Sakura awoke to her phone ringing. She grabbed it and looked to see who had been calling her. There were 15 missed calls from Kakashi. It was 12:30 pm. Sakura was supposed to meet her sensei at 9 am sharp. She jumped out of bed in a panic and threw her pj's onto the floor. She had just thrown on a pair of white Capri's and her red shinobi shirt when she heard pounding at her door. She caught a glimpse of herself in the mirror and noted dark circles under her eyes but there was no time for makeup or taking a shower.

Sakura answered her door and was surprised to see Ino standing there impatiently.

"About damn time brow, where have you been!? We were supposed to meet with the hokage three and a half hours ago. He was starting to worry and sent Naruto out to find you!" she yelled.

"Sorry I must have forgotten to set my alarm. I took work off and was just sleeping. If Naruto's looking for me why didn't he come here" Sakura asked.

"Well you never skip work, and no one thought you would be at home. It's unlike you" Ino exclaimed.

Ino looked at her best friend and became worried. Sakura looked awful, and for once Ino didn't want to point it out for in fear the girl in front of her might break.

"Well anyway. Grab your shoes and we'll go meet with the Hokage now" she said.

Sakura nodded and put on her black sandals. How could she be so out of it! Sakura was never late, and she never called off work. Maybe she did need to talk to somebody.

Ino and Sakura walked side by side in silence for most of the way. It wasn't until they passed Sai's apartment complex did Sakura speak up.

"So how's it going with Sai" she questioned. Ino's cheeks turned bright pink and she giggled like the girly girl she was.

"Wonderful! He took me on a pic nick Saturday and drew portraits of me. He also told me he loved me" she said with a glorious smile on her face.

Sakura felt happy for her friend, but also sad. Everyone had someone, while she was alone. How long would Sasuke make her suffer?

"You know you could move on Sakura" Ino said. "I know Sasuke said he would be back. But that was a long time ago. For all you know he could be with someone else…" she said looking at the ground.

Sakura's heart gave a little lurch. Sasuke would forever have a hold over her no matter what she did. She has thought about moving on, but was never able to actually do it. She cringed at the thought.

"Ino, I know everyone is worried about me, but Sasuke has nothing to do with this slump that I'm in" she explained.

Ino didn't want to say anything. At least not yet. Sakura wasn't going to be happy after their meeting with Kakashi.

Sakura and Ino entered the Hokages office and were met with mountains of paper work. Kakashi was at his desk looking very overwhelmed and exhausted. Sakura knew because she often looked the same way.

"Sakura, I was beginning to get worried. Please, both of you sit we have much to discuss" Kakashi said pushing out two chairs for them to sit.

Even though Kakashi was the Hokage now, Sakura still saw him as her sensei. Hell Tsunade was a sensei to her as well. In fact it was a little sad when Tsunade stepped down, but she was proud of her sensei regardless. When the time comes for Naruto to be Hokage Sakura won't be able to contain her happiness. After all she considered Naruto and Kakashi family. Well, there was also Sasuke…

"I apologize for my recent behavior sensei. I've been having problems at work recently" Sakura admitted turning pink.

"I'm well aware of that, and that is why I have called you here Sakura. After careful consideration, Tsunade and myself have been keeping tabs on you and we both agreed on that you need to step down from being the head medical chief at the Konoha hospital" he said flatly.

Sakura flew up from her chair in utter disgust.

"You can't do that! I have worked so hard to build my career. You can't take that away from me. I'll be damned if you do!" she screamed. She didn't know it but the guards outside the door looked absolutely terrified. After all the girl inside was known to level buildings and they were afraid for their lives.

"Sit back down, and let me finish" he said sternly. Sakura still flustered complied with her sensei's command.

"You may have matured, but you're still as brash as ever" he said sighing.

"Now, before you jump to conclusions, I have reasons for this. Tsunade and I have reason to believe you are suffering from PTSD due to the war. This is not uncommon in young shinobi. In fact, there are hundreds suffering with this mental condition. As you know, medicine is tedious and exhausting work. We think it would be best, for you to step down and work on something different, make a change if you will" he said.

"What sort of change sensei" Sakura asked.

"Due to the sudden rise in PTSD, I would like Ino and yourself to start up a mental hospital for children. You have the medical knowledge to prescribe medicine and treat these patients, and Ino has the psychiatric expertise to diagnose and understand the disorder. The two of you are close, and I think you will work well together. Ino can also help you as well Sakura" Kakashi explained.

Sakura sat back in her chair and realized that maybe this was a good idea after all. She knew she had problems, but others did as well.

"I think that is a wonderful idea sensei. However, after we complete this project, will I be able to go back to being head medical chief?" Sakura asked.

Kakashi closed his eyes as if considering his words very carefully.

"Sakura, you are 21 years old. I want you to experience life while you're young. This project is important, but it also isn't as stressful. You need to take a break and build yourself back up. If you prove to be healthier physically and mentally I may give you your position back" he said.

Sakura felt sick to her stomach. What had she done? She felt as though all her work had been flushed down the toilet. But this was a chance to make a difference. And maybe she did need to take a little off her plate.

"What do you say brow? I'm in if you are. God knows I need a break from that cursed flower shop" Ino said.

"Yeah I'm in" Sakura said.

Kakashi nodded in approval and clasped his hands together.

"Now for the next matter. Sasuke has been seen near smaller villages around Sand. There have been rumors that he has been killing travelers…" Kakashi said halfheartedly.

Sakura froze and suddenly felt sick. Sasuke was… no, he could never do that. He was on his road to redemption, not on a murder spree.

"There's no way! The attacker must be an imposter. I'll go out there myself and prove it" Sakura yelled. She'd be damned if Sasuke was going to get blamed for this.

Kakashi smiled and admired Sakura for her loyalty.

"Of course I know this isn't true. However, I've tried to connect with Sasuke numerous times and failed. So this brings me to the mission I'm sending you, and Ino on. The first part being I want you to inspect the Sand's mental hospital and learn everything you can about starting one here. Second, I want you to find out information on Sasuke's imposter. However, don't and I repeat do not pursue him. I know you two are strong, but I don't want to charge into a battle we know nothing about. Tsunade theorized that he may have Sasuke's DNA which means this opponent is powerful. Perhaps stronger than you Sakura. Do you understand" Kakashi asked.

"Yes sir" Ino and Sakura said in sync.

"Good. You leave tomorrow morning. And please keep this a secret. Naruto is stressed with Hokage training and the rest of the village doesn't know about the Sasuke imposter. We don't want anyone suspecting him of illicit activity.

"We understand" said Sakura and Ino.

"You two may be excused. I suggest packing and relaxing before your long journey .And Sakura, it will be hard, but ignore the temptation to search Sasuke out. It's too dangerous right now" her sensei told her.

Sakura nodded and she and Ino left his office.

"Are you ready for tomorrow brow" asked Ino.

"What do you think pig. I'm ready for anything. In fact, it's been a while since I've been on a mission. Might even be fun" She said.

"Fun for you maybe. I mean the mental hospital is cool, but instead of spending time with Sai I'm helping you clear your boyfriend's name. So unfair" Ino complained.

"First of all, Sasuke and I are not together, obviously. Secondly five years ago you were drooling after him pig" Sakura said pointing Ino in her chest.

"Whatever, I'm going home to pack, telling Sai goodbye and then I'll be over at your place by 8 pm. It's been awhile since we had a girls sleep over" she winked.

Before Sakura could protest Ino stalked off towards her house. Sakura wouldn't say it out loud, but she was glad Ino was coming over. For one night at least she wouldn't be sleeping alone.

Short chapter I know. I'm building up for future action. Please review and suggestions are welcomed!