As agreed upon that weekend first thing after breakfast Sakura marched off to the Uchiha Compound "Do be careful" Sakumo called out knowing he was being repetitive, he couldn't help himself though Sakura had really become important to him and Kakashi.
In response to this Sakura paused halfway down the street and turned to face him "Of course Tou-san" Sakura said in a patient tone, she'd never gotten frustrated with them not even once to others amusement.
Then she turned on her heel and was gone, pack of schnauzers on her heels "Real sweet kid isn't she" Darui commented, having watched the whole scene from where he was stood with his partner, the both of them preparing to head out themselves.
Sakumo chuckled "Quite, watch out though should you upset her, she has a foul temper believe it or not, on that note I'm going to collect Naruto-kun and meet Sakura-chan at the compound gates" Kakashi was the one to answer.
Vanishing in a plume of smoke to the duo's surprise "Heh that is hard to believe" Cee snorted under his breath, before nodding to Sakumo and with that the two of them were gone leaving Sakumo to head in and clean up.
~Meanwhile~
Sakura had made it more than halfway to the Compound when she was suddenly joined "Where are you off to Sakura-chan" it was Gai today and for once he wasn't crowing about youth, he was sporting a pack even.
"Uchiha Compound, Mikoto-sama offered to help me craft my first poison, Tou-san gave me permission when Sasuke brought it up" the little rosette announced, casting a look over her shoulder to make sure her pack was keeping up.
Nioi had a knack for disappearing after all "Amazing Sakura-chan the power of youth prevails and soon you'll work closer and closer to accomplishing your dream" the taijutsu expert burst into one of his rants about youth.
Only able to go so long without doing so, she giggled at him lightly in response "Yeah, well there's my stop Gai-san, Naruto's there to, so see you" Sakura waved, before dashing forward to greet Naruto properly for the morning since they'd come separately.
Her pack quickly hurried after her to the Jonin's amusement "Scary indeed" Gai chuckled, watching for a moment how the five ninken gazed around keeping an eye out for trouble until the two kids entered the compound and he hurried off to complete his mission.
"Is there a reason you brought Nioi-chan, Juko, Biko, Kosui, and Kaori-chan" Naruto asked when they were five minutes away from reaching the Head of the Clan's House, who was always busy, he did make an appearance for lunch sometimes though.
The rose haired child nodded solemnly "Cause if I didn't Nioi would have just tried to sneak out after me again, so I'm trying something and if it works I might ask Iruka-sensei and the advanced class sensei's if I can have them with me, or rather her since she's so small" the pinkette huffed.
And Nioi whimpered "But Sakura-sama it's my duty to make sure nothing happens to you when you leave the older alpha's presence's" then the miniature schnauzer straightened not cowering at the exasperated glare.
Random Uchiha's shook their heads quietly in amusement "Kinda like Inuzuka's puppy Akamaru or something like that right Sakura-chan" the blonde burst out in realization, Nioi was about the ninken's size and so long as she behaved and caused no trouble she'd be allowed hopefully.
Sakura nodded and seconds later she was knocking on the door "Oh my and you even brought your pack today, perhaps they can run the track in the backyard while we're busy" Mikoto greeted the kids with a hug.
"Great idea Mikoto-sama, you should have brought Haikyu and Kitei, Naruto that way they could, oooh I can just summon them drat it all I keep forgetting I can do that sometimes" Sakura smacked her forehead in remembrance.
Mikoto smiled at the adorable girl as they headed into the backyard where they would be conducting the experiment and upon sitting down Sakura flashed through a set of hand signs, "Haikyu, Kitei calm down" Naruto ordered sternly when growls filled the air.
The two on edge from being summoned for the first time "Interesting, is there a reason you brought your pack Sakura" Sasuke commented, more than a little intrigued at the scene that he'd just witnessed since he'd already been in the backyard waiting.
Itachi chuckled under his breath "To prevent Nioi from sneaking off after me anymore, Kakashi-ni's had to go out and find her like seven times this past week, every morning I left for academy or if someone other than me went out" the fuscia haired girl informed.
"Okay, so why'd you summon Naruto's pack" the second Uchiha heir prodded not that he was bothered by them, he was just curious, plus it was his first time watching Sakura summon or perform a jutsu.
Proving that she really was advanced "Your Mom said they could run the track and since we usually train them together that's why" the exuberant Uzumaki said, commanding his pack to start running as Sakura did the same.
Then the four of them were sat on the ground where Itachi handed over a scroll "Everything you asked for Mother" Itachi said, since he'd been the one sent to acquire everything needed for the poison concocting experiment.
His Mother smiled gently "Now I hope I don't need to remind you handling poisonous plants is dangerous, that's why I got you each goggles, masks and gloves for safety precautions" the Uchiha Matriarch intoned seriously.
Passing out the safety measures even to Itachi who joined them on the ground "Do you know what kind of poison your hoping to make" the thirteen year old questioned, just as curious as the others because Sakura was such an interesting child.
Not of the norm that was for sure "Mhm, I chose starch root, elephant's ear and marsh-marigold, the effects should cause swelling of the face and throat and burning of the eyes, basically a self defense poison to spray on someone in case of emergencies" Sakura explained.
Both boys on either side of her shifted away on reflex "Yikes that's scary Sakura-chan, please don't spray it on me even if I accidentally make you mad" Naruto shuddered and Sakura rolled her eyes lightly but flashed him a reassuring smile.
"I don't think you have to worry D…Naruto, I don't think it's possible for Sakura to get mad at you no matter what you do" Sasuke snorted lightly, still struggling to not say that deplorable nickname he'd branded the boy with.
He on the other hand wasn't so lucky as Sakura shot him a slightly cross look because she knew what had almost slipped out "Right then I suppose we ought to get started, first, we heat water, then take our chosen plants and grind them up" Mikoto reigned the kids in.
By starting the lesson, even going so far as to allow Sakura to grind up the plants she'd chosen for her first poison, never knowing that someday she'd look back on this day and remember that it really had been her first poison before her memories were sealed away.
Naruto and Sasuke watched Sakura intently as she worked until all three poisonous plants had been ground up properly and placed on filter paper over an empty flask "So what would you use to make an antidote against this poison of yours Sakura-san" Itachi asked suddenly.
Sakura jolted lightly in response, startling a little, proving how focused she was on her task "Oh uh lets see to counteract my poison you'd use dandelion root and marshmallow root, for the last I would just wash my eyes out after taking the antidote" the rosette ticked off her fingers.
Having studied medicinal herbs just as religiously so she wasn't unprepared "Good to know just in case" the ebony haired eight year old grimaced, but he was unable to tear his eyes away as the water finished heating to boiling point.
Which meant it was now time to create the poison "Now you pour the hot water over the ground up plants and if I did it right you should have your first poison Sakura-chan" the Uchiha Matriarch announced watching the young girl intensely.
Just in case she had to intervene as Sakura picked up the beaker of hot water with tongs and poured it over her ground up poisonous plants and in the flask appeared a light green liquid that sort of matched her eyes.
"Creepy but wicked at the same time if you know what I mean, I don't think anyone would really believe that was poison" the blonde whispered, hardly believing it himself, but he knew thanks to reading some of Sakura's books himself that appearances could be deceiving.
"And with that you have your poison" the Uchiha heir commented as the poison was then poured into five individual vials and stoppered, leaving a little in the original flask for an experiment just to make sure it worked properly.
The one who got the unfortunate job of being the tester was one of Itachi's shadow clones, Sakura hesitantly sprayed her poison on the face of the Itachi clone and the two boys watched in horror as the clones face swelled up and tears streamed from it's eyes before dispelling.
Naruto and Sasuke shivered at the display while Mikoto simply smiled in amusement "I didn't think you two would come over today" Shisui appeared in the backyard as they were cleaning up, having missed the whole experiment and conducting process.
Sakura huffed "Of course Shisui-san, Mikoto-sama offered to help me make my first poison" Sakura stated in a no nonsense sounding tone that had him floundering and a tiny bit freaked out because she was still a kid.
Apparently though that wasn't enough to stop her "And what a frightening poison it is, it took out one of my shadow clones even though it's a rather mild one" Itachi nodded with a small smile and Shisui grimaced in response.
That didn't stop him from being somewhat curious "So what's it look like then" the sixteen year old inquired curiously, wanting to see the poison for himself to actually believe that the eight year old had made a poison.
In response Sakura carefully pulled out a vial of light green liquid from her storage pouch, Shisui grimaced yet again a tiny bit freaked out "Since your done with that, what are we going to do next" Sasuke chimed in, directing the conversation onto something else.
"Didn't you mention something about helping Naruto-chan clean up his apartment Sasuke-chan" Shisui remembered suddenly, making Sasuke remember as well and now that it had been said, they had no choice but to go help the knucklehead clean his apartment.
Shisui chuckled at the groan Sasuke let out before the boy squared his shoulders "Why don't we go get Nara if we can" the second Uchiha heir suggested and Sakura's eyes lit up, of course she would be amenable to having Shikamaru along with them.
With that they were all raring to go, before they left though Sakura turned to Mikoto and curtsied "Thank you for helping me make my first poison Mikoto-sama" the fuscia haired girl intoned politely to Naruto's horror.
Before he thought of something to thank the woman for "And for allowing our packs to run your track while we were busy and for allowing us to even come over and helping Sakura-chan" the knuckleheaded blonde bowed.
Nearly falling flat on his face as he did so because he leaned forward just a little to far, he would have to if it hadn't been for Sakura catching him and helping him straighten properly "Of course, anytime" Mikoto smiled.
Ruffling their hair "Just make sure to keep out of trouble and I expect to see you back for dinner at the least Sasuke understood" the ebony haired woman warned sending the kids off out into the rest of the village, Itachi discreetly tailing them as they made their way to the Nara Compound.
Unfortunately when they did make it to Shikamaru's house only Yoshino was there as Shikaku had declared it a weekend of training for his son to their disappointment "Maybe next weekend" Yoshino said, hugging the kids or patting them on the head in Sasuke's case.
Then they were gone back down the streets on their way to Naruto's apartment, it was then that Ay's escorts/bodyguards caught sight of them "Thought you were at Uchiha's making poison" the dark skinned male asked falling into step with the kids.
Making them jump a little at his sudden appearance "Finished so now we're going to help Naruto clean up his apartment" Sakura admitted, throwing her friend a teasing grin and he flushed in response knowing he was bad at household chores.
Darui shook his head "Perhaps we could be of assistance" the older blonde offered, taking great interest in the children himself, he'd hardly seen them apart this past week after all and he wanted to observe them some more to try and figure them out.
"Only if you want to" Naruto shrugged, gazing over his shoulder to make sure the seven ninja hounds weren't off wreaking havoc, thankfully though it seemed they were following them without getting distracted for once.
Proving how much they'd grown even if Kitei and Nioi tried to drive him and Sakura crazy "How kind to offer us an out, but Cee's right, there's bound to be some things you'd struggle with on your own and it's best to have an adult help you out right Kid" Darui shrugged himself.
Both he and his partner unaware that the kid's weren't as alone as they both thought "Itachi-ni would have helped us if we asked it of him" Sasuke piped in, gesturing over his shoulder, indicating that his brother was tailing them.
Even if Itachi couldn't be sensed "Ah well we're still offering our help as well" Cee said after spreading out his own senses only to be unable to sense the boys brother to his frustration and he wondered just how good Itachi Uchiha actually was to avoid a highly skilled sensor like himself.
Minutes later they arrived at their destination and seeing as they'd made it safely Itachi deigned it necessary to appear "See told you Ni-san was following us" the raven haired boy snorted with a roll of his eyes to Itachi's amusement.
Second after them the seven ninja hounds reached the second floor of the apartment complex "Go on Naruto unlock the door and brace yourselves Darui-san, Cee-san it's probably going to look like some kind of well nightmare I guess" the pinkette warned suddenly.
Knowing because that's how it always looked when they went so long without making sure Naruto properly cleaned up on a regular basis, the older duo shared amused glances with one another and Itachi shook his head "Surely it's not that bad right" the Uchiha heir frowned.
Naruto ducked his head in response "Well I did try to clean up a little this past week so hopefully not to that degree" the blonde admitted finally unlocking his door and stepping in to his apartment, Sakura warily followed him.
Looking the foyer over with critical eyes as Naruto continued further in to the living room and that's where the disaster was "Looks like Kid had it right" the dark skinned male grimaced wondering what Cee had gotten them into by offering to help the boy clean up.
"Perhaps but there's no backing out now" the older blonde reminded, trepidation filling him as he imagined what the rest of the apartment was going to look like if the living room was this bad already, it was to horrifying really.
And Sakura simply shook her head then grabbed a cockroach as it scurried by "Nioi, Juko, Biko, Kaori, Kosui, this is an order, search and destroy" Sakura ordered seriously as she held out the disgusting insect to her pack.
Haikyu and Kitei being the ones most familiar with the insect also joined in on the hunt "Understood Sakura-sama you have our word that not a single one will escape our search" Nioi declared in a growl.
Before the seven ninken dispersed throughout the apartment "Interesting, how long have you had them" Darui questioned as he grabbed an empty trash bag to start throwing trash away in order to help Naruto get his apartment straightened out and not a dump.
"For almost three years, though their three months age difference, Haikyu and Kitei my pack are 3 years and one week old, while Sakura-chan's are 2 years, nine months and one week old" Naruto chimed in with the answer.
Knowing because he had to keep track of such things "Seriously Knucklehead when's the last time you cleaned this place" Sasuke groaned, extremely disgusted right now and wishing he hadn't offered because this was a nightmare like Sakura had called it.
The blonde flushed and mumbled under his breath an unintelligible answer so he decided to just leave it at that "Either way after this perhaps you'll learn your lesson to not let it get this bad again right" Cee added trying not to break his word.
But this was ridiculous and if that wasn't bad enough the cockroaches were bloody murder "Understatement of the century" Itachi chuckled simply amused and helping out here and there where he could.
Even going so far as to summon a couple crows to help with the cockroach hunting that was being conducted by the ninken with that the lot of them buckled down and got to cleaning and by the time it was practically noon the small apartment had been cleaned from top to bottom.
And seeing as none of them were inclined to get up, scattered on various pieces of furniture as they were Sakura cooked lunch "She cooks" the thirteen year old intoned incredulously because he hadn't known that about the girl in the least.
"Oh yeah before she moved in with the old man and lived in the apartment next door Sakura-chan made breakfast, lunch and dinner for me and her, she still cooks me lunch but most of the time old man Sakumo cooks" the Uzumaki piped in with a nod.
Shocking Sasuke who clearly hadn't known either "I thought your Dad was the one making lunch for Naruto, but all this time you were" the eight year old gaped and Sakura shot him a grin in response focusing on cooking.
While neither of the Cloud Shinobi were surprised in the least "We've seen her cook lunch and sometimes breakfast this past week so we knew" the dark skinned male shrugged more than a little amused at the kids antics.
"Quite, she's very culinary inclined is the word I'm looking for" the onyx eyed blonde announced, simply relaxing now that there was nothing else left to clean and then thirty minutes later just twenty minutes past noon.
Sakura informed them that lunch was ready "But first Naruto what do you say to all of us including our ninken" the rosette stopped him before he could clamber into one of the kitchen chairs and dig in to the delicious looking meal.
He flushed red at the slightly scolding tone but cleared his throat "Thank you, everyone, even Nioi-chan, Juko, Biko, Kosui, Kaori-chan, Kitei-chan and Haikyu for all the help in cleaning up my apartment" Naruto bowed his head in thanks.
The rose haired girl nodded in satisfaction "Dig in then, I promise its extra tasty" Sakura giggled fully enjoying herself as they all dug in, Itachi's eyes widened a sliver at the flavors but ate politely as he always did.
"Culinary inclined indeed Sakura-san, I daresay your nearly on par with Mother, it was delicious" Itachi complimented afterwards, he was the first one done to no ones surprise, because when there were kids involved one always had to eat a little faster and Itachi had that down to a T.
In response the lone girl smiled sweetly and nodded "Just watch she'll turn around and get better tomorrow I bet" Sasuke snorted lightly having less manners than his brother even though he was trying not to make to much of a mess.
Fifteen minutes later the rest of the food had been devoured and Naruto dutifully cleaned up since it was his apartment "Is there anything else you intend on doing for the rest of the afternoon" Cee questioned wondering if the kids had anymore plans.
They shared a look with one another and then to commemorate Shikamaru, Naruto vanished to collect the shogi board he kept in his apartment "Shogi really Kid, bit complicated for you isn't it" Darui raised a brow.
And got a giggle, prompting the boys on either side of her to roll their eyes as they knew what was coming no doubt "Care to test me then Darui-san" the pinkette challenged with a twinkle in her viridian irises.
Cee shook his head "He's going to lose isn't he" the older blonde asked to no one in particular not expecting an answer as the shogi board was set up and all it's pieces were put in their proper places and the two playing got comfortable.
Imagine his surprise when Naruto and Sasuke nodded their heads solemnly "Yeah, Sakura-chan's gonna destroy him" the younger blonde deadpanned and it was a struggle not to laugh, at the low table Darui went first.
"Really now I find that hard to believe" the Uchiha heir frowned watching the game intently himself only to realize that Naruto was right, Darui was losing, he was being destroyed at Shogi to put it in the Uzumaki's exact words.
Because not even ten minutes later Sakura won "What, no, how I was so sure" the dark skinned male frowned as he was boxed in, thus started the second game because he didn't see how he'd lost so quickly.
The others simply shook their heads "Shikamaru and her play every lunch hour, their always tying" the ebony haired eight year old piped in watching the game progress with Darui no closer to beating Sakura than Sakura was to beating Shikamaru even though she got close sometimes.
Nearly a full hour later Darui finally conceded defeat "You got me, pretty good Kid, who taught you how to play so well" Darui sighed eventually, curious because it was unusual for a kid to be so smart at least for him anyway.
She shrugged "No one in particular Darui-san, my usual shogi partner showed me the ropes once but I've been pretty good since I started" Sakura admitted, packing away the board, having come up with a few new strategies to use on Shikamaru next time they played.
"Talented and smart I'm surprised you don't have a fan-club on your hands" Cee commented as the shogi board was put away and the lot of them continued lounging being utterly lazy pretty much not that he was complaining.
Sasuke grimaced as Naruto rolled his eyes "That would be Sasuke actually, you should hear some of the things that come out of our classmates mouths, and their really annoying, especially Himekari and Yamanaka" Naruto informed.
And the eight year old in question sighed "Can't help it and anytime I tell them to leave me alone they get even worse I swear cause I talked to them" Sasuke scoffed, disgusted by the rest of his female classmates antics.
"Your not the only one Otouto" Itachi chuckled, pulling a book from his pouch and Sakura did the same, prompting Naruto to grab one of his fuinjutsu books to read as well until it was time for them to go home.
Sasuke and Itachi in one direction, Sakura, her pack, Darui and Cee in another, Naruto staying in his apartment to have ramen that night "And where the hell were you two all morning and afternoon" Ay grumbled at his subordinates when they all sat at the dinner table.
"With the kids Boss" the younger white haired male pointed to Sakura who sat waiting patiently for a plate to be put in front of her, seated in between her adoptive Father and brother to absolutely no ones surprise.
Considering she adored them as much as they seemed to adore her "Doing what exactly" the Raikage scoffed wondering what had come over his shinobi that they would be acting all buddy buddy with other shinobi or rather shinobi in training.
Before they could answer "Cee-san offered to help me, Sasuke and Itachi-san help Naruto clean up his apartment, then Darui-san and I played shogi where afterwards we all read for a couple hours" the fuscia haired girl explained politely.
"That….the boy needed all the extra help I think" the onyx eyed blonde grimaced remembering the mess it had originally looked like, Ay raised a brow but said no more as food was put in front of him and after giving his thanks dug in.
For a few minutes all they could focus on was eating until Sakumo thought of a question "So how did it go, making your first poison with Mikoto-san" the White Fang asked curious, immediately Sakura brightened but she didn't reach for anything to his disappointment.
Kakashi smiled "Are you going to show it to us Sakura-chan" the younger silver haired male of the family prodded, just as curious as his Dad about the poison Sakura had concocted with Mikoto Uchiha's help and he wondered what it even did.
The young girl nodded "Not at the dinner table though" Sakura intoned seriously, taking to heart what Mikoto had said about being extremely careful when handling poisonous things and then immediately afterwards when all the dishes had been cleaned and put away.
And they'd all gathered in the living room Sakura pulled a vial of light green poison from her storage pouch to show off to her adoptive family a glint of pride in her eyes "And what's it do" Ay questioned in a rough tone of voice.
"Causes swelling and burning" the rose haired child answered dutifully in the same respectful tone he'd come to expect out of the girl as she handed the vial to Sakumo who looked it over with interest before Kakashi got to look at it up close and personal.
Where after it was stowed in her pouch again "Swelling and burning of what" Cee asked, wanting more details than what she'd given them, he might be able to recreate it himself later, though only with permission because Sakura had made it first.
Her eyes gleamed with excitement "Swelling of the face and throat and burning of the eyes" the fuscia haired eight year explained patiently, having chosen those specific plants on purpose, to work her way up to working with more poisonous plants eventually.
"How many poisonous plants went into it" Darui inquired, completely relaxed after a long day or what seemed like a long day to him, he wasn't even sure how the kid still had so much energy after all they'd done.
As Sakura grabbed a book and cuddled into Sakumo's side "Just three Darui-san, starch root, marsh-marigold and elephant's ear, and Mikoto-sama made us take extra safety precautions so I didn't handle anything bare-handed" Sakura informed.
Saying that last bit for Sakumo's and Kakashi's sake no doubt "Good, how did Nioi handle herself out there, good enough to possibly go to the academy with you" Kakashi got in his own question because he wasn't always going to be there to go out and find the mischievous schnauzer.
"I think so, I just have to ask Iruka-sensei and the other sensei's if I can bring her along with me from now on" Sakura yawned, winding down for the night it seemed to the others amusement and for the first time since they'd arrived fell asleep cuddled next to Sakumo.
Who smiled down at the young child with a fond glint in his eyes "Must have done a lot" Sakumo chuckled, carefully scooping his adopted daughter into his arms to take her down the hall and put her to bed, pack of schnauzers surrounding her once she was snuggled beneath her covers.
And a couple hours later the rest of the house went to sleep as well and then it was Sunday which was declared a day of training before it was back to the academy on Monday, where Sakura received permission to have Nioi with her so long as the ninken behaved.
It was in the middle of the week that Cee and Darui witnessed Sakura's temper for the first time as she stormed up to them after academy let out the older Hatake's busy so they'd been roped in to going to pick the girl up and walk her home.
She looked positively livid "Kid what's the matter" the white haired male crouched to be eye level with the huffing girl as Naruto warily edged around her, having kept himself at a certain distance, Sasuke taking after Naruto somewhat.
"Ino Yamanaka is what's the matter, she got me in detention with Mizuki-sensei on my only day off from the advanced after hours class just because I stood up to her, she lied and said I hit her, hmmph, I wouldn't touch her with a ten-foot pole even if someone paid me to do it" Sakura spat.
Glaring furiously over her shoulder at said blonde girl who was wearing a smug expression "She's just pissy cause Sakura-chan didn't get upset when she tried to bully her" Naruto scowled, just as upset but keeping a careful distance from Sakura.
Darui grimaced "Okay so how longs your detention" Cee interjected knowing that it wasn't wise to dawdle, Sakura hastily told them that her detention would last for the same amount of time her usual after hours class took then hurried back in to the academy building.
With that Darui straightened "Well when no bruise shows up on Yamanaka, Mizuki-sensei will know she lied and she'll be the one in trouble then" Sasuke commented, following Naruto back to the Hatake House since he was use to doing so to work on his homework.
Almost immediately Sakumo noted his adopted daughters absence "Where's Sakura-chan" Sakumo demanded to know with a frown more than a little worried because it was Wednesday and the advanced class sensei never had class on Wednesdays.
"Ino Yamanaka got her in detention by lying, she said Sakura-chan hit her" the knuckleheaded blonde announced very upset on behalf of Sakura who didn't unleash her temper on people very often only when they deserved it.
Sakumo's frown deepened "Kakashi-kun take over I'm going to go have a little chat with the academy sensei" the older silver haired male ordered taking off his apron before vanishing in a plume of smoke body flickering to not waste any time.
Kakashi did as asked and continued making dinner while the boys got started on their homework, meanwhile Sakumo had appeared before the academy, senses honed in automatically on his adopted daughter as he entered the building going down the halls.
Until he found which classroom Sakura was serving her detention in "Oh what brings you here, Sakura-kun informed me that you would be told about her detention" the blue haired Chunin raised his head from the book he was reading.
While poor Sakura was writing out lines that said I mustn't hit my classmates "I was, but I'd like to ask if you made sure that the other involved was actually hit like she said she was" Sakumo questioned and Sakura lowered her head.
Having not wanted to cause any problems "Ah well it's hard to tell you know and sure I didn't see any red marks that indicated physical violence but they were arguing and I did hear a sort of smacking sound before I rounded the corner" Mizuki said.
"Ino threw her book on the ground and flopped down just as you turned the corner Mizuki-sensei, I would never hit someone" Sakura chimed in quietly, breaking her silence since it seemed like now Mizuki was going to listen to her.
Mizuki tilted his head to the side, observing her carefully before sighing "Right because I've never once had a problem with you nor have any of the other teachers" the blue haired Chunin rubbed his head feeling like an idiot.
With that he closed his book and stood heading towards Sakura who eyed him, then he grabbed the paper she'd been writing on and ripped it up "You can go now and Ino-kun will be serving detention with me tomorrow, fair trade don't you think" Mizuki smiled.
Sakura grabbed her pack and nodded before taking Sakumo's held out hand "See you tomorrow Mizuki-sensei" the pinkette waved just as they disappeared in a plume of smoke and he wondered how on earth he'd ever thought Sakura would hit one of her classmates.
Given how polite the girl was "Out of detention early I see, Hatake came to the rescue huh, you shouldn't have her rely on you so much otherwise she'll always expect you to come help her out of tough spots" Ay commented when the duo appeared in the house.
The girl lowered her head "That's the thing, Sakura-chan doesn't ask for help, she would have served out her detention without a word of complaint" Naruto piped in knowing because she was his best friend no matter how weird she was.
His comment earned a small smile as Sakura joined him and Sasuke at the low table to work on homework as Sakumo headed back into the kitchen and took over making dinner again "So what were you being made to do during your detention" the Raikage growled suddenly.
And Sakura turned to face him "Write lines, I was supposed to write fifty of them I think" she answered quietly then she focused on her homework again to his frustration, and here he'd been hoping that she'd show some of that fire Darui and Cee had seen.
But apparently that wasn't in the works for him but he sat back on the couch to wait "By the way Sakura-chan, Shikaku mentioned that Shikamaru-kun was going to be available this weekend for a sleepover if you and Naruto-kun were interested, Sasuke-kun's welcome as well" Kakashi piped in.
Just as Sakumo called out that dinner was ready and Sasuke packed away his books, homework done "I'll mention it to Mother, but I doubt I'll be allowed" Sasuke sulked, never having been able to join the duo for a sleepover to anywhere unless it was at his house.
Which hadn't happened because of his Father and the only reason Sakura and Naruto were allowed over at all was because of his Mother "So if not I'll still see you guys in class tomorrow" the Uchiha waved as he hurried down the darkening streets to his clan's compound.
Like that dinner was eaten, Naruto and Sakura finished up their homework, Naruto was taken home and Sakura went to bed and the next day Sakura marched off to the academy knowing it wasn't going to be an easy day.
She was right to for the moment they were all gathered in the classroom Mizuki appeared to deliver the detention slip to Ino "What's going on" Shikamaru yawned lazily as the annoying loud-mouth blonde girl turned red in anger.
"Is there a reason Ino-kun is getting a detention Mizuki" Iruka was understandably confused by his fellow Chunin's actions, Mizuki hadn't even explained but now that the question had been asked Ino was about to be further humiliated.
As Mizuki cleared his throat "For lying, yesterday I heard Ino-kun and Sakura-kun arguing, just before I turned the corner I heard a sort of smacking sound, Ino-kun told me that Sakura-kun hit her but I know that as a lie now, henceforth you shall be serving two detentions" the Chunin said.
Not liking that he was lied to in the least "But I wasn't lying Mizuki-sensei that stupid little billboard brow did hit me" Ino cried beyond humiliated and very upset that her lie had been found out though she didn't know how.
Mizuki lifted a brow "You wouldn't mind allowing a nurse to check you over for a bruise then would you Ino-kun" Mizuki flattened his voice not impressed as Ino paled in realization, if there was no bruise then it was obvious that she was the liar.
Furious she shot Sakura a glare "She started it by calling me a very bad word, she called me a bitch and she's always calling Ami-chan pathetic" the blonde thrust a finger at the girl in question hoping to get Sakura in trouble again.
But neither Chunin it seemed were believing her "Ah I did call Ami that once Ino and that's because Ami came up purposefully trying to antagonize me when I hadn't done anything to her at all and that was over two years ago" Sakura scoffed.
"And as for your accusation I merely responded in kind since your so inclined to not call me by my given name and I never called you that" the pinkette admitted to Iruka's surprise, then again given from what he'd seen, Sakura wasn't the type to shut up and take it like others were.
It was like likening the girl to an expression, one in particular to a point, if one played with matches they were going to get burned and that was Sakura in a nutshell "Either way Ino-kun today and tomorrow and if you try to skip I'll know" the blue haired Chunin warned.
Then left Iruka to conduct his first class of the day, Sakura, Sasuke, Shikamaru and Naruto made sure to avoid the roof for lunch that day having heard that Ino was up there waiting for them or rather Sakura and then the day was over.
Like the day before Darui and Cee were the ones to greet them after academy but they weren't quick enough in leaving as Ino came out of nowhere "YOU STUPID BILLBOARD BROW" the blonde yelled in a furious tone.
Reaching her target before anyone could move and like what Sasuke had done shoved the girl down face first which was accompanied by a crunching sound "INO" her Father shouted in a horrified voice as Sakura didn't get back up.
Ino froze hands held up and face pale in realization "O..Oh Kami I never meant to actually hurt her" Ino stammered nervously looking like she was about to puke as adults crowded around until the blonde Cloud Shinobi shooed them back.
"Give me some space to work with" Cee demanded half a second away from snapping and like that he had plenty of room as he gently turned Sakura over so that she was on her back and found the source of the crunch.
Her nose was bleeding like a leaky faucet and the bridge of it was as black as night, the poor girl had passed out, it was of no consequence though as he let his hands glow green and carefully mended the broken bone Sakura had sustained.
By the time he was done she was blinking at him sluggishly "How do you feel Kid" Darui crouched as well as Cee helped her sit up slowly, she looked around dazedly for a moment before spotting her tormentor.
Then she was on her feet in a flash, features thunderous "Stay the hell away from me Ino because I've had enough of your crap, accept the consequences of your own actions for once" Sakura spat itching to punch the other girl.
If the way her hands were clenching and un-clenching were any indication, Ino flinched into her Father who pressed his lips together, both Cloud Shinobi were surprised at the girls restraint though as Sakura glared murderously at the other girl.
Before dusting off her clothes and wiping her face clean of blood, Nioi who'd gotten clear just as her summoner was shoved was scooped into her arms again and then Sakura took off down the streets without another word.
"Well uh I guess she's fine" the dark skinned male scratched his head in confusion never having seen someone recover that quickly, Sakura was a tough little cookie that was for sure as they hurriedly trailed after her.
Reaching her just as they made it back to the house as well "Do you think she'll tell" Sasuke whispered to Naruto who furrowed his brow then shook his head, it was doubtful because Sakura didn't like conflict.
Unfortunately neither Cee or Darui got that memo because the moment they sat down Cee told Sakumo about the incident "What" Sakumo frowned, looking to Sakura who scowled at the older blonde for telling.
Ay coughed into his hand, witnessing the girl's temper for himself at long last "I'm okay Tou-san, I don't think Ino will bother me anymore so there's no point in getting hyped up over it" Sakura admitted before focusing on her work.
Sakumo sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose in frustration "No nonsense as usual huh Sakura-chan" Kakashi was one of the only ones to see the humor in the situation, Sakura however didn't think it was that funny so instead simply kept working on her homework.
While Cee rubbed his forehead and then just as suddenly Sakura turned to him "Thank you for healing me Cee-san" the rosette bowed her head, remembering that she would probably still be in a lot of pain if not for him.
Cee shrugged in response "Such a strange girl" Darui shook his head with a chuckle getting comfortable until it was time for dinner, then as they'd all gotten use to the minute dinner was declared ready Sasuke disappeared off to home.
They ate, followed by Naruto being taken back to his apartment, Sakura cuddled into Kakashi's side that night, switching between the duo so neither one felt left out, read for awhile then went to bed a couple hours later after making sure all her homework was done.
Like she'd thought Ino didn't bother her again after that and soon it was nearly time for the Raikage and his escorts to leave, Sakura was sad to see them go "Come now Kid don't give us that look" the younger white haired male frowned.
As he saw her watching them pack from the couch with a depressed look on her face "I'm gonna miss you" Sakura sighed in a forlorn tone while absentmindedly picking at the loose threads on the couch and trying not to think about their impending departure.
Darui chuckled softly and just this once since it was just him and her in the living room for the time being since it was a weekend he gave the kid a quick side hug "We'll see you again now that we're allies, we're obligated to commemorate the treaty from now on" Darui informed.
"That's right, which means we'll be back at some point for joint missions between Leaf and Cloud" Cee nodded mysteriously appearing out of what seemed like no where and Sakura blinked at him with wide eyes to his amusement.
Ay was the last to show up in the living room all of their belongings packed and like that the Raikage and his bodyguards were gone "And now it will be back to missions for me" Kakashi commented already not looking forward to it.