I do not own any of these characters, I just warped them to my liking. As always they are oc, but that's what makes it fun.

Chapter 1

It wasn't easy. It was never easy. The word made a burning feeling in her mind, as if swallowing poison. The toxic liquid entering her system, flowing through here veins, her organs, her mind. The burning, agonisingly painful taste in your mind, until you passed out from it, this was the only reaction she got when she allowed her thoughts to take a hold of her, her reassurance brought this on her. Easy was never a word she used. Her smiles, her training, her relationship with them all. It was the hardest thing she had to do, because she knew in the end, because it would end, it would be the hardest thing she would ever have to walk away from. Hard, now that was the only way to describe it, but even that didn't do it justice. It was excruciating, heart breaking, devastating. It came to times when she didn't believe she would be able to walk away, she wasn't strong enough. She knew her place, however. She understood her duty to herself, her parents and the people. But. They were her family, her friends, the people she grew up with. There was never room for 'buts' though. The decision was made for her before she was even born and in reality she wouldn't have changed it. She was given the best thing that could have been given to her, a family she would never forget with the memories they had created together. Sakura sighed softly, shaking her head as she went over her thoughts, allowing her 16 year old mind to accumulate her plan, she had work to do.

She bowed before her sensei, "I knew this day was coming Sensei, I'm sure you were made aware of the situation when you took the position as Hokage".

Tsunade stared at the young girl intently, her hazel eyes never wavering, her brow pulled down into a half frown as she rested her chin on her clasped hands. Her thoughts were never revealed on her pale face, always keeping herself composed in such events where she had to think before she spoke, this was important after all, not only to the village, but to her, mainly to her. "Sakura", the words were utter from her lips, sounding stronger than she felt, "I understand the situation, disregarding how unhappy I am about it". She closed her eyes, her brow pulling down further in her concentration, she had never come across such a difficult situation. "There is nothing I can do to stop this and I know you wouldn't allow me to, even if I could. This was your future that was planned before your birth, a ritual that was been passed down to all the females in your family", her hands tightened their grip as she clenched her teeth in frustration, "How long until you leave?".

"Tomorrow", she smiled at her teacher, understanding just how hard this was for her. She had to be strong, she would not back down from her future. She ran a hand through her short pink locks, everything was about to change.

"I thought we would have had more time", she spoke her selfish wish out loud, tears brimming her eyes as she stared at her pupil, despair written deep into her hazel depths.

Sakura walked towards her, steady steps in an attempt to calm her frantic heart beat. She reached for her sensei and hugged her. She felt the tears burn her shirt as the older blonde sobbed into her chest. Her hand smoothed her hair, calming her. "Time was never an option. Time is never within our grasp to control after all", she whispered softly, her eyes soft at the sight of the sobbing woman, her back convulsing in uncontrollable sobs, "But, time has granted something we will never forget, memories to allow us to go on, love to allow us to share. These are the things I will never allow to fade from my mind, my memories and my love for you and the others".

The sobs vibrated in the room, the sound breaking the silence. The Hokage's room had never looked or felt so sad, the moon beaming light into the room, barely illuminating the two women cradling each other, the sounds of crying and heavy breathing were the only sound to be heard. The sound so heart breaking to anyone that could here it, a sound of agony and desperation rolled into one.

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The morning was bright and beautiful, a typical summer day for the Fire Nation, Kakashi mused over this thought and thanked the Gods for such weather. He was returning from a month long mission, with only part of his team. He stretched his arms, joining his hands together, allowing his back to crack in several places, blissful was the word that came to mind, but he would need his missing team mates' healing hands to get rid of the kinks that still persisted. He glanced at the two boys by his side, watching them bicker, but not fully paying attention. It was such a hard thing to deal with, both of them by himself, he missed Sakura and her interventions that always stopped their constant fighting, how their team would function without her was beyond him. A chuckle rumbled in his throat as his own visible crinkled, they were almost home, a feeling of hope and relief coursed through his being, like it did every time he returned home. As a ninja you never knew when you wouldn't return, every mission was a risk, but that was what they were born for.

The boys looked at him, his sudden change in personality interrupting their argument. "Ne Kaka-Sensei, why are you so happy?", the blonde demanded, his voice always louder than everything else, questioning his happy look.

His hand ran through his wild silver looks, a habit he never seemed to notice, "I can see the gate", his voice was smooth a low, his happiness clearly heard in ever word he spoke.

For he was right enough, coming into view to them was the giant red gate that announced they were home, the grins this caused the boys was instant and they quicken their pace. Kakashi chuckled again as his stroll soon became and run to catch up with the idiots. The forest scenery flying past him in a blur of green. His smile grew wider beneath his mask the closer they got, something pink had caught his eye, she was there waiting on them, making his heart melt. Their little blossom, she was always there for them, holding them together, pushing them forward. Always considerate, caring, loving, she was everything to them.

"Sakura-Chan!" The shout resonated in the forest area before the village, birds clambering from trees, hastily flapping their wings to allow them escape from the loud mouth blonde. The blonde wrapped his arms around her a soon as she was in reach, whirling her around in a circle. "We missed you".

Her laugh was music to their ears, "Naru-Chan! Put me down", her arms wrapped around his neck in fear of hitting one of the other boys, "Naruto!". Her scolding made him go faster for a spilt second before he dropped her, pouting as he did so. "Oi, now don't act like that, I want to see all my boys, you can't hog me you know", her light giggle made the blonde grin, admitting his defeat to her. "Now, since you have had your hug, Sasu-kun?" stepping towards him she smiled warmly, outstretching her arms.

"Sakura", He smirked, acknowledging her and accepting her embrace. He squeezed her small frame, their hair clashing black on pink, as he seemed to devour her with his body alone.

Kakashi watched them, shaking his head, "Best for last Sakura-Chan", clearing his throat and Sasuke shot him a glare before letting her go.

"Always", She grinned as she jumped into her arms, "Ne, Kashi-Chan, did you miss me" her purr came from the crook of his next as she tightened her grip of him.

"Always", he mimicked her early words as she sat her down, "What do we owe this wonderful surprise?", he watched her intently, how was she to know when they would return today, unless she had waited all day for them, his heart clenched at the thought.

"I wanted to treat the three of you to a late lunch" She beamed, her hands held behind her back as she began to walk, allowing them time to follow suit.

"Really?! Sakura-Chan you are the best!", the squeal came from somewhere in Naruto's throat, his eyes roaming her form as a dog would its master after being given a bone.

Kakashi allowed her eyes to roll, the boy sometimes forgot to see past his own stomach, he noticed Sasuke do the same motion, at least one of them shared his thoughts from time to time. "What's the occasion, hm?" he asked watching her as she turned to face them, walking backwards rather gracefully.

"I'm offended Kakashi!", she mocked, her hand place on her heart as the other one was outstretched, "Do I need a reason to treat my favourite boys once and a while?", she giggled, forcefully he noticed.

"Maybe", he mused, his eyes never moving from her own, "It is rare for you", his smirk concealed as she pouted.

"Kashi!", she whined, "I haven't seen you guys in like a month! I-I missed you all". Something flashed in her eyes, an emotion he could not pick up on, they suddenly seemed darker. Was he the only one that saw that, her shinning emerald eyes grow dull? She wasn't acting like herself at all. He wondered if something had happened while they had been gone, one of her own missions possibly ending badly or a friend being hurt on a mission. He felt a chill creep into his heart as his thoughts ran wild. Was he over reacting, it was a huge possibility that she had just missed them.

"Stop being so suspicious Kakashi", Sasuke smirked, "A free meal wont kill you".

His thoughts were interrupted by Sasuke and soon Naruto followed suit, ganging up on him on how he couldn't appreciate a good thing when he saw it. Kakashi tuned them out as he brought out his book and continued where he left off, allowing them to walk in a comfortable silence towards their favourite ramen stall.

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The ramen stall was very quaint, only able to serve a few people at a time due to the limited number of stools. It gave of a personal feel, with its sheltered seating area and few number of seats and the food was always fantastic. The owner often treated the four nin to a free bowl every now and then because of their regularity. 'The best for the best' he would always tell them. Him and his daughter were always upbeat and over all pleasant, making their service second to none. They served the four nin swiftly, receiving 'thank you' from each of them and allowed them their own privacy.

"How was the mission?", she breathed, her voice almost sounding sing-song, "I see no injuries so I take that as a good sign?" her chopsticks already attacking her food.

Sasuke smiled triumphantly, "It could have gone worse, thankfully Naruto managed to not get himself killed", he watched said boy, demolish his food, oblivious to what they were saying, "It went smoothly. The scroll was obtained and our enemies were put to rest, easy money. Well it will be once we pick up our pay". He blew his noodles slightly allowing them to cool before tasting them.

"Speaking of which", Kakashi pitched in, "You are keeping us from our meeting and pay from Tsunade", his eye looked up at her in a lazy manor. "Shame on you Sakura", he tutted, shaking his head slightly, his smirk hidden by black cloth.

Tilting her head and pouting, "Don't be like that Kashi!", she smiled sadly, "Is it wrong for me to want to see you all?"

He couldn't figure out her behaviour. Her eyes still held shadows in them and her smiles became sadder than the last. Something was wrong, he knew that much, he was surprised the two idiots he was sitting between hadn't noticed. In their excitement, however, it would be a shock if they noticed something was wrong, they were too overly happy at seeing her. It was as if something was looming over the four of them, waiting to change them forever. Had they not been through enough and had enough changed? They had finally been able to get Sasuke home, allowing him to live a normal life with them, his friends, by his side. He didn't like this shadow over his heart. It felt like something had been decided without his approval. He shook the thoughts from his head for now, allowing them to finish their meals, if she wasn't going to tell him anything tonight, he would wait until tomorrow and speak to her one on one.

"Is everything ok Sakura?", his voice was low and quiet. It almost betrayed his worry, but he would not allow years of training to fail him in hiding his emotions now.

Her face was one of shock when he spoke, a thousand emotions flashing in her green eyes, unsure of what one to show, it was enough for him to confirm his suspicions, before her eyes became devoid of any emotion. "Everything is as it should be", she smiled at him. She got up after leaving money at the counter for their food and gave him and a hug and a kiss on the cheek. It seemed to last for hours, instead of the few minutes it took and she repeated the process with Naruto and Sasuke. "I love you guys", she grinned at them.

"Well love you too Sakura-Chan", Naruto beamed at her, clearly satisfied with not only the free meal, but with her words, "But we need to see Tsunade Baa-Chan before the night is over, but we can do something tomorrow together".

Sasuke stretched, "I didn't realise how late it was, I doubt Hokage-sama will be please", his trademark smirk plaster to his face, "Later Sakura".

Kakashi watched as the two teens began to walk, waving as they went. Something was beginning to stir within him, he turned to her, watching her sad features, he would have to speak to her tomorrow, something wasn't right. He walked towards her and embraced her a final time, "I love you too, I'll see you tomorrow", he kissed her forehead and walked away. Her whisper didn't pass his ears, her simple 'goodbye' etched itself into his heart.

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She watched them enter, one by one, the two younger boys smiling as they chatted away, their teacher emotionless. She closed her eyes, not wanting to look at them. She understood before they had even returned that they would be late and it was left to her to tell them the news that would break their stupid little hearts. Hadn't one of them noticed that something was wrong? Sakura's acting skills had never been that great so how was it they seem unaffected. She breathed deeply and ran both her hands through her hair, she heard one of her assistants announce their presence and she looked at them.

"We completed the mission with flying colours!", Naruto grinned at her, giving her a 'thumbs up' expression. "We have the scroll so can we get paid now please".

His childish behaviour angered her further, she was going to have to destroy that peaceful expression on his face. "You men are to give me your full report, every detail is expected. You will write your report at this moment in time in this office", her voice was stern as she judged their expressions.

"Hokage-sama", Kakashi stepped forward slightly, "Wouldn't you allow us the usual one night to write our reports and we can delivery them for you tomorrow?". The boys looked at him as he spoke, there was something different about his tone, Tsunade could sense a change in him. One of them had noticed something at least.

"No", her statement was finally as she glared at them, "There are desks to your right, set up in advance, I want your mission reports completed now". She watched their faces, expecting some sort of argument from them. Kakashi bowed and moved towards the desks, the boys following suit, it was obvious that the tone of her voice meant not to disagree with her. It was good that they didn't, she had to time this correctly, if she did things too early the boys might do something stupid.

The only sound to be heard as the three nin wrote their reports was the sound of their pens scribbling quickly and the ticking of the clock above the door of the office. She could feel their discomfort from her seat as she watched them write. She knew the reports wouldn't take too long and that was the part she was dreading. Kakashi stood up first, wrapping his scroll and placing it on the desk Tsunade sat behind, along with the scroll they retrieved from their mission. He stood, once again, in the centre of the room and waited for his two team mates to follow his actions. It didn't take Sasuke much longer and Naruto followed closely behind. The three of them stood, side to side, in front of her.

She rubbed her eyes in frustration, "I don't know how I'm supposed to tell you this", her mumbles were barely heard by the trio watching her intently.

"If I'm not mistake Hokage-sama", Kakashi began clearing his throat, "Something has happened in our absence". The boys look at him, confusion written clear across their faces, their brows pulled into frowns.

"What's going on?" Sasuke spoke up, looking between Kakashi and herself.

She shook her head, "What I'm about to tell you", she paused, breathing slowly, trying to keep herself composed. This was harder than she expected, she began to doubt herself, if she was going to be able to tell them, she looked above their heads at the clock that seemed to have slowed. Half an hour, was that enough time? An extra fifteen minutes as she explained to them the situation, three quarters of an hour, that seemed to be enough time, she hoped at any rate.

"Baa-Chan", the sound moaned from Naruto's throat, urging her to tell them, he never had patience for these kind of things.

"Silence!", She shouted, her anger was something she wasn't able to control at this point in time, "You will refer to me as Hokage-sama while you are in this room Naruto Uzumaki!". They were silenced the instant she shouted at them, "You have no idea how hard this is for me to tell the three of you, the least you could do is show some respect you insolent little boy!", her breathing was heavy as she slammed her hands into her desk as she stood, the desk shattering instantly.

The three stared at her, shock clear across their faces as her frantic breathing made her look so much older than she was, her chest heaved and her face was crinkled in anger and frustration. It was enough to keep Naruto silent.

In an attempt to compose herself she walked to the window, turning her back on them, and watching the birds fly in the darkened sky. "You are under no circumstances allowed to leave the village once I explain to you what has happened. If any of you choose to break this condition you will be arrested by anbu that are currently on standby", her voice was steady, showing she had calmed down. She felt horrible standing there, she felt like that bad guy who had just killed the hero's hopes and dreams. She shook her head and continued, "What I'm about to tell you is going to be the hardest thing I have ever had to tell you all. I want you to forgive me for being the one to give you this news. However, as Hokage it is my place to tell you and as ninja who follow under me it is your place to listen until I am finished". She turned to face them, sorrow written across her face, a shaky breath allowed her to finish what she had to say, "Sakura Haruno is gone. She is no longer part of the Village hidden in the leaves".

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Looking at the sun rising in the east she stretched, popping her back into place, it was time to start moving again. She glanced over her small camp site. It was like being on a solo mission she thought, allowing her mind to wander to the life she was leaving behind. How she would miss it, her life, her work, her friends, her boys. Never again would she be able to wait for them to visit her after their missions, allowing her to heal them. She giggled at the thought, she was their own personal nurse, they never trusted anyone but her. She missed them terribly and it had only been a day since she left, but they had been gone a month and she was left with little time to say goodbye. Even the goodbye she gave them was pathetic. She couldn't understand why she couldn't tell them, she trusted them with every other secret that she kept close to her heart. The laws of her land were harsh and cruel, but they were that way to protect her and her people. As much as she missed them, she as equally excited, she was finally going home. She would finally be able to hug her mother, memorise her features, the colour of her eyes and hair, each dimple and wrinkle on her face. Was she beautiful, Sakura imagined she was, the most beautiful woman who lived, with long flowing pink hair and eyes of the greenest green. It was only a matter of time before she found out.

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And there you have it! My months and months of hiatus have brought this about and the good thing is I have a few chapters written so I have no reason not to post. I would like to know if anyone has a prefered pairing, unsuse how I'm going to go with it =)

KunochiGeek