"Kakashi, my son, is married with triplets" Sakumo exclaimed a few minutes later, eyes still wide from the news he'd received about his son, which made him wonder at how many years he'd been dead, even the village looked different from how he remembered it.
Sakura nodded "Yes, they are quite the handful for him, luckily he has his wife and mother helping him out Sakumo-san" the rosette informed, before frowning when Sakumo drew in a sharp intake of breath and Minato realized what else he'd forgotten to mention.
When the pinkette huffed at him "Ah another thing I might not have mentioned, your wife Karina-san also returned to life some time ago Sakumo, my apologies, when I saw you in Kirigakure, all I thought about was making sure you got back to Leaf safely" Minato apologized.
Rather sheepish for once "No, no its fine Minato, I can understand, at the very least I won't be alone for the life I now get to live" Sakumo waved his hand lightly, this time he wasn't going to screw it up by committing suicide.
"I think it's time we took you to see Hokage-sama, Sakura if you could find Kakashi-sensei..." Haku turned to his beloved, who smiled, pecked him on the cheek quickly, then was gone in a whirl of ice crystals to Sakumo's amazement.
As he and Minato directed the man down the streets to the tower while Sakura went to fetch her sensei "Can't you see I'm busy Sakura" Kakashi grumbled, attempting to change Koen, he was the biggest little hellion of the triplets and caused the most trouble.
"Let me Sensei, there is someone here that you need to see, just go to the tower" Sakura rolled her eyes and expertly took over to his frustration but if she was going to be so insistent about it, he didn't really have a choice as he headed for the tower.
Upon his departure Ameyuri shook her head "Honestly that man, ugh what was I thinking...don't get me wrong I do love him, he's just not good with babies as Karina and I found out, though he does try his best for them, he's useless sometimes" Ameyuri admitted.
"Yeah, I get it Ameyuri-san, sensei didn't know how to handle three preteens either, not saying he was bad or anything, but he could be a little neglectful as he focused mostly on Naruto and Sasuke, while I was left on my own for the majority of the time" Sakura explained.
Back then, it had been so frustrating to her, now she understood how overwhelming it could be to someone "What all did he teach you then if that's the case" Karina frowned, getting a little more insight about certain things that she had been wondering about lately.
"Nothing much, everything I know I either taught myself or someone else taught me, the one thing he did will stick with me until the end of my days, in the ninja world those who break the rules are scum, but those who abandon their friends are worse than scum" Sakura smiled tenderly.
Dressing little Koen in the clothes that had been picked out for him before handing the boy over to his grandmother who grew wide-eyed suddenly "Gee I didn't know you still remembered that Sakura" Kakashi remarked from behind her.
"Of course, I do sensei, eidetic memory remember, I never forget anything" Sakura stuck her tongue out lightly at the man and Sakumo chuckled, the probable reason for Karina's wide eyes, with a nod to her sensei she left the Hatake family to get acquainted or reacquainted with Sakumo.
Haku was predictably waiting for her "Mm I'm glad nothing other than a small issue where the boat almost sank that there was no danger" Haku commented after pulling away from the kiss that Sakura had instigated really.
"Me to Haku, no one wants to take the time and travel across an ocean and traverse through marshes filled with venomous insects or leeches if you fall in, so I bet that's why it's safer than most countries" Sakura said after a few minutes.
Apparently, she'd been thinking about the reason why she'd had a stress-free time in Kirigakure, it wasn't easily accessible like the other hidden villages "So did anything happen while I was gone" Haku questioned as they walked together.
Through their district that was slowly coming to life, thanks to everyone's hard work "Hah, funny you should mention that the 1st Hokage came back to life a couple days ago, he's...different" Sakura said after a long enough pause.
"Interesting, I bet Mito-sama is happy though with his return" Haku commented, having seen the loneliness in the older kunoichi that had apprenticed his teammate, Karin was learning how to use her Uzumaki gifts to their fullest potential after all.
Sakura nodded with a smile "Very, but you won't see them doing anything indecent around the village, Mito-sama is an extremely private person" Sakura informed, relaxed for now, which was surprising considering that when he'd left, she had still seemed so stressed out.
Which made him wonder at what had changed, for now though "We'll have to talk later Sakura, I'd like to see my family now" Haku announced, knowing that Sakura would be alright as she waved and headed for the library like usual.
No more than a couple hours later he was joining her "Do you think... that you could teach me how to craft a jutsu, I had an idea some time ago and you're the expert here so how exactly do you do it" Haku asked as he slid into the chair next to her.
Drawing Sakura from her work on the ice butterfly healing jutsu "Sure Haku, it's easy...well to me it is, the hardest part I'd say is assigning hand signs, that's always going to be difficult even for the simplest of jutsu" Sakura hummed.
Flipping open a spare notebook "Theoretical before practical huh, will it help if I already know what I want the jutsu to look like and what it'll do" Haku questioned, scribbling the details of his jutsu down in the notebook.
"Pretty much, I'm here if you need further help" Sakura smiled, turning back to her own work, that often included a lot of research, though it seemed the theoretical half of the ice butterfly healing was coming to an end as she scribbled down a countless combination of hand signs that could potentially work.
Off to the side was a scroll that she sketched her jutsu onto, along with a detailed explanation of how it worked, it was a work of art truly and protected with a blood seal also of Sakura's making that prevented deterioration of books and scrolls.
Giving her jutsu hand signs was apparently the most difficult part of creating a new jutsu as she grumbled irritably under her breath while trying out the combinations she'd come up with and obviously didn't like the feel of "By the way, do you do that for every jutsu you make" Haku asked.
Glancing around the library and seeing other jutsu scrolls on the shelves "I do, some of them are pretty hard to draw though, like the Ice Storm one, how does a person draw little shards of ice, I managed it somehow fortunately" Sakura admitted.
Reaching for the scroll and unrolling it carefully to reveal another work of art to Haku's eyes, it was so detailed that there was no way any future Yuki clan member wouldn't be able to understand the purpose and usage of the jutsu even "Wow" Haku whispered.
"Yeah, I also considered coming up with age appropriate jutsu for Hika to practice until she goes to the academy next year, that way she isn't behind her peers, kami forbid we send another child to that place that can only perform at a standard pace because of her lack of knowing her heritage" Sakura huffed.
Still miffed that her parents had kept that from her when they both had known it could be a possibility for the kekkeigenkai to awaken in her blood, she could have been training all those years, that way she wouldn't have been underprepared for when she did become a genin and everything went to hell on her.
Haku chuckled under his breath at her little rant "Have you come up with anything yet or did you simply wish to rant" Haku inquired humorously, drawing a laugh out of Sakura, just as they were joined by a few others, one of them being Furue actually.
Another happened to be Tenten, who hovered in the doorway uncertain if she was welcome or not, until the pinkette waved her on in "Apologies for eavesdropping, I'd also like to hear the answer to that question if you don't mind and explain what you meant a moment ago as well" Furue inquired.
"First yes, I've started a list of age appropriate jutsu for Hika-chan to learn and second because I didn't learn about my history until later in life, the academy was difficult for me as I was far behind my peers in terms of skills, I was a nobody from a civilian background according to everyone else" Sakura sighed.
Thinking back and wondering how much easier she would have had it, if she'd started the academy with the same knowledge and skills the other clan children had, had "That bad huh, well I thank you for thinking of Hika, she's going to need a lot of work" Furue winced.
"Same here, I got to wondering if I had turned out like the bully I was if only I'd known about now, back then" Ami nodded, feeling much the same as Sakura, that's why they were a little closer than average, they knew what it was like to be considered lesser.
Jade eyes settled on the visiting brunette a moment later "Hi...listen Sakura, I really want to thank you, you know for saving my life and everything, so thanks and if you need anything, anything at all, you can come to me, I'll even give you a discount at my family's weapon shop" Tenten announced.
Blue and green met instantly "What about a deal, Furue-san here is opening up an almost exclusive shop for the Yuki here in the district, note I said almost, how would your parents feel about having him sell weapons he intends to make for others there" Sakura suggested.
"Can I see some of your work Furue-san, I'm a big weapon enthusiast and most of my techniques rely heavily on weapon usage, the quality of weapons at my family shop is really high, so I need to see if yours will fit the standard to be sold in the store" Tenten gushed.
Gray eyes widening in horror as she covered her mouth and blushed in embarrassment "I have something with me, I decided to start with Senbon as their the easiest" Furue chuckled, while sparing the young woman from further embarrassment.
While pulling out a throwing needle that he'd made that had a sort of bluish tint to it and handing it over to Tenten for her to inspect "Oh wow, you're really good at making weapons aren't you, you lucky girl having this guy be almost exclusive for your clan" Tenten gushed a second time.
Unable to quell her excitement and since no one seemed to have a problem with her obsession, didn't fear being made fun of this time "I was born in the Artisan's Village after all, so I would be better than most" Furue nodded.
Relieved that his craftsmanship passed muster "WHAT...sorry, but are you serious, you came from The Artisan's Village" Tenten shrieked, and Hika clapped her hands over her ears, making her feel bad as Sakura checked the little girl over just in case.
Thankfully Hika was just fine to her relief as Furue chuckled but nodded a second time "You can keep that if you want as a gift, it was just a prototype anyway, Sakura-san is very specific about the weapons that we will be using" Furue offered.
Earning another squeal from the brunette as she hugged Sakura "Oh my gosh, this is so awesome and I'll definitely be mentioning your offer to my parents Sakura, anyway again thanks for saving my life but I have things to do now" Tenten rushed out.
Vanishing a moment later to everyone's amusement "Back to work for me as well, will you be staying Hika" Furue stood, eyeing his daughter who nodded eagerly and even voiced her opinion about starting her training to be ready for next year.
Sakura was more than happy to close her books and notebook then with Haku and Hika on her heels headed for the lake where Karin was training with Mito that day for some reason, Hashirama off to the side observing the spar "Hello Sakura-chan" Hashirama waved when he noticed her.
And her extra's "Greetings Shodaime-sama" Sakura quipped with a straight face, causing him to slump into a depression, upon seeing what Sakura had meant by the man being different, Haku chuckled under his breath for her ears only "I'm mean hello Hashirama-sama" Sakura smiled.
Letting him know she'd just been teasing and getting a huff in response before he lost the battle and grinned "Cheeky, it's no wonder Tobirama likes you" Hashirama snorted, making sure that there was no double meaning in his statement.
Both his brother and Sakura were as strait-laced as they came "Not just her but the Raikage, the Tsuchikage, the Mizukage and the Kazekage, I'm Haku by the way Lord First" Haku informed with a twinkle of mischief in his doe irises.
Not comfortable enough to call the man by name yet despite his subtle prodding a moment later "The betrothed of Sakura that I've heard so much about, back from your mission I see, well done on it" Hashirama praised.
Hika tugged on Sakura's qipao to regain the girl's attention "Can I do training now please" Hika asked quietly, the pinkette smiled then led her over to the lake, that she couldn't help but eye warily with her soft red eyes.
"Don't worry Hika, you're not going in, we can just stand on the dock, now the first thing we'll practice is basic elemental manipulation, it won't be draining on your chakra so this is the safest exercise that I could come up with for now, I'll demonstrate, you watch" Sakura assured.
Obviously little Hika didn't know how to swim, that would come later though as they stood on the dock, and she focused her chakra to manipulate the water into the air "How'd you do that Sakura-nee, I wanna try please" Hika requested.
"Alright, alright you little eager beaver, first hands out, close your eyes to help with focus, then kind of reach deep inside of yourself to draw on your water nature, keep your hands out and concentrate on pushing that nature into them" Sakura instructed slowly.
Being gentle and not forceful with the little girl whose hands lit up blue after several minutes, proving to have patience when it came to things like this "Next open your eyes, maintain the chakra in your hands and focus on the water, you should be able to manipulate it" Sakura assured.
Watching as Hika eyed the water curiously and very slowly, probably the smallest ball of water lifted into the air from the lake "Good job Hika-chan" Haku praised kindly as the 6-year-old played with her bit of water and attempted to manipulate it into different shapes.
Though that was a bit too much for her at the moment when she lost control and the water dropped back into the lake "Did I do something wrong Sakura-nee" Hika looked up at Sakura with tears in her pretty eyes and the rosette was quick to assure her she had done nothing wrong.
"You did great, let's move on to kata's, basic forms that will help for spars that way you don't pull a muscle, I'll lead you through the stretches first and once you have them down you can do them on your own" Sakura announced.
Knowing that while Hika had the patience, she didn't have the chakra and she wasn't about to risk the girl getting chakra exhaustion on her first day of training "Okay" Hika pouted, looking longing back at the lake to Hashirama's amusement.
It was a solid half hour later that Hika grew bored with training "Guess that's that then" Haku chuckled when Sakura let her go, though did have Chie tail the little girl back to the workshop just in case "What will you do now" he asked.
Seeing that she wasn't about to leave without getting her own training in "Practice Haku, even if I'm off the mission roster, I'm not going to be sent out on a mission again where I have to use an untested jutsu" Sakura announced.
Fairly upset that she'd had to do so in order to save Tenten's life "Serious isn't she Mito" Hashirama remarked quietly to his wife, that way he didn't distract Sakura while she concentrated on whatever jutsu she had made now.
"Has been for as long as I've known her as well Hashirama...though I happen to know that Sakura-san is equally a caring person, she loves with her whole heart" Mito smiled softly, when her friends were hurt Sakura became very protective so her being serious about things was nothing to worry over.
Ebony orbs softened before turning back onto the pinkette who tried out various combinations of hand signs for the next several minutes and became more and more frustrated as she was unable to settle on a particular combination for her jutsu.
And just when she thought she might have finally figured it out after nearly thirty minutes, she was rudely interrupted by someone deciding to body flicker right in front of her and she punched the person reflexively "Owww, well your as mean as ever Sakura" Shisui whined from where he'd been thrown.
"Perhaps if you learned not to startle me like that Shisui, then you wouldn't get punched every so often" Sakura scoffed, rolling her eyes as she knelt to heal him but paused, letting the medical chakra fade from her hands "And you have to be my tester for the new jutsu" she informed.
Deciding that this was the perfect opportunity to try Ice Butterfly Healing out, it's not like Shisui was critically injured "Is this going to hurt" Shisui gulped, realizing he might have pissed her off one to many times considering the serious look on her face.
Though she did roll her eyes at him again "No you brainless wonder, this jutsu is supposed to heal you... I'd finally settled on the hand signs when you interrupted me, so this is your punishment" Sakura snorted lightly in response.
Hashirama chuckled his amusement when the Uchiha pouted but held still as the pinkette flashed through unfamiliar hand signs then in a whirl of water that crystalized into ice in the shape of butterflies she had them all land on Shisui their tiny feet glowing with medical chakra as they healed him.
"And with that Ice Butterfly Healing is complete" Haku remarked in awe, the scroll she'd made hadn't really done the jutsu itself justice, as Sakura knelt again to check Shisui over just in case and found not a mark left on him from when she'd punched him.
Shisui was in awe as well though equally terrified "You scare me sometimes Sakura-chan" Shisui admitted suddenly in realization, he knew however that this was only the beginning of the long road ahead of her and that she would continue to grow more terrifying as the years passed.
"Okay" Sakura shrugged, not sure what else she could say in response other than that as Shisui gaped at her before remembering why he'd showed up in the first place, apparently Itachi wasn't feeling very well and refusing to go see a doctor.
With that training was done for the day as Sakura left with Shisui "There you are, if I were a medic myself, I'd have checked him over already, but Itachi is being stubborn on the matter" Izuna grumbled when the pair arrived.
Not that he had to worry because as soon as Sakura was finished giving him a checkup, she gave Itachi a glare the likes of which he'd never received from anyone let alone someone who he knew was a kind and caring person "What is it Sakura-san" Itachi inquired, afraid to ask but he had to know.
Her silence was unnerving "How long" Sakura cracked after a few minutes with that single demand "Itachi I mean it, How Long" she grit out through clenched teeth and the Uchiha swallowed nervously as he realized he was in big trouble.
"For a few months, my vision hasn't exactly been the best either" Itachi relented reluctantly, and the glare intensified, Sakura really was mad at him it seemed when she put her hands on her hips, making herself appear intimidating.
"You will do exactly as I say understood...good, then check yourself into the hospital and prepare to stay there for awhile because what you have is not good Itachi, it's a disease and if left untreated will kill you" Sakura informed.
Making the Uchiha know this was serious, he could die from it even, "What do I even tell Father when he asks why I need to basically live in the hospital" Itachi asked, feeling hopeless in this situation, especially if the disease was that bad.
Could he even be saved "I'm sure Shishou will tell him Itachi, she's the one Shizune-sempai will report to about your condition, the rest will be figured out afterwards, for now it's imperative something be done now to prevent further deterioration of your organs, so go" Sakura instructed.
Being kind "Poor Itachi-chan, if only I hadn't ack, mean" Shisui sighed, watching his best friend leave with a depressed look on his face, beginning to say something only to avoid the kunai Sakura threw at him in warning.
"You know I kind of find myself wishing that my Ni-san would come back to life, she'd have him terrified out of doing anything stupid within a week I bet" Izuna snorted, after seeing how easy it had been for the girl to bully Itachi into going to the hospital and scare Shisui out of saying something ignorant.
At his comment Shisui almost expired on the ground from laughing so hard "Kami" Shisui breathed when he managed to contain himself after a few minutes, the image of Sakura scolding Madara Uchiha had him practically in tears.
None of them could have guessed however the events that were about to take place as Sakura hurried home to be with Haku for the rest of the day and the next day brought Tenten to the compound for a second time and with her, were her parents.
So that they could speak with Mebuki and Furue about the deal that had been made while Sakura helped Hika train "Seems they were more than willing huh Sakura" Kizashi chuckled when the family left a few hours later with a contract of their deal with the Yuki clan.
Which meant another supporter for their cause besides the Inuzuka clan "Mhm" Sakura hummed softly as she gave her sisters some attention after spending an hour with Hika, she really did do her best, but an hour was all she could manage at the time.
"Oh, you should know that Mangetsu and Atsuko have become intimate with one another, and I might have given her some of that tea you told me not to give out without thinking" Mebuki chimed, giving her daughter a horrific image.
That she tried to hurriedly get rid of by thinking of something else "Mom, you know that stuff is potent, I don't think now is a good time to add a baby into the mix or two babies and I bet you didn't even tell her what it could do" Sakura groaned.
Mebuki smiled sheepishly "Whoops my bad" the blonde matriarch apologized before wincing as one of her sons kicked her rather hard in the stomach "Ow, boys are definitely harder to handle" Mebuki rubbed her stomach to hopefully settle them down.
While Sakura stood and went to warn Atsuko about the effects of the tea, "Eh, increases fertility, it's a good thing we're careful I suppose, I'm not ready to have children yet" Atsuko blinked in horror as she stared at the tea that Mebuki had gifted her.
"It slipped Mom's mind but yeah that's why both she and Yukina are having twins, Emi was lucky to avoid being given some, this time" Sakura nodded, glad that she didn't have to do much more than that as she returned home.
Deciding to take a break from her project for a couple of days and that's when the real horror began as Orochimaru decided in those two days alone that he wanted to try another infiltration of the village and was somewhat successful.
How the citizens and shinobi became aware of his infiltration was when a huge snake was summoned in the middle of the village, and it targeted the Hokage Tower, smashing the entire building until it was nothing but rumble beneath its humongous body.
Thanks to Mito and Hashirama's quick thinking however, everyone that had been inside, including Tsunade, were alright as they trio eyed the intruder or intruders as the case turned out when Danzo showed up at Orochimaru's side.
"I'll be taking that bitch who thinks she can continue to defy me" Danzo announced, heading directly for where he felt the brat's chakra while Orochimaru stayed to distract everyone as his agents searched for who he wanted.
Upon feeling the dreaded chakra of one of the men she hated Sakura flew up in a panic "Haku, take Furue-san, Hika, Kotta, Mom, Dad, Kaede, Haruhi, Yukina-san, Mifuyu and Emi to the shelters now, Danzo's coming" Sakura barked.
Feeling bad when Hika cried at her harsh tone, she would just have to apologize later, right now there were more important things to take care of "And if I'm not wrong Orochimaru is also here, are you sure the shelters would be safe for them" Haku frowned.
Worried that the shelters would be the next target to prevent anyone from fleeing to safety "Then use the underground meeting hall, what how do you think it is we managed to avoid being seen during clan meetings" Fugaku instructed.
Planning to help where he could, though Sakura shot him a look, it was the least of their worries "Alright round everyone up Haku, Fugaku-sama please don't let anything happen to them" Sakura stressed, and it was in that moment he truly realized why the decision to move the Yuki clan here had been made.
None of them were safe with Danzo after the clan "Understood my duty dictates that I do my utmost to ensure the members of your clan remain unharmed" Fugaku nodded, taking his position seriously as he went with Haku to round up the aforementioned.
And lead them to the underground meeting hall that was protected by a barrier, preventing anyone from sensing their presence "You know don't you" Shisui popped up at Sakura's side the moment his uncle had left to perform his duties.
Glad that she wasn't alone Sakura nodded silently, he was getting closer "What are you going to... geez" Izuna asked from the other side of her and ducked when she swung out a fist reflexively, learning where Shisui never did it seemed.
"Keep him busy I guess, I don't have a chance in hell of killing him, so the best that I can do is occupy his attention until someone else who can deal with him shows up" Sakura grimaced, senses spread, and she felt as one by one the rest of her family and other Yuki members were led to safety underground.
Their chakra vanishing without a trace "The library might not be the best place to meet him, we should use the field by the lake" Shisui suggested, knowing that it was going to be an ugly fight, just as another person showed up to help them.
Pakura had really done her best to make Leaf her home and she wanted to defend it properly "I could always use scorch style to suck the moisture out of his body" Pakura offered, eyeing the rosette curiously who calmly led the way to the lake in her compounds district.
Before shaking her head "No, I want Danzo to live, death is too good for that bastard, he needs to learn that what he's done was not right or for the good of the Leaf Village, it was for his own selfish means and I'm not going to let him die without feeling regret or shame for his actions" Sakura informed darkly.
Having reached her limit where Danzo was concerned, and her anger was so obvious that it sent a chill down their spines "Is there anything else that we can do before he gets here" Izuna frowned, looking around as they reached the lake.
"We could always put up a barrier that is undetectable, Mito-sama taught me how to" Karin said, joining the group because she refused to hide away like a coward, even if she didn't do any of the actual fighting at least she'd be usual.
Chartreuse orbs focused on her "You do that then Karin-chan and once he's in don't let him get back out, also if you see anyone else from the village let them through the barrier, please" Sakura said, remaining calm in the face of danger.
This time she wasn't going to let anyone get hurt, not even herself, next to show up before Danzo were Chukichi, Atsuko and Suzuha "Zabuza, Mangetsu, Juzo and those Inuzuka went to meet this guy head on, but he had others with him, so I don't know how long they'll keep him away" Atsuko announced.
Standing with the few members of her clan that were willing to fight, while understanding why the others had hidden themselves with Haku protecting them "Probably not long, Danzo is a persistent bastard" Shisui scoffed.
Keeping an eye on Karin as she went around and marked the ground with seals drawn in blood ink, chakra was easier to channel with that particular ink, especially if it was of your own blood and Karin wasn't afraid to cut herself to do what she needed.
"It's ready Sakura and I sense Danzo headed this way, meaning he slipped away from those guys with a few others" Karin declared, a very good sensor as she'd found out when Mito played hide and seek ninja style with her.
Mito was terrifyingly good at hiding she'd found out, but she was better at sensing than the woman had expected which was why most of their games ended with a spar that left her battered most of the time courtesy of her mentor "We're here for you Sakura" Izuna promised.
"Yes, this Danzo will regret targeting us" Chukichi nodded, turning when the man himself showed up with three men on his heels, more brainwashed shinobi to his disgust, though none of them were aware of the barrier as it trapped them inside.
And as if that weren't enough Danzo began acting all high and mighty with Sakura "Am I supposed to be impressed" Sakura yawned in a bored manner, knowing that it was easy to get under the elder's skin when his face grew red with anger, and he glared at her murderously with his one good eye.
"Damn little bitch I'll make it so you can never mouth off to me again, Torune I leave her to you" Danzo snarled, lunging at Chukichi because he was the perceived biggest threat in the former elder's eyes while the Aburame turned his focus on Sakura.
Who sent a swarm of insects at her, but a wave of her hand had them all frozen in an instance "Torune-san was it, you don't have to do this, there are other options, if you take the hand being offered to you" Sakura called softly.
Not really wanting to kill him or anyone really, sometimes she just didn't have a choice, though as she suspected, Torune said nothing merely followed Danzo's orders, the others had their own problems, so she was on her own for now.
"Ugh how long is this fight going to drag on" Karin groaned a while later when no matter what they did, the ones they were fighting against got right back up onto their feet and the ink animals were starting to really piss her off, her and Izuna that is.
As he grumbled furiously under his breath "I'd like to know that to" Izuna scowled, swiping an ink covered hand through his hair, more than a little annoyed by the pale kid that was named Sai, maybe he should have trained more.
Then again Sakura was having just as much trouble with her opponent, so these people were stronger than average "Focus you two" Atsuko scolded, deflecting a kick from the young man that she and her sister faced, he looked like someone from the Yamanaka clan.
Which made her sick that Danzo had been allowed to brainwash children like this from several well-known clans, no wonder Sakura positively loathed the man "Their right though Sis, when will the fighting end" Suzuha remarked.
"If you want it to end, give in to me and everyone will walk away with their lives intact" Danzo demanded, glaring at Sakura as she skillfully evaded one of his best, though it obviously wasn't easy for her as sweat beaded on her brow.
But didn't lose focus to his frustration "Go to hell you bastard, I'd rather choke on my own foot before I ever willingly give myself over to you" Sakura spat, flashing through hand signs for the exploding ice butterfly jutsu.
Of course, she should have known that something would go wrong when Izuna got thrown through the air like a ragdoll, right into the insects that Torune had just sent at her again "IZUNA" Shisui shouted, when the Uchiha laid there.
Purple splotches on his flesh "Rinkaichu, they are highly venomous nano-sized insects, he's done for, there is no antidote and when he's dead I'll take his sharingan" Danzo laughed when Izuna began screaming from the excruciating pain of having his cells destroyed.
Suddenly the very air around them became so cold that it hurt to even breathe, and the unexpected onlooker watched as the rosette with a wave of her hand brought his brother to safety "Listen to me, no, listen, I won't let you die" Sakura knelt.
Glaring furiously at Danzo but speaking softly to Izuna "I h..hear a but, I need to trus..trust you right, well I do" Izuna managed to say through the pain and then she laid her palms on his flesh and suddenly it felt like she was trying to freeze him to death.
He wasn't sure which was worse to be honest "Sorry Izuna-san, freezing them seemed to be the best solution I could come up with in this situation" Sakura apologized when Izuna passed out before she stood and created a dome of ice around the Uchiha and Pakura for protection as she kept him warm.
Chartreuse orbs narrowed on Torune, then glanced over at Karin, soft red met hers and nodded, knowing the plan and a moment later they had traded places "My turn, you seem easier than that guy" Karin grinned, concentrating to use her chakra chains.
Immobilizing the Aburame seemed to be the best idea right now while Sakura went all out against Sai, destroying his ink constructs with ease thanks to her chakra enhanced strength and got in his space quicker than he could draw the next ones.
A flash of surprise flickered through his onyx eyes, the first emotion she'd seen from any of the brainwashed shinobi just before she punched him in the jaw with a loud echoing crack and knocked him unconscious after a few minutes of switching with Karin.
Even Danzo couldn't help but eye her warily now as she turned furious jade eyes on him next "That's going to happen to you Danzo, we aren't going to simply roll over and let you have your way with things anymore" Sakura warned.
Cracking her knuckles for effect, at her most intimidating, silver flashed out of the corner of her eye and Karin tensed indicating that the person was on their side, followed by discretely making a hand sign to let them through the invisible barrier.
Kakashi sure was thankful as he snuck closer, chuckling to himself when he heard Sakura released a slew of foul language from her mouth "Quite the girl isn't she Kakashi" Sakumo remarked, having followed his son to where his female student was.
"Dad, I don't think you'll be much help during this, at the very least try to get Izuna out of here, his body temperature probably needs to be regulated if he's in that dome, meaning something happened" Kakashi grimaced.
Hating the thought of it, but the truth was, Sakumo wasn't ready for combat "Alright son, just do what you need" Sakumo nodded, watching as lightning crackled in the palm of Kakashi's hand before the famous Copy Ninja lunged taking over the fight with Danzo.
Giving Chukichi a small reprieve before he went towards the fallen shinobi and kept him pinned down with ice just in case the boy woke up and tried to continue fighting "Sakumo-san what are you...Suzuha, help with Izuna" Sakura blinked in surprise.
When the man showed up next to her and she had to force down the urge to reflexively throw a punch before realizing that this was their best chance to get Izuna off the battlefield "Understood" Suzuha called, shooting her sister an apologetic frown.
Not that she had to worry much when Sakura took her place to help against the Yamanaka shinobi and Karin was handling herself just fine thanks to her chakra chains "It's over Danzo, Orochimaru left already, he said he had no use for someone like you any longer" Kakashi announced.
Trying to unsettle the elder "Damn that Orochimaru, I am the one who made him who he is, gave him all he had" Danzo snarled, no longer focused on his goal of acquiring a member of the Yuki clan as he began attempting to retreat.
Unfortunately, despite having seen the fallen Uchiha leave with two others supporting him, he was apparently trapped "Game over Danzo, we have you beat and you know it" Sakura declared, after punching Fu unconscious like she had with Sai.
Fear unlike anything he'd ever felt before flooded through him as Danzo realized that he was well and truly fucked this time "You won't kill me" Danzo boasted in false bravado, seeing Shisui, Kakashi, Chukichi and the woman he didn't know the name of beginning to advance on him.
"Perhaps we should Sakura, letting him live would be counterproductive at this point" Chukichi commented, knowing already that she wanted him alive regardless, Danzo didn't know that though as the old man began practically hyperventilating.
Showing them how truly pathetic he was now that he had no one to fight for him "EVERYTHING I DID WAS FOR THE GOOD OF THE LEAF VILLAGE" Danzo raged, running towards the forest he saw on the edge of the field they were on.
A chain whipped past his face stopping him instantly in his tracks "For the good of the village, don't make me laugh Danzo, you wanted power and that as all there was to it, even if it meant using children to get what you wanted" Shisui snapped.
Biting back the smirk and words of praise that he wanted to give to Karin for preventing Danzo from running, not that he would get through her barrier "What a pathetic old man, I don't know why anyone was so afraid to face you, it's been easy enough so far" Atsuko remarked.
Further angering Danzo as he used a couple of jutsu to stall their approach "Like Sakura said, game over" Kakashi announced, the first to reach the elder and knock him clean off his feet, no matter the fight he put up soon Danzo was unconscious.
"We're going to take them to Hokage-sama, you should go check up on Izuna" Shisui sighed, relieved but tired as he hefted the boy Sai over his shoulder, leaving Fu to Chukichi, while Karin used her chakra chains to carry Torune, because she wasn't about to touch him and face the same fate that Izuna had.
Those nano-sized insects had terrified the hell out of her at the damage they could cause "Right...Atsuko do you want to go let the others know it's safe to come out now" Sakura nodded, glad that nothing else had happened, this infiltration had been Danzo last stand basically.
Dark eyes followed her unknowingly from the field before sneaking after the young kunoichi down the streets of the empty compound to a large building with a sign that stated Yuki Medical Clinic on it, though curious he found a spot to spy.
As the girl disappeared inside where he felt his brother's chakra, he was able to see as she walked into a room and hear thankfully what was said as the woman with short red hair worried her hands, "I'm sorry Sakura, I couldn't, Izuna is..." Suzuha began before trailing off.
"Is another poor lost soul, it's too bad about him I guess" Sakura shrugged, inwardly grinning when his finger twitched, Suzuha realizing that the rosette already knew that the Uchiha was trying to play a prank on the girl bit back a grin.
While Sakura went on a long-winded speech before "At least pretend you're going to miss me if I ended up dying" Izuna grumbled, figuring out that the girl was messing with him as he finally sat up, done screwing around apparently.
Jade eyes twinkled at him mischievously "Of course I would Izuna, there's no doubt about that, but you'll have to be better than that to play a prank on me, my teammate as goofy and knuckleheaded as he is, he is one of the best pranksters I've ever seen so most pranks don't have any effect on me" Sakura smiled.
Honest as she said that bit about missing him to his relief, he'd really thought she might still be holding a grudge against him but turns out he was wrong "Thanks Sakura, you're alright you know and I'm sorry I couldn't be of more help, only got in the way of the fight" Izuna apologized.
"No, don't do that, you have nothing to apologize for" Sakura assured vehemently with a scary look in her eyes, causing Izuna to look away from the intensity, though upon turning his head to stare at the window he got another shock.
As he locked eyes with his brother, Madara, before they could do anything though, he was inside the clinic "YOUR..." Suzuha exclaimed loudly recognizing the man that had just appeared in front of them only to be dragged back by Sakura.
Who eyed the newly returned Uchiha warily but didn't do much more than that as Madara approached his brother "This isn't the reanimation jutsu, we're really alive" Madara commented, taking Izuna in for the first time in years.
"Yes, we are Ni-san" Izuna nodded, knowing that this wasn't an ideal situation to be in and probably all of the shinobi in the Leaf Village would protest against his brother being alive, because of what he'd done almost a hundred years ago, it was the sad reality unfortunately.
Onyx met with emerald, a pleading glint in their depths for help "Madara-sama, pardon I'm Sakura Yuki, may I ask what it is you intend to do now" Sakura greeted calmly, drawing his gaze, hoping that this man wasn't about to become an even bigger threat to her life.
Madara was silent for several long minutes, long enough for others to arrive and check up on Izuna, one of whom included Haku, only to be met with the sight of a very intense staring match between Madara Uchiha and Sakura.
There was no question as to if he knew they were there watching, he did, but he kept his gaze fully focused on the pinkette "You saved my brother and I demand to know why, that will determine my answer to your question" Madara finally spoke.
"Huh, you ask why I saved him...well why not, anyone would have done the same, he's a friend and that's all I need" Sakura frowned in confusion, but answered the question asked of her anyway, Izuna looked down at that, face red in embarrassment.
Even if he knew that Sakura loved Haku, it was still difficult to pretend that he was indifferent to her kindness "Surely you know my history correct, what I did, friends don't exist, there are only the betrayed and the betrayers" Madara scoffed.
"What, what kind of convoluted bull crap is that, look I get it, the council didn't exactly do you any favors back then in the Warring States Era, but here in this time, things are different, So, Yes, A Friend, Madara-sama" Sakura reiterated with a scoff, rolling her eyes at the same time.
Fugaku chuckled under his breath as Madara stared at Sakura in disbelief "Looks like Sakura snagged another one I see" Shisui snorted softly, earning a death glare from the pinkette, thankfully at least for now Madara wasn't going to try anything.
So, with that in mind she dodged around the man to check Izuna over properly "Do I seem alright, enough to get out of bed" Izuna asked hopefully when the glow of medical chakra faded from her hands, and she stood back with an exhausted sigh.
"Go ahead Izuna-san, if you feel off though, make sure you visit the hospital and not procrastinate like Itachi did" Sakura huffed and Pakura who'd been silent this whole time, even during the fight stepped up and put a steadying hand on her shoulder.
Because at this point, she knew that Sakura was the type to collapse after working with her chakra intensively as she always did, though she was still confused over the girl's personality, like everyone else, that was at least one thing she had figured out "Haku, take her home" Pakura suggested.
Glancing at Sakura's betrothed "Right, come on Sakura, I'll make a cup of tea for you along with something to eat, then afterwards you're going to bed" Haku smiled, lifting the rosette into his arms even if she was capable of walking then headed for home.
"Ni-san you should come with me to the Hokage, we can't hide your return from her" Izuna said, drawing his brother's attention again and though he wanted to object Madara went along anyway to meet with Hashirama's granddaughter as he soon found out.
And that he wasn't the only one to have come back from the Uchiha clan, there had been three others, also a woman from the Uzumaki clan and the 2nd Tsuchikage Mu "Don't go causing trouble Madara, you are vulnerable right now and easy to subdue, we will put you in chains if we have to" Tsunade warned.
When the pair of brothers went to leave her office "Noted" Madara nodded, following Izuna to his home in the Leaf Village, it was nice he supposed as a room was cleared out for him but there was one thing bothering him "Why not the compound, surely that would be better than this" he frowned.
Unable to let it go "I actually like it out here in the village, plus we no longer have a compound, a lot of things happened Madara, our clan is nearly wiped out, not the fault of Hashirama or Tobirama, but the man we fought against today, and the remaining Uchiha gave the district to someone else" Izuna sighed.
Knowing how brother was going to react "For what purpose, perhaps they would let us live among them, where we wouldn't be a bother, I'd rather reside there with you" Madara crossed his arms over his chest not liking this situation one little bit.
"Safety brother and they've turned it into a place they can be comfortable, I suppose I could have asked, I mean there are others that live there that aren't part of the clan, but again I like it out here in the village" Izuna confessed.
Left with no choice on the matter, Madara focused on settling in and found out during dinner that he wasn't the only one living there, Takako had also been revived apparently and Izuna was wooing the young woman by showing off his culinary skills.
Just a few houses away Fugaku was reacquainting himself with his wife "I didn't think I'd be meeting you again for a long time my dear" Mikoto sighed into his chest, letting the tension melt from her shoulders and brining her sweet relief.
"Neither did I Mikoto, neither did I, I'm sorry for not being there when you woke up, but I had duties that I cannot and will not neglect now that I've decided on them" Fugaku admitted, holding Mikoto close as they sat on the couch in his living room.
The house was small but perfect for the both of them "What about our children Fugaku, are your duties that important that you would neglect Itachi-chan and Sasuke-chan all over again, we need to do better this time around" Mikoto jerked away suddenly.
Earning a chuckle "Be at ease Mikoto, our sons are fine...well there is a small issue that Itachi is dealing with, I'm sure though that he'll be alright in the end and Sasuke, he is training hard to become a respectable Chunin somewhere, I haven't seen him yet" Fugaku soothed.
Pulling her back into his embrace "As for the other matter your right, I've had a lot of time to think about my actions and I don't intend to ever put our children through such trauma again" Fugaku confessed, just glad that she was there.
He wasn't the only one that had a loved one come back, Kushina had also returned to Minato's surprise, and they were enjoying one another like they hadn't been able to for a long time, no words necessary to express how they felt about each other.
The last return, however, was not happy in the least that he'd been stuck with his old nemesis "Oh get over it Mu, Tsunade will return you to your village soon enough, so just enjoy the time here that you'll have" Gengetsu scoffed.
When all Mu did was glare at him "How can you trust Leaf Shinobi after all they've done, they broke the treaty with the other villages because they are power-hungry" Mu snapped not able to understand how the blonde could be so careless as to trust shinobi from another village.
"You're a blind fool, as for me I know the truth, and right now I'm too tired to explain it to you, so settle down and get some sleep, you're going to need it" Gengetsu snorted, deciding that it was late enough so stood and headed to bed like Sakura had already done an hour earlier.
