Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto, the characters, places or anything of the property.

This story is following Sakura in a medieval world. Sakura is a female knight with a preference for the fairer sex (females). If this offends you then this story is not for you.

This is my first attempt at a story. If you have any suggestions on how to make it better please leave a message. Thanks!

Legacy of Fire

Sakura had to give some credit to Hanabi. For the last four months she had trained in grueling sessions of swordsmanship with Sakura. Which would be grueling for even a seasoned soldier of Konoha.

Hanabi was fortunate to have Sakura as her teacher, even considering the amount of money her father gave to Sakura for these sessions, because Sakura was one of the best sword fighters in the kingdom.

While Hanabi couldn't say the same, the girl had become incredibly solid in her skill.

Still, the girl had some flaws. The most glaring flaw currently was her inability to stay off her bottom.

Right now she was sitting on her ass, looking up at Sakura as if it were the end of the world. Sakura understood why Hanabi was having a difficult time. The girl didn't have her physical strength.

Hanabi could best be described as petite. Although, Sakura knew that such a description wouldn't tell the whole story.

Hanabi was petite, and being just freshly 18 was one of the shorter and lightweight girls of the Kingdom that Sakura was acquainted with. But Sakura knew that beneath Hanabi's purple tinted armor was a body molded through blood, sweat, and sometimes tears.

Hanabi of course she didn't have the bountiful 'assets' that her sister was known for which could help her throw more strength into her strikes, but Sakura knew that Hanabi was a deceptive jewel.

She could run for miles, and trade blows a hundred times without breaking a sweat. And if you took your eye off her a second she was quick enough to end you, but Sakura wasn't one to take her eyes off her opponent.

In fact, Sakura was using all her will power continue to stare at Hanabi, and not her bare legs. She was a knight after all. It was expected of her to be a pariah of correctness, but hanabi and her current position were making it difficult.

'The girl is your student perv,' thought inner Sakura, 'and you are already trying to woo her sister.' Sakura knew that fact wasn't what gave her restraint in making a move on the girl. Hanabi was like her little sister.

"You're never going to win down there," said Sakura. Hanabi's fingers reached for her sword for just a moment, before she changed her mind.

"It's not like I can win anyways," said Hanabi, "you're too strong, and fast." Sakura was definitely fast to match her strength, but such a mentality of Hanabi's only brought failure.

Sakura wasn't about to let her be a victim of mental limitations. Mental faults would eventually become real world faults.

'I can't let her be like me,' thought Sakura. Sakura almost immediately asked her what her family would think, but realized that wouldn't achieve the proper result.
"You are aware that the griffin I fought was way stronger and faster than me when I killed it," said Sakura. The knight was cornered by the griffin so she had no chance to run away, but why would Sakura tell Hanabi that?

The Hyuga looked down at her ankles in embarrassment.

"I didn't have the luxury of worrying about what limited me. I knew its claws could cut to the bone in one swipe, and that its beak would crush my armor like a grape. I didn't compare to that beast in many ways, but you know what I did have."

Hanabi looked at Sakura with a strange mixture of shame and hero worship. Sakura crouched to her level, and looked her closely in her eyes.

"I had allies who were counting on me, and faith in myself." And a small bomb given to her by the alchemist extraordinaire Jiraiya, but again, why would Sakura tell her that?

Sakura lifted her sword high and began to pretend that she was fighting the griffin. Hanabi watched in wonder as Sakura clashed with the winds. Sakura parried blow after blow, and pirouetted fiercely to dodge the specter of an enemy.

Sakura fell to the ground and pretended as best she could that she had reached physical exhaustion with the enemy. Hanabi reacted by a scream of terror. If Sakura remembered correctly, at this time in the battle the Griffin was desperately rolling on the floor attempting to dislodge the bomb from its throat, but why would Sakura tell Hanabi that?

Sakura looked at the corner of her eye at Hinabi, who seemed transfixed on every moment of her play.

'Maybe I should stop,' thought Sakura, knowing that she was getting carried away, 'Or maybe I should play this off all the way.'

Haruno leapt to her feet, and began to furiously trade blows with the wind. Hanabi was in on the edge of her seat.

"You won't ever harm another fair maiden again beast," screamed Sakura!

Sakura jumped high into the air, and flipped like an acrobat over and onto the pretend beast. She sunk the blade deep into the beasts back, and twisted and pushed it further in until it was no longer even imagination.

Hanabi was definitely star struck. Sakura felt just for a second that maybe she had taken that too far, but the clapping of Hanabi made her think otherwise.

By this time in the actual battle the beasts head was already blown up by the bomb, which is why Sakura didn't have a trophy for the kill, but why would Sakura tell Hanabi that?

"That was amazing," said Hanabi. Sakura bowed for a brief moment before she realized the two of them weren't alone. She felt her face heat up, and looked down to her feet for comfort.

The figure stepped forward with her arms crossed, trying to subtly get the attention of the knight, but Sakura was too embarrassed to look at her.

"Fair Maiden's Miss Haruno," said Hinata, "what are you teaching my sister?"

Sakura finally looked up at the surprise guest. Hinata's smile helped to put her at ease at least a little. Sakura began to tell herself that now was the time to pull herself back together. She placed her hands on her sides and smiled as brightly as her genetics would allow her.

"A fair maiden would come at the most embarrassing time for me," said Sakura as she scratched her neck. She decided faking it till you make it was the best option.

Sakura stood as confidently as possible, and flipped her hair with a well-practiced movement of her head. Hinata looked at her for a second, before she reached out a hand to help her sister up. Sakura made sure that she looked at Hinata directly in her eyes, even though the girl was seemingly unaffected by her charms.

It was the single best way to show confidence to someone.

"It was my fault," said Hanabi, "she was trying to show me why you always should have confidence in yourself..because I gave up." Hinata looked at Sakura and they stared at each other for a few seconds without a word.

"A very important lesson," said Hinata, "this fair maiden thanks the noble knight for her wisdom." She laughed, and the tension on Sakura seemed to melt away. The party walked towards the outside of the knight's estate. In comparison to the Hyuga's estate, it was nothing. Composed of a small shelter, with just a couple rooms, a small garden and training area in the back and that was it. But it was more estate than most people had.

Sakura bowed to the heiresses, and they all said their goodbyes. Sakura was left with a little regret. Next time she would do better in front of Hinata.

"You guys don't know how much of a fool I was in front of her," said Sakura.

Shikamaru handed her a chunk of sweet bread, which she happily took a bite of. They stood in the middle of the market square, among the loudest and rudest people the city held. Shikamaru didn't answer to her statement, but that was normal for him.

For Naruto, on the other hand, it usually meant that he wasn't listening. Sakura looked to her left and saw that his eyes were fixed on the wife of a merchant. She already knew what he planned on doing.

Naruto was going to walk straight up to the wife, and without any care or tact for the women's husband he was going to ask her to go with him somewhere secluded. It would probably be the merchant's house, because Naruto never showed his flings his own home. It may only take his name to entice the woman, being one of the most renowned knights in the city, but either way it had the same effect.

Sakura slugged him with the back of her hand.

"Stop being this way Naruto," said Sakura, "you are acting below a knight of the Duchess."

Naruto finally gave her attention, but it was a simple sneer that he graced her with. Shikamaru looked as if he wanted to add to the conversation, but he then he muttered how troublesome it all was.

"The only reason you have anything to say is because you don't have the balls to do it yourself," Said Naruto. Without another word he was gone, and Sakura could only clench her fists as he did. It was a losing battle, because truly nothing could stop him from getting what he wanted.

There was a time when Sakura believed in the binding force of love between two people, but she had seen without fail all of that supposed love become nothing in the face of Naruto's advances.

Women just seemed to lose all control in front of him, and a lot of it was the chance of a taste of the better life. At least Sakura didn't feed her one night stands lies.

"I don't know why we even are friends with him," said Sakura. It certainly wasn't because he was a good person. Shikamaru took this as his first opportunity to speak.

"Because he is one of us," said Shikamaru. Sakura wanted to say that they barely had anything in common, but Shikamaru was correct for the most part. The three of them were each respected members of the duchess's inner circle, and each of their youths made their rise so unlikely this quick.

"But this is good, we never get a thing done with Naruto around. Follow." They immediately began to move themselves out of the area of the market square. For the market was filled with ears and eyes, and Shikamaru's trade was in Intel that could cripple Kingdoms.

Sakura followed him into the side streets, just a couple feet back just out of reach of the black cloak that covered him. To anyone passing, Shikamaru would be completely inconspicuous, but Sakura knew it was all for a reason.

"What is this about," said Sakura? Shikamaru didn't answer immediately, which meant he didn't intend to reply. She followed him for another ten minutes before they finally settled on the bank of the river beneath a large oak.

Immediately he threw down his cloak, and laid upon it. He put his hands behind his head, and closed his eyes as if this was his entire plan. Sakura had to wait for ten minutes before he began to speak, just as the bell from a passing boat began to chime.

"One hundred galleons," said Shikamaru. Sakura was worried that she would have to wait another ten minutes before he would continue. "Are being built, by the order of King Gaara to the west. They have finished over fifty already and are massing them as if they are building an armada," said Shikamaru.

I saw smoke leave his lips in an exhale and I had to wonder when he had been able to light it. "Gaara the mad, is not at war. As far as I know he isn't planning…." Shikamaru became silent for a second while he collected his thoughts.

"What I meant, is we don't know what war he is planning, or who he could be building for."

Sakura knew Gaara the Mad well. Before he reigned, he visited the Kingdom of fire. Back then he wasn't known as Gaara the Mad, he wasn't quite well known for who he was yet. It wasn't until his final day in the Kingdom of fire that he did something deserving of the name Mad.

He had drowned two maids in a chamber pot, but the Kingdom of fire didn't talk about that anymore.

"Why do you think he is building for someone," asked Sakura knowing she must have overlooked some fact? Shikamaru flicked his cigarette away.

"There isn't enough water in the Kingdom of dust for an armada Haruno," said Shikamaru, "but I can't rule out that he isn't planning to use that armada in some other countries borders. Too many possibilities."

Shikamaru grew silent again as he collected his thoughts. "To the north, in the land of thunder. The King of Thunder has gone silent, and even more worryingly. They have seemed to halt all combat against barbarians."

The most amazing thing of that was that the leader of the land of thunder wasn't trying to stir up trouble along the disputed border.

"In the northwest, our intel has gone completely cold," said Shikamaru, "so we have no idea what is happening in the Kingdom of stone."

"Do you think the King of Thunder could have been assassinated," said Sakura. Shikamaru laughed immediately, and when he realized it wasn't a joke he coughed.

"An assassination would not happen without a war immediately on our doorstep, I assure you. No, what worries me is that these nations have begun to act completely out of habit from what has been their norm for the last 200 years plus."

Shikamaru stood up and stretched out his back. He shook the dirt from his cloak and placed it back around himself.

"There are two people in the kingdom that have more information on political and military affairs at any time then me," said Shikamaru. "Danzo of course, and… Her excellency Tsunade."

Shikamaru took a deep breath and placed his hands into his pockets. Sakura could feel the seriousness of the conversation they were having.

"I fear I have failed the Duchess, Sakura." She could feel the sorrow coming from him having to say that, and she knew that if he was saying this it must have to some point been true.

"I have no clue what is going on in those nations. The people I have placed to keep tabs have failed, meaning I have failed. And the Kingdom of the mist is even more of a mystery. My information network there has seen no change in their behavior."

"Which means either they have failed too, or we are completely in the dark," said Sakura. Shikamaru smiled a sad smile. At least Sakura could understand the last part, but that brought up the biggest question of all. What part did Sakura play in this? Why did Shikamaru need to tell her, a knight all this information?

Shikamaru stepped out onto the edge of the waterway, pushing in a few rocks with his right foot, still his hands were in his pockets. She knew she was about to get an answer.

"I need you Haruno," said Shikamaru, "and there is no replacement for you in this mission." He turned around and looked at her the most seriously he had ever done. Sakura could see heavy bags under his eyes, he must not have slept in days. "You are the only one I have 100% percent trust in." He moved to open his mouth again, but it was useless.

"I'll do it," said Sakura, "whatever it is. Consider it done." Finally Shikamaru took his hands from his pocket and hugged his friend Sakura tightly.

"Thank you," he whispered. He held her for a minute before good sense forced the hug to end. "Tomorrow at midday, come to the throne room for your briefing. You'll want to make good use of the rest of today, for you will be gone for a long trip."

Sakura expected no less. This was a mission that seemed different from anything she had ever undertaken.

Sakura wanted to do just as he said, but if she were going to possibly leave tomorrow it left little time to prepare. She did the one thing she had time to, and grabbed sushi to go. Then she went home and prepared her kit.

Sakura laid all she would need neatly on her bedroom floor. By this time it was already dark, and her options were now very limited in what she could do. She barely had time for a good rest, but there was one thing she wanted more than a good night's rest.

Sakura would awaken in darkness, to hear the other side of the bed creaking. Her lover was bathed in darkness, with hair that went down to her waist being the only thing that covered her naked body.

Quickly she began to put her clothing on, wanting to get out before the first rays of sunlight made their way through the blinds. Sakura watched her for a minute as she finished dressing, not at all surprised she was going to leave without so much as a whisper goodbye. Just as the girl began to walk out, the voice of Sakura stopped her.

"I won't be back for a while most likely," said Sakura. For a second they stayed in silence, before any reply came.

"I don't care Haruno," said the girl. And in the next moment she was gone. Sakura was used to this, and soon she fell back asleep till the morning rays awoke her.

Sakura ate a hearty breakfast that morning. She bathed herself, washing away the memories of last night, and dressed. Sakura left her estate, and walked to the palace. The guards on duty jumped to attention as she passed.

"Morning mam," they said in unison. Sakura proceeded to the throne room. Guarding the entrance was a soldier who Sakura had once trained with on a daily basis. They nodded as the doors were pushed open.

Sakura took a deep breath, and for her that was unusual. For many, being in front of the Duchess was a nerve wrecking affair. Yet, for Sakura she was used to it.

Sakura was considered a personal favorite of the Duchess Tsunade. She had been invited to dinners, horse rides, and many other interesting and not so interesting events. Yet, many knew that the duchess had a temper. Soldiers who didn't perform as expected, soldiers who took bribes, and rapists were punished harshly.

Sakura could confirm the validity of rumors of a merchant who couldn't keep his eyes from straying from Tsunade's face, he hung by sundown. These facts made many people fearful to be in front of her, but Sakura never had those worries. Until now, because this mission was something she had never experienced.

When she took her first steps into the throne room she was blinded by sunlight, something she figured was by design. Although Sakura had the want to shield her face, she knew it would look better if she entered as if nothing phased her.

Sakura smiled prettily. A few advisors in the room stopped their arguments to give their regards.

It was around that time when Sakura got her first glimpse of the beautiful Duchess. Tsunade was looking as if she wanted death to take her. Slowly her eyes descended upon Sakura approaching, and her face changed entirely.

"Sakura darling," said Tsunade. The duchess stood up, even though Sakura knew etiquette dictated Tsunade shouldn't. Sakura was beneath the Duchess, so she shouldn't rise to greet her. Acts like this were why Sakura didn't fear the Duchess like others, she treated Sakura as a friend.

Sakura ascended the steps that led to the duchess, and curtsied when it was appropriate. When she was done she looked to Tsunade and in her cutest voice possible answered.

"Your Grace," Said Sakura, "I have arrived as requested." Tsunade couldn't hide her excitement at seeing Sakura. The Duchess squeezed her hands together in front of her waist.

"You are just the most adorable thing," said Tsunade, "I only regret that I didn't invite you to dinner yesterday. When you return Sakura." Sakura nodded as Tsunade took a seat. The Duchess sat forward, and began to rub her chin in thought. Sakura fought instinct to look away from her face, it was too risky now.

"No doubt Shikamaru told you what why this mission is needed," said Tsunade. She didn't look at Sakura, choosing instead to look at artwork that adorned the ceiling of the building.

"It was brief," said Sakura, but yes your Grace." Tsunade finally began to look at Sakura. Sakura didn't always do great with direct eye contact with Tsunade, because her thoughts always became muddled. Which made her want to move her eyes, which could lead to.. Axes dropping.

"Then you know how dire we need you to accomplish your mission," said Tsunade. The woman had a face that was sculpted by gods, each curve and freckle placed in a spot that made you question whether improvement was a possibility.

Tsunade smiled, and Sakura was trapped looking at her lips which were shaded a beautiful maroon. Then Sakura remembered that she was expected to answer.

"Yes your grace," said Sakura, "though I consider all of your missions of upmost importance." Sakura almost wanted to punch herself. All she needed to say was yes, but she was starting to ramble.

"You're going to make me blush," said Tsunade. Sakura took her eyes away from Tsunade for a second trying to collect herself. "Treat this like those and we will have no problem. Not to mention the reward will be great, but we will talk about that upon your return."

Sakura shook her head in agreement. An advisor tapped Sakura on the shoulder and handed her a sealed note. It would contain all the information they wouldn't tell her in this room.

"Your mission is simple," Said Tsunade even though Sakura knew that it wouldn't be. "You are to go to the village hidden in the sand, under the pretense of being a part of merchant negotiations, and through any means possible collect information."

Sakura had never been told through any means possible on a mission. There was always limits and regulations, but this was new territory. "Yes Sakura. Kill, bribe, and deceive, discreetly of course. But we need the information to know whether we are about to be thrust into another war."

Silence filled the room, and then Tsunade huffed. "I didn't mean do anything." Sakura could feel Tsunade begin to get annoyed. "I don't mean you have to give your body, or anything like that. I would never ask that of you."

Sakura blushed at the thought, because Tsunade had never said anything of the sort to her. Tsunade continued with a noticeable blush tinting her gorgeous face.

"After you have exhausted your attempts there,… or before they get too suspicious, you are to go to the Hidden stone Kingdom." Sakura winced at this, because that wouldn't be a fun trip. They were historic enemies.

"There you will do the same thing, but most likely incognito for obvious reasons. When that is accomplished Sakura, you will return to me." They stared at each other in silence before Tsunade finished her statement. "I mean return to the Kingdom." Her face grew red again.

Sakura curtsied feeling as if she had caught Tsunade stumbling.

"Yes, your grace," said Sakura, "I will complete my mission."

Tsunade nodded because she believed Sakura's words. Before Sakura turned to leave the chamber she decided to tease the duchess even though she knew she could have read her wrongly.

"And then I will return to you." Sakura began to walk away as the Duchess blushed a storm. This was the first time Sakura had ever acted this way towards the Duchess, but she thought she was still in safe waters.

'You are trying to climb a tall tree,' Sakura's inner self commented. As she neared the exit to the room she saw Shikamaru waiting for her. He bowed still wearing the same dark cloak he always had. Sakura curtsied while attempting to keep the chain mail skirt from making too much noise.

"Greetings my lady," said Shikamaru. "I couldn't tell you how thankful I am to have your help in fixing my mistakes."

Sakura worried that her friend was taking this so hard. He wasn't in charge of the Intel division, but still he took all of that personally. She would succeed in this mission for him, even if winning favor with the duchess was incredibly enticing.

"Don't worry," said Sakura, "you know I won't let you down."

Shikamaru nodded his head, and Sakura could tell he felt embarrassed to need her to do a mission for him. It wasn't very often Sakura saw the master of Intel so vulnerable.

"I don't doubt you one bit," said Shikamaru, "and furthermore, I like to make sure those who I have asked for favors get as much of my help as possible. So I have brought you two partners for the mission."

Shikamaru pointed to a spot on the other side of the room. Only one person masked in robes stood there. Sakura looked around further wondering if they were just out of range of her vision but nobody was there.

"The one in robes is okay, but this other one is impressive," said Sakura.

Sakura heard the robed individual snort. Sakura looked at the individual, but a shadow loomed over their face. All she could tell was that they were slightly taller than her.

"The second individual is late," said Shikamaru, "as a result,..they will meet you shortly after you begin your journey. I only ask that you take the main road when you leave here. That's where they will find you."

Shikamaru began to walk towards the other individual, and Sakura followed slowly. Sakura walked confidently, and with a subtle hip sway in case it were a women beneath the hood.

'If only being thirsty was a marketable skill,' thought inner Sakura. They reached three paces in front of the individual and stood. Shikamaru turned towards Sakura and pointed his hand towards them.

"Knowing that you are an accomplished swordsman I thought it would be useful to find someone who could fight from afar. And who I have found is a jack of all trades. Archery, magic, and even close range fighting. Plus they know the world of Intel better than anyone else I could imagine. You are looking at a legend."

The individual put their hands to their hood. Sakura tried to gain information about the person, but the hands were covered with gloves. The hands did look to be small though, so most likely it was a woman. "I would like to present to you."

Sakura was genuinely excited to meet her partner, but she did have fears that it could be someone like Maito Gai.

"Kushina." In a moment that lasted for seemingly hours the hood was pulled from the person's face and immediately Sakura's jaw dropped.

Gorgeous red hair cascaded from her shoulders, and Sakura was stunned. She had a beautifully soft and kind face, but even greater than that was the confidence in which she looked upon Sakura.

The girl winked at Sakura, who still couldn't get her bearings, and began to separate herself from the robe. Sakura watched eagerly, pretending to listen to Shikamaru as the girl lifted the dark top from her shoulders to reveal a tan ordinary top, which left her arms bare and showed off a bust similar to Ino's.

Sakura nodded as Shikamaru spoke, and was mesmerized as the girl put two fingers on her waist and began to wiggle out of her bottoms. Kushina turned and presented her side profile to Sakura allowing her to see that the girl had a perfectly flat stomach.

Without folding her knees an inch, Kushina began to bend over and slowly pushed the pants to her toes till her head was level with her knees. Sakura could always appreciate good flexibility.

Kushina revealed a tan skirt that went to just her knees, and it was tight, but not too tight. She rose back up quickly remembering that Sakura was present. She smiled innocently, seeming to not know the effect she had on her new teammate.

"Since I know you are so hard of hearing I prepared this for you," said Shikamaru.

He handed Sakura a small book. "Now, I leave you two. May the fire burn ever inside you." Sakura only heard his steps as he walked away. She still hadn't stopped looking at the girl, who merely looked at her back.

The eye contact was only broken when the girl lowered her head and curtsied to Sakura.

"Hello, Miss Haruno," said Kushina, "I am excited to be working with you."

Kushina rose slowly again and resumed to looking at Sakura in the eyes. Sakura smiled the truest smile she had in some time. Sakura's grabbed her chainmail skirt and lowered herself in a curtsy, and with the most seductive voice she could responded.

"Not as excited as I am Kushina," said Sakura, "that I assure you."

End of Chapter

The next Chapter should come in a few days. Hopefully you saw more things you liked than not. Comment things you like so I can put more of those things in the future. Thanks!