Chapter 14

"No!" He said with certainty in his voice and a stern look on his face.

"No? What do you mean, no?" She cried out at her wits end.

"I am not going. End of the conversation!" Same tone, same looks.

"You cannot not go! And you know it!"

"No!"

"Why do you behave like a three-year-old, throwing a temper tantrum? You will go, whether you like it or not. That is your duty."

"I will not, and you can't make me."

"Try me, Hatake. I mean it, try me." Her look was dark, and a shiver ran down his spine. His gut told him, that this was a fight he was going to lose. And if he knew one thing, his gut was always right.

"Are there really no other options? No one else who could go?" Now he pleaded, knowing his gut was right, and he was about to lose.

"It's the five Kage summit, and you are one of the five kage. There is nobody else that could go."

"I know, but…"

"No, no but. End of the conversation." She interrupted him with her no nonsense voice. He knew he had lost. Why is this damn summit in eight days? Sakura said in her letter that came yesterday together with some important documents, that she will be back in a fortnight. Which is in exactly 13 days. Now, this summit takes place in the land of iron, which means it takes him a week to get there. More or less a week for all the conferences to take place and a week back. This means he would miss Sakura's arrival, and there was nothing he was more excited about. He was seething again. How he hated this hat and the responsibility that it holds. His mood didn't go unnoticed by Shizune. She has been arguing with him about this since the letter of the summit arrived last week. Then the day before yesterday he was so close to saying yes, she could've tasted it, then Sakura's letter came in, and it was a stern 'no' again.

"You know," she began, "I wanted to be here too, when she gets back. But she knows how important these things are, to hold peace. And I truly believe we are doing her and her child a bigger favour if we help to keep peace instead of greeting her, when she comes back."

"I know. It is just… I don't know. I… we waited over 6 months for this to happen, for her to come back and now that this is so close we cannot be here. But I guess I can't get around it."

"No, you can't, me neither. I just hope that Naruto will be as understanding as you are right now."

"Why Naruto?" He asked.

"He needs to learn how these things take place and how to navigate through such delicate and diplomatic negotiations. I have already talked to Hinata, so she can talk some sense into him, when he says no."

As Shizune had feared, Naruto wasn't happy about accompanying Kakashi on this long journey either. He refused, like Kakashi did in the beginning. However, once Hinata had spoken to him, he calmed down and packed his things.

All three were not happy about leaving the village as they headed off to the 5 Kage conference that same evening. As Kakashi had thought, the summit was very boring. They exchanged ideas with everyone from other countries, and the important documents that Sakura had previously sent were also presented by Shizune. The 5 Kage were amazed at the work Sakura and Tsunade had done in Amegakure. It was essential to stabilize the country, because a stabilized country is less vulnerable to all the separatist groups that have settled there. And this generally contributes greatly to stabilizing peace in the world. Kakashi's chest filled with pride. Even now, as a newly widowed and pregnant woman, Sakura changed the world into a better and safer place, not just for her child, but for all children in the world. And it filled him with pride to know that this wonderful, strong and extraordinary woman was his friend. All three of them counted the days until they could come to Konoha, and their loved ones, especially Sakura.

Kakashi made sure everything was perfect, when she came home. He assigned a trusted genin team to clean her house. He told Genma to put a note from him on her desk and to get the town flat ready. Furthermore, he read all the pregnancy related books and knew that Sakura needed to be close to the village and the hospital. She needed someone to look after her and that was Genma's job or Tenzou whoever was available at the moment, until he comes back. The medic team was also informed to stay on call until Shizune is back to look after Sakura. Tsunade came with her and will stay in Konoha until Sakura can take over the hospital again. But Tsunade could be preoccupied, and therefore the hospital staff had to be ready to take over, when Sakura were to be in need.

It was a tiring journey. Sakura never felt so huge and immobile in her entire life, but she knew it would all be worth it. And she grew impatient. She wanted to meet her baby. She still can't believe that she is almost at the end of her pregnancy, it felt forever and somehow was ending too fast. The journey took a day longer than expected, she needed to rest more than anticipated, but that was fine by her and Tsunade.

The familiar tree line and the front gate in sight made her heart jump. She was home. She was finally home! A warm and light feeling was trembling through her body. Oh, how much she missed her home! She couldn't wait to meet all her friends and Kakashi. She was looking forward to meeting him the most.

Tsunade and her reported at the gate and were warmly welcomed by everyone who was around. They made their way to the Hokage tower, but as usual news travelled faster and by the time Tsunade and Sakura reached the Hokage Tower every single one of her friend who happened to be in town were there. Tears were forming in Ino's eyes as she saw Sakura and her baby belly.

"Oh my god, Sakura! Is that really you? You got so big!" She screamed out in happiness and hugged her best friend as tight as it was possible without harming her. Then she continued: "I've missed you so much." Ino was still the same, a thought as comforting as the woman herself. She looked amazing and if Sakura wouldn't know for a fact, that Ino birthed a child three months ago, she wouldn't have believed it.

"Oh, Ino! I've missed you so much!" She hugged Ino even tighter, "You look amazing."

"Me? Look at you, you have never been prettier! You are glowing! Even your hair got pinker!" Sakura smiled at the compliments of her friend. Then Hinata came and hugged her as tight as Ino previously had. They all were just happy for Sakura to be back. Kiba hugged her tight and whispered in her ear, that he was really glad that she was well and back. Even Shino hugged her, much to her and everyone's surprise, but she embraced his hug happily as long as he allowed her to.

"Where is the rest? Where is Naruto?"

"Oh," Ino began, "Sai and Shikamaru are upstairs in the office. Choji is on a mission, same goes for TenTen and Lee. Temari is in suna with her son to meet her family there. She will stay there for some time and Shika will travel after her as soon as he can get out of the office. Which brings me to, why he is in the office in the first place. Naruto, Kakashi and Shizune are away to the five kage summit. They will be back in seven to ten days."

"Oh," her smile dropped for a split second. "That is no problem, the five kage summit is really important, and I am glad they went to ensure peace." Ino hugged her again, and they went upstairs all together.

"Sai, Shika guess who came back today." Ino started as soon she opened the door of the Hokage office.

"We already know." Shikamaru said in an indifferent tone, but then went over to Sakura with a big smile on his face and hugged her tight. "It is so good to see you back in the village."

"I've missed you, too, Shikamaru."

He looked at her with a soft smile and added: "Please never do this again. It was such a drag." Then Sai made his way towards her and he hugged her, too.

"I have missed you and your expertise in the medical field." He said proudly of himself to have found the right words. Sakura smiled at him with a real smile and hugged him even tighter.

They all settled into a comfortable position, after Tsunade told Sakura to sit down and relax.

"I can't wait to meet all of your children." Sakura said happily.

"You will see, Inojin is the most beautiful baby you have ever seen." Ino explained proudly.

"I beg to differ." Hinata said, not as shyly as Sakura remembered her to be, "Boruto is just as beautiful as Inojin. All our children are beautiful."

"Yes, you are right. All our children are cute, but mine is just the cutest." Ino explained with a big grin on her face.

"I believe every mother says that about her own child." Sai interrupted.

"Where are your children, if your husbands aren't with them as well?" Sakura asked.

"With their grandparents. Speaking of grandparents, did you tell your mother that you are back again?" Ino asked. She probably knew the answer, but it was important to know it for sure. Sakura will need help, and they are all busy with their own babies. Therefore, she requires someone to help her. Even if that would mean, she asked her mother about help.

"No, I haven't talked to her since Pain attacked. I don't care, as far as I am concerned she is dead. She was a horrible person and an even worse mother. I don't want my child to be in the presence of someone so vile." Ino nodded with her head and Shikamaru shifted the conversation to Sakuras journey and her achievements and she was more than happy to tell everyone about it.

They all talked for hours, updating each other about their lives until Yamato and Genma knocked at the office door. They were both smiling as soon as they saw Sakura.

"Pinky, you are really back!" Genma shouted in excitement and hugged her tight.

"I am."

"And you are huge." He continued as he loosened his grip to eye her up and down.

"You know how to charm a woman, Genma." She said as she rolled her eyes.

"Hello Sakura, it is good to see you back in the village. And don't listen to him, you look amazing. I dare to say you never looked better." Yamato interfered, before Genma could say something stupid again that would anger Sakura. Then he hugged her as well. He really was glad she was back. She was one of the very few persons he could talk to without feeling like an outsider or a weirdo, and he had missed that feeling. Furthermore, Kakashi wasn't the same person when Sakura wasn't around.

"Thank you, Yamato. It is good to be back and so lovely to see you again."

"Woah, Tenzou when did you learn to talk so eloquently to a woman, nonetheless such a strong and fearsome one." Genma added.

"I read some novels. I would say, you should try that. But that's irrelevant right now. Sakura, we are here to escort you to your new flat. It is closer to the hospital and in the village. Don't worry, your house is still here and still yours, but the Hokage talked with Tsunade and they both thought it's best, that you are not living so far away from everyone during this final part of your pregnancy."

"I know, Tsunade already told me. And just for the record, I don't like it, but I agree. I need short access to the hospital and its medics. Speaking of which, I would like to go to the hospital now."

"Are you in pain?" Ino asked worried, as she jumped up to walk to her oldest friend. Tsunade got up as well and made her way to Sakura to check her and her baby. Shikamaru was concerned, too.

"Could everybody please chill. I just wanted to see what has changed there since I left six months ago and to see my colleagues. Nothing to be worried about." Ino sighed in relief and Shikamaru lost his tension. Tsunade gave Sakura a light smack on the back of her head.

"Be careful Shishou, I am pregnant." Sakura joked and earned a second smack on her head.

"I believe this has time till tomorrow, Sakura. We had a long day. The journey took us longer than anticipated, and you need to rest. Please don't overdo yourself in this last month of your pregnancy. I worked too hard for this child to be healthy and strong for you to ruin it so close to the finish line."

Sakura stayed silent. She knew just one more word, and she will get another smack on her head. And this time Tsunade wouldn't hold back that much. Therefore, she said her goodbye and followed Genma and Yamato to her new home. It was between the Hokage tower and the hospital, right next to the building of Kakashi's flat. Genma and Yamato said their goodbyes, and she opened the door. It was a nice flat, two bedrooms, a bathroom with enough space for her and her baby, a big and open kitchen and a big living room. This flat even had a small balcony. It wasn't her house, but she liked it. It was a fresh start, which felt good.

She noticed the letter addressed to her immediately. It had her name on the envelope. It was obviously written by Kakashi.

Dear Sakura,

I hope you had a save journey back. I am so sorry that I have to write a letter to you again. I know I had promised you to be here, when you come back, and I hate that I had to break my promise, but I will make up for this. You probably already know, that I am at the five kage summit. I didn't want to go at first, but Shizune was right (please never tell her that) I had to go, to ensure that we keep peace. I will be back as soon as I can.

I assume that you didn't like the fact that you have to stay in this flat and not in your house, but Tsunade and I thought it's best. We only want what is best for you. I felt free to furnish this flat for you. Please tell Genma or Tenzou what kind of furniture you need from your house, they will bring it too. They will be around your new flat in case you require anything. Even the nursery is complete. I asked Ino, Kurenai, Temari and Hinata about what you may need and supplemented this with the things I read in the books. I hope you like it, and please feel free to change everything to your liking. I want you to feel home.

I want a full travel report as soon as I get back.

へ へ

の の

も (Henohenomoheji)

へ

じ

She had a big grin on her face as she closed this letter. He really took the time to write her this letter, even though he had so much to do. She was grateful for him and the bond they had. She knew she could always count on him. And in the end, he was right. She needed to be this close to the hospital and if she were really honest to herself, she wouldn't want to go back into this big cold house full of memories. She loved it with Sasuke by her side, but after his death it held cold and unwelcoming. It was more his home than hers. And this new place just needed some touch ups here and there, and it will be truly her home in no time. So she opened her travel bag and took out her most valuable possessions, her photos. The first one she placed was the old photo of team seven. She put it on a shelf in her new bedroom. Right next to it, she put a picture of her and Tsunade from about a year after she started to train with her. On the other side of the first photo of team seven came the updated version, which included Sai and Yamato. On her bedside table, she put a picture of Naruto and her at the age of 16. Then, of course, a wedding picture of her and Sasuke and next to it one picture of her and Kakashi. It was made on Narutos wedding day. Sasuke was still out of town, and all the others began their relationships and had their dates. She felt lonely and asked Kakashi if he would accompany her, which he gladly did. She cannot really remember at what moment this photo was taken, but it was just gorgeous. They were dancing and laughing with each other. A big grin was visible on her face as she recalled this evening.

In the living room, she put up various pictures of Naruto and her throughout the years. Followed by a picture collage of her and her girls. Then came a group photo of the Konoha twelve, which they took right after the second round of the chunin exams. It was one of her favourites, none of them wanted to be in this picture. All of them were dirty, hungry, and tired, but their sensei's forced them and knew it was the only picture they had left of the Konoha twelve with everyone in it. Like always, she was amazed what effects some photos have to making her feel home.

Now she entered the nursery, which was already complete with everything that she could need for her child. Kakashi really thought of everything. It was all clean and new except for the crib. It was made out of a dark wood, and it had some forms engraved in it. She had seen this before, but she couldn't quite remember where. She made a mental note to ask Kakashi when he got back. Before she knew it, a yawn overwhelmed her, and she went to bed. It had been an exciting day, and she was worn out.