"Sakura-chan, you're okay!" Naruto yelled once Kakashi brought him back to the village. Her sensei raised a lone eyebrow and she gave him a weak smile.

"I'm okay, Naruto," She said, helping him down from Kakashi's back. He threw his arms around her and she couldn't help but laugh in his grasp.

"Your chakra signature got really scary," Naruto whispered into her hair. "I could barely sense you for a moment there, Sakura-chan."

"I'm fine," She murmured back, pulling away and tapping her fist against the top of his head. "You're an idiot. Thank you."

Naruto grinned sheepishly before his stare went past her. "Don't think you're getting out of this one, teme."

"No."

Sakura and Naruto looked at one another, a silent understanding passing between them before they pulled their teammate into a hug. Sasuke muttered a threat but allowed them to keep him in their hold until he pulled back.

"We have a lot to do," Sasuke said, and she nodded in agreement.

"Things aren't going to be easy," Sakura told them. "Tsunade-sama is in a coma and even though everyone was brought back to life, there's no where for them to live. The outer skirts were relatively untouched."

"Baa-chan really drained herself, then?" Naruto inquired and she sighed.

"Yeah," She answered, her hand coming up to touch the mark on her forehead. "Tsunade-sama used up her reserves; she'll be unconscious for a while. In the meantime, they might move towards naming a sixth Hokage- this attack leaves us vulnerable."

"I'm sure the elders have something planned," Kakashi said, placing a hand on Naruto's shoulder. "There's a lot of people that want to see you three, especially you Naruto."

"Me?" Naruto questioned and looked absolutely bewildered by the thought. "Why do people want to see me?"

"Because you're the hero of the village," Sakura told him softly, nodding her head towards the crowd.

"I am?" Naruto said in disbelief, his gaze then landing on the people gathering behind their little group.

"But if it wasn't for Sasuke stepping in-"

"Just take it in stride, dummy," Sakura interrupted, pushing him towards their friends, who seemed to be at the forefront of the crowd. "We're right behind you."

This time, Sakura, Sasuke, and Kakashi watched as Naruto was thrown into the air and she sighed contently at the sight.

Her teammate wasn't apparently as content as she was. He grunted and rolled his eyes. "You always spoil him."

"Maybe, but he usually deserves it," Sakura replied, glancing up at Sasuke. He was already looking at her, a mixture of emotions swimming in his stare. She smiled. "We'll figure everything out, Sasuke-kun."

"Orochimaru wants me, Obito apparently wants you, and the Akastuki wants Naruto," Sasuke listed, looking towards the crowd once again. "We really are a risk together as a team."

If she were being completely honest with herself, she agreed. In her old life, she understood the reason why Team 7 was formed the way it was- Kakashi was the only capable shinobi that could watch over the village Jinchuuriki and the last Uchiha. And she was smart intellectually and logical, though she lacked in any physical skill. In this life, they were placed together because of how well they worked together as children. It would be a dumb choice to pair them with anyone else, if they each complimented each other's skills.

But in this life, they were all together and all were targeted by someone. Sakura had no idea Obito had changed course and focused on her until today, when she was apprehended by one of Pain's paths and Suigestu- who's involvement absolutely confused her. She didn't fully understand what relationship Orochimaru had with the Akatsuki in this life, but she was positive it was nothing good. Kabuto had teamed up with Obito in her old life- what was stopping the same thing from happening in this life?

And then. . . there was the threat in the village. The one that brought Sai back to them.

"Oh, no," Sakura whispered, tugging on his sleeve. Both Sasuke and Kakashi looked at her in concern. "Without Tsunade-sama around to act as a buffer, he's going to take advantage of the chaos in the village."

Sasuke raised an eyebrow but she heard Kakashi exhale deeply. "Danzo is one of the top candidates for a replacement Hokage, even with the things he's done."

Sasuke grimaced. "He's been outed as a traitor to the village."

Kakashi shook his head. "It's not that simple, Sasuke. Danzo is highly respected and he'll do anything in his power to spin a story. Sai can't testify against him directly- only confirm the proposed partnership with Orochimaru. But even that can be spun as a ploy to finally get rid of one of Konoha's greatest enemies. A fake trade, with no true intention behind it. Tsunade-sama and Fugaku-san have been scrounging for any real evidence that he can't spin into a tragic story about how much he's sacrificed for this village. Unfortunately, the Akatsuki doesn't keep records and the hit-man market has been torched since Naruto took out Kakuzu."

"He didn't deploy Root today," Sakura pointed out. "That's something."

"It won't be enough to sway the elders," Kakashi shook his head. "They're as thick as thieves."

"Who else would be considered candidates? Sasuke asked and their sensei took a moment to think, his hand coming up to hold his masked chin.

"I guess I would be considered," Kakashi admitted, his eyes widening and hand pulling away from his face and held up a single finger. "Itachi would be too. Though, they'll say he's too young. Even considering the fact that Tsunade-sama has been training him over the years.

"Didn't they say the same thing about the Yellow Flash?" Sakura wondered and Kakashi nodded.

"Danzo was venehmently against Minato-sensei becoming Hokage," Kakashi told them but then shrugged. "But there was no better shinobi in the village- not even the elders could disagree with that."

"Isn't Itachi-nii considered a prodigy just like the Fourth Hokage?" Sakura asked and Sasuke frowned.

"The Fourth Hokage wasn't an Uchiha."

"No, he wasn't," Kakashi agreed, but then the corners of his eyes crinkled as he looked at them. "But Itachi is known to be fiercely loyal to the village and you just showed them that the heir to the Uchiha clan is too. You're considered a hero, Sasuke. They can't argue against that."

Sasuke's cheeks were tinged with pink and Sakura giggled at the sight. Sasuke's glare towards her didn't hold for very long and she smiled.

"My boys," She said, her gaze flickering back to Naruto, who was now animatedly speaking with Shikamaru. "Now, you're both everyone's heroes, not just mine."

Sasuke opened his mouth to respond but when he caught her stare, it seemed as though any words died on his lips. He settled on a soft smile instead.

Sakura thought that was better than any retort he might have come up with.

"He's too young," Danzo immediately protested, glaring at their party of three. Shisui and Sakura shared a look of exasperation while Itachi simply watched the reactions of the elders.

Itachi was currently being considered as the next Hokage. Shisui was here because he was Itachi's partner. Sakura was here to reassure everyone that Itachi was fit to take on the role.

Albeit, Sakura agreed that Itachi would be fine for the small duration he'd have to act as Hokage-- with her mark, slowing the disease was actually possible now. But she didn't want to delude anyone that this was a cure for it-- no, she was still working on rewriting his cells completely after she came to the realization that there was no way to stop the misfires themselves.

For the sake of not letting the village be placed in Danzo's hands, Sakura was willing to reassure the council that Itachi was perfectly capable of becoming the Hokage.

"Itachi has been groomed since he was a teenager for the role of Hokage," Shikaku reminded the room. "Sarutobi-san was very clear about his capabilities-- he's thought like a Hokage since he was a mere child. If we're interested in staying ahead of the enemy, we need a Hokage who can counter them with precision and skill. Aren't you the one who hand-picked Itachi for vital missions, Danzo?"

Danzo made a disapproving noise. "Tactical and stealth missions do not qualify one to be Hokage."

"No, they don't," Itachi agreed in a soothing tone. "The Hokage is someone the village acknowledges and only then can one truly fulfill the role. I believe there are very few individuals who have achieved this currently."

"And who would you suggest?" Koharu asked.

"Hatake Kakashi is the only name that comes to mind that has not only been acknowledged, but is ready to take on the role of Hokage," Itachi answered and Danzo frowned.

"Are you saying you don't consider yourself a worthy candidate?" Danzo asked and Itachi stayed silent for a moment before he responded.

"If I was not a viable candidate, we would not be having this conversation," Itachi said, looking at the Council. "I highly doubt you would waste your time debating an unworthy candidate when the village is in such turmoil."

"Kakashi has told us that Itachi would make a better Homage than he would," Shikaku reminded the Council and then looked towards their group. "If we do not abide by Tsunade-sama's handpicked candidate, the only other person I would approve of is Hatake Kakashi."

"He's sick," Danzo then pointed out. "And younger than Minato was when he was chosen."

"By mere months," Koharu told him, her eyes then settling on Sakura. "You're the top medical ninja in the village now that Tsunade is. . . out of commission. And it hasn't escaped us that the Uchiha clan will only allow themselves to be treated by you. What is your contribution to this conversation?"

"She's obviously biased," Danzo interrupted, gesturing to her with his one arm.

"Danzo-san, I can assure you that I am here as a doctor, not a family friend," Sakura replied calmly, glancing at Itachi before she placed her attention back on the village elders. "Uchiha Itachi's illness will have no effect on his capabilities to lead our village and reestablish a sense of normalcy. I think this is a prime time to remind everyone that Tsunade-sama is just suffering from severe chakra exhaustion. Her body had adjusted to the vast amount of chakra held within this."

Sakura touched the mark on her head, watching Danzo's eyes narrow slightly at her. "Hence the reason she's fallen into a coma so her body can build up more energy. Her chakra levels should be restored within two months or so."

"Allowing Itachi to become the Hokage temporarily is a good way for us to assess his capabilities," Shikaku added in. "We must remember that we are choosing a temporary Hokage. Itachi has already proven his skills on the battlefield and during war. We can rely on him to get us through this chaos. I approve of him becoming Hokage."

"It's not like you to be so forward about these things," Homura commented, crossing his arms.

"I believe it would be foolish to go against Tsunade-sama's choice in successor," Shikaku shrugged. "Any doubts have been reassured and quite frankly, if we chose anyone besides the future Rokudaime, what message would that send to other villages? It would signal that there is a disconnect among the higher ups and is exactly what we need to avoid right now. It's premature, but we already set ourselves down this path. We can't look back now."

"Then it's settled," Koharu stated, taking a deep breath. "Uchiha Itachi will become Hokage. You three may leave, now. We will handle the paperwork. Itachi-san, in the morning we will announce the news."

Itachi nodded, allowing Shisui and Sakura to exit the tent before he followed them.

"So," Shisui started, looking at the two of them. "This is different."

"Different," Sakura repeated, looking up at the sky. "But it almost feels like it was always meant to be like this."

"You think so?" Shisui asked her and she nodded, grinning at the older boys.

"Yeah, I genuinely do."

Itachi smiled back, until he saw a hawk fly overhead. His features fell into a thoughtful expression, one that made both Shisui and Sakura to look worriedly at one another.

"What's going on in that brain of yours, Tachi?" Shisui asked, poking his arm. When Itachi didn't immediately respond, he looked towards her. "Did he just stop functioning?"

"Did either of you sense it?" Itachi finally spoke. "I barely could."

"Sense what, Itachi-nii?"

"Uchiha chakra," He answered. "Underneath the bandages."

The three shared a heavy look, well aware that this was no place for them to speak about it. Not when it was so open and they could be easily overheard.

"Auntie Mikoto is expecting us home," Shisui broke the silence, closing his eyes for a moment before he looked at them again. "We should hurry before she gets too worried."

"I might cry," Mikoto sniffed. "No, I am going to cry."

Itachi placed a soothing hand on his mother's shoulder, smiling when she covered it with her own. "Thank you, mother."

"My baby is going to be Hokage," She continued to whisper. "Oh, but we're in such a trying time right now, Itachi. I'm so proud but also so worried. Are you okay to be Hokage? Sakura-chan, is he okay to be Hokage?"

"He's got a constant stream of healing chakra within him," Sakura told the matriarch, handing her a tissue when the woman started to sniffle again. "Itachi-nii will be perfectly fine for now. Though, if you ever leave the village, I'm going with you."

"Sakura-chan gets to come on trips with us?" Shisui inquired, not even reacting when Sasuke shoved past him with a large empty box. "Tachi, declare a Kage summit-- I never get to go on trips with you and Sakura-chan."

"Of course, Sakura-chan," Itachi told her seriously. "I wouldn't think of going anywhere outside of the village without you. Though, I won't call a meeting just for your entertainment, Shisui."

"Fine," Shisui accepted, placing both his hands on Sakura's shoulders and grinning at Itachi. "But I'm requesting Sakura-chan as my next mission partner. The squirt's no fun. And Naruto is too loud."

"Don't you have other partners?" Sakura wondered aloud and Shisui moved so his one forearm resting on her shoulder.

"I have a duty to this village to share my wisdom with the next generation," Shisui stated firmly. "And what better place to start than my family? Sasu-chan already knows most of it. Which means you're up, imouto."

"Our current duty to this village is handing out all of this food," Sasuke cut in, looking pointedly at her and then the large amount of boxed meals stacked on the counters.

By whatever miracle, the head house sustained a minimal amount of damage. Well, minimal compared to the rest of the village. A wing of the house was destroyed by debris, though the kitchen and their rooms were still standing. Some of the other houses in the compound had been completely destroyed while others were seemingly untouched.

As soon as Sakura relayed to Itachi (and by extent Shisui, Mikoto, and Izumi) through Katsuyu that they were safe, Mikoto had enlisted the three of them when they arrived at the compound after the fight to start helping her prepare food and any extra supplies they had to give out to the village.

Izumi had immediately gone to see what she could do-- especially regarding the Academy and its students.

Normally, Sakura would have been happy to help, but as soon as she arrived, she got whisked away with Itachi and Shisui to attend the meeting. Sasuke and Naruto got roped into hoping the Uchiha matriarch cook the meals. The latter had taken it without any complaint, though Naruto claimed he was much too injured to risk cooking something.

But Sakura saw Naruto after his fight with Pain in her old life. His injuries now could barely compare to his entirely bandaged up body-- which was probably only due to Sasuke's support in this time.

"Yeah, Sakura-chan, we did so much cooking while you were gone!" Naruto agreed, coming up behind Sasuke with another box. "Now you gotta help us deliver it!"

Shisui snorted and made a comment that was something akin to 'You dorks really are inseparable.' Sakura removed herself from Shisui's hold and held up a reprimanding finger towards him. He wasn't phased at all and settled on ruffling her hair instead of responding. She grumbled a bit but started helping the boys pack the meals into the boxes.

"Oh, Sakura-chan, you won't believe it!" Naruto said hurriedly, scratching his bandaged cheek. Knowing her best friend, the wounds underneath it were almost fully healed. "I met my dad!"

Sakura's eyes widened at this-- Naruto still managed to meet his father. She was worried he might never, though she had to say she wouldn't have minded had he gone through his life without needing to unseal Kurama. At least, in the scenario it probably was during both of his fights with Pain.

She wondered if Naruto would get to meet his mother again. She hoped so-- she really loved the story of how his mother and father fell in love. Naruto would talk about it during the war, especially on the brutal nights where hopeless seemed too contagious for even Naruto to ward off.

Sasuke normally rolled his eyes when Naruto started the story again-- but Sakura listened to his story with undivided attention. It never failed to make her smile and tear up. Being in the war for so long, Sakura cherished the fact that she could still find it in her to smile. Sasuke thought it was impractical and repetitive, though that only gave her and Naruto more of an incentive to laugh together.

Because, somehow, Sasuke had been with them during the war. He had come back home to them. After all those years of training and the missions they went on to search for him, he would be laying down with his back towards them and muttering about their naivety. The simple fact kept them going-- it made them push forward despite their bleak odds.

And as she looked at Naruto now, animatedly talking about how his father was the Fourth Hokage and Sasuke rolling his eyes because it was the second time he was hearing the story, Sakura saw it. She saw her old life clash momentarily with her new one.

"Man, it was so cool to meet him, Sakura-chan!" Naruto exclaimed, almost dropping the boxed meal in his hands. "He. . . He said he was proud of me! Heh, he said that even after I punched him."

"You punched the Fourth Hokage?" Shisui interrupted incredulously, looking utterly offended.

"Naruto's father was a prodigy in everything and you're focusing on the fact that the idiot punched him?" Sasuke responded with a raised eyebrow. "I'd like to know where all the brain power went."

"Oi!" Naruto protested, shoving Sasuke's shoulder. "I'm not the brightest but I can be pretty smart too!"

"Says the person who thinks cup ramen is a balanced meal," Sakura lightly interjected, failing to hold back her laughter when Naruto's eyes went wide with betrayal.

"Not you too, Sakura-chan," Naruto whined, pouting. He took the meal she handed him and put it in his box. "C'mon, give me a break. I did just defeat Pain, ya know."

"With my help," Sasuke added and Naruto's features scrunched together.

"You were there for, like, half of the battle, teme," Naruto responded weakly.

Sasuke shook his head. "Because you were an idiot and Sakura was being reckless."

Naruto's frown disappeared, replaced with a new wave of worry as he looked up at her. She avoided his gaze when she handed him another meal and then gave Sasuke the last one on the counter.

"Current duty," She reminded them lightly, tapping both of the boxes. "These should hold some people over until we dig out the storage rooms underneath where Hokage Tower used to be."

Sakura turned to the Uchiha matriarch, who was watching them with interest, much like the boys that were flanking her sides. "We'll be back as soon as we're done."

"Sakura-chan, if your parents need a place to stay, we can always get a place set up for them," Mikoto offered but Sakura shook her head.

"Thank you, but my parents are most likely staying with Ino's mother at a Yamanaka site," Sakura replied with a small smile. "I'll be sure to let them know anyway, though."

Mikoto nodded, before returning her attention to the boys beside her. Shisui attempted to give her a reassuring smile, but she saw through the force attempt and she knew he understood, at the very least. He must have seen that too-- or at least felt her hurt when it came to her parents after Pain's invasion in her old life.

When they left the head house, the went through the makeshift camps being set up in the darkening sky. Sakura would hand out the meals as they continued their way around what was left of their village.

"Don't you want to see them?" Sasuke asked when their supply of meals started to run low.

"They're. . . already skeptical of ninjas," Sakura answered vaguely, drawing in a breath and smiling at a woman who thanked them for the food. "My mom has already expressed her wish for me to, erm, give up being a medic. Wants me to settle down with a civilian boy and take an easier job that doesn't require me to be on call all the time."

Sasuke must have understood what she wasn't saying, but Naruto scratched his head and tilted it in confusion.

"Why a civilian?" He asked her, features scrunched in concentration. "You're, like, the best medical ninja in the village besides Baa-chan. Not to mention the fact that neither teme nor I are civilians."

Sasuke's eye twitched and he punched Naruto's shoulder. The blonde gasped, dropping his empty box on the ground and held his shoulder dramatically.

"My parents aren't all that supportive of me being a shinobi," Sakura explained, putting her hands on her hips and giving Naruto a look before he picked up his box. "And with this attack. . . I doubt they'll want me to continue with my career even more now. I don't want it to clash-- the two lifestyles, that is."

Naruto blinked twice. "I don't get it."

"Appearances and politics," She said soothingly, watching him grow even more confused. Beside her, Sasuke tried to cover up his snort with a cough.

"Wait, why does Sasuke get to understand?" Naruto asked loudly, lowering his voice as they neared the last family they could deliver meals to. "Sakura-chan, don't start playing favorites too! C'mon, you can tell me, I'm your bestest friend in the whole world."

Sakura flashed him a smile and ignored Sasuke's grumbling. "You are my bestest friend in the whole world. And my most clueless friend too."

"Sakura-chan!"