"By the way Sakura-chan how much do your weights, weigh now" Naruto asked the following morning after a stressful night, Sakura looked awful with her hair sticking out in every which direction while she tried to tame it.
Deep purple bags under her eyes that were bloodshot and clearly run down "Huh oh uh right I think I'm up to forty five pounds, every two weeks I go up ten and the day before yesterday I got new ones" Sakura jolted into a more aware state at his sudden question.
This was news to Jiraiya who hadn't even realized she was wearing weights let alone ones that were that much "Just how exactly are you even lifting your arms with over a hundred and eighty pounds of extra weight, let alone even moving at all" Jiraiya gaped.
Sakura cracked the first smile they'd seen since yesterday "Chakra enhanced strength Jiraiya-sama, I spent a month fine-tuning my chakra control for this very reason after, though I'm still not on Tsunade-sama's level unfortunately but I can use mid-level chakra enhanced attacks" the pinkette announced.
Proud of herself for accomplishing that much "Because there's always room for improvement" the blonde Uzumaki piped in knowing how she felt about training, the woman who'd helped her for her round had taught her that.
Her lips curved up into a kind smile nodding in tandem with what he said while Jiraiya shook his head "Anyway are you finished with that mop you call hair" the white haired sage raised a brow at the thigh length wavy locks.
As if realizing she'd been distracted from her initial task, Sakura hurriedly yanked a brush through her hair, forgoing twisting it up in a braid for once, stowing away her grooming kit when she was done and shouldering her pack afterwards.
Now she was done, though her eyes still looked horrible, while she looked like she was ready to crash again "Right then let's move out" Jiraiya ordered taking charge of the two Chunin, though he did wonder if he should send Sakura back to Leaf.
It was a fleeting thought because he had the sinking suspicious that she would argue with him over that decision "I forgot to ask, yesterday Sakura-chan did you find any information on that Tsunade lady's whereabouts" Naruto suddenly remembered their mission.
When they started from the outpost town to the next most likely "Er no, everywhere I stopped in said they hadn't seen her for years in these parts" Sakura frowned, it didn't mean that she was going to give up though.
Plus there was always the network of contacts to think about as well, then as an afterthought she bit her lip "Jiraiya-sama is it alright if I set up a communication system between the three of us" the rosette inquired seriously.
Jiraiya raised a brow in confusion "What Sakura-chan means is that each of us will carry one of her spider summons with us at all times, this will allow us to remain in contact and relay information to each other in case we're separated" the blonde explained.
Knowing because he was use to it "Very well if you think it will help Sakura" the Toad Sage shrugged, not having realized the girl even had summons and watched curiously as she swiped blood down her palm.
And flashed through a set of hand signs to summon three little spiders "Irome you can partner with me, Kafu with sensei" Naruto grinned scooping his usual summons partner into his hand, while Kafu crawled onto Jiraiya.
Leaving Shiruki to Sakura "Trust me Jiraiya-sama my summons are very reliable" Sakura assured the Sannin as he looked dubiously at where Kafu had hidden himself no doubt, doubting whether or not they'd be useful.
"On your say so Sakura" Jiraiya sighed leading the way forward again on their way to another outpost town in hopes to focus on something other than what happened yesterday, he sighed, wishing he hadn't stood there like an idiot.
Quiet settled around them after that as they walked, extra caution in their gaits, and going at a quicker pace than how they'd initially set out, exiting the first outpost town that was just an hour away from their village.
They walked for hours yet again, only making a couple of pit-stops for bathroom breaks or something to eat, it was on one of these breaks that Naruto remembered suddenly "Nearly forgot but here's your camera back Sakura-chan that your clone gave to me" the blonde grinned.
Pulling the camera from his pouch, Jiraiya narrowed his eyes "What would you need a camera for kami please tell me you didn't" the white haired shinobi scowled unamused as it clicked in his mind that she'd had the gall to snap a photo of him during Naruto's little prank.
Her lips twitched fighting down the laughter "You have to admit it was a pretty good prank Jiraiya-sama" the pinkette snickered hastily sealing her camera away to avoid having the Sannin delete that incriminating photo.
It's not like she really showed them to anyone after all but she liked to have keepsakes, the Sannin scowled further "Fine you can keep it, but if I catch you flashing that thing around I'll break the damn camera" Jiraiya warned.
"Believe me Jiraiya-sama you don't have to worry, no one will see that photograph except for us here" Sakura assured polishing off the can of beans she was munching on, it was something of a favorite of hers to eat while out on a mission.
After her was Naruto who popped up first, dusting his clothes off "Sakura-chan's pretty secretive about things, though one time she did hand out framed photographs, that was back when we were nine" Naruto piped in as well.
Remembering the various pictures they'd all received courtesy of Sakura and Sasuke, favorite moments from their class trip, even their old academy sensei had gotten a photograph of all of them in front of the famous castle in Tanzaku Town.
Jiraiya blinked "Framed photographs geez Sakura did you feel generous or something, how did you manage that I'm sure that it had to be expensive" the Toad Sage snorted incredulously, not really believing the kid had done something that kind.
"Won at a kid friendly gambling game, third place prize was about 1,000 ryo, shoot be right back" the rosette informed then cringed as nature called, ducking into the brush super fast, and when she was done cleaned up after herself.
She was just about to return when a hand curled around her arm and pulled her into a sturdy chest and as she was going to let out a scream another hand pressed over her mouth "Calm down Sakura-san" Itachi's voice whispered.
Mind whirling Sakura couldn't help the flinch as she tried to shy away from the teenager "I know I'm the last person you want to see probably or hear from but I had to make sure you were alright" the Uchiha heir spoke evenly.
No doubt struggling with the guilt of what he'd done "Don't worry about it Itachi-san, your mission to infiltrate the Akatsuki and get us valuable information is important so you had to keep up appearances" Sakura breathed in a soft voice.
At that she was turned around to face him properly "Should I even ask how you know that" Itachi sighed, eyes as warm as she remembered though she could see the stress eating away at him from all the guilt he carried around with him.
"We got Danzo for you, Sasuke and me, detailing how he ordered you to undertake this mission but not for the reasons you think, anyway I have to go Itachi-san otherwise Jiraiya-sama will worry and probably come after me to find out what's taking so long" the rosette admitted.
Saying that as an afterthought, "Of course you did, by the way those suit you" the seventeen year old chuckled lightly, touching a fingertip gently to the earrings before vanishing in a flurry of crows, another clone, before she turned and hurried out of the brush.
"Man you sure took forever Sakura-chan" the blonde Uzumaki whined, she snorted lightly and whacked him over the back of the head gently, which quieted him down instantly, Jiraiya was relieved about that and led the way forward again.
Until they reached another town, this one a whole day away from Hidden Leaf "We'll split up like before, blonde gaki with me, Gamakiri will go with you Sakura, I won't have what happened yesterday repeat understand" Jiraiya warned as he summoned one of his summons.
Clearly already forgetting about the tiny spider attached to his shoulder not that she was gonna complain though, the time and meeting place was decided on in the next moment, "Meet you later Sakura-chan" Naruto waved as he and Jiraiya headed off.
"Gamakiri-san let's go this way shall we" Sakura pointed in the opposite direction knowing that she'd probably be the only one working her ass off looking for information on Tsunade again, and there was that fleeting thought of using the contacts before she shook it off.
Purple eyes narrowed on her "Just what are you to Jiraiya-honey, this isn't an honor he often gives, making me defend such a, such a, oooh your cute what with your lovely pink hair and glistening green eyes" Gamakiri started chattering a mile a minute.
Not trusting her in the least at first, proving to have deep loyalty to his summoner, before noticing her key features "Er thank you Gamakiri-san and I'm not really anything to him, I actually get the feeling he doesn't like me, but it's for a mission and something bad happened yesterday" the pinkette sighed.
Feeling run down "Here sweetie let Gamakiri-chan carry you around so you don't have to walk" the toad offered, Sakura blinked at him, then climbed on, not bothered or disgusted about having to touch him in the least.
With that they were off "Let me off there Gamakiri-san, our mission target likes to drink so I have to check out every bar in the town" Sakura requested eight minutes later as she spotted the first bar since they'd entered the second outpost town.
"Just call me Gamakiri-chan please sweetie and good luck I hope you find information on whoever it is your looking for" Gamakiri patted her cheek with his webbed feet and gently ushered her into the bar.
She was very nearly hit when someone threw an empty bottle at her "Children aren't allowed now get out" yet again another obtuse bartender/owner probably, but she squared her shoulders and marched towards the bar anyway.
"I might be a child yes, yet I'm also a shinobi, I'm on a mission to find Lady Tsunade, you wouldn't happen to have heard anything about her lately would you have" the fuscia haired teen flashed her i.d. at the man.
Hoping that she would receive good news this time, only to have that hope dashed rather quickly "No now get out" the man scoffed irritated that she'd disregarded his order the first time, the second time though she bowed and hurried from his bar.
Apparently she'd really only been in there to ask him that particular question, and he watched as she climbed onto the back of a toad of all things and took off down the streets, searching out more bars probably, Tsunade had a penchant for drinking as he'd heard.
Or gambling houses as they came across them "Ugh this is getting ridiculous, seriously how can no one have seen or heard from her in ages" Sakura groaned when two hours had gone by and the search had proved fruitless so far.
"What you need sweetie is a delicious meal to perk you right up and get back some of that fighting spirit" Gamakiri clapped his webbed feet together and nudged her in the direction of a food stall that sold some of her favorite things coincidentally.
Jade eyes lit up and Sakura was off like a projectile weapon as she realized that it had been quite a few hours since she'd eaten anything more than just a can of beans, the first thing at the stall she got was pickled plum rice-balls with squid shumai, followed by horumon and nankotsu.
Getting plenty to share with Gamakiri to of fried insects such as grasshoppers and grub-worms having a distinct feeling that the toad would like them even if she didn't "Thanks Gamakiri-chan, also for you" the pinkette held out the covered bowl.
Violet eyes widened "Oh thank you sweetie your so sweet" the toad latched onto her a second later hugging her tight which brought a smile to her face before they found a place to sit and eat, Gamakiri even going so far as to share just as much as she shared.
Though she wasn't a big fan of fried insects that was to say the least, at least she'd tried them that's what counted "How about we look for public onsens next" Gamakiri suggested when they finished their late afternoon meal and cleaned up after themselves.
"Not a bad idea Gamakiri-chan, also my name is Sakura, forgot to tell you that earlier" Sakura finally gave the toad her name, but he would probably just keep calling her sweetie not that she really minded it any.
It was refreshing and at a pace she could stand as she climbed onto his back, to search some more around town before eventually giving up "Maybe tomorrow Sakura-sweetie" the toad pat her gently on the shoulder, disappearing in a plume of smoke as the summoning wore off.
"Yeah thanks Gamakiri-chan" the rosette waved, heading into the inn that had been chosen alone because those two were late for the second day in a row, rented a room and flopped down on a bed when she entered it, dropping her pack to the floor as she did so.
Struggling to keep her eyes open before they closed and she drifted off into a dreamless sleep "Must have been tired poor Sakura-chan" the familiar voice of the knucklehead blonde drew her from her nap probably only twenty or so minutes later.
"Leave her to sleep gaki, heaven knows she needs it after what she went through yesterday" the Sannin warned sharply in a much quieter tone, sleep beckoned her once more as she drifted off again into a deeper sleep this time.
Only waking two hours later at the smell of curry "Evening Jiraiya-sama, Naruto" Sakura yawned as she sat up, pink hair in complete disarray from her tossing and turning, still looking like she hadn't slept a wink for at least a week and stomach rumbling in hunger.
"Here Sakura-chan, got your favorite sweet potato-vegetable curry and rice, with matcha and plum flavored anmitsu" Naruto pushed a take-out box at her, followed by a little bowl of one of her favorite desserts that she happily dug into.
"So how did the search with Gamakiri go, he didn't give you any trouble did he" Jiraiya questioned when he was sure she would be able to focus on and hold a conversation now that she had some food in her.
At that she lowered the spoon and let out a long suffering sigh "It was awful, we went to all her favorite hot-spots and got nothing, and no, Gamakiri-chan was very kind, he even let me ride on his back" the rosette admitted with a warm smile.
His brows raised at that "Wait, Gamakiri let you ride on his back, just what did you do to him" the Toad Sage asked incredulously, because that damnable toad didn't like anyone but him, that's why he didn't summon Gamakiri on missions often when he had other companions.
"Err he actually took a liking to my hair and eyes, kept calling me sweetie and stuff, told me to call him Gamakiri-chan to" the pinkette laughed sheepishly, hoping that it was alright and she wasn't going to be told she couldn't.
Jiraiya let out a groan "Is it actually a bad thing that he took a liking to Sakura-chan, that way in case of emergencies we know we can rely on him to protect her if she gets hurt and needs to heal herself really fast" the blonde Uzumaki butt in to the conversation.
The brat had a point he had to concede to that much "Expect Gamakiri to become your regular searching partner then" Jiraiya announced, kind of pleased because now Gamakiri had someone else to focus on that wasn't him with his unwanted affections.
While it seemed like Sakura didn't mind the toad's forwardness and accepted every little strange quirk about Gamakiri "Understood Jiraiya-sama" Sakura saluted, digging into her anmitsu dessert now that she could.
Humming happily at the matcha and plum flavor "You really like anmitsu huh Sakura-chan" Naruto sat watching her munch on the dessert for what seemed forever, savoring the flavors thoroughly it seemed.
And she nodded "Absolutely Naruto and pickled plums don't forget about that" the fuscia haired teen grinned, worries miles away for the moment, then when she was done cleaned up after herself, before vanishing into the bathroom.
Naruto blinked "One of these days I'm going to ask how it is she got that weird I swear" the blonde sighed, Mebuki and Kizashi were way laid back compared to their daughter, who took things way to seriously sometimes.
Like packing "Haven't you two been friends since what that day in the Hokage Estate, how could you not know how she got the way she did then" the white haired shinobi frowned in confusion hearing the mutterings of his gaki apprentice waited for a nod then continued his questioning.
The boy shrugged "Despite that Sakura-chan's always been closest with Sasuke-teme and Shino, I don't know everything about her like you think though ero-sennin" Naruto huffed in frustration, using that nickname just to stop being questioned.
It did the trick as Jiraiya's eyebrow visibly twitched "Stop calling me that stupid gaki" Jiraiya grumbled turning away from the blonde and missing the look of relief in the boys eyes, until Sakura emerged from the bathroom.
Wearing one of the inn's yukata's, long pink hair trailing after her, Naruto zipped off ahead of Jiraiya to take his evening shower, while Sakura plopped down on the bed she'd chosen, cracking open a book to read.
Lava lamp in her lap and nightlight ready to be plugged in as she got absorbed in her book, Jiraiya watching her out of the corner of his eyes as he set up the sound-proofing seal and traps to protect the room while they slept.
Fourteen minutes later Naruto exited the bathroom and Jiraiya finally took his turn at showering as the blonde flopped down on his own chosen bed for the night, pulling out the fuinjutsu book Sakura had lent him, on extremely advanced seals to read as well.
Until Jiraiya cleared his throat and point blank told them to go to bed "Goodnight then Jiraiya-sama, Naruto" Sakura murmured softly stowing her book away and plugging in her nightlight, snuggling down underneath the blankets to get some shut eye.
That night she didn't wake from any horrendous gory nightmare that ended with her death, though Sakura did toss and turn a lot, clearly still experiencing some nightmares, just not enough to scare her up out of her sleep like the first night.
And when it was the following morning, she looked just as terrible as she had the day before, Jiraiya grimaced wondering how the girl was even functioning at that point "I'm no therapist Sakura, but if you want to talk I'm all ears" the Toad Sage told her.
"Right of course I understand" the rosette nodded quietly, not really talking, he was sure she would when she felt like it anyway and he watched as she readied herself to leave, twisting her hair up that morning into a braid and strapping weights onto her arms and legs.
Before wrapping the most peculiar wraps he'd ever seen around each of her limbs, they were dark in color and seemed to almost be made of spider webbing that was it he realized, her spiders summons had made those wraps.
Perhaps she was a lot more reliable than he'd initially thought, which meant that he'd made an ass out of himself from the moment they'd met officially anyway "Come on let's go, the sooner we find this Tsunade lady the sooner we can go home" the blue eyed blonde sulked.
Wishing this mission was over already, he was almost certain that Sakura was most likely wanting the mission to be done as well so she could have another therapy session, maybe while he was at it, he might as well schedule one for himself, he felt he needed it after all that had happened already.
None of them spoke merely grabbing take-out on their way from the outpost town to eat as they walked, getting further and further away from the Hidden Leaf Village, the farthest Sakura and Naruto had ever gone actually.
As they found themselves setting up camp outside for the night, nearby a natural hot-spring "So far we've found nothing on her Jiraiya-sama, how sure are you that Tsunade-sama is actually in these parts around Hidden Leaf" Sakura frowned.
Stoking the fire absentmindedly, itching to go take a bath but Jiraiya had called a meeting "I could be wrong Sakura, however my gut feeling tells me she's near, how near I don't know, anyway tomorrow I'm going to get gaki's training started" Jiraiya grimaced.
Knowing she was frustrated with the lack of information on Tsunade's whereabouts "Awesome does that mean your gonna teach Sakura-chan something to sensei" Naruto bounced in excitement wondering what the older male was going to teach him.
Jiraiya chuckled softly "Only if she wants to, yes Sakura you can go take a dip in that hot-spring now, take Gamakiri with you though" the Sannin warned quickly summoning the toad in question, who hopped off after the young girl.
"I promise I won't take to long" the pinkette waved disappearing in the direction of the heated spring an excited skip in her step eager to let her stress melt away in hot water, she loved baths after all and this would be one of her all time favorite baths.
Naruto sniggered under his breath "Yeah sure Sakura-chan" the blonde shook his head in amusement, she was probably going to take quite a while, imagine his surprise though when thirty minutes later she came back, hair dripping wet and looking relaxed.
Before they all curled up in their sleeping bags for once as the fire was put out and went to bed, only to be woken bright and early the next morning by the smell of cooking meat, "First Sakura since what I'm going to teach her is easy" Jiraiya turned to Sakura first when they were done eating.
"Go ahead and take your hair out of that braid Sakura, it's a good thing it's so long, then these hand signs Ninja Art: Hair Senbon Jutsu" the white haired male instructed, sharpening his hair into spikes much like a porcupine and shooting a barrage of hair needles at a target.
Sakura watched with wide eyes and when the jutsu ended Jiraiya faced her again "My turn right…Ninja Art: Hair Senbon Jutsu" Sakura blew out a breath, nervous under his scrutiny as she went through the hand signs to perform the jutsu.
Literally feeling as her hair hardened into sharp points, it was strange she mused, as sharp hair needles shot from her head to a target twenty or so feet away with deadly accuracy "Holy crap Sakura-chan that was scary" Naruto gulped.
Realizing in that moment exactly how good her aim was when not a single one missed the target "Mm I guess so Naruto, however that wasn't at it's fullest potential, I have to practice some more" the rosette frowned lightly.
Knowing she hadn't used nearly enough chakra in that first try "It was still scary though Sakura-chan" the blonde shuddered as Jiraiya wandered over to him, leaving Sakura to continue practicing her newest jutsu.
While he was taught a very complicated jutsu that had been created by the Fourth Hokage, called the Rasengan, Sakura no doubt listening to the lecture with rapt attention, multi-tasking in a sense and probably already understanding the mechanics of the jutsu.
"There are three steps Naruto, first rotation, second power and third combining the first two steps into a solid form in order to do this" Jiraiya instructed, demonstrating the rasengan for his apprentice who stood before him blue eyes wide in awe.
Blasting all the way through a tree with the jutsu that swirled to life in the palm of his hand "Am I really gonna be able to learn this" Naruto frowned worried that it was going to be a to complicated of a jutsu for him.
Jiraiya scoffed "Course you are gaki, because you have the guts to never give up remember" the Toad Sage poked the boy in the chest, right where his heart lay, then filled up a balloon with water and handed it to him.
Sakura narrowed her eyes "Naruto has to pop it doesn't" Sakura guessed, curious herself when the Sannin smirked, filling another balloon with water and holding it out to demonstrate how to complete the first step of learning the Rasengan probably.
In less than a second it got all bumpy inside the balloon and Sakura felt Jiraiya concentrating his chakra into the water inside before it exploded "Hold on a minute how did you do that" the blonde complained not understanding.
"Use your chakra to pop the water-balloon Naruto" was all the fuscia haired teen said, going back to practicing the jutsu Jiraiya had taught her and leaving him to his own training, until she decided to call it quits on the hair senbon jutsu.
And sit down after retrieving her advanced fuinjutsu book from Naruto's pack to study the seals within, even going so far as to practice drawing some that looked interesting, it was an hour or two later that someone stumbled across the three of them.
"If you don't want girly to die you'll hand over all your valuables and any money you have on you" the bandit foolishly held the lone girl at weapon point, Sakura rolled her eyes, then glanced sideways to Shiruki who was situated on her shoulder.
The little spider did as silently commanded by leaping onto the bandits arm and biting down, injecting her venom into his bloodstream "I'm warning you gah ahhhhhhhhhh what the hell why does my arm burn all of a sudden" the bandit started screaming.
Dropping in the next moment to roll around on the ground in agony before vomiting as the venom worked it's course through his body "What happened, one minute he's got a sword to your neck, next he's on the ground screaming" Jiraiya asked in confusion.
"My spider summons all of them are venomous, one bite from the little ones is enough to cause fever and vomiting in a person, while the leader of the summons can kill with a single bite" Sakura answered simply cracking open her book again.
Jiraiya shuddered taking care of the bandit "Believe me sensei, Sakura-chan is not afraid to use her summons" Naruto cringed remembering the long line of people that she'd had Shiruki or one of the other spiders bite.
Even going so far as to have her spiders slick their venom all over her weapons, that Itachi guy should feel lucky that she didn't throw any of her weapons at him, he would be having a hellish few days no doubt if she had.
"I guess Sarutobi-sensei was right your pretty reliable, also sorry for making an ass out of myself that day" the Sannin apologized for how he'd acted on that first day, Sakura nodded in understanding a small smile on her lips as she waved it off.
"No worries Jiraiya-sama I can understand really, Naruto's your apprentice you didn't want anyone else getting in the way of that" the rosette shrugged lightly, focusing on her book in the next moment.
While Naruto returned to his training "Gah I can't get it to pop or do anything" the blonde whined two hours later when it was dinner time, they'd started walking about an hour beforehand and they were close to their third town.
That didn't mean they weren't still camping out under the stars though, and it also meant that they would be going without a bath for the night since there were no natural hot-springs around this time, Sakura sighed and shook her head at his whining.
Determined to ignore it for the time being as she incorporated the transparency seal Naruto had found into a barrier formula that she'd come up with for Shino to use in the future if he wanted, until suddenly Naruto was right there pouting with hope in his baby blue eyes.
"Come on Naruto at least try to figure it out on your own, I can't do all the work for you all the time you know" Sakura sighed, she loved him like a brother yes, but he couldn't keep relying on her so much it would prove disastrous one of these days if she wasn't around.
The pouting got worse at her comment and she was just about to lay him out "You know Sakura is right Gaki, you can't always depend on her to explain things you don't understand" Jiraiya commented from off to the side.
Watching on with curiosity in his gaze as Sakura worked on the barrier formula "Fine guess I'll try for a couple more days, then will you help me Sakura-chan if I don't figure it out" Naruto sulked unhappily as he grabbed the water-balloon to keep practicing.
Until Jiraiya made them go to bed again and the next day after breakfast and walking for a couple hours they were in their third town "We'll meet up at that hotel around dinner time, here's Gamakiri for you Sakura" the Sannin pointed at the hotel across the street from where they were standing.
And summoned the toad "See you later Sakura-chan and good luck on your search" the blonde waved following after Jiraiya as they headed in the opposite direction, while he was hard at work on trying to pop the bloody water-balloon with his chakra.
"Oh sweetie you look much better" was the first thing the toad said noticing that the bags beneath her eyes were slowly going away as she tossed and turned less in her sleep now that the nightmares were starting to fade.
She nodded lightly "Thanks Gamakiri-chan, we're doing the same thing we did last time okay" the pinkette smiled kindly at the toad while climbing onto his back, then they were off around the town, searching out gambling houses, onsens and bars for any information on Tsunade.
Ending up about as empty-handed as last time in the span of two hours "Don't get so discouraged sweetie I'm sure we'll find something on her eventually" Gamakiri assured seeing the defeated expression taking over Sakura's face again.
Turning his head this way and that looking for a food stall that would hopefully cheer her up "I know Gamakiri-chan, but it's just so hard, what if we end up not finding anything at all and a whole month passes by, I don't want to be on this mission forever" Sakura sighed.
Gamakiri paled as much as a toad could pale "How about we eat first and leave that sort of conversation for Jiraiya-honey" the toad finally spotted what he was looking for and ushered Sakura towards it gently.
"Right sorry I don't mean to be such a downer" the fuscia haired teen grimaced ordering a bunch of odd food to try, getting some for her toad companion like she had before and afterwards finding a place to sit and eat.
He didn't blame her in the least "You know I think Jiraiya-honey might like you more than you think sweetie, why else would he summon me so often, he wants to keep you safe which means he cares" Gamakiri piped in suddenly.
And her eyes went wide before twinkling with a glimmer of happiness "Maybe your right Gamakiri-chan, he even apologized the other night to" Sakura let her worries melt away with good food and easy going conversation.
Then she was up on her feet and being carried around the town searching for any scrap of information, it was on one of her last stops to a gambling house that trouble caught up with her "Hey you the brat with pink hair, you the one going around looking for information on Tsunade" a man called out to her suddenly.
From another gambling house across the street, why there were two so close by she didn't know but his tone made her instantly wary "And if I were to say yes, why would you want to know" emerald orbs narrowed.
While the toad that was with her stood back out of the way letting her handle things for the moment "Well your in luck girly I happen to have some information for ya, that is if you can beat me at a game" he held out two dice a smirk on his face.
Her eye twitched and Sakura wondered inwardly just how gullible this guy thought she was "No thanks I'm not stupid enough to trap myself like that, my mission leader however would love to hear what you say about his teammate, Jiraiya-sama himself" Sakura raised a brow.
Classic baiting technique, distract him until he slipped up and revealed the truth "Come on kid don't you want to find out what I know right here, right now" he taunted instead, Sakura grit her teeth, great just what she needed.
With a long suffering sigh she glanced to Shiruki, who began communing with Kafu "Err Jiraiya-sama is indisposed at the moment Sakura-sama, at a club surrounded by women" Shiruki admitted three minutes later.
Even Gamakiri was surprised when chakra exploded outwardly from Sakura, who had a very pissed off expression on her face, the man saying he had information on Tsunade skedaddled as the girl turned on her heel and stomped angrily in the direction she felt her mission companions chakra.
Leaving behind little cracks in the ground as chakra leaked out of her in angry furious waves "Don't take this personally Gamakiri-chan but I want to punch your summoner in his face right now" the fuscia haired teen growled.
Gamakiri nodded sagely in understanding when they stopped before a club for adults, he hastily vanished in a plume of smoke in the next moment as well when Sakura marched through the doors looking like a living wraith.
Naruto choked on his spit when she of all people stormed into the club "Uh ero-sennin we've got trouble in the form of Sakura-chan" Naruto whispered urgently on the Sannin who was surrounded by pretty ladies at the moment.
Thankfully though Jiraiya did listen to him for once, only to go as pale as a ghost in the next second "Holy fuck why the hell is she angry" Jiraiya gaped at the glint of fury in jade irises that were usually warm and full of life.
Then Sakura was upon them, every female in the vicinity running for their lives at the killing intent that swamped the club "Want to tell me what your doing here when I'm working my ass off looking for information on Tsunade-sama" Sakura hissed.
Pissed off to the max, Jiraiya edged backwards away from the angry thirteen year old, laughing awkwardly and just a tiny bit afraid for his life "The same as you Sakura-chan trying to find information on that lady's whereabouts but I don't know how" the blonde piped in.
Just glad that she didn't turn on him for even speaking up, Sakura paused though seeing beneath the underneath "Informants" the pinkette said one word and Jiraiya nodded seriously seeing her calm down without having to do something drastic.
Sakura sighed feeling like an idiot "Anyway what are you doing her Sakura" the white haired shinobi questioned just glad that he hadn't gotten punched clear to Sand for seemingly goofing off, Naruto was still oblivious though and that's all that mattered.
"A guy was practically taunting me saying he had information on Tsunade, saying he would tell me what he knows only if I played a game with him, that involves gambling" Sakura informed seriously reigning in her chakra.
Pleased that he was taking her serious when he snapped to "Come on knucklehead, show us the way Sakura" Jiraiya ordered taking charge, if someone had information, he was going to find out no matter what it took.
"Kami you looked terrifying back there Sakura-chan" Naruto shivered, learning more about his friend/adoptive sister than he ever had before, apparently she was prone to angry outbursts like the rest of them, she was just better at hiding her emotions.
She smiled sheepishly leading the way to the gambling house "I see you got your mission leader like you said you were going to do" the man from before was within, and he went slightly pale at the sight of her.
Jiraiya had to keep from laughing as he realized that she'd literally blown up in front of this person and now he was scared of a little thirteen year old girl "If you have information cough it up, it's important we find Tsunade as soon as possible" the Sannin demanded.
And the man was all to happy to do so "Man what a bummer, all we got out of that was that she'd been here a couple weeks ago, not where she was going or anything" the blonde Uzumaki huffed unhappily on their way to the hotel as the information proved to be worthless to them in the end.
"Hey at least it's more than we knew before and any information is good news, cause now we know that she's been here, two weeks ago sure, chances are she's still nearby" the pinkette pat him on the shoulder glad that she'd went to get Jiraiya in the first place.
Now they could broaden their search to this particular area of Fire Country for Tsunade and hopefully find her still in the country, five minutes later they reached the hotel that had been chosen and rented a room for the night.
The next day they set forth, Naruto managing the first step of the Rasengan and moving on to the second as they headed for another town further away from Leaf than before, there were a lot of towns bordering Leaf it seemed.
For days they stayed in one town, when more information turned up, while Naruto practiced popping a rubber ball with chakra, the power step of the Rasengan, Jiraiya taking the lead on the search this time by using his connections and informants network to find leads on Tsunade.
Since it had only been two weeks since someone had seen her, before they knew it two weeks went by on the mission on their parts as well "We're heading for the next town" Jiraiya told them one morning as they were eating breakfast.
"Already, but I haven't even popped the stupid ball yet" Naruto scowled frustrated and Sakura still refused to help him, though he knew she probably already knew what he had to do, but like Jiraiya had said, he couldn't depend on her to explain everything to him.
Which meant figuring out the second step for himself "You'll have time to concentrate later I'm sure Naruto" Sakura reminded gently, no longer tossing and turning her sleep by that point, which meant no more bags under her eyes and she was actually getting sleep during the night.
Jiraiya chuckled ruffling his gaki of an apprentice's hair and sending the lone girl on the mission an amused grin while they packed up and paid the rent for the inn room they'd been using for the last couple of weeks and headed off for another town.
That would hopefully wield results for their search this time, it took them two days because Naruto wanted to practice, in the end managing to pop the rubber ball on the second day figuring out how to build up his chakra to make it explode.
And when they did arrive Sakura realized where they were "Tanzaku Town, remember Naruto, this is the place we went for our class field trip ooh look they even have a festival….hey wait a minute where's the castle" the rosette immediately noticed something wrong.
"Hey your right Sakura-chan it's gone, you don't suppose they tore it down do you" the blonde asked in confusion, glancing the direction he barely remembered the castle being and not finding it there, while Jiraiya went rigid.
It clicked into her mind at the same time it clicked into his "No Gaki, that castle was like a national historic site for this town, something happened and my guess it was Tsunade throwing an angry fit about sucking at gambling again, she has quite the temper you know" the Sage mused.
Probably making guesses at that point as he herded the two Chunin in that direction, when they arrived on scene they found the signs of a scuffle, a wall destroyed, blood on the ground and a scale from a snake, residual chakra left behind as well.
Still fresh "Kunoichi from grass but why u..unless….that's Orochimaru I bet, who else uses snakes, of course I should have known" Sakura immediately recognized one chakra, the others unknown to her and realized something she hadn't during the Forest of Death.
When they'd been attacked relentlessly by a kunoichi from Hidden Grass, but now she could see it all along that person had been Orochimaru using a disguise to infiltrate the exams, it explained why the kunoichi had been obsessed with Sasuke.
"You mean to tell me that you met Orochimaru face to face and came out alive" Jiraiya snapped in her direction from where he was inspecting the blood, trying to figure out who it might have belonged to while she'd ignored it basically.
Blood and her didn't really mix unless she was trying to save someone's life "She kicked him in the face and Shino's barrier blew up in his face, back then though he was a girl, how is that even possible" Naruto grinned before looking confused.
Sakura shrugged when Naruto looked at her because she didn't have a bloody idea either "Kicked him in the face man you are one gutsy girl, anyway chances are if he sought out Tsunade, he wants her to heal something, she should still be here, let's spread out and search" the Sannin ordered.
Flashing through a set of hand signs to summon Gamakiri "Guess we'll meet up later" the blonde waved as the back of his shirt was snagged and he was dragged off after Jiraiya to search for Tsunade who hopefully hadn't left Tanzaku yet.
"Come on Gamakiri-chan, we have to move fast" the fuscia haired Chunin climbed onto the toad's back and he took off, they made many stops, searching each tavern, bar, casino, hot-spring, gambling house thoroughly for any sign of Tsunade.
Only to end up just as empty handed as before "Don't give up sweetie, we'll find her I'm sure of it" Gamakiri tried to keep the girl's spirits lifted as the day was winding down and the sun was sinking low on the horizon.
But they kept up their search until they couldn't ignore their rumbling stomachs anymore "I'm just going to make a pit-stop in there" Sakura said climbing down from his back for the millionth time it seemed and disappearing into a restaurant.
Ignoring all the chatter as she waited in line until her sensitive ears caught a familiar name being uttered "Lady Tsunade please let's just leave you can seriously be thinking about accepting Orochimaru's offer can you" a woman cried desperately.
Sakura slipped out of line at that, searching the restaurant frantically and finally catching sight of their mission target "Shiruki inform Jiraiya-sama that I've found Tsunade-sama in a restaurant on the east side of Tanzaku Town" the pinkette murmured to her spider summons.
Exiting the restaurant and finding it's name so the Sannin would know "She's in there isn't she, right I'm off sweetie" the toad noticed her wary looks at the restaurant and got a nod for his question before disappearing in a plume of smoke.
"We're here Sakura-chan, so that Tsunade lady is really inside" Naruto appeared in a flurry of storage seal tags, right alongside Jiraiya, who looked a little disgruntled at the side along body flickering he'd just been subjected to.
Obviously he hadn't known Naruto could body flicker and she itched to take a picture but right now the moment was to serious "Let's go" Jiraiya nodded, leading the way inside the restaurant again and zoning in on his old teammate.
She gripped the straps of her pack in a white knuckled hold as they walked forward together and stopped at the booth Tsunade was sitting at with another woman, Tsunade looked up and her honey orbs widened "Jiraiya what are you doing here with two genin brats" Tsunade jumped.
Speaking in a surprised tone "Chunin actually Lady Tsunade" Sakura offered carefully not wanting the woman to turn her ire on her, Tsunade's temper was nothing to laugh about after all and she certainly didn't want to be subjected to any chakra enhanced attacks.
Especially not when they'd finally found her after over three weeks of searching, Tsunade glared at being interrupted "Okay why are you here with two Chunin brats then" the honey eyed blonde amended with a scowl.
"To find you of course Tsunade, Sarutobi-sensei is stepping down and he has named you as his successor, the Jonin Council was in agreement as well, you'll start the minute we get back to Leaf" the white haired Sannin informed.
Not beating around the bush "Named me his successor, has Sarutobi-sensei gone senile in his old age or something, I'll tell you what I told him, I'm not coming back, give the position to someone else because that's a fools job" Tsunade snorted harshly, blunt and to the point.
This didn't sit well with Naruto, who's dream was to become Hokage himself and just as thing seemed to be going downhill for them someone walked into the restaurant and stopped at their booth "Lady Tsunade I've done as you asked" a familiar voice.
And Sakura turned her head heart beating painfully in her chest, he seemed to notice her at the same time she fully took him in and went as pale as a ghost, the others in the booth went silent at the sudden tension in the air.
As Sakura stood a closed off expression on her face that Naruto knew all to well, she was trying to protect herself from any bad memories, then she was pressing her hand to a person's chest that he was unfamiliar with.
Jiraiya seemed to realize who the guy was just as Sakura disappeared in a flurry of cherry blossoms looking sick to her stomach "The hell was that about" Naruto frowned in confusion while the unfamiliar guy sat down with a long suffering sigh.
Next to disappear was Jiraiya "Stay put gaki, also Shisui you and I are going to have some words about you being alive, you don't even know the kind of trauma you've put that girl through" Jiraiya glared at the Uchiha he'd thought was dead from how Sakura talked all the time.
Kami that girl adored Shisui and to find out he was alive and had been all this time was probably a blow to her emotional state after experiencing those nightmares induced by the Tsukuyomi that had been used on her and she'd only started sleeping properly at night less than a week ago.
Then he was gone on the search and damn if it was near impossible to find Sakura, who had her chakra suppressed to that of a toads, she was spending to much time around Gamakiri, and when he did happen upon her, she was curled into the smallest ball imaginable sobbing her heart out.
When he knelt down she jumped and flinched away from him, hair like a bloody curtain around her and he couldn't see her face at all "Sakura, emotions have no place on a mission, you have to remain strong for now" the Toad Sage murmured.
He knew she would understand, she was a serious sort of girl after all "I just don't understand why he wouldn't tell me" Sakura cried lifting her head enough so he could see her tear streaked face and bloodshot eyes from all the crying she was doing right now.
"Maybe he had his reasons, like protecting you or that bratty little Uchiha you slapped, people would have been after the both of you to get at him probably" Jiraiya offered in explanation it was all he could come up with on the spot anyway.
And the most probable reason that Shisui wouldn't tell anyone he was still alive though he did wonder how the Uchiha had ended up going around with Tsunade it was something he would have to ask during his interrogation of the man later.
Once the kids had gone to sleep, if they even could, Sakura would probably have nightmares again, it was a never-ending vicious cycle it seemed, Sakura dried her face as best she could "Shouldn't leave Naruto on his own for to long" the pinkette fidgeted.
Wishing she was anywhere but there no doubt as they headed back to the restaurant where Tsunade, Naruto, Shisui and that unknown woman were still waiting "Sakura-chan I'm so, so sorry" Shisui jumped up when they reappeared.
Reaching out but the girl shied away from him, keeping her head down and not meeting his gaze at all "My answer is still no, I'm not coming back" Tsunade commented ignoring the tension in the air even if she was curious about how Shisui and the girl knew each other.
Perhaps she was another surviving Uchiha, a secret one that no one had even known about "Please Tsunade the village needs you, your the only one that can take the position right now until the younger generation is old enough to be considered" Jiraiya pleaded.
This was an absolute nightmare of a mission "H..How about a bet, if we win against you, you have to come back and be Fifth Hokage" Sakura finally spoke up hesitantly again while the silent thus-far Naruto shot her an incredulous look.
But she wasn't one to be deterred it seemed, Tsunade narrowed her eyes on her at that "Oh and what are the stakes if I do accept your challenge of a bet" the honey eyed blonde clasped her hands together hiding a smirk.
Chances are the girl wouldn't stand a chance against her in whatever it was "I'll master chakra enhanced strength in two weeks, if I do you have to come back and take me on as your apprentice" the rosette squared her shoulders in determination knowing she was close to that goal anyway.
While Naruto outright gaped at her before "Me to, I'll master the Rasengan and give all the money I have in my wallet here to you" he jumped in not wanting to be left out, they were both Chunin and he had to take some responsibility for the mission to and not leave everything up to Sakura.
It was clear their willingness to make such high stakes bets had stunned Tsunade into silence until "Very well and I'll even throw in this necklace for blondy if you manage to accomplish both goals set for the bet" Tsunade pointed to the crystal necklace around her neck.
Then the lot of them ate and found a hotel, Sakura ignoring Shisui any time he tried to talk to her, because regardless of Jiraiya's explanation she was still very upset with him, even if she'd never gotten to see him again, knowing that he was alive would have prevented so many nightmares as they settled down to sleep that night.