"Can you believe it Kizashi, two whole years, it doesn't feel like we've had her long and she's already 8, our little Sakura" Mebuki whispered to her husband, reminiscing about the past couple of years when they'd adopted their daughter from the orphanage.
Many things had happened, they'd found out from Inoichi, who'd learned from his own daughter that Sakura possessed a unique kekkeigenkai called Shokuton or Plant Release, something that hadn't been seen for years and extremely rare.
There was also Sakura's friendships with Ino and Naruto, the three were as thick as thieves and to their parent's frustration got up to all kinds of shenanigans when they were together, but they also did their best in the academy by getting good grades.
Of course they couldn't forget about Fu, Ino's 11-year-old cousin who always hung out with the kunoichi in training whenever Sakura went over and never thought it embarrassing to do so and their daughter adored the boy all the more for it, even if next year he'd be graduating from the academy.
He'd probably always make time to spend with them if he could "Yes, I feel the same Mebuki, I just wish we could give her a sibling to dote on" Kizashi chuckled, but every time they went to the orphanage other parents wanting to adopt were always ahead of them on the list.
Even so they gave Sakura all the love they had, and she flourished because of it "Now if only that Elder would leave us alone about our daughter" Mebuki grumbled, getting tired of being visited by Danzo Shimura who wanted Sakura to participate in a program called ROOT.
Unfortunately, it meant that they would never get to see her again, so they'd adamantly refused to his apparent frustration "Agreed, I don't know how many times we have to say no before he understands we aren't going to just give him our child to never see again" Kizashi nodded.
"Perhaps next time we'll go straight to Lord Hokage about it, then maybe that man will finally get it, in any case, we should get to bed" Mebuki reminded, because they had a long day ahead of them tomorrow while Sakura was in school.
Kizashi quietly shut the door to his daughter's bedroom at that and soon the two of them were fast asleep in their own beds for the night "Morning Mom, Dad" Sakura exclaimed when they woke to find her at the table, eating a bowl of cereal, a glass of orange juice next to her bowl.
"Good morning, Sakura-chan, did you sleep well" Kizashi asked as was habit, because sometimes Sakura had nightmares that she could never remember, and they caused her to wake up screaming, it was horrible really, but there wasn't anything they could really do about the night-terrors.
Sakura paused at the question, "I slept okay dad" she answered after really thinking about it, then resumed eating her breakfast while her mother made lunch, when it was time to head off for the academy Sakura stopped in the doorway "May I sleep over at Ino's for the weekend" Sakura requested.
"We don't mind Sakura-chan, you should invite Naruto-chan as well, I'm sure Kushina and Minato could use a break from the boy" Mebuki suggested, though it was hardly the first time Sakura had slept over at Ino's and her daughter was more mature than most 8-year-olds anyway.
Request granted Sakura beamed at them before vanishing out the door, no longer needing to be walked "Morning Ino and my parents said yes to the sleepover...they suggested we invite Naruto-kun if you're not to bothered by the idea" Sakura greeted.
After meeting up with Ino halfway to the academy "Sure that's fine, better ask his mom now or it'll be too late" Ino shrugged, pointing to Kushina who had obviously walked Naruto that day, Sakura darted forward and arrived just in time as the woman began to leave.
"Oh, hello there Sakura-chan...Naruto-kun already went inside if that's who you're looking for" Kushina smiled down at the pinkette in amusement as she tried to catch her breath, before straightening and looking far too serious for some reason.
Before asking her question "May Naruto-kun sleepover at Ino's for the weekend with us Mrs. Uzumaki" Sakura requested, obviously already having permission herself so it was just a matter of getting permission for Naruto as the little rosette looked up at her hopefully.
Kushina pursed her lips in consideration "Well, I suppose it's alright, your parents won't mind will they Ino-chan" Kushina questioned, directing her gaze onto Ino who shook her head indicating that neither Inoichi or Aiko would be bothered by the extra kid staying over for the entire weekend.
With that the kunoichi in training headed inside after she promised to bring a pack for Naruto "Hey what took you guys so long" Naruto complained when his best friends finally joined him in their usual row at the back of the classroom after he'd been sitting there waiting for several minutes.
"Sorry Naruto, we were asking your mom for permission about something, you'll find out later when academy lets out what it is" Ino apologized, intending to keep it secret for now as the boy pouted at her and begged with his eyes for her to tell him what it was now.
In the middle like usual Sakura pressed her hands over her mouth and giggled at the antics of her friends "By the way I found out why my mom and dad have been so busy lately" Sakura announced, prompting both Naruto and Ino to look at her.
"They started taking the flowers I've been growing with you know what and pickling them to make tea, that they will now be selling at a stall in the market called Haruno's Floral Tea" the rosette explained, lowering her voice when she mentioned her rare kekkeigenkai.
Just in time as Iruka showed up to begin class "He's so dreamy" Ino sighed, ogling her crush when it was the final lesson of the day and Sasuke had systematically beat nearly all of his classmates during their taijutsu practice, Sakura proving to be a challenge for her crush though.
As she managed to hook her foot behind his and knock him off his feet before they were made to make the sign of reconciliation "Seriously it's not that impressive Ino" Naruto rolled his eyes, taking his turn against their Uchiha classmate that his blonde friend obsessed over.
Like most other girls in their class did, except for Sakura and Hinata Hyuga as he'd found out "I wouldn't have a problem with him if he actually took me seriously during our spars" Sakura remarked, still miffed about his clear dislike of her.
Unfortunately, Sasuke Uchiha disliked the entire female population due to their obsessive tendencies, so he probably thought like every other girl in class she liked him to which wasn't the case "Patience Sakura, by the way Fu will be there tonight, though he said something about bringing one of his friends" Ino whispered.
Knowing who it was her fuchsia haired friend liked, which kept Sakura from liking her own crush thankfully as she ogled the boy some more until class ended "Mum, will you tell me now what's going on, Ino wouldn't tell me anything" Naruto pouted.
Once they'd exited the academy and the three of them were approached by Sakura's mom and Naruto's mom, both of whom carried packs for the sleepover "You mean you didn't tell him Ino-chan" Kushina quirked a crimson brow at Ino who grinned.
"Nope, I thought it would be a fun little surprise, so surprise Naruto, you get to sleep over at mine with me and Sakura for the whole weekend" Ino informed, glad she'd waited until now to tell him when Naruto began bouncing around in excitement.
Mebuki seemed to understand as she smiled in amusement "Ah I see, if you'd told him earlier Naruto-kun probably wouldn't have been able to focus properly during class" Mebuki remarked and got a nod, while the boy in question flashed a sheepish smile in response.
"Good grief you three are a handful, anyway here's a pack Naruto-kun and promise to behave yourself please, I don't want to hear from Inoichi or Aiko about you not minding your manners at the dinner table other than that have fun you three" Kushina shook her head.
Handing the bag, she'd packed to her son and heading home to have some much-needed alone time with her husband "I promise to be good mum and I'm sure we'll have lots of fun right Ino-chan, Sakura-chan" Naruto shouted after his mother who waved before disappearing from sight.
"Alright you three, better get a move on" Mebuki ushered the children on their way as she turned and headed home as well, leaving the kids to begin walking towards Ino's family shop, unaware of the danger lurking in the shadows just waiting for its chance to snatch one of the children away.
Fortunately, someone had noticed the danger and decided to intervene before it was too late to save the one being targeted as he swooped down and grabbed the kid Danzo was after then body flickered without the usual poof of smoke all the way to his clan's compound.
The girl screaming loudly in his ear due to fear, up until the moment he'd placed her on the couch, where she went eerily silent, back with Naruto and Ino however, both stared at each other in wide eyed horror as Sakura's terrified screams echoed in their ears.
Before "We have to tell my dad, come on Naruto" Ino urged, gripping the younger blondes hand tightly, afraid that he'd also be snatched away like Sakura had been as they ran the rest of the way to the shop, she didn't waste any time in taking off her shoes, merely hurried inside to explain the situation.
"I thought Sakura-chan was going to spend the night" Aiko interrupted her daughter who looked pale for some reason and to her horror tears were beginning to brim in her pupil-less blue eyes as Ino told them what had happened just a few minutes ago.
Someone had kidnapped Sakura on their way to the house "On it Ino-chan, perhaps Naruto-kun should go home" Inoichi stood, intending to do everything in his power to bring Sakura back safe and sound, while suggesting that Naruto should go home.
His daughter, like the stubborn girl she was becoming shook her head "That was another thing I was going to mention, Naruto was going to join us during our weekend sleep-over" Ino informed, probably thinking about all the horrible things Sakura was being forced to endure at the hands of her abductor.
Deciding that it was something they could talk about later Inoichi body-flickered on the spot and got an emergency meeting with the Hokage "What, what do you mean someone's abducted Sakura Haruno" Hiruzen coughed, choking on the smoke from his pipe at the news.
Quite furious that someone had dared to abduct a child in broad daylight "Ino couldn't see who it was unfortunately, but we have to get her back Hokage-sama" Inoichi stressed, not wanting to think about what would happen if the girl wasn't found.
"Your right, take this missive to Fugaku Uchiha, we'll have the Uchiha and Inuzuka work together in order to find Sakura Haruno and bring her back safely" Hiruzen nodded, not just because it was a child, but because Sakura was also special with her rare and unique kekkeigenkai.
During all this upon being placed down on a couch Sakura had found herself staring into the eyes of Sasuke Uchiha as he stared at her from his spot on the floor as he did his homework, "What the heck Shisui, why did you bring one of my female classmates here for, now she's going to be even worse than the rest of them" Sasuke yelled at his cousin.
Only to get whacked on the back of the head "That's rude Sasuke-chan, but I agree, why did you bring her here Shisui-chan" the ebony haired woman who couldn't be anyone, but Sasuke's mother chided with a frown of confusion on her face.
The one dubbed Shisui shook his head and pointed to the kitchen where his uncle and best friend were already seated at the table "Danzo's after her, he was planning on abducting the girl, so I ruined his chances to get his hands on her" Shisui explained.
After a sound-proofing seal was activated to prevent little ears from listening in "He was after who and why" Fugaku looked away from the paperwork he'd brought home to finish, wondering if this was their chance to finally get Danzo for everything he'd done.
"I think her name is Sakura Haruno and no idea, she's a normal kid as far as I can tell" Shisui shrugged, but he hadn't been about to let Danzo take the kid either, Fugaku stood with a sigh and peered through the kitchen door to spy on the children.
Sasuke was glaring at the rosette while the girl did everything, she could to avoid looking at his son, then as if sensing she was being stared at looked right at him to his surprise "Come here child" Fugaku beckoned, inviting the girl into the kitchen with them.
Leaving his youngest alone in the living room to begin on his homework "Have I done something wrong Uchiha-san" Sakura asked when she was sat in a chair at the kitchen table, looking more than a little worried and knowing exactly who the man in front of her was.
"No, however I would like to inquire about the reason Danzo Shimura would have tried to take you for... you do know of whom I speak yes" Fugaku asked, making sure the child knew she wasn't in trouble, however it became apparent after a minute this girl had no idea who Danzo was.
Because she shook her head, just then there was a knock on the front door and Mikoto went to answer it "Inoichi what brings you here" Mikoto inquired, more than a little surprised when the man explained that he needed to see Fugaku, only to pause in shock upon entering the kitchen.
Relief filtered into his gaze as the little girl hopped up from the chair she was sitting on to hug him tightly "You had us worried Sakura-chan, are you alright, who took you, and how did you end up here" Inoichi asked, returning the pinkette's hug with one of his own.
Here Mikoto glared at Shisui "Please don't tell me you just took her Shisui, honestly what on earth were you thinking, pardon Inoichi, it appears Shisui is the reason Sakura-chan is here, he took off with her earlier and brought her here, please forgive him his foolish antics" Mikoto bowed in apology.
"Just be more mindful, I can't imagine what would have happened if you'd done that in front of her parents, but surely there was no need to practically abduct her in the first place was there, it's not like Sakura-chan to cause any trouble" Inoichi scolded.
Glad that Sakura was alright "Actually...if I hadn't done it, someone else would have" Shisui confessed, earning another glare, this time from the head of his clan "Danzo Shimura, he's after her for some reason" he continued, wincing inwardly as Fugaku scowled furiously.
Inoichi froze in response "Sakura-chan, why don't you go in the living room and play with Sasuke-kun or do your homework together if you have any left" Inoichi suggested and once the girl was gone from the kitchen sat down in a chair with a sigh.
"There is only one reason Danzo would be interested in Sakura, her ability is rather unique, she has a very rare kekkeigenkai, and she's very proficient at using it" Inoichi admitted, not exactly telling the Uchiha's what Sakura's bloodline limit was, but no way in hell was he going to let Danzo have the rosette.
She was the sweetest kid he'd ever met and his daughter's best friend, Ino would hate him for life if anything happened to Sakura and he could have stopped it "Then you might want to inform the Hokage that his friend is trying to abduct an innocent child" Mikoto frowned.
Wondering about the possibilities of wielding a unique bloodline limit and if she could get little Sakura interested in her Sasuke-chan, the Sharingan and whatever the rare kekkeigenkai was would make for interesting future Uchiha children after all "Of course and again be more mindful Shisui-san" Inoichi nodded.
Bowing lightly to the Uchiha patriarch before collecting Sakura from the living room as she sat in silence while Sasuke ignored her existence then body flickered home "Sakura" Ino and Naruto cried, latching on to their best friend, having begun to think that they were never going to see her again since it had already been 3 hours.
"I'm okay Ino-chan, Naruto-kun, I'm not really sure what happened to be honest, but I wasn't in any danger" Sakura soothed, clinging onto her friends for a few minutes until Aiko separated them in order to squish her into a hug as well after being worried the past few hours over her.
Fu, like Ino had said was there as well as he stood back with his friend Torune Aburame that she'd met several times and upon his aunt setting Sakura on her feet approached to tuck the little pinkette into his side "Next time I'll be the one to rescue you" the orange haired eleven-year-old informed.
Realizing his feelings now even if it meant waiting several years until Sakura was old enough, he would make sure that the pinkette would never be in danger like this again "Thank you Fu-kun" Sakura smiled up at him sweetly, making sure there was distance between her and Torune.
Who couldn't touch people because of his Rinkaichu, it was a shame because Torune was a nice person "Right, I suppose I ought to inform Hokage-sama that Sakura is safe and then figure out how to tell her parents about what happened" Inoichi sighed.
Exhausted and he still had to talk to his daughter about inviting people without asking permission "Go on dear" Aiko ushered her husband off, and a minute later Inoichi was stood in the Hokage's office for the second time that day in a matter of hours.
"Danzo Shimura tried to abduct Sakura Haruno today, luckily someone was looking out for her, but the fact of the matter is that he knows about her kekkeigenkai" Inoichi explained, still trying to figure out a way to inform the girls parents about this incident.
Once the office was sealed to prevent eavesdropping "Is that what happened earlier, who managed to rescue Sakura-chan" Hiruzen spluttered in horror, and the whole situation was properly explained to him, he had to commend young Shisui Uchiha for his quick thinking.
Even if it had resulted in some panic "Right then I'll have Danzo brought in, I told him to shut down his little ROOT organization years ago and he didn't listen and I won't have any more children go missing because of him" the Hokage nodded, hoping this would fix a lot of his village's problems.
Glad that the issue was resolved Inoichi returned home for the evening to find that the children had sequestered themselves away in Ino's room, alongside Fu and Torune "He really is quite fond of her isn't he" Aiko commented, and he furrowed his brows in confusion.
Until he understood "Ah you mean Fu, yes, he is, isn't he" Inoichi chuckled, having seen how his nephew had tucked Sakura against him like a protective older brother would and even promise to rescue her, it made him wonder about future possibilities.
But he would never attempt to manipulate little Sakura-chan "By the way are you going to tell Kizashi and Mebuki about what happened, they deserve to know Inoichi" Aiko asked, rubbing Inoichi's shoulders when he sat, looking completely wiped out.
"Yes...tomorrow perhaps when I've come up with a proper explanation to avoid causing unnecessary panic in them, they love Sakura-chan dearly after all and now if you could call Ino-chan down I believe we need to talk about her inviting someone without permission" Inoichi informed.
Aiko shook her head but did as requested "Dad what is it, we were just about to start playing dress up while those boys spectate" Ino sulked when she was called down and told to sit at the table, making it feel like she was in trouble for something.
Turns out he was upset that he'd had no forewarning about Naruto also spending the whole weekend with them "We don't mind honest Ino, but we would like to know beforehand okay" Aiko soothed, thinking that her daughter was about to cry for the scolding.
"I know and I'm sorry I couldn't tell you beforehand, it was Mrs. Haruno's idea, she told Sakura that it would be nice if Naruto got to give his parents a break from him, if things hadn't turned out like it did earlier, I would have explained sooner" Ino apologized.
Being mature for once "Very well since you did apologize and since this wasn't your idea you may go Ino-chan" Inoichi sighed, unable to punish his daughter for something that she wasn't at fault for, it was also a nice gesture on her part to invite Naruto for a sleepover not ever having done so before.
Aiko giggled under her breath as the children had their fun until Torune had to leave for the evening and soon the house was settled for the night or so they thought before a terrified scream woke everyone in the middle of the night "Must be one of the nightmares Kizashi has mentioned" Inoichi said.
Hurrying to his daughter's room as the scream tapered off and upon entering, he found Sakura sat up in Ino's bed with tears streaming from her eyes as Naruto and Ino tried to calm her down, while Fu stood off to the side looking unsure about what he was meant to do or how he could help.
"Sakura-chan do you remember your nightmare" Inoichi inquired gently, already knowing she wouldn't remember as he knelt, attempting to help further calm the girl down but just like he thought Sakura shook her head, probably feeling awful for waking everybody up.
It truly was awful they couldn't do anything as her tears eventually subsided "Do you think you could go back to sleep Sakura-chan" Aiko asked carefully when all Sakura did was sit there as Ino tried to hug her to death and stare at her lap.
Most likely embarrassed while Naruto was on the other side of Ino "I can try Mrs. Yamanaka" Sakura sniffled, laying back down with Ino squeezing her and just as Aiko was about to tuck the children back in, she was stopped as Fu carefully climbed in behind Sakura.
Who peered at him over her shoulder with wide peridot eyes, obviously figuring out something that would hopefully prevent any more nightmares that night "I'll stay awake with them a little longer" Fu promised, irritated that he couldn't do anything else at that given moment.
His aunt smiled then properly tucked the four children in before going back to bed and the next morning after breakfast Inoichi vanished to inform the Haruno's about what had happened, "Inoichi" Kizashi greeted the Yamanaka patriarch that also happened to be Ino's father when he opened the door to find out who was knocking on his door so early.
"Morning Kizashi, Mebuki, do you have a minute, there is something I need to inform you of" Inoichi announced, having thought long and hard about how he should mention yesterday's incident, but also not intending to keep quiet about it either.
Slightly worried that something bad had happened Kizashi gestured Inoichi into his house where Mebuki was cleaning up after breakfast "Oh Inoichi is everything alright, do we need to go collect Sakura" Mebuki gave a little start in surprise upon seeing Inoichi in her home so early in the day.
"No, but something did happen, do you know Danzo Shimura perchance, apparently yesterday on the way to my home, he tried to abduct her in broad daylight, thankfully someone was looking out for Sakura-chan, but it caused a bit of a stir, Sakura is alright and Danzo will be questioned for his attempt" Inoichi explained.
Deciding honesty was his only option here as the married couple looked at him with horror on their faces at how close they'd been to losing their daughter "Why didn't you tell us yesterday Inoichi, she probably needed us, and we weren't there for her" Kizashi questioned.
"Fear not, like I said, Sakura had someone looking out for her, which meant she wasn't in any danger, Shisui Uchiha took her to his clan's compound where she was completely safe if not confused, she also didn't really seem to understand what was going on and I honestly had no idea what to tell you at first" Inoichi confessed.
Being completely honest again to their relief "And Danzo is going to be punished for this right, because we are never going to hand our child over to him" Mebuki demanded, her temper making itself known like it did every once in a while, when she was truly angry.
"Yes of course Mebuki, Hokage-sama was truly furious with Danzo over this attempt, and I believe he won't be seeing daylight for years...also Sakura-chan had one of her nightmares" Inoichi informed, also mentioning the night-terror that had happened.
Kizashi sighed while Mebuki looked like she was on the verge of tears because she was unable to do anything about her child's horrible dreams "But if you allow me, perhaps I could find something if I were able to look into her head, only if you agree" Inoichi offered.
Also wanting to help where he could because those dreams could be debilitating someday "We'll allow anything if it will stop those horrible nightmares" Kizashi pleaded, getting tired of watching Sakura suffer because of some unknown cause and that she didn't remember anything after waking up was even worse.
"Very well, Sakura-chan is in good hands I assure you Kizashi, Mebuki" Inoichi bowed lightly, glad that everything had worked out, and that neither of them seemed to upset as the situation was being handled by the Hokage, before returning to the house.
Where the children were taking a quick break from playing or training as they called it "Dad your back, did you have work at T&I that you couldn't get out of" Ino greeted after drinking some water, she and Sakura had only just got done sparring with one another after all.
Inoichi chuckled under his breath "I went and informed Sakura-chan's parents about what happened yesterday, and that the situation will soon be resolved so that it doesn't ever happen again" Inoichi confessed, prompting the rosette to look up at him with jade eyes full of relief.
So, like her adoptive mothers it was uncanny "Were they mad Yamanaka-san" Sakura asked quietly, wringing her hands nervously until one hand was grabbed by Ino and the other by Naruto while Fu stood behind them, hands gently pressed to her shoulders in a reassuring manner.
Until he shook his head "Of course not Sakura-chan, though I did mention you had one of your nightmares and if you allow me to, perhaps I can see what's causing them and put a stop to them as well" Inoichi offered, not mentioning that he already had permission.
He wouldn't do it if Sakura herself was uncomfortable with him searching about inside of her head "Will it hurt" Sakura frowned in concern, thankfully Ino was there to explain that while it would feel strange, that no it wouldn't hurt, though she might have a slight headache afterwards which would be easily remedied with medicine.
"Okay" Sakura relented, believing her friend as she was brought inside and told to lay down on the couch, a calloused but gentle hand covered her eyes and after a few minutes her breathing evened out before Inoichi attempted to enter her head with his jutsu.
This attempt was thwarted however and Inoichi drew back in surprise "Dear, are you alright" Aiko inquired, when all he did was stare at Sakura in concern "Inoichi" she called, until finally her husband looked away from the pinkette with a frown.
"Looks like I won't be looking in her head just yet, there is a very strong seal that just prevented me from even entering her head, perhaps the reason she can't remember anything, which also means there is nothing I can do right now until that seal is undone" Inoichi sighed.
Feeling guilty about being unable to help and inwardly wondering just who it was that had placed a Kage level seal inside of a little girl's head "Do you think Hokage-sama might be able to remove it, Lady Mito did teach him quite a bit about fuinjutsu until she passed" Aiko suggested.
"Perhaps, for now though there is little that can be done about it" Inoichi confessed, gently shaking Sakura's shoulder to wake her and then sent her off outside to play/train as she was earlier with Ino, Naruto and Fu until the weekend had passed without further incident.