I can't stress enough that this is a FoundersxSakura endgame story lol I know there are not many out there, but this has never been a secret. So I wouldn't expect any sudden new additions to the mix as far as Sakura's romances. :)
Also, welcome to the fourth major arc of ASiT—aka the Sakura Retrieval Arc. And yes, the irony is in the fact that Sakura and Naruto once had their world flipped upside down by the Sasuke Retrieval Arc.
Time-traveling felt a lot like being chained to a comet. That was to say, he hated it. One minute they were rushing through the timestream, hopefully on a direct course to retrieve the missing piece of their team. The next, something dark and ominous flung Sasuke in a different direction, and Kakashi remembered the Sage's warning about likely being met with resistance.
He wasn't terribly concerned—not that he really had the chance to be—because Sasuke had survived worse on spite alone. Still, it didn't exactly bode well for the rest of them. Acting quickly, Naruto reached for Ino's hand, then his. He in turn took Sai's, who passively extended a hand toward Karin.
Like a sheltering cocoon, Kyuubi cloaks fell over all of them, and then they were all yanked apart and knocked together like a child's marble set.
The jounin closed his eyes and willed the bile threatening to heave up his throat back down; the threat of aphysixation aside, bodily fluids were a pain to get out of a mask, and he hadn't exactly packed any extras.
"Shit," Naruto growled, squeezing his hand so tightly Kakashi swore claws would rip through the back of his glove. "There goes the element of surprise."
If it were a better time, Team Seven's former sensei might be tempted to chuckle over the irony. Who would have thought this young man was the same little loudmouth in the bright jumpsuit he'd met years ago? The yappy boy would have never concerned himself with strategy before he went charging ahead.
"Naruto!" Ino cried, hair billowing behind her as she hung on for dear life, "I…I'm slipping."
"Damn it," Karin grunted, holding tightly to Sai's arm with both hands. "Me too…"
Kakashi could feel something powerful and persistent prying his hand from Naruto's, and he knew it would only be a matter of, well, time. All they could do was hope they at least landed in the time they approximated Sakura to be in, relatively close to each other and in a safe territory. "Brace yourselves for the impact," he warned, "Something tells me it might sting a little."
"Is that supposed to be funn—" Karin's sharp tone changed into a shrill, echoing scream as she too was thrown out of the stream, to only the gods knew where.
'Like I said…' Sometimes Kakashi really wondered where he'd be if he'd never become a ninja. Peacefully farming somewhere maybe.
He also tried to imagine surviving two devastating wars only to die before he was even born. He could keep his composure through quite a lot, but admittedly that would be a grievance he'd carry well into the afterlife.
Naruto's shout already seemed distant as their hands disconnected, and he found himself hurtling through time in some unknown direction at a sickeningly fast speed. All the air in his lungs shot out, like a highly compressed tube.
The nauseated jounin stared down helplessly as he plummeted, breaking the stratosphere like a popped balloon. There was a cool, crisp night wind whipping his face, and a smoky scent like discharged fireworks all around him.
There wasn't even time to get a sense of where he was, cold, dark water rushing up to meet him. Faintly, Kakashi thought he saw a bridge…but the taste of the canal water saturating his mask confirmed it.
Weak and disoriented after the high-speed impact, the silver-haired ninja found just enough strength to swim his way back to the surface before he sank too deeply. Kakashi let himself stay buoyed there, blinking away the water that streamed from his hair into his eyes. If not for Naruto's Kyuubi cloak protecting him, there was no doubt he would have been killed by that less than graceful entrance. And even the cloak's protection didn't stop his bones from feeling as though they'd been pulverized to jelly.
He was really too old for this…
Piloted by muscle memory, Kakashi tiredly paddled himself in the direction of land. That fall almost did him in; he hoped the others had at least fared better. "Lady Yurine, wait!" He peered up through sopping bangs, noting there was a person who had leapt from the bridge and alighted gracefully on the water without so much as causing a ripple. A ninja.
"I'll be careful." A woman's voice called back. "But whoever he is, we can't just leave him. You can alert the Hokage if you want to. I'll deal with this."
Kakashi withheld a small sigh. So he was in Konoha after all. But which one? More importantly, when?
"Not by yourself." The man's voice insisted stubbornly, Kakashi almost having reached the bridge if not for the blonde-haired girl appearing in his path.
"Hey," she was wearing a yukata, reddish-pink eyes narrowed sharply on him. "Not so fast. Who are you? What was that?" She pointed to the sky. Gasping before he could get a word in, her chakra grew agitated, killing intent noticeably climbing. "Are you…one of those gods?"
The jounin almost scoffed, before realizing she was completely serious—and ready to kill him based on his answer. "No," he coughed, "Just a traveler that came a long way looking for someone."
"A long way from up there?" The blond didn't look convinced. "You're not making any sense."
Kakashi winced. Had he been able to enter the past more inconspicuously, maybe he could have thought of some plausible story. A second presence approached, his eyes traveling up past long legs and a thick torso to a concerned face framed by long, silver hair. He knew it wasn't, knew it couldn't be—they didn't even look identical—but there was something about this man that made him do a double take. "D-Dad?"
In response, the man tilted his head, considering him with an unreadable expression. "Whoever this guy is, he's disoriented as hell."
"Okay but what do we do with him," The blonde flailed her arms a bit. "He just…he shot out of the sky like that, and what if he's acting?"
"The lady has a point," the man nodded. "Your entry was a little too abnormal for us to just let you be on your way." Glancing over at the woman, and then at Kakashi with an accusatory gleam to his gray eyes, he huffed, "Plus, it was pretty rude to cut in on a moment you weren't a part of, wouldn't you say?" Leaning down, he grabbed for the ninja's arms and hauled his upper body from the water with ease. "Resist in any way and I have about ten fast-acting poisons that'll do the job of making sure it's the last thing you ever do." he whispered glibly.
"You're taking me to the Hokage." he stated, stumbling up as he was pulled.
"What else would you expect us to do with you?" The woman retorted, "You are an intruder." As the man wrapped one of Kakashi's arms around his broad shoulder, she supported the other one.
Thanks to that tumble through time, Kakashi's ability to use his chakra well had been temporarily disrupted (it would seem). But with every step they dragged him, he felt a little more stable, until he was actively keeping himself atop the water with the chakra on his soles. It wasn't the most dignified arrival, but he had endured worse situations, so there wasn't much to complain about at present.
Honestly…the things he did for his students.
Anyone who saw her dashing through the woods would probably assume she was certifiably nuts, or running for her life. Sakura sprinted without care or thought for the straw sandals that weren't meant to take all that friction, her hair flying behind her, out of its cute style. She'd taken the kanzashi out and tucked it away safely, unwilling to lose it.
She could feel the thud of her own pulse close to the surface of her skin, hear the sound of her own pants (and Izuna's) echoing in her ears. The surroundings they flew by were made easier to see by the sharpened vision of her transformed eyes, the color no doubt glinting greenish-gold as they zeroed in. Sakura was running on a creature's instinct, simply listening to the tug that told her where to go, absorbed in the sense of urgency that told her to be quick. She crashed through the foliage with less grace than her ninja lifestyle would normally permit, eyes edging on wild.
Mizuchi kneeled in the clearing, haloed by moonlight. Only Sakura's activated dragon senses allowed her to discern just how pleased she looked—probably with herself—a limp body gathered in her arms. "Oh, how they must have been desperate to reach you…taking such a perilous leap." Her slender, strong hand wrapped around the hanging wrist of the limb that dangled from the cradle her hold made. "So…fragile. And yet he lives."
Sakura inched closer, finding it impossible to look anywhere else but at the goddess. That body, that male… No, no, no. Why, why, why?! The sharp breath she drew rattled out in a half-sob. Her hand hovered, reluctant and then bold as she cupped his cheek, turning his face to confirm what she already knew. "Sa…" she tried, the short word sticking pitifully in her throat. "Sai…!" The diagnostic she performed on him was practically reflex, unable to detect anything alarming. Just that his chakra reserves were running a little low.
"Unlikely reunions can be so bittersweet, can they not?" Mizuchi remarked, passing Sakura her unconscious teammate's body without hesitation.
"I…I really should be more used to how fast strange developments like this happen by now, but I still can't believe it." In spite of herself, her lips twitched as she smiled faintly.
Making sure her hold on the passed out man was secure, Sakura pivoted, locking eyes with the openly bewildered gaze of Izuna. He had been so quiet she had almost forgotten him. The pinkette watched as his eyes took in Sai from head to toe, lips pressed together in an attempt to dam off all the questions no doubt ready to spill out.
She couldn't say she blamed him.
The kunoichi, while stunned but pleased to see a familiar face from her own time, had a number of questions herself. Who was responsible for his appearance, and were any of the others around? What was she going to do with him? As his time on Team Seven turned to months, he had gotten progressively better expressing himself—in his own awkward way—but subtlety eluded him. He would blurt out their true place of origin and think nothing of it.
Izuna cleared his throat, face still full of curiosity as he finally dragged his gaze away from Sai. "I take it he's someone you know?"
Sakura's head bobbed once in a stilted nod, glancing back at Mizuchi, hoping she would shed some light on the situation. But, as she so often was, the goddess seemed more inclined to be mysterious. "Inappropriately timed as this is, I had nothing to do with it. I might have…suspected strange happenings afoot, but certainly not this."
That only brought the young woman more vexation, because if not Mizuchi, something far more sinister could be at work. "I'm sorry," Sakura started, addressing the Uchiha. "I wish I had time to explain, but even if I did, I can't really say I know what's going on either." Sai still hadn't so much as twitched, but from her diagnostic, his vitals appeared stable. That was enough to bring her relief regarding his condition for the time being. "Right now, I really think we should bring him back to the village. There's something I'd like to discuss with the Hokage."
Izuna regarded her again, regarded Sai and Mizuchi, expression becoming patient. "Alright," he agreed. "I'll follow your lead on this. I mean, how can I not when you're practically the village expert on anything bizarre." he chuckled.
"Thanks…" Sakura said wryly.
"And," He placed a hand on her arm, the briefest touch, but it was as soothing as always. "I trust you."
Instead of making her melt, the pinkette tensed inside. The rapid development of discovering Sai felt like a precursor to more fast-coming changes. Hopefully nothing grew too…unbalanced.
But there was no running from this situation regardless. "What about you?" Sakura asked the goddess. "What will you do?"
Mizuchi's lips moved, but it wasn't quite a smile, and there wasn't the usual mysterious gleam to her eyes. "While you attend to your friend, there's some scouting around I'd like to do."
Sakura thought it over briefly. Fair enough. It wasn't as though she had time to do it at this particular moment, what with her hands literally being full. Sai's life didn't seem to be in imminent danger, but what if he had no idea where he was and came to disoriented?
Instincts might cause his ROOT training to kick in, and that was the last thing she needed to deal with. 'Sorry for my friend. He's recovering from traumatic conditioning by an organization that doesn't exist yet. But you know Danzo Shimura? Yes, the ten-year old. It's all his fault.' Sakura clicked her teeth, mentally rolling her eyes.
"Alright, just…report to me if you detect anything amiss."
Mizuchi hummed, narrowing her eyes. "Does the pupil think she's earned to command the master?
"Please?" Sakura threw in hopefully, adding big doe eyes for good measure.
The deity's face instantly smoothed, and for a split second, something tender passed over it. "I was only jesting. Of course any information I obtain I intend to share. We are in this together. That has not changed."
It was a good thing too, because Sakura was anticipating they were going to need all the togetherness they could get.
There was something about distance that gave perspective. Distance from a situation, distance from a person, even physical distance from the ground. Hashirama sat atop the Hokage Tower, watching the sky but seeing beyond it.
The night they had carefully planned for seemed to have gone off without a hitch. The village was awash in the festivities, and the one person whose happiness he had wanted to prioritize above all others was overjoyed at their efforts. That was all that mattered.
And yet, as he sat alone and saw both the sky above and brightly lit village below, Hashirama felt his heart sink. He was suddenly overcome with sympathy for the stones he and Madara used to skip together all those years ago.
In that beautifully glowing grove of cherry blossoms, Hashirama realized he was every bit the fool others had always believed him to be. To think he mistook his feelings for simple camaraderie. Him, a man who had vowed to marry for love, and not circumstances. Not that it made any difference really.
He wouldn't say he was entirely content with the way things were, but he could accept them and bow out gracefully. If not Madara, Sakura had others who wanted to be by her side. Izuna's feelings were glaringly obvious to even a blind man. And Tobirama…well, his dear little brother cared for her more than he had ever cared for someone outside the clan. That said quite a bit.
So, he would take just this night to grovel in self-pity. Tomorrow he would pull himself together and be the charismatic leader the village needed him to be.
That was the plan at least.
"Anija, we need to talk." The gruff rumble just behind him had Hashirama straightening, his younger brother crouched quietly in the shadows. He'd say Tobirama sounded grave, but that in itself wasn't unusual. Shuttering away the melancholy that had befallen him, he glanced over his shoulder and smiled invitingly.
"Of course," he agreed, "I can always spare time for my younger brother. Enjoying the evening? I know celebrations aren't typically your style, but—"
"All that can wait," Tobirama said impatiently. "This is a far more serious matter."
Hashirama had known that from the start. But amiability had perhaps become his weapon of choice more than he realized. Enough so that he employed it on instinct. Put up the appearance of being fine, even if his thoughts were a brewing storm inside. He breathed in, savoring the crisp night air, having a strong suspicion that whatever his brother wanted to share, it would not raise his spirits. "Go on,"
"The otter I sent on reconnaissance returned not even an hour ago. He's confirmed my suspicions. There's restlessness growing from Takigakure."
Hashirama considered the name. Establishing Konoha had multiple purposes, but first and foremost, the combined might of so many powerful ninja acted as a deterrent. Who would dare strike out against the Uchiha, or the Senju, or any of their allies, when the consequences could include all out war?
Of course, he and Madara had discussed the possibility that the day may come when the Leaf Village wasn't just a warning against attack from enemies, but a model of inspiration. There was nothing to stop others from copying the idea, consolidating their forces in the same way.
And he had heard the rumblings. It was hard not to. Across the elemental nations, once home to various clashing nomadic clans, strong shinobi were rising up to curtail lesser foes into forced harmony…new villages were bound to crop up. Takigakure was the first, but certainly wouldn't be the last.
"Hmm…still, they wouldn't dare attack us." Hashirama muttered.
"Yet," Tobirama added, "It'd be a futile endeavor, over before it started. But…what's to say that our leader isn't who they'll target."
Hashirama blinked in the face of Tobirama's pointed stare. He wasn't sure what deeper meaning his brother may have been getting at. "Takigakure's mobilizing assailants to come after me?"
"It's a strong possibility, given the intelligence Noboru gathered."
"That is…worth noting, but you and I both know attempts on my life are nothing new." It was all but a given. He was the heir to one of the Fire Country's most feared clans. The only known inheritor of the exceedingly powerful Mokuton besides that. There were countless times throughout his life, and especially during his childhood, when he had been the target of assassination attempts.
In light of that, perhaps his father's disgust with his sociable nature made sense. A shinobi never knew when a friend would become a foe. In Butsuma Senju's opinion, it was best to remain guarded, ever ready to run a sword through a friend's back before they could run one through yours.
But, it felt so confining to live in paranoia. Caution Hashirama understood, but walling himself off, closing his heart to the possibility of things changing was not the way to reach his dream.
"Noboru shared something else he overheard," Tobirama continued, "Word of a strange kinjutsu rumored to grant immortality. There was a time when I might think Takigakure was overestimating whatever technique they have, but I've seen too much that shouldn't be possible lately. I can't discount anything. And neither can you. The Mokuton is one of the most destructive and versatile kekkei genkai out there, but you're currently the only wielder."
"Are you afraid I'll go running off to meet the threat head-on?" Hashirama was a little disappointed Tobirama had that little faith in him. "I do have a village to run, you know. You're the one always reminding me,"
For a tick, his younger brother said nothing, the air as rife with tension as it had been when the conversation began. "I'm only saying that I've recently had to bear witness to the might and wrath of actual gods, and it paints a startling picture. If there's even the smallest possibility Takigakure has uncovered a way to emulate what I saw in the valley, then it's only a matter of time before others follow suit. The world's going to change yet again."
So that was what had Tobirama so shaken? From the events he and Sakura had described, it was no wonder he was so adamant Hashirama be wary. Fighting deities was a painful reminder of one's own mortality, if nothing else.
Even if the threat they were dealing with from Takigakure wasn't nearly as menacing, to assuage his brother's worries and for his own sake, the Hokage supposed nothing was wrong with caution. His dreams were only just fully blooming. He had no intention of dying abruptly when there was so much left to do for future generations to have the peace he'd grown up dreaming about.
"Don't worry, I understand." he assured, "I'm only a man. I'm all too aware of my limitations."
Having heard him acknowledge it, Tobirama's face smoothed briefly, only to tighten up again as he peered into the night. "We'll save the rest of this discussion for a more appropriate time." he replied cryptically. Though Hashirama didn't have to wonder what was going on when approaching chakra-signatures clued him in.
"Lord Hokage!" A high voice shrieked. Yurine Yuhi and Goemon Hatake landed on the roof, a man he had never seen before supported between them. "We've been searching everywhere for you."
"Who is that?" Tobirama demanded. "I've never felt his chakra before, but it's similar…" he stared directly at Goemon, who seemed to have no clue why he was suddenly the one being focused on.
"Something wrong?" he drawled.
"Who is this man to you?" Tobirama questioned.
The unfamiliar silver-haired man lifted his head, eyes tired as he replied, "We've never met."
Goemon chose to answer his brother's question with one of his own. "Where are you going with this?"
Hashirama was beginning to get an idea.
"The chakra signatures of those with common ancestry tend to share similar notes." The younger Senju explained.
Goemon cocked his head, slowly studying the other man again.
The masked stranger cleared his throat, "About that…"
Sensing the shift the night was about to take, the Hokage rose to his full height. "This seems like a conversation to be had in my office. Luckily," he smiled faintly, "we're standing right above it."
"You heard him." Tobirama grunted, "Lead the way. I want that one in front of me at all times." The three of them began making their way to the roof's edge, walking down the wall towards his office window, which was partially opened.
"Do you think he's a threat?" Hashirama asked when they were out of earshot. There wasn't a trace of hostility coming from the man that he could detect. He wasn't even resisting Yurine and Goemon; though under the careless slouch and half-lidded eyes, there was a hidden keenness.
"I think you can never be too sure." Tobirama replied. "But…I'm willing to reserve judgment until hearing how this plays out."
The Hokage stared at his brother consideringly, something the younger Senju definitely didn't appreciate. "What?" he said brusquely.
If he brought it up, would Tobirama get defensive and deny it? "Oh, nothing…" he replied, hiding a little grin. 'You're able to give people the benefit of the doubt now. I wonder if that's her doing…'
"If it's nothing then why are we standing here? Let's get to the bottom of this." All business, Tobirama disappeared, leaving Hashirama to cast one more glance at the village, then up at the night sky.
'The news about Takigakure…and now this new person. Does this have anything to do with Takara's prophecy?'
Okay, this was officially getting embarrassing. Walking the streets carrying a fainted man in her arms—for his sake, he had better just be fainted—was drawing quite a few stares.
Sakura sighed, frustration beginning to seep through the calm she had forced her mind to remain under. Izuna had volunteered to look for Hashirama on one side of the village, while she chose another. So far, he hadn't returned and she hadn't had any luck herself.
Maybe it was time to use the abilities that came with her godslayer status to sniff him out. Back when she was newer to them and had far less control, exceptionally powerful chakra signatures such as the Founders were always battering away at her senses, even from afar.
Since learning to block out those heavy presences, things had gone back to the way they had been prior to making contact with Mizuchi. At least as far as the pressure in her head when strong people were near was concerned.
But focusing on finding the Hokage shouldn't be too hard, right? Her control was better than ever, and it beat having all the eyes (and speculation) on her.
Letting only the tendrils of the dragon's keen predatory perception leak out, Sakura concentrated on the village, imagining every street and building very carefully. Several auras bounced back, her senses locking on when she discerned the Hokage's location.
The pinkette opened her eyes with a pout. Why hadn't she checked the Hokage Tower first? Showed how much she was thinking things through. Though if anyone asked, she'd blame it on the frazzled nerves. She spun on her heels, marching a few steps in the direction of the Hokage's residence, only to pivot and throw a punch in one motion. "Dangerous." Madara remarked, regarding the fist he'd caught. "Do you always throw punches at unsuspecting passersby? I could have been a civilian."
Sakura snatched her hand away, rolling her eyes. "Somehow I got the feeling it'd be you. Who else would come creeping up on me with their chakra concealed like they wanted to surprise me?"
Izuna slowly peered around his brother, face apologetic. "Sorry about that. I ran into Madara and asked if he'd seen Hashirama, but once he found out why I wanted to know, he followed me."
"It's alright," Sakura reassured him. "I wouldn't expect anything less. Look who we're dealing with…"
"You're not one to talk, Haruno." Madara retorted, moving a lock of hair out of his face to bore holes into her and Sai with both eyes. "Look what you've done."
Sakura glared, "I don't think I like your tone. Are you implying something?"
The older Uchiha's stare turned flippant, as if it should have been obvious. "Izuna told me you're searching for Hashirama because you found some stray in need of rescue?"
"Not what I said…" the younger brother objected wearily.
"His name's Sai." Sakura corrected. "He's…a friend."
"Then he's kept his distance up until now, hasn't he? I've never seen him before."
'Damnit Madara', Sakura wanted to hiss. The man was frightfully perceptive when it suited him.
"It doesn't matter right now." She dismissed, "I know where to find Hashirama now." She told Izuna, "So that's where I'm headed."
When she took a step, he was right beside her. "I'll tag along if you don't mind," he replied immediately.
Sakura had about a million objections to why she did mind—none of them having to do with anything personal against Izuna—but none she could outwardly voice without coming across suspicious. Well…it was time to face the music. Whatever happened was probably going to happen eventually, now that Sai was here.
"Let's start simple." Tobirama intoned, "Tell us who you are." He had his suspicions anyway. He just needed them confirmed.
The man had been passive the entire time he was escorted to Hashirama's office. He didn't show any real signs of hostility. Not that doing so would be wise with how outnumbered he was.
"I'm Kakashi," he said levelly, pausing to stare at Goemon from the corner of his eye. "Hatake."
Instantly, the self-proclaimed gentleman thief sat up a little straighter. "What?" he grunted.
"As I mentioned earlier…relatives tend to have similar chakra signatures. I'm typically able to detect this, being a sensor-type." He elaborated, "Hence me asking what your relationship was."
Goemon had completely abandoned his slouch, sharp gaze locked onto the man still sitting in front of his brother's desk. "That true?" he asked. "Are we kin, Kakashi?"
"It's a high possibility." The masked Hatake sighed. "Look…I'm not sure how much I'm at liberty to say…"
"You haven't lied to me so far." Tobirama mumbled, "But I don't suggest you start now."
"No," Kakashi cleared his throat, "that's not my intention. Though at the same time…I feel like I should be using some discretion. If I disclose too much it might put things in jeopardy…"
"In what way?" Hashirama, who had been silently listening, finally spoke up.
Kakashi hesitated, "Even telling you that might be saying too much."
Tobirama pinched the bridge of his nose, "So you're refusing to answer…" He had to have been going soft. At one point he would have been coldly furious, suggesting this strange ninja be thrown in the dungeons and heavily interrogated until he yielded the answers they needed. Now, he felt weary, and perhaps a little miffed his time with Sakura had been interrupted, only to lead to this.
Wait, speaking of which…
There was a frantic knock, Tobirama recognizing all but one of the people at the door. "Hokage-sama? I…I need to speak to you about something. It's urgent."
"Come in then," he said before Hashirama could even get a word out.
The door was thrown open right after, Sakura walking in carrying an unconscious man in her arms and pausing as she took in everyone gathered. Her face went white as a sheet at the sight of the newcomer. The Uchiha brothers who spilled in after her looked as lost as everyone else.
"It…it can't be." Sakura whispered, "So it's not just Sai? You're here too, Kakashi-sensei?"
The aforementioned Kakashi stood up, lifting two fingers in a little wave, "Yo…" he said weakly.
"Don't you 'yo' me!" Sakura grit out, equal parts frustrated and appalled. "Do you realize how serious it is that you're here? Both of you?"
"I guess we'll save the heartfelt reunion for now," Kakashi quipped, "You do understand your own presence here isn't without repercussions." His dark eyes filled with relief as he took her in, "Though I'm glad to see you're looking well, all things considered. You even grew your hair out." He appeared to smile under the mask, eyes closing happily.
"Sakura…" Yurine called in a hushed voice, "Who…is that man you're holding? And how do you know him?" she pointed at Kakashi.
Sakura stepped further into the room, her face falling as she bent to put the person she was carrying against the wall. "I can't tell if it's a bad thing you haven't woken up yet…or the best thing, considering what you'd probably say." She mumbled, briefly moving the dark bangs from the pale man's face before stepping away.
"I…" As she gazed at everyone in attendance, her bejeweled eyes glazed. "Before I start, I just want to say that I'm sorry." He watched her fidget with her hands, which were trembling lightly. "For everything. I've never been completely honest with any of you. And if that causes some of you to feel differently about me, I understand."
Izuna, ever her shadow, cautiously reached for one of her hands and squeezed it in his own. "What do you think you've done that would warrant that?"
"I lied." she rasped, her eyes tortured and imploring as she spoke. She was expecting rejection, but begging silently for them to try understanding. Tobirama heard the words echo in his head. Lied. She said she lied.
Funny how in months past, that was all he wanted her to admit. It would have been enough reason to give every mistrustful sentiment he had towards her validation, and Hashirama would have had to come around and see her for the threat she was.
That, of course, was then. This…now… just tonight he had professed to caring about her. No one reveled in someone they cared about confessing to lying to them. But, since getting to know Sakura, he had developed a great deal of trust in her judgment. The secrets she kept were notably for good reason. If these two showing up involved such a thing, he would assume it was the same.
"Kakashi-sensei and Sai are…" she stopped to look Kakashi's way. He tossed her a one-armed shrug, which was enough to urge her on. "From the same place I am…somewhere far away. Somewhere you'd all know as…the future."
Of all the words he had been expecting her to utter, those were far and away the last.
"Come again?" Hashirama stuttered.
"The future, hm?" Madara placed a hand under his chin, eyes lighting up in the way Tobirama always hated. Slimy, scheming bastard. "The final piece slides into place at last."
"What are you talking about?" he snapped.
"Yes, Madara, what are you talking about?" Izuna demanded, still holding Sakura's hand. Tobirama had never been particularly giddy about how the Uchiha had grown so fond of Sakura, but his grip on her seemed to be about the only thing holding her steady in the moment.
"He's already seen it. Through his dreams."
And just like that, all hell broke loose, Mizuchi the dragon goddess popping into the room with the use of a portal that looked identical to a large dragon's eye. Gripped tight by their arms were two wide-eyed girls, one a redhead, and one blond.
Training with a kekkei genkai was much like training muscles. It needed to be used frequently to be toughened up. It was shortly before beginning the academy that her father began showing her how theirs worked. Ino couldn't have been older than six, and admittedly she'd been a little more than impatient to get to 'the good stuff'.
But her dad had ruffled her hair and gently reiterated the importance of nailing the basics before anything more complicated could be taught. It hadn't deterred her from practicing on her own, even though her father stressed that it was dangerous to do so in the beginning without his supervision. And after only the second time doing so, she soon found out why.
It was simple enough. Her dad was visiting his close friend Shikaku Nara, and in the process she had encouraged to spend some time with Shikamaru. After all, they were to be the next generation of Ino-Shika-Cho, and the hope was that they would develop a friendship even before entering the academy. His parents suggested they play outside, and Shikamaru could show her the deer herd their clan tended to. They often wandered out of the forest that surrounded the Nara clan's compound, and it wasn't uncommon to see them right outside the back door.
Ino wasn't enthused about spending time with some lazy kid with his head in the clouds, but she would have been fine. Had Shikamaru not pissed her off with some dumb thing he said. They had gotten into a discussion about their clans, and who would be the leader of their trio one day. The Nara's had told her it was pointless to think he would watch her back every time her 'lame jutsu' misfired.
The next thing Ino knew, they were bickering, and she was determined to prove the idiot wrong. Cue her trying the Shintenshin no Jutsu on a passing deer. Making it into the agile creature's body before it leapt away was one thing, but her control was very incomplete, and she hadn't fully subdued the deer's consciousness when she entered it.
The animal was a healthy young buck that fought her with animalistic desperation for its mind back. Ino had been startled, and then scared, wondering what would become of her if the deer managed to push her out. Or worse, trample on her mind.
Seizing her opportunity, Ino leapt back into her own body at the first chance, not even caring that Shikamaru had borne witness to her humiliating (and scary) failed attempt at proving him wrong.
She bawled loudly until the adults came running, Shikamaru sitting up from the ground and trying to describe what he thought had happened. The scolding her father gave her was nothing compared to the sheer terror of reliving that. Her fragile child's soul had been shaken and stirred as the frantic animal had bashed its head against trees to get her out, running through the yard on long legs. The only moment scarier with her jutsu happened years later, when she had encountered Sakura's second soul.
Both those times paled in comparison than jumping through time.
The Yamanaka was positive that she had momentarily blacked out, only to come to already rolling down a hill, into an endless field of flowers. There was nothing to grab onto, and she was still too disoriented from the fall to slow her momentum, so she felt every bump.
Slowly picking her head up, Ino spit the blades of grass from her mouth, coming to a quick conclusion. 'I…I'm alive.' There was an eeriness to the meadow, despite its beauty. 'Did we do it? Where is everyone?'
Something brushed the tip of her nose, delicate and dark. Blinking, Ino extended an arm, her cupped palm collecting more of a familiar, sooty substance. "Ash…" she gulped.
Her senses blared, very aware of the tension in the air. If the ash wasn't incriminating enough, the next wind blew the acrid, tangy smell of burnt chakra and blood. There was a sound off in the distance, faint at first, but clearer every stilted second.
The kunoichi checked to make sure the storage scrolls containing everything she had brought to the past were still in place, springing to her feet and finding an advancing army that could have easily been a hundred strong. They were fully armored, wearing grim, dirt-streaked faces. Those marching at the front held a large banner bearing a proud emblem she had never seen before.
The only thing that made her take her eyes from them was the sound of voices from up the hill. Another army advanced at a steady march, looking just as ready to do business and waving a different banner. Both sides were samurai if she had to guess, neither faltering in the least. There was no mistaking what the solemn procession meant. By now, Ino knew the smell of war.
'Crap, you've got to be kidding me!' Ino fumed. Less than ten minutes in the past and she was going to die on some random battlefield? Would it be too risky to run while they all did battle? But it wasn't as if she knew what direction to run in, or if she would be dead before she made it out of there. Ino had long since accepted she was no frontline fighter. Her skills were support-oriented, her strongest jutsu working best when she had a partner. This…was not the time.
Men roared battle cries and the ground shook. The delicate blooms were soon trampled under heavy feet as the two groups raced towards each other. The fine hairs on the back of Ino's very vulnerable and exposed neck stood on end. All she could really do was brace herself.
"Take my hand if you want to live." Fingertips ghosted over her shoulder, and she screamed. A dark-haired woman with the most unusual eyes she had ever seen stuck her kimono-clad arm through what looked like a pupil. Ino couldn't help but cast her a suspicious double-take, her wariness apparently unappreciated. With a dignified but exasperated sigh, her arm was seized with startling strength, and the blond found herself yanked into the pulsating eye before the armies closed in on them.
There was more of the same spinning, disorienting sensation as before, but not nearly as severe, and Ino recognized a distorted yelp that sounded vaguely like Karin.
"Who are you?" Ino wheezed, trying to tug her arm away. "Let go!"
The kimono-clad woman pinned her with such an unimpressed gaze it quieted Ino down immediately. This woman could erase her from existence if she wanted. She could just sense it. Wait…with everything the Sage said about deities, what if she wasn't some 'woman' at all? "That's hardly gracious of you, considering I only seek to help."
"Yeah, well how do we know that?" So it was Karin after all. She sounded understandably pissed.
"I am Mizuchi, insolent girl. Some might call me the Dragon Goddess. You may call me your savior." she said simply, "Now hush."
In a blink, they were standing in a room, an office full of people. This Mizuchi let them go and Ino collapsed in a heap on the floor, Karin down for the count beside her.
"Yes, Madara, what are you talking about?" A man questioned.
Madara Uchiha! Ino whipped her head up and sure enough, there he was. The same as the last time she had seen him during the war. Well…maybe he wasn't as bloodthirsty. And shirtless.
"He's already seen it. Through his dreams." Mizuchi responded, drawing all eyes to them. A certain verdant pair in particular stole Ino's breath away as she scrambled up.
A young woman in a yukata with slightly tangled pink hair and wearing a flower crown. Her solemn countenance smoothed, and her mouth dropped open.
The Yamanaka felt her mouth go dry. "Sa-Sakura?"
"Ino!" She was holding hands with a man who looked nearly exactly like…Sasuke? Actually, Ino might have thought it was, if she didn't know for a fact Sasuke's hair couldn't have grown so long since the last time she saw him.
Sakura let go of his hand, moving swiftly towards her before Ino had time to really appreciate that the Uchiha clan had hotties even in the distant past.
Her pink-haired friend threw her arms around her, hugging her tight with restraint as Ino put all her relief into the squeeze. After months and months of careful planning, it had finally paid off. She was reunited with the best friend she thought she lost. It should have been like seeing a ghost, but instead it was as if Sakura had only just returned from a month's long mission.
When the pinkette pulled away, her eyes were damp and her smile was cheeky. "Did you miss me that much, Ino?"
Scoffing, Ino passed a hand over her own watering eyes, attempting a glare. "Sh-Shut up, Forehead."
"So we found you right off the bat." Karin announced, distrustfully edging away from the 'goddess' who had brought them here. "But where's Sasuke?"
Caught up in the moment, Ino hadn't noticed their team still wasn't complete. Aside from Sakura, she saw that the jounin leading them had also come through fine. As had Sai…although he looked unconscious.
She also recognized Madara Uchiha and the First and Second Hokages. It was disconcerting to see them all look so young and alive…Not to mention that none of them were trying to kill each other. How had Sakura dealt with that when she arrived?
There were three people in the room Ino knew she had never seen before, including the insanely good-looking Sasuke duplicate, a blond woman with pinkish-red eyes who appeared to be the same age as her, and a very large man who was roguishly handsome.
Seriously, if she knew there were so many cuties in Konoha back in the day, she might have cared more about Iruka-sensei's lectures on the village's Founding era.
Anyway, Karin was right, but Sasuke wasn't the only one missing. A certain brightly clad loudmouth was also absent. "And Naruto, for that matter." Kakashi put in, noticing too.
Sakura's eyes doubled in size, her voice a shocked whisper. "T-They came back too?"
"You don't expect those two to sit on the sidelines for something like this, do you?" Kakashi chuckled. "They've been spearheading the efforts to get us here for months. Cell Seven hasn't been the same since you've been gone, and we're all very aware of it."
"Cell…seven?" The other blond repeated. "Okay, I'm officially lost."
"I don't think you're the only one, milady. Confused faces all around." The silver-haired giant noted. "Well, except that one." He tipped his chin at Madara. "He seems to have some idea what's going on."
Ino had to agree. If anyone in the room looked entirely unfazed, it was him.
Sakura stared him down intently, "What did Mizuchi mean that you've been seeing things through your dreams?"
"Fufufu," the goddess clapped, "It seems time for a number of tales to be told."
Beside her, Sakura tensed, and Ino instinctively placed a reassuring hand on her arm.
"Earlier…when you said you lied…" The First Hokage started, "Did it have anything to do with all of them?"
Radiating sudden anguish, the pinkette bowed her head, body language closing off. "Yes." Her voice was small and chastised, reminding Ino of the bullied little girl she had met years ago. "I'd like to say it wasn't intentional, but I can't. At the time it seemed like the right course of action. I thought I'd figure it out before it even mattered. But…here we are. I guess I ran out of time."
"Care to elaborate?" rumbled the Nidaime.
Sakura grimaced, a wilted smile on her lips. "Not much choice left, is there?" Taking a deep breath, a flinty veil fell over her once vulnerable expression. She was shoring her strength and guarding her weaknesses. A tell, Ino knew, that she was trying not to fall apart. "My name is Sakura Haruno, and I was born and raised in the Hidden Leaf Village. I graduated from the ninja academy at twelve years old and was placed on Team 7, under the direct instruction of my jounin sensei…Kakashi Hatake."
Here, Kakashi waved to the room. The stunned silent room.
"Born and raised?" Izuna shook his head. "That's not possible. The village has only been around since last year."
"Do you not comprehend what she's trying to tell us?" Madara smirked.
Ino didn't want to dwell on how, when he wasn't out to end the world, Madara Uchiha was actually pretty hot himself. The voice, the smirk, the aura. It was hard to deny he pulled off the bad boy swagger quite well, and she didn't hate it. She did, however, hate herself for checking out a guy old enough to be her great-grandfather. Though technically he was only a handful of years older right now. Time travel was confusing…
"Enlighten us then," the Nidaime snarked. "You seem to have a good grasp on what's going on, so spit it out."
"Haruno isn't from this time, at least not originally. She's from the future."
Given the way Sakura choked, Ino was going to hazard a guess that no one else she had met in the past knew that. "How…how'd you know?"
"The dragon wench is correct," he went on, sounding blasé. "I've seen more than my fair share of what I now understand to be the future. In my dreams. I believe they're possibilities more than set in stone, and I can only see moments I'm present in."
"And how did that happen?" The Sasuke double demanded sternly.
Mizuchi rolled her eyes. "The unintended consequence of playing with the Well of Desire."
"Um, excuse me…" Kakashi muttered, "I think both groups seem to be missing vital information about exactly what's going on here. If we could take it from the top, maybe everyone would have a more complete understanding."
"That's…not a bad idea." The Shodaime agreed, "Some context would be good, wouldn't you all agree?"
"What context is needed?" Madara Uchiha insisted, "Haruno is a time-traveler. And so are all of them."
"Everyone just shut up!" The Nidaime growled. His deep crimson gaze narrowed on Sakura. "Except you, Sakura. You'll be doing quite a lot of the talking."
Once again, her friend looked like she was preparing herself for whatever came next. "Alright, I'll do my best…" clearing her throat, she motioned towards Mizuchi. "Like I already mentioned, I was born and raised in the village. In the distant future. What happened in between me becoming a ninja and getting here isn't all that important, so I'll skip it." She stopped, and when no one voiced an objection, she continued. "This all started at the end of a big war. We won, but…there wasn't any time to celebrate. One minute I was on the battlefield, the next second I was coming to in the past. That's when I met Tobirama. Little did I know it was Mizuchi's doing at the time."
The First Hokage shifted in his seat, eyebrows pinched. "…You're saying you were abducted by…her?"
The deity huffed in protest. "It was less an abduction and more an invitation."
"It was definitely an abduction." Sakura grumbled, hands on her hips. "You didn't even have the decency to reveal yourself right away."
The goddess tossed inky hair over her shoulder, lips thinning. "As you recall, the circumstances weren't right at the time."
Sakura ignored her, carrying on with her explanation. "I thought you were going to kill me," she told Tobirama Senju, "I was desperate to get a sense of what was going on and I…made up the first thing I could think of. The story I told you about being all alone was true, just not the reasons…but it didn't seem like the right time to reveal I knew about Konoha because I was originally from Konoha."
Sighing through his nose, Ino watched the Nidaime turn his gaze to the ceiling and cross his arms. "At the time…I probably wouldn't have believed you. I knew something was strange about the way you appeared, but I never would have guessed it was…that."
"Y-Yeah, surprise!" Sakura half-heartedly joked. "It doesn't end there, though. Not long after I was accepted into the village conditionally, Mizuchi revealed herself for the first time. She told me she brought me here for a very particular reason, and following along with her plan was the only way I could go home."
"That sounds a lot like emotional blackmail." Sasuke's double said.
"Please," The goddess tisked. "That's far too heinous."
"It's pretty accurate though," Sakura again interrupted, "At least it was in the beginning. I started my godslayer training, because Mizuchi told me she was a rogue deity who needed a champion. The other gods had decided to eradicate a particular group of humans and I…couldn't let it happen."
"What group?" Karin asked, pushing up her glasses. "Sounds like shady business to me."
Arching her brow in challenge, the celestial being replied calmly, "All descendants of Kaguya."
The redhead gasped, a hand flying to her mouth, "T-That means…"
"Yes, your beloved Uchiha. All Uchiha, past, present and future. All Uzumaki as well. Every person who could trace their ancestry back to my younger sister would be wiped from the timeline permanently. The rest of you humans they feel more comfortable controlling as chattel. But there's something about Kaguya's line…something unruly they'd like to see stamped out."
Ino had barely processed that deities were real. Kaguya seemed like a being from a child's storybook, and here they were hearing first hand she was not all that was out there.
The Sage had told them as much, and Kabuto had implied they might encounter true…monstrosities in the past. But a part of her had felt it could all be an exaggeration.
More otherworldly opponents like Kaguya were much different than beings who easily surpassed her. "If that's true…" Kakashi cocked his head, and Ino could see him attempting to choose his words carefully. Smart. One thing they could bet on was Sakura's temper probably hadn't changed much. "Sakura, have you been trying to take that on yourself all this time?"
The pinkette surprised them all by grinning. "Don't look so surprised, sensei. I'm nowhere near as fragile as I used to be. I've changed a lot even since the last time you saw me, too."
Ino felt like she was seeing her friend for the first time. Certainly the first time in a long time. But it was more than that. 'She's right…I can sense it. Her spirit's never been so strong.' The thought made her a little nostalgic, and she blinked hard, hoping no one would notice the sheen to her eyes.
Sakura had come such a long way from the timid crybaby who tagged along behind her everywhere. She had also come a long way from the girlhood rival she bickered with all the time. This was a Sakura more assured of her role in the world than ever, who had stepped into it and flourished. 'I know you refuse to be left behind, but I thought maybe this time you would need our help to get you out of this mess. That's what I get for underestimating that big brain of yours.'
"So you're…really from the future?" The other blond girl gaped. "All this time I've known someone from the future?!" Her voice trailed into a hysterical squeal, hands flying to her face theatrically.
"C-Calm down, Yurine," Sakura raised her hands, expression concerned. "I know it's hard to absorb, but when you think about everything we've all been through together, is it really so hard to believe?"
"I guess you're right." she considered, "But…but…does that mean we're not really the same age? Am I…your obaa-san?"
Sakura and the panicking Yurine cringed at the same time. "It's not necessary to think about. Please keep addressing me the same way you always have…as a friend."
Friend…Sakura had gone and made a whole new set of friends here. Who knew what experiences they had all shared that she and the others weren't a part of. Ino would never kid herself by claiming she wasn't the jealous type, but the small niggling of envy died away as fast as it came.
If not for them, Sakura could have been stranded and alone with no one to rely on, and being that her jutsu primarily worked with the psyche, Ino knew all too well what that did to a person. So if anything, she was grateful to them for being by the billboard brow's side.
"To summarize everything we've just been told…" drawled the Nidaime, "Sakura is actually from some many years in the future, and was dragged here against her will. These people came back through time to retrieve her."
The pinkette nodded. "Yep, that's the gist."
"I see," the Shodaime's expression grew unreadable. "…I take it that means you'll be returning since you're all reunited?"
Sakura's face crumpled, as did several more in the room. Some people appeared more bewildered than upset, namely Karin and Kakashi. She couldn't get enough of a read on the Founders to really guess what they were feeling, but if Sakura had been granted a place within the village, they must have gotten to know and accept her. None of them seemed phased as she spoke about her encounter with the goddess who ripped her away from them.
Before Sakura had the chance to speak, a very sinister chakra began leaking through the air, Ino turning her face to gag. Karin scrunched her nose, holding her throat and coughing hard. "T-That's so…suffocating."
"No." The singular word carried so much malice, it felt like a thousand-year curse.
"Disgusting, it's worse than a skunk." The Nidaime complained.
Yurine and her hunky silver-haired friend both looked uncomfortable. The Shodai simply looked like he was nursing a headache.
"Madara," said Sasuke's doppelgänger, "You know that isn't your decision to make. None of us want it to happen but—"
"But you expect me to believe you would step aside and allow it?" The rich laugh ended in a small sneer.
"Sakura doesn't belong here." The Nidaime's crisp words might as well have been a whip for the way Ino saw Sakura recoil. "Now that it's been explained to us, how do we know her remaining here isn't already having an unforeseen negative impact on the future? By the way, as commendable as it is for all of you to go so far to retrieve her, it's also foolish. The problem is tenfold if you're unable to return to your time, and what I said about this unraveling the flow of the timeline still stands."
"Tobirama, that was a bit harsh." The Shodai frowned. "This is a lot to process, but I don't want you to think we're putting you out, Sakura-cha—Sakura. Whatever your plans are, they don't have to be made tonight."
As gentle as the words were, Ino could tell that they weren't received in the way the Hokage had likely been hoping. To the untrained eye, Sakura hid it well. The polite, grateful nod and quiet "thank you" might not have raised suspicion if someone didn't know her well.
But they had grown up together, fought together, cried together, and laughed together. She knew when Sakura was doing her best to hide hurt feelings. And for some reason, what the Shodai said had caused her discomfort.
Taking charge once more, Kakashi commanded everyone's attention with a shoulder roll and a sigh. "We'll need to locate Sasuke and Naruto before we can go home anyway."
"O-Oh, right." Snapping out of whatever headspace she had been falling into, Sakura spun to the deity she apparently knew well, "Any chance you could help with that, Mizuchi?"
"Hmm…I suppose." To say she seemed uninterested was an understatement. She picked at her nails, which were really more like manicured claws. A person could probably meet their end with just one hard scratch. "Though I make no promises."
"You found Ino, Sai and Karin just fine." Sakura challenged, not buying it.
"That was different. Your teammates' situation is special."
"How so—oh, no you don't!" Sakura was barrelling past them all, snatching at Mizuchi's kimono just as she disappeared through another instantly conjured portals.
"Goodbye for now. I'll be in touch." her crooning voice echoed, fading away into a confining silence that shrank the space.
Sakura's expression was venomous as she lowered her hand, clenching the fist full of empty air instead of opening it. "So typical." She ground out.
A groan came from the corner, Sai blinking dazedly. "Mm, have we left yet?"
"Sai…" Kakashi made his way over to the disoriented ex-ROOT operative, kneeling in front of him. "What's the last thing you remember?"
"Last minute preparations with everyone else. We were all going to retrieve that ugly hag, and—"
"Nice to see you too, Sai." In a flash, Sakura stood above him, cracking her knuckles forebodingly. "I missed you a lot. So let's not make our first meeting after all this time a hostile one, okay?"
Picking self-preservation over the last word, the pale artist rapidly nodded his head.
"Great," Sakura hummed sweetly, helping him up from the floor.
'Man, she really gets them all to fall in line.' The Yamanaka mused. 'Chouji and Shikamaru are always so obstinate.'
"What's our next move then?" Karin twisted a piece of unruly hair around her finger in boredom, "We're down two key players and we don't know how much time we have."
"Thirty to sixty days, give or take." Kakashi replied. "At least that's how much time Shikamaru guessed based on the formula he came up with."
'That smug egghead never said anything to me.' Ino scowled.
"Which means at the very least, we can take a rest for the night." The jounin concluded, "If that's alright with you, Lord Hokage."
Hashirama Senju stared over at his brother, who offered up a shrug. "Yes, of course." he decided. "You're allies of Sakura, and I'm assuming all inhabitants of Konoha in the future, if I'm understanding right?"
"I'm from Uzushio…" Karin mumbled under her breath.
"We'll lodge with you for the time being." Sai told Sakura. "I hope your home isn't a pigsty."
Snatching his cheek and pinching hard, her friend let out a forced giggle. "If you're so concerned, feel free to sleep outside."
"There's still much we'll need to discuss." Tobirama Senju informed them all. "Both amongst ourselves and with you."
Sakura let go of Sai's cheek, shrinking in on herself as if scolded. "S-Sure…" Great. Guilt was in full effect. And Sakura's guilty spells were infamous.
"All this is fine for now," Karin wrapped her arms tight beneath her bosom, cocking her hip in a sassy stance. "But first thing in the morning, we need to devote our energy into looking for Sasuke," she declared, impassioned. "We can't just leave him by himself out there."
"What about your cousin, Naruto?" Kakashi's tone was light and amused.
The redhead thought it over, "Eh…him too if we find time." she shrugged.
Still in the same yukata she had donned so proudly earlier in the night, Sakura kneeled to take the spare bedding from her bedroom trunk. Ino sat on her bed, legs crossed, watching her like an empress on a throne. "You know you don't have to bother. I can just sleep up here."
Laughing in disbelief, Sakura stood, throwing the blankets her friend's way. "You must be joking if you think I'm giving up my bed for you, Ino-pig."
Shooting up, Ino tucked the blankets under her arm and glowered. "I'm the guest."
"And I don't care." she retorted. The girls engaged in an intense but ultimately short face off, abruptly dissolving into giggles seconds later. "Look at us. Finally fighting again after all this time."
Ino, who had taken her hair down for the night, futilely blew some hair from her face. Thankfully, her friends had come prepared, each bringing along clothes to sleep in and some practical futons. Ino had been the only one to insist she needed something comfier in addition. "It wouldn't be a fight if you'd hurry up and agree with me. You know I'm right."
"Since when?" Sakura fired back.
"Since always." Ino countered.
"Hah! That fall through time must have included a knock on the head. Then again you always were delusional," It felt good, bantering like this. Surreal too. "In all seriousness, I can't believe you're here."
Ino's blue eyes softened, "I can't believe it either. Getting here wasn't easy."
Sakura gingerly sat beside her on the bed. "It's…good." she said quietly, "That you're all taking it so well."
"I'm kind of in a state of disbelief right now," Ino admitted, "It'll probably sink in tomorrow. We're like, what? A hundred years in the past?"
"Roughly eighty," Sakura corrected with an eye roll.
"Deities are real." Ino shook her hands around as she gestured, "Kaguya was the most terrifying thing I thought we'd ever have to deal with, but now I find out there are more? Much stronger beings with a grudge against humanity?"
"Yeah…" Sakura replied absently.
"And you've been fighting them?"
"That sums it up."
"Sakura, that's batshit insane." Well, when she put it that way… Ino stretched out her slim legs and leaned back against the bed. Her toes were painted a serene teal color, the pinkette noted absently. "You know that, right? All the strangest things have happened to you, ever since you got placed on Team Seven…"
Sakura's lips curled into a lop-sided smirk. "Are you jealous?"
"Hell, no." Ino snorted, "Although I do have to question that goddess's sense of judgment…I mean, she was looking for a special human to take under her wing, and she picked you?"
"You'd rather it be you?" Sakura shot back. "Like you're anymore special?" Their mean ribbing was yet another ritual in their friendship few people understood, and she hadn't realized to what extent she had missed it. "You think being a godslayer is for a pig that thinks she's a princess?"
Ino collapsed back on the bed, rolling onto her stomach and pushing her foot against Sakura's cheek. "Dunno, since I barely know what that is."
"Someone that's going to bite off your toes if you don't move your foot." Sakura growled, shoving the offending heel pressed to her cheekbone away.
"I soak my feet every night in purifying salts and rub them with oils. You should be honored my foot touched your fa—"
"Ino, seriously, enough talking about your feet." Sakura threw up her hands, gesturing for her friend to stop. "They're more like hooves anyway."
"Whatever," the blonde snagged one of her pillows to prop under her chin. "Anyway, what's the godslayer business about?"
"The short version?" Sakura laid down so she and Ino side by side. "Gods are the messiest beings ever to exist, but they still don't like getting their hands dirty. So they came up with a system to resolve disputes by selecting lucky people to grant some of their powers and train…comes at a high price though. Their musubi's basically their life-force and it functions a lot like…god chakra. When it depletes too fast it's like when jinchuriki get their bijuu ripped out."
"Is that why you're going along with this?" Ino lifted onto her elbows, face aghast. "You're stuck to that lady forever?"
Sakura recalled the forge, nearly dying until Tobirama stepped in. "…Maybe at first I didn't buy into it. I was resentful about even being here. I mean, how could I not be. I got pulled from the aftermath of a war and then thrown into another one that wasn't even mine to fight. I thought Mizuchi was just being manipulative by telling me I needed to help save the future before I could go back."
"So what changed? How can you even trust her?"
"I guess…I started to see the future wasn't the only thing I wanted to fight for. And those deities…Ino, besides their sheer destructive power, they enjoy toying with people, ruining their lives for enjoyment. You know I've never liked bullies." Her friend blinked, tilting her head as if to say 'what else?'
"Plus, I only made it this far with the help of the people I met here in the past." All their support, generosity, friendship, and courage meant so much to her. "Now I guess they're important to me too. Maybe I was dragged into this, but I kept pushing through because everyone here's just as worth fighting for as the ones I was trying to make it home to."
"Well, underneath it all, I guess you have always had a heart as big as your forehead." Ino smirked, jabbing her dead center of said forehead.
"Oh, shut up," Sakura stuck out her tongue. "The forehead stuff's kind of played out, don't you think?"
Tossing her hair, Ino closed her eyes and crossed her arms. "You're the cool girl here, but you'll always be shy, crybaby Sakura back home."
Sakura snatched the pillow Ino had been using and smacked her with it in retaliation. "Hmm?"
"Hey, watch it! You could send me flying into a wall with that monster strength." Ino shrieked in protest, though she seemed much more preoccupied fixing her flyaway hairs than checking for bruises.
"How are things back home anyway?" Sakura asked, totally ignoring her melodramatic friend's complaint.
"Aside from everybody spending so much time trying to get you back, it's kind of quiet." She admitted. "Then again, everyone's just been through a war not even a year ago."
The pinkette felt her heart squeeze. Sure, it wasn't her fault, but she wished she'd been there for Ino and her other friends who had lost someone. "Ino," she placed a comforting hand on her shoulder. "I'm…I'm really sorry about your dad. I never really got a chance to tell you that. I wish I could have been with you while you—"
"It's not even your fault." Ino brushed her hand away, "I can admit at first I was bitter. I lost Dad and then you. I knew you didn't choose to leave, but I was grieving. Helping find solutions on how to get you back actually helped me through the grieving process. And…" Ino coughed into her fist, cheeks pink. "Shikamaru and Chouji were actually pretty reliable for a change. But don't tell them I said that!"
"I'm glad you're at least healing." Sakura sighed, rubbing her own shoulder.
Snickering, Ino leaned closer, "You remember Ibiki, right?"
"The super intense, terrifying proctor from the exams? How could I forget." She had encountered Ibiki in the years that followed a handful of times, when she ran reports to and from the Hokage office to the T&I division. Tsunade still wanted health updates on prisoners, part of her radical—and at first controversial—reform geared towards making sure even Konoha's captives weren't denied basic medical care. They by no means were allowed to be treated in the hospital, but they didn't die in chains from festering wounds either.
"I'm apprenticing under him in the T&I division. The aim is to follow in my dad's footsteps one day.
For anyone but shinobi, it would be odd to be proud of a friend specializing in plundering minds and extracting information. Sakura's parents would be mortified, but she was ecstatic for Ino. She had a path set out before her, one she would no doubt excel at. "You're going to give Ibiki-san and Anko a run for their money before long. I'm sure by next year you'll be running things."
"I've got big shoes to fill," Ino said, uncharacteristically bashful, "My dad was the best at what he did."
"And you're his daughter," Getting comfortable again, Sakura sat up and drew her knees to her chest, wrapping her arms around them. "So that means it's in your blood."
"Thanks, Sakura."
The talk grew lighter after that. It felt just like old times, exchanging gossip over lunch when their paths crossed after they had patched things up. Ino told her about what everyone had been up to back home, who she suspected could be dating, and an extremely embarrassing wardrobe malfunction that had happened to Ami in public a while ago. True, Sakura had moved past being the victimized girl she was as a six year old, but she couldn't deny hearing the misfortune her childhood bully had suffered put a smile on her face. The kunoichi never claimed to be perfect.
The topic of the chatter switched yet again when Ino grew curious about how she had been spending her time in the past. Her nosy best friend far from believed it was all training and fights. And, she would be right. But Sakura couldn't tell her that. Ino would scream the house down if she heard some of the exploits the pinkette had.
"C'mon, I know you've been up to something." The blond insisted. "We've been searching high and low for ways to get you back and you've been here, with them."
Sakura's sharp stare was long and hard, but Ino was not deterred. "What's that supposed to mean?"
"So you really didn't notice? All those hotties?" Predictable of Ino, she flopped onto the bed again and acted like she was melting off, full on swooning. "The one that reminds me of Sasuke—"
"His name is Izuna." Sakura corrected firmly, "And he is not Sasuke, so don't even think about it."
"Ohh," Ino cackled. "Don't tell me you called dibs. Anyway, I didn't realize Konoha used to have so much eye candy. That silver-haired guy…tall and tattooed?" she shuddered, "Even the First Hokage and Madara are a lot hunkier than I remember from the war. The Second Hokage seems really stern, but that just means—"
"Ino, are you joking?" Sakura groaned, sliding a hand down her face. "Tell me you're joking." Of course she noticed that the men she was surrounded by were easy on the eyes and lately even easier to fall under their unique charms. Though unlike Ino, she wasn't enthusiastic to explore the way her heart incessantly pitter-pattered intensely whenever any of them were around. Having doomed crushes was nothing new to her, but…but what Izuna said…
Sakura mentally bunted the mere memory to the recesses of her brain. Thinking over it was an absolute no-no. A crush was bad. Returned feelings? Far worse, and too dangerous to entertain for everyone involved.
"No, tell me you are." Ino paused, "Or is it still Sasuke? I know you're the loyal, 'one guy' kind of girl." Maybe she used to be…
"No, it's not Sasuke." Sakura stated. "I mean it. Absence doesn't…always make the heart grow fonder. Sometimes it gives you time to think about all the ways you're not right for each other."
"Whoa," Ino muttered. "When did this happen?"
"I…I don't know." Sakura stammered. "It just…did. I realized sometime between hunting him down and seeing him again during the war that if Sasuke wanted to be with us, then he would be. He was hellbent on finding his brother. He traded everything for that goal, so I know how determined he is. You say he willingly helped look for me, but the last time I saw him, I wasn't even sure if I could trust him."
"Then what's the problem?" Ino prodded.
"Huh?"
Lifting up her index finger, she hurried to explain. "The best way to get over one guy is to fixate on another one, and you've got some good prospects here." Ino threw in a sage nod, as if that made her words any less ridiculous. "What happens in the past stays in the past, if that's what you're worried about." Her best friend placed a hand over her heart. "I'm not going to tell Lady Tsunade you had impure thoughts about her relatives."
The pinkette felt her jaw drop. "D-Don't project your perverted tendencies onto me!" Sakura squealed, facing aflame.
Suddenly she remembered so much more than she wanted to. The times Hashirama had graced her with a heart-stopping smile and held her close, closer than a man ever had before she'd landed herself in the past.
The way they had walked around Tanzaku, convincing everyone they were a couple and the fleeting thoughts she'd had about a hypothetical child when talking to Keiomi. Most of all, Sakura was absolutely haunted by the time she had seen a lot more of the Shodaime than was strictly professional. Then, visions of the younger Senju filled her head, and Sakura nearly yelped in horror when she recalled the body swap, and the necessity of wrapping her hand around his—
"Please," A devilish grin curled from one ear to the other. "We both know what kinds of novels you secretly read." She should have never confided in Ino about that. "Any of them could put the male leads in those books to shame. By the way…what was up with Madara Uchiha? He really seemed against you leaving."
Fidgeting, Sakura gave a limp shrug. "I'm not sure." She had an inkling, starting with the fact that Madara was a possessive person and ending with the fact that he had ideas they were destined—whatever that meant in his mind—but he probably didn't want to lose his favorite person to bother.
"There's no way you don't have some clue." Ino pressed. "Just how close are you to them?"
Rubbing at her neck, Sakura tried to carefully pick her words. "I've been living here for almost a year, Ino. I've gotten to know the village pretty well, and everyone you met in that office has been a big help to me. They're…friends."
"Friends that don't want you to leave?" The knowing glint in her eyes said she was not ready to drop this. "He was practically feral."
"Listen, the best way to explain it is that Madara isn't exactly like the one we fought in the war." Sakura held up a hand and began ticking off points with her fingers. "He can be tolerable, but the guy's still a wildcard. There's no telling what goes through his head half the time. He does whatever he wants, and that's usually something annoying, questionable, or both. There's more, but I'd run out of fingers telling you."
"Sounds like you know him pretty well."
"Too well, but not by choice." Sakura admitted, weary. "Anyway…Madara is an anomaly. Given the reactions they had to finding out about where I'm from, I'm not going to get any fond farewells when I leave."
"You just said you'd all become friends," Ino pointed out. "You're probably undervaluing your relationships again."
"No, it's more of a feeling I have, like they were angry or…I let them down. I didn't mean to be sneaky, I just…" Sakura pressed her palms into her tired eyes.
"You thought you were doing the right thing." Her friend concluded. "Sakura, you pretty much run on good intentions. The execution doesn't always go the way you want it to, but that's life."
"Yeah…" she conceded, suddenly just wanting to wake up to a brand new day where things had sorted themselves out neatly. "I just hope I get the chance to talk to them soon."
Hopefully, things would have calmed down enough tomorrow for her to make an attempt. Something told her they wouldn't be seeking her out right away. Although Tobirama had said they also needed to talk as well, so maybe—
The loud knock at the front door echoed through the quiet house, Ino looking bewildered. "It's the early hours of the morning, right? Do you usually get visitors this late?"
"No…" Sakura rose from the bed, straightened her clothes, and marched out into the hall with Ino right behind her.
Sai, Kakashi and Karin were gathered in her front room, looking like they were having a silent debate on who should see who was at the front door.
When Sai finally relented, moving as if he was going to answer it, Sakura ran to intercept him, "I don't think so."
Everyone behind her seemed invested as she peeled the door open, only to be met with Usamaro's furry face. "Special delivery." Naoko sang, gently making the cat in her hands dance.
Toka, who was with her, shifted on the balls of her feet. "We searched for you at the festival, but Lord Tobirama informed us you went home for the night before the closing ceremony."
"Is that all he told you?" Sakura asked cautiously.
"He also mentioned you had…guests…" the older woman said. "Though no further elaboration after that."
Usamaro leapt into her arms, cuddling into her chest with a loud purr. "You could say that…" It was bound to happen sooner or later, and since everyone was acting so expectant…
Sakura stepped back from the doorframe. "Toka, Naoko, these are friends of mine. They're going to be staying here a while. Kakashi-sensei, Karin, Sai, Ino…" she pointed at each person so the two women could put names to faces. "These are Naoko Uchiha and Toka Senju. They're also friends of mine."
"I'm Sakura's childhood friend, actually." Ino interjected, flicking her hair over her shoulder. Sakura secretly rolled her eyes. Of all the times for her to feel like marking her territory.
"Old friends and new friends, coming together unexpectedly." Naoko declared, "The pleasure is all mine, Sakura's childhood friend." she tittered. "I must say, I've never seen sleepwear that looks so comfortable."
Ino's silk sleep shorts and matching short-sleeved top did make her miss how versatile sleepwear at home was. Sakura had gotten used to the light shifts she wore to bed, but what she wouldn't give for more diversity.
"Thank you." A compliment to her fashion always got Ino less standoffish, and now was no different.
"It's late," Toka noted. "It was nice meeting all of you, but we should retire for the night and leave you and your guests to do the same. I hope you had a splendid birthday, Sakura." The Senju bowed, dragging Naoko—who gave a little finger wave—out the door.
Sakura shut it behind them and turned to face the others.
"It was your birthday?" Kakashi mused.
"Here it was." she replied. "Is that not the case at home?"
"No, it's almost summer back home." Ino yawned, "It's been an eventful day. I can't have anything else cut into my beauty sleep." Sakura watched her pad back down the hall.
"You're still not sleeping on my bed!" She called after her.
"Fat? Fat?! Did you just call me fat!" Karin roared. Apparently she had missed an exchange between the Uzumaki—who she was perhaps most surprised to see—and Sai. Karin had him by the front of the nightshirt and was all but frothing at the mouth.
Sai shook his head a little, "I only meant that someone with a higher ratio of body fat, would most likely be more comfortable sleeping in the—"
"Shut up!" She raised a fist over Sai's head. "Just shut up—before I throttle ya!"
Kakashi began trying to mediate, easing Sai out of Karin's grip. "I'll never understand where you kids find the energy. I thought we were all ready for sleep."
Sakura decided she could leave breaking up any potential fights in his capable hands. 'Ugh, did my house just become some kind of inn for unruly time travelers?'
Something to ponder on later in the morning perhaps.
There wasn't much time for pondering a few hours later. A crow showed up with a summons from the Hokage Tower just as everyone was finishing breakfast. Karin and Sai had put aside their differences, thankfully. They, along with Ino, were heavily preoccupied in trying to get a peek of Kakashi's face as he peeled down his mask to eat.
'Fat chance.' Sakura thought, knowing how that had always gone for them when they were genin.
She idly nibbled her food, mostly watching Usamaro tuck into his meal and wishing she could be as carefree as he was.
When the bird had come, tapping demandingly at the window, Kakashi got up before she could even ask. Poor guy probably felt all the stares.
The crow did a little dance and then a short bow, her former sensei returning it, much to Sakura's amusement.
The message didn't say much; and it was definitely written by a certain white-haired Senju.
"Meeting at the Hokage Tower one hour from the delivery of this message. Bring the time-travelers."
Sakura's biggest secret is now out there, and I know some people may be thinking it's not that bad as far as their reactions went. Unless you picked up on the subtle hints. Anyway, I wanna say I stand by my choice to have that whole scene in Ino's POV, but at the same time…because she is clueless about Sakura's dynamics with the Founders and is only able to read Sakura, yes I do plan to go more in depth with all the Founders thoughts during that moment. Look forward to it! Or don't. XD Either way this is only the beginning (of the end).