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When the sun had risen at its peak for that day and a cloudless sky graced those down below in the Land of Konoha, it was with exhaustion that a slumbering kunoichi took to resting beneath a large oak that had taken root in her parent’s old training grounds. Red rimmed glasses lay off to the side. An open medical book lay splayed over the top of her stomach. And memories plagued that of the young woman’s dreams as images of her time with her godfather and their training sessions of months prior swarmed around in the back of her mind. Some memories were pleasant. While others, sadly, were of an unwanted variety that managed to sneak up upon her unsuspecting person. Despair. Anguish. Betrayal. All things she despised and uncared for. There was once upon a time when fear had once clouded her sound mind. More so than she would care to admit. Especially when there was a fog that had all been what occupied it. She had once trusted those she cared for. Had been the type to throw herself into immediate danger to protect those she loved. But ever since both of her teammate’s betrayal and the sense of having been lied to for months by those she was close to, had left a vulgar taste of something retched in the back of her throat. The need to trust and love had all but crumbled into something that had become non-existent deep down in her soul. And even though it had been years since their abandonment, it still hurt to think about. Flashes of blue and puffs of white appeared behind closed onyx orbs as a gentle breeze of spring brushed past with soft strokes against the exposed flesh of her arms and face. The ghosts of steel clashing with steel and shouts of several forms of jutsu’s enveloped her hearing as she remained trapped in the realm of dreams. It was as if time had been reversed to the last few months. Taking her into the fields of where she and her godfather trained and only this time, she played as an observer from the side and watched as her younger self parried and charged against the man who now governed Konoha. She remembered every sound. Every word that was said. Each praise that was given to her whole heartedly. And even the fighting techniques that had been on display as they conversed about everyday living and the questions about what she wanted to do about her future. All of it played like a movie inside her mind; images coming forth and passing like the videos she had watched with friends throughout the years. Each memory played like a tape set to fast-forward. Every one of them she had come to love. Even those that had brought her nothing more than pain and misery. Because without them, she wouldn’t be the woman she was today. From finding out that her father was ever so near to the point where she could touch to where her boys – her family, her friends, the pair who had taught her so much – had turned their backs on her for four agonizingly long years without so much as a word. And what for? To get stronger? To train with those that had once been considered rogues of the Leaf in order to turn a new page? Whatever it was, it had broken her. More so than she cared to admit to be honest. The kunoichi loved her father. Wished to be the star in his eye each time they had met and hoped that he would stick around before this game he played. But for so long, for as long as she could remember, he had done little to prove his love for his family. Sure, her mother understood, but without a reasonable explanation it had left her pained and heartbroken on top of the bullshit her best friends had left her with. And as she had gotten older, it came as no surprise when the real reason as to why her father kept his distance had quite literally dropped into her lap and left her speechless. She was the top kunoichi of her class. Shadow of the Nanadaime. And goddaughter to both the Uzumaki’s and Hyuga’s. Tears formed in her eyes as she pinched onyx orbs tightly shut, a mild headache blooming to life as the remnants of a painful memory she had fought for so long and hard to conceal came forth. It was dread. A force that reminded her of how little she had been worth to the males of her team and how much her father had cared. On that day, the sun had been out and shining on a breezy Thursday morning as small puffs of clouds moved along the sky. It was a sight to behold. What with the three members of Team 7 who stood before the village gates with an exhausted looking Nara standing off to the side in a means to play witness to the scene that was before him.
Both males of Team 7 glanced from one another as a sense of worry and trepidation clawed at their emotions, their eyes flickering between each other and the very confused female of their team.
Arms were folded above her chest. A look of terror and confusion was written on her expression as she pleaded silently with both to say what the hell was going on and why both had lied to her from the beginning of the week.
There had been signs of something going on in their minds for months. What with the way both had become beyond anxious to prove their worth when a fight had become a complete disaster and how their anger had begun to wring them of their best in fights with an enemy that had left her slightly injured and in the hospital for a week.
But she had hoped – had pleaded to whatever kami had been listening, that all things would remain the same. That they would slowly begin to work on their misgivings as a team.
Not because she didn’t believe in her boys. Not because she didn’t trust them. But for the simple reason that they had changed in those last few months, and she had feared that she would lose them both to the anger that she knew coiled in their guts like a serpent ready to strike.
And standing there…refusing to speak, she knew that all the praying she had done in the silence of her room with tears streaking her cheeks almost every night, that it had all been for nothing. And that’s when the anger hit. “Someone care to explain. Or should I start taking guesses as to what you two idiots are planning to do?” She growled low, onyx narrowing into slits as she glared from the blonde off to the right to the blue haired male that stood directly before her while both refused to meet her glare head-on.
The bastards.
All of them were fifteen at this point. Old enough to know right from wrong and when to be honest for crying out loud. And of course, she had known that someday, they would begin to want to go on their own way in the means of becoming stronger like the men that came before them. But here they stood, acting like cowards caught with their hands in the cookie jar and refusing to be honest with her.
She watched as blue orbs danced to the side as gold only peered down at the path beneath their feet. The feeling of guilt suffocated the air as both boys no doubt prayed for their mentor to arrive and save them from his child’s wrath. Neither wanted to elaborate for her. And the pain of having to wound her pride in their moments of weakness was too much that they refused to pull her down under the waves with them.
The kunoichi wasn’t a porcelain doll that they had to worry about breaking with the slightest pit of pressure applied. She wasn’t fragile nor gentle.
And out of their team, she was the strongest of the three both mentally and physically. Even when it came to fighting an enemy, she knew her own weaknesses.
When to slow things before it all came back rushing at her with no stop in sight and leaving her in a pool of her own blood.
A single onyx eye flitted between each member of Team 7 as the man of the hour stepped forward, his feet carrying him past his child and ignoring the accusing glare that was sent his way with a silent promise of hell. For once in Sasuke’s life, the shinobi hated having to leave Konoha. His wife was pregnant once again with another light to shine in their life and here he was having to leave because he had made a deal with both boys and his best friend back in the Nanadaime’s office.
“Papa?” The Uchiha heir called hastily, her attention focusing on the eldest of the group as her onyx eyes that mirrored his own begged for the truth. It was not secret that the three planned on leaving Konoha without ever saying goodbye. What with the packs strapped to their backs, a scroll of storage strapped to their hip, and their weapons pouches wrapped around their thighs and clipped to their pants was anything to go by.
“Go home, Sarada.” Was all the man had to say before he strolled out towards the gate. A silent, ‘this doesn’t concern you’, blended into the mix as he refused to turn and check if he had wounded his eldest child with his words.
Within seconds, the around them had grown thick with ozone as the young heir felt the restraints of her emotions crack under the rage she wore on her sleeve. The way her eyes formed into her family’s Kekkai Genkai and her fists glowed a faint blue as lightning sparked between her fingers.
Oh, she was pissed. Furious. Even a little murderous if one looked close enough.
And all her team could do was stand there with their gazes lowered as they all attempted to flee from her without causing a scene. It was only when they felt the air thin from the thickness did anyone look up towards the young woman before the scent of ozone disappeared.
A pale hand rested on her shoulder. A glare that none had been expecting from the Nara was focused on each male that stood before them. A wash of fury swimming in a normally calm gaze as the word
coward
lingered between them without him ever having to say a word.
If it wasn’t for Shikadai, each male of Team 7 knew what their fates would have been. And it scared them a little that such violence lingered within the young woman when betrayal coiled low in her gullet.
“I want an explanation.” Sarada hissed, her gaze lingering on her father as the red of her sharingan glinted bright within the sun’s rays.
“Your mother will explain to you—”
“You think I want an explanation from her?” She snapped, voice rising an octave before breaking as she fixed the blonde with a glare that could kill. She knew his breaking point. All of theirs. And she wasn’t above exploiting them if it meant she got what she wanted. The truth, maybe? “I want one from you. Or one of them!” She growled impatiently, a perfectly manicured finger pointing at her teammates before focusing that look of betrayal back on the man who had conceived her.
If they made her beg, she’d hate them all.
It was only when a sigh filled the air and movement from the patriarch of the Uchiha’s silenced the young woman who avoided his touch, did the dam on the young woman’s emotions threaten to collapse. Sasuke could see the perfect combination of both he and his wife in the young woman. “I promise that I will bring back your friends.” The male said gently, his low voice barely audible to the current sets of ears who watched from the sidelines other than that of the Nara who was directly behind the young woman.
“What the hell is that supposed to mean?” Sarada questioned persistently, her voice breaking as she bit back the tears that threatened to spill over. A shaky hand reached out to grip hold of his empty sleeve in desperation even though she knew all too well what the weight of his words meant.
They were leaving. Simple as that.
And they had been too cowardly to tell her or even explain as to why they were willingly leaving her behind. It just showed that they didn’t trust her to act like a normal human being for five minutes as they explained. She was a banshee when anger struck a chord. But that never meant that she couldn’t be understanding and act rational when their fears got the best of them.
Wounded laughter slipped past moist lips as a red tongue darted out and pulled in her bottom lip to keep from letting her wounded pride from showing. Her heart hurt. Her trust betrayed. And more so, the attachment she felt to both males turned to nothing more than a very thing string that threatened to snap at the drop of a hat.
“Go home and be with Sakura. Inojin is already there, and I highly doubt the Nara boy will allow you to be alone after today.” He pushed with one final shove of advice before turning and fleeing the village with both Boruto and Mitsuki in tow.
“Bastards!" The males heard as they grew farther and farther away from the village gates, regret, and guilt churning in their bellies as they pushed forward to the nearest Orochimaru base.
“Sarada-chan?” Slipping onyx orbs open to the sight of a bright sun and green leaves that swayed with the calming breeze above, Sarada watched as strands of blonde hair swayed gently as a combination of blue and green stared down at her previously slumbering form with worry etched into his gaze. She knew her dreams had brought forth the tears she had fought for so long to suppress. And as she lay there, blinking away the sleep, tears, and anguish with a nagging Yamanaka watching her, she could only sigh as she finally took the time to readjust herself against the tree and gazing back up at the standing blonde before her. Pale skin clashed against the mesh armor and black top the male wore on most days, not so much of a drastic change from when they were kids but covered more than his old uniform, as pale blue orbs stared down at her with amusement hidden in their depths. “How long have you been watching me sleep, Inojin?” The long-haired woman grumbled as she skimmed the area around them, noting far too late that there was no one to been seen. The only thing that graced them with their presence was the songs of the birds that perched in the trees above and the sound of their breathing that could be heard as onyx traveled back to the shinobi before her with curiosity that plagued her with interest. “Mm, a couple of minutes I guess.” The Yamanaka teased before adding, “But I’m assuming you were too far gone to realize a change in scenery.” A pale hand covered in fingerless gloves was held out to her in offering. Although she was slim and strong enough to bend him to her will and walk away with nothing more than a bated breath, he didn’t want her to moan and groan as he knew her back would be stiff from sleeping against a tree for so long. She was hanging around Shikadai for far too long if she was already beginning to pick up the habit that all Nara’s shared. As well as the catch phrase she caught him using every so often. Glancing between the pale hand and its owner, Sarada allowed a small smile to grace her red painted lips as she took the offered appendage and let her childhood friend pull her up until she was almost fully pressed against his chest. The scent of ink was faint on his skin as he pulled her close and wrapped his arms around her shoulders, the scent a welcoming guest to her poor nose when his natural floral scent mixed in and left her wanting to take a nap once more. “It’s possible.” She teased, allowing the man to shift a pale hand through the length of raven strands, his nimble fingers loosening knots that seemed to have formed in her little power nap and picking the fallen leaves from her hair. “The Nanadaime kicking your ass in training again?” He mused, poking fun at her ego. Something he knew would rile her up if she was in a mood and seeing as she remained sluggish against him with her eyes closed and body relaxed, he could already assume that she wasn’t in any mood to kick his ass unless he picked further. With a nod of her head and burying her face into his chest as her arms hung loosely around his waist almost lazily, Sarada gave a small hm in answer. “You’ve seen the training regiments that man has. If I’m not getting my ass kicked, then it’s not training whatsoever.” She sighed, relishing his welcoming scent and warmth as she listened to the sound of his calm heart beating against his ribs. Before long, silence reigned around them. Songs of nearby birds grew loud in their ears before a small whisper reached the ears of the youngest within the training grounds. “I know that I wanted to become Hokage. And not just so that I could connect with everyone, but to also make mama and papa proud. But now…” “Now I’m not quite sure what I actually want to do.” She said with a mumble that could barely be heard. A horrible migraine throbbed behind her eyes as they burned from having her sharingan activated and straining for multiple hours earlier that day. What with having to defend against a serious Nanadaime who was taking their training a step further and getting more and more physical with their fights that it took nearly her all to keep from getting fatally wounded. And over the years, she had gotten quicker. Stronger even when her mother joined the fray or when Temari, Hinata, and Ino jumped in at random times in an attempt to test her to see if she could stand against several different combat styles. “I want to do my best.” A pause. “For everyone.” And for a moment as she grew silent again and sucked her bottom lip into her mouth and chewed on the abused flesh, she picked out her next words. “Yet, is it really worth it if I’m doing nothing more than working myself to the bone until my body finally gives and I’m stuck in the hospital for a few days?” “When was the last time you collapsed?” She thought for a minute. “Yesterday?” Worry gnawed at the insides of the male as his hold on her changed from a caring embrace to one that screamed all things that he would protect her no matter what her choice became. She was like a sister to him in every aspect of the word. It didn’t matter if they shared a blood tie or not. His mother was her mother’s best friend. Rivals since young, but that never seemed to affect the loving relationship the two held and he was thankful for that because it gave him an even bigger family to count on when things got tough. Hell, at this point, even the Nara’s were family and Shikadai was the protective younger brother that wouldn’t hesitate to bury someone’s sorry ass in the Nara Forest next to that Jashin priest his father had a grudge against since he was their age if someone messed with the eldest of their little group. The male may act like he wasn’t bothered by much or that his attitude towards things was very slim or non-caring. But insult Sarada or Inojin and there would be hell to pay. “Trust me when I say this, Sarada. I get where you’re coming from. And through it all, I will always be here to support you no matter what you choose. Shikadai feels the same way and I wouldn’t doubt that the others will too.” Inojin whispered against the crown of the woman’s raven hair before planting a small kiss to it and loosening his hold on her ever so slightly. The air around the two Konoha shinobi was washed with calm. A sense of safety that flowed through both as the Uchiha heir remained wrapped in the blonde’s arms and soaking his heat into her own through their clothes. Well, it was until the young woman felt a grin pull at the man’s lips that were still pressed against her hair as a finger poked at her sides playfully. “Inojin…” Sarada warned, a glare slipping his way as she turned her head to stare up at him with questions and slightly accusing. “But I must say, it’s quite amusing to find you questioning your lifelong dreams and being this sentimental with me.” Inojin teased, yelping in pain and surprise when a hard smack was planted on his side. He knew there would be an imprint of her open palm when he undressed later that night. And he highly doubted that it would go away any time soon without the help of the little minx or his mother. Well, maybe not his mother. If anything, she would be laughing her ass off and high fiving Sarada when he brought her back for dinner and fetched Shikadai from his shift at the tower if both his dad and the Nanadaime was finished with him. “Kami, you are so annoying!” Sarada chuckled with a sadistic grin on red lips, her hands flexing at his sides as she teasingly pressed the other on his other side. “Maybe I should give you a matching slap on your other hip.” Both blonde and raven jumped away from the other within the next heartbeat, their wrists flicking and hand signs forming as both called upon their own jutsu’s. “No using your sharingan!” Lightning crackled into that of a chidori she had learned from Kakashi years ago when she was still a young child, as the lightning traveled from that of her fingers into that of the steel of her weapons clasped tightly in her hands. Within seconds, the metal took on a purple sheen. Sparks dancing around the steel before she adjusted them between her fingers and threw the sharp weaponry in the direction of her best friend. Loud hissing sounded in the air as the kunai traveled fast. A few shouts from her companion and each blade met a beast of ink before quickly dispersing into a black cloud of evaporating darkness. Over the last few years of missing friends and healing broken hearts, Inojin, Sarada, and Shikadai had all managed to train their bodies and minds to do the unspeakable. To push their bodies farther than anyone else in their class. To push that point of no return. And in doing so, had created their own little techniques that would leave their ancestors rolling in their graves with excitement. Chidori had been turned into a weapon that could travel between all things she touched if she so wished. No more did it have to be put into a single grasp that could decimate all things it touched. But instead, she could transfer it into the senbon and kunai’s that she always kept on her person. Wood worked as well. As did anything touching water. For the blonde, his ink had become a part of himself as the liquid now held drops of his blood that allowed him to control it at will without ever having to open a scroll. It was something his father had taught him. Something that was dangerous and came with the repercussions that his mother had been livid about when she had learned what Sai had taught him from his days in ROOT But in the end, she could not very well say no if it meant he was left apart from his scrolls during a fight and his mind-transferring jutsu didn’t go as planned in close quarters. And for the Nara, his shadows had become just as potent as his wind. If left to his own, he would no doubt pass that of even his father’s brilliant mind and his mother’s tenacity. The older he got, the more difficult he became to handle. A deadly weapon out in the field that not even the Nanadaime himself knew not how to handle if anyone he cared for came into harms way. For sure he was still a Nara. The sluggishness. The such a bother phrases he and his father used all the time. But all of that hid that excellent strategic mind that left those outside of their group in disbelief. They had become a team of brilliant minds and suitable team for all missions. Add in the fact Cho-Cho joined in most of their training sessions and knew well on how to implement her abilities and they were unstoppable. Of course, blood coated their hands no doubt. And if it meant killing to keep the peace their village had finally managed to obtain after the Shinobi war and all villages that were in truce with them, they were willing to do whatever was necessary. There had been times where they all had been separated from one another. Where one went out with other teams to help execute a mission perfectly. But here lately, they had been forced apart by the Nanadaime himself in attempt to keep a somewhat balance and to keep designated teams together even though Team 10 had a fourth member while Team 7 was split temporarily. Pale hands formed their signature signs as the Yamanaka released a scroll midair and slammed a palm into the middle of the painted parcel. It wasn’t until two seconds later did a pair of large ink lions charged, fangs on display as each went in for the attack. “That’s not fair!” The woman yelled back, the lightning of her chidori growing brighter as she pushed from the tree she had been dwelling in since the separation, lightning striking down each ink beast as she charged forth and between them. It wasn’t until a sharpness in her eyes that blurred her vision when she landed lightly on the ground right before the blonde, a hand immediately reaching up to rub at her left eyes where the pain was far more immense than the right. Pain bloomed in her skull as she cried out, her limbs shaking evidentially as the man before her dropped from his battle form into one of worry as he hurriedly crouched next to her. “Sarada?” He called softly, a hand gripping hold of her own as he pushed it out of the way to get a better look to see if he had caused an injury. Hints of blood had been smeared upon her cheek as the blonde examined. A vice-like grip of terror blooming in his chest as his eyes blew wide and his rushed movement had him checking to see where the blood had come from. There were no marks or bruises blotching her skin. No sign of any external injury. But as pale blue glimpsed back up to her gaze as a trail of red dipped over her tear ducts and dripped down her cheeks in a slow drip beneath her eye, he gawked at what he saw. Never had he seen her eyes bleed. And not once had he heard of Sakura speaking of it happening to her before in all the time, he was over at her house and spending the night. Sarada hadn’t been lying when she said she had been straining her eyes far more than what she was used to. The evidence clear as day when onyx drowned to the red of her sharingan on its own. There – where once only a single tomoe had taken homage in her sharingan, now rested three. “S-Sarada…” He whispered in awe, the terror he had been feeling now escaping with a single breath as he stared intently into her new sharingan with barely any caution as to what her new eyes could muster. “Ow,” the woman hissed as she blinked away the blood that made it hard to see, a single raven brow lifting once her vision was clear and lips turning to a frown when the blonde’s expression was a mix of concern and admiration. “What? Is there something on my face?” A silly question to ask, she knew. But with ink dying her red qipao shirt in grey and black while wet splotches of ink stained her skin, she wouldn’t be surprised if some had gotten onto her face or in her hair. “Inojin?” “Tomoe…” The male whispered, a pale finger reaching up and running beneath her eye gently. “Huh?” She was in utter confusion. “What about it?” “You have three. In each eye.” “EH?!”
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
Amazement. Wonder. Fascination. The most appropriate words for how Sarada felt now as she stared into the reflection on her kunai that showed the changes of her family’s secret art. She had been expecting it for the longest time. What having been an early bloomer for the sharingan when she was younger and after having used it for most of her life, it was a surprise that she was just now getting the beginnings of her full potential. Years. Years had passed with no signs of unlocking even a singular tomoe that she knew lurked deep within. And now, after having strained her eyes to a point where they bled and it caused extreme pain in her skull and behind her eyes, she had them. Happiness chased away the pain as a grin of pure joy spread across red lips. Her excitement now mirrored that of Inojin’s who now stood on both feet and was on the verge of breaking out in a happy dance right there in the middle of the training grounds. “I can’t believe this!” She squealed as she climbed to her feet with the help of the blonde who now held her head in his hands and angled her face up towards the rays of the sun for better view. A little blinding, maybe. But she wouldn’t mind just a few more aches for the day if it meant that he could finally see the final stage of the sharingan before it was transitioned into something more like what her dad used as the final stage of something far more powerful. “I can’t either. I know you haven’t really been focusing on it much either.” Inojin mused as he wiped at the remaining traces of red that lingered on her skin, irritation in his eyes growing more intense by the second as a grimace shuddered through her and made her shoulders tremble. “Your eyes are still bleeding though.” Sarada could hear the worry in his voice as he whispered to himself, his hands glowing green for a mere second as he allowed it to hover over the aching orbs to check if there was anything wrong. He wasn’t a full-on medic-nin like his mother, Sakura, or the woman who stood before him. Instead, it was more of a role that he helped with when they were out in the field. When their medic was on leave or had their hands busy with bullshit that their teammate in ANBU got themselves in and needed a very long healing session. “If you can’t find anything, I can ask mom about it when I get home. She doesn’t go to work tonight until later and I already know that your mom has Asuka for the night.” She mumbled in return with a sigh as she drew away and groaned. The pain at this point had subsided into a small throb as she blinked. She had no idea as to why her eyes would bleed upon getting to her final stage of the sharingan. It would have to be something she asked her father about if she ever got to see him again. Or rather when she got to see him. To the young woman, it was no secret that her father and two idiot teammates were coming back to Konoha in the next oncoming days. The scroll that she had read that had been laid on her desk instead of the Nanadaime’s had been proof enough that the group of idiots were on their way back. And if it wasn’t for the accidental placement by one of the few assistants of the Nanadaime that wasn’t a Nara, she never would have known for the simple reason she knew her godfather would never had told her. It was harsh to rip open old wounds that had just started to mend. And she didn’t blame him for keeping it secret. If it was anyways switched between, she and him, she would never have mentioned it if it meant keeping him happy until the day the bastards showed up. And if the Nanadaime already knew about it, then it would have only meant that it was something informed by Team Takibi which oversaw the monitoring of the sector that Boruto had last been spotted in. Nimble fingers attempted to wipe away the quickly drying ink that was spattered on the flesh of her arms, only to glare at the blonde who knew the fact that she hated his ink scrolls that used the more permanent ink that liked to make things harder than they were. Sometimes, they were rather useful. Especially when they were in the process of tracking someone and they used the ink as a marker for those who went for the kill. Other times, more so than many, they were highly unnecessary. Like now. “I’m killing you next time if you bring those scrolls again.” She grumbled in annoyance and watched as the male did little more than shrug with a small smile upon his lips. “Hey, you can not blame me for that one.” Inojin mused as he ruffled her hair and dodged another well aimed slap that was going for his chest this time around instead of his side. “I’m fragile you know!” He yelled jokingly, fussing up a frown with watery eyes as he covered his clothed chest and put distance between the two by a few steps. “Fragile my ass. You can take a beating from Shikadai like there is no tomorrow but the moment I raise my hand you act like a porcelain doll.” “At least he doesn’t have monster like strength that could easily break me.” “You’re a medic-nin.” “Partial medic-nin.” “Idiot.” “She-devil.” Crimson glared as pale blue reciprocated with a smug lift. He was testing her. Pulling at her strings so that she would forget the pain she was in as she released her sharingan back into the normal onyx her eyes were normally. “Can I ask you something?” “Go ahead. I know you’re going to anyways.” “Were you the one who told the assistant two weeks ago to put that scroll on my desk instead of the Nanadaime’s?” She asked, already expecting the answer she was aware he was going to give. There had been no accidents when that happened. That, she was sure of when her answer came in the form of a shrug and a half smile. And when she had asked that day who had ordered that scroll to be left in that place, she had received an answer from the assistant who was hesitant to answer as if he had been threatened was as good enough a give away as any. It had either been Inojin or Shikadai. But seeing as how she had seen him earlier that morning with his dad in a meeting and no sight of Inojin in sight, of course it would have been the blonde. Or Cho-cho. And if it had been Cho-cho, then there was no doubt in her mind that the woman would have handed it to her personally with a grin and a glare off in the Nanadaime’s direction while he was in the room. Funny enough, Shikadai would have done the same. But instead, he probably would have opened it right there in the meeting and read it to her with or without his father’s approval. “Inojin.” She sighed, raking a hand through raven strands that fell down her back. “You should have handed it off to Naruto-sensei. Not me.” “Naruto-sensei was already well aware of his son’s whereabouts and the goings on with the little fucker.” Inojin groaned, shaking his head as he crossed his arms and looked off towards the village. “And I already knew he wasn’t going to tell you until the night of.” “Jin…” “Don’t try to tell me I’m wrong, Sarada. We both know that he’s been trying to protect you from that, and he doesn’t want to rip off the bandage too soon or else you fall of the edge of the cliff again.” Okay, maybe he had a point. “He knows his son was wrong for what he did. For not telling anyone but the Nanadaime and those involved.” “He was trying to make up for it.” Sarada added in as she walked over and lightly punched the taller shinobi in the arm before placing a soft kiss to his cheek. “I understand what you were trying to do. And I thank you for it.” “You’re angry.” The male teased as he flicked the middle of her forehead and watched as she gave him this deadpanned stare with a little quirk to her lips. “I can see it in those beady little eyes of yours.” “Beyond pissed, actually.” She corrected. “I don’t blame you. And if I remember right from what Shikadai had said when he found out, Boruto has a ton of pain coming his way the moment he passes those gates. From both of you.” “You’re not going to help?” “Nah. Someone needs to at least keep watch.” Laughter echoed within the training ground as both shinobi stood there grinning like idiots towards one another as images of absolute chaos and mass destruction crossed both of their minds. They were like two peas in a pod. Just like their mothers and with the addition to the crazy son of a bitch that was Shikadai. Who, coincidentally, had a mother that was just as crazy as Ino and Sakura and who was great friends with the two women as if they had known each other far longer than they told. “That’s true.” She mused and pulled away, her feet carrying her back to where she had left her mother’s medical book, which she had loaned from Lady Tsunade weeks ago and where her glasses remained. She knew that her mother would have been beyond pissed if any damage had come about the book she had borrowed from her sensei at the time the woman was drunk. And with the non-feigned threats that had been pointed her way if anything were to happen to it, the young Uchiha heir could only hope beyond the kami’s that not even a speck of ink had made it onto the pages. If it did, whelp. There could go her entire life’s work as she paid for the damage as one of Lady Tsunade’s assistants that helped her in the surgery rooms and across the country when they decided to go on a long work trip. Or worse. Her drinking buddy who was not allowed to leave until the woman was finished with her own for the day. Lucky enough, when nimble fingers found purchase of the book that had surprisingly been closed and covered with a vest that no doubt belonged to the blonde, there was no damage or scuff marks marring the cover or pages. “Thank you, Jin!” She called out to the male as he waved off her thanks and motioned for them to leave. “Let’s go! Shikadai’s probably wondering where we’re at and mom’s making dinner tonight!” “Hai!” A giggle slipped past red painted lips as the young kunoichi made her way back towards the male who awaited her, the memory of the night her mother had gotten the book from Tsunade playing on her mind as if it had just happened yesterday. And if she remembered correctly, Inojin had been there to help that night as well with a very reluctant Shikadai who hoped to all hell that the women kept to herself and away from him. It was funny how the blonde Sanin had taken to teasing the young Nara as if she was one of her own. After having gone back and forth with his dad for many a year, it came as no surprise when she took on tormenting his son for all the so-called disrespect, he treated her with all those years ago. The lazy comments that always managed to slip out of her glossed lips when she spotted him in a crowd. The jabbing him in the side whenever he passed hard enough to bruise before she took to healing him. And the constant shoving him into Sarada’s or Inojin’s lap whenever they were just lounging on the couch watching a movie when he was bringing food or drinks from the kitchen. At this point, Sarada’s house had become theirs in a way. To all of them. It may not have been that big, but with the help of Yamato-sensei, they had managed to renovate parts of it to make it a little bigger for rooms that could occupy Shikadai and Inojin with a rather annoying drunk Tsunade. Add in the baby room and they were practically golden. The same could be said for their places as well. The Nara compound had rooms that were strictly Sarada’s and Inojin’s whenever they felt like staying. With a guest room for Cho-cho whenever she felt like staying the night while Sarada was there. The Yamanaka’s was practically the same in a way. Except, they had a baby room strictly for Sarada’s younger brother who was almost the spitting image of their mother. What with the pink hair, the shape of his forehead, his nose, and eyes. Almost the spitting image but with a more masculinity that Sarada didn’t have as a child. And to think that the little brat was almost four years old now. “So, what do you want mom to cook tonight?” Inojin asked as they took to walking down the road, his hands stuck in his pockets as the soft rustle of his clothes could be heard as the wind caressed them both. “I’m not sure. We’ll have to ask Shikadai if there is anything he would rather want since I think it’s his turn to pick.” Inojin nodded. Of course, it would be. And it made perfect sense as well. Monday, it had been Inojin’s pick as Wednesday had been Sarada’s. Seeing how it was Friday, then it most certainly relied on the young Nara Heir to pick what they all dug into. Either that, or they would end up cooking at Sarada’s. Again. Especially if Asuka was indeed at the Yamanaka’s and everyone knew that the little hellion was a handful unlike that of the young woman back when she was a child. Instead, he took on more of Naruto’s personality. Maybe because the young one had been raised around the male for so long that his father’s mood swings never really got a chance to affect him. At least, for now. Onyx glimpsed up as the view of her home popped into view as they ventured through downtown Konoha. A sense of foreboding crossing her emotions as onyx narrowed suspiciously when the view of people huddling around her front yard made itself known and the sound of yelling could be heard from down the street. It was a surprise in itself as they got closer. And the moment a vase had gone flying from one of the open windows and narrowly missing that of their next-door neighbor who stood just outside their fence, Sarada knew that the Nanadaime had finally broken the news to her mother. Blonde hair and the view of the Nanadaime’s robe could be seen running about the inside of the house as a wash of pink and red followed behind with maybe something blunt like a bat gripped tightly in the woman’s hand. “Oh, shit.” She muttered, trying her hardest not to break out in laughter as she released her blonde best friend’s arm and took off towards her home, easily jumping past those of her neighbors and lunging through an open window that put her in the path of the frantic Nanadaime who was trying his hardest to keep out of her mother’s reach. “Mama!” Sarada called out, gripping hold of the Nanadaime’s arm as she peered at her mother when a squeal of terror slipped past the male’s lips. “NARUTO!” Sakura screamed, a chakra ladened fist aiming straight for the blonde’s face as he narrowly dodged with a shocked Sarada gripping hold of him, the sound of a wall being cracked under the sheer strength her mother had used echoing in their ears. Onyx found blue as both stared in horror. Nimble fingers finally releasing the male from her hold as she backed away from him and watched as his eyes turned betrayed in a matter of seconds. “I’m not dying today.” She informed him, easily backing away towards the couch where she finally noticed a lounging Nara who was watching from the sidelines with a small grin and pure enjoyment echoing within his gaze. “Sarada!” She ignored her sensei. There was no way in hell she was meeting her end today and what with the way her mother was going at this rate, it would take no time at all for her to accidentally slip and target Sarada for not telling her. Sure, her father had written to her mother several times. Asking for her forgiveness and what not and telling her that he would no doubt make it up to her when he returned. Even once asking what she had named their son. But each time, other then telling him about Asuka and how he took after Sakura in more ways than one, she never really replied. Sakura had been extremely wounded when Sasuke had mentioned his plan to her all those years ago. Had wounded her pride and had ripped open new wounds that had just started to heal much like her daughters had been. And in all, it had reminded her that he was going to remain keeping his distance much like the time he had done when he had gone rogue. Sarada didn’t blame her mother at all. And the note that she had sent on one occasion when he had sent a scroll to them both and congratulating Sarada on her 16th birthday, she had basically told him to screw off if he wasn’t going to take the time to be there. Same for the day her brother had been born and he had sent his apologies for not being able to make it. Onyx watched as the Nara motioned her forward. His welcoming embrace engulfing her as she plopped down onto the comfortable couch with her feet beneath her and knees tucked comfortably into the shadow and wind user’s lap. His heat was much higher than that of Inojin’s. Even more so, his scent was slightly addicting as he smelt of fresh rain and the forest that lingered behind his home. It was something she loved and when it came to it, she would happily jump into his arms and snuggle with him if it meant that wash of serenity covered her so she could sleep peacefully. And most of the time, Inojin jumped into it with little hesitation on his end and he didn’t really blame her for it either. Cho-cho as well. “Am I missing something here?” She wondered lightly, her head resting beneath his chin as his arm took to resting around her shoulders as they both sat there and watched while the Nanadaime and her mother acted like complete children. One screamed while the other was soon dazed. A shriek of horror escaping the Nanadaime as her mother finally caught him and shoved him onto the ground with her foot resting snuggly in between his shoulder blades. The Nara only laughed. His head shaking as he humored the young woman. “Hokage-sama told your mom that assholes one and two were coming back home along with your dad. My guess, is that she’s still pretty pissed off with Sasuke for the shit he pulled.” He continued with how the Nanadaime had ended up at her house. Coincidentally carrying a bouquet of flowers that had been bought from Ino’s shop and a “I’m sorry I should have told you sooner” look that screamed that the news he brought was anything but pleasant. And he had been right. Not long after they had been invited inside, a rather reluctant Nara following behind his Nanadaime that he was in charge of protecting thanks to his dad taking a damn day off and. And not even seconds later when the door had been slammed, Shikadai lunging for the couch, Sakura had struck and this whole ordeal had broken out. To be honest, it was rather hilarious to listen to. To see how this entire predicament had broken out from the Nara’s view because everyone knew that a Nara wouldn’t bullshit around pleasantries. Especially the nephew of the Kazekage of Suna. And as laughter blossomed between the young adults as both watched her mother curse at the blonde and the only thing he could do was beg for forgiveness and swear he would tell her everything pertaining Sasuke in the future. “I’m surprised your taking this easy.” “I already knew they were coming back home.” She whispered to him, hoping the kami would be on her side this once and that her mother would not hear with Naruto blabbering beneath her foot. “How?” “Jin made sure that his report on Boruto and stuff pertaining to the region he was in made it to my desk before the Nanadaime’s.” She informed, watching as his eyes narrowed while he processed what he had been told and shrugged some time after. “Doesn’t surprise me. But I am a little wounded that you went and kept it from me.” “You would have left and kicked his ass.” “You’re damn right I would.” “Exactly why I left it to Naruto to tell you. At least he can keep you on a shift, especially if your dad is also working that day.” “Such a pain.” He commented, flicking her in the forehead much like how Inojin had done earlier that day. Speaking of Inojin, it was a surprise that he hadn’t followed her into the house when she had taken off. Maybe he went ahead and headed home to get changed. She didn’t know nor did she mind since they had been together for a little while that day and they would no doubt be spending the rest of the night together with Shikadai and Cho-cho while they all sat back and relaxed for the first time in weeks and watched a movie. Before long, much to her despair, Sarada found it in herself to motion to that of the comfortable looking Nara that it was time to separate her raging mother from the Nanadaime before they both had a hand in tearing down the house. She would have to get Yamato-sama to do what repairs could be done with his wood-style jutsu without having to head to the realtor that was sure to be pissed beyond belief by her mother’s crazy antics. And it wasn’t like she could blame the woman either. Her mother had a hand in destroying the last three they had owned ever since her father had come back that very first time. And funny enough, it had been the same realtor every time that had taken her mother back time and time again even when she knew the outcome was a destroyed home and a handful of apologies all while the previous Godaime and Rokudaime offered to pay for the disaster or have it replaced. “Mama!” She called out, stepping up to the fuming pinkette and wrapping her arms around her mother’s waist, effectively snapping her mother out of the fit she had found herself in when mentioned with her idiot husband’s name and intentions. “Do you want to eat at Ino’s with Shikadai and I?” She asked with a smile on her face and a calm look about her eyes that had the woman huffing in defeat by her daughter’s way of turning her mood. “How about Ichiraku’s instead?” The pinkette groaned in slight annoyance as she fixed a glare towards the blonde beneath her foot. Her heel digging into him ever so slightly as she attempted to keep him quiet. She was still pissed. And no matter how much she wanted to just end him then and there, she knew she would have to reign in her anger and strength and put on her big girl panties if she was going to go at this like a grown adult. “Only if you’re paying.” Added the raven haired young woman, all while grinning down at the male who had just about taught her all the things she would need to know come the future. “Hai hai…” The Nanadaime whined, grunting ever so slightly as he was allowed up and rubbed at the back of his neck as he stared up at Sakura and asked for forgiveness. “I’m still mad at you.” “I understand, Sakura-chan.” “I don’t think you do, Naruto.” “Mama!” “What?” “Play nice.” “Why?” “He’s still the Nanadaime.” “I don’t care!” “Saku-“ “Shut it!” Sarada watched as her mother continued to glare at him, trying her hardest not to laugh as the woman’s anger flared once more and left the man kowtowing at her feet. She knew of her mother’s legendary anger and why she was one of the newest generation of Legendary Sanin. Her anger could match that of Tsunade’s. Possibly even pass it at this point. But there was one thing that didn’t escape her as she stared down at the Nanadaime who was now beginning to relax as her mother moved away and stomped towards the kitchen to grab her house keys and wallet. “Sensei…” She whispered softly as she crouched before the man and tilted her head slightly to get a better look. “You’re not a shadow clone, are you.” It wasn’t a question. And by the way the man’s smile lit up the room and a small chuckle left his lips, she knew she had been right.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
Surprisingly, dinner had gone over smoothly at Ichiraku’s with almost the majority of the Uzumaki’s, Shikadai and his dad, Inojin and his parents, with a moody Cho-cho and her own father. It was fun. Made everyone happy that Ino didn’t necessarily have to cook. And in the end, had everyone going to their own homes for the first time in a while when the news of Boruto’s return had everyone on edge and worried gazes fixated on both Sarada and her mother. It wasn’t a secret that both mother and child were highly pissed off still. The evidence was there on their expressions even though they tried to hide it as best as they could. And thanks to Sai’s lack of a filter, it had thrown just about all parents into a rage when it had caused a flinch from Sakura. Her chakra ladened fist had nearly struck the pale shinobi. And to be even more surprising, it had taken everyone off guard when it wasn’t Sakura’s fist that made contact but his own wife’s. At least, and thankfully so, it wasn’t chakra fused. That whole ordeal with cracked bones would not have been fun. Though, it would have made a funny sight, seeing as there were nearly four medics in the room and not one of them would have stood up and taken on the responsibility of healing his dumbass. Instead, and rightfully so, they would have taken him to Tsunade to fix it. Oh, the horror that would have caused, and in the end, had just about all of them, children included from other families not part of their group, cackling with pure enjoyment of the speculation that was going on before them. Sarada could remember the laughing that filled the new store of Ichiraku’s as she had left. Having left before everyone else since her head had still been hurting a little bit to the fact that she was still covered in Inojin’s damn ink from earlier that day, she had excused herself while the boys were in the bathroom and took her time getting home. Asuka was with Temari since she didn’t want to wake their six year old son and because the two small children were very good friends despite the age difference, she had agreed to keep the little rascal while everyone went out to eat. The darkness was a welcoming friend for Sarada as she turned the key to her home and entered the empty building. She was exhausted. Tired to the bone and emotionally drained from the rollercoaster of emotions her father and former team had put her through over the last few years. Hope. The common sense of betrayal that still clung to her like a second skin even though it had been years since she last saw the assholes including her father. And when the news had finally hit the main group, it had been like a scab that was ripped of as the reality of it finally hit her. For hours, she had fought the well of tears that threatened to spill over. That heartache that had been eating away at her chest had flared to life at dinner and had made the stress she felt ten times worse. Muscles ached and eyes stung as small drops of blood slipped from tightly closed eyes, the hem of her coat sleeve stained with red as she wiped away the evidence of her stress. All she wanted to do for the next few days was sleep. With or without either Inojin or Shikadai laying next to her to keep her company. They were like her brothers. And from the way they protected her as if she was their own blood had made her feel loved and she thanked them whole heartedly for it. Tossing her keys into the bowl by the door and nearly slamming her back against the wall with more force than what was necessary, Sarada sluggishly worked on her boots. Nimble fingers grabbed the side of the zipper on the inner part of her shinobi sandals before pulling down and freeing her bare feet from the leather and cloth that kept her trapped almost all day. And with their removal and a good toss to the other side of the room that was empty besides a basket with clothes that had yet to be sorted out, she couldn’t help but sigh with a small groan slipping past lips that no longer pertained the color of her lipstick. At this point, there was no energy to carry her throughout the house and she debated if she wanted to just sleep there until her mother came home or crawl her sorry ass across the floor and up the stairs where her room was located along with a hot shower that would do wonders. Just thinking about it made her wince. The soreness in her muscles hurt to the point they pinched, and she wouldn’t doubt that if she told the Nanadaime about it, he would most definitely put her on bed rest for the rest of the month. It was the main reason why she had yet to tell her mother about her eye bleeding or the fact that they burned each time her sharingan activated now. She knew the stress had a hand in it. But seeing as how it continued even after hours had passed, it was a bit concerning. But if she mentioned anything to her mom or to Tsunade or anyone at the Konoha hospital, no doubt it would make its way to her sensei, and he would ban her for a specific time, and she didn’t need that. She loved her job as a shinobi. And was well on her way to becoming the Hokage when Naruto stepped down from the mantle and passed it down to her. It was something he had spoken to her about before. How he wanted to step down someday and spend his days with his family. Despite the fact that he loved his job, it left him little time to be there with his kids and his wife. He slept there. Worked there nearly 24/7. And in the end, he had missed out on some very important events that pertained to the lives of his children. From beginning to end, he explained the hardships of what it meant to lead a nation. Of the bullshit that she would have to endure and how much she would be missing out on if she ever settled down and had kids. And to be honest with herself, she didn’t mind. It wasn’t like she had anyone she was romantically involved with. Unless you counted the constant bantering that went on between her and Inojin or the countless cuddling that went on between her and Shikadai. But if anyone were to look closely, they would be able to see that nothing romantic besides the love for a family member was present. Especially since Inojin was currently talking to someone inside of ANBU and Shikadai was too lazy to take a relationship seriously. And the one person she had once felt romantically attracted to had gone and left her behind, there was no way in hell she was going to go and find another to take his place. That anger still coiled deep within her gut as onyx peeked open and silence whispered in her ear. She was mad. Angry about the shit that he had pulled without an explanation and because of it had forced her into a depression that left her bedridden and had her face buried in Shikadai’s chest as he tried to calm her when she refused to see her mother. For days he had remained by her side. And when Inojin wasn’t away on a mission, he was there with them as they refused to leave her alone. A smile graced her lips as she struggled to stand without the use of the wall and wavered only slightly. She was used to seeing in the dark as it was her job to work in the shadows when she was out in the field. A medic-nin. A shinobi. And a killer. She took lives. As well as saved them. And if it weren’t for Boruto’s and Mitsuki’s decision to go out and leave her behind, she wondered where she would be now. Cuddled by her teammates. Or still lacking in places that would make her a great leader with her head still stuck up her ass. In a way, she was thankful to them. More so then she would ever admit. And it was thanks to her father for taking them from her hands, that she was able to grow into a sturdy woman. Someone who could stand on her own feet and when the time came to it, lead the nation while also taking care of her family. She loved the people who she shared blood with. And she absolutely adored her little brother as if he were her own. But if she had a choice, one that didn’t consist of killing or risking the same shit her uncle had been forced to do years before she was born, she didn’t want Asuka to be put in a do or die situation like how the shinobi world ran. Of course, there was peace finally. All thanks to Naruto. But, in times of peace, there were still times of war. Whether it was known or not by those in the seats of commands. She had seen it for herself. And she really didn’t want her brother to be part of it. She wanted him to keep his smile. Wanted him to keep his happiness. But with a family Kekkai Genkai flowing through his veins she knew he would have no choice but to walk the path meant for an Uchiha. All she could really hope for as she staggered through the halls and up the stairs that led to the top floor where the rooms were, was that he took after their mother instead. At least, with the prowess of a medic-nin, he would be safer than going out in the field ready to take lives and being on the front lines. Well, he would be on the front lines if he did take that path. But at least he wouldn’t have to take part in the killing. Or being in direct line of being killed by someone filled with hatred. Beads of red dripped own her cheeks as the Uchiha heir grasped hold of the handle to her door, eyes downcast as she watched the blood of her exhaustion drip down onto hard floor and splattering into miniscule drops that expanded outwards and catching the wood of her door ever so slightly. “Oh well.” She whispered softly, resting her forehead against the cold wood as she gave a soft, exhaustive laugh that sent a tremble through her shoulders and down her spine until streaks of salt mixed with the red. Why did she still have to feel this way after four years had passed? Heartbroken. Betrayed. And most of all, like she lost a piece of herself when the boys had made their decision not to tell her. Why couldn’t they trust her more? Why did they do what they did at all? They could have remained there. Asked for help from those there like Kakashi-sama or Yamato-sensei. But instead, they chose the easy way out. The bastards. Hatred grasped her throat as Sarada fought a scream that threatened to slip past a tightly clenched jaw as the hand that dangled by her side turned to a fist where lightning sparked and crackled. Breathe. “Sarada, breathe.” She gasped, letting out an unsteady breath that ripped at her throat and had her sobbing. She didn’t want to see them. What she wanted… wasn’t an apology. Instead… “Forget it.” “Forget it, Sarada.” Taking a deep breath and wiping away the tears and blood that stained her cheeks, the young kunoichi held her head high with her chin held up. She was the proud daughter of Sakura Haruno. Adopted granddaughter of the Slug Sanin. And goddaughter to the Nanadaime and the Hyuga’s. Screw what it meant to be an Uchiha. She wasn’t like her father. She wouldn’t run away. She would stand and fight like a true Konoha shinobi with pride. Tomorrow, she would go to Naruto and speak with him. It was time she joined ANBU for the next few years until Naruto passed down the mantle to her. Cause she didn’t expect him to step away for the next five years and she was okay with that. It gave her more time to prepare and learn the inner workings of their ANBU to see what she could do better for it. For her people. And for her family. And if that meant having to deal with the two assholes when they came back and her bastard of a father, then she would gladly do it. Cause there was no doubt in her mind that both Mitsuki and Boruto were part of the ANBU unit once they returned. She just hoped that whatever the Nanadaime did, he would not put her with them. She prayed. Begged even. That he would put her with others that she would not have to worry about bonding with or already having a bond to. Inojin was a hard-ass once the mask fell into place. Shikadai was something completely different than the laid back idiot that he was. Cho-cho… was sort of on the side of a bitch when she wore her uniform. Add in the others and they weren’t even members of the ANBU. And that, she was thankful for. Except for Kiba’s adopted kid. That asshole was a situation all on his own and she didn’t know how to handle it. Especially when he acted more like a cat than a dog like his adopted father. The difference between them was scary to say the least. The constant bickering between both males always had the kids of the new generation of shinobi on edge, especially when it came to blows and both walked away grinning like madmen and closer than ever. Even with blood coating their teeth or cuts and scrapes that needed a professional medic to heal because they were exceptionally deep and far too close to a major artery. And afterwards, it was always with stunned gazes aimed at the both of them from both parents and children. Sometimes even Tamaki got in on the fun and at that point, it was funny watching as Tamaki put both males into their place and a rather old Akamaru watched from the sidelines with an almost like grin on his lips.
Bath.
She needed a bath. Screw the shower. She wouldn’t be able to stand much in the shower and if she sat there in a bubble bath filled with some of her moms medical herbs used for aches and pains, she knew that she would begin to feel better after a little while. And maybe, it would help out with whatever the hell was going on with her eyes once her body was relieved of its constant banter. Slipping into her room and ignoring the way the chill in the air clung to her like a serpent waiting to strike as she peeled off her days outfit, Sarada ignored the light to her bathroom as she went through the herbs her mother kept in her bathroom pantry and started the water to the highest temperature it would go. Sakura could yell at her later.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
Crunch. Crunch. Crunch.
Slipping exhausted onyx orbs open as the sound of feet traveling behind her home echoed in the otherwise silent night and disturbing her time of much needed rest, Sarada listened as whatever idiot who dared to trespass on her family’s property paused outside beneath her window. She knew it was beneath her window just by the way the soft patch in the dirt outside gave just a little more then the rest. All because she had snuck out her window many times before and the patch of ground outside had given way over the years but still retained its elegance. At first, she wouldn’t have done much if they were just passing through trying to get to the next property that belonged to a fellow shinobi who was her mother’s age. But the moment the sound of a pouch opening filled her ears and the quiet ring of steel hitting the air that usually wouldn’t make a sound if it was anyone else, she was on her feet and ready to fight. Her window swung up as her body darted through the small passage, what little she had managed to snatch helping immensely as she dropped a good ten feet and landed directly in the patch of grass that the intruder had been standing only a mere second ago. Senbon were gripped tightly in between her fingers, raven hair cascaded over her shoulders, and onyx bled to crimson as her sharingan activated on its own and her tomoe swirled. She wanted blood. For the simple reason that whoever had dared set foot on her property had done so without saying anything and had stalked her window. She was just glad that her brother wasn’t home because if he was, she wouldn’t have held back, even if they were one of Konoha’s own line of defense. Pissed was an understatement as the young kunoichi only clad in one of Shikadai’s old shirts that fit her like a dress stood to her full height, eyes filled with murder and sneer crossing her lips. It was dark outside. The light of the streets not reaching the backyard of the Uchiha home and was only blessed with the rays of the moon that gave barely a view to who stood before her. ANBU’s uniform greeted her line of sight as the person crossed from shadow to shadow. And was that a speck of blonde? Not long. But short? It wasn’t Inojin. That much she was certain of as the lithe woman darted forward, hardly giving any leverage to the idiot in case they went for a counterattack. A harsh jab here and a low swipe to their ankles had her masked intruder dropping to the ground without much of a fight which in her case, was a bit odd. Lightning crackled in the air as the woman glared down at ANBU clad shinobi who took the mantle of Fox, eyes flashing from head to toe in attempt to make out who the hell it was and what the hell they were doing. “Explain!” Sarada growled, noting the way the agent winced and lowered their head as if they were guilty of something and wanted to make themselves appear smaller. Blonde glinted blue ever so slightly in the echoing sparks of her lightning and she wondered more than once why this idiot seemed awfully familiar but no matter how hard or how deep she dug, she was certain that she had never met the rascal before. When silence was her answer, she sighed and dispersed the jutsu crackling in her palm and rested a hand on her hip in exhaustion. Her eyes burned again. And from the stinging pain that plagued them now, she wouldn’t be surprised if they started to bleed again. “Are you going to answer?” She asked grumpily before huffing and pointing a finger down at the idiot. “Or do I need to go and ask the Nanadaime why he sent an operative here?” “No!” “No?” Now the idiot had done it. Hysterical laughter escaped the young woman as she leaned down and pushed the tip of her finger against the mask between the eye holes. Her red nails contrasted against the white and orange. “Are you telling me he didn’t order you to watch me?” The agent shook his head, finally lifting it to where they were looking up at her now and in the glint of moonlight that wasn’t shrouded in the dusk of clouds, she saw the glint of something dangling from around his neck. Something that was awfully familiar and an item that she had spent some time looking at when she was sleeping over at the Uzumaki household. “Boruto…” She whispered, sleeping onyx widening as realization crossed her and her lips opened in surprise. “Boruto?!” Hands as quick as lightning lunged for the mask that hid his features from her as she gently took his ANBU identity in between her fingers and pulled it away. There. Staring back at her. Was her childhood sweetheart and leader of Team 7. Whisker marks she knew he inherited from his father graced his cheeks as the scar that he had gotten from Kawaki long ago now sat faded upon his skin. “You’re really…” Tears burned at her eyes as the woman fought back her tears and cried out as the burning became too much and her grip on his mask loosened. Seconds later, the scent of copper filled the air and with it, the tears of warmth that stained her cheeks and had the view of full-blown terror gazing back at her. “S-Sarada?” The male called out, his feet finding themselves beneath him as he shot up and towered over her as shaking hands reached out and cupped her cheeks in his hands. “What’s wrong? Why are you bleeding?” “Bastard.” She hissed, pulling away and turning her back towards him as she took in a deep breath and wiped away the red. “You don’t get to come back and be worried.” Sarada said calmly, a small laugh escaping her as she turned back towards him and grinned. “This is perfect.” “What is?” Was she laughing? She was laughing. And grinning? And was that a gleam in her eye that should have him worried? Most definitely. “What time is it?” She asked, her laughter soon turning to a giggle that had him cringing away and putting some distance between them. “T-two in the morning?” “Perfect. My neighbor should be gone by now on night watch.” Came the whisper that horrified the blue eyed male. Oh. Oh, this wasn’t good. Not by a long shot. And if the way her feet slowly carried her closer and closer to him was a sign for him to run, then he should probably listen to his instincts that screamed for him to get the hell out of there. Only thing, his feet refused to listen. And Sarada could see that as she stopped only inches from him and brushed their noses together when she stood on the tips of her toes. She knew the affect she could have on him. Having worked at least one or two seduction missions with him once before he left, she had no doubt that he understood what she was doing. “My dear, Boruto.” She whispered far too gently as onyx met blue. “You really should have waited for your father to implement you back into society before you came here.” “Oi. I know you don’t want apologies. I wanted to explain.” “Later. But first…” A chakra ladened fist formed at the young woman’s side as she pulled away ever so slightly with a sadistic smirk before burying said fist into the male’s stomach and watching as he flew backwards and into the brick barrier that separated their yard from the neighbors behind them. There was no need to worry about perforating his organs. Boruto was gifted with the arts of healing by the nine tails that inhabited his father and with Sarada there, he should be as good as gold. That is, if her neighbors didn’t report the violence as a domestic dispute between the next Hokage and one of the ANBU agents that she would be working close with in the next oncoming years. “Oh, Boruto!” No one could blame her if they happened to come across the two. One bloodied and beaten. While the other was cackling like a rabid dog and was enjoying every moment the other cried out but wouldn’t stop her. It wasn’t until about two hours later that Inojin had come to see what the hell was going on and why the grumpy old fart next to Sarada’s had made a report about a disturbance that was currently ongoing at the Uchiha’s residence. And what he found there… The Yamanaka heir didn’t mean to break out into laughter when he rounded into the backyard of the house. But the sight of Sarada grinning like a madwoman while one hand glowed grin and was pressed against the other blonde’s stomach as her other was infused with chakra no doubt held warningly between them was far too much to take. It had been years since anyone had seen the crazy side of Sarada that only came out when either Mitsuki or Boruto did something extremely stupid. Yet, seeing her in Shikadai’s old shirt he had purposefully left behind with nothing more in the form of shorts beyond her underwear was not something that should be broadcasted outside even in the night. “Sarada!” The blonde called out as he jogged over to the two and placed a trembling hand in the middle of the raven-haired woman’s shoulders, as he tried to contain his laughter. “Sarada… Let’s go inside.” “Not until I teach him a lesson.” “How long have you been beating the hell out of him?” She paused for a moment and looked at him. He could see the smears of red from where her eyes had still been bleeding and sighed. “What time is it?” “It’s almost six.” Onyx glimpsed down at the male that was still grasped tightly in her hand and grumbled as the older male beneath her by a few days whimpered and waved both of them off with a grimace. “It’s only felt like an hour though.” “When did you start beating the hell out of Boruto?” “Two.” “Two hours?” “Two a.m.” Shock was evident on his face as a grin covered his lips and his knees quivered beneath him as he tried not to laugh. “S-Sarada…” “What?” She looked innocent. Like a perfect little angel with that sweet little smile, she put on display for him and not that psychopathic medic-nin who was currently beating the living shit out of their childhood friend who was also the Nanadaime’s eldest child. “Are you judging me?” “Never.” Inojin’s answer was almost immediate, his head shaking as he took about four steps back with his hands up in the air and clearing his throat. The light of morning was beginning to peak over the trees. The darkness slowly being chased by the early morning rays of the sun as the blonde Yamanaka peeked back over at a bent Uchiha. “But you might want to go inside. You’re not wearing any pants.” “I’m wearing underwear.” “Doesn’t count!” “Jin, you’ve seen me in my fucking underwear more times than I can count!” “But your outside, moron!” Onyx rolled as the woman stood straight and released the ANBU dressed Uzumaki who was watching the two with confusion in a somewhat perfect kind of health now that the woman had healed the majority of the worst that she had caused. “Fine!” “Fine! Go inside. I’ll take dipshit in.” “Dipshit?” Boruto whispered with furrowed brows. “Not in here you aren’t. Take him home.” “Hai hai, your majesty.” “Call me that again and I’m seriously going to slap you.” “Majesty!” “Inojin!” “OI!” Boruto yelled in exasperation, slowly crawling to his feet as every joint in his body ached and his head spun as if he had been knocked upside the head one too many times. Which, let’s be honest, probably would be the truth considering how long Sarada had him pinned beneath her. Inojin glimpsed in the male’s direction as he watched the raven-haired kunoichi disappear inside, his eyes narrowed as he huffed and took in the injuries that lay splayed along the older boy’s neck and arms where his uniform didn’t cover. “I told you this wouldn’t be a good idea.” “Then you should have come along.” “Did you really think I was going to save your ass after the shit you pulled with Sarada four years ago?” Boruto huffed and clenched his jaw, blue eyes glaring into a paler shade of blue that fixed him with a mix of I told you so and you’re a fucking idiot. “I didn’t mean to hurt her.” “No? Then why the fuck did you not tell her about any of it?” “I felt guilty that she got hurt. That I put my faith into somebody that I could trust, and they turned around and put her into a coma!” “Did you convince Mitsuki to join you?” “No. He decided on his own.” “Then both of you are morons!” Hoarse laughter slipped past Boruto’s lips as he stretched and winced when a muscle in his back pulled. A not so comfortable feeling shooting up his spine. “We know. Believe me, I regret it. But then again, I don’t.” Inojin could do nothing more than shake his head as he turned to go inside, his concern for the Uchiha running deep as he ignored the other male outside. It wasn’t long before the male was following him in doors, and both stopped in the kitchen. “Why are you in here?” “What’s going on with Sarada’s eyes?” “She’s stressed.” “Stressed my ass. I’ve known her for my entire life, and I’ve only seen her eyes bleed once when her sharingan first popped up.” Inojin could only sigh as he shifted a hand through long blonde hair that he had taken down earlier that morning once he was released from the confines of his nightshift at the Hokage tower and glimpsed towards the older male. “Look, it started happening the moment her third tomoe formed. We don’t know why or how long it’s going to last. But I’m telling you now, that if you mention it to anyone, you’re not going to live long enough to see tomorrow.”