Sakura opened her eyes and glanced at her alarm clock; she had a few hours before she was supposed to meet the rest of team 7 at their training ground. Their relationship had been a bit off lately, she wasn't sure just why, but she was ready to show Naruto and Kakashi-sensei how hard she had been training with Tsunade-shishou, she wanted to surprise them with how strong she had become. She got herself up and out of bed and got herself some breakfast, today will be the day that they acknowledge her!

Locking the door behind her she turned herself towards the training ground and set off. She concealed her chakra in hopes of surprising them, she jumped up into the trees and crept over only to see all the Konoha 11. This was weird, why was everyone meeting here and why did no one come to get her if there was a get together? Surely this was a mistake. Kakashi-sensei, Asuma-sensei, Kurenai-sensei and Guy-sensei rounded the corner and joined the teen ninjas. What was going on? Sakura sent some extra chakra to her ears to enhance her hearing, she didn't want to move and accidentally give away her position, she had a feeling she wasn't meant to be here for this.

"Kakashi, surely you can't be serious." Guy said.

"She would only hold us back, and after all this is for her." Kakashi responded.

"She's much stronger than you give her credit for." Kurenai said, "I've seen her working with Tsunade-sama, she has really improved, and what do you mean this is for her?"

"She's in love with Sauske, it will only cloud her judgement and we will wind up having to protect her. It would compromise the mission. We are bringing him back for her." Kakashi said.

Sauske? That's what this was about? I haven't been in love with him since that asshole left me on a bench, unconscious and alone. I could not care less if he ever came back to Konoha.

"Kakashi-sensei is right! Sakura is just too weak, physically, and emotionally. We can't risk her life or ours worrying that she would be able to keep up with us." Naruto said.

That was like a stab to the heart, Naruto was supposed to be my best friend and here he was, in front of all our friends and teachers talking about how weak I am. Why is no one else coming to my defense?

"N-Naruto…" Hinata whispered, "H-how can y-you say that about Sakura?"

Bless her heart, at least there is still one person who has my back.

"You know it's true, we all know it's true. She will just never be at our level. She is best left here working at the hospital where she is safe and out of our way. Come on, we're going to go talk to baa-chan about our mission!"

Kakashi and the Konoha 11 all took off toward Hokage Tower, while the rest of the Jounin instructors hung back.

"I think they're making a big mistake." Asuma-sensei finally spoke.

"This is going to break her heart." Kurenai-sensei said as the Jonin instructors walked off the training ground.

Sakura let out a breath she hadn't realized she had been holding, her face wet with the tears of betrayal. She sat there in that tree, knees to her chest sobbing quietly.

"BAA-CHAN!" Naruto yelled as he shoved open the door to Tsunade's office.

"I told you not to call me that! And you do not just barge into the hokage's office! Where are my ANBU? Why does this keep happening?" She looked over her shoulder at the ANBU who chuckled to themselves. "Why are you all in my office?" She looked at the large group of ninjas headed up by Kakashi.

"We have an idea of where Sauske might be, and we would like permission to go retrieve him." Kakashi said flatly.

"And that requires all of you?" Tsunade asked, "wait. Where is Sakura?"

"Aw Baa-chan, you know she would only hold us back. She's the weakest of all of us, plus with her being in love with Sauske her emotions could compromise the mission." Naruto said.

"She is the strongest kunoichi of her generation, she has surpassed even me and you're choosing to leave her behind. I think you are all making a massive mistake in leaving her. You all want to go on this mission?" Tsunade asked.

A slim pale arm was raised, "Tsunade-sama, I would like to remain behind." All eyes turned to Hinata

"And why would that be miss Hyuga?"

"I think it's a mistake to leave Sakura behind and I will not be turning my back on her." She said without stuttering and with that she turned and left the office. Leaving a lot of stunned face is her wake.

"Alright the rest of you, you have two years to find the Uchiha, if in those two years you do not retrieve him you are to come back. If you do not come back, you will be considered rogue. Do you understand me?"

"Hai, Tsunade-sama." They chorused.

"Meet at the gates in one hour." Kakashi said, and they all turned and left the office.

"Shizune? Get me Sakura please." Tsunade said while grabbing a bottle of sake from her desk drawer.

A few minutes later she heard a soft knock at her door.

"You wanted to see me Tsunade-shishou?" came the quiet and dejected voice.

"Hai, why do I feel like you already know what I want to talk to you about?" She looked at her young apprentice's hunched shoulders and downward gaze.

"They all left me, didn't they? I heard them at the training grounds…they didn't know I was there."

"Yes, I'm sorry. Everyone but Hinata, they're meeting at the gates in about 45 minutes. They will be gone for two years, I told them to return after that with or without the Uchiha. They mentioned your feelings for him possibly compromising the mission."

"I have no feelings for the traitor other than I hope they do find him and bring him to justice; I have no love in my heart for him any longer. If they knew me at all like I thought, they did they would know that. May I please be excused shishou?" She could feel the tears start to prickle her seafoam green eyes. She wanted to avoid the embarrassment of letting her emotions get the better of her.

"Hai, you are excused."

Walking out of Hokage tower, Sakura made up her mind then and there to get stronger, her revenge would be her success. She would show them, she would never be the one to hold anyone back during a mission. But the first thing she needed to do was get back to the training ground, she had some rage and hurt to release, and it would be best not to do that around civilians.

At the gates everyone was ready to go, while putting their packs on two people paused. Shikamaru and Shino stopped. "Should we be doing this?" Shino asked.

"I don't feel right about it, I think Hinata was right. This feels like a betrayal to Sakura." Shikamaru said to Naruto.

"This is for Sakura!" Yelled Naruto.

"Are you sure about that?" Shikamaru asked, "Because I think this has a lot to do with you." Shikamaru and Shino picked up their packs and walked back to Hokage Tower to tell her their change of plans. After that, the rest of the Konoha 11 and Kakashi took off through the gates. Izomu and Kotetsu heard the whole exchange and glared at the group as they left, they knew Sakura from visits to the hospital and knew how caring, compassionate and strong she was, they couldn't believe Kakashi, of all people, would leave a comrade behind.

"Maybe we should ask Pinkie if she wants to go to the Rusty Kunai tonight, I think she'll be needing a drink." Kotetsu said.

"Yeah, let's go look for her after our shift."

It seemed, hours later, that everyone had had the same idea as they closed in on the newly destroyed training ground. Shikamaru, Shino, and Hinata walked up joining Izomu and Kotetsu. "What are you two doing here?" Shika asked.

"We were going to ask Pinkie to get a drink with us, we saw what happened at the gates and agree that it's some bullshit, we thought she could use some friendly faces and sake."

The sight they came upon stopped them in their tracks, craters and trees snapped in half littered the ground. And in the center of the destruction was Sakura, curled into her knees quietly crying to herself. She sensed the other ninjas behind her but couldn't summon the energy to care now. She just wanted to pain of rejection to stop. Hinata walked up behind her and crouched down wrapping Sakura up in her arms.

"I'm sorry Sakura." She whispered. "Come on, lets go get you cleaned up, we're taking you out for a drink. It will be good for you."

Sakura nodded weakly and allowed herself to be helped to stand. Her eyes were red and puffy and still glistened from unshed tears. When she saw who else had come to get her, she was surprised.

"Shika, Shino, I thought you guys left too."

Shikamaru spoke for them, "We didn't think it was right leaving you behind. We know how strong you are and what an asset you are to the group. It just isn't right." Shino nodded along.

Kotetsu walked up and wrapped his arm around Sakura's shoulder, "Come on Pinkie! We are going to have some fun, then we'll figure out what you can do with yourself for the next couple years. Sound like a plan?"

Sakura smiled a little bit, "Okay sounds like a plan." She looked down at herself, she was sweaty and covered in dust and debris, "First can I go home and take a shower?"

"Of course! Shika, Shino, Kotetsu and Izomu we'll meet you at the Rusty Kunai in an hour." And she led Sakura off to her apartment.

Twenty minutes later Sakura was drying her hair, she swiped on some lip gloss and mascara. She was determined to have a good time tonight, screw her former friends, she knows who she can truly trust now. Hinata had already gone through her closet for her and pulled out a long-sleeved red dress that hugged her curves and flared out at the hips. It was modest but had a peekaboo keyhole at the bust. She was going to be getting some attention for sure tonight.

"Sakura you look amazing!" Hinata yelled.

"I guess maybe I should dress up more often." Sakura laughed at the reaction.

The guys stood outside the bar waiting for the girls to show up before they went inside. Genma had gotten word of what had happened and decided to join them in waiting, it wasn't right what they did to that sweet girl, he knew she was a kick ass ninja.

When Hinata and Sakura walked up all the men's eyes widened. They knew Sakura was pretty, and of course she had a great body, she was a ninja after all, but she looked beautiful. She saw the men, their mouths agape, at this she blushed. She wasn't used to attention from men, she was usually with Ino at the bar and with Ino being so beautiful and busty in such tight revealing clothes, the more modest shinobi was used to being overlooked.

"Damn Sak!" Genma yelled. Sakura blushed so hard her face felt like it was on fire. He was an older very handsome and popular shinobi, she didn't want to admit it, but his opinion carried a lot of weight to her.

As they entered the bar Shikamaru unconsciously made sure to stand extremely near the pinkette, blushing when their shoulders brushed against each other.

"Hey Shika?"

"Yeah?"

"Thanks for this, for hanging back and checking on me…it means a lot." Her eyes reminded him of the ocean, he didn't want to look away.

"Yeah of course…um let me get you a drink." He said before he headed off to the bar, trying to examine what exactly he was feeling because at this moment all he wanted to do was wrap her in his arms and never let her go, it broke his heart to see her so broken like he had earlier.

Sakura joined Hinata, Genma, Izumo and Kotetsu at the booth they had grabbed. A short time later Shikamaru joined them with drinks for the table. Asuma, Kurenai and Guy entered the bar still bothered about the encounter earlier, they were surprised to see Genma, Izumo and Kotetsu in a booth with the three chunin so they made their way over.

"May we join you?" Kurenai asked.

"Of course." Sakura replied.

"We've been talking," said Asuma, "we want to train you, that is if you're interested." Guy would help you with your taijutsu, Kurenai would help with your genjutsu and I would be able to help you learn how to use chakra infused blades."

"Are you all serious?" Sakura asked, eyes wide with hope.

"Of course! We believe in you! If we didn't, we wouldn't have offered youthful cherry blossom!" Guy yelled.

"Thank you all." Sakura said with a small sniffle, after the day she had had she wasn't sure there was any hope for her. But here she was surrounded by people who flat out said they believed in her abilities. It was all going to be okay.

Shikamaru looked at the smile on the pinkette's face and knew he had made the right decision, screw the Uchiha. Hinata and Shino both noticed the look Shikamaru was giving Sakura and smiled at each other, this was going to be fun. Sakura deserved someone smart and loyal who would always treat her right and if this look were anything to go off, Shikamaru was the right man for her.

"Yeah Pinkie, if you're interested, I could teach you how to spit a senbon hard enough to deflect a kunai. And I could use another sparring partner."

"Yeah Genma, that would be great, I would love that!" It was all coming together, with their help and the help of her friends, she felt like she would make jonin in no time.

Two years later

Four Anbu appeared in Tsunade's office. "I have called the four of you here for a reason. You can take off your masks, it's just us in here."

The four shinobi removed their masks revealing Sakura, Hinata, Shikamaru and Shino. "They're coming back aren't they." Sakura said.

Flashback:

Sakura sat next to her Shishou while she argued in favor of mental health reform for the shinobi of Konoha.

"With all due respect councilman, a mentally healthy shinobi is a more effective shinobi. With their heads free of mental clutter, they are more able to carry out their assignments which means more money for Konoha." The councilman sat his hand back down on the table, he was going to try to make a point, but she mentioned more money and he couldn't out argue that.

After the meeting Tsunade congratulated her on how she handled the meeting.

"I admit, I maybe was getting a little heated up in there, thank you for stepping in. I don't know how many more years I can put up with. Say, you've been keeping up with your training, right?" Tsunade said.

"Yes Shishou, I have been training with many different teachers."

"Have you considered ANBU?"

"You can't be serious Shishou, what about the hospital?"

"You have many years to be stuck at the hospital, but only so many years being an active shinobi, I believe you could do it and I just want you to explore all your options."

Sakura was going to have to think this over and maybe run it by Hinata, always the voice of reason.

Present:

"Yes, they should be back by tomorrow at the latest, they're bringing back the Uchiha and his team. I know this will be hard for you Sakura, but as Anbu captain I'm relying on you to make sure they are able to integrate back into society without being any sort of threat."

"Yes Tsunade-shishou." She said with no emotion behind her voice.

Shikamaru reached out and grabbed her hand, lacing their fingers together in a show of support. She turned and looked into his deep brown eyes and felt comfort. The traitor, his crew and those people who had gone after him would be back, but she still had her core friends. The people who taught and supported her for the last two years.

"I think tonight we should go out for drinks." Sakura said looking at Shika, "will you get the gang together while I go home and get ready?"

"You've got it blossom." He leaned over kissing her forehead.

"Good idea!" Yelled Tsunade pulling out a bottle of sake.

"Where did you get that one from!?" Yelled Shizune, who was so sure she had hidden all the sake from her mentor.

An hour later Asuma, Genma, Kurenai, Guy, Izumo, Kotetsu, Shino, and Hinata were at the Rusty Kunai in their usual booth when Shikamaru walked in with his arm around Sakura's shoulder. They had been dating for about a year, after a year of dancing around their feelings. But, after a drunken confession from Shika and an equally drunken kiss from Sakura they decided they couldn't lie about their feelings any longer.

Flashback:

His fingertips ghosted up her arm, she shivered at the light touch, they stood in the dark alley outside of the bar Shikamaru, Hinata, and Shino decided to go to after training. Her large green eyes locked with his hooded deep brown eyes. She thought if she kept staring, she might get lost in them forever. Sakura felt so confused, this was her friend, Shika, sure he was incredibly handsome. Ruggedly handsome, he tried to hide it with his slouch and uninterested gaze, but she could see it. Sakura ran her hands over his mesh covered abs, each testing how far they could go. Sake played a large part in them forgetting their inhibitions. Shikamaru knew he wanted her, he knew she wasn't interested in Sauske anymore, that wasn't an issue, but would she be interested in him? He hoped so. He held her shoulders and gazed back into Sakura's eyes.

"Sakura…"

"Yes Shika?"

"Would you like to go to dinner with me?...on a date?"

"Yes Shika, I would like that." She leaned up and kissed him softly on the lips. She was sweet, she tasted like strawberries and sake. He pushed her back up against the bar wall and kissed her deeply making his way down her neck with soft kisses. She moaned at his touch. His warm breath on her neck gave her goose bumps.

Present:

After joining their group Shika stood up and declared he was getting the first round.

"So how ya doing blossom?" Asked Genma. "We heard they're on their way back and should be here anytime."

"I'm fine. I don't have any feelings about it one way or another." She said blankly.

Flashback:

Sweat dripped down off the cherry blossom, she gripped her chakra blades together and channeled what she had left into them. She ran at Asuma, teeth clenched, determined this time to beat him. This is the first time in all of the times they've fought she had gotten the upper hand. Their blades striking each other was becoming blinding with their speed. Shika had never seen either of them battle so hard as if their lives truly depended on winning this fight. Afterwards Shika had to carry home a victorious, but unconscious kunoichi.

Present day:

"Yes, okay uh huh I definitely believe you." Said Asuma. Kurenai smacked him in the shoulder. "What? It's okay to have feelings about this! That's all I'm saying."

"I wont lie and say it's all going to be okay, but it has to be for now because it's a mission and that comes before my own personal feelings." Said Sakura.

Meanwhile at Hokage Tower

"Baa-chan! We're back! We have teme!" Naruto shouted excitedly.

"I told you not to call me that! And be quiet!" Tsunade yelled. "Well, congratulations on bringing back the Uchiha."

Sauske bristled at the way she spoke his name with such distaste. Sure, he had been a missing nin and had done some questionable things in the name of power, but he was an Uchiha from the most powerful clan in Konoha. Surely, he was due some respect.

Tsunade eyed the ninja's she didn't know; one was a red-haired woman who gazed at the Uchiha like he hung the moon and stars in the sky. A thin man with white hair, sharp teeth and a large sword and a larger tan man with orange hair. "Introduce yourselves." She commanded.

"I'm Karin and I love Sauske." She said, her body draped over Sauske's shoulder.

"Hn." He responded as he yanked his shoulder out from under her causing her to fall.

"I'm Suigetsu." Smiled the sharp toothed man "and this", he pointed at the man next to him "is Juugo."

"Great, okay." She said feigning interest, "Tonight you will all be staying at the inn." She said to team Taka, "Tomorrow you will be assessed by some of my Anbu operatives to decide whether or not you can remain in the village. As for you, Uchiha, there will be consequences for you actions and later we will meet with the elders to decide just exactly what that will be."

He nodded, just ready to get out of this office and away from all these people.

"Hey Baa-chan! Where is Sakura? I bet she's going to be so excited to see us!"

"Oh, you mean the excellent kunoichi you left behind?" She said reminding them exactly what they had done to her precious apprentice. "She's probably out with her friends and boyfriend."

"What? Boyfriend? Since when did Forehead have a boyfriend? Who would be interested in her? Last time I saw her she was flat as a board and put no effort into herself." Shot out Ino, giggling with Karin. She and Karin had bonded over their shared love of Sauske. Choji shook his head disapprovingly at his teammate. When they had left Choji really thought they were doing the right thing, but the whole trip had been a lot of Sakura bashing and being sweet and considerate he wasn't very comfortable with that. It had been an awfully long trip.

"Well, all! How about we head to the Rusty Kunai to celebrate our return home!" Kakashi said positively, hoping to shift the weird mood the room had taken.

"Yeah Kakashi-sensei is right! Let's go!" Yelled Naruto

"Oh Kami." Tsunade said dropping her head to her desk, "Shizune! I need more sake!"

Sakura laughed with her table mates at the story she just heard about Kotetsu and Izumo getting stuck together during a jutsu gone wrong. They were all having such a good time they didn't notice the large group of people enter the bar.

"Oh my Kami, Kakashi-sensei, is that Sakura-Chan?" He said pointing over and the voluptuous pink haired beauty.

"Holy shit," Kakashi responded, his clothed jaw dropping. Over at the booth was a curvy kunoichi, she had really changed in two years. Her hair was long and wavy, her cheeks-tinged pink from whatever Shikamaru just whispered in her ear. She was a beauty, he may have drooled a little bit.

"Pervert!" Naruto yelled, drawing attention to the group.

Everyone at the table looked over and scowled, earning confused looks from the group of ninjas who had really expected to be welcomed with open arms. Choji, Ino, Kiba, Lee, Tenten and Neji were all shocked at the looks they had received from their beloved senseis. Everyone at the table turned back around choosing to ignore the group now blocking the door.

"Surely this is some misunderstanding." Naruto said, "I mean, it's Sakura-Chan! And Hinata-Chan, and you guys all said she loves me. They must be confused because surely they would be happy to see us." The optimistic fox sauntered off toward the group.

"Sakura-Chan!" He yelled as he ran to the table.

Shikamaru pulled her toward him protectively and glared.

"Yes Uzumaki-san?" was her cold reply "I'm busy with my friends, what do you need?"

"Sakura….we're back, we brought teme back like we promised you!"

"If you had bothered to ask me, I could have told you that I had no interest in him coming back here, EVER!" She suddenly yelled. Hinata reached over and clasped her hand, reminding her to keep her head.

Sakura sighed, "Uzumaki-san, in the future please refrain from talking to me in such a familiar way, you may call me Haruno-san. Now if you don't mind, I would like to get back to my friends and boyfriend." She turned around and gave Shika a sweet peck on the cheek. Everyone turned away from Naruto and went back to the conversation they were having before they had been interrupted.

Walking away dejectedly, he made eye contact with Kakashi before saying, "I don't feel like celebrating anymore." And he walked out of the bar.

Kakashi walked up to the table and yelled, "What the hell was that!?"

"Well, Hatake, we're not a big fan of people who abandon their comrades." Said Genma coolly turning his own famous words, "Those who abandon their comrades are worse than trash." Against him. Kakashi sighed, turned around and walked away. Everyone else grabbed tables farthest away from Sakura's group, not wanting their night ruined. Tomorrow, tomorrow would be the day to work this all out. Surely no one was really upset about this, Sakura would have compromised the mission! Everyone had agreed she wasn't strong enough, well mostly everyone.

Shika nuzzled his nose into Sakura's neck in a loving motion, he couldn't stand to see his most precious person hurt like this over and over again due to the careless nature of the people who were supposed to have cared for her the most. They all decided to call it a night and head out early not sparing a glance at the table across the room. Sauske was shocked, she had promised to wait for him. He hadn't really thought about her much at all when he was away, but it was nice knowing she was there at home waiting for him once he became powerful and killed Itachi. How could she break her promise like this? He sat and brooded, but no one noticed the difference because he was just doing what he did best. Surely this didn't mean he was going to be stuck with Karin to restart his clan, no she had never been part of the picture. She was just there because they needed someone who could heal them and the fact that she doted on him constantly wasn't the worst thing in the world. The worst thing in the world would be her as the Uchiha matriarch, yeah that wasn't going to happen.

Back at Shika and Sakura's apartment, they had just walked through the door when Sakura quickly turned and gave Shika a deep lingering kiss. "What was that for?" He asked, although deeply appreciating it. "That's for always having my back and believing in me when I needed it the most." She replied. He grabbed her hand and started to pull her towards their bedroom. "You've got me as long as you want me, blossom. I'll always be here for you."

The next day in Tsunade's office Shino, Shikamaru, Hinata and Sakura stood to the side waiting for their next mission to arrive. Team Taka, Kakashi and Naruto walked in minutes later. "What are you two doing here? This is about what we will be doing with Sauske and his teammates." Tsunade said.

"We're part of Teme's team too, Baa-Chan!" Naruto yelled, Kakashi nodded.

"I see, you want to re-assemble team 7." Tsunade said flatly.

Tsunade sighed, "I suppose if Sauske is interested and team 7 doesn't mind 6 months of D-ranks right alongside him."

Kakashi supposed he could use a bit of a vacation, because he absolutely would not be participating in baby sitting or cat wrangling.

"Yeah, me, Teme, and Sakura-Chan!" Naruto yelled.

Tsunade rubbed her head and shot a quick sideway glance at the Anbu behind the cherry blossom mask as she shook angrily. "Sakura already has a team; she will not be rejoining team 7."

"But Baa-Chan!"

"Forget it Dobe, we don't need her anyway, she would just hold us back." Sauske stated blankly.

At that, Tsunade scoffed, "Anbu, please remove your masks."

"Shishou…" The Anbu behind the cherry blossom mask whispered.

"No, Dark Blossom, remove your mask. They need to know."

The Anbu in the mask with the dark swirls grabbed her hand in a show of support. One by one they removed their masks. First Shino, followed by Shikamaru, followed by Hinata and finally Sakura took off her mask. Her eyes were cold as she gazed at her former teammates.

"What how is someone as weak as her on Anbu?" Karin shrieked, "I bet her teammates are constantly having to save her butt. Not that there's much butt to save." She added.

Shika turned his head slightly and whispered, "Nonsense, you have a fantastic butt." Sakura giggled at that; Kami bless Shika for always being able to make her smile when all she wanted to do at that moment was punch the redhead into next week. "I have nothing to prove to you, Uchiha or anyone else for that matter. The people who matter know how strong and capable I am. So, continue with your petty insults if it makes you feel better, you're not going to get a rise out of me.

Wow, Sakura had really changed from the last time Kakashi had seen her, she was confident and fierce and controlled. The old Sakura would have at least given her a good smack upside the head, maybe he had misjudged her. He was having a hard time taking his eyes off the gorgeous kunoichi and Naruto could tell. "Pervert!" Naruto yelled, gaining everyone's attention. Thank Kami for the mask or everyone might have been able to catch a glimpse of the blush creeping up Kakashi's cheeks. He was a man dammit, and he had eyes, he didn't think there was anything he was doing that was improper. Shika shot him a dirty look remembering to keep an eye on Kakashi when Sakura was around.

"These four will be assessing your abilities and helping me decide where we should place you and if we should allow you to remain in the village." Tsunade said. Karin blanched at that statement quickly realizing the person she had been insulting would have a big hand in her future. Sakura took notice and did her best to not smile at this, it's the little joys in life. "Kakashi, Naruto, since it has been two years since we last saw you or assessed your abilities you will also get to participate."

"She says get like this is a treat." Kakashi whispered, Naruto on the other hand looked pumped at the opportunity to show off what he had been working on.

"Alright, lets head to training ground 3." Sakura said as she disappeared in a swirl of cherry blossoms. Hinata disappeared in a swirl of lily petals, Shino and Shikamaru were a little less theatrical and disappeared in a swirl of leaves.

Team Taka, Kakashi and Naruto stood there, mouths agape. They had really progressed in the time everyone else had been away and sure they had trained and fought along the way, but clearly the four had been training extra hard. "Yes, yes we all saw it, you can leave my office now." Tsunade snapped.

After everyone had arrived at the training ground Sakura divided them up for some basic sparring as a warmup. She was really looking forward to the portion where they tried to escape her genjutsu. That was her specialty, they even made mention in the bingo book to avoid looking into her eyes. She was as scary as an Uchiha when it came to genjutsu. She jumped in and sparred against Kakashi, proving just how hard she had been training while everyone was gone. It was hardly a contest when it came to strength and agility, everyone underestimated her. At this point it hardly insulted her anymore, she always used it to her advantage. Sakura signed "jump" to her team and gave quick punch to the ground. The ground shifted as if it had been liquified and dragged everyone under. It was like something out of a horror movie watching the arms burst out of the dirt slowly dragging out their bodies behind them. As they each met Sakura's eyes, she dragged them into a world of nightmares with her genjutsu. Not surprisingly Kakashi and Sauske got out quickly thanks to the sharingan. It took the others quite a while longer to escape, each one with tears streaming down their cheeks.

Sakura just smiled at them, "never underestimate your opponent. I expected better from you Kakashi."

Kakashi was shocked at the lack of honorific. "I'm still your sensei Sakura."

"No, you never really were. You spent your time with the Kyuubi container," Naruto flinched at that, "and the last Uchiha. You had no time for the civilian girl with perfect chakra control. Tsunade-shishou, Asuma-sensei, Guy-sensei, Kurenai-sensei, Genma-sensei," Kakashi flinched at that one. His good for nothing womanizer best friend got a mention and not him. "Izumo-sensei, Kotetsu-sensei. They were here for me, they taught me everything they knew, and I surpassed them all. Anyway, I think we've seen enough for now. I'll be submitting my report to Tsunade-shishou within the hour." She finished.

Kakashi's head hung low, she wasn't wrong. He hadn't seen anything special in her like he did the boys, he hadn't bothered with any extra training or special jutsus. He didn't see willingness to throw herself in the line of danger for her precious people as a strength all he saw was a girl who was out matched getting in the way. He felt shame, he was scum, he was supposed to be her teacher and he instead took her for granted. He turned and walked away, he needed to spend some time at the memorial stone talking to Obito.

"Sakura really hates us…." Naruto said sadly to no one in particular, he had thought they were best friends once but then realizing he also took her for granted and constantly underestimated her.

"Come one Dobe…I'll buy you some ramen." Naruto's eyes widened, Sauske…he was trying to be nice.

"Yeah…thanks Teme." He said, perking up a little bit.

Sakura stood in front of Tsunade, "Team Taka at this moment is Chunin level. Kakashi is Jonin though I was able to catch him off guard at one point. Naruto has Jonin strength with genin impulse control. That is my assessment. As for a threat, they pose none." Sakura said blandly, just ready for this portion of her day to be over. She turned and left because she had a special dinner date with her boyfriend, the love of her life. She hoped he proposed soon, she knew Yoshino had to be pressuring him since they had been together for over a year now. She would wait, even if that day never came, so long as she was with Shika she was happy. Little did she know Shikamaru had a surprise set up in his family's meadow where they would have some privacy.

He intercepted her when she came through the door, wrapping her up in a big hug. "I promised my parents I would take a walk through the meadow to check on some of the deer, want to come with me?" He hoped of course she said yes, the surprise hinged on her being there. "Sure, just let me change, it'll be nice to go on a walk. We haven't been able to do that since they've come back." She quickly ran into the apartment and threw on some black leggings and a green sweater that really brought out the color of her eyes, it was one of Shika's favorites. She grabbed his hand and they headed toward to Nara compound.

When they got to the meadow, there in the clearing was a blanket, a picnic basket and a ton of peonies. Lots of people thought the Sakura had to be Sakura's favorite flower, but those who knew her best knew she loved the peony. "Shika!" she gasped, she turned to look at her boyfriend. He was more romantic than anyone knew, but he had outdone himself this time. When she saw him, he was down on one knee holding out the most beautiful ring she had ever seen. It was a gold band with an emerald cut emerald surrounded by two tiny diamonds. "Sakura, I've known for a long time now that I can't live without you. You brighten up my days and nights, all I do is look forward to coming home to you and if I'm with you, no matter where we are I know I'm home. Will you please do me the honor of being with me for the rest of our lives…so long as it isn't too troublesome." He added with a small smile.

Tears streamed down her cheeks, "Of course I'll marry you! Even if you are a little bit troublesome." She said with a huge grin on her face. She had hoped for this for so long and now she would finally get to be Nara Sakura. "Come on, lets enjoy this picnic and talk about our future." Shika said.

"Sakura," Shika said, suddenly becoming serious. "I'm going to retire from Anbu. My father wants me to take on more clan responsibilities and they can always use some help in the intelligence department. The clan is going to want an heir and I'm not going to lie, I love the idea of having kids with you, I don't want you to have to sacrifice your career though so I'm happy to be the one to step down so I can be at home most of the time with the kids."

"Wow, Shika, you've given this a lot of thought."

"Of course, I have, I love you and want you to know I will always support you." She leaned in and gave him a deep kiss. "How about we start trying for a baby right now." She said with a mischievous glint in her eyes.

"Are you serious?" He said hopefully.

"Absolutely." She said quickly pulling her sweater over her head. Noticing the hungry look in his eyes she stood up and started to take off her clothes a little more slowly. Shikamaru couldn't take it anymore, he stood up pulling off his vest and fishnet top. He grabbed Sakura by the waist pulling her in close, relishing the feeling of her pert nipples brushing up against his bare chest. They made love in the clearing, taking their time, knowing that this, that their love could be making a child. Their future family.

On their walk home they held hands, fingers interlaced. "We should invite everyone out tonight to make announce our news" Sakura said with a big grin on her face. Shikamaru was thrilled, she had been so down since everyone had returned, it was nice to have her smile back. To see the sparkle back in her eyes. Walking through the village they ran into Genma, Izumo, and Kotetsu. "So!?" Genma yelled, "What did she say?" Sakura held up her hand to show off the ring. There was a loud cheer, and everyone ran up hugging Sakura tightly. "Okay! Let me go!" She laughed, "I can't breathe!" Everyone let go. "Well, we are definitely going out to celebrate." Genma said, "Rusty Kunai in an hour?"

"Sure, sounds good, that'll give us time to go home and get ready." Shikamaru said. As they walked away Shika asked, "Hey, this is going to get out to everyone if it hasn't already in the 5 seconds we've been away from Genma. Are you going to be okay?"

"Of course," Sakura said smiling, "I want everyone to know, I'm proud that I'm going to be your wife." She gave him a sweet peck on the cheek.

Sauske was shocked when he heard the news. He was promised she would love him forever, he wasn't sure what kind of love he was capable of, but he had expected Sakura would wait for him until he figured out his feelings. She was strong, had perfect chakra control and was exceedingly smart, she would make a perfect matriarch and now she had been stolen away from him. Naruto stared at his friend, Sauske may not be very vocal of facially expressive, but Naruto could tell there was something going on with him.

"Teme?"

"Dobe?"

"Are you okay? I mean, we saw how they are together, and they've been together for a while, it'll be nice for them. I want to go tonight to apologize for my behavior, I miss Sakura and I really misjudged her."

"I think I did too." Sauske whispered.

Ino knew she should feel some sort of relief, this meant Sauske was totally available. Maybe she could even rebuild the friendship that had been tarnished by a childish rivalry. But she felt like she was losing Shikamaru, she didn't realize but she had always sort of had him in her mind as a safety net. When she settled down, if she hadn't by a certain age, she felt like Shika would be there waiting. She realized this is a terrible thing to do to a friend, but that was just how she had felt. She heard from Genma there was going to be an engagement party tonight at the Rusty Kunai, maybe she could bring a gift and try to make amends.

Sakura slipped into a flowy green tank top dress, perfect for the warm weather and it really set off her eye color. "You look beautiful." Shikamaru said coming up behind Sakura slipping his arms around her waist lovingly. Suddenly there was a knock at the window, they both looked over at the Anbu in the window. Sakura walked over and let them in, "Hokage-sama requires your presence immediately," they said. "Alright, I'm on my way." Sakura said. She turned to Shika, "I'll meet you at the bar, don't get too drunk without me." She said smiling and giving him a kiss on the cheek before she jumped out the window following the Anbu to Hokage tower.

"You called for me Tsunade-sama?" Sakura said politely.

Flashback:

"Sakura? You're still here?" Shizune asked, she was about to head home when she noticed a light still on in the Hokage's office. Tsunade appeared to have already knocked off for the night, not at all concerned about the paperwork that was stacked all over her desk.

"Yeah, I'll head home soon, but I promised Shishou I would at least get a few of these stacks done before I head home. Don't worry though, Shika already brought me dinner." She said smiling at her concerned friend.

Present day:

"Yes, first congratulations. I'm sure you were too busy, or I would have been one of the first people you told." She said smirking.

"Of course, shishou!" Sakura replied.

"Second….Sakura…this job, I'm just, I'm just so tired." She said putting her head in her hands. "I've spoken to the council, and I've chosen a successor."

"This is a surprise." Sure, she had been getting through her paperwork a little more slowly than usual and she drank a little more often, but Sakura hadn't seen this coming. "Naruto is far from ready Shishou! He's still a genin!"

"He isn't who I have in mind Sakura." She said staring at her meaningfully.

Sakura gasped, "Surely you aren't serious."

"I wouldn't joke about this, bet on it sure, but I wouldn't joke about this. Sakura, you have spent so much time here, helping with paperwork, joining in on council meetings, meeting with former delegates. Sakura, there is no one else for the job but you."

Sakura took all of this in for a second, unconsciously placing her hand over her stomach, considering her future with Shika and the baby they hoped to have soon. "I accept Shishou. If you don't need me for anything else, I was on my way to the Rusty Kunai to meet Shika."

"Of course, of course! Go celebrate, Hokage-sama." At this Sakura blushed and tripped over her feet on the way out the door. She had a lot of things to consider and some feelings to reflect on. She was going to be Hokage now and she felt like she needed to forgive a few people to relieve the weight that had been crushing her for 2 years now.

Ino walked into the bar and saw Shikamaru by himself ordering a drink.

"Where's the missus?" She asked.

"She got a call to meet with the Hokage. She should be here soon." He replied, looking at her warily.

"Shika…we've been friends for so long. I…I'm really sorry for my behavior especially toward Sakura and I hope you can forgive me. Here." she said shoving a neatly wrapped box into his hands. He unwrapped it revealing a small painting of a deer under a Sakura tree.

"Thank you Ino…and if Sakura isn't receptive at first, please just give her time. She was so hurt for so long, you and Naruto were her best friends and then you just blew her off like she was nothing."

"I know, it was pettiness and jealousy." She said looking ashamed.

A moment later Sakura came walking through the door. She saw Shika at the bar talking to Ino. With a deep breath Sakura made her way over to the bar.

"Sakura!" Ino said surprised, "I was hoping maybe we could talk." She said looking at her feet.

"Okay." She said to Ino's surprise.

They stepped outside, "Okay pig, talk."

Ino found some relief at Sakura's use of their childhood nickname. "Well, I just wanted to say that I'm really sorry for my behavior and I hope you can forgive me. I brought you both a present…I just am really sorry."

Sakura scooped her up in a big hug, Ino cried into her shoulder.

"I've missed you." Sakura said.

"I've missed you too, forehead."

When they walked back in arm and arm Shikamaru let out a breath he didn't know he was holding. Ino and Sakura parted, and Sakura walked over to Shikamaru. "What did the Hokage want?" He asked.

"Funny story…" Sakura said. "She is retiring."

"Wait, but then who does she have in mind for her replacement?" Knowing Naruto wasn't the right man for the job, no matter how badly he wanted it. Sakura looked Shika in the eyes and he knew. "You will be an amazing Hokage." He said, giving her a soft kiss on the lip.

Genma, Izumo and Kotetsu came up to the couple, "Come on guys! Stop hanging over here by yourselves and come join us!" Kotetsu said. They headed toward the booths, Asuma came up and slapped Shikamaru on the back in congratulations, the shadow master blushed at his sensei's approval.

"Sakura actually has an announcement!" Shikamaru yelled to their group of friends. Everyone stopped their chatter and turned their curious eyes to the pinkette. "Tsunade-shishou is stepping down as active Hokage and she has… asked me to take her place. I'm going to be Hokage." She said, cheeks pink with embarrassment. She didn't know she was going to be announcing that tonight and was still feeling a little overwhelmed with the new news herself. She looked to her left and made awkward eye contact with her former best friend. "Um, congratulations Sakura…" Naruto said, trying to mask the sadness that he felt. His dream was always to be Hokage, but he had spent so much time chasing after Sauske he missed out on vital training. Sure, he had mastered Sage mode, but he was still a genin with poor impulse control.

"Listen, Sakura, I just wanted to say I was sorry. I was out of line, and I was so wrong, and I hope someday we can be friends again." He turned around to walk away and felt a sudden tight embrace. "Thank you, Naruto, you're forgiven." He saw tears streaming down her cheeks. He turned around fully now and hugged her back crying into her shoulder. Sakura had figured when she was left behind and she worked hard enough to get revenge, it would ideally involve punching some faces. She never thought amends would be made and fences mended. She didn't feel like she had to prove herself to anyone, but she had. She was the hardest working kunoichi in Konoha and it had paid off big, she found the love of her life, had become the head of the hospital, joined ANBU and now she would be Hokage.

After Naruto pulled himself together enough to go socialize with the rest of the party guests, Shikamaru asked when Sakura would like to get married. "I would marry you now if I could." She said, gazing deeply into his eyes. "I would marry you right now too…but I think my mom would kill us. She had always wanted a daughter and she would not miss this chance for anything."

"Do you think we could pull together a wedding in a month?" She asked, realizing putting together a clan wedding in a month sounded unreasonable.

"Between my mom, Ino and Tsunade, I think we could pull it off."

"INO!" Sakura yelled over the noise of the bar.

"Oh, my Kami! Forehead what?" She said running over quickly.

"Do you think you can help me pull a wedding together in a month?" Sakura asked.

"Are you serious! Forehead! We have been planning for this day since we were children. Of course, we will supply you with your flowers…" She mumbled, walking away talking through plans to no one in particular.

"Yeah, I think we got this." Sakura said to Shikamaru.

The next morning Shikamaru and Sakura walked up to the Nara compound for breakfast with Shikamaru's family. "Mom, let go, you're crushing her." Shikamaru said to his mother and progressively bluer fiancé.

"Sorry, sorry," Yoshino said letting the poor girl go, "now let's go find you two a house!" She said laughing as if she hadn't already picked one out, grabbing Shikamaru and Sakura's hands dragging them away. Shikaku shook his head laughing at the poor kids, he knew Yoshino had been looking forward to this day for so long.

The house she took them to looked like a lot of the other cabins in the compound except for the large rose garden in the front. There was room for them, a guest and any children they would bring to the family. Sakura fell in love with the house immediately, channeling her inner Yoshino she squealed and grabbed Shikamaru's hand dragging him to the house. Yoshino laughed; she knew her future daughter would approve. After working together so often foraging medicinal herbs together, she knew what kind of flowers Sakura favored and her general style, she had hoped Sakura would approve of the things she had purchased for them. "Yoshino! It's absolutely beautiful." Sakura ran and gave her a huge hug. "I like to think I know my future daughter in law pretty well."

Before they knew it a month had gone by. Sakura stood with Ino, Kurenai, Shizune and Hinata while they put the finishing touches on the bride. "Are you nervous?" Ino asked. "No, I can't wait for everyone to know Shika and I are a family. Even if we weren't getting married, he is my family." Ino sniffled tears filling her eyes. "I'm really happy for you, forehead." Ino and Sakura were happy they were able to mend their friendship over the past month. Ino had come to realize there was no substance to Karin and she would gladly stab you in the back for a chance with Sauske. So Ino had taken a step back and when she did, she finally noticed Choji, how he had always had her back, had been her shoulder to cry on. Their relationship was new but promising.

Sakura stood by the large window, gazing out at the faces of the previous Hokages. Soon her face would be up there next to her mentor. Not bad for a girl no one took time to really understand, no one except for Shika that is. While her mind was in the future a strong hand wrapped itself around her smaller hand. She looked up into the chocolate brown eyes she loved so much. "Thank you for everything Shika." She leaned up and kissed him on the lips tenderly. "Anything for you Hime." Shika reached out and rubbed his hand gently over Sakura's stomach. She was about a month along. Everything had happened so quickly, with the engagement, being announced as the next Hokage and the wedding, this was one thing they wanted to keep to themselves for a little longer.

Of course, Tsunade and Shizune knew, they had both examined the kunoichi. And it was easy to keep this secret since she was taken off the active roster. She couldn't just be running off on missions now that she was training to be the next Hokage, so no one questioned her not joining missions anymore. Tsunade was over the moon that she was going to be a grandma. She was even respecting Sakura's wishes to not start a betting pool until they officially announced she was pregnant. Kakashi had worked towards making amends which Sakura really respected, he didn't disappear, instead he started to build the sort of older brother relationship that Sakura had always wanted with him. Sakura and Shikamaru spent almost all their time together, he was her advisor. No one ever questioned if there was a conflict of interest, when they were in Hokage tower they were all business.

Sakura was thankful for the robes because she was able to hide her pregnancy for 6 months. She couldn't wait to tell Ino about how Shikamaru had fainted when Tsunade had said twins. Sakura was willing to not find out the sex of her babies so that Tsunade could bet on it, anything for her surrogate mother. Tsunade couldn't wait to be a grandmother, she was going to spoil those children rotten. She had gotten little blankies with tiny shiruken on them, and little plushie kunais. Ino was over the moon when she found out, right after she was furious for Sakura keeping this quiet for 6 months. As expected Ino found Sakura's twins story hilarious, and she wouldn't not be letting Shika forget that for a long while. Ino, Yoshino, and Tsunade threw the biggest baby shower Konoha had seen in a long while.

Two months later Sakura went into labor, it was a little early, but being a med nin she knew that twins tend to come early. Shika sat in his seat wishing he could be more helpful, but he did what he was told, he held her hand and kept his eyes focused on hers. She was the strongest kunoichi of her generation but sweat still broke out on her forehead while she pushed, trying not to break Shika's hand by squeezing too hard. A few hours later the world welcomed a little black haired baby girl and a little pink haired baby boy. Then the chaos truly started, well wishers poured into the recovery room. Kakashi held the small little girl while Tsunade snuggled the little boy. Ino hugged Sakura and Naruto slapped Shikamaru on the back in congratulations. Yoshino and Shikaku beamed in the corner waiting their turns to hold the new babies. Choji would have been there, but he had clan business to attend to that night.

After everyone had gone Sakura scooted herself over and made room for Shikamaru. He climbed in next to her, she held one baby and he held the other. "I love our little family." Sakura said quietly so as not to disturb the sleeping children. "Thank you Sakura." Shikamaru said.

"For what?" She asked.

"This, our beautiful family." He nuzzled into her neck and gave it a gentle kiss.