ZIL: So another plot bunny attacked me while I was bored at work with no calls coming in. I work in a call center for those who haven't guessed. You will notice that I have only completed a single chapter I am trying a different format for this story. Please Read and Review!

Chapter 1: 4th Shinobi War's End, Is this even possible?

From the medic tents where Sakura took several of those freed from the Eternal Tsukuyomi technique looked to the distance where an explosion of two very familiar chakras blended. Sakura turned to focus on her patients and once all were settled with the medic teams in the healing tents she turned to Tsunade.

The Sannin knew that Sakura would not be kept from the frontlines where Naruto and Sasuke had chosen to clash for the title of Hokage. Sakura was full of nothing but the deepest emotions for her team. Her love unending and spread between all 5 of them but, none deeper than the boys she fought for all these years as she apprenticed under Tsunade herself. Years devoted to being strong to not be left behind by her team and it all came down to this moment.

"Go Sakura…and stop those idiots from killing each other. The village is going to need them," Tsunade ordered clearly as Hokage shoving her need to protect her apprentice aside.

Sakura nodded a determined glint in her eyes, "I'll stop them…no matter what it takes!" Sakura then bolted from the tent never realizing the boulder of dread in her Sensei's sinking gut.

Tsunade smiled in a disparaging way, "I know you will…you'd do anything to save them Sakura but, question is." She paused wincing before she barely whispered aloud only for Shizune and the other Kage revived through Edo Tensei and not to hear, "Who will save you when you've pushed yourself too far? When will Naruto, Sasuke, and Kakashi realized all you've given for their sake and finally give you something in return?" She sighed, "Or will they not see it until it's too late?"

Tsunade not acknowledging the concerned glances from those around her including her Grandfather and Granduncle who shared a glance before Hashirama followed Tsunade and Tobirama grabbed Minato and teleported away.

Sakura came to stand beside Kakashi watching with annoyance as her boys went to fight again. Kakashi exhausted sitting on the ground Sakura knew he wouldn't be able to stop them in his current condition. She focused again on the clashing unhappy to see even more blood flying.

'Haven't enough people suffered and died because of this war? Must you both spit on all that sacrifice by still fighting each other!' Sakura thought furiously to herself before looking around and seeing no one else that could be of any assistance all transfixed but not interfering with the battle. 'I guess it's up to me…sorry Kakashi-sensei, you're going to have to take care of the boys and the village without me.'

A quick pulse of chakra at a unique neck point was enough to render Kakashi paralyzed. Sakura met his gaze and whispered, "Take care of these numbskulls for me…and I was lucky to have you guys for teammates. This world is yours now; make sure you all protect it for me." Sakura gave a smile with her eyes sparkling; it was the first genuine smile she delivered to her old sensei in years.

Kakashi helpless and notably silent tried to resist the chakra paralyzing him, 'Sakura! Not like this…not again!' Unable to do anything but watch as no one interfered and his female student moved between both her teammates to stop their battle. He prayed as he saw her Strength of Hundred seal activate that she would survive the blast.

Sakura felt the last vestige of her power flow from her seal as her feet pounded on the ground. She passed many of the still trapped souls in the Edo Tensei as she sped past them. Her eyes focused completely on her teammates she threw herself in between them and smiled at Sasuke as his Chidori crashed through her stomach. Sakura also continued to smile even as she felt Naruto's Rasengan rip through her chest.

The spectators could only stare in horror at the move they just witnessed and not a sound was heard until Naruto and Sasuke called out in horror having been unable to stop themselves, "SAKURA!"

Naruto caught her body as she fell back her chest attempting to heal but having almost no chakra left she wouldn't heal. Naruto went to add his own chakra before Kurama's and Goku's voices rang out through his skull, 'don't even try it boy…our chakra is poison to humans like her or have you forgotten.' Saiken's kinder tone added, 'Instead of making her suffer more maybe you both should hear her last wishes.'

Sakura reached both hands up to caress her boys' faces gently with a soft smile. Naruto's blue eyes filled with tears and Sasuke's eyes transfixed on her face freezing it in that moment in time. Sakura whispered gently, "I'm so proud of you boys…I have a job for you both. All this time I protected Konoha and worked with Tsunade to bring peace and healing among all the villages," she took a deep pained breath. "Now Naruto, your job is to work hard, study and become the amazing Hokage I know you can be…start that family with Hinata-chan you've kept her waiting long enough. You have to keep the peace."

Sakura grabbed Sasuke's hand and he silently tightened his grip refusing to believe she was dying in their arms, "You, Sasuke, you need to protect Naruto and help him be the best Hokage he can be…you both left in order to grow stronger and now it's up to the rest of Team 7 and Team Kakashi to protect the village and safeguard the Will of Fire for the future."

Sasuke wanted to scream or cry in agony at the fading color falling from her face Sakura left a final statement for them, "I love you guys…please take care of everyone for me. Don't forget to make sure Kakashi, Sai, and Yamato socialize and stay happy away from the shadow ranks. That Ino and the girls are happy," with those last words Sakura faded in their embrace. Naruto hunched over sobbing with his only female teammates body in his arms. No words could describe the pain he was feeling right now as he thought of all the years that had gone by and everything they all went through. "Team 7 was meant to come out on top Sakura-chan…it wasn't meant to end like this. I was gonna bring Sasuke home so we could all be a family again."

It was a brief moment before Tobirama appeared with Minato next to Kakashi who was silent with tears streaming down his face. Still unable to move his lone Sharingan followed every word his only female student spoke and his body trembled, 'You only ever thought of others Sakura-chan…who was the one to take care of you,' The paralysis wore off and he sobbed quietly with Gai and Zabuza standing behind him with Haku only able to barely hear his, "Why did you leave like this Sakura-chan? Why didn't you ever think of yourself!"

Gai could only tighten his hand on his friend's shoulder and say seriously, "Sakura-san was never one to think of herself. Her entire life was dedicated to her village and her team. You know that drive as well as I…she knew you weren't in any condition to stop them Kakashi. All we can do is continue upholding the Will of Fire in her honor."

Kakashi simply sunk into himself before his conscious screamed at him, 'You saw what she said…she wants you to live and be happy don't you even think about running off to the shadow ranks again!' Kakashi wearily stood and moved to his young students sitting with them grasping his sole female student's hand his tears dripping as he felt her hand begin to cool. He felt Sai and Yamato approach and gently cradled Sakura's form in his arms before standing on trembling legs.

The members of Team 7 and Team Kakashi moved from the battlefield quietly as many watched them leave. None dared say a word to the teams but a team surrounded by revived Akatsuki members shed tears as the blonde female collapsed in her team's embrace sobbing loudly. Shikamaru and Chouji kept Ino pressed between them gently as she cried both knowing of their lifelong friendship even with the rivalry they shared more for fun than real competition.

Team 8 and the remains of Team Gai also watched sadly but simply stood resolute watching their comrade being carried off the field. Kiba looked down at Akamaru who whimpered and kneeled beside him to pet him, "I know boy…I'm gonna miss her too. She was a good friend to us all."

The Akatsuki looked at the sighing puppeteer as he said, "I never imagined I would be around to see the death of the one who was strong enough to kill me…I feel cheated somehow," Sasori watched the hunched backs of her team before smirking, "You always did fight for their sakes though didn't you…I guess you died as you lived, for your friends."

The deceased Hokage watched the same teams depart and Tobirama sighed, "So Tsunade was right after all…the girl came here to stop them. She chose to die so they would live and leave their battles behind." Minato nodded unable to find the words to say in the silence. Nothing he could come up with seemed to fit. 'I'm sorry you lost such a good friend Naruto.'

One by one those brought to fight by the Edo Tensei began to disappear, their souls returning to the realms of the dead. The many people from the Allied Shinobi Nations helped to bring in the injured and retrieve the dead that could be identified and returned to their families. Many scrolls filled with the dead, people's hearts knew victory but were heavy with loss. Only moments after the last of the injured were healed in the battlefield tents did the Kage and their chosen attendees gather in the leadership tent.

Gaara stood with Baki and his siblings, Mei with Ao and Chojuro, Ai with his brother Bee and Darui, Oonoki with Kurotsuchi , Tsunade stood with Shikamaru, Kakashi, and Naruto behind her. Gaara passed on his condolences, "Your people have suffered a great loss…you have my deepest sympathies Tsunade, Sakura was a dear friend to those of Suna."

"Thank you Gaara now I've come to announce my intent to name my successor," Tsunade stated honestly focused on the job so she could collapse later in private to mourn her apprentice. The other Kage listened attentively, "My intended successor should all go as planned is Naruto Uzumaki. Should things be delayed I will name Kakashi in his stead and when he is ready Naruto will take his place."

Naruto and Kakashi gaped at Tsunade both struck with the sudden announcement as the other Kage agreed with the proposed future leaders of the village. Tsunade turned to face her two possible appointees, "You both will be reporting to my office and learning how the affairs in the office go. Depending, on the speed of the recovery of the village and your personal learning curves will help decide who will be ready to take over when I step down." Kakashi and Naruto nodded with wide eyes in understanding.

Mei also moved forward, "I also intend to appoint Chojuro as my successor when the time comes for me to step down several years from now." Both her advisors were surprised by the sudden announcements. Chojuro had his mouth wide open unable to speak until Ao lightly hit him upside the head.

Oonoki also added, "Kurotsuchi will be taking my place…I'm getting to old for all of this mess." Kurotsuchi nodded and looked a bit nervous but also excited. She had many hopeful ideas to lead her people to a better future and avoid another shinobi war.

Ai also stepped forward, "When the recovery is well under way my successor will be Darui." Darui looked almost like he wanted to whine but remained silent and nodded accepting his fate. Gaara grinned and said, "I have no successor as of yet but, in time I'm sure someone will come along ready to take the responsibility."

Soon enough each of the Kage retrieved their deceased with their medic teams all splitting up from the battle operation camps to return and begin rebuilding their villages. Each Kage sent a small contingent of ninja from their village following Mifune and his samurai to Iron Country to help. Due to the damage after the Summit held there to start repairs it was the least they could do.

As the first two years went by Tsunade began by stepping down and having Kakashi claim the chair first Naruto was determined to prove he earned the seat properly through the people's faith in him and not just by being named successor. Many of the Clan Heads were impressed with the maturity the young man showed and none pitied the price paid to gain it. The loss of a teammate like Sakura was bound to be a painful blow but, Naruto did as Sakura asked. Sasuke with permission left on a mission of redemption for the mistakes he made. With time he would return to the village and begin the Uchiha clan anew.

Ten years after Kakashi took the seat he stepped down placing the hat on an older and wiser Naruto's head. Sasuke standing behind him in Anbu garb as his bodyguard both teammates took to heart their friend's final words. They spared but neither allowed themselves to call the Chidori or Rasengan on anyone but an enemy again. Kakashi and Shikamaru were Naruto's advisors, Sai and Yamato became his bodyguards alongside Sasuke. Naruto married Hinata and was happily in love with two children. Sasuke had yet to marry but was courting a girl from one of the clans no one had met her yet.

Sai had married Ino, much to Ino's delight and they began their own family. Chouji reconnected with Karui when she came to visit Leaf as an Ambassador and chose to stay as his wife. Shikamaru's choice of bride had been made years ago as far as his peers were concerned. Temari became the lifelong ambassador between Suna and Konoha and began building their lives as well. Kiba and Shino seemed to still be doing well regularly training together and spending time with the pregnant Hinata.

What none of them knew was that the world as they knew may be forever changed…in truth they never would. The death toll so high and the cost so dear Hagoromo sought to set the world right again. He gathered with the deceased and sought out opinions on who they believed could change the world. Who could convince them all to join onto a better path and send things in a more pleasant direction? Their votes were counted and the choice became obvious to all but, the soul who had been chosen. Hagoromo however did add a stipulation; the person must agree to be sent back to their beginning.

Sakura was resting in the afterlife when her sanctuary was invaded politely by Madara, Tobirama, Hashirama, Hiruzen, Minato, Itachi, Kisame, Nagato, Konan, Zabuza, Haku, Rin, and Obito. Sakura looked at the large group almost caught off guard before relaxing at Hashirama's grin and smiled in welcome, "Hello everyone, what did I do for such a large crowd to show up out of the blue today?"

Itachi and Minato seemed to hold the greatest reservations about sending her to live again. Haku wasn't sure what to think over all such a decision was large and likely unwelcome after how she died. Zabuza came along curious to see the methods they would use to convince her. The others simply knew that they had to try for the sake of all the people who suffered due to their mistakes. Not everything could be fixed but, just enough that many of the lives lost can have a chance at being saved.

Hiruzen began a return greeting, "In truth we have been presented quite an opportunity and were asked to pick a candidate for it and wanted your opinion." Sakura looked curious but gestured for everyone to join her, "I'll give what advice I can but, I don't promise to be very good at it." Sakura's response was open but honest and decidedly neutral. Konan quietly admired the younger girl for it knowing she may not like what she is about to hear from everyone.

Hashirama began, "So Hagoromo, he didn't like how the war happened. He has the ability to send a single person back to their own beginning their birth or childhood in other words." Sakura nodded and stated, "Basically he wants one of us to volunteer to go back in time and start fresh making changes to history…anyone smell the dangers of a paradox here?"

Kisame snickered and Zabuza smirked both appreciating the suspicious jab she made at the plan. Sakura looked thoughtful, "Well you can't go too far back, making changes in the time of the Founders like Hashirama, Madara, and Tobirama would change things possibly too drastic." She tapped her foot working through her thoughts, "Rin, Minato, or Obito could work," she paused in thought weighing the pros and cons, "but, what events could they change to make things turn out better… there is preventing Rin's death which could avoid Obito going off the deep end," Obito groaned as Rin giggled while Minato smiled.

Sakura tapped her chin, "Then Madara would just target someone else though and we'd be sending someone in blind to a whole new adversary." Sakura looked almost dully at Hiruzen as he waited with a grandfatherly smile, "You intend for it to be me don't you?" Sakura seemed almost in disbelief as she looked at the proud man.

Sakura glared, "Are you out of your ever living mind?" She was annoyed and pointed out all her flaws, "What makes you think a civilian born girl who didn't receive proper training until after both her teammates had left the village could do anything to make these changes possible?"

Hiruzen winced and sighed saying gently, "Sakura…I know I failed you as a Kage the first time around. I realized Kakashi wasn't training you and I did nothing. All I can suggest is this, wait a month after you become part of Team 7 and come to me requesting another teacher…if you do this alone. I'm certain I will make a change needed to help you on your journey."

Sakura turned to the other Kage, "What are your opinions or should I say arguments on this?" Minato held his hands up in defense and said, "I think you're the best option…you're loyal and fair. If anyone can grow enough to make a change it's you." Sakura hissed, "You don't think you could go back so Naruto could have a father?" Minato winced but remained silent as his argument had been weak.

Hashirama added his own opinion, "You gained the respect of many throughout your life…the other Kage shared their sympathies with Tsuna-chan after the battle ended! You could work hard and train before meeting Tsunade practicing everything she ever taught you and do it again." Sakura just asked blandly, "Who said Hagoromo would let us keep our memories when he sends us back?"

Tobirama nodded in agreement, "She has a point Hashirama, if she is without her memories how do we know the changes will be made if she is the one sent back?" Everyone took a moment to consider before Nagato slipped out unnoticed by anyone but Konan. Konan joined Sakura on the ground saying her piece, "While it's true that there are many things to consider…you are the best option for change. Many who died can be spared if you return, Zabuza-san, Haku, your people who fell to the Akatsuki and the war. Many others from the other villages could be saved too."

Sakura took a quick glance at Zabuza and Haku before she met Konan's sympathetic eyes, "If I agree to this," everyone looked hopeful, "I want to be given and item or letter by each of you that are alive in my time…something that will make your younger selves listen to me without threatening to kill me on sight for it. Sometimes rumor or reputation is not enough."

Hiruzen, Konan, Kisame, Zabuza, Haku, Obito, and even the returned Nagato stopped to consider her words with serious thought. She wasn't wrong her reputation would not be enough to get them to listen to her with ears wide open she needed something of value a shock factor if she wanted to have them truly listen to what she had to say.

Zabuza looked back at Kisame and both smirked taking a small necklace with pendent replicas of their weapons. They were made of a metal that no longer existed by the time she would meet them and it would be proof enough of her sincerity. Swordsmen of the Mist had their own codes to follow after all, regardless of their status as nin.

Nagato stepped up, "The person sent back would be allowed to keep their memories intact. He also mentioned that carrying small items should hold no difficulty. I did not know why he said such but, now it makes sense…"

Obito paused remembering his mindset and unsure of how to approach the younger version of him, "Using my real name is an option but, it's likely too dangerous to attempt to approach me. You would need to focus on the other's first. If Kisame, Nagato, and Konan insisted I speak with you…then you would likely be safest then. Itachi thrown in would be a bonus,"

Itachi nodded in agreement, "You have enough knowledge on me to be able to convince me to listen…anything you mention would already be known to Kisame aside from my illness. I will listen if pressed enough."

Hiruzen was still thinking deeply with Konan and Nagato trying to think of a way to convince themselves to listen even help her with her mission. Minato shrugged and handed her his unique kunai, "I can't give you anything for proof since I'm dead but, I can share my kunai and a scroll of my version of the Flying Thunder God technique. The only people alive who know it are Genma and my other guards."

Hashirama seemed to be considering if there was something he could provide to help while Tobirama smirked and moved to sit next to her. Tobirama quietly began writing on a scroll the full details of his technique that he created with Minato during the final battle. "This is the version we created on the battlefield, teach someone the Flying Thunder God technique and add this mark on them while they place one on you. You both can switch places at any point in time or in a battle."

Hashirama pouted not able to think of anything he could offer since he didn't share anything truly in common with her. He took a moment to think before leaving to speak with Hagoromo. Hiruzen in the meantime gave her his Kage seal necklace. The pendent on the necklace contained his true seal and would be slightly damaged from his battle with Orochimaru when he died. The seal itself was unblemished and wrote a letter to himself. "You will have to give this to me when we are alone minus my Anbu guards."

Haku created a frozen replica of his pet bunny with a cherry blossom and gave it to her, "This won't melt give it to me and I will understand." He carved a message in the ice bunny carefully his and Zabuza's code for 'Believe in Her'. Zabuza and Kisame handed over their pendants of Kubikiribocho and Samehada.

Konan took a moment before she pulled out a locket, "This item should make both Nagato and listen to you…if nothing else works. I never took this off even once in my life," Sakura gently cradled it as Konan showed her how to open it; "It's a picture of us with Yahiko and Jiraiya as children."

Nagato nodded his agreement but handed her something that only Yahiko would have known about. It was a pact between them, written in blood, a promise to forever protect Konan so long as it was in their power to do so. "This will be of similar value to me that the locket is to Konan…I've shown it to no one but you now."

Sakura took in the hope and respect being shown in their eyes and she stood taking a deep breath, "I suppose I should go speak with Hagoromo-san myself then." She slowly left her chosen sanctuary a place in Mist she had visited many times with her civilian parents as a child. She soon entered a temple like location where the Sage of Six Paths was speaking with Hashirama. Both men looked at her and she sighed, "I suppose I am to be the volunteer Hagoromo –san. I have small mementos and letters from the group in order to assist in my quest to stop the 4th Shinobi war from ever happening. So how are we going to do this?"

Hashirama looked at Hagoromo who nodded in agreement, "I don't have any jutsu element in common with you. I also have no items or neutral technique to help you…I asked Hagoromo if we could incorporate my chakra levels into your coils so that you can have my strength without losing your finite control that is critical to your skills."

Sakura looked shocked, "I…" Sakura looked between both men, "That you even offered." She bowed deeply, "I appreciate the offer but, is that really a good idea or even a safe one?"

Hagoromo chuckled, "It is possible and will cause no harm to either yourself or him. So long as you remember my advice you will be able to naturally access that level of chakra while keeping your control throughout your life." Sakura looked shocked, "Even though I'm civilian born?" Hagoromo nodded, "Meditation is key…meditate daily for an hour in the morning, and an hour in the evening. Your levels will expand naturally as you connect your chakra to the environment. Do so around water and it will happen even faster since it is your natural element."

Sakura nodded in understanding before smiling at Hashirama, "Thank you Hashirama-sama…this might actually work." Hagoromo nodded his agreement. "Sakura Haruno, you are aware I will be sending you with your memories intact back to your childhood. You will be approximately 4 years old and this will be the time you are being bullied by many others. I believe you met your friend Ino around this time?"

Sakura smiled in remembrance, "Yes Hagoromo-san, I intend to be the best I can be…for everyone's sake." Hagoromo gave a secret smile for changing events would end with her having her own happy ending. She will have a chance to meet on even ground and it will open doors which would not have been available otherwise. He would not allow a soul as vibrant as hers to go out too soon again. Her death had served its purpose and now it was time for her to begin anew.

A set of seals appeared before Sakura and Hagoromo gestured for her to lie in the center. She did as instructed and his voice began chanting lulling her into a peaceful state it was as she began to fall asleep that she felt a warm buzz of energy near her heart and heard two soft male voices whisper, "Good Luck Sakura."