~Here's another chapter for you, I'll impart this warning there is a character death but that's what this story is all about, anyway's I hope you all enjoy and I'll see you next Friday or whenever I decide to update another chapter~
Two days later in which the genin of Team Seven did their best to watch after Tazuna and his family while getting in some practice with their jutsu's, they were ridiculously happy when Kakashi finally woke up from his sharingan induced nap.
"Sensei…how are you feeling" Sakura was the first one he saw, clearly okay to his relief as she helped him sit up via a mountain of pillows behind his back and then she was suddenly wrapped in his arms as he pulled her against his chest to hug her.
Nose buried in her thick pink hair "Never, and I mean never do that again Sakura, I don't know how I would have ever been able to forgive myself if you'd gotten killed" Kakashi intoned vehemently.
Having worried out of his mind as Sakura gave a little sniffle "Hey don't blame her Kakashi, there are some things you don't know about her, that we need to tell you now so we can appropriately prepare for whenever it happens again" Sasuke cut in.
Biting his cheek on edge at the sound of Sakura's crying, Kakashi soothed her gently unsure of her circumstances but being careful with his kunoichi until she managed to stifle her tears and stop crying after several long minutes.
It was the first time any of them had actually seen her cry really, then after drying her face Sakura popped up and vanished from the room so Kakashi turned his attention on Sasuke "Sakura-chan's entire family was massacred when she was 6/7 months old, it causes her pain" Naruto informed.
Kakashi sucked in a useless breath at the news "Let me get this straight, your saying that whenever Sakura remembers or tries to remember and is faced with the possibility of loss, it will cause her to faint like that or become unstable" Kakashi frowned.
"Pretty much Kakashi oh and before you get on our cases about it you should know Naruto and I have only know for a few weeks, and Sakura didn't know until then either" Sasuke interjected, sensing that their sensei wasn't to happy with them at the moment.
Just then Sakura returned with a tray in hand "Breakfast if your hungry Kakashi-sensei" Sakura said, knowing the man had to be starving after being unconscious for a couple of days and she was right when Kakashi instantly dug in.
Relieved that someone had thought to bring him food "Anyway I'm going with old man Tazuna to his bridge to watch after him while he works" Naruto declared, hopping up like a rabbit and scurrying off after Tazuna who'd already started out the door.
Eventually Sasuke headed off as well to practice the chakra scalpel leaving Sakura to watch after the house this time "We've been trading off in turns in the morning Naruto goes with Tazuna, the after noon Sasuke" Sakura admitted.
Sensei never prouder "It's good you haven't been shirking your duties at least, but when I'm all rested we're going out to train properly" Kakashi ruffled her hair, knowing that they would be needing all the practice they could get if he was right and Zabuza was still alive.
At this Sakura frowned not sure why they needed to train "No offense Kakashi-sensei but Zabuza's dead isn't he" Sakura asked, only tensing when Kakashi shook his head "But how…..wait the throwing needles, in the neck" the pinkette realized after a moment.
"Yes, there's a pressure point that stops the heart temporarily, that also means the hunter nin was a subordinate of Zabuza's as well" the Copy Ninja explained glad that he didn't have to go into full detail and Sakura simply understood most of the time.
Before they could continue Tsunami called out "Sakura-chan can you go out back and pick some herbs for me" Tsunami requested from the kitchen, already working on their afternoon meal, Sakura flashed Kakashi a quick smile.
Then hurried out of his guest room to do as the woman asked "Oh thank you, your such a good girl Sakura-chan" the blue haired woman exclaimed gratefully when Sakura returned with a basket of herbs.
Sakura gave her a small smile in return then headed back up to her sensei's guest room to practice the mystical palm technique until it was lunch and the others were back, the members of Team Seven ate with Kakashi in his room.
"Right before I forget I just thought I'd run an idea that I had by you guys" the blonde suddenly chimed in halfway through devouring the afternoon meal as the idea popped into his head again, he just hoped it was taken well.
Three sets of eyes focused on him "Go on, it better not be a prank for that Inari kid though, even though I really want to whack him myself" the Uchiha prodded, adding a warning as an afterthought because they couldn't harm the clients grandson.
Naruto scoffed "Sounds nice but no, this has to do with Tazuna, what if I used the multi-shadow clone jutsu and helped him build his bridge faster that way Gato loses his hold over this place and any one else in his employ has no reason to go after the old man anymore" Naruto announced.
His teammates blinked then stared at one another before staring at him again "Naruto…I think that's the best plan I've ever heard you come with" Sasuke said, tone filled with awe at the thought out idea.
"There's one problem though, Zabuza's still alive and there's a possibility he has a grudge against us so will go after Tazuna anyway just to spite us even if the bridge does get done" Sakura admitted with a grimace.
Prompting the boys to groan "Your on the right track however Naruto-kun, so when Sasuke goes with Tazuna-san, send as many clones as you can, because as soon as I'm able we're going out training to" Kakashi nodded.
Glad that he didn't have to work near as hard at that moment in time thanks to his students, not only that but they didn't argue either to his relief as they simply nodded, though there was a bit of an issue with Tazuna when the idea was presented.
Eventually he relented so about fifty shadow clones of Naruto were sent with Sasuke to help move things along a little faster and the next morning after breakfast Kakashi using crutches took his students out for training.
He led them into the forest where a little clearing was "Alright so what are you going to teach us this time Kakashi-sensei, hopefully you won't make us choose something from a book again" Sakura asked.
Once their sensei had stopped before a tree "No, not this time Sakura-chan, this time I'm going to teach you how to climb a tree….without using your hands" Kakashi shook his head with a little chuckle, amused when his genin looked massively intrigued by the idea.
Though one of them seemed dubious Kakashi knew the doubt wouldn't last long as he demonstrated by focusing his chakra into his feet then literally walked right up a tree to their awe "Wow we're really going to learn that" Naruto bounced.
Kakashi nodded "Correct, this will teach you chakra control, so first concentrate by focusing chakra into the soles of your feet, then get a running start at the tree of your choice, and make sure to mark your progress with those kunai and push yourself to pass the mark" Kakashi instructed.
Tossing kunai to his students "Doesn't sound to hard" Sasuke commented, unaware that he was going to regret those words here in a few seconds as he gathered chakra in his feet before charging his chosen tree.
He went up a few feet and then the bark of the tree broke underneath his foot throwing him off, before he completely was out of range he swiped the tree with the kunai and flipped to land neatly on his feet scowling as he wondered what he'd done wrong.
Curious though he checked on his teammates and saw Naruto literally fall head first not even sticking to the tree at all but Sakura was no where to be seen "Your right Sasuke it wasn't hard at all" then he heard her voice so looked up.
To see Sakura sitting on a branch "Gah so unfair, how'd you get way up there Sakura-chan when neither Sasuke or I could even make it five feet" Naruto sulked, shoulders drooping because he had no idea what he was doing.
She jumped fearlessly to the ground "Well like Kakashi-sensei said the technique has everything to do with chakra control, to little you won't stick, to much you bounce off, have the right amount of chakra in your feet however you'll go straight up the tree" Sakura lectured.
"Exactly, though I was hoping those two would be able to figure it out on their own, I suppose however that it's better they learn the mechanics first then try their hand at tree climbing" Kakashi intoned exasperatedly earning a sheepish grin from his kunoichi.
Before she faced her tree again to keep practicing while Naruto and Sasuke did the same with a better understanding of the technique they were trying to learn "Even knowing it's still difficult" Sasuke grumbled.
When they traipsed back to Tazuna's house for lunch "Maybe….but once you learn it, I bet you'll find mastering the chakra scalpel a little easier" Kakashi shrugged, Sasuke went wide eyed at that, then inwardly resolved himself to master the tree climbing exercise.
It wasn't just him who swore to get better as Sakura realized something herself "Learning the mystical palm as well" Sakura mused earning a nod from her sensei, with that in mind she swore to train that much harder as well.
"Genjutsu to" Naruto inquired hopefully and was relieved when he got an affirmative answer from Kakashi as they ate lunch then headed back out to continue training while Tazuna got fifty clones to help him complete his bridge ahead of schedule.
A day later Sakura had completely mastered the tree climbing exercise so moved on to simply practicing the mystical palm as the boys continued to work on their chakra control, Kakashi kept a casual watch over them all the while.
Just a little before lunch time Sakura noticed something as she focused healing chakra into her hands, the melon was healing painstakingly slow a centimeter at a time sure but the fact of the matter was that she was healing something.
Less than a second later in her confidence she added to much chakra and the melon promptly exploded all over her "Sakura-chan what happened" Naruto rushed over to her, concerned that she'd somehow gotten hurt.
"The melon exploded" Sakura deadpanned, Sasuke couldn't help it, he just started laughing and she meant full on laughing, as he dropped, laughing maniacally while rolling back and forth on the ground clutching his stomach all the while.
Sakura felt her lips twitch a moment before she to was laughing like a loon and feeling a little left out Naruto decided to join their laugh fest, meanwhile Kakashi simply shook his head and flipped a page in his book until the kids managed to calm themselves.
Not that it took very long thankfully as they righted themselves "So what caused the melon to…pfftt explode" Sasuke asked after dusting his clothes free of dirt debris, that image of a melon exploding all over Sakura was one that would forever be stuck in his mind now.
But he was curious just as much over the reason the melon had exploded "Added to much chakra, I got overconfident when I saw that the gash was starting to heal a centimeter at a time sure but it was healing" Sakura admitted.
Proud even though she'd failed "Congratulations Sakura just keep practicing you'll get it but try not to rush yourself next time" Kakashi praised from his tree as the boys returned to working on the tree climbing exercise and she pulled out another melon to practice on.
The following day Sasuke joined her in working on his chosen jutsu as well so Naruto knew he had to kick his butt into high gear or he'd be left behind by his teammates, after lunch that day however things changed.
As Kakashi joined them on the ground "Lets switch things up Sasuke, Sakura with me, Naruto keep working on the tree climbing exercise" Kakashi ordered leading the duo to a lake, Sakura and Sasuke shared a look of horror with one another.
Knowing that things were about to get harder for them and they were right as Kakashi stepped out onto the lakes surface "D..Don't tell me we're going to learn how to walk on water now" Sakura grimaced not sure how she felt about this new exercise.
"Correct and just because I'm not going to explain the theory behind this technique you have to figure it out all on your own" Kakashi nodded, leaving behind a clone to look after them as he headed back to his post in the tree to watch over Naruto.
"Might as well get this over with, the sooner we practice the sooner we'll get it down and be able to go back to practicing our jutsu" Sasuke sighed, focusing his chakra into his feet and taking a step out onto the lake.
Only to immediately fall in, a second later he emerged spitting water out of his mouth as he heaved himself back onto dry land "So I take it this is more than just chakra control" Sakura said looking at the water.
Not wanting to try her hand yet "Give it a try Sakura-chan, I'm sure you'll understand soon" the Kakashi clone urged, encouraging his kunoichi who sighed then shrugged her shoulders deciding to just get it over with like Sasuke had.
Her attempt was met with the same result that Sasuke met unfortunately so now both of them were soaked through "Okay maybe we have to…reapply chakra to our feet once we're standing on the lake" Sasuke suggested, wracking his brain for an explanation to help them figure out what they were doing wrong.
Sakura tilted her head to the side, contemplating the suggestion "Can't hurt anything to try, we're already sopping wet anyway" Sakura shrugged, doing the same as she had a moment ago but she quickly reapplied chakra to her feet.
This time they both stood on the lakes surface for a second longer than their initial attempt "Your getting closer" the Kakashi clone commented, leaned up against a tree now, by the time it was dinner both Sasuke and Sakura could stand on the lake for two minutes.
The real Kakashi emerged with Naruto in tow and then the four of them headed back to Tazuna's house to eat supper, take warm showers then go to bed after a long hard day of training and they were sure things were only going to get harder from then on.
Not that they were wrong because Naruto joined them on the lake the next day and this time Kakashi wouldn't let them explain anything to the boy so he kept continuously falling into the lake while they tested their concentration by walking around.
By noon Naruto was more than a little frustrated "How come you won't let Sasuke and Sakura-chan help me this time" Naruto whined at Kakashi, one of the rare times his emotions got the better of him and he acted like the preteen he was.
Kakashi shook his head "Look Naruto, Sakura and Sasuke figured things out mostly on their own, keep trying, you'll get it I promise" Kakashi assured knowing that the blonde was not the most confident in his abilities.
Considering how much trouble he had with other basic things like the clone jutsu, Naruto heaved a long suffering sigh but before he could re-concentrate his efforts on water walking the three of them were shepherded back to Tazuna's for lunch.
~Four Days Later~
Tazuna could hardly believe it, but his bridge was complete thanks to the effort of the fifty Naruto clones and all his construction workers "I don't know how to thank you Naruto" Tazuna said, near tears because the bridge was done.
Naruto grinned but was otherwise silent "All that's left is Zabuza, his partner, Gato and all of his thugs" Kakashi grimaced, closing his eye as he thought on what to do now that the bridge was finished.
Loosening Gato's hold, not completely however, "So what now then" Sakura asked looking up at her sensei who seemed to be lost in thought and she waited patiently for several long minutes until he managed to focus on them again.
"Hmm oh well there are two options, face Zabuza tomorrow morning, hope Gato shows and take them out all at once, or take out Gato and his thugs first before dealing with Zabuza and his partner after" Kakashi offered.
Unsure because he didn't want to subject his students to such a grisly or gruesome display "I vote we face Momochi tomorrow here on the bridge" Sasuke piped in, not sure he wanted to be a part of killing people just yet.
In fact his stomach churned at the thought of it "Yeah I'm with Sasuke on this one, though I do have a question should everything go according to plan what happens to Gato's money" Naruto grimaced, thinking of a question that had been bothering him for awhile.
Kakashi nodded "That's a valid point Naruto and I'm sure we can come up with a way to make sure everyone gets theirs, for now we rest and tomorrow we fight" the Copy Ninja ruffled the boys blonde locks so reminiscent of his fathers.
It was in that moment Kakashi remembered something from twelve years ago, it had only been for a month but he distinctly recalled Kushina caring for a little girl with pink hair and green eyes, he'd only met her once but he could never forget those unique features.
As he looked to his kunoichi and knew that the little girl and Sakura was one and the same, which meant that Sakura had grown up with her adoptive baby brother anyway and were the best of friends in all ways that mattered.
And it hurt him to have to keep that secret from the two as he led them back to Tazuna's to rest up for tomorrow's confrontation 'Maybe I could convince Hokage-sama to let me tell them' Kakashi inwardly mused to himself, simply enjoying his students antics for the rest of the day.
Dread filled him the following morning, giving him the feeling that something terrible was going to happen as he roused his students, "One of us should stay behind to look after them" Sasuke chimed in after breakfast was eaten and they were preparing to head out the door.
Onyx flickered in her direction "I can fight to Kakashi-sensei" Sakura frowned realizing that he was going to make her stay behind while they went on ahead to face Zabuza and deal with the biggest threat to the little village they were all in.
"Sakura-chan I know you can fight, that was the whole point of all the training I've given you three, however anyone Gato sends will not consider you a threat, allowing you to take them down at a split seconds notice" Kakashi reasoned.
Hoping to appeal to her tactical side, thankfully Sakura understood as she deflated and nodded in acceptance "Good luck, we'll see each other when this is all over" Naruto waved, closing the door behind him leaving Sakura alone with Tsunami and Inari.
Unfortunately things were about to take a tragic turn for the lot of them when an hour after Kakashi and the boys had left, thugs in Gato's employ showed up and took Tsunami hostage while Sakura had been otherwise preoccupied with a task from Tsunami.
She only heard Inari screaming for his mother before acting as she abandoned her errand in favor of sprinting in the direction of the screams, arriving on scene Sakura kicked up off the ground to sail through the air and kick one of the thugs solidly in the chest.
A crack echoed in her ears, signaling she'd broken a rib, she was already moving, ducking into a crouch when the second thug swung his sword at her, she dodged the kick to her face after avoiding getting beheaded.
Grabbed the foot that was in range of her and with a great big heave hefted the larger man off his feet into the ocean, spinning inelegantly after snatching up the dropped sword Sakura clashed blades with the second thug.
Focusing chakra into her arms to meet the thug blow for blow she looked Inari dead in the eyes "Take your Mom and GO" Sakura ordered the little boy, extremely clumsy at kenjutsu because she'd never trained with a sword before.
Inari, bawling his eyes out all the while quickly untied Tsunami, helped her to her feet, before the both of them ran for the hills essentially "Why you little ninja punk" the blue haired thug glared, pissed off that their quarry had escaped because of this girl.
Sakura didn't let up instead continued to bare down on the man until his sword snapped in half from the amount of force she'd been using against him, then she had to worry about the other thug again as he heaved himself back onto the dock.
Tiring quickly Sakura let her fist fly, powering her punch with chakra, landing another hit thankfully as the sword was knocked out of her hand now that she wasn't gripping it properly, it was down to taijutsu.
Or not upon remembering the pack of exploding tags that she'd nicked from the storage closet, Sakura smiled grimly but she grabbed two tags "Guess I'm making my first kill today" Sakura mused to herself.
Launching towards the thug she'd punched earlier, slapped an exploding tag onto his body then replaced herself with a log while making a hand sign and setting off the tag, the result was a charred, bleeding, dead thug.
She very nearly puked, only managing not to in the nick of time as the remaining thug charged her, what happened next not even Sakura could have guessed would happen, right as she got the tag on the second thug.
Preparing to set it off, the thought to be dead first thug sat up, grabbed up his sword and threw it at her, she couldn't dodge it and it went straight through "Heh, hehe, hehehe, thought you could best us didn't you girly" the thug charging her stopped.
Unaware that his partner had flopped lifelessly on the dock again, truly dead this time "I..If you…keh thi..think I..I'm fin…ished y..your wrong" Sakura glared, lifting her numb arm to make the hand sign necessary.
His eyes widened in panic "Wait shouldn't you try to conserve your strength" the thug questioned trying to stall his death obviously, even should he get the tag off of him, he'd never get out of range quick enough with her at the ready.
Eerie green eyes met his onyx "Do..Does it m..matter, a..at this point I'm al..already a dead person w..walking" Sakura asked, blood pouring from her mouth, one of her lungs had been punctured, there was no medic on hand, she wouldn't be saved and she knew that.
To Sakura's surprise in a rare turn of events the thug had a miraculous change of heart "Children like you should have never been involved in this, I can't help you but I'll stay with you and won't go after the woman once your gone" he offered.
Reaching out as he did so and lowering her to the ground after removing the sword embedded in her body "M..My s..en..sei m..might k..kill you, fai..fair wa..rning" the pinkette murmured feeling her vision growing darker by the minute.
A mirthless chuckle escaped from his mouth in response "Thanks kid, now stop talking" he ordered, stroking his fingers through her ridiculous pink hair, wondering when the panic would set in as she realized she really was going to die.
Not that he had to wonder long when tears started coursing down her cheeks "I…I don't want to die…not like this p..please do..don't let me die" Sakura thrashed and he gripped her, holding her down despite her struggling.
For someone who was dying she still had a lot of fight in her as she nearly tore herself free but he could tell that she was weakening, when her thrashing about subsided little by little until she was still in his lap, light gone from her eyes.
Out of honor from the promise he made her, he stayed, not moving an inch as he waited for his judgement to come in the form of the girls sensei who was all the way on the bridge unaware of what had happened to the student he'd left behind.
Things were wrapping up nicely on their end, Haku the accomplice was gone having sacrificed himself and Zabuza ended up going after Gato, where after the thugs left behind were chased off by the townspeople.
Sasuke was a little banged up sure but at least they were in one piece "Hold on a minute Tsunami and Inari are in the crowd" Naruto suddenly noticed Tazuna's daughter and grandson with the other civilians.
Which prompted him to look around for pink hair only he didn't spot it "Strange" Sasuke frowned unable to find Sakura himself, a feeling of dread welled up on him "I think we should go ask" Sasuke urged, heart sinking in fear.
"Oh Sakura-chan…..she's not here" Tsunami asked heart dropping into her stomach, after the girl had told them to run she'd thought Sakura had come to help out with things on the bridge since they were safe from harm but apparently that wasn't the case.
Panic was beginning to show on their faces when Sasuke turned and ran for it "Damn it Teme don't be rash" Naruto yelled after the raven, giving chase when Sasuke didn't stop, the Uchiha was almost impossible to stop when he had his mind made up on something.
Kakashi, remembering his feeling from that morning hurried after his male students, upon arriving at the house all three of them froze in horror, the scene was not something they ever thought they'd find.
But there in front of them was Sakura, utterly still and so pale, there was nothing of the vibrant girl they knew left "YOU" Sasuke roared, seething with unmitigated rage as he lunged at the thug that was stroking his hand through her hair as if he had a right to it.
"SASUKE NO" Kakashi caught his student by the back of his dark blue shirt, Sasuke snapped his head in his direction eyes a bloody red "What happened" the Copy Ninja demanded to know, holding Sasuke so he didn't kill the thug before he had a chance to question him.
The man sighed "My partner….she almost had the both of us out, when he tossed the sword at her, it went through her lung, I promised to stay with her" the blue haired thug explained, gently moving her head and standing.
Sensing his own death was near at hand "BASTARD I'M GOING TO KILL YOU" Sasuke raged, struggling with all his strength to get free from Kakashi, the thug simply stood there as if dying was what he'd expected when they found out about Sakura's death.
"Killing him wo..won't bring Sakura-chan back Sasuke" Naruto informed, suppressing a sob by biting his lip harshly, heart aching and body numb as he moved forward and knelt at her side, thug inching away to give him room.
In response to his words Sasuke went limp "Wh..Why her..why couldn't it have been me" Sasuke whispered, unable to hold himself up now as his knees grew weak and he slumped to the ground before crawling over to Sakura.
Who laid there, expression peaceful "Out of respect for Sakura-chan I won't kill you" Kakashi told the thug as the three of them bowed over Sakura, paying their respects to the girl unaware that something was about to happen.
Because from the moment she'd died Sakura had found herself in a garden with a red moon, it was a pretty place she supposed but not what she'd expected obviously as she wandered about, taking note of how her surroundings changed as she walked.
Until she was stood in front of a thorn throne "I wondered when I would meet you my daughter" even more to her surprise was the fact that there was someone sitting on the throne, she was stunned at the visage of the man for all of three seconds before she registered what he'd said.
"Daughter, I don't look anything like you so don't joke about stuff like that" Sakura snapped only getting a throaty chuckle of amusement in response which had the hair on the back of her neck raising, the chakra this guy had was enormous and maybe it wasn't a good idea to mouth off to him.
Right as Sakura thought that the guy stood "Perhaps not biologically, but you wouldn't exist without my power, so in all but blood you are my daughter, the goddess of slaughter in living flesh and who am I you ask none other than Jashin the god of slaughter" Jashin introduced himself.
Taking in the child before him "God of Slaughter" Sakura echoed in confusion, understandably confused, her heritage was lost to her so of course she wouldn't know who she was after that damned snake massacred all his acolytes.
Simply for the sake of experimentation it was a wonder how any of those bastards under Orochimaru's command had, had any morals at all but he was glad Sakura had lived on beneath the bastards radar.
Jashin simply nodded his head "Yes and you are the goddess of slaughter, come there is only so long that I can keep you here and there is much I wish to speak with you about" Jashin ordered gesturing for her to come stand at his side.
Dumbfounded Sakura found she couldn't really disobey him as she found herself at his side a second later "What could an all powerful god like you want to talk with a stupid brat like me for" Sakura muttered in a self-deprecating tone of voice.
Earning a sharp look from Jashin "A child you may be but don't discredit yourself, I have big plans for you after all, involving a certain Snake Sannin named Orochimaru who brutally murdered your parents and the rest of our devoted followers" Jashin rebuked.
"Orochimaru….Sandaime-sama's student who defected from the Leaf Village, you mean he was the one who….guhhhhh" Sakura started but like before any time she tried to recall that day, a migraine pounded through her skull.
And just as suddenly the pain was gone as Jashin placed his hand upon her head "There is no time for that, but yes he was the one and I want you to be the one to sacrifice him" Jashin declared revealing his plan.
Sakura squeaked in response "Me….no offense Jashin-san but I could barely defend myself against two samurai and you want me to go up against a Sannin" Sakura intoned incredulously at him, though she was polite about it.
The man who called himself her Father threw his head back and laughed long and deep "Someday yes, training is to be had of course but that will have to be for another time my dear, it's time for you to go back now" Jashin chuckled.
Patting her on the head "How I'm dead…aren't I" Sakura gaped at him, magenta eyes gleamed down at her and before she could so much as even make a sound his lips had covered hers, sharing his malevolent chakra with her through their connection.
She squirmed at the sensation but Jashin wouldn't allow her to escape him that easily as he captured her in his arms holding her in place until she went limp in his hold "I'll see you soon my precious daughter go now to the world of living where you belong" Jashin pulled away eventually.
Back on the outside when Kakashi decided it was high time to maybe start their trek back to Leaf with Sakura's body to plan a funeral, he felt a flicker of chakra from her which should have been impossible.
And then right before their very eyes Sakura's body was covered in a coal black chakra as if it had formed out of thin air, it oozed into her death wound as he jerked the boys back "Kakashi-sensei what's going on" Naruto questioned fearfully.
Watching on as the injury healed all on it's own thanks to the black chakra then like a miracle Sakura's chest started rising and falling once more, her eyes fluttered then slowly opened to spy them as she let out a breathtaking smile.
"SAKURA" Sasuke shouted unable to help himself jumping to her side once more and crushing her in a hug regardless of whatever the hell just happened she was alive and he could care less about the reason that made it happen.
Sakura let out a oomph sound as she was squeezed into a hug, "I'm sorry, I'm sorry" Sakura cried returning his hug with all the strength she possessed, admittedly it wasn't much right now given the ordeal she'd been through but it was enough for Sasuke.
Upon realizing that this wasn't some kind of illusion Naruto joined the group hug the three of them just sitting on the ground crying their eyes out while their sensei stood back until Sakura lifted her gaze to him.
Kakashi inhaled then knelt opening his arms "Glad your back Sakura-chan, I'm going to ask eventually but for now I believe we all deserve some rest after what we went through today" Kakashi sighed.
Hugging his kunoichi at his words Sakura nodded letting him lift her "Oh what about that guy, you know the thug…did you kill him" Sakura inquired not seeing the man who had stayed with her when she thought she was dying.
A chuckle was her answer "Spared him, he was of the honorable sort so I let him go out of respect for you" Kakashi admitted, smiling some when she sighed in relief before rubbing her cheek against his Jonin vest, obviously exhausted.
Tsunami, Tazuna and Inari were understandably surprised when the four of them entered the house "I thought you were dead Sakura, I saw you laying there lifeless myself" Tazuna stood, his chair falling over in his haste to get to her upon seeing her.
Alive but being carried by Kakashi "Later Tazuna-san, let us rest first before we bombard Sakura-chan with questions" Kakashi requested, seeing that Sakura was about to fall asleep considering the way her eyes were drooping.
At this point she was stubbornly staying awake, Tazuna nodded, following them with his gaze as they disappeared up the stairs to the guest rooms, though neither Naruto and Sasuke were keen on leaving Sakura's side so they all ended up sleeping in the same room for the rest of the day.