"Everythings looking good." Taka stood next to his husband, Yuta, drinking out of his mug. Both Kagees were looking on as their citizens carried on like normal. Today was the day their new ally, Konoha Village, would be leaving. The medical team, excluding the two, have already left a week ago, as they were finished with their work, and today, the rest who volunteered to rebuild their wonderful village will be leaving as well.

"They did a marvelous job. I was a bit skeptical in the beginning."

Taka looked at his partner in confusion. "How so? Think they would betray us?"

"Nothing of the sort." Waved off Yuta. "I know they wouldn't given their track record with their recent leaders. I was skeptical about how our people would react."

"I see..."

"They've been through so much, especially with the Kage before us, they really couldn't trust us when we came to the village all those years ago."

"Ah...I remember when we arrived. So many questions." Taka took another sip. "Couldn't blame them though, they just got out of a village-wide attack by those rogue ninjas."

"They trusted us over time and I think that is what took place here. Now that it's all over, I feel...relieved."

"That it all went well? Or that there were not any problems that arose."

Yuta turned to him and smiled. "Both. It helped that they saw how much we trusted them but the real test came when it came to those children."

"Ah yes... I hear from Mr. Han that the children are doing quite well these days. Lady Misako would be pleased. She did care for some of them in the very beginning."

"I remember." Yuta chuckled. "Speaking of, that Hokage and her protege are quite the talent. Since she and her partner stayed back, the children have gained, you know? I'd have to send Tsunade-sama our gratitude."

"Indeed. That damn disease has been killing our children left and right. All from that poison kunai. Mr. Han had the right idea to check that out."

"It's a shame a child had to die before it could all be figured out. Kumi's mother is still grieving. But who wouldn't? It had been only a week after she passed."

"I just pray she finds peace soon."

A knock at the door frame interrupted the two leaders. As both turned, they saw their assistant at the door.

"Sorry to both the both of you but it is time to bid the Leaf village farewell."

"Yes, thank you. We'll be there in a minute, Yuka."

Yuka bowed their head and left the two alone.

"Come, let's go say goodbye.

The village looks so beautiful. Everything seems more...lively than before. The people seem happier too. The buildings were a beautiful sight but nothing compared to the children that were playing with each other in the middle of the small village. I swore I had seen some of our kids playing with them. If my eyes were correct I'm glad. They'd been cooped up for so long, some air with some friends they haven't seen in God knows when is nice.

At this moment, it was time for me, Neji, Tenten, and the rest of the volunteers to take our leave. I stayed a few days later, along with Neji, then planned in order to monitor the children more. I loved watching them improve over the past week but I miss home and my own kids. They were probably expecting me last week, I feel a little guilty for that, but I can't stay away from them any longer. I need to see them. I just hope they understand.

"Hey Sakura-san' what's wrong?" Tenten asked. She and Neji were walking with me hand in hand-well-pinky in pinky. "You look to be in deep thought."

"Yeah." I sighed. "Just thinking of the kids. I haven't been away from them in so long...I miss them."

"Well don't worry, you'll see them soon. Right after the send-off, we'll be home before you know it."

"I guess. I just hope the journey back doesn't feel as long as the journey to get here." I giggled.

"See, I thought I was crazy for thinking that." Tenten laughed as well.

A few moments later, the group reached the end of the village. Waiting for us at the entrance, with the rest of the village, is Taka and Yuta. They both smiled warmly as Neji and I walked up to them.

"Dear new friends," Yuta started. "We are thankful for your help these past few weeks. I think I can speak for the village when I saw that we greatly appreciate all that you did. From fixing our homes to healing the sick, you all did a marvelous job."

"We will always remember this act of kindness and are in your debt." Taka declared.

"Thank you, Taka and Yuta-sama. I really appreciate you inviting us here." I said.

"Yes," Neji spoke. "It was a great honor working with this Huai's medical team, especially Mr. Han."

"The pleasure is all mine." Mr. Han spoke up. He was standing next to his village leaders and spoke. "As our leaders said, I won't forget the sacrifices you all made to help us. Watching and working with you all have taught me so much. Thank you for working with me on helping the children."

"Of course, you have taught me a thing or two as well believe it or not. I won't forget this experience as well. Thank you all for taking a chance on me." We all bowed to the Kages and waved goodbye to the village.

"Have safe travels, friends. See you soon." Taka waved.

"Thank you so much!" I shouted back at him and went on my merry way.

As the journey back home started, my mind lingered back on my kids. I remember how they looked when I told them I was going on this trip. They looked so happy, so excited for me. It was reassuring because, in the back of my mind, I had doubts that were aching to be validated. But after their response, all doubt went away, like the snap of a finger. At that moment, I realized how much I need them. They're my everything and I don't want to be away from them a second longer.

"My babies...I'm coming..."