It was the morning they were to be leaving Kumogakure behind, in the two remaining months they'd been there Sakura had worked diligently in both the hospital and training, since Tsunade couldn't actively train her anymore.
Bee had basically taken over her evasion training which gave her more time with her new friends as well, that morning however was special as she woke up early and snuck out of the apartment to meet Cee, she did leave a note just in case so as not to worry Tsunade or Dan.
"Here I thought you wouldn't be able to make it Sakura" Cee teased lightly when Sakura reached the rendezvous point on top of the highest point in the Cloud Village, she looked cute in her short purple cheongsam dress with calf length stretchy pants.
Sakura huffed softly at him "Of course I'd come Cee-san, so what was so important that you wanted me to meet you so early" Sakura questioned, still having nightmares about Hoshigaki trying to rape her.
Cee smirked then boldly grabbed her hand to pull her closer until she was stood in front of him what came next shocked her "Sakura, I'm in love with you, I know disgusting right here I am 23 almost 24 years old in love with a fourteen year old" Cee confessed.
Watching her expression closely but it didn't seem like she was disgusted with him, just shocked, it actually made him feel a little better about it actually "Cee how long have you felt that way about me" Sakura inquired, curious.
"Last day back in Tanzaku Town I realized my feelings for you, that's why when the time comes and your of proper age Sakura, I'm going to ask for your hand, I suspect Lord Hokage will turn me down but I'll keep at it until he agrees no matter how long it takes" Cee announced.
Baring his heart to her, Sakura clapped her hands over her mouth as tears rushed into her eyes, probably overwhelmed with what could be her first love confession, "I..In that case I'll be waiting for you Cee" Sakura vowed.
Responding positively as she wrapped her arms around his waist and buried her face in his stomach as he cradled her closer, dipping his head down to bury his nose in her fuscia colored locks breathing in her sweet scent.
An hour later once the sun had fully risen the two separated after making promises to write then Sakura rushed back to the apartment where she had breakfast with her mentor and her now fiance both of whom were interested to know where she'd gone.
Then two hours after that they'd left Kumogakure behind, on their way to the Final Valley where Hashirama Senju and Madara Uchiha had, had their epic historical fight "So care to tell us now where you were this morning before we got up" Tsunade prodded.
Having this feeling she knew but wanting to get confirmation "I told you Shishou I was with Cee-san, he wanted me to see how a sunrise looked from the highest point in Kumogakure before we left" Sakura explained.
More tight-lipped than usual "Uh-huh and I'm to believe nothing happened between you two while you were up there" Tsunade cocked a pale brow on her apprentice watching the girls facial features closely.
A little blush skittered across her cheeks "Oooh what's this Sakura your blushing" Dan jumped in seeing the reaction for himself, the blush darkened to his amusement "Aw how cute you have a crush" Dan teased.
Until Sakura sighed "He confessed that he was in love with me and we hugged that's all truthfully" Sakura admitted seeing little point in hiding it now that she'd basically given it away because she couldn't keep her blood under control.
Tsunade smirked triumphantly "Figures that man would make a move today, I won't tell you what to do Sakura because I know how mature you are just don't let him pressure you into anything your not ready for okay" Tsunade warned.
"Shishou, Cee didn't become my boyfriend or anything, he just confessed then told me when I was at a proper age that he would ask for my hand" Sakura blurted as she understood Tsunade had misunderstood what she'd said.
Honey orbs blinked in response "Really that's wow Sakura, he does realize he'll be waiting for awhile right your only fourteen" Dan whistled softly not seeing a problem with it, his initial fear about how Cloud was going to renege on the treaty had faded after the first month.
After he watched the Raikage himself leave to rescue Sakura from Kisame Hoshigaki "Mhm and I promised I'd wait for him to" Sakura hummed softly for once not worrying about things to the engaged couples relief.
And a few days later they were setting up camp in the Final Valley "Alright Sakura, I think it's about time you learned how to summon Katsuyu" Tsunade declared once they were done eating a slightly early lunch.
Excitement lit up on Sakura's face, right as the large scroll was set down before her and she quickly unrolled it in order to sign her name in blood on it before attempting to summon Katsuyu, what she got for her efforts.
Was the smallest form of Katsuyu that she could "Oh hello there are you Tsunade-chan's apprentice then I am Katsuyu, Sakura-chan" the tiny blue/white slug wiggled her feelers at the young kunoichi then dispelled in a poof of smoke.
Signaling not a whole lot of chakra had gone into the summoning, Sakura crinkled her nose in frustration so tried again only for the same thing to happen "Better stop for now and try to get practice in on other things" Dan called.
Nearly two hours later and Sakura had only gotten the smallest form of her newest summons that she could every single time she'd attempted the jutsu "I'll do that then" Sakura stood, dusting her clothes and armor off that Mifune had given her and she'd only just started wearing.
Then marched away to another spot and created a whole bunch of clones to help with the other half of her training until clear up to dinnertime "Definite improvement" Tsunade nodded, pleased that Sakura was progressing properly.
With that the three of them quickly ate supper and afterwards Sakura bounded off to explore like she was prone to doing, though she made sure to not go to far from her companions as she wandered around the valley.
Only to return half an hour later to rest and read for awhile before going to bed, the next morning after breakfast Sakura was given a bit more free time 'By the way I should warn you there are two more revivals wandering around somewhere' Jashin warned.
Cause Sakura to flinch "What is it Sakura, did Jashin say something again" Tsunade honed in on the action immediately, emerald orbs flashed in Dan's direction "He was warning you about others wasn't he" the honey eyed woman sighed.
"Yep he said there's two more but he doesn't know where they ended up so they could be anywhere and he won't tell me who they are" Sakura winced lightly, Tsunade rubbed her temples before shrugging.
Seeing as there was very little she could do about a gods actions "Go explore Sakura and thank you for telling us that we'll soon have more to worry about" Dan winked mostly teasing, Sakura smiled sheepishly then hurried off.
It was as she was staring up at the monolithic statue of Sasuke's ancestor that Sakura met one of the revivals, one minute between the next and he was just there staring up at Madara Uchiha with her, of course Sakura didn't react like a normal person.
As her heart stopped for all of a second before she swung out her fist sending the stranger flying through the air, the impact was deafening as he slammed into a cliff wall and brought both Tsunade and Dan running.
By then Sakura had already calmed down enough in order to recognize the person she'd punched "I am so sorry" Sakura rushed over to the groaning man, feeling stupid as she knelt and began healing him of the injury.
"Don't, it was his own fault for approaching you when I told him we should wait" a voice snorted from nearby and she looked up to see the Second Hokage as well, glaring down at his brother in amusement and annoyance.
Sakura bit her lip to keep from laughing right as her two companions arrived on scene "Sakura are you alright nothing happened did it" Tsunade demanded blinded from all except her apprentice at the moment.
Until said apprentice pointed "I'm fine Shishou, Shodaime-sama just startled me is all" Sakura explained as she finished healing Hashirama before holding out her hand and a second later the First Hokage was stood on his feet.
Patting his stomach "Quite the punch you have there Sakura-chan was it" Hashirama laughed boisterously as if he hadn't just had the wind knocked out of him but when he reached for her Sakura cringed back.
Tsunade pursed her lips angrily something that Tobirama instantly took notice of as he dropped down to stand next to his brother who sulked at being denied hugging the pinkette probably who clearly wanted nothing to do with hugs.
"Well you can thank Tsuna-chan for that Lord First, she's been training Sakura for the past six months" Dan chimed in to ease the awkward tension that the man had unintentionally created by trying to hug Sakura.
Just then Tobirama noticed what the girl wore around her waist as anger surged through his veins at the sight of it "Why do you allow your apprentice to wear a headband from another village" Tobirama grit out furiously.
Honey orbs snapped to him "Because we stayed there for three months to strengthen the treaty between our villages and Uncle I'm well aware of what happened to you but that was in the past so don't take it out on my apprentice" Tsunade warned in a dangerous tone of voice.
Things were getting more tense by the minute as the two glared at each other so Sakura decided on a hasty retreat from the immediate area "Tsuna-chan did something happen when I reached out for her she looked afraid" Hashirama asked suddenly.
"A couple months ago Sakura was attacked and almost raped by a rogue from Kiri, Hashirama-sama, I'm afraid she's still having some nightmares and that's also the likely reason she was startled by you, fear makes people do things they normally wouldn't" Dan explained.
Hashirama's smile dropped from his face almost instantly at the news "Why would a rogue travel that far just to target her while you were in Kumo" Tobirama questioned next, at war with himself not to snap and demand answers.
In response Tsunade curled her lip angrily "Sakura is special and unfortunately the bastard organization the rogue came from is beginning to catch on to exactly how special" Tsunade sneered.
She just hoped they could hide it for awhile longer until Sakura was truly ready "Special like she has a kekkeigenkai" Hashirama perked up, Tsunade shook her head but didn't elaborate as she turned on her heel and led the way back to their camp.
Where Hashirama decided this wasn't a suitable way to live outdoors and made a little house with four rooms "Are these two yours" Tobirama inquired when two fat cats landed on his shoulders both of equally bright coloring to his surprise.
"More like Sakura's, she found them in her birth village and refused to leave them behind so they came with us, their well behaved for the most part and listen well to orders" Tsunade growled, glaring at the miscreants.
Dan chuckled "You really hate cats don't you Tsunade-chan" Dan intoned in amusement at his pregnant fiancee who glowered at him for daring to find her dislike of those two heathens funny in any way whatsoever.
Before switching back to glaring at Moyashi and Tsubomi "Dan-san, Shishou I'm back" Sakura called three hours later near lunchtime coming back only to find a little house in place of their little camp.
Upon seeing that she was back Hashirama bounded towards the door "Come in, come in Sakura-chan, take off your sandals, lunch is about ready" Hashirama ushered the young kunoichi inside the house he'd made.
Followed by nudging her gently down the little hall to what had been deemed the living room/kitchen where the afternoon meal had just been declared done, Sakura grinned at seeing one of her favorites so quickly gave her thanks and dug in with manners.
Very aware of the crimson irises narrowed on her throughout the entire time she was eating "What do you intend on doing now" Tobirama questioned when Sakura was finished and she was preparing to head back out.
Emerald met red from over her shoulder "I'm going to train for the next few hours Nidaime-sama" Sakura informed politely, relieved to see that whatever his issue had been earlier it had been resolved just as quickly.
Tobirama nodded then stood indicating he was going to be joining her outside as well as the others "Tsuna-chan you shouldn't, your pregnant" Hashirama frowned at his granddaughter who followed her apprentice outside anyway.
For the first hour to Tobirama's frustration Sakura spent her time attempting to summon Katsuyu in her entirety but was only met with the same tiny version she'd originally summoned "You'll get it Sakura just keep trying" Dan assured.
When Sakura sighed "Right Dan-san" Sakura nodded determinedly after a moment before facing Tobirama a little warily, she was right to be so when Tobirama disappeared, all sense of him to be exact, the only forewarning she had was the wind shifting.
Prompting her to duck low and kick out trying to sweep his feet out from underneath him, things weren't that simple of course as Tobirama merely jumped over her foot, he didn't give her any breathing room as he simply launched his next attack.
And kept relentlessly attacking her over the next two hours until she was nothing but a sweaty mess on the ground "Seems like that training with Bee is finally paying off huh Sakura" Tsunade smirked at her little apprentice.
Who glared "Bee-san was a menace Shishou please don't bring that up" Sakura groaned, having been trying to forget that particular part of her training, he'd been insane to what with using six swords those had been extremely hard to avoid.
Tsunade chuckled heartlessly "I thought you liked Bee" Tsunade teased, glad that Sakura wouldn't do anything to put her baby in jeopardy so the only thing Sakura had for her at the moment was her words.
"Your not the one who had to listen to him rap for two months while spinning rapidly using six swords to attack you with at the same time Shishou, I like Bee-san well enough but I stand by what I said, he was a menace" Sakura huffed.
No one would be able to convince her otherwise apparently "Excuse me six swords, how is that even possible" Hashirama spluttered, massively confused and completely certain that Sakura was exaggerating.
She nodded seriously "Quite and I'm not sure but he kind of made this kind of pose" Sakura said mimicking the stance Bee had used for the entirety of their training together "And the swords were in these places" Sakura pointed to each spot.
The final one being her mouth "Very interesting and did this Bee fellow also happen to teach you kenjutsu" Tobirama inquired, thinking about the various ways he could help train Sakura in Tsunade's place until she gave birth.
Unfortunately Sakura shook her head "Nope cause I already know kenjutsu Nidaime-sama, I've been training with a bladed weapon since two months after becoming a genin so that's almost two years at this point in time" Sakura quipped.
His eyes widened briefly for a second then narrowed and she knew what was coming next so before he could demand it, Sakura whipped out her weapons scroll to unseal her tri-bladed scythe the one Genma had custom-ordered for her.
It was by far her favorite "Huh there's no way Sakura-chan that thing is huge" Hashirama frowned, slightly horrified by the weapon that was in the girls hand but when she proceeded to demonstrate her prowess with it, he had no choice but to concede and admit that Sakura was quite adept at kenjutsu.
Leaving one less thing that Tobirama could teach her as she disappeared to go exploring of the area again "She's always been complicated like that" Tsunade laughed seeing her uncle rubbing his temples in frustration.
"Do you intend on working on her with elemental jutsu's Tsunade, depending on what she has I could teach her a few" Tobirama questioned after a moment making his great niece realize she had no idea what elemental natures her apprentice possessed besides water and earth.
So when Sakura came back for supper a couple hours later she was asked "Oh earth and water, my sensei had all the natures so was able to teach my teammates and I all the elements" Sakura declared to the Second Hokage's satisfaction.
And after dinner he dragged Sakura back outside for more training in order to teach her some water jutsu's, imagine his surprise that while she was practicing with the new jutsu, Sakura made a clone to have it practice with the scythe for an hour.
Until Sakura was sufficiently worn out for the day "Honestly did you have to be that hard on her Tobirama" Hashirama scolded when the girl immediately headed to bed after taking a dip in the river that flowed through the area to wash away the sweat and grime of the day.
Tobirama rolled his eyes "Ah I wouldn't worry Hashirama-sama, Sakura's more resilient than you think and she probably could have kept going for a couple more hours" Dan assured in the next moment, prepping for his own bath with Tsunade now that Sakura was asleep.
Earning an incredulous expression before the couple headed out to bathe, leaving the two of them to watch over the little house for the next hour or so and upon their return the four of them went to bed like Sakura already had.
Three days later at Tsunade's six month mark of being pregnant with a little girl, and once breakfast had been eaten that morning Sakura stepped up her training a little bit by adding shadow clones into the mix.
One was solely practicing kenjutsu in the way they'd learned from Mifune, another trained in taijutsu without chakra, one meditated to help expand her chakra reserves, a fourth and fifth practiced summoning the two types of summons Sakura had.
While Sakura herself worked on her fuinjutsu "Intriguing methods for sure, I was unaware that anyone knew that they could use shadow clones in that way since it is a forbidden jutsu" Tobirama commented watching Sakura closely.
Who so happened to overhear him "Obsessive studying habits Lord Second, my little brother was the one who taught me and our other teammate the jutsu though I have no idea where he learned it himself if its forbidden" Sakura frowned.
Probably going to wonder all day now as her brow furrowed in concentration on both her task and the unanswered question "Little brother, ah the joys of siblings their adorable no" Hashirama burst out boisterously again.
Her features softened in fondness making her appear her age now that she wasn't keeping up the tough visage she'd created "You really love that boy don't you Sakura" Tsunade noted with a smile having always known of course.
"And I will do anything to protect him" Sakura announced eyes burning with fire, a promise within her green irises that who so ever touched her little brother they would die the most painful death imaginable by her hands.
Before focusing on her work again "Come to think of it Tsuna-chan who is her brother, I've heard her speak of him a few times but I don't think Sakura has ever mentioned his name" Dan questioned curiously.
"Naruto Uzumaki, the brats Father adopted Sakura when she was six months old, don't let the boy fool you though should we ever meet him out here, he's not as stupid as he looks or seems" Tsunade warned.
Dan tilted his head to the side "Speaking of shouldn't you send another letter to Hokage-sama soon Sakura just to let him know how your doing" Dan suggested after a moment in which Tsunade didn't elaborate what she meant by her strange statement.
The pinkette nodded her head in understanding then firmly concentrated on improving on her fuinjutsu for the next two hours and when she took a break Sakura summoned Ivory "To Dad please Ivory-chan and Sasuke to" Sakura instructed.
Handing over two letter scrolls to the wolf before settling down again once Ivory had bounded off to work on her medical ninjutsu this time by catching a fish clear up to lunchtime, the clone that had been meditating was dispelled.
Allowing the chakra it had accumulated to be transferred to the original Sakura replenishing her reserves completely in order to practice her evasion with Tobirama who was about as unrelenting teacher as Tsunade and Kakashi had proven they were so far.
Once all training was done for the day including summoning practice and jutsu practice, Sakura got comfortable somewhere instead of going off exploring to watch the sun set in the sky from her vantage point on top of one of the monolithic statues.
Forgoing dinner for the time being obviously 'For all the things you mean to me, I thank you, for the joy in my heart, the life in my spirit I give you thanks Jashin, Father, you give me a reason to live, you give my life meaning' Sakura prayed inwardly.
Knowing that she couldn't do so outwardly at the moment because of the two revived Hokage's 'Everyday is a treasure in which you encourage me to grow, you nudge me to enjoy every minute, the signs you give me, I treasure, the dreams you send, they guide me' Sakura chanted.
With her hands clasped around the beaded necklace of her gods symbol 'Your presence reassures I am not alone, for that there are no words, energy you give when I am weak, strength you pour in to me when I must walk the difficult walk' Sakura continued.
'When I am sad you comfort me, when people hurt me, you let me know you are on my side, you are everything I will ever need, you're my Father, who I will go to with everything, my teacher who guides in all knowledge, my protector when I am in danger' the rosette prayed.
Nearly finished with her bloodless ritual 'My creator who made me who I am, and above all, Jashin, you are m god with whom I will spend eternity, thank you with all my heart, thank you from the depths of my soul, thank you with all that I am' the pinkette finished.
And silently enjoyed the feeling of his chakra settling briefly around her before fading 'Daughter' came Jashin's voice in a pleased tone, even without the blood any ritual she performed pleased him to no end.
'Jashin-sama' Sakura greeted back and that was the end of their short conversation as she leaned back to watch the stars for a bit as they started peeking out in the darkening sky until Tsunade came to drag her back to eat.
The five of them stayed in the Final Valley for three more weeks after that before Tsunade decided that it was time to move on so they didn't grow to comfortable and completely lower their guards thinking they were safe.
So for the next five months, Dan, Tsunade and Sakura with Tobirama and Hashirama wandered all over the country side, though they did take a couple weeks off from all training when Tsunade went into labor and gave birth to a little girl with blue hair and honey eyes that she named Kasumi.
By then Sakura and Tsunade had been gone from the village for an entire year, it was when Kasumi Senju was two months old that they ran into the other pair who'd left for two years, Sakura was the first one to sense them.
"Naruto…Shishou, Jiraiya-sama and Naruto are nearby" Sakura informed, looking at her mentor pleadingly because she hadn't heard a word from her little brother and she really wanted to make sure he was doing well.
Tsunade very nearly growled before remembering Kasumi who was cradled in her arms "Fine but just for a little while, there's something I've been meaning to ask him anyway" Tsunade relented, adjusting her daughter.
As Sakura led them in the direction she sensed her the duo until they stumbled across them quite literally basically what happened was that Sakura tripped over Naruto who had obviously just got done with a rough training session so he had still been laid out on the ground.
"Oomph hello to you too Sakura-chan" Naruto groaned in agony when she fell on top of his already sore body, Sakura rolled her eyes down at him then heaved him onto his feet with nothing but brute strength.
Jiraiya was mute with shock however "Did they come back just like Minato did" Jiraiya asked after a few minutes in which everyone had stared at one another minus Naruto and Sakura who were greeting each other properly with a hug.
A moment later Tsunade nodded "Yes Jiraiya-san we did indeed, Tsuna-chan wanted to request something of you that's why we're bothering you while I'm sure your very busy training Naruto-san" Dan explained.
The Toad Sage quirked his brow at his former teammate "I'd like to take Sakura to Mount Myoboku, I want to see if she has an affinity for nature chakra" Tsunade declared not sure if Sakura would be able to master nature chakra but wanting to try anyway.
From where she was sat with Naruto, Sakura tilted her head to the side curiously "Are you sure Tsunade, in that case why don't you let me take her to Shikkotsu Forest instead" Hashirama requested with a frown.
But his granddaughter was very adamant about the training taking place on Mount Myoboku "Well if you feel that strongly about Tsunade I could go let Shima and Fukasaku now that their going to receive guests while those two catch up" Jiraiya shrugged.
Relenting easily because he really didn't want to argue with his former teammate who knows what she'd do to him if he upset the babe in her arms and in a poof of smoke he was gone "Tell me Sakura-chan where all have you been" Naruto asked when his mentor was gone.
Sakura grinned widely "Found my birth village and I learned about my biological parents, one of whom was half Uzumaki so that makes me a quarter Uzumaki, then we went to Uzushiogakure for a bit, Iron was next, followed by Kumo and the Final Valley was last" Sakura ticked off her fingers.
"Lucky…Ero-sennin hasn't let us stop in any major village or historical site at all" Naruto whined pitifully, Sakura pursed her lips and then Naruto remembered that he wasn't supposed to call Jiraiya pervy-sage.
His face paled rapidly "Baka be happy I don't feel like pummeling you today for that atrocious nickname you came up with for Jiraiya-sama" Sakura deadpanned, Naruto ducked his head down and laughed sheepishly.
Massively relieved that he hadn't gotten bashed over the back of the head for that pervy-sage nickname "Hehehe right I'll try not to say it anymore while your here" Naruto said, more interested in hearing about her travels than anything else.
He knew though that Sakura wasn't telling him everything pretty much instinctively due to how long they'd known each other "What's the matter Naruto" Sakura frowned suddenly seeing his furrowed brow.
"Oh uhh well….did something happen Sakura-chan your being awfully evasive right now" Naruto accused, surprising Tobirama at the turn in his personality because at that point he'd pretty much pegged the boy to be as goofy as his brother was.
Sakura sighed "Couldn't just be oblivious could you Naruto….course not" Sakura asked hopefully only to have Naruto shake his head "I was attacked by Hoshigaki" Sakura admitted, aware that Naruto would catch on to the unsaid part.
Case and point as the blonde exploded "WHAT that bastard did what to you Sakura-chan…..I'll kill him, then I'll find a way to bring him back and kill him again just for good measure" Naruto scowled furiously.
Thankfully Kasumi was a heavy sleeper "To late Naruto, he's already been executed back in Kiri several months ago" Sakura informed, glad that she hadn't been around when Sasuke had learned the news about what had happened.
His reaction was sure to have been worse than Naruto's actually "Damn, tch, guess it can't be helped and now Akatsuki is down by two again" Naruto huffed in a very foul mood now until Sakura squeezed his hand reassuringly.
"We'll get them all yet Naruto that's a promise because I have no intention of letting those bastards take off with you" Sakura soothed, calming him just as quickly to nearly everyone's surprise except for Tsunade.
Dan shook his head now understanding what his fiancee had meant all those months ago "By the way who are these guys" Naruto asked pointing to the first and second Hokage's and him as well, Sakura quirked a fuscia brow on him "Kidding geez don't take everything so literally" Naruto rolled his eyes in mock annoyance.
Just then Jiraiya returned so Sakura had no choice but to bid Naruto farewell as they were summoned one by one to Mount Myoboku for a whole never before heard of type of training at least to Sakura anyway.