at Taylor: I'm so sorry it took so long. But life just gets in the way of fun...like all the time. Thank you so much. I'm glad you enjoyed the story so far that much. Sorry for causing you pain, I really didn't mean to... (Oh, and also thank you for reviewing Naruto Gokan).

at Guest: You're right, but that's just how I picture it. I mean I know we haven't had too much politics in Naruto but what we had, indicates to something messed up like that.

at ileveria: Sorry, it's not soon, but it was the best I could do. (I like Kankuro and Sakura too, by the way)

at Chewie Cookies: I feel bad for everyone too. This time KARUI... next time: TEMARI

at no-maybee-okay: Thank you and here is more...

at Ayrmed: That you. Yes, I think it sucks she had to leave as well, but it was the logical consequence. Wouldn't you agree?

Thanks to everyone who took the time to review.

-19-

The desperately suppressed laughter threatened to surface but a panicked whispered "Hush, she's coming" caused the happiness to die quickly.

"What are you standing around here? Don't you have work to do?" A loud voice made the two nurses jump.

"We're on our break, Sakura-san." The older one of the two spoke up bravely.

The motion was immediately regretted when Sakura's green eyes narrowed at them. "Well, I suggest you might cut your break short, because we are all currently under water here." She snapped and turned back on her heel.

"Seriously what is her problem?" Grumpily the two nurses followed their boss inside.

The air around Sakura was always tense since she came back from Suna. Rumors were flying around, about how a guy broke her heart in Suna because he cheated. Almost ironic, how close and yet how far from the truth they were. People barely looked her in the eyes these days, always afraid of her reaction to every glance or word from them. And they had every right to be, Sakura couldn't keep her cool anymore. She was thrown of balance and impatient and just overall irritable.

The stress of not knowing how Kankuro was doing or when she'd see him again was taking its toll on her. And of course it drove her insane that Kankuro was not with her and she didn't know how long he…

Sakura shook her eyes violently. She had promised herself not to let herself think like that. She'd believe in what he told her.

…

"What do you mean, I have to leave immediately." Her eyes widen in shock.

Frustrated Kankuro ran a hand through his dark brown hair. "From what little Gaara told me, there has been an international incident and until further notice all diplomatic ties are cut."

His words were like a blow to her stomach. "What? But that's… that's…" She didn't even know how to react to that.

Everything Naruto and Hinata and everyone else worked for seemed endangered from what little she understood.

"What does this mean?" She finally forced out.

"I don't know." His jaw clenched hard. "You need to get packing. I'll bring you and Hanabi to the border. You'll get picked up and escorted from there."

Numbly Sakura nodded and turned to do as he said. She didn't feel anything even as they made their way out of Suna and into the desert.

It was then, during their journey back to Konoha, that Sakura and Kankuro learned what happened.

"I'm very sorry." Hanabi didn't look either one of them in the eyes.

"Gaara? We are talking about my little brother, right? The red haired one? Tight lipped, barely moves a muscle to show his emotions? Current Kazekage, that one?" Kankuro's face made the two women laugh despite the situation.

Suddenly an almost proud look overtook his features, "Never knew he had it in him. I must have unconsciously taught him one thing or another."

Sakura snorted, "Sure you did." She ignored the tiny stab she felt at remembering the kind of man Kankuro was.

He shot her an odd look but refrained from saying anything.

They travelled to the border mostly in silence after that.

"Kakashi-san." Hanabi acknowledged the Jounin waiting at the border with Temari standing next to him. "Temari-san."

Temari graced her with a tentative smile. "Don't worry, I'm sure this mess will get sorted, Hanabi."

A painful look crossed the brunette's face before it was covered up by what Temari liked to call 'The Hyuga Mask of Indifference'. It was peculiar seeing it on someone other than Neji.

Before the younger girl could react Temari pulled her into a tight hug, catching Hanabi by surprise, "Thank you for making my baby brother happy and please, please sort this out, so that I can go back to Shikamaru. And you back to Gaara."

Neither Sakura nor Kankuro took much notice of the exchange. She had been pulled to the side by Kankuro and Kakashi wisely kept back to give them some space.

Sakura gulped hard and threw her arms around Kankuro's neck. His arms encircled her waist and pressed her close. For a few minutes the stayed simply locked in their embrace, her head pressed against his furiously beating heart. Then Kankuro angled his upper body slightly back and Sakura followed his lead, her hands trailing down his chest as she leaned back to look up at him.

She was glad Kankuro had decided to forgo his usual battle face paint, so she could fully appreciate his handsome face. One of the hands that kept her pressed against him by the waist, came up to brush the hair out of her face.

"Sakura, I really need you to listen to me." He whispered and rested his forehead against hers.

With a shaky breath she nodded. His dark eyes shone with sincerity and she found herself unable to look away.

"I want you to know that it doesn't matter how long this takes, I'll wait. There will be no one else, I promise you. I need you to believe me."

Her breath hitched in her throat and her world started spinning. "Listen Kankuro, I…we haven't really been dating long and… I understand if you… I won't hold you to that."

"Doesn't matter. Sakura I mean it." His gaze was unwavering. "I've never wanted a relationship before you and now I don't want any woman but you. I promise, there will be no one else."

Sakura tiptoed up and closed the distance between their lips. Her green eyes fluttered close and she let a small content sigh escape.

They broke apart and it wasn't long until two groups traveled in opposite directions.

"I don't blame you, you know." Sakura spoke up lowly. "We can't pick who we fall in love with. Of all people, I should know that." She smiled ruefully and it didn't take a genius to figure out it wasn't only Sasuke she was referring to.

"I don't think, you've made a mistake with Kankuro. He means it. You know, he's been looking at you for months like a love-sick puppy." Hanabi smirked at the shocked look on Sakura's face.

"There will be no one else." Sakura smiled. "I had no idea."

"I know. That's why I'm telling you."

…

There will be no one else.

Kankuro's words stuck with her. His words were still ringing in her ears. And she believed him. However that didn't stop her from missing him. It didn't stop her from imagining the worst case scenario of him being no longer interested in her, over and over again.

Most of the nights when she laid alone in bed though, she imagined their reunion. How happy he would be to see her again and how good it would feel to kiss him. Still Sakura couldn't completely shake her insecurities and the longer she was apart from him the worse her mood got.

Maybe she would ask Naruto for an update later.

…

"What do you mean, he stepped back?" Hanabi was up on her feet even before Naruto finished his sentence.

"Hanabi please sit down and let him continue." The soft voice of her sister caused Hanabi to plop back down reluctantly.

"As I was saying," Naruto continued "I've just received a letter from Suna. Gaara resigned as Kazekage and Kankuro was named his successor. I can't tell you much more, I'm afraid. The letter didn't state a reason."

"I don't think Gaara was forced to give up his position because of you, Hanabi. In case that worries you." Hinata spoke up.

"No, I don't think so either. Suna's citizens are loyal and his accomplishments in the war are too great to get overruled like that." Hanabi said still disgruntled by the development. "Besides he's hands down the strongest shinobi of the sand."

Hanabi sighed; she didn't understand what would make Gaara give up on his Kage seat. It was undoubtedly in some way related to her. Nausea gripped her and Hanabi fought down the urge to laugh in hysterics.

"For now, there's nothing I can do. I'd like to know what brought this up myself, but considering our current level of communication…" Naruto ran his hand through his hair.

For the first time Hanabi realized how tired he looked. Not as bad as Hinata had a few days ago, but clearly stressed and sleep-deprived. Hinata stepped closer to him and massaged his neck delicately. Hanabi felt a pull at her heart at the sight and looked away as tears stung in her eyes. Her fingers balled into fist as her thoughts trailed from the familiar gesture to Gaara again.

She truly didn't know how long she could take it anymore.

…

A day after they had heard the news of Gaara's resignation Naruto slumped down on the comfortable couch in the apartment he and Hinata shared.

"How did Sakura take Kankuro being Kazekage?" Hinata joined him and handed him a cup of tea. Carefully not to knock the cup from his hands she tucked her feet in and leaned against him.

Naruto sighed and reached over to warm the freezing feet with one hand while simultaneously sipping from his tea. "Hard to tell. She was happy for him and pissed because she couldn't be there with him. Oh, and I think somewhere in her triad there was something about Kankuro, being Kazekage and women, but honestly I didn't understand half of what she was ranting about."

A chuckle ripped from Hinata's throat. "I can picture."

"Yeah, I'm just glad I got out without getting punched."

"Oh, please. Sakura hasn't punched you in ages. Get over it." Hinata smiled as Naruto tugged her over to him and she rested her head against his chest.

"Something weird happened today." Hinata broke the comfortable silence after a while.

Naruto opened one eyes and hummed to indicate for her to continue. She wiggled slightly against him and managed herself in an upright position.

"I was in the office today with Kurenai and there was a letter from the Raikage addressed to me."

Naruto stiffed and straightened his posture. Warily he meet Hinata's gaze, unsure of what was to come.

"He expressed his sorrow about what happened and his worry about the state of the five Shinobi Nations." Hinata explained. "He also said that he had an idea he was willing to discuss. An idea, that would, according to him, put a stop to all of this."

"He has some kind of solution?" Naruto's brows furrowed.

"Apparently. He asked me to visit him and…"

"No. Absolutely not, Hinata." Naruto interrupted her. His eyes were hard. "There is no way it would be safe for you and…"

Hinata put one of her hands on his shoulder and he allowed her to talk. "Naruto, please let me finish. He proposed for his brother to pick up me and Sai. Sai should be able to draw an eagle or something. It would enable both of us to fly over the countries, so that we don't have to worry about the current no-trespassing policy. We'll fly to the borders and Bee will await us there."

The Hokage seemed far from convinced. Hinata was no longer an ambassador, but that was only a formality. As long as she had the clearance from the office she could speak for Konoha.

"You do trust Bee, remember?"

"Yes, I trust him. And if I'd be sure, he was the one to pick you up and guarantee for your safe return I'd let you go, but like this

"Naruto, you have to let me do this. We have to try anything and everything."

"I will not risk your safety…"

"Please! I have to try and resolve this. All of this was my fault. Just let me try." Her eyes brimmed with tears. "How about this? If it's not Bee waiting for us, we'll fly right away. You can even send a clone to see if it's really Bee and once you're sure you can release the clone."

He knew he had lost the second she looked at him with desperation in her eyes. It reminded him of the past months; where she seemed to diminish in front of him, and he had promised himself that he'd never let that happen again. And he had to admit her approach was reasonable.

So finally he nodded. Hinata smiled and rewarded him with a kiss.

…

Naruto wasn't happy about Hinata having left but he didn't have much time to think about it. His clone had popped after making sure that it was indeed Bee that was picking up Sai and Hinata. He was barely back when he received a letter. The Mizukage asked him to meet her to discuss things. The Hokage highly suspected that she had somehow heard about the meeting of Hinata and the Raikage and didn't want to be left out. She insisted on meeting him personally on neutral ground, namely Iron Country.

The past three days had been spent with preparations. Shikamaru kept reminding him to be polite and diplomatic about things and that Naruto had to try to get the Mizukage to agree to a Kage conference. Ever since Shikamaru and Hinata had reconciled and his most important consultant was back once again, Shikamaru's main goal was to get all five Kage to talk to one another again. Naruto could only agree with him and with two of the other nations reaching out to the Leaf, things seemed to be looking up.

For obvious reasons the Kazekage wouldn't bristle at the chance for a solution, that left Stone, set Naruto could persuade the Mizukage to a conference. And honestly considering his track record of convincing people, getting Mei to agree appeared to be a formality.

Almost five months after corrosion of the alliance things were shaping to become better.

"I think we're set to go." Tenten announced and strapped her backpack tighter. "And Naruto quit rambling about not being allowed to use the Hiraishin to get to Iron. It's really not surprising. The seal has been destroyed anyway."

Naruto mumbled something incoherent under his breath.

"Hinata wrote that she wouldn't be back for at least two more days." She reminded him gently. "And besides you're not the only one unhappy with having me for company on this trip."

Tenten sighed, recalling Neji's less than pleased reaction, even though it was technically in her job description as the Hokage's PA. Only until now all four of them, Naruto, Tenten, Neji and Hinata, had been content with the arrangement that Hinata was more qualified to travel with Naruto on diplomatic missions. But of course with Hinata disgraced from her position…

"Nah, I look forward to spend more time with you." Naruto stopped her with a wave of his hand. "We're basically family and ever since Neji became Clan head I barely see you outside work."

"That's not Neji's fault. Professionally we've been busy dealing with the political crisis, you've been dealing with ensure Hinata doesn't fall apart and we've been trying to coax Hanabi out of her room." Tenten told him and he smiled at her. Looked like things were finally looking up on every battlefield.

"Let's go." Naruto yelled impatiently, leaving Tenten to trot after him in a much more prudent pace.

…

Shino listened intently to the humming sound of his insects. He had sent them out earlier that day in all directions. They lost Orochimaru's trail a few days back after they had been so close. Kiba had been able to smell him but he slipped through their fingers.

The insects Shiho send him every other day kept him updated on Konoha and she'd have let him know if anyone else had reported sighting the snake Sanin.

"… anyway Karui lets you know that she loves you and that you better not get yourself killed on this mission. Oh, and you better explain to her what you told Igi, because she's been randomly attacking everyone that comes near her. Love, Hinata"

Kiba's barking laugh interrupted Shino and he shot him a questioning glance which went ignored. Then again Shino was wearing his sunglasses, perhaps he simply didn't see it.

"Such a good girl, that pup. She'll make a great fighter." He heard Kiba mumble. Most likely he had received the update that Hinata was in Kumo.

Shino could have told him so, but somehow it seemed nicer to let him be surprised by the good development. Shino would never understand why everyone relied on letters. They were slower and more endangered to get intercepted by the enemy that his insects.

"Kiba…" The Aburame spoke up sharply. "…one of my insects picked up something -east from here."

Hanta bellowed loudly and Kiba nodded his head at the dog. "Konoha's east from here…"

"He wouldn't be that careless."

"Let's hope so."

…

His small snake-like yellow eyes followed every person that travelled through the gate of Konoha. For days Orochimaru had been patiently waiting until his plan was put in action. Of course his forces were stationed further away.

The next dawn would be his time to strike. Orochimaru smiled and sent word to his troop.

…

Heaving a groan Hinata allowed herself to sink into the hot bath. Yesterday was her final day in Kumo and she was very much looking forward to go back to Konoha. She was looking forward to see Naruto again, she had missed him very much, but she was equally looking forward to her sister and Shikamaru and everyone else she could tell the great news.

For the first time in a those long months Hinata was sure that they could resolve the disaster she brought on.

…

"Raikage-sama…" Hinata was at loss for words. She overlooked his rough draft of the written proposal.

Bee had snatched away Sai the minute he could after accompanying Hinata to his brother. Her best guess was that they tried to pick up girls somewhere, but being alone with the intimidating Kage, was hardly a problem any longer.

"It still needs some work, I suppose. However, I'd be willing to agree to this and resume all former relationships with the shinobi nations." A told her from across the table.

It had taken him a long time to get over his anger but in the end his brother had put his foot down. Bee had told him that it wouldn't do to risk a war based on hurt pride. His younger brother had been adamant about ensuring the continuation of the diplomatic progress. And after endless discussions with Bee, who was even more determined after the young red head in his team had come back from Konoha heartbroken A had started to think about possible solutions about cross-border relationships he could live with. Clearly the original agreement was no longer an option. He did it mostly to shut his nagging brother up, but in the end the Raikage was looking forward to seeing his proposal seen through.

"Yes, yes, of course. I'll get right on that." Hinata agreed eagerly, her eyes once again glued to the draft.

"Very well. I'll send Karui to your room to help you with the details."

Hinata gave him her warmest smile. Karui was a dear friend and Hinata had missed her. She was also sure that Karui wanted to know everything that had happened while she was away, after hearing about Kiba of course.

With Karui at her side, they should be able to finish within a few days.

"Raikage-sama, thank you!" Hinata told him earnestly and bowed herself off deeply.

She had barely reached her quarters before a blur of red tackled her to the ground.

"Hinata! Tell me everything. How is everyone? How is Kiba? Is he getting along with Hanta? Is he doing alright? How…"

"Karui." Hinata laughed and placed a hand on the other woman's shoulder after being pulled up by the never-stopping Karui. "I don't even remember your first question. Let's get inside first."

After Hinata had summarized Kiba's mission and the developments in the Leaf, Karui had to tell her part of the story next.

"I've never been so mad. At first even at you, but really it could have happened to anyone and besides you've done so much you should be allowed one mistake." Karui shrugged nonchalantly. "In the end I directed my anger at more deserving people."

"Orochimaru?" Hinata asked interested.

Karui looked at her a bit sheepishly. "The Raikage… I kind of punched him when I first arrived. In my defense I only got so far because Bee-sama and Igi helped me."

"You punched the Raikage?" Hinata almost fell of her chair.

"A bit…" Karui smirked and Hinata couldn't help the grin that slowly spread on her face.

"Explain."

"Well, Bee picked up Igi and me at the border. Remind me to ask Kiba what the heck he told her before I left, because she's attacking everyone who gets too close to me. Men worse than women but still. The only reason Igi didn't attack you, is because she knows you." Karui grinned happily and took a big gulp of water. "Anyway, when Bee first explained what had happened, I was mad at you, but like I said 'more deserving people' and yada yada… So I ended up pretty mad at A-sama, I blame Bee for that because he blamed his brother as well and must have infected me."

Hinata raised both eyebrows, "And so you punched him."

"Well, I yelled at him first…" Karui grimaced. "The first few months I pretty much attacked anyone. They just had to breathe in the wrong direction. And I know…" she held both her arms up in surrender "this isn't a healthy way to deal with it. I've been getting better though… well I say better, but really I was just sadder."

The she groaned, "That freaking rhymed… I'm spending way too much time with Bee. Please get me out of here, Hinata."

"I think with the Raikage's proposal that might just be possible. I need to write to Kurenai-sensei immediately… and perhaps you'd like to add a few sentences in my letter to Kiba…"

Once again Hinata found herself on the floor, locked in a fierce embrace. This time a golden furred pup was happily joining them.

"So tell me all about this draft."

Hinata got up from the floor. "Basically the Raikage proposes the establishment of a new force. It would be responsible to protect the United Shinobi Alliance and not work for just one country. All threats to the peace in the world would be handled by that alliance."

"What has this got to do with cross-border relationships?"

"Simple. Any offspring from cross-border relationships, given that they want to pursue a career as a shinobi, would be trained and pledged to that force… that means that they wouldn't belong to one country but to all countries. Powerful alliances within influential families would benefit all villages equally."

"So let me get this straight, should Kiba and I have children and they wanted to become ninjas they would work for that international force."

"Precisely!"

"Are you sure that the Raikage thought of that? Seems awfully smart of him."

"Karui!"

"Just saying. Let's get to work and get this done!"

…

Happily Hinata sunk deeper into the bath. Finally everything was looking up.

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