Conti ous please, this a good croosover

Please update! I would love to see Sakura and Marco beat the shit out of Sasuke and Itachi (even though I love Itachi). Sakura’s Phoenix is by far my most favorite Naruto and One Piece crossover.

("Um… Sakura-San, who is this?" Vivi asked, pointing to her teammate. "He… reminds me of someone. I… believe his name was… Luffy?")

I knew this was coming.

(Naruto nodded in understanding. "I… thought I could get some more stealth training in, but I didn't know such a pretty girl would be sleeping on the couch…"

That time, it was both Sakura and Carue that hit him over the head.)

Did he lie? He didn't.

(Vivi bit her lip, and Danzo smiled, knowing he'd made his point. Tsunade groaned and rested her elbow on her table, pressing her forehead into her fist.)

I don't want to agree with that ass but I gotta agree with that ass. Like I was saying not everyone good is gonna be telepathy. As long as it's Blackbeard, we cool.

(Vivi cut in. "I could be… a princess from a faraway land, traveling to see new places. Sakura is a bodyguard I hired from Konoha, and Marco is her summon animal.")

Vivi come up with a diplomatic answer! As expected of a Princess!

Chapter review: That ending was bittersweet. I love that line. It just never gets old when it's done right.

And I gotta say Vivi really coming in with her political background. It's actually an interesting combination to see. Marco seamlessly handling his mission partners while Vivi handling politics. While Sakura is just the attractor all the odd people. It makes the team seem pretty solid.

I don't really read the author note (I mean I got 22 more chapters, I don't have time to check all of them) but my eyes catch some key points that 6 will be here (I wonder who?) and that this take place during Fishman Island so no spoilers! Yay! If this take place before Itachi's death then that means his death will happen pretty soon, around the time where they will meet Tobi and Itachi will give Naruto that crow.

(He entered the room, and Marco left his shoulder in favor of Sakura's, settling down and nuzzling his head against hers.)

Awwwwwwwwww! Why is his bird self super affectionate and cute? Wtf? He would never do that as an adult.

(Sakura nodded, then thought for a moment. "How about a basic clone technique? If you could successfully pull that off, we could have Edward and Marco in the same place at the same time," she reasoned.)

Omg that's genius Sakura but wouldn't their chakra show?

(Marco nodded, patting her on the head and ruffling her hair. "Let's start with simple things first," he stated.)

Ooooh he loves the idea!

Chapter review: AWWWWW MINI MARCO! The fact he created a tiny Phoenix is adorable! Now I wanna keep him in my pockets! It's a cute WHAT moment! That's what we need, some fluff!

Looks like Marco can learn charka faster than Vivi. I can't wait to see Marco use healing jutsu! Having both Sakura and Marco be healers make them such a good, cute pair. Someone need to make an art about that!

(Tsunade had not been amused when Marco and Sakura had informed her that Marco was not the only one who had been hit by that strange jutsu.)

I knew she wasn't going to be happy!

(They were about to part ways so Marco could go find a place change into his phoenix form in peace when they ran into Shikamaru just outside of the building. He seemed to have been waiting for them for some reason, though he seemed mildly surprised by Vivi and Carue's presence.)

Omg yeeeees!

(The two held each other's gaze for a moment, and Shikamaru frowned as he noted the look that Marco was giving him – like they had some sort of spiritual connection, and that the man pitied him – and he couldn't shake the feeling that he'd seen that exact same expression not that long ago…)

Our soulmates!

("Marco," Shikamaru interrupted him. "How come you're a human and not a phoenix?")

I knew my man wasn't going to disappoint me.

("I'm not from this part of the world. I got hit by a jutsu that sent me here, and I was trying to figure out how to get home." Shikamaru nodded, and he continued where he left off.)

Shikamaru just took the explanation lol

Chapter review: Marco, deadass, just told him he was from a whole different world and Shikamaru took it like it's normal. I knew my favorite procrastinator would get it. It's always the lazy people that are the smartest. I didn't expect Marco to be honest with him but a newfound friend is now here. Marco X Shikamaru is like a good combo! They probably are the best friendship second to Sakura's of course. I think Kakashi might be next to find out since he is perceptive.

Although why do they all like Marco on their shoulders tho? I think it will be a pain. That's some heavy weight to be carrying.

("No need to worry, Vivi-San!" Lee grinned. "I can handle it! Something like this is no trouble for the burning passion of YOUTH!" With that, he turned towards Konoha and prepared to take off.)

The emphasis made me chuckle in pain XD I know it's funny but we writers clown Lee so bad that you gotta feel sorry a bit.

(TenTen spoke up, "If you go too quickly, you might damage Vivi's things, and that would be very un-youthful of you," she smiled sweetly as Lee froze in place. "Try and keep the same pace as the rest of us, okay?")

Tenten learned Marco's way.

(TenTen reassured her. "You're remembering things, and that's what's important!" she smiled, holding her hand. "If Lee reminds you of someone you knew, maybe more people in Konoha will remind you of other people you know!")

Tenten, she said three swords... you know what that means do you?

("I was thinking of teaching you both Haki at the same time," Marco grinned. "Might do you good to have a training partner, and it would help her to protect her kingdom as well. Besides, as they say, a friend of my friend is my friend.")

Viv learning Haki? O.o that's a first.

(Vivi gripped her left wrist, and Sakura wondered if it held any significance. "She also was very fond of money. Actually, they agreed to help me because Nami was trying to get a billion berries out of me because I was a princess…")

Oooh Nami lol bringing back good memories.

(Entirely different worlds… this was going to need to be kept under wraps, especially considering how many shinobi might try and use Marco and Vivi's world to their advantage…)

They might want to steal devil fruits.

(the 'sinking like a hammer in water' thing seemed very inconvenient, and she imagined it would suck for someone who was made out of fire to go up against a shinobi that could use water jutsu.)

Or someone like Akoji going against a fire jutsu. I covered this myself lol

("Why not stay with Sakura?" Marco suggested, and TenTen pouted, upset that Sakura's apartment had been offered before her residence.)

It's quite sweet of Tenten but they will be comfortable with Sakura cuz she knows the truth...

("Actually," Vivi thought for a moment. "I vaguely remember someone with a long nose who used a slingshot…")

Wow! You did her dirty lol

Chapter Review: Okay, this devil fruit user will DEFINITELY bring us someone else! The problem is, how many will the village accept? And what possible enemy could come? The only thing I know is that all of them will eventually end up in Sakura's apartment lmao it's a party there! We just need trust.

Vivi learning Haki was a unexpected surprise. Marco really will teach them a lot. I'm guessing our next arc will be about that. I'm not the biggest fan of Vivi but her comparison are enjoyable to see. I have a feeling we will get more.

So far we got only chill chapters. It's like taking a stroll through the garden. Slow but quite enjoyable. I wonder if the plot will thicken after the haki training.

("Vivi!" Marco exclaimed, opening his arms wide. "It's been ages! I haven't seen you for at least a year!")

What he expecting her to do if he opens his arms like that.

("It's fine, Vivi. You've already done plenty," Gaara gently smiled. "I wouldn't want to keep you from anyone you may have waiting for you at home, wherever that is.")

How nice of him.

("Why?" Sakura asked, and Carue quacked in agreement.

"Carue is a spotted-billed duck," Vivi explained. "They're a kind of duck only found on Sandy Island, more specifically Alabasta.")

So he doesn't really know her.

(Sakura's legs proceeded to fail her, and she collapsed under her own weight. Marco moved quickly, catching her before she could hit the ground, before picking her up bridal style.

"I think she just had a mental overload," he smirked, turning to face Carue.)

Wtf? How that happened? I mean a Princess is a surprise but like...

("Speaking of which… how did you wind up here?"

Vivi's smile faded. "There was this devil's fruit user…")

This devil fruit user sure been busy these past few days. Before we know it we might find Akoji, Smoker, Doflamingo, Law.. like dude. Sit down for a sec!

Chapter review: Lol Vivi comparing Lee and Zoro! They do give similar overboard training. Omg, think about it! I bet Zoro will LOVE Lee's training! I can see them both taking all night! The only thing that won't please him is the annoying personality but I'm sure he will find a way. I mean his crew is full of it, one ain't changing much, amiright? As long as Gai doesn't offer the green jumpsuit, we good to go.

Seeing how Vivi is now here, I'm won't be surprised if we see Zoro next. We don't need the devil fruit user to meddle, he is good enough to get lost to there.

("Say, Marco," Sakura was glad to be able to use his real name again. "You said that anyone could learn Haki, right?")

I literally created mechanisms in my head that read Edward as Marco.

(He smiled at her. "Sure. It's an essential skill to have when you're sailing in the Grand Line."

Sakura sputtered, and Marco's smile became a grin. "Y… you're still going on about that?")

Good one Marco!

("Really…" Marco sweatdropped, worried about what the eccentric shinobi had told Gaara about him.)

What kind of things we talking about?

(At Sakura's questioning stare, he elaborated. "About a month ago, I came across a young lady and her pet duck injured in the desert and brought them here for medical attention. She had amnesia, but nonetheless offered her assistance around the office to thank me for saving her life.")

Young lady? Pet duck?! Vivi? Wtf?

Chapter review: What the fuck is happening? Vivi? Of all people? How does she know Marco? I'm kinda hoping this ain't a spoiler cuz I might need to stop.

With all the happened here so far, I'm starting to think that there are more people here than we thought. Vivi had always been in a desert so Suna is perfect. Does that mean we should expect others in other nations? Like Akoji in Kumogakure? This definitely took a turn.

Gaara let her handle paperwork is also a surprise. I know she is a princess so she knows her politics but? That's a first. And he brought into her amnesia talk? Can you trust someone who can't remember to do paperwork? This did take a turn.

("Parley!" he called, and couldn't help but smirk as all parties present stared at him like he'd just said a foreign word.)

Just searched it up and looks like we gonna get a trade.

("Ah! You agreed to it!" Marco smiled, outstretching his arms. "That means neither party can attack the other until we come to an agreement!")

Marco... you adorable! If the agreement isn't favorable, they ain't gonna honor it.

(The bandits seemed to shake off their shock and got ready to attack, but their leader lifted a hand to stop them. "Parley, huh? That's interesting. So you want to strike a bargain?" she asked.)

Is this gonna become popular around here? I can see it happening.

(Her response was a punch to the gut that swiftly knocked her unconscious. Marco gently hefted her up and laid her against her fellow bandits.)

Wanted to see a trade, awww. It would be interesting to see what Marco will offer.

(Sakura determined that he had actually been using Observation Haki, and vowed to make him teach her how to use it when they had some time alone.)

Omg yes! Pay your debt Marco!

(Marco had to talk him down by pointing out that if he went too fast he might damage their parcel, and that would be – (Marco sighed before saying) – "Very un-youthful of him.")

Lol when you gotta prepare yourself mentally for it.

(It was at this point that Sakura wondered how Marco knew exactly what to say to motivate Lee, and TenTen started taking mental notes on how to get Lee to do what she wanted him to do.)

Lee is easy to predicted but Marco is perceptive!

Chapter review: Booooy! Marco is really thinking outside of the box. He keeps proving how deserving of leadership he is.

I also really enjoy how Marco knew what could motivate Lee. I knew about it but he like only joined them in one training round and never stayed with Gai or Lee for too long after that. So the fact he noticed all these details... makes you wonder what he will do to his villains.

We gonna need some Marco X Team 10, 8 and 7 to see what he will come up with. How he will motivate someone like Shikamaru. That ought to be good. Gathering Shikamaru's likes with his personality should be great. We need Ino too. We know Chouji can be motivated with food so that ain't a tough one.

(He'd originally asked Sakura and TenTen, but Marco had very pointedly stated that the girls would be too light to provide an effective weight for him, and when Lee was about to say otherwise Marco had shot him one of the most intimidating glares that Sakura had ever seen.)

I thought it was an insult but lol he was saving their ass from his back.

(TenTen nodded, and Sakura silently wondered if she would find it impressive that Marco was actually a pirate, or if she'd just be intimidated by the fact.)

Being a pirate isn't that impressive with that kind of reputation but knowing that's why is strong should raise some points.

(Marco grinned. "Personally, I think he's just using a minor genjutsu to mess with people.")

Ooooh Marco, you sneaky! He perfected his ad libs too well!

(TenTen let out an exasperated sigh. "I know that all too well. Lee can't actually use chakra-based techniques, so he's focused his training entirely on taijutsu." Marco glanced down at the shinobi who was using him as a weight with a newfound respect.)

Yes, put that RESPECKT IN HIS NAME! Lee worked so hard, he deserve all the appreciation in the world for it.

(Sakura had initially questioned it, but when he put the box on top of the sled to make it easier to transport, she'd thanked him. He'd suggested they take turns pulling it, but Lee had insisted that he would pull it the entire way.)

Like Trump-kun once said, immigrants are taking all our jobs..Lee is making it seem easy. He is perfect for a procrastinator like me.

("I'm a hand to hand kind of fighter," Marco responded through bites, and TenTen could only stare in horror at his lack of manners.)

Nobody gonna steal your food here.

(TenTen managed to force herself to smile, though it was an awkward one that showed just how uncomfortable she was with this situation. Lee, on the other hand, seemed to take this as a challenge, and before long he and Marco were snatching each other's food.)

Lol LEE STAPH! Why you make me a liar?

("I'd like to meet them, too. Especially that Vista guy," TenTen mischievously grinned. "I wonder if he'd be willing to have a spar with me?")

Hohoho a possible friendship?

("Yosh! I will make certain that no nefarious villains attempt to attack us while we sleep!" Lee immediately volunteered, but Marco just gave him a small glare.)

Lee, sit yo ass down.

Chapter review: Oh my God, Marco is literally fitting in toooooo well. When he was explaining why they didn't seal the package, it was like he was an expert! He's so bloodly quick witted to figure out how their abilities worked. I'm IMPRESSED! It didn't cross my mind the possibilities and he was just like, yeah, that could happen! Bro... I clap for him for this!

I can't believe that Marco and Lee are becoming super close too. It's almost like Marco became the father figure for him too lmao Papa Marco doing his thing. Tenten also listens to him despite the fact she said she didn't want to go first! The respect he earned in such little time... He is suddenly the leader of the mission! We are stanning Papa Marco! I can't wait till he collect all of Konoha 11 like their are his children. Giving them all advice and orders!

Oh shit, just realized he is now like Edward Newgate... subconsciously treating everyone like his sons... awwwww omg, I'M SHOOK! Marco isn't just an acting captain no more. He learned from Whitebeard. My heart is swelling from the sweetness! It's so bittersweet.

(After much deliberation, Sakura had decided that Marco's story was too hard to believe to tell Tsunade the full truth.)

Good decision. They will think he is manipulating her unless they witness it through Yamanaka special abilities.

(He'd been doing it in secret because a stranger doing research on Space-Time Ninjutsu would be suspicious, and he was hoping to get home as quickly as possible.)

Sakura really created a whole ass story for him.

(Marco had invited her to join his crew. His pirate crew. His pirate crew that was in another world.)

Nobody gives two crap about what you say. You are already part of us. Even if not there physically.

(And the strange thing was that she was actually considering it.)

YEEEEES! ACCEPT IT

(Although, when she thought about it, if she did become a pirate, she would be a wanted woman either way. But she felt close to Marco, like he was some sort of father figure who would never let anything bad happen to her.)

Father figure? *internally in pain* Not even a bro-zone but a father-zone? Ouuuch... my ship really just sank. I was all up for the friendship tho but this also kills it T.T

(Maybe they could arrange it so that when they cast the jutsu to send him back home, it brought her along as well, and make it look like an accident? That way, if she ever decided she wanted to go back to Konoha, she wouldn't be an outlaw, and…)

Good idea! As long as Naruto nor Sasuke start looking for her.

(Well, on the bright side, she could introduce Marco to their friends in Suna. Except, she'd have to introduce him as Edward, not Marco… That was going to take some getting used to.)

Why can't we introduce him as Marco?

Chapter review: Sakura really just had Marco back like a loyal friend! I swear Marco better be GRATE to the FUL for the amount of work she put for him. I would like to see the favor returned NOT just by assisting her in missions. We need some life risking kinda if situation for debt to be repaid. Seriously tho, now that we establishment that he is Sakura's second father (I'm a bloody bat! I swing any way! Father, brother, lover, it doesn't matter, I'm in it for life), we need more MOMENTS! SOME MORE PERSONAL MOMENTS!

And honestly, why aren't they going to call him Marco? Is it out of secrecy? Like they don't want people to know the bird and the human are the same person? That's the only explanation I can come up with otherwise it's kinda sad to constantly be reminded of your father's death over and over again with just a name...

("I… Marco told me that he was a human who had been turned into a bird. And I recognize his voice. This… this is definitely Marco." Tears began to form in her eyes. She felt betrayed somehow, like he'd only been using her.)

... it's starting.

(He looked upset with himself. "…I was planning on telling you soon. I would never keep a secret from my nakama – my family." He got up from his chair, then pulled her into a hug.)

Dayyyyyyuuuuuum! She allowed him to hug her so there is hope!

(But when he'd told Tsunade that he didn't trust her, and that he would only tell the full story to Sakura, she knew that it wasn't a lie. He was still Marco. He was just worried about telling her something he thought she wouldn't believe.)

Ahem... some more drama please lol a little bit of resistance before we go back to friends.

("I decided to scout the area as a phoenix, but then those traders captured me. I was planning on breaking out on my own, but then Sakura came in, and… well… turning back to myself would have just freaked her out, yoi. I wanted to keep a low profile so I could get a better grip on my situation." He sighed.)

It definitely would freak someone out and if he did, he would never been friends with her. So based on my calculations that sounds like a good ass mistake.

(Sakura sympathized, then wondered if perhaps Marco would begin taking missions for the village now that Tsunade knew he was actually a human. It'd make paying for things a lot easier, especially considering how much he could eat.)

They should considered it since he was always on her shoulder and not a summon.

(Edward Newgate was the name he'd used when he was keeping his identity a secret from Tsunade. Now that she knew the origins of the name… it was taking a combination of her willpower and the fact that he was still telling his story to keep her from leaping over the table and hugging him.)

We gonna need lots of hugs and tears.

("And people eat those in a world covered by water?" Sakura asked in disbelief.)

I just realized how stupid it really sounds lol

Chapter review: This was a information dump! Kinda learned few things lol didn't know Armanent and Observation are learned. Thought you get it through tough experiences.

But yes, WE JOINING THE CREW! I AIN'T ACCEPTING ANY OTHER ANSWERS!

Sakura really sweet though. She accepted everything he said asap and treated him more of a family than he did... it's SWEET! The speech she gave of how she will let him go... that's not what we want to hear right now. Why the HECK YOU SAYING THAT? NO GOODBYES PLEASE! It would be better if she went with him to his world. It's more fun.

This does bring a smile to someone face. It's felt nice to see Marco nervous and how he refuses to lie to her. Yes, that's how you win someone over. You bring honesty to them no matter what. The moment he mentioned family, I knew she wouldn't be mad for very long. However, we needed a little bit of emotion tugging. It's a shame the feud ended fast.

I don't know if there is spoilers but do warn me... I'm still in Dressora so like I don't want to thread on the spoiler route.

(Then, the group in question had arrived, and the man had regarded Tsunade with something that seemed to be a combination of caution, respect, and snark.)

My dude actually followed? Sakura gonna get mad...

(And so morning had come, and Shizune had escorted the man back to her office before leaving the two of them alone, where the man was currently leaning back in a chair, balancing it on its back legs, hands behind his head. Tsunade was having a hard time getting a reading off of him –)

Marco acting like he own this place! That's what you do in school!

(The man stretched as he lowered the chair back to its normal position. He returned her gaze, completely unintimidated, before answering. "Edward Newgate.")

HE FUCKING LYING! OMG SO WE GONNA GO THROUGH THAT ROUTE AREN'T WE!

(Tsunade frowned. He didn't sound like he was lying, but there was a bit of hesitation, and a touch of sadness had crossed his eyes when he said the name.)

Is this after the war?

(She really wished that she had a Yamanaka here to make the questioning easier.)

So the Yamanaka can tell you the weird ass shit they saw, right?

("Sailor," Edward responded. "That being how I'm from the sea, Hokage-san." He punctuated the name with a smug grin.)

... a marine basically lmao but Tsunade can't do shit cuz he is a citizen therefore, they can't harm him if he ain't a threat.

(Tsunade asked, barely concealing her rage through clenched teeth. If she hadn't been, she might have noticed Edward tense up slightly. "And would you get me a bottle of alcohol?")

We really just went hoopity hoop down that RISKY hole, didn't we!

(When she'd woken up, she hadn't heard the telltale signs of Naruto being attacked by Marco, even though after she'd showered, the shinobi in question was sitting on her couch and enjoying the leftovers she'd planned on having for breakfast.

"Ah, good morning, Sakura-Chan!" Naruto grinned, waving at her.)

Fxxk. Naruto is having a wonderful morning, that's not a good sign.

("Tama!" she greeted with a smile, stepping aside to let him in. He fidgeted a moment, before entering and letting Sakura close the door after him.)

If we can accept him, we can accept Edward!

(His dark clothing had been exchanged for a green vest, a light brown shirt, and dark green pants. A Konoha forehead protector had replaced his old one, and was worn proudly on his forehead.)

Someone give the poor man a better fashion sense. Light brown? With two types of green? Better be sleeveless.

Chapter review: OOOOOOH SNAP! SHE SAID MARCO! I REPEAT! SHE SAID MARCO! THAT WAS QUICK! Is that why he asked for alcohol? Cuz he knew she will find out easily?

I didn't expect her to find out this soon! Sakura... don't get mad... please. He just told you his reasons. If Sakura wasn't there he would have lied the whole way through. MAN, SHE WAS HIS WEAKNESS! TSUNADE EXPLOITED THE FXXK OUT OF HIM WITHOUT KNOWING!

I see why he is nervous. He doesn't know how Sakura is gonna take it. The fact he lied the whole time he was with her, pretending to be an innocent animal. Nobody lies to their family so this is about to be JUICY! And sad if Sakura decided nope she ain't forgiving him easily. So we either gonna get Marco chasing after her or Sakura to testify for his innocence or even both! The plot really thickens! RIP sleep! It came at the worst part... ooooof! Hope I survive this.

(She decided to make sure nothing had been stolen, and while nothing was missing, when she checked the shelves, a few of the scrolls were in different places than she'd put them. The scrolls in question," Shizune took a moment to compose herself, "Were on Space-Time Ninjutsu.")

SPACE TIME NINJUTSU? SO MY MAN IS A PIRATE! OMG HURRAY! I said in chapter 2 he may have went somewhere but I didn't think it actually meant something!

("…There's someone there," she slowly spoke into the radio, and in her field of vision, Shino, Kiba and Akamaru all tensed up. "A man, sitting at a table, reading. But…" She swallowed nervously.)

WTF MARCO! YOU TRICK US! YOU TRICKED US ALL!

(He had tan skin, and was wearing a purple long sleeved collared shirt that was unbuttoned, revealing a rather well toned chest and a blue tattoo that seemed to be a combination of a cross and a crescent moon turned on its side.)

MARCO I CAN'T BELIEVE YOU! BETRAYED!

(The thing that stood out the most to the group, though, was his blond hair that vaguely reminded them of a pineapple. Kiba silently wondered if he was a distant relative to the Nara clan.)

That what I literally said!

(the man explained, yawning as he did so. Hinata noticed that he looked a bit tired, as if he hadn't slept for some time. "But I guess you guys won't let me just keep doing my research, huh?")

Blame it on kumogakure. Those bastards had it coming.

Chapter review: MY DUDE WAS FUCKING PRETENDING! HE WAS PRETENDING ALL THIS TIME LIKE HE COULDN'T TALK OR DO SHIT! WHAT A TRAITOR! I CAN'T BELIEVE HE ORCHESTRATED SUCH ACT!

I mean I did guess it but like... I had some trust! After that family talk and shit, how could he do this? THIS SHIT WAS SO GOOD! HAD ME HYPED THE ENTIRE TIME! My dude is such a smartass! He literally got rid of his "yoi" when he is a human.

So Marco is a pirate (YES! YEEEES!) and he is searching for a way to get back home. (YYYYESSSS THAT'S WE LIKE!)

He felt like Shikamaru's twin in here lol could just say he part of the Nara (their ancestor) and ain't nobody gonna doubt him. My dude really acted as if he wasn't an intruder. He sat there waiting to be caught and even talked as if he is part of Konoha since the founding days.

I'm kinda wondering what's his plan here. Is he gonna reveal he is the Phoenix? Or will he escape? Maybe create another lie to throw them off? I'M RUNNING TO THAT NEXT CHAPTER! ADIOS BITCHES!

("Bushy brows large and small spotted, one o'clock!" Sakura flinched internally. 'Bushy brows' was Marco's shared nickname for Guy and Lee, and 'large' or 'small' indicated which of the two he was talking about.)

Saying that with his sexy voice? Um okay?

(He had come back at the end of the day looking exhausted and exasperated, and had sworn off of all contact with them for the next few days.)

Even Marco is scared of them xD

(Sakura was about to change their course when the two shinobi in question noticed and approached her. She heard Marco sigh overhead before he flew down and landed on her shoulder.)

Loyalty!

(Sakura turned to the bird on her shoulder, who was giving his best subtle pantomime of 'please no I will do anything just get us out of here'.)

Anything, you say? *lenny face*

(Lee smiled brightly at his teacher, then turned towards Sakura and Marco. "What do you think, Sakura-San?"

Sakura and Marco were both gone, a log in their place.)

Lol they bailed out fast! It ain't that bad... kinda!

(Ino had heard from Kiba that Sakura had a new pet bird, so she took some time off from working at the flower shop and all but dragged her teammates over to Sakura's apartment and nearly broke the door down with her incessant knocking so she could meet the avian in question.)

If they had girls talk, Marco is gonna suffer again.

(Ino scanned the room, not seeing any men. "Whose voice was that earlier, Sakura?" she asked, a sly smile crossing her face. "You're not hiding a boyfriend from us, are you?")

... I like where this is going. Continue please.

("Yoi," Marco greeted, lifting his wing in a wave. "It's nice to meet friends of Sakura who use the door.")

It is but my running joke is gonna die.

(Marco locked eyes with Shikamaru, and in that moment he felt like they had some sort of spiritual connection and the bird pitied him, though for the life of him he couldn't imagine what or why that was.)

Because you both are pineapples!

(When they left, Marco told Sakura that these were his favorite of her friends so far, as they didn't seem nearly as eccentric as some of her other friends. Her thoughts drifted to Naruto and Lee, and she felt herself agreeing with him.)

The fact Sai is excluded raises some brows.

("Because he doesn't respect Sakura's privacy, yoi," Marco explained, lifting his wings in what Hinata assumed was a shrug. "He keeps coming in through the window and not knocking on the door, ignoring that she could be doing something private when he comes in. Plus, he's a bit obnoxious and loud-mouthed.")

Oh wow, I didn't expect a passage of the bible to come up. Can I get an amen for that.

("It makes Sakura uncomfortable, yoi. I won't tolerate people who hurt or make my family uncomfortable.")

Omg, that's so sweet!

(Was she… some kind of replacement for his previous family? Come to think of it, she hadn't really asked him much about his life before he'd become a bird…)

I guess he likes his privacy? I wouldn't want to invade just yet.

Chapter review: AWWWWWW FAMILY! Marco's real personality is popping up. Yes boy! Protect your family! Knowing Sakura had grow close to his heart is super sweet. It's a privilege he won't give to anyone and since Sakura is friends with the whole village, he will feel obligated to help her friends too.

Like wow, we reached this... It makes me wonder at what point did he see her as precious. And what happened to his crew members?

Thanks to this chapter.. It just hit me that Shikamaru and Marco share similarities! I swear they would eventually both say the same thing lol we need more Team 10 visits. They were his favorite so bring the entertainment out.

That note at the end.. ma'am I can't think of anything that can be useful. Unless Hinata mission gone wrong, we gonna need more hints than that lol