unedited
wherever you are
blkjupiter
oo. prologue
"You're gonna fit right in,"
It's Temari's way of being supportive but Sakura knows the homesickness is gonna kick in soon. As it should, right? She was Sakura Haruno of Sunagakure, it's a Desert Blossom. Who knows where she'd fit in Konoha.
"And it's only for a few months," Temari continued, "You're going to be trained by a Sannin, Sakura! This is an opportunity you can't pass up!"
"My sister is right," Gaara interjected from in front of her, "She saw something in you, her last visit. It'll be idiotic to pass up training someone she saw so much potential in"
"It's still going to be weird, famed or not, she isn't Chiyo-Sensei."
Surely they could understand why she was hesitant. Sakura had only met Tsunade once, and that was in passing. The Hokage had been in Suna for a conference of some kind and during a showing of the hospital, Gaara had introduced her. It had only been for a few moments before the older woman was gone again. That had been half a year ago.
"Chiyo would've wanted you to continue your lessons, and we need more medics on the field," Gaara placated, "We know everyone grieves differently, but it's been years Sakura. It's about time you continue your training."
The Kage was right, there wasn't any doubt about it. But Sakura's stomach still sunk, she felt like she was betraying her Sensei.
Chiyo had been dead for some time now, and though it felt like yesterday to Sakura, it had been years since the old woman had been laid to rest.
"Tsunade sees what Chiyo saw, let her help you," Temari placed a hand on her shoulder,
"And it can't hurt to try."
"I suppose not," Sakura chewed on her lip. After her Sensei's passing, Sakura had spent most of her time gathering rank with the hospital rather than on the field. Her last mission being the one Chiyo had died on. "And it's only for a few months…"
A few months too long.
Konoha was a beautiful village, full of color and greenery Sakura only seen with the imported flowers that came to Suna. As the squad approached the gates, Sakura noted the man waiting for them. In a green Jonin vest and a spiked ponytail, she immediately recognized the man from one of Temari's many photos.
"Is that-
"Yes," Temari answered quickly as a blush spread on her cheeks. Sakura felt giddiness rise in her chest, she'd never seen Temari with a crush. The older girl had never really been interested in the boys from Suna, always the picture of untouchable and completely out of your league. Now she was this tomato-faced mess.
"That's her boyfriend," Kankuro said in a chirpy face, it was enough for Temari to whack him in the head, "He is not."
"Ignore them," Gaara deadpanned, "They're like this everytime the Nara is our guide."
"Maybe is Kankuro didn't pick with her," Sakura rolled her eyes, the man could seriously be annoying. She felt bad for his future wife sometimes. "But I suppose that's what younger brothers do." Gaara snorted, "Maybe, Kankuro has a specific knack for bothering Temari. I think he's turned it into a hobby."
"I can still hear you two!" Kankuro moaned as he messaged his sore cheek. "Be quiet!" Temari waved her first at her brother a final time as the group finally approached the Konoha ninja.
"Nara," The Kage spoke with respect, the ninja bowed his head respectfully. "I suppose Naruto is to busy to come meet us?"
"He got backed up with paperwork, just troublesome." The Nara shook his head with a sigh, "But he should be about finished and be ready to meet with you." Gaara simply let out a huff of air, "Very well, I could use the walk for myself but my medic does need to know how to get the hospital."
Sakura immediately bowed, "Sakura Haruno, I'm the Kage's personal medic."
"She's been apart of my personal team for quite some time," Gaara co-signed for her, "Tsunade has requested her."
"Oh? Tsunade-Sama is finally taking on a new student?"
"Oh- no, no! I'm simply here to observe for a few months," Sakura rushed out but the Konoha ninja only quirked a bow, "Ok then...I'm sure I can get another attendee to escort you just tell the guards at her lab doors Shikamaru sent you."
"Well, I'm going with Gaara," Kankuro finally spoke up, the older two of the quartet having been oddly quiet. Kankuro because he never shut up and Sakura could only guess why Temari hadn't said anything, if going by the flustered look on her face said anything. Her best friend truly had it bad.
"I guess that leaves you and me," Temari finally said with her usual buoyant and fearless attitude, but Sakura saw through it pretty easily. She wondered if Shikamaru saw it to, "Yes it is, troublesome woman,"
Sakura's attendee shows up to guide her before she could hear the rest of their conversation
/
Unlike Suna's sand, Konoha's hospital was white and cream colored brick, the inside was much of the same though. A clean smelled drafted around the building and Sakura felt like she was home. She always felt at ease in hospitals, no matter which one it was.
"Tsunade-Sama should be right through those doors," The cheerful voice of her attendee said from beside her, a bright girl with orange hair and blue eyes. "Thank you…?"
"Moegi, Moegi Kazamatsuri."
"Thank you, Moegi," The girl smiled prettily, "Good luck!" then she was gone and Sakura was left standing alone in front of the silver lab doors alone. Should she knock? She'd look like a idiot knocking, wouldn't she? Instead, she pushed through the doors, the lights more bright in the room than on the main floor. Stood at a random surgical table, Tsunade was talking with another woman. Sakura reconigzed her from the diplomacy visit as well, though she could not remember her name.
At her entrance the two older woman turned to look at her. Sakura raised her hand awkwardly, "Hi."
Tsunade folded her arms under her bust, "So you decided to take my offer?"
"Yes-
"Good! From now on, I will be your sensei and shizune will be your sister in apprenticeship,"
"Sensei?!" Sakura squawked, "I'll only be here a few months!"
"That's enough time to whip you into shape! I've read over some of Chiyo's writings on you and Gaara vouced for you, you'll learn just enough before your return to Suna."
'Oh Chiyo-Sensei, what have I gotten myself into?'
things to consider -
ages-
sakura haruno : 21-22
naruto uzumaki namikaze : 20-21
naruto is made hokage much sooner, thank you.
