When Sakura and Naruto were five months into their third year of being academy students, things changed "Sakura, Omoi, Karui, stay after the lesson ends" Imoi told them that afternoon just ten minutes before the day was to end.
The three friends shared matching confused looks, because their sensei hardly ever called them by their true names opting to call them brats instead, by this point there were only eight students in the classroom, because one of their classmates had dropped out that year.
"Alright Imoi-sensei" Omoi, Karui and Sakura chorused before focusing on their homework that had been set, waiting patiently as their five other classmates escaped from the classroom glad that the day was over.
Imoi hoped he was making the right decision in selecting them, "As you know each year we do things differently to celebrate the treaty between Leaf and Cloud, this year is no different" he began drawing them into his explanation.
Sakura was a smart little girl and she had her suspicions "So that's why Raikage-sama has nominated the three of you to go to the Leaf Village and represent the Cloud Village by attending their academy for four months starting next week, I'll need to speak to your parents" Imoi said.
Omoi and Karui wore surprised expressions on their faces "What if our parents refuse" the white haired boy inquired carefully wincing as his sensei tapped his ruler lightly on his desk, mulling over what he'd asked.
"Doubtful because everyone knows the importance of commemorating the treaty, that's why three students from the Leaf Village will come here for four months and take your place in this class" the dark blonde chuckled eager to scare new children into submission.
Karui frowned "This is probably gonna sound like a stupid question but where will we live while their Imoi-sensei" she had no doubts much like her sensei that their parents would accept, only problem was Sakura.
The pinkette was quiet as Imoi answered the red heads question "Hotel, you'll have four escorts across the land to the Leaf Village, that's right you three will get your first taste of the outside world" Imoi stated.
His high honor student blew out a breath "Imoi-sensei h..has anyone told you where I live" Sakura grimaced lightly as the thought popped into her head, it made sense really, but someone should have told him this long ago.
Imoi's dark blonde brows creased now that the question had been brought up, he realized he didn't know where his student lived "No, why don't you tell me now" he lifted a brow in hopes that she would quit stalling.
"Sakura-chan lives in the Leaf Village, she gets here via the transportation formula carved into our necklaces that has her chakra in them" Omoi burst out before his friend could, lifting up the blue zircon that hung around his neck.
Earning a blank look "Leaf Village how is that even possible, your nothing more than a child" Imoi frowned deeply as he learned something new about his best student in the academy, if it wasn't for her being so young she'd already be a shinobi due to her skills.
It was the red heads turn to speak "That's cause Sakura-chan's a Toad Sage, she completed her training on Mount Myoboku ages ago during the first year though she used a self summoning seal she made all by herself" she explained.
Face twitching in slight aggravation "If that is the truth, then show me, go outside this classroom, then return here via that seal" Imoi ordered, Sakura let out a soft sigh, ready to go home already, but did as her sensei commanded and left the room.
Less than two minutes later the pinkette was stood in between Omoi and Karui again, the door never opening once "Do you believe me now Sensei" she asked quietly with another grimace on her lips knowing how her sensei felt.
Rubbing a heavy hand down his face "Yes, yes very well, give this to your parents it will explain everything, now scram" he grumbled why was it that every time something came up he learned something new about his student.
The trio as they were called scrambled from his classroom with wide smiles clutching packets detailing their temporary transfer to the Leaf Village "We get to see what being in a different academy is like, but what if no one likes us" Omoi grinned, then frowned.
"Dork, Sakura-chan's brother and that Sasuke fellow is there" Karui rolled her eyes shutting down the white haired boys absurd fears "Like seriously we aren't Sakura-chan's only friends" the red head snorted prompting Sakura to giggle.
And nod "Exactly Omoi-kun, Karui-chan, besides Naruto and Sasuke there's, Choji-kun, Shikamaru-kun, Hinata-chan, Neji-kun, Ino-chan, and Kiba-kun" the pink haired girl ticked off her fingers as they slowed to a stop before Karui's house.
Both of her young friends from the Cloud Village were surprised, but not jealous in the least, they couldn't fault their friend from making more friends since they were all the way in the Cloud and she lived in the Leaf Village with her brother and little sister.
Karui waved heading in as Sakura and Omoi directed their feet towards the white haired boys house, then after gathering a bit of sage chakra, with nothing more than a sigh the only sound that came from use of the technique she was stood inside her bedroom.
Except for Nagato the house was empty "Welcome home Sakura-chan" the red head frowned as she trailed into the living room and put away her things and took off her sandals "Tsunade had some business in the Land of Tea and took Momo with her" he explained at her inquisitive look.
"Oh so you'll be here watching us Uncle" Sakura blinked, well this wasn't going to go well, she'd read over the packet in her arms and it needed at least one of her parents signature's, she wasn't sure if Nagato's name would be accepted because he was just an honorary uncle.
Nagato winced "Not quite, I have a mission with Yahiko and Konan and I've been trying to think up people who would be a good substitute to watch over you, but besides those Cloud Shinobi and a few people here other than making you sleep elsewhere I can't think of anyone" he said.
It was her turn to frown deeply at that "What about Joki-kun" the minute she asked, Sakura knew the little orange haired amber eyed boy would be left with her and Naruto "How long is Mama gonna be gone" was the next best question.
"Five days at the most, it doesn't take more than a few hours to reach the Land of Tea, as it borders Fire Country so closely" the red head admitted narrowing his rinnegan eyes on someone he couldn't important, he could just see the gears turning in her little head.
Just before she announced her plan "I know how to wash and feed Joki-kun, I'll try to find a babysitter though, but Naruto and I are old enough to take care of ourselves now Uncle Nagato" Sakura bit her lip sheepishly.
That's something he'd been afraid of "Look for someone to stay with you and Naruto at least during the nights" Nagato stressed out feeling as if he was going to go insane with worry these next several days.
"I promise if I don't it won't be for lack of trying anyway I've got a question" she glanced to the packet and the red head gestured for her to ask "Has Papa or Mama ever mentioned that should they be gone, if needed you could sign your signature in their place" Sakura inquired.
He hadn't been expecting that one and Nagato mulled over the question "I don't see why not, it's not as if your parents ever told you not to call me Uncle, and technically I am a legal guardian over you and Naruto, so my signature should count" he said after several minutes.
Sakura's eyes lit up and filled with relief "Then could you sign this permission slip, starting next week for the last four months of our third year in the academy Omoi-kun, Karui-chan and I will be official Leaf Academy Students to commemorate the treaty between Leaf and Cloud" she burst out.
Now her question made sense but Nagato signed the permission slip anyway, Naruto was sure to burst a vein due to being so happy "Just be careful okay Sakura-chan, I wouldn't be able to live with myself is something happened to you, Naruto or Joki" he looked down at her.
Those expressive emerald eyes softened in understanding "I'll make the apartment extra special safe and protect Joki-kun and Naruto-kun with my life" she held out her hand in the standard pose that legalized her vow, it was a Cloud Village custom.
His own eyes softened and Nagato pulled the pinkette in for a kind and affectionate hug, the red head pulled back just in time for the door to open to admit Yahiko, Konan and the now two year old Joki into the house, he was in her mothers arms.
"Okay Kiddo, we're trusting you with Joki, here's his schedule and if you need help don't be afraid to send one of your toads to ask us a question" the orange haired man handed out a sheet of paper and a bag full of toys, clothes and treats for his son.
The pink haired girls eyes widened at the amount of stuff "And before you ask, we'll be gone for two whole weeks, now be a good boy for Sakura-chan and Naruto, Joki, and try not to cause trouble for them" Konan handed off her son.
"Good luck Sakura and remember what I asked" Nagato rose to his full height, towering over Sakura who now had the little two year old boy in her arms and then the three adults headed out the door and it clicked loudly behind them as it shut.
Sakura blew out a puff of air "Okay first thing on the agenda pick up Naruto-kun from the academy, do you want to walk through the village with me Joki-kun" she tickled his tummy causing the little boy to squeal loudly and squirm.
It brought a smile to her face as she tugged her sandals back onto her feet, grabbed her apartment key and eight minutes after the departure of two of her honorary uncles and the only honorary aunt, Sakura walked out the door with Joki clutching his arms around her neck.
His amber eyes were wide and full of awe, looking through the rose tinted glasses that only innocent children produced "Sakra-chan" Joki mumbled pressing his face into her neck as they passed by a scary tall person.
"Don't worry Joki-kun everything's okay, shh, shh" Sakura soothed easily rubbing her free hand down his back like she'd seen Konan do nearly a million times, it always calmed Joki down and now was no different.
A few minutes later they were stood in front of the academy "Oh what a cute little boy" Hana who'd taken to picking up her brother spotted the pinkette less than a minute later "What's your name cutie" she smiled sweetly.
Only to be completely ignored "Joki-kun, for all intents and purposes he's my cousin, he's really shy" Sakura craned her neck to the side to spy the Inuzuka who now avoided coming to the training grounds she used to avoid that meditation training.
Hana blinked her onyx eyes "Well Joki-kun my name is Hana, like a flower, won't you please say hello, I've got a sugar free sucker with your name on it" she produced said lollipop from her pocket and waved it at the orange haired boy.
For her efforts she got an extremely shy wave and Joki hid his face even more in Sakura's neck shyly mumbling a hello, he didn't so much as look at her nor did he accept the sucker "K, try super extreme shy" Sakura grinned hugging the little boy closer to her chest.
Just as the bell rang loudly across the academy grounds and students from all years came scrambling out eager to get out of class for the day, the first one surprisingly to them was Kiba "You have to help me study for the test five days from now please" he grabbed Sakura by the shoulders carefully.
Upon noticing that she was holding a little boy in her arms "Ma's gonna kill me if I fail my history test again on the Leaf, Rain, Sand and Cloud Villages" the Inuzuka's onyx eyes were wide and begging the emerald ones that his friend bore to help him with this super important thing.
When Naruto, Sasuke and Choji came trailing after Kiba, they also wore matching desperate looks, it was then an idea popped into her head "A compromise then" she slanted a look to Hana "You guys spend the next five days at my house Hana-san to" she took a deep breath.
"Huh why me to, I'm not the one in the academy anymore and not on the last straw of Ma's patience" Hana pointed a sharp claw at herself confusion written all over her face as the four boys looked at her as if she was insane.
Glad the older girl had asked "Because for the next five days, Naruto's and I's mom are gone and the ones who usually watch us are gone for two weeks and we can't leave Joki by himself at the house" Sakura stated simply.
"I can't" Hana said "I only had enough time to pick up Kiba-otouto, before going off for a nine day mission" she looked down guiltily "But just know that if I didn't have a mission I totally would have said that it was okay, however Otouto might be able to stay" Hana smiled.
Sakura nodded in an understanding way, that no mere eight year old girl should ever be able to do and let out a sigh "I don't mind helping you guys study, but you'll have to ask your parents Choji-kun, Sasuke-kun and Kiba-kun to" the pinkette glanced to the Inuzuka.
The three boys scrambled for the hills in hopes to acquire permission from their parents, and Hana trailed after her brother "So all three of them are gone and Mum is to, what about Momo, do we really have to watch Joki by ourselves" Naruto chattered as they trailed down the streets.
"Momo went with Mama to the land of tea for five days and yep to two of your questions, only if we can't find someone to help us watch him though and I have to talk to Hokage-san is that even possible" Sakura quipped bouncing every few steps drawing childish laughter from Joki.
He was easily amused by everything "I haven't talked to Old Man Hokage in ages and why do we need a sitter, your eight and I'm still seven, that's old enough to take care of ourselves isn't it" Naruto grinned before scowling at the thought they needed to be watched.
"I didn't say the sitter was for us, but for Joki-kun, how will we be able to watch him during the academy" she lifted a brow and stared in exasperation at her brother, the blonde flushed in realization "And to soothe Uncle's worries" Sakura smiled adding that as an afterthought.
Not quite telling her brother her other piece of news yet "What if we can't find one, what are we gonna do about Joki, or dinner, or breakfast or lunch money" he ticked off his fingers panic slowly rising as he realized they were going to be alone.
Sakura blinked her emerald eyes "You wig out to easily Naruto-kun, Mama would have left us money, to get our meals only for the next five days and the other bit I'm sure we'll manage" she shifted Joki onto her hip and the little boy found he liked this new position even better.
Because he let out a squeal of joy and tugged gently on a lock of pink hair that was loose from the tails she always put her hair in, this prompted attention from a duo of two adults, said duo stopped in front of the younger trio.
Joki noticed them first and quickly hid his face in Sakura's neck "Scary" he whimpered frightened of the red eyes the woman had, the pinkette's hand came up and rubbed along his back in an attempt to calm him, while warm and soothing chakra washed over his small form.
It was almost enough to put him to sleep as his eyes drooped in tiredness "It's okay Joki-kun, hello Ma'am, Sir" Sakura took charge of the confrontation and looked up into a pair of ruby red eyes that were extremely beautiful.
Much like Joki, Naruto took his turn to hide behind his slightly taller sister "What do you want, we weren't causing trouble" he blurted out unable to stop himself as he clutched onto her Cloud Academy uniform that she had yet to change out of.
Asuma and Kurenai shared an odd look between them before glancing down at the odd trio once again, a blonde, an orange haired boy, and a pink haired girl "We couldn't help but overhear your conversation" the older male crouched down in front of the kids.
The girl's eyes took on a glint of wariness "Asuma don't scare them" Kurenai scolded, barely remembering the child before her "He's Asuma Sarutobi, the Third's Son, and I'm Kurenai Yuhi, we're both Jonin" she introduced herself.
"Sakura Haruno, this is Joki-kun and my brother Naruto" Sakura introduced herself and those with her, it was only polite after all since they'd given their names first to return the favor "What part of our conversation did you hear" she inquired curiously.
Asuma rubbed his chin "All of it, from how you'll be on your own for five days and have no one to watch the little one while your busy at the academy" he admitted somewhat sheepishly with a small chuckle.
Naruto narrowed his eyes "You really related to old man Hokage" he asked suspiciously, and got a nod "Oh, well maybe you guys aren't so bad, in fact you kind of remind me of Kakashi, it sucks we hardly get to see him anymore cause he's so busy and Yamato to" the blonde sulked.
Her hand reached back to pat his arm reassuringly before returning to Joki to continue the soothing motion "Kakashi, you know Kakashi Hatake" Kurenai blinked in surprise and got matching nods "Oh well he's our classmate, do you think you could trust us" she gestured between herself and Asuma.
"One condition no trying to act like our parents, we do our homework on time and stuff and study hard and you can't skip out any of these next five days" Sakura reeled off driving a hard bargain with the duo before them.
The blonde standing behind her fought down the rising crazy laughter he wanted to let out "You got yourself a deal kid, so where do you live" Asuma stood properly and righted himself as they all started down the street.
"Apartment complex not far from here, and before Sakura-chan forgets, we'll probably be having a few kids our age, friends spending the next five nights to" Naruto popped out of his hiding spot from behind his sister as the danger passed.
Kurenai bit her lip to hide her smile "That's fine, so long as their parents are okay with it and they know to behave in someone else's place" she murmured "We should stop and get dinner if that's the case, because neither of us are cooks" the ravenette stated.
They all paused at that "Okay…..here Naruto-kun take Joki-kun for a moment" Sakura passed over the almost sleeping two year old, the boy didn't complain and she went through a quick set of hand signs "Suiton: Water Clone" she molded her chakra and made one clone.
Before giving the clone directions "I see, someone's one with their element" Asuma chuckled as the clone and Kurenai wandered off to acquire dinner for everyone, while they continued down the streets to the apartment complex.
"That's nothing Sakura-chan also knows earth jutsu's to and she's a fully bonafide Toad Sage" Naruto exclaimed in a proud tone as they finally reached their home and found that their three friends were already waiting outside the door.
Kiba whirled "We really thought you weren't going to be home quick enough" he sulked holding his bag and literally bouncing on the balls of his feet as the pinkette unlocked the door and they all scrambled in taking off their shoes and finding spots to sit in the living room.
"Just be lucky our parents said yes, so where is your Mom anyway Sakura-chan" Choji was already munching on a bag of chips, never mind that he was spoiling his appetite for dinner, he'd still be hungry afterwards.
Sasuke looked around the clean apartment after getting comfortable "I don't know how your Mom even keeps this place so neat" he announced after several minutes as they lined up their history books on the table.
Sakura went to answer but was interrupted as Kurenai entered the apartment bearing the promised meal for the lot of them "If you guys get hungry foods on the table" she stated feeling just a tiny bit out of place and extremely awkward in the apartment.
"Land of Tea with Momo-chan, Choji-kun and me either, it's either imouto-chan, Hoyo or…" her gaze trailed to the side and Naruto flushed bright red in embarrassment "Well you get the point" she smiled leaving her teasing at just that.
He relaxed in relief "Thought you had to talk to old man Hokage" Naruto said in the next moment when his sister returned from putting Joki down for his hour nap, he was tired from his brief moment of excitement outside.
A smile spread across her lips "Sakura-san sent her clone to the Hokage Tower" Kurenai answered for the little pink haired girl as the child sat squished between the blonde and the second Uchiha Heir everyone knew.
This earned her a quick smile "Alright you four" Sakura spoke, eyes gaining a determined gleam to their emerald depths "If you want to pass your history test, the best thing is to study hard for the next five days, do you guys have notes" she looked between the quartet.
"Wait don't you mean the five of you" Asuma interrupted just as the door opened again to admit the girls clone, she was carrying four books that were placed on the table in front of Sakura, before it headed into what he assumed was the bathroom before popping out of existence.
Sakura visibly relaxed as she retained the information her clone held "Sakura-chan doesn't go to the Leaf Village Academy, she goes to Cloud using the transportation seal on our necklaces" Naruto blurted so she didn't have to explain.
Both adults shared concerned looks, wasn't it a little dangerous to have the girl living in the Leaf Village, especially if she was going to become a Cloud Shinobi, sure they had the treaty, but besides the few things they'd done to commemorate it, things were pretty much the same.
How little they knew though and things were massively different "Actually Naruto-kun, it's been decided for the last four months of this year, to commemorate the treaty between Cloud and Leaf, Omoi-kun, Karui-chan and I will be attending the academy here in the Leaf Village" Sakura quipped.
"Cool but we really should get started on studying, as for your question, only Uchiha has notes" Kiba scowled slightly, if only he paid more attention, Akamaru woofed on top of his head, he wasn't going to back down now though, this had been his idea, he would stick with it to the end.
At Sakura's request, Sasuke handed over his notes, to which Sakura started making copies for the others to use as references, "Of course you're a nerd" he sniggered "But also super strong so please don't hit me" he grinned as she lifted a slender pink brow.
They both laughed "What should we do in the meantime Sakura-chan" Choji asked munching on his last bit of chips intending to not eat anymore until dinner, she pointed at the books that her clone had brought from the library.
History on the Leaf, Sand, Rain and Cloud Village's, general information, but so long as they studied hard, it would be enough to earn the four boys a passing grade on their history test and she'd be able to say she was the one to help them.
"Can we take turns reading the books out loud or should we each just grab one and then switch off every few chapters" Naruto asked, a couple minutes later it was decided the books would be read out loud so Sakura could write down more notes.
While working on her own homework at the same time, every few minutes though, she'd rattle off a question "Who was the first Hokage and what was he famous for and no cheating" Sakura smiled sweetly and the book was placed down.
It was Choji who answered "Hashirama Senju and there are several things he was famous for, like making the village with the Uchiha Clan an..and being able to use Wood Nature" he stuttered unsure for a moment but pushed onward.
Sakura nodded in acceptance, flashed the Akimichi Heir a thumbs up, wrote down a few more notes, and did a few equations on your math homework that needed to be turned in the next day "Next question, why does it rain in the Rain Village all the time" she reeled off.
Kiba jumped in "Cause a backed up air mass from the Hidden Cloud Village sits right over it" he grinned "I remembered that from a couple years ago" the Inuzuka was downright ecstatic over being able to pull that information off the top of his head.
Earning him a wide smile in response from the pinkette "Good, moving on, what is the Sand Village most notable for" Sakura narrowed her eyes as she pondered over her next math question, before easily writing down the answer.
For a few minutes things were quiet, until Sasuke managed to answer "Their the only village that produce Puppet Users" he smirked it hadn't been the easiest thing to remember, but he'd gotten the answer right hopefully.
Sakura looked up and nodded "Nice one, see what happens when you sit down for a good ole fashion study session" she snickered for a moment, before clearing her throat "Last question, then dinner, this is another one of those what is a village most notable for questions, the Cloud Village" Sakura looked at her four friends.
They all frowned in sync mulling over the question "Lightning during the day" Naruto answered sheepishly "Being cold because the altitude of where the village is built, the Raikage" he was desperate hoping one of them was the correct answer.
"More than likely those would be reasonable answers but if you really want to go for a shocker, just put down the first two" Sakura smiled warmly at her brother gladly taking a break as she piled the notes up in four individual piles and the books were closed.
Kurenai and Asuma took their cue as the ravenette started warming up the by now cold fold and tea while the older male pulled out glasses, plates and silverware "Clearly one of you is very studious" Asuma chuckled.
While the ravenette nodded "Indeed, for sure you four will pass your history test" Kurenai smiled as the pinkette vanished down the hall as Joki let out a cry, signaling that he was no longer asleep and was ready to eat something.
Neither of the adults had to lift a finger to help the small boy as Sakura set up Joki's folding high chair, tied a bib around his neck, filled his sippy cup with orange juice and warmed up the pre-made meal Konan had packed before sitting down to feed it to him.
It was only ten minutes later, her hardly having a chance to do more than drink her tea, when a knock came on the door, Naruto turned completely in his chair to eye it warily "Here Sakura-chan" he took over feeding Joki for his sister.
As she went to answer the door, with Asuma just a couple steps behind her, ready to ward off any attackers should it be someone the girl didn't know, when it was fully open "Hello Sakura-san" Ko looked down at the pink haired child.
Her mouth opened and closed and she cast a grimace over her shoulder at her friends "Ko-san" Sakura forced herself to smile, out of all the days it just had to be this one that Hinata and Neji wanted her to come over for dinner.
"I see you already started eating" Ko noticed the strain in her smile, before his lavender eyes trailed to the three other children sitting at the kitchen table "Would you like me to express your regret to Hinata-sama and Neji-san" he asked gently.
Sakura bit her lip, if she didn't show up several things could happen, those two would possibly thing she hated them, Hiashi and Hizashi would possibly be angry and then she would no longer be allowed to visit the duo.
Sasuke noticed her extreme hesitation as did Choji and Kiba, Naruto already knew what was going on "Go on Sakura-chan, we're intending on studying late anyway" the Inuzuka waved her off and her eyes softened.
"Yeah, plus it's not as if I can't continue writing down notes and you'll be back after dinner" Sasuke shrugged lightly he would never be selfish as to force his friend in making a choice, knowing that she often visited the only two decent Hyuga's around in his personal opinion.
Choji nodded "I'll protect your food" he dubbed drawing a silly smile onto her lips, knowing that he would do it to and not let even himself take a single bite from her plate, with that Sakura turned back to Ko.
And took his hand "Just watch after Joki-kun, Naruto, after he finishes eating he needs a bath and then put in his playpen in Momo-chan's room" she threw over her shoulder waving with her free hand at the two adults "I'll be back soon" she called as the door shut behind her.
"Very kind of them not to kick up a fuss, what were you doing anyway Sakura-san" Ko glanced down to the child, he knew she didn't go to the Leaf Village Academy as did Hiashi, but it didn't make much sense for the others.
This earned a sheepish smile "Studying, Kiba-kun asked me to help him study for the history test in five days and natural Choji-kun, and Sasuke-kun joined in on the study session, because they don't know much about the other villages that are gonna be on the test" Sakura rattled off.
Ko blinked before shaking his head in quiet amusement as they reached the Hyuga Compound "You weren't really expecting me to show up, we need to find a way to alert you before I come over" he frowned slightly.
"Mm we'll think of something, I don't mind coming to visit Hinata-chan and Neji-kun, but the next five days are gonna be a bit difficult, mine and Naruto's parents are off on missions, and our other legal guardians are gone as well" she explained.
Taking off her shoes politely "Ah well I've brought Sakura-san" Ko stated and a maid, the one that usually dressed the pinkette in a kimono came out of a room and dragged the girl off to be prepared for the meal with their Patriarch and his family.
Later on as he was taking her home, a hair pin from Hinata pinning her bangs back, Ko began to really question if it was such a wise idea to let Sakura get as close as she had been to the heiress of the Hyuga Clan and Neji.
He didn't dare mention his thoughts out loud "Thank you Ko-san" Sakura bobbed her head and twisted her upper half into a quick bow as they stopped outside her apartment, Ko gave her a quick wave and then hurried off to return to his duties as Hinata's caretaker.
While she turned the knob of the door and headed in all four boys were sitting on the floor looking utterly bored out of their skulls from the studying, Asuma looked up from the couch and the book he was reading from "Back from the Hyuga Compound already" he glanced to the clock.
"Just put Joki-san in his playpen with some toys from the bag" Kurenai returned to the living room from the short hall and watched Sakura sit with her friends and brother at the table with a soft sigh of relief.
Naruto lifted his head from the table "Thank kami your back, cause studying isn't fun without you Sakura-chan, the way you ask the questions is awesome" he sulked "So we've just been doing our homework for the other classes until you got back" he grinned.
Sasuke rolled his eyes but didn't deny the blondes statement "So can we please get back to studying, cause you're really good at asking questions" the second Uchiha heir smiled sheepishly as he opened up the books preparing to get back into studying again.
The Akimichi and Inuzuka Heirs nodded their heads "Yeah, lets go until our brains explode" Kiba laughed from his spot on the couch Asuma rubbed a hand down his face while Kurenai pressed hers over her mouth to stop from laughing.
"I don't think that's possible Kiba, unless someone was to use a jutsu on us" Choji shot the Inuzuka an odd look as did Naruto and Sasuke, while Sakura looked as if she'd already heard that statement several times before from someone else.
But the pinkette merely cleared her throat regaining their attention and started in with another round of questions "What was the Second Hokage's name and what was he famous for" Sakura looked between the four boys.
"Tobirama Senju, brother of the first Hokage, he created the ranking system we use today and the transportation formula that you like to use Sakura-chan" Sasuke was the one to answer that particular question first.
Prompting a smile to form on the girls face "Nice, okay which two countries is the Hidden Rain Village situated between" she tapped her nail on the table, while working on her math and finishing off the last couple of equations.
While waiting for someone to answer "Erm… Earth and Fire Country" Kiba fumbled his way through the answer, Akamaru let out a excited bark as Sakura nodded "Phew I hope I remember that" he wiped his forehead.
Earning amused smiles "Right third question, in the Hidden Sand Village, during the night what happens" Sakura reeled off wondering if any of the boys in front of her new that it got insanely cold in Wind Country during nighttime.
"Get cold" Naruto blinked with a shrug "I mean if it gets hot during the day cause all it is, is more sand, sand, and sand, then wouldn't it be reverse during the nights" he ducked his head, rattling off an answer, something his sister would say.
The others were surprised and Sakura shot her brother a suspicious look, but there was no book in front of him, so "You guessed" she asked and he smiled sheepishly "Well good job, it was right, last question, name a tradition in the Hidden Cloud Village" she looked to Choji.
Sensing it was his turn sort of the Akimichi Heir quickly tried to think of something to say "Uhhh….A/B combo, the Raikage or their children is always named Ay and they are paired with a partner that is named Bee" Choji rattled off.
"Awesome job Choji-kun, on that note, pun in intended we should all get some sleep" Sakura was unable to stop the yawn as it cracked her jaw loudly, they all glanced at the clock, nine o'clock in the evening, where had all the time gone.
With several reluctant grumbles from the four boys, the five eight/seven year old's if they hadn't had their birthday yet, headed off for bed and soon the entire house was silent "She really is something else, getting not one, but four boys to study" Asuma chuckled quietly.
Kurenai nodded, "We should get some sleep and set up some traps to ensure their protection" she murmured softly, doing as she suggested as did Asuma as the large apartment was locked up and traps were set up, before Joki was checked on, he was put in his bed and the two adults went to sleep.
At 6 o'clock sharp only three people were awoken by a loud cry, Kurenai jolted out of her sleep and nearly fell on top of Asuma who was on the floor by the couch, it was a comfortable floor, but as the crying continue she found herself in a new predicament.
She didn't have to worry though as the sound of doors opening and shutting, a few minutes later Joki had quieted down and Sakura entered the living room with the little boy in her arms "Shh, Shh Joki-kun" she was humming quietly hardly noticing anything else.
As a large brown cat weaved between her legs as she walked taking care not to trip her "What's going on Sakura-chan" Naruto came out of his room, having had a hell of a time extricating himself from the pile of three other boys, hair sticking up in random directions.
Peering around blearily not quite awake "Joki-kun was hungry, and on his schedule it says this is the time Aunt Konan always feeds him" came the answer as Sakura warmed up some more food, not just for the orange haired two year old, but for herself as well, from last nights dinner.
He didn't think he'd be able to go back to sleep now that he was slowly becoming more alert "Here Sakura-chan I'm just gonna eat cereal, so I'll feed him, by the way what did you need to talk to old man Hokage about yesterday" the blonde yawned.
Missing Kurenai as she climbed over the back of the enormous couch and entered the kitchen, grabbing bowls from the cabinet for the boys and spoons and cups should they which to have something to drink with their morning meal "Awfully responsible aren't you two" she asked.
It was impossible to continue trying to sleep as people kept up talking and so Asuma stretched cleaning up the blankets he'd found in the closet "Do you guys always get up this early" he asked tiredly, not that they'd had to do much, but this was the best break they'd had so far.
Sakura had no qualms about answering the two questions to her brothers embarrassment "Naruto-kun's trying to show our parents that he can be responsible so he can get a pet and nope, we hardly ever babysit Joki-kun but it's just as well" she smiled.
Naruto sulked while pouring himself a big bowl of cereal, and adding milk to it, while drinking a glass of orange juice "At least this way none of us will be late to the academy, I'm gonna go wake those guys" he pointed to the hall and vanished down it.
Eight minutes later, three grumpy boys were sat at the table "Did you have to wake us up, I was having a nice dream where the Leaf Village turned into a ninken paradise" Kiba scowled before he found he was simply not alert enough to keep his facial expression up as he ate cereal.
Better than nothing his Ma would say "Only you Inuzuka" Sasuke snarked clearly in no mood for kidding around that morning, his brain hurt from all that studying yesterday and he knew his headache was only going to get worse.
Choji was the quieter of the four boys "He doesn't mean it Kiba, I'm sure we all have a bit of a headache" he commented quietly dipping his spoon back in the bowl and munching on the cereal, at least they were being fed.
At the mention of headaches, Sakura paused in her meal, it was last nights dinner "You guys forgot didn't you" she gave them exasperated smiles while Kurenai and Asuma looked on in silent amusement as the four boys faced her with matching confused expressions.
Then in a completely random move three of the boys slapped their foreheads "Exactly I can just heal your headaches by the way as for your question Naruto, just a few questions about the transportation formula, if it can be used in reverse to bring someone to me instead of going to them" Sakura rattled off.
His blue eyes widened "How do you even know about that" Asuma cut in before the blonde could, curious as to how the girl knew fuinjutsu, it wasn't natural and she was barely eight years old at least that's the age she looked.
"Quite, it's a little dangerous having the knowledge of sealing jutsu in the hands of a little girl" Kurenai spoke, trying not to sound half as suspicious as she sounded, but it was a little disconcerting, she knew jutsu's and things she shouldn't know but why.
Naruto answered for his sister "Our Pops taught us both Fuinjutsu when we were five, or rather she was five, I was still four when we still lived on Mount Myoboku" he announced, feeding Joki his last bite before wiping his mouth.
Both adults wigged out as they realized who they were watching but neither Kurenai or Asuma commented on their status as two of the legendary sannin's adopted children, instead making sure they each got ready for the day.
Joki was put in his playpen and the pinkette made good on her promise to heal Naruto, Sasuke, Kiba and Choji's headaches, before they all split up, Sakura was quite ready to get away from the unnerving looks for awhile when a sharp cry filled the house once more.
Her foot lowered to the floor "Sakra-chan" Joki yelled insistently over and over, she sighed tossed the two adults apologetic smiles and hurried down the hall "Wanna go wif ou" the orange haired boy was stood in his playpen a stubborn look on his face.
There was no point in arguing and she had no idea what to do "Joki-kun I have classes" she mumbled even as she was lifting him into her arms, while Kurenai stood in the doorway, realizing that now she or Asuma wouldn't have to watch the boy.
Even if that had been the whole point of staying "Wanna go wif ou Sakra-chan" the orange haired boy repeated wrapping his arms tightly around his caretakers neck, it was cute and slightly worrisome how he refused to let go.
"Okay, okay I doubt we'll be gone long" Sakura grabbed up her backpack, and a few of Joki's things to keep him occupied, gathered some sage chakra after tugging her shoes on and a wistful sigh of the wind was in the Hidden Cloud Village.
Right next to Omoi in the academy "Holy Crow Sakura-chan you really now how to scare someone with that" he jumped a foot in the air prompting laughter "What if I had a heart attack and died and no one knew CPR to get my heart started again" there went his irrational fears.
"You aren't gonna die from a little scare like that….wait a minute why do you have a little boy with you Sakura-chan" Karui snorted before spotting the two year old in her pink haired friends arms, who promptly hid his face in her neck.
Sakura let out a soft sigh "My parents are gone, his parents are gone, he refused to let me leave without him, as I understand it we probably won't be here long, only to turn our homework in, before heading for the Leaf Village" she explained.
Imoi narrowed his purple eyes hearing the tail end of the conversation "Indeed now hop to it, your four escorts are at the gates" he barked only to wince as the child his honor student had brought whimpered quietly.
Her hand came up and rubbed his back while digging into her backpack for the packet and her finished homework, the three of them turned their work in before leaving the classroom "You gonna use your seal" Omoi rubbed his arms wishing it wasn't always chilly.
"What are you talking about of course Sakura-chan is gonna use her seal to get us to the Leaf Village" Karui frowned as if the thought of walking across the land was the most absurd thing that had ever been suggested.
The pinkette smiled "Actually I'm going to head back to the Leaf Village and bring you guys to the gates, only after I find out who our escorts are" she stated "Shh, Shh" Sakura hummed as Joki kept his arms tightened around her neck.
A few minutes later the gates came into view, Darui, Cee, Atsui and Samui, they were surprised when Sakura vanished with little more than a sigh, to the gates of the Leaf Village, but after Omoi and Karui explained what was going on they were patient.
Kotetsu and Izumo were surprised to see a pink haired girl holding an orange haired boy skid to a halt at the gates ten minutes later and sit down off to the side they shared confused looks with each other as she essentially meditated.
'Okay Hokage-san said that if I wanted to do things in reverse, that I must connect with my chakra and pull it towards me willing whoever has been marked or whatever item has been marked to come to me' Sakura thought.
Connecting with her chakra was easy it was willing it to come to her that was the difficult part, the chakra was slow in reacting, tendrils reaching out to her hesitantly and reconnecting itself with her muffled yells filled the air as Darui, Samui, Atsui, Cee, Omoi and Karui landed in a heap on top of each other.
"What the devil" Cee was on the bottom of the pile, face pressed into the dirt and feeling as if his nose had been broken "Do you think you guys could get off" his voice was muffled but he managed to put enough order into the request.
Karui and Omoi were the first ones off the pile "That was so awesome Sakura-chan" the little red head latched onto her friend carefully as she peered into what she could see of the Leaf Village, this was kind of scary.
The white haired boy on her other side sniggered at the quartet of seventeen year old's that were newly promoted jonin "Yeah though poor Cee-san got stuck on the bottom" Omoi grinned innocently as said blonde tossed him an annoyed glare.
Samui cleared her throat, not commenting that it had been slightly uncomfortable to land on top of Cee like that nor cool in that least, or that it wasn't dignified for a jonin such as herself "Instead of talking we should sign into the village" she pointed out.
"Right you are sis, this is hot getting to stay in the Leaf Village for four months to commemorate the treaty between Cloud and Leaf" Atsui whistled mind whirring at all the possibilities, this was gonna be some serious vacation time for him and his fellow newly promoted jonin.
Darui rolled his eyes "Karui, Omoi come sign in, show these fellows your I.D.'s and we have to take this mission seriously, so no skipping out on duties to go sight seeing unless the situation calls for it" he snorted drawing the duo to his side as they signed in at the gates.
Izumo and Kotetsu were mystified and Sakura was preparing to head off to show the six people from the Cloud Village to the Hokage's Office to let Hiruzen know they were there, when one of them called out to her "What did you do there girly and don't lie" Kotetsu barked.
She pivoted on her heels, Joki in her arms with a long suffering sigh as if she'd answered that particular question over a thousand times "Transportation Seal, only in reverse instead of going to them I brought them here" the answer was short and to the point.
"B..But that's impossible you're a child, you shouldn't be able to use that such a high ranking technique, let alone possess the chakra necessary to perform it" Izumo accused becoming highly suspicious of the pinkette.
Another long suffering sigh "I'm Sakura Haruno, the toad sage's adopted daughter, I'm also a Toad Sage and have the required skills to take in Nature Energy to use such high ranking techniques" another quick answer not wasting anytime and hurried off.
With the six Cloud Shinobi on her heels "You probably have the right to be irritated, but don't let their suspicion bother you Sakura-san" Cee nudged Omoi to the side to walk next to the little girl "Their idiots if they haven't been keeping up to date with things such as that" he continued.
"Yeah at least we didn't have to walk three days to get here and can spend the rest of the week relaxing right until Monday" Karui shot a look at the four jonin hoping they wouldn't make them go when they weren't supposed to.
The remaining two blonde's shook their head "I'm sure the Leaf Academy sensei's are expecting you on Monday morning so we'll have this week off to look around and get use to our hot new surroundings" Atsui burst out.
Sakura smiled softly hugging Joki close "Where did you learn that cool new trick with the seals in our necklaces" Samui was curious as she looked the garnet over, it really was amazing what the little girl could do.
"Answer that question later, we have a meeting with the Hokage" Darui took charge once more over the others as the entered the Hokage Tower and were led down the hall to the man's office until the seven of them were stood in front of Hiruzen.
Who blinked and let a kind smile settle on his lips "Welcome to the Leaf Village, managed it didn't you Sakura-san, good, good, you might become even better at than…ahem pardon my manners I am Hiruzen Sarutobi, the Third Hokage" Hiruzen introduced himself.
Omoi was looking the man over "You're an ol…." the rest of his sentence was cut off by Cee, who did the honor's of slapping a hand over the white haired boys mouth, letting Darui do all the talking before they shuffled out of the office "That was mean" Omoi sulked.
"As for you question Samui-san earlier Hokage-san told me about that little trick yesterday, but that was the first time I tested it out, though I definitely intend on practicing it and I know Cee-san" Sakura grinned leading the way to the hotel.
Then hurried off to put Joki down for his nap, Kurenai and Asuma absent when she returned, her brow creased, maybe it hadn't been such a good idea to ask them, there was no use in regretting it now as she searched the house up and down for some ryo to get lunch and dinner for everyone.
Finally finding it in the most unexpected place under the cushions, then after creating a clone, sent it out with some ryo to acquire lunch for herself, it was going to be a long week for sure and she hoped her mother returned soon.
Forty minutes later, after stumbling into the Cloud Shinobi, Sakura's clone returned with six guests "Kami Sakura-chan this village is almost as huge as the Cloud Village" Karui's gold eyes were rounded in awe.
To which the pinkette put a finger to her lips "Joki's sleeping right now" Sakura explained as her clone gave her, her lunch and the rest of the money was put back under the couch cushion to Darui and Cee's amusement.
"Is there a reason you put it there or are you just paranoid" Cee couldn't help but ask as they all sat at the table noting there was more chairs than what would be considered comfortable as they tried to fit around it.
Sakura blinked taking out plates and cups and silverware so they could all eat "Mhm Mama put it there and that's the spot no one would really expect it to be" she explained taking a bite "And wait until you see the Hokage Mountain Karui-chan" she faced her friend after a moment.
Omoi's eyes went huge "Can we stay here instead of that stinky hotel, the rooms smell bad" he pouted at his friend wanting to be close to one of his very friends in the Leaf Village, Naruto and Sasuke were the other two.
She didn't have a chance to answer "We can't be rude, Hokage-san set us up in the hotel and that's where we'll stay" Atsui cut in sending the pouting duo the most stern expression he could muster until they both sulked and nodded grudgingly in acceptance.
"It's okay Karui-chan, Omoi-kun, you guys can come over everyday if you want and we can finally work on our homework together" Sakura snickered cheering her friends up very easily to the four teenagers amusement.
Darui chuckled while Samui let a smile form on her lips "Very studious aren't you Sakura-san, almost reminds me of Cee when he was your age" she teased lightly and the blonde in question flushed and cleared his throat avoiding the others gaze.
"You know Imoi-sensei told me that to" Sakura joined in on the teasing finishing off her early lunch and started cleaning up the kitchen, while the others stood, and Cee rubbed the back of his neck in embarrassment.
"As fun as it is to pick on Cee" Darui snorted and got a glare from his friend "We're going to go do some sight seeing and familiarize ourselves with the Leaf Village, come on you two" and then the six of them vanished out the door.
Sakura sighed softly making sure the kitchen was spotless before going to check on Joki, he was still napping so she sat down and decided to do some good ole note taking so that her brother, Sasuke, Kiba and Choji would have their notes to read over during the next four days.
It was only less than seventeen minutes later at 11:56, an ear-splitting scream tore through the apartment complex, she was on her feet in less than a second and flew down the hall to what was really her little sister's room and slammed the door shut.
The sound of windows shattering down the hall was heard and with her heart pounding in fear Sakura made two water clones from the noises Joki was crying loudly himself "Get him out of here, to Hokage-san, anywhere safe" she ordered her clones.
Emerald eyes filled with fear as the window to the room was opened and the two clones jumped out it with Joki in one of their arms, more crashes followed by a deep males voice cursing "Where the hell are they, this is their apartment isn't it" and she became sick.
As she realized that someone had broken into Yahiko, Konan and Nagato's apartments that were on either side of hers, just then the power went out and the entire complex was filled with nothing but gut-wrenching silence.
Her ears were perked as the sound of someone trying to get in registered in her ears, it was a moment of truth and Sakura panicked leaping for the window and flying down the streets, the pinkette dared to peer over her shoulder.
Only to realize she was being pursued, with eyes wide, Sakura forced herself to calm down and concentrate, where could she go, tears pricked at her eyes and she made her choice, using the seal that hung around Kakashi's neck, connected her chakra to it.
And with a sigh of the wind was gone just as her pursuers reached her intending to end her life, then she was falling face first on top of a kitchen table "SAKURA" Kakashi shouted wincing as a loud ~crunch~ filled the air.
Kurenai and Asuma were similarly shocked as the girl lay there in a dazed state "Kaka..shi-san" a few tears trickled out of her eyes as the silver haired nin helped her down from on top of the table and got her some tissues for her nose that was bleeding.
"So ungraceful" the ravenette at the table sighed and got an emerald eyed glare before Sakura's expression shifted into one of utter agony and panic "Is there a reason your interrupting our lunch" she lifted a brow red eyes pinned to the girl.
Asuma frowned as her eyes flew to the door and she huddled even further against Kakashi, to their confusion "Where's Joki-san" he realized belatedly as she continued staring at the door as if afraid that someone was going to come barging in without permission.
"My clones, some..ow one or multiple someones…ouch, broke into Joki-kun's parents and Nagato's apartment, the power went out and someone screamed, they were chasing me but they don't know about Joki-kun" Sakura cried softly.
The three were immediately on the alert "Come on Kurenai, let's go check things out" Asuma stood, there went their lunch, but this was so much more important both Jonin headed out the door to scope out the situation.
"You did a good thing Sakura-chan" Kakashi hugged the eight year old girl closer as he locked up his apartment and set traps at every window and doors before placing them in the bathroom, an escape route secured for them should it be needed.
Her lip trembled and more tears trickled down her cheeks as she tried to heal her broken nose it was a slow process but she managed it in eight minutes "You were the only person I could think of Kakashi-san" Sakura murmured quietly still shaking horribly.
Forty minutes that's how long it took for Asuma and Kurenai to return, their expressions grim "The place is trashed and every other resident…." Kurenai's gaze trailed to Sakura and Kakashi sent her to his room "Is dead, she and that boy are the only survivors of the complex" she finished.
"And a cat surprisingly" Asuma held up the brown long haired cat with orange eyes "He was hiding under the couch, nothing was destroyed, just documents and personal affects were trashed and thrown around the place" he stated.
Kakashi frowned deeply behind his mask "Did you report this to Hokage-sama and Sakura you can come out now" he asked before raising his voice just enough for the girl to hear as his two guests nodded.
Sakura came out hesitantly while wiping tears away, before spying the cat in Asuma's arms "Hoyo" she launched herself at the cat and took him into her arms "I..I'm sorry I wasn't even thinking about you" her face was buried in his thick fur.
The adrenaline was wearing off by this point, though she understood that she could possibly be dead at this particular time along with the others in the complex she lived in, but her eyes drooped in tiredness and before she knew it she was curled up on the floor asleep, around her cat.
When next she woke, Asuma and Kurenai were gone and she was on the couch, head in Kakashi's lap "What am I gonna do" Sakura looked down ashamed, all she had done was run away and now everything was so wrong.
At her voice Kakashi's lone onyx eye trailed down "Hokage-sama is putting protection in place for you and your brother, as well as Joki-san, your sister, and those three Rain turned Leaf Shinobi, nothing will be allowed to happen, so you do nothing but stay safe is that understood" he scolded.
Not daring to argue as she huddled into his side "Why would someone do something as awful as kill innocent people" Sakura asked quietly four minutes later when it got to silent for her tastes, she had every reason to be terrified at this moment.
He knew trying to keep her from that would do no good "I don't know Sakura-chan" Kakashi shook his head sadly feeling for the small girl, he should have been keeping a better eye on her, but he'd been distracted lately.
Sakura leaned heavily against him as a knock sounded on the door, before Asuma's voice called out, it was opened in the next moment to admit Naruto, with Joki in his arms into the apartment "Sakura-chan" the blonde looked completely distraught.
And without even hesitating as more tears slid down her cheeks, the pinkette threw herself at her brother being careful not to knock him over and they cried together "I'm sorry, I'm sorry" she mumbled over and over.
This time she'd had no dreams to warn her of the danger, Joki cried with them, until finally the tears abated "Sasuke's offered to let us stay at his place until Mum comes back" Naruto sniffled doing his best to dry his eyes.
"Makes sense, we'd be protected by the Uchiha" Sakura nodded knowing why their friend had offered, Fugaku wasn't someone any shinobi messed with, he wasn't called Wicked Eye for no reason after all according to Shisui.
Joki patted her cheek "Sakra-chan, Naruo k" he looked ready to burst into another round of tears but was trying to be strong for his two caretakers who'd just been dealt a heavy blow, they'd come to care for people in that apartment complex and now everyone, their neighbors were dead.
"I'll escort you to the Uchiha Compound, Asuma, Kurenai, go get some things for them, I'll be by to help clean up in a bit, once their settled" Kakashi took charge of the situation, how the hell had things gone from good to bad in a blink of an eye.
What he did know for certain was that Tsunade wasn't going to stop until she found every last bastard who'd done this and slaughtered them, it was her adopted children and extended family members in a way that had been threatened.
His skin paled slightly behind his mask as the two jonin headed off and he with Naruto, Sakura, Joki and a cat in tow hurried down the streets of the Leaf Village to the Compound the Uchiha resided in.
It was obvious they'd been updated on the situation for the four of them were simply let through with none of the usual fuss and eight minutes after that, they were stood in front of the Main Uchiha Family House.
Mikoto was out front and she snapped the three children up into her arms "Oh my kami" she blurted in heartbreaking relief "Never scare me like that again" she scolded "Sasuke blew in here and then we were informed by an anbu what had happened" Mikoto said.
Sakura and Naruto were quiet and Joki followed their example, seeing as they were in good hands, Kakashi disappeared in a swirl of leaves to clean up his two favorite kiddo's apartment, the silver haired nin had no doubt though they would be living there much longer.
When they were placed on their feet again, Mikoto led them into the house, Sasuke, Itachi, Shisui and Fugaku were crowded around the table the four males turned "Sakura-chan" the second Uchiha Heir asked hesitantly "A..Are you okay" he was unsure of how to proceed.
Only earning a blank look, it was if she didn't know how to respond either, she and Joki could have died, her lip trembled and Itachi sent her and Naruto pitying looks "I don't see how anyone could be okay after what just happened" he stated answering for the duo.
Shisui eyed his little apprentice not that Sasuke or many others knew about it with a great amount of concern and suddenly realized "You were in the building when it happened" his voice was flat and she visibly flinched.
Fugaku grimaced "How did you and the child escape" he asked as gently as possible, before it hit him "The transportation formula's and the seals carved into the gems" the Uchiha Patriarch answered his own question.
Gaining a very small nod "I got Joki away before they noticed, but I wasn't thinking properly at first and jumped out the window, I…they almost caught me" Sakura admitted trembling "I..If I'd wasted one more second I..I'd probably be dea..dead" she stuttered.
Naruto shot his sister a look and clutched her closer why was he never there when she needed him, she was always taking on burdens alone to save him from heartache "Why didn't you come to the academy Sakura-chan" his eyes betrayed his hurt.
And her head snapped up "No what if they had followed me there to huh Naruto, you and everyone and ugh…." Sakura made a mad dash for the trashcan as her stomach rolled and she tossed her cookies in the bin.
Mikoto lifted her hair running a soothing hand down the girls back until the pinkette managed to stop dry heaving when nothing came up "I could have never put you guys in danger" Sakura turned "Never I don't want to be alone again" tears slid down her cheeks.
Pure selfishness but also selflessness, she would have sacrificed herself for her loved ones "Now, now, lets just eat dinner and you guys can get some sleep" Mikoto ushered the trio to the empty chairs at the table and she made a quick supper.
By that point Kurenai had come by with things for Sakura, Joki and Naruto, and the three children were in Sasuke's room guarded by both Shisui and Itachi, with UPF members patrolling the streets twice as hard as usual.