It was a couple weeks later, after enjoying some time off, that Sakura was called into Tsunade's office to witness the private wedding ceremony between her shishou and Dan, among those witnessing the event were Hashirama, Mito, Tobirama, their father and younger brothers, Butsuma, Kawarama and Itama.
"And Sakura I expect to see you in the hospital a week from now, we already chose someone to carry our child... also, thank you for being here today" Tsunade demanded once it was over, and she was finally married to Dan, though her tone softened towards the end of her demand.
Earning a warm smile from her apprentice "She really is something huh Tsuna-chan" Dan chuckled softly, grateful of the young kunoichi, otherwise he wouldn't be here and married to Tsunade, his wife nodded before turning to work on her copious amounts of paperwork.
Meanwhile upon exiting the tower Sakura headed back to the Yuki district only to be called out to halfway there "Yes" she craned her neck around spying Butsuma Senju of all people, practically running in a dignified manner of course until coming to a complete stop in front of her.
"There are questions I wish to ask you Yuki-san... how did you first come to know my great granddaughter" Butsuma informed, joining the kunoichi on her walk through the village, his son's hard work apparently, not that he knew much yet, it was a start.
Sakura grinned "Ah well it was a mission to bring her back basically, I, along with Jiraiya-sama, my teammates, Haku and Zabuza were sent to find her, the elders decided that Tsunade-shishou was to be our fifth Hokage, of course it was no simple task locating her however and getting her to agree to the position was a nightmare" she said.
His brows shot upwards at that "How so" was Butsuma's next question, not even hesitating as they entered a compound of sorts, patiently waiting as the girl greeted a group of shinobi that wore a snowflake crest on the sleeves of their clothes, though he was unsure what the crest meant.
"Well she made a bet with me and one of my teammates, that if I managed to last training with her for a week she'd come back with us, however Shishou didn't mention that Orochimaru had approached her, promising to bring back Dan-san and her younger brother as reanimations in exchange for healing his arms so yeah" Sakura grimaced.
Remembering clearly all that had happened on that mission "Orochimaru huh, so those shinobi earlier, are they also part of your clan" Butsuma asked, changing the subject, he didn't think he'd get much more of an explanation out of the girl about the mission to bring his great granddaughter back to the village.
"One of them technically, he married in but took on the Yuki name, the rest are guards that patrol around the compound, mostly from the Inuzuka clan, though there are others, one from the Yamanaka, and the Aburame, then we also have some former rogues from Kumo and Sai of course and even the Uchiha Clan" Sakura smiled.
Glad that everyone was getting along well "So it's true Tajima Uchiha's sons are alive in this era as well" Butsuma scowled, obviously not fond of Uchiha in any capacity like Tobirama once had been and Sakura looked up at him with a frown on her face.
Before leading him into the library she'd spent many years filling "Madara and Izuna won't jeopardize the safety of the Leaf Village Senju-sama, I know you don't have the best of histories with the Uchiha, but things are different here in this time period, if you can't get along, at the very least don't go out of your way to antagonize them please" she pleaded softly.
"Fond of them are you, very well, I have no desire to bring Tsunade's wrath down upon my head, she seems the type" Butsuma grunted, relenting in an extremely grudging manner to leave his hated rivals grown children alone as well as any other Uchiha he potentially came across.
Jade orbs glinted at him full of relief "Thank you and yes, very much so, just the thought of her angry reminds me of the few times she's tried to give me brain damage with her fist" Sakura grimaced, rubbing the top of her head lightly in remembrance.
"Excuse me I was unaware you had a guest" just then Izuna barged his way into the library without Takako for once only to freeze upon seeing the former Senju Patriarch sitting at the table with Sakura, Butsuma kept his silence while the rosette faced him with a smile.
Quirking a brow when he remained silent, reminding him why he was there in the first place "Ah Madara is off on a mission with Hashirama, Takako's resting so I wondered if you'd spar with me, seeing that you've been cooped up for a couple weeks in the village" Izuna rambled.
Feeling his face grow hot when she grinned at him in amusement "Sure, just let me finish here Izuna, then I'll meet you at the lake in a bit" Sakura relented, snickering under her breath as he fled like the hounds of hell were nipping at his heels.
Before directing her gaze back onto a stunned Butsuma "Do you care if I spectate your spar, and I honestly expected him to say something considering I was his father's murderer and vice versa" Butsuma furrowed his brows, confused about the reaction he'd gotten.
Her intense gaze softened "Perhaps before he might have but Izuna's come a long way since he returned to life, trust me, he was unpleasant at first towards everyone, but I might have kind of smacked him around a bit with my fists and that was his wake up call I believe" Sakura explained.
Standing, prompting him to do the same "Violent like Tsunade I see" Butsuma scoffed, earning a smile as the pinkette led the way to the aforementioned lake where Izuna was waiting patiently by going through some simple katas to warm up.
Though he did eye Butsuma warily, he was distracted by Sakura who went through her own katas before facing him "Don't hold back Sakura, show me what you've been working on lately alright" Izuna requested, staring at her with determined onyx eyes.
Not using his sharingan as she sped through some hand signs "Hyoton: Ice Bracers" then as if Sakura had teleported, she was at his side so fast he barely had time to dodge unless he wanted to be thrown into the lake, having missed her mark the ground exploded under their feet.
"You're still holding back Sakura" Izuna grumbled as he grabbed her by the wrists, and they engaged in a sort of power struggle when the pinkette lunged at him again, he knew because if she weren't he would have already gone flying through the air.
Chartreuse orbs rolled upwards as Sakura swung her foot, twisting it around and pulling back in one swift move to unbalance him, causing him to release her and flail as he went down hard "I don't want to upset Takako-san, you know how pregnant women are Izuna, if I went all out, she'd be mad" the fuchsia haired kunoichi snorted.
Making him shudder "Right, but still, I'd like a workout if you don't mind" Izuna glared rolling to his feet and from there their spar degenerated until he was breathing hard, sweat dripping from his face half an hour later, seeing him struggling Sakura decided to end their spar.
By trapping him in her ice until he had no choice but to concede defeat, only to be surprised "Well, seems like someone's improved" Sakura smiled from behind him, kunai lightly resting against his jugular, and he had no idea when she'd gotten there.
Until the Sakura in front of him disappeared in a cloud of mist "Okay, okay I give" Izuna held up his hands, letting her have the win even though he hated losing, against Sakura, he was alright with it as he flopped down and let her heal his injuries.
"See you Izuna" Sakura waved when he stood and bid her farewell, before turning her gaze on a stunned Butsuma Senju "Is it the fact that he didn't use his sharingan or that his pride wasn't hurt by losing to me who is someone much younger than him" she asked.
Knowing that one or the other was what was bothering the man "Why didn't he use his dojutsu, surely it would have given him an advantage over you and how could he simply accept that he lost, Uchiha are extremely prideful" Butsuma scowled.
Clearly confused "Even against his sharingan I probably would have won, but Izuna tries not to rely on it too much because it makes him cocky and overly confident, and yes very prideful, however the two of us have sparred against each other many times so he's simply use to it where I'm concerned anyway" Sakura answered.
Butsuma frowned but was clearly finished asking questions for the days as he wandered off, thinking on all he learned until Hashirama and Madara returned to the village from their recon mission with an extra on their heels a week later "Seriously another Uchiha" Sakura blinked.
Staring at the Uchiha woman who made goo-goo eyes at Madara with wide chartreuse orbs "Yep and if I remember correctly, Yayoi-san was the one Ni-san was courting before she was killed" Izuna nodded, not to surprised, considering he'd had his own love come back to life as well.
"Well, I'm happy for him then, may their lives be blessed, with children" Sakura snickered, and Izuna flashed her an amused grin, before she had to head off, considering today was when Tsunade and Dan met with their surrogate and that her presence had been requested by the Hokage.
Izuna shook his head not envying the rosette as he watched her run off, leaving him alone with his brother and no doubt sister-in-law and pregnant wife "There you are Sakura, we were just about to head in" Tsunade grumbled when she saw her apprentice hurrying towards them, and they met in front of the hospital.
Dan chuckled under his breath as Sakura huffed softly at her shishou before the three of them went in together, where they were led to a room and the couple met their surrogate, her name was Miwa and to Sakura she did seem rather apprehensive of the idea.
"Rest assured however you will be well taken care of Miwa-san, but if you have any concerns please tell us, you are not being forced, it is your decision to do this after all" Dan soothed, also able to tell that Miwa was nervous about the whole thing.
Especially when she wrung her hands "No, no, I do want to help you in any way I can Lady Hokage, it's just I was told that I'd have to move from my current home to be closer and..." Miwa frowned, a little shocked when all Tsunade did was sigh in relief.
"Fear not Miwa, if that's your only issue, then we are more than happy to accommodate, you can remain in your current home if you wish, we won't take that away from you" Tsunade promised, glad that nothing else seemed to be bothering the young woman.
As Sakura got Miwa comfortable on the bed, Dan at this point politely exited the room, respecting her privacy as she was prepared to receive Tsunade's egg already injected with his sperm "And we'll know in a few weeks won't we Sakura-san" Miwa inquired curiously.
Pressing gentle hands to her still flat stomach "Yes, so before you leave make an ultrasound appointment for a few weeks from now" Sakura instructed, relieved that everything had gone well without any complications so far but taking her duty as attending doctor very seriously.
Just before she was to leave, Tsunade snapped her apprentice up in a hug "Thank you Sakura and I'm counting you alright" Tsunade murmured, unable to hide her tumultuous emotions from the young woman who was in a sense like her first child.
"Of course, Shishou, always no matter what" Sakura smiled brightly, heading home where her family waited, only to get ambushed by Ami, who had visited the hospital earlier that day and couldn't wait to tell her what gender of child her baby was.
Sakura just laughed good-naturedly at Ami's excitement "It's a boy, we're naming him Kiyoshi and if I'm not wrong Touji's considering proposing to Koyuki, so I might have a sister-in-law" Ami exclaimed, the rosette quirked a brow in response but didn't ask.
"That's great Ami, I'm really happy for you that everything is working out" Sakura smiled, walking with the purple haired 15-year-old back to the compound, nodding to the odd person that they recognized out and about as they were until reaching their homes.
Ami grinned and nodded, readying to turn and head into her house, when she remembered an idea she'd had "Hey after lunch would you join me at the daycare/classroom, I know it's like way early, but I want to get things ready for it if you know what I mean" Ami requested.
Plus, she also wanted to spend some one-on-one time with her clanmate, and future matriarch "Sure Ami" Sakura relented, able to see through the other kunoichi as she headed in and got started on lunch after finding Hisame home from missions/training, leaving the pinkette to do the same.
"Your mother is gone off on a mission with her teammates, something about the Fire Temple and escorting some monk here I believe it was and that she'd be back in a few days" Kizashi greeted when his eldest entered the house and headed into the kitchen to start making lunch for the six of them.
Obviously, it was just going to be them for once since Karin lived full time with her mother and Haku was gone on a mission as well, but Zabuza and Yukina were eating lunch together with their three little ones "Hmm, Chiriku-sama must have finally got tired of waiting for Asuma-sensei to show his face" Sakura snickered.
Guessing mostly "Ah that's where you met Atsuko and Suzuha isn't it, near the temple, almost forgot about that incident" Kizashi mused aloud in remembrance, even though his daughter had gotten hurt that day, she'd still managed to bring back two criminals of the Leaf Village to be dealt with.
"Mhm, sure is, anyway after this I'm heading back out, Ami wanted my help with something" Sakura informed, plating up the food for her little siblings first, making sure that it was small enough for Kiyoto and Yukito so they didn't choke before putting a plate in front of her father and finally plating up the rest of the food for herself.
Kizashi sighed "Just don't do anything dangerous" he sulked, knowing that it would probably be a few hours before Sakura came back which would leave him alone with his four youngest children and he was starting to wish that the daycare Ami wanted to run was already open for business, because he knew it was going to be chaotic.
Jade orbs rolled upwards in mild exasperation "It has to do with the daycare building, she wants to start getting things ready even though it's a long way off from being opened for business" Sakura snorted, checking on Kaede and Haruhi who liked to cause mischief.
Unbeknownst to them Mei and her loyal guards Ao and Chojuro were making a surprise visit to Leaf with six tag-alongs, one of whom Kizashi would no doubt be extremely surprised to see, unfortunately over halfway through their trip the group was attacked and the 15-year-old among them launched into action along with Ao and Chojuro.
Only for them to get a shock as someone that was thought to be dead but had apparently come back to life appeared before the group of Mist-nin and used a familiar jutsu to defeat the bandits that had decided to attack "3rd Mizukage-sama Byakuya" Mei greeted kindly.
And the man turned to her in surprise "And you are who exactly" Byakuya as Mei had stated his name questioned, inwardly taking note of the Kiri-headband two of the men wore only to get his own shock as the woman introduced herself as Mei Terumi and the Fifth Mizukage of Kirigakure.
"I see and where are you off to might I ask" Byakuya inquired, shocked for the third time when the woman's green eyes lit with a knowing glint then proceeded to explain that she was heading to Konohagakure for a surprise visit, while escorting the extras not wearing hitai-ate's to their new home that they wished to transfer to.
"There's just one other thing, the family I'll be visiting also has the same jutsu you used earlier Byakuya-sama if meeting them is something that interests you" Mei grinned, skipping forward to get them moving again, that way they weren't just standing there like sitting ducks.
Curiosity roused Byakuya decided to follow his village's current leader to the Hidden Leaf Village, where Sakura had finished lunch and vanished on her father to help Ami with whatever her request happened to "I'm here" the rosette called out.
Entering the empty daycare/classroom or almost empty room, Ami was stood at the front, looking lost in thought so the pinkette waited until her clanmate snapped out of her daze "Oops sorry, thanks Sakura" Ami apologized sheepishly, unsure of how long Sakura had been waiting.
"No worries, if anything had happened you know I'd have your back and vice versa" Sakura shrugged lightly, taking a seat in one of the chairs "Right so tell me about this idea you've had" she prodded when Ami sat across from her making her feel like she was back in the academy herself.
But she ignored the wave of nostalgia and focused on her clanmate "Basically I was wondering if we could get duplicates of your jutsu's and history books for the Yuki clan here in the classroom to put on the shelves, I already asked Furue-san if he could help me out with preparing weapon supplies for the future" Ami inquired.
Knowing that it would be a task and a half, "Doesn't sound difficult, I'll probably simplify the scrolls, just have the hand signs, name and description of the jutsu on it and if you need to, you can borrow the scrolls with the depictions on it later to help with visualization and simplify the history books for here" Sakura acquiesced easily.
Causing Ami to blink at her "I suppose you're right, they are just going to be kids, so we don't want things to be too difficult for them starting out, oh also I think Yuki clan history should be included in the academy curriculum as well, but that's probably not going to happen for a long while" Ami exclaimed.
Realizing there was a lot to do if she wanted her dream to come to fruition "Try not to get too excited Ami" Sakura laughed gently making Ami instantly calm down in remembrance "Anyway I'll run to the library real quick and grab what I need then come back here alright" the rosette informed.
Vanishing in a flurry of cherry blossoms when she did come back Kinkaku and Ginkaku were with her "We were bored" Ginkaku remarked when Ami stared at him as he sat with his brother on either side of Sakura as she placed a pile of scrolls on the desk.
Getting the hint Ami began unrolling them one by one "What's all this then" Kinkaku asked, seeing illustrations of jutsu on the scrolls that Sakura took along with a blank scroll to scribble on in neat kanji, the first one surprised Ami though because she had no idea the jutsu existed.
Prompting the kunoichi to grab said scroll and stare at it "Since when did Hisame come up with a jutsu" Ami asked with a pout, seeing the E rank beginner level healing jutsu aptly named Hyoton: Touch of Frost, a branched off version of their matriarch's Hyoton: Breath of Frost jutsu.
"Few weeks ago, Haku helped him, they told me later on and I drew the illustration for it, as for what this is Kinkaku, Ami wanted help preparing this place for future children when they attend the daycare/academy, but I'm simplifying things for here" Sakura admitted.
Labeling the jutsu's with an appropriate rank, among the pile of E rank jutsu besides Hyoton: Touch of Frost, were also Ice ball, Ice Ring, White Snow, Ice Clone, Ice Butterfly, Ice Fury, Snowfall, and Ice Flower Transformation before the scrolls with the illustrations were rolled back up and tucked away in a bag.
D ranked jutsu's were next, while C-S ranked jutsu's were left untouched because they were meant for Chunin to Jonin classed shinobi anyway "Oh that's right, what do you think of the Hiding in Frost Jutsu being the jutsu that are taught to newly graduated academy students/genin" Ami asked.
On a roll that day apparently as Sakura flipped open a book on Yuki clan history, then began scribbling in an empty one to simplify their history for young members of the clan until they were older and ready for the full history which wasn't pretty to be honest.
But Sakura believed the best way to make sure no mistakes were made in the present that everyone had to know about their past, just not at ages 6-10 "Great idea Ami, we should also consider acquiring other summoning scrolls besides the ones we have already, if someone expresses interest" Sakura offered.
Helping by throwing out ideas and not leaving everything up for Ami and Hisame to handle by themselves "Hey thought I felt chakra in here, what's going on" Touji entered the daycare/classroom with Koyuki on his heels to find his sister-in-law, their future matriarch and two of the clan guards crowded around desks inside.
While the rosette wrote furiously in a blank book for some reason or another "Wanted some help with a project that involved duplicating and simplifying E-D rank jutsu scrolls and our history books for here in the classroom Touji" Ami explained.
Grinning when the couple sat down, and she immediately spotted the ring Koyuki was wearing "Congrats you two" Sakura got out first, earning a huff from Ami, who echoed the sentiments afterwards "So do you have a date picked out for your wedding" the fuchsia haired kunoichi asked.
Making the two blush "No not yet Sakura-sama, perhaps not for a few more years, I'd prefer a long engagement much like yours anyway" Koyuki confessed and Touji nodded eagerly in agreement, causing the others to laugh gently in response.
"Anyway, Koyuki had a question Sakura-sama, would it be alright if she helped out in the greenhouses, I noticed she is particularly good at growing flowers, fruits and vegetables" Touji inquired, deciding to help his fiancé out, who ducked her head with a sheepish look on her face.
Causing the pinkette to raise her head "If that's what you'd prefer, I don't think Suzuha-san would mind your help at all really, I do what I can, but more hands-on deck would be appreciated probably" Sakura announced, resuming her frantic scribbling in the blank book.
Koyuki released a relieved breath and shared a happy smile with Touji before they both immersed themselves in conversation with the others while Sakura worked until two hours had gone by "Well that didn't take as long as I thought it would" Ami blinked.
Putting the scrolls and books on the shelves in the classroom where they would sit and gather dust for a while yet "It helps that I didn't have to draw the illustrations, anyway, come on Koyuki-san, I believe Suzuha is at home today, she'll get you set up working in the greenhouses" Sakura beckoned, after stretching her muscles.
The two were gone a moment later, prompting the others to scatter or get back to work in the case of the gold/silver brothers who would never admit to slacking on the job to Juzo and then once Koyuki was chattering away with the older woman Sakura returned home to her father and siblings.
Where they were joined by Zabuza, Yukina and her three youngest children for dinner and afterwards the two families headed outside to enjoy the rest of the day, it was then while Mifuyu was playing with Kaede and Haruhi that the little girl used her kekkeigenkai for the first time while her mother was watching.
"Oh, my little girl" Yukina gasped, drawing Zabuza attention onto his 2-year-old daughter and saw that the child was using the Yuki clan blood-line limit just before Mifuyu was scooped up into her mother's arms who wore a conflicted expression on her face.
He understood that confliction really, but she was more important "Yukina talk to me" Zabuza sidled up to his wife and wrapped a careful arm around her waist, while keeping an eye on his younger kids and wishing their older half-brother was there to help out.
"I just...remembered the first time Haku displayed signs, I know things are different, but Mifuyu is so little, like Kotta-kun and well, I wouldn't wish the kekkeigenkai on a child so young" Yukina admitted, shaking away that horrid memory.
Like she said things were different, they didn't have to hide anymore "Right, brat, Kizashi, I'm taking them home" Zabuza nodded his understanding before scooping Setsuji and Setsuka up, then herded his wife home to relax and afterwards the Yuki District settled down for the night.
A couple days later Mebuki returned home a few hours before Mei arrived and learned that one Mifuyu had displayed signs of their clan kekkeigenkai and two, that she was pregnant after a mandatory check up at the Yuki Clinic "Are you serious Mebuki, but I thought" Kizashi spat out his coffee at the news.
Mebuki gave him a flat look "So did I but apparently pregnancy can still happen, of course I won't be aborting this child, after this however I will be having my uterus removed and perhaps, I'll retire from active duty, that was always my plan anyway once I acquired Jonin status" Mebuki sighed after a moment.
"Did Atsuko tell you how far along you are" Kizashi asked carefully, sensing that his wife was angry, and he didn't want to be the one to set her off, of course the one person who could calm their mother down in this sort of mood wasn't there, so he had to be careful either way.
His wife huffed but held up two fingers "So there's no telling what the gender is yet until two months from now" Mebuki informed, disappearing into their bedroom in order to rest from her mission and while she rested Sakura returned from where she disappeared to.
Only to choke at the news much like her father had on his coffee "WH...What, Mom's pregnant again, how is that possible" Sakura began in a loud tone but quickly calmed down because she wouldn't dare wake any of her siblings or mother while they slept.
"This is according to Atsuko, apparently pregnancy is still possible when your tubes are tied, might want to go let Hokage-sama know though, it'll slip your mother's mind and she could be sent out on a mission which would be disastrous" Kizashi explained/suggested.
Prompting his oldest to disappear again from the house and as she was passing by the gates on her way to the tower an extremely familiar voice called out to her "Hello Sakura-chan" Mei greeted, causing the rosette to whip around and stare at her wide-eyed.
Before a smile overtook her face "Mizukage-sama" Sakura bowed lightly, giving the woman the respect, she deserved really as Mei signed in then marched over to stand at her side, obviously waiting to have her escort her and the others to the tower.
"How have you been by the way, also where were you rushing off to a moment ago" Mei asked, making conversation while waiting as Ao, Chojuro, then Byakuya, followed by the family of six signed in at the gates which took time unfortunately, especially for Byakuya and the family.
Sakura peered up at her with a smile "I've been great, things have calmed down some here in Leaf and the tower, my mom's pregnant again" the pinkette answered politely, frowning somewhat when one of the people that had come with the Mizukage struggled through the basic interactions of signing into the village.
Mei wasn't surprised in the least when the rosette stepped forward and had a word with the on-duty guards, who let it slide for now that Byakuya didn't have shinobi or civilian identification to I.D. himself "You didn't have to do that" Byakuya frowned in confusion.
Once they were on their way to the tower "Of course I did, your one of our allies and the reason you don't have any identification is because you've only just returned to life, so as an ally I have to help" Sakura responded, causing the man to blink in surprise.
Then turn his grey eyes onto Mei who smiled tenderly at the younger kunoichi "Byakuya-sama, Sakura-chan here is one of the people I told you about, that can utilize the same jutsu, also did you say your mother was pregnant again, oh my" Mei reminded, prompting the man to turn his gaze sharply back onto the pinkette who furrowed her brows.
Before sensing a familiar chakra "You're a member of the Yuki clan" Sakura gasped in realization, though apparently the name wasn't familiar to Byakuya who probably had never realized before his untimely passing and perhaps it had only awakened upon his return to life "And yes Mizukage-sama" she nodded.
Leading the way into the tower "Is that why you're visiting the tower, shouldn't that be your mother's duty to inform the Hokage of her pregnancy" Ao scoffed, earning an elbow in the side and the only other woman from the group of mist shinobi laughed under her breath.
"Perhaps Ao-san, however my mother just returned from a mission and only found out after she'd already reported in and was exhausted, so the thought to inform Shishou could very well slip her mind, my father asked that I do so just in case" Sakura explained.
Not letting his attitude bother her, he was the same as always after all and his gruffness was just part of his personality anyway "Honestly Ao, you really should know better, it is good to see you again Sakura-san" Chojuro shook his head, then aimed a smile at Sakura.
"Sounds like you four have quite the camaraderie with one another" Byakuya commented, as they waited until the Hokage would be available and those from his village, besides the ones the girl obviously didn't know chatted with the pinkette.
Earning nods, even a grudging one from Ao "Yes, we go way back Byakuya-sama, since Sakura-chan was still a newly graduated genin, also remind me later that I have something for you" Mei smiled, placing her hands lightly on the younger kunoichi's shoulders.
Gaining looks from the family of six that had come along with her on this visit "Of course Mizukage-sama" Sakura agreed right as they were told that Tsunade was available to speak with them now and wherever Tsunade was, so happened to be Dan.
Who'd pretty much become a permanent fixture in the woman's office "What" Tsunade demanded, scaring the 7-year-olds that had walked into her office, Dan shook his head when his wife winced and aimed an apologetic look at the kid's mother.
"First, it's good to see you again Lady Tsunade, I managed to arrange for a stand-in and will be here for two weeks max, second, I request Sakura-chan as our escort and third is there enough space in that compound of yours for us three to stay there during this time" Mei greeted, aiming her last question at Sakura.
And she nodded, thought she knew that the girl would have to inform her mother the matriarch, she knew Mebuki wouldn't refuse "Very well, good to see you as well Lady Mei, what of these other ones then" Tsunade nodded her head at the extras, besides Ao and Chojuro.
"I am Byakuya a former Mizukage, the 3rd to be precise and apparently a member of the Yuki clan, like this one here" the 3rd Mizukage stepped forward, explaining his situation despite his obvious confusion, while gesturing to Sakura who wore an understanding, but patient look on her face.
Of course, after that declaration Tsunade had him demonstrate like all the others that had come before him from the same clan and with Sakura giving him gentle instructions, Byakuya was able to manipulate water out of the gourd and turn it to ice "And you six" the Hokage turned her gaze on the others once things were settled with Byakuya.
The woman with pink hair stepped forward this time "Haruna Haruno, my brother and sister-in-law live here, this is my husband Haruya Haruno nee Uzumaki and my child Ousuke, Momoe, Touya and Tsubaki and I wish to find them" Haruna introduced herself.
Causing Sakura's eyes to grow wide at the admission "Why wait so long to come searching unless you need something from your brother" Tsunade prodded, a little suspicious of the woman's sudden reasoning for only just wishing to find her brother after 15-16 years.
"Well to be honest we lived in a small village in Water Country not Kirigakure itself Hokage-sama, when Kizashi left with Mebuki for whatever reason, we'd assumed that after no contact that something had happened, and they'd died, imagine my surprise when I found out they were still alive after making a visit to Kiri" Haruna explained.
Having no ulterior motives beyond wishing to be with family again "That reason Aunt Haruno was because my mother's secret of having a kekkeigenkai during that tumultuous time was found out, so they had to flee to safety" Sakura interjected softly.
Meeting her newly found aunts blue eyes bravely, before she met the gaze of her uncle in law and cousins, family that she never thought she'd meet, nor did she know she even had really "Your Kizashi and Mebuki's daughter" Haruya as he'd been introduced earlier asked.
And got a nod from the pinkette before Tsunade cleared her throat "Ahem ask your questions later, for now I believe we need to get these 6...7 transferred" the blonde Hokage reminded eyeing Byakuya who still seemed rather confused about everything going on, yet he still nodded along with the Haruno family.
"Right, I'll be back to pick them up in a bit Shishou, also my mom's pregnant again, Atsuko confirmed it" Sakura informed, leading Mei, Ao and Chojuro from the tower and down the streets to her compound that had really come alive lately now that more and more people were beginning to live in it.
It was Mei, Ao and Chojuro's first time visiting and the three of them were impressed as Sakura led them to a decent sized home, Mebuki and the younger children were still asleep apparently when the four of them entered "Oh hello, Mizukage-sama what brings you here so late in the day" Kizashi waved as he sipped carefully on his second cup of coffee.
"Lots of things Kizashi-san, I'll be here in the Leaf Village for 2 weeks to visit and whatnot, which brings me to my first request, do you think Mebuki-san would mind if I resided here with my escorts while in the village" Mei smiled, taking a seat at the table as Sakura went to make tea.
Which reminded her of one of the things she'd brought along for the kunoichi "No I wouldn't mind, Sakura could help you get settled even, if she's not too busy" Mebuki interrupted when Kizashi was about to answer, as she trudged into the kitchen looking exhausted.
"Sure Mom, always happy to help in any way possible" Sakura smiled brightly, relenting to the unspoken request which meant this last pregnancy was probably going to be harder on her mother than the 2 previous ones and that she'd have to really pull her weight during this one.
"Now that we have that settled, here for you, I thought it over and your time in my village, all six months of it Sakura made you a shinobi of Kiri, so I'd like to return these to you, also on our way over we stopped by that island and gathered more of that plant you favor" Mei clapped.
Handing the rosette, the hitai-ate and a jonin vest from Hidden Mist "Thank you Mizukage-sama, it's an honor" Sakura bowed her head lightly as she disappeared briefly up the stairs to her room and put the vest away but tied the Kiri headband around her arm.
Before helping settle Mei, Ao and Chojuro in an empty house that had three rooms, two bathrooms and a large kitchen that they could stock with groceries from the market "Shishou must be done with them and afterwards I'll take you to the market here in the district" Sakura waved.
Feeling Tsunade flare her chakra indicating that everything was taken care of "Took you long enough" Tsunade grumbled to Dan's amusement "You are going to explain aren't you" the Hokage narrowed her honey eyes on her apprentice, mentioning the statement from an hour ago.
"Mom's pregnant so she'll need to be taken off the mission roster, if you need to talk to her in person about it, I'll remind her for tomorrow but that's the gist of it Shishou" Sakura reiterated, causing Tsunade to sigh, before waving her hand in dismissal.
Immediately upon exiting the tower the cousin she never knew she had was at her side "Hello I'm Ousuke Haruno and you are Sakura Haruno right, wait earlier you were saying something about the Yuki clan, but Uncle Kizashi is a Haruno and Aunt Mebuki married him so that means her last name is Haruno you know" Ousuke rambled nervously.
Haruna sighed and pressed her hand to her forehead "Ousuke darling you're rambling and not making any sense to your cousin no doubt, sorry Sakura sweetie, he goes on and on sometimes I'm afraid" Haruna remarked and her eldest flushed beet red in response before going silent.
"Yeah Nii-chan gets really annoying sometimes and we all have to tell him to shut up because if you don't, he never stops" Touya one of the 7-year-olds chimed in with a laugh, Ousuke remained silent during this feeling like an idiot because now his cousin probably didn't like him.
Imagine his surprise when "1st its very nice to meet you Ousuke, 2nd my last name was Haruno up until 3 years ago, it's been Yuki since I awakened the clan bloodline limit on a mission, and 3rd I don't mind the rambling, I have a friend who does the same thing, he's an Uzumaki as well" Sakura answered calmly.
Glad that she was used to Naruto being so hyper when they'd been younger "That makes you an Uzumaki too you know cause Mom is 3/4ths Uzumaki while dad is almost a full Uzumaki" Momoe her second cousin chimed in and the answers to her unasked questions finally became known to her.
"Makes sense, I had a particular penchant for fuinjutsu when I was younger, I still do, plus the chakra control I'd always wondered, now I don't have too anymore, also there are other Uzumaki living in this compound, my friend and her mom" Sakura informed.
Pushing open the gates to the Yuki District "Oh wow you really live here" Tsubaki, Touya's twin exclaimed in an excited tone of voice as they were led down the clean streets of the thriving compound, the walls decorated with blue snowflakes and all the way to nearly the center.
"Yep, I'll go get my dad" Sakura grinned, wanting to shock her dad as she vanished inside really quick and managed to coax him out of his comfortable chair that he didn't like to leave during the evenings, Kizashi nearly had the life shocked out of him when he saw his sister standing outside of his house.
Along with his brother-in-law and what must be their children, "Haruna, my god, I thought, I am so sorry for never searching for you" Kizashi rushed over to his sister, tears in his eyes as the long-lost siblings embraced for the first time in many years.
"Shh, shh it's okay big brother Kizashi, I'm here now and we're here to stay, our families will never be apart again I promise" Haruna soothed, rubbing his back as he held her to him and cried, drawing Zabuza and Yukina from their house next door at the commotion.
It was Haruna's turn to have a shock "Yukina but I thought" Haruna gasped recognizing the woman stood before her, allowing Kizashi time to compose himself as Sakura handed him a handkerchief to dry his eyes and blow his nose after his emotional reunion.
Then turned his gaze on his best friend "Hello Haruna and yes, your right my ex-husband did kill me, but I returned to life a couple years ago and married Zabuza" Yukina nodded quietly, remembering that the family of three had been in the village at the time Haku had displayed signs of the kekkeigenkai.
"Please Yukina tell me why he did it, there was a mob and everything that day, we had to leave because he and you were found dead, though we could never find your son, I'd have liked to take him in, but we never found him" Haruna begged, wanting to know.
"We kept a secret Haruna, rather I did until Haku showed signs of it and he saw, it was the kekkeigenkai of ice release and during that time things were bad for users of a bloodline limit, as for Haku, that's his story to tell if he wishes" Yukina admitted.
Just before the stomachs of the little ones Touya and Tsubaki rumbled, prompting Sakura to lead her aunt/uncle and cousins, Byakuya that she explained was also a member of their clan, plus Mei, Ao and Chojuro to the market to get groceries for the night or next few days, then set everyone up in a house for the night.
Upon her return Sakura looked exhausted herself from all that she'd done that day, bid goodnight to her parents and siblings and then went to bed, while wishing humorously that Haku was there to share in her exhaustion as she drifted off into a peaceful sleep.