The Shadows of Your Heart

by Rise of the Blossom

"Think of this as your first s-ranked mission," murmured her shishou, her amber eyes piercing as they narrowed. "Should you fail, it will be the end of Konoha."

25. So Here, You Can Have My Heart

Chapter 23 – So Here, You Can Have My Heart

"They are planning to take you out."

Sakura was unable to catch even a wink of sleep that night. She was too busy trying and failing to process all that Itachi heard while spying on the negligent medics.

How the hell did it jump to such…?

Before she sobered up, Sakura wanted to laugh it all off and accuse Itachi of mishearing them. It was a fair possibility – they all made mistakes, especially when as stressed as they were. But shit, she knew he hadn't misheard. The sincerity in his expression, his concern, prevented her from brushing the words off even in her inebriated state. Whatever he heard really had him uneasy (hence his obsessive cleaning when she returned) and it was enough to put her on edge.

People had targeted her in the past. It wasn't exactly a novelty experience. Being the Godaime Hokage's precious apprentice created a heavy target on her back, and while trying to get to said master, they attempted to bulldoze their way through her first. Everyone knew how deeply Tsunade cared for her precious people and how far she would go to protect them.

But it was never anyone within her own village.

The betrayal coursed through her in sickening waves, at times stealing Sakura's breath and leaving her in a numbed state of disbelief.

These were the same medics she'd worked and laughed with. Negligent or not, Sakura had spent years working alongside many of them and it was only recently that she had her eyes opened. That sense of betrayal when it came to the wronged patients was still strikingly raw, and now to top it all off, they were coming after her.

A sigh was her only warning before Itachi was turning onto his side and gently bringing her back against his chest, body warm and inviting while covering hers intimately. Grateful for his comfort, Sakura reached for the arms wrapping around her securely, holding tight and dipping her chin into the crook of the arm under her neck.

"We really should do something about your insomnia," came his quiet words.

All she could offer in return was a pitiful nod, knowing he had a point but not really having any inclination to try and change her sleeping habits as of yet. Instead, Sakura allowed herself a moment of weakness as she basked in the comfort of her husband, banishing all thoughts of the mission from her mind.

Just for now, she thought miserably while snuggling further into him.

"I don't get it," came her eventual weak whisper when the dark thoughts grew too much to keep silent about.

"Sakura…"

"Why?" she questioned as he trailed off. "I don't understand why they're targeting me. What did I do other than stand up for vulnerable patients?"

"You have a target on your back now, both as Hokage-sama's apprentice and as the future matriarch of our clan," Itachi explained wearily. It eased some of the tension in her shoulders when he pressed a tender kiss to the nape of her neck, and Sakura finally shut her aching eyes, relishing the contact. "You mentioned earlier that one of the medics explained these rumours started up – or worsened – around the time of our engagement. I suspect that may contribute to their moving against you."

He wasn't saying it out loud for definite, but the suspicions were obvious and once she picked up on them, Sakura honestly assumed that to be the case also. How could it not be? The issues had arisen after the engagement, just as Itachi stated and now they were turning on her after she'd stood her ground and used her voice for the patients they'd wronged – the Uchiha clan.

Another major concern was their spying on Tsunade. If they were daring enough to try their luck with her, then who was to say how safe her shishou was? Clearly they didn't care about outing themselves at that point – the jig was up. They knew punishment awaited them in Konoha.

What if they went after Tsunade?

Who could they even trust at that point?

Sincerely believing she was going to throw up from a mixture of the alcohol and her crippling anxiety, Sakura pulled away from her husband and sat up. A trembling hand came to cover the down-turning of her unsteady lips and she counted backwards from ten, reeling in as much composure as possible.

Tsunade had her guard. She had Shizune. More importantly, her shishou was not a weak woman and was more than capable of defending herself. It was extremely rare to get anything by Tsunade even when she was absolutely wasted, and with the exchange program being in full swing, more eyes than ever were on their beloved Hokage. Sometimes even Jiraiya returned to the village to join the festivities and he rarely left the blonde's side during them, for they were drinking buddies. They all knew he would die a thousand deaths before anyone harmed his dearest friend. Even after so many years, he loved her.

Even if somehow caught unaware, Tsunade was well protected and anyone who dared to make a move against her would instantly be foiled. Only an idiot would try.

Tsunade was safe for now.

Despite repeating that fact in her mind, Sakura decided that as soon as it was a reasonable hour, she would be summoning Katsuyu to warn Tsunade. Just in case.

Deliberate movement behind her kept Sakura from overreacting to Itachi reaching out to her while she was in deep thought, and she once more leaned back into his touch, releasing a trembling exhale.

"I will alert the other captains in the morning," he informed her quietly. "We need to be on our guard."

"I need to tell Kazekage-sama," Sakura belatedly realised. She rubbed irritably at her face before turning into her husband, dropping her forehead to his awaiting shoulder. "It's going to get rough whether they're trained or not. We need to keep civilian casualty non-existent otherwise the treaty will be at risk."

Itachi nodded in agreement and Sakura was thankful when he eased himself back against the headboard, keeping her against him. He didn't struggle in moving them both and she found herself able to relax in his embrace, the anxiety going down a notch. As though that wasn't enough to comfort her, Kyo sauntered his way back to the bed and leapt up to join them, nestling between them and sharing warmth instantly.

Stroking him distractedly, Sakura murmured, "I've had a week to come to terms with them being corrupt, but still, this…" She trailed off with the hurt evident in her expression, because these people had once been her friends. They'd spent years working together. Could it be the alcohol continuing to leave her system making her as upset as she was? After all, it was a depressant. "Am I being too sentimental?"

"Not at all," came his easy response and he sighed. "It doesn't matter whether you know them or not. Having others targeting you, whether it be because of who you are or what you stand for, hurts. More so when the threat comes from supposed comrades."

The empathy in his tone had Sakura straightening so that she could better assess his features, something in her heart clenching upon noticing the distant look in his eyes. It was obvious his mind was drifting to his memories and for a brief, selfish moment, she felt honoured witnessing the rare vulnerability. Even if it only lasted for their conversation, just for now while they came to terms with a group of their own turning on them, he was letting her in. That careful mask of his was dissipating before her to help her feel less alone.

"I have been treated differently my whole life," confessed Itachi after a few quiet moments, voice soft and filled with acceptance. It was like he'd come to terms with being different a long time ago and she supposed he'd had no other choice. Even now, he was considered a loner and people avoided approaching him. "Even as a child, I was targeted for being the heir of the Uchiha clan – by other villages, by clansmen and by my own classmates. Many of them wanted to test my strength and abilities and grew jealous and hateful whenever I stood up for myself."

There'd been a few guys at the academy like that for Sasuke too, Sakura recalled sadly. For the most part, everyone marvelled at how impressive he was compared to the rest of them, but as Itachi just said: people grew jealous. They detested how effortlessly it seemed to come to him. Sasuke made his point in each practical lesson and even as a kid, was absolutely brutal in putting others in their places. There were a few instances where her teammate was forced to defend himself even now on missions, however they were few and far between.

But then there was her husband. Itachi was a gentle person. No doubt his peers had taken advantage of that and mistook his kindness for weakness – emotional weakness, that was.

"Staying quiet and avoiding confrontation didn't offer much difference either," he told her with a sigh, unknowingly confirming her thoughts. "They believed I thought myself better than them all, and they grew angrier and more relentless."

That explained why Itachi had never played tag before she convinced him to. It explained why he was oftentimes at a loss when it came to date nights and was always so considerate of how he worded his thoughts. Too many times in the past, he'd had what he'd said misconstrued. Even now, the villagers called him odd and an introvert. They continued to assume that he believed himself better than the rest of them and kept their distance. She'd been no different in the beginning.

In reality, he just didn't know how to connect with them.

Gods, it explained so much about her husband's personality, she realised with a sharp pang of regret. That mask of his wasn't indifference or arrogance as she'd originally assumed – he didn't like expressing himself. Maybe he'd forgotten how to. Maybe he was all too aware of how his mind differed from theirs and was hoping to avoid misunderstandings.

"Itachi…" she tried, but her voice failed her. What could she possibly say in that moment? When she'd thought similarly to the others and misunderstood him so unforgivably? Lamely, Sakura whispered, "I'm so sorry."

He came back to her with a minute frown, asking, "What for?"

"For never noticing these things. For being ignorant when I did." Lips turning down at the corners, she turned fully so that they were comfortably face to face. "When others picked fights with Sasuke-kun at the academy, I always thought they were just nuisance boys trying to look tough and show off. I never thought to look deeper. We always said boys will be boys."

"In some cases, that is all it was," Itachi explained, not surprising her with his lack of accusation or dislike. Of course he was rational and understanding. "Take Naruto-kun, for example. Although a pain at the best of times, he was never malicious while challenging Sasuke. He genuinely longed to be noticed and respected. Many shared similar sentiments."

She supposed that made sense, kind of. It also made sense why Itachi seemed to understand Naruto to an extent, going off the look in his gentle eyes. The blond was an orphan who'd always been treated differently, with whispers and cold glares following him around the village. While he continued to have a family in the team his father left behind, Naruto was still that boy. The one they couldn't talk to or about because of what he was.

"My point is that it's natural for you to feel disheartened or hurt," he softly murmured to her at Sakura's contemplative silence. "We're human."

How did she even go about…?

"What do I do?" she asked, thankful when Kyo shifted languidly closer to her. He stretched out carefully and placed a paw to her knee, bringing a smile to her lips as Sakura wordlessly thanked her companion with a deep head stroke that had him like putty in her hands. "Do I fight back? Am I supposed to restrain myself because they're my comrades?"

Itachi was silent while pondering the questions and she felt herself growing warier at the discomfort and acceptance that briefly flashed through his eyes. Being the strategic ANBU captain that he was, he was no doubt considering all possible outcomes and how they would affect her later down the line.

"You're right to inform the Kazekage. Doing so alerts him to the threat both to you and his village. It also shows him that he can trust you to be honest with him regarding the issues we're facing," he stated after careful consideration. Itachi reached out when Kyo's back paw flicked at his leg, offering the ninneko a gentle brush of his fingers through his wild fur that was greatly appreciated. "Ensuring you also have witnesses present is important, preferably unbiased ones – biased ones being myself or your team or friends. That way, when Hokage-sama or the council has to investigate, you have witness testimony on your side to back you up."

That was a good point, Sakura realised. Her team or Ino would charge into the mess with their emotions getting the best of them once they sensed the genuine killing intent, and they all knew they'd have one another's backs. There was every chance they would lie (or bend the truth) in their reports to keep Sakura out of trouble. Being her husband meant Itachi could potentially fall into that category also, even with his levelheadedness.

However, she sincerely doubted the negligent medics would attack while out in the open or surrounded by witnesses. Half of them weren't trained as shinobi, so they needed that element of surprise against her. They would attack when there was little to no chance of interference if they were truly trying to take her out. Potentially during a moment of weakness.

"I should try contacting Gaara-kun," Sakura suddenly told him.

"Why?"

"He doesn't sleep," she reminded her husband and sighed. "It'd be best if I try to catch him now so that he can arrange a meeting with the Kazekage on my behalf, rather than waste time waiting for him to see me. He'll be able to cut corners for me."

Hearing and understanding the reasons, Itachi agreed easily, murmuring, "The longer this is drawn out, the riskier it becomes. Better we act before ANBU retrieve them, on the off chance they possess similar feelings towards Shizune-san or Hokage-sama."

The thought was daunting and Sakura made a mental note to alert them both via Katsuyu as soon as dawn broke.

"I will search for Gaara-kun with my crows," stated her husband.

He moved over to the window and assessed the rubber seal that prevented them from opening it, though she could tell his concern was the sand coating the ledge on the outside and how windy it was getting. Without a doubt, he wouldn't be able to rest if sand was blown into the room and even though it seemed like a minor inconvenience compared to everything else, she'd rather keep his stress levels down. He needed to rest just as much as she did.

"Don't worry about it," she assured and couldn't help but chuckle, feeling a little lighter at the return of his perfectionist nature. It was almost comforting, in a weird way she had no hopes of explaining. "Usually, he hangs around on the rooftop of his place. The cold air helps keep him alert."

It was quiet as she dressed, but Sakura was happy to note there was no apprehension or concern towards her meeting up with Gaara so late at night. She supposed they had bigger worries now, although there was no denying it warmed her heart to see Itachi meant every word of trusting her.

"I'll be back soon," Sakura promised while he handed over her weapons pouch.

A quiet sigh had her pausing in leaving, but she smiled when her husband murmured earnestly, "It's unnecessary to say, but please be careful."

---

As Sakura predicted: Gaara was wide awake and sitting atop the roof of his home, gaze distant while he stared out at the village until he sensed her arrival. But if he was surprised by her presence, he didn't show it. Simply waited for her to join him on the rooftop before his attention drifted over to her, quietly questioning what she was doing.

Explaining the whole messy situation was too risky out in the open as they were, and more importantly, Sakura wanted to keep it as quiet as possible. At least until she'd managed to speak with the Kazekage about it and perhaps asked for his input as a leader.

Saying that, she knew her friend had plenty of experience in being targeted – by legitimate assassins, too. But was involving him really the best idea? Like Itachi stated, her friends were biased. Perhaps Gaara more so due to his obvious feelings for her.

Too hesitant to ask about such a subject straight off the bat, she chickened out and instead questioned, "Did Naruto make it back okay?"

Gaara snorted at that and returned his focus to the village. "He passed out not long after you left."

Lightweight, she wanted to laugh. Naruto was always the one who claimed he could drink the most, saying the Kyuubi kept him from being as affected as the rest of them. But Sakura had a sneaking suspicion the tailed beast merely lured him into a false sense of security so that the blond would embarrass himself. It wasn't exactly clawing at the seal and awaiting the best opportunity to escape, however they weren't best friends either. From what Sakura gathered of Naruto's connection with the Kyuubi, they had an understanding of sorts. It certainly helped that he lived with an Uchiha who kept him in check, though.

"He does it every time," Sakura chuckled, bringing a smirk to Gaara's features as they reminisced on all the times the blond made a fool of himself. Regarding him for a moment, she pointed out curiously, "You never seem to get that wasted, though."

"Our tailed beasts differ," came his simple response. Slipping a leg up so that he could sling an arm over his knee, the redhead inhaled the crisp air deeply, his attention drifting up to the half moon. "I can't risk losing control."

Although she knew he'd hate her for it, Sakura could never help but pity Gaara in quiet moments such as these. Particularly after one of their first truly meaningful conversations where he confided in her about longing to sleep like the rest of them.

He wanted to know what it was like to dream, to sleep in and to wake up of a morning feeling well rested and relaxed. The best it ever got for him was meditation and even then, he had to remain vigilant. As Gaara already said: he couldn't ever risk losing control. Even though he was in full control of Shukaku's chakra, the impulsive beast was manipulative and cruel and determined on wreaking havoc. The moment Gaara's guards were lowered, he struck. Swiftly and with a deadly power that nobody had any hopes in subduing. There were devastating casualties each time.

She truly wished it could be different for her friend.

"Why are you here?" he enquired eventually.

Before marrying Itachi and during previous exchange programs, Sakura had taken to joining Gaara on random nights throughout the month. Sometimes they sat in silence but there were nights when he was feeling more talkative than usual. She'd come to enjoy his sharp tongue and wit and valued his outlook on life (when he wasn't feeling overly cynical, of course).

"An issue's come up and I need your assistance," Sakura told him and she saw how her hesitance affected him as Gaara's attention returned to her features, considering her carefully and critically. "I need you to try and squeeze me into a meeting with your father in the morning – as early as possible. Maybe Temari and Kankuro, too. I'm not even sure."

Those eyes that never missed a detail narrowed fractionally. "What has you on edge?"

"I–"

"Don't try to lie about it," Gaara accused, though not unkindly. He seemed concerned, she realised after a moment. "Shukaku can smell your fear."

That damned beast was always such a pain in the ass. Why couldn't he be more like the Kyuubi and mind his damned business until Gaara needed his chakra?

Lowering her voice to a near soundless whisper that had him scowling and leaning closer as the wind threatened to carry it away, she told him, "It's too risky to talk about out here, but…" Sakura swallowed hard and glanced around suspiciously before finishing, "People in my group have it out for me." Eyebrows raising meaningfully, she whispered, "As in out for me."

Gaara's eyes narrowed. "An assassination?"

Uneasily, because it still felt so fucking surreal, she nodded. "I want to keep the Kazekage informed just in case they target me in the village. I can't risk the treaty–"

"The treaty?" he demanded. "Your life is at risk–"

She hushed him harshly and quickly glanced around again, heart palpitating at the unsettling silence of the desert in the dead of the night. Meeting his eye seriously, Sakura warned, "Don't make me regret telling you."

It was understandable that he was angry about it. Sakura could see in his eyes that he was furious. He was a guy who'd been targeted relentlessly while growing up and was constantly having to defend himself against assassins even to that day (though they no longer came from his own village). With their friendship being as meaningful as it was and watching his rapidly growing maturity, she knew Gaara now appreciated his bonds and cared dearly for his friends. She'd seen how fiercely he'd protected his family and friends in the past.

Indecision showed in the furrowing of his brow as Gaara watched her, and Sakura couldn't help but curse herself for being so careless with his feelings. How the hell had she never noticed how deep they ran? What type of friend did that make her?

"I can handle myself," she reminded him firmly, thankful for his eventual nod of agreement. "I just don't want this impacting the exchange program or your village."

"Don't you dare go easy on them," Gaara muttered seriously, his features hardening. "Comrades or not, they won't hesitate to end your life."

And knowing that he was speaking from experience, she could only nod.

Sighing, he had her yelping in surprise as the stability of the rooftop disappeared beneath them into a patch of sand that soon hardened, leaving Sakura to glare over at him in disbelief as it started levitating.

"Don't give me that look," he scoffed with a roll of his eyes. "What sort of person allows their friend to wander a relatively unknown village with a target on their back?"

"You really don't have to carry me with your–"

"Do I look like I have anything better to do?"

His smirk was maddening when she pouted, defeated.

---

Dawn took much too long to approach and the second she noticed the sun beginning to rise, Sakura offered a silent apology to her shishou and summoned Katsuyu once again. She made sure to warn Kyo of her intentions that time, though he wasn't any less hostile when the slug appeared in the room, showing his disliking in his unsettling, unblinking stare and swishing tail.

In a bid to distract him, Itachi handed Kyo his breakfast early but shocking them both, he remained vigilant. It was the first time he'd ever ignored food.

"This better be good, kid," came Tsunade's tired warning, though it lacked any malice.

Sakura sat in front of Katsuyu and sighed. "Itachi and I have spent the past day tailing the medics," she informed her shishou, ensuring to mention Itachi's name offhandedly so that she would know he was present. "And last night he picked up on plans their making."

"The medics were notably riled up following Sakura's disciplining them," he continued where she left off. Unlike earlier, however, Itachi didn't show how troubled he was and came to sit beside her with that mask back in place, voice bland and composed. "As the night wore on, they became aware of your intentions to withdraw them from the program. They plan on taking Sakura out."

The news startled Tsunade and she demanded, "How the hell did they find out about that?"

They had no answers for her and their silence had the blonde cursing the situation they were in.

There was every chance that a few had posed as the manipulated bunch earlier, though Sakura strongly believed that wasn't the case. Ino's observation skills were off the charts and combining that with her abilities to sneak into people's minds undetected even with a physical distance, she rarely ever made mistakes. She'd also used her sensory skills to ensure there was no one listening in too. The only person she came second to in terms of telepathic skill was her father.

Sharing as much with her shishou, Sakura then added, "And we were tailing them all day after that. The ten who stepped forward avoided interacting with them."

"Meaning the leak is most likely on my end," came Tsunade's agitated mutter. "We have already suspended those who stayed behind. Assuming there's more within the hospital that weren't present the other day in ICU, then they are the ones who alerted those with you."

But how? None of them had received any scrolls or visits from summons – nothing to indicate communication with their own village. As well as that, telepathic abilities only stretched so far unless they were using specially made devices (which they didn't have access to out in Suna), so that possibility was ruled out too.

Who the hell blabbed? And in such a short amount of time?

It was maddening as hell not knowing.

"Regardless of where the leak has come from, it's concerning how extreme their response is," their Hokage continued, voice sounding troubled and muffled somewhat. If Sakura wasn't mistaken, then she was biting down on her nail out of habit. It seemed she couldn't shake it after all. "Why go straight to an assassination attempt when they're so far only being investigated?"

"They have more to hide," Itachi deduced simply like it was obvious. "Their actions suggest they have no intentions of returning to the village."

Meaning they would either push her to ending their lives, were capable of using ANBU's jutsu that incinerated their bodies or were planning to run. All were valid outcomes.

It was easy stating she would refrain from killing them, but it was one against fifteen and over half of them were trained as shinobi. While confident in her abilities to come out the victor, she was going to have her work cut out for her. Holding back could get her killed or allow them to get away during the distraction.

"Morino Ibiki-san is here," Sakura reminded herself and them after a few beats of silence. "Given his area of expertise, he can get the answers we need–"

"No," Itachi quietly disagreed, surprising her by cutting her off. It was rare for him to interrupt her no matter the circumstance, so she knew to pay close attention to what he had to say. "Ibiki-san can only target one at a time. The repercussions if the others catch wind of his involvement are too high, the main one being that they might not all be on the same wavelength. If he targets the wrong one and the others escape or die, then we will be at a loss. We should also limit Yamanaka-san's involvement due to the severity of their response. If detected, their actions as of this moment shows us that they have no qualms in silencing challengers."

Shit, he was right. Ino was formidable but was more suited to interrogation and sensory. Going up against so many by herself was way too risky. "There's also the added risk of this affecting the others," Sakura realised, grimacing. "So far, we're all assuming that they're neglecting patients – we don't know what else they're hiding or if they're even hiding anything. That doesn't warrant torture and interrogation. We could be turning the others against us – or equally as bad, confirming those rumours being spread – if it got out."

They had to tread carefully to avoid those troublesome repercussions.

"Once they've made their move, then by all means, involve Ibiki," instructed Tsunade. "You have several members of ANBU amongst you this year who are more than able to detain them."

Including her husband, although she wasn't supposed to know that he was still taking missions. In her eyes and to the clan, he was retired. Still, considering he was ANBU, Sakura knew it wasn't too much to suggest, "I can leave warning them to you, Itachi. The only operatives I know personally are retired so I don't know how much help they'll be or where they stand when it comes to these situations."

Itachi nodded once in acceptance.

"Alert the Kazekage too," Tsunade continued when it became apparent Itachi wasn't going to reply vocally. "I will send a scroll to him as soon as we're done here, but your speaking with him will cover your backs if they try anything before it arrives."

"Understood, Tsunade-sama."

"I will speak with Shizune once I've written to him, too. We will move forward with the assumption you're both targets since the rumours involve her also."

What the hell was happening to their village? How long had these issues been going on for without their knowledge? Why were they only just making a noticeable move against them? What was their problem with the Uchiha Clan?

There was no denying they were major pains in the ass – those damned elders pissed her off beyond belief and their influence on others intimidated her. But for the medics to turn their back on a clansman, to turn on her for standing up for them…

Somebody had to be working behind the scenes. There was no way the medics randomly decided one day to turn on one of the major clans within the village. It made no sense. Even with their faults, the clan's influence was huge and they were undoubtedly the hardest working within the village. From running the police force to giving their all as shinobi – at one point in their lives, each clansman played their part towards the village. Even those who retired young had noteworthy accomplishments and mission rankings under their belt. And when the village was in danger, they sure as hell all stepped up and protected Konoha, retired or not.

"Sakura," came Tsunade's voice tinged with concern, bringing her out of the worrying thoughts. "Be careful. Use whatever means necessary to protect yourself."

Translation: disregard what I previously said about not using Sōzō Saisei during the program.

"Understood, Tsunade-sama."

When Katsuyu disappeared and effectively closed off communications, Sakura reclined back against the bed. Her attention briefly strayed to Kyo as the ninneko finally relaxed and sauntered over to his bowl of food, filling the silence with his grunts and purrs.

She wasn't sure how much time passed before a cup of tea was being pressed into her hands, and she offered Itachi a small smile of thanks.

Could she share her suspicions of someone manipulating the medics? They were plausible concerns, Sakura knew they were. However, it was the knowledge of the patient's incorrectly assigned mission that solidified someone working behind the scenes – she'd been warned to keep that part from her husband.

Surely it wasn't…?

No. It was ridiculous. To think the council would hold such a potent vendetta against one of their cofounding clans was stupid, right?

Genuine mistakes happened in every part of the village, especially during busier times of the year when people's heads were clogged by the chūnin exams or the exchange program. Everyone was stressed about ensuring they ran smoothly. Itachi even stated that mistakes happened with assigning missions, that he'd received missions that could have easily fallen into lesser ranks. It was the small details that made the differences, he'd told her.

Masking her concern, Sakura looked to her husband.

Being as formidable as he was, she knew the differences didn't affect him too greatly. Not only physically, but mentally, he was a tough opponent and possessed endless aces up his sleeves. Somebody who'd made it to ANBU at eleven and became a captain by thirteen was notorious and powerful and able to hold their own. They were too great an asset to screw around with.

But what if…?

If she brought it up now, then Sakura knew it could backfire on her later down the line. Although it seemed as though Itachi was purposely leaving titbits in their conversations, if it happened to be accidental, then he'd clam up. He'd stop sharing as much. She couldn't risk that. Holding onto the information he shared as firmly as she was could possibly make him suspicious.

Sighing, she sipped at the tea he'd brewed.

She'd given great thought to the Sandaime's scroll regarding the whole mess with the Uchiha Clan. As frustratingly cryptic as it was, he'd confirmed a councilman had gone after an Uchiha and she believed it was safe to assume that prior to going rogue, it was an Uchiha who caught onto their wrongdoings. If they were purposely handing the clansmen missions they had no chance of returning from, then maybe somebody within the clan clocked on? Maybe they threatened to out the council?

Both of them were still alive – presumed so, anyway. The Uchiha requested they remained anonymous and Sakura was assuming the same went for the councilman. Tsunade had her suspicions on who it was, meaning that pig Danzo since he gave her the most trouble unless there'd been other members back then (which would make sense, as surely the Sandaime wouldn't keep the wayward advisor in his inner circle?). It was too long ago for her to know and to bring it up randomly with anyone but Tsunade was risky, because why was she thinking about that?

Damn it. She hated politics.

"You should try and rest," Itachi suggested.

How the hell was she supposed to sleep given all that was going on? Yes, Sakura was well aware of the risks and knew sleep deprivation would catch up with her, but how was she supposed to shut off? There was too much going on, too much shit happening all at once. People were trying to kill her.

"My meeting with Kazekage-sama–"

"Won't be for another few hours," he reminded her and sighed. "You're exhausted, Sakura. Sleep. I will wake you when it's time for your meeting."

No. She had way too much to do. There was still an inn full of medics who would be waiting for her at breakfast to know what their plans were for the day or whether they were free to continue exploring. Regardless of the shitty situation, she was still their captain and she couldn't not show her face, especially not after ensuring the negligent medics would hear she had plans to go out with her team the night before. How unprofessional did that make her look? It would seem as though she was too hungover to get out of bed.

More to the point, the absence would look suspicious as hell. It was too coincidental and ran the risk of them knowing she was onto them.

"Itachi, I can't. My group–"

"An hour," came his gentle insistence. "At least have an hour before everyone wakes up."

Sakura sighed, though there was no denying the tiredness that clung to her words. "You're not going to drop it, are you?"

"My wife is putting her health at risk," Itachi murmured in response and reached out to take her cup of tea, placing it down on the table. Coming to kneel before her, he offered his own tired sigh. "Of course I'm not going to drop it."

"Only an hour," she relented.

"Only an hour."

---

As thankful as she was that Itachi stuck to his word, she regretted only having an hour. It left her with a pounding headache, aching muscles and groggy as hell. Nothing a hot shower and a burst of chakra couldn't ease, but even as Sakura joined the other medics in the dining hall not long afterwards, she found herself yearning to go back to sleep.

Luckily, there was nothing urgent requiring her attention in regard to the group as a whole, so aside from keeping tabs on them all and ensuring they weren't acting inappropriately, her part was played. For now, anyway. Sakura knew once the opening ceremony for the program was finished and the negligent bunch were out of the way, she'd need to start changing everything around. Until then, considering how stressful it was becoming, she was completely okay with a little healthy procrastination.

"Any plans?"

Humming thoughtfully, Ino finished the rest of her breakfast and sat back with a satisfied sigh. There was a small hint of longing that lingered in her expression as she looked to her now empty dish and it brought forth Sakura's first smile of the day. Too bad she also loved the food there, otherwise she would've shared.

"I'm meeting with Shikamaru and Choji in about an hour," she responded. "We're going over strategies for the royal rumble."

Oh? They were teaming up? Amused, Sakura couldn't help but ask, "Shikamaru isn't forfeiting the first chance he gets?"

She should have known that would rile her best friend up. Ino's features twisted with sadistic determination and a part of her pitied poor Shikamaru. Between his teammate and Temari (and his own mother, according to his grumblings), he never had it easy.

"Like hell we're accepting that!" she snapped. "That lazy ass is getting involved whether he likes it or not."

Looking at it strategically, however, Shikamaru wouldn't last all that long if Ino-Shika-Cho was divided and he remained in the dark about who else was participating. He was one of few who relied mainly on their long distance ninjutsu and when it came to close combat, stuck to weapons that were oftentimes enhanced by his chakra nature.

Together with Ino and Choji? Shikamaru stood a chance of making it halfway, depending on when they were each brought into the arena. Alone, however? Without his jutsu? No. Sakura couldn't see him making it far. His intelligence was off the charts and his strategies damn near flawless, but the royal rumble was purely about letting loose without chakra. There would be no time for thinking, not with so many talented shinobi filling the space and he couldn't restrain anyone with his ninjutsu. He probably already knew that himself though was merely humouring his team or trying to save face with Temari.

"So, how did last night go?" the blonde asked conversationally while Sakura sluggishly finished the rest of her breakfast. "It seemed like Kyo was prowling the corridors for hours waiting for you."

As long as that was the only reason people believed him to be out of their bedroom, then she was fine with them seeing him. However, Sakura ensured to keep Itachi's warning to the forefront of her mind when it came to Kyo's training: she had to protect him while he learned the ropes. He was completely vulnerable as he currently was.

"He's not a fan of the sand and refuses to test it out at night," she replied, sighing. "And last night went as you can probably expect."

Ino snorted. "Naruto passed out?"

"Gaara-kun had to carry him home."

"Honestly," chimed Rin from across the table, shaking her head. "Obito and I are forever warning him about respecting his limits. To think he's gone so far in a different village…"

There was no hiding the softening of her gaze as the brunette muttered about lecturing him once more, because as much as Naruto pretended like he hated being treated like a child, she knew he loved the attention – no, not attention. The love and concern another showed when it came to his well-being made him incredibly happy. It eased the crushing loneliness whenever he wondered whether that was how his parents would have responded to his behaviour.

"You might have to rough him up, Rin-san," came Ino's sigh, not at all regretful like it sounded.

But she smiled shyly and told them, "Obito's better at taking that role. He was often on the receiving end of Kushina-san's ire, after all."

It meant the world to her teammate having Team Minato around and Sakura was so thankful that they made an effort to be involved in his life. In the beginning, being kids themselves, they weren't able to offer any stability, but like hell would they have ever left him to grow up alone or let that stop them from involving themselves.

Honestly? Sakura wondered where Naruto would have ended up without them. They weren't parents by any means, but they were like the older siblings he never had. They were his family even if they weren't biologically related. From taking turns to randomly check in on him, taking him grocery shopping, training him regularly, telling him stories of his parents, celebrating birthdays and holidays together… Hell, just spending time with Naruto. She wondered where he would be mentally without them.

"If Obito fails, you know Sasuke-kun will weigh in on disciplining him," Sakura snorted. "For embarrassing the team if nothing else."

"It might be best if it's Obito-san, then," suggested Ino, snickering.

Oh, without a doubt. Sasuke had absolutely zero tolerance for Naruto's immaturity. However, by that point, the blond took it as a challenge more than anything and enjoyed toying with Sasuke's short temper every chance he got. Even when the Uchiha distanced himself, Naruto fought all the harder to piss him off. In his words, it made him seem more human and brought back their Sasuke.

"I think I'll go corner him before the others have a chance," Rin announced sheepishly and stood from her place, empty dishes in hand. "Please, excuse me."

"I need to get moving too," Sakura told Ino in an offhanded way. She stretched while standing before grabbing her dishes. "Kazekage-sama was considering having me oversee a few shifts at the hospital before the program officially starts, just to know where they're at."

The lie was bought without a moment of doubt – she could tell the negligent bunch listening carefully from the next table bought it too. Pretending not to notice, Sakura set to handing over her dishes with a polite thank you and preparing herself for the meeting. Luckily, keeping her from growing too antsy or stressed, Gaara turned up only ten minutes later and she met him outside of the inn.

They didn't talk about the medics on the off chance they were being tailed or somebody overheard them. Feigning ignorance and acting as though it was any other day, they resumed ordinary banter and taunted one another about the upcoming demonstration. Admittedly, it did ease the weight on her shoulders ever so slightly and gave Sakura something to look forward to.

If everything went according to plan (as in, having a hit out on her didn't get in the way), then their all out spar was tomorrow – the official start of the opening ceremony. The day after that was when ANBU was due to show up to take the medics back to the village.

Any idiot would target her after she expended herself against the Sand Siblings, with the bonus of everyone being distracted by the festivities afterwards, but would the medics believe that to be cutting it too close? Would they target her before the demonstration just in case ANBU made it to Suna sooner than expected? Was that pushing it?

Before her thoughts could get carried away, Sakura was being granted entry to the Kazekage's office once more. He sat patiently behind his desk in full Kage robes sans the hat, which rested neatly on his desk, telling her that he was due to start official duties shortly.

"Thank you for seeing me on such short notice, Kazekage-sama," Sakura greeted politely with a formal bow. "I apologise for being so insistent. I understand how busy you must be with the opening ceremony due to start tomorrow."

He nodded once in acknowledgment to her apology, allowing her to straighten up out of her bow and take note of the rest of the room. While she'd been uncertain the night before, it seemed Gaara had decided for her to involve his siblings and he moved to join them at the side of the Kazekage's desk. It was obvious they weren't in the know just yet, although the seriousness of their father's expression told her he knew at least a chunk.

"Let's avoid unnecessary talk and discuss the issue you're facing. Gaara has already advised me this is a problematic topic. I have ensured we are protected from outsiders."

Gods, he was so blunt. Masking the cringe she itched with, Sakura nodded and clasped her hands behind her back. There really was no way for her to sugar coat their blindsiding him and shit, she cowardly wished she didn't have to be the one to break the news.

"Less than twenty-four hours before we set out to Suna, there was an incident in the ICU where the medics purposely ignored a code blue." Despite how shocking a matter it was, not one muscle twitched in their composed features as they listened carefully and Sakura commended the professionalism. Most would have interrupted her already. "I informed Hokage-sama on this gross neglect and we quickly discovered that those medics make up a great number of my list."

"Your reason for only bringing this up now?" came his quiet demand.

"I was tasked with investigating and disciplining those medics and reporting my findings back to Hokage-sama. Being so close to the exchange program, we were unable to make any major changes that could essentially blindside you when we arrived." Sighing regretfully, she added, "Hokage-sama is currently writing up a report for you to explain the situation – as you have already mentioned, it's a sensitive issue and she was concerned about the lack of privacy." The words had Temari's eyes narrowing fractionally, though being the strategist the blonde was, Sakura knew it was mainly because she caught onto the double meaning behind her words. "Via our joint summons, Hokage-sama, Shizune-senpai and I concluded the next best step would be to immediately suspend those involved, as it came to light that they are corrupting newly licensed medics."

The Kazekage's hands came together on the desk and he considered her for a brief moment, then uttered, "Hence your reason for informing us now."

She nodded. "ANBU will be collecting the group in a few days' time. Once we discovered the risk factors, we concluded it best to risk losing face." Sakura inhaled deeply as she held onto the man's gaze, heart palpitating at the grave expression he sported. "I cannot speak for Hokage-sama, but as the captain of the medics this year and as someone you put your trust into, I want to offer my sincere apologies for withholding vital information. I also understand if this causes you reservations regarding our training of your shinobi and medics."

Movement from one of the siblings caught Sakura's attention, but she continued to look to the Kazekage as he appeared to consider his thoughts. However, surprising her, he didn't voice them immediately and looked to his children instead, wordlessly ordering them to weigh in.

"Although frustrating that the Hokage withheld the truth, it's understandable – to an extent," Temari spoke up first, voice assertive and composed. "Maintaining the treaty is imperative, however we are still individual villages and do not have to share the ins and outs of our transgressions." Looking to Sakura, the blonde added, "This was an investigation and I'm assuming this new information only recently came to light."

"Yesterday," she confirmed, thankful that Temari was so rational about it all. "My husband and I felt it prudent to tail these medics after a select few approached me regarding their actions. We discovered that it went much deeper than gross neglect and once I did, I contacted Hokage-sama immediately with my wishes to suspend the group." Returning her focus to the Kazekage, Sakura continued firmly but understandingly (just in case he was pissed), "Although captain, I cannot make executive decisions without first informing Hokage-sama."

At his single nod of acceptance, she prepared herself for continuing the dreaded conversation but certainly didn't show the discomfort it caused. It helped that they weren't jumping on her about the deceit or the potential risks to their village, though Sakura knew not to allow it to lure her into a false sense of security. The Kazekage would have to inform his council and there was no telling how they would respond, or what they would demand their official response to be. They had essentially (knowingly) brought a considerable risk into their village, after all.

"There's more," Sakura admitted.

"What else could possibly go wrong at this point?"

Her arms came behind her back again to hide any signs of her own apprehension. She couldn't appear as weak. "Since receiving news of their returning to the village, my husband and I have been tailing the group to ensure nothing untoward happens. They somehow caught wind of Hokage-sama's decisions." She couldn't hold back the sigh of resignation and she could tell by the flash in Temari's eyes that the blonde caught onto how she was going to respond to the movement. "They plan on attacking me, and I need your assurance that nobody will intervene."

"You mean an assassination attempt."

"It'll be fifteen against one," Kankuro argued immediately.

"Even you have limitations, Sakura," added Gaara, seemingly taking his father by surprise by speaking up at all. But now she knew better. She knew not to overlook the furrowing of his brow that shared just how furious and concerned he was, especially not when he stepped out of line. "At least have your team for backup–"

"She doesn't need backup," Temari interrupted without a moment of hesitation, nodding once to her in show of comradery. "You mentioned last night that some of them aren't trained in battle when I asked why it took you guys so long to get here – you've studied them."

"To the finest detail and will continue studying them," she assured the other woman. "And if they happen to take me by surprise, then they'll have more than gross misconduct to answer for."

"They would have lied to the Hokage," muttered the Kazekage in understanding. He sighed, no doubt annoyed that the exchange program was already experiencing hurdles. "Very well, Uchiha. I will see to it myself that nobody interferes, though I ask that if you have any control over their actions at all, you refrain from fighting within my village."

"Thank you, Kazekage-sama."

---

Gaara was pissed with her. Shockingly, Kankuro was unhappy too. Even when Temari continued to back Sakura's decision to face the fifteen medics alone, they had their reservations and weren't afraid to show their reluctance of accepting orders. For anyone who knew how serious Suna-nin took their training, professionalism and orders, it was a major cause for concern, in Sakura's eyes.

"I'll keep them in line the best I can," Temari assured her in hushed tones as she escorted her back to the inn. It should have been Gaara, but he was ordered to stay behind and there was little doubt in Sakura's mind he was being chewed out for allowing his emotions to get the best of him. "Though, I can't really blame them for their hesitance."

Pausing for just a moment and seemingly considering her next words carefully, Temari caught Sakura's arm to wordlessly indicate her to stop, teal eyes serious but concerned.

"You're one of Gaara's precious people – he doesn't have many who he's made a genuine connection with. As a woman who knows how hard it is to be seen as an equal, I'm frustrated for you that he's overlooking your abilities, but…" She sighed and smiled ruefully, glancing back at the Kazekage Tower with shoulders that dropped ever so slightly. "The older sister in me is relieved he's showing such potent emotion towards another. I never thought I'd see the day that he'd willingly open up his heart again."

"Temari…"

"All I'm saying is try to be patient with him," she added in that rare soft tone. "Having friends is new to him and it's rare for Gaara to not get his own way. It doesn't appear as such, but know he is showing great restraint in not handling the situation for you."

---

It made her antsy as hell waiting for them to make their move.

Upon returning to the inn, Itachi informed her that the other captains knew of the predicament and were on standby for his signal. They were to act as witnesses first and foremost, but if they believed for even a moment that her life was truly in jeopardy then they told Itachi simply that they were stepping in. Screw the rules, Anko had allegedly snarled.

Would they attack her at the inn? Sakura pondered the possibilities although showed no outward signs of her rapidly increasing apprehension, continuing her lunch like she hadn't a care in the world. Kyo remained by her side, winding himself through her legs and offering head bumps whenever he overheard her name – it was more natural than swiping at her, they'd discovered and fit perfectly with his constant need for love and attention.

She was beginning to suspect luring them outside the village somehow was the best way to jumpstart the attack. Seemingly out of hearing distance and not a person in sight. It also gave them the opening they needed to run should they need to. The opportunity would be too good to ignore, even if it did seem suspicious that she was outside the village.

Ah, but what if she spooked them or made it obvious that she'd caught on? Even if some of them weren't trained, there was still too many of them – too many eyes on her. One slight mistake and it was over.

Regardless, they had to be dealt with swiftly. Preferably before the opening ceremony began. To prevent or intercept any suspicious behaviour or attacks towards the Kazekage or other diplomats, Suna's ANBU would be stationed around the village, just as their own was ordered to back in Konoha. The Kazekage assured her they wouldn't be interrupted, but ANBU were capable of straying from the rules if there was a legitimate threat to the village or their Kage.

Half of them weren't fighters, Sakura recalled and spared a discreet glance over in their direction. Those who were seemed fairly tough, but the main cause for concern was their healing abilities. Despite their actions, they were all admirable medics and having an advantage in numbers, could potentially heal one another while others attacked. Drawing out the battle wasn't a wise decision even with her reserves as backup. It opened them up to outside intervention.

Part of Sakura did wish she could have her team there as Gaara suggested. They brought her a sense of calm and comfort and their teamwork was seamless, allowing them to make up for where she lacked. But like Itachi warned: they were biased and were known to take everything personally. They also had to take Sasuke's anger towards their neglecting his clansmen into account.

If it was as they suspected and there truly was some kind of movement against the Uchiha clan, then she needed to keep Sasuke out of it for his own good. Either he could lose composure or they could twist the situation against him. Neither was a risk she was willing to take. Not for a second.

Sakura was yanked out of her musings by the abrupt hissing from beneath the table, the one that brought the room's attention to her also. Too concerned with checking on her ninneko than placating those around her, she was quick to duck her head forward, frowning worriedly until Kyo purposely swished his tail around her foot.

Holy shit, he was doing it!

She played along with the seemingly angry stare he sent her and offered an apologetic smile. "Sorry, Kyo! Did I step on your tail?" Of course, Kyo didn't answer or show any signs of understanding a word she said, and Sakura felt her heart fluttering at the impressive show he put on. She then added with a sheepish grin, "I need to take my head out of the clouds, don't I? Sorry."

Whether it was intentional or not, Kyo had created an opening for her. Only a small bunch of those targeting her remained at the inn for lunch, and Sakura could feel their stares boring into her back when reaching down to pet Kyo. To praise his hard work and learning a new skill, a small morsel of the meat from her plate was handed down to him and he happily scoffed it down, seemingly forgiving her.

If they suspected her guards were down and she was distracted by the pressures of the program, then they'd believe that there was an opening. In reality, she had hers. It wasn't exactly a difficult task playing up an airheaded nature or adding emphasis to one. Sakura knew her acting skills had come a long way in the past couple of years and better yet, she knew all of her nervous ticks. Even the subconscious ones. She could play the part of the distracted captain.

She could lure them out.

Decision made, she finished up in the communal area before heading back to her room.

It was time to strategize.

---

If Itachi was unnerved by the potentially risky plan of confronting them head on, then he hid it well. Much to her gratefulness, he didn't hesitate in agreeing and instead made a point of going through strategies with her. Itachi offered his input and reminded Sakura of areas she was weakest in, how to better guard and what to avoid, bringing their training to the forefront of her mind.

Her ninjutsu was still lacking, but not to the extent it previously was. Some techniques she knew didn't need to be used in conjunction with another person's anymore and Sakura was able to use a couple new ones too. To make up for that average area in her skillset, they'd worked tirelessly at increasing her speed – that was her major advantage against the other medics. Although still unable to go against Itachi's sharingan or speed, Sakura knew she was above average there.

The disadvantages continued to gnaw at her, but she refused to ruminate or allow doubt to cloud her mind. Rather, Sakura reminded herself of all her abilities without growing too cocky. To really kick up the determination, however, she recalled the risk to Tsunade and Shizune. To the Uchiha Clan. She had to win the battle and take them back for interrogation.

As Sakura prepared herself and took note of others returning to the inn, Itachi alerted the other captains and ANBU operatives of their intentions. Due to the methods of communication requiring utmost secrecy, she wasn't privy to those conversations, though she did find herself curiously peering over to the doorway in the hopes of catching an innocent glimpse.

She and Itachi would be connected via earpieces, with him tailing the medics she lured outside the village. He'd asserted himself into the plan and made it clear he wasn't sitting it out – not involved in the fighting but sticking close by. Honestly? It reassured Sakura more than anything. She was confident in her abilities and trusted herself to get the job done but having someone watching her back relieved some of the pressure.

The others would likely already be in position, only revealing themselves when they believed it okay to do so. At least, that was what she hoped. Although they'd already stated they would intervene, Sakura hoped they wouldn't. It was her problem – they were coming after her. And she was strong enough to deal with them.

Once given the go ahead, she retrieved her well-known medicinal bag and her journal, offering the others a simple explanation of perusing the herbs that thrived in the desert's harsh climate. Some offered to join, though they were kindly brushed off as she pushed about needing a break from the chaos of the past few days. Nobody questioned her after that, and Sakura noted the one negligent medic present trying a little too hard to appear uncaring.

It was time to move.

It was difficult to tell if she was being tailed, much to her annoyance. Being no sensory type and with the village being as busy as it was during the day, the collective noises and chakra made it virtually impossible for Sakura to pinpoint the chakra of the medics. There was too much going on around her to concentrate and search for them specifically, not without stopping and making it obvious.

However, she received her confirmation just as she reached the greenhouses on the outskirts of the village.

"They bought it," came the calm assurance of her husband via the earpiece.

At least he was capable of tracking them, Sakura thought with a sigh of relief. Perhaps that was a trick she could be taught eventually, too. Then again, there was every chance Kyo could act as her sensory type – Hana even insisted that eventually, they would be capable of viewing the world from the other's eyes. That would definitely come in handy in terms of her mission, and certainly the better skill to focus on sharpening.

Making a show of being invested in the medicinal herbs, she went about inspecting each one and creating notes on what they could potentially be used for once she figured out what she was looking at. Then, once a decent chunk of time had passed and Sakura gradually started to pick up on ill intentions, she acted non-the-wiser and left the safety of the greenhouse to investigate the plants down the path, taking herself further from the village and their supplies to reduce the risk of damaging them.

"They're moving," Itachi warned her just as the hairs on the back of Sakura's neck stood on end. "Prepare yourself."

The shift in the air behind her prompted Sakura to duck forward, eyes narrowing on the arm that flew through the space her head once occupied. Distance was quickly made the moment she spun with a half-hearted backhand, though there was no stopping the genuine shock from showing in her expression.

How…?

There was more of them than she'd anticipated, even some from other groups, but Sakura refused to show her unease while glancing around at those who suddenly revealed themselves.

It was no longer one against fifteen. As Itachi stated: it seemed they had no intentions of failing their attempt on her life or returning to the village, because without a doubt, the others outed themselves to make up for the medics not being trained in battle. Either they truly believed she was alone and vulnerable and could get away with taking her out or were planning on deserting too.

"What's this?" she questioned, keeping up pretences. They couldn't know about the other captains or ANBU watching. Not yet anyway. They needed their evidence. "Explain yourselves."

But they didn't speak. Didn't look away from carefully assessing her every move. They were dead set in their plans to assassinate her and truth be told, Sakura was unnerved. Who wouldn't be when facing twenty-two who were intent on killing them? When fifteen of them could heal the other seven and make her survival all the more difficult?

Itachi's watching, Sakura reminded herself just as nerves threatened to kick in and dared her to question herself. ANBU and the captains are ready to intervene.

You're not weak, she repeated fiercely at the slightest of shifts.

"Don't you dare hold back," Gaara's words returned.

Many of them were merely faces in a crowd she'd often glimpsed at but never taken real notice of. Konoha was a big village, after all. Their numbers ever growing and making it unreasonable to know every single villager. That certainly aided in booting the sentimentality that plagued her the night before, the one that'd threatened to break her heart. Now, all Sakura felt while looking through the twenty-two traitors so brazenly wearing their village's emblem was fury.

They had no right.

Smirking coldly and dropping her bag and textbook to free up her hands, Sakura allowed that fury to strengthen her resolve, to shove aside the memories of those she'd once believed to be her friends.

"Fine, but just know I won't go easy on you," she stated simply.

Predictably, several rushed her all at once to try and overwhelm her – none of the medics, however. They were likely going to remain in the back as per the medical rules, acting more as a support, just as Sakura had for several years before activating her seal.

Her focus had to be dispatching the medics. Preventing the others from being healed gave her a humongous advantage and would shorten the battle significantly. Laughably predictable, but nonetheless important. She just had to create that opening to them, since the others would undoubtedly know her plans.

With her mind set, Sakura flooded her arm and fist with chakra and slammed it into the ground, releasing the gathered chakra with one huge surge. The responding explosion of sand granted her the distraction she needed as the attackers protected their eyes from abrasions and she darted forward with a vengeance, barrelling into a small collection of the medics ruthlessly. They barely even had the chance to reveal their shock as Sakura left the cover of sand, features calm and composed, fist drawing back and–

Sudden movement to her left demanded she retreated, lips thinning once she was up in the air and given the chance to see what was coming for her. The sand collapsed back to the ground, coating them all in the annoying grains, but that was easily overlooked at the two wielding impressive blades. It was clear from the way the women handled themselves that they were greatly skilled in that area – not exactly a weakness of hers, but Sakura didn't possess a blade long enough to maintain distance from them. All she had on her were kunai and shuriken.

They were on her the moment she touched down, and she was swift in ducking in a swirl, leg sweeping round to take theirs out or at the very least, disrupt their balance or teamwork. But they were relentless, clearly used to working with one another, and one lunged the moment the other was at risk of being hit or disarmed.

Too bad she was used to Naruto and his persistent clones.

Striking with deadly precision the second she found that opening, Sakura ducked beneath one striking blade and rammed the heel of her hand into the woman's nose. Her eyes were narrowed on the second attacker the moment she landed the blow that busted the first's nose and had her stumbling backwards, spinning just out of reach before swinging her leg upwards. She kicked the blade away, fist following to keep the woman distracted just long enough for her to throw her head forward. The force of the headbutt was enough to disorientate her and Sakura took full advantage with a kick to one leg that aided her in closing the distance between her knee and the woman's jaw.

The aim was to knock them out, not kill. She needed them alive and fit for interrogation to get to the bottom of their conflict with the Uchiha clan. More than anything, she needed to protect her precious people. She couldn't do that without any leads.

But those damned medics…

It didn't matter how many times she incapacitated the others if the medics healed them. That was proven when they dove into the fray the second Sakura was forced to create more distance. And they were all admirable healers – some of the best the hospital had to offer.

They needed to go.

"C'mon, do better than that," she taunted, knowing that her best shot was to rile them all up. That way, they would lash out without having the time for strategies, essentially making themselves easy pickings. "You're not serious right now, are you? This is embarrassing."

The gradual smirk at their tangible displeasure was full of deadly promise and betrayal, and not for the first time Sakura revelled in the effect her skills and presence had on opponents when it finally dawned on them who they were up against. They really thought it would be as simple as grouping up against her? When Naruto's favourite move was to swamp his opponent with clones? Like hell she hadn't grown used to beating the shit out of multiple targets at once and guarding herself fiercely.

But it wasn't about beating the shit out of them, Sakura reluctantly reminded herself while sinking down into a defensive stance. She watched stoically when they spread themselves out, though there was no denying her stomach clenching with anger at the familiar thrum of healing chakra. It brought her attention back to the pressing matter at hand.

Discovering patterns or getting a feel of their techniques wasn't impossible, though when it was twenty-two against one, it felt like it was.

Some of the medics were trained in combat and while they weren't supposed to fight, it didn't mean they wouldn't if they spotted an opening. Why would they abide by the medic-nin rules? No, Sakura knew she needed to anticipate their jumping in and most predictably, they would do so when she was weakened or fatigued. They–

What the hell was that feeling?

It vaguely reminded her of the tingling charge that would snap through the air whenever Sasuke or Kakashi charged up a Chidori attack. A similar sensation was tickling along her skin, raising the hairs on her arms in an unsettling warning and it had Sakura doing a quick sweep of the surrounding area. There was nothing to be seen, though. Nothing out of the usual, which could only mean…

She was up in the air and out of reach the second they broke through the sand, and Sakura's eyes narrowed on the formula scrawled across the scrolls revealed, taking a few moments to really understand.

Then it hit her like she'd run headfirst into a solid wall.

They were trying to seal away her chakra with one of the Nidaime's forbidden techniques.

That scroll was one she'd witnessed just four times in the past during interrogations, all under the Hokage's supervision and with Morino Ibiki in charge. Anyone beneath him didn't have the clearance or even the ability to go through with such a technique – they were supposed to be forbidden. Highly classified. Only the elite of the village knew of them, and only those on the seemingly untouchable level above said elite status were granted permission to use them. It took a great amount of physical control and mental composure to master that technique.

Fuck.

They were ANBU level.

How were they ANBU level?

Seemingly making up for missing their shot, they all lunged at once and she grunted when they descended upon her in a group of eight. Sakura threw herself backwards onto her hands to avoid the kunai and fists to the face, feet lashing upwards and catching two of the attackers, then the moment she was up again, when another thought that she would be adjusting to the change, she hip tossed him to the ground followed by a swift stomp to the stomach, elbowing another in the same spot hard enough to render them unconscious.

One against what was originally twenty-two was difficult enough when holding back. Having a chunk of them suddenly joining the battle out of nowhere on top of potentially being ANBU level meant she was way out of her depth.

Just as one woman believed her fist would land, Sakura tilted her head to the side and allowed it to barely skim her hair, the momentum working in her favour as she slammed her knee into her stomach and tossed her to the ground. It left her convulsing and spluttering into the sand, eyes wide with horrified pain, but Sakura didn't spare her a second glance.

The only upside was that some of the medics had joined the battle, creating those much-needed openings for her.

In her eyes, they were all traitors to Konoha. How could they not be when they had deceived their Hokage? Many of them had fabricated their pasts and their abilities, claiming to be medics who were not trained in combat. Some claimed to have limited experience. Hell, one of the guys from the other group was supposedly only genin level. Like hell he was.

There was a serious threat to Konoha.

Ducking beneath a striking fist, Sakura lunged upwards but just as they attempted to move away, she disrespected them in one of the greatest ways possible and snagged their forehead protector from their head.

She kicked away from them, using their knee as a vault and leaving the man to drop to the scorching sand with a pained hiss. "You have no right to be wearing this."

Any ordinary shinobi – any loyal shinobi – would have been outraged by the blatant disrespect. They'd all earned their forehead protectors and they wore their village's emblem with immense pride. It represented the ending of the feuds, of establishing peace treaties and the creation of the shinobi system.

"You see this symbol?" she snarled angrily and hopped back several feet to give herself a better view of them all. They were motionless, awaiting her next move and eerily, Sakura found their expressions carefully composed and completely unreadable. "This symbol was created by the same two men who ended the wars between their clans and co-founded our village. It symbolises unity and safety and a place to call home." Furious glare shooting to the negligent medics, she tightened her hold on the forehead protector, upper lip curling. "People who don't respect what our village stands for, who turn their back on their own comrades, have no right to wear our insignia."

Gods, she hoped the others were reading into their unsettling lack of responses. It was clear to any idiot they'd been holding back for years. They'd been lying to their Hokage, living fake lives amongst them and in all that time, they…

The shifting of one of their feet and ever so slight bend of the knee acted as a forewarning and Sakura responded swiftly, moving before they could initiate the attack.

"Too slow," she snarled while appearing before them, low to add more force to the left fist drawing back threateningly, feet coated in chakra to prevent her slipping in the sand. They had nowhere to go and no way to dodge or block and Sakura's arm shook from the extra chakra flooding through, directed for her fist and causing it to glow blue.

But still, there was no fear. Not even a flicker. From any of them.

The uppercut was ruthless and crippling when she combined it with a damning kick to the stomach, but Sakura didn't have the time to focus on them soaring away from her as two others descended to back their comrade. Faster than the previous one, they certainly kept her occupied for several important moments before quickly dashing from the area just as she began to pick up on that charge once more. And assessing the area told Sakura not to take it lightly.

They were fast learners. They knew not to come at her with just the sealing jutsu.

One was attempting to seal away her chakra, another charging up an attack she didn't recognise, the one in front wielding a katana and behind her were four others. They were trying to corner her, leaving no room for her to retreat.

And shit, she couldn't dodge them all.

Inwardly grimacing at the choice she was forced to make, Sakura dashed forward and impaled herself onto the katana since it was the lesser evil, startling the woman long enough to render her unconscious with a single blow. She maintained a firm grip on the katana once it was freed and quickly created more distance, absentmindedly wiping away the blood that trickled down her chin.

Too close.

If she pulled the katana out, she'd bleed to death within minutes. Healing herself wasn't the issue – finding the time was the issue. They were already charging towards her all at once now that she was seemingly distracted and vulnerable.

Sakura sent a burst of healing chakra to the puncture wounds to stop the bleeding, simultaneously numbing the area just enough for her to yank the katana out once they were all close enough. Their surprise, although only lasting a second, was a second too long and she struck with unforgiving accuracy, slicing enough to incapacitate the four who'd given chase but not fatally wound. At least, not immediately. If she managed to heal them relatively soon, they would be fine. Eventually. Maybe.

"Y-You…!"

"Don't tell me you thought this would be easy," she snarled, only pausing in talking to spin on her heel and backhand the person attempting to sneak up behind her. "I was trained by Hokage-sama and Kakashi-sensei. Know your place."

"We have her!"

"Don't let her activate that seal!"

Let her?

Let her?

Sakura offered a bloodied smirk.

Like they even had a chance at stopping her.

Leaping backwards into the air just as the sealing group lunged for her, Sakura's hands flew through several seals, and she used the momentum of the fire jutsu to create even more distance. With the unnecessary amount of chakra she poured into it, it covered a devastating amount of the area and generated a big enough diversion for her to slip away long enough to heal the stab wound.

Sōzō Saisei was unnecessary, Sakura deduced the moment she could focus properly on the injury, though she knew if the fight continued the way it currently was, she would have no choice but to rely on it. Luckily, they hadn't made so much as a dent in her reserves and since mastering her seal, Sakura's stamina only came second to that of a jinchūriki. The pool of chakra that was so rarely taken from had grown exponentially over the years, to the extent that should she need to for whatever reason, Sakura was capable of refilling the humongous chakra of someone like Naruto.

That was if they didn't seal it away, she reminded herself with a troubled frown.

They knew of her abilities to unsettlingly fine detail, meaning they'd studied her over the years. Possibly studied Tsunade, too.

However, unlike her shishou, Sakura had not overused the jutsu and aged her body in the process, weakening it overtime as it succumbed to old age as humans naturally did. Even if she managed the impossible and tired herself out, physically, she was able to keep going. It was such a Gai and Lee thing of her to say, but she really did have the power of youth on her side.

As could only be expected, her opponents were quick to pinpoint her location and Sakura sucked in a sharp breath when pushing forward to meet them head on. There was too many of them to go around, all with differing abilities and boasting not just quantity, but excellent quality too. Not even Akina's twin's small army could compare to them, even with the larger numbers.

Taking risks wasn't exactly uncommon to Sakura. She knew her limits, trusted her strategies and boasted healing abilities that lessened said risks.

So, without a flicker of hesitation, she threw herself to the centre of them all, movements blurring as she relied entirely on instinct and senses to block and counter. Their skills were impressive and they landed several blows, but Sakura could read in their eyes that they were hoping to end it quickly. And why wouldn't they if they'd been watching her for years? They knew her skillset. They knew of her stamina and reserves. The longer it was drawn out, the more the advantage shifted.

Only when all six of them were down did Sakura shift in her footing and used a powerful burst of chakra to dash forward, gaze narrowing on the medics. Just as predictable as her launching an attack was, they lunged for their fallen comrades. However, she had to admit, she was unprepared for just how strong some of them were as they finally clashed.

They were admirably fast and due to having the greater numbers, were capable of coming to one another's defence whenever Sakura got too close. Like any other medic, they possessed noteworthy dodging skills. But it seemed some of them weren't as unreadable as the others. She knew from the cocky glint that flashed through one of their expressions that somebody had managed to sneak through her defences.

And she couldn't block it either, damn it.

What the hell was…?

A startled yell left her before Sakura could quieten it and her muscles seized up unbearably, leaving her open to the multitude of kunai that plunged into various parts of her body without a shred of remorse. They connected with enough force to throw her backwards, but they were the least of her concerns. Whatever jutsu that clipped her was strong enough to leave a lasting effect, completely overshadowing everything else. Sakura couldn't even tell if it hurt or not. Worst of all was the lack of response from her chakra.

"Finally," someone muttered, concerning her with the realisation that she couldn't instantly tell where they were.

Genjutsu…?

Even if it was, Sakura was unable to release it without the use of her chakra, leading her to suspect they'd lunged with the chakra sealant the second the genjutsu hit and screwed up her senses.

C'mon, she willed herself desperately. There wasn't a chance in hell that this was going to take her out.

But how did she wake herself–

She had to let them strike.

Inwardly grimacing at the predicament, Sakura set to mentally preparing herself for the fatal wound she would soon be dealt. She couldn't allow it to hold her back or make her falter. No, the second it hit, it would disturb whatever genjutsu was placed on her long enough for her to attack.

"That's…!"

At their sudden uncertainty and halt in dealing the final blow, Sakura looked up through squinting eyes and it was only after considerable effort that she registered the collective demanding caws. And for a single moment she was in awe of the murder that darkened the skies seemingly out of nowhere, swirling ominously in unison until they were given their silent orders. It was in that same second that the crows descended on them with a vengeance and created the perfect diversion that an arm wrapped securely around her waist, yanking her to safety.

Disorientated, she couldn't see anything in the protective barrier the crows erected, but that was okay, his familiar scent told her comfortingly. He was there now to back her up and effortlessly releasing her from the genjutsu. Unfortunately for her, it seemed her chakra truly was sealed away and so she was forced to cope with the wounds trying to slow her down.

She was carefully lowered to her feet once the crows ascended higher into the cloudless sky, never straying too far from them as they flew in loud, agitated circles.

"Itachi–"

"I respect your need for independence, but this goes far beyond that." It surprised her to see the anger in his usually composed features, sharingan focused intently on the enemy. "There is a chance these people are a legitimate threat to Konoha."

They shouldn't be giving you this much trouble, his expression mirrored her thoughts as their gazes briefly met.

"We have our evidence," continued her husband in hushed tones. "You no longer need to hold back."

"We need to keep at least some of them alive for interrogation," Sakura argued, coming to stand beside him with clenching fists.

There was a brief pause in his response and she could tell from the brief glance that roamed over her body that Itachi was aware of her no longer having access to her chakra. But warming her heart while simultaneously offering some of the highest praise he could give her, he didn't tell her to retreat or go to the side lines.

He believed in her abilities to keep fighting even without chakra.

Sakura ignored the rush of excitement that burst in her belly, and the way her heart skipped a beat.

Although the attackers were mostly detached, there was now apprehension shining in their gazes as they looked to one another. Some even took steps back at Itachi's appearance, though Sakura supposed she couldn't really blame them. She was tough and resilient sure, but there was no denying he was on a whole other level to them all. A small part of her even felt like she was no longer necessary.

"Back me up," he ordered calmly.

But he still wanted her to help.

Seemingly trusting Sakura's abilities, Itachi shot forward with a speed that shocked her greatly, though she couldn't allow it to distract her. Instead, Sakura shadowed his movements and swept in when they attempted to overwhelm him as they had her.

That gentle nature she'd come to care for was nowhere to be seen now. Like it was a mere switch, Itachi shut out the side he showed only to her and was ruthless in his attacks. From plunging kunai deep into muscles to hinder their movements, to ensnaring them in paralysing genjutsu, to working alongside Sakura and following up on her taijutsu unfalteringly, using his sharingan to his advantage as he effortlessly saw through her attacks and added to them. He created that opening to the medics so easily it shook her.

It was ridiculous the difference his presence made, though there wasn't room to feel disheartened at the leap between their skills.

No, troubling Sakura deeply was the intense swell of pride and dark excitement as she witnessed the formidable shinobi that was her husband. She could tell exactly where his training as an ANBU captain came into the battle and admired the calm countenance he displayed. Itachi was untouchable and proved that he'd earned his titles. He was one of the toughest ANBU captains they had to offer.

And he was all hers.

With the medics subdued thanks to his assistance, Sakura took an unsteady step back, lips parting to release a rush of air at the remarkable sight of her husband. There wasn't a scratch on him – barely even out of breath. And as Itachi stood to his full height once finished with them, standing amongst the unconscious traitors like he'd only just started warming up, the way he looked over at her had Sakura swallowing hard, unable to fight the intense heat that rushed through her.

He was all hers.

And there was no denying the swell of love she felt for him. Not after witnessing his determination to protect their beloved village.

Still too stunned to speak or move, she watched him wordlessly approach her, unable to look away from that stunning shade of red as he once more assessed her body. Then, like he hadn't done enough already to prove his worth, had every coherent thought skidding to a halt by effortlessly reversing the sealing jutsu that only a trusted few could use.

As the return of her chakra physically warmed her, Itachi reached out and cradled her face, his expression gentling as he assessed the bruises marring her skin.

"I'm okay," she numbly assured him in a soft murmur, still taken aback.

He nodded faintly, attention drifting downwards to the blood staining the shoulder of her shirt and after sparing a glance back to her eyes to silently ask for permission, Itachi eased the collar of her shirt aside. He revealed a clean puncture wound that prompted him to frown, and Sakura reached up, healing it without a word now that she was able to. There was plenty more littering her body, but he'd numbed all the pain with his unrivalled abilities.

"Really. I'm okay." She smiled at his sigh before impulsively tugging him down to her height, capturing his lips chastely and only slightly appeasing the part of her that revelled in his impressive strengths. "I'm okay."

"Sakura."

Still too emotional to be releasing her husband any time soon, Sakura kept a firm grasp of his shirt and barely spared a glance over in the direction of the Sand Siblings, only vaguely aware of Itachi respectfully covering her up once more. Wisely, they kept their distance and didn't interfere with any of the evidence or the bodies needing to be sealed away, but she could tell from their expressions that they were shocked. Like herself, they were unable to comprehend how intense the battle actually became.

For a second there, she really could have…

Inhaling deeply and reining in her composure, she dropped her hold of Itachi's shirt but was quick to reach for his hand.

"The Kazekage has prepared cells for the ones left alive," Temari informed her. "Your Hokage has also been informed."

"Thank you for not getting involved," she told them all, sighing.

"We knew to trust your abilities," replied the blonde with a small, proud smirk. "I supposed it helped these two witnessing the others holding off too."

Speaking of the others, they wouldn't attend the scene until the siblings were out of the way due to there being operatives mixed in with them. They knew who the captains were, after all and were incredibly smart.

"You were holding back," accused Gaara quietly as he assessed her battered appearance.

Yes, she was. She had to.

"Gaara–"

"You got lucky with Uchiha's interference," he continued. Looking to Itachi, he shocked her by saying, "However, you didn't coddle her as I expected you to – as any of us would have done. Better yet, you complement one another well in battle and show admirable support." She pouted at the sincerity in Gaara's words, heart warming at the discreet relaxing of the redhead's shoulders while looking between them. It all prompted her husband to also relax, sharingan deactivating. And then he let her know that all was good between them, that he was happy for her despite the pain he was likely in. "Congratulations on your marriage."

---

A/N - Loooong update!

The response to this story keeps surprising me and really does make my day. Thank you all so, so much!

I can also now share my good news with you all (or at least those who don't follow my Tumblr/Twitter haha). I'M PREGNANT! I'm due in roughly 13 weeks, smack between mine and my mum's birthdays (a part of me kinda wants her to arrive on mum's birthday because it seems like a nice way to remember and celebrate her, if that even makes any sense).

It did take me a while to adjust and accept the pregnancy even after trying as hard as we did, simply because of how sick I got and how it soon impacted Flappy. At one point when I was stuck in the hospital and tried to video chat with my partner and Flappy because I was missing them, Flappy burst into tears at the sight of me and it got to a point where his teachers at nursery expressed concerns of how down he was seeming. I honestly started to feel like we were selfish for putting him through it all. I'm still suffering with hyperemesis like with my first pregnancy, but this time it's really taken it out of me and caused muscle weakness and some of the most intense pains, so I can't even keep up with Flappy anymore. However, the sickness is better managed than last time now that I'm on the right combo of meds and they're monitoring the other complications from HG too.

And now that I'm not stuck in bed, I'm not throwing up or retching every few minutes and I can actually spend time with Flappy again, I'm really starting to enjoy my pregnancy (this is definitely the last though, because we sincerely don't think my body can cope with another). We're so excited for her arrival! Flappy doesn't understand in the slightest, but he's coming back out of his shell now that I'm up and about again and we've all noticed a huge improvement in his overall well-being.

I'll likely be going on hiatus again in July (when the baby's due) while we all adjust, but other than that this is hopefully updates becoming more regular again!

Thank you all so much for your patience and support!

(PS, Red String of Fate is now back)