First Author's Note: Okay originally thought to Time Skip the Land of Waves arc. Eventually twisting it won out. I'm back early! Considering my mother's doctor appointment was cancelled this morning. Happy Thursday July 27th lovelies. Second Author's Note is at TBC. . .


Review Responses (THANK YOU for taking the time too):

Cat's Out the Bag:

RonaldM40196867: Christmas is my FAVORITE holiday. They do if you try hard enough. It's actually getting an animated movie but I don't have high hopes for it. Thanks for the Favorite/Follow here.

BearfootTruck: Yeah that was supposed be a hint, implying Luka knows his Love Song is Ladybug. Um no, versus means they had a fight. Kagami didn't need to try. She kicked Alya's butt. No worries I'm back now, so yes highly looking forward for this Saturday.

elijahhedgemond: Sweet, any suggestions for what you want for the next chapter? Kagami got satisfaction from assaulting Alya. No one hurts Marinette without the fencer breaking them.

Not A Clean Break:

BearfootTruck: Yeah, writing it I did cry. Adrigami of together is EVIL! Thanks for the Favorite/Follow here.


D-Ranked missions took a heavy toll. Well at least not as bad as Sakura remembered. Naruto and her train together much more, she tries to get Sasuke involved still that's a work in progress. Same with Ino getting the Uchiha's attention not scorn. Gaara still surprises her with visits, they agreed Temari will know the truth when it's the right time.

The Land of Waves hidden A-Ranked, she held back so much. Kakashi even exhausted after getting captured seemed suspense. Sakura didn't want Haku or Zabuza knowing her just yet. Or really risk a chakra build up leading to Gaara's murderous appearance.


"Finished your training already?"

"Truly a ninja doesn't ever stop. But for today yes, do you need help?"

Sakura smiles softly as Tazuna roughly nods once. Raising up to walk along side him. Another walks over, looking conflicted.

"Tazuna. . . I'm done, Gãto is too strong. We keep going-" The bridge builder's fists shake. "YOU CAN'T QUIT ON ME NOW! We are so close! This bridge is the hope for the village's soul back."

The worker looks ashamed, slightly turning away. Sakura clears her throat, strongly but kindly looking up at him. His empty eyes look to the innocent pinkette more depressed.

"Sir my friends and I are here because we believe in Tazuna's dream. Gãto will be stopped, your people deserve so much more. Tazuna knows that, please do come back after a lunch break."

The supposed quitter stares flabbergasted, tho he takes a deep breath nodding convinced. Tazuna gives a tiny smirk. Shockingly he calls it a day, leading Sakura to the marketplace.

Inside a tiny shop, emerald green eyes scan around feeling the pain she had once before. 'These people need their hope back.'

That sickening shiver down her spine, a man right behind her. Swiftly goes to kick him in the face, never noticing her silver Sand Symbol necklace glows turning hot in temperature. In a swirl of sand that clings to the man. All 4 stare shocked, yet Sakura smiles.

"Gaara. . . I can handle myself, thank you."

Materializing in shadows from the sand, he smirks as well. Casually walking over as she leans into his embrace.

"Forgive me, but you are mine to touch." He kisses her wide forehead. Both pairs of green eyes blink at the realization, the 3 men in the small shop stare completely lost. Gaara releases the man he trapped, not apologizing.

"Do you wish me to stay?"

"If you have time."

She giggles, as he rubs his nose against hers. The elderly bridge builder's ebony eyes blink. "So. . . your boyfriend huh? Well the more the merrier."


TO BE CONTINUING. . .

Second Author's Note: YES GAARA IS HERE FOR THE REST OF THIS MISSION!

QUESTION: Should Gaara reveal he is there to Team 7 OR help from the shadows?