The next morning, the first day of their week long break and right after breakfast Sakura sat down with the boys "First off Chishi needs a home so we're going to go to a pet store and get him a tank along with proper food and other things he'll need to live comfortably" Sakura informed.
Not wanting to put off tending to the black mamba's needs any longer "Can we also talk about possibly moving into an actual house as well when we get back, you'll need room to pray to that Jashin guy won't you" Sasuke asked.
Making sure to add something about her reacquired religion, Sakura huffed at him but nodded "Great lets go to the pet store then, maybe we'll see that Anko lady again to" Naruto jumped up, excited to go shopping for once.
His teammates were extremely amused at his antics as they exited their apartment only to run right into the complex manager "Ah I figured you three must be back, here you are the two extra keys you asked for" the man greeted, handing over the mint condition keys.
Sakura didn't want to tell the man that it was a possibility they'd be moving out sometime soon so simply accepted the keys and thanked him before she and her teammates continued on their way to the pet store.
Unfortunately they didn't run into Anko to Naruto's disappointment, he did seem to perk up a little though when all the animals in the display caught his attention and he flitted off to check them out leaving Sakura and Sasuke to head for one of the stores employees to get some help.
"Hello there how can I help you GOOD LORD is that a black mamba around your neck miss" the employee gave a shriek of surprise upon seeing Chishi wound around Sakura's neck like it was the most natural thing in the world for her.
And it didn't help him calm down any especially when she nodded "Yes Sir his name is Chishi, a nice lady gave him to me a couple weeks ago and this is the first chance I've had to get him a proper terrarium and anything else he needs" Sakura explained.
Because he didn't want to be left out since he was standing right next to her "And maybe a book on habits and the like so that we may better understand him to take care of him" Sasuke chimed in, thinking about possibly purchasing his own serpent.
The man stared at them in horror for a moment probably wondering why anyone would want to keep a black mamba as a pet before snapping out of it and becoming a professional by leading them over to a bookcase first.
"Here you can find any and all information about different kinds of serpents, even the black mamba, over there is the general food source for all snakes, rats and mice and a good sized terrarium is what you want I assume for your little friend" he listed.
Pointing here and there as he talked "Are green mambas the same" Naruto randomly appeared having listened to the employee himself only from the other side of the store where the serpent in question was conveniently located.
Earning another look of horror while Sasuke didn't look all that surprised considering buying a snake was on his mind as well after a moment the man composed himself again "Yes, they eat generally the same thing since green mambas are of the same breed" he explained.
Wishing it hadn't been his day to work at the store because now he'd forever be haunted by these kids wanting to care for and even buy highly venomous creatures "Cool I think I'll get her" the blonde shrugged nearly giving the employee a heart attack at his casual statement.
Sakura giggled, wondering if this had been Anko's plan to turn them into serpent lovers or if this was just an unexpected happy accident "Well then I'll take the male" the Uchiha pointed, seeing no point in hesitating if Naruto wasn't.
"Looks like we're going to have to actively seek out Anko-sensei if you guys are buying snakes" the pinkette of the trio rolled her eyes at their antics, frowning when she looked up at the pet store employee only to see disgust on his face now.
Making her wonder what was wrong "You don't mean Anko Mitarashi do you….get out, anyone who associates with that snake bitch who was Orochimaru's apprentice is not allowed in this store" the employee asked getting nods before his whole entire attitude simply changed.
There was a second of silence before Sakura tore into him "How dare you, you horrible excuse for a person, she is here defending this village and you dare call her such filthy names you should be ashamed of yourself" Sakura shouted.
Having taken a liking to the eccentric woman just from meeting her once "That's enough of that Pinky, besides I can defend myself against scum like this" and then the woman herself entered the store hearing Sakura screaming.
What she didn't expect was for the girl to practically fling herself at her and hug her, keeping up the most furious glare she could which was leveled at the idiot who set her off in the first place "You okay Sakura-chan, you didn't hurt your vocal cords did you" Naruto asked.
Seeing her breathing hard as she clung to Anko it was adorable in a creepy sort of way "You should be asking if I'm okay considering the stupid little brat yelled at me for no reason" the employee who started this mess snapped.
Sakura opened her mouth to probably rip him to shreds this time but was stopped as the owner of the pet shop appeared "Is there a problem" the owner inquired, hoping to calm the situation before his store was decimated.
His employee took an angry step forward "He tried to kick us out for simply being associated with Anko" Sasuke interjected cutting over the pissed off pet store employee so he couldn't make them out to be the ones causing trouble.
"I warned you Hijikata just because your brother was killed by Orochimaru on a mission does not mean you can blame Anko-san nor throw people out of my store for associating with her, so your fired, sorry about that, would you still like to conduct your business" the owner sighed.
Turning to the shinobi in his store as the former employee stomped off, the two boys peered over at the young girl until she nodded "Yeah we'd like to buy those two green mambas over there, the female for him and the male for him" Sakura informed.
Letting Anko go with an apologetic smile for hugging onto her for so long "Alright welcome to the snake club boys and one girl" Anko clapped giddily as the serpents were purchased along with anything else they needed before finally leaving the pet store.
"Only because Chishi was so well behaved" Sasuke scoffed pointing to the black mamba comfortably curled around Sakura's neck still, Anko lifted a brow at the name but shrugged since it was out of her hands.
She was just happy that she'd gotten all of Hatake's genin to gain a love of snakes "Must chaff your sensei that each of you have a thing for serpents right" Anko couldn't help asking as she followed them to wherever they were going.
Which turned out to be their shared apartment "Actually Kakashi-sensei seemed to be okay with Chishi, though he doesn't know me and Sasuke decided on getting one for ourselves hehehe" Naruto laughed.
As they came upon their apartment Sakura did the same thing she always did surprising the special jonin with them "Since when did little greenies get into setting up seals" Anko questioned in confusion joining the genin in the living room and taking up a chair to sit in.
Naruto and Sasuke pointed at Sakura "I'm an extremely cautious person, the seal didn't come about until after we became genin three weeks after to be precise" Sakura admitted unashamedly to the woman who threw her head back to laugh maniacally in response.
"Man you're a riot Pinky, Morino would love you I swear, so….if I hadn't heard you trying to blow out your voice pinky, would you have come to me and asked for help with those snakes of yours blondie, Uchiha" Anko inquired.
Boys nodding hurriedly in answer "Of course because your the expert here and we want to be able to do the same thing Sakura's able to with Chishi" Sasuke explained, being mindful of how he spoke to Anko because of the last time where she'd threatened to tie him up with her snakes.
Anko smirked "Basically you want me to train those two to obey your commands and be just as obedient as Chishi….one condition you come up with slightly cooler names than Chishi, no offense Pinky" Anko offered.
Liking these kids more and more by the minute "That's fine Anko-sensei, we'll even pay you since I'm sure it will be time consuming" Naruto commented only to have the woman shake her head at him.
So basically the only condition was to come up with cooler names than Chishi "Right, it will probably take a few weeks or even a month to train these guys so I need names now and you'll see them when I'm done training them" Anko snapped her fingers.
Knowing she couldn't dawdle much longer so the names Shisha and Kansen were given before they were taken away by Anko leaving just Chishi who stayed with Sakura as she disappeared into her bedroom to set up his newly bought terrarium.
Upon return Sasuke broached the subject of earlier "So about maybe moving" the Uchiha broached carefully wanting her to be on board with this idea since technically this had been Sakura's apartment first.
Emerald green orbs snapped to him, her stare was extremely intense and then just like that the tension dissipated "Very well, you were right how I'd need the room, not yet though, once Anko's finished with those two and I have some things for the rituals" the rosette relented.
"Fair enough I suppose but there's no harm in going out and scouting out potential houses is there" the blonde perked up at the idea he presented, thankfully his teammates were all for it as they once again left their apartment behind.
On the prowl for a house this time, three hours later with no luck except with ridiculous expensive ones Sakura, Naruto and Sasuke headed for the tea shop "I think after this I'm going to get some stuff custom made and have my hair cut" Sakura said.
When the waiter had brought their food and they'd already dug in "Cut your hair, why" Sasuke spluttered actually liking her long hair not that he'd admit it any not without being threatened anyway.
Sakura crinkled her nose "Got to agree with Sasuke, your hairs so pretty Sakura-chan, couldn't you find a way to put it up that way you wouldn't have to cut it" Naruto nodded, agreeing with Sasuke obviously.
Earning a glare "You two are impossible, consider my feelings for a moment, how would you feel having heavy hair that got in the way of everything, makes you hotter and is a hazard" Sakura grumbled not happy with them now.
"We're not saying you can't Sakura, I mean its your hair after all we were just stating our opinions that you can totally ignore if you want" Sasuke was quick to say not wanting this outing to turn into another disaster like earlier.
Nudging Naruto who sulked but nodded "That's right Sakura-chan you can do whatever you want including getting it cut" Naruto relented, immediately her expression lightened as did the mood as they continued enjoying their afternoon meal together.
Then almost the second they were finished everything went straight to hell figuratively speaking "SASUKE-KUN" the familiar voice of the blonde banshee known as Ino Yamanaka squealed obnoxiously loud practically killing their eardrums.
As she flung herself at the Uchiha "Get off me Yamanaka your annoying" the Uchiha scowled, shooting Sakura a pleading look especially when Ino didn't heed his request merely continued trying to smother him which he did not like at all.
"Ino don't you know how to take a hint Sasuke's not interested in you nor will he ever be so back off of my teammate or else you'll get punched" the pinkette gripped the blonde by the back of her shirt and yanked her away from Sasuke who was relieved for the interference and rescue.
The girl was utterly gobsmacked "FOREHEAD WHO THE HELL ARE YOU TO TELL ME WHAT TO DO" Ino screeched living up to her nickname the banshee, not letting on that she was surprised Sakura had been able to physically remove her from Sasuke.
Sakura didn't seem like she was to worried however as she crossed her arms "Same old Ino I see, you haven't grown up at all your still playing your little name calling game after all, but as for your question it's my right as his teammate which you are not" Sakura reminded.
Behind their teammate were Shikamaru and Choji who immediately sensed that something was different about their former classmate "You know I don't think it's a good idea to mess with Sakura, Ino" Choji warned.
Chowing down on chips all the while "What a drag but Choji's right Ino, there's something different about her that I can't quite put my finger on but if you challenge her, you'll be the one getting hurt not Sakura which would be troublesome" Shikamaru nodded.
Regarding the rosette who quirked a fuscia brow at him at his comment, keeping her face and expression passive while watching Ino who stomped her foot childishly while shrieking unintelligibly like a spoiled brat before whirling and storming off with her teammates in tow.
"Man she's still annoying, anyway lets go to the barber shop and get your hair cut like you wanted Sakura-chan" Naruto rubbed his ears as he reminded Sakura of her plans that she'd decided on while they had been eating.
When they exited the barbershop Sakura was rocking a cute pixie cut after having her hair cut to a little above her shoulders "Now to get that stuff you wanted custom made right" Sasuke asked, deciding he liked Sakura's new hair cut, it was more practical anyway he realized.
She even seemed happier to as Sakura practically skipped to the store she needed to custom make her pendant and jewelry "Yes how may I help you miss" the woman behind the counter asked when the genin walked up to her.
"I'd like to have three things custom made, first I want a pendant necklace just like this made in traditional silver, then I want one in black and crimson, then earrings with the same design and colors, lastly a ring with the same symbol and colors as well fit for my pinky" Sakura requested.
Describing what she wanted done in great detail while handing the woman a piece of paper with Jashin's symbol drawn onto it "Quite the design I must admit young miss but are you sure you can afford all this" the woman frowned.
Worried that the girl wouldn't be able to properly pay for what she was asking to be made at the question Sakura bobbed her head up and down "Well okay, with that the total comes to…..3,000 ryo" the woman relented, adding up the total owed.
And in the next second a pile of bills was set before her that when counted came up to 3,000 ryo "Right it will take a couple of weeks and we'll mail them to you when their finished if you could leave us your address and name please miss" the woman asked remaining professional.
Despite her shock over the fact that the girl had been able to pay, all up front to "Here my address and my name is Sakura…Haruno" the pinkette scribbled on a sheet of paper, giving her last name the one Jashin had said was from her birth parents.
"Haruno does that mean that Ja…" Naruto chimed in nearly saying Jashin's name before remembering that it wasn't a wise idea to reveal Sakura's reacquired religion and cutting himself off mid-sentence by slapping his hands over his mouth.
Sakura and Sasuke simply looked amused "To your question yes Naruto" Sakura declared, happy to have a last name to go by now leading the way to the next shop which happened to be a weapons store.
Both of her teammates wondered what she was going to get now only to be mildly terrified when she went straight for the scythes "Uh Sakura are you sure you want a weapon like that" Sasuke intoned nervously.
A shudder of fear crawling down his spine when Sakura lifted a triple bladed scythe to test it's weight in her hands "By my lords command this is an essential item so yes I'm sure I want to get this Sasuke" Sakura snorted.
Hinting at the fact that it wasn't her idea but rather Jashin's to get the scythe and after an hour Sakura finally settled on a height appropriate triple bladed scythe in dark magenta with a retractable cable so if she got in the mind to she could throw it and retract it.
It also came with a harness so she could hook it onto her back, next were retractable spears, these she got in off white for some reason, and she got ten of them, followed by a useless looking dagger "Hey what are you getting that for" Naruto frowned.
She looked both ways before leaning closer "The blood-letting rituals Naruto most of the rituals involve blood so I thought I'd get a dagger specifically for them" the rosette whispered in his ear heading for the check out counter now.
Naruto shivered at the little tidbit she'd revealed to him but dutifully hurried after her with Sasuke on his heels "Please tell me this is the last stop Sakura" the Uchiha sighed as they turned into a clothing shop next.
"Last store Sasuke I promise then we can do absolutely nothing but be lazy for the rest of our break" Sakura assured as she went straight into picking out new clothes mostly in the same style to have more clothes but on top of that she got leather trench coats in white and black.
Then finally began leading them home after a day of shopping "Thank kami I thought my feet were about to die" the blonde of the team groaned, exaggerating a little bit, Sakura rolled her eyes at him and disappeared into her room for several long minutes.
When she returned she was wearing some of her new clothes that revealed her stomach to Sasuke's exasperation even if she did look good in the off white qipao shirt and skirt with the white trench coat she'd just bought she was like a sister to him and damn it really bugged him.
Naruto was in a similar predicament though the blonde knew better than to say anything about Sakura's fashion choice and he was slowly learning, grudgingly at that, like she promised however they lazed about the apartment for the rest of the afternoon doing absolutely nothing.
Until dinner time and even then Sakura was lazy as she made Naruto send a shadow clone to order from the Sushi Palace because she didn't want to cook dinner, half an hour later the clone returned with an extra on its heels.
It was the first time they'd seen Kakashi that day and when he got a good look at Sakura he quite literally froze "Sakura-chan what happened to your hair" Kakashi managed to ask after a couple of minutes of just staring at her.
Kunoichi giggling the entire time "Had it cut don't you think it looks better this way, cuter even" Sakura jutted out her lip, pouting at him with her green eyes, Kakashi gulped realizing the predicament he was in.
Before shrugging inwardly "Way cuter" the Copy Ninja nodded, rolling with it basically as he gave in to Sakura's pouting and complimented her like she wanted, then followed his students into the kitchen to eat supper with them.
And afterwards to their surprise settled on the couch to fall asleep, Sakura rushed to get him a blanket then lay it tenderly over her sensei so he didn't get cold during the night, Naruto grinned upon seeing this but kept quiet so he didn't disturb the sleeping man.
In fact due to their long day the genin did their nightly rituals such as taking showers and brushing their teeth then went to bed early themselves each of them happy at how the day had ended on a high note as they curled up in their beds to get some sleep.
They were even lazy for the rest of their break, doing the bare minimum to their sensei's amusement, who decided to stay the night for the entire week until it was time to get back to training for Team Seven.
So on the morning following their break Kakashi shepherded his students to their training grounds "Alright you three by the end of this week I want to see some progress on each of your chosen jutsu's or I won't teach you an elemental jutsu of your choosing so get to it" Kakashi instructed.
Adding incentive to make them work that much harder as the three of them immediately got started on practicing while he got comfortable in a tree to read his book after making a clone for Naruto to cast his genjutsu on.
Over an hour later Sakura noticed that the gash in her melon was healing a lot quicker than usual, she didn't think however that she was ready to move onto the next step however which would be healing a fish so kept working on the melon.
Though she had to cut it a lot more than she use to three weeks ago, meanwhile by a grove of tree's on their training grounds was Sasuke, his chakra scalpel was about an inch long now having grown after all the chakra control training he had received recently.
What was even cooler was that now he could make a decent sized gash, it wasn't as deep as Kakashi's unfortunately as he focused his chakra again, lastly there was Naruto with a better understanding of chakra he was able to cast the black dream genjutsu a lot smoother.
Of course all three of them still needed a lot of work but for now he was content in knowing that they had improved only thanks to all the hard work he'd put in to training them so far and heaven forbid he was actually thinking about entering them into the chunin exams but that wasn't for another couple of months yet.