ZIL: I began writing Chapters 11-15 right away and couldn't stop writing I may go back and edit the grammatical issues later but, I wanted to share these next chapters will all of my wonderful readers!

Chapter 11: After the Funeral, Kizashi's Return

Sakura was grateful for the support her team had been showing her throughout the process of arranging her mother's burial. She sent word to her father who was sad about what occurred, he told her he trusted her to make sure her mother had the care she deserved and apologized by letter for not being there to handle the affairs himself. He also wrote letters of thanks and gratitude to her team mates for taking such good care of her in his absence.

Hiruzen kept Danzo from interfering in council affairs regarding Sakura claiming her clan's seat as is her right. Homura and Koharu refused to budge also stating that she had already done so after the attack on her mother and proved she could handle the responsibility as was required. Shikaku and several other clan heads including Hiashi also gave their respectful recommendations to allow her to keep the seat. Danzo had no choice but to concede after confronting the young heiress in an official meeting himself and being shot down in a mature and respectful fashion when he offered to sit in place for her.

Hiruzen was relieved that Konoha had gained another stable Clan Head within the council to deal with affairs of the village knowing Sakura cared for the village and its people fairly. He stood supporting the young heiress along with the other clan leaders in a stance of solidarity as she led the services for her mother and honored her properly by both village and clan customs. Shikaku had continued to guide her as expected and was pleasantly surprised to see how quickly she grasped the concept. He made note to report the potential for her to be good for sending out on treaty or other political missions. Her easy manner with her grace and honest prose made her easy to like and it would serve the village well during the formation of any future alliances.

Sakura stood by the gate with Sasuke who had surprisingly warmed up to Sakura after the loss of her mother. He did not have any romantic interest and was relieved to find that neither did she have any interest in him that way. They had grown to become friends who could agree to disagree as Sakura warned Sasuke about his desire for revenge.

Flashback Begins

"When you seek revenge you should dig two graves," Sakura had said to Sasuke surprising him and the team. "One for the person you seek to kill and another for yourself. Revenge only leads to more pain and more suffering which only leads to more death, most likely your own." Sasuke seemed shocked and stopped to consider what he was told. Kakashi wasn't surprised she mentioned this and was able to point Sasuke out to some honest examples in history of that very sentiment.

Sasuke still wished to confront Itachi and Sakura agreed understanding, "Just know when you do we will be there with you. Confront him if you must but go for the truth not revenge. You'll be a better man for it when you're older."

Flashback Ends

Kizashi walked beside Boar both were eager to be home, "I thank you for traveling with me. It is sad enough my daughter had to attend to this on her own Boar-san. I am glad to be coming back so I can see she is coping with my own eyes."

Boar nodded easily, "I understand Kizashi-san, and for what it's worth you and your daughter have my condolences. I hope you both recover strong and well from your loss."

Kizashi knew by now the man was of the Hyuuga clan and thanked him kindly. He had received letters from two unique looking fellows when he stopped in Nami no Kuni during his work trip. Tsunami, Inari, Tazuna and the Nins Michi and Yuki had met them during their mission there. He held several letters two for Sakura from each Nin and one from the kind family while he held one larger letter for the males on the team. He remembered the shocked looks on their faces as he delivered the news.

Flashback Begins

Kizashi gave a sad smile, "I am glad to see she made some kind friends on her first mission out of the Leaf but, I can't guarantee she will be able to respond right away."

The young feminine boy asked softly, "Is everything alright with Sakura-san, Haruno-sama?" He smiled down sadly at the young man.

"Not at the moment, her mother was attacked and passed in a comatose state from her injuries. My daughter Sakura held her mother in front of her two teammates in her dying moments from what I was told. She took her mother's seat on the Council and has since had to take the pressure of being Clan Heiress, Village Councilor, and Genin Student. It is trying for her but, from all the letters I've received from those watching her in the village she is coping admirably well." The man sighed, "I only wish I could have been there for her but now…I have to work harder than ever to be the best provider I can until she gains a high enough rank to care for herself."

The man "Michi" stepped forward with a gruff voice, "If you give us a few minutes I have some letters for her and her team. We promised to write and knowing this I feel we may have more to say…is that alright," Kizashi grinned surprised, "I'd be happy to wait Michi-san, I'm sure receiving letters from friends will be a good way to take her mind off of things."

"Oh let us write one for her too! Can we Mom?" Inari asked his mother who smiled gently, "Of course we can…its thanks to them we have a future. Let's go show our gratitude and condolences sweetie."

Kizashi soon enough left with a bundle of letters and felt tears gather in his eyes, "Thank you all…this is more kindness than I ever expected. I'm grateful for you kindness towards my daughter."

Tazuna grunted, "If anyone owes anyone anything we owe her…she saved Michi and Yuki's lives, while she and her team got rid of a tyrant business man who was destroying our home. They saved us...letters are the least we can do."

Flashback Ends

"Sakura and her friends will enjoy their letters Boar-san…you don't have to look at them for anything right?" Kizashi asked knowing that he tensed when they met the Nins.

Boar shrugged, "The Hokage said I could leave it…apparently what they said is true they owe your daughter a life debt. Among those few Nin who remember the old ways it has great meaning. Your daughter, whether she knows it yet or not, alone has their allegiance for the rest of her and their lives."
Kizashi looked a bit startled, "She has their loyalty for life?"

Boar nodded, "Your daughter is wearing a necklace replica of his sword keyed to her chakra. No matter when or where should she need help all she has to do is ask for it and they will come. Zabuza Momochi or Michi-san is many things but a liar when honor or debts are involved isn't one of them."

Kizashi saw the broad red gates and smiled, "Boar-san…we're finally home. Please join me and meet my daughter? Or do you have to report immediately to the Hokage?" Boar simply replied, "I can report with you to the Hokage after you've seen your daughter…if I'm not mistaken she waits at the gate if that sight of pink is anything to go by."

Kizashi squinted at the gates and smiled before rushing forward with his lighter sack from all his ware sales, "My little blossom!" His arms suddenly full of his young daughter in his arms. He lifted her and held her up on his arm with a broad grin, "Sakura this is my friendly companion Boar-san. He kept me safe throughout my journey! Who all do I have to thank for keeping an eye on you while I was away?"

Sakura gave a glittering smile as if all the darkness faded seeing her father home safe she got down and bowed at Boar, "I give you my deepest gratitude Boar-san for protecting and accompanying my father during this troubling time. You have my deepest thanks." She stood back straight and Boar-san simply replied humbled, "It was my pleasure Lady Haruno…you have my deepest condolences and upmost respect."

Sakura grasped her father's hand gently, "All those you wish to thank are at the Hokage tower. I couldn't wait there though I had to see you as soon as you got home." Kizashi chuckled, "I understand…if our roles were reversed I would have done the same for you."

The three walked together from the gates past the chuckling and relieved guards Izumo and Kotetsu to the tower. All were immediately allowed entrance into the office of the Hokage.

Hiruzen gave a gentle smile in greeting, "Welcome home Kizashi, you have much to be proud of your daughter for…but, get comfortable and we will all catch up on recent events."