With a groan Sakura watched the water, tired but to anxious to sleep. After helping set up a few things for the new hospital that was built and figuring out her Miyo situation she decided to return to Konoha early. It was comforting to see things advancing so well in Uzushiogakure; now she knew what they were doing previously with training and sending back medics worked. They were beginning to figure things out for themselves.
She felt it was time to go back and it was earlier than expected at that. If possible she wanted to make it back before the Hokage election was over. Hopefully with the few changes made to the past Madara wouldn't feel betrayed and untrusted. She tried her hardest to not think about it but she knew that returning was good for her mind but bad for the situation if things started to take a bad turn.
Now she was able to get a hold on her thoughts, feelings and clear her head so she can focus properly on her life. Everything happening all at once made it difficult to handle life. Her little vacation back to her former home was a big help since no work was required. At least nothing that was too complicated. Not all that could be done was wait until the boat reached the Land of Fire.
She had thought Madara had been more than kind to her before but did not realize how much he seemed to like her. He had taken an interest in her since she arrived in Konoha but gave her the space that she needed out of respect. No matter how stressed she got he made sure to try and help her. He would give her company and even do little errands for her when she didn't have time and he did. All this time she was pushing her thoughts and feelings to the side without realizing just what was going on. Including everything going on with Uzashi but that was a subject she avoided thinking on purpose.
As Sakura crossed her arms over the rail and laid her head on them, she chuckled slightly. Madara was a different person than she fought on the battlefield in the future. Right now she had the chance to stop him in a peaceful way but never thought she would fall for him. It still seemed like a slap in the face to all those she loved in her timeline but at this point in life there was no going back.
She wanted happiness but had feared for the future changing too much. But at this rate she could not be selfish like she has been, trying to keep the timeline together enough for those she loved to be born. She had a mission to keep Madara from going insane and that would protect so many lives. The lives of many people and many bonds needed protecting and it may cost the birth of her friends, but it had to be done.
She was going to stay by Madara's side and hope that if a relationship did form, which the wedding night already showed a high chance of it happening, she would be enough to keep him happy and in check. Perhaps Hashirama's little idea would not be too bad. If she cared for Madara enough she may end up loving him more than she ever loved Sasuke.
Hashirama would try to keep things from changing on his end since he has already lived this life and knew of some outcomes that would not change, such as the other Kage and the forming of other Villages. The man would attempt to relive his life while keeping the course. All she had to do was make sure the Uchiha did not follow the path they had previously.
He had told her what happened not long before the wedding in a small little get together but she hardly had time to keep it on her mind. She recalled what he said about the information Sasuke told the Hokage when resurrected; the entire truth. If it was true she would make sure to help not just Madara, but every Uchiha as well. In this time she did not interact with too many of them but now that she was able to get a hold of everything, she knew what she needed to do.
Many of them did respect her and held her in high regards since she did not fight for just the Senju during the big battle. It would not be easy to keep them from thinking the way they do about who is in power, if history taught her anything, but maybe she could find a way. In the end it came down to Madara showing them the path. His turning on the Village made things as bad as they could be.
She sighed and looked up to see the Land of Fire nearing. It was time to go home to Konoha. Sakura could not help but smile.
It was a taxing journey but they were finally back to the Village. The first thing Sakura did was make her way to the west part of the Village, hoping to run into Madara first. As they enter Konoha, she heard that they had chosen just a few days ago who was named Hokage. She hated that she did not make it in time. Of course Hashirama was their choice which led to her quick movement to find the Uchiha Clan leader. She had never been to his residence once when he had invited a few people over for tea so she knew its general location but not where it was exactly.
Luck was on her side when she recognized his place standing alone among the trees. She ran up and knocked, hearing footsteps. A moment later Madara slid the door open fiercely, with a pissed off expression. He was wearing his yukata and looked as if he had just gotten out of bed, probably angry from the Hokage news no doubt. Madara's features changed as soon as he realized it was her, almost relaxing.
"Couldn't stay away too long," she said before he could speak, shrugging nervously. She had not thought the entire plan through, unsure of what to say since she had just up and left without saying anything before.
"Why are you here?" he asked, coldly.
"I had to come back. I had nothing to worry about and I was finally able to get my thoughts together," she told him with a smile. "You were right. I needed a break. Not as long as expected of course.."
He was silent, as if he was trying to figure out what to say. She could sense something was wrong. Though he did seem happy to see her, even just a little bit, something about him changed. The news about Hashirama probably set him off, which meant she had work to do in order to make sure he went back to being his old self.
"Is something wrong?"
"Why do you ask?" He asked. Sakura smiled with an idea.
"Can I be worried?" she smiled. He raised an eyebrow.
"Why do you think you must worry?"
"Have you met yourself?"
"Hn, well played," he said with a glare and slight grin. He honestly could not think of another question to keep the battle going. Though he did have quite a few remarks in mind.
"Smile and stop looking so grumpy," she said crossing her arms. He chuckled at her attitude.
"It is good to see you too," he said moving out of the way and inviting her in.
At least he was in a better mood than when answering the door.
Madara sighed as he sat down next to Sakura at the table. Even though it was his place she offered, more like demanded, to make tea herself. He was completely shocked to see her return, especially so soon. Due to the recent events and Hashirama constantly coming over to nag him, he had been thinking on much of his life and this Village. Many options weighed on his mind but for some reason they all went away upon seeing her again.
She seemed much happier and he could tell the difference from being away. He couldn't help but look over her, with a faint smile. How was in that through all that has happened her presence made him so calm. He was still furious inside and did not care too much for the people in the village, much of his turmoil and darker thoughts existing in the back of his mind. Yet when she is there it does not bother him as much. Was Mito right when she had said he was in love?
"I heard about Hashirama. Go figure," she stated while pouring the tea.
"I would rather not talk about it," he said sternly.
"Are you really that upset?" she asked, looking up at him. She had a look in her eyes, as if expecting him to react a certain way.
"I knew he would be Hokage. He is the only one anyone in this Village trusts."
"That isn't true. He is just more qualified," she said sipping at her tea. He gripped his cup and clenched her jaw. She had somewhat of a point, the Senju did have good qualities to be a leader but that had nothing to do with it.
"How so?" he asked, trying to keep calm. He watched as she eyed him carefully.
"Do not take it the wrong way but it is the truth. The whole time you all battled he wanted a peace treaty. You always declined. You both fought and from what I know you got close to sacrificing anyone just to win. People are going to go more towards the peace maker. Not to mention what he has done in the Village."
"I know that. I did not believe I would be Hokage. It is the fact people do not trust me and it makes me believe they cannot be trusted."
"Then you are a fool," she stated. He looked at her in disbelief, unsure what to say. "I can tell you are going to be colder towards people because of it. I have also seen it in some Shinobi. Show them you are trustworthy instead of acting the same way towards them. For all you know you will be the next Hokage."
"Tobirama mostly likely will be. Even if I did do as you say, I already know that because he is a Senju and Hashirama's sibling he will be next," he sighed.
"If that happens then Kami save us," Sakura said before sipping her tea. He couldn't help but snicker at the statement from the way she said it so casually. "It would be worth a try,"
She got up to put more water on to boil, since she had already drink most of the tea herself. Madara did not know what to think of her words. He did not want to just brush them off like he did other people but at the same time it irritated him to no end. It was easier said then done. How can you trust someone if they do not trust in you?
"You are one stubborn man," she said putting her arms around him from behind. A gesture that shocked him a bit.
"I have reason to be," he grunted. She hugged him tightly, causing him to relax more. "And I may be suborn but you are as well."
"I am very passionate about many things," she said, looking her head on his shoulder while looking at him.
"Your right about that," he said turning his head to meet her gaze. "Perhaps a little too passionate."
"It depends on the subject. I just don't want you being a bad guy and ending up hurting those who care for you. Whether it be me or Hashirama. He is your best friend and just because he has the title does not mean he is a different person so don't put any anger or hatred towards him," she said.
"And you care for me?"
"You need to ask?" she asked raising an eyebrow.
"How much do you care?" he grin slightly. With a grin of her own she kissed lifted her head slightly and leaned in to kiss him. That was one way to show it.
Author's Note: It's late, I'm tired but getting another chapter out is so worth it. Thanks for all your support and this is a little Thanksgiving treat (even if it is a little late) so yeah. I'm thankful for all of you guys and all the favorites, follows and reviews. And a little heads up, I'm getting to some serious stuff soon. So I figure time to push the relationship. ^.^
Happy Thanksgiving
