Not long after that they were fully ensconced within the Hokage's Office, a sound proofing barrier tag had gone up to prevent any eavesdroppers or someone trying to break in during the very important meeting taking place.
Once they were all sat brown eyes shifted to the young girl "Sakura-san before we get started I'd like to ask you what on earth is going on here, you said something about a mess and something about a weapon I'm afraid I didn't quite understand that" Hiruzen questioned.
"Right the day after I returned from my mission, Naruto, Sasuke and I bought a house to share as teammates so that we can get in sync better, while we were buying training gear we spotted a weapon, exotic, interesting but we knew immediately what it was Nuibari" Sakura began.
Beside her Mei smiled lightly the girl was a good talker she'd give her that much "Go on Sakura-san please continue" Mei urged wanting to hear more cause obviously with the way things were looking she probably wouldn't be returning to her village with the sword anyway.
Sakura winced "Even knowing what it was I couldn't resist practicing with Nuibari, I was unaware of any of the side effects which I began displaying even before I got a return letter for the one I sent, after I sent the second letter I didn't touch him but one other time" the pinkette said.
Mei frowned "You said you wouldn't pick him up again though" the auburn haired woman reminded in confusion, children were little brats no matter how mature they seemed and behind her Ao snorted in amusement.
Hiruzen had an answer "Ah but as I recall Sakura-san thought that if she left the sword unattended in her storage shed that people who'd come to kidnap her future sister in law would try to steal it" the Hokage remembered suddenly.
"Yes that's right about two days ago my future sister in law was brought here by someone I know, she'd been missing for about a week and then suddenly I was taking care of her, it was around five her second day that I was woken up by a pounding on the door, fakes playing her parents" Sakura cleared her throat.
Peridot orbs burning in anger as if she'd let those bastards put their hands on Hiretsuna anyway "Goodness and after ensuring your future sister's safety you thought they would try to steal from you" Mei asked just to be sure.
And the girl nodded, now touching Nuibari despite her promise not to made sense "Did you still feel a connection to it" Ao couldn't resist piping in to move along the conversation, even if it was interesting to say the least.
The fuscia haired preteen sighed softly in response "Unfortunately, though it's been six days since then so…." Sakura trailed off holding out the scroll earning a bright smile from the woman sitting next to her.
"Interesting, though I feel I should warn you Sakura-san please be more careful of who you correspond with, I'd rather not lose my head if something happens to you" Hiruzen cleared his throat drawing her attention onto him.
Viridian irises widened "Hokage-sama I am always careful and if something happened to me it would be my fault and my fault alone, plus with those two brainiacs on my team I have to be the responsible one because they wouldn't have known what to do" she drew herself up with a quiet snort.
Hiruzen shook his head lightly in amusement "Quite, however it was just a warning and regardless you are our country's Princess and I'd rather avoid any sort of conflict with your Father, Juhi-sama" the Third said.
Mei paused as she was reaching for the scroll held out to her "P..Princess of Fire Country" Chojuro stole the words right out of her mouth, Sakura visibly flinched in response to the comment before nodding quietly.
"I suppose it does make sense, you wouldn't get any serious repercussions for corresponding with me" Mei nodded understanding the situation better now as she finally took the scroll and unsealed the weapon within, when Nuibari was in her hands she was rejected.
Without a doubt Nuibari had chosen the young girl as his newest wielder "To late damn this is one messed up situation" Ao grumbled from behind them again earning an unimpressed look from his leader as she faced the pink haired brat again.
Sakura let her shoulders droop "It's okay Sakura-san we should have been looking after it better, at least this way we know where it is and know it's in more than capable hands" Mei smiled lightly seeing the sadness in the girl's eyes.
"P..Plus i..if you need help learning h..how to wield him I'm also one of the Legendary Swordsmen" Chojuro piped in from behind again with an offer, earning the tiniest of smiles as Sakura took the held out Nuibari in her hands again.
Hiruzen eyed her and decided that there were worse things that could happen "Well I'm glad that was resolved peacefully now for what you suggested in your letter, about a Peace Treaty between our villages" Hiruzen dismissed Sakura from his office.
"Ao, Chojuro you may wander as you please for now, yes a peace treaty I believe is exactly what our villages need after this latest debacle" Mei turned after dismissing her own shinobi to commence with negotiations.
Just like that Sakura and the two Mist Shinobi exited the office and the door shut behind them quietly and before the girl could disappear on them "Hold up there for a minute brat you weren't going to abandon us after all since we don't know where anything is" Ao narrowed his blue eye.
"Of course not, though if you'd allow me to tell my friends and family that you requested I show you around it won't take me very long" Sakura explained gently keeping Nuibari clutched in her hands not sure how she felt if she was being honest.
The Mist Shinobi before her blinked in surprise "W..We c..can do that Sa..Sakura-san, I'..I'm Chojuro ho..how do you do" Chojuro the only polite one it seemed introduced himself properly with a kind smile.
Sakura couldn't help but smile back "Pleased to meet you Chojuro-san, this way if you will" she nodded lightly at the teenager, then was leading the way from the Hokage Tower and down the streets to her shared house.
Right as she was reaching for the door it was thrown open and she knocked flat on her back "S..SAKURA-CHAN OH NO I killed Sakura-chan" a goofy blonde was the culprit and the two Mist Shinobi stood back watching the scene unfold before their eyes.
"Knucklehead I'm not dead geez calm down and stop acting like a mother would ya" Sakura snorted raising a glowing green hand to her forehead and healing the bump that she'd just received from the door.
Naruto flushed a brilliant shade of red in response to the teasing "Your mean Sakura-chan, so what's the verdict is e….." Naruto questioned helping Sakura to her feet before realizing she had company with her.
"Well anyway I was just coming to let everyone know that I was requested to show them around but your the only one home so could you tell them" the pinkette dusted her clothes off and sealed Nuibari in the storage scroll before placing it gently in her storage pouch.
The blonde nodded his head eagerly "Yeah cause Teme went and abandoned me, Musubime and Hiretsuna-chan are visiting with your Aunt and Uncle so I offered to stay here until you got back" he admitted eyeing the Mist Shinobi once more before vanishing into the house.
Sakura cracked a smile as the door swung shut "Brainless sometimes, goofy sure but I couldn't imagine anyone else as one of my teammates" Sakura grinned before turning to face the two shinobi who'd come with their Mizukage.
"Just who was he calling a bastard, and you should scold him brat, for cussing in front of you like that, your his Princess after all you should be more aware of your status" only to get scolded harshly by the taller older Mist Nin.
Peridot orbs widened then narrowed "He's my friend, plus he knows his limits and our other teammate Sasuke, telling them to stop cussing would be pointless anyway, now was there somewhere you two wished to go" the fuscia haired preteen princess straightened.
Ao narrowed his dark blue eye on the girl before shrugging as he realized she was to far integrated into the shinobi life style "The training grounds, we'll be here for awhile, then somewhere to eat and afterwards you could leave us to ourselves, I'm Ao" he gave a belated greeting.
"Very well then Ao-san, Chojuro-san this way to the training grounds as requested" Sakura announced leading the way down the streets, and just as they were turning the corner someone had to go and bump into her.
Followed by a mostly familiar snort by this point in time "Looks like your still so damn clumsy brat, you should be more careful" Iwashi raised a brow earning a small glower as the young girl bristled in frustration.
"Damn it Iwashi-san you say that but your the one who's always bumping into me and knocking me down on purpose only to lie about it and stop calling me a brat" Sakura scoffed brushing her clothes off for the second time in the span of several minutes.
Iwashi gave his own version of a scoff, eyed the Shinobi trailing behind one of the brats he'd taken to, gave them a warning look over her shoulder then patted the brat on the head "Still don't know what your talking about" the Chunin commented.
Furthering irritating the girl before him "Yes you do to Iwashi-san and one of these days your going to slip up and admit it" the pinkette huffed enjoying their usual banter somewhat it made her feel better.
"Never brat, never you hear, oh and be careful alright try not to nearly die again anytime soon brat" then Iwashi was gone in his usual plume of smoke and Sakura snorted harshly after him in response there he went again ragging on her about that.
In all only two minutes had passed and without another word led the rest of the way down the streets to the training grounds "What did he mean by try not to nearly die again anytime soon" Ao couldn't resist asking.
"Oh that, err Zabuza had an accomplice with him and I squared off against the guy, I was pelted with senbon needles some hit pressure points that stopped my heart temporarily, when I woke up both of them were dead" Sakura exclaimed.
Trying not to feel bothered about the partial lie she'd just spun "A..Are yo..you sure your okay S..Sakura-san" Chojuro was horrified, she must have been so scared waking up to dead bodies like she had.
Her smile was a bright one "Perfectly fine, as shinobi we live and die after all and we never know when it will be our last day, instead of wallowing in life lost I'm taking the lesson they imparted that the world out there isn't all rainbows and sunshine" Sakura said simply.
Earning mystified glances before the duo before her turned and started sparring against each other, she leaned against a rock to get comfortable, only twenty minutes later she spotted someone jogging onto the training field.
"If you were going to go to the training grounds the least you could have done is invite me so that you have a sparring partner" Sasuke skidded to a halt before her in the next moment slightly out of breath as if he'd been looking for her all this time.
Sakura grinned feeling excitement bubbling up with her "Of course it will keep me occupied" her eyes glittered as they went a bit away to avoid interrupting the other sparring duo and settled into defensive stances across each other.
Unbeknownst to them Ao and Chojuro stopped sparring to watch the younger duo, "What the hell" Ao was near gaping when the two younger started sparring and the ground practically shattered beneath their feet.
If he didn't know any better he would say the girl was Tsunade Senju, but it was obvious that she'd been practicing a long time to achieve such results "D..Do you th..think T..Tsunade Sen..Senju taught h..her Ao" Chojuro stuttered.
"No, she learned all that on her own I'm quite sure of it actually, there must have been some reason for her to become a shinobi after all" the gruff hunter nin narrowed his only visible orb on the young girl who was like a reincarnated Tsunade Senju.
Chojuro nodded quietly "P..Probably b..but Sakura-san mo..most likely won't tell us sin..since we aren't tr..trustworthy yet" Chojuro reminded lightly, then their own spar started up again and by the time it was lunch all four of them were sufficiently sore.
But to their surprise Sakura wandered in their direction after healing her and her teammate's injuries and healed theirs as well "A medic's duty is to heal someone no matter who they are" Sakura said when they gave her questioning looks.
Even if they didn't quite get it afterwards they would eventually hopefully "Come on Dope's probably already waiting for us at Ichiraku or something" Sasuke snorted lightly keeping an eye out for any trouble, he wouldn't let anything happen to Sakura after all.
The pinkette sighed "Honestly you boys are ridiculous sometimes" Sakura huffed and rolled her eyes leading the way to Ichiraku where as guessed Naruto was waiting for them and so they all sat and ordered ramen to eat for lunch.
Neither boy asked her a question about Nuibari to her relief and she was all content to eat her ramen "Th..There you are Sakura-chan, some Cloud Shinobi is at your house" Hiretsuna had to come and ruin the peace.
She nearly spewed her noodles but managed to swallow at the last minute just a hair bit louder than she usually did "Wh..What" the pinkette coughed rubbing her throat, that had hurt like the dickens.
"Yeah he's got blonde hair and onyx eyes, said his name was Cee" the brunette with purple eyes nodded, she and Musubime had been going to the house to ask if they could have lunch with the preteens only to find some blonde standing outside the house.
Viridian irises widened and shot in the direction of the Mist Shinobi "We're eating and after this we're going to wander on our own so go brat" Ao scoffed realizing that she wouldn't leave them without his permission.
In the next moment after downing the rest of her ramen was gone in a flash "J..Just got to wonder who thi..this Cee-san fellow is to her" Chojuro questioned quietly as both boys hurriedly finished up their own ramen and dashed after Sakura.
The teenager hadn't stuck around either as she'd vanished after the ones she'd been living with for almost a week at that point "Cee-san, Cee-san what are you doing here did something happen to Darui-kun" Sakura skidded to a halt completely out of breath before the familiar blonde.
"Calm down Sakura-san, Darui's just fine, a bit held up for the moment at the Hokage Tower waiting to get a meeting with Hokage-sama, Raikage-sama allowed him a couple months off suddenly" Cee assured.
And Sakura slid to the ground blowing out a relieved breath, Cee was worried "We've just had a rough few weeks is all" the brunette he'd spoken to before she'd vanished to find the preteens he was most familiar with spoke.
"You can say that again what with going on that crazy ass mission and then fakes trying to kidnap Hiretsuna-chan and all that mess with Nuibari to" Naruto nodded helping Sakura to her feet once she managed to collect herself properly.
Sakura smiled lightly "No kidding it was kind of extremely crazy, then we did all this moving to here and stuff and officially live together" Sasuke piped in not wanting to be left out of the conversation, though the blonde probably had already guessed they lived together.
Considering they were all stood before their shared house anyway, it was odd in a way probably to many others, but to them it made sense and they weren't going to let anyone tell them differently or that they shouldn't be sharing.
Especially with a girl, though not many understood that they wouldn't dare try anything with their teammate because she could literally break their bones with a single punch, so they were utterly terrified of her anyway.
"Darui mentioned that and I got the address from Eda-san, your Aunt, Uncle and younger cousin appear to be getting ready to go off on one of their various trips" Cee announced lightly glad that the girl was doing alright.
"Yep it's been great and these two have learned how to be somewhat responsible for their own actions, such as picking up after themselves or cooking and cleaning" Sakura cackled earning matching sulks from the two boys.
Cee bit back a chuckle "That so well at least they understand that much so far" and then Darui was right there, having snuck in a quick meeting with the Hokage when his meeting with the Mizukage was put on hold while she went to eat.
The reaction was instantaneous "Darui-kun your here, how come Raikage-sama gave you a couple months off suddenly" Sakura threw herself into the twenty one year old's arms without a single ounce of hesitation.
Knowing he'd catch her, Hiretsuna was surprised and then it hit her, this was Sakura's betrothed "Because of the Chunin Exams Sakura, though Cee exaggerated just a month and a few days, speaking of you never told me if you were entering" Darui crushed her to his chest.
At that Sakura grimaced "Not this time, we don't feel ready after being seriously under-prepared for our first mission outside the village" Sasuke was the one to answer that particular question of the two Cloud Shinobi.
Onyx eyes widened in response "It's true, did Sakura-chan tell you what happened" Naruto was worried that his teammate hadn't told the truth to her one and only, but when Darui grimaced he knew she had.
"Speaking of that, you and I need to talk alone" the white haired male said suddenly and before anyone could react, grabbed Sakura carefully around the waist and used the body flicker to get them away from the others.
They ended up on the Hokage Stone Mountain "You don't have to say it Darui-kun, I know it was reckless and stupid and mmmpphm…" Sakura fidgeted uncomfortably only to freeze when warm lips were pressed against her own.
Lightly sure but it was the fact that he'd done it that had her seriously freaking out "I didn't come here to scold you Sakura, was only worried out of my mind until I saw you standing there completely fine" Darui pulled away.
Unaware of her inner turmoil "Darui-kun you just kissed me" the only thing she could really comment on as her skin turned a brilliant shade of red as a completely belated reaction to the sudden kiss she'd received.
Darui raised a brow and chuckled "I did, didn't I Sakura and I realize that makes me a little bold but you have to understand I was worried, I've really come to care for you" the white haired male bent to be eye level with the girl he was betrothed to.
Her face went even redder if that was possible "Really…" Sakura asked in the shyest voice he'd ever heard her use and his own cheeks colored pink in response before nodding sheepishly "Me to Darui-kun, I..I love you" the pinkette confessed softly.
When those words slipped out of her mouth his heart about stopped in his chest "Kami guess they were right this is the best decision I've ever made in my entire life, to be engaged to you is not as drab as I thought it would be" Darui chuckled lightly.
Leaning down and brushing his lips against her cheek this time, Sakura squeaked in response only for her eyes to widen when Darui pointed to his cheek "A..Are you sure" Sakura stuttered earning another nod.
So super quick like she stood on her tiptoes and pressed a lightning fast kiss to Darui's cheek "Thanks now I suppose I should get you back before they wonder what I'm doing to you" Darui gave a lopsided grin before body flickering them back to the others.
It was only then he realized where they were stood actually "This is the house we chose so thank you for picking it out Darui-kun" Sakura giggled softly cheeks still dusted a soft pink color and Cee wondered what had gone on during the private moment.
Then it was like a light bulb went off overhead as he saw a similar dusting of pink on his friends cheeks "We need to talk, see you around Sakura-san, Naruto-san, Sasuke-san" Cee grabbed his teammate and hauled ass down the streets.
"You kissed her and she kissed you back" the blonde accused carefully, of course he couldn't stop the two from doing such things, but Sakura was still extremely young, Darui had to be careful or he would get in trouble.
Darui nodded lightly "Kind of, before I realized I'd done it I'd kissed her, but then she kissed me on the cheek and confessed" the white haired male sighed feeling happy, he'd sort of gotten his first confession from a girl.
Cee shook his head in amusement "Just be careful okay and really how bad did she blush" Cee prodded lightly, his friend grinned indicating that it had been pretty bad, to the point where it might have looked like she had a permanent sunburn on her cheeks.
"Don't worry Cee, I know my limits with her right now and pretty bad thought for sure she was going to faint on me like some girls do when the guy they like pays them attention" Darui chuckled, relieved for the most part and glad that she was doing okay.
The blonde smirked "Right we should get back to those kids no doubt she's been itching to spend plenty of time with you" Cee commented leading the way back down the streets to the house that had been chosen for the members of Team Seven.
And knock on the door which was opened by a familiar blonde "Seems I'm not the only one who came for a visit, Imouto-chan was just telling us about her newest weapon" Musubime with Hiretsuna at his side greeted with a nod of his head.
He was tall for his age of fourteen surprising the older duo since it had been a long while that they'd seen the Prince of Fire Country, the last time being when he was ten and they were certain he hadn't been that tall then.
"Nuibari she called it, the Mizukage came all the way here to speak to her about it, something about the weapon being one of the seven legendary ninja blades and that the Mizukage was going to let her keep it, my apologies I'm Hiretsuna Zankokuna, Musubime's betrothed" Hiretsuna announced.
With that the two were let in and led to the living room where Sakura was showcasing Nuibari "Still can't believe the Mizukage let you keep one of her swords though" the white haired male whistled softly, it was a beauty though that was for sure.
"Indeed and relax you lot we aren't going to scold her or anything, Sakura-san explained everything in great detail to Darui in her letters, including how Momochi-san was in fact alive, though if wanted a sword why didn't you just keep the Executioners Blade" the blonde frowned.
Sakura paused in showing off the thin wire attached to the end of her newest weapon just glad to be able to wield him without repercussions "Because Cee-san, Zabuza-san asked me to send it back as proof of his supposed death" Sakura answered politely.
Obviously that was one thing she hadn't mentioned in her letters "Not only that Momochi-san was the one who saved me from those horrible bandits" the brunette piped in sitting neatly on the couch next to Musubime.
Musubime smiled "Very interesting just makes me wonder what would change him so much that he would go out of his way to return you to us" the fourteen year old prince mused aloud and surprisingly the answer came from Sasuke.
"There's a definite possibility that he feels as if he owes Sakura, since she was the one who healed him at the end or he feels as if going out of his way for people to repent would help ease the pain he feels over that guys passing" Sasuke considered.
His pink haired teammate nodded in agreement "Either way at least he's doing good out there in the world now and not causing trouble for anyone" Naruto chimed in being the wisest he'd ever been just for that moment alone.
Causing everyone to crack a smile or giggle "Honestly you boys" Sakura snorted lightly a smile on her lips and a twinkle of happiness in her bright forest colored orbs as she finally put away Nuibari and sat on the couch.
Next to Darui "Was just reminded of something, earlier you said you were engaged to Musubime, I don't remember ever meeting you before" Darui frowned in the next moment trying to recall meeting Hiretsuna before.
But he couldn't "That's cause you haven't, nor have I met you before this moment, I've only been betrothed to Musubime-kun since we were thirteen" Hiretsuna admitted keeping close to Musubime, just glad that she was safe and sound and accepted finally.
Darui gave her a small smile then wrapped his arm around Sakura "So there's no way you lot are going to be participating in the Chunin Exams huh" Cee was the one to speak after a long drawn out comfortable silence.
"Uh-uh not after that mission anyway it's much to soon and we were barely prepared enough for it, then again if Tazuna-san hadn't lied about the rank we wouldn't have even been on that mission" Sakura huffed feeling decidedly happy.
Even if they weren't partaking in the exams and people were ragging on her about it, she was content to train and get better with her teammates "Precisely I wonder how that old man is doing anyway, if he's still drinking or whatnot" Naruto chattered.
Thinking back to the Wave Mission "I wondered that to but the only way we'll ever find out is if we go back someday, see the bridge that was named after us and all that" Sasuke piped in feeling lazy for once and unwilling to do much more than that.
Cee shook his head eyeing the two preteen boys on the ground "Sakura-chan's been running them ragged what with training, keeping their rooms clean and having them take turns cooking" Hiretsuna snickered having been there all week to watch this go on.
"Quite though she does twice to make up for all she makes them do" the fourteen year old prince nodded in answer with a smile as the two boys lay on the floor staring at the ceiling content to do nothing for the rest of the day.
Well at least until it was time for dinner, only then did Sakura make them get up so they could cook together for once and by 5:35 food was ready "Time to eat everyone" the pinkette called from the doorway that led into the living room.
Then hurried back into the kitchen and snatched the two plates she'd made up for herself and Hiretsuna just as the bunch of males appeared and tore through what was left "You always make me a plate Sakura-chan" Hiretsuna said as they sat to wait at the table side by side.
Sakura flashed the brunette a light smile eyeing the troupe of males in her kitchen fighting to make their own plates in amusement "Sakura-chan is mean she only makes Hiretsuna-chan a plate" the youngest blonde pouted as he spied the two girls.
Just sitting there and staring at them in amusement "I think she secretly enjoys watching us get our own plates ready" the raven snorted feeling like sulking slightly himself, but he didn't want to add to her amusement anymore than he already had.
"Probably we aren't exactly neat sometimes and we do end up shoving each other out of the way more often than not" Musubime commented trying in vain not to crack up laughing himself as he realized how they must look to his sister.
Meanwhile the two older had stood out of the way and let the three younger males get their food first "Reminds me of our own teen years gone past" Darui chuckled lightly leaning against the counter and waiting patiently.
Off to his side the oldest blonde in the house nodded "Indeed though once you get to be an adult things change and you learn how to be patient and not be so rowdy" Cee added spotting an opening and taking it.
Swiftly making his plate and sitting down in the span of a few minutes to the preteen's awe, Darui snorted and made his own plate as well before they all dug in and ate their fill, then Naruto, Sasuke and Sakura hopped up and started doing dishes and cleaning up the kitchen.
"They do that every single morning and night, afternoon's to when they eat lunch here instead of out" the purple eyed brunette explained seeing the confusion on the much older duo's faces as the trio scrubbed every inch of the kitchen until it was once again sparkling clean like earlier.
Before they'd all come stomping in there to eat "That's not the only thing they do, they go out back and train for a couple of hours before heavily booby-trapping the house, every window and door" Musubime knew because Hiretsuna told him.
As he was on his way out the door to return to his Aunt and Uncle's even if he, Koeda, Kyogo and Koron would be the only ones there "Guess I'll see you lot tomorrow" Cee stood from the table intending on heading to a hotel.
Knowing that Darui would probably stay there "Right see you tomorrow man" Darui gave a small wave and then Cee vanished from the house turning in the opposite direction Musubime had leaving him the only adult there out of one fourteen year old and three preteens.
"We're going to train now Darui-kun" Sakura drew the dark skinned male out of his thoughts as he sat there staring blankly at the wall, Darui jolted in response and gave a sheepish chuckle as he realized she was stood before him.
His lips curved upwards into a light smile, the reaction was instantaneous Sakura's cheeks colored pink and she fled obviously embarrassed "What did you do to her" Sasuke had never seen her act so unlike herself before.
"She confessed to me earlier and apparently having my full focus on her is now embarrassing" Darui admitted rising to his feet and heading out the door after the preteen and fourteen year old to watch them train for a couple hours.
Until it was time to head back in, to which the house was heavily booby trapped just as Musubime had told him "Now where are you going to sleep Darui" Naruto was the one to realize the twenty one year old was still there.
Drawing Sakura's attention onto her betrothed "I'll just crash on the couch don't worry, besides if something happened I'd be here to help protect you not saying you aren't incapable of protecting yourselves, it's just having an experienced shinobi on hand would help" Darui said.
"Just wait there then I'll go get a couple of blankets and pillows, also that couch is a pull out so it'd be like having your own bed" Sakura hummed disappearing up the steps to the spare room which was used as storage and returned with two blankets and two pillows.
With that they all bid each other goodnight, took showers or baths in Hiretsuna and Sakura's case before going to sleep after an extremely long day, it was a nice and quiet night right up until 6 o'clock in the morning.
And since he was the only one downstairs, he was able to hear the repeated knocking on the door, Darui flipped the covers he'd been lent from his body, snatched up his cleaver and hurried to answer the door, cautiously of course.
He was even more wary when he found two Mist Shinobi on the other side of the door "Is there a reason your knocking on the door at 6 in the morning that's drab dude" Darui leaned against the door frame still concerned.
"My apologies we thought the girl would be awake at this time since she seems the type to be training orientated, what's a Cloud Shinobi doing here" the taller male that was dressed in the traditional outfit of the Hunter Nin grouched out.
Earning a confused blink "Oh you mean Sakura huh, it was a long day yesterday for her and those other ones so their still asleep and I'm here because I'm betrothed to her" the white haired male raised a white brow waiting for it to click.
Immediately the younger of the two Mist Shinobi spluttered "B..But y..you must be over t..twenty how on earth did you g..get betrothed to her" the blue haired teen wigged out most likely thinking that he'd had some kind of sway to get that sort of status.
"When the kid was three she took one look at me and wanted me, best decision of my life, now if you don't mind I'd like to get back to sleep and you two can come back around 8ish" Darui said lightly wanting to catch a few more Zzz's.
The two merely nodded and turned to head off to wherever, thankful that they hadn't kicked up a fuss Darui returned to the couch and went back to sleep for another hour or so until he felt someone shaking his shoulder "Darui-san, breakfast is ready" Hiretsuna announced.
Glad that they'd allowed him to rest until that moment Darui sat up with a stretch "Morning Darui-kun, by the way did someone knock on the door earlier this morning" Sakura was right there waiting for him in the kitchen.
"Right two Mist Shinobi, were looking for you, told them to come back around 8 that alright" Darui yawned before taking a sip of the coffee that was gently pushed into his hands afterwards he felt decidedly more awake.
Sakura's emerald orbs lit up "Ao-san and Chojuro-san, they probably wanted to show me how to wield Nuibari, but thank you for asking them to wait cause I didn't want to get up so early again this morning" the pinkette grinned widely.
Cuddling into his side as they sat at the table together "Yeesh those two have no patience at all, by the way is this a new recipe or what cause it tastes different than usual" Sasuke snorted lightly biting into the homemade waffles.
Her lips curved upwards in amusement "Wouldn't you like to know Sasuke" the fuscia haired princess snickered, peridot orbs twinkling with mischief, Sasuke groaned and shook his head, while Darui cracked a grin watching the antics of the younger trio in the house.
"That was mine Teme, where do you get off stealing my waffles, Sakura-chan, Sasuke-teme's being mean to me again" Naruto pouted in the next moment when a waffle was stolen off his plate and Sasuke took a huge bite out of it.
The girl in question sighed "Boys, boys, boys, when are you two going to learn how to share" Hiretsuna tsked shaking her finger at the duo, who gulped and Sasuke went so far as to give up one of his waffle's evening out the plates again.
"Looks like you girls have them scared of you" Darui couldn't help but chuckle again cutting into his own waffle's and scooping a bite onto his fork, where it nearly melted in his mouth and he straightened at the familiar taste.
Before directing a look at Sakura, who met his gaze a knowing smile on her lips "What's that all about, the smiling bit you two just did" the blonde jumped in suddenly having seen the little moment, curious and hoped they'd tell him.
Their eyes widened "Oh um you see Darui-kun knows the waffle recipe I used that's all" Sakura giggled softly then focused her attention on eating, it probably wouldn't be much longer before the Mist duo returned and dragged her to the training grounds or something.
"I've got it don't worry Sakura" Sasuke heard the knock and vanished down the hall leaving Sakura and Naruto to clean up the kitchen, when he returned it was with someone unexpected, the Mizukage, Mei Terumi.
Even Darui was shocked at the sight of her "My, my you really do share a house with two boys, pardon my intrusion Sakura-san, but the Elders caught wind of my presence and reason here and whisked Hokage-san away to most likely chew him out" Mei smiled a beautiful smile.
Peridot irises widened "Not at all Mizukage-sama and probably, did you want me to escort you around" Sakura straightened in the next moment taking the woman's presence in her house very seriously because this was the strangest thing that had ever happened to her.
Mei glanced around "Actually I was wondering if you'd show me the training grounds and train with Nuibari so I can see how you handle him" the auburn haired woman explained lightly feeling the stares from the younger boys in the house.
While the much older one didn't so much as even peer at her, kept his gaze on the youngest girl in the house "Don't worry about us then Sakura-chan, I'm going to go see Musubime-kun" the brunette vanished in the next moment.
"Right good luck Sakura-chan" the blonde saluted hurrying after the brunette the house quickly clearing out and Sakura vowed to get them back for abandoning her with the Mizukage later probably dinner time.
It was then a prank took root in her mind "Err if you'd like Sakura, I can help you on that front by being your sparring partner" thank kami for Sasuke, who was the only one who understood how scary it must be for her.
Darui rubbed the back of his head "Cee and I will meet up with you later Sakura, don't worry you'll do fine, you're a natural with weapons anyway" Darui patted his betrothed gently on the shoulder gave her a crooked smile and disappeared out the door himself.
"Onward to the training grounds then, Ao and Chojuro are already waiting for us there" Mei cheered knowing that she could have found the training grounds herself but wanted to have an escort that knew their way around the village leading her.
Halfway down the street Sasuke took the lead and soon they found themselves on the training grounds "Not quite 8, you do wake up early then I wasn't wrong" Ao snorted gruffly at their appearance and Sakura gave him an odd look.
Before sighing "Most of the time I do wake up early, but not before six, unless something happens or I'm going on a mission" Sakura explained lightly pulling out the scroll that she'd designated for Nuibari and unsealed the needle like weapon.
Until he was held precariously in her hands "Still amazes me whenever I see it" Sasuke whistled quietly knowing better than to try and touch, Nuibari was all Sakura's now and it wouldn't allow anyone else but her to wield him.
Sakura smiled sheepishly "Quite wh..who would have th..thought Nuibari wo..would choose a y..young girl as his ne..next wielder" Chojuro was similarly amazed at the ease in which the girl held the weapon in her hands.
Then she turned and faced Sasuke who visibly tensed "If you two are ready let the spar begin" the auburn haired Mizukage clapped her hands starting the spar and Sasuke had to duck low and cartwheel backwards.
As the pointy tip of Nuibari came straight at his face only to change trajectory and try to sweep him off his feet, Sakura was using the weapon as an extension of herself "Holy try not to kill me okay Sakura" the Uchiha panted.
Feeling as if he was about to be put through the wringer or something "Wouldn't dream of it Sasuke" the pinkette grinned attaching a shuriken to the end of the wire and tossed it, unfortunately for her Sasuke was getting rather good at dodging her weapons.
So the shuriken missed completely "Goodness" Mei gasped when the ground exploded underneath Sakura's foot throwing her sparring partner off balance, to where he went rolling as Nuibari came after him again.
Never in all her life had she seen a girl fight so brutally before "She was like that yesterday to, not only that but they wear weights as well" Ao came to stand at her side spying the bandages on the preteen's arms and legs.
"J..Just go..got to wonder how much though, c..can't be that m..much if their t..training with li..little to no difficulties a..at all" Chojuro commented having seen the bandages the day before but hadn't said anything.
Mei was curious now and resolved herself to ask later about the weights, by the time it was two both preteen's looked sufficiently beat up with scratches and bruises and cuts littering their bodies, even a broken bone in Sasuke's case.
"Ow your always so brutal on me, why don't you get this crazy during a spar with Hinata, Ino or the Dope" Sasuke winced only to relax when glowing green hands were pressed to his side where a large cut was.
Her lips curved upwards in amusement "Because Naruto whines like a baby if I leave the tiniest of bruises on him or a cut, Hinata is scary sometimes and won't hesitate to go full force on me and Ino she's to soft for the kind of heavy hitting I do" Sakura snorted.
Pink brow raised as she set Sasuke's broken pinky finger then healed it before focusing the rest of her chakra on herself "How long have you been able to heal and how much do your weights weigh" Ao cut in to her conversation in the next moment.
"We'd like to know as well Sakura-san, you remind me of Tsunade Senju is that who trained you how to do all that, the evasion, healing, chakra enhanced strength" Mei continued wanting to get as much information out of the girl as she could.
Sakura looked up at that "O..Or was Ao right be..before how you acquired al..all those skills yourself" Chojuro contributed to the conversation as well, though his question was less sensitive than the others hopefully.
"I've been able to heal since I was ten and our weights mm I think their 10.5 pounds on each arm and leg which totals 42 pounds, I've never met Tsunade-sama so my skills I learned on my own mostly anyway with a bit of help from others" Sakura rose to her feet.
Finished healing now and let the bright green glow fade from her hands "And you're a traitor you big forehead freak" Ami Himekari marched her way onto the training field, Sakura let out a long suffering sigh and sealed Nuibari away.
"Ami what the hell do you think your doing anyway" Sasuke groaned, he'd thought the girl would think twice about storming onto the training grounds especially with Sakura around but apparently Ami had an even thicker brain than Naruto did.
This earned a smirk "Come to challenge Forehead over there, if you can make it all the way to the final round of the Chunin Exams, I'll concede defeat and leave Sasuke-kun alone forever and let you have him Forehead" Ami glowered.
Her brows rose high "Not participating Ami-san so go bother someone else and Sasuke belongs to himself and I already have someone thank you very much that I like a lot" Sakura scoffed with a roll of her eyes.
Making Ami splutter in indignation "Who the hell would want to be with you and your big ugly forehead, Forehead, guess I'll just have to fight you here and now" the purple haired girl snapped launching herself at the other girl.
Mei, Ao and Chojuro were surprised when the purple haired girl stopped suddenly inches away from Sakura and fell flat on her face "Scary like usual then, what kind of genjutsu did you put her in" Sasuke shuddered just glad his friend didn't use genjutsu on him in their spars.
"Genjutsu and just how long have you been able to use genjutsu" Mei was seriously confused, just what on earth was the girl trying to prove by becoming such a powerhouse on a team of males, that would all be prodigies in their own rights.
Sakura looked up again "Since I was eleven, studied the brain, theory of genjutsu and plenty of other things to make it so real that one forgot what was reality and what's the illusion" the pinkette answered lightly sending a jolt of chakra into Ami.
Who sat up and scrambled backwards fighting off invisible attackers "Back, back stay back" she was clearly rattled by whatever she'd seen in the genjutsu as there was a sheen of sweat on her forehead and her skin was pale.
In the next moment Ami puked "It wasn't even that bad Ami, your two friends telling you that they no longer wanted to be your friend, how on earth could you be freaked out about that" the fuscia haired preteen was confused.
"Your awful Forehead and I'm telling on you for associating with those people" Ami pointed an accusing finger at the Mist duo and Mizukage before scrambling from the training grounds as fast as she could not wanting to stick around any longer and be put in another genjutsu.
Sasuke shook his head "Man remind me not to tick you off yeah Sakura it would be drab if you put me in a genjutsu of your making" Darui appeared in the next moment, Sakura turned and launched herself at the man.
And was caught soundly in his arms "Bet she'll be even more angry when she realizes we're here to create a treaty between our villages" Ao snorted in the next moment eyeing the Cloud Shinobi that was engaged to the Princess of Fire Country.
"I..Indeed th..though I do..don't understand how do..does one make th..their genjutsu so re..realistic that the t..trapped feels a..as if the illusion is real and n..not fake" Chojuro was confused about that little tidbit of information.
The pinkette glanced to him "Why don't you let her put you in one of her special genjutsu's then" Cee commented appearing after his partner, having hoped to get in a bit of training himself and finding many people already crowded on it.
Mei nodded at her shinobi who stepped forward bravely and let Sakura put him in one of her special genjutsu's, when he snapped out of it five minutes later, he looked a little disturbed himself "Well Chojuro what did you see" the auburn haired Mizukage prodded.
"Black clouds rolling over the sky, rain pelting my face, hearing the crack of thunder in my ears, feeling the heat of fire as lightning struck a tree down and then finding myself in a barren wasteland with the most hideous monster anyone could ever imagine" the blue haired teen said.
Looking a little queasy "At least you went in with the knowledge that it was a genjutsu, Ami didn't" Sakura announced lightly leaning against Darui feeling drained of chakra, two genjutsu, plus the mystical palm, evasion tactics, chakra enhanced strength would do that to a person.
"Such a pity that you aren't participating in the Chunin Exams with the skills you two just displayed I'd think you'd have a better chance than the rest of the contestants" Ao commented as they all headed off the training grounds to get an early lunch.
Sakura shrugged "We just don't feel ready is all despite all that, plus I get the feeling that if we did participate something might happen to Sasuke" her lips turned down into a frown as she eyed the raven haired boy walking casually ahead of them not even paying attention.
Darui pressed his lips together remembering the last time Sakura felt as if something would happen to one of her friends, he knew that her gut feelings weren't to be brushed off and stepped back to Cee after sending her a reassuring smile.
"The next three days crash at the house with me, last time she felt something was going to happen, something did happen her gut instincts aren't to be discredited" Darui lowered his voice keeping his guard raised.
Because he certainly didn't want anything happening to Sakura or those idiot boys she hung around "Got it, I was already thinking about doing that anyway cause I've got this feeling that somethings going to happen to them to" Cee grimaced.
Lowering his voice as well before they arrived at the tea shop for lunch that day to have curry and tea before they all split up, just as Sakura was contemplating going to hang out with her brother, Ino and Hinata skidded to a halt before her.
"You have to wish us luck tomorrow Sakura or I'll be to much of a nervous wreck to participate in the Chunin Exams" Ino blurted after catching her breath already looking as if she was a nervous wreck with the way she kept bouncing on her heels and fidgeting.
Next to her Hinata nodded "W..We'll b..be back before you k..know it S..Sakura-chan s..so do..don't worry about us so much" Hinata winced, worried that something would happen herself but still intending on participating.
Peridot irises widened and then both girls found themselves enveloped in a hug "Good luck Ino, Hinata-chan, kick ass out there okay and no matter what happens we'll be friends through thick and thin" Sakura murmured.
Feeling guilty that she wasn't going to be there for them "Thanks Sakura, I'm glad we were able to become friends in the end and that you accepted me even after all the crap I tried to pull" the blonde relaxed as soothing chakra washed over her.
"E..Exactly a..and we'll co..come back w..we promise c..cause w..we're friends th..through thick and thin" the bluenette reiterated feeling better already though not without that feeling of dread and just like that they wandered away.
Leaving Sakura to herself to go visit her brother "Oh hey Sakura-chan sorry I can't talk long got a mission" Koeda was headed out the door when she arrived, with that parting line was gone down the streets most likely to the gates.
Sakura let her lips curve upwards into a brilliant smile and entered the house to visit Musubime, Hiretsuna and Kyogo since it was his turn to stay in the Leaf Village while his sister traveled with her Aunt, Uncle and younger cousin.
Before they knew it, it was time to head back and start dinner "See you tomorrow Musubime-kun" Hiretsuna waved as they left the Haruno house behind and headed towards Team Seven's house where everyone was already waiting.
Even Cee and most surprisingly of all Kakashi "Last chance you three to participate in the Chunin Exams" Kakashi prodded wondering if his genin were still adamant about not partaking in this years exams.
Turns out they were and they rejected the waivers "Very well then at least you know what you want out of life" the silver haired nin sighed then disappeared in a plume of smoke leaving them to dinner before they settled down for the night.
And the very next day was the start of the Chunin Exams, Sakura wished all of her classmates good luck that would be participating then headed to the training grounds to spar against Sasuke with Nuibari under Mei, Ao and Chojuro's watchful eyes.
In all the day was pretty normal, but it all went downhill after dinner and the trio of preteens had gone to bed, Cee was on watch that night and the minute he heard loud crashes he jerked Darui awake and they flew up the stairs.
To not Sakura's room but Sasuke's and within they found the Uchiha in the clutches of the Snake Sannin himself "My, my what a surprise" Orochimaru chortled gripping the Uchiha tightly, painfully and inching his way backwards to the window.
"Better let the Teme go or I'm gonna kick your ass" Naruto who's room was right next to Sasuke's came storming in slinging kunai only to be held back by Darui, it was then he realized that Sasuke was in a very precarious situation.
Darui narrowed his eyes trying to figure out a way to get Sasuke free of Orochimaru's grip "Cee we don't have much of a choice" the dark skinned male said under his breath, wishing he didn't have to do this, especially since it was Sakura's house.
"Got it, Naruto-san, get those girls out of here, we'll handle this and get Sasuke-san to safety" Cee ordered of the younger blonde, who nodded seriously and vanished out the door to the room across the hall, then the two girls and Naruto vanished from the house out the window.
Allowing the older duo to focus on Orochimaru "What do you want with me anyway" Sasuke tried to wiggle himself free only to find it nearly impossible to get loose, and if he tried anything else no doubt he'd probably end up dead.
Pale gold eyes snapped to his onyx "Your precious Sharingan Sasuke-kun you've been chosen as my next vessel" Orochimaru hissed like the snakes he was fond of, revealing only a small portion of his plan to destroy the Leaf.
Darui gripped the handle of his cleaver and Cee started forming hand signs at a rapid rate "Like hell we'll let you sink your teeth into him Orochimaru" the dark skinned male launched himself forward only to be dodged.
Just as a blinding flash of light filled the air, Orochimaru in the confusion released his captive and Sasuke scrambled backwards getting out of the line of fire "Raiton: Lightning Ball" the blonde used a jutsu that had Orochimaru fleeing from the house.
Even if it did destroy part of the wall "Not cool, not cool in the least you two, what are we gonna tell Sakura, she's gonna be so mad" the raven haired preteen slid to the ground staring at the destruction in horror.
"Small price to pay to save you don't you think and I'd like to think that Sakura would understand the reasoning, besides we'll fix it and it will be like nothing happened" Darui rubbed the back of his neck eyeing the damage.
And trying to figure out how exactly he and Cee were going to go about fixing the wall anyway "Right, I'll go find them and bring them back, Darui you take Sasuke-san and inform the Hokage of that traitor being in the village" Cee took charge.
Soon enough the six of them were crowded in the Hokage's Office "Orochimaru in the village and he's after Sasuke" Hiruzen coughed out looking quite ridiculous in his sleep wear, since he had been sleeping prior to being woken.
"Knew something would happen, just didn't know what, where or when, what should we do Hokage-sama" Sakura was keeping rather close to Sasuke and Darui didn't even feel an ounce of jealously over that fact.
He knew she was worried and wouldn't do anything "Place you under Anbu Protection of course, though I can't call off the Chunin Exams" the Hokage said as if it was the most obvious thing, Sakura felt ten times better.
"W..Well at least he's not after anyone else right that way the situation can be contained for the most part" Hiretsuna who was also present for the meeting since she'd been in the house said before they all wandered to the Haruno House.
Under a heavy anbu escort squad to get some shut eye for the rest of the night, only one day since the Chunin Exams had begun and already things were getting crazy, Sakura was just glad that Darui and Cee were there, even if part of the house had been destroyed.
That was her last thought before she curled up in the chair in her Aunt and Uncle's living room to get some sleep and hoped that the next day would bring good news and wouldn't be so chaotic during the night.