Chapter 4

"Hold still Sakura."

"I am holding still, let me do it."

"No, your hair will be brushed and perfected by MY hands."

Groaning internally, Sakura put up with her mother's grooming and stared at her shrine maiden uniform.

"Who will I be meeting again?"

"People who want to witness your awakening. They will be from all different places."

A silence filled the room.

"There, your hair is soft and you look very humble."

"Whose bag is in the corner?" Sakura said, eyeing the lone shoulder bag in the corner.

"Yours. I packed some things you may need for your journey."

"Does Naruto know?"

Mebuki's face seemed strained. "I promise to tell Hokage-sama after you leave. If she decides to tell Naruto, that will be her call."

Sighing, Sakura got up, "Let's get this over with so I can understand what this is about. Besides Tsunade-Shishou is very tolerant with clan business. "

"It's about you Sakura. Come." Mebuki motioned Sakura out the door.

A rather child-like figure seemed to be walking in front of them. The figure was stout and possessed wide shoulders.

Walking stiffly, the figure cocked its head sideways to look at them.

"Ay! Are you the new Queen?"

Mebuki glared, "Excuse me, you should introduce yourself before being so careless with your words mongrel!"

"Mother!"

The man was short and stubby. Something akin to a troll in Sakura's mind. His face was rough looking and had a brownish green tint to it. His crooked ugly nose seemed to stick out from his squinty eyes and large square jaw. His pony tail was short and slick except the various pieces of brown hair falling out. Even when he wasn't speaking his bottom tooth stuck out of his mouth.

"Name's Satori. Me mum gave me it to me as me bastard father spat in me face. What's yer name?"

Sakura straightened her back, "Haruno Sakura. This is my mother, Haruno Mebuki."

"Aye, Sorry for me rudeness. I am from the battle-torn world, I shall return after tha ceremony ta fight with me men. I bought ye an offering before it starts up."

Glancing at her mother, Mebuki nods discreetly.

"I accept."

Fishing in his dirty trousers, the odd ape looking troll dug out a small vial.

"It's from th' mermaid themselves. Breath underwater for a couple o' hours."

"Thank you Satori-san." Sakura bowed very lightly towards him.

Scratching the back of his head and blushing, "Alright it was noth'n." Satori then bowed awkwardly low to her.

Thinking about the vial, it had to be some type of advance jutsu placed inside the vial with a seal somewhere. If it did work, it would be revolutionary.

Walking towards a low sitting table with large cushions and burning incense, Sakura sneezed.

"Bless you, your highness."

"Thank you." Sakura turned to a small sprite like creature.

"EH?"

The small creature giggled, "Bye Haruno-sama."

Stunned, it was slowly sinking in that maybe her mother wasn't exaggerating about the different world's part.

"Sakura, come sit."

Sakura sat by her mother, "Kaa-san, what did Satori mean by battle-torn world?"

"In his world, there is a large scale war going on but he is considered…like a representative I'd say. He was possibly the only one eligible to come out."

"He left his comrades for this?"

"Ssh! This ceremony is important. He has to report if you exist, what you look like, and how you act to his people. Not going is a sign of bad intentions towards all the allies of the queen. But don't you dare for a second let anyone disrespect you."

Slumping back, thinking of abandoning her comrades during war, it was inconceivable.

"Straighten up, people will start coming in soon."

Soon, many figures started appearing and filling up the room. A woman with strong features approached them.

"Why hello your highness, I am Kimiko from the mother tribe. May I request to know your name?"

"Haruno Sakura."

"Ah yes, you are not aware. The mother tribe is a Norse tribe and I am their upcoming leader in the upcoming decade. Please take this on behalf of our tribe and good will towards you, Haruno-sama."

Bowing as low as possible to Sakura, Sakura bowed slightly back, "Arigatou Kimiko."

Smiling at her, "The thanks is all mine."

Sakura was handed a small envelope like package. Brown paper packet, tied in twine.

It read, "If you find yourself in trouble, use me."

Mebuki waited until the long blonde haired woman was out of ear shot.

"That is Kimiko, she is heard to be descended from the Valkyries. It is not confirmed but has given her the edge she needs to grow up as the best candidate for leadership. Their culture inside the tribe are often associated with witchcraft and mother nature."

"How do you know this?"

"Your father taught me as much as he could before this day."

"I think I see him now!"

Sakura spotted a man with dark pink hair and waved him over.

Her father smiled brightly at her before walking over.

"Sakura!" Engulfing her into a large hug.

"I was worried sick about the Akatsuki and wasn't sure how you would take it. Look at you now! Beautiful and bright sitting by your mother! I am so glad you are safe."

Someone cleared their throat behind him.

"Ah yes, Keigo, this is my beautiful daughter and wife."

"She sure is beautiful."

Sakura gasped, "What are you doing here?"

Kizashi looked at them, "You two know each other?"

Sakura stared at the man who interrupted her meal after getting out of the hospital.

Keigo tilted his head up, "I am sorry, I did not introduce myself properly. My name is Keigo, and I am from a mage tribe." The green haired man looked from Sakura to Kizashi. "I'd like very much to get to know the queen personally. Since you have not undergone the ceremony, I must ask you something Kizashi."

Kizashi looked between Sakura and Keigo, "Speak. What's on your mind?"

"I have heard great things about your daughter. She is Tsunade's apprentice, war hero, upcoming queen which we have not had one in ages, and extremely beautiful. I met her briefly at a restaurant and I knew who she was."

Sakura, annoyed at him and ill-tempered, "Were you stalking me?"

Keigo chuckled, "Of course not my dear. Simply heard what everyone else knew."

"Like what?"

"Exactly what I said and you have not been awaken fully yet."

Mebuki nudge Sakura and whispered, "You're being rude Sakura, appearances matter tonight."

"Please cut to the chase Keigo." Sakura said.

"Kizashi." Keigo said turning fully towards him.

"I, Keigo from the mage tribe, respected by many and could protect the queen of our worlds. Would like to ask your permission to pursue your daughter, Haruno Sakura. I could combine our assets and have a rich and powerful kingdom with a greater alliance between your clan and my tribe."

A brief silence became deafening before Kizashi broke down in a hardy laughter.

Wiping a tear from his eye, "I am sorry Keigo. I bear no ill will towards you and your people. Sakura has always been stubborn and I trust her to make her own decisions. Rather I give you a yes or no, Sakura will have the final say."

"Understood sir."

Sakura, red as a beet, had her mouth hanging open.

Keigo smiled largely.

Sakura's mouth snapped shut.

"One more thing Haruno-sama. I'd like to present you with a gift."

Mebuki hissed, "It'll be an insult to the entire tribe if you deny it."

Sakura disdainfully looked at him. Not wanting to imply she'd like him go after her but wanting to make a good example, "I accept."

As if Keigo's mouth couldn't get any wider, it did.

Keigo gave a deep bow and handed Sakura a large, black velvet box.

Sakura's mouth tightened.

Still looking at her with eager eyes, she was inclined to open it.

Opening it revealed a necklace. A real gold chain with a rather large chuck of ruby at the end. Simple enough to suit anything but not quite big enough to be considered gaudy.

"Thank you Keigo."

Bowing again, Keigo left.

Looking up, Sakura noticed many people around them listening and glancing over.

Looking infront of her, onto the table she spied food and saki bottles.

Pouring it into a small ceramic cup, she drank a little embarrassment away.

Mebuki, busy talking to her husband about gossip and little things, did not notice Sakura slip more saki into her cup.

An hour later a very beautiful woman approached her. Her hair was long blonde and right above her butt. The green hues of the clothing made her grey eyes stand out.

"Hello Sakura, I heard you can hold your own saki against the 5th Hokage, is that right?"

*Hiccup*

"Yup!"

The beautiful eyes widen, "Dear, you are drunk. That's Ant Wine from the Hills."

"Ant wine?" Sakura looked appalled.

A light chuckle made its way and bubbled out of her mouth, "No no Sakura, I mean, Ant is a nickname for the people who make it. The Hills is the winery."

"Hey you did not call me Haruno-sama."

"Elves use first names since we do not use last names to dictate who someone is from where one came from. Would you prefer Haruno-sama?"

"Nah. Sounds better. You're alright, uh."

"Minoru."

"Minoru-san." Sakura had a goofy grin on her face.

"Here, drink this and it'll help clear your head."

Taking a swig of the juice, "You know, if I were more drunk I'd ask you to dance with me."

"Dance?"

"Yeah, me and Ino would dance all the time."

Crunching her eyebrows together, "Dancing is for celebration and marriage."

"Celebrate our youth and alcohol. Let's dance Minoru."

"When the drink starts to work I will accept when you ask again."

"Alright, alright."

Sakura leaned back, forgetting there was no backing to a pillow, falling backwards.

Minoru caught her in time.

"Thanks Minoru. Good thing you're a girl or everyone would think something is happening."

"Like what Sakura?" Minoru seemed amused.

"Like we are a thing and you're trying to pursue me."

Minoru laughed, "Elves usually marry elves but it's not uncommon to switch it up. Even girls on girls."

Sakura laughed, "Minoru-chan are you hitting on me?"

"I am only teasing."

Sakura playfully slapped her new found friend's arm, "We're gonna be great friends!"

"One thing Sakura."

"Hm, what's that?"

"I'm a guy."

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It was cooling down as the evening was turning into night. A dark ANBU figure appeared in front of Tsunade in her office.

"Hokage-sama."

Looking at him with sharp honey-brown eyes, behind her lightly clasped fingers, Tsunade nodded.

"Sasuke Uchiha's charka was felt near his compound earlier this evening."

"How long ago and why was this not reported earlier?"

"My apologies, he spotted me and knocked me out. I am soon to head to the Interrogation HQ to see if any memories were altered by Genjutsu. I failed to report back sooner."

"Continue."

A slight nod was seen from the ANBU.

"I felt it during my patrol by the old compound exits."

"What is around the exit?"

"Mainly trees for miles. The closest place is Wind Country and second is Rain Country. Any buildings in the area are run down. There is a shrine and the abandoned shacks are from the Edo period."

"Take your team and Squad 2 and 5 and head out. I want everything checked and report back to me. Do not engage in combat. Avoid at all costs. Kill as a last resort."

"Understood."

"Shizune, grab a scroll."

"One more thing Hokage-sama."

Tsunade looked up at him.

"Naruto felt him too."

"Shit."

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"Come-on Hinata! Let's get Ramen before it closes!"

"Naruto-kun, it doesn't close for another few hours."

"I knew there were more reasons why I picked you!"

Blushing, Hinata smiled and looked away as Naruto led her by the hand.

Ino was standing nearby and squealed, "Naruto you better be good to Hinata! Hinata you better watch yourself, he'll eat a hole in his wallet before you get a bowl!"

Naruto countered, "How'd you know we were going to get ramen?"

"Because the number one knuckle-headed ninja only eats ramen!"

"Ha ha very funny Ino."

"Hey have you seen Sakura anywhere?"

Scratching his head lightly, "Well I went to go see Sakura-chan but Baa-chan wouldn't let me in."

"She was discharged days ago."

"EH? She didn't come to training? Was she that banged up?"

"Tsunade said she'd make a full recovery and just needed rest, she's probably resting if you haven't seen her."

"Well in that case I'll go see her after ramen."

Ino chided, "Naruto! You're on a date and it's rude to visit other people, ESPECIALLY another woman. Besides, Sakura is probably enjoying some peace and quiet without you barging in on her. It's late, see her tomorrow."

"Yeah, I guess tomorrow would be better. See ya Ino!"

"Bye Naruto, Hinata!"

Running full speed ahead Naruto nearly crashed into the seat.

"Oi, Hinata are you hurt? That landing was kind of hard."

"I am fine."

"Let's eat!"

Suddenly Naruto stopped just as the first noodle was about to be touching his lips.

"Naruto?"

"Hinata. I am so sorry but I have to go. I promise to make it up to you. I'll take you out every day for a month. Please excuse me."

Naruto dropped money on the counter and got up.

"Naruto, wait!"

"Hinata." Naruto said quietly. Turning around smiling at her, "It's him. I need to talk to him alone. Please don't follow me, it's between him and me."

Clutching her hands to her chest, Hinata felt conflicted. Should she secretly follow? Did he think she was not strong enough? Would he be upset?

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Kakashi sat alone high up in a tree overlooking the KIA monument with his comrade's names etched into it. Reading quietly. ANBU appeared besides him.

"It's him."

Kakashi was handed a scroll with the official Hokage seal.

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While the now sober Sakura gaped at Minoru, he chuckled.

"I am sorry Sakura for deceiving you at first. Most of my kind was what humans deem as feminine."

"You ass."

Minoru choked lightly, surprised by the brute response.

Mebuki came into view again, "Ah Sakura, I hope you are both treating each other well?"

"Ah yes, I feel a friendly bond between us, the Elves have full support of this one."

Sakura looked at him like a fool.

Mebuki clap her hands together and smiled, "Wonderful! We cannot thank you enough for coming, it's a pleasure to have an elder elf's descendant among us."

"The pleasure is all mine."

Minoru turned towards Sakura, "I found our time together went beyond my expectations. You are lively and live with honesty in your words and actions. I must carry on about the night, please take this gift as our acceptance as the communicator between our worlds. It is a potion I created to replenish your health if you are in dire need."

Sakura took the odd shaped bottle. The red liquid sloshed around in the circular bottle and had a cork at the top of a long skinny neck.

Bowing slightly, Minoru left.

"Mother, what did he mean about communicator between worlds?"

"Elves view things a bit differently than the others. They do not see a queen in you. They see a leader and a person who has to serve everyone to keep the peace by efficient communication and strong skills in honesty and strength."

"Why am I receiving so many gifts?"

"They are welcoming you as their queen. Others will not gift you but will strengthen the alliance with you and others want to wait to see what kind of queen you will be. It is a bit rude but it also shows they are careful. Gifts show their utmost support in you. They trust the heritage rights you received. Others want to see for themselves before giving you a gift. Some will later on and they are usually larger gifts. Such as land rights, deployment of their army and such things. It is to make up for not recognizing you in the beginning. If you turn out to lose their trust, it would still shame them that they supported you in the beginning. Ones who gift you now, will be your strongest allies. They also expect you to aid them as well in their time of need."

Nodding her head slightly another person approached them.

"My name is Daisuke, I am a Dhampir. I promise to be at your beck and call if you choose you need guidance through my lands."

He was tall, strong looking, and had dark brown hair. His defined face had a strong jawbone, set eyes, slightly tan, and a very filled out muscle tone everywhere to be seen.

"I am Haruno Sakura, I am pleased to make your acquaintance, Daisuke."

Thrusting out a wooden bracelet, it was a very stiff military feel about his actions, yet smooth.

The bracelet was very slim and smooth, sanded for hours it felt like. A small symbol graced the inside.

"Please touch the symbol and choose what you will say to call on me. I may take a while to come to your aid, so wait safely for me. I heard you were capable but this land is very different from here."

"What should I say?"

"Anything, I will show you what to do so it works."

Touching the symbol with her right hand, "I call upon Daisuke, my ally, to guide me through his lands."

The bracelet glowed a soft yellow, and Daisuke quickly sliced his finger and a drop of blood fell into the bracelet. "Now you, Haruno-sama."

Sakura complied.

The bracelet glowed brighter but then faded away. It looked like a plain Jane bracelet.

"Very well, I shall see you another time." Bowing out of sight.

The interaction was odd but the Dhampir did not look like a social creature.

Mebuki and Kizashi looked at each other and nodded, as if in silent agreement. They stood up and Mebuki handed him a fork as Kizashi had a large glass, wine cup in his other hand.

CLINCK CLINCK CLINCK

"Welcome all who have joined us for this celebration tonight."

All eyes turned to Mebuki and Kizashi as he spoke to the group. Sakura sat beside them at the large head of the table. The people around them were all dressed in different style, everyone looked so different in hair style and color, dress, skin tones, and eyes but yet all seemed at home. After the war, fighting a God no less, and jumping dimensions with her teammates, how far fetch was a room full of people from different dimensions here?

"I want to personally thank each and every one of you for coming and supporting us and our new queen, our daughter, Sakura Haruno. As she has not awaken as of yet, we will assume the responsibility of speaking. You may not know her as we do, so please take our word for her in the meantime."

Kizashi paused and Mebuki had the floor.

"Sakura is a war hero, fighting on the front lines for her village, taking on criminals that even the highest ranking personnel would run from. Sakura is brave, kind hearted, passionate, and powerful. I believe whole heartedly she will led everyone with the vigor of a loyal servant of the people with the highest authority. We shall commence this ceremony when the moon is at its highest peak. I ask for all offerings to be now be put at the alter and blessings be said then."

Kizashi spoke again, "We have more than an hour to prepare, please make your way out at your convenience and be back soon."

Slowly everyone was either making their way out or placing small gifts on a metal tray towards the back of the room, with a raised up area.

"So this awakening, what kind of ceremony is it?"

Kizashi looked at Sakura lovingly, "It's like a memory jutsu in a sense. It will give you the knowledge to rule but you must make your own decisions."

"This still seems surreal to me."

"I know Sakura, but bear with us until you understand."

Once everyone filed out, Sakura sighed. The old geezers of the temple came in, cleaning up the place. Food was taken away, the saki, table, cushions, and dishes. Others came in with boxes of candles, chalk, paint, flowers and more incense to burn.

As if it was not stuffy enough in here already. Humpf.

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Itachi did not know where he was. It was a cool evening and his clothes were sticking to his body from the afternoon heat. He felt grass tickle him and the cool breeze raise goose bumps on his chilled skin. The clouds lazily passed by above him and crickets were starting to chirp.

It'll be night soon.

Itachi did not know why he was alive or even how it was possible.

Were his other teammates still alive? Is this some type of sick joke?

He hoped to the gods Madara stayed dead. Before leaving war, he was able to see the final defeat of Madara before his soul drifted away. Maybe this was the afterlife? Was he reincarnated? Someone did save him? A child and a man?

Siting up carefully, Itachi moved his weakened body towards the underneath of a thick brush. If ninja came he'd be royally fucked, but it would keep him out of sight of civilian eyes and wild animals. He just felt so weak. He was not coughing anymore but his body needed to recover more. Water was defiantly on the list when he had enough strength to move again.

Curling up to stay warm, Itachi laid there, listening to the evening sounds, turn into a night buzzing and fire flies light up the woods. As peaceful as it was, it was going to be a long night indeed.

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Karin stared at the village wall of Konoha.

"Karin, how the fuck do you know where Sasuke is? You said you couldn't sense him."

"Suigetsu, you dumbass, there's cameras all over the base. He headed in this direction and I can tell he's nearby."

"Cameras?"

"Duh, all bases have camera and we never deactivated them when we took over the base."

Annoyance took over Suigetsu, "Oh yeah? Well sorry if I was stuck in a water tank my whole visitation in my base."

Slurping on his water bottle loudly.

"You were dumb enough to get caught and couldn't break out."

Juugo then spoke for the first time since the base, "We will attract attention if we stay here, let's find Sasuke."

Karin nodded in determination as Suigetsu looked away in spite.

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Naruto leapt towards his friend, and rival. Sasuke was not an enemy. He vowed not to attack Konoha nor help it. So why was he here now? Unbeknownst to Naruto, a petite, dark haired woman with large assets stealthily followed him from behind.

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Something wasn't right. Sakura could feel it in her gut. The last time she felt like that was when Sasuke fought Naruto after the war. Sasuke wasn't here so it was silly of her to think of him. It was just nerves, that's all.

A large white circle was on the floor with what looked like fancy scribbles all around it. Candles surrounded the large circle and wild flowers scattered throughout the floor. Temple geezers were lighting candles and saying prayers.

Sakura stood in her shrine maiden uniform and Mebuki appeared besides her.

"Sakura, I bought your items from our room and the bag I packed you."

"Kaa-san, you said I was going on a journey, who will I travel with and how soon?"

"Oh dear, I must have not told you, I knew I forgot something."

Sakura turned to her mother.

"Sakura, the ceremony is your awakening as I have said before but it is much more than that. It's a dimensional leap between worlds. That necklace I gave you is the key. It'll guide you through different dimensions and help you meet extended family to claim your throne. The whole part of this is you awakening and then traveling to see your kingdom and meet your allies and foes. I have handpicked your travel companions who will meet you when you go there."

"WHAT?"

Sakura's eyes were bulging.

"Don't worry, you'll be well protected and think of it as an S-rank mission, you had plenty of those dear. I have complete faith in you, as does your father. Plus you will return back when you are ready. It could take months or years but don't fret. I am going to the Hokage as soon as this is over. Clan business."

"Kaa-san, I didn't pack enough money or supplies for this!"

"Relax Sakura, that's why I packed another bag for you."

Now annoyed and nauseous at the idea of all this, Sakura sat down.

"Well this is certainly an adventure."

Sarcasm dripping from her voice.

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Kakashi was moving with his squad, damn, why did Sasuke have to appear now? Kakashi was just about to retire. He was getting too old for this shit.

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Sasuke could feel something big was going to happen tonight. His path in life was not finished. Sasuke was in his prime and max power. War was not the last use for him. There was more. Peace is now real but it was like life was pulling him to his former teammate. He had questions. She may not have answers but it was one step closer to whatever was pulling him here.

The full moon lit up the woods so well, there was no need for extra caution for speed or vision. The night was full of energy, anything could happen.

Sasuke felt young and a tingle of excitement course through him, like static tingling all over his body. Something is going to happen.

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Author's Note:

I am literally writing this story for fun. To my flamer, fuck off. You sound like an immature little kid who is needing attention in any way, shape or form. I enjoy constructive criticism but you dear, need to grow up.

Reason's why Sasuke fucked Karin:

1. He needs to rebuild his clan.

2. This Sasuke is on okayish terms with Konoha because they gave the order to kill his clan and not give Itachi the title of a hero. Naruto is the next pick of Hokage so Sasuke knows things are changing. Karin has no affiliation with his village. Although Sasuke doesn't approve of Konoha's crimes against him, he cares for his teammates. In my story, Sakura did not follow Sasuke and went back to Konoha as Sasuke's soul/heart was saved from darkness.

3. Karin is from Naruto's clan, she is powerful with her bloodline and never displayed weakness as much as Sakura has. Even though, Sakura proves herself, he may consider Karin better breeding quality as she is born with power.

4. Karin is devoted to Sasuke and used her chains to crush though a giant, all powerful statue during the war, in attempt to go to her injured Sasuke.

5. Karin will follow him anywhere. As Sakura may be able to give Sasuke's children a stable home, Sasuke is a wanderer and could only teach them if they were with him. Sakura would want them in a home environment, where Karin may care but would raise children on the run or at a base. Karin is not devoted to a village.

6. Karin is okay with the darker side of Sasuke.

7. Karin's abilities are more useful, only lacking in the medical ninjutsu as implied in the Manga that she knows medicine and medical science since she helped delivered Sarada. (Also how she talks to Suigetsu about the delivery. It implies having knowledge of the medical field.)

8. Her blood. Karin, being devoted to Sasuke would no doubt, heal him and any offspring she may have.

If you don't like my story, just don't read it.

Anyways, hopefully my fic will make someone's day a little brighter or interesting. I enjoy writing so I'll probably continue onwards.

Good day Sirs and Madams!