Chapter 22: A Month's Respite, Busy Sakura

Hiruzen was determined not to let Sakura rest on her laurels while others prepared for the finals. He tasked her with a mission: to find Tsunade alongside Naruto and Jiraiya and bring her back home. Hiruzen hoped that Sakura's seal would convince Tsunade that returning to the village would be worthwhile, even if she couldn't stay permanently. In a surprising twist, Sakura suggested that Hinata could become her apprentice. Who better to take on than the heiress who had proven her will to fight?

Before Sakura's departure, she had a preliminary spar with Hinata, taking the time to teach her the forms she had learned from Genma, Hayate, and Tsunade throughout both her old life and this one. "It's wise to use your unique style against opponents who aren't familiar with it," Sakura advised kindly, "but always have alternative techniques ready in case you face someone who does."

Hinata flourished under Sakura's guidance, and a solemn Neji and Hiashi watched her grow stronger with the help of her friend. Hanabi beamed with pride, thrilled to see her sister asserting herself. Hinata had already made waves among the elders by threatening to expose their abuses if they didn't cease. "Respect is earned, and bullies like you have earned nothing from me," she declared firmly, refusing to bow to their demands.

Kurenai, Kiba, and Shino not only admired but wholeheartedly supported their comrade as she came into her own. Kiba grumbled about being overshadowed by the girls in their year, but the girls merely giggled, with Ino even offering pointers. Whether Kiba absorbed any advice was questionable, as he seemed more preoccupied with drooling over Ino. She winked at Sakura, who snickered at the predictable antics of her dog-nin partner.

Sakura had warned her team and friends that she would be leaving with Naruto and his sensei due to a mutual mission. They wished her well as she exited the village gates with the spymaster and his godson. Watching the bond between them reassured her; even with her absence, Naruto would not be alone. Sasuke was training with Kakashi, preparing for the finals. Her unexpected opponent would be Dosu, but she felt fine about it; she knew Hiruzen had set curfews and that Anbu would enforce them to ensure no one would be prematurely killed.

During the journey, Sakura continued her meditation and practiced techniques inspired by Tsunade. Jiraiya's watchful presence didn't faze her; her focus was on ensuring that Naruto wouldn't suffer from neglect any further. When he approached her, she asked, "Don't you have a student to prepare for the finals, Jiraiya-san?" Her casual comment seemed to redirect his thoughts back to Naruto, precisely what she had intended. Her studies and training were about sharpening her existing skills for the time being, and she could always seek his guidance later if necessary.

As time passed on their journey, Naruto matured, becoming more thoughtful. When they arrived at the gambling town where Tsunade was rumored to be, Sakura split from them, opting to search the hot springs and casinos. She wanted to avoid any confrontation between Tsunade and Naruto for as long as possible. However, she knew that sooner or later, that confrontation might be necessary for Tsunade to understand Naruto better—and without her there as mediator, it would be crucial.

In order to do the right thing, sacrifices must be made... I can only pray that I change what needs changing and truly prevent the Fourth Shinobi War, Sakura thought cautiously as she settled onto the floor to meditate that evening.

As she sank deeper into her meditation, she found herself greeted by a familiar presence. "Kisame, it's good to see you again."

The shark grinned, taking her measure. "You ready for this?"

Sakura cracked her neck and knuckles. "As ready as I'll ever be. I assume you're here because once I contact your younger self, you might vanish, huh?"

Kisame chuckled. She's no fool, that's for sure. "It's likely, Pinky. But if anyone can pull this off, it's definitely going to be you."

Sakura smirked. "Well, if it doesn't work out and I somehow die, meet me at the bar."

Kisame laughed as he began to fade away. "Sure thing!"

Sakura was jolted awake by a panicked Naruto bursting through the door. "Sakura! We gotta get outta here and find Pervy Sage!" He dashed around the room until he heard a calm knock at the door.

"Go out the window while I answer the door," she instructed.

Without hesitation, Naruto leaped out the window just as Sakura opened the door. She stood poised, her Kubikiribocho and Samehada visible around her neck. "Hello, Nin-sans. Can I help you?" She remained calm, her manners intact.

The shark paused at the sight of the necklaces, recalling Zabuza's warning from weeks prior. This was the girl they called "Angel" in Wave, one of the two kunoichi the village had named the "Great Blossom Bridge" after. "Sakura-san, Zabuza told me we'd need to chat eventually."

Sakura glanced at his partner curiously. "Apologies, Nin-san. I know of Kisame-san, but I don't have access to my bingo book right now, so I don't know your name."

Kisame nudged him, prompting him to respond. "Kakuzu…"

Sakura nodded, "Ah, hello, Kakuzu-san." She turned her gaze to the shark-like ninja beside him, a familiar face with foreign memories. "I apologize, Kisame-san, but what I need to discuss with you is delicate and must be kept private. I can't risk anyone overhearing, no matter how much you trust them at this moment." She looked back at Kakuzu, who was busily counting his money. "You're quite the money klepto, aren't you?" Her head tilted curiously, Is this the Kakuzu who was with Hidan when Asuma died last time?

He is also a member of Akatsuki, yes, Sakura, Hashirama's voice echoed in her mind. She understood that befriending this man would take time; his reputation alone was intimidating. Shaking off her apprehension, she turned to Kisame, who was staring at her in disbelief. "How can I contact you when we can meet alone? Preferably a method that doesn't involve me being under a Sannin's direct supervision. And just so you know, you won't get Naruto—he's off looking for Jiraiya."

Kisame sighed, "Do you have a summons? Mine are a bit... large."

Sakura frowned, "I was afraid of that. No, not yet, but I'll send one your way when I have one, along with a note." She quickly wrote her name on a piece of paper and pointed it out. "This is how my handwriting looks. If a summons finds you with one like this, you'll know it's from me."

After the two ninjas left, Sakura closed the door and attempted to return to her meditation, only for a loud boom to shatter the stillness of the room. Jiraiya appeared in an absurd pose. "They're already gone… they left as soon as they realized Naruto had gone looking for you."

Sakura shot the sheepish Sannin a dirty look. "The cost of the damage to the room is coming out of your purse, not ours. Stupid toad sage." She quickly packed her undamaged belongings, taking note of the items that had been damaged. As she exited the hotel, she called back, "You owe me three new outfits and armor sets to my specifications to replace the ones your moronic antics destroyed, Stupid Toad Sage!" Her green gaze was unyielding, leaving no room for argument.

Jiraiya winced and turned to Naruto. "Kid, is she always such a hardass? She's so young."

Naruto shrugged. "Sakura's pretty awesome. She's usually the mom friend, but you did blow up our hotel room and destroy a bunch of expensive armor and clothes. If you'd checked first, you would've known those cloaked guys were gone and avoided the whole mess." He shot Jiraiya a sideways glance. "What was with the stupid pose, anyway?"

Jiraiya sputtered as the two youngsters walked away. "Those moves used to be considered cool, you brats!"

Sakura sighed, "Can we trade him in for a smarter Toad Sage?"

Naruto laughed as Jiraiya pouted. "Good one, Sakura."

"That was so cold… Sakura-chan." Jiraiya looked up at the sky, then shook himself, as if brushing off a sudden chill. "No way, that's just crazy talk… there's no such jutsu in existence that would allow for that."

Sakura entered another hotel and booked two adjoining rooms, paying in full for two weeks to cover their stay, just in case anything happened again. She handed Naruto a key. "Stick to Jiraiya like glue, Naruto. I can handle myself, but you need the extra security while those cloaked guys are still around, just in case."

Naruto glanced at the closed door, concern etched on his face, before following Jiraiya into the neighboring room. He knew Sakura would have her own work to do while they were here. After settling her decoy belongings in her room, Sakura climbed out the window and traversed to the other side of town to deliver missives as Hiruzen had requested, picking up several packages along the way.

On her final stop, she spotted her target and approached, sitting down across from her.

The blonde woman glanced up, her hard stare landing on the seal on Sakura's forehead. "Hello, Tsunade-sama. I have a missive of utmost importance from Hokage-sama. Please read it; I will wait." Sakura spoke respectfully as she handed over the missive, remaining silent as Tsunade's gaze scanned the crucial information.

Tsunade's hazel eyes narrowed at the seal. "Your seal is real and not just a tattoo, as I initially thought… it's improbable for a child so young to have that kind of control."

"Improbable, not impossible. It took me two years to begin storing chakra before I graduated to Genin, and that was six months ago. I'm participating in the Chunin Exams and will be fighting in the finals at the end of the month," Sakura corrected kindly. She sensed the older woman observing her with keen interest. Though their bond had changed, she still respected Tsunade deeply.

"So you're here for the Hokage, not for yourself," Tsunade acknowledged.

Sakura nodded firmly. "There are plenty of things I could learn from you, but Hokage-sama's and the village's needs take precedence. I know others who desperately need your guidance—the hospital isn't nearly prepared for what we might face if our suspicions are correct."

Tsunade paused, intrigued. "Our suspicions?"

Sakura sighed. "Yes. My friends encountered Orochimaru during the second stage, and his appearance and summons were described in detail. He's in the village for reasons we can't fully ascertain, but we know he holds a grudge against Konoha's leaders and attempted to kidnap Sasuke Uchiha, which failed." Her chin rose defiantly. "We believe he may be plotting an ambush to take Sasuke against his will and kill the Hokage. If he succeeds, it would create a power vacuum, and it's crucial that you take his place. Allowing any of the Second Hokage's students to seize power would be a catastrophic mistake that could lead to Konoha's destruction from within. Homura and Koharu are mere puppets, and Danzo is a plague with countless enemies."

Tsunade considered the young girl's words, recognizing the irrefutable logic akin to her sensei's letter. Leaving her home in the hands of those individuals would mean disaster, a failure she would never accept. She didn't want the hat, but if there was no one else… "Why not Jiraiya?"

Sakura smirked. "What good is a spymaster who is chained to a desk, unable to meet his many contacts? If Ibiki is anything to go by, trying to work from a desk in espionage is a nightmare."

Tsunade found herself unexpectedly liking the odd girl her sensei had sent after her. "Where is the idiot, anyway? Sensei said he sent three of you."

Sakura groaned. "They should be back at the new hotel, considering Jiraiya blew up our old hotel room for nothing… Stupid Toad Sage!"

Tsunade rose and waved over her companion Shizune, along with their pig friend. "Let's go say hello and get this show on the road."

Sakura stood and bowed to them both. "Thank you. Please follow me. I have a room with three beds for us, hoping that you'd join." She led the two women to the hotel, guiding them to the room. Just then, she heard rushed scuffling next door and firmly intoned, "Stupid Toad! If you make any more messes for me, I will maim you!"

A yelp echoed through the wall, causing Tsunade to chuckle fondly. "You seem to have him well in hand."

Sakura shot her a dry look. "Only because I paid for these rooms for two weeks, since all his money went to covering damages at our last place. He still owes me three new outfits and armor to my specifications when we get back to replace what he broke. Thankfully, my favorites survived."

Shizune looked surprised. "You seem a bit young for armor."

Sakura shrugged. "I'm civilian-born, and I need all the help and tools I can get, alongside my current advantages." She tapped her forehead, causing the seal to glow with chakra for a moment before dimming.

"What are the longer times for, then, Sakura-san?" Shizune asked, genuinely curious.

Sakura grinned. "Part of it was to search for you two, and the other part was to give Jiraiya time to focus on training Naruto for his match in the finals."

"What about your training, kid?" Tsunade asked plainly.

Sakura remained calm. "I've been meditating morning and evening, but I haven't had much training beyond my own routine taijutsu and chakra control. Naruto needs help more than I do." She gestured to her beads. "These have poison, antidotes, weapons, and some jutsu stored in them."

Shizune examined the different colors, realizing they were organized for various purposes or jutsu. "Can you store medical ninjutsu?"

Sakura hummed thoughtfully. "I haven't tried because most situations are case-by-case… something to consider for the future."

"You'll train with me starting tomorrow," Tsunade said firmly.

Surprised, Sakura nodded in acquiescence. "Yes, Tsunade-sama."