Chapter 2: Chapter 2

Important!

1) This chapter has a lot of dialogue, but is very important as it sets up the foundation that will enable Sakura and Tobirama to have a relationship.

2) READ CAREFULLY! There are some big numbers in this chapter that continue through the story so make sure you don't get confused

3) In case you are confused as to why they all came back to life - the Impure Resurrection Jutsu reanimated everyone including Madara but when Obito was trying to bring Madara back to life it effected all of the previous Hokage too.

When all of the shinobi of the allied nations reached the rendezvous point, it was chaotic but in a good way, with the threat of death no longer looming, there were more smiles. This happiness lasted for about 5 seconds until the other Kage's saw with their own eyes the revived legends.

The only one who appeared to be fine was Gaara, the red head only stared at the genius who managed to have such an idiot as a son. Perhaps the knuckle head attitude came from his mother's side instead.

Nobody in their right mind wanted to bring up the new additions to Konoha's ranks, they wanted to go home, rebuild, and only when they were strong enough, discuss how Konoha had the 9 tails and the most powerful shinobi's to ever live. There was a craving in the air for normalcy and speaking about what just happened would be the complete opposite of normal. So, they all smiled politely and assembled their ninja to head home, but in their eyes they knew one day a meeting would be held.

Tsunade let out a breath she did not know that she was holding, "Crisis averted…for now."

It was time to return home and to invite peace back into their lives and it was about damn time too. With a huff, the fierce woman started to bark out orders to get them going. Naruto took this time to walk with his dad as the envoy marched towards home. Honestly, he wanted to say something, but the words would not come out. How does one deal with such a situation?

Sensing his unease Minato tried to help, "Naruto. Never in a million years did I think that I'd be able to see you again." His son could only smile; they had a lot to talk about once they got home.

"I missed you too dad. Hey, now that we're going to Konoha you could stay with me. I mean…if you don't mind or anything."

"Of course not, Naruto-kun." Accommodation was not the first thing of Minato's mind right now, but he was happy that it was sorted out.

"Heh, we have so much to catch up on!" the younger boy chattered on restlessly about how much the women loved him, while Minato, just smiled and suppressed the urge to cry. This was like a dream to him.

They marched home carrying what little they had. Madara took away many good shinobi, many of which had families at home. But the one thing he couldn't take away was their Will of Fire. The fire that burned brightly even in the darkest of nights. The fire that helped guide lost souls' home and back onto the path of light.

The journey back to Konoha took about six days, they were moving slowly and had a lot of injured that couldn't move fast and dead bodies that need to be buried. Eventually, when they stepped through the gates, the streets were lined with civilians cheering as the heroes walked back into the village, every ninja, no matter how big or small their role was, were made to feel special individually. It was a hero's welcome and the shinobi revelled in it. It wasn't often that their work was appreciated on such a large scale.

Once safely inside, Tsunade set up an emergency meeting to discuss what would happen to the revived Hokage, the rebuilding of Konoha and many other things. In the meeting, there were all of the heads of clans, from Inuzuka to Aburame. Sakura was obliged to be there since her mentor was the Hokage as was Shizune.

They were all situated on a large rectangular table. At the head of the table was Tsunade herself. Then on either side of her, was two of each of the previous Kage. On her left was Hashirama and Tobirama, while Hiruzen and Minato took the right side. From there on were the clan heads and right at the other end, facing Tsunade directly were the two village elders.

"Let the meeting commence. Today we shall discuss the important issues, such as the hospital, the revived Hokage, the rebuilding of Konoha and other important matters. As the leader of this meeting I think it is in all of our best interests to ask how and why you were all able to come back."

Hashirama spoke first in that calm and soothing voice of his, "To be honest, we ourselves are not sure. My brother created the jutsu, but we have been dead for an awfully long time. Anyone could have altered the jutsu during that time, but it is most likely to be a mistake. An error that wasn't noticeable. It was always a very volatile technique, and just the act of reanimating a corpse is a miracle in its itself, but to actually make them alive again and succeed. Well, there's not much I can say about that."

"I see...more research will have to be done. We need to find all of Kabuto's and Orochimaru's works so that nobody tries to revive someone else." Tsunade clasped her hands in concentration and a frown adorned her face, "I hope this won't cause any trouble though, I don't want the other shinobi nations to see us as overpowered."

"Baa-chan! We just came out of a war; no one wants to fight again! Believe it!"

"Baka! How did you get in here?" Naruto had the decency to look guilty this time and shrank back into a corner of the room.

Tsunade rubbed her temples in aggravation, "Grab a seat idiot. I guess this involves you too." The blonde smiled in gratitude and shuffled next to his father with unrestrained happiness.

"Right, first and for most, the hospital is overrun with injured and there isn't enough space to keep everybody. Yamato is currently building temporary accommodation, but this could literally go on for months, which is time that we do not have. The only way to make things easier is to get the people to be able to heal themselves to a certain degree.

The Aburame clan is in charge of collecting herbs and all things to do with potions. I chose you specifically because some of your insects consume specific herbs that can heal you, I want you to collect these herbs, group and classify them, and allow the hospital to administer it to patients to drink."

Sakura and Shizune, who were standing behind Tsunade, took notes of everything that she said so they could be handed out and a report of the meeting could be drafted.

"All of the medics in the Yamanaka clan, Hyūga clan and Nara clan will tend to the Shinobi. While the medics in the Inuzuka clan, Aburame clan and Akimichi clan will tend to the civilians. This will create order and we will be able to sort through the injuries much, much faster. I think the shinobi will heal much quicker so when that's done the medics can switch to the civilians and double the speed of recovery.

Sakura, you have a particularly important task. Every single Konoha shinobi who has an incomplete record, will need to have a check-up; this will update our records completely. It will take time, but you need to do it meticulously and precisely. We lost too many good ninjas because their records were old. Anything that we don't already have blood types, allergies, hereditary problems, scars, birthmarks, chakra type, everything. Nothing can be missed. You have a deadline, which is a months' time, I know it sounds crazy, but it must be done. You will have 50 other medics working alongside you to get this done on time." Said girl beamed with pride, but kept her composure in front of everyone, this was a difficult and time-consuming task, but Tsunade had chosen her specifically because she believed in her.

"Shizune, I'm appointing you as head medic of the hospital, you're responsible for the hospital finances and research in potions, poisons and technology. I am also putting you in charge of all major surgeries for ANBU and Jonin.

To get Konoha back on its feet again, people need jobs, houses and schools need to be in place for both civilian and shinobi children.

I have many builders helping, but the civilians need to be included too, so we won't need you for this first Hokage. My first thought was too have you just build everything, and this could all be over and done with but Konoha needs to recover together, with everyone playing an active role. We need to get currency flowing again, so we pay civilians, who will work, they then use their wages for whatever else. You understand."

Hashirama pouted a little at this – who could have thought being overpowered would actually hinder him.

"I want the Nara's to help in organize and plan, ensuring that everybody has a role and contributes. This will not take more than a couple of days to sort out. Minato-sama, I will need you to be in charge every person in Konoha that is under 10. You'll have team of about 250 people under you to direct as you please. I know it is a big ask and seems mundane, but I will need a draft of schools, activities and academy schedules. They are most at risk of psychological harm so normality is the best thing right now, this should not take more than a week. After that you'll be working together with Naruto at the orphanage and helping those who have no relatives and parents who are still missing in action."

"Tsunade-sama." All eyes turned to Hiruzen as he spoke up. "In death I had found peace, this may come as a shock to you all, but I don't not wish to be alive. When I died, I accepted it as my fate. To this day, I still do… that is why tonight I shall perform Seppuku." There was a collected gasp and a murmur of surprise at this declaration. Nevertheless, nobody could argue with him, it was an honourable way to die.

Tsunade nodded solemnly, she did not want to dwell on this topic. To live, die, live and then die again. It seemed as though the gods above had no mercy. "As you wish. Ahem, we still have matters to discuss, such as Sasuke Uchiha and his punishment, but for now as long as he is on our side and helping Konoha we can come to a decision later."

Her hazel eyes shifted toward her grand uncle, "Tobirama-sama, your chakra detection skills are unmatched. Over the last few years, the research and development team have created a prototype device that recognises and stores chakra. I would like you to use this device to store chakra signatures of those in the hospital. Later on, we roll out this device on a larger scale so it will essentially be able to detect signatures that leave and enter and alert us to unknown signatures."

Listening attentively to every word, Tobirama noted that since his death, Konoha had only gotten better, and it showed through Tsunade and her attitude. Her ideas were unique and perfectly thought out. Everything she said made sense, as there was a reason behind it that led to a clear goal.

Despite all of them being there, she did not let anyone question her role as Hokage; her instructions were quick and left no room for debate. The requests were actually demands that were obeyed. The man wondered just how much had changed; one thing he knew was the children were treated much better than during his time. They did not have to kill each other, betray each other or worse.

He could also presume that all ninja, male and female, now had an equal chance to achieve greatness. The example was standing right in front of him. A female Hokage, a female head of hospital. The ninja world wasn't so male dominated anymore and Tobirama had to admit that he liked that. In his opinion, it was easier to respect a female if you honestly believed that she was your equal regardless of rank or status. Well, he didn't really respect the pinked haired girl or that dark haired one as he didn't actually know them, but he did approve. They must have been great in their own right to be standing in their current position.

There was an unexpected pause as Tsunade stopped speaking shortly. "I have news that nobody will like but it must be said. Konoha is on the very edge of bankruptcy. There is no money. Seriously, there is not enough to last until December. It will take us to January if we are lucky. This battle has sucked us dry as with the other nations.

We just came out of a war, the Akatsuki attack completely decimated the entire city and nobody wants to fight anytime soon but missions are needed to keep this country afloat. Shikamaru and I did the calculations. Our numbers were higher before but the combined loss of civilians and shinobi due to the Akatsuki attack is around 20,000 and the shinobi loss due to the war is 3,000. As of this moment, Konoha is made up of around 120,000 citizens, of which there are 13,000 shinobi.

Around 2,500 are Genin. Around 7,000 are Chūnin. Then 3,000 are Jōnin and our ANBU forces are just under 500. The pay grade of a D class mission is between 5 thousand and 50 thousand ryō. C rank is between 30 thousand and 100 thousand ryō. B rank is between 150 and 200 thousand ryō. A rank is around 150 thousand and a million ryō while all S rank mission are a million ryō and more.

To give you an idea of how dire the situation is; every single ANBU will have to do at least 4 S ranked missions, every single Jōnin will have to do 6 A Ranked missions and 12 B ranked missions before January to stop our economy from collapse."

The silence was heavy as each contemplated her words. Although no words were said some eyes held confusion and even accusation. One of the village elders pursed their lips in disgruntlement but opted to say quiet now so they could scheme later.

"We have borrowed as much as we can, and can't take out any more loans at the risk of defaulting on our current loans and I refuse to speed up the promotion process, as that will dilute the quality of our ninja and the inexperienced will probably end up killed in battle.

Therefore, here is what I have proposed. An attack is very improbable so all ANBU units will be going on S ranked missions that have a good survival rate.

Every suitable Jōnin will go on at least 3 B ranked missions every month. They will only be given missions that have a success rate of 60% or more to avoid unnecessary deaths. If this works then we might just make it to December, but things will be tight. Which is why all the medics must work hard to heal all of the ninja and get them to fully capacity. Our village depends on it.

The Inuzuka clan and Yamanaka clan and Hyūga clan, it seems unfair, but I want practically all members of your clan on missions at all times where possible. Your people will do S-rank, A-rank, B-rank, C-rank and D-rank. Therefore, from Genin to ANBU, I want your people out on the field at all times.

If anyone has any complaints speak now."

"We thank you for your trust in us and our abilities." Hiashi bowed out of respect and was able to see the bigger picture. If the economy collapsed, then so would Konoha essentially. Additionally, the more successful his clan were on missions, then their standing would improve.

"Well, if that's all then this meeting is over." She stood up without another word and went to drink her sorrows away, most likely.

These next few months would either make or break them.

Filing out slowly the room was left empty once again. Once outside each member of the meeting went his or her separate ways, except from Sakura who stood there stupidly for a moment. She could not comprehend how the country was broke. Okay, sure, war is costly but Konoha was one of the richest nations ever! Also, war was lucrative. Lucrative. This only meant that the funds were spent improperly. With a frown and heavy heart, she allowed her feet to carry her home.

Sleep did not come easy to Sakura that night. It would not, until her parents were found, their whereabouts were currently unknown, but she was sure they would be fine. Well, at least she hoped. There was something daunting about sleeping her house all by herself. Her eyes would play tricks on her and see something most past her window. Sakura didn't know what was wrong with her, was it the psychological effects of the war?

Her mind kept drifting to the funeral that would be happening the following week. It was for all the ninja who were KIA; Tsunade had plans to give them posthumous medals of honour. The funerals for those MIA would be held two weeks after that. Sakura prayed to kami that her parents returned before then.

After hours of tossing and turning, sleep came but too late. It was time to get up and carry out her duty at the hospital. Due to the time limit and scale of the work she got up at 5:45 had a quick shower and was at her destination by ten past. Inside were the 50 other medics waiting for her orders and an exceptionally long line of patients.

"Okay, we're on a tight schedule and the only way to complete this on time is by attending to a minimum of 4 patients per hour! That is the least you can see in an hour, okay? However, we should all be aiming for six! Remember we are just updating records so do not do anything that is already up to date, do not waste time!"

They all followed her instructions to the dot, nobody wanted to be reprimanded by the Hokage's apprentice, and they liked Sakura. The task was simple enough, just repetitive and tedious. The was nothing hard about getting a patients file, asking questions and using chakra to inspect health, blood type, and other things. That was not hard, but it was daunting. Konoha was no small nation, and they had to update around 1,500 records. Plus, find the time to help the wounded that kept pouring through the gates. It seemed as though the struggle would never end.

As the day wearied on, many of the doctors still showed no sign slowing down, it was now 2pm and they had all been working non-stop. Sakura noted that if they went on that this pace for the next week, then they would finish a day or two earlier than expected. That was a big if. Her eyes flickered to the hospital entrance when she saw Tobirama enter with his brother. He always had such a… serious look on his face. Was it stress? His presence made her feel slightly uncomfortable, as he never revealed what he was feeling. His face was the perfect mask of indifference at times.

The eldest of the two brothers spotted her and they advanced in her direction. Steeling her nerves Sakura smiled dutifully trying hard to look make it look realistic, "Hashirama-sama, Tobirama-sama," her bow was polite, "what can I do for you, today?"

Why doesn't Tsunade let Hashirama just build all of the houses/infrastructure? Well, building creates job, you have workers, designers, teamsters etc. job creation and retention is a great way to build up an economy as while people work, they pay taxes – which goes to the government. They also save, and spend, this flow of money through the economy is what keep countries going. If Hashirama builds everything then there would be a ton of unemployed, non-taxpaying people.

Makes sense?

Seppuku - an honourable form of suicide, often done by samurai

Thank you to minekotakashi and Hazel Roses, who's reviews were very constructive in helping to write this chapter and the others. :D

Tell me if you see any spelling mistakes and typo's so I can fix it. Thank you all.