Rokudaime

Chapter Sixteen

Rokudaime Hokage

Sakura strode with purpose down the streets of Konoha with a stern expression on her face. Although her face was tight, her eyes were dull with a certain emptiness in them. She had been discharged from the hospital earlier this morning and Shizune had been kind enough to keep what happened between the two of them a secret.

Sakura didn't want anyone knowing about her failed pregnancy with the twins. It was imperative that she speak with Neji. She didn't care about his Uncle or his situation anymore.

The medic had to tell him the truth, and she really needed him now more than ever. Emotionally, she was on the break of having a mental breakdown. She couldn't handle this anymore. Her babies were gone. She will never have the chance to hold them or even lay eyes on them. Her shishou was suffering from an unknown disease, and she had a village to look after in her absence. It was all too much to bear at the moment.

Tears began to flood her eyes, and her face began to redden in her misfortune. She swiftly wiped at her eyes, and held the tears back as she made her way towards the Hyuuga compound. The medic was going to speak to Neji one way or another, even if she had to break through their walls to get to him, and not even Hiashi will hold her back.

Just as Sakura was about to turn the corner that would lead her down the street to the Hyuuga compound, she was interrupted by an ANBU guard.

Sakura furrowed her brows in surprise at his sudden appearance.

"Sakura-san, you are to see the Hokage immediately." The ANBU relayed grimly before disappearing again.

At his tone, fear struck Sakura's heart as dark thoughts entered her mind about her Shishou's health. Of course, she couldn't ask the ANBU about the Hokage's health, because it was meant to be kept secret until a cure was found, and besides he left as quickly as he appeared.

So, instead of asking, Sakura swiftly made her way to the Hokage Tower. She would have to go to the Hyuuga compound later.

Right now, her Shishou needed her.

It wasn't long until she made it to the Hokage Tower, and she couldn't help but feel that the day has been dragging on for far too long. She was glad for the setting sun as she approached the Hokage's office.

It meant that she could go to bed early tonight after making sure everything was alright with her Shishou, and after speaking with Neji.

As Sakura entered the Hokage's office, she was surprised to find Jiraiya and Naruto standing besides Tsunade on either side of her. Her eyes widen pleasantly at the sight of Naruto, and a sad smile bloomed on her face as she ran to hug him. If she could hug anyone else at the moment it would be him. Naruto always gave the best hugs, and he had the habit of making her feel better.

"Naruto, you're finally back!" Sakura exclaimed in joy as she hugged her teammate tightly. She couldn't believe how much she's missed his presence around the village.

Too caught up in her excitement of seeing Naruto again, Sakura didn't notice his unenthusiastic hug or wavering smile. It wasn't until she pulled back to really get a good look at him and at his growth that she saw the look in his eyes. His blue depths were slightly red and tired, as if he had been crying. It made her worry suddenly.

"What's wrong, Naruto?" She questioned with concern. She didn't like seeing Naruto upset.

The blonde shook his head before smiling at her. "Don't worry about it, Sakura-chan. I'll be fine." Naruto told her with soft eyes, and a broken smile. Sakura stared at him with uncertainty flooding through her eyes before turning around to greet Jiraiya and her Shishou.

It was then that she realized the atmosphere in the office was slightly tense and uncomfortable. She had no idea what happened before her arrival to cause this tension.

"Hello, to you, too, Sakura." Sakura's eyebrows rose in surprise at the sound of Shikamaru's lazy voice from the corner of the room. She had no idea he had been in the room with them. Sakura chuckled slightly in embarrassment for missing him, and lightly waved at him in greeting. "Sorry about that, didn't see you there, Shikamaru." Sakura told him teasingly. "Sure, sure." Shikamaru waved off without a care.

Now that the greetings were over with, Sakura wondered why Tsunade requested her presence, and why everyone was here, too. She seemed to be doing well at the moment, and that was something she was happy about. Perhaps there was good news to be shared! Perhaps the cure had been found?

"Sakura, there's a reason I called you here." Tsunade began with a soft smile.

Sakura listened attentively, and felt her heart race all of a sudden in anticipation of the news. She had no idea what that reason could be. Sakura smiled at the thought, hoping to Kami that Tsunade and Shizune was able to find a cure.

"Sakura, I'm retiring as of tonight. Today was my last day as Hokage." Tsunade announced with somber eyes, but there was a small, accepting smile on lips as she stared at the young kunoichi she helped mold.

Sakura's eyes widen in shock, and her heart stopped. Her hand grasped the area over her heart automatically, fearing the worst had happened. She wasn't expecting this at all.

Sakura's brows furrowed in confusion, and her peppermint colored irises dimmed with disbelief at the news.

"Shishou, why?" Sakura questioned with urgency, quickly moving towards her wheelchair bond body. The only reason she could determine for her early retirement was that her illness had progressed to the point where she couldn't protect the village anymore, and that a cure was not found.

The medic's heart began to throb painfully, a dull and deep ache that resonating with each heart beat. Was she going to lose the one person who has been her rock and foundation? The first person who ever saw true potential in her?

"My health has been declining, as you already know, and there is no cure for my disease. I won't go into any specifics, but I wanted you to be here when I proclaimed my successor." Tsunade began evenly, her lips forcing the smile to remain in place as she stared at the confused and broken expression on her apprentice's face.

Sakura felt the tears she withheld earlier, returning again, and she bravely held them back before glancing over to Naruto with a proud smile on her lips.

Naruto was finally going to fulfill his dreams of becoming Hokage, and she was so damn proud of him. She wasn't expecting his ascension so soon, especially at this age, but she knew Naruto would be an amazingly great Hokage.

Sakura's proud smile slowly fell from her face when Naruto avoided her gaze suddenly.

The blonde decided to stare at the floor then meet her proud gaze head on. A dark shadow was cast under his eyes as Jiraiya placed his hand over his pupil's shoulder in comfort.

Sakura was confused as to why Naruto was suddenly acting so cold towards her. It wasn't until Tsunade continued to speak, and understanding finally rang through her mind, loud and clear as to why Naruto was feeling down.

"Haruno Sakura, I've watched you grown into this young, strong, and amazingly skilled kunoichi that you are today, and I am proud to say that I have had a hand in molding you. You've worked so hard throughout these years to be where you are now, and you have never let anyone stop you from becoming strong."

"The past month and a half you have been unofficially acting as Hokage in my place when I became ill, and you have done a fine job in running the village in the time of my greatest need. Now that my illness has left me unable to protect the village any further, I am entrusting the village to you as my final wish." Tsunade revealed with a proud smile on her lips.

Her hazel irises glistened with rare emotion as she watched the various emotions cross her student's face. She could see the shock, and the disbelief on Sakura's face, and it wasn't long before tears had started to run down her cheeks.

"Haruno Sakura, would you accept the position of Hokage?" Tsunade offered with an expecting look.

Sakura was silent as she glanced between her Shishou, and Naruto. She was conflicted between the two people she cared about most in the world. She knew this was Naruto's dream since before he was even a gennin, but this was also her Shishou's last wish for her to fulfill.

Sakura tighten her fists, and stared at the floor with hard emerald eyes. This was a very hard decision, but most importantly should she accept it?

Was she even ready for this responsibility?

How would the rest of the village take to this news?

Would they even accept her as their Hokage, and as their protector?

Was she even mentally and emotionally able to handle this amount of responsibility, considering what she had just gone through in the past couple of days.

Sakura was left in the turmoil of her thoughts and feelings. It wasn't a question of her ability to handle the requirements of the title, because the past six weeks that she's been filling in for Tsunade-sama proved she could, but it was a question regarding her emotional state.

"Sakura-chan, you should accept it already." Sakura was stunned at Naruto's words of encouragement. She didn't expect for him to encourage her, after all, this was his dream and she would be taking it away from him. Her emerald irises stared at him in both awe and inner conflict.

"We all know you're the best person for the job. Even if Granny Tsunade had chosen me, I'm not ready, and you are ready. You've been by her side since you were thirteen, and I still have a lot to learn from Jiraiya-sensei." Naruto told her honestly, as he forced a smile her way.

It wasn't as broken as it had been earlier. He was beginning to understand where Tsunade and Jiraiya had said earlier when they broke the news to him before Sakura's arrival.

Tsunade had made her decision weeks ago about her next successor. It was in her right to choose the best person for the job. There was nothing he could have done or do to change the blonde Sannin's mind. Sakura-chan had proven to her already that she could become Hokage in the village's greatest time of need. They were all shinobi, after all, and it was their responsibility to protect the village before their own selfish dreams and wishes.

Sakura's face contorted with deep sadness, and she shook her head to disagree with him, "This is your dream, Naruto! You've wanted to become Hokage since we were Gennin. I can't take your dream from you!" Sakura told him bluntly as her eyes reflected her internal conflict over the situation.

Naruto was touched by his teammate's concern and consideration.

"And I still haven't given up on it, believe it!" Naruto exclaimed sincerely as he grinned at her brightly then. He proudly patted his chest with his right hand over his heart, "You'll just be warming up the Hokage seat for me once I'm ready. I know you'll be a great Hokage, Sakura-chan. So, accept it. It's Granny Tsunade's wish for you, after all." Naruto told her strongly as he gave her a true smile this time. He wasn't giving up on his dream, and it made Sakura feel relieved.

Sakura felt her heart warm at his encouraging words, and a smile broke on her lips. His words made it a lot easier for her to accept the role now. She had Naruto's blessings, and she would not have to fear his hate.

"I promise, once you're ready I'll hand the title over to you, Naruto." Sakura vowed with a smile before she turned to her awaiting Shishou with an anew light in her eyes.

"I would be honored to accept, Shishou." Sakura stated strongly.

Ama Compound

"...that is why I cannot marry your daughter, Ama-sama." Neji concluded with a firm, and stoic expression. He was maintaining his composure over the sound of Ten-Ten's sobs from the back room. She had left the meeting room once she realized what his intentions were, especially when she pleaded for him to keep quiet and let things flow, leaving her father with him alone.

The Ama Lord was not pleased from his heavy frown and furrowed brows. It was clear he was upset and frustrated with the situation, especially with the faint sounds of his daughter crying.

"Your Uncle lied to me then the last time we met. It would have settled things a lot sooner, and cost me less money." The Ama Head stated tensely, his brown eyes hard and unforgiving.

"I expect to be reimbursed for my financial loss over this failed arrangement." Neji nodded in full agreement with the Lord.

"You may speak with my Uncle about that matter. I have been telling him for weeks to end this contract, and he has caused nothing but hardships on all our parts, especially your daughter." Neji stated with a slight frown. He knew Ten-Ten brought this upon herself, especially when he spoke to her weeks ago to end this arranged marriage.

"I will speak with my daughter. I thought I raised her better than this." The Ama Lord began, striking Neji's interest. "She knows better than to chase after loose men. She deserves better than you." The Ama Lord finished, and Neji's expression tighten at the term "loose". He was anything, but loose.

"The bottom line is that I love another woman, and we will be starting a family soon. Ten-Ten deserves someone who will love her in return and make her happy. We can agree on that much." Neji countered with slightly narrowed eyes.

The Ama Lord nodded slightly before standing up in dismissal of their meeting. "We are finished here. Do not approach my daughter again." The Ama Head declared firmly before walking away, leaving Neji to find his own way out.

Neji remained silent as he left the Ama compound, not believing how easy that had been. There will be heavy consequences for his actions today with his Uncle, but enough was enough. If his Uncle decided to end his life today, the only regret he will have is that he would not have the chance to meet his children and be a father to them.

As Neji reached the gates, he heard Ten-Ten calling out for him in despair. He stiffen and sighed before continuing his trek. He promised the Ama Lord that he would not interact with Ten-Ten from this day forward, and the moment he passed through the gates of the compound did the sounds of Ten-Ten's running footsteps fade before stopping all together.

At the moment, Neji needed to speak with Sakura as soon as possible. He had a feeling it wouldn't be long before the Ama Lord contacted his Uncle and his disappearance from the compound was discovered. He had a small window to convince Sakura to marry him, and inform the Hokage of their decision. He was certain Sakura would accept his proposal, and soon they will be a real family with children on the way.

He activated his bloodline and searched the village for Sakura's location. He found her quickly at the Hokage Tower, and as the sun began to set he made his way towards her.

It didn't take him long before he reached the doors of the tall building, and it was at that same moment that Sakura appeared alongside Shikamaru, Naruto, and Shizune. All four shinobi were in a heavy discussion before Sakura realized Neji was standing a few feet away from them, and she stared at him with wide, anxious eyes.

"Hey, what are you doing here, Neji?" Naruto questioned with curious orbs as he analyzed the way Neji was staring so intensely at Sakura-chan. It was kind of weird. Shikamaru, however, already picked up on the secret relationship between Neji and Sakura a long time ago, so he swiftly dragged Naruto with him for an early dinner, his treat at Ichiraku's ramen shop. The blonde didn't protest, and promised his teammate they will catch up properly tomorrow.

Shizune remained by Sakura's side, her dark eyes attentive and focused on the two young adults. She would not leave until Sakura told her so. She was very protective of Sakura, and as her new adviser she will not leave her Hokage's side as easily as Shikamaru had.

"Sakura-sama?" Shizune questioned with slightly furrowed brows. "We have a lot to discuss and go over to prepare you for this week's celebration." Shizune urged quietly, silently reminding the new leader of her upcoming coronation in three days. There was a lot of planning that needed to be done in order to make the deadline. She knew the young Rokudaime had unfinished business with Neji-san, but right now was not the time to handle it.

Sakura brought her cautious gaze over to Shizune, and nodded in understanding. "This won't take long Shizune. Give me five minutes and we'll go." Sakura told her with a firm nod. Shizune nodded solemnly before giving the couple a moment to themselves.

It wasn't lost on Neji the way Shizune addressed Sakura. She's never heard of the older woman referring to Sakura as Lady. It was usually the affectionate "chan". He was also none too happy about the five minute time restriction. They had a lot to discuss, and a lot of time to catch up on from being apart for so long.

Neji was unhappy with the way Sakura was avoiding his gaze as they walked somewhere to have some privacy. The lobby of the Hokage Tower contained rooms used for meetings. They entered inside one, and Sakura was standoffish. He narrowed his eyes in slight confusion before going over to her and taking her into his arms. He didn't hesitate to kiss her deeply, and he was sourly disappointed when she weakly returned his affections. It was then that he felt her hot tears brush against his cheeks and he pulled back sharply to take in her broken expression.

"Neji, I have to tell you something..." Sakura started anxiously, her green eyes wavering in her fear and sadness.

Neji merely let out a small smile, and wiped her tears away. He assumed she had figured out her pregnancy, and wanted to reassure her of their continued happiness.

"I know, and we will work it out together." Neji revealed to her with confidence, causing Sakura's eyes to widen in shock. "You know already, but how?" Sakura questioned breathlessly, her hands covering her mouth in mute horror.

Neji didn't understand why Sakura had this look of horror on her face, and he shook his head slightly. "I do, and I'm happy about it. I have to admit I've known for a while now, but I wanted you to figure it out for yourself." Neji informed her softly, and it was then that something changed in Sakura's eyes. They were no longer sad or terrorized, but filled with rage.

"You knew all along about my pregnancy, and you never said a word to me?" Sakura seethed out with her expression contorted in anger at him as she roughly pushed him away from her. Neji knew there was a chance that Sakura would be upset at him, but not to this extent.

"Yes, but like I said I wanted to leave the moment of finding out to your own devices." Neji explained to her once again, not understanding why this was such an issue for her. They were going to be parents, and they should be happy about it and making love.

"Sakura, we're going to have a family soon. Do not be upset at me for not telling you. You know now, so let's enjoy the growth of our twins, and get married tonight. I finally told the Ama Lord about this entire situation, and the arrange marriage has been called off. It won't be long until my Uncle finds out, so we must get to the Hokage and have her marry us officially." Neji explained to her with a wide smile, and Sakura just stared at him dumbfounded.

She was so incredibly upset with him, and the more he spoke the more upset she became. If only Neji had done this a week ago, hell, even a few days ago. Maybe things would have been different. She would have still been pregnant and marrying the man she loved, but things had changed so drastically.

Sakura wrapped her arms around herself and sighed sadly. "I'm not pregnant anymore, Neji." Sakura revealed to him with shame. "I had a miscarriage. Shizune tried to save one of the twins, but its heart gave out." She added as tears rolled down her cheeks.

Neji remained stunned at the news and he quickly activated his eyes to find his children, and as Sakura had said her womb was empty. He felt a deep pain strike his heart. The hope he had for them was gone and a dull ache replaced it.

"I was under tremendous stress, and my altercation with Ten-Ten escalated that stress. I had no idea I was pregnant at the time, and when I realized it, it was too late." Sakura informed him brokenly before wiping her own tears away and staring at him firmly.

Neji's eyes grew hard with determination. "Marry me tonight, Sakura." He stated while looking deeply into her eyes. He now knew why she was so desolate and sadden, and a part of him was hurt over the loss, too. He may have loss his children, but he will not lose Sakura.

Sakura's eyes remained solemn at his proposal. Her heart raced slightly within her breast and she contemplated on her reaction, or lack thereof of one. The Sakura a few weeks ago would have been ecstatic and jumped at the idea, but the Sakura of today was hesitant.

Her heart was fighting against her brain, and her sense of responsibility and duty to her Shishou and village were out weighting her love for Neji. She didn't know what to do right now, because this was all happening too fast for her. She just accepted the job as Hokage Rokudaime, and she was still dealing with the traumatic miscarriage.

"Neji," Sakura started out slowly. "I need time to think and mourn. A lot has happened, and as much as I love you, I can't marry you tonight." She explained with sorrowful eyes.

Neji's expression tighten and he averted his gaze from her at the rejection.

"It doesn't mean I don't want to marry you. I just can't right now, and I don't think it's fair for me to make a decision based on your Uncle." Sakura told him in an effort to make him understand her feelings. Neji nodded in understanding, but the sting was still left in his heart.

Sakura kissed him tenderly. "I have to go with Shizune now. Please be careful, and we will see each other soon." Sakura told him with a small smile, and she walked out silently. She looked over her shoulder at him before she closed the door, and Neji felt alone then.

He felt as if he lost the woman he loved.

Konoha Village: Sakura's Coronation

Three Days Later...

It all made sense to him now on why Shizune called Sakura, Sakura-sama. What bothered him the most was the fact that Sakura had not told him about her sudden and new promotion. Another irritant was the fact that he hasn't seen Sakura since that night three days ago when she told him about the miscarriage, and her rejection to marry him. He figured she needed some time to think on her own. To mourn her loss. And he had to deal with the backlash of his Uncle's rage. It had been painful, but he had endured it all, for Sakura.

During that time, Sakura had been planning her coronation with Shizune in secret, and the outcome was stunning and befitting of the new Rokudaime. He stood on the rooftop, overlooking the large crowd that had gathered to celebrate the new incoming Hokage with glee and merriment of Tsunade's new successor. It seemed the crowd's momentary confusion was forgotten as they welcomed the new Hokage with open arms.

Everyone had thought Naruto had been the one donning the Hokage robes and Fire Lord hat, and everyone including himself was shocked to hear Tsunade introduce Sakura as her successor. Sakura had revealed her face from underneath the shadows of the hat she wore, and greeted the villagers warmly.

Neji didn't miss the fact that the council members were missing from the coronation, and it made him wondered what happened to them. He saw Shikamaru and Shizune standing besides Sakura in their regulated robed uniforms, indicating to the village their position as Sakura's new council. She wasn't the only one who received a promotion either.

Neji remained silent as he watched Sakura closely. He never once heard Sakura mention any dream of becoming Hokage, so he found this entire situation strange. He wondered if this was the reason why Sakura declined his request for marriage.

During his musing, Neji missed the beginning of Sakura's speech, and he tuned in to hear the ending of it.

"I will continue on from where Tsunade-sama left off in protecting the village and ensuring its continual growth. The Will of Fire will burn forever in each of us. I will not fail the village and its people. Thank you for accepting me. I will make you all proud."

Neji felt a presence besides him and turned to his side to see his cousin. "Neji-niisan, are you okay?" Hinata asked with compassionate filled eyes. The Hyuuga Heiress knew her cousin was in a strange place right now in his relationship with Sakura, their newly appointed Rokudaime. She had always assumed Naruto-kun would become the Hokage of their generation.

Everyone in the village had received an invitation to attend today's coronation two days ago, but the invitation had been vague and without the successor's name. Her father had been surprised that a change will be made in leadership so soon, but nothing could have prepared the look on his face when he realized the successor had been Haruno Sakura. His face had tighten and he had left after the reveal.

"I'm fine, Hinata-sama." Neji responded stoically.

Hinata knew he wouldn't speak on his feelings, but she wanted him to know that she was there for him.

"You should speak with her again, after the celebration." Hinata suggested with some hope in her tone, and Neji only nodded his head without another word as he stared at Sakura's smiling face as she waved to the crowd.

Akatsuki Hideout

"The Rokudaime is Haruno Sakura, Pein-sama." Itachi revealed as he looked through the eyes of Toushiro, mentally recalling his run in with the pink haired shinobi months ago in Rain. He was surprised she had been appointed Hokage, especially at her age. She was barely twenty and would now be known as the youngest Hokage in Konoha's history. He was interested in seeing how her reign will fair in the upcoming years.

"Interesting, your little brother's old teammate." Kisame commented with a grin as he recalled that rather powerful punch she landed on him months ago, leaving an ugly bruise on his abdomen. It took weeks for that bruise to heal along with his ribs. "Who would have thought it. We had unknowingly planted the brat with the perfect people." He added with a raised brow in amusement.

Itachi remained silent, awaiting Pein-sama's response over Kisame's. He didn't like when his partner brought up his little brother.

"Continue looking through the boy's eyes. I want Konoha to have their full trust in the boy before we activate him." Pein ordered calmly, his swirling rinnigan eyes contemplative and patient.

Itachi nodded and took his leader's continued silence as his dismissal. Kisame was by his side, and it was at the moment they reached the doors to exit the room did Pein stopped them, "While you're at that, I want you to capture the next demon on the list."

Itachi and Kisame listened intently as Pein continued with their mission details, "This one will be different from the other bijuu we've captured. This particular demon is known as the Nekomata, and it contains no human host. It lives in the mountains of Lightening Country." Pein revealed, and the two shinobi stiffen at the information.

"A challenge then, eh, Itachi-san?" Kisame grunted out with a certain excitement to his tone.

"Hn." Itachi responded apathetically, and within his brilliant mind he knew it would be a challenge even for him to take down and capture a wild demon, but he had to admit that he was looking forward to the ensuing battle.

"You will capture it's chakra into this scroll, and return it to me once you've completed your mission." Pein informed them with confidence in his tone regarding their abilities to get the job done.

"Do not fail me." Pein concluded with a stern glare, and he watched as the two members departed for their mission.

Pein needed enough demons to capture in order to activate the ultimate weapon that would bring about disaster to the shinobi world, and eventually create the peace he craved for the world. There will no longer be wars, Kages, or shinobi for that matter. Everyone will become equal, and he will retain his abilities to ensure that peace continues.

It will be a long time still until he's acquired enough demon chakra to make his dreams a realization.

A/N: Hello everyone! I have returned to continue this story after a long break. I hope you find this chapter enjoyable, and if you haven't noticed by now through reading this chapter there will be a time skip in the next chapter! I've rethought how I wanted to write this story and ultimately end it, and I hope everyone likes the new direction I am going with this.

Sakura is finally made the Rokudaime of Konoha, and the council members, including Danzo are nowhere to be found and are replaced by Shikamaru and Shizune. Tsunade is officially retired, and living out the rest of her days, however long that may be.

Neji finally had the courage and will to end his arranged marriage to Ten-Ten, but as it often happens it was a little too late for Sakura. Sakura dealt a big loss in this chapter, and she's already anticipating the loss of her Shishou to come. Will Sakura and Neji pull through in the time skip, or would this event separate them indefinitely?

Who says all bijuu must be sealed within a human host? At least not with this story lol but I hope you all look forward to the next chapter.

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Lady Manami