Cure Me (Back to Original Title)

by TsukikoUchu

A tale of two siblings torn apart at birth, of Lies and Deceit, of Love and Truth and the search for a seemingly, impossible cure of an illness, that lies only in the hands of one innocent pink haired girl. Non-Uchiha Massacre and some Twists in later chapters, I give full credit of the new story pic to bloodmoon goddess

25. Chapter 24

The next morning during breakfast, Kakashi had been briefed on Tayuya when he showed up, Tenzo conspicuously absent, he was gone on missions a lot, Itachi and Shisui appeared in the middle of the little kitchenette.

"Good Morning Sakura-chan" Shisui gripped the pinkette to his chest and swung her around and Sakura let out a long suffering sigh "Okay that wasn't you're usual reaction" he frowned and even Itachi looked concerned.

Sakura smiled "Just a little tired this morning" she said, not saying much more, truthfully she'd been having nightmares about those dead rinnegan eyes, all she could see is death in them, a dead person a corpse rotting away, but still being forced to move.

It was why she hadn't dared leave Kisame's room after that spar with Pein "You aren't getting sick are you Sakura-san" Itachi pressed his hand to her forehead checking her temperature, but her body heat was normal.

"Yeah just a couple of nightmares" Sakura admitted, though didn't elaborate on what her dreams were about, with that Shisui and Itachi turned to the red haired girl sitting quietly at the table eating her breakfast.

Tayuya looked up "After you finish, we'll be escorting you to T&I to have the information extracted from you" Itachi explained accepting a cup of tea from Neji, turns out the brunette loved making tea and had since taken the task over from Sakura.

She paused in shoving a bite of scrambled eggs into her mouth "Yeah I got it" Tayuya grumbled, obviously having woken on the wrong side of the couch that morning, but at least she was still cooperating for the moment.

"Well at least you're being good, we'd hate to have to use torture techniques on you" Shisui scratched his chin and Tayuya tensed and her hand shot to the back of her neck, that was another thing that would have to be removed, Orochimaru's curse seal.

Her lips twisted into a grimace "Shisui-san don't scare her" Sakura scolded waving her fork in his face causing Kakashi to chuckle at the pinkette's antics, once she got attached to someone that was it and Shisui knew that just as much as everyone else.

Itachi pressed his lips together, obsidian orbs betraying his mirth at the situation and quietly sipped the rest of his tea, then together with Shisui and Tayuya, they left the little house, through the door.

Neji and Kimimaro set to work on cleaning the dishes and Sakura traipsed into the living room, while Kakashi headed off to train his team, now that Hinata had been cleared to train with them again after the chunin exams debacle.

Just three months were left before the new chunin exams and preparations were already in the works, this time the exams were to be held in Sand, to commemorate the new treaty between the two villages and prove that they were willing to change and look forward to a better future.

Sakura flopped down on her couch and grabbed a book, not just any book, a bingo book, and she leafed through it, taking in the people that had high bounties on their head, until the pinkette came across one particular name, Danzo Shimura.

Her lavender eyes widened as Sakura took in the picture that came with the name and all the breath whooshed out of her, Neji and Kimimaro happened to walk into the living room at the same exact minute all the blood drained out of her face, leaving it white.

"Everything okay Sakura" Neji asked from across the room, what had happened in those few minutes they'd been washing, drying and putting away the dishes, he wouldn't admit it quite yet, but he was really starting to see the pinkette as a really good friend and he cared for her a lot.

The pinkette lowered her book and let out a shaky sigh "I uh" Sakura realized she wouldn't be able to get away with lying "Do you know a person named Danzo" she inquired instead, Neji looked at her and Kimimaro paled.

Now he was really concerned "Yes, he's Sandaime-sama's former teammate" the brunette stated sitting down in a chair "He runs Root" Neji explained, wondering where the question came from, then he spotted the bingo book in her hand "Light reading" he asked.

Sakura smiled hiding her unease behind a nonchalant expression "Ah thanks Neji and yeah, Zabuza-sama made us read it whenever we got bored" she said, ear marking the page and turning it to the next person, choosing not to say anything more.

"You know if there are any questions you'd like to ask, I'll answer them to the best of my abilities" Neji offered, but Sakura returned to her reading and Kimimaro sat down neatly on the couch, to do a bit of reading himself.

Almost a full hour later, Neji stood "I have team training with Guy-sensei and my teammates" he nodded, then disappeared from the house, at his departure, Kimimaro turned sharply to his little sister, vivid green eyes narrowed.

And Sakura gulped visibly "Why were you asking about Danzo" he asked, searching her lavender eyes for anything that would give her away, Kimimaro didn't like placing his sister under suspicion, but if she was going around asking about Danzo, then things weren't good.

She lowered her bingo book "Because on my first few days here, he tried to chop my head off and tried to threaten me into meeting with him" Sakura frowned fidgeting horribly "I only just learned his name" she admitted gesturing to her bingo book.

Kimimaro visibly relaxed "Oh imouto-san" he pulled the pinkette into a hug "But he hasn't been back around has he" Kimimaro searched her lavender irises again, but Sakura shook her head, he breathed in relief at that.

"No, Itachi-san and Shisui-san guarded me for a couple of weeks and with being so busy I don't exactly have time to hang around in the Hokage Tower" Sakura smiled lightly, but this new knowledge disturbed her deeply.

Enough that she put down her book "You going somewhere imouto-san" Kimimaro looked up having returned to his own reading, Sakura nodded slowly and headed down the steps to her basement room for whatever reasons she adored the basement.

When the pinkette returned, Kubikiribocho was attached to her back "Mhm, gonna go get some training in, I have to get stronger" Sakura stated messing with the chain of the sealing crystal hanging around her neck.

This earned her a hand wave "Be careful Sakura, you know where I'll be" Kimimaro chuckled softly, Sakura grinned returned the wave and then was out the door, heading to an out of the way training ground, she needed to let loose.

Once she reached her spot, Sakura placed Kubikiribocho to the side for the moment and prepared to stretch "I didn't know anyone else used these training grounds" and promptly whipped around to spot Minato.

"Hokage-sama" Sakura bowed low, well there went her plan of going all out and she reached out to grab up Kubikiribocho, but the blonde stopped her "Everything okay" she asked peering into amused ocean blue eyes.

Minato chuckled "Why don't I lend you one of my clones, you look like you're in need of a good work out" he offered suddenly, wondering if the pinkette would be able to handle that much, he was a Kage after all, and surely Sakura would lose.

Those lavender eyes stared at him "I don't plan on taking it easy" Sakura said gently and the blonde nodded with a little shrug and then there was a shadow clone before her, not that she would admit it, but the strength of Minato was kind of scary.

"Have fun Sakura-san" he gave her a small smile, then moved off to the side to begin his own stretches, he'd taken a couple hours off to get in a good workout, though of course he would cast surreptitious glances at the pinkette.

Seeing as she wasn't going to get any problems, Sakura lowered Kubikiribocho again "Just let me stretch first" she spoke to the clone, it was kind of weird in a way, and moved through her stretches, working her muscles until she was nice and ready.

Only then did Sakura grasp her giant sword again before settling into a stance, the Minato clone did the same, her eyes narrowed "Are you ready Sakura-san" the blonde clone asked in that polite way, proving that even as a clone, he was still kind.

"Yes" she nodded quietly, then before her eyes that clone quite literally vanished, Sakura had little more than two seconds to spin and bring Kubikiribocho up to block the blow that would have been fatal to her at least.

Then he was gone again, she knew there were people much stronger than her, but kami how she wished she'd lived a normal life before this, Sakura focused as hard as she could, and raised her foot as the clone appeared before her.

There was no chakra in it, but it made contact, but she was the only one who got knocked back, her spine impacted with the ground and Sakura figured that she was going to have a couple of bruises, "Is there something wrong Sakura-san" and that damn clone just smiled like Minato always did.

It was kind of irritating "No" but the last thing she wanted was for the clone or anyone really to take it easy on her, Sakura jumped to her feet and leaped forward increasing her speed just a little, the Minato clone disappeared just as her knuckles brushed the earth.

And the ground exploded, whipping through a set of hand signs "Hidden Mist Jutsu" she murmured, decreasing visibility and hopefully lowering the blondes senses enough to where she could suppress hers and hide for a moment.

Off to the side, the real Minato had paused in his own training, figuring it might be worth it to watch the pinkette, he really had to hand it to the girl, but did Sakura really think mist was going to prevent his clone from finding her.

He leaned against a tree and got comfortable, within the mist his clone was looking around warily, and while he could use a wind jutsu to get rid of it, he was curious as to what the pinkette had up her sleeve, so waited patiently.

But when nothing happened his blonde brows furrowed "Sakura-san I'll find you" the Minato clone called, and Sakura hunkered down behind a small hill, her body just small enough to hide efficiently there and not be spotted, hopefully.

Her mind was working furiously to come up with a plan, but first she sent her own clone forward and relented with the mist 'Please kami don't figure out my idea' Sakura thought, realizing that now the Minato clone might possibly be able to sense her.

The clones clashed in the middle, testing each other out, trying to find a hole in the others defenses, until the blonde clone kicked the pink one away from him and it dispelled with a splash of water, she was outed now.

Sakura leaped out of her hiding place, deciding to just go with it and grabbed Kubikiribocho, hefting it up with one arm before swinging him in a wide arc, at the Minato clone, who jumped hastily back "That was a good idea, to bad you're clone didn't last long" he chatted.

"Yeah to bad" she huffed, flying through another set of hand signs 'Water Style: Water Manipulation' Sakura thought inwardly, the clone became wary as nothing happened, exactly as she planned.

If she could just get in close without having her ass handed to her and the clone would look into her eyes, that was laced with a genjutsu, she might have a chance "Whatever you're thinking probably isn't going to work" called the blonde clone.

He was trying to bait her into making a mistake, one of the basic tricks in the book, "Nu uh" Sakura stuck her tongue out childishly, working her previous jutsu and adding chakra to the air, by the sidelines Minato shook his head in disbelief.

In a split second, Sakura charged forward hand raised high, and spun to strike out with her finger, she missed by a millimeter "Earth Style: Earth Spikes" another set of hand signs, making the blonde clone jump back to get out of range of the jutsu.

Rain started pouring down on them, heavy dense rain and water started seeping up through the cracks, Sakura dashed headlong at him swinging Kubikiribocho, and got kicked in the side, soaked through to the bone now.

Sakura hopped on her feet, only ducking and rolling in time, the blonde was fast, but her dodging skills had always been good, a bone protruded from her hand and she realized her shikotsumyaku was activated the clone went to kick her in the back.

But using her second kekkeigenkai, shot bones from her flesh, it no longer hurt and the Minato clone backed off allowing the pinkette to get to her feet, the water reached the tops of her toes by now, changing the terrain, Kisame had told her about this particular trick.

Though of course she was going to play it off as learning it from a book, like always "Resourceful as always" the clone commented, holding a bunch of kunai, three pronged kunai to be exact in his hands, ready to throw them.

Perhaps it was time to really show the girl why he had been chosen as the hokage "Of course" Sakura sent him a smile, her body impossibly tense as if she realized that he was planning something, she was to smart for her own good.

And if he had, had a real choice, the girl would probably already be a jonin, or an anbu at the very least "By the way Kushina is planning on sending Naruto, to bring you over for lunch today" the clone had the real Minato's memories.

Instead of lavender, her vivid emerald eyes lit up brightly in happiness "Ooh it's been awhile since I've had a chance to eat with Kushina-san and Naruto" Sakura laughed joyfully, it sucked but she hadn't seen many people outside those that were chunin and the people she lived with.

He decided it was time and those kunai were tossed, landing in perfect positions, while one remained in his hand, Sakura's green eyes narrowed suspiciously and held Kubikiribocho with both of her hands this time.

Then the clone was gone in a flash of yellow, her heart dropped into her stomach and Sakura released her sword, he would have only just slowed her down and flipped back out of the way, not having been able to think of anything else in that moment except getting away.

By the sidelines the real Minato leaned forward keeping a close watch over the spar, blue eyes focused and contemplative, he knew logically Sakura was as smart as a high level anbu and if she ever went rogue, she'd be classed as a B or A rank.

Should he perhaps have the girl take the jonin test, Minato winced inwardly, she was waiting for Shino and Kiba, really sweet of her, but her talents were wasted as a chunin, B and A rank missions were more her style.

Then again he wasn't in the habit of forcing something on people that they didn't want, or felt they weren't ready for, Minato passed a hand through his hair, just glad that the rain was only affecting Sakura and his clone, that would have been a pain to explain.

On the training grounds, Sakura settled lightly on top of the water, using chakra to keep herself afloat, one of the first things she'd learned while training under Zabuza, who'd wasted no time in training them on the tree climbing exercise and had skipped straight to water walking.

"You really are an exceptional fighter" the clones voice sounded behind her and Sakura cursed inwardly, how the hell could she have forgotten about those damn kunai, whatever was on them, let the blonde clone teleport anyway.

Sakura grit her teeth and spun pulling a kunai from her pouch and clashed against his "This is probably gonna sound like bragging, but of course I'm an exceptional fighter" she smiled despite the fact she was almost out of chakra.

Then she realized it was the perfect chance, her eyes raised and since she was in so close range, the genjutsu took affect the minute her emerald locked with ocean blue, the Minato clone stood frozen in his spot.

And she took her chance, speeding through a set of hand signs before the clone could break out of the jutsu "Water Style: Water Prison Jutsu" Sakura mumbled encasing the blonde clone in a prison of water, he gave a start breaking out the genjutsu.

But this fight wasn't hers, he vanished from within, replaced with a log and Sakura didn't have any time this time to duck, a sandal encased foot slammed into her back, the jutsu's faded and she went sailing through the air.

Landing face down in water that was nearly up to their ankles, and inhaled choking immediately, Minato winced and dispelled his own clone hurrying to the pinkette's side, he should have been a little more careful "You alright" he asked kneeling down and lifting her up.

He started patting her on the back "Ye…cough, yeah" water was in her lungs, coughing was to be expected, "Jus…just gi…give m..me a….seco..second" Sakura coughed deeply trying to expel the water and finally water bubbled from between her lips and she spat it out.

"Now that the session is over, there's something I'd like to ask you" Minato released the girl as they stood properly and Sakura retrieved her kubikiribocho, it still gave him the shudders to see the pinkette wielding that massive sword.

At his question, Sakura turned to face him "Okay, what is it Hokage-sama, have I done something" she hoped to kami that they, she hadn't been outed, or she really was going to die, and it wouldn't be death by drowning.

Minato held up his hands "Nothing like that, I just wanted to get you're opinion on something, do you feel like you might be able to achieve more as a jonin" he questioned lightly, making it so that she didn't have to answer if she didn't want to.

"Well sure, but I don't think I'm ready for that yet, plus I want Shino and Kiba to be with me at my rank before that happens" Sakura raised a glowing green hand to her cuts and bruises, the blonde was brutal, clone or not and she shivered.

Just glad he didn't have those lifeless rinnegan eyes, that was something she'd never be able to un-see or feel "I see, but I'm going to warn you know, if the village elders think you're talents are more suited to a higher rank" his brows furrowed as he spoke.

And the blonde frowned deeply "Then they won't hesitate to force you into taking the jonin test, with or without Kiba and Shino" Minato said and Sakura nodded in understanding "Just be prepared for when Naruto-kun shows up" he smiled and then was gone after collecting his kunai.

Sakura flopped down on the ground, she really needed to get stronger especially if people were going around kicking her ass nowadays, what had happened, she felt utterly useless and it hurt, was she never going to be able to amount to anything.

With a sigh, she forced herself to her feet and plodded home to get into dry clothes and wait for Naruto to show up to invite her over to his for lunch, that at least brought a smile to her lips, and Sakura happily enjoyed the rest of her walk.

Eighteen minutes later, after taking a warm shower and dressing in another yukata, this one a dark blue, a knock sounded "Is that Naruto-san" Kimimaro guessed, having been told all about Sakura's little spar with the hokage, and how his son was going to come over.

"Yep" the pinkette quipped "See you later Kimi-nii" Sakura waved again, and headed to the foyer, tugging on her sandals before opening the door, only to have arms thrown around her waist and be crushed to a chest.

Her lavender eyes blinked "Sakura-chan it feels like it's been forever since we got to sit and eat lunch together cause you're always so busy" Naruto's obnoxious voice was like music to her ears and she relaxed, nothing could harm her in the village.

Unable to stop herself, Sakura wrapped her arms around the goofy blonde and squeezed "Kami you have no idea, so what brings you over" she asked acting innocent of the plot to kidnap her and take her over to the hokage's house.

Naruto finally released her "Well my mom wanted to have you over for lunch today, so if you aren't to busy, or preparing to leave on a mission anytime soon, do you want to" he chattered incessantly, before pausing to hear her answer.

Sakura's lips curved upwards into a large smile "Would I ever, come on Naruto, let's not keep Kushina-san waiting" she grabbed the blondes hand and with a final farewell at her brother, shut the door and dragged Naruto down the street's to his house.

Kushina was in the kitchen cooking her famous ramen, when the front door opened and closed "Mom I'm back and I convinced Sakura-chan to come eat lunch with us….ow Sakura-chan" her son called only to whine, she grinned.

The two preteens walked into the kitchen just as Sakura spoke"You didn't really have to convince me Naruto, it's been a couple months since I've gotten to sit with you and Kushina-san" she huffed in amusement, and was promptly hugged.

"Kami Sakura-chan, Minato's been working you ragged poor dear" Kushina pouted looking the pinkette over, she looked beyond exhausted "Would you like me to talk to him in letting you take the rest of this week off to" the redhead offered.

Sakura's lavender eyes widened "Oh no, I'm okay Kushina-san and I don't really mind all the missions and stuff, I need to figure a way out to see everyone while doing missions as well" she waved her hands.

Kushina grinned "If you say so Sakura-chan, now I bet it's been awhile since you've had some good ramen" she nudged the girl into a chair before returning to the stove to check on the chicken broth and homemade ramen noodles.

Nearly done "I think I've eaten more fish and rabbit in the last two months than anything else" Sakura laughed quietly as Naruto sat down on her other side, "There's only so much of outdoor cooking that I can handle" she smiled and shook her head.

"So what kind of missions have you been going on Sakura-chan" the blonde at her side butt in to the conversation, wanting to hear all about the pinkette's adventures on missions that he still didn't have clearance to go on himself, unless Kakashi was with him.

A long winded sigh escaped from between her lips "Lots and lots of nobles and diplomatic missions, between Sand, Mist and Leaf" Sakura explained "Trust me Naruto, it's not all fun and games and fighting" she warned, knowing what the boy was thinking.

Kushina nodded "Sakura-chan is right Naruto, sometimes you don't get to sit back and enjoy yourself on a mission, like D and some C rank missions allow you, once you become a chunin things change" she said.

Naruto looked between his mom and a person he classified as his other best friend besides Sasuke "Wait so you have to deal with stuffy nobles, I remember when they used to come around all the time at Teme's" he asked finally in confusion.

Sakura smiled fondly, as oblivious as the blonde was sometimes, he really was a good hearted person "Yeah, especially the ones that look down on me or anyone else all the time and bratty noble girls, seriously the last one really tested my patience" she huffed in exasperation.

Curious to learn more "You have a short temper anyway Sakura-chan, so what exactly did this little noble girl do" Naruto in all his idiocy asked, but the pinkette could reign in her temper much better than before so didn't get angry at the insult.

Another world weary sigh "Okay so the first, they were late by nearly two hours, and of course an hour after we start walking, she decides she's hungry, then when we actually stop to take a break they complain and she keeps on going and got bit by a freaking snake" Sakura shook her head.

"Then demanded more food after I healed her without so much as even a thank you, so Shikamaru and I go catch a late lunch and she wanted to be picky with what we caught, along with several other little things that really drove me crazy" she ticked off her fingers.

Violet and sky blue eyes widened "Sounds like you had a tough time of it Sakura-chan, I'm surprised Minato-kun isn't putting you on missions where you're skills would really be useful" Kushina tapped her lip in thought.

She leaned back in her seat "Well I might have been a little on edge from the mission before that, but I do get some missions where I have to go in and fight and whatnot" Sakura explained, not wanting the redhead to think her talents were going to waste.

"I see, I see" Kushina nodded returning to the stove and adding the broth to the ramen noodles along with fresh vegetables and anything else, before putting a huge bowl down in front of the pinkette along with some chopsticks.

Okay so maybe it was a little much as Sakura stared at that huge ass bowl, larger than ever before, Kushina smiled and got a bowl for Naruto and then herself, before sitting down next to the pinkette "Itadakimasu" the blonde called digging into his ramen.

Sakura blinked before shrugging, might as well and so she did the same as Naruto, giving her thanks for the food in a soft voice before picking up the chopsticks and dipping them into the bowl and emerging with a large bite of ramen "Mm this is better than usual" she said.

It was hard to tamp down on her urge to frown "When was the last time you had ramen Sakura-chan" Naruto asked pausing mid bite, reminding himself to swallow first before trying to talk, learning proper manners and all that jazz.

"Um…..hehehe I don't remember" the pinkette scratched the back of her head with a grimace, so all she'd been eating the last few months is cutesy fluffy animals and stuff, and hadn't had much more time than that.

Her statement was meant with looks of horror from both Uzumaki's "That settles it, from now on before you go on a mission Sakura-chan, I'll make you seven thermos's of ramen" Kushina decided, to go nearly three months without eating ramen was a crime.

Naruto thought so to "Yeah and I'll help mom and make sure you get that ramen Sakura-chan" the blonde said after slurping down some more noodles, and Sakura sat between the two ramen obsessed Uzumaki's with amusement coursing through her veins.

Not to say she wasn't grateful "Thanks Naruto, Kushina-san" her lips curved upwards and by the time she left the house, she'd eaten three big bowls of that delicious ramen and Sakura was left feeling quite content and sleepy.

So headed home, Neji was there, but Kimimaro was off somewhere "Aburame-san was by" the brunette spoke up at the sight of the pinkette and Sakura paused in the middle of trekking down the stairs to her room.

When Neji realized he had all of her attention "Something about wanting you to have dinner with him and his father this evening, and that he had a request to ask of you" he explained further, knowing that Sakura hadn't been able to spend much time with her teammates lately.

He however wouldn't admit that he had been the one to go so far as the Aburame Compound and see if Shino was available this evening, because the pinkette definitely needed a break and a normal mission request was just what she needed.

Sakura's lavender eyes brightened "Thanks for telling me Neji, I'm gonna go catch a few zzz's for an hour or so" she waved before hurrying down the steps to get her nap over with, slid into a plain blue sleeping yukata and crawled into her big bed, after setting her alarm.

Only a few minutes later her breathing evened out, upstairs Kimimaro returned with Tayuya "If you're wondering Sakura is down there" Neji piped in when the Kaguya noticed the pinkette's light blue sandals that had white fluffy clouds on them.

"Let me guess taking a nap" Kimimaro chuckled quietly as Tayuya stood silently at his side, she'd had a rough day, but at least the information had been extracted and now she was free to wander inside the village, only for the time being, since she wasn't quite trusted.

The main problem now was finding a place for her to sleep, since the red haired girl couldn't stay on the couch forever, "Yeah, she also won't be here for dinner, Shino invited her over to dinner with his family" Neji broke through his thoughts.

Kimimaro sighed "Right then, since Tayuya has been released from interrogation and has a long way to go before people trust her, Hokage-sama said she is to stay here" he said, normally he would talk about this with Sakura, but he didn't want to wake her.

Neji lowered his book before craning his neck around to the animal room, Nagetsuke, Morosa and Reitoko, crazy jealous woodland animals, 'Nope so not even going to try' he finally decided then settled his lavender eyes on Kimimaro again.

"You could always ask Kakashi-sensei or Tenzo-san if they wouldn't mind adding an extra room, along with personal bathroom for Tayuya-san" Neji suggested, he got the sense that Kakashi would do anything for his adopted children.

At the suggestion, Kimimaro tilted his head to the side "Last I heard Tenzo-san was on a four month mission, so until he returns, I could divide my room in half, it's large enough and put a divider wall up and we could share the bathroom" he turned to Tayuya.

She shrugged "That's good and all, whatever fuc..works" Tayuya said, glad that something had been settled on and she wouldn't have to sleep on the couch again, no matter how comfortable it was, she preferred a real bed.

"Then it's decided, if you'd like we could go to the store and buy you some things, a bed and such, is there anything you'd like us to pick up Neji-san" Kimimaro glanced in the Hyuga's direction, since it would just be the three of them that night in the house for dinner, Kakashi was busy.

The brunette shook his head "I think we're all set for the time being, Sakura just went shopping less than a week ago" Neji waved returning his eyes to his book and resuming his earlier light reading as Kimimaro and Tayuya left.

An hour later an alarm blared through the house, before it was cut off abruptly, Kimimaro chuckled and Sakura looking like a demon emerging from hell appeared at the top of the steps of the basement with major bed head "Good evening imouto-san" he grinned.

His little sister blinked at him before letting out a yawn that cracked her jaw loudly "I needed that nap" Sakura admitted, checking the time, she had a good long while before Shino showed up to tote her off to the Aburame Compound, so sat down on the couch.

Just a second later she realized "Tayuya-san, they finally let you out of interrogation, what was the verdict, do you get to stay here" Sakura chattered spying the red haired girl they'd brought back with them and ensured that Orochimaru couldn't touch her anymore.

Tayuya blinked her brown eyes in confusion "Yeah, I'm clean, I cooperated so it was an easy extraction process and yeah, Kimimaro's got me set up in his room for the time being, we're sharing" she said, forgoing the curse words this time.

"Oh that's good and I'd clear out that room for ya, if I didn't think Nagetsuke would try to bite my hand off, he's been grumpy lately, probably because I've been busy and haven't had much time to spend with him" spilled from the pinkette's mouth a moment later.

Neji laughed under his breath "Indeed, perhaps the next time you go on you're vacation trip to Waves, you could take them with you" he suggested, offering a solution to Sakura, who laughed sheepishly, realizing she could have been doing that all along as well.

Just then a knock sounded on the door and Sakura jumped up, in a completely random move stubbed her toe on the table "Fuck" slipped out from between her lips and the pinkette slapped a hand over her mouth in horror, cringing and still holding her foot up.

Another knock and Tayuya snorted in laughter, Kimimaro shook his head, while Neji coughed into his hand, "Um hehehe right the door" Sakura quickly healed her toe, then hurried down the hall to the foyer and opened the door.

On the other side was "Kiba" her eyes widened seeing the ruffled Inuzuka, he looked upset "What's wrong" she frowned, taking in the boy, before noticing what, or rather who was missing "Where's Akamaru" Sakura prodded.

"He's sick and Hana can't figure out what's wrong, do you got time to come to the Compound Vet Clinic Sakura" Kiba rubbed his eyes, he'd been agonizing over this for a couple of days, just waiting until the pinkette returned.

Sakura nodded "Hang on just a minute Kiba, let me go grab my things" she rushed back down the hall leaving the door open "Somethings wrong with Akamaru, tell Shino that I might be a little late" she told those in the living room, speeding down the steps to her room.

Her medic bag was grabbed and Sakura sprinted back up the steps, waving to her brother, Neji and Tayuya, then was gone from sight, slipping her sandals onto her feet again and shutting the door behind her "That was fast" Kiba said tiredly.

"If Akamaru's sick, then it's my job as a medic to make sure he gets better, I've been treating my animals for long time and know a thing or two about what to look for" whooshed out in a torrent as they walked at a fast pace towards the Inuzuka Compound.

Kiba looked more than relieved to hear the conviction in her voice, proving that whatever Akamaru had come down with wasn't good "Thanks Sakura, it's been awhile since you've been over" he laughed, but it came out more like an exhausted sigh.

She pressed her lips together "I'm sorry Kiba, but I promised myself today that when I'm able I'll start spending more time with you all, even if I'm going on missions the next day" Sakura assured feeling awful, it wasn't right of her to ignore her friends.

Even if the missions were mentally and physically taxing and she always came back drained and tired beyond belief "You're a good person Sakura, and soon we'll be on you're level to" Kiba stated in a voice full of confidence, he wouldn't loose at the next chunin exams.

The gates of the Inuzuka Compound opened for them and they kept walking "Do you know who's gonna be put on you're team in my place temporarily" Sakura asked, moving towards a much more serious topic, she hadn't had much time for training with her teammates either.

"I think either Tenten or Lee, same for Choji and Ino, those four are in the same boat as us, while Uchiha's team has all three of their members" Kiba shrugged, focusing his gaze on the clinic building not to much further and Akamaru would be getting better, at least he hoped so.

Sakura inhaled deeply clutching her medic bag, mentally thanking Tsunade for having taught her more than just healing bones and fractures and nervous systems, as a medic they had to know how to heal more than just a person "That's a relief, Tenten and Lee are good strong fighters" she smiled.

Kiba chuckled quietly "No kidding, the one thing I'm worried about is that it's going to be in the Sand Village, will you get to be there to cheer me and Shino on" he faced the pinkette that was his teammate, she had more than proven she was strong enough to be on their team after all.

"Of course, not even Hokage-sama could stop me from being there to root you two on" Sakura giggled lightly, before adopting a more serious expression, Kiba nodded in understanding and the door was pulled open allowing her to enter.

Hana and Tsume looked up from the table Akamaru was laying on "Pink brat" the Inuzuka Matriarch stated, taking in the pinkette for the first time in weeks, months actually, and noticing the subtle differences.

This earned her a small wave "Hello Tsume-sama, Hana-san, I'm here to help Akamaru get better" Sakura stepped up to the small table and took in the very sick ninken, she reached out and ran a gentle blue glowing hand over the pup, lavender eyes focused in concentration.

"Do you see anything Sakura-san" Hana bit her lip, Tsunade had trained this girl herself, even if the blonde was busy with the hospital now, Sakura had still improved her medical abilities under Tsunade's wing.

Her gaze sharpened and Sakura focused harder, checking things on a molecular level, even going so far as to activate her byakugan "His CN is all out of whack, what kind of mission were you on Kiba" the pinkette glanced to the Inuzuka Heir.

He fidgeted "A normal mission and all of a sudden he was sick" Kiba frowned deeply, keeping his eyes glued to his partner, if something happened to Akamaru, he was going to be broken, ninken in the clan that died were irreplaceable.

Sakura took a deep breath and ran her fingers all over Akamaru's tiny body, "Feverish, has he been vomiting" she asked again and Tsume nodded "Loss of fluids" her eyes narrowed, then the pinkette found what she was searching for "Aha here it is" her finger hit a bump.

The fur was combed back, Akamaru sleeping thanks to some sedative, to reveal a small bite "A venomous insect, so tiny that you wouldn't have noticed it, there are quite a few of them that give those types of symptoms I named off" Sakura explained.

All three Inuzuka's let out a large breath of relief "You mean it's as simple as creating an antidote for the poison coursing through his veins" Hana questioned and Sakura nodded lightly, already pulling out what was needed, mortar and pestle, herbs, vials, scroll, syringe, flask and bunsen burner.

"How are you going to do this" Tsume asked, keeping her eyes narrowed on Sakura, not that she didn't trust the girl, but she wasn't part of the vet clinic and she had to wonder if the girl had any experience in treating animals.

She looked up "First extracting some of Akamaru's blood, I'd like to take a look at the kind of poison in his system, with my microscope" Sakura explained, taking the needle and syringe and with gentle fingers took some of the ninken's blood.

A drop of it was placed on a slide and slid under the objective lens, while the rest was added to a petri dish and covered "You sure you know what you're doing pink brat, despite how fancy all this stuff is, have you ever treated an animal before" Tsume prodded.

Sakura nodded lightly peeking into the lens of the scope, adjusting the slide, lavender eyes taking in the blood sample "Yes, I regularly treat Reitoko, Morosa and Nagetsuke" she explained, if she could remember what kind of bug, this would be a lot easier.

Hana blinked in surprise "No wonder I've never seen them in here before" she sighed softly, she was supposed to be the clan animal medic, but here a little girl several years her junior had found out what was wrong with Akamaru and she hadn't.

It was quiet as Sakura extracted the poison from the rest of the blood and put in a vial, a scroll was unrolled and a healing seal was drawn before the poison was dripped into the center with a dropper "Yeah, though Nagetsuke would be picky about it" she smiled lightly.

Kiba shook his head "That bear is a little pushy isn't he" he asked in the ensuing silence, so far Sakura had pulled out four different types of herbs, started up the bunsen burner, flask full of water, while that was heating up, she ground up the herbs with the pestle in the mortar.

"No kidding, it's because of abandonment issues, one day I decided to leave him behind, because he was getting to big, when I was ten, but he found us two years later, and has been extremely pushy since then" she grimaced, checking the water in the flask.

Just a couple more minutes and the water was at a boil, a funnel with a filter paper was placed over an empty vial, Sakura added the ground up herbs to the filter, before pouring the hot water over the herbs, three minutes later, an herb smell floated through the air.

Sakura stoppered the vial after removing the funnel, the filter paper was tossed in a trash bin, and swirled the mixture around for a couple of seconds, lavender eyes scanning it over several times before nodding and turning to the scroll with the poison on it.

Hana, Tsume and Kiba held their breath as the pinkette grabbed a dropper and sucked some of the antidote into it, before dripping it onto the healing seal, it sizzled before turning green "Oh kami you did it" Kiba cheered, before freezing as a low growl sounded through the room.

The sedative was wearing off "Akamaru quit you're growling pup" Tsume ordered in her alpha voice and the ninken flinched and hunkered down, allowing Sakura to administer the antidote intravenously, whispering soothingly until the last of it was injected into his body.

In just a matter of twenty minutes, Sakura had found the problem and found a solution for Akamaru "Not bad pink brat, want to come work here, people might be more inclined to bring their animals here if we had you as part of our staff" Tsume chuckled.

Her lips curled upwards "As much as the idea is interesting and healing animals make me happy, I'll stick to people" Sakura said packing away her things in her medical bag, glad that she'd been able to help at all, because somethings were still out of her league.

"Well if you ever get tired of healing people, you always have a spot here in the clinic" Hana threw out there and Kiba even nodded, Sakura was a very kind and gentle person, and she treated every living creature with care and tenderness.

Sakura smiled widely "Thanks, I'll keep that in mind for way down the road in the future, or if you need any help and I'm not on a mission, I'll come running" she stated situating her bag over her shoulder.

Kiba let out a breath of relief whoosh from his lungs as they left the clinic behind "Boy am I glad you know all that fancy healing stuff" he commented walking side by side with Sakura, the pinkette nodded, glad she did to "Want to eat dinner with us" Kiba offered.

"Maybe next time Kiba, Shino came by while I was eating lunch with Kushina-san and Naruto and asked me to have dinner with him, but first thing tomorrow afternoon I'll be over so long as it's alright" Sakura shrugged apologetically.

He nodded "Thanks again Sakura, see you around, hopefully tomorrow" Kiba chuckled pausing at the gates as they were opened by the guards and then Sakura was hurrying down the streets to the Aburame Compound, waving until she was out of sight, he turned and headed home to get some rest.

Sakura practically flew down the streets of the Leaf Village, not wanting to be late, it was a solid rule to never be late, no matter who the person, or what the mission was, and out of breath, Sakura managed to make it to the Aburame Compound in record time.

Shino looked surprised "You know dinner isn't for another hour right" he said peeking over his sunglasses at his teammate as she tried to catch her breath, then he noticed the medical bag slung over her shoulder "Did you just get out of a surgery or something" Shino questioned.

A hand was held up and Sakura took one final inhale "Not quite, Akamaru was sick and I wasn't sure how long I'd been at the clinic trying to figure out what was wrong and come up with an antidote for him, so I didn't want to be late" she explained.

"I see, well now that you're here, might as well have a seat, dinner hasn't been finished yet" Shino gestured to the spot beside him and the pinkette sat down on the bench, glad to be able to relax for a little while and not move.

She leaned back and closed her eyes enjoying the breeze and relaxation "Neji said that there was a request you had to ask of me" Sakura finally broke the silence as her lavender eyes opened to peer at the Aburame Heir with curiosity in her gaze.

He nodded and got a peek of hazel from behind his sunglasses before they were pushed back into their proper place "There's a new type of bug that has been discovered, and I previously requested to go on my own, but was denied, for the mission rank is B" Shino stated.

There went her brows "Okay what would cause the mission rank to be that high, that only a chunin or jonin could go on it" Sakura frowned picking at a frayed edge of her yukata sleeve, now she was getting interested.

Shino cleared his throat "This new bug is quite large and extremely venomous, that is why it was classed as a B Rank mission" he said, hiding a grimace, Minato had said that even if he requested a chunin the mission might still be rejected, but with Sakura, the chances of success were higher.

"How big are you talking here Shino" a gleam entered her eyes as she inquired as to the dimensions of this new type of bug, the Aburame Heir gestured at a still growing tree, it was huge and Sakura felt her skin crawl, bugs and her didn't do well.

"With you the missions success would be guaranteed, why because of you're knowledge in medicine, healing and herbs" Shino explained, hoping the pinkette said yes, he really wanted to study this new insect.

No one wanted to deal with huge ass bugs, especially her, but "Okay I'm in, when do you want to do this Shino" Sakura nodded her acceptance, it would be a nice change from dealing with freaking nobles all the time and she'd get to spend some time with Shino.

It was obvious that he hadn't expected her to say yes, but was extremely relieved she had, because Shino visibly relaxed "I'm in no hurry, let's say a week and a half from now, or even a month from now" Shino shrugged lightly.

Relief flooded through her, if he'd said at the end of this week, there would have been no possible way "Alright then make you're request to Hokage-sama again and tell him that I agreed to go along as the medic and chunin in charge" Sakura nodded.

A small smile formed on his lips "Shino go and get your….." Shibi stepped out the front door prepared to tell his son to retrieve his teammate only to trail off upon realizing the pinkette was already there "Never mind, dinner will be ready in a few" he said.

Sakura giggled softly, he really was a strange person "Shibi-sama" she greeted politely, standing from the bench and stretching, this got a nod from the Aburame and they were led into the house to enjoy dinner.

"Did you ask Kaguya-san if she'd go join that mission with you" Shibi asked mid way through the meal and Shino nodded "Good, thank you for agreeing, I would go, but I am much to busy" the Aburame Lord turned to Sakura.

She waved her hand politely "Oh it's no trouble Shibi-sama, in fact the mission sounds interesting at the very least, plus if Shino is going to be around poisonous insects, my medical skills would come in handy" Sakura flashed her teammate a smile.

Glad that the pinkette wasn't holding his request against him, Shino returned her smile with another small one of his own "How's being a chunin for you" he questioned a couple minutes later, they'd hardly seen Sakura for the last three months after all.

"Ugh so many nobles, the only downside to diplomatic missions, but I grin and bear it, not so bad, but it definitely wears down on you" Sakura said, before scooping a bite of broccoli into her mouth, chewing the green tree's with her mouth closed before swallowing.

Shibi eyed his son's teammate, if she were an Aburame, he would have already had her in an arranged marriage with Shino, the pinkette was a perfect match to his antisocial son's personality "True, I remember when I was a chunin" he admitted drawing Shino's gaze.

More chatter followed and Sakura thanked Shibi and Shino again for allowing her to have dinner with them, before she was hurrying off down the darkened streets of the Leaf Village to her little cherry oak house, bidding everyone goodnight, before taking a shower and going to bed.

True to her word, Sakura had lunch with Kiba, dinner with Sasuke, chatted with Ino, played Shogi with Shikamaru, trained with Hinata and Neji, had tea with Hiashi, the man had lightened up considerably and even had a cookout with Choji, during the rest of the week.

Until finally it was the day where they would all set out to try and retrieve Jugo, her, Kimimaro, Neji, Shikamaru and Kakashi, it was going to be a tricky mission, especially since they were stealing from Orochimaru again.

Tayuya would be staying at the house and taking care of the animals, since she still wasn't quite trusted to leave the village yet, even though they would have been able to use her skills on the mission with the flute and genjutsu abilities.

"Ready Sakura-imouto" Kimimaro's voice drew Sakura out of her thoughts as she situated her pack across her shoulders, the pinkette nodded, lavender eyes gleaming with determination and trepidation as they headed out the door of their house, leaving Tayuya behind.

Sakura's lips pressed together and she craned her neck around taking in all of her surroundings, Minato had given them two weeks to complete this mission, if they failed, they wouldn't have another chance to attain Jugo and add him to their ranks.

Kakashi met her gaze and gave her his signature eye crinkle, tension drained out of her and she relaxed a tiny bit "You know, this might be just a tiny little bit fun, to piss of Orochimaru" Sakura stated out loud drawing a chuckle from Neji.

"Remember though this is one of the Legendary Sannin we're going against, so expect some trouble from his subordinates and assume they aren't normal" Kakashi warned, especially his two adopted children, seeing as they were more likely to be targeted than him or the other two.

A shudder rolled through him "It's been awhile since we've all gone on a mission together" Shikamaru commented, looking around at his village, it truly was one of a kind and he was going to miss it these next two weeks.

"I remember when we use to go on missions together all the time" Neji pointed out, already on high alert, they'd come up with a plan before hand, Sakura and Kimimaro would use their shikotsumyaku on Jugo and hold him in place, with Shikamaru's shadow possession jutsu.

His job was to disable the teen with gentle fist, and knock him out with a sedative, that Sakura had come up with, and Kakashi was to keep anyone from interfering, with Kimimaro's knowledge of all of Orochimaru's bases, it was just a matter of making this mission successful.

Sakura smiled lightly "Yeah that was in the beginning after we became chunin, now it's always solo or just one of us with the other" she said, looping her thumbs through the straps of her pack and holding tightly to the leather, sealing crystal swaying back and forth as she walked.

Kimimaro's vivid green eyes softened on his little sister, wishing he didn't have to involve her in something so dangerous, but with her skills they had a chance to make this a small victory, Jugo was his friend and he wasn't going to leave the orange haired teen in Orochimaru's clutches any longer.

"Where are you guys going" Ino stepped in their path to the gates and Sakura almost rammed into the blonde, who'd calmed down massively in the last several months, but she could still be extremely annoying if she wanted.

Digging her heels into the ground, Sakura came to a screeching halt "A mission, classified" Kakashi came to the rescue as his adopted daughter floundered on what to say to the Yamanaka Heiress, no one below chunin rank or those on the mission were allowed to know what was going on.

Ino scowled and huffed "Sorry Ino-chan, we'll be back in a couple of weeks, that's all I can tell you" Sakura apologized giving the blonde a quick hug and resuming her trek towards the gates, with Kimimaro at her side.

"I'll hold you to that Sakura, if you're not back in two weeks, I'll kick you're butt" Ino hollered after them, before turning on her heel and dashing down the streets to the Yamanaka Flower Shop to resume her duties there.

The group of five continued on their way and signed out at the gates "Alright Kimimaro, take the lead, you're the only one here that knows the way to this base of Orochimaru's" Kakashi called from the back, he was the one in charge on this mission.

Plus Minato had given him a small side job to this mission as well, once Jugo was retrieved, the whole base was to be destroyed, he'd bought a plethora of exploding tags to place all around, and he was going to blow that place up quite gladly.

Glad that she wasn't the one in charge of the mission this time around and happily stepped back to walk between Shikamaru and Neji "Why aren't you carrying Kubikiribocho this time" the Nara Heir immediately noticed the swords absence.

This drew Neji's lavender eyes onto the pinkette as well "I'm surprised you've been using it quite a lot lately to" he commented on the executioners blade sealed away state, it was bizarre to say the least, but it looked like she had an explanation for that.

"As much as I love my sword, Kubikiribocho would just get in the way of this mission, we need to keep it low key and not draw attention to ourselves to much" Sakura said, on higher alert than usual, she could just feel it in her bones that things were going to go wrong.

Kakashi eyed Sakura from the back, creeping along after the quartet "Well if you're trying not to draw attention, I'd at the very least change you're hair color to a regular color" he pointed out lightly, the pink color drew attention from miles away.

Her hands shot to her head and Sakura patted down her pink locks "Father is right Sakura-imouto" Kimimaro peered over his shoulder at her and the pinkette sulked before making the sign for transform and with a soft pop she suddenly had dark gray hair and gray eyes, typical of a Kaguya.

The markings on her forehead were concealed as well "Not bad Sakura, what do you think we should call you in you're transformation" Shikamaru drew her attention and she blinked in confusion obviously not having thought much on it beyond changing her appearance.

"Yes you could benefit from this as well, have a disguise already picked out long before we ever have to have one" Neji nodded looking the disguised pinkette up and down, trying to come up with a nickname for Sakura.

Behind them Kakashi spoke again "How about Ihai-chan, ash colored hair and light gray eyes" he suggested and Sakura craned her neck around to meet his lone onyx eye with her transformed gray eyes, before mulling the name over in her head.

Then to no ones surprise nodded "Okay Ihai it is then" Sakura smiled brightly, talking in a slightly higher voice than anyone was use to, proving that it hadn't just been her appearance to change, but also a couple other things.

Stature for one, her height, she was now a couple inches taller than usual, and her teeth as well, they were normal "That's good" Kimimaro glanced back and nodded in acceptance, if Sakura had looked like that, then would she have been by his side this entire time.

Neji took a sip of water, not wanting to admit that, while it was good they were all trying to go unnoticed and not draw unwanted attention, he kind of missed Sakura's pink hair already, it's what made her so different than everyone else.

"So how far do you reckon this base is Kimimaro-san" Shikamaru asked the white haired teen walking ahead of them, distance was the only thing they hadn't been told and so far they'd been going for nearly two hours and lunch would soon be upon them.

Kimimaro shifted his gaze to the Nara Heir "A few days at the least, possibly four, it's breaking in that's going to take so long" he explained, before gazing furtively at Sakura, he had to make sure nothing happened to his little sister.

The brunette in the group nodded "True, especially if it's as high security as you think it is, if that is the case, then we aren't going to simply pass by the wardens and staff and get Jugo-san" Neji stated in a matter of fact tone.

"Once we get there, we'll come up with a more solid plan, at least this way we don't waste time trying to come up with one now" Kakashi said from the back, walking along after them at a leisurely pace and hands shoved into his pockets.

Sakura took in everything being said "Nice Otou-san" of course she would agree with her dad, at least she had a father, and a brother "Hey do you know when Tenzo-san is going to be back" she gazed over her shoulder at Kakashi.

Drawing a laugh from the two males on either side of her "Hmm depends on how long he takes on his current mission, you're asking because you need a couple rooms, with bathrooms attached to them built, for Tayuya-san and Jugo-san, right" Kakashi asked in a knowing tone.

He really wanted to groan, but kept quiet, their little house was at maximum capacity and while the thought of having more people there was appealing, Neji grimaced inwardly, another person, he let out an inward long suffering sigh and sucked it up.

Just as Sakura smiled sheepishly "Yes, if Tayuya-san or Jugo-san ever want to go find their own places to live down the road, that's fine to, but I doubt Hokage-sama will put them anywhere else but with us" she said.

Now he understood "How would we do that, things are really crowded" Neji inquired lightly, there that wasn't asked in a voice that belied his reluctance to have more people living in their admittedly tiny little house.

"We could rearrange things, Tayuya-san would have a little more room down in the basement with me and Jugo-san could stay with Kimi-nii, he would be more comfortable that way, plus my bathrooms bigger" Sakura giggled in a bragging tone.

Kimimaro shook his head in amusement, that was the one thing about the basement that Sakura adored, the larger bathroom "Tayuya would also be more comfortable with a girl as well" he pointed out nodding in acceptance to the new arrangement.

Shikamaru glanced between the trio, who lived in the same house "You guys are odd, not in a bad way, but I don't know many people, who would just share their room, aren't you afraid of these people getting into personal stuff of yours" he asked the Kaguya siblings.

The question he asked might as well have been laughable "Well when you live in a village and a base full of crazy people, you tend to learn how to share and keep very little personal affects, Jugo-san isn't the type to intrude on someone else's privacy or get into their things" Kimimaro spoke from up front.

Even Sakura nodded "I had to share with Haku and Zabuza for five years, sleep on a couch, futon, ground with Haku and Zabuza and live in tiny enclosed spaces, so I'm good" she laughed sheepishly, okay so they weren't normal people, sue them.

At her side, Neji became quiet "Have you taken an interest in anyone" he peered at with curious lavender eyes, it had been bugging him for awhile, girls were supposed to like boys and like girly things, but Sakura was different.

Up ahead of them, Kimimaro tensed and his face twitched in irritation, he relaxed a moment later as Sakura spoke "Not exactly, right now I'm just going at my own pace you know, cause the last boy I was interested in kind of well…" she trailed off looking to the ground.

Behind them Kakashi winced "You mean you had a crush on Haku" he questioned lightly, the topic was sensitive for sure, but he subsequently forgot about that time in wave so many months ago with all the flowers and the one that meant chaste love.

"Oh goodness no, I loved that boy, but I knew all along that it wouldn't last, what we had was only temporary, a fleeting moment to shape me and any future special someone of mine into have a better stronger relationship" Sakura smiled fondly popping right back up with happiness.

It was official, the pinkette was strange, Neji became contemplative as they walked, until they stopped for lunch a couple hours later and they all took a moment to relax and rest their legs since they'd been walking for quite a long while.

More distance had been covered than Kimimaro had thought possible at first, but something suddenly occurred to him "We might have a problem" he looked around with a frown, glancing surreptitiously at his little sister.

Kakashi's lone onyx eye narrowed "What kind of problem Kimimaro-kun, and why didn't you say anything earlier" he inquired jovially, this was turning into quite the mission, a dangerous and risky one at that.

With a grimace "I was in Orochimaru's inner circle at one time, a sort of confidant to the man, and Tayuya wouldn't have known this, but there was a benefactor who helps Orochimaru out from time to time" Kimimaro started.

Sakura's spine straightened as she realized what her brother was about to unveil, it had been an unanimous decision not to speak about this, but now there was no other choice, they might even have to abandon the mission as well.

"Benefactor, this is the first I've heard of Orochimaru having such a person" Kakashi was starting to become suspicious, especially since both of his adopted children looked quite tense, who could make them act like that.

He took a deep breath "A man named Danzo Shimura, now I know to place suspicion on someone of such high standing is a crime, this man is as evil as they come" Kimimaro breathed out and it was like all the air had been sucked out of them.

And then in the smallest voice she'd ever used "Shimura-san approached me in Hokage-sama's office and tried to cut my head off, and then tried to threaten me into meeting with him as well" Sakura added to the growing list of problems.

Kakashi passed a hand through his gravity defying silver hair "Okay so what are you saying Kimimaro, that Danzo might be there to stop us" he wanted to turn them all around, but he knew that now more than ever, they needed to at least take out some of Orochimaru's manpower.

"No, but Kabuto, or even Orochimaru himself might be there, because Danzo could have told them about this mission, he has the clearance after all" Kimimaro stated before sitting on the ground as close as possible to Sakura as he could.

Neji and Shikamaru shared a long look having a silent conversation "I still want to go through with this" the Nara said, he'd already decided to be a part of this mission and he wasn't going to back out like a chicken now, he'd never live it down, especially if Ino ever caught wind of it.

The brunette nodded "I agree, now's the perfect chance to decrease Orochimaru's subordinates even by one, and possibly take out a base, we could place exploding tags everywhere we go and blow it up when we leave" Neji suggested, not realizing Kakashi had been planning on just that.

Causing the silver haired man to chuckle "What about you two Sakura-chan, Kimimaro-kun, do you still want to do this mission, technically it was you're request after all, so you have final say" Kakashi looked to his adopted children.

Both siblings were silent "I want to help Jugo-san, if there's a chance we can save him from Orochimaru's clutches and allow him to have a normal, or semi-normal life, then I'm in all the way" Sakura spoke up decisively.

At the conviction in her voice and words, Kimimaro nodded "Jugo is my friend, and I promised him something, I'm going to make sure I never abandon him again, I'm still willing to go on this mission as well" the white haired teen said.

Kakashi clapped his hands "Good, now eat up you four, we've got a long ways to go" he ordered, before settling down to eat the delicious food that Sakura cooked, but what was strange was the thermos she pulled out.

They all remembered Naruto bringing seven of those damn things over that morning, having been told partially of the mission, not what it was about, just that they would be gone for two weeks "So what's in the container" Shikamaru eyed it warily as if it was going to explode.

To their surprise "Ramen, Kushina-san said that anytime I go on a long mission, she was going to make some for me to eat on the mission" Sakura quipped in a completely amused tone of voice, lavender eyes full of mirth as she used chopsticks to eat the homemade ramen.

Neji chuckled deeply "That was nice of Uzumaki-san, you'll have to remember to thank her, when we return" he spoke lightly enjoying the fried fish, he would get tired of the scaly creature to after eating nothing but fish, so he could understand somewhat.

"I will" Sakura mumbled enjoying the ramen, Kushina made the best ramen in the entire village, well at least in her eyes anyway, it was all homemade and no icky preservatives to ruin her taste buds or make her sick.

Kimimaro smiled "You know, I never really see you eat the packaged ramen, or Ichiraku very much" he frowned in confusion, he didn't really think his sister was an avid ramen addict, not like those two Uzumaki's.

Sakura looked to the side of her at her older brother "That's because Kimi-nii, the preservatives in the ramen, or other items, I get sick if I eat to much of packaged ramen, and I get away with the bare minimum at Ichiraku" she explained.

His brows shot upwards "I'm surprised, Naruto tries to turn everyone into a ramen addict, but you're immune to his look" Kakashi laughed giving his signature eye crinkle 'Hope you're happy Zabuza, because I definitely made sure she was happy' he thought inwardly.

Thirty minutes later, they were packed up and on the move again, chattering between themselves quietly as they walked, until three days passed in the same manner and the five of them finally arrived at one of Orochimaru's bases, the one that supposedly held Jugo.

"Okay, we need to come up with a plan" Kakashi said in a low voice, and all four of his mission companions turned in his direction, facing away from the base, not very far away from them, "Gather round" he gestured for them each to get closer.

Her gut was twisting itself into knots, something terrible was going to happen, she just knew it, but Sakura forced herself to listen to her father as he spoke in low tones of the plan, distract and rescue, a basic plan, with a twist, avoid getting spotted.

"A camouflage seal" she whispered suddenly, pulling out several pieces of paper and quickly drawing five of the same seal and passed one to each person "It will suppress you're chakra and hide you in plain sight" kami was she thankful for those fuinjutsu lessons from Tsunade.

It was obvious the others were just as grateful for her quick wits "How does it work" Shikamaru eyed the seal with a little trepidation "And how long will it work for" he inquired, he couldn't deny that it was beautiful in an artsy kind of way.

Kimimaro held his breath "Channel you're chakra into it, and it's made for continuous use, find a spot and just reapply you're chakra to it" Sakura explained quietly, peering over her shoulder, every instinct in her body was telling her to run and not look back.

"That's a good idea Sakura-imouto" her brother drew her gaze, Kimimaro noticed the increasing rigidity in her body and how the hair on her arms rose, there was something seriously wrong and he didn't think it was because she didn't want to be on the mission.

Sakura smiled and hid her unease well, something deep inside of her was screaming at her, telling her not to set foot in that building "Yes, Tsunade-sama has trained you well in the sealing arts" Neji nodded and she breathed a little easier, she wasn't alone there.

Her brother wasn't the only one to notice that the pinkette in disguise was reluctant to go inside, or even reveal herself, Kakashi could see her fear, no matter how hard she tried to hide it "Maybe one of us should stay out here and be lookout" he offered, wondering if Sakura would offer.

"We all decided to go in together, Kimi-nii and I, Shikamaru and Neji, to save Jugo-san, but perhaps we could leave a couple clones, if something happens, we'll have their memories" Sakura suggested quietly.

Kakashi nodded "Right then, you all have you're orders, I'll be the distract, you four get in, get out as quickly as possible, make no stops unless you have Jugo-san, is that understood" he looked each one in the eye seriously, nothing could go wrong.

The three chunin and one undecided for the moment nodded "Move out" Kakashi ordered, using the seal that Sakura had made and loping forward, kunai in hand, the two guards on watch were taken out, their throats slit, and he literally felt as his mission companions passed by him.

Air shifted and someones shoulder brushed his arm, he bet it was Sakura, she was a little clumsy, the first exploding tag was placed down and Kakashi hurried after the group of four, not wanting to get left to far behind, that would make him look lazy and he had a reputation to uphold.

More exploding tags along the walls, and he noticed several more that weren't his own, Kakashi chuckled, and passed by a dead staff member, probably Kimimaro's doing, or Sakura's, either way one of them had blood splattered across their face.

Up ahead of him, Kimimaro spun using his shikotsumyaku, he could feel Kabuto there, so he'd been partially right, but there was two other presences that he didn't recognize, all they had to do was make it to the room Jugo was locked away in.

Get him out, place a seal on him that was hand crafted by Tsunade herself, that would suppress his murderous tendencies, and get the flak out of the base, before blowing it up in the process, if they killed a few people along the way, that was more satisfaction for him than anyone else.

Sakura huffed and puffed after her brother, she knew he was ahead of her, but kami he was going so fast, faster than ever before, she twisted to the right, narrowly avoiding getting slugged in the head by a door that opened.

A kunai was embedded in the persons chest a second later, courtesy of perfect aim and deadly intent, every step forward she ran, the feeling in her gut deepened, something was wrong, Sakura clenched her hand around the scroll Kubikiribocho was sealed away in.

Behind the two Kaguya siblings, Neji and Shikamaru were placing exploding tags all along the walls, what they'd brought with them, until they ran out and taking out random people, they were all corrupt there, willingly working for that disgusting snake and experimenting on innocent people.

Eventually the four of them had to hide in a small hallway, with no doors or windows "How much further Kimi-nii" Sakura asked breathlessly taking a chance to wipe the sweat from her forehead, before pushing more chakra into her seal.

"Not much, a few more hallways" Kimimaro responded, vivid green eyes, even he could start to feel that there was something seriously off with this situation, surely by now people would be running around in a panic, trying to figure out what was going on.

But it was eerily quiet "Good cause we're almost out of exploding tags" Shikamaru chuckled, but it was strained, since becoming a chunin, he'd taken peoples lives, Sakura was right being a shinobi wasn't all fun and games, death was a reoccurring thing in their choice in career.

Suddenly Kakashi slipped into the hall with them "Anything" he asked peering out into the brightly lit hall, so many twists and turns, he was surprised anyone could navigate this place half as well as they could.

"Not yet, Kimimaro-san says we've only got a few more hallways to go" Neji stated in a deep voice, camouflaging himself again with the hand made seal, Sakura was gifted in a lot of things, and he was glad she was there.

Goosebumps rose on her flesh "Here you guys said you were almost out of exploding tags" Sakura passed over her extremely large stash of tags to Shikamaru and Neji, and then they were sneaking out of the small hall and running down the main halls again towards Jugo's room.

Finally they made it, and every sense she possessed was on high alert, whatever was in the base, was in that room, Sakura took a step back and bumped into Neji "Sorry" she whispered in an extremely soft voice, finding it difficult to breath.

Hands pressed down on her shoulders "It's alright Sakura, this will be over soon" Neji's voice washed over her and Sakura forced herself to relax, she'd been a half step away from a full blown panic attack and was grateful for the soothing presences.

Kimimaro twisted the knob to the door and they all filed in, what they found made their skin pale "Ah I wonder when you five would get here" Kabuto was sitting on a chair, Jugo knocked out probably because of a sleeping medicine.

The gig was up and the seals were undone "Kakashi-san, Neji-san, Shikamaru-san, Kimimaro-kun and ah Sakura-san as well" he nodded at each person pushing his glasses up his nose a fake smile on his lips.

Her dread increased and her heart dropped into her stomach, something wasn't right with this situation, Kabuto was severely outnumbered "We'll be taking Jugo-san with us" Kakashi stepped forward blocking the silver haired teens view of his daughter.

A smirk settled across Kabuto's lips "You want him, you have to go through these two first, farewell" with a pop the teenager vanished in a puff of smoke, he had just been a clone all along, but who came out of a room off to the side made them all freeze in horror.

Especially Sakura as she looked upon the two people who had once been her closest most precious people in the entire world, they paused at the sight of her as well and Kakashi tensed, this was not good, Sakura wouldn't be able to fight them.

"Sakura-chan" they still had the choice of talking, Haku looked the pinkette over, taking in the differences "We don't want to do this" he looked as if the thought of fighting against his best friend sickened him.

Zabuza was quiet, but the way his hands were clenching and un-clenching proved that he didn't want to fight against them either, "I don't want to do this either" Sakura's voice greeted his ears "Zabuza-sama, Haku-kun" she looked horribly lost and distraught.

"You know we have to do things we don't like brat, get out Kubikiribocho and get this over with" he barked suddenly and Sakura flinched, by now Shikamaru, Neji and Kimimaro realized what was going on and who these people were.

Kakashi pressed his hand down on her shoulder "Let me Sakura-chan, so you don't have to, you focus on making a seal to undo the reanimation jutsu" he smiled, but Sakura lifted her eyes to his and through her tears, he could see a deep rooted determination settled within the lavender depths.

She took a shaky breath "Kimimaro, Neji, Shikamaru, here's the seal Tsunade-sama made" Sakura handed over the seal, whiled drawing a scroll from her pouch and in a puff of smoke Kubikiribocho was held within her hands.

Zabuza eyed her a look of pride in his brown eyes "You've come a long way to be able to wield him" he nodded, proving that he'd been right in naming Sakura as his successor, by his side against his will Haku settled into a fighting stance.

Sakura nodded shortly "I've learned a number of things since going to the Leaf Village with Kakashi-sensei, er Otou-san" it was difficult to talk to them, knowing they weren't really alive and they'd have to leave her again.

"What things Sakura-chan" came Haku's kind and tender voice, this was going to really break the girl, to see her precious people only to fight against them and then lose them again in the end, she clenched her hand tightly around the hand of the executioners blade.

And leaped forward, foot aiming at Zabuza, he dodged to the right and her foot hit the wall, impacting it, in the ensuing destruction, Kimimaro, Neji and Shikamaru grabbed Jugo, holding him up between them and used the seal, before hightailing it out of there.

"We'll be waiting" Kakashi said in a tight voice, giving up all pretenses of hiding as he left the room as Sakura jumped to the ground with both males following after her, proving that it was a plot to entice the pinkette to Orochimaru's side.

He left the room, rushing along the halls placing more exploding tags, until he was all out, then retraced his steps and hurried out of the base, meeting the others far away from the base "Where's imouto-san" Kimimaro looked angry.

But Kakashi said nothing "You left her on her own" Neji choked out, he took a deep breath "I'm going after her" and before anyone could stop him the brunette had locked on to Sakura's chakra and was racing in her general direction.

~Meanwhile~ Sakura had sped in the opposite direction from the base "For you're question, I learned that my eyes are called the byakugan, and that there are many people who have the same eyes, called the Hyuga's" she explained.

Zabuza and Haku were stood before her again, weapons in their hand, and ice forming behind Haku against his will "So you found where you belong" Zabuza nodded, glad that he'd trusted Kakashi all this time with his apprentice's future happiness.

"Water Style: Water Manipulation, Water Style: Water Clone" two jutsu's one after the other came nothing happened with the first, but two clones were formed "Not quite, it was difficult at first living in a village" Sakura breathed, adding chakra to the air.

This time the jutsu was going to work, it had to "So much attention and having to ask for things, but finally I managed to secure a future for myself, I became a genin, got a team, went through the chunin exams and even became a chunin" her lips formed into a happy smile.

Both males were relieved, as Haku dashed forward, ice senbon in his hand, but Sakura swung Kubikiribocho, and he jumped back to avoid getting hacked in half "That's good, sounds like you've gotten quite a few accomplishments Sakura-chan" he said still talking.

Maybe it would have been easier if they weren't allowed to talk "Most of all though, I found I have a brother, Kimimaro and I have a second kekkeigenkai, I have lots of friends, a good sensei and Kakashi adopted me, my name is Sakura Kaguya" Sakura struggled to say.

Pain was visible on her face as Neji skidded to a halt beside her "And she has a house and visits you two for a week" he added settling into his stance, he wasn't going to let Sakura fight these two alone, it wasn't right of them to do that.

"Ha you have a second kekkeigenkai, don't make me laugh brat, I don't see you using it" Zabuza shot back in a barking laugh, throwing several kunai but they were blocked by Kubikiribocho and Neji shooting a blast of air from the palm of his hand.

Sakura grit her teeth, shoving back her tears, "My teeth got jagged like yours" she revealed opening her mouth to show them off, willing shikotsumyaku to activate, and finally her eyes flickered green, how she knew was Haku looked almost in awe.

Kubikiribocho was embedded into the dirt and Sakura leaped forward, pulling a bone from her shoulder "Dance of the Camellia" she said slashing erratically at both of her precious people, splitting them apart "My kekkeigenkai is called Shikotsumyaku" Sakura explained.

"As you can see, it let's me wield bones from my own body as weapons, I can shoot them out at will, like this Digital Shrapnel" she said, pointing her hand at Zabuza and the bones from her fingers shot towards him at a high speed.

She took a deep breath "Make them stronger than steel" Sakura stated, barely feeling the kick Haku gave her "And regrow my bones at a fast rate" she continued, pushing back her hurt of doing such an act.

Zabuza was quiet as was Haku as the fight continued to drag on, they both had to wonder how Sakura could even fight them, with tears literally pouring from her eyes, until she relented and jumped back to that massive sword.

"You've been taking care of him" Zabuza glanced at the sword and took his former partner in, not a scratch, proving that Sakura was just as obsessive as he'd been, the pinkette nodded hefting the sword up with one hand.

Haku sped forward, as Sakura's eyes flickered back to the familiar lavender and with Neji, because Zabuza had jumped at them as well "Eight Trigrams Palms Heavenly Spin" they recited in unison, spinning and shooting chakra from their chakra points together in sync.

Both males were hit and shredded a little before they got out of range of the jutsu "I've learned more about my other heritage to, but yes, I even managed to complete you're goal of the Mist Village being restored to it's former glory" Sakura spoke again.

Neji stood back watching and waiting "Do you want me to take over for a moment Sakura, so you can make a seal to undo that jutsu" he asked quietly, when there was a lull in the conversation, the pinkette hesitated before nodding.

Water was up to the tops of their toes now and they were all just realizing this "Be careful, don't let Haku catch you in Crystal Ice Mirror jutsu" Sakura warned lightly pulling out two papers and quickly started flipping through a book, lavender eyes scanning over the pages.

Taking the warning to heart, the brunette leaped forward, engaging in a taijutsu fight against the younger, but also keeping his eye on the older male "What are you to Sakura-chan" Haku asked wanting to know if Sakura had finally moved on.

"A friend at the very least, but there's room to be more in the future, if Sakura ever decides on someone, whether that be with me or someone else, no one will know" Neji stated it was useless to use his byakugan here, the boy would just heal after having his chakra point closed.

Haku visibly relaxed "Watch out" he warned, being able to do that much and Neji ducked under Zabuza's fist and spun, striking out with his foot "Just take care of her, I fear that she was hurt more than she lets on by my death" Haku said in a quiet voice.

He glanced briefly in the pinkette's direction "I believe you're right, for a long time she wouldn't speak about you, or what you meant to her, but she finally opened up to everyone" Neji nodded, he would make sure Sakura lived a happy life.

"I doubt she's told you everything" Zabuza said from behind him, turning Neji's attention away from Haku for a split second, and had to knock the reanimated boy away with a blast of air from the palm of his hand.

Neji jumped back, getting a little distance "Probably not, but that's part of her charm, every person should be shrouded at least a little in mystery" he quickly ducked low, avoiding getting jabbed in the neck by an ice senbon.

This was the boy that had created a hairpin for Sakura, he had to remind himself to not get to distracted "True, the brat always was unpredictable sometimes" for one second Neji saw the fondness in those brown eyes that belonged to Zabuza, before it was gone.

Over by Kubikiribocho, Sakura drew quickly, having found the needed seal to undo the reanimation jutsu, it was going to take awhile to get over the blow of losing Zabuza and Haku all over again, but she knew she was no longer alone.

In a matter of seconds she was done and those seals were placed in her pouch, just as Neji was caught in that jutsu, "Hang on Neji" Sakura called dashing forward across the water, it was now raining down on them, a dense heavy rain.

A mirror shattered a moment later due to a chakra enhanced punch, Haku had already thrown his senbon and Sakura leaped in front of Neji, who stood frozen "Eight Trigrams Palms Heavenly Spin" chakra shot out of her chakra points knocking all the needles out of the air.

Water clones of Zabuza were on either side of her when the jutsu faded and she and Neji split apart to take them down, water splashing into water "You've gotten stronger brat" Zabuza complimented, glad to see Sakura hadn't been shirking in her training.

"Course I have, I had to get strong in order to become a chunin" Sakura huffed catching Kubikiribocho one hand as one of her clones threw it to her, something drew her attention though and her lavender eyes widened.

Kakashi, Shikamaru, Kimimaro and a now awake Jugo were running towards them, a trail of dirt the only telltale sign and their chakra signatures coming full speed at them "You said the Mist Village was returning to it's former glory" Zabuza regained her attention.

Sakura nodded, striking out with a foot, inwardly apologizing to Haku as he went flying and landed face down in the water, "First mission outside the village, escort the new Mizukage, I went back and nearly got strangled by that damned matron at the orphanage" she stated.

"But a treaty was put in place and Kirigakure has changed for the better, stronger shinobi, no more starving people, and I'm officially recognized as Kubikiribocho's Mistress by all" Sakura breathed, ready to perform the jutsu needed having amassed enough chakra.

Neji stepped back as the water clones reached her side "You learned a few more jutsu, where did you get this one" Haku gestured to the water beneath their feet, the terrain had completely changed, Sakura really had gotten stronger.

A pained smile was all he got "A book" Sakura lied straight through her teeth her clones dashing forward, creating hand signs, that Zabuza recognized, but he wasn't able to do anything "Water Style: Water Coils" because the Sakura before them weaved her own hand signs.

Tentacle like appendages rose from the water and wrapped around his body, alongside Haku's just as "Water Style: Water Prison Jutsu" they were caught in heavy dense water, he really had to hand it to his former apprentice, she'd gotten much stronger as he'd suspected she would.

Zabuza inwardly thanked Kakashi as the silver haired man skidded to a halt before them, in awe of the pinkette's abilities, with the other three In tow "Farewell Sakura-chan" Haku said with a smile as Sakura reached into the water prisons and slapped a seal to their bodies.

It was impossible to move, so much chakra had gone into the jutsu, so they simply returned to the afterlife "Keep getting stronger brat" he shifted his gaze onto Sakura one last time and then was gone, Sakura collapsed to the ground, jutsu's fading.

"Sakura-imouto" Kimimaro was the first one to her side, kneeling down next to her as the water receded, "Are you hurt" he asked checking the pinkette over, but not finding any physical injuries, no the injury was to her heart.

Tears splashed onto his hand and Sakura raised her head to glare off in a random direction "Pity, I really thought that would convince you to come with me to Orochimaru-sama, you'd get to see them everyday" Kabuto had come back, probably just another clone.

But Sakura didn't care as she leaped to her feet and charged blinded by anger "I'm going to slaughter you, you son of a bitch, those were my precious people, you don't fucking use them like that" spewed from her mouth.

As she reached his side, Kabuto obviously wasn't expecting to have fury directed at him, tears were sliding down her cheeks onto the ground as Sakura jumped and punched him straight in the jaw, he dispelled with a pop.

More than a little furious, Sakura stomped the ground, creating a twenty foot long fissure "I swear to kami, if I ever see that bastard again, no one is going to stop me from murdering him in cold blood" she growled in a dark voice.

Just minutes later, the anger drained out of her and she swayed back and forth dizzily "Sakura-chan, you used up a little to much chakra using those A rank jutsu's" Kakashi was there behind her and she fell back into him.

She nodded quietly, becoming withdrawn, she was trying to protect her heart from further harm "We should get out of here" Shikamaru said urgently as Kimimaro sealed Kubikiribocho away in his scroll and tucked the scroll gently into his pouch, Sakura was knocked out from over exerting herself.

Neji glanced around, destruction, his skin paled, he knew she was strong, but this was the result of Sakura being angry and sad, it had been wrong of Kabuto and Orochimaru to use her previous most important people and inwardly, he promised to help Sakura take those bastards down.

Jugo was just as quiet, murderous instinct quelled from the seal and Kakashi lifted Sakura and situated her in his arms properly, all of them speeding off into the distance, before they got to far, he, Shikamaru and Neji turned and made a hand sign "Explode" they said.

The ground rumbled beneath their feet and one of the bases Orochimaru had was completely destroyed, then they were running far away again, when Sakura woke, she didn't talk much, still trying to work through the pain her heart was dealt.

And when they returned to the Leaf Village, four days later, as opposed to three, the mission was named a success, Minato noticed something about the pinkette, but didn't ask, Jugo was allowed to go with them and they all headed home, to rest for the night until the next day.