The next morning Tsunade showed up to escort the four orphans to the training grounds along the way she explained what they'd be taught which was basically the same thing as the day before "What but that's so boring" Yahiko grumbled.
Sakura's brows raised into her hairline "Someones a little cranky this morning" she tapped him on the arm wondering what was wrong, then she realized it, today they'd be starting their jobs, while she got one extra day.
Yahiko sulked "You're lucky Sakura-chan, getting the day off" he sighed "And you'll be all alone to until we get off" he cringed not liking the idea at all, the pinkette pulled him into a quick side hug doing the same for Nagato and Konan, who were pouting just as much.
"I'll think I'll manage, besides I'll be able to pick up things from the store, the divider and nightlight to start, dog food, maybe some weapons" Sakura grinned teasingly, it's not like they wouldn't be able to see her, but she knew better than to distract them from work.
"Might even go by the origami store and by some decorations for the house" she shrugged with an inward smile 'Children are so easy to please, just say one thing like visiting them, and wham they are happy' Sakura giggled to herself.
Tsunade peered over her shoulder having heard the conversation "What the heck are you brats talking about, getting off, and being alone" she furrowed her brows together in confusion, it was bizarre and she wanted to know.
Nagato chose to answer "We all got a job yesterday so Jiraiya-sensei doesn't have to buy us things constantly and out of the four of us, only Sakura-chan doesn't have to go in to work today" he said as a cloud of gloom hung over his head.
"It's okay Nagato-kun, think about all those puppies and kittens and other exotic animals that you'll get to interact with and feed and play with" Sakura quickly cheered him up with bright smile and taking his hand so they were walking close together like usual.
His answering smile was just as equally as bright "Thanks Sakura-chan" Nagato mumbled shyly a second later, bringing a smile to Konan's face, and a smirk to Yahiko's, he just knew it that one of these days the red head and Sakura would be together, in fact he was counting on it happening.
When they finally reached the training grounds, Tsunade decided to take the two boys first "Yahiko, Nagato with me first today" she ordered leading them a little ways away, she wasn't going to teach them everything, just how to heal someone and broken bones.
Jiraiya gestured to Sakura leaving Konan with Orochimaru, everything was reversed, "Okay you struggled somewhat yesterday Sakura, so let's see you use that little trick" Jiraiya scolded lightly pointing to the tree.
Sakura was tempted to hit him, but concentrated on focusing her chakra into her feet without the use of hand signs again, it was a difficult task, much harder, but she was determined to learn no matter what, that way in a fight she'd be able to throw someone off.
Already feeling tired "Why don't you just use the hand sign to focus you're chakra" Jiraiya huffed not wanting to deal with Sakura's self proclaimed training, ninshu had died out a long time ago, and yet someone was trying to bring it back, it was ridiculous.
"Because Jiraiya-sensei..." Sakura started sweetly pushing chakra into her feet moving it along the chakra points with great struggle "This is what I decided, and this is how I'll train from now on" she grit out forcefully until her feet were encased in a blue glow.
Not having expected her anger, or the fact she'd managed to produce chakra in her feet, Jiraiya remained silent, before he came out of it, "Right now that you've managed to focus you're chakra into you're feet, let's see you climb that tree, get a running start" he instructed.
This was the easier part of the training and Sakura smiled "Okay Sensei" she exclaimed, though inwardly she was smirking as she ran full speed at the tree, her feet hit the base of it and she ran all the way to the desired branch before sitting "How's that for my training Jiraiya-sensei" Sakura snickered from her spot.
All eyes turned to her and Sakura tamped down on her urge to gloat, nothing good would come of it, and Yahiko, Nagato and Konan would just pout, though if she was being truthful, it had hurt a lot when she'd ran up the tree, she'd probably sprained a muscle with her struggling.
"Good job, though I don't really understand how a kid has that good of chakra control" he mumbled the last part as he praised the pinkette, a couple minutes later Jiraiya realized Sakura wasn't coming down, but when he gestured for her to, she shook her head.
Sakura grimaced "Well I think I pulled a muscle in my leg or something" she admitted sheepishly, Orochimaru chuckled but Jiraiya walked up the tree and got her down, even though it was embarrassing being carried like he was carrying her.
A few seconds passed before Tsunade came storming over to her "Stupid brat are you trying to piss me off" she growled kneeling next to Sakura hands already glowing green, "You did pull a muscle" she nodded confirming the pinkette's suspicion.
When the pain went away, Sakura sighed in relief "Thanks Tsunade-shishou, and I'll try extra hard to heal the rind today" she flashed the blonde a kind smile, and the woman froze before her lips twitched upwards in a small smile of her own.
If they were being honest with themselves, none of them would have taken an interest in the quartet of orphans if it hadn't been for the pinkette, Jiraiya might have, but neither she or Orochimaru would have, and it confused her, Sakura was so different than an average seven year old.
Once Tsunade was stood in front of the two boys again, she had them repeat the hand signs she'd showed them calling healing chakra into their hands to heal the melon, "Good Nagato, add just a little more chakra" she instructed before turning to Yahiko.
"You're using to much, lessen the flow of chakra so you don't harm the melon" Tsunade ordered carefully, it was never a good idea to scare a kid especially when they were using chakra, she'd do more harm than good, and they'd wind up hurt.
Yahiko swiped his forehead forcing himself to use less chakra "Okay Tsunade-sensei" he nodded trying his best, the bright green glow lessened and half an inch of the rind started mending together, it was a slow process but at least he was getting it.
Nagato on the other hand was doing quite well considering, even if he was taking his time, the melon rind was healing and though his eyes were hidden, they were filled with self pride, he was doing this, they were doing this for Konan and Sakura, to be able to heal them if they were injured.
Across the field with Orochimaru, Konan was trying to replicate the technique both Jiraiya and the raven haired male had showed her concentrating as hard as she could with her eyes closed, to focus chakra in her feet, to make them proud.
She didn't want to be left behind by the others, their motto was share the burden, with that in mind and complete focus, Orochimaru watched as Konan's feet were fully encased in the blue glow of chakra, "Well done Konan" he praised lightly then pointed at the tree.
Konan took off amber eyes filled with her own determination, she would do it, she knew she could, it was a matter of practicing, her feet hit the bark of the tree and Konan kept running as high as she could, though she didn't quite reach the branch before tumbling back down.
Orochimaru caught her just before she hit the ground "Thanks Orochimaru-sensei, I'll try again" Konan smiled sheepishly when her feet were placed on the ground again, he moved away to let her try again, and again until an hour and a half had passed.
Then Tsunade toted the girls off to her side of the training grounds, while the boys were told to practice tree climbing again, "Okay this time I want to actually see some progress from the both of you" the blonde ordered slashing the melons.
The bluenette started in immediately with the hand signs, while Sakura used the same technique from yesterday, managing to keep her green glow without struggling or gasping for breath, then she placed her hand over the melon and the rind started mending.
Sweat beaded on their foreheads as they did their best to heal the melons their shishou wanted them to heal, until Konan got frustrated "What's the reason of practicing on melons" she sulked when she couldn't manage healing the rind.
"I'm surprised at you Konan" Tsunade shook her head keeping her eye on Sakura in case the pinkette got to tired and became on the verge of chakra exhaustion, "You want to be able to heal you're friends right" she asked the bluenette.
Konan immediately nodded "Well of course, I just don't understand why you have us healing the rind of a melon, wouldn't it be better if we had a living person" she waved her hands madly in the air before finally calming down.
'Guess it's time for a lesson' Tsunade nodded inwardly "The reason we are practicing on melons, is to establish the proper flow of chakra we need to use, otherwise you risk harming you're patient, or friend, or not healing them at all" she scolded.
Shock entered her eyes before shame flooded throughout her entire body "I'm sorry shishou, it's just frustrating" Konan mumbled her apology, she hadn't meant to get angry and throw a fit but it was difficult, and she didn't want to be the last one to get it down.
"It's okay Konan, just remember you don't have to be perfect right off the bat, and that practice doesn't exactly mean perfect, so long as you know how to heal someone that's all that should really matter" the blonde patted the bluenette on the head before Konan got back to work.
By the time they left the training grounds she'd successfully managed to heal part of her melon rind earning high praise from Tsunade and a beaming smile from Sakura though all of them were finding out what happened when one used excessive amounts of chakra.
Yahiko was the first one to complain "I don't think I can wait till lunch, I'm starving" the orange haired boy held his stomach as it rumbled loudly, Sakura craned her neck around to peer at him over her shoulder and their eyes locked for a moment, before she shifted her gaze onto Nagato.
The red head was just as hungry but he wasn't going to complain "Let's go eat an early lunch, then get our meditation over, afterwards you guys will set out to you're jobs" Sakura led them through the village to the tea and dango shop.
Where they all ordered vegetable and sweet potato curry and rice, along with green tea and a few sticks of dango, courtesy of Sakura "Itadakimasu" Konan exclaimed lifting her spoon and diving into her meal, she was just as hungry as the boys.
"Why are we so hungry Sakura-chan" Nagato squeezed her hand beneath the table, hoping she had a reasonable explanation for their unexplained hunger, yesterday they had gone back to their apartment, but they'd just been so hungry they couldn't wait.
Sakura paused and lowered her spoon "Well when you use up a lot of chakra, and exercise a lot, you're body will need sustenance to regain all that chakra and energy you lost while training, since we're are kids it affects us more" she explained.
"You really are like a walking dictionary" Yahiko pointed sniggering behind his hand, avoiding the slap to the back of his head that Konan aimed at him, "Ha missed me" he stuck his tongue out, but what he didn't count on was Sakura whacking him "Ow" Yahiko whined.
Amused at his friends antics Nagato took a sip of his green tea "You did kind of deserve it Yahiko" he teased lightly and the brown eyed boy lowered his hand as his cheeks turned red in embarrassment, but they each returned to their meals.
Five minutes later the quartet were interrupted "Oh there she is Shikaku, Choza, that's the girl my parents hired to help out in the Flower Shop" a familiar voice cut through the chatter of the tea and dango shop and all eyes turned to the entrance, where the clan heirs of three prominent clans stood.
Then all customers and staff followed the direction of the blondes finger to where he was pointing at a decidedly adorable looking pink haired girl, and chaos erupted in the restaurant as several women ran squealing towards Sakura.
Konan's eyes widened as their booth was swarmed by a bunch of older women and Sakura vanished from view hiding, a couple seconds later, she spied the pinkette slipping out the back entrance into the alley to escape, "Hey where did the cute one go" one woman shouted shoving another out of the way.
Outside the restaurant, Sakura bent over hands on her knee's, like hell she was going to be mobbed by a bunch of pink obsessed crazed women, laughter filled her ears "Sorry, I didn't mean to interrupt you're lunch" Inoichi's familiar voice said from in front of her.
And Sakura raised her head to see the child versions of Choza and Shikaku sniggering "It's okay, I ate enough to sustain me until dinner, though I didn't get to eat my dango" she sulked "Did you need me for something" she finally asked.
Inoichi flushed and looked at his feet sheepishly, he wasn't really good with sex of the female variety, but it was his lunch time to "I was actually going to ask if we could join you and you're friends for lunch, but we can't really go back in without getting squished to death by a bunch of girls" he shuddered.
Trying to reign in the urge to squeal just as those women had, Sakura cleared her throat "Maybe next time okay, you and you're friends can join us for lunch at our apartment, I make some good food" she offered so he'd stop looking so damn adorable.
"You're crazy, do you know how much Choza eats" Shikaku choked pointing at the long red haired boy at his side, "Wait do you even know what clan he's from", the pinkette shook her head going along with it, though she already knew it was better if she didn't try to answer, there was no way she'd be able to come up with a lie for how she knew.
Shikaku let out a long suffering sigh "Okay listen up, Inoichi already said you come from outside the village, so we'll explain just this once, I'm Shikaku Nara, from the Nara Clan, we use shadows as our primary jutsu" he started.
Then pointed at Choza "He's Choza Akimichi, from the Akimichi clan, they can expand their body to epic proportions, but they need to eat a lot and whatever you do never call him what he looks like, he gets mad" Shikaku explained.
"And I'm from the Yamanaka Clan, our primary jutsu is mind transfer and manipulation" Inoichi joined in cheerfully and Sakura fought down her urge to squeal again, but she nodded to each boy and took a deep breath.
"Thank you for taking the time to explain Shikaku-san, but I make a lot of food anyway and whatever we don't eat goes to our puppy, so I'm gonna extend the offer again, you're welcome to eat lunch with us tomorrow, all three of you, especially you Choza-san" Sakura smiled sweetly, smirking inwardly.
The Nara heir was probably thinking she was crazy again, but it was no skin off her back, "You know you're really to sweet" Choza walked forward until he was stood before the pinkette, she flashed him a bright smile and went to say something, but her three friends came charging out of the restaurant.
"Sakura-chan help, all those girls" Yahiko ran and ducked for cover behind her to cower, Nagato and Konan weren't far behind, and then a gaggle of women were on their heels, Sakura froze and really wanted to hit the orange haired idiot for leading them straight to her.
"IT'S THE PINK ONE" someone screamed as they flew towards the children, and Sakura made a split decision, focusing chakra into her feet easily with a hand sign and ran up the wall of the building next to the restaurant.
Yahiko's jaw dropped "TRAITOR" he shouted as he was scooped up in the arms of a women and smothered with hugs and kisses, until his hair was mused beyond repair, "Ah Come on I'm not a baby anymore" he sulked really put out.
"Sorry Yahiko-kun, Nagato-kun, Konan-chan, every girl or boy for themselves" Sakura called over her shoulder racing across the rooftops, Inoichi, Shikaku and Choza following her to also escape from being coddled or mobbed by all those girls.
Five minutes later, Konan and Nagato managed to flee from the scene after wriggling out the hold of the women who were hugging them, and ten after they'd gotten away Yahiko found himself on his feet and covered in lipstick, it was all over his face.
"Gah disgusting" he rubbed his cheeks trudging down the streets to the apartment he shared with his friends, half way there Nagato, and Konan joined him "I can't believe you guys abandoned me" Yahiko pouted and Konan smiled innocently.
"Sakura-chan was right every boy or girl for himself, I'm surprised they let you go, though I don't think we'll be going back to that restaurant any time soon" she shuddered brushing her hair and splashing some water on her face, in less than thirty minutes she had to be at the origami shop.
While Yahiko had a full hour before he had to be at the weapons shop, and Nagato had a thirty extra minutes to be at the pet shop he'd gotten hired at to help with the younger pets and keep them calm and feed them and over all keep them happy until they were adopted.
Just before she was to walk out the door, it opened to reveal Sakura and Yahiko lunged tackling her, they tousled for a moment until the pinkette emerged victorious "Are you still sore that I left you to fend for yourself Yahiko-kun" Sakura asked sitting on his back as he squirmed on the floor.
"Yes, what happened to never abandoning you're friends" he grunted trying to knock Sakura off balance, but it was proving to be more difficult than he'd originally thought it would, nor had he thought she would be able to pin him down so easily.
For just a second her emerald eyes widened before "Oh Yahiko-kun if it comes down to it and we're in the middle of a mission, no matter what I'll always be there to save each and every one of you, I knew you'd be fine, those women wouldn't hurt a kid" Sakura smiled fondly letting Yahiko up.
"Even if it means abandoning the mission" Yahiko turned no longer upset as Konan walked around them and exited the apartment holding her own little map to get to the origami shop again, it was marked so she wasn't worried about getting lost.
Sakura nodded "Yes..." she paused contemplating on telling them her favorite saying but decided to hold off until Konan was there to hear it as well "Oh by the way, we should wait for a couple of weeks before going back to the tea and dango shop" Sakura shrugged.
Fifteen minutes later, Nagato left, leaving Yahiko alone with Sakura for the first time completely "So.." he trailed off nervously, it was different being alone with Konan, the pinkette was more intense, she had stronger reactions and emotions to everything.
"Don't worry about it Yahiko" she smiled moving towards the living room to retrieve her scroll and unseal the money within, grabbing about five hundred ryo and setting it aside for later, Yahiko sat down in the recliner chair as Sakura sealed her money away again.
"What all do you intend on buying" he asked in the ensuing silence feeling awkward, it had never happened before, Sakura gave a start as she was browsing the practically empty bookcase except for the few books that Jiraiya must have gotten them.
She faced the orange haired boy, sometimes it hurt looking at him because all she saw was Pein basically they were one in the same, but she was determined not to let Yahiko die this time around, there was no way she'd become a criminal.
Then she remembered he'd asked her a question "Well some animal supplies for one, I've already got a list, books, maybe some more clothes for each of us, tags and weaponry to set up traps, a divider and a nightlight, and a few other things, is there anything you want Yahiko-kun" Sakura read off before asking.
Yahiko was quiet for a moment "What do you need a divider for, unless are you angry at Konan for being able to heal that melon more than you before sensei let us go for the rest of the day" he narrowed his brown eyes.
"Nothing like that, Konan requested that we get a divider the day before, because she wants it to seem like she has her own space in our room" Sakura shook her head answering the question with ease and Yahiko nodded in acceptance, not even considering that she might be lying, which she wasn't.
"Do...Do you think Nagato and I could get a divider as well" he tapped his finger on the chair nervously not even daring to look in Sakura's direction for fear that she would suddenly start laughing at him, that would just be more embarrassing.
Sakura grinned "Sure Yahiko, though if I were you I would get going or you'll be late" she nudged the boy from the apartment and he sped down the streets, map clutched in his hand to get to the weapons shop that he'd been employed at to make sure all the weapons were in tiptop condition.
Once he was gone, she locked the door and headed down the hall to Yahiko and Nagato's room peering at it from the door critically there were two windows in this room, and it could be equally split in half for both boys, which meant more traps and protection.
Finally she ventured from the apartment herself going to the furniture store first, along the way she ran into Shikaku "We meet again Sakura-san was it" he stared at her suspiciously, no doubt thinking her strange or crazy again, but his stance didn't change remaining loose and relaxed.
She nodded "Yes that's right and you were Shikaku Nara-san" Sakura stated continuing on her way, a couple minutes later she realized he was following her, "If there's something you want to ask, go ahead" Sakura called over her shoulder startling him.
He quickened his pace to walk next to her instead of behind "Where do you originally come from, Inoichi didn't tell us, just that you were being trained" Shikaku questioned interrogating the pinkette that was basically a stranger in the Leaf Village.
Grateful they were easy questions, "I, we, My Friends and I hail from the Rain Village, as for why we are being trained, we are orphans, and we want to be better prepared for the long road ahead of us" Sakura shrugged entering the store after glancing at her map to make it look like she was referring to it.
Shikaku followed her in, "Why here in the Leaf Village though and not in you're own country where you'd all be more comfortable and not treated like outsiders" he questioned again and Sakura was half tempted to zone him out or turn the tables on him.
But she dutifully answered "Because sensei thought it would be safer to train us here, and if someone has a problem with me, they can say it to my face" Sakura raised a fist making it seem liked she'd punch that person for even implying she was an outsider.
No matter what the Leaf Village would always be her true home, Konohagakure was where her heart really lay and she'd protect it from the shadows, just as she protected the rain orphans from their doom and Nagato's spiral into insanity.
'Poor Inoichi' Shikaku though in some amusement, the blonde had admitted that he might have a slight crush on the pinkette, but it didn't seem like she was even remotely interested, instead "So what are you doing in a store" he asked.
She resisted the urge to lob something at the boy, her first time alone in months, and she has to deal with Shikamaru's father, just perfect "I'm buying necessities for our apartment" Sakura breathed trying her best to remain calm, Nara's could be extremely annoying if they were in the right mood.
Hearing the change in her voice, Shikaku wisely stopped talking instead choosing to walk with her through the furniture store as she picked out two dividing walls, a few chairs, and a nightlight in the design of an origami angel before buying all six objects that were then sealed in a scroll.
Once they left the store, Shikaku braved talking again "Were you serious about having us all over for lunch tomorrow" he couldn't resist asking, he knew full well he was ditching class, but it was so boring and he already knew all the material anyway.
"Was that rhetorical question" Sakura twisted her head around to stare at the Nara heir, he stumbled a half step before righting himself, when he stayed silent she smirked inwardly, a moment later Sakura's shoulders slumped as he finally spoke.
"Not exactly, but it seemed like to good an offer, look I just don't want Inoichi getting hurt, or Choza" Shikaku added as an after thought, but mainly he was worried about his blonde haired friend, but there were plenty of girls out there, Inoichi was bound to find someone else to fancy sooner or later.
Sakura paused in the middle of the street "Trust me when I say this, we are trying our hardest to get along in a village not our own, why would me and my friends go around hurting someone, we aren't like that" she flicked Shikaku on the forehead with a teasing smile.
"Besides, it's nice always have friends from other villages, it's call friendship for a reason you know" she grinned skipping forward again leaving Shikaku in the dust until he decided to keep following her again, "Aren't you supposed to be at the academy" she inquired.
Not surprised in the least, Shikaku shrugged "Eh it was boring so I decided to ditch class today, my grades are already higher than the others anyway" he yawned "Have you ever played Shogi" Shikaku suddenly questioned.
She really wanted to laugh "Nope but I don't think it would be such a bad thing to learn, though I'll only have Sunday to practice" Sakura explained as they entered another store, this one was full of clothes and she hurried forward shifting through the racks to find suitable clothing.
Shikaku pretended like he was looking through the clothes but really he was keeping an eye on the pinkette, "Why just Sunday" he finally gave up pretending to ask another question, he just hope he didn't irritate her and she snapped.
Sakura tamped down on the urge to just hide "I work Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays at the Flower Shop" she announced emerging from the pile with a cute skirt that Konan was for sure to adore, then spotted the perfect shirt to go along with it.
"Oh" Shikaku scratched the back of his head finally relenting in his desire to learn more about the girl Inoichi had taken an interest in, they were only eight sure, but as they were clan heirs they had to find their potential wife early on, he'd taken an interest in a girl named Yoshino already.
Grateful for the silence, Sakura managed to pick out three more outfits for the each of them before leaving the clothing store, half way out she spotted some familiar boots and bit her lip, Shikaku slammed into her a moment later sending her sprawling out the shop door into another boy.
Feeling guilty for not having paid attention to his surroundings or that Sakura had stopped walking, Shikaku helped the pinkette to her feet "Sorry I take full responsibility if you're hurt in anyway" he apologized, but she wasn't paying him any attention.
No she was staring at the boy he'd knocked her into with something akin to horror in her emerald eyes, "Minato what are you doing here, you don't usually ditch" Shikaku asked focusing on the second blonde for just a moment.
"Sensei sent me to bring you back to the academy" his ocean blue eyes were wide and completely trained on the pinkette "Who's she" Minato dusted the front of his shirt off from dirt that had gathered on it from when she'd been knocked into him.
Shikaku cleared his throat not noticing the small trembles she was giving off "This is Sakura, she came from the Hidden Rain Village with someone to be trained here, Sakura this is Minato Namikaze" he introduced the two.
When he faced her fully, he was immediately worried, her skin was pale and her eyes were wide and frightened, then, she was on the ground "HEY" Shikaku shouted leaning over the pinkette her pulse was elevated and skin sweaty and pale.
When she'd seen him, Naruto's father, she couldn't stop from reacting in the way she had, and then all of it caught up to her, being in the past, no longer welcome in the Leaf Village, an essential outsider and Sakura blacked out for the third time since she'd come to this time.
Adults gathered in the street as Shikaku hefted Sakura onto his back "Tell Sensei sorry but I don't think I'm going to make it back to class" he stated, she was light, lighter than she should be, Minato nodded and took off back to the academy to explain the situation.
Shikaku pivoted on his heel and headed to the hospital, with her on his back it impeded his movement greatly, half way there a soft sigh came from Sakura "What's going on" the pinkette murmured, her breath brushing over the back of his neck.
"You passed out, I'm taking you to the hospital right now" he grumbled, when he said that, she quickly tried to escape from his hold, he let her go and she took several steps back "Don't move around so much" Shikaku frowned and she froze.
"Sorry, I've always passed out for no reason" Sakura lied nervously "But I'm fine now see" she jumped up and down heart pounding in her chest, "Anyway see you tomorrow for lunch with Inoichi-san, and Choza-san" Sakura waved speeding down the streets the opposite way.
She hadn't even given him a chance to speak "What a drag" Shikaku huffed deciding to just go back to the academy for the rest of the time, it was only two forty five, so at least he'd be able to get his assignments, when he entered the classroom, Minato eyed him but he shrugged not explaining.
Sakura came to a screeching halt outside the origami shop and took several minutes to calm down, why the hell had she passed out, was it because she knew the boy, and all that would happen to him, or was it just because it was Naruto's Father and she missed the blonde from the future horribly.
His fate unknown to her, did Black Zetsu kill him and Sasuke, tears welled in her eyes, and they dropped onto the ground in large droplets, for the first time in the past Sakura cried for all she'd lost until she took a deep breath and locked it all away before entering the origami shop.
Konan's amber eyes lit up "Sakura-chan" she whispered softly, she'd just placed the newest origami creations on the shelf, her and Zu had been working hard for almost two hours, hearing her employee Zu lifted her head from her book and waved.
"Hey Konan-chan, Zu-san" Sakura smiled at the bluenette before nodding politely at the elderly woman, "Which ones" she asked hoping that Konan would catch on, thankfully the girl did and she pointed discretely at the angel, the flower, and the origami fan.
Glad to have a distraction, Sakura browsed through the shop picking out her own favorites, and then some for Nagato and Yahiko, she hoped they liked them, if not she could go out and find something little boys liked, it wasn't that hard after all.
When she was done, Zu placed the origami art, all twelve of them in a little baggy for her, and Sakura handed over the money "Such cute customers" the old woman sighed with a smile as the pinkette left the shop and Konan nodded.
"What about me Zu-chan, aren't I cute" she grinned teasingly, and got a pat on the head, it was enough for her, and Konan returned to working on a new design, hoping to make the elderly woman proud, and to make other customers happy, the bell on the door tinkled.
And Konan jumped from her chair bowing like Zu had showed her "Welcome to Zu-chan's Origami, I'm Konan is there anything I can help you with or make for you today" she reeled off before lifting her head to stare at the man that had come into the shop.
Halfway down the street from the Origami shop, Sakura checked in on Nagato, he was faring well with the young animals of the Animal Shop "Hello" he greeted softly, but she knew he was happy to see her to know that she was okay, if it had been earlier, she probably wouldn't be, but she was now.
"Hi Nagato-kun having fun" Sakura gestured at the kitten wound around his neck and his cheeks flushed predictably but the red head nodded stroking her fur, seeing as she'd dawdled enough, Sakura waved and went around picking out a couple of bowls, food and water.
Then a leash, some puppy pads in case Chibi went in the apartment, it was better to start training him, so he didn't, a collar and a tag, that she planned to have his name inscribed on, some books, nutritious food and treats and a bed along with some toys, until she was done.
Once she'd bought it all, that was all sealed away as well, 'Ugh I should have brought more money' Sakura thought staring at what she had left, guess she'd be using some of her own supplies to secure the apartment that night.
With that in mind she headed to the weapons shop to see how Yahiko was doing, but left without buying anything, when Sakura got back to the apartment, she pulled her key out of her pocket but found the door already unlocked, alarm bells were ringing.
Her trip wire was still in place, and her emerald eyes narrowed as she cautiously crept down the short all and peered around the corner, all tension drained from her "Orochimaru-sensei" Sakura called just to make sure it wasn't a disguise.
He turned his head and raised an ebony brow 'That's Orochimaru alright, creepy as well, no one can pull creepy off like the snake sannin' she relaxed padding forward and setting her things on the table "What are you doing here" Sakura asked.
"I've been waiting for over an hour, I was wondering if you'd be interested in signing on with snakes in a couple of years" Orochimaru frowned, wondering where the others were but not thinking to ask for the moment.
Now that was a surprise "Sorry Orochimaru-sensei" she smiled sheepishly "But I was kind of hoping to sign on with slugs" Sakura explained feeling almost timid in the man's presence, after her fainting and crying spells earlier she was exhausted.
"Thought as much, guess, I'll just ask either Yahiko or Nagato" he shrugged not to horribly upset, he had kind of guessed that Sakura and Konan would want to sign on with Tsunade's slugs, but if there was one thing he was determined about, it was that one of the two boys would sign on with snakes.
Orochimaru gave Sakura a tiny smile and stood "See you tomorrow" he patted her gently on the head before leaving stepping over the trip wire, glad he even remembered and shut the door behind him, executing the teleportation jutsu to return home with little effort.
Back at the apartment, Sakura was setting things up around the place, giving it a little more appeal to make it seem more welcoming and homey to people they invited over, when she was done decorating the rooms, she got to work on dinner.
When Konan entered the apartment fifteen minutes after five, her eyes lit up "Sakura-chan, I'm home" she called flying down the hall to the kitchen, the pinkette was there setting this delicious looking dessert on the counter.
As if expecting her, Sakura took a step back and opened her arms, Konan latched on "Welcome back Konan-chan, did you have a fun time at the origami shop" the pinkette asked when the bluenette finally let go and sat in a chair that looked new.
"Mhm I did, you know what Sakura-chan, I've been thinking when Jiraiya-sensei, Orochimaru-sensei and Tsunade-shishou start teaching us jutsu's, I might incorporate origami into my attacks, to make it my own unique style" she chattered a mile a minute.
Paying attention to the jabbering girl and making whipped cream at the same time was easy "You know that's a pretty cool idea, Konan-chan" she nodded along with Konan to let her know she wasn't ignoring her, when really all she wanted to do was go to bed.
"Did you get new chairs to" Konan suddenly asked running her hand along the smooth wood, it was different than the other chairs Jiraiya-sensei had gotten them, these were in better condition and not so worn out, Sakura nodded silently putting cherries on top of the no bake chocolate cheesecake.
It along with the homemade whipped cream was stored in the fridge, then she got to work on making dinner, realizing that Sakura had been working just as hard, Konan hopped up to help and the pinkette flashed her a grateful smile.
By the time Nagato came home, the green beans and smashed potatoes were done, he pulled both girls into a hug "Little baby animals are cute" he whispered peering around in case Yahiko was hiding somewhere and was going to jump out to start making fun of him for saying something so girly.
"It's okay Nagato-kun, we won't laugh at you, I bet not even Yahiko would be able to resist a baby animal" Konan patted the red head on the back before returning to helping Sakura with the country fried steaks she was making, dipping them in egg, then some bread crumbs over and over again.
Then Sakura took the tongs and plopped it in the boiling oil, "Eek Sakura-chan" Konan jumped back when some hot oil came dangerously close to splashing on her hand, the pinkette cringed and checked her over worriedly taking her eyes of the steaks for just a second.
"Sorry Konan-chan, I'll be more careful" Sakura closed her eyes and took a deep breath, she had to finish no matter how tired she was, just a little longer and Yahiko would be back, then they could eat, meditate, bathe and then go to bed.
Twenty minutes later all the food was cooked, and sitting on the heat as they waited for Yahiko to come home but, both Nagato and Konan were getting worried "Are you okay Sakura-chan" the red head reached out and Sakura forced herself not to flinch away from him.
"I'm alright Nagato-kun" she smiled through her weariness, what was wrong with her, she didn't really know that either, first she faints, and now this exhaustion, it was almost as if "Oh no" Sakura murmured suddenly and stood escaping to the bathroom.
In the cabinet was a thermometer to check their temperature and Sakura quickly shoved it underneath her tongue, it was to risky to try using her chakra, a couple minutes later she pulled the thermometer from her mouth and groaned drawing Konan into the bathroom.
The bluenette entered hesitantly "Is everything alright Sakura-chan" Konan asked timidly her worry for the pinkette shining within her amber eyes, had something happened that she wasn't telling them about it made her fearful of the Leaf Village.
Sakura sighed and washed off the thermometer "I have a fever, chakra exhaustion and not getting enough to eat at lunch, plus I've been walking around, don't worry with a little rest and eating tonight's meal, I should be better in the morning" she patted Konan on the shoulder reassuringly.
"Are you certain Sakura-chan, cause you look really, really pale, like you've lost all you're color" as funny as it sounded, Konan couldn't muster up the any of the usual amusement she'd feel when one of them said something funny all she could feel was this worry taking root deep within her heart.
She held up her hand "I've read a lot of books, and I know it probably won't assure you very much, but chakra exhaustion is very common and easily treated, proper rest and good meals, though it means no meditation for me tonight" Sakura sighed.
Konan was all to happy to agree "Yeah no meditation for you Sakura-chan, after supper, you'll go straight to bed right" she stared into the pinkette's emerald eyes "Or were you intending on taking a bath" she frowned.
"Well I was put I suppose I could just take a shower in the morning" Sakura shrugged, Konan's shoulders relaxed losing their tension and they left the bathroom to find Yahiko had returned, the weapons store owner had let him go early.
The two girls apprised the boys of the situation and Nagato and Yahiko were all to eager to let Sakura eat in peace then go to bed early even promising to clean up once they were done, decided the food was dished out and Sakura ate slowly.
By the time she was finished, she was practically asleep at the kitchen table, but Nagato was there at her side, taking her hand and helping her from her chair, then leading her to her room with Konan helping her take off her shoes and then into the bed.
He even went so far as to tuck her in, the minute her head hit the pillow, Sakura was out like a light "Night Sakura-chan" Nagato whispered his goodnight tidings, tiptoeing from the room and silently closing the door Chibi took up post outside it and he smiled.
"Is Sakura-chan asleep" Yahiko turned and Nagato nodded "Good I can't believe we've been so blind" he tugged on his orange hair a scowl on his lips, they were supposed to look after each other, not push burdens off on one person.
They should have all gone shopping together, but they'd been busy, "Urgh" he dropped his head on the table and Konan pressed her lips together "Did she say anything to you in the bathroom" Yahiko faced the bluenette and she lowered her eyes before shaking her head, she'd told them everything already.
"We'll just have to believe Sakura-chan will be okay in the morning" Konan bit her lip as they cleaned washing the dishes before drying and putting them away, giving leftovers to Chibi even though he had dog food now, before flipping out the lights.
When Yahiko and Nagato entered their room, after taking their baths, they found a note "It's from Sakura-chan, just says she got the divider wall" the red head tilted his head to the side before eyeing the screen that was hooked into the wall with chakra.
He'd completely forgotten about that, "Ah yeah, I kind of asked Sakura-chan to get it so it seems like we each have our own room" Yahiko muttered sheepishly, glad to have a little space of his own Nagato smiled and the divider wall was slid into place halving the room.
Both of them changed and climbed into their beds not taking notice of the most boyish origami art that Sakura had found and bought for them, before drifting off to sleep, like Konan had, and Sakura was still in a deep sleep, which lasted through the night.