CHAPTER TWO

"Huhhh! you want to do what now in Suna?" The blonde beauty exclaimed as she stared incredulously at her pink-haired student or rather, ex-student.

Sakura sighed as she sat down. "I said…"Sakura started slowly. "I want a transfer to Suna to help with their medical care. It doesn't even have to be for long; I'll be fine with just 3 months." She added hurriedly.

"Just.. 3 months..." Tsunade repeated as she scoffed. "Sakura 3 months consists of 90 days, which seems plenty to me."

"Oh come on, Tsunade sama you…" Tsunade interrupted with the raise of her left hand, indicating she stopped talking.

Oof, she's being serious now, Sakura thought, but she had prepared for this already, and she won't back down.

"Firstly, what's your reason for this...sudden request?" Tsunade asked as she started signing papers.

Sakura found the conversation progressing more smoothly than she had anticipated. She began her narrative. She emphasized Konoha's outstanding healthcare system and how assisting Suna could greatly benefit the alliance. "I've also heard that Suna's healthcare is pretty shitty. We should be prepared for the future you know, even though I'm not saying anything will happen," Sakura added in a hushed tone. She thought this should seal the deal, and then waited as Tsunade continued to sign documents, seemingly oblivious to her presence.

As minutes dragged on, Sakura's patience waned. It felt like an eternity had passed before Tsunade finally looked up, wearing a mysterious smile that left Sakura perplexed. "Well, you're in luck," Tsunade finally declared.

What…

"Suna actually reached out for assistance with their healthcare," Tsunade began. "I told them I'd consider it because I assumed you'd be reluctant." She propped her left hand under her chin and let out a tired yawn. "Who would've thought you were so eager for the job?"

Coincidences like this always made Sakura a little wary. How is it that, after all these months, the moment I decide to go to Suna, Tsunade coincidentally receives an offer? The world's a strange place."

Tsunade responded, "I'll get back to Suna about their offer tomorrow, so you might be leaving sometime this week." She resumed signing her papers, seemingly nonchalant about the revelation.

Sakura, however, couldn't hide her surprise. "This week?!" she exclaimed, wondering why it felt like her shishou was in such a hurry to send her away.

"Got a problem with that?" Tsunade asked as she looked up, eyes flashing warningly.

Sakura shrank into her seat. "No", she quipped

"Good."

She didn't want to anger her master. Honestly, things went way better than she thought they would, although she felt annoyed that her well-prepared speech wasn't even needed at the end; she could have just said she wanted to go to Suna, and Tsunade would offer her the job.

"Well… I'll be excusing myself now," Sakura said to Tsunade as she stood up. She was at the door and was about to turn the knob when her master called after her. She looked back, hand still on the knob, now what, she thought to herself.

"I may not get the chance to tell you, or I'll probably forget, but like you said, alliances are important, so do well to behave diplomatically when you're there." Her tone was light, but Sakura could feel the threat behind them

"Hai! shishou." Sakura nodded before scurrying away. Years had gone by, and her master was still as scary as ever.

Meanwhile, in her office, Tsunade laughed as she chugged more sake; her former student was always so easy to scare.

Sakura inhaled the fresh Konoha breeze as she stepped outside the building. One thing she always loved about Konoha was the weather. It was currently around 11 a.m., and the weather was warm and breezy. She loved how airy it got most times, especially when her hair was tied so it didn't get in her mouth or eyes. As she sauntered to her apartment, she got lost in her thoughts.

She had honestly not expected things to move this quickly. Overwhelmed, she realized it was already Monday, and by tomorrow, Tsunade would inform Suna about her decision, marking the finalization of her departure—most likely on Friday. Naruto and Ino would be shocked, with Naruto likely throwing a fit. Lost in her thoughts, she kicked a pebble on her way, not realizing when she bumped into the very object of her contemplation. 'Not another coincidence,' she thought as she looked up.

"Ohayo, Sakura-chan," Naruto exclaimed in his typical loud voice. She decided to seize the moment.

"Hey Naruto, want to have brunch at Ichiraku's?" Sakura asked with a smile.

Naruto responded with a laugh, "Sakura-chan. I'll never say no to you or ramen."

Sakura chuckled and playfully retorted, "Baka."

"What? You're leaving to stay in Suna for three months!?" Naruto exclaimed dramatically, dropping his chopsticks on the third bowl of ramen he had just consumed. She honestly didn't know how he could eat like that and still maintain a muscular build. Kami was so unfair to women.

"It's not that long, Naruto. You shout like I'm getting married off and living there forever," Sakura countered with an eye roll as she returned to picking at her ramen.

"Are you going to eat that?" Naruto asked.

"No, you can have it," Sakura pushed the bowl to him.

"You waste food, Sakura. That's a sin, you know," Naruto said, stuffing food into his face. "Also, three months is 90 days. That's pretty long. Did the hag force you into this? I'll give her a piece of my mind," he finished with a contented sigh, dropping the bowl.

Sakura palmed her forehead. "No, Naruto, baka. I volunteered."

"Ohhh."

"Yeah, it's not that big of a deal, just helping out with medical stuff," she added to stop Naruto from asking too many questions.

"Sure thing, Sakura-chan. I'm all for it. Just make sure to keep in touch," he said with a grin.

"Of course I will," she replied, giving him a light punch on the shoulder.

After they finished lunch, she asked Naruto about his relationship with Hinata. To her surprise, he said they were thinking about getting married. Who would've thought Naruto would be the first to tie the knot? It was comical.

With the whole day ahead and no particular plans, Sakura decided to head home for some relaxation. She planned to watch TV, grab a meal, and maybe pamper herself with some skincare. She figured she'd start packing for her upcoming journey tomorrow. As she headed home, she thought about how her boring, monotonous life would change soon. At the same time, she felt sad that she'd be leaving the comfort zone she'd known for so long.

The next morning, Sakura was rudely awakened by a series of loud knocks on her front door. Glancing at her alarm clock, she saw it was already 7 a.m. She quickly got out of bed, put on her housecoat, and rushed to open the door. There stood an ANBU member holding an envelope with the Hokage's seal. She took it, said thanks, and closed the door. She wondered what was so urgent that Tsunade had to send a letter. Returning to her room, she eagerly tore open the envelope and started reading the message.

"Dear Sakura, I responded to Suna's request soon after you left that morning. Fortunately, I received a reply the same evening. They'll send someone to escort you tomorrow morning, so get ready."

"What the actual hell!" Sakura shouted. Was Tsunade in such a rush to get rid of her? Tomorrow morning!? She briefly considered storming over to the Hokage Tower to give Tsunade a piece of her mind but then flopped back on her bed in frustration. What was the point? Nothing would change anyway. Why was Tsunade so eager to send her away?

"Maybe she's tired of seeing you live a sad life. Can't wait to leave," Inner Sakura chimed in.

"Not the time, Inner," Sakura muttered. She hadn't even packed yet, and she hadn't told Ino either. Ino would be furious. Plus, she still had some stuff to wrap up at the hospital, but she didn't care. Tsunade deserved the mess for making her leave so quickly.

Sakura sighed and resigned herself to packing. She began with her medical supplies, the most crucial. She packed every piece of equipment, medical book, poison, and antidote that would fit into the scroll. She always liked to be prepared. As she packed, a mix of excitement and nervousness coursed through her.

Over two hours had passed, and Sakura was finally packing the last of what she needed. She realized she was a bit slow when it came to packing because she wanted to take everything with her. What if she left something behind and needed it later? She'd feel awful for not taking it.

At last, she finished packing and felt the need for a refreshing shower. In high spirits, she jumped into the bathroom and stood beneath the icy spray. Afterwards, she planned to head to Ino's and break the news.

Stepping out of the shower, she shook water droplets from her glistening cotton candy hair and wrapped herself in a white towel. Then, it hit her that she needed to grab something from her lab — a sunscreen she'd been working on. She'd definitely need it for the Suna weather. Guess she'd be the first to try it out.

Another loud knock on the door snapped Sakura from her thoughts, accompanied by some shouting.

"Forehead, open this door right now!"

"Oh, great! A shouting Ino, just what I needed," Sakura groaned in exasperation. She hurried to open the door, still clad in just a towel.

Her blonde friend barged into the living room and began to vent. "I'm so mad at you right now. You're leaving for Suna on Friday, and you didn't tell me! I had to hear it from Shikamaru, who heard it from Neji, who heard it from Hinata, who heard it from Naruto!" She paused to catch her breath.

Sakura sighed. "It's actually tomorrow." As she walked toward the bedroom, Ino dramatically followed her.

"What? You're leaving tomorrow?"

"Yeah, and I'm sorry for not informing you earlier. I was actually about to come to your place," Sakura replied flatly. She felt suddenly exhausted.

Ino rolled her eyes. "Yeah…sure."

Sakura added, "I would never leave without telling you, you know that." Ino could be impossible sometimes.

Ino sat on Sakura's bed, deep in thought, as Sakura began to get dressed.

"Since you're leaving tomorrow, we should go out and have some fun this evening, don't you think?" Ino looked at Sakura for an answer. Sakura, now fully dressed, flopped on the bed beside her blonde friend.

"I don't think I have a choice there," Sakura replied, and they both shared a laugh.

Ino's eyes lit up with excitement. "I'll let the girls know. Yay, girls' night out!"

"Yayyy," Sakura echoed with a weak fist pump and a tired tone.

"Come on, Forehead, it's going to be a blast," Ino encouraged, playfully nudging Sakura. "Who knows, maybe you'll see a hot guy and finally lose your virginity. Kami knows that's long overdue." Ino teased, causing Sakura's cheeks to flush slightly.

"Ino! Don't say things like that," Sakura protested. But maybe her friend had a point. She'd been too caught up in work and neglected her love life. Occasionally, she indulged in some solo activities in the comfort of her home when she needed a release, but that was it. After Sasuke, she had lost interest in romance. She reminisced about her teenage years when she fantasized about romance and her first time with Sasuke. She cringed at the thought, and it must have shown on her face because Ino nudged her again.

"What's got your face all screwed up?" Ino asked but didn't wait for a reply. "Anyways, I'll swing by at 8 so we can leave together. It's going to be a blast!" Her hazel eyes sparkled as she stood up to leave.

She smoothed her purple skirt. "I'm heading out now, forehead. See you at 8!"

Sakura walked her best friend to the door, and they talked about random stuff before parting. Ino made sure to remind Sakura to wear something nice. Sakura sighed; she'd already packed most of her good outfits and didn't want to mess up her organized packing. She turned her wardrobe upside down to find something suitable and finally settled on an outfit. "This will do," she said to herself with a smile.

Sakura finally retrieved the sunscreen from the hospital. She was relieved that no one seemed to notice her coming and going. She didn't have the energy to explain herself; that was Tsunade's problem now.

She found herself getting excited for the outing. She had a feeling it was going to be fantastic. She hadn't been out with the girls in a while, which was her fault, of course.

With nothing to do for the day, she decided that taking a stroll was a good idea. After all, she wouldn't be seeing Konoha for a while. Plus, there was plenty of time until the outing, and she didn't know how to occupy herself. She couldn't remember the last time she had this much free time. Not that she didn't like it, but she preferred being productive. Too much free time made her think too much, as it did now.

After strolling for a while, she eventually decided to head home. She was hungry and planned to cook some ramen.

Sitting in her living room, wearing just an oversized shirt, she had binged an entire season of a drama series, and her eyes were hurting. Glancing at the time, it was 3 p.m. She went to double-check her packing, ensuring she wouldn't forget anything. With time to spare afterwards, she continued to binge-watch more shows.

"Maybe I should... nah, I shouldn't," Sakura thought.

"You should," Inner convinced her.

"Oh well," Sakura conceded. One glass of sake wouldn't turn her into her shishou. She had nothing better to do anyway. She stood up, grabbed a drink from the fridge along with a glass, and then returned to the couch to continue watching her TV drama. "This isn't so bad," she thought, sipping alcohol and enjoying the show. She rarely got to do this because of her early mornings. She couldn't risk waking up late with a hangover. Before she knew it, one glass turned into three and then five. Her eyes started closing slowly.

It didn't take long before Sakura fell asleep on the couch.

Through a heavy curtain of sleep, Sakura heard the door bang. The sound seemed so far away, and she struggled to wake up but was trapped somewhere in a world between sleep and wakefulness. The loud yell made her jump.

"Forehead, open up!" coupled with more bangs on the door. Damn, Ino was here already. Was it 8 o'clock already? She knew she shouldn't have taken that. "Fuck you, Inner," she muttered to herself as she scrambled to the door.

Sakura opened the door to reveal a casually dressed Ino. Whew. She let out a relieved breath.

"Figured we should dress together," Ino chirped as she waltzed in, giving Sakura a once-over. "You look a mess," she added.

"Thanks, pig," Sakura replied, shutting the door.