For a week things were calm in the Leaf Village and though Rasa was a persistent man, Sakura felt as if she was fitting in quite nicely, mingling with the villagers and shinobi to complete her task of promoting unity between her village and the one she was in.
That was until Jiraiya burst his way into the village on the ninth morning she'd been in the Hidden Leaf Village, on his heels was a honey eyed blonde woman, a younger ebony haired woman and three people she knew very well.
But she didn't know they were there yet as she was currently being entertained by a puppet show "Eh what do you think Sakura, not to shabby of a puppeteer right" Kankuro being the one to give her a show with his puppets.
"Guess so, but you aren't the only one who can wield puppets Kankuro" Sakura snickered unsealing her favorite and having her go through some motions, sue her, she was indulging them by letting them get to know her as a sister.
One thing that would never happen was that they would never sway her from Orochimaru "Seems so, how long you been practicing that" the brunette was surprised at how good his little sister actually was at using puppets.
"About the age of eight, I rarely use her, cause my main style of attack is close range, I'm good at taijutsu" the pinkette with blood red tips announced throwing in a bit of information to appease the fourteen year old and rising to her feet simultaneously.
Kankuro nodded grudgingly and opened his mouth to fish for more information when he was interrupted by Rasa "Kankuro go find Temari, Sakura come with me to the Hokage Tower" Rasa ordered immediately.
Sending his oldest son scrambling to find his older sister, while his youngest sister sighed but dutifully followed after Rasa to the Hokage Tower and found "Zabuza what are you doing here" Sakura jolted in surprise.
He turned instantly "Brat it's bad, Haku was out there looking for you, but we brought Kaguya here, the woman is being stubborn, not only that but the girl Karin, got captured by her old village" Zabuza explained carefully.
Waiting for the explosion but it didn't happen as she directed her gaze to the Hokage "We're trying to convince Tsunade still to heal Kimimaro-san, but she's refusing, mind lending a hand you might be able to help" Hiruzen cleared his throat.
"Right I understand and what about Karin" it was obvious she cared about the red head and for the first time Rasa saw beneath the rough exterior of his youngest daughter, who he'd callously thrown away thinking she would disrupt his plans for Gaara.
Hiruzen lowered his brown eyes to his desk "We'll help look for her, but we have reason to believe she might be here in the Leaf Village, to be forced to participate in the Chunin Exams" the Third Hokage admitted.
The young preteen girl perked up instantly "Plus Haku and I are here as well, the Old Man sends his apologies, but he's still trying to find someone to take care of things in his absence" the raven haired rogue snorted.
Purposefully trying to piss the girl off "For the last time you grouch Orochimaru-sama is not an old man" Sakura grumbled looking demonic with her anger which took her mind off things for the moment at the least.
Until she quite literally deflated "Damn it brat stop worrying about everything, come on lets go find Haku and then you can convince that woman to heal Kaguya" Zabuza growled stalking forward and grabbing Sakura by her yukata collar.
Her hands flailed "Zabuza you jerk there's no reason to choke me, I'm perfectly capable of walking without being dragged about by you" Sakura huffed, though she was glad he was there even if he'd only brought bad news.
The door shut behind them "Amusing little girl isn't she Kazekage" Hiruzen chuckled taking a puff from his pipe staring down into the streets from the window as the odd duo headed off to find one of their missing companions.
"Quite, I fear though that nothing I do or say will ever fix the mistake I made and she is forever out of my reach" Rasa sighed, he only had a few more days until the start of the Chunin Exams, Hiruzen didn't know what to say to that so merely remained silent.
As Rasa left to follow the duo and caught up with them just as they found Haku "Sakura-chan it feels like it's been forever since we saw each other" Haku exclaimed barely able to resist hugging his friend, he would have to if it hadn't been for the sand.
"Sorry it's a bit touchy right now, it's linked to my emotions and you know how I feel about Karin and Kimimaro" Sakura commanded her sand into the gourd on her back, having taken to carrying around her larger gourd for better protection.
Haku frowned "I know, anyway we can worry about Karin later right, Kimimaro is in pretty bad shape and Tsunade is refusing to heal him, though I take it by your expression you already know this" the raven haired teen explained.
The pinkette with blood red tips nodded quietly, her gaze shifting to the side as they were joined "Karin as annoying as she can be, is smart, she's probably hiding out where no one would think to look for her the minute she got here if she's here, first is Tsunade-san" Sakura stated.
Concentrating on spreading out her senses "Let me one of the elders in Sand has had various clashes with the Slug Sannin and I can find her easily using this" the Kazekage butt in going through a familiar set of hand signs.
Before sending the third eye forward to search through the village "Training grounds the one by the guest training grounds" the red head finally said once he'd caught sight of the woman and with that the three of them were off.
Deciding in the next moment he headed after his erstwhile daughter as well and her two odd companions until they all came to a stop on the training field "Great listen brat no one's going to convince me to heal that boy, I don't heal anyone anymore" he arrived just in time.
To hear the woman go off on a rant "What about a bet then, you like bets don't you Tsunade-san, if I stay standing against you for thirty minutes in a fight, you have to heal Kimimaro" Sakura crossed her arms saying the first thing that came to mind.
Zabuza and Haku couldn't believe their ears and inched away from the young girl "You are insane, there's no way you'll last" Rasa was just as in disbelief as the others as Tsunade turned to face his youngest daughter.
Emerald orbs shot his way "Okay then, taijutsu only, that means no using that sand of yours either, weapons are allowed, and a few jutsu's but that's it and if you last you have to become my apprentice" Tsunade smirked.
"Very well then you have a deal, Zabuza would you hold onto this for me" Sakura sealed her gourd into the scroll and handed it over to the rogue who'd been part of her dysfunctional family for quite a long time.
Rasa, Zabuza and Haku stood back as the two females squared off in the middle of the training grounds "It's been awhile huh Zabuza-sama, since Sakura-chan has trained without her sand" the raven haired teen commented.
Doe irises locked to his friends still form "Precisely, I do hope she's been keeping up with her training at the very least or that woman's going to crush her" Zabuza grimaced watching as the fight between the two kunoichi started.
"You really think you can last against me you little brat, ha don't make me laugh" the honey eyed blonde scoffed punching the ground in hopes to throw the girl off balance, but she locked herself in place with chakra, then lunged forward.
Into a little roll, then back onto her feet "And you think I'm going to let Kimimaro die, not when your his only chance at survival don't think so, he's my friend, I promised him that he would be healed and that's exactly what's going to happen" the fuscia and blood red haired girl stated simply.
Surprised at her viciousness and flexibility in a fight, Tsunade grit her teeth and upped her speed "Damn brat as if you think I'd let you win, I'm one of the Legendary Sannin, not a kunoichi barely past the age of twelve and even the…." Tsunade trailed off.
As the ground shattered before her "You aren't the only one who can utilize chakra enhanced strength Tsunade, Orochimaru-sama told me that I have beyond perfect chakra control, I could learn anything I wanted and perfect it with little trouble" Sakura announced.
Jumping through the debris of earth raining down on them, getting in close and setting off a water jutsu that had Tsunade jumping back and to the side to get out of range, Tsunade was more surprised that she was doing all this over a boy.
"You love him that Kaguya boy" the honey eyed woman prodded in hopes to distract the girl into making a mistake as the time wore down to only fifteen minutes most of it was Sakura dodging and throwing in very few attacks.
But her evasion skills were off the charts "Like family, Kimimaro was caged away for most of his life by his own clan because they feared him and they only let him out to fight, he's one of my best friends and I won't let him die" the pinkette with blood red tips vowed.
Zabuza and Haku grimaced "She cares for this boy that much, she'd do anything to ensure his survival" Rasa saw more to his erstwhile child than he had all week, she thrived on emotions and the bonds she makes.
The woman fighting his youngest daughter for a split second paused "Would you die for him if push came to shove" Tsunade slowed in her attacks and the young girl did the same, though her gaze was wary as she answered
In the affirmative of course "Yes, Orochimaru-sama as well, Zabuza, Haku and Karin, plus the few others in the base back in Sound that have interacted with me" Sakura nodded quietly not sure what was going on.
With a long suffering sigh Tsunade groaned "Fine, fine whatever brat I'll heal him, you still have to be my apprentice though, which means I'll be going back with you to Sound once the Exams are over" the honey eyed blonde grumbled.
Sakura's jade orbs lit up and she supposed it was worth it "Oh thank you Tsunade-san, and just to warn you I'm a quick study" the bubblegum pink haired girl with blood red tips exclaimed quite happily feeling like she was on cloud nine.
As Tsunade stalked off to the hospital and she skipped towards Zabuza looking the happiest Rasa had ever seen her "Good job brat, now for little red" Zabuza ruffled her hair roughly with a small undertone of fondness in the action.
"Yeah we can't leave Karin to suffer her old village, who knows what those bastards would do to her" Haku nodded in agreement, relieved himself and hopefully Tsunade would be able to cure Kimimaro and all would be right in their world again.
Rasa was confused "What exactly are you talking about anyway" he directed his dark orbs onto Sakura in hopes that she would explain what was going on and why they had to save a girl from her own village.
Her lips pressed together "Karin has an ability that if someone bites her and sucks out her chakra they can heal themselves, her village was exploiting this and practically torturing her, they captured her and Hokage-sama thinks she's here" Sakura answered.
Going back to how she usually was all serious with utmost respect, Zabuza glanced between the duo carefully and immediately saw what everyone else had seen "This guy is your biological father isn't he" the rogue from Mist pointed out bluntly.
The red head winced but Sakura merely nodded as they went through the Leaf Village searching every nook and cranny for the missing Karin only to not find her as dinner time rolled around, which was exactly when they found her.
Or rather someone Sakura knew had found her "S..Sak..Sakura-chan th..there's a g..girl in th..the Hyuga Co..Compound n..named K..Karin, r..ref..refusing to leave" Hinata saw her friend rushing by and jumped out to snag her yukata sleeve.
Pulling the other girl to a stop, by that point Rasa had headed off to eat dinner "Hinata-chan thank kami you saved us another day of searching" the pinkette exclaimed swinging around to face her new friend.
Hinata blinked in surprise "We..Well my cl..clan com..compound is th..this way S..Sakura-chan" the blue haired heiress gestured in the direction she'd come from, then led the way so her pink haired friend could retrieve Karin.
Who was surprised at the sight of her "Oh Sakura-chan it was awful the Grass Village captured me while I was outside and they forcibly brought me here and want me to participate in the Chunin Exams and not only that" Karin rambled before trailing off.
Glaring at her arm "It's alright Karin-chan, we won't let anything happen to you" Sakura assured lifting the sleeve and healing the bruise that had been left on her skin from being bit and having her chakra sucked out.
Tears filled ruby orbs as she peered at the three before her "S..So what now" the crimson haired preteen asked as she latched onto the slightly older girl and they left the compound she'd been hiding out in behind.
Behind them Zabuza snorted "You'll come back with us to Sound after the Exams begin for now though stick like glue to the brat, now I'm certain that woman should have finished healing the Kaguya boy do you want to go check on him" Zabuza informed the red haired brat bluntly.
She didn't dare argue and attached herself more firmly to the fuscia haired preteen "I think that's a given for all four of us Zabuza-sama" Haku quipped dryly, they'd all sorta become like family to each other over the years.
Another snort and together they turned down the streets towards the hospital "Kaguya, woman healing what's g..going on" Hinata on their heels because she was let out of her usual clan training since she was a participant in the Chunin Exams.
"Oh one of my friends was very sick, his name is Kimimaro Kaguya the lone survivor of the Kaguya clan actually, but he got some kind of illness that got progressively worse anytime he used his chakra, Tsunade-sama one of the Legendary Sannin went to heal him earlier" Sakura explained.
Inwardly hoping that Tsunade had actually managed to heal her best friend and that he'd be alright, the five of them were just turning down the street that led to the hospital when in a swirl of sand someone appeared in front of them.
Karin let out a scream and dove behind her friend "I'm not going anywhere" Karin shrieked thinking it was someone coming to take her away from the ones who'd saved her again, her response was an amused chuckle.
Zabuza narrowed his eyes on the new red head before them "Sakura if you aren't busy later would you care to join us for dinner later, it will be just myself, Father, Temari and Kankuro" the boy spoke in a gravely tone of voice.
"Huh wait a minute who are you that you would just invite Sakura-chan to dinner with your family like that" Haku was seriously confused about who this preteen was, since he couldn't notice the similarities between the two yet.
Sakura shifted her gaze from her twin to her friend "This Haku is my twin brother Gaara, Temari is my older sister and Kankuro is my older brother, they are my biological family, the Kazekage's family" the pinkette stated.
Before glancing to her twin again "And I would love to really Gaara, but I….ouch damn it Zabuza the hell was that for" Sakura snapped as she was elbowed in the side harshly, the only one who was brave enough to do something like that was the rogue.
Who glowered at her "The brat would love to and she'll be along soon, give her enough time to see someone and I'll send her afterwards" Zabuza announced daring the brat to argue with him, dining with her biological family to get to know them was what she needed after all.
Gritting her teeth and glaring furiously at the rogue she saw like a grouchy uncle Sakura relented to the pale green gaze of her twin and nodded somewhat reluctantly in answer agreeing to the offer to dine with the whole family for the first time since she'd learned about them.
Just like that he was gone in a swirl of sand "Ri..Right we..well I should g..get going before I g..get in trouble" Hinata made a hasty departure getting the feeling her friend was a little pissed off with the raven haired male.
As they reached the hospital the doors were opening "Ah just finished healing the Kaguya boy, he'll be fine, needs plenty of rest and probably by the end of the Chunin Exams he'll be ready to go back to Sound with you lot" Tsunade appeared wiping her hands clean.
"Does that mean we can't see him yet Ma'am" Karin gripped the sleeve of Sakura's purple kimono tightly with her fingers keeping to the order of staying glued to the fuscia haired preteen's side in order to never be caught by her former village again.
Tsunade pressed her lips together looking them over "Maybe tomorrow it depends if I think he's up for visitors at that point, but for now it's best if he's not bothered or stressed out, the operation while a success put his body in a great amount of pain" the honey eyed blonde said.
Before stalking by them, Sakura heaved a long suffering sigh "Guess I'm going to go find my siblings and Rasa-san" the pinkette slumped her shoulders and just like Tsunade had stalked off, senses honed in on her twin's chakra.
Which led her all the way to her favorite restaurant no matter what village she was in "How kind of you to show up" Rasa greeted when his erstwhile child appeared at the round booth the four of them were already seated around.
"Indeed so tell us a little more about yourself while our food is being made, we went ahead and ordered since we know what you like to eat already" Temari grinned teasing her youngest sister, who was definitely not what she expected actually.
A pink brow rose in response before she sat in between her twin and older brother making their family almost complete now if their uncle and mother were still alive that would be great "Well I love to collect cases of mummified butterflies, Orochimaru-sama likes to give them to me as rewards for doing well on missions" Sakura admitted softly.
Just to appease her older sister "Really now and do you have a boyfriend back at that village" Kankuro narrowed his onyx eyes on his littlest sister, feeling protective despite only knowing and getting to know her for a week.
"Nope so don't even go there Kankuro, until last week I didn't even know what a boyfriend was or what a kiss is" the fuscia haired preteen snorted quietly immersing herself in conversation, it wasn't all that bad getting to know them truly but she would never abandon the one who'd raised her.
Rasa stared at her in surprise "Seems as if you've been sheltered by Orochimaru-san, tell me Sakura has he ever forced you to do something against your will" the Kazekage questioned carefully not wanting to offend the girl.
Viridian orbs shot his way "Can't really say for certain maybe when I was younger perhaps, I was rather obstinate towards the rules he placed upon me which got me in trouble a lot but he's never forced me to do something I haven't wanted to do in recent years" Sakura said.
"Interesting and how many villages have you been to" Gaara had to ask because for the first time since he could remember he was being treated normally and not as if he was the beast, and they were all eating together chatting like a family.
Sakura grinned "The Hidden Rain Village, of course Sound, a village in the Land of Water plus here the Leaf Village, though I've travelled the land a lot, another hobby of mine is I like to cash in on bounties of rogues" the pinkette snickered.
A moment later their food arrived and was passed out, when her favorite curry was placed before her she shot an accusing look at her twin "My apologies for sharing what your favorite was" the red head smirked un-apologetically.
Earning a huff "Only cause it's my favorite will I let you get away with tattling Gaara" she stuck her tongue out childishly, laughter filled the air and she was just beginning to truly enjoy herself when the five of them were rudely interrupted.
"Where is she, that damn bitch Karin" a hand slammed down on the table their food was sat on, all eyes shot to the unwelcome and rude person and Sakura spied the Grass headband upon the teenager's forehead.
Her eyes narrowed "There's no point in lying to me, I know you know because your one of the ones who helped her escape before, tell me now or I'll kill you" he demanded and threatened and Sakura rose to her feet.
Not wanting the first dinner they'd all had together to be ruined Rasa stood hastily as well and turned "Excuse me do you not know who's presence your in, I am the Kazekage and these four are my children now if you don't mind leave or I'll have the Hokage disqualify you from the Exams" the auburn haired male warned.
Everyone in the tea shop froze at the announcement even the genin from Grass who looked from his erstwhile daughter to him repeatedly before fleeing from the restaurant as fast as he could not daring to look back.
"Is there a reason your messing about with the Hidden Grass Village" the teal eyed blonde gazed at her younger sister, confusion clear on her face, what the heck was going on and why was the Grass Village interested in a girl named Karin anyway.
Sakura slowly sat back down keeping a wary eye out for a moment before answering the question "Karin-chan was formerly of their village but they were torturing her, she has an ability that if you bite her and suck out her chakra you can be healed, Orochimaru heard and so asked us to rescue her" the pinkette shrugged.
Horrified the eldest sibling reeled back and gasped "That's awful, you did get her away from that village didn't you Sakura" the brunet questioned hoping that the girl couldn't be tortured like that any longer.
"Ah the red headed girl from earlier who shrieked at me when I appeared before you" her twin commented suddenly as if remembering, Sakura nodded with a grimace looking exasperated, it was something she'd come to expect from Karin.
"We did and yes that was Karin-chan, she can be annoying sure, but she's insecure and still trying to fit in at the base, she's family though" the fuscia haired preteen smiled softly remembering all their adventures together.
Rasa was quiet listening to his children chatter back and forth to one another, wishing he hadn't thrown one away to die, it was a mistake he'd never be able to rectify possibly, she'd never see him as her Father sure but so long as she was willing to get to know her siblings that was fine with him.
Eventually dinner ended as all the food was demolished, they didn't have any room for dessert and the five of them split up to separate hotels "Where the heck have you been, we've been waiting for hours" Sasuke and Naruto were waiting for her when she appeared.
She lifted a brow at them "Now, now Teme, maybe Sakura-chan was eating out instead of eating at the cafeteria you know" Naruto tried to placate his teammate/best friend/ rival even if he was a little put out himself.
Giggling lightly she stepped forward "Like Naruto just said eating Sasuke, is there something you need or did you just want to hang out for a bit" Sakura inquired extracting the key to her hotel door from her pouch and unlocking it so the three of them could enter.
Sasuke flushed in mild embarrassment "My Dad said that there was someone here snooping around trying to prevent the treaty between Leaf and Sound" the ebony haired preteen lowered his voice as the door shut behind him.
Peridot orbs flashed with fury "Uh-huh my Dad said the same thing Sakura-chan and since we know your good at being discrete about such matters we thought it best we tell you since your the one here promoting unity between our villages" the blonde said.
Not being as loud as he was known to be for once, Sakura sighed "Come on then, guess we're going hunting for a snoop" the pinkette stood from the hotel bed again and together the three of them exited her hotel room and left the hotel behind.
Before taking to the sky on her sand "Been a long time since we've rode on your sand, the last time was when you came to Leaf before" Sasuke commented quietly watching as the girl went through a set of hand signs.
"How exactly are we going to find this snoop anyway Sakura-chan" Naruto frowned in confusion just as she finished her hand signs and pressed her forefinger and middle finger to a closed eyelid her left eye to be precise.
And murmured the jutsu under her breath "Ninja Art: Daisan no Me" Sakura whispered holding out her right hand and in a swirl of sand the third eye appeared in her palm, like usual the pupil of her third eye was a bright shade of viridian.
That she crushed in the next moment and the sand particles floated over the village searching for the one who dared try disrupt Orochimaru's plans of forging treaties "Need a little help searching there Sakura" Gaara's gravely tone of voice broke her concentration.
Disrupting the link between her third eye and herself "When the hell did you get there" the second Uchiha Heir whipped his head around with a crack eyeing the newcomer warily and wondering why he was even offering Sakura his help.
It was then he spied what the boy was sitting on "You can use sand just like Sakura-chan but how" the blonde was seriously confused as the sand merged so the two were sitting side by side, it hit Sasuke just then the similarities between the duo just as Sakura explained.
"He's my twin Sasuke, Naruto, that's why he can wield sand as well and the help would be appreciated Gaara, according to these two's Father's there's someone trying to prevent the treaty between Sound and Leaf" the pinkette answered.
Looking towards the ground and searching that way for the moment in hopes of catching someone in the act "Very well, let us perform that jutsu together the search will go faster that way" the red head rumbled and together they went through the hand signs.
Calling out the jutsu in sync of one another in which they sent their third eyes to scope out the village to the other boys it was kind of a little creepy but the both of them kept silent until Sakura straightened and relented with the jutsu.
"Find something did you Sakura" Sasuke questioned as the sand started moving at a slow speed probably for his sake and the Dope's he was certain and then they were floating above an extremely suspicious looking person.
Pale green orbs shifted her way "Is he the one you seek" Gaara questioned in a low tone of voice, being careful not to be to loud as he was certain she didn't want to be caught spying on this person until they knew for sure he was trying to prevent the treaty.
The sand flew lower until they could hear the whispered mutterings of the suspicious male "Damn I thought for sure this was the hotel that little brat Orochimaru took in was staying at, I have to kill her to make the Leader of Akatsuki proud of me so I can become a member" he ranted to himself.
With proof Sakura nodded at her twin "Are you really Sakura-chan" Naruto saw sand slithering across the ground out of the corner of his eye and realized what his friend was planning, of course he should have guessed this would be the end result of them coming to her.
But he hadn't wanted to witness it "Close your eyes, Gaara please buffer them, their innocent and don't deserve to hear what's about to happen" Sakura sent a pleading look to her twin as she stood, Gaara nodded silently as Naruto and Sasuke closed their eyes.
Then walls of sand rose all around them buffering them from any sound that might happen down below in the streets as Sakura jumped and landed silently behind the snoop "Excuse me Sir but were you looking for little ole me" the pinkette giggled.
Her target spun around in surprise missing the sand as it came up behind him like it had behind her and on opposite sides of them trapping them within to prevent any sound from escaping "Y..You but how" the man stuttered fearfully.
Realizing that maybe he shouldn't have listened to the Akatsuki or accepted the mission to prevent the treaty from going through "Did you really think I would allow you to stop Orochimaru-sama's plans from coming to fruition" Sakura smiled viciously.
She was his tool after all and she'd swore on her life that she'd make all of his goals come to life no matter what it took even if she had to die in order for that to happen "They want you and your master dead you realize, the Akatsuki I mean" he tried to scare her.
His mistake really as the creeping sand wrapped around him firmly and started squeezing "You think I'm scared of them, wrong, neither is Orochimaru-sama so die" the fuscia haired preteen brought up her hand and squeezed.
Expending a little chakra for the jutsu and blood splattered across her face and clothes, the man's scream of agony at being crushed to death echoing in her ears in a matter of an hour the situation had been dealt with and now she was exhausted and in need of a shower or possibly a bath.
With a long suffering sigh she glanced at her blood splattered yukata "Do you wish for me to send them home so they don't have to see you like that" Gaara appeared at her side in the next moment looking her over as well.
It was probably for the best anyway and so with a nod her twin disappeared taking Naruto and Sasuke with him as she took to the sky on her sand once more to return to the hotel and sneak in through the window to take a shower and afterwards burn the yukata to erase evidence.
"Not surprising that you found the one who meant to cause trouble" two familiar people were in her hotel room when she snuck through the window for the second time, Itachi and Shisui Uchiha both of them wore somber expressions.
The one who spoke was Itachi "Sasuke-chan and Naruto-chan were most put out that you sent them off" Shisui sniggered bouncing back to his usual exuberant self a second later earning a very small smile from the girl.
Before it turned into a grimace "Right well I'm sure Fugaku-sama and Namikaze-san expected that man's death would be imminent once I was told, now if you don't mind Itachi-san, Shisui-san it's been a long day and I'd like to get some sleep" Sakura announced.
Like always remaining polite and with nary a sigh of the wind both Uchiha were gone allowing her to flop down on the bed, curl beneath the blankets and close her eyes allowing her mind to rest and not think so much for once.
During the night Zabuza snuck in to check on her and found the brat sleeping peacefully "Good perhaps she's finally loosening her own strict standards" the raven haired rogue snorted quietly, dark brown irises narrowed in fondness.
Then he was gone out the window like he'd never been there "How was she Zabuza-sama, she seemed rather furious with you earlier after all when you made that decision for her" Haku asked still awake himself and worried about his friend.
Earning a scoff "Brat's fine Haku, sleeping without those usual worries of hers" Zabuza stated simply turning away and disappearing into the hotel room he'd chosen for himself intent on getting some shut eye now that he knew how the brat was doing.
"Is everything okay Haku" Karin yawned when her current roommate snuck in at three in the morning looking very much awake, he sent her a smile, nodded and gestured for her to go back to sleep so she did and soon he himself was sleeping the night away.
Morning arrived quickly after that and most of the village's occupants were waking up one such occupant was Sakura, who was immediately pulled into some form of errand "I apologize for asking this of you Sakura-san, but we really need some help at the hospital this morning" Rin grimaced.
Dragging the girl away towards the hospital, when all she really wanted to do was visit Kimimaro and make sure he was doing well, but because she'd promised to promote unity and do whatever was asked of her Sakura pressed her lips together and remained silent, nodding and relenting to the demand.
By the time it was noon she was at her boiling point "Please Nohara-san may I take a break, eat, restore my chakra and visit Kimimaro-kun" Sakura was near begging because staying cooped up was not her style in the least.
Rin blinked her dark brown orbs at the young girl before realizing that she'd been working since seven that morning without a break "Oh my kami Sakura-san why didn't you say something sooner, I only meant for you to help for a couple of hours" the brunette gasped in horror.
Sakura stared at her in surprise before turning a spectacular shade of red in embarrassment "Hehehe I didn't think to earlier, it's a bad habit I guess" the pinkette smiled sheepishly feeling stupid for a moment.
Laughter greeted her ears a second later "Well go on Sakura-san your free to leave, eat, visit just don't let me catch you back here that understood" Rin teased the young girl who huffed in exasperation as she walked away.
Halfway down the hall she paused and turned "And Nohara-san anytime you need help again know that I am available, it's what I'm here for after all to promote unity between Sound and Leaf" Sakura bowed her head, then vanished lickity split.
Leaving behind an amused Rin, who shook her head and carried on her way to carry out her duty as a medic, while Sakura found the room her friend was resting in, vivid green irises widened in response upon seeing her for the first time in over a week and two days.
"Sakura you look so grown up somehow" Kimimaro found his voice as she sat in the chair at his bedside before his eyes softened, she was here that's all that really mattered which allowed him to relax and reach out.
Knowing what her friend wanted Sakura grasped his hand in hers with a bright smile "Probably, a lot of things have happened since I cam here as the liaison Kimimaro-kun" the pinkette with blood red tips admitted quietly.
Making her best friend frown in concern "Like what, you don't mean what they were saying was actually true do you, that your the Kazekage's daughter" the white haired teenager asked dread pooling in his stomach.
In response she turned her head away "Yeah that parts true and I have three siblings, Temari she's my older sister, Kankuro my older brother and Gaara, he's my twin" Sakura bit her lip relieved that she could finally speak her mind with someone who wouldn't judge her.
"Oh Sakura it's not the end of the world, I can tell your happy but worried, don't be, get to know them and let them get to know you as I have, as your family they won't force you to make any decision that would make you unhappy this I know for sure" Kimimaro squeezed her hand.
A fond smile taking over his face as he realized what the problem was, Sakura faced him again tears shining in her vibrant peridot orbs "Thanks Kimimaro-kun talking with you always helps for some reason" she dried her eyes and smiled just as brightly as she always did for him.
They spent some more time chatting until a nurse came in to shoo her away so that Kimimaro could get much needed rest, with that she headed off to the Tea Shop "Heard Rin dragged you away to help out at the hospital this morning please tell me you haven't been there this entire time" inside were Obito and Kakashi.
"Yep though I spent an hour chatting with Kimimaro since Tsunade-sama healed him now I've come to eat a late lunch before going off to find Karin and make sure the team Orochimaru-sama sent haven't been causing trouble for Leaf" Sakura explained.
Ordering her favorite sweet potato and vegetable curry with green tea and three dango "Aren't you just a busy beaver then Sakura-chan, by the way did you happen to hear about the snoop that was sneaking around trying to prevent the treaty" Kakashi chuckled before turning serious.
Sakura nodded her head emerald orbs darkening "Dead, he was sent by the Akatsuki under the guise that if he managed to kill me they'd make him a member" the fuscia and blood red haired teen admitted quietly for the two Jonin.
Well at least she wasn't lying to them "Good now we can tell Fugaku-sama and Minato-sensei that we don't have to worry about him any longer" the Uchiha snorted then turned on his heel take out box held precariously in his hands.
Kakashi watched him go for a moment "Thank you and I'm sorry we had to ask something like that of you but we can't take any chances either" the silver haired Jonin apologized then vanished after his former teammate and fellow jonin.
Left alone now Sakura ate quickly, paid and then spread out her senses honing in on three familiar chakra moving about the village aimlessly so with nary a thought body flickered and in a swirl of sand was before them.
Immediately at her appearance she was latched onto "Where on earth have you been all morning we've been looking for you Sakura-chan" Karin sulked gluing herself to her friend's side, she wouldn't be left behind this time.
"Ah Nohara-san came to drag me away this morning to help out at the hospital, lost track of time and then visited Kimimaro for a bit, ate and now I'm here" Sakura grinned relieved that nothing had happened while she hadn't been watching so far.
Karin huffed lightly before shrugging it was what her friend was there for after all and no amount of complaining would stop it "By the way that girl from yesterday, Hinata I believe you called her was looking for you as well" Haku piped in.
Once the four of them started walking again in a random direction, Sakura twisted her head around to spy him "And that she hoped you weren't pushing yourself to much brat" Zabuza snorted looking the girl over, who seemed relaxed for the moment.
Like the weight of the world wasn't on her shoulders for the time being, proving how much her little visit with Kimimaro had helped her over whatever issues she was dealing with from finding her birth family and having the chance to get to know them.
"I'm sure we'll see her but for now I just want to wander, haven't had much time to do that with being dragged around by everyone" Sakura snorted herself intent on getting some exploring done since all she'd done was help out and promote unity.
Now with a little bit of time to herself she wasn't going to let this opportunity slip through her fingers and so that's what they did for practically an hour until they ran across a scene that made her blood boil, there the Genin that Orochimaru had sent were harassing her new friend.
And her temper flared as well as did her chakra drawing their attention "S..Sakura did see you there" Zaku chuckled awkwardly feeling the fury directed at them, he didn't really understand what the Master's favorite was angry about but he didn't want to stick around and find out either.
She stalked forward "If you know what's best for you Zaku, Dosu, Kin you will not bother Hinata or any other genin from this village again or we'll be having words is that clear" the pinkette scolded harshly.
Zaku paled as did his teammates they were fourteen and utterly terrified of preteen girl before them "Understood Sakura" Kin nodded her head eagerly knowing it was better not to argue, she'd seen what happened to those that did and she didn't want to end up like that ever.
"Clear we won't mess with this one or anyone else and will focus solely on participating in the exams" Dosu swallowed thickly feeling as if he was being suffocated and then her chakra was suppressed and she was smiling sweetly at them
Before prancing forward Karin at her side to pull the one they'd been harassing into a hug "H..How a..are you to..today Sa..Sakura-chan" Hinata greeted not commenting on the scene she'd just witnessed getting the feeling it was better to just it go.
Not only that she doubted that those three would ever bother or pick on her again nor anyone else, they certainly didn't want to face Sakura's wrath "Great what about you Hinata-chan" Sakura grinned widely looping her arm around Hinata's.
"I..I'm well th..though nervous about to..tomorrow" the blue haired heiress admitted quietly as they started walking the two males trailing silently behind them as they wandered the village aimlessly for the time being.
Sakura sighed "Don't be everything will be fine I'm certain, have faith in yourself Hinata-chan" the pink and blood red haired girl announced in a surefire tone of voice drawing a smile from her new found friend and from Karin.
Who was nervous herself but tomorrow she'd be going back to the base in the Hidden Sound Village "I'd listen to Sakura-chan her gut feelings are always spot on" the ruby haired preteen spoke up a moment later.
"Looks like your getting a backbone as well brat, soon enough you'll be able to stand up to that rotten no good ex village of yours" the raven haired rogue behind them snorted though he wouldn't admit it he was fond of the red haired brat just as much as he was of the pink haired brat.
Haku chuckled under his breath "Honestly just can't admit your feelings can you Zabuza-sama" the ebony haired teenager shook his head in amusement but didn't push as they enjoyed their walk around the Leaf Village.
Until inevitably someone interrupted them "There you are brat, Sarutobi-sensei wants you in his office asap" Tsunade stepped in their way lifting a pale brow on the brat she'd claimed as her second apprentice though she hadn't set up any training session between them yet.
With a sigh Sakura released her grip on the two girls on either side of her "See you in a bit Sakura-chan" Karin waved as Sakura followed after the blonde woman she'd only met twice now and hadn't spoken to either times.
This earned a small wave before the two females disappeared around a corner "G..Guess I..I'm going h..home now t..tell her I'll s..see her af..after the first c..couple rounds of the exams" Hinata sighed shoulders slumped and trudging towards the compound she lived in.
Zabuza, Haku and Karin watched her go, feeling for the girl who didn't seem to have much confidence or faith in her self or abilities before wandering around the village some more waiting for Sakura to return.
~Meanwhile~
The two females had reached the Hokage Tower and were climbing the steps when they were joined "Kazekage" the honey eyed blonde greeted with a simple nod, not slowing her pace in the least even when Sakura paused for half a beat before continuing onwards.
"Greetings Tsunade-san, Sakura, I assume you've been called to Hokage's office just as I have" Rasa greeted both females in a calm tone, pacing along behind them until they breached the top of the steps and entered the tower.
Before making their way down the hall to the Hokage's office where they were all three of them immediately let in "Orochimaru-sama your finally here" Sakura lit up upon seeing the person who was most precious to her.
Earning a fond smile "Indeed though it took sometime to find someone to manage the base in my absence I am here" Orochimaru chuckled softly reaching out without thinking and pulling Sakura into an affectionate hug.
Rasa watched from the back of the office realizing finally that Sakura was truly out of his reach in that moment and she'd never agree to coming back to the Sand Village with him, gold irises shifted towards him and narrowed.
He shook his head indicating he had no plot "Was there a reason I was called here as well" the Kazekage cleared his throat speaking for the first time since entering the office with the others wanting to find out what he'd been called there for.
"Ah yes Orochimaru has decided that the next village once negotiations are finished and the treaty has been put in place that Sakura will be going to Sand next so long as you agree to a treaty as well Rasa-san" Hiruzen blew out a stream of smoke as he spoke.
Tsunade's face twitched in response "You do realize I've claimed this obnoxious and persistent brat as my second apprentice right Orochimaru" Tsunade snapped at her old teammate a pale brow raised at the Snake Sannin.
Who shot her a surprised look "What she was refusing to heal Kimimaro-kun so I made a bet with her and kind of won" the pinkette with blood red tips huffed sulking a little bit, it wasn't her fault the woman demanded she become her second apprentice, she'd only wanted to save Kimimaro.
Orochimaru sighed "Free spirited as usual Sakura, perhaps I can rethink things go over details and formulate a plan later that meets everyone's needs" the raven haired nuke-nin rubbed his temples and Sakura reached up hands glowing green to heal the headache that pounded through his skull.
"You know the mystical palm" the honey eyed blonde gaped realizing what a special girl her old teammate had found not only that but she was noting similarities between her newest apprentice and the Kazekage of all people.
Which was a little freaky if she was being honest "How long do you need to train her Tsunade-san" Rasa drew the Slug Sannin's attention wanting to return to his hotel and eat in peace before going to bed.
Tsunade tapped her lip with a manicured nail "Well if the brat already knows the mystical palm, plus chakra enhanced strength training time will be cut in half, two months to teach her advanced evasion skills and one more possible to teach her more about medical ninjutsu" Tsunade admitted.
At that Orochimaru glanced down at the girl he saw as his own child "Perhaps when the exams start tomorrow during the month they have to train you can help her improve on medical ninjutsu first and hold off for two months for the advanced evasion training" Orochimaru offered.
"Fine by me, now excuse me" the auburn haired male nodded agreeing to the hashed out plan turned and vanished from the office, he had a ways to travel tomorrow after all and he wanted to get as much rest as possible.
Sakura sighed quietly "Orochimaru will be staying for a few days go along Sakura-san eat dinner get some sleep" the Hokage dismissed the young girl from his office and she hurried off to find Karin, Zabuza and Haku to eat dinner like told.
"Is there something I'm missing or does that brat look a little to much like the Kazekage" Tsunade narrowed her eyes on her former sensei and former teammate wanting answers right then and there or she'd raise hell.
Her former sensei sighed "She's his biological daughter, he sent her off to die when she was only hours old, he didn't know she was alive until a week and two days ago and admits he made a mistake that he can never rectify" Hiruzen grimaced.
Orochimaru breathed a relieved breath "Even if she is getting to know him and her siblings as family I am glad she's doing well and this isn't causing her unneeded stress" the Snake Sannin admitted before sitting down so they could hash out some negotiations between their villages.
During that time Sakura, Karin, Zabuza and Haku had eaten and parted ways, Karin going with Sakura to her hotel to be better protected and with that after taken showers they crawled into bed to get some shut eye for the night.