Disclaimer: I don't own Naruto. If I did Kakashi would be for my eyes only.

Spoilers: AU. The truth has been twisted to meet my needs, as all truths should be!

Warnings: No beta. Language. Spoilers regarding Yamato and his heritage.

Title: Child

Early the next morning Sakura grabbed her pack and set out to find Naruto. It didn't take her long to locate him and Konohamaru. They were currently engaged in a sparring match not far from her now former house.

Sakura set her pack on the ground and watched them spar. From what she could remember of Konohamaru she could tell that he had greatly improved. At one point he even tried to use Rasengan against Naruto.

Naruto it seemed had also improved, but not in the way she had expected. There was a grace to his movements. As a pre-teen his movements were aggressive, at times sloppy and driven by emotions. Now she could see that his movements were thought out. There was no wasted energy and just watching his was sight to behold. She could also see that he was holding back slightly. He wasn't trying to pummel Konohamaru, instead he was pushing him to improve. Sakura could tell that just as Konohamaru was about to get the upper hand Naruto would step it up and get the upper hand again. Konohamaru was getting better without even knowing it.

"So Sakura are you coming back with us?"

"Looks like it."

"Good. Everyone will be so excited to see you."

Sakura didn't say anything. She had always wondered what become of all her old friends. "So do you always spar with a clone watching?"

The clone smiled but never took his eyes off the sparing match. "It helps me learn and helps me teach him."

Sakura could only smile at how much Naruto had grown, both physically and intellectually. God, she never thought she would be thinking that.

"BAKA!" The real Naruto yelled at Konohamaru as he did Sexy no Jutsu. At least somethings don't change.

"Tsunade-sama I can't breathe."

"Shut up, and yes you can."

Sakura had to admit it felt good to be hugged by her. It was like getting a hug from your mother. Once Tsunade let her go, Sakura went and gave Shizune a hug. She was crying; always the sensitive one. She gave a quick hug to Yamato and a wave to Kakashi.

Sakura didn't want the conversation to shift to her. If she could avoid talking about where she had been the last few years then maybe should avoid thinking about her reasons for leaving. It wasn't that she didn't care about the people in the room, she did, she just wasn't ready to talk about herself. If anyone in the room would understand her feelings and predicament it was Tsunade.

"Tsunade-sama, tell me why I came back to take on a student."

Sakura sat on one of the couches in the Hokage office, while Tsuande grabbed a file and followed her. The others in the room followed as well. Naruto sat next to Sakura, while Yamato sat with Tsunade and Kakashi stood by a window.

"I'm sure Naruto told you where we found him." Sakura nodded as Tsunade passed the file to her. "He's not very social. It seems his only interaction was with the old man. To his credit the geezer tried to teach him as much as he could about the outside world he never saw. The kid has good manners and can read. The geezer brought him books."

"He never went outside?"

Naruto turned and answered her question. "When we brought him outside we had to blindfold him. The light hurt his eyes. He was paler than Sai, if you can believe that. The sounds and smells overwhelmed him. He was so scared."

"How is he now?"

Tsunade leaned back on the couch as she answered. "He doesn't need the blindfold anymore. He is very withdrawn and unsure around crowds. But he is curious and we think he has potential to be a decent shinobi. He learns fast."

"Has he asked any questions?"

"Not yet."

"But he will." Kakashi turned and gave her a knowing looking that changed as she looked at him. There was a sadness in his eye, one she was sure was meant for her and only her. Sakura decided to ignore it.

"Does he remember anything about-" she waved her hands in the air as she thought of what words to use, "-how he was born?"

Yamato cleared his throat before answering. "I don't have any memories from the past. All of my memories are ones I lived. I'm not tormented by past memories, or nightmares of things I haven't experienced. I don't think I'm any different from anyone else, except for my, how should I say this, lineage."

That relieved Sakura. Last thing she needed was to deal with deep psychological issues she was not prepared for. She wasn't prepared to answer any questions surrounding a childhood he didn't live, or the deaths of people he didn't know. "Where is he now?"

"At the Academy. Iruka is evaluating him and will provide us with the report. He's been staying with Naruto, but that arrangement can't continue for other reasons."

Tsunade gave Naruto a quick glance that was probably not meant for Sakura to see. She would have to inquire about those reasons and that look later.

"Look Sakura, what we need is for him to feel safe here. He is a member of Leaf, but we also need him to be brought up to speed with the rest of the shinobi his age. Once I feel he's competent I'll put him on a team, but until then he is all yours."

From what was being left unsaid she assumed that the boy would be living with her. Sakura knew that if this kid had talent then there was no way for the village to ignore that. They had another potential prodigy on their hands. But depending on the boys mental state Sakura would progress at a pace she decided. If ultimately the boy wasn't cut out to be a shinobi she was prepared to argue that case as well, even if it meant going against the wishes of her superiors. She would not be responsible for another damaged boy being pushed ahead before he was ready. "Okay I can handle that. Is my parent's house still empty?"

"It's just as you left it." Tsunade answered. When Sakura left the village she asked that the house be left alone so that when, and if, Sakura ever decided to return it would waiting for her.

Sakura grabbed his file and looked at Tsunade. She nodded letting Sakura know she could take it and bring it back later. When Sakura looked at the folder she noticed it wasn't labeled. "What's his name?"

At her question everyone looked uncomfortable and started avoiding eye contact. It was Naruto who finally turned to her.

"We asked him and he told us he didn't have one. So right now he has no name."

Sakura closed her eyes and took a deep breath. She mouthed the word 'fuck'. Of course the kid would have no name. That would just be too easy. Kabuto wouldn't of given him a name because he didn't care. He existed, in the eyes of Kabuto, for one reason and one reason only.

"Well that's just great. I guess I better go get this no named, untrained, potential basket case of a ninja from the Academy."

As Sakura turned to walk out she could tell Kakashi was laughing silently from the window. Of course he would find the humor in her sarcasm.

When Sakura arrived at the Academy she couldn't help but feel nostalgic. Even though some of the buildings had been rebuilt the overall feeling of the place still remained the same. She couldn't really say the same thing about the rest of the village. The vast majority of had to be re-built after it was destroyed by Pain. She was sure if she walked by the parts that managed to remain in tack some feelings of nostalgia would come back. Maybe once she walked into her house she would start to feel at home.

As she approached the Head Master's office she smiled when she saw that it said "Umino Iruka". She knocked lightly and opened the door when she was invited in.

The office was small, but unbelievably inviting and warm. There was a desk, currently covered in files and there were two chairs for visitors. The walls were covered in pictures of students and drawings that ranged from childish to very detailed. Iruka himself looked exactly as she remembered. The years had been very good to him.

"Iruka-sensi, it is so good to see you again."

"Sakura-san, welcome back. Please have a seat."

Sakura sat down in one of the chairs as Iruka took a seat on the other side of the desk.

"I don't mean to be rude, but what can you tell me about him?"

Iruka grabbed a sheet of paper off his desk and handed it to her. "I just finished making copies of the report for everyone. He has talent, just lacks the knowledge. He seems to have trouble understanding how to manipulate chakra, but I think it's due to a lack to experience. Sometimes it's harder to grasp the concept as one gets older because they spend too much time questioning the skill instead following their instincts. Naruto gave him some chakra lessons and I did today as well. With proper, consistent instruction he should do just fine."

Sakura nodded as she scanned the report. He was able to pick up taijutsu quickly, and his weapon handling skills were also high. It seemed that charka control and execution would be his challenge.

"Where is he now?"

"He's out back doing target practice."

Sakura got up and headed for the door. Before leaving the office she asked, "Does he remind you of him?"

She heard Iruka sigh at her question. "I tried to remove those thoughts from my mind as I evaluated him, but in all honesty, I was surprised at the similarities."

Sakura watched him from a distance as he threw the kunai at a target, walk over and pull them out of the tree and tried again. Each time he repeated the practice his aim got better. His form improved and his throwing speed increased.

He was truly talented.

Sakura grabbed a few shuriken and senbons from a target nearby as she approached him. When he finally heard her approach he turned to look at her.

Sakura almost dropped what she holding. It was his eyes. He had the same eyes. Dark and intense. They gave nothing away. Everything else was similar, but also different. He was very pale, but Sakura could see that it was due to the lack of sun exposure. He would get a little darker, but not by much. His natural complexion was fair. His hair was black and long, longer than he ever let it get. His bangs were long and swept to the side. His hair also didn't stand up in the back, instead if fell straight down and covered his neck. It was long enough for Sakura to braid if she wanted. Even with the differences in hair and complexion there was no doubt who he looked like. He had the same nose, lips and even the way he stood was the same. Even at the age of 10 this boy could break hearts all across the village. He was already breaking hers.

"Hello. My name is Haruno Sakura and I will be your sensei for the time being."

"Hello Haruno-sensei." The boy bowed his head at her. Sakura didn't really know how to respond. The sound of his voice, and the way he said his words tore at her heart. Although his actions and the way he addressed her was not something she had ever experienced it was all eclipsed by his voice.

"You don't have to bow." Sakura went to stand next to him and handed him the shuriken and senbon she was holding. Distraction, she needed a distraction. "Here try throwing these."

The boy placed the kunai on the floor and took the items she handed him. He took a moment to touch and maneuver each one in his hands before getting into position to throw them. Sakura took note of how he studied the items. She needed to start thinking with her head and not her heart.

'Smart kid. Most others would just throw them before figuring out how to handle them.' On his first try with the shuriken he hit the target, he got close with the senbons.

"Impressive."

"Thank you." Without looking at her he walked up to the target and started pulling out the weapons.

"Did they tell you that you will also be living with me?"

"I heard."

"Well since we will be forming a student teacher relationship I think it's about time we give you a name." Sakura watched his reaction carefully. At the mention of a name he hesitated slightly as he gripped a senbon. Did he know something she didn't want him to know yet? "Do you have a preference?"

"Not really."

"What were you called up until this point?"

"Boy."

"Well that won't do. Do you have any ideas?" Sakura watched as the twirled a shuriken in his hands. She recognized the nervous, embarrassed habit. At least that was different. She may have screamed if he turned his head to the side and hid behind his hair

"Shin."

"Shin. That's nice. Why did you pick that?"

"It's short for shinobi."

Although not really original, Sakura would respect his choice. It could have been worse. She smiled her biggest, brightest smile at him. "I like it. Shin, let's go get your things from Naruto's house."

"Okay." As they walked out of the practice yard Sakura smiled at the slight blush on his face.

Sakura had to let Shin lead the way as she realized she had no idea where Naruto lived anymore. As they walked every now and then someone would do a double take. In all her travels she had yet to meet another person with pink hair, so she was pretty sure everyone knew who she was.

When they arrived at the house she was pleasantly surprised. The house was small, but had a lovely garden around the front. There were chairs arranged under a tree along with a small table. It was a perfect place to sit, eat and talk. The house was also located as far removed from everything else as possible, while still being inside the village walls.

When Sakura knocked she was expecting Naruto to open the door, instead Hinata greeted her. She was dressed in her traditional black pants, a long sleeve purple shirt and her fishnet undershirt. Her hair was still long, shiny and beautiful.

"Sakura-san! Welcome home!"

As soon as Hinata hugged her Sakura knew why Shin couldn't stay with them even if it wasn't obvious to everyone else.

"It's good to be back. I'm just here so that Shin can get his things."

At the mention of Shin Hinata nodded and smiled at him. "Yes of course. Why don't you and Shin have some tea, Naruto should be back soon."

Hinata lead them into the kitchen. The house was pleasant and airy. The furniture was all white with orange and purple pieces here and there to add color. She knew Hinata was the decorator. When Sakura entered the kitchen she could tell this was the room they spent the majority of their time.

She sat at the table next to Shin as Hinata grabbed some cups and the tea kettle from the stove. As Hinata approached Sakura noted that Shin arranged the cups and other items on the table to make room for the kettle. At least she wouldn't have to worry about his manners.

"It's so good to see you again Sakura-san. Please tell me what you've been up to."

"Oh it's nothing spectacular. I just traveled around, saw parts of the Fire Country I never got to see or enjoy before. Come to think of it, it was wonderful."

As she shared a laugh with Hinata, Sakura noted how Shin was studying her as he sipped his tea. He hadn't really looked at her that way until just then. She would have to ask about that later, since she had more pressing things to discuss.

"How about you and Naruto?"

Hinata blushed, but not as much as she used to. She had most definitely grown up. "Well we got married a few years ago. He wanted you to come, but we didn't know where you were."

"Sorry. I'm sure you looked gorgeous."

"I'll show you pictures sometime of Naruto in formal wear."

With the conversation taking the direction she was hoping for Sakura smiled wide and then turned to Shin. "This conversation might get a bit boring. If you want feel free to pack some of your things."

Shin nodded as he got up and walked to his room. Sakura made sure he was well out of the immediate vicinity before turning back to Hinata.

"How far along are you?"

Hinata gasped at the question before putting her tea cup down. "I should have known you would figure it out quickly. You are one of the best medical nins. I'm only few weeks along."

"Who else knows?"

"Naruto of course, the Hokage, Shizune, Kakashi and now you."

"Keep it that way. There are still those out there who would do anything to get their hands on Naruto, or anything related to him."

Sakura had encountered varies people during her travels that blamed Naruto for their own misfortunes. Some were merchants who had lost their money due to the war and instead of rebuilding decided to seek revenge on Naruto. Some were shinobi's from other villages who were upset at Naruto for some imagined indiscretion. Once those people would find out who Sakura was they would try to seek their revenge on her, which never ended well for them. But she knew there were others out there still. There will always be others.

"I know, that's why we moved out here. To keep it secret and keep me hidden."

Sakura took a sip of the tea as she worked up the courage to ask her next question. "What are you two going to do with the Kyuubi?"

For the next few minutes Hinata explained their plan. The Kyuubi, Kurama, had taught Naruto and her seals that could be used to transfer him to their child. The process would result in the child being able to access Kurama's chakra in the same way Naruto does. The child would be a vessal similar to Killer Bee instead of Naruto or Gaara. The child wouldn't have to get into a power struggle with Kurama. Apparently he had reassured both Naruto and Sakura that he would be there for the child as much as he could. Sakura didn't interrupt Hinata as she spoke, but once she was done there was one lingering question.

"What will happen to Naruto?"

"I am prepared to give my life for this child."

Sakura turned and looked at Naruto. Her initial instinct was to argue with him. To tell him that he has to live. That everyone had worked so hard to keep him alive. But when she saw the look in his eyes and the determination in his stance she knew she had no argument. He would give his life for the baby. Looking at Hinata she saw the same determination.

Sakura, herself, could understand the feelings even though she knew she would never have them. Somewhere along the line she had lost her maternal drive. Children were something she knew she would never have, and that was actually okay with her. It wasn't that she didn't want to ruin her body, her body could be ruined at any point as a shinobi. It was just that her internal clock wasn't ticking anymore. It had been when she was younger, but that desired died many years ago.

"I understand." She turned to Hinata and gave her brightest smile. "Do you mind if I check the baby?"

Hinata smiled back, "Of course."

Sakura stood and kneeled in front of Hinata. She placed her hands on Hinata's stomach and slowly started to gather chakra in her hands. She smiled up at Hinata when she found the baby.

"Oh, Hinata. It's wonderful."

"Nee, Sakura-chan. Do you think you can be there when the baby is born?"

"Of course I'll be there." Sakura took a quick estimate on when she suspected the baby would be born.

"Haruno-sensei?" No one seemed to have noticed when Shin walked up behind Naruto. Sakura was panicked for a moment about how much he had heard, but Shin seemed like he could keep a secret. Who was he going to tell anyway? She would just make sure to emphasize that this was not something to be shared.

Sakura could see the curiosity in his face. She decided to take advantage of the situation and use it as one of his first chakra lessons. When Sakura nodded Shin walked past Naruto and kneeled next to her in front of Hinata. "How can you feel the baby when it's inside her?"

Sakura smiled at the question. She took a moment to explain how to sense chakra, making note not to dumb down any of the information. He was smart and if she handicapped him now it would only hinder him later. Sakura gave Hinata a glance before proceeding. "If Hinata-san agrees we can try and see if you can sense the baby too?"

Shin gave Sakura a look of pure fear, but Hinata reacted first. "Don't be afraid. You can't hurt the baby. If you use too much chakra I can stop it, and I'm sure Sakura-san can as well. Right?"

Sakura nodded and smiled at Shin. He relaxed a bit. Sakura grabbed his hands and held them palms up in her own. "Gather the chakra in your hands first. Once you reach the appropriate level and control you can place them on Hinata."

Shin nodded and took a deep breath. He closed his eyes and concentrated. Sakura could feel the chakra pooling in his hands. It was a bit jumpy, but not too out of control. He was trying, and with practice he could improve. "Just a little more."

At her words he surged too much chakra and tsk-ed in response. At the sound Sakura glanced up at Naruto. He in turned looked at her. Neither one of them had heard that in years. The last time was probably when they were children. Sakura had to stop the memories from coming to the surface. Without a word she turned her attention back to Shin.

"A little more, go slow. There is no need to rush." This time around Shin had more control of his chakra and increased it slowly and smoothly. "Right there, stop."

Once he was at the correct level he opened his eyes and looked at Sakura. She waited for him to let her know when he was ready to proceed. A few seconds later Shin nodded slightly and Sakura placed his hands on Hinata's stomach.

"Do you feel Hinata-san's chakra?" Shin nodded and Hinata smiled. "Okay now focus. You should be able to sense a small glow in the background."

Shin looked at his hands and concentrated. After a few moments his mouth fell open and he looked up at Hinata. "It feels like almost like a small light. It's warm and pulsing. That's your baby?"

"Yes."

Shin looked back at his hands and lowered them as he stood up. The look on his face changed as we stood up. It was a mixture of anger and confusion. "I was never a baby like that." When he spoke Sakura heard the hurt in his voice.

"Hey…" Naruto moved forward and reached out to place his hand on Shin's shoulder, but Shin turned away from his hand.

"I finished packing Haruno-sensei. I'll wait for you outside. Thank you for letting me stay here Uzumaki-san, Naruto-san." Shin bowed quickly at Naruto and Hinata before walking out of the room.

"Shit." From her kneeling position Sakura placed her head in her hands. "He knows."

Author's Note: Hopefully no one is really lost regarding Shin's origins. If you are, no worries I'll explain more in the next chapter. I do plan on elaborating more on Shin and the reasons behind him in future chapters.

I'm not really going to focus on Naruto and Hinata. They will play an important part in my story, but they will be mostly secondary characters.