Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto.
The cherry blossom impact
04
Time passed by quickly as Sakura busied herself with training. She spent most of her time with Captain Yamato until he was assigned to guard the Sannin snake, Orochimaru after his trials were done and he was released to roam free. The news had come to a shock to her. It was unbelievable that the man that destroyed their village and killed the third Hokage was free and walking around unpunished before Sasuke could. Her indignation was shared with Naruto, and Kakashi, now sporting his Hokage's robes had calmed them down after they stormed inside his office to demand an explanation.
"Sasuke's situation... is complicated." He had said, staring out of the window, hands folded behind his back as he contemplated the village, "The elders are still deciding what to do with him."
"So the snake bastard gets to walk freely and Sasuke doesn't!" Naruto exclaimed.
"It's unfair that Sasuke-kun is down there all alone and we can't even visit him!" Sakura said, glaring at the floor and then looked up to Kakashi, "Can you do something about it?- So we can see him?"
He smiled sadly as he turned to them, "Sorry, Sakura. But no special favours from me. The elders were very clear about Sasuke's case. They are the ones dealing with him. Not me."
That had put an end to their pleadings.
Sakura had focused on herself and her training to stop any plaguing thoughts about Sasuke to enter her mind.
She had practically moved into Tsunade's old home with how much time she spent there. Somehow it felt wrong to her to take the scrolls out of the house, outside where anyone could see them. Is not that she was selfish, but the information that the scrolls contained was sensitive, and something the rest of the shinobi world didn't need to know. Tsunade has trusted to keep this to herself, even more, she had given her free reign to the Hokage' s private library. She'd only been there a handful of times but each visit she felt like a little girl let loose on a candy store, free to take as many candies as she wanted. Just like with the scrolls, she limited her reading to be done inside of the safety the guarded walls of the library provided.
She read whatever she could get her hands on. Her learning wasn't caged to an specific topic and so she found herself reading about history, the real history of the village and not the censored version they taught at the academy.
Konoha was often referred as the villages of weakling compared to places like the bloody Hidden Mist. Surely those people didn't knew the full history because Konoha was just as bloodied as the other villages if not more. They just were better at hiding it.
That train of thought was only confirmed when she came across the report about the Uchiha massacre.
She'd never think about the Third Hokage the same way she did as a young girl. The image of the kind old man was forever ruined for her as his true colours were exposed for her to see.
(...)
Sakura stood by the gates, Kakashi by her side as they both watched Sasuke walk away until his form disappeared into the distance, swallowed by the thick foliage around him.
She let out a pathetic sigh, staring down at the ground. It seemed she was destined to wait again, for another indefinite amount of time until Sasuke was done with his mission.
"Come, Sakura. Let's have something to eat. My treat." Kakashi offered kindly, trying to lift her mood. He rested his hand on top of her head, giving it a light pat.
She looked back again, to the empty road and turned on her heels, following after her sensei. A warm meal sounded nice and very rarely he offered to pay. She'd better take advantage of this rare opportunity and eat as much as she'd want.
A set of rushing footsteps came from behind them and before she could even turn around an arm landed heavily on her shoulders, weighing her down.
"Man, can't believe teme's gone again!" Naruto complained, "We barely got to see him!"
Sakura bit her tongue to prevent herself from bad mouthing the elders openly. It someone hear her it would be frowned upon and it would reflect badly on Kakashi.
Instead, she smiled sadly, "He had to leave, Naruto." Because he didn't have any other choice to redeem himself was left unsaid but he got her meaning.
In a softer tone, he added, "It still sucks." He muttered before he perked up again, grinning at Kakashi, "Say sensei, I heard you're treating us for lunch?"
"I don't know where you heard that, Naruto."
She stuck her tongue out, "He only invited me." She teased, amused, "You'll have to pay for your own food."
"That's unfair, sensei!" Naruto cried out, "That's favouritism!"
He keep his complaining until they reached a barbecue place for their meal and soon she became too distracted talking with Naruto, successfully pushing away her sadness to the back of her mind.
The first time she had successfully performed the wood released was permanently ingrained into her brain.
She was panting, a thin coat of sweat covered her body as the sun beat mercilessly against her exposed skin.
The wood erupted from the ground as soon as she clapped her hands together. It stood tall, a thick wall made of wood spreads across the training ground. Yamato whistle behind her, impressed. Sakura had invited him to watch her progress as soon as the man had sent her a letter letting her know he'd be at the village for a few days to attend the celebrations to commemorate a year after they won the war.
He moved to inspect the wall closer, running his open palm over the surface. He hummed, fisting his hand he knocked on the wood. "Sakura-san, this is incredible." He praised, giving her a small smile, "You improved a lot on my absence. I believe is time I teach you more advanced techniques."
Sakura beamed at the praise, "Yes, captain!"
That afternoon she learned how to create a waterfall by using her water and earth chakra nature. He also taught her the very handy wood cage technique that she couldn't wait to use on Naruto. As soon as he made one inappropriate comment he'd be sent to the cage.
She smirked, plotting against the blonde when Yamato spoke to her.
"Sorry, wasn't paying attention."
"It's okay. I believe I have an idea about what you were thinking," he said with a knowing smile, "Just make sure to use it in a place with plenty of space." He advised, folding his arms over his chest, "I was asking you about the clinic you want to build. Senpai mentioned it in one of his letters."
She straightened before answering, "I been thinking about it for a while. After witnessing how affected both Naruto and Sasuke-kun were after traumatic events," she paused, recalling the true she had learn not long ago, "I wanted to help children that went through something similar. Especially after the war and the many loses we had."
Yamato nodded, "That's a very noble dream, Sakura-san. The shinobi world needs more people like you."
"I couldn't leave Naruto take all the glory." She joked.
"Certainty not. How's senpai been doing on his new position? All he ever does is complain about the paperwork on our correspondence."
"To be fair, he has a lot to dealt with. After seeing the amount of paperwork Tsunade-sama went through I can confidently said that sensei's had double the amount."
He grimaced, an ounce of pity for his senpai bloomed on him, "It was to be expected. Things are changing constantly and someone's has to keep track of them. Though I feel bad he's the one taking the brunt of it."
She waved his concerns away, "Don't be. Shizune-san and I have been helping him around. He's just complaining because he can barely read that book of his as often as he did."
He laughed, "Sounds like him." He shook his head with a smile, "Are you ready to continue? I still have some things to teach you."
"Yes!" She exclaimed, a determined glint in her eyes.
After their training session had ended, they both parted ways. Yamato headed to the Hokage tower and Sakura walked the familiar path to her best friend's house looking worse for wear, covered in sweat and mud, with leaves and twigs sticking out on her hair. Her clothes were in no better condition and she was glad Ino and her had similar size in clothing for she knew the blonde would push her into her bathroom as soon as she caught sight of her.
Her body was sore and every step she took was as painful as the one before. Yamato hadn't held back on her. Though it was her fault for suggesting a friendly spar before he left to meet Kakashi. It seemed the man had a lot of pent up frustrations after his time with the snake Sannin. Sakura could only imagine what being near the man that experimented on you as a child did to someone's mental health and not for the first time this past year, she cursed the elders council for their thoughtless decisions.
Knowing the directions her thoughts were going, she shook her head to rid herself of them. She worried for Sasuke's safety on a daily basis and she had promised herself that she wouldn't ruin her mood today because of it. She could go back to her brooding once the celebrations were over.
The Yamanaka flower shop came to her line of vision and thanks to the glass windows and door she could see the huge crowd gathered inside the establishment. She could make out Ino's form, hurrying in and out of the back door to retrieve special orders requested to commemorate the fallen during the war.
Sakura hurried her step, opting to use the back door instead of the main one to avoid cluttering the place. Also, she wasn't in the best state to be near people in a close off space, she was sure she reeked with sweat.
She pushed the door open coming face to face with her friend. Ino raised a brow, hip cocked to the side to balance the big flowers arrangement on her hands.
"You look awful." She commented with a frown, "Get your ass on the shower before you wilt the flowers with your pestilence." She ordered, no ill undertone on her voice, she walked back to tend her clients, pushing the door open with her side, "And don't wash your hair. Dirty hair is the best base for any hairstyle!" She called over her shoulder.
Sakura sighed, going up the stairs to reach Ino's living space. Retrieving the spare key from her pouch, she jammed the key on the lock, battling momentarily with the stubborn lock. She had lost count of how many times she had told Ino to change it. One of these days someone's key was going to break and get stuck on it and Sakura will be the first to tell her, 'I told you so.'
As Ino so kindly told her, Sakura made her way to the bathroom, eager to wash away the grime from her body.
On her way there, she spotted many bottles of sake and some groceries bags on the kitchen counter and Sakura knew she won't be having much rest tonight.
(...)
'Sometimes I hate being right.' Sakura thought, hiding a yawn with the back of her hand.
"Stay still!" Ino barked, running a wooden comb through Sakura's hair.
"How can I stay still if you're ripping my scalp!" She cried back, glaring over her shoulder.
"Is not my fault you washed your hair when I told you not to!" Was her friend's annoyed response.
Sakura bit her tongue, knowing Ino was right.
It wasn't her fault though, once she stepped inside the shower she completely forgot about Ino's request. The hot water felt too good in her sore muscles after a long day out in the sun and before she knew it, she had started to wash her hair too, lost with her thoughts as she hummed a made up song.
It wasn't until she exited the bathroom with one fluffy pink towel wrapped around her hair and Ino's murderous eyes shot daggers at her was that she realised her mistake. No amount of apologies appeased her friend and since she knew she was fighting a lost cause, Sakura settled on Ino's bed, bid her goodnight and went to sleep to keep the peace. All of that with the towel still on her head so it was no wonder as to why her hair was so tangled the next morning.
Behind her, Ino mumbled something unintelligible as she continued her work with gentler movements. Sakura studied her friend's room until her gaze landed on the beautiful yukata resting on the bed. It was a deep burgundy colour, the fabric decorated with cherry blossom flowers and petals along the bottom of the skirt and the sleeves, the tree branches were embroidered with golden thread and some of the petals were accentuated with gems.
It was a beautiful yukata Ino had gifted her to celebrate the end of the war as soon as they had returned from the battlefield. But with so many things to do and no appropriate occasion for it, she never had a chance to wear it.
Until today, exactly one year after they won the war.
Even from the height of Ino's apartment, Sakura could hear the sound of the buzzing streets clearly. Judging by the laughs and loud conversations, a good part of Konoha's villagers had decided to start their celebration a little earlier, not wanting to wait for a more appropriate time to start drinking.
She didn't blame them, even Ino and her couldn't resist sharing a few drinks last night. 'To get in the mood,' was Ino's excuse and she was far too tired to argue so she had downed the sake without a single chirp from her.
Ino skilfully fixed her hair in a twisted bun that she finished by adding a beautiful jade comb adorned with cherry blossoms and a pair of golden hair pins with dangling multi coloured gems.
"Now, what do you think?" Ino asked, handing Sakura her favourite purple glittery hand mirror.
She took a moment to study herself, admiring the way Ino had done her hair and makeup to compliment her completion. It was simple and elegant. The start of the show were her red lips. At first, when Ino had whipped the lipsticks from one of her makeup drawers Sakura had been hesitant to let her apply it.
But now, she was glad Ino always got her way because she looked very pretty, dare she say, beautiful even.
Her eyes watered involuntarily as she put the mirror down on her lap, turning to face Ino with the intention of thanking her.
"Aw, Sakura. Don't cry," Ino said, "You're going to ruin my hard work." She chastised lightly, with a teasing smile on her face she made her way to retrieve Sakura's clothes from her bed.
She blinked away the tears before coming to stand next to her friend, "Sorry. It's just been a while since I got a chance to dress up and relax." She explained.
Ino set the yukata down, hands resting on Sakura's shoulders, she spoke reassuringly, "I know. That's why I offered to help you get ready. You deserve a rest, Sakura."
She sighed, "I know. But there's still so much to do-"
"And you're only one woman and you shouldn't over work yourself! Konoha is still going to be here in the morning. So stop worrying at least for a day." She squeezed Sakura's shoulder and then released her, turning her attention back to the piece of clothing, "I'm here too, ya know. I will help you carry your burden."
'I did promise not to worry today, didn't I?' Sakura mused inwardly, before fully registering Ino's words.
Excited, she circled her arms around Ino's neck, "So you're going to help me with the children's clinic?"
She frowned, mildly offended Sakura thought she was going to reject the offer, "Of course, you dumbass! I wasn't about to let you do it all alone." Ino huffed, and then picked at the top she was wearing before grinning, "Now get naked." She demanded.
Sakura rolled her eyes, "At least buy me dinner first." She muttered, slipping out of her pyjama tops and short, standing in her underwear as Ino helped her slip on the first layer. Her right arm was hanging in the air, waiting for Ino to slide the other sleeve in for a second too long.
Peering over her shoulder she saw Ino was distracted studying her back.
The blonde's attention was captured by the seal marking Sakura's skin.
There was a playful smirk on Ino's lips as she resumed what she was doing, "I still can't believe the second Hokage marked you as his." She teased.
Sakura smacked her friend, "He didn't mark me as his, Ino. I'm not a fucking animal." She corrected, her tone indicating that this wasn't the first time they had this conversation, "He did it to-"
"Keep you out of harm's way. I know, I heard you say it a million times." Ino interrupted, unfazed by the glare Sakura threw her over her shoulder.
"Then why do you keep insisting that it is some sort of mating claim!"
"Because it's very funny to rile you up. Your face gets all pink and you pout like a child."
"I'm not pouting." She defended herself, arms crossed and pouting.
"Yeah, yeah. Pass me the other layer."
'Good thing I never told her about the Shodai's-seal or else I would never hear the end of it!'
Sakura reached for the last piece of fabric and handed it to Ino.
"I wish I had been near you to see the second Hokage giving you the sex eyes in the middle of the war." Ino lamented, tying the obi behind, "Tsunade-sama was there wasn't she? I need to ask her about it when I see her today."
Sakura sighed, knowing there was no point in trying to persuade the blonde into changing her mind. She constantly regretted confiding the truth to her best friend after Ino had insisted to know why she wouldn't wear the bikini she gifted her. Ever since then, Ino hadn't stopped to make remarks about whenever she spotted the seal on accident.
More than once, Sakura had turned beet red at her friend with less than innocent comments. Knowing Tsunade, the woman might join in too.
She couldn't wait for the day to be over with.
Both friends walked side by side, elbows locked together, they made their way around the food stalls, manoeuvring around the group of children running around.
Sakura smiled at the sight, everyone seemed so happy and carefree today, it was hard to imagine that only a year ago their village had been nothing but dirt roads and endless rows of refugee tents and very few houses. Pain's attack and Madara's Bijuu dama had destroyed the village to the point most people thought it was beyond salvation. Luckily, Captain Yamato and later on, when she had better control of the technique, Sakura herself, joined forces to rebuild their beloved village with the help of Mokuton.
Now, Konoha stood tall and proud, its streets full of life and colour as it regained its former glory faster than anyone could predict. With the investment on the new science and development department things were looking up for them as they were quickly creating new products thus improving Konoha's economy above the other hidden villages.
Life used to be good but now it was becoming better.
Ino tugged on her side, letting out a giggled she rushed to Tsunade's side, who was sitting in one of the stalls, downing a cup of sake.
"Tsunade-sama!" Ino called excitedly, making the woman turn to face them.
Tsunade was very amused as she beckoned them closer, offering them the empty seats next to her, "Sakura, Ino, is good to see you both. Take a seat."
"Of course Tsunade-sama, we have a lot to discuss." Ino eagerly agreed, dragging Sakura along, they took their seats.
Her brow rose, "Oh, is that so?" She inquired, taking in the blush adorning her student's face, "About what?"
"About Sakura's seal."
Tsunade's eyes widened, surprised she turned to Sakura, "You told her?" She asked and Ino nodded rapidly.
"I had to," she said lamely, "Please, don't entertain any of her crazy ideas."
Tsunade's lip twitched upwards, "What crazy ideas?"
"Well, I think-"
Sakura's loud gasp interrupted her. Ino huffed, turning to glare at her, freezing once she saw how pale she looked. Sakura's face was twisted in pain as she gasped for air.
"Shit," Ino said, jolting from her seat, throwing the stool at her sudden movement, "Sakura?!"
Tsunade was by her side in a flash, holding her steady as she struggled to keep her head up.
"Can't breath," Sakura rasped, voice hoarse, she reached to touch her back, "...It burns."
Tsunade's brows pierced together as she looked at Sakura's back where her students were desperately trying to touch it. Her own glowing hands reached to relieve the pain and Sakura hissed, flinching away from her touch, gritting her teeth, she said, "Don't."
"We need to get her out of here," she told Ino, removing her hands and turned to address the crowd that had gathered to watch, "Please, step aside."
"Is Sakura-san okay?" A man asked, evidently worried before surprise took a hold of his features, "S-she's gl-glowing!"
Both blondes turned around simultaneously to confirm the man's words only to find an empty stool where Sakura had been moments ago.
(...)
Tobirama tightened the grip he had on his katana as Izuna prepared to attack.
Their katana's clashed with a metallic clink that ringed on his ears. Their eyes locked in a heated staring off that only lasted seconds as they broke apart, each jumping back a safe distance away from the other.
Tobirama assessed the situation, their battle was far from over. They were both panting heavily, chakra almost drained completely and yet, they weren't ready to call off their encounter.
Off in the distance, he could faintly hear his brother's booming voice as he fought the Uchiha clan head.
He needed to end this promptly as he knew he wasn't the only one about to reach his limits. Around them, he could see how the Senju clansmen were dimming rapidly as the time passed. They couldn't afford to lose this battle. He knew what he had to do.
Tobirama readied his stance as Izuna leaped at him, seemingly done with his waiting. Their katanas clashed again, both of their grips trembling at the sheer force of their attack. But Tobirama was faster and in a blink of an eye he had gotten the upper hand, destabilising the Uchiha's posture.
Using this to his advantage, he raised his katana again, aiming for the exposed area on his chest.
He was utterly bewildered when instead of the hard steel of Izuna's katana, the tip of his weapon pierced the soft flesh of his abdomen. He had cut men before, done it since he was still a child entrusted into this bloody life and yet he was still stunned to see his own katana embedded on Izuna's body.
He looked just perplexed as he did, sharingan eyes wide and disconcerted at what just happened. It all happened in slow motion, one moment Izuna was falling down on his back, pulling along Tobirama's weapon with him and then, he had raised his arm to attack.
Tobirama was fast to do the hand seals of the jutsu he had been developing to counter this exact scenario. It wasn't complete yet, it still needed to be polished to work as he wanted it to but he had no other choice now.
He threw his last kunai feet away and he waited for the tip to pierce the ground before he called for his chakra. He waited to feel the pull of his technique moving him across the battlefield but his brother's chakra signature coming from above confused him.
Izuna's katana's was about to make contact when a figure landed between them. With the grace of a shinobi, Izuna jumped back, wary of the newcomer.
Tobirama watched the figure land lifeless on the ground and his mind couldn't give credit to what he was seeing. A woman, elegantly dressed landed before them. Her attire was worthy of royalty with the bright colour of the fabric and the rich details adorning it. It was her hair colour that confirmed her otherworldly origins. He'd never seen a person with pink hair before and he was speechless, especially because the woman carried with her two other chakra signatures besides her own. He could easily recognise Hashirama's chakra and his own residing within her.
Izuna took that moment to fall down, gurgling blood as he did so.
Behind him, Tobirama heard one of the Uchiha men call for Madara, to alert him of his younger brother's injuries.
Tobirama stood still, rooted on the spot when the woman started to move towards Izuna.
Sakura was familiar with the sensation of free falling as she often did when she was still a girl. Just that this time it seemed endless as she waited for the impact to come.
When it did, she felt it resonated all over her body, rendering her immobile. Her head was killing her with a migraine so intense she thought it was going to split her skull open. Her mouth was dry and it tasted like iron, adding more fuel to her confusion.
She was so lost in what was happening.
She had landed face down, luckily her palms had cushioned her face from any damage since she knew Ino would kill her if she ruined her hard work-
'Ino!' Sakura though alarmed, eyes as big as plates she sat up, taking in the area she was in. Her gaze landed on the man before her- Sasuke- No, not Sasuke. But someone who looked like him was staring back at her, face drained of colour as if he had seen a ghost. He tried to speak but only an unintelligible babble came out, followed by a splutter of blood as he fell down on his back.
Sakura saw the katana piercing his side and knew she had to do something. The way it was angled and how deep it seemed to be embedded were not a good sight for the medic.
She got to her feet in a rush, suddenly overwhelmed by vertigo and a dizziness that blurred her vision, making her fall to her knees. The hair pieces sticking out of her bun twinkled as she did so.
Ino wasn't definitely going to kill her if she were to damage her yukata.
But there was an injured man that needed her, vanity be damned!
Sakura crawled to him, grateful that the distance wasn't that big she came to his side. She cupped his cheek and his eyes went to her and Sakura could see his silent question reflected on his red eyes, 'Who are you.'
"My name is Sakura," she said, dropping her gaze to his wound, "And I'm going to save your life." She gripped the hilt of the katana and pulled it out in a swift motion.
Izuna gasped, one hand reaching to cover the oozing wound but Sakura gently took his wrist, preventing him from doing so.
Her own hand took its place, hovering above, pouring her healing chakra on it. Seeing as the wound was recent he hadn't lost that much blood making Sakura's job easier. All she had to do was kill any bacteria with her chakra, check for internal damage and close it.
'Easy-peasy.'
As she disinfected the wound, Sakura's other hand moved to do the second step, check for internal damage. Sasuke's clone seemed to be the luckiest man alive as the katana had missed any vital spot just by a chance. It had barely grazed his intestines and it was inches away from touching his organs. Lucky indeed.
The more chakra she used, the more tired she grew. Her eyes felt heavy, ready to close at any given moment as her headache grew in intensity.
She pushed through, she could faint all she wanted once he was out of risk.
"What's happening here?!" A deep, masculine voice demanded from behind her.
Sakura jumped at the sound, but made no move to step aside, even if the voice sounded painstakingly familiar.
"Tobirama, what's going on? Who's that woman?" A calmer one inquired.
'Tobirama?!' Sakura snapped her head back to look over her shoulder to see who were the newcomers only to come face to face with Uchiha Madara of all people.
Sakura tensed, her fight or flight instincts were yelling at her to do something but her duty as a medic came first. So she returned to her task, ignoring the glares directed at her.
"Woman, what are you doing to my brother?" Madara demanded to know, grabbing her shoulder harshly, forcing her to look at him.
'Brother?... no, it can't be. What-' her thoughts were interrupted by the strange tingling on her back, one she had felt before after Tobirama had used his Hiraishin to save her.
'No... this can't be possible.'
Despite Sakura's inner conflict she didn't stop the flow of her chakra and soon, Izuna's wound was closed and his face had started to regain colour. Since he no longer was knocking on death's doors, Sakura retracted her hands back, now fully aware of the four men around her.
"I'm fine brother," Izuna broke the silence, touching the spot where his wound had been seconds ago. He'd never seen chakra be used in such a way before, and judging by his brother's guarded expression, neither had he.
She was on the verge of a panic attack. This wasn't supposed to happen! Why was she here- 'Tobirama.' Her mind hissed the answer as she angrily turned to face the man.
Sakura was about to yell at him, to punch him into oblivion when the pressure on her head became unbearable.
Hashirama seemed to sense her distress as he rushed to her side, "My lady, are you okay?" He asked kindly, resting a palm on her back.
Sakura was enclosed within them, Madara and Hashirama on her sides and Izuna blocking her front and she knew Tobirama was making his way to stand behind her.
A pang of pain shot up inside her head, like lightning it spreads all around her head forcing her to close her eyes.
'This wasn't supposed to happen. Move! Do something!' She yelled inwardly before she succumbed to her fatigue.
Had she been in a better state she would've noticed the obvious signs of chakra exhaustion she presented. It wasn't her fault though, that she didn't know that the Hiraishin had used her chakra for the technique.
She felt on Hashirama's arms who caught her easily, one hand behind her knees and the other on her back, he stood, turning to his brother, "Who is this, Tobirama?"
Said man hardened his features before answering, "I do not know. She fell from the sky." He added with a sigh, knowing he must sound like a mad man.
Izuna, who enjoyed having the upper hand against the Senju bastard, was more than happy to answer, "Her name is Sakura." He said and all four pairs of eyes flew to her hair.
"It makes sense," Hashirama said with a small smile.
"Her parents lacked creativity that's for sure." Madara commented, eyeing her pink locks as Izuna stood. Red eyes assessed his form carefully before his younger brother gave him a firm nod.
"I'm fine." He repeated, "She healed me." He said, tilting his chin towards Sakura, frowning slightly, "She used her chakra to heal me."
"Her chakra?" Hashirama questioned, dumbfounded he studied the small woman resting in his arms. She was very delicate and dainty, with her unblemished skin and fine clothing she looked like a princess, not a healer. Tobirama had said she had felt from the sky, his brother wasn't much of a believer in the gods so he couldn't be making this up.
It was evident that their battle had come to an end. No matter how much either side wanted the victory, today had been a close call and Hashirama knew that under that tough exterior, Madara was a man that cared too much and didn't want to lose his last remaining brother and neither did he. Also, he wasn't fond of the glares he was giving Tobirama.
"Perhaps it is for the best that we part our ways for today." Hashirama suggested, giving Madara a meaningful look that made the man clench his jaw before he started to walk away.
"Why are you taking the girl?" Madara asked, arms crossed over his chest.
Hashirama halted, but it was his brother who answered, "The girl is with us."
Izuna snorted, "Really? You didn't even knew her name."
Tobirama gritted his teeth, 'Damned Uchihas. Always need to have the last word.' he cursed them inwardly, "She's coming with us." He said with finality.
Madara wasn't going to let it go, "She helped my brother. Surely the Senju wouldn't align themselves with a traitor?" He said a little too smug, "She could be of use at the Uchiha compound."
Tobirama bristled on the spot, but made no move to attack. They had a valid point, yes. But the girl was here because of him and he needed an answer about why she had both his and his brother's chakra signatures embedded on her.
"That's enough." Hashirama spoke firmly, giving his brother a look to which he nodded, confirming his suspicions, "Sakura-san is coming with us and unless she expresses otherwise she will remain under our clans protection." He said, going to his brother's side. He too was curious to know why he could feel a connection with the unknown girl.
"Very well," Madara agreed at last, though they all knew this wouldn't be the last time he pressed the issue.
With that settled, both clans gathered their men and parted ways, heading to opposite directions.
Yay! Double update!
First of all, I would like to thank everyone who left a review on the first two chapters. I must admit I wasn't expecting such a positive response. Happy to know there's more people out there who enjoy some good ol' 'Sakura travels into the past and gets into very strange situations with the funders + Izuna' fics.
Now, I asked everyone's opinion about whether Sakura should go with the Senju or with the Uchiha and surprisingly, the Senju brother won by a fat chance. Was not expecting that lol
Special thanks to: gene44, Bini2004, Kzeno, TeruBaka, Redbicy, Mei fa-chan, jazthaneleidelrosario, , Lotus2Life, beautiful-note2895, Guest, Skydancer2ooo, Shion Lee
