Chapter 14
The next morning, Sakura awoke with the remnants of tears in her eyes. She had to peel them open as the tears had sealed them shut during the night. As she awoke, the memories of the day before slam into her waking consciousness. Temari had finally informed her of what her Kazehime duties would be, but the biggest news was that she would be expected to move to Suna and to marry Gaara.
When she had first heard this news, it angered her. At the time, she couldn't stand the sight of Temari. Her next thoughts were of Gaara and how much he knew. She had left Temari and barged into Gaara's office and accused him of knowing everything. What she hadn't expected was when he asked her to trust him. Then, in front of his council and his sister, he told Sakura that he loved her. After that, he confessed that before the trials, he had been talking to her sishou about finding a way to court her without interference from his council.
She was in a full blown panic when Gaara had transported her to his room. He gave her the time she needed to fight the panic back. While they were in his room, he told her that no decisions needed to be made right away. He even repeated that they didn't need to rush into marriage and that even he was not ready for that step.
Once Sakura had calmed herself, she had made the decision to go back home to Konoha. When she told Gaara of her decision, she could see the sadness and fear in his eyes. She knew it was the right decision. Sakura needed to make sure she was making the right decision for herself. The fear of leaving her family and friends behind was also driving her panic.
If she accepted the position of Kazehime and married Gaara, then she would have to leave Konoha behind. No more would she be able to sit under Tsunade's tutelage of medical ninjutsu. She wouldn't be able to listen to Shizune's lectures on poison or help her hide Tsunade's sake bottles. There would be no more girl time with Ino. Ino would be one of the people she missed the most. Their constant bickering, their constant late night gossip sessions, their lunch dates. All of that she would have to give up.
She wondered if Temari had friends in Suna. She barely saw her with anyone besides her brothers. If Temari didn't have friends here, would the same thing happen to her? She couldn't live if she didn't have some sort of female companionship.
Then she thought of her parents. What would it be like to live so far from them? She had tried to make it a monthly goal to at least visit her parents twice a month. They offered her some stability in her life. When she was younger, Sakura had often volunteered her family home for team dinners. She had come to realize that it might offer some of the comforts of home to her teammates. After Sasuke had left the village, Naruto had become more of a stable visitor in her family home.
Thinking of Naruto reminded her that she may not be there for the birth of his and Hinata's first child. She wouldn't be there to see him become the next Hokage. How could see leave all that behind? Suddenly her thoughts of becoming Kazehime and marrying Gaara made her feel selfish. How could she consider herself when she was going to be needed back home? She definitely needed to go home and get some advice before she made a final decision.
With those thoughts in mind, Sakura climbed out of bed and quickly got herself showered and dressed. She went downstairs and got something to eat. She noticed the mansion seemed awfully quiet and empty. Everyone must be out, she thought to herself. She left the kitchen and went back to her room and started to pack her things. When she finished packing everything, she took the pack that Temari had given her for the trials and slung it over her shoulder. She left the mansion and made her way to Gaara's office.
When she made it to the building, she climbed the stairs and then knocked on the door to his office. Gaara called out, "enter," knowing who it was. He was loathe for this moment to come. Sakura had told him last night that she would be leaving. He didn't want her to leave. He was afraid that if she left, she would find enough reason in Konoha to not come back. He let go of the breath he had been holding as he watched her enter his office.
When Sakura entered Gaara's office, she noticed that he was not alone. Both Temari and Kankuro were there. She bowed to all three of the sand siblings and said, "good morning." She looked back up to Gaara and said, "last night I told Gaara that I needed to return to Konoha. Before I make my final decision to be the Kazehime, I need to get some advice and I need some time to think about this decision. Gaara has agreed to let me return to Konoha."
Temari felt sadness for her brother. She wished that Sakura would have been able to make her decision here in Suna. She could see how much her brother loved the pinkette. But Sakura had a point. This was a big decision and she should be allowed to make up her own mind on whether she wanted the position or not. In a way, Sakura was being forced into this decision rather quickly. If only she had known of her brother's plans, then Sakura would never have been put into this position. Temari let out a soft sigh that she hoped no one heard.
Gaara got up from behind his desk and walked over to Sakura. He hugged her tightly, not wanting to let her go. While nuzzling her neck, he told her, "I'm sending Kankuro with you. It's not that I don't think you can make it back to Konoha on your own, but more for my sanity than anything."
Sakura hugged him back. "I understand," she said. The pinkette let go of Gaara and gave him a quick kiss on his tattoo that read the word love. She took a couple of steps away from the redhead and looked over to Kankuro. "If you're ready, I'd like to start moving now," she strongly suggested to him.
Kankuro walked over to the pack he had left near the door and picked it up. "I'm ready when you are," he told her.
Sakura gave one last look to Gaara and told him, "I'm coming back, so wait for me, please." Gaara nodded his head while Sakura blew him a kiss goodbye. He caught the kiss and held it tightly to his heart.
Sakura walked out the door, followed shortly by Kankuro. Before he left, he looked at Gaara and told him, "Don't worry, Gaara. I'll take good care of her. I won't let anyone hurt her."
Gaara and Temari watched both of them leave. He knew he could trust Kankuro with Sakura. Gaara turned back to his desk preparing himself for the work that needed to be done for the day.
Temari stood before her brother and offered an apology to him for putting Sakura in this terrible position. Gaara looked at her, stunned. "There is nothing for you to apologize for, Temari," he said. "If I had been more open with you about my plans, you would never have thought to include Sakura in the Trials. So, I am as much to blame as you and the council for Sakura's predicament."
Temari bowed to her brother and continued speaking. "She did say she would return and I think we need to trust that she will make the right decision. Please have faith in her, Gaara. I know you have trouble with trusting people, but I think that you can trust Sakura. Becoming Kazehime is not an easy decision and can be quite overwhelming. She just needs time and space to think this all through. She'll come back to you. I'm sure of it."
Gaara just looked at her. "I hope so," he murmured.
Temari left her brother to his work and returned back to the mansion.
XXX
Kankuro finally caught up to Sakura and they travelled in complete silence for most of the day. Sakura was lost to her thoughts and didn't feel comfortable talking about them to Kankuro. She needed another female to talk to. She understood why Gaara didn't send Temari with her. Sakura was still angry with the blonde and didn't know if she could contain her temper if they were too close to each other. Kankuro was the safer of the two for her to be with at the moment.
Kankuro didn't mind the silence. He knew Sakura had a lot on her mind. He thought of how he could help his brother with his relationship. He felt that Sakura would make a great younger sister-in-law for him and a wonderful partner for his brother. She would also make a wonderful addition to Suna as a Kazehime and as a medic.
They were making good time and they soon came to the border of Wind and Fire. Sakura decided to stop for the night. She started setting up camp while Kankuro pulled out a food storage scroll and handed her something to eat. "I'll take the first watch," Sakura told him.
"That's fine," Kankuro answered while he was unrolling his sleeping mat. When he finished laying out his mat, he sat down on it and looked into the fire as if it held all life's answers. He contemplated about what he wanted to say to Sakura for a few minutes and then decided to get it over with.
"Sakura," he called out to her. She turned her head to listen to him. "You know that Temari and Shikamaru's relationship is getting serious, right?"
"Yes. I believe that is true," she answered him.
Kankuro turned serious eyes on the pinkette. "You do know that there will be a time when Temari will have to decide to leave Suna and move to Konoha. I can't believe that Konoha would give up their best strategist. That is, of course, if Temari decides to marry Shikamaru."
Sakura looked at Kankuro with eyes aghast. She had never thought of Temari having to leave Suna.
Kankuro continued speaking, interrupting her thoughts. "Temari leaving Suna will affect Gaara personally. In his role as the Kazekage, he has come to rely on her quite a bit. There are not many people that he trusts. He may need you when that time comes." Then, Kankuro became suddenly quiet. He didn't know how to tell her how greatly that both he and Gaara were going to miss Temari. She had been like a mother to the two of them ever since their mother had died.
"I'm… I'm not telling you this to pressure you into your decision, but I thought you should know that you are not the only one having to make a decision to leave their home in order to marry someone." He looked away from Sakura, hoping she didn't see his guilty face. He wanted her to make the right decision and he wanted to protect his brother from heartbreak.
"I'm going to turn in now," he said as he laid down and rolled away from the pinkette. He wanted to trust that she would make the right decision and he hoped his words would help her with that decision.
While Kankuro slept, Sakura thought about what he had said. His words did have an affect on her. She had never thought about Temari having to make a decision to leave Suna. It helped her move away from her anger against the blonde. Both she and Temari had a connection through a shared experience. Even though Sakura felt she should have talked to Temari before she left, there were just too many emotions to deal with at the time. When she got back to Suna, she and Temari would have to spend some time talking about their shared experience. Maybe they could both help each other with their moves.
XXX
Two days later, they made it back to Konoha. Sakura signed both of their names in at the gate and decided to go to her apartment first. When they arrived at her apartment, she told Kankuro he could stay in her guest room. She would need to take a shower and then go see Tsunade to let her know that she was back and that he was staying with her.
Kankuro thanked her for the room and decided that he would get some rest while she did what she needed to do.
After taking a relaxing shower and getting something to eat, Sakura headed for the Hokage tower. There were many things that she had left out of her mission reports back to Tsunade and now she would have to report everything to her. She hoped that Tsunade would be able to give her some advice and help her make her decision about becoming Kazehime.
When Sakura entered the Hokage tower, she first stopped to see Shizune. "Hi, Shizune," she said. "Is Tsunade-shishou busy?"
"No. She is not busy," Shizune answered her. "She is looking forward to seeing you, Sakura. I hope you had a good stay in Suna."
"Yes it was quite eventful," Sakura said sarcastically. "I'm going to go see Tsunade now." She waved back while continuing to climb up the stairs.
When she made it to the top of the stairs, she was almost knocked over by the blond bomb coming out of Tsunade's office. "OOMPH! Naruto get off of me," she yelled at her obnoxious teammate.
"Sorry Sakura," Naruto commented while rubbing the back of his neck. "I was just excited to see you back, you know." He helped her back to her feet. "Are you here to see Baa-chan?"
"Yes. I have to report in," she told him.
"Ok. Well, now that you're back, maybe you can join Hinata and I for some ramen later, ok?"
"Sure. I'll find you and Hinata when I'm finished. Oh, by the way, Kankuro came with me, so he will be joining us as well."
"Great. I'll let Hinata know. We'll meet up at 7. See ya then." Naruto jogged off to find his wife and tell her the good news.
Sakura knocked on the door and then entered the room. "Hello, Tsunade-Shishou. I'm back from Suna."
"Welcome back, Sakura. What news do you bring me?" the buxom blonde asked.
Sakura then went into her long report of what happened in Suna. "Temari had not been honest when she requested for me to come to Suna and be in charge of the medics for the Trials. She fixed it so that I became a participant in the Trials. I had to fight the other kunoichis and make my way back to Suna. Of course, I did defeat all of my opponents and won. At the end, I was given the title of Kazehime. A couple of days later, Temari informed me of what was expected of the Kazehime. The biggest news is that as the Kazehime, I would be expected to move to Suna and marry Gaara." Sakura took a big breath after giving her report.
Tsunade just nodded her head the whole time. "I expected no less of my apprentice." she said. "Of course, I knew Temari was not telling the truth," she began.
"WHAT do you mean... you knew?" Sakura angrily questioned. "If you knew, why didn't you stop this from happening?"
"Sakura, if I stop everything bad from happening to you, you would never grow and learn things. I have taught you everything I know. You have surpassed all of my expectations. You have even surpassed me. I think moving to Suna and marrying Gaara would be a good thing for you. I believe you two would make a great couple."
Sakura just stared at her shishou with a dumbfounded look. Never had she thought she would hear such words from Tsunade.
Tsunade continued her passionate speech. "I have let you sit in on my council meetings and I have put you in charge of the hospital. As the Kazehime you will be dealing with ambassadors and diplomats. You may have to host these important people in your home or at meetings. Gaara may even give you a seat on his council. I think, no, I know you will be able to handle the responsibilities that come with being a Kazehime. I believe that, had you wanted it, you could have made a great Hokage."
"But what about the hospital? What about my responsibility to Konoha? Sakura tried pleading with her shishou. "How can I leave all of this behind?"
Tsunade slammed both of her hands down on her desk, making Sakura jump. She knew Sakura was scared and was making excuses.
"DO NOT use Konoha as an excuse for why you cannot advance yourself. In a couple of months, I will be handing the reins of Hokage over to Kakashi and then I will take over the hospital, so you don't have to worry about that. As far as your responsibility to Konoha is concerned, part of your responsibility is to make Konoha a better place."
Tsunade didn't want to scare her apprentice, but sometimes things had to be beaten into Sakura to get her to understand that she was just as important as everyone else. She did not have to always sacrifice herself to make others happy. The kunoichi needed to be allowed to make herself happy as well.
"Marrying Gaara will actually help to strengthen the alliance between our two villages, but I do caution you," Tsunade continued. "Some will see this as a political marriage and may try to manipulate your joining. Make certain you are serious about this decision. A disastrous marriage could mean tension between the two villages, which could lead to war. Make sure you are marrying Gaara for the right reasons."
Tsunade had to take a break, so she broke out one of her bottles of Sake and poured herself a drink. This was a big decision for her apprentice. She wanted Sakura to know she supported her student. She believed every word she had told Sakura.
Sighing and with a softer voice Tsunade spoke, "I love you as if you were my own daughter, Sakura, but I cannot make this decision for you. I will be here for you if you need me. Now, go... I have things that need to be done."
Sakura left Tsunade's office a little stunned and a little overwhelmed. Tsunade loved her and had a lot of confidence in her to make the right decision. Sakura decided to stop in a tea house to go over everything Tsunade had just told her. She needed to get her emotions under control before she saw anyone else.
When Sakura had finished her tea, she decided to check in at the hospital and see if they needed some help. The hospital was like a second home to her and she had missed it while she was in Suna.
About five hours later, Sakura had finished assisting with a surgery. A chunin had come in severely wounded from a team spar that had gotten out of control. After tossing her bloody gloves and gown in the hamper near her, she walked to her office. She found some paperwork that needed to be signed and then filed away.
An hour later, she looked up to the clock and saw that it was 6 p.m. She stood up and stretched and decided to go back to her apartment. The pinkette would still have time to get a shower before she took Kankuro to Ichiraku's Ramen Shop for dinner with Naruto.
When she got home, Sakura found Kankuro sprawled out on her couch snoring while the tv was playing. She let him sleep while she took her shower. After her shower and getting dressed into some comfortable clothes, she woke Kankuro up.
"What's up, Sakura?" Kankuro asked as he rubbed his eyes.
"Naruto invited us to go with him to Ichiraku's for dinner tonight," she answered. "I told him you were here and that I would bring you along. So, get up so we can get going."
After rubbing the sleep out of his eyes, he lifted himself up off the couch and put his shoes on. They walked for 10 minutes when they finally arrived at Ichiraku's Ramen shop. They could already hear Naruto's boisterous laugh as they entered the ramen shop. They gradually made their way to the stools next to Naruto and sat down.
"It's about time you got here," Naruto called out to them. "I almost thought you weren't coming."
Sakura just gave him a slight grin and then waved over to Hinata. "You know I would never ditch you, Naruto, unless something important came up at the hospital."
Kankuro just grunted and gave his order.
Sakura and Kankuro stayed at the ramen shop for a couple of hours talking with Naruto and Hinata and anyone else who entered the shop. They both enjoyed themselves, but Sakura was getting tired and wanted to return to her apartment to get some rest. After talking to Tsunade about the Trials and Suna and then working at the hospital, she was exhausted. Tomorrow would be no better as she was going to see her best friend Ino. She knew Ino would want all the details about what happened in Suna, especially once she found out that Sakura had a date with Gaara.
She said goodnight to Naruto and Hinata. Kankuro walked with her back to the apartment. They entered and said goodnight to each other.
XXX
The next morning, once Sakura got ready for the day, she walked out to the kitchen and found Kankuro already pouring himself a cup of coffee. He grabbed a cup and filled it with the brown liquid and passed the cup over to the pink-haired girl. She thanked him for the coffee. Sakura grabbed a light breakfast and informed Kankuro that she was going to visit with her friend Ino and then would go back to work at the hospital. She didn't know what time she would return. He was welcome to anything he could find in her apartment to eat. A spare key was next to the door if he decided to leave the apartment.
A few minutes later, Sakura was entering the Yamanaka flower shop. The bell above the door chimed as she entered, giving away her presence to the blonde sitting behind a counter. Ino looked up and yelled, "Well look who decided to make herself known. I thought you might never come back from Suna. I know I told you that Gaara would be a great guy to move on with after you gave up on Sasuke, but I never thought you would take me literally, Forehead."
Sakura could only stare at the blonde. Oh, if she only knew how true some of her words were, she thought to herself. She gave Ino a shy chuckle while trying to fight off a rising blush. "Are you free, Ino? I could use some girl time if you don't mind," she asked her best friend.
"For you, Sakura, I'm always free. Let me just close the shop and we can go up to my apartment above the shop."
Once they were in the apartment, Sakura sat down on the couch in the small living room. Ino went and prepared tea for the two of them.
When she returned with the tea, she sat down next to Sakura. "So, how was Suna?" she asked the pinkette.
Sakura swallowed her tea and said, "That's what I came to talk to you about. I have a lot to tell you and I think I'm going to need some advice as well," she spoke hesitantly
"Well that's why I am here, so speak away. Tell me everything and don't leave anything out," the blonde said while giving her a wink.
Sakura went on to tell her about how Temari had requested that she go to Suna to assist with a kunoichi competition and then tricked her into becoming a participant. She continued to explain about her opponents and about the time she spent with Matsuri. Sakura then informed her friend of how she found out she was actually a participant in the Kazehime Trials and about the tribunal. Then, she mentioned how it was decided that she was the winner and was given the title of Kazehime. After that, she grabbed for her tea cup and decided to take a break from all the information she had given the blonde.
After listening to Sakura, Ino felt quite a few emotions go through her. First, it was surprise and then anger at what Temari had done and then she was excited that Sakura had won her battles in the desert. "So, explain about the title of Kazehime," Ino asked.
Sakura cringed. This was the part she dreaded talking about. She knew that once she told Ino the truth, she would get super excited and would be all over her. But, she promised to tell Ino everything and that meant everything.
"It was a couple of days later that Temari informed me of what the duties of the Kazehime would be, Sakura continued. "Mostly, it consisted of duties such as hosting meetings and parties for ambassadors and diplomats who visited Suna. I would be allowed to assist at the Suna hospital and attend council meetings." She took a quick breath and then went on to say, "the biggest news is that as Kazehime, I would need to move to Suna and marry the Kazekage." She waited with bated breath for Ino's reaction.
Ino had just been nodding her head as some of the duties which seemed to be consistent with what a Kazehime would be expected to do, until she heard the words move to Suna and marry the Kazekage. "WHAT!" She yelled out. "What do you mean move to Suna and marry the Kazekage?"
Sakura wished a hole would open up and swallow her, but she put a brave face on. "That's what I wanted to talk to you about and why I need advice," she explained to Ino.
Ino looked at her friend with soft eyes. Sakura must be really scared and worried about this if she wants advice. "So what kind of advice do you need? I know I encouraged you to move on and that Gaara would be a good place to start. How did he react when he found out you won the Trials?"
"Gaara was really surprised when he learned that I was the winner. He was never informed of who the participants were." She started blushing and then told Ino of her day with Gaara; how he had taken her into this cave that led to a cistern; and where he rowed them to a small cove where they had a picnic lunch. They talked and then he had kissed her. It was at that moment that she had decided to let Sasuke stay in the past and to give Gaara her heart. More importantly, she kissed him back.
Ino was so shocked that she started to giggle. She hugged Sakura and told her she was happy for her. "Do you know if you love him?" she asked.
Sakura shook her head, "I don't know. Gaara is a nice guy, but how can I leave Konoha? How can I leave all my friends and my responsibilities and move to Suna?"
"How do you not know if you love him?" a surprised Ino asked. "It's either yes or no; and if you say no, than I think you are being a complete fool. Has Gaara given you any indication that he might have feelings for you?"
Sakura looked down, trying to hide her eyes and her blush. When she looked back up to her friend, she answered her and said that yes, he had come right out and said that he loved her in front of his council and his sister.
Ino clapped her hands to her mouth in surprise. "Really? He did? In front of his whole council?"
"Yes, he did," Sakura groaned.
"If he loves you, then what are going to do about it?"
She didn't want to tell Ino about the panic attack that she had and how Gaara had helped her through it. It was too personal of a memory and she wanted to keep it to herself. "I don't know what I am going to do about it," she told her friend. "That's why I told him I needed to come back to Konoha. I needed to think about this and make sure I'm making the right decision before I commit to the title of Kazehime. It's a pretty big decision."
"So what's really stopping you, Sakura?" Ino questioned.
"I'm scared, Ino. If I accept the title, then that means I have to leave Konoha. I have to leave everything behind and I'll be starting from scratch in Suna. I won't have any friends and my family won't be there. How can I do this?"
"Are you for real? You're scared to leave your friends and family behind. Are you mad?" Ino couldn't believe what she was hearing. "You have a really sweet guy who just told you he loved you and you're scared to leave your friends and family behind," she just about screeched.
"Ino…," Sakura whined.
"No. Sakura. You are going to listen to me and you better listen well. DON'T use me as an excuse for why you can't move ahead with your life. You have a great chance at real happiness and you are going to throw it away, because you don't trust yourself. Just because things didn't work out with Sasuke, doesn't mean the same thing will happen with Gaara.
I might not know enough about Gaara, but if he was willing to confess his true feelings to you in front of his council AND HIS sister, then I don't think he is going to stop loving you anytime soon. Besides, if I find out that you chose to stay in Konoha because of me or anyone else here in Konoha, I will find you and I will beat you to a bloody pulp."
"But Ino, we will never get to see each other again. I'll never find another friend like you if I move to Suna." Sakura didn't want to sound like a whiny baby, but she didn't know how else to tell Ino how important she was to her and how much she would miss her presence.
Ino could tell that Sakura was desperate. She could read the fear in her eyes. Yes, they wouldn't be able to see each other every day, but how could she deny her best friend a chance at true happiness? "I'm sure Gaara isn't going to hold you prisoner in Suna. He'll let you make trips to Konoha and I'll work it so I can take missions to Suna. If you've been able to make friends here in Konoha, you can make friends in Suna as well. Everything is going to be fine, Sakura. You're overthinking this."
Sakura sighed while looking down at her feet. There was just no arguing with Ino. She was right. What did she have to really be scared about. Both Tsunade and Ino told her the same thing. She was making excuses and overthinking. Her heart wanted to love Gaara, but her mind was trying to disprove her heart.
Seeing as Sakura was being quiet and most likely over analyzing their conversation, Ino decided to break the girl's concentration. "Sakura, I think the best thing for you to do is to decide what makes you like Gaara so much. Don't think of Konoha, friends or family, but about your feelings. There is nothing wrong or selfish about wanting your own happiness. I'm here for you if you need me."
Ino grabbed Sakura's shoulders and gave her a hug. "I do want you to know that if you do decide to move to Suna and marry Gaara... if he does anything to make you unhappy... I will make his life a living hell. I'm not above using my family jutsus on him for the sake of my best friend," she giggled.
Sakura couldn't help but laugh along. "Ino, sometimes you're too good for me. Thanks."
"Well, that is what friends are for. Now, you better get going. I have to reopen the shop and if you don't leave soon, I may just put you to work. Some of the those flower arrangements aren't going to get made by themselves, you know."
Sakura hugged her best friend one more time while laughing and left the Yamanaka building. When she stepped outside, she noticed how late it was. She decided to stop and get take out for her and Kankuro. She felt a little bit better since talking to Ino and felt that maybe she was headed in the right direction for her decision.
XXX
A few weeks had flown by and Sakura wondered when Kankuro would be needed back in Suna. She didn't mind having him as a house guest, but it was strange that he had not made a move to return back to his home. The kunoichi even thought she had caught someone shadowing her a couple times on the way to and from work at the hospital and even while at Ino's.
Did Gaara order his brother to stay in Konoha until I make my decision? Is Gaara really that worried that I'm not going to come back to him? She didn't want these thoughts to ruin her day and so she decided that she should just ask Kankuro why he was still in Konoha.
Kankuro was watching a tv show when he noticed Sakura come into the small room and sit down on an armchair that was to the right of the couch he was lazing about on. He saw the serious and confused look on her face and wondered what she was thinking about.
He sat up and looked over to the pinkette. "You look like you want to talk about something. What's up?" Kankuro asked casually.
She gave him a small smile. "Why are you still here? I mean I don't mind you staying in my apartment, but it's been almost three weeks since we left Suna. Is there a reason why you haven't returned home yet?" Sakura blurted everything out faster than she expected. "Oh, and are you following me all around Konoha?" she added almost as an afterthought.
Kankuro rubbed the back of his neck while a slight blush rose up on his cheeks. How could he tell her that as the Kazehime, she needed protection? Even if she was in her home country. Slowly and so as not to offend her, he tried to give her a simple explanation. "Even though you haven't made up your mind yet to take on the role of Kazehime permanently, I'm still supposed to be part of your guard. That means making sure you're safe. Even though you can handle yourself, Gaara still needs to be sure - especially with your answer hanging in the balance. I'll be staying until you return to Suna and let him know of your decision."
Sakura was surprised by his words. She now had a personal guard? She could feel her anger spiking. Didn't the Trials just prove that she was a strong and formidable kunoichi that could take care of herself? Sakura just snorted at his response.
"I'm fine while I am in Konoha. I don't need a guard. You are just wasting your time here when you could be protecting your brother," she heatedly responded back.
Nervously, he looked at the girl. "No offense Sakura, but the role of Kazehime is taken seriously in Suna. Even Gaara has a guard detail. The Kazehime is just as important as the Kazekage. I know you can protect yourself. I've seen some of your battles and spars, but until you make a decision, I'm here to stay."
Sakura just shook her head in annoyance. Knowing there was no way to win this discussion, she acquiesced and informed her semi-permanent roommate of her itinerary for the day. "I'm going to work my shift at the hospital and then I'm going to have dinner with my parents. You are welcome to join us for dinner. I'm sure they would love to meet the brother of the Kazekage," she giggled.
"No. That is fine. I don't want to intrude on your family time. Besides, I think it might be a little uncomfortable for me to be there when you explain to them that you are the Kazehime." He gave her a sly smile when he finished speaking.
"Tch, scaredy cat," she chuckled.
"I am not," he bellowed out.
"Yes you are," she exclaimed. "Your scared to possibly meet your future relatives," she teased.
Kankuro just looked at her with a pout on his face. "If that is how you are going to be, then I'm just going to go out and find Naruto." Scaredy cat, my ass, he thought to himself. He was going to go find Naruto and see if he could help him formulate a plan to get her back for teasing him.
XXX
Sakura had spent about six hours at the hospital when Shizune told her that she could go home. It was not a busy day at the hospital and the other doctors and nurses could handle anything that came up. Sakura still insisted that if an emergency should present itself that they could still reach her at her parent's home. Shizune said that would be fine and then walked away from the pinkette.
Sakura went to her apartment first to get a quick shower before she saw her parents. Even though things had slowed down at the hospital, she had still been needed for a surgery that had lasted three hours. It wouldn't be prudent if she showed up with blood and the smell of antiseptic on her.
When she entered her apartment, she noticed that Kankuro was conspicuously absent. He had left her a note saying that Naruto had asked him to train with him and then had invited him for dinner. Sure, go to dinner with Naruto, but not my parents, she sarcastically thought while rolling her eyes. "Scaredy cat!" she yelled out to the empty room.
A few minutes later, she was showered, dressed and walking to where her parents lived. She had moved to be closer to the hospital, but her parents were only a fifteen minute walk from her apartment. It was a nice day out and she enjoyed the weather while she made her way to her childhood home.
She hummed to herself while she contemplated how she would break the news to her parents about her newest title. As if being the apprentice to the fifth Hokage as well as being named Head medic and strongest kunoichi were not enough.
Sakura finally arrived at the door to her old home and before she could knock, it was opened by her mother. Mebuki instantly recognized her daughter and grabbed her for a big motherly hug. "Welcome home, Sakura. We've missed you. I'm glad you stopped by for dinner," she said with a motherly smile.
The pinkette returned the hug and asked if her father was home as well. Mebuki nodded in the affirmative and allowed Sakura to enter the warm home. Once she passed over the threshold of the door, she removed her shoes and slipped on her slippers that her mother always kept by the door for her.
She walked into the spacious living room and found her father reading a newspaper. "Well, it is about time you returned to see your old parents," he gruffed out while putting the newspaper aside. "I hope that the Hokage is not overworking you again," her father said with a worried expression on his face.
Sakura walked over to her father and gave him a peck on the cheek and then a hug. "No, Shishou is not overworking me. I was sent on a mission to Suna for a couple of weeks." She wasn't ready to explain about Suna just yet. She wanted to enjoy her time with her parents first, have some dinner with them and then after dessert, break the news to them.
She had already been encouraged by both Tsunade and Ino to accept the position of Kazehime. She wondered what her parents stance on the issue would be when she told them. Would they encourage her as well or would they give her a reason to stay in Konoha?
"Dinner is ready," Mebuki called out, breaking into Sakura's thoughts. "I made some of your favorites, Sakura." A chorus of "Itadakimasu" was called out and the family of three started to eat their meal.
Sakura talked about her day at the hospital and the three hour surgery she had assisted with and her parents filled her in on some of the things that happened in the village while she had been away. Her father could tell his daughter was keeping something from them and was going to ask her about it when Mebuki spoke up and said, "let's have dessert in the living room."
Sakura helped her mother clear the dishes and bring dessert out to the living room. When everyone was comfortable, Sakura looked around her and thought about the times that she had taken her parents for granted. Now that she had to make a decision to move to Suna, it was making her reminiscent and regretful of how little time she spent with them.
Kizashi saw the downcast look on his daughter's face and thought of how he could get her to smile. He chuckled to himself and said, "a friend of mine tried to annoy me with bird puns, but I soon realized that toucan play at that game."
Sakura slapped her hands to her face and scoffed at her father. "Really? You're going to start with your puns already?"
"Well, you looked sad and I thought it would help you to smile. It's always worked in the past," he told her.
She rolled her eyes at him.
"Don't look so annoyed," he chided her.
"Well, I suppose now is a good time to tell you, since you seem to be in such good spirits. I do have some news to tell you." She looked at them expectantly.
Her mother grew concerned. "Nothing bad, I hope," she asked.
"I guess it depends on how you look at it," she started. "I was sent to Suna where I thought I was to be a medic for some sort of kunoichi competition, but was then made to be a participant." She continued to fill her parents in on everything about the Trials, the tribunal and the title of Kazehime. When she finished explaining about what happened in Suna, she looked at her parents for their reaction.
"Well, you are a testament to your mentor's teachings," Mebuki said.
"I'm sure you showed those kunoichis how to really fight," her father laughingly stated.
Sakura just blushed. "There is more I need to tell you."
"You need to explain what the title of Kazehime entails," summarized Mebuki.
Sakura clasped both of her hands and took in a big breath. "As the Kazehime, if I accept the title, I will have to move to Suna and then would be expected to marry the Kazekage," she said in a rush.
Mebuki's hand covered her mouth while she tried to stifle her gasp. Her daughter, her baby, was going to have to move to another country. She didn't know if she was ready to let go of her only child yet. She looked over to her husband and saw him go from surprise to all seriousness in a matter of seconds.
Kizashi looked at his pink-haired girl. She was still so much of a child in his eyes. He could still see her small round face with her beautiful smile and dimples when he would take her to the park with the cherry blossoms. He had to remind himself that she was no longer his baby girl, but that Sakura had now grown into a young women whom he admired; a young woman who had worked hard for the titles she was given. She had brought pride to his eyes many times. Now she would bring even more pride and joy to him if she were to marry the Kazekage. How had time gone so fast?
Kizashi cleared his throat. "Well, what is the name of this Kazekage and when do we get to meet him?"
"Kizashi," Mebuki called out. "I think you are rushing things in order for you to be asking that type of question. Sakura hasn't even decided if she is going to accept the title, have you Sakura?" she asked while staring at the same green eyes she has seen since she gave birth to her baby girl.
"No. I haven't decided yet. Sabaku No Gaara is the fifth Kazekage of Suna. You may remember him from the Chunin exams and from the time I told you when Naruto and I were sent to rescue him from the Akatsuki. He is a great leader and many people respect him. During the last war, he was the Regimental Commander."
"Ok, Sakura. We believe you that he is a good guy and well respected, but we should still be allowed to meet him," her mother stated. "We're not the ones you have to convince. You have to let your heart speak to you. Besides, even if you accept the title of Kazehime, there should be no reason for you two to rush into marriage. You should be able to get to know each other before you make that kind of decision."
"Yes, I agree with you mom," Sakura answered. "Gaara has even told me there is no rush to make a decision about marriage. I told him I needed to come home and think about this decision." At this point, Sakura looked down at the floor trying to hold back her tears.
"I… I don't think I'm ready to leave Konoha," she said while wiping a tear from her eye.
Mebuki got up from her seat and sat down next to Sakura. She wrapped her arms around her precious daughter. "Have you talked to anyone else about this?" she questioned softly while running her fingers through her only child's hair.
Sakura nodded her head. "Yes... I talked to Tsunade and Ino," she sniffled. "They both think that I would make a great Kazehime, but I'm afraid of leaving Konoha," she cried out.
"There, there," Mebuki answered while she cradled her emotional daughter. "This is a part of growing up, you know. This was going to happen someday."
Kizashi watched as his wife tried to comfort their crying daughter. He sighed. He so wanted to protect his daughter from the men who might hurt her, but here her future was calling her and he couldn't protect her from it. If she could be brave and fight other shinobis and bring down mountains, then she shouldn't be afraid of her future.
Clearing his throat, Kizashi stood up and looked down at his daughter. "I think the time for crying and being afraid is over dear daughter. I think it is time for you to meet your future head on. If moving to Suna and marrying the Kazekage is going to make you happy, then I think you should do it.
You took the bull by the horns when you asked the Hokage to make you her apprentice. I don't see this as being any different then that. It's time for you to stand on your own two feet and make a decision that will make you happy."
Sakura let go of her mother and stared at her father with awe. She wiped her face with the back of her hand and stood up next to her father. She wrapped her arms around him and said, "thanks, daddy."
He returned the hug and kissed the top of her head.
When everyone was done being emotional, Sakura looked up to her father. "I do have a question for you," she stated.
"Go ahead and ask it," he replied.
"Gaara said that he had requested Tsunade to research our family ancestry and that they found out that the Harunos came from Suna. Is that true, and if so, why have you never mentioned it?"
Kizashi just shrugged his shoulders. "It was never really discussed when I was growing up. I was born in Konoha, so I have no memories of Suna. I do remember my mother talking about Wind country, but I thought they were just fanciful stories. I never took them seriously."
Kizashi briefly thought about his family and then remembered something. "Wait right here. I'll be back in a moment."
Kizashi walked to the room that he shared with his wife and pulled out an old trunk that was gifted to Mebuki from his mother. He broke the Haruno seal on the trunk and pulled out a dingy scroll. He then closed the trunk and resealed it.
Holding the scroll in his hand, he sat on the bed and wondered if this was the right time to give the scroll to Sakura. He had thought about giving it to her in the past but the timing was never right. Now seemed liked the right time. He grasped the scroll once more and returned to where his wife and daughter were waiting for him.
"This is now your birthright, just as one time it was mine," he said when handing the scroll to his daughter. "This scroll contains information about the Haruno line. Just as I was the heir to our line, so now are you." Kizashi explained to his daughter how the Harunos had once been a clan with many members, but over the years their numbers had dwindled. "It was never explained to me why the Harunos moved to Konoha... My mother became ill a few months after I was born and she was told by the healers not to get pregnant again or she could lose her life.
While we lived in Konoha, it was decided that only the heir would be allowed to attend the academy. My parents had hoped to rebuild the clan and decided that I should only be allowed to learn enough to protect my clan and family. I was never allowed to go beyond genin level as a shinobi. The academy was where I met your mother. When we were of age, we married and settled into the civilian lifestyle."
Kizashi looked over at Sakura to make sure she was comprehending everything he was telling her. These were important facts that as heir she needed to know and understand.
Kizashi finished explaining why their shared ancestry was so important to him and their clan. "You are our only child. You are the last Haruno. My line ends with you. I and your mother do not regret not having more children. I am not angry that my line ends with you. In a way if you do decide to marry the Kazekage, you will be returning our family back to where it started. Our line will have come full circle."
To give her husband a break from speaking, Mebuki decided to voice her thoughts. "Do you remember the day when you came home upset after your genin team had been assigned? We asked you what happened and you told us that the boy you had a crush on said you were weaker than your teammate Naruto. At that point, you didn't know if you wanted to continue being a shinobi.
We told you that was a decision you had to make. We also told you we would support whatever decision you made. This decision to be the Kazehime and marry Gaara is no different. We are your parents; we love you no matter what decision you make. Just make sure it is the right one for you."
Sakura held onto the scroll a little tighter and felt such gratitude towards her parents. She gave both of her parents another hug. "I'm so glad that I have you as parents," she told them. "I'm sorry for being such an ungrateful child at times. Thanks for loving me, listening to me and talking with me. I couldn't have asked for better parents."
"We love you Sakura and no matter how far away you go from us, we will always be there to love and support you," Kizashi reminded her.
Mebuki spoke up again. "It's getting late and I think you should return back to your apartment before it gets any later," she informed Sakura. Remember to stop by before you go back to Suna." Mebuki gave Sakura another motherly hug and Kizashi ruffled the top of her hair just like he used to do when she was five years old. Sakura said good night and returned back to her apartment.
XXX
A few days later, Sakura felt like she needed to talk to Naruto. She had discussed her decision with Tsunade, Ino and her parents. It would be wrong of her not to talk to Naruto about her decision. He was her heart's brother and he had a better understanding of Gaara than anyone she knew. So, she set out to find him.
After checking most of his usual haunts, she finally found him at the old training grounds. He was just standing there staring up at the sky. She moved to stand beside him. She stood with her hands clasped behind her back and asked him how he was doing.
He told her he was doing fine and that he had missed her. They decided to sit down on the grass and for a few minutes they reminisced about the past. Sakura finally opened up and asked Naruto to take a walk with her.
Naruto followed after her and they both walked in silence. Naruto heard a snort of amusement come from Sakura and he looked over to her. Once a familiar bench came into view, he began to understand.
Sakura thought back to the time she had confessed her love to Sasuke in front of this bench and how he had left her on it. She walked over to it and sat down. Then she patted the place next her, asking Naruto to sit down.
As Naruto sat down next to Sakura, he could feel the melancholy in the air. Kuurama, the nine tails fox, spoke to Naruto and told him that he needed to pay attention and listen to his heart's sister. Naruto wondered why, but didn't question the fox. He knows that he has his reasons.
Sakura clears her throat and asked, "Would you be happy for me if I opened my heart up for someone other than Sasuke?"
Naruto looked at her for a moment. "Of course I would," he responded without hesitation. "Who's the lucky guy?"
"And what if loving this person means I have to leave Konoha?" she continued to question.
Shocked, Naruto doesn't know quite how to answer that question, but he tried anyway. "I suppose I'll miss you a great deal, but if that person can make you happy, truly happy, I would be ok with it."
Sakura gave him a sad smile. "If I were to leave Konoha, I wouldn't be here to support you while you were the Hokage. I guess that would be left to Hinata and Sasuke to do that."
Beginning to get worried over her line of questioning, Naruto asked her, "Sakura, what is going on?"
Sakura took a deep breath and then plunged in. "While in Suna, I was made to participate in the Kazehime Trials," she explained for the fourth time in as many weeks. "I won the Trials and was given the title of Kazehime. As the Kazehime, I would be expected to move to Suna and marry Gaara."
Shock still on his face, Naruto just sat and listened. The fox had told him to do just that. He figured Sakura just needed him to listen to her and not try to solve her problem. She may also be looking for his blessing and permission to allow her to move on with Gaara.
Naruto stood up and then faced her. He gave her his biggest and brightest smiles and swooped in to give her a big bear hug. "I'll always be happy for you, Sakura. Gaara will do great if he has you by his side. He needs someone like you in his life. I can't think of a better person for him, but you. Don't worry about me. We'll alway be family, you know."
Sakura returned his hug. "Thanks, Naruto. I needed that."
"Is that all you wanted to talk about?" he asked her as if it was as simple a decision as what to eat for breakfast.
"Ya," she answered with a smile.
"Ok. Let's get some ramen. I'm hungry."
Sakura giggled, "Don't ever change, Naruto. I don't think I would be able to stand it if you ever did."
Naruto just smiled as they walked to Ichiraku's.
Author Notes:
I know it has been three weeks since I last updated, but I wanted to make sure I got these conversations right. This will be the longest chapter of this story. There was so much to put into this to help Sakura make her decision. I wanted Tsunade to deal with the physical aspects of Sakura's decision and Ino to deal with the emotional and mental aspects. I hoped I did well with dealing with those sides of her decision. Of course, her discussion with her parents is the longest in this chapter as they are the most important people in her life. And I, of course, couldn't leave Naruto out.
Next chapter will show Sakura's final decision and some more Gaara/Sakura moments.
Thanks for the reviews, follows and favorites. We are getting to the end of this story. Thanks for sticking with me.