Less than three days later after informing Kabuto on Sunday about meeting with Tsunade and Shizune at the hospital, Sakura was lounging about in her getaway house with Kiba and Shino, the latter of the duo having returned from his mission to the Bug Habitat.

In her lab a couple of new products were in the making "So what's with those new greenhouses out there" Kiba pointed a finger out the window to the newest additions of the getaway clearing, they hadn't been there the last time he'd come here.

"Well I brought back some exotic herb seeds from my training trip and they needed special conditions to grow hence the new greenhouses" Sakura quipped feet tucked underneath her as they sat around doing absolutely nothing as they waited for the new products to finish.

Both males blinked at her "Now it makes sense, why because some herbs and plants need certain conditions like that" Shino nodded pushing up his sunglasses only revealing a peek of hazel before his eyes were fully covered once again.

Akamaru barked in agreement "What's that boy you smell Hoshigaki coming up the path" the Inuzuka Heir turned to his canine companion and tilted his nose a little obviously his sense of smell had become stronger because he nodded less than a moment later.

Then glanced to Sakura with his onyx eyes "I'll see Sharky later, right now I'm hanging with you two, never know when you'll get tossed on a mission and I still have two and a half weeks left to go on my reintegration break" the pinkette said.

"Is that what your calling it, a reintegration break though that does sound about right, why because technically that is what your doing reintegrating yourself back into the Leaf Village" the Aburame Heir was clearly amused but he could see why she called it that.

Sakura laughed picking up on the near silent laughter in the words of her teammate "Come to think of it, did you bring Uchiha here" Kiba sniffed the air smelling the familiar scent of Sasuke and peering at his teammate curiously.

She nodded "Yes I did and I gave him a key to, because he felt left out, plus I'd intended on giving him a key right from the start to" Sakura admitted swiping a finger across the coffee table, it hadn't taken much effort to clean the place up.

Proving that Kiba and Shino had come to the getaway house continuously to escape from the pressures of being a ninja or their family on one of their breaks "Not that it's any of our business, why because this is your clearing and you can do with it as you will" Shino stated.

Causing Kiba to nod in agreement "Exactly, though the house was definitely our idea and we will continue to use it as a getaway place" the Inuzuka Heir announced and his canine partner barked in agreement once more.

Only moments later the conversation turned serious "Just a few days ago I was given the idea of creating chain shops/clinics in the other four great Hidden Villages" the pink haired teenager confessed having put great thought into it since the moment she'd received it.

"Really now there's an idea, I assume you plan on going through with it so what have you thought up so far" the raven haired teen turned sharply mind going a mile a minute at the possibility and the profits the Aburame Clan would rake in.

Because if it were in other villages they would need access to the herbs "Cool but how long would that take to set it all up anyway" the brunette teenager piped in, he'd missed out on the first time and wanted to get involved this time around.

With a grin she launched into an extensive plan "First would be finding eight people, two employee's for each store in the four villages, both will be taught essential medical ninjutsu and how to handle herbs and the making of products" came first.

Followed by "Then finding buildings or creating them, creating contracts with the hospitals in the villages, setting up the store/clinic, supplying the herbs, figuring out which products to sell at the different stores" Sakura listed for effect.

Making both her teammates stare at her in surprise, obviously they hadn't thought she'd thought that extensively about the idea "What about the carrier pigeon express, would that also be part of the other villages" Kiba asked.

"And of course the Aburame Clan would be happy to make a contract with the chain stores to supply the herbs, why because no doubt plenty of herbs will be needed" Shino nodded already greatly on board with the idea.

Sakura shook her head at Kiba "No that won't be part of the chain package, but I might make a trip to the Land of Iron and convince some of the other owls there to join the contract and have them become permanent fixtures in each village as a mode of communication" she said.

Before glancing to Shino and nodding "And exactly Shino, though for now lets keep this a secret from everyone else as there are to many things I have to do here first before I can start working towards that kind of goal" the pinkette grinned.

Kiba and Shino shared a look and each of them made a silent promise to never reveal what they talked about in the getaway house they'd created together, Team Eights own little paradise, just five miles outside the village in a hidden clearing.

"What else, you said something about figuring out which products to sell at the different stores, which means that you don't intend to have your entire stock in each village" the Inuzuka Heir suddenly remembered her earlier words.

Shino nodded in remembrance as well "Though that might be for the best, why because some of those herbs you won't be able to supply unless you go with us to the Bug Habitat" the Aburame Heir explained realizing why she'd said that now.

His teammate nodded "Precisely, like say in the Stone Village, the ointment Tsuchikage-sama likes so much, that could be one of the main products there, I have my own herb supply that's growing from here and at the clinic and it can start growing there as well" Sakura stated.

"Ah don't forget you made a completely different ointment for Cee-san in Hidden Cloud, he might be a good contender for an employee or manager at the chain shop there" the brunette male snapped his fingers.

It was difficult trying to come up with a main product for the individual stores "That self defense poison spray, you could have that as the main product in the Hidden Mist as it's a difficult place and the civilians are left mostly defenseless" the raven haired teen supplied.

Sakura's eyes lit up "Good one Shino and your right Kiba, but that would be up to Cee-san" she waved her hand, though if she asked it, she had no doubt he would accept since it was Kaguya Salubrity, he loved the store after all.

"Now for the Sand Village, the main product that should be sold there antidote to snake poisons, as that's a common occurrence there in Wind Country" Kiba announced having used the time that it had taken Sakura to reply to him and Shino to think on the product.

Hazel eyes glanced his way before they were hidden behind those rounded black sunglasses again "Appropriate and I'm sure Kazekage-san would appreciate it as well" and suddenly Shino was reminded that Sakura didn't know Gaara was now the Kazekage.

Well he wasn't going to be the one to tell her and he most definitely wasn't going to let Kiba tell her "So Baki-sama is still as the Kazekage I can see why it would be a relief to him, with Chiyo-sama hounding him constantly" Sakura giggled.

Kiba opened his mouth to reply that Baki was most definitely not the Kazekage anymore only to slam it shut as the door opened and one of Shino's Kikaichu bit him right on the nose "Hey Sakura-chan, that blue guy learned you were back and is looking for you" it was Naruto.

Their fun over the four teens headed back towards the village after securing the getaway house with a jonin level genjutsu and locking the door "Right see you tomorrow Sakura" the Inuzuka Heir waved disappearing down the streets to the Inuzuka Compound with Akamaru.

"Indeed we'll have to talk more on the conversation in which we'd been speaking about" the Aburame Heir nodded, glanced to Naruto, then much like Kiba vanished around the corner going to his own Compound.

Leaving Sakura alone with Naruto "Did I interrupt something" the blonde asked obliviously like usual though he did look a little upset that he'd interrupted Sakura's bonding time with her teammates, that blue dude could wait.

Sakura shook her head "Our conversation was pretty much over when you arrived, we'd moved onto a different less serious topic, see you around Naruto, say hello to Kushina-chan for me" she waved hurrying off much like her teammates had.

On a head on collision course with Kisame until she rammed quite literally into him sending the man to the ground, sprawled out on his back "Ka..Kami Pinky think you could be a bit more gentler with this old man" Kisame wheezed.

As soon as he realized who'd rammed into him "Old man my ass Sharky, your only 32 for crying out loud" the pinkette huffed down at the ex Mist/Akatsuki, now Leaf Shinobi before holding out her hand.

Kisame took it without a second thought and let her heft him to his feet "You got much stronger, did you use chakra that time or what" he dusted his clothes off, then picked up Samehada and attached the sword to his back.

She snorted in response "That was all muscle Sharky, I'd be able to give Raikage-sama a good wrestling match now to" Sakura flashed a victory sign a rematch was definitely in the foreseeable future now that she'd mentioned it.

The man snorted much like the teenager had "Whatever Pinky so how long do you think I've been back" Kisame scowled down at the girl, he'd been looking for her everywhere and yet somehow Naruto managed to find her in a matter of minutes.

"A couple hours Kisame and I was hanging with Kiba and Shino, you know I haven't been able to spend much time with them until now either" she put a hand on her hip and huffed up at him in exasperation, she would have seen him sooner or later after all.

There had been no need to demand someone to find her "Yeah well you've been back for five days and have had plenty of time to see everyone" the blue man crossed his massive arms over his chest and continued glaring down at her.

"Not really Sharky, cause one Shino left on a mission the day I got back and two Kiba was busy with Clan training, so those two hours are the longest I've spent in their presence since I got back" pink brow raised as she countered his previous statement.

Realizing he was on the loosing end this time the former Mist Nin/Akatsuki Member turned Leaf Jonin sighed "Let's not argue Pinky, anyway I'm glad you are back in the village where you belong" Kisame said a grin forming on his lips.

As he finally took in the teenager, she'd definitely grown up from that adorable little girl into a beauty that was definitely turning the heads of men "Me to Sharky, me to, hey maybe in a few days we can spar with our swords" Sakura suggested suddenly.

Kisame eyed her a bit warily "Hell no you get crazy in a spar Pinky" he shot down the idea immediately not wanting to end up with several broken bones a concussion and black as night bruises, he wasn't that masochistic anyway.

Sakura pouted at him before rolling her shoulders in a shrug "Fine have it your way so how was your diplomatic mission to Mist" she switched the topic of conversation again as the two of them started towards the cherry oak house.

"It went as well as possible, though Mizukage-sama isn't to happy, obviously you and Tsunade-sama didn't go to Mist at all and stayed away from major villages" the former Mist Nin stated making larger strides than his current companion.

The pink haired teenager grimaced "That wasn't my fault, Tsunade-shishou said no distractions and the only place we really ever stayed in was at Samurai HQ where I spent those three weeks training under Mifune-sama to improve on my swordsmanship" the pinkette said.

With a huff of exasperation "Okay, okay and I'm sure she'll understand that when you go visit her, she wanted to show you the new and improved living conditions of the civilians and shinobi and the brand new hospital that built in the last six months" Kisame threw out there.

"Guess Zabuza's dream of seeing the Mist Village returned to it's former glory is now a reality" her lavender orbs softened pleased to hear that from the man walking at her side, now she really had to go and see the village that had been her first reluctant home for seven years.

Kisame shook his head lightly "Anyway I'm sure you don't want to stand around chatting it up with me for the rest of the day so see you at the house later" the blue skinned announced suddenly and hurried off to do whatever.

Alone once again she decided to go back to the getaway house and check on the new products, they were finished, the recipes were written down and after cleaning up and sealing everything away she headed for the village once more.

Then straight for Kaguya Salubrity "Oh afternoon Sakura-san" Kabuto had let Mikoto take her lunch break first, so he was currently manning the store by himself for the moment, though it was empty and he was seated on the stool reading a medical book.

"Good Afternoon Kabuto-san I've got some new products for the store, a new oil and a different type of herb paste, this one soothes muscle aches" Sakura chirped eyeing the silver haired male discreetly taking another moment to assure herself that he had indeed changed for the better.

Kabuto glanced up when said new products were placed on the counter "Been productive this morning I see Sakura-san, as always I'm sure the customers will enjoy the new products" he nodded with a very small smile.

Sakura tilted her head to the side "So when's the last time you were outside the village" she had to ask after spying the headband around his forehead, she was curious and no one really knew if the man went off on missions.

"I haven't been outside the village Sakura-san not since I got here and joined the Kaguya Salubrity Staff" Kabuto stated lightly, he had to wonder why she was asking, or was she suspicious of him still, especially after adamantly demanding they allow him to join the surgery for Itachi.

Not the kind of answer she expected really and she knew that it wasn't fun in the least to be cooped up in a village for nearly two years "Next time I go to my lab would you like to come with me" Sakura ignored the suspicious look she was getting.

Well that wasn't anything like he was imagining, Kabuto frowned "What about Tsunade-sama or Hokage-sama, would I be allowed, not to mention aren't you afraid to be alone with me, with no one else around" he warned.

"That won't work Kabuto-san you've turned into a big softy whether you want to admit it or not, your chakra is no longer dark like it use to be, so why should I be afraid" the pinkette smiled kindly, pink brow raised.

His onyx eyes widened "You can tell that sort of thing, anyway aren't you worried that I might try to run the minute I step foot outside the village" Kabuto prodded, was the girl still really that naive or was she playing him for a fool.

Her other brow joined the first one in her bangs "Clearly Tsunade-sama didn't tell you everything about that seal on your arm, it makes you incapable of running, anyway even if you did, how sure are you that Orochimaru would take you back" Sakura tossed her own question in there.

Kabuto sighed he had to give the girl credit where it was due, she wasn't as naive as she let everyone believe "I wouldn't have run anyway I feel as if I've finally found a place to be free, despite this seal" he nodded.

"Good, I'll talk to Hokage-sama and Tsunade-sama on your behalf the next time I go to my lab in a few weeks to make new products good afternoon Kabuto-san" she said waving her hand and sliding her feet into her sandals before disappearing out the door.

Leaving the silver haired male alone to wait for Mikoto to return from her lunch break so that he could have his own carefully prepared lunch, though he was left with a lot to think about as he returned to the medical text that had been handed to him by Tsunade.

Relieved to have finally gotten to talk a little more properly with her once enemy, she was all to happy to skip home and enjoy the rest of her day lounging about on her couch "Where did you disappear to earlier" Kisame emerged from his room.

Which had previously been Nagetsuke, Reitoko and Morosa's room and spotted her "Ah I had to go back to my lab and finish up with the products I was making and drop them off at the store with Kabuto-san" Sakura stated completely relaxed.

"Lab, are you ever going to tell me where in blazes you hide away in that kami forsaken forest Pinky" the former mist nin turned Leaf Jonin flopped down in an armchair wearing an adult sized sulk on his lips.

A pink brow was quirked in his direction before Sakura snorted "Nope I don't need overprotective people hovering over me while I'm working or relaxing and don't give me the I thought we were friends crap, we are that should be enough" she sat up.

Putting an abrupt end to the scowl that had slowly yet steadily risen to Kisame's lips "One of these days Pinky your gonna get in trouble out there with no one to help you" the blue man grumbled, apparently she'd changed.

"Do you think I'm incapable of protecting myself Kisame, the sole reason I went on a training trip was to get stronger so I could and I get that your worried, but I'll be fine, put a little trust in me, that's what friends do" Sakura harrumphed in displeasure.

Less than a day back and he was already trying to order her around like a genin, which she wasn't and was in fact a Jonin like him "And what happens if the man who's running Akatsuki sends someone after you again" he lifted a brow.

"And what makes you think I won't be able to at least hold my ground long enough for back up to arrive, it's not that far outside the village and someones bound to notice strong chakra in the air, this village is full of sensors after all" she crossed her arms.

The former Mist Nin abruptly stood "Damn it Pinky that kind of reasoning is bound to get you killed, I'm going to see Hokage-sama and then you'll have no choice but to tell me where you go so that I can go along for protection" Kisame was furious.

Why couldn't the girl just give in it was ridiculous "Now, now Kisame-san, Sakura-chan's not a child anymore, she doesn't need to have a twenty-four seven protection detail" Kakashi smoothly interjected the slowly building argument.

"You telling me it doesn't piss you off to that she, your own daughter won't tell you where she goes while outside the village, she could be getting in trouble for all you know" the former mist nin swung his head around to face the jonin.

Sakura grit her teeth and clenched her hands into fists fury leaking off of her in waves and being ignored by the two males made her anger sky rocket "Okay I'm done with this conversation" she snapped and stormed from the house, there went her relaxation for however long it lasted.

Kakashi and Kisame paused when they heard the door slam, Sakura never abused her door "For your inquiry, no it doesn't anger me because I know she's safe Kisame-san, have faith and trust her and stop treating her like a child" the silver haired nin turned and disappeared.

Leaving Kisame alone to his thoughts "What a fine mess you've made Hoshigaki-san" Kimimaro, who'd had to hastily jump out of his sisters way as she stomped off in a fit of anger, shook his head in disappointment and vanished up the ladder to his attic room.

"Ugh I'm only trying to keep her safe" he didn't understand how the two males that were part of Sakura's family couldn't see that nor the danger in letting her go outside the village by herself, even if it was just a few short miles away.

Meanwhile Sakura had stomped her way to the training grounds and set about making smoking craters in the earth to quell her sudden need to strangle someone, preferably Kisame, it was in this manner that Shisui stumbled across her.

When she let loose with a particularly vicious punch to the ground that caused it to completely shatter beneath her chakra enhanced strength, the Uchiha wisely kept quiet "Has something happened" his sudden companion didn't share his opinion of being quiet.

"Yeah Kisame Hoshigaki insists on treating me like a genin brat incapable of protecting herself from a couple of bad guys" the pinkette glowered at the ground and stomped her foot destroying the earth even further in her anger.

Fugaku shared a look with his nephew "What exactly has Kisame done to warrant this sort of anger" Shisui cleared his throat as it seemed her temper tantrum was finally fizzling out and she flopped on the ground tiredly, but still looking upset.

"You know about my getaway house in the forest but not the location, he keeps demanding I tell him and well earlier he told me that he was going to go talk to Hokage-sama, treating me like a five year old and then both he and Tou-san blatantly ignored me continuing the conversation" Sakura ranted furiously.

Both Uchiha's grimaced and then looked over the training grounds "I'm sure Hoshigaki-san appreciates that you didn't let loose your anger on him Sakura-san" the Uchiha Patriarch quipped in a dry tone in hopes to get her to laugh.

Sakura paused and looked to him with wide eyes, then glanced to the training field and burst out laughing "Sharky would probably faint if I showed him this" she grinned from ear to ear in sudden mischievousness and the Uchiha Clan shook his head a couple of chuckles filling the air.

While Shisui sweat dropped "Sakura-chan you really are something else, anyway do you feel better now" he asked holding out his hand to help her up and she took it gratefully and allowed him to pull her to her feet.

"Much thanks Fugaku-sama, Shisui-san, I'll see you guys around" the pinkette waved forgetting all about the reason she'd been angry in the first place in the face of two of her important people, the entire village was precious to her and she'd defend it to the death.

It wasn't until she walked through the door did she remember why she'd left in the first place, Kisame was waiting for her at the entrance of her room "Listen here P…." he didn't get the chance to finish.

"No and that's that Hoshigaki-san, keep pressing the issue and I'll punch you is that understood" Sakura crossed her arms over her chest and with blazing emerald orbs glared at the blue skinned man before going around Kisame and padding down the steps to her room.

He'd never heard her speak that coldly to anyone before, let alone him "What did you do to make her talk to you like that" Obito whistled, he'd heard that tone before and it didn't bode well for everyone else in the house.

Sakura was like a ticking time bomb and he wasn't going to be the one to set her off this time "I was going to tell her that the next time she goes to her lab, she should take someone reliable with her, even if it's not me, someone should be with her" Kisame said.

Glancing warily into the darkness of the basement "Obviously she was still upset from earlier and perhaps you should just avoid that topic of conversation for awhile" Neji poked his head out of his own room hearing the conversation, he'd also heard the argument earlier as well.

"How can you guys not see that it's dangerous to let her be five feet outside the village, let alone four-five miles" the former Mist Nin turned Leaf Jonin threw his hands in the air confused beyond belief about the way these guys did things.

Neji sighed "Because we've known her longer and know that she's perfectly capable of defending herself, trust us and her Hoshigaki-san" the brunette shook his head and shut his door, he'd have to find some kind of flower later and give it to her.

Because as sure as his name was Neji, he knew that Sakura would still be upset later on, with that decision in mind, Neji left his room less than a moment later, and hurried from the house, it was nearing dinner and he didn't want to see her go to bed angry.

In a matter of minutes he was stood inside the Yamanaka Flower Shop looking for the specific flowers he required "Oh hello Neji have you come to acquire another flower for Sakura-chan" Ino caught him wandering the aisles.

"Yes a Arbutus flower, she's currently upset with Hoshigaki-san and I know it will cheer her up, and a purple Hyacinth flower, I'm going to show him that girls are delicate and strong, especially Sakura" Neji turned at her voice.

Ino blinked, then led him through the aisles looking for the two flowers requested and glancing down at her necklace, the one that she wore around her neck that had been given to her by Sakura "Here we are Neji" she pointed.

Both flowers were bought "Good day Yamanaka-san" the Hyuga nodded and then left the shop, when he got back to the Cherry Oak house dinner was being cooked by Kimimaro, it was the perfect chance to talk to Kisame.

Who was still sulking on the couch "Hoshigaki-san let it go, by the way you might want to give her this, it's a purple Hyacinth, it means forgive me" the brunette handed over the flower, then disappeared into his room.

Until dinner where everyone converged into the kitchenette and sat down to eat, Sakura was quiet, more so than usual until Kisame cleared his throat "Earlier you didn't let me apologize so here Pinky" he held out the flower.

Lavender orbs narrowed on the purple hyacinth before shifting to Neji, who didn't so much as blink as their matching irises locked "Apology accepted, don't do it again Sharky" Sakura grasped the flower and inhaled the floral scent.

"He's not the only one who has a flower for you Sakura a pink Arbutus Flower" Neji reached forward and tucked the flower in her hair, just waiting for the meaning to click, he knew when it did because her face turned a lovely shade of red.

And Rin leaned forward "You okay there Sakura-chan" she asked softly unsure of the reason why the girl looked as if she was about to cry a river of tears, was the flower a bad one, did the Hyuga really know the meaning.

"I love only you to Neji-kun" like usual Sakura threw herself at the Hyuga that was her boyfriend, his arms had already been held open as if he'd expected this and embraced Sakura warmly with a small smile, before they settled back in their seats and resumed dinner.

The previous tense atmosphere miles upon miles away as Sakura's happy aura filled the house with warmth and happiness, she was downright beside herself and was all to happy to wash the dishes without a single complaint.

Not that she would have complained anyway but she did it with such a bright smile and a cheery tune falling from her lips "Just what kind of flower did you give her exactly" Jugo couldn't help but ask as she spun and did a little happy dance.

"It's an arbutus flower, it means I love thee only" the brunette smirked proud of himself, he always knew just what to do to put a smile on her face, it was the small things that mattered and that hadn't changed in the two years she'd been gone.

"Yes but why would a flower make her so deliriously happy like that" Kisame was extremely confused a flower, a little plant could make Sakura smile from ear to ear and look as if she was floating on cloud nine for hours on end.

Neji smirked "The meaning of the flower is what makes her deliriously happy and receiving it from me makes it that much better" the Hyuga explained pride radiating from his being that he was one of the few who could make such an expression on the teenager.

The white haired teen in the house nodded "Indeed for I've witnessed this since the time imouto-san and Neji-san began courting, it's the little things like that, that have always mattered to her" Kimimaro said before climbing the ladder to his room.

"Eh whatever works for her" Tayuya snorted though it was softer than usual, it had been thanks to Sakura in the first place that she'd found a village that really worked for her and someone to love her for who she was and not for who they wanted her to be.

Soon enough the house after Sakura made sure it was all cleaned up went to bed and a couple days after that marked the first week that she'd been back in the Leaf Village that she considered her home and enjoying doing whatever tickled her fancy.

Which basically meant spending a whole ton of time with those that were her precious people on the first day of the second week she spent time with Hinata "Th..Thank you for inviting m..me out for tea Sakura-chan" the Hyuga Heiress smiled gently.

"No problem Hinata-chan, you were my first female friend here in the village and beyond the odd training session here and there we haven't had much time to sit down and talk" Sakura grinned from ear to ear as they waited for their afternoon meal.

Sweet-potato vegetable curry and rice, with three sticks of dango smothered in Mitarashi sauce and a ceramic clay cup of green tea "How did your training trip go, so far I heard only H..Hokage-sama knows the full extent of what you d..did" Hinata asked.

"First Tsunade-shishou took us to the Land of Iron and I trained under the Head Samurai Mifune-sama for three whole weeks in swordsmanship, after that she worked with me tirelessly on my chakra enhanced strength, medical ninjutsu and elemental jutsu's" the pinkette said.

Ticking off her fingers just a few of the things that she'd learned extensively while gone "But where did you all go" the raven haired Heiress prodded wanting to know after taking a sip of her tea and waiting patiently for her friend to do the same.

Sakura tilted her head to the side "After the Land of Iron, we went to the abandoned Kaguya Village and found a library, I studied the scrolls and books I found for two whole months and brought most of them back to share with Kimi-nii" she admitted.

"How did you find the abandoned village, a stroke of luck or did Tsunade-sama know the way it's kind of odd don't you think" Hinata lowered her fork in surprise, and once again she didn't even stutter as she spoke.

A smile curved her lips upwards "Mizukage-sama had Ao-san search for it and sent Tsunade-shishou the map, ooh afterwards we went to an island that kind of reminded me of the Forest of Death and the Aburame Bug Habitat" Sakura snapped her fingers in remembrance.

Lavender orbs blinked before Hinata mimicked the smile that she was being given for a few minutes things were quiet as the two girls ate before Hinata thought of another question "Di..Did you go to visit th..those two's graves while you were gone" the Hyuga Heiress asked.

"Mhm every few months we'd wander towards the Land of Waves to visit Zabuza and Haku's graves, I'll have to go before my break ends or it will be a long time before I have another chance" the pink haired teenager said.

The Hyuga girl tilted her head to the side for a moment taking in the long luscious pink locks "Are you ever going to cut your hair a..again Saku..Sakura-chan" the ravenette asked shyly, just inquiring and not trying to say she should.

Even though long hair was impractical "No probably never again Hinata-chan, besides everyone tells me this length suits me better than the shorter one ever did and besides I can braid it and twist it up into a bun when I need to fight" Sakura shrugged.

Glad that it was just the two of them "H..How are th..things going be..between you and Ne..Neji-ni-san" Hinata inquired carefully not sure if the girl would appreciate her trying to pry into her relationship.

"Perfect like usual a couple days ago Neji gave me an arbutus flower it means I love thee only and though we haven't been on a date yet that's fine cause I'm just happy being home and seeing him all the time again" the pinkette chattered a mile a minute.

Obviously Sakura was insanely happy about being back and being able to see Neji every day now that she wasn't traveling around "Th..That's good so long as you..your both ha..happy that's all tha..that matters" the Hyuga Heiress smiled.

As they finished up their meal split the bill and went their separate ways for the day, later on Shikamaru caught her "Hey Sakura you been busy have you" he hadn't seen her around not since that first day when she'd come back anyway.

"Not really, I've done a few things, but for the most part I'm making the most of my break and getting use to the village and being around a lot of people again" Sakura paused in order to talk to the Nara Heir, hoping to catch up with him.

Shikamaru nodded as if he'd expected such an answer from her "Anyway I've got to go grocery shopping for my mom, you should come by, play a couple of rounds of shogi with me in a couple of days if you aren't busy or visiting with anyone then" he waved.

Walking leisurely on down the street a slouch in his back the epitome of laziness "You got yourself a deal Shikamaru" she called after him and hurried off to find something else to do and keep herself busy.

A couple days later she made good on her promise and showed up at the Nara Compound at half past noon, just a little after lunch "What a surprise, Shikamaru didn't tell us that he'd invited you here" Yoshino was the one to answer the door.

"He wanted to go a couple rounds of shogi with me though I'm shocked he didn't tell you" her brows shot upwards but she did hug Yoshino, glad that there was no more tension or distrust between the two of them.

In fact saving her son had proved to Yoshino that she really wasn't there to harm anyone and had come to love the Leaf Village and all of it's occupants "Either way we are glad to have you Sakura-chan, come, come those lazy males are in the den" the Nara Matriarch said.

Ushering her into the house, only pausing long enough to take off her sandals before padding quietly down the hall to the living room, or den as Shikaku often called it "Who was at the door" Shikaku stretched his neck around to spy their guest.

"Hello Shikaku-sama, Shikamaru invited me to play a couple rounds of shogi, though I guess he forgot to tell you two" Sakura laughed sheepishly before glancing around but not finding the Nara Heir in the living room.

Shikaku pointed to the hall "Vanished a couple minutes ago, I'm guessing he recognized your chakra and went to collect his shogi board, after your done, would you like to go a round with me" he extended the proverbial branch.

"Go find your own shogi partner Dad and leave Sakura alone" Shikamaru chose that moment to return to the living room, shogi board under his arm, then sat at the low table and began setting the board up and putting all it's pieces in the proper places.

"Thanks Shikamaru, it's great and I haven't gotten to play Shogi in forever" the pinkette joined her friend at the table with a twinkle in her lavender orbs, just waiting patiently like she had always done since first coming to the Leaf Village.

It was odd but worked for her "I'll go make tea" Yoshino popped up from her seat in the arm chair and disappeared down the hall to the kitchen, wanting to make sure she was a good hostess for her sons friend, the very same friend she'd disliked and distrusted.

Until Sakura had saved her son and nearly gotten killed in the process "So have you been busy since you got back, what all have you done" the Nara Patriarch yawned not moving from his spot on the couch, relieved to have a bit of down time.

"Yeah you said that you'd done a few things here and there, but what you define as a few things I'd really like to know" the Nara Heir piped in with his own question so that now both Nara males were staring at her with questioning looks.

Sakura held up her hands with a laugh "Relax, relax, I set up a couple greenhouses and had a few very serious talks and a couple of training sessions, beyond that I've been spending time with everyone and catching up with them, letters can only go so far after all" she said.

"What do you mean by serious talks Sakura-chan" the Nara Matriarch returned with a tray and two cups of tea, one for her son, the other for her son's friend, it wasn't hard to believe the girl was a Jonin the same as her husband.

The girl turned her head after pushing the first piece forward with a delicate looking finger "Itachi-san's surgery that's coming up in a week and five days, if Neji and I get married the possibility of Kaguya/Hyuga babies running around and a couple of other things" Sakura announced.

It made a lot of sense "I heard a rumor care to confirm or deny, is it true Kakashi's in a relationship" Shikaku rested his eyes on Sakura for a moment, then glanced back up towards the ceiling waiting for a few minutes as the duo played their game.

"Ah that parts true, Anko-san will possibly be joining the family soon and I'm fine with that" the pinkette shrugged not concerned, in fact she was happy because for a good long while she'd thought that Kakashi would never find anyone.

Who would want the responsibility of two teenagers but apparently that wasn't enough to deter Anko, not only that but they wanted to have children of their own and she was fine with that to "Really, Kakashi-sensei and Anko-sensei together, that's kind of scary" Shikamaru shuddered.

His friend nodded "No kidding but Tou-san looks happy and that's all that matters, in fact I don't think anyone but Anko-san would fit in half as well in our family" Sakura explained, because in some way they'd all been brought together by Orochimaru, funny how things turned out right.

All three Nara's shared a look with each other before smiling lightly "Looks like your family's about complete huh, who would have thought this would happen when you came here" Yoshino let her eyes soften.

"Not me for sure but I'm happy it did, I found a brother, got adopted and now I might even have a mom and a future sister in law with siblings and nieces and nephews" the pink haired teenager rattled out happily.

Lavender hue's scanning the shogi board for her next move and taking a risk with it as she pushed her piece forward, the Nara Heir's eyes narrowed "Oh what's this Son has she got you cornered already" the Nara Patriarch sat up quickly upon seeing the frown.

Causing Sakura to grin "Not quite, but Shikamaru realizes that he doesn't really have to many moves left and the few he does will open him up to attack thus ensuring my victory and his loss" she stated simply.

The teenager boy groaned loudly "There you go, just get it over with quickly and please for my sake don't brag to much" Shikamaru sulked as he pushed his piece forward and less than three seconds later she took the win.

"Victory that's 1 round, do you still want to go another" Sakura snickered, sipping lightly on her tea while it was still warm, but not unbearable hot and waiting for Shikamaru to make his decision, in the end he decided that one round was enough.

And after finishing up her tea she bid the Nara's farewell and hurried off for her own house "How did Shogi with Shikamaru-san go" Neji glanced up from his book, he was the only one home at the moment the others were off doing their own thing.

"Great, we only went one round in which I won, but we caught up and talked for awhile and had tea" she hung her medical bag on it's rack and stuck her sandals in the cubby that was hers before padding into the living room and sat down on the couch next to him.

They cuddled for a good long while until Rin flew into the house in a panic "S..Sakura-chan it's horrible, absolutely horrible, they brought in a little boy while I was getting a check up, his parents did that to him oh my god I think I'm going to be….urgh" she slapped a hand over her mouth.

Running for the hills, which was really the bathroom that was shared between Neji and Kisame, poor Neji and tossed her cookies in the toilet "Sorry I got to excited and that usually happens, but still it was awful" Rin looked sheepish when she emerged a few minutes later.

"Calm down Nohara-san, I know how you feel and I know it's even worse now that your pregnant and unable to wrap your head around why that child's parents would do such a horrible thing" the pinkette was quick to say.

Quickly helping Rin get settled on the couch and rubbing her back with a chakra filled hand to help her calm down further "I..It's just unfathomable why would his parents do such a thing" the brunette woman sniffled, hormones already affecting her mood being only a month along.

"Some things are impossible to figure out, why did my own Father hate his bloodline, why did he try to kill me and abandon everyone else, why is Orochimaru the way he is, what caused Pein, Nagato to become like he is as well, those are just a few of the thoughts I've had" Sakura said.

Getting deep to the foundation of herself "Never thought about it like that, for some questions there are no answers I suppose" Rin finally calmed down and Sakura smiled kindly before disappearing to make ginger tea.

A few minutes later she was back with enough for the three of them "Here Rin-san it will help settle your stomach it's good for pregnant women, ginger tea" the pinkette held out the cup and the woman took it gratefully.

"Mm that's good ginger tea, I'll have to have Obito get some the next time he goes to the store for me" the brunette leaned back in the chair after taking a sip immediately relaxing and enjoying the slightly sweet flavor of the tea.

Sakura smiled lightly and sat in her previous place next to Neji, the Hyuga adjusting his position a little so that they were comfortable "Like usual Sakura your ever the medic" Neji chuckled lightly glancing sideways at his girlfriend.

"Of course and once this whole surgery business with Itachi-san is over I've got a new plan and I plan to implement it" eluding to the fact that something big was going to go down, but not quite announcing the plan to make chain shops for Kaguya Salubrity.

Many things would have to be taken into account for that "Hey Sakura-chan I've got another question well more like a request, see I want you to be the one to deliver mine and Obito's baby" Rin bit her lip as she finally asked what she'd wanted for awhile.

The girl popped up with wide lavender eyes just before they flickered familiar emerald "I would love to Rin-san, I'll have to ask Tsunade-shishou to teach me cause I've never done that sort of thing, but I swear that I'll do it" Sakura instantly agreed to the request.

A few minutes later Obito poofed into the house "Obito-kun how many times have I told you not to do that, I could choke on the smoke and that would be harmful to our baby" the adult female scolded lightly while waving her hands in an effort to dispel the smoke.

"Just got back from a mission, saw Minato-sensei, sorry Rin, next time I'll come through the door, anyway here for you Kaguya, Minato-sensei held onto it because it's so strange" Obito apologized and turned to Sakura all in one breath.

While holding out a package for the girl to take "What's so strange about it, it's probably something from one of the friends I made while traveling with Tsunade-shishou" she frowned lightly in confusion taking the package.

Obito mimicked her expression "Traces of poison, highly volatile stuff" the Uchiha stated sitting down next to his fiance and watching her reaction to his statement, Sakura quickly released the package, then went to retrieve her medical bag.

At the same time pulling on protective gloves, Sakura always handed volatile liquids extremely carefully, as she unsealed the package and out rolled a vial full of dark purple liquid, followed by a letter "Did you read it" the pinkette glanced up.

"No, we decided to let you a high class medic handle it, just be careful, that's some pretty nasty poison" Obito admitted, he'd come to like his friends daughter, and he definitely didn't want her to get hurt or poisoned.

Her eyes softened, still the emerald green signaling her Shikotsumyaku was activated "Relax Obito-san I can craft an antidote in fifteen minutes, probably less now that I know a very tame fire style jutsu" Sakura assured.

Unfolding the letter and letting her eyes rest on the page and carefully read what was written "Well it's a challenge, I have exactly one week to figure out the antidote and craft it, and send it back via carrier pigeon to the specified location" she said when she'd finished reading the letter.

"Did they sign it was it one of your acquaintances Sakura" Neji peered at his girlfriend curiously as she eyed the vial with a gleam in her once again lavender orbs, a challenge in deconstructing an unknown poison and crafting an antidote, it would be easy for her.

"I don't think it's one of my acquaintances and there was no signature, just the location to send it back" the pinkette shook her head lightly and folded the letter back up, now she was super curious about the poison.

"You gonna do that now Sakura-chan" Rin was just as curious, all in all she was still a medic like Sakura "Do you think it will be safe from where I'm seated to watch you deconstruct and concoct the poison and antidote" she questioned.

Sakura grinned from ear to ear "Oh yeah it won't even take me a week to figure out the poison and make an antidote from scratch, whoever this is, is seriously underestimating my abilities" she cracked her knuckles.

Already pulling out everything she needed, a bottle of water, her bunsen burner, tripod, gauze mat, flask, funnel filter paper, a plethora of herbs, her famous mortar and pestle, clean test tube and stopper and finally a healing scroll and a dropper.

Everything was lined up nice and neat and in proper order "Interesting" even Obito was curious about the line up as Sakura grabbed up the vial with poison with tongs and with another pair of tongs unstoppered it.

Laid the stopper down on a folded paper towels, selected the dropper, sucked up a small amount of the poison, placed the dropper down and stoppered the vial again, then placed it completely off to the side out of the way.

"Indeed your being much more careful than usual" Neji was just as intrigued by the process so far, was she really that wary of spilling any of the poison on her, or was this something that had been drilled into her over a two year period by Tsunade.

She blew out a breath "Can't be certain that any of the ingredients in this poison won't react when exposed to flesh" Sakura admitted removing the protective gloves only after meticulously cleaning the tongs proving that her cleanliness streak hadn't changed in the least in two years.

"You never did say if I'm safe from here" Rin piped in a couple minutes later after watching Sakura unroll the medical scroll and pick up the dropper using the same caution of earlier as she dripped a few drops on the scroll.

Then grabbed up several herbs, Yarrow Root, Comfrey, Skullcap, and Scurvy Grass, each were ground meticulously "Ah yes your safe Rin-san" the pinkette finally answered after cleaning the mortar and pestle each time she smashed up an herb.

By that point the water in the flask was boiling over the bunsen burner, so the herbs were placed on the filter paper over the funnel, the tip was placed in a large vial, and the boiling water was poured over the herbs via use of tongs.

In a matter of minutes a deep yellow liquid was pooling in the vial until it was filled to the brim, the filter paper was sealed away in a trash scroll, the vial was stoppered, the herbs were put away, the rest of the water was dumped.

The flask, dropper, tongs, mortar and pestle were thoroughly cleaned and put away in her medical bag again, and then Sakura turned to the medical scroll with another dropper and the vial of hopeful antidote in hand.

Obito, Neji and Rin held their breaths as Sakura sucked up a bit of the antidote and with a steady hand dripped it over the medical scroll over the bit of poison from the vial she'd received, five second, ten, fifteen, twenty at the thirty second mark.

A small sizzle filled the air and the poison was absorbed by the antidote turning the steam that was wafting from the scroll green "Success" Sakura pumped her arm "And that didn't take more than…an hour" she glanced up to the clock.

The others released their held breaths "I'll send it back tomorrow, that will teach that guy not to underestimate me" she wiped her hands clean with a towelette, finished putting everything away and returned her medical bag to it's former place on it's hook.

Later on after dinner and a quick visit from Tsuno, Sakura lay in her bed that night thinking over the challenge, how would the person react when they realized it had only taken her one hour to deconstruct their poison and concoct an antidote.

With those thoughts in her head Sakura let her eyes drift close and soon her head was filled with dreams of what the future might bring or have in store for her and hopes of acquiring her dream of a peaceful world.