Rokudaime

Chapter Fourteen

Never stood a chance

Kiyoshi raised a brow at the pouting Toushiro who refused to cooperate and remain seated. He had to physically guard the hallway leading to Sakura's room in order to prevent the kid from running to the pink haired woman. Kin on the other hand was currently making tea in the kitchen for everyone. "I'm telling you she's hurt!" Toushiro exclaimed with an angry scowl on his young chubby face while glaring daggers at the purple eyed shinobi. Kiyoshi sighed at the statement once again.

"You saw the Captain with your own eyes she's fine, and besides how can your sense of smell be that heightened?" Kiyoshi asked with a suspicious glint flashing in his eyes. Toushiro had frown in response and confusion shown within his piercing silver eyes. "I don't know…" He trailed off with uncertainty lacing his words. "I just know that I can smell better than other people." Kiyoshi was about to retort when the door to Sakura's room open and close. He glanced behind him to see the Hyuuga Heiress with a worried look in her eyes and her face paler than usual. 'What happen to her?' Kiyoshi thought to himself with a raised brow.

"How is she?" He asked.

Hinata swallow lightly at the question and averted her gaze to the side. "S-she's asleep." Hinata mentally cursed her light stutter and thank Kin when he announced that the tea was ready. "I'll love a c-cup." Taking the warm steaming cup into her hands the Heiress indulged in the delicious tea with closed eyes. It wasn't until she properly gazed into the steaming green liquid that she caught the familiar smell of the herbs she had just ingested. Hinata was once again reminded of the predicament her cousin was in at the moment. No doubt Neji had given these specific herbs to Sakura without explaining its use to the medic.

'How could Neji-niisan have allowed this to happen?' Hinata thought with shimmering eyes filled with sedated anger. Hinata continued to drink her tea and felt her body relax in response to it. The Heiress mentally shook her head as well as her anger. Nothing can be done now and there was no going back. Now she understood Neji-niisan's words back at the restaurant and the look in his eyes.

Sakura has become extremely important to her cousin right now and not even her father could separate him from her now.

"Hey, Hinata, earth to Hinata are you in there!" Hinata came face to face with purple irises and immediately she broke out into a wild blush at the close proximately. Kiyoshi pulled back before the Heiress fainted. "S-s-sorry," Hinata stuttered while feeling the curious stares of both Toushiro and Kin on her.

"I asked you a question, obviously you didn't hear me." At Kiyoshi's tone and rude words towards Hinata, Kin narrowed his eyes.

"Kiyoshi, have some respect this is Hyuuga Hinata, Heiress of her Clan." Kin stressed with an irritated expression across his handsome face. Kiyoshi stared at Kin with disinterested eyes. "Your point being," He replied nonchalantly. Toushiro watch the two shinobi with interest as an amuse smirk graced his lips. "Aren't you supposed to be respectful towards people with such titles?" The young boy asked. At that Kiyoshi 'keh' and brought his attention to the silver eyed boy.

"Listen here, Toushiro, this is another life lesson you need to know: respect is earned and not given on a silver platter in my book, and unlike most people I give respect when it is rightfully earned. I don't believe in titles, but the person behind it." Kin rolled his eyes and Toushiro nodded his head in understanding at yet another life lesson given to him.

Great, Kiyoshi was not only training Toushiro in the art of being a shinobi, but making him into a mini version of himself. Kin sighed deeply to himself.

Hinata remained quiet with a strained smile on her lips. At times, Kiyoshi's bluntness reminded her of Naruto. At the thought of the blonde haired shinobi with sapphire eyes, Hinata blushed and felt a yearning in her heart at his absence.

"What was your question, Kiyoshi-san?" Hinata asked hoping to change the subject. Kiyoshi nodded. "I had asked what brought you over here. I mean, I know Sakura is a friend of yours, but you two don't seem that close if you know what I mean." Kin gave up on his rude teammate and continued to drink his tea while keeping his ears open to hear Hinata's response. He was also curious as to why she was here too. They knew their Captain was popular among the Rookie Nine and well known by the villagers, but she was not close to a lot of females besides her best friend and mentors.

Hinata sighed slightly and placed her tea to rest on her lap, her fingers grasping the cup a little too tightly than what was necessary in her nervousness. She would have to elude them from the truth. "I came to check on Sakura once I heard that she was in an altercation with Ten-Ten. Apparently, Ten-Ten was not telling the whole truth about what had happened." The three males all furrow their brows. "What did little miss buns say, exactly?" Kiyoshi questioned, already feeling his irritation stirring along with his protectiveness for his Captain.

"Ten-Ten said Sakura has struck first, but according to Sakura that is not what happened and with my eyes I can see no deceit in what she said. I just hope my father will see this as well when he visits the Ama Clan Head." Hinata explained briefly. Kin frowns deeply, mirroring Kiyoshi and Toushiro's expression. "There were witnesses there they can testify on Sakura's behalf if this gets serious. Sakura is the one with the swollen cheek, not her." Kin stated tersely. "That girl is lucky we got there in time before our Captain smashed her face in." Kiyoshi added with displeasure and slight remorse at not letting Sakura give it to her. "I came to check on Sakura as well to make sure she wasn't hurt." Hinata added. "I should be on my way home now to see how things went with the meeting." Hinata placed the tea cup down and stood up from her seat.

"Sakura wanted me to tell you to babysit Toushiro until she wakes up in the next eight to ten hours." Kiyoshi groaned at the indirect command. "Sure, as if we weren't doing that already." He stated before taking a seat and resting his feet on Sakura's low glass table. Toushiro glared at the action and promptly smacked his feet off the furniture. "That's not for resting your feet. Do it again and I'm telling Sakura when she wakes up." At that Kiyoshi stiffen and glared at the brat. "Nobody likes a snitch." He grumbled. "And Sakura doesn't like her furniture being misused." Toushiro replied while throwing a raspberry at the dark haired shinobi.

Kin stood up and showed Hinata out. "If you hear anything please let us know, and we'll keep you updated on Sakura." Kin stated with serious eyes. Hinata nodded in agreement before turning and leaving. Closing the door, Kin couldn't help, but feel like she knew something more about the situation.

Hokage's Office

Three Days Later

The Hokage's office was silent with its occupants staring solemnly at the manila colored folder lying innocently on the desk. Tsunade's muscles were mostly rigid causing her movements to be met with some resistance. This was the moment of truth and she felt her heart race inside her chest. She couldn't help, but feel nervous about what the results to her test were. Gingerly picking up the folder Tsunade opened it slowly and with dreadful eyes she scanned the black words before her and immediately her eyes took on a solemn look to them before they harden with acceptance.

Shizune bit her bottom lip at the sudden look in her Lady's eyes and hesitantly made her way to her long time mentor. Taking the paper from the Hokage Shizune glanced at the words and tightens her hold on the thin piece of paper, nearly crumpling it. Right before her the bold words were screaming at her: Positive.

"Are the documents already written up and finalized, Shizune?" Tsunade asked while staring off to the side towards the window where the sun shone brightly. It was a beautiful day without a single cloud in the sky, a very unfitting day to receive such horrid news. Shizune placed the paper inside the folder and nodded her head. "Yes and the elders will be informed as soon as Jiraiya arrives with Naruto." The brunette stated with heavy brows and a sad frown. "And what about the spy, have there been any luck finding them?" Shizune again shook her head. "We've kept two Anbu tailing Danzo wherever he goes and we have yet to find the spy making contact with him or any other suspicious activity." Shizune revealed even though her gut was telling her he was involved somehow.

"I want Kakashi to thoroughly search his home, office, and Root Division for any evidence of betrayal. His behavior at the meeting with the council is enough for me to suspect him. I want this mission done ASAP." Tsunade ordered out calmly. Shizune prepared a scroll for the Copy Cat shinobi for his new mission.

Suddenly a mass of gray smoke appears in the middle of her office and Tsunade didn't have to see the person to know who it was. She smiled wearily as the smoked cleared and standing before her was her teammate, Jiraiya. He looked the same as always, but with that serious scowl on his face he looked a bit older than he was. The seriousness in his eyes shielded the worry mess that he was inside. "Tsunade," He murmured worriedly and in shock as he glanced over the woman before him. This was a shadow of the woman he was used to seeing. No longer was her henge sharp, but rather dulled down. The luster of her hair was no longer that bright, golden blonde nor was her amber eyes their bright fiery selves. Her skin was a pale shade of gray instead of that sun kissed tan she always wore no matter the season. The fine tells of old age that was wrinkles graced the end of her eyes and the crease on her forehead and around her mouth.

Jiraiya frowned at his findings and felt helpless inside. From the way her eyes were solemn he guessed that the results were positive and he tightened his fists.

Shizune had quietly left but not before nodding to Tsunade while Jiraiya had been assessing his teammate with his eyes, critically.

"I'm glad you came. It will make this more bearable for me." Tsunade revealed in a weary voice.

"Of course I would come, Tsunade. Nothing in the world could stop me." The Toad Sage stated firmly. "What will become of Konoha now?" Jiraiya asked knowing full well he will not take the position of Hokage. "Naruto, he's still not ready yet and needs more life experience as a shinobi not to mention we barely touch upon politics." The Toad Sage admitted with a scratch of his head. Tsunade scoffed lightly at the mentioning of her favorite loud mouth brat. "I know that." She replied soon after. "I already have someone to take my place until Naruto is ready. I trust that you and my successor will be the judge of when he will be ready to take on the role as Hokage." Jiraiya nodded while secretly pondering who this successor would be.

"Of course, who have you chosen?" Jiraiya questioned with a raised brow. Tsunade smirked as she casually brought her gaze onto the picture frame situated on her desk. "Well, for starters this will be the first Hokage in history to have pink hair." The busty blonde stated as she flipped the frame for Jiraiya to see a photo of her and Sakura smiling in front of the Hokage Monuments. It had been taken shortly after Sakura passed the ANBU exams. It was her most proudest day as a mentor.

Jiraiya looked mildly surprised before smirking. "You do know that she will be known for more than just that right?" He began with a certain glint in his eyes that she knew far too well. "She will be known for that succulent body of hers and not to mention her well rounded-…" He didn't get far before a large scroll was thrown right in his face.

The speed of the tossed scroll caused the Toad Sage to fall back on his rear. "Not another word you pervert. That's your future Hokage you're speaking about!" Tsunade bit out with narrowed eyes as a vein pulsated on her forehead. "Alright, I'll stop, for now." Jiraiya whispered out lastly to himself.

"She'll be the youngest Hokage in the history of this village after the Lord Fourth, Minato. The Council will not take well to it, especially since she has become so much like you. Head strong and stubborn, but a better and stronger version." The Toad Sage commented.

"Exactly, I will have a peace of mind while I live out the rest of my days in comfort." Tsunade stated as she glanced out the window. "Who better to hand over my position than to someone who is just like me? I'm sure Sakura will pass on her position to Naruto once she knows he's ready." Tsunade stated with a serene expression on her weary face.

"And I will be right there beside you." Jiraiya vowed as he held her shoulders in comfort and reassurance.

"When are you going to inform Sakura and the village?" Jiraiya asked curiously. "The sooner, the better." He added wisely.

"I will notify her tomorrow morning. I am more than sure she will accept the position." Tsunade said with a smile on.

The will of fire will live on through Sakura.

Konoha Hospital

"Sakura, I am so sorry." Shizune stated sadly as she slowly walked into Sakura's room. The pink haired medic had woken up a few minutes ago from her procedure and was staring blankly at the wall. Shizune swiftly hugged the pink haired medic in a tight hug and in that hug Sakura sobbed painfully in arms.

"It's not fair, I didn't even know." Sakura cried out as she tighten her hold around her friend.

"You didn't know Sakura, it's not your fault." Shizune whispered into her ear.

"I should have known, they depended on me to protect them and I let them down. They didn't even have a chance." Sakura bit out in anger. The anger was towards herself. She was a medic and she didn't bother to check herself when she was getting those constant headaches and spur of the moment nausea. How could have she missed it and simply blamed it on stress?

"Sakura, don't do this to yourself. It's not your fault." Shizune stated with teary eyes. It hurt her to see Sakura like this.

Seven hours earlier

Shizune had been approached by Sakura two days ago about a concern she had recently. She hadn't had her menstrual in the past couple months and wanted a test done to confirm her recent thoughts.

The constant cramping she had ever since her confrontation with Ten-Ten a few days ago heighten her concern the more she thought about it. Sakura had asked Shizune to personally do the exam and tests on her. She wouldn't let her parents, Neji or her Shishou know until she was certain. She couldn't contain the budding excitement building inside her.

It was an hour before Shizune came with the news that she was indeed pregnant. Sakura had never been so fearful, excited, and happy all at once before. She couldn't wait to tell Neji, despite their situation, the good news of having a baby together.

Shizune had then suggested they do an exam to see how the baby was developing and how far along she was. Sakura had been ecstatic at the thought of finding out how far along she was. She had quickly gone into position to have Shizune examine her with her medical ninjutsu.

They both had smiles on their faces at the news of the pregnancy. As Shizune scanned her body, Sakura was thinking about her baby. He or she would be born in a couple of months and then she thought about what he or she would look like. She was going to be a mother and Neji, a father. All the worries that Sakura has been shouldering the past couple of weeks didn't exist anymore at this moment. All she thought about was her baby. She finally was having something that was solely hers and Neji's, and it wouldn't be taken away from her.

Sakura saw Shizune's bright smile disappear suddenly and a deep frown took its place. Sakura's eyes widen in worry as she gently sat up a little. "What's wrong?" She asked in concern. Her heart started to race in her chest at Shizune's expression.

The older medic gritted her teeth as she desperately tried to find a heart beat. Shizune could feel her chakra hovering above and smoothly entering into the uterus to feel any sort of life inside the womb. When she continued to scan and found nothing Shizune feared the worse. She had to delve deeper.

"Nothing, just sit back down and try to relax okay." Shizune stated in a calm voice. As she continued to delve deeper she finally found the fetus and she quickly found a very weak heart beat. Upon further examination Shizune realized the fetus was under immense stress that caused it heart to weaken incredibly. It must have been under stress for a while now to have its heart weaken like this. Shizune continued to scan the rest of the uterus to make sure everything was alright. Shizune felt her heart skip a beat at the discovering of another fetus, but unlike its sibling failing heart its own heart had already stopped.

Shizune couldn't falter now, she had to continue the exam. She examined the dead fetus and found that it died recently, probably a day or two ago, but she couldn't be certain since it was so small. From the development of the fetuses she could confirm that they were only ten weeks old. Shizune quickly pulled her attention away from the dead fetus in an attempt to help the remaining fetus.

Just as Shizune was about to send healing chakra to help lessen the burden on the heart, it stopped completely.

"Oh, no!" Shizune exclaimed in worried as she quickly went to restart its heart.

Sakura was startled and asked what was going on. Shizune had no time to explain to Sakura what was going on. In response, Sakura's body start to experience stress, which did not help Shizune at all. "I'm sorry Sakura but we have to get you into surgery, okay." Shizune explained quickly as she prepared herself for an emergency surgery.

"I'm going to have the nurses prep you while I prepare the OR." Shizune stated as she ran out the door to call the nurses nearby.

Everything happened so fast.

Sakura was in the OR in a matter of minutes, staring up at the ceiling with her hands held protectively over her abdomen. She was scared. This was her first time having surgery. She was usually the one performing the procedure, so it was a little weird for the young medic.

"Sakura, I'm going to put you under now. Just take deep breathes and count to ten backwards." Sakura started counting backwards and before she knew it everything went dark.

Sakura could feel herself coming back to consciousness. She assumed the surgery went well. She tried to swallow and found that her throat was completely dried out. Her eyes fluttered open and her vision was blurry, but she could hear the nurses and Shizune speaking.

"I feel so bad for Sakura-sempai and her twins." Sakura felt her eyes trying to widen but the heaviness of the medication made it difficult for her to speak. "I know, it's going to break her heart when she finds that they didn't make it. The remaining fetus was fighting to hang on, but it's heart couldn't be restarted." Shizune mourned deeply.

"Please escort Sakura to a private room to rest." At the sound of the order Sakura fell unconscious again.

Two hours later she found herself in a room. She stared blankly at the wall across from her as she remembered Shizune's words.

She was having twins.

One of them hadn't made it, but there was still hope for the second twin, that's why Shizune performed the surgery. She had no one to blame but herself. Sakura gripped the sheets covering her tightly in anger. She only had five minutes of excitement at the news of her impending motherhood, but just like everything else in her life that was taken from her too.

"It's not fair." Sakura gritted out with anguish emerald colored eyes.

They didn't even have a chance.

A/N: It's been forever, but here's a chapter! Yes, Sakura was pregnant, but didn't know it. Because she was filling in as Hokage and worrying over Neji's impending marriage to Ten-Ten the stress caused her to lose her babies. The altercation with Ten-Ten was the last straw, especially when Sakura wasn't feeling too well before hand.

I hope to update regularly from now on.

Hope you all like the new chapter and aren't too upset with the loss of Sakura and Neji's babies!

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Lady Manami