Disclaimer: I don't own Naruto
July 23rd, Year 196
Sakura is an idiot sometimes. Not as much as Naruto god forbid, but an idiot nonetheless. I had given her a key to the compound before I left. She said she'll keep it clean when she could, even though I expressively told her not to.
So I happened to be passing by Konoha at the time of my birthday. Thought I could check in on a couple of people. Kakashi was away for a mission. The blonde idiot himself forced me to gorged on some midnight ramen after waking the whole neighbourhood with his ranting. He babbles on and on about Hinata this, Hinata that, but I tune him out anyway for his sake.
Sakura had apparently went to bed early. Naruto told me she got promoted and has been working tirelessly at the hospital. I went to visit her home, and couldn't find her.
Was she actually still working? Did something happen to her? Nope. I find the idiot sleeping at my house mid clean.
I put her to bed, and wrote a note on the kitchen table telling her that it's fine to not clean the house, but knowing her…
Then I find a sheepskin journal on the table, wrapped neatly in a ribbon. A postal letter was next to it, seeking out the recipient.
Me.
'Happy birthday' is scribbled horribly in a card with a 'I hope this keeps you sane out there'. It was…touching. So I wrote a thank you at the bottom of the note I already wrote. I'm wondering if I should have left out the 'don't push yourself too hard'…
December 25th, Year 198
I was around for Christmas this year. Made sure to bring last years one too. Sakura seemed speechless for some reason when I gave both presents to her…did she not like it?
I found some ancient medical scrolls from Kumo during my travel, and a custom made multi-purpose kunai. Thin enough for surgical purposes, but it was tripled folded steel laced iron, so strong enough to fight without much need to sharpen it consistently. Surely this would benefit her medical studies no?
Naruto on the other hand cried when he found out I got him nothing. So to appease the idiot I ended up buying team 7 ramen. Even Hinata, who Naruto proudly announced was his fiancee.
The ramen was alright.
February 2nd, Year 199
I came across a village by wave. I saw the aftermath of a pillage, the corpses of the victims. Reinforcements from Kiri arrived, but it was far too late. I found a certain child amongst the ruins, asking for his parents. Their corpses had already been found, but no one would tell the boy.
Should I have told the boy and risk him becoming like me? Or was leaving it behind the right decision…I have no idea. I'm sure Sakura would know the answer…
August 7th, Year 199
I found a zetsu still alive and kicking. I made sure to dispose of it, though I was a bit careless. I found an old woman living far beyond the outskirts of the closest town. She claimed to be a hermit, seeing far too much in her life. I wasn't in the state or mood to correct her.
She asked if I have a family. I told her they were all gone. She said I was wrong, and that my scars have already faded…what did she mean?
March 28th, Year 200
I couldn't be at Naruto's wedding. It just so happened to be Sakura's birthday as well, but I was on the other side of the continent at the time, so I sent a summon sending my congratulations to both of them. I'm actually happy for both idiots.
June 19th, Year 200
Sakura had changed a lot from when I last her. Gone was the clingy annoying girl, and a mature woman was what greeted me back at Konoha. She asked to come along with me, saying she's got enough vacation days to come with me for two weeks.
I didn't decline, I could always use a companion at times. Travelling by oneself can get lonely at times. I started bringing her along more on my journey.
July 1st, Year 200
I asked Sakura if she was still interested in being my wife. It was a sudden thought that occurred to me during dinner one time. She was incredibly angry, but said yes. I was extremely confused when she asked me to ask again, but to put more effort into it…
October 27th, Year 200
Sakura's stomach is starting to bulge. At first I thought she was putting on weight from all the places I would take her, but she's sick in the morning. Her explosive temper was on the edge at all times.
We were around the snake's hideout at the time, so I took the liberty to ask Karin what was wrong with Sakura. She was after all, a violent woman like Sakura. Karin just called me an idiot.
March 28th, Year 201
Sakura is due any time soon. But for the time being, we celebrated her birthday. Sakura was happy, so I was content.
Orochimaru surprised me with child rearing books, telling me to study them closely and that I'll need them in the future. I told him that it was Sakura's birthday, not mine. He said he didn't care.
I made sure to burn the books when no one was looking. I don't trust my mentor…
March 31st, Year 201
I never want to see another birth again. I've seen truly traumatising stuff throughout my life, but nothing has come close to seeing my wife bleeding everywhere and screaming her head off.
But seeing Sakura holding that tiny hand was an amazing sight. I don't know how to describe what I'm feeling right now.