Lying on her side, Sakura stared at the still water, watching the insects hop around on the surface. Because of their unique ability to walk on water, these particular insects are called water striders, or 'Jesus bugs', according to Bug-boy. She looked at them for a little longer before noticing ants that were close to falling in the stream, and pondered their fate. If they were not meant to live in the water, why is it they seek doing so? Ignoring the twitch in the corners of her mouth, she stood up and dusted herself off to face the ANBU that had been watching her for quite some time. Sakura opened the glass door to the Aburame's greenhouse and waited for a message.

"Hokage-sama wants you in her office," the shinobi simply said before leaving.

Cold air rushed inside of the greenhouse, prompting Sakura to shut it quickly. She went over to her heap of clothes, silently put on her extra layers, and then turning to her companion. "It was an educational experience with you. I will most likely come again," she told Shino, who merely nodded in reply before going back to watching the water striders.

Silently, Sakura prepped herself for braving the cold, then opened the door to the main roads. As she walked, civilians parted before her, some whispering and others glaring. Technically, the people of Konohagakure weren't supposed to know about her shady past or any of Team Seven's secrets, but quiet whispers had made their way back to her sooner or later. The pink-haired girl only grunted before reaching the icy stairs to the Hokage Tower before climbing up them, taking her time.

When she reached the top, Sakura turned and stared at the tire swing hung on the tree where she has first met Naruto. Ramen-boy was being bullied, Sakura reminisced. Back then, he required someone to protect him. Now, he is training with Pedophile to become stronger. It is strange how people change. Before she could further think on people in her life that had changed, Sakura opened the door and walked through the carpeted hall, observing the paintings on the walls.

Eventually, she reached the door that lead to the Hokage's office, where two ANBU stood, almost as if staring at her challengingly. Instead, she ignored them and knocked on the door firmly before entering when hearing a, "Come in."

"Another outfit change, I see," Tsunade noted, one eyebrow raised. "It suits you."

Sakura looked down at herself, then replied, "Hai, Shishou." Next to Tsunade also stood Inoichi, whom Sakura also greeted. Was her wardrobe change what made the Hokage call her to her office? Highly improbable.

Sakura stared out the window past the two adults, thinking. It had already been four months into her rehabilitation program, which meant four months since Naruto left with Jiraiya, and four months since Sasuke left with Orochimaru. Konoha was in the middle of a late winter that left everyone with a chill. Were Naruto and Sasuke properly dressed for the cold weather? Was it even cold where they were at?

Inoichi, who was across from her, watching her just as intently. Finally, he broke the silence. "What are you thinking about?" Tsunade hummed in agreement.

She merely looked out the window and shrugged to herself. "I have two more months until I can roam free." And it was now snowing, despite the predictions of spring approaching. Sakura watched the specks of white float down quickly, already coating the ground thinly.

Inoichi nodded, chuckling and putting his file down. Sakura glanced quickly over the notes he had taken, most of them remarking on how she was withdrawn emotionally and socially. "And probation ends just in time for your birthday, Sakura." After seeing her eyes snap up again, he continued. "I know Hokage-sama went over this before, albeit briefly, but I think it's time."

Sakura blinked. "What is it time for?"

The blonde man smiled patiently, and then opened her file, looking through its contents before pulling a paper out and handing it to her. "A part of your rehab is learning family dynamics. Now we are sure that you're not a threat to anyone, and we have identified your underlying problems, we can assign a foster family."

"A family..." Sakura wasn't exactly sure to think. Most of the people she acquainted herself with weren't the best choices.

Tsunade nodded, taking over. "There had been many candidates to choose from, but after thorough investigations, we have selected a family that we believe will help you assimilate into social norms."

The girl stared at the paper. "Mebuki and Kizashi Haruno," she read aloud. "Both chūnin and have no children." Sakura looked up from the paper. "When will this assignment begin?"

Tsunade shook her head, still smiling gently. She and Inoichi glanced at each other as if sharing an inside joke. "Try not to consider this an assignment. Think of it as...a new life." After watching Sakura for a few seconds, she continued. "Along with being adopted, we have both agreed that it'll be a good idea for you to now be placed in group therapy. Remember, if at any time it feels like too much, say something, Sakura. Okay?"

Sakura, now staring at Tsunade, nodded. "Hai. I assume these changes will be immediate?" After seeing a look of confirmation, the pinkette worked the details through her mind, then found nothing else to ask of. Sakura nodded again before bowing and leaving the Hokage's office, heading to her apartment to pack her things. This time she took the roofs instead of the roads, her head feeling almost empty.

A new life.

[A/N]: I kind of hate it already but here we go! I know the next few chapters have a lot of dialogue and the writing isn't too sophisticated, but I wrote this a LOT earlier compared to the chapter I'm working on at the moment. The writing definitely get better, so please hang on.

Also, a lot of people were wondering what Sakura's outfit looked like, so I decided to add my inspiration:

I'm not exactly sure who drew this, and I'm still trying to find them, but if you do know, please tell me! I know reposting without permission is a pain in the artist's ass.