The next morning Sakura and Sasuke headed off for work "Guess we'll see you when you get back" Naruto waved working on his fuinjutsu again, that wasn't to say he wasn't still thinking about a few more things to change and implement into the academy curriculum though.
Both waved back and were off in a swirl of the signatures "Uchiha you'll be helping the ones with high chakra control go around heal patients, Haruno get to work on those rules and regulations" Ittei barked the moment he saw the talented duo.
"Yikes sounds like you have quite the workload now" Sasuke grimaced, following her down the hallways to the shinobi section of the hospital and the wing they'd been assigned to work in once they'd finished their trainee period.
She shrugged lightly "Trust me that doesn't even begin to scratch the surface of what Shishou wants me to do" Sakura deadpanned vanishing into an empty office in the next moment while he started his own work, she pulled out the list she'd made yesterday and started working on it.
It was only thirty minutes later that Shizune popped into the room "How's it going Sakura-san, I need a report on how much you've done so that we can start implementing some of those things straight away" Shizune smiled kindly and Sakura couldn't help but smile back.
"Not as much as I'd like to have written down, was busy yesterday, what with having my ass kicked by Tsunade-shishou, but I think I have a few things that can be implemented already" the rosette handed over her less than halfway constructed list.
And the older woman took it, ebony orbs flicking over the page quickly and efficiently "New uniforms that aren't skimpy, well you do make a valid point on that one, the nurses uniforms are absolutely appalling" the ravenette giggled in amusement at one of the things written down.
With that the few things that could be changed right away were written down on a separate list and Shizune left her to continue the one she was working on "Oi Sakura I said are you going to come home for lunch with me" three hours later Sasuke poked her on the forehead.
Making the slightly older girl jump and scatter the paperwork in front of her "Give me a break" Sakura sighed bending to scoop everything back into a nice and neat pile, Sasuke helping her because it was his fault.
Before she faced him "I said are you going to come home, our shift is over and I've been waiting for you to notice me for thirty minutes Sakura" the ebony haired preteen crossed his arms over his chest, wondering where the heck her mind had been that entire time.
Usually she was more aware of her surroundings "Sorry Sasuke, was absorbed in the list for new rules and regulations Tsunade-shishou wants me to make for the hospital" the pinkette rubbed her eyes, feeling tired all over again, maybe she'd go out back and train for a little while after lunch.
Sasuke sighed of course she had a ridiculous amount of pressure on her shoulders now, as Tsunade's apprentice Sakura had to do a lot of things for her Mistress "Let's just go okay" Sasuke held out his hand for her to take and once she had he body flickered them home.
"Whoa there is everything okay, Sakura-chan you look tired did you not get enough sleep last night" Shisui who'd been absent a few hours earlier for a mission Tsunade had decided to send him on frowned at the light purple bags under her eyes.
And he wondered if she was having nightmares again "Muscles are sore Shisui-ni and my whole body feels achy" Sakura sniffed, Shisui narrowed his onyx eyes on her then quick as a flash pressed his hand to her forehead only to pull away with a hiss at the heat he felt.
"Kami Sakura-chan if you didn't feel well why didn't you tell anyone, that's it your going back to bed, I'll make lunch, you shoo" the older Uchiha put his hands on his hips after pointing sternly at the stairs for Sakura, who let out a long suffering sigh and vanished up the stairs as ordered.
Sasuke was a little surprised seeing Shisui take responsibility for once as he marched determinedly into the kitchen "Hey Sasuke, get in there and help him or he'll burn all the food" the blonde knucklehead whispered urgently, having seen Shisui try to cook before.
"Roger that knucklehead" Sasuke zipped after his cousin, where the two of them went about cooking a healthy meal for Sakura, who would need it to fight off whatever sickness she'd gotten, probably from practically running herself into the ground he bet.
Then he watched Shisui put everything on a tray and carry it up the stairs "I know your still awake Sakura-chan I brought lunch" he balanced the tray in one hand and knocked with the other on the lone girl's bedroom door, feeling her chakra still active which told him she wasn't asleep.
"Come in Shisui-ni and I'm studying there's nothing wrong with that, I'm sure it's just a cold and I have medicine I can take to help remedy that" Sakura huffed sounding tired to her own ears, it's not like she'd been doing much beyond studying and she wasn't stressed out either.
It had to be something else she was sure of it "Anyway as much as you want to study you have to let your body rest to Sakura-chan, so eat up, take your medicine if you wish, then take a nap alright" Shisui scolded lightly patting her head as he did so as he placed the tray down for her.
For a moment she looked wary "I admit I am a terrible cook, however that doesn't mean I can't cook or make some things Sakura-chan, and Sasuke-chan helped" the Uchiha chuckled realizing what the problem was and decided to alleviate her fears.
That was all it took and soon she was eating a meal that would help boost her immune system against whatever she had, then she took the medicine she had on hand, before curling up under her covers knowing better than to argue with Shisui when he was in that kind of mood.
He waited until he was absolutely certain she was asleep before taking the empty meal tray and leaving Sakura's room "Did she actually go to sleep" Sasuke was dubious knowing Sakura's rebellious nature even if she refused to admit it to anyone.
"Yes she went to sleep Sasuke-chan, ate every last bite to and took some medicine as well" Shisui chuckled lightly depositing the dishes in the sink and doing them up, it was a wonder how Sakura did it day after day without getting tired.
Sasuke let out a sigh of relief as he continued with his studying "Good, Sakura-chan is often known for pushing herself, she won't admit that she's a rebel at heart so we have to keep a careful eye on her so she actually gets some rest" Naruto grinned from ear to ear.
A couple hours later Sakura padded down the steps looking a little better "Feeling okay now Sakura" Sasuke popped up in a flash, pressing his hand to her forehead, little heat, she still had a fever but it had gone down with some rest and good food, plus medicine.
"Just a little better, not as tired but it's boring sitting in my room alone with no one to talk to but Saidai and Surimu, they can't talk back" the rosette quipped, flopping down on a couch and flipping open one of her books to study from a little, not going overboard as she normally did.
Obviously since she knew that she was sick now, she was taking care with what she did "Course those weird pet beetles of yours can't talk back Sakura-chan" the blue eyed blonde sniggered, still wondering why the interest in insects but not even she knew.
"I bet if Sakura could, she would find a way to teach them how to speak, wouldn't that just be weirder" the youngest Uchiha piped in and a shudder rolled down Naruto and Shisui's backs at the freakish thought of insects being able to talk.
While Sakura laughed at their amusing reactions "Please for the love of kami Sakura-chan don't I wouldn't be able to handle it" Shisui shuddered and rubbed his arms again as goosebumps rose on his flesh at the creepy thought Sasuke had just put in his head.
"Don't worry Shisui-ni, Naruto, that sounds like to much work right now, plus I think I would be just a tiny bit weirded out to if Saidai or Surimu suddenly started talking to me to you know" Sakura added putting their fears to rest.
Just then a scroll was placed in her hand "Forgot to give it to you, but it's from that Mizukage lady in Mist" Naruto laughed sheepishly oh so suddenly remembering how it had been delivered yesterday but because Sakura had been tired he hadn't been able to give it to her until now.
Sakura sat up carefully and unrolled the scroll to read the contents within "Well what does it say, did the Mizukage accept the proof of Zabuza's word that he's a changed rogue and just wants to live peacefully in the Land of Waves now" Sasuke prodded.
~To Haruno Sakura-san
I don't know how you convinced Zabuza to return Kubikiribocho but thank you, now all that's left is the missing Samehada and Kiba swords, those are our responsibility though so don't bother trying to convince Raiga or Kisame to hand them over.
Right since you actually provided valid proof that Zabuza wishes to live a peaceful life, protecting our country from the shadows I will accept the terms of negotiation, so long as you can convince him to perform the binding contract, with myself and two others in attendance.
We'll see you in a week Haruno-san, I've already sent a letter to your new Hokage to expect me, just make sure you have everything ready and good luck trying to convince Zabuza to go through with being bound to his word that he won't attack or kill anyone unless necessary.
Sincerely Mist's Mizukage Mei Terumi~
Much longer than the others and Sakura felt excitement fill her "Cool so how exactly are you going to get Zabuza to agree to that" Naruto piped in glad that another task Sakura had taken on was coming to an end after two weeks of correspondence.
"You know I think at this point Zabuza would be willing to do anything to avoid being executed by his old country" Shisui deadpanned, still wondering how the man even decided he could trust Sakura to smooth things over with his old country for him.
"Agreed, though he's sure to miss his sword, that was probably a necessary sacrifice I guess" Sasuke grimaced, if it was a favorite weapon of his, he wouldn't have been able to give it up without great consideration and extreme reluctance.
This earned a small smile from Sakura, who flashed through a set of hand signs "Ninja Art: Summoning Jutsu" she slapped her hand gently on the table, eyes narrowed in concentration only to have Mibojin come out of the smoke again.
With a sigh she sent him off to summon Zabuza to her house again "Please tell me you don't want me to give up another thing for that damn woman" Zabuza growled clearly peeved about the loss of Kubikiribocho and Sakura held up her hands.
"Cool it Zabuza-san, she's accepted that your serious about this, there's just one thing she wants, by the use of fuinjutsu you'll be bound to your word never able to break it are you willing to go through with a binding contract like that" Sakura put a hand on her hip.
Zabuza seemed to deliberate for a moment before finally nodding "Fine we can do it right now even" the rogue grumbled so long as it got Hidden Mist off his case and he could go back to the little Land of Waves to see his apprentice again he would do anything.
"Not so fast Zabuza-san, Mizukage-sama will be here in six days or less depending on when she leaves the village, then we'll perform the contract in front of her understand" the pinkette announced bluntly ready to go back to bed at that point.
He growled under his breath but nodded "Got it brat, I'm leaving now" Zabuza snapped jumping to his feet and vanishing from the girl's house, while she curled up on the couch under a throw blanket and went back to sleep utterly exhausted.
By the time she was woke up for dinner, her fever was gone and so was the achy feeling she had in her body, maybe she had been working herself to hard lately somehow, good thing she had the next day off to do whatever she wanted, like maybe visit Shino.
Unfortunately what the next day brought was not good on her way over to the Aburame Compound a crow swooped down and landed on her shoulder "Hello there Mister Crow what are you doing here" Sakura greeted scratching the feathery creature on it's head.
Then he dropped a scroll in her hand and took off through the sky "Hmm that was weird, wait a second crow….Itachi" the rosette frowned at first before realization hit her, that was one of Itachi's summons and he'd sent her a message, that she hastily unrolled.
~Sakura-san
Beware the leader of Akatsuki has ordered your abduction for reason's unknown, make sure you don't leave the village, I have sent a similar message to Sandaime-sama to inform the new Hokage of my role as double agent.
IU~
The only reason she knew it was Itachi was his particular handwriting, plus the initials IU were a dead giveaway as well that the sender was Itachi Uchiha and the way he addressed her politely in the letter, there was no mistaking his politeness even in a letter it seemed.
Sakura spun on her heel and charged in the direction of the Hokage Tower, this was more important than visiting Shino, about halfway there she realized that she could body flickered and did that until she reached her new destination.
"I've already been informed Sakura and the village will go on high alert, no more outside the village missions for you until we get this settled, perhaps a negotiation with the Leader, can you get in touch with Itachi" Tsunade's expression was grim when she appeared in her office.
Out of breath and pale as a ghost "I don't know Tsunade-shishou, Shisui-ni might be able to though they have the same type of summons, seeing a crow wouldn't be suspicious" she rubbed her hands together nervously, afraid, why would that organization leader want to abduct her.
"Anbu I want Shisui Uchiha in my office right now" the honey eyed woman barked, tapping a nail in a maddening way on her desk until Shisui was stood in the office with them, followed by Tsunade sealing the room and soundproofing it.
"What's going on Tsunade-sama, why do you both look so pale, nothing's happened right" Shisui felt his stomach clench uncomfortably, never had he seen such worried expressions and that kind of look certainly didn't look good on Sakura in the least.
Tsunade blew out a breath "A threat has been made against Sakura, I was just informed that Itachi is a double agent and it appears the Leader of Akatsuki wishes for him to abduct her for reasons unknown, he also wants Danzo as well" Tsunade admitted.
Shisui felt his heart stop for half a second in fear "But what on earth could they want with Sakura-chan or Danzo, I know he's a bastard and whatnot" the Uchiha tightened his hands into fists worried that things would get out of hand and he'd lose Sakura again.
"No idea, but your the only one we can depend upon to find out Shisui-ni, you have crow summons just like Itachi-san, you can send a crow after placing a timed-genjutsu on it once it makes contact with Itachi, to get more details of what's going on" Sakura cleared her throat.
Proving why she had a sharp mind in that moment and why she was one of the ones to become Chunin as well "Kami Sakura-chan why are you so weird" Shisui sighed, she'd been born that way he had to remind himself as he summoned one of his crows.
And Sakura immediately placed a timed-genjutsu over the summons, that would only activate when it came in contact with Itachi, it was subtle enough that even S Class criminals wouldn't notice it hopefully and then the crow was sent off to complete it's duties.
With that the two of them went home, to sit around and wait for a message from Itachi hopefully so long as the genjutsu did it's duty and he was able to send one back anyway, it was hard waiting actually and trying to act normal.
~Miles away~
Itachi noticed not one but two crows returning to him and creased his brow in confusion before returning to a rather blank expression no indentations in his forehead to indicate the inner turmoil he was suddenly going through as he realized who's crow that was.
Giving proof to the rumor the Leader had mentioned about how Shisui Uchiha was still alive and had been all this time "Thought you only sent one crow" Kisame immediately noticed the extra crow that his partner hadn't sent and wondered about it.
"For extra reconnaissance of Hidden Leaf, I sent it a little while after the first" Itachi stated simply, lying through his teeth, thanking the kami that Kisame didn't pick up on the lie with his sensitive nose so long as he didn't outwardly or inwardly show any sort of emotion he was fine.
The first crow disappeared in a plume of smoke, while the second landed on his arm, where he felt a pulse of chakra and Kisame's eyes grew distant, he even began talking to the air right next to him, Itachi smirked knowing who's handiwork the genjutsu was.
Quickly he pulled out a scroll and wrote hastily not knowing how long the genjutsu would last against Kisame, then once finished he tied the scroll and sent it off with his best friend's summons, who took off from his arm just as the illusion ended.
So it only worked while in contact with him "Like I was saying Itachi-kun I think sneaking into the village again is a dangerous idea and you know that bratty little pink haired girl isn't going to come quietly with us" the blue skinned shark like man ranted.
Wondering why he was so against this in the first place Itachi turned to his partner and asked "Usually you'd be the first one to agree to this mission, so why are you so against it" the raven haired seventeen year old questioned with a slight frown on his face.
Kisame fell silent at that "You think I'm stupid don't you Itachi-kun, heh I've know for awhile that you've been a double agent, sending information about the organization to Hidden Leaf" Kisame smirked in the next moment, massive arms crossed over his chest.
Dread filled him at those words "Why haven't you reported me then to Leader-sama" Itachi narrowed his onyx eyes on his partner, suspicion and fear warring within, Kisame could smell it as well and he threw his head back with a laugh.
"It's admirable you know that you have such dedication to your village Itachi-kun, if I thought for a moment Mist would take me back, I'd go in a heartbeat, but you, you have a chance to escape Akatsuki's clutches and go home where you belong" the blue haired rogue admitted.
Ebony orbs wide in shock for the first time Kisame had ever seen Itachi stared at him like he'd never been seen before "Maybe you have a chance to Kisame, you just don't know it yet, you could even come with me to Leaf" the raven haired teen added carefully.
On the lookout for any eavesdroppers "Nah I'm good Itachi-kun, also the reason Leader wants Pinky is to ask her some questions, I don't think he wants to keep her, to loyal to her village, as for Danzo, apparently he had an old friend of Leader's killed and he wants revenge" Kisame said.
There was that shock again "Kisame I won't be able to thank you enough, but I'm not free yet, the ring is fused to us remember" Itachi sighed, dubiously summoning another crow and writing a second message to send off to Leaf's newly dubbed Hokage.
~Back in Leaf~
It had now been over five hours since a message had been sent, no one knew where Akatsuki based themselves after all so they didn't know when they'd get a return message, that was until a tap, tap, tap sounded on the window.
All eyes turned to spy a crow "That's definitely yours Shisui-ni, so that means the genjutsu worked and he was able to send back a message to us" Sakura let out a sigh of relief glad that her idea of a timed-genjutsu had worked, even if it was for a little while.
"Here Sakura-chan you read it I can't, not after what I did to Itachi-chan" Shisui held out the scroll that had been sent with a message to Sakura, she took it with careful hands, unrolling the scroll to read the contents within.
~Sakura-san
Clever move with the genjutsu, it worked on my partner, the only one who was with me at the time I received your message, negotiating is risky but it might work, and again I have no idea why the Leader would want to abduct you.
Just be careful alright Sakura-san, most likely Shisui-san made you read this message and tell him I'm not angry, with that I have to go or Kisame will likely become suspicious and break the genjutsu on him.
IU~
Just as she finished reading an anbu appeared "Hokage-sama summons you two to her office" he said then was gone, leaving Shisui and Sakura to stand and body flicker to the Hokage Tower for the second time that day.
"So apparently Hoshigaki Kisame knows Itachi is a double agent, has known for awhile and has done nothing to oust him as one to Akatsuki's leader, who wants to ask you some questions, at least that's what Kisame told Itachi" Tsunade explained.
"That must have come literally minutes after we got this one and how can we trust Hoshigaki to tell the truth, what if the guy tries to force Sakura-chan into the organization or even kills her" Shisui scowled not liking the turn of events.
While Sakura stood back a contemplative gleam in her emerald eyes going back to that first day of the B Rank Mission "I think we can trust him, I remember something he said all the way back when on the mission" Sakura pointed out with a wince as Shisui glared at her.
Until she got tired of it "Shisui-ni trust my judgement alright, Kisame could have killed me if he wanted to, but he didn't, all he did was threaten and he even allowed me to escape" the rosette snapped growing irritated with his lack of faith in her on certain things.
Shisui reeled back "I..I just don't want to loose you Sakura-chan, I lost four years with you and what happens if he's just playing with Itachi-chan and you both end up dead at Akatsuki's hands" the Uchiha let his shoulders droop looking lost and torn on what to do anymore.
Her eyes softened "Believe in us alright, we'll come out okay, because Shinobi endure remember" Sakura soothed letting her chakra seep into him and relax the tension and fear gnawing away at his heart until he was able to straighten up his act.
"Now if your done squabbling like a child Shisui, here's what we're going to do, in exactly five days we'll set Danzo loose into the forest and let them capture him, at the same time I'll have a team of Jonin to capture Itachi and bring him in" Tsunade announced.
Formulating a plan "And so we just let them capture Sakura-chan" Shisui grit his teeth, if only he hadn't burdened Itachi then none of this would be happening at all, if he'd managed to take out Danzo, things wouldn't be going so wrong in the world.
Tsunade pressed her lips into a thin line "We'll do it on our terms and so help me if they don't bring her back we'll storm Akatsuki Headquarters to get her back" the honey eyed woman declared, slamming her hand on her desk which broke it in two.
Making Sakura jump and latch onto Shisui in sudden fright "Okay Shishou we're going home now, come on Shisui-ni" the pinkette gripped his sleeve tightly then in a swirl of cherry blossoms the both of them were gone and Tsunade sighed itching to drink but there was a lot of things to do.
"Don't understand how you can just be so calm Sakura-chan" the twenty year old grumbled unhappily as he plopped gracelessly down on the couch and she started studying furiously because she didn't know how long this whole thing would take to end.
Sasuke and Naruto were curious but they didn't ask for fear of being snapped at, Sakura was not acting like her usual self this time, expression grim and eyes determined, whatever it was, wasn't good and they weren't going to interfere no matter how much they wanted to.
"Apologies for intruding, I thought I'd come visit" Shino decided to appear in a cluster of kikaichu at probably the worst possible moment in history and notice the grim expressions of everyone present in the Haruno house.
He also immediately thought the worst "Please don't tell me something has happened to your parents Sakura, why because you look as if someone has died" the Aburame heir frowned deeply in concern, Sakura hesitantly lowered her book.
Turmoil rolling through her that he could plainly see in her eyes "Their fine at least I hope so" Sakura grimaced, now going to be paranoid over whether or not her parents were okay, this whole thing was going to drive her absolutely insane it seemed.
In the next moment she summoned Katsuyu, for only the second time and sent the slug off to check up on her parents when Katsuyu came back it was with confirmation that her parents were fine still living it up in Kumogakure selling their wares down in the market of the village.
"If it's not about your parents then why, what could cause that look" Shino frowned deeper yet worried about Sakura who refused to say another thing, "Is it because I'm still a genin, is that why I can't know" he questioned.
"Even if you were a Chunin I doubt I'd be able to say anything, the less people that know the better" Sakura murmured dragging him down onto the couch with her while Naruto and Sasuke felt dread pool in their guts, whatever was going on was serious.
Shino sighed and stopped asking question "So long as you don't get hurt, why because I hate the thought of you in danger" the brunet heir glared harshly at the table and the tension dissipated some for her shoulders followed by a fond smile.
With that silence blanketed the living room, Shino staying clear up to dinner, reluctant to leave which was understandable something was going to happen that he had no idea about but eventually he did go home.
Then three days later the Hidden Leaf Village got the expected visit of the newly inaugurated Mizukage "Ready to do this binding seal thing brat" Zabuza growled as he found her waiting outside of her house, carrying a bunch of things that he didn't understand.
"Of course, we're meeting Mizukage-sama at the Hokage Tower, where Tsunade-shishou will allow us a room to perform what we need" Sakura nodded pushing everything else out of mind and heart and focusing on this one thing for now.
Decided they started down the streets to the Hokage Tower just like planned "Well your not who I was expecting" a long auburn haired woman with mint green eyes commented the moment the two of them arrived in the Hokage's Office.
Sakura forced a smile on her lips "Indeed aren't you a little young, I would go so far as to say your twelve" a blue haired eyepatch wearing man grouched out clearly unhappy that they were even there and that the Mizukage had even agreed to this at all.
"Thirteen actually Sir…right we'll be using a room across the hall, please follow me Mizukage-sama, Zabuza" the fuscia haired teen turned firmly on her heel, though the woman's escorts also followed her into a room across the hall.
Where she immediately began drawing a myriad of seals all over the floor, mixing her blood into the ink even "Very interesting" the Mizukage mused wondering who taught the girl fuinjutsu, it was a dying art after all and not many would get into the complicated subject of sealing jutsu.
"Zabuza-san you'll need to take your shirt off so that I can draw the seals on you as well and sit here in the middle of the room please" Sakura instructed, scanning what she'd already drawn, Zabuza curled his lip in frustration but did as told.
Quickly removing his shirt when he saw her impatience an sitting down "Just who the hell taught you that" the rude Mist Ninja from before gaped when the seal started glowing the minute the rogue sat down, a blood red it was kind of eerie if he was being honest.
Peridot orbs shifted for a fraction of a second in his direction "Myself Sir, no one necessarily taught me, I've just been practicing fuinjutsu for a long time and to warn you Zabuza, you might pass out, try to hang on as long as you can alright" she worried her lip.
Knowing this wasn't going to be an easy ritual "I'll be fine brat just do what you need" Zabuza grunted not liking how the brat looked so tired suddenly, Sakura took a deep breath before nodding erasing some of his doubt about if she'd be able to do it.
Then dipped her brush into some chakra/blood ink and began drawing the seals onto his bare flesh connecting them to the one he was sitting on in a freaky way, the door opened and shut but she didn't dare look up or break concentration.
Completely focused, he guessed she hadn't been promoted to Chunin for nothing after all, managing to negotiate his freedom, come up with a plan to bind him to his word and many other things he'd noticed in the almost three weeks he'd been in Leaf.
Sakura blew out a breath as sweat dripped from her forehead grabbing the prepared bag of blood Zabuza had given her, "Now for the binding ritual, Zabuza Momochi do you swear to live in the Land of Waves peacefully, acting as protection to the small village from now on until you die" Sakura questioned seriously.
Emerald orbs burning with fire a chill swept over him and he knew to answer "Yes, I'm turning over a new leaf, the Land of Waves is under my protection from now on until I die" Zabuza nodded making the first vow.
Followed by the brush on his skin again, "Do you swear to only kill when necessary, when your life or any one in the village's life is in danger" Sakura prodded next, waiting until the affirmative answer from the rogue.
"I swear it, no more unnecessary deaths, unless my life or anyone in that small village's life is in danger" Zabuza vowed yet again, wondering why this was part of the ritual anyway but not daring to ask for fear of breaking her absolute concentration.
Another touch of the brush and this time he felt a stinging sensation "On the orders of the Mizukage Mei Terumi do you swear to protect your village from the shadows, to not be seen or heard from by any other member from your village except the three here" Sakura pressed.
Knowing by now he must be feeling some of the pain that came with the ritual "Yes I vow only on the orders of Lady Mizukage will I protect Hidden Mist from the shadows to not be seen or heard by any other member except for those here" Zabuza nodded.
Gritting his teeth as the stinging sensation evolved into a burning pain that was crawling through his veins slowly, growing stronger with each passing second until it felt like he was going to pass out, no wonder the brat had warned him and asked him to hang on as long as he could.
This shit was painful as hell "Lastly do you swear to never break your word or be subjected to pain from doing so until the time you die" Sakura narrowed her eyes, wondering if he would agree to the final vow.
"I, Zabuza Momochi swear to never break my word in this here binding ritual, or be subjected to pain from doing so until the time I die" Zabuza forced out, tasting blood from how tightly he was clenching his teeth as the pain intensified.
Next was the last brush of a brush on his back, then Sakura began going through a set of hand signs "Then let it be known Zabuza Momochi is bound to his word, Ninja Art: Binding Seal Jutsu" she finished and placed her hands on his back.
Where she'd drawn the seal that would bind him to his word, bright red glowing seals rushed towards it and Zabuza bit his cheek harshly so he wouldn't pass out, who knows what would happen if he did, the seal could end up killing him.
And two minutes later it was all over, unable to help himself now Zabuza fell forward completely passed out from the amount of pain he was just subjected to, Sakura slumped to the floor herself, just glad that the ritual was over.
"Let's get you home okay Sakura-chan" the person who'd entered the room while she was working on drawing the seals spoke up revealing himself as Shisui and she glared tiredly at him because she'd told him specifically not to get involved.
One of the Mist Shinobi though snapped his head in Shisui's direction, steely blue eyes wide in shock and surprise "Yeah I'm alive and sorry Sakura-chan I couldn't help it okay, I know your good but that was a tough one even for you" Shisui grumbled.
Shuffling forward and scooping to girl up "Put me down Shisui I can walk just fine thank you very much" Sakura narrowed her eyes and was promptly set on her feet "Though you can carry Zabuza-san back to Kakashi-sensei's apartment" she suggested.
"Fine, fine such a demanding kid aren't you" the Uchiha sighed, tossing Zabuza over his shoulder gently and body flickering off while Sakura led the way back to Tsunade's office which was literally across the hall to make the report on the ritual.
"It was a success, Zabuza is successfully bound to his word Shishou, I'm sure the minute he's rested up he'll be out of here" the rosette snorted a smile on her lips, no one would admit it but they were actually growing fond of the gruffy rogue.
Tsunade seemed to know what she was thinking and a smile broke out on her lips "Good now go home and get some rest brat, be ready for two days from now" Tsunade ordered wondering if the girl would turn out alright in the end after this ordeal was over and she was hopefully back.
"Excuse me for a moment I'd actually like to talk with you about some things Lady Tsunade, with Sakura-san in the office" Mei piped in when Sakura turned on her heel and headed for the door, probably ready to get home and go to bed due to the light purple bags under her eyes.
"Alright and just what is it you wish to talk about with my apprentice in the room" Tsunade narrowed her eyes suspiciously, sue her she cared for the girl, Sakura didn't deserve half the crap she's been through and yet now she couldn't even go home and get some rest.
Mint green eyes narrowed as well "I'd actually like to borrow Sakura-san for my hospital if that's alright, have her travel with us when we leave today and depending on her work I'll consider a treaty between us" the auburn haired woman admitted seriously.
"Unfortunately as much as I like the idea of a treaty between Leaf and Mist, Sakura has a mission of most importance to go on two days from now and can't be distracted" the honey eyed blonde sighed wishing that the Akatsuki Leader would lose interest otherwise she'd be perfectly happy to send the girl off to Mist to get them a treaty.
By the looks of things Mei was severely disappointed "What your saying then is that Mizukage-sama is a distraction for the girl and not worth your time" the blue haired man growled angry that they were possibly being brushed to the side.
Tsunade stood "Shishou…Sir that's not what Hokage-sama is saying at all and not what she meant either, she would love to have a treaty but the mission that I'm going on is delicate and I'm the only one that she can count on to complete it" Sakura stepped in.
Not wanting to see the man be punched through the wall, ceiling or window by her easily angered Shishou, Tsunade lowered herself into her chair, worry in her honeyed gaze "Basically you don't know if you'll make it back from this mission alive and don't want to make any promises" Mei summed up the conversation.
"Precisely Mizukage-sama, Sir, if I don't, please consider sending Sasuke, Tsunade-shishou, he's nearly as good as me, he'd be perfect, his first mission as a Chunin" Sakura's whole countenance brightened the moment she started talking about Sasuke.
"Go on brat get some rest alright, you need it" Tsunade ushered the girl off, proud that she was remaining strong in the face of possible death, they didn't know anything about the Akatsuki Leader, his abilities nothing after all.
And a couple hours later the Mizukage and her escorts left the Hidden Leaf Village, that night Sasuke crept from his room and halfway down the hall to knock on her bedroom door "Psst Sakura it's me are you awake" he whispered through the door.
Sakura rolled her eyes at his attempt at being discrete "Come in Sasuke, by the way your not very good at being sneaky I could feel you coming, your chakra is like a storm right now" she snorted lightly admitting him into her room.
It was pitch black in there and he could barely make her out on her bed in the dark as he crept forward nearly stumbling over some things until he was sat at her side "I don't know what's been going on with you for the last several days" Sasuke began.
"But I want you to promise me that you'll be careful, even if you can't tell me and that you'll come back alright" the ebony haired preteen frowned deeply fearful of what the future would bring, would it take Sakura away, he hoped not anyway.
Her features softened and then she was patting his hand in that reassuring way she use to but hadn't for a long, long time because he hadn't needed it "As much as I want to promise Sasuke, I don't want to lie to you either, what's going to happen is dangerous" Sakura grimaced.
"More dangerous than anything we've ever done together, I don't know what's going to happen or if I'll be able to come back, no I'm not telling you either because I don't want anyone else involved" the rosette shook her head at his inquisitive look.
And he slumped against her pillows "Fine but I'll hope alright and I'll take care of Dope, just promise me you'll fight to come back no matter what you have to do" Sasuke grumbled and crossed his arms over his chest.
"That I can do because you know I'm a fighter Sasuke, I have a lot of things to prove" Sakura pat his hand one last time then snuggled down in her blankets, Sasuke watched until her breathing evened out before leaving her room, going back to his to sleep.
Before they knew it, it was the day of Danzo's execution "We've decided to hold a hunting style execution, Danzo has a chance to run for his life, while Anbu tail him, should he be captured that's it game over and he'll be beheaded before all" Tsunade addressed the congregation.
Village Elders, Jonin with a few Chunin in the crowd were a little confused at the strange plan "If your going to let me run at least unseal my chakra and give me a weapon" Danzo snarled, missing an eye now that Shisui had ripped out his old one from the man's eye socket.
"Afraid not Danzo, that is against the rules of the game and the people before you wish to have a chance to get at you so to speak" the honey eyed blonde woman smirked, lying through her teeth actually when she knew what was going to happen, the only ones who didn't know were the other elders of the village.
The Jonin knew the plan as well, capture Itachi in trade of Sakura being captured it wasn't a very fair deal to be honest, but in order to find out what Akatsuki wanted, it was a necessary sacrifice even if it went against all their morals since they were actually fond of the girl.
In the next moment Danzo was loosed into the forest, running away as if his life depended on it, it really did actually "Sakura-chan take this if anyone can use it, it's you" Kakashi stopped her from speeding after Danzo to do her part in the plan.
Keep him from disappearing on them or dying to soon "Kakashi-sensei what is it" she frowned lightly but took the kunai with odd seals written on them, until she recognized them as the teleportation seal that had been used by the Fourth Hokage "Hiraishin" Sakura murmured.
"I always knew you were a smart kid Sakura-chan, just push your chakra into it when he's done questioning you and it will bring you straight home to us" the silver haired Jonin explained, pleased that she understood without him having to take the time to explain fully.
She nodded "Right thanks Kakashi-sensei I promise" the rosette nodded and looped some rope through the hole of the kunai to tuck under her kimono collar, directly touching her skin it would be all to easy to channel chakra into it and be returned home as nothing more than a sigh of wind.
Then Sakura spun on her heel and body flickered after Danzo's retreating chakra, starting the game of cat and mouse with him and herself, that is if Itachi was in place as agreed up with further correspondence and the two who'd been sent with him to acquire Danzo and her.
Just as she was beginning to think this whole thing was a hoax to scare her, she felt a subtle flare of familiar chakra to the west of her, Itachi really was there then and she wasn't the only one who felt it as she felt Shisui, Kakashi, Asuma, Shibi, Shikaku, Gai and Inoichi's chakra head towards him.
Right as two others made their move to capture Danzo, Sakura made her way in that direction as well, arriving on scene five minutes later to witness Itachi being surrounded, Kisame noticeably absent along with the unknown chakra she'd felt a little while ago.
"Damn to think they would bring out all their best Jonin to capture Itachi-kun" Kisame whistled and she suppressed her chakra instinctively to avoid being found for now, he was clearly playing along just as she expected he would, why else would he not tell his leader about Itachi's double agent status in the organization.
"Tch shut up Kisame, we're supposed to be looking for the girl, Uchiha told us that she would be a main contender to get revenge on the old bastard" a voice growled from off to her right, followed by Danzo grunting as he was dropped on his face.
It seemed to be her cue as she came from the shadows eyes glinting with fury "Your right I do want to get a few hits on him for what he did to the Uchiha Clan" Sakura glared down at Danzo, who stared up at her with a pleading look on his face.
Unfortunately she had no sympathy for him "Phew you're a firecracker aren't you Pinky-chan, here I thought you would have quit being a ninja by now after being put in Itachi-kun's Tsukuyomi, but here you are still lively and fighting for your country" Kisame chuckled.
Appearing behind her and brandishing Samehada in her face daring her to make a break for it, she was tempted to run but as soon as she had the thought she lost all control of her limbs "What do you think brat, can't move can you" the unknown man sounded so proud.
But she bet if she channeled a little chakra to those chakra strings of his she'd be able to get away "Nifty, might have to learn that sometime" the fuscia haired teen commented keeping calm and from across the clearing Itachi's gaze met hers.
Full of sorrow and begging for her forgiveness then she was heaved underneath Kisame's arm while Danzo was thrown over the massive man's opposite shoulder, then they were gone, jumping from tree to tree at a break-neck speed leaving behind the Leaf Village.
Hours late she was dropped unceremoniously onto the ground "Sasori tie them up to a tree, I don't want Pinky-chan getting it in her head to try and escape" the blue haired rogue ordered as he vanished into the bushes probably to hunt for food.
Sasori rolled his eyes and went to do as commanded, "Uh-uh your not tying me to the same tree as him" the brat shook her head when he went to do just that, at least she wasn't yelling and screaming for them to release her, Danzo grit his teeth.
"Girl I know your Tsunade's apprentice, if you help me to escape I'll give you anything" Danzo tried to plead with her again, gain sympathy and Sasori scowled, itching to shut the man up by knocking him out or knocking a couple of teeth down his throat.
Imagine his surprise when the girl turned her head firmly away from him "Like hell I'd ever help you bastard after what you did to Sasuke's family and clan you should be ashamed of yourself" Sakura snapped quietly, not faking her anger of this man.
"I did it for the village you stupid girl, everything I did was for the village" the former elder snarled angrily hardly able to believe the girl was being so stubborn especially when she'd been captured for unknown reasons to.
Furious emerald orbs met his one ebony eye "No Danzo, what you did was poison people against the Uchiha because they refused to bow to you, you had them treated like criminals for a crime they didn't commit and you know what I'm going to enjoy watching you die" the rosette stated.
Turning her head away again and closing her eyes fighting off the exhaustion she felt from lack of sleep the last several days "Very interesting little brat aren't you, I can see why Leader-sama would be interested in asking questions of you" the redhead commented suddenly.
Stalking forward and jerking her head up with his hand to meet his hazel colored gaze with her viridian colored gaze "Well I don't know if I'm all that interesting but I hope I'm not kept like a prisoner for to long, I have a test to study for" Sakura shrugged nonchalantly.
He threw his head back with a laugh at that, tossing his wild locks about "What are you doing Akasuna no fraternizing will little pink haired brats" Kisame returned in the nick of time a deer thrown over his shoulder stripped of it's skin.
Where he went about making a fire, then spearing strips of venison on sticks to cook "Suppose we have to feed you don't we" Sasori sighed when a stick was held out to him for the girl, and he held it out to her before remembering he'd tied her hands down.
There lied the predicament until he thought of an excellent idea, feeding her by hand essentially until the stick was clean, followed by another and another until she rejected anymore, he even graciously allowed her some water.
"Your forgetting me or do I not deserve a meal" Danzo growled furious that he wasn't being fed and the brat that was Tsunade's newest apprentice was being treated better than he was, it made him absolutely seething with rage.
Kisame glanced over his shoulder "No, Leader-sama specifically requested we treat Pinky-chan with the utmost gentleness, he said nothing about you however so again no" the blue skinned, shark-like rogue snorted harshly.
And Sakura bit down on her lip to keep from laughing "I do have a name you know Hoshigaki, it's Sakura, do try to remember it for future reference, cause I don't enjoy being called Pinky-chan" the pinkette huffed distracting herself from the urge to laugh.
"Be careful brat, Kisame has a temper sometimes and doesn't like reigning in his bloodlust, you could be his next victim" the redhead warned seeing the amusement before it faded as she closed her eyes, she let her shoulders droop.
Next thing he knew her breathing had evened out, that was probably for the best anyway as he went over and knocked Danzo out as well, then they set up camp and kept watch in turns until the sun crested over the land and they were on their way to their base again.
