'Today's the day' Sakura thought as she woke up exactly at seven the morning of the treaty festival, she was excited to go with Kiba and the others, though first she had to get dressed, Sakura was going to forgo showering until later.
Sakura happily dressed in her dark pink shirt and dark green shorts along with dark red skirt and her sandals, she left her jacket behind and left her room bumping into Kiba as she did so "Good Morning Kiba" Sakura greeted.
Kiba's eyebrows raised into his hairline "You're pretty chipper this morning Sakura" he tilted his head to the side in confusion before remembering "Oh that's right tonight's the festival" Kiba snapped his fingers and Sakura nodded with a mega watt smile on her lips.
"That's, right, and I can't wait to see how it turns out, for days now Lady Tsunade has refused to let anyone into the town square where it's being held" Sakura sulked for a moment and then brightened up, they were all finally going to see the festival.
Kiba chuckled deeply tugging Sakura by the hand down the hall to the kitchen when Tsume and Hana were waiting "Good Morning Tsume-sama, Hana" Sakura greeted the two women, she couldn't hold back her feelings of excitement.
Tsume shook her head with a laugh "Save the excitement for the festival Sakura" she scolded, Tsume rarely called Sakura by her name so today must be even getting to her the pinkette sat down quietly semi subdued and quickly ate.
"So what are you plans for the day before it's time for the festival" Hana enquired after chewing a piece of sausage and swallowing it, surely Sakura wasn't going to stay cooped up in the house and compound the entire day.
Sakura grinned "Well, after I get finished eating breakfast, I'm going to go into town and spend some time with Naruto and Sasuke, I'm going to take Lena and Lana with me of course, so that they can get some exercise in today" she reeled off quickly for starters.
"Then after that I'm going to eat lunch with Suigetsu and Karin, by the time three rolls around I'm going come back here and take a shower before getting my yukata and hair sticks and then head over to Ino's" Sakura giggled.
Hana giggled softly, Sakura sure was enthusiastic about the festival "Oh don't forget to drop by and say hello to the cloud ninja, you basically are the main reason Lord Raikage agreed to sign the treaty in the first place" Hana reminded Sakura.
Kiba chuckled when Sakura blushed in embarrassment, it was true what Hana said, Darui, Cee and especially Ay had all taken a liking to her "Right then, so I'll fit seeing those three in there somewhere maybe after lunch" Sakura nodded in satisfaction to her newly reformed schedule.
"I'll meet you at the flower show when your finished getting ready with Ino" Kiba stood and took his and Sakura's dishes to the sink to wash them, while Sakura pushed her chair in and tapped her leg silently, Lena and Lana followed her from the house.
Sakura grinned "See you later Kiba" she waved and shut the door "Alright Lena, Lana let's go find Naruto and Sasuke" Sakura pumped her arm and headed through the compound greeting everyone Inuzuka that she walked by politely.
Naruto shouted happily when he saw Sakura headed in his and Sasuke's direction "Sakura-chan, over here, come on" Naruto waved his arms frantically and Sakura laughed kindly at him before pulling the blonde into a tight hug.
Sasuke patiently waited for Sakura to give him a hug as well before talking "So what would you like to do before lunch" he asked as they walked through the village together, Sakura tapped her lip in thought before grinning.
"Let's go shopping" Sakura teased and the two boys groaned and then both of them smiled as if sharing a secret between each other "What is it, first you sound like you don't want to go and then you change your mind" Sakura creased her forehead in confusion.
Naruto cleared his throat "We can go shopping on one condition Sakura-chan, you let Sasuke and I buy you something nice for the festival, the girls already chipped in and bought you a yukata and Kiba got you those hair sticks" he pouted his blue eyes at Sakura hopefully she would concede to him.
Sakura stopped walking in surprise when even Sasuke joined in on the pleading "Yes, Sakura we just want to get you something to show our friendship to each other, I know that Suigetsu has even gotten you a gift" he pointed out and Sakura sighed.
"Alright, we can go shopping" Sakura relented "But it can't be to expensive" she gave a condition of her own and the two boys nodded in acquiesce, then Sakura led Naruto, Sasuke plus her two companions to a new store that had opened up for the festival.
*Sakura-chan are we going to get prettied up as well for this festival thing* Lana asked before the trio headed into the store, Sakura once again stopped in her tracks before turning around and facing her two canine companions.
Sakura hummed for a second then nodded "Yes, after this we are going to the pet shop to get Lena and Lana ready as well, though if you two roll in mud" she trailed off with a warning tone and then ordered the two to stand guard outside.
Lena and Lana shared a look gulping as they did so *I'm not going anywhere near a mud puddle* Lana nodded decisively, even though the two of them were still pretty much puppies, they had the decency to obey their handlers orders.
*You got that right Lana, I don't want to be left at home* Lena sulked just thinking about it, there's nothing worse that the two pups could think of, other than being left behind that terrified them more than anything in their rather short lifes as canine companions.
Inside the shop, Sakura was sorting through charms, she wanted to get Kiba a new charm for his bracelet 'Oh I know maybe he would like to have the number of his team' an idea came to Sakura and she started furiously searching for a number eight charm.
Sakura found it with the other numbers and quickly grabbed the number eleven charm to add to her own bracelet, "Hey Sakura-chan, I want to get Hinata something pretty" Naruto came from behind her and dragged her into an aisle filled with girly items.
Naruto was clearly flustered and he was avoiding looking at all the merchandise on the shelves, Sakura just snickered at him "Naruto how are you going to find something if you won't even look at what they have" she questioned.
Naruto's jaw dropped and he swung his head up to look around finally, a moment later he spotted the perfect gift, Sakura also saw it and they reached for it at the same time "Ah guess we had the same idea huh Sakura-chan" Naruto chuckled softly.
"That's right, at least you have good tastes like Kiba, I'm very certain that Hinata will like the head band" Sakura pointed at the head band that had onigiri shaped decorations on it, the girl really was a kind person and her soft heart was well known.
Naruto looked it over very carefully and nodded "This is perfect, now for your gift Sakura-chan" he shooed her from the aisle and Sakura walked away laughing quietly, Naruto and Sasuke were ridiculous but she wouldn't begrudge them their fun.
Sasuke sighed in frustration, he had no idea what to get for his former pink haired team mate, Kiba also got her the coolest things so what was left for him to pick, Sasuke sighed again, before looking up and up and there on the highest shelf was the perfect gift.
It was a small dagger that Sakura could carry around in the pouch around her wrist, it would give her protection in case something happened and she couldn't move very well in the yukata, Sasuke grinned and had someone take it down for him.
When Sasuke held it in his hands, he saw the details and nearly laughed at the irony, it held cherry blossoms, along with a white circle on the hilt but what was even more surprising were the little canines that bore eerie resemblance to Lena, and Lana.
The teen sneakily made his way to the front of the store and paid for the dagger along with it's pouch and case, Sasuke also had the inuzuka clan symbol added to it, because he knew that Sakura would love to have it on there.
Finished Sasuke stowed the gift away in his empty pouch and got back to work looking for a gift for Tenten, finally he decided on hairsticks that had miniature kunai as the decorations, Sasuke turned to go find his friends and bumped right into Sakura.
"Oh hello Sasuke, Naruto and I have already finished how about you" Sakura helped Sasuke up as she jabbered on and on "Since you two took it upon yourselves, I've also gotten you gifts for the festival" Sakura grinned mischievously.
Sasuke pressed his lips together with a little chuckle "I should have known, where are you getting all the money from anyway" he asked with a hint of curiosity in his tone of voice, it was strange, Sakura's team hadn't been on that many missions.
Sakura's eyes widened "Well, I still have some of that money from the competition, and then I sold my old clothes which gave me 2,000, and of course I got the mission pay from Lord Raikage and that was well over 4,000 something" she reeled off.
"Jesus Sakura, we are only genin and you have that much money, no wonder you can afford to go shopping on a near daily basis" Sasuke rubbed his face tiredly as he paid for Tenten's gift outside is where them met up with Naruto again.
Naruto grinned in excitement "To the pet store" he charged forward leaving Sakura and Sasuke behind, a moment later he returned sheepishly, "Where is the pet store exactly" Naruto asked rubbing the back of his head.
"Oh Naruto your such a dork" Sakura stated fondly taking both boys by the hand after tapping her leg and heading around a corner to the pet shop "That's where the pet shop is, come along Lena, Lana" Sakura scooped the two pups into her arms.
The shop owner looked up and dropped his pen in surprise "Miss Inuzuka" he bowed low to Sakura, confusing both of her team mates, though Sakura just acted like she was use to this and started describing what she wanted done.
"Hey Haruno, why did he do that" Sasuke tapped Sakura on the shoulder when she headed over to a shelf and started looking for pretty things to get her two companions, Sakura looked back before sighing quietly in exasperation.
"It has more to do with me being the first honorary Inuzuka in decades this is the only place in town I get called that, inside the compound it's a regular occurence except for by Tsume-sama" Sakura explained so that if this happened again her two friends would be better prepared.
Sasuke and Naruto remained silent at that, it was strange hearing a different last name at the end of Sakura's name, but Inuzuka oddly suited her, they both watched Sakura pick up four bright green butterfly hair clips and pay for them.
"Would you use these in their hair" Sakura smiled prettily at the shop owner and he immediately relented to her request, she sighed softly a moment later and leaned against the counter, Sakura glanced over her shoulder when Naruto poked her in the back of the head.
"Psst Sakura-chan, are you gonna get Akamaru something as well" Naruto asked, when panic entered her emerald eyes, Naruto sniggered "Guess you forgot" he shrugged while Sakura looked around for something to get Kiba's companion.
Sasuke shook his head, Sakura truly was something else but that's what made her so easy to tease and pick on like she was so prone to doing to him, even though it kinda pissed him off, Sasuke was glad that Sakura had changed for the better even if it wasn't on his team.
Sakura's eyes roved over shelf after shelf before finally coming across the perfect accessory for Akamaru, it was a small brown jewel bracelet that would go around his paw for the festival, she hoped both Kiba and the little pup liked it.
"Find something good" Sasuke's eyebrows raised into his hairline when Sakura returned sporting a triumphant smile on her face, all while holding a little bag that she quickly put in her pouch to pay for Lena and Lana before scooping them into her arms.
Sakura gave them an uneasy look which meant she was once again doubting herself "I hope so" she stated before they trio left the shop "I'll see you at the festival" Sakura started running off but Sasuke and Naruto stopped her again.
"We are eating lunch with you, Suigetsu and Karin" Naruto dubbed, besides he still had to give Sakura the gift he had chosen for her and there was no way he was waiting until the last minute to do so "I'd like to see your reaction to my gift" he stated with a grin.
Sasuke chuckled "Exactly you don't mind do you" he questioned, hopefully Sakura wouldn't object to them hanging out with her and her team mates, Sakura forgot all about being worried and smiled brightly at him and Naruto.
"Well of course I don't mind, I'm sure Karin-chan and Suigetsu won't mind" Sakura chattered on while they headed to the ramen stand where both of the aforementioned people were already waiting, though they were a little surprised to see Naruto and Sasuke.
Karin erased her concerns, she couldn't tell Sakura who she could hang out with and besides having to extra's were no concern of hers "Come on Sakura-chan, look at what baka Suigetsu got me" she held out the hair sticks that had red rubies as the decoration.
"Oh wow those are pretty" Sakura smiled, wishing she had brought hers along "Kiba got me some as well and they are beautiful, not to brag or anything but he has a good sense of style it's weird but it works" Sakura snickered softly as her happiness flowed through her emotion ring.
Suigetsu scooted a box forward "This is for you Sakura-chan, I had it made myself" he mumbled around a bite of noodles, he wasn't sure if the pinkette would like it but Suigetsu had tried his best so all that was left was to watch her reaction.
Sakura's eyes widened slowly before passing around the gifts she had gotten each of her friends "It's ok Karin, I'm counting the yukata as the gift" she winked at the red head when the girl admitted she hadn't gotten her anything else.
Karin sighed in relief before opening her gift up first it was a ruby necklace "It's gorgeous and will go perfectly with the hair sticks, hey do you know any good hair stylists Sakura-chan" Karin asked shyly, she didn't want to have to take the time and do it herself.
"I do, you can come with me to Ino's, I'm sure she'd love to do your hair up as well" Sakura grabbed Suigetsu's gift first and opened up it up to find chery blossom earrings that were encased in an ice looking substance.
Suigetsu nodded in satisfaction when Sakura immediately put her gifts into her ears, they were only meant for the festival, though Suigetsu was certain Sakura would keep on wearing them, it's not like they were bulky or anything.
"Thanks Suigetsu, please open your gift up from me" Sakura lightly bit her lip in anticipation as the boy slowly removed the lid to the box that held what she had gotten him, only to drop the lid in surprise and stare down.
Suigetsu was openly surprised which was rare "Wow thanks Sakura-chan, I've been wanting one of these" he pulled out a wakizashi, that he could attach to his arm during the festival complete with sheath and strap.
Sakura grinned before gesturing at Naruto, who eagerly untied the ribbon on his little box to reveal a ramen kunai key chain "That's Sakura-chan, I love it very much" he happily stated while putting it on the end of one of his kunai.
Sasuke didn't waste a second as he swiftly opened his own gift from Sakura to reveal an onyx gem kunai key chain, it was pretty dang cool and without a word Sasuke attached it to his kunai before dipping his head "Thanks Haruno" Sasuke gave her a small smile.
"And now it's your turn Sakura-chan, open up the gifts from Sasuke and I" Naruto urged her eagerly to open up the two remaining gifts and she quickly did so giving a little gasp as Sakura opened the one from Sasuke first.
Sasuke could count on one hand how many times he had actually been nervous about something, and this was going to make it to the top five "Do you like it, I even had the Inuzuka crests engraved on the pouch, hilt, dagger and strap" Sasuke fidgeted as Sakura remained silent.
"It's perfect Sasuke, and I know that I'm definitely going to keep it close during the festival" Sakura quickly put the pouch away and attached the strap to her arm underneath her sleeve and then slid the dagger into place in the strap.
When Sakura was finished with that, she opened Naruto's gift, smiling fondly as she did so "It's lovely" she held up the friendship ring that had a cherry blossom in the center of it, Sakura quickly slid it onto her thumb on her right hand the only place it would fit.
Naruto smiled sheepishly "It was the only one I could find, sorry it's so big and I'm glad you like it" he mumbled and then returned to eating his ramen, only to order several more afterwards when one bowl proved to little.
Sakura smiled and paid for her share of food "Alright well I'll see you guys later at the festival, remember we are all meeting at the gate, though I'll come find you at three Karin-chan" she waved and headed down the streets to the hotel the cloud ninja had been staying at for the past two weeks.
Darui sighed for the umpteenth time, Cee's face twitched in irritation while Ay growled "Stop sighing, she'll be here the Inuzuka woman said she would" Ay snapped and Darui grimaced, Cee pinched the bridge of his nose wishing this was all over.
'This is so drab, never thought I'd say this but that little kid really is a miracle worker' Darui inwardly sighed this time, only to jump up upon hearing a knock on their hotel door, he quickly swung it open and Sakura's eyes widened.
Sakura gave a start and jumped back a little "Is everything ok" she asked worriedly, when Darui just stood there staring at her like she was the savior to all of his problems, the dark skinned man didn't say anything only ushered her into the room.
"Just fine, we've been waiting for you for awhile" Darui waved off Sakura's concerns and had her sit down in his previous seat, Cee quickly placed a cup of tea down before her "We'd like to go over a few things with you if that's alright" Darui rubbed his hands together and sat next to her.
Sakura blinked rapidly in confusion before taking a sip of the mandarin peach tea, she released a sigh of content a moment later "Sure, do your worst" Sakura grinned nervously, Ay shook his head, Cee shrugged in exasperation while Darui just sighed again.
"Brat, we need you and your former team along with your festival escort to be in the carriage with us through the festival" Ay got right down to business instead of beating around the metaphorical bush, they would accomplish nothing that way.
Sakura nearly dropped the cup at the Raikage's blunt statement "You mean the parade part right" she gulped when Ay nodded "Ok, that's not so bad" Sakura tightened her fingers around the cup but didn't apply to much pressure.
Cee lightly bit the inside of his cheek, everyone had seen it, Kakashi's continued bad treatment of Sakura, and having the girl in close proximity of the man would only lower the girls self esteem and create unforeseen consequences.
"Brat, you'll be seated between myself and Darui, with Cee riding in the back with the other four" Ay quickly put Sakura's concerns to rest and Sakura let out an audible sigh of relief "And he'll be far away from you" Ay finished.
Sakura felt awful for being happy that her former sensei wouldn't have a chance to insult her for wanting to get stronger and seeking help from someone other than him "I'll be alright thanks Lord Raikage" Sakura grimaced slightly.
Ay shook his head "Also, you'll stand at my side during the treaty signing, I want your entire village to know just who it was that convinced me to agree to it" he gave Sakura a stern look and she quickly nodded in agreement to his demand.
"Of course Lord Raikage, is there anything you want me to specifically do, like bow or curtsy or something" Sakura questioned curiously, Ay gave her a surprised look, obviously not having thought about that himself.
"Stand there quietly that's all" Ay huffed and then sat down to have a normal chat, the business part over, they could just spend time with Sakura without having to worry about anything until it was time for the festival.
Cee looked down when two little growls sounded in the room, Lena and Lana were facing off but one glance at Sakura's irritated expression the two settled down *Sorry but she started it* Lena glared at her sister and their handler sighed.
"I don't care who started it Lena, but if you fight and ruin your look then you won't get to go to the festival" Sakura warned for the second time, Lena and Lana knew that if they got another warning then it would be strike one.
*I'm sorry Sakura-chan, I didn't mean it, I accidentally stepped on Lena's paw* Lana whined softly apologizing to her sister and Sakura all in one go, Sakura's expression lightened and she scooped both of her companions into her arms.
Sakura gave a sweet laugh and carefully patted both pups on the head *That's alright so long as you admit your mistakes* she smiled before sitting back, Lena and Lana gave her a soft lick on her cheeks and then settled into her lap comfortably.
Cee chuckled softly "Lord Raikage perhaps they could ride with her" he gestured at the two pups and Ay narrowed his eyes in consideration of the request, Sakura leaned forward eagerly, wanting to hear what the man would say.
"I don't have a problem with it, the two pups can ride in your lap in the carriage ride" Ay nodded decisively and Sakura's face brightened up in happiness, her eyes sparkled, and then the moment was over as she leaned back into the couch content for the time being.
Darui shook his head, "So what are your plans after this" he leaned back throwing his arm over the back of the couch to be comfortable and Sakura flashed him an excited smile "You don't intend to stay here for the rest of the day do you" he teased.
"Nope Darui-san, when three rolls around, I'm going back to the Inuzuka's to take a shower, then get all of my stuff, yukata, accessories, find Karin-chan and then go to Ino's to get ready" Sakura ticked off her fingers eagerly.
Ay blinked before letting out a rumbling laugh "Brat, only you could break this day into parts, setting up things to do and then doing them at specific times" he chuckled out before glancing at the door when someone knocked on it.
Cee scurried over to the door this time and smoothly pulled it open "Ah Lady Hokage" he greeted demurely, the blonde entered the hotel room and spotted the object of her current irritation and stomped over to her angrily.
"Haruno, I want to know why you did that to Kakashi" Tsunade barked and Sakura furrowed her brow in confusion, "Don't play little miss innocent everyone knows you did it so you might as well admit to doing it" she snapped irately.
Sakura blinked rapidly "Uh Lady Tsunade perhaps it would help if you told me what it is you and everyone else seems to think I have done, because I'm afraid I'm at a loss" she stated softly and Tsunade's eyes widened.
"You didn't set up traps in Kakashi's apartment" Tsunade was getting confused herself, if Sakura hadn't done it then who had, she was going to get to the bottom of this, Sakura shook her head, her eyes reflecting the hurt she felt.
Sakura frowned deeply "No, I don't even know where he lives, plus I would never do something like that" she lightly ran her fingers through Lana's hair as she spoke, everyone in the room could tell Sakura was extremely disturbed by the accusation.
"Ok Sakura, I don't know why he would accuse you then but I'll find the real culprit just have a good day" Tsunade patted the girl gently on the head and headed to the door "Oh there's something I want to talk to you about tomorrow" she ordered and disappeared.
Cee gazed at Sakura worriedly, the poor girl never got a break if it wasn't one thing it was the other, why did that man hate her so much, Sakura was sweet to everyone and only got angry when someone doubted her and Kakashi had most definitely doubted her before.
"You ok Sakura-san" Cee asked sitting down next to her sandwiching the girl between him and Darui for added protection, it was a good thing Sakura would be in the company of others all night because if she wasn't he would spend his time worrying about her.
Sakura nodded silently for a moment, "Yeah, I'm good I'll be fine" she gave the men in the room a smile and then jumped up after transferring Lena, and Lana into her arms "I've got to go, see you at the, where am I supposed to meet you guys" Sakura smiled sheepishly.
Ay sighed "The gates, I'm sure everyone is going to be meeting there" he huffed out, Sakura nodded and left through the door, bounding off to the Inuzuka compound, "The brat sure is interesting" Ay noted, Cee and Darui silently agreed with him.
Sakura hurried through the streets, she had to hurry otherwise her schedule would be all off "Alright you two, while I take a shower, stay on the bed" Sakura ordered as she sped through the gates of the compound she had taken residency in.
*Understood perfectly Sakura-chan* Lana was the first one to speak and Sakura sent her a small smile "Besides, I'd rather not get dirty and not be able to go to the festival, can you believe it we get to be in an actual carriage ride* Lana was excited about that little fact.
Lena eyed her sister warily before huffing *We may be getting to ride with Sakura-chan, but if she hadn't been such a big help to Lord Raikage then we wouldn't get to at all and I promise to stay on the bed as well* she agreed to Sakura's request.
Tsume looked up just as a pink and multi-colored blur rushed through the living room, Sakura's bedroom door closed a second later and Tsume smirked, that girl was also in a hurry to do everything but that's a part of what made her so interesting.
Sakura set her two companions on the bed and with one last warning look grabbed up her old clothes that had been washed, heading into the bathroom to shower, Sakura exited 20 minutes later a grimace on her lips at wearing her old outfit.
Hana, who had come back from working a little while at the clinic stared in surprise "Why are you wearing your old clothes" she questioned and Sakura gave her a pained smile, she had lost a little weight so the outfit was a little loose on her.
"Well, I didn't want to have to worry about my new clothes, so I'm using this as a quick outfit changer" Sakura shrugged with a little grimace "I'm never going to put these on again after this" she promised, the clothes were way out of her taste of clothing now.
Tsume tossed her head back and laughed raucously "Better hurry up Haruno brat, Kiba already left" she pointed at the door and Sakura gave the two women a wave and hurried through the door, and through the compound passed the gates and all the way to the flower shop.
Sakura groaned realizing she had forgotten someone, turned on her heel and headed back down the streets "Karin-chan, do you have your stuff ready" Sakura called spotting the red head, Karin turned around and gestured at the bag.
"Of course Sakura-chan, Suigetsu said he'd meet us at the gates" Karin pushed her glasses up her nose, then got a good look at what her female team mate was wearing "Please for my sake never wear that again" Karin grimaced at the clothes.
Sakura giggled airily "I know exactly how you feel, I only put them on so that I didn't have to dirty up some of my good clothes, these were clean and I don't care what happens to them anymore" she shrugged lightly leading Karin to the flower shop.
"Ino" Ino's head snapped up from the counter when Sakura called her name "Would you mind helping Karin-chan with her hair as well" Sakura smiled when the blonde jumped up in excitement squealing in joy at the prospect of getting to do up more hair.
"Well of course Sakura, I would love to help you put your hair up Karin" Ino walked confidently over to the two girls, before taking hold of their wrists and dragging them up the stairs, the shop was closed for the afternoon so Ino wasn't worried about someone coming in.
Karin looked around the room she was in nervously, she had never been in another girls room before and it was slightly unsettling "So Sakura-chan, how has your day been" Karin asked hoping to distract herself from feeling to nervous.
"It was great except for a little hiccup earlier, while I was visiting the cloud ninja, Lady Tsunade burst into the hotel room and started accusing me of setting up traps in my old sensei's apartment" Sakura sat perfectly still as Ino worked her magic on her hair.
Both girls shouted in outrage at that "WHAT, that's just preposterous, why would anyone think you would do that is beyond me, don't worry Sakura, I know you didn't do it" Ino was confident in her decision to defend Sakura from the accusation.
"As much as it's really weird to agree with someone that I'm not very familiar with, I agree, I'm sure the real culprit will be found before to long" Karin lightly sat down on the bed, after getting permission from Ino to do so.
Sakura let out a tiny sigh of relief, it was nice knowing she had such wonderful friends on her side "That's what Lady Tsunade said as well" Sakura smiled slightly, handing Ino the hairsticks Kiba had given her a couple weeks ago.
Ino squealed at the cuteness of the hair sticks "Aww these are so adorable, where did you get them cause I want a pair" she chattered on as she placed the hair sticks in Sakura's hair holding up the elaborate hairdo she had given the pinkette.
Sakura blushed softly "I agree they are adorable, but you'd have to ask Kiba that particular question cause, he's the one who gave them to me" she grinned, inwardly Sakura was a little smug about the fact that Ino was in awe over her hair sticks.
"What Inuzuka gave them to you" Ino was horribly confused as she helped Sakura into the yukata and sandles, Sakura nodded and Ino shook her head "Who would have known that he'd have a good sense of style for girls" she teased and Sakura blushed again.
"Yeah, alright Karin-chan, your turn" Sakura ushered the red haired girl onto the stool she had previously sat on, while Ino got to work, Sakura sat down on the bed "So, I get to ride in the carriage with the cloud ninja" she admitted.
Karin nearly swung her head around but stopped herself just in time "Oh yeah that's right, it's because of you that Lord Raikage agreed to the treaty in the first place" she glanced sideways at the pinkette who looked ecstatic over that little fact.
"Mhm, Kiba, Naruto, Sasuke, and Kakashi are also riding in the back as well, I get to sit up front between Darui-san and Lord Raikage, and the best thing is Lena and Lana get to ride in my lap" Sakura chattered on in excitement.
Ino laughed softly running her fingers through Karin's hair "You know Karin, your hair is really soft" she commented before folding the hair up in an intricate hairdo and then carefully placed the hair sticks in the girls red hair.
Karin smirked "I do take good care of it but I know that if anything happens, it's the first thing that's going to go" she slipped her red yukata on and strapped her sandals on her feet, sitting down next to Sakura as Ino did up her own hair.
"So who are you going with Ino" Sakura was extremely curious, she knew who Naruto was going with even Sasuke, and Karin, the blonde blushed and remained silent as she fiddled with her hair to get it just right for the festival.
Ino cleared her throat "Choji, I'm going with Choji" she stated as proudly as she could, it wasn't that she was ashamed of her date to the festival, just more like everyone Ino told that little fact to they were disgusted by her choice.
Karin and Sakura shared a look seeing the expression on Ino's face "What's the matter Ino" Karin prodded gently, Ino sighed and lowered her arms, apparently whatever it was that was bothering the girl was extremely big.
"Well, I'm just waiting for you two to tell me that I made a bad choice in my date, I mean everyone I've told thus far have been repulsed by the idea" Ino released a depressed sigh, Sakura narrowed her eyes in concern.
Karin knew that Sakura was about to let loose with an impressive tirade "Ino, don't listen to what other people say, I can tell your not ashamed of Choji, show him that at the festival" Sakura scolded and Ino gave her a wide eyed stare.
"It's not right what they say but all you can do is ignore it for the time being" Sakura smiled and finished with her rant, hopefully this would give Ino the boost of confidence she needed to ge through the festival with Choji as her date.
"Thanks Sakura" Ino quickly finished up her hair and slid into her blue yukata with yellow cosmos flowers on it "Now let's go meet the guys" she put her sandals on and led the way down the stairs, it was almost 7 and that's when the parade would start.
Kiba whistled when Sakura exited the flower shop "Here Sakura, I got you a cherry blossom corsage" he held out the wrist corsage and Sakura allowed him to slip it onto her wrist, he was surprised however when Sakura handed him a number eight charm.
"Thanks for the corsage Kiba, and that's for you, I'm already wearing mine" Sakura showed off the charm bracelet that held the number eleven, Kiba quickly attached the charm to his own bracelet and grinned "Lena, Lana" Sakura called and then scooped the pups into her arms.
Naruto was in awe, Sakura looked really pretty but so did his own date "Now, I'll meet you at the end of the parade Hinata-chan" he told Hinata who nodded in understanding, team seven exempting Sai, along with Sakura and Kiba would be riding in the carriage.
Sakura happily wrapped her arm around Kiba's as they walked to the gates that sectioned off the part of town that held the festival, Akamaru was sitting atop his head, while Lana was resting in his other arm, and Sakura was holding Lena.
"Are you nervous about riding through the streets in the carriage" Kiba asked and Sakura instantly shook her head no, "Then what is it Sakura, I can tell something is bothering you" he prodded hoping to get an answer.
Sakura frowned slightly "It's nothing Kiba, I'll be fine" she smiled erasing Kiba's concern for the time being, she knew that the cloud ninja would never let anything happen to her, that's why she was riding up front between the Raikage and Darui.
Kiba flashed her a reassuring grin as the group came to a stop at the gates, Sasuke who had remained silent so far like the other male in the group besides Naruto became extremely nervous himself "Uh so how will we all be sitting" he questioned.
Ay chuckled deeply behind the group of children and all of them except for Sakura turned around in panic, "Kakashi will be sitting in the far back with Cee, you three boys will be sitting in the middle and Sakura is up in between myself and Lord Raikage" Darui gave them a run down.
Kakashi frowned behind his mask, he had hoped to talk to Sakura and take her to task himself, he had seen Sakura leaving his apartment but Tsunade was refusing to even punish the girl, but with the seating placement in the carriage, Kakashi wouldn't have a chance.
Sakura stubbornly ignored her old sensei, and climbed into the carriage with Darui's help "Thank you Darui-san" she smiled sweetly at him, taking her two companions and setting them in her lap, Sakura could feel Kakashi's eyes plastered to her back and it made her squirm uncomfortably.
Ay glanced over his shoulder and figured out why Sakura looked so uneasy at the moment, there was nothing he could do at the moment "Relax brat, nothing will happen" Ay clasped his hand on her shoulder and squeezed lightly.
Sakura sighed and relaxed like Ay had suggested "He's staring it's creepy" Sakura shivered a moment later, the onyx gaze of Kakashi was full of anger and accusation, and it hurt her but there was nothing she could do to make him stop antagonizing her.
Kiba was holding himself back from turning around in his seat and making a rude gesture at Sakura's old sensei, it was ridiculous, the man was acting like a child throwing a temper tantrum, and if he dared to accuse Sakura one more time then Kiba would definitely be having some words with him.
Naruto and Sasuke could feel the tension in the carriage as it started forward, and as the two boys looked back and forth between their former female team mate and their sensei they knew the reason for the tension but not the cause.
Cee inwardly sighed, hopefully this ride would be over before to long, it was getting a little stifling in the carriage, with Sakura ignoring Kakashi and the silver haired man plastering a heated glare to her back making for a very uncomfortable time.
20 minutes later, and tons of cheers as the carriage went through to the center of town in the heart of the festival, it finally came to a stop and Sakura gave an inaudible sigh of relief, taking Darui's hand to let him help her out of the carriage.
"Just sit next to boss" Darui pointed at the extra seat and took his own with the others, five feet behind the two, Sakura swallowed thickly and did as she was told, there was no way she was going to mess this up, it had to go perfectly.
Tsunade narrowed her eyes when Sakura gracefully sat and neatly folded her hands into her lap, remaining silent, she knew very well that Kakashi was glaring at the poor girl "Shinobi and Civilians alike, we have gathered today for a joyous occasion" Tsunade called.
Everyone went quiet at that, "Yes, I, Ay, the Hidden Clouds Raikage have agreed to sign the treaty between my village and the Hidden Leaf" he dipped his head in acknowledgment at Tsunade and the woman returned the gesture.
Cheers rang out through the crowd, "Three weeks ago, I sent a team of genin and their sensei to assist Ay and they returned victorious, though really it was all thanks to one person even though the others worked just as hard" Tsunade praised Sakura sneakily.
Sakura flushed prettily and kept her head down though the enlarged crowd was confused "Sakura Haruno is what made me think on the decision so all of your thanks should go to her" Ay gestured at Sakura who smiled shyly at everyone.
A whistle tore through the air along with familiar clapping, Sakura smiled fondly though she couldn't see him at the moment 'Thanks Kiba, you are definitely getting a reward for that' Sakura thought watching Ay and Tsunade drink the celebratory sake and sign the treaty.
When it was finished, Ay shook hands with Tsunade and the crowd was dispersed to have fun at the festival "You were pretty quiet there brat" Ay pointed out as they walked through the crowd looking for her festival escort.
"Ah well you did say sit there quietly" Sakura stated cheekily, her emerald eyes lit up upon finally spotting Kiba and all of their friends "Have a good time at the festival Lord Raikage" she gave him a little bow and wave running off.
Darui and Cee watched her go, their job would be to keep Kakashi away from Sakura for the evening so that no trouble came her way, and by the silver haired man's expression, he was most certainly about to start trouble for the girl.
Sakura sighed and wrapped her arm around Kiba's when he offered it to her "That carriage ride looked fun Sakura-chan" Suigetsu said as they headed to the first booth that held different bags, each of them had gotten coins for the festival, though they could win even more.
"Fun" Sakura snorted in disbelief "Yeah if you count having your previous sensei glare at you the entirety of the ride, then yeah it was fun" Sakura stared at Suigetsu flatly before bursting into laughter, it hadn't been all that bad really though she could have gone without all the tension.
Suigetsu gave Sakura a wary glance, had his team mate finally lost it "So what bag do you want" he asked to get everyones attention off of the carriage ride, he had been the one to bring the topic up and so he would be the one to bring up a new topic.
Kiba stood back and watched Sakura search through the festival bags, he knew which one she would pick, it was one that had been added in their specifically for her, thankfully no one had bought it yet, like Kiba thought Sakura's eyes lit up and she plucked the bag from the rack.
"This one" Sakura held the bag to her chest before showing it off, it held all of her favorite symbols and it also came with a cute little canine key chain, before anyone could say anything Sakura turned and paid for the bag.
Sasuke chuckled, sometimes Sakura was so predictable "Hey Tenten, how is this one for you" he held up the bag that matched her yukata, only to get one that matched his own shoved in his face from the girl he was escorting at the festival.
"I like it a lot Sasuke" Tenten skipped lightly to the front of the line when it was her turn and bought both bags on the raven haired teens request, they were all going to split up and do their own thing and then regroup for the fireworks.
Kiba waved off each of his friends before grabbing his own bag that held the Inuzuka clan symbol on it "Shall we Sakura, and where would you like to go first" he held out his arm for the pinkette and she quickly latched on without much prompt.
Sakura gazed around at the many attractions before spotting the fishing game, you had to scoop a fish out of the water with a scoop that had a very thin paper, if you didn't do it right the paper would break "That one" Sakura pointed and that's where they headed.
"Which fish do you want Sakura" Kiba rolled up the sleeves of his yukata after paying for the customary three rounds of the game, Sakura watched the fish for some time and then gestured at the red and white koi fish.
Sakura gripped her companions lightly as Kiba concentrated and in one smooth movement he had caught the fish "Here you two go, enjoy the festival" the one standing behind the booth winked and gave Sakura the back with the fish in it.
Kiba grinned triumphantly "That was so cool Kiba, I doubt I would have been able to do that so well" Sakura praised wrapping her hand around his arm again, as they headed to the next attraction which happened to be a balloon popping game.
"Eh, I bet you could beat this one, you have good aim" Kiba stated, he was proud that he had gotten the prettiest girl in the village to go with him, not that the other girls weren't pretty, its just that they paled in comparison to Sakura.
Sakura clapped her hands together excitedly after handing her two companions to Kiba, then paid for the game, the woman behind the booth counter watched Sakura carefully as the pinkette took aim and let the darts fly one by one popping the required balloons.
"Alright you get to choose your prize miss" she pointed at the row of stuffed toys and Kiba stepped forward after getting permission from Sakura to choose, he quickly pulled a dark pink stuffed puppy with green beads for the eyes and handed it to Sakura.
"How did you know" Sakura asked as they walked away, like the fish the toy had been carefully placed in her large bag, she didn't have to elaborate as Kiba turned his head slightly to gaze at her before shrugging.
"Well, I'm just that good" Kiba boasted smugly and Sakura let out a sweet giggle, lightly slapping his arm in reprimand, but because she was in such a good mood, it didn't hurt Kiba's feelings at all, as they headed from game to game beating all of them.
Darui sighed as they watched Sakura have the best night of her young life, she looked like she was truly happy at the moment, but it was a difficult job keeping her old sensei from ruining Sakura's fun especially as he once again tried to approach the pinkette.
"Kakashi-san, I think your friend Gai is looking for you over there" Cee pointed in the opposite direction, and the silver haired man stormed off angrily, "Why is he trying so hard to destroy Sakura-san's happiness" he questioned when Kakashi was out of sight and earshot.
Darui glanced around "I bet it has something to do with Lady Hokage's accusation earlier today" he whispered when the coast was clear, there was something fishy going on, but no one knew it or no one had figured out that something was going on in the first place.
Cee frowned and turned his gaze back onto the pinkette and her current romantic interest, Sakura was all bright eyed and smiles at the moment, but how long would it be before someone took that away from her, a young girl should always smile.
Sakura hugged Kiba's arm tightly as they beat yet another game, there were so many and her bag was getting heavy "Hey Kiba we should go find a good spot to watch the fireworks with everyone" Sakura said as she shifted uncomfortably.
Kiba glanced over his shoulder as he took the sweet treat from the food vendor to share with Sakura, he quickly noticed what the problem was "Here Sakura, let me carry your bag, mines not that heavy so I'll be fine" he flashed her a grin.
Sakura handed over her bag and Kiba slid it onto his shoulder to rest with his own, they were turning to leave and find another game to play when she bumped into a frantic Hinata "Sakura-chan, come quick, Naruto-kun's team mate Sai, he did something" the girl explained hurriedly.
That was all it took to ruin the atmosphere of fun that had been hanging over her head for the passed several hours, Sakura sulked slightly as they headed through the streets and like Hinata had said, Naruto was there arguing with Sai.
Naruto peered over his shoulder feeling Sakura's chakra and grit his teeth in frustration, he hadn't wanted Sakura to get involved in this "Damn it you bastard look at what you've done now" Naruto scowled deeply at the dark haired male.
Sai just smiled his fake smile but inwardly he was panicking, the last time he had had a confrontation with Sakura was when he had given her that dreaded nickname "I see, I'll be on my way" Sai bowed out before the fight could escalate and disappeared into the crowd.
"What happened Naruto" Sakura asked worriedly, she was grateful that neither of them had come to blows but why would Sai deliberately pick a fight in the middle of the festival, it bothered her that everyone around knew that Sakura was lost in her thoughts.
Naruto groaned "He came up to me saying some things like how you've been going behind our backs and talking bad about us, I know you haven't because you either spend time with Kiba at the compound or time with us during the day if your not busy" he explained.
Sakura tensed and anger swelled in her heart "He's nothing but a jerk Naruto ignore him" she shook off her own upset and tried to cheer the blue eyed blonde, Naruto just gave her a sad look before taking Hinata by the hand and heading off.
Kiba clenched his jaw tightly together, took a deep breath and smiled as widely as he could at the moment "Let's go Sakura-chan, there's one more booth I want to visit before we go find a place to sit for the fireworks show" Kiba took Sakura's hand gently in his own tugging her along behind him.
"Why is everyone determined to ruin my life" Sakura murmured softly, and it was only due to his close proximity to the pinkette that Kiba heard her in the first place, along with his enhanced hearing, he heard Sakura's words loud and clear.
Kiba narrowed his eyes, so much for having fun now, the only people that could cheer Sakura up other than him were probably on the other end of the festival "Come on Sakura, one last booth" he promised leading her determinedly to the one booth he had wanted to go to since the very beginning.
Sakura's eyes widened and a smile spread across her lips "Kiba, is that really what I think it is" she asked, her somber mood had been replaced with amusement and that's what Kiba had been aiming for, Kiba grinned and lead her to the entrance.
"Welcome to Lovers Maze, please step this way miss and young sir" the guy twirled his hat in his hand before taking Sakura by the shoulders and ushering her through the entrance of the only carnival like attraction at the festival.
Kiba winked and headed through his own side, the point of this little maze is to find the one you loved in the pitch black and give her a little kiss, it was the only booth that Kiba had known about and had told the others to meet him here.
At the very center of the maze was the perfect spot to watch the fireworks, Kiba headed in the direction he scented Sakura's cherry blossom scent in, on the other side of the maze Sakura wrung her hands nervously and started forward.
'Kiba, I sure hope you know what your doing' Sakura thought gazing around with perfect vision, she had channeled chakra in her eyes to see in the dark, but was quickly figuring out that maybe that wasn't the best idea and quickly let her chakra fade.
Sakura paused when Kiba's earth and wood scent filled her nose, and swallowed thickly, it was becoming rapidly obvious that Kiba knew exactly what he wanted because the point of this game was to find and kiss the one you care for.
Thirty minutes that's how long it took for both teens to find each other, but when they did Kiba pulled Sakura into a hug and wouldn't let go "I found you Sakura" Kiba pressed his face into Sakura's neck and breathed deeply filling his nose with Sakura's scent.
"Kiba" Sakura squeaked in embarrassment, her face flushed but she soon found herself returning the hug "Um if your not ready, it's ok I don't mind" Sakura rambled out nervously, Kiba instantly knew what she was referring to and swung his head up to look into her eyes.
Kiba gulped, maybe it would be better to give a peck on the cheek, his cheeks burned hotly at the thought of even kissing Sakura, plus he didn't want to bring back any bad memories for her "Would you be ok with it" Kiba asked nervously.
Sakura gazed deeply into Kiba's onyx eyes and knew instinctively what Kiba was asking, would it bring back a bad memory, then she shook her head even as her heart pounded in her chest "I'll be ok" Sakura whispered and gasped as Kiba drew closer.
Kiba breathed gently just a millimeter away from Sakura's lips, he could feel her heart beating rapidly, and it echoed his own, Kiba distinctly wondered if Sakura could feel his heart against her body but shook the thought off by leaning forward.
Sakura couldn't help the little gasp that escaped her as Kiba sweetly captured her lips with his own, it was different, slow and soothing and really gentle, their lips melded together and then finally after a few moments, Kiba pulled back.
"Wow" Sakura breathed out, she didn't care if she looked like an idiot at the moment because Sakura would definitely tell everyone off, if they decided at that particular moment to try and ruin her happiness, there came a time where you had to draw a line somewhere and here was the end of her limit.
Kiba smirked and let Sakura wrap her hand around his arm "Come on, I have the perfect place, everyone should already be there" he led her through the rest of the maze to the park where all of their friends and the cloud ninja were waiting.
Sakura's jaw dropped in shock "You planned this, all of this" she accused, but everyone could tell she was pleased at their efforts "Nevermind, the fireworks should start in a few minutes" Sakura led Kiba to the perfect spot and sat down on the blanket that had been laid out.
Ay smirked, he had heard about the little confrontation between Kakashi's new student and the little blonde on the team, and that Sakura had been upset, thankfully this had been set up before hand for that exact reason and now the pinkette was once again all smiles and happiness.
Cee tilted his head upwards to gaze at the sky just as the first firework went off, it lit up the sky with blues and whites "I think the festival went well don't you" he asked softly, Darui who was sitting next to him nodded in agreement.
"Yeah it wasn't to drab despite that little hiccup" Darui gestured at Sakura who was sitting with Kiba staring up at the sky with awe, Cee chuckled silently before the both of them fell silent to continue watching the fire work show.
Thirty minutes later, the show was over and it was time to go home, Sakura stood with a stretch, it had been an awesome night "Hey Kiba, I can carry my bag back home" she spoke and Kiba swung around with his eyebrows raised into his hairline.
Sakura creased her forehead when Kiba just stared "You don't realize it but you've been calling the compound home for quite sometime" he stated to let Sakura know, she blinked in surprise before going back through her previous conversation.
"Oh I guess I never noticed, you don't mind do you" Sakura rubbed her hands together anxiously, she hoped Kiba didn't because the Inuzuka Compound and all of its inhabitants had truly become her home and Sakura didn't want to lose that.
Kiba blanched "Of course I don't mind, I don't think Ma, or Sis mind either, and I'll be carrying your bag back for you" he grinned cheekily before taking Sakura's hand in his own and pulling her along behind him as they headed back to the compound, Lena and Lana trailing them.
Tsume turned her head when the mixed scent of Sakura and Kiba wafted into her nose, apparently Kiba had made a move on the pinkette, it was a good sign that he going to take his and Sakura's relationship seriously.
Hana could tell instantly that her mother was pleased as punch about something just as Kiba and Sakura headed for them "Hey otouto, Sakura" Hana nodded politely at the two teens and quickly realized what had her mother pleased.
Kiba and Sakura looked much more relaxed and at ease with each other, not to mention Sakura carried her brother scent like a cloak and it would warn all the others in the compound away from her, not that anyone would try to woo the pinkette away from Kiba in the first place.
"So are you two in a relationship now" Tsume nonchalantly asked, Kiba coughed while Sakura blushed, Tsume laughed teasingly "Geez brats you look like I just asked you an inappropriate question" she slapped Kiba on the back proudly before patting Sakura on the forehead.
Sakura and Kiba glanced sideways at each and thought seriously "Yes, Tsume-sama I believe we are together now and nothing is ever going to stop me from being with Kiba" Sakura spoke after a few minutes, she was happy and that's all that mattered.
"Yeah, Sakura's right, this is alright and our relationship will be strong for a long, long time" Kiba nodded in agreement to his now girlfriends, statement nothing would ever part them, he would make sure of it, even if he had to hurt someone to do it.
Tsume grinned, finally the two brats had accepted the future that was to come, she would have to talk to Sakura's parents when they returned about setting a marriage up between their children, Tsume would do anything she could to make her children happy.
Sakura sighed in content as she lay on her bed, they had just gotten back to the compound not even twenty minutes ago, and she was utterly exhausted, the night had been fun but also emotionally draining with all the curve balls it had thrown at her.
Ten minutes later Kiba peeked in Sakura's room to check on her and found the girl snoring softly with Lena and Lana curled up next to her on the bed, Sakura wasn't even underneath the covers "Silly girl" Kiba whispered softly and tucked her in.
Sakura murmured in her sleep rolling over underneath the cover "Good night sleep tight Sakura" Kiba flashed the sleeping girl a smile before heading to his own room, he quickly slid into the bed and he was out before his head even touched his pillow.