HELLO EVERYONE

I am back with the sequel to Through the Looking Glass! This story has been sitting on my mind for a while now but I decided to post the first part on the 28 March (Know why?). Anyway, I don't really have anything else to say except READ AND ENJOY-

ALSO I DO NOT OWN MAGI OR NARUTO.

Summary

Sakura's returned to her world, however she hasn't been able to forget about her experience, nor the people she met in the other world. Especially given what she unexpectedly received as constant reminder(s) of a certain ambitious dungeon capturer that she fell in love with. They say that secrets always find a way of coming out-no matter where they are hidden. Does that include another world? When two separate paths, never meant to be crossroads become intertwined; there will be clashes and unravelling like nothing seen before by either world.

If a miracle only happens once, what do you call it a second time?

PROLOGUE

The world is cruel.

Doubtfully, there has ever been a single person who has experienced life long enough and not thought, spoke or insinuated that phrase. It could've been reciprocated through almost any means, from an embarrassing fall in public or getting caught in the rain without an umbrella to losing a friend, experiencing your first heartbreak or going to war. There are many times a person will repeat this phrase in experiencing life and Sakura Haruno was no different than everyone else on this matter. Except, she had truly believed this phrase and had taken it to heart. It was not during her childhood when she was teased for her big forehead and it wasn't when her teammate and first love Sasuke left the village.

It was when she made a decision that took her completely off the path she had been walking in life, a comfortable path, close to her friends and family and leading her towards bringing back the boy she loved. That changing decision was when she found a mirror hidden in a cave; which took her off her path in her world and threw her out into another world. A world filled with difficulties, where people were treated as commodities, chained and sold like livestock, a world where war raged and here was a constant struggle for power but it was also a world of magic. Tower's with treasures and metal vessels that grant ordinary people power; the power of a king.

A power she had obtained.

Sakura's reason to think of this world as cruel was well justified, but more than cruel, she also thought it was wonderful. A wonderful, cruel world. Where she was able to obtain, what she had not in her own world. Power and wisdom, she had earned by conquering multiple dungeons, while on her mission to return to her world.

And love.

Love for a special boy who wanted to change his world and make it a better place; striving for a goal that sounded nearly impossible, and yet became achievable simply because it was he who wanted to achieve it. This boy's name was Sinbad.

He was a boy who saw further into the world than anyone else, he could ride the waves of destiny without drowning, and Sakura-she was an interloper, an abnormality to that world. Someone who was not meant to be there. Thus the two captured each other's interests and after what seemed like a lifetime ago they became partners, friends until finally; they captured each other's hearts.

However, their goals lead them on separate paths. Sinbad's pursuit to change the world by becoming a king and Sakura's search for the shards of the mirror that brought her to this world, in order to return to her own. Eventually, they had to say farewell; despite their personal feelings. Sinbad created his country and Sakura returned to her world without ever looking back.

However, there was more factoring into this departure than either were aware of at the time on account of their own actions.

There was a magic within the Looking Glass that reversed the physical effects of Sakura's being while she had been absent from her world, returning her to the exact moment she had left it. However, she soon discovered that the effects of the magic, only proceeded so far. The Looking Glass, could not reverse life as far to an internal extent. Which was something Sakura had shockingly discovered a short while after her return to her world.

Soft, footsteps clicked along the large, empty hallway leading in a curved motion in accordance to its structure. In swift strides, continuing until reaching a door nearly right on top of the building that was currently occupied. Opening, into a large office, met with a large desk, stacked with papers, on top of it, beside and in front. Near the middle was an open laptop and sitting behind that desk, was a man, long spiky silver hair, wearing a mask that covered the lower half of his face while the village headband covered one of his eyes, the one exposed was onyx and facing back towards the person that had just stepped in.

"Hello Sakura."

There stood a young women, with short pink haired, styled in a bob, with sharp emerald green eyes, wearing red qipao dress reaching her thighs, with white trimmings and a white circular design on the back; it is tied with a black obi with black shorts, gloves and grey elbow/knee protectors. Her headband was tied on the top of her head, she had a golden arm bracelet, a dagger strapped to her waist, a hairpin pinned to the side of her obi. She also had a silver necklace with a ruby around her neck, and a separate chain with two rings hanging on it.

"I'm back Kakashi."

Konohagakure, the Village Hidden in the Leaves.

It was a village known by many, for many different reasons. It was the village the held a number of powerful ninja families. It was the first shinobi village founded during the warring periods. It was a village that had survived three Shinobi wars. And rebuilt during the fourth war, after being destroyed in a single sweep by the criminal organisation, the Akatsuki, or to be more specific their leader.

The Fourth Shinobi war had taken place shortly after Sakura's return to her world, almost two years after and it had been one she wouldn't soon forget, given the circumstances surrounding it.

After the war, leadership positions had changed in the village. Sakura's teacher and master, Tsunade had stepped down as Hokage and Sakura's former sensei and team leader, Kakashi Hatake, was appointed as the next Hokage. That wasn't all.

Sasuke Uchiha; Sakura's former teammate who had abandoned the village, returned after the war. Although this accomplishment wasn't without cost, Naruto and Sasuke had drawn into a fierce battle with new powers and abilities that lead them to almost ending each other's lives. Fortunately, the only permanent damage was the loss of one of their arms. All other injuries Sakura was able to remedy.

Sasuke did not remain in the village even though he had returned; he had gone on a journey of self-redemption, which had lasted a few years. It was possible to count on one hand how many times he had returned to the village since then.

"Back from your mission already," Kakashi noted, smiling through his mask. "I knew you could manage this on your own, I just didn't expect you to be this fast."

Sakura nodded, grinning widely. She had just recently been sent on an S-ranked solo mission. It was to capture a few high ranking criminal ninja who had escaped from a prison they were being held. Apparently, there was a large group who had been planning an escape for months. Sakura was the one sent to round them all up again, as she seemed more suited due to her versatile attributes. More specifically, her five metal vessels.

Surprise was the understatement in describing the reaction she had received when first revealing her new earned powers. Her metal vessels abilities were great in this world and had gotten her through many battles. One of her first in this world was against a member of the Akatsuki, Sasori; no one was there to witness the display other than Chiyo, an elder and former ninja from Suna. She had died during the mission that she, Sakura, Naruto and Kakashi were on.

Another time was when the village was attacked and destroyed by the Akatsuki leader Pain. Sakura and Naruto went up against him but during that time, Sakura had hidden her identity behind a mask.

The third time, was recently after the village was destroyed. Word of Sasuke's recent activities and ill-intensions towards the village had reached them and a decision was made between Sakura and the rest of their generation's ninja (excluding Naruto) to bring Sasuke down. Although they were meant to go as a group, Sakura had acted on her own; immobilising and separating from the group that were on their way to confront Sasuke and did so herself. Where she almost killed him but then Naruto and Kakashi appeared. Sakura had been in one of her djinn equips then and was about to unleash an attack on Sasuke that would have completely eradicated him. Although Sakura had been in confliction when she fought against Sasuke; there was a stronger force, driving her to stop him. To put an end to his threat.

Sakura didn't tell anyone where or how she obtained her power. Merely that she was the only one in this world that could wield it.

To this day, no one knew of Sakura's struggle in another world and she intended to keep it that way.

"I delivered the escaped convicts back to prison and I did say this before I left but just case, you should send a message that the recaptured men will be unconscious for about three more days." Sakura shrugged.

"My poison is fast acting and long lasting." Stolas boasted in Sakura's mind.

Sakura's smile widened at her djinn's comment

"Thanks Sakura," Kakashi nodded. "You've been taking on a lot of missions lately this past few months. You're hardly in the village."

"Well, it can't really be helped. You accepted my request for that time off and I'm doing the same at the hospital for a few days." Sakura pointed out.

"Ah, that's right. It's that time of year again."

Sakura nodded in confirmation for the unspoken realization. "It's a very special occasion and I refuse to miss it under any circumstances."

"Of course it is. Forgive me, you know I'm not that great with dates anymore; when…

"One week." Sakura answered.

"I'll do my best to make it then."

Sakura shook her head softly, "Don't worry if you can't. The responsibility as Hokage comes first. You have an obligation to every person in the village. Don't slack now."

Kakashi sighed, "Why must you be right?"

Snickering, Sakura turned on her heel and walked towards the door, looking back when her hand was on the door handle.

"At least you'll have a valid excuse if you're late this time."

Kakashi laughed, shaking his head with folded arms, "That girl…."

In the early afternoon, Konoha was bustling with people on the streets. Sakura walked the busy streets, taking in the nostalgic scenery that was her home. She had only been away from a few days and it hadn't been enough to consider a long term mission, but she had plenty to miss here. And right now, there was also plenty for her to do.

Konoha hospital, was Sakura's destination and current location. The cold tiled floors, created a small echo with each footstep the pinkette took. She passed a long line of hospital rooms, until reaching a staircase and making her way up to the third floor. There was another long hallway to walk through before Sakura was where she wanted. She stood in front of a door that with the plaque, 'Head of Children's clinic office.'

Two years ago, Sakura and her friend Ino Yamanaka, had formed a children's clinic within the hospital to help treat recover from the traumatizing effects of the war. Having seen the kind of damage events like this does to children, first hand, Sakura had made the proposal shortly after the war, but it had taken a while for the request to go through and be validated. Shortly after, it didn't take much for the two to get the clinic running (on account of Sakura's previous experiences). Staff for the clinic had gradually increased the following two years now and the work load for Sakura had somewhat lightened, but Sakura still on call in the other hospital wards. Therefore she always had plenty to do there.

Sitting at the receptions desk, Sakura saw her friend going through the day's log books. Ino had long blonde hair that extended to her calves, with a bang that covered half her face and one of her baby blue eyes, she wore a purple top that covered her neck but exposed her arms and stomach, along with a long purple skirt.

"Sakura, you're back already?" Ino asked with a smile. She move around the desk, extending her hands towards the pinkette, who grasped them once they were close enough. "How did it go?"

"As it should-successful." Sakura replied, grinning brightly. "I see you've been busy while I was gone."

Ino nodded, "Sure has, things have been piling since you left."

Sakura looked back at the desk of paper work. "So I see."

"I just finished up the log and was about to head out for lunch. What do you say?"

"I say, let's go."

While Sakura and Ino sat outside of one of Konoha's café's, having ordered their lunch. Where they were able to hold conversation that could last for hours-a common gift of being best friends. You were able to entertain and hold each other's company. Sakura told Ino the details of her recent mission, while Ino gave Sakura the update on the happenings at the hospital.

"So, you're taking a break from the missions now huh?" Ino asked, resting her arms on the table.

"That's right."

"Well good, you need a break. I mean, I've barely seen you these past two months with all the missions you've been requesting." Ino took a jab at the chicken in her plate, drawing it to her lips.

Sakura placed her cup down after taking a large gulp of tea, then spoke. "I'm signing up for a couple of double shifts for the rest of the week."

Ino's jaw dropped, as she nearly dropped her fork into her plate. "Double shifts? Sakura, you're already working overtime as it is. Now you want to add night shifts-what about-

"I didn't forget Ino if that's what you're thinking. And my schedules cleared for the day." Sakura reassured her friend. "But I don't want to fall behind on my work. Besides, I'm only taking the nightshifts when I'll be taking off half the day."

Ino sighed, thrumming her fingernails against the table. "You do know there's more to life than just working, right Sakura?"

Sakura leaned back in her seat, throwing one of her arms over the top of the chair and using her free hand to grab a rice ball from her plate. "Fully aware Ino."

"You are heading for an early grave as a workaholic." Ino stated, causing Sakura to throw her head back and laugh.

"Please Ino, I thrive on my work." Sakura stated. "In fact, it's very useful for relaxing the mind."

'And helping to forget.' Sakura thought to herself, holding her smile in front of Ino. In whatever free moments Sakura could find in her ninja and regular life, she was always swept up in thoughts of Sinbad and his friends. Looking back to the past that was like a dream-only real to her.

"Oh yeah, how's Inojin doing?" Sakura asked after a few moments of quiet.

Ino smiled at the mention of her two year old son, "He's fine; but he's gotten sick and his fever keeps him up at night."

"Oh, just use a cool washcloth, also keep him under the blankets just no heavy clothing." Sakura told her, "And if that doesn't work try some 'over the counter' remedies. Almost any medicine will knock a baby out."

Ino giggled, "I'll do that; of course it's Sai who's having the most trouble dealing with this. We operate on shifts with the baby and when it's he's turn, I sometimes feel like giving him Advil. A triple dosage."

Sakura held her hand over her mouth to contain her laugh, her shoulders racked. "That sounds terrible."

Ino was married to Sai; he had been a replacement for Sasuke as their teammate. To say that Sai was a replacement, seemed to have taken to the extreme, especially after they saw him and noted the physical similarities between him and Sasuke. They had the same dark hair and charcoal coloured eyes (not the mention the wooden expressions that seemed often permanently carved in their faces).

Their appearance and the fact that they were on the same ninja team at different times was all that they actually had in common. Their personalities set them worlds apart but just like Sasuke; Naruto had managed to harness hostile feelings towards him. They had even gotten a new team leader when Kakashi had become incapacitated after one of their missions. It had been a bit difficult in the beginning but eventually, Sakura and Naruto had adapted well to their new teammates. Of course, Sakura hadn't been present for most of their missions after Yamato was appointed as their captain and Sai joined.

"It is." Ino confirmed, taking a sip of her tea. "Although Sai has come a long way, compared to when I first met him."

"Considering he was completely oblivious to the most obvious displays of emotions, I agree."

Ino wasn't the only one in their generation to have settled and form a family. Shikamaru, Ino's former teammate was married to Temari, their comrade from Suna; they had a baby now as well, Shikadai. Ino's other teammate, Chouji had also gotten married and had a daughter now as well. Naruto was actually the first to get married in their group; he married Hinata, who had loved Naruto since they were children (a similar affiliation that Sakura had with Sasuke). They had a boy named, Boruto.

"You know, you helped him a lot with that Sakura." Ino told the pinkette.

"I did?"

"Of course; Sai and I talked about it." Ino gave a smile, with sad eyes. "You were the first person he fell in love with."

Sakura closed her eyes, taking in a deep breath. "He told you that huh?"

"Yes. Although he was a little vague about the details."

After joining their team, Sai had come to the conclusion that he needed to work on his social skills when coming to terms with other people's feelings. Sakura told Sai that if he had any questions, then she would be willing to answer them without judgement or repercussions. She didn't think that Sai should have only depended on books to better understand people. That had resulted in them spending a lot of time together and she supposed that a crush would have been appropriated, but falling in love was another matter.

The blonde then noticed her friend had been glancing at her reflection in the cup for almost over thirty seconds, as if she was allowing her mind to leave her body here.

"Sakura?"

She looked back up, smiling. "Yeah?"

"You know." Ino trailed, looking down into her tea cup. "You should probably think of marrying too."

Sakura frowned, "What? Ino where did that come from? Why would I get married?"

Ino shrugged, appearing nonchalant in her response. "Why not? You're still young and it's not like you're a prude or unattractive. You're just a workaholic and when you're not working…"

Sakura raised her eyebrow at her blonde friend, "Ino, you know that work isn't the only thing that takes up my time and I honestly couldn't be happier for it."

Ino sighed, "I know, but still it wouldn't be so bad right? Think about it."

"No, I suppose it wouldn't." Sakura admitted. "Of course what I think isn't going to change anything. You know I now have what most males would consider a 'handicap' to dating."

"What about Sasuke?" Ino asked and she saw Sakura's shoulders stiffen.

Sakura hadn't seen her teammate for almost two years now. He wanted to travel to atone for his sins. Sakura had encouraged him that day, to go out in to the world and gain the experience and wisdom that comes with seeing what the world has to offer. Sasuke had only come back a few times, after commencing his journey, during that time Sakura allowed Sasuke to stay with her. Their relationship had improved, compared to when they were both genin. They had shared moments, but that's all they were really. Moments.

'And stolen moments don't make a life' Sakura told herself. Her relationship with Sasuke was more intimate in private, but she hadn't told anyone about this; assuming that Sasuke would prefer it that way and she was fine with that. Because she had decided a long time ago, that she wouldn't be the one pinning after other's affections anymore.

It wasn't as if Sakura's feelings for Sasuke had changed, she still loved him. Before Sasuke left the village, he had given Sakura a poke on her forehead, promising to see her soon. Without needing to say it, Sakura knew that it was his sign of affection. Something his older brother Itachi use to do to him as a child. She returned that sign, with a simple kiss on his cheek before he left. She wouldn't be able to forget the expression on his face, the subtle surprise.

"I don't really think that's going to happen Ino, and I'm okay with that."

After her light lunch and heavy conversation with Ino, Sakura went to the super market. She knew that her fridge and cupboards wouldn't be able to supply her with the ingredients she needed to make dinner tonight. She went through the grocery isle, with a shopping basket in her hands. It was a bit comical, given her attire and mattered appearance. She had just come from a mission. She started sifting through the refrigerated section; she filled her basket with packed meat and chicken, then she went to get the rest of her shopping list that she memorised before leaving for her mission that week.

Sakura stood in front of the vegetable section and started picking out some ingredients that were going in for tonight's dinner. The sound of a shopping cart rolling near her, caught Sakura's ears but not her attention. Until it stopped right beside her.

"Sakura, you're back."

Turning her head, there was a women in her early twenties, with waist long navy blue hair that was straight-cut and clear white-lavender eyes, she wore a loose pink top with a long green dress under, despite its modesty some of her more 'ample' curves were still outlined. Hinata Hyuga-or rather Hinata Uzumaki now. She was pushing a shopping cart, with eggs, meat, cheese, instant ramen cups-and a baby boy. The baby had short blonde hair, deep blue eyes, and two marks on his cheeks that looked like whiskers.

"Oh Hinata, hello." Sakura then noted the stack of ramen cups in the cart and chuckled. "Naruto finish his supply of weekly ramen?"

Hinata nodded, giggling softly. "How was your mission?"

"It went over smoothly," Sakura replied, crouching down to the cart to look at Boruto. Lightly poking the child's chubby cheek. "He's looking more and more like Naruto every time I see him."

"He does," Hinata replied, smiling with a bit of pride.

"If he turns out to be like he's dad, you're going to have your hands full." Sakura stated, rubbing the boy's head. "Of course that's not necessarily a bad thing."

"Mmm."

When Sakura stood up straight; she arch her upper body and hit a part in her back, groaning softly.

"You've been working really hard huh Sakura?"

"So everyone keeps telling me," Sakura chuckled.

"You should really take a break."

Sakura waved her hand, "Again. So everyone keeps telling me."

"Naruto says that he hasn't seen you in weeks, he wanted to talk to you about something."

Sakura laughed, shaking her head. "Tell Naruto he can wait one more."

At first, Hinata was confused as to what Sakura was referring to and then she gasped when it finally came to her.

"Oh that's right; it's-

"Exactly." Sakura nodded, grabbing some more items from the isle. "I'm going to be really busy till then."

"I understand."

When Sakura was only twenty, she moved out of her parent's home and got one of her own. She bought a house on a hill, closer to the edge of the village, near the forest. The term neighbours could only really be used loosely around there. After being rebuilt, the village started to grow again after a rapid decline in population and Sakura didn't take well to all of the crowds. Her situation always seemed to be like this; even in the other world when she was with Sinbad. The house also reminded Sakura of something similar she and Sinbad had talked about wanting in another life. A life where she wasn't a ninja and he wasn't a king. A dream that they knew wouldn't be their reality.

Sakura kicked off her shoes and put on her slippers before setting food on the wooden floors. She walked a short distance down a passage way, turning a corner to reach the kitchen. She placed bags of groceries on top of the counter, before going around the way she came to get to her bedroom. Her bed was placed against the wall where her door was, near the centre of the room, with a nightstand on one side where Sakura usually slept. There was a dresser on the opposite side of the bed and her closet next to it. A bookshelf placed on the right side of the room, next to the window.

Sakura went over to the dresser and started removing her metal vessels.

"Thanks everyone."

"You're welcome, my king." All five djinns replied.

Sakura opened one of the bottom draws of her dresser, where she kept her brushes, makeup bag and other items. Pulling the draw out almost all the way, Sakura reached in far to the back of it, until her fingers hooked under something at the back and Sakura pulled it up, lifting the base of the draw. She put her metal vessels in the hidden compartment of the draw; something she had built in herself and then placed it back over.

Glancing up in the mirror, Sakura ran her fingers along her neck with the chain, leading to the two rings that hung from it.

The pan was sizzling from the combination of oil that met with the meat and vegetables lined up neatly on a stick. Sakura wiped her hands on the apron she wore. Crouching down at the counter, opening a draw to take out the plates. She then stretched to reach the top shelves, to get the cups.

After taking a quick shower to wash away the results of her recent mission and changing into a comfortable plain blue dress and apron. She then went to cooking dinner and she didn't leave until after she had the food on the pan.

Sakura set the plates and cups down at the table; five seats. She then went to take a bottle of soy sauce with an empty cup in the middle of the table, a location attainable from every seat at the table.

Wiping her forehead, Sakura looked at the clock hanging on far corner of the wall that was reading nearly at seven.

'Should be here soon.' Sakura thought as she untied her apron.

There was a knocking at the door; Sakura ran over to answer, sliding the door open. Sakura's parents stood at the entrance. Sakura's mother, Mebuki Haruno had shoulder length blonde hair and emerald green eyes, similar to Sakura's, wearing a white qipao dress. The man next to her, was Kizashi Haruno, he had dulled pink hair-almost grey; he had side burns as well and bright blue eyes. He wore a loose fitting kimono shirt with burgundy coloured pants.

"Hello Sakura," Kizashi greeted his daughter. "Finally back from that mission."

"Yeah." Sakura smiled when she saw her parent's faces.

Mebuki returned the smile, "I take it you were successful."

"It was-ooomph!"

Sakura stumbled back when a force came knocking into her torso and legs, her waist gripped tightly but Sakura wasn't alarmed. All she did was look down, her grin widening. There were two small figures hugging her waist.

A boy with fair skin, short violet hair, sticking out in strands and bright emerald green eyes. He wore a plan red tank top and black pants. The other culprit for capturing the pinkette in a grip was a young girl, also with short, shoulder length purple hair and deep golden coloured eyes. It was easy to see from their faces that the two were related, siblings or more specifically, twins. Both looked up at Sakura with bright smiles.

They spoke simultaneously "Welcome home mom!"

Sakura chuckled softly, placing a hand on both of their heads. "Hello my baby angels."

THAT'S ALL FOR NOW.

The reason it's so short is because this is just the prologue and the next chapter will be following shortly so you better book mark because I'm on a short break from university and I'll be updating on the 30th March!

DON'T FORGET TO REVIEW.