Three days passed once she'd escaped the rogue's clutches, though she wished she would have just waited for the deal to go down as her two teammates or rather one of them plus the two ghosts that were attached to her tried to drive her insane.
"We are just immensely glad you're okay Sakura-chan, cause we love you and don't want you to ever get hurt again you know" Kushina pouted that morning as the girl her and one other soul was attached to stayed cooped up in the guest room separate from the boys that she was allowed to use.
Emerald eyes flickered briefly in her direction before glancing back down to her book "Sakura-chan is this about the nightmare you had last night" Hashirama guessed easily what the problem was and Kushina shot him a surprised look that he was bringing it up.
The twelve year old let out a long suffering sigh then made sure one of her sound proofing tags were up "Yes just seeing that man was enough to bring back everything he ever did to me and that other girl that we never found" Sakura admitted outright.
When she was eight she'd befriended a girl from another village at Kushina's demand the woman said the girl was an Uzumaki, she'd had red hair and ruby eyes, her name had been Karin, but she'd never been found, it was a part of her life she didn't talk about.
Just thinking about it was enough to bring tears to her eyes "Are you alright Sakura-chan, you look like your about to cry" and of course Naruto just had to walk into the room and see the tears in her jade irises.
To which she hastily wiped them away "We were coming up to ask if you were going to eat breakfast, otherwise that kid Inari is going to eat your portion" Sasuke explained their presence ignoring the tears not wanting to admit the sight bothered him.
"Or we could just bring it up here Sakura-chan I'm sure Tsunami-san wouldn't mind so long as you brought the tray back down later" Kakashi crinkled his eye at his sole female student, who'd been holding up remarkably well and hadn't cried once.
And he'd thought that the situation from a few days before had finally caught up with her, he was partially right but it had nothing to do with the two rogues that she'd been held by for a couple of days, but at the offer Sakura stood.
Before following them down the stairs into the kitchen "Good Morning Sakura-chan, your plate is there" Tsunami greeted kindly when the girl sat down and the two young boys headed off to get some training in.
"Well see you later Tsunami, this old man is going to work" Tazuna waved leaving his family behind to work on the bridge with his construction works, his guard for the day was Kakashi, since Naruto and Sasuke were training.
Sakura had turned out to be way to advanced and already knew how to water walk so she was left at the house with the woman and child "I still say your all going to die once Gato gets a hold of you" Inari spat finishing off his own breakfast and disappearing out the door to play.
Leaving the two females and the ghosts alone not that anyone but Sakura knew about their presence "Just got to wonder about that boy, perhaps what he needs is a good spanking" the red head grumbled violet eyes crossed.
Hashirama shook his head in amusement "And I have to wonder about your temperament you know it's not good for your health…oops and sometimes I forget we are dead to" the brunette sighed as they tuned into the conversation between the two living people.
"I really am sorry about him, he's been through a lot, and I really hate to ask this but could you go gather a few herbs, there's an herb patch just through the tree's in the backyard" the raven haired woman requested holding out a wicker basket.
Sakura polished off her breakfast and washed her dishes in the sink "Of course Tsunami-san" the pinkette exclaimed finally something she could do to take her mind off things and with an imperceptible look to her two ghosts in crime headed out the door.
Kushina and Hashirama interpreted her look easily it told them to stay there with Tsunami and if push came to shove protect her, which meant manifesting their will, they'd learned they could still use jutsu's if they concentration long enough after all.
With something to do Sakura traipsed into the forest out back and found the herb patch easily then bent to start picking keeping her guard raised all the while so when the air shifted behind her, she reacted and kicked out.
"That wasn't very nice Haruno-san, you know Zabuza-sama was very furious that you escaped from us, relax I didn't come here to bring you back, just pick herbs" it was Haku as she had already guessed and he jumped back before she could kick him.
Her emerald eyes narrowed "Really, though I was wondering about something you didn't react like any girl I've ever encountered wasn't that scary for you" the raven haired teen leaned forward and jade eyes widened as he got close.
And those words Kushina had uttered about Haku being cute even if he was just a bit on the feminine side popped into her head "Th..That's because it's not my first stint being kidnapped" the only pink haired girl in existence stuttered.
Dark brown eyes literally smiled at her "Do I make you nervous being so close to you Sakura-san" the fifteen year old smiled kindly in that same gentle way daring to move closer as he asked his question seeing the blush rising to her cheeks.
He'd meant what he'd said though, there was little point in capturing the girl in again, that didn't mean he couldn't mess with her a little "Why on earth would I be nervous for" Sakura huffed intending on turning away.
Until a hand captured her chin in a surprisingly gentle hold "Because I know what your thinking right now, can see that you hold a small interest in me and you know what's coming" Haku murmured leaning forward that extra little bit to close the gap between their lips.
The first thing Sakura noted was that his lips were soft as they pressed against her own and a little gasp escaped from her mouth, strong arms wound around her waist as the kiss deepened slightly and she was pulled into his chest.
But he didn't take advantage of her distraction and a moment later it was all over, Sakura felt like fainting because that had definitely been different from the time with Shino, her brain was full of cobwebs until Haku bent and started picking herbs.
"I'm not going to thank you for indulging my curiosity and that was a one time thing you hear" the pinkette huffed doing the same and hastily picking the herbs that Tsunami had requested, that were different from the herbs Haku was picking.
And he noticed her interest "Their to help Zabuza-sama recuperate faster and I understand, thank you Sakura-san" the raven haired teen nodded, rose to his feet and then walked off until he was no longer in sight, Sakura blew out a breath before finishing up herself.
Then headed through the tree's and back into the house "Here you are Tsunami-san, if you need me I'll be in the guest room" the only pink haired girl in existence held out the wicker basket to Tsunami full of the requested herbs.
"Alright then Sakura-chan, just be sure not to stay cooped up there for the rest of the day" the woman teased lightly earning a small wave as the girl vanished up the steps and hurried into the guest bedroom that were separate from her teammates and sensei.
Both ghosts were on her heels "Whoa, whoa, whoa there Sakura-chan you look a little wigged out about something" the Uzumaki woman prodded as the girl sat on the futon looking a little to dazed for her tastes it was exactly like what had happened with Shino.
"Sakura-chan has something happened, will you please tell us did you see that man again" the First Hokage prodded when the girl was to quiet for just a little to long in his eyes until she finally snapped out of whatever was bothering her.
Only to blurt it out in the next moment "It was Haku, the one working for Zabuza, he came while I was picking herbs and h..he uh well kissed me" Sakura winced knowing she should have pushed the boy away but she hadn't because of her bloody curiosity.
The two ghosts attached to her blinked "Well how was it at least, is Haku a better kisser than Shino or how about a sloppy kisser did he slobber or what, come on Sakura-chan details" Kushina demanded in the next moment.
While the other was partially disappointed basically what the girl had done was fraternize with the enemy and when her emerald orbs glanced guiltily to him, he knew she knew and was already feeling terrible for it "Better indulge her Sakura-chan" Hashirama said instead of scolding her.
"Better than Shino and it was nice though I told him it could never happen again because we are fighting for different sides and that makes us enemies" the pinkette explained, Hashirama's onyx eyes softened, she'd really taken to his teachings and he was proud of her for it.
Long gone was the disappointment it had only been a brief second and he couldn't exactly fault Sakura for being curious when she'd never taken an interest in boys before and even he had to admit that Haku had been what would be considered her type.
Kushina grinned from ear to ear "At least he's kind enough to not try and kidnap you again, though they wouldn't have been able to hold you anyway" the red head commented as Sakura finally got relaxed.
"Indeed though were you the one to instigate or was he" the brunette inquired gently, it wouldn't have been her at fault if the boy on the other side had been the one to instigate the kiss, but he still wouldn't be able to be disappointed in her if she had.
Sakura glanced to Hashirama "Haku was the one to instigate and before I could push him away pulled me into his chest, he was pretty strong and I couldn't think long enough to use my chakra enhanced strength" the only pink haired girl in existence said quietly.
Both ghosts nodded in understanding falling silent for the time being and allowing the girl their souls were attached to a few hours to herself "Sakura-chan lunch is ready, come eat, then would you take those guys their lunch for me" Tsunami knocked on the door.
And the sound proofing tag was hastily taken down "Ugh what I wouldn't give to be able to eat real food again" the Uzumaki woman practically salivated at the sight of the delicious looking curry and rice, only simple meals could be made.
"Me to Kushina but that is no longer possible for either of us ever again and you know that" the First Hokage nodded in agreement as the twelve year old sat down and quickly ate lunch and just as she was leaving with containers full of rice and curry to give to the others.
The little boy returned "Here I thought you would have gone crying back to your village already" Inari glared and got a pat on the head as the girl walked by him without a backwards glance, there was no point in talking to the kid anyway.
"Hmmph what was that all about" the raven haired eight year old grumbled marching into the kitchen for lunch, before disappearing outside to play some more, even if it was by himself, since none of the other children would play with him.
Meanwhile the lone girl on the team headed straight for her teammates chakra first "Sakura-chan what are you doing here" Naruto was the first one to spot her and immediately gave up on practicing the tree climbing exercise to hurry over to her.
With a long suffering sigh their other teammate also abandoned practice for the time being "Aren't you supposed to be protecting Tsunami-san" Sasuke raised an ebony brow until a plastic container, a spoon and a canteen of water was thrust into his hand.
Naruto receiving the same "She asked me to bring you guys lunch and Tsunami-san will be fine for a few minutes" Sakura finally spoke intending on heading off to the bridge to give the rest of the lunches out to her sensei and the old man that was their client.
"Wa..Wait Sakura-chan before you go, could you give us a few tips on how to help us understand the technique that we're supposed to be learning" the blonde waved his arms and Sakura turned to face him considering the offer.
Only to scowl when Sasuke nodded "Yeah since your gonna become the next chakra control expert of the century" the raven haired teen coughed not wanting to admit that he was still having trouble figuring out the right amount of chakra to use.
Sakura was the one to sigh this time "Fine, but you'll be instructed by my clone, you'll have exactly fifteen minutes with her before I get to far away and she pops out of existence" the pinkette warned running through a short list of hand signs.
For the water clone jutsu then turned on her heel, walking extra slow, knowing the curry would still be warm as she headed for the bridge where her sensei and Tazuna were and giving her teammates a couple extra minutes with her clone that she'd said before arriving.
"Aren't you supposed to be with Tsunami-san, has something happened" the bridge builder immediately freaked out at the sight of her and like Sasuke got a container, spoon and canteen of water thrust into his hand and he realized what she was there for.
To bring them lunch "How sweet of you Sakura-chan or did Tsunami ask you to bring lunch to us" the silver haired nin ruffled his sole female students hair gently and got a nod indicating that Tsunami had asked.
"Right well I'm going back now, can't let her be on her own for to long" the only pink haired girl in existence waved hurrying back to the house and found Inari gone and Tsunami cleaning up in the kitchen to which she helped out.
Before vanishing into the living room to read for a little bit "Hey, hey Sakura-chan when do you think the fight will go down anyway, I was thinking in maybe a couple of days what do you think" Kushina rambled suddenly.
Jade eyes flashed in her direction, before glancing to the kitchen doorway, in the next moment a sound proofing tag was activated "Sometimes I swear Kushina-san your about as bad as your son with your sometimes brainless actions" Hashirama shook his head in amusement.
Ducking under the fist she swung at him "Though she's right the fight will probably happen in a couple of days" Sakura finally relented and answered the question asked of her, before focusing on her book in hopes of getting some reading in.
Before she knew it the guys were traipsing in through the door back from a long day at work or training "What's for dinner" Tazuna asked sniffing the air like a hound dog and the sight was slightly funny that Sakura couldn't keep the smile from forming on her lips.
Until her sensei caught her and lifted a silver brow also looking slightly amused "Smells like more curry not that I mind in the least" Kakashi commented as Sakura stowed away her book in her pouch and followed them into the kitchen.
"It's curry sorry fella's if you were hoping for something different and you better not complain about the vegetables Inari, those are hard to come by" Tsunami scolded handing a plate to her son and he immediately crinkled his nose up at the vegetables.
But he sat and started eating anyway "Whatever" Inari grumbled under his breath and got rapped on the head by a wooden spoon courtesy of his mother, apparently was one of those rare nights that she wasn't going to put up with his usual antics.
Tazuna shot a look to his daughter "Either way curry's fine at least it's better than nothing" Sasuke shrugged getting a plate shoved into his hands along with a spoon before he chose a spot around the rapidly filling table.
"Though I miss ramen something fierce though" Naruto couldn't keep the comment to himself as he sat down and started eating with everyone else, unknowingly his mother agreed with him, because she also missed being able to eat ramen.
Kushina felt for her son "My poor Naruto-kun not getting to eat ramen is a tragedy, you did well Sakura-chan he's just as obsessed with ramen as his father and I were" the red head snickered wrapping her arms around Naruto, though didn't manifest herself in any way.
Not wanting to scare him "I'd probably eat anything at this point if given half a chance" the brunette sighed eyeing the food hungrily and missing all the delicious meals his beautiful wife use to make him, those had been the days.
Sakura smiled inwardly at her two ghosts in crime's antics "Here Tsunami-san I'll help you with dishes" the pinkette popped up from her chair once she was done and saw Tsunami headed for the sink intending to wash up.
"You helped out earlier Sakura-chan, so now it's the boys turn to do dishes" Tsunami said having no qualms about putting the guys to work and Sakura let out peels of laughter seeing the put out expression on her sensei's face.
Causing laughter to fill the air "This is stupid your all gonna die" the raven haired eight year old snapped pushing away his empty plate and disappearing up the stairs to his room, the amusement quickly faded after that.
And the guys stood "Guess there's no harm in helping do the dishes if Sakura-chan helped do them earlier it's only fair that we take our turn in helping out" the blonde rolled up the sleeves to his orange shirt and stuck his hands in the hot water.
Only to reel back as the water burned him "Kami are you insane boy haven't you ever washed the dishes before, that's dangerous and you have to wear protective gloves" even the bridge builder knew that much but the kid didn't.
Naruto looked sheepish and upset all in one go as Sakura healed the light burns that he'd received before being handed a pair of protective gloves to avoid being burned again "Dope every single time you help out something happens" the raven haired boy shook his head.
"You're just as clueless Sasuke so don't start tonight we're all tired" the silver haired Jonin warned stopping the fight before he could even get started, both boys gulped doing their part in doing the dishes with their sensei before they were allowed to go upstairs and get some rest.
Two days later after managing to complete the exercise they'd been taught the lot of them besides Naruto headed towards the bridge and that's where everything started going so wrong "Sakura-chan it's them, Zabuza and Haku, their ready for another fight" Kushina warned.
"J..Just promise me you won't be to reckless Sakura-chan please I couldn't bare it if something happened to you" Hashirama hovered behind her nervously onyx eyes glued to the opposite side of the bridge as they found the construction workers all unconscious.
All of them were on edge "You just couldn't wait for round two could you Zabuza, this time I won't be defeated so easily" Kakashi took a step forward kunai raised as the two genin with him made a protective stance in front of their client.
"I knew it, I knew today was going to be a bad day" Tazuna muttered under his breath sweating like never before, he could very well end up dying before he could complete the bridge that was the hope of his country.
Until a hand rested on his arm "Relax Tazuna-san we aren't going to let anything happen to you no matter what the cost" Sakura smiled easily holding a kunai before her the proper way just like Hashirama had taught her.
On the other side the Uchiha on the team nodded "Sakura's right because like you always say the will of fire has been instilled in us and it won't be easily snuffed out" Sasuke stated holding his kunai tightly.
"But your still trembling boy such a pity seems the girls the only one with a backbone after all" Zabuza snorted as water clones surrounded them which were swiftly taken out by Sasuke who didn't like being insulted in the least.
Zabuza clapped praising him in a mocking sort of way "Not very impressive actually because those water clones didn't hold their usual strength" Haku appeared alongside his master in the next moment, wearing that fake hunter nin mask.
Meanwhile back at Tazuna's house the missing member of their team had just woken up "I can't believe those guys left without me" Naruto scowled hurriedly dressing and waving goodbye to Tsunami, it was halfway through the forest he noticed something strange and had to go back.
In order to save Tsunami and Inari from a terrible fate and the little kid finally warmed up to him "Thank you Naruto" Tsunami thanked him for helping them even if he didn't technically have to, Naruto flashed her a thumbs up.
"Yeah now go beat those bad guys and get them out of our village" Inari was definitely emboldened as he had a change of heart, finally allowing himself to believe that things were going to turn out for the better once this whole fight was over and Gato was gone.
Back on the bridge a fight between Sasuke and Haku had started "Oh come on Sasuke you can do it block that not like that ugh your impossible" the red head slapped a palm to her forehead as the two boys ended up in a deadlock with their weapons again.
"And once again Kushina he can't hear you only Sakura-chan can and right now she doesn't need distractions" the brunette reminded getting the feeling that Zabuza and Haku's presence were the least of their concerns, he could feel another more unsavory presence hiding in the background.
Waiting to make his move as the fight between Sasuke and Haku came to a headway and Haku was kicked backwards "Guess you weren't as fast as you thought you were" the raven haired boy smirked smugly letting his cockiness show.
"You made a mistake insulting these genin, Sasuke and Sakura were the number one rookies of the year and Naruto is the hyperactive number one knucklehead ninja of the Hidden Leaf Village" the silver haired Jonin chuckled pride in his tone.
Sakura stuck her tongue out in lightly "We won't be easily beaten and we'll definitely put up a good fight" the pinkette vowed earning a scowl from Zabuza, as his light brown eyes turned on her, fury within their depths.
"Brat when I get my hands on you, you'll wish you never decided to mess with the great Zabuza Momochi, the demon of the Hidden Mist Village" the raven haired male growled darkly and she suppressed the shudder that wanted to crawl through her.
Tazuna gulped quietly "If you want to run Sakura it's alright, we could go back to the house and wait until this whole thing is over" the bridge builder offered thinking the girl was scared, well she was but that was besides the point and she definitely wasn't going to run.
Burning emerald eyes turned his way just as two newcomers stepped out of the mist swirling behind Zabuza and Haku "What are you doing here" the raven haired fifteen year old frowned and Sakura whipped around eyes growing wide.
Even Kushina couldn't help but gape "To get even with the little brat over there, with her in my collection the Grass Village could become even stronger" the man commented patting the girl at his side on the top of her head.
Ruby irises met emerald and Sakura's heart dropped into her stomach already feeling sick "It's been a long time Sakura-chan, bet you didn't think you'd ever see me again huh" the red haired girl spoke up quietly in that same shy tone.
The fight had just gotten extremely personal as fury ignited in those viridian depths and turned on the man of her nightmares "Don't lose your temper, whatever you do just don't lose your temper Sakura-chan" the Uzumaki woman tried to reign the girl in.
Her hands clenched into fists "Sakura-chan this is not the time to let personal feelings interfere with the fight already going on" the First Hokage warned seeing the angry tick forming on the girls forehead as she moved past furious and onto enraged.
"Um Sakura who is that and how does she know you" the Copy Ninja turned his lone onyx eye on his sole female student wanting to get answers because he definitely didn't like the sight of their headbands, the Grass Village was known for it's brutality and fighting after all.
And suddenly two members were there before them on the same side as Zabuza and the boy "Th..That is not a conversation I want to have right now Kakashi-sensei" the only pink haired girl in existence asked in a strained tone of voice.
Sasuke frowned never having heard his teammate sound so hurt before whoever that girl was, had been someone important to her "We're going to have to fight her aren't we" the Uchiha inquired carefully keeping a wary gaze on the newcomers.
"Not you boy the girl will and won't that just break your little heart to hurt one of your best friends in the entire world little Sakura Haruno" the man let a deceiving smile form on his lips and gave a look to his companion.
Who dashed forward "Here I come ready or not Sakura-chan, we're enemies and I'll fight to prove myself even if it's against you" the girl held out a kunai and locked weapons with her former friend, who was definitely reluctant to fight her.
All the while her heart really was breaking into a million little pieces "As for you, Haku get on with it" the rogue from mist barked out an order to his apprentice, who set his attention on the Uchiha and made a hand sign.
"Ninja Art: Crystal Ice Mirrors" the fifteen year old called created a dome of ice around his opponent and launched his attack as the rogue himself charged the Jonin with a curved kunai in his hand that was unique to Mist.
Fights raged on around them "I'm getting out of here" Tazuna ducked low and dodged to the right to avoid getting hit by stray weapons as the two girls fought neither one really battling seriously and still a member of their team was missing.
Until smoke came from where the Uchiha was being held down "Naruto Uzumaki is here believe it" the blonde appeared out of the smoke and everyone gave him disbelieving stares even his mother, who gaped at him.
But it gave her second favorite person in the world the chance she needed and Karin was knocked out from a pressure point in the neck "Now we can take her back to Leaf and…do you think she is truly loyal to her country" Kushina frowned tears in her violet eyes.
"Doubtful Kushina, you saw how reluctant she was to fight Sakura-chan after all, but we can't just leave her there, maybe Tazuna-san can hold her" Hashirama suggested as the girl lay there still as a statue but alive when they'd all thought she was dead.
At the suggestion the twelve year old girl turned "Tazuna-san it's better if you take her that way he doesn't have a chance to get her back, I refuse to allow him to ever touch her again" Sakura requested rising to her feet and healing her wounds.
"I've got her Sakura, she a friend of yours from a long time ago or something" Tazuna inquired carefully but Sakura shook her head indicating she wasn't going to talk about the girl or her past relationship with her just yet.
On the opposite side of the bridge the man who'd nearly kidnapped her once upon a time let out an enraged shout "You little bitch do you know what you've just cost me, mark my words I will get her back" the man threatened vanishing just as quickly as he'd come.
After losing the girl he'd brought with him it was going to be a heavy blow for the Grass Village, Sakura slumped her shoulders looking exhausted all of a sudden, this whole mission was wearing down on the very core of her being.
"Not bad brat didn't think you'd have it you to harm a friend, she is a friend right" a Zabuza water clone was suddenly in front of her, stood back out of the way but not attacking for the moment, but definitely wary knowing that she could also defeat him easily.
Sakura glanced to him and met the water clone's gaze evenly "Sakura be careful he's trying to lure you into a false sense of security" Sasuke called from his ice dome prison trying to warn his teammate of the danger.
But she already knew "You should focus on yourself and not what's going on outside this dome" Haku taunted, also concerned what was his master playing at, even if it was just a water clone, it would have usually attacked by now.
"That goes for you to, you big phony" Naruto shouted slinging shuriken at the older boy that they were fighting having gotten stuck in the ice dome alongside his teammate due to stupidity on his part, like he said he wasn't very good at this whole thing yet.
It would take awhile "Aren't you going to rush to her aide Hatake, she looks pretty exhausted, I doubt she'd be able to handle my water clone right now" Zabuza lifted a brow as the Leaf Jonin stood opposite him.
"Sakura-chan can handle herself even dead tired, she's more dangerous that way" Kakashi cast a furtive glance to his sole female student, trying to figure her out even know, she was to different and he was almost certain there was something she wasn't telling any of them.
Zabuza scoffed and tilted his head in the girls direction as well as she spoke to his water clone "It doesn't matter I wasn't going to allow her to hurt anyone else either" Sakura finally said feeling so, so tired in that single moment than in all her life.
"Um Sakura-chan that Gato fellow is here, he's on a boat with a whole bunch of thugs, talking about how their going to kill Zabuza and Haku, even if their bad guys, it's not right that their being betrayed" the red head returned.
And she just now realized that the two ghosts attached to her had been missing for several minutes "As much as I think you should keep quiet, you should tell him Sakura-chan so he can decide if he wants to live or die" the brunette sighed.
Sakura blew out a breath "Gato's here, he brought a bunch of hired thugs and he's intending on betraying you are you really gonna stand here and just take it or do you at least value your life and Haku's life enough to stop this madness" the pinkette lowered her voice.
Then launched forward with a fist held out to take out the water clone and the entire conversation was transferred to the original "Haku we're stopping, it seems Gato has become dissatisfied with us and intends on betraying us, he's here now" the raven haired male ordered.
Everyone stared at him in shock even Tazuna "What the bloody hell just happened, did he really just call the fight off" the bridge builder choked out in surprise, he couldn't believe this was even happening in the first place.
Zabuza sent him a glare but did lower his kunai as Haku returned to his side "Gato will pay for betraying us, we'll just have to betray him first, kill him and collect the money from his hideout" the raven haired teen frowned.
Taking off his mask "Hey its you the guy from the forest" the blonde blurted out recognizing Haku and Sakura's jaw slackened and hung open a little bit before groaning quietly as she cast a look at her still unconscious friend.
She'd clocked the girl pretty good over the back of the neck after all, then focused her gaze forward "Are they for real or this whole thing a ruse to get us to lower our guards" the raven haired boy on Team Seven joined his female teammate as they guarded their client.
A moment later it turned out not to be a ruse as Gato and many thugs appeared on the bridge "What's this and here I thought you'd be a wreck, but you don't have a scratch on you" Gato frowned realizing that the situation he'd walked into wasn't how he thought it would be.
"Idiot came right to us and once he's gone Tazuna will be safe and we can finally go home" Kushina cheered dancing/floating around in circles really, after this mission she never wanted to go on any extended missions that could turn into an A Rank at the drop of a dime.
Her ghostly partner shook his head in amusement "Agreed and I sincerely hope you won't do anymore complaining about wanting Sakura-chan to do higher ranked missions for awhile at least" Hashirama deadpanned, he would just be glad to go home to his village.
And relax without having to worry for Sakura's safety "Well you thought wrong and I've already caught wind of your plot to betray me, so we're gonna betray you first" Zabuza commented casually as if he was talking about the weather.
Gato froze in response "Then we're going to collect all the money you owe us from your hideout and use it for the good of this land" Haku vowed knowing that his master would be less inclined to leave, especially with the hideout in their possession, the hunter nin wouldn't find them easily.
"Their all yours then so does that mean your letting Tazuna go" Kakashi couldn't believe how quickly things had turned in his favor and he wondered just what it was his female student had told the man that made him have a sudden change of heart.
"Boy am I glad we didn't have to fight them seriously" Naruto leaped to his best friends and teammate's side clutching on the girl's hand tightly and she just now noticed that he and their other teammate were covered in scratches.
But decided to save her chakra for the moment until afterwards "Is that the girl that escaped you, ha is she even human that forehead is obscenely large" Gato commented suddenly, Naruto immediately backed away from his friend.
"He's an idiot Sakura don't let him get to you" Sasuke leaned clear away from his female teammate getting around of range as she whipped around the promise of death in her eyes if he made another sound.
Kakashi shook his head with a sigh "At least I'm young and can still grow into it unlike you, short bastard that you are, you know" Sakura glowered furiously never having liked anyone picking on her forehead and leaking killing intent in waves.
Scaring a few of the thugs away "Little Sakura-chan's all grown up and scaring the piss out of fully grown men makes me proud" the red head wiped away a tear as Sakura held up a fist and bared her teeth angrily.
"Now, now Sakura-chan let's just let those two handle Gato alright" the brunette suggested not wanting anything else to happen and for them to all make it home in one piece so that they could rest and do absolutely nothing for awhile.
Zabuza gave the girl a look, before glancing to the girls sensei "She's a bit touchy about the forehead, though that's mild compared to what she would usually do" the silver haired Jonin grimaced keeping a wary eye on his sole female student.
Who at that point had crossed her arms that angry tick on her forehead "Looks like you've got quite the brat on your hands" the raven haired rogue snorted harshly, before casting a look at his apprentice who took his place at his side.
"Let us get this over with then" the raven haired fifteen year old held out his weapon of choice and then they were charging head first at the group of thugs, hacking their way through to the very back to take down Gato.
In a matter of minutes the whole fight was over, but the thugs remained "Ha if you think we're going to leave without raiding that village first your wrong and I'm taking the girly with me as one of my prize" one of the thugs foolishly rushed forward.
Sakura's eye twitched "Duck for cover it's the Pink Haired Demon, she's emerged" the blonde threw himself to the ground as chakra exploded outwards from his best friend and the thug was punched solidly in the chin.
And thrown backwards with such a force that should be impossible, he was sent flying over the edge of the bridge "Now, who else wants to meet my fist and the wrath that I have saved up" the pinkette smiled a little to sweetly while cracking her knuckles menacingly.
"Are we entirely sure she is human anyway" the raven haired boy on Team Seven edged backwards until he was pressed against the railing of the bridge eyeing his teammate warily fear plain to see on his face.
He wasn't afraid to admit he was wholly terrified of his female teammate "What the devil and I thought you were a sweet girl, who knew you had such a personality" the bridge builder gulped himself still holding the unconscious red head.
Even the two Jonin and older teenager was staring at her with a hint of wariness in their gazes until she reigned in her anger and the angry tick went away as no one else charged at her recklessly or insulted her to large forehead.
"We're proud of you Sakura-chan, you got that trick down to the smallest detail" Kushina snickered unsympathetically as the remaining thugs leaped over the side of the bridge to escape on their getaway boat.
"Yes indeed and when we get home there will be a nice relaxing trip to the hot springs with your name on it, with the mission pay you get" Hashirama suggested knowing that it would a short trip home but they would be all exhausted.
The girl rubbed her forehead tiredly "That was certainly a surprise and you aren't trying to steal my nickname are you" Zabuza grumbled glaring at the girl, just what kind of nickname was the pink haired demon anyway.
She sighed then shrugged lightly "Her first day in the academy someone picked on her forehead and she punched the girl out everyone learned to fear her fists if she was angry" Naruto popped up from the ground earning a small smile.
"As they should have because I'm not one to take lightly you know, now you, and you and Kakashi-sensei to are going to hold still while I heal the three of you, Naruto, Sasuke and if you so much as wiggle I'll hit you" Sakura warned.
Not daring to argue with the girl after being nearly suffocated by her chakra "Whatever you say Sakura" Sasuke grimaced as she got started on healing him a bright green chakra coating her hands, it was beautiful in a weird sort of way.
"By the way Sakura-chan since when could you do that with your chakra, I know I haven't taught you about creating KI nor have I taught you about medical ninjutsu and it's time to talk about that girl as well" Kakashi frowned waiting patiently having decided to indulge his student.
"What are we going to do now Zabuza-sama" Haku inquired standing back with his master as they watched the Team of Leaf Shinobi, though now they were on the same side and no longer considered enemies it was weird.
Zabuza glanced at his apprentice briefly "If you'd like your more than welcome to stay wherever you've been staying" Tazuna offered suddenly, though it wasn't to shocking and the offer was accepted but the duo didn't quite leave yet.
Sakura's gaze flitted to the unconscious girl "Met Karin-chan when I was eight she had run away from the Grass Village, he came and saw us practicing medical ninjutsu, took me with her, but I was rescued and I..I thought that they'd killed her until now anyway" the pinkette admitted.
"How come you never told me Sakura-chan is that why you were depressed for months and had an even shorter temper than usual, come to think of it I think that's when everyone started calling you that nickname" the blonde scratched his head.
That's what opened the floodgates "I couldn't Naruto, not when..not when I thought she was dead and she could be a long lost cousin of yours how was I supposed to tell you th..that I let someone who could be family to you die" Sakura whirled green glow fading from her hands.
Naruto's skin paled rapidly in response "An Uzumaki, you think she's an Uzumaki Sakura-chan" Kakashi frowned realizing that now wasn't the best place to have such a conversation and he had to tread carefully.
"She told me that her mother told her that they were from Uzushio, only Uzumaki's lived there, plus they were torturing her sensei, those bastards from the Grass Village, Karin has a special ability, very special that it's horrifying for her to even speak about" she explained.
Brown eyes narrowed "How special could the girl be with her medical ninjutsu that the Grass Village would send someone to recapture her and bring her back into their ranks" Zabuza finally spoke drawing all eyes onto himself.
The girl blew out a breath and rolled up the sleeve of the shirt Karin was wearing to reveal tons of bite marks "What I taught her and what she can do are vastly different, by biting her and sucking out her chakra people can heal themselves" Sakura announced.
Kakashi looked sickened "You know I remember that incident about two eight year old girls being kidnapped and that only one was found, do you remember Sakura-chan I was the one who rescued you" the silver haired nin asked gently clearly walking on eggshells now.
Her eyes snapped to him and widened in response "Wow you definitely changed in four years then such a jerk when we met as teacher and student hmmph" she scoffed looking irritated as she did indeed remember.
And the only reason Kushina hadn't told her was because she and Hashirama hadn't been there when she'd been admitted into the hospital "That's not very nice to call your sensei a jerk" the raven haired teen at Zabuza's side laughed lightly.
"Yes well from the minute he walked into the classroom to greet us, he was three hours late and he said he hated us when he didn't even know us, plus the torturous d rank missions and crazy insane training sessions, he was a jerk but I think we've grown on him like a fungus" Sakura stuck her tongue out.
Finishing up with healing her teammates and sensei looking more tired than before "Do you need me to carry you Sakura, you look as if your about to pass out from exhaustion" Sasuke suggested, jade eyes glanced his way.
Sakura pressed her lips together considering the offer "No I can walk just fine thank you besides you creep me out when your nice" she teased and Sasuke flushed red in response, he couldn't believe her, why was she the only one who could get under his skin so easily it wasn't fair.
"Hahaha come on Sakura-chan I kinda want to check on Inari and Tsunami-san to make sure their really doing alright after earlier, had to save them from a couple of thugs" Naruto laughed as they all started walking in the direction of Tazuna's.
Who promptly wigged out at seeing the two rogues following them and threw one of her pans, it nearly, very nearly struck Zabuza in the head before he dodged the frying pan and it hit the wall with a loud clatter "Kami woman calm down would ya, we aren't after you anymore" Zabuza grumbled.
Eyeing the dent in the wall that had been left behind with a little wariness in his gaze "That's right and we intend on staying here in the Land of Waves for a good long while in Gato's old hideout" Haku nodded as the cooking utensil and other things that were being thrown slowed to a stop.
"Oh I see well then I'm very sorry for throwing my pan at you" Tsunami apologized with all the grace she could muster collected all of her things and vanished into the kitchen, her father on her heels after putting Karin in the guest bedroom.
"Can we really trust them Naruto-ni" Inari tugged on Naruto's orange sleeve peering at the rogues cautiously, Naruto nodded hesitantly after glancing to his sensei, who nodded as well as they got comfortable on the couch.
It was nice and silent for a very short time until a shout came from upstairs, Sakura was on her feet in five seconds flat and gone in less than one "S..Sakura-chan where are we, we aren't in the Grass Village are we" Karin was indeed awake.
Sitting up on the futon she'd been placed on fear in her ruby irises "No, no, no, no Karin-chan we're currently in the Land of Waves with my sensei and team, you don't have to fight anymore" Sakura assured hugging her friend for dear life.
Ghost companions suspiciously absent as they had been for quite awhile, though they were often gone for hours at a time sometimes and she was use to it "I don't you mean I can stop being bit" the red head asked fearfully.
"Yes Karin-chan you'll never have to use that ability of yours again unless you make the choice to" the pinkette nodded just glad that they could mend their friendship that she'd thought had been broken forever because she'd thought the girl dead until today.
Karin slowly relaxed and even returned the bone crushing hug "Oh Sakura-chan I've missed you so, so much these last four years, but they said that if I ran away again they would take you and force you to be their servant and I couldn't let that happen" the long lost Uzumaki girl cried.
And tears sprung into those jade irises "Thank you Karin-chan for being brave all these years, but I promise you now that you'll never have to go back, and I'll be the one to protect you this time" the only pink haired girl in existence vowed.
Eventually the young girl with a special ability drifted off into a restful sleep and the leaf genin sighed before heading back downstairs leaving her friend to get some good shut eye like she obviously needed, not without setting up traps everywhere in the room though.
Never would she take a chance that, that bastard was hanging around waiting to snatch her friend away again "Is she alright Sakura-chan, sounded like you two were crying" Kakashi directed a look to his sole female student.
She met his gaze evenly revealing slightly reddened eyes "Yes I was crying Kakashi-sensei, you can't tell me that someone you thought dead coming back into your life suddenly after four years wouldn't at least make you teary eyed you know" Sakura raised a brow.
Kakashi held up his hands in surrender feeling frustrated all over again "Sometimes I wonder if you aren't Kushina reincarnated or something" the silver haired nin rubbed his temples feeling a headache coming on.
His sole female student froze, the reaction wasn't missed "Who is this Kushina woman and how would she have anything to do with the girl" Zabuza frowned choosing not to comment on the reaction the girl had.
"My former sensei's wife that I won't be talking about for various reasons at this current moment in time because it's been forbidden" the Copy Ninja said, lone onyx eye trailing towards his blonde student who was currently oblivious to anything going on around him.
Zabuza caught the look and shifted his own gaze onto the young boy lost in a world of his own "My point was though is that you speak and act like her, like an Uzumaki, are you adopted Sakura-chan" the Leaf Jonin peered at his student curiously.
And the girl rolled her eyes unable to help her reaction "No I simply have a bad temper and like to say you know a lot, there's nothing wrong with it is there or does it bug you sensei" the pinkette crossed her arms.
Once again he held his hands up relenting with his questioning stare "Hey Sakura-chan when we get home are you still gonna treat us to ramen like you promised" Naruto chose that moment to come out of his little bubble.
"Course you knucklehead cause I want ramen to, by the way if either of you two even mention the letter C when we get back home I'm gonna whack you and whack you good because this mission was definitely not what I expected it to be" Sakura lowered herself to the floor.
To sit at her teammates side "You can say that again though a few good things did come out of this, I got my Sharingan, Kakashi finally taught us something, you got reunited with an old friend and Naruto might finally have someone to call family" Sasuke piped in.
"I don't think she heard you any Sasuke-san, the reason for that is because Sakura-san is asleep there on Naruto-san's shoulder" Haku chimed in helpfully pointing to the sleeping girl as exhaustion finally caught up with her at long last.
Crashing hard the minute she sat down "Don't you dare move her Teme, if Sakura-chan wakes up it will be your fault and she needs the sleep cause she definitely did more than you, not to mention she's been having nightmares every night" the blonde warned.
When Sasuke moved to pick his teammate up, but froze at the warning "What nightmares why the he….why didn't she tell us so much for being teammates if she won't tell us everything that's happened to her" the raven haired boy scowled.
"Now, now Sasuke, you know how girls are, they are very sensitive sometimes and perhaps she just didn't know how to tell you" Tsunami heard the conversation as she passed through the living room use to the rogue's presence in her house at that point.
"Exactly or do you want to be met with her fist, I hate to admit it but even if you two had continued to fight I'd probably be more scared of Sakura than of you two" Tazuna admitted appearing from the kitchen after his daughter.
Zabuza shrugged and Haku laughed lightly "Maybe Pink Haired Demon is an apt nickname for her after all that was some punch" the former Mist Shinobi said in a low grumble not wanting to wake the brat either.
"Then we shall let her rest" the fifteen year old stated in a soft tone of voice as they went about their day until it was finally time for dinner but no one dared wake Sakura even then and for bed Haku carried her up the steps to the guest bedroom and placed her on the futon to sleep undisturbed.