A/N: This isn't the shortest nor the longest, but I have added two new members. They are too young for the activities of the others, but they wont be in the sequel... Anywho... Kishimoto-san...you are a genius to have come up with Naruto and I appreciate being able to use your characters in my fanfic!!

CH. 19: Puppy Love

It had been four days since Sakura's display of power and her confession as to why there was no record or her ever existing up until she was found by her Ji-chan. She had been grumpy and irritable when Gaara had woke her up, going as far as to slap him, as if he were her alarm clock.

She was much more reserved around them, afraid of something. She went through school like a zombie, staring off into space. Her two room mates were worried about her, being as she came home and locked herself in her room.

Sasuke hadn't been seen since the day he'd raped Ino, and for that the blonde was thankful. She had taken over cooking while Sakura sulked around, still hesitant to talk to any of them since she told them she was an 'alien'. Ino had finally had enough and knocked on the door to the girl's room.

When she received no answer she barged in, after picking the lock of course, and saw Sakura lying on her bed staring out the window. "You know… he's worried about you. He asks me everyday if you are taking care of yourself." Ino said, motioning to the window that was Gaara's. Sakura looked over at Ino with shuttered eyes. Ino sat down and hugged Sakura's head to her chest. The girl was taken back by Ino's actions.

"Sakura…you are still the wonderful woman that saved me and helped so many other people. You saved all of us from The Center and you are going to save more people. Just because you were born somewhere else doesn't matter. You are still our Sakura-chan. We miss the bubbly, sweet woman we knew…and we want her back." Ino stroked her long, black hair that had red streaks through it.

"Our opinion hasn't changed…we still look at you like one of us. But we admire your resilience more than ever. You are so strong and have been through so much. You can teach us a lot, but you have to accept yourself before you can see that we have already accepted you." Ino smiled at her and let her go. She walked out without another word and Sakura looked down at her hands. They didn't look any different to her now than they did when she was little.

"For a genius, I sure can be a total idiot sometimes…" she grumbled to herself and walked into her bathroom. She hopped in the shower, washing her long black hair. She scrubbed her melancholy attitude away and smiled for the first time in days. When she got out of the shower she wrapped a towel around herself and looked in her mirror.

The 'red' streaks were just a really dark pink. She sighed and decided to leave them alone and see if they got any lighter. If they didn't, she'd leave them as they were…if they got lighter…out came the red dye. She applied her makeup and put her hair into a loose braid.

She walked out of her bathroom and into her room. She had sheets over her window to block out most of the sun, but they were only temporary curtains. She watched them billow in the breeze and smiled.

She turned to her closet and grabbed a long sleeve netted top and an off the shoulders red blouse that had thick straps, but no sleeves. She also grabbed a black pleated skirt with chains all over it. She also grabbed the neck tie she preferred to the scarf.

This was HER version of the school uniform. She had done most of her shopping over he last few days, except things for her room. She wasn't all that concerned about peeping toms, considering she had an overly protective male that lived in front of her and about eight of them that lived behind her.

Neji had insisted that Naruto and Hinata move in with them so that Neji would know Hinata was safe. Hinata had balked at the idea, but agreed nonetheless. She kept her stuff at in Naruto's room, but slept at Sakura's house. She could hear the other three girls downstairs, getting ready. Sakura was the only one that lived upstairs. Her entire third floor was devoted to her room and her bathroom, making both rather large.

Sakura went to her chest of drawers, which she had finally filled up and gotten rid of the boxes. She took out her red and black kitten thong and matching bra. She felt eyes on her and looked out her window to see Gaara, sitting on his bed putting his uniform on. His baggy black pants with his tight red undershirt made her drool. She watched him pick up his jacket and smirk at her.

She smiled and dropped her towel right in front of him. Gaara's eyes widened as she dressed while he watched. He saw her pull the thong up her long legs and settle in between her thighs. She put her bra on, her large breasts slightly spilling over the top. He could feel blood trickling down his upper lip but never took his eyes off her.

She situated the black pleated skirt over her hips, the chains clinking softly. He watched her pull the mesh shirt over her head and down over her plump bosom. She then put the red shirt that used to be a girl's uniform shirt before she turned it into 'her' uniform shirt. It showed her cleavage where her necklace sat under the mesh and her slender arms. She put the tie on, covering her necklace. He was drooling and he knew it and so did she, the little minx.

Her charcoal covered eyes batted at him and her bloody red lips quirked in a smile he had missed over the last four days. He felt himself harden and looked down. He hissed and looked back up only to find her gone. He ran to his bathroom to take care of his…problem.

Sakura chuckled on her way downstairs, drawing her housemates out of their rooms to stare at her. Ino smiled and ran up to her, happy to have the girl acting normal once more. Hinata and Tenten ran to them and they had a group hug.

All four girls ran downstairs and got breakfast cooking. All of the SHINOBI originals, plus the Sabaku siblings and Naruto, walked in the house to see Sakura acting normal once more. Gaara smiled at his woman acting normal and walked up behind her, kissing her on the back of her neck.

He remembered well what she had said to him before she passed out. It had shocked him, hearing the words. He had known she felt something for him…but he had never suspected love.

Temari smirked at her baby brother and smiled that Sakura wasn't sulking anymore. It seemed like the whole time Sakura was down, Gaara was a little more hostile than usual. He'd even put Naruto through the wall in the basement over something completely forgotten now.

She also noticed that Gaara had fought internally more since Sakura's absence. She knew that Shukaku wanted the girl too and that the tanuki gave Gaara a hard time when Sakura was not around. That also explained his irritability. She noticed that Gaara had been much calmer this morning, if a little red, when he'd come downstairs to head over here.

Gaara noticed his sister's scrutiny, but he just ignored it. He nuzzled the back of Sakura's neck, making her chuckle. He pressed against her to let her know just how happy he was to see her. She blushed, but smiled happily as everyone sat down for breakfast. Sakura frown when she noticed someone missing.

"Where's my koneko?" she asked looking at Shino, who looked around and shrugged. She could feel the beginnings of panic going through her. She called Hime and Ichimanako and told them to go find Sai. She felt both cats go into opposite directions. After searching everywhere, both came up with nothing. Sakura's panic increase ten fold.

"Has ANYONE seen Sai!?" her voice was so panicked and her body so agitated that Gaara looked around him at everyone, his eyes cold, demanding the truth. Neji scratched his head and looked outside.

"He was at the house this morning. He said he would catch up with us. Shino even waited up for him, but I don't know after that." Sakura ran out the door not far from her and threw her arms out to her sides. Gaara watched as it seemed her soul left her body, looking for the youth that meant so much to her. She opened her eyes once more and they were a flash of silver.

"He's in Kagure…he went to find Matsuro. Apparently, Matsuro has kidnapped Michi's little brother. He is retrieving the boy and taking Matsuro to headquarters. Matsuro is the mole at the hospital for The Center. Because he saw Michi with Choji, who the center knows, he assumed that Michi and her brother have a kekkei genkai." Sakura could feel the others gathered around her and she heard Choji's roar of rage. She kept him from leaving however.

"Sai is brining Michi and her brother here. Choza has demolished Michi's old home and the insurance company is saying that it was a freak accident. They are going to award Michi money. Choza is moving his family again, because Matsuro told The Center how much he and Choji look alike. They will be after Cheela once more if they find them. I am telling Sai to bring them here." Choji felt tears falling down his face. He had tried to protect them, yet he had put them in danger once more.

Sakura's head whipped around and looked at him. She stomped up to him and got up in his face. "I don't EVER want to hear those thoughts cross your mind again…do you understand me Akimichi Choji?" she hissed glaring at him. He knew she meant business because she only ever used their full names when she was seriously pissed off at them.

Everyone looked at the exchange and how Sakura's eyes softened at the defeated look in the tarnished red head's eyes. "Choji…what would have happened to Michi if you hadn't come into her life? Matsuro was a mole in MY hospital for The Center. YOU found him. He had noticed your dad before, and it was your interference that had your dad on the alert when Matsuro struck. YOU saved your family…and Michi's." Choji looked up at her quickly, surprise in his eyes. She smiled and walked past them all.

"We have thirty minutes to eat and leave if we want to be to school on time. Sai will be meeting us at the school. He is bringing Michi and her brother there, then going back for Choji's family. They will be transferring in today. Let's get a move on." she went inside and waited for the others to follow.

Tsunade was sitting at her desk when a young brunette woman in nursing scrubs and a young brunette boy in a school uniform were 'poofed' in by Sai. Sai looked at the blonde and smiled. "Hello Tsunade-obasan. Okaa-san and the others are expecting these two. I have also been instructed to inform you that these two will be given new last names as soon as she gets here. Okaa-san wants me to get the others here before I go into further detail." With that said, he disappeared. The brunette boy's eyes widened when he saw Sai disappear like that.

"Tsunade-sama? Is…is Sai, your nephew?" the quiet little nurse asked, looking at her with wide eyes. Tsunade blinked as her question registered. She chuckled and put her chin in her hand.

"Seeing as he calls my little sister okaa-san, it's only natural he refer to me as his obasan. My name is Haruno Tsunade. I am Sakura's nee-san." she said and held out her hand. The brunette's eyes became wide as dinner plates and the young boy just gaped.

"You're Sakura-obasan's OLDER sister?" the young boy asked, pointing at Tsunade. Tsunade just arched one blonde brow at the boy.

"Yes…by twenty five years, three months and sixteen days, but who's counting." she smirked at both shocked expressions. Before they could respond, a much older version of Choji, a small woman and a young girl, about the age of the brunette boy, popped in with Sai in the middle of them.

Sai leapt to the ceiling, looking down at them. He stayed there, smiling, until there was a knock at the door. Tsunade used a mind probe to determine who it was. It was her nosey secretary. Tsunade made silent hand motions to hide, and they all did. Tsunade got up and walked to her door.

Tsunade put on her best enraged face and yanked the door open. "WHAT NOW GENMA!" she growled, glaring daggers at him. He could see the paperwork piled all over her floors and the transfer papers he had just brought her were in her hands. He blushed and looked around her office.

"I was just worried Godaime-sama…I heard voices and was just making sure you were okay." Genma held up his hands placatingly. Tsunade narrowed her eyes.

"What you HEARD was my phone. I'm getting in two new transfers from the Kagure area. Seems one of the apartment complexes was destroyed. Now bug off before I put you back in the hospital." She slammed the door in his face, and chuckled when she was sure he was gone.

Everyone peaked out at her and some giggled, while others were just glad it was over. Sai perked up as they all heard a tussle outside the door. A loud smack, followed by a thud told them Genma had messed with the wrong girl. Sai dropped from the ceiling to the window he liked to paint in and started doodling. Tsunade watched the young man relax and knew instantly who it was.

"Oh great…" she said and called Shizune on the speaker phone. "Shizune…Sakura knocked Genma out again…can you come and pick him up?" Tsunade heard the dark headed nurse sigh and agree. She chuckled at how Shizune reacted to the knowledge that Genma hit on Sakura a lot.

Tsunade heard a growling voice outside. "And lastly…you need to open your fucking eyes Genma. Shizune, for some ungodly reason, is in LOVE with you, you stupid self centered fuckhead! You seriously need to get your head out of your ass and see what's right in front of you and stop chasing girls young enough to be your fucking daughter!" another slam and the whimpering of 'itai' could be heard.

The door suddenly burst open to Sakura leading her operatives, and their respective partners, inside. Gaara was at her side, smirking with lustful eyes at the temper she'd just shown. Michi covered her little brother's eyes and scowled at Gaara. He noticed and just smirked at her, grabbing Sakura around the waist and nuzzling the girl's neck affectionately.

Choji waved at Michi, making her blush and look down. Her little brother tore her hands from his eyes to see his obasan necking with a guy with red hair and black eyeliner on.

"Sakura-obasan…why is that man hugging you wearing makeup?" the youth asked, with about as much tact as Naruto himself. Gaara sweat dropped and glared at the boy.

"I'm not wearing makeup, runt, I'm an insomniac…these dark circles are what happens when you don't sleep very much." Gaara growled, the vein on his head popping out at the insult. The kid arched a brow and grinned up at Gaara.

"That's cool…you don't sleep a lot, huh? My brother, Gato, he sleeps all the time. That's why he has only a little hair, yellow teeth and he's fat…like, really fat. Choza-otooji is skinny compared to him, but Choza-otooji is all muscle." from his voice it was obvious that the youth idolized the larger man.

It was then that a young girl with long, spikey, ruddy red hair made her presence known. "CHOJI!!" she screamed and launched herself at her brother. The thirteen year old was short and slender, like her mom. Choza watched his son and daughter get reacquainted.

"Cheela…you might have mom's body structure…but you weigh almost as much as me…now get off or I'll tickle you until you can't breath." the threat was accompanied by the wiggle of his long fingers. Cheela darted off of him and into the arms of Michi's little brother. The young brunette blushed violently and tried to get the girl off of him as well.

"Get off me you silly girl. I don't know who you are, but you just need to get offa me." He tried to push her away, but she looked up at him with big blue eyes and he about melted. He blushed and crossed his arms over his chest, looking away. Cheela smiled and snuggled into his chest.

Choji arched a brow and looked at the young boy. He didn't look anything like Michi, except for hair. He smiled at his girlfriend and took her to the side, so the youth wouldn't see. He gave Michi a serious look, then asked her what she'd feared the worst.

"Michi…that boy is NOT your sibling…I can tell. Who is he?" He saw Michi pale and then her eyes filled with tears. She put her head against Choji's chest and whimpered softly.

"I don't know who he is…I found him, wandering around Kagure when he was very young…too young to remember he isn't my real little brother. Gato can't tell the difference, but he isn't my little brother…Kento died a long time ago. I…I couldn't NOT take him with me after I found him…" She whispered desperately. Choji relaxed a little. He knew where the boy was from.

"You did good Michi…You did really good. That boy…he's one of the missing subjects from The Center…He is the child of Hatori Hetumi. Hetumi raped one of the female subjects…that boy is the result. He has the woman's kekkei genkai…that is why Matsuro took him." Choji stroked her hair, letting her cry.

Choji clamed her down and then pulled Sakura aside. Sakura gave him a look and nodded. "I agree. Cheela and the boy can't be left unprotected. As much as you don't want to admit it, Cheela has a kekkei genkai, but it's from your mother's clan…not your fathers. What is the boy's name, Michi?" she asked the brunette softly. Michi looked at her, then at the floor.

"I've been calling him Eto, because I can't remember what his real name was…he never could recall either…he was barely two when I found him, wandering around Kagure." She sniffled and Choji took her in his arms again. Sakura, in order to spare Michi's feelings, decided to interfere.

She walked up to the youth and smiled at him. The young boy looked deep into his eyes and it was like he just passed out while standing. When he opened his eyes again, he could recall being found by Michi, Michi taking him in and telling him that he could call her sister. He knew Michi wasn't his real family, but he loved her nonetheless. He looked over to see Michi crying. He squirmed out of the blue eyed girls arms and ran to his adopted sister.

"Michi-neesan…are you alright? I haven't seen you cry like this since you found me!" he said, clutching her and trying to calm her. She looked down at him in surprise and then at Sakura, who held up a finger to her lips. Michi hugged the boy and mouthed a 'Thank you' to the young psychic. Sakura smiled and headed back to Gaara.

"I'm fine, Eto. Just a little upset over the apartment. Gato is going to get a surprise when he comes back from the tavern to find the house gone." she giggled as she imagined the older man's face. Eto did the same. Cheela pouted and Choji noticed. He leaned down and whispered to the two of them.

"Koi…I think your little brother has a fan…and it just so happens she's my little sister…" Eto blushed and looked behind him. All he saw were tear brimmed blue eyes. He couldn't believe how big her eyes were…or how blue. He blushed again when his adopted sister gave him a light shove in the younger girl's direction. Cheela immediately grabbed onto his arm and squealed in delight.

"Choza…" Sakura looked at the older man with sadness. He looked at her, then at his children. He knew what was coming as soon as Choji had pulled the girl over to him to talk.

"Cheela has it too…doesn't she? She has a kekkei genkai…doesn't she?" He asked, his face tired and grief-stricken. His wife looked at Sakura with panic.

"Yes…I'm sorry Choza. I have to protect her…it's my duty. Choji will look out for her. I will set you guys up not far from where our squad is currently living. You will be able to visit, as will they…but you can not acknowledge them as your children until The Center is closed for good." Sakura looked much older than her years, and Gaara wanted to take the pain away. He wrapped her in his arms and held her, just as Choza wrapped his sobbing wife in his arms.

"Just…make sure The Center doesn't get our baby…okay?" he asked, then looked up at Sai. "Can you take us to Sakura's house so when can get a few hours of sleep?" the painter looked up from his painting and smiled.

"Of course. Okaa-san…I will be right back." he walked up to Choji's parents and disappeared with them. Cheela watched her parents disappear and her hold on Eto tightened. The brunette boy looked down and saw the young girl had tears in her eyes. He asked her what was wrong and gasped when she looked up at him with tear filled eyes, pain written all over her face.

"M-My parents…they…they can't see me…anymore. Th-they'd be…in danger…" she sobbed against the boy's chest and he looked up to see Choji, whose eyes were sad as well. Choji walked over to his younger sister and turned her to him, crouching till they were eye to eye.

She sniffled and wrapped her arm around her big brother's neck, the tears pouring once more. "Shhhhh…kotori…it will be alright. I am here for you…as are Sakura-chan and the others. You remember them…right?" he asked, pointing to his team. Sakura walked to her and smiled as she bent down to the girl's level.

"I know it hurts Cheela…but you are strong. Much stronger than you know. You have a gift inside you…it's called a kekkei genkai. Just like your niisan. But some bad people, like that man that took you so long ago, want to hurt people like us. We all have kekkei genkais…even your friend Eto. We have to stick together and make sure that the bad people don't hurt our friends. Your parents are safe, kotori…don't worry." She stroked the ruddy hair from the girl's face. Big blue eyes looked up at her trustingly. Cheela gave her a small smile and hugged her.

"I hear someone is turning fourteen soon. How about we throw a big bash for the birthday girl?" Sakura winked at the teen and stood. Cheela's eyes grew large and she squealed, reattaching herself to Eto.

Tsunade interrupted them with a coughed clearing of her throat. "In case you have forgotten, this IS my office. I have the transfer papers for those two complete. Living arrangements can be sorted out later. It's obvious that Michi can't go back to the hospital, so I will allow her to work here, under Shizune, as head nurse while Shizune becomes the full time nutritionist. She's been stretched pretty thin lately and I know Michi is a good nurse. As for the rest of you…get to your home rooms. Eto, Cheela…these are your new class schedules. I'll send Sai to homeroom when he gets back. NOW…out of my office!" She slammed her hands on her desk and they all heard it creak in protest. Sakura smiled and motioned for everyone to leave.

After the door shut and everyone was gone, a chuckle came from the corner of her office, making her groan. "Puppy love…that's what's been happening in your office lately, ne, okami?" A man with white hair and red striped under both eyes walked from the darkness and looked at her, his eyes bright with his love for her.

"How long have you been there, danna?" She blushed when he chuckled again and stepped behind her, massaging her shoulders. He pushed her hair from her neck and kissed it softly, seductively.

"I came in early after I woke and you were not in bed. I wanted to see what has had my normally randy wife in such a dour mood lately. Seems lots of drama unfolds behind these heavy wooden doors." he licked her neck, making her sigh contently. She leaned back against him. She smirked, then chuckled when his comment hit her fully.

"Puppy Love, eh danna?" she asked looking over her shoulder at him. He laughed and nuzzled her neck lovingly. He pulled away right before there was a swirl of wind, then Sai appeared. He blushed seeing his 'obasan' being affectionate to someone. He smiled at the older man and chirped at him.

"Good morning obasan, otooji. Where are my okaa-san and the others?" he asked, his usually emotionless face holding a rather large smile. Tsunade chuckled and motioned out the door.

"They went to class you little monster. Now go and report to room 112 before your okaa-san has my head. She's been worrying about you since she stormed into my office this morning." She chuckled when the dark haired youth with the emotional mentality of a three year old bounded out of her office, looking for the woman who had taken care of him since he could remember.

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that was just a lead in chapter...not much...but it shows you how much Sakura cares about the others. She was depressed that the others were afraid of her (or so she thought they were) WOOT!! Let the fun begin!!

ch. glossary:

itai--> ouch, ow

otooji--> uncle

okami--> wife

kotori--> small bird (cheela's nickname)