With a groan Sakura moved her hand to rub her eyes. After realizing how light out it was she tried to get up but couldn't. After adjusting herself she turned to see Madara laying next to her fast asleep with his arms around her. She was a bit shocked to say the least. She didn't expect to see him after last night, especially laying right next to her.
She then remembered the brief conversation, if you could call it that, right before she officially fell asleep. Part of Sakura wanted to jump up and out of the room but instead she turned so that she was face to face with him. She was still a bit unsure why she acted the way she had. Though she realized slowly but surely she actually started to know what she's feeling more and decided to stop fighting it.
She worried about the future but for all anyone knew it was already changed drastically. So she would try to keep the timeline following its course but do as Hashirama said and try to find happiness. And after admitting it to herself, she was starting to fall for Madara. She had been for a while but tried to turn against her feelings. She smiled and brushed some hair from his face, contemplating waking him up.
Sakura suddenly remember that she was to leave when morning arrived. She may already be late. She didn't want to leave him without saying goodbye but in this case it was urgent. Without another thought she maneuvered herself from his grasp and grabbed a few things in the room quietly. In a rush she grabbed her clothes and changed, constantly looking back at him. She put her stuff in a bag before heading to the door. She stopped to look back at the sleeping Madara before sliding the door closed behind her.
She rushed off to the rendezvous point, noticing Mito already saying goodbye. She slowed down and sighed while looking around. Miyo was missing. Uzashi on the other hand was furthest away, arms crossed with a pissed off looking on his face. She would ask what his problem was but there were two things Sakura already knew would be the problem. Miyo not showing up of course, and last night.
It was a brief encounter but she was sure it had an impact on all three of them. She sighed, unsure what to think. He was never like this when she lived with them in Uzushio. Maybe he still held a grudge against the Uchiha? The thought came to her suddenly and it made sense. And of all people she was around it was Madara, the head of the clan. That probably was what made him act out and be so spiteful.
Sakura almost fell over when Miyo jumped on her back giggling. She looked a little too happy, which made Sakura make a face, suspicious. Miyo only stuck out her tongue and hopped off her back, rushing to Mito to hug her. With a sigh Sakura continued on her way to see Mito off. It was going to be a little lonely without her friend around, then again Miyo would be enough company until they returned.
"You see happier than usual," Sakura commented. It was true, Mito had an even more gracious smile than usual this morning.
"Of course I am," she giggled. "Sakura-chan, I do hope you return," Mito said hugging her. Sakura hugged back, tightly.
"I will be. I just need a bit of time to go back and check things out so I can stop worrying about everyone."
"Should be fine. After all not many medics came from Uzushiogakure until you showed up," Hashirama said as he put an arm around Mito as the two parted. It sounded like a compliment but Sakura knew his double meaning behind it.
"Oi Sensei, when are we coming back anyway?" Miyo asked, hands on her hips.
"Who said you were returning with her?" Mito asked.
"I did," she smiled innocently.
"I'll consider it but you belong in Uzushio," Sakura said with a raised eyebrow.
"You are all unfair," she pouted with crossed arms.
"How long will you be gone?" Hashirama asked.
"Only a couple weeks. Not sure if I will stay a whole month like I was planning."
"Why?" Mito asked trying to hold back a shocked expression.
"I realized I have a few worries and they are mostly about those in Uzushio. I may have trained medics and sent them back while in Konoha but I still worry and need to know things are alright for myself. That is really all I need to do. I don't think staying longer than I need to is necessary," she explained.
"Are you sure that is the only reason?" Hashirama said in a teasing tone with a smirk. If not for him being right next to Mito, she would have punched him.
"If you are decided Hokage, I worry of our future," Mito said with her eyes closed and a smile, opening an eye to glance over at her husband.
"I would be a great Hokage," he pouted. Sakura almost burst out laughing at the irony the conversation had.
"Let's hope Tobirama sticks around long enough then," Sakura said crossing her arms.
"Thanks for all the support," he said with his head hung low.
"When are they deciding the Hokage?" she asked.
"By the time you return I am sure," Mito told her.
"Imagine if Sakura-sensei became Hokage," Miyo chimed in.
"I would decline. I doubt I would be able to really do much of anything and I am hardly qualified," she argued.
"Though it is an option. Believe it or not you do have qualities that would make a great future Hokage," Mito said seriously.
"Sakura-san, we are being called to leave," Uzashi said coldly, walking past without glancing at them.
"Jerk. Takes the fun out of everything," Miyo said as she ran off.
"Miyo!" Mito exclaimed.
"She has a valid point. He has been quite odd lately," Hashirama commented. Sakura nodded, stilling looking toward him.
"Ja na," She said waving to the couple before running off behind Miyo.
Madara stood and sighed, half expecting to wake up alone. He looked over the room to see all her stuff was gone, even if it was a minimal amount. Still, he had hoped she would be there when he woke up. Normally he would have notice her movement and woken up with her but drinking had impaired some of his functions, as it did most people. It was a bit of a weakness since a Shinobi can easily lose functions like such while sleeping depending on the amount of alcohol.
He left the room and walked back to his own to prepare for departure back to Konoha. It was going to be a long few weeks without her around. He had actually gotten use to her being around and somehow relied on her to keep him calm at times. Even when Tobirama pissed him off, he may have acted stubborn but she was there to keep him settled.
"Madara!" Hashirama exclaimed as he exited his room.
"Do you have to shout?"
"I do not have to but I do anyway," he laughed.
"Where is Mito?" Madara asked looking around.
"She is getting ready to leave. You seem a bit off this morning. Did you screw up last night?" he asked as if expecting it, crossing his arms.
"I did not! Things should be alright between us now... hopefully," he replied, mumbling the last part.
"At least when she returns things will be fine then." He paused for a moment, putting a finger to his lip as he began to think.
"What is it? You never look this serious," Madara commented as he walked up to him.
"They will be deciding the Hokage soon," he stated bluntly. "We are both being considered."
"I highly doubt that," Madara said darkly. Hashirama seemed a bit taken aback but not completely surprised. "Just because you offer my name does not mean people will take it into consideration."
"There may be a chance. With the way you have been lately people have changed their views about you," he told him.
"That is hard to believe," he retorted, starting to walk away. Hashirama sighed, giving up on that specific argument.
"Here is a funny thought, Miyo suggest Sakura-chan to be Hokage." As he said it Madara almost tripped.
"She would cause war just by her short temper. She would punch every person who debated with her or had an opinion she did not like," he said shaking his head. Hashirama almost fell over from laughing so hard.
"Give her some credit you two," Mito said dangerously as she appeared from nowhere, shutting them both up.
"We were not serious," Hashirama said with a nervous laugh.
"I was," Madara said walking past her.
He had to admit, sometimes the woman did frighten him. But Madara knew not to show her fear. That was how Mito took control over situations quickly and easily settled debates. And the reason why she had respect over her clan. He could not help but think of Sakura acting out that way though so he voiced his opinion about it. First impressions last a long while after all.
He did not want to think about it. He knew Hashirama would be Hokage, there was very little doubt. Everyone believed he to be the leader of the two through the alliance. That was what made Madara angry. The outcome would determine what Madara's next move would be. His trust was still there but with the way people in the village acted, he was beginning to think it would be best to leave.
Hashirama was easily influenced and Tobirama was the biggest influence around him. He would find a way to keep the Uchiha at bay and away from power. Madara was sure of it.
Author's Note: OMG it has been waaay too long. I am sooooooooooooo sorry for the long delay. After getting the apartment we had alot to organize and work has been exhausting (didn't realize how much work went into being a housekeeper.) So in all honestly I have procrastinated for two weeks when it came to this chapter. But now I am back at it and may not be able to update as frequently but will still do so as much as possible. Thank you all for sticking to the story and being patient.
And remember, always tip your housekeepers. Seriously, it is hard work x.x
