I don't own Naruto, there that's my disclaimer.
I'm sorry this is a week late. My dad ended up having emergency surgery and this just wasn't at the front of my mind at the time. The good news is he's recovering amazingly! I hope you enjoy, please leave it lots of love! Until next time ~DQ
It was another two hours before Kakashi and his team walked through the door. They were battered and all of them were still there! Running to Kakashi who had a deep wound on his shoulder, healing him while walking with him. Hearing Naruto announce to those that were in the hospital, that Oro had finally retreated with his minions. Hearing the joy in their voices didn't distract her from the face that Kakashi held. He'd overused his Sharingan again. Settling him down on a bed, Sakura got to work.
"Tsunade?" Kakashi asked his voice was run down
"In the caves, Kurenai is with her now. The gen-jutsu is a tough one and I wanted the best of the best to be working on her." Sakura spoke, checking for other injuries
"How many fatalities?"
"There were 50 that we know of. Unfortunately, some of them were too stubborn to enter the caves and crossed paths with a sound ninja." Sakura sighed, "It could have been worse, it shows that the courses I fought for are worth it."
"Where are they?" Kakashi nodded, moving on to more pressing matters
"The ones we have are in the morgue, waiting for their loved ones. The ones that have no families to speak of are waiting for the Hokage."
"Okay. Good work Sakura. I believe we are safe; I have to call an emergency clan meeting." Kakashi spoke
"I know. We'll keep you informed as to what Tsunade's condition is."
"Hai. Are you finished?"
"Take these for tonight, they'll help you sleep. I know you overused your sharingan, if you need me please come get me. I know you go to Tsunade, but clearly, she's not going to be of any use to anyone anytime soon."
"Thank you, Sakura." Kakashi pulled his student into a hug
"Welcome, Kaka."
"Well, if you're done, I must go." Watching her nod, he vanished before her.
Going back out to the lobby, most of the group was placed into rooms being healed. Checking on each of them before going to the patient that only wanted her. Sai was spunky as always, even while injured. Helping the medic that was struggling with keeping him still, he was the most problematic patient she had. After the wounds would no longer affect his life, Sakura moved on to see Yamato.
"Thank you for looking out for us!" Yamato smiled
"I would have done more, but I had to take care of our people here." Sakura didn't say it but, if her mentor had still been there, she would've been too. Shizune and Ino could handle the rest, yet this time her mentor needed her skills.
"Plus, Oro wanted you! You needed to stay away." She looked to see Neji and Naruto
"There's that too," Sakura spoke solemnly
"They need my assistance if I'm clear?"
"Yes, you're good to go." Moving over to the two boys, Sakura checked out Naruto. "If there were any more of you in the world, I would be out of a job! You're healing is amazing." Sakura joked, Naruto pulling her into a hug
"I'm glad you're okay Sakura-chan," Naruto said
"Of course, I had good back-up." Sakura pointed behind her to Uchiha who rolled his eyes. Pulling away, she went to check Neji over. Seeing that he was forcing himself to remain standing, he definitely needed some help. "Were you going to let this go?" Sakura glared at the Hyuga who was bleeding on the floor
Neji gave a small smirk, "You did say you couldn't give me your attention."
"Don't twist my words. I told you I couldn't give you all my focus, let's get you into a room." Sakura grabbed the arm that wasn't bleeding, having him get onto the table and telling him to remove his shirt. She began having Sasuke gather the needed supplies.
Laying him down, she noticed that he was holding the pain back. "You can tell me you're in pain. No one's holding that against you." Sakura spoke softly
"I'm fine."
"You're stubborn."
"You're my medic, you should be used to it." Smiling at him all the while giving him something for the pain before starting. The gash went crossed his chest over his shoulder. Taking the gauze Sakura cleaned it up before healing the damage that was the most significant. Worry replaced her features as she noticed how close to his heart they'd come, healing that up entirely. She moved on to the other severe wounds that Neji neglected to mention to her.
"Am I going to live?" Neji asked once she stopped, bandaging the surface wounds.
"Yes, you did listen to me. You weren't too badly damaged." Sakura helped him sit up "You're learning."
"What's that?"
"How to miss attacks." Sakura joked
"Is that so?" Neji smirked, taking the shirt she offered to him as his was ruined
"I'm glad you're okay." Sakura spoke solemnly
"Me too." Off from the table, Neji crossed the room pulling Sakura into a hug
The worry she'd felt, finally vanished. He was safe, and Naruto and Kakashi were safe. Their group was safe. "I'm okay. Your team is fine. You can relax some." Neji spoke softly into her ear
"I know, I just felt that there should've been more I could have done. Fighting beside you guys."
"You and I both know that if Oro got you, it would have ended badly. It's done for now, so let's just be happy." Neji said surprising Sakura
"Okay."
"You two realize I'm still here, or would you like some privacy so you can continue this?"
Sasuke questioned the duo smirking, hearing Sakura squeak.
"Shut up you bastard!" Sakura pulled slightly away to glare at him
"If you two got any closer you-."
"Don't finish that thought Uchiha," Neji growled, unimpressed
"Touchy subject?"
"Fuck off." Sakura looked at Neji, she'd never heard him swear
"Sakura!" Ino came running in, not paying attention to what was going on
"What's wrong?"
"It's Tsunade, Kurenai managed to release her from the gen-jutsu. It was almost stupid simple to release her, now she is starting to show signs of waking."
Pulling away, she started to follow Ino leaving the boys behind. "Where is she?"
"She's on the fifth floor, 504." Ino said leading the way in a hurried manner.
Bursting into the room, she passed Shizune who rushed her in. Sakura was glad to see the green hue healing the rest of her body. Being able to mend her teacher, proved to herself that she might have actually grown with power. Ino stood back, watching her moves. Sakura took notes of how far along the abrasions and wounds were, whether healing or healed. Some had not begun yet; Sakura began to assist with those. Thankful for chakra replenishing pills. She didn't take them often; this would be one of her exceptions.
After some time, Ino switched out with her. Checking on her sensei's face, she was starting to wake. "Why are you bothering with me? Help the others"
"You know it's our job, the battle is over." Sakura spoke, motioning to turn the lights down
"Report?"
"There were fifty fatalities that we were able to count, numerous wounded that have been taken care of," Sakura spoke
Seeing her smile softly, "The medic classes worked." Drifting back to a slumber
Sakura maneuvered back to Tsunade's chest. That was the worst of her injuries, Ino working on her abdomen. Taking their time, these wounds the worst of them. Too much chakra and it would have the wounds shredding again, to little the same effect. Sakura finally told Ino to go check on the hospital while she finished up this healing session.
Not sure how long she'd been at this session, the main concerns were over. Broken bones, scrapes, and non-life-threatening wounds were left to Tsunade's healing. With the fact that she'd barely woken the once, it was clear that it would be a long road for her recovery. With so many unknowns, Sakura couldn't be sure.
"Good work Sakura." Announcing himself as he entered the room, seeing his student save their Hokage
"Thanks, Kaka." Sakura smiled, tired and wanting to rest "What happened to her?"
"She refused to use her summons; Oro was destroying the village as is. She didn't want to add to it, on top of that they gave her no time to do so."
"She shouldn't have gone down so easily." Standing beside her teacher trying to figure it out
"We may have been anticipating them, Oro has a way with his words that hit her differently. It is hard for her to push those words to the side; it is something we all struggle with. We all have that one thing that pushes us too far that we cannot recover from, no matter how we try."
"What are you talking about."
"Oro summoned Katō Dan."
"He stooped that low?" Surprise laced her words
"When someone wants something, they will stop at nothing to achieve it," Kakashi explained
"We have to stop him; he's hurting our family."
"And we will. She stopped them from getting you and we pushed him out. We've ruined the chance of getting you, they will move on to the next unfortunate person."
Sakura nodded, going to clean herself up. Afterward, she showed Kakashi to a small break room. Sitting them down both with a cup of coffee, "How did the clan meeting go?"
"Better than expected. There are tons of new missions available, the genin teams will be kept busy. There are missions for higher-ups."
"What else happened?" Sakura called out his expressive facial features
"With Lady Hokage down, they are placing me in her place. That is until she can get back on her feet." His voice solemn
"Of course, you'd be next. I can help you if you want?"
"Thanks, that's appreciated. You know after something like this, there will be missions for everyone. Naruto will not be happy to hear this."
Rolling her eyes, "Oh get over it senpai. He's too damn young right now, you and I both know that. He'll mope for an hour then be over it, if it's explained that this is what the village needs, he'll understand."
Watching him nod, then finish his drink. "I have to go. Missions need to start being sorted."
With that, he left. Finishing her own drink and washing the dishes, Sakura stretched before going to check the floors. The patients were coming back, following the protocols as they should be. Sakura was impressed with how well they were doing, Ino was doing a fine job. Arriving on the final floor, Sakura could feel the exhaustion hitting her finally. Spotting Ino, Ino came over to her.
"I've gone through each floor. Everything is running as it should be, much smoother than the drills! I've stayed on top of them to make the transition as smooth as possible for patients." Ino spoke proud of herself "I've also had families come in to identify their family in the morgue, Kakashi said he'd be by in the morning to do those without family."
Nodding in approval, "Good job." Sakura felt the tired like a brick wall
"Also, your trio is still here. They're in the waiting room, I tried to tell them to go home and get rest. Well, that is beside Sasuke-Kun. I wasn't sure what to do with him."
"It's fine, I'll deal with him. Make sure to get some sleep for our meeting in the morning, meet in my office."
Ino nodded, moving back to her work. Heading in the direction of the only waiting room, she found them all sitting together. All staring in their own direction.
"Sakura-chan!" Naruto bound out of his chair
"Heya, Naruto." Sakura tried to remain lively, but that brick wall was still hitting her
Concern was written all over his face. For being the one that used to yell at them for overdoing it, Sakura seemed to have done that today. "You okay?"
"Yeah, I'm tired. Who would've thought that? What time is it?" Taking the seat Naruto vacated, the one between Neji and Sasuke
"Almost eleven," Neji answered after Naruto was looking around for the clock
Nodding her acknowledgment, "Sasuke, I have to put the chakra bonds back on you."
"Aa." Watching her slowly get up
"Lord Hiashi has volunteered to house Sasuke at the moment, I am to take him to Hiashi-san" Neji spoke, hearing how tired he was too
Placing the seals on the Uchiha, "Let's get going, are you coming Naruto?"
"Na, I'm going home to get some sleep." Giving his cheeky grin
Moving over to her adopted brother, hugged him tight. Naruto returned the hug, and before leaving he shouted goodnights to the other two. Leaving the hospital with the two of them, Neji walked between the two members. Sensing that the Kunoichi was just as exhausted as he, for once he was ready for bed. It wasn't a terribly long battle, but the effect of it were great. It was a win for him, they didn't get Tsunade or Sakura and they retreated. There was minimal damage along with some of the lowest fatalities in years, thanks to the new medic classes.
"The classes at the academy are proving to be beneficial." Neji broke the silence
"Yes, they have. I'm glad that it is open to all ages, they made it a mandatory part of the curriculum. Each team member who wishes to become a ninja will have a basic knowledge with those that have a real ability for it, can continue with it." Sakura beamed proud of what they'd accomplished
"The next generation will prove to be more successful."
"Hai." Sakura spoke, stopping to help a couple trying to move a rock in front of their house "I should really help with some of the clean-up."
"You and I both need our rest. Also, there will be numerous missions starting tomorrow. Many of us will be sent out on missions, displaying how this did not affect us."
Their conversation ended there, the compound in sight. Saying their goodnights and goodbyes, they went their separate ways. Reaching her room, Sakura went to the shower first. Finally allowing herself to become vulnerable, she let the sob she'd been holding and claiming as tired, out. Sitting down, the pain from her ribs was taking a toll on her. It had come back almost halfway through the fight, or maybe it was earlier. Not keeping track of the time. To make matters worse, her inner was trying to pound herself out of the cage that was built. The side effect of the gen-jutsu, kicking her ass. Sometimes it even fooled her, masking the pain while the adrenalin was running. It was something she'd never been able to address.
Forcing herself up, she washed the day away. Getting out, she found the most comfortable pajamas she had. Feeling anxious and sore, left her in a state that she didn't like. Leaving her room, heading to the room next door. Knocking softly, she waited. With no one answering, he must have been sleeping. Turning to go back to her room.
"Sakura?" The door opened revealing Neji, who stood chest bare. The hair that was normally tied back, was down and wet framing his face. "You okay?"
"I-." Sakura blushed out of embarrassment; she'd seen him numerous times without a shirt. She couldn't figure out why now was different. "I can't sleep. I used to go to Naruto's to finally pass out, well back when I was doing missions with them…" Sakura continued to ramble
Neji smirked at how cute she was when she was flustered. Halting his thoughts, trying to understand where that word came from. That was not a part of his vocabulary! "-I guess, what I'm trying to ask is to hang out. Before I pass out, I'll head back to my room."
"Just grab your roll, you can stay the night. Your company will be appreciated."
Nodding, surprised at his acceptance. Hurrying back into her room for her roll, she came back with Neji showing her in. This room mimicked hers, his however was a tab bit plainer. He had no photos, just bookshelves. Watching him move his bed roll over, making sure there was room for Sakura to lay down. Laying out her bed roll, she crawled onto it covering up.
Watching Neji continue to ready himself, removing the light wrap around his head. Knowing what was there, she'd never seen it before up close. She could see it come out, with the light from the moon. Realizing what he'd done, Neji went still. It was a nightly ritual that he took off the wrappings, not thinking he should hide it. Not wanting Sakura to see it, the part of him that brought shame to him. Hating the mark that the branch members received, the damn caged bird seal.
"Neji?" Sakura whispered to him
"Hai?"
Sensing that he was uncomfortable, "Do you want me to leave? I don't want you to feel uncomfortable."
Neji sighed, turning to face her. "No, you're fine."
Watching him closely, wanting to see any signs if she should leave. He crossed the space, to their rolls. Joining her in his own bed, staring at each other. Neji saw that Sakura's hand was inching forward, taking one last thought Neji reached out the rest of the way. Taking a hold of her hand, they took comfort in each other.
"Do you think Oro will try another attack?" Sakura thought out loud
"No, it was a spur attack that was consequential to their force."
"I hate when our home is attacked, this place has my family here. The people I care for, I don't want any of them to die."
"Thanks to your efforts, there were a great many that were saved." Sakura nodded, feeling sleep coming
"What you said to Sasuke, about your father, was that true?" Hearing her suck a breath in
"Hai." Sakura closed her eyes, not wanting to see what could be in Neji's eyes, "I had only hoped for them to love me. I'd hoped they'd be proud of me. That night was horrible a memory I try not to remember.
"They never forgave me for my decisions. I tried to forgive my father when they came in on their death beds. When they died, they left me nothing but their name. They even made me stand at the back of their funeral; they even left their estate to another. One that they considered family; I was officially disowned." Sakura finished, only Kakashi knew the full story. Not even Tsunade knew the full story.
"It was their loss; your name is known through countries. Hearing your name, many consider it as well known as the Hyuga name." Opening her eyes to see if he was telling the truth. Seeing something in his eyes, that she couldn't determine. Offering a small smile, she wasn't sure what to say to him. Neji made her feel, feel things that she didn't understand. Every time she tried to understand how he calmed her down, it made her ask more questions. Creating a smaller gap for her inner to come out. The way that he'd helped her these past few months, she never thought she'd be able to open up to someone else. "Thank you." Sakura finally said
"You're welcome," Neji spoke, looking at her
"Good night Neji."
"Good Night Sakura."
Giving her hand a squeeze, closing her eyes with a small smile on her face. They both fell into a slumber.
Waking slowly, Sakura noticed that the pain in her ribs had returned to a dull ache. No amount of healing ever took away rib pain, it had to heal on its own. Sitting up slowly, the room was dark now. The moon moved to another part of the sky. Finding a small clock on the desk it was only 410. Fully awake, if she'd been in her own room, she'd had gotten a scroll out. Looking over at Neji, he appeared to still be asleep. Taking this time to look at him, the stress from days past was gone. Having a small amount of light, the seal was barely visible. Looking away due to the frustration that had built. In a way, Sakura wanted to know how many had felt that pain or even died from that seal.
"Sakura?" Gasping, startled by Neji's voice
"I didn't wake you, did I?" Sakura asked back quietly
"No," Neji spoke, sitting up
Watching him move, she could tell that he was sore. "Want me to heal up your chest the rest of the way?"
"No, I'll be fine. Just stiff, are you hungry?"
Nodding, hoping he hadn't woken due to her stomach growling. "Yeah, a lot."
"Alright." Neji got up, going to the dresser pulling out a shirt. Sliding it on effortlessly. Sakura waited for more, "Let's go to the kitchen."
Slipping from her bedroll, Sakura grabbed her housecoat. Feeling the chill of the night air. Taking the lead, Neji made a path for the kitchens. Determining that Neji was not a morning creature. It didn't matter to Sakura when she roused, she was cognit. Trying to keep pace with the man, proved to be a challenge. His long strides were no match for Sakura. Nearly having to run to keep up with him! Passing the dining room, the kitchen was down a hall a few meters after. It appeared to be a simple kitchen, with an enhanced stove. There were touches of the old, mingling with the new.
Taking in what Neji was doing, he was pulling items from the fridge. Standing out of his way, Sakura watched him start to create a meal for them. Dissatisfied with not helping, Sakura asked what she could do. Telling her that she could start some tea. Not arguing, it wasn't what she was thinking she could do. Naruto must have gotten to him! Naruto's loathing for her food was extreme. She'd gotten better, her meals were simple when she cooked.
Time moved slowly, watching the tea brew. Neji was emersed in his cooking, before placing the food on plates. Sakura sat the tea before the plates with cups already full. Sitting down, they dug in. Sakura couldn't recall the last time she'd eaten. The meal was delectable, it was a quick meal but full of flavor. Wondering what he could do if he had time to plan for the meal. Finishing the meal quickly, and their teas finished right behind.
Getting up, Sakura started to take care of the dirty dishes. Washing each piece carefully, afterward, she began the drying process. Neji helped to place the dishes where they belonged.
It was still early morning, "Should we try for a couple more hours of sleep or just relax?" Sakura asked
"Either. Missions will be coming in," Neji replied
"Hai," Sakura spoke, she wouldn't mind a couple more hours of sleep. Taking her yawn as a decision, Neji began leading the way back to their room. "Where did you learn to cook?"
"When I was young, I would be late or early for food. The cooks showed me, that way I didn't burn the house down. It was only recently that I'd begun eating with my uncle and my cousins."
"It was very good, thank you." Sakura smiled appreciating the flavors
"Thank you," Neji answered quietly, resuming his quiet streak.
Not sure what to think of him being quiet, it wasn't like him. Or maybe it was. Whatever the reason for him becoming mute again, she didn't like it. Not one for being in uncomfortable positions. She hadn't had hardly any with Neji!
"Neji?" Sakura asked, walking back into his room moving to her cot
"Hm?" He was listening to her
"You're very quiet tonight. More so than normal. I guess I wanted to ask if everything is okay? Are you in pain?" Sakura asked
Neji didn't answer her. He wasn't in pain; she'd healed him up amazingly. The caged bird seal plastered a crossed his forehead was the problem. He was ashamed of it; he'd allowed her to see that side of him. Not wanting her of all people to see it. Wanting nothing but the good to show through, not this.
"If it's your seal, I don't think any less of you," Sakura spoke out softly, all without a thought.
"It is something that makes me angry and upset at the same time. You shouldn't have to worry about that, along with other members. It's not fair."
Surprised by her words, "Thank you." It was the only logical thing to say to her, surprised at her understanding of the situation. "I am ashamed of its meaning. I shouldn't have been so irresponsible."
"Irresponsible? About what?" Sakura sat up herself, not understanding what he was thinking
"To put it out on display to you. Maybe to worry about such petty things." Neji spoke sitting up to join her, sitting staring at each other
"I did come into your room; you're supposed to feel comfortable in your own place. On top of that, it is a part of you! Never feel ashamed of who you are. With me you're not putting it out on display, it's just a part of you. You're a close friend and you shouldn't have to worry about something like that." Sakura offered a small smile, "May I?"
Pondering the question, he wasn't sure he was prepared for that. Yet, he felt at ease with her. Offering a small acceptance, he watched Sakura move to her knees before him. Sakura proceeded cautiously, making sure this was comfortable with him. Slowly rolling the wrap up, it was finally gone. The seal showing itself. Sakura made sure when she sat back, her eyes locked with the man before her.
"How can such an intricate piece, cause so much pain?" Sakura asked tenderly
Like normal with him around, her body moved before she could think. Her hand reached out to touch it. Neji grabbed it, it was tighter than he'd meant. The movement towards his head startled him. Looking at each other, Neji watched her carefully. Letting her hand go, his landed back in his lap. In a way, he was curious to see what her next steps were.
Gaining permission to go ahead, Sakura observed his eyes close as soon as her hand connected with his forehead. Tenderly tracing the lines of the seal. Leaning in, she kissed the center of the seal. This caused both to be startled.
"I'm sorry! I-well. I-." With no reason behind what she just did. Any thinking went out the window the moment her fingers brushed his skin.
"It's, fine," Neji responded, glad for the darkness that blanketed the room. He'd hoped that the women before him couldn't see the blush that touched his cheeks. He had nothing to worry about, Sakura was too concerned with her own blush taking over her body. What the hell was wrong with her? Had she finally gone over the deep end?
"Maybe we should get some more sleep?" Neji recommended. If she continued, he wasn't sure where it would lead them. Not wanting to rush what was going on, he didn't want either to regret their decisions.
"That's probably not a bad idea," Sakura spoke, moved back to her own roll. These feelings were foreign. Ones that she'd tried to feel a long time ago. Feeling this with Neji was scary, she didn't want to ruin anything. Maybe she did like him. But could he ever reciprocate those feelings? Laying down facing each other, just staring at each other. Moving their hands, they started to hold hands. It was as if it was instinct, they both wanted to be connected to the other. With both in their own thoughts, they both started to fade into a slumber. Their thoughts remaining on one another.
Waking up, Sakura saw that it was 7. Those couple of hours of sleep did the job, feeling better and fully recharged. Sitting up there was no sign of Neji. Taking that as a sign that she should leave, Sakura got up rolling up her bed. Throwing on her housecoat, she got ready to leave. Hearing the door open and shut, she turned to find Neji. He was already dressed for the day.
"Morning," Neji spoke
"Morning," Sakura replied
"Sleep okay?"
"Yeah, it was some of the best in a while. Thank you again." Sakura smiled
"You're welcome." Neji offered a softened face, "Thank you too, for last night." Closing the distance between them
"Of course." Studying his face, "Neji?"
"Hm?"
"I-. I don't understand what is happening. I don't want to ruin anything; this is so new to me."
Hearing him chuckle softly, eased her some. "I don't know either. Between the two of us, I'm sure it can be figured out. If you want." Neji closed the space further
Looking up to him, she offered him her most loving smile. "Yeah, that sounds wonderful." Watching him offer her a small smile, one she'd never witnessed before.
"Get ready for some breakfast, we got calling cards for missions." Hating to ruin the moment they had going
"Alright." Sakura sighed, "I have to speak to Ino before our meeting, I can be ready in about twenty minutes." Hoping that he heard the invitation that she wanted him to wait for her
Neji took the cue, "I'll be waiting for you." Wanting to spend as much time as they could together, as who knows how long they'd be on their missions.
Sakura smiled, leaving to do her business. Wanting a pre-mission shower, she made sure everything was ready afterward. Thankfully most of her packs were still ready, or just a quick restock at the hospital would do the trick. Being as she had to be there anyway. Dressed in her other Jōnin outfit, she was ready to go. Stepping out of her room she spotted Neji leaning against his door waiting.
"Were you waiting long?" Sakura asked sliding her door shut
"No, I peeked." Neji smirked, earning the blush he'd hoped for
"Nani?!" Feeling her body flush at his statement
"Have no fear, I heard the water shut off. I heard you packing your things."
"I could have been naked while I did that."
"But you weren't," Neji spoke, with what Sakura could tell was disappointment. She watched him start to head to breakfast
Opening her mouth, yet nothing came out. There was no comeback to that. Hurrying to catch up to him, his actions were so out of character for Neji.
"Do you always go peeking on girls?" Sakura asked next to him
"Just you." Watching her blush more, he opened the door to allow Sakura into the dining room
With everyone there already, the food came quickly. Eating her fill of the food, knowing that any missions that would require her to travel would be light meals until they met their destination.
Asking to be excused, Lord Hiashi stopped them. "Good luck on your mission. Be safe, I will see you both when you return."
"Thank you, Hyuga-san." Sakura smiled, with Neji nodding his response
Going to their rooms for their packs, Sakura made one last inventory. Making sure she had the essentials. Coming out of her room with her pack, she saw Neji had his with her pack attached to it.
"I have to go to the hospital quick," Sakura spoke walking out with him
"I know, I'll tag along. If you don't mind." Neji answered
"I'll make it as quick as possible," Sakura announced, once they were outside of the compound, she took off with Neji behind her