#[five months in] [sakura 02]

Sasuke,

It's good to hear you're working closely with the Leaf; it makes it feel like you're not really on the other side of the world.

Oh, he's not your replacement, I wish you would stop calling him that! Sai's actually quite fond of you, you know. Sometimes I think you two would get on better than you think.

I actually have some exciting news! Well, it's daunting actually. I've been put in for the Jounin exam and I've started training already. I was a little late with my application but I think Kakashi pulled some strings - even though I told him not to. The exam is soon actually and I've had to postpone some of the medic student's training which is a pain.

It's weird to think I could be a sensei like Kakashi if I succeed. I dont think my students wouldnt be tied to posts or left for hours on end like we were, though.

I've been thinking about the past a lot recently - not so much the War or too much before that, but more like when we were young and couldnt climb trees. Its strange to think how long ago that was, and how different things are now.

I kind of miss it, the simplicity. I miss us all being together at Ichiraku and how seriously we took catching Date-san's cat. Now, you're travelling the world, Naruto's training to be Hokage (who would have thought, ne?) and I might be a sensei if all goes to plan.

I think it feels right though, somehow; like everything is finally falling into place.

Sort of.

Anyway, I dont want to weigh down your hawk so I suppose I'll stop chattering. Which reminds me… Sasuke, if you could put up with me for all these years, you can deal with a few friendly villagers, dont you think? I know you probably feel uneasy but they mean no harm, I promise.

I'll pass the letter on. Though, you've peaked my curiosity, I'll admit. I've also rolled up a scarf for your hawk to carry with this letter. Hinata (Hyuga) has found she has quite a talent for knitting and so I called in a small favour after reading your last letter.

…Not that I dont trust your medical skills, of course! Just in case.

Yours,

Sakura