Stunned silence had come from Kakashi's revelation, leaving Sakura with so many questions that she didn't know where to begin. At first she wanted to laugh about this and put on a smile, believing it to be some kind of joke. The resolution of the war had only been days ago, and Sasuke received his pardon from the Five Kage for his efforts to save the world. Regardless of Sasuke's true motivation, the kunoichi couldn't help but begin to show discomfort across her face. With nothing but a wish that this was the start of a bad dream, and that she would wake up soon to the sounds of Naruto and Sasuke talking between her in the hospital, Sakura Haruno dared to begin asking questions she didn't want to know the answers to.

"How …how could Sasuke-kun still be any sort of mission? He's home now. Everything Naruto and I worked towards was just for this, and now he's in the hospital recuperating – he's even smiling." Sakura had only just begun, fighting back the urge to raise her voice. "And why am I the one you chose for something like this to begin with? Is it because you thought I would be comfortable with it, because he's…"

"No, I didn't." Kakashi's head lowered, unable to maintain eye contact with what he was asked to do, "If it were up to me, I'd be joining you on heading back inside the hospital and forgetting all of this. The Council had acted without my knowledge, and with Lady Tsunade more than likely opting to resign from the position of Hokage in the coming months, they're not only testing my ability to do what's best for the village's interests, but have even gone as far as contacting all of the Daimyo for a decision to be made." Kakashi brought his eyes back to Sakura's, and even she could tell the burden of saying this was weighing on him. "Sasuke is too unpredictable –and too dangerous – to be left ignored again. It was unanimous, and that's the only reason I'm here telling you this. I'm afraid there's very little I can do to refuse the will of not only this country's Daimyo, but the others too."

"But what do the Daimyo really know about Sasuke-kun, and what he's endured? Let me see them, I can convince them otherwise."

"Sakura—"

"I can make them see how wrong it is to still think of him as an enemy. If they chose me to keep Sasuke …keep Sasuke-kun affiliated…?" Sakura had just remembered the core of Kakashi's explanation. Her fear and pain was turned into confusion. There were things that he wasn't telling her yet. "Kakashi-sensei, what exactly …what exactly do they expect me to do? Why do they need a kunoichi, specifically?"

Sakura could see his jaw tighten through his mask, eyes once again wandering away from her. She was on to something, something that Kakashi was clearly too ashamed to admit. By now the suspense was something she could no longer bear.

"Just say it. The longer you wait, the harder it gets for both of us." Sakura urged.

"…All right." Kakashi looked her dead in her eyes for the last time, "What the Council and our Daimyo agreed to, was the Uchiha Clan being tied to Konoha. However, Sasuke is someone no ordinary shinobi could ever restrain. Any attempt at intimidation would be immediately overwhelmed, and persuading Sasuke to remain here after everything that's happened would be just as unthinkable. What they debated on next was a means to always have Uchiha blood tied closely to Konoha."

Sakura nodded her head slowly, that Kakashi continue.

"They want Sasuke at peace and the Uchiha Clan restored without his independence. If a kunoichi of the Leaf could become …closer to Sasuke, closer than Naruto ever could, then they believe that both parties will win. Sasuke achieves his clan's revival, and the Leaf will still have the Uchiha Clan."

The tone given was growing more and more somber with each new piece of information given. Sakura could now understand why Kakashi hesitated, and what strength it must have taken him to look her in the eye and inform her of what only took a few days to decide. Her hands were balled tightly, her body shaking with feelings she wasn't even sure she could describe. Sakura didn't erupt like she wanted to, or expected herself to. Kakashi appeared to be waiting for a reaction from her, but she couldn't offer anything satisfactory.

After all of this, and they still wanted to control Sasuke.

"Kakashi-sensei …my feelings aside, I'm sure you gave it your all to stop this. Am I right?"

"Yes. I told them everything I could, but nothing I said would discourage them. The world doesn't trust Sasuke Uchiha, and it's undeniable now that even the higher-ups want to keep him in line with means Tsunade would never agree to – that I would never agree to. That's why they went to the Daimyo, who are much more absolute than either me or Tsunade." Kakashi approached Sakura and placed both hands firmly on her shoulders. "This isn't in motion yet. If I can still say or do anything to make this never an option you know I will, but I was asked to prepare you for what might come."

Sakura's eyes lit up, "So, there might be a chance they'll change their minds?"

"If I'm being honest, the decision appeared final, but they're waiting to see what Sasuke decides to do first. If he remains in the village, this may not be necessary and things will come into play on their own. But if he chooses to wander, they'll expect you to persuade him otherwise." Kakashi removed his hands and took a deep breath. "There's something else I'd like to say."

With Sakura speechless, all she could manage to do was maintain eye contact with Kakashi. Although they stung as she fought an onslaught of tears that wanted to fall freely, there was a quiet fury to them. "What else?"

"I'm letting you decide what to do from here on. That means that if you decide to tell Naruto or Sasuke, I won't blame you for it. When I walk away, my part in this is completed."

Sakura had bewilderment etched across her face. "What? But …but if they find out about this, then won't you be in trouble? What if they imprison you?"

"I'm prepared to accept any consequences. Tell them I told you to inform Sasuke if you happen to choose that course of action. You'll be blameless, and I will admit to everything." His right hand came to rest atop her head, but he was no longer sure if this was to comfort her about what she's learned, or comfort him for giving her a choice like this. "Naruto and Sasuke have done enough for now. This isn't a decision I was comfortable making alone, and because you were the one decided to keep Sasuke close to home I think this should be yours as well. You still love him, don't you?"

She hesitated. For the very first time when it came to her affection for Sasuke, she hesitated. Her experiences with Sasuke, pleasant ones, were few and far between. Ever since his last genjutsu Sakura was starting to consider what loving Sasuke had meant for her, and what it had managed to provide for her all this time. There was this other boy that had never left her and never tried to harm her. As far back as her genin days with him she could always count on him to offer her some encouragement when she had needed it most. To be looked at fondly, even when she wasn't the prettiest girl, meant so much to her now than it did back then. She had asked herself for the past couple nights what had made her choose Sasuke, and what made her feelings much more important than anyone else's. The girl from the Land of Iron had been a part of his team, Karin, and he had discarded her and showed no hesitation once she had failed to meet his expectations.

'That was a different Sasuke'

Yes, she told herself that too. The Uchiha was in a different place, and it was all because of Naruto that he was with them now. Naruto had made the effort she never did, and was prepared to make more sacrifices than she was prepared to. Sakura held nothing but disgust for her actions in the past related to how she treated both boys, but even after pouring her heart out to Sasuke nothing had reached him. It was a truth Sakura had begun to painfully accept: Sasuke could gain nothing from her that he couldn't have gained from anyone else. And then when she thought of that, her self-esteem plunged and she felt like absolutely nothing. Loyalty? What did her loyalty mean for him in the long run, and what did it really do to help him after all this time?

Knowing Sasuke just enough to withstand the heartache when he looked away meant that she would be the only one to suffer. After all, she had suffered for him all this time, yet for all the wrong reasons.

"Yes," Sakura gently muttered, "I do. I'll …figure out what I plan to do and then let you know as soon as possible."

She had taken a second too long to respond, but it seemed satisfactory for Kakashi. He departed with an apologetic nod and left her to her thoughts. Both of them had much to think about now.

As Sakura turned and made her way back to the hospital, a single tear had shed itself from the corner of her right eye. She moved to wipe it away in silence while her moral compass spun without any clear direction. To lie to herself, and to Sasuke, for as long as she could manage for the sake of his own earned peace? Or to tell the truth and use Kakashi – more than willing – to take the fall?

Sakura had attempted to recover from her surprise by engaging TenTen and Ino on other topics of choice. She expressed as much interest in possible when it had come time to discuss beauty products, and had also become thrilled at the idea of TenTen helping Sarada when it had come to ninja tools. Behind her smile and interest, Sakura's inner turmoil was not fading. A memory of so long ago and so precious to her was not what she thought it was. A part of her wanted to be angry at Ino for putting it together, yet without her she would still be thinking back to that day as something truly special to her.

As the trio of friends left the restaurant, Ino stretched and suggested they spend a little time at the hot springs. TenTen's agreement had been given immediately, and both ladies looked to Sakura for hers.

"Well, actually—"Sakura hesitated quietly, but was quickly cut off by Ino.

"Oh, no!" Ino shook her head, her eyes narrowing with frustration, "No, no, no! Do you know how long it took me to get you to actually take a break? You are not, I repeat, NOT going to sneak away from us. It's not like we're boring or anything." Ino glanced at TenTen, who had become comically discomforted with the situation. "TenTen, are we boring?"

"I'd …like to think we're not." TenTen mumbled, rubbing the back of her neck awkwardly.

"See? We're not boring!" The Yamanaka's arms folded, but her scowl had yet to fade. "Sakura, I get it. You work hard, you help save lives, you give kids bandages, and candy, all sorts of things. The hospital staff love you, and you've earned a serious amount of respect from the villagers over the years. But this was meant to be your weekend – we were finally going to hang out, and for once you could take that coat off and just be a girl. Not 'Doctor Haruno', just Sakura."

TenTen quickly brought her opinion into the mix before Ino could continue, "Yeah. Sakura, you don't have to prove anything if that's what you're trying to do. Relax, you don't need to be nose-deep in a book or at an operating table all the time. You can be something more than just a doctor, especially with us."

"Guys, really, I understand what you're trying to say but I'm …not going back to the hospital today." Sakura's eyes wandered elsewhere, off towards the faces of the past Hokage in the distance, but especially at the one most recent, "What you helped me figure out today …I think I should talk to Naruto about it."

"What, that? Sakura …we …could have been overthinking it, you don't need to worry about it so much."

Sakura understood what Ino was trying to do. A memory as precious as that one was had obviously meant much to her, and Ino must have felt some guilt about it. If the positions were reversed, Sakura would have felt that way, which is why she guessed Ino did now. "No, it made a lot of sense. Whether it's true or not, I just want to hear him say it. Besides, it's been a long time for us."

TenTen had grown intrigued. "You guys have seen each other at least every now and then, right? You make it sound like you'll be a complete stranger."

Sakura sighed inwardly. She may as well have been a stranger after all she had done to keep him at a distance.

"Anyway, Ino, TenTen, sorry to cut our time together short. I promise I'll make it up to you two." Sakura bowed her head, hoping for their approval although she didn't need it. As adult as they were, they were all still friends. She had already crippled one bond in her lifetime, and had no desire to cripple these. "It could be nothing, but I think I should still pay him a visit."

"…Fine. But remember what you said: You'll make it up to us." Ino lowered her folded arms. Pouting wouldn't do any good. Sakura's reason for leaving was respectable, not just another excuse to go back to the hospital and get work done. From the way she bowed her head and spoke, it seemed that she was telling the truth. "Starting by letting me know what happened tomorrow."

Sakura couldn't help but grin. "You and that burning desire to know everything that goes on."

"Just enough to satisfy me."

TenTen grimaced. "So, everything, right?"

Ino nodded shamelessly – it was purely coincidence that it was the same thing.

Giving a couple of hugs goodbye to the pair, Sakura had watched them make for the hot springs, leaving her to turn and make her way to the Hokage's office, not at all in a hurry to face him.

Anticipation met anxiety, and they weren't the best of friends.

A laptop was closed quickly and quietly, power shutting down and bringing silence into the office of the Seventh Hokage. Naruto Uzumaki had grown exhausted, and looking up at Shikamaru Nara didn't make things any more relaxing. Mission requests were made much more convenient, but there was unrest when it came to trade. An altercation between several traders on the border of the Land of Fire had prompted a momentary chat with the Kazekage – and long-time friend – Gaara. With two parties telling different stories, all changing to suit their needs, there was nothing more they could do than compensate for the goods that were destroyed in the fight.

"I thought past grudges were gone by now," Naruto leaned back into his chair, eyes closing.

"Peace isn't always simple. They're still competitors, even if the trade isn't murder and sabotage."

"Yeah, but we were closer allies than that. I'd expect this between Iwa, Kumo, and Kiri …yet it's happening among even Konoha and Suna, too."

The world was peaceful; ninja weren't as big a necessity as they used to be. People still had to adjust to peace after going so long without trusting one another, and here he was trying to find the answer to it all. Shikamaru was a big help when it came to getting things done, but there were issues that he wanted to deal with first hand. Gaara agreed to discipline those on his side of the quarrel, leaving Naruto to do things his way. Unfortunately that meant that Shikamaru would be doing it himself.

"So, you'll talk to the ones involved then, right?"

"Right. No distractions for you, you're nearly settled in after all. Pretty soon I won't need to watch you like a hawk, will I?" Shikamaru took a small stack of papers off of Naruto's desk and examined them. Fines for the traders; they were going to lose more than they'd gain by fighting. Since neither party could admit fault, it was the fairest resolution that could be agreed to. "Anyway, it's about that time again. I'll see you later."

"Yeah, later."

Shikamaru had departed quietly and closed the door behind him. Left to his thoughts, Naruto's concern about today's matters had evaporated. A short nap might have even been in order if it weren't for the three soft knocks at his door several minutes later.

"Hm?" Naruto opened his eyes and looked to his door. It was highly unlikely that Shikamaru had forgotten something, he was way too careful about matters like this. And besides that, no one had ever knocked so softly on his door before. Usually what followed was an emergency that was almost always related to his son. Tired as he was, he stood up from his seat and made his way towards the door. "Come in, as long as you're not trying to keep me here for another hour."

There was a certain level of expectation when it had come to this job; someone often needed you, and there was no avoiding that. Out of a very lengthy list of people he could have expected to show up at this time, Naruto wasn't prepared for who he was about to see again.

His blue eyes had met green, and couldn't be drawn anywhere else.

Sakura Haruno stood in front of him, appearing more surprised that she was there than he was. Her lips were slightly parted, and without his knowing so was his. Words had failed both of them, and the silence in the room was no stranger than the fact they were face to face like this after such a long time.

Naruto had reacted first, his surprise morphing into one of joy and excitement. All earlier fatigue had vanished now that he had something to be excited about.

"Sakura-chan!" he exclaimed, nearly making her jump. Reality had returned to both, stunned silence had collapsed and all that stood now was Naruto's energy soaring through the roof. "It's been a long time since you've come to see me, how are you? How's Salad? Are things going well at the hospital—'

"One question at a time." Sakura wanted to chide him for his impatience, but if she were being honest with herself she would admit that his energy was contagious. Before she had even entered the door she had contemplated turning around and forgetting about this; Shikamaru had been passed on the way here, and had told her that he was getting ready to leave. Alone and without distractions, it would be the perfect time to speak to him with his duties for the day fulfilled. Sakura hadn't noticed it herself yet, but his smile was contagious as well, and for the first time in ages she was smiling at him with no strings attached.

"Sorry, it's just …with what I do and what you do, it's been hard to say hello and all." He brought a hand to the back of his neck and laughed sheepishly. "It's to be expected, but I still feel bad that we don't have much time to spend together anymore."

"Y-yeah. That's why I came by, because it's been a long time. Ino had convinced me to take a break and, well, here I am." Sakura replied uneasily.

It had been simple: Come here, and get an answer. She had no intention of staying here very long, yet the moment she had looked on his face and saw it light up, she had lost any idea of leaving. Genuine excitement, something she sorely lacked, something Naruto always managed to bring when she needed it most. Her heart pounded not out of fear, but by just being alive. No despair, no anxiety of what she did and how she chose to live – this was something that had been lost to her.

"And it's just Sarada now, 'Salad' was deemed too immature."

"Eh? But she loved that nickname when she was younger! What changed?"

"She's growing up faster than I'm willing to admit. She can pack her own bag when she goes to her grandparents now. I remember when we used to do it together and I'd always quiz her on what was necessary." Sakura thought back fondly to a younger Sarada rushing around the room and challenging herself to not forget anything when she went to visit grandma and grandpa for the weekends in the past. Reminiscing about her early days of motherhood didn't seem appropriate now, especially since it had little to do with Naruto.

Peering behind him, his desk was littered with books and empty cups of instant ramen. The aroma of the room wasn't bad, but it was as messy as she'd expect of Naruto.

"Even as the Hokage you're still messy?" Sakura narrowed her eyes at him. "I'm disappointed in you, you know."

Naruto laughed nervously and lowered his head slightly. It was true that he could be messy, Sakura had understood his lack of cleanliness. "Y-yeah, if I knew you were coming by I would have tried to clean up more. Sorry, Sakura-chan."

In spite of herself, Sakura's cheeks turned red at that idea. Cleaning up his office just for her …he hadn't changed at all. "D-don't do it for me, do it for you." She stepped past him and moved to the trash bin beside his desk, miraculously empty. "Do you have somewhere important to be right now?"

"No, not really."

"Good. I'll help you clean up. As Hokage, you should be able to keep his office clean no matter the circumstances." Sakura reached for a short stack of empty noodle cups and dumped them into the trash.

Naruto was surprised by Sakura's sudden offer, but he welcomed the experience. With a grin he joined beside her and helped dump his trash. Sakura had taken it a step further by checking his desk for dust, and even helping place his assortment of books back on the nearby shelf – in alphabetical order!

By the time they were finished, the office was spotless. Naruto barely recognized his office after Sakura had helped him fix it up, and actually having his books on the shelves would take some getting used to. It would beat having to look for something specific and then get frustrated later. Beaming at Sakura, Sakura's smile was automatic at this point. They had given it one last satisfactory glance before Naruto and Sakura both departed for the evening.

"You know, that was a lot of fun." Naruto said, thoughtfully. "And cleaning's never really been my thing."

"I've noticed." Sakura huffed in disappointment, but it was only so Naruto would turn to look at her. "You're going to keep that office clean now, aren't you?"

"Of course!" Naruto didn't hesitate, much to Sakura's surprise. "That's some of the most fun I've had in a long time. Maybe I just need someone to clean with."

"You have Hinata, don't you?"

Naruto looked to the ground and began to wonder what it was he really meant. As he did this, citizens in Konoha offered the pair greetings and well wishes, and they had done so in return. Thanks to that, Naruto was able to give Sakura a suitable answer without the pressure of silence coming between them.

"I do have Hinata, but because of what I do …I don't have a lot of time to spend with her during the week. Not to mention she has to do most of the house work because I'm not around." Naruto brought full attention to Sakura, just as the well wishes of those around them started to dim down. "I wish I could take a weekend off, too. It's only been about several months, but it can really take its toll on me."

Sakura sympathized in silence. His eyes were tracing her face, seeking approval or disapproval of some sort. Unfortunately for him, she was able to understand what he was going through to a small extent. Sarada had her – Sarada always did – but the one person Sarada really wanted was off again. She never expected Naruto to be struggling with something like this.

Without wanting to risk the mood heading in a downward spiral, she instead smiled at him as her arms went around her back and locked behind her waist.

"Naruto, I know it can be hard …but no one said being a full-time parent and a Kage was going to be easy. You're a man, and you're the village's hero …so …don't be so down about it, okay?"

He had a family to return home to each and every night: a lovely wife, a growing son, and even an adorable little girl. Sakura believed he might have been underestimating how incredible it was to have them welcome you home after a hard day, but knowing Naruto he'd already be more than aware of what that means when you grew up like he did.

"To be honest …I'm a little envious of Hinata. She probably has it hard too when it comes to missing you, and wanting you to be there. What you ought to do is make an effort to just leave work at the door."

"Hm? I do …I mean, I try my best." Naruto would think back to his demeanor when he got home each day. As far as he was aware, he was always happy to be back. "Coming home means I'm not at the office, and I can just be more than Hokage. It's one of the only times I can feel like I'm more than that, other than with you."

Sakura averted her gaze, but couldn't mask the blush that had come. Whether he meant to do it or not, Naruto always had a funny way of making her feel special. To deny him her company was a blessing for him. Shouldn't he have been happier to not deal with her, after everything?

"What makes you say that, Naruto? I don't treat you any different from everyone else."

Naruto didn't even need to think about it.

"Well for starters, you still call me Naruto."

"So? Anyone can call you Naruto, I don't see what makes that special."

"Yeah, but I'm not Lord Hokage or anything – well, I am – but you see me for who I am more than most these days. Ever since I took the position from Kakashi-sensei, I feel like people address me differently. It's hard to explain without really being me; you aren't afraid of telling me how it really is, and when I act stupid or disappoint you … you don't hold back. It's something I really value in you. You're honest."

Honest with everyone but herself, Sakura couldn't help but think. After all this time, after every horrible thing she had said to him, Naruto had never let his opinion of her falter. She was beginning to grow pleasantly warm from Naruto's praise.

"You never know, Naruto …I could be a liar, too." Sakura forced a smile, already knowing better.

Naruto didn't appear to think much of what Sakura had said. His attention suddenly appeared divided, eyes darting from several different shops surrounding them. Once he had stopped, Sakura had too. Just moments after they had both come to a complete halt, Naruto had begun to laugh. At first it was silent, shortly becoming louder and blissful. Sakura was absorbed in it; she may not have comprehended just why it was, but to hear him happy and laughing …it made her feel tingly. Heart shuddering from the pleasant sensation in her ears and the handsome face of her old friend, Naruto had managed to stop just as Sakura was about to finally ask what he was really laughing about.

"Sorry, it's just …I have no idea where we're going right now. I've spent so long always having a place to be all the time that I've never had the opportunity to just wander around like this." He gestured to a nearby mask stand, the owner showing a small group of children what sort of monster or other strange creature they could become with just a little imagination. "We've passed here four times. At first I didn't notice it, but by the time I did …I didn't really want to. This is nice."

Looking around, Sakura did begin to notice that they've walked down this main street in particular at least once before. She never would have guessed four times.

"Anyway, Sakura-chan, you should be proud too." His left hand came to settle on her shoulder, gripping her loosely. "You've completely surpassed Granny Tsunade, and you have a really gifted daughter. She's as smart as you were in the academy, and in enough time she'll be as beautiful as you. I can't help but feel as though you're underestimating yourself a little. Is everything okay?"

Nothing's been okay for over a decade.

Sakura's smile betrayed her true feelings. At this point lying was a reflex, only made worse by how much Naruto believed in her.

"I'm fine, silly. And what's with all this sudden buttering up? You make me feel …"

Desirable. Interesting. Worthwhile in the greatest sense. She was a married woman, and married to the sole survivor of the Uchiha Clan after the war's conclusion. It wasn't often she got compliments outside of the hospital, especially from good-looking men. Naruto wasn't even trying; in his eyes she could tell that this wasn't about making her feel good, it was about reminding her that she was still someone important to him. Nothing had changed for Naruto, he was still that sweetheart with a big, dumb grin on his face.

"Embarrassed." Sakura finished, smirking.

Naruto chuckled and began to walk again, Sakura proceeding beside him. Even without a destination he was content with going forward, both aimless and content with himself.

"Do you mind me saying those things?" He asked with humorous caution, but was very much serious.

"…No." Sakura mumbled her honest opinion of Naruto's words. He believed her to be an honest woman who wouldn't hold back on him, so it was only fair that he have the right to say what he'd like with some level of discretion. While he still had moments where tact was dim on him, Naruto was just one big sweetheart beneath all that goofiness. "Not at all. In fact, I originally came to ask you something… but it can wait until later, I'm sure you've got to get home."

"I'm not in any hurry, I can get there in a flash." Naruto pointed his right thumb at his chest, "Besides, what kind of a man would I be if I let a lady walk home by herself?"

"Oh?" Sakura scoffed playfully, "Well I guess I should be thankful that Lord Seventh has time to escort me home!"

The two exchanged banter, Naruto acting like the stereotypical gentlemen that Sakura was putting him on a pedestal to be. Sakura returned fire by playing up the role of a damsel; the fear of breaking a nail had paralyzed her and she swooned, causing Naruto to get behind her and help keep her up and fan her. Several minutes of amusement had passed, and to the dismay of both Sakura and Naruto she was now just outside of her home now. The two looked at the door, and then, finally, back at each other.

"Well …it was fun while it lasted." Naruto would begin.

Sakura nodded her head. "Yeah, it really was…"

"You never did tell me what you wanted to ask me before. It was the only reason you showed up, right?"

"…Hey, don't say it like that Naruto."

It was a truth that hurt her more than the one that really should be hurt. If it wasn't for her conversation with Ino, would she have even thought about seeing him today? Would she have had this much fun? Odds were, she'd be at home cleaning. If she wasn't cleaning, she'd be reading. If she wasn't reading, she'd be resting, resting for work that she didn't have in the morning. Her entire life for the longest time had been centered on constant distractions, but today had been different. A genuinely good time with Ino and TenTen, and now walking home with Naruto like the old days.

Sakura wasn't going to deny that she wanted more of this …maybe enough time had passed from her failures to allow her the chance to move on and smile again. Smile again, with Naruto.

"I did come to confirm something, but …" Sakura looked content with herself in spite of needing to part ways for now. The sun over Konoha was beginning to dip low; Naruto had a family to get home to, and a wife who …was one of the luckiest women in the world. "I think I don't need to ask anymore. It's been confirmed."

"Hm? Just by talking?"

"Yes. I'll explain tomorrow."

Naruto was momentarily caught off guard, but Sakura seemed to have made up her mind about something before he even knew it. It was rare to see Sakura at all any more, but with the promise of seeing her again tomorrow he could go to bed with some excitement.

"Y-you're coming back?" Naruto stammered, eyes widened.

"Is that …bad?" Sakura asked.

"Of course not!" He exclaimed. "I'm already looking forward to it-ttebayo!"

To Naruto, the faster he got home, the faster the next day could begin. He had much to do that night: He wanted to help Hinata with dinner, as well as get to see his children. Himawari loved stories, Bolt loved knowing about his pranks as a kid himself. Sakura had lacked time to talk with him for so long, and at long last they had the opportunity to catch up, starting tomorrow.

He backed away and waved goodbye, "See you tomorrow, Sakura-chan!"

"Hey, Naruto!"

Naruto froze, that wide smile remaining. Sakura felt an invisible spotlight on her, but the only one looking was Naruto. Somehow that had made her more nervous than her students at the hospital. Endearingly, Sakura tilted her head and closed her eyes with a pleasant smile of approval towards him. Naruto's heart nearly missed a beat at seeing such a sight again.

"Keep that office clean, and no more slacking …you got that?"

"It's a promise!"

With vigor backing his every word and every move, Naruto had given her a thumbs up with his bandaged hand and had taken towards the rooftops now to speed the process of getting home.

Sakura leaned against her door, facing towards the rooftops she lost sight of him over. Out of several emotions that were ongoing, there was some catharsis to it all. Her smile had returned to her, her real smile.

A/N - This chapter came quickly because it was already written beforehand. Chapter 3 will not be coming within a day, sorry ;C~ Please let me know what you think, reviews mean a lot :3