The following morning after a good night's sleep, Sakura was awake and ready for the day at her normal time "Morning blossom" Kizashi yawned, carrying Kaede and Haruhi as he entered the kitchen to see his eldest cooking breakfast for them and extra's for any guests they might receive.
"Yes, good morning, Dad, Kaede-chan, Haruhi-chan" Sakura greeted with a wide smile, making Kizashi wonder at her good mood until he realized one of the threats to their family was gone, of course she'd be happy about that.
Secretly he was glad to because it meant that no one else had to worry about being abducted while outside the district or village, there of course was still the matter of Orochimaru and Akatsuki, but neither one were focused solely on the Yuki clan as Danzo had been.
A few minutes later they were joined by Mebuki, who at that point was 4 and ½ months pregnant with her twin boys that she'd decided on naming Kiyoto and Yukito "My what a spread, may I ask what the occasion is" Mebuki inquired as she sat and saw the feast waiting to be eaten.
Her daughter grinned "To celebrate Danzo no longer being able to ruin the lives of children anywhere" Sakura suggested, not going to pretend that she wasn't glad that he was gone, because she was and if someone said something about it, she was going to make sure they understood why she had the right to it.
Mebuki shrugged, deciding that was an excellent reason as the five of them tucked in, though Kaede and Haruhi's food had been cut up into little pieces for them to eat, the growing family enjoyed their morning meal before splitting up to perform their duties for the day.
In Sakura's case it meant going to the hospital for her shift "Hey Sakura" Ino waved, suddenly padding along at her side as she walked through the halls of the hospital, checking on patients as she went, to make sure that they were comfortable or if they needed something have someone fetch it.
"What are you doing here Ino" Sakura blinked at her blonde friend, who kept up with her fast pace, while wearing a determined expression on her face, she didn't receive an answer for some time as she went about performing her duties.
Before coming to a stop for a quick break and giving her friend a look that basically demanded an answer out of her "I want to learn medical ninjutsu, is there any way at all that you could teach me Sakura" Ino bowed, knowing that her family already owed much to the pinkette.
Fu had been returned to them after so long after all and this would just be another thing that would make them owe her in the long run, but she truly wished to learn "That's something to ask Shizune-sempai or the hospital staff Ino" Sakura pointed out.
Not being unkind just simply stating the facts "Yes, I know that already Sakura, I want it to be you though, surely with all your experience you have the right to teach others iryo-ninjutsu" Ino huffed bound and determined apparently.
"You're going to have to wait for a bit then, I am currently working you know, then I can go ask Shizune-sempai if it would be alright, you have to go with me though" Sakura informed, caving into the request because she didn't want to lose Ino's friendship ever again.
Relieved that it hadn't taken much to get her way even partially, Ino was more than happy to wait for the next several hours until Sakura finished her shift at the hospital "Looks like I have something to look forward to" Ino winced, realizing where her goal would lead her.
"Don't worry Ino, since you're just going to be learning and all that, you'll only have the option of volunteer work, the hours are much shorter" Sakura snickered, leading Ino in the direction she sensed Shizune's chakra where she was sequestered away in an office doing paperwork.
Some piles looked like they were about to fall over even to Ino's horror "May I help you girls" Shizune sighed, raising her head to peer at the kunoichi with bloodshot eyes, obviously more than a little exhausted with all the extra work Tsunade kept dumping on her assistant.
When they said nothing, Sakura nudged Ino in the side "Oh right, I wish to learn medical ninjutsu...from Sakura, is that something she can do" Ino jumped lightly from the poke then asked her question with hope in her pupilless eyes.
"And is that something you wish to do Sakura, on top of your other work...actually no, teaching someone will help you understand even better I think, so go ahead and do it, you'll be on call for emergencies only until Ino has learned medical ninjutsu" Shizune declared.
Figuring it would be better this way for Sakura to experience teaching someone else iryo-ninjutsu "Thank you very much Shizune-sempai, and Ino, I'll meet you in the Yuki clan's library tomorrow afternoon, after lunch" Sakura grinned.
"Okay see you then" Ino waved, watching the rosette run off to home, while she did the same, only to be pulled into a family meeting of some kind "What's up Dad" the blonde frowned, eyeing her father worriedly as he paced back and forth.
Prompting her to share a concerned look with her mother "Koharu and Homura want Fu executed alongside the other two Sai and Torune" Inoichi sighed wearily when he was finished with his pacing before sitting in a chair facing his wife and daughter.
Horrifying the two "But Fu can be reconditioned as can the other two, why condemn them to death" Aiko gasped, not liking this at all and surely the Aburame's would rebel against such an idea as well, the Elders had no idea the amount of trouble they were causing with that idea.
"The seal on their tongues, it prevents them from speaking about the various crimes Danzo has committed, so the elders are considering them just as guilty" Inoichi admitted, crossing his arms over his chest and wishing that there was more he could do for the young man of his clan.
Unbeknownst to him, Ino was wracking her brain for an idea, and it came to her after a few minutes "What if we asked Lady Mito, she's one of the best seal masters in existence and we have her knowledge at our disposal, surely a little seal that Danzo created would be child's play for her to remove" Ino exclaimed.
Inoichi and Aiko couldn't help but be proud of their daughter in that moment "Your right Ino, nobody even considered the idea, I'll go and speak with Hokage-sama about it now" Inoichi nodded, standing with hope in his heart once more.
"Well to be honest, the only reason I know is because of Sakura, Karin-chan is Lady Mito's apprentice and I know that Sakura would be so freaking mad, if after all the effort she put in to spare their lives was wasted because of those stupid elders" Ino admitted, she'd be pissed too honestly.
Neither of her parents really knew what to say to that as they headed off, meanwhile after reaching her clan district Sakura like usual headed directly to the library in the compound to start work on her next jutsu and a few minutes in she was interrupted "Sakura" Shino showed up unannounced.
Kikaichu hissing up a storm indicating he was upset about something "Shino, everything alright" Sakura looked up from her book and though half his face was blocked by the collar of his jacket she knew he was angry for some reason.
He shook his head, his insects calming for the time as he pulled out a few scrolls "First on behalf of my clan I'd like to thank you for saving Torune, why because he's family, these are for you and your clan" Shino informed, handing over the scrolls.
Of different types of insect summons that no one in the clan used "Oh wow thanks Shino, you guys didn't really have to do this you know" Sakura smiled wide, eager to see what kind of summons would come out of the scrolls now.
"I know" Shino shrugged, before sitting, his kikaichu were hissing loudly again causing her to look at him in concern "They want to execute him...Torune, the elders I mean, why because he remains loyal to Danzo" Shino explained suddenly.
Not expecting the KI that almost suffocated him until Sakura managed to get a handle on her temper "Even so those three can be changed if given time, what right do they have to interfere with clan matters anyway, though for the last one Sai, I guess things are a little different" Sakura ranted angrily.
The Elders of the village were simply awful people apparently "Your right Sakura, they can't interfere with clan matters if the Yamanaka and Aburame pull the same card that the Hyūga's do, we have autonomous rights apart from the council" Shino straightened in realization.
But there was also Sai to consider "Don't let them win Shino, I've had enough of seeing people die for those bastards" Sakura grumbled in a vicious sort of mood to his amusement as he stood and left, intending on telling his father what he'd come up with thanks to the pinkette.
Less than fifteen minutes later she was interrupted again "Busy like a bee are we Sakura" Izuna chuckled, making sure to flare his chakra so he didn't startle her, he didn't want to be almost punched right now as he and his brother joined the girl at the table in the library.
"Mm, if only Izuna" Sakura snorted lightly, eyeing Madara who met her gaze head on, after a few minutes Izuna rolled his eyes and cleared his throat noisily to end the staring contest when neither one even so much as blinked merely stared at one another.
At his noisemaking however they both looked away thankfully "So, why are you in here, instead of out there doing whatever it is you do during the day" Madara demanded, trying to pretend that he wasn't curious about the changes that had been done to the former Uchiha compound.
"Research of course, plus I spend every spare minute that I can here, otherwise all those shelves would be empty of scrolls or books" Sakura informed, spying the summons scrolls that Shino had brought and deciding to take a look at them now.
So, she put her work to the side for the moment and picked up the first one "What's that Sakura" Izuna questioned, waiting for a chance to ask the pinkette about why she'd been so angry a little while ago, right now though he wanted to find out what the scroll she was reading was.
"It's a summons scroll Izuna, the Aburame clan gave them to me, well to my clan, for sparing Torune...you know" Sakura winced, when Madara glared, though thankfully it wasn't directed at her while Izuna cringed, remembering the excruciating pain he'd endured by those nano-sized venomous insects.
But he could be mature about it at least because he knew the young man had been brainwashed by Danzo "Do you know what kind of summons it is" Madara questioned, figuring there was no point in getting angry if his brother wasn't going to be.
"Uh let's see, this one is for some type of praying mantis I believe, the Canary Dwarf Mantis, cool, next we have the Dog-day Cicada, and last, the Palos Verdes Blue butterfly" Sakura listed, she couldn't wait to try the last one out herself for some reason.
As excitement filled her alongside something else, like that summons was meant for her "Interesting, anyway what had you so angry a little bit ago, before we showed up, we felt your chakra spike like it does when you're upset about something" Izuna asked.
Sneaking in his question finally and winced when fury glinted in her emerald irises, whoever she was pissed at he didn't pity them, they probably deserved it "The elders want to execute those three from yesterday, they aren't even giving them a chance to change" Sakura scoffed.
Ebony brows rose high as Madara stared at her with a confused expression "What if it's for the best, they were a part of that man's organization after all, Izuna explained it to me, and who wants someone around that have committed various crimes" Madara remarked.
Not prepared for what was about to happen next "So says you, that's basically calling the kettle black, what about them is beyond redemption, why can't they have the same opportunity and on another note, no, they are simply trying to cover their fucking asses because they allowed Danzo to do what he did and get away with it for years" Sakura snapped scathingly.
Clearly not afraid to speak her mind, earning another bewildered look from Madara while Izuna bit back a laugh at his brothers expression "Don't like the Elders very much do you Sakura" Izuna asked after a couple of minutes had passed.
With Sakura practically ignoring them as she focused on her work "Not particularly Izuna" Sakura sighed, good mood from that morning gone, the elders were the worst sort of people and worse, yet they continued to get away with the crimes they had committed.
"If you wish to save them that badly, do something instead of being angry about it, Izuna told me you have a group that runs patrols, perhaps that would be a suitable punishment" Madara scoffed suddenly, needing time to himself as he stood and left without another word.
Leaving behind two very confused people "That...is actually a pretty great idea" Sakura hummed, planning to mention it to her mother later, who could propose they have a meeting of the clans, something the elders couldn't interfere with thankfully and have her mother suggest the idea at it.
"He's not so bad you know, I do understand where you're coming from though, he's just as guilty and hasn't received any sort of punishment for it, so why are they getting the death penalty" Izuna commented, able to see where the pinkette was coming from on the subject.
The elders were trying to clean up a mess they'd allowed to happen, sweep it entirely under the rug and get away scott free again "Thanks Izuna" Sakura smiled, glad that at least someone right now could understand her feelings on the matter.
Getting a small shrug as the Uchiha continued to sit there, knowing Madara would be back at some point, he engaged in small talk, while Sakura scribbled notes down every so often in her notebook, reading from various books that she had open for research purposes.
Eventually it made him curious enough to ask, "You don't have to tell me if you don't want to, but what exactly are you researching now, I thought that Ice Chrysalis jutsu would be the end of you crafting jutsu, yet here you are Sakura, working on another one" Izuna remarked.
Making the girl laugh "It's a special one Izuna, that I'm going to keep secret until I've finished with it, sorry" Sakura apologized, not trying to be mean or anything, it's just that the jutsu she was working on currently might never work so it was better not to tell anyone about it for now.
"Okay, okay, keep your secrets then" Izuna huffed lightly, not upset because this was typical Sakura behavior, she could be extremely secretive according to some others that he'd talked to from her clan, considering how long she'd kept the Ice Chrysalis jutsu secret from everybody after all.
An hour later Madara returned and left with Izuna in tow a moment afterwards and deciding that she wasn't going to get much else done that day, Sakura closed her books and headed home "Inoichi's called for a meeting of the clans" Mebuki announced.
Surprising her daughter, who'd just been about to suggest she do it herself, "Judging by the look on your face you know what this meeting is about Sakura" Kizashi said, when anger glinted in Sakura's emerald eyes and got a nod in answer.
Before the pinkette sighed "The Elders want to execute Fu-san, Torune-san and Sai-san, so I suspect he isn't happy about it, nor are the Aburame, and if they want a suitable punishment, having them run patrols here in the district sounds more reasonable than outright killing them" Sakura explained.
Horrifying her parents with the truth "Good idea, I'll suggest it" Mebuki said, waddling off to participate in the big clan-head meeting, imagine her surprise when Fugaku joined her at the table that was slowly filling up with other clan-heads.
Though maybe she shouldn't be that shocked considering that there were now 11 members of the Uchiha clan, still small it was enough to be considered a clan again, fifteen minutes later they were set to begin the meeting "Out with-it Yamanaka, what's with the sudden meeting" Tsume growled.
Pissed that she'd had to come all the way here for a blasted mid-day meeting "Well Tsume, the reason for the meeting is because the Elders have come to the decision that it would be best to execute those three that were brainwashed by Danzo" Inoichi informed.
Knowing this wasn't going to be easy "I've heard the same, in fact I was about to inform them that their decision has no bearing, we have the right to be autonomous, what we decide in the end is something that they can't overrule and will simply have to live with that fact" Shibi Aburame chimed in.
"Very true, it was also suggested to me that perhaps if they truly wanted them punished in some manner, those three could join the unit that patrols around the district" Mebuki added, making her voice known as she always did, but it seemed this time the other clan-heads were listening to her.
Fugaku even seemed to agree with her that it was a good idea "Another idea is that we ask Lady Mito to take a look at the seal on their tongues to see if she can remove it safely, Koharu and Homura wouldn't have anything to complain about then, don't you think everyone" Inoichi remarked.
Glad that the meeting seemed to be going smoothly so far "What if they can't be reconditioned and they retain their loyalty to Danzo despite our best efforts" Hiashi Hyuga questioned, not objecting, but he had a valid question he wanted an answer to.
Inoichi frowned, having considered that himself, he had no answer though unfortunately, "There is always going to be some doubt I suppose, but how will they ever change if we don't give them a chance to do so" Fugaku answered suddenly.
Drawing all eyes onto his seated form "You know what, Uchiha is right, and what right do the elders have to execute them anyway, especially after we all accepted Itachi back into the village and then of course Madara Uchiha was brought back just yesterday, and he's received basically a slap on the wrist" Tsume said.
"Granted Itachi's circumstances were a bit different in the long run, Madara is not innocent either and all three ideas that have been presented seem like excellent alternatives" Shikaku Nara, nodded his agreement of the plan to spare Danzo's subordinates from death.
Pupilless eyes focused on Choza Akimichi, the only one who hadn't said anything thus far "I have no objections Inoichi, and I think everyone else is in agreement as well" Choza informed, not wanting to argue, it was so late in the day after all and he didn't want to be the person that caused the meeting to drag on longer than it needed to.
With that the meeting was adjourned as each clan head signed a petition to present to the Hokage which was the next step in saving the aforementioned and a week later Sai, Torune and Fu, free of the seal thanks to Mito, began their new duties of patrolling around the Yuki clan district.
"And that's all there is to it" Juzo grumbled, giving the run down to the newbies because he was in charge, so it was up to him to make sure everyone knew what the patrol schedule was like, though the staring was starting to freak him out a bit.
He knew that it was because they simply didn't know any better at this point "Well do you have any questions" Juzo prodded, when the trio stood there silently and then the sad reality of their situation hit him "Forget it, just go patrol" he waved his hand dismissing them.
"Remember patience is key Juzo" Sakura laughed as she saw his frustrated expression on her way to the lake with Haku and the others on her heels for morning training, earning a growl, before the former rogue rolled his eyes and headed off to do his own patrol around the compound.
Beside her Haku chuckled and swooped down to kiss Sakura's cheek "So you said that we could learn a couple more jutsu today, Sakura" Touji commented once they reached their destination, even Hika looked excited for practice in clan jutsu.
Jade orbs softened "Mhm, I came up with Ice Dragon, Ice Dome, Ice Armor and an age appropriate jutsu for Hika called Ice Bubble Stream that you should be able to use now that you've worked with your chakra and meditated for a couple of weeks" Sakura nodded.
"Ooooh I think I'll learn Ice Dragon and Ice Dome if you don't mind" Ami bounced, while Touji decided to learn Ice Dragon and Ice armor, and Hisame chose Ice Dome and Ice Armor, before Sakura turned to Hika and first had the little girl go through her stretches.
Then taught Hika the age appropriate jutsu she had created "Thank you very much Sakura-nee" Hika giggled once she could do the hand signs and began practicing, though she was careful, mostly because she didn't want to be scolded by Sakura as she tried the jutsu out.
Even she knew better than to overdo it at this point while Sakura sat and pulled out her notebook, leaving Haku to work on his own hand-crafted jutsu "Hyoton: Pack of Ice Wolves, Yui, head the pack" Haku called, creating wolves out of his ice about four of them and had his wolf companion join in.
And Sakura watched from her spot as the pack attacked the targets set up with deadly precision "Nice, do you want me to draw that on a scroll for you Haku" Sakura praised, wondering if Haku wanted to keep this jutsu to his personal use only.
"Yeah, go ahead, by the way I spotted some summons scrolls in the library the other day, where did they come from Sakura" Haku frowned, petting Yui as she returned to his side, like Chie hardly ever left Sakura's anymore, not after that incident where they'd both been hurt while returning from the Fire Temple.
Reminding Sakura about that little fact as well "Shino gave them to us, and I guess I forgot" Sakura admitted, setting down her notebook and going to retrieve the three summons scrolls that the Aburame clan had gifted them a week ago now.
Upon her return, the others immediately crowded around "What kind of summons are they" Hisame questioned, hoping there was one that was interesting for him to sign on with and his eyes lit up when he heard there was a praying mantis one.
There was also a cicada summons and of course a butterfly summons that both Ami and Hika looked excited about "I think I speak for both myself and Hisame, but we'd like to see if the praying mantis will let us be their summoners" Touji remarked.
Wanting to get his hands on that particular summon, Hisame was in agreement, so the scroll was handed over "When you're finished, put it back in the library, I know Haku has his owls, but a person can have more than one type of summons" Sakura requested.
Because they were for everyone in the clan "Really, maybe later on I'll check out the praying mantis one, for now I want to sign on with the butterflies" Ami perked up, having been undecided until that moment, so went with her first option.
"I'd like to test out the cicada" Haku decided in the next moment, accepting the last scroll from the rosette only to stare down at Hika when the little tugged gently at her qipao, who looked absolutely adorable as she pouted, obviously wanting to do the same as everyone else.
Sakura pursed her lips trying not to cave to the cuteness until after a few minutes when she gave in "We need to ask your father first Hika" the pinkette relented, because that wasn't her decision to make, Hika sighed but let herself be led to the weapons shop.
Furue was hard at work when they entered, banging away with his hammer over the anvil, making little red sparks fly everywhere, not wanting Hika to get hurt Sakura made the little girl walk behind her as they carefully approached "Oh hello Sakura, Hika, aren't you supposed to be training" Furue asked.
Pausing thankfully and Hika lunged at her father a second later "Sakura-nee was given summon scrolls Papa, may I try to sign on with the butterflies please" Hika pouted, and now Furue understood why the two were there in the first place.
He was grateful that Sakura was so responsible that coming to him was her first decision instead of letting Hika sign on with any kind of summons "Well, butterflies seem so benign, I guess as long as they aren't dangerous in anyway" Furue rubbed his chin with his gloved hand.
"Nope, their pretty safe, I think the most use a person could get out of them is for spying purposes or to help with sensory type shinobi" Sakura assured, permission was granted so back to the field they went where she helped Hika sign her name on the scroll, then signed on with the butterflies herself.
For the rest of their time training everyone mostly focused on their new summons, then it was off to the library to teach Ino medical ninjutsu afterwards, everything seemed to be going well when another week passed, no one was causing trouble of any sort.
'Or not' Sakura thought realizing it had been too soon for her to relax when Madara stormed his way into the library and tried to pick a fight with her "You do realize it's only been a couple weeks right, are you sure you're ready to spar" the rosette asked.
Resigning herself when he remained adamant that she do so "I'll even let you have someone fight with you, not that it will do you any good, I'll win in the end" Madara declared, certain of his victory against the rosette while Izuna shook his head.
Not planning to stick around and watch while his brother faced Sakura, so he nudged Takako ahead of him and decided that now would be a good time to go on a date while the two squared off "Fine but don't say I didn't warn you Madara" Sakura sighed.
Closing her books reluctantly, then leading the way to the lake, Kakashi showing up unexpectedly was the least of her worries "Hey mind giving me a hand with the triplets, Ameyuri had a mission, and my parents are taking some time for themselves" Kakashi requested.
Pushing along a stroller that had all three of his children settled within it "Want to help me spar against Madara first, I'm sure Emi or Yukina wouldn't mind looking after them until then" Sakura suggested, asking for a favor in return.
Kakashi paled but he really did need the help so nodded and a moment later Emi was watching his kids before they both returned to the lake where Madara had waited patiently for them "Are you ready or do you want to stretch first" Madara grumbled.
Stretching was important so Sakura took the chance he gave her to do so, and Kakashi did the same before they faced Madara together "How do you want to do this Sakura" Kakashi asked, eyeing the Uchiha across from them with wary eyes.
Having unveiled his sharingan because this was the kind of fight, he'd need it for "Just wing it for now" Sakura offered, dodging the kunai expertly, covering her sensei at the same time with a single ice mirror, though it meant they were separated now.
Madara was only after her for the most part as he rushed right in with his gunbai, swinging the fan blade with the intent to knock her off her feet, Sakura smiled, clenched her hand into a fist and punched the ground, making him retreat a few feet.
And then from behind came a massive fireball and Madara whipped around flying through hand seals for a water jutsu "Hyoton: Ice Prison" Sakura flew through her own set of hand signs, trying out one of her new jutsu that she hadn't thought the others were ready for.
It trapped Madara inside for a few seconds before he used a fire jutsu to free himself "Clever and I thought it was smart separating you two" Madara commented, realizing it had been a mistake when apparently the two could practically communicate silently with one another.
"Well, we are teacher and student Madara, I know Sakura like the back of my hand" Kakashi informed, making a mud wall to avoid the weapons that had got thrown at him, while Sakura charged in, using taijutsu for the time being.
Her intent was pretty clear as she aimed for the gunbai in Madara's hand, trying to knock it out of his grip and to help out he tried to distract the man "Teacher and student huh" Madara grunted, narrowly avoiding the punch to his stomach.
By blocking it with his fan blade, a crack echoed in their ears and Sakura hastily retreated, creating a few ice clones with one handed, hand signs to give herself some time in order to heal her broken knuckles "That's right Madara, he was my genin sensei" Sakura nodded.
Making sure to keep track of her surroundings and luckily, she did, when he tried to trap her in an illusion, a quick flare of her chakra had her free of it, enabling her to dodge the massive fire dragon, it was impressive she'd admit as she used her hiding in frost jutsu.
That way he couldn't aim the damn jutsu at her and with a frustrated growl he let the jutsu fizzle out, activating his sharingan instead but it was useless, making him blind, a hand suddenly grabbing his ankle startled him right as he heard the unmistakable sound of weapons whizzing through the air.
Apparently, Sakura was able to navigate through her mist quite well "Damn it" Madara cursed, shaking his foot free of the hand before Kakashi could do what he'd planned on the man and leaping back to avoid the weapons just as the pinkette relented with her cold mist.
"Looks like you're a little out of breath there Madara" Kakashi remarked, also a little out of breath, he needed some extra training himself, though the Uchiha across from him was a lot worse off as he straightened and glared angrily at the mocking tone.
Realizing what he was about to do "MADARA" Sakura pointed her finger at him with a shout, startling him a second time and when he was trapped in her Frozen Oasis jutsu she lunged, flipping the Uchiha on his back and placing a kunai to his neck.
Putting an end to the spar before things got out of control "The hell was that" Madara scowled upon coming to and found himself pinned down by the pinkette with a sharp weapon to his vulnerable throat before she carefully drew away.
"Do you want to get in trouble, that jutsu you were about to use is far too dangerous to use while in the village, did you even think about the civilians or shinobi that you were about to put in danger" Sakura scolded harshly, even as she helped him back onto his feet.
It was obvious she was upset with him "Now, now Sakura-chan, I don't think he meant to do harm, it probably didn't help that I mocked him back there either" Kakashi soothed, patting his student on the back gently until she was calm once more.
"No, your right I didn't think, I still want to know what the hell you put me in, genjutsu shouldn't have any effect on me considering my sharingan" Madara admitted, wanting to keep the peace for his little brother's sake mostly.
Even if he was still curious about her genjutsu "My frozen oasis illusion, I'm not sure how it got past your dojutsu though" Sakura explained with a little shrug before focusing on healing them after their hour-long spar and afterwards she went with her sensei to help with Nojo, Anzu and Koen.
Until two weeks later when a messenger from Iwagakure arrived to escort Mu back to his rightful village, it was also that same day that the 2nd Tsuchikage caught sight of Madara, having kept himself sequestered away in Gengetsu's house for the most part.
And almost destroyed part of the village in his rampage, ice quickly separated his hands "WHAT THE HELL DO YOU THINK YOUR DOING, THERE ARE KIDS AROUND, ARE YOU TRYING TO ENDANGER THEIR LIVES" a pink haired kunoichi screamed at him.
Having been nearby and arrived in time to prevent anything from happening while Madara stood frozen "Get out of the way girl or else you'll meet the same fate as Madara for protecting him" Mu demanded, easily breaking the ice around his hands.
If anything, his demand only served to further piss the kunoichi off as she put her hands on her hips and deliberately stood protectively in front of Madara Uchiha "WHY DON'T YOU COME DOWN AND SAY THAT TO MY FACE JERK" Sakura shouted.
"Yes, please do Mu, come down I mean" Gengetsu snorted, more than a little amused as Sakura glared at his old nemesis, she really was an interesting person, just as more people arrived, one of them being Kitsuchi, who cleared his throat.
Drawing everyone's attention onto himself "Nidaime-sama if you attack them, we won't protect you, Father wishes to keep the treaty intact this time, so think before you act surrounded by our allies" Kitsuchi warned hoping that would be enough to prevent any trouble.
Mu was clearly dissatisfied as he joined the others on the ground instead of being up in the air like he had been "Kitsuchi-san how are you" Sakura smiled brightly at her once upon a time savior, even if he hadn't really done much, he'd still rescued her from Minoichi that one time.
Violet eyes widened "I'm alright Sakura, there was another reason I was sent, besides escorting Nidaime-sama home and to give a message to Lady Hokage, Father wished for me to check up on you, having heard about your troubles recently" Kitsuchi chuckled.
Glad to see that she seemed alright for now at least "How's his back, what about Kurotsuchi and Akatsuchi, how have they been" Sakura asked, because she didn't get letters very often from her friends in Iwagakure, so it had been a while.
"Their fine, Jonin now, so that's why you haven't heard from them lately and his back is about like what it was before we visited" Kitsuchi explained, turning to Tsunade when she arrived on scene, obviously worried as she eyed her apprentice.
Who didn't have a scratch on her for once "You know what, I'm not even going to ask what the hell is going on now, Kitsuchi if you don't mind, my office is a better place for a meeting, you as well Mu and Sakura you better come along to" Tsunade grumbled.
Deciding against asking but forcing her apprentice to join in on the meeting, Sakura sighed but waved at Madara who had remained frozen during the confrontation "Ni-san what the hell did you do to that guy, he was pissed" Izuna grimaced.
Luckily, he hadn't been targeted in the Second Tsuchikage's desire to essentially murder his brother, "I might have done things I'm not proud of to him and Ohnoki" Madara groaned, deciding it was better to head home than risk getting blown to bits by another person he'd angered in his lifetime.
"Now you mentioned a message from Ohnoki when I arrived a minute ago, let's see it" Tsunade demanded, glaring at Sakura who got the hint and sat on the couch, remaining quiet for the time being as the Hokage read the letter from the Tsuchikage.
Anger glinted in honey orbs halfway through before she lowered the scroll to her desk "Is there a problem Tsunade, surely whatever my student wrote isn't worth being upset over" Mu scoffed when she kept silent, reading the message over a second time.
"The problem Mu is that my student is off the mission roster and what Ohnoki wants from me is to have her go to Iwa for a month and help with the hospital there" Tsunade snapped, apologizing when Sakura winced, knowing why it was a bad idea.
Mu crossed his arms over his chest not impressed "We're allies aren't we, aren't you obligated to help when Iwagakure is need, the girl seems more than capable if she isn't afraid to stand between me and my target and face potential death" Mu pointed out.
Not expecting the explosion "Regardless of that Mu, there are threats out there that are targeting her and anywhere is at risk of being put in danger if they decide to take action and attempt to abduct her a second time" Tsunade scowled furiously.
While Ohnoki's son winced in response "Basically implying that you trust Ohnoki or anyone to keep your student safe, you Leaf shinobi as I thought, only care about yourselves in the long run" Mu rolled his violet eyes in response.
It was here that Sakura decided she'd heard enough "You are so wrong, that is not what Tsunade-shishou meant and I think you already know that" Sakura snapped from her spot on the couch, causing the man to turn and look at her.
"Oh, and how would you know what she meant since she is trying so hard to keep your skills from falling into the hands of your current enemies" Mu taunted, trying to get a rise out of the young kunoichi in hopes that she would take a swing at him.
But she proved in the next moment how mature she truly was "These people aren't after me for my skills, they want my teammates, and they'll kill anyone who gets in their way, even here in Leaf, I'm not entirely safe from them" Sakura admitted.
Looking tired all of a sudden "She's telling the truth Mu, those bastards aren't afraid to infiltrate the village just to get their hands on her because they think she knows where her teammates are" Tsunade nodded when Mu focused his attention on her again.
"So, Naruto and Sasuke really are gone from the village right now huh" Kitsuchi commented calmly, and got another nod, in the end however against her better judgement, Tsunade agreed to let Sakura go to Iwa for a month and hoped to kami that nothing happened while her student was gone from the village.
