ZIL: Just a Recap for those who may not have recalled the ending to the first book: A Goddess's Beginning. Please know this is a sequel and a lot of what goes on in this story will not make sense unless you've read that story first.

Recap

It was only a matter of hours before they arrived at the location marked on the map. Before them all stood a temple of two gods rumored to be brothers. "What is this place?" One of the Anbu asked curiously. Sakura replied with a smile, "The Temple of the God Twins, Jashin who is God of Death, Slaughter, Chaos, and Sacrifice and his brother Jashoma who is God of Life, Healing, Mercy, and Salvation." She held out her pendent towards one of the statues, "I'm sure you can imagine which god I am loyal to."

The Anbu team nodded and readied themselves to return to the village Sakura kindly reminded them, "Remember, you can't tell anyone where this temple is or where you last saw me. I don't wish to be followed from here. Anbu Neko hugged Sakura one last time and wished carefully, "Please take care of yourself…I will miss you Sakura."

"Goodbye Yamato…and I will." Sakura whispered quietly as she watched them leave. She turned to the statue of Jashoma and said, "Well Father, I guess this is where my journey begins."

Chapter 1: Temple of the Uncle

Sakura paused as she stood before the two temples and her gut instinct told her to enter her Uncle Jashin's temple first. She moved towards the door and felt a soft pulse against her hand before entering where she was greeted by a young looking man. He looked eager at her presence, "Welcome to the Temple of Jashin…are you one of his children?"

Sakura gave a warm smile and pulled out her pendent, "I'm a follower of Jashoma, as a healer I merely came to give my regards."

The young man looked annoyed and went to say something while another older voice cut in, "Come this way Sakura-sama…Jashin-sama is interested in meeting with you." Sakura turned to look at the older man and walked toward him warmly greeting, "Hello…I believe you are the High Priest of the Jashin Temple, Shonbei?"

Shonbei gave a warm smile in return, "You are correct Sakura-sama. Please follow me to the audience chamber. Jashin is eager to speak with you." Sakura nodded respectfully and followed the direction walking towards the pull in her gut without needing further assistance. She arrived at a set of red doors emblazoned with a silver symbol of Jashin she placed her hand against the door softly and was admitted the door closing behind her blocking out the younger Jashinist and the Head Priest who scolded the younger man for being ready to disrespect a follower of their god's brother.

Sakura moved towards the center of the room and peacefully sat before the alter in the pentagram's center. She allowed her green eyes to peruse over the statue of her uncle and said softly, "Hello Uncle Jashin, it is good to see you…even as a statue."

A tendril of energy seemed to reach out and embrace her warmly she unknowingly laid her head on the ground falling into a restful state. When her eyes opened she was in a realm built from reds, blacks, white, and greys. She stood and took in her surroundings easily pausing when she heard a chuckle from behind her. Sakura turned with a smile and moved to hug the amused god, "Hello Uncle! Your realm is lovely but, definitely not my place of choice."

Jashin opened his blood red eyes and smirked, "You're definitely Jashoma's daughter…he doesn't like the darker realm either. You are made for the light not the dark. How were your mortal parents?" He paused unsure if it was wise to breach the painful topic, "…my brother and I were shocked when they came to us so soon."

Sakura smiled forlornly, "Mebuki and Kizashi were amazing parents. Their deaths were sudden and due to the beast in human skin known as Orochimaru. I learned amazing things from them about life as it is seen by the mortal eye. I've also seen a more painful view through my own experiences and those who had been labeled my teammates. Are the Harunos doing well?"

Jashin's smirk became a soft smile, "Of course, your father and I made sure we were there to greet their souls upon their passing and delivering them into a peaceful afterlife." Sakura relaxed and sighed in relief, "I'm glad to hear it. So is my father able to afford a visit or is now not the best time to see him?" The young goddess had no intention of interrupting her father if he was too busy.

The God looked almost darkly at his realm as he gruffed out, "He is not able to receive visitors at this time…I too wish he had a moment to spare for you but, with the movements of that pest Madara and his brainwashed servants Pein and Obito. He will be busy for quite some time."

Sakura frowned, "Isn't Obito the one who," she blushed lightly as she recalled and her memory replayed for Jashin to watch.

~Flash Back Starts~

Sakura was a young fresh genin on her day off from her team since Kakashi-sensei had a mission. She had offered to train with Sasuke and Naruto but Sasuke ditched and Sakura didn't want Naruto getting the wrong ideas. She liked Naruto in general…did he annoy her yes but nothing was perfect.

A knock came to the door and Sakura saw her father go to answer it as she continued studying the mystical palm technique wanting to become a medic trainee at the hospital to get a head start on her training. Her father seemed genuinely pleased and welcomed the person into their home her father stepped into his office to read his letter but guided the man into the room where she was studying intently.

"Hello Cherry-chan! Tobi's name is Tobi and Tobi is very excited to meet you!" The exuberant tone made the younger girl blink up in shock before breaking out into giggles and offering her hand, "Hello Tobi-san, I suppose Cherry-chan is the nickname you came up for me?" She pointed to her pink hair while giving a playful wink. She looked over the form of Tobi and carefully came to the conclusion that he was younger than her parents but older than Shisui.

Sakura's head quirked to the side, "I assume Tobi is also a nickname you go by and not your real name? Your body build says that you're older than me but younger than my parents." Tobi seemed shocked as he quirked his own masked countenance his voice changing to a deeper tone but still playful, "My aren't you a smart one…Shisui was right about you."

Sakura hopped up excited and hugged him around the middle, "How are Ita-nii and Shisui-nii doing? I know the horrible rumors aren't telling the whole truth. They wouldn't do something so drastic unless they had no other choice!" She gave him a watery glance, "Are my big brothers okay? I miss training with them…no one in this village takes me seriously since they've gone since I come from a civilian family."

Tobi patted her head lightly to soothe her, "The boys are fine, Shisui found his brother Obito was actually alive and learned a lot of troubling information. I'll explain everything soon Sakura-chan…and if this village doesn't see the value of your abilities you can always work hard to join us later."

Sakura sniffled somewhat reassured knowing her childhood friends are okay. She pulled back and smiled, "Thanks for letting me know…I've had a sick feeling in my stomach since they've been gone and I don't like being alone because I feel like I'm being watched." Tobi froze and patted the girl's head lightly his voice changing again, "Tobi will make super extra sure that Cherry-chan is safe before he leaves. Tobi has letters from the Nii-sans for you!" Sakura was happy to let him do as he pleased while she read her letters and began writing responses in the childhood code that Itachi, Shisui, and Sakura had created many years before.

Mebuki and Kizashi stepped out from the office and gestured for Tobi to enter with Sakura. As soon as everyone was situated Tobi introduced himself and dealt with the torrent of tears and emotional hugs from Mebuki who just mothered him lightly. He told the truth about the Uchiha massacre and the parts the council played; he relayed Itachi and Shisui's wishes to keep it from Sasuke to protect him but their desire for their Imouto to know the truth. Tobi was only so free to discuss it since there was no one within the vicinity to overhear them. Mebuki insisted on seeing his face and Tobi seemed reluctant. Mebuki moved to close and seal the room completely to make it safe.

As soon as the door shut and the windows had been closed and sealed for privacy Mebuki removed Tobi's mask to see his face. Sakura shocked at the damage walked up with glowing hands and began healing some of the scarring so it wasn't as noticeable. Obito's eyes widened in shock as this little pink haired princess began healing his face her energy warm and filled with love and compassion reminiscent of Rin. The older man wanted to hate himself for the shock of heat and affection that ran through him all due to a single glance in her expressive green eyes.

Mebuki watched somewhat unsurprised as Obito went from shocked and bitter man transforming to a soft and warm young man all at the touch of her beautiful child. She saw his hands twitching as if he wanted to grab hold of her young daughter. Mebuki smiled and stopped Kizashi from interfering, both parents staring in awe as the scars began receding until Obito's skin was smooth and untarnished by old injuries.

Sakura smiled warmly and pulled her hands back before handing a mirror to Obito, "There now you're all better…I knew you were hiding a handsome face under that mask of yours Tobi." Sakura giggled not realizing the torrent of emotions that both parent knew were ripping through Obito. Kizashi groaned and just said, "I'm doomed…he's in love already! Obito just promise you won't steal my little girl away from her papa too soon!"

Mebuki giggled as Sakura blushed cutely and complained, "Dad, why do you have to say things like that it's so embarrassing and he isn't in love with me we only just met!" Tobi just watching the girl react to her father's admittedly rather tactless approach.

Tobi or Obito as she knew him now simply chuckled with his darker voice, "Worry not Kizashi I won't steal your little ninja princess away anytime soon." He paused and bent over to pick the pretty young girl up who hugged him warmly in return, "I'll wait until she's older of course." He then pressed a warm kiss to Sakura's cheek before placing her next to her mother and teleporting adding on the end cheeky, "Time to go gather info for Tobi's friends!"

Sakura just blushed and looked up at her mom, "Mom...is it just me or are unique Uchiha like Shisui-nii and Obito incredibly dangerous to girls like us." Mebuki just continued to laugh at her daughter's reaction of being thoroughly charmed by the playful Uchiha. Kizashi it appeared wasn't sure whether he should chuckle at her embarrassed face or groan at the loss of his little girl's heart.

Mebuki turned to Kizashi, "I told you that you wouldn't win…she was destined to be swept of her feet whether we want it or not."

~ Flash Back Ends ~

Jashin chuckled at the blush on his niece's features as she was remembering the man. Sakura sighed and turned to look at the god as she sheepishly tried to suppress her blush. Jashin smiled, "You know Sakura it isn't a crime for you to fall for a mortal during your mortal lifetime. It happened to all of us,"

Sakura looked up defiant, "Even you Uncle? And I am not in love with him I met him twice…he's just dangerously charming and gives me butterflies." She placed her arms over her stomach as the memory forced the feeling to persist. Jashin sighed almost fondly, "Denial of your feelings is only the beginning little niece of mine. Even me…her name was Mito Uzumaki. She was lovely and feisty but, she loved another man…Hashirama Senju." Sakura winced in sympathy, "Did you ever tell her how you felt?"

Jashin simply remained silent remembering before answering, "No, I could have but, she was so deeply in love with Hashirama that I did not wish to cause her emotional distress. I did however tell her the truth about myself and told her I cherished her friendship and always would before I departed that mortal life for the godly realms."

Sakura was treated to a moment between Mito that quickly passed as soon as it came but, the emotions in the woman's eyes were unmistakable, "I think that she loved you too. She may have been in love with Hashirama...but, she loved you still." She looked into her Uncle's powerful eyes and added honestly, "The eyes are windows to the soul Uncle. Mito loved you too just not as a lover."

Jashin smiled softly the 3 person in existence who would ever witness it, "I know Sakura…but thank you it's nice to hear from another person's perspective that it was true." He watched as his niece smiled as she stood and added, "What is family for, speaking of that…what can I do to help my father? If I can help I will."

Jashin smirked, "Travel to Ame start there and began your journey as a traveling healer. Don't be afraid to use your status as a former apprentice of Tsunade to your advantage. People will be happy to have your help and above all just be yourself when your old acquaintances show up. I'm sure you will be running into Shizune, Itachi, Shisui, and some old contacts of your father's before you know it."

Sakura grinned, "First destination a small civilian village with an outbreak near Ame, I'll use the old mansion as a temporary place to stay until all the people have been treated."

Jashin smirked as his niece faded from his realm to return to consciousness her mortal form marked with a symbol indicating she was under his protection and never to be harmed. "That's our little goddess, I await your success Jashira."