An hour past midnight, at one in the morning, Sakura woke up, no it wasn't because of that horrible dream, it wasn't plaguing her mind any longer, it wasn't Naruto either who was still passed out next to her, she just felt like she wanted to be close to her father.
So she quietly snuck out of her room padding silently across the floor and out into the darkened hall of the house, still terribly frightened of the dark, Sakura hurried to the living room and headed straight for the couch she knew her father was resting on and scrambled onto it with him.
Only then did she fall back to sleep, when Jiraiya woke at six thirty, five and a half hours later, his brows climbed into his bangs upon seeing his daughter wedged between him and the couch and sleeping soundly as if it wasn't the most uncomfortable position she'd ever slept in.
He smoothly scooped her into his arms and stood waking Yahiko and Nagato, then set Sakura on the couch to sleep for a bit longer, Jiraiya stretched and strapped his sandals onto his feet walking cautiously into the kitchen, Yahiko and Nagato on his heels.
"That's you're daughter" Yahiko asked a grin on his lips, he thought she was absolutely adorable, Jiraiya nodded and sat down at the table after starting up the stove so that he could make a cup of coffee, he was gonna need it if he was going to get through the day after all.
"Yeah that's my little cherry blossom, gonna warn you though she's wary of adults and general strangers" he felt the need to warn his two male students "I don't think Sakura would be to bothered by Konan-chan though, but I'll warn her as well" Jiraiya rubbed his face.
Before the kettle of water whistled, Jiraiya leaped up from his chair and removed it from the heat pouring the hot liquid over coffee grounds making himself a nice cup of strong black coffee, he took a sip being mindful of his sensitive tongue and sighed in relief.
Nagato frowned "Why would she be wary of adults and strangers, hopefully you didn't teach her that" he inquired, Jiraiya shook his head "So what caused it then" Nagato prodded hoping to learn more, the pinkette was cute.
Jiraiya chuckled "She's lived on Mount Myoboku these four years, and I've taken her out a total of eight times, and one time a little girl shoved her down and broke her arm" his features darkened as he remembered that horrible brat Ami Himekari.
"And her parents did nothing, didn't even check to see if Sakura was alright, then they didn't even punish their daughter because of what she'd done" Jiraiya growled in a dark voice, he was still more than a little pissed it seemed, but thankfully the Himekari's were doing as he'd ordered them to do.
It wasn't the complete truth but there was no need to bring that up, it was easier to let others believe in something else "Oh poor Sakura-chan" Yahiko felt for the girl "We promise to be careful Jiraiya-sensei" he nodded at Nagato and the red head nodded as well.
Just then bare feet padded towards the kitchen and Sakura emerged "Papa" she clambered into his lap bringing a small smile to his lips just as her tummy rumbled in obvious hunger, Sakura patted her empty belly and blinked.
"Must be hungry that's what happens when one skips dinner" Jiraiya chuckled standing and sitting Sakura in his previously vacated chair then moved over to the cabinets and pulled out instant ramen "Don't tell Naruto" he put a finger to his lips indicating this had to be kept secret.
Sakura giggled and nodded her head eagerly "K Papa" she pressed her hands against her mouth to muffle her laughter as the noodles were cooked and the flavoring and little dried vegetables were added to the cup ramen five minutes later it was done.
When he sat it before her, Sakura finally seemed to become aware of her surroundings and she stared at Yahiko and Nagato in confusion and wariness "They won't hurt you little cherry" Jiraiya saw the hesitation in her eyes and she relaxed slightly.
Yahiko breathed a little easier when she turned to eating her ramen and soon it was gone being thrown in the trash "Did you have another dream precious blossom" Jiraiya sat down in one of the extra chairs wondering if something else had happened.
Sakura shook her head eyeing Nagato and Yahiko "No Papa, it's gone, the dream I mean" she twisted her hands into the material of her dress, the one decorated with her future summons, Jiraiya wiped his forehead in relief and sent her a fond smile.
"That's good, just tell me next time when you see something like that okay" he pressed a kiss to her forehead and she squealed in delight returning his affection with a kiss to his cheek a very wet kiss that was and when Sakura was distracted he wiped his cheek from the spit.
He sent a glare to his former student when Yahiko sniggered quietly under his breath "I promise Papa" Sakura distracted him from his glaring at the orange haired man, then she jumped off her chair and headed into the living room pulling her drawing pad and colored pencils from the table.
Ten minutes later Naruto trudged into the kitchen dragging his feet and rubbing his eyes "Hey Pops what's for breakfast" he yawned "Is there any ramen" Naruto blinked his blue eyes as he sat down sluggishly desperately needing his favorite food.
Jiraiya smiled inwardly "Sorry Naruto, we're all out of instant ramen, though I intend on going to the Leaf Village today" he raised his voice just enough to be heard by Sakura, so she didn't freak out when he left the mountain for a while later on.
Naruto instantly perked up at the mention of his former home, he may have only been living there almost three weeks "Can you get some of the good ramen from the old man at Ichiraku Ramen Shop" he begged throwing himself in Jiraiya's lap his lip pushed out in a pout.
Having known where the conversation would lead when he'd mentioned going to the Leaf Village, Jiraiya nodded "Yes Naruto, I'll get some ramen from Teuchi, and pick up more instant ramen for you and Sakura-chan" he patted the blonde on the head.
"Can me and Sakura-chan come" Naruto asked in a high pitched voice and Jiraiya cringed, he didn't think it was such a good idea, but he wasn't able to deny his kids anything and if Sakura, just as he thought her name she appeared.
"Yeah can we Papa" Sakura jumped into his lap bouncing on his knee with a giggle pouting just as much as her brother was, Jiraiya let out this long suffering sigh before relenting, but not without tickling their sides until they fled from his lap and scrambled into the living room.
They almost slammed into Konan on her way into the kitchen but thanks to being a kunoichi, the blue haired woman managed to step out of their way just in time "Well she's cute alright" Konan jerked her thumb over her shoulder at the pinkette.
Jiraiya rested his head on the table "She's sometimes nearly impossible to manage, to make it all worse I've never been able to tell her no" he groaned before raising his head and taking a sip of his coffee then drained his entire cup since it had long since grown cold.
Fifteen minutes later Fukasaku and Shima hopped into the kitchen and the female toad immediately started cooking breakfast Nagato, Yahiko and Konan sat down at the table, as Naruto and Sakura returned to the kitchen.
"Here Papa for you" Sakura placed another drawing in his hands before jumping into her chair next to Naruto, Jiraiya looked at the drawing thanking his lucky stars it was more tame than the last one she'd given him and flashed her a happy smile.
"Thank you little cherry blossom" he blew her a kiss getting a giggle "I'll cherish it forever and ever, I'll hang it up on my wall and everything" Jiraiya gently hugged the drawing to his chest, smirking inwardly as his former students gave him this look like they thought he was crazy.
Sakura grinned widely "You're welcome Papa" she laughed sweetly drawing a smile from Konan and chuckles from the males, Fukasaku stared at Jiraiya knowingly, it was always a treat to watch Jiraiya interact with the kids, he was good with them for sure.
Shima ignored what was happening around the kitchen as she cooked until the food was done, Yahiko held up a grub worm with a grimace "Well guess this is the price we have to pay if we want to be safe right" he laughed out feeling queasy and crunched the bug.
Jiraiya watched in some amount of amusement before he remembered "After breakfast, I'm going to the Leaf Village, taking those two with me, I think it's time we got some more houses built here" he announced and Fukasaku chuckled.
"No kidding we barely have enough room in this house" Shima huffed "And are you sure it's wise to take them with you, what if who was after those three is there" she pointed at the Rain Orphans leveling her eyes on Jiraiya.
He exhaled "I doubt anyone would be foolish enough to mess with the Leaf Village, plus I intend to have them watched closely by the Uchiha Clan again" Jiraiya explained, and Naruto's shoulders slumped "What's the matter Naruto" he raised a white brow at the boy.
"Bleh, Sasuke is a jerk, he never wanted to do anything with me" Naruto crossed his arms and turned his head to the side stubbornly avoiding Jiraiya's gaze "But if it was with that lazy Shikamaru, then I wouldn't be opposed to going there" he suggested sheepishly.
Jiraiya tapped his chin in thought "I'd rather have you and Sakura-chan under some Uchiha surveillance, but the Nara Compound isn't such a bad idea" he sneakily stuffed a ration bar into his mouth pretending to eat the bugs.
Sadly his attempts weren't sneaky enough "Hey Papa you aren't eating you're grub worms" Sakura scolded her emerald eyes watching him intently, Jiraiya lamented the fact he had only gotten to have two bites of his bar and grudgingly ate the grub worms, Sakura nodded and returned to her breakfast.
Konan's eyes widened just before a snort sounded through the kitchen "Oh Jiraiya-sensei, you poor, poor man" Yahiko shook his head feeling for his old sensei, on the other hand he was trying very, very hard not to laugh at the white haired man.
Nagato rolled his eyes "Anyway Jiraiya-sensei do you think we could ask you to pick up a few things for us as well, we have the money, it's just we don't want to risk venturing out just yet" he handed over a list along with a pouch with a several thousand ryo from him, Yahiko and Konan.
Jiraiya stuffed the items in his pocket finishing off his breakfast, he'd have to wash his mouth out later with some good food, secretly promising to buy some real food and hopefully get Sakura switched over so he didn't have to eat bugs for the rest of his life.
"Okay kids" he held open his arms making sure he was still able to do hand signs when both Sakura and Naruto had their arms wrapped around his neck and holding tightly to his shirt, then left the house a child on both of his hips.
When they were gone, Yahiko burst out laughing and even Nagato smiled as their amusement reached new heights "Who knew Jiraiya would have not one but two adopted kids and act like a general well dad" Konan giggled/snorted.
Just outside the Leaf Village gates, Jiraiya set his two kids down for just a moment to sign them in, then they were once again clinging to him as he walked through the village to the Nara Compound, Shikaku gave him this weird look.
"Don't ask" Jiraiya sighed not really wanting to explain right now "Do you think you could watch them, Naruto here said he was on friendly terms with you're boy" he shifted before the Nara Clan Head hoping the man said yes.
Shikaku shrugged "Sure Shikamaru's out back practicing shogi" he pointed to the gate, Jiraiya put Sakura and Naruto down again and they headed towards the gate that a Nara passing by opened for them so they could get into the backyard.
"Her name is Sakura Haruno, adopted her when she was three weeks old, also I'll be sending a couple of Uchiha you're way to watch them, it's to dangerous for them especially Sakura to be unprotected" Jiraiya stated bluntly.
The dark haired man raised a brow, but he didn't get an answer to his silently asked question "That's fine so long as they don't interfere with anything" Shikaku relented to Jiraiya's demand, the man had changed since the last time he'd seen him, he was being to protective.
Jiraiya nodded and spun leaping over the rooftops to the Uchiha Compound, then to the very back of the compound itself to Fugaku's house, he landed in front of the door just as it opened and Itachi exited the house "Master Jiraiya" the Uchiha heir nodded respectfully.
"Is you're Father home Itachi-san" Jiraiya rushed out wanting to hurry so that he'd be able to conduct his business without fear or worry of Sakura or Naruto's safety, if anyone found out what his daughter was capable off, then he'd lose her for good, she had a rare gift that would become widely sought after.
Itachi nodded and pulled open the door taking off his sandals and padding across the wood flooring of his house "Father, Master Jiraiya is here" he pointed at the long white haired male as he spoke to his Father, then fell silent.
Fugaku raised a brow "Do you want us to watch you're daughter again" he finally questioned, Jiraiya sat down at the table and clasped his hands together as he though on what to tell the Uchiha Clan Head, it was a very difficult situation to be in.
"Sort of, right now she and Naruto are with the Nara's, Naruto's request, I was wondering if you wouldn't mind sending a couple of you're best to keep a vigil watch over them" Jiraiya started slowly, working up to the point of almost confession.
"Something happened recently and it's to dangerous to leave Sakura unprotected" he gave a half truth instead, it was better not to reveal what his daughter could do, besides it wasn't a guaranteed thing possibly only coming out when someone was in danger.
The Head of the Uchiha Clan steepled his fingers together "There are two that I can think of that have the required skills needed, my son" his dark eyes flicked towards Itachi briefly and the boy stood a little taller under his Fathers gaze.
"And Shisui who is already a jonin, I will send the both of them" Fugaku decided and Jiraiya released a sigh of relief before nodding in thanks "Remember Master Jiraiya you'll owe me a couple of favors" Fugaku warned.
Jiraiya inwardly groaned "Point quite taken Fugaku" he stared over his shoulder at the head of the clan "Go gather Shisui-san" he turned his onyx eyes on Itachi who hurriedly body flickered off to find his friend, five minutes he returned with Shisui in tow, the older boy having been apprised of his new task already.
They left the Uchiha Compound and returned to the Nara, Shikaku let them through the gate and they leaped to the roof to keep watch on the three kids playing, or rather cloud watching, in the backyard and settled in for a long wait.
Glad to have his fears alleviated for the time being Jiraiya headed to the Hokage Tower like usual entering through the window, Hiruzen stared at his student wondering what he wanted now "Has something happened" he questioned.
"In a way yes" Jiraiya placed a sound proofing tag on the door and sealed the room off so that no one could eavesdrop or enter without permission, then he checked the ceiling to make sure no one had snuck in eyes flying over every inch of his sensei's office before he finally sat down.
"Nearly two weeks ago, Sakura-chan started having this dream, in it she saw one of my former students one of the Rain Orphans dying, while another cried and the last went crazy from the loss of the one who died" Jiraiya exhaled slowly.
Hiruzen's eyes widened "Are you saying she was having a dream of someones death" he choked on his smoke as it went down his windpipe, this was turning out to be a very serious situation and Sakura was more important than he'd thought, damn that Ay for adding that little demand into the treaty.
Jiraiya shook his head "Not quite, Sakura was dreaming of the future and what was to come to pass, thankfully I managed to find them before it happened and the dreams stopped, but I have no doubt it will happen again" he admitted.
Closing his eyes Hiruzen put a hand over his face "Of all kids that have to be abandoned it has to be a girl who can apparently dream of futuristic things" he sighed pinching the bridge of his nose "What do you need Jiraiya" Hiruzen stared at his former student.
"One thing sensei, I need to borrow Yamato-san for a week or two, Fukasaku and Shima's house is becoming a bit crowded with all the people living on Mount Myoboku" Jiraiya finally requested and the brunette with wood style jutsu's was called to the office.
Yamato blinked his dark obsidian eyes "You called for me Lord Hokage" he bowed to the Hokage who had saved him, Hiruzen nodded and gestured at Jiraiya, Yamato faced the white haired male waiting patiently for what it was that was needed of him.
"Jiraiya needs you're help in building a couple of houses with you're wood jutsu, of course this will be considered a mission and you'll get a hefty pay for doing this" Hiruzen blew out his smoke staring between his student and the boy Kakashi had begged him to save from Danzo.
"Yes of course you can take as much time as you need, and it won't all be just work, it will kind of be like a vacation as well" Jiraiya added in there hoping that Yamato agreed to this, because there was no way he'd be able to build those houses himself.
Yamato stared between his Hokage and one of the Legendary Sannin weighing his options carefully, a mission that was like a vacation, it sounded to good to be true, but what other choice did he have "Very well I will do this" he finally nodded.
Jiraiya let out a sigh of relief "I'll meet you back here in a couple of hours, I have some shopping to do, for groceries and furniture and the like" he sulked pulling out the list deciding to get double, or possibly triple of everything if needed.
"Okay" Yamato nodded sinking into the floor with his wood element, Hiruzen chuckled, he was glad the boy had accepted the mission he truly needed a break from Anbu and from Danzo constantly breathing down his neck to return to root, not that Hiruzen would ever let that happen.
His face twitched before Jiraiya unsealed the office and removed the sound proofing tag exiting through the window like usual and headed to the stores deciding to get the furniture items first, couches, chairs, tables, sinks, bathtubs, toilet, beds, dressers, blankets, pillows, towels.
And much, much more all of which was sealed in a scroll before Jiraiya went down to the market and got food items, of all variety including healthy vegetables that Sakura would for sure enjoy considering she was a very health oriented girl.
Then finally he got the ramen Naruto requested and that to was sealed in a scroll, by the time Jiraiya went back to the Tower, three hours had passed and he couldn't help but wonder how Naruto and Sakura were doing and if they were okay.
They were just fine, considering their currently napping status "You know Itachi-kun, I thought for sure the kids would be up running around" Shisui pouted in that way and the younger Uchiha rolled his eyes, Shisui was the only one who was dramatic in the clan.
"At least they aren't wreaking havoc, or getting in trouble, I don't see the problem if they want to nap after having watched clouds for hours on end" Itachi shrugged shifting to get in a more comfortable position, besides it wasn't a big deal to him.
Shisui sulked "But Ita-chan" he whined smirking inwardly when Itachi grimaced and leaned away from him warily "Little kids should be up playing not laying around sleeping the day away" Shisui waved his arms hoping to make his point.
Itachi felt sweat dripping down his neck as his friend acted like an idiot "I wonder about you're sanity sometimes Shisui-san" he shook his head focusing her onyx eyes on the trio of kids again making sure that he had his senses spread out to thwart any attempt on them.
Though their task was about over as Jiraiya's voice floated from the front of the house speaking to Shikaku "Their in the back sleeping I believe, Shikamaru got them to cloud watch" the Head of the Nara clan groaned pointing to the napping kids.
Not surprised, Jiraiya lifted Sakura and Naruto into his arms before tilting his head back "Thanks for keeping watch over them" he nodded at the two Uchiha who disappeared in a puff of smoke afterwards then headed to the gates where he'd said he'd meet Yamato who had to pack.
Once they four of them were signed out and Yamato showed the guards his mission scroll, they were well on their way to Mount Myoboku, halfway to the tree that held his mark, Naruto stretched and rubbed his crusty eyes "Pops going on" he yawned looking around through bleary eyes.
"Going back home boy" Jiraiya grunted trying to keep a hold on his daughter and perform the hand signs needed "Yamato place your hand on my arm" he grit out struggling for a moment and then finally managed to summon them back to Mount Myoboku.
Yamato blinked as his vision was obstructed by a cloud of smoke before it cleared to reveal a mountain with lush plant life, flowers and giant lily pads and lots and lots of "Toads" he whispered and Jiraiya raised a brow.
"Yeah toads, lots of them, Toads Galore" Jiraiya chuckled leading the way to the little house, just as he prepared to open the door it swung open and he hastily jumped back waking Sakura in the process and she let out a little cry.
Konan frowned "Oh I'm sorry I didn't hurt her, tell me that I didn't whack her with that door" she panicked but held herself back, Yahiko and Nagato had warned her that the pinkette didn't do well with strangers and she definitely wasn't going to add to that fear.
Jiraiya sighed "You didn't hit her, I moved back to quickly, sorry little cherry" he soothed as she wound her arms around his neck like Naruto currently was doing and their hands clasped together while their other hands stayed firmly attached to his shirt collar.
"S'okay Papa" Sakura mumbled rubbing her nose against his shirt, she wasn't quite all awake yet so she wasn't aware of her surroundings, she let out this cute little yawn and stretched her arms far above her head then rubbed her eyes in that adorable way before becoming more alert.
The first thing or rather person she saw was Yamato and Sakura hide her face in Jiraiya's neck, Konan seeing this for herself sighed softly, it was horrible what had happened to the pinkette, but hopefully she would soon come to trust others.
Jiraiya pressed his lips together "Right then why don't you and Naruto go play Sakura-chan, while I show Yamato-san the house schematics I drew" he set his two kids down and they scampered off to find something to keep themselves busy.
"How's a kid going help us build two houses" Konan put her hands on her hips as her amber eyes reflected the confusion she currently felt, Jiraiya held up his hand and they moved into the house and sat down on the couch to talk.
Seeing as Jiraiya wasn't going to speak "I have the same ability as the first hokage wood element" Yamato explained for himself, he really hoped these people were going to try and take advantage of him because then he'd leave and they could build houses themselves.
Nagato eyed the boy with a curious tilt to his head "That's interesting, though you fear being used, don't worry you won't be" he smiled calmly and Yamato's body went lax as the tension he'd been feeling drained out of him.
Then things truly began as they started talking and discussing the houses that were to be built and where to build them, meanwhile Naruto and Sakura were enjoying playing in the underwater cove with Gamakichi and Gamatatsu.
"Bet you can't catch me Gamakichi, cause I'm really fast you know" Naruto called racing away from the little red toad who hopped after him as fast as he could, a moment later both the little toad and the blonde were bypassed by Sakura.
After spending her whole life on the mountain playing leap frog, her leg muscles were strong hence she could run fast in his distraction, Gamakichi hopped high in the air and landed on Naruto's head "Gotcha Naruto" he laughed triumphantly.
Naruto paid the little red toad no attention as he watched his sister leap into the water and dive beneath it, coming back up a few minutes later "Wow Sakura-chan you're like really fast you know" he put Gamakichi on the ground speeding towards his sister.
Sakura swiped her bangs to the side and grinned widely "Mhm" she hummed flopping down on the ground "Should be lunch soon hungry Naruto-kun" Sakura stood a second later and held out her hand, Naruto latched on nodding eagerly.
"Oh boy am I ever, all that exercise" he held tight to Sakura's hand as they swam back to the surface of the cove after bidding the two toads they'd been playing with farewell until they'd eaten, dripping wet Naruto and Sakura ran back towards the house.
Jiraiya groaned quietly and stood fetching two towels from the bathroom "Here" he dropped one on each of his kids "Honestly" he shook his head as they all sat down at the table to eat ramen, Naruto dug in immediately.
While Sakura added some scorpion meat to hers Yahiko watched this in confusion "You know you can just eat it without the bugs right" he spoke to the pinkette for the first time and she jumped in surprise almost knocking over her bowl of ramen, but Naruto pulled out of the way in the nick of time.
"I like Elder Shima's cooking" Sakura pouted crossing her arms keeping her eyes glued to the table to afraid to even looked at the orange haired man she'd seen die in her dreams over and over again like a horrifying movie.
Yahiko let out a depressed sigh and got a bit of ramen with his chopsticks, "Are you that scared of me, I won't hurt ya Sakura-chan" he sulked watching the pinkette closely for any sign of reaction, nothing, instead she grabbed her bowl of ramen from Naruto and started eating.
Jiraiya was the only one who saw it, the small trembles in his daughters shoulders, it wasn't that she was afraid of them, the dream no doubt had left a deep scar on her mind thus she didn't know how to act in their presence, hence the silence.
Resolved to explain it to them later, he returned to his own meal until lunch was polished off "Thanks Pops for the meal" Naruto wrapped his arms around Jiraiya's arm in a hug, while Sakura grinned widely pointedly avoiding looking in Nagato, Yahiko and Konan's direction.
Then they traipsed out of the house "Okay does she hate us or something" Yahiko immediately asked a pout on his lips, even if it was a little toddler, it still sucked getting ignored like that, and he wanted to be able to get to know his sensei's daughter.
"No" Jiraiya was quick to shoot down the accusation and headed back into the living room to get back to his writing, he had a deadline to make on it after all, when no more explanation was forthcoming Yahiko huffed.
But Nagato understood what his sensei was trying to say "Think about it Yahiko, she had a dream of you dying" he pointed out "Now if you were a kid wouldn't that leave a scar on you're mind" Nagato pressed hoping to get Yahiko to understand.
And he did alright "Oh I never really, I guess I wouldn't really know how to act around the person I saw die in my dream either" Yahiko rubbed the back of his head sheepishly "So sensei are we allowed to wander around outside" he asked as they stepped into the living room.
"Sure, sure just be careful not to wander past the flower field, we are still on rocky terms with the other toads on the other side of the mountain" Jiraiya waved them off focusing on his book and trying to write something.
Konan pressed her lips together and rolled her amber eyes "Let's go then Yahiko, Nagato" she grabbed their wrists and drug them from the house, and Yamato was left to read, he was glad that not to much pressure was being put on him and that he did indeed get to relax on this mission.
The three of them headed to the right of the house until they came to this field of giant toadstools where they immediately came across Naruto and Sakura jumping in a circle on some smaller ones that looked really bouncy, that's probably why they were chosen to play on.
Nagato, Yahiko and Konan watched from afar for sometime then they explored around the area some, twenty minutes later it was apparent to the three of them that they were lost, "Well crap" Yahiko scratched his head looking around trying to figure out what direction they should go.
An hour later they were still lost so they decided to sit down, it was hard searching for chakra on the mountain because something blocked it so they couldn't search for the right direction that way, and if they continued wandering around, they'd wind up getting even more lost than they already were.
Two hours had passed and Konan leaned her head back "This is the last time I ever let you lead Yahiko, you are terrible with directions" she grumbled glaring daggers at the orange haired man who got even more depressed at the accusation.
Nagato shook his head hoping that someone came along to find them soon, his plea was answered as Sakura stepped out of the bushes to the right of them tugging along Naruto, the little blonde sent them a wave while the pinkette avoided looking at them again.
Yahiko immediately perked up "Hey we are a little lost, do you think you could show us back to the house" he jumped up begging the two kids to lead them back, Naruto creased his forehead in confusion "Oh no are you two lost as well" he thumped his head against the flower he was leaning against.
"Are we lost Sakura-chan" Naruto sniggered with a knowing smile, Sakura raised her head a mischievous look in her eyes and shook her head "Look behind you" the blonde pointed through the flowers, the trio turned around and Konan wanted to hit something preferably Yahiko.
They'd been right behind the house the entire time for two freaking hours "Yahiko" Konan growled stalking forward preparing to strangle the orange haired man, and Nagato rubbed his forehead as he felt a headache form behind his eyes.
All of them were distracted as Sakura broke down in a fit of giggles "You guys are funny" she laughed finally looking at them, they were normal people that she just so happened to dream about "I'm glad Papa was able to save you" she smiled taking Naruto's hand as they ventured into the house.
Nagato, Yahiko and Konan followed the two kids and found themselves in the kitchen as Jiraiya and Yamato were sitting down "I was wondering where you three had gotten off to" he stared at his former students and their ruffled appearances.
Yahiko and Konan were going to pretend nothing had happened but that wish was dashed by Naruto "They got lost and were sitting behind the house" he sniggered whistling innocently when Yahiko sent him a little glare and Konan put her head in her arms wanting to hide from the world.
Jiraiya snorted "Well let that be a lesson this mountain can be confusing sometimes" he chortled slapping Yahiko on the back, while patting Konan and Nagato on the shoulder in a non sympathetic way, to their chagrin.
"Of course Jiraiya-sensei, either way we had a small breakthrough with Sakura-san" Nagato pointed to the little girl "She talked to us" he smiled kindly at the pinkette when she looked up at him and her cheeks turned pink in embarrassment.
Glad that things were calming down and that Sakura was slowly warming up to his former students Jiraiya settled back in his chair and took a sip of his afternoon tea, it wasn't quite dinner time, but they were all crowded around the kitchen table anyway.
A chair scraping across the floor made him turn his head and then Sakura was climbing into his lap "Cherry" Jiraiya asked in question wondering if something else had happened, she craned her neck around and smiled brightly and he relaxed.
Sakura snuggled back against his chest and closed her eyes "Hey Papa do you think Naruto-kun and I can practice that trick Cee-san taught us" she suddenly pouted and Yahiko sniggered quietly under his breath, and Konan slapped him over the back of the head.
Jiraiya tapped his chin in thought "Well it's dangerous to try it on you're own" he started and Sakura pouted even more, that lower lip jutting out just a tiny bit more and her emerald eyes widened "But if you had an adult there with you" Jiraiya continued.
And surprising all of them "Then Can Nagato-san help us please Papa" she turned pleading eyes on the red head and Nagato froze before sending his sensei a look, Jiraiya nodded in the go ahead and he relaxed before clearing his throat.
"If you'd like I wouldn't mind helping you and Naruto-san out with a bit of training" Nagato smiled sheepishly, he hadn't thought she'd ask him, Konan definitely him, not a bit, it was odd, though he supposed it was the only way the pinkette knew how to make bonds with people right now.
Sakura squealed in delight and clapped her hands "I want to practice so when Cee-san, Darui-san and Omoi-kun come back for another visit we can learn something new" she chattered a mile a minute bringing a smile to Jiraiya's lips.
For awhile he hadn't been sure how Sakura would handle his former students, but now he was glad he'd brought them to the mountain "First my cute little flower" Jiraiya poked her forehead gently and she turned around in his lap an indignant pout on her lips and hand over the place he'd poked.
"Where would you like our new house to be put" he stated, her eyes lit up and Jiraiya knew immediately he shouldn't have asked because Sakura hopped from his lap turned to face him and with the widest smile she'd ever given him.
Spoke in a clear voice "In the flower field of course" Sakura asked in a hopeful tone, Jiraiya felt his eye twitch just slightly before he let out a defeated sigh, then he looked to Naruto who nodded, Fukasaku chuckled quietly.
"Okay then cherry that's where our own house will be built, as for you three" Jiraiya turned his attention on his former students, and before either of the two men could speak, Konan glared them down and in a polite voice.
"Can the houses be connecting houses, with a little pathway between the two so that we might eat breakfast every morning together" she smirked, "I'd feel safer if we were closer to you anyway sensei" Konan shrugged and Yahiko sulked, while Nagato just smiled like he always did.
Sakura jumped up and down in excitement, but before she or Naruto could run off to play some more Shima called out that dinner would be ready soon an hour later, no ramen this time, grub worms and grasshoppers were placed on the table.
Naruto pouted but he ate anyway and Sakura eagerly dug in without hesitation munching the fried grasshoppers quite loudly until she managed to get her happiness under control and eat with manners like everyone else was doing.
Once they were done and the table was cleared away, Sakura and Naruto skipped into the living room and flopped down on the floor after the pinkette grabbed her sketch book and coloring pencils from the table to draw.
The little blonde oohing and awing over what his sister started drawing until all noise stopped an hour later, Jiraiya knew what was going to happen and he was ready for her, Sakura pranced into the kitchen a smile on her lips.
But instead of marching towards him, Sakura walked bravely up to Konan "You're flower is pretty so I drew you some flowers" she presented the sketch and the blue haired woman took it gently in her hands lifting the paper to her face amber irises filling with awe.
Wanting to see what kind of drawing would put that expression on Konan's face, Yahiko peered over her shoulder from behind and his jaw dropped "Wow Sakura-chan, you drew that" he kneeled down before the little girl hoping she'd talk to him to.
"Mhm I did" she nodded shyly feeling just a tad bit uncomfortable in his presence, "I can draw real well" Sakura added for lack of not knowing what else to say as she scuffed her shoe gently on the kitchen floor, and Yahiko patted her gently on the head.
At least she was talking to him even if she was being really shy it was progress "Go on now sweets" Yahiko chuckled sending her back into the living room with Naruto, "Speaking of did you get any chocolate while you were in the village" he questioned.
Jiraiya's eyes went wide, he knew he'd forgotten something "Oops sorry Yahiko, forgot" he shrugged not feeling to guilty about it, that was one thing he didn't want Sakura taking an interest in, she'd get way to hyper as if she wasn't already.
"You don't even sound sorry" Yahiko accused narrowing his light brown eyes and Jiraiya sent him a knowing smile and his jaw dropped "What sensei you are mean" he sulked and Konan rolled her eyes while Nagato sighed at their normal antics.
Face twitching and lowering his voice "Listen, Sakura-chan is a very health oriented girl, but if she ever got a taste for chocolate, then she'd be more hyper than I can handle" Jiraiya shuddered, alas his voice hadn't been low enough and Sakura emerged again.
"What's this chocolate stuff Papa" she tugged on his sleeve gently, she really wanted to know because she looked up at him with wide green eyes that were large in her tiny face and Jiraiya knew he was doomed.
Inevitably he ended up explaining the sugary treat "It's kind of like cake, only it's brown with lots and lots of sugar in it" Jiraiya added for effect, just hearing the description Sakura recoiled and her face twisted in disgust.
He knew immediately what she was going to say "Yucky I don't know who would want all that nasty sugar in their body clogging up arteries" Sakura stuck her tongue out as if to get the imaginary chocolate off her tongue and escaped back to the living room.
Nagato chuckled softly "She certainly is an intriguing little girl for sure, don't think there's many kids out there that would outright reject chocolate as she did, and the explanation was quite amusing" he quipped and Yahiko directed a scowl at him.
A couple hours Naruto was toted off for his bath, followed by Sakura, who got a story and then was tucked into bed, once the pinkette was sleeping, Jiraiya exited the hall waiting for the telltale noise of a door opening before smiling, adopting Naruto had one of his better decisions in life it seemed.
"You really are good with them, though I can't help but notice you pay Sakura-san a bit more attention" Nagato pointed out when his sensei was laying on the opposite couch and Yahiko was reading a book, it was only seven.
Jiraiya frowned "Perhaps, but that's because I have a deeper bond with my little blossom, I found, well Gamakichi and I found her abandoned out in the pouring rain beneath a cherry blossom tree" he said leaning back to get comfortable.
Yahiko closed his book and set it on the side table on top of the sketchpad there "Have you found any clue as to her real parents" he asked quietly, Konan had gone to bed early, but it seemed not everyone was tired just yet, himself including.
He shook his head "No as frustrating as it is, there's nothing at all" Jiraiya ran a hand through his hair "But if I do ever find something and her real parents do turn up, they'll have to fight me to get her back" he vowed vehemently.
Swallowing nervously in the dark of the room Yahiko shared a look with Nagato, their sensei was insanely protective over the pinkette "But make no mistake I do care for Naruto a great deal" Jiraiya's voice cut through their thoughts.
After that the three of them settled down in their chosen sleeping places and closed their eyes to go to sleep, Yamato having taken up sleeping on the floor in Naruto's room, and having gone to bed way earlier considering he had been on a different sleeping schedule until that day.