"THIS SCHOOL IS HUGE." KAKASHI stated once they finally reached the towering building. 

"Told you so." Gaara muttered under his breath. 

"Why is it so big? How many students do they have?" Kakashi wondered aloud. The school looked big enough to fit thousands of students—a staggeringly high number that left him feeling sick. He couldn't imagine having to deal with over a thousand of those little shits. He could barely handle three. 

Though now that he was thinking about it, he never really 'handled' them per say... In fact, they all ran away and found better teachers under the three legendary Sannin, then they tried to kill each other for several years straight and only reunited on somewhat decent terms under the crushing severity of the Fourth Shinobi World War... Then they tried to kill each other again and two of them ended up with their arms severed off.

...Yeeeaah, he really wasn't good with kids...

But hey, at least things were fine and dandy now if you excluded the fact that he was now stuck in a whole other universe with one of his old students and the Kazekage of Suna—all of them having been deaged by several years. 

Yep. Everything was just swell...

Sakura had to stop them before they reached the gates. "You guys can't go past here," she explained. "According to the letter the school gave me, these gates are high security and they only let in those with IDs. Anyone else would trigger the alarms." 

Gaara scoffed. "These gates are poor at best, but I guess we'll leave you here." 

"Make sure to contact us if anything happens," Kakashi told her, raising his phone for emphasis. 

Sakura nodded, inwardly grateful for such spectacular devices. If only her world had them... though Sasuke would most likely just leave her on 'read' anyways... He was a dick like that. 

Kakashi reached out to ruffle her pink hair affectionately and gave her an eye smile. "Have fun on your first day of school, alright? Make some friends." 

She gave him an aggravated look and swatted his invasive hand away. "You know I'm only here for the mission, right?" But she sighed anyways and said: "But yeah, don't worry... I'll make some friends..." 

"Don't forget to eat lunch." Gaara said as she started to walk away. 

"I know!" She called back. 

"Listen to your senseis!" Kakashi added. 

"I know! Now stop shouting, people are beginning to look!" She hissed back at them. 

Gaara just gave her a blank look while Kakashi smirked in amusement. Finally, the pair of them turned around and left, disappearing from her vision in a flash.

She finally allowed herself to chuckle at their antics before stepping inside the building. It was very pristine and modern looking, a stark contrast from the Academy but she heard it was getting rebuilt anyways. 

She found the large door labelled 1-C without needing to use a map, which she gave herself kudos for. The school was humongous and she wouldn't be surprised if it's hallways acted like a maze. 

The classroom was surprisingly smaller than what she expected, but then again it only contained twenty students unlike the near forty in the Academy. According to seating chart, she was to be sitting between a Shinsou Hitoshi and a Togeike Chikuchi. 

There wasn't as many students inside yet, but as time trickled on, more kids stepped in and took their seats. Sakura used this as the chance to analyze her new... classmates. It still astounded her that people of this age were still required to go to school. Most of them were chatting amongst themselves while the handful few were sitting quietly. They looked like your average civilian teenagers. 

At her right was Shinsou Hitoshi. He was a purplette with very noticeable dark rings around his eyes—though not as noticeable as Gaara's of course. At her left was Togeike Chikuchi, a dark haired girl who was boredly doodling in her notebook. 

The bell rang loudly and a few moments later, a chipper looking woman entered the scene. She was semi-casually, sort of like the outfit she had stolen from Hanae, except for questionable color scheme. A neon orange blouse with a black and white striped pencil skirt and pale yellow heels. What the heck. And Sakura thought the color scheme of her school uniform clashed with her hair. This woman was a monstrosity.

And she was apparently their homeroom teacher. 

"Hello class! My name is Chibana Sango and I'm the homeroom teacher for 1-C. Let's hope we have a good year, yeah?" She grinned brightly at the twenty students before checking her watch. "Well, it's look we still have some time before orientation starts so how about we introduce ourselves to the class one by one?" 

Uuuuugh. Sakura remembered having to do this on the first day of the Academy and the day they were assigned their Genin teams. She nearly blushed with shame at the memory of her own introduction. God, she couldn't believe how shameless she was... 

The kids introduced themselves one by one until it was finally her turn. She stood up as instructed and gave everyone a small smile. 

"Hi, I'm Uchiha Sakura. I just recently moved to the city. Nice to meet you all." Straight and to the point, with no lies either. 

After everyone finished, they moved on to the auditorium where the orientation would be held. It was like any other orientation—a warm welcome, an explanation of the rules, and a long speech from the principal about how this year would be just as prosperous as the last. 

There was something she noticed though, most of the staff were dressed in their hero get-ups, sans a handful (including her own homeroom teacher). Was the majority of the staff here Pro Heroes? 

While Principal Nezu continued talking, she spotted a short figure standing amongst the staff members. She almost couldn't see her from how short she was. Donning a lab coat was a elderly woman wearing a weird looking helmet. Her whole attire screamed 'doctor' and she couldn't help but wonder if this was the 'Doctor' those scientists spoke about. 

When no one was looking she leaned over to the right and whispered to one of her fellow classmates—the one named Shinsou—and asked him, "Who is that elderly woman standing on the stage? Is she a Pro Hero too?" 

He gave her a mildly weird look. "Um, yeah. She's the Youthful Heroine: Recovery Girl. I think she's working as a nurse here? I mean, her Quirk suggests it." 

"Ohhhh, I see, thank you." She gave him a brief smile before turning her attention back to the front. 

She needed to get close to her. This 'Recovery Girl' could be the Doctor they were looking for. She had zero evidence for it, but so far this was the closest she could get to finding a way back home.  

─────•~❉🌸❉~•─────

High school was a breeze for Sakura, who had already graduated from school at age twelve. The only class giving her complications was English. Their English teacher was a man called Present Mic—a Pro Hero who miraculously managed to be ten times louder than Naruto was in their Genin years. 

All in all, it was a fucking nightmare to be taught by him, but she persevered. 

When it was lunch time, she grabbed her luxuriously made meal from the Cook Hero: Lunch Rush and found a secluded seat at the cafeteria.

She confirmed with Google that Recovery Girl—who's real name was Shuzenji Chiyo (that part sent a pang to her heart)—was the only medical provider at UA and was also a certified doctor. 

She couldn't help but have her doubts about this though. The 'Doctor' Hanae and Miyumi spoke of was most likely a doctor of science like Orochimaru rather than a medical one like Recovery Girl. But this was her only lead so far, so she'd have to try it. 

She went to text Gaara and Kakashi of her findings only to pause at the name of the group chat.

[The Icha Icha Paradisers]

Gaara, why on earth did you let Kakashi-sensei decide on the group chat name?!

Gaara: I apologize. I didn't realize he would do something like this...

It's fine, it's not your fault that he's a pervert.

Where is he anyways? There's something I need to tell you both!

Kakashi: Sorry, I was busy cooking lunch

Gaara: No he wasn't.

Gaara: He's out at the pool reading that book again.

😡 One day I'm gonna burn that book

Kakashi: 😉 Nice try but I'll just have Alexa buy me more 

Gaara: What is that

Gaara: Those faces

Gaara: How did you do that

Oh it's called an emoji! You just have to change keyboards.

Gaara: 🐔

Kakashi: That's a chicken

Gaara: Yes, I know. Since you've kindly offered to make lunch, I'm telling you that I want chicken gizzard

Gaara: Please get to it

Kakashi: ☹️

Before you do that, I MAY have found the 'doctor'

Kakashi: Already? Wow, you work fast

Her name is Shuzenji Chiyo, better known as Recovery Girl. She's a Pro Hero and works as a nurse for UA. I'm not 100% sure she's the one, but I'm planning on getting close to her to find out.

No sign of a 'Nomu' yet however

Gaara: Good work, Sakura 👍

Kakashi: Oooh you finally learned how to use emojis

Gaara: 🖕

Kakashi: ☹️

Gaara: Get to cooking lunch already, Kakashi

Kakashi: ☹️☹️☹️

My lunch period is nearly over so I'll contact you all later, alright?

Bye!

Sakura tucked her phone away after sending the message. Judging from the furious buzzing coming from her pocket, Gaara and Kakashi were engaged in some sort of petty argument about lunch. 

She placed her empty tray away and left the cafeteria. She had about five minutes before the bell rang so hopefully she could find a restroom in time. 

That didn't happen though.

On the farther side of the hallway was Recovery Girl. Sakura hid her look of shock and quickly went into strategy mode. There was a staircase right between them, and if she acted it out correctly then... 

A startled shriek escaped her lips as she 'suddenly' went tumbling down the stairs. She could hear the elder woman's horrified gasp as she hit the steps, not bothering to hide her winces of pain. 

"Oh goodness, are you okay?!" She looked up to see Recovery Girl rushing down the stairs as fast as she could. 

Sakura let out a weak groan, pretending to act woozy. "Ah..." 

"Oh my," the elderly woman clicked her tongue as she knelt at her side. "It looks like you scraped your knee." 

Perfect, she thought, eyes connecting with the bleeding wound. 

"Come with me, I'll take you to the—"

"—No, no, it's fine," Sakura said sheepishly. "I can heal myself, it's okay." 

Before Recovery Girl could say anything against it, Sakura's hand was already hovering over her knee with a green glow. 

"That's a very useful Quirk you've got!" She commended. "Mind if I take a look?" 

"Um, sure?" 

Recovery Girl peered closer to her knee, her eyes inspecting the unblemished skin. "Wonderful," she murmured. "Tell me, are you aspiring to be a hero?" 

"Er, no, I'm in the Gen Ed. course." She explained. "I'm... planning to become a doctor." 

Recovery Girl looked away from the healed wound and smiled at her. "You've got the perfect Quirk for it! How do you feel about doing some assistance work? It's not technically an internship, but it'll give you some experience!" 

Sakura's eyes lit up. This was exactly what she needed! "Really? Oh thank you so much, that would help me a lot! I promise I'm a diligent worker, I've already read loads of medical books and I know a lot about medicine and herbs and poisons—! I swear I won't let you down!" 

Recovery Girl let out a mirthful chuckle and Sakura can't help but remember Lady Chiyo at that moment. But she pushed the image of the kind old lady who saved her and Gaara and instead focused on the present. 

"I have a good feeling about you, child. What's your name?" 

"Uchiha Sakura," she replied. 

Recovery Girl smiled. "Well, Uchiha-san, I hope you're ready for this year. Judging by a certain student from the Hero Course, I'm going to need you around a lot. What's your next class after lunch?" 

"Math." 

"Do you mind missing it?" 

"Oh not at all." She already knew all the lessons anyways. 

Recovery Girl nodded in satisfaction. "Good. Come visit me at my office when class starts. Here, let me write you a note to give to your teacher..." 

Sakura didn't bother to hide her giddiness as the note was handed to her. After promising to come over, they parted ways and she was finally able to relieve herself in the restroom. 

When lunch ended, she quickly returned to her classroom and waited patiently for the teacher to arrive. The second Ectoplasm stepped into the room, she handed him the note and after receiving a short nod, she was out of there. 

It took her forever to find the nurse's office but she found it on the first floor. She knocked on the grand doors once. 

"Come in!" 

She stepped inside and looked around. The interior was basically a mini hospital room. One corner of the room held a work desk where Recovery Girl was currently typing away at a computer. Beside her were drawers with stacks of medicine sitting atop it. The majority of the room was taken over by the two beds and chairs. Both were empty. 

"Ah, I knew it was you, Uchiha-san. Come here for a moment, please." Recovery Girl motioned her forward to stand beside her on the desk. "You're probably aware of this, but most of the students who come here are those from the hero course—they have the most rigorous practical lessons after all. Can you tell me what sort of injuries you can heal?" 

"Um, bruises, cuts, burns—I can also cure illnesses and poison." 

Basically everything, she thought, feeling proud of her accomplishments. Though Sakura decided not to tell her that she could also manually pump a person's heart by literally inserting her hand into their body. Nor did she tell her that she could regenerate limbs through Creation Rebirth that Tsunade had taught her. She also refrained from speaking of any experience with surgeries and big stuff like that since apparently she was a 'child' and children shouldn't be trusted to do such serious tasks. 

Recovery Girl nodded before adding, "And bones?" 

"Hmm?" 

"Can you heal broken bones as well?" She clarified. 

Easy peasy. She nodded, "Yes." 

Recovery Girl let out a sigh of relief. "That's good to hear. Let me show you something Uchiha-san." She rummaged through one of her drawers and pulled out a thin file. She skimmed through the pages before showing her one. It was like a student profile of some sort. 

Sakura immediately recognized the photo on the small square. It was that green haired boy back at the library, the one who squealed about All Might before high-tailing it out of there the second he was noticed. His school ID photo was weird. He wore a face full of horror—dark green eyes as wide as saucers like he was being held at kunai-point but was poorly attempting to smile it off. 

"We have our work cut out for us, Uchiha-san," she said in a exhausted voice. "This young man here is apart of Class 1-A's hero course. He has a sort of strength enhancing Quirk that he's still getting used to using. He's a late bloomer you see, and well, every time he uses his Quirk he breaks his bones." 

Sakura blinked at her. "Excuse me?" 

Recovery Girl looked at her as if she understood how she was feeling. "It's exactly what you think." 

"You mean... he's breaking his bones... on purpose?" She asked, horrified. 

The older woman nodded gravely. "My Quirk allows me to heal a person through a kiss," she began. 

What the fuck, Sakura thought. 

"With it, I can speed up their healing process but it requires me to use their stamina, which leaves them very tired once the process is complete. If the amount of stamina a person has is less than what's needed to heal their injuries, then using my Quirk on them could potentially lead to their deaths. That's where the surgeries and other healing methods come in." She explained. 

"As I said before, those in the hero course are put under rigorous training. Sometimes their stamina is most likely drained out by the time they reach my office, which means I can't use my Quirk on them due to the risks. That's where you'll be coming in, if you're still willing to accept to this role as my apprentice." 

Sakura straightened up. "I accept. Thank you the opportunity, Recovery Girl. I won't disappoint you." 

She hoped and prayed that Recovery Girl was the 'Doctor' they were looking for. She already felt bad for lying to this elderly woman—and she felt even worse when Kakashi gave her orders to follow the hero home in order to gather more information. 

She lived in a simple one story house with a lush garden at the front yard. Her windows were left opened and uncovered—a foolish mistake, but a mistake Sakura utilized to her advantage. The house had zero security, which made her shake her head in disappointment. Nevertheless, she continued her search while was Recovery Girl was busy making tea for herself in the kitchen. 

She had her own study that was filled with medical books and posters you would see at a hospital. She looked through every file but found nothing suspicious, nor could she find anything about a 'Nomu'. The same went for the bedroom and all the other rooms in the house. 

She watched Recovery Girl did her tasks: she called her children, ordered her dinner, then went to bed. Once she was asleep, Sakura swiftly left the house at 10 PM.

There was nothing suspicious to report.

─────•~❉🌸❉~•─────

Kakashi and Gaara wore neutral faces when she gave them the news, but she could tell that they felt just as disappointed as she did. 

"Well, it is only the first day," Kakashi shrugged it off.

"We've been here for nearly a month now." Sakura sighed, collapsing on the couch. 

"I meant your first day with the possible suspect." He corrected himself. 

"I'm her apprentice now, by the way." She added tiresomely. "She's going to have me heal up the kids in the hero course. And do you remember that green haired boy from the library? He's in that course too and apparently he breaks his bones every time he uses his Quirk." 

Kakashi snorted. "He better find a way to alleviate that soon. He'll be a liability on the field." 

"Just make sure not to get too carried away with this new job she's giving you," Gaara advised her. "We're not entirely sure this 'Recovery Girl' is the target we're looking for. You need to keep searching outside of that." 

She nodded in understanding. "I know. I just hope she's the one. I literally threw myself down a staircase for this." 

Kakashi snickered and Gaara tried to hide his amused look to no avail. 

"At least we know you're dedicated to the mission," Kakashi commented. 

Sakura rolled her eyes before standing up. "Did you guys leave any dinner for me?" 

"Gaara gobbled up all the chicken gizzards from lunch, but I saved up some yakitori and fried rice for you." Kakashi replied, lazily waving a hand towards the dining room. 

Gaara sent him a side-glare before rising up from his seat. "I'll prepare the meal for you," he offered to Sakura, walking passed her to reach the kitchen. She felt too emotionally drained to say anything against it. 

Even after a fulfilling dinner, she couldn't rest. Which was why she was sitting at the edge of their illuminatingly blue pool, her calves dipped into the cool water. 

She could feel Gaara's chakra draw closer to her. 

"You should be in bed." He chided her. He sat down to her left, but didn't bother putting his legs in the water. 

"I'll be fine," she said dismissively, knowing very well that she would probably wake up too late in the morning on a school day. But oh well; her parents weren't around to scold her and she knew that neither Kakashi or Gaara would care about her getting tardies in her record.

"...What is it that troubles you?" Gaara asked hesitantly. 

"Sarada," she answered simply. "I can't get my mind off her. I heard her scream when it happened. I've never heard her sound so scared before..."

Gaara bowed his head in empathy. "Yes, I understand how you feel. My last glimpse of Shinki wasn't a pleasant one either..." 

She grimaced. "That's right... he saw what happened." 

He nodded. "He was trying to save me, I think, but Kankuro held him back. I'm grateful for that. Though I can't help but wish he were with me, but I don't think he'd like it here. It's much too noisy for his tastes." 

She snorted. "Sarada would love it here—mainly because of the library." 

"I know, I remember catching her reading at my library passed midnight." He commented.

She straightened up and looked at him in alarm. "Wait what? I don't remember that happening!" 

"I'm sorry. I promised her I'd keep it a secret..." At least he had the decency to look guilty. 

She narrowed her eyes at him. "Tell me you didn't let her continue to stay up." 

"..."

"Oh my god, Gaara." She groaned. 

"I'm really sorry, Sakura... but she said it was her favorite book and that she only had a few more chapters to finish—I couldn't refuse. If it makes you feel better, I stayed to make sure she went to bed once she was done." 

"Thanks I guess..." She grumbled. Geez, he spoils my daughter almost as much as Kakashi does! 

"When we find a way back," Gaara began carefully. "Do you think you can visit us?" 

She looked at him in confusion. "Visit? You mean like, check how the hospitals are doing or—?"

"No," he shook his head, a faint pinkish color in his cheeks. "I mean... just visit to... see us." 

"Oh—" 

"—because Shinki would like to see you again." He hastily cut in. "I know my son doesn't express his emotions very freely, but he does like you a lot. He sees you as a mother figure."

Now it was Sakura's turn to turn pink. "R-really?" 

He nodded with a small smile on his face. "He was very disappointed when you went back to Konoha." 

"Awww, really?" She giggled, her imagination bringing up a picture of stoic and mature Shinki pouting as he watched her leave. "Don't worry, once we get back, I'll definitely visit you guys. And I'll bring Sarada with me of course. We seriously need to find some way to get those two to get along." 

He wholeheartedly agreed with that. He couldn't help but feel a little guilty though since this whole rivalry between their kids started because his son called Sarada a 'salad'...

"The more you stay around, the more they'll grow to be used to each other's presence." Gaara stated, though it was more of a ploy to get her to stay in Suna a little longer (or the option he preferred most: permanently). 

There was some logic in that, Sakura mused. She remembered back in her Academy days where she could barely stand to be around Naruto, but after being in a team with him she grew to love him as one of her closest friend and even a brother figure. The same went with Sai—even when he continued to call her 'Hag'... 

After a few more minutes of chatting fondly about their respective kids, Gaara decided it was time for Sakura to go to bed. 

"You still have school tomorrow," he reminded her as if he were her father. 

She chuckled. "Yes, dad," she teased, as they finally entered the house from the backdoor, oblivious to the dark eyes watching them from the balcony overhead. 

— author's note —

This'll be Kakashi in the future: 

Kakashi: Make some friends

Sakura: Ok sure

Sakura: *makes friends and hangs out with them more than Kakashi*

Kakashi: 

Gaara: You fool. Now look at what you've done.