Author's note: Sorry for the longer wait everyone, but I just had to get this one right! I am pumped to finally get this chapter to you. I don't think you will be disappointed. Especially since it's basically two chapters! :) As always, read and please review! Thank you to everyone who has so far, and to everyone who favorites/follows my story. It motivates me more than you know!

Chapter 6

Throughout the night, Sarada only woke Sakura twice, and surprisingly went right back to sleep after feeding both times. Sakura was getting efficient at breastfeeding as they lay in bed. It was a good night of rest to say the least, despite the hard ground. The golden morning sun was now peeking out over the line of trees and began to rouse the sleepy trio.

Sarada stirred first, opening her onyx eyes and looking around, grunting as she attempted to release her arms from the confines of her tightly wrapped blanket. Sakura woke to the noise and snuggled her baby closer while gently undoing her restraints, inhaling her scent as a wave of comfort rushed through her. Something about Sasuke and Sarada's smell were just so addicting to her and could always make her feel better. Sarada, free at last, shot her hands up in the air in a big stretch. As Sakura was snuggling her, a particularly loud grunt got her attention, and suddenly the smell of her sweet daughter was not so pleasant. Smirking at the little one, she rose and carried her over away from Sasuke to clean her up before the scent would rudely awaken him.

"Sara-chaaaan" Sakura sang softly to her, expertly cleaning her bottom and disposing of the evidence by wrapping the dirty linen up tightly and storing it in a tight-lipped container she had gotten from Karin, stuffing the container in her pack. It wasn't ideal, but it would contain the smell until she could get home to a washing machine. Sakura turned back to Sarada and smiled big at her, gently grabbing her skinny legs and rotating them in a pedaling motion to get her exercise, like riding a bicycle. Little Sarada seemed to enjoy this as she jerked her hands up and down and attempted to kick her feet a bit as Sakura was moving them. She kept her eyes trained on her mother as if she was the most fascinating thing. All of a sudden, as she was staring intently at Sakura, one of Sarada's eyes seemed to drift over a bit and she was almost cross eyed for about thirty seconds, then it corrected itself. Sakura stared at her for a moment, a little shocked. She thought back to all the books she had been reading and she remembered that newborns eyes lacked a certain level of control and had a tendency to wander. Seeing it happen though was still alarming since she had forgotten that tidbit until now. Shaking off the confusion and mild alarm she had felt, she decided it was time for Sarada's breakfast.

By now, Sasuke was awake and as she lifted Sarada from the ground to feed her, she caught him staring at her. She smiled brightly at him saying "Good morning Sasuke-kun." Then turning to Sarada in a sweet baby voice she said, "Papa is awake Sarada!"

Of course, she didn't respond, but Sarada began stretching and scrunching her face into a few new expressions, getting used to moving her face, and Sakura couldn't help but chuckle at her. Babies were quite funny as they learned new stuff when you took the time to watch them, but it was fascinating to Sakura as well. All the things that come natural to us now as adults had to be learned at one point or another, and it gave Sakura a whole new perspective to experience life through her daughter.

While Sakura finished feeding the baby, Sasuke got himself up and started breaking down camp. After their bags were mostly packed, he walked over to Sakura and kissed the top of her head from where she sat on the ground braced against a tree for support. She looked up at him with a bright smile. Then he stopped down to place his hand softly atop Sarada's fuzzy head while she got her fill of milk. "Good morning Sarada" he said to her. Startled by Sasuke's sudden deep voice, Sarada jerked slightly and looked up at the face near her, and the source of the noise. She never missed a beat of suckling, but she watched Sasuke's eyes intently as he activated his Sharingan to spin his tomoes for her. Sakura thought it was the sweetest thing and was filled with happiness at every little interaction the two had. Sasuke was a patient father, and while Sarada was a tiny infant who relied mostly on Sakura, Sasuke still tried to do things to engage with the baby. She couldn't be more pleased with his softness for his daughter.

After about fifteen minutes passed, they both grabbed a quick snack and were all ready to go, a particular excitement buzzing in their veins. Well, Sakura's at least.

"I'm so anxious Sasuke-kun," she said, and they began to walk at a moderate pace. "What will everyone say? Will they be upset we kept a secret like this?"

"Sakura don't worry about it. Anyone who isn't happy doesn't matter," he stated plainly. She sighed. Leave it to Sasuke to say it bluntly.

While there was some truth there, she truly didn't want to disappoint her parents and her friends with the fact that they had missed an important part of her life. Ultimately, she knew they would be overjoyed for them. She just felt a small pang of guilt over it all. Instead of dwelling on her worries, seeing as it wouldn't change anything in the end, she decided to push it from her mind and focus on the positive. After a long journey away from home, full of adventure, passion, and joy, she was ready to be home again. She had Sasuke by her side and was confident he would be there for quite some time, though she knew it wouldn't be permanent. His mission was bigger than the 3 of them, and any absence they had to power through was ultimately a selfless sacrifice for their safety. Sasuke's unique abilities and insight into the world of Kaguya required him to always be searching for the latest threat against their peaceful world. Her love wasn't conditional though, and she was just grateful for every second they could be together, as was he.

They walked about 3 hours. Sarada had woken up crying for a while and Sakura had brought her out from the cover of her cloak to enjoy the weather and get some fresh air, which seemed to cheer her up. She wouldn't be wearing the cloak normally, though she had picked up the habit from Sasuke over time, but while traveling they both felt more comfortable if Sarada was hidden from immediate view, just in case they were approached unexpectedly. The same thought had applied to Sakura's pregnant belly, hiding it as much as a cloak would allow. Call them paranoid, but she was glad they were both on the same page concerning their daughter's safety.

Sarada had just drifted off to sleep in her Papa's arm after they had traded off with each other, and he tucked her safely behind his cloak. The weather was lenient this morning, the air cool enough that Sarada wouldn't be too warm underneath. Sakura opened her own up a bit, welcoming the slight breeze that drifted through the trees, rustling the leaves in a familiar nostalgic way. The air even smelled familiar. Soon she began recognizing every bit of their surroundings, and they sped up. Suddenly, as she looked ahead past a turn in the road, she finally laid her eyes on the familiar sight of Konoha's gates. Stopping abruptly, Sakura couldn't help the emotional reaction she had to the sight. Tears welled in her eyes as she recognized the bright yellow blip of hair in the near distance, waiting for their arrival next to a much calmer, yet no less familiar, shade of silver.

"SAKURAAAA-CHAAAAAANNNN!"

The sound was music to her hears. She broke out into the biggest grin, turning to Sasuke with a silent question in her eyes. He smirked, knowing exactly what she wanted, and nodded at her to go ahead. She turned and walked quickly forward, breaking out into a run when she couldn't contain herself, and Naruto broke into a run to meet her. In reality, it only took a matter of seconds, but it felt like a lifetime until at last, they crashed into one another in a bone crushing hug.

Naruto lifted Sakura off the ground, spinning her around, before stumbling a bit and placing her back down, though refusing to release her from his embrace. She breathed in his familiar scent and so many memories rushed to the forefront of her mind of her best friend. She truly had missed him much more than she realized, but it wasn't so surprising to her. Naruto was part of her as much as Sasuke-kun was, and while she loved them both in very different ways, there was no comparison in the strength of her love for either of them. She loved Naruto like her own family, and his comforting presence was something she never wanted to be away from for too long. Her smile couldn't be any bigger, and she knew without looking that it was the same for him. She heard a muffled "Welcome home Sakura-chan" spoken into her shoulder. She was finally home with her two boys. All was right in the world.

They finally released their embrace, Naruto's hands still grasping Sakura's shoulders at arm's length, her hands grasping his wrists lightly, and they refamiliarized themselves with each other. Sakura noted that Naruto had trimmed his hair down into a more mature hairstyle, and she thought it suited him. Her medic side picked up on the slight bags under the blondes eyes, and she knew it was likely due to a broken sleep cycle from being a new father. Her heart swelled with warmth at the thought, and a little sympathy.

Naruto took in her form as well, and suddenly she was conscious of the changes her body had gone through recently. His brows furrowed slightly, as if he recognized something was different about her but couldn't pinpoint what it was. Truthfully, Sakura's chest had swelled significantly considering she was breastfeeding, and she hadn't considered that when embracing Naruto. She hoped his usual ignorance would take over and avoid having an awkward discussion about it. He would understand soon enough.

"Naruto-kun, you look good! Fatherhood is treating you well." Sakura's eyes were gleaming with pride for her best friend. He deserved every bit of happiness he could get, and she was just so thrilled he finally had a family to truly call his own.

"Hehe, yeah I guess it is" he said, rubbing the back of his head with a closed eye grin in true Naruto fashion. "I can't wait for you to meet Boruto! He's so tiny you wouldn't believe it, and so cute. I can't get enough of him! And Hinata is such a good mom, wait till you see her with him." He said enthusiastically, eyes gleaming with love.

It was then that one of Sakura's other favorite people stepped up, clearing his throat to announce his presence. Beaming, Sakura turned to her Sensei (now Hokage) and embraced him just as tightly as she did Naruto. Releasing him, she saw his cheeks were tinged pink at the sudden show of affection. "I've missed you Kakashi-sensei" she told him. "You've been missed around here too Sakura. Welcome home." His warm voice and smiling eyes were something nostalgic to her as well, and she was happy to see him once again.

"Sakura-chaaan! Tell me what's been going on with you and the teme!" Naruto wiggled his eyes suggestively. "You both have been traveling alone for almost two years, I know something has to have happened by now. Hurry before he gets over here and tells me to mind my own business. You know how he gets."

Sakura looked over at Sasuke as he approached slowly, taking his time and giving her a chance to prep Naruto so he didn't do anything stupid like tackle him.

"Oh Naruto, you have no idea" came Kakashi's amused voice.

"What?! You know something I don't? What is it Kakashi-sensei? Sakura?" Naruto was miffed at being in the dark and was almost pleading for the details.

"Naruto-kun, you know I love you like my own family. But we have a few surprises for you. So just…don't be upset with us, okay? You as well sensei" She pleaded with them, excited but nervous.

"Of course not, why would I be upset with you?" Naruto asked her, clearly confused and a little concerned, eyebrows furrowed. Kakashi was interested to know what else she had been hiding, considering he was already aware of their marriage.

Smiling, Sakura reached up to unclasp her white traveling cloak, pulling it around to drape over her arms. She saw Sasuke-kun walking up to them now behind Naruto, and he watched her with a knowing look, hanging back for just a moment more.

"I don't get it" Naruto said. "You look pretty much the same Sakura. What's the big surprise?"

"Naruto, just wait two seconds before assuming things." Sakura chided him, slightly annoyed but still fond of his impatience.

Just then, she turned around, pulling her long pink tresses over her shoulder to reveal the red and white fan symbol she wore proudly on her back.

She glanced over her shoulder to watch Naruto, who still looked inexplicably confused. "Uhh…I'm still not getting it Sakura-chan. You look the same from the back. Although you have filled out a bit more, if that's what you're trying to tell me? I guess you guys ate pretty good during your travels." Naruto rambled on, oblivious to Sakura's rapidly changing expression, immediately over her fondness for his stupidity. He really hadn't changed much, had he?

Sasuke must have noticed Sakura's growing annoyance because he chose that moment to announce himself.

"Dobe" he said loudly to get Naruto's attention. Naruto whipped around real fast, surprised to suddenly have Sasuke close behind him. Before Naruto could say anything to greet him, Sasuke said quickly "Look at the symbol on her back."

Whipping back around to look at Sakura again, his eyes finally focused on the fan gracing her back. Recognition dawned on his face, as he stared at it for a minute with an open mouth. Silent for once, he looked up to meet Sakura's eyes, questioning her without saying a word. "Yes, Naruto-kun. We got married." Sakura was beaming at him now, and slowly Naruto reacted. First the smile crept on his face, stretching as wide as she had probably ever seen it. Then he gave a sudden shout as he jumped up and punched the air in his excitement. "YES! Finally! Yes yes yes! It's about dang time you two!"

Naruto embraced Sakura from behind this time and lifted her into the air. Laughing, she waited for him to put her down before turning and giving him yet another hug. If anyone knew how much her marriage to Sasuke meant, it was Naruto. He had witnessed her love and longing for the raven-haired ninja since their early genin days and had been with her through all her suffering as she desperately fought with him for Sasuke's return, then again when Sasuke was on his redemption journey. So much patience, so much waiting, and finally her dream had come true. Naruto understood everything without saying.

"Congratulation's Sakura. I mean it. You deserve this." Naruto's eyes were misting a little, and Sakura just knew their next surprise was going to floor him. Naruto turned to Kakashi then in indignation. "You knew! And you didn't tell me? What gives?"

"They swore me to secrecy Naruto. I would have if I could. But before you get your panties in a bunch, I believe they have something else to announce seeing as I already knew about that surprise, and she warned me not to be upset as well." Kakashi turned to Sasuke then. "But first, Welcome home Sasuke. It's good to see you again, happy and healthy I presume."

"Yeah teme! Seriously, Congrats on your marriage. I knew you had it in you, it just took some convincing and a little alone time with Sakura-chan." Naruto wriggled his eyebrows yet again, suggesting something Sakura knew had to be inappropriate. Naruto stepped forward to roughly grasp Sasuke's shoulder and pull him into a brotherly hug, but Sasuke seemed to expect this and swiftly side stepped him as Naruto's arm came swinging down, narrowly missing Sasuke.

"Wait" he told Naruto firmly.

"What is it Sasuke? I can't greet my brother after such a long time?" Naruto had a little hurt in his voice, not understanding Sasuke's avoidance. He knew how he was with personal space, but Sasuke usually allowed him at least a second of contact before brushing him off.

"Perhaps we should hold off a moment Naruto." Kakashi said this, eyes watching Sasuke's movements carefully. "Give Sasuke some space."

Sakura decided to walk over by Sasuke's side and nodded to him in affirmation to something the other two weren't privy to. Sakura made to reach for Sasuke's cloak, but before she could do so, a whimpering sound came from beneath it.

"What was that Sasuke? I've never heard you make a sound like that before. Are you sick? Don't tell me that's the surprise. Are you dying?" Once again jumping to ridiculous conclusions, Naruto remained completely oblivious to something right in front of his face. Kakashi coming to the intellectual rescue once again, softly said "I don't think that was Sasuke, Naruto."

"Then what was that?"

Sakura reached once again up to unclasp Sasuke's cloak, and as it fell away, Sarada's sleepy little face was finally revealed, the brightness of the sudden light causing her to turn her face further into her father's chest to avoid it.

"Woah" came Naruto's voice quietly.

He stared, shocked beyond words at what lay in his best friends' single arm. Kakashi was just as stunned, clear to them even behind his mask. His eyebrows were raised, eyes open wide in disbelief.

Everything was silent, save for the birds chirping around them and the leaves rustling in the wind. Naruto just stared and stared, unable to comprehend this new disclosure. His mouth still hung open in shock. Sakura watched him, unsure what to expect.

After two solid minutes of silence, Naruto finally closed his mouth. It then started to twist into a sort of grimace, his cheeks turning red. Sakura didn't know what it meant, worried for a moment that he would be angry, until suddenly tears started pouring out from Naruto's eyes.

"You guys…" he choked out in a sob, rubbing the tears in his eyes so he could keep looking at the little baby in Sasuke's arm. "I can't believe this." Naruto finally looked up at his two best friends, and they could feel the love pouring out of his soul for them. Naruto had always worn his heart on his sleeve. It had been an endearing trait he always possessed, and it drew people into him. The worst criminals they had ever encountered changed their minds when exposed to Naruto's heart for others. He loved them, and if Sakura had thought for any second Naruto could ever be upset with them, that thought was replaced instantly by an overwhelming affection for her friend who cared so deeply for them and their happiness. Of course, Naruto wouldn't care about it being a secret. In the grand scheme of things, it didn't matter one bit. They were here now, in front of him, overflowing with happiness and carrying along a new life into this village he swore to protect with his life. "Teme…" Naruto said, still choked up with emotion but he didn't need to say anything else to convey his thoughts. He gently placed his hand on Sasuke's shoulder this time, and Sasuke didn't avoid him or brush it off. That touch, and the silent communication between their eyes said everything. Just like Naruto knew what their marriage meant to Sakura, Naruto also knew the significance of a child for Sasuke. He knew how strongly Sasuke had wanted to rebuild his clan, but he understood the fear Sasuke had to overcome to be willing to bring a child into the world. Now, he was a father. Both were. There was nothing more wholesome than the three of them, the original Team 7, standing there together with their former sensei who was now the Sixth Hokage of the village hidden in the leaves, welcoming the first true Uchiha member into the world since the massacre long ago, leaving behind a legacy of pain and hatred, and bringing forth a legacy of love and joy for the noble clan. Naruto was gonna be the proudest uncle the village had ever seen.

He tentatively reached out to lightly brush the soft hair atop Sarada's head. "It's a girl" Sasuke told him softly. "Her name is Sarada. Uchiha Sarada."

"It's perfect" Naruto told him with a smile. "She's perfect."

A sniffle broke the quiet trance they were all in, and surprisingly it didn't come from Naruto, or a crying Sakura for that matter. All turning to look in surprise, Kakashi's eyes were rimmed red, and he cleared his throat self-consciously. "What?" He spoke. "Can't an old man be proud of his students? I'm not made of stone you know."

Sakura laughed, and Naruto joined in with her. Sasuke even smiled, which was a rare sight for everyone but Sakura. The moment was one they would all cherish for the rest of their lives.

As if subconsciously aware all the attention had shifted away from her, a certain little bundle of joy suddenly woke and let loose a loud cry, introducing herself in the only way she knew how.

"Hah, I recognize that sound! Welcome little Sarada" he told her, bending over close enough for her to see his blue eyes. She quieted for a moment, trying to figure out this unfamiliar presence invading her vision. Then as if deciding she wasn't satisfied with anything but her mother's breast, she let out another cry and didn't relent until Sakura rushed forward to take her from Sasuke's arm. Turning her back to the trio, Sakura adjusted her shirt to free herself and allow her daughter to get her fill of lunch. Glancing at Sasuke over her shoulder, he responded quickly by coming to her and helping her reclasp her cloak around her shoulders to offer some more privacy. She wasn't embarrassed from breastfeeding, but in present company she just preferred not to be exposed in such a way.

"Well" Kakashi stated loudly, voice cleared of his fatherly emotions, "we certainly can't stand here at the gates all day long. I've got a village that won't run itself, and I imagine this is going to be quite the surprise for more than just the two of us today. Go and be with your friends and family. I'm sincerely glad to have you both back, and congratulations. I couldn't be prouder of you." He turned to the right to start walking away, "Oh and Sasuke, could I have a quick word?" He said over his shoulder.

"Hn" was Sasuke's response as he glanced oddly at Sakura before walking over to where Kakashi now stood, out of earshot. Sakura was preoccupied anyways and wouldn't pick up on their discussion, especially since Naruto was now talking her ear off about all the things he wanted them to do together as families.

Still, in a low voice Kakashi told Sasuke "The house you requested be built is ready for you. When you warned me you guys were heading back a few weeks ago, I enlisted Yamato to personally finish it so it would be ready in time. I did confide your secret with him given the nature of my request, but I felt he wasn't one of the people we needed to worry about. He was very pleased to be the one to finish building your home, and even more pleased to be temporarily relieved of his post. I'm glad it's done, considering I had no idea you'd be bringing a baby along with you." He smiled fondly, glancing over at Sakura with little Sarada, still occupied with feeding her and resting against a tree. "I also arranged some furniture to be moved in for you, including all of Sakura's belongings, besides a few personal items. The Genin involved weren't thrilled to be assigned such a mission, but they didn't know who they were doing it for so it worked out" Kakashi finished, chuckling a bit.

"Thank you" Sasuke said sincerely. He had been keeping his own secret from Sakura for an entire year and knowing he wouldn't have to keep it any longer was a relief. He didn't like hiding anything from his wife. Even something good like their first home together. She still thought they were coming back to her tiny apartment. Little did she know she'd be getting her own surprise of a lifetime.

"I left all your paperwork sitting on your kitchen counter. Sign everything when you get the chance today and bring it by my office." Kakashi reached into his jacket, "Here is the key to your new home Sasuke. Congrats again."

Sasuke accepted the golden key and placed it in a pouch on his hip. "Thank you again for everything…sensei." Kakashi's eyes widened slightly at the term he normally heard from the other two of his former students. Sasuke never really said much to him that wasn't necessary, and their relationship had strengthened through the years since the war ended, but since Sasuke had abandoned the village at 13 years old he had never addressed Kakashi that way. Even if the title meant nothing now, to the trio it would always be a term of endearment for Kakashi and Sasuke knew that. So, for him to acknowledge that part of his past so openly…well it really meant something to the old man. Sasuke was trying to show his true gratitude when words normally fail to.

Kakashi couldn't bring himself to say anything, so he simply nodded and clapped Sasuke's shoulder before heading off to take care of his many responsibilities as Hokage. Though not without stopping to read his favorite book along the way. Priorities first.

Sasuke walked back to his wife and his best friend, the key burning a hole through his pouch. He was eager now to move on and finish out his own surprise for Sakura. She deserved it and he had waited patiently. That patience was now coming quickly to an end knowing it was ready.

Sakura turned to Sasuke at his approach. "Everything alright, anata?" She was curious what the two had been discussing but knew if it was any of her business Sasuke would enlighten her to it. "Hai" Sasuke answered, giving no detail.

'Must not be that important' she thought to herself. Or he would tell her later anyways. Sakura had finished feeding Sarada and much to her happiness, Naruto was cradling the baby in his arms and gushing over her, talking in the sweetest baby talk.

"Yes Sarada-chan, yes you are just the cutest, bah bah bah bah" Naruto cooed at her, booping her nose lightly. "You're gonna love growing up with Boruto and you'll be best friends just like me and your parents" he said fondly, eyeing his two friends as they watched him.

He leaned closer to the infant and whispered quietly "And I'll teach you some really good pranks to pull on your old man. I've got loads of them." As if talking back to him, Sarada let out a loud "Gahh" and thrust her hands in the air to stretch herself.

"Don't start corrupting her Dobe. I don't need her picking up on your idiocy" Sasuke told him with mild annoyance. Sakura could tell he was pleased at Naruto's fondness for Sarada, but she knew he wouldn't let that show to Naruto. It was only two years of traveling with the expressionless man that taught her how to properly read his nuances. He showed annoyance, but she knew the slight crinkle in his right eye meant he cared and wasn't actually upset.

"Yeah, yeah Teme, just watch. Sarada is gonna love me and come running to my house when her mean old papa won't let her have any fun" Naruto grinned down at Sarada again, kissing her forehead lightly.

"Alright you two, no need to rival over Sarada's love now. You both have enough to fight about without her getting in the middle." Sakura chided them in a motherly voice that wasn't unfamiliar to them. They were lucky she was in such a good mood, or their bickering might have triggered her temper. Naruto didn't want to push it.

"We should start heading home. We need showers and food before I tolerate any other reunions." Sasuke announced, bending down to pick up their packs.

"Grump" Naruto muttered under his breath. Sasuke turned a sharp eye to him and Naruto changed the subject quickly. "Sakura-chan, you and the teme should come over for dinner tonight. Hinata will be so happy to see you and little Sarada. I'm definitely gonna spill the beans to her as soon as I get home, so just plan to come over around six. Boruto should be in a good mood then since she usually feeds him before we eat. I can't wait for you to see him!" Naruto was bouncing with excitement again. "I've gotta go to Hokage tower though in the meantime. Kakashi has me studying relentlessly for the Jounin exams and I could literally die every time I sit down with those books." His face was dramatic in his expression of death by studying. Sakura shook her head at him, laughing lightly. She knew how much he hated school, but to know he was pushing through it to become Hokage made her very proud.

"We will be there Naruto-kun" she said, embracing in one more hug before they parted. "I'm so happy to be home."

"It's great to see you again Sakura. The village hasn't been the same without the two of you." Naruto included Sasuke and she knew he had missed his raven-haired brother as much as he'd missed her. She felt a pang of guilt that he hadn't spent much time with Sasuke since the end of the war. She only hoped Sasuke would use his time home to spend some quality time with his friend. They both needed it.

"Well, I'm off! See you guys in a bit. Bye Sara-chan!" He wiggled his finger under her chin and took off through the village gates, waving at the two guards that had been posted there silently the whole time. She imagined they witnessed everything, but she hoped they would keep their mouths shut for the time being. She didn't want word spreading before they got a chance to surprise everyone.

"Ok Sasuke-kun, let's go home!" She was looking forward to going to her apartment again, though she figured it may be a little small for them now. She would talk with Sasuke later on about looking for a new place for them, but she wasn't quite ready to deal with the hassle of moving with a newborn, and hunting for a decent place would prove taxing. But she would think about that later.

"Hn" Sasuke responded, leading the way through to village gates. It was still fairly early, though most people were either at work or at home. It was the odd hours between the morning and lunch rush. This was a good thing, as they avoided most people when they walked through the village streets. A few villagers looked at them with eyes wide in surprise, but Sakura had Sarada hidden once again and their surprise was merely at seeing the two ninja in the village after so long. A few shops owners called out to her in excitement, but she kindly told them they had just arrived and would be out later after settling in at home. Appeased, the owners nodded and moved on to their customers.

Sakura led the way for a while and turned to go down the familiar street leading to her apartment, when she noticed Sasuke stopped walking behind her. Turning, she teased "Is everything alright Sasuke-kun? Did you forget the way?"

Rolling his eyes at her he said, "Come on this way, I want to show you something first."

"Show me something?" She asked curiously. "We just got here. What could you possibly have to show me?"

"Just trust me" he told her. He was acting a little weird in her opinion. Of course, she trusted him. But she also knew him very well. His brow shone slightly from sweat, and he avoided too much eye contact with her. It wasn't much, but she knew he seemed nervous. What was going on?

"I do…" she said hesitantly, "but I really am looking forward to getting home. Not too long, okay?"

"I know, Sakura." He reached out his hand to her, surprising her a little since they were in public now, but she happily grasped his hand and let him lead her to some unknown location. She noted his clammy palm, though she didn't mention it. Hmm.

They walked for about ten minutes, and despite her growing curiosity and slight impatience, she kept her mouth shut and didn't ask questions. She knew Sasuke wouldn't be wasting her time for something unimportant, she just could not figure what would be so important right now. Her arm was getting sweaty holding Sarada in the increasing temperature, and it ached a little from being bent so long. They walked on, and just as she was about to break her silence, they approached the familiar gates of the Uchiha district. She bit her tongue. 'Interesting' she thought.

When Sasuke had been gone on his redemption journey, he had insisted with Kakashi to have the entire plot of land leveled out and replanted with new grass seeds, and multiple trees. It had been a mess for quite some time, but after nearly four years the land had to be lush with greenery by now. After the demolition of all the housing structures, a large monument had been erected in the center of the land, with all the names of the fallen Uchiha during the massacre. Multiple trees had been planted surrounding it, though she wasn't sure what kind. She imagined Sasuke would know. They had been young trees when they were planted. Sakura had visited the site many times while Sasuke had been gone, but now since their own journey had taken place, she hadn't seen it in nearly two years. She assumed Sasuke just had a sudden urge to show it to her after all this time. He was very sensitive concerning the compound, so she didn't question his motives behind the sudden visit.

She glanced over at him, but his face was solemn as he paused before the gates. "Sasuke-kun?" She said softly, not wanting to pressure him.

He looked at her after a moment, and she was surprised to see joy in his eyes as he looked at her. "Bring Sarada out now, it's getting warm."

"O-okay" she said as she uncovered the infant. She was fast asleep and a little sweaty, but not too bad. "What are we here for?"

"I told you I wanted to show you something."

"But…everything was destroyed. Do you mean the monument? It's beautiful Sasuke-kun, but I have seen it before…" she said carefully, still not wanting to offend him but determined to get to the bottom of his secrecy.

"Ah, I know" he said, "but there's something you haven't seen."

Now her interested was piqued. What in the world hadn't she seen in a large empty plot of land? What the heck could he have seen? He'd been gone just as long as she had. "Let's go" he said, pulling her hand and stepping through the gates. Once again, she noted how clammy his palm was. Her heart beat a little faster at the suspense, not knowing what this was about no matter how she racked her brain. Never had he given a hint that he would want to come here upon their arrival.

Stopping her once again, he offered to take Sarada for a moment. He said he wanted Sakura to close her eyes and trust him to lead her. 'Just don't question it' she thought as she obliged his request. "Hang on to my cloak and walk with me. Keep your eyes closed" he said seriously. She did as she was asked, and she let him lead her for about another minute, before they turned to the left and walked a little further over. She paid attention to the grass under her feet and was eager to look at how much the land had changed since her last visit. It really was a special place. Suddenly though, the grass was gone, and she was walking on something hard. She almost opened her eyes in surprise but didn't. What was it? It felt like stone, and there was a long path of it. What in the world?

They stopped abruptly, Sasuke was quiet for a moment. The anticipation was killing her. "Sasuke-kun…?"

"Open your eyes Sakura."