Disclaimer: I do not own naruto.
Suddenly got the urge to write this.
The cherry blossom impact
01
"Time for you to recover!" Sakura told Naruto as soon as she landed behind him, wasting no time in placing her glowing hands on his back at the same time Hinata stood protectively in front of them, along a handful of shinobis from the alliance as a barrier between them and Madara.
Underneath the soft glow of her healing chakra, Naruto panted out of breath, each inhale sharper and deeper than the previous one as he struggled to catch his breath.
She could feel his lungs inflate and deflate as she poured her chakra onto his body. It was evident he was exhausted and yet, he managed to look as hopeful as ever when he glanced over his shoulder, a bright grin on his face to give her a thumbs up, Sakura couldn't help but share his sentiment.
Maybe they did have a chance of winning this war.
Naruto's confidence was contagious to the point she felt a weight lift from her shoulders. The corner of her mouth lifted a bit, teasing a hint of a smile, "I'm almost done." Sakura told him, eyes wandering from his to stare into the distance.
The battlefield was a mess. Chunks of debris littered the shattered ground, most of them created by her own hand. She could still feel the pump of adrenaline rushing to her veins as she jumped high in the air, fist raised as her characteristic battle cry filled her ears before the ground shattered at the sheer force of her punch.
She couldn't help the satisfied smirk that appeared on her face when she saw the alliance's surprised expressions. Awed, impressed and terrified were the most common ones amongst them and Sakura felt a beam of pride bloom in her chest. Her hard work had finally paid off.
Her eyes wandered around the area again, not sure on what exactly she was trying to find but she couldn't stop herself. It was the first time she saw such a destruction. Her first war, and inwardly she hoped it would be the last one. Though she knew her thoughts were very naive she still clung to the idea that the Nations could learn how to work and prosper together. That they took this as a learning opportunity for the future, for the sake of the many lives lost in battle.
Deep down she knew this was highly unlikely. Humans tended to thrive thanks to the misery of others and so did shinobi, without conflict between the Nations there would be no missions and no missions mean no money and it was impossible to maintain the economy of a country with only civilian activities.
Their whole means of life depended on hating each other.
Sakura could only hope that at least they could enjoy a long period of peace before the inevitable 5th shinobi war broke.
She shook her head then, focusing again on what she was doing before, purposely avoiding Madara's stare as she continued her task.
A sharp breeze blew past them, cold and biting to the point she couldn't suppress the shudder in her body. The air had carried the strong smell of smoke in their direction, stinging her eyes and lungs. Then, the smell of blood hit her, strong and unforgiving.
Years of working in a hospital had dulled her sensibility to it, so she didn't make much of a reaction besides scrunching her nose, burying it in her vest to protect her herself.
Naruto on the other hand had stopped panting. He was now taking small breaths as his body shook with rage. He fisted the fabric of his pants, knuckles white before he turned to Sakura. His eyes seemed to glow red and the marks on his face became jagged and more pronounced.
Naruto's chakra stirred wildy, almost pushing hers out of his system. She inched closer, voice barely above a whisper, "Naruto, calm down. Please," she said, "You're making my job harder."
He answered through gritted teeth but no less sincere, "Sorry, Sakura-chan." He said, still tense. But slowly, little by little his chakra returned to normal and Sakura let out a small relieved sigh that made Naruto's head snap in her direction. Blue eyes glinted with guilt, "I'm sorry, Sakura-chan. I let my emotions take control of me."
She nodded, accepting his apology with ease. She understood his frustrations and rage. She shared those sentiments too, just as deep and overwhelming. "It's alright." She said simply, hands still hovering above his back when a strange chakra made itself known, right in front of them. Sakura had tensed immediately, ready to haul Naruto over her shoulder as the Juubi gathered energy to create another Bijuu-dama.
Around her, she could sense the growing despair between her comrades as fearful whispers reached her ears. Naruto had done a lot for them. It was unfair to let him down now.
Eyes closed, she hurried to gather her thoughts, creating what she hoped was an inspiring speech in seconds. One she really needed to hear too.
Green eyes opened, shining with determination she spoke, her own voice sounded foreigner to her, "We can't waver after coming this far!" Her sudden shouting brought the attention of the alliance to her, "Naruto's counting on us. He considers all of us his comrades from the bottom of his heart!" A pause to catch her breath, shaking with emotion she resumed her speech, "We owe it to him to fight to the best of our abilities!" Silent followed her words and then, a spark ignited within them as they raised their fist in the air, proudly declaring Naruto their comrade.
Sakura bit back a smile as Naruto shot her a grateful look and in the same moment Shikamaru's voice invaded her mind, reciting the instructions to perform an earth jutsu to slow down the Bijuu-dama. It was insane, they all knew that, but Sakura had to give him credit for being able to think something like that on the spot.
With the small group gathered around them prepared to follow his indications, she too prepared herself to rip the ground to create a protection for Naruto and herself.
The Bijuu released his attack with a roar and simultaneously they all tensed in preparation, fingers tingling with chakra. The first wall erupted from the ground seconds before the Bijuu-dama made contact. The earth shook beneath them, as the walls didn't do much to slow down the powerful attack.
The hair in the base of her neck stood up as the Bijuu-dama came to her line of vision. Unlike her, Naruto seemed uncharacteristically quiet. He was serene, as if he had already accepted his fate.
She had no time to talk him out of it when suddenly, the Bijuu-dama disappeared into thin air. She was about to question this out loud when a kunai landed in front of them.
She felt the shift in Naruto's stance, and frowning she saw a cloaked figure land by the kunai. The wind blew his cloak upwards, distorting her view from the words written on the back, and before she could stop herself, "Who is that?" She asked no one in particular, wary of the newcomer who had saved them.
"Am I late?" The man asked, turning to face them, his darkened eyes centered on Naruto.
'Edo-tensei.'
He grinned, "Nop. You're right on time, dad!" Naruto answered cheerfully.
'Dad?' She wondered to herself, full of mistrust. If this was another one of Madara's dirty tricks she was going to rip the hairs from his head one by one! How dare he use Naruto's dad as his puppet... But he had saved them, hadn't he?... she needed to make sure, "Are you..." She trailed off, unsure of what to call him.
His attention turned to her, his expression calm, he reassured her softly, "Relax. I'm an Ally." He confirmed and she did as told and relaxed her stance. A gentle smile played on his lips, a knowing glint entered his eyes as he studied his son's position, "Are you... Naruto's girlfriend?" He asked teasingly, hopeful.
His son nodded all too eagerly, oblivious to the angry girl behind him, "I suppose you could say that." His head bobbed again.
'The little shit! How dare he lie to his dead father like that.'
She headbutted him, "Don't say that!" She growled, the healing chakra on his system softened the pain.
Naruto yelped, taken aback at the sudden attack, "Sakura-chan," he whined, pouting.
She huffed, "Don't 'Sakura-chan' me!" She warned him, unaware of the fond look the four Hokage was directing at them.
'She reminds me of Kushina.' Minato thought, smiling. By his side, the rest of the Kages arrived in a flash.
The third was the first to talk, "Minato, you're as fast as ever." He complimented and at the sound of his voice, heads turned to them, hopeful whispers filled the air.
"Is that-"
"The first Hokage!"
"And the second too!"
Sakura watched the new arrivals with surprise and awe. 'Out of all the things that could have happened.' She wasn't expecting this one and neither was anyone else but Naruto.
And then, Sasuke arrived as well.
Sakura felt hope bloom within her. 'They were going to win!'
(...)
She dodged the attacks of Madara's clone with ease as Naruto and Sasuke were occupied with their own.
Her feet danced around the ground, barely touching the hard surface before she moved again. The sharingan following her every move made it harder for her to land a punch, but she would be lying if she said she wasn't enjoying it.
Sweat built in her brow, trailing down her face at the same time she released the seal in her forehead. Black tendrils extended all over her body, sending a much needed rush of chakra. She was high on adrenaline when she charged at the clone, already knowing the outcome of her move.
The rod pierced the flesh of her abdomen, luckily missing any vital organ by a small chance and not wasting her luck she landed a well aimed punch on its jaw, completely unaware of the pair of red eyes watching her fight.
Sakura removed the rod as if it were a simple splinter. The wound smoked as it closed, leaving no trace of its existence.
She was ready to jump into action again when the voice of the second Hokage spoke by her side, startling her.
"Kunoichi," he called, and with widened eyes she nodded, "Are you Tsunade's apprentice?"
She nodded again, confused by his question, "Yes, Hokage-sama."
Tobirama hummed, deep in thought he studied her form, paying special attention to the seal in her forehead before he nodded approvingly, "You will do. Come with me." He said, starting to walk away.
She blinked a little flustered, resisting the urge to point a finger at her and ask, 'Me.' She followed after him, "Yes, Hokage-sama."
Sakura's heart was pumping loudly in her ears, drowning the sound of the upgoing fights around her as she walked behind Hokage-sama. She had already pinched herself to make sure she wasn't dreaming. What could possibly a legend like the second Hokage would want to do with her?
The questions were eating her, but not wanting to embarrass herself or offend him by doubting him, she kept quiet.
Until they jumped over a giant rock and she came face to face with the first Hokage and her Shishou.
"Sakura," Tsunade addressed her, glad to see her student well, noticing the mark on her forehead. A proud smile appeared on her face, "I see you were able to do it." She tapped her own seal when she saw Sakura's confused look.
Realization dawned on her, "Yes, Shishou. I was able to modify and adapt your seal to my desire."
"I see." Tsunade's smile turned smug, "I knew you had potential."
Sakura blushed at the praise, before remembering they weren't alone. Shodai-sama was watching the scene unfold with a beaming smile that made her blush deepen. The second Hokage though, looked almost impatient, arms crossed over his chest.
She sobered up immediately. She could relish on her accomplishments once the war was over, "You needed me for something, Hokage-sama?" She asked the second.
It was Hashirama who answered, his smile now gone replaced by a subtle frown, "Tsuna-chan told us you have surpassed her strength... We require your assistance," He said and she fought the blush that almost crept upon her face again before nodding. He smiled, "Long before his demise, my brother created a seal capable of sealing one's chakra completely." He paused to give her time to digest his words.
There was a small crease in her brows as her mind mulled over his words- "You want me to put the seal in Madara, is that right?"
Tobirama nodded. His niece wasn't joking when she told them the girl was smart, "Yes. My brother will serve as a distraction while I prepare the seal for you." He informed her, waiting for her response.
A flash of doubt crossed her expression before she crushed it. They had sought her out for a reason, probably her Shishou's doing. Determined, she accepted their plan, "Tell me what to do."
(...)
With one pat on her back and a firm nod, the second Hokage had sent her away. Following her moves from the distance along with his brother who had remained by his side after things had turned for the worst with Madara activating the Mugen Tsukuyomi. Sakura's teammates were now the diversion. Not that they were aware of it.
Increasing her speed with chakra, Sakura rushed to dodge the pieces of debris flying in her path. The seal in her palm was warm with the chakra of the first Hokage making her more conscious of the risk of her task. If she failed, they were all doomed.
She wasn't wrong when she concluded she had been chosen for a very specific reason. Besides Tsunade's vouch of faith in her abilities, Sakura had been chosen because she shared the same chakra nature as the Shodai. Water and Earth, and without Captain Yamato around, she was their only choice.
Whilst they were most likely other shinobi around with the same affinities, Sakura was the only that had the backup of a Hokage, the granddaughter and niece of the previous ones no less. So she was the most qualified for the task of sealing Madara's chakra.
The first had been confused, if not a little disappointed to learn she didn't know how to do Mokuton, indirectly making her feel ashamed of herself.
Needless to say, she was going to ask Tsunade-sama to let her read Shodai-sama notes once they were back.
Because they were going to return to Konoha. To their home, all of them.
'There's no room for mistakes.'
Sakura spotted her two teammates ahead of her, working together flawlessly to beat Madara. Involuntarily, she felt a pang of jealousy. Even after years of being apart, they worked and moved perfectly in sync.
Pushing her insecurities aside, Sakura dashed past them. Panicked, Naruto called for her, extending an arm to stop her, alerting Madara of her upcoming approach.
'Damn it, Naruto!' She cursed inwardly, still running. The seal in her hand pulsed the closer she got.
Madara's eyes were trained on her, his otherworldly appearance gave her chills. His long white hair and greenish tinted skin, along with his dojutsu made him look scarier than before.
A burst of chakra in the sole of her feet was all she needed to leapt in the air, arm extended and palm open towards him. Her usual battle cry escaped her lips.
He sneered at her, "It's over."
Sakura mimicked his expression and inches away from him, when her glowing hand was about to grace his face, a black figure popped out of nowhere behind Madara, piercing his chest with its hand.
Time moved in slow motion as Sakura saw the figure reach for her. She was ready to release the byakugou again when she felt a strange pulse of chakra in her back before the world became a blurry mess.
She felt like she was sucked in a tunnel, she couldn't see, hear or touch anything as she was transported across the battlefield, landing next to the second Hokage.
The moment her feet touched the ground, he already had an arm extended to support her. His concerned red eyes searched for hers, almost desperately until she finally lifted her head, "Kunoichi, are you injured?" He asked.
Sakura blinked, her vision still blurry but she could recognize his voice. She was too dizzy to stand on her own as her senses came back to her. She rasped a quick answer, "Yes." One hand lifted to her temples to rub her growing migraine away, "What happened?"
Tobirama looked back to Madara, or whatever was left of him, only to find a strange woman standing in his place, her blank eyes studying the two boys before her. "Madara is dead." He announced soberly, "A strange creature ended his life."
His words didn't fully register for a few seconds, and then Sakura's head snapped in the direction she had been only seconds ago. Puzzled, she tried to recall what had happened before she reached to touch her back, "You marked me." She said in disbelief. Mistaking her tone, Tobirama was ready to apologize for marking her without permission when she interrupted him, "When? I didn't even notice... was it because of Shodai-'s sama seal? Did his chakra masked yours?"
His mouth twitched, his amusement evident by his older brother, "Something like that. I apologize for not consulting your opinion first."
Sakura shook her head, "I understand your reasoning, Hokage-sama. Thank you for your consideration." She said sincerely. Had it not been for his quick thinking she would've been impaled along Madara, killed and absorbed to become part of the new enemy standing before them. A thought entered her mind then, "Your seal is not going to give me any trouble, right?" She asked half joking, half seriously.
Tobirama's brows creased lightly, "Unless any of our enemies are still alive in this time, I doubt it. You have nothing to fear, Sakura-san." He reassured her.
Sakura hummed, pleased about his answer, "Alright then. What's the plan now?"
Hashirama joined the conversation then, all too eagerly to give his input.
(...)
Let me know what you think so far! I would love to hear everyone's thoughts. I believe this is going to be a founders+IzunaxSakura despite the fact I never wrote something like this before I'm eager to take the challenge.
Side note: While doing my research for the dialogue I made the mistake of scrolling down to see the comments and well... I can't believe that in the good year of 2021 there are still people making the same unfunny jokes about Sakura during the war.
Have a lovely rest of your day. Thank you for reading.