A/N Wow it's been over a year since I last updated! I'm sorry about that but life got in the way as it tends to do and I got stuck on how to go forward with this story. I do want to thank everyone who Reviewed, followed, and favorited my story. I keep every email notice I get from fanfiction . net in a folder and I don't delete any of them, they motivate me to keep going.
I want to give a special thank you to PockyPhoto who left a review back in March that I'll always remember and made me really determined to get this story going again.
They aren't the only one, every time I see a new email regarding my story I get ridiculously happy and when I got over 200 reviews I literally did a happy dance in my room.
This chapter is a bit of an opener for the next chapter (which thankfully I've started already.) but I still hope you all like it.
Anyway without further ado, here is ~
Chapter 10 Furry Politics
Sakura was currently spending her school break in a few different ways. Her mornings were usually spent running and training using the exercises from taijutsu class. Later on she would find Kiba and any of her other friends that were available to play. The large group of friends could be found exploring the village, pulling pranks on various ninja that they came across, or at Ichiraku's for lunch.
Sometimes the group would head to the hospital while Kaiji and his Aunt were still there to visit them. It was on one of these visits that Naruto met Sasuke. For a little bit Naruto put up with the Uchiha's behavior but it wasn't long until the two were constantly snapping at each other which led to them physically fighting. It got to the point where three plates, four chairs, two pillows and one hospital bed all ended up destroyed. Naruto was banned from ever going back to the hospital wing that housed the remaining Uchiha's and Sasuke ended up tied down to his new bed for the day.
Thankfully Sakura's evenings were nowhere near as exciting since she always spent them going over any and every bit of Fuinjutsu Kakashi-sensei had given her. Everything so far was fascinating, not only could seals themselves have outstanding effects but they could also be used in combination with Ninjutsu. The books went over various symbols, swirls, and squiggles each with various meanings, depending on the combination. She had just arrived back at her house when she noticed a familiar small pug sitting by her door.
"Pakkun! It's great to see you." Sakura said happily.
Kakashi's littlest ninken raised his paw in greeting. "Yo Sakura, I need to bring you to Kakashi."
"Oh, am I learning something new?"
"Yeah, we'll go with that." The pug said before trotting off down the road.
And so Sakura followed Pakkun through Konoha. Past homes and shops the two went, until finally they reached the training grounds. In front of her, Sakura saw a field and in it was her Fuinjutsu teacher and a large stone. She stopped at the edge of the field when Pakkun did and stayed while he went towards the silver haired ninja. Standing there Sakura continued watching the ninja and ninken interact until suddenly the two turned to stare at her. It was kind of weird how in sync that action was. As Hatake sensei waved her to come to them, she took off running across the field.
"Maa, it's good to see you Sakura-chan." Kakashi-sensei said while he still stood in front of the large stone.
"Same Kakashi-sensei, what are we doing today?" She asked excitedly.
"You know how I can summon my ninken right Sakura-chan?"
"Yeah"
"Right, well I have my ninken because I've signed the dog summoning contract. Now I've talked it over with a few people and I've decided that if Chiharu and Chinatsu agree, I'll allow you to sign the contract as well."
"Really! Would I be able to summon Pakkun!"
"No, the dog summons work a bit differently than other animal summons but I'll explain that in a bit." The silver haired adult paused, scratching the back of his head. "Now if I let you sign the contract you must also become my official apprentice, this is important because if you become my apprentice I will be considered your legal guardian in all shinobi matters. Your father would no longer have a say in the matter of you becoming a kunoichi."
Sakura was a little stunned at this information. It seemed like thoughts were running like mad through her brain but one stood out from the rest. "My father won't stop me from being a kunoichi?"
"Not if you're my apprentice. You would legally become my responsibility and your father being a civilian would have no say in your career."
"I wouldn't have to leave home would I?"
"What? No! Of course not. The only reason I would ever take you out of your home was if something happened to your father or if your father was abusing you."
"Okay."
"Okay?"
"Yeah I want to be a ninja. I want that more than anything and, and I don't think my father will want that for me."
"Right. I'll be summoning Chiharu and Chinatsu now. They are pretty big so don't be too scared alright. Just stay next to Pakkun." Kakashi said before turning towards the open part of the clearing.
Soon Sakura's vision was filled with smoke and she ended up coughing as she inhaled some of it. Once she could open her eyes again, Sakura was startled by the two dogs both bigger than her house. The one on the right had floppy ears, fur the same color as sunshine, and warm brown eyes. The one on the left had the same kind of ears, sky blue eyes, and fur that was silver just a few shades different from Kakashi's.
"Kakashi? You've summoned us; did you finally have some pups of your own?" The silver dog spoke.
"Oh, is this one yours? Never expected a Hatake to have a pink pup." The gold dog added as they both suddenly focused on Sakura.
"She's not mine Natsu-sama, but I am taking her on as an apprentice. I summoned you both, Haru-sama, to see if you would be willing to let Sakura-chan here sign the contract." Kakashi spoke to the giant dogs before turning to Sakura. "These two are Chiharu-sama" He said pointing to the silver dog. "And Chinatsu-sama" now pointing to the gold dog.
Sakura stared up at the two that were currently inspecting her and only one word really came to mind.
"Fluffy." She said not realizing that her words were spoken out loud until booming laughter came from overhead.
"Ahahaha, I like this pup, Kakashi." Haru-sama laughed before leaning down to give Sakura a gentile push with her nose, causing said girl to giggle.
"What do you think Pakkun, would she do well with some of the pups?" Natsu-sama asked, taking her own turn inspecting Sakura.
"She should." The pug said. "Sakura here is friends with the Inuzuka clan and knows how to treat ninken with respect. I think she would get along well with her own pack."
"Hmm, what do you think sister? Some of the various pups have been getting antsy." Natsu-sama said.
"True, Kakashi we will let her sign the contract and then we will summon you both tomorrow. Warn your Alpha that you will be busy bringing the pup to our lands." Haru-sama ordered.
"I will. I'll also be announcing Sakura-chan as my apprentice to the council."
"Well then," Chiharu said
Followed by Chinatsu saying , "Let's get started."
Two large canines each raised one paw, slamming them down on the ground together causing a smaller explosion of smoke than what happened earlier. The air cleared quickly and where the paws had been was now a large scroll, easily larger than Sakura by both width and height. A thick golden rope was also attached to both ends of it.
"Come on Sakura-chan." Kakashi said as he moved forward and started to open the scroll. "This is where you'll sign your name" He pointed at a blank rectangle on the paper.
Sakura came closer looking over the visible parts of the scroll. "That's a lot of paw prints" she said pointing at the large amount decorating the paper.
Chinatsu laughed "Our contract differs from others in this way. The summoner and the dogs both acknowledge the contract."
"The shinobi signs their name in blood and the dog leaves their paw print, also in blood." Chiharu added.
"This is mine, it has my name on the top and the paw prints from my pack. There are eight dogs in total that agreed to being summoned by me, Pakkun included." Kakashi gestured to his portion of the contract that sat next to the blank section.
"This one is mine." Pakkun told the little girl pointing at the first paw print under Kakashi's name.
Sakura stared at the filled portion of the scroll before looking back at the spot where her own name would go. Kakashi nudged her to get her attention before speaking.
"If you give me your hand I'll make a small cut on your pointer finger so you can write your name."
Sakura complied hesitatingly, knowing that it was going to hurt. Sure enough it did but not as much as she thought and soon her name was drying on the paper. Her writing was small but slightly messy, that would change as she grew older and had more practice writing.
"Well I'd say we're done here" Kakashi told the dogs once the blood dried and he rolled the scroll closed again.
"Take care" Chiharu said before picking up the scroll so that the rope was in her mouth while it hung in the air.
"We'll see you tomorrow then." Chinatsu said before they left in a blast of smoke.
Sakura, who had been amazed at the large summons, turned towards Kakashi as soon as they left. "Those two were huge!"
"Those were the twin sisters Chiharu and Chinatsu, the leaders for the dog summons."
"What does it mean, what they said about pups, and pack?"
Kakashi sighed before answering. "Come on I'll explain how the contract works as we head towards the Hokage's tower."
The silver haired ninja continued his explanation, as they started walking; Sakura was on Kakashi's left while Pakkun walked in between the two. "Okay, when you sign the dog contract instead of being able to summon any of the dogs you can only summon your own pack." He paused, and then sighed. "I'm not starting this very well. Okay here is what is going to happen. Tomorrow I will come get you before both of us are reverse summoned to the dog lands."
"Dog Lands? They live all by themselves?" Sakura interrupted.
"They're not normal dogs or even normal ninken. Now most summon animals will have tests for any contractor. For the dogs it really is more like two tests. First the pups are introduced to you and those that like you will consent to become your pack. These will be the only dogs you'll be able to summon. If none of the pups agree to work with you your name will be erased from the contract."
"But you just summoned the leaders! Does that mean their part of your pack, Hatake-sensei?"
The adult's only visible eye widened. "No! Definitely not. Chiharu and Chinatsu are the only exceptions to being able to summon outside of your own pack. Those two are only summoned when one contractor has a new candidate for the dogs. Their approval has to be granted before you can sign."
"What's the second test?"
"That's more of a test for any of dogs that decide to be in your pack. To prove that they are ready to be in a contract the dogs will travel with you on foot back to Konoha. They have to make the journey on their own power, so no carrying them or anything."
"Okay, but Hatake-sensei why are you doing all of this?"
"Maa, that's a question with quite a serious answer. For now let's just say its necessary, okay."
Both Sakura and Kakashi were silent as they continued on their way. At least they were until Sakura asked another question.
"Do you think they'll let me pet them tomorrow? Their fur looked really soft."
Pakkun just laughed while Kakashi sighed.
The council of Konoha consisted of the Hokage, and his three advisors. The full council of Konoha consisted of those four and a representative of each major clan of the village. To have a council seat a clan had to have at least ten adult members the majority of which had to be shinobi. The representatives did not have to be, and rarely were, the clan head. Full council sessions were more about making announcements and reports then for decision making so most of the clan leaders did not bother attending.
Today's session was obviously different from normal just based on who chose to attend. Tsume, Shikaku, Inochi, and Choza were all in attendance while Shimura Danzo was noticeably absent. Rumors would be flying all over Konoha within an hour or less after the full council was dismissed. Having Hatake Kakashi knocking on one of the windows just guaranteed that the village would be buzzing with news in under half an hour or less.
"Come in Kakashi" the Hokage said with a sigh.
Everyone had their attention on the recent arrival, curiosity spiking as a tiny pink haired child was brought in with the Jonin.
"I came to make an announcement Hokage-sama" Kakashi stated. He now stood at the head of the table next to the Hokage. Sakura was standing by him holding on to his pant leg while he kept a comforting hand resting on her head.
Sakura looked at the adults all sitting at the large table; she couldn't help the large smile she had on her face when she noticed a few that she recognized. "Tsume-sama, Choza-sama, Shi-sama!" She greeted them with a small wave before Hatake-sensei started speaking again.
"I, Jonin Hatake Kakashi have taken Academy Student Haruno Sakura as my official apprentice. From this day forth I will be responsible for her in all matters and will fan her Will of Fire so that it may burn brightly as a future ninja of Konohagakure." Kakashi announced, speaking the official words that were his oath as Sakura's Sensei.
The Hokage's gaze grew serious and he turned his attention to the pink haired girl. "Do you Student Haruno agree to be trained, to be taught, and to obey Jonin Hatake as his apprentice? Do you agree freely and without coercion?"
"Yes Hokage-sama" Sakura answered shyly.
The serious expressed was replaced by a soft smile before the Hokage once again spoke to Kakashi. "I expect the paperwork on my desk later today."
"Already waiting for you Hokage-sama"
"Well then, since Sakura-chan here has already acknowledge three of your witnesses, she is officially your apprentice and under your care." He turned to address Sakura "We will all be expecting great things from you Sakura-chan, train hard and remember your actions reflect on your teacher."
"Also, Hokage-sama, Sakura here has signed the dog contract and both of us will be summoned tomorrow to get her acquainted with her own pack. We will be gone for a while since we will have to travel back on foot with the ninken." Kakashi said.
"So soon?"
"Yes the dogs have been waiting a long time for another summoner. Sakura here has already been approved by Chiharu-sama and Chinatsu-sama."
Everyone watched, most of them were shocked at this turn of events. Not all though, three clan leaders sat there wearing various expressions of satisfaction. The silence didn't last though and soon representatives were whispering back and forth, all wondering just who this child was that she managed to get the Copy Nin to teach her. Some were outraged, for example one Utatane Koharu and her old team mate Homura Mitokado.
"Just who is this child?! I've never even heard of the Haruno clan before." Koharu said interrupting
"I would think that given recent events that if you chose anyone to take as an apprentice it would be young Sasuke." Homura added.
"Now hold on a minute! Sakura is a promising student I've seen her training myself. She is motivated and talented; Kakashi will be able to make her into a great Kunoichi." Tsume practically snarled at the two old ninjas.
Shikaku with a glare added his own comment. "The council has no authority over who a Jonin chooses as their apprentice. There is no need for your words or your advice here."
Before either of his old team mates could speak again the Hokage interrupted. "Enough! I have already given my consent this matter was over before any of you even started speaking. The only requirements for apprenticeship are that it be announced to me with at least two witnesses that personally know the one becoming the apprentice." He paused taking a breath to calm down before addressing Sakura and Kakashi. "Now Kakashi, you're free to go deal with the dog summons. I am trusting you to keep Sakura here safe and to return as soon as possible."
"Yes Hokage-sama." Kakashi answered.
"Dismissed, I'm sure you both have things to get ready for tomorrow and people to tell."
Sakura gasped. "Kiba!" She turned to tug on Kakashi's pants. "I have to tell Kiba and Aiko! You have to meet Aiko, Shishou, she'll freak if I just vanish tomorrow!"
"Alright, alright lets go Sakura." Kakashi said before leading her back to the open window and then using the Body Flicker Technique to take both of them out of the room.
As soon as they were gone one snide comment set the whole room off. It dissolved quickly and to the point where Tsume and Koharu where in a shouting match. Shikaku and Homura where glaring at each other, while Choza was explaing just why a little girl was calling their friend Shi-sama.
The Hokage merely sat there with a tired expression on his face as he gave up on controlling the room for the moment.
Anyone interested in seeing how big Chinatsu and Chiharu actually are, well I based their height on Sesshomaru's dog demon form from Inuyasha.
This isn't as long as I'd like but next chapter will be longer. We'll see Sakura surrounded by all kinds of dogs and then we have their journey home to consider. It will be a very dog filled chapter coming up next time. Plus some Sakura, Kakashi, student - teacher bonding. After we get done with that its back to focusing on the kids some more.
If anyone wants to give ideas for different dogs that will pop up next chapter please feel free to tell me! Name, breed, description, personality? Anything really, I can't guarantee that I'll use them but I might.
I love to hear what you all think about this chapter.
Please leave a Review!