17This final chapter takes you through the end of Sakura's time in Suna to 'present day.' Her time at Konoha University (and all relevant flashbacks) will be in another side arc 'Halcyon Days.'
Sakura of the Sand
Two Years Later
Naruto's visits to Suna began shortly after Gaara returned from the Suna exams.
And every time he comes to Suna, he visits Sakura, just as he promised.
And each time, Sakura embraces him tightly and happy-cries to see him.
Gaara visibly blossoms in the light of his warmth, and each visit leaves him in a better place.
Sakura's assignment to Gaara and his team is still a sort of secret, so she doesn't mention it to Naruto. She tells him about studying with Lady Chiyo (without too many particulars) and her foray into medical ninjutsu.
"Wow, Sakura!" he beams. "You are even more amazing than I thought!"
Ino has visited on and off since Sakura moved, but manages to arrange to take a mini-course in tending native Suna plants over the summer. Technically she has a dorm to stay in, but she spends weekends and days off sleeping over at Sakura's where they both engage in some catch-up time together. Sakura doesn't mention that she has a living space at the Kazekage residence; as Gaara's medic, she was assigned quarters in family's private area and she often stays there during the week.
Her parents don't know the full reason behind these accommodations (or even, strictly where they are) but they understand that her research and workload necessitate such things. Still, they spend time together as a family, even as their daughter grows into her talent and obligations.
One time another team from Konoha comes. Kankurō tells her about Lee – the boy from Konoha that can only use taijutsu, that is a friend of Gaara's. He is apparently on a team with a Hyūga (Hinata's cousin, no less) and a weapons specialist, but Sakura rarely gets time to see them. Her work with Chiyo is intense, and takes the majority of her time. Temari still insists on daily training to build her endurance.
"You may have to fight alongside us," she says one day, tossing Sakura a canteen. "We can't protect you if you can't keep up."
Sakura hides her smile – because for Temari, that was damned near a declaration of affection.
Her chakra control and strength grow rapidly. Inspired by Lee, Gaara's taijutsu is steadily improving, and even if he doesn't particularly need to use it, he is determined to continue with his study. Shira – another shinobi reliant upon taijutsu – is his trainer, and the results are stunning. Sakura finds something of Naruto In Gaara and she admires his determination to rise above every odd and challenge.
Temari introduces Sakura to Sen and Yome – Shira's teammates, and girls that have known Temari since they were children.
The genin training is picking up – Shira, Sen, Yome, Matsuri, and even Sakura will be eligible for the Chūnin exams next time around.
Life was hard in Suna, and it tended to make the people hard, or at least not welcoming to outsiders – that was what she had been told before she left Konoha.
But as the days tick by, Sakura finds herself growing to love the austere beauty of the desert and her people. She learns that they are not quick to smile – but that smiles given are genuine. She learns that they are not quick to trust, but that trust once earned is steadfast, and their loyalty unbreakable.
She is learning that she has a place here in Suna, and is all the more proud for knowing it is something she has earned.
She is humming happily in one of the gardens (gathering samples from several herbs, plants, and a particularly temperamental cactus) when Gaara comes to join her. He is taller than her now, and he is more comfortable in her presence.
"I have to take a trip to the Land of Waterfalls," he says, studying whatever specimen is nearest.
"Oh?" she asks, gently plucking a few of the rare blooms that are native to the desert. "For how long?"
"Two weeks," he gives a half shrug. "Maybe three. I have a series of trips I need to take before I accept my role as Kazekage."
"Three weeks, huh?" she puts the blooms in her collection bag, and adjusts her wide-brimmed hat. "I didn't know the Kazekage pro-temp could be gone that long," she smiles to show she is teasing.
"I'm not traveling as the Kazekage," he says carefully, plucking a delicate flower. "But I hope you will come with us…me…" he hands her the flower, the tops of his cheeks pinking.
She accepts the flower tenuously.
"Of course, if you are unable –"
"I'll come."
Gaara blinks at her.
"You will?"
"What kind of medic – or friend – would I be if I didn't?"
Gaara's smile is kind.
"Thank you."
It is on that trip that Sakura meets Fuu – the first Jinchuriki she's met aside from Gaara and Naruto. Over the next year, she accompanies him as he meets with each of the Jinchuriki, and only after he has done so does he think he might be able to accept his role as Kazekage.
He is finally feeling the cold shadow of Rasa slip away from his heart, as he strengthens his bonds with Shukaku, his siblings, and his friends.
"I won't take his place yet," he confides in Sakura one night, as they gaze at the stars from a rooftop in a nondescript village somewhere between Suna and Iwa. "I want to wait until the people feel more secure – more safe."
"Oh?"
"My next birthday," his eyes trace the moonlight and constellations. "I have to declare my intent to accept the role of Kazekage, but I don't have to take over until I am seventeen. That gives me two years to get stronger. To make things right. I will wait until then."
"Whenever you are ready," she assures him, "it will all fall into place."
He gives her a grateful look, even if he keeps his hands at his side. For her part, Sakura contents herself to look to the stars, and know that there are ways to reach others with words alone.
Three Years Later
Naruto can't email as much as he used to but Sakura is so busy she hardly has time to complain. She sends him a text now and then, and is satisfied with that. Ino is getting busier, too, but they email and call as they are able. Because of the advanced level of teaching Chiyo has subjected her to, she has been cleared to take classes at Suna University as well as her normal classwork. She'll take the Chūnin exams this year, and has upped her already intensive training schedule.
One day she wakes up and realizes that although she misses her friends, she isn't lonely. Somewhere along the way she has carved out her place in Suna, and she feels a part of it all. The market has familiar faces – civilians and shinobi alike. Children that know who she is come scampering up to say hello, or to present her with a skinned knee. Her kindness and skill are universally accepted as exceptional, and she has made friends everywhere she has ventured.
Temari now enjoys their spars, and for the more serious fights won't let her spar against the less experienced genin. They work as a team – she and Kankurō and Gaara – and begin to augment their tactical repertoire.
Sakura wakes up one morning and realizes she has friends and a team and a place here in Suna.
She has a home.
And she smiles at the revelation.
That day, she shows up to training, her Suna hitai-ate tied in her hair, her Konoha one carefully folded with her ribbons in her drawer.
Temari nods her approval, and Kankurō holds out his fist to her.
"Nice."
"Thanks," she grins, hands on hips. "So. We going to spar, or are we going to talk?"
Temari's grin slides into a full, sharp smile.
"We are going to spar."
Four Years Later
Gaara has stated that he won't formally accept the role of Kazekage until his seventeenth birthday, but some days that seems like a technicality. He meets with the council as their de facto leader, and although he could theoretically be replaced, there appears to be no contention over his intent to inherit his father's title.
Sakura's father tells her that he is spoken of well at the Suna branch of the ASF.
"People can't believe how far he's come," Kizashi says over dinner one night. "Then again, he's faced more in his few years than some face in a lifetime."
"Good for him," Mebuki nods her head in approval. "He's really making the effort to do right by his people."
Sakura nods, pleased, and doesn't tell her parents how right they are.
There are many tedious meetings to attend, and while his siblings attend as his bodyguards, Sakura occasionally attends as Chiyo's apprentice. Her role on Gaara's team is not publicly known, but they manage to have her there for all of the big meetings, or events where Gaara might feel tired or at the risk of losing control.
Shukaku grumbles at this – he insists he hasn't even sensed a hint of the forces that previously coerced him, but there are no chances taken.
It is at one such meeting where Sakura stands back from the crowd, watching everyone – taking everything in. She waits for a break in the talks to steal over to Gaara and bring him a glass of water.
"Here," she says quietly. "You looked thirsty."
He takes the glass, his fingers wrapping around hers for a moment.
"Thank you."
She blushes and tucks her hair behind her ears, wondering at the warmth in her fingertips, even as he drains the glass and hands it back to her. He gives her a small, tired smile, but there is a warmth there that makes her heart skip a beat or so.
"Again, thank you," he murmurs, handing her back the glass.
She smiles.
"You're welcome."
Four Years and Six Months Later
Sasuke's parents are dead.
Saukra doesn't know the particulars, but the news is everywhere in the papers – Uchiha Fugaku and Mikoto were murdered by their older son, Itachi. It is reported that Sasuke has left Konoha to continue his schooling, but no one she's asked seems to know anything about where he has gone or what is going on, and Sakura gets a distinct feeling she isn't being told the whole story.
"Even Naruto's emails are vague," she muses, studying her laptop from her spot on Temari's bed.
"Mm," Temari half answers, folding another article of clothing. "Well. You know Naruto."
"Yeah," she sighs sadly. "He's probably really upset for Sasuke – but if anyone is going to stand by Sasuke, it is Naruto."
"True."
"Where is this mission, anyway?" Sakura eyes the neatly stacked piles. "Because you've got a lot more than you normally try to carry."
"I have a friend coming to help me pack."
As if on cue there is a sharp rap on the door. Temari opens it, stepping back to let another girl in. She looks vaguely familiar to Sakura, but she can't place her.
"Sakura, Tenten. Tenten, Sakura," Temari makes the introductions without formality.
"Hey," Tenten smiles, shaking her hand. "Nice to finally meet you. Lee and Naruto have told me lots about you."
"Oh!" Sakura smiles as the realization clicks for her. "You're on Lee's team! I thought you looked familiar! Sorry I didn't recognize you."
"It's okay," she shrugs. "I've only come to Suna with Lee once or twice I wouldn't expect you to remember."
"And Hinata's cousin is on your team, right? Neji?"
"That's the one!"
"So, what are you doing in Suna?"
"Helping this one pack for starters," she jerks a thumb at Temari.
"Good luck," Sakura grins. "She's decided to be a pack-rat for whatever this next mission is.
Tenten eyes the piles.
"Is there more?"
Temari nods, and Sakura gapes.
"More?"
Tenten points to the cleared desk.
"There okay?"
Temari nods again and Tenten opens a scroll, already prepared with intricate seals, blank in the middle. Temari hands her a stack of garments, Tenten places them on the scroll, and they disappear in a small poof! of air. The kanji for the garment appears in the previously blank center.
Tenten grins.
"Next!"
When she is done, she hands Temari the scroll.
"Wow," Sakura shakes her head in disbelief. "Wish you'd been around when I was moving here. Things would've gone a lot faster!"
"Yeah," Tenten beams. "I'm even better than a friend with a truck. You going to come get something to eat with us?"
"You might as well," Temari puts the scroll away carefully. "Lady Chiyo said she won't need you this evening, and he others are tied up with training."
Sakura agrees and soon finds herself at an out-of-the way restaurant with the two girls.
"So, basically, Temari kicked my ass at the Chūnin exams, and we've been pals ever since," Tenten shrugs. "So, when I got the chance to take a half semester class at Suna U, I figured 'why not?'"
"So, weapons are your thing?" Sakura asks, reaching for a french fry.
"Pretty much," Tenten shrugs. "So, Temari tells me you are already taking your second year of classes?"
"I only took one or two last year," Sakura flushes. "I have more this year."
"She's basically a genius," Temari says flatly.
Sakura pinks with pleasure, and enjoys the rest of the evening.
That week, her team leaves without her, but at least Tenten is still around.
Sakura is on her way to class when she is summoned to Chiyo's lab.
"I came as fast as I could," she says, breathless as she puts her things down and yanks on her lab coat. "Baki tells me Kankurō and Temari are back – and that they brought back wounded from a mission."
"There was a retrieval mission that went wrong," Chiyo's face is graver than usual. "It was easier to bring them back here; several will be life-flighted elsewhere for graver attention."
Sakura's eyes are wide with concern, but before she can ask any other questions, Chiyo motions her forward.
"This is our part of the mission," she says pointing to a microscope.
Sakura peers down the lens with a frown.
"What is this?"
"Have you ever heard of the Cursed Seal of Heaven?"
Sakura looks up. "The Cursed Seal? I thought that was a legend?"
"But you've heard of it?"
"Once," she admits. "I was doing some research on something else when I was back in Konoha, and found an old scroll. It seemed to ancient to be anything other than a story."
"It is quite real," Chiyo grimaces. "And it is dangerous stuff. Originally, it was the kekkai genkai of a small, now extinct clan. A rogue-nin found a way to isolate the relevant genetic material, and refined into a serum. The compound was temperamental at best, and killed more of those that received it than not, marking all those who bore it with the mark of the Curse of Heaven."
"But the only way to test something like that would be to-"
"Experiment on human subjects," Chiyo affirms grimly. "So. Now you understand why it is forbidden to study. The originator of this technique was diabolically clever - brilliant, really - but unscrupulous. And now, it appears someone has resurrected the technique. It is our job to reverse it."
Sakura swallows and tries to focus on the task at hand, rather than the awful implications of what resurrecting such a technique means, and the lives already forfeit to gain that knowledge.
"What does it do?
"It imparts incredible, if not unpredictable abilities and strength upon the user, transforming them into a hybrid of man and beast. It makes Monsters, Sakura, and as far as experiments go, it is a volatile one. These four," she holds up separate files "were behind the attacks on the shinobi."
Sakura reviews the files with Chiyo – grateful that whatever autopsies that were done to procure the information are not given in detail. Had she not recognized the color coding on the tabs, she wouldn't have known that the subjects were deceased.
It isn't until the files are laid out before her that she shakes her head sadly.
"To think that someone – anyone – would be willing to go to such lengths for…what? Power? Knowledge? What motivates someone to look into things like this?"
Chiyo doesn't answer for a long time. She stares beyond the racks of test tubes and lab equipment to a point beyond the scope of her vision.
Sakura never forgets what she says: "It is surprising what one is willing to justify studying, if one has the proper motivation."
She has no idea as to what her mentor is referring, but she is certain it is something both deeply personal and painful.
She doesn't as questions; she does her work and hopes that it is enough.
Five Years Later
They come for Gaara.
They draw her and Lady Chiyo away, hoping to distance Gaara from any that could help him contain Shukaku – any that could heal him.
They don't count on Sakura and Chiyo defeating Sasori, nor do they expect Naruto to find Gaara first.
Chiyo has already saved Sakura, and she trades his life for Gaara's – something none of them could have anticipated. They bring her body back to Suna and enter behind her, mourning her loss.
As soon as she is cleared by the medics, Sakura goes in search of Gaara.
She finds him in his quarters, despite requests from the medics that he stay under their care for the night.
He is standing just inside the doors to his private balcony – the one that overlooks the gardens that none may enter without his permission.
"You are alright?"
He asks the question without turning – his back to her, his arms across his chest.
"Fine," she says, even though she knows it is only a half-truth. "And you?"
"I am fine, Sakura," he says flatly. "Naruto and Shukaku saw to that. Return to your quarters."
"Gaara," she says quietly stepping toward him – hovering on the periphery of his space. "Look at me." When he doesn't turn, she puts a hand on his arm, and he stiffens before jerking his arm away.
"I don't like to be touched."
"Yes, you do," she whispers, coming to stand in front of him, her fingers gentle on his jaw, turning his head to face her. "And it is alright."
A single drop of silver trails down his cheek even as he refuses to look at her. She thumbs it away.
"You've come so far, Gaara," her voice is warm and thick with sincerity. "Don't turn away now. Not now."
He turns large, sorrowful eyes to her, and she draws him near. When he cries, he collapses – everything; every loss, every sacrifice – is something he feels keenly.
"It's alright," she murmurs over and over. "I'm here, Gaara. I'm here."
And he holds her to himself, and mourns.
She stays with him until they are both too tired to cry, and the sun finds them curled together on his bed, fully clothed.
They begin their healing together, and seek comfort in one another.
Some days, he looks up at her and she still sees the lost boy in the eyes of someone not sure he is ready to take on the mantle of a leader. And then one day, when their eyes meet, it is different. There is a connection - a calm - an understanding.
His fingers brush against the ghosting of freckles on her cheek to cup her face.
And when their lips meet, they wonder that something so wonderful can exist.
Six Years Later
Gaara is the Kazekage.
Sakura is now in her second full year of classes at Suna University, and she is recognized as one of the brightest minds to ever cross its threshold.
She is deep in her work when Temari plops a stack of papers down in front of her.
"I want you to apply to this program," she says. "Here is what I will need from you." Sakura glances at the paperwork, as she accepts the list from Temari's outstretched hand.
"This is in Konoha," she says surprised. "To study with…. Lady Tsunade?" Sakura's eyes practically bug out of her head. "I couldn't possibly apply to something like this! You'd need countless recommendations, and the waiting list is monstrous!"
"Chiyo prepared the paperwork years ago," Temari interrupts. "She had already forwarded her recommendations to Tsunade before..." Temari cleared her throat. "You've already been invited to the program. That," she nodded to the stack of paper "is only sent to people that have been accepted."
"Temari," Sakura's voice is barely a whisper. "I can't..."
"Lady Chiyo isn't here anymore."
The blunt statement hangs between them, but years of working together tell Sakura to wait.
"There isn't anyone or anything in Suna that can challenge you the way you need to be challenged. Lady Chiyo had already decided that she wanted this for you. That this was best for you."
"But... but she always hated Lady Tsunade."
"I know it," Temari snorts. "But she loved you."
This time the silence is thick, and Temari can't hide the sheen in her eyes.
"I need this by the end of the week," she says gruffly. "This is for you."
She plunks down a large envelope on her desk, and leaves the room.
Sakura opens it in a daze, and pulls out three envelopes. She picks up the newest, crispest, most formal looking one first. It is a professional if not personal letter from Lady Tsunade, inviting her to the program. The second letter is in a surprisingly elegant hand, and is from Master Sarutobi. He congratulates her and closes with "We knew you would make us proud." The third letter, though - the one she saved for last - is older, and written in a familiar, spidery hand.
By the time she finishes, her tears are flowing freely.
"Your gift for healing far exceeds my ability to teach it. The Slug Princess is the only one I can entrust to guide your training, and am counting on you to surpass her in every way possible. Show her you are my greatest student by becoming hers."
"I'll make you proud," Lady Chiyo," she whispers. "I promise."
She accepts the position, and before she knows it, she is set to move to Konoha.
A week before she is to move, Gaara finds her in her quarters.
"More empty walls," she murmurs.
"These rooms will be reserved for you," he assures her. "Your place with us has not changed."
"Hasn't it?"
He sits on her bed, and she joins him.
"You don't need me now," she says quietly, lacing her fingers in his in that way that has become so familiar to them both. "You have all of Suna behind you," she looks into his eyes fondly. "You are on your way to becoming a great leader, Gaara."
Although he knows that statement will never be true - he will always need her; he understands. Their relationship can't be a priority in either of their lives.
"You came for me," his eyes search hers. "You came to me when I was alone, and broken. You came to mend my wounds and fight by my side. You came for me when my life was in danger, and again that night when my heart was torn. I cannot keep you here," he looks at their joined hands. "Not when I know you will thrive elsewhere, but I can promise you, Sakura."
His hands envelop her own, and the warmth seeps into her bones.
"Just as you came for me, I will always come for you."
And although it is bittersweet with the taste of farewell and chapters closing, their kiss is a promise all its own that sears into the soul.
Gaara never kisses her again - not like that.
But a small, preserved cherry blossom encased in the glass he created from his own sand, is always somewhere on his person.
And Kankurō continually makes sure that his weapons have an adaptation for her to use them in an extreme emergency.
And Temari remembers every single date, and ensures to check on her before exams, and keeps tabs on her through a friend in Konoha.
And although she returns to Konoha, she is one of them - and that will never change.
Fourteen Years Later
Wednesday, March 25th, 9:50 AM KST
Konoha, ANBU Base/Training Arena
Fourteen years after she left Konoha, he arrives in the training arena of the Konoha ANBU base.
Sakura stares at him, Hyūga Neji looking only slightly less shocked than her.
"Gaara!" she stammers. "What are you doing here?"
"What," Kankurō scoffs. "You think your team wouldn't come for this?"
"You know us better than that, Pinky." Temari grins.
Sakura looks doubtfully at Gaara.
He raises his eyebrows to her, even as amusement tugs at the corner of his mouth.
"I could hardly be expected to release the medic of Team Kazekage to be assessed without her team, now could I?"
Sakura meets Gaara's eyes, and understanding passes between them.
"No," her smile is slow. "I suppose not."
Kankurō slings an arm around her shoulder. "Hope you've got someone good for us to go up against, Hyūga," he nods to Neji. "Because you ain't seen nothing yet."
He grins at Sakura, who stands tall with her team.
A daughter of Konoha.
The prized student of both Lady Chiyo and Lady Tsunade.
The blossom that defied the desert.
She is Sakura of the Sand - and there is no challenge ANBU can throw at her that she can't face.
And now we are caught up and ready for Chapter Seven of You Must Believe in Spring! Thanks for reading!
- GL
