ZIL: Hey everyone I am looking for a Beta at the moment some of my phrasing is awkward in the story. For those of you who have been confused by this I do apologize. I hope these next four chapters tide you over until next time!
Chapter 7: Return to the Leaf, A Mother's Sacrifice
The mist nin had agreed to keep in touch using code names and Tsunami and Tazuna's address as a form of mailing service. The family after these people saved their home and their people's future were only too happy to provide the minor help to the groups.
Tazuna named the finished bridge after Naruto for his inspiring words and will to stand up for what is right. Sakura chuckled as Sasuke poked fun at Naruto over it while Naruto just beamed. When it came time to say goodbye both Inari and Naruto were reduced to tears and Sakura sighed while she fiddled with her keyed necklace.
'They said they would write and be around…is it weird that I'm going to miss them?' Sakura thought to herself as she continued to walk with her team. Kakashi kept an eye on her but allowed her to keep her thoughts to herself for the time being. Sakura pondered, 'what was that with the tears…when Mom said they're worth more than diamonds is that why?'
Sakura shook her head and sighed but she had a sinking feeling in her gut as she thought of her mother. She didn't say a word to either her sensei or her teammates as she began to speed towards the village she heard the guys yelp in shock and her sensei easily caught up to her.
"Sakura, why are you rushing all of a sudden?" Kakashi asked quietly as he kept pace with her. She shot him a quick look showing pure trepidation. "I was just thinking of my mother when I got this horrible feeling in my gut Kakashi-sensei…something's wrong at home and I need to find out."
Kakashi sighed and summoned Pakkun, "Go ahead to the village with Sakura Pakkun. I will stay with the boys." The pug easily agreed as both he and the young pinkette sped ahead. Sakura was pushing her limited reserves but, Pakkun could see she wouldn't stop.
~In Konoha~
Mebuki had quickly hidden everything away about the clan in the sealed chest and gave it to her husband after making a copy. "Kizashi, give this to the Hokage before you leave the village and simply tell him it is a clan secret for Sakura's eyes alone."
Kizashi nodded, "When should he expect her to come ask him for anything?" Mebuki wrote a note and gave it to her husband and practically shoved him out the door. "Give him that note he will tell her as soon as she comes back from her meeting. You have to go now Kizashi or you'll be late."
Kizashi just sighed and shook his head, "I love you Dear, and see you when I get back." He added the box to his merchant pile before reporting to the Hokage before his departure as usual. He headed off to the tower without seeing a man in black slip into the house.
Mebuki looked at the man, "What reason do you have to come in here young man?" The boy before her was pale in skin tone with black eyes. He seemed to be a blank slate but, he was just a child. The older woman crossed her arms, "Well shinobi-san, I am waiting."
The boy spoke, "My master wants to ask you questions." The woman sighed, "Is your master the Hokage?" The boy shook his head and the woman stood her ground, "If your master is not the Hokage then I don't have anything to offer him shinobi-san. I am loyal to the Hokage and this village and my clan."
The boy frowned, "My Master is one of the village leaders and he truly means to only speak with you." Mebuki remained still, "If that were the case shinobi-san he would have either summoned me to the council chambers or he would have come here himself." Mebuki had been warned about the possibility of being attacked for information by the elders of her clan. She knew she could not show fear and watched as the boy sighed, "I do not agree but, it seems I have no choice." The boy leapt toward the woman who moved to a defensive position.
~At the Hokage Tower~
He smiled at the man, "Good Morning Hiruzen, I have something my wife has asked I deliver to you alone. It's for Sakura a clan secret of some kind." Kizashi said as he handed the disguised box to the Hokage who nodded seriously.
"Good Morning to you Kizashi, I wasn't aware your daughter was old enough to worry about her clan secrets yet." The man watched critically as the man shrugged, "I don't know what she's thinking but, if you could have someone keep an eye on her…someone you trust? She seemed jumpy all of a sudden after telling me about their clan."
Hiruzen looked curious, "Jumpy right after telling you? Did she mention sensing anyone around?" Kizashi shook his head answering, "No Lord Hokage but, she was worried about it and I've never had her shove me out of the house before."
Hiruzen nodded and motioned for one of his Anbu to check on the woman, "Neko, please go check on Mebuki Haruno for me." The Anbu bowed before leaving as requested a knock came to the door. Kizashi waved goodbye to the Hokage as he left the room allowing the shinobi Genma in the room.
As Kizashi left Genma asked, "Sounds fishy…I thought I saw some of Danzo's kids hanging around the residence. Not that it means anything but..."
The Hokage bowed his head, "Neko has gone to check…let's wait until he returns." The two were patient and waited when the Anbu returned covered in blood stains and dropped an unconscious boy at his feet. "Hokage-sama…Mebuki Haruno is alive but she is now comatose but I have Yakushi-san looking after her."
Hiruzen sighed, "What was the state of her home?" The Anbu winced, "It looked ransacked Hokage-sama almost like a storm went through but…her injuries were specific. It was caused by an Anbu-trained shinobi...as unlikely as it seems it was this boy." The Hokage sighed and looked to Genma, "Please inform Izumo and Kotetsu that the moment Sakura Haruno returns I want to see her. I do not wish for her to see her home ransacked. Neko please send a messenger hawk to Boar at the border patrol station. I want him to ensure that Kizashi returns safely to this village and he should remain with him at all times. I have a message for Kizashi as well."
Genma immediately left to do as bid while Neko waited for the notes to be written and sealed by the Hokage. He then quickly left again to complete his assigned task. Hiruzen sighed, "Danzo… you've attacked one of our own. You may have gone too far this time…" He sent messenger hawks to summon Homura and Koharu to his Office and announced for a meeting between the elders except Danzo and the Head of the Shinobi Clans. He nodded for his other Anbu, "Bear restrain him and bring him with us. He will give testimony before the council."
Pakkun kept a close eye on her when he saw a flash of red ahead, "The gates dead ahead I'll check you in you just get to your house and I'll follow you there." Sakura yelled out her thanks as she sped by the gatekeepers who saw Pakkun hop up and calmed.
"Hey Pakkun, Kakashi sent you ahead with one of his students?" Izumo asked calmly. Pakkun replied calmly, "Yes Sakura Haruno is the one who shot through here. Said she had a bad feeling when thinking about her mother suddenly. She's really spooked about something."
Kotetsu looked at Izumo in horror, "Isn't Haruno the one the Hokage wanted to see as soon as she got back? It was something about her Mother, right?" Pakkun rushed off to find the pinkette who stood in her home horrified.
Pakkun looked shocked at the damage before pulling Sakura by the edge of her dress, "Come on girly the Hokage needs to see you." Sakura was in shock, "What…happened here? Where are my parents?" Pakkun bit her hand lightly causing her to jump and focus on him. "The Hokage needs to see you…come on I'll stay with you as long as you need."
Sakura took a deep breath and nodded, "You're right." She rushed to the Hokage tower and was surprised to be guided into the Clan Council Chambers where she saw the clan heads and the Hokage with Homura and Koharu looking upon her with sympathy. "Hokage-sama, with all due respect," Sakura paused in frustration and concern, "What the hell happened to my family and our home? The place was trashed and there was blood all over."
The Hokage motioned the girl to claim her mother's clan seat, "Please sit Lady Haruno and I will begin." Sakura nodded and regained her composure as she sat beside Shikaku to her left and Iruka to her right. She set her eyes firmly on the Hokage, "Please begin Hokage-sama."
