Sakura walked behind Mito and Hashirama as the group made their way to the Uzumaki Temple in the Land of Fire. Today was the day of the wedding and everyone was excited. Leading them was the Kannushi followed by two Miko with Hashirama and Mito following. Behind them were Honshi and Tobirama, a few clan heads following them. Sakura was some distance away from them but could see Mito pretty well.

She had on a traditional a white shiro-kakeshita kimono with a white obi and an open white shiromuku kimono on the outside. Her hair was in the usual buns but this time had decorative pieces in them with a crown on her head. Hashirama had on a montsuki with white hakama and a black haori to go over. His sleeves embedded with the Senju symbol. The men all wore the same as Hashirama only with their respective clan symbols and blue hakama.

Sakura herself was wearing a navy blue kimono with red obi, the Uzumaki symbol on the sleeves and her hair tied up in a bun with chopsticks. She looked behind her to see Miyo, naturally, wearing the same thing with her hair in the same style. Sakura could swear that if the girl could find a way, she would permanently make her hair pink just to match. When her gaze met Uzashi's, she turned to look back ahead of her.

She sighed, looking down slightly. Chatter between the few Senju and Uzumaki could be heard more than anyone in front until they arrived at the temple. They were led up a short staircase and made their way towards the main Shrine. Sakura could not help but look around in awe at the beautiful colors as the cherry blossoms fell from the trees before looking back down.

"Sakura-chan, you should look a little more lively today of all days." She almost jumped when Madara spoke, dawdling enough so to speak with her.

"I know."

"Then at least try to enjoy yourself. Remember, Mito worries about you and the last thing you want is for her to sense how upset you seem to be," he said in a whisper to her.

"Believe me I am trying. But between the hospital and you all it, makes life rather difficult," she said looking towards Mito. She looked down to her hands instantly when Madara held it.

"Just focus on today and forget your worries. You will have to trust things will be okay until we head back to Konoha tomorrow," he said giving her a smile.

She felt the heat rising to her cheeks at the sudden closeness. Since she has been able to get things together the last few days, even though it has been hard, things were starting to be normal for her again. Though she was starting to wish it wasn't. She caught herself thinking about Madara quite a bit lately and it wasn't easy trying to keep her distance with him constantly wanting to be around her. Something she did not mind at first.

They parted as the group arrived, everyone going to their seats. In the sides of the room were placements for everyone to sit with a small table in front with a plate with a wide tea cup on it. Just ahead of the middle of the room was a table with two stands for the two who are marrying. The Kannushi directed the two as the Miko made sure things were ready.

Sakura sat close to the two as everyone got in their places. She and Mito took a glance at each other, only for a brief second. She could see how happy the redhead was even if she would never be able to show just how excited she was. Mito was always so calm in most situations where as Hashirama was always open and smiling while making jokes and showing just how he felt. To most people it was an odd match but those close to them knew otherwise.

After everyone was seated, the Kannushi had something brief to say before the Miko began by pouring the sake into the first of three cups and giving it to Hashirama. After he took his three sips they refilled it and gave it to Mito. She took her sips and then they put the cup away before starting on the second one. They repeated until the third cup was finished and the sake ceremony was completed.

As things continued, Sakura looked behind and to her side to see Uzashi. He looked like he was watching but something was off. She wasn't a sensor type but she knew if anyone ruined things it would be him. He was fine before everything started but now he was suddenly so stern. She looked down to her side to see Miyo glancing at her. She used her hand to hide her finger that pointed to Madara across from them.

At first Sakura didn't understand until Miyo looked in Uzashi's direction and rolled her eyes. Was Uzashi jealous that Madara held her hand when they arrived at the Temple? Was that what Miyo was trying to tell her? Then again it was possible, Uzashi had asked her out a few times, very few, but it still stood that he did ask. It wasn't like she and Uzashi were a couple. Nor was she a couple with Madara. She held back a groan thinking of how childish he was and paid attention to the ceremony.

The Miko were pouring into their tea cups now. After sipping Sakura looked across to meet Madara's gaze. She gave a small smile before looking back at Mito. Miyo's snickering made Sakura nudge her hard enough to get her to stop but not enough to make her yell out. She almost did but luckily Miyo knew better and just held it in. Why was she suddenly cursed with dealing with all the troublemakers?


After the wedding was over everyone was getting ready for the feast that Honshi and Tobirama had assembled for the two. Hashirama wanted to be able to spend time with those closest to him to make up for the lack of interaction as of late. So the two decided it would be best to get everyone together for such a thing. All the shoji doors were slid open and there was enough food for everyone and then some.

Sakura could not believe how energetic the atmosphere was from all the people in the room laughing and enjoying themselves. Then again when you got the right people drunk things didn't turn into a disaster. She sat close to the couple but stay by Miyo to keep an eye on her. Though at the moment the girl seemed to have an eye on someone else.

"Miyo, who are you staring at?" Sakura asked as she finally gave up on trying to ignore the situation.

"No one in particular," she giggled to herself.

"I fear for any one who ends up with you," she joked. Miyo stuck out her tongue in response.

"If you do not stop flicking food at me, I will hurt you," Tobirama gritted through his teeth. She had wondered why Miyo had to get more food and why some of it was gone by the time she returned.

"I didn't do it," Miyo smiled innocently.

"Miyo," Sakura groaned.

Tobirama stomped away, wiping rice off his sleeve. Sakura only smiled, enjoying how much Miyo's mission was paying off. Although since it was almost time for them to go she should probably have her stop. Tonight would be one of the last nights they were together. Which also meant she didn't have to deal with Uzashi's attitude anymore. As much as she hated it, Sakura knew she had to have a talk with him and straight things out before he left. After all, there was no guarantee she would return to Uzushio now that she was finally able to get things straight in her head. And he may never return to Konoha. She looked down at Miyo who for the first time in a long time seemed unhappy.

"Miyo, what's wrong?" Sakura asked worried.

"Do I have to go back?" she asked looking up at her with genuinely sad eyes.

"Of course. It has been the plan before you even got here. Don't you miss Uzushiogakure?"

"I do. But.." she looked over the area. Sakura saw her gaze land on Tobirama. "I'm attatched to someone and..."

"Of all people?" she questioned, looking at her.

"It cannot be helped who you end up admiring," Miyo said with a smile.

"You do realize you annoy him to the point he would say no before you even said anything about your feelings?"

"Oh I know." Miyo said with a sad smile. "But ya know what, as long as I can be around I do not think I mind the way things are."

Sakura didn't know what to even think. Maybe the mission was a mistake after all. She excused herself and went outside to get some fresh air so she could get her thoughts together. Sakura made her way to the cherry blossom trees near the entrance, hoping the scent will calm her. She wanted Miyo to go home and lead the hospital, she was really the only one capable of doing so. Which was a scary thought at first but in truth she could do it and had leadership qualities.

But she also wanted her to stay. The three would be together as a group again even if Mito was married. Then again even if she eased up on messing with Tobirama, she would still be heartbroken if anything happened that she did not expect. It was a tough decision to even think about bringing up to Honshi and Mito. In the end it was up to what they could all agree on. But Uzashi, as usual, would pose a problem.

"Trouble?" She looked back to see Madara, arms crossed with a grin.

"It's my business," she replied.

"No need to snap at me. I just asked," he defended as he advanced towards her.

"Gomen. It's just..."

"Hm?"

"Miyo wants to stay now and I do not think it would be such a good idea," she sighed.

"Why? She may be a bratty troublemaker but she has helped out at the Academy quite a bit and is a great Shinobi," he said, making her raise an eyebrow in amusement. That was not the kind of thing people would say about Miyo.

"That is partially the reason I need her in Uzushio, so the hospital runs properly without me."

"I heard from Mito that they were rebuilding the hospital. You have to go back anyway so why not find someone else capable?" he questioned.

"I don't know. I mean someone might be able to do it but I just..." she sighed and hugged herself. "I worry. They are my family and I just want them to be alright without me."

"Sakura-chan, stop worrying," Madara said as he put a hand on each of her shoulders. "For now let her go. Once you return find out how things are and make your decision from there and figure out if she will return to Konoha with you or if she will stay in Uzushio."

She looked up at him with a slight smile and a nod. If she knew the hospital was going to be alright, then she would have less of a reason to want Miyo to go back. Though the crush on Tobirama thing was something she had to figure out. There was no way she could go through life and not express her feelings and get crushed. Especially if he got married.

"Arigato. I guess I needed a little help to get things straight."

"Anytime Sakura-chan," he said in a bit of a whisper.

She could feel herself blushing and didn't know what to do now. He went from rubbing her shoulders to comfort her to around her waist and for the first time in her life, she was beyond speechless. She wondered if this was what it was like to be held by a genjutsu. Before she could say anything, her cupped her cheek and kissed her. Instead of going with her first instinct, which was usually to punch, she relaxed and kissed back.


Author's Note: Sorry it took longer than normal. I wanted this wedding to be as traditional as possible so I did lots of research. All I got to say is if there is something wrong so sue me, I tried my damnedest to get it right. If you want more of an idea of what Mito and Hashirama was wearing you can really just Google Japanese wedding apparel, though I'm sure most of you go the gist of it. Finally starting to get somewhere now hehe. Thanks for following. I seriously love you all. ^.^

Oh and for those who didn't know...

Kannushi = Priest

Miko = Shrine Maiden/Priestess