Thanks to those that reviewed. Sorry for the screw up on the last update. Here is the next chapter.

It was mid-afternoon on her first day and Sakura was happy to be out of the Hokage Tower. Naruto sent her to get some lunch. He was non-specific so she decided on a healthier meal than Ramen. Sakura felt his presence before she saw him. She smiled. Kakashi was a master of concealing himself. After a few steps, Sakura heard a familiar greeting. Kakashi landed next to her on the street. No one reacted. It was normal for ninja to be dropping from tall buildings.

"How are you Kaka-sensei?" asked the redhead.

"Well," he answered tapping the purple book he was reading.

Sakura groaned.

"Another one came out," she said.

Kakashi nodded. Being an author was like being a ninja; the next generation surpassed the last one. The newest author of perverse books had surpassed Jiraiya. His series, commonly referred to as the Push and Pull series, was a best seller among perverts.

"This is the fifth book in the series," added Kakashi.

Sakura sighed. There were too many perverts in the world.

"I hear you have a new job."

Sakura nodded with a fake smile.

"I can see you are thrilled."

His amusement over the situation wasn't helping.

"I am qualified and Shikaku-san recommended me," she said matter-of-factly.

Kakashi nodded.

"He is a wise man. You are well qualified and capable of keeping Hokage-sama in line."

Sakura rolled her eyes.

"He doesn't care if you call him Naruto," she said.

Kakashi eye smiled.

"It's about respect. I was his sensei while you are his friend. It is different. I was above him and now he is above me. It would appear to confuse things if I called him by his name."

Sakura nodded knowing this protocol was correct. Teacher and student walked back to the Hokage Tower. Kakashi parted ways with her at the payment office. He mentioned some problem with a previous mission rank. Sakura walked to her desk and put down the food. She organized everything and knocked on the Hokage's door. He called for her to enter. Sakura walked in to find Naruto sitting at his desk with his feet up. Tsunade was sitting on a small couch in the corner. She leaned back with her left leg crossed over her right. Naruto changed the Hokage office around. He wanted a less formal environment.

"I miss the days of having someone bring me lunch," she said, "when I got it."

Naruto smiled.

"I'll trade you," he said.

Tsunade shook her head smiling.

"I warned you before you took the job. It wasn't normally exciting and when it was exciting it wasn't normal."

The younger blonde nodded. Tsunade got to her feet.

"Thanks for your advice," he said.

Tsunade smirked.

"Are those manners you're using?" she teased.

Naruto glared at her lightly.

"Hah, Hah. I express my gratitude and I get crap in return."

Tsunade smiled.

"This is only the beginning," she threatened. "Wait until Shizune's son gets older. We're going to have so much fun at your expense."

Naruto pulled his feet off the desk and he groaned.

"And don't forget that other matter we discussed," said the Godaime before walking to the door.

"Good luck, Sakura. You're going to need it."

The rosette smiled.

"Thank you Shishou."

Naruto whined out her name but Sakura continued to smile. Tsunade left rather amused. The faux redhead put his lunch on the desk. She turned to leave.

"Aren't you going to stay?" he asked clearly disappointed.

"You really need to have a working lunch after this morning's meeting," she chided.

"Come on. We can relax and catch up more," he pleaded.

Sakura agreed. She retrieved her lunch and sat down on the couch.

The afternoon was calm compared to the morning. Naruto assigned missions which was low stress for her. She could work on his schedule and organized folders for him. As the sun set, she was free of her duties. She left the Hokage Tower. Naruto was still in his office working. It seemed his job was never done. She would offer to stay but she needed to talk to her Mom. Now that she knew the back story she could be more sensitive to her mother's position. Sakura entered her family home quietly. It was close to dinner so she walked to the kitchen. Her mother and Ino were sitting at the kitchen table. It looked like her mother had finished crying.

"Mom," said Sakura.

Her mother sniffed and got up from the table. Sakura looked to Ino. The blonde shook her head.

"I'm sorry about this morning," said the medic nin. "I was tired."

"Your father told you about your cousin," said her mother as she started on dinner.

Ino got up from the table. Sakura looked at her.

"We can talk later," said the blonde kunoichi.

"Thank you, Ino-chan," said the elder woman.

Ino smiled.

"Not a problem," she replied before leaving.

Sakura went to help when her mother ordered her away.

"Can we talk about this?"

Her mother ignored her.

"I'm not ready to settle down. I'm too busy to date."

Silence was her answer.

"I'm not like you. I don't need a man to feel complete."

An angry huff came her mother. Sakura shook her head. She sat at the table in silence. Her father arrived home to find the pair in silence.

"I take it nothing is resolved," he inquired.

Sakura looked at her father.

"Nope."

"Ume," said her father.

"I don't want to talk, Sato."

Sakura's father walked up behind her. He put his arms around her shoulders. Sakura couldn't hear what he was whispering to her. At this point, all she wanted was her mother to speak to her. He kissed her cheek when he was done. He left the kitchen. Sakura got a wink as he left.

"That is what you are missing out on," said her mother. "That is what I want you to have."

The redhead was confused.

"Your father knows me. He knows how to rile me up and how to calm me down. After everything you've gone through I thought you would want someone like that."

Sakura closed her eyes and took a deep breath.

"I do want that, but it takes time to get that comfortable with someone. I can't commit the time right now."

Ume turned and looked at her daughter.

"You need to make the time," said her mother.

Sakura looked away. It was true. Her love life was a low priority. Tsunade warned her about focusing on her career too much.

"I'll try to make more of an effort," said the younger woman.

Her mother smiled.

"Thank you," was the reply. "The Hokage would be a good start."

Sakura tried to fake a smile and chuckle. Her mother returned to preparing the meal. She was well into making dinner when a knock came at the front door. Sakura got up but she heard her father walking toward the door. Sakura sat back down at the table. She watched as her mother cooked. Her cooking skills had improved but she was not comparable to her mother.

The rosette turned when she heard Naruto's voice. Her father was talking to him. Sakura was immediately concerned.

"She's in here," said her father.

Sakura stood when Naruto entered the kitchen. He was dressed in a blue Jonin uniform with the green vest. A red and black haori were over them.

"I'm sorry for coming by without warning," he said.

Sakura's mother turned and bowed.

"Hokage-sama," she said respectfully.

Naruto waved his hands.

"Please," he said.

Ume stood.

"I came to apologize," he said looking at Ume.

Sakura was confused.

"I forget how important family is and it seems that I've caused some problems for you Haruno-san," he started.

Sakura looked at Naruto closely. It looked like a slap was fading off his cheek. It was easy to tell the story. Ino went to talk to Naruto and inform him of the situation. When he was stubborn, she informed him of his idiocy using her palm.

"I was not very considerate of your family when I agreed to Sakura-chan being my assistant. I have a replacement in mind. She will start in a few days."

"Naruto," said the rosette quickly. "I don't mind."

He smiled at her.

"I know you don't, but you have other duties. It's not something I've had to worry about before."

Pain radiated from his eyes. She was going to slap Ino silly the next time they met.

"I understand Hokage-sama," said Ume. "I know Sakura is helping the village."

Sakura turned to her mother. She'd never lose face in front of the Hokage. Naruto nodded.

"Knowing something is easy. Accepting it in your heart is more difficult," he answered.

Ume nodded tersely.

"I'll let you get back to your family duty," said the Hokage.

He turned to leave the kitchen. Sakura took a step toward him but her mother spoke.

"Are you escorting Sakura-chan at the Spring Festival?"

Naruto stopped.

"She asked me to escort her. I happily agreed," he replied.

"Then please stay for dinner, Hokage-sama. I wish to know the man that is escorting my daughter at the festival."

Naruto's mouth opened and closed.

"That is very kind but I must return to my duties," he answered.

"I insist," said Ume firmly.

Naruto was silent for a moment before he agreed. Sakura felt a light sweat form over her skin. Naruto hadn't spent any time with her parents. They were friends but her parents lived in a different world. Sakura felt strangely nervous.

Despite her nerves, the meal went well. They talked about the festival a great deal. Stories from years past flowed from her parents. Some were rather embarrassing for Sakura.

"I'm sure you have fond memories of the festival," said her father to the blonde.

Naruto looked at him for a moment with a look Sakura knew all too well. She closed her eyes and mentally cursed.

"My first time to the festival was after I became Hokage," he answered mechanically.

The table fell silent. Sakura found her hand on his.

"I'm sorry," said her father knowing he was one of the people that contributed to Naruto's mistreatment.

"Nothing to apologize for. The past is over. I live for the future."

The Harunos nodded. The table remained silent for several minutes.

"Why is the festival so important to you?" Naruto asked.

Sakura looked from her father to her mother. Her mother told the story of her first date with her husband. Despite downplaying the story, Naruto's attention was rapt.

"Wow," he said at the end.

"I'm sure you have quite a following, Naruto-sama," said her father to distract the blonde.

Naruto shrugged his shoulders.

"I have plenty of the wrong kind of women after me," he answered.

Sakura's father was confused.

"I'd rather the right woman chase me than hundreds of the wrong women," he clarified.

The redhead closed her eyes. She was one of those wrong women when it came to Sasuke. Her foolish childhood actions raced through her head.

"Thank you for the meal, but I must return to my duties," said the Hokage suddenly

"Of course," said Sakura's father.

The conversation had taken an awkward turn. Ending it was best. The family walked him to the door.

"Thank you again for the meal," he said.

"You're welcome, Hokage-sama," replied her mother.

"And I'm sorry again," he said but Ume shook her head.

"I missed my daughter and I was acting childish. She has important duties. I see that now. Please let her stay on if she wishes."

Sakura nodded when Naruto looked at her.

"I'm grateful."

He turned to leave. A squad of ANBU appeared around him a few steps outside the door.

"See you in the morning," said Sakura.

Naruto smiled. She watched him walk down the street until he was out of sight. Sakura closed the door and re-entered the house. She turned to see her parents looking at her.

"What?" she asked.

They looked at each other and smiled.

"Nothing," said her mother.

"Dad," said the redhead.

"We're happy that you're happy," he answered.

Sakura's focused her gaze on her parents.

"It's not like that," she said firmly.

Her parents turned and walked toward the kitchen.

"It's not," insisted the green eyed kunoichi.

Sakura spent the next hour trying to erase the smiles from her parents' faces. Nothing she said seemed to influence them. Logical and reasonable arguments were met with a smile. She was starting to dislike that smile.

"Stop it," she finally said.

Her parents looked at her slightly confused.

"We are friends. Nothing more. It can't be anything more," she said.

The merchant and his wife shared a look.

"Then what is going on?" asked her mother.

Sakura was stuck now. She couldn't tell them about the mission.