The calm, serene atmosphere of Konoha was soon to be interrupted.
"NANI!" came the booming voice of Hebia (made up the name) Haruno as he heard what Tsunade had to tell them.
The four of them, Sakura, Tsunade, and Sakura's parents, were sitting in the family room when Tsunade, Sakura not trusting her own voice, gave the Harunos the shocking news of Sakura's misplaced pregnancy.
Saria (another made up name) Haruno placed a hand on her husband's arm tensely and looked at the village leader. "Tsunade-sama, now there must be some mistake," she stated in the calmest voice she could summon.
Tsunade kept her poker face. "There is no mistaking what you're daughter is," she insisted at the two disbelieving parents. "She was sexually assaulted, it isn't her fault."
Hebia clenched his fists. "Who was the bastard?" he questioned glaring ahead. Saria took a worried glance at her daughter sitting on the other side of the table, Sakura's head was bowed and she had her hands placed on her lap. How could it be possible? How could her baby be having a baby?
Tsunade stared at the man. "We do not know," she answered truthfully.
"What do you mean you don't know? Shouldn't you be doing something?" Hebia spat in outrage.
"Hebia, stop yelling," Saria rationalized, trying to keep herself from following the actions of her husband.
"What are you talking about, Saria? Someone raped our daughter…and got her pregnant! I think I have every right to be upset about this!" Hebia yelled, his voice carrying more after every word.
"Now, can't we act civilized about this?" the fifth Hokage asked irritably. This was not going as she had thought.
Hebia glared at the blonde gambler. "Civilized? How dare—,"
"Tousan, stop it!" Sakura shouted, her voice quivering as she spoke for the first time since they had gotten to her house.
Her father's eyes softened. "Sakura, don't worry. We're going to…" He was cut off, yet again.
"Yes we have choices Sakura, it's your decision," Her mother added.
"There is no need to decide, because I already have…I'm keeping this child," Sakura explained in a low but confident tone.
"But Sakura, why?" Saria asked, wanting to know why her baby would want to go through the pain of having and raising her rapist's child.
"Because this child, my child, should have a chance at life, it should be able to see the world and live up to it's full potential. After all it isn't it's fault that I was raped, it's an after effect, a mistake, and in a way a surprise that will bring me nothing but joy and happiness as it grows," she in took a deep breath as she continued, " I know this will not be easy, but, I have made my choice. Besides, I have you with me, right? And I'm sure my friends will be by my side, because I'd be there for them in their time of need."
Saria looked at her daughter with tears in her eyes, "My baby's growing up," she sighed. "Oh Sakura, of course we'll be there for you, you're our daughter and we love you with all our hearts. It's not your fault you were raped either and you're right, it should have it's chance in life…who knows it could be the most important person ever…it could be the next Hokage!"
Hebia looked at his wife then at his daughter. His precious baby girl, who was growing up too fast. "Sakura," His daughter looked at him. "I understand. But sweetheart, I want you to be totally sure about this. A baby needs a lot of attention," he told her.
Sakura nodded without hesitation. She placed a hand on her flat abdomen. "I know what I'm doing Tousan," she stated with utmost certainty.
Hebia gave a small smile. "Then I support your decision," he decided.
Sakura's eyes filled with grateful tears and she embraced him. "Arigato, Tousan. Arigato," she mumbled over and over. Her mother came and wrapped her arms around them both.
Tsunade sat back relieved. It was finally over. Just for tonight it was over, but it would effect Sakura for the rest of her life. And, to top that off, she hadn't even told her friends yet.
The next day, Sakura felt a little of the weight that had been weighing her down lifted. But dread still filled her. She had huge obstacles yet to face, some she didn't know if she was ready for or not. Yet it had to be done, starting with breaking the news to her friends. First, Naruto and Kakashi-sensei. They had planned to meet at their training area for a picnic. It was Kakashi's idea. He thought maybe it would ease the pain of Sasuke's leaving and replace it with happy memories. Sakura wiped her eyes before the tears could fall.
That morning, after spilling her guts out through the toilet, she brushed through her short hair, gazing into the mirror. She set her brush down and inhaled a breath. She placed a smile on her face. "Naruto, Kaka-sensei, guess what? I'm going to have myself a baby, isn't that great?" she shook her head and groaned. "How am I going to tell them?" The young teen felt like she could throw up all over again.
At noon, she managed to trudge her way to the forest.
"Sakura-chan!" Naruto greeted with a grin.
Sakura smiled softly and sat down on the blanket next to him.
Kakashi looked up from his books. "Oi."
The kunoichi waved at her sensei. She placed the picnic basket she had brought in the middle of them and opened it, passing around the food.
As Naruto stuffed his mouth, Sakura decided to eat slowly, savoring her time.
Kakashi glanced at her. "So, how's your training with Tsunade-sama going?" he asked.
Sakura swallowed. "Well…it has to be postponed," she replied.
"Uh? Why Sakura-chan?" Naruto questioned as he eyed her putting his sandwich in his mouth.
"Well…you see…it's because of my condition," Sakura started. Here it goes, it was now or never. Was never even an option? "I don't want to have too much stress or exert too much
Naruto and Kakashi raised an eyebrow at her. "What condition?" they said in unison.
"Well, you see, too much stress could cause harm to the life in my womb," she stated, closing her eyes, waiting for the reaction.
Cliffy! How will Kaka-sensei and Naruto react? Well, you'll have to wait till next time! Haha!
The Blue Fruit Loop and Red Fruit Loop,
Kirsten P. and Samantha L.