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Description
-Haruno Custom Weapons-

Hazuki looked up when Sakura walked into the shop, “Mom.” Sakura sniffled and Hazuki walked around the counter.

“What’s wrong?” She inquired, concerned.

Sakura looked down, ashamed, “I’ve been dropped from the ninja program.” Hazuki wrapped her arms around her youngest child, “Kakashi failed us.”

Hazuki sighed, rubbing the back of her daughter’s head as she held her, “Sakura… I’m sorry sweetie, I know you wanted to be a kunoichi.”

Sakura rested her head against her mother's shoulder, "Mother... I want... to find Li... I want to bring honor back to myname..." She whispered, "Li can train me."

Hazuki's eyes widened, "No! I won't let both of my children leave Konoha. You're staying here. You'll help make weapons."

Sakura shook her head, "No mom. I'm going to find Li, with or without your permission."

Hazuki's eyes widened, thinking back to when Li had told her he wanted to regain honor to the Haruno name, "You're so much like your brother." She touched Sakura's cheek, kissing the top of her head, devoid of a headband, "Alright, you can go. Just... promise me you'll be careful?" Sakura nodded, smiling up at her mother, "Come back here. I have something for you." The bell jingled and Hazuki paused, "Sakura, will you take care of the customer? Put the closed sign up after and come into the workshop." Sakura nodded, backing up to the counter, she came face to face with Tenten.

Sakura plastered a smile on her face, "Hi, Tenten. Pick-up, order, or payment?" The pinked haired Firebender asked and Tenten smiled back.

"A pick up. They're on Guy-sensei's tab." Tenten explained and Sakura nodded, pulling a scroll from under the counter, "So... I heard... Kakashi failed you guys." Tenten stated and Sakura gripped the scroll slightly as she unrolled it.

"Yes." Sakura growled and ran her finger over the scroll, searching frantically for Tenten's name. Tenten opened her mouth to speak but Sakura flicked her wrist, rolling the scroll closed, "I'll go get your order." Sakura muttered and sulked into the backroom.

Sakura looked around the room and spotted Tenten's order, a beautiful set of kama that her mother had handcrafted, lay on the shelf. She gripped the handles and pulled them down before walking back out to Tenten, watching the kunochi's eyes widen with pleasure and excitement.

Tenten grasped the handles and spun the deadly weapons in the palms of her hands, using her chakra to control them, "Thanks, and tell Hazuki-sama thank you very much!" Tenten exclaimed and hurried out, wanting to test the new metal.

Sakura walked around the counter and locked the door, she unraveled the bamboo curtain and strolled back towards the workshop. Sakura walked back to find her mother looking down at piece of cloth in her hands, "Mother? Tenten said thank you for the kamas."

Hazuki lifted her head and motioned for her daughter to come over, "We need to talk before I give this to you, Sakura. Sit." Sakura nodded and sat on the bench her mother used to piece weapons together if they needed accessories such as wood or additional metal. Hazuki sat down next to her, showing her daughter the teardrop like flame, "What do you know about the Great War? Did Iruka-sensei tell you when you were in Ninja School?"

Sakura nodded, "It was the war that took place 100 years ago between the forbidden nations." She grinned and Hazuki nodded.

"That's all they told you?" She inquired and Sakura nodded, "Well, you and Li were born to the Fire Nation..." She paused and sighed, "Li's real name is Zuko... your real name is Azami. I was married to the current Fire Lord."

Sakura looked up at her, shocked, "That... doesn't that... make me..."

"That makes you a Princess of the Fire nation." She sighed, "I need to get this all out, sweetie. You have an older sister, her name is Azula." She bit her bottom lip, looking nervously at her daughter, "If you're going to look for Zuk-"

"Li." Sakura interrupted, "You gave us these names, mother." Hazuki smiled lightly and kissed the top of her daughter's pink head.

"If you're going to look for Li... don't start in the Fire nation, knowing Ozai, he has sent him on some stupid mission that will be almost impossible to complete." Hazuki looked down at the hair accessory before handing it to Sakura, "You'll need that when you get to the Fire Nation, only when you get to the Fire Nation. Anyplace else and you will be killed." Sakura nodded, understanding, she placed the piece in her pouch on her, "Before you leave... stop home and I'll have a bag of food and clothes packed for you."

--Naruto's Apartment--

Naruto stuffed ramen in his mouth, jumping when Sakura jumped through his window, slightly out of breath, "Otoutobun(1)." Sakura whispered and he stood up, letting his ramen sit, "I have an idea."

"We can be Genin again?" He asked hopefully and Sakura shrugged, "Oneesan(2)?"

She took a breath, "WecangoseemybrotherintheForbiddenNations." She let out in one breath and Naruto looked puzzled, “We… can go see… my brother… in the Forbidden Nations…” She mumbled.

"Sounds fun! Believe it! I‘ve never been to the Forbi-" He shouted but Sakura clamped a hand over his mouth, pulling it away quickly when he licked it.

"Ew."

He grinned sheepishly at her, "Look... pack a bag with food... I'll bring some of my brother's clothes over later... we can't wear our normal clothes... and keep this quiet." She growled and Naruto grinned, punching her lightly on her arm.

"I know how to keep my mouth shut. Name one time I haven't kept my mouth shut." She looked at him pointedly, "Okay... okay... I get your point... I'll keep my mouth shut about it." He grinned and she jumped back out of the window, sticking her head in.

"I'll be here at midnight." He nodded and she jumped over to the adjacent balcony before leaping onto a rooftop.

--Roshi(3) Tea Shop--

Sakura walked into Kazukai's tea shop, smiling at her tattooed master, she placed her fist against the palm of her hand, a customary sign of respect to Fire Nation elders. He nodded to her and motioned for her to come behind the counter.

"You are finally ready to accept the mark?" She nodded her head and he turned, gripping the lock to the door behind him, "Go through here... Xjan is the one who will mark you." She bowed to him and entered the small, dank room.

"Lay on the bedding." Kazukai's son, Xjan, whispered and she did as she was told, smiling when he wiped her face with a wet cloth, "You mustn't cry. This is the last test."

Sakura smiled sweetly, "I know, Xjan. I was there when you were marked."

"I'll be as gentle as I can." He stated, placing his tools near her head.

She shook her head, "Don't. I want you to do what you're supposed to."

Xjan sighed and nodded, picking up the bamboo stick he did the outline of the Yu Yan, grinning when she laughed as he painted the diamond on her nose and forehead, "No laughing, baka-chan."

She stuck her tongue out at him and straightened her face as he picked up the old mechanism used for centuries back home.

--6 Hours Later--

Sakura looked at the Pai Cho pieces as Xjan continued with his work, "So, the white lotus and the chrysanthemum are both defensive pieces?" She asked and he nodded, "As is the water piece?" He nodded again, "But the flame, spin top and blossom are offensive pieces?"

"Yes." He grinned and moved to the crown of her head, the final part of her mark, the final diamond on her forehead, "And the ship wheel is a neutral piece." He paused, "You know, I think father should watch my marking technique... when I was marked it took 12 hours. Yours has taken half the time." He explained, "Then again, it could just be that that big forehead of yours and that pale skin that you don't need twice the ink."

She rolled her eyes, glowering up at him, "You are so lucky you're marking me..."

"Oh, you wouldn't burn me, would you?" He asked, teasingly as he wiped a coolant cream from the tip of her nose up.

Sakura smirked, "I'd burn your ass." She sat up, touching her cheek, "I love this coolant." She grinned, "Maybe I should take a bit of this with me to the Fire Nation..." Xjan laughed at her statement and leaned over her, grabbing a round, ball shaped object, he handed it to her.

"I figured you'd want some, your mother buys them by the month for burns while she's working with the metal." He explained and she examined it, "It liquefies with the application of heat, depending on how much heat you apply results in how much of the coolant you receive."

"Wow. Lemme guess, Kazukai-sama's invention?" Sakura asked and he huffed.

"I'm smart too!" Xjan exclaimed, standing and helping her up.

Sakura rolled her eyes as she put the cloak on he offered, "Yeah, you're smart, but Kazukai-sama is smarter." She explained and he glowered.

"Father wanted me to give this for you when you passed the final test." He shuffled around the small room and pulled out a bow and quiver, handing it to her, “It was his first bow.” Xjan mumbled, “Since I wasn’t… father’s apprentice, the bow is rightfully yours.” She took it with a smiled and hugged him.

Sakura patted his back, “You’re special, Xjan-chan.”

“Mentally.” He laughed and patted her hooded head, “Now, let go of me, you’re getting all girly.”

She shoved him, “Shut up. I have to go get my otoutobun.” She muttered and he gripped her wrist as she slung the bow over her shoulder.

“Be careful, Saku-chan. You and I both grew up here in Konoha… we didn’t have to deal with Ozai and the war.”

“Don’t worry, Xjan-kun… I’ll be okay, Naruto-kun’s coming with me.” She walked over to the door and exited, leaving Xjan standing in the tiny room with a sad expression.

--Haruno Residence--

Sakura walked into her home, smiling when she found a side bag, she opened it to find a change of clothes, 4 canisters of food pills, a roll of bandages and a few canisters of flaming fire flakes. Her eyes lit up, her mother made some of the best flaming fire flakes out of the family. Her mother had always told her that the Fire Nation group where all extended family, now she knew that they were all ex-Fire Nation soldiers. There were cases, such as herself and Xjan, where they had been raised in Konoha with the traditions of the Fire Nation and Konoha mixed into one. She was going to miss weekly tea, competing with Xjan over who could hit the furthest, most accurate target was enjoyable. Sakura glanced up at the clock, she had 20 minutes before midnight, if she and Naruto were to leave on time, she needed to gather a change of clothes for him and set off.

--Naruto’s “Apartment”--

Naruto looked up from stuffing another instant ramen cup into his pack, “Oneesan! I’m almost done.”

Sakura grinned and chucked a gi set at him that Li had never worn, “Put those on, Naruto. I’ll finish packing your beloved ramen.”

--10 Minutes Later--

“Alright. Ready?” Naruto asked and Sakura nodded, the two set off quickly and silently, having no need to sneak passed any guard.

A/N: w00t, another chapter, okay, so, what’d you guys think?

Next Time: Naruto and Sakura end up with a pervy Sanin for an unwanted companion on their way to the Forbidden Lands.

(1)Otoutobun means a friend treated as younger brother.

(2)Oneesan means older sister.

(3)Roshi literally means old teacher, more commonly know as a Japanese Zen Master. So the full thing would be “Zen Master Tea Shop.”

Description
-Haruno Custom Weapons-

Hazuki looked up when Sakura walked into the shop, “Mom.” Sakura sniffled and Hazuki walked around the counter.

“What’s wrong?” She inquired, concerned.

Sakura looked down, ashamed, “I’ve been dropped from the ninja program.” Hazuki wrapped her arms around her youngest child, “Kakashi failed us.”

Hazuki sighed, rubbing the back of her daughter’s head as she held her, “Sakura… I’m sorry sweetie, I know you wanted to be a kunoichi.”

Sakura rested her head against her mother's shoulder, "Mother... I want... to find Li... I want to bring honor back to myname..." She whispered, "Li can train me."

Hazuki's eyes widened, "No! I won't let both of my children leave Konoha. You're staying here. You'll help make weapons."

Sakura shook her head, "No mom. I'm going to find Li, with or without your permission."

Hazuki's eyes widened, thinking back to when Li had told her he wanted to regain honor to the Haruno name, "You're so much like your brother." She touched Sakura's cheek, kissing the top of her head, devoid of a headband, "Alright, you can go. Just... promise me you'll be careful?" Sakura nodded, smiling up at her mother, "Come back here. I have something for you." The bell jingled and Hazuki paused, "Sakura, will you take care of the customer? Put the closed sign up after and come into the workshop." Sakura nodded, backing up to the counter, she came face to face with Tenten.

Sakura plastered a smile on her face, "Hi, Tenten. Pick-up, order, or payment?" The pinked haired Firebender asked and Tenten smiled back.

"A pick up. They're on Guy-sensei's tab." Tenten explained and Sakura nodded, pulling a scroll from under the counter, "So... I heard... Kakashi failed you guys." Tenten stated and Sakura gripped the scroll slightly as she unrolled it.

"Yes." Sakura growled and ran her finger over the scroll, searching frantically for Tenten's name. Tenten opened her mouth to speak but Sakura flicked her wrist, rolling the scroll closed, "I'll go get your order." Sakura muttered and sulked into the backroom.

Sakura looked around the room and spotted Tenten's order, a beautiful set of kama that her mother had handcrafted, lay on the shelf. She gripped the handles and pulled them down before walking back out to Tenten, watching the kunochi's eyes widen with pleasure and excitement.

Tenten grasped the handles and spun the deadly weapons in the palms of her hands, using her chakra to control them, "Thanks, and tell Hazuki-sama thank you very much!" Tenten exclaimed and hurried out, wanting to test the new metal.

Sakura walked around the counter and locked the door, she unraveled the bamboo curtain and strolled back towards the workshop. Sakura walked back to find her mother looking down at piece of cloth in her hands, "Mother? Tenten said thank you for the kamas."

Hazuki lifted her head and motioned for her daughter to come over, "We need to talk before I give this to you, Sakura. Sit." Sakura nodded and sat on the bench her mother used to piece weapons together if they needed accessories such as wood or additional metal. Hazuki sat down next to her, showing her daughter the teardrop like flame, "What do you know about the Great War? Did Iruka-sensei tell you when you were in Ninja School?"

Sakura nodded, "It was the war that took place 100 years ago between the forbidden nations." She grinned and Hazuki nodded.

"That's all they told you?" She inquired and Sakura nodded, "Well, you and Li were born to the Fire Nation..." She paused and sighed, "Li's real name is Zuko... your real name is Azami. I was married to the current Fire Lord."

Sakura looked up at her, shocked, "That... doesn't that... make me..."

"That makes you a Princess of the Fire nation." She sighed, "I need to get this all out, sweetie. You have an older sister, her name is Azula." She bit her bottom lip, looking nervously at her daughter, "If you're going to look for Zuk-"

"Li." Sakura interrupted, "You gave us these names, mother." Hazuki smiled lightly and kissed the top of her daughter's pink head.

"If you're going to look for Li... don't start in the Fire nation, knowing Ozai, he has sent him on some stupid mission that will be almost impossible to complete." Hazuki looked down at the hair accessory before handing it to Sakura, "You'll need that when you get to the Fire Nation, only when you get to the Fire Nation. Anyplace else and you will be killed." Sakura nodded, understanding, she placed the piece in her pouch on her, "Before you leave... stop home and I'll have a bag of food and clothes packed for you."

--Naruto's Apartment--

Naruto stuffed ramen in his mouth, jumping when Sakura jumped through his window, slightly out of breath, "Otoutobun(1)." Sakura whispered and he stood up, letting his ramen sit, "I have an idea."

"We can be Genin again?" He asked hopefully and Sakura shrugged, "Oneesan(2)?"

She took a breath, "WecangoseemybrotherintheForbiddenNations." She let out in one breath and Naruto looked puzzled, “We… can go see… my brother… in the Forbidden Nations…” She mumbled.

"Sounds fun! Believe it! I‘ve never been to the Forbi-" He shouted but Sakura clamped a hand over his mouth, pulling it away quickly when he licked it.

"Ew."

He grinned sheepishly at her, "Look... pack a bag with food... I'll bring some of my brother's clothes over later... we can't wear our normal clothes... and keep this quiet." She growled and Naruto grinned, punching her lightly on her arm.

"I know how to keep my mouth shut. Name one time I haven't kept my mouth shut." She looked at him pointedly, "Okay... okay... I get your point... I'll keep my mouth shut about it." He grinned and she jumped back out of the window, sticking her head in.

"I'll be here at midnight." He nodded and she jumped over to the adjacent balcony before leaping onto a rooftop.

--Roshi(3) Tea Shop--

Sakura walked into Kazukai's tea shop, smiling at her tattooed master, she placed her fist against the palm of her hand, a customary sign of respect to Fire Nation elders. He nodded to her and motioned for her to come behind the counter.

"You are finally ready to accept the mark?" She nodded her head and he turned, gripping the lock to the door behind him, "Go through here... Xjan is the one who will mark you." She bowed to him and entered the small, dank room.

"Lay on the bedding." Kazukai's son, Xjan, whispered and she did as she was told, smiling when he wiped her face with a wet cloth, "You mustn't cry. This is the last test."

Sakura smiled sweetly, "I know, Xjan. I was there when you were marked."

"I'll be as gentle as I can." He stated, placing his tools near her head.

She shook her head, "Don't. I want you to do what you're supposed to."

Xjan sighed and nodded, picking up the bamboo stick he did the outline of the Yu Yan, grinning when she laughed as he painted the diamond on her nose and forehead, "No laughing, baka-chan."

She stuck her tongue out at him and straightened her face as he picked up the old mechanism used for centuries back home.

--6 Hours Later--

Sakura looked at the Pai Cho pieces as Xjan continued with his work, "So, the white lotus and the chrysanthemum are both defensive pieces?" She asked and he nodded, "As is the water piece?" He nodded again, "But the flame, spin top and blossom are offensive pieces?"

"Yes." He grinned and moved to the crown of her head, the final part of her mark, the final diamond on her forehead, "And the ship wheel is a neutral piece." He paused, "You know, I think father should watch my marking technique... when I was marked it took 12 hours. Yours has taken half the time." He explained, "Then again, it could just be that that big forehead of yours and that pale skin that you don't need twice the ink."

She rolled her eyes, glowering up at him, "You are so lucky you're marking me..."

"Oh, you wouldn't burn me, would you?" He asked, teasingly as he wiped a coolant cream from the tip of her nose up.

Sakura smirked, "I'd burn your ass." She sat up, touching her cheek, "I love this coolant." She grinned, "Maybe I should take a bit of this with me to the Fire Nation..." Xjan laughed at her statement and leaned over her, grabbing a round, ball shaped object, he handed it to her.

"I figured you'd want some, your mother buys them by the month for burns while she's working with the metal." He explained and she examined it, "It liquefies with the application of heat, depending on how much heat you apply results in how much of the coolant you receive."

"Wow. Lemme guess, Kazukai-sama's invention?" Sakura asked and he huffed.

"I'm smart too!" Xjan exclaimed, standing and helping her up.

Sakura rolled her eyes as she put the cloak on he offered, "Yeah, you're smart, but Kazukai-sama is smarter." She explained and he glowered.

"Father wanted me to give this for you when you passed the final test." He shuffled around the small room and pulled out a bow and quiver, handing it to her, “It was his first bow.” Xjan mumbled, “Since I wasn’t… father’s apprentice, the bow is rightfully yours.” She took it with a smiled and hugged him.

Sakura patted his back, “You’re special, Xjan-chan.”

“Mentally.” He laughed and patted her hooded head, “Now, let go of me, you’re getting all girly.”

She shoved him, “Shut up. I have to go get my otoutobun.” She muttered and he gripped her wrist as she slung the bow over her shoulder.

“Be careful, Saku-chan. You and I both grew up here in Konoha… we didn’t have to deal with Ozai and the war.”

“Don’t worry, Xjan-kun… I’ll be okay, Naruto-kun’s coming with me.” She walked over to the door and exited, leaving Xjan standing in the tiny room with a sad expression.

--Haruno Residence--

Sakura walked into her home, smiling when she found a side bag, she opened it to find a change of clothes, 4 canisters of food pills, a roll of bandages and a few canisters of flaming fire flakes. Her eyes lit up, her mother made some of the best flaming fire flakes out of the family. Her mother had always told her that the Fire Nation group where all extended family, now she knew that they were all ex-Fire Nation soldiers. There were cases, such as herself and Xjan, where they had been raised in Konoha with the traditions of the Fire Nation and Konoha mixed into one. She was going to miss weekly tea, competing with Xjan over who could hit the furthest, most accurate target was enjoyable. Sakura glanced up at the clock, she had 20 minutes before midnight, if she and Naruto were to leave on time, she needed to gather a change of clothes for him and set off.

--Naruto’s “Apartment”--

Naruto looked up from stuffing another instant ramen cup into his pack, “Oneesan! I’m almost done.”

Sakura grinned and chucked a gi set at him that Li had never worn, “Put those on, Naruto. I’ll finish packing your beloved ramen.”

--10 Minutes Later--

“Alright. Ready?” Naruto asked and Sakura nodded, the two set off quickly and silently, having no need to sneak passed any guard.

A/N: w00t, another chapter, okay, so, what’d you guys think?

Next Time: Naruto and Sakura end up with a pervy Sanin for an unwanted companion on their way to the Forbidden Lands.

(1)Otoutobun means a friend treated as younger brother.

(2)Oneesan means older sister.

(3)Roshi literally means old teacher, more commonly know as a Japanese Zen Master. So the full thing would be “Zen Master Tea Shop.”