this was written for my lovely friend vesper. as per usual, things got out of hand. should have about 3 chapters in all. happy birthday sakura!

empty hands
1/3

Shadows shifted across their faces as Team Three stares up at the immense walls.

"So this is Kiri," Danzō said, oddly subdued by the opulence around them.

Sakura hummed, gaze distant as she stared up at the pearly walls. There was something oppressive about them, though perhaps that was her own bias. She shut her eyes against images of swords, Sharingan eyes, sweat, and a sacrifice that changed her entire perspective on her chosen career. It wasn't glamorous in the least.

"Sakura-sensei," Torifu said, breaking Sakura from her musings.

She shook her head, turning her attention to her students. All were looking somewhat anxious, though valiantly trying to fight it off. Considering what happened the last time they went to one of the great shinobi nations, Sakura wasn't surprised. "Yes, Torifu-chan?"

"Are you alright?"

It was an innocuous question, truly, but Sakura had to subdue her initial desire to bristle. Her students really knew how to poke fingers into unhealed, infected wounds. She sighed, checking herself and patted Torifu's head between the cat ears of his hat. "I am well," she said. "Just thinking."

Danzō was watching her with concern but she ignored it, thankful when Kagami whined, "C'mon guys! It's going to take forever to get through customs and I'm so hungry."

Danzō snorted, shaking his head and the tension broke.

"Alright team, let's go over the rules again," Sakura said, leveling her charges with a steely expression.

"No running off out of your sight without permission," Torifu said dutifully.

"No challenging the locals to duels," Kagami said, enthusiasm considerably reduced.

They all turned to Danzō. He flushed a ruddy red, averting his eyes as he said, "No creating a national incident."

Sakura narrowed her eyes on them. "Or international incident."

"Or international incident," they repeated back to her, monotone.

"This isn't Uzushio," Sakura said softly, looking them over. They were still so young. What had she been doing at age ten? Chasing after Sasuke, acting as a rival to Ino? She'd graduated at eleven. These kids were embroiled in the beginnings of a war the likes of which no one had ever seen. She swallowed, taking in their thin wrists and hearts ready to beat out of fragile, breakable ribcages. She didn't want this, not for them. "We are still unsure where Kiri stands in alliance. We have to be careful here. Do not speak without being spoken to here. Don't interject, do not draw attention." She smiled at the distaste on their faces. "I understand that this is somewhat unconventional, but consider this a training experience. How does a shinobi pass as a nonthreat in the political environment? You must learn to make yourselves unassuming and harmless; hide in plain sight."

"Don't worry about us Sakura-sensei!" Kagami declared with a grin. "We'll be fine. We've got the best teacher around!"

Sakura felt her heart squeeze as she looked at all of them, the way the three of them watched her with trusting eyes. "Stay close to me," she said. "Watch each other's backs."

"We'll watch yours too," Danzō said, dark eyes contemplative.

Sakura grinned at him before squaring her shoulders.

Torifu sighed, shaking his head at the expression on her face. "Here we go," he muttered, casting his eyes skyward.

"Yes!" Kagami said.

"It's time," Sakura said, standing.

Ready or not, it was time.

The customs process was all rather mundane, truth be told. They were searched, something Team Three was not accustomed to, in that most places they visited never displayed such blatant signs of distrust. Then again, Kiri was not an ally, at least, not yet.

Danzō endured the non-invasive jutsu used to search him, reminded again that they were not in friendly territory. Even their first foray in Suna was not quite this hostile, most keeping a civil veneer for the sake of a newly founded treaty. Here there was no such quarter, no slip of paper preventing them from being attacked.

Sakura-sensei settled in beside him with a soft sigh and Danzō was reminded that they had something much better than a piece of paper to keep them from being harassed and she was stretched out alongside him, appearing for all the world at ease with the happenings. Danzō, however, knew her better, seeing it in the tightening of her jaw, the wideness of her lounging.

Sakura-sensei was a predator ready to pounce, a large cat prepared to defend and attack until her maw ran red.

Danzō found his heart calming as he soaked in her heat.

The search passed by much more quickly after that.

"C'mon," Sakura murmured, smiling as Danzō blinked his eyes open.

Had he truly fallen asleep? Danzō blushed but Sakura made no mention of his faux pas, instead flicking her eyes over her other charges. "The captain of the guard has been quite generous in offering us an escort to the Kage Tower," Sakura said, a warning in her gaze. "Let us not keep them waiting."

Danzō followed her, still cursing himself out for allowing his guard to fall so deplorably. They were in…well, not enemy territory, but certainly not friendly either. He scowled at himself. Kiri was notorious in its xenophobia; how had he allowed himself to become so soft?

He was dragged out of his thoughts by Kagami's voice. "What is that?" he demanded, looking outside the building. "Did Kiri flood?"

The guards laughed and Danzō found himself thankful again for Kagami's ability to set people at ease. While it tended to come from Kagami making a fool of himself, he never seemed to mind.

"That's called a canal, kid," one of the guards, a chunin said. "Didn't your sensei teach you any of this?"

"She did. Some of the paths are canals instead of cement. It helps with the high level of exportation," Torifu cut in pleasantly. "Kagami just isn't the best at listening."

Kagami gave him a swift glare that promised retribution, unaware of the way his antics had helped break the tension. He stilled when Sakura-sensei patted his head, ruffling his curls.

"How shall we be travelling today? By boat or by foot?" she asked.

The leader of their small retinue of six chuckled. "By foot is probably best for now. It's about to be quite busy on the water and I'm not the best hand at maneuvering the boats around."

"Nearly knocked us out the boat he did," one whispered to Torifu. She laughed, showcasing a gap-toothed smile. "We don't let him drive anymore."

This good-natured ribbing continued as Danzō stepped onto the water. He didn't think he would ever get used to the movement of the water beneath his feet, cool and ever-shifting. He preferred the solidity of tree walking much more. Sometimes, however, he would go out and walk on the pond near his apartment.

Just to remind himself that he was, truly, a shinobi.

He felt the water ripple in waves beneath his feet as a boat passed them by. The air was warm and heavy with humidity and the nearby buildings were covered in crawling ivy. The architecture was tall and spindly, built in a way to withstand flooding. The canal was nice and, as the captain said, busy. Few people noticed them, though those who did watched them with a solemnity that spoke volumes.

The Kage Tower, while different from Konoha's, was still obvious, standing far taller than any of the surrounding buildings. Part of it was built above the canal and the other part on dry land.

"Here we are," said the captain.

Danzō barely flinched as the captain contorted his hands into different symbols and a platform raised out of the water, lifting them skyward.

He swallowed as the doors above them swung open, ready to admit them into the Tower. It was time to meet the Mizukage.

Sakura looked around the foyer, impressed in spite of herself. While nowhere near as extravagant as the Hokage Tower of her time, this was an upgrade from Madara and Hashirama's current offices. She knew that the two were too busy to care too much about their workspace but the Mizukage certainly knew how to make a statement.

"This is where we'll leave you," the captain said, bowing slightly to Sakura. She was surprised to be shown such deference. She returned the gesture with the traditional sign of respect in Kiri, a hand to her forehead then to her chest. The captain's eyes widened before he relaxed with a chuckle. "I'm sure we will see you soon."

"This is Hōzuki Gengetsu," one of the guards said, gesturing to a sandy-haired man. "He'll escort you to the Mizukage."

Sakura blinked, recognizing the man.

Hōzuki Gengetsu, future Mizukage.

He was young, younger than she remembered him in the Fourth War, but his strange facial hair remained the same. He stepped forward with a wide genial smile and Sakura had to keep herself from flinching. He wasn't the enemy.

Not yet, anyway.

"Haruno Sakura," he greeted, shaking her hand. "It's been a while! I've been looking forward to your arrival for quite some time now. I'd love to have a spar with you sometime…"

One of the guards cleared their throat.

Gengetsu sighed. "Well, another time perhaps. Byakuren is awaiting us upstairs."

Sakura gamely followed him, making sure to keep herself as a barrier between him and her chunin. It was instinctive, but she could still remember the devastation he wrought in the Fourth War. The quirk at his lips told her he caught her at it though thankfully he didn't call her out. Perhaps he understood the desire to protect.

"Allow me to announce you," Gengetsu said, stopping before a dark door accented in silver. "Wait here."

Sakura turned to level her students with a look, just as a reminder to stay on their best behaviors. Considering Kagami's guilty smile and the way Torifu straightened, it was probably a good idea to remind them.

"Welcome!" a voice boomed from within the office. "Step forth Haruno Sakura."

Sakura pushed through the door, blinking as she was greeted with a wide swath of mosaic windows, light filtering through in all sorts of brilliant colors. Sakura was, for a moment, dazzled, wanting to view the pictures depicted more closely, suss out the history of this reclusive nation before she remembered the task at hand.

"Mizukage-sama," Sakura greeted, stepping further into the room. She did not bow to him though she said, "May the winds be swift in your sails and your nets filled plentifully."

It was a traditional blessing, one that she saw warmed the Mizukage's dark eyes as he stood from his desk.

"May the stars be bright guides leading you to generous waters," Byakuren returned, clasping her forearm briefly before returning to his seat. "We have greatly anticipated your visit."

"The honor is mine," Sakura replied, taking the seat across from him. With a subtle flick of her wrist, Sakura gestured her students to stand along the wall with Byakuren's guards. There were not enough seats for them and it would be a slight to the Kiri nin if lowly chunin sat while they did not. Sakura ignored the way her head began to ache at the complexities of politics. "Truly, it is good to see you again. The mantle of Mizukage suits you well."

He chuckled, shaking shaggy hair out of his craggy face. "I will be better if you will visit our hospital. We are sorely lacking in the medical field and our nin would be pleased by your expertise."

Sakura was unsure how pleased the medic-nin would be with her coming into their territory but she understood the Mizukage's request. Konoha was second to none in health care, thanks in large part to her expertise. For this alliance to even begin, she'd need to offer something in return. "Of course, Mizukage-sama."

"I understand that you will be joined by the younger of the Senju brothers in a few days' time," the Mizukage said, stroking his beard.

"Yes," Sakura replied with a dip of her head. "Tobirama is handling a few matters in Konoha before coming."

"Splendid, splendid," Byakuren said. "We will host a feast once he arrives to celebrate your arrival."

"Of course," Sakura said. "Now, I had a few ideas regarding these next few days…"

Torifu kept one ear on the conversation at hand as he let his eyes wander the room. It was a typical negotiation, all soft touches and subtle leads. It suited Sakura-sensei surprisingly well. It was interesting to witness the comradery between Sakura-sensei and the Mizukage. She hadn't mentioned their acquaintanceship, though their mutual respect and admiration were clear.

So he left the diplomatic proceedings in Sakura-sensei's more than capable hands, more intent on surveying the room. She would, after all, request a report later.

His eyes took in the wall hangings, threaded in pale greens and deep blues. The room was decadent, lively in foliage and a glass box filled with marine animals. For a moment he was distracted by the fascinating beasts there within before he managed to move his gaze to the Mizukage's bodyguards.

The first was the best known: Hōzuki Gengetsu. He was one of the Seven Swordsmen as well as the Mizukage's right hand. While not officially recognized, everyone knew he was being groomed to take the reins from the first Mizukage. From the looks of it, it seemed like that shift in power was coming on soon.

There were four masked Anbu of differing sizes that flanked the wall behind the Mizukage. All carried massive weaponry which seemed itself a trademark of Kiri shinobi. They were, in many ways, standard issue for Anbu nin.

What really drew Torifu's attention was the slight figure who stood next to Hōzuki. He was short and round-faced, probably only a year or two older than Team Three. His hair was dark and ringed with silver instruments of some sort. His eyes were strange, the sclera and pupils bleeding together into pitch black.

Torifu frowned thoughtfully, unable to sense the boy's chakra. The boy's liquid eyes turned to him, expression purposefully blank. Torifu repressed a shiver as he became the focus of those alien eyes, before nodding slightly.

The boy cocked his head to the side, watching him with what could only be called curiosity.

Torifu was startled out of his impromptu staring contest by Danzō's elbow. He looked at his teammate, reading his warning expression with chagrin.

He settled back into place, tuning back into the conversation at hand.

"I will visit the hospital tomorrow," Sakura-sensei said. "Tobirama will be arriving in a few days' time and our conversation may truly begin."

The Mizukage nodded. "That would be wonderful Sakura-sama," he said. "I know our medics will be eager to meet you." Sakura smiled genially, but Torifu knew she was uncomfortable. Sakura-sensei hated attention. "Well, you all need to get settled into your quarters, I'm sure it has been a long trip. Gengetsu, Yamiyo!" Hōzuki and the boy stepped forward. "Escort our guests to the ambassador quarters. See to it that they are comfortable!"

"Yes, Mizukage-sama," they replied in tandem, bowing low.

Torifu walked out on Sakura-sensei's heels, taking comfort in her broad, corded back. She might be short, but her presence was solid and sturdy, just like the trees back home. He inhaled the scents of salt and brine as they moved outside and couldn't help but feel longing for home once more.

"How many rooms will you be requiring?" Hōzuki asked Sakura-sensei as they exited the building onto actual solid ground. Torifu blinked down at the cobbled path paved in shells. "You are the only ambassadors present at the moment."

"One would be quite fine," Sakura-sensei said firmly, fearless, even though it was possible that her words would be taken as a slight. Torifu hid a smile. Sakura-sensei never compromised on their safety.

He missed the way Yamiyo glanced at him before his dark gaze slid back to Sakura-sensei.

Hōzuki just grinned, shaking his head. "They said you were a mama bear…"

Sakura-sensei just smiled genially. "Hear much about me, then?"

Hōzuki's eyes lit up. "Quite a few actually. Is it true you took on the Gold and Silver brothers singlehandedly?"

"Just the Gold brother," Sakura-sensei said, gaze drifting away from them. Torifu knew exactly what she was thinking of. From Danzō's slight falter, so did he.

"Impressive," Hōzuki said, stroking his goatee.

Sakura-sensei hummed noncommittedly before saying, "What's say you and I have that spar sometime in the next few days?"

"You sure that's a wise idea?" Hōzuki asked, uncharacteristically subdued. "It might interfere with—" He cut himself off.

"It'll be fine," Sakura-sensei said, affecting an air of nonchalance. "I am certain Mizukage-sama would be delighted to see our skills in action once more."

"Once more?" Kagami asked, puzzled. "What do you mean once more?"

Sakura-sensei and Hōzuki exchanged brief smiles.

"We were among those present at the first Kage Summit," Hōzuki explained. "When we were attacked by some who dissented to the whole concept, your teacher and I fought to protect our Kages. This one salvaged my arm when that naginata nearly took the damn thing off."

Sakura-sensei smiled. "It is the perk of being a medic-nin."

"Here we are," Yamiyo said in a soft voice, gesturing to a pale, curved building. "Will you need any assistance settling in?"

"No," Sakura-sensei said, glancing at her team. "No, this is perfect, thank you."

"We'll see you in the morning," Hōzuki said. "I look forward to our spar."

Sakura-sensei nodded, her smile a knife's blade. "As am I."

They watched as the two nin took their leave before entering the small building.

"Alright!" Sakura-sensei exclaimed, clapping her hands together briskly. "I want an oral report from each of you."

Torifu stifled a sigh at Kagami's wide-eyed look of sheer panic. Really, he should be used to Sakura-sensei by now.

"How bad is it, really?" Byakuren asked.

Sakura stiffened, now understanding the reason he'd called this private meeting. She'd thought that perhaps he wanted to discuss his rapidly declining health, the poison growing in his lungs. But this…

She exhaled sharply. "I will not mince words with you Byakuren," she said, not fearing the use of his name. They were equals here and he treated her as such. "Konohagakure will have war with Kumogakure. We must demand recompense for their dishonorable behavior. You know as well as I that A will continue to toe the line, further and further until he achieves total dominion of the nations. We knew even during that first Summit that war would be upon the horizon."

"So there is no avoiding this," Byakuren muttered, hands clenching around his armrests. "I was afraid this day would come but I did not believe it would be in my lifetime."

"Blood demands blood," Sakura said. "A cannot be reasoned with and I am afraid you will be caught in the crossfire, even if you choose to abstain. I am surprised A has not made a move against you yet as it is."

Byakuren smiled, but it was sad and wan. "A has taken shots at us, picking at the borders incessantly, commanding underhanded raids of civilian villages. Nothing as overt as his sending one of the twins after you, but he has begun to weasel his way into the cracks. The council will hear nothing of war. They are afraid."

"They must listen," Sakura said. "Even if you choose not to side with us, you must prepare to defend your land. I promise that Konoha will do her utmost to stay outside of your borders, but I can make no guarantees for Kumo. In fact, I believe they will use this war as an excuse to attempt to overwhelm Kiri as well."

"A has hated Konoha with such a fervid intensity from the very beginning," Byakuren said, stroking his beard. "Do you know why?"

Sakura shook her head. "There are no definitive answers, though my guess would be he dislikes the fact that Konoha is a diarchy. He simply cannot understand the sharing of power in such a blatant, upfront way." She smirked. "A undoubtedly despises how prosperous such an untraditional model has made us."

Byakuren snorted. "Well, I won't argue with you there. I cannot promise that Kirigakure will lend you her aid but know that I am on your side. Any way these negotiations go, Kiri will not be siding with Kumo."

Sakura grasped his forearm firmly, shaking it. "I am glad to hear it."

Byakuren took his seat once more, a smile lightening his features. "Gengetsu tells me that you have agreed to a spar."

"As long as you find it acceptable," Sakura demurred.

"Acceptable? It's brilliant!" Byakuren slapped his knee. "I'll make sure the council is present; that'll shut the ninnies up about 'outsiders' and 'weaker blood.' They sure do like to puff themselves up on superiority when only a handful of them have ever been in the field."

Sakura's eyes glinted with amusement. "I'll make sure to put on a show."

"This is happening," Kagami said, eyes starry as he stared down into the arena. Sakura-sensei was stretching, limber and loose as she ran seamlessly through katas. Hōzuki sat opposite her, stretching his legs. "This has to be a dream or genjutsu. Someone punch me."

Danzō happily obliged, ignoring Kagami's resulting yelp and Torifu's disapproving look. "You have the Sharingan, fool. You can see through genjutsu."

Kagami pouted. "Not always! Sakura-sensei still trips me up!"

"Sakura-sensei has worked on your entire family's eyes. She could trip Madara-sama up," Torifu said with an eyeroll. "Now pay attention."

Kagami turned his eyes back to the arena avidly. "It's just—Sakura-sensei is facing a living legend, one who isn't from Konoha. And she's going to kick his ass!" He said gleefully, rubbing his hands together. "This is going to be awesome."

"Gonna use your Sharingan?" Danzō ribbed. "Your eyes are already flickering red."

"Of course! Why wouldn't I take advantage of it? This way I can capture it perfectly."

"May I sit?"

All three turned to the newcomer and Kagami was startled to recognize him as one of the Mizukage's bodyguards. The kid.

"Certainly," Torifu said as Danzō and Kagami just stared at the boy. "Remind me of your name?"

"Yamiyo," he replied, eyes on the field.

Kagami knew his own eyes looked a bit weird when he activated the Sharingan, hell, they were red and looked like pinwheels! This kid's eyes though were just straight-up eerie. He looked like one of those demons Danzō told stories about. Just…creepy, maybe even evil.

"I suppose you will be rooting for your teacher," Yamiyo said, hands placed in his lap.

Kagami's lip curled; even the way this kid moved was creepy. "Of course!" he exclaimed. "I guess you'll be cheering on Hōzuki then? He is your…fellow bodyguard, right?"

Yamiyo shrugged. "I am not particularly invested in either side. I am interested in seeing this outcome. Your teacher will have a difficult time with Hōzuki-san's techniques."

"What do you mean?" Danzō asked, suspicious as always.

"You'll see."

Kagami sniffed, turning his attention back to his teacher. As far as he was concerned, it was just better to ignore this Yamiyo kid. Sakura-sensei was now standing by Hōzuki as they spoke in soft tones with the Mizukage. It was almost time to start.

Kagami found himself lean forward as the Mizukage backed away, taking his place in the stadium. There was a shout and the opponents whirled away from each other.

Sakura-sensei disappeared completely and Kagami guessed that she was underground, preparing a maze of tunnels. Hōzuki was proficient in most elemental jutsu, but he favored water. Sakura-sensei was undoubtedly preparing some nasty traps to trip him up.

The man in question stood in the center of the arena, eyes closed, seemingly at peace.

"Why isn't he moving?" Kagami asked. "If Sakura-sensei hits him once he's down for the count."

"You'll see," Yamiyo said.

Kagami bit back his retort of "Who even asked you?" and kept his gaze on the unfurling action.

Sakura-sensei suddenly burst from the ground, striking out with an open palm to Hōzuki's sternum. It was, to be honest, a gentle touch from Sakura-sensei, using her palm instead of her fist, but then again this was a spar in non-Konoha territory. She was playing it safe.

Sakura-sensei's fist went straight through the man's chest and Kagami couldn't stifle his gasp. But he wasn't greeted with the sight of blood as expected. Instead, the man grinned, chest reforming around Sakura-sensei's arm as he blew scalding water into Sakura-sensei's face.

Her shadow clone burst beneath the stress as Hōzuki began to look around for the real woman.

Kagami could feel the moment his Sharingan engaged, the intensity of perception immeasurable. He could see everything.

"Is Hōzuki-san a medic-nin?" Torifu asked.

"No," Yamiyo replied. "He possesses a technique that turns his body to liquid."

Hōzuki summoned numerous clones then, though they didn't look quite right. They were smaller and squat in stature, waddling around the field.

"I'm surprised he's bringing them out so early," Yamiyo said. "Hōzuki-san must be rattled by the stories of your teacher."

"They're coated in…oil?" Danzō said, glancing to Kagami for confirmation.

"Yeah," he said, eyes flicking among all the clones. He couldn't sense Sakura-sensei; she must have used her total dark technique. "No clue why."

A few dozen shadow clones of Sakura-sensei appeared and began to engage with Hōzuki's clones. Kagami frowned as they began to inflate.

"What are they—"

A couple of them exploded, interrupting Kagami.

All three chunin turned wide eyes to Yamiyo.

"He calls it his infinite explosion ninjutsu," Yamiyo explained as the clones began to reform. "I don't see why he's bringing out such a powerful technique so early on. He's kept your teacher on the defensive this whole time. Those stories must have been exaggerated."

Kagami bared his teeth, ready to fight the boy before forcing himself to pay attention to the real fight at hand. Yamiyo would learn.

Sakura-sensei would make sure of that.

As if summoned, Sakura-sensei appeared before one of the clones, her tanto in hand. With ease, she thrust it into the clone. The clone went slack before crumbling into tiny pieces.

"How?" Yamiyo asked, eyes wide.

"She's channeling chakra into the blade," Kagami said, watching avidly as Sakura sliced through the clones like wet paper. It was an intricate dance and Kagami caught every detail. "It's similar to when she heals, only in reverse? I can see that she's basically stopping all flow of chakra within the clones." He shivered. "It's…I guess cold chakra? I'm not sure how to explain it, but that's what I see."

Soon only Hōzuki and Sakura-sensei were left on the battlefield. Sakura-sensei darted forward, almost too quickly for Kagami to see and moved her hands through a few signs. Hōzuki stumbled as he sunk into the ground up to his waist. He turned to liquid, ready to escape, but Sakura-sensei was already upon him.

She touched her fingers to his melting forehead (a disturbing sight to say the least) before striking out at his neck.

Kagami saw Hōzuki's eyes go wide with shock and disbelief before he slumped forward, completely paralyzed.

The stadium roared in the wake of Sakura-sensei's victory as she easily lifted Hōzuki free of the pit and carried him over to the Mizukage.

The Mizukage, Kagami saw, was laughing heartily. He touched his fingers to his throat and declared, "The winner of this spar is Haruno Sakura!"

Sakura-sensei paid no mind to the deafening cry of the audience, instead she placed Hōzuki on the ground and set about freeing him from his paralyzed state.

"How-how did she—?" Yamiyo seemed at a loss for words.

"Sakura-sensei lives up to her name," Torifu said, pleasantness disguising the admonishment in his words. Danzō liked to think he was the sneaky one on Team Three but Kagami knew it was actually Torifu. Torifu was a mastermind.

"Let's go greet her!" Kagami said eagerly.

Torifu bit his lip in indecision before nodding. "That should be fine."

Kagami wasn't listening; he'd already leapt over the bannister as he raised down the field to Sakura-sensei. He could feel some chakras flaring with surprise and indignation but he ran on, heedless.

Sakura-sensei glanced over from her conversation with Hōzuki, fond exasperation in her gaze.

Kagami slowed his pace, grinning up at her bashfully. "Sorry, Sakura-sensei," he said, not needing her to reprove him. He still darted in for a hug, grinning up at her. "That was amazing! How'd you manage to knock him out? He turned to liquid!"

"I was wondering the same thing," Hōzuki said ruefully. "I hadn't realized my unique ability was so easily overcome."

"I wouldn't call it easy," Sakura-sensei said. "It helps to be a medic-nin. I displaced your chakra in such a way that it kept you solid. It's a difficult technique to pull off though. Too little chakra and you do nothing. Too much and you could permanently damage the person or yourself with the rebound."

Hōzuki looked uneasy for a moment before shaking his head. "Well, it's reassuring to know that you've stayed at your peak in Konoha. I was afraid you might've lost your touch since the Summit."

Sakura-sensei smiled at his good-natured ribbing, before greeting her students and their dark eyed shadow. "How'd I do?" she asked them conspiratorially.

"You put on quite a show," Danzō said, putting on a disaffected front. Team Three knew better.

"Good," Sakura-sensei said, maneuvering her way to the water station even with Kagami attached to her hip. "The Mizukage asked me to, after all."

"Tobirama-sensei isn't going to be pleased," Torifu said, smiling.

Sakura-sensei laughed, shaking the sweat out of her eyes. "When is he ever?"

"Are we there yet?"

Hiruzen turned a glare to Homura, who'd been asking the same question for days now. Surprisingly, it was Koharu who replied: "Homura, the gates are right there. If you don't stop I swear I'll stick you with my naginata. Multiple times."

"And I won't stop her," Tobirama-sensei said, ignoring Homura's pleading look. "Really Homura, you'd think you'd never been out of the village with all this whining."

Homura huffed, closing his mouth with a pout. Hiruzen hid his snicker; Homura looked like he'd eaten a lemon with the way he puckered his lips.

They'd been at this for days now, Tobirama-sensei pushing them at a grueling speed. They'd been called back to Konoha from their scouting along Kumo's border with Team Three even as Team Three was sent ahead to Kiri. They'd only been in Konoha for a day, gathering materials from the Hokages as Tobirama-sensei received specific instructions. Privately, Hiruzen thought it a waste to call them back to Konoha and send Team Three on alone, but he wasn't Hokage. Still, Tobirama-sensei seemed to agree, if their pace was any indication.

It was like he was trying to make up for lost time.

Hiruzen pushed his thoughts away as they drew up alongside the walls of Kiri. They loomed high above them, casting dark shadows across Team One. Hiruzen only hoped it wasn't a sign of what was to come.

Tobirama-sama flared his chakra as was protocol and the gates began to open.

Hiruzen was surprised to see Team Three there waiting for them, flanked by unknown nin. From their hitai-ate, it was obvious that they were Kiri nin.

"Sakura!" Tobirama-sensei greeted, nearly sprinting the distance between them. He wasn't smiling but Hiruzen knew his teacher; he was relieved and ecstatic to see Sakura-sensei in one whole piece.

Tobirama-sensei came to a stop just shy of her, fairly hovering over her. She was so tiny in comparison to him, Hiruzen realized with a start. Sakura-sensei always seemed larger than life but here, with Tobirama beside her, she looked fragile. He shook his head, smiling at his own folly.

Looks were deceiving, a fact Sakura-sensei proved time and again.

She smiled up at Tobirama-sensei, clasping his forearm firmly. Hiruzen could have sworn he saw Tobirama's frown become a bit deeper, probably disappointed Sakura-sensei hadn't hugged him.

Hiruzen was distracted from his thoughts as Danzō stepped before him, eyes assessing.

"I see you made here well," Danzō said, smile shaky and tentative.

"More or less," Hiruzen replied. "If Homura asked us one more time how long it'd take to get here, Koharu was going to flay him." His smile widened. "I'd hold him down."

Danzō laughed, glancing over to Kagami and Homura as they postured and preened in front of each other. "As much as he denies it, Kagami and Homura are a lot more alike than they like to think."

"Don't tell them that," Koharu said, sidling up beside them. "Then I'd really have to lay into Koharu before he goes on another 'I'm better than that Uchiha' rant."

"They certainly aren't ready for the truth," Torifu said, shaking his head at his teammate's antics.

"Will they ever be?" Danzō asked.

Hiruzen joined them in laughter, amazed at the ease he felt with these people, his team. It was good to be reunited.

He was following her again.

Sakura kept her stance relaxed and easy as she moved through the back streets of Kiri, keeping close attention on the chakra she felt behind her. He was rather good at hiding it for his age, but there was an undercurrent still present. His chakra was fascinating, all ripples and pulses like the ebb and flow of the tide.

Her team was with Tobirama for a training exercise of some sort. Truthfully, they just needed to work out some of their pent-up nervous energy, Tobirama included. Diplomacy wasn't his strong suit and it irked him to be so encumbered by politics and social niceties.

Sakura turned down a narrow alley and leaned against a cobbled wall, smile threatening to cross her face.

"You can come out now," she called, smirking as his chakra spiked in surprise.

Suddenly her shadow was before her, dark eyes downcast and face etched in embarrassment.

"So the Mizukage has made you my tail has he?" Sakura asked.

The boy, Yamiyo, looked up, eyes wide. "N-no," he said. "I just-" He cut himself off, scowling at the ground.

"You just what?" Sakura said, eyebrows raised. "You've been following me for weeks, little shadow. Surely I am not so curious a thing to warrant such interest."

He flushed, crossing his arms defensively. Sakura was viscerally reminded of her own team, Danzō's pouting defiance, Torifu's defensive posture, and Kagami's fluster. It drove her to mercy.

She started to walk back out the alley, glancing back when he did not immediately join her. "Well, c`mon kid. Let's see if you're still fascinated after a conversation with me. Mind you, I can be pretty boring."

The bright look on his face said it all.

"What's taking them so long?" Kagami whined, glancing again to the raised dais where the chief counsellors, Sakura and Tobirama included, were seated. Rich purple curtains cordoned the group off from seeing the conversation and a well-placed jutsu kept nosy interlopers away. "This is so boring!"

"Be quiet," Danzō said, gritting his teeth. Kagami's incessant complaints were starting to ruffle his feathers. "We're here on business; stop acting like a fool!"

Kagami opened his mouth to respond only for Torifu to shove a fried oyster into it. "Gross what did you-hey, this is actually pretty good!" Kagami said, speaking around his masticated food.

"You are disgusting," Homura muttered, keeping his eyes trained on the dais.

"I cannot believe you passed your chunin exams," a soft voice said.

All six turned to the speaker.

"Who's this?" Koharu asked.

"I think his name is Yamiyo?" Hiruzen muttered. "Danzō's mentioned him."

"He's been following Sakura-sensei," Torifu said, eyes narrowed. "Why?"

"She's different," Yamiyo replied. "Different from all those stories about her."

"Really?" Danzō asked, attempting an air of indifference. "And that is why you've been stumbling around on her heels since we arrived?"

Yamiyo flushed a dull red. "I have not," he contested hotly.

"Could have fooled me," Danzō said, sneer marring his expression.

"Gentlemen!" Hard hands came down on Danzō and Yamiyo's shoulders, making both of them flinch. They looked up at one of the Swordsmen, Fuguki maybe, who was smiling down at them with an all too familiar toothy grin. "There are better ways to settle this disagreement."

"A spar?" Danzō suggested, smirk ruthless.

"Not happening," Torifu hissed even as he grabbed Kagami's collar. "Sakura-sensei would kill you, revive you, and kill you again."

Danzō stuck out his lip in a pout, knowing Torifu was, as always, right.

"That wasn't what I was going to suggest," Fuguki said. "I was going to suggest a drinking competition."

Team Three looked at one another with wide eyes. They were familiar enough with alcohol, Sakura-sensei treated them to sake with certain meals and sometimes even amazake or shochu after a particularly difficult mission. They were, after all, adults now. However, none of them had ever participated in a drinking contest, nor had they ever really cared to do so.

Now however…

"I accept," Danzō said, eyes steely.

Torifu sighed, stepping up beside his teammate, Kagami in tow. "How do we play?"

Danzō ignored Torifu's glare as they listened to the instructions intently. It was just alcohol. How hard could it possibly be?

A rustling at the curtains caught Sakura's attention. The minister stopped speaking and looked instead to the Mizukage. No one was supposed to interrupt this meeting. Sakura frowned, unconsciously grabbing at the pendant her students made her.

Her grip tightened as the Anbu moved to the Mizukage's side, whispering something in his ear. They were looking at her.

"Haruno-sama is needed elsewhere," Byakuren said, gesturing for her to stand. "This seems a good place to stop for the evening. Minister, finish your thoughts and we will all reconvene tomorrow morning."

Sakura followed the shinobi, but not without exchanging a look with Tobirama. He looked concerned, but nodded her way.

The nin led her to Koharu who looked beside herself with panic. "I am so sorry Sakura-sensei," she said, her eyes huge. "This is getting out of hand and I knew I had to get someone and you seemed the best choice and—"

"Koharu-chan, it's fine!" Sakura said, surprised by her rambling. Koharu was usually unflappable. "What have they done?"

"They challenged the Swordsmen to a drinking contest," Koharu hissed.

Sakura blinked before her mouth firmed. "They did not."

Koharu just nodded, misery etched into her features.

Sakura sighed, resisting the urge to pinch the bridge of her nose. "Lead the way."

Koharu scurried in front of her, leading her to a side room. Sakura was thankful that they at least hadn't stayed in the main hall.

The boys were a sorry sight.

Kagami, Yamiyo and Homura were out cold, snoring softly. Hiruzen was draped over a low couch, blinking blearily at them. Torifu was seated across from Fuguki, who Sakura thought was responsible for this idea. Torifu swayed in his seat, eyes fixed on Danzō. And Danzō…

Well, Danzō apparently was a happy drunk as he sang an off-key rendition of a rather bawdy folk song.

"What's all this?" Sakura asked, voice smooth as silk. "Fuguki-san why have you gotten my students inebriated?"

He looked up at her and had the good grace to look slightly terrified. Sakura bared her teeth, knowing he'd been present at her spar with Hōzuki.

Good.

"T-they challenged Yamiyo to a drinking contest!" Fuguki said.

"And who put the idea into the head of a handful of 10 year olds that this is the way to solve their problems?" Sakura asked, nudging Torifu over so that she sat facing Fuguki.

Fuguki blushed, looking away. "It's a legitimate and honorable way to solve disagreements here," he blustered.

"Who were Yamiyo-chan's supports?" Sakura asked, moving into a comfortable lounging position.

"Myself and the rest of the Swordsmen," Fuguki said, gesturing to the three people at his back. In this time, there were only four Swordsmen.

"I will add myself to my team's support if you do not mind," Sakura said, smiling sweetly. "You don't mind, do you?"

"N-no," Fuguki said. "But aren't you supposed to be in a meeting?"

"Don't you worry about that," Sakura replied. "I am here now. Let's begin." Sakura turned her gaze to Koharu. "Koharu-chan, please let Tobirama know where I am. The meeting is about to let out." Koharu bowed and ducked out of the room. Sakura turned her attention back to Fuguki, accepting a tall glass from Jinin. She inhaled the sharp scent of awamori and allowed a smile to curl across her lips as the cat who got the cream. "Where were we?"

"Not quite the emergency I was expecting," came a dry statement.

Sakura glanced up at Tobirama, taking in the entourage of Kiri nin, council, and even the Kage behind him. She smiled thinly before redirecting her attention to Jinin. Fuguki was on the floor, listless and incoherent. Jinin would soon follow.

She barely noticed as Tobirama and multiple curious onlookers took seats around the room, though Sakura was appreciative of the fact that Tobirama chose to sit with their sleeping students. There were some quiet conversations, but most watched them raptly in silence. Alcohol was, in many ways, a sacred thing among the people of Kiri, so close to the life-giving source of water, yet so different. It induced a happy, fuzzy feeling, but it was a double-edged sword in its deadly potency.

Sakura let her thoughts clear as she fell back into her meditative state, drinking the swill from the glass. They'd run out of the awamori and moved onto the more potent, dangerous homebrew. Its scent seared her nostrils and, for a moment, Sakura wondered how Tsunade-shishou would like it.

She burned that thought away alongside the alcohol in her system as she turned her gaze inward. Sakura was fully sober, churning her chakra through her body to burn away the alcohol into nothingness. It was hard for anyone to catch what she was doing, even those who could sense chakra because it was such internal work. However, if anyone touched her skin right now they would find her running 10 or so degrees hotter than usual as the remains of the alcohol were released through her skin.

Sakura kept up a steady pace as Jinin tapped the table, eyes distant and cool as a blond woman took his seat. Soon enough, she would be finished.

Sakura honestly hated using this trick so extensively. It always left her feeling empty and bereft, as if she cut away all her cells and replaced them with something new. She didn't want to be something new. She didn't want to forget…

Sakura blinked as the woman fell away. One more left.

She needed to remain in control of herself. Now was not the time to get sentimental. She was…content with her new life. Happy certainly with her team. Sakura knew better than to dwell on the past. It opened too many old wounds, the burdens she shouldered alone. They were hers to carry, to pull out in the dark of night and revel in her brokenness, her scars.

She didn't want to heal.

The nin in front of her crumbled, head hitting the table as she snored, loud and deep.

"You've certainly shown prowess in multiple areas," Byakuren said, a new depth of respect in his eyes.

Sakura didn't understand the Kiri fascination with all things liquid but she doubted they understood the Konoha love of tree hopping. To each their own.

Sakura stood, feeling far beyond her years for a moment as she turned to look at the crowd they'd amassed. She was too old to feel embarrassment, but her hackles raised to be so scrutinized when she felt this vulnerable. She shook it off, shedding her resentment as she went over and lifted each of her students into her arms.

"We will take our leave of you, Mizukage-sama," Sakura said, tilting her head in respect. "My students need to be tucked in."

"Of course," he laughed, waving her away. She ignored his and Gengetsu's scrutiny.

Tobirama stood at her arm, Homura and Hiruzen slung over his shoulders. Koharu stood at his side, staring up at her, mouth agape.

"Can you teach me that?" she asked.

Sakura's heart clenched, seeing a younger version of herself for a moment, transposed over Koharu. So the cycle continues, she thought, not quite bitter, more resigned. "Of course, Koharu-chan," she said, smile soft. "A lady should always know the proper way to drink."

Kagami woke with a whimper, head pounding. It felt like the Uchiha blacksmith had taken his hammer to Kagami's head.

Multiple times.

His mouth was dry and he was having a difficult time figuring out which way was up and which way was down. From the color of his sheets, a deep blue, Kagami knew he was back in the ambassador quarters.

"Not so loud," Danzō hissed as Kagami shifted out of bed, suddenly needing to pee.

Kagami ignored Danzō, melodramatic as always, and groaned as the room spun.

"Good to see that you're all up!" Sakura-sensei chirped, far too cheerful at this forsaken hour. She flung the curtain open and Kagami cringed, eyes watering.

"I don't feel so good," Danzō said, face green as he raced into the bathroom.

Kagami looked on longingly as the door swung shut before shifting his gaze. "Sakura-sensei," he croaked. "What happened?"

Sakura-sensei pressed a cup of water into his hand curtly. "You lot challenged Yamiyo the Swordsmen of the Mist to a drinking competition." She glanced askance at Torifu who sitting up in bed, hair tousled beneath his hat. "How are you holding up?"

Torifu yawned widely, before hopping to his feet with a grace Kagami couldn't muster if he tried. "I feel fine. Sleepy I guess."

"It's that Akimichi constitution I suppose," Sakura-sensei sighed. "I was hoping to punish the whole lot of you with this hangover for your recklessness but I suppose that won't work."

"I'm sorry Sakura-sensei," Kagami said, heart dropping at the disappointment on her face. "I…we got ourselves into a lot of trouble there, didn't we?"

"You were very lucky," she warned as Danzō reemerged, still looking green. "There was great potential for that to end quite poorly." All of them looked down, shamed. "I do realize that it was an adult who egged you into it, but you must be more careful about who you trust! If they had ill intentions or if Koharu hadn't kept her wits and summoned me, things could have ended quite differently. Besides you shouldn't be drinking that much at your age. It'll inhibit your growth and intellectual abilities." She smirked wanly at the way Danzō blanched. "Indeed. You're welcome to a few drinks, but don't overdo it again. Please don't worry your teacher this way."

"We're sorry, Sakura-sensei," they chimed in chorus, reading the genuine distress in her face.

"I know you are," Sakura-sensei said, uncrossing her arms. "As it is, your thoughtless stunt has served a good purpose."

"Really?" Kagami asked, surprised. "How?"

"Kirigakure values two things: prowess in a battle and prowess with a drink. I've managed to show them both." Sakura-sensei smirked but it didn't seem all that happy. In fact, Kagami was pretty sure she was sad. "Kiri has agreed to become an ally of Konoha. We will march to the same war drums."

"That's good, isn't it?" Torifu asked, cautious in the face of her melancholy. Torifu was always the best at reading Sakura-sensei and it made Kagami jealous sometimes.

"Yes," she said. "We'll be leaving tomorrow, returning to Konoha for a short period to gather supplies and troops. We will present a united front to Kumo within the month." She softened, gesturing to Kagami and Danzō. "C'mon, I'll heal you both. I won't ask for a promise to not be reckless, though I request to be informed in the future."

"Of course!" they exclaimed.

"Good," she said, brushing the hair out their faces and beginning the healing process. "Now make yourselves presentable, we've much work left to do."