Very interesting things happened to the group of shinobi on their way back home, "Come to think of it Sakura, how close were you to mastering chakra enhanced strength" Tsunade was the one to ask, it being the first interesting thing about to happen.
Shisui shuddered to Naruto's amusement "Pretty close Tsunade-sama, if I'd had another day or so, I would have gotten it down" Sakura quipped looking happy, even with that creepy gigantic beetle perched on her shoulder like a freaking parrot.
"During our next stop would you mind demonstrating it for me so that I can ascertain how much you need to work on during our first training session once I take you on as my official second apprentice" the honey eyed blonde requested.
And the girl nodded happily in acceptance "Of course Tsunade-sama I wouldn't mind at all" the rosette smiled bright, practically skipping in joy, the girl had every reason to be happy to, finding out her best friend was alive and getting taken on as an apprentice by one of the Legendary Sannin.
"Will you have her sign on with Katsuyu-sama, Tsunade-sama" Shizune piped in and Sakura came to a screeching halt especially when Tsunade nodded in answer to her assistants question "Is something wrong" the ebony haired woman immediately noticed the crest-fallen expression on Sakura.
Jiraiya knew though "If I sign on with slugs I'll have to terminate the contract for my current summons" Sakura looked uneasy now, she loved her spider summons and didn't want to give them up for anything, not even being trained by Tsunade.
"You have summons already, for how long" Tsunade frowned in confusion, if the kid already had summons it would be hard convincing her to sign on with Katsuyu and her children, though it wasn't necessary but something they would have to definitely talk about.
"Two days before I became a genin, Mibojin-sama has been the absolute best, we've established a very strong relationship of trust between us" the pinkette worried her lip harshly hoping that she wasn't going to be forced to choose.
Until Jiraiya offered a solution to their problem "Did you know that a person can be signed on with more than one summons, it just takes a lot of effort and training in order to do so" Jiraiya cleared his throat looking off to the side.
Sue him he cared about the kid on a parental or grand-parent-ish kind of level, Sakura's eyes lit up in excitement at the prospect of being able to summon more than just her spiders, while Shisui chuckled "Knowing you Sakura-chan it'll be easy" Shisui commented.
Making the girl blush and of course he had to tease her for it "I can't wait to see everyone, Sasuke-chan, Shibi-sama, Mebuki-san, Kizashi-san and of course Shino-chan, your still friends with him right" the Uchiha asked in concern.
"Friends more like betrothed to one another and in a relationship, their so lovey-dovey it's sickening sometimes" Naruto fake gagged before he found himself eating dirt, while Sakura rolled her eyes and blushed madly.
His brows shot up "Betrothed how on earth did that come about Sakura-chan" Shisui questioned in total confusion, man he really was behind on a lot of things, which meant he would have to do a lot of catching up once he explained how he was still alive anyway.
"Shibi-sensei met with my parents a week before the Chunin Exams I think, they were pretty secretive about it actually, then they told us a week after the invasion happened" Sakura answered thinking fondly of Shino.
It was written all over her face in fact "Okay so when did you realize that you liked Shino-chan" the ebony haired man prodded lightly eager to get the juicy details that he'd missed out on all because of his stupidity.
"When Shino-kun stood up for me against Himekari, I thought wow he's so cool, took him forever to realize he liked me though not until after we became genin and I went on a month long mission without him" the fuscia haired teen fidgeted then huffed in exasperation.
Off to the side Shizune frowned "How can you be so sure you'll still like him a few years down the road when it's time for you two to marry one another as the betrothal contract states" Shizune inquired thinking it was cruel that the girl's parents had arranged the contract.
Emerald orbs narrowed "My feelings for Shino-kun are strong Shizune-san, while it hasn't quite developed into love I know a few years down the road those feelings will still be in tact and stronger than before" Sakura said rather bluntly.
"And I'm pretty sure Shibi-sensei arranged it for our benefit anyway to prevent his clan's elders from interfering with our relationship and my parents just went along with it because their weird" she snorted in the next moment.
Naruto nodding his head in agreement because the older Haruno's were way stranger than any adults he'd ever encountered disregarding old man Hokage and pervy sage of course "Okay and why are you nodding Naruto-chan" Shisui asked.
"Sakura-chan's parents took me in and adopted me, kept my last name Uzumaki though" the blonde admitted hardly able to wait until they got back home so he could see them again, a month was to long to go without seeing important people.
Jiraiya looked surprised at that but he didn't say anything, instead pulled the group off the road to set up temporary camp for lunch "Right Sakura, why don't you go and demonstrate chakra enhanced strength for me" Tsunade cleared her throat.
Remembering what they'd talked about about an hour beforehand "Just give me a moment to shuck my weights" Sakura peeled the unique looking wraps from her arms and legs, then unstrapped her weights from her limbs.
Letting them breath for a moment, then marched a short distance away from camp, everyone watching intently as she reared back her arm, molding her chakra, with a deep breath she brought her fist to the earth, releasing the pent up chakra at the same time.
Body flickering a safe distance away in the next moment as the earth exploded, creating a moderate sized crater in the ground "Holy fuck" the Toad Sage cursed loudly seeing the amount of destruction she'd caused.
"That's the result of her fine tuning her chakra control for over two months" Naruto commented in awe, wishing he was able to do that himself, but he was lacking in the chakra control department, then he remembered the promise they'd made and swore to improve his chakra control.
"Fine-tuning your chakra control whatever for Sakura and why are you wearing such light weights anyway" Shizune frowned in confusion, eyeing the weights the girl had shucked as Sakura walked back towards their group to sit down.
Though at the comment about her weights Naruto started laughing like a crazy person "Light weights hahahahaha that's hilarious Shizune-san" the blonde held his stomach obviously finding what she'd said very funny.
While Jiraiya turned his head away trying to keep from doing the same thing as his gaki of an apprentice "Unfortunately Shizune-san, these weights are sixty-five pounds, it's how I've been fine-tuning my control, the slightest slip up and I'll pull a joint or muscle" the pinkette said.
The woman stared in horror "Sixty-five pounds are you crazy Sakura-chan why would you go up that high so fast" Shisui spluttered as equally as horrified especially when she strapped those weights on her arms and legs again, followed by the wraps made by her summons.
"Not so fast Shisui-ni, I started off at five pounds, then after every two weeks I've gone up exactly ten from the time we became genin, Shibi-sensei's methods of training us were level insanity sometimes" Sakura shuddered.
Remembering the start of their training sessions, how he'd snatched her right off her feet and fake-threatened to poison her "Level insanity" the Uchiha blinked confused, not to mention how Shibi even became a sensei for genin.
"Uh-uh our first training session, he snatched me off my feet and told Shino-kun and Sasuke that if they didn't save me I'd die from poison injection, then he worked on our stamina and taijutsu the second day, it was hell on earth I'll tell you" the rosette deadpanned.
Shisui couldn't help it as he laughed just as the second interesting thing happened, "Gimme all your money or girly here gets it" a bandit jumped out of the bushes brandishing a kunai and pointing it at Sakura who had stood to stretch her limbs.
Adjusting to her weights again "You know brat you get taken hostage an awful lot" Jiraiya sighed, not that he really had to worry or anything as in the next moment the bandit went down courtesy of a venomous spider bite.
Rolling around on the ground screaming in agony from the burning sensation in his veins, vomiting like he had no control over his stomach "What the hell" Tsunade growled unsure of what just happened.
"It's my summons Tsunade-sama, this is Shiruki-chan, I have her summoned at all times for instances like this" Sakura showed off the little red spider as Shisui took care of the bandit and threw him off into the brush to be forgotten about.
Tsunade still looked confused "Venomous spiders Granny Tsunade" Naruto explained deciding to enlighten the woman, who stared then became silent in contemplation as they packed up and continued on their way in hopes of making it to Leaf without any more incidents like that.
"Can any of them kill with a single bite" the honey eyed woman questioned suddenly curious about the young girl's summons, if the venom was that strong at such a young age, then an older spider must have the skill to kill.
Sakura nodded seriously "Mibojin-sama, the leader, the rest of them are young like Shiruki-chan or Kafu-kun" the pinkette pointed to Jiraiya, who wasn't as surprised as he use to be about the fact she'd planted a spider on him.
Most likely the others had spiders on them to, a working communication system that wasn't a dead give-away to back-up in case of a sticky situation "Hold up if Jiraiya has a spider on him, does that mean we have one on us to" Shizune looked a little panicky.
Gaze scanning her clothes for a tiny spider summons "Of course, in case any of us get separated, we can still communicate and the enemy will never figure out how" Sakura piped in and Shizune felt her skin crawling at the thought of having a dangerous creature on her.
"Do you know all their names Sakura-chan" Shisui was curious, he hadn't thought she'd establish such a relationship with the summons he'd gifted her, but he was glad, it proved that Sakura would survive in this harsh and cruel world.
Sakura grinned "Mhm, on Naruto is Irome-kun, Ashi-kun is on you Shisui-ni, Shizune-san has Hitomi-chan and Rera-chan is on Tsunade-sama, but those are just the ones I've managed to summon, Mibojin-sama says there are many others I have yet to meet" the fuscia haired teen ticked off her fingers with a smile.
Eagerly awaiting the day she got to meet more of her summons, then they ate and packed up their temporary camp, hitting the road again and taking their sweet leisurely time as they walked, which was how the third interesting thing happened.
It was growing dark on them as they neared the outpost town an hour away from Hidden Leaf, they were all tired and ready to sleep, just as they were about to enter the town a gigantic butcher knife like sword swept over their heads and embedded itself in a tree.
Followed by a familiar person appearing on the hilt of the weapon "Well if it isn't two of the little brats that guarded Tazuna all the way back when" the man growled slightly amused that he was meeting them all the way out here.
Four people shifted into defensive stances while the two Chunin kept rather calm "Zabuza what are you doing in Fire Country" Sakura questioned unimpressed with his intimidation tactics, not that they'd ever really worked on her.
"Yeah unless Mist found out you were in the Land of Waves and you got chased out you have no reason to be in our country" Naruto narrowed his blue eyes not trusting the man, even if Sakura and Sasuke had negotiated with him.
Zabuza snorted "I felt the brat's chakra, decided to see if you would help me out, negotiate things for me with my old village" the rogue grumbled hating that he had to ask for help in the first place, but he believed if any one could do it, it was this brat here.
Shisui straightened suddenly "Hold up you mean this is the fucking rogue you negotiated with to save lives, Zabuza Momochi how could you be so stupid Sakura-chan" the Uchiha gaped in horror, taking on a scolding and outraged tone.
Until she met his glare head on, she wasn't a meek little girl anymore that silently took crap like she use to "Don't go there Shisui, Kakashi-sensei was in agreement to I was following his orders, besides the other thing I did was much worse and you know it" Sakura scowled.
"Bu…But Sakura-chan that goes against everything you stand for, lying to your Hokage, those strong morals of yours, how could you, even if it was to help people" Shisui stamped his foot upset because he hadn't thought she'd turn into such a rule breaker in his absence.
Peridot orbs narrowed "Rules were meant to be broken, and I didn't necessarily lie I just never talked about it with him, I still hate liars and my morals are just as strong as they ever were" the pinkette snapped growing angry.
And almost at full-blown rage if he didn't stop his crap, she wasn't a child anymore and he wasn't her father, Shisui paled at that realizing he might have stepped over a line that he hadn't meant to cross with her "Okay so what is it you want from her anyway Momochi" Jiraiya cleared his throat.
Taking charge "Like I said I want her to help smooth things over with my old village, negotiate on my behalf that sort of crap" Zabuza growled sitting on the hilt of his sword at this point, having grown impatient.
"Just how is she going to do that, you're a rogue from Hidden Mist, who we aren't allies with, I doubt they'll suddenly come to Leaf and ask for a treaty like Old Man Raikage did" the blue eyed blonde pointed out.
Zabuza's nonexistent eyebrow twitched in irritation "As of right now the brat can't do anything for you Momochi, we were on our way back to Leaf so I can take over as Hokage now that the third is retiring again" Tsunade piped in.
"You can come with us to a hotel though, in disguise, then to Hidden Leaf, and once I'm in office, she can work things out for you after that" the blonde woman snorted, men were such babies relying on females all the time.
Poor Sakura was going to have a lot of work on her shoulders, hospital duties, it'll be the first thing the brat will have to get use to as her apprentice, helping blonde brat make an outline detailing the changes he wanted to implement at the academy and now helping a rogue out.
It was probably going to drive the girl crazy "Good enough for me I suppose" Zabuza grumbled jumping from his sword to the ground, while pulling his sword from the tree it was embedded in and following the Leaf Shinobi the rest of the way into the outpost town.
"Kakashi's probably going to recognize him the moment we get back to Leaf" the Toad Sage reminded suddenly as they finally found an inn and divided up, three to a room except for Zabuza who wanted his own.
They did gather in one room though to come up with a good way to keep Zabuza under cover from the sensors of the village "I wouldn't worry, most of the medics can't heal mental trauma, Kakashi-sensei is laid up in the hospital right now thanks to Itachi" Sakura piped in.
"We still should find a way to at least change his chakra signature a little, temporarily for instance, may I borrow your extremely advanced fuinjutsu book….thanks Sakura-chan" Naruto mused then an idea popped into mind and he asked to borrow that awesomely amazing book again.
He just knew some sort of seal to help them would be in it as he plopped down on his chosen bed and cracked the book open, flipping through the pages for several minutes until he came across exactly what they needed.
Leaving the book open he pulled out a tag, chakra ink and his brush before cracking his knuckles and got started on drawing the seal "And done go ahead and try it out Zabuza" the Uzumaki held out the finished tag.
Zabuza took it warily unsure if he could really trust the blonde who seemed to dislike him for some reason, but activated the tag anyway "Very interesting I daresay Zabuza-san won't be recognized now, not with that chakra signature" Shizune murmured.
Easily able to tell that the chakra signature had been changed, then the tag was deactivated and Zabuza's usual chakra signature was returned to him "Brilliant Naruto, oh hey I just realized, Haku's not with you Zabuza, did something happen to him" Sakura frowned in realization.
A little surprised the girl had asked "Nah he's back in that little village, the bridge builders daughter took a liking to him, he's safe from Hunter Nin because they don't know about him, I on the other hand had to get out of there before we were both caught" the rogue admitted.
With that the lot of them went to bed and so ended the fourth interesting thing that happened on their way home as they climbed into their beds for some shuteye, Tsunade was the only one who noticed the nightlight Sakura plugged in and the lava lamp in her arms before drifting off.
The following morning they paid the rent for their three rooms and set off down the path only an hour away from home now "So what's the plan for when we get back Tsunade-sama" Shizune asked curiously when they'd been walking for at least twenty minutes.
"Mm first things first, brat you'll have to start working in the hospital, then we'll do the great unveil for Uchiha here and find accommodations for Momochi once we place you under strict guard, I'll visit Hatake after and heal him" Tsunade listed.
Sakura's brows drew down "Uh one thing Tsunade-sama I'm already working in the hospital, though I don't know what my schedule will be, I'll just have to talk to Ittei-sama" Sakura stated, not that she would have minded but it was part of her contract.
Plus the hospital would probably crash and burn without her talents as horrible as it sounded, "Yeah the day after we became genin actually if I'm not mistaken and she took her license exam a couple days before the Chunin Exams" Naruto piped in with a grin.
"Kami and you said Sasuke-chan was also a fully qualified medic, how long did it take him" Shisui questioned intrigued by all that he was learning, Sasuke was most likely going to be pissed at him, along with a great many other people so he wanted to know for now.
"About the same amount of time I think or one month less, he didn't actually take the exam, Ittei-sama bumped him up to fully qualified during the month after the invasion, we had to do a lot of healing and he got the necessary experience" the pinkette explained.
Tsunade raised a brow at that wanting to scoff about there being an Uchiha medic, but after that tongue lashing from a couple days ago, she didn't want to set her new apprentice off on her again like that, it was just unnecessary stress.
"What did you mean by place me under a strict guard" Zabuza growled from the back of the group as they drew nearer and nearer to Hidden Leaf, it was at that point he finally decided to activate the tag made for him and henge into someone else so he was unrecognizable.
"It means you'll be placed under guard Momochi, to keep an eye you that's really the extent of it, I'll give the order that you aren't to be attacked or killed until brat can smooth things over for you with your old village" the honey eyed woman shrugged.
Zabuza narrowed his eyes but relented by dragging further and further behind the group so that he didn't enter the village at the same time they did, it would be to suspicious after all, though he wouldn't know the way to the Hokage Tower.
"See you in a bit Zabuza-san" Sakura waved lightly setting her sights on her home after a month of being gone, she really hated these month long missions, even if they were necessary, she was so focused on reaching the gates.
That she missed the person appearing before her and with an oomph she was sprawled out on her back, then a hand appeared in her line of sight and she took it without hesitation allowing herself to be pulled onto her feet "My apologies Sakura-san" Neji's smooth voice graced her ears.
And she jerked back unhappy with the Hyuga still because she'd been busy, and so she didn't know Hinata and he had made up "Neji is there a reason you body flickered in front of me" she wasn't stupid either, he'd done that completely on purpose.
Naruto struggled to reign in his laughter, "Indeed there was Sakura-san, my Uncle seems to have gotten it into his head that we would be the perfect match, fresh blood for the clan so to speak and wishes to betroth you to me" the brunet deadpanned.
Utter silence met his ears as Naruto promptly stopped laughing "What the hell Neji, first of all I don't like you that, second we barely know each other and three I'm already happily in a betrothal contract with someone else so it's not going to happen" Sakura scowled unhappily.
"Regardless of that, ranting at me isn't going to stop him, he needs to hear that from yourself, your parents and the parents of your betrothed" Neji pointed out in a flat tone, not wanting this anymore than she clearly did.
Sakura's brow twitched of all the bloody things to happen when she gets back, the Patriarch wanting to put her in a betrothal contract with his nephew was certainly at the bottom of her list "Fine now will you let me sign in" the rosette grumbled.
Irritated beyond belief, like seriously Neji and her would make the worst couple in history with his arrogant and holier than thou attitude, the Hyuga moved out of her way and she hurriedly signed in, taking note the others had left.
And that Zabuza was just now making his way to the gates to sign in, she took it slow as he began discretely following her to the Hokage Tower "Poor Sakura-chan right off the bat something happens" Naruto was still laughing.
To which she promptly whacked him over the head for it, ending his amusement of her sudden predicament "Just wait knucklehead until some girl's parents come to Mom and Dad wanting to set you up for a betrothal contract with their daughter" Sakura glowered.
Naruto wisely shut up about the subject "Good, good I'm pleased you found Tsunade, Sakura-chan, Naruto-kun, Jiraiya, as of today you are Hokage Tsunade, your inauguration will have to wait for a couple of months sadly" Hiruzen greeted.
Relieved to have the two Chunin back in the village after what he'd heard from Sasuke, Sakura even seemed to be doing rather well actually "That's fine I'm in no hurry" Tsunade waved her hand which signaled the hidden Uchiha to come forth.
"There is something we have to discuss though before you leave Sarutobi-sensei" the blonde woman stopped the elderly man from exiting his now former office, Hiruzen turned waiting for whatever it was.
Only to freeze as someone he hadn't seen for over four years unveiled himself "Shisui, Shisui Uchiha is that really you" Hiruzen questioned, doubting the man was even there until Shisui knelt on one knee and bowed his head.
"Please forgive me Lord Hokage, Shizune saved me the day I jumped from the cliff overlooking Naka River, I know it was wrong of me to hide my living status from you, but I felt it would be best if I just stayed away" Shisui apologized whole-heartedly to the wizened old man.
Hiruzen knew without a doubt that it was the real Shisui then, for no other would bow like that before him except for Shisui himself and apologize with such emotion thick in his voice "Forgiven, though you could have informed me you were still alive to save a certain someone from heartache" the Third scolded lightly.
Easily forgiving the man, Shisui was to kind-hearted after all "Thank you Lord Hokage I will accept whatever punishment Tsunade-sama deems fit" Shisui bowed his head once more then stood properly against the wall of the office.
"Good luck Tsunade" Hiruzen nodded his head at his old student and bowed out of the office, leaving the woman to conduct her first orders as Hokage, whatever they might be, he would have been shocked in the next moment.
As Tsunade turned "Right go ahead and undo the transformation Momochi, Anbu I know your there, as of this moment Zabuza Momochi is under the protection of the Hokage, I'll have an official meeting later, keep him guarded" Tsunade barked.
Flaring her chakra until a masked man came up through the floor, Sakura noted it was the same one who'd escorted her and Sasuke to the Uchiha Compound "Understood Hokage-sama, best stay under the transformation jutsu for now" the Anbu nodded.
With that Zabuza and the masked man were gone "Shizune go check on the hospital get a report from the Head Medic, Sakura I'm placing another duty on your shoulders, with Shizune and the Head Medic you'll review hospital regulations and come up with better ones" the blonde continued.
Sakura knew that order was nonnegotiable "Blonde brat, I expect to see an outline for changes you want to implement in the academy curriculum on my desk in two weeks" Tsunade shifted her gaze onto Naruto who straightened and nodded seriously.
Because she wasn't going to let him getting away with not doing anything after he so boldly declared that he was going to change the academy curriculum "Roger that Granny Tsunade" Naruto saluted avoiding the kunai that was thrown at him.
"Call me that one more time and I'll punch you out the window, take the next two weeks off for your hard work on the B Rank Mission, I expect a full report from you Jiraiya on everything that happened during it understand" Tsunade was not taking anyone's crap that morning it seemed.
Barking orders left and right before sending the shinobi in her office scrambling "Oh and Uchiha, the punishment you mentioned, you have to take full responsibility for your bratty little cousin Sasuke, I'm sure you and him have a lot of things to talk about" the honey eyed woman smirked.
Making Shisui quietly gulp as he was led from the office by Sakura "It won't be so bad you'll see Shisui-ni" Sakura assured, not exactly lying, but Sasuke was sure to throw a fit and possibly ignore him longer than she had.
"Yeah sure Sakura-chan, Sasuke-chan's gonna hate me and so are Mebuki-san and Kizashi-san, and how the heck am I going to take responsibility when I have no money" Shisui let his shoulders droop, feeling pathetic and like the worst person in history.
Sakura sighed "Well I could always give you back the money you split between Sasuke and me, your life savings, haven't used a cent of it actually, and the other part is simple, you can take the spare at ours since Mom and Dad technically adopted Sasuke" the pinkette admitted.
Until Shisui was full on gaping "Technically adopted Sasuke-chan, man Mebuki-san and Kizashi-san are to kind sometimes, didn't they also adopt Naruto-chan" the Uchiha pointed at the blonde who was trailing behind them, deep in thought with a speculative gleam in his eyes.
"Of course, what I meant by that was Sasuke still has the last name Uchiha and he doesn't call them Mom or Dad, neither does Naruto, their still just as weird though, one time she hit me and Sasuke with her slipper because we stayed out a little to long to her liking" Sakura snorted.
While Naruto burst into hysterical laughter remembering that moment vividly "Why, why didn't you use the money I left you Sakura-chan" Shisui honed in on her previous comment about having not used the money he left her.
"Because between my paycheck as a genin and working part-time at the hospital I haven't really needed it, it was nothing against you Shisui-ni, well maybe I was a little peeved you'd do something like that at first" the rosette huffed.
And he rubbed the back of his neck sheepishly right as they came to a stop before an unfamiliar to him house, "You mentioned you lived in a new house I forgot for a moment" the raven haired male sighed.
Trepidation and excitement warring within him as Sakura reached for the doorknob to open the door, before she could though the door flew open and she was knocked on her back "Oops sorry Sak….." the culprit was revealed as Sasuke.
Who started apologizing only to trail off as he saw who else was with his teammate/adoptive sister "Hi ya Sasuke-chan, do you remember me any" the man waved his hand looking awkward and worried at the same time.
His brow twitched then Sasuke turned on his heel ignoring him "I'm sorry Sakura, here" Sasuke cleared his throat holding out his hand, deftly ignoring the person who'd caused such heartache, Sakura took his hand hesitantly.
Then when she was on her feet, he took off as fast as he could down the streets, probably heading in to work at the hospital "Well that went spectacularly horrible" Naruto commented of course he understood though, Sasuke and Sakura both had been hurt by Shisui's supposed death.
It would take a long time for those wounds to truly heal "Sakura-chan, Naruto-chan welcome ho…." the next to come to the door was none other than Mebuki and unlike Sasuke, she immediately noticed who else was stood among the children.
Uncomfortable silence stretched between the two adults until Mebuki reached down and grabbed up her infamous slipper "How dare you Shisui Uchiha, causing such unfathomable pain in children why I ought to ooooh when I get through with you" Mebuki whacked the Uchiha right over his head with her slipper.
Launching into an angry tirade and Shisui did nothing but accept his punishment, doing nothing to defend himself until the woman ran out of steam "Get your butt in here and so help me if you disappear again you'll be doing laundry for months" the blonde woman huffed and puffed.
Gripping Shisui by his ear and dragging him into the house behind her and throwing down her slipper "Poor Shisui who knows what she'll do to him" Naruto sniggered unsympathetic because the guy did kind of deserve it.
"Agreed, that's not counting what everyone else will do to him, all his old friends and whatnot, he's facing a life of scrutiny and anger by coming back" Sakura grimaced, not wishing that on even her worst enemies.
Mebuki Haruno was not someone you messed with on a normal day and the woman proved to be just as strange as she'd always been when they went further into the house and found Shisui sitting oddly quiet on the couch watching as the woman ranted and raved.
Very clearly trying not to laugh but also taking this serious "Your mothers on a tirade" Kizashi supplied to the kids, like they didn't already know, as Mebuki stormed back and forth, making several points rather angrily.
"Err Mom I hate to interrupt but we have a situation, well I have a situation that I need your and Dad's help with, Shibi-sensei's help to, apparently Hiashi-sama has gotten it in his head that I'm the perfect match for his nephew Neji" Sakura smoothly interrupted.
Just as suddenly the tirade ended "Don't think I'm finished Shisui, I'm putting your scolding on hold, now Sakura-chan how exactly can we help" Mebuki paused and turned her attention on her daughter it was important after all.
"Hiashi-sama needs to speak with you two, and Shibi-sensei to put the thought of a betrothal between me and Neji out of his head, he needs concrete evidence that I'm already in one and not about to change it for him" the rosette explained further.
"Leave that to us Sakura-chan, though you'll have to be at the meeting as well" the pink haired male nodded understanding that this was something serious, Hiashi Hyuga was a stubborn man and his daughter was not getting involved in that.
Not when she had Shino who matched her perfectly in every way "Let me summon Mibojin-sama to go inform Shibi-sensei, who will no doubt get in contact with Hiashi-sama" Sakura flashed through a set of hand signs.
Then in a puff of smoke her summons was before her "Sakura-sama you have need of me" Mibojin greeted respectfully, eagerly awaiting whatever orders she was about to give him, Shisui watching with interest how the two interacted with one another.
"Yes Mibojin-sama, I need you to go inform Shibi-sensei that the Head of the Hyuga Clan wants to set up a betrothal contract between myself and Neji, he needs to know so that a meeting can happen to put a stop to it" the fuscia haired teen instructed.
Mibojin blinked all eight of his eyes before disappearing in a plume of smoke "Anyway I'm going to get started on that idea I had" Naruto cleared his throat and plopped down at the low sitting table, pulling out a sheaf of papers, scrolls, ink and a brush, and started writing furiously.
Kizashi was definitely curious but was distracted as Mibojin returned "He's sent a message to Hyuga-san, is there anything else you wish for me to do Sakura-sama" Mibojin informed, Sakura pressed a finger to her lips thinking.
"I think that's all for now Mibojin-sama, thank you very much and here's a fly for your good work" Sakura shook her head and produced a couple of juicy flies for her summons, who spun his web around his rewards and vanished in an a puff of smoke.
Mebuki chose that moment to start in on Shisui again as Sakura sat at the low table with Naruto, also pulling out a scroll to start smoothing things over for Zabuza with his old village, later on she would have to go see Ittei for her schedule.
Lots of things to do with little time to do them it seemed as she wrote neatly as possible wanting to be seen as serious and professional, halfway through the letter she heard a familiar hissing noise that she associated with Shino's kikaichu.
And looked up to find a small horde of them above her head, Naruto didn't even get freaked out like he usually would "What's Shino thinking sending so many" the blonde frowned in confusion but Sakura pulled out some honey and another scroll.
Swiping the honey over the paper for the kikaichu to land on and form the message Shino wished to relay to her ~Heard from my Father about the problem, do not worry, why because our contract is not in danger~ the message read.
The kikaichu drifted up into a swarm again and Sakura thought about what she wanted to send back to her boyfriend, writing in the honey for the Kikaichu until they escaped from an open window "Messages" the pinkette explained for Naruto.
Returning her attention onto the letter that would be sent to the Mizukage "Furthermore Shisui if you ever pull another stunt like that, there will be no forgiveness next time" Mebuki seemed to be finishing up with her tirade several minutes later as she tied the scroll with a fancy ribbon.
"You don't have to worry Mebuki-san, I take full responsibility for my actions, they were wrong I can see that now, I'm here to stay for good" Shisui held up his hands hoping that he wouldn't get decked in the face, the woman before him was known for it sometimes.
Mebuki huffed then vanished into the kitchen to get started on early lunch for the lot of them "Excuse me for a bit, I have to go send this off, then talk to Tsunade-sama and do some other things" Sakura stood abruptly, jarring Naruto who was in the midst of thinking.
Shisui was quick on his feet, grabbing the sleeve of the kimono he vaguely remembered gifting her should she become Chunin and was whisked away in a flurry of sweet smelling cherry blossoms "That reminds me Sakura-chan I want to see your genjutsu sometime" he commented.
"Just gonna warn you now Shisui-ni that it won't be pretty" the rosette warned, placing the letter meant for the Mizukage in a messenger birds harness, watching it fly away to hopefully reach Hidden Mist without any trouble.
Before she was off again to the Hokage Tower "What can I do for you brat" Tsunade set aside the pile of paperwork she was working on when her unofficial apprentice knocked on the open door, only entering the office when she waved her hand with a tag-along.
"The message to the Mizukage has been sent off, I was wondering about something, what do you have to go through to be an academy instructor, the idea is interesting" Sakura inquired curiously while Shisui openly gaped at her again.
Even Tsunade seemed a little surprised "Many things Sakura, your asking because of that fuinjutsu idea blonde brat wants to implement aren't you" the honey eyed woman immediately interpreted why her almost apprentice would be interested in that.
"Partially Tsunade-sama, there are a few things I'd like to implement myself you know, but I really do like kids, their the next generation of our village, they need to be taught properly so they can also inherit the will of fire we take great pride in" the girl blushed lightly.
And Shisui was so, so proud of her "Way to go Sakura-chan, you've learned well" the Uchiha pat her gently on the back, amazed at the many changes he saw in her, most good, one or two changes bothered him though, but there was little he could do about them.
"Very well, fill this out Sakura and take one for blonde brat if he gets interested as well, then take it to the principle of the academy, he'll give you the material you need to study for the academy instructor exam" Tsunade sighed knowing the girl wouldn't relent.
Before handing over a sheaf of paperwork, two stacks of it to be precise and Sakura's eyes rounded in surprise by the amount of it "Roger that Tsunade-shishou, I can't wait to officially be known as your apprentice" Sakura smiled.
Sealing the stacks in two separate scrolls so they wouldn't accidentally get mixed up, it would be a pain to organize everything "There's gonna be a meeting on the roof in about four hours, make sure you show up brat, you as well Uchiha" the honey eyed woman announced.
Watching them head out the door "Got it, so where are we going next Sakura-chan" Shisui questioned a little surprised that she was so serious about things and becoming an academy instructor was definitely a shocker to him.
"Hospital to talk to Ittei-sama, inform him of my two week break and get my schedule for when it's time to go back to work" the rosette ticked off her fingers, then it'll be back home for lunch and afterwards the village wide meeting that Tsunade was organizing.
"Don't you sit back and relax at all Sakura-chan" the raven haired male pouted this wasn't exactly how he imagined the girl turning out at all, her polite respectful way of speaking to people was something he hadn't expected would change but the rest was definitely strange.
Especially when she shook her head "Nope, I have to work hard to earn my place in the village, I'm the only one from my generation that doesn't come from a shinobi clan that means proving my worth to the higher ups" Sakura informed.
Right as they reached the hospital and vanished within, immediately the receptionist began glaring "Please don't tell me another Uchiha has come wanting to work here" the woman scoffed derisively in a tone filled with disgust.
And now Shisui could understand why Sakura got so defensive over Sasuke being a medic when Tsunade had scoffed about it "Even if Shisui-ni was here to become a medic you wouldn't be able to stop him because that's not up to you" the pinkette snipped out.
Stalking her way deeper into the hospital and because he wasn't a medic, Shisui was left to be glared at by the receptionist, feeling extremely uncomfortable "Haruno-san what are you doing here" Ittei was surprised to see her because he thought she had two weeks off.
"To inform you of my two week break, and get my schedule so I can memorize it, also Hanako-san has had a lapse in her manners again" Sakura explained unafraid to tell on the woman who was downright rude to people and patients that came in ninety percent of the time.
Ittei sighed, sad that one of his own employee's was so terrible "Perhaps she'll be the first to go during the review of medical staff and employee's" the purple haired man rubbed his temples feeling tired hardly able to wait until the girl's break ended.
But he did hand over the schedule Sakura wanted "Thanks, here it's some lavender oil" the girl was to kind as she fished a flask of oil from her medical pouch and held it out to him, he gratefully took it while she turned on her heel with a wave and vanished from sight.
"Thank kami I was about to snap at that woman if she didn't stop glaring at me, poor Sasuke-chan having to put up with that creep" Shisui grumbled, unimpressed by the lack of respect the woman had displayed towards him.
Sakura crinkled her nose "Well that's Hanako-san for you, she's been scolded you know, it's never stopped her from continuing to do it though" Sakura admitted as they finally headed back down the streets to her house.
Where they found lunch ready "You think you can check over what I've got so far on the outline Sakura-chan" Naruto questioned the moment she and Shisui sat at the table, managing to take a break from his side project.
"Mind if I add my own idea's, and of course I can check it over for you Naruto" the rosette brightened in excitement, eating with manners, while Shisui practically salivated over the food since it had been a long, long time that he'd eaten Mebuki's cooking.
Right as they were finishing up a foreboding knock came on the door, when Kizashi returned it was with Hiashi and Neji Hyuga, followed by Shibi and Shino Aburame "I was unaware you were already in a betrothal contract" Hiashi cleared his throat glancing to young girl.
Starting the meeting "Yes, the children have only known for a couple of months themselves, my apologies I'm Mebuki Haruno, Sakura's mother" Mebuki piped in, hoping this would be ended peacefully, conflict was never good after all.
"How did you figure that the young Aburame Heir would be the ideal partner for your daughter, my nephew can match her intellectually, stimulate her in an active way he probably can't" Hiashi narrowed his pale lavender eyes.
Not having thought that the young girl who'd befriended his eldest daughter would turn out to be such a formidable kunoichi just at her current age of thirteen, avoiding Orochimaru, making chunin, becoming a fully qualified medic, it was unfathomable to him.
Yet he also understood that the girl had talents and the ability to master chakra control should she expand on it which is why he wanted her as a partner for his nephew "Regardless of what you think Hyuga-sama, Shino-kun and Sakura-chan are in a relationship" Kizashi cleared his throat.
It was definitely news to him "If your done harping Hiashi, a betrothal contract is already in place and the children don't wish to have it taken away from them" Shibi interrupted before the man could continue with whatever he was about to say.
Sakura had to valiantly fight down her giggles at the man's appalled expression when Shibi accused him of harping "Very well it seems we're done here" Hiashi held his head high, to keep his dignity in tact then marched from the house.
"Forgive my Uncle, also Sakura-san, I'm not as I use to be, Hinata-sama and I have made up just in case you weren't aware" Neji bowed his head, admitting that much to the girl before following his uncle from the house.
Sakura sighed and slumped into a sitting position at the low living room table, Naruto immediately pushed over the outline he'd started earlier, so she started reviewing it, scratching out a few things she know wouldn't go over well and adding a few things in there herself that she thought was reasonable.
Until the time ticked down into nothing "The new Hokage has called a village wide meeting, everyone, civilian and shinobi alike are to attend" Sasuke popped into the house in a flurry of black crow feathers to Shisui's fascination.
Before disappearing just as suddenly, the outline was put away and the lot of them hurried down the streets to the Hokage Tower, "Go on Sakura-chan, Naruto-chan, Shisui" Kizashi waved them off knowing that the active shinobi needed to be up there on the roof with the new Hokage.
Who seemed to be a women, he hadn't expected that really as the three of them vanished in a flurry of whatever their signature was, though Shisui didn't have a signature and appeared on the roof, Tsunade was glad to see them.
Then she took a deep breath and turned to face the civilians below "I am Tsunade Senju, as of this moment I am Hokage, your lives are in my hands now and I promise that I will protect this village until my dying breath" she began.
Addressing the civilians first and introducing herself, giving a vow that she would protect them no matter what happened, then came the hard part "As many of you have noticed already Shisui Uchiha is alive and well, I'm reinstating him as an active Jonin" Tsunade continued.
Gesturing for Shisui to take center stage "Right so uh as you can see I'm not dead, that would be because of Shizune Kato, when I tried to commit suicide, I washed up on the bank of Naka River and she healed me, later on implanting these eyes into my eye sockets" Shisui explained.
Feeling the heated glares and the many betrayed looks, it was like they were asking him if they weren't considered trustworthy enough "Why didn't you at least let Lord Third know instead of allowing everyone to think you were deceased" Sasuke scowled.
Valiantly trying to reign in his violent emotions of anger and hatred until Sakura gripped his hand "I thought it would be best for everyone if I was thought of as dead, I know I'm in the wrong now and there's nothing I can do except work hard to make it up to everyone" Shisui bowed his head.
The scowl on Sasuke's lips deepened but he didn't ask anymore, "I object to him being reinstated, what if he tries to do this again, he's a liability Tsunade-sama" an unfamiliar Jonin piped in, raising his voice to be heard when complaints started about his objection.
Shisui understood though "Be quiet I will not repeal my decision on reinstating Shisui, he's learned his lesson regardless of his actions he had reasons, he's more trustworthy than you know, now does anyone else have a problem with my order" Tsunade snapped.
Practically shouting until the noise died down, no one else spoke up "Good consider yourself an active shinobi again Shisui, now moving on, in two months time there will be an inauguration ceremony, I expect everyone to attend, Shinobi and Civilian alike" the honey eyed woman announced.
A look on her face told anyone who thought about objecting that they'd find themselves punched off the roof "No objections I see you lot learn fast, now I'm making a village wide announcement, Zabuza Momochi is under my protection, should anyone harm him or attempt to kill him they will be faced with serious consequences" Tsunade revealed.
While Kakashi shot the formerly disguised rogue a confused look "Due to the fact that your under protection and need accommodations, I'll be placing you with Kakashi Hatake" the woman said in a tone that said argue or be put in a coma.
Kakashi merely nodded in understanding "Now for the more serious matters, as of two hours ago I learned of a very miraculous feat, Uchiha Sasuke, Haruno Sakura step forward" Tsunade demanded of the two, one a genin still the other a Chunin.
"For your valiant efforts to protect the Hidden Leaf Village against internal conflict by Danzo Shimura, as newly promoted genin, I promote you Sasuke Uchiha to Chunin and award the both of you with a medal of honor" Tsunade announced.
And the two stood tall as the medals were placed around their necks, many Jonin choked on their saliva as they realized exactly who it was that had the procured evidence needed that landed the former elder Danzo Shimura in jail where he was to be executed very soon.
Hiruzen couldn't bring himself to do it so the grizzly task was left to his student and successor of the leadership to the Hidden Leaf Village "Lastly as of now, Sakura Haruno is considered my apprentice and eventually will inherit the title of Sannin from me" Tsunade finished.
Giving the highest honor that she could to the young girl, while at the same time placing a lot of pressure on Sakura's shoulders, her duties weren't to just her village anymore, but to her new Mistress who happened to be Hokage.
With that they were all dismissed "Well I'm glad to be back" Naruto huffed, not having expected all that had happened "How could you not let me help you take down whoever that Danzo guy was" he pouted unhappily.
Realizing why his friends had been so secretive those few days after they'd become genin "Because you would have blabbed and shouted to the rooftops about what we were doing, losing the element of surprise Dope" Sasuke grunted.
"Now, now Sasuke there's no need for acerbic remarks like that, Naruto's changed a lot, besides we're home that's all that matters" Sakura rolled her eyes glad to be home to because home was where her heart was and she wouldn't change it for the world.