Chapter 2

Summary: Sakura and Shisui arrive in Konoha. Origins are revealed and Sakura is not someone to be messed with.

Sakura had to hold back tears as she and her guide approached the red gates of Konoha. The village was bustling with an energy that she hadn't felt in years. It was home- but not hers. Not anymore. Not yet.

If Shisui noticed the way her breathing grew ragged, he didn't say anything. They had left Shinrin village at dawn, Sakura's patient fully healed and his mother eternally grateful. Shisui had felt a flicker of admiration at the way Sakura handled her patient with genuine care.

When the pair reached the village entrance, they were greeted by two familiar guards. Though Izumo and Kotetsu wouldn't recognize her, the familiar faces were still comforting. Though, she couldn't deny the spike of pain that came along with that comfort.

"Shisui-senpai!" Izumo waved them over cheerfully. He carefully eyed Sakura as the pair made their way over to the entrance desk to sign in. "Who's this?"

"This is Uzumaki Sakura- a guest of the Hokage," Shisui answered. This caused Kotetsu to perk up and survey Shisui's new companion. The two guards watched as they signed the entry log. Sakura gave a small bow and smile before she was led off by Shisui to the Hokage tower. Izumo and Kotetsu hummed in thought.

"The Hidden Maelstrom, huh?"

When the duo reached the entrance to the tower, they were let further in by the secretary. Her gaze followed them as they ventured down the hall.

Shisui led Sakura through the floors that she knew by heart, but pretended to be oblivious to. She noticed the way a few jounin would stare when they caught sight of her. They must recognize her. She wondered if the Bingo Books somehow got a picture of her.

"We're here," Shisui stopped in front of the door leading to the Hokage's office. He turned to Sakura. "I don't think I have to warn you about what will happen if you cause trouble."

Sakura just rolled her eyes. "Don't worry; I don't have any nefarious plots or evil tricks." Shisui chuckled lightly before knocking on the door. A gravelly voice told them to enter.

Sakura had prepared for this moment for over a year, but nothing could completely brace her for the sight of the Sandaime, alive and well. While the old leader wasn't a huge figure in her life beyond the obvious, she had grown fond of him through the stories Naruto told her. She knew that Hiruzen was one of Naruto's precious people, and that was enough for her.

"Welcome," the Hokage greeted, a warm smile on his wrinkled face. "I hope your travels have been well, Uzumaki-san, Shisui-san."

The pair bowed before him, Shisui a little lower than Sakura. "Thank you, Hokage-sama. Our trip was fine; we had the wind at our backs," Sakura replied. Hiruzen raised an eyebrow at the odd-yet-somehow-familiar explanation. He felt like he had heard Mito say something similar when he was just a boy.

"I'm glad," he nodded. "Now, what brings you here, Uzumaki-san? I must say, I was surprised when Shisui sent me a summon telling me you would be accompanying him home."

Sakura took a deep breath, and Hiruzen noted the change in her friendly demeanor. This was no longer a pleasant introduction between acquaintances, rather, a meeting of trained shinobi. She was all business, and this made him wary.

"Hokage-sama, I have come here to relay some important information I have involving Konoha and her future," Sakura said, voice firm and posture filled with a kind of confidence that only came with experience.

A flicker of steel shone in Hiruzen's eyes at her words. "And what, pray-tell, does this information consist of?"

"I know you are aware of the mercenary group, the Akatsuki," she started. Hiruzen stiffened and Shisui looked at her out of the corner of his eye. "It is the one that Orochimaru joined after his defection. I also know that Jiraiya-sama has been attempting to track their movements and gain intel on the members and their motives."

Now, Hiruzen was suspicious. No one outside of his close circle knew of the true purpose behind Jiraiya's long-term trip. Not even the council was aware. So, how did this random kunoichi know?

"I can tell you are suspicious of me now, but I ask that you continue to hear me out," Sakura spoke with a voice that commanded attention. Hiruzen nodded for her to continue. "The past two years, members of the Akatsuki have either been killed or simply gone missing, and now, the organization has gone completely underground. I'm assuming that Jiraiya has told you of this; however, he does not know the cause."

"And you do?" Hiruzen's eyes were narrowed as the apprehension in the room grew. This girl was more than she seemed.

"Yes. I know because I am the one who has taken apart Akatsuki." Sakura remained completely calm, even as she felt hostility beginning to bubble beneath the surface of everyone in the room.

"Explain."

Sakura took a deep breath. "The rest of this conversation should be held in private. I do not trust anyone with this information, other than you and two others."

"And who would the two others be?" Hiruzen could feel the anxiety radiating off of his hidden ANBU. He could tell they were itching to attack- instincts were hard to ignore, and this kunoichi was making them go haywire.

"Yamanaka Inoichi and Naraka Shikaku," she answered without hesitation. "I trust they will not do anything with this information that could compromise village safety. Also, you will want Yamanaka-san to check my memories- the process will be much easier that way. And Nara-san will be beneficial for utilizing what you will learn from me."

"You are willingly offering to undergo a Yamanaka mind sweep?" Hiruzen was baffled. No one wanted to have their mind invaded.

"Yes, I am. It is the best way to go about this," Sakura shrugged. Hiruzen raised an eyebrow and thought for a moment, comparing various factors and outcomes, weighing his options.

"Very well. However, I must insist that Shisui stay. He is a valuable and trusted shinobi," Hiruzen conceded. Sakura simply nodded in agreement. Hiruzen signalled for his ANBU guards to leave the room, and they did so immediately, though reluctantly. It was against everything they had drilled into their minds to leave their Hokage with a strange, dangerous kunoichi. However, orders were orders.

Hiruzen sent the last one out to summon the Yamanaka and Nara heads, making sure to let them know it was urgent.

When the two shinobi arrived, they became wary of Sakura's presence. They, of course, recognized her from her Bingo Book entry. However, they made no comment, instead bowing to their Hokage.

"You summoned us, Hokage-sama?" Inoichi greeted.

Hiruzen nodded. "Yes," he activated his strongest privacy seals, "this kunoichi claims to have valuable information regarding Konoha." Shikaku gazed at her lazily, though everyone in the room knew he was considering her carefully. "She has offered to go under a Yamanaka mindsweep, and requested that it be you, Inoichi."

The aforementioned clan leader was surprised, but simply nodded. "Understood." He turned to Sakura. "Are you ready?" A nod of affirmation. "Okay, then I'll need you to relax. This may feel uncomfortable at first, but your cooperation will make this much easier." Sakura nodded once more and Inoichi stepped in front of her. He placed his fingers on her temples and they both closed their eyes. Silence reigned over the room as Inoichi worked to sift through her memories. Everyone was wondering what the kunoichi had to share that she felt would be necessary to be confirmed by a Yamanaka.

Suddenly, after quite a few minutes had passed, Inoichi stumbled away from Sakura, eyes wide and heartrate accelerated. He clutched at his chest and regained his composure before bowing to the woman before him. "I cannot express how sorry I am for your losses, and how amazed I am by your Will of Fire. You are truly a shinobi worthy of respect."

Sakura's eyes glistened with tears, probably from reliving painful memories. She gave him a watery smile, then schooled her expression as Hiruzen interrupted the moment.

"Inoichi? What exactly did you find?"

And so, Inoichi told Sakura's story. He told of a young, weak girl, of betrayal and friendship, of growth and strength, of battle and victory, and then of war and pain. He told the story of a girl whose world crumbled around her, until all that was left was a boy with blue eyes and a smile of sunlight. He told of how they were so desperate, so defeated, that she defied nature and traveled back to save a world once lost.

At the end of the devastating tale, every occupant in the room had a newfound respect for the woman. Hiruzen bowed his head, followed by Shisui and Shikaku, and once more Inoichi. Shisui was amazed that such a thing was possible, while Shikaku's mind whirled through hundreds of calculations and possibilities.

"First, I must thank you, Sakura-san, for all you have done and continue to do for Konoha," Hiruzen started. "But I must ask- you have avoided Konoha until now. Why have you decided to return at this time?" He noticed the way Sakura stilled as a shadow crossed over her face.

"In about half a year, Uchiha Itachi will be manipulated by Shimura Danzo into slaughtering his entire clan, except for his younger brother, Sasuke. This is one event that I will not allow to repeat itself." Sakura clenched her fists and locked eyes with the Hokage.

"What then, do you propose I do? I am aware of the tense situation, but so far, a solution has not come to me," Hiruzen asked her, a grave tone filling his voice.

"Speak to Fugaku," she said simply. "This whole massacre was the product of a lack of communication- on both parts. The Uchiha drowned themselves in their bitterness, and the village let them."

Hiruzen sighed and nodded. "I had not wanted to mention things to Fugaku, in fear of him feeling attacked and speeding up his plans. But I see the truth in what you say. I will meet with him as soon as I can."

"Good." Sakura folded her arms over her chest and looked to Shisui before speaking again. "I would also suggest looking into counsilman Danzo's affairs. As I said before, he was the one who manipulated Itachi-san. And, you may find other things that will disturb you." Sakura's gaze turned sharp, like the cutting edge of a katana. "If you fail to act accordingly, I will be forced to do so myself, regardless of the consequences," she warned.

"I will investigate him, and deal with my old friend as is necessary," Hiruzen promised, sensing the seriousness of Sakura's threat. "Is there anything else you wish to divulge or request at this moment?" Sakura paused and seemed to look at a person not present in the room.

"I would like to ask for custody over Uzumaki Naruto." Her voice was firm and anyone could tell how important this was to her.

"I think this is a good idea," Shikaku spoke up for the first time since entering the room. All eyes turned to him and he shrugged. "The boy has been alone too long. He needs someone there for him who doesn't do so on orders."

Hiruzen hummed in consideration. "Very well. Would you like me to summon Naruto-kun?" He agreed and Sakura's shoulders sagged with relief.

"No, I'd like to approach him myself, and build a bond first, if that's alright," she replied. Hiruzen voiced his permission, and their meeting concluded shortly after. The Hokage would have a living space prepared for her while she met with the young Naruto. Sakura set out with the determination of a woman saving the world.

I'm super sorry for the long wait! i promise nothing of mine has been abandoned, i've just been really busy with school and other matters. but it's here, and New Perspective should also be updated soon! hope you enjoyed the chapter. next up, sakura will meet young naruto and we'll get to see their bond begin to develop! see you then

xoLuke