I don't own Naruto, there that's my disclaimer.

Sitting down with the group, Itachi had long since left back to his hut. Learning that he wanted time alone, which no one could argue. Having gone decades of having to fight a battle that might never be won, then to see your younger brother live the same life. Sakura would never be able to comprehend what he had gone through, or the extent of the mental implications that came from it.

Wrapping up the social gathering the younger group was having, Neji and she started to make their way back to their rooms. Asking if she could join him for a moment. Clear that he was curious about what she wanted to talk about, moving to allow her in. Going to sit down, bringing out the scrolls as backup.

"What did Uncle wish to speak to you about? I'm assuming that is why you wished to see me."

Nodding, clasping her hands together. "It was more of a reminder, he actually wished for me to speak to you before our mission. Except, I forgot to read the scroll that he had given me. While we were out on our mission, I did read them. I wasn't sure how you would react. So I kept the information to myself until a time that was more suitable, unfortunately, that didn't come."

Curiosity flashed in his eyes, "What did you learn?"

"Hiashi decided to leave out an important detail about when you signed up for the task of helping my family name. With taking on that role, the seal that brands you to the main family is now nullified. He wished to know if it was still present or not. You are now no longer obligated to protect the main family, from the sound of it he does want you to support your cousin." Sakura explained, watching the boy carefully

"Thank you for not saying anything on the mission," Neji spoke softly, trying to grasp what was happening.

Handing the scrolls over to him, allowing him to read them. Wondering if this would help to clarify anything that she'd missed or questions. Because honestly, she was just as baffled.

"You're not mad?"

"Not at you. You did what you had to for our mission. This would have had my focus everywhere at that point. If I have questions, I can go to uncle now." Rolling the scrolls back up, handing them back

"He thought it best for you knowing to proceed. Also, it would be best coming from me." Reaching out to take his hand

"Yes, I do agree with that." Letting her take the offered hand, sitting in a silence

Not sure how long they sat in silence before Neji took his hand back. Moving to unwrap the bandages on his head

After sitting in silence, Neji startled her by standing up. Moving to his bathroom, Sakura followed curious as to what he was doing. Looking on as he unwrapped the bandages. Once they were off, Sakura noticed that his eyes were closed. Having not looked, peering at his forehead seeing the birdcage seal had faded. Almost like a distant memory. Letting him take his time, seeing him finally open his eyes and gazing at his reflection. Gently touching the faded seal, it was hard to see in the small mirror.

"It's almost gone." Neji spoke surprised, "Why would Uncle do this? It is supposed to protect the byakugan. Why would he pick now? Now of all times to decide to remove the seal?"

Leaning against the door frame, "He was acting strange, saying things such as times were changing, and people are no longer accepting the old style of doing things. Hinata has made it clear that that will be her first thing as the head is to remove all newborn branch members from getting seals."

"Has he gone mad?"

Laughing, "I told him that the old people in this village are confusing. He went on to say that someday I'll be one too. He didn't talk after that, just sent me on my way. I think everything that came out with Danzō has a lot of clan leaders rethinking how their clans are being run, and how they answer to one another. I mean, speaking of war used to never be allowed. Now, we were able to talk like civilized humans. What more could we ask? This might have only been the surface, but like I said on the road this affected more than what we ever saw or heard of. Like an ice cube that floats in water. You can only see a little bit, but the rest is still under the water. The layers that keep unfolding."

"You plan for everything." Neji smiled, leading her out of his bathroom and back to his room

Settling back down, "I told you so."

Laughing at her, "We should get some rest. There is a lot to do and not a lot of time to do any of it."

"You're right about that. I have to go to the hospital in the morning and debrief Lady Tsunade and the other medics about what happened with the chakra wound. They need to be prepared, if it happened while searching for the kunai then it is bound to happen during the war."

"I see. While you are out, that gives me time to visit with my team. They wish to see me."

Seeing his unhappiness about seeing his teammates, Sakura gave him a shove. "You have people who care about you. Don't get annoyed with them, treasure them. Especially with the war coming. Don't take anything for granted because nothing can be absolute for the next day." Sakura spoke standing

"You're right."

"I know. Goodnight Neji."

"Night Sakura."

Heading to her room, readying it for sleep and the next day's activities before finding sleep. Waking early, visiting her student who was still training. Sakura ate before everyone else, heading to the hospital to start the debriefing with the medics. Surprised to find her mentor there already as if she'd never left. Securing the floors, meeting in one of the halls.

"We've gathered you today as you need to be made aware of a technique that we thought was no longer being used. How many of you have heard about chakra-infused wounds?"

"Like chakra scalpels?" One of the newer medics asked

Shaking her head, looking out to the crowd waiting to see if anyone knew. "It was used during the first shinobi war," Ino spoke up

"Yes. What else?" Sakura pushed, hating being the one to do this. Tsunade took the backburner on this, giving her full reins on it.

"Depending on the severity, you can extract it." Another medic spoke

"You can, but if not trained and skilled. You can kill the patient." Hearing the gasp fills the room. "Seriously, did none of you read chapter two in your books?" Not pleased with the lack of response she was getting

Hearing the crickets of the room, Sakura growled. "You are all in a world of trouble them. Chakra-infused wounds are some of the worst wounds to treat. During extraction, if you lose a bit of concentration and you leave a chunk of foreign chakra in the wounded person's body it will kill them. Try to heal it with chakra, you will cause more damage. Use of an antidote that Lady Tsunade and myself have created, they are out cold for at least three hours. But you have to monitor them to make sure there were no other foreign bodies that were placed. Poison, hidden techniques, or even jutsus on it so it won't heal after the process of removing the chakra." Sakura spoke

Tsunade stood unexpectedly, startling most of the medics. "Get your heads out of your asses. You took the medic classes; you need to keep up on the information. You should be going back through your studies at least once a year. Or even going to study new techniques. You didn't get this far to just flat line, what happens when you get a case that needs you to do your research? Quit?" Tsunade looked out seeing all the medics shaking their heads. "Be the medic ninjas you were trained to be. Just like being a shinobi, there are always new things to learn. Whether it be from patients or books. You can never slack, you cannot let your village down. You are the heart, that is why we have the medic classes. Without medics, our ninja cannot get back in the field and defeat the enemy!"

"Hai!"

Sakura sighed, glad for her intervention. After her little spiel, everyone was asking questions. Wanting to know more, rotating who they were asking. This lasted most of the morning, Sakura taking over most of the questions. Feeling accomplished when the questions trailed off, knowing that there was a new level set for their medics. They were striving for it, and they weren't going to slow down for anything.

"Sakura, before you leave, I need you to meet me in room 205 please," Tsunade spoke leaving the hall

Looking to the blond, who shrugged just as confused. Walking together to the room, discussing what they had gone over that morning. Ino finding out why this was being brought up.

"How did you manage to heal yourself?"

Smiling softly, "It was thanks to Neji. He stepped up and helped me, I couldn't have done it without him."

"I'm glad that you have him, you two are a good match for each other. You're both brilliant and stubborn in your own ways." Entering the room finding an empty bed and their mentor

"Get in here, shut the door. You need a workup; along with your shoulder needing to be looked at. Yamanaka while you're here might as well see what a chakra wound looks like." Tsunade demanded of the two

Doing as they were told; Sakura went to change into a gown. Coming back out, Tsunade did the normal work up avoiding her shoulder. Moving to her shoulder, moving the gown displaying the four-inch scar.

"Why is there still a scar?" Ino asked

Tsunade sighed, "Because, with these wounds, you will never get rid of the scarring that is caused. The foreign chakra that is put into the body destroys the healthy cells, then the way we must heal it, especially if we are out on the field without another medic. It further breaks down the healthy cells, never returning to what they once were. Thus, causing a scar that will be a constant reminder."

"There must be other ways to heal those wounds!" Ino spoke up, furious

Tsunade smiled sadly, "If there are, we haven't been told. Sakura has traveled to find the latest medical advances; it has been a couple of years. Maybe in that time, they have found ways."

"I doubt it. Most countries have banned teaching this to their ninjas because of what it does. It is just rouge ninjas now." Sakura spoke up, feeling her sensei's chakra in her shoulder then Ino's

"Everything looks good. You took good care of yourself while away on the mission, I'm assuming that Neji is in the same state in which he left?"

Laughing at her sensei, "Hai."

"Good. Tonight there will be one last gathering, we are heading out early. Spread the word, Shikamaru found that if we leave ahead of schedule it will continue to give us the upper hand. Have you been storing chakra?"

"Hai, sensei."

"Good. Spread the message, also inform the Temari. Naruto and Kankurō already know. They were headed for ramen this morning."

Rolling her eyes, throwing her head back. Taking the clothes Ino was handing her hurrying into the bathroom. "You'd think that after all this time, he'd find something healthier to eat!" Sakura spoke so the other two women could hear her

"You know that won't happen. It's ingrained into that boy's head; all we can hope is that when he marries Hinata that his ramen intake might decrease." Tsunade spoke

Coming out adjusting her top, laughing. "That's funny, he'll just stop and grab a cup of ramen on his way to the Hokage Tower."

"That's so true!" Ino laughed

"Alright, you two. Go, tell Temari, Hiashi and Itachi. Most of the others have been informed, if you see someone while out and about make sure they know."

"Together?" Ino asked

"Of course. How else would you go together?"

"We could split and go separate ways, speed up the process," Sakura said

"No, as your head medic, I'm telling you to go together. It will be good for both of you to get out of the hospital together, it has been some time."

"Shishou-."

"Sakura, just do it. Whatever you two have going on, get over it. The focus needs to be on getting our village prepared. Take the small packs that the first years have been making and pass them out on your travels, they're down by the front doors. Every ninja should have one, if you run out then we'll get more made up. You have your jobs, get them done." Tsunade smiled, leaving the room

Sakura smiled, but internally she was annoyed. Heading to the front doors, filling a couple of packs each heading out. Starting their journey in silence, passing out the packs to every ninja they saw. Making sure they knew of the change of plans, which most of them did. Most were thankful for the packs that they'd received. Saving talking to the three particular ninjas until the last moment. Having gone back and forth to the hospital at least five times, each time the bins were restocked. Sakura sighed on the last restock.

"We must have gotten everyone by this point?" Ino spoke sitting down, taking the protein bar from Sakura

"We just have Temari, Lord Hiashi, and Itachi left. We'll give out the rest of these packs to Lord Hiashi as he'll know who is going to be going to the war. Let's go get Temari out of the way, she should have a free moment." Sakura sighed, heaving herself up

Leading the way, knowing that she should be at Shikamaru's place. Knowing that wouldn't settle well with Ino, as she still had feelings for the daydreaming boy. Landing at the door, feeling Ino tense. Sakura knocked on the door waiting for the answer when it came to seeing the sand kunoichi smiling.

"Sak!"

"Hey Temari, Tsunade wanted us to come to drop these off for you and Shikamaru. Also, she wasn't sure if you'd heard or not. We're moving out early, with our last meeting tonight. I'm assuming that is where they're going to give final details."

"No Shika has been away, so I've just been hanging out here on my own. I was hoping you'd come by, maybe I could come with you. I'll be good and stay out of the way!" Sakura watch the girl before her smirk

Looking at the blond beside her, who didn't do anything. It was too quiet, neither had spoken. If they did, it was short and simple. "I guess if you want to. We have to go meet with Itachi-san and Lord Hiashi, then we're done for the day."

"Awesome!" Moving out of the apartment, seeing that she was leaving behind her weapon

Temari started talking a mile a minute about anything, what surprised Sakura was that Ino was talking with them. The duo stayed behind while she went ahead to the Uchiha compound. Knowing that during the days, this is where the elder spent his time. Finding him in the gardens overlooking the pond they had. Taking the offered seat beside him, looking out to the beautiful view.

"I often dreamed of sitting out here once more, before my life ended."

Sakura smiled, "Now look at you. Sitting here with more than enough life in you."

"You cleaned this place up nicely." Itachi peered over at her, enjoying seeing her startled face. "You have been a constant in the Uchiha life, one that has never been afraid of us or our history."

Laughing at him, "What's there to fear? You're stubbornness? The asshole disorders? Ability to remain impartial no matter the situation?" Hearing a foreign sound, looking at her elder to see him chuckling with a small smile. Seeing that made her sigh in contentment.

"It will be good to know that in the end, there is one person that could be relied on."

"Who is that?"

Seeing him glance over at her, "You are a fool."

"You're back to speaking in riddles. I don't have months to figure them out." Shrugging, all the while smiling

"You. Of course, there is Sasuke-kun, but he is my family."

Shaking her head, "I was just doing what my mission told me to do. You are looking to far into it, Itachi."

"Whatever you say Sakura."

Sitting in silence for a while longer, "I came to bring you this." Handing over a pack, "Also, we're having one last meeting tonight before heading out." Bowing his head in acknowledgment. "Why don't you meet us outside of the Hyuga compound, you can walk with our small group?"

"Small group?"

"Naruto, Hinata, Sasuke, Neji, and I. That's all that I know of right now." Sakura answered. Nodding, "Meet us around 1830. Make sure to eat a filling dinner, or I can bring you something."

"I will eat."

"Alright. I'll leave you to your thoughts, see you later Itachi-san." Sakura stood, moving to leave

"If you go-."

"Toward the right and down the hall, it's quicker?"

Seeing him roll his eyes, turning back to the pond. Meeting back with the two girls, who began asking questions. Telling them if they were so curious, they should have joined her! Answering what she wanted to, leading them to the Hyuga compound. Thankful when she found Tenten, who took Temari off her hands. Ino asked kindly if she'd give her pack to Hiashi so she could join the girls. At first, she was going to protest it, but she nodded seeing Ino beaming. Hearing that she could join them if she chose to, they hurried off. Shaking her head, heading to meet with the head of the clan. Knowing that she wasn't expected, she knew that she'd have to wait. Relaxing during the long wait, Hiashi finally called her in.

"Sakura, please come in. I'm sorry to have kept you waiting, there is much to do before tonight."

Nodding, "I take it you've heard that we're going to be heading out after the meeting."

"Hai. It's a smart move. Do you agree?"

Taking the offered seat, setting the packs down. "There are pros and cons to both. We take them by surprise in an early morning ambush, but many of our ninjas are not trained properly to fight at that time of the day. Especially our younger ranks. Then again, if we waited then we were at the odds of an ambush, but that would have been during the day when we fight our best. Those are just some of the probabilities. Either way, it's going to be tough."

"Hai. What do you have there?"

"They are packs for whatever members are going into the fight. Just basic medic packs, to help them get to the medics or for a medic to get to them. Food ration and some chakra pills. Small but convenient. I wanted you to have them to hand out to whoever you found fit."
Handing the packs over

Taking them, "Arigotō, I will do that in a while. Have you had time to relax?"

Scuffing, "No, I'm okay. I'd rather be doing something, than sitting idly by."

"It won't hurt anything right now. You can only prepare so much, variables change. The only constant that comes from war, is the suffering it causes. Take the time to do nothing for a moment."

"Hai." Sakura bowed slightly

"Neji came home an hour or so, he should be in the gardens."

Smiling, thanking him. Being dismissed, moving to go find the boy. Finding him sitting on one of the benches, taking the seat next to him. Offering him a smile when he looked up, earning one in return. Taking her hand, looking back out to the gardens. They were in full bloom; it was hard to believe in just a couple of months they would be changing. Enjoying the silence, surprised to see Sasuke come sit on the grass across the pathway from them. Before long Hinata and Naruto had joined them as well. Looking at the time, it was time to head to the compound gate to see if Itachi would be joining them. Finding him standing there waiting, had Sakura smiling internally. Nodding to the elder, they walked to the meeting destination.

Listening to the plan, it was a rather simple one. Take out as many of the lower ranks, working towards Madara. Sakura, Naruto, Neji, Sasuke, Temari, and Kankurō would work their way toward Madara first and foremost. Clearly making Naruto happy, yipping with excitement to kick some bad guy's ass. For once, his mood was contagious. The rest of the ninjas agree, cheering. One hour before they left, they were to gather their things and get ready to leave. Heading their separate ways, not wasting time. Everyone was back at the main gates, ready to leave. In their separate groups, chatting and waiting for the go-ahead. Once the go-ahead was given, everyone grew serious taking off. Breaking apart into the formation that was discussed. From here on out, their fate lay in the training and work they put into this style of life.

Starting with an upper hand, their village was trying to keep it that way. With the reinforcements they were receiving it would help, it would not be a quick fight. It had been three days now. Sakura hadn't seen or heard from Neji in almost two. Having been broken apart almost immediately after the attack began, being stuck with Itachi. How? She wasn't sure how he managed to remain beside her through it all. All she could hope was that the rest of her family was doing well. Word from the medic tent, they were all fairing well. Never seeming to get there at the same time.

Back-to-back with Itachi at the moment, the odds were not in their favor. Knowing that they were close to the epicenter. The epicenter being Madara. Having already heard the sad story of how he was betrayed. Telling those that would listen to him, what his life was like before all the betrayal. Sakura scuffed, earning a look from her company.

"It's all about how you let the betrayal affect you. Yeah, it kicks your ass." Sakura spoke, deflecting an attack trying to go on the offensive. Thanks to her partner, it worked. "But there is always going to be some form of betrayal. No matter what. It's a part of life, you live with it. If you let it haunt you, it will consume you and you become like him. A madman who wants nothing but blood."

Hearing a hn in response, pissed her off. Taking it out on the enemy, moving closer to the target. Seeing Naruto and Sasuke moving closer as well, but no sign of the others.

"Sakura!" Turning, watching Itachi fling himself in front of an attack

Moving without thinking, saving him from worse damage. Taking down the opponent quickly, seeing that they were finally alone. Moving to the man seeing a large hole in his side. It was her fault that he'd gotten hurt, if only she'd been paying attention to the battle at hand.

"Itachi, stay with me." Moving to start healing him. Slowly releasing her built-up reserves, having already sent the flare out. Once the medics came and got him, the bleeding had been slowed. But he was by no means coming back to the battle. Turning, knowing what she had to do. For the first time in years, releasing the built-up chakra she'd been storing with the strength of a hundred seals. Going to join her teammates, it was time to end this.

"Sakura-chan! What happened to you?"

Hearing her loud teammate, helping them to fight the last opponent before Madara. "Not now Naruto."

"How's my brother?"

"Stupid. He took a hit for me, which I could have easily healed from. But he's mending, I started healing him before the others took over." Hearing the notorious 'hn'

Glad that Madara just kept talking over everyone, letting the three of them get close to him. Starting the final battle with him. Glad for the added boost that she had, needed to keep up with the other two boys. If Naruto didn't give her a heart attack now, he never would. Get hit, get back up. Sasuke and she avoided the hits, knowing that they wouldn't be getting up as quickly. Hearing the madman continue to run his mouth, spewing his life.

"Can't you just shut up?" Sakura asked him finally, hearing Sasuke chuckle

"Oh, getting annoyed, are we? Your village has been a thorn in my side, it is time to be rid of your lot once and for all."

"Thorn in your side? Have you looked in the mirror lately?" Naruto asked, them standing together watching what used to be a man laugh at them

Watching him laugh, he turned to let the trio see who was coming up from behind him. Obito and Kabuto, approaching from the backside.

"What the hell is going on?" Sakura asked, stepping back to be closer to her teammates

"Looks like you three need some assistance." Hearing behind them

Looking behind them to see Guy, Kurenai, and Shikamaru. "There was a time that I'd love to battle you alone Sakura-chan but knowing what I do we brought some reinforcements." Hearing Kabuto snide

"I'll kick their ass and take you down," Sakura spoke, ready to go into action

"Not yet Sakura," Kurenai spoke, waiting to see what would come from all of this

Sakura didn't like where this was going, something wasn't right. Had she known that Kabuto had been involved, there would have been a lot more training and preparation. He'd gone off the radar, but they should have known that he was around with the random pop-up of old faces, a typical Oro trick. One that could only be pulled off by one of his closest men, the one that used to be his arms. Watching what once was Madara, had everything within the group not gasp.

"It was only time that we were building. We couldn't have all the fun start right away, right?"

"He was just a puppet. For how long?" Naruto asked

Hearing the laugh from the duo, "Long enough, everyone had to believe that Madara was still the one in power. Even Itachi, who decided to betray us. Only if we'd caught onto that before seeing that on the field. Where is he now?" Kabuto asked, looking at Sakura

"Why do you care if he's dead or not?"

"Oh, he did die. I'm sorry Sasuke-kun, did you get to do the honor yourself?"

Snarling at the man, "Go to hell."

"Only if you go with me!"

"You've been the one in charge then. What do you have against us?" Naruto shouted

Seeing the smirk, "I guess you'll find out." Watching him disappear with Kabuto performing seals bringing upon new members of their past

"Can I go now?" Sakura turned to Guy, who nodded

Seeing that Madara was one that was being resurrected, Guy was the one to face off with him. Hoping the rest of the group would stay safe.

Following Kabuto through the battlefield, stopping momentarily to get hits in them moving again. Knew that she shouldn't be using her peripheral vision to scope out the field for a certain ninja, but she couldn't help it. Finally stopped, not spotting the boy turning her attention to the monster before her having a stare down. Waiting to see who would make the first move.

"The moment I've been waiting for. Or should I say we've been waiting for? I can see you itching in your skin to start this fight with me."

Holding in her scuff, "The only thing I'm waiting for is a time that I don't have to worry about your inconsistent banter."

Starting to walk around her, eyeing her up and down. "How does it feel to yet again, be pushed away from the main battle? Not good enough to fight Obito like Sasuke-kun and Naruto."

"I'm done comparing myself to them. Why do you feel you need to compare me to them? Compensate for something you lack?" Sakura smirked, hearing the halter in his footsteps

"But you're still a part of their team. You're still the weakest link. The one that won't ever have enough power to go against a strong opponent." Biting her cheek from talking before thinking "Oh, is that where it's sensitive?"

"No. Because it took a long time to understand that power isn't just defeating an opponent. It's outsmarting them, being ahead of them, watching and waiting, and most importantly; not taking the bait." Smirking, drawing in the rope hearing his gasp. Starting their last battle.

Not wasting her chakra to uphold the genjutsu to hide her injuries, she left them open for Kabuto to see. This time, she might not have had all the preparations she wanted. But she knew that she had her brain and that was one thing others didn't have. Granted, they were a fair match. Staying one step or even two steps ahead of him, meant that she remained offensive. Knocking him down, wearing him down.

"Sakura-chan, I never envisioned you to be the type of person to play with their opponent so much."

Nodding her head, stepping up her game. Finally letting out her chakra scalpels, matching him. Surprising him when she wasn't aiming for major organs. "What are you getting at?"

Watching him not be able to hold his arm up, then the other. Sakura moved to stand a cross from him, standing tall.

"First rule you're supposed to remember is to never underestimate your opponent. Yet, every time we battle it seems you underestimate what I can do. You became cocky, and thought all I was doing was playing with you. Little did you realize, that my chakra scalpels are so much more. You don't need to worry about it anymore." Sakura moved in a flash to stand in front of Kabuto

"Sakura-chan-." Refusing to listen to him any longer, Sakura delivered the final blow

At that moment, feeling a surge of power knocking her off her feet. Wondering what the hell was going on, moving around the battlefield and checking on the other fallen comrades. Healing those that needed it, while looking around and assessing the situation. Hearing that the battle was finally over, Naruto and Sasuke had defeated Tobi, Obito, and Madara. The whole shebang. Whoever was in charge and causing the chaos, they were down. Looking like Konoha and the rest of the great nations were the victors.

Hurrying along, seeing Shikamaru and Temari reuniting. Along with teams and other couples. Looking around not seeing her team or boyfriend.

"Hey, Sakura!" Hearing her name, Sakura turned to see the duo standing on a hill

Looking closely, she could see that Neji was standing next to Sasuke. Smiling, seeing that he was alive. Hinata, Guy, and Kakashi were there with them. Only focusing on one person, she moved in their direction. Running to him, not thinking. Letting the emotions drive her body. Glad to feel Neji catch her, wrapping his arms tight around her.

"Every time we went to the med unit, we tried to stay and overlap. Tsunade got mad at me and told me we needed to get back to work."

Hearing him chuckle, "Would you believe she did the same with me?"

Laughing, glad to feel the safety of Neji's arms. Being set down, Sakura pulled back, startling the group around them. Kissing Neji, who willingly allowed it. Hearing Naruto starts to say something, then the muffled sound of it. Pulling back, smiling at him then covering her face in his chest from the embarrassment of the moment catching up. Neji wrapped his arms around her, giving her time to get over the emotions.

Finally, over it, she turned to the group that had grown. Smiling to the group, who looked to Naruto for the next move. Taking a moment, looking to Hinata and then Sakura, saying that it was time to get everyone back to their homes. Spreading the word that the battle was over, helping to send the fallen ninja back to their home countries. It was time to head back to their homes, heal their wounded, mourn their losses, and more importantly fix the damage that had been caused.

"Sakura!" Sighing, but going to the voice for the ninth time within the hour

Trying to contain her annoyance, "What do you need Shishou?"

"All our wounded have been accounted for?"

Nodding, "I have checked Ino's work three times. All our deceased were taken to the morgue, with all of them being accounted for. I have over saw everything, and everyone has been accounted for. What are you worried about?" Sakura asked, stopping her mentor who'd been pacing the office space all morning

Since the victory, her sensei had been on edge. It wasn't unusual. It was almost expected, but this was extreme even for her. Watching the older lady go and sit down at her desk, "Sakura, I'm getting old. This battle has, for better words taken its toll on me. I received word that you were battling Kabuto. It was Kakashi and my hope that you were to be the one to help your teammates. To cut the story short, I was called out to the battlefield. Fighting against Madara with Guy."

"He put you in one of his illusions," Sakura spoke, not having to ask

"Not exactly. Using what little chakra I had to end Madara, he ended up with one final attack. It gets muddled, with seeing Dan and gaining chakra. After that, we met up on the field when I sent you off to help others. Because after all the fighting, I was running on the bare minimum."

"You sound like you made a mistake. To me, it sounds like you did everything you had to. Why are you second-guessing everything."

"Because I'm not where I should be. It's as if I don't have the power, yet Kakashi still hasn't taken full control of being Hokage."

"Maybe, it's all just a title? I saw you out in the thick of the battle, fighting. Doing what you do, shishou. From my perspective, you are still every bit as powerful as the day I met you. Yeah, you have aged. Who doesn't? You protected our village; you guided us through some of the darker days."

Hearing her mentor laugh, looking at her. "When do you become so philosophical?"

Laughing back at her teacher, "You did have me spend the last couple of years with the Hyuga clan."

Laughing together. "I heard about what happened on the battlefield."

Flushing at her mentor, forgetting how fast word traveled. Even during times of war. "Yeah." Keeping it simple. Not sure what her mentor was getting at.

"It's been a week now, have you talked about it?"

Shaking her head, "We've both been busy. When we have seen each other, it's almost been weird."

"How so?"

"We've worked so hard to remain neutral, that doing this. I don't know. Hanabi was accepted into the healer's academy for training. Lord Hiashi and I have a meeting after this to discuss what the next steps are."

Stopping what they were doing, sitting down. "What are the next steps?"

"I'm thinking that it is about time that the small hut that is on the piece of land I received is used. Move there, build up from there and maybe start going on regular missions again. Maybe help rehabilitate Itachi and Sasuke into village life, Naruto mentioned that the other night at dinner."

"Where is Neji in all of that?"

Sighing, "I don't know."

Tsunade placed a hand on her shoulder, "Don't let him slip away. I've seen how you look at him, it's how I used to look at Dan. Everything is just right with them, without a lot of work. You've put everyone in front of you, Sasuke, Naruto, and the village. It's time, maybe for just this once, you take this for yourself. You never know when it might be gone."

Meeting with Hiashi later in the day. He wasn't as straightforward as her mentor but knew from how questions were asked, he wanted to know too. Trying to remain vague, because how could she answer these questions when she didn't even know? Finalizing that she'd be moving out tomorrow. Going back to Kakashi and Tsunade, having them set up a team to help the move. Dinner that night was awkward, nothing Hiashi or Naruto did help. Finishing dinner, Sakura hurried out after saying goodnight.

Waking up to find Sasuke and Itachi at her door after breakfast. "What are you two doing here?"

"Community service."

Smirking at them, pointing them in the direction of where she wanted her things. Having them come and go a couple of times, not realizing how much she'd accumulated here. Gathering the few things out of storage, ready to leave the compound. Finding Neji in the gardens, offering a soft smile.

"All done moving your things?"

Nodding, "Yeah. I wanted to come by before I headed out."

"I'm sure you're excited to have your own place; you've always said that this place is too big for your taste."

Chuckling, "It is big, but there were some enjoyable parts about being here."

"I hope you enjoy your new place," Neji spoke, leaving their conversation there

Sakura bit the inside of her lip, "Alright, you could come too if you want. I need to get going."

"See you later." Shocked at his blunt nature, it was a sudden change. Sakura held her sigh, leaving the compound.

"Why are you letting her walk away?" Neji turned to see Hiashi

"Is it not apparent she wants her space." Hearing his uncle laugh at him, coming to sit next to him

"She asked you to come. She wants you with her, not space from you. Space from here."

"How can you tell?"

"She said you could come. It is no secret that you two shared something on the battlefield, it's time for you two to talk. Stop avoiding her."

Seeing him stand, walking away. Thinking about what he said, knowing he was being a pain in the ass. Standing up, getting over himself hurrying to the pink-haired girl's new place. Seeing that she was alone, standing on the small porch. Walking up, seeing her shocked face. Not stopping until he was standing in front of her. Pulling her to him, giving her a kiss.

"Neji?"

"We should talk. Before that, you said I could come?"

"It was going to get lonely without you. I've gotten used to you being around."

Hearing him laugh, "You make it seem like you want me to move in."

"That is what I'm saying. There are separate rooms, but I want you around."

"Sakura-."

"No, I'm not being rash. I don't want to waste any more time, this war has brought everything into perspective." Speaking quickly, proud she got out her feelings. "I haven't felt like this with anyone before. This is what I wanted to feel before the betrayal Sasuke put our family through."

"I agree with you. You're never rash, you always have a plan for everything you do. No matter how crazy it seems." Placing a hand on her face

"You're the same way too." Sakura smiled, trying not to think of the intimate position they were in

"Then you know I've thought about this question. Marry me?"

"Neji? Isn't it a bit soon?"

"We don't have to marry right away. Lee and Tenten are looking at the next couple of months. Naruto and Hinata have begun the process. They are looking at next winter, that gives us a couple of years if you want." Trying to persuade her

Scared, but remembered what her mentor said. Everything was just right with him. "Yes." Barely above a whisper

Seeing him pause, with shock filling his eyes. "Yes?"

Nodding, "Yes!"

Feeling him pick her up, holding her tight. Taking the moment to hug him back, relishing the moment. Once her feet were back on the ground, Neji pulled back. Taking her hand slipping the simple ring on her finger, one that she'd seen while on their travels. Smiling at the token of affection. Deciding to tell Hiashi of the news sooner rather than later, getting a bag for Neji until Itachi and Sasuke were available for some more community service. The duo waited a couple of weeks before telling most of their friends, wanting to wait until their place was organized and they could do a picnic.

Their close friends had finally arrived, enjoying the beautiful day. The missions were slow, all the nations had come to an agreement at the time. It was time to rest and heal themselves. Having a date that international missions would resume, it was the first time that something to this magnitude had been accomplished. Kakashi and Tsunade were the only two not to attend, still working out kinks in the system and fixing moles. Wanting to flush out anyone else who had been working with Hoga and Danzō.

"Sakura-." Turning to the blond that had come with Sai

"What is it Ino?" Asking her before she got annoyed

"Thank you for letting me stay, Sai didn't mention what we were doing. He said something about ugly wants us at her house. I didn't realize it was yours."

Chuckling at her nickname, "Yeah, he gave that nickname to me a long time ago, I don't even pay attention to it anymore. It's become second nature to hear that as a name anymore. It's also clear that if I want him to be a part of my life, you're going to be around. Just something that we're going to have to come to terms on. I don't want to lose him as a friend, you don't want to lose him as your boyfriend."

Seeing her nod, "I think that's something we both can agree on. I'm not saying we're going to be friends anytime soon, just it would be nice that we can be civil towards one another."

There could be something said for finally getting over the childish antics. "That would be nice. Alright, now that we've eaten and had some time to talk together." Standing changing the topic, giving a nod going to find Neji.

As she found him; he knew that it was time to announce their news. "Alright, I'm sure everyone is curious why we asked you here."

"Clearly it's because you two are a couple," Naruto spoke up

Everyone sighed, with Naruto shrugging. "Yes, we are a couple. We wanted to let our closest friends know that we are engaged." Letting the cat out of the bag

"Really!?" Naruto bounced over to them

Sakura smiled at her brother, "Yes, really." Feeling him hug her

"I'm so happy for you." Hearing him speak softly

"Thank you, Naruto."

Having him pull back, letting the others move to them. Sakura noticed that there were two that were standing at the back, deciding to deal with them after a while. Glad to hear that their announcement was being received well by their group. Spending some time talking about it, answering the many questions. Finally the group started to bid their farewells; Sakura met with the one sulking.

"Your sulking is bringing the mood down," Sakura spoke casually, taking a seat in the grass beside them. Hearing the normal 'hn', took that as her cue to continue. "Why? You should be happy like everyone else; you even told me to be happy."

"I am happy."

Scuffing at him, "Pouting on the edge of the party shows how happy you are." Knowing he was rolling his eyes at her, "You'll get your life figured out. You've made it back home, there is progress there. Instead of focusing on everything around you, take this time to work on yourself. The focus has been, will this make me strong in their eyes, will this make them proud? Why not do it for yourself?"

"You are starting to sound just like your fiancé's family."

Smirking, "Well they do know a thing or two about being self-centered."

Glad to hear him start chuckling. "Maybe you're right."

"I know I'm right. I'm not the head medic for nothing." Seeing him bob his head. "Plus, I went through a healing process too. It's not easy. Healing yourself is probably the hardest thing to do. It's easy helping others to heal themselves but working on yourself is something else entirely. You need to focus on the things you don't like. The things that you despise. But you need to realize that this is who you are, there is only one you. There is no one else like you, you accept yourself by taking care of yourself. Treating yourself. Allow yourself the training with your teammates, and step away from something that was causing stress. Break the monotony, as Tsunade-shishou did with me by sending me on a mission. Small steps, it doesn't happen overnight. Hell, sometimes I remind myself that I need to take care of myself."

"Thanks, Sakura." Seeing a small smirk, knowing that was as close to a smile that she'd ever get

"Welcome. Think of this as a way of trying to clear my conscious for almost killing you."

Chuckling together, "You've done a lot to fix that. I'm proud of you and happy for both of you, I'm going to take my leave."

"Alright, Sasuke." Standing together, giving the other boy a hug. "Take care. If you need to talk-."

"Don't worry. I know where you and Naruto live."

Smirking watching him leave. Having Neji come to stand beside her, "Everything okay?"

"Yeah, I think so. He's in a bad place, similar to mine."

"It's a good thing that he has a teammate and friend like you."

Smiling to her fiancé, "Thanks."

"You have one more to talk to, don't you?"

Laughing, "How'd you know?"

"It's not hard to tell, she's been sitting next to Sai with a dumbfounded look."

"Yeah, let me go get this over with." Rubbing her face, before heading over

Doing the same as she did with Sasuke, sitting beside the couple. Neji beckoned Sai over, giving the girls some space.

"What is the matter?" Sakura asked, cutting to the chase

"I knew that you were close, just not that close."

"We started dating right before our mission." Sakura gave a white lie; it was during one mission. But before the start of the other, so it worked right? "I don't understand why it matters. We're not close, we don't tell each other things. That ship has long since passed."

"I guess, it's because I'm still mad at how I reacted. It was inappropriate, I'd like to try and make it up to you."

"Ino-."

"No. We don't have to be close, just civil. Maybe we won't be best friends again. I'd like it so if we see each other in a store, we don't have to run the other way."

Nodding, "Alright, we can work on it."

Seeing her smile, pausing for a moment. "Thanks. Seeing how everyone else is leaving and how Sai is frustrating your fiancé, we should take our leave."

Laughing, walking over to the duo. Hearing the normal from Sai, rolling her eyes. He'd grown on her; it would take Neji time to get used to him and his antics. If that was possible! Parting ways, saying goodbye to their other guests.

"Should we go tell Uncle now? Being as he refused the invitation?"

"Yeah, that's a good idea."

Picking up, they headed to the Hyuga compound. Waiting to see Hiashi once they were able to see him. It came as no surprise that they had finally decided to start the next process in their relationship. Sitting talking for a while longer before heading to their next stop. Finding them where they assumed them to be. Their reactions were a little more reactive, Tsunade hugged her while Kakashi's smile could be seen behind the mask. After having a small celebration in the Hokage tower, they headed home. Chuckling at the thought passing through.

"What's so funny?"

Looking at her partner, figuring out the chuckle wasn't just in her head. "For the first time in a long time, the place I sleep is considered home." Looking at the boy next to her almost to their home

Taking her hand in his, "It seems that it is not so much the place but the people within the place that make it a home."

(I am so sorry again for this taking so long. I hope you enjoy this last chapter before the epilogue, it has been a great journey. This has been a long time coming, please leave it some love if you've enjoyed it.

P.S. I'm sorry if the battle scene was crappy, they are not my strong suit but I tried. Also, as with everything else it has been modified to hopefully I covered the basics while putting a twist on it ~DQ)