Part 1: Death

A/N: Thank you for all the follows, favorites and reviews! I do read them and take notice, and I do reply back via PMs. I hope you'll continue to enjoy my work.

Chapter 15: Heart to Heart

Team Kakashi walked through Konoha's gates exhausted yet pleased at the success of their latest mission.

It was early morning, and only the occasional Shinobi on patrol was seen hopping along the rooftops.

Kakashi dismissed his Genin to clean up and get some rest, and to join him for the mission debrief later that day.

The team said their farewells and went off along their ways.

Sakura asked Naruto if she could stay with him until their debrief, and he agreed.

The two Genin walked through the streets in silence, yet anticipation grew within Sakura.

"It was only a matter of time before you'd have found out. It's not for me to say, however, you should gently inquire Naruto about it. There's no point in hiding it since you've seen it with your own eyes."

Sakura quietly gulped, and her heartrate slightly increased.

There's no use in getting nervous, Sakura's Inner voice remarked. If Naruto trusts you, which I'm certain he does, he'll tell you the truth. Even if he didn't, you've seen with your own eyes something that Naruto can't easily dismiss.

I know that! Sakura mentally replied exasperated. I just… I don't want him to feel like our relationship will change because of his secret.

Then reassure him that it won't and prove it through your actions. Show him that you'll always support him, no matter what. Kami-sama knows that Naruto needs support more than anyone else.

Sakura's resolve returned, and she agreed.

The pair arrived at Naruto's apartment.

The blond boy offered Sakura to take a shower first, which she accepted graciously.

Naruto also laid out a clean pair of one of his old t-shirts and shorts for the rosette to sleep in.

The Kunoichi quickly finished and allowed Naruto to occupy the bathroom in peace.

Sakura sat on top of Naruto's bed and patiently waited for him to finish his routine.

Naruto exited the bathroom dressed in a long-sleeved blue pajama blouse with matching pants. Sakura found the walrus hat he wore to be adorable.

The blond laid on the bed and stretched his limbs out wide.

He yawned loudly. "That was one intense mission, right Sakura-chan?"

The rosette also laid back down. "Definitely. Even if our missions sound simple in paper, they somehow always manage to get complicated."

"It's just our team's luck. I blame Sensei."

Sakura giggled.

The Genin quieted down and enjoyed each other's company.

A pleasant breeze entered through the open window.

Well, what are you waiting for? Sakura's Inner voice asked.

Annoyance took hold of Sakura briefly, before she pushed it aside.

The rosette laid on her side to face Naruto.

The boy glanced at her. "What's up, Sakura-chan?"

The rosette bit her lip as she struggled to bring her thoughts into words. "Naruto… do you trust me? Enough to keep a secret?"

Naruto nodded his head earnestly. "Of course, Sakura-chan! We're teammates. And more than that, we're family."

Sakura smiled, and took his hands into her slender ones. "I'm glad, which is why I have to ask this question. Naruto… what is the source of the orange chakra cloak that sometimes envelops you?"

The boy's eyes widened comically. "Wha…"

Sakura interrupted him. "Back in the Crescent Moon Kingdom, I saw you covered in an orange chakra cloak. It felt the same as the presence I sensed in your mind when we've merged chakras."

Naruto's eyes closed and he raised his head towards the ceiling.

A bitter chuckle escaped from him. "I knew I wouldn't be able to hide this from you for long."

The rosette squeezed his hands. "If you don't want to tell me, I'll respect your wishes. I just… I want you to know that I'll always support you, for better or worse."

Naruto glanced back at her and gave her a soft smile. "I know, Sakura-chan. And I'd do the same for you."

Sakura patiently watched him as he settled to lie on his side to view her.

The boy took a deep breath. "I'm a Jinchūriki."

Sakura blinked. She certainly hadn't expected that answer.

The boy squeezed her hands. "Say something, Sakura-chan." He pleaded.

The rosette shook her head. "Sorry, Naruto. I didn't expect that answer."

Naruto offered a humorless chuckle. "I bet, yet when I first found out, it immediately made sense to me as to why the villagers treated me the way they did."

Guilt took hold of Sakura, and she began to rub Naruto's calloused knuckles. "When did this happen?"

"When I was born. Apparently, the Yondaime thought it was a good idea to seal the Kyuubi inside of me."

It was Sakura's turn to have her eyes widen. "He did THAT?"

Naruto shrugged. "And I've had to live with the consequences."

Sakura shook her head. "I can't believe he did that! And to a baby! Did the Sandaime know about this?"

"Yeah…"

Anger took hold of the rosette. "He knew, and yet he allowed the villagers to treat you like shit? If he wasn't already dead, I'd have killed him myself!"

Naruto laughed earnestly. "Bah, Sakura-chan. There's no need to get yourself executed for my sake. I dealt with it just fine."

Sakura gave him a serious look. "Naruto, I'd commit treason if it meant saving you."

Silence took hold of the room, with only the wind offering any sort of sound.

Naruto couldn't hold her gaze any longer and looked at his pillow. "Do you really mean that?" He asked quietly.

The rosette kissed his forehead and shuffled closer to him. "Every word. You've started out alone, but now you've got my parents and I. We, I, won't ever let you down."

Naruto's stunning blue eyes locked onto hers once more. He smiled. "Thank you, Sakura-chan."

The rosette returned his smile and made herself more comfortable. "Let's try to get some sleep. We need to be alert in order to relay the mission debrief to Tsunade-sama."

"Right!"

Sakura closed her eyes, and breathed in Naruto's calming, reassuring scent.

You see, that wasn't so bad, was it? Sakura's Inner voice commented.

The rosette mentally rolled her eyes, but quickly blocked out any active thought.

Naruto's scent and his rhythmic heartbeat eased Sakura into the dreamworld.

Team Kakashi stood at attention in front of the Hokage as Kakashi directed the debrief.

The Genin occasionally chipped in when asked about details of their fights but were content to let their team leader talk.

Tsunade's expression was blank, yet the way she stared at Sakura made the rosette beam in pride.

"Well done on completing this mission, even if you didn't expect the Crescent Moon Kingdom to be under siege. This treaty we now share with the Crescent Moon Kingdom is a great bonus, and certainly one we didn't anticipate."

"We have our dear Sakura-chan to thank for that. She, along with Michiru-Ōsama, his advisors and the pleasant Akiara-san, negotiated the terms of the treaty. Both sides were extremely pleased with the results." Kakashi stated.

Tsunade cocked an eyebrow in her student's direction. "When I first introduced politics as another requirement to your curriculum, this isn't what I had in mind."

The rosette shrugged self-consciously. "Michiru-Ōsama asked me since I'm your apprentice. He insisted on having a formal treaty."

"Oh, yes. He also told us to tell you that Sakura's 'an incredible Kunoichi' and 'is on the right path to becoming an excellent ambassador.'" Kakashi added.

The Slug Sannin chuckled. "I see. Well done, Sakura."

The rosette beamed at her master's praise.

Tsunade addressed the males. "You can retrieve your generous reward from Akane-san. You're dismissed. You may take the week off before I list you back on active duty. Sakura, come with me."

Not wanting to look a gift horse in the mouth, the boys quickly exited the Hokage's office, whereas Kakashi handed Sakura a scroll.

At her questioning look, he said: "This is from Akiara-san. She apologized for not being able to say goodbye in person."

Sakura stared at him blankly. "You've just remembered now? You could have given it to me while we were travelling back home."

Her Sensei gave her a sheepish look.

Inwardly sighing, the rosette thanked him and placed the scroll in her weapon's pouch. She then followed her master.

Tsunade led the girl to a private room on the east wing of the Hokage Tower.

Shizune awaited them in front of an open door.

"Are the Elders inside, Shizune?"

"Yes, Tsunade-sama. They've just arrived ten minutes ago." The younger woman answered.

"Good. Saves me the trouble of having to wait for them." She mumbled to herself, though Sakura heard it.

The rosette hid a smile.

The three Kunoichi entered the room where the Council Elders awaited them.

Tsunade sat on the far-right side of the comfortable-looking sofa facing the seated Elders, whereas Shizune stood to her side with the domesticated pig sleeping in her arms.

Sakura opted to sit on the far-left side of the sofa.

"Hokage-sama, Haruno-san, any news for us?" The female member spoke.

Tsunade glanced at Sakura and smirked. "We do have some news. Sakura here has successfully secured a treaty with the Crescent Moon Kingdom. Her former client, Michiru-Ōsama, was very grateful for Team Kakashi's services and praised Sakura's political abilities."

Homura hummed in approval as he read the scroll Tsunade gave him. "That's excellent news. Congratulations, Haruno-san. You've done Konoha proud."

The rosette bowed her head. "It was an honor to serve and further secure Konoha's future."

"You'll do very well in the next Chunin exams in six months' time." Koharu commented once more.

"Indeed. You'll even be surprised to see the new Kazekage. You met him during the last Chunin exams."

Sakura blinked in curiosity. "Who is he?"

"Gaara of the Sand. He was paired off against Uchiha Sasuke during the last trial of the Chunin exams." Koharu replied.

Surprise filled the rosette. "I must admit that comes as a bit of a shock to me. I didn't interact with Gaara personally, but from what I've observed of him, he had an insatiable bloodlust."

"We too have had our reservations about his position, yet we've changed our minds when he, along with his delegation from Sunagakure, visited us while you were on your mission. He has changed for the better."

"That's the face he chose to show us. As the host of the Ichibi, his mental health will always be called into question." Danzo finally said.

Sakura's eyes widened. Another Jinchūriki?

That… explains Gaara's actions quite a lot. Her Inner voice added.

"Let's not get off topic." Danzo continued and stared at Sakura. "For someone who rarely participates in the council meetings, you've certainly made a bold move in acquiring this treaty."

The Genin glanced at him. "I view the council meetings as an opportunity to learn more about the inner workings of Konoha's politics, both among the Civilians and the Shinobi. When Michiru-Ōsama approached me with the idea of creating this treaty, I couldn't refuse him."

"Wise of you to grant his request. The last attack left us vulnerable, and we need every political backing in maintaining the illusion of our strength to our enemies." Homura stated.

"And such a rich ally." Koharu added. "The down payment Michiru-Ōsama provided nearly gave our chief accountant a heart attack."

Tsunade and Sakura discreetly exchanged matching smirks.

"How do you plan on spending your reward, Haruno-san? Not many girls your age have access to such a vast sum of money." Danzo asked.

The rosette felt her cheeks burn at the indecent question.

"That's out of line, Shimura-san." Tsunade came to her rescue. "How Sakura chooses to spend her money is up to her."

Koharu cocked her head in the bandaged man's direction. "Indeed, Danzo-san. The down payment was more than enough to cover the costs of repairing the central districts."

The man held his head high yet didn't rise to the bait.

"Was there anything else, Hokage-sama?" Homura asked.

"Not on account of Sakura." The Slug Sannin glanced at her student. "You're dismissed. The same policy that I've given to the boys applies to you."

The rosette nodded and stood up. She bowed low and left the room.

After Sakura received her reward from the secretary, something that still shocked Sakura even though she was aware of it since Team Kakashi was first assigned its mission, the Genin decided to head home.

Upon arrival, she realized that her parents were out, and made her way to her bedroom.

Sakura changed into comfortable indoor clothes and sat on her bed where she took out the scroll from Akiara.

Dearest Sakura,

I apologize for not being able to say goodbye in person. When we've first arrived in the Kingdom and noticed the lack of nightly life, I immediately went home to check on my family.

My children and grandchildren were shaken, but unharmed. My husband sustained injuries during the initial revolt against that traitorous Shabadaba, but he made a full recovery, praise Kami-sama.

I wanted to express my gratitude for the services of you and your Shinobi comrades. The Crescent Moon Kingdom is our home, and we've mourned the loss of our King. Michiru-Ōsama is determined to continue his father's legacy, and I sense a bright future ahead of us.

Despite the brief conversations we've shared, I could tell that you're an exceptional young lady and have a great career ahead of you. I'm unfamiliar with the codes and hierarchy of Shinobi, but I daresay that you'll command respect among your fellow Shinobi, both from allies and enemies. The fact that you're the apprentice of the Godaime Hokage is all the more advantageous for you.

Take care, Sakura-san, and I hope that we can stay in touch now that traffic between our two nations will be facilitated. Congratulations on establishing the treaty. Michiru-Ōsama and his advisors were very pleased and look forward to the partnership with Konoha.

With all my blessings,

Takahashi Akiara.

Sakura smiled and placed the scroll in her drawer. A warm feeling buzzed within her.

She's such a lovely lady, Sakura's Inner voice remarked.

The rosette hummed in agreement and took out her special scroll.

She opened it and wrote down Political knowledge and International relations in her Skills to Develop list. She also crossed out the Mystic Palm Technique from that list and switched it over to her Strengths list.

Her Inner voice whistled. You keep on raising the bar more and more.

Of course. If I don't push myself, no one else will do it for me. Well… maybe Tsunade-sama when it comes to Medical Ninjutsu.

You're already advancing through that as well. This field is something where you'll always be learning something new, even when you master it. Your Genjutsu's also improving.

Sakura hummed in agreement once more and closed the scroll before placing it back in her drawer.

She sat down on her bed and stared at the ceiling. It feels weird not doing anything. I've gotten used to having a full schedule.

Enjoy the free time while you can. You'll probably be sent on more missions now that Tsunade-sama trusts your medical skills.

The rosette mentally agreed and decided to make a light lunch as she waited for her parents to come home.

Sakura helped her father set the table as her mother finished off the last dishes for their supper.

As usual, Naruto would be coming over, but Hinata would join them too for the second time.

Sakura was looking forward to it.

It was Sakura's last day off before she'd be put back on the active duty roster.

When the Genin presented the cheque to her parents, their eyes widened comically, and her father had to sit down to regain his balance.

"That's more than we've ever earned from our total cheques combined." He said breathlessly.

The rosette asked her parents if they had any debt they needed to pay off, which ended up being their house.

Now officially the owners of their home, Sakura's parents deemed that she was old enough to decide on how to invest her money.

"You're a smart girl, Sakura. However, if you want advice, we're here for you." Her mother stated.

There was a knock on the door, and Sakura's father went to go answer it.

"Naruto-chan! Hinata-san! Welcome, welcome!"

They came together? Sakura mentally asked.

The two Genin guests entered the dining room and greeted Sakura.

"Heya, Sakura-chan!"

Hinata's face was red, yet she managed to squeak out a greeting. "He…hello Sa-Sakura-san."

The rosette smiled at them. "Hey guys."

Her mother came out of the kitchen with a large pot and set it on the table. "Hello my dears! Would you mind helping me bring the rest of the food."

The Genin helped out the Haruno matriarch, and Sakura's stomach growled at the delicious scents.

The Haruno family and their guests sat down at the table and began to pass around the various dishes Mebuki prepared.

As usual, Kizashi and Naruto were the loudest and exchanged more jokes, whereas the females spoke quietly amongst themselves.

It was when dessert was served that Naruto's expression became serious. "I have some news."

Mebuki urged him on. "What is it, Naruto-chan?"

"Ero-Sennin finally decided to take my training seriously."

Sakura beamed at him. "That's great news!" Her smile faltered at Naruto's expression. "What's wrong?"

The boy sighed. "Don't get me wrong. I'm happy that he's going to focus on me now, but he has missions to complete for the village. I'll have to accompany him."

The rosette blinked. "How long will you be gone?"

"I don't know."

"You know that Pervy-Sage has been training me, and it's been going pretty good! But he said that he'll be leaving soon on some secret mission. He wants to take me with him."

Sakura exchanged a glance with Hinata. The shy girl seemed saddened, yet she remained mute.

The rosette turned back to face her adoptive brother. "I'm surprised Jiraiya-sama stayed in the village for so long, but I know you've warned me of this possibility months ago."

The boy blinked. "You're not upset."

Sakura stared at him in surprise. "Of course not. I'll miss you, but I won't stand in the way of a such a great opportunity. I know that Jiraiya-sama has plenty of techniques to teach you."

Mebuki glanced at her husband. "Oh dear. We're losing a chick, Kizashi."

The man rubbed her hand gently. "There's no need to be sad, my dear. Naruto-chan will come back once his training's complete. Isn't that right?" He asked as he glanced at the boy.

Said person nodded. "Of course! Konoha's my home, and you're my family!"

"When do you leave?" Sakura's mother asked.

Naruto stared at her sheepishly. "Tomorrow… Ero-Sennin had just told me about it this morning!"

The rosette had to force herself to swallow before she chocked.

"That's…. ve..very so—soon." Hinata finally commented.

Naruto looked at her. "Yeah, but I've got no choice. Ero-Sennin's like a leaf in the wind. There's nothing holding him here. He just stayed out of respect for me."

"Your Master's very considerate then." Mebuki added. She placed her soft hand over Naruto's. "You should be proud of your accomplishments, because we certainly are. You'll always have a home with us, so do make sure to keep in touch via Sakura so that we can hear all about your adventures. When you do come back for good, we'll throw you one heck of a party."

Naruto grinned at her, and Kizashi ruffled his hair.

"Don't forget about us." The man said.

"I could never forget you guys. You're the most awesome people I know!" The boy replied.

Sakura smiled at him. "Like my mom said, please keep in touch. Don't disappear on us."

"I won't, Sakura-chan. Believe it!"

The rest of the evening went by pleasantly, though it was soon time for the guests to leave.

Sakura and Naruto exchanged hugs, yet when the boy was about the offer the same to the Hyuga heiress, she shuffled backwards.

The boy faltered in his movements. "Uh… if you don't want a hug, that's fine Hinata-chan."

The girl's face flushed, but she stepped towards. "It…It's f-fi-fine, Na-Naruto-ku-kun."

Said person smiled, and gently wrapped his arms around her shaking shoulders.

The girl's flush darkened, but she then leaned into the embrace.

Sakura smiled at them. They're so awkward that it's cute.

I'm surprised Naruto finally realized Hinata's crush for him. Maybe he'll soon return it.

Who knows? If he gives hints of interest, I'll be sure to play matchmaker.

They separated, and Naruto hugged Sakura's parents.

With a last farewell, the two guests left the house.

Sakura stayed outside until both figures disappeared down the street.

She was happy for Naruto, but she would miss him.

Kami-sama, please keep him safe. Sakura pleaded in echo of her wish all those months ago.