Sakura relaxed in the water. She breathed in the steam coming off the hot bath around her. This was incredible. Her muscles started to be soothed with the heat of the water and her soul was soothed by the sake.

Closing her eyes, she couldn't believe the events that had already unfolded on her adventure to and at Suna. After Gaara had given her information on Jogi Hiko, she wanted to speak as little of it as possible.

She hadn't let herself dissect any of this information. She didn't want to think about it, to be honest she didn't know if she could handle it. With Sasuke gone again and Naruto still in recovery she didn't want to add more to stress about. She almost had had her team back, Team 7. Now it seems to all have fallen apart again.

Could she be a jinchūriki? Could this great beast be sealed inside of her? She hadn't heard anything from the voice that had intruded her mind a week ago. Also, the mark on her leg had faded, still visible but not as bright as it was when she first received it. Her thoughts dashed around.

When Gaara had pressed for more information about Jogi Hiko she should have given him more information. She should have disclosed everything that had happened. Though, the memories of her genin years of Gaara being hunted and kidnapped for his jinchūriki abilities and demon had stopped her. As a Chunin how many times had both him and Naruto been hunted down? Almost died? How many times had almost all of her friends died? These thoughts had kept her mouth sealed. She didn't want that for anyone. She was a jonin now. Not a child, not defenseless.

"You really are annoying." She could hear Sasuke's voice echoing that statement in her mind.

"You just going to hog the sake?" Sakura snapped open her eyes she hadn't even realized she'd closed. Looking at Temari's roses cheeks she knew the woman was already feeling the effects of the liquid. Temari had a smirk on her face.

"I might!" Sakura giggled at the puppy pout that was produced from Temari. She had never seen the bad ass sand sibling look like this! She was kind of cute. Sakura poured another shot for them both and they swung them back. Sakura watched as Temari's eyes glazed over for a moment deep in thought.

"That bastard Tōjūrō."

"He kind of looks like a possum." Sakura chewed on her check. Recalling his features. Temari busted out laughing.

"I can see it! Tōjūrō the possum! He is sneaky like one. Wonder if we scare him hard enough, will play dead?"

"We could try!" As the words came out Sakura couldn't help but chew on the idea of it through giggles. A council man rolling around in the street playing dead. There were a couple council members in the leaf village she would want to do that to.

Temari's laughter stilled, "He wants me to marry someone in the village. "

"Why does he get to choose, your brother is the Kazekage?"

"Yes, but the power of the council is strong."

"Temari. It's your body. Your mind."

"Not when you are born Kazekage Clan." Temari and Sakura sigh in unison. The politics of being born into a powerful position lingered between them.

"If you could be with anyone, who would it be?" Sakura knew what Temari's answer would be, but she didn't want to seem suspicious for not asking.

"You know who, you caught us." Temari had stolen the sake bottle and was pouring them another round.

Sakura's mouth dropped. Had Temari seen her? She must have! "It was an accident." Sakura whispered in embarrassment.

Temari shrugged, "I told him it wasn't intelligent. He said it was too troublesome to go to his room and waste time." She was so straightforward about the information it shocked Sakura. Temari took the shot is sake and shook the last of the bottle into Sakura's cup.

Sakura was beginning to feel the sake creep up on her. Tsunade had taught her many things and drinking was among one of them. She could hold her liquor well though Temari was giggling more and more.

Temari stood, "I'm going to go cool down. I will be back in a bit."

Temari grabbed her towel to wrap her naked form and headed to the dressing area. She swayed slightly on the way there.

Sakura smiled. Maybe Temari could be a friend of.

Sakura drifted off in thought about her training and schedule for the upcoming week. She only had three months and wanted to make a difference at Suna.

Temari wondered back in with a red head wrapped in a towel. Temari looked like she'd sobered up. Which was impressive, just a moment ago she had been all over the place.

"Sakura, meet Kakusareta. This is a cousin of mine."

Kakusareta. Wow. The red hair was shocking and the jade eyes reminded her of Gaara. The genes in there family must run strong. She had a beautiful figure too. Even under the towel you could tell.

"Nice to meet cha! Did you find some more sake while you were in the dressing room?" Sakura chimed.

"No, but I definitely need to find a raise." Temari smiled oddly at Kakusareta. Sakura ignored the statement. Must be a cousin thing.

"Come on in Kakusareta, the water is nice."