"..I see." Sakura's shoulders stiffened as the hokage folded his hands in front of him, a troubled look settling in his aged eyes. "...I'm not surprised how you managed to reach to that conclusion, Sakura. If there is one person in the whole of the fire kingdom who'd resort to such despicable means, it would be Orochimaru." He grunted before glancing at her warily, "...Why didn't you send for backup when you knew it was him?"
"There wasn't much time for one and besides..I needed to confirm his presence." She answered quietly, "...he used his own concoctions to alter the King's mind, most likely and then used him to kidnap several civilians for the sake of his experiments. And then when Cai came along, he used his extensive knowledge in potions to his own advantage. The entirety of the underground dungeons had been turned into his labs. After my shadow clone managed to free Itachi, I had it search through them and in the meantime, I myself searched the rest of the castle..."
"...And?"
Her teeth gritted together and her hands clenched tightly into her sides, her eyes gleaming in fury. "...He had used young children for his experiments. Hundreds of them packed into large cylinders and others hacked to death over the tables...some of them were fresh. I know because I'm a medical shinobi." Sarutobi winced and then sighed heavily, bowing his head in contemplation.
"...to think he'd continue his experiments outside Konoha..." The weary old man stood up slowly, facing the window, "...I should've finished him then..."
It had been just two days since the strange turns of events at the Kingdom they were entrusted with and it seemed that trouble was already cropping up in places he wished would stay put. By the look on the girls face, it was clear that she had been aptly researching and drawing several conclusions over the period of time -she could very well be correct.
If there was anyone who would resort to such means...it would be that student of his.
"...Hokage Sama, if you would allow me, I'd be more than happy to go on after him." The pinkette suddenly fell to one knee, staring up at him with a determined look, "I'll hunt him down wherever he is and bring his head to you as a trophy. No matter how long it takes. I've done this over a hundred times, I can do it again."
The third refused to meet her unwavering gaze and instead, silently took in her words with a sinking feeling in his heart. So times had not changed much in the future -for a shinobi of the leaf to be talking about this ever so easily. It's no wonder she was admitted in the ANBU; she was unpredictable and dangerous. And now that she was a child once more, it only served to her advantage. She was a medic shinobi to top; how low had they had to stoop in her time as to make medic nin commit murder?
This was not the land of the mist, nor the land of lightening for them to be resorting to such despicable means.
Forget that Orochimaru very well deserved a death sentence for the crimes he had committed against the leaf village. He was not about to let a little girl go out there.
"...You're not going after Orochimaru." he announced, much to her shock.
"But Hokage Sama-"
"My words are final Sakura. You are a medical shinobi. Medics are not to run into the battlefield with the intention of slaying the other shinobi." He turned around, narrowing his eyes, "Medics heal. They don't kill. You took a pledge to do so! The role of a medical shinobi is not to stand on the same ground as your teammates. Its to stand behind them and stay safe to ensure you can heal them when in danger!"
"...I'm not just a medic. I'm a shinobi of the leaf. A member of the ANBU black ops." She stood up, annunciating each word icily, "...I don't hold any regard for the rules and you should know that by now. I won't sit by and have my pitiful back protected by my teammates who are willing to lay their life down to protect me. Orochimaru took Sasuke from us...and this time...he nearly hurt Itachi and Shisui. I will be the one to lay my own life down this time to protect Konoha and the Uchiha clan from the likes of him."
"You can't do this alone!" He finally snapped, slamming his hands down on the table in a rare act of fury and even then, she didn't flinch the slightest -instead opting harden her glare. "You have to tell your teammates about this too! Playing hero on your own will land you nowhere; it's too much of a burden for one person to handle! You're going to kill yourself!"
"...Tsunade sama entrusted me with it. Why can't you?" She asked quietly and he grew silent, "I'm not playing hero; that's Naruto's job. She sent me back to prevent a war from happening and that starts with preventing the massacre of the Uchiha clan. I couldn't go back in time enough to prevent Naruto's parents from dying...but the least I can do is keep team 7 together in this world. Sasuke, Kakashi and I are all he has now. I won't go after Orochimaru now for the fact that I need to research about the Uchiha clan more; but the moment he appears in front of me with ensure his permanent end. Please excuse me."
With that, she turned around and left the room and Sarutobi collapsed into his seat with a heavy sigh as she slammed the door behind her. "Oh Sakura..."
Walking quietly through the village, Itachi searched for a particular teammate of his who had gone missing since morning. She wasn't present at breakfast and lunch was approaching soon -had she left on a mission? 'No...Sarutobi sama wouldn't let her go alone...and she wouldn't leave without informing us first...' he chided himself as he easily avoided the bustling crowds through the market place before he jumped to the roof to give a cursory look around town. '...Where is she?' he thought as he pounced to another rooftop, taking off running towards the hokage mansion in hopes of catching her there.
There, he spotted her marching outside with a furious look on her face and he blinked in surprise. So she was there. What business could she have with the hokage right now? They had just begun to settle from the mission two days back.
A frown etched over his expression. She had been rather quiet following their return -he had suspected that she was obsessed about confirming her suspicions behind the attacks.
...had she told the Hokage?
Bolting from his spot, he ran across the rooftops swiftly. As he pounced off, she halted in place as if seemingly sensing his presence and she turned her face to meet his as he landed gracefully and noiselessly beside her. "...Oh hello Itachi. Why are you popping up randomly like the weasel you are so early in the morning?" She asked as she reached to flick his forehead the moment he stood up straight, "Where is your protector?"
"It's in my pouch and also...it's 12:30 in the afternoon." he said with a deadpanned expression, rubbing his forehead which now bore a large red mark. "...you missed breakfast." He paused as he heard an audible rumbling from her stomach and she turned beet red in embarrassment. "...Okaasan was worried about you." He added as he walked by her side, "Kakashi and Shisui are searching for you too. What were you doing in the Hokage's office? You look...severely annoyed."
"Annoyed? I'm not annoyed. Who says I'm annoyed~? I'm as happy as I can be~" She grinned widely, shooting him a thumbs up and Itachi stared back at her blankly. "...fine, I'm annoyed." She grumbled as she turned back around, crossing her arms over her chest, marching off again and he quickly followed her. "The stupid old man didn't let me go after Mr. Snakes so now I'm sulking because sulking is all I can do at this point. I can take that old pedo down with one hand behind my back. Who is he to doubt me...dammit...I'm rambling..."
"...Why are you intent on going after Orochimaru? Hokage Sama has already sent several ANBU to track him down." The young genius furrowed his brows together as he fixed his stare on her blank face, "I know what he did was horrible...but you can't go after him alone you know. Besides, we just finished a mission successfully and we need time off a little, seeing that Shisui is still recuperating..." he paused as she turned right, into the Ichiraku Ramen place. "...you know, you're going to fall sick if you keep eating so much ramen." he scolded her lightly as he followed her in. "Oi, are you listening?"
"Oh stop nagging. What are you, a granpa?" She grumbled before grinning back at Teuchi who brightened up visibly at the appearance of his recent regular, "Old man! One pork ramen -extra large! And one miso ramen, small." At the questioning look on his face, she grinned. "It's for you, silly. Considering you have a small appetite."
"...Okaasan will kill me if I eat before lunch."
"Stop being such a momma's boy and just snack a little." she rolled her eyes all the way up to the ceiling at the worried look on his face, "Why'd ya think I ordered a small one? I-" her words were promptly swallowed as a pair of warm arms wrapped around her shoulders and she froze in place as a pair of warm lips pressed to her cheek without warning. What in the name of mighty Kaguya...
"SAKURA~ CHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAN~" Shisui bellowed in her ear and she winced -a nervous smile breaking out on her face. Of course -who else could've it been? "I've been looking all over for you! Where'd you run off to? We're late you know!" The hyperactive Uchiha whined petulantly as he sat down next to her, pouting into her face, "You look all tired. What have you been doing?"
"Good god Shisui. Dont do that." Itachi muttered, agitated. "You dont kiss someone out of the blue. Its not proper!"
"I agree." And with that, a loud whacking sound echoed through the place as strong knuckles made contact with the Uchihas skull. "Stupid." Kakashi glared down at the chuunin who scowled up at him.
"I'm pretty sure Sakura chan appreciates being smooched by the likes of me." Shisui snorted. "Donchu Sakura?"
"Late for what... exactly?" she ignored his question, trying to fight back a smile. They acted so much like her old teammates it made her feel nostalgic. "Were we supposed to do something today?" Her question made the boys exchange glances.
...strange. She didn't recollect the Hokage mentioning any missions of any sort.
"...our group photo, remember? We were supposed to take it today. Weren't you listening to Hokage sama yesterday?" Itachi raised an eyebrow at her as her eyes widened with surprise. "...We're now officially a team, Kakashi as the leader."
"...Team?" She repeated, confusion marring her as he swung an arm over her shoulder.
"YEP! IT'S ALMOST TOO GOOD TO BELIEVE~! SAKU-CHAN AND I ARE IN A TEAM~" He crowed loudly, pumping a fist into the air and everyone winced. Excitement was evident on his face and he had no intention of suppressing it. "LET'S GO FOR BARBECUE TONIGHT EH SAKU-CHAN~? JUST THE THREE OF US...Kakashi excluded of course." He pointed accusingly into the copy nin's face, "HOW DARE YOU ASSAULT THE MIGHTY SHISUI!?"
"Ah man...babysitting a bunch of brats...I'm an ANBU, not a Jounin instructor." Kakashi sighed heavily as he took a seat with them, glancing briefly at Sakura's shell-shocked expression. "It's rather an odd team don't you think, Sakura? An ANBU captain and three chuunin." He started as he raised a hand to order, "Ol' man Teuchi, one medium pork ramen please. Make it with extra eggs."
Sakura let out a startled chuckle as she propped her chin up on her hand, staring blankly at the table in front of her. "...yeah...odd." She murmured as Ayame placed a ramen bowl in front of her and she pulled her chopsticks out. "Itadakimasu~"
"So you're all a team now?" She chirped cheerfully as she placed Itachi's one in front of him. Teuchi appeared behind her with Shisui's and Kakashi's ones. "It's so cool! It's been a long time since you were in another team other than in ANBU, right Kakashi-senpai? Are you going on a mission after this?"
"No...this one is official. We're taking our group photo in a while and then we'll go register our individual names in the hokage office." He said. Will surprises really not end for Sakura today? "...We have yet to decide on a name though."
Shisui squinted in contemplation, rubbing his chin dramatically before he snapped his fingers. "I KNOW! TEAM RAMEN!" He declared and everyone shot him deadpanned looks. "...what? Since we're all eating ramen..." he pouted, crossing his arms over his chest. This guy's intellect rivaled that of a genin Naruto..."Then...team shurikan? Team leaf? Team Sky? Team flower? Nah..that's too delicate. Oh wait..TEAM ROCK! Ya know...because we're strong! Like rocks!"
"...are you just pulling out whatever random thing that's coming into that thick headed skull of yours?" Kakashi asked in annoyance and Shisui stuck his tongue out at him. "We need a good name or the Hokage is going to decide for us. Sakura, got any suggestions?"
Suggestions? She was still trying to come to terms with accepting the fact that she was in an official group. Sure, she was fine with being assigned to them as a teammate for a few missions but to think Sarutobi would actually bind them like this...what was he thinking anyway? She thought only those freshly out of the academy were assigned into groups but then again...Kakashi had told her that due to the instability of the times then, they often put together random shinobi into groups. As far as she saw though, these times were pretty peaceful.
'Or it's probably to ensure I won't run off.' She thought in annoyance, 'As if I would...I may hold a blatant disregard for rules but REALLY?'
...and then she recalled Sarutobi's words about her entrusting her thoughts with her teammates. So the old man had this up his sleeve all along eh?
She frowned as realization dawned on her. As far as she knew, Itachi hadn't been officially assigned to any other teams. Neither had Kakashi until he had been entrusted with the famous team 7. Could this somehow contribute to unwanted changed in the future?
'...Then again I'm living with the Uchiha and am taking care of little Naruto.' She thought blandly.
"...Sakura-chan...you don't look too happy." Shisui's voice made her snap out of her thoughts and she turned to meet his pouted expression, "...Could it be that you don't want to be in a team with us...?"
"She's unhappy because she's stuck with the likes of you." Kakashi said bluntly before she could respond and the chuunin hissed at him.
"It's not that...I'm just a bit shocked, that's all." She scratched her cheek nervously, looking back down into her ramen bowl. "I mean...it's been a long time since I was in a team and now that we're suddenly official it's going to take some time to get used to."
"...Itachi too." Shisui grinned, pointing his chopsticks at his best friend who was softly slurping his noodles down and Sakura turned to stare at him curiously, "He's been separated from the team he was assigned to as a genin a few months ago. Not that it matters to him...he's hella younger than them and they hated the fact that my baby faced bestie can outdo them anyday." At that, Itachi stopped slurping midway and stared blankly at Shisui, making Sakura stifle a giggle at the sight. "Plus, they didn't work very well together and often left Itachi to do everything by himself so this change of air will suit you both."
"Us both?" Sakura raised an eyebrow.
"Oh don't worry...they both work well together at kicking my orders in the dirt" Kakashi interjected dryly, deadpanned and Sakura stuck her tongue out at Itachi who glared lightly at her.
"You're ruining my reputation."
"Shut up. I improved it."
"Well...it'll help me." Shisui chuckled as he rubbed his nose before he slurped his noodles down noisily, "It's been a year for me since I went solo. Haven't been in a team for a long time and I just took up whatever available missions with other chuunin as often as I could." He managed with the food stuffed into his mouth, "Although around the time you came I started taking off light."
"...Why, weren't you assigned to any team?" Sakura asked curiously and bit back her words when a familiar look flickered across his eyes and he smiled sadly.
"No...we separated last year after sensei was killed and then during the course of this year they were all killed in line of duty -on individual missions." he said calmly as he tilted his ramen bowl back to drink down the soup, not meeting her sympathetic gaze, "...It's okay though. I never really knew them much since we only stuck around for so long." He smacked his lips and sighed as he set it back down, having drained the liquid.
The look on his face made Sakura realize he was lying but she decided not to press further, instead opting to stare down into her half empty ramen bowl. She was suddenly not really hungry any more. Not after what all she's heard. Despite the happy front Shisui put up he had indeed been through severe hardships and even at such a young age, Itachi was already alone and pushed away by his own teammates, all because he was different. Kakashi didn't speak but she for one knew well his story and didn't feel the need to ask.
Perhaps this was one of the reasons why Sarutobi felt the need to put them together. In some way or another they had suffered; they had lost valuable team members and friends. 'Old man thinks putting us together will benefit us on whole.' She thought, bemused as she put her chopsticks down.
"...Shisui."
"Yes blossom~?" He broke out into a grin.
"Thank you."
"...Heu?" He blinked, confused as she slid off the seat and Itachi and Kakashi promptly followed, walking off rather quickly. "Wha..." he blinked as he attempted to follow, only to be held back by the collar and he turned to meet Teuchi's wrathful glare and he promptly paled.
"...The bill." He held up the piece of paper and realization struck him.
"YOU GUYS!"
"...Team?"
"...Yeah. The Hokage told me this morning." Fugaku said quietly, sipping at his tea. His wife stared at him worriedly, her hands frozen in the pile of soapy dishes she had been working on in the sink. "...Everyone agreed, apparently. Shisui in particular was excited about being officially teamed up."
"...And Itachi?"
"...I reckon thats why we went to find Sakura." The head of the Uchiha household glanced at his youngest who was lying on his face, busily occupied with sketching away with crayons -his pet dinosaur being his model. His pudgy face was scrunched up in a mix of heavy concentration...and boredom.
"...Why aren't you playing with your friends?" Mikoto asked curiously. The boy didn't reply -but she caught his scowl widening and his grip tightening on the green crayon as he paced up his colouring. He was clearly annoyed about something. "Sasuke?"
"...I wanted to train with Itachi niisan." Came his sulky answer. "But he was too busy searching for Sakura neechan."
"...Go practice by yourself." Fugaku rumbled with mild annoyance as he took another sip. "Your brother trained all by himself when he was your age."
"You said he practised with Shisui." he said accusingly. "I don't have anyone to practice with."
"You have Naruto." Mikoto smiled as she turned back to scrubbing away at a plate. "Why don't you drop by?" She ignored the wary glance her husband shot her at her suggestion.
The Uchiha had been ordered to keep their distance from the kyuubi vessel due to the fact that they were the main suspect behind the tailed beast rampage years ago. It broke Mikoto's heart to be forced to watch the child of her best friend grow up alone, without a friend in the world. But things were slowly improving, she sensed.
Naruto was Sasuke's friend now -as she and Kushina had envisioned so long ago. And the government didn't say a word against it.
"...Naruto said he's met a GIRL." He made a face and Kushina stopped scrubbing momentarily, biting her lip to prevent an escape of laughter.
"A girl?" She echoed.
"He wanted me to go meet her at the playground but I can't play with a girl." he scowled, turning over his back to glare at the ceiling. "Girls are annoying. They stalk me and say weird things and keep giving me chocolate even though I hate it."
"...Hey. Maybe she'll be different." Mikoto laughed, "Why don't you go drop by?"
"No."
"Uchiha Sasuke. Naruto asked you to meet a new friend." she tuned around, wiping her hands on her apron with a look of disapproval. "If a friend invites you, you have to make it a point to attend no matter how ridiculous the situation may be."
He raised his face to pout at her. "But moooom..."
"Uchiha Sasuke. Now." She pointed to the door and he groaned loudly. But he gathered to his feet all the same, quickly gathering his side bag. Last thing he wanted was to risk the wrath of the Uchiha matriarch.
As the boy scampered off, Fugaku shot a wry look at his wife who now bore a wide grin. "You're spoiling him woman."
She ignored him and went back to washing the dishes, making him sigh. It could be his imagination but ever since Sakura's arrival it seemed his family members adopted the habit of kicking his opinions out the window. Quite elegantly at that.
The first words that came to Sasuke's mind at what he witnessed at the playground was, 'what the hell'.
A pink haired girl in a dark pink dress was being chased the blond donned in a blanket and an eyepatch, holding a large wooden sword. Clearly a pirate of some sort. The girl who was laughing loudly as she ran around the playground, occasionally shrieking at the top of her lungs.
Half of his side, (quite possibly the sane region) urged him to walk away quietly before they spotted him.
But he just stood there with a deadpanned look, staring blankly at the duo as they continued with their mirth. He wondered how long he'd have to stand there before either noticed he was present.
And then Naruto, tripped on his cape and fell face-first into the sand.
"...Idiot." He muttered blandly as he walked forward.
Sakura who had bent down to help him froze as she heard his voice. "Oh!" she squeaked, startled as she saw the Uchiha approach them and unwittingly, let go of her friend who fell upon his face yet again.
"Sakura chaaaan!" Naruto whined in a complaining tone as he sat up by himself, spitting out the copious amounts of sand that let itself into his mouth. When she didn't respond he followed her gaze, just in time to glimpse the grouchy Uchiha before he whacked him across the head. "YOU JERK!"
"Serves you right." Sasuke huffed, crossing his arms across his chest, ignoring the startled girl completely. "What are you doing."
"Tch...I'm playing. What does it look like we were doing?" Naruto grouched as he stood up, dusting himself off. Sasuke raised an eyebrow as Sakura promptly hid behind him, clutching his sleeve. "Don't worry Sakura chan. He's a jerk but he won't bully you." Naruto grinned at her before refocusing his glare on said boy. "I was waiting for you all morning. What gives?"
"Kaasan kicked me out." he snorted. "Does it look like I want to play with a girl?"
"Don't be an ass and introduce yourself." Naruto sniffed as he pulled the girl from behind him, despite her obvious wariness of him. "Sakura chan. Say hi!" he beamed as she pushed the girl towards him.
He stared blankly at her and she stared back, clenching her trembling hands to her chest. For a whole minute neither of them said a word and Naruto stared at him expectantly. With a sigh, he held his hand out. "...Hi. I'm Sasuke Uchiha." he grumbled.
She turned beet red in the face and looked half about to run away screaming at the top of her lungs. But then she surprised him when she reached out and shook his hand timidly. "...I-I'm Sakura. Sakura Haruno." She uttered quietly, averting her eyes.
"GOOD!" Naruto beamed as she pulled her aside, making her squeak. "You know her and she knows you. So lets play!"
"Play?" Sasuke raised an eyebrow.
"The adventures of Homura the Pirate volume two!" Naruto frowned at him, "...Have you no clue of the series?"
"No. It sounds stupid." He said bluntly and the moment the words escaped past his lips, he was met with two shocked expressions that looked almost comical.
The hyperactive blond boy was for some reason, obsessed with pirates. It was quite evident to the point that Sasuke found it somewhat jarring. Whoever heard of a pirate in Konohakagure? And to think he actually found a playmate who shared his interest...was the world breeding more idiots?
"How can you not know Homura the Pirate?!" The pink haired girl shrieked as she peered into his face, her hands clenched tightly in front of her. "He's the single coolest person to exist!" At Sasuke's deadpanned expression she muted down, gazing away shyly. "...W-Well...one of them."
"Yeah! What she said!" Naruto nodded furiously with utmost seriousness. "Uchiha Sasuke. We're going to baptish you today and turn you into a new person!"
"...Baptize." Sakura corrected nervously and he 'bah'ed loudly, grabbing hold of his hand.
"We have extra gear. You'll be the evil mist shinobi who kidnaps Sakura chan okay? Sakura chan is the mermaid princess and I'm Homura! Right now I am going to rescue her from you and after that we are going to bid each other a bittersweet farewell. After which I leave on-"
"Objection."
Blinking owlishly, the hyperactive boy stared back at the face of the now highly annoyed Uchiha. "Objecting on what grounds?" He demanded, crossing his arms across his chest.
"In all our plays you're always the hero. ALWAYS." Sasuke accused angrily, pointing at his face. "I demand we spruce things up a bit or we're not playing!"
"You don't even know Homura the Pirate!" Naruto scowled, "You don't deserve to be him!"
"All I know is that the storyline sucks and we're going to make some major changes around here." Naruto's jaw dropped as Sasuke snatched the paper hat from his head and placed it upon his own. "Here's how its going to go. I'm Homura the Pirate and we'll start with me sailing through the wild seas when I encounter the mermaid princess. Initially she hates me because humans killed her father but we end up being friends. And then YOU swoop in and kidnap her and I rush to her rescue."
"Preposterous. Thats not how the book goes!" Naruto cried shrilly.
"We engage in battle and its revealed that the murderer of her dad is you. So I set her free and she battles you to death instead and gets her revenge." Sasuke continued, ignoring him. "It doesn't make sense for girls to be in trouble all the time and plus, she gets action time that way. And you die a cool death. Afterwards I ask her to join my crew and she...well..." he turned to a blushing Sakura and raised an eyebrow. "Sakura. I think you should decide the ending."
"SAKURA CHAN!" Naruto turned to her, "DON'T LET HIM RUIN A GOOD NOVEL!"
"It's stupid. A play means we all decide on it." He glared. "I incorporated in your story with bits of my own. Its only fair she gets to choose the ending." he turned back to her. "Well?"
Sakura glanced between her friends with a peevish look. There was not doubt that Sasukes version of the story was much better...but it wasn't how the story went. Then again...there was so much fun in improvisation. Besides...
"I dont want to be the maiden in distress!" She announced loudly, sticking her nose high up into the air.
What followed was the humorous display of contrasting emotions; Sasuke smirking triumphantly at his part winning out and Narutos jaw dropping all the way to the floor in disbelief.
"SAKURA CHAN." Naruto gasped. "HOW COULD YOU. THIS GUY DIDN'T EVEN WANT TO MEET YOU IN THE FIRST PLACE!" He pointed to Sasukes face. "HES A JERK!"
"Yes but S-Sasuke kun's idea is better... I dont want to be the maiden in distress!" she whined petulantly, twiddling her thumbs. She didn't like these two fighting, nor did she want her blond friend to abandon her. He protected her from bullies and alike and was overall a good person. Perhaps she should stick with Naruto...?
"Oi. Stop brainwashing her." Sasuke snapped, tapping his knuckles on the hyperactive boys head. "She didn't chose mine because she prefers me over you. Mine just sounds infinitely better because it makes sense."
Hissing through his teeth, Naruto pouted at his female companion with a look of betrayal before refocusing his glare at Sasuke "...Fine." he slumped in defeat. "But I swear you jerk...I wont lose to you-"
"Yatta yatta." Narutos loud declaration was cut short as Sasuke flung a robe at his face without warning. "Sakura. Do you have a crown?" he turned to her and she jumped.
"U-Uhm...Naruto kun didn't think it would be impo-"
"Go get it." He cut her off. "And some play jewelry if you have some. That'll be some treasure."
"BORING!" Naruto barked, "WHAT THE HELL ARE A COUPLE OF BOYS GOING TO DO WITH JEWELRY?!"
Sasuke paused in his steps, tapping his chin thoughtfully. "Aa." he agreed, nodding slowly with a serious expression. "...do either of you have money?"
Sakura meekly shook her head while Naruto glanced away with a scowl. "I'm broke." he muttered glumly. With a hopeless sigh, Sasuke thrust his hand into his pocket, pulling out a handful of pocketmoney.
He got just enough for street snacks from his mother -but his ever so overprotective big brother always snuck him extra money every now and then. While Sasuke didn't have much of a sweet tooth, he did enjoy candy from time. It was for playtime so...it should be okay to spent it right? "...Here." he thrust the money to Sakura. "Go buy some candy as well as the jewelry."
"...Candy?" they echoed, looking confused and yet, enthralled.
Sasuke smirked.
"Going to the ending straight away will be boring." Sasuke explained, wagging his finger. "So...we'll have small quests to go with it. So we'll alternate characters. Whoever wins in each round of games shall earn a specific amount of jewelry which we can use to buy candy with at the shop. There will be also stuff like twigs and branches we can exchange in for potions or...candy."
"...Alright I'll bite. This is getting interesting." Naruto cackled, rubbing his hands together.
"But Sasuke kun...we'll need a character to look after the shop..." Sakura squeaked, raising her hand shyly. "...Where will we find an extra player?"
The two lapsed into thinking mode again. Their thoughts were promptly cut off when they heard a loud, slightly annoyed drawl echoing through the playground. "Man, Chouji! Go easy on those fries or you'll end up with a stomachache again!...Man what a drag."
Narutos lips slowly drew into a grin and his friends shot him questioning glances. "...Sakura chan! You get going! Sasuke. Come with me. We'll convince those guys."
"Hai!" Clutching the money close to her, she set off, smiling brightly.
"Alright...ya guys ready?"
Sakura swallowed hard as she stared stiffly at the camera. "Just a minute!" Itachi called as he tied his headband tightly around his forehead.
"Might as well. Ya only get one shot!" The old man growled, resting his hand on the camera. "I'm not doing any retakes so powder up. Dumbass kids..."
Itachi chuckled lightly under his breath. Leaving Shisui and Kakashi who were arguing about which side to be on, he walked towards the pinkette who was standing stiffly in front of the camera. "...Sakura. You look pale." he said, bemused.
"I'm always pale. I get sunburnt in the damn sun." she muttered quietly, not turning to face him. "I'm ready for the picture."
"Is that so?" he pursued his lips together, the corner of his lips twitching up. "Your trembling hands say something else. Are you that scared?" he asked playfully.
"I-I am not! Why else do you think I ran here quickly?"
"...to get away from a raging Shisui and his empty wallet?"
"...hush."
"...hes going to get revenge on your for that." He hummed quietly, resting his arms behind his head, the placid smile still lingering on his face. He sneaked a glance at the two to make sure they were still preoccupied before leaning in towards her. "...Hey. Calm down. The picture is going to go fine."
"...Its not that..." she confided sulkily, "...its just.."
What was she supposed to say? That she didn't want to take a picture with them because it bought back memories of Naruto, Sasuke and Kakashi back to her? She came back here to try fixing the past as quickly as she could so that Naruto and Sasuke could live on. She still didn't quite get why Tsunade would entrust her with this of all things...considering she suffered losses as well. But that aside...she was really wasting time here with dillydallying around.
She was supposed to be after Orochimaru right now dammit!
'...Is it really wasting though?' she thought as she finally glanced away at the bickering boys and then at Itachi. She fixed her gaze straight into into his eyes and he stared back, almost as if he knew what she was thinking about.
"...We'll accomplish the mission." he assured her quietly, "The war won't arrive. Don't worry."
"...Do we really need a team to accomplish it?" she asked, "...An official team...I haven't had one since..."
Itachi glanced sideways briefly, his smile not faltering for a second. "...You know...I don't usually do this but..." he paused as he took her hand, surprising her. "...but we're all in this together. I take a while to soften up to someone. If its going to be you and Kakashi as my new teammates I'd be glad. And besides, you can't do this alone." At the look of doubt on her face, he smiled, "I won't let you."
She stared at him mutely for a while before an amused laugh escaped past her lips.
So the rumors about him being a delicately kind shinobi were true. Though he seemed antisocial initially, here he was, comforting her gently so that she could smile for a picture. Sasuke and Naruto used to lead her on too...in their own way. Kakashi too, sometimes. But never so gingerly like this. "You really are a kind person." she voiced her thoughts and he blinked, surprised. "..I take it you don't like showing it openly." she added mischievously and he snorted, stuffing his hands back in his pockets.
"...All I'm saying is that...if we're going to prevent a war...you need our help. We're definitely not letting you do it alone." He tilted his head lightly to the side. "...Don't worry. We can have fun while doing it. The world won't end tomorrow."
It was simple, reasonable talk but the way he said it soothed her and she found herself grinning at him. "Thank you."
He was right. It was best to take things slow and easy. The massacre was far in the future for now and at the rate things were looking, there was nothing to worry about yet. Even Orochimaru's recent involvement couldn't be rushed; besides she hadn't exactly disclosed every bit of the details of the war and the massacre. She didn't even tell him that he was the one who had executed it out...
She glanced at him. He was now sighing exasperatedly at his other teammates, hands on his hips like an over protective older brother -despite the fact that he was a great deal younger. Perhaps it was better if she didn't disclosed that particular detail to him; it would devastate him. Besides...it was not his fault. It was decided -he would not know about the massacre by his own hands. "...is everything okay?" he asked worriedly, noticing that her gaze towards him had changed yet again.
"No. I'm getting nervous again." she huffed, crossing her arms over her chest. "At this rate I won't turn out cute in the photograph!"
"Sakura chan, you always look cute." Shisui stopped his bickering momentarily to flash her a grin. "Oh! I know! We can hold hands in the picture if it means it'll calm you down!" He jumped at his own suggestion and Sakura half thought about kicking him all the way to Suna yet again.
Loveable oaf. Thats what he was.
"No thanks. I have my own Uchiha right here." And with that she grabbed Itachi's arm, hugging it to her tightly and he laughed, amused at Shisui's pouting expression. He felt rather sorry for him -he wasn't yet used to Sakura's jabs of humor. It was admittedly a little flustering to be chosen like that over the more popular ladies man; then again she showered a lot of humor filled love on him. After a seconds thought, she reached out and snaked her free arm around Shisui's. "...My three boys."
And there she was. Now happy with her team.
Kakashi walked up behind them, his lone eye crinkling up in a smile. He was donned in ordinary jounin gear today -just for the photograph. He had to agree that it felt a lot more comfortable than the ANBU gear he always wore. "Ready when you are kids." he said as he placed his hands on the boys heads -in a familiar motion to Sakura.
"I'm gonna count down from ten. Relax your facial muscles." The old man scratched his messy tuft of grey hair as he fiddled with his camera. "I'll be darned if I have to retake another goddamned photo for today. Uh..ten."
Yes. After all...she cannot dwell on the past all the time. She was given a second chance here. A second chance where Sasuke and Naruto were still alive and happy. A world where Naruto had friends and Sasuke still had a family to go back to. A peaceful world.
"Nine."
She couldn't say she belonged here -she didn't really. But even if she initially had no intention of mingling with these guys, it was better off this way. This way...even she could be a little selfish and try being happy. Who knew -maybe she'd be happy with these guys. The past few weeks were enjoyable after all and they worked well together. Perhaps even much better than her own team where she was often left behind.
"Eight."
Old man Sarutobi wasn't that bad for putting her into the group.
"Seven."
...then again...what happened after her mission was accomplished? Would she continue staying here? She had no intention of completely changing the future around. She would not interfere with Suna, nor would try to make her little self of this world stronger. Her strength was derived from wanting to pulling her own weight. Gaara needed to be saved by Naruto. But Naruto would be happier working with his friends. Sasuke wouldn't feel the need to thirst after power either.
"Six."
So would she stay in Konoha? With them? Or return back to her world if it were possible? Exit out? There was no need for two Sakuras in this world.
"...I...am really glad that we're a team." Shisui's voice made her blink in surprise.
"Five."
"Its been a long time since I had a fun too." Kakashi admitted grudgingly. "...So I guess its not an entirely bad thing that I'm stuck with three little nitwits out to crush my sanity. As your senior, I'll definitely keep you all safe." Sakura smiled at the strength behind his words. "I promise."
She knew he would. He wouldn't fail. Not this time. They would all make sure of it.
"...Four."
"...We'll save the future together." Itachi said quietly, "We need to. For Sasuke's generation of children. Its our duty as shinobi to defend them."
"Three."
"...Heiwa." Sakura said quietly and the boys glanced at her. "How's Heiwa for the name of our team?"
"Two."
"DONE!" Shisui crowed loudly, grinning brightly. "Everyone say 'Heiwa'!"
"ONE!"
And so, the flash erupted simultaneously with their yell. And with it, something in Sakura's heart soared again. It felt as though as a dead flame had been relit inside of her and she felt a feeling she hadn't experienced in a long time; the sense of belonging.
Amidst the loud laughter of the boys and their arms embracing each other, she felt as if she were home again. This was the bright Konoha she wished to live in -and the realization that she'd do anything to preserve this side of the village struck her hard and with determination. "Heiwa...its a pretty name." Itachi said and she grinned at him. "Team Heiwa."
"I was almost going to say Uchiha but then I realized I wasn't an Uchiha yet." She rested her arms behind her head and he laughed.
"Yet? Are you thinking of seducing me?" he asked jokingly, "Careful, I might actually end up seducing you instead."
"As if loverboy. You're not my type." she turned her nose up into the air, unable to fight her grin away.
The sky was bright -and today was a good day. She had a feeling that this was just the beginning of her adventures with these lot. The excited pang in her chest told her that she could barely wait to get started. 'Just you wait Shisou. We'll definitely save Konoha. If all turns out well you might not even have to be Hokage or do paperwork.'
And everyone knew paperwork was the thing she hated the most.
Somewhere far away from Konoha, in a casino, Tsunade Senju sat quietly in front of an arcade game, watching the stream of coins fall out of the machine.
She had hit the jackpot.
Twice in a row.
For Tsunade, a day with losings was one she hated, but was always blessed with calm days. But should she strike a win...and a big one at that...could only mean that something big and dangerous was on its way to strangle her. She covered up a sneeze with her hand and then proceeded to glare at the machine with a deadpanned pallor marking her face.
"...Why do I have the feeling I'm going to be waist deep in trouble soon?"
Q&A Section/ Authors Notes
...I have failed you all again with a late submission. T.T
But on the plus side, summer holidays! And on the greater size of the depressing side...Naruto is officially over. Who else was somewhat disappointed with the ending?
The new movie 'Boruto' is going to come out soon and there is absolutely no doubt that I am immensely excited about it. But the trailers have me a bit down in dumps and the oneshot manga had me quite seething too. Who else agrees Boruto needs his ass kicked in respecting his dad?
Anyway, I'd like to thank some of the readers for showing so much love for my story. I got a very good questions this time and one of them is from 'InARealPickle'. So to clarify -
~Tsunade initially sent Sakura back to prevent the massacre and Naruto dying. Of course there's a whole lot more to this and its a good point that Sakura going back to save Naruto is no different than Tsunade going back to save her lover and brother. Sakura obviously didn't think too much about it considering its just a second chance to save her teammates but there's going to be a whole lot more she'll realize later in the story. Apologies for not spilling more -that'll just be plain spoilers. ^u^
~ From Doujin-Maker; I apologize for dragging out the prince arc for so long. I realize quite a lot of people disliked the snobby prince. *laugh* But as you read, Orochimaru was involved in it and I hope to deepen the plot enough for you all to get wrapped up in the story.
~Tamani: Yes, thats pretty much her character in the story. Its probably going to go along the lines of that should she face off with them. *laugh*laugh*
~Golden Piggy: Your intuition was on the point! :D
I will now end this chapter. I one again apologize for dragging it out for so long -I realize I have made you all wait. But I am already working on the next chapter as we speak and I'll upload it up as soon as possible! I'll be glad to have my mistakes spot out and love heartfelt criticism.
Your reviews encourage me to keep writing~
Owari~