Bonds Through Time Chapter 36, a naruto fanfic

Chapter 36: The Godaime

Shisui

While he had certainly heard stories of the Toad Sage Jiraiya, Shisui never thought he'd be a mission with him. To be honest, he was glad that his uncle had insisted Shisui accompany Naruto and Sakura on their quest to find Tsunade Senju.

The reasoning was in case Naruto lost control of the tailed beast and needed the Sharingan to tame it. The reality, Jiraiya was a horny old man that should never be trusted to look over adolescents. More often than not, the Sannin took off in search of lewd entertainment leaving the young shinobi to fend for themselves.

They'd been on the road for the past three weeks, chasing down various leads. Tsunade was a gambler and a drunkard — not exactly the best reputation for a Hokage, but at least she didn't condone mass murder or experimenting on orphans. The Slug-Sannin was extremely good at avoiding debt collectors.

At least that night, they'd been given lodging and wouldn't have to sleep under the open sky. Considering the nearby thunderclouds, he was grateful.

They'd all taken turns showering and were lounging around in their pajamas in their hotel room. Sakura and Naruto were sharing one bed and Shisui had the second bed to himself. Both Sakura and Naruto were fairly small for their age, but Shisui was aware that in a few short years they would both grow tall. It was still hard to wrap his mind around who the kids were now, compared to the adults that had become his friends in such a short amount of time.

Sometimes, he could hardly believe how lucky he was to be alive. He treasured every single day he walked the earth. He was glad to be on the mission to retrieve Tsunade. He had altered some of her memories of her meeting of the future shinobi, but he couldn't be certain that he didn't muck up the chances of Sakura training under her.

"Are you okay, Shisui?" Sakura asked. She laid on her side, facing towards Shisui's bed across the small room in the inn. "You've got that pinched expression between your eyes that you get when you're worried."

Naruto sat up and looked over Sakura towards Shisui's side of the room— his bright blue eyes wide with worry. "Oh, you're right, Sakura-chan! What's wrong, Shisui?"

"I was just wondering about how we're going to convince a free-spirit like Princess Tsunade Senju to come back to Konoha and deal with politics and paperwork," Shisui confessed. It was only part of his concerns, but it was valid.

"Definitely don't mention the politics or paperwork," Sakura said with a laugh. She rolled onto her back and stared up at the ceiling with a pensive expression. "We should definitely point out her connection with the First and Second Hokages. And see if she could help build up the medical program. She wanted a medic on every team, but the Third and the council rejected the idea, saying it was too costly." Sakura growled. "Sounds to me they didn't think the lives of their shinobi were worth much. We are not expendable."

"Believe it! We are each valuable and precious!" Naruto agreed.

"That's not a bad idea," Shisui agreed.

"Do you think if I asked her train me in medical ninjutsu, she might apprentice me?" Sakura asked quietly.

Shisui's heart sped up at the question. That was one connection he didn't want to risk screwing up! "Maybe not right off the bat. You'll want to ease into that kind of question. Let her get settled in the village first."

Sakura rubbed her hands over her face. "Of course. I don't want to come on too strong." She flipped over onto her belly and buried her face in her pillow. "That's probably why Kakashi-sensei avoids me so much. I was way too obvious in my crush."

Naruto chuckled and reached down to tickle Sakura's ribs, earning giggles for his effort. "It's not that bad, Sakura-chan!"

"Yes, it was!" Sakura gasped, reaching over and tickling Naruto back in retaliation. Both genin almost fell off the bed in a heap if Shisui hadn't flash-stepped over to catch them and roll them back onto the bed together.

"Where do you think Pervy-Sage is tonight?" Naruto asked, his voice cracking. It had started cracking a lot over the past couple of weeks. Naruto settled back on his side of the bed.

"Probably peeping on unsuspecting women again," Sakura scoffed.

"Are boobs really that interesting?" Naruto asked.

Shisui covered his mouth to keep from laughing. He settled back on his bed and decided to let Sakura take this conversation.

"I wouldn't know," Sakura snapped. She brushed her palms over her very flat chest. "Maybe you should ask Hinata."

"No way. She has like a huge crush on me, Sakura-chan. That would be so awkward!" Naruto sat up and stared down at Sakura. He closed his eyes in concentration and started to do a series of hand signs that Shisui didn't recognize. Then, instead of a thirteen year old boy, a voluptuous woman who appeared to be in her early twenties without a stitch of clothing on her upper body appeared. Shisui immediately pinched his nose at the unexpected sight.

"What do you think, Sakura-chan?" A feminine, sultry voice came from the blond who vaguely resembled a grown up woman version of Naruto. They wore the same orange and black sweatpants, but no shirt. The woman cupped her large, generous breasts. "Feel me up, Sakura-chan. They're kind of squishy yet heavy."

Sakura sat up, curious about Naruto's transformation. Biting her lower lip, she tentatively reached to touch Naruto's Double F breasts. "They do feel kind of pillowy," she murmured. "Very impractical for a ninja though. The back ache would be uncomfortable."

Naruto bounced up and down from his seated position on the bed. "I don't know. It's kind of neat watching them jiggle."

Sakura fell back to her pillow with a laugh.

Naruto straddled her, his breasts in her face. "Oh come on, Sakura-chan. You should try it too! See what it's like!"

Shisui began to cough uncontrollably at the sight and threw his pillow at Naruto. "Knock it off," he gasped, pointedly averting his eyes.

"What's the big deal, Shisui? Are boobs really that distracting?" Sakura asked. "I see them all the time at the bath house, but this is the first time I've felt them." She sat up. "Show me those signs again, I want to try?"

Before Shisui could order the two to knock it out, Sakura had imitated the hand signs and was now almost the spitting image of the woman he met six years ago. Unlike Naruto, she still had her sleeping shirt on, though it was stretched taut across her bigger chest.

Sakura cupped her fully developed breasts and hummed. "They aren't as bouncy. I definitely think I prefer them firm like this." She held one hand over Naruto's breast and the other over hers to compare. "You want to try?"

Naruto nodded eagerly, and cupped his hands over her breasts, massaging over the cloth-covered nipples with his thumbs while cocking his head to the side in critical concentration, long blond pigtails brushing over Sakura's thighs where her shorts rose up. "I like the way the nipples react."

Shisui buried his face in his remaining pillow. He couldn't watch anymore. When he told Itachi about this later, he'd never hear the end of it. Maybe this would be an experience he'd take to the grave. Or maybe he could tell Izumi. Yeah, Izumi would be a better person to cry to about this later. Surely, she would be sympathetic.

"That is nice," Sakura said sighing. She released the jutsu and Naruto did the same. No longer were a pair of voluptuous women sharing the same room with Shisui, but a couple of young teens.

"Don't do that in front of Jiraiya," Shisui warned. "I understand you were both curious, but it's best to not do things like that while on a mission."

Naruto flopped back onto the bed and then snuggled up against Sakura. "I can't wait for you to get boobs, Sakura-chan."

Sakura laughed. "I guess that makes two of us." She ran her fingers through Naruto's hair absently. "Say, Shisui, do you think Kakashi-sensei prefers breasts or legs?"

"I think he prefers grown-ups, Sakura," Shisui said, gently. "You don't need to be in a hurry to grow up. Just enjoy this time. We'll focus on this mission and you'll continue to train hard and get stronger. You'll be the strongest kunoichi in the village in just a few years."

"I believe it," Naruto murmured with a yawn. "But I still plan to be Hokage, Sakura-chan."

"I have no intention of becoming Hokage," Sakura assured him. "I just hope Lady Senju can be convinced."

OoO

Sakura

It had been fun making Shisui uncomfortable the night before. Though, she didn't regret the transformation. It gave her an idea of what her body would be like in a few years. She had a little hard time sleeping later during the night due to Naruto's excessive body heat. He was a cuddler and there was no family cat to allow her escape!

They were halfway through breakfast when Jiraiya strolled into the tavern. The man looked thoroughly debauched. For a Master of Spies, she wondered if his contacts were all prostitutes. Which, Sakura didn't have anything against women earning income in whatever way they chose, she just hoped it was a choice and not a form of servitude. She shook her head to erase that image from her mind.

Sakura and the other kunoichi of her generation had taken a special class in the last year of the Academy. It had focused on using sex and feminine wiles to gather intelligence and also to aid in assassinations. Sakura would have been more offended, except Sasuke had told her the boys had taken a similar class. He'd been beet red the whole time he told her about it. And while she didn't have a Sharingan, she had an eidetic memory and would often think back on that image of Sasuke whenever he started to act pretentious.

"What are you thinking about?" Naruto whispered, leaning down towards her ear.

"Remember that time Sasuke told me about the sex education class the boys had to take when I told you about the one the girls had to take at the Academy?" Sakura whispered back.

Sky blue eyes twinkled in mischief. "He is cute when he's embarrassed and he starts to blush."

Sakura nodded. "He really is."

"What are you two kiddos gossiping about?" Jiraiya asked as he sat across from them at their table.

"Please, don't ask for details," Shisui murmured, shoving a fork full of eggs into his mouth. "What did you find?"

Jiriaya's grin stretched from ear to ear and made Sakura uncomfortable, so she scooted a touch closer to Naruto. "Aside from more material for my books, there's a gambling hall nearby. I think that will be our best bet!"

"Gambling halls have age restrictions," Sakura pointed out. "Will we wait until she's done?"

"We'll split up!" Jiraiya suggested. "I'll take my godson."

"What about Shizune Kato? Is she with Lady Tsunade?" Shisui asked. "I faintly remember her. We used to run into each other at the weapon master's shop when she purchased more senbon."

"From what I could gather, they are still traveling together," Jiraiya answered. He picked up the pitcher of water on the center of the table and filled his glass before chugging it. He wiped the back of his hand over his mouth and sighed. "Tsunade has been apprenticing Shizune all this time — she's quite the talented medic and poisons expert."

"Sakura and I will look for Shizune then." Shisui flashed a reassuring smile at Sakura. "From what I remember, she has a calm, serious personality." He leaned over the table, his face close to hers, his dark eyes serious. "Just don't try that new jutsu you learned around her."

Sakura exchanged a look with Naruto and then burst out laughing. "I think I can resist!"

"What jutsu?" Jiraiya asked, looking up from his empty plate.

"Nothing," Shisui quickly answered before Sakura or Naruto could. "It was nothing. Please don't ask."

Jiraiya tugged on his long ponytail awkwardly. "Well, okay. We don't go back to the village until after we convince Tsuna to come home."

"What if she doesn't want to?" Sakura asked quietly.

"Then you'll be stuck with me as your Fifth Hokage. Do you want that?" Jiraiya asked, scanning the three occupants of the table.

"Pervy Sage the Godaime?" Naruto's eyes widened in horror.

"You can only imagine the executive orders I might pass. Without being able to visit the bathhouses, I would have to do all my research locally." Jiraiya waggled his brows and then chuckled, slapping the flat of his hand on the table. He straightened and looked across the table at Sakura.

Sakura felt suddenly self conscious and scooted closer to Naruto and folded her arms over her flat chest.

"How old are you again, girl?" Jiraya asked.

"And on that note, I think it's time we got going," Shisui answered, smiling brightly. He tugged on Sakura's elbow and yanked her out of the booth and held her tucked against his side protectively.

OoO

Kakashi

He didn't like bars. He didn't even care for drinking really. And he really didn't know what to say to Asuma about the loss of his father. So, he simply bought him a pitcher of beer and patted his shoulder in sympathy.

Kakashi didn't remember anyone being there for him after his own father's suicide —- except for Minato Namikaze. He did remember the feel of Minato's warm hand over his shoulder and that was a stronger memory than any words of comfort that may have been uttered.

He would be escorting the Sand delegation along with Gai Might and a team of Anbu on their way back to Suna. Their new Kazekage had requested Kakashi personally.

Speaking of the new Kazekage, the red-haired puppet master strolled into the bar, a group of Sand Anbu flanking him. His amber gaze swept across the patrons, passing over Asuma and his well-wishers and landed upon Kakashi where he sat with Itachi in a booth at the back of the bar.

Sasori stood at the head of the table. "May I join you?"

Kakashi gestured towards the empty side of the booth. "Sure."

Sasori settled into the booth and shifted his gaze between Kakashi and Itachi. "Where's Shisui?"

"Retrieval mission," Itachi answered.

"I see," Sasori murmured, folding his hands neatly in front of him on top to the table. His eyes settled on Kakashi. "Your students were impressive. I disagree with only the Uchiha being promoted. All three of them were superior to most of the competition."

"I don't know, Naruto did win against one of his opponents because of bad digestion," Kakashi admitted. That was still a little embarrassing. Though, a win is a win!

"I was actually impressed when he was able to reason with the Hyuga," Itachi added. "Reminded me of how I won my matches in the Chunin Exams years ago."

"I remember that," Sasori murmured. "You trapped your opponent in a genjutsu and moments later they decide to quit being a ninja."

Itachi shrugged. "The pacifist in me likes someone giving up the life of a ninja willingly rather than through death."

"Naruto and Sakura weren't promoted because of politics. Naruto is the jinchuriki — there are still many that fear the tailed-beast sealed within him. And Sakura comes from a civilian family — civilians are never promoted on the first time outside of war," Kakashi answered. He was annoyed that the Nara and Abarame kids were promoted. Though, they both came from important clans within the village— so he wasn't surprised.

Itachi's warm hand patted Kakashi's forearm. "It is not like when we were promoted too young. I appreciate the hesitancy in handing out promotions."

"Speaking of promotions being handed out, I've been named Kazekage," Sasori stated. "I will happily abdicate when the Fourth's son is old enough to take over the position." Sasori directed his gaze towards Kakashi. "As such, I would like to offer an internship with my grandmother for Sakura Haruno. As her Jonin team captain, I believe you are the one I need to ask, since her parents are civilians."

Kakashi didn't like this man's strong interest in thirteen year old Sakura Haruno. Sasori couldn't have been more than three or four years younger than Kakashi himself. Why was he so interested in Kakashi's girl — er— younger teammate?

"Your grandmother?" Kakashi asked, keeping his voice neutral.

"Sakura's chakra control would make her the perfect candidate for medical ninjutsu and for puppet manipulation as well. Granny Chiyo is unparalleled in medical ninjutsu," Sasori explained. "If Konoha cannot see the potential in Sakura, then Sand recognizes it."

Itachi cleared his throat. "I too believe that Sakura would be excellent in medical ninjutsu." He rubbed at a spot on his collarbone. He often seemed to do that whenever Sakura was mentioned. Maybe Kakashi would ask him about it one day. "Let's not make any decisions until after she returns. And while Sakura's parents are civilians, my clan has taken an interest in her shinobi career and will act as sponsors for her if necessary."

Kakashi turned towards Itachi in surprise. He knew Sakura was close to Shisui and Izumi and of course Sasuke. He didn't really think the Uchiha clan as a whole much cared about Sakura beyond the fact that she was Sasuke and Naruto's teammate.

Sasori shrugged, leaning back casually in his seat. One of his guards had vanished a few minutes ago and returned with a tray of drinks and a light dinner. "There is no expiration date on the offer." He sipped from his drink and set it down with a sigh afterwards. "I can only hope when Suna hosts the exams in a couple of years we won't have to deal with another international terrorist interfering." He ran his fingers through his red, wavy hair. "Kazekage isn't a rank I aspired to obtain."

"The greatest leaders are generally chosen by circumstance," Itachi agreed. "When I was younger, I aspired to obtain the role of Hokage." He grimaced. "I do not envy the responsibility at your age. Our Yondaime was also twenty-three when he received the burden."

Kakashi arched his eyebrow. So Sasori was twenty-three? Still — ten years older than Sakura — much too old to be as interested as he seemed. In the back of Kakashi's mind, he was envisioning his ninken Bull getting a hold of Sasori and dragging him out of Konoha bodily.

"Hatake?" Sasori asked. By the amused gleam in his eyes, he probably had a pretty good idea of what Kakashi was imagining. "You'll let Sakura know?"

"Sure," Kakashi shrugged. Probably, Sakura wouldn't be interested. Probably she wouldn't leave the Leaf. He didn't like the idea of her possibly, unlikely as it was, leaving and no longer being part of his life— even if only peripherally. "I'll let her know."

OoO

Sakura

The night before Shisui had gone over everything he had on the bios of Tsunade Senju and Shizune Kato. There was significantly more information on Tsunade, but Shizune was Sakura's target. While they waited on a nearby rooftop, observing the gambling hall, Shisui shared what he remembered about Shizune from her time in Konoha. Shisui also had crows stationed throughout the tourist village, enhancing their observation capabilities and allowing them the flexibility to chat.

"Is that a pig?" Sakura squinted leaning forward to peer down into the street. A beautiful dark haired woman in elegant clothing left the gambling hall with a pink pig in her arms — the pig wore a pearl necklace. "A fancy pig?"

Shisui chuckled. "I guess the pearls make it fancy? I didn't know people had pigs for pets."

"Maybe it's an emotional support animal?" Sakura suggested. "I read about such a thing — and if Lady Tsunade and Shizune both left Konoha because they lost loved ones, it would make sense."

"Emotional support animal?" Shisui scratched his head and wrinkled his nose. "I didn't know such a thing existed."

"Why do you think Kakashi has eight dogs?" Sakura said with a soft smile.

"Because they make for excellent trackers?" Shisui gestured toward one of his crow summons resting nearby. "Do you think I should start hugging my crows when I have a bad day?"

Sakura reached over and gave Shisui an impromptu. "No need. You have me and the boys if you ever need a hug."

Shisui snorted, but didn't argue. He ran his hand down the length of her hair. "Definitely better than trying to hug a bird. Itachi did that a few times — hug a bird. When he was trying to figure out his crow substitution." He shook his head. "The amount of bird crap on his laundry during that awkward time."

Sakura shivered and released Shisui from the hug. "I don't even want to think about that." She rubbed her chin. "Oh! Is that when he made the clothing washing water jutsu?"

"Uh huh," Shisui agreed. "You ready to go say hi?"

Sakura nodded. Shisui scooped Sakura into his arms and the flash-stepped them down the side of the building until they stood directly in front of Shizune, their Leaf hitai-ate on prominent display.

"Shizune Kato, I am Shisui Uchiha and this is my little sister Sakura Haruno. Will you please spare a moment of your time?" Shisui asked with a friendly smile and relaxed posture as he set Sakura on her feet.

"Shisui Uchiha? I remember you. The body-flicker boy," Shizune observed. She rubbed her hand between the pig's ears. "You've grown up."

"We're here with Lord Jiraiya and the Yondaime's son," Shisui added. "They're planning to try and convince Lady Senju to return to the village — as Godaime."

Shizune laughed. "Good luck with that!"

"I read about her proposals for medical training and the goal of having a medic on every shinobi team." Sakura smiled and bowed respectfully in front of Shizune. Sakura didn't kowtow much, but she was capable. "My big sister has trained to be a medic, but the program is not as advanced as it should be. There were so many cuts to the program over the last several years. Please, Lady Shizune, would you be part of establishing Konoha's medical program."

"Me?" Shizune asked, her eyes wide in surprise. "Why me?"

"Are you not the Apprentice of the greatest Medical Ninja in the history of the Leaf? If Lady Senju doesn't wish to return, perhaps you would consider offering some of your knowledge," Sakura suggested.

"I wouldn't leave her behind," Shizune murmured. She smiled faintly at Sakura and Shisui. "Though, I am flattered by the proposal. I will speak with her on the matter. How long will you be staying in the area?"

"As long as need be," Shisui answered.

"I see." Shizune cocked her head to the side and looked between Sakura and Shisui, settling on the latter. "You'll have to explain something to me. How is that a girl whom is obviously not an Uchiha is calling you her brother? The clan historically has always kept to themselves."

"Our generation is more determined to welcome friends into our clan family," Shisui explained. "My aunt and uncle actually formally adopted the Yondaime's son a few years ago. We've been working to clear out the corruption within the Leaf — I believe Lady Senju might be interested to hear about some of happenings of the last ten years or so."

"Oh, we know about Danzo. We celebrated quite hard the night we found out," Shizune said with a chuckle. "He was the main opponent in investing in the improved medical program."

"He escaped and is living in exile in Sound, but given the latest attack on Konoha — it's only a matter of time before he's stopped permanently. Orochimaru has already been defeated," Shisui explained.

"Ah. The Snake Sannin. At least one of his bodies is defeated," Shizune mused. "He probably has four or five spare bodies he'll transfer his sickly soul into."

The idea made Sakura queasy. The snake shinobi had been terrifying.

"Tell you what, let's have dinner. Let your other teammates come as well. I'll convince Lady Senju," Shizune agreed.

"Thank you so much!" Sakura bent over at the waist immediately in gratitude and Shisui also bowed slightly.

"Don't thank me yet. Lady Senju has been through a lot. She has a phobia about blood," Shizune explained. "She even abandoned me about six years ago after we came across an accident in our travels involving a boar attack— she went to meditate in Shikkotsu Forest. When she came back, she was a renewed woman — started helping out at local clinics with herbal blends. I don't think she's gotten over the blood phobia."

"Hemophobia isn't uncommon in someone who witnessed a traumatic injury involving a lot of blood," Sakura stated, thinking back to a medical book she'd read while visiting Izumi one day. "The best way to treat it is to allow oneself to gradually be desensitized to the trigger — blood. How does Lady Senju cope with her menstrual cycle prior to menopause?"

Shizune flushed. "I never thought to ask. It's not exactly something one talks about."

Sakura cocked her head to the side. "It's not? Huh. That's interesting." She shrugged. "Well, I look forward to dinner!"

Shizune flashed her an awkward smile. "Maybe don't bring up the menstrual cycle or menopause."

"We won't!" Shisui promised, starting back towards the inn they were staying at and tugging Sakura along with him by her elbow. He waited until Shizune had turned the block and was no longer in sight. "Sakura, I just want to say I'm grateful for your honesty. Please, don't ever change."

"I should learn more tact. Auntie Mikoto and Izumi would both be disappointed in me," Sakura worried.

"Oh no, they would be your biggest cheerleaders, trust me!" Shisui laughed as they continued past the market part of town. "Why don't we pick up some snacks while we're here. Dango sounds good?"

Sakura's stomach growled at the mention of her favorite sweet. "Dango always sounds good!"