Two weeks later the day of Sakura's fourth birthday the little girl was running around excitedly "So when are you going to go get Omoi-kun, Papa" Sakura couldn't wait to see her friend it had been over a month.
"What if he's forgotten about me and hasn't gotten me a present" Sakura pressed her hands to her face in horror as the thought that Omoi didn't remember her flew through her mind, Fukasaku chuckled and hopped over.
"Don't worry Tadpole, I'm sure your friend hasn't forgotten" Fukasaku patted Sakura on the head as Shima put a bowl of fried scorpions in front of her "Now eat up" he sat down to dig into his own food while Jiraiya sighed.
Sakura smiled innocently "You've got to eat to Papa otherwise you'll set a bad example" she pointed her chopsticks at his plate and Jiraiya pressed his lips together sourly, it was bad enough that he had to eat the food but now Sakura was telling him that he was a bad parent.
'Or that I'm not doing good enough, oh no' Jiraiya stared down at Sakura with wide eyes "Sweet little cherry blossom please don't grow up on me to fast" he sulked, she was already four but soon she would be all grown up Jiraiya didn't want that to happen so fast.
"I promise Papa" Sakura promised in confusion and then polished off her scorpion meat, looked to the clock and squealed in joy "Time to go get Omoi-kun" she ordered cutely and Jiraiya chuckled and gladly pushed away his plate that was still half full of food.
Sakura didn't pay any attention to it as Shima took the plates away to be washed up "Ok, ok I'll go get Omoi" Jiraiya pulled Sakura into a tight hug and then disappeared in a puff of smoke, Sakura ran off to play in the living room until he returned.
"Children" Jiraiya sighed, thankfully he had gotten summon marks engraved on a tree nearby the Cloud Village so he didn't have far to walk before he reached the gates, Jiraiya approached and the guards let him through.
Omoi sighed and stirred his soup, he wasn't very hungry, Sakura hadn't even come visit him once in the month she had went back, what if she didn't remember him anymore and now he couldn't go to the birthday party.
A knock on the door alerted the occupants of the house and Omoi's mother headed to the door to answer it "Master Jiraiya it's a pleasure to see you again, now before we let you take our son we'd like to talk to you" she greeted then indicated for Jiraiya to sit.
Omoi's eyes widened, Sakura hadn't forgotten him at all but he remained silent waiting patiently while his parents and his friends father talked "Now before we lay down some rules, we are going on a mission for a week" his father admitted and Omoi snickered.
"So we were wondering if it's not to much trouble, if Omoi could stay on the mountain for the week" Omoi's mother drew Jiraiya's attention, who scratched his chin in thought before shrugging and answering her question.
"I don't think it will be to much of a problem, the toads would love it" Jiraiya wondered if these people knew what Sakura ate on the mountain they probably wouldn't be so eager to leave their son there for an entire week.
"Now as for the rules, Omoi is a growing boy so he needs three meals a day so we have a list of things he has to eat, what exactly do the toads eat hopefully not bugs right" Omoi's mother spoke again when Jiraiya smiled sheepishly she gagged a little.
Jiraiya cleared his throat "Trust me, all of the bugs are quite safe to eat and actually a lot more nutritious than human food, plus it tastes just like it to especially how Shima cooks it" he assured Omoi's parents that the food was safe to eat and wouldn't harm their son at all.
"How can you be sure it's as good as you say it, you don't look very assured either and Master Jiraiya you looked quite disgusted yourself" Omoi's father pointed out and Jiraiya sighed, he was telling the truth after all.
"Well if that's all you've eaten since you were born then you'd have a love for fried bugs and mushrooms, but after eating real food for most of your life it's not very appetizing, for a little kid though I doubt they would be bothered by it much" Jiraiya explained.
Omoi's mother and father shared a look "If you think Omoi will eat it then we'll trust you but please if he doesn't get him real food no matter what as for the other rule, bath and story time at night and bed time at 9, along with waking him up at 7" Omoi's mother finished.
"Those terms are quite acceptable, Sakura wakes up at 7 and eats breakfast, then goes out to play so he could join her, noon is lunch, and more playtime, dinner at 5 and then a bath, I usually read a story and bed time at nine" Jiraiya didn't see a problem with any of the rules.
They sighed in relief and picked up Omoi "Alright we'll see you in a week Omoi" his mother pressed a kiss to his forehead and Omoi sulked, his father tousled his hair and then his mother handed him over to Jiraiya.
"Is Sakura-chan ok, she hasn't been back to visit me at all" Omoi questioned as they left the house and started the trek back to the spot Jiraiya had appeared it was only in that spot they would be able to return.
Across town, Darui and Cee were trying to convince the third Raikage to give them a week off, all they had heard Omoi talk about was going to visit Sakura on her birthday and both of them had gifts they wanted to give to the little girl.
"Fine you two but a week only" A stamped the paperwork and gave it to the two teens, Cee and Darui ran from the Raikage Tower and down the streets to Omoi's house hopefully they weren't to late but of course they just had to be.
Omoi's mother pointed at the alley "Master Jiraiya and Omoi just left like 2 minutes ago if you go that way you can catch up with them" she then shut the door and they raced down the street's hoping to catch up with Jiraiya and Omoi.
Then they heard it Omoi's obnoxious voice and sped up "Master Jiraiya" Cee called and both teens skidded to a stop before the man, Jiraiya looked them over while Omoi snickered at them, both of the older boys were breathing heavily.
"What is it you two" Jiraiya had to hurry otherwise they would be late and Sakura wouldn't be to happy, Omoi crossed his arms boldly and Cee rolled his eyes and gestured at Darui who groaned but straightened after he caught his breath.
Darui cleared his throat "We heard from Omoi that Sakura's birthday was today and wondered if we might tag along for a week" he smirked when Omoi glared at him, Jiraiya pinched the bridge of his nose, Sakura didn't really talk about anyone else but Omoi.
"I'm warning you now you two boys that you'll have to stick out the week and eat what everyone else eats" Jiraiya relented and Omoi huffed, but slumped his shoulders in defeat, he knew Sakura would appreciate having these two at her birthday party as well.
Cee and Darui high fived each and followed Jiraiya down the streets and out of the village to a tree that had markings carved into it "Hold on to some part of me" Jiraiya told Darui and Cee and they did as he ordered.
Sakura kicked her feet lightly on the living room floor as she drew a picture for her papa, he had been gone for 20 minutes "What are you doing tadpole" Shima hopped into the living room on her way out to get some more food.
"I'm drawing Papa a picture, it's him and Gamakiri playing leap frog" Sakura rolled until she was on her back and showed Shima the picture, she didn't say anything for a long minute and then Shima nodded.
"That's very beautiful Sakura, I'm sure Jiraiya boy will be happy with it" Shima praised and hopped out the door, the minute she was out of Sakura's hearing she burst into loud laughter, she hoped she was here to see Jiraiya's face when his daughter gave him the picture.
Sakura sighed and hopped up her papa was taking an awfully long time to return, she wondered if Omoi's parents had decided to change their mind about letting her friend come, or worse her papa had gotten stuck somewhere.
Cee blinked, as the smoke cleared he looked around "Where are we, I thought we were going to a village of some kind" Cee was confused it was so strange but he shrugged his shoulders and followed after Jiraiya and Darui.
"This is where Sakura lives when I can't watch her it's Mount Myoboku home of the toads who forge a summoning contract with me and soon Sakura as well" Jiraiya answered Cee's question as they walked to a little house.
Darui cringed it was so bright and huge "I bet people get lost here all the time right it must be so drab to help them out" he stared at the surroundings before sharing a look with Cee who was just as dumbfounded as he.
"Ah well we actually haven't had very many people get lost in the last four years since Sakura came here" Jiraiya sighed, kids especially teens were very inquisitive and always asked questions, sometimes it got tiring.
Sakura was hopping around the living room holding onto her stuffed frog when Shima returned from picking some more mushrooms just as the front door opened to reveal Jiraiya, Omoi and "Darui-san, Cee-san" Sakura set her toy down and ran over to her papa.
"I was getting worried" Sakura scolded as Jiraiya set Omoi down "And Hello Omoi-kun" she latched onto the white haired boy and they shared a hug even though Omoi was embarrassed to do so especially with a girl.
Jiraiya chuckled and sat down on a couch "Hey Kid" Darui greeted and Sakura smiled "I betcha didn't think we'd be here did ya" he smirked and sat down, it was weird being here, but now that they were they couldn't go back until Omoi did.
Sakura grinned "I'm sorry I forgot to invite you Darui-san, Cee-san" she scuffed her shoe shyly then she perked up "Papa, I drew you a picture" Sakura ran over to the table to get her drawing and then ran back to the couch to give it to Jiraiya.
Jiraiya looked down and his cheeks flushed in embarrassment, Sakura was quite the little artist, but the picture itself was quite well not what he expected for a four year old "I love it" Jiraiya cringed as he said the words and Shima laughed.
'Damn toad always making fun of me' Jiraiya sulked and stood up, he carefully put away the picture, he would have to drink later to make sure he forgot that particular drawing "Ok you four go outside and play" Jiraiya opened the door and the kids scrambled out.
Cee sighed "Why do we have to play with them again" he asked Darui who shrugged, Sakura was pulling Omoi along by the hand as they headed around the mountain on a tour "I guess it's not to bad Sakura could suggest something worse than a tour" Cee admitted.
"And all the way from over there is the flower field to the toadstool field and then I haven't even been beyond that" Sakura pointed and moved her hand introducing each place to her friend as they headed to the pond.
Darui shoved his hands in his pocket, why couldn't they have just given Jiraiya, Sakura's gifts and stayed at the Cloud Village, he just now realized that this was possibly a bad idea but now neither he or Cee could do anything about it.
Omoi was amazed "WOW and you get to see this everyday, what if you get lost and spend the rest of your life wandering around never being found, wouldn't that be lonely" he shared his concerns with Sakura who giggled.
"Silly, I've never gotten lost unless it was intentionally but that was only when I was playing hide and go seek with my friends here, of course there was that one time when I was one but I'm not going to talk about that" Sakura explained as they came to a stop at the shallow pond.
Cee and Darui shared a look why would Sakura say something like that but not elaborate, maybe they would ask Jiraiya later "So Sakura would you like your gifts" Darui asked and Sakura swung around to face him.
"Can it wait until after dinner when everyone hands out the gifts" Sakura wrung her hands nervously, it had been a long standing tradition to wait until after dinner before opening presents and then they would eat dessert.
"That's understandable" Cee sat down as Sakura twirled her finger in the water and made this weird croaking sound "What exactly are you doing Sakura" he asked when she leaned over the water to peer into it's murky depths.
Sakura took a deep breath "Trying to get my friends to come out, they are shy when it comes to new people" she explained and took off her dress to reveal a swimsuit, Sakura bent her knee's and prepared to jump in when Darui grabbed hold of her.
"Whoa there kid do you even know how to swim" Darui held onto Sakura as she squirmed in his hold, she didn't answer instead looked down shyly he instantly released her and Sakura held up her dress to block their view.
Sakura sighed "Yes Darui-san, I know how to swim, ever since I was one, Gamakiri and Gamakichi taught me" she smiled and dove in, then she disappeared under the water to come up on the other side of the pond.
"Gamakichi, Gamatatsu, I know your there please come out, I want to introduce you to my friends from the village of the outside world" Sakura bobbed up and down on the water as she floated on her belly.
Gamakichi appeared at the call, and Gamatatsu followed "Ok pink tadpole we'll trust them just because you do" he hopped over to Sakura and his brother followed "So before we go tell us about them" Gamakichi enquired.
Up above the underwater cover Darui had stood and started pacing while Omoi stared at the water worriedly "We should have never let her go in there" his heart was pounding in fear it had been over 10 minutes since Sakura had went into the water.
Suddenly bubbles rose and pink hair appeared before Sakura stepped out of the pond followed by two little toads, Darui in his panic grabbed her and practically crushed her against him "Never do that again you here me" he warned, despite what people thought he cared a lot about others.
Sakura blinked in confusion "I just went to the cove, it's only a few feet down and then up and there's plenty of air, and I've been there tons of times" she wasn't sure what she wasn't supposed to never do again.
Cee laughed, Darui was like a mother hen fussing over his chicks some times "Relax Darui, it is our week off after all" he smirked and leaned back only to lay on something squishy he looked down to see one of the little toads "Sorry" Cee apologized.
"It's alright" Gamatatsu hopped over to Sakura and climbed into her lap after she put on her dress again "Are we going to go play leap frog like usual with Gamajosei and Gamadansei" he peered up at the little girl.
Sakura tapped her lip "Hmm, I don't know I love playing leap frog and I'm sure Omoi-kun would like to play as well, but I don't think Cee-san and Darui-san wants to play a little kiddie game" she shrugged.
"Because it's a lot more fun to go on an adventure, we could explore Gamahiro's caves again of course only after getting permission from him and then we could go to toadstool field and have Gamabunta-san catch us as we jump off the giant toadstools" Sakura hopped up.
Darui raised his arms, little girls were weird, and how on earth did she figure out that he and Cee didn't want to play dumb little kid games "Tell ya what kid, you and Omoi jump off toadstools, Cee and I will catch you" he offered.
Omoi stood and dusted off his pants "That sounds dangerous, Sakura-chan, what if we get lost in the caves and are never found, or worse we could fall and this Gamabunta person could miss catching us then we would end up dying" he wrung his hands nervously.
Sakura shook her head in exasperation "Omoi-kun you sure are one cautious fellow, silly Gamakichi knows the caves like the back of his hand, and it's really fun, Gamabunta never misses" she grinned.
"Thank you for the offer Darui-san, but I think you should wait to see what I'm talking about before you offer again" Sakura smiled innocently and took Omoi by the hand "Gamakichi, Gamatatsu lead the way" she let the toads hop in front of her as the quartet headed off.
Cee rubbed his face, this was turning out to be the strangest day either of them had ever had, talking toads and one strange little kid but he and Darui trudged after the two kids and the two toads as they were led to a cave system on the mountain.
"Look its the pink tadpole" Gamahiro hopped out of his home and picked the little girl up "Have you been by to see Lord Elder Gamamaru yet" he asked and Sakura shook her head, the necklace still only had three pink beads.
"Not yet Gamahiro-san do you think we could explore the caves again only if you say we can if not that's ok to, because I'm gonna take Omoi-kun to the toadstools" Sakura chattered to the toad endlessly and Omoi waited patiently.
Gamahiro set Sakura down "Sure pink tadpole but only for a little while and stay away from the east end I'm redecorating" he hopped back into his cave after granting Sakura and her friends permission to explore.
Darui was once again confused "Who is Gamamaru and why do you have to go see him" he enquired as the little red toad led them into the cave, Omoi clutched onto Sakura's hand tightly as they walked.
"Oh he's the Great Toad Elder of the Mountain the one who agrees or disagrees on people who want to sign the contract with the toads, he has this cool glass ball that allows him to see everything that goes on here at Mount Myoboku" Sakura skipped along merrily while she talked.
Sakura paused and took a deep breath "I have to go see him because of this, on my first birthday I only had one pink bead on the green string but since I'm turning four, I have to go get another one" she bent down and scooped up a rock to skip it in a puddle.
"It's a tradition for those living on the mountain and since next year I'm signing the contract, I'll be starting my Toad Sage Training while going to the academy" Sakura jumped into the next puddle and it splashed against the walls as she finished her explanation.
Cee stared in awe, of course it was only obvious that Sakura would take after her father and become a sage over the toads "Tell you what Sakura, when you get old enough Darui and I will take you on as our apprentice" he smirked when Darui stared at him in surprise.
Sakura paused and Omoi was dragged to a stop "Do you mean that Cee-san, or is it a joke" she wasn't sure if she should believe his words, they sounded way to good to be true and Sakura wasn't sure if her heart could take it if it was a lie.
Darui's eyes widened, this girl had been seriously hurt by someone "He means it, we mean it, I'll even talk to the Raikage, I'm sure he'll agree as well" he rushed out recklessly, now that the promise had been made Sakura would most likely never forget.
"Pink Tadpole we've made it to the end" Gamakichi looked back at the group only to stare in horror he sighed in relief a moment later Sakura and her human friends appeared, Sakura looked excited well more excited than usual.
Sakura couldn't believe it, Darui and Cee were going to train her when she got older it was like a dream come true "Sakura sweetie is that you" Gamakiri came out of no where and scooped the little girl into his arms and pressed a big wet kiss to the top of her head.
"Gamakiri-kun" Sakura pouted before breaking down in giggles "Did you know it's my birthday again" for the last month the toad had been sick so this is the first she had seen of him for over a month because Gamakiri had holed himself away as not to spread his cold to the others.
Gamakiri stared down in astonishment "No I distinctly remember it being last year" he played along with his second favorite human, Sakura sulked but then she caught on to what he was doing and joined in.
"See that's the funny thing about birthday's Gamakiri-kun, they come every year and today just happens to be that day, anyways I think it might be noon so we've got to go" Sakura rattled off before looking up into the sky and noticing the position of the sun.
Just then "KIDS LUNCH IS READY" the familiar voice of Shima called and Sakura smiled in triumph, she had correctly guessed that it was lunch time, so she grabbed Omoi's hand and led him, Darui and Cee back to the house.
Darui kicked a rock lightly as they rocked, maybe this wouldn't be such a drab week after all at least the mountain was interesting and they could go out exploring everyday at the very least while Sakura and Omoi played.
Sakura plopped down in her seat as Shima placed a bowl of food before her "What on earth is that" she rejected it immediately but waited for the explanation, Sakura would only try it if someone gave her a good enough explanation.
Fukasaku groaned, he had known this would happen, Jiraiya had suggested Shima cook regular food that meant human food "Well Sakura, it's food that comes from the outside world, you want to live out there don't you" he worded his question just the right way.
"Of course I do but only after I complete my Sage training and why is it all mushy like that" Sakura sulked, she had expected her favorite grub worms and fried grasshoppers, not this white mushy stuff.
Shima laughed "It's called smashed potatoes now eat" she put the bowl in front of Sakura again who hesitantly dug in, what Shima didn't tell Sakura though was that in the potatoes was sauteed scorpion meat and veggies.
"Hey this stuff isn't half bad but I still prefer fried grub worms and fried grasshoppers" Sakura swallowed another bite of her smashed potatoes, Darui's face turned green but he took a deep breath and continued eating.
Cee felt sick Sakura ate bugs it sounded absolutely disgusting but looking at how healthy Sakura was maybe what she was eating was actually much better for her than whatever it was they were currently eating because smashed potatoes weren't exactly healthy.
"I think I'd like to try that for dinner you know, eat what Sakura eats" Cee kindly asked, Shima's eyes lit up and so did Sakura's, but Darui grimaced and turned green again "How bad can it be after all" he shrugged and smiled sheepishly.
Darui was so going to get Cee back for that little stunt, what the hell was his friend thinking asking for toad food "Cee when we get back to the village your going to get it" he hissed in Cee's ear and finished off his potatoes.
"Come on Darui at least try it besides it would be rude not to, and take a good look at Sakura, she's been eating bugs since she was born practically, and she's as healthy as us" Cee whispered back to Darui.
Darui turned his head and glanced at Sakura from the corner of his eye before groaning in defeat, Cee was right Sakura looked healthy for eating bugs all the time, so he would swallow his pride and eat a bug just to see how he liked it.
Sakura looked down "You know Cee-san, Darui-san, you don't have to, I know it's different to what everyone on the outside eats but you don't have to force yourselves to do something just for the sake of being nice" she twiddled her thumbs without looking up.
"It's ok kid, we'll give eating bugs a try" Darui shrugged like it was no big deal, Sakura was way to kind and forgiving for her own good, not a very good combination in a rough and tough village like the cloud village.
Jiraiya entered the house at that moment "Papa where have you been you still have to eat your mashed potatoes" she pointed at the bowl in his normal spot and Jiraiya sat down to dig in, he froze a moment later and glared at Shima.
"After I get done eating, Sakura and I will be going to see Gamamaru" Jiraiya ate his food at a rapid pace, Sakura giggled and finished off her own food, Omoi was picking at his while Darui and Cee whispered back and forth between bites.
"Can't wait and what's wrong Omoi-kun" Sakura turned her attention on the little boy who she had become fast friends with, he shrugged his shoulders and sighed, but started eating until he pushed his bowl away.
"I really want to give you my present, I picked it out all by myself but now I'm afraid you won't like it and that I'll have to go back home all alone" Omoi admitted what had been bugging him since their time at the pond.
Sakura heaved a sigh "Omoi-kun in a few more hours it will be dinner, just be patient until then, and I'll be back" she hopped out of her chair and Jiraiya scooped her into his arms, together the duo left the house.
At the waterfall Sakura stood before the great toad elder and presented her beaded necklace "Ah yes, young Sakura is four today, only one more year until her training begins" Gamamaru leaned forward and picked up the necklace while talking slowly.
A moment later he handed the necklace back to Sakura, it held the newest bead and Sakura smiled happily next year she would get a bigger bead to signal the start of her training and then for two to three years she would train as a sage and go to the academy everyday.
Jiraiya helped Sakura put her beaded necklace back on and together they bid Gamamaru farewell until the next year "Papa why do people force themselves to do things they obviously don't like" Sakura enquired innocently.
"Well my sweet cherry, to make their loved ones happy" Jiraiya picked Sakura up and nuzzled his nose against hers, Sakura laughed happily and wrapped her tiny arms around his neck to give him her own hug.
They arrived back at the house a few minutes later and entered to find Darui and Cee lounging on the couch and Omoi reading a child fairy tale book "Let's go to toadstool field" Sakura wiggled out of Jiraiya's arms and landed on the floor with a thump.
Cee's eyes widened in horror, that child was the most accident prone kid he had ever met and he had met plenty "You ok Sakura, do you need me to heal you again" he asked as she picked herself up and rubbed her nose.
"Nah that's ok, my nose doesn't hurt this time" Sakura sneezed several times in quick succession before hopping up and down anxiously, Omoi grabbed onto her hand while Darui and Cee stood and they all headed back out doors.
Omoi followed along after Sakura, he wished he could make some suggestions but he didn't know anything about this place except for the things Sakura had already told him "So how high are these toadstools" he asked after a moment of silence.
Sakura grinned "Taller than Gamabunta but that's what makes it fun to jump off of them, or we could bounce around on the smaller ones until it's dinner time, we could also seek out the two toads I'm signing the contract with and play leap frog" she smiled widely.
"Bouncing on the smaller toadstools sounds like a heap more fun than jumping off a huge one" Darui suggested, he would rather not have another panick attack today if something else happened and one of the kids got hurt.
"Your right Darui-san, we can stick with the little ones today only cause I don't want to bother Gamabunta" Sakura had heard about what happened, her papa had summoned Gamabunta and the giant toad had gotten hurt in a fight.
Cee shrugged that sounded like a brilliant idea, be as safe as possible the rest of the afternoon so no one got hurt "Maybe when you kids get bored you could play leap frog or do some other safe activity" he smiled sheepishly.
"Welcome to Toadstool Field, Omoi-kun, Darui-san, Cee-san" Sakura held open her arms and gestured around them to the variety of toadstools "The best ones to bounce on are over here" she led them to a patch of little toadstools and climbed on one.
Omoi watched as Sakura started bouncing up and down "That does look like fun" he scrambled up the toadstool and grabbed onto Sakura's hands to start bouncing in a circle together at least that way neither of them would fall off.
Darui watched the two kids semi bored, at least they were having fun "You know we could always train right" Cee spoke up after watching the two kids bounce for awhile, Darui swung around and a smile spread across his lips.
"Now that sounds like the best idea I've heard all day" Darui nodded before following Cee a little ways away to start practicing, neither realized that it drew Sakura's attention so thoroughly that the kids stopped jumping to watch them instead.
Omoi pouted, he had seen Darui and Cee show off so many times that it was just boring to watch them do it anymore "Come on Sakura-chan" he started bouncing again but Sakura didn't she was just fascinated by what Cee and Darui were doing.
Sakura was enraptured as Darui swung his sword and Cee formed hand signs "You know Omoi-kun, I've never felt like this is my true home, I just get the feeling I'm destined for great things" she admitted softly without taking her eyes off the two boys.
"Papa isn't my papa you know, he adopted me, Gamakichi told me how Papa and he found me out in the rain" Sakura sat down on the toadstool and Omoi followed her example "He said I just appeared out of no where" she continued.
Omoi stared wide eyed at Sakura "So you don't know who your real parents are" he asked feeling sad for his friend, she would never know who where she belongs and would most likely never fit in at the cloud village.
Darui sighed in frustration "We are being watched" he subtly jerked his head in the direction of the two kids, who were no longer bouncing but instead sitting and watching he and Cee who shrugged and stopped training there was no point now.
Sakura smiled sadly "Papa takes good care of me though" she perked up and hopped down from the toadstool they had been out here for a good few hours so maybe dinner was almost ready and they should start heading back.
Cee noticed something off with Sakura as she called out to him and Darui that they should head back so as not to be late for dinner "Is it just me or does she look sad about something" he pointed out to Darui wanting to get his friends opinion.
"Hm now that you mention it she does have this air of sadness about her right now" Darui sighed, they would most likely find out later possibly or they would never find out what was bothering Sakura.
Shima opened the door to holler out to the kids only to hop back in shock "I was just about to call you four in, it's time for dinner, then Sakura will open presents, and afterwards dessert" she gave the kids the run down of the next couple of hours.
Omoi grinned "Oh goodie I can't wait to have a piece of cake" he let out and Sakura sent him a weird look "We are having cake for dessert right" he asked looking around Omoi was confused this place was very strange.
"Ah Omoi what exactly is this cake your talking about" Sakura scratched the back of her head, she had never heard of the food her friend was talking about, Darui and Cee shared a look but they all crowded around the dining table.
Jiraiya sighed "Sakura, cake is this extremely sugary dessert people have at birthday parties, you put candles on it we'd all sing you happy birthday like we usually do then you'd blow out the candles and eat it" he explained.
Sakura's face scrunched up in disgust "That sounds so yucky, who wants to have all that nasty sugar in their body" she immediately shook her head causing everyone to laugh, Sakura was a very health oriented girl after all.
"Dig in everyone" Shima set the fried grasshoppers and grub worms down on the table, Sakura didn't hesitate but Omoi, Darui and Cee did, Jiraiya grumbled but ate his food, Sakura looked up and noticed that her friends looked a little disgusted.
"You don't have to force yourselves you know" Sakura avoided their eyes as the three boys turned sheepish and each picked up a grub worm and ate it, Cee's eyes widened and he picked up a grasshopper to try it next.
Darui hated to admit it but this food wasn't half bad, while Omoi dug in with a vigor that it surprised Jiraiya "This is amazing it taste like bacon and chicken without the grease" Omoi crunched a grasshopper loudly.
Sakura giggled, she knew that eventually she would have to eat real food but that was still quite a ways off "I haven't seen Gamajosei and Gamadansei at all today are they going to be here" she suddenly blurted out after polishing off her plate.
Jiraiya looked up "Yeah they'll be here little cherry" he chuckled when she hopped up and did a little dance to everyone's amusement, Shima cleared away the plates and they congregated to the living room where four little toads were waiting with gifts next to them.
"Can I give Sakura-chan my gift first" Omoi suddenly became assertive, he was terrified that Sakura wasn't going to like what he had picked out for her, Shima shrugged and gestured for Omoi to have at it.
Sakura took the long present from her friend and carefully removed the wrapping paper to reveal a pink and green bokken "Ah this is so wicked cool Omoi-kun, Papa may I practice with it later" she smiled sweetly up at Jiriaya who froze but relented.
"Just as long as your careful, and try not to poke your eye out" Jiraiya swallowed, this was going to be quite an eventful day, he handed his own gift over to Sakura who smiled happily and peeled back the wrapping paper.
Darui's eyes widened in response to the next gift that happened to be a pink headband with white and black frogs decorated on it and a white dress with the same frogs on it "Thank you Papa" Sakura hopped up to hug Jiraiya who smiled fondly.
Shima and Fukasaku push their own present forward and Sakura picked it up and opened the gift, Sakura's eyebrows furrowed in confusion "Elder Shima what is this" she held up the long sleeved coat that was green with white and black frogs along with the cloud village symbol.
"Well when you go to the academy next year and start your training that's what you'll wear tadpole" Shima patted Sakura on the head and the little four year old folded the coat neatly and set it on top of her other new clothes, Sakura was already wearing the headband.
Cee took his chance to jump in "Here Sakura, I made this especially for you" he cleared his throat and set the neatly wrapped gift in her lap, when she got old enough Cee would teach her how to become a medical ninja.
Sakura carefully ripped off the wrapping paper and squealed in delight "It's so neat" she held up the medical pouch Cee had given her for everyone to see "Thank you Cee-san" Sakura bowed her head politely.
"You have a tendency to get hurt so the only logical way to prevent that from happening is having a medical kit on hand" Cee shrugged his gift was the most practical out of all of the ones Sakura had received that day so far.
Jiraiya chuckled softly and held up a gift "This is from Gamakiri, and I have no idea what he got you again" Jiraiya hoped to god that it wasn't like the toads gift from last year because then Sakura wouldn't get to have it until she was older.
Sakura eyed the tiny box before shrugging and opening it to reveal red lip gloss "Here Papa, I'm not ready for makeup so will you put it in your scroll with the other ones" Sakura held up the container and Jiraiya sealed it away.
Darui cracked a grin, Sakura acted so grown up it was freaky "Here ya go kid" he set his own gift in her lap, he wasn't sure if it was exactly age appropriate but Darui figured that when Sakura was older he could teach her how to use it.
"Wow Darui-san, it's a mini one of your blade right" Sakura opened the gift and gasped in surprise, she wasn't quite ready for such a gift and it to was sealed away within Jiraiya's scroll to Darui's amusement.
Sakura faced Gamajosei and Gamadansei who pushed their own present forward "Here's a gift from both of us, we made it ourselves this year" Gamajosei became nervous, she and her brother hoped Sakura liked the gift.
"Thank you Gamajosei, Gamadansei" Sakura gave her friends a pretty smile and neatly ripped off the wrapping paper, the gift was a flower crown made out of Sakura's favorite flowers from the flower field she often frequented.
Jiraiya was happy that Sakura had made friends with those two toad siblings, otherwise they would never be in a contract with anyone "Alright only one more gift left then dessert time" he clapped his hands to move the party along.
"Papa your so silly, do you really like honey pot ants that much" Sakura giggled and picked up her gift from Gamabunta, Gamakichi and Gamatatsu, Jiraiya groaned and slumped his shoulders in defeat, he just couldn't win against Sakura.
Darui coughed into his hand, Sakura was cheeky that was for sure, but it was all in good fun, he watched as she opened her last gift and tears sprung into her eyes, everyone grew worried until she held up the present.
"This shell grows on the lowest level of the pond doesn't it" Sakura was just enraptured by the rainbow colored shell she had only heard stories about, Gamakichi nodded "I don't know what to say" Sakura sniffled softly and scooped the toads into her arms to give them a squeeze.
Darui was confused "Why exactly are you crying over a little shell" he didn't understand why Sakura had gotten emotional over such a thing but girls were weird, though even Darui could admit the shell was otherworldly.
Sakura wiped her tears as they headed back into the kitchen "That shell grows at the bottom of the pond only once every twenty years the only person who has one still is my Papa" she started explaining as she sat down to wait for her favorite sweet treat.
"When you have two of those shells they act as a sort of communicator, but it only sends through feelings and stray thoughts" Sakura finished and stared up at Jiraiya who smiled nervously at her.
'I'm going to strangle who ever told Sakura that dumb legend it's a load of bologna' Jiraiya peered around and spotted a guilty looking Fukasaku, who tried to slip out of the room but didn't when Jiraiya raised an eyebrow.
Omoi's face grew horrified when he stuck his hand in the bowl "AHHHHH ANTS" he screamed and hopped up and down to shake the insects that were crawling up his arm off, Sakura laughed and popped the ants bottom in her mouth to get at the honey.
"Omoi they won't hurt you, they are called honey pot ants, if you pop their back ends you'll get the honey and it's really good" Sakura explained when Omoi sat down sulking and refusing to stick his hand in the bowl again.
Omoi gulped but hesitantly did as Sakura instructed "That is good, it's better than the honey my parents get from the store" he dug in with more excitement now that the scary part was over Omoi liked the ants.
Cee shrugged and joined in so far the food had been pretty good, Shima cleared away the plates and Jiraiya stood "Alright you four go on out for a couple of hours" he opened the door and the four kids headed out again "And Sakura please be careful" Jiraiya called.
Sakura was carrying her wooden sword as they travelled to a little field just a few minutes from the house "So kid do you even know how to use a sword" Darui questioned and Sakura smiled sheepishly at him.
"Nope but that's what practicing is all about isn't it" Sakura had seen Gamabunta wield his sword before and mimicked some of his stances, adjusting her hold on the sword so that it was balanced perfectly in her hands.
Omoi sat down and watched Sakura was so cool as she moved and thrust the bokken forward in a controlled swing "That was awesome where did you learn that" he asked suddenly and lay on the ground on his belly to watch her better.
Darui was also very curious as Sakura lowered the sword and faced Omoi "I didn't, I just kind of mimicked something I had seen from Gamabunta, he's Gamakichi, and Gamatatsu's father" Sakura explained and raised the sword again to practice again.
Cee shook his head, and leaned back "Hey Sakura-chan, can we play leap frog tomorrow" Gamajosei and her brother hopped up and Cee sat up, the two toads looked eerily like the ones decorated on Sakura's dress that she had hurriedly put on.
Sakura grinned "Absolutely may Omoi join us as well, I think he'd be really good at the game" she pointed at the white haired boy and the two toads who had been so excited to meet their contractors friend hopped over to him.
"We've heard about you all month and we are happy we finally get to meet you Omoi-kun" Gamajosei greeted happily, they had been asking Sakura all month to introduce them to her human friend and now that wish had come true.
Gamadansei remained quiet though as he spotted the other two boys "You've never talked about them before Sakura-chan so who are they" he pointed at Cee and Darui who became exasperated with the situation.
"That's Darui-san and Cee-san" Sakura avoided their gazes shamefully, she hadn't really thought the two boys wanted anything to do with her so she hadn't told her toad friends about either boy, but clearly Sakura had been wrong.
"Well it's nice to meet you both as well, we don't meet many humans except for Sakura-chan, but now it's time for us to go" Gamajosei greeted politely before she and her brother hopped off to head back to their home on the other side of the mountain.
Darui rolled his eyes and leaned back against a rock to watch Sakura practice, a couple hours later they were called back in for the final time "Ok it's bath time" Jiraiya told them, Cee and Darui shrugged, they weren't keen on showering right now.
Sakura smiled innocently "I'll go last, I think the boys should go first" she snickered when Omoi gave her the stink eye but pouted as Jiraiya took him by the hand and led him down the hall to the bathroom to get a bath.
Cee sat down and laughed silently, Sakura was a little mischievous, maybe it wouldn't be such a bad idea to take a 15 minute shower each they had brought along their own toiletries "So where will we be sleeping" he suddenly asked.
Fukasaku took over before Sakura could answer "We've got air mattresses set up in the guest room for you after you shower, I'll show you to the room" he explained, Cee and Darui nodded in agreement at least they didn't have to sleep on the couch or worse Sakura's room.
Omoi came back a few minutes later and Darui followed Jiriaya down the hall to the bathroom "Did I tell you we are staying for an entire week" Omoi told Sakura suddenly and the little girl squealed in joy before pulling Omoi into a hug.
Soon all four of the kids had taken a bath, Jiraiya scooped up Omoi and Sakura, while Cee and Darui followed Fukasaku down the hall to the guest room, Jiraiya read to the two four year old until they were fast alseep.
Jiraiya closed the book and tiptoed out of the room, to the kitchen where Shima was preparing tomorrow mornings breakfast "Now I'll be gone for most of the day tomorrow so it's up to you to watch Omoi" he warned before heading to his room to go to sleep.
