Before The Storm

The fighting continued for an hour or so, the ninja that had attacked them were bandits who frequently robbed and even killed travelers that passed by the route they took. They managed to successfully defeat the trio, but as expected they left the fight with more than a few scratches. Being a medic-nin, and a goddamn great one at that, Sakura took it upon herself to heal their wounds.

Naruto’s regeneration helped to quickly treat his scratches, she only really healed a couple of bruises and alleviated some of the pain from the punches and hits he received. Her younger self didn’t need too much looking after either, with how overprotective the rest of her team was, she suffered the least injuries and had busied herself with helping make lunch together with Naruto.

She was analyzing the wounds Sasuke had endured, some scratches, cuts, bruises and one or another scrape. She could see a black eye forming from the punch he took on his left eye as she cradled his face tenderly on one hand, a small flashlight in the other “Any dizziness Sasuke-kun?”

“No.”

Sakura moved his face to the side slowly, using the flashlight to check the reactions of his pupils “Any headaches?” 

“No.”

She moved his head again to face her, moving a bit closer and turning her light off “From one to ten what would you rate your pain, ten being unbearable?” Sakura asked, gently proving the swelling with her fingers.

“...” He averted his gaze quickly, his cheeks turning pink once more “...Five.” She nodded, gathering her healing green chakra into her left hand. She let it hovered above his eye and inspected for any non visible fractures. Thankfully she felt none, and she quickly switched to alleviate the pain and repair the damage. 

She took this time to quickly inspect any other nearby injuries, “Does it hurt badly anywhere else?”

He kept quiet, deciding to close his eyes and shake his head. 

“Okay.” 

Kakashi had been keeping an eye on her from nearby, choosing this time to chime in “Well, this is quite the sight.”

“Tch”

“I haven’t seen you this flustered since Sakura-chan climbed the tree before you and Naruto could.” The Jonin taunted; Sakura could hear the smirk he had behind his mask.

Sasuke immediately stiffened at the taunt, throwing a kunai to Kakashi’s head which the man easily avoided by tilting his head sideways. “Why don’t you mind your own business instead, Kakashi.”

Sakura cleared her throat, moving her hands away from Sasuke’s face “You’re all set then, don’t use your sharingan for three days or so. Let your eyes rest for now, okay?” He grunted once more while nodding once, getting up from where he was sitting and shoving Kakashi as he passed by him and joined the rest of his teammates.

Sakura started to gather her things when Kakashi took the spot where Sasuke was sitting some seconds ago. She stared at him, “Yes?”

Kakashi just presented her with his right hand, “I think I might’ve broken my wrist back there, can you check?”

She gathered her healing chakra once more with a sigh, “Of course.” 

He just nodded as a thank you. Sakura took note of the damage in his hand, hairline fractures in his Hamate, Pisiform and Triquetral, likely from the kick he blocked in the fighting. His pinky and ring fingers had similar injuries. She wordlessly healed them, continuing to inspect if there were any other injuries and how well the healing process was going. 

“Ah, I see.” Kakashi muttered. Her gaze drifted back to his eyes, she noted that gentle smile present in them, the one he would always give them after a job well done. Sakura could only chuckle, “I guess you believe me now?”

“We live in difficult times, trust can get you killed.” he chimed.

“Yet trust is the first thing we need to form bonds.” Sakura replied 

It was more or less past midday when they resumed their path, it didn’t make her feel at ease.

A full day was about to pass and Sakura was yet to even feel that Sasuke would be coming for her. She was stuck in the forest, with no real knowledge of her current location, in an era where war was still ongoing, seven months pregnant.

She had no real way of getting back to her time, the technology for it didn’t exist yet and the one person who can actually do it is…

… He is …

He is coming. Soon. 

That’s all she can tell herself, because before she had teleported to this place, they had also been ambushed in the Land of Snow by bandits, ninja who were mercenaries that blamed the new era of peace for hindering their lifestyle. Some sank to the underground criminal scene, while others became terrorists in defenseless villages. 

Things had gotten messy quickly and all it took was one bandit taking a swing of their hammer towards Sakura’s pregnant belly for Sasuke to teleport her far away before it could even reach her.

She didn’t like it, not knowing. Sakura believes in his strength, has seen it and fought alongside him and even against him. She knew that he could take care of himself, still it didn’t alleviate her anxiety. If anything happened, he was all alone back there and there would be no way for her to run to him to heal his injuries.

“Oi” a voice beside her called, pulling her out of her thoughts. She turned and looked into light blue eyes. “What’re you frownin’ ‘bout?” Sakura cleared her throat, “It’s nothing, don’t worry too much.”

“But you looked like you were really worried ‘bout it.” Naruto insisted, a worried frown taking over his features.

Her younger self’s voice piped in, “Did you feel your baby kicking?” She shook her head with a smile, hoping they would leave it alone.

Thunder was still heard above their heads, a drop and then two started to fall from the clouds until they were caught in the rain. They quickly ran underneath a tree for cover, Kakashi climbed higher, scoping the area.

Naruto was the first to complain, “Man what bad luck! And there’s nowhere to even hide from the rain!” 

“Maybe we can find a cave or something to shelter while the rain passes?” her genin self inquired. Sakura sighed, leaning back on the bark of the tree. She held hope that with every passing lighting strike a familiar cry would come, but hope and reality were two different things.

Nevertheless, they located a safe and empty cave to hide away from the rain. After pulling some logs from a sealing scroll and a very small katon later, a bonfire was made. Of course with the company of Naruto’s complaining and Little Sakura’s nagging.

No matter his age, Naruto will always be Naruto.

Kakashi pulled his map out and started to calculate time and routing to get to their destination on time, regardless of the rain setting them back. Sasuke lingered a second or so by the entrance, taking in the chaotic rain clouds coming in. “It looks like it’ll be a storm soon.”

The blonde frowned, crossing his arms “Aw man! We ain’t ever gonna make it in time y’know?!” 

“Not necessarily,-” Kakashi chimed in, looking away from his map “We’ll make it in time, but we won’t be able to afford any rest stops until we reach our destination. Luckily, we’re not too far away.”

The little kunoichi groaned, “I don’t know if I can take another day of river showers sensei, I need a proper bath!”

“And you will get one, after we arrive that is.”

He received another groan in response, making him and the older Sakura chuckle. “Well, not that I don’t love the idea of traveling with a pregnant adult version of my only cute female student. But how long should we expect you to accompany us, Sakura-san?” Kakashi asked.

All four pairs of eyes were now trained on her, Sakura could only look at how the rain was falling. She felt a small and pathetic smile forming as she answered. “I’m… Not entirely sure. Once my husband finishes his business, he’ll come for me.” A small sigh after, she looked back at Kakashi and tried a more genuine smile. “Then you won’t have to worry about extra cargo.” She joked.

Naruto crossed his arms, “Well if you ask me your husband is a total bastard! Who even leaves his pregnant wife like nothing!”

The younger Sakura smacked him on the back of his head with fury “Shut up you! That’s very rude to say!” Naruto rubbed the spot, indignation clear in his frown “But it’s true!”

Sasuke gave him another smack on the head, “It’s none of your business what type of asshole her husband is, dobe.”

“Ow! STOP HITTING ME! I’M ONLY SAYING WHAT EVERYONE IS THINKING!”

A chuckle escaped from Sakura's lips, then a giggle, and finally a fully formed laugh. Kakashi smiled next to her, while the younger ones just looked at her confused. She knows she might look a little crazy, but the sight in front of her is just nostalgic.

This was her team. This is who they were. And the things they will face and the people they’ll meet aren’t too far away from them now. Things that will shape them into the new Legendary Sannin in their future.

She tried calming her laughter, “I’m sorry, it’s just-” she chuckled, “It’s just so weird. I remember us back then, being just like this. But I’ve never been an outsider seeing how my team acted. It’s very silly!”

“And very heartwarming, I’m sure.” an unknown voice chimed in.

Immediately, the mood shifted. Someone snuck into the cave, without even Kakashi or herself noticing. Everyone immediately took a defensive stand, eyes zeroed in on the figure standing at the entrance of the cave.

Although it was still afternoon, the cloudy weather had covered most of the sun, darkening the already dense forest and hiding the unknown man in shadows.

Kakashi spoke first. “Identify yourself.”

“Ah~, but you already know me.” The man singsonged. “At least one of you does. Doesn’t my voice ring any bells? Eh,Doc?” He mocked. Sakura could feel the hairs on her neck stand. It was one of the Snow Bandits, the one who had swung his hammer at her stomach.

She cradled her womb with her unborn daughter in it. Absolute fury taking over her features.

“Oh ho ho! What an honor to be remembered by one of the great heroes of the war!” The bandit said, taking a step forward. 

Sasuke moved to guard her with no hesitation in front of everyone. Making the bandit zero in on him “So we meet again~ Little Traitor~.” the man chuckled.

Kakashi leaned in slightly over to the older Sakura, while her younger self took a guarding stance in right behind the boys. “Details. Now.”

“My husband and I were traveling through the Land of Snow, he’s a rouge-nin. Maybe class A or S. His team ambushed us, I don’t know how he got here. It shouldn’t be possible.”

The bandit took another step, a bloodthirsty look in his eyes. “BUT IT IS! ANYTHING CAN BE POSSIBLE WHEN YOU CAN EVEN KILL A GOD!” Another step closer. “And how satisfying it’ll be, to be the one to slaughter the whore who ruined. MY. LIFE.” Another step closer. “Don’t worry, I’ll make sure the abomination you’re growing there dies as painfully as you too. I am a fair man, okay?”

Before he could finish his last word, Naruto leaped at the man. “SHUT YOUR TRAP! TRASH LIKE YOU HAVE NO RIGHT TO SPEAK!” 

Sasuke kept his stance, activating his sharingan. Kakashi rushed behind the young Jinchuriki, “Naruto, wait!” 

It all appeared in slow motion, the crazy look in the bandits eyes just grew as the opportunity to kill became more apparent. Kakashi was just the slightless centimeter away from being able to pull Naruto back to safety. The younger kunoichi trembled, scared of the bloodshed she would witness at the hands of the fearsome man. And Sasuke, just like always does, standing between them and the danger.

No matter their current levels, Sakura knew this man could give her husband a rough time. With that in mind, she knew it would be down to her to protect all of them from the enemy. 

She prepared herself mentally, as she watched the bandit kick Naruto out of the way easily. Then maneuver through Kakashi while snapping his right arm and leaving a deep cut in his left calf. Punching Sasuke right in the stomach and leaving him out of breath.

With every second the distance closed, the little Sakura held tighter to her kunai. Tears pricking at the corners of her determination filled eyes. The man smiled wickedly, like a cat finally trapping the mouse. He swung his hammer one more time, just like he had before, whispering “Gotcha.”

Sakura pulled her younger self closer, guarding her and her womb with the rest of her body. Waiting for the impact that was sure to come.

Then lightning struck.

And with it, came a cry from the sky.

“GET THE FUCK AWAY FROM MY WIFE!” Adult Sasuke yelled, his Rinnegan and Mangekyou Sharingan in full view. He cut the bandit’s arm clean off with the Chidori he had in hand, then kicked his body outside the cave and through some trees outside in the forest. 

Sakura quickly looked at the man standing in front of her. He was breathing hard, cuts scattered across his body, a slight limp noticeable to her trained eye on his left leg. He was exhausted, and he had taken  quite a beating. But he was fine.

He had come.

He was alive.

“Anata.” She whispered, finally catching his eyes.

“Hn.” He responded, relaxing only after seeing her be okay.

“Sasuke ... kun? Huh?” Their moment was broken up by the voice of the genin in her arms. The younger Sakura looked at her older self, then the adult version of Sasuke. Once, twice, three times. Blushing harder every time. “Huh?!”

Naruto chimed in from his spot, more interested in the sight before her than his injury. “Bastard?! Is that you?!” 

It was younger Sasuke’s turn to stare now, his two tomoe Sharingan widening at the sight of a set of mismatched eyes, in a very familiar face. The older Uchiha looked away first, moving to where the bandit had landed. 

The gray haired Jonin intervened, struggling to stand up. “Wait, he’s a strong opponent. You’re gonna need backup.” He said through pained moans. The older Uchiha just smirked, “I assure you, Kakashi.” He responded, calmly walking towards where the enemy was. “It’ll be over before you know it.”

As quickly as he had appeared, he had vanished to deal with the last of the bandits group. A faint yell of pain was heard through the rain, then silence.

A couple more moments passed, Sakura was once again treating everyone’s injuries. Naruto’s injury was the least severe, he will have a bruise on his forearms and back for a couple of days but no bones were broken and no major damage was sustained.

Genin Sasuke had also not broken any bones, but he had gotten some internal damage from the punch. Sakura has also treated his eyes again since his Sharingan had been activated, he would also have some bruises, but overall he was also going to be okay. 

Kakashi had more worrisome injuries, and even more curious eyes as he silently pieced things together in his head. The slice on his left calf was deep, cutting through a lot of muscle but not deep enough to hit bone. It left a faint scar, but it healed over well. His right ulna and radius had compound fractures, she pieced the small bones back together, doing her best to heal it as much as possible without pushing herself too much.

She nodded once she was satisfied with the result. “Your leg will be fine, but your right arm is another thing. It was broken in both bones in your arm, in very small pieces. I put them back together but it doesn’t mean you’re good as new. Rest your arm for a week at least. Don’t lift anything heavier than 30 pounds either with it.”

Kakashi smiled underneath his mask. “Well, of course. I’ll follow your instructions perfectly, Haruno-Sensei.” he teased.

“Uchiha.” Said Older Sasuke, making everyone’s gaze fall on him. He was sitting with his back leaning on the wall of the cave, his one arm resting atop his right knee. His sword next to him on the floor. “If you’re going to address my wife by her title, do it properly.”

Both Sakura’s blushed, the older one chuckling “I  earned my title as Haruno.”

“And now you’re an Uchiha.”

The younger Sasuke cleared his throat, he was facing the opposite way but the tip of his ears were tomato red.

Unfazed, the older one chuckled, “If you have something to say. Then say it.”

Then, younger and angrier black onyx eyes met with mismatched and tranquil onyx and purple eyes.

Naruto exhaled, then grinned from ear to ear “This ought to be good!”