Unfortunately to everyone's concern Sakura remained unconscious for two days straight "She really went and overdid it this time didn't she" Mebuki grimaced, visiting her oldest daughter while she slept, even combing out her ridiculously long hair.
"If it hadn't been for Deidara committing suicide and blowing everything up in that massive explosive I don't think it would be taking this long for her to wake up" Itachi bowed his head in apology, wishing that things hadn't turned out that way in the end.
But then again if it had just been Naruto and Sasuke against Deidara the situation could have been worse "Come on Mebuki, Sakura will be alright" Kizashi soothed, knowing that his wife was on the verge of a breakdown if their eldest didn't wake up soon.
Mebuki sighed but let herself be led out of the hospital, prompting Itachi to do the same "How is she Itachi-chan...poor dear" Mikoto asked when her eldest son showed up to visit his little sisters Kyouko and Mayuko and couldn't help but ask how Sakura was doing.
Only for Itachi to shake his head indicating she was still unconscious, luckily hours later when Haku settled himself at his betrothed side for the night, Sakura cracked her eyes open "Haku" the rosette croaked out her boyfriend's name, causing him to drop his book in surprise.
Then lean over her with a worried look on his face "Are you okay, should I go get a nurse" Haku questioned because that was all he could do for now since he wasn't a medic like she was and got a nod from the kunoichi so off he went to find a nurse.
When he returned Sakura was sat up with pillows behind her as the nurse went forward to give her a checkup "How do you feel Yuki-san" the woman inquired just glad that the kunoichi was awake and alright if still extremely low on chakra.
"Pretty thirsty to be honest, if I could get some water that would be great, as for how I feel, real crappy, ugh I hate passing out...speaking of, how long have I been out of commission" Sakura requested, answering the nurse's question before asking one of her own.
Haku shook his head "Almost three days, everyone is fine, though we'll probably be receiving guests from the Fire Temple for a while since they no longer have a home sometime tomorrow... also, I hate this passing out thing you do to" Haku explained.
Patient when Sakura was given a glass of water and she began taking small sips, so she didn't upset her stomach after not eating for the last two days "Right because the temple was destroyed and I'm glad that everyone is okay" Sakura breathed in relief.
Looking tired despite having just woken up, so Haku helped her lay back down and watched as she drifted off back to sleep and since she was going to be fine now decided to go home for the night instead of staying like he had been planning.
And the following morning he was back, arriving in time to find Tsunade visiting her awake apprentice "For now you're off the mission roster for let's say two months, oh and Sakura if I catch you using any chakra at all for the next month, I'll put chakra suppressants on you" Tsunade threatened.
Clearly at her wits end "Understood Shishou" Sakura nodded eagerly, pale as a ghost as their Hokage stormed from her hospital room, slamming the door for effect "Well that could have gone worse" she slumped back into the pillows after a moment.
"Yeah, anyway I brought breakfast, and I was told to inform you that everyone will drop by to see you sometime if you're up to visitors today" Haku winced, handing over the bento that Mebuki had thrust into his hands when he'd told her that Sakura was awake.
Sakura aimed a grateful smile at him and promptly dug in, making sure to eat small bites and take small sips of her tea "Just tell them I'll be home in a few hours, Shishou didn't see a reason to keep me here much longer, as long as I avoid using chakra for a month" Sakura admitted.
Because she'd damaged her chakra network via excessive chakra use and it would take time to properly recover unfortunately, then she'd have to practice in order to regain the control over her chakra that she'd lost because of it.
Haku frowned but if the Hokage had said it was okay then he couldn't really argue "Very well, I'll stay with you until your able to leave then" Haku informed, taking a seat in the bedside chair while Sakura ate her food slowly, drinking her tea every few bites to rehydrate herself.
A few hours later a nurse came to check on her again and gave Sakura permission to leave "Though I would like you to come back in a couple of weeks so that we can check how your network is recovering alright" the nurse requested.
Once the pinkette was all signed out and ready to go home "Alright, can you write it down for me" Sakura asked, then was handed a card with the time of her necessary visit written down on it, Haku frowned but she ushered him from the hospital.
Not sure how to explain before "Shishou told me that I damaged my chakra network with my excessive use of chakra, I won't have the same control I did over my chakra once I'm able to use it again in a month, that's why she threatened to put cuffs on me if I even tried" Sakura confessed.
"Oh Sakura" Haku exclaimed in a horrified tone as he crushed her to him, this just proved that the battle against the ex-Akatsuki members had truly been difficult, and he wished that they'd gotten there in time to prevent it from happening in the first place.
"I know Haku, it's bad and I'm sorry but I can't regret saving everyone" Sakura cried, burying her face in his chest as he comforted her through the first tears he'd seen since they were genin, because Sakura had hid her feelings deep in order to get through each day without breaking down from the stress.
They weren't alone for long when the sound of crying drew Tobirama, Kagami and Fugaku in the couple's direction, only for them to realize that Sakura was awake and out of the hospital as Haku held onto the rosette as she cried which alarmed them, prompting their approach.
Her tears abated some when a familiar touch upon her shoulder drew her attention "Tobirama-sama, Kagami-san, Fugaku-sama" Sakura bowed her head in greeting, trying to wipe her eyes dry but failing as more tears replaced the ones she removed.
"What's going on, why do you cry Sakura, I know for a fact that everyone survived, so I don't understand what has upset you" Tobirama questioned, unsure what to do with the fact that she was crying, when he couldn't remember a time that she'd done so previously, at least not for as long as he'd witnessed just now.
His question brought a fresh wave of tears to her eyes to his horror "Hokage-sama said she damaged her chakra network from the fight and that her chakra control will be lesser because of it" Haku explained, keeping hold of his betrothed as she battled with her emotions.
Fugaku felt bile rise in his throat from the admission because he wouldn't wish this kind of situation on anyone let alone Sakura, but a tiny part of himself was glad that it wasn't Itachi at the same time "Will you be able to use chakra again" Kagami inquired carefully.
Sensing that this was going to be an extremely touchy subject for the kunoichi "Yes, in a month, I have to let my chakra replenish naturally on its own which will take a while since my pathways were damaged" Sakura nodded quietly.
Managing to calm down and stop crying, though it was obvious she had been since her eyes were red "How long did Lady Tsunade say you had to rest" Fugaku found his voice after shoving down the urge to vomit, knowing that if Sakura was in this kind of condition it would probably be a while before she could go on missions again.
"Two months, one to recover and the second to regain the control I lost" Sakura explained, it was right then and there that Tobirama decided he wouldn't let things stand, there had to be something he and all other adults could do so children didn't have to throw themselves into battle any longer.
As he turned and marched off to his great niece's office, who didn't look like she was faring any better than her apprentice "Have you seen Sakura already" Tsunade asked quietly, feeling awful about her decision, but Sakura needed proper rest.
"Yes, and we can't keep doing this Tsunade, relying on children to fight in a war against those who wish us harm, I've had a long time to think about the reason why all of us have returned and perhaps this is it, because the kami know it's wrong to throw children at rogue ninja that want to kill them" Tobirama informed.
Taking a seat and he wasn't going to leave until a plan had been put in place to prevent further harm to the younger generation of shinobi in the Leaf Village "What do you want me to do Uncle, their already far to entrenched, how can I pull them out without upsetting them" Tsunade sighed.
Looking her age of 54 for once "Even if it upsets them Tsunade, as just proven naught but three days ago, one of them could possibly wind-up dead during the next fight, we have no idea where Obito has gone or what he's planning now that we have no way of tracking him" Tobirama scowled.
Really trying not to let his temper rule him but kami it was difficult "Alright, what do you suggest then" Tsunade inquired, knowing that her grand uncle was right, none of them were ready for all-out war, except for probably Sakura, but she wasn't going to throw her apprentice in the line of fire ever again.
So, they needed a new plan "Get together with all the current Kage and everyone who has returned recently, search the lands for Obito and Zetsu and train until were adequately prepared for the coming fight, surely with all our combined efforts they will be found sooner rather than later" Tobirama suggested.
Having had an idea in mind already "I'll send out the word to Ohnoki, Ay, Rasa and have Mei brought here later, there will probably be another summit meeting" Tsunade relented, starting on the letters for the other three Kage so that her uncle would see she wasn't going to procrastinate on this.
"Good, for now I'll go around to everyone that I know to have returned and explain the situation" Tobirama nodded, relieved that it hadn't been that difficult to sway his great niece to his line of thinking before storming off to find the others and round them up for a meeting.
And there were many he realized, "So what's up with this meeting Nidaime-sama, don't tell me somethings happened to the brat again" Juzo one of the first people to have come back he was certain, asked, wondering what the hell was going on.
Then he remembered Sakura had been in danger again so perhaps something was finally being done to stop it from happening ever again "It occurred to me that we are letting children fight an adults war and that if we don't want one of them to die, we need to do something ourselves" Tobirama informed.
Drawing their gazes "Your right Tobirama, this is mostly my fault and I'll take responsibility for it as well by ending Obito if I have to" Madara stepped forward, though he did have to wonder why only now was Tobirama taking action the question could wait.
"Because of Sakura isn't it Tobirama-sama" Kagami inquired, extremely perceptive, her crying had been the trigger no doubt "Count me in as well then" he announced, because he didn't ever want to see or hear Sakura cry again, it had truly been awful.
"Hold on what do you mean because of Sakura-chan, don't tell me something else happened to her, she didn't slip into a coma did she" Shisui blurted when someone else went to speak, even the thought of it was too horrific and he couldn't imagine not seeing her walking around or talking to her anymore.
Kagami shook his head "No she's awake, but due to the fight, her chakra pathways were damaged from overusing her chakra, Lady Tsunade took her off the mission roster for two months, the second in which she'll need to train in order to gain the chakra control she lost" Fugaku confessed.
Causing the others to feel sick "When she walked through the compound earlier, her eyes were red, that's it isn't it, she cried and now we're the ones going to be fighting" Mangetsu snapped his fingers in remembrance even if he didn't like the idea that Sakura had cried either.
It had still been wrong to force children onto the battlefield "Alright so how exactly are we going to do this, we have no idea where Obito or Zetsu have disappeared to" Izuna questioned, stood with his brother, their wives and his child at home because they weren't really fighters.
"For now, we can do nothing but wait really, Tsunade will handle the technical side of things, we'll just train and be ready for when the war begins in earnest, it's already started, but we'll be ending it" Tobirama admitted, dismissing the group.
Of course, immediately after Juzo and Mangetsu headed for the Yuki compound "Should you be..." Juzo began in a harsh tone when they found Sakura at the lake field, but he cut himself off when he realized that she was just sitting there reading a book.
Reclined against her wolves while Haku sparred with Ousuke "Oh hey Juzo, Mangetsu" Sakura waved lightly eyes still red from earlier as the two approached before joining her on the ground "You were about to yell at me weren't you" she smiled.
Juzo flushed "Because we care damn it, did you even tell your mother that you can't use chakra because you damaged your pathways" he scowled, really trying not to upset her but his temper was getting the best of him like it usually did.
"I did, she was furious, it took Dad and Yukina to calm her down, she wanted to march off" Sakura nodded, growing pale in remembrance, Juzo grimaced, though it did make him realize that Sakura wasn't truly a child anymore, all this fighting had stripped her of her innocence.
Mangetsu frowned "But don't worry about it alright, you just focus on recovering and leave the rest to us got it" he warned, knowing that of all of them it would be her right in the thick of things if something went wrong, she wouldn't hesitate to jump in.
Sakura tilted her head in confusion, but they didn't elaborate, instead hurried home to their wives and children, and explained to them the decision that had been made in order to prevent more children from suffering like the rosette had during her life as a shinobi.
"We'll fight to, our iryo-ninjutsu will be invaluable" Atsuko declared, not intending to stand back and let everyone go rushing into battle when she could help with her medical ninjutsu, plus the enemy needed to see that they of the Yuki Clan weren't pushovers.
One of their own had been hurt and it was time to even the playing field instead of hiding away "Don't Juzo, you know Atsuki is right, we can be useful" Suzuha informed, cutting her husband off when he went to open his mouth and no doubt argue.
The two men shared a look before ultimately relenting because the women would do whatever they wanted anyway with or without their permission "Promise us that you won't endanger yourselves if something is beyond your capabilities pull out and retreat to safety" Mangetsu pleaded.
Not wanting to lose the woman he loved or the family that had opened its arms to him and welcomed him and several others in, thankfully Atsuko and Suzuha were smart kunoichi and knew what kind of battles they could win and which ones to lose as they promised to be careful.
Meanwhile back at the field "Ousuke your left side is open, you'll never pass if you don't learn to guard properly" Haku warned, closing the distance between him and Sakura's cousin, only to be surprised when Ousuke twisted agilely, landing a kick.
And it threw him back quite a ways "Oooh are you alright Haku" Sakura called in concern when he rose carefully then patted himself down before nodding, it was mostly the shock that had startled him, other than that he was fine.
Relieved she settled back down against Chie and Mayu to work on her next jutsu creation, one that she would have to rely heavily on her senjutsu chakra for, which would eliminate the risk of overusing her chakra again in the future.
"Pinky...Sakura, we all heard and I'm sorry, if I'd gotten there sooner or perhaps dealt with Deidara myself before that idiot could blow himself up, this wouldn't have happened to you" Kisame joined her when she was focused on her work.
She nearly screamed in fright, then forced herself to calm down "You don't have to apologize, it was my choice, thus responsible for my own actions as well Hoshigaki, besides I know, Itachi told me" Sakura smiled causing the man to look away.
As he realized she knew that he had always felt guilty about traumatizing her way back during her genin days "Whatever brat" Kisame grunted, standing and stomping off to her amusement, Haku chuckled under his breath then resumed his spar against Ousuke.
Until the teenager was laid out on the ground breathing hard "Here let me" Karin randomly popped up at his side scaring Ousuke but she shushed him and began healing his injuries, afterwards Haku helped her back onto her feet and she promptly wandered over to Sakura.
Who scooted over a little so that Karin would be comfortable as well "Mito-sama wanted me to let you know that she is appropriately angry on your behalf and that when Obito shows his face again, she'll make sure that he knows why it's never a good idea to piss off an Uzumaki" Karin informed.
Quite angry herself "Tell her thanks Karin-chan" the rosette hummed softly, glad that she had friends and people that cared for her "Is there something else" Sakura asked when the redhead fidgeted, shot a glance at Haku and Ousuke before leaning closer.
"By the way your cousin is real cute" the redhead giggled, her crush on Sasuke was going nowhere after all in fact it didn't really look like the Uchiha in question was ever going to find someone to marry as he focused on his family and teammates above everything else.
Sakura grinned "I'd say he thinks you're pretty cute to Karin-chan if the furtive glances are anything to go by, why don't you take him on a tour around the compound" the pinkette suggested, eyeing her cousin who couldn't help himself.
As he looked subtly at Karin "You know I may just do that" Karin popped up from her spot reclined against Mayu before marching over to Ousuke and a moment later the pair were gone, leaving Sakura and Haku alone the 17-year-old shaking his head at the younger shinobi's antics.
"Let's go check on your aunt, I heard she opened up business already" Haku announced, holding out his hand for his betrothed and with a smooth movement Sakura was on her feet, prompting the wolves to do the same since it was about time to check on the wolf pups that had been birthed.
Then the couple headed towards the building that wasn't too far from the lake and stepped inside, only to duck when a ball of ice came whizzing in their direction "Having trouble Haruna-oba" Sakura inquired, keeping an eye on her sisters who sported mischievous grins.
Haruna let out a huff "These children are quite a handful I daresay, but I can handle it, also why aren't you resting" Haruna assured, managing to settle the kids down, since the older ones were in the academy it was just the little ones there at the daycare for now.
"Resting is a broad term, and technically all I really have to do is let my chakra replenish naturally" Sakura explained, not really wanting to argue with her aunt, but being firm, she didn't need to lay about in bed for a month after all.
Knowing that her niece was right Haruna sighed "Just be careful not to overdo it alright, we're all watching to make sure you don't use chakra and you bet that I will inform Lady Hokage if I catch you using it understood" Haruna threatened.
Thankfully her threat wasn't nearly as terrifying as when Tsunade had made it, so Sakura nodded then allowed Haku to steer her back outside and even from the compound to mingle with the masses instead of staying cooped up inside the district.
And not long after leaving the compound the couple was approached by several monks from the Fire Temple "Chiriku-sama and Sora have been looking everywhere for you Yuki-san, we beseech you one of our saviors to please meet with them" the group requested.
Bowing low for the kunoichi that had healed them "Lead the way then, I'd like to see them and make sure their doing alright anyway" Sakura requested kindly, and the ninja monks were more than happy to comply, five minutes later, they spotted Chiriku speaking to Asuma.
Who only turned when he spied pink out of the corner of his eye "Sakura-san I thought I would have to search the entire village for you, in fact I was about to recruit Asuma to help me" Chiriku admitted, having already heard no doubt that she had screwed up badly during that fight
Especially as he stared down at her in concern "I'm fine...well physically anyway, I just need to take it easy for the next month is all" Sakura assured, not wanting anyone to feel as if it was their fault things had gone bad during the fight.
Chiriku sighed "Thank you and your team Sakura, my only regret is not being able to help more, that's why I'd like to extend an offer to you and your team, should you ever need it, when the temple is rebuilt, the doors will always be open to you" Chiriku bowed lightly.
Giving Team Seven, plus Itachi, even Kisame Hoshigaki sanctuary should they ever need it "We greatly appreciate your generosity Chiriku-sama" Haku murmured in a soft tone, causing the man to look at him in confusion, "Ah I am Haku Yuki, Sakura's betrothed" he greeted properly with a light bow.
"Betrothed, I've heard nothing of the sort from Asuma...though I suppose I hadn't really given him a chance to inform me when I came upon him and asked for help in finding you Sakura-san" Chiriku remarked more than a little surprised at the news.
Then again, the way this young man had held Sakura upon arriving should have given him a clue "Oh there you are, I've been searching all over" just then Sora came bounding towards the group to Asuma's amusement before coming to a halt right in front of Sakura.
Hands on knees as he panted from the exertion of running about searching "Hello Sora-san and there's a reason you hadn't found me before now, I live with my clan in a compound that's separate from the rest of the village occupants, like most other clans do, though there are a few exceptions" Sakura explained.
Sora furrowed his brows "Compound, clan, I don't understand...wait does it have to do with that ice you used during the fight against those rogues" Sora snapped his fingers, having thought the ability was strange but he hadn't really had time to question her about it.
"Yes, that is the Yuki clans kekkeigenkai, Hyoton, or Ice Release, I awakened to my kekkeigenkai as a genin during a stressful moment, I can't demonstrate right now unfortunately" Sakura nodded, holding up a hand when Sora opened his mouth to no doubt ask just that.
And promptly snapped his mouth shut in response "Right, the Hokage mentioned something about you damaging your chakra pathways" Sora winced, realizing that it was a very serious matter if only just then while Chiriku shook his head.
"Perhaps you could show us this compound of yours instead Sakura-san, that way we know where to find you alright" Chiriku inquired kindly, watching as the kunoichi lit up to her betrothed's amusement, Asuma chuckled under his breath but watched as the odd group headed off towards the Yuki District.
Then within as the gates were opened for them "Should you be out wandering" Yagura inquired, stood in their way as he'd been about to leave the compound himself only to spot the Yuki heiress, her betrothed and ninja monks from the Fire Temple entering the district.
"I wasn't physically injured Yagura-sama, the only restriction I was given was to not use chakra for a month" Sakura sighed, knowing that this would be a reoccurring thing with most everyone that she knew until they saw for themselves that she was physically alright.
Emotionally not so much "Very well, I just worry" Yagura relented, deciding against the scolding he had prepared for the kunoichi as he allowed her to pass and head deeper within the compound, while he headed out to acquire what Fuyuko requested from the village market.
"You really live here in this place, but it feels so isolated" Sora questioned as they meandered forward slowly in the direction the couple led him and Chiriku until they reached a sparkling blue lake with an odd building off to the side that he would probably be asking about later if he remembered.
Sakura smiled in amusement "Yes, we live here, all the members of my clan that have been either born or returned or shown up here after hearing about us and while it does at times, this place is meant for the Yuki to give us a sense of security" the rosette explained.
"And don't worry, we do have a unit that runs patrol around the compound, it's made up of shinobi from different clans actually" Haku chimed in, manipulating some water out of the lake for a demonstration, as he planned to practically glue himself to Sakura for the next month or so.
Which meant doing anything he could to prevent her from having to use her chakra "Fascinating, is your kekkeigenkai the reason you were so on edge during your first visit to the Temple Sakura-san" Chiriku inquired, curious about the building but wanting that question answered first.
"Partly, the other half is my team and I have a tendency of running into rogues on our missions and because of this happening way back since I was a genin, it tempered me into an extremely paranoid person, plus I had to be wary of attempted kidnappings or assassination attempts as well" Sakura answered.
Horrifying the two monks in front of her with Haku nodding along in agreement "Okay so what's up with that building over there, do you store your weapons in it or something" Sora asked, beating Chiriku by asking first to the Head Monk's amusement.
Earning grins "Not exactly, while we do have weapons stored there for lessons after the academy in clan techniques, the building itself is a daycare for the children of our clan" Haku was the one to answer this time dropping the water he'd manipulating back into the lake.
Chiriku seemed more interested now "Children, and just how many young ones do you have running about in your compound" he questioned, becoming more curious by the minute about the Yuki Clan as he interacted with members of it.
"Mm, right now there are eighteen little ones, the oldest are 8-9 while the youngest are only 4 months old, our siblings range from 1-3 years old so yeah lots of them hehe" Sakura laughed, gesturing between herself and Haku when she said our siblings.
While the monk blinked in surprise "How do you look after them all, heck how do you even make enough money to tend that many children in one building" Sora spluttered not able to imagine that many itty-bitty kids apparently all gathered together.
"Everyone has a purpose here and we all do equal work to help out, like let's say my dad for example, he's good at finances because he used to be a merchant, plus he's also the marriage officiate of the clan, so if there's a wedding, he can officiate it, there's also the clinic and other things" Sakura explained.
Able to understand that to some that many seemed like a lot, but it really wasn't to them of the Yuki Clan "Other things Sakura-san and you have a clinic here" Chiriku remarked, and so they trekked back towards the entrance of the compound, where Yuki Medical Clinic was located.
Then they entered, and they were in luck Yukina was running the front desk that afternoon "Hello and welcome to Yuki...Sakura-chan my goodness are you feeling alright, do you need to be checked out, Haku she hasn't strained herself has she" Yukina gasped hoping all was well.
"I'm alright, we were just showing these two Chiriku-sama the Head Monk of the Fire Temple and Sora-san around the district and an interest was expressed about the clinic here" Sakura assured gently, not having meant to scare anyone by showing up like that.
Thankfully the woman did calm "Good, good, I welcome you here Chiriku-sama, Sora-san" Yukina aimed a smile at the ninja monks who'd be residing in their village until the temple could be rebuilt, Sora couldn't help himself as he blushed in response.
While Chiriku bowed his head in greeting, taking his time in looking around "So may I ask what the purpose is, if there is a hospital situated in the center of the village" Chiriku inquired, trying not to sound rude or that there was no purpose for a clinic that seemed to him only tended to the Yuki clan.
"Ah, we have a deal with the hospital, they send us patients that have minor injuries or issues so in case of an emergency it's not crowded, we also trade herbs that are grown here for herbs from there and whatnot" Haku answered able to understand that not everyone would understand at first really.
His mother nodded in agreement when Chiriku looked her way "How many medics do you have working here in the clinic precisely" the Head Monk asked next, planning to make his next visit the greenhouses in the clinic and he was also curious about the wolves he saw padding about after some people in the district.
Yukina glanced to Sakura in response "6, though I think Hika-chan wished to learn medical ninjutsu, as well as my uncle Haruya, because I think he wants to set up a program for those interested in the classroom" Sakura hummed, trying to remember and got a nod from her boyfriend.
Chiriku was definitely surprised by that "Don't you think that is far too few medics Sakura-san, I mean no offense" he held up his hand to prevent anyone from getting upset by his comment though when he was finished it didn't look like it had really bothered anyone to begin with.
"For most I suppose it would seem like not enough, but trust me our medics are extremely talented, the sisters Atsuko and Suzuha are some of the best actually, then there's Sakura and Karin, my mother, and Hisame who has come a long way since learning" Haku answered kindly.
Leading the way from the clinic and to the greenhouses because he had a feeling it was next on the list to visit anyway "Is she a Yuki too, though I didn't see her using that weird ice thing that you did on Chiriku-sama" Sora chimed in, looking confused.
But Sakura and Haku shook their heads "No, she's actually an Uzumaki, and up until recently had been living with Sakura and her family because her mother was found returned to life" Haku explained, leaving the other bit for his girlfriend to explain.
"Also, Sora-san, that weird ice thing I did is a medical ninjutsu I developed with our kekkeigenkai, Hyoton: Ice Chrysalis, it cocoons someone inside and heals them without interruption, took me three months maybe longer to create" Sakura smiled.
Shocking the fifteen-year-old as well as Chiriku into stunned silence for a moment until they reached the greenhouses, the head monk was clearly impressed as they were then led around to the market, blacksmith and clothing shop afterwards "What about the rest of this place, it seems empty" Chiriku frowned.
Realizing less than half of the district was occupied "I'm sure we'll figure something out in due time Chiriku-sama, but for now we only really have a total of 38 members to our clan and half of them are children aged 1-3 with a few being eight" Haku shrugged lightly.
Fairly positive that the compound would see a full usage at some point in their future, eventually the two left, leaving Sakura and Haku alone until Sasuke and Naruto found the couple enjoying what looked like a date at the lake field "Could have at least told us you were out of the hospital" Naruto whined.
Having been worried out of his mind when he went to visit the hospital and found out that Sakura had already been released that morning, which had been hours ago "Sorry, slipped my mind in between being threatened by Shishou and watching my mom nearly go on a rampage" Sakura apologized.
"Never mind about that, Kakashi cornered us and if you feel up to it in a few days, we can have that family picnic you promised him and bring your aunt, uncle and cousins he said" Sasuke interjected, feeling no need to rag on his teammate about what had happened.
When really, they, meaning he and Naruto should have been paying better attention "Family picnic Sakura, and when were you going to mention that" Haku frowned in confusion, not remembering if he'd heard mention of it before.
"Yeah, last week before we went on the mission, apparently Sakura-chan had a favor to ask of Kakashi-sensei and that was the condition for receiving it, a picnic and I think you and your family would be welcome to Haku" Naruto rambled.
Huffing in indignation to Haku's amusement "I'll mention it to Mother" Haku promised kindly as the two wandered off and a few days later, during which he made sure Sakura took it easy, while helping prepare food for the picnic they were headed off to meet the others.
Kakashi nearly chickened out when he realized how many children were going to be attending this picnic, he asked for but Ameyuri's firm grip on his wrist prevent him from fleeing "You wanted this, we just need to figure out how to make sure all these kids are safe" Ameyuri reminded.
Glad that she'd decided against having any more kids "Right, right" Kakashi grimaced, hoping that someone could help with their predicament, imagine his surprise when Hashirama showed up alongside Sakura for some reason or another.
And the two began whispering to one another behind their hands until the First nodded, agreeing to whatever it was she was asking, then around their picnic blanket wood rose forming an enclosed space but still large enough the kids could wander and play on the grass until they were finished eating.
Without vanishing or getting hurt "Look at that Kakashi-kun, your student is quite smart isn't she" Sakumo chuckled, glad as most of his apprehension faded now that the children's safety had been completely assured by the rosette while Hashirama waved and headed off.
"You didn't think I'd come here without some sort of plan did you sensei, honestly with all these children one of them was bound to get in trouble if we didn't have some kind of assurance to prevent it" Sakura rolled her eyes lightly at the man.
Causing him to sulk while the others got everything set up and the children played or napped in Momo's case "For the sake of those who don't know, why don't we all introduce ourselves, I'm Haruya Haruno, Kizashi is my brother-in-law" Haruya requested.
Slightly overwhelmed by how many people his niece knew "Why don't we start then, Kushina Uzumaki, these are mine, Naruto, Ren, Rin, and Misato, plus possibly two more on the way, we don't know yet for sure" Kushina greeted.
Holding out her hand for the man to shake "Minato Namikaze, was the 4th Hokage" Minato nodded his head upon following his wife's lead because the man made a good point, it had been a while since they'd all come together like this.
"Haruna Haruno and these are my children Ousuke, Momoe, Touya and Tsubaki" Haruna smiled kindly, proving that she was related to Kizashi without a doubt, the man had always been kind so of course his sister would have the same temperament.
Deciding to just get it over with Zabuza stepped forward "Zabuza Momochi, will go by Yuki, if necessary, my wife Yukina, who you already know, our oldest brat Haku and my younger brats Mifuyu, Setsuji, and Setsuka" Zabuza grumbled out in a grudging sort of tone.
"Our turn then, Fugaku Uchiha, my wife Mikoto and children, Itachi, with his fiancé, Izumi, Sasuke, Kyouko and Mayuko, also my uncle-in-law Kagami, nephew Shisui and his fiancé, Naori" Fugaku introduced next, handling the introductions to Mikoto's amusement, and she knew why, because he wasn't really the sociable type.
But for his children he would do anything nowadays "And finally there's us, Sakumo Hatake, my wife Karina, my son Kakashi, his wife Ameyuri and their children, Nojo, Anzu, Koen and Momo" Sakumo chimed in, finishing things off so they could get settled and start eating while the children ran about.
Laughter filled the air as the adults ate or handed food to the kids when they asked for it "So Haruna-san what was it like where you lived before finding out that Kizashi-san was still alive" Ameyuri asked because she'd lived in Mist during its worst years.
"Not good, especially after he disappeared with Mebuki, there were riots and angry mobs hunting for people with kekkeigenkai, things did settle down after a few years of course and our situation improved but living quality was horrid" Haruna admitted.
Pretty much the kind of answer Ameyuri was expecting anyway so she wasn't too surprised "So why did you decide after all these years to visit Kirigakure then, wouldn't you have gone sooner if things were truly that bad" Sakumo inquired.
Casting a look around to make sure none of the children were trying to escape while they were distracted "Truthfully, news took a bit to travel our way, so by the time we realized that things could change, Mei-sama had already been Mizukage for quite some time" Haruya admitted.
Making sense to the others really "Either way, we're glad we did, now we all get to know each other" Tsubaki chimed in, helping keep an eye on the younger children, having taken to her ninja lessons while Touya struggled with some subjects.
Unlike their elder sister Momoe who'd be graduating in a few months after turning twelve "I heard that you're expecting again Mebuki, is that true" Mikoto asked suddenly, eyeing the blonde woman, who sighed but nodded in answer.
"Yes, we're unsure of the gender yet, but this will be my last one, I honestly don't think I could handle anymore after this one" Mebuki confessed, eyeing her children who tested her patience constantly, though she knew her eldest didn't do it on purpose, it was still frustrating.
Fortunately, Mikoto could understand as she and Fugaku had quite happily made the decision that four children was enough for the both of them, especially with their eldest sons old enough that they didn't need raising like their daughters and so had undergone surgery to remove her uterus already.
"By the way I always meant to ask, what prompted this whole thing, you know repopulating the Yuki clan, it's a huge task to handle anyway Aunt Mebuki" Ousuke questioned, figuring it wouldn't hurt to ask since everyone was in an honest sort of mood.
His aunts smile told him it was going to be a long story though "Well it started with Sakura and Haku actually, you see back before we were properly established, Sakura came home with a boy I knew all too well, declaring that she'd awakened her kekkeigenkai and I knew that I had to protect them" Mebuki confessed.
Causing the two in question to blush "Everyone else sort of followed after that to be fair, Karin-chan, Ami, and the rest" Kizashi chuckled, even if they didn't travel anymore his life was whole and he wouldn't trade it for the world really.
Just then Haruna turned on Yukina "So how did you meet Zabuza-san anyway and why did you decide that he'd be perfect husband material" Haruna asked of her friend that had apparently been alive for the last 2 or so years without her knowing it, married with children.
"Kirigakure, that's where I returned to life too as well, the 4th Mizukage found me, but it was Sakura who recognized me because of Haku, as for that other question, well I figured if Zabuza cared so much about Haku, then we could love each other via our mutual love for him and the rest is history" Yukina giggled softly.
Peering up at her husband sweetly "Even if you and that wolf of yours tries to drive me mad, I love you to Yukina and our brats, including Haku" Zabuza confessed, not one to usually state such sentiments but wanting it known he loved his family.
The other women that surrounded them smiled at the tender moment while the men shared grins of amusement before switching topics and continuing to chitchat well into the afternoon "There's more food if anyone is still hungry" Itachi chimed in, having helped make food for everyone apparently.
Clearly enjoying the peace for however long it lasted "Great, I think I'll grab some more" Sasuke commented, filling a plate then found a spot to sit next to his teammates "Hey get your own" he grunted when Naruto tried to sneak a couple bites of his curry.
And Sakura laughed when the two began roughhousing with one another "Oi careful you ruffians don't want to wake the kids do you" Shisui grumbled, not up to chasing more children around now that they were all napping peacefully.
Naruto froze giving Sasuke a moment of reprieve as he devoured his food faster than possible to avoid having the blonde attempt to steal food from him again "Darn it, guess there's nothing for it" Naruto sulked, parents shaking their heads in amusement.
Settling down on the opposite side of Sakura so that she was sandwiched between them since Haku was elsewhere, carrying for his younger siblings to give his parents a break "Knucklehead don't pretend as if you really wanted it" Sakura snorted lightly, making Naruto grin sheepishly.
He'd just been teasing Sasuke really "Ugh please tell me you don't do this more than once a year" Ousuke grunted, flopping down in front of his cousin, looking exhausted, in fact his normal rambling was practically nonexistent because he'd had so many people to talk to today that it was unbelievable.
"This is the first time we've ever done such a thing really Ousuke, but I think my sensei learned his lesson with lots of children" Sakura snickered, eyeing the man in question as he leaned back against a tree with his triplets passed out on some part of him, seeming asleep himself.
But she knew better, Kakashi was always alert no matter what in case of an emergency "I heard that he passed out when he was told he was going to be a father is that true" Kushina questioned, having heard from Minato obviously but it had been a secondhand telling of the event.
"Yes...and that wasn't even the best part, it was the realization that came after that made the whole thing funny" Sakura snickered softly, mind flashing back to that day and remembering she'd nearly passed out herself from laughing so hard because of it.
Eventually as the day began turning night the five families packed up and with children in arms headed home, promising that they'd get together again, maybe not quite like this but a simple gathering and there was no one more glad to be in her bed than Sakura as she flopped down face first and quickly fell into a deep slumber.