Disclaimer: I own neither Naruto nor 1/2 Prince. And this isn't a crossover! I'm simply using the concept of a virtual reality game. I know this chapter is pretty short, and well...a bit boring. That's because this is just setting the scene. But please read and leave a review :]

"Speaking"

'Thoughts'

"Hurry up! The line is going to be so long!" "Slow down, it's just a game." "It's not just a game, it's the game! Produced by the Uchiha Corporations using the latest technology, it's the first virtual reality game with 99% realism levels! The hottest game ever made and it's finally getting released today!"

At this, green eyes trailed after them as said girls left the room chattering with each other. With a longing sigh, the pink haired girl resumed placing her books into her school bag and slung it diagonally across her chest. 'A friend….if only he didn't leave…' She shook her head, refusing to think about the what ifs and hurried to the door, exiting the classroom.

In the hallways, students loitered around to make plans with each other for the weekend, but for this girl, she was too busy rushing towards the exit like she always did each day, pushing people out of her way. "Shitsurei shimasu. Gomen. Gomen." Upon exiting the school, she would run towards District 4 where her part time job is.

It's a small cozy café, the owner is not only a warm grandmother figure but the baker as well. She has a daughter, but her daughter has no intention of taking over the café, instead opting to work in one of those fancy businesses. So usually it's just the two of them, employer and employee, but occasionally her daughter would stop by in her free time to help.

"Ne Sakura, you don't have to rush straight here from school every day, your job doesn't officially start until about half an hour. I feel like I'm not paying you enough for this." "Daijoubu, I earn more tips this way anyways."

The girl Sakura walked to the back of the café where the personal lounge is and tossed her school bag on one of the empty couches before taking out her work outfit from the closet in the corner of the room. She then proceeded towards where the bathroom is and changed into the typical outfit which consisted of a long white button down and black vest paired with black shorts and black flats. When the girl finished hanging her now discarded school uniform back on the empty hanger in the closet she exits the lounge.

Upon reentering the main café, soft relaxing music can be heard through the speakers. Moving towards the counter, the pink haired girl breathed in the warm aroma of tea and sugar. "Irashaimase!"

When the last customer left and it's already 8, closing time, her boss or Chiyo baa-san as the Sakura refers to her, called said girl over. "Nan desu ka Chiyo baa-san?"

"Ah Sakura, you know that new game that they're releasing today?"

"That virtual reality game? Shinobi Life I think it's called?"

"Hai, that one. Well, I got one for my grandson, but somehow he managed to obtain a Crimson Edition, so I was thinking I'd give it to you."

"Eh? I can't possibly take it! I heard it's very expensive, easily over a few hundred dollars!"

"What are you talking about? You deserve it."

"Shikashi – "

"Just listen; you need some time to enjoy yourself. Since you're so determined not to get involved with real friends, you could at least make virtual friends. Although I have no idea what you're so afraid for. If people can't look beyond material things then they're not really your friends and not worth listening to."

At this Sakura kept silent because it's true. Her father abandoned his family for a slut he met at a bar about a decade back and a few years ago her mother passed away from heartbreak and the stress of supporting them with her lowly income. To cut down on the rent Sakura had moved into an apartment in District 9 where everything is dirty, run-down and cramped. There are simply three rooms where she was residing in now; a bedroom, bathroom and kitchen that act as the living room as well. Of which some of the classroom's in school are bigger than her whole apartment combined and that's not exaggerating. She's currently on scholarship because Sakura could hardly afford rent, food, and other necessities much less the tutition fee.

Taking the silence as consent, Chiyo baa-san took a box from behind the counter and placed it in Sakura's hand. "Take it."

She stared down at the box in her hand and before she can protest again, Chiyo baa-san turned away. "I'm busy, I need to prepare for tomorrow, you can leave now."

Sitting on the creaking chair back in her apartment Sakura ate the onigiri she bought in one of the crappy District 9 supermarkets along the way as she did her homework with her free hand. Finishing up the meal, Sakura threw away the wrapper and sat back down staring at the box on the dining table in front of her. Just a foot away from her homework. 'Should I…?' Shaking her head Sakura continued to finish up her homework.

When it's nearing two o'clock, the pink haired girl finally leaned back into the chair and stretched out her sore muscles, grateful the Japanese teacher was absent and didn't leave behind an essay. Stifling a yawn she scooped her books into her school bag before placing the bag back on the filthy floor where it was previously.

But as Sakura was getting up, the box once again caught her eyes. 'Argh, might as well try it.' Taking it with her, she entered her bedroom and sat down on the hard mattress. Opening the box, however, all she saw was a horizontal strip with circular ends at 90 degrees. Taking it out Sakura inspected in the box again and thought, 'this is it?'

Needless to say it took her quite a while to figure out that the horizontal strip covers the eyes with the circular ends pressing against the ears and even longer for her to figure out how to get it to start. After unsuccessfully trying to find the 'on' button, Sakura picked up the box in frustration. 'Isn't there freaking instructions?' Then suddenly Sakura smacked herself for her stupidity. It had said right there on the box next to the Uchiha crest, 'Dreams Gaming Device'. After placing the box in a corner of her bed where it won't get in the way, she put on the device, laid back and closed her eyes. Immediately Sakura felt a queer senstion of being transported somewhere, to a place with endless darkness.

'What the hell is this place?'

Then a voice called out, "Konnichiwa."

For those of you who are confused, in Japan the education system is 6 years of elementary school, 3 years of lower secondary school, 3 years of upper secondary school followed by college. Sakura is currently in her third year of upper secondary school aka high school so that would make her 17-18 years old. In this story Sakura doesn't know anyone yet, she meets them for the first time in game.

Oh, if you're confused about how the gaming device looks like look up the one in 1/2 prince.

Once again, please drop a review!

I know my japanese isn't the best, but please inform me if you find anything wrong with it :] Thanks!

Shitsurei shimasu: Excuse me

Gomen: Sorry

Ne: You know...

Daijoubu: It's alright

Irashaimase: Welcome

Nan desu ka Chiyo baa-san: What is it Grandmother Chiyo?

Hai: Yes

Shikashi: But...

Onigiri: Japanese rice ball

Konnichiwa: Hello / Good afternoon