Chapter 15
Sasuke and Sakura had about two days before they would return to the hidden leaf. A message had already been sent to the leaf telling them to expect their arrival. There was a big chance that they would have a decent crowd of them coming home, but it would be much nicer to have it just Naruto and Kakashi-sensei. It would be a long trip back and they would like to rest as well as officially bring Sarada home. They were definitely going to have to buy baby supplies when they got back. Their apartment wasn’t expecting or prepared for a baby at all. Daku also needed to get used to Sarada. Sasuke had an idea on how to handle the situation, so it would be left to him to control that situation. Sakura would be there of course. She doubts nothing bad would happen, but oh well.
They had stopped multiple times with Sakura still in postpartum and with Sarada acting up at times. Sakura breast fed her as much as she could without overdoing it for them both. Overall Sarada would sleep when they were traveling.
Leaning against a tree, Sakura was currently feeding Sarada. With time she was used to the feeling of Sarada feeding from her. Sarada also got used to finding her breast a lot quicker than she originally did. Sasuke sat next to her, caressing Sarada’s arm. She was a big baby to deliver, weighing about 8 pounds. For context, Sakura weighed about 4 pounds when she was born. Being a doctor she has seen bigger and smaller.
“So, when we finally return to our home, do you want to start building a house for a small family? We can hire someone and we can design the house along with where it goes. You talked about wanting it to be in the Uchiha complex a little while ago. We can do that.”
“We’ll have to discuss it with Kakashi.”
“Kakashi-sensei would find a way to get it all done for us for free. I would feel very bad, but we still have to let him know. The building process will take a little bit so we’ll have to get a few things for Sarada. That village we stopped at to buy things gave us baby clothes so we’ll be fine for a little bit in that department. We’ll need at least a crib and a few other things.”
“We can talk about it when we get home.”
“Yeah. How are you processing being a father? For me I’m feeling so many ranges of emotion as a mother. It does feel strange at times.”
“I have an overwhelmed feeling in my chest. Change is very hard for me and takes time for me to process. I am happy, but I am afraid I will mess up.”
“Sasuke-kun, we’re first-time parents. I’m sure once we’re ready for another baby it’ll be different.”
“You want another child?”
“Of course, I always pictured having a few kids when I was younger and you also said you wanted to revive your or well our clan now.”
“I’m not going to force you to have so many children for the sake of the clan. That would be disrespectful and disgusting. It’s your body. If you want more kids I am fine with it, but I will always be fine with what we have now. A family is what I wanted and now I have it because of you.”
“Sorry, I don’t know why I’m tearing up right now. Actually I do know. Around two to three months postpartum hormones will begin to reset to pre-pregnancy levels so I'll be like this for a while. However, cortisol levels often increase due to the many new stressors of having a young baby and the lack of sleep contributes to decreased melatonin levels and, as a result, serotonin. I should shut up now.”
“Don’t worry about it. Let’s talk about this conversation in a few years.”
“Okay! You’re right! Sarada needs to grow up a little bit before we decide to bring more children into our little family. Shannaro!”
“Heh.”
“You really just like ending everything with a heh don’t you.”
“Whatever.”
Another message had been sent out to the hidden leaf, telling them to expect their arrival tomorrow. It wasn’t stated, but Kakashi decided to only let Naruto know of this news as well as Tsunade. She was in the room when the letter had arrived. The three of them would greet the couple at the gate. Kakashi knew Sasuke wouldn’t be up for a huge welcome home as soon as they got home, he would need time to process at least. It would also not be best to drag them to a welcome back party as soon as they came home. Partying wasn’t much as it used to be due to most of the younger generations starting a family.
As of right now they stood at the gates waiting for Sakura and Sasuke. Tsunade leaned against the gate next to Kakashi while Naruto just walked around while waiting.
“Ugh what is taking them so long. Can they just get here already? I don't have all day for this!”
“Naruto, they would do this for you so do it for them.”
“Yeah…sorry Kakashi-sensei.”
Tsuande was in thought, staring at the clouds. They’ve been gone for about 10 to 11 months. They were also taking a while to return home. Do they have extra cargo with them? The timeline would make sense. A smirk formed across her lips thinking about it. That also made her think if that was the case then they already got married. She still wished to help prepare a ceremony or celebration for them here at least. She also wouldn’t mind babysitting right away. Sakura was very important to her so if this was where she was in her life right now she would be very happy for her. Her mumbling in her thoughts was dismissed with Naruto yelling. Her ears began to tune into it.
“I think I see them! Kakashi-sensei look, do you see what I see!”
“Yes, I can see the figures in the distance. It’ll be a little bit before they arrive. That’s still quite a distance away. Also, Naruto, don’t go running after them. Stay here and wait.”
“Fine, but I’m excited! I haven’t seen them in so long and I want them to see Boruto!”
“They will just calm down.”
Rolling her eyes, Tsunade watched as the two figures in the distance slowly got closer. As they did get closer she was able to notice Sakura was definitely holding something in her arms. She knew she was right. Heh.
‘Good job Sakura. I’m glad you’re finally happy.’
She thought to herself.
Sasuke and Sakura had arrived to greet the group. Sarada rested in her arms asleep. She sent Naruto a death glare. She had the idea that he was internally screaming inside about this. She flashed a smile to the three of them while Sasuke stayed stoic as ever.
“Hey, guys it’s been a while. Sorry for not really writing back. I did appreciate the letters for my birthday.”
Sakura stated, with a smile. Naruto just stayed looking at Sarada.
“Since when did you have a child?! Did you also get married!?”
He yelled in a whisper. Sasuke was the one to answer him.
“She gave birth about a little over a week ago on March 31st. We also did get married since it would be best for Sarada.”
“Sarada huh? Cute name for a little girl. You really got to work, didn't you Sasuke? I knew you were going to propose, but I didn’t expect for you guys to come home with a baby and already married. I’m so proud of my students.”
“Huh! You were going to propose and you didn’t tell me! Teme!”
Sakura passed Sarada over to Tsunade for her to hold.
“You really act fast, Sakura. So where did you give birth? I wish I could’ve been there for you.”
Sakura composed herself before answering,
“Sarada wasn’t really planned, but we love her either way. We wanted to have Sarada here, but while walking back there were complications so we took refuge and Karin helped us. I may have given birth in one of Orochimaru’s hideouts. It wasn’t intentional.”
“He better not have laid any hand on you or Sarada. If he did I will certainly visit him to kick his ass.”
“He didn’t shishou. He was not there, only Karin was. I would love to continue talking about this, but I’m rather exhausted and I need to bring Sarada home. I’m happy to see all of you guys.”
Sakura smiled at all of them as she received Sarada back.
“Wait! I just thought of this! I have a son and you have a daughter! You made a girlfriend for my son!”
“Naruto if you say one more thing I will-“
“Sorry, Sakura-Chan.”
They split their own ways shortly after. Civilians greeted them and congratulated them as they made their way to their apartment. No one seemed to have had any hard feelings towards them, which was nice. It was also nice to see people she knew again. News was going to spread fast about their arrival and Sarada as well. They were going to need to register her as a hidden leaf citizen since she was not born here, but they didn’t need to worry about that as of right now. They didn’t make much conversation with the people around them as they walked back.
Their apartment door was already open. Sasuke entered first just in case. Which ended up being good. A kunai was thrown at the door, which Sasuke caught. She was able to peek her head through the door to see Sai and Ino were in their apartment.
“Forehead? Oh my god! You’re back, I need all the details. Why did you not tell me you were on the way back.”
“Umm well we sent a note to Kakashi-sensei I guess he didn’t tell you.”
Sakura through the door and instantly Ino gasped.
“Is that your baby?! What is up with you? I need those details now. Let me guess you’re already married too.”
“Yeah… how about this we’ll talk later. I wanna situate Sarada and rest for a little bit. I’m still recovering from giving birth.”
“Fine, I’m telling everyone though.”
“Yeah yeah.”
“You won’t get away without telling me what happened.”
Ino and Sai left shortly after.
——-
Sakura and Sasuke had situated everything for Sarada within the next couple months. New babies were also born. They moved into a new home that would satisfy them for the rest of their lives. Daku warmed up to Sarada quickly. They were two peas in a pot. Sarada was officially a hidden leaf citizen and Sakura was officially registered as a Uchiha. They had a small ceremony to celebrate their wedding with all their friends.
They didn’t know where life would lead them now that they would do it together.
If there was one thing Sasuke learned it was that Sakura brought him happiness and what he had now proved it. Instead of Sakura just being his mom Sarada was now his home too