Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto. Never have, never will.

Warning: long chapter, two halves. First half is past, second is present. Thanks to all who reviewed, read, alerted, or faved. Sorry for taking such a long time on this!

six years ago, after Kenji was born

Life was hard with a newborn baby. He cried incessantly, and Sakura had no idea how to get him to stop, how mommy could make him happy. She was worried, as if this wasn't normal. In the back of her brain, she knew it was, but she couldn't help but worry. What if something was wrong with Kenji? Was he sick? Was he feeling any pain? What if this was a clue to what he might become when he was older, like a psycho axe-killer, or a girly boy who wore purple ropes shaped into bows who killed people regardless?

She preferred the psycho axe-killer, since she didn't want him to be like Sasuke.

She couldn't remember which way diapers went, and sometimes, they fell off at the worst times.

Taking a walk with her new baby Kenji, Sakura hummed lightly as she strolled with the carriage. A woman stopped her. She was plump and happy-looking. She was also in her late fifties, early sixties.

"Oh, what a cute thing! May I hold him?"

Sakura, being the nice girl she was, replied with "of course." The poo-filled diaper promptly fell off when Sakura handed the baby to the woman. Her face flushed with embarrassment, but the woman laughed lightheartedly, not bothered in the least.

"It's your first one," she stated, not asking. The woman demonstrated how to properly put on a diaper and how to clean Kenji so he wouldn't get diaper rash. Sakura thanked her profusely.

"Thank you so much!" she said, bowing deeply. The woman laughed her worries away.

"Don't bow so deeply, Sakura-chan. Oh, look at that red hair!" Back then, Kenji's hair had been a bright, vivid red. There was some controversy as to who his father really was: Gaara or Sasuke. The woman lightly ruffled it. "It's so red and pretty! I know Sasuke didn't have very normal hair so let's hope that it's not hereditary, eh?"

"Yeah," Sakura replied, a smile playing on her lips. This woman knew who the father was, and she was being so kind, unlike everyone else. "But really, thank you. It's...it's hard." Kenji had fallen asleep as she cradled him in her arms, rocking him back and forth. "Not many people are that nice to me. Most of my old friends aren't, anyway. I've tried but-"

The woman waved a hand at Sakura, interrupting her. "Find new friends. If they're treating you like this when you need them most, they were never worth it." Sakura's lower lip trembled. Really? Could she just give up the relationships she had with all those people?

"But I don't know how..." she said truthfully. Was this what it was like for all other single women? People stared at you, made fun of you...hell, even Sakura was guilty of it! Now she understood better. "New friends. Got it. What's your name again?"

"Mrs. Kanzaki, dear. Feel free to call me anytime for anything. This old lady needs some company! I haven't had anything to do since the kids have grown up."

They parted with a wave and phone numbers, and Sakura felt her heart warm.

OOO

A week later, Naruto returned from his solo mission and waited outside Tsunade's office so he could report. There already was a team in there, Neji's team, he believed, returning from a mission as well. Evidently they had a new member, and Naruto was kind of curious as to who it was. He knew it was a replacement for Gai, since the man had gotten a new Genin team. He heard the clack of the door and greeted Neji as he came out. "Hey, man! How's it going?"

Neji shrugged. "I am well. How are you?"

The two boys' conversation was interrupted by a plethora of yelling. Everyone couldn't help but listen.

"You have no right to live in my parents' house! If I had known you would turn out this way, I would have aborted you!"

"You shut the fuck up! You are not my mother, you retarded whore! You didn't even fucking raise me!"

Tsunade eventually started in, yelling just as loud as the two other women, and the group eventually ignored it. Just another mediation where only Tsunade could solve the problem. Eventually, a gorgeous woman came storming out, hissing underneath her breath.

TenTen giggled. "Dirty hobo-girl deserves it. Good thing her mother knows how to handle that bitch."

"TenTen, don't speak of her that way," sighed Neji. " She saved your ass today."

"Doesn't make her any less a bitch." Eventually, this bitch came out and shoved into Naruto. He recognized her. That scary girl from a few months ago. He felt a chill run up his spine at the memory, but now he just felt angry.

"Hey! Watch where you're going!" The girl ignored him and continued on her way. Grumbling, Naruto quickly stomped into Tsunade's office, gave his report, and stomped to Sakura's house. When she opened the door, she gave him the most brilliant smile.

He melted.

"Naruto," Sakura breathed. "It's nice to see that you're back and alive!"

Naruto snorted. "Why wouldn't I be?" He wrapped his arms around her and brushed his lips against her hairline. "I'm home, Sakura-chan."

She smiled against his shoulder. "Welcome home, Naruto." She gave him a kiss, intending for it to be square on the cheek, but it accidentally brushed the corner of his lips instead. She pulled back instantly, subtly clapping a hand to her lips. Had that been too close? Did Naruto notice? However, the boy seemed unfazed and just continued smiling happily at her. She stepped aside to let him in, and he nodded in appreciation.

"Where's Kenji?" he asked.

"Asleep," Sakura replied, sighing internally. It had been such a long day...

They had settled on the couch together, and Sakura snuggled into his side. She was so happy, so very happy... Naruto had secured his arm around her waist, and she placed her hand on his chest. His heart was palpitating so quickly, she would have thought it would burst had he not been a healthy, sixteen year old boy.

They spent some more time together before announced that he would be departing. Sakura almost asked him if he wanted to stay the night, but she realized that she wasn't ready for that. Yet. Besides, there was no clear cut as to what their relationship was right now. They had shared a passionate kiss over three months ago, but besides that, there was nothing. Sure, there were those little chaste kisses here and there, but nothing serious. He hadn't even asked her on a date, not that she had time anyway. She was too busy taking care of the sweet, cute, little burden.

Finally, the baby started crying again. She knew it would happen eventually. She rushed to him and asked, "Does baby want some milk?" Her only response was more crying. However, when she lifted up her shirt and bra, she could see the infant's eyes brightening. "I guess so!" she laughed, lowering herself to the couch, cradling Kenji in her arms.

The baby started suckling, and Sakura felt some heavy weight being lifted. Her breasts had gotten so heavy these past months, and nursing was almost a relief. However, Kenji bit sometimes, and it hurt like a bitch. She glowed and beamed at her baby, looking at him drink his fill. However, an embarrassed flush came to her face once she saw the obsidian eyes look up to her face, dark as coals of hell.

The last person she had willingly done this with...

She screamed.

Then she dropped the baby.

OOO

Shizune stared at Sakura as she entered the E.R., frantic and crying. She was wailing so uncontrollably that none of the nurses could understand her, and it had been proven impossible to calm to her down. Finally, they called for her big sister figure, Shizune.

Shizune sighed. "Sakura, what's wrong?"

"IT'S KENJI!" she shrieked wildly. "I DROPPED HIM ON HIS HEAD. I DROPPED HIM, I DROPPED HIM!" She started moaning and bawling once more, clutching the tiny baby to her chest. What's worse was that the baby was crying and shrieking as well.

Shizune scoffed, almost a laugh. "Sakura, let me see him." Shizune knew in normal circumstances, Sakura would be able to do this herself. However, this was Kenji they were talking about, Sakura's son. All parents became hysterical when it came to their children. Sakura handed him over hesitantly, afraid she might drop him again.

Shizune examined the child. His face was scrunched up, and his tiny hands were clenched into fists in anger. Turning him over, she examined the back of his head. There was a cut and some minor bleeding, even though it seemed like a lot. Head wounds always bled and hurt more. Also, baby's heads were soft and drops like these didn't hurt them as much.

Shizune smiled at Sakura. "Sakura, he's going to be fine. He just needs some stitches." Immediately, Sakura stopped crying.

"Seriously?"

"Yup."

She started up again, probably glad that she didn't kill her son. Shizune snorted.

"I'll call Ino up to keep you some company. Her shift's about to end anyway."

Thirty minutes later, Kenji had come out of surgery, and a teary eyed Sakura took him from the doctor.

"He'll be fine," the man said. "Just come back if anything odd happens. We'll see you later, Sakura-san." Sakura gave him her thanks, bowing deeply and repeatedly. Finally, Ino had to drag her away and bring her home, telling her that she will spend the night with her.

"Really?" Sakura said, cocking her head to the side. "Why so kind?" Ino scoffed.

"Sweetie, you have really bad bags underneath your eyes. You obviously haven't been getting much sleep." Sakura shrugged. She had gotten used to being awake during the night.

"It's fine. Really, Ino."

"No, it's not," the blonde snapped. "I don't want you dropping dead on me. I'll take care of the little bugger tonight. You have no say in this." Sakura let out a low laugh.

"All right, all right. Just wake me up when he starts chomping towards your boobs, and I'll take over."

OOO

Sakura awoke to bright light shining in her eyes. She looked at the morning sun.

Morning? Had she really slept for-she looked at her clock- eight hours? A good eight hours? It seemed too good to be true. She heard faint laughter and immediately shot out of bed. Fun? How could Ino be having fun with the "burden?" It just didn't seem possible.

"Ino? Are you all right?" Sakura asked shrilly. Ino looked at her best friend like she was dumb.

"Of course I'm all right," Ino said in a matter of fact tone. "He just burped up all over my back. It just seemed so funny that..." She burst out laughing again. Sakura removed Kenji from Ino's loving hug.

"Ino, it's not as funny once it happens to you three times a day every day."

The smile fell off of Ino's face. In fact, she looked as if she would begin to cry. She looked down at her hands that closed tightly in her lap. Finally she looked up again, eyes glimmering with unshed tears. "Do you not love your son, Sakura?"

Sakura felt like she had been slapped in the face. "I love my son!" she snapped, indignant. "Why on earth would you ask something like that, Ino?" Ino just shook her head sadly. "Ino, answer me!"

"Sakura, you don't seem to be enjoying Kenji very much. You act as if he is a burden. You act is you don't want him."

That's because it's true, the traitorous voice in Sakura's head sneered.

"I do not act like that!" Sakura cried. "You wouldn't understand. I don't have anyone to help me, Ino!"

"Then ask me for help!" Ino cried out. "Every time I offer or Naruto offers, you turn us down! How are we supposed to help you when you keep rejecting us? You're pushing us all away. Do you really want Kenji to grow up like this?"

"It doesn't matter how Kenji grows up!" Sakura yelled. "I can't do this, Ino! I can't! My life is terrible because of him. He causes me so much misery-"

"There you go again, feeling sorry for yourself!" Ino stomped her foot on the ground in anger, almost hissing violently. "You've always been like this, Sakura. When things get bad, you feel sorry for yourself and give up on everything. Even your own goddamn son. Well, you know what? If you don't want him, I'll take him. I'll take care of him, and I'll be his mom. Because God knows that I love him more than you do." That was it. Sakura had had it. If that was Ino wanted, that was what Ino would get.

"Fine, Ino. Fine. You take him and see how hard life is. Then you'll see how hard it is to be me," Sakura snapped back. "Take his stuff with you and leave."

So Ino did just that.

Sakura never looked at her and never regretted it.

OOO

It was her first day back at training since getting pregnant. She had already started working out like crazy this week. She had had time since the baby was with Ino. Her life was already infinitely more relaxing. Finally, Tsunade-shishou arrived at the training grounds, and Sakura's face brightened.

"Shishou!" she called out, waving her hand. Tsunade let her lips curl up at the sight of her precious student's happy face, but today, they needed to help her improve. Sakura wanted to get to ANBU status in a month. In less than a month, in fact. ANBU exams were coming up. Her student had acquired a renewed determination and motivation. She had heard about Kenji going to live with Ino. Ino had had a bit of trouble the first couple of weeks at her shifts at the hospital, but she continued working and was doing fine now. This was probably why Sakura had time and energy to come to training. Tsunade's brow furrowed. This girl... after ANBU examinations, she would give this girl a thorough talking to. And probably a beating. Or three.

"All right, Sakura. Let's begin."

For the next three weeks, they did nothing but train. Sakura would awake bright and early at five a.m. every day, eat a healthy breakfast, then head to training ground three where she would stretch and jog a quick lap. Shishou would come at six on the dot, and they would train till seven at night. Sakura had lost all her pregnancy weight and was now sporting a fit, trim body. She wondered if Naruto would like it and started to giggle to herself in a girlish fashion. They hadn't seen each other for a month; he was training with Jiraiya for the examinations as well, and they hadn't had time to think about each other. Sakura would be honest; her feelings for him went well beyond friendship now. She had known that for years Naruto had been pining for her, but she had just not been able to see what good a relationship with him could make her feel, how she wanted HIM to feel good and not necessarily in the physical sense. He also made her forget about that night.

However, she always felt an emptiness in her heart. She knew that only Kenji could ever fill that hole; no relationship would ever fill it completely. It plunged through her and simply got deeper and deeper as more time passed. She hated to admit it, but Ino was right. Sakura was almost always selfish and felt sorry for herself when the going got tough. If she could just bring herself to admit it Ino...she wanted her son back. Desperately. She needed him more than he needed her. She knew Ino would probably make a better mother than she would, but Sakura needed Kenji for as long as she lived. How could she get everything back? She wanted to mend her relationship with Ino, and she wanted to be a better mother. How could she do it?

Well, she'd just worry about everything after the ANBU examinations...

She dodged one of Tsunade's full powered punches, side-stepping it easily. She was truly surprised at how fast she could do it. They had been working with weights for the full three weeks and now that they were off...she had felt so much freer. She swept her feet at level with Tsunade's ankles, tripping the older woman. She missed the smile that came to her Shishou's lips.

They continued sparring for a full thirty minutes, hiding when necessary, using sneak attacks, and any other things that came to their mind. When they were done, Sakura was panting. Tsunade's kunai was lightly pressed against her neck, marking the end of the battle. Tsunade's lips curled up.

"Good," she huffed, smiling widely at her. "You're ready."

Sakura's eye widened. "B-but you were going easy on me and I-"

Tsunade cut her off. "Nuh-uh. Believe it or not, ANBU or not gods. Yes, I was going easy on you, but you don't often come across kage level ninja. It just doesn't happen. Also, it's ridiculous to stay in combat for thirty minutes straight. That usually only happens when both people are being careful to not kill each other, like we are. Still, using that level of chakra for that amount of time is impressive, Sakura. I fully believe you're ready." She patted her pupil's roughly. She was an advocate of tough love, after all.

Sakura beamed at her instructor.

OOO

ANBU exams had gone by without a hitch. In a week, they'd figure out how they did. Sakura felt confident but had to remind herself not to feel too depressed if she didn't make it. It had been a good and useful experience anyway.

She headed over to Ino's house, planning to beg for forgiveness.

Her best friend had taken care of her child for a whole five weeks. Sakura needed to be reunited with Kenji and Ino right now. She still hadn't come up with a strategy yet, but she didn't care. She just needed to apologize. Even if Ino didn't forgive her, Sakura would feel a weight lifted off her chest.

Hesitating a little bit, she knocked the door to Ino's house lightly. A voice called, "Coming!" Sakura soon found herself face to face with Ino's mother. Mrs. Yamanaka gave Sakura a warm smile. "Come on in, Sakura."

Soon after, the two girls were heard sobbing and shortly after, the baby.

Sakura went home with her baby that night. She cooed at Kenji and tickled his nose, making him giggle madly. He grabbed onto her fingers and put one in his mouth. Sakura nearly melted.

She rocked in her chair for a few more minutes, and Kenji surprisingly fell asleep quite quickly. He snored a little bit, and Sakura just found it adorable. About an hour later, someone knocked at the door. She set the precious boy in his cradle and placed a kiss on his forehead. Then she went to answer the door.

Naruto.

"Naruto," she breathed happily, welcoming him with open arms. "Come in, come in!" she ushered, waving him in eagerly. He took off his shoes gingerly and placed them straight and parallel on the doormat.

"How did you do on the ANBU exams?" she asked cheerfully, going off to prepare him some tea.

"It went surprising well. It was easier than I thought!" he cheered, walking in to the living room, only to find Kenji in there. "You got him back? I thought you didn't want him anymore," Naruto mumbled.

"I need him," she called back softly. "I really need him," she whispered to herself.

She sat down beside Naruto on the couch, handing him a cup of tea. She breathed in his scent and instantly felt refreshed. It was like standing in a meadow after the rain had passed. She rested her head on his shoulder and took a sip from her cup. She exhaled in contentment.

"I'm happy," she told Naruto. "I'm happy that I have Kenji, I'm happy that I have Ino, and I'm happy that you're here with me," she whispered in his ear, lips brushing the shell of his ear, and Naruto visibly shuddered in something akin to torture and pleasure.

"Sakura, you have to know what that does to me-" He saw the grin on her face.

"Naruto, of course I do. Why do you think I did it?" she said mischievously.

"Sakura, I don't think you're ready for... for..."

"Sex?" she finished for him. "Of course I'm not. But...I'm ready for less than that. I think I will be able to tell you apart from him this time."

"But-"

"Naruto," Sakura interjected. "Shut up. Just kiss me already."

So he did.

His lips slanted over hers, and the pink-haired medic responded eagerly, threading her fingers into his hair. The coarse tresses scraped against her tender hands, and she was surprised to find that it actually felt good. His hands cupped her face, and he deepened the kiss as she moaned into his mouth. Her hands slid up and down his chest in an enticing way, and Naruto didn't know how much more he could take. He abruptly stood up and said, "I think I've had enough for tonight. I'm going home, Sakura-chan!"

Sakura gaped at him dumbly as he exited the apartment hastily.

She turned to the sleeping babe. "Was that very normal, Kenji?" She then smiled and rested her face on the palms of her hands. "Would you like Naruto to be your daddy, Kenji? I think you'd enjoy that very much. Naruto would be a great daddy, wouldn't he?" she sighed sleepily, eventually turning into a yawn. It had been such a long day... ANBU examinations had taken five hours, she had made up with Ino, she had gotten her son and her heart back, and she had...entertained Naruto for a while. It was most definitely time to get a well deserved nap. Wanting to be in close proximity with her son for the whole night, Sakura grabbed the comforter from her room and wrapped herself up in it like a cape. Giggling to herself, she pretended it was one and that she was a superhero, gliding in the imaginary skies. She curled into a ball while rocking the cradle gently, back and forth and back and forth, lulling her son and herself to sleep.

OOO

Kenji was now four months. He didn't cry as much, and he was able to sit up by himself now. He also enjoyed dragging himself on his belly. He was generally a very happy baby, and that made Sakura happy as well, since she was getting more sleep. She now realized that she could have toughed it out had she not been feeling so sorry for herself. It was hard work, yes, fatiguing, really, but not impossible. He was getting heavier, but it was still quite easy to carry him since he was so small. He was only about sixteen pounds, after all.

Carrying him to the ANBU headquarters, she scurried along to find her name on the score board. She dragged her finger to her name, she found that she had made an eighty-seven out of one hundred. She felt a little disappointed at first, but she found that the highest scorer had been a person named "Shinora Jin," and that person had only made a ninety-five. The rest had been ninety and under. However, Sakura's lips stretched into a smile as she made her way to the next column entitled "Overall."

In that column and in the row of her name, it said, "Pass." Sakura let out a victory whoop, Kenji giggled along with her.

Skimming the rows quickly, she found Naruto's name. With a sort of satisfaction, she had found that he had only scored a seventy-nine. He still passed, thankfully.

The great thing about the examinations was that they didn't judge you on how powerful you were, they judged you on skill. Skill was more useful since on a battlefield, a stray shuriken could bring down a powerful opponent with lots of chakra as easily as it could bring down a child. If you had skill but little chakra, you could still dodge that shuriken.

On the billboard, there were some handouts, and Sakura perused them quickly, snatching one from the hook. There would be a meeting on the upcoming Tuesday for all who had passed at six o'clock. There, they would determine if you would be put on a team or if a new team would have to be constructed. Thus you would be put on the waiting list or would act as substitute member of a team until that member was healthy enough to come back. All ANBU members would be there, including the ones that had passed the test before and were already on teams.

She thought to TenTen and shivered.

That girl, for lack of better words, was just downright mean. Ever since Neji had nearly died trying to retrieve Sasuke from the clutches of Orochimaru -that he willingly went to himself- she reminded herself. Over the past couple of months, she had realized that nothing she could have said or done could have stopped Sasuke. He was too hungry for power, and she could understand that. His brother had killed his entire family, leaving only him behind, whispering seductive words of hate and lust for power in his little brother's ear. Sasuke had listened to him. Sakura couldn't blame him.

However, that didn't mean she couldn't hate him for it.

OOO

Life went on quickly, and Tuesday came even faster than that. She arranged for Kenji to stay at Ino's house for the evening and set out for ANBU headquarters with a brisk pace, eager to find out what her fate would be. She arrived at the headquarters and found about thirty other people there. She made idle conversation with an elderly man, who was surprisingly still in ANBU despite looking so frail. He told her of all the adventures he had while he was in ANBU and although he was still healthy and fit, he would be retiring. He had served for forty years and since he was reaching his seventies. Sakura found it amazing that he still was so dedicated to serving the village while being so old. She wished she could be that way someday.

He escorted her like a proper gentleman up the stairs to the conference room where the meeting would be held. He was only going to be there for technicalities and such, but he told her that the meetings were always somewhat exciting. There were about fifty chairs in the room with a podium in front of the set, and they parted their ways when Sakura saw a friend of hers. Well, she saw Lee. He was mostly a friend, although he was still a bit hung up on her.

"Sakura-san!" he cried out, overly zealous. "Come sit by me, Sakura-san!" Sakura smiled at him and complied. "Well, how have you been doing, Sakura-san? How is Kenji? Is he blossoming with youth?"

Sakura chuckled. "Yes, Kenji is blossoming with youth, and I'm good." Lee beamed at Sakura, teeth white and shiny.

"I am so proud of you! You overcame all odds and passed the examinations!" he shouted. Sakura leaned on one hand and gave him a crooked smile.

"How have you been doing, Lee?" she asked.

"I have been well! The team has been a little lonely without Gai-sensei, but I will manage to pull through this! Youth!" he cried, punching a fist through the air. Sakura sweated a bit, almost a little embarrassed. She was too used to it to be embarrassed. She just wished Lee knew how he sounded. "However, our new teammate is all right as well. She is a bit strange, though. Always...filthy," he said, crinkling his nose as if he knew the scent by memory.

Sakura furrowed her brows. "Doesn't she ever shower?"

Lee shook his head sadly. "I think not. The poor girl; I think she's homeless. Phenomenal kunoichi, though. She is a medic-nin for our team, but she's not as good as you in the area though. Technically, she's not supposed to be on our team, but Tsunade made an exception for her."

"What's her name?"

"Oh, it is Shinora Jin!" Sakura remembered. That girl had gotten the highest score on the ANBU exams. "Unfortunately, TenTen does not like her. It must be because she draws much attention from Neji because of her skill! TenTen is jealous, a bad quality of hers that always shows up when another catches Neji's eye. It is disappointing."

Finally, more and more people poured in the room, filling it to capacity. Neji and TenTen had sat next to the pair, Neji giving Sakura a warm greeting and TenTen giving her a blazing glare. Naruto and Sakura spotted each other and waved simultaneously.

The head of ANBU entered the room with several scrolls and papers in hand, followed by a few of his subordinates. He looked stern with a set jaw but appeared to be kind. Sakura could see it in his eyes. He cleared his throat and tapped the microphone on the podium. "Is everyone paying attention?" The room became silent at once. "Very well, let's begin. We'll start with roll call for the newbies." Everyone could tell who was knew because they saw that each of them had straightened their spines to seem presentable. "Uzumaki Naruto."

"Here."

"Asano Kite."

"Present."

"Haruno Sakura."

"Right here."

"Jin isn't here," he said without missing a beat, scanning the room quickly. "Arashi Hanzo?"

"I'm over here." He continued for twenty more seconds before handing the list to one of the subordinates. "I am pleased to say that Hakamura Baono-san is finally retiring." Bursts of laughter erupted around the room. Baono waved his hand, and the head of ANBU smiled ruggedly. "Get out of here, you old man. Also, I am equally pleased to announce that out of all these fourteen new people, one has proven to be eligible to be a captain, who is ironically the only one not present today," he clucked his tongue. "Asano Kite and Furaku Koichi are assigned to ANBU team seven. "Arashi Hanzo, Heiya, and Suzuki Tohya are assigned to ANBU team three. Fukaya Teri is placed on ANBU team two. Hashi Sozo is assigned to ANBU team one. The rest of you are on the waiting list until we figure out what to do with you." Murmurs and groans filled the room. The head of ANBU rolled his eyes. "Don't complain. Maybe someone will get injured, and you can take their place. Amateurs." All the experienced ANBU members laughed. It would happen sooner or later. Except Neji. Because he never laughed.

Sakura felt a little disappointed that she wouldn't be on a team immediately, but she could wait. Besides, she thought fondly, she had her beautiful son to take care of. She and Naruto shared a glance, and Naruto shrugged his shoulders in acceptance.

After the meeting was done, people started leaving the conference room, but Sakura was stopped by the ANBU head. "Haruno Sakura," he said grinning. "It's a pleasure to finally meet you." He stuck out his hand.

"Oh no," she said, taking his hand and giving it a firm shake. "The pleasure is mine."

The man grinned at her. "They say a handshake defines on character. You've certainly gotten stronger."

Sakura smiled wistfully. "I don't know about that, but thank you."

"I have heard that you are a phenomenal medic-nin. Don't prove me wrong now."

"I'll try not to let you down."

"Good, good. So, Haruno. How would you feel about being on a team with Shinora Jin?" Sakura was befuddled by the question.

"Erm...I don't really know! I've heard things about her, but we haven't been introduced."

"The girl is a horror. She exists to piss people off and pretty much fucks up any relationship she has, excuse my French. Well, her French is even worse. Swears all the time. Nasty attitude. Great ninja, though."

"I've heard that as well."

"Well, as you've probably heard already, she and TenTen do not get along. It often compromises the mission. Jin's good enough to be captain so I want to move her off the team. What do you think about it?"

"Well, with all due respect, sir, I think I can manage."

"That's a girl.

OOO

present time

"Sakura-san?" Itachi asked, sitting next to her at the table and calling her out of her reverie. "What has happened with Kenji? He just stormed out of the house and is currently murdering my best practice dummy."

Sakura sighed, exhausted. "He found out who Daddy was. He's mad that I didn't tell him."

Itachi mimicked her sigh and slumped his shoulders a bit. It was obvious that this was very distressing to him. Sakura remembered the first time she had seen him. There were stress lines on his face, bags underneath his red, spinning eyes. He looked so menacing, so evil.

So tired.

She had always thought that, though she hadn't told anyone besides her "roommate" from two years ago. Stopping herself before she went through another memory before her eyes, Sakura raised her eyes to Itachi. The man had lifted his head and started staring into space, a blank look plastered on his face.

A pained look in his eyes.

He began to speak. "He will find out that I am a monster," Itachi said softly. Sakura's face went slack, tired of frowning. "He... he will react much differently than Sasuke. He will ask questions." Sakura nodded once. "It is of great importance that you explain everything to him. If you do not, the boy...he will break. Maybe not at once, but he will lose himself. He may not understand now, but he will."

Sakura stood up and took a deep, calming breath. The calm before the storm.

She had no choice but to talk to Kenji.

OOO

Gently, she trotted along the hallways, not wishing to make too loud of noises. Who knew, maybe someone was still sleeping or something. She heard a noise and stopped in her tracks.

Was that...moaning?

The sound came again. Yeah, that was definitely moaning. A flurry of curses followed soon after and a muffled scream. Sakura's face blazed like a fire, and she tried to block out the nasty images. The fact that she knew who the girl was... well, that just made it all the more awkward. Sakura was still the little virgin at heart, after all. She had had sex only once! Sure, there were instances when it almost happened again...It wasn't even fun; no pleasure was gained out of it. But that... Shaking her head, she put the thoughts into the back of her head for a later conversation with her former captain.

With a sigh, she discovered Kenji doing sit-ups quite vigorously, grunting as he did a set of twenty-five. The poor boy was flushed underneath the burning sun, and little shades of scarlet were popping up over his nose and cheeks, sweat dripping down his temples. A wave of motherly concern Sakura couldn't suppress crashed over her. What if he got sunburn? Each time one got sunburn, the risk for skin cancer increased by one percent! What if Kenji got sunburn a hundred times?

"Kenji, come inside! You know how your skin will get if you stay out there too long." Kenji looked at his mother.

Then he stuck out his tongue.

Then he continued his sit-ups. Sakura sighed wearily, rubbing her temples roughly. Why did raising children have to be so difficult? Of course, he couldn't always listen to her, since she wasn't always right, but right now was not the time to be giving her the cold shoulder!

"Haruno...no, Uchiha Kenji! You get your damn ass in this house this instant!"

Kenji stopped and stared. "What did you call me?"

" It is actually your legal name, the one on your birth certificate. You already know, right? If so, then it's useless to hide it from you any longer. Now we need to talk, and you can't run away from me this time!"

Kenji's face set. Then he ran.

Hell, that didn't mean he couldn't try.

Sakura screamed in frustration. "KENJI!"

OOO

Kenji was afraid.

Well, it was only natural. Kenji was only brave when it came to his mother, and he was only cowardly when it came to his mother. That's why it nearly made him pee his pants when she started chasing him. She was maybe a foot taller than him, and she had super strength.

It always hurt when she spanked him.

"No, no! I'm not- I'm definitely not going to talk to you, you meanie!" Kenji roared, turning to offense. "You lied to me! LIAR!"

Performing the hand signs for the Great Fireball Jutsu, he sucked in a lungful of air and blew. Grunting in anger, Sakura stepped to the side of the flame easily, knowing Kenji's aim sucked. The boy, frightened and out of chakra, cowered backwards and put his hands at his sides, clenched into fists. He screamed at his mother, cursing her, and he put up the pretense of being brave so well that eventually he believed it himself. "Leave me alone!" he finally screamed, slapping away a hand that was reaching toward his shoulder.

Sakura drew the wounded (not really) hand back and just smiled.

Like, really smiled.

Narrowing her eyes like a cat and lips curling slightly in the corners, she agreed with an, "Okay."

Kenji could not believe his ears.

"Wait... what?"

"You heard me. Go ahead and go out on your own. You obviously don't need me." She crossed her arms impatiently. "Well? What are you waiting for?"

"F-fine!" Kenji stuttered. "Just you wait and see! I'll be fine on my own, dummy!" He then went off into the forest.

Sighing dejectedly, Sakura made a shadow clone and ordered it to keep an eye on her son as she went back to the house.

Have a nice day. Yet again, sorry for taking so long to update. I suck. Forgive me please.

By the way, I have two new stories out! They're both ItaSaku and I know that might not be for you, but for all who don't mind it, you should go read them.

Peace, y'all.