Chapter Two: A New Life, A New Era

Present Day: New York

"I thought we already talked about this!" Sakura groaned into her hands as she leaned forward onto the coffee table. "You should know this by now. Children who can't even read know this."

"I am sorry but I am failing to understand why you are distressed about my actions?"

Sakura looked up from her palms to look at her dark haired mentee.

"Are you kidding me?" She asked, sounding exasperated. "You stole a woman's purse!"

"But I gave it to a homeless man and the female looked like she had plenty to spare." The young man replied without a change in his tone. "I do not understand how I am at fault. Am I mistaken in my understanding that it is good to take pity on the poor? Is that against the rules of morality?" The man asked, his tone taking up a hint of concern as he quickly withdrew a notepad and began skimming through its pages.

All frustration and and anger she felt earlier dissipated as she watched him. He really was trying, she had to give him credit for his efforts. And the genuine distress that was conveyed during these moments told her that there was still hope. Before he could flip another page, Sakura leaned over the table and pushed the notepad down from his face. As she disrupted his searching, he looked up at her quizzically, his black eyes staring back at her with curiosity.

"Look Sai," she began. "What you did...it was done with good intention...but you executed it wrongly."

He cocked his head to the side. "How do you mean?"

"Helping those less fortunate is good. But stealing from others to do that is still wrong, even if you meant well. Yes the woman has more than enough to spare, but it is still her money to choose what she is to do with it. You cannot dictate what she does with it without her permission."

"But the book you gave me said it was okay."

Sakura looked at him in confusion. "What book?" She asked, certain that no book she had ever given him had told him it was okay to steal.

At her question, Sai turned to the shoulder bag in the empty chair next to him and began to dig through its contents. He pulled out a sketch book and several pencils before finally pulling out an old, leather bound book and set it down on the table. Sakura recognized it instantly. Printed on the cover was the title Fairy Tales for Children. Below the title was a picture of young girl wearing a red cape and speaking to a wolf as she stood on a dirt path surrounded by trees. Before she could say anything, Sai began thumbing through the pages until he reached a certain story, then turned it around on the table so that Sakura could look at it up right. The moment she saw the title of the story and the picture of a man dressed in tights and a green tunic as he leaned on his bow, she let out a groan.

Of course the one moral he learned from the children's book would be steal from the rich and give to the poor, her inner self moaned and Sakura could not agree more.

"Perhaps I was mistaken, but I was led to understand that the outlaw in this story was the hero." Sai asked in genuine curiosity. "Or was the sheriff supposed to be the good guy? I did not find the man to be noble, but policemen are noted to be heroic occupations if performed correctly. And he was following the laws of the land…"

Sakura pinched the bridge of her nose as she listened to Sai ponder aloud. Here she thought today was going to be an easy day.

"Sai," Sakura interjected with a heavy sigh. "Robin Hood is the good guy in this story."

"But he was stealing from the rich and giving to the poor." Sai countered. "Was I not doing the same thing? How can two people do the same action but one of them be in the right while the other is wrong?"

He had a point, Sakura thought to herself.

"Yes he did," she admitted. "But the people who he was stealing from were bad and he knew that. The woman you stole from is not bad."

"How do you know that?"

Sakura grimaced. "Okay I don't know that for sure, but neither did you. She could have been bad, she could have been the most deplorable person on the earth right now. But she could have also been good. Maybe she has a charity and gives to thousands of homeless people every day." He looked at her blankly, making her feel even more like a failure. "Look, the point is, we don't know her situation, but we know yours. It is not for us to punish others for their bad behavior. What matters is that you are doing good and doing it in the right way. One wrong and one right leaves you the same."

"But Robin…"

"It's just a story Sai," Sakura interrupted, growing weary with the debated dilemma.

"But is it not believed that the story is based on a real person?" Sai asked.

Sakura let out a weary sigh as she looked down at her now cold coffee. "Look why don't we take a break today," she said tiredly as she looked up at him.

There was a small frown on his face. "You are angry," he noted as a small look of dejection filled his eyes. "I am sorry to disappoint you."

Her heart strings pulled at his words and she quickly covered his hand as he reached out to collect his things.

"Hey," she said softly causing him to look at her. "I am not angry. In fact I am proud of you. You have come a long way and what you did today was good. Just, next time, maybe offer you're own money or buy the man a meal instead...okay?"

Sai looked at her for a long moment, his dark eyes searching her face for any deception. When he seemed satisfied that she had been speaking honestly, he gave her a smile and nodded. Sakura could not help but smile as well as she watched his eyes close and his lips move awkwardly into a curve to form the actions.

"Come on," she said, trying to keep in her laugh. "Let's go to the park, we can sit on the swings while you draw."

Sakura let out a happy hum as she tilted her head up to the sky and absorbed the warmth of the descending sun. She loved this time of the year. The trees were just beginning to blossom and the air was warm enough to not require layers. With a deep inhale, she breathed in the floral scent being carried through the air as the breeze rustled the honey locust that bloomed nearby. Her vivid green eyes opened up to the sky to watch the clouds then slowly fell down to the young man sitting on the swing beside her. She pushed herself gently with the tips of her toes as she watched Sai pull out a sketch pad and begin to draw. As she quietly watched him draw the small boy and his father on the grassy field in front of the swings, she began to ponder what to do with him.

He truly had grown and progressed. No longer was he getting better at interpreting emotions, but he was also beginning to express them himself. While not always accurate, he was still better than before when he seemed to be an empty shell. He had been incapable of understanding even the concept of the simplest emotions. And his actions, or at least the intention behind his actions, were more or less good. Though there was still much more for him to learn and her work was far from over.

"Hey Sakura!" came a loud shout from across the park.

Both Sakura and Sai turned around at the call of her name. There was no missing the newcomer as he ran towards them, dressed in an orange sweatshirt, he was a bright beacon to all around him. And like a beacon, he drew the attention of several around him as he ran with his hands wildly waving around. Sakura sighed, the definition of subtlety and blending in was never Naruto's forte.

"Hey Naruto," she greeted as he strode up to them with a broad grin on his face.

"Hello dickless," Sai chimed with a closed eyed smile and stiff wave.

At the nickname Naruto glowered at the pale faced boy and Sakura let out a groan. And here she was just thinking about the progress he had made.

"Sai we just talked about name calling the other day," she groaned.

"But it's…"

"Oh never mind," she cut in with impatience before looking back to Naruto. "What are you doing here?"

"Tsunade sent me to come get you," he reported. "It's getting late."

Sakura looked at the sky. The sun had begun its decent, leaving purple and pink streaks across the clouds that littered the sky. It was late in the day, but there was still plenty of time before sunset. She frowned but nodded and stood anyways. That was another reason why she liked this time of the year, with each passing day, the sun's light lingered longer and gave her more time to enjoy things.

She turned to Sai, "I will see you tomorrow, be safe and make good choices," she said with a quick wave.

He gave her his usual imitation of a smile and waved back. "See you ugly."

Sakura's shoulder sagged in defeat and turned to Naruto who was looking at Sai with an unsettled look.

"You know," Naruto said lowly when they had made it a far enough distance, "as much as I dislike him spreading inaccuracies about my pe…"

"Don't you dare finish that sentence," Sakura warned.

"Errr um…my...you know," Naruto panically altered while watching Sakura's clenched hand closely, "anyways, what you really need to work on, is making him look less creepy when he smiles." He paused for a moment looking thoughtful. "And while you're at it, maybe work on his wardrobe. Guy looks like a pedofile wearing that belly shirt around the park. If he smiles at the wrong person you're going to be bailing him out of jail with a sexual predator registration stamped across his forehead."

Sakura shot him a dark glare. Taking a few quick steps she rounded on him, hands on her hips and eyes narrowed. "I will have you know that Sai has made a lot of progress. You should be impressed that he can even manage the attempt to show an emotion!" She defended.

Naruto raised both his hands in surrender. "Okay, okay, I know, geez," he quickly said not wanting to goad Sakura's unpredictable temper any further. "I was just kidding," he said before muttering under his breath, "sort of."

"What was that?" She said as she balled her fists again.

At the sound of her knuckles cracking, Naruto panicked and his mind went to self preservation mode. Distract and distance.

"Race you home!" He quickly blurted before he took off in a quick run.

Taking his hoodie off with a smooth motion and tying it around his waist without slowing down, he quickly lept high into the air as a blinding light flashed around him. Sakura looked away, shielding her eyes before looking back to her friend when the light dimmed. Sakura watched him as he soared upward, his white wings catching the descending sunlight and alighting them with an orange hue. Like wings of flame, they beat widely as he gained altitude. Then as he tipped forward when his wings folded in close to his body, he dove back down towards her.

"Come on slowpoke!" He cheered as he swooped past her. "You're making this too easy!" He shouted behind him as he soured back up towards the clouds.

The gust from his wings ruffled her pink hair and blew away all anger and annoyance she had harbored earlier for her blonde friend. A wide grin spread across her pink lips as she crouched down in preparation. With a sudden burst of energy she sprung up with the agility of a bounding deer. In a flurry of smokey light and feathers, Sakura began to gain altitude. Large feathered wings protruding from her back between the spaces of her tank top. Unlike her companion her wings did not reflect the sunlight, instead, the contrasted darkly against the still light sky as the black feathers beat through the air in pursuit.

The sun was just beginning to fully set by the time they approached the veiled split in the sky that would take them to their home in the sky above. To the human eye it would look like nothing more than a rift in a cloud, a fissure in the earth's ceiling. But to them it was the doorway to home. Together they flew through it, the cooler air of the altitude suddenly warming as they passed through and in the blink of an eye, they were landing in a whole new world.

Sakura had always thought Earth was beautiful. She had seen so many cities and gone to a vast amount of villages in the countrysides spread through the mortal realm. The extensive variety of scenery in which the various terrains and climates created was her favorite. Each point of earth had its own unique beauty. But despite this, they were all incomparable to the ethereal beauty that her home in the sky possessed. The green vegetation was more vibrant, the water was always sweeter, and the scents more enticing.

Water dumped over a high cliff that rose not too far from them. Its thundering crash drummed along with the soothing songs of birds as the waterfall fell down to pool into a small lake at the base of the cliff. The lake fed into a meandering river that traveled through a large meadow of wildflowers that bloomed all year. In the middle, sat a large tree with thousands of buds that had yet to bloom. It was called the God Tree and it was by far the most beautiful sight to behold when it was in full bloom. She had witnessed the phenomenon only twice in her life and it had brought tears to her eyes each time.

"Hey," Naruto called from up a path with a river stone wall that ran parallel to it. "Common let's go, Tsunade will want to talk to you and I don't want to get in trouble because I did not deliver you on time."

Breaking her eyes away from the serene picture in front of her, Sakura began to follow him on the long path way that led up to a city. Built with such great craftsmanship and design, the city itself created a sight one could gaze upon for thousands of years and not get weary of its architecture. Quickening her pace, she ran to catch up with her friend who wrapped a warm arm around her shoulders as they walked together.

Sakura knocked on the large cherry wood double door, its red grained wood lacquered and polished to give off a small reflection. When she heard the unmistakable bellow of her mentor to enter, she pushed one of the doors open and stepped in. The circular room was lined with a dozen marbled stone pillars, with gold filigree that wound up them like vines, they rose up to support the ceiling that stood high above them. The ceiling itself was made up of panned glass. Each piece a different shade and color, creating a rainbow of light to be cast down into the room. On the walls, between the spaces of each pillar, hung a ceiling to floor oil painting. Each one depicting events pulled from the history of seraphim.

The first was of a beautiful woman bestowing a pair of wings to a small group of men and women. Each of them kneeling proudly before her. The next few conveyed similar beauty and peace, the years of tranquility. But as the viewer took in the rest that followed, darkness and war began to become a more common theme within the paintings. The last depicted a man with a long mane of dark hair and blood red eyes. Even as a painting, his eyes were hypnotic and seemed to pierce into her very soul as he watched from the smoke filled and desolate landscape that surround him on the canvas. At his feet lay several blessed, their white wings broken and bent and their feathers stained with blood. Behind him was a large creature of the underworld that took on the appearance of a fox.

A shiver ran down Sakura's spine as she looked at it. She had never met Madara Uchiha, he was from a time long before her existence, but she knew the stories. He had been the leader of the fallen during a significant span of events within the seraphim world. He had made peace with the first Senju leader but that peace was long broken when he betrayed his friend. Some say he had gone mad, that he had been poisoned with a tainted love. Sakura believed this to be true, for it was unfathomable that someone could do the things that he had done. He had gone on a tirade and made it his quest to run the Senju to extinction. Something he had very nearly achieved with the exception of one. Even the fallen thought he was no longer stable enough to led and so another member of the Uchiha took up the underworld's throne. Things had been relatively quiet in the few hundred years that had proceeded afterwards. It was not peace, but it was at least a period of balance and order. Souls were claimed and casualties were far and few. But that all changed when an official proposal of peace was extended. After the fateful night in which the peace council was held, everything changed. The blessed had been betrayed again and a vast number of them had died that night, including her parents.

At least, that is what she had been told. She did not see them die. Or more specifically, she could not remember. She could not recall anything from that night or really anything of her life before. She had vague pictures and recollections. Faceless silhouettes that remained silent and still. Scents that brought a feeling of nostalgia but with no memory to connect it to. She had no real memories. She could not remember being raised by her parents or anything from her childhood. It was a strange phenomenon. It was almost as if she had suddenly come into existence the day after the disastrous peace council. And it was all due to an injury she had received that night.

She had been found by Tsunade who had healed her and taken her in. Her, Naruto, and Kakashi were her family now. Naruto was the brother she loved unconditionally. He was loud and obnoxious, but he always knew how to make her feel shared each other's secrets and defended the other when anyone tried to speak lowly to them.

Kakashi was a little more difficult to label. He was a very construed version of a father figure. He had been the one to teach her how to fly again. It had been difficult and humiliating. A seraph learned to fly when they learned to walk. For any seraph her age, as young as she had been at the time, flying should have been as easy as breathing. But for her, it was awkward and strenuous. It was as if her muscles had no memory of the actions, as if she had never flown in her life before the injury. But Kakashi had been patient and she had eventually perfected the art. He was also the only one she had ever felt truly comfortable with when she had her wings out. And it was only because he himself shared in a discoloration in his feathers, though his was slight in comparison to hers.

Tsunade was her mentor but even more, she was like a mother. She took her in and taught her how to use her strength and how to handle her chakra. She was strict and hard in her training, but after every bruising and beaten lesson, she would take her home and run a soothing bath for Sakura to relax in. Following her bath, Tsunade would sit her down on a chair and brush her hair with soft strokes as she told wonderous stories that Sakura should have known but could not remember. It was what she imagined her real mother would have done and made the emptiness of not knowing her real mother feel a little less empty.

With thoughts of Tsunade in her mind, Sakura naturally turned her head to the center of the room. Located in the middle of the room was a raised dais with a beautifully carved chair positioned in the middle. Made of rich mahogany, the shortened back of the chair allowed one to sit easily with their wings out. Seated in the chair slouched Tsunade, making the seat look more like a recliner than an extravagant throne. Standing in front of her was Shizune as she relayed a days worth of messages and reports to Tsunade as the blonde gave more attention to a porcelain bottle than the woman speaking to her.

Upon Sakura's entry, Tsunade looked up from the bottle of saké. Giving a dismissive gesture with one hand to Shizune, she beckoned Sakura with the other. Shizune gave a small bow then turned to leave. She gave a small, sympathetic smile as she passed by that told Sakura what kind of mood their lady was in. Though she was not surprised when she had spotted the saké. Sakura rarely saw her mentor in any other mood when the drink was in her hand, except for maybe, the one time she ventured with her mentor to the earth city of Las Vegas. She shuddered at the nightmare of an experience. Sakura had nearly killed herself trying to keep her teacher from exposing her angelic powers to the entire room of gamblers in the casino they had been in.

"My lady," Sakura said with a small bow of her back.

"Enough of that," Tsunade snapped. "I have had enough of bending and bowing for the day."

Sakura quickly straightened which seemed to bring about an amused smile to the Senju's lips. The pink haired girl nervously chewed her lip, unsure if she should speak or wait for the woman who had summoned her to speak first. When Tsunade's attention seemed to drift back to the shortly forgotten bottle of sake in her hand, Sakura deemed it best to prompt her mentor so that she might escape before Tsunade drank herself farther from sobriety.

"Naruto said you wanted to speak with me?" Sakura proded.

Tsunade paused, her container of saké half way to her mouth as she looked at Sakura. At first it seemed as if Tsunde had no recollection of doing such a thing. And then, something changed in her face as she seemed to remember as to why Sakura was there.

"Ah, yes." She said, taking a swig of alcohol. Her face barely cringed from the burn of the alcohol having grown used to it over the countless centuries she had clung to her drinking habit. "How are things going with Sai? I heard about the incident that happened today."

"He is improving, today was just a misunderstanding," Sakura clarified although her voice held a slight tone of disappointment.

Tsunade raised a brow. "I would think such news would be given with a bit more enthusiasm," she commented in a teasing tone. When Sakura only gave a wane smile, Tsunade sat up at attention, a look of concern on her face. "Is there something wrong? Is someone else influencing him?"

Sakura shook her head. "No nothing like that." She quickly assured. "I just...I had hoped he would have progressed more. It's been two years and he still struggles with the basics."

Tsunade relaxed back into her chair as a look of relief appeared on her face and she nodded. "Do not get too discouraged. Despite what you might think, you have made good progress with that one. That traitor Danzo played quite the number on those orphans. It is why I assigned you to one of them. They require the best if they are to be saved. Sai's progress may be slow when compared to the others you have been guardian to, but he is a special case. When comparing him to the others that were in Danzo's clutches, I fear he will be one of the few that will be able to recover from the damage."

Sakura nodded meekly as she looked down at her feet. It was true, Sai certainly was the most lost of souls she had ever been assigned to. It was just over two years ago that he was put into her care to guide him back.

Danzo Shimura had been one of the high council members for longer than Sakura could remember. He was highly influential. Some even said he had been considered for the position of leading the blessed. It had been back when Minato died during the Uchiha betrayal of the peace talks in the greek era. He had always been bitter about Tsunade being selected over him. She had been a disgrace of their kind, falling in love with a mortal and spending numerous years drinking and gambling amongst mortals. Some even still questioned her ways. And because of this, Danzo had quite a supportive group until two years ago when it was discovered that he was corrupting mortals and using them to gain his own power. He had been executed for his actions immediately but his devious ways had left a mark on their angelic work. Sai had been one of these marks. He was just one of many mortal children who had been corrupted nearly to the point of no return. Tsunade had assigned the best of her guardian angels to them but few were showing any progress of improving.

"If that is all there is to report," Tsunade said, interrupting Sakura's thoughts. "Then you may go."

Sakura nodded and moved to bow but then thought better of it and instead simply turned to walk away. She had not even fully turned her back to her mentor before she came to a pause. She looked back to see Tsunade smiling gleefully at her bottle of saké before noticing Sakura was still there.

"Was there something else that you wished to discuss with me?"

Sakura turned to fully face Tsunade. She folded her hands behind her back as she looked down at the ground.

"I was just wondering...if maybe...would you maybe…"

"Spit it out brat I haven't got all day," Tsunade growled.

Sakura flinched at the bite in her words but it was enough to spur her forward. "I wanted to know if you have given any more consideration in my request to progress and be an archangel." She quickly blurted out as she bent forward in a respectful bow.

There was a long pause and all Sakura could hear was the pounding of her own heart. She slowly peeked up through her bangs to see Tsunade looking at her with a pinched expression.

"I have," she replied stonely and Sakura's heart skipped a beat. "And my answer is no. You are not ready yet."

Sakura frowned. "But you yourself said I was getting stronger!" She argued. "Kakashi himself said that my skills in chakra control would be useful. He said…"

"Well Kakashi doesn't decide if you are ready now does he?" Tsunade snapped back. "And besides, you cannot just abandon your guardianship of Sai, he needs you."

"But I can still help Sai and hunt…"

There was a shatter that echoed throughout the room as Tsunade's hand clutched the saké jar too tightly.

"I said no!" She bellowed, her thunderous voice cutting off any retort that Sakura might have had as the glass windows above them rattled.

As Tsunade's resounding rejection died in the air, the only sound left was the drops of saké hitting against the stone floor as they dripped from Tsunade's drenched hand. Sakura stared hard at the small pool forming amongst the shattered pieces of the broken bottle. Her eyes burned from the threat of angry tears but she refused to let them fall. Without another word she turned on her heal and stomped away from the throne. She heard Tsunade let out a tired sigh of regret but it was not enough to stop the pink haired seraph from slamming the throne room door as hard as she could.

She heard the wood groan from the force, threatening to break but she ignored it. It would not be the first time it happened and it certainly seemed it would not be the last. Leaning against the closed door she let out a heavy, dejected sigh. She had known the answer before she had already asked the question. It was the same as every other time, yet this rejection tasted just as bitter as the first.

She let out another sigh as she let her eyes close. When she had calmed herself enough, she opened them back up to see the first of stars beginning to appear in the sky. Naruto and Kakashi would be leaving soon and as much as it hurt for her to watch them depart without her, she knew she could not disappoint them. She had seen them off every night since Naruto got his promotion and as much as she was disappointed in herself, she would not disappoint them.

A small frown pulled at her lips as she walked down the path to the portal. There were many things in her long life that she did not understand. Normally she did not question them, but on the rare occasion that she did, it was half answers or a quick change of subject that she would receive as an answer. For the most part she was patient and accepted what was given to her. But she was beginning to grow weary of it. She was getting weary of many things. One of them being just how delicately everyone treated her. She loved being a guardian but she wanted more. She wanted to be more helpful. She wanted to prove to herself and everyone else that she was strong. Things were getting worse on earth, at least that is what she had heard Naruto and Kakashi whispering to each other about. If that was the case she wanted to be ready.

Naruto was already standing at the gate as he waited for Kakashi before descending back down to Earth. Sakura slowly meandered towards him, with her eyes cast down to the ground. So she missed the scrutiny of her friend and had not thought to hide her distress before he would notice.

"What's wrong?" Naruto asked causing her to look up at him.

"Huh? Oh, nothing," Sakura sighed. "I am just tired. That is all."

She came up next to him and plopped down on the ground with her legs crossed. Naruto followed suit as he slid down the wall until he sat with his knees bent and arms resting across them.

"You asked her about going with us didn't you?" He said after a short pause. "My guess is that it did not go as you hoped?"

Sakura let out a sigh and let her head fall back so she could look at the sky.

"I do not understand," Sakura breathed out in frustration. "She keeps setting standards that I have to meet in order to qualify and then when I meet that standard, she comes up with a new one. You did not even have to go through half of what I have done."

Naruto gave her a sheepish smile that was half guilt and half sympathy. "What standard did she tell you this time?"

Sakura let out a scoff and clucked her tongue. "She didn't even bother giving me one this time. She just said no and gave the excuse that I was not ready." She let out a grunt and bowed her head. "Am I really not as strong as I think I am? Does she really think I am so weak I cannot handle myself? I just...feel so useless." Her last words were quiet, barely whispered and filled with so much vulnerability that it caused Naruto to frown. He did not like it when Sakura doubted herself.

"Hey, don't think like that." Naruto dissuaded as he put an arm around her shoulders. "You are strong Sakura. Hell, we both know you are stronger than me in an arm wrestle!" He let out a small chuckle but when she did not respond in same he sobered slightly. "Look. It took Tsunade nearly a millennium to finally let you start as a guardian, and look at you now. You are one of the best guardian angels that we have! Hell, you are the best. Although Guy and Lee may have you beat for enthusiasm."

That earned a small chuckle from her and Naruto quickly went on. "Listen Sakura. I know you want this, but I am sure Tsunade has her...reasons...for doing what she does. Perhaps it's for the best. I know you would do great with Kakashi and me but being an archangel is a lot different than guardian. It changes you and it's dangerous."

"I know that," Sakura growled as she whipped her head to the side to look at him. Her hands clenched into fists and Naruto eyed them warily. He had seen what those tiny hands could do. "Why else would I have spent all those years in training with Tsunade?! It sure as hell wasn't for the bruises!" She quickly stood from the ground and looked down at him. "You know, I used to think that you wanted me to team with you and Kakashi but it seems like you're just as determined as she is to keep me cooped up here as much as possible!"

She began to walk away and she heard Naruto scrambled to his feet.

"Sakura," he called, reaching out to stop her.

As his hand caught her shoulder firmly, she stopped. They both knew she could easily break from his grip but he was relieved when she stayed still. He took in a deep breath, unsure of what to say. He did want her to join them and he knew she would be a good asset to their team. Kakashi believe in her, but Kakashi had always been more lenient with her. It was because of his convincing that Tsunade even assigned her a trial based guardianship. It had been supervised extensively, as was her second and third mortal. It was not until her sixth assignment that Tsunade allowed her to be assigned a solo mission. And even then she often sent either himself or Kakashi to escort her to the ground or home when she left particularly early or stayed late. It was not because they thought her weak. They just feared what could happen should a demon see her, one demon in particular.

Run ins with Sasuke had been far and few over the past centuries. But each time he had changed. He had become stronger, faster...darker. The deeds he had done where sometimes unfathomable ever since that night. He did not know if Sasuke would even remember Sakura, but something within Naruto told him that there was no forgetting a soul like hers. Perhaps he would have trusted the old Sasuke, but this new version of his friend was unpredictable. One of the more recent times they had run into each other, Sasuke had nearly torn one of his wings off. An injury that would have been unmendable even with Tsunade's healing abilities.

Naruto had thought he had lost Sasuke completely back then. But then Sasuke had been the one to give the killing blow to Orochimaru back during the mortals second world war. The snake had once been counted among the blessed but he fell when he became hungry for power. Sasuke had been his apprentice for quite some time but then something changed. Naruto was not sure exactly what had cause Sasuke to turn on his master, but he hoped it meant the was some glimmer hope for his friend.

Since then Sasuke had been quiet. They had heard rumors of sightings but Naruto and Kakashi had not seen him in more than half a century. He hated the fact that he had kept such an important thing from his friend but there was no telling what Sasuke would do if he saw Sakura. If he knew what they had done, what they had kept hidden from him and nearly the rest of the seraphim world, both fallen and blessed. The knowledge could destroy them all. He shivered at the thought and suddenly became aware that Sakura was watching him very closely. Too closely for one as perceptive as she. He gave her one of his trademark grins.

"Some day you will join us," he said optimistically as he stuck his thumb in the air. "Believe it!"

Unable to resist his warmth, Sakura returned his smile and wrapped her arms around her friend in a tight hug.

"Thanks Naruto," she whispered in his ear.

The rustle of feathers and a light thud on the grass caused them to pull apart and look at the new comer.

"Yo," greeted Kakashi with a single crinkle of his right eye, the only indication that he was smiling from the small amount of his visible face.

"You're late!" Naruto screamed as he took a stance and shoved an accusing finger in his face.

"Sorry about that, I got lost on…"

"The road of life, yeah, yeah." Naruto finished for him as he waved him off. "Come on let's go."

"Just a moment," the silver haired angel said as he placed a hand on the blonde's shoulder.

Kakashi produced a bundle of cloth from seemingly out of nowhere and threw it towards Sakura. Taken off guard Sakura caught it as the soft bundle hit her in the face and she lowered her arms to glare at Kakashi who was smiling at her expectantly. It was then that Sakura looked down to see what exactly had been thrown at her. It was a pair of black jeans and a silky black shirt that had shimmering sequences on the front. They danced in the moonlight, twinkling like stars as she unfolded to admire the article of clothing. It was the perfect cut and style that she preferred but it was an odd gift coming from Kakashi. Confused she looked up at the silver haired man to find him holding out a pair of booties and a leather jacket.

"It still gets cold down there at night during this time of year so you will want this," he gave with no other explanation.

Sakura continued to stare, then she looked at Naruto who was looking just as perplexed as she felt. And then it dawned on her. With eyes alight with excitement she whirled her head back to Kakashi.

"You mean…" she began, unable to voice it fully as she tried to contain her excitement for fear that she was misunderstanding. It was too good to be true.

"Yep," Kakashi said with a cheerful tone. "That is only if you want to start tonight, I heard it was a bit of a tiresome day with Sai. I am sure you would like to just go get some rest, maybe start fresh…"

He was cut off when Sakura snatched the boots and jacket from him and dashed off to change behind a tree. She stepped out a few minutes later adjusting the leather coat. She was happy to find that it fit perfectly and had two slits in the back for her wings to fit through without having to take it off every time she flew or risk ripping it should she summon them before. It was a problem among a lot of the seraphim which was why most chose styles to cater to this problem such as backless dresses or tank tops. Naruto was always complaining about ripping his favorite sweater yet his closest was packed full of twenty identical outfits for this same reason. Why he did not get them altered like Kakashi or most other seraphim was beyond her. She had asked him once and he complained about it being too drafty.

As she neared them, Sakura spread her arms out and turned in a circle to show off her new ensamble before standing at attention with eager eyes. Kakashi gave her an inspection which seemed to leave him content as he nodded in approval.

"Ready," Sakura announced as she clasped her hands behind her back in an attempt to contain the unsermontable urge to jump up and down.

"Excellent." Kakashi said with a clap of his hands. "Now, to go over some terms and conditions."

Earlier…

The sharp slam of the door reverberated around the room. It was followed with a tired sigh as Tsunade leaned back. Her wings ruffled slightly as she adjusted in her chair then let her head fall back to stare up at the glass ceiling. She needed a drink but the wetness on her hand reminded her that her drink was currently a puddle on the floor. Her tired sigh turned into a groan of frustration. She hated keeping Sakura on such a tight leash but there was nothing else to do. Since that first day she was brought back, since she was made, Tsunade had loved Sakura like her own daughter. She was strict and harsh but it was all for her protection. There were only three of them that knew the full truth, not even Sakura knew, and she never would if Tsunade could help it.

She heard the faint sound of a rustle. It was a light flutter but not one made by wings. It was more like paper being shifted, like the turning of a page in a book. By the softness of the sound it was most likely a very worn page. As if it had been read a numerous amount of times causing the page to become thin and weak. They had many old books and texts contained in their libraries that were like this. Each of them held centuries of history and information but she knew better than to think that the sound was caused by one of those books. No, this sound came from a more modern book. One with lewd themes and pictures to compliment. And there was only one person in all the heavens that would possess such a book.

"I do not recall summoning you into this room," silence was her reply so she added, "and eavesdropping on private conversations is not considered morally correct."

She turned her head to the side in time to see Kakashi come out from behind one of the large pillars. As he came into view she watched him snap the book in his left hand shut before tucking it away in the pocket of his vest. Tsunade narrowed her eyes as she took in the all too familiar cover of the book.

"Nor would I consider that type of reading material very saintly Kakashi." She stated in a reprimanding tone.

Kakashi stuffed his hands in his pockets and slowly began to circle around the front of the dais.

"Ah, well, I am an angel, not a saint," he corrected as he came to a stop in front of her. He eyed the broken saké bottle and looked at her. "But good for you, kicking the old booze bottle and setting an example," he added sarcastically.

Tsunade sat up and leaned forward, her knuckles turning white as she gripped the wooden armrests of her chair.

"What do you want Hatake," she growled as her honey eyes narrowed with mirthless warning.

"There has been a lot of demon activity. Activity not sanctioned by the Uchiha's. They are lacking in order and too many are running rampant and free. The fallen's efforts may go against ours but it serves to strengthen the mortals. Those who overcome their trials are bettered. But these demons are not serving a purpose for mortals. They are merely collecting for themselves."

Tsunade let out a scoff. "Tell me something that I don't know. There has been disorder among the fallen for quite some time. I have contacted Fugaku and he said he was handling it. Which gives me no reassurance. His word lost all validity long ago and despite his efforts, it has been hardly redeemed. It's why we started sending teams down at night to try and get a handle on things." Tsunade explained. "It's why I send you and Naruto down there. So unless you two have been screwing around and not dealing with this matter I do not see why we are discussing this!"

She was shouting by the end but Kakashi remained unaffected.

"Let her come with us." He stated bluntly.

Her brow narrowed as she gritted her teeth. "I know you were there long enough to hear my earlier conversation so I will pretend I didn't just hear…"

"You can't keep her up here forever," Kakashi interrupted. "You know she can handle it, she is strong, and she could be…"

It was Tsunade's turn to interrupt him. "I made her a guardian didn't I? She already spends too much time down below. And with the demons running rampant there is no telling how many she could encounter just during daylight hours." She shook her head. "No, it's out of the question. She stays here during the night."

Kakashi's mask shifted as his mouth pulled into a frown and he pulled his hands from his pockets to fold them across his chest.

"She wants this, she is curious."

"You think I don't know this?" Tsunade asked, her voice strained and full of distress. "You think I enjoy denying her? That I like keeping her cooped up here as much as I do? I know she has an undying urge to be down there, it's instinctual. She belongs down there but she isn't safe. There is no telling what could happen, gods save us if someone like Orochimaru had discovered her. The Uchiha brat did us a favor by ridding us of that snake despite what kind of damage he did when in his services. That apprentice of his, Kabuto is still lurking out there? And if what Juraiya has said about that infernal Akatsuki group is even half true…if they were to set their eyes on...if she were…"

Tsunade wavered and broke off as she shook at the thoughts plaguing her mind. Kakashi let the silence that settled in the room linger for a short moment before speaking again.

"Whether you allow her or not, Sakura will find a way to venture. She did it before and she will do it again." Kakashi said softly. "And this will be after the daylight has been long gone. At least this way Naruto and I will be there."

Tsunade remained quiet and he did not wait before pushing her more.

"I care about her just as much as you do. I knew her before all of this, if but just a little, but even then she was gifted. She has only become stronger since then...and she has talents that could be useful." He pressed on. "Just let her try it. We can call it a trial run."

Tsunade let out a deep sigh as she steepled her fingers together against her lips. She stared down at her lap for a prolonged contemplation before looking back up at him. She closed her honey colored eyes for a long breath and opened them as she let it out.

"Very well," she abdicated with a great sigh. Kakashi smiled faintly and moved to leave but stopped when she looked at him sharply and lifted a finger, "but there will be certain rules. If she does not follow them then she does not go."

Kakashi nodded and turned to leave. As he reached for the door handle, her voice rang out once more.

"Oh, and Kakashi," she said in a dark tone. "Should anything happen to her, I will see to it that every copy of icha icha collection is thrown into hell's furnaces myself."

A sheen of sweat immediately formed on Kakashi's brow and he swallowed the thick lump that had formed in his throat. Without looking back at her, he nodded his head and ducked out of the room. As he wandered through the halls to take a detour before meeting at the portal, Kakashi pulled his precious book from the pocket of his vest and clutched it tightly to his chest. There would be no way he would ever let such a fate befall such a collection of precious literature. Sakura would be safe, he would give his own life and soul, as would Naruto, to preserve their precious blossom.

. . . . . . . . . .

Ok hope you enjoyed the first look into the present day next chapter will be back to ancient greek time. Thank you all to those who gave me their input and support it helps a lot!

DetyDuns thanks for the input and heads up for the errors. I do a lot of my writing on my phone so auto correct makes editing a pain and I miss a lot. As for your questions I will answer some. Yes Sasuke's family will be in it. As for Itachi, honestly I have no idea yet. For sure he will be in it but I am still figuring out his role in the present day timeline.

To those asking about how they fell in love all I have to say is all in due time.

Kellythekid thank you and I hope I will continue to keep up with the interpretation of the anime/manga to fit in with this stories plot. Its been a bit tricky trying to figure out which events would be when and how they fit in but I hope its still working.