It was too early, the sun was just rising. But her stupid dreams had roused her from sleep. For the first time since working in the hospital.
It would probably be forever before Kakashi and Naruto showed up. One way or another, Kakashi was always hours late and Naruto has also never been on time lately. It had often driven Sakura to white heat in the past, but now it left her cold. Just like HIM had always been cold about what others did or didn't do ... Sakura quickly drove this thought away. She couldn't care less what HE had always done, now it was just about herself. She had trained hard in the five years, had successfully passed the Jo-Nin exam a few weeks ago and was the best Medic-Nin der World, even better than Zunade. But her Medic-Nin skills were very useful not only for healing, but also in combat. Sakura was able to concentrate her chakra so that she was a person from within, i.e. his organs, his nerves and his chakra network
destroy them, or at least seriously damage them.
Sakura leaned against a post by the village gate and ran a hand through her shoulder-length hair. For HIM she had let it grow long once, and to protect him she had cut it off again. She tamed her pink hair with the Konoa headband. Before, when she wasn't a ninja, she tied it back with her best friend Ino's headband. Ino ... she had quarreled with her because of HIM. But meanwhile the two girls had reconciled.
Actually everything was better since HE was gone. At least for Sakura. But also for most of the others. Zunade was currently considering whether to promote the 11 Shionbi and Kunoichi, as well as their former Senseis, to an ANBU unit. Sakura knew that, because Zunade was not just Sakura's sensei, but almost a mother to the 17-year-old.And Shizune, Zunade's assistant, like a sister. Yes, Sakura was happy with her life as it was now.
Suddenly someone appeared in a cloud of smoke and with a loud bang right in front of her. "You are here already, Sakura?" the person asked in astonishment. "I wish you a good morning too, Naruto." Sakura said sarcastically. "What do you think, who should we catch?", The blond slob chattered on, "Kabuto? Itachi? Or maybe even ..." "Don't be silly!" Sakura interrupted him, "As if they were stupid enough to be seen near Konoa!" As soon as she had finished this sentence, Kakashi appeared. "Good morning you two!" he said happily. "Are you on time ???" Sakura asked astonished, "What happened?!?" "Nothing" lied the copy ninja, and in his mind he added: << At least nothing that concerns you and Naruto. >>

***

He kept wondering how stupid Suigezu was. That idiot actually managed to be discovered by Konoa-Nins! As if it wasn't dangerous enough to be near the village! A team was probably already out to capture Suige by now. And so he, Juugo and Karin were also in danger. That idiot! He would love to kill him on the spot! But that would be stupid, he might still be able to use Suigezu's abilities, and no other fool could be found that easily who trusted him blindly. On the other hand, there was Suigezu's constant arguing with Karin, which was almost unbearable. It was worse than ever with Naruto and Sakura ...
He quickly banished this thought. Maybe he should get rid of Karin, then he would have his peace of mind. But then he would have no one left who could track down and identify the chakra. And somehow Karin reminded him of someone who had meant something to him. Maybe to Sakura?Nonsense! Why did such stupid thoughts always come to him when he was already in enough trouble ???