It was nice waking up in her bed after a month of being gone, half past eight and Sakura was pleased that nothing had woken her until then as she took a shower unlike last night and dressed in much more casual clothing.
Before padding down the steps to get started on breakfast "Welcome home Sakura-chan" Kakashi popped into the kitchen, looking better than she expected, probably thanks to Tsunade and she turned with a wide smile.
"Thanks Kakashi-sensei it's good to be home, how are you feeling" Sakura inquired with a frown, worry overcoming her mind, he'd spent an entire month in the hospital after all, if only they'd found Tsunade sooner, he wouldn't have had to suffer so long.
Kakashi held up his hand indicating to wait as he sat down at the table and so she turned back to whipping up food, not to long after Sasuke came trailing down the stairs with Naruto on his heels "Your back are you okay, did Hokage-sama heal you" Sasuke scowled.
Sitting down next to his sensei "Or are you a shadow clone" Naruto accused knowing it was a possibility because of the man's sharingan, at that Kakashi chuckled under his breath and ruffled Naruto's blonde locks.
And shook his head "I'm fine you three, Hokage-sama healed me early this morning and no I'm not a clone Naruto, but it is good to be back and in our home" the silver haired Jonin admitted crinkling his eye at his students.
He'd really come to care for them and he'd been worried all month "We're fine to Kakashi-sensei, none of us were hurt I promise, though we did encounter them your attackers" the rosette announced, not lying to her sensei about anything.
"Not only that but she was badass and turned Orochimaru into a crispy looking snake guy with Nuibari" the blue eyed blonde sniggered and got scuffed over the back of the head "Even got this cool necklace from Granny" he added as an afterthought.
Raising the crystal to eye level "Kakashi I have a request, I'd like you to train me whenever we're not having missions or team training sessions" the raven haired preteen asked seriously all of a sudden, wanting to get strong in order to pull his weight on the team.
"Don't look at me Kakashi-sensei, I've got that old Sage guy willing to train me for whatever reason" Naruto waved his hand when the man glanced to him, thinking that he was going to be jealous about Sasuke's request probably.
Their sensei turned his gaze onto the lone girl next "Tsunade-sama took me on as her second apprentice so I'm good" Sakura said in an off-handed tone while focusing up on finishing breakfast for the four of them.
Kakashi blew out a breath "Looks like I'll have to say yes since these two have themselves sorted out" Kakashi chuckled dryly in amusement, resting his head on his fist watching his students work together to set the table.
"Of course they have themselves sorted out, but I swear I'll work hard Kakashi, we'll become students you can be proud of" Sasuke snorted digging into the first homemade waffles in over a month and practically groaning at the delicious taste of them.
A little while later once breakfast had been thoroughly devoured and the kitchen had been cleaned from top to bottom, a grocery list was made of everything they needed and so the lot of them headed out the door, excluding Kakashi, to head to the market.
First on their list was sweet chestnuts, some carrots, a bag of sugar cubes and a fresh feed bag for Kuri "We'll have to take her out for exercise later" the Uchiha on the team reminded as they started getting the other things they needed and sealing the groceries in storage scrolls.
"Yeah poor Kuri must have been cooped up this entire time" the knucklehead blonde nodded in agreement, reaching for the tomatoes, instinctively knowing they were Sasuke's favorite to munch on in the case they were in a hurry or something.
Next was apples "Uchiha compound or our usual" the pink haired princess mused aloud, thinking on the two different training grounds they used, making the two boys contemplate on the matter as they bought lots of different food items.
Before traipsing back to the house once they were done, setting up the new feed bag and mixing the sweet chestnuts into the feed for Kuri "I think Compound this time" Naruto finally suggested wanting to take a look at the clan's library to find anything interesting.
"Guess we're settled then, for now our own workout" Sasuke smirked, eager to continue practicing the switch flicker and get it down, Naruto was going to keep working on the rasengan and Sakura she moved off to the side of their backyard turned small training grounds.
Her Mist acquired weapon held precariously in her hands "Right" Sakura smiled brightly then focused her intent on training with Nuibari, until the three of them decided to call it quits, not wanting to go overboard like usual.
"Knock, knock Imouto-chan, I forgot when you came by yesterday evening to give you these, their from Darui, all five of them" Musubime decided to show up thirty minutes later as they were preparing to take Kuri off for her exercises.
Carrying a bunch of scrolls in his arms "I'll read them in a bit, thank Ni-san" the rosette hugged her older brother who was indeed fifteen now, like Koeda, while Hiretsuna still had a few months to go before reaching that age.
Even her own birthday was coming up soon and she'd finally be thirteen "Make sure you come visit us longer next time" the blonde waved watching them exit the backyard gate, directing Kuri down the streets by her reins.
Until they reached the old Uchiha Compound and let the horse loose on the training grounds "I'm going to check out some books in your library Teme" the blonde of Team Seven pointed to the old main family house and Sasuke waved him off.
When Naruto returned there were three books clutched in his arms, Sasuke and Sakura were just finishing up with Kuri's exercises "Okay now what" Sasuke asked when they were on their way back home, none of them were use to having so much time off.
"I'm going to read the letters Darui-kun sent me after that I might spend some time with Musubime-ni, probably write some return letters, and enjoy my break" Sakura ticked off her fingers, grateful for the three week break they'd gotten.
Beside Sasuke, the knucklehead sniggered under his breath "Plus there's always training to look forward to" Naruto chimed in, happy that he was home, a month was to long to go without seeing it in his honest opinion.
Just like that the three of them split up to do their own thing for once and like she'd said Sakura read through each of Darui's letters, her heart warmed at each one and her face felt like it was on fire by the time she was done with them.
Even so she dutifully pulled out her stationary set and wrote a long detailed letter, not only that but because it had been a while since she'd heard from Hiretsuna, her future sister in law also got a long winded letter, Cee was next on the list.
His was slightly less thorough, though he did get the news she was now the 5th Hokage's apprentice and imagining his expression was to funny for even her, then Sakura rolled up the scrolls and wrote the intended receivers name on the scroll.
And headed for the messenger bird tower, soon all three letters were on their way so she made her way back across the village to the house her family had taken up partial residence in "What brings you here dear" Sayuri asked when she noticed her daughter in the foyer.
"Came to see if Ni-san would like to hang out with me for a bit, I could teach him to use his chakra some more in case of emergencies" the pinkette chattered excitedly, it had been a long time since she'd had alone time with her brother after all.
Sayuri couldn't help but smile then call out to her oldest child "Musubime your sister is here requesting some of your time" the blonde woman announced and less than a second Musubime was in the foyer putting on his sandals.
Making her laugh at his hurried movements "What are we waiting for then Imouto-chan let's go" Musubime grabbed his sister's hand and drug her from the house and down the streets to the training grounds.
Leaving their mother behind to shake her head "Honestly I don't know where they get all that energy" Juhi chuckled, doing as his wife had by shaking his head at his children's antics, never mind that he would soon have two more to raise soon.
"Kami help me if their anything like their older sister" the Feudal Lord sighed and got a confused look from Sayuri until she understood where his thoughts had gone so decided to leave him to it by sitting down and resumed reading her book.
In this time the two siblings had made it to Team 7's training grounds "Wait, where's Naruto and Sasuke I thought they'd be here as well Imouto-chan" the blonde teenage prince frowned when he realized that his sister's teammates weren't there.
"Silly Ni-san we all decided to do our own thing for a bit I know it seems like we're velcroed to one another sometimes but not really" Sakura giggled at her older brother who flushed and rubbed the back of his head sheepishly.
Before straightening "Right I heard what you said to Mother so what are you going to teach me this time" Musubime asked, he already knew how to tree climb, throw shuriken and kunai, some other basics so he was confused.
Her eyes twinkled "The water walking technique don't worry Musubime chakra control runs in the family so you'll have this down sooner than you think" the fuscia haired girl announced, adding the rest as an afterthought when Musubime blanched.
Not fond of the thought of getting wet obviously "Such confidence Sakura" the teenage prince sighed watching his sister carefully as she stepped out onto water without falling in, he noticed the blue glow around her feet.
"Course Musubime, the trick though is to keep your chakra consistent until you grow use to the technique, otherwise you'll fall in" Sakura explained standing on dry land again so that her brother could take his turn.
With a sigh he focused his own chakra "Here goes then" Musubime closed his eyes and stepped out onto the little lake remembering to reapply his chakra, he wobbled a few times then hurriedly got back on dry land.
Sakura clapping all the while "You did it, see Musubime-ni chakra control really does run in the family" the preteen princess praised, which really got Musubime thinking and just as he was about to ask a scowling woman stormed onto the training grounds.
"Stupid brat I've been looking for you all over this damn village" the honey eyed blonde snapped and Musubime straightened at the tone and narrowed his eyes drawing attention onto himself from the unknown to him woman.
Then he spoke quite bluntly and plainly "That's my sister your talking to Ma'am I won't tolerate anyone insulting her like that" the younger blonde said in a warning tone as he shifted into a defensive position.
Pale brows rose up and looked as if they were ready to launch into space "Heh, ha, ha, he, he so I see the temperament runs in the family huh brat ease up there boy, I don't have a problem with her and just to remind you I am the new Hokage" Tsunade laughed.
Musubime flushed for the second time that day "It's okay Ni-san, so what did you need Tsunade-sama" Sakura smiled bright stunning the woman who had expected disobedience given the girl's history so far.
Tsunade sighed "Get this straight if your going to be my apprentice I expect you to work at the hospital…..what if you don't like it to bad you'll just have to tough it out" the honey eyed Hokage scoffed at the look she was getting from her new apprentice.
"Unfortunately Tsunade-sama you telling me to work at the hospital is moot…cause I already work there" the pinkette informed simply and it really seemed like Tsunade's brows were considering launching into space this time.
As the woman stared at her unblinkingly in surprise "Already work at the hospital, since when" Tsunade questioned more curious than angry now because earlier she'd thought the girl was about to complain about having to work.
Sakura nodded seriously "Yep, a couple months ago, the hospital personally scouted me, though they like to claim they taught me the mystical palm, I've really enjoyed working there" Sakura exclaimed and beside her Musubime shot her a fond smile in response.
His sister really was one of a kind "Personally scouted huh, well guess me coming to find you was pointless, keep up the good work, oh and start taking notes on the staff understand I need to know how bad the hospital is so I can get it back to where I left it" the blonde snapped.
Before storming off "Okay Tsunade-sama" the rose haired princess waved, then turned her attention on her older brother once more as they resumed training until Musubime understood the water walking technique just as well as she did.
"I suppose you weren't wrong imouto-chan, chakra control really is in our family, I wonder why that is though" Musubime mused as they started back towards home after hours had passed and it had remained just the two of them.
Apparently what Sakura had said about them doing their own thing was true because neither Sasuke or Naruto had shown up to interrupt their bonding time "Mhm and me to I wonder sometimes as well but I doubt we'll ever get an answer for that" Sakura snorted lightly.
Then he was headed inside of the house he'd partially moved into with his parents while Sakura headed for her shared team house "How did training go with Musubime" Sasuke asked the minute his sole female teammate appeared in the living room.
Where he and Naruto were sat reading books from his clan's library "Great, Ni-san knows how to water walk now, next he'll be using jutsu's I swear" the pinkette grinned as she plopped down gracefully in her favorite chair.
"Really that's great and Musubime will really now how to defend himself you know" Naruto echoed her grin with one of his own before they settled down for some peace and quiet, Kakashi was actually surprised when he came down for dinner to find them all passed out.
And since they were all sleeping and couldn't see he let pride show in his ebony iris "I'm proud of you three" Kakashi whispered quietly, making a couple of clones to cart his students to their bedrooms, while he picked up Sakura.
Once all of them were tucked in beneath the covers he turned and body flickered on the spot to a restaurant since he wouldn't be getting a home cooked meal that night "Odd and here I thought you'd be eating with those students of yours" Shikaku grunted.
Flopping down in the booth making Kakashi scoot over to make room for the other man as two more joined them, Inoichi and Choza "Would be if those three hadn't passed out on me" the silver haired nin snorted.
"I don't blame them, they were gone for a month looking for Lady Tsunade" Inoichi chimed in, just grateful that his Ino had a friend in Sakura, who was actually their country's princess, that had been the big shocker when it had been revealed courtesy of his daughter.
Kakashi nodded in agreement to Inoichi's statement already digging in as his order came and the Ino-Shika-Cho trio gave their own orders intent on eating out as well that night for whatever reason "What I still can't believe is that girl is the Feudal Lords daughter" Choza said.
The man opposite him made no outward reaction at the comment "Believe me I was shocked when Sasuke-kun outed her secret on that C turned A rank mission" Kakashi scoffed, the trio looked at him in surprise.
"So you knew and didn't deign to tell anyone else, by the way that girl said she was spoken for do you know who it is" the Nara Patriarch demanded to know, because it had irked him the girl had turned down his boys offer.
Immediately Kakashi sighed "Darui, he's one of the Raikage's bodyguards, Sakura-chan and Darui have been betrothed since she was three and he twelve, that's why we have the treaty with Cloud" the Copy Ninja grumbled.
Shikaku furrowed his brows "Cloud Shinobi huh, you know now that you mention it, Ino-chan did say something about Sakura-chan having an interest in an older guy" the Yamanaka Patriarch mused out loud.
"Another thing Kakashi is it true the Mizukage allowed her to keep one of the legendary ninja blades" the Akimichi Patriarch inquired, having heard the rumor but didn't know anyone who could confirm it for him until just now.
His companions turned to look at Kakashi as well "Now that part is true, they found Nuibari in one of the weapon shops, Nuibari chose Sakura as his wielder and Mizukage-sama saw no reason to take it away from her" Kakashi shrugged.
Rather proud of that bit, though the girl could be terrifying with the weapon as he learned from Naruto "Damn you really got the luck of the draw with those three as your students" Choza whistled as he tossed back another cup.
Kakashi smirked in response "And to think you were once so adamant about not taking on genin to teach, those kids are probably going to grow up and become the next Sannin or something" Shikaku snorted.
And Kakashi wisely kept the fact that two of his students were being trained by the current sannin from the Ino-Shika-Cho trio "So what's it like living with them, Ino's been wanting to move out for awhile now into a small apartment of some sort but I'm leery at best" Inoichi asked.
Curious over that fact "Living with them has been phenomenal really, just watching them cook meals or train, it lets me get a sense of who they are on the inside" the silver haired ninja sighed, finishing off his ordered food.
Inoichi was rather stunned by the answer "Do you think they'd allow another resident in the house, just so Ino gets a feel for living on her own while still living with people at the same time, she'll have to be responsible for things" Inoichi prodded.
The Copy Ninja paused at that "Probably, never know with those kids, I'll mention it to them and get back to you Inoichi" Kakashi snorted, though he had this tiny feeling that Sakura would say yes just because it was her friend.
Less than a moment later Shikaku narrowed his eyes "What's the man like, Darui I mean, sure I know we're allies but how is he with her, being older than Sakura, it must be frustrating for him since he can't do much with her" Shikaku questioned.
Only to get a warning look "That man loves her, so I don't think he's to frustrated and I bet should anything happen, he'd be the first one after her to get her back" Kakashi admitted, having seen how Darui acted around his student.
And he mostly kept his hands to himself, "Huh, so Kakashi do you know how they ended up getting engaged to one another" Choza chimed in again having been silent for quite awhile now just listening to the conversation.
Unfortunately this was one question Kakashi couldn't answer since he didn't know "No, but I can ask, Sakura will probably tell me, on that note, goodnight" Kakashi paid for his meal, saluted the Ino-Shika-Cho trio and disappeared in a plume of smoke back to the house for the night.
While having breakfast with his students the following morning he asked the promised questions "How would you feel about having Ino come live here with us, Inoichi said she wants to get a feel for living on her own but is wary about having her completely alone" Kakashi commented.
Sakura whipped around peridot orbs wide and sparkling with excitement at the idea of it "Okay that's cool, though the spare room would have to be cleaned out and we'd have to find a better storage spot for the things we don't use" Sasuke shrugged.
Beating Sakura to the punch line essentially earning a tiny huff before a smile lit up her features again "Yeah, Ino's one of our best friends and she'd get in sync with us real easy, though we'd have to lay down some rules for her" Naruto added next.
"Pretty much what they said Kakashi-sensei…and we're sorry for not making dinner last night" Sakura apologized, a little guilty over that fact since the man probably hadn't had very good meals until they'd all gotten back a couple days ago.
Relieved that he'd gotten over one hurdle Kakashi readied himself to ask what he thought would be the hardest question "Can you tell me how you and Darui-san got engaged Sakura-chan" Kakashi inquired carefully.
Unsure if it was a sensitive thing or not, immediately Sakura handed over the spatula she was using to flip eggs to Naruto and sat at the table to answer the question "Uh well basically I took one look at him and wanted him to be mine, he agreed, thus the betrothal" Sakura answered.
Quite sheepishly at that before returning to her duties of helping to cook breakfast "Does that mean you're a spoiled princess then since you got what you wanted" Kakashi teased with a chuckle, Sakura stuck her tongue out at him.
"Despite what you think Kakashi-sensei I didn't get everything I wanted, there were many things my parents told me no on" Sakura said after a moment as she spooned some pancake batter into the skillet for a perfectly round pancake.
Fifteen minutes later breakfast was ready to eat and after Kakashi disappeared on his students once again, this time he had some business to conduct, so his first stop was Yamanaka Florists "Ah Kakashi what brings you here so early" Inoichi was already preparing things for customers.
When the Copy Ninja stepped into the shop "I asked, Sakura, Naruto and Sasuke all agreed that Ino could move in with them/us, as long as she agreed to some rules" the silver haired nin announced.
Inoichi nearly dropped a very expensive vase in response "You mean you asked already, never mind of course you did but that's great news, if you could wait here I'll holler up the stairs and you can tell Ino-chan about the offer" Inoichi sighed.
Putting the vase down as he moved towards the stairs that led up to the house connected to their family shop, less than a minute after calling up them his daughter was stood before him "Oh Kakashi-sensei what brings you here and did you need any help Dad" Ino greeted.
"Ahem Ino-chan I was the one who asked him to call you down technically, Inoichi here told me you want to move out and get a sense of dependency, well your in luck, my students, Sakura, Naruto and Sasuke have agreed to let you take over the guest bedroom" Kakashi cleared his throat.
Easily explaining what brought him there "B..But wait a minute Dad you said that you wouldn't let me move out and who's going to tell Mom" Ino pointed an accusing finger at her Dad a glare in her pupil-less cerulean eyes.
"Leave Aiko to me Ino and that was only if you were going to be on your own, I honestly have no problem with you going to live with other people who are your age as long as you agree to some rules they set" Inoichi smiled.
Slightly amused as Ino finally let the excitement get to her by letting out an extremely loud ear-piercing scream of happiness that had both males in the vicinity of her cringing not that she noticed as she scrambled back up the steps to the house to get started packing her things.
"What have I done" Kakashi groaned rubbing his ears, Sakura was bad enough on her own, now Ino who could be just as loud as Naruto was going to be living in the house one floor below him, seeing as his room on the third floor was placed coincidentally over the guest bedroom.
Though it wouldn't be a guest bedroom anymore he supposed but Ino's room "I wouldn't worry to much Kakashi, those boys and Sakura know how to reign her in if need be" Inoichi chuckled at the younger mans dilemma before resuming his actions of earlier.
With that Kakashi turned and headed out, heading towards the Akimichi Compound where Choza was "I didn't think I'd see you for awhile considering yesterday was kind of rare, since you like to eat with your students more often than not" Choza raised a brow at Kakashi.
"Can't deny that, those three are good cooks, I'll send you some, sometime when we have extra leftovers, but I got you the answer you wanted yesterday, Sakura merely acted like the princess she is and demanded Darui be hers hence how they got betrothed" Kakashi informed.
Now he had to make sure Sakura made extra food sometime to give to Choza and his wife Chitsu "Sounds like a plan Kakashi and thanks for letting me know instead of forgetting all about it" Choza chuckled.
Finished Kakashi went back to the house to find Sakura, Naruto and Sasuke cleaning out the guest room "Shall I go get Tenzo to make you a storage closet big enough for all the extra things you don't need right now" Kakashi offered.
Seeing their frowns since they didn't know quite what to do with their extra stuff "As long as he doesn't mind that would be great Kakashi-sensei" Sakura beamed at him at his offer, it was probably the best they could get really.
And as they'd learned Kakashi's friend Tenzo was quite good at manipulating wood so Kakashi left again and brought back Tenzo to make a storage closet for them "Thanks" Sasuke grunted, hurriedly shoving things in.
Quickly clearing out the spare now "And done" Naruto whipped his forehead free of sweat forty minutes later just as they all heard a knock, Sakura went to answer it and came back with Ino who was looking around in awe.
"First time in our house right but welcome Ino-chan, this is your room, unfortunately we'll have to share a bathroom if that's alright" Sakura grinned seeing the blondes awestruck expression before showing off the room they'd only just got done clearing out.
Ino gasped at the sight of it, what awed her even more was the window overlooking the backyard where she could see a stable with a horse, a massive herb/vegetable garden and a huge training area "Are you sure you guys are okay with me living here" Ino turned facing her friends again.
Mind unable to truly come to terms with the fact that yes she was now living technically on her own but not really "Of course we're sure, as long as you agree to some rules" Naruto snorted softly, a little amused at how unsure Ino was acting right now.
"Dad mentioned that and I'm willing to abide by any rules you have set up and I'm okay with sharing a bathroom with you Sakura-chan" Ino declared, adding the rest as an afterthought since she'd been side-tracked a little bit.
Grateful that it was Ino who knew them "First rule, you keep your room clean, do your own laundry, stuff like that, second you help cook and clean the kitchen, help buy groceries when we're out of things, third, let us know when you want someone over and that's about it" Sasuke explained.
Ino blinked before shrugging "No less than what I did at home, minus buying groceries and helping pay the bills, I'm going to get set up now if that's alright" Ino easily relented to the simple house rules.
Surprise, surprise however when all three of them stayed to help her get settled in and three days later when she was finally getting the hang of things she met Sakura's mom for the first time as Sayuri stormed in looking thunderous.
"Darling daughter of mine, we seem to have a small situation of five young noble girls who wish to have a tea party with you, hosted by you in fact, Hiretsuna-chan will be one of them of course but I know this is probably the last thing you want to do" Sayuri informed.
Only to smile at the awestruck look on Team Seven's newest resident in their house "And of course your very beautiful friend is welcome to join you" Sayuri added, giggling behind her sleeve when Ino's eyes rounded in excitement.
Though her daughter didn't share in it "How long do I have to set this thing up" Sakura relented, seeing as she didn't have much choice, she might as well do it and get it over with as quickly as she could as much as it pained her.
Her mother understood "Just a couple of hours my dear so I suggest getting ready as quickly as possible" Sayuri announced, heading back out the door of her daughters shared house, she was grateful however that another girl was living there.
Immediately after her departure Sakura grabbed Ino, shot a look at the males loitering about, then disappeared up the stairs, Naruto, Sasuke and Kakashi escaping from the house since they didn't want to be around when the noble girls came.
"Host tea parties often Sakura-chan" Ino asked when she was pulled into Sakura's room, it was the biggest in the house as she'd learned, befitting the girls hime status, and forced to strip as Sakura dug through her armoire for suitable tea party wear.
Sakura shook her head "Rarely, this is actually the first one I've ever hosted actually, though I have been to a couple in the past before I joined the academy" Sakura explained, tossing the kimono she'd pulled out back into the wardrobe.
Before pulling out one that would suit Ino wonderfully "So what are these noble girls going to be like Sakura-chan, by the way your mom's pretty, though she did mention one of them by name oh man I'm going to be like a fish out of water" Ino grimaced.
And her friend giggled at her softly, but stripped out of her casual wear "Annoying, their worse than Ami on her good day if I had to compare them to someone and yes Hiretsuna, my future sister in law and thanks though my Father's the one I got my hair from" Sakura admitted.
Earning a horrified look from Ino as they finished dressing themselves in fancy kimono and went back downstairs to prepare the kitchen by first sealing the table and chairs away, only to put a low table in it's place along with some pillows.
Then Sakura got out her emerald encrusted teacups, with their saucers and placed them around the table strategically "Can you tell me some of the do's and don'ts of tea parties so I'm at least somewhat prepared" Ino requested.
While her pink haired friend turned the stove on to boil some water while grabbing her best tea out of the cabinet, her darjeeling white tea, before facing Ino "Okay one thing you never want to do is this" Sakura picked up one of the teacups then set it back down a little to loudly.
"Got it, set it down quietly" Ino gulped, practicing for a couple of seconds until she got it right, then she was shown how to sit, keeping her back straight as a board, how to hold the teacup even, what kind of conversation was proper and much more.
Until their tea party guests arrived "I'm Kirin from the Land of Lightning Princess" Kirin curtsied, waiting as was dictated until she was shown into the kitchen and seated at the table to wait for the other guests.
Next was Chikyu from the Land of Earth, followed by Mizumi from the Land of Water, after her was Kokurui from the Land of Wind, last came Hiretsuna who skillfully snagged a seat next to her with Ino on the other side "I'm Ino from the Land of Fire" Ino introduced herself confidently.
Once they were all seated and it came her turn to introduce herself to the young noble girls her age "Hiretsuna from River Country" Hiretsuna sniffed out delicately, giving the other girls a I'm better than you look at the same time.
Sakura smiled behind her sleeve "But thank you all for coming and I hope our time here will be enjoyable" Sakura cleared her throat quietly drawing everyone's attention onto her, before expertly pouring the tea for each of her guests.
Though they were allowed to add milk or sugar on their own if they wanted it, followed by giving the tea a customary sip before conversing "Hime-sama is it true you are a shinobi of this village, we could hardly believe it when we heard from Sayuri-sama" Chikyu asked lightly.
Hoping it was some kind of mistake "Yes Chikyu-san it's true and I'm quite proud to fight for my country and village, it doesn't make me any less of a princess" Sakura nodded, taking a delicate sip of tea and placing her cup down quietly.
"What of you Ino-san are you also a shinobi like Hime-sama" Mizumi pinned her murky blue eyes on the blonde at the princess's side who hadn't expected to be talked to or even asked a question really since she wasn't nobility at all.
But as manners dictated Ino nodded confidently "My family have been shinobi for generations in fact, dating back to the Warring States Era even, which means I'm not of noble status, Mizumi-san" Ino bowed her head apologetically.
It wasn't as if she had deceived them though but it was clear they didn't like her based on those facts alone "Oh enough, if it weren't for Shinobi this world would be in chaos" Hiretsuna let out an annoyed huff when the questions got to ridiculous for her.
Making the other noble girls jump "You just say that because your engaged to her brother Hiretsuna so shut up cause no one asked for you opinion" Kokurui shot back derisively, flipping her hair as if she was the most important one at the table.
Kirin gasped from behind her sleeve, onyx eyes wide, Sakura wanted to pinch her nose in frustration when the two girls nearly came to blows having equal temperaments apparently "This is a tea party" Kirin finally had enough herself.
And quickly ended the fight "Besides we didn't come here to judge Hime-sama on her choices and I happen to agree with Hiretsuna, shinobi are necessary" Kirin snipped out from with a glare at the two girls.
Sakura sighed softly under her breath inaudible to all but the two girls on either side of her "Thank you Kirin-san as for the rest of you, bias against shinobi is not tolerated here in my house, now we can continue this tea party peacefully or do the rest of you want to say more" Sakura warned.
Drawing herself up, while discretely using chakra to make herself a little more intimidating to get the other girls under control "Of course, of course, my apologies for being disruptive Hime-sama" Kokurui apologized a little fearfully.
"Yes our apologies Sakura-chan" Hiretsuna winced a little, then lifted her cup to take a sip of the cooling tea to keep her mouth occupied before she said anything else that nearly caused a fight amongst the seven of them.
Ino shuddered lightly the only one to know what Sakura had done to effectively reign the other girls in "So besides Sakura-chan and Hiretsuna-san does anyone else at this table have a betrothed" Ino asked curiously.
Only two of them raised their hands, Kirin and Mizumi "Mother and Father decided to let me choose who I want to be with, he's a shinobi just like Hime-sama's betrothed" Chikyu, who had been the quietest so far admitted, a blush on her cheeks.
Kokurui nearly snorted in disgust but managed not to at the last second "I haven't gotten any offers from anyone suitable yet, hence the reason I have no one" Kokurui sniffed, with that the tea party commenced.
Casual conversation drifted between them until all the tea had been drank, then one by one the girls left first Kirin, then Chikyu, then Mizumi, then Kokurui "Gods I hate them, tea parties I mean" Hiretsuna groaned once the others were gone.
So it was only Sakura and Ino who heard her unsophisticated language and lapse in etiquette as she slumped over the table "Me to, and that was only my third one" Sakura nodded dropping all princess mannerisms now that she could.
"Ugh I never want to go to one again, you were right Sakura, they were worse than Ami on one of her good days" Ino joined them in a slump over the table, just before they started laughing at their ridiculous antics.
It was to this that the males returned "Are they gone" Naruto peeked around the corner into the kitchen hearing the giggling only to see Ino, Hiretsuna and Sakura slumped over a low-sitting table laughing like maniacs.
Hiretsuna was the first to straighten "Five minutes ago Naruto-san and we were laughing over our shared dislike of tea parties" Hiretsuna giggled some more prompting more giggles from Ino and Sakura to Naruto's amusement.
"Was it really that bad, their your own kind aren't they Sakura, Hiretsuna" Sasuke teased taking a seat on one of the pillows, Naruto joined him while Kakashi remained standing just listening to them converse with one another.
Sakura heaved a long suffering sigh "Okay let me put it like this, you know what Ami's like right, well imagine four more of her and put them all in the same room" Sakura grimaced at the image that formed in her mind at the example she'd given.
Poor Sasuke looked like he'd eaten an entire lemon "Yeah and no offense but I really don't want to be invited to another one ever again, my back is killing me and here I thought I had good posture" Ino huffed.
"Go on you two get out of those kimonos, we'll put the kitchen back to rights and get started on dinner" Kakashi shooed the two girls off up the stairs, Hiretsuna gracefully following after them, obviously staying for a bit.
Up in Sakura's room, Ino gratefully untied the kimono obi and donned her own clothing once more as did Sakura who wore a relieved little smile that the whole ordeal was over and done with "How have you been by the way Sakura-chan" Hiretsuna asked.
On their way back down the stairs to find the males hard at work in the kitchen so they settled on furniture in the living room "Great actually, the new Hokage took me on as her apprentice and gave each of us a three week break, it's already been six days since our return" Sakura smiled.
Hiretsuna looked surprised at that "Were you ever going to tell me, cause I noticed you hadn't sent me any letters lately" before the pretty brunette pouted at her future little sister, Sakura frowned at that and inwardly thought back to the last letters she'd sent.
And she distinctly remembered sending a letter to her future sister in law "I wonder if my letter got lost, but I did send you one, the day after we got back from our mission" Sakura said, Hiretsuna shrugged.
But it was nice to know that a letter had indeed been sent "How long was your mission anyway" Hiretsuna inquired, inwardly noting that it had to have been several weeks if not a whole month that Sakura had been away from the village.
She probably hadn't even seen or spoken to Darui in that time frame either "A month wasn't it Sakura and I only moved in a few days ago" Ino chimed in answering for Sakura, their conversation ended a moment later as they were called into the kitchen for dinner.
Then immediately after Hiretsuna bid them farewell and headed out the door with a couple of guards on her heels to the hotel she was staying in with her parents, leaving the household to settle down and go to bed after showers.
Four days after that halfway through their second week, when they were taking Kuri to the abandoned Uchiha Compound for her exercises, Tsunade appeared before them, looking as pale as a ghost "Sakura I need you to come with me now" the busty blonde demanded.
Not giving her new apprentice a chance to refuse as she simply grabbed the girl and was gone in a plume of smoke all the way across the village to the Hokage Tower, where shinobi who they weren't allied with were stood around awkwardly in the Hokage's Office.
One of them so happened to be the Tsuchikage, next to him was a tall broad shouldered male, considering he was so short and a girl probably only a year older than her, and behind them, was the Feudal Lord of the Land of Earth and his son.
"Ah Sakura-hime you're a sight for sore eyes, you probably don't remember me, Chikei from the various meetings with Juhi, this is my son Jishin who has come to ask for your hand in marriage" Chikei greeted with a smile.
Before introducing his son who was about twelve years older than her, three years older than Darui actually which made this painful and it didn't help that she was dressed in her shinobi gear as well given the slightly disgusted look Jishin was giving her.
Clearly disapproving "Hold on one bloody fucking minute, I get that Sakura is the princess of this country but how the hell can you simply just waltz in here with the Tsuchikage and Iwa-nin, clueless over the fact that we're not allies with one another" Tsunade growled.
Just a second away from breaking her desk in a fit of rage "Easily, I want her as my own and there will be nothing that will stand in the way of what I want" Jishin scoffed, noble attitude coming to the fore, Sakura closed her eyes for a second suppressing the urge to glare at him.
Though she gleefully burst his bubble in the next moment "Unfortunately Jishin-san, Chikei-sama I am already betrothed, I just am not of age yet to have had a ceremony announcing the contract" Sakura delivered that statement in a tone that was a little to gleeful.
She even threw in a little curtsy "Juhi told me nothing about that, so you must be lying" Chikei declared with his nose in the air, acting all smug like, Sakura itched to glare but forced herself not to as she turned to Tsunade.
Who sensed her gaze and raised a pale brow in answer "Tsunade-shishou, they won't simply leave until I give them proof, Father's not here in the village right now because of some emergency in the Capital, so I'll need to send a letter to Darui, my betrothed" Sakura informed stiffly.
"No need I'm here, got your letter awhile back but I only just got time off to come see you" Darui stepped into the office hearing his name, even though it was impolite to just invite himself in, but anything to do with Sakura was his business.
Sakura lit up at the sight of him but reigned in her excitement last second because here in front of the Feudal Lord of Earth she had to act like the princess of Fire Country "There you see like I said, Darui, here is my betrothed" Sakura said again.
Jishin glared at the younger man who had want he wanted "A shinobi, how quaint, but can he provide for you all the things you desire, no, I can however so come with me and I will make you happy" Jishin curled his lip.
Dismissing Darui like he was an insect to crush under his heel "Charming, dude propositioning a kid is so drab" Darui had no qualms about glaring right back as he took his place at Sakura's side, curling an arm around her shoulders protectively.
"Besides the only desire I have Jishin-san is to make my dream come true, to surpass even Tsunade-shishou in medical ninjutsu and be the best medic in all the lands so that I can heal my loved ones" Sakura announced.
Tone softer now "I don't suppose you'll let us walk right out of here will you Slug Princess" Ohnoki narrowed his eyes on the now calm Tsunade, who he could have sworn was simply going to murder them on the spot.
Honey orbs snapped to him at the inquiry "Hmm what do you think Sakura should we let them go" Tsunade asked of her apprentice who shot her an exasperated glare before making a mature and sound decision.
"Let them go Shishou, they came, they asked, I rejected, simple as that, plus my Father would be pretty upset with me if anything happened to another of the Feudal Lords from a different country" Sakura decreed.
Ohnoki dipped his head at her courteously then led his shinobi and the two nobles out of the office and out of Konohagakure "Geez I go two months without seeing you and another guy tries to steal you from me, I really can't take my eyes off of you can I Sakura" Darui groaned after their departure.
Getting a huff from Sakura "Not my fault we haven't had the ceremony announcing our engagement yet" the pinkette pouted at him earning a chuckle indicating he wasn't truly upset with her, merely teasing to her relief.
"Sakura are you saying that might happen again with another Feudal Lord from one of the other countries" Tsunade glared at her little apprentice, curling her lip at the thought of it because to her it was disgusting seeing a grown man throwing himself at a not even teenage girl.
Just because she was a bloody princess "Unfortunately Shishou, I apologize in advance not that it will help, by the way this is Darui, we've been engaged since I was three" Sakura grinned, introducing the man at her side.
Not sounding all that apologetic to Tsunade "Yeah she took one look at me and said want" Darui smirked, dodging the foot that tried to kick him in the shin expertly for telling the tale of how they'd gotten engaged in the first place.
"You tell that to everyone don't you, anyway if there's nothing else Tsunade-shishou we're going to go now, I can't leave Kuri to those brainiacs for to long or they'll have her chasing them across the village again" Sakura sulked for a moment.
Then headed for the door when Tsunade gave her a dismissive wave, Darui on her heels, once outside the tower they were joined by Cee "Coincidentally I had time off myself" Cee announced trying to act like visiting was a huge pain when it was really the opposite.
Sakura smiled brightly at him though kept close to Darui "Your not fooling anyone Cee-san" the rosette sang in a sing-song voice, skipping along the streets to the Uchiha Compound, where she found that Naruto and Sasuke hadn't even started Kuri's exercises yet the lazy bums.
Both boys were equally excited to see Darui and Cee as she was though "How long are you here for and where are you staying and what did Hokage-sama want Sakura" Sasuke popped up and hopped into the saddle, taking the reigns as Sakura climbed onto Kuri's back.
Cee answered first "Luckily a month, Raikage-sama is currently dealing with a rather persistent woman who wants to marry him and produce him an heir and she's not been taking no for an answer" Cee snorted.
With a little shudder as well, the woman hadn't been pretty in the least "As for where we're staying, the house of course, don't worry we're fine with the couch and yes we know about the extra guest, your friend Ino started living with you" Darui added next.
Trying not to think about the situation going on back in his own village "Ouch poor old man Raikage and yeah but Ino will be cool about the whole thing, just watch out Cee-san, she might try to flirt with you" Naruto chimed in.
Only to get a befuddled look in response "Naruto's right, Ino's a horrible flirt, she means well of course but you have to straight up tell her your not interested otherwise she won't understand" Sakura nodded as horrible as it sounded though.
Soon enough they finished with Kuri's exercises and removed the reins and bits to let her graze some of the overgrown grass "Fuck" Darui hissed under his breath when Sakura made over a dozen of stone targets.
Before unsealing Nuibari from his scroll and charged him with chakra, then she took aim and threw Nuibari and he went through all twelve targets "Yeah, she got stronger" Sasuke said by way of explanation.
When he saw Darui pale slightly "Tsunade really took her on as her apprentice then" Cee asked just to make sure, Naruto and Sasuke nodded, also slightly pale, obviously terrified of their teammate not that they hadn't been all along but now Sakura was stronger.
Eventually their own training ended so it was back to the house, Kuri meandering after them slowly on her own "Have you thought about getting her a companion, I notice she's not as perky as before" Cee frowned.
All of Team Seven straightened and shared a look with one another "Hadn't thought about it but you might be right, we were gone for over a month, she was here on her own the entire time mostly not getting to go out and generally just being cooped up" Sasuke frowned.
"What do you think Sakura-chan" Naruto eyed Sakura again who was their best choice at getting another horse to be a companion to Kuri, though it would mean double the responsibility for them and Tenzo would have to enlarge the barn/stable.
Sakura tapped her lip for a moment then nodded "I'll send a letter to my Father and he'll bring back another horse for us" Sakura informed, rushing ahead, Darui hot on her heels and soon all of them were crowded in the living room.
Kakashi and Ino absent for the time being, Sakura began writing a letter to her Father in the Capital, in neat swoops and swirls just as she'd been taught, Sasuke was actually a little jealous of how pretty her handwriting was though he'd never say it out loud.
Then when the ink had dried, she rolled it up and tied it with a black ribbon, the scroll obviously addressed to her Father and took it next door for Koron to send off with Hono, once that was she done she was back and cuddling into Darui's side.
His gaze softened and he was all content to just sit there and watch her for hours on end, well he would have if they weren't interrupted an hour later by a blonde barging into the house, "My team is here Sakura-chan" Ino informed a bit miffed she'd had no forewarning that they were coming.
"That's okay Ino-chan we can't control everything that happens" Sakura waved her off with a smile, Darui however was a little uncomfortable when the kid that had tried asking Sakura out stared at him silently.
Until Ino elbowed him "Stop it Shikamaru, that's Darui, Sakura's engaged to him" the blonde announced, causing her sensei to choke on the smoke he'd just inhaled though he realized it was impolite to smoke in someone else's house so quickly put the cigarette out.
Following by throwing it away in the trash "Older guy indeed are you sure you wouldn't be happier with someone your age Sakura" Shikamaru questioned eyeing up the Cloud Shinobi despite Ino's warning.
She was gearing up to elbow him again when Sakura distracted her "Fairly sure Shikamaru, I love Darui-kun" Sakura quipped in a surefire tone of voice, causing Asuma to choke again, while Shikamaru slumped but finally relented with his blatant staring.
"Don't worry about Shikamaru, he's not going to try anything, anyway Sakura, my Dad said that Kakashi-sensei promised him and my mom some of your food" Choji piped in taking the attention away from his sulking friend.
As he flopped down in a chair and leaned his head back to stair lazily at the ceiling "Did he now, hmmph Kakashi-sensei made no mention of it but I will honor the promise" Sakura huffed a little annoyed at her sensei now.
Darui leaned back on the couch while Sakura jumped up to his frustration because he'd been hoping to spend more time with her, without constant interruptions like this one "Sorry" Ino apologized catching the frustration in his gaze.
Which followed Sakura until she disappeared into the kitchen "It's alright Ino, I have a whole month to spend time with her" Darui shrugged with a sigh, there was no point to it really because that's just how Sakura was really.
Ino vanished into the kitchen next leaving the rest of her team to sit out in the living room "What's it like being engaged to her" Asuma cleared his throat not having thought this chance would ever present itself to him.
Prompting a chuckle from the younger man "She's a whirlwind and you never know what she's going to do next, I admit to caring a great deal about her to, that's why I'm willing to wait for her to grow up properly" Darui answered dutifully.
Obviously having been asked that question a lot, mostly by his own fellow shinobi back in Kumo "Try again Darui-san, Sakura-chan's scary and terrifying is more like it" Naruto piped in with a shudder, remembering what he'd seen back in Tanzaku Town.
The wall destroyed by Tsunade and Sakura was getting closer and closer to reaching that level "All women are terrifying Naruto-san" Cee rolled his eyes lightly in amusement, thinking back to the Raikage's persistent and unwanted adoring female fan.
Naruto shivered "Got that right, I remember my mom, she use to get mad at my Dad a lot and not even I…Itachi wanted to mess with her when she got angry like that" Sasuke nodded, struggling to say his brothers name but managing this time.
Lessening his pain over the whole ordeal a little more "Oh looks like Kakashi's home, sorry we've invaded but we wanted to make sure Ino was doing well living here" Asuma raised his hand in greeting when Kakashi poofed into the house.
Kakashi tilted his head in understanding before turning his gaze on two of his students "In the kitchen" Kakashi ordered simply, marching ahead of the boys who scrambled after him sharing confused looks with one another.
Ino joined her team, Darui and Cee in the living room seconds later so Team Seven could speak privately "Naruto, Sasuke, Sakura, I will be going on a mission, just myself" Kakashi said, holding up his hand when they opened their mouths to ask questions.
Before continuing "The mission is quite a serious one, incidents just like what happened with Lord First and Second are happening all over and apparently in Kirigakure, several ninja of our village appeared there for some reason, my mission is to go investigate these strange incidents" Kakashi informed.
Hating that he had to leave his students for any amount of time "Which could take quite a few weeks and I'm afraid to say even several months possibly in that time frame Hokage-sama will be sending someone to retrieve and bring those revivals back" Kakashi grimaced.
When their expressions turned "Just know that I will return and I expect you all to be on your best behavior, keep training because I want to come home to you three being Chunin even if I miss it, I nominated you ahead of time" Kakashi finished.
Sakura was the first to gather her bearings "Of course who do you take us for Kakashi-sensei, we're not naive little babies you know" Sakura sniffed delicately using her princess attitude as a coping method.
"Yeah Sakura-chan's right, we'll be Chunin and then you'll have no choice but to tell us how proud of us you are for once" Naruto scoffed, blinking back tears at the same time, trying to be strong like Sakura was being.
Even Sasuke wasn't entirely unaffected apparently considering the scowl on his face "You better come back or we'll track you down and drag you back Kakashi, you still owe me Sharingan training" Sasuke scowled furiously.
Kakashi crinkled his eye at them in response, ruffled their hair then body flickered to his floor of the house, leaving them to continue making dinner, and once the rest of Team Ten had left, Choji with leftovers they all slumped onto the furniture.
Depression clear on their faces, Darui, Cee and Ino had no idea what to do but they did try to cheer the trio up without success for the night at least until it was time for bed and they all went to sleep, Kakashi absent from the house for the first time since he'd moved in.