The last four days in the Hidden Mist Village, Sakura split her time between only three hours of hospital work and spending time with Naruto, Sasuke and Chojuro, either exploring the village or eating out at a restaurant and buying little souvenirs at the gift shops to take back.
Her two teammates were very considerate and if they saw her struggling with something either Sasuke or Naruto jumped in to help her, if Chojuro wasn't around and he was doing his duty as one of the Mizukage's personal guards.
It was as she was standing in the room she'd spent the last two and a half weeks in that a wave of homesickness finally hit her and just as the first tear splashed onto the carpet Chojuro appeared "A..are y..you ready to go Sa..Sakura-chan" he asked in that stutter.
Before realizing she was crying "Wh…what happened" he burst out looking around the room warily and noting that the window was locked, Chojuro frowned and he pulled the pinkette into a hug having gotten use to the action in the last several days.
She sniffled for a moment and then dried her eyes with the sleeve of the blue shirt she was wearing "As much as I've loved being here…" Sakura blinked her eyes rapidly "I miss the Leaf Village" she cried softly.
Chojuro blinked his onyx eyes then smiled kindly "Th..there the…there Saku..Sakura-chan, yo…you'll be ho..home so..soon en..enough i..in just a fe..few days" he soothed rubbing her back gently knowing that people who were pregnant were much more emotional than what was normal.
Eventually the tears did slow and Sakura realized that he was still hugging her, her face became a cherry red and she squeaked in embarrassment "Sorry Chojuro, I don't really know what got into me" she laughed sheepishly looking to her toes as they stood in the small room.
"Do..don't wo..worry about i..it yo..you were bou..bound to fig..figure out yo..you missed vi..village" he waved off the apology with his signature shy smile, shuffled his feet awkwardly before escaping from the room so that she could finish grabbing the things she'd bought for herself.
In his haste to escape Chojuro missed the mirth clear in Sakura's jade colored eyes and the blush on her face as she turned and grabbed up the small backpack Inoichi had brought, saying that it was from Ino and stuffed the things she'd bought into it before deciding she was done.
As she looked over the entire room and making sure it was back to how it was before she'd come along and made herself at home, Sakura sighed softly and left the guest bedroom closing the door behind her when she was stood in the hall "Chojuro" she called softly.
The pale blue haired onyx eyed boy appeared moments afterwards "I'm ready how about you or do you still need sometime, I know Hokage-sama said we could take as long as we like" Sakura babbled suddenly before her mouth snapped shut for fear of sounding like an idiot further.
He graced her with a small smile "I'…I'm re..ready Sakura-chan b..before w..we lea..leave tho..though" Chojuro held out a small jacket "I..it's supp..suppose t..to be col..cold wh..while we tr..travel" he explained helping her out of the backpack and into the jacket.
Sakura didn't mind and she did enjoy that he always seemed to know the weather "Thanks Chojuro, lets go" she smiled brightly thanking the boy sweetly as they left the house behind, her waiting patiently as Chojuro locked the door behind him.
Where it would sit unused for nearly eight more months until he came back once she'd given birth, her stomach was still flat and Sakura pressed a hand to the spot where she knew it would swell when the baby really began growing as they walked through the Mist Village for the last time.
People, shinobi and civilians alike waving at them and Chojuro keeping both of his eyes on the pinkette making sure nothing happened to her "I..is eve..everything okay Sakura-chan" he asked carefully noticing her odd expression.
"Oh um yes, just wondering is all what it will be like to see my stomach all swollen and stuff with the baby" she nodded flashing him a quick effortless smile and allowing her hand to drop and hang loosely at her side as they reached the gates where everyone was already gathered.
Naruto and Sasuke took their spots on either side of her "If your ready Haruno-san we will now go home" Hiruzen said peering at the young girl who looked comfortable dressed in standard Mist shinobi clothes, it was very strange.
"Yeah Sakura-chan are you ready to see everyone again" Naruto burst out in chatter knowing that the pinkette didn't like to be coddled and he and Sasuke had spent the last four days reigning each other in to the best of their abilities often irritating the hell out of one another.
But that was the price they had to pay if they didn't want to upset their teammate with their sometimes callous or stupid words "I'm sure Dope that Sakura doesn't want to be swarmed when we get back" Sasuke grumbled causing her to press a hand over her mouth and giggle lightly.
To stop the conversation from going much further Sakura nodded "I'm ready Hokage-sama to be home" she smiled lightly and adjusted the pack on her shoulders as they all started out the gates in the general direction of the Leaf Village.
"I hope you'll be ready to be ambushed Sakura-chan, I know Ino-chan is planning on taking you out for anmitsu" Inoichi chuckled when they were little more than four miles away from the Mist Village and he'd caught her looking back more than once so far.
Her peridot eyes widened in surprise before filling with confusion despite the whole backpack thing she had been one hundred percent certain that Ino hated her guts "But I thought she um well" the words stumbled from her mouth and Sakura sent a furtive glance at Sasuke.
Thankfully Inoichi understood "Not to worry Sakura-chan no matter what happens Ino-chan still considers you her best friend even if she won't admit it, I see it and you will to" the blonde smiled before looking forward.
While he missed her expression, Inoichi's ears didn't miss the relieved sigh that the pinkette made in response to his words "And I know for a fact my boy will reign Ino-san in if she becomes to unbearable" Shikaku threw out there and Sakura smiled.
"He'd probably find it to troublesome" she quipped glad for the conversation because she wasn't sure how well she'd be coping at this moment in time if there wasn't something for her to focus on, Shikaku nodded and Sakura laughed lightly.
Kakashi looked his sole female student over from the corner of his eye "Before I forget to tell you the sensei of team eight Kurenai-san has offered to talk to you, should you feel lost and your mother can't explain things to where you can understand them" he said suddenly.
And Sakura jerked her head in his direction "I'm sure my mom will have some troubles and I'll be sure to take Kurenai-sensei up on that offer anytime I don't understand" she nodded after a moment and the silver haired nin nodded in acceptance, remembering to tell the raven haired woman when they returned.
"Do..don't for..forget I'..I'm he..here to Sa..Sakura-chan" Chojuro spoke up from just a couple feet behind them and Sakura craned her neck around to meet his gaze with her own and sent him a thankful smile in response.
"I know Chojuro and I'm glad you're here" Sakura exclaimed happily enjoying the crisp morning air of Water Country it always made her more alert than before and she was content to meander along slowly as they walked.
Taking care to go down hills slow so she didn't tumble, Naruto keeping her steady until they reached the bottom of a particularly steep one and through the marshes, where Sasuke guided her over twigs and branches so she didn't trip or fall into one of the marshes.
Chojuro steering them clear of any particularly bad area's until she felt her energy levels become to drained "I..I need to stop" Sakura gasped this was the most exercise she'd done in almost three weeks after all so her stamina wasn't quite what it use to be.
Hiruzen paused before nodding in acceptance, he to needed to rest "Alright set up camp, Shikaku will hunt, Inoichi will get water, Kakashi will set up the fire, while Naruto-san and Sasuke-san will gather what is needed to make the fire" he ordered.
Subsequently leaving Chojuro and Sakura out of any duties since it was the young boys mission to stay at the pinkette's side after all and the young girl was to tired to move around "He..here Sa..Sakura-chan" Chojuro jumped to the pinkette's side.
Helping her to the ground and helping her take off her heavy pack "Thank you Chojuro" Sakura flashed him a tired smile before a wide yawn cracked her jaw "This is really gonna suck when I have the baby and I have to get back into shape" she poked her belly gently.
Looking extremely put out and causing Kakashi who was still with them to chuckle "Perhaps, but I've no doubt you'll push through and become even stronger than before Sakura-chan" he pointed out knowing how determined the girl was now.
"Yeah maybe you'll even become stronger than Teme" Naruto sniggered nudging the Uchiha in the side none to gently almost knocking the thirteen year old over and making him drop all the sticks he'd gathered.
Sasuke grunted in his usual way "At least she won't be like you then Dope, constantly needing to be rescued" he teased carefully making sure his words weren't to harsh and chancing a glance at his female teammate just in case he didn't want to upset her after all.
She was sitting next to Chojuro looking thoroughly amused by now and Naruto let the subject go, things were alright for the moment and he wasn't going to mess up the light atmosphere by doing his usual thing where he threw out his usual exclamations of how he'd be Hokage and all that jazz.
"I hope you lot don't mind fish, cause that's all I could find and I know for a fact from my wife that fish have lots of protein you need Sakura-san" Shikaku returned a string of sixteen fish already prepared slung over his shoulder.
The older blonde in the group behind him carrying a few pails of water "I brought water" Inoichi shrugged not wanting to be left out "And let me know if your feeling nauseous Sakura-chan, Aiko-chan knows a good remedy for that" he said.
Sakura's eyes lit up "I appreciate the tips Inoichi-san, Shikaku-san" she gave them grateful looks before dragging her pack in front of her where it was off to the side and rummaging about for a moment until she made a small noise and emerged with eight tea bags of blackberry tea.
No one was surprised at the sight of that particular brand of tea and Chojuro simply set up a tea kettle after unsealing one from a storage scroll using some of the water and several clay cups while the fish cooked and the fire warmed their cold fingers.
It really was quite chilly as the sun went down and the moon started rising above their heads until dinner had been polished off and Hiruzen clapped his hands "Alright everyone get some rest, we have more traveling to do tomorrow" he ordered.
The only girl in their group was the first one to fall asleep in her sleeping bag, with Naruto and Sasuke situated on either side of her, Chojuro a few feet away letting the pinkette's teammates be close to Sakura for the night.
Shikaku and Inoichi took first watch while Hiruzen and Kakashi slept, then it was morning once again and breakfast and more tea had been made after camp was taken down, the eight of them were once again on the road.
Going through the marshes like the day before until they finally left Water Country behind and entered Fire Country it was clear as day that every step they took, Sakura became more and more excited and Kakashi couldn't help but ask after several hours of watching her skip every few steps.
"Sakura-chan" he called and she turned her head in his direction "I can't help but notice your eagerness to get back to the village, I thought for sure we were going to have to go a lot slower than this" he raised a silver brow.
Now that her excitement had been pointed out Sakura frowned "Well it's not as if I haven't missed the Leaf Village you know" she huffed "Or am I not supposed to be excited about going home to my village" she snapped.
Kakashi quickly backpedaled knowing he'd worded his question in the wrong way "No, no Sakura-chan" he gave her his signature eye crinkle smile "It's just well you seemed to like being in the Mist Village to" he said slowly.
Her arms uncrossed and she blinked at him "Oh" Sakura looked to her feet, feeling stupid, why on earth had she snapped at her sensei "And I did, everyone was very nice, and while I'll miss it, I can always go visit someday, but Leaf is and always will be my home" she said softly.
Chojuro sighed "O..of co..course yo..you can al..always co..come vi..visit Sakura-chan, Mi..Mizukage-sama wi..will you w..with op..open arms an..and I'..I'm su..sure A..Ao-san wo..would like t..to see yo..you again " he stuttered out horribly.
And got a relieved smile flashed in his direction as the pinkette relaxed, glad that he was able to help Chojuro stood back keeping watch from the rear of the group to ensure no one tried to sneak up on them and try to take off with Sakura.
Now that the danger had passed Inoichi sent the copy nin an unimpressed look "Are you trying to upset her so much for being a smooth talker huh Kakashi-san" he stated in a tone that implied he thought the silver haired male was an idiot at this moment in time.
His statement was met with a jet black glare "I didn't think she'd take my words the wrong way so quickly" Kakashi huffed glancing surreptitiously back at his sole female student where Naruto had pulled her into a conversation about whatever the blonde talked about.
"Yes well you haven't been around to many pregnant females, they take offense to everything as their hormones mess with their bodies and their moods are very quick to change, it's troublesome" Shikaku said from his other side, eyeing the small pinkette before looking forward.
There was nothing he could say to defend himself and Kakashi swore right then that he would be careful with what he said from then on, lest he get his head bit off again, thankfully it was decided they'd stop for the night "Halt, make camp" Hiruzen called, sitting down on a rock.
Camp was swiftly assembled and while they were waiting for their dinner to cook, "So what are you gonna do when we do get back Sakura" Sasuke asked from where he was sitting on the other side of his blonde teammate, letting Chojuro sit next to the pinkette for the moment.
It had been quiet for several minutes and she was glad for the chance to talk "Well I know I won't be able to sit still so I intend on asking to work at the hospital part time and visit the library to read books to learn more about whats gonna happen to my body as the pregnancy progresses" she mused.
Naruto nodded "Yeah hey Sakura-chan do you know if your gonna have a girl or a boy" the blue eyed blonde burst out wanting to know because he'd never seen a baby in person before or been around someone that was pregnant either.
Sakura blinked her emerald eyes at her teammate before letting out some giggles "Oh Naruto, I won't be able to know until around four months and right now I'm not even in my second month yet so there's still three months and one week to go" she said softly patting him on the back gently.
"We..well e..either w..way Sa..Sakura-chan yo..your b..baby i..is go..gonna be cute" Chojuro blurted before his cheeks turned that startling shade of red and everyone gave him amused looks as he looked away in embarrassment.
Not for the first time since they'd started their trek across the lands to get back to the Leaf Village Sakura felt thankful that he was there "That was very sweet of you Chojuro" the pinkette smiled relaxing in her spot next to the boy content to sit there for the rest of the night.
His cheeks burned hotter than before and Chojuro flashed Sakura his signature shy smile as they ate dinner when it was announced to be finished and drank the blackberry tea that Sakura had seemingly stocked up on in spades.
Soon enough the lot of them settled down in their sleeping bags to get some sleep so that they'd be able to finish the rest of their journey and get back to the Leaf Village, that was if they didn't have to stop every few hours.
The next morning breakfast was made as it had been for the last two days and the group of eight set out with the young members of the group chatting back and forth quietly to keep themselves occupied and the older members kept on lookout to make sure there was no one tailing them.
By the time it was dinner, there was still at least fourteen miles to go before they reached the village, though it was apparent Sakura in no shape to continue on "We'll rest here for the night and return to the village in the morning" Hiruzen decided.
"What if one of us carried Sakura-san" Shikaku suggested with a small grimace "Please don't take offense, I know you want to get back to the village" he nodded at the pinkette who was struggling to stay on her feet out of breath and looking exhausted from that days travel.
They'd pushed her to hard clearly just to get back to the village in time and now it was backfiring on them "What do you think Sakura-chan" Kakashi looked his female student over concern plain to see in his lone onyx eye.
For a moment everyone thought the girl wasn't going to answer as she wrung her hands and bit her lip in contemplation clearly torn on either staying where they were or being carried the rest of the way to the village, it would be utterly humiliating to her no matter how eager she was to get home.
"Remember Sakura-chan don't let these two pressure you into making a decision purely on what you think they'd want" Inoichi came to the rescue seeing the indecision plain in those expressive forest green eyes, while simultaneously sending his friends a glare.
The tightness in her throat went away and Sakura breathed a little easier "I, I think I'd rather sleep out under the stars one more night" she finally said, her shoulders becoming hunched as she spoke and looking to her feet like a frightened child would do.
"No arguing, now set up camp and we can eat dinner before getting some sleep" Hiruzen clapped his hands breaking up the tense atmosphere knowing that it wasn't good for the pinkette who clearly felt as if she'd disappointed them in choosing to stay where they were.
Naruto however had no qualms about admitting that he to had wanted to sleep under the stars again "It's kind of like an extended camp out you know Sakura-chan" he gave Sakura a large whiskered grin as they waited for their dinner to finish cooking.
It was rabbit stew more protein for the growing child in her womb "Exactly and perhaps we could do this again sometime" Sasuke nodded causing Sakura's jade eyes to lit up in happiness, letting him know he'd said the right thing.
"J..just li..like w..when we sa..sat out on m..my back po..porch h..huh Sa..Sakura-chan" Chojuro contributed to the conversation as well and Sakura nodded flashing him a happy smile as they relaxed and enjoyed the warm evening as opposed to it being cold like the other two days.
Dinner did eventually get done cooking and after eating their fill of the rabbit stew, with Naruto and Sasuke on either side of her, the three teammates on Team 7 lay back in their sleeping bags to watch the stars for a time until they did eventually fall asleep.
Following them was Chojuro, Hiruzen and Inoichi, with Kakashi and Shikaku on watch for that night and as it always did the night passed by in a blur and after breakfast they were packing up camp and trekking the last fourteen miles to the Leaf Village together.
When those massive red gates came into view before Sakura's eyes for the first time in nearly three weeks barring one day, she felt her heart accelerate and her breath catch in her throat, tears sprung into her eyes and she felt another larger wave of homesickness hit her.
Everyone stared as her pace increased enough where she wasn't pushing herself to much, but to the point where she bypassed everyone in her haste to reach the village Chojuro, Naruto and Sasuke right behind her so that she wasn't unprotected.
"Guess she really did want to get home poor girl" Shikaku frowned watching as Sakura looked around obviously trying not to break down crying at actually seeing her home for the first time since the horrible situation had started.
She must have thought she would never get to see the Leaf Village again as she traced her fingers over the red iron gate feeling the metal beneath her fingertips "Yeah and things are only going to get more difficult for her from now on" Inoichi sighed.
Kakashi shook his head in slight amusement as they who'd been left behind by the younger members of the escort reached the others "Come along Sakura-chan, I sent Pakkun-kun ahead earlier so they should be waiting for you in Hokage-sama's office" he gave her his signature crinkle smile.
Sakura's eyes widened as she caught on to what he was saying and even Hiruzen had to chuckle as the girl took off at the fastest she could currently walk leaving them behind once more "Her parents are likewise probably eager to see their daughter" he commented lightly on her eagerness.
Not that she heard him any as she was to far out of earshot "What's the hurry Sakura-chan" Naruto kept pace with the pinkette easily just to make sure she didn't hurt herself in the process of racing to the Hokage Tower.
On her other side Sasuke rolled his eyes "Dope what do you think she's in a hurry for, her parents are waiting in Hokage-sama's office" he snorted softly causing her to giggle, one corner of his lip twitched upwards in slight amusement before he went back to being his usual self.
"R..right o..out of eve..everyone Sa..Sakura-chan ha..has missed he..her fa..family the most" Chojuro stuttered eyes going left and right as he took in the sights of the new village that he would be living in for however long it took for Sakura to give birth.
Sakura nodded her head rapidly slowing down quite a bit so she didn't push herself to far "Yeah kami I've missed my mom and her hugs and my dad and his stupid jokes" tears were once again in her eyes, as she thought of her parents and she couldn't wait to hug them like she'd been wanting to for what seemed like forever.
Both boys slowed down a little letting her go ahead of them as they climbed the stairs to the Hokage Tower and went down the halls to the Hokage's office, when she smoothly pulled open the door Sakura found herself wrapped in familiar arms.
"Oh my little girl you're finally home" Kizashi Haruno picked the pinkette up and crushed her to his chest, his dark blue eyes looking her over for anything that would tell him she wasn't doing half as well as she currently seemed.
Mebuki stood off to the side watching as her daughter, her only baby returned her fathers hug with force clinging tightly to him as if she feared she would once again be ripped away from the man no matter how annoyed Sakura got with them, it was these moments that let her know.
That Sakura loved them very much as the pinkette turned to her and Mebuki opened her arms, Sakura flew into them without a second of hesitation "Its good to be home" she murmured hugging her mother round the waist.
"And it's good to have you home where you belong Sakura-dear" Mebuki soothed, smoothing her hands down her daughters short hair, she wasn't going to ask just yet choosing to enjoy the moment now that Sakura was back in the village safely.
Eventually Hiruzen with only Kakashi in tow as Shikaku and Inoichi had been sent home reached the office drawing the Haruno's out of their reunion with each other "Before you all go home and get some rest, there are some matters to discuss" Hiruzen stated sitting at his desk.
His words caused everyone to straighten and face him properly, with Sakura standing in front of her mother and Mebuki's hands on her shoulders "What is it Hokage-sama" Kizashi inquired seriously thinking that the worst had happened.
"Nothing to worry about, however I did receive two request, Kakashi take this note to the Head Medic at the hospital, it will inform her about the first request" Hiruzen grabbed up a blank missive and pen and wrote down something before handing it to the silver haired nin.
Who turned and left the office "What request, has something happened to my daughter" Mebuki panicked also thinking the worst but once again their fears were waved off this time by said daughter as she tilted her head back to see her.
"Mom while in the Mist Village, Mizukage-sama kindly allowed me to work at the hospital for five hours a day for a pay of one hundred ryo, so I didn't feel useless and well it's something that really peaked my interest and I want to continue that here" Sakura fidgeted nervously.
Obviously thinking that her request was going to shot down point blank by her parents, but to her surprise Mebuki and Kizashi shared a look before nodding relenting to it and she smiled in relief before her eyes strayed to the spot Chojuro stood in and he gave her a proud smile.
"As for the other request, Mei-san believed it the best idea to send one of her shinobi, not only to enforce the treaty but to help Sakura-san, he is to stay with you three in your house" Hiruzen said slowly knowing how temperamental some people got.
Chojuro took his turn to fidget as his friends parents turned their attention on him and he gave the two Haruno's a shy wave "I..I'm Ch..Chojuro, i…it's ni..nice to me..meet Sakura-chan parents" he introduced himself with a stutter complete with looking at his feet and flushing horribly beneath their gazes.
Kizashi and Mebuki shared a small quick look with each other, then glanced down to their daughter who wore that look on her face it was one they knew by heart because of how much Sakura talked about Sasuke, it seemed though.
She'd finally turned her attention onto someone else, but didn't really realize that she had done so and that the boy was as equally as oblivious "Okay we have an extra guest bedroom in our house, just down the hall" they shrugged like it was no big deal.
Hiruzen looked surprised "Well now that those things are out of the way you may go home and get settled in" he dismissed the five remaining people in his office as one of his assistants brought paperwork for him to work on so that he could catch up with what he'd missed.
Outside the Hokage Tower "See you tomorrow Sakura-chan, for lunch hopefully that way you can let us know how your first day working at the hospital went" Naruto waved as they all went their separate ways heading for home.
Sasuke nodded "Hn the Dope is right, we won't let you face anyone on your own as your teammates we have to have each others back" he grumbled but he knew that by saying that it would make Sakura realize she wasn't alone now that they were back.
When she flashed him a happy smile, he gave a small wave before turning on his heel and heading off "I'm sure you'll be excited to see the baby room we set up" Mebuki directed her daughter down the streets to their home, Chojuro trailing behind the Haruno's on the lookout for anything suspicious.
"You mean you already set up a room for the baby, geez mom isn't that supposed to be my responsibility" Sakura sighed in exasperation, but the smile she gave let Mebuki know that she wasn't the slightest upset that she'd taken the liberty to get everything set up.
Kizashi chuckled "It's all gender neutral Sakura-chan and when you do find the gender you can start getting little things with color for the room" he suggested and his daughter was all to eager to nod taking his words to heart.
It was then the boy from Mist stepped up and walked with the pinkette and the Haruno's watched him interact with Sakura "J..Just thin..think ab..about wh..what it wi…will be l..like when you h..have baby Sakura-chan" Chojuro gave her a small smile.
Knowing that mentioning the baby was for sure to get the girl chattering a mile a minute "Yeah and when he or she gets older to teach them things and send them off to the academy" Sakura sniffled already feeling emotional about a moment that wouldn't happen for several years.
Chojuro's eyes widened had he said the wrong thing "A..and do..don't for..forget al..all the dia..diaper chan..changes and fee..feeding them" he rushed out stuttering much more horribly than before as he tried to stop the pinkette from crying.
Sakura wiped her eyes dry "Mhm and I'll get to sing to them and do lots of other things" she hummed out, behind the two teens, Kizashi and Mebuki looked on glad that their daughter wasn't rejecting the child growing in her room and seemed to have accepted it.
Proving that she was stronger than anyone could have guessed, and they knew that it had to have been a traumatic experience and to come out of that nearly the same with a few differences, was a relief to both of their hearts.
Not to mention the two Haruno's were relieved that Sakura had made a new friend and that he would come all the way to a village he'd never been to before said a lot about his character so that was another thing they were grateful for.
Because obviously Chojuro had kept their daughter grounded and helped her when she needed it, the two teens continued chattering back and forth and finally they were at the Haruno Household "Hang on a minute" Mebuki huffed in slight amusement.
As Sakura lunged for the doorknob and twisted only to find the door locked, her cheeks colored in embarrassment and she stepped back to stand next to Chojuro as the blonde woman she'd gotten her eyes from unlocked the door.
Kizashi shook his head "Still the same huh Sakura-chan" he ruffled her short pink hair, just now realizing and he was hesitant to ask as they took off their shoes in the foyer after shutting the door behind them as they entered the house.
"Did you cut your hair or did…" he trailed off uncertain if he should mention the pair that had kidnapped her, if there was one thing that should never be mentioned is was the abduction and Kizashi held his breath.
Thankfully Sakura had a valid reason "I got it cut at the barbershop in Mist, because as a kunoichi it's impractical to have long hair and if I'm going to become strong, then I can't have that weighing me down in a fight" she blurted tugging on a short pink strand.
That had come loose from the ribbon she'd tied her bangs back with, something she'd bought from one of the shops "It's good that you're finally getting sense in that sometimes empty head of yours Sakura-dear" Mebuki teased with a smile.
Chojuro blinked his onyx eyes in shock as Sakura's face turned beet red "Mom" the pinkette gasped "Was I really that bad" she grimaced after a moment trying to remember any time she might have seemed like an airhead.
"Well it was only when you talked about Sasuke-san that you would get pretty bad, enough about that show Chojuro-san up to the guestroom to let him get settled in while I get started on lunch, is there anything you'd like to eat" the green eyed blonde woman shooed her daughter off, while asking what she wanted.
Sakura paused foot on the first step before hastily pulling her pack from her shoulders and rummaging about within it before emerging with what she wanted "All I ask is we have blackberry tea with whatever you make" she tossed four bags of the tea at her mom.
Mebuki nodded and she headed into the kitchen while Kizashi went into the living room and sat down in his chair "L…lea..lead the way Sakura-chan" Chojuro smiled sheepishly already feeling very out of his element in the house and in the village that wasn't his own.
Was this how Sakura had felt in the Mist Village those first few days surrounded by people she didn't know, while he knew Sakura and her teammates, Sakura had known, no one at all that first day so he couldn't exactly say he know how she'd felt that first day.
"It's up here Chojuro" Sakura jerked him out of his thoughts gesturing up the stairs, Chojuro nodded and let her grasp him by the hand as they walked up the one flight of steps into a long hallway "Over there is the bathroom for guests" she pointed at a door they passed.
"Down that way is mom and dad's room" her finger changed direction to the opposite way they were going "That's my bathroom" she gestured at a door "And my room is right next to it, I'm guessing the baby's room is by theirs and this is the free guest room" they stopped.
In front of a wooden door and Sakura pushed it open to reveal "O..or ma..maybe not" Chojuro laughed gently as he saw all the baby stuff, the pinkette blinked at the sight of it, before shutting the door just as quickly as she'd opened it.
"Guess it's the other room" she mumbled under her breath leading Chojuro in the opposite direction back the way they'd come past the guest bathroom and towards the side of the hall her parents took up residency in to the other guest bedroom.
Before pushing open the door "I..I wo..won't ta..take lo..long Sakura-chan bu..but i..if you'd li..like aft..afterwards w..we can go p..put your things away" Chojuro offered not entering the room yet, at his suggested Sakura nodded.
And the door to the guest bedroom shut behind him as he unsealed personal effects and checked out the room, when he was done, he opened the door and Chojuro found Sakura leaning against the wall on the opposite side of the hall "Re..ready" he asked.
Sakura smiled and pushed up off the wall heading back in the direction of her room and together with Chojuro they put away the items she'd bought at the shops in the Mist Village and unsealed the clothes she'd been given to put in her closet.
Until they were done being back in her room reminded her of all that had happened "This is wher..where they took me you know" Sakura admitted feeling as if her heart had made a permanent home in her throat and she felt as if she was about to toss her cookies.
Chojuro paled slightly he hadn't known that "I..if you..you'd like Sakura-chan I co..could s..set up traps a..around your r..room an..and window to pre..prevent an..anyone from try..trying to br…break in again" he pulled her in to a side hug.
At his words her tense shoulders relaxed and Sakura felt as if she could breathe again without fear of suffocating "I..I'd like that Chojuro a..and later on I could even have Kakashi-sensei set up other traps to" she didn't want to sound ungrateful though because she wasn't.
Thankfully Chojuro seemed to understand as he nodded "O..of course always better to have a var..variety after all so the..they don't know what to expect" he said carefully, if she hadn't suggested it he would have.
Her stomach stopped rolling and the nausea went away Sakura turned and gave Chojuro a near bone crushing hug in thanks when they pulled apart her eyes were attracted to a glint of metal and she trailed slowly over to her bedside table.
Grabbing up her headband and clutching it to her chest before she saw the kunai, before Sakura could delve to deep in thoughts of that horrible night which now seemed as if it had happened years and years ago.
"DINNER'S READY SAKURA, CHOJURO-SAN" her mothers voice shouted from the bottom of the stairs or possibly the kitchen and Sakura broke down in quiet giggles, and Chojuro gave her a confused look as they left her room behind.
"Wh..what's so funny Sakura-chan" he smiled wider than usual and the pinkette giggled all the way down the stairs, it was nice to see she wasn't letting anything negative really get to her and she was doing her best to remain strong.
Once they got to the bottom of the stairs she answered "I know this is gonna sound weird but I missed hearing my mom yell" Sakura let out even more giggles as they entered the kitchen where Mebuki had already made up the plates and there were steaming cups of blackberry tea sitting at each plate.
"Aw and you didn't miss your ole dads awesomely hilarious jokes" Kizashi pouted adding to his daughters amusement having heard her comment about missing hearing Mebuki yell at her, Sakura was one strange girl.
Sakura smiled from ear to ear "That's one of the things I missed the most as well and moms cooking" she exclaimed grabbing up her plate and digging in politely glad that she was able to eat with her parents again.
Every once in awhile she took sips of her blackberry tea enjoying the unique flavor and Sakura wondered if the blackberry tea would taste the same here as it did in the Mist Village, when she was done the pinkette sat back in her chair waiting.
Just as she was contemplating telling her parents she was going to go see the Head Medic at the hospital and set up an appointment for a check up a messenger pigeon flew through the open window of the kitchen and landed on her arm.
Holding out it's foot for her "You better get that message or he'll fly off on you" Mebuki said standing and collecting the dishes and placing them in the sink while Kizashi washed them, before drying all the dishes and silverware and put them away.
Quickly Sakura unhooked the message from the pigeon's foot and with his delivery complete he flew off "Wh..who's it fro..from Sakura-chan" Chojuro asked gently as she unrolled it, her green eyes scanning the missive that she'd received.
"From the head medic, she wants to meet with me and see what I can do so far before she decides if I'm dependable enough to work part time" Sakura read off, it's not like she hadn't already planned to go after all, but now it was more concrete.
Kizashi flashed her a thumbs up "You're a Haruno, you'll do fine Sakura and if you do fail there's always trying again after reading up on stuff and practicing" he grinned for once being serious and encouraging her like a father should do for their children.
Mebuki smiled "Good luck Sakura-dear" she offered as Sakura rose from her chair then pushed it back in under the table, it seemed her daughter had learned the importance of manners while gone and she was going to look a gift horse in the mouth for what it was.
"A..and I'..I'll be the..there with you Sakura-chan" Chojuro burst out and from all the encouragement she received Sakura smiled widely and pulled the pale blue haired teen into another almost bone crushing hug.
To her parents amusement as the boy turned a bright red and he smiled obviously painfully shy and not very good with receiving attention especially from the opposite sex "Well we're going now, see you later Mom, Dad" Sakura pulled back from Chojuro.
Before grabbing his hand as she was so use to doing and they headed to the foyer, the pinkette waving until they turned the corner and they put on their shoes before leaving the house, her leading the way down the streets of the Leaf Village for Chojuro as he had done for her in the Mist Village those two weeks.
Excitement pouring off of her in waves as they got closer and closer to the hospital, Sakura was so excited she didn't see the person until it was horribly horribly to late and slammed head long into someone else and she ended up flat on her back winded and dizzy as her head slammed against the ground harshly.
It was just enough for her as Sakura rolled over and she emptied the contents of her stomach, heaving up her lunch that she'd only just gotten done eating not even twenty minutes before hand "Ow what the hell, who the hell ran into me" and an obnoxious familiar voice greeted her ears.
Feeling a knot forming on her skull, with Chojuro's help even though the teen was clearly panicking Sakura sat up as the same time the one she'd run into did pupilless blue and emerald eyes clashed and she felt sick all over again.
When Ino recognized who it was she'd slammed into her eyes widened in horror just as the pinkette spoke "H..Hi Ino" Sakura sounded like a child all over again and the blonde jumped to her feet panicking like Chojuro.
"Oh kami For…Sakura I am so sorry I didn't see you and then we were like oh god I'm sorry" Ino rushed out feeling horribly guilty for knocking the girl over especially when she could lose the baby and then it would be her fault.
Chojuro stood off to the side wringing his hands not sure if he should interfere knowing how Sakura felt and now that it had come out this was the Ino person, he was about as lost as he'd ever been "Ino I'm okay, just help me up would you" Sakura spoke softly.
Glad that she wasn't getting yelled at, Ino did as the pinkette requested helping Sakura brush off her odd clothes probably something she'd gotten from the village she was staying in, when her friend swayed on her feet dizzily.
The boy rushed to stabilize her "Yo..you Sakura-chan" he asked as they slid back down to the ground despite his best efforts of keeping her upright, when Sakura didn't respond, Chojuro freaked out even more than before.
"Ple..please I..I can't carry her y..you have to get help" he blurted out at the stunned blonde certain that she must have gotten a concussion when she'd slammed against the ground, at his words Ino turned and tore off down the street.
Shouting for help at the top of her lungs until she found someone who was willing to help her, this person happened to be none other than Ibiki Morino "Calm down brat and tell me what happened calmly now" he ordered when the blonde babbled complete and utter nonsense in his mind at least.
Ino took a deep breath "Sakura Haruno is passed out in the street we rammed into each other and her head slammed against the ground probably giving herself a concussion and we can't carry her to the hospital" she rushed out staring at the tall Anbu Commander expectantly.
His jet black eyes widened before returning to normal "Lead the way and let us hope you didn't cause her to lose it or I know someone who will be severely disappointed in you girl" Ibiki demanded, Ino gave him a wide eyed looking.
Before turning once more and leading the tall imposing man back to where she'd left Sakura and the strange boy, when they reached the duo's general vicinity there was a small crowd formed around them but they parted as Ibiki nudged his way through.
Chojuro looked up into black eyes that nearly mirrored his own, then down to the still blacked out girl "Ple..Please Sir she nee..needs to be take..taken to the hospital" despite his stutter he was understood easily and Ibiki bent picking Sakura up.
Heading in the direction of the hospital with both Chojuro and Ino hot on his heels, this was turning out to be quite the mess when they finally did reach the hospital, Sakura was taken away by the medics to be checked out.
Finally after ten minutes someone came out to tell them how she was doing "Sakura-san did have a minor concussion easily healed and the fetus is unharmed" came the explanation and Chojuro frowned at the word.
"B..baby" he said straightening his spine "N..not fetus" he looked away feeling stupid, not sure why he was so bothered by the medical term "An..anyway c..can I g..go see her i..is Sakura-chan awake now" Chojuro asked.
This earned him a look from the blonde girl at his side "Just what are you to for…Sakura anyway" Ino narrowed her eyes at the pale blue haired teen sporting a mist shinobi headband "Aren't you a little far from home" she asked warily.
Until a heavy hand was clapped on her shoulder nearly sending her to her knee's "That's enough out of you Yamanaka, Leaf and Mist are allies now and he came here to represent the Mist Village" Ibiki growled leading the girl away.
Her struggling the entire way "Hey wait just a minute, I want to see Sakura and you aren't gonna stop me" Ino snapped trying to twist out of his hold, but his grip was like iron and she found herself deposited on her bottom outside the hospital doors.
"I think for the time being you should go home girl leave Haruno-san alone and talk to her another day" Ibiki stated crossing his arms and glaring down at the blonde heiress blocking the hospital entrance to prevent her from going back in.
They glared at one another for several long minutes until Ino, muttering under her breath in aggravation, jumped to her feet and stomped down the streets to the Yamanaka Flower Shop, Ibiki tailing her to ensure she really did go home.
Inside the hospital still Chojuro was led to the room Sakura had been put in to check her over "Chojuro where's Ino" the pinkette looked better and not so pale as she sat in the hospital bed in her regular clothes.
"A..Ah u..um I..Ino-…san wa..was sent home I be..believe, a..are you o..okay now" Chojuro answered her question before asking one of his own, Sakura smiled and nodded while rising slowly from the bed she was sat on.
"Mhm, it was an accident and there wasn't to much harm done" she said leaving the room because she'd been given permission to do so and heading to the head medics office to find out if she was able to work there.
When the duo went back to the Haruno house, Sakura's smile was stretched ear to ear once again, concussion incident completely forgotten about as she chattered a mile a minute to her parents about how she'd taken the general testing and had passed with flying colors.
Thanks to all the practice she'd done in mist village hospital the test had been easy and she had was official recognized as a part time medic in training, Chojuro sat at her side nodding and smiling that little shy smile and contributing to the conversation as much as he could the entire time.
Before they were sent off for bed, Chojuro set up the traps like he'd promised all around her room and after he'd left to go to the guest room he'd been given, Sakura climbed beneath her covers, shoving many weapons beneath her pillows that night before eventually drifting off into a dreamless sleep.
