Beta-reader: Terror-Of-The-Crimson-Night

Chapter: Two – Family

Type: Story – Incomplete

Word Count: 6,009

Disclaimer: If you've heard of it before then it's obviously not mine.

..:Xx0o0xX:..

Soul Society, Seireitei

Three captains moved as quickly as they could to get everything done. They weren't in crises mood per say just yet, but Captain-Commander wasn't taking any chances. So not only were three captains moving but all ten of them were.

The Winter War was drawing nearer and the earlier mentioned three captains were doing all they could to keep second division's third seat out of it. Not one of the three liked the idea of making her unhappy. Where she is, is where she wishes to stay, but if worse comes to worse they know they well have to retrieve their loved one.

..:Xx0o0xX:..

Sakura

Konoha, Sakura's Apartment

I stared at the fluttering butterfly just out side my window. Butterflies had always fascinated me for reasons I never bothered to understand.

Perhaps it was because of them in general. Their symmetric wings aren't ever the same and are always beautiful. It could also be because their large wings fit on such a small body and yet if there is too much grease on their wings they can't fly. Without that ability they die. Not many people, Shino excluded, realize the necessity for these small admirable creatures.

Or perhaps I was so fixated with them because I had once adored them in a past life.

This butterfly reminds me of a Hell Butterfly. Messengers for the dead.

The only difference between a Hell Butterfly and this one is that it has circles on all four quadrants of its wings that starting from the inside fade outward from a hot pink to a sable black.

Butterflies are truly beautiful creatures. They have a short lifespan compared to a human life span. One week to a year, depending on their species. Information courtesy of Shino.

I couldn't help but wonder which category this one fell under. A special type of Hell Butterfly perhaps? Or maybe these were the ones sent to the shinobi world. I don't know since this is my first trip to here, albeit a long one.

The beautiful butterfly fluttered away and was quickly out of sight before I could examine it any further. Shame. They really are beautiful elegant creatures.

I gave a breathy sigh before turning on my heel and striding toward my large closet. I'd spent more time than I should have staring out the window.

That butterfly had reminded me of home. Home…I always kick myself – not literally, I don't need to give my precious people something else to tease me for – for thinking of home so much and at the same time for thinking of it so little. Home was a confusing subject so I tend to avoid it as best I can. Not exactly the best approach, but at the moment looking for another would mean thinking about it and that's not what I want to do. I new I am very homesick, that hadn't changed in sixteen years, and yet at the same time I can't bare the thought of leaving Konoha and my loved ones. It'd feel like I was betraying them, leaving them without a reason. But there was one, if I'm called then there isn't anything I can do but answer. They won't know that though, I'll be abandoning them in a sense. I winced, hating the though of that and how much pain it procured. I owe so much to Konohagakure no Sato and its residents. It's only another not so well backed excuse, but an excuse none the less. So it'll have to do for putting my mind at ease, if only for a little while.

I tugged out a green short sleeved shirt and black, slightly baggy pants. My average ninja attire nowadays. Then I grasped my belt which connected at my right side and had one strap angled upward to reach just above my pelvis while the other traveled in the opposite direction reaching just below my hip bone. Both straps being ebony in color and had a snow white, blue tinted colored sheath and hilt with a black guard connecting the two pieces hung from the conjoined place in the belt. My still red headband sat on top of my head like it always had.

Today I'm going to be training with my boys, Naruto and Sasuke, something I haven't done in a while due to our busy schedules. It's hard to keep pace between the three of us sometimes. Being elite and workaholics hasn't helped much, but we stay in touch as much as possible. That's what family does after all.

It took only five minutes to reach my destination: Training Ground 3. Training Ground 3 is the lake containing, forest surrounded large open grassy clearing that Team 7 had first trained together at. Where we had continued to train at, it was unofficially ours and everyone knew that. The lake is average sized and doesn't have much depth, it's a beautiful blue surrounded by white rocks. In the clearing just feet from the lake are three medium brown vertical wooden posts that according to Shishou, have been there for years.

"Morning Sakura-chan!" Naruto exclaimed as I neared my mind having been wrapped around previous matters. How hard would it be to return home? To leave Konoha for an indefinite amount of time. Hard, for sure. But that depended out my departure time. If it was after my precious people were in their graves…as hard as that would be to know, it'd undoubtedly make it easier to return. I wasn't supposed to build ties in the first place though, not that I could have helped that fact. We hadn't known that chakra was like reiatsu in the sense that it allowed me to be seen without a gigi.

"Your later than usual" Sasuke greeted. I nearly smacked him for the rude greeting. I know I'm a bit late, thank you very much. Really, sometimes with the way he behaves it's easy to forget he's from such a prestigious clan. And at the same time his pigheadedness is a gigantic reminder that never seems to fade. Though I wasn't late as in later than the scheduled time. No, that was one thing I made a point not to be, but instead late for being early. Instead of being my usual fifteen minutes early I found myself five minutes early. Guess that butterfly really did take up more time the I had initially thought.

Blue eyes double blinked, taken off guard by the sudden fact. Then shifted his attention to me. "Did you sleep in Sakura-chan? That's not like you."

I gave a laugh and a shook my head, tousling my short pastel pink hair in the process. Trust Naruto to be the innocent thinking one. Sometimes I think he's more innocent in his ideals of the world than I am. "You two know me to well, but not that's why I'm late."

"Then why are you late, Cherry?" Team 7's genjutsu specialist demanded.

"Why can't you ever give a decent hello? Or at least a nod of acknowledgement?" I shot back receiving a scowl from Sasuke and a laugh from Naruto. Really! That boy of mine could stand to remember his manners. Is it really so impossible to just say 'hi'? It's only two letters, you hardly even need to open your mouth. Well, that's Sasuke for you. "I'm late because a butterfly caught my attention."

Both boys cocked an eyebrow and shot me looks, again two different ones. Naruto's was confused clearly asking why in the world would I do that while the sable black eyed young man's was incredulous, demanding if I had finally lost it and why I thought my pathetic excuse of an excuse would satisfy them. Truthfully, I didn't think that would and that's the truth. But I wasn't about to lie so it was better to get odd looks then skeptic ones. Besides I think Sasuke is a tad late to be wondering if I've lost my mind. That happened a looooooong time ago.

I sighed. "I know, I know. Pathetic answer, right? But it's the truth. Did you two forget that butterflies fascinate me?"

Naruto's confusion dissipated into one of understanding while Sasuke's still looked skeptic but he didn't attempt to push it. Sasuke is far too suspicious; this isn't the first time he has looked at me like this because of half answered information. Sometimes his intuitiveness can be a real pain in the ass when I'm trying to avoid talking about something I have no clearance to. He makes it hard to keep my true identity a secret, he really does. Thankfully he stated that he wait to learn what it was I am hiding and not push it too far till then. Perhaps it's just me, but he can be more understanding than most if you earn his trust. But of course that promise came with conditions, not that I expected them not to. That's just the way he operates, I think it's an inbred clan thing. A) That I do tell them eventually, B) that when it involves them I must tell no exceptions and C) it doesn't threaten the village or his precious people. I readily agreed just wanting him off my case and now I have to keep to them. Oh well. At least they're understandable and, with the exception of (b), completely avoidable.

"At least it's not one of Kakashi-sensei's lame excuses." I chortled jokingly. Naruto laughed with me and Sasuke smirked allowing his skepticism to drop for the moment. I inwardly sighed with relief. I hate not being able to tell them, but it's for they're own good. They aren't supposed to know, and it's not they're responsibility.

"Are you still visiting your parents afterwards?" the sun kissed blonde asked enthusiastically, his zealous nature fully back. I had told them of my plan to go out to dinner with my foster parents since I hadn't spent time with them for a few months now. It was always nice to spend time with them even if they aren't my biological parents. They're most definitely home, and that's what counts.

My parents are Koko and Kano.

Papa is a fair sized man with deep blue hair that's shape reminded me of the Fifth Wind Kage's tousled hair and eyes only shades lighter than his hair. His skin is a tan color, with sharp well angled feature's that show years of hard work.

Papa is a business man who doesn't really like the ninja life, but I had strived for it and wouldn't be deterred from my dream so he had reluctantly given his whole support. He was that type of person. Either give it your all or don't bother. Now that I thought about it, it could have been because he has to work with ninja a lot. Kano means god of the water, and true to his name he has an affinity for water. When he was a child though, around fifteen, he had nearly drowned. When it comes to me, health and happiness are first priority. Anyone who dares to make me cry will feel his wrath. I suppose it pays to have an overprotective father at times. It just depends on when and what those times are. Though courting me means they will have to meet his expectations. I learned of my father's overprotective nature fully when I had brought Naruto and Sasuke home. That had been a nutty and headache inducing mess for me that I have no wish whatsoever to repeat any time soon or hell even later.

Mama has off white hair that at times appears as a very light baby blue and it reaches no further then an inch past her shoulder blade and dark fuchsia eyes that never seem sad but are sharp and always knowledgeable of the world around her. Her skin is a creamy alabaster and is very beautiful in my opinion.

Sometimes I wish I'd been able to receive some of they're traits, but I look nothing like them. Pink hair doesn't come from blue and white and green certainly doesn't come from blue and purple. It was obvious, sometimes painstakingly so. It's a constant reminder that they aren't my real parents and that Konoha is only my temporary home.

Mama is the more out going of the two, a laugh and or a smile never ceasing on her gentle features. She would support her husband in a heartbeat and is fiercely protect of me. Unlike her headstrong lover, she will support my choices so long as she doesn't think they don't damage me beyond reappear. And thus far, they haven't. She also tends to think that I should learn for myself without always having my hand held. For that I've always been thankful, even if I hadn't actually needed it. Though she is careful of her words and seems to strive to challenge me while still being mindful of both our limits. She had grown up in a family of ninja and was strong herself, but only ever uses her abilities now for self defense and when I need someone to learn from. She is extremely creative and hates being held down, but always tries to understand the love of her life and myself.

I couldn't ask for better makeshift parents even if I wanted to.

"Of course." I responded.

"Just wondering." Naruto shrugged.

"Alright, let's get to training. I think we should start with a sparing." Sasuke cut in anxious to face off with his beloved self-proclaimed siblings. We always improved each other, that was our goal. If for some reason we can't help each other out then at least we could rely on the fact that we helped each other help ourselves.

"Agreed." I approved. I slipped into a defensive crouch, knowing that one of my boys would be the first to start and put me on the defensive anyway. Besides, I'd learned a long time ago that playing defense allowed me to learn more about my opponents, and all they learned was that I could defend myself easily enough.

"I'll win for sure! Dattebayo!" Naruto shouted pounding his fists in the air then taking on a fighting stance as he shifted his hand to make the hand seal for the jutsu that at one time had been his worst. I snorted inwardly. Not a chance.

Sasuke chuckled and I smiled wickedly already setting out a battle plan in my head as Sasuke's blonde best friend exclaimed his jutsu, "Kage Bushin no Jutsu!" and four replicas of the blonde appeared.

The match had begun.

..:Xx0o0xX:..

Long, silent strides were habit for me. I had grown up around it here and had been natural for me. Like silent snow drifting to the ground in the winter. Silence was something I could be better at then Sasuke when I tried. I maneuvered my way through the ever familiar house, heading to Papa and Mama's room to surprise them. I hadn't forewarned them I'd be coming this evening and I wanted to play with them a bit. Challenge them. Papa isn't one to be snuck up on; he has an unnaturally high awareness for a simple business man even if he does work with ninja's a good portion of the day nearly every day. And Mama has always been attentive. Besides I have never succeeded in all my attempts and I can't help but wondered if this time would be different. Most likely not, but there's nothing wrong with trying

Just as my fingers touched the metal, the door opened as a gentle, angelic, female voice stated amusedly, "Good to see you, my cherry blossom"

I'm sure my countenance showed all my feelings as they passed through me. Mischief for sneaking up on my beloved mama and papa, shock for my plan backfiring, sullen for not only getting caught but caught off guard by my amused and triumphant looking mother. I had failed again. Dang. Oh well, perhaps next time.

Shrugging my shoulders, I embraced Mama lovingly "Hello, Mama." After a few seconds we released each other. A blue haired man appeared behind my beloved mama and I gave him a loving hug before parting from his firm grasp as well.

A deep, rich, male laugh hit her ears, "Caught again, Flower? How ever are you a well known ninja? Have the lowered their standards?"

"Papa!" I exclaimed, pink dusting my cheeks as I feigned hurt at my father's playful teasing. We all laughed.

Unlike most children, my retired jonin mother, business father and I rarely have issues with each other. When I was a young child wanting to attend the ninja academy, Mama and father had quarreled for a full week as well as every now and then for then next year, but now they only quarreled for the fun of it. They have the philosophy that it's better to have small insignificant fights that address all the problems as they come then a huge fight that has all the issues waded into a ball to hurl at each other.

"I figured I'd have dinner with my loving parents and try to sneak up on them while I was at it." I stated off handedly. "Though the latter certainly didn't happen." Sullenness clearly laced in my voice at that statement.

Koko laughed at me tone and patted my back "Maybe next time" she teased; her eye twinkled with her amusement.

I simply grumbled knowing how slim the chance of that happening was, "That's what you always say!"

"Do I now?" the white haired women asked. She lifted her right hand and tapped her bottom lip while crossing her left over her abdomen and her deep pink tinted purple eyes moved seeming to look for the answer in her surroundings. This was the pose she always used when pretending to think of my statements. I did like I'd always done growing up and seeing my mama take such a stance, I pouted.

"Mama!" I exclaimed in whiny tone dragging the noun out while I was at it. I crossed both over my chest, setting into full pout mode. This had always been my response to my female parent's playful teasing. Inside I was laughing.

I waited for the laughter from my white haired mother's vocal cords. And just as I knew she would, Koko laughed the joyous, open throated laughter that I'd always found comfort and joy in as a child. Next comes my content smile as I turn on my heel, but not before grabbing Mama's wrist, and heading toward the kitchen. My father trailed behind.

"How are you, Angel?" Kano asked me, a large smile upon his facial features.

"I'm doing good Papa. Just last week I was working on a poison that had damaged one of my teammates." I answered matter-of-factly as well as offhandedly. Then I snagged a glance at my father only to realize my mistake.

"Poison?" He deduced, obviously not like the idea of me being around such a thing. Really! Papa could be so overprotective sometimes. Being Shishou's disciple made me strong. Both my parents should know this. And perhaps they do, but they're parental instincts are just kicking in. Being a medical nin meant I has careful, with all the poisons and the necessity for my survival on a team. He should know this and not sound so disapproving of what I do.

"Don't worry. I didn't get poisoned" I reassured "I simply broke the poison down and made an antidote for it"

"Well done, Saki." Mother praised as Father nodded obviously still not liking me dealing with such deadly concoctions. Perhaps when I married a business man, I wouldn't be so quick to jump into battles or deal with harmful chemicals. Of course he still had yet to find a man good enough for me and still fit all of his standards. He knew I wouldn't find a non-shinobi man to love on my own. I sighed inwardly when I realized all this as it was written clear as day on my beloved father's face. I don't have anything against civilians; I just don't see myself settling down with one. If I settle down here…

I still smiled appreciatively in return. "Thank you." I came to a stand still at the kitchen counter. "What are we cooking for dinner?"

Papa suddenly look very wary as he eyed his spouse. Said spouse was already gleefully making a list of foods she wanted to try her hand at. Silently laughing at my ever paling father I listened to my mama and inserted my opinion where I thought it necessary. I was well aware that even though I said 'we' I knew mother would be doing all the cooking and I would inevitably end up in the same boat as my poor papa.

After a few hours of – Koko – slaving over the stove, dinner was ready and the three of us were seated at the table fixing our plates.

"Alright, Saki I believe it's your turn to say grace." Kano stated. Being a civilian, Kano had been raised by religious parents and therefore says grace before dinner starts. Even though I was sure it took my mother quiet some time to grow accustom to this particular habit, I had been raised from 'young' with such a thing and always did it before dinner, parents or no, out of pure habit and sureness of how odd it would feel not to do so. This trait had thrown Naruto, Sasuke and even Kakashi for a loop when they learned I am partially religious. I do after all know what happens when one dies, that kind of yanks the mystery right out of religion. All three had learned just deal with it when they eat dinner with me or with my parents. I smiled at the memory of their faces, ignoring the headache Team 7's boys had conjured.

Seven years ago

Near the Haruno Residence

"Come on, Sakura-chan! Please!?!" Naruto-kun exclaimed pleadingly. At the moment Squad 7 had just finished a mission and somehow he had managed to get both Kakashi-sensei and Sasuke-kun to agree with him that they should go to my home. Of course I knew that father would make a mountain out of a mole hill simply because he would think the situation different than it actually was.

"No, Naruto-kun" I retorted firmly having no wishes for a headache.

"Why not." Sasuke-kun demanded, curious as to why I would refuse to allow them over to my house.

"I would rather not have a headache anytime soon because of a father who jumps to the wrong conclusions."

"It won't be that bad Sakura-san" Kakashi-sensei pitched in, obviously thinking that I was exaggerating the matter.

"You won't know until it happens" the blonde shinobi agreed.

I sighed, they are a persistent bunch and I should know that by now. So the question is, do I let them pester me till kingdom come or put up with father? "Fine, but if you cause any more trouble than necessary, then I'll personally kick you out of the house. Fair enough?" Well I guess, that answers that.

The blue-eyed preteen nodded enthusiastically with a very loud 'sure, dattebayo', while the rest of the team simply nodded understandingly.

Within fifteen minutes they had reached my larger than average home.

"Welcome home, Cherry Blossom!" A female voice shouted lovingly.

"How does she do that?" I muttered bewilderedly earning odd looks from my comrades.

"Aren't your parents' shinobi?" the raven haired boy questioned.

"Well Mama used to be, but not anymore." came the responding explanation just before an off white haired women with fuchsia eyes appeared behind me, her arms draping themselves over my shoulders.

"Of course" the same woman that all three boys were beginning to think is my mother, agreed nonchalantly.

"Afternoon, Mama." I greeted not at all phased by my mother's sudden appearance unlike the two boys my age. Naruto-kun sputtered confusedly while Sasuke-kun did his best to seem unaffected. "Oh right, this is my mom. Mama, these are Uzumaki, Naruto-kun," I pointed to said blonde "Uchiha, Sasuke-kun," then to the duck hair styled boy "and Hatake, Kakash-sensei;" lastly I pointed to the mid twenties looking man "my teammates."

"Hello, it's a pleasure to meet you all" came the well mannered pleasant greeting from my ka-chan as said mother shook the hands of the three males. "I am Haruno, Koko; Saki's mother." all with a smile

"Saki?" Naruto-kun questioned getting a kick out of the pet name I had been given since young. Sasuke-kun's amused smirk and Kakashi-sensei's twinkling eye backing the idiot up. I groaned inwardly, no one can embarrass you better than family.

Koko gave a chuckle at my teasing teammates. "Isn't it cute?" She stated proudly.

"Mama!" I shouted complainingly, a pout formed on my lips from being ganged up on by mother and my self proclaimed family. That is hardly fair in my mind.

Then a masculine baritone laughter joined the mother's soprano one and I inwardly heaved a groan while allowing my face contort in a wince at the inevitable headache. Which cabinet is the Tylenol in again? Or is it in a hall closest? I wondered nonchalantly, not too mention pessimistically. "Did your mother foil your sneaking attempt again, Flower?"

I returned to my pouting phase as the dark fuchsia eyed women announced to the approaching large man, "Dear, we have guests"

..:Xx0o0xX:..

Third Person

Sasuke felt a twinge of jealous at seeing his close friend's family interact in a way that he knew his never would. He'd never known that parents could tease there child with well-meaning and have the child respond positively as well. Perhaps it's just Sakura. He'd never know, but he was starting to see where she gets her sense of humor from. Perhaps being part of Dobe's, Sakura-san's and Kakashi's self proclaimed family wouldn't be so bad.

Naruto was beside Teme in his feeling of jealous. Sure Sakura-chan, Teme and Kakashi-sensei are his makeshift family but seeing Sakura-chan easily relax and act like the child she is around her parents and them respond or invoke a response playfully and good naturedly in turn made him wish he had his own parents. It also showed him that not all parents were strict and expectant as Teme's parents had acted. Well at least his dad did while his mother was smiling but not as involved as both his precious sister's seem to be.

Kakashi quickly made the connection that Sakura was adopted, she looked so different from both her parents it wasn't possible for them to be related. Still he couldn't help feeling glad that at least one of his students enjoyed spending time with her parents. The way they interacted it wasn't hard to connect that they were close. Most civilian families were. He glanced at the two genin boys of his team and guessed that this was a whole knew concept to them. There were flashes of jealousy as well as the desire to have such ties in both boys eyes. This would be good for them, he decided. It'd teach them that shinobi life wasn't everything and that enjoying life was okay too.

..:Xx0o0xX:..

Sakura

'Dear' frowned realizing that all three are not only ninja but are of the male gender. He turned to me and oh so subtly stated "Our guests are males?" My eyes widened in horror of my father's not only rudeness, but where I already knew this was heading "I thought I clearly stated that you wouldn't be dating until you were at least 30" I pinked till my cheeks matched my hair color "and I approved of who you dated." they grew darkened another few shades, this is so embarrassing! "I definitely do not approve." thankfully he seemed finished for the moment.

"Papa!" I shrieked embarrassment coloring my features and voice. "These are my teammates." I realized my mistake too late.

"Teammates?!" Father exclaimed obviously not liking the thought of me spending days and nights with boys. He had agreed thinking that the worst would be me being a ninja but now this! He is going to the Hokage immediately. The Haruno patriarch paled at a thought. I groaned at realizing his train of thought, he was being so transparent about the entire thing. And in front of my teammates too! They're like family for goodness sake, can't he just once not jump to such a conclusion.

All right, calm down Sakura. Try to be rational "Well yes, but–" I confirmed trying to smooth the situation out as the impending headache I was right about guessing started to form. My father can be so overprotective. First he goes and thinks of something that about toward me losing my innocence – which is none of his business in the first place! – and now his resolved to try and change who my teammates are. It didn't help that mother was giving her a sympathetic look at the moment either. Shouldn't she be helping me? She's was once a ninja. I thought then remembered suddenly that Koko had been on a fully female team. Great, just freakin' great.

"Then it's settled. If you wish to stay a kunoichi then you well switch to a full girl team." Kano declared causing me to turn red with fury. How dare he! Before I could even utter a word in defense I was cut off.

"Sorry to disappoint, but we aren't going to give Sakura-san up that easily." Sasuke-kun stated with his calm-as-you-please façade in place. Though his voice had an underlying bit to it that I remembered as the tone the raven haired boy used as a warning. The calm before the storm. As appreciative as I am of my team's protective nature when it comes to me, I also knew this was going to end in something more than a headache. I hadn't foreseen my ex-crush stepping in as well, just Naruto-kun and maybe Kakashi-sensei.

The deep blue haired man's eyes narrowed catching the subtle threat and not liking it, but before he could retort he too was cut off.

"Teme's right Sakura-chan is family to us. We won't give her up without a fight." Naruto-kun agreed his eyes fiercely protective and both stepped beside me.

Although his statement had been blunt unlike his heart's brother's statement the point was still made and had caused deep blue eyes to flicker between the two. Why do they care so much about Sakura? He seemed to question himself. What could they possibly gain? Could his earlier thoughts already have happened? Again he paled. And again I groaned, not really wanting to know the way he had envisioned me losing my innocence and with my makeshift family no less.

Koko also saw the gears turn in the only male in there family's head. Not good. This time said man's spouse did intervene wishing to both stop her husband from making a fool of himself and to prevent my temper from flaring as she was sure it would.

"Kano, please don't jump to the wrong conclusions. Sakura would have said something if she minded her teammates." being a business man, the off white haired female figured reason would be a better tact use. "Right, Sakura?" I in question nodded eagerly relieved that my mama had finally stepped in.

"Are you sure?" he asked not liking that his spouse had taken my side again. She seemed to do that when it came to me and my ninja career.

"Yes Papa. Besides they're like a second family to me and I won't leave them without a fight either."

The elder man gave a huff, but decided for an alternative to make sure he was in my good graces. It's always a headache for everyone when he wasn't. "Are they staying for dinner?"

"That's the plan." Naruto-kun chirped obviously not seeing the harm that both father and I did when mother grinned gleefully. Sasuke-kun and Kakashi-sensei nodded also not knowing the danger of they're actions. Oh-no.

"Great!" Koko exclaimed "Then I'll cook something." Not good.

Father was quick to try to dissuade such an idea, with my support for him all the way. "How about we go out instead?" The blue haired and blue eyed man offered suggestively.

"Nonsense, this is the perfect reason to cook." The Haruno matriarch quickly shot down stubbornly.

"Then I'll help." I reasoned, knowing that I would get an answer like my papa had gotten.

"No, you have guests. Why not show them around?" with that the stubborn woman was gone.

Simultaneously my father and I slumped with a certain "We're doomed" muttered. Like father, like daughter. We both earned curious and confused looks from the male members of Team 7. Boy, are they in for a surprise.

End Flashback

Of course by the end of the night Naruto had shouted 'we'll be back' and earned a smile from the thirty something mother. Sasuke started at him like he was nuts for including him in this promise as well. Kakashi only smiled and nodded before vanishing with a 'poof' and wisps of white smoke.

I had indeed gotten quite the headache by the end of the night. Wanting nothing more than to go to bed and sleep it off, I had realized that I had night shift at the hospital. The next day I had refused to get up for anything or anyone, but still did so all the same when an ANBU appeared to inform that Shishou had wanted me. Not only had that been the beginning of a horrible week but it had also been the start of my life getting all the harder. Though if I could go back and change it, I wouldn't change a single thing.

Smiling I bowed my head and clasped my hands. I quickly said grace, with my parents chiming in at the end. Even with knowing what the 'after life' is like I still pray, quite the odd matter.

"Itadakimasu" we all chimed digging into our food. Kano and I had been careful to stay with the domburi and gyoza. Those were the safest things to eat when the culinary loving women decided to cook

..:Xx0o0xX:..

Sakura's Apartment

Glancing at the cellular device in nearly pale hands, I huffed. I raise my left hand, the one that held the small pink contraption, and made the motion to throw it at my bedroom door. I didn't though, I couldn't. What if it broke? That definitely would not be good.

I sat cross-legged on my queen sized, green adorning bed, my damp hair sticking to the back of my neck. Even though it's a queen size there are plenty of layers of blankets - some black, some red, some white, some baby blue, some pink, but a majority are green as well as multiple types of pillows – big, small, circular; you name it, it's there – and only one stuffed animal. Technically it's not an animal, but a dragon. A small white dragon that reminded me very much of Hyorinmaru. Toushiro. That's why I got it in the first place.

Damn it! I cursed. It's been two whole months since he has said so much as hello and over a decade since I've seen him in person. I don't like those facts, not in the slightest. I glanced at the phone again and decided third times the charm. After a string of familiar numbers I got five rings and a beep. I snapped the cell phone shut with more force than necessary and throw the infuriating device at the wooden door. It smacked loudly against said object before hitting the hard wood floor with a thud. So much for third times the charm. They're supposed to be twins damn it! So then…why isn't he answering?

Wow. I think this is my longest chapter written so far in my history of chapters. So no complaining about being short. I hope you liked my twist on things. Also I did redo this chapter, it used to be in third person now it's basically all in Sakura's POV I'm sure you can see where the transition was way clear. My apologies for that. I'm also sorry for any grammatical or spelling errors.

Just so you know:

Donburi - popularly referred to as a bowl of cooked rice with some other food served on top. They're are a whole bunch of dishes with different toppings. Some dishes are:

Oyakodon (Oyako Donburi)
Mother and Child Donburi
The name of this popular donburi dish comes from its two main ingredients, chicken and egg. Very rarely, you may also encounter an Oyakodon featuring salmon and ikura (salmon eggs).

Katsudon (Tonkatsu Donburi)
Pork Cutlet Donburi
Katsudon is served with tonkatsu (deep fried breaded pork cutlet), egg and onions on top of the rice.

Gyudon (Gyuniku Donburi)
Beef Donburi
Gyudon is a bowl of cooked rice with beef, is very popular as an inexpensive type of fast food served at chain stores across the country.

Tendon (Tempura Donburi)
Tempura Donburi
Tempura are deep fried pieces of battered seafood and vegetables. Various tempura pieces are dipped into a soya based sauce before served on top of the rice.

Unadon (Unagi Donburi)
Eel Donburi
The eel is grilled and prepared in a thick soya based sauce before served on top of the cooked rice.

And

Tekkadon (Tekka Donburi)
Tuna Donburi
The topping of Tekkadon is raw tuna (maguro). It is served with strips of nori seaweed and sometimes ground yamaimo.

Gyoza - Japanese style dumplins

If you wish to know more on japanese food and somesuch I got this information at

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