Sakura knew she was treading into dangerous territory. As a woman, she felt validated and wanted whenever she caught them staring at her with a hungry look. She's never had the opportunity to go on casual dates. Even before the Fourth Shinobi War, she was so focused on improving herself, training and working at the hospital that she barely had time to relax yet alone to date, or have casual flings as Ino would call them. However, after the war, the pain of losing her two teammates brought her into the arms of a trusted friend. He was also grieving the loss of his father, and as they came across each other during one of their lowest points, they helped each other physically cope with the loss. After a while she ended things, respecting him enough as a friend to know that what they were doing was only temporary. She never had the opportunity to think about the opposite sex again, until she found herself being thrown back in time to face the founding fathers of Konoha.
And they were gorgeous men, each in their own right. And the sexual tension she could feel whenever she's near any of them has Sakura squirming in her bed at night. She's come to terms with the fact that she was indeed attracted to all four of them, and they to her. She can't help but fear that their attraction to her will cause them to fight over her and possibly sabotage the peace that they're finally in. She definitely did not want that happening, therefore she has made it her oath to not act on her attraction with any of them. An oath that she religiously repeated in her head as she was sitting among said men while being served dinner at the Uchiha compound.
She was sitting between Hashirama and Tobirama while Madara and Izuna sat across from them. Once in a while she would hear Tobirama say something about "Damn Uchiha's" under his breath while Izuna would not-so subtly glare at him. Sakura's eyebrows twitched for the 5th time after Izuna made another whispered jab at Tobirama, one which he clearly heard.
"That's enough, you two," she groaned, slamming her cup down. This clearly stopped all conversation and had their heads turning towards her.
"Look, I totally get it. You hate each other, and I can't blame you, seeing as he," Sakura pointing her thumb to Tobirama on her right, "tried to kill you. But, Izuna-san, let's not lie and say you wouldn't have done the same thing" she narrowed her eyes at him.
Izuna frowned but said nothing. "Both of your clans have been at war for so long that hating each other is all you've ever known. Now that we've built this village and are making our way towards peace, is it too much trouble to at least act cordial with each other when were together like this?" she asked, her face softening and her eyes pleading. Izuna and Tobirama both looked away in shame, while Hashirama's eyes softened, seeing the two struggle internally at Sakura's words.
Madara looked down with a scowl. He was overwhelmed with emotions at her words. Anger towards her for daring to tell him and Izuna how to feel, frustration because even though he hates the idea of getting along with the Senju brat, she was right in a way, and exhausted because he HAS held so much hatred for the war they grew up in that, as she mentioned, it's the only thing he knows. Madara sighed.
"She's right," he began, Sakura's eye widening at his admission. "If the two younger brothers of our respective clans can't even get along, then we are setting that example within the clans," he said, turning towards Tobirama with a scowl. Tobirama glared right back.
"Know this, Senju" he growled, "that if you were successful in taking the life of the only family member I had left, that I would've done everything in my power to make sure that this peace that your brother dreamt of, would never have come to light," he threatened through gritted teeth. He took a deep breath before continuing, the tension between them thick and palpable.
"But, if I must admit, if Izuna would've done the same to you, Hashirama would've felt the same" he said, turning to face his friend. Hashirama stared back, his expression serious. He looked to Tobirama and sighed, "Tobi, if you were gone, I would've given up on my dream and do everything in my power to kill every Uchiha for taking the last of my blood," he said so softly that they almost didn't hear his confession. Sakura swallowed the lump in her throat. This was a very tense moment, one where she wasn't sure if she should've just kept her mouth shut.
Noone said a word, and Sakura was about to apologize when Izuna looked her way. "Sakura," he said. She swallowed. "I apologize for making you uncomfortable with our..hostility," he bowed. Tobirama bowed as well, although in a smaller form. "Tobirama Senju," he then directed his gaze towards said man.
"I," Izuna closed his eyes and took a deep breath. When he opened them again, he had the same weary expression on his face as his brother. "She's right. Let us set a good example for our clan members," he said at last. Tobirama just frowned. Sakura bit her lips, waiting with baited breath at his response. She wasn't expecting for him to turn his gaze towards her, and when he did she tensed. She could see the internal struggle as his jaw clenched. Once he made up his mind, he turned his attention back towards Izuna.
"I will not apologize for trying to take your life," he began, which caused all of them to tense.
"But," he said, holding up his hand towards his brother who was about to say something. "I understand the significance of you surviving. So I will be more careful with my…hostility with you from now on," he said.
Izuna just stared at him until he broke into a fit of laughter. "That's the closest to an apology I'll ever get to hear from you, Senju. I'll take it," he said in between catching his breath. Sakura let out the breath she didn't realize she was holding. Hashirama joined Izuna and let out his infamous laugh, also letting go of some tension. "This calls for a toast!" he bellowed, already pouring sake into cups. Sakura couldn't help the genuine smile she gave Tobirama, causing the white haired man to uncontrollably blush. He coughed and looked away, but not before getting a teasing look from Izuna, which he responded with a scowl.
They continued throughout the night, talking and bickering like old friends. They already finished two bottles of sake, when Sakura excused herself towards the garden.
"I just need some fresh air, if you guys don't mind," she politely asked. They were hesitant at first, but they saw the way her eyes expressed what her words could not, that she wanted to be alone, so they obliged. "Don't stay out too long, it's a bit chilly tonight," Hashirama said softly. She gave him a half smile and nodded before she stepped outside and closed the shogi doors.
Sakura was standing by the koi pond, just staring at the various koi swimming around. The moonlight was bright tonight. She was overwhelmed, to say the least. She's already changed so much of the past, it was only during dinner when she saw the way the four of them finally was able to relax and truly be in each other's company without the hostility that it really overcame her, that the future Naruto and Sasuke deserve will be reached.
"You must be Sakura", says a feminine voice. Sakura turned towards the direction of the voice and found a girl with dark hair, wearing the traditional blue yukata of the Uchiha clan. She was beautiful and poised, and she couldn't help but feel a little shy around her presence.
"That's me," she said with a soft smile. "Let me guess, you've heard a lot about me?" she said with only the slightest hint of amusement.
"Yes, of course," she replied with a smile on her face. "You are the one who healed Izuna and saved him, how could I not?" Sakura didn't miss the way she said Izunas name without the honorific.
"I've been wanting to meet you for so long, but everyone was busy with the new peace and all, and you always seemed to have your hands full," she said. "I finally got Madara to invite you to the compound so I could meet you at last," she chuckled, covering her mouth with her hands.
"Oh, so it was you?" she tried to sound friendly but she cringed slightly when she didn't. The girl then laughs and Sakura just stood there watching her.
"Oh forgive me, my name is Kagura Uchiha, and those two, Izuna and Madara, are my childhood friends. We grew up together," she said at last, wiping the tears off her eyes. "Please do not worry, I am not your competition," she said with a knowing smile, causing the pinkette to blush.
"I was arranged to marry Madara, that was the reason our family were close. At first, I accepted my fate, and he his, but as we grew up and Madara took over the clan, he voided the contract," she admitted. "I was thankful, of course. He knew I never wanted to marry him," she chuckled. "Besides, it is not my style to marry and be tied down to one man. I prefer the freedom of being with different men, if you know what I mean," she winked at Sakura, which in turn caused her to blush a deeper shade, causing Kagura to laugh.
"Hmm, never thought you'd be on the shy side, Sakura, seeing as being a medic, you've probably seen your fair share of naked men?" she said with amusement.
Sakura laughed awkwardly, not sure what to think about her or the conversation. She thought Touka was blunt, but Kagura was very forward and she found herself wanting to be friends with her, despite the forwardness. It was like a piece of Ino, she thought to herself.
"That may be true, but that's different," she retorted.
"Hmm," Kagura hummed, still smiling. "If I may be so bold, Sakura, I'd like for us to be friends. There's not too many women out there that can call out those two without cowering in fear. Those types of women are boring and judgmental," she said, waving her hand.
"I must admit, I don't have the type of confidence you have, Kagura-san, but I would love to be your friend," she said with a soft smile. "In fact, you remind me so much of my old friend. She had the same forwardness about...intimate subjects..as you," she added.
"Oh, well then I guess it's meant to be," Kagura replied, not missing the past tense she used to describe her friend. "Please, call me Kagura," she said before turning to look out into the pond.
They stood there in companionable silence, Sakura getting lost in her thoughts. It was when a slight wind that caused Sakura to shiver did Kagura suggest they go back inside, which Sakura smiled and gladly agreed.
Just behind the shogi doors leading back towards where the dinner took place, she could hear Hashirama's laugh, along with Madara's, although his was a little less boisterous. Surprising to her was also hearing the two younger brothers bickering about something mundane as paperwork. Kagura giggled beside her and smiled at Sakura.
"I have you to thank for this, Sakura," she said with the sincerest smile she's seen on the woman, causing Sakura's features to soften. "If you ever need help with seducing any of them, I'll be more than happy to help," she teased with a wink. Sakura was quick to shake her head and blush at the woman's suggestion.
"I don't think- I don't-" Sakura didn't finish her sentence as Kagura slid the doors open and all conversation stopped to look their way.
Kagura winked at Sakura before turning to walk the other direction, smiling, and bowing to the four men before disappearing.
"SAKURA-CHAN!" Hashirama bellowed, causing Madara, who was sitting closely to his right, to wince, elbowing the Senju in the process.
"Itai, Madara," he whined.
"Sakura!" Izuna happily exclaimed, already by her side, ushering her to sit beside him. He poured her a cup and passed it on to her with a genuine smile on his face. He was close enough that she could smell the sake on his breath. Sakura's heart was pounding, both from his proximity and the fact that his smile was doing things to her insides. Just then, a pale hand holding an empty cup was lodged between their faces, causing Izuna to back up and glare at the Senju.
It was then Sakura noticed Tobirama's presence next to her, his warmth seeping through her clothes as he leaned a little too close to Sakura as he held up his cup. She turned her head to look up at him and he met her stare, his red eyes boring into her green ones. Sakura swallowed, her throat instantly feeling dry and looked down.
"Cheers, to Sakura!" Hashirama interrupted, as the four men brought up their cups before drinking from it. Sakura watched all of them and smiled before taking a sip from her own cup.
A few hours later and Hashirama was laying on his back, already fast asleep, while Madara sat next to him, elbows on the table with his face buried in his hands. Sakura sighed at the sight. God of shinobi's my ass, she thought to herself. She looked over to find Izuna nodding off on the side as well. Tobirama seemed like he was faring well, light dusting of pink on his face the only sign that he was drinking.
"It would be unwise for us to stay any longer," Tobirama said, already making his way to Hashirama. Izuna startled at his voice and nodded. "I would offer the guest bedroom, but I doubt you would take it so soon," he said in a slurred voice.
Tobirama smirked. "You're right Uchiha, I still don't trust you to get back at me," he lightly teased back, causing Izuna to laugh lazily, attempting to get up but failing. Sakura walked over and knelt in front of him, her hands already glowing green and placing both hands on either side of his face. Izuna's eyes widened, his face reddening at the sudden proximity of the pink-haired girl. Sakura didn't seem to notice as she was focused on making sure he did not get a hangover.
"There, you'll thank me tomorrow," she giggled, and got up to walk over to where Tobirama was trying to get Hashirama up.
"Here, let me help," she said softly, ducking under Hashirama's other side and bringing his arms over her shoulders.
"You don't have to," Tobirama began but she just glared at him, shutting him up.
"Good night Izuna," she said as they walked off.
It was already late into the night, so it was a quiet walk back to the compound. Tobirama was thankful as he did not want the people to see their new Hokage being dragged out of the Uchiha compound at an ungodly hour. As they were walking, Hashirama leaned his head towards Sakura, rubbing his face on her hair and the side of her neck. Sakura blushed furiously but didn't say anything. Tobirama groaned.
"I apologize for his behavior," he said with a sigh. She chuckled lightly and shook her head.
"It's ok, he's not the first drunk I had to carry home," she said with a smile on her face. He turned to her again with an arched eyebrow.
"My, ah, master, who taught me how to heal, liked to drink sake," she said. Tobirama hummed at the new information.
"It looks like you do as well, seeing as you look like you haven't been drinking at all tonight," he grumbled, causing Sakura to laugh again. It sounded like tinkling bells in his ears and he blushed.
"Being an expert in the medical field has its perks. I'm able to metabolize the alcohol in my body a lot faster than most people, but it still won't save me if I continue to drink a lot, but it does let me drink more than the normal person," she explained. Just then, Hashirama perked up again, rubbing his face on Sakura once more, but this time removing his arms away from Tobirama to fully engulfed Sakura from the side into a fierce hug.
Sakura squeaked as Hashirama tried to wrap himself around her, much like how a child would when wanting to be carried by their mother. Tobirama's brows furrowed, already trying to pull Hashirama off of her.
"Brother, that is very inappropriate behavior," he hissed as he tugged harshly on Hashirama's collar, causing him to fall backwards. He stayed down, clearly fast asleep. Tobirama stood in front of Sakura and bowed slightly.
"Please forgive him," he said, which caused Sakura to giggle. He stood back up, head tilted in confusion.
"You are so proper," she said, a slight teasing tone in her voice. He was about to open his mouth to retort but stopped when her glowing green hands cupped his face. She was looking at her hands, giving Tobirama the chance to see her face up close. This was the second time he got to take a good look at her under the light of the moon. She then met his eyes after she finished what she was doing to him. "You'll thank me tomorrow," she said quietly and smiled, causing Tobirama to suck in his breath.
He held on to her wrist before she could pull her hands away and Sakura's eyes widened a little, her lips parting. He wanted to blame it on the alcohol for his bold behavior, but he knew that this was all him. To think that he was just yelling at his brother for being inappropriate a few minutes ago, and here he was, wanting to close the distance between them.
"Tobirama.." she sighed, her eyes softening. He swore he saw her eyes dart down to his lips, or it could just be his own mind conjuring up things he wanted to see. With all the self-control that he was known for, he let her wrist go and stepped back, bowing again before turning around to pick up Hashirama. Curse him for wanting to do right with her the proper way, he thought to himself as he looked at her again, standing there like an angel under the moon, staring at him with those eyes.
"I can take it from here, Sakura. Enjoy the rest of your night, thank you," he said as he teleported the rest of the way back to the Senju compound with Hashirama in tow.
Sakura stared at the spot he was just standing a few moments ago, trying to calm her beating heart. She could've sworn he was going to kiss her, and she found that she was going to let him if he did. Not good, she thought to herself as she made her way back to her own place.