Before they knew it, genjutsu, chakra control and kenjutsu training was over, their goals complete for the week "Kami your training is like hell on earth" Suigetsu plopped down covered in sweat and utterly exhausted.
He'd gone from learning how to focus chakra in his feet to tree climb to walking on water, while his friend and her teammates walked on water on their hands, while avoiding shuriken at the same time "Only way to improve Suigetsu-san" Asuma pointed out.
Looking comfortable leaned against a tree and smoking a cigarette, Suigetsu let out a long suffering sigh, agreeing that while he had improved, the training was still like hell and he hoped the next week would be easier.
Somehow though despite his wishes, he knew it wouldn't, but a guy could hope right "So we're really gonna go with evasion/ninjutsu training right Asuma-sensei" Mamori bounced looking excited, at the prospect of going through that particular training again.
Asuma chuckled but nodded at one of the young kunoichi he was in charge of "Awesome, hope it's different than the kind of training Kakashi-sensei introduced to us, oh but you only have fire and wind natures Asuma-sensei" Mimori pouted suddenly in remembrance.
"If your forgetting I'm here as well and I've got water nature chakra, though I don't know what you'll do about earth and lightning nature if any of you girls have it" Mangetsu admitted lightly earning a couple pouts from the Senju twins.
Seems neither of them had water nature and it was just Sakura who had it, like his brother and Haku "Not cool, and I don't even know what my individual natures are" Kimimaro grimaced this was turning out to be the craziest week of his life.
"Don't worry you kids, I've invited someone to help you with that, that has all five natures, the point of next week is to find your limit and then two weeks after that will push you past that established limit understand" the raven haired Jonin warned.
Earning nods from his female students "This is going to be a really trying month" Haku rubbed his face wondering how any of them would survive, Sakura flashed him a sheepish smile as Asuma dismissed the lot of them for the weekend.
"Well at least we get to take it easy for the next couple of days Haku and probably but you'll go back to Mist stronger than ever probably" Sakura snickered walking leisurely towards the house grateful that training and missions were over.
Mimori and Mamori perked up and leaped to their teammates side "You still coming to the Uchiha cookout tomorrow Sakura-chan" the younger twin questioned suddenly, immediately the three boys walking with them deflated.
Mangetsu chuckled under his breath as Sakura froze in remembrance "I was just coming to ask you that question myself, Shisui mentioned that you offered to help cook and Mother agreed, of course you four are invited as well" Itachi appeared before the genin and one Jonin.
To question the pinkette on the matter at hand "Of course Itachi-san, what time should I show up to help prepare things" the fuscia haired girl inquired excited to help out, Itachi let a small smile lift the corners of his lips up before nodding.
"Around 12 as the cookout is at 3 and last's to 7, take care and have a good rest of the afternoon" the Uchiha Heir explained then burst into crows indicating he'd been a clone, of course he'd been a clone, Itachi was very busy being an Anbu Captain after all.
Suigetsu was in awe over that "Think he'd teach me that Sakura-chan, cause that was totally awesome" the pale blue haired preteen whistled, Mamori giggled in response making the boy pout because she was laughing at his excitement.
"Doubtful Suigetsu-san, the Crows are part of the Uchiha Clan summons so don't get to hopeful okay" the older Senju twin admitted Suigetsu sighed feeling a little depressed until he was gently pat on the back by his best friend.
Who gave him the sweetest smile she could manage, behind them Haku and Kimimaro shared knowing looks "How long do you think it will take him to confess to her" the raven haired teen whispered to the lone Kaguya survivor.
Kimimaro shrugged "Probably not for a long while, he knows how important this is to her" the snowy haired teen chuckled quietly, relieved they'd been invited to the cookout alongside their friend it would have sucked otherwise.
"Hopefully he won't wait as long as I have to make a move though" the white haired adult trailing behind them grimaced, even if he wanted Mei still, that would ruin Suigetsu's chances with Sakura because if he married Mei, Suigetsu and Sakura would be family to each other.
And he couldn't do that to the boy, both teens nodded in agreement before they were stopped yet again by another shinobi another genin "Help Sakura-chan, Ino is hurt real bad, Kurenai-sensei is afraid to move her in case of a broken rib" the mahogany haired preteen waved his arms.
Explaining the situation as fast as he could, Sakura jolted then with Mamori and Mimori on her heels followed after the Akimichi Heir, which prompted the guys to follow them as well, "Over there Sakura-chan" Choji pointed.
Right at the prone form of his teammate and hoped to kami that Sakura was able to heal Ino otherwise the girl would be a lot worse off "Thank you for coming" the raven haired woman nodded relieved but worried, was the girl really that good at medical ninjutsu.
Sakura gave a small smile then knelt at the blonde's side "No worries, there isn't a broken bone, but Yamanaka-san does have a concussion which I can heal right up" Sakura diagnosed the problem easily then her hands lit up a brilliant green.
"Looks like you've gotten better at that Sakura-chan" Mamori gasped at the bright glow of medical chakra, while hers and Mimori's were still a dull color, they could only heal bruises, scrapes and cuts, maybe even a sprain but that was the extent of their skills in medical jutsu.
Just a couple seconds later Ino was awake feeling like she was gonna be sick "Better move back unless you want her to be sick all over you Shikamaru-kun" Mimori warned seeing the blonde turn pale and then hunch over on her side to vomit.
When she was done she looked around "Huh what's forehead doing here and who the hell are you guys" the Yamanaka Heiress frowned in confusion missing the irritation in forest green eyes as Sakura rose to her feet and dusted her training clothes off from dirt.
"If it hadn't been for Haruno-san you'd still be unconscious Ino so be more courteous towards her" Kurenai scolded trying to teach her student some manners, Sakura didn't have to come here after all but she had.
Ino flinched back as if struck "You know Sensei is right Ino, Sakura-san didn't have to come here and help you but she did so be a little nicer" the Nara Heir agreed with his sensei on the matter causing Ino to sulk.
But eventually apologize "Guess your not as bad as I thought and sorry for being a bitch most of the time we've known each other" Ino apologized in a genuine apologetic tone of voice not wanting to be scolded anymore.
"Good and yeah thanks it would have been a pain to move her if she had, had a broken rib or something" Shikamaru rubbed the back of his head sheepishly thanking the girl himself, that was twice now she'd helped out his teammates.
Without wanting anything in return beyond friendship, she was an odd girl, Sakura flashed them smiles and held out a hand to help Ino onto her feet "That was amazing Sakura-chan have you gotten better with your medical ninjutsu lately" Suigetsu burst out in the next moment.
Making them all laugh at his exuberance "Yeah I noticed that to, guess you've been getting in a lot of practice huh" Haku commented a little shocked, Sakura nodded with a bright smile, proud of her accomplishments.
"Okay now what, will we go to your house now Sakura" Kimimaro asked when silence filled the air and they all stood around awkwardly, with that they left behind Team Ten and their training grounds and started back towards the house.
Eight minutes later they were traipsing through the door and taking off their sandals "Phew glad to sit down" Mangetsu huffed exhausted and he wasn't the one who did that hellish training, he did feel bad for those kids but he wouldn't dare say that out loud.
Since the girls had taken a liking to their Jonin sensei, laughter filled the air as Sakura got started on a late lunch since they'd skipped the afternoon meal to complete their quota for the week and have the weekend off.
Not more than a couple minutes later did Asagao and his team along with their sensei come galloping in making a ruckus in the foyer "Oi you better not break anything" the pinkette called in a warning tone.
Just as the boys appeared, with Shisui "Relax Sakura, Naruto just tripped over someones shoes, oh you guys are eating lunch with us to that's not as big a surprise as I thought it would be" Asagao noticed their guests.
"Mean my nose got a rug burn and Teme's laughing at me" Naruto sniffled rubbing his nose where there was indeed a red mark, Mamori took pity on the blonde and healed the self sustained injury before they all tried to sit at the table.
It was then Asagao noticed there wasn't enough chairs and quickly went to get a couple more "Thanks Asagao, oh did Ni-san invite you guys to the cookout and tell you that my Mom would appreciate your help Sakura" Sasuke questioned.
Eyeing the girl who nodded and opened her mouth only to be interrupted "Of course he did, Itachi-chan would never forget to do something that Auntie Mikoto or you would ask him to do" Shisui sniggered earning a mild exasperated look.
"So looks like you'll have to be the one to show us the way Asagao since Sakura-chan has to go way early to help cook food" the pale blue haired preteen said in the next moment watching his best friend make the meal.
Before it occurred to him that he could help as well and quickly jumped up, launching himself head first into cooking with his friend "Or we could all just go early" the older Senju twin added watching the duo and feeling giddy because they definitely liked one another.
But Sakura was so straight laced she wouldn't acknowledge her crush on Suigetsu, kind of made her sad a little bit if she was being honest "That's true oh but Uchiha-sama might not like us loitering about for hours before the cookout starts" the younger twin grimaced.
Asagao nodded "In that case I would gladly lead the way to the Compound for you guys, we could all go together minus Sasuke and Shisui-sensei, just show up here around 2:45" the fuscia haired boy offered knowing that was the best option.
"Yeah what a great idea Asagao" the lone blonde in their group nodded his head eagerly excited for what the next day would bring, the annual Uchiha Cookout, happened only once a year and had some amazing food which would be even better this year with Sakura helping out.
Mangetsu nodded in acceptance "Very well the four of us will show up tomorrow at 2:45" the white haired Jonin relented to the stares, not that he would have argued as it was the best idea that had been presented.
Then settled back in the chair "Just got to wonder about you Sakura-chan why do you have such strong morals anyway" the twenty year old Uchiha questioned suddenly earning a shrug indicating the girl didn't really know herself why she did have strong morals.
That wouldn't be broken "Cause it's Sakura-chan, she's always been kind mostly do to Mizukage-sama's influence and the village she grew up in" the raven haired teen offered the best possible explanation that he could.
While Kimimaro nodded in agreement "More than likely and thank you Sakura for the meal" the snowy haired teen thanked his friend as a plate was set before him by said girl and with that they all dug in enjoying the delicious food, chatting about this and that.
Until all the food was demolished, though Sakura didn't have to lift another finger as the dishes and silverware were washed by the others where afterwards she found herself alone with her brother for the rest of the afternoon and evening until it was bed time.
The next morning Sakura woke up ridiculously early "Sis what on earth are you doing" Asagao gaped when he found her flopped belly first on the floor of their living room surrounded by a bunch of open books and blank scrolls, sipping on her sparkling watermelon juice.
"Brainstorming Bro, breakfast is on the table" Sakura giggled sticking her tongue out and scratching down some more idea's on her third scroll for the morning, then snatched up another book, flicking through the pages leisurely.
It's not like they had to hurry that particular morning "What kind of idea's are you cooking up in that head of yours Sakura" the blue eyed twin asked as he grabbed his breakfast and joined her on the floor so they were lying side by side.
"Mm ways to enhance our medical ninjutsu out in the field, a barrier, improve the genjutsu tag, all with fuinjutsu, plus tons of other things" the green eyed twin shot back and he finally realized what kind of book she was flipping through.
Fuinjutsu "Okay how would you enhance your medical ninjutsu out in the field Sakura" Asagao questioned curious about what kind of answer she would give him and it would prove to be very interesting he was sure.
She looked up briefly then grabbed one of her other scrolls "Writing a formula on the ground or person or a large scroll, where we would then place our hands on the formula and pour our medical chakra into it, that would take less time and effort and we'd be able to help more patients" Sakura explained.
His mouth open and then shut when a knock on the door came, of course those guys would be over early "In the living room" the younger Haruno twin pointed upon opening the door for the Mist Genin and their Jonin.
"Uh oh Sakura-chan's plotting someones demise" Suigetsu sniggered only to get scuffed over the back of the head by his sensei/brother, this caused the younger Hozuki to pout as they took off their shoes and headed into the living room.
Sakura already giggling at his misfortune of being whacked "To be precise I'm thinking up clever ways to incorporate fuinjutsu into our jutsu's and other things" the rosette grinned when the lot of them plopped down around her.
Leaving the boys fascinated "Isn't Fuinjutsu supposed to be really hard" Kimimaro inquired grabbing up a book on said subject only to instantly put it down as he couldn't understand a single thing when he started reading.
A pink brow rose "Does that answer your question Kimimaro, but yes it is what most consider a dying art, no one really engages in the practice anymore and there's very few that understand it, what's left of Uzushio and any elder of the Uzumaki Clan" Mangetsu reeled off for the kiddies.
Even Sakura looked interested before her emerald orbs took on a contemplative gleam obviously thinking over what he'd said until she focused her attention on her books again "But why are you getting so interested in fuinjutsu suddenly Sakura-chan" Haku questioned suddenly.
"Mamori and Mimori are from the Senju clan, but they said their Mom was the one who taught them, Tsunade Senju, who was descendant from an Uzumaki, they want to incorporate that particular birthright into everything and have been teaching Sakura" Asagao explained.
His sister nodded seriously "Yep, so far we've managed to improve the exploding tag, make it more effective and make a genjutsu tag with one of my specialties sealed within, now I'm working on other idea's to present to them" Sakura admitted.
Asagao gulped quietly and she met his gaze with a twinkle of mischief in her own proving she'd heard the sound "Scary" the blue haired preteen shuddered, she was even more frightening than he remembered if she was able to concoct another potent nightmare genjutsu.
It was unsettling for sure "Still working on crafting your own genjutsu's huh Sakura" the older Hozuki chuckled, remembering long days spent honing her skill in illusion jutsu's and practicing them on him or his little brother.
"Frightening" the white haired teenager grimaced just glad that they were on the same side, if she managed to improve upon seals and become adept in fuinjutsu, then his friend would really be a force to be reckoned with.
Haku nodded sagely in agreement "Other than that the concept is rather fascinating, if not complicated" the doe eyed teen offered earning a bright smile from Sakura as she scratched down some more idea's.
Things such as how to solidify a regular clone and have it last longer when the original goes to far away from it "Yikes your on a roll this morning huh Sakura" the blue eyed Haruno twin stared in horror as the blank scroll was filled with idea, after idea.
She nodded popping her wrist and poking her tongue out as she concentrated while grabbing a fourth and fifth scroll, with her other hand she grabbed a brush and ink pot, then began writing a complicated looking formula on one of the scrolls.
"I think that should do it, the first healing scroll in existence, just gotta seal my medical chakra within" the rosette announced before her hand lit up a brilliant green and she pressed it to the seal where the healing chakra was absorbed and sealed within the scroll.
A stunned silence was her reaction as she stowed it away in her storage pouch to present it to her teammates later and talk over some of her other theories and fuinjutsu incorporated idea's "Wow your amazing Sakura-chan" Suigetsu whistled in awe.
While his older brother was contemplative now "Just so you know if that turns out to work you could patent it and bring in income" Mangetsu pointed out once he'd collected his thoughts into a cohesive unit to make a suggestion.
The young kunoichi looked up green eyes wide at the limitless possibilities that was suddenly before her if the formula worked correctly that was "Never really thought of that, but your right this could be a big hit in the village" Sakura nodded.
Breathless and full of excitement at the idea of patenting the healing scroll once she tested it that was "Cool and it should help so Mom and Dad don't have to run off for two-three weeks" Asagao hugged his sister, so proud of her in that single moment he felt he could burst in excitement himself.
"Afterwards it could branch out to the Hidden Mist Village, really kick the hospital into gear when they realize no one is coming to them anymore to be healed" Haku smirked, this would show those no good incompetent medics.
Next to him the Kaguya survivor shook his head with a snort knowing what his friend was thinking "Not that it's a bad idea, but they'd come in handy for emergencies and such" Kimimaro piped in with his own opinion.
Sakura just beamed at them all, glanced to the clock, which read nine o'clock and then started cleaning up her mess, stowing all manners of things into her storage pouch before popping up from the floor and vanishing into the kitchen.
Everyone on her heels as she started washing dishes, drying them and putting them away and going around making a list of groceries the house needed, by then it was ten in the morning and there was nothing else to keep her occupied.
"Right so I'm gonna hit the market get some sparkling water and watermelon, I'm sure the sparkling watermelon juice will be a big hit at the cookout" the green eyed Haruno twin stood when she couldn't take sitting still any longer.
Just as impatient as Suigetsu liked to be sometimes "I think she's excited" the blue eyed Haruno twin sniggered at the put out looks when his sister vanished, which morphed into understanding looks while Mangetsu just chuckled.
"Who wouldn't be excited after coming up with the worlds first healing scroll that I've heard of anyway" the older Hozuki shook his head in amusement as they resolved themselves to sitting around for several more hours until the cookout.
"Hey I just realized, Sakura-chan is gonna be making Mizukage-sama's favorite drink" the blue haired preteen burst out remembering what his best friend/crush had said before disappearing from the house to the market to buy the necessary ingredients.
The boys shared grins "Gonna be delicious since Sakura-chan has a knack for cooking" the raven haired fifteen year old rubbed his hands together, this was going to be a very fun day, where they were surrounded by friends and new people.
Kimimaro smiled "Of course, which makes me wonder what the rest of the month will bring us" the last remaining Kaguya in existence mused to himself, until the door opened and their friend reappeared in the kitchen.
Holding a scroll in her hands before it was unsealed to reveal the groceries for the house, amongst other things it was only ten thirty after all, so Sakura got started on making a large batch of her specialty sparkling watermelon juice.
Cutting out the flesh of the watermelon and blending it all together in a blender with sugar before pouring it sparkling water and all into pitcher after pitcher, after pitcher, probably ten of them in all, with four watermelons and five large bottles of sparkling water left over.
"Do you really think we need that much Sakura" Asagao asked in horror, of course he'd seen her making the stuff before, but never had he tried it, it was that exact reason that he didn't understand the effect of the sparkling watermelon juice.
Because once you tried it just the once you could never go back and it was seriously addicting so much that you had to have more and more of it until it was all gone "Just trust me on this Bro" Sakura patted his shoulder as she plopped down in an empty chair with a sigh.
Still over an hour to go before she had to get to the Uchiha Compound but at least she was bringing a surprise with her in the form of drinks that no one would be able to resist "Yeah all of that will be gone in a matter of hours" Suigetsu nodded sagely this time.
Knowing very well how good the drink in question was from having it various times over his life "Believe us Asagao-san you don't want to question how good that stuff is" Kimimaro cracked a smile at the ridiculous conversation.
Though he wasn't going to deny that it was one of his favorite drinks either, Asagao was seriously confused "Maybe we could put the groceries away" Haku pointed out knowing she was anxious, she always loved helping people after all and it would make the time go by faster.
Instead the lot of them sitting around doing nothing but yacking at one another, Sakura flashed him a grateful smile as they stood and began putting away the various groceries that had been gotten for the house.
Until the chore was all done and the plastic bags were thrown away "You should probably start heading that way Sakura" Mangetsu glanced to the clock and noted that it was nearing twelve, seventeen minutes away to be exact.
She stood and pushed her chair back in "See you all at 3" the pinkette waved then was out the door for the second time, leaving them alone with no one but themselves as company as she rushed down the streets to the Uchiha Compound.
Where she arrived at the main family house at exactly twelve on the dot "Honestly Sakura-chan you don't have to be so punctual all the time" Shisui greeted as he opened the door for the young girl who was helping them on this very special day.
"Learned my lesson the hard way what happens when one is late for things, so no thanks Shisui-sensei, plus I don't want to be banned from hanging out with Sasuke if I showed up late to help when I offered after you suggested" Sakura explained.
Taking off her sandals and putting them away politely in the guest cubby for shoes "Are you here already Sakura-chan" Mikoto asked when the girl padded politely into the kitchen on the heels of her nephew and bowed properly as she was growing use to.
Then popped up with a bright radiant smile "Yes Mrs. Uchiha, I always made drinks, hope you don't think that's overstepping my bounds but I'm sure everyone will like what I made" the rosette nodded, before somewhat rambling.
Mikoto stared at her in amusement "That's fine Sakura-chan I was actually hoping you'd have some idea what to make and if more needs to be made we can go out and get the ingredients for it" the ebony haired woman patted the girl on the head.
And started dishing out orders, shred the lettuce, slice tomatoes, fry the eggplants to a perfect crisp, make the salad dressing, dice bread into small pieces, the list went on and on for an hour until they had a few minutes to sit down and allow things to cook in the oven.
"Looks like Shisui wasn't kidding about your skill in the kitchen Sakura-san" Itachi chose that moment to make his appearance, bearing more groceries and still in his active duty gear for regular missions that didn't involve his anbu duties.
Sakura nodded "Nope, Auntie Mei taught me how to cook and I don't want to disappoint her by not broadening my skills and learn how to make new things" she smiled politely at the heir before he set all the groceries down.
He then disappeared up the stairs where Sasuke was still hiding away for some reason "Ah so you did show up after all" another person who'd been hiding was Fugaku Uchiha, who chose to escape his office for a few minutes to see how the preparations for the cookout was coming.
"Yes Uchiha-sama since twelve on the dot Sir" Sakura admitted proudly not shying away from this particular person but not coming off as rude either, Fugaku raised a mahogany brow looking to his wife, who nodded.
It was startling how eager the girl was to help despite it not being her responsibility "Then thank you, my wife would have had a rather hard time without you helping, she doesn't want to admit that she struggles sometimes with certain things nowadays" Fugaku nodded his head.
Mikoto looked awkward at the admission while Sakura saw the love the couple held for each other as Fugaku turned on his heel "Even if he doesn't show it Mrs. Uchiha, Uchiha-sama really does care about you, Itachi-san and Sasuke" the pinkette couldn't help but say for her sake.
"You are a very sweet girl aren't you Sakura-chan" Mikoto flushed hearing that from someone else embarrassed her but she was glad, because sometimes it seemed like Fugaku was blanking her cause he was always busy with leading the clan or working on paperwork late into the night.
Sasuke decided to make his appearance at long last, skidding into the kitchen, just as Sakura was pulling out the homemade croutons to test and see if they were done, he slammed into the girl and the croutons went flying, scattering around the kitchen, making a right mess of the place.
While let out a pained cry as her bare hand touched the hot pan as she tried to catch it frantically, but the damage was done and Sasuke was stood in the middle of it staring around in horror while dead silence filled the kitchen.
"Oops, sorry I'll ju…ack Mother wait, ack no hold on please I d..didn't mean it I swear I'm sorry an..and I'll ack clean up just please don't neuter me" Sasuke cringed dodging the whacks like his life depended on it and trying to speak at the same time to appease his mother.
Who was furious, poor Sakura however was nursing her burned hand and staring at the croutons in dismay as they were crunched under foot and ground into practically dust on the kitchen floor "What happened" Itachi returned only to see the mess.
Ebony orbs widening at the vicious red burn the young girl was sporting on her hand "Sasuke" that was all she said as she focused her chakra and used the mystical palm to heal her injury as the pain started fading a little bit, blinking the tears from her eyes.
That had really smarted despite her pain tolerance, she wasn't good with burns it seemed "Otouto what did he do" the Uchiha Heir's brows raised in confusion, hoping that she wasn't upset with his brother or this day would end in chaos.
"Came sliding in here like a maniac, rammed into me, sent the croutons flying and now…." the rosette trailed off, lips quirking up as she spotted Sasuke on his knee's cowering away from his furious and temperamental mother.
Until she let him up, where he scurried to the broom cupboard and fetched a dust pan and broom to clean up the mess "I'm sorry that you got burned Sakura" the second heir apologized looking horribly guilty for injuring his friend.
"No worries Sasuke, it was an accident for the most part so I'm not mad, plus I am a medic ninja so any injury can be taken care of, just be more careful next time okay" the pinkette crinkled her nose as the mess was cleaned up.
Leaving the kitchen spotless again, Sasuke nodded his head sagely in understanding and sat at the counter on a bar stool to watch as his mom and Sakura got started on making the food again, remaking the croutons and popping them into the oven to bake.
Followed by tons of other things, steaks, lamb-chops, pulled pork, ribs, large bowls of salad with homemade salad dressing, fried vegetables, zuchini, squash, eggplants, green tomatoes, chili, beans, a variety of fruits, all of which was taken to a table outside in the backyard.
It was nearing two-twenty when other guests started arriving "Itachi-kun, oh who's this I don't think we've met before" Izumi greeted her former classmate before spying the new girl padding about after the Uchiha Matriarch.
Helping to set up the large picnic table out back, napkins, plates, cups, bowls, forks, knives, spoons, tablecloth, plate/bowl coasters, while another table was slowing filling up with the food "Sakura Haruno, she's Asagao's twin sister" Itachi answered her question.
Knowing the girl was busy "Really I never knew that Asagao-kun had a little sister, how come she's never come over before or was she just to shy and her brother managed to coax her out" the brunette Uchiha frowned in confusion.
"Older sister and no such thing, she lived in the Hidden Mist Village with her aunt who's the newly inaugurated Mizukage, Sakura-san transferred two weeks before academy graduation and has been over a few times since then" the ebony haired teen explained carefully.
Izumi blinked at the information imparted on her "So what's she like Sasuke-kun" Izumi plopped down beside the younger heir, seeing as he was watching the girl with something akin to awe in his eyes, it was probably the beginnings of a crush she was sure of it.
"Very kind, her morals are strong, headstrong and stubborn, bright, a tactician could probably put a Nara to shame if she wanted to with a wicked punch if pissed off oh did I mention that she passed the graduation exams with full marks on both her written and physical tests" Sasuke ticked off his fingers.
Dragging his eyes onto the older girl for a brief moment before he was distracted by two of his friends traipsing in "Oh kami that's a load of food, bigger than last years for sure" Mamori gaped at the mountain of food on the table.
"Hold on is that Sakura-chan's sparkling watermelon juice" Mimori eyed the pitchers of pink liquid sure of what the drink was and never having had a chance to taste it, even though Sakura talked about it a lot.
Sasuke looked out the backdoor to spy the pitchers in question "Since when did she make those" the second heir frowned, confused, because he'd been watching her and they hadn't been out there until just a few minutes ago.
Thankfully he got his answer "Made it back at the house, figured I could pitch in, in more than one way by bringing drinks" Sakura grinned as she walked by, carrying a basket of rolls, to add to the ever growing stock pile of food.
Mamori and Mimori shrugged and stood out of the way "Afternoon Naruto-kun" the older Senju twin greeted when the knucklehead of their group appeared at exactly two-twenty-seven in the afternoon.
"Good afternoon Mamori-chan, Mimori-chan, Sasuke" Naruto waved as he plopped down in a chair, avoiding using the insulting nickname he'd given Sasuke for once as it was a day to have fun and not have any worries for once.
The raven haired preteen grunted in acceptance as the others arrived "Wait you didn't tell me you'd invited Mist Shinobi to the cookout" the brunette teenager looked wary at their presence, what if they did something while there in the Compound.
"Sakura-chan's friends Izumi-chan their good guys plus their here to commemorate the treaty between Leaf and Mist" the blue eyed blonde piped in, he'd be worried to he guessed but truthfully Mangetsu, Suigetsu, Haku and Kimimaro were good friends so far.
Having apologized repeatedly to Sakura for making it seem like they were ignoring her when they hadn't responded to any of her letters "Proactive as ever huh Sakura" Mangetsu looked slightly amused as she hefted a large pot from the stove and set it on the counter for the contents to cool.
Which was revealed as boiled down raspberries, blueberries and strawberries for a fruit parfait that was being made as dessert, along with homemade angel food cake and whipped cream "Yeesh I didn't even realize she could make all that" Suigetsu gaped.
"Been practicing Suigetsu, expanding my repertoire so to speak and yes Mangetsu-san" the pinkette admitted sheepishly, taking a quick minute break before throwing herself back into more work until everything was ready.
Even Fugaku made a reappearance, looking over the newcomers with a wary gaze until he saw how his sons interacted with them "This is really fun" Haku laughed when the cookout finally got started and they could dig in to the delicious food.
Though there wasn't enough room for everyone on the picnic table, so a white and blue checkered blanket was pinned down on the ground for the teenagers to sit and yack with one another while the adults did the same.
"Of course it is Haku, probably the best thing we've ever been to since nothing like this ever happened back in Mist" Kimimaro snorted, taking a sip of his sparkling watermelon juice, like Sakura had said the drink was a big hit at the cookout.
And two pitchers had already been drained less than thirty minutes into the cookout "Maybe I should send out a clone to get some more watermelons and sparkling water" Sakura shook her head with an exasperated smile.
Not complaining and more amused than anything as Asagao got his third glass of the juice, clearly addicted now that he'd tasted the delicious Mist inspired drink "What, oh okay you win Sakura, it's delicious" Asagao pouted when she stared at him, brow raised.
She snickered and popped a piece of fried eggplant into her mouth "This is really delicious as well" the younger Senju twin commented as she ate the salad, though with a large spread of food on her plate that didn't involve that dieting nonsense that other kunoichi were doing.
"Have you told them yet Sakura-chan" the blue haired preteen prodded when there was a lull in the conversation and he remembered what had gone on much, much earlier in the day so he wondered if she'd told them about it.
Forehead creased Sakura tried to figure out what her friend was talking about "The healing scroll" the doe eyed teen supplied helpfully and her green eyes widened as she dug into her storage pouch frantically to present it to her teammates.
Who stared in confusion "It's got her medical chakra sealed within the sealing formula" the lone Kaguya survivor explained to the two girls, while a couple of the boys gaped i.e. Naruto and Sasuke because they hadn't been there.
"Yeah made it this morning, came up with tons of other idea's we can sit and talk about tomorrow and try out" the rosette offered knowing the Senju twins could add perspective to her idea's to actually make them work.
Since they knew all kinds of formula's and whatnot "Wait if that works you could patent it and bring income to your family from the royalties" Sasuke jumped up realizing what had already been figured out.
The girl nodded seriously "And if we improve it, then it will really be a big help to hospitals and field medics" Mamori added looking just as excited as her friend had earlier that day, there was limitless possibilities they could decide on with that scroll patented after them.
"Just what are you kiddies talking about over here" Shisui joined them suddenly curious after listening to their conversation for a few minutes, Sakura held out a scroll to him and he unrolled it, to take in the very complicated sealing formula.
He was confused "Sakura-chan made that Shisui-sensei, it has her medical chakra sealed inside, if it works well she'll be very popular no doubt" Mimori grinned, Shisui's jaw slackened at that, eyes widening as he looked over the formula again.
It was unique, probably freshly created to hold the intense chakra medics had for healing "Can I help you girls patent it" the twenty one year old offered seriously, having an idea and knowing exactly who to go to.
"We haven't tested it yet Shisui-sensei, gonna do that probably tomorrow" Sakura said taking the scroll back and stowing it away in her pouch again, Shisui was quiet for a moment until he popped up waving at them as he headed back to the table.
Leaving the teenagers confused, two hours later "All out of juice Sakura-chan" Mikoto called as she went to get another glass, she didn't have a clue as to how the juice was made so called for Sakura, who appeared in less than a second.
Taking the pitchers and after washing out six of them set to make four more pitchers of the sparkling watermelon juice, it took ten minutes tops before she was back outside with the drinks "Where did you come up with sparkling watermelon juice anyway" Itachi asked.
As she was on her way back to the others "My Aunt actually came up with it Itachi-san, it was her favorite so she taught me how to make it to" Sakura explained politely looking exhausted, she'd been on the move since she first woke up after all and now she was tired.
Predictable to be honest and he squished her into the seat next to him for a little bit "How'd you even fit there" Fugaku looked a little startled when he roamed his gaze around the table and spotted her after the second look.
"No idea Uchiha-sama" the pinkette blushed embarrassed to be squished between Itachi and Shisui like this, but her brain was clearly not commuting anymore as her eyes drooped when it turned six-thirty and a minute before seven was out like a light.
Even Itachi was shocked "Guess we better get her home, though she's going to be upset that she didn't help with the clean up" Mangetsu chuckled hefting the girl into his arms, she was surprisingly heavier than he thought she'd be.
"Sasuke-chan, Itachi-chan and Shisui-chan can help me, Sakura-chan's done plenty enough and doesn't need to be woken to do even more, now take that girl home and put her to bed" Mikoto huffed but there was a fond smile on her lips for the young kunoichi.
Mangetsu nodded, not needing to be told twice "She was up ungodly early this morning that's why she's so tired, probably before six o'clock maybe" the younger of the Haruno twins said as they started leaving the Uchiha Compound behind.
Leaving the cleanup to the Uchiha's "Crazy, just crazy" Naruto shook his head, after all he'd witnessed her doing that day, he knew that she had to be exhausted and it had caught up with her before the cookout was over.
Fifteen minutes later they were in front of the Haruno House and stepped through the door "Shoo" Mimori huffed once Sakura was put in her bed, nudging the guys out and shutting the door of Sakura's room once her sister was within the room.
They set up to change Sakura into one of her sleeping yukata's knowing the girl would appreciate it, when they were done, they gathered up the dirty clothes and put them in the dirty clothes hamper before leaving to go back to the Hokage Estate.
Others followed as they bid Asagao goodnight, who turned in early himself after taking a shower and checking on his sister to make sure she was sleeping comfortably, with no more nightmares and after setting up traps went to bed for the night.