Return of the Earth Mistress

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They call me a prodigy.

Let me clear that up:

I'm not.

The only thing special about me is my big forehead.

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By the time Sakura arrived at Konohagakure, three days after her admittedly cold goodbye to Shizune and Tsunade, the sun was already setting.

'Scared?' Inner teased in a malicious tone, causing Sakura to scowl.

Motivated by Inner's taunt, Sakura walked forward towards the village gates.

As per regulation for any returnee shinobi she couldn't just waltz in, she had to report her presence to the ones in charge of the gate at the moment.

"No way..."

Sakura grimaced as she faced the surprised face of Might Guy.

His surprised face quickly morphed into a bright, welcoming, grin.

"My youthful rival! Welcome back!"

Sakura managed a small smile, relieved that Gai wasn't giving her a pitying look or anything. In fact, she was glad that Gai hadn't changed a bit. Who would have thought she'd miss his bushy eyebrows and too happy grin?

"Thanks," Sakura casually strolled over to him. "Gate duty?"

"Ah," Gai sheepishly smiled. "Hayate-san got a bad fever, so I decided it was my youthful duty to fill in for him!"

"He still has that bad cough?"

"Sadly so."

"Maybe I can check it out," Sakura mused.

"That's right! You were under the tutelage of the ever youthful Tsunade-sama! If there's anyone who could help our friend, it'd be you."

Sakura had to fought to not let anything show on her face.

'Unless you can't save Hayate either, just like you couldn't save Obito or Rin.'

'Shut up.'

"Maa, you think you think too highly of me, Gai."

Gai's grin faded into a soft smile.

"How have you been Sakura?"

It was then that Sakura's smile fell. Out of everyone she knew that were still alive, Gai was the only one she'd trust one hundred percent. The only one who she let her guard down near.

"Awful," Sakura admitted, partially glad that she wasn't choking up like the last time she saw Gai.

After all, he was the one who held her as she bawled her eyes out and suggested that she take a break from Konoha.

"Obito and Rin." Kami, it physically hurt to say their names. "I miss them so damn much."

Gai's eyes softened in complete understanding. He was perhaps one of the few people who completely knew how deep her bond with her late teammates were.

"I believe that a wilted flower such as you can once again bloom into a youthful cherry blossom if nurtured correctly."

Translation: with enough time, she'll move on with her life.

Just not today.

"Right, anyway, I gotta see the Hokage-sama."

"Of course!" Gai immediately grinned at her, "Go ahead, I shall take it upon myself to deliver these pesky paperwork at a more youthful hour."

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