The first place Sakura looked for Sarada was the park. While the young Uchiha was blinded by her father's absence, she was ignorant to how much Sakura actually paid attention to her or the things she says.

So she was beyond surprised when she saw her daughter and her godchild together, especially when Sarada always expresses disdain when talking about the blonde.

What was weirder, was their hands.

Holding.

Though strange and out of place, Sakura's gaze couldn't help but soften at the scene.

Perhaps Sarada didn't need a mother who overwhelmed her with the love of two parents, but a friend who understood.

Much like Sasuke and Naruto.

And just like those two legends, she didn't quite have a place.

And the purple-haired woman who came to join her felt the same.

"It will be alright, Sakura-chan," Hinata comforted.

"Will it?"

Her emerald eyes never left the duo.

"They need each other."

"Oh, I don't have a problem with them being together, Hinata," Sakura spoke, finally turning to look at the heiress. "I'm her mother. I should be able to help her."

"You are, Sakura-chan. Just by being by her side and loving her, you're doing more than you know. You're doing more than she knows."

Sakura offered her old friend a smile and hug, but the warm embrace did nothing to heat up the void starting to take route in her heart.

"This just doesn't feel like a family."

Sarada grabbed her bento as she headed out.

"Bye, kaa-san!"

The pinkette didn't even have time to reply before the door closed behind her.

Sakura sighed before coughing. Feeling something wet on her lips, she gingerly touched them. When she brought them to her sight, she sighed before reaching for a tissue and wiping her lips.

"I think I'll check in on the hospital."

As the pinkette headed to the hospital, she was greeted by many on the streets. Though she was not as powerful as her old teammates, she was just as acknowledged, her medical prowess and strength having far surpassed Tsunade's.

Entering the hospital, she asked for Tsunade, who appeared to be kicking it with the ex-kage's. Well, that suited Sakura just fine.

"I'll be in my lab, if anyone needs me," she told the receptionist who watched her go.

Once her door closed behind her, the room was bathed in shadows. A sigh escaped her lips before she flicked the light switch. As the lights flickered on, the room was illuminated, revealing all her scientific equipment.

When Tsunade had stepped down and left her as head of the hospital, she was given this lab for all her experiments and projects, privacy and peace away from the chaos that is the hospital.

Moving around the lab, grabbing books and files, she finally sat down. Opening the large book on medical jutsu, she began her research.

The bloody tissue tucked away in her pocket.

Sasuke nodded his thanks to the vendor and continued on his way down the streets of Suna, regardless of the stares he received. They were nothing new to him, whether they be lustful, hateful or awe.

The Uchiha patriarch looked up at the sky with distaste. Suna was still too hot for his liking -not as if it would ever change- but it was the only village that would accept him while their Kage is off meeting with Naruto.

"Dobe," Sasuke sighed.

He bit into the tomato the vendor had offered him as he walked through the markets. As he passed the jewellers, he slowed to a stop. In the window was a beautiful cherry blossom necklace, something that reminded him of his father-in-laws necklace. Sarada flashed in his mind and a small smile pulled at his lips before he entered the store.

'I'll be home soon.'

A shadow swiftly entered the house, making no sound. Slow, purposeful steps moved within, taking in everything.

Spotting a family portrait on the wall, the stranger gave pause.

They stood before the picture, studying it.

Blood trickled down their chin as they bit their lip, furious.

"I will have my revenge. Mark my words."

Thank you all so much for all your reviews!

I never expected many to feel the way I do! Oh, it just makes me all warm and fuzzy inside!

Enjoy this update but I'm sorry it's short. The story is slow without me making it hateful and angsty.

You know what the ultimate match would have been? SasuSakuNaru.

I knew it could never happen since that's too farfetched but come on, I think the boys could share xD

No, this won't be a SasuSakuNaru story but I may write one later ;P

Screw Hinata. She can go with Kiba, I don't care.

And a lovely thanks to K-chu who has being pm-ing me and allowing me to rant a lot xD

I encourage you, my lovely readers, to write this with me. Feel free to write a review or pm me on what you'd like to see and I shall do my best to accommodate you. Within reason, of course.

I have a basic idea of what I am going to do with this but I will need more material so let's work together!

Again, thank you for all the reviews and encouragement and I'm so happy I'm not alone in the way I feel about the ending.

On a side note, I'm coming to terms with the name Sarada, as long as I ignore it's English translation to Salad. Oooooh that still annoys me...

Next chapter, I shall try to incorporate more BoltSara.

You gotta admit, that would be cute.

Can you imagine Sasuke's face if Sakura told him about Sarada possibly being with Bolt.

Pfft...I can see him looking like he just sucked a lemon.

XD

Also, since lemons are my specialty, I'll try to put some in, but it'll be hard (pfft no pun intended) since I only care to write smut starring Sakura and with Sasuke being out of town...well...shit.

I also specialise in angst and hurt (you'd realise if you've read some of my other stories, which I totally recommend btw) so things could get graphic and emotional.

That's all ^_^