Sakura went into work on Monday feeling refreshed after her day off – even if she did have to do some work. She had still managed to get her laundry done, go grocery shopping, and best of all – her apartment was now neat and tidy again. It tended to get more and more disorganized as the work week (or month, as the case may be) went on, despite her best efforts. Sakura loved a clean house – it was so much more pleasant than the clutter that always managed to accumulate when she left it.

She stepped into the office, smiling at the ninja sitting in the waiting room, waiting for their orders. "Good morning!" She said cheerily, and went in to the next room.

Shizune smiled as Sakura walked in, and put a finger to her lips. "She's in a meeting now – very important."

Sakura nodded gravely, but a smile crossed her lips. "I guess I'll just wait here then." She said, and sat next to Shizune.

"Heard any good rumours lately?" Sakura asked. She was trying to get Shizune as addicted to silly rumours as she was – she was making progress.

Shizune tapped her lip for a minute, pondering. "I heard the country of Lightning is being overcome by the rains this season."

Sakura was quiet a minute, staring at Shizune. "Ok. How is that a good rumour?" She asked.

Shizune grinned. "Half the rain this season is frogs and toads – so I hear."

Sakura laughed, quietly so as not to disturb the meeting in the next room. "The frog sages are mad at them then?"

Shizune nodded. "So what about you then? Anything good?"

Sakura nodded. "One of the best I've yet to hear." She rubbed her hands together gleefully. "I was down in the marketplace buying groceries when I heard this one." She paused dramatically.

Shizune sighed. "You take a little too much pleasure in this whole process Sakura."

Sakura shrugged. "What can I say? I don't have much of a life outside of work."

"Yes, yes. Get on with it, if you please."

Sakura nodded. "Ah, yes. Well, I heard... the Kazekage was nearly assassinated, in his own bed. And the assassin was able to escape, without a scratch on him!"

Shizune stared at Sakura, not even smiling.

Sakura prodded her. "Come on, that's hilarious, don't you think? There's no way anything like that could have happened to Gaara – the Kazekage I mean. He's damn near indestructible. And for the assassin to get away... Why don't you find this funny?"

Shizune was quiet. "I think..."

Just then the door opened and a ninja walked in from Tsunade's office. "Sakura, you're here now? Tsunade wants you in there now."