Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto

A/N:

Hello, readers! Back again with a new chapter. So excited that things are starting to move forward plot-wise now. Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts. Yes, Tomoha is a little harsh (a lot) and cold but I hope as the story unfolds it becomes more clear or at least understandable why she is the way she is. As you may have guessed by now, the characters all have a pretty rough go of things at least in the beginning in terms of backstory. No one is really happy. I hope to balance the sadness with joy, laughter, and some light-hearted moments. Because I'm a sucker for happy endings. And I love the idea of these characters too much to go too heavy into the angst (maybe will explore that in another story at a later time).

Anyway. Thank you for your support. Hope you like this chapter!

~ L.H.

Chapter 9: Beginnings of Convergence

Flashback

Tomoha held the sweat-drenched head of Kushina in between her hands. The woman by all accounts strong and young no longer had the strength to support it herself.

"Something isn't right," Kushina said with a pained groan. Her violet eyes rolled upwards as she pinned Tomoha in place. "Is Minato here yet?"

"Not yet, Kushina-chan," Tomoha wiped her brow with a damp cloth. "You are doing great. Just a little longer." Tomoha's eyes locked with the midwife's.

The woman whispered something to the girl next to her. Tomoha's sinking feeling grew as the girl hurried over to her. Tomoha leaned towards her as the girl's hot breath was in her ear.

"Who do we save? The baby or the mom?" The girl whispered quickly.

Tomoha's color completely drained from her face. She looked at the midwife, Kushina was panting in her arms. Tomoha shook her head once to the right, definitively. She looked down at Kushina.

"Kushina-chan, I'll be right back." She gently lowered the woman's head down to the cube-shaped pillow.

Kushina's arm darted out. She grabbed Tomoha's forearm with a clammy hand. "Hurry back." She pleaded.

"I will, Kushina-chan." Tomoha brushed the hair from her forehead with a tender hand.

She stood up and slid open the doors. She did not bother to put on her shoes. She ran on the cobblestoned path. It was a cold afternoon. She barely noticed. She made a sharp right. She ran all the way down the hall. She bowed behind the doors.

"Namikaze-sama," she struggled to catch her breath.

"What is it?" The man with blond hair and blue eyes peered over the edge of his teacup.

She squeezed her eyes shut. She brought her hand to her chest. Her heart hurt.

"They would like to know who to save," she somehow found the strength to say. "Who do we save, Namikaze-sama?"

Nimakaze Naoto pressed his lips together, taking a moment. "The child," he said with finality.

Tomoha's head hung. She felt something akin to resentment rise up in her. It had to be the adrenaline coursing through her veins that compelled her to speak.

"Is that what Minato-sama would want?" She asked him the question she had no business of asking with a great deal of confidence. She held her breath. She heard the cup meet the table with force.

"Out of respect for your years of service, Ambe, and the fact that matters such as this make women hysterical, I will disregard your transgression. Just this once. If a choice is to be made, save the child."

Tomoha exhaled. "Understood, Namikaze-sama." She bowed. She grabbed the fabric of her kimono. She ran back to the arched gate. Her mind moved faster than her body. She did not know if she should listen to what Naoto said or what she knew deep down Master Minato would want. She was conflicted, torn in two.

She stopped just outside the threshold. Still unsure of what she was to do. What she was to say. She closed her eyes as another muffled, pained wail left Kushina's throat. Her heart rattled in her chest. Tomoha slipped through the door. The midwife looked at her.

Tomoha took a deep breath. She looked at Kushina. The woman looked at her with a gaze full of conviction.

"Save the baby," Kushina said in a voice clearer than glass.

The midwife nodded. Tomoha held Kushina by the shoulders. The woman grabbed the braided sheets. She sat up with the last of her strength. Tomoha supported her. Kushina took in a deep breath and pushed with every ounce of strength she could muster.

She screamed. She leaned back heavily against Tomoha. She was gently lowered down. Tears cascaded down her cheeks. She laughed as the sound of high-pitched crying filled the room. She laughed hysterically. She turned her head. She saw her son for the first time.

"Naruto," She leaned forward to be closer to him. She took in his perfect face. "Hi, I'm your mom." She kissed his forehead. "I don't have much time." She bit her lips to keep her voice from breaking. "So listen good. I have to go away for a while. But it's not because I don't love you. Don't you dare ever think that. Not even for a second. It's because I love you. I love you more than life itself. You are everything, Naruto. I'm sorry we can't have a meal together. I'm sorry I won't watch you grow up. I'm sorry for a lot of things. But you have my love. You will always have all my love."

She inhaled deeply. Taking in his scent. He blinked at her slowly with his mouth wide open. Her heavy eyelids lowered over her violet orbs. "Take care of yourself. Be good for your dad. Please be good for him. It's going to be really rough on him in the beginning. But he's strong. He will always be there for you. He will protect you. He might be closed off for a while. But, Naruto, he has a really good heart. Don't give up on him. Be like me. Never give up on him."

She could feel her life exiting her body. Her white robes were drenched in blood. The dull ache was starting to fade away.

"Tomoha-san, come here." Kushina looked at the women between lethargic blinks.

Tomoha gathered herself. She leaned forward. Kushina's hot breath whispered in her ear.

His armor clinked and clattered with each step he took. He had dismounted from his horse and taken to the ground running. He could see the stone archway. He was close to the home that he shared with his wife. He pushed through, not caring what he must look like.

'Kushina, I'm here.'

He slipped out of his helmet. He set it aside. He saw Tomoha standing outside. She had a bundle of white in her arms. Tears pricked in his eyes.

'Kushina, I'll make it up to you. I'll spend my whole life making it up to you.'

He ran to her. Relief washed over him. He stopped at the base of the steps. Tomoha was looking down at the newborn.

"Is it?" He managed to work out through his closing throat. He did not recognize the sound of his own voice. His blond hair fluttered in the breeze.

"It's a boy," Tomoha said without looking at him.

"Naruto," he said with a smile. His heart was light. "Is Kushina inside? How is she?"

He put his right foot in front of the left. He rested his forearm on his bent knee. He searched her face.

The woman raised hers. Minato's heart stopped in his chest. His helmet slipped from his fingers. It rolled all the way down the steps before clattering loudly as it came to a stop. He felt his whole world start to implode on itself. His chin touched his chest. Tears wet the wooden steps that led up to the house he used to share with his wife. His shoulders caved inward as silent sobs rocked his frame. His heart shattered into infinite pieces in his chest.

He heard footsteps. He did not move. They could only belong to one person. He felt a heavy hand on his shoulder. It pulled him around. He turned to see the face of his father.

A loud sound vibrated off the walls of the compound. It replayed in his ears. His cheek stung. He was too stunned to do anything but look at his father through red-rimmed eyes with a stupefied look on his face. Minato slowly brought his left hand to his throbbing cheek.

"You have dishonored me today. You spit in my face boy by coming back into the walls of this home. You have reduced my accomplishments, my sacrifice, my legacy to nothing with your actions." Naoto's eyes were almost black. They regarded him with nothing but disdain. "The war is still wagging. You are a failure. You are a failure as a man. A failure as a general. A failure as a citizen of Konoha, of the Land of Fire."

Minato stood there like a statue, sealed in his father's vitriol. It coated every part of him. The tears dried in his eyes. He got down on one knee. He bowed his head.

"How can I be a good son?" Minato asked the ground, in a voice he did not recognize in the slightest.

Naoto's lips curled. "Do not come back unless the war is over, you are too injured to fight or you are dead. Not a moment before. Go be what you were born to be." He fisted his hands behind his back.

The wind, like a whip, hit his face. It dried any and all residual dampness. He squared his shoulders and lifted his head before he nodded. Minato waited for his father to turn his back. He rose to his feet. He looked over his shoulder at Tomoha.

"Please take care of him."

Minato's armor got in the last words as he left the compound without a backward glance.

End of Flashback

It was too hot. His throat hurt. It was dry and raw. His body felt heavy like he had just noticed it for the first time. Everything felt foreign. His blond lashes pulled apart. He blinked a few more times in an attempt to get his eyes to focus. He saw the pitch of the tarp. He furrowed his brow.

'I'm back at base. How did I get here?'

He felt a tightness around his midsection. He pushed onto his elbows. Pain greeted him instantly. He exhaled sharply. His hand immediately pressed up against his side.

'Bandages.'

It was slowly starting to come back. He remembered the wall of rock on either side of them. He remembered the battle. He remembered the chaos. He had been hit. That much was obvious.

He grunted as he sat up. The thin, blue thermal blanket slid to his lap. He brought a hand to his head. He held it. It throbbed. His hand migrated to the back of his head, slowly. He felt a bump that was not there prior.

'I must have hit it.'

He turned his neck gingerly. He surveyed his surroundings. He could not definitively say what awaited him outside the folds of the tent, it protected him from the outside world. He swung his legs over the cot. He groaned loudly.

"He's alive," a voice he would recognize anywhere called out from the entrance.

Minato lowered his arms onto his thighs. He leaned forward and pinned his friend with a less-than-amused look. His blue eyes darted to the other face that joined them.

The cold air caused the bare skin of his chest to tighten.

"You did it, you crazy Bastard." Kakashi was grinning from cheek to cheek underneath his mask. Minato could tell from the severity of the crinkle in Kakashi's eyes.

"Welcome to the land of the living." Shikaku greeted him much more reservedly. They made their way over to him.

"It's going to take more than a couple of arrows to kill me," the seriousness of his eyes completely undermined his words. "How long was I out for?"

"Three days," Kakashi crossed his arms. "How are you feeling?"

"Alive," Minato repressed a sigh. "What happened?"

"A truce for now. You brought the Emporers for the Land of Fire and the Land of Earth to the table." Shikaku's lips tugged into a smile.

Minato leaned his head back as far as his neck would allow. "That's great news."

"The men have been anxious to celebrate. They've been holding off, waiting for you to get back on your feet." Kakashi sighed. "Took you long enough."

"Your concern for my well-being is overwhelming." He pushed up to his feet slowly. He held his side. He reached for the black robe hanging on the back of a chair. He slipped into it. He tied a knot to secure it in place.

"What are the losses looking like?" His sharp gaze focused on Shikaku.

"Not as bad as Iwa." He tugged at his goatee. "Close to one hundred fifty on our side."

Minato closed his eyes. Out of the over a thousand men that had charged into a battle, only a handful did not make it out. The loss was minimal in the overall picture; what was gained trumped what was lost. But it still did not mean it was without a cost.

"Their families will be compensated." Shikaku seemed to be on the same wavelength as him.

Minato nodded. "Is…?" He looked at Kakashi.

"We got him out," Kakashi said firmly. "Barely. He's more trouble than you are."

Minato felt relief surge through him. "Take me to him." He finished fastening his boots.

Kakashi and Shikaku exchanged a look. Kakashi sighed. "Follow me."

Minato nodded to the Nara before ducking down behind the tarp to follow after Kakashi. Minato kept his gaze focused on Kakashi's back. He dipped his head the moment the applause and whistles started when his men realized that he was amongst their ranks and on his feet. Minato held up a hand. More cheers greeted their ears.

"You're popular," Kakashi said with a good-natured scoff.

"To think all this could have been for you." Minato's face pulled into a grimace as he stepped with a little bit too much force causing his stitches to pull in discomfort.

"Please, you live for the glory while I live amongst the shadows." Kakashi deadpanned. He wrinkled his nose at the all-too-familiar scent of wet hay.

"Right," Minato rolled his eyes. His eyes softened as he took in the stark white against the muted brown. "Kaminari," he brought his hand to rest on the horse's muzzle. The white stallion breathed out forcibly through his nose. "Thank you."

Kakashi cleared his throat. Minato did not turn to look at him.

"You were smiling," Kakashi said in a bland tone.

Minato's shoulders tensed a fraction. He kept his blue eyes on his horse.

"You were smiling right before you passed out from blood loss. Do you want to tell me what that was about?" Kakashi's voice had an edge to it.

Minato patted Kaminari on his neck. "Not particularly," Minato said in a far-off-voice.

Kakashi sighed. "The war is just about over now."

Minato smirked humorlessly. His eyes were flat from lack of emotion. "Don't get ahead of yourself, Kakashi. If there's one thing I've learned, it's that some men just can't make do in peace."

Kakashi's obsidian eyes narrowed. He thought of a face with bright blue eyes and blond hair as yellow as the sun.

"Are you prepared?" Kakashi let his question hang heavily in the air. The horses snorted. Their tails flicked.

Minato looked past the gaze of his stallion.

Flashback

"I was too hard on Haruma-chan." Sakura's guilt was bubbling up to the surface. "I'll let him play with my toys. I'll even let him come out to the orchards with me. I'll help him climb a tree. He's not all that bad." She wrapped her arms around herself. The chilly winter air nipped at her arms. "I should have listened to Okaasan. I should have brought a jacket."

Sakura looked at the starry sky. She loved Tonika's skyline. It was beautiful at any time: sunset, evening, midday, and sunrise. There was always something to appreciate.

She looked down at her red kimono. She rubbed a dirt stain between her thumbs, trying to spread it out so it was not so noticeable.

"Okaasan is going to kill me when she sees I've dirtied up another one. At least I didn't rip it this time." She puffed out her cheeks in frustration. "Haruma-chan never gets yelled at. He never does anything wrong." Sakura slumped forward. "I should be nicer to him." She growled. "He makes it so hard!" She brought her hands to her head covering. She fisted her fingers. "It's not his fault he's the favorite." She let out a sigh.

Sakura could not see much past her hand but she was unbothered. She counted her steps. She ran her hands along the brick walls of the sides of the houses that lined her street. She furrowed her brow. The front gate was open. She only knew that because the light was flooding it.

"That can't be good." She subconsciously slowed down her steps. She swallowed thickly as she simply ran out of runway. Her toes pressed up against the gate. She peered inside.

"Sakura!" Her mother was there instantly. She gripped Sakura's shoulders tight.

'Was she worried about me?'

"Okaasan," the ten-year-old would have taken a step back if she could if she was not trapped in her mother's vice grip.

Sakura saw her mom look around her. Mebuki looked back at the girl when she was convinced she was all alone.

"Where is Haruma?" The sheer amount of panic in her mother's voice made Sakura's stomach drop.

"Is he not home?" She furrowed her brow. "I told him to come home." She muttered much quieter.

"You left him alone?! What is wrong with you? He's only five years old, Sakura!" Mebuki's eyes had gone cold. Her face was pulled into a sneer.

"I-I'm sorry." Sakura felt tears break out of her eyes.

Mebuki brought her hands to her face. She pushed her blonde bangs from her face. "Your father is out looking for him. I haven't seen him all evening. When did you tell him to come home? Where did you last see him?!" She asked the questions so quickly, barely giving Sakura's brain a chance to keep up. Mebuki pinned her in place with her sharp eyes.

"I- I don't know," Sakura felt her throat get smaller and smaller.

"Sakura! Think," Mebuki shook her daughter. "Think!"

"The orchards," Sakura said numbly.

"Here," Mebuki shoved a lantern in her hands. "Go look for him. I need to stay here in case he comes back home. If I see your father before you get back, I'll tell him to go to the farm. Go Sakura. Go find Haruma."

Sakura felt herself being turned roughly and shoved out the door. "Run!" Her mother's command sparked a reaction out of her. Sakura took into the dark night and ran faster than she had ever run before.

She was completely out of breath by the time she was amongst the rows and rows of trees.

"Haruma-chan!" She cupped a hand by her lips. "Haruma-chan. It's me, Sakura-Oneechan. Where are you?" She called out as loudly as she could. She ignored the way her voice quivered slightly. "Haruma-chan!"

Her sandal-clad feet moved over the roots, her head ducked under the low-hanging branches. Her eyes searched as far as the lantern glow would allow.

"Haruma-chan!" She cried out. Her tears obscured her vision. "Come out! Haruma!" She pleaded desperately. "I'll be nicer." She promised. "I won't yell at you. Please just come out."

"Oneechan."

Sakura froze. She closed her eyes. She focused all her attention on her ears. "Haruma-chan?" She called out.

"Oneechan."

The voice was weak but she definitely heard it. "Haruma-chan! I'm coming!" She ran towards the direction the voice had come from. "Where are you? Haruma-chan!" She held the lantern as far as she could. "Haruma-chan!"

"H-here." His utterance was broken up by a cough.

She ran. She spotted the back of his head. Sakura sank to her knees. She put the lantern down.

"Haruma-chan," she wrapped her arms around him.

"Oneechan," he looked at her with pain in his green eyes. "It hurts," he held his chest.

"It's going to be okay, Haruma-chan." She said with more confidence than she felt. She pulled the lantern closer. She saw the blood on his light blue kimono. Sakura tore her eyes away and looked into her brother's eyes.

"Everything is fine, Haruma-chan." She smiled. "We're going to go home. Okaasan will get a doctor and the doctor will help you. You'll feel better, okay?" She wiped the tears from his eyes. "You're going to be okay. Everything is fine." She caressed his cheek. "I'm here. You're going to be just fine."

Haruma nodded his head.

"Good boy." Sakura turned. "Climb on." She waited for him to wrap his arms around her neck. Sakura reached for the lantern. She pulled it towards her and pulled herself up to her feet. "Everything is fine, Haruma-chan. I'm here now." She gripped the lantern so tight that her knuckles turned white. "Hold on tight, Haruma-chan."

She felt the arms around her neck squeeze. Sakura used the hand not holding the lantern to support his rear. She took a breath to her maximum capacity. She ran almost as quickly as she had come. The light in the lantern went dark in the cold air of the night.

Haruma was pulled from her back the second she arrived at the gate. There were people gathered around. Mebuki held her son. She let out a cry when she saw the blood. Sakura watched as her father ran off to get the doctor. She stood by the blue door watching as they lowered her brother to the futon mattress.

Sakura held her arms to her chest. She swayed slightly as she looked at the unconscious face of her younger brother. She did not look away as her father and the doctor both breathlessly entered the room. Sakura got on her toes to try to see him over the shoulders blocking her view. Her mother was holding his head between her palms. She was crying.

The doctor muttered something to her father. Kizashi stood up on his feet. His face was grim. It looked all wrong. His face was missing his smile. She watched as he closed the door with a resounding thud, leaving her out in the cold. All alone.

She stood there, leaning against the stone pillar. She stood until she could not stand anymore. She sat, with her knees up to her chest and her head touching the cold, rough concrete. Her arms held onto her legs tightly. She did not look away from the door. Even her stomach, which was empty, did not utter a sound. It was dark. It was really dark.

She could see the shadows dance behind the curtain. It was the only source of light. The villagers had long left. But the doctor, her parents, and her brother had yet to leave the room.

'He's okay. He's fine.'

Sakura absentmindedly peeled back a hangnail until it completely separated from her skin. She did not register the pain or the blood. She looked at the door. She saw a figure behind the curtain of the window. She stood up. The door opened. Light flooded the space. She blinked as her eyes adjusted to the light. Sakura exhaled.

End of Flashback

Her pink lashes fluttered open. She looked up at the plain white ceiling. Sakura let out a slow breath. There were no tears. Only apathy filled her. She was so numb.

'I'm still alive.'

She brought an arm to cover her eyes. She took in a deep breath.

'Wait.'

Her whole body froze. Sakura lowered her arm slowly. She pushed up to her elbows. Her world spun. She pulled the thin sheet up. She covered herself. Up to her chin. She recoiled away from the pair of eyes staring at her.

Kabuto held up his hands. "Please settle back down, your body is still recovering."

'Who the hell are you?!'

Sakura's wide eyes stared at him. She let out a shaky breath.

"Ambe-san just stepped out for a bit." His hands were still up. His voice was both smooth and low. "My name is Yakushi Kabuto. I am the resident doctor for Konoha." He explained patiently.

Her heart was beating in her ears. She followed each of his movements no matter how insignificant they appeared. He leaned back on his heels.

"Patient-san," he smiled at her. Sakura felt her skin crawl. "I didn't mean to scare you." His dark eyes looked around the illuminated room. "There is a guard right outside." He said in a disarming tone.

'That's where you should be!'

Her eyes shifted to the door quickly before they landed back on the doctor. She was not convinced her voice would cooperate if it came to it. She fought back against the need to shake. Beads of sweat gathered on her upper lip.

His prolonged eye contact - she was not sure he blinked even once - was causing her nerves to rise up to her throat. She clamped her lips as a preemptive measure. If she threw up now, it would only prolong his presence.

"The salve you used on the boy was very impressive. I don't think I could have done a better job myself." His gentle voice delivered his compliment.

'Uzumaki-kun.'

Sakura alternated between looking at his eyes and in between his brows. She remained still and quiet as the battle wagged inside of her.

"He's fine," Kabuto answered, seemingly reading her mind. "He finally fell asleep. That is why Ambe-san stepped out. To take him to bed. He was stubbornly trying to stay up because he was so worried about you. You really made an impression on him."

Sakura continued to watch him warily. Her eyes darted to the water pitcher. Her throat was beyond parched. It felt like a desert. She flinched as Kabuto followed her eyes and poured a glass of water. He held it out.

Sakura looked at the ceramic cup. She did not move. Kabuto lowered it down at the edge of the mattress pad. She kept her eyes on him for it very much felt like her life depended on it.

"May I please take a look at your arm?" He asked her slowly.

Sakura felt the blanket move down to her elbows as she clutched her injured left arm to her protectively. Her sleeves pooled to the crook of her arm, revealing pale skin. Her hand felt the bandages.

"Please?" He smiled warmly at her.

Sakura looked between him and her arm. She slowly extended her limb out to him. She used her right hand to pull the neckline of her kimono closer together. A chill, or a shudder, overcame her.

Kabuto took her arm in both of his hands. Her skin pricked from the contact. He inspected the bandages. She could see the blood seeping through two small circles about six millimeters apart.

"You're lucky we found you in time. Another ten minutes and you would have died." Kabuto undid the bandages. Sakura held her breath. She saw the puffy and swollen skin around the snake bite. "It's a good thing I had antivenom on hand."

Sakura, although very aware of the bead of sweat that migrated down her spine, was still incredibly disoriented. She blinked back the black spots in her vision, fighting to remain conscious.

"Take it easy for a couple of days. Your body needs time to regain its strength. I'll talk to Ambe-san. You shouldn't be on your feet." He finished bandaging her arm.

Sakura brought it to her chest. She watched him push up his glasses with his middle finger. There was a moment she did not see his eyes on account of the reflection of the light. She swallowed air. Her throat protested. Sakura curled her fingers around the cup. She brought it to her lips. The cool water brought relief instantly. Even the nausea ebbed a touch.

She felt Kabuto's eyes for the entire time. She focused on the glass in front of her.

There was a knock on the door. Both of them turned to see Tomoha enter the room. Sakura's stomach rose before it dropped. She was relieved of not being alone with the Sensei but also terrified of what was to come.

"I should be heading out and let you rest. I'll stop by tomorrow to check on you." Kabuto rose to his feet.

Sakura dipped her head in thanks. She kept her gaze on the wall opposite her. She heard the door slide close and the ruffle of Tomoha's fabric.

'Just get it over with.'

Sakura's grip around the cup tightened. She took a breath. "Ambe-san I'm so so-"

Tomoha silenced her with a raised hand. Sakura lowered her eyes to the water in the cup.

"I had every intention of kicking you out tonight when I learned that boy followed you. I was this close," she brought her thumb and index finger pads so close together that they were particularly touching. "To have one of the servants pack your things." She was livid in her cold fury.

Sakura struggled to focus. Her head was starting to become muddled. She was not sure if it was entirely the venom's fault.

"Never in all my years have I had the displeasure of dealing with someone so stubborn, so reckless, or so selfish." Tomoha's voice was laced with ample venom of her own.

Sakura felt her hands and face heat up.

"You, you girl, are so irresponsible. You let that boy get attached. You let him get too close to you. You only thought of yourself!" Tomoha's face was inches from hers. Sakura blinked slowly.

"You are ruining that boy's life." Tomoha spat out.

'I didn't mean to.'

Sakura's hand fisted in the sheet. Her tears pelted the once-calm surface of the water in the cup. Her shoulders dipped.

"I have so many questions." Tomoha pressed her lips together firmly as she weighed where to begin. "But the first thing I want to get out of the way is, who is Haruma?"

Sakura's head snapped up. She looked at Tomoha with wide eyes and a slack jaw. Her breath got caught in her throat.

"How?" Sakura's brow furrowed slightly. "How do you know that name?" She asked hoarsely.

Tomoha frowned. "I asked you a question first." She crossed her arms.

Sakura's eyes hardened. There was a fire in them that Tomoha had not seen before. Emerald was red-rimmed but dry. Sakura clenched her jaw.

"The boy told me everything. He said you called him Haruma."

Sakura looked down at her hands. She set the cup aside on the ground. "He's someone from my past." She said tightly. Her voice was a mark on stone. She would say no more on that particular matter.

Tomoha sighed deeply. She looked at the downtrodden girl.

"I'm sorry," Sakura said in a low but clear voice. "I never meant to do anything other than my work. I never meant for him to get attached. I never meant for myself to get attached. I didn't think it was possible in all honesty." She tugged her bandana down two inches past her hairline. "He caught me off guard. He snuck up on me. He forced his way into my heart." Sakura looked at Tomoha with eyes bright from regulated tears. Tears that would not be allowed to fall.

"I never, never, would have put him in harm's way. I didn't know he followed me until we were at the clearing. I wasn't paying enough attention. I never meant for that to happen. Any of it. Especially him getting hurt." Sakura inhaled.

"I know," Tomoha said impassively.

Sakura looked at her with confusion apparent on her features.

"Tell me, Haruno," Tomoha bore into her eyes. She seemingly searched the depths of Sakura's soul. "What are your intentions with the boy?"

'My intentions?'

Sakura swallowed audibly. She opened her mouth only to close it again. She licked her slightly chapped lips. She tried again. "It was all unintentional." Her brow furrowed as her jaw clenched for a second. "All of it." Sakura's fingers played with the knot at the back of her head. "I have no intentions with Uzumaki-kun," she said lamely. "I just," her eyes moved slowly back and forth as she thought. "Is he an orphan?"

Tomoha's brows shot up. The lines of her face all became more noticeable. "Why do you ask?"

"He's lonely." Sakura smiled brokenly. "He's so lonely. That is the only reason - that I can think of - that he would latch on to someone like me."

"He's a nuisance." Tomoha countered.

Sakura's face pulled into a frown. "He's a child. He needs guidance, direction, routine, and attention."

Tomoha scoffed. "He's a handful."

Sakura bit back the words that so desperately wanted a shot at Tomoha. "He needs support."

Tomoha regarded Sakura with flat eyes. "Do you really not know who he is?"

Sakura shook her head without thought and without hesitation.

"You told him stories about a red-haired hime." She looked at Sakura with suspicion.

"My grandmother has red hair," Sakura responded. "My mother told me stories about her. I just retold them to Uzumaki-kun. I honestly don't have any idea."

"What about his father?"

Sakura frowned. "What about him?"

Tomoha sighed. "You really are dense." She pinched the bridge of her nose.

Sakura hoped she kept the offense she felt off her face. She took in Tomoha with her guard still very much up.

"The boy you call Uzumaki-kun is the Young Master."

Sakura stared at Tomoha blankly. She cleared her throat. "I'm sorry. I think I'm still disoriented from the venom. Could you please repeat that?"

Tomoha looked less than impressed. "Naruto-sama, is the son of Namikaze-sama. He is the Young Master."

'Oh, my Kami.'

Sakura's eyes were as wide as saucers. Her jaw was completely stretched to its limits. She blinked rapidly as she processed the news shared with her.

'I gave him congee. I yelled at him!'

"I'm so sorry. I'm so sorry. I didn't know." She repeated over and over like a parrot that only knew one phrase.

'I'm done. There is no coming back from this.'

Tomoha looked at the distress caused to Sakura by the little tidbit. The woman's reaction was authentic. Tomoha rubbed her temples. "Pull yourself together, girl." She said with practiced authority.

Sakura stopped babbling and looked at Tomoha with great unease.

"I believe you," Tomoha asked her coolly. "Does that change anything for you?"

Sakura gathered her resolve. "No. It doesn't. I don't care who his parents are. Is his mom…?"

"She's gone. She died giving birth to him." Tomoha's lips barely moved.

'Poor Uzu-Naruto-sama.'

Sakura felt her heartache in her chest. "I'm so sorry."

An uncomfortable silence settled around them.

"Listen carefully to what I am about to tell you." Tomoha pinned her with a look.

Sakura nodded her head. She clasped her hands together. They were clammy.

"For whatever reason, Young Master has taken to you. And from your actions today, it is clear you have taken to him. I don't understand it. I doubt you do too but what is done is done. Trying to keep him from you will only do him more harm."

Sakura held her breath. She felt hope rise in her.

Tomoha looked at her with great graveness. "Before I agree to allow you to see him, I need something from you."

Sakura sat up straight. She folded her legs underneath her.

"I need you to promise me you will put him first. No matter what." Tomoha looked at her for the first time with vulnerability.

Sakura read the unsaid. She nodded her head. "Ambe-san, I have no intention of leaving. I want to support my family. I want to take care of them. I want to stay here. For as ever long as you will have me." She said with conviction.

"You are young." Tomoha's tone did not contain any warmth. "What happens when you meet a man who can help you take care of your family? What happens to Naruto then?"

Sakura shook her head. "I am not interested in getting married. You do not have to worry about that."

"Why?"

Sakura rubbed her shoulder. "What is given or added can be taken away." She held Tomoha's scrutiny-filled gaze unwaveringly.

"Fine," Tomoha rose up to her full height.

Sakura tilted her head back at her in surprise. "Ambe-san?"

"Rest up for a couple of days. When you feel better you will be responsible for ensuring the Young Master stays on top of his lessons." Tomoha looked down at her impassively.

A look of sheer panic crossed Sakura's face. "What?"

"He listens to you. You know how to read and write. You, despite being dense at times, are smart and resourceful. He can learn a lot from you. I am adding to your responsibilities. You will give him guidance and discipline if you want to give him any attention."

The look on Tomoha's face made it clear that Sakura had next to no choice in the matter.

She hoped with everything she was capable of piecing together that she was not dreaming or hallucinating this conversation. She pressed her thumbnail against the inside of her wrist just to be safe.

'I felt that.'

A slow smile stretched across Sakura's face.

"Deal." Her voice was relief mixed in with gratitude.

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