Upon waking up the next morning Sakura realized that the C turned A Ranked mission was almost over and that her Father was there in the small village in the Land of Waves, with that thought in mind she threw the covers off her person and stood.
Before taking a quick shower and dressing for the morning, not wanting to wake any one up stairs she silently creeped down the stairs and to the living room where her Father was already wide awake like usual at this hour "Pink brat" Ibiki greeted.
"Father good morning" Sakura couldn't help it as she smiled brightly at the man just relieved that he was there and she wouldn't have to go however long until she could see him again, though she would be glad to be back in the Hidden Leaf Village soon as well.
Since she missed her sensei, Genma, Shisui, Itachi, Yugao and whoever else she'd met and grown up with which included Anko "Is that really how you greet each other" Zabuza wasn't sure if he should feel sorry for the girl or laugh.
Viridian irises snapped his way and alighted on his awake form much like his own brat apprentice was awake and rearing for the morning, Sakura tilted her head to the side before shrugging quietly and sitting at Ibiki's side.
"Don't you think your to formal to one another to be family" Haku frowned this was the oddest situation ever, Ibiki raised a nonexistent brow and glanced down at the first brat he'd adopted, who smiled up at him brightly.
Earning a chuckle "Maybe but then again this brat has always been way to formal since she was four, and I don't know where she got that from" the Head of T&I snorted and Sakura rolled her eyes lightly in amusement.
"Me either good morning Karin-chan, I didn't wake you did I" the pinkette turned her head to the living room doorway where her fraternal twin appeared, looking as if she could sleep for the next year or so after all that had happened.
Though at the greeting "Good morning Dad, Sakura-chan, Zabuza-san, Haku-san" Karin yawned tiredly and flopped down on the ground before her sister wanting to be close after that scare from yesterday she didn't want to be to far from Sakura right yet.
A few minutes later she was out snoring again "If she was that tired why didn't the brat stay in bed" the raven haired rogue scoffed still not sure what to think about the situation he'd gotten himself in, were they really going to go back to the Leaf Village.
He doubted the Hokage would let them in and they'd probably be executed on sight or maybe just him and Haku would get to live his life in happiness "Perhaps Karin-san just wanted to be close to her family" the raven haired teenager piped in quietly.
Still extremely sore from getting a hand shoved into his gut plus a jutsu "That's right, she's not the only one after that scare of her almost getting snatched away it's better if none of us are left alone" Naruto came padding down the stairs next use to waking up early.
Onyx eyes rolled up in mock annoyance as the last two remaining genin appeared after the blonde brat "Considering we all are a little special, and I can go home now and say I've finally unlocked the sharingan" Sasuke smirked proud of himself.
Just knowing that the training with his sharingan was going to be grueling but ready to go through it in order to be on par with his teammates who put themselves through hellish clan training themselves day after day.
"Guess I could train hard myself when we get back to cause it sucks being left in the dust by you guys" Suigetsu sulked quietly as he plopped down lightly next to the others as they pulled out their weapons intend on cleaning them or sharpening them if need be.
Sakura grinned and settled back on the couch watching silently the antics of her friends, an hour later at seven Karin woke again "Ugh can't wait to go home and take a break hopefully from all training" the red head sent a hopeful look at her adoptive Father.
Who raised a brow "I'll think about it brat, you lot still have to get through the next few days until that bridge is finished remember" the Anbu Commander reminded knowing he didn't have to as they all sighed but nodded in understanding.
"Don't have to tell us Morino, we know at least we don't have to train like crazy this time and very few probably no one at all will come after Tazuna" the ebony haired preteen shrugged glad they didn't have to fight against rogues no more.
At least not at that current moment anyway "Oh I didn't realize you lot were up already" Tsunami chose that moment to come trailing gracefully into the living room before pausing at the sight of them all awake and talking amongst themselves.
Ibiki glanced up into ebony orbs "That's right Tsunami-san, would you like any help with breakfast this morning" the blonde brat popped up from where he was laying flat on his back, it seems the woman had shaped him into someone who was a little more respectful.
Making Ibiki curious as he watched the woman wave the blonde towards her, not only Naruto, but Sakura and Karin went as well "It's been like that all week, I think they like her a lot Ibiki-sensei" the pale blue haired preteen admitted.
Just then another little brat came running down the stairs "Wait for me mom" Inari called not wanting to be left out, he'd come to care for the genin like family himself and it was really going to suck when they all had to leave and go home to their village.
"Honestly Inari-kun, come along then and get out the eggs would you Karin-chan, Inari you can help her crack them in the bowl" the raven haired woman instructed with ease, she'd gotten use to the help from the preteens.
Inari grinned brightly "This is the most fun I've had in ages" the little ebony haired eight year old exclaimed helping to carefully crack the eggs in the bowl before the bowl was passed over to Sakura, who'd heated up the pan and scrambled the eggs properly and added seasoning.
"Gonna be hard to separate them" Kakashi spoke up drawing Ibiki's gaze onto himself, who nodded with a light grimace, this was the first time his brats had ever gotten attached to an older woman to this degree anyway.
Yugao and Anko were different stories they were like older sisters to the brats in a creepy way "Perhaps Morino you could…." the silver haired nin trailed off not speaking his idea aloud because he wasn't sure how it would be taken.
Didn't seem like the man heard him any as a contemplative expression formed on his features and then Ibiki stood and vanished out the door saying he'd be back in a few minutes he just needed to walk around for a bit and think.
"Looks like a full house" Tazuna trailed down the stairs the last one to be exact and seated himself in a chair while pulling a book from a shelf to read and keep an eye on the two who'd threatened his life as discretely as possible.
While he was looking around "Where the tall one go, you know with the scars on his face" the bridge builder creased his brow, the man hadn't left while they were all sleeping had they, it would be a little creepy if he had.
"Left to take a walk, he said he'd be back in a bit, just needed to think about something" Zabuza snorted harshly and crossed his arms over his chest, things had just gotten even odder now that the man he'd been after was sitting across from him without a spec of fear in him.
Not daring to pry any further the gray haired male lowered his gaze to his book and got to reading "Breakfast is done" Inari appeared to make the call since the others were still setting up the table, just as the tall scary guy returned.
The door closed behind him quietly and he followed the others into the kitchen to eat breakfast and watch his brats interact with the woman "After this Sasuke and Suigetsu can come with me to the bridge and keep look out" Kakashi spoke up leaving the Uzumaki's alone.
Since he got the feeling that it was what was wanted by Ibiki "Okay at least I'm not being left behind this time" Suigetsu shrugged lightly wishing that he'd gotten to train more before they'd come on this mission but glad that he was useful hopefully.
"Ugh why not the Dope, he's not the one who got beat up yesterday" Sasuke sulked lightly feeling sore himself, he slunk low in his seat when obsidian irises shot his way and he wisely didn't comment again.
Everyone else was similarly confused "Right then if you lot are ready" Tazuna stood so did the others and surprisingly Zabuza, who announced that it was better if he came along so he could recognize any of Gatou's thugs that could still be around waiting to get their revenge.
Tazuna didn't argue and out the door the five of them went, soon enough the rest of them were finished eating breakfast as well and the remaining genin helped clean up "What am I meant to do" Haku frowned not liking that he'd been left behind, he felt so useless at that moment.
Crimson orbs shot his way "Better to rest up Haku-san and try not to over do things since your still sore from yesterday" Karin pointed out gently putting away the glasses as she padded about the kitchen knowing where everything went because of how much time she'd spent there.
Haku sighed and left the kitchen intent on trying to do as told and rest a little more, Ibiki chuckled, yes the boy would most definitely benefit from being put under Hatake's command, then his gaze snapped to the woman, Tsunami.
At that exact moment their eyes met and a blush rose to her cheeks under his gaze "You've raised them well Ibiki-san" Tsunami spoke up softly swallowing thickly when he continued to stare at her, kami never had she been so nervous under a male's gaze.
Well at least not for a long time anyway, not since, she broke the staring contest and glanced to the wall where the picture of her former husband was hung, Kaiza, and she wondered would he mind that she found someone else, became happy again and gave Inari another Father.
Perhaps this time around they wouldn't loose him so soon "Quite, I've done the best I can do, though it seems they are quite taken with you Ma'am" Ibiki raised a brow perusing her standing form yet again trying to imagine himself with a woman at his side.
Maybe this woman to be precise since his adopted brats seemed to like her so much, oh yes he knew what Hatake had wanted to say, he just needed to think long and hard on the subject "Of course we are Pops" Naruto piped in with a whiskered grin.
"Cause Tsunami-san is kind and has taught us each valuable lessons" Sakura smiled brightly ruffling Inari's hair as she walked by and the boy giggled childishly basking in the affection being given to him by the preteens.
Ibiki saw this and sat back until they all moved into the living room for a little while "Okay, okay you go off and play for a bit Inari-kun, Karin-chan, Sakura-chan, Naruto-kun if you wouldn't mind going to pick some herbs for me the help would be appreciated" the raven haired woman spoke up suddenly.
Wanting to be alone with Ibiki for a minutes, the eight year old immediately did as told and ran off to play "See you later Mom, Sakura-nee, Karin-nee, Naruto-ni" the ebony haired eight year old waved vanishing out the door.
And the preteens moved towards the back door "We'll be back in a bit are there any specific herbs you want Tsunami-san" the pinkette glanced to the woman, who shook her head indicating that any herbs that were picked would do.
She got the feeling that a serious conversation was about to happen and ushered her sister and adopted brother out the door a little quicker "You don't have to shove Sakura-chan" the blonde whined as he was hurried.
"Yeah what's the big idea" the ruby haired preteen raised a crimson brow before her eyes widened in realization and she could barely contain her excitement if all worked out, they might be going home with a mother, a dream come true.
Left alone with each other now the remaining adults stared at each other for a few minutes "I realize I might be asking a lot of you Ma'am, but would you consider taking them on as your official children" Ibiki broke the silence.
Ebony orbs going wide in shock because she hadn't thought he'd ask outright at least not like that anyway it took her a few moments longer to right herself "They need a mother and Inari-kun needs a Father, let's see how the next few days go" Tsunami suggested.
Ibiki nodded in agreement "Quite, I'm sure it will be trying but they care for you and I don't think I could deal with the pouting when it's time to go home" the Head of T&I sighed, he just wanted those brats to be happy to be honest.
And leaving without Tsunami or her own little brat would make them the exact opposite of that, they'd be depressed and pouty, Tsunami giggled "So Ibiki-san why don't you tell me something about yourself" the raven haired woman inquired wanting to learn something about this man.
Not sure how well this was going to go, he blew out a breath "I'm the Head of the Torture and Interrogation unit in the Leaf Village, rest assured I don't let them anywhere near any of that stuff, just my office, which is safe and secure" the Anbu Commander relented.
Seeing the horror in the woman's gaze almost immediately after parting with some information on himself, though at the assurance it faded "Oh I see, well that's very interesting, I've been married twice that's not a problem is it" Tsunami bit her lip hoping the man wouldn't mind.
"Better to have experience than none at all, I'm afraid I'll be going in blind if things do work out as I've never married" Ibiki admitted with a grimace, Tsunami sat down at that mulling over the new information before shrugging.
Looks like she didn't mind in the least "That's fine, now tell me about these scars" the ebony haired woman raised her hand and traced the scars on his face gently, they were rough, despite how long they might have been there.
Ibiki chuckled at her curiosity "Hmm most of them I've gotten on missions, accidents you see, but these here were given to me by a man named Aoi Rokusho" the Head of T&I pulled his headband from his head revealing the hideous scars beneath.
The woman instantly sat back staring in horror "Just horrible, d..did you kill him" Tsunami whispered unable to stop staring until the headband was replaced and the scars were once again covered up by the blue cloth.
"Unfortunately no, he escaped and because of him my brother was marked as a rogue ninja, he died several years ago, his death traumatized the pink brat" Ibiki explained for the eavesdropping teenager, who left them to their conversation in the next moment.
With wide eyes Tsunami frowned deeply "Poor girl is that why she spared that boy, Haku-san from certain death you think" the ebony haired woman inquired softly not wanting to be to loud since she thought said boy was still asleep.
He nodded "Yes, Idate is about the same age as that boy give or take a year or so, she doesn't handle death well" the Anbu Commander winced remembering when the Uzumaki sister's mother died, the pink brat had blacked out for three solid days.
And then Idate that was the worst he couldn't stand it when his brats were hurting especially Sakura since she'd been with him the longest "I'd really like this to work, see if we can be together I mean" Tsunami leaned back finally done tracing the scars on his face.
"Precisely because those brats, need a mother" Ibiki chuckled the word brats was said with fondness, they knew and it seemed Tsunami understood as well and just like that they jumped back into conversation trying to learn more things about one another.
~Meanwhile~
Naruto sighed for the millionth time in an hour "I'm pretty sure Tsunami-san didn't mean for us to try and pick her entire garden of herbs Sakura-chan" Naruto sulked at his adoptive sister, why wouldn't she let them stop.
Then he looked over and realized she and Karin had only picked a few herbs and were settled on a bench staring at the backdoor with excited expression "Knucklehead your just as oblivious as usual" Sakura giggled lightly.
"Yeah, their in there learning about each other, we might possibly leave here with a Mom" Karin snorted bouncing in place eager to see the outcome of the next few days, she hoped with all her might that it happened.
A choking sound filled the air as Naruto gaped "What you mean Pops is putting the moves on Tsunami-san that's gross" the blonde completely misunderstood what his adoptive sister's had meant and they sent him matching unimpressed sighs.
"Brainiac no, their talking, getting to know one another the old fashioned way" the pinkette rolled her eyes lightly and then focused her gaze on the door again knowing that when the adults were done one of them would come and let them know they could come back in again.
Karin giggled "This is so exciting what do you suppose he's telling her Sakura-chan, you don't think he'll tell Tsunami-san about being the head of that unit do you" the red head inquired curiously but also worried.
Emerald orbs widened "Kami that would scare her away super fast, I hope Pops doesn't cause I do want someone to call Mum like you guys do" Naruto plopped down on the bench on the other side of Sakura doing the same as the Uzumaki sisters.
"You don't give Tsunami-san enough credit, she wasn't afraid of those thugs remember, I bet he did and she handled it like a pro" Sakura grinned from ear to ear knowing the woman very well from spending time with her all week.
Beside her, her fraternal twin sister nodded in agreement "Agreed, Tsunami-san is a woman, a very strong independent woman who won't make a decision like this lightly" Karin pointed out, grabbing up the basket of herbs just as the door opened.
And a hand beckoned them back into the house, where they spent the rest of the day chatting about this and that, cooking lunch together until the others returned around dinner time "Phew almost done with that bridge and then I can relax" Tazuna announced.
Upon settling down at the dinner table that night and a plate of piping hot delicious looking food was placed before him by Sakura and he graced her with kind smile "Father after this I need to speak with you and Inari-kun" Tsunami spoke up in the next moment.
Tazuna blinked in confusion "What for Mom, we haven't done something that's made you mad have we" Inari frowned not sure what was going on or why his mom had such a serious expression on her usually gentle features.
She shook her head but said nothing more on the subject indicating that she wanted it to be private "I think tomorrow, Sakura-chan and Karin-chan can come to the bridge, give Suigetsu-kun and Sasuke-kun a break" Kakashi piped in with the plans for tomorrow.
Both girls nodded in acceptance and glanced to their adoptive Father "Fine by me, though have the blonde brat go with them, you lot deserve a break as well Hatake" Ibiki suggested knowing his adopted brats could handle themselves for the day.
"Haku and I will go as well for lookout again" Zabuza commented and earned a dirty look, Kakashi pressed his lips together, seems Karin disapproved of Zabuza trying to make Haku work while he was still sore.
Though she proved to have amazing restraint and kept her mouth shut "That's okay I suppose, though I doubt I'll be much help right yet" Haku grimaced trying his best not to sound reluctant, he hoped he wasn't sore like this tomorrow, it would suck if he was.
"Geez slow down would ya" Suigetsu snorted in amusement glad that there was just a couple more days to go and they'd be home free, with a couple of extra's sure, and hopefully no more outside the village missions for awhile.
Next to him was the ebony haired preteen of the bunch "I don't think that's in their vocabulary Suigetsu" Sasuke huffed earning laughter from the two girls and a couple of eye rolls from Kakashi and Ibiki both.
Soon enough dinner was devoured and like it had been for a week the preteens helped clean up while Tazuna, Tsunami and Inari vanished elsewhere to have that talk "Okay what's up Tsunami, don't think I didn't notice the looks you kept sending a certain someone" Tazuna narrowed his eyes.
His daughter swallowed thickly "Huh what do you mean looks I never noticed anything" Inari piped in, in complete and utter confusion, nobody ever told him anything and it sucked, he was about to start sulking when his mother looked down at him.
"We..Well how would you like to have another Father, Inari-kun, one that's strong and capable of defending himself against a lot of people" Tsunami asked carefully unsure of how her son would handle the idea of leaving this little village behind.
Because that's how it would end up, Inari tilted his head to the side "That would be great Mom, are you talking about that tall scary looking guy" the ebony haired eight year old questioned in confusion still a little lost put getting there slowly.
"You don't mean….Tsunami are you sure that's what you want" the eldest member of the family questioned catching on in the next moment, his daughter would go that far to give her son a father and care for those kids, he was pretty surprised.
Tsunami looked him straight in the eyes as she spoke to her son "I am, we decided to see how well we get along during the next few days and if all works out, well we might move" the raven haired woman admitted waiting for the blow up.
When no outbursts of anger came for even considering the idea "Okay but does he even want another little kid to help raise" Inari frowned, how would someone that scary be a good influence on him anyway, though looking at Sakura and Karin, they were raised very well.
"Of course he does Inari-kun and perhaps give you a little sibling as well in the future, not right yet but someday" Tsunami smiled thanking her lucky stars that her little boy had grown up a little bit during all this chaos.
Then she looked to her Father "Guess it wouldn't hurt to make some changes, he'd protect you well" Tazuna relented and just like that their future was decided upon, while the bridge was being finished they'd start packing and walk to Leaf with the Leaf Shinobi as their escorts to make their life there.
It would be hard leaving behind everyone they knew but sometimes a change was necessary, the village would be fine without them, "What do you suppose their talking about anyway" the raven haired preteen asked as all of them gathered in the Uzumaki Sister's guest room.
"Moving to the Hidden Leaf Village of course, Tsunami-san and Father are going to try being in a relationship, she likes us that much" the pinkette announced bluntly grinning from ear to ear, signaling that she had zero problem with this idea and wanted a mother to call her own.
Sasuke choked on spit and slid to the floor "Kami that's pretty fast don't you think, then again if they did move, they'd have more time to get to know one another and decide if their well suited to each other" the pale blue haired preteen said with a shrug.
"Wow I think that's the smartest thing you've ever said" the red head that was his current teammate teased gently not trying to be mean or hurt his feelings, since the boy was sensitive to certain comments, thankfully this time he didn't take offense.
Off to the side Naruto shook his head "I for one am for the idea as well, even if it took me awhile to catch on" the blonde spoke up not wanting to be left out as they chattered amongst themselves for a little while until they got tired.
"Right we'll see you in the morning for breakfast Sakura, Karin, come on Dope, Suigetsu" Sasuke rose to his feet seeing everyone yawning more and more as time wore on, the girls would need their sleep for the next day after all and Naruto as well.
Both of the Uzumaki Sisters nodded in agreement "Yeah totally Sasuke c..cause break..breakfast is the most important meal of the day" Sakura yawned tiredly, exhausted from the mission as it started wearing down on her.
He shook his head quietly in amusement "Go on to bed now Sakura-chan, Karin-chan" Naruto ushered the two girls towards their futon and waited until they were beneath the covers before turning and heading after Sasuke.
"Night Suigetsu" Karin waved sluggishly already on the verge of passing out, just before her eyes fully closed she got a wave back and then she was out like a light, Sakura smiled fondly and directed her gaze to Suigetsu.
Who grinned "See ya in the morning Sakura-chan" Suigetsu whispered turning on his heel and shutting the door to their guest room extremely quietly before walking across the hall into the guestroom he shared with the two boys to get some shut eye himself.
~Downstairs~
"Did you mean that, I mean from earlier, someones death has traumatized her" Haku was unable to hold his tongue any longer, letting the tall scary male know he'd been eavesdropping on his and Tsunami's conversation earlier.
Ibiki wasn't the only one who sat up straight but so did his Master and the Copy Ninja that was still awake going over plans for the return home "So I was right in the fact you were listening brat, but yes, the pink brat was traumatized by my little brothers death" Ibiki nodded.
Relenting and answering the question "That's why she spared Haku from his fate, stupid brat, but I suppose I can thank her as I didn't want to see this brat dead" Zabuza snorted admitting his feelings and Haku gave him a surprised look in response.
But no more was said "By the way Ibiki, is it just me or was Tsunami-san staring at you a lot during dinner" Kakashi cleared his throat asking a question that had been bugging him since earlier while they'd been eating.
"Yeah I noticed that as well, you didn't do something to piss the woman off did you" the raven haired rogue prodded curiously, he supposed he could get use to being nice since the Leaf Village was full of baby shinobi anyway.
A brow twitched and Haku had to keep himself from laughing at the man's misfortune "The woman and I have decided to try for a relationship, those brats care for her and vice versa" the Head of T&I coughed.
Kakashi choked "Wait what, you mean you actually asked her outright if she'd be their mother" the silver haired nin gaped through his mask shocked beyond belief, the Anbu Commander would go that far to give those kids something they desperately needed.
"T..They spent over an hour getting to know one another this morning" the ebony haired teenager admitted, he hadn't heard much just bits and pieces but at least he knew what had been going on while the preteens had been outside.
In response the man snorted "And we're going to see how the next few days go as well, those three will probably be walking with us to Leaf, now if you don't mind I'm getting some shut eye" Ibiki scoffed and crossed his arms over his chest.
Not daring to press for anymore answer "Goodnight then Morino, Zabuza, Haku-kun" Kakashi saluted and vanished up the stairs to the guest room he'd been assigned from the very start of their stay in the little village in the Land of Waves.
"Seems like it's going to be quite the trying walk, better get some shut eye and perhaps girly will check you over in the morning see how your soreness is" Zabuza snorted and lay back on the futon he shared with his brat apprentice.
"Right, Sakura-san is rather kind" Haku smiled lightly and did the same as his master and soon enough the entire house was fast asleep, snoozing the night away and then morning came, breakfast was made and they all ate.
Just before they left the house Sakura checked his stomach over with a glowing green hand and smiled brightly at him "Looks like your almost all healed up Haku-san" the fuscia haired preteen exclaimed as they headed out the door and towards the bridge after Tazuna.
Leaving everyone else behind to rest up and recover and before they knew it the little house was all packed up, the bridge was done and named and it was time for them to leave "Are you really leaving Tazuna" Giichi questioned.
"We are, I'm leaving the village to your capable hands Giichi" Tazuna grinned widely still not sure how this was going to work out but willing to try his best in order to make his daughter happy by moving with her all the way to Leaf.
Giichi sighed "Good luck then on your future ventures Tazuna, be safe Tsunami and grow up strong Inari-kun" Agari nodded at the little family that had changed their village for the better and just like that they were gone.
Zabuza blew out a breath keeping his guard raised much like the little brats are doing "So what's going to happen once we get there" Haku couldn't help but ask when the silence had stretched on for way to long in his eyes.
"I sent a message to the Leaf Village a couple days ago and when we arrive someone will be there ready to escort us to the Tower, where you'll be evaluated by our very own Hokage-sama" Kakashi explained carefully, hoping that everything went well.
Because Zabuza and this boy would be a great asset to their village "If you pass the evaluation you'll be put on a trail based period for a month, be given headbands, the boy will be put on a genin team and take on low ranking missions" Ibiki interjected.
"And once that is over then what we're official Leaf Shinobi is that it" Zabuza raised a nonexistent brow, it seemed to easy, way to easy actually and he couldn't help but be wary about what would soon be upon them.
The two males before him nodded and fell silent "Well I for one am taking a nice relaxing break when we get home" Suigetsu huffed tired of training and working so much, even if it was just a few days it would be nice.
Karin giggled "There's a possibility Suigetsu that we might not get one, just so you know, so I wouldn't get my hopes up to much" Karin just had to go and burst his bubble and Suigetsu started pouting, neither preteen noticed the amusement on Ibiki's face.
As he thought on the request "It will be nice to see Shisui-san, Ni-san and Hayate again" Sasuke commented eager to show off his new skills, especially his sharingan, he'd already promised that he would train hard with his dojutsu after all in order to be on par with his teammates.
"Me too, I feel like it's been forever since we've seen Hayate-sensei you know" Naruto perked up and started walking a little quicker, he couldn't wait to finally be home in the village and get to sleep in his bed again and take on stupid D Rank missions.
Even if they'd be a drag, he wouldn't complain this time as he'd learned his lesson "May I ask who this Hayate person is, I thought this guy was your sensei" Inari piped in confused by the conversation going on around him.
Thankfully someone decided to take pity on him "Since we're genin we call just about any Jonin a sensei, but Kakashi-ni was assigned as our sensei for this mission, Naruto, Sasuke and I have a different sensei than Karin-chan and Suigetsu, his name is Hayate Gekko" Sakura informed gently.
Inari stared wide eyed in surprise "Goodness and when will you be able to move up in rank from this genin position" Tsunami inquired politely curious about their way of life, it's possible that any future children of her's could become a ninja after all, if things worked out like she wanted.
"Er we're not sure Tsunami-san, that's pretty much kept all hush, hush until it's time for that sort of thing" the pale blue haired preteen sulked while Sakura grimaced, she knew obviously and whatever she was thinking couldn't be good.
As she stared hard at the ground "You alright Sakura, you've been quiet for awhile now" Tazuna spoke up several minutes later when chatter continued around them from the other genin except for Sakura, who'd remained silent since Tsunami's question.
"Oh I'm fine just thinking that's all" the pinkette pasted a super bright smile on her lips that anyone could tell was fake, well maybe not anyone but a few did recognize that it was fake, her sister being one and Sasuke as the other.
Sasuke winced "Don't worry Sakura, that's probably far off anyway" the ebony haired preteen squeezed her hand discreetly knowing she needed a little boost of courage until they could get home and his Ni-san protected her daily again, even her heart.
"Can't wait to see Tenten-chan and maybe even Kiba again, it feels like it's been forever since we got to see our friends" the crimson haired girl pouted in the next moment as her sister finally dragged her thoughts out of the depressing place they were currently in.
And smiled widely in agreement "No kidding, though I think I've learned a lesson from all of this, don't ask for higher ranked missions until we're ready next time" the lone blonde winced thinking he was going to be made fun of.
"Well at least you learned something blonde brat, stick with D Rank, train and get better first before asking for a slightly more difficult mission and for the love of kami if you lot get stuck on another A Ranked Mission accidentally I'm gonna go ballistic" Ibiki grumbled.
Making the brats laugh or giggle at him as was the case of Sakura and Karin "Totally not our fault by the way" Suigetsu huffed not liking that they were possibly being blamed for this whole sham of a stinking mission.
Tazuna flushed "Father what exactly did you do to get these guys on the mission anyway" Tsunami questioned of her Father, since she hadn't been given the whole story when the lot of them had shown up at the house.
"Oh uh well you see I lied about the mission rank, I'm sorry for putting you all in danger" Tazuna rubbed the back of his neck sheepishly, the guilt lessening when they all sent him reassuring smiles proving they didn't hold it against him.
"Grandpa honestly no wonder they trained like crazy during that entire week" Inari grinned taking the mickey out of his grandfather, who rolled his eyes and turned forward ignoring the teasing with as much grace as possible.
Kakashi chuckled "What's done is done we can't change the past, only look forward to the future" the silver haired nin commented looking forward himself, just glad to be on the way home after what felt like the longest mission of his life.
He really thought he was going to be strangled but thanks to some kind of luck they'd managed to get away scott free "So how long will it take us to reach the Leaf Village" Haku inquired yet again when silence had reigned down on them for an hour.
"A day and a half boy" Zabuza snorted and like that silence settled upon them like a blanket, it was such a nice day that no one wanted to disturb the peace, soon enough though they were stopping for lunch and eventually dinner hours after that and getting some rest.
And after walking for several hours the next day when it was nearing lunch time the big red wrought iron gates of the Hidden Leaf Village came into view, the genin sped up exponentially especially when they saw who were waiting for them.
Genma, Hayate, Shisui and Itachi "Welcome back you kids, how was the mission" Genma chuckled knowing damn well how the mission had gone since they'd all been briefed, his questioned earned groans from two of the boys.
While the others shrugged lightly "Right lets get to the Tower first before we explain how the next couple days are going to cough" Shisui looked straight at Zabuza Momochi and his apprentice, he was glad those kids were alright and he let out a sigh of relief upon seeing them.
Unharmed and happy for the most part "Exactly and then you can go home and rest up" Itachi smiled softly at the five genin who worked harder than most children in order to be accepted by those that they cared for.
Hayate was last "I think since you worked so hard on this mission you three deserve a three day break, take these next few days to visit with friends and rest us" Hayate coughed greeting his students, he was relieved to have them back in one piece.
Like that they were on their way to the Hokage Tower, where the Hokage launched into a long winded congratulations on completing the mission speech and handed over the pay that was due before dismissing the genin which left Zabuza and Haku.
By the time they were allowed to find accommodations it felt like their ears were ringing despite the fact they had new headbands situated upon their heads and soon enough they were crawling into beds in a guestroom at the Morino house for some shut eye, exhausted after a long day.