Another AN at the bottom, super important about the future of the stories, please read.

It was a sad, rainy day as the whole village was attending the Third's funeral. Everyone was given a rose to place on top of his grave. As I set the rose down, I said a quick prayer, before making my way back.

I never really knew the Third, only having met him a handful of times during big events like the Academy orientation and graduation, things like that.

So I can't really say that I was heart broken at the news of his passing. It was a sad day, yes. But I wasn't destroyed like some of the other ninja were who have actually served under his reign. I watched as Tsunade remained at the Thirds' grave for an extra second longer than everyone else.

I felt a pang hit my chest at the look on her face, a look full of sorrow. I couldn't help but think that this was how a relationship between teacher and student should be. This was something I couldn't even imagine considering who my sensei was, Kakashi-sensei and I will never be as close as Tsunade and the Third were.

Even Ibiki was more of a real sensei for me in the one month he trained me than the six months Kakashi pretended to.

But, there was a chance I could really have that kind of relationship, between teacher and student, mentor and apprentice, a master and her pupil.

Tsunade offered me something that I couldn't even imagine.

It was something that had been plaguing my mind ever since my first meeting with the Slug Princess. She had mentioned something about taking a leave of absence for a certain amount of time with the permission of the Hokage. It was something I had been thinking about before she had even mentioned it.

Leaving team 7.

We were taught in the academy that our first Genin team will be like a family. A group of people like me who will go through our first challenges and hardships together and lean on one another for support.

To have a comradery that would never be broken. Thick and thin, we'd stand by each other's side.

That's how it was supposed to be.

Team 7 couldn't have been more of the opposite.

In a certain way, we all kind of hated each other. Sasuke and Naruto may be best friends, but they way they sometimes act while trying to out do the other made it seem more like a love/hate relationship, a rivalry that would never be settled.

Sasuke and I have always had a rock relationship, especially because I used to have a crush on him until the incident in the forest of death and he pretty much told me to get lost. It got better after he apologized, and it's only getting better from there. Slowly but surely.

Naruto, was almost the exact opposite. I remember in the academy he had a crush on me, after we got put on a team together he always stepped in to protect me. I think is was then where he started to see me as nothing but a weak civilian girl that had no right to even be here.

Not to mention the amount of times he put me down after we became a team, and the countless times we've also argued. It almost seemed like there was no going back for the either of us.

I don't think I'd ever be able to see him as a team mate. Sure we managed to work together against our fight with Gaara, but still.

There might be a chance we could work together again if they both overlook all the walls they've build between us. To look beyond statuses and names, or who our parents are.

But until they can, our team will never work out, and I may never get the chance to call them teammates or comrades, just coworkers.

Yes, a separation from them for a while will do us all some good.

So, after Lady Tsunade asked me about leaving with her, my only real concern, was my parents.

The both of them were in the arena watching me while I fought against Naruto, much to my surprise, and ended up with some minor injuries from the invasion. They were in the hospital, just a few doors down from where I was myself.

After finding them both, awake and mostly healed, I asked them about how they would feel about me leaving for a long time.

Of course, neither one of them were ecstatic about it, but in the end, they told me it was okay, as long as I wrote them letters every chance I could. Especially during holidays and birthdays.

I agreed to their terms as they both gave me vice grip like hugs with tears on their eyes.

It was nice have them both around to encourage me after seeing the effort I've put in to all my training. They were a part of a large puzzle that also gave me the strength and courage to keep going.

So with both or their blessings, I told Lady Tsunade that yes, I will leave the village to train with her.

She said I had a few days to say goodbye to everyone I wanted to say goodbye to before we'd be heading out on our journey for an indefinite amount of time. She said we could be gone for anywhere between three to five years.

And as for the Hokage, she would be the one to ask him for permission on my behalf, but that would be done after the funeral for the Third.

Speaking of which, it appeared as though everyone had finally put their roses down on the Third's casket. After a few more words spoken by the current Hokage, they began to lower Sarutobi Hiruzen into the ground.

As his casket went out of view and they started pouring the sand back on top of the grave.

One last prayer was said before Minato thanked us all for coming. Thus ending the Thirds funeral.

The crowed slowly started to disperse as some stayed behind for a few last words. But surprisingly Tsunade wasn't one of them. Instead she walked right up to me and placed a hand on my shoulder.

"Come on kid, we should go. I've to talk to the Hokage, and you should be spending time with your family. We leave in five days, use this time wisely while you can."

I nodded my head at her words before she ruffled my hair and went on her way.

I sighed before I too made my way to my house to meet with my parents. They wanted to have dinner with me tonight. I'd been so busy with training the last month that I usually came home so late that I would take my dinner to my room, shower, then go right to bed. I haven't spent any time with them in a long time.

The very next day I was woken up by a knock on my bedroom door. My mother came in, letting me know that there was someone at the door.

As I went down stairs I saw Lady Tsunade talking with my father. When they saw me my father greeted me with a kiss on the cheek and a hug. I nodded my head to Tsunade before walking up to her.

"Hokage wants to speak with us." She said.

"I figured as much." I said with a sigh before letting her lead me to the Hokage tower.

What do you think he's going to say?

Not sure, but I think he's going to ask me if I'm sure I want to do this.

And are you sure?

What? Are you having doubts now too? You were the one who suggested this back in the forest of death.

I have no doubts that this will be good for you, for everyone really. But are you sure you're ready to leave the entire village behind, possible to never return?

What are you talking about, Tsunade said she would train me for a few years outside the village. I'm not walking away from it completely. What makes you think that I would?

Hasn't she abandoned the village? Not as in a criminal way like Orochimaru, but she's taken a leave of absence for several years now, and still hasn't officially returned. What if you decide to do the same?

Where would I even go after my training with her is complete?

Oh you know, around I suppose.

Yeah well, if something catches my interest while I'm out there, you'll be the first to know.

Yes, I guess you're right.

A minute later I found myself standing next to Tsunade just outside the Hokage's office. She knocked twice and walked right in. Minato seemed to be expecting this as he merely smiled at us.

"Ah, Tsunade-hime, Sakura-chan. I'm glad you two could make it, please have a seat." He said as he gestured to the two seats that were in front of his desk.

We both thanked the Hokage and took a seat.

"Now then, Tsunade-hime tells me you wish to leave the village with her for a few years to train, is that right?" I nodded my head.

"Yes Hokage-sama."

"You do realize the implications of leaving ones village, don't you?" I furrowed my eyebrows at the question.

"Yes Hokage-sama, it means I will have to turn in my headband and have no official ties to Konoha until my return." He nodded his head.

"That's right, but this also means that if something were to happen to you in a village we are not allies with, then there's nothing we'd be able to do to help you, you'd be a prisoner of war-"

"Cut the crap Minato, you're just trying to scare the girl into changing her mind. You and I both know that I wouldn't let anything happen to her. And even if she were to somehow get captured, what makes you think I'd need anyone other that Shizune to break her out ourselves?" Tsunade barked back with a glare.

"Now hang on a minute Tsunade, she has a right to know what she can get into. Not to mention the reputation of the village if you were to break her out of a village she's captured in."

"There would be no reason for anyone to capture her anyway. And what reputation? Like you said, while we're gone we wont have any affiliation with the village, you wont help us out? Don't worry. We'll handle it ourselves. Right Sakura?" I had been staring back and forth between the two as the went back and forth until I nodded my head rapidly.

"It wont be a problem, it's not like Senbonzakura would let anything happen to me anyway, he wouldn't even dream of letting me get captured."

I'd kill a bitch.

Thank you.

Anytime.

"Sakura-chan, I'm just not sure you're ready to face the world like this?" Minato said with a pleading look in his eyes, trying to get me to see reason.

He really doesn't want me to leave.

"Oh, but your son is?" Minato and I both tensed at the same time.

"What?" I asked her quietly.

Naruto?

"I talked to Jiraya after Sarutobi's funeral, he said he had your permission to take Naruto out of the village to train him, just like what I'm trying to do with Sakura. So why the hell can't she? I know as a civilian born yourself, you don't see her as someone who's weak and can't accomplish things, so what's the meaning of this?" My jaw dropped as I looked to the Hokage at the words Tsunade was saying.

Minato sighed in defeat.

"The truth is Sakura-chan, I don't mind you leaving the village for however long you want to train for. Three, five, ten years. As long as you came back to the village in the end, I don't mind sending you off. The truth is, Kakashi asked me to try and persuade you in the other direction. Apparently he overheard you asking me yesterday for the approval for this. He doesn't want you going anywhere, especially since both Naruto and Sasuke will be leaving for a long time to train up."

"What! Sasuke's leaving to?" Minato's face went pale at his blunder before rubbing his hands over his temples.

"Yes, he has obtained the curse mark from Orochimaru and needs to figure out a way to control it. Orochimaru wants Sasuke for something and the Uchiha's won't just hand him over. They're taking him to a remote location, somewhere even I don't know, and will be training him there with Anko. She's rather experienced on curse marks and can help him, other Uchiha's will be going with him as well in order to train him on family techniques." He said, trying to explain it to me in a way that wouldn't cause me to lash out at him.

That makes more sense to me on why he's letting Sasuke go. But why the hell can't I go?

"I understand why the Uchiha family feels the need to protect him, but why can't I go, but both of them do? Why doesn't Kakashi-sensei want me to leave?" Minato gave me a sad smile and a small shrug of his shoulders.

"He wouldn't say, just that it was important you stay in the village."

"Hokage-sama, the entirety of team seven needs this time away from the village to train. All of them need a capable Shinobi to teach them. Naruto is going off with Jiraya to train and learn how to control... you know..."

"I already know about the Kyuubi." I casually interrupted, causing them both to look at me in shock. "What, he told us during our fight with Gaara, it just kind of came up after he told us the he knew Gaara was also a Jinchuriki." Tsunade grinned wolfishly at me before looking back to Minato who was about to say something about me knowing before he was cut off by Tsunade.

"Yes, as I was saying, Jiraya is taking Naruto to try and help him tame the Kyuubi, as well as help him get stronger to protect himself against the Akatsuki. That's why you're letting him go, which I understand completely. Naruto has the Akatsuki to look out for, Sasuke has Orochimaru, but they wont be the only members of team seven that are in danger." Minato and I both looked at her, having our full attention now.

"When I first met Sakura, she was training with that sword of hers, Senbonzakura, which you know belongs to Kirigakure. She showed immense skill with the blade, after only having it for a few short months. Word about this will spread. And as of right now, Kiri and Konoha are not on equal terms, we have no alliance with them. If they come looking for Sakura, we'll have the Seven Swordsman to deal with, as well as any Shinobi from Kiri who disagrees with Sakura having a Sword Scroll. She need to train as well, I've already offered." Minato seemed to be contemplating her words for a few moments.

"And beside who else is going to train her? Kakashi? Don't make me laugh. He may be your student Minato, but he's not cut out for being a sensei. He never was, and until he pulls his head out of his as he never will be. He hasn't taught her a thing since being under his tutelage except for how to walk on fucking trees. Everything else she learned on her own or with Ibiki." Minato choked on his spit at the last but of Tsunade's rant

"You trained under Ibiki?" He said with a cough, making me crack a smile at his face before I nodded.

Minato took a few calming breaths before taking in all of what Tsunade said before giving out a sigh.

"Alright Tsunade-hime, you win. You can take her for as long as you need to, as long as she returns to the village when she feels like she's learned enough. I also expect a report every now and again from you, letting me know how she's progressing." A large smile bloomed on my face as Tsunade grinned from ear to ear. "Also, please let me know if you get into trouble in a country where we aren't exactly welcome. What I said earlier about the village reputation and us not being able to help if something were to happen? Yeah, to hell with that. The council and their twisted panties be damned. You may be leaving your village headbands behind, but this is still your home, and us your family. Lean on us if you need to." He finished with a smile.

Unable to contain my excitement I jumped out of my seat and over the Hokage's desk to tackle Minato in a bone crushing hug.

He laughed while patting my back before saying quietly into my ear. "And I'm sorry about my son, if I had know earlier, I would have put a stop to it." I pulled back from the hug to look at him with wide eyes.

"Really?" He nodded at me

"Of course, we civilian born got to stick together!" He proclaimed with a blinding grin that I couldn't help returning.

"And what about Kakashi-sensei, what are you going to tell him?" Minato shrugged his shoulders.

"Eh, I'll come up with something."

Now why couldn't Naruto have been more like his father?

Kindness and understanding must have skipped a generation.

Five days later at the crack of dawn I found myself standing at the gates of Konoha with no one but Tsunade-shishou and Shizune at my side.

My mother and father were still sleeping, and there was only a few merchants out getting ready to open their stores for the day. It was too early to wake them, plus we had said our goodbyes the night before.

I didn't really have anyone here in the village I would say goodbye to. The only teammate I would even consider saying bye too was Sasuke, but he had already left the village two days ago. I know this because he came and said goodbye to me instead, which was a surprise all on it's own. Of course I told him that I too was leaving for a few years, causing the usually stoic Uchiha to look shocked before he grinned. Telling me that the next time we meet then, we'd have to spar to see how strong we've gotten.

I had grinned back and told him to count on in.

But as I stood here at the gates, I realized I really had no one else.

Ino and I were no longer friends, she wont even look at me after I defeated her in the preliminaries.

Hinata and I aren't friends either, she's not exactly a fan of mine now that she knows Naruto and I are on uneven footing. She took his side by default.

Neji, Shikamaru, and I sort of became acquaintances after the invasion, but not close enough to tell them about this.

Ibiki was busy at T&I but did come and find me after having heard the news and wished me good luck.

And I really wasn't close to any of the other rookies.

I had no one here.

It was a bit a bittersweet realization, really.

I took one last look at Konoha, taking in everything and trying to ingrain it all into my memory. As I was looking I saw a flicker of movement from the corner of my eye, catching my attention.

I saw a familiar face that had knocked me out after my fight against Gaara.

"Shisui." I whispered. He was standing on one of the pastry shops around ten blocks away from me, looking at me. He must have just gotten back from patrolling considering his lack of ANBU mask.

I guess there was one person who I could say goodbye to.

I quickly set my backpack down and looked at Tsunade who raised an eyebrow at my actions.

"Give me thirty seconds, please." I pleaded. She nodded her head confusedly, probably wondering what I could do in such a short amount of time making me smirk.

You think I'll be able to make it at that distance?

You should be able to get that far, but it might be a bit of a rough landing.

That's fine.

I flash stepped almost ten blocks away from where I was and collided with a body that clearly wasn't expecting me.

"Oof." Shisui let out a groan as I wrapped my arms around him while we both fell flat onto the roof on the shop.

Shisui laughed before he wrapped his arms around me too.

"So you really are leaving, huh?" He asked me, I nodded my head against his chest while he rubbed my back. Sasuke must have told him.

"Take care of yourself while you're out there alright?"

"I will."

"Promise?"

"Promise."

"Good."

"And Shisui?"

"Hm?"

"Thank you for believing in me." The seventeen year old's arms wrapped tighter around me.

"Anytime, Kitten."

I got up from hugging him and wiped at a tear before it could slide down my cheek. Shisui looked at me with his onyx colored eyes and smiled sadly at me.

The next second I was left alone, with a faint sensation of a pair of lips that were on my cheek as the words goodbye were whispered in my ear.

I looked at the nothingness around me.

"Goodbye Shusui." I whispered, my silent goodbye hear by no one but me before I flash stepped back to Tsunade-shishou and Shizune before grabbing my bag and putting it back on my back.

Tsunade grinned at me.

"Ready?"

"Ready."

AN; Ahhhhhhh! I'm done with book one! Oh, this is so bittersweet, but beside that I'm really happy hoe this all turned out.

The last two authors notes have been deleted! I've changed my mind again, so sorry to keep confusing you guys and pulling at your guys' heart strings, but many of you will be happy to hear that Sakura will be keeping Senbonzakura in both sequels. Someone wrote a review on and what they said made a lot of sense to me, I can't just take away Senbonzakura after all the things I'm making them experience together, it just doesn't seem right after all. Also, Its a work of fanfiction, that usually means I get to break the rules a little bit to make it fit with my story. We'll just work out the kinks as they come up on the Bleach Sequel. She wont be over powered as some of you have brought up, she won't be going crazy with every elemental ninjutsu known to the world or every Kido spell either.

I'm going for realistic here, remember!

As for the pairing! Now that the story is done, the voting is too!

For the Naruto Universe story, if you couldn't tell from the ending scene, Shisui won!

Itachi had 18 votes

Shisui had 83

Bleach Universe, Grimmjow won!

Ichigo had 36

Grimmjow had 45

I'm actually really excited for this to begin.

Hopefully the first chapters for each will be out soon. I will make an update here after it's been posted.

Let me know what you guys think of the last chapter!

Thanks for sticking around for so long! Love all of you!