The Return

Chapter 49

The Rinne Festival

Sakura awoke in her apartment as dawn broke. Couldn't the baby let her sleep in for once? She smiled as she turned to see her husband sleeping silently next to her. Shannaro, he even looked cool in his sleep! His black hair was messy and strewn across his pillow. His expression was soft as he faced in her direction, his hand outstretched towards her.

She sighed before slowly getting up. She'd forgotten how different a bed was from sleeping on a futon or a campsite. Looking down at her growing belly, she smiled. Shizune said the baby was roughly the size of a mango now. Just four more months and they'd have their baby Uchiha. She groaned as she looked at her clothes, though. Her old ninja gear wasn't going to cut it anymore. She glanced back at her sleeping husband. Sorry to leave you like this Anata, but there's something I need to do before we leave the village.

Hauling on an old pair of leggings and an oversized red coat, she prepared to go. She smiled softly at Sasuke and left a handwritten note on the bed before tiptoeing out the door.

She'd forgotten how beautiful sunrises in the Leaf were. She watched as the stone faces shone with a bright light. She considered how someone she knew would be opening her shop right about now. She smiled as she approached the inviting entryway with tall blooms hovering over each side. The bell rang as she stepped forward into the store.

"Come in!" Ino bent over a bunch of roses, watering them gently. She looked up slowly, then her eyes widened. "Sakura? Is that you?" she asked in shock before running over to her. "I heard you were in town! I can't believe you're really here!" She pulled her into a bear hug.

"Ino, you're crushing me" Sakura gasped for air.

"Oh, sorry" she smiled, stepping back. She paused, glancing down at her abdomen. "Oh my god, no way!" she exclaimed.

Sakura smiled nervously. "I guess a lot happened since I was home last."

"I'll say! I can't believe my best friend is already pregnant! Look at you!"

"Shh, not so loud" Sakura glanced towards the street. "I haven't even told my parents yet."

"You know word is going to spread like wildfire. I'm shocked I'm only finding out now actually. It's not like you can hide it for much longer" she chuckled.

Sakura looked around nervously. "My parents are going to kill me if they find out before I tell them in person."

Ino smiled. "Oh, lighten up. It'll be fine if you see them while you're in town." She winked and offered her friend a seat by the cash. "So, tell me everything" she demanded standing by Sakura with a gleam in her eyes. "You can't marry a guy like Sasuke and not tell me all of the details."

"This isn't really the time" she squeaked before clearing her throat. "I actually need your help with something, Ino."

"Oh? Trying to find a Rinne Festival present for your husband?"

"Well, that's part of it" Sakura agreed. "Come on, I'll fill you in on everything along the way."

Ino smiled then looked towards the doorway leading to the Yamanaka household. "Give me one second" she darted inside.

Confused, Sakura waited for her friend. Her eyes widened on seeing Sai emerge in the store, sleepy-eyed. Sakura gaped pointing from him to Ino. She was about to say something when Ino intervened.

"Thanks, sweetheart, we'll be back in a bit" she smiled, ushering Sakura out the door.

"Bye beautiful" he waved.