Last chapter was the dramatic conclusion of the story's third big arc. Now, things will sort of shift focus. The intensity and action of big fights will take a back seat for the time being. I want to get back into writing about the different and growing dynamics between Sakura and her four love interests for a while. Expect some serious, heated developments there. People have also said they missed Hashirama's involvement in things. Not for much longer.


It was almost time. Tonight was the night when Goemon Ishikawa was supposed to strike. And, admittedly Kureno felt a little like he was twiddling his thumbs. Instead of preparing for the likely confrontation with a powerful rogue thief cunning enough to single-handedly put political leaders on edge, he was just…patrolling.

Toka had tasked him with doing one last sweep, talking to the inhabitants of the castle as casually as possible, trying to get a feel on if anyone was behaving differently. There was only so much headway he could possibly see himself making with the castle guard. The samurai still hated their guts. Normal servants were a bit more cooperative, but he still hadn't really caught anyone acting strange.

It wasn't that Kureno thought Toka wasn't intuitive. If she thought someone on the inside could possibly be aiding their thief, then she was probably right. It just wasn't clear on who…and he was starting to feel like he was running out of time. The last thing he wanted was to miss something, which caused Ishikawa to slip by them.

The "gentleman thief" escaping would reflect poorly on everyone, from the top down. Everyone from the Hokage all the way down to the academy children would be branded incompetent, and…

The shinobi halted in his tracks, the fretful whirlwind of thoughts calming with the fragrance wafting down the hall. It was so relaxing, like sitting in a flourishing garden with a cup of tea in hand on a spring morning.

Following his nose, Kureno couldn't help himself from peeking through a cracked door. There, surrounded by sheets of paper she was folding with dexterous hands, was the second princess.

He watched, enraptured by the way she took her time, crafting each sheet into an origami crane.

There were dozens, maybe hundreds, already scattered about the room, and a large bowl wafting a sweet steam into the air.

"So that must be the source," he mused.

The princess's head lifted immediately, one hand covering her mouth.

Realizing he got caught spying again, the blonde shinobi shrank away, waiting for Seishi or a castle guard to accuse him of harassing Tsuguko-hime.

Slinking back into the hall, he pressed his back to the wall, shoulders lifted high. "Sorry!" he shouted. "I don't mean to keep trespassing. I just…smelled something really amazing and got curious."

He heard her long robes rustling, and assumed she was getting up to close the door. But when he felt a presence at his side, Kureno didn't expect to see the princess right there next to him. They met eyes, her big gray gaze dangerously close to his red ones.

Some of the sweet fragrance washed over him again, and Kureno noted the concoction in the bowl wasn't the only thing that smelled good. While it had always been Yurine who loved the fairytales about princesses and dashing samurai, much of his childhood was filled with the same stories.

When his mother gathered his younger sister onto her lap to read to her, Kureno had listened from nearby. And, he remembered all the descriptions about princesses.

Tsuguko was everything the stories had described: beautiful, graceful and with a unique sort of strength in her clear eyes.

It wasn't unexpected when his words came out jumbled, but he groaned in his head nonetheless. "H-h-hi…sorry about…t-that." In his head, the ninja knew he could be charming, dazzling women far and wide with his manners and compliments. In reality…

Before he could collect his thoughts properly, Tsuguko-hime smiled, and Kureno clammed up. His heart jumped in surprise when she motioned for him to follow her, disappearing back into the room. As she began to make herself comfortable, resuming her origami activities, Kureno stood in the doorway and evaluated the situation.

On the one hand, Toka had given him a clear order to investigate as many of the castle residents as possible while she and Naoko hit the city streets and Yurine…did whatever she was up to. It was absolutely not the right time to goof around.

But on the other hand, being around a real princess wasn't an opportunity that came every day. Plus, Kureno reasoned, maybe she could provide valuable insight of some kind. That would appease Toka too.

Mind made up, he slowly entered the room. 'This isn't her bedroom,' he noticed. 'It actually looks more like a craft room.' There were baskets of yarn put away and organized by color on a shelf. Spools of thread and needles, lay on a table in a half-completed garment. Small, hand-made dolls were neatly arranged in another basket. It was pretty impressive if the princess made it all herself.

Kureno tried to find a seat without accidentally crushing any of her work. "Um…I see you're a fan of origami." he tried, curious as to why she wanted him to join her.

She pointed to an empty cushion, and he brought it over, kneeling across from her and watching her work. Three more were made with quick fingers, Kureno lulled into tranquility by the fluidity of her work and the aroma he had yet to place.

"That's some smell." The shinobi sighed, crossing his legs and leaning into his palm. "I'm not the best at identifying perfumes, but I can definitely tell there's something fruity there."

Kureno wasn't expecting her to slip a piece of paper under his nose, which turned out to be a note. "Do you like it? I blend it myself, and help the kitchen staff boil it. I find it helps me clear my head."

He nodded rapidly, thrilled she was communicating with him. It wasn't the same method she used with her sister, but he didn't mind. "Yeah! What's in it?"

Leaning forward, the princess reclaimed the slip of paper and wrote something else out with a quill. "Just a few things I collect from our gardens. The important ingredients are clove, cinnamon, and oranges. I added wild berries this time too."

Sounded like a simple enough recipe. Yurine would probably want to whip it up at home. In fact, she would marvel over the princess's creativity too.

Tsuguko swayed a little to a happy rthym only she could hear. In the time it took him to blink, it felt as if she had constructed five more cranes. The sheer number of them got him curious. Even if she liked crafts, decorating with just one or two would be easier on her. Unless, she planned to spread them throughout the castle.

"I couldn't help but notice you're making a lot of cranes." Kureno mumbled, scratching his ear. "Trying to brighten up the castle some?"

She shook her head, long tresses swishing around her aristocratic face. She wrote out another swift note and passed it his way.

"No, nothing like that. A friend from outside the castle is very ill right now. I'm making these in the hopes that I'll be able to deliver them soon."

Kureno almost teared up, the note crinkling between his fingers. Just like storybook princesses, she was so kind to the less fortunate. Kureno subtly inhaled a deep lungful of the mixture in the bowl. Hopefully that would help clear his head, because he was starting to act all dreamy like his sister.

"I see," he nodded calmly. "Someone's very fortunate to have a princess thinking of them. I should go so I don't distract you…"

Tsuguko once again caught him off guard when she only waved for him to remain seated. Not only was she fast at making the cranes, but writing as well. He had another slightly longer note in his hands in no time. "If it's not too much trouble on you…you're free to stay. The castle guard is on edge, securing all possible entry against the intruder that's supposed to come tonight. My siblings are off in their lessons. It's not very noble of a princess to be needy, but it does get a bit…lonely at times."

It hadn't occurred to him that life in a castle could be anything but luxurious. The daimyo certainly spared no expense in providing for his family. At a glance, life seemed ideal. Perhaps because he had come from a small clan in a small village and never been afforded many of the fanciful things large clans with more territory could afford.

But, Kureno had never considered himself deprived. Life was quaint and meaningful before the Kaguya arrived. His parents and sister, grandfather and aunts and uncles and cousins were all he needed to be happy. Some might have scoffed at the idea when there were richer ninja who chased fame and glory. To them, his life was dull and unfulfilling.

Contrastingly, life as a prince or princess was probably very enticing to their subjects. When the reality of it was, it could probably become lonely and suffocating very easily.

"In that case," Kureno grinned, picking up a sheet of paper. "Why don't I stay and help you for a little while?" He didn't know the first thing about origami. Yet the princess's delicate fingers made it look so easy. Trying to keep his eyes on her hands and fold at the same time, ended up in him getting confused. She was just too fast.

Head bowed, he presented his efforts out to her, the silhouette more that of a misshapen duck than an elegant crane. "I have a confession to make…this is my first time trying this,"

Instead of being met with a face full of scorn, Tsuguko's eyes twinkled. She deliberately slowed down as she made the next crane. Deciding to appreciate the pity she was offering, Kureno tried again. The result was something much closer to the intended animal, but nothing as beautiful as all the others made by her hands.

Kureno had to admit that his heart fluttered when she clapped for him. It made the struggle a little less embarrassing. As he attempted to construct his next, the ninja's eyes traveled around the room. Yes, it was definitely a space especially for crafting. Very unlikely anything of value to a thief proclaiming to hunt down corruption would be here.

"You know your way around this stuff pretty well, huh? Are all the other crafts yours too?"

Tsuguko paused, searching out her quill and nodding. "Yes. I'm not allowed to leave the castle grounds very often, so I fill my time with craft activities. I want to be able to connect to others, especially the citizens of the capitol."

"Connect through crafting? No disrespect, hime, but how?"

"Most of my crafting projects are for them." said the follow-up note. "The dolls I make are for children whose parents can't afford to buy them new toys. The garments are for people who would otherwise wear the same clothes until they became rags. My father doesn't think it's becoming for a princess to be too familiar with common-folk, because our stations are so different. But, I do not want them thinking everyone in the castle has forgotten them."

Some hardened shinobi might have thought of him as a fool, to be so moved by her words. He had never even heard her voice, but Kureno couldn't bring himself to doubt the sincerity in her tone.

"Princess, that's—"

"Am I interrupting something?" Kureno shot up, papers falling from his lap. A nervous habit, he began aggressively carding fingers through his hair.

Naoko, at times, was so effortlessly sensual it made him question if his head could combust. Then there were moments, like now, when she was downright sly. Kureno hated the way she looked like the cat who had gotten the cream and eaten the canary. Her devilish smile was big, eyes alight with mischief waiting to be unleashed.

The princess watched from the floor in confusion as he surged toward the Uchiha, trying to usher her away. "N-Naoko! Need something?"

Still smirking as he pushed, she ticked her head in Tsuguko's direction. "It can wait…"

"No, no! Let's discuss it now." Remembering his manners, Kureno whipped around, knowing his hair was a wild mess. "Sorry for the intrusion. Thanks for letting me keep you company Tsuguko-hime!"

Using all his strength, the Yuhi placed his hands on Naoko's shoulders and jogged her down the hall, under no delusion that he had heard the end of it.


Yurine shot up, rubbing the sleep from her eyes. Judging by the sheet of darkness outside, it was time. It had to be! Why hadn't anyone woken her up?

She rolled out of the futon's sheets, fumbling to secure her weapons without tripping over any of the others. There was still a haze of disorientation clouding her mind, but adrenaline was helping the kunoichi work through it.

Noticing a tuft of blond hair sticking up from the sheets of the bed near hers, Yurine marched right over and kicked at the blob. "Kureno!" she hissed. "Get up!"

Her brother was only able to take a certain amount of abuse. Usually, he would be coming to with an indignant cry. It was a miracle when she didn't see him starting up with any of his normal antics. "Fine," Yurine rolled her eyes. "I'm going to go to the spot Naoko and Toka told me I should be…"

In all the fuss over Kureno's laziness, Yurine hadn't noticed much else in the dark room. As her eyes started to adjust with the help of some moonlight, she saw Kureno wasn't the only one who had slept through the signal.

The two additional bodies could only be her comrades and fellow kunoichi. And however likely it was for Kureno to goof up, there was no way either of them would.

"T-Toka?" she gasped, voice at normal volume. "Naoko? What's going on? We should go or Ishikawa might get away…" Getting on her knees, she stopped beside the Uchiha first. Beautiful, even in sleep.

Tentatively, the young kunoichi reached for her bare arm, shocked to find her skin cold to the touch. Unnaturally cold. "Sorry about this, but it's time to get up!" Not even pinching the woman's side elicited a response. Heart starting to thrum harder, Yurine rolled her flat onto her back, pressing trembling fingers to the side of her neck. Instead of a strong, steady pulse, there wasn't so much as an erratic jump.

Her own heart seized in terror, Yurine scrambling to reach Toka. No way, she kept repeating in her head. There was no way that anything was wrong with her team—

Much the same as Naoko, Toka's skin was icy and there was no sign of a heartbeat.

Tears beginning to build fast in her eyes, the blonde crawled weakly for the last 'sleeping' figure. Kureno was annoying, clumsy, bigheaded and clueless. They'd fought a thousand times, about everything big and small.

'But you still were supposed to always have my back, big oaf! T-That's what we do. Fight and then protect each other!' Yurine curled into herself, the pitch of her sob raising in volume until it was the mournful keen broken by wheezing. Her brother was as unresponsive as the others.

The flood of wetness fell faster, and Yurine had to remind herself that it was still a mission and there was no time for tears. Stumbling to her feet, Yurine finished collecting everything she needed.

The last thing she secured was her headband, tying it in place carefully. "I am…a kunoichi of the Hidden Leaf Village. I will complete this mission no matter what…and I'll find a way to avenge them even if it takes my dying breath."

Though her tears never ceased, and her heart was frayed and raw, throbbing with fresh wounds every step, Yurine remembered her training. She crept on silent feet through the shadows, on the lookout for anyone. It was suspiciously void of guards on this side of the castle. Perhaps the daimyo hadn't thought anyone would intrude where shinobi slept. Or, maybe he hadn't thought their lives were worth guarding.

The first sign of other people came when she reached the wing she knew housed the princesses. Just outside the door of the first princess, two samurai were slouched on the floor. After what she had woken up to, Yurine steeled herself to the likelihood that they weren't asleep.

Sure enough, neither had a pulse, as animated as the corpses they resembled. Something glimmering caught her eye, a pink substance creeping from under the door like ivy. Standing, the blonde ninja centered herself, rearing back her leg and kicking as hard as she could.

"Ah!" Yurine nearly buckled to the ground in pain. She knew how to throw a proper kick. A door shouldn't be that strong, castle or not. Something was definitely up. The kunoichi tried again, and again, ignoring the fresh pain each time. The wood finally cracked, and she kicked along the fault line until it splintered apart.

What awaited her beyond was…simultaneously captivating and terrifying. Princess Seishi, who she had only briefly encountered, was suspended from the ceiling of her room by her feet. The young woman's entire body…no, the entire room, was encased in the pink substance that had spilled from under the door.

Although she was hesitant to make direct contact, Yurine couldn't help but notice it pulse and twinkle. "Just like crystal…" she marveled, touching a pointed tip of stalagmite with one finger. Cautiously approaching the princess while watching her footing, the girl knocked on the crystal shard. The imprisoned princess had her eyes closed, looking like she had been caught in a beautiful but deadly curse straight from the books Yurine's mother once read to her.

"I…I don't know what's happening. I don't think I'm going to be able to help you yet, but I'll come back." She promised.

Leaving the lifeless bodies and the trapped princess, the kunoichi found and burst into the second princess's room to the same scene. Her guards appeared dead. And the entire bedroom was frosted in pink crystal, with a motionless Princess Tsuguko laying on her bed. Unlike everyone else, her eyes were wide open, but she didn't seem aware of anything happening beyond her casing.

Sliding out of the room, Yurine was just in time to see rapid movement, a figure darting down the hallway.

Not wanting to alert them, she stealthily chased after it as fast as she was able. Pumping chakra to her legs helped, but it was dark and whoever she was chasing knew their way around. They were also incredibly quick.

A second was all it took for Yurine to lose sight of them, and she cursed her luck. That was, until she saw light spilling from a chamber down the hall she had never dared to get near. The daimyo's private chambers.

'It's not really the time for propriety, is it?' Yurine barreled right for the door, expecting to be met with some sort of resistance, but instead finding it gave way with ease. Inside, she was again greeted with an unlikely sight.

Kuranoshin stood over Tokitada, and Yurine couldn't tell if the man was passed out or dead. Several more of the Taira samurai were also indisposed, trapped in crystal. Kuranoshin was circling the daimyo, who if anything only appeared exasperated.

"Y-You?" she breathed.

Both men turned their attention in her direction.

"Don't just stand there, stupid girl!" Azusa bellowed, squirming as the pink crystal near his feet began to spread past his knees. "Kill him, quickly!"

"Shut up. Greedy, slimy rich guys like you should just…shut up!" From the shadows stepped the young girl Yurine had met in the alley that day. Saya. She made a seal, the line on her face glowing, along with her eyes. The crystal gained ground, and Azusa growled.

"So…you really were behind everything?" Yurine chose to address "Kuranoshin" and ignore the daimyo.

"You aren't supposed to be up and about." Unlike the previous interactions, when the samurai struck her as friendly and charismatic, his voice was disinterested, and his eyes were distant. "I guess you truly are as exceptional as I first thought you to be, Lady Yurine."

"What did you do to my friends?" She demanded, unable to keep herself composed any longer. Already, her fingers wrapped around the hilt of her tanto. The tanto and tachi were all she and Kureno had left of their family. Now it was up to her to wield both. A heavier burden than she could have ever anticipated.

"Was it not already clear?" Kuranoshin turned completely away from Azusa, who was up to his neck in crystal Saya clearly controlled. "They were in the way. You all were. So I eliminated them."

Yurine swallowed, but the saliva in her mouth only stuck uncomfortably. "How can you think your actions are noble enough to make you a gentleman thief, when you're as black-hearted as they come?"

Yurine had thought he was simply trying to be helpful. Sure, he was mysterious, and should have probably been her first suspect, but...

Was she really that naïve? That desperate for a handsome man to give her the time of day?

Cocking his head, Kuranoshin rubbed his neck, blowing out a long breath. "Listen. I don't take pleasure in the casualties, but this really was necessary. You don't understand what this monster's been doing to the people of this city. That's why I told you to head to the market and speak to some of the merchants there."

Slipping something from his sleeve, something small, glass and full of liquid, she watched him uncap it and press it to the struggling Azusa's lips. "Get your hands off me!" the daimyo bared his teeth.

Clamping a strong hand around his jaw, Kuranoshin pried the man's mouth open and emptied the contents of the vial down his throat. Slapping a palm to his mouth, the samurai forced him to swallow.

"No use fighting it. That elixir isn't going to let you keep your mouth shut. Give us the real reason you raised taxes and threatened some of the merchants?"

"I…" The daimyo panted, babbling as if he were trying to keep words in. "I needed to stoke fear of invasion. People move to the capitol to get away from the unrest in the world. Civilian villages get trampled by all the fights between ninja all the time. Otsu-shi is relatively safe from that, because until recently, I continued the policy of my grandfather, forbidding shinobi entrance from the city."

Yurine could still feel the pain and rage burning bright in her chest, but she watched warily.

"And?" The tall samurai prodded.

"A-And I told the citizens I needed to raise taxes to employee shinobi across the Land of Fire to protect the capitol, protect them. Most of them don't have a high opinion of ninja anyway. It wasn't hard to convince them they were just a bunch of mercenary thugs, and I had no ch-choice." he grit his teeth.

Yurine glared. "You were always lying, weren't you? You pocketed most of the money, while plenty of citizens struggled to make ends meet. You recruited a select few to your inner circle who were greedy and opportunistic enough to help you. In a way, it keeps everyone under control. And in the end you'd line all your pockets."

It was also finally piecing together with the help of the clues they all worked hard to gather individually, along with the daimyo's confession.

The brothel owner Naoko knew, and a shipping magnet many small time peddlers in the market were too scared to even speak about. Those were the people Azusa had approached. In exchange for monopolizing their respective areas of business, they ran out anyone away who got wise or stood in the way.

"Countless lives have been ruined for the sake of your whimsical, pointless luxuries." Kuranoshin scoffed.

Azusa coughed, the crystal squeezing him tighter. "H-How did you know?"

Crossing his arms, the samurai regarded him with a raised brow. "I met a poor couple begging on the road a long time ago. They moved to the capitol to start a secure life. Or so they thought. But their business became too successful and it cut into the profit margins of your business partner, so you destroyed them and left them destitute. After I figured that out, I followed the trail of corruption right back to you."

If she wasn't still soaking in grief and fury, Yurine would have been impressed.

"So, my final question is…where did you hide the treasure you bought with all the stolen money a year ago?"

"I have a vault. There's a trap door under the toy chest in my son's room. It appears to lead to a wine cellar but…pull the third bottle off the fourth rack and you'll find a passage right to it."

Goemon Ishikawa cracked his neck. "Tomoharu."

Yurine watched the shy boy she hadn't seen since that day he stole from her, materialize. He crept out like he crept in, without a word, refusing to meet her eyes. "So that's the extent of your goodwill? You just keep kids around and use them as pickpockets?"

"You don't know anything! Nii-san rescued us." Saya defended.

"You're brainwashed! He's using you!" Yurine argued.

"No, they do this because they want to help me bring justice to countless families." Ishikawa stated. "Saya and Tomoharu are the last surviving members of their clan. Their family was killed off due to the rare kekkei genkai you see here. I was hired by my employer to take part in the massacre, but I refused. I couldn't save their clan, but I saved these two. Took them with me to help them escape persecution."

Yurine didn't know what to think. He cared enough about the lives Azusa ruined to step in and help, and had adopted two orphaned children as his younger siblings. But he killed people she loved like they meant nothing? If he had just approached them with evidence, Toka wouldn't have helped the daimyo. She, and Naoko and Kureno would have wanted to get the people justice. They could have lived!

Kuranoshin could probably tell instantly who to target, who would be the easiest to win over. The kunoichi bet none of the others would have been fooled. She was so stupid.

"Right. You're still in shock." Kuranoshin murmured. "I really am sorry for the distress I've brought you. I can tell you're a nice girl."

"Save it!" Yurine snarled, her worldview shattering and rearranging into a whole new picture. "You got the best of me, and you killed people I cared about. Before I do anything else, I'm going to deal with you!" She threw the tanto, and Kuranoshin—no, Ishikawa—moved a hair's breadth before he was cut.

The samurai handed off a vial to his sister. "Use this on Azusa, and he won't remember any of this. I'll handle this."

He began sprinting, heading directly for the window. Yurine wasn't about to let him get away. "You're going to handle me like the loose end you think I am, huh? Well, I'm not the gullible, defenseless girl you think I am!"

Yurine flung three shuriken, catching his clothes against the wall of the castle as he ran up its stony side. Ishikawa tore his sleeve free, throwing a smoke bomb over his shoulder.

Though her eyes watered and she nearly lost her footing, Yurine pushed through the confusion, locking eyes on the billowing shirt disappearing over the roof's edge.

They faced off on the shingled tile underneath a high, swollen moon. "You have every right to want to kill me," he said, and for a brief glimpse, Yurine thought she saw remorse. "But if I allow myself to die here, I won't be able to bring justice to the countless other corrupt nobles in the world. I need to sell whatever Azusa wasted that money on, so I can redistribute the wealth to everyone he robbed."

"I still can't let you go!" Yurine raised her tanto, thinking of Kureno, who would never tease, or smile at, or laugh with her again. "I can't forgive you!"

The warriors traded attacks, Ishikawa much nimbler than his size would suggest, but Yurine having dogged vindictiveness on her side. Not even the burn of being flung across the roof, ripping up tiles in her wake, was enough of a deterrent to keep her from getting back up.

'This is my trump card…the one you taught me.' Yurine almost smiled as her mother's sweet face swam into her vision. 'Please watch over me now, okaa-san. I'm going to avenge my friends, and Kureno!'

The samurai stumbled, a vine snaking up through the tiling to seize his ankle. He brought out his sword, aiming to free himself, but the sudden pick up in wind brought thousands of petals that obscured everything.

"Feeling numb? You're already caught in the strongest genjutsu of the Yuhi clan."

Ishikawa swayed, defenseless as Yurine slammed a knee into his stomach, knocking him on his back.

In no time, she had rolled him over, knee driven as far into his shoulder blades as it could go. Tachi steady against his pulse, the kunoichi prepared to let the steel bite into his flesh. "You're truly amazing."

"Not the last words I'd expect, but flattery's not going to save you. It's over."

"Alright," he said, "But before that, reach into my pouch and take the vials with the green liquid. Use it to rescue your friends, and everyone else who was lifeless."

"W-what?" Yurine didn't hesitate. She searched him until she found the vials he spoke of.

"They're not dead. It's a special technique I learned years ago. Using that will bring them back, and they'll be just fine."

Still kneeling on him, Yurine raised one of the vials to eye level and swished it around. There was absolutely no way to know if he was telling the truth. "Why should I believe you?"

"You're right that I shouldn't call myself a gentleman thief. Not when I made a lady cry…"

She touched the back of her wrist to her eyes and realized he was right. She was crying again.

"In all the years I've been doing this, no one's ever caught me."

"Did you let me win?" the blonde wanted to know, "Is this another sick game?"

"You simply beat me by your own merits, milady. And for that…I'd like to explain further." She urgently wanted to see if the liquid would revive everyone, but Yurine would be lying if she said she wasn't curious.

"Make it fast." she snapped.

"I…started out the son of a poor couple that thought they were unable to have children. My father is a charcoal maker, and my mother is a seamstress. They live in Lightning Country, where I'm originally from."

Yurine remembered what the Hokage had said, how Goemon Ishikawa had made himself a menace to corrupt nobles from here to Lightning. Against her better judgement, Yurine released some of the pressure on him, straddling his back instead.

"They're good people. In fact, my whole life I saw good, honest people who didn't have much give whatever they could to help their neighbors. Everyone banded together. But, people who already have more than they could ever possibly need always seem to prey on those with the least. I left home, taught myself how to become a samurai, and fashioned a new identity to protect the helpless as Goemon Ishikawa."

"That's not your real name either, though." she guessed, slowly climbing off him and standing up.

"Well, yes and no," he sat up on his knees, now free of her weight. Yurine eyed him, ready to take him down if he made a sudden move. Fortunately for him, the man made the right choice, and rubbed at his wrists. "My name is Goemon, and my mother's maiden name was Kuranoshin. My identity changes throughout my travel. I pose as a samurai for hire, always a different name and appearance, and then Ishikawa comes in and cleans up. No one ever suspects a thing."

"Why tell me all this?" Yurine pressed. "If your whole act depends on the real you remaining secret, then you're trusting me with a lot."

"Yes," Goemon got down on one knee, as if he was pledging a vow to his liege. In spite of herself, Yurine felt her cheeks heating. "I want to help you bring your friends back, and then we can force another confession from the daimyo. He'll be locked away, the people who were robbed and run out of town will have their justice, and no one truly has to die." he winked.

Yurine knew believing in her heart was dangerous. Ninja were supposed to follow logic, not emotions. The latter spelled nothing but trouble and a sticky end in their careers. 'What would Sakura do right now?'

Hands on her hips, the blonde put on her firmest, most unimpressed glare. "You've only got one chance to help me make this right. But if you double-cross me…"

He took her hand, kissing the palm. "Thank you milady." Rising, he smirked down at her. "Don't worry. You have not only the word of Goemon Ishikawa, but," In a cloud of smoke, Ishikawa was gone, replaced by what must have been the true man under the henge.

Where Ishikawa had been tanner, this man was pale, his hair a striking silver like no one she had met before, in spikes to his shoulders. Stubble covered his strong jaw, and when he grinned, there were fangs, as plain as day. 'Did he get taller?' His height had been plenty impressive as Ishikawa, but now he was undoubtedly taller than the Hokage, which was saying a lot.

'And his body's built like stone!'

Bringing a large hand to rub his neck drew her eyes to the tattoos that started on his wrist and twined across his bare arm all the way to his shoulder. "Goemon Hatake is at your service as well."


The atmosphere in the norimono was stifling. At times, intensely silent, at other points in the journey, filled with brief conversation between his parents. But always uncomfortable enough to make him want to squirm. Of course, under his father's gaze, he wouldn't dare. It was highly undignified to wiggle around.

The young heir peered through the slats that provided a limited view of the outside world. Their pace was steady, sustained by the dozens of men that hoisted the liter around on their backs, stopping to switch off when the clan paused. They were bunke members, destined to always be at their beck and call.

Haruchika knew he wasn't supposed to, but he envied them, in a way. At least they were able to walk and stretch their legs. They tasted the spring air and held light conversation amongst themselves when everyone stopped to rest.

He, on the other hand, couldn't stray far from his parents. Ironically, they were practically caged together in the small space.

He sat rigid, his legs growing numb, as the long trek to their new home continued. They had set out as soon as the snow on the ground surrounding the mountainous region they once called home turned to slush. It was hard for him to understand.

The mighty Hyuga clan, living among their former enemies in a village governed by a shinobi leader? He hadn't been privy to the talks between his parents and Leaf's representative, so Haruchika couldn't say for sure what had swayed them. He only knew that now, he would be expected to grow up alongside children from other clans he once might have had to fight to the death. It was disconcerting.

The norimono jilted hard, drawing a quiet, dignified grunt from his mother. Her cold pearlescent eyes slide to his father. "Are they tiring already? We've hardly been journeying half a day."

"I know." His father responded, his lips barely moving. "They should at least be capable of bringing us around the next three passes without slowing. If not, we'll have to delay while the second group takes over for them."

The boy took a subtle peek outside again, catching sight of the man marching nearest his door. His face and neck were very wet with perspiration, reddened blotches from overexposure to the harsh sun marring his complexion.

Haruchika could only imagine the state of the man's blistered feet, or the rough texture of his hands, gripping tight to the wooden pole. If they had to make an extra stop, he knew very well what the consequences would be for the Branch members carrying them.

"The Hokage is expecting us." His mother said. "We must be punctual."

Seeing an opportunity to sate some of his curiosity, Haruchika turned toward his mother, Hyuga matriarch Hay Lin. As usual, she was made up to perfection. Her face was decorated in enough blush to draw attention to her cheekbones, lips painted a soft pink.

The graceful, swan-like curve of her neck dipped into delicate, but proud shoulders, her formal yukata hanging perfectly on her frame.

There wasn't a lock of hair out of place, either. What wasn't gathered in a tight bun flowed down to the middle of her back. Haruchika's eyes fell to her thin hands resting on her lap, before drawing back up to her face. "Mother," he intoned politely.

"What is it?" While she didn't sound particularly interested in talking to him, he was used to her brusque tone, enough not to recoil at it.

"What kind of shinobi is the Hokage?" he asked. His parents, no, his clan were a proud people. For the Hyuga to shirk generations of relative isolation and agree to live in a village that had been in existence for such a short time, its leader had to be at a caliber that went beyond impressive.

"Well, he comes from the Senju clan." she explained. "They say he's the only ninja of his clan in generations to inherit their kekkei genkai—the Mokuton."

"The very village itself is said to be largely constructed by his abilities." His father, Haruaki, murmured. "Its versatility and might make him a man with power few can match."

If his father said it, then the statement was less praise and more fact. A Hyuga never wasted breath on falsehoods and empty flattery. This Hokage was someone who had his father's respect. "Not even the Hyuga?" The question slipped past his lips thoughtlessly.

The liter grew cold, his parents regarding him with identical impatience.

"The Hyuga are in a class by themselves," said the matriarch. "Remember that."

"Yes," Crossing his arms, his father nodded in agreeance, "and also remember there are other shinobi also in a class of their own, those worth allying with for the sake of self-interest."

The conversation ended almost exactly the way it began. "That's the kind of shinobi the Hokage is."

The rest of their ride was spent silently. His parents no longer felt like talking to him or each other. Reading the mood made it feel as though it was in his best interest to entertain himself, imagining the kind of reception they would get upon entering Konoha.

Time idled by, and when Haruchika peered through the narrow slats again, tall green gates loomed ahead. It wasn't easy to see from his current vantage point, but it was a telltale sign they'd arrived when all movement stopped.

Hushed conversation came to him in small bits. Then they were moving again. The sun was high in the sky and the day was bright, but it evidently didn't deter the villagers if all the murmuring was anything to go by.

Haruchika couldn't imagine what a spectacle their arrival must have made them. Dozens and dozens of Branch members towing along liters containing the Main house. Would it not have been less commotion to simply walk, now that they were in village walls? It wasn't like he could voice that opinion to his parents, though. Better to keep it to himself. Instead he sat beyond still, willing himself not to so much as sweat, until the liter was finally sat down.

The door was opened, and even though there wasn't a breeze, Haruchika found the air outside far more preferable to the sweltering temperature in the vehicle. His father exited first, followed by his mother, leaving him last.

The rest of the clan was beginning to unload everything in front of a sprawling compound surrounded by a length of fencing for privacy. This was no doubt where they'd now reside. It was possibly more space than they had members, but if he knew his father at all, Haruchika knew he wouldn't have settled for anything less.

The adults talked, the Branch members being instructed on where to put the belongings that hadn't gone into storage scrolls, and what side of the compound they were allowed to live in. Haruchika felt a presence slither over him, and knew his bodyguard had arrived.

They had been separated during travel, since she was traveling on foot with her mother and the others of their station. Her lithe form and ready posture spoke of elegance…or maybe just the decorum expected of her role.

Only her eyes moved as she took him in, as if she suspected he had sustained injury in their time apart. Finding him to be in satisfactory position, she settled at his side with only an incline of her head, and a quiet, "Haruchika-sama."

Hibari had been a consistent presence in his life for many years, and yet, if Haruchika were being truthful he knew next to nothing about her. She was a year older, but handled the duty of protecting him, the clan heir, with as much dignity and responsibility as an adult.

His cousin never volunteered any information about herself, and never spoke unless spoken to. Sometimes, he found himself staring at the seal visible from the part in her bangs, branded right there on her forehead. If she resented any part of her life of servitude, there was zero chance she would show it, for more than one reason.

"Haruaki-san and Hay Lin-san!" The loud voice cracked like thunder above the controlled din of the clan. Despite knowing he wasn't being addressed, Haruchika couldn't help but look for the boisterous person calling out to his father and mother.

He wasn't the only one. Half the clan seemed to incline their heads to the man quickly approaching them. Dressed in a short-sleeved, olive kimono shirt with mesh visible underneath, a red sash around his waist and navy pants, he appeared to be a shinobi.

Strangely, neither of his parents looked alarmed. Some strange shinobi had come running from deeper in the compound and they were as jointly composed as ever.

"Lord Hokage, thank you for welcoming us." His father bowed.

Haruchika found it hard to believe his ears. 'This man…this man is the strongest shinobi in the village? '

The man grinned excitably, bowing back. "It's nice to officially meet you. Welcome to the village!" The minute he snapped up again, his arms stretched to either side in presentation.

Haruchika eyed him up while the adults exchanged light pleasantries. Every image conjured in his head was so far from the ninja in front of him. His mind had thought the Hokage would surely be a wizened leader, perhaps the same age as his father or older. Short graying hair in a topknot and a solemn countenance riddled by scars would make him grim and convey his battle experience. His clothes would be befitting of a ninja in his position, long formal robes. And, in spite of a slight slouch, he would be notably tall.

Well, Haruchika surmised, at least one prediction had been proved true. Up close, he was tall—massive wouldn't have been a stretch. He had long arms and broad shoulders. The loose fit of his shirt and the cling of the mesh underneath didn't leave any doubt that he was built as solidly as the trees his kekkei genkai created. It would have been enough just for him to be such an impressive size, but then he stared straight at Haruchika, smiling from his eyes and showing off a perfect white smile at the same time.

A brief puff of wind chose that very moment to pass by them, fluttering the ends of everyone's hair. The Hokage's center-parted fringe swaying gently against the healthy glow of his golden skin drew a startling realization from the young heir. This man was not only much younger and less stern than he was expecting, but handsome.

The Hokage leaned down ever so slightly, in a way that would have normally been condescending coming from an adult like him, and Haruchika fought the urge to shy away. That would have been beyond shameful, especially with his parents standing not even meters away.

Since he was barely able to stand upright, he had been taught what was expected of him. As the heir, he represented the pride of the Hyuga, and had to conduct himself that way at all times. Easy enough, around pompous types who kept their thoughts heavily guarded and looked down their noses at children with icy gazes.

Countered with this type, a shinobi so revered even his father openly admired him and yet seemingly so affable, Haruchika was at a loss.

"Hello there," the Hokage said, "You must be…"

Hopefully his family didn't see the moment words ceased to exist in his head. He swallowed as quietly as possible, hoping to resuscitate his unresponsive brain, but to his ears it sounded painfully loud. A hand landed heavily on his shoulders, fingers clenching in a subtle warning. "This is my son and heir, Haruchika." his father introduced.

"I see! Well, I think you'll enjoy growing up in the village." The Hokage said kindly.

Before he could recover from his earlier mistake with a polite response, the village leader's attention had moved on, his bright eyes focusing on his cousin.

"You too, of course." he told her. Straightening to speak to the patriarch and matriarch again, he inclined his head. "I have to say, I wasn't aware you had two children."

"No, only one." Without looking up, Haruchika could tell by her tone of voice she was suppressing an indignant sniff at the thought of Hibari being her daughter.

His father took over, "Hibari is Haruchika's bodyguard and cousin."

Haruchika watched the Hokage pause, eyes traveling up to land on Hibari's forehead. "That's an impressive position for such a young kunoichi," he continued, his voice even.

"It was honor to be selected." His cousin said in her soft, clear lilt. Were he in her shoes, Haruchika didn't know if he could say that with a straight face, but her true feelings had always been deeply hidden. For all he knew, she earnestly felt that way.

"It was very hospitable for you to come greet us, Lord Hokage." His mother swept into the conversation like a warm breeze. "Please don't think of us as rude if we excuse ourselves to finish settling in." Really, the Branch members had already taken in a considerable amount in while they stood around talking.

The rest was stored in scrolls and wouldn't take long at all to arrange. Naively, Haruchika briefly thought maybe his mother was as hungry as he was. In the ride over, half of him was expecting his stomach to give him away. But, as she had told him on several occasions, it wouldn't have been ladylike to eat snacks whenever she wanted.

"Oh," The idea that they may be weary seemed to dawn on the village leader suddenly. "I'm sorry, I'll let you rest. I finished making the layout to your requested specifications." he explained. "Everything should be in working order, but feel free to send word if it's not."

Haruchika was led with a light push to the shoulder, following his mother that seemed to know exactly where she was going. As the heavy gates to the compound swung shut, he really had to wonder how this Shodai, Hashirama Senju, could keep respect and still be so…accommodating.

He walked around the village without a security detail or any sort of entourage, too. Meanwhile, even before Hibari had been assigned to the task, Haruchika knew he had bodyguards since infancy. They had trained his cousin after her selection.

"What an offbeat shinobi." Hay Lin remarked to her husband.

That left the Hyuga heir with a lot to think about. Were all the shinobi of this village as 'offbeat' as the one in charge?


Sakura's steady heartbeat had picked up into a thundering roar, the closer they got to home. The sentries on duty weren't ninja she recognized, but they still dipped their heads respectfully as they entered the village gates. It was probably more so due to Tobirama being at her side than anything she herself had done.

Avoiding the lively streets, the pair traveled by rooftop, eyes on the towering building just ahead. Usamaro dozed off inside the bottomless bag the mujina had unearthed from The Under's trove of treasures. She wished she could be that relaxed. 'This is it. Now you just have to try not to get tongue tied when you give the mission report.' Sakura coached herself. A small part of her still felt like they were doing something wrong, but she also saw Tobirama's point, the longer they talked about it.

"Compared to the last report you gave after a long mission, this should be less stressful by comparison." Tobirama said, seemingly reading her mind.

Casting her eyes briefly down at the villagers below, she mumbled, "How can you be sure about that?"

"Hashirama's not going to interrogate you."

"But—"

"Trust me, he won't." Trust. That was a relatively new thing between them, but considering it was mutual, Sakura figured the least she could do was give it a shot.

She wasn't expecting Tobirama to opt for running up the side of the Hokage Tower, heading right for the familiar office window. Sometimes Naruto would slip in through the window with a yell of "baa-chan!" which promptly got him knocked from his perch by her master. Sometimes, he would come calling for her, whining that she needed to join him and Sai for lunch at Ichiraku.

Just like during the sticky summer months Sakura had spent shuffling around the Hokage's office as an apprentice, the window was open. Possibly because although it was still only February by her estimation, Mizuchi's interference in the weather pattern had made it feel like they were in the throes of an early spring.

Tobirama slipped inside the room without hesitation, and she followed.

Instead of the Godaime sitting with her feet up on her desk, languidly sipping iced green tea, they were greeted by a strong back stooped over a bonsai considerably bigger than the one Sakura remembered last seeing.

"Is that really Bukkai?" she sputtered dumbly. It was probably the last thing she needed to be focused on, but bonsai didn't normally grow so much so fast, right?

Usamaro chose then to pop out with a chirp, slipping from her bag and going to examine a scroll that had fallen to the floor.

Hashirama lifted his head, so caught up in fussing over his potted friend, he hadn't paid any attention to them slipping in through the window. One double glance and that was quickly rectified, his eyes going wide, darting between them as if he didn't know who to focus on. An understandable reaction, all things considered. They hadn't left on a joint mission.

Looking up at the pale shinobi beside her, she furrowed her brow in confusion. "Didn't you tell him we were returning together?"

Tobirama rolled his shoulder, "I told him I was returning soon. I thought it would be best to keep details to a minimum knowing Hashirama's penchant for over-the-top reactions."

"I'm right here, you know." The elder Senju sighed. Before Sakura could worry too much over his glum expression, he lifted his head to reveal a smile. An unusual pang hit her square in the chest, and she barely resisted clutching a hand over her heart. She had missed that smile, and admittedly the large personality that came with it. "Welcome back!" The Hokage rushed at them both, arms out in front of him as he wanted to draw them in for a hug.

Given his past record of hugging without hesitation when he got emotional, it was probably only Tobirama firmly holding a hand out to stop him that held him off.

"Hold on, anija. We've got quite a lot to tell you, so the rejoicing can wait."

Although it stopped Hashirama in his tracks, he still cast his younger brother big, disappointed eyes. Then, before Sakura could think of some consoling words, the more serious side of the Hokage emerged. "Alright," he nodded. "Maybe we should all make ourselves comfortable."

He didn't waste any time setting mats in the middle of the floor for them all to sit comfortably. Sakura took her spot with a sigh, Tobirama on her left and the Hokage on her right. Clearing his throat, the former briefly warned his brother not to interrupt.

Launching into his tale of how he had arrived in Tenryu hoping to do uncover the origin of the pox that had nearly devastated the Senju, it quickly came to a point where he motioned for Sakura to take over.

With both of their eyes steadily on her, the kunoichi attempted to stay brave-faced as she revealed the true purpose of wanting to leave the village for a while. To his credit, although Hashirama looked taken aback at first, he also recovered quickly, remaining silent as she continued.

The further into the story she got, the more she and Tobirama took turns as the narratives combined into one. When it came to their first real confrontation with Sanna, then known as Cat, and the result of being thrown into The Under, Hashirama's knee began to bounce.

He was itching to ask questions, she could tell. So, Sakura quickly elaborated, "The Under is a realm between earth and the underworld. It's its own pocket dimension, and there are veins webbed out all over the world that act as access points if you know where to look. The deities sealed all kinds of things from early creation lost to time down there."

"It's home to countless monstrosities, she means." Tobirama added. "Some, Sakura actually managed to ally herself with."

"They helped us," Rubbing her arm self-consciously, Sakura tried to continue her neutral expression as the Hokage's eyes grew wide. But she knew she was pouting. "They have…some quirks, and there's a lot they don't understand because they were sealed away for so long—"

"Not anymore…" Tobirama groused.

"But I have it under control!"

Everything fell silent. Hashirama rubbed his neck, opening his mouth and then closing it twice before finally saying, "These creatures…they're free now?"

"It was the exchange I made with them in order for them to help us find a way out…" Sakura explained, suddenly feeling less sure of herself. "I also made them my Summons, so I can take responsibility for them since they're bound to me."

"I think I understand," the Hokage said, slowly. "But one thing slightly concerns me. These creatures were created long ago, then deemed too unstable to be on earth. Wouldn't that make binding yourself to them dangerous?"

Tobirama had already started nodding, so she elbowed him. "Well," she laughed nervously, "They're called mujina, and once you appeal to their better natures, they're not so bad. I could always introduce you,"

"Sakura," Tobirama bit out.

"Actually, Tobi, I admit I'm curious to see for myself what kind of animals they are." Hashirama chimed. "I'm sure it's nothing the three of us couldn't handle, and you said they already aided you before."

"You don't understand," Tobirama continued, face heavy with disapproval. "They're less animal and more chaos with fangs."

"Just for a minute," he said, motioning for Sakura to proceed. Peeking over at Tobirama, she saw he had his arms folded and his nose stubbornly in the air as if he wanted no part of it.

Biting her thumb and smearing the blood over the area where Tsubute had nicked her, the kunoichi placed her palm on the ground, expecting an ordinary summoning jutsu. Instead a circle of golden light rose from the floor, a shape beginning to emerge.

By the time a mujina tumbled out, into her lap, Usamaro had come running over with a hiss and Hashirama was leaning in, awed.

Sitting the fluffy creature upright, Sakura waited for it to get its bearings. "Eh? Now this is not my cozy pile of leaves. What's going on, Sakura? I was right in the middle of something." Tsubute stood on his back legs and surveyed the room. "Still hanging out with this dull fleshling?" he snickered, pointing to Tobirama.

"Anija," the white-haired man drawled, "You've seen one, let Sakura send it back."

"Not so fast," the mujina wagged a clawed digit. "You summon me all sudden without a trace of danger, I'm gonna get an explanation first before you send me off again."

Sakura meant to start explaining to him, she really did, but the dirt-covered, twitching nose was so cute and distracting. Even knowing that Tsubute was nowhere near as cuddly or openly friendly as Ubagabi, she still reached out and brushed some of the soil off his snout with her thumb.

"We were explaining everything that happened to us since we've been gone and I summoned you to meet the Hokage of our village."

"The hokey-who? That another weird title you humans like so much?" Peering at Hashirama through squinted eyes, the yokai huffed. "He's your leader?" Moving closer, the Hokage wisely remained perfectly still as Tsubute sniffed him out. "He's supposed to be the human version of me then?"

"I'm Hashirama, the Shodai Hokage of Konoha," Sakura admired how even when faced with a strange, talking beast, the Hokage remained the picture of humility. Tsubute, however, couldn't care less about formalities, and walked to stand at the man's shoulder on his back legs.

"Lean," he commanded, tugging on Hashirama's robes. His bemused brown eyes locked with her own, and could do was shrug helplessly. Deciding to comply, she and Tobirama watched as Hashirama leaned his body downward, and Tsubute grabbed both sides of his face to turn his head this way and that.

"You can't be serious. Hashirama are you really letting yourself be appraised by a chubby bad—" Sakura was quick to shush him before Tsubute could hear.

Luckily, the yokai was too preoccupied with Hashirama to turn around and snap. Usamaro meowed grumpily, pushing his head under her arm and taking up post in her lap.

Clearly unsure what was happening, Hashirama began speaking hesitantly, "I…I heard you helped Sakura-san and Tobirama escape your realm. Thank you, without you they might not have—" he sputtered and coughed as Tsubute unceremoniously peeled back his lips and stuck a paw in his mouth.

"No fangs?" was all the mujina said.

Sakura was torn between laughing and calling Tsubute off. She couldn't see what the point of it all was, and the Hokage was starting to look traumatized. Stepping back, the mujina squished and then pulled at Hashirama's cheeks. "Kind of rubbery. Basically, you don't look much different than any other human! Yet you lead all the ones in this village? And these eyes…" Removing his paws from the Hokage, he turned to Sakura. "This one kind of reminds me of Ubagabi! You sure you'll be okay here?"

In his own way, it was sweet, though the pinkette winced in sympathy for the indirect slight to Hashirama. "I'm positive." she smiled. "It took me a long time to get back home. I can't leave again so soon."

"Human sentimentality," the mujina muttered, down on all fours. "I don't get it! But hey, if you're really in charge around here," he told Hashirama, "and Sakura has faith in you, I'll give you some pointers about how to keep your underlings in line sometime. I'm Tsubute, a Mujina Among Mujina, since we're using funny titles."

Rubbing at his cheek, Hashirama tried to smile. Tsubute returned it, which of course revealed the three rows of horrifyingly large, dagger-sharp teeth in his mouth. "T-That's very gracious of you."

"I could learn to like you, I think." smirked the mujina, "You know how to give the proper gratitude." Glaring over at Tobirama, he nodded at Sakura. "Gotta get back before everybody's too rowdy. We're supposed to be behaving and all."

He disappeared, and Tobirama didn't waste a minute.

"Well. Enlighten me on where that bit of curiosity got you?" he goaded. "A three-thousand year old mutated badger stuck a dirty paw down your throat and openly questioned your leadership skills."

"It wasn't what I was expecting." Rubbing a hand across his lips, he shook his head. "I think I'd like to hear the rest of this mission report."

Yes, Sakura decided, traumatized for sure. Wanting to oblige the poor Shodai, they picked up where they left off. Hashirama's mouth hung agape as they recounted the battle with Orochi, eyes flashing with concern when he learned the snake's plans for her. She waved it off, pointing out the fact that she was present, in one piece, not stuck in a cave with the serpent. Tobirama brought out the swords he'd procured, a touch of pride on his face.

Hashirama took Nuke-maru into his hands very carefully, murmuring about how he'd never seen any sword like it or Kogarasumaru. When it got to the part of the story involving their body swap, Hashirama exploded into peals of laughter. Not even the combined scathing looks from the two of them could silence his amusement.

Neither mentioned the…mishap of Sakura learning how to relieve herself as a man. That, they both silently seemed to agree, would remain a secret to their graves.

Instead, they jumped ahead to the ritual to reverse the change. Sakura found herself flushing all over again, the intimacy of that moment playing out vividly in her mind. It could have been a trick of the light, but even Tobirama appeared at least a little affected, a faint hue of color on his cheeks. Hashirama wouldn't look at either of them as they spoke about the way their souls had brushed during the exchange and the connection that had formed.

The climax of the story had the Hokage watching them with baited breath, and it was wholly apparent that some parts of their story had him distraught, such as her nearly dying during the final steps of forging—he only perked up a little when she briefly revealed Hanabusa before resealing it—and Tobirama almost succumbing to blood loss during his fight against Erika.

The whole time they were careful not to mention any of their godslayer assailants by name. Another throb of guilt rang through her bones, but according to Tobirama the chance of Hashirama being unable to stop himself from telling Madara or Izuna was too high to risk.

"In the end, we weren't able to determine their identities, but, we did what needed to be done." Tobirama concluded. "The ones responsible for the pox have been handled."

Was it strange to admire how smoothly he went about lying, without the slightest hint of a flinch? Sakura wouldn't have been able to look a man as kind and trusting as the Shodai in the eyes and say the same. She'd barely gotten by being vague when she asked to leave the village for a while.

Hashirama took a deep breath and took an audible exhale. "To think you were both going through such a harrowing ordeal while I was here in the village." By the pinch in his face, he wasn't pleased. "You both nearly died countless times, and I would've never known the truth if you hadn't lived to return home." Sakura didn't like the strange parody of a smile he wore, nothing like his beaming, charming ones. "Being bound to the village as its protector doesn't always have its advantages."

Tobirama made a quiet sound in the back of his throat, sharp gaze softening enough to be considered comforting. "The peril has passed for now. We're home—"

Sakura nearly cried out, not in pain but surprise, as she was pulled by the shoulder into a strong embrace. It was familiar, but somehow new, pressed tight against the Hokage's chest along with Tobirama.

Sakura couldn't stop her cheeks from heating, but she was past questioning why she was included in such a fierce hug. He was an uncommonly open-hearted shinobi for the time period, but Hashirama likely wouldn't have been half as inspiring to so many if he was any way else.

"Yes," The word was heavy with relief. "I guess I should be breathing easier for that, but I can't stop thinking about how easily this outcome could have been...worse."

Wriggling her arm out of his hold, Sakura tentatively placed a palm on his back. What was appropriate in this situation? What could she say? To promise him that there wouldn't be more danger that required her to risk her life was a lie she knew for sure she wouldn't be able to tell.

"That could be said for the outcome of every battle we've each faced until now." Tobirama pointed out. "Such is the existence of a shinobi."

"In spite of all the times you've scolded me for being ignorant, I'm not oblivious." Hashirama returned. "I'm well aware that to walk the path of a ninja is to court death constantly. But this is different. Gods, monsters from a hidden realm, more godslayers…I know neither of you is incompetent but, you're only human."

Sakura pulled away gently, gazing up at him with determination. "That's why we, I have to—"

"No, you were right the first time." Tobirama corrected. "From here on out, it's we." If it was possible to cover her face without appearing overly dramatic, the pinkette knew she would. After all they'd gone through together in such a short period, hearing him vow to keep fighting at her side felt strangely intimate.

And if the mood bothered the Hokage, he was making a valiant effort not to show it. Laying a hand of each of their shoulders, the kunoichi tried to disregard how the warm of his palm searing right through her clothing. "Then it's settled. Somehow, I'll lend my support and strength when you're up against impossible odds. After all," He lightened the atmosphere with a single wink. "Long odds tend to go in my favor."

"You know you can't be gone from the village too long." Tobirama rolled his eyes. "The danger's only going to get closer to home, and when that times comes, Konoha will need its Hokage most of all."

"The village will need all of us," he argued passionately. "So I'll find a way to split my time. You and Sakura-san can't expect me to let you put yourselves on the line while I keep myself tucked away safely." Motioning at Usamaro, who was lazily watching, he added, "This time, your backup was a cat!"

The feline raised his head and meowed aggressively, as if to assert that he took offense.

"That wasn't intentional…" Sakura replied, half-heartedly.

"I can see it's going to take me a while to make you see sense on this." Tobirama pressed the edge of his palm to his forehead, tone nothing if not vexed. "You shouldn't concern yourself with this anymore, Sakura. It's become a brothers' squabble."

"Sakura-san would probably be grateful for my company after the long period she's had to soak in your stuffiness." Hashirama countered.

"Please. You heard the mujina, didn't you? You're as good as another one of them, and I assure you that isn't a compliment."

"Uh," Sakura stood, hearing her knees pop as she got up. "It's been…a pretty tiring trip home." All things considered, the trip back was probably the least stressful leg of the journey. So, maybe she could be decent at deception when motivated enough. "Usamaro's probably hungry, I'm sure."

She loved her cat, and the way that he flopped onto his side pathetically to wail right on cue. It was just like him to play along.

Quickly scooping him up, she bowed, jogging in place a little. "It's good to be home. I appreciate your willingness to help, Hokage-sama. And, I couldn't have made it without you, Tobirama. Thank you both,"

She was dashing out the door before either of them could object. Sakura swore she heard Hashirama asking, "When did you and Sakura-san become so familiar?"


She probably could have handled the exit better, in hindsight. The irony of her career thus far was she was no stranger to high pressure situations; adapting on the fly was a requirement when it came to training under Tsunade.

Sakura wasn't sure why she had started to become flustered. A month or two ago she had seen one of them naked. Not that she really wanted to dwell on that again

Too late, if her burning skin was anything to judge by. Great. Now a half dozen cups of anmitsu were in order. Sakura staggered up to her door, almost collapsing against it. She ran her hand down the surface, feeling every grain of wood and relishing the thought that she was finally back. Usamaro pawed impatiently at the door, nudging his head against it to get inside.

"Alright, I get it," she chuckled. "I'm glad to be back too." Undoing her seals, Sakura stepped through the threshold with a tired but happy smile, her eyes taking in the familiar comforts of—

The bag she had been in the process of removing from her shoulders hit the floor with a thunk. Why…was all the furniture different? She spun around, eyes zeroing in on everything in disbelief. Not only was it different, it was… pretty, lavish, expensive? All of the above, most definitely. But where were her things and how could someone else have moved in while she was gone?

Huffing, Sakura spun on her heel, shutting the door with more force than needed and leaving Usamaro inside. She hadn't sensed anybody home, and maybe someone could tell her what the hell was going on.

Preferably before she lost her temper, but that was already building steadily. She marched right back down the block, intent on returning to the building she had only just left. Surely, the Hokage knew about this! Maybe he even had something to do with it.

All that talk about having been so concerned and he let someone else move right into her house, like he didn't expect her to come back! Perhaps the greatest insult of all was, it was someone who could afford much more extravagant things than she could.

Probably some wealthy merchant that liked throwing their money around. Ugh. To think she had been out, risking her life, fighting off goddesses and godslayers and a perverted snake that wanted to do things to her she wasn't even willing to think about…

'Maybe it wasn't much, but starting from scratch was already hard enough.' Sakura sniffled, shutting down the hurt starting to make its presence known. She would absolutely not show up in the Hokage's office angry and crying.

Ignoring everyone who was already clearing a path for her, she made it to the Hokage Tower in record time. It was easy when people cleared out of her way like they were being met with a raging bull.

ASiT

Hashirama stirred his bento, not all that interested in its contents. The food was tasty, as per usual, Mei-san having made it herself. It was for that reason that he kept eating it.

He'd managed to get through the boiled egg and edamame, but only a few bites into the rice porridge and he just didn't want more. It would have normally been perfect for February. In the land of Fire Country, there would have generally been some snowfall by this time, accompanied by days with blusteringly high winds. Instead, it felt like the beginning of spring.

The Hyuga clan's arrival was two days before he had been expecting them, and he was caught slightly off guard. Ultimately though, they were settling into their compound, which meant things were probably fine.

And if they weren't…Haruaki Hyuga didn't strike him as the kind of man to passively hold his tongue. Grievances would no doubt be brought forth with stolid diplomacy, but they would be brought.

Then there was the matter of the seal that had been branded on the foreheads of several Hyuga he had seen. Tobirama warned him about it, and of course he had known it was a practice dating back many years.

The sōke members at the top of the clan's hierarchy and the bunke members who served them. Seeing the seal as clear as day on the young girl's forehead, it had taken a lot of self-restraint not to speak out. That in no way would have ended well.

Of course, he expressed his displeasure privately to Tobirama. Hashirama half-expected for his brother to tell him he was meddling in something that didn't concern him, or offer up alternative reasons why the Hyuga openly flaunted the forced servitude of half their members.

However, Tobirama quietly agreed that it was ethically reprehensible. As things stood, with the rocky peace they were only just starting to form and Konoha in its infancy, options on what to do about it were limited.

It weighed heavily on his mind, as did the blank expression of acceptance on the face of that child. But, for the time being the hope was that once the Hyuga came to see what the village's culture was like, they would begin to rethink that tradition.

Even Hashirama knew that to be unlikely, but challenging them on it so soon would have just led to a contentious relationship. The Hyuga were among the most powerful ninja clans in the country. Gathering up strong allies who would grow loyal to the village through generations was instrumental in his vision. A necessary evil.

The compromise still felt a little too much like complacency for his liking.

Someone started knocking at the door, sharp and urgent. Pushing his half-eaten meal aside, he briefly ran down a list of who it could be in his head. Whoever it was sounded like they couldn't wait. Making sure his desk looked presentable and his face was free of any stray food, Hashirama sat upright, telling them to enter.

The word had barely gotten out of his mouth before the door was pushed in, a flustered kunoichi barreling through.

"Sakura-san!" he said, some of the tension leaving his shoulders already. "I didn't expect to see you again so soon. Is there something I can—"

"Hokage-sama," The barely restrained scowl and clipped tone startled him. He couldn't really remember her ever addressing him like that. "I need to talk to you about my house…"

Hashirama blinked, staring at her stormy expression and thinking back. "Oh! You've seen the changes then! I'm sorry, I know it's sudden but—"

"Sudden is one way of putting it." The pinkette placed her hands on her hips and pressed her lips together for a beat, as if composing her thoughts. "I just thought…I'd get to come home to my things. My house."

His heart sank, realizing what was wrong. She didn't like it.

Hurrying from behind his desk, he approached her cautiously, not wanting to crowd her. "Sakura-san, I'm sorry I acted without your permission. I was selfish."

Her green eyes narrowed, a crack appearing that revealed a glimmer of emotion so deep it took his breath away. "Why?" she asked. "I know I didn't disclose where I was going or when I'd be back, but I can't be the first shinobi to leave the village for a while. So why would you give my house away?!"

The Senju was so taken aback he couldn't immediately process what she'd said. Give her…house away. "Whoever's moved in is definitely well off." she noted bitingly. "I'm not sure why they needed an occupied house, but I didn't even have time to collect my things—"

"Sakura-san, you don't understand," he tried, inching closer.

"Then what's missing from the picture?" she snapped, ire contorting her features again. One of the hands slipped from her waist down by her side, clenched in a tight, shaking fist. "From where I'm standing it's evident I got put out."

Panicked brown eyes followed the path of the first tear to roll down her cheek. The next came with a heavy look of betrayal. Instinct dictated he act, before the situation leaned even further left.

Face openly remorseful, the Hokage reached out, securing her wrists. "I didn't allow anyone else to move into your house." he stated quickly. It pained him that she would come to that conclusion at all, but given that he had acted with no warning, it wasn't unreasonable. "No matter how long you're gone, you'll always have a home to come back to." Sakura froze, no longer trying to snatch her hands away.

The confused pout and big eyes would have been fascinatingly cute if not for the remaining tears. "If no one new moved in, then why does my house look so different?"

Releasing one of her wrists, Hashirama opted to cup the back of his neck, sheepishly avoiding her imploring gaze. "That's still my doing." he confessed. "Shortly after you left I got it into my head that I could surprise you."

Now noticeably less irate, Sakura gaped at the notion. "It did surprise me. I was surprised into thinking someone had moved right in while I was gone. But I still don't understand…" It was her turn to avoid looking at him, cheeks coloring prettily. "Redecorating with furniture of that quality had to cost a small fortune. Why spend that much on me?"

A minute passed with them standing awkwardly, each refusing to look directly at the other. Finally deciding he had what he hoped to be a satisfactory explanation, Hashirama began speaking. "You just looked so taken with it when we were browsing around for Madara. And you left in such a melancholy fashion, I was excited to think it might lift your spirits. I apologize…I got carried away."

The admission was meant to help ease her into a calmer state, but the bemusement in her eyes was only mounting. "You did all that…to cheer me up?"

"You sound so surprised."

"I…I am." She confirmed. "I didn't know I was being so transparent in the first place. You're right." she sighed. "I left knowing the kind of danger I'd be up against, and it was on my mind then." Coaxing her hand away from him, she began to wring them together. "I also…don't think I need all that extravagance."

"I understand," Hashirama let out a large breath, trying to hide his disappointment.

"But it's not that the furniture isn't beautiful." Sakura clarified. "I'm just not use to gifts that impressive. I also would feel…guilty accepting it."

"How so?" Tilting his head, Hashirama pondered the explanation with interest.

"Simple furniture is fine for everyday life. I'm out of the village more than I'm in it right now." Yes, Hashirama had to reluctantly agree, she was. Off risking her life. "Aside from that, you spent your own money. On luxuries for me. You should have waited," She wiggled a finger at him, all shyness gone. "To surprise someone special to you."

Thoughtlessly, he asked the first thing that came to his head. "You don't think you're special enough to me?"

Clearly unsure how to take the question, he watched her flail for a response. "I…I didn't mean to offend you. I know all the villagers are important to you, so on some level I must be too, but…if you were going to those lengths for anyone, I don't think it should be m—"

Much to his satisfaction, the kunoichi stopped as soon as he gently took her hand again. She had expressed such a range of emotions in such a short time, but Hashirama found how earnest she was about her feelings to be one of the most charming things about her.

Cheeks flaring with heat again, Sakura peered down at their hands, then back into his face. "Sakura-san, I'm not sure how you could say that."

Since he already had hold of her hand, the Senju didn't think much of bringing his thumb up to smooth out the crease between her eyes. "Since you came to the village, you've worked toward Konoha's betterment just as hard as everyone else. Your refusal to back down is what convinced the clans to allow their children to join the academy beside civilian-born children. Your diligence is why the academy instructors tell me the students are expressing more interest in medical ninjutsu after just one lesson from you. Your bravery is why you put yourself in more danger than I'd like, to stop a goddess and her godslayers from terrorizing innocent villages and saved Tobirama's life. Your kindness is why people trust and admire you."

Hashirama found that as he talked, his speech grew more impassioned, his heart overflowing with all the reasons why she deserved the best furniture, the best everything. Hearing her small sniffle was the only reason he paused.

"I'm crying way too much," she mumbled. Wiping a hand across her eyes, Sakura smiled feebly. "It's partially your fault, though."

Squeezing her hand before letting go, the Hokage nodded. "It was never my intention, but I take full responsibility. I should have thought more carefully. I've been told more than once I'm too headstrong."

"I could agree, but I've been told the same thing." She laughed, and the weight in his chest lessened. "What you did was…sweet." whispered Sakura. Her face was blotchy, and her glittering green eyes were swollen around the edges; but something about the way she held herself, on the edge of being flattered but still trying to appear neutral, made her beautiful. "Grandiose, but sweet. I'm sorry I rushed to conclusions. I was very rude to come at you swinging." And then she bowed. "Figuratively anyway."

Hashirama chuckled, "I would prefer one of your figurative swings to a physical hit."

Sakura joined him in a laugh, and it felt like previous lighthearted moments they'd shared. "With all due respect, Hokage-sama, some of what you said is an elevated view." she stated matter-of-factly. "I'm not a fabled hero or anything like that, just someone trying to do the right thing. That's hardly cause for any special reward, you know?"

In all of this, it cracked his heart that she didn't think she was deserving of any honor. Humility was an admirable trait, especially in the powerful, but her insistence felt like it was rooted in something deeper. Did Sakura think of herself as that expendable and insignificant?

Resolve solidified itself right then and there. One day, Hashirama was determined to help her see that was far from the case.


After the fool she'd made of herself in the Hokage's office, he still somehow managed to convince her to keep the gifts. Sakura didn't feel completely right about it, but the man really did have a weapon nearly as powerful as the Mokuton up his sleeve. Put simply, an unending supply of charm.

The worst part was that the Hokage wielded it so easily it bordered on cluelessness. Frustrating, what it did to poor, susceptible people like her. Despite the fact that she had all but yelled at him and cried in front of him—something she knew for a fact some men found off-putting—he was nothing but smooth in his encouragement.

It didn't truly help that the combination of a loose kimono shirt and mesh top happened to emphasize the wide comfort of his chest, a thought she had been constantly battling to keep from showing on her face. Sakura had nearly run into two posts as she walked around daydreaming. Looking up, she realized she wasn't even going the right way to get home. She was so annoyed with herself, she could have finished the job the posts started and smacked herself in the face.

Choosing a safer option, one that didn't involve hitting herself, the kunoichi decided to visit the marketplace while she was out. Having been gone for so long, she didn't have much hope of there being too much in her cupboards at home. What hadn't expired had probably already been eaten by a "well-meaning" house-sitter (i.e. Shikamarin).

Restocking her barren kitchen sounded like a solid idea. Sakura had enough scrolls to seal away her purchases so she wouldn't have to carry them, and if she happened to buy cooked food from a stall for dinner that evening, well…saved her some time.

The crowds were thankfully thinning, so Sakura was able to maneuver from stall to stall largely unencumbered. She wasn't sure when the next god-related crisis would pull her away from the village, so the economical thing might have been to buy fresh produce sparingly.

However, weeks away from home had actually whet her appetite for the fresh produce from local, surrounding farmlands.

The pinkette inspected and selected various seasonal fruits and vegetables as if she planned to be around long enough to eat them before they spoiled. If nothing else, she could invite friends who would help her on that front.

"Thank you, miss," said a roughened middle age man as she handed him the money for her carrots and peppers. "This has been an odd harvest season. We appreciate your business."

"Anytime," Sakura smiled, sealing up the haul. Next she bought a dozen eggs, and some juicy cuts of meats that she would freeze until she was ready to eat. Having decided her last spend would be a large tub of dry rice, the young woman set out in search of someone to buy it from. "Let's see," she thought aloud. "I think the last time I bought some, it was over h—oh!"

Her arms shot out to brace herself at the same time as steady hands grasping at her forearms. "I-I'm sorry," she said, "I didn't even see anyone was the—"

"I'd say we have to stop meeting like this, but to tell you the truth…I don't mind that much."

A bubble of giddiness built so intensely in her chest, Sakura was afraid what would happen if it burst. Kind of made her feel like an academy student, jockeying with Ino for the best seat in class, waiting for Sasuke to walk in.

That rush of nerves, and that stretch of seconds where emotion came first and breathing came second. And, yes…she could feel it. Her cheeks were starting to pink up. "Izuna!"

All thoughts of securing the perfect, versatile side dish were abandoned momentarily. Sakura really hadn't counted on being struck with how much she'd missed him once he was right in front of her.

Apparently, it caught him off guard too. Though more than likely it was the sudden, tight hug drawing a grunt out of him. Flustered and realizing she'd all but launched herself at the poor man, Sakura began to move away.

Ninja reflexes must have kicked in, Izuna's arms wasting no time securing her to him. "I hope I'm not reading this wrong," She felt more than heard him say against her neck. "But I missed you too."

There was always such an easy cadence between them. Of all the men that had come into her life since Mizuchi had dropped her into the past, Izuna was probably the one that had come to feel like an old friend the quickest. "It'd be hard to read anything wrong when I hugged you first."

They pulled away at the same time, matching each other grin for grin.

"Oh, to be young again…" An old woman sighed wistfully. She was holding onto the elbow of an aged gentleman watching them with twinkling eyes, and it was pretty clear what the elderly couple thought.

Sakura began stammering, but couldn't ultimately come up with anything to say. The pair moved on, giggling and waving like embarrassing grandparents. "S-Sorry about that…"

Izuna only chuckled, shrugging. "You don't agree with them?" He picked up her hand, placing it in the crook of his arm. "I think we make a nice enough couple."

'What's gotten into them?' Sakura thought, her blush still noticeable. 'It's like everyone's decided to dial up the charm since I got back.' Honestly…she couldn't exactly say she hated the attention. It was just unexpected. Considering she was probably misreading it anyway, maybe it was best to enjoy it for a little while without asking too many questions.

Izuna was steadily guiding her through the market, as if he didn't have a care in the world about how anyone looking one would get the same impression the husband and wife had.

"You know, I meant what I said," Sakura blinked, timidly peeking up at the Uchiha walking her on his arm. "I don't mind meeting you spontaneously like this. It's nice to have ideal timing."

"Actually, I just got back to the village today." she explained. "I thought I should pick up food if I didn't want to deal with an empty pantry."

"You've been away since just before the New Year." He remarked. It was longer than she had wanted to be away, Sakura lamented. Relatively speaking, though, considering how much she had accomplished, it was a pretty short timeframe.

"It's a pretty long story." Sakura sighed, unsure how else to launch into explaining it.

"Another mission for that wily goddess." Izuna guessed, lowering his voice.

"Yes."

"I have to admit, I wish you'd said something. I was worried when you suddenly disappeared." They wordlessly detached from each other as two children clumsily chased a puppy down the street, heedless of who they almost ran into. As soon as they were gone, like attracting forces they came back together, resuming their walk in-step.

"I'm starting to see not saying anything wasn't the best way to handle it." Sakura admitted. "I'm sorry. I just…"

"Thought you had to do it alone?"

Making a noise somewhere between a huff and a giggle, Sakura shoved at his ribs. "You don't have to predict everything I'm thinking."

Izuna stopped, and when she noticed why, she pinched her nose to keep an unflattering snort from escaping her. Just as she'd finished her statement, there they were in front of a young man selling rice. It had been a hobbled man that had told her he had a bad knee that predicted the weather the last time she had come.

The Uchiha arched his brow smugly as if to say, 'tell me I guessed wrong'. Of course, she couldn't. Because of course, he hadn't.

Sakura instructed the friendly man on how much to prepare, and he scooped while stealing obvious glances at her occasionally. She didn't really mind, considering she stood out in most instances.

"Excuse me, I hope it's not too forward, but…My father sold rice to you a while back, right?"

Sakura nodded slowly. "Yes, that's right."

He had such pretty cornflower blue eyes. Nowhere near as bright as Naruto's, but nice nonetheless. "I knew it! See, he came home saying he met a nice pink-haired girl at the market. And you came back and gave him ointment for his bum knee."

Truth be told the kunoichi had almost forgotten the exchange, but she had indeed returned after listening to the man complain, and given him some topical cream for his stiff, inflamed joints. The medic in her couldn't just listen to someone say they were in pain and not try to fix it. "I hope it helped some."

"Helped some? He's got an extra skip in his step these days. Hasn't had a problem with it since. That old knee's been nonstop aching for years." He finished packing the rice up for her. "You must be kami-sent."

Sakura only laughed. If only he knew… "I just know my way around medicines." She tried to give the young merchant his pay, but Izuna was already smoothly sliding it into his hand. Sakura poked her cheeks out, probably looking more bloated than intimidating. Izuna innocently ignored it. "Thanks!" The farmer's son looked a little worried about the size and weight of her purchase. "You gonna need any help getting this home?"

Shaking her head, Sakura hefted the barrel up on her shoulder without any strain. "I'm fine, thank you."

The boy's fish-out-of-water expression was so comical she nearly dropped the rice. Somehow, she often forgot how unused to her above average strength civilians were. Not wanting to draw attention or make a stir, the kunoichi opted to seal the whole thing in a scroll like all her other groceries.

When she was done, Sakura looked over her shoulder to find Izuna waiting patiently. "Come to think of it, where are your groceries? Oh, I'm not holding you up, am I?"

"You could never," he assured. Then, pulling a scroll of his own from near his waist, he waved it. "I guess we both had the same idea."

"Right," Sakura nodded. "I…guess I should really get home soon, though. Not that I don't want to catch up. There's so much I want to tell you!" she exclaimed. 'And so much I can't…'

Thinking about Sanna, Koya and Kamin hurt even more with Izuna staring down at her with a soft smile and so much trust in his eyes. Brothers he'd no doubt missed and mourned for most of his life were out there, alive, and she had agreed to say nothing. The pinkette just…had to trust Tobirama that keeping it a secret for the time being was for the best.

"Are you alright?" The fingers tilting her chin up so that their eyes would meet elicited a shiver. Great. What was the point of keeping such a huge secret to avoid worrying him, if her face gave her away and she did that anyway?

"…It was a lot this time." Sakura breathed, wanting to be as honest as possible. Izuna was guiding her gently out of the market. Considering she had done all the shopping she needed to do, Sakura didn't mind.

"Would it be too much to ask if I wanted you to rely on me more in the future?"

"Funnily enough, Hokage-sama said the same thing." Sakura mentioned absently. Izuna seemed a bit interested by that, but let her continue. "But for something like that? There's so much danger, the deities—"

"Don't scare me. I've survived an encounter with them a few times now." Something akin to swagger, the kind she had come to associate with the self-assuredness Madara wore like a second skin, flashed in Izuna's eyes. Like older brother, like little brother, she supposed. "I feel like that means something."

'That we've been lucky,' she wanted to say. "I don't want to drag anyone into my problems if I can help it." Sakura tried. Plus, if Izuna had come with her and Tobirama also happened to be there… Kanayago and Erika would have had some competition destroying them, when they'd be busy going at each other.

"After everything you've done for me, and for my brother, I think the least I could do is assist you whenever possible. You don't need to worry; I've been training up the Mangekyo's techniques. I can handle myself."

He was so insistent on telling her he could help, all Sakura could do was be grateful she had so many loyal friends in her corner. "Then we'll give 'em hell for sure next time." she vowed, swiftly finding herself at the mercy of Izuna's satisfied smile.

Before she knew it, they had reached the path that diverted off into the residential district where she lived. "I…should get back and feed Usamaro before he claws something he shouldn't." What was with her and using her cat as a convenient excuse to escape handsome men?

"Usamaro? He's home?" Izuna asked, both surprise and relief warring in his voice. It only just occurred to Sakura that he might have been looking for the cat in the hopes of watching over him for her. Sending word by crow that he was perfectly fine and had accompanied her, hadn't even crossed her mind.

"I found him following me, and it was too far to turn around, so he stayed with me the whole time."

"Lucky cat then," Izuna mused. "The whole time I worried you'd get back and I'd have to tell you he was missing."

"He's safe and sound." Sakura promised. "A little put out, but I don't think it's anything some chopped fish couldn't fix."

"I see, then," He motioned down the street. "Don't let me keep you. Whatever ordeal you returned from, I'm sure you're ready to rest up."

"I can't argue with that," It was a very different feeling than the way her body had screamed at her when she was training under Tsunade. Feeling bold, Sakura added, "Do you want to come over tomorrow and talk?" Was that stupid? It was probably stupid.

"I'm having tea with Jun'ichi in the afternoon, but I could—"

"That's perfect, he can come along too if he wants." Sakura perked up, clapping her hands together. It had been so long since she had spoken to the mannerly Kaguya. And, looking back she had said they'd have tea together sometime, but never gotten around to it.

Izuna's face was unreadable, making Sakura pause. Maybe he didn't want her interrupting what was supposed to be a boys-only situation. "I'm sure he'd be interested." said the Uchiha. "I'll let him know."

"Oh, a-alright,"

Izuna waved as he walked off, making Sakura assume she had imagined that enigmatic aura.


At last! Home at last. Sure, the rearrangement and new furniture would take some getting used to. But it was really a thoughtful gesture, and made her feel pretty special the more she thought of it. The Hokage had cared enough and been generous enough to do something so extravagant for her. The key word of course was extravagant. It was a bit…over the top, but sweet, so…

Sakura could feel something was off the minute she released the seals on the door. Granted, now she would definitely need to change them (again) because clearly they weren't doing their intended job of keeping intruders out.

Otherwise one Madara Uchiha wouldn't be leaning back near the window, lost in thought.

"You can't be serious!" Sakura griped. "Does a seal not mean anything to anyone anymore?"

For someone who had been caught breaking in (again!), Madara was exceptionally calm, stroking his chin as he looked at her. "I recall telling you that if you truly wanted to secure your home, you'd use more advanced seals than ones an academy student could decipher."

Sakura knew she was growing red in the face. Time away from the village and everyone in it had definitely made her miss them.

Strangely, even Madara's daily taunting had become part of her routine. It was just a shame he made it so easy to forget why she had slightly missed him in the first place. "That's fair enough, but I did change the seals. The simpler solution would be if you stopped…breaking…in!"

Sakura began to remove her shoes, eager to rest her weary feet, until something dawned on her. "Where's…Usamaro? I know I left him here." Briefly crouching, the pinkette peered around. "What did you do to my cat?"

Strolling by her as if it were his house, the Uchiha walked into her kitchen area. It wasn't until he reached for a broom propped against the handle of a cabinet that she noticed it rattling. "You didn't." she seethed.

The minute the broom was gone, the cabinet burst open, a ball of gray and white streaking out. "As you can see, I did. Out of necessity." Madara explained. "That cat is half wild."

"Only when it concerns you." Sakura retorted. "And how's he supposed to behave any differently when you do things like that!" Usamaro hissed, hair standing on end. Sakura couldn't even move to pick him up before he ran off down the hall, more than likely to curl up somewhere safe.

Placing a hand against her forehead, she took a deep, soldiering breath. "In case you didn't realize, I just got back to the village. This isn't exactly what I wanted to return to. At least have some kind of consideration, and come back another day."

Madara hummed, as if he was considering the proposition. "Careful, Haruno." he smirked, "If I didn't know better I'd say it sounds like you're inviting me to keep coming around."

Crossing her arms, Sakura looked away with a grumble. "I wouldn't go that far. But there's been enough of a pattern for me to know whether or not you have an invitation, it's not stopping you regardless."

Any sane person might have at least had the decency to act ashamed. Then again, if she were dealing with a sane individual, Sakura thought, would she really be in this mess? Madara appeared nothing short of pleased as she noted his habitual intrusions.

"Heh, I think I've grown on you." he crowed, sauntering towards her. Ah, and here it came. The gloating.

Rolling her eyes, she muttered, "Like a fungus."

Sakura had to steady her breathing so he didn't notice the slight hitch as he leaned in, grasping her under the chin. It was strange how Izuna had done it not an hour before, and it was a gesture full of warmth and concern.

Madara's grip was as subtle as a prod between the shoulders, a clear sign he wanted her attention entirely on him. It was also, dare she say, edging the line of possessive. "Your eyes are too reflective for you to play aloof." he taunted, "You and I both know you could send me flying with one hit. Yet here I stand."

Sakura couldn't believe he had a point. She had let her guard drop around him over time. Though still infuriating, as an amnesiac he became her responsibility. That meant she had to take the same care with him as any other patient, no matter who he was to the world eighty-odd years in the future.

Well, that'd been her rationale anyway. Taking her silence as agreement, Madara leaned in even closer until his lips grazed her ear. "Who's more pitiable in this circumstance? The fungus that attaches itself to the bark of a radiant cherry blossom tree, or the tree that allows that fungus to slowly consume it?"

…Consume? Sakura's head spun, her senses so quickly being overtaken by the smell of man and faint smokiness. Consume. Right, because this Uchiha was an inferno who ravaged the world.

Shoving hard against his chest created much needed distance, and though her cheeks were hot, Sakura had already started to cool down. "I'm not letting you consume anything. It's always been transactional. I'm serving as your medic until your memories start to resurface, that's all." The sense of pride that came with putting her foot down melted away like old slush when the rumble of his chest tickled her fingertips.

He was laughing. Not maniacally—which would have almost been preferred, because then she would have had good reason to waste him—but indulgently? Was that the right way to describe it?

"That's the beauty of it all, Haruno. You see, while you were away, I was off on an adventure of my own. Gathering crucial information, I guess you could say."

Backing further away, the pinkette eyed him with caution. "About…what?" Sakura was growing a little alarmed. But before she flipped Madara through her brand new and admittedly very nice table, she wanted to be sure he had made contact with an alien parasite.

Zetsu had boasted liberally about the way he had manipulated world events in preparation for the arrival of Kaguya. She had been too preoccupied with the more immediate threat of loose deities on a power-kick to give too much thought on what Zetsu could be plotting or when he might arrive.

But, she knew he stated clearly he made contact with Madara years in the past. If that had already begun, then…

"About myself." he stated, evidently not sensing her apprehension. "Searching in the right places does yield results after all."

"About…yourself?" she repeated. Sakura narrowed her eyes, temper flaring to life. "You did something stupid in reference to your memory, didn't you?"

"You and Izuna…" Madara grunted. "Truly unsupportive."

"I'll take that as a yes." Sakura stood with her hands on her hips. "What or who did you sell your soul to?"

"I appreciate the level of concern, Haruno. But the dramatic reaction is misplaced. I simply visited the God of Wisdom and his Well of Desire. It offered much needed enlightenment."

Furrowing her brow, the kunoichi tilted her head, puzzling over that. "You mean…your memories are back? And you're in one piece."

Scoffing, Madara brushed off his shoulder. "Yes, but this changes nothing." He crowded in closer before she could start firing off more questions. In no time, Sakura's back had hit the firm support of a wall. "Wait, before you were lost and agitated without your memories. Now nothing's changed?"

Easing his hands to rest on either side of her head, Madara's eyes shone brightly. That…probably wasn't a good thing for her, knowing him. "Allow me to clarify. My circumstances are different now. But ours aren't."

Sakura was starting to get impatient. There were very few things she couldn't figure out the first time, but this was one of them. "What…?"

"By that, I'm saying I've changed my mind about leaving you alone when my memories returned."

Struck speechless, Sakura blinked heavily, mouth agape. "I…I told you. I was just serving in the capacity of your medic. There's not much more you need me for."

"Do you intend to stop seeing Izuna now that you're no longer helping me with my amnesia?" he asked, abruptly leaning in so that their chests touched. Given the closeness, he no doubt felt her heart speed up. Just as Sakura felt the heat transferring from his body to hers.

"That has nothing to do with it!"

Madara dipped his head, tilting it at a compromising angle, never breaking eye contact. When he spoke, the flesh of his mouth wisped over her lips, "Do you intend to keep speaking to my brother?" The inquiry, actually more of a demand than a true question, made Sakura squirm away.

"W-why wouldn't I?" The minute she replied, her lips brushed his back. Dully, the pinkette was very aware she needed to break free before things got any stranger, but her head was too cottony. His heat, his scent, his proximity, his—damn consuming magnetism! "We're friends."

Blessedly, he drew away, because Sakura wasn't sure if she had the strength—figuratively—to push him away just then. They were still too close, considering Madara was still bracing himself on the wall with her between it and him. But at least their lips would stop touching. "Which is exactly the reason there's no need for us to part ways either. The nature of our relationship has merely shifted." His fingers brushed at some a lock of hair, pushing it off her neck. The graze almost made his touch seem reverent. "I do owe you a debt I suppose. At some point in the future I'll repay it."

"That's not necessary." she said immediately. She didn't want to know the lengths someone like Madara would go to make even on a debt. Sakura would rather just forget the whole thing, pretend they were already even.

The Uchiha leader tugged the lock he'd moved aside, sharp enough for it to hurt a little. "Allow me to decide that for myself."

Then, removing his arm, he swept around her, right out the door. The minute it shut, Sakura's unstable legs gave out, and she was left to slide to the floor. Tucking her head between her knees, hands in her hair, her fast mind replayed all the encounters she'd had that day.

Each one left her more confused than the last. "What the hell was that?" she whispered. "What's wrong with the men in this village?"


Toka's arm lifted once, twice, the third time sending the owl up into the air with a solemn hoot. Its great wingspan unfolded as it sailed higher and higher, coasting through the evening sky.

"There. My fastest owl will take our letter to Lord Hokage. With any luck, it'll precede our arrival and prepare him for our circumstances."

Slow clapping drew her attention to the Uchiha watching her from a nearby tree branch. "What a well put together way to say you're going to warn him of how much we messed up ahead of time."

Toka gave her a sour expression. "Being the catalyst to an insurrection that is going to have long lasting effects on the economy, and thus the village, seems like a prudent thing to mention."

Sighing, Naoko slid from her perch, landing without a single hair out of place. "I'm not sure if you think the daimyo did something wrong, or we did. As far as I'm concerned we helped oust a greedy leader who was preying on his people."

"I agree," Toka uttered, "but these things still have consequences."

"She's right," Yurine had come marching toward them, ringing the ends of her wet, blond hair, the canteen she carried noticeably empty. "One of those consequences is traveling with us." Jabbing her finger in the direction of the stream, Toka followed the pointing to the tall, lean male figure splashing water on his face.

Happening to catch them watching, Hatake tossed a short wave over his shoulder. A small distance from him, the boy and girl splashed at each other playfully. Seeing them made the Senju desperately miss Reira.

"Hm?" Naoko's brow rose, her expression unconvinced. "I thought a certain little lily was all for the gentleman thief being given another chance." Toka had thought as much too. Normally, she would be against taking in such a renegade. But, given what Yurine had revealed to them, even going as far as being willing to vouch for him, she'd agreed.

Flustered, Yurine avoided looking at them, holding the deerskin container to her chest. "I didn't think he'd take us up on the offer to return to Konoha."

Kureno, who had been lying face down in the grass, rolled himself onto his back. The male Yuhi sibling had been decidedly melancholy since they practically fled Ōtsu-shi.

"At least he got the choice," he sulked. "Now that Azusa's been apprehended, what'll become of his family? I just hope Tsuguko's going to be okay."

"Do you not remember any details from the negotiations?" Toka asked, truly questioning how he had gotten through the mission being so clueless.

"No, I'm sure he was too busy mooning over the princess." Yurine stood over her brother, looking down at his prone form in exasperation. "They'll all be fine. You can always write her letters. For now, just keep munching grass, please." She pushed him over with her foot, and he didn't resist.

Even after seeing their sibling dynamics at work before, the oddity still baffled Toka. But it wasn't really something she wanted to question. "Let's move on."

"If that's what our captain wants," Naoko gave a good cat-stretch, purring much like the creature she resembled as her neck popped. "Ready there, Hatake?"

The large, and as far as she was concerned still mysterious samurai sidled up to them. One hand was locked with the shy child's, Tomoharu. His tuft of wheaten yellow hair poked out from behind his adoptive brother's leg. The free hand the Hatake ran up and through his damp, shoulder length hair.

"Of course," he kneeled, greatly reducing his height. The little boy secured arms around his neck, legs wrapping around the silver-haired man's torso when he rose. The stubborn, mouthy girl walked up behind them. "You've done us a mighty kindness, inviting us to make your home ours. Being on the run isn't what I want for these two."

"We've done it before." The little girl pointed out. Striding over to take Yurine's hand, she cast the rest of the Konoha shinobi wary looks. "But I'd rather see the academy you teach at, Yurine."

Just like that, all the previous ire and huffiness melted right from the youngest kunoichi's face. Children really did have a hold on her.

Gently smoothing down some of the child's fly-away hairs, Yurine spoke softly, "How'd you like to study there?"

"And be a kunoichi who uses genjutsu, like you?" she gasped, bright eyes widening by the second. Yurine began walking, Saya happily following along.

She and Naoko shared a look, as Kureno got up and picked blades of grass from his hair. Up until recently, Yurine hadn't had confidence in most things about herself, but if she knew anything, it was how to reach a child.

"If your brother agrees." The blonde explained evenly.

Hatake rubbed at his chin, then pouted balefully at his sister. "You're telling me you don't want to be a samurai like your older brother anymore, Saya?"

Shrugging, the girl scratched at her head. "I mean…if I can learn to be a ninja that'd be kind of cool. Yurine's tougher than you, right?"

Yurine flushed, back to her easily embarrassed self. Hatake, not appearing the least bit offended, threw his head back and laughed. The boy on his shoulders threw in a few giggles of his own. "Fair enough! If you're learning under the brilliant Lady Yurine, I'm sure you'll become a fine kunoichi too."

The Senju didn't miss the wink he threw in Yurine's direction, or the way she ignored it even as her cheeks colored further.

It was another one of those things she wouldn't stick her nose in.


"Excuse me, but would you mind shifting down a seat? I find it easiest to concentrate on the lesson from this row."

Kagami blinked out of his thoughts, looking up to see Biwako Hagino waiting expectantly.

"Oh, sure," He moved, and she took the spot he vacated with a small, grateful nod.

"I appreciate it." Trying not to be impolite and stare too pointedly, the young Uchiha watched his classmate prepare for the lesson. She had a reputation for being studious and serious, which was probably why their sensei had made her the class representative for their year.

As she readied her materials, Biwako looked up suddenly. "I realize I seem…over prepared for this."

Kagami waved his hands at her. "No, that's not what I was thinking. I honestly find it impressive how you're so on top of things." There were some among their classmates, notably Manabu, who didn't take the subject matter seriously at all.

He often complained loudly after class to anyone who would listen about the uselessness of learning to identify wild plants. The bully was under the impression that the most important survival skill a shinobi could have when it came to obtaining food in the wilderness, was trapping and hunting.

Biwako graced him with a slight smile, her attention shifting to the door as it opened, their sensei walking through. One row up, Reira was chattering away with Chisato and Hiruzen Sarutobi, apparently having just told them the punchline of a joke.

Hiruzen's laugh drew attention to the trio, and he clapped a hand over his mouth, ducking his head in apology. "Sorry, sensei…"

Susumu-sensei only nodded, eyes gentle. Kagami always enjoyed herbology, in large part because of who taught it. Susumu-sensei was patient and soft-spoken, never hesitant to explain something that was unclear, or give a demonstration.

"Girl," a classmate hissed, a little loudly down the row.

"Boy," her friend spit back.

The Uchiha frowned, tuning them out. There'd been debate since the first day of class on their sensei's gender, and he personally found it pretty rude.

"Actually," their mild-mannered sensei laughed, "You may refer to me as a woman or a man. I don't mind which."

The two who had been bickering stopped, their faces pink at having been caught. "Y-yes, sensei."

"Moving on," Their purple-haired sensei faced the still open door, beckoning someone in. "Please don't be shy. Your classmates are all waiting to meet you."

Everyone leaned forward in unison, interested in the fact that they were getting a new student. Kagami was curious too. It wasn't every day the class got a new addition.

When the pair who would become their peers walked in, Kagami found himself doing a double-take. A boy and girl, both very pale with large, blank eyes. The boy had waist-length, bark brown hair twined a little at the end in a miniature braid. He stood a few centimeters under the girl, whose hair was closer in color to a midnight sky—black with traces of deep blue.

"Would you like to introduce yourselves?"

He knew exactly which clan they came from before either said a word.

"I am Haruchika Hyuga, the heir of my clan." he said, chin raised.

"And I am Hibari Hyuga," the girl said, bowing at a perfect ninety-degree angle. "His sworn protector."

"V-very nice," Susumu-sensei praised. "Please take seats in that third row." he pointed. The third row…was the one right behind his. They walked up the steps to the snooping whispers of the other students, not that either one of them paid it any mind.

Reira, always happy to see new faces, leapt from her seat to allow them into the row. "Welcome to herbology class! I'm Reira," she waved. Lowering her voice, she cupped a hand to her lips, reaching for the Hyuga heir's wrist. "Um, if you need help getting around just ask me. Since you're…you know, it could be hard to navigate until you get the hang of it."

Kagami realized she had never seen or met a Hyuga before. He hadn't either, but he knew their features from stories among his clan. "Reira," he whispered, "they're not—"

"I'm sorry," Haruchika stepped back, snatching his wrist from her grasp. "Did you mean to suggest that you think we can't see?"

The Uchiha watched his friend's face blanch. "W-Well, I—"

"The Byakugan is all-seeing. Meaning our vision is far superior to yours." he went on, voice raised.

Hibari pushed Reira aside, voice monotonous, "Please make room, and don't crowd Haruchika-sama."

Flabbergasted, the Senju helplessly stood aside as the Hyuga cousins found and took their seats. By the time Reira was sitting again too, her face was horribly red. "Their eyes are that color because they are doujutsu-users." Chisato explained.

Hiruzen leaned over to pat her shoulder. "It's fine. I heard the Hyuga are just really prideful." Kagami heard him say. "If you explain it as a simple misunderstanding later, then it'll all be history, right?"

"Is everyone ready to get on with today's lesson?" Susumu-sensei called, a piece of chalk already in hand at the board.

"Yes, sensei," the whole class chirped.

Kagami gave Reira a comforting grin, before turning in his own seat. To think the Hyuga now called the village home, too. The boy was sure he would be hearing plenty of buzz about it when he returned to the compound. While the Senju had once been their oldest, fiercest rivals, there was a lot of bad blood between the Hyuga and the Uchiha as well.

The Hyuga claimed that the Sharingan was simply an unintended offshoot or mutation from the Byakugan, and therefore inferior. And of course as a clan of doujutsu-users just as full of self-importance as the Hyuga, that didn't sit well with generations of Uchiha. Whenever they clashed in the past, it was always a struggle to prove whose eyes were greater once and for all.

But Kagami wasn't one to let old clan prejudices cloud his views of others he was meeting for the first time. There were still plenty of older Uchiha who turned their noses up at the idea of coming together with old enemies beyond what was on paper. That didn't change the fact that he had become best friends with a girl born into a clan he was supposed to despise.

The Hyuga children might just be more than they appeared on the surface too.


I know a lot of fans don't like to think of the Mokuton as a true kekkei genkai because of its exceeding rarity in canon plus the fact that people wanted Sakura to have it. But I'm just going to leave it as a Senju bloodline limit here, because I have plans.

The Hyuga clan has finally been introduced. Yes, they were first mentioned a long time ago, but it's been months (not years) that have passed within the story, and I figured with clans as proud and traditional as theirs, negotiations would take a while. Haruchika and Hibari aren't copies of Hinata and Neji, so I look forward to showing what my version of the clan is like. Also, a norimono is a kind of man-powered carriage if you will. You see them a lot at festivals, but in the past, they were used to cart around nobles by their servants. Emperors for example, would often be paraded through the streets in one instead of walking. As imagined, it can be a strain on the ones doing the carrying. Weight needs to be evenly distributed among a sizable group. This is a jumbo sized one with two adults and a child. But this is the Warring Clans era Hyuga we're talking about. They don't necessarily care that they're using the Branch members as pack mules.

I'm glad to have Tobirama and Sakura at home and reintroduce the other Founders into this dynamic. Not to give too much away, but romance is going to be heating up a lot in case it wasn't obvious by the reception Sakura received.

The big reveal is out—Goemon Ishikawa is none other than the first Hatake to migrate to Konoha. ^.^ To explain a bit better, as far as historians can tell, "Goemon Ishikawa" might have always been an alias he assumed during his years as a thief. Some suggest his true name at birth was Sanada Kuranoshin. My version is still heavily based off/a stand in for the legendary Goemon Ishikawa, except because I wanted to tie it into Naruto worldbuilding a bit, his true birth name was Goemon Hatake. What's in store for this suave former thief who is now revealed to be a Hatake? Wait and see.

Also, if anyone is interested, homemade potpourri during the holidays or just anytime you want a nice clean smell in your home is simple to make. The ingredients the princess uses are perfect for a rich, cinnamon and citrus fragrance. Simply add all those things into a pot of slow simmering water (make sure the heat is not too high) and there you have it. The smell should linger even after you take it off the stove. The princess makes a thousand paper cranes too, which in Japan is a way to send your best wishes and hopes for a speedy recovery to someone seriously ill. It can also be for sports teams, to help them achieve victory.

The academy kids are back. Susumu is a character that hasn't been around for a while. He or she is bigender, so the pronoun sets will probably change here and there. There's also more of a backstory on the character, which I look forward to writing in the future.

Mizuchi will be back soon, since it's been a couple of chapters since she was spotted. Not everyone trusts her, and that's fair. She has more secrets, but they may pleasantly surprise you.

Thank you for sticking around and reading into another new year. I hope to continue to bring many more chapters to readers going forward. Work has been…highly stressful lately, and writing really is a good way to unwind.

Really hoping people can tell me what they liked about this chapter in reviews. Until next time.