Sakura Shippuden (#2 Sakura Trilogy)

Sakura Shippuden: [Chapter 10]

Sakura wandered around the village, breathing in the cool air and watching the first bugs emerge, signifying the official end of winter. It was one of the days where the hectic schedule Sakura had was freed of its onslaught of constant events.

Her stomach grumbled, pulling her out of her thoughts. Automatically, Sakura turned and started on her way back to the apartment. Both Mebuki and Kizashi were back from their mission and had been for the past two days, and they had spent yesterday celebrating her late birthday.

"I'm home," Sakura called out, blinking from the sudden wind that had caught her just as she opened the door.

"Sakura?" Mebuki peeked behind the wall separating the kitchen and entrance with her hands up and in yellow rubber gloves. "You received a letter from Lady Hokage via messenger hawk."

Sakura nodded, going to the counter and sorting through the mail until she found the letter addressed to her. My peaceful day is about to end. She quickly scanned the short letter, it mostly focusing on how Sakura was to rush over to the office where Tsunade was waiting. She sighed, slipping on her sandals. "I am to meet her right now."

"Okay," Mebuki called, already returning to cleaning the sink. "I'm sure it'll be fine, Sakura."

An odd feeling settled into Sakura, but she waved it off and slipped her coat back on before once again entering the dreary world outside. She sighed, watching the sky turn dark as the sun set. Rain began to sprinkle, dotting the pavement. Sakura quickly made her way to get the Hokage office, taking care in not slipping on the roofs. She hurried up the staircase and rushed indoors, leaning against the double doors, fighting with the wind to close them. The violent air decided to relent, and the doors closed with a slam. Only then did Sakura start forward, noting the much dryer and quieter environment.

Not wasting any time, Sakura knocked on the door of the office, then opened it after a "come in" was chimed from inside. She peeked in before going in fully.

Tsunade seemed to be in one of her better moods, most likely riding the coattails of her saké she has hidden somewhere in the office. Sakura merely stood near the edge of the desk, patiently waiting for a reason as to why she was here and not at home, enjoying her short break.

After a while of simply staring at her, Tsunade unfolded her hands and crossed her arms, leaning back into her chair. "It's come to my attention that a few days ago, a boy named Hiroto Yokoyama came into the hospital supported by a certain girl with pink hair. Explain."

Sakura shrugged nonchalantly, then recounted her story of how she had seen him beat up, brought him home, then took him to the hospital the next day.

Tsunade nodded, listening intently. "I'm going to be blunt, Sakura. When you said you wanted to learn medical jutsu, I turned you down because you wouldn't be able to treat patients with more than physical healing. A very recent event has managed to change my mind." She paused gauging Sakura for a reaction. "Congratulations. The only thing I will advise against in the future, however, is not threatening to break every bone in one's body if they refuse to seek medical attention." Her eyes shone with amusement and a sort of feeling Sakura couldn't identify. "Now get back home before it really starts to pour."

Sakura bowed, then left, a fluttery feeling in her stomach and chest. She, Sakura Haruno, has just gotten accepted into one of the most competitive fields of study in the Konoha medical programs. And she was being taught by none other than Tsunade Senju. She hurried back to the apartment, passing the vendors and street shops that were closed for the weather. The rain was now falling harder than before, and the blood pounding in Sakura's ears was louder as she rushed home. Her chest felt warm, and her cheeks flushed as she rushed home and told Kizashi and Mebuki about the good news. That night, they stayed up late celebrating, playing board games, and eating the leftover cake Kizashi had gotten from the bakery the day before.

As Sakura lied down in her bed, unable to sleep from this—feeling, she realized—she was happy. It almost felt like she was with her team, but different. A nice different.

[A/N]: Wholesome chapter! I'm really into the whole slice-of-life theme right now. I hope it isn't boring you.