluding Kakashi, and Yamato)
Canon-divergence!
Disclaimer: All rights belong to their respective party of which I am not included.
Part One of Five Parts
A puzzle sits on the shelf collecting dust.
She heals they while remaining silent.
She sheds no tears.
She stays focused to stop the blood flow and, in doing so, saves their lives.
She doesn't look away when Sasuke apologizes, only offering, "For what?" and doesn't reply to his, "For everything." The air is still thick with the adrenaline, the area surrounding them completely destroyed from the battle between these two one-arm-less idiots. It's not long until they're joined by others.
"Let me have a look at them," Tsunade orders while placing a hand on Sakura's shoulder.
Without a reply, Sakura moves away - several feet away - and sits down. From this angle, she can see, can hear, Tsunade berate both Naruto and Sasuke for their sheer stupidity of battling to the point of losing an arm each. If Sakura wasn't feeling so emotionally distant, she might have joined in.
"They're going to be okay."
She doesn't jump.
By now, she is used to Kakashi popping up whenever unannounced. When she doesn't offer a reply, space next to her becomes occupied with her former sensei. They sit there in silence for a long time. Sakura has a vague idea of what Kakashi expects her to say and doesn't say it.
"Are you going to be okay?" He asks a moment later.
"Given the circumstances, I have no choice to be."
"Sakura - "
" - People are seriously hurt, dying, or dead." She stands up and looks out to the field of shinobi and medical tents already set up. "I shouldn't be wasting my time sitting here while Lady Tsunade deals with them." Sakura turns back to Kakashi, determination set. "My current job is to heal the wounded."
He stares at her as if not knowing what to make of her hard-pressed attitude before nodding slowly. "Don't allow me to keep you then."
Sakura nods and starts jumping down the side of the cliff. The moment she hits bottom, she takes command of the medics and starts shouting orders.
"We will divide the tents! Those requiring amputation will be sent to the far right tents. Those with internal damage will go to the far left tents. External damage will be treated in the middle. Those under the age of 20 have priority treatment. Am I understood?!"
The medics reply with immediate affirmation. With a nod, Sakura dismisses them and heads to the far left tents. Her chakra lacking, she pops two soldier pills - completely ignoring the momentary dizziness - and gets to work once she enters the first tent.
Hours go by without her realizing it. She's moved from one patient to the next, not stopping to worry about her own exhaustion or hunger; having denied food twice now. She can manage without eating this one time. Besides, someone else will need it more than her. It's not until the early hours of the morning, alone in one of the spare - surprisingly empty - tents, that someone finds her.
"Sakura?"
She looks up to see Ino, exhausted and bruised and so utterly alive. Something akin to warmth fills her stomach at the sight of her best friend.
"Hey," she replies softly.
Ino stares at her for a moment longer before darting forward. Sakura doesn't hesitate to open her arms. She welcomes the collision more than anything. The second Ino's arms wrap around her neck, her best friend breaks down into harsh sobs. Sakura slowly lowers them to the ground but her grip on Ino never lessens. She gently starts rocking Ino back and forth, running her fingers through Ino's dirty hair and over her back, being careful not to let her nails get caught in the tangles of her hair or rips in her chunin vest.
Sakura doesn't offer her any words. Everything that could have been said, would have already been said. Instead, she offers her silent support and hopes that will be enough.
"No one could find you," Ino whispers into her neck. "Rumors started floating around that you dropped dead somewhere." Sakura tightens her grip but doesn't reply. It appears that doesn't matter to Ino because she continues. "But Hinata located you quickly, bless her soul, and I came to find you." She finally pulls away to look Sakura in the eyes. "I don't know what I'd do if I lost you, you know that, right? I c-can't," her voice skips, "lose anyone else, okay?! I really, really can't."
"I'm not going anywhere," Sakura states firmly. "I promise."
Fresh tears fall down Ino's face. "Don't you ever break that promise."
"I love you, Ino. Don't you ever forget that." Ino leans her head against Sakura's chest, picking at the end of her ruined black shirt.
"I love you too," she whispers back.
"I'm sorry to interrupt but Lady Tsunade requires Sakura's presence."
Sakura looks up to see Yamato standing at the entrance of the text, flap pulled back just enough to show his face and a portion of his body.
"Senpai," she acknowledges. "I'll be there in a moment."
He nods slowly, expression unreadable. "Of course. I'll let her know."
"Thank you."
He leaves after that. Ino pulls back enough to look at Sakura. Her cheeks are covered in tear tracks, but eyes clear.
"After this is over, when everything settles down," Ino starts, "I want to travel." She hesitates for a moment before continuing. "My dad always wanted to travel..." She looks at Sakura, biting her lip. "I'm going to ask Lady Tsunade about it. I want you to come with me. I'd take my mom, but she'll want to be around grandmother."
Sakura blinks. "She'd want you around, too."
Ino slowly shakes her head. "She'll understand."
It's clear that Ino has made up her mind about this by the look in her eyes. An image of Ino's mother comes to mind and Sakura closes her eyes briefly. The idea of traveling with Ino - just the two of them - does sound tempting. She doubts Tsunade would keep them in Konoha against their will. Frankly, some space from the village - and teammates - could do the both of them a lot of good.
"I like the sound of that."
Ino wipes her eyes before giving her a beaming smile. "Get going."
Sakura helps her stand up. "I'll come find you later." She squeezes both of Ino's hands. "I promise."
"Not unless I find you first." Ino squeezes back.
With a smile, Sakura lets go and heads out the tent. Upon exiting it, she is greeted with medics walking around with a free sort of air, shinobi in groups of three or more smiling or crying together, allied groups sharing stories, supplies, and advice. The atmosphere is a mixture of somber and relief.
"Sakura-sama!" A medic calls out to her. "Lady Tsunade is looking for you. She's in the furthest left tent with Uzumaki-san and Uchiha-san."
Sempai could have mentioned that.
"Thank you!" She returns and starts a light run to get there faster.
As she passes shinobi, many call out in acknowledgment with loud thanks to her for saving their lives. She offers them a smile and wave but doesn't detour to the tent.
" - kick your ass if you do it again! Furthermore, you will remain in the village for the duration of your trial. Luckily, you have people willing to vouch for you." Sakura hears this right outside the tent. "Now where the hell is Sakura?"
"I'm here."
Sakura enters the tent and pauses. Seated on two separate beds are Sasuke and Naruto, both bandaged and clearly exhausted. The only difference is Naruto's beaming smile and Sasuke's - surprisingly - chastised face. Kakashi is standing next to Tsunade, dark eyes gazing at them in barely concealed happiness. Yamato and Sai stand off to the side, relaxed.
"Sakura! Where have you been?!" Tsunade demands.
"Taking a break after attending to patients back-to-back for several hours," she replies, not looking at her teammates, past or present. "My chakra is almost gone."
Tsunade blows a stray hair out of her face and sighs. "Any losses?"
"Nine," Sakura answers, voice blank.
She receives a nod. "That's much better than I hoped for."
"Sakura-chan!" Naruto says enthusiastically, smile wide.
"Naruto," she returns. "Are you okay?"
Naruto scratched an unbandaged cheek and nods. "Both me and this - ," he waves his hand at Sasuke, " - asshole will manage thanks to you and Granny."
Sasuke grunts at the insult but doesn't speak otherwise.
"I'm glad."
"Take a seat on the bed next to Uchiha," Tsunade commands. "I want to check you over."
Instead of arguing that she is fine, Sakura does as she is told. With a chakra infused hand, Tsunade walks over and presses it against her forehead. Instantly, Sakura feels a cool rush cover her body. She remains still and quiet, not engaging in the light conversation between the others around them, and waits patiently.
"You'll be okay. I healed a few of your minor wounds."
Sakura hops off the bed. "Thank you."
Tsunade nods. "I want you to take it easy during our trip back to Konoha. Do you understand?"
"Yes, ma'am." She turns to look at the others. Naruto and Kakashi are chuckling over something, Sasuke has one of his tiny rare smiles showing. At some point, Yamato and Sai joined the conversation. They are relaxed. They are alive.
They are going home.
"Lady Tsunade," Sakura turns back around, voice soft. "May I speak to you outside?" At her nod, Sakura glances over her shoulder one more time and proceeds to follow Konoha's Hokage outside of the tent.
"I thought you'd be happier," is the first thing said between them once they're outside. "Team Seven, reunited."
"I am happy." At Tsunade's unconvinced face, she continues. "I'm happy for Naruto. I'm happy for Sasuke. I'm happy for Kakashi-senpai. I'm very happy."
"You say one thing but actions speak louder than words." Sakura can't stop the flinch. "You're uncomfortable around them."
Sakura's gaze drops to the ground. "What do you want me to say?"
Tsunade sighs. "I'm not sure, to be honest. War can...cause you to feel a variety of things. Anger. Pain. Sadness. Detached. It will take everyone some time to get back into the swing of things - "
" - Ino wants to travel after everything settles down and I want to go with her." Receiving a raised eyebrow, she continues. "I want time outside of Konoha. No. I need time outside of Konoha, away from everything else. Ino is going to ask you about this once everything settles down."
"This makes things easier for me."
"What do you mean?"
Tsunade flicks one of her ponytails over her shoulder. "I'm promoting you to jonin."
Sakura blinks, surprised. "Why?"
"What do you mean 'why'? Because you've shown such tremendous skill on the battlefield. You've become so well-rounded in all areas of performance, on top of being becoming an expert medical ninja. You've improved so much that you've surpassed me. I really should have promoted you sooner." Tsunade looks away to gaze at the surrounding tents. "Konoha needs to become a beacon of light. A message needs to be delivered to all the nations, big and small, that we are capable of being strong in difficult times with the ability to unite the villages, that we are kind, that we are generous despite our losses. It is one of our top priorities now." Her eyes soften. "A mission given to a couple of our most capable shinobi. Two - maybe three - years at the most given the amount of traveling. Leave date and return date is undetermined currently. It requires at least one jonin. I will assign you and Ino."
"Thank you," Sakura replies quietly.
"No, thank you." Tsunade holds out her arms. Sakura steps into them and hugs back as fiercely as she is being hugged. "I'm so, so proud of you. You're everything you wanted to be and more." She pulls away and brushes one of Sakura's loose hairs behind her ear. Sakura, out of habit, reaches up to run her fingers through it. It's gross and tangled.
"I can't wait to shower."
Tsunade laughs. "We all need a good shower."
Sakura glances back at the tent. "I love them," she says. "But I can't be around them right now." She looks back at Tsunade. "For Naruto, Kakashi-sensei, and I, it's always been about Sasuke and bringing him home."
"You three did it," Lady Tsunade points out.
"Exactly," Sakura says with a smile that doesn't reach her eyes. "We did it."
"I understand." Taking a step back, Tsunade turns towards the tent. "There is a group of medics attending to Suna shinobi a few tents down. Will you see to them?"
"My chakra is almost gone," Sakura replies knowing that she stated this earlier.
Tsunade reaches out and pokes the purple diamond centered on Sakura's forehead. Sakura gasps when a surge of chakra pours into her body. "That should be enough for now. Guide them as I did you. They are young, and some new, but completely capable."
Sakura bows. "Of course." She turns to leave - "Those boys are very lucky to have you, Sakura." Sakura pauses, back facing her Hokage, and nods without replying.
"Granny! Where's Saku - "
Sakura is gone before she can hear Naruto finish that sentence. She wanders over to a few tents until she successfully finds the one housing several Suna shinobi, many whom are bleeding all over their beds. Sakura rushes over to the first one. "I need you all to follow what I do. We are going to save these men."
No one argues with her. They set up as she does; follow her orders to such a point that Sakura silently admits that she is proud at how quickly they catch on.
"Sakura-san?" Sakura glances up at the figure at the entrance of the tent but doesn't step away from the man she is looking over. "Forgive me for not bowing, Kazekage-sama, but I can't stop right now."
"You need not ask for forgiveness, Sakura-san. I'm merely here to check on my people."
Sakura finds herself nodding. Her gaze rests on the exposed chest of the man lying down, unconscious, green hands pressed gently on top.
"What is wrong with him?" Gaara asks as he stops next to her.
"Internal bleeding," Sakura replies immediately. "I'll be done as soon as I can."
"Please do not rush on my account."
Sakura smiles to herself. "Of course not, Kazekage-sama. Not even on your orders." She receives a deep chuckle in response. For about half an hour or so, no one spoke in the tent. Those healed either remain unconscious or silent. "Alright," she says. "I'm done." She takes a step back to allow another medic to look at him, not feeling insulted in the least.
"Thank you, Sakura-san."
"It's my duty, and honor, to save those who defended the safety and freedom of the Allied Shinobi Force's villages, Kazekage-sama."
He holds up a hand and shakes his head. "Gaara is fine."
"Gaara-sama," she states.
"Just Gaara is fine."
"Of course," she grins. "Gaara-sama."
He sighs. "As stubborn as Naruto, I see."
She feels her grin fade just a little. "Well, when one spends a lot of time around Naruto, one tends to pick up his quirks."
"Yes, I agree." He seems to hesitate after that.
"Gaara-sama?" Sakura questions. "Is something wrong?"
"I haven't mentioned it to Lady Tsunade, but I was wondering - hoping, really - if you could visit Sunagakure in the near future." He pauses, frowning. "To evaluate our hospital and medics, mostly, train a staff member or two." He glances around the tent. "Many of Suna's medics are young, but I believe they could learn a lot from you."
Sakura bites her lip. "How near in the future is near?"
"A months time," he replies. "To stay for a month or two, depending on your evaluations...should Lady Tsunade allow it and you are willing, of course." Gaara places a hand on the low of her back to guide her out of the tent. Outside, surrounding shinobi offer half-bows and nods towards them.
"Would you allow me to bring a friend? My best friend, Yamanaka Ino, is also a medic. She is good at what she has learned over the years." Sakura picks at the bottom of her shirt, eyes focused on him.
"Of course." He blinks. "Would that have been your only condition?"
Sakura nods slowly. "It will tie into another mission Lady Tsunade will assign the two of us in the future. You will have to speak to her on the details pertaining to that mission and this one, but for now, my answer is yes. I will also have to speak to Ino about this and gage her feelings on the matter. Chances are...she will be fine with this. Though, that's only an assumption on my part."
"I understand." Gaara glances around the campground with a small smile. "And thank you, once again." Sakura barely contains a gasp, eyes going wide, when he bows deeply to her. The surrounding shinobi quickly follow suit, dropping into a formal bow.
"You don't have to do that," Sakura mumbles, face going a light red.
"I want my people to know what you have done for them," he replies seriously while standing upright again. "A few years ago, you saved my brother's life. Over the last three weeks, you've saved countless lives across the nations; many of whom are my people. I will be forever grateful."
"There are other medics who also aided in the survival of your people as well as others."
He merely smiles. "I am aware and I have seen to them. Each and every one of them has received my gratitude."
Sakura blinks before chuckling softly. "If you say so, Gaara-sama."
"I do."
She feels her mouth twitch into a barely there smile. "Of course." She doesn't argue in the slightest, feeling too tired to do so.
"Do you require anything right now, Sakura-san?"
"I should probably eat. I don't remember the last time I ate, to be honest." I skipped meals.
"Will you accompany me to my tent? I promise a good meal."
Sakura taps her chin. "Will there be green tea?"
Gaara blinks before laughing. "I believe so."
"Then lead the way, Gaara-sama."
The walk to Gaara's tent is done in silence, but neither are uncomfortable with it. Both were lost in their own thoughts or acknowledging shinobi who call out to them. Sakura is pleased to see more up and walking around, laughing and sharing a meal or alcohol.
They deserve it, she thinks. After everything. I'm so glad they're able to laugh still.
"Gaara!"
Sakura pauses along with Gaara, both looking straight ahead to see Temari running towards them. The older woman doesn't hesitate to throw her arms around her younger brother, pulling him into a fierce hug.
She's trembling, Sakura notices. Exhaustion? Happiness? Relief? It could be any of them.
"Temari," Gaara replies while wrapping her in a much gentler hug. "I'm glad you're okay."
She pulls away and ruffles his hair, sniffling while she does. "I didn't see you at the joint ceremony so I worried." Temari turns her attention to Sakura. "Hello, Sakura!" She smiles widely. "How are you feeling?"
"Like I could eat you out of house and home."
Temari laughs. "I wouldn't blame ya! No one's seen you around for nearly a day and with the constant healing...well, I can understand missing a meal or 10."
Sakura returns her laugh with one of her own. "You learn to live with it."
"There is bread and fruit and some meat - beef, I believe - and tea in our main tent." She turns to Gaara. "Feed her well, Gaara. She deserves it."
"Of course," Gaara replies with an eye roll. "What do you take me for?"
She cocks an eyebrow and Sakura smiles at their sibling relationship. Gaara sighs before looking at Sakura. "Ignore her. Let's continue on."
Sakura giggles behind her hand. "Alrighty." And they start moving again.
"Feed her well!" Temari yells from behind. "If I find out you're skimping, I'll kick your ass!"
"Forgive her," Gaara says after a moment of silence.
Sakura shrugs good-naturedly. "Everyone's high off of victory so I don't blame her. I'm glad to see her smiling and joking."
Gaara hums but doesn't reply. The Kazekage's tent is large and located at the back. Surrounding it are small groups of shinobi, each standing up to greet them in respect but not to stop them from entering the tent. It's filled with a modest desk, three traveling futons, a small table with a carpet underneath and some boxes. On the table is a steaming pot of tea with match tea cups, a medium size bowl of fruit, and grilled meat. There's bread on the desk off to the side, but Sakura doesn't bother to get it.
"Help yourself," Gaara states as he removes his outer robe.
Sakura doesn't hesitate to pour them both a generous amount of tea. She downs it before the other can take a seat across from her and refills her cup while he's picking his up.
"I apologize." Sakura looks at him. "It's not green tea."
She laughs. "Don't worry about it."
During that short meal, they discuss the war - mostly - and their past. For every compliment Gaara throws at her, Sakura makes sure to offer one equally as kind. It becomes a sort of competition between them. And it's fun; the way the conversation goes.
Until it falls to her teammates.
"Will Uchiha be given a trial in Konoha?" Gaara asks. It's clear he's trying to approach the topic carefully.
Sakura looks down at her teacup while answering, "Yes. Lady Tsunade has assured us that Sasuke will receive a trial. When, however, I cannot tell you. Given that we'll need to regroup in Konoha and start from scratch more or less, I'd say it's not the topmost priority."
"He helped Naruto defeat Kaguya." Sakura nods. "According to the rumors floating around, you punched the goddess in the face."
She shrugs. "More or less."
"And then...they left?"
Sakura traces the rim of her teacup. "Naruto and Sasuke have a unique bond that doesn't always make sense." She finally looks up at him. "They left to fight because they had something they needed to prove to the other. And in doing so, lost an arm each."
"They're incredibly foolish."
"Undoubtedly so, Gaara-sama."
They sit there in silence for a moment before the tent flap is pulled back. "Hey, Gaara. It's time for your - "
"Hello, Kankuro-sama," Sakura greets.
Kankuro blinks and then grins. "Hey, Sakura! How's it going?"
"Pretty well given the circumstances."
He nods. "I understand. Just earlier, we had to deal with these fuc - "
"What are you here for, Kankuro?" Gaara interrupts.
"Oh, right." Kankuro chuckles while scratching his head. "The other Kage have gathered to give their speeches to the troops and then we're packing up to go home."
"Alright. I'll be there in a moment." After giving him a mock salute and waving bye to Sakura, Kankuro exits the tent. "Forgive him."
"Seems important. I don't want to keep you."
Gaara sighs. "We'll take turns talking but it all boils down to the same thing. Really, I and my people just want to return home and mourn our losses in the comfort of our village."
Sakura reaches out and places her hand over the one he's resting on the table. "I can assure you, Gaara-sama, that you are not the only one who thinks that way."
He looks down at her hand. "Thank you."
They leave together moments later. There are a few stragglers running to the front of the camp where others are gathered for the Kage to speak. Gaara holds out his arm. Sakura looks at it and then at him, confused.
"We'll arrive quicker if you travel with me."
"O-Oh, of course. Thank you."
Sand wraps around her and Sakura's embarrassed that she feels panic for a brief moment. And then they're there. They appear next to the other Kage, directly in front of everyone. Sakura quickly lets go of Gaara's arm. Out in the crowd, she recognizes many faces. Standing in the front, smiling in her direction, is Ino. Next to Ino - gripping her hand tightly - is Shikamaru. On Ino's other side is Choji. Team Eight is gathered behind them with the remaining members of Team Gai standing next to them. Sakura sees Kakashi's wild silver hair peeking over a familiar orange book, Yamato's tired eyes, Sai's fake smile, Naruto shocked look, and Sasuke's blank face.
"Thank you for the short trip, Gaara-sama."
He nods and then takes his place next to a smirking Tsunade. Instead of wandering over to Team Seven, Sakura stands with Team Ten. If confronted, she can make the excuse that she didn't want to shove her way through the crowd. Choji moves over for Ino to take Sakura's hand and squeeze it as hard as she can. Sakura squeezes back just as tightly. Together, the combined forces listen to the words of encouragement, the acknowledgment of their losses, and building a better future as a united force across the lands.
When they're finally dismissed, Sakura pulls Ino into a strong hug and with Ino, comes Shikamaru, and finally Choji. When she pulls away, Ino and Shikamaru have clouded eyes and Choji looks away.
"I'm not going to press," she starts. "I'm not going to offer empty words. I know you're hurting." Shikamaru frowns at the ground. Ino bumps his shoulders and Choji tugs on his black, long-sleeved shirt. "That being said, if you ever wanna' get together and just drink our problems away, just remember that I have access to the good shit."
That brings a small smile to Shikamaru's face. "That's the best thing I've heard all day."
Sakura grins, just a little, and taps the center of his chest. "I take care of my friends."
"Sakura-chan!" She looks over Ino's shoulder to see Naruto making his way through the crowd towards her, the rest of Team Seven following after him.
"We need to talk," she directs at Ino. "Later. It's very important."
Ino turns around, sees Naruto, and turns back around quickly. "Come find me this time, okay?" She holds out her pinky. Sakura quickly locks her's with Ino's.
"I promise." Looking at Shikamaru and Choji, she gives them a hopeful smile. "Take care. Well, take care as best you can. I'll see you guys later." When they walk away, Sakura takes a deep breath and turns to greet her teammates.
"Hey, Naruto..."
Naruto stops directly in front of her, clearly upset. "Why didn't you come back?!"
Sakura huffs. "I'm a medic, Naruto. I have duties outside of this team that I needed to attend to. You know, like helping the wounded or making sure the younger medics are supervised."
His shoulders slump. "Oh, that's right."
She sighs. "I don't want to discuss that right now, Naruto. I'm tired and we need to start packing up to go home."
"Sakura's right," Yamato states before Naruto can reply. "Lady Tsunade wants us ready to go by sunset."
"Yeah, but - "
"Not now, idiot," Sasuke interrupts quietly. "This conversation will only slow us down."
Sakura grudgingly agrees but doesn't voice it.
"Are you needed somewhere, Sakura?" Kakashi asks.
The tone of his voice has Sakura's eyes snap to his face. His book is out of sight and two dark eyes bore into hers. He looks as tired as she feels and Sakura doesn't know how terrible she looks.
"Not at the moment," she replies. "What can I do for you, sensei?"
He smiles. "I just want to talk." He looks at the others. "Yamato, boys, we'll be a moment. Carry on."
"But sensei - "
"Just a moment, Naruto."
With a kicked puppy look and slumped shoulders, Naruto uses his only hand to start dragging Sasuke away; Yamato and Sai share a look before Sai shrugs and follows after Naruto. Yamato looks over Kakashi, and then Sakura, and nods. He, too, follows after the others.
"Alright, they're gone. What did you - " Sakura freezes when Kakashi places a hand on her head.
"I know I haven't been the best sensei to you, Sakura, due to my favoritism towards the boys when you were a genin and I'm sorry."
"Kakashi-sensei - "
"But I want you to know just how proud I am of you and everything you've accomplished in such a short period of time." Kakashi covers his left eye for a moment. "You've made a name for yourself. One that I hope you'll be proud of until the day you die, one that I hope carries on over the centuries."
Sakura feels pinpricks of tears building up behind her eyes. "Sensei - "
"And I hope you'll forgive me one day."
She doesn't want to hear any more. Darting forward, she wraps her arms around Kakashi and holds on tight. "I forgave you a long time ago, sensei. It's time you forgive yourself."
Kakashi hugs her back just as fiercely. "With Sasuke back and hopefully placed on parole after his trial," You guys are so confident, "your team missions will drop to D-Rank."
Sakura barely stops herself from flinching. I'm leaving for a few years, she thinks. My time away from Konoha for once. I hope you can forgive me one day. "Oh joy," she laughs, but it sounds horrible to her ears.
"It'll be fun," Kakashi chuckles. "Just like old times."
Sakura's eyes dim, but she keeps the smile on her face. "Of course, Kakashi-sensei! Looking forward to it."
I'm a liar. I'm a liar. I'm a liar -
He chuckles and ruffles her hair. "I won't keep you. Naruto has been wanting to speak to you for a while now."
"He needs rest."
"It's Naruto," Kakashi deadpans.
At this, Sakura laughs lightly. "Indeed."
As soon as the sun sets, Tsunade orders all Konoha shinobi back to the village. The allied forces are quick to bid each other farewell but following after their Hokage. During the trip home, Sakura alternates jumping with Team Ten and Team Kakashi. She remains mostly silent with either group. Every now and then, she catches Sasuke's eyes or gets nudged by Ino on the shoulder.
It's an absolute relief to see Konoha, already in the process of rebuilding, come into view. The remaining Konoha shinobi call out with cheers. Some even start to cry. Sakura wants nothing more than to return, pack her bag, and leave.
"We need to talk," Ino whispers to her. "I know you've talked to Lady Tsunade already - "
"We do need to talk," Sakura interrupts. "The Kazekage wants me to spend time in Suna, to train a few of his hospital staff and to evaluate it."
"I see," Ino replies slowly.
"My one condition is that I get to bring you."
"And what did he say to that?" Ino and Sakura land on the ground a few yards away from the majority of the others.
Sakura runs a hand through her gritty pink locks. "He's fine with it. You're a medic too."
Ino laughs softly. "I can't even do a 10th of what you can do."
Sakura bumps shoulders with her. "That's why you practice." She's waved off.
"Medical ninjutsu and super strength are your things. It's what makes you unique."
A blush steadily rises on Sakura's cheeks but she doesn't reply.
"Sakura-chan!"
Both look to see Naruto walking over to them, Sasuke following behind with a blank face and Sai smiling that ever false smile. Kakashi and Yamato are nowhere in sight.
"Did you tell him? Any of them?"
"No."
"They won't be happy," Ino replies softly.
"They'll learn to get over it. I did."
Ino hums. "I'm going to get back to Shikamaru and Choji. I'll talk to you later."
After waving after Ino, Sakura turns around just in time to be sweep into a tight hug. Naruto squeezes tight enough that it becomes hard to breathe and finally - finally - after holding it all back, Sakura lets out a quiet sob.
"You idiot," she chokes out.
"I know."
"You asshole."
"I know."
"I want nothing more than to hit you," Sakura pulls away and turns to Sasuke, pointing a finger directly in his face. "And you. By Kami, I want to send you flying."
"I deserve it," Sasuke says it simply.
Sakura turns to Sai. "I don't want to hit you, Sai. You're currently on my 'Okay' list."
"Am I at the top?"
"For now."
"Then I'm glad."
Naruto wraps an arm around Sakura's shoulder and grabs Sai. It's a group hug with Sasuke standing off to the side.
"I swear I really will punch you if you don't come here, Sasuke." She adds salt to the wound. "It's the least you can do for me."
Sasuke hesitates but eventually gives in. It's awkward for the four of them. Sakura is squashed between Naruto and Sai with Sasuke covering her left side. Sai pats Sakura's hair, much like a dog, and then pulls away. She finally beams at them. A real smile.
"It's nice to see you show a real smile, Ugly. I don't like your fake smiles."
Sakura inhales deeply. As if you're one to talk... "You know exactly what to say at any given moment, Sai." She says this with an eye roll.
He only smiles at her.
"Wait!" Naruto interrupts. "What do you mean by 'real smile'?"
"Oh, Ugly's been showcasing a fake smile for weeks now. I suppose it has to do with the war, but even beforehand she switched back and forth."
Naruto looks at her. "Sakura-chan?" He steps forward. Even Sasuke - usually expressionless Sasuke when it comes to her - looks interested. Well, as interested as Sasuke allows himself to seem.
"It's not that deep, Naruto. People were on the fence, some losing hope, so I did what I had to do to keep people focused." Sakura runs a hand through her filthy hair. "I was tired of seeing our friends and comrades looking so hopeless. If a smile could raise their hopes, then a smile is what I gave."
"Even a false smile has its advantages," Sai offers.
"You're not helping," Sakura snaps are him. "You're at the bottom of my list now." She feels just a little oddly satisfied to see a dejected look appear on his face. Well, dejected for Sai. She turns back to Naruto and sees his frown. "Don't worry about it, Naruto. Like I said, it's not that deep." And now he looks dejected. Sakura silently curses. "Naruto - "
"Haruno Sakura?" An urgent voice interrupts.
Sakura's head snaps to the side. "Yes? That's me."
A young boy, probably 13 or 14, runs towards her. His face is beet red, a thin scar on the side of his face is healing, and he appears shaken. "My lady, I request your help. My brother - he - my brother collapsed and he won't get back up. He's s-still breathing but nothing that's been done so far has helped. Please." The young boy reaches out and grabs her hand. "Please help him. H-He's all I have left. I'll do anything!"
Her head snaps towards her teammates. "I need to go."
"Saku - "
"Go," Sasuke states. "You're needed elsewhere."
"Yeah," Naruto nods. "Go save his brother." He ends it with a tentative smile.
"Take me to him," Sakura orders the younger boy. "Let's not waste any more time."
The young boy spares the others a glance before his grip on Sakura's hand tightens and he starts pulling her away. She feels three sets of eyes on her back but quickly pushes that to the side. She had her reunion with them, small that it was.
She doesn't see any of them again until three days after they get back when Naruto comes pounding on her door at exactly 12 PM and demands she go eat ramen with him and Sai. Sasuke, she learns, is under heavy surveillance within the TI building and has been subjected to countless hours of interrogation. Naruto has seen him twice since their return, but Sakura hasn't had the chance (nor made the attempt, really) to see him because she's been in the hospital, more or less, since helping that young boy's brother.
"Granny said that he'll probably end up in a three-to-five year probation and be forced to do D-Rank missions," Naruto starts conversationally as they leave her apartment.
"So I've heard," Sakura replies kindly.
"Lady Tsunade also stated that he will be required to speak to a therapist at least twice a week." Sai steps to her right. "If the trial is ruled in his favor."
Sakura hums. "That's good." She rubs her eyes briefly.
She doesn't see Naruto and Sai share a look over her head. "Have you been sleeping well, Ugly?"
"I've had back-to-back shifts at the hospital since we've been back," Sakura answers. "Lady Tsunade sent me home this morning because I'd practically been living there since our return."
"You need to take better care of yourself, Sakura-chan. Rest properly."
You're funny, Sakura thinks. Normally, I tell you that.
"I did that this morning, Naruto. I just wanna' eat now."
"Even if it's ramen?" Naruto asks while grinning.
"Even if it's ramen." She smiles at him briefly, Sasuke's trial resting on the back burner of her mind.
Ino bumps shoulders with Sakura. "Are you sure about this?" In her hands is the small photo album holding all of Sakura's precious pictures.
"Yes," Sakura replies. She ties her bag shut and then slips it on her back. Ino hands her the album and Sakura strokes the velvet cover tenderly before placing it on her nightstand. The framed photo's of Team Seven and Team Yamato are already facedown.
"I feel a little guilty about this, Sakura."
Sakura reaches forward and grabs her hand giving it a firm squeeze. "I wouldn't have it any other way."
Ino adjusts her backpack. "Only my mom and Lady Tsunade know. I didn't - couldn't - tell Shikamaru and Choji."
"I lied to Kakashi's face." Sakura moves to grab her headband and tie it on her head. "But if anyone can understand quickly, it's Kakashi."
"It's the same with Shikamaru. He'll be agitated for sure, but he'll be okay. He'll have Choji."
Three weeks, four days, and nine hours after the 4th Shinobi War ended, Yamanaka Ino and Haruno Sakura walked out of Konoha at the dead of night to begin their journey of healing.
Yup. Starting another fic because this has been buzzing around in my head for two years. I have a few other WIPs and you can check them out if ya want. They're Sakura-centric (plus Team Seven bonding). If you have the time, please review.
~i-just-really-like-sakura