Rating: PG-13 (for now)

Pairing: ItaSaku, other minor relationships

World: Alternate Universe

Disclaimer: I don't own Naruto or any persons, places or other miscellaneous odds and ends attributed to the show or manga.

Chapter 7: Complaint

Tsunade waited patiently as the five ANBU attempted to corral her grandson as he threw his tantrum. The boy had not taken the news that his best friend had gone in the stead of Ino or Hinata, and now the fallout was at hand. A missive had been sent to both he and Kiba yesterday, telling them that things had been taken care of and it was time to return to Konoha. They both had arrived with their prospective girls a little over an hour ago, and after giving them all a stern talking to and doling out light punishments Tsunade had asked Naruto to stay behind. She explained Sakura's decision and stressed that it was important for her to be allowed to finish the mission without Naruto interfering.

Needless to say, he had not taken the news very well at all. His curses and threats became more colorful as his rage increased. Finally, after a good twenty minutes of letting him spend his energy, the Hokage took a paper weight from her desk and gently tossed it at Naruto's head. The impact sent him flying, and when he landed a large cut was visible above his left eye. The ANBU stood in shock at their leader's actions, but she smiled cattily and motioned for them to be gone. They nodded and fled—not wanting to be caught in the crossfire.

"Now, have you gotten everything out of your system, brat?" Naruto groaned and whined as the pain throbbed through his skull. He stood shakily, all the while glaring at his grandmother. After wiping the blood from his brow, he skulked to a chair and threw himself into it. Tsunade inwardly grimaced, knowing that things weren't quite over yet. She could tell just by the expression on his face that he was preparing himself for round two.

"WHY? Why would you even think about allowing her to go? She can't do this, especially on her own. She's never been sent away on a mission like this! What if the Yukikage lives for a long time? She won't be able to come back." Tsunade sighed, thinking of the fact that she would probably never see her former apprentice again. A pang went through her heart at the thought of Sakura's sacrifice.

"I know that, Naruto. And you should know that the Yukikage is not an old man. He is actually pretty healthy, and I believe he will have a long and prosperous life. Sakura went on this mission to protect Hinata and Ino. She went because she saw it as her duty to you. You have to understand that she chose this, not me." Naruto snorted and kicked the leg of the desk. It vibrated a bit and Tsunade tossed him a warning look which was ignored.

"We're a team, Granny. She's my family, too. I don't understand."

"You don't have to, boy. I'm asking you to allow her the honor of completing her mission. All teams do eventually break up and move on, Naruto. I allowed Team Seven to remain whole for as long as I could, and now I think it's time to let it go. You had a good run with great memories, but Sakura has taken a different path that will be forever separate from yours." The moment her final words left her mouth she wondered should she have put them a little differently. She was certain that the words 'forever separate' would not go over well with her grandson and she was right—which was annoying to a certain extent.

"I won't accept that! She didn't want this, she couldn't have! I'm going to go rescue her, and you just try to stop me!" Naruto stood up abruptly, knocking his chair backwards while ignoring the sound as it clattered and hit the ground. He clenched his fists before turning and making his way to the door.

Tsunade was shocked at the audacity the young man in front of her was showing. Never in all of her years had she come across a person so desperate to keep those he loved close. Never had she witnessed such bull-headed bravado. She sighed as he began to walk away, anger billowing from his person.

"Well, Naruto, I really didn't want it to come to this." Naruto paused, wondering briefly what 'it' had come to. "Kakashi, come in here, please." The Copy Ninja opened the office door, squeezing past the several eavesdroppers that had gathered to listen to the exchange. Tsunade tried very hard to ignore the horrified looks the group gave her when the door opened. They were good ninja, but terrible eavesdroppers.

"Has it come to this, Milady?" Naruto backed away from his former sensei, his sharp eyes darting between his Hokage and his teacher.

"He claims he's going to go rescue her, which could lead to disaster. I'm afraid you'll have to do it." Kakashi shook his head and looked at Naruto.

"You always have to do things the hard way, huh?" Naruto sensed that now would be a good time to run, but before he could even make the hand seals, Kakashi was grabbing him by the scruff with his right hand and jamming his left palm into Naruto's navel. The boy screamed in pain, but the glowing blue chakra did not waver. Tsunade felt her heart clench, but the need to protect both Sakura and Naruto kept her from begging Kakashi to stop. Finally he was done, and he slowly lowered the boy to the ground. Naruto groaned and looked down at his stomach. He lifted his shirt to see a large blue seal covering his Kyuubi seal. It glowed brightly, and remnants of the agony he'd just felt skittered up his spine.

"What did you do to me?"

"The seal is the only way to keep you here. It is irreversible without both mine and Kakashi's blood. You won't be able to leave the village for as long as it takes for you to accept Sakura's decision."

"NO! Are you crazy? How could you? Take it off RIGHT NOW!"

"No, Naruto. I can't do that." Tsunade paused taking a deep breath. "I'm sorry." His blue eyes shone with betrayal and hurt. She could tell that he didn't for a second believe her apology and that hurt more than he would ever know. Naruto wrenched open the office door and pushed his way through the small crowd, ignoring the disgruntled shouts at the rough treatment.

"Naruto! Wait up!" Hinata ran after him, and as he stormed away, the eavesdroppers began to murmur amongst themselves. Kakashi calmly closed the door in their faces and turned back to his leader. Her head was in her hands, and tears streamed silently down her face.

"He didn't mean it, Milady. You know how he gets. He-"

"I know that, Kakashi. It's just that… I miss her, too. Damn, but I wish Jiraiya was here." Kakashi bowed stiffly and left them room, allowing Tsunade to contemplate in peace.

Naruto would not take this lying down. He stomped through the village in a rage, barely hearing Hinata as she asked him what was wrong. The nine-tailed Jinchuuriki had left the Hokage's office without a coat, but the freezing snow and ice did not faze him as he made his way to the village gates. Behind him, Hinata, Ino, Kiba and the others of the Konoha Twelve followed in apprehension, gossip spreading like wild-fire as the grandson of the Hokage strode to the village gates. At the gates, Genma and another ninja stood sentry, and when they saw the small crowd coming they stepped forwards to block them.

"Naruto, you are not permitted to leave Konoha. Why don't you go home and rest? You've had a hard few days and you need to cool down." Genma tried to stop the boy from making the mistake he was hell-bent to make, but Naruto pushed him aside.

"I have to rescue her. She wouldn't have left if I had been here. I have to and bring her back." Genma was about to force Naruto back with more than words, but a glance down at the glow under his shirt stopped the older nin.

"You really don't want to do that, Naruto. The seal you have-"

"This stupid seal is a dirty trick! It won't keep me here!" Genma shook his head and took Hinata's arm to keep her out of the way as Naruto attempted to cross through the gates.

It was as if the blond boy was pushed back with a battering ram. A nearly translucent blue wave seemed to shoot up as the young man tried to step over the gate's threshold. The blue seal glowed and Naruto was sent sprawling with a cry of pain. He sat up with a groan and made to get up again when he was stopped by Kakashi, who'd gotten there just in time to see Naruto fly back into the snow. He had the young man's jacket, and made him put it on as he kept him from trying to break through the seal again.

"You can't get through that seal, Naruto."

"I can if I keep trying. I won't stop until Sakura is back where she belongs! I can't lose another teammate, Kakashi-sensei. I won't lose another one." The older ninja understood this, but even Naruto wouldn't be able to break through the seal this time.

"Let's go inside somewhere, and I'll explain why you can't leave the village." It wasn't so much an offer as it was an order. He sent the rest of the small group home, keeping a firm grip on Naruto as he headed to Ichiraiku.

Once there, Kakashi ordered for them both and sat his young charge down.

"The seal was designed to keep you in this village, Naruto. No matter how many times you try, you won't be able to get through. The barrier is like a bubble; you can't go under or over or around it. What's more, each time you attempt to break through the barrier, the shock keeping you inside gets stronger. Before long, you'll be knocked unconscious." Kakashi paused letting his words sink in before continuing. "Sakura wanted to go, and you're acting like a child because you disagree. What you don't understand is this just might be the best thing for all of you right now. You need to trust that we know what we're doing. Have faith in your team."

Kakashi didn't know if his words were getting through, but he decided that Tsunade was right when she said the boy would need constant surveillance for Sakura's sake as well as his own.

Back in Yuki…

Sakura stood in the middle of a large crater, breathing in deep bellows as blood trickled from her broken knuckles. She sighed and crouched down, allowing her heart rate to return to normal. She'd allowed her fury to be unleashed upon the facility, leaving rubble and craters littered all over the place. She only felt a small twinge of regret at so much damage but decided that if this was going to be her training area, she would use it to her heart's content. Her future husband owed her that much.

"Hm, so this is what happens when you are angered?" Sakura looked up to see the massive black wolf sitting at the edge of the crater. She snorted and stood tall, stretching her muscles as she straightened.

"This is what happens when I train. I am a ninja, Fuyu-san. I don't hold my punches, and I won't apologize for releasing tension here instead of upon my fiancé's body." He chuckled at her ire and spirited words then cocked his head.

"You wouldn't be able to touch him, I'm afraid. He is our top ninja here in Yuki. I have never seen someone fight with such power and grace as he, though you would give him a run for his money. Anyhow, come up here; I have tea waiting for us." He turned and walked away, leaving Sakura to clamber up and out of the pit. She dusted herself off and picked her way to where Fuyu was waiting with a teapot and two cups.

"You'll have to pour, Sakura-san. I am cursed with paws instead of fingers." Sakura sat down gingerly, suddenly aware of her tired muscles. She poured them both a cup and set down the pot, watching as Fuyu bent and tentatively licked up some of his drink. She fought a smile as the intimidating creature before her suddenly became a large dog.

He eyed her lazily, not at all embarrassed at his manner of drinking. She sipped at her own drink, happy to taste the refreshing flavor of peppermint. However, it wasn't long before Sakura set down her cup and looked at the wolf.

"Not that I don't enjoy your company, Fuyu-san, but I'm sure you had a bigger reason for seeking me out than a simple break for tea."

"Indeed, Sakura-san. I have heard many tales of your legendary team. The man who led you is one of the fiercest ninja in the entire world, another is the nine-tailed Jinchuuriki, and the last is one of two remaining Uchiha. And then there's you. You, who have trained under the Godaime Hokage in all manner of medical ninjutsu. You, who are known for leveling your opponents with one good hit, and so, because of your gifts, our village is blessed, but I have not come here to simply sing your praises. I have come to you because someone I care about very much is in need of your medical skill." Sakura perked up at this, having always loved to practice her skills to help others.

"Who is it? Another wolf perhaps? How can I help them?"

"This someone is rather difficult. He does not like weakness, especially in himself. He will not accept your help gracefully."

"I've had hard patients before, Fuyu-san."

"So you'll do it?"

"Well, I'd like to know more about them first, but yes. I will help you." Fuyu stood and bowed in same way Nadare had.

"I will explain more to you tomorrow. Now it is very late and I need rest. I heard from Nadare that you have accepted our offer to strengthen our medical corps. You will begin working with them tomorrow. For now, have a good evening." The wolf turned and walked off into the dark shadows, leaving a confused Sakura behind.

She sat and drank the rest of her tea, suddenly feeling a slight chill in the air. This was probably because she'd torn several holes in the roof and walls.

"Sakura? Let's go to the main house. We have a lot of work to do tomorrow." Arashi came and stood at her side and Sakura smiled at her. The wolf wagged her tail in response and led the way.

The next morning was a blur as Sakura and Arashi scrambled to dress and eat. Sakura had insisted on being at the hospital as early as possible so she could observe the place in its daily routine. Once she was fed and properly dressed, Sakura was escorted through the village to a large white building with lots of windows. This place was easily twice the size of Konoha General, but instead of being apprehensive, Sakura was excited. Arashi led her through the doors and into a very clean and welcoming lobby.

As with everything else in the village, it was not people that ran to and fro, but wolves. Sakura was fascinated to see the large animals as they went about their business, awed that they were just as capable of performing needed tasks as humans.

"So this is your hospital. I'm amazed at how your people are able to adapt their practice to their…situation." Arashi looked up at Sakura and smiled.

"We do our best. Remember, we were all humans at one time. But we wouldn't be as capable of keeping this place running if it weren't for doctor Igaku." Sakura turned to see another gray wolf standing off to the side. She had to force herself not to laugh at the delicate pair of glasses perched on its nose. The animal came forward and cocked its head.

"You are Sakura-sama? Welcome to Yuki Hospital. We are very pleased to have you here. I am Igaku, head administrator." Sakura gave a slight bow.

"Please, just call me Sakura. You have an amazing place here, Igaku-san. May I look around?" The wolf's ear perked up.

"Of course! Please allow me to give you a tour." Sakura nodded and followed the doctor. He spoke of the hospital with pride, showing the Konoha nin the various rooms and equipment that was available to Yuki's people. Sakura herself was stunned and eager to get her hands on some of the new technology that the hospital had. Konoha was still using the older methods of complete chakra healing and had not yet invested in some of the western machines and ideas.

"There are so many things I've only ever read about here! This is wonderful."

"Thank you. But, all of this technology is useless if it cannot save a life. We still have to use chakra for our healings. However, we do not have ninja who are as skilled as some of the other villages. I have heard that you trained under Tsunade-sama. Is this true?" Igaku had taken them up to the third floor of the hospital, but had stopped at a room whose door was closed.

"Yes. I have trained with her since I was thirteen." Igaku nodded.

"Then you will be able to help us. We have several people to see today…" the doctor wasted no time in starting Sakura on a round. She saw several wolves that day with injuries ranging from minor cuts and broken bones to a she wolf in labor with triplets. By evening, she had seen over twenty people with still more waiting. She was tired, but pleasantly so.

"Thank you for helping us, Sakura-san. I appreciate your help."

"No problem, Igaku! I look forward to working with you again." The wolf smiled and shook his head.

"I would like that as well, but I doubt you will be seeing us very much after your marriage. The wife of a Kage does not work at a hospital!" Sakura felt anger welling up inside of her, but she tamped it down.

"You'd be surprised at what I plan to do, Igaku. By the way, I wanted to talk to you about your medical corps?"

"Ah, yes. Nadare mentioned you were interested. At the moment our entire corps is out on various missions, but I would be happy to schedule you to meet with them when they return. We would benefit from your knowledge."

"I would like that very much."

"Good. Have a good night, Sakura-san." Sakura bowed and followed Arashi out the door.

Igaku looked over at the black wolf that had been waiting patiently in the shadows.

"Is she acceptable, Igaku?" The doctor nodded.

"Yes, Fuyu. She will definitely be able to help Itachi-san."

"Good."

Sakura and Arashi were just getting into the compound when Fuyu came bounding up.

"Sakura, would you come and take a look at that patient I was talking to you about?" The young woman nodded. Fuyu led her down a hall, up some stairs and down another hall. He came to a wide set of double doors and stopped.

"There is something you should know, Sakura-san. The man you are going to see…"

"Yes?"

"He is your fiancé."

Well, here is the next chapter! More ItaSaku interaction next time. Again, thanks a million to Juniper11 for betaing this for me!