I'm so glad that so many of you are enjoying my fic. I'd like to welcome all my reviewers especially the new ones, Mrs. Trafalgar law and Dina sana, and my biggest fan. You know who you are. This chapter will start the revival arch and next chapter will have some spoilers in it. I'm warning you ahead of time. Yes I know Neji died in the series but I have a plan to explain how he's still around. Like I said before I honestly have no idea how advanced they are so bear with me. Still no pairing but I have a few ideas. I'm still up for suggestions and I like a few I've gotten thus far. As always reviews are not necessary but they are inspiring.
When Kiba and Akamaru walked into Sakura's small home they immediately noticed two things, one neither was happy about. Upon entering a wonderful smell had decided to waft to the pairs nostrils. It urged them to follow it to the source. Their ears however picked up the sound of a knife being mercilessly driven into a cutting board at a quick pace. So Kiba did what any of the other shinobi, including Akamaru, would never do, he sat the oversize box in his hands down, walked into the small kitchen and stood in the door way. The picture before him was both entrancing and concerning. There stood the figure of a beautiful woman her slender curves peeking out from behind a curtain of silvery pink hair that hung unrestrained and shivered from her movements. It dipped momentarily into the small of her slender back and caressed her hips ending just under her well toned bottom. Her legs slightly apart and at that moment he took the few steps that were required his frame pressing into hers enough to tell her he was there but not close enough to seem indecent.
Sakura tensed feeling his body so close to hers. She was so deep in thought that she hadn't even sensed the man behind her enter the room. His fingers traced down her forearms the nails gently dragging against her skin. His fingers splaying over her wrists and cradling her hand softly taking the knife from her and placing it upon the cutting board then disappeared behind her again. She slowly began to relax her years of healing this man she had the ability to recognize him even with a glance of just his hands. The animal scratches and bite marks that had healed and scared were a give away.
"Sakura who bruised your hands and whats wrong?" Kiba's voice was gentle and disarming. His hands placing themselves upon her shoulder. He noticed her tense again and her scent became agitated and depressed. A sniffle was heard but he smelled no tears as of yet. She was using her training to attempt to hide her depression. She hadn't counted on her scent giving her away. Who could have made the strong woman in front of him so upset? This caused a protective growl to pass his lips. He turned her around to face him so that he could get a good look at her face. She didn't look into his eyes nor did she lift her head.
"Alright who's ass do I need to kick?" He almost yelled, and with that the dam broke. She thrust herself into his arms and began to sob. Kiba's arms wrapped her trembling frame as he lay his head upon hers to shield her from the outside world. Who had made her cry? Did someone attack her? If so they were awfully fucking gutsy. Especially in peace times. He flipped the stove off so as not to burn the food. That would have made things worse and started the tears again. After a while her sobs had calmed to a sniffle. Then with one arm hooked around her he moved her to sit next to Akamaru on the couch. Her arms surrounded Akamaru in an instant causing her to sigh peacefully.
Setting on the floor in front of her cross legged he lifted her right foot and removed the black sandal. Rubbing small circles on the bottom of her tiny foot caused her to squirm and giggle. A grin curled his lips ever so tenderly as he repeated the process with the left foot. He wasn't the greatest with words but he could make her feel better with actions. He remembered what his mother would tell him as a child: 'Actions speak louder than words.' Her tears had dried by now and she had buried her face in Akamaru again. He smiled feeling at home watching the scene before him. Everything was absolutely perfect.
It was all over in a matter of seconds thanks to a knock on her door. With a sigh Kiba stood and walked into the kitchen. Another knock rang out and Sakura got up to answer the door. On the other side stood an Anbu. Straightening up quickly she looked directly into her eyes. The chocolate bun on her head a dead give away but she wouldn't say a word. When an Anbu showed up on your door step you didn't question it you simply payed attention. Sucking in a breath she stepped outside closing the door behind her.
"How may I help you tonight Anbu-san?" Sakura's tone professional as always.
"Haruno Sakura your presence is required I am to take you immediately to a secure location to discuss important matters." Tenten's voice was cold, unwavering, and most of all cautious.
"I need to explain to my guest that I'll be gone for a while please wait here." Sakura then entered her home closing the door. As soon as it was shut Kiba and Akamaru were in front of her.
"Who was that?" Kiba asked not really needing an answer. He knew the smell well enough. Still he wanted to be polite and allow her to tell him.
"I have to go for a while Kiba I'll be back soon. Everything is ready for you to eat and Akamaru's food is in the slow cooker. I was dicing a salad when you came in just throw it together and it'll be ready. Your welcome to the couch if you'd like to stay, you know where everything is, and if I'm not back otherwise lock up when you leave. I have to go Anbu-san is waiting for me." Sakura patted Akamaru's soft fur and gave Kiba a gentle hug. With that she slipped her shoes back on and opened the door. The anbu placing an arm around her shoulders gave a nod to Kiba and made a sign. With that they vanished from Kiba's sight in a puff of smoke.
Arriving a few minutes later in front of a pair of large wooden doors Sakura sighed and pushed them open. In front of her were six large televisions above which a sign hung to signal which village Daimyo, clan heads, and kages were presently being viewed upon each screen. The screen for her country was black. It wasn't that they were't interested not at all. They had no use for the screen because they were in fact sitting before her, Tora looking as if he'd experienced hell, still it caused her to stiffen rigidly. Looking into the camera mounted at the back wall she bowed respectfully.
"Haruno Sakura of the leaf we are glad to see that you are feeling better. We would like to congratulate you on a job well done. We are pleased to see that so far your theories and the side effects were exactly as you stated they would be. We would like to begin the next phase of your project before the competition begins." The Fire Daimyo spoke.
"In order to do that I need the bodies of the individuals to be revived. Even then I could only bring two a week back so that I could recover. It would take at least a day to properly heal the body before I even began the revival process. Some bodies may even need to be rebuilt after decaying for so long. That alone can take a year." Sakura pointed out feeling as though a miracle was being asked of her.
"We understand this Haruno-san and have taken that under consideration. That is why we began preparing a year ago. Every village has a list a mile long of shinobi they would like returned to them along with the chakra samples that you requested. We will go over our lists and vote upon each candidate ultimately you can veto the decision since you are the only one who can use this jutsu so far. Once the list is completed the bodies will begin to arrive. They will then be stored in a cryogenic state until you are ready for each one. After revival they will be admitted to the phoenix ward you specifically designed and rehabilitation will begin. Once each shinobi is deemed ready for release they will be returned to there country. A month after you finish this task the competition will begin. Until then you may not participate in any romantic relationships. This will also give you time to have your estate built, furnished, and allow you to become comfortable with your new living conditions. Are there any questions?" The Daimyo was straight to the point today he seemed agitated.
"No my Daimyo." Sakura bowed once more. These people were crazy if they thought that anyone in the village had an interest in her. She then took a seat that was offered by the female Anbu.
"Excellent now let us begin." Sakura sighed this was going to be a long night.