Summary: It's been eight months since the 4th Great Shinobi War ended. Things are supposed to be good now…but things didn't go as they had hoped. It's time to fix the wrong and pick up the pieces.

Rating: T (PG-13)

Pairings: Mainly focused on SasuKarin and NaruSaku. Some hints of other pairings may occur…most likely an Ino pairing which I'll have you readers vote on.

Chapter 1: Changes

It's been eight months since the 4th war ceased…

It was strange getting use to the peaceful ambiance of the shinobi world. Citizens from neighboring countries all banded together to help rebuild the fallen villages. Konoha had become the center of rehabilitation. Homeless families flocked to Konoha to find a place to re-establish. The once ruined streets were bustling with beautiful life. Ichiraku's was in full business.

A cherry-blossom kunochi eyed the busy vendor with a small smile on her lips. It was disgusting how some people could eat such heavy food for breakfast. Sakura chuckled as flashbacks of a certain blond, knuckle-head ninja flew quickly through her thoughts. The smile on her lips faded as her brow furrowed slightly.

It's been eight months….eight months since her life had been ripped out from beneath her.

**Eight Months Ago**

CHIDORI!

RASENGAN!

The clash of two tremendous powers shook the already beaten soil beneath their feet. Naruto and Sasuke were going all out on each other. Both were already nearing their limits. The air was filled with a thick mix of smoke and dusts, making it hard to catch a clean breath.

Sakura knew that if she were to interfere again…she would ruin everything. This was the last time…this was their last chance to save him. Naruto had re-assured her pre-battle…that he would not fail this time. And Sakura believed him.

Behind Sakura, the red-haired sensor stood in concentration. Her crimson eyes were trained on the spot where the two clashing powers met.

After her interrogation sessions with Ibiki, Karin had been placed on temporary probation while ANBU kept a close watch on her. After a month of observation, Tsunade deemed her fit to roam Konoha free of the ANBU eye.

Sakura had formed a bond with Karin. It wasn't deep like the sister-bond Sakura had with Ino…but it was a sturdy one built upon respect for one-another. Karin acknowledged that Sakura had saved her life…Sakura in turn acknowledged what Karin had done for the sake of her survival.

It hurt Sakura when she found out what Sasuke had done to her. It hurt twice as much when she found out that Karin had harbored deep feelings for Sasuke. It hurt knowing that he had descended so far into the dark. Deep down…she knew that Sasuke was no longer the one she would run to when this was all over. Actually…he never really was the one that she would run to.

With that thought, Sakura brought her gloved to her aching heart and turned her gaze towards that orange and black jump-suit. The rips and tears showed dirty cuts and gashes. Some places were burned black; other places had a deeper shade of orange.

BANG!

A powerful shockwave pushed onlookers to the ground. Sakura's chakra enhanced strength kept her standing firmly. She could hear Karin's surprised gasp behind her. Sakura looked over her shoulder to make sure she was okay.

Karin had buckled to her knees, her eyes were wide open with shock.

"T-th…ther're…they're chakra…its…"

Suddenly it hit Sakura full force. Her head snapped back towards the direction where the explosion occurred. Her choked-voice caught in her throat. Her feet began to move subconsciously towards the gaping hole in the earth.

"NARUTO!"

**End Flashback**

Naruto and Sasuke had both disappeared suddenly within that explosion. Since then, Sakura had temporarily resigned as a kunochi and began working full time at the hospital. She occasionally would lend a helping hand to Ino at her flower shop…but other than that, Sakura had no life.

Karin on the other hand had made a full turn-around from being a war prisoner. Three months after the battle, Tsunade had pardoned her of all criminal charges and announced her as a designated citizen of Konoha. Not long after then, Karin received her leaf head-band. Her sharpness and intellect had landed her a job in the Konoha Intelligence and Interrogation Unit. How ironic.

Sakura had also noticed a change in her as well.

Karin no longer commented on how homosexual Sai was, nor did she attempt to murder Konohamaru when he transformed into a nude Sasuke. Konohamaru had done that before…he ended up a patient in the Intensive Care Unit under Sakura's supervision.

Sakura's reminiscing stopped when she finally noticed the light in the sky dimming. The chirps of the cicadas began to engulf the darkening village. Sakura began to quickly make her way towards the hospital.

Tonight…Sakura had the night shift.

A/N: Well…should I continue or not? BTW…this is a healthy mix of SasuKarin and NaruSaku. I'll make sure that is clear next chapter if you want me to continue. Please Review!