Sakura Haruno sat cross-legged on her bed, surrounded by a sea of colorful notebooks and crumpled papers. Her brow furrowed in concentration as she scribbled furiously, pink hair falling across her face. The afternoon sun streamed through her window, casting a warm glow on the scattered notes and doodles of hearts with "S+S" scrawled inside.
She tapped her pencil against her chin, green eyes scanning the pages before her. "Problem: How to become Sakura Uchiha," she muttered, circling the words for emphasis. It wasn't an immediate concern, of course. They were still just kids in the Academy, years away from becoming full-fledged ninja. But her father always said it was best to tackle problems head-on and early.
Sakura's gaze drifted to a list of names she'd jotted down. Ino Yamanaka. Ami. Fuki. Kasumi. The competition. Her lips pursed into a frown as she remembered the way they fawned over Sasuke during class, batting their eyelashes and giggling at his every move.
"I need to stand out," she whispered, determination blazing in her eyes. "But how?"
She flopped back on her bed, staring up at the ceiling. Her mind raced through possibilities. Sure, she had the best grades in the class. Book smarts came easily to her. But was that enough?
Sakura rolled onto her stomach, propping her chin on her hands. She thought of Ino, her former best friend turned rival. Ino, whose clan techniques gave her an edge. Ino, whose parents were elite jounin, able to teach her things far beyond what they learned in the Academy.
A pang of envy twisted in Sakura's gut. Her own parents were shinobi, but they were... average. Reliable. Sturdy. Not the kind of ninja legends were made of. They'd taught her some basics, but nothing that would make her stand out from the crowd of Sasuke's admirers.
"What does Sasuke want?" she mused aloud, chewing on the end of her pencil. "He wants to be the strongest ninja of our generation, that's obvious. But I can't really help with that..."
Her eyes widened as a memory surfaced. Sasuke, standing alone after class, a faraway look in his dark eyes as he gazed at the Uchiha clan symbol on his shirt. His voice, barely above a whisper: "I have to rebuild my clan."
Sakura sat up straight, excitement coursing through her. "That's it!" she exclaimed. "He doesn't want to be the last Uchiha. He needs someone to help rebuild his clan!"
She scrambled for a fresh sheet of paper, scrawling out this new revelation. "Rebuilding a clan means... making babies," she wrote, her cheeks flushing pink at the thought. "And that's something only a girl can do!"
A grin spread across Sakura's face. This was perfect! She liked babies. They were cute and small and smelled nice (most of the time). If she could prove she was the best at making babies, surely that would win Sasuke over!
Her triumphant smile faltered as a new problem presented itself. "Wait... how do girls make babies, anyway?"
Sakura's brow furrowed as she tried to recall any information on the subject. There were vague memories of her mother mentioning something about a stork, but that didn't seem quite right. And she was pretty sure it involved a mommy and a daddy, but the specifics were frustratingly out of reach.
She tapped her pencil against her lips, deep in thought. Then, like a bolt of lightning, her father's words echoed in her mind: "Sakura, if you ever have any questions about anything, you can always come to me."
Sakura nodded decisively, her course of action set. She would go straight to the source and get the information she needed. After all, her dad knew everything. He'd help her figure out how to be the best baby-maker in all of Konoha!
With renewed purpose, Sakura bounded off her bed and marched down the stairs. She found her parents in the den, her mother curled up with a book while her father pored over some mission reports.
Sakura planted herself directly in front of her father, hands on her hips and chin held high. Kizashi Haruno looked up, a bemused expression on his face as he took in his daughter's determined stance.
"Yes, sweetheart?" he asked, setting aside his paperwork. "What's on your mind?"
Sakura took a deep breath, steeling herself. This was it. The moment that would set her on the path to becoming Sakura Uchiha. She looked her father square in the eye and declared with utmost confidence:
"Daddy, I want you to help me in making babies!"
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Sakura flopped onto her bed, her mind whirling with the newfound information. The soft pink comforter cushioned her fall as she stared up at the ceiling, processing everything her mother had told her.
"Wow," she breathed, still reeling from the unexpected turn her day had taken. She couldn't help but giggle at the memory of her father's face when she'd asked about making babies. His eyes had bulged, his mouth opening and closing like a fish out of water. And then there was her mother, doubled over with laughter before coming to his rescue.
Sakura rolled onto her stomach, propping her chin on her hands. The "Talk" had been... enlightening, to say the least. She wrinkled her nose, thinking about some of the more graphic details. But it was the "Ninja Mother Talk" that really captured her attention.
She reached for her notebook, flipping to a fresh page. At the top, she wrote in neat, precise characters: "Operation: Best Uchiha Babies."
"Okay," she muttered, tapping her pencil against her lips. "Let's break this down."
Under the title, she began to list what she'd learned:
1. Both parents being ninja = better ninja babies
2. Faster mental development
3. Deeper chakra reserves
4. First-generation ninja usually max out at mid-chunin level
Sakura nodded to herself. This part, at least, wasn't a problem. Both her parents were ninja, which meant any children she had with Sasuke would have that advantage. She allowed herself a small, smug smile. Take that, Ino-pig!
But then her smile faltered as she remembered the second, more troubling piece of information. She added it to her list:
1. Ninja pregnancies are very draining
2. Stronger the mother = more draining
3. Most kunoichi only have 1-2 children max
Sakura chewed on her lower lip, brow furrowed in concentration. This was definitely a problem. How could she rebuild the Uchiha clan with only one or two children? Sasuke needed more than that. He needed a whole clan!
She rolled onto her back again, holding her notebook above her face as she studied her list. "There's got to be a way around this," she mused. "I just need to do more research."
Sakura sat up abruptly, a determined glint in her eye. Research. That was something she excelled at. If there was a solution to this problem, she'd find it.
She slid off her bed and padded over to her bookshelf, scanning the titles. Most were Academy textbooks or novels, nothing that would help with her current dilemma. She needed more specialized information.
"The library," she decided, nodding to herself. "They'll have books on ninja physiology and chakra theory. Maybe even some historical records about large ninja families."
Sakura glanced at the clock. It was still early afternoon – plenty of time to get to the library before it closed. She grabbed her bag, stuffing her notebook and some snacks inside, then headed for the door.
"Mom!" she called as she thundered down the stairs. "I'm going to the library!"
Mebuki poked her head out of the kitchen, an amused smile playing on her lips. "More studying? You know, sweetie, it's okay to take a break sometimes."
Sakura shook her head vehemently. "This is important, Mom. It's for... a special project."
Her mother's eyebrow quirked upward, but she didn't press for details. "Alright, then. Just be home for dinner."
"I will!" Sakura promised, already halfway out the door.
The streets of Konoha were bustling with afternoon activity. Sakura weaved her way through the crowd, her mind racing with possibilities. She was so lost in thought that she almost collided with a familiar figure.
"Watch where you're going, Forehead!"
Sakura stumbled back, coming face to face with Ino Yamanaka. Her former best friend stood with her hands on her hips, blue eyes narrowed in annoyance.
"Sorry, Ino-pig," Sakura muttered, more out of habit than any real remorse. "I was thinking."
Ino's expression shifted from irritation to curiosity. "About what? You looked pretty serious."
For a moment, Sakura considered sharing her plan. But then she imagined Ino's mocking laughter, the way she'd probably run off to tell all the other girls. No, this was her secret weapon. She couldn't risk Ino stealing her idea.
"Nothing important," Sakura lied, forcing a casual shrug. "Just some extra credit work for Iruka-sensei."
Ino rolled her eyes. "Ugh, you're such a nerd, Sakura. Don't you ever do anything fun?"
Sakura bristled at the insult, but held her tongue. Let Ino think she was just studying. When she became Sasuke's wife and rebuilt the Uchiha clan, they'd all see who the real winner was.
"Whatever," Sakura said, stepping around her rival. "I've got to go."
She could feel Ino's suspicious gaze on her back as she walked away, but she didn't look back. She had more important things to focus on.
The Konoha Public Library loomed before her, its grand facade a promise of knowledge waiting to be discovered. Sakura took a deep breath, squaring her shoulders as she climbed the steps. This was her element. If anyone could solve this baby-making puzzle, it was her.
The cool, quiet atmosphere of the library enveloped her as she stepped inside. The scent of old books and parchment filled her nostrils, and she couldn't help but smile. This place always felt like a second home to her.
Sakura made her way to the information desk, where an elderly librarian sat surrounded by stacks of books. The woman looked up as Sakura approached, adjusting her glasses.
"Can I help you, dear?" she asked, her voice soft and creaky.
Sakura nodded, trying to look as mature and serious as possible. "Yes, please. I'm doing some research on ninja physiology and chakra theory, specifically as it relates to... um... reproduction."
The librarian's eyebrows shot up, disappearing into her gray hairline. "That's quite an advanced topic for someone your age," she said, giving Sakura a appraising look.
"It's for a special project," Sakura explained quickly, using the same excuse she'd given her mother. "I'm very interested in medical ninjutsu, you see."
It wasn't entirely a lie. Sakura had always been fascinated by the idea of healing jutsu. And if studying it helped her with her Sasuke plan, well, that was just an added bonus.
The librarian seemed to consider this for a moment before nodding. "Very well. You'll want to start in the medical section, third floor. Look for books on chakra circulation and cellular biology. There might be some historical records that could be useful as well – check the clan histories on the second floor."
Sakura beamed, bowing slightly. "Thank you very much!"
She headed for the stairs, her mind already cataloging the information she needed to find. As she reached the second floor, she paused, considering the librarian's suggestion about clan histories. It couldn't hurt to start there, she decided.
The clan history section was vast, with shelves upon shelves of dusty tomes detailing the lineages and achievements of Konoha's most prominent families. Sakura's fingers trailed along the spines, searching for anything that might be relevant.
Her hand stopped on a thick, leather-bound volume titled "The Legacy of the Senju Clan." Sakura pulled it from the shelf, remembering something she'd read about the First Hokage having many children. Maybe there was some secret there she could use.
She settled into a nearby chair, opening the book carefully. The pages were yellowed with age, covered in dense text and elaborate family trees. Sakura skimmed through, looking for any mention of children or family size.
Her eyes widened as she came across a passage detailing the First Hokage's family:
"Hashirama Senju, renowned as the God of Shinobi, was blessed with a large and prosperous family. He and his wife, Mito Uzumaki, had five children who survived to adulthood, an unusual feat for ninja of their caliber. Some speculated that their unique abilities – Hashirama's Wood Release and Mito's powerful Uzumaki life force – allowed them to overcome the typical limitations faced by ninja parents."
Unauthorized duplication: this narrative has been taken without consent. Report sightings.
Sakura's heart raced with excitement. This was exactly the kind of information she needed! She scribbled furiously in her notebook, jotting down every detail about the Senju family's reproductive success.
But as she read on, her excitement dimmed slightly. The book went on to explain that subsequent generations of the Senju clan had struggled to maintain such large families, with most having only one or two children. It seemed that Hashirama and Mito's case was more the exception than the rule.
Still, Sakura refused to be discouraged. There had to be more to it. She returned the Senju book and continued her search, pulling out volumes on other prominent clans – the Sarutobi, the Hyuuga, even the Uchiha themselves.
As she pored over the histories, a pattern began to emerge. While most ninja families were small, there were occasional instances of larger broods. These seemed to occur most often in clans with unique kekkei genkai or exceptionally strong life forces.
Sakura frowned, tapping her pencil against her chin. She didn't have a kekkei genkai, and as far as she knew, her chakra reserves were pretty average. How could she compete with that?
Shaking off her doubts, she gathered up her notes and headed for the medical section on the third floor. There had to be some scientific explanation for these exceptional cases, and she was determined to find it.
The medical section was even more daunting than the clan histories. Rows upon rows of technical texts lined the shelves, their titles filled with words Sakura could barely pronounce. She took a deep breath, steeling herself for the challenge ahead.
"Okay, Sakura," she muttered to herself. "You can do this. Just take it one book at a time."
She started with the basics, pulling out texts on chakra circulation and cellular biology as the librarian had suggested. The language was dense and often went over her head, but Sakura was nothing if not persistent. She took careful notes, drawing diagrams and writing down questions to research later.
As the afternoon wore on, Sakura's head began to spin with information. She learned about the intricate dance of chakra during pregnancy, how it flowed between mother and child. She read theories on why ninja pregnancies were so taxing, the complex interplay of physical and spiritual energies that could drain even the strongest kunoichi.
But it was a slim volume titled "Chakra Conservation Techniques for Expectant Kunoichi" that really caught her attention. The book detailed various methods for managing chakra flow during pregnancy, including meditation exercises and specialized diets.
Sakura's eyes lit up as she read a passage about chakra storage seals:
"Some innovative medical-nin have experimented with the use of chakra storage seals to alleviate the strain of pregnancy on kunoichi. These seals, similar to those used by some ninja to store extra chakra for battle, could theoretically be used to supplement a pregnant woman's depleted reserves. However, such techniques are still highly experimental and not without risk."
She scribbled this information down frantically, her mind racing with possibilities. If she could figure out how to use these seals, could she overcome the limitations that kept most kunoichi from having large families? It was a long shot, but it was something to work with.
Glancing at the clock, Sakura realized with a start that it was almost dinner time. She'd been so engrossed in her research that the hours had flown by. Quickly, she gathered up her notes and the books she wanted to check out, then headed back to the main desk.
The elderly librarian raised an eyebrow at Sakura's stack of advanced medical texts but said nothing as she processed the checkouts. Sakura practically bounced with excitement as she stuffed the books into her bag. She couldn't wait to get home and start really digging into this information.
As she left the library, the setting sun painting the sky in vibrant oranges and pinks, Sakura felt a renewed sense of purpose. She might not have all the answers yet, but she had a direction. A plan was forming in her mind, a roadmap to becoming the perfect Uchiha matriarch.
"Just you wait, Sasuke-kun," she whispered, a determined smile spreading across her face. "I'll be the best baby-maker in all of Konoha. The Uchiha clan won't know what hit them!"
With that thought buoying her spirits, Sakura set off for home, her mind already racing with plans for further research and training. She had a long road ahead of her, but she was ready for the challenge. After all, true love was worth any sacrifice – even if that sacrifice involved a lot of really complicated medical jutsu.
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Sakura sighed, rubbing her tired eyes as she pored over yet another scroll. Months of research had left her feeling frustrated and no closer to her goal. The library had become her second home, its musty smell now as familiar as her own bedroom.
She glanced at the clock, realizing with a start that she'd been here for hours. Again. Her parents were probably wondering where she was. But she couldn't give up now. Not when she was so close to... well, something.
Stretching, Sakura reached for the next scroll in her pile. This one was about animal summons, a topic she'd initially dismissed as irrelevant. But at this point, she was willing to explore any avenue that might lead to a solution.
As she unrolled the parchment, a particular entry caught her eye. Rabbit summons. Sakura leaned forward, her interest piqued.
"Rabbit summons," she read aloud, her voice barely a whisper in the quiet library. "Once commonly used as messengers in Konoha..."
She skimmed through the information, her excitement growing with each line. Unlike many summon contracts, this one wasn't limited to a specific bloodline. And rabbits were known for their large families...
Sakura's mind raced. Summons used chakra, just like ninja. Could there be a connection? A way to apply their reproductive abilities to humans?
She grabbed her notebook, scribbling down ideas furiously. It was a long shot, but it was the most promising lead she'd had in weeks.
Plus, the thought of summoning cute, fluffy bunnies made her smile. It would certainly set her apart from the other girls vying for Sasuke's attention.
"Okay, Sakura," she muttered to herself. "Time to make a plan."
She began jotting down steps, her pen flying across the paper:
1. Find out more about the rabbit summon contract
2. Learn how to perform the summoning jutsu
3. Sign the contract (if possible)
4. Study the rabbits' chakra system
5. Look for ways to apply their reproductive abilities to humans
Sakura nodded, satisfied with her initial outline. It was a start, at least. She gathered up her materials, checking out a few more books on summoning techniques before heading home.
The next few weeks were a whirlwind of activity. Sakura threw herself into her new project with renewed vigor, balancing her regular academy studies with her secret research.
She started by practicing the hand signs for the summoning jutsu, using a stick to draw the necessary blood seal. It took her nearly a month of constant practice before she felt confident enough to try it for real, and to save up her allowance for a Military Ration Pill to give her enough chakra to do the summoning.
One sunny afternoon, Sakura snuck out to a secluded training ground. Her heart pounded as she bit her thumb, smearing blood across her palm.
"Summoning Jutsu!" she cried, slamming her hand to the ground.
For a moment, nothing happened. Then, with a small puff of smoke, a tiny white rabbit appeared.
Sakura gasped, her eyes wide with wonder. She'd done it! She'd actually summoned something!
The rabbit looked up at her, twitching its nose curiously. "Hello," it said, its voice high and squeaky. "I'm Mochi. Are you our new summoner?"
Sakura stared at the tiny white rabbit, her eyes sparkling with delight. She clasped her hands together, barely containing her excitement.
"Oh my gosh, you're so adorable!" she squealed. "Look at your fluffy little ears and that twitchy nose!"
Mochi's ears flattened against his head, and he puffed out his chest indignantly. "I beg your pardon! I am not 'adorable.' I am a warrior of the proud Rabbit Clan, trained in the ancient arts of combat and stealth."
Sakura blinked, taken aback by the rabbit's stern tone. She tilted her head, studying the small creature with newfound curiosity. "A warrior? Really?"
"Indeed," Mochi replied, his tiny paw thumping against the ground. "We rabbits are more than mere messengers or... pets." He practically spat the last word.
Sakura couldn't help but giggle. The sight of this tiny, fluffy bunny trying to look fierce was just too much. "I'm sorry, but it's hard to imagine you as a fearsome warrior. You're just so... small."
Mochi's whiskers twitched in annoyance. "Size isn't everything, you know. We rabbits are quick, agile, and masters of deception. Our techniques have been honed over generations."
"Okay, okay," Sakura said, holding up her hands in surrender. "So, what kind of techniques can you do?"
Mochi's ears drooped slightly. "Well... I'm still in training, actually. But I'm learning! Soon, I'll be able to perform our clan's secret jutsu."
Sakura's expression softened. "Hey, I understand. I'm still in the academy myself. We're both working hard to become strong, right?"
The rabbit's posture relaxed a bit. "You're an academy student? Hm. I suppose your summoning me is somewhat impressive then. Most humans can't manage a summon until they're at least genin."
Pride swelled in Sakura's chest. "Really? I've been practicing for weeks! I wasn't sure it would work."
"Well, don't get too full of yourself," Mochi said, but there was a hint of approval in his voice. "It's been a long time since anyone summoned the Rabbit Clan. We were beginning to think humans had forgotten about us entirely."
Sakura's eyes widened. "Forgotten? But why? Rabbits are... I mean, your clan seems really useful."
Mochi shrugged, a surprisingly human gesture on his small frame. "Times change. Bigger, flashier summons became popular. But we rabbits have our own strengths. We're excellent spies, you know. No one suspects a cute little bunny."
"I can see how that would be useful," Sakura mused. "So, what happens now? Am I officially your summoner?"
"Not quite," Mochi replied. "You'll need to renew the contract with the Queen of the Warren. She'll decide if you're worthy to be our summoner."
Sakura's heart raced with excitement. This was her chance! "Oh, I'd love to talk to your leader! I have so many questions about your clan and your abilities. When can we meet her?"
Mochi's whiskers twitched in what might have been a smile. "Well, no time like the present. Let's go!"
"Wait, what?" Sakura's excitement turned to panic. "You mean right now? But I'm not ready! I haven't prepared anything, I don't know what to say, I-"
But it was too late. With a soft "pop" and a puff of smoke, Sakura felt herself being pulled through space. The training ground disappeared, replaced by a dizzying blur of colors and sensations.
When the world stopped spinning, Sakura found herself in a vast underground chamber. The walls were made of packed earth, reinforced with roots from massive trees growing far above. Soft, bioluminescent moss provided a gentle, otherworldly light.
All around her, rabbits of various sizes and colors hopped about, some carrying scrolls or baskets, others engaged in what looked like sparring matches. The air was filled with the soft thumping of hundreds of rabbit feet and the quiet murmur of their conversations.
Sakura's jaw dropped as she took in the scene. This was the Great Warren, the home of the Rabbit Clan. And she, Sakura Haruno, was standing right in the middle of it.
"Welcome," Mochi said, his chest puffed out with pride, "to our world."
Sakura could only nod, still too overwhelmed to speak. She had so much to take in, so much to learn. And somewhere in this warren was the Queen, the one who would decide her fate as a summoner.
As the reality of her situation sank in, Sakura felt a mix of excitement and terror. This was her chance to prove herself, to gain an advantage that none of the other girls in her class had. But what if she messed it up? What if the Queen rejected her?
Taking a deep breath, Sakura steeled herself. She had come this far. Now it was time to show the Rabbit Clan - and herself - what she was made of.
With Mochi at her side, Sakura took her first steps into the Great Warren, ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead.