The next morning in which everyone had gathered in Sakura and Chojuro's apartment once again for breakfast, they all headed for the gates three members of the chaos squad on their heels more to their surprise was that the Cloud Shinobi were there as well.
"It's about time we head off, just wanted to make sure the revivals got settled in to their village once more, see you next time brat" Ay grunted out and that was that as he started down the path that led in the direction of his country and village.
Sakura looked more than amused by his hasty departure "He just doesn't want to admit he'll miss those two brats of yours Kid and don't be afraid to come back and visit and bring them with you" Darui grinned hurrying after Ay.
His partner rolled his eyes "Quite Sakura-san, we'll also keep an eye out for Orochimaru" with that Cee was gone next, Atsui and Karui merely waved, both glad to be going home, then started after their fellow Shinobi.
Next was the blue eyed blondes sister "Next time you come visit make sure it's not during a mission so we can actually get to know you" Samui smiled lightly turned on her heel and sped forward leaving behind Bee and Omoi.
Bee was quiet for once "Your doing good Sakura wee the rappin Killer Bee is out" then he to sped off, apparently being quiet for to long was a travesty in his eyes and everyone just blinked at his outburst and quick departure much like his brothers.
Lastly was Omoi "Sugar free suckers for those kids and thanks for you know for not being biased like most even if we've put the past behind us" the dark skinned teenager handed over four suckers then hurried after the rest of his group.
With that it was Kakashi and Mei's turn to leave "Be back in a month Sakura-chan, Naruto-kun, Sasuke-kun, take care of each other and…" Mei rambled overcome with the fear that something would suddenly happen to her adopted children until Kakashi put his hand over her mouth cutting her rambles off.
"Relax Mei-chan, you'll see Ao within the week and I'll be back as soon as all the paperwork in Mist is done, don't worry we'll send your gifts Chojuro-kun, until then the lot of you keep safe, say bye-bye Hisoi-kun, Hosomi-chan" Kakashi cut in quickly.
Not wanting to make everyone stand around all morning since some of them had things to do, on their heels was Gengetsu "I have decided to return to the Hidden Mist Village permanently" Gengetsu explained hurrying after the family of four about to be five and three ninken.
Sakura shot her eyes in Byakuya's direction "There was no need for both of us to return and I feel much more at ease in this village, my decision was made after speaking to you yesterday, if you could come to love the Mist Village, then I can come to care for the Leaf Village" Byakuya stated.
Feeling her eyes on him "Okay, well I have a hospital shift starting in twenty minutes see you a couple hours before dinner Chojuro-kun" Sakura pressed a quick kiss to her boyfriend's cheek before speeding in the direction of the hospital.
Her job was all planned out when they did finally get started on the dual citizenship between Mist and Leaf, the Head Medic planned on giving her the AHM (Assistant Head Medic) position due to her skills as the Legendary Medical Ninja's apprentice.
Moments after her departure, Naruto and Sasuke vanished to get started on their missions that had been assigned to them by Tsunade the night before, leaving Chojuro to walk back to the apartment by himself with Ganko and Tsuyoi.
Kushina and Minato didn't waste another moment in vanishing to their own apartment likewise Kagami and Shisui did the same, while Zabuza and Haku decided to wander the Leaf Village, leaving Mikoto alone with Byakuya and Sakumo.
"Guess I'll be going as well" Mikoto sighed, it really hurt her that Itachi wouldn't so much as glance in her direction and Sasuke had his own life, she'd missed out on a lot and wished she had a partner to hopefully have another child with to feel normal again.
Byakuya watched her go before making a decision "Allow me to accompany you" the raven haired male from Mist requested holding out his arm as manners dictated, Mikoto's onyx irises lit up and she took the offer without a seconds hesitation.
Sakumo smiled before heading off elsewhere trying to find comfort in his old village again until he ended up at the Hokage Tower and with nothing else to do, decided to pester Tsunade, everyone stared at him as if he'd gone mad.
Tsunade did nothing more than grumble and growl threats under her breath, hours later when it was nearing three o'clock "I'll take my leave" Sakumo smiled a bit to cheekily at Tsunade, then vanished out the door.
On his way back to the apartments he almost ran into Sakura "Oh Sakumo-san…." the pinkette glanced in the direction he'd been coming from "Were you bothering Tsunade-shishou" she looked him over in disbelief that he hadn't been punched out a window or sent to the hospital.
He nodded with a chuckle "Quite, do you know if she fancy's anyone and Sakura-chan you can call me Granddad, we're family isn't that what you said, my boy adopted you after all" the older silver haired male immediately put a stop to the whole Sakumo-san business.
"Very well then if you insist and the last person that I know Shishou fancied was Dan Kato and unless he suddenly comes back to life then no" the fuscia haired girl announced opening the door to the apartment building she and the others lived in and making a break for the stairs.
She'd missed her babies after all, before they were to head down the hall to her and Chojuro's apartment, Sakumo pulled her to a stop "My apologies, but there is something I wish to ask you, do you think it would be alright if I stuck around while my boy is gone" Sakumo requested.
In a sheepish tone, unsure if his son's adopted daughter would even want him hanging around "Sure, your family now after all" Sakura shrugged as if it was no bother and earned a disturbed look at her easy acceptance to his request.
Sakumo blinked "Just like that you accept me as family, why are you so accepting of people coming into your life" the former Hatake Patriarch frowned deeply in confusion, he just didn't understand anything anymore.
A smile formed on Sakura's lips in response "Because your Dad's, dad like I said last night and plus, besides Ganko and Tsuyoi I don't have a single living member of my biological family left, that's why I'm so accepting" the pinkette answered easily.
Onyx eyes widened in response "What of those two then Naruto and Sasuke, they have members of their biological family back, do you think it's possible for your own parents to be returned, what then" the silver haired male prodded.
Wanting to know "Their parents are very understanding of the situation and no I don't think it's possible, and even if they were, I don't think anything would be the same as it use to be when they were alive" the rose haired teenager admitted quietly.
Looking to the floor emotions swirling in her forest green eyes "My boy keeps mentioning something about diaries and that if I wanted to know the truth, the full one, that I should read them" Sakumo finally relented and they started down the hall to her apartment.
Not to surprised and it would make things easier to explain "Just give me one second, their in my room" Sakura pulled open the apartment door waved to everyone gathered in the front room, blew her twins kisses, then vanished into the bedroom.
Moments later she returned with a stack of diaries and handed them over to Sakumo "Are you staying for dinner th..then Sakumo-san" Chojuro guessed as the man settled himself into an empty chair as Sakura wandered towards the playpen where the twins were waiting.
Arms held up and matching pouts on their lips "Want hold Ka-chan" Ganko and Tsuyoi spoke in perfect sync of one another, one of the very few times they did so now is when they missed her and so without making them wait any longer hefted both toddlers into her arms.
Quiet squeals of enjoyment from the little ones filled the air drawing amused smiles to Baki and Gaara's lips "Yes, I'm staying for dinner Chojuro-san" Sakumo remembered that he'd been asked a question in the next moment and finally answered.
"Good, then I guess we'll have a full kitchen like usual" Temari snorted lightly finally accepting that the young couple let anyone join them for any meal of the day and leaned back getting comfortable on the couch.
Before realizing that she was sitting on something, she blinked her teal eyes as she pulled it out, Sakura's eyes widened in response, but it was Kankuro who started laughing "What the heck is that" Kankuro burst out face red beneath the purple face paint.
And Sakura's cheeks colored in embarrassment because she'd completely forgotten about that "It's um a book the Head Medic gave me, I think Mom might have been reading it and forgot to put it back" the pinkette admitted grabbing the book after setting her twins down.
Then disappeared back into her bedroom to hide the book once more "Makes you wonder just what kind of book would make her so embarrassed she couldn't put that book on the shelf out here in the living room" Baki commented.
His former student shook his head "No prying it's probably better if we didn't ask her" Gaara said in a warning tone, more for his older siblings than his former sensei, they got the point and kept their mouths shut when the girl returned.
Only to spend some more time with Ganko and Tsuyoi "Is it just me or are they a little more clingy than usual" the onyx eyed brunette realized that when it was almost time to get started on dinner that both Ganko and Tsuyoi hadn't let their mother put them down at all.
"No..Not just you Kankuro-san" the blue haired eighteen year old answered rising from his spot and vanishing into the kitchen to start pulling out ingredients for dinner, it was always fun because he never knew what his girlfriend was actually going to make until she'd made it.
Kankuro directed his gaze onto Sakura "Care to elaborate Sakura-san" Baki prodded lightly unsure if it was a sensitive topic or not, she held up her finger for him to wait for a moment, then sat down Ganko and Tsuyoi in their playpen.
"Before we moved here to the apartments I went on a mission to Cloud, to help with a threat, Ganko-kun and Tsuyoi-chan got slight abandonment issues, so when I'm gone for more than five hours they get a bit more clingy than usual" came the answer.
Sakumo looked up at that, then glanced back down to the books in his hands, horror in his gaze at what he'd managed to read so far in just an hour "Is that why you started taking them on missions with you" the red head guessed earning a nod in response.
As Sakura to disappeared into the kitchen to get started on supper and Chojuro returned only to sit down carefully in his previous spot "Don't you think it's a little dangerous to take two toddlers on a mission where anything could happen" Sakumo questioned of the teenager.
"If it were anyone else, yes, but it's Saku..Sakura-chan and she's Ho..Hokage-sama's apprentice, plus she has the Chaos Squad under her command and the Uchiha Clan cat summons" Chojuro rattled off the answer easily without even thinking about it.
Temari blinked "Chaos Squad" the teal eyed blonde questioned in absolute confusion, Chojuro pointed at the ninken "You call them the Chaos Squad" her brows rose up, getting further confused what kind of nickname was the Chaos Squad.
"Yes Temari, the Chaos Squad, known for leaving none alive and creating destruction and chaos whenever they fight, that's why Dad took a few of them along with him" Sakura appeared for a moment to answer snipped some basil from the plant, then disappeared again.
With the last of their questions answered the living room fell silent, the only sounds for the next 30-40 minutes came from the two toddlers and just as Sakura came from the kitchen to call out that dinner was ready, the front door opened.
Naruto and Sasuke came bustling in by themselves "Everyone else is busy, so it's just us again" the raven haired teen explained the absence of the others i.e. Zabuza, Haku, Shisui, Kagami, Mikoto, Kushina, Mikoto and Byakuya.
Once they were all gathered in the kitchen "Kind of feels empty" Naruto commented feeling a little disturbed, cause he'd gotten use to having meals with everyone and to not do so was kind of a really weird feeling.
Sasuke nodded in agreement "Can't expect them to eat with us all the time Naruto-kun, their trying to get their lives sorted because they have a second chance" Sakura patted the blonde on the head like he was a hyperactive puppy, sometimes it felt like he was.
Before sitting down the plates that held Ganko and Tsuyoi's meal of more veggies and meat, broccoli, carrots, zucchini and fish for the meat, lukewarm peppermint tea, while everyone else got salad and tomato soup and blackberry tea.
"Just how is it you get them to eat their vegetables anyway" Sakumo was extremely confused, watching the two toddlers stuff their faces with their food, broccoli being the most prominent veggie on their plate.
In response to the question Sakura shrugged looking confused herself "I know it's their favorite, they've been like that since they got started on solids" Sasuke answered for his adoptive sister, because none of this would have been possible if it hadn't been for her.
For a few minutes longer things were quiet as everyone ate "We thought we'd let you know that in the next couple of days we'll be returning to our village, any longer and Elder Chiyo-sama will become furious with us" Baki cleared his throat.
Reminding his former students, one of which was now the Kazekage "That's right and as much fun as this has been we can't stay forever, got to get out of your hair so that you can get back to normal" Kankuro nodded.
He would miss them and the little brats to of course, but he would be glad just to be back home in his own country and village "Indeed, and if you ever feel the need to visit don't be afraid to and bring those two if you think they can handle the heat" Temari eyed the two toddlers.
Chances were Sakura wouldn't do that to her children and would wait until they were much older before making any sort of trek across wind country and the blistering heat that happened during the day and the cold that happened during the night.
"I promise to write once we're back in Sand, and I'll send out scouts to keep an eye out for any Orochimaru activity" Gaara set his eyes on his friend, wanting her to understand that he would do everything in his power to make sure Orochimaru never touched her children.
Or had a chance to get within a hundred yards of the two toddlers that were adored by a great many people "Thanks Gaara, the help is much appreciated" Sakura smiled brightly ducking low as a piece of charred zucchini whizzed through the air.
Poor Naruto got hit in the face with a quiet smacking sound "Hey Tsuyoi-chan that's not fair I thought I was your favorite uncle" the blonde pouted tears in his baby blue eyes, Tsuyoi's eyes widened and she lowered her hand lip trembling.
Before bursting into the first round of tears the Sand Shinobi had ever seen from the girl in the six days they'd been there, Sakura let out a long suffering sigh and slanted a slightly annoyed look at her adopted blonde brother.
Then hastened to calm her daughter down "There, there Tsuyoi-chan, Naruto didn't mean it like that, he was just being a well not so smart person, see he's not mad" she picked the little pink haired dark blue eyed girl up and bounced her gently.
And let her see that Naruto truly wasn't upset with her like she'd thought, Naruto smiled sheepishly "Naru, want hold pwease" and took the little girl into his arms upon her demand, it was the only way to show her he truly wasn't angry with her.
Relieved it hadn't taken long to settle the little girl down everyone returned to finishing up their delicious dinner before the kitchen and dishes were cleaned, the animals were checked on meaning Moyasu and Yuki, who needed a lot of attention.
Ganko and Tsuyoi got their baths were dressed in pj's, then allowed to play in their playpen for a couple hours longer while Naruto and Sasuke vanished to return to their own apartment "Phew really thought that it was going to be hard to calm her down" Kankuro blew out a breath.
Eyeing the two and a half year old girl warily as if afraid she'd burst out in another round of tears "Nah their pretty easy to calm down, their well behaved for the most part" Sakura shrugged flopping down next to her boyfriend and started on another project.
This one booties in a dark purple "Orange and purple, is that for your newest little sibling as well" Temari questioned watching the girl knit like she was an expert, she probably was considering how long she'd been knitting now.
"Knitting huh guess there's a lot I still don't know" Sakumo sighed softly opening up the diary from before to start reading again, he obviously hadn't gotten to that part yet how she actually had got started on knitting.
Her lips curved up into a smile of amusement, the man was sure to be shocked, and Chojuro shook his head knowing what his girlfriend was thinking "But yes Temari this is for Semaku" Sakura finally nodded to the teal eyed blondes question.
Baki glanced around "You know it just occurred to me that you really keep this place spotless, why is that" Baki inquired lightly, getting the feeling that no question was out of bounds, unless it was about her personal life, then she'd answer.
"Little chi..children are more susceptible to getting sick, hence the reason to k..keep this place spot..spotless" Chojuro was the one to answer getting comfortable much like his girlfriend knowing it would be a good hour or so before she put down her project.
The booties wouldn't take half as long as the dress and then she'd get started on another article for Semaku "Were you just as obsessed with cleaning while you were pregnant as well" Gaara couldn't help but ask in a curious tone.
Sakura giggled prompting her two children to do the same upon hearing their mothers laughter "Yes Gaara, probably worse actually, cause women who are pregnant have this symptom that's called nesting, the obsession with cleaning everything" Sakura nodded.
Focusing on her task once more, silence settled over them like a blanket and then an hour later it was time for bed, Ganko and Tsuyoi were put in their crib first and read to by their parents, then both Chojuro and Sakura went around locking doors and windows.
Setting up the usual traps, Sakumo vanished to his son's apartment, and then not long after the Sand Shinobi disappeared into the bedrooms they'd been using during their stay, "We'll keep watch don't worry Sakura-sama" Hageshi assured.
When Sakura returned one last time to make sure everything was as it should be "Come on S..Sakura-chan bed time" Chojuro led his girlfriend to their bed, because he couldn't imagine having a separate bedroom from her now after getting use to sleeping in the same bed.
"Goodnight Chojuro-kun" Sakura yawned glancing in Ganko and Tsuyoi's direction to make sure they were sleeping, pressed a quick kiss to his lips rolled onto her side, Chojuro curled up behind her and soon enough the entire apartment was knocked out sleeping.
A couple days later, making it three that Kakashi, Mei, Hisoi and Hosomi had been gone, Baki, Gaara, Temari and Kankuro took their leave of the Leaf Village headed home to their own country and village.
Making the apartment feel even emptier to Naruto's chagrin as his biological parents were obsessed with trying to have more babies and to Sasuke's horror, he'd noticed his biological mother hanging out with the former Third Mizukage quite a lot lately.
He couldn't help but make a few speculations "I think she's going to end up with him" Sasuke shuddered during lunch on the fourth day their adoptive family had been gone, making Sakura roll her eyes in response and Zabuza to snort.
"Don't you want your mother to be happy boy" Zabuza scoffed, he didn't see a problem with it after all, it's not as if the man was going to suddenly up and vanish on the lot of them, seeing as how he'd chosen to stay in the Leaf Village.
Sasuke blinked at the former rogue, who'd been reinstated as a Leaf Shinobi before nodding grudgingly "If you think that's bad, I think Granddad has set his sights on Tsunade-shishou, more than once in the last three days I've caught him coming from the Tower" Sakura piped in.
"Eh really Sakura-chan, that's kind of creepy, how would that even work, especially since Granny Tsunade is well you know" Naruto grimaced immediately loosing interest in his food as thoughts swirled about in his head.
Sakura nodded in understanding "She can still have a child, it would just be extremely difficult for her, there's also an age reversal jutsu…..what Tsunade-shishou might just return his attentions so we've been looking" she trailed off with a glower at her two brothers/teammates.
"Wait a second you mean Hokage-sama might like Sakumo-san" Chojuro blinked for once slow on the uptake, he knew he should have been paying attention the last few days, but what with moving the twins back into their former room and adjusting to everything else he'd been distracted.
His girlfriend nodded "Good for her I guess, though it will be odd to see Hokage-sama with someone, though if those two did get together and have a child and married, wouldn't that make her family to you as well" Haku asked awkwardly of the three teenagers.
Who all nodded in sync "As well as Lord First and Second" the pinkette announced finishing off her meal, then traipsing out of the kitchen to the door just as a knock sounded "Afternoon Choji is something the matter" the fuscia haired teenage mother greeted before frowning.
For the Akimichi Heir looked a little down "I think I've fallen in love, but I don't even know her name and now she's vanished from the village, it's been four days since I've seen her" Choji plodded into the apartment and sat heavily on the couch looking as if the world was ending.
Might as well be if he'd found someone to fancy and she'd up and left "Let me guess she had red hair and gold eyes" surprisingly Sasuke was the one to figure out who the mystery girl that Choji liked was, so when Choji nodded Sakura relaxed.
"Karui-chan from the Hidden Cloud, if you'd like Choji, I can help you write a letter to her so you can get to know her, it might give her another reason to come back and visit sometime and she's got this adorable little brother named Yukai as well" Sakura chattered.
Rushing about her apartment on the search for a scroll, ink and brush, then dragged Choji into an empty bedroom that only had a desk and shut the door "Your not worried she'll cheat on you" Zabuza directed his gaze to his fellow Swordsman.
Chojuro immediately shook his head "Sakura-chan wouldn't do that, plus she see's Choji-san as family, the former Hokage taught everyone the Will of Fire, it's where one see's everyone in the village no matter blood as family" he recited something she'd taught him a year back.
Sasuke and Naruto nodded, each with a toddler in their arms "Nicely said Chojuro and Sakura-chan's sure to be proud of you for remembering that" Naruto flashed the blue haired teenager a whiskered grin before gently tossing Ganko in the air.
Quiet squeals of enjoyment filled the air from the dark blonde haired dark emerald eyed boy, Haku looked on in curiosity "Do you think she'd mind if I held one" Haku asked suddenly before realizing that he'd finally asked something he'd wanted to ask since they'd returned.
Immediately Tsuyoi was situated in his arms, dark blue peered up into chocolate brown and the little girl instantly liked the new person, how everyone knew was because she let out this loud squeal and threw her tiny arms around the teenagers neck.
Prompting Sakura to poke her head out of the room to find out what was going on only to smile in amusement and shut the door once more, ten minutes later both she and Choji returned to the front room, the Akimichi Heir clutching a scroll with a name tag tied around it.
"Thanks Sakura-chan, I'm going to go send this now, oh by the way my mom wants you to come round sometime, something about catching up with each other" Choji waved glad that a solution had been found and hoping beyond hope that the girl wouldn't ignore his letter.
Sakura smiled lightly "Your welcome Choji and good luck and alright, I'll probably try and come by within the next couple of days or so, when Ao-san gets here" the pinkette hurried towards the door and opened it for the boy.
"I'll let her now" the Akimichi Heir said, then disappeared in the direction of the stairs to send his letter and then inform his mom that Sakura had said she would be over as soon as she could, the door shut behind and Sakura smiled once more.
Before sitting on the couch next to Chojuro, who looked as relaxed as ever, the tension they'd all been feeling had slowly ebbed away as Itachi and Kisame stayed as far away from them as possible "Right then me and the brat should get going" Zabuza stood.
"Here you go Sasuke-san" Haku returned Tsuyoi to Sasuke and then both males hurried out the door, not long after that Naruto and Sasuke vanished to their own apartment leaving Sakura and Chojuro alone with the twins.
Making the apartment feel even emptier than before "Do you want to take them to the park for a little while Sa..Sakura-chan" the eighteen year old offered suddenly sensing that Ganko and Tsuyoi were getting restless.
At the offer Sakura popped up onto her feet, grabbed her bag with knitting supplies and other supplies for the two toddlers and the two little ninneko, Arai, Hageshi and the two newest members of the squad on their heels and headed out the door.
Once they'd settled at the park "This is nice thanks for suggesting it Chojuro-kun" the pinkette hummed softly working on the baby booties and keeping an eye on the two wandering toddlers, who decided to behave that day.
Especially for their ninken babysitters, "We didn't think we'd see you out and about, what with those two here" Tsume and Kiba stumbled across them twenty minutes later, just as Sakura set down the first baby booty and prepared to start on the second one.
"Yeah and is it just me or have those two grown even more since the last time I saw them" Kiba commented eyeing the two toddlers, who really seemed to be getting bigger and bigger each time he visited them.
Sakura smiled, she was doing that a lot lately and Chojuro pushed his glasses up his nose "Itachi and Kisame don't come to this part of the village, plus Itachi is avoiding me, and those two were getting a bit restless and yeah their even bigger than last time" the fuscia haired girl answered.
Though her boyfriend shot her a look "Guess I should have known you would have figured out they were restless at the apartment" the blue haired teen sighed, nothing escaped Sakura's attention especially if it was about her two mischief makers.
"Usually you have that lot hanging around you or are babysitting Hatake's brats, come to think of it I haven't seen him for several days" the Inuzuka Matriarch prodded kneeling down when Tsuyoi wandered near and peered up at the familiar woman.
And got her hair ruffled, in the next moment Tsuyoi ran away with a loud squeal dodging under the woman's hand when Tsume reached out to ruffle her hair again "He went to Mist, took Hisoi and Hosomi, everyone else is off doing their own thing" Sakura explained.
Kiba nodded in understanding watching his mother chase after the two, two and a half year old's, then a flash went off and Sakura hurriedly stashed her camera away "Something for the books right" the Inuzuka Heir snorted and the girl nodded.
Moments later the mother/son duo left the park as the twins scrambled forward hands held out "Snack pwease" they demanded in sync, looking positively adorable, with their faces flushed with happiness and eyes sparkling.
Left with no other choice Chojuro relented to their demands "Here you go Tsuyoi-chan, Ganko-kun" Chojuro handed over two bags half full with trail mix and the duo plopped down on the edge of the blanket to eat their late afternoon snack.
Before they were off running around the park again avoiding Arai and Hageshi as the two ninken chased them to their hearts content "Uchiha's kids huh, never thought I'd see the day where that bastard Itachi actually had children" suddenly an unfamiliar voice sounded behind them with a snort.
Sakura whipped around "Watch your mouth you shouldn't cuss around children" her eyes were narrowed and her teeth were grit angrily ready to lay into the blonde that really reminded her of Ino but was clearly a male.
"Oh yeah and what will you do if I don't watch my mouth as you put it" the older male glared right back until a hand settled on his shoulder, all eyes turned to the red head, and suddenly it occurred to Sakura who these people might be.
As it was she didn't have to do a thing "Then I will take matters into my own hands apologize Deidara and that's an order, we were told to behave until the Hokage could figure out what to do with us after all" the man demanded.
Hazel eyes glaring the other man into submission as the person named Deidara hastily apologized before both Akatsuki members hurried off to avoid any more confrontations with the Hokage's apprentice, Sakura relaxed in relief that the situation had been handled rather quickly and not by herself.
"By the way Sak..Sakura-chan, are you really going to have Moyasu and Yuk..Yuki as Tsuyoi-chan's and G..Ganko-kun's permanent companions, if they wanted to sign on with a different summons contract" Chojuro cut into her thoughts seconds later.
With valid concerns "I didn't say they had to sign the cat summons contract, just that Moyasu and Yuki would be their companions" Sakura answered smartly snuggling into Chojuro's side, moments later his arm was wrapped around her waist as she continued knitting.
Nearly forty-five minutes later both baby booties for Semaku were finished and both Ganko and Tsuyoi were ready to return home so they packed up and returned to the apartments, when dinner time rolled around.
Sakura had gotten started on gloves in a dark pink and Mikoto and Byakuya had joined them for dinner, Naruto, Sasuke, Zabuza, Haku, Sakumo, Shisui, Kagami, Minato and Kushina suspiciously absent.
The pink haired mother of two had her suspicions on what the two wanted and she couldn't help but root for the woman who was the grandmother of her two precious children on their paternal father's side.
And so it was with more patience than usual that she got started on dinner before calling everyone into the kitchen to eat, less than ten minutes after they'd started eating "Sakura-chan do you think Sasuke-chan would mind it terribly if I remarried" Mikoto burst out suddenly.
"Not at all Mikoto-san, I think Sasuke-chan would just be happy for you that your happy, does Byakuya-san make you happy….." Sakura trailed off waiting for the nod though it was surprised "Then he'll be okay with it" she finished.
Both Mikoto and Byakuya blinked "Just how is it you guessed that we've been seeing each other" Byakuya asked in confusion, he'd been certain that they'd been discrete and not obvious, apparently that didn't work on one Sakura Haruno.
"Sasuke-san actually, he was speculating d..during lunch that he th..thought you two wo..would end up get..getting together" Chojuro answered for his girlfriend who had her mouth full of food much like Ganko and Tsuyoi.
Thanking some deity out there that they were a little to preoccupied with eating this time to the point where they forgot to throw their food like usual "Honestly that boy" the Uchiha Matriarch shook her head in amusement just glad that her youngest son was even on speaking terms with her.
And that he would in fact not mind if she found someone that made her happy, she'd always thought Byakuya handsome before they'd returned to the Leaf Village and now she had a chance to explore new venues.
"Much obliged like usual Sakura-san and thank you for assuaging her fears on that matter" the former Third Mizukage turned Leaf Shinobi as he'd requested to return to the line of duty, titled his head in respect to the young girl, who was stronger than anyone could imagine.
In response the girl merely beamed at him "No thank you Byakuya-san for making her happy, she's been depressed for awhile now and today during dinner I saw some of that fire of before back in Cloud" Sakura shook her head emerald orbs full of fondness for the woman.
Byakuya couldn't help himself as he quickly, yet sheepishly gave Sakura a side hug before stepping out into the hall after the woman he found himself falling for "Lets not wait Mikoto, tomorrow lets get married" he took charge.
"Of course" and with that decision in mind the apartment complex the lot of them lived in settled down for the night to get some shut eye, the next day Mikoto and Byakuya disappeared to the Hokage Tower and after filling out some documents were considered married.
They planned to eventually have a real wedding but for now having it in document that they were married made them feel content "Did you know about those two" Kushina was in disbelief when she heard the news and was surprised at how quickly her friend had jumped into a relationship.
With the handsome male, it wasn't anything like her and Minato, who'd been married before "No but my money is on that Sakura and the others new about it, that's what we get for skipping meals with them in favor of trying to have another child" Minato chuckled not at all to put out at the situation.
It was good that Mikoto was allowing someone to make her happy and not wallowing in the despair that had overtaken her upon returning to the Leaf Village "Guess that's true" the crimson haired woman nodded distractedly.
As they hurried towards Sakura's apartment for lunch and found themselves two of the only ones to show up "Where is everyone else at" the former Fourth Hokage frowned upon seeing how empty the table looked and all the empty seats.
Sakura cracked up laughing "Busy, Mikoto-san and Byakuya-san are celebrating in their new apartment, Naruto and Sasuke had missions, Zabuza and Haku decided to eat out, I don't know where Kagami-san and Shisui-san are and Granddad is with Shishou" the pinkette rattled out.
"Leaving just the six of us" the blue haired teenager finished dishing out the charred veggies for the two little ones, of squash, snap pea's and carrots, before getting his own food, followed by Sakura, Minato and finally Kushina as they sat down to eat.
All was quiet until Kushina thought of a question "Why did you laugh when Minato-kun asked where everyone else was at" the ruby haired woman asked suddenly resting her violet eyes on the young girl who had really been through literal hell.
"That's because I can guess what Minato-san was thinking, how the kitchen looked empty because everyone but the four of us were busy, Naruto frowns the same way" Sakura giggled lightly prompting giggles from Ganko and Tsuyoi.
Minato flushed in response had he really been that obvious "I'm just so use to seeing this kitchen full to bursting" the blonde cleared his throat sheepishly causing laughter to erupt from his wife as he gave truth to Sakura's statement.
Soon enough lunch had been eaten and the kitchen was put back to rights, Minato and Kushina left afterwards and Sakura made a split second decision "Gonna go see Chitsu-san and take Kanari and Mitsuro to get their jackets" Sakura announced.
Vanishing out the door with the two ninken on her heels "Jackets Sakura-sama" Mitsuro and Kanari had definitely come out of their shells no longer timid around others, though they were still the youngest in the pack.
"Like the ones the others wear, does that mean we're really apart of the squad" Kanari questioned padding along on Sakura's left, while Mitsuro did the same on Sakura's right, Sakura nodded in answer as they made a thirty minute pit stop at the Akimichi Compound.
To visit Chitsu, who was pleased that Sakura had shown up earlier than the girl had planned, more knitting supplies was handed over and then it was off to the shop for the jackets and headbands "Welcome to the Chaos Squad Kanari-chan, Mitsuro-kun" Sakura announced.
Once both ninken had been fitted with their new belongings, it was still strange to them, they'd been abandoned only to turn around and find where they truly belonged in a completely other village, taught to speak like a human and fight alongside their pack mates in the Chaos Squad.
"We're honored Sakura-sama" the Australian Shephard bowed his head in acceptance of his new status, now all that was left was to establish his rank in the pack, much like Kanari's, he would never regret the start of his new life after all.
Kanari nodded "Indeed Sakura-sama and promise to fulfill our duties to the best of our abilities" the Shetland Sheepdog exclaimed, just glad that they'd been taught how to talk and though sometimes it felt like she was saying words wrong no one ever told her otherwise or scolded her.
Sakura ran her fingers through their fur, both of them still puppies sure, but now marked as part of the Chaos Squad forever, perhaps she had enough now, that didn't mean she still wasn't going to keep an eye out for ninken for Hisoi and Hosomi.
Not long after they were back at the apartments, Tsuyoi and Ganko were playing contently in their playpen "Sakura-sama the little ones need feeding" Hageshi reminded her of Moyasu and Yuki, so they were quickly fed and cleaned up before they were settled back down next to the Basset Hound.
While Sakura cuddled into Chojuro's side working on Semaku's gloves "How long do you think i..it will take before their e..efforts pay off and Kushina-san is wi..with child again" Chojuro interrupted twenty minutes later.
"Probably within the next few days, they've been going at it like bunnies after all, just expect more than Kushina-san to be with child, I would count on Mikoto becoming pregnant, alongside Anko-san" Sakura answered splitting her concentration.
By the time she was done with one glove it was dinner time, that time no one showed up not even Naruto or Sasuke and the kitchen felt especially empty, but the little family of four ate dinner, cleaned up, made sure the apartment was secure before going to bed.
