That night Sakura couldn't sleep, so she left her sleeping quarters and made her way towards the outskirts of the village, near the river. She sat with her knees bent towards her chest, looking up into the sky. The feeling of loneliness and guilt returned.
She woke up in darkness. She frantically looked around, trying to figure out where she was. The last thing she remembered was opening the Uchiha chest.
"Hello my dear," says a feminine voice. She turned around and saw a figure of a goddess in front of her. She's only ever seen her in books, when she was learning everything she can about the Uchiha clan, the goddess Amaterasu was mentioned as their deity.
The goddess smiled. "You know who I am," she stated. Sakura nodded, too stunned to speak.
"I have been waiting for you," she says. "M-me?" Sakura stuttered. The goddess nodded.
"You have been chosen my dear," she says. Sakura was confused. When the goddess didn't continue, she asked, "Chosen? Chosen for what?"
"This was not the way it was meant to be," she began.
"What are you talking about," Sakura was getting frustrated now.
"This outcome of your time that is," she answered. Sakura just stared at the goddess.
"We have agreed for a change. And you my dear, are the chosen one," she said. Amaterasu waved her hands and suddenly the events from her most recent life appeared around her, playing in reverse. Sakura watched, her heart wrenching as she saw her teammates die again, then it continued to play until they were placed on Team 7. It kept going, and she caught a glimpse of who was responsible for the Uchiha massacre. She watched, eyes wide in horror, as it continued to play through the Kyuubi attack, the third shinobi war, then the second, all the way back to the warring state era, to where the Senju and Uchiha were battling. It stopped right where Tobirama made the killing blow on someone that looked like her teammate, Sasuke.
"This is where it all started my dear, the death of Izuna Uchiha," she said. Sakura couldn't say a word. She was still trying to process the onslaught of information she just saw. They stood in silence for what seemed like eternity.
"What exactly was I chosen for?" she finally broke the silence, her voice so soft yet to her it felt like she screamed the question at the top of her lungs.
The goddess smiled. "You must save Izuna, prevent his death from the hands of the Senju," she said at last. Sakura inhaled sharply at the news.
"What?!" This time she did yell, her scream echoing around them. "W-w.-w-hy me? W-w-wh-what do you mean, HOW?" she was pacing now, her mind racing a mile a minute at the implication. When the goddess didn't say anything, Sakura stopped her pacing to look at her. Amaterasue just smiles, which infuriated Sakura.
"Are you going to give me more information or are you just going to stand there and leave me in the dark?" Sakura retorted, forgetting that she was talking to an actual goddess.
"We have seen a better future, one that you would create," she began. "Us higher beings were never meant to interfere, it has always been that way. However, something brought us back to you," she explained.
"Why me?" Sakura asks again, her shoulder sagging in defeat. The goddess smiled, tilting Sakura's chin up to meet her eyes with her pointer finger.
"Believe in yourself, Sakura. You are stronger than you think," Sakura couldn't help but hold her breath. To have a goddess tell her that she's strong did something to her.
"You will be brought back in time to save Izuna," the goddess finally said. Sakura let out a shuddering breath. She figured as much but was hoping that it wasn't the case.
"But then, what will happen to me?" Sakura asks quietly. "If I go back in time and change the course of history, where would I be? Will I cease to exist? Will I come back to this time?" she began to ask question after question.
Amaterasu just smiles. "You will be in despair, but you will persevere. You shall find a place within the four pillars" she said.
Sakura's brows furrowed, not understanding the jumbled riddle she just said. "You didn't really answer my question.." she mumbled.
"Just know my dear, that your loving heart is the key to stopping the cycle of hatred," she finishes as she stops in front of Sakura to place a glowing hand on her chest. Then everything went black.
Sakura came back to her senses when she felt a prickling sensation in the back of her neck. She tried to get a read of the person's chakra but it was well hidden. She knew four males who could hide their chakra this well. But which one of them had found her, she thought.
"You can sit next to me and keep me company instead of watching from the shadows," she said to no one in particular. She waited for a few seconds before she heard the sound of light footsteps make its way towards her. She turned her head and froze. For a second she saw Kakashi in him with his white hair, but as he came out of the shadows, her breath caught at the sight of him under the moonlight. He was devilishly handsome, she thought and looked away.
She heard him take a seat next to her and for a while they just sat there in comfortable silence.
"You're either very brave or very foolish" he said as he took a seat next to her. Sakura let out a huff. "I can take care of myself, Senju-sama," she retorted.
Tobirama just stared at her, causing her to squirm under his penetrating gaze. "I guess you can. Forgive me, I didn't mean to offend you, but you must know that kunoichi are very rare, so imagine our surprise when we saw you and Izuna spar. Add to that your healing capabilities," he trailed off, looking ahead into the river. Sakura blushed at the hidden compliment. "I must admit, I am still very wary of you, but you have proven for the last month that what you say rings true, about wanting peace," he admitted.
"One thing that still does not make sense to me, kunoichi, is how you seemed to have appeared out of nowhere," he began, and Sakura tensed. She should've known that Tobirama, out of all of them, would be the logical one to question such a thing. She tried to come up with something to answer him, not yet ready to tell him the full truth of where she really came from.
"Like I said, I was traveling until the Uchiha found me," she said. "Senju-sama, as much as it flatters me to think that you view me as a threat, you need to learn to relax," she was looking at the river now, so she missed the way his brows creased at her comment.
"And why shouldn't I view you as a threat?" he asked carefully, opting to let it go for now, knowing full well she was deflecting the question.
Sakura looked back at him as if he grew a second head. "Senju-sama, as good as I'd like to think I am, I know for a fact that I am no match for you," she stated as a matter of fact. The blatant compliment caught the Senju completely off guard, causing him to blush slightly. He turned away and coughed a little. Sakura giggled, amazed by the fact that she was actually sitting here conversing with the man whose face she saw in stone every day of her academy life.
"That may be true, but I saw the way you caused that crater on the ground," he said. "You'd have at least caused me to break a little sweat," he remarked, a hint of a smirk forming on his lips. Sakura gasped lightly, hands on her chest in mock horror.
"Didn't think you had it in you to tell jokes, Senju-sama," she said as she smiled at him. This caused him to frown.
"I," he paused. She was right, this was out of character for him. He's never bantered like this with anyone other than his brother, yet here he was, easily conversing with the pink-haired medic. Even though he was still wary of her and he had a feeling she was hiding something from them, he still felt comfortable enough to be speaking with her like this. He didn't realize how easy it was to talk to her once he stopped seeing her as a threat. He realized he was staring at her as she tilted her head with a frown on her face. The full moon cast its light across her face illuminating her soft pink hair and casting a beautiful glow in her green eyes. His heart rate began to pick up and he clenched his jaw. He looked away from her and took a deep breath.
"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to offend you, Senju-sama," she said softly.
"Tobirama," he said. "Please, drop the honorific, it makes me feel old."
Sakura couldn't help it, but she laughed. Tobirama looked at her like she's finally lost her mind, but he let her have that moment to catch herself.
"But you are old, Tobirama ," she meant it to come out as a playful, mocking remark, but to the Senju, hearing his name come out of her mouth and being said in that voice, sent a shiver of pleasure down his spine.
Sakura felt the change in the atmosphere instantly. She felt the electrical charge in between them at the sudden tension. She saw his red eyes dilate and felt his breath hitch ever so slightly. Her own breathing did the same, and she swore he could hear the rapid beating of her heartbeat. They stared at each other like that, neither making a move nor saying anything to acknowledge the sudden tension.
"Sakura," was all he said, and she inhaled sharply at the way his velvety voice said her name. Sakura felt her cheeks heating at his intense stare.
Tobirama saw her blush deepen and he smirked. He liked the fact that he wasn't the only one affected by whatever it was happening between them. Just then the wind decided to blow around them, rougher than normal and she fought down a shiver. It was then he noticed the little clothing she was wearing. He couldn't help himself as his eyes decided to roam down her petite body, seeing her curves being outlined by the thin yukata she was wearing. He swallowed as his gaze traveled lower, her bare legs pale and inviting under the moonlight.
"I-i should get some sleep!" she squeaked, standing up quickly. He didn't realize that he had growled his appreciation and was mortified that he had lost his self-control like that. He stood up stiffly, his body tense.
"Good night," she said as she ran back to her sleeping quarters. He watched her disappear and this time he let out a ragged exhale. He needed to take a dip into the cold river before returning to the compound.
—-
Days passed until finally, Sakura was standing in front of the newly built Hokage tower. Tears of happiness flowed down her face as she felt the monumental moment of bearing witness to history, of her future.
"But then, what will happen to me?" Sakura asks quietly.
"You will be in despair, but you will persevere. You shall find a place within the four pillars"
Sakura shook herself from her thoughts. She still has no idea what the goddess meant by those words. But one thing is for certain, she knows that she's here to stay. That familiar pang in her chest reared its ugly head, threatening to ruin the moment of happiness she felt a moment ago. No, this is for a better future, for Sasuke-kun and Naruto, she reminded herself. She would make sure that history won't repeat itself and give them the future they deserve, a future with loving families, even if it meant she wouldn't be there with them to witness it.
She then made her way inside the tower. She smiled at the familiarity of walking the halls of the tower once again, stopping to knock on the door before making her way inside.
One of the bigger changes she was proud of was suggesting to Hashirama and Madara that they can both be in charge, since they were the mastermind behind the village. Of course, there was a big setback from both respective clans' elders, but Sakura spent enough time being the Tsunade's apprentice in the future that she knew her way around those old geezers. They eventually agreed to her proposal, and thus Madara and Hashirama were both crowned Hokage's.
"Ahh, Sakura, you're here!" Hashirama exclaimed in his usual, jovial tone, his face lighting up the second he saw her.
"Hokage-sama," she bowed politely.
"Please, Sakura, you of all people needn't be so formal with me," he said.
"Oh, so this is the infamous Sakura Haruno I've been hearing about," says a female voice. Sakura turned towards the voice and saw a girl, possibly a year or two older than her, in full armor with her arms crossed and giving her a once over.
"Yes?" she says questioningly.
"Sakura, this is Touka, our cousin. She's one of the few kunoichi that fought alongside us during the war. She was in Uzushiogakure for the last few months. As you may not know, we have a strong alliance with them ever since I can remember," Tobirama explained.
Touka walked over to Sakura, circling around her before stopping right in front of her. They were of the same height, so they were eye to eye. She smiled.
"It's about time another kunoichi joins us, and a beautiful one at that. We are going to be best friends," she announced. Sakura's eyes widened at the girl's bluntness. It reminded her so much of Ino that she had to blink rapidly to fight off the tears threatening to appear.
Tobirama sighed, clearly used to their cousin's antics.
"Touka," he warned. Touka looked over her shoulder, brows furrowed until she saw the look on Tobirama's face, which in turn changed her facial expression to one of amusement.
"Oh?" she says, the side of her lips turning up into a smirk. Tobirama's eyebrows twitched.
"Whatever it is you're thinking, do not," he began before she could comment.
Hashirama was on the side, eyes closed while chuckling awkwardly. "Anyways, Sakura, if you would be so kind as to take a look at Touka. It appears she has an old injury that needs to be taken care of," Hashirama interjected the two.
"Hai, Hoka-," she began but paused as Hashirama looked at her sternly. "H-hai, H-hashir-rama-sama," she said softly, a slight dusting of pink appearing on her cheeks. The shyness of which she said his name, although still with the honorific, and the sight of her blushing caused Hashirama to awkwardly blush as well, rubbing the back of his neck sheepishly.
Touka watched the interaction with a gleam in her eyes. Oh, this was going to be good , she thought to herself.
After her examination with Touka, Sakura made her way to the Senju compound. She was greeted warmly as she made her way through the compound, stopping here and there to chat with people she remembers healing for the last few weeks. As she made her way to the main building where Hashirama and Tobirama resided, she was greeted by Machi, the elder lady who ran the staff in the main house.
"Sakura-san, so good to see you," she greeted, ushering her inside.
"Could I get you anything to drink?" she inquired. Sakura just smiles and shakes her head politely.
"Machi-san, I am here to see Hoka- Hashirama-sama, is he here?" she asked.
"Yes, yes, he is down the hall. Please follow me," she says as she guided her towards said hall. The Senju family home was as long as it was large, with plenty of wide open rooms that emptied out into inner courtyards.
"Hashirama, Sakura-san is here," she says in a chirpy tone. Just then the shogi doors slid open suddenly, Hashirama's eyes wide. Machi turned to walk away with a small smirk on her face.
"Sakura! What a pleasant surprise! I didn't expect to see you here," he rambled on. Sakura giggled at his energetic antics.
"Care to join me?" he asked as he stepped aside and gestured towards the engawa, where a bottle of sake and a cup sat.
"Isn't it a little early to be drinking, Hokage-sama," she teased. Hashirama chuckled and led her to sit down. "Let me get you a cup," he says as he walked off. She watched him disappear down the hall and sighed, a small smile on her face. Guessing Tsunade-shishou's drinking habits came from him, she thought to herself. Hashirama came back seconds later with a cup and sat down next to Sakura, pouring the sake for both of them.
"Cheers," he smiled at her over his cup as he took a sip. She smiled back and nodded, also taking a sip. Her eyes then widened as the taste of the sake hit her mouth. Hashirama smiled a knowing smile.
"This is delicious!" she exclaimed, sipping the rest of her cup in one gulp. Hashirama laughed doing the same.
"I am happy you think so! It is one of my finer sake's," he says, already pouring them both another one.
"What's the occasion, Hokage-sama?" she asked.
"No occasion, I was just reflecting. Sometimes I find it hard to believe that the dream I've longed for since I was child has finally come to fruition, and it's all thanks to you Sakura," he says, turning to face her. She looked back at him, at the genuine appreciation in his eyes, and her posture relaxed and her gaze softened. Sakura couldn't help but admire the boyish charm in his looks. Just as he was sipping his sake, he heard her say his name in that shy tone of hers, causing him to sputter out the liquid.
She giggled at his reaction, a slight blush on her cheeks. Saying his name while dropping the honorific felt so intimate to her, she's always been Hokage to him. But it felt a little different to her now, and it might have something to do with the fact that he was closer to her in age at this time, and the fact that she might be attracted to him. She smiled as she gulped down the sake, letting him gather himself.
"Sakura," he said after clearing his throat. "Could you..say that again?" he asked, his pleading gaze boring into hers. She bit her lips as she looked down, her blush deepening, some of it from the alcohol.
"Hashirama," she said in a soft sigh. She startled when his hands cupped her jaw, her eyes finally looking up at him, except his eyes did not meet hers. Instead, his eyes were focused on her lips. She felt his thumb rub softly on the corner of her lips where she felt a drop of sake lingered, then pulled his hands away and licked the same thumb. This caused the pinkette to turn a shade darker at the suggestive action. His eyes finally met hers and he smirked.
"Delicious," he says, gulping down the rest of his own sake. Sakura's heart was beating so fast and so loud, she has a feeling Hashirama could hear it. Without thinking, she grabbed the sake from him and drank right out of the bottle, shocking the Senju himself. He then laughed as they continued to drink, both silently agreeing to ease the tension for now to just enjoy each others company.