~Authors Note

Everyone I'm sorry for not updating as much, I'm going through some things right now and it's hard for me to write, I will try to update as I can but don't expect a whole lot from me but I do hope you enjoy this chapter.

End Authors Note~

Bright and early the next morning Sakura, Kimimaro and Jugo were escorted once more to the Tsuchikage's office, he was faced away from them this time as opposed to when they'd first met the fence sitter of Iwagakure.

And it was a couple of moments before he even deigned to address them "It takes considerable compassion to put aside ones own enmity towards their enemies and heal them right in the heart of enemy territory" Ohnoki said slowly.

Chewing on his words so that he got them across to the teenagers behind him appropriately, Kitsuchi the only one to see his expression of reluctance over the matter "Perhaps Tsuchikage-sama" Kimimaro nodded.

Though the man couldn't see him "But if we didn't learn how to, then it would defeat the purpose of our being here" Jugo continued where Kimimaro had left off, knowing the rest that his friend had left unsaid.

Ohnoki slowly turned his chair around to face them after fifteen minutes of facing the opposite direction "Plus Tsunade-sama would probably bash me into the ground if something happened to a leader of a different country enemy right now or not" Sakura deadpanned.

Kitsuchi coughed into his hand and if she wasn't wrong it was more a chuckle than an actual cough indicating he'd found what she'd said funny at the very least, to bad that she was telling the truth unfortunately.

"Why exactly did Tsunade send you three rather than say a shinobi more experienced and of higher rank" Kitsuchi questioned suddenly, he knew for certain though that the lone girl was a medic but it didn't make sense to him to send only Chunin on such a high ranked mission as this.

Sakura's face puckered in response like she'd just sucked on a lemon "Have you ever tried to tell Tsunade-sama no especially when she hand picks you for something, you don't just simply tell her no, you run the risk of getting every single bone in your body broken" the rosette shuddered.

Jugo chuckled lightly "And this is our first mission as Chunin with Sakura, Hokage-sama wished to see how we'd do I'm sure" Jugo admitted, hoping that they were at least given a chance to prove why a treaty between the two enemy countries would be beneficial.

"Let's not forget the fact that Sakura is the Lady Hokage's apprentice" Kimimaro sniffed, laying out the truth plainly and bluntly, all amusement fled the office at that as both the Tsuchikage and his son stared at Sakura.

Who met their gazes silently but evenly "Could have sworn for sure that Tsunade's apprentice was the woman called Shizune Kato, her former lovers niece" Kitsuchi muttered, pondering over the development that had happened in Konohagakure.

"Shizune-sempai has already completed her training under Tsunade-shishou and took me on when I requested it of her just six or so months ago, news of this wouldn't have gotten out yet seeing as this is my first mission in that same time frame" Sakura explained.

Remembering the sole reason as to why she'd asked the woman to take her on in the first place which just fired her up even more as determination blazed brightly in her vivid green irises to see this mission through and completed just as her shishou wanted.

Ohnoki eyed the Chunin for another minute or so before finally deflating "Very well I will give you three this one chance to prove to me why I should consider allying my village with Leaf" the Tsuchikage grumbled.

Clearly unhappy but he owed it to the pinkette for healing him when she could have just left him to suffer yesterday, the teenagers shared relieved looks before bowing "Anything and it will be done to your specifications" Kimimaro assured.

Unable to keep the smirk from his face until he was elbowed lightly by Sakura and his expression morphed into a neutral one "There are several things, the first and foremost being a group of bandits that is terrorizing a village not but a days walk from here" Ohnoki snorted.

"Hmm group of bandits huh, you think it's the same ones we encountered on our way here" Jugo mused down at Sakura who adopted a contemplative look then shrugged not sure really if the bandits were the same or not.

"Could be Jugo but that was two days away across the border, unless when did these bandits start harassing the small village Tsuchikage-sama" Sakura set her gaze on Ohnoki who blinked surprised she was asking in the first place.

It took him a moment of silent floundering before he answered properly "A week ago, for certain reasons Kitsuchi will be accompanying you on the mission that is non-negotiable, his job is to merely observe how you deal with the problem" the Tsuchikage grunted.

With that the Chunin bowed to him again and his son followed them from the office to prepare for their task and less than fifteen minutes later Sakura, Kimimaro and Jugo were stood waiting patiently at the gates for Kitsuchi.

Who thankfully didn't keep them waiting for longer than another ten minutes, the four of them signed out of the village and walked briskly in the direction of their next destination "So, while we walk tell me something about yourselves" Kitsuchi questioned.

Trying to gather information on the foreign shinobi "Sakura Haruno, civilian born, first generation ninja and current Hokage's apprentice, I'm also the student of the former international S Class rogue Sasori Akasuna" Sakura grinned.

Going for shock value apparently as Kitsuchi choked "Kimimaro Kaguya, sole survivor of the Kaguya Clan that was massacred in Water Country several years ago and former devoted servant of the Sannin Orochimaru" Kimimaro informed next.

Arms crossed over his chest "If it hadn't been for Sakura and myself that is, and I'm Jugo, from an unknown clan, I have a special ability that Sakura sealed for me that usually made me lose control to madness and anger and like Kimimaro was under Orochimaru's thumb" Jugo admitted.

Kitsuchi sighed "Well that's a bit more than I expected, if you don't mind I have a few more questions, one Sakura-san how did you become Akasuna's student, two, how did you survive Kimimaro-san and three how did she seal your ability Jugo-san" Kitsuchi inquired curiously.

Sakura shook her head lightly but answered anyway "He came to Leaf when I was five, became a double agent and approached me at the park, took me on and stuff, he wasn't stripped of his former status until seven or so months ago" the pinkette announced.

"As for me, I survived because I was the only one in the clan who had the kekkeigenkai Shikotsumyaku and Orochimaru picked me up I didn't see the truth about him until it was nearly to late" Kimimaro grimaced.

Jugo was last to answer "Fuinjutsu, this seal keeps me from going out of control" the orange haired Chunin explained lifting his shirt to bare his chest before flooding the seal with chakra so it was visible for Kitsuchi to see.

Fortunately it seemed to be the end of the questions for now at least as they continued their trek in the direction of the village being terrorized by bandits, until they decided to stop for lunch a few hours later "Mm seems we may reach the village by tonight" Kitsuchi commented.

Surprised at how fast a pace the Chunin had set and how far they'd actually gotten since initially setting out "Probably Kitsuchi-san, though I doubt we'd be able to do anything right away" Jugo said with a frown.

Next to him Kimimaro nodded "It'll be late, not to mention we'll have to speak with the Village Head, scout the area, find the bandit lair, take care of the bandits and return, I don't suppose you know how long we have to deal with this problem do you" Kimimaro ticked off his fingers.

Before gazing at Kitsuchi "You have as much time as you need whether that's a day or a week as long as you manage to get rid of the bandits" Kitsuchi announced, then as if the two younger males had just realized they set their sights on Sakura.

Emerald met red-orange and vivid green with a flicker of mischief "I'll have my summons scout for us during the night, then once we speak with the village head we can set out to deal with the bandits" Sakura quipped.

"We defer to you Sakura-san" Kimimaro tipped his head to her with a smirk on his face yet again, knowing that she'd probably just have her bats attack the bandits or meet them herself which would be slightly more terrifying.

Those bandits had no idea what they were about to have unleashed upon them, Jugo slanted him a look before chuckling "Yes, just make sure to clue us in on the plan when you have it figured out" Jugo requested.

Confused as he could be, Kitsuchi kept his silence this time as the four of them finished eating and continued their trek, as he suspected they arrived at the small village three hours after dinner and checked in to a hotel.

Once they were settled into three individual rooms Sakura opened up the window to the room she was in and sped through the necessary hand signs "Ninja Art: Summoning Jutsu" Sakura murmured softly.

Specific summons she wanted to summon in the forefront of her mind until an entire horde of them was before her "What does Sakura-chan which of Aimai and the others" Aimai her favorite inquired.

Voice no longer squeaky as she'd long since grown out of her babyish tendencies "Do some simple scouting for now, the village we're currently in is being harassed by a group of bandits find them and tell everything to my clone" Sakura instructed.

Going through another set of hand signs for the water clone jutsu "As you wish Sakura-chan" Aimai said taking off through the open window followed by the rest of her cave mate, Sakura gave a little yawn but drew a vial of her own blood and gave it to the clone of herself.

With the instruction to give the blood to the bats when they returned as a reward, before laying down on the very comfortable bed to get some rest for the night, when she woke the next morning she was greeted by her clone.

"Morning, oh Aimai found the place the bandits are holed up, she said it was on the north side of the village in a hidden cave system" the water clone informed, relaying the information as she'd been told before heading into the bathroom to dispel.

Location of the bandits in mind Sakura hopped up, grabbed some clothes from her pack then disappeared into the bathroom attached to the room, showered quickly, dressed and met the others in the inn cafeteria.

Kimimaro wasted no time in asking the minute she sat down at the table they'd chosen "Did your summons find the bandits, I find it difficult to believe they didn't seeing as how efficient those particular creatures are at scouting, even unintentionally" the Kaguya Survivor questioned.

Then started devouring her pile of pancakes to Jugo's fascination "How can summons scout unintentionally" Kitsuchi asked, finding the statement odd, not to mention he still didn't have a clue as to what kind of summons the girl had.

Sakura paused briefly for a moment, fork halfway to her mouth, "In the past I've sent my summons out to deliver things to people, sometimes they come back with information that helps prevent someones death, hence unintentional scouting" the rosette answered politely.

Focusing on her breakfast again until every last bite had been devoured "What I want to know is how you can demolish five pancakes, three eggs, four sausages, a large hash-brown, two slices of bacon and orange juice without feeling like your going to puke afterwards" Jugo chuckled.

"Grow up with Naruto as one of your best friends, you practically grow a second stomach in order to keep up with the massive amounts of ramen he devours daily" Sakura deadpanned, plus she'd been hungry and it wasn't often she didn't have to cook.

Nowadays at least anyway since Sasori was lazy "Anyway back to the matter at hand, where did your bats say the bandits were" Kimimaro effectively refocused their attention on the previous conversation so they could come up with a plan.

Kitsuchi was a little bit surprised that the Kaguya had let slip what kind of summons Sakura had "On the North side of the village in a hidden cave system, I still want to talk to the village head and I'm not sure if we're just scaring them out of here or offing them" Sakura informed.

Shooting a questioning look at Kitsuchi "Probably for the best they are dealt with that way, in the case they get the idea to come back and start terrorizing people again" Kitsuchi answered knowing what she wanted.

Like that the rest of them hurriedly finished eating breakfast and set forth to speak with the head of the small village "You said a cave system, hmm yes I do recall there being such a thing in that direction Miss but be careful, the bandits will have made the area dangerous" the man nodded.

Confirming the actual direction while imparting a small warning to the foreign shinobi in their country "Thank you and soon you won't have to worry about the residents of your village being attacked by the bandits anymore" Jugo bowed, ever polite.

As they stood "We'll be in your debt" the headman sighed in relief, glad the nightmare would be ending and he watched the odd group leave his house and set forth into the forest, where they trekked forward for about thirty some minutes.

Until they finally came across the hidden cave system "Not very hidden" Kimimaro scoffed, seeing the blatantly obvious opening to the cave that was covered poorly allowing anyone to find the bandit hideout.

Sakura giggled under her breath at his exasperation "So how are you three going to deal with this" Kitsuchi inquired as the Leaf Chunin stood staring into the cave entrance sporting matching contemplative expressions.

Immediately both older Chunin looked down at Sakura who was stood safely between them and he wondered at their protectiveness of the girl "Three ways, one we go in ourselves, two I send my bats in to do the work or three my bats flush them out and we deal with them out here" Sakura said.

Listing the various ways they could handle the situation "Hmm, fighting in a cave does not sound appealing" Kimimaro grimaced, hating cramped places from his time suffering the illness, he'd been contained in a room until Orochimaru had given him the orders to abduct Sakura.

"And if we try to fight them out here, some of them could escape and we'd just have to hunt them down" Jugo commented, leaving only one option left, Sakura nodded grimly in response then bit her thumb and flashed through hand signs.

Summoning a horde of her bats who made for the cave entrance "Your orders Sakura-chan" Aimai inquired, being the only bat to remain out in the sunlight despite how disorienting it was for her as she perched on her summoners shoulder.

Kitsuchi watching on with a very curious expression as Sakura rubbed the bats fuzzy ears with an affectionate smile "Enjoy your meal Aimai-chan" was all the rosette said to Kitsuchi's confusion, then horror as it dawned on him.

Aimai fluttered from her shoulder lazily and disappeared into the cave with her cave mates flying after her to find their latest meal and less than a minute later agonized screams came from within and Kitsuchi felt sick to his stomach.

Ten minutes after the screams ended but only the bat from earlier emerged from the cave, Aimai was covered in blood, little belly distended from how full of the liquid she was "Completed" the bat declared.

Landing in Sakura's held out hands "Make sure you wash up and good job, I'll give you all your reward later, for now Kimimaro, Jugo and I have cleanup duty" Sakura praised her summons who disappeared in a plume of smoke a second later.

With that the Chunin entered the cave themselves and did their duty "Putrid" Kimimaro crinkled his nose in disgust at the metallic stench that now lingered on his clothes once their job was finished as the bandits were buried.

"Can't really do much about it until we get back to the inn Kimimaro" Jugo grimaced knowing what his friend was complaining about, the disgusting smell was on all of them thanks to entering the cave after the bats had done as ordered.

Sakura truly was frightening "Right then it'll be back to Iwa" said pinkette declared as they headed back to the small village, informed the headman that the bandits would no longer give them trouble, and disappeared into the inn to wash.

Before setting forth from the little town "Well that was certainly unexpected" Kitsuchi commented, after being silent for several minutes now, only because he'd had no idea what to say after listening to the screams of the bandits as they were feasted upon by hungry bats.

Viridian irises flashed his way from Sakura "You don't have to pretend Kitsuchi-san, I know it bothered you, it bothers a lot of people that I have little to no trouble sending a horde of hair legged vampire bats in to literally eat people" Sakura admitted.

Seeing his conflicted expression, proving her right as he visibly cringed "It's just I didn't really expect the bats, I would have thought being Tsunade's apprentice you would have signed on with the slug summons" Kitsuchi grimaced.

"Oh she does have the slug summons, but thanks to being third best at chakra control in the village Sakura is able to summon more than one type of creature at a time" Jugo explained calmly, just happy that he was able to stand at her side really.

His answer caused the older man to jolt at the admission "One more question why bats anyway" Kitsuchi asked, curious once more, though still massively disturbed he supposed he couldn't complain since the problem had been dealt with.

Sakura grinned "Sasori-sensei, the summons scroll was a reward for my tenth birthday, he's contrary like that see, but their very special to me, especially Aimai-chan" the pinkette smiled softly looking her age of fourteen for once.

She was very mature, Kitsuchi realized in that moment "I can't imagine your civilian parents were very happy knowing you were being trained by a rogue, former as he is now" Kitsuchi lifted a brow unable to keep the next question to himself.

Immediately Sakura's expression darkened, Kimimaro curled his lip and Jugo looked away from her but both set their hands upon her shoulders in silent apology, still guilty even now despite Kizashi and Mebuki safe within the Leaf Village.

"They weren't around to find out until after he was stripped of his former status and even had they known I doubt they would have been truly bothered by it" Sakura informed shortly, eyes clouded with rage to Kitsuchi's puzzlement.

Because he didn't understand "What she means Kitsuchi-san is that until six months ago, her parents were being held captive by Orochimaru who abducted them when she was nine" Kimimaro scowled.

Horror replaced the puzzled expression on the man's face "You mean the Sannin kidnapped them and you allowed them back into your life Sakura-san, do you have any idea what could have been done to them to make them dangerous to have in your village" Kitsuchi spluttered.

Again not understanding "My parents were not experimented on by him, his subordinate is obsessed with me so had them captured and merely detained to reunite me with them if he'd been successful in abducting me as well" Sakura intoned calmly.

Kitsuchi settled at that and got the sense that even if he asked the next question nagging at him she wouldn't be able to answer, so for the next four hours there was blissful silence between the four of them as they walked.

Only taking a quick break to have lunch before continuing on and just a little after dinner returned to Iwagakure "Dad where the heck have you been and why the hell are their Leaf-nin in our village" a raven haired teenager bounded up to them on their way to the Tsuchikage Tower.

"Kurotsuchi I was on a mission, I told you that before I left yesterday and Tsuchikage-sama is considering a treaty between Iwa and Konoha, which I told you yesterday as well" Kitsuchi explained exasperatedly to his daughter.

Earning a sheepish smile "Err guess I forgot" Kurotsuchi laughed, before eyeing the two males up and down in an appraising sort of way, more Jugo than Kimimaro, Sakura felt unexpectedly jealousy for some reason, not having figured out her feelings for Jugo yet obviously.

Because there was no doubt the older kunoichi was pretty in her own unique way and was no stranger to drawing attention from the opposite sex, Jugo, however was perfectly content to ignore such a look as he smiled down at her instead.

And Kimimaro was indifferent as usual when a kunoichi eyed him up, Kurotsuchi seeing the lack of interest from both shinobi turned her gaze on Sakura, eyeing the ridiculously long pink hair and strange manner of dress.

Then shrugged "I'll see you back at the house Dad" the ravenette waved, splitting up in another direction and five minutes later they were stood before Ohnoki for the third time who looked baffled for some reason.

"You can't be finished getting rid of the bandits already" the Tsuchikage grumbled at them but when he glanced to Kitsuchi who nodded as they did "And your observations Kitsuchi" he inquired wanting to know so he could decide on what to have the Chunin do next.

Kitsuchi grimaced "Highly efficient, they look at things objectively, see more than the obvious, explain why certain strategies wouldn't work and decide as a team on a plan that works for them" Kitsuchi announced.

Delivering his report "Then I suppose you'll have no problem with this next task, we have a prisoner, who, despite the torture already inflicted upon him, hasn't loosened his lips any in the days we've had him, get him to talk" Ohnoki demanded.

Jugo and Kimimaro once again deferred to Sakura who wiped any and all emotion from her expression and eyes "Leave this one to me, Tsuchikage-sama if you don't mind assigning them another task I can handle the prisoner no problem on my own" Sakura requested.

Locking all her emotions in a box "What No, you might not have any problem but I do Sakura-san and it's entirely unethical to let a little girl torture someone" Kitsuchi interrupted as Ohnoki was going to assign different tasks to Jugo and Kimimaro.

Emotionless green eyes shot his way "Jugo's to kind for that sort of thing and Kimimaro has no patience for interrogation, since I graduated from the academy I've been learning under the Head of Torture and Interrogation Ibiki Morino so it has to be me" Sakura intoned emotionlessly.

Causing the man to splutter in horror "Enough Kitsuchi as for you two, until she gets the prisoner to talk, your job will be to scout, you'll go with them Kitsuchi, I'll have someone else escort the girl to the cells" the Tsuchikage grumbled.

Still reluctant over the matter Kitsuchi bowed "Try to finish it quick Sakura" Jugo curled his arm around her shoulders, making a request of her for two reasons, one he hated being far away from her and two he couldn't stand having her in that emotionless state.

Not even Kimimaro could remain unaffected apparently as he brushed his hand along her shoulder briefly once Jugo had released her "Yes be quick" Kimimaro scowled, despite how tired they were, it was better to establish some groundwork first.

"And you two be safe" Sakura smiled at them briefly a flicker of fondness within the depths of her eyes for them as they went their separate ways and less than fifteen minutes later she was stood before Iwa's prisoner.

From the headband the man sported he was from Kusagakure "Oh look a naive girly" the bruised and bloodied Kusa-nin lifted his head slowly and spoke in a rough tone of voice the minute he sensed another person in his cell.

The only forewarning he had that maybe the girl before him wasn't as naive as he thought was when the corners of her lips lifted briefly into a smirk and then he was being choked out by a suffocating killing intent.

After a second of being subjected to that KI, it abruptly stopped and he slumped in the chair he was chained to "I hear you've been giving your captors some problems, well I'm here to rectify that, start talking or I'll persuade you in ways you couldn't even imagine" Sakura ordered.

Becoming the antithesis of what she usually was, detached, emotionless, cold, it was the persona Ibiki had been helping her develop the moment she joined T&I under his command "Heh little girly thinks of herself rather high and mighty doesn't she" the Kusa-nin laughed.

Forgetting that he'd just been nearly suffocated a moment ago until she got in his face, throwing needle dangerously close to a pain receptor, he could feel the tip of it pressing against his skin "I know exactly where every pain receptor is in a human body" Sakura informed tonelessly.

Meeting his wide eyed gaze "And how to make it hurt more so than usual, I'd prefer a less torturous method but I can and will extract any and all information you possess, it will only be a matter of time until your singing for me" Sakura continued.

Keeping his attention focused completely on her "You don't scare me" the Kusa-nin declared in false bravado, trembling just so in hopes to fool her, brats were supposed to be gullible after all, what he didn't count on was that the girl before him could hear the lie in his voice.

"No, then why are you shaking, what's causing your heart to pound against your ribs in fear as sweat beads on your forehead hmm, the truth is your terrified, with your captors you knew what to expect, but with me, you know nothing" Sakura giggled, picking the guy apart.

In a favor form of Ibiki's mental torture, "Liar and I'm not telling you anything" the Kusa-nin yelled loosing his temper, hating to be told the awful truth about his situation apparently, it was more than he'd given the Iwa-nin torturing him.

Given that he looked surprised the man had even shouted in the first place "Am I and we'll see, unfortunately I have to cut our session a little short tonight but rest assured, you will be singing and that's a promise" Sakura assured darkly.

Subjecting him to her KI again while ensnaring him in a hearing based genjutsu that had him stiffening in his chair and whimpering as he saw his worst nightmare before snapping him out of it leaving him a sweaty mess as she sauntered out of the interrogation cell.

Kusa-nin staring after her fearfully "By tomorrow morning he should start talking I think, if not I'll use a bit more of my persuasion on him" Sakura informed the Head Interrogator of Iwa, then she pranced off to the hotel where Kimimaro and Jugo met her in her separate room.

"How did it go, has the prisoner said anything yet" Kimimaro questioned, wanting to know so he could determine how long it would take Sakura to get information out of Iwa's captive and then they could move on to whatever other task the Tsuchikage wanted them to do.

Sakura flopped down on the bed with a yawn "Nothing yet, I don't think the guy was expecting someone so young, I might have hit upon something though, he can't handle mental torture apparently so it might be what gets him talking tomorrow" Sakura explained.

Emotions peeking out again after half an hour of locking them away "Well lets hope you don't have to drag the session out to long" Jugo sighed, with that he and Kimimaro headed to their own room and went to bed.

And the next morning after breakfast, Sakura handing them a small version of Katsuyu to keep in contact that they split up once more and upon entering the interrogation cell, the Kusa-nin paled at the sight of her.

Trembling worse than he had been yesterday "Please I'll tell you anything you want just release me from this nightmare you put me under" the man begged, perplexing Sakura for a moment until she realized something.

"Any nightmare you saw last night was something your own brain conjured, the hell viewing illusion was already dispelled long before you went to sleep, but unless you want to be subjected to more I suggest you start talking, starting with your name" Sakura informed emotionlessly.

Quite obviously having terrified the foreign nin "Shibafu, my reason for being here is I have a mission to locate a rogue of our village and we heard that they might be hiding out here in Iwa" Shibafu admitted.

Reluctant to part with that much information "Why would you think a rogue would come here, knowing what Iwa does to shinobi of other nations usually" Sakura asked, fiddling with a senbon needle, not able to tell if the man was lying or telling the truth this time.

Shibafu clammed up at that and she raised a slender fuscia brow in response "Unless the person's not really a rogue but someone trying to escape from your village for the way it's run" Sakura said perceptive and up to date with what was going on in other countries.

The Kusa-nin locked his jaw tighter at that but she knew she was right "So your pursuing someone that your village leader wants back desperately but you don't know where they've gone so decided to try and infiltrate another village to gather information" Sakura mused.

Glancing to the Iwa-nin stood by the door "That little bitch belongs to us" Shibafu muttered under his breath, Sakura who'd been rising from the chair facing him went rigid as her temper flared at those words.

She whipped around and slammed a kunai in between his fingers narrowly missing on purpose, Shibafu yelped but was unable to avoid looking at the girl before him who gripped his jaw tightly until it felt like it was about to break.

"People are not possessions for others to control, I don't blame her, whoever she is for running away if that's how she was treated, I would have wanted to leave as well, luckily my only job was to get information from you so the rest is out of my hands or I'd kill you" Sakura hissed.

Furious over the appalling treatment of the unknown kunoichi "You could if you wanted to I'm sure Tsuchikage-sama wouldn't mind seeing as we have no use for him now, a week for that I'm a little disappointed actually" Iwa's head interrogator scoffed.

Disgusted himself from what he'd learned, Sakura however had other ideas "Actually if Tsuchikage-sama allows it, send him back to his village after I'm finished with him" the pinkette suggested, looking positively livid.

It was then that Shibafu knew true fear as he was quickly injected with a drug that numbed his every nerve but kept him awake as the girl took a brush and chakra ink, once he was unchained and placed on a table stripped out of his clothing she began drawing seals on him.

"For every time you think of another person as a possession, pain the likes you've never known will wrack your entire body, every time you harm another person under that same pretense, the same harm will be done to you" the rosette said.

Using her special chakra ink made from her own blood "Any innocent you attempt to harm or control or force into submission whether that be by your own hand or voice, this seal will prevent all of that until you change your ways" Sakura finished.

Pressing her hands to his chest and flooding the seal with chakra, the screaming began then as the numbing drug she'd given him wore off, giving Shibafu a small taste of what he'd be going through if he didn't change his mindset and entire outlook on life.

"It won't kill you but you'll be incapacitated and useless to your village and that's a life worse than being a rogue knowing you can't fight for your home anymore isn't it Shibafu-san" Sakura smiled at him as he was dressed and chained in the chair again.

But he was unable to speak as he was wracked with more nerve damaging pain, indicating he was thinking some not so nice things about her which went against the stipulations of the seal she'd just given him.

More screaming erupted from Shibafu "Well as fun as this has been I think I'm ready for my next task from Tsuchikage-sama" Sakura scoffed, unsympathetic of the Kusagakure ninja even as blood dribbled from his mouth.

The screaming must have torn the inside of his throat but she felt nothing for him now that he'd never be able to harm someone again as long as he lived probably which would most likely be very short if the Tsuchikage decided to just kill him anyway.

With that she gracefully exited the interrogation cell and headed back to the Tsuchikage's office who eyed her dubiously "What did you do that my shinobi didn't" Ohnoki grumbled after a moment seeing that she really had managed to get his prisoner talking.

"Mental torture, he seemed weak against it, plus he wasn't expecting someone as young as I" Sakura admitted lightly with a little shrug allowing her emotions free reign again and she hoped she wouldn't have to do anymore sessions like that.

Ohnoki groaned "I'll get the information from my shinobi later, the next thing I want you to do, is if I have to agree to a treaty with you lot of Konoha then I want you to convince the Raikage to agree to a treaty between Iwagakure and Kumogakure" Ohnoki grunted.

Thinking it would be an impossible task for her, Sakura raised a brow but then shrugged realizing the Tsuchikage had no idea that the Raikage was fond of her somewhat "Right then I'll get started on that" Sakura said.

Surprising Ohnoki as she sat, pulling out a scroll as she did so and began writing in neat kanji "And while your at it ask for herbs from their hospital to supply my village's hospital" the Tsuchikage barked adding a stipulation to his demand.

She paused, eyed up how much space she had left and added the request as a post script, signed her name so the Raikage would know who it was from, rolled it up and addressed it clearly to the Raikage "I'm going to go find my teammates" the rosette declared.

Not sending the scroll off yet as she vanished in a flurry of purple cherry blossoms and less than a moment later she was stood before Jugo, who smiled kindly at her "All finished with your interrogation session I assume" the orange haired teenager inquired.

"Yep and I'm waiting for tonight to send off the newest demand from Tsuchikage-sama with Aimai-chan, so how goes patrol and I thought Kitsuchi-san was supposed to be with you two" Sakura grinned before frowning as she noticed someone missing.

Both Jugo and Kimimaro frowned themselves as if just realizing "I actually forgot he was supposed to be scouting with us, he never showed up however" Kimimaro admitted wondering at the absence of the Iwa-nin.

Right as Sakura was about to start actually worrying about the man Kitsuchi showed up "Forgive me for being late, I slept through my alarm and had a late breakfast" Kitsuchi apologized sheepishly when he saw their concerned gazes.

Then seemed to notice that Sakura was stood there "He talked" the rosette informed when Kitsuchi's attention was wholly on her "And no I didn't really do much to him, subject him to my KI and one genjutsu that was about it" Sakura explained.

When his expression darkened "Did Tsuchikage-sama give you, your next task then" Kitsuchi inquired, a little relieved that she hadn't had to do hardly anything to the Kusa-nin that was their current prisoner.

"Mhm convince Raikage-sama to agree to a treaty between your countries as well, Tsuchikage-sama said and I quote if he has to agree to a treaty between Leaf and Stone, he wants a treaty between Cloud and Stone as well" Sakura announced.

Jugo laughed at that, true laughter that erupted from his mouth from deep in his belly "Not such a hard task I think hmm Sakura, given that Raikage-sama is rather fond of you isn't he" Jugo chuckled managing to get his laughter under control after a few minutes.

Remembering back in Cloud how the Raikage had reigned himself in for Sakura so he didn't stress out the older Haruno's who had already been through enough at that point "Wait you know the Raikage personally" Kitsuchi gaped in surprise.

"Mhm, he's stayed in my house several times and on our first meeting I made him an antidote when he was poisoned" Sakura explained, remembering back to that day, it seemed like years ago though she knew it was only about a year ago or so.

Kitsuchi sighed oddly exhausted "You three are very complicated, so you think the task will be easy….well lets hope so, on that note we should probably start patrolling" Kitsuchi suggested after Sakura had nodded.

Though none of the Chunin commented on the statement of how they were complicated, it was true unfortunately given their histories and so they started their patrol around the village to put a stop to anyone wanting to cause trouble.

And later on that day as the sun dipped below the horizon, with the moon on the rise Sakura summoned Aimai "To Raikage-sama please" the rosette instructed attaching the scroll to the bats back, a moment later the creature shot into the air and disappeared from sight.

With that done Kimimaro, Sakura and Jugo headed back to the inn they were staying in for an early dinner "How sure are you exactly that the Raikage won't reject the request regardless of who it's coming from" the Kaguya Survivor asked.

Clearly dubious over the matter "It's fifty/fifty Kimimaro but seeing as it was us, the ones who went on the mission to help me get back my parents, who destroyed one of Orochimaru's hideouts, he could view it as a honor thing that he needs to repay or something" Sakura said.

Looking at different variables of the situation "Yes, Raikage-sama did seem terribly angry over the fact that there was even one in his country at all, there's more of course, but destroying that one must have been a loss to Orochimaru" Jugo nodded.

Thinking as objectively as she was, Kimimaro looked satisfied in response as they finished eating and a few days later when Ohnoki had set Sakura the task of helping out at the hospital, Ay arrived with his two familiar bodyguards on his heels.

It was only the sight of one of the guards running as if the hounds of hell were nipping at his heels across the village to inform the Tsuchikage of the unexpected guest that tipped Sakura off to the Raikage's arrival making her hurry to the gates of the Hidden Stone Village.

Flat, unamused beetle black eyes met her vibrant green ones almost immediately as she approached "Brat you better have a damn good reason for that request" Ay barked at her still stood on the outside of Iwagakure.

Cee and Darui stood behind him with expressions that resembled stones "Does that mean you'll hear me out Raikage-sama" Sakura inquired calmly, knowing the man was simply irritated that the request had come out of no where with no forewarning.

Ay growled at her but nodded grudgingly as the second guard that was usually posted at the gates returned allowing the Raikage entrance when he had previously been barred from entering "It seems Tsuchikage-sama was expecting you to appear" the guard grumbled.

Barely having adjusted to having Leaf Shinobi in the village now they had to accommodate Kumo-nin and the Raikage as well it was a little to much "You there girl seeing as you like to stick your nose into things you can escort him to Tsuchikage-sama" the other guard ordered.

At his rudest, Sakura flashed him a flat smile but waited patiently and then as commanded led Ay through Iwagakure to the Tsuchikage Tower, Ohnoki raised his brow at her "Didn't I assign you the task of helping my hospital brat" the Tsuchikage glowered at her.

"Yes Tsuchikage-sama….it's noon" Sakura nodded solemnly, Ohnoki grunted in understanding at that then focused his full attention on the Raikage who was huge compared to the tiny slip of a girl standing next to him.

Sensing that he was being stared at Ay growled "What sort of nonsense have you been filling this brats head with Tsuchikage and why the hell would you ask her to ask for a treaty when it's your responsibility to do so" Ay scoffed, unimpressed with the situation.

Appearing that much more intimidating that usual, Sakura didn't even flinch to his surprise, instead she looked up at him beseechingly until he calmed somewhat "He asked me, because Tsunade-shishou wishes for a treaty between Leaf and Iwa" the rosette explained.

"Correct and to prove that this isn't a trap of some sort, I've been having the brat there and her teammates doing several things, that request was one of them" Ohnoki informed, shocked that Unruly Ay was being reasonable when he hadn't been in the past.

Ay clenched his teeth making unintelligible sounds for a moment or so before glaring furiously down at Sakura who met his gaze evenly "Fine, but you owe me next time brat, Uzumaki and Uchiha as well" Ay snapped.

Mistakenly thinking that Naruto and Sasuke were on the mission as well "Kimimaro and Jugo actually, you didn't hear, those two are out of the village right now on training trips for two more years" Sakura admitted.

"You still owe me" Ay sneered and the brat nodded her consent "Cee give her the herbs that were requested and then get lost brat seeing as the Tsuchikage and I have business to attend to" the Raikage scowled.

Immediately a scroll was held out to Sakura, who took it and vanished in a swirl of purple cherry blossoms, seeing as she had a little time left she had a quick lunch of stuffed onigiri and dango then hurried back to the hospital to resume work and give the medicinal herbs to the Head Medic.

Later on she trudged back to the inn completely exhausted of chakra and found Jugo and Kimimaro sitting around chatting with Cee and Darui "He's still talking to the Tsuchikage" Cee explained the Raikage's absence.

Sakura smiled at him tiredly as she flopped down on the seat in between her mission teammates who shifted allowing her space to sit reflexively "So is it really true what you said Kid, that the other Kids are off on training trips" Darui questioned.

Wanting to be certain that he hadn't just been hearing things "Yep, they set out six months ago, a week after we got back from that mission, I've gotten a few letters of course but I miss them even though I know that it's important for them to learn and get stronger" Sakura sighed.

"Who wouldn't miss their teammates after being stuck like glue to them for most of their life" Kimimaro commented, knowing how long the members of Team Seven had actually known each other, since they were five/six and they had many memories together that no one else could touch.

Cee and Darui shared a quick but meaningful glance with one another "Just think of how strong the three of you will be at the end of the next two years, you could all possibly even be recommended to become Jonin" the blonde medic commented.

Even Jugo had to nod at that though he hadn't seen Naruto or Sasuke in action yet "Though it does seem like you three have become comfortable with each other" Darui mused seeing the ease in which they interacted.

Not saying what else he wanted to say however "Yes, it's been a long six or so months Darui-san and I've learned the value of teamwork" Jugo smiled kindly, peering down at Sakura, red-orange eyes filled with fondness for the pinkette.

It was then both Kumo-nin realized who Sakura was meant to end up with through all her hardships and heartache, she'd found someone even if she didn't know it yet, that would stay with her until the end of their time on earth, due to one act of kindness on her part.

Before the conversation could deepen, Kurotsuchi popped up out of nowhere "Hey Kid in the middle, Gramps wants you in his office" the ravenette announced, delivering the summons to the pink haired girl only to vanish in the next moment.

Kimimaro and Jugo watched as Sakura gave a world weary sigh but forced herself up from the table and despite her exhaustion disappear in a cluster of purple cherry blossoms to arrive in record time "You called for me Tsuchikage-sama" Sakura inquired.

Once she'd been admitted into the office, Ay paused hearing her voice and shot her a glare that lessened upon seeing that she was about to fall flat on her face in exhaustion "I received a glowing report on you from my Head Medic" Ohnoki grumbled.

"Which has helped me base my decision on what to do with Tsunade's request, I agree to make a new treaty but I expect you three brats to help escort me to Konohagakure in order to do so, it will be your ultimate test and I'm trusting my life in your hands" the Tsuchikage scowled.

But as he'd repeatedly learned in the last week the Chunin from Leaf were efficient "Thank you Tsuchikage-sama we won't let you down, do you know when you'll be setting out" Sakura perked up in excitement.

Oozing happiness and relief, Ay couldn't help but chuckle inwardly "Not for a couple days brat seeing as I have to finish drawing up a treaty between my country and Kumogakure" Ohnoki scoffed not understanding what had her so happy.

"Alright I'll let Kimimaro and Jugo know" Sakura smiled brightly swinging around to exit the office, unfortunately she never made it through the door as her body decided to simply crash as she blacked out from overworking herself.

Ay cursed and caught her before she hurt herself even Ohnoki was surprised "Couldn't have waited to tell her could you Tsuchikage, now we have to deal with a passed out brat" Ay grunted sourly as he lay the brat on the couch carefully to wait for her to wake up.

He was concerned though as he shot her several glances for the next couple of minutes until it was apparent she wasn't going to wake up "Why did she faint like that" Ohnoki grumbled, worried that this was going to come back and bite him somehow.

For a moment Ay didn't answer "Brat goes overboard, when you called her in here she was exhausted even I could tell despite how she was trying to hide it, and then you told her the news which excited her thus causing her to black out like that" the Raikage explained.

Though it could be for an entirely different reason to, he just wasn't sure if he should say, by the time he was ready to get some shut eye Sakura was awake and staring up at the ceiling of the Tsuchikage's office tiredly.

She did apologize for making them concerned "It's a side effect I'm afraid from when I was in a two month coma, if I do to much I pass out so I'm sorry" Sakura bowed sheepishly, hating Kabuto even more in that moment for doing something ir-repairable to her.

"Figured as much, anyway lets get to the inn so you can rest" Ay growled having guessed that it had something to do with that time she'd been unconscious for so long and they both left a curious Ohnoki behind in his office.

Upon returning to the inn, Sakura quickly bid everyone goodnight after imparting the news that the Tsuchikage had agreed to make a new treaty and hurriedly dressed for bed so she didn't accidentally pass out somewhere unexpected again.

And a couple days later after seeing Ay, Cee and Darui off, Sakura, Kimimaro and Jugo met Ohnoki and Kitsuchi the only escort he was bringing at the gates and set forth from Iwagakure themselves to return to Konohagakure after a week and a half of being gone.