It was three weeks later, when Sakura turned five months pregnant that Team Seven, with Chojuro were sent out on their first outside village C Ranked Mission to the Land of Wind and the Hidden Sand Village for two weeks.
The first three days were to be spent traveling, a week helping the Interim Kazekage, a day to pack their belongings and the last escorting whoever had been chosen and his or her escorts back to the Leaf Village to finish up a treaty between the two village.
"We're sorry Sakura-chan" Naruto wrapped his pink haired sister into a careful hug "If there were any other teams that could do this Granny would have sent them, but everyone's still busy" he frowned not liking that she would be alone.
Sasuke scuffed the blonde over the back of the head "That Mitarashi woman is going to be spending these next two weeks with Sakura, it's not as if she'll be completely alone, especially with her summons" he reminded giving the pinkette his own hug.
Lastly Kakashi patted her head and gave her a quick hug "Just promise me you won't do anything reckless Sakura-chan, Mei-sama will have me strung up by very important body parts if anything happens to you" he said giving her his signature eye crinkle smile.
Her viridian orbs sparkled with amusement "And I..I'll be sure to drink lots of water Sakura-chan, so d..don't worry about us to much" Chojuro stated as they were heading out of the house, he like Naruto thought this was the worst idea ever, but he couldn't complain.
"I promise to be careful Dad, and I know Naruto, thank you Sasuke, and that's a relief Chojuro, just promise me that you'll all be alert and careful" Sakura waved from her spot on the couch, until she heard the front door shut behind them.
Not one to sit idle she jumped up only fifteen minutes later a determined gleam in her jade irises as she rolled up her sleeves though before Sakura got started on whatever it was she had in mind, Kashi, Sanmi and another cat named Sukina was summoned.
Sukina was a squash faced dark brown cat with brown eyes "Thank you meow for summoning us meow Sakura-chan" Sukina purred stretching her large body and shaking her fur out before leaping to the back of the couch.
While Kashi curled around the pinkette's shoulders and Sanmi roamed the house at his own leisure "Where are those boys meow Sakura-chan" Kashi inquired upon realizing the house was empty except for her mistress and those that had been summoned.
"Mission Kashi-chan, though Anko-san is going to be staying these next couple of weeks with me until they return" Sakura responded heading straight for the storage closet, Inuzuka whistle around her neck and the scent bag that attracted Kikaichu beetles hanging off a bracelet.
A couple moments later Sanmi popped back into the living room rubbing against her legs, make no mistake though every single one of the cats that had been summoned so far would fight to the death for their pink haired mistress.
"Do you have any of those treats Sakura-chan meow" he asked looking up at her with his blue eyes and looking positively adorable, no one could resist him after all and Sakura giggled and nodded pointing to the kitchen.
"Counter Sanmi-kun" she said pulling out two pillows for comfort and a large neatly folded blanket, even if Anko had told her she wouldn't have to do this, being a good host was essential and Sakura felt obligated to make the purple haired woman feel comfortable.
Not even twenty minutes later of setting up the couch, pulling it out using just a little chakra to make the process easier, a knock came on her door, Sakura popped up eyes sparkling with an inner light and practically skipped to the foyer.
Opening it before blinking in shock "Morino-san" the pinkette eyed the tall intimidating man in confusion once the shock wore off "Not that I don't appreciate you coming by or anything" her brows creased wondering what was going on.
Ibiki lifted a brow at the tiny heavily pregnant pinkette, who seemed much further along than she was supposed to be according to some of his anbu who'd had children themselves "Mitarashi is still coming, though leaving your protection up to just her is not a good idea" he began.
Sakura caught on instantly "You mean your going to be staying to Morino-san" she coughed in surprise, Ibiki nodded "Okay" there was no point in arguing after all, unnecessary stress as Mei would say and really she didn't have a problem.
"Really and here I thought I would get some of that stubbornness you showed those elders" Ibiki chuckled, this earned him a very light eye roll, and he ruffled her pink hair, which was getting just a little bit to long for her tastes.
As she stepped aside to allow him into her home, she shrugged "No point in arguing, besides even if I had said no, you wouldn't have simply left when I asked now would you have Morino-san" it was her turn to raise a slender brow at the older man.
Causing him to throw his head back and laugh in the same crazy way Anko seemed fond of "To right you are Haruno" Ibiki said looking around the house and finding it apt "How's the trench coat" he asked eyeing the pinkette and realizing she was wearing it.
Her eyes lit up "Very comfortable, even if Naruto thinks it's kind of creepy, and I'm sure that was part of the idea, but I wear it all the time and sometimes when I sleep, Tsuyoi-chan loves it to" Sakura chattered the mans ears off.
And Ibiki let her "Right so Mitarashi has warned me no extra guest rooms, so we'll be using the couches" he asked once they were stood in the large living room,filled with all sorts of knickknacks or belongings from the other occupants of the house.
"Right, I promise the couches are very comfortable though, plus you'll have access to the storage closet should you need extra pillows or blankets" Sakura explained gesturing to the still open door and walking towards the closet.
To grab even more blankets and pillows "Good to know, and I have to warn you, we won't be here throughout an entire day, just mornings if we can spare them and nights only, can you handle that" Ibiki stated.
Sakura nodded "Oh I'll be fine no worries" she waved him off gently not to upset about being alone during the day, "I can go visit my friends any time not to mention I'll have my summons for companions should I need someone to talk to" she said lightly.
Glad that she understood well enough what to expect with himself and Anko basically staying for what will seem like weeks on end in her house, Ibiki nodded "Good, we'll be by later tonight" he said then after she'd walked him to the door, he left returning to T&I.
Even though she hadn't expected more than Anko, she felt relieved that more than one person was going to be staying, "Kashi-chan want to come with me to the store, I do have to get some groceries after all" Sakura faced her summons.
The ninneko's green eyes lit up and Kashi leaped to her shoulders as shoulders "Of course meow" she purred loudly in her mistress's ears rubbing her nose against the pink locks in affection as her tail curled around the pinkette's neck.
A small laugh bubbled between her lips "Hold down the fort Sanmi-kun, Sukina-chan, we'll be back after a bit" Sakura called to the other summons hanging about, while grabbing up a storage scroll and making sure the illusion genjutsu was in place.
Before heading to the foyer and putting on her sandals, exiting the house mere moments later "How long did you meow say they'd be gone again Sakura-chan" Kashi asked when they were little more than halfway to the market.
"Two weeks Kashi-chan, we'll find something interesting to do I'm sure" Sakura smiled happily as she walked along paying great attention to her surroundings at the same time, because she'd run into people way to many times.
Kashi purred ever louder and the pinkette was content to walk in silence listening to that noise "Hey Sakura" Kiba popped up at her side suddenly breaking the peace that had settled over her and she flashed the Inuzuka a quick smile.
"Hey Kiba what's up or dare I ask in case your planning a prank on someone" Sakura teased ruffing the boys feathers and he huffed at her in exasperation with a little roll of his eyes as they walked into the town market.
He answered a second later "No, no pranks I promise just checking up on you and all heard from Ma and Sis that those guys are going to be gone the next two weeks and came to offer you a place at mine" Kiba shrugged lightly.
Sakura's eyes widened "Um ah thanks Kiba and yeah it's true, and I do appreciate the offer, Anko-san and Morino-san have offered to stay at mine until those guys return" she explained gently not wanting to sound ungrateful.
Relieved that she had everything figured out for the most part Kiba let let his arms hang loosely at his side "That's good now you won't be alone in that house, anyway how is everything going" he nodded subtly at her stomach.
"All good Kiba, though I'll be glad when I don't have to go to the bathroom every ten minutes and the cravings are gone to and plenty of other things" she grumbled softly, not wanting Kiba to think she was angry at him, because she wasn't.
There was a couple minutes as they paused at a food stall and Sakura started selecting food to buy before Kiba spoke again "This is probably gonna sound weird but your scent of cherry blossoms smells two times stronger than usual" he pointed out.
The pinkette straightened and tilted her head to the side in confusion "I'd take it as a compliment if I thought it was one, but somehow I get the feeling that's not what you meant" Sakura half asked half inquired.
Kiba nodded slowly "Can't really explain it, your scent is a little overpowering I'm not saying it's a bad thing though, just really two times stronger than what is usual with a pregnant person" he frowned only confusing himself.
"I have no idea what that means and I'm guessing you don't either" Sakura sighed not to put out still a little lost but fine for the most part as they walked along to a different food stall and she bought even more groceries which were then sealed in her scroll.
When she was turning one time, Kiba spotted it "Wearing the whistle huh, I'm glad you liked it, anyway I can do some research and tell you in four days if you like once I find out what you having a two times stronger scent means" he offered.
Her emerald eyes lit up "Sure Kiba and yeah, I also have this on a bracelet" she showed of the Kikaichu scent bag and Kiba chuckled but inwardly happy that she had accepted his and Shino's gifts because they were very important.
"Right then see you around Sakura, next time we talk, I'll tell you why your scent is like that" Kiba nodded, then with Akamaru on his heels, the pup having been silently padding along after his companion, took off like a crazy person.
Causing Sakura to crack up laughing, holding her stomach as she giggled until she managed to calm down "That boy is an odd one huh Kashi-chan" the pinkette looked to where her summons was still wrapped around her shoulders.
Only to see her ninneko wearing a very disgruntled expression "He had a dog with him meow" Kashi said a pout hearable in her voice and Sakura reached up to scratch the feline behind the ears, making her purr start up again.
"True, but Akamaru is a good boy, he didn't bother you did he Kashi-chan…" Sakura trailed off and the ninneko shook her head "Then don't worry so much" she finished after a moment and Kashi rubbed her head against hers.
It was impossible to argue with her mistress "Very well meow Sakura-chan, what else do you have to get before we go home meow" Kashi was still pouting just a tiny little bit and Sakura felt her lips quirk upwards in slight amusement.
"Not to much Kashi-chan, that's the last stall we have to visit" she assured buying the necessary items before sealing them in her storage scroll 'Thank kami for chakra' Sakura thought inwardly, glad that she could use it again.
Then they were on their way home to put away the food, once she was done, the pinkette sat on the couch "You aren't just going to sit there meow the rest of the day are you meow Sakura-chan" Sanmi leaped into her lap.
Her jade eyes sparkled "Mm I don't know, after that work and stuff I feel like being a little lazy, maybe just work on my new project" Sakura said reaching for her bag and pulling out her knitting needles that already had half a dress made for Tsuyoi.
Before setting to work, Sukina settled on the back of the couch, Kashi at her side and Sanmi in her lap hours later she was nearly done and Sakura stretched heading into the kitchen to make lunch for herself and make a snack for her summons.
Once she was done eating she sat back down with a cup of orange juice and continued working on her knitting project until it was dinner time and Sakura was interrupted by a knock on the door, eyes wide, she was all to happy to put her things away and skip to the foyer.
To open the door for her guests "Morino-san, Anko-san" she greeted feeling a little silly in that moment, Ibiki gave her an odd look while the purple haired woman snorted in amusement before the pinkette moved out of the way letting them into the house.
"What's for dinner Haruno" Anko sniffed at the air but didn't smell anything cooking, Sakura grinned and Ibiki shot her a reprimanding look which was quickly ignored "Seriously have you even started cooking yet" the older kunoichi asked.
Ibiki rolled his eyes "Mitarashi don't make her do unnecessary work, we already ate before coming here so don't worry about us, cook for yourself that understood Haruno" he turned his attention on the girl who nodded.
And flounced into the kitchen, they naturally followed "Just make yourselves comfortable" Sakura called over her shoulder not even paying attention as she started making dinner for herself as Ibiki had suggested.
The duo did and they sat at the kitchen table just watching her work "Say Haruno how are those cat summons working out for ya" Anko asked after flaring her chakra to make sure the girl knew she was there.
In just a matter of seconds it became apparent that Ibiki didn't know what she was talking about "What cat summons" he narrowed his eyes as the pinkette craned her neck around to meet their gazes, then her green eyes flitted to the kitchen doorway.
"Sasuke gave me the Uchiha Clan summoning contract and they are doing well" Sakura smiled just as Kashi popped into the kitchen, winding her large body around everything until she came to a stop at her mistress's side.
Her matching green eyes peering up at Sakura "You think we can have more of those treats, Sanmi ate them all" Kashi asked tail swishing back and forth on the tiled kitchen floor and looking down right adorable.
Sakura smiled softly "Just wait a few minutes Kashi-chan" she pet the feline on the head, while stirring whatever it was she had in the bowl that was on the counter, fifteen minutes later, she was making something else.
All the while Ibiki and Anko sitting at the table watching on in amusement, until Sakura had finished making her dinner and set out more treats for her summons, before sitting down at the table to eat.
"You know you're pretty weird right Haruno" Anko stated suddenly and got a small smile "Makes me wonder what you'd be like if none of this had happened to you" she mused, though it wasn't until Ibiki glared at her harshly that she realized how her words had sounded.
Ibiki coughed "What Mitarashi meant is to ask your opinion on how you'd be if you weren't pregnant" he said with far more tact than Anko had and Sakura blinked pausing in chewing her food then swallowed and answered.
With the most serious expression she could muster "Weak, pathetic, still clinging to the hope that someday Sasuke would return my love, a sham of a kunoichi" Sakura responded "None of which I am today or tomorrow or any day after this" she finished.
Her words made them realize just how much had changed for her "Good Haruno, don't back down and beat down anyone else who tries to put you down" Anko clapped the girl gently on the back, making sure she wasn't chewing or swallowing something.
"Precisely and you'll come out stronger than anyone believed you could" Ibiki nodded and Sakura gave them both kind smiles before finishing off her dinner, washing and drying all the dishes she'd used to make dinner.
Then with Ibiki and Anko in tow headed into the living room "Thanks, anyway here's the couches and whatnot" Sakura said then covered her mouth as a yawn cracked her jaw, making her realize how tired she actually was.
Anko snorted softly "Go on to bed Haruno, Morino and I can handle ourselves for the rest of the night" the purple haired woman nudged the pinkette from the living room and to the stairs, Sakura eyed her in concern.
"Really Haruno, we'll be fine" Ibiki's voice floated from the front room, seeing as she had no choice or any way to argue, Sakura bid them both good night and headed up the stairs with her three summons following behind her, and after taking a bath, climbed into her bed.
As much as she tried to get comfortable she couldn't, this was the first time, even with Anko and Ibiki being there, that she hadn't had Chojuro there with her as he had been from the beginning and after twenty minutes of tossing and turning.
Sakura threw her covers off of her body gently grabbed Kashi in her arms, and with Sanmi and Sukina on her heels, left her room and entered Chojuro's room, it was only there that she finally got the much needed peace of mind and eventually drifted off to sleep.
The next three days, making it four that Kakashi, Naruto, Sasuke and Chojuro had been gone, proved to be difficult for the pinkette, it also didn't help that she was getting odd looks every where she went in the village.
A blow up was only expected "WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING AT" Sakura screamed one afternoon when the looks proved to be to much for the bundle of nerves that she'd become, usually she was able to handle these sorts of looks.
But with everyone that was very close to her heart not being there, things were much, much harder than anticipated, people skirted around her warily and she was on the verge of a massive breakdown "Sakura-san" Shikaku happened to walk by her at that particular moment.
He saw the purple bags beneath her eyes, the tears swelling up and threatening to spill over and pink hair in disarray before grabbing the girl gently by the shoulders "Come along, looks like you need a good walk to take your mind off things" Shikaku ushered her from the crowded streets.
"What I need is Chojuro, Dad and everyone else to be here" Sakura sniffled missing the males in her life so much more than usual, Shikaku grimaced inwardly "But they still have a week and three days left to go on their mission" she cried.
The tears making their way down her cheeks "Come now Sakura-san, they'll be back sooner than you think" Shikaku assured not sure if anything he was saying was going to make an impact on the girl as they meandered along slowly through the back streets of the village.
Sakura wiped her eyes irritating them "I'm just being irrational, it's the mood swings, everything bugs me and I get like this" she explained waving her hands madly at herself and Shikaku chuckled softly.
Not sure if this would help any, he suggested in anyway "Well I know Shikamaru's been looking for a good shogi partner, it might take your mind off of their absence, I could send him over say around lunch if you'd like" Shikaku offered.
Interest appeared in her viridian eyes "That sounds nice, so long as he wasn't busy, I'd hate to take him away from anything he might be doing" fear constricted her heart and Shikaku patted her gently on the head as they passed by the gates.
Just as four unannounced and very unexpected guests blew into the village, kicking up a cloud of dust as they skidded to a halt, Shikaku was prevented from answering the pinkette as he turned, making sure to keep Sakura to his back as he eyed them warily.
"Yo say ho, we come to see your new Hokage Yo WEE" the one in front rapped dancing and jumping around, Sakura peered around the Nara Clan Head curiously and almost broke down giggling finding this new person very amusing.
The only blonde in the group glared around and the tall male at his side kept his hands shoved deep in his pocket "You know who we are right if not this is gonna be so drab" he asked looking at the person before them.
Shikaku scratched his chin "Raikage-sama what brings you all the way to our Leaf Village" he inquired carefully trying to keep this situation from escalating, because for whatever reason they'd come here for, couldn't be good.
Ay glared harshly "The elders of the Cloud Village demanded we come here and make a treaty with your new Hokage, so take us to them now" he ordered before his jet black eyes strayed to the side and he spotted pink hair and one emerald eye peeking around the male curiously.
Obviously he wasn't the only one who'd noticed her, because his blonde escort settled his eyes on the girl as well "Make the brat go away, we only need one escort through this village" he demanded.
Sakura harrumphed clearly not liking the tone the older male had just used on her or that he'd called her a brat "I can walk with Shikaku-san if I'd like" she huffed under her breath in defiance not letting herself be cowed.
Even though he knew it was a bad idea, Shikaku shook his head in amusement, while the one standing at the blondes side actually chuckled "Sakura-san it might be best if you let me handle these guys, I'll send Shikamaru to you later" he said gently.
Uncrossing her arms, she nodded, then turned and walked away, looking a lot better than when he'd found her "Cute kid gutsy though my name is Darui" the four Cloud Shinobi and the Raikage signed in at the gates and Darui stood on one side of Shikaku after introducing himself.
"Gutsy try insane, seriously no one ever defies me, you can call me Cee" the blonde grumbled, not liking that a little pink haired brat had disregarded his orders to leave and it had taken the Nara to make her go away like a good little genin.
Ay rolled his eyes "She liked my raps yo say ho, I'm the Rappin Killer Bee" especially when his brother burst out in another annoying rap, though at the first part of it, he raised a white brow at the younger male.
Before snorting in disgust "I doubt anyone could enjoy your raps Bee" Ay said as they followed behind Shikaku, who led them through the village to the Hokage Tower, they had to wait twenty minutes before they were admitted into Tsunade's office, where a treaty meeting was soon underway.
At her departure Sakura had wandered the village aimlessly not willing to go back to the empty house or summon her summons yet and not paying attention like usual, so when she turned a corner, she had a head on collision with the Inuzuka Heir.
Thank kami he had quick reflexes or she'd be sprawled out on the ground, as he wrapped his arms around her waist and made sure she was steady on her feet "Sakura I found out why your scent is two times stronger" Kiba exclaimed.
Her interested was immediately peeked "What! Really? Come on don't make me wait Kiba, I want to know" Sakura pouted looking rather adorable and he chuckled softly after releasing her from his hold.
"It's something that happens when a female is pregnant, their scent changes or enhances, but in the case it becomes stronger that's a sign to any Inuzuka that a female has more than one in their womb" Kiba stated.
Sakura's eyes widened before rolling back in her head, he barely caught her in time, perhaps he could have told her with a lot more tact as he stood there holding the passed out Sakura in his arms and panicking like never before.
Four minutes went by and just as he was contemplating trying to carry the girl to the hospital a soft groan filled the air and Sakura slowly woke "Please tell me this is some kind of joke, cause I can't take it anymore" she frowned deeply.
Kiba grimaced "Your scent is still two times stronger Sakura, I think I'm right on this one" he said carefully after helping the pinkette to her feet, since he'd sat down unable to do much more than sit with Sakura while she was unconscious.
"B..bu..but I just had my third ultrasound four days ago and it's never picked up on the presence of a second baby" she wrung her hands nervously, kami why couldn't anything ever be easy for her it was unfair.
Not sure what to tell her "What about Hokage-sama, isn't she the worlds best medical ninja, she'd be able to tell you right" Kiba blurted scrambling for a solution to this puzzle that he'd created especially as he saw the pinkette have the beginnings of a meltdown.
This news wasn't being received very well "You've been around me before, how come you never noticed the other times, like the end of the Chunin Exams, you got me out of the way and was very close" she was grasping at straws and he knew it.
"I didn't scent you then, and with all the other scents around, it was kind of muddled" the Inuzuka Heir explained carefully watching Sakura pull on her pink hair that was growing out to it's former length before all this happened.
His skin paled as she let out a half shriek/sob kind of sound and flopped to the ground pregnancy hormones in full swing "It's not fair" Sakura glared at the dirt and kicked her legs on it childishly, all the while Kiba watched on.
Until her energy waned and she leaned against the fence tiredly "Come on Sakura, we should go see Hokage-sama" he bent and carefully pulled her to her feet again, making sure she didn't exert herself much more than she already had as they walked.
Her quiet and him eyeing her warily afraid that she was going to burst out in tears, obviously this day hadn't been the best day to unload this new problem on her shoulders and he felt like the worlds biggest jerk.
Then they were at the Hokage Tower and climbing the steps, "Sorry Hokage-sama is in a very important meeting, come back in three hours" though upon entering the building the two genin were immediately turned away.
So Kiba walked Sakura to her empty house just as Shikamaru turned up, shogi board tucked under his arm "Right come on Sakura, you look like you need a good game" he nudged her in gently, then set up the board.
Eight minutes later, after getting a cup of orange juice and a plate of dark chocolate covered fruit with whipped cream, their game was underway "Want to talk about it Sakura" Shikamaru asked three minutes into the game.
"Kiba thinks I'm pregnant with twins, I'm five months along, had three ultrasounds and none of them have ever picked up on the presence of a second child" Sakura said in a closed off tone of voice, Shikamaru winced.
"You also miss Kakashi-sensei, Mizukage-sama, Ao-san, Chojuro, Naruto and Sasuke as well" he pointed out, that first topic was something he wouldn't be able to help her on and it was a new thing that had cropped up recently, probably after his old man had told her to go home.
Sakura nodded silently pushing a piece forward "I thought I'd be able to handle their absence you know for two weeks, it doesn't sound to hard, but what with being pregnant and now with the possibility of it being twins and all those horrible looks and not being able to sleep, it's impossible" she ranted suddenly.
The Nara Heir blinked and let out a soft sigh "My mom would love to have you come over for tea or whatever" he said suddenly, watching as her emerald eyes widened and a smile spread across her lips at his offer 'Troublesome' Shikamaru thought inwardly in amusement.
Clearly this idea appealed to her "That would be nice, tell her thank you for me Shikamaru" Sakura grinned slowly relaxing as their game progressed, perhaps Shikaku had been right and she had really needed this to unwind.
He chuckled softly and nodded, not letting on that it was actually his idea, or that it would be a drag to tell his mom but oh well "Also come by any time at the Compound, I train late in the day with Asuma-sensei, Ino and Choji, so if you need to go another round I'm free" he stated.
Her eyes brightened to an almost painful degree "Of course thanks Shikamaru, looks like I lost huh" Sakura smiled as she pushed her last piece forward and not finding any other possible moves, Shikamaru looked at the board.
"Yeah but consider this it's a tie, neither of us won, a regular ole stalemate and usually I'd say it's a drag, I'm not cause you're actually a pretty decent shogi player, even if you are a troublesome woman" Shikamaru gave her a small smile.
And Sakura let out peels of laughter clearing finding his usual exclamations hilarious "I like playing games like this to challenge my mind, Naruto won't play with me cause he doesn't understand, Sasuke gets frustrated so yeah" she smiled so wide her cheeks hurt.
They spent a couple more hours chatting and going a few more rounds of shogi until Shikamaru had to leave, he reminded her about coming round to see his mom and just talk, before vanishing outside the house.
Once he was gone, Sakura felt unbelievably tired and after summoning Kashi and making a quick dinner, in which Anko and Ibiki still hadn't made it back, Sakura climbed the stairs and flopped down in Chojuro's bed, the only place she actually got semi decent sleep.
That night the pinkette slept through the entire night, her nerves settled for the moment and the next morning after Sakura took a shower, she felt refreshed, however when she got down the stairs what she didn't expect was to be attacked.
"GOD DAMNIT IT HARUNO YOU HAD US WORRIED OUT OF OUR MINDS, First we come home and your not down here as usual, already gone to bed and second we hear from Nara you had a breakdown in the market" Anko grabbed the pregnant pinkette up.
Ibiki stood off to the side eyeing his subordinate warily "Mitarashi let her go before you give her whiplash or worse make her vomit" he warned catching sight of the girl turning green and looking very dazed at the moment.
Anko promptly released Sakura, who held her stomach "Thank you Morino-san, and I'm sorry, just had a little problem with the staring people were doing yesterday, I'm good now" she apologized/explained what had happened.
Oh so subtly leaving out the other little bit where she might actually be pregnant with twins, assured for the moment, Anko and Ibiki made sure she ate before leaving the house that day and fifteen minutes after they were gone, Sakura left the house herself.
Ramming straight into Kiba "This is gonna be a habit isn't it, you jumping out at me" Sakura huffed in amusement after he'd helped her stay standing for the second time, two days in a row and the Inuzuka Heir chuckled sheepishly.
"I was actually coming to see if you'd like me to go with you to Hokage-sama's to find out if you really are you know with two" Kiba looked around warily, knowing that they weren't exactly alone and trying to be discrete to the best of his abilities.
Surprised that he would offer, Sakura flashed him a brilliant smile "I think I'd like that Kiba, shall we go now, it's still early and I doubt Hokage-sama would be in a meeting so early in the morning" the pinkette suggested.
Kiba nodded and together they walked carefully down the streets of their village, bypassing anyone who'd want to stop them and chat for a while, until they once again reached the Hokage Tower and managed to get a meeting with their blonde Hokage.
The waiting time was exactly eighteen minutes before Tsunade called them into her office, "Great what happened now" the honey eyed sannin groaned hoping that it wasn't something she couldn't fix or deal with.
Her words caused Sakura to wince, so Kiba decided to get it over with for her "How much do you know about Inuzuka's Hokage-sama" he inquired and Sakura gave him a look, Tsunade snorted before shrugging.
"Okay so whenever females are pregnant sometimes their scent will change or enhance, or even become stronger where it's nearly overpowering, five days ago I noticed this in Sakura and after gathering information I came to a conclusion" he said instead.
Sakura sat down, it was going to be a shock "What conclusion did you come to spit it out already" Tsunade barked getting quite tired of the seeming flare of dramatics the boy was exuding right then and eyeing the pinkette.
He took a deep breath "That Sakura might be pregnant with twins, her scent is two times stronger than usual" spilled from his lips, Tsunade blinked, her gaze shifted to the thirteen year old girl, who'd already removed the illusion, and looked her over critically.
In just a matter of seconds even Tsunade was beginning to believe the Inuzuka Heir "Come over here Sakura" she ordered pulling a chair from in front of her desk and sitting it next to her chair making the pinkette sit down in it.
A moment later her hand was pressed to the swell of Sakura's stomach searching for that second heartbeat "Can you hear two heartbeats Kiba" the blonde asked suddenly turning her eyes to the other person in the office.
Kiba perked up his ears, concentrating solely on Sakura's stomach "Nope, I'm not experienced in this sort of thing, or their heartbeats are in sync, or it's possible she's not, I could be wrong after all and think her scent is two times stronger, when really this is normal" he shrugged.
Sakura bit her lip wanting to fidget but not daring to do so, three minutes later, Tsunade pulled away, blue glow fading from her hands "Well am I" she grew impatient as the honey eyed blonde continued to stare at her.
"It's impossible to tell at this point in time, even as accomplished as I am, make an appointment for twenty eight weeks and see if the kid pops up, if not then you still only have the one" she shrugged turning back to face her desk properly.
Hearing the clear dismissal Sakura and Kiba left "You know I could always bring you round to my Sis, I bet she'd be able to pick up on the differences cause she's around pregnant women all the time" the Inuzuka said carefully.
Though she was grateful, she didn't really want to walk all the way to the Inuzuka Compound at exactly that moment in time "I think I'd rather wait if you know what I mean Kiba" Sakura gave him an off smile.
"Ah I understand, well see ya around Sakura" he waved having this feeling she'd like to be alone for a while, then took off to wherever, alone, the pinkette carried on her way making sure her illusion was in place.
Going straight for the hospital, unaware that she was being watched until he was practically on top of her "It's pinky from yesterday yo say ho, want to hear some more raps" Killer Bee thought he'd found someone who would willingly listen to his raps.
What he didn't count for was for the girl to cringe and practically scramble backwards away from him so suddenly looking as if he'd just given her a heart attack "I'm sorry I just don't like that nickname" she hastily said trying to calm her racing heart.
Bee frowned "What did you do now Bee-sama" Cee appeared beside the dark skinned male, with Darui and Ay trailing behind him, until they realized who was with him and all eyes turned to the pinkette who really didn't like being alone with four strange males.
"Hey kid, don't mind Bee, he's a little crazy, but he wouldn't hurt ya" Darui tried to put the girl at ease and got a half grimace/smile for his efforts, while Cee glared at her until he none to subtly nudged his friend in the side.
And Ay stood back looking young genin over, until he spotted it, it being the necklace Mei had given her "Where did you get that brat" he stormed forward and it took a lot of effort not to flinch as he reached out and grasped the necklace around her neck.
When she realized what it was he'd spotted Sakura let out a deep breath "From the Mist Village Sir" at least she had the decency to be polite in this mans presence, and she was sorely missing Mei in that moment as the necklace was drawn to attention.
He narrowed his eyes "Yes I know that brat, but you can't just buy that trinket in any stinkin store" Ay snapped and the pinkette shook ever so lightly, wishing someone would come to her rescue like usual.
Inwardly she shook her head, this was something she had to get out of herself "I know that Sir, though I cannot tell you at this exact moment in time Raikage-sama" Sakura looked him straight in the eyes and hoped he didn't hit her.
Shock filtered into his system and he actually found himself becoming very amused by this slip of a girl "And why is that little girl" Ay asked digging for a little more information and keeping a firm hold on her, so she couldn't run.
"Because that is business between Leaf and Mist and I'm not allowed to talk about it, Sir" she nodded her head politely though at the same time not revealing much if any information to the Raikage at all.
Ay stood back after letting her go, before throwing his head back and laughing deeply "Amusing little thing aren't you, perhaps you'd be a good companion to have around until we leave if a few weeks time" he squished her to her side.
Sakura looked up at him in surprise "Raikage-sama please that girl looks like she's an attention seeker and only said that to get you to let her go" Cee burst out not wanting the Leaf Dog to be anywhere near him or those he'd come with.
His words were met with another harsh elbow to his ribs "Enough Cee, that's no way to talk to our hosts after all" Darui gave his friend a warning glance and the blonde settled into an adult sized sulk, clearing not liking this.
"So what's up with not liking my nickname for you little girl, and do you find my raps awesomely amazing" Bee blurted rapping lightly this time as he waited for her to answer and it made her realize they didn't know her name or at the very least didn't remember.
"I'm Sakura Haruno, and uh bad memories is all, something else I can't go into detail on, sorry, and yeah I thought they were pretty cool yesterday" Sakura smiled, 'Though I'm sure that's only because I'm pregnant' she finished inwardly.
Darui frowned thoughtfully "You know any good place to eat around here" he asked instead of commenting on her secretive ways, those emerald orbs of hers lit up and Sakura nodded a smile spreading across her lips as she relaxed in their presence.
Perhaps those of Hidden Cloud weren't to bad "Well lead the way Sakura yo, cause the rappin Killer Bee is hungry WEE" Bee burst out in another rap and the pinkette eyed him in great amusement as she directed the group to the tea shop.
Even Cee nodded grudgingly "I suppose this won't be to bad a place to eat the occasional lunch or dinner at" he shrugged as they all crowded into a booth, Sakura sitting next to Bee surprisingly on the outside so she wasn't trapped within.
This was one of the larger booths in a circular pattern so everyone fit in quite comfortably, and just moments after they'd all sat, the usual waiter that Sakura was use to appeared "Sakura-san how lovely to see you again" he smiled kindly at the young girl.
"Thank you Yoi-san, anyway may I get the usual please" Sakura gave him a sweet smile, her order was written down, before he turned to the others and did the same before heading off to have the orders made.
It was after Yoi had been gone not even a whole minute "Just what is this usual order" Ay narrowed his eyes on the girl who was seated across from him, next to his brother, listening to Bee rap and looking very content.
"Yeah and I don't think I've ever seen a waiter come to a table so quickly, the wait time is always so drab" Darui stated eyeing the pinkette curiously and wondering what made her so different or perhaps it was them that had warranted the speedy order.
Sakura smiled softly "My usual order is fish pasted with herbs, a side order of chocolate covered fruit with a small bowl of whipped cream and a cup of orange juice, and Yoi-san knows what I like so he always comes by as soon as he can" she explained gently.
Fifteen minutes later their orders had arrived and Sakura dug in and just as she took a sip of her juice that annoying pregnancy symptom flared up and she jumped from the booth "Excuse me" and made a hasty dash towards the bathroom.
Only five minutes later after washing her hands of course she was sitting down once more to enjoy her lunch, Sakura cut into her fish again taking small polite bites and making sure not to talk with her mouth full.
The males she was eating with were surprised at her manners "You know I thought all Leaf Shinobi hated Cloud Shinobi" Cee commented several moments later and her jaw dropped in horror as if the thought had never even crossed her mind to do so.
"I'm not like those who do" she made sure she didn't have any food left in her mouth before speaking "Plus I've learned a valuable lesson recently" Sakura's gaze strayed to her half eaten fish feeling tired all of a sudden.
Darui lifted a brow "What kind of lesson Sakura-san" he inquired wanting to know if it was something she could speak about, for being a genin the girl seemed to have quite a few secrets that were very important.
She bit her lip softly and went to speak when she was smoothly cut off "Oh look it's that girl again, you know the one that went missing and came back preggers, I bet she asked for it like the little slut she is" her jaw snapped shut.
And Sakura turned her attention on the woman who'd said that, fury radiating off of her in waves, her hands clenched into fists, the occupants at the booth she was sitting at watched warily as she stood and approached.
Though it was difficult she gave the woman a complete dressing down "You have No Idea What I've been through, kidnapped by two fully grown men and forced, beaten and R.A.P.E.D, lost my parents to a crazy rogue from Grass" Sakura inhaled.
"Carrying that bastards C.H.I.L.D, so don't talk about what you don't know, I'm not a slut, I didn't ask for any of which happened to me and I don't need people like you running your fucking mouth" she ended her rant breathing heavily.
Obviously no longer caring about hiding the secret, a couple minutes later her skin paled and she swayed dizzily on her feet "Sakura-chan" the owner came flying out of the back and caught her just as she passed out.
Ay, his brother and two escorts leaped out of the booth they'd been sitting at and rushed over "Was the brat telling the truth, is she really" Ay grimaced, now it made sense everything they'd witnessed so far the secrecy.
The owner, Mitsukeru Komakai, nodded his head "Yes, please don't hound her about it though, Sakura doesn't need stress and you Ma'am, please don't come back unless you learn not to harass or insult special guests" he warned the woman.
Who stomped out of the tea shop "Here Owner Dude, I'll take little Sakura and carry her yo say ho" Bee offered surprising Ay, who eyed him in confusion, but Mitsukeru had no problem passing the young pinkette over to him.
"Right here's the payment for our meal, you wouldn't happen to know where Sakura-san lives would you" Darui placed down 300 ryo making sure it was enough to pay the bill, and Sakura's even though she'd ordered separately from them.
Mitsukeru sighed softly and quickly drew a map "These are the directions to her place, I make regular deliveries and thank you Sir" he nodded, gave Sakura one last concerned look, hoping this wouldn't have repercussions on the girl, before returning to the back.
Ay, Darui, Cee with Bee in tow, who was carrying Sakura carefully in his arms, left the Tea Shop, following the directions they'd been given to the girls house, upon reaching it, Ay found a spare care and unlocked the door, letting themselves in.
Only after taking their shoes off and the still unconscious Sakura's, did they fully enter the house and go straight to the living room, making themselves comfortable on the couches or other pieces of furniture to wait for the girl to wake.
It was nearly twenty minutes after they'd been sitting there that a soft sigh came from the pinkette, her hand rose and she rubbed at her temples feeling a headache "Oh" she held her head as the ache increased and it felt like someone was taking a sledgehammer to her skull.
Cee, who couldn't really find fault in the girl any longer, especially after hearing everything she'd been through, kneeled down and healed her headache "Thank you…" her eyes popped open after a moment and she frowned "Cee-san" her brows creased in confusion and he nodded.
"Exactly good to know your memory wasn't addled in that little spell you took" he teased, before grimacing at how his words sounded, though it didn't seem like Sakura minded his blunt way of talking to much.
He stood back and she sat up on the couch looking exhausted "Are you really pregnant like that woman said" Ay had to make sure it wasn't some elaborate lie and hoping the girl really wasn't an attention seeker as Cee had said earlier.
The illusion Kakashi had devised was removed, revealing her swollen belly, Darui turned away feeling sick "I can't tell you who did it, because of this seal" she showed off the seal "But I didn't ask for them to kidnap me and force this on me" Sakura sighed.
"Why though, what would possess such a person to do that" Darui snapped his head in her direction sharply, this was a little girl, hardly out of her preteen years, she flinched and he calmed himself down, not wanting to scare her.
Sakura shook her head "I think he thought I would break easily, but in the end I only became stronger" her emerald orbs lit up with a fire they hadn't seen yet "And once I give birth, I'll become what kunoichi should embody" she smiled.
"Along with becoming a medic nin, I have the aptitude and chakra control for it anyway" the pinkette finished leaning back on the couch, the Cloud Shinobi sitting in her house shared a look with each other and Ay shook his head.
Before a question came to him "What are you going to do with the little babe little Sakura, you gonna give it away to someone who can take care of him" Bee rapped and the pinkette stared at him in horror once again.
Then hurriedly shook her head "Absolutely not, I'll be raising my daughter myself, with the help of my adopted family and friends who have been here for me since the very beginning" Sakura breathed wrapping her arms around her stomach.
More questions came after that and soon Ay, Bee, Cee and Darui left her to her own devices for the rest of the night, Sakura summoned her ninneko, Hokori being a prominent presence that time around along with Sanmi, Kashi, Sukina and two other twin russet red cats with yellow eyes.
Named, Chui and Mubo, Anko and Ibiki showed up halfway through her rather late dinner and after bidding each other goodnight, Sakura went up to bed, all six of her cat summons following her waiting on Chojuro's bed as she took a shower before she pulled Kashi into her arms and fell asleep.
The next two days were interesting marking the first full week that Kakashi, Naruto, Sasuke and Chojuro had been gone, it also marked the arrival of Mei and Ao, and on the morning of, Sakura was raring to go, waiting at the gates.
When those two came into sight, and with little preamble, the pinkette threw herself at Mei, her mother "I'm glad to see you again" Sakura exclaimed greeting Ao as well, who gave her a now much more open smile, and she was because she had so much to tell the duo as they followed her through the village to the Tower to announce their presence before going home to talk.