Author's notes:
This story can be viewed as slight AU: everything that took place before the end of Tsunade's Decision Arc (up to and including episode 100 "Strong Teacher-Student Bonds When A Man Breaks The Ninja Way") will remain the unchanged, but everything that will happen next (i.e. in this story) will defer from how events unfolded in the anime. I won't reveal you the exact pairings, however I can promise that this story will be Sakura-centered (although naturally, Naruto, Sasuke and many other characters will have their moments too), so hopefully Sakura's fans will enjoy it.
Keys:
Text written in Italic type is thoughts (plus telepathy and the like).
Underlined words in dialogue are notably accented in speech (without being spoken loudly or shouted, such as words written in CAPITAL letters).
And finally, text in (round brackets) is either Inner Sakura's comments (if it is written in Italic type) or translations of author-created techniques.
And finally, bold text is used for a number of diverse reasons, including (but not limited to): indication of beginning and end of flashbacks, indication of how much time has passed since the last scene, some text characters read or see, etc.
Disclaimer:
Naruto animated series are based on Masashi Kishimoto's work and obviously don't belong to me.
Chapter OneMaking the First Step… And a Few More
Tsunade, the Fifth Fire Shadow, raised an eyebrow as she stared at a young kunoichi before her, the words "I wish to ask permission to leave Konoha" still echoing in her mind.
"Why?"
For some reason, this simple question presented apparent difficulty for young kunoichi, giving Tsunade time to study her. She was young, most likely this year's graduate, and her slight-built only added unlikeness that someone like her wanted to leave her home village, where she could always be protected by other ninja. In fact, if not for forehead protector, which she wore in her hair like a ribbon, Tsunade probably wouldn't recognize her as one of village's ninja. Of course, appearances could be deceiving, and Tsunade knew this better then the most, but still she couldn't help doubting that it was so in this particular case.
On her part, Sakura pondered on the way of explaining her situation without offending anyone or getting into too much details. In fact, she wasn't entirely sure why she wanted to leave; true she had no one to train with here, but how could it change for better if she left? Still, she couldn't help feeling useless here… And not seeing her teacher and teammates for over a week now made it only more unbearable.
"I… I think it is the only way for me to improve." Sakura replied finally, "Konoha is my home, but there is little opportunity for me to train here, and my help with the missions is not needed either…"
Tsunade frowned. Something was clearly missing from the girl's story. Now when she thought of it, Tsunade remembered seeing this particular girl when she healed Uchiha Sasuke. "The girl was so obviously attached to him. And now… She wanted to leave him?" Somehow Tsunade found it hard to believe it. "No, there is definitely something else here…"
"And what about your teacher and teammates?" Tsunade asked finally, "What do they think about your decision?"
"They… They don't have time for me nowadays…" Sakura admitted sadly, she wasn't happy admitting this, knowing to what conclusion Tsunade will likely come, but lying to Hokage was definitely not an option.
Sakura's concern wasn't baseless, it took Tsunade but another glance at the young kunoichi to realize what has likely happened. "She was apparently the weakest of her team, and in the time of crisis Konoha was currently going through, her teacher focused his attention on his more promising students. The problem is that Konoha's other jonins either have teams of their own or busy going on the missions in high-ranked teams with no place for young and inexperienced Genin, which the girl apparently realized. Hence her unusual request… Of course, allowing the girl to leave on her own would be the death for her, but perhaps… Yes, this will work! I originally intended this mission for a Chunin, but considering that there is little actual danger involved…"
"Of course, you realize, that since Konoha currently has a shortage of qualified ninja, I cannot just let you leave…" Sakura's head drooped, but then Tsunade continued, "…Here, take a look at it, and tell me if you are still willing to leave Konoha."
A little hesitantly, Sakura accepted a small card from Tsunade's hands and began to read…
Solo Mission, Rank C
…
…
Objective: Guard ambassador from Konohagakure, Haruno Sakura during her stay in Sunagakure.
Approximate length: 1 year
"That's just great!" The card was not-too-politely thrown back at older ninja, who effortlessly caught it and put it on the table. "Why does a group of elite ninja…"
"Still Genin, all." The older ninja commented dryly, though he knew that all his students were well on Chunin level, although so far it came only to skill, not their actual ranks.
"…Would get stuck babysitting some girl from Konohagakure!" The blond kunoichi demanded, paying no attention to her teacher's remark. She knew her worth as well as he did, and if circumstances were different, she would already be a Chunin.
"Hmm… Haruno Sakura?" When the blond kunoichi though of it, she remembered hearing that name somewhere, "Was she one of those no-talent leaf kunoichi from the last Chunin exam?"
"Besides, we were among those who participated in battle in Konohagakure." Her older brother added, interrupting her thoughts, "Wouldn't appointing us to guard their ambassador be like a spittle in their faces?"
"It is expected to be different." The older ninja said, though secretly he couldn't help sharing his student concern, "Three of you indeed made quite an impression on the last Chunin exam, and the elders saw it fit to show Konohagakure that the Sand can be not only a dangerous enemy, but also a powerful ally. Besides…" he added glancing at the hot-tempered blond kunoichi, "…This mission wouldn't prevent you from continuing your training or going on occasional short-term missions."
The blond kunoichi didn't look much happier, but she said nothing; they had no choice in this matter, and they knew it too well. So it was no surprise when the youngest of the four, who remained silent until then, asked, "So, when this ambassador arrives."
"You are to meet with her in five days. The place is…"
Sakura let out a sigh of relief, at least she could relax in oasis under the shadow after walking through the desert for a day and a half. Experiencing the "joys" of the desert only reinforced her doubts about this mission, which she had since the beginning. She admitted that she never thought where she would go after leaving Konoha, probably because the chances of her being allowed to leave were very slim, but Sunagakure was definitely the last place she wanted to visit. Not only Sunagakure was partially responsible for everything that happened with Konoha, but it was also a home of her nightmares… Gaara. Sakura shuddered as she remembered Gaara fighting and severely injuring Lee-san, not to mention her own team's fight with Gaara. Sakura was still having nightmares about both these battles.
"Okay, thinking reasonably, the chances that I will encounter Gaara are pretty slim." Sakura thought, "Sunagakure is probably a big place, and he is probably on some mission or another. And even IF I encounter him, he probably won't even remember me and probably won't kill me on spot. And I'll have diplomatic immunity… YEAH, RIGHT!"
The thing was that Sakura wasn't too comfortable with her position as an "ambassador" either…
(Flashback)
"Ano… Hokage-sama…" Sakura said unsurely.
"Yes?"
"It is quite unusual for one hidden village to send a resident ambassador to anther, isn't it?"
"What made you think so?"
"Well, I read the history of Konoha as well as available parts of other hidden villages' history, and there were no references to sending resident ambassadors. I believed only countries themselves did it. I am not even sure what is the purpose of resident ambassador in a hidden village, with diplomatic exchanges between hidden villages being so few…" Sakura trailed off, not wanting to mention that she had little idea what SHE was supposed to do in Sunagakure. Her mission's description was brief and didn't go into any details.
"You are partially right." Tsunade replied, "For the most part the hidden villages' policy is indeed decided by the countries we are part of. So the main purpose of sending a resident ambassador to a hidden village is…" Tsunade held a dramatic pause "…Spying."
Sakura almost choked.
"You mean to tell me that you are OPENLY sending me to Sunagakure to SPY upon them!"
"That's the point. You are openly going there to ensure that they aren't planning anything against us, and they will welcome your presence as an indication that they aren't planning anything against us. Fort the most part you will just live a more or less ordinary life in there, you'll just have to keep an eye on things."
Seeing that the young kunoichi was still unconvinced, Tsunade added, "Don't worry, it is usually considered a bad form to kill ambassadors, so I am quite sure you will be fine."
Actually, Tsunade was absolutely certain that Sunagakure won't be planning anything against Konoha; with both their villages weakened and sharing a common enemy, the former enemies were now natural allies. Still, she purposefully left the girl with impression that there was at least some danger involved, and now she waited for her answer.
"I agree." Sakura said finally, though she couldn't help feeling doubts aboutthis mission.
"Very well. You can go now, but remember that you are to rendezvous with Sunagakure's ninja in a week exactly."
(/Flashback)
Sakura's remembering was interrupted by the sound of quiet footsteps; someone was approaching the small oasis where she was to meet her escort. Probably these were the sand-nin that were to escort to Sunagakure, at least the time was right.
Tiredly, Sakura rose up and stepped out from the shadow. She immediately saw three approaching figures and noticeably paled… "THAT COULDN'T ACTUALLY BE THEM!"
Yet despite Sakura's mental denial, the trio of sand-nin continued to approach. In the center and step ahead was person from her nightmares… Gaara. He was flanked by the two Sakura remembered well enough too: the blond kunoichi with a huge fan, and a puppet master dressed in black. Sakura instinctively recoiled from the trio, evoking smirks from blond kunoichi and puppet master. Gaara remained dispassionate; Sakura's reaction was nothing new to him, though after the Chunin exam Gaara found that constant displays of fear and hatred were beginning to bother him once again.
"Good day, Haruno-san." Temari said finally, making a step forward; although her smirk was gone, it was replaced by half-smile that indicated that honorificator was a mere formality.
"Good day, Temari-san." Sakura replied, regaining enough presence of mind to give a slight bow "Ano… What are you doing here?"
Even as she asked the question, Sakura felt that she already knows the answer and Temari's increasing smile only made Sakura more sure of it.
"Why, our team is to act as your bodyguards while you are in Sunagakure." Temari replied, and seeing that Sakura wasn't particularly happy with these news, she though that perhaps this mission wouldn't be all that boring.
Now when Temari saw her, she indeed recognized Sakura as one of leaf kunoichi from the last Chunin exam. What changed things was that she also wasamongthosewho fought their team when the third testerupted into an open battle between Leaf, Sound and Sand.
"It certainly won't help improving relations between Leaf and Sand." Temari thought, "Then again, it will add a certain excitement to our mission… Providing that Gaara won't kill her first, that's it!"
With all her mirth gone in an instant, Temari cast a worried glance at her younger brother.
Either he heeded it, or he simply wasn't in killing mood today, because Gaara simply stated, "We are going back to Suna."
Kankuro immediately followed his younger brother. But Temari waited, seeing Sakura's hesitation. On her part, Sakura expected that them to take at least a little rest in oasis they were currently in rather then heading back into the desert right away. Not to mention that her own rest was too brief for her liking.
"When Gaara decides upon something, usually it is not wise to argue with him." Temari said with a wink.
Obviously the leaf kunoichi was sharp enough to get the point, which in a nervous glance she cast at Gaara before following him and Kankuro. With relief, Temari joined Sakura.
"Knowing Gaara it could have been much worse…" Temari thought, before her thoughts were interrupted…
"Temari-san, I was wondering if I could continue my training in Sunagakure?"
"Hmm…" Temari pondered the question for a moment, then smiled. It wasn't a very pleasant smile. "Sure, I don't see why not."
"And while Gaara is behaving himself, I don't see why I shouldn't get my share of fun from this mission."
As she watched Temari's somewhat cruel smile, Sakura wondered if that was what she REALLY wanted.
"Ambassador or no, nobody will go easy on me in here." Sakura realized, "Then again, it is my first chance to train with someone who would be serious about it instead of trying their best not to accidentally hurt me. Perhaps it is worth it…"
The blast struck Sakura square in the chest. However instead of being thrown back by the force of the blast, Sakura's body burst and disappeared.
"A clone! When did she…"Temari let her thoughts trail off as she quickly looked around readying her fan for another attack. Too late! As Temari turned around she saw half-dozen Sakuras charging at her with blinding speed. Temari lashed out with a wide blast of wind, taking down two more clones before the rest were upon her. And among phantasmal blows, Temari could feel a punch at her ribs…
"Kuso!"Even though Sakura didn't put much strength into her punch, Temari knew too well that Sakura could easily break her a couple of ribs if wanted. And if she used kunai…
In one swift motion, Temari folded her fan, turned and brought it down upon her opponent. But Sakura easily sidestepped the blow and locked Temari's right hand in a powerful grip even as she stuck with her leg to trip Temari up. Before Tamari even realized what has happened, she was face down on the ground with Sakura sitting atop of her and gripping both her arms behind her back. Never being the one to give up easily, Temari was about to try throwing the stronger girl off, but the feeling of kunai against her neck changed her mind. That was it.
"Alright, alright, I give up."
Sakura immediately got off Temari, allowing her to get up. As she got up and dusted herself off, Temari cast a glare at Sakura's direction, although her glare almost immediately turned into a grin. While Temari didn't appreciate being literally forced to bite the dust, she quickly found it difficult to be angry with the young leaf-nin. Besides, it was her who was getting beaten over and over again for the first two months.
"She sure changed during her stay here." Temari thought, smiling inwardly.
Indeed, it wasn't easy to believe that this was the same girl who backed away at the sight of her former enemies some four months ago. There was now an air of determination about her, of which Temari previously saw only hints of, not to mention the fact that she now had a certain degree of confidence in her abilities. The physical changes in her were evident as well: not only she grew a little taller and her formerly fair skin was now somewhat tanned, but she also developed small but firm muscles, thanks to harsh life and daily trainings – two things she so obviously lacked in the past.
"Very good, Sakura. Now, let's see how well will you fare against Taijutsu."
Temari grinned again as she moved aside and allowed their sensei Baki to take her place as Sakura's opponent. She may have grown to like Sakura, but it didn't mean she wouldn't enjoy to see her tasting her own medicine.
Sakura on her part faced the older ninja stoically. While she knew that Baki was a master of both Ninjutsu and Taijutsu and that she couldn't possibly win against him ("LIKE THE HELL I CAN'T! THIS TIME I AM BEATING HELL OUTTA HIS SORRY ASS!"), she also knew that she improved since their last match and had an up her sleeve now too. "One way or another, he is in for quite a surprise, that's for sure."
Her matches with Baki were nothing like those with Temari, not surprisingly, considering how different the teacher and his student were. With Temari the key strategy was to get close to her: Sakura knew that she was much better then Temari in melee combat, but she also knew that it would take her a single mistake to get caught in Temari's squall of attacks, and should it happen, Temari wouldn't let her get off the hook. Still, Sakura's Chakra control and mastery of basic techniques were perfect, and constant matches against opponent whose thinking was as fast as her attacks sharpened Sakura's own strategic thinking to previously unreachable level. And so she haven't lost against Temari for quite some time now. But it would be different with Baki…
They charged each other at the same time, but before they met, Sakura drew a trio of kunai and threw them at her opponent with blinding speed. Baki had to stop his charge to avoid running straight into deadly projectiles, but once he did, he effortlessly caught all three kunai. Still, Sakura didn't finish…
"Concentrate Chakra in feet…" Almost too fast for an eye to follow her, Sakura was in the air above Baki, raining shuriken down upon him. With little time left, Baki was forced to drop to the ground and roll away, barely managing to avoid the deadly rain. It took experienced Jonin but one second to jump back to his feet and another one to find Sakura, but still, it was a moment too late…
As Baki's eyes found Sakura, the next thing he saw was her Chakra-infused fist that rammed into his chest, throwing him backwards. The blow was strong enough to knock lesser man out, but Baki wasn't a full-ranked Jonin for nothing. He almost immediately shifted his weight to break the fall and landed on his hands, immediately pushing himself back towards Sakura. And before Sakura could either retreat or press the assault, Baki was back right up close with her. For a few seconds they traded, blows and blocks, but they both knew it wouldn't last long…
Baki's fist suddenly connected with Sakura's abdomen, which was immediately followed-up by elbow attack. The combined force of two blows thrown Sakura back. Sakura managed to turn to land on her side rather then her back, but it still hurt like hell.
On his part, Baki didn't press the attack allowing his student a time to recover. She made quite a progress in the last four months, though she definitely had a long way to go. Her perfect Chakra control made her more powerful with Taijutsu then one could guess from her appearance: being able to focus Chakra in any part of her body and release it in right time and right amount allowed Sakura to make swift leaps and deliver blows far more powerful then one could expect from her. When it came to pure skill, however, hers left a lot to be desired. Granted, she wasn't too bad, more then a match for most Genin and even some Chunin, but in this world being not to bad was often not enough.
Meanwhile, Sakura got back to her feet, but hesitated to continue attacking Baki. While she was on offense she had a sort of advantage over him… "And this time I struck the first blow too! (THAT'S RIGHT!)" …But to get it she'd have to keep Baki distracted all the time and now initiative was clearly in his hands. Not to mention that her supply of kunai and shuriken wasn't infinite, and neither was her stamina…
"It's time to show him something new." She thought and quickly formed a series of hand seals, "Bunshin-tachi no DANSU!" (Dance of the Clones)
Baki frowned as dozen Sakuras appeared out of the thin air and began to encircle him, preparing to charge. Though she slightly alerted words of the technique, a few seconds of inspection left him with no doubt that these were just ordinary clones.
"Didn't the girl learn that lesson months ago?"
While far from being useless, as Sakura's recent match with Temari illustrated, Clone Technique was of no use against experienced ninja, especially the one of Jonin rank. Not only the clones would dissipate before striking a blow, but being just illusions, they didn't react the same way a human body would. Thus it was relatively easy for experienced opponent to recognize which of clones was real, and the clones wouldn't cause more then a momentary distraction.
The first time Sakura attempted to use Clone Technique against Baki, he decided to play along, creating two Shadow Clones of himself and making short work of Sakura and all her clones. But the next time he illustrated the point of his lecture about the clones by going straight for real Sakura and knocking her out before her clones did her any good. She seemed to learn the lesson back then, but now repeated her past mistake. Baki was more then a little disappointed; he thought the girl was smarter then that.
The breeze blowing over the training ground was slight, but it was all Baki needed as he concentrated upon it even as Sakuras charged at him. She was skilled enough to create illusionary sound in addition to visual illusion, but being just illusions, the clones didn't cut through wind the same way human body did, and for the one who learned to feel and manipulate wind since childhood discovering the real opponent was too easy.
"That one!"Ignoring the rest of the clones, Baki charged straight at real Sakura, landing a powerful blow on her abdomen before she could react. Sakura's body burst and disappeared.
"No way!.."
He was slightly thrown off balance when the blow fall on his back, but he immediately recovered, wheeled around and returned the blow. Another clone disappeared, and immediately after another blow came from the side. This time by the time Baki turned to the offending clone, another blow came from completely different direction. Sakura's clones surrounded him and promptly took turns striking him. But how?..
"Body Switch Technique!" He realized suddenly, "The girl somehow combined Clone Technique with Body Switch Technique. Technically it is impossible, considering that clones are illusions, not physical bodies, but…"
Another blow interrupted his thoughts and brought him back to reality: he had to do something about this situation, and quick!
"Sabaku Senpuu Batsu!" (Desert Whirlwind Attack)
Temari grinned.
Kankuro winced.
Gaara remained dispassionate.
Sakura opened her eyes.
She didn't quite understand what has just happened. One moment she was beating Baki into a bloody pulp ("DAMN RIGHT!"), the next she was laying on the ground with her entire body hurting like hell. The only obvious conclusion she could come to was that her match was over, and definitely not in her favour.
"That was his Desert Whirlwind Attack." Kankuro explained, seeing Sakura's slight confusion "A B-rank Taijutsu technique, specifically designed to battle multiple opponents. Against it you didn't stand a chance. At least you should be honoured that Baki was forced to use it on you, the people it is used against usually don't live to tell the tale."
Somehow Sakura didn't feel all that honoured about getting knocked down with a single attack, not to mention the pain. Still, she knew she made a notable progress, even if she couldn't win against Baki this time. "Perhaps Kankuro has a point…"
"Alright" Baki said meanwhile, looking at beaten and exhausted Sakura, "Let's call it a day."
The scenery around her couldn't be called beautiful, yet it was relaxing in a way. The slight breeze stoking her hair, the last rays of sun upon her skin… This was definitely her favorite place and time.
She sat on the roof of her new home, a tower where Team Baki made their residence, with most of Suna bellow her. Painted in dull red, orange and brown colors, Suna had an air of tension about it even in these seemingly peaceful hours. So unlike her former home, Konoha.
Sakura let out a sad sigh as nostalgia overcame her again, it was happening more and more often lately. She may have grown to like her new home and teammates, but whenever she was alone, she couldn't help missing Konoha and the friends she left behind, especially a certain raven-haired boy. Sure, she became stronger then she thought was possible, but…
"Was it really worth it?.."
A sudden shift in breeze interrupted Sakura's thoughts. She knew someone was approaching her and couldn't help smiling a little; a few months ago she wouldn't feel anything.
"Perhaps…""Good evening, sensei."
"You did well enough today." He said, as he stopped slightly behind her
And despite everything, a small smile appeared on Sakura's lips; it wasn't often that Baki gave her compliments, but whenever he did, she knew it meant that she deserved them.
"Arigato, sensei!"
"No thanks are needed, you deserved the praise. Your new technique was quite impressive. These were just ordinary clones, yet somehow you could switch between them, but… How? Normal Body Switch Technique wouldn't work with illusions."
"In case of Body Switch Technique we use material object as a focus for our Chakra, allowing the instantaneous switch. But I thought, what if I use something different as a focus? So, I placed a Chakra beacon into each clone, allowing me to instantaneously transport in their place, and there was a thirteenth clone at the same spot with me to conceal what I was doing." Sakura turned to face her teacher, "Pretty neat, ne?"
"Yes, you are definitely making progress in Ninjutsu, even if you barely know any techniques above academy level…" Her smile faltered, but then Baki continued, "…So I believe it is time to teach you new techniques. Your Taijutsu still leaves a lot to be desired, but it will do for the time being; now it is time for your Ninjutsu to catch up. We are starting tomorrow."
"…Yes, it was definitely worth it!"
(Musical fill-in – Good-bye)
nanika machigatte'ru you na ki ga suru no sa
donna mirai mo NYU-SU mo jibun sae
heiwa na yoru ni
karamatta LOVE & PAIN
minareta keshiki wo
nami no oto ga keshite yuku
GOOD-BYE SAYONARA shiyou ze kon'ya koko de
yume wa kawari-tsudzukete'ku owari wa nai no sa
GOOD-BYE kuchibiru ni uta wo donna toki mo
itsuka boku-tachi wa deau
kono HA-TO ni SOURU aru kagiri
daremo oshiete kurenai sono kotae wa
mado no mukou wo tori ga tonde yuku
kodomo no koro ni
oikaketa RAIN-RAINBOW
wasurecha ikenai
RIARU na sora ga aru koto mo
GOOD-BYE koko kara hajimeyou mou ichido
itsumo fuite kuru kaze wo karada kanjite
GOOD-BYE MOTAMOTA shite kara yo ga akeru
sou sa boku-tachi wa hitotsu
kono HA-TO ni chikau eien wo
GOOD-BYE SAYONARA shiyou ze kon'ya koko de
yume wa kawari-tsudzukete'ku owari wa nai no sa
GOOD-BYE kuchibiru ni uta wo donna toki mo
itsuka boku-tachi wa deau
kono HA-TO ni SOURU aru kagiri
---------------------------------------------------------------------
I feel as if something's wrong
With the future, the news, and even myself
Intertwined
In a peaceful night LOVE & PAIN
The sound of waves erase
The scenes I got so used to seeing
GOOD-BYE Let's say farewell, tonight, right here
Dreams go on changing; there's no end to it
GOOD-BYE There will always be a song on our lips
We'll see each other some day
As long as there's a soul to this heart
That answer no one has ever told me
Is a bird flying beyond the window, faraway
We musn't forget
The RAIN-RAINBOW
We chased when we were young
And that there is a real sky
GOOD-BYE Let's begin here once more
I always feel the wind blowing all over me
GOOD-BYE After a lingering night, the day breaks
Yes, we are one
In this heart we hold the eternity we promised
GOOD-BYE Let's say farewell, tonight, right here
Dreams go on changing; there's no end to it
GOOD-BYE There will always be a song on our lips
We'll see each other some day
As long as there's a soul to this heart
(/Musical fill-in)
Preview of the next chapter:
This is Uzumaki Naruto! No doubt you are all wondering what was going on in Konoha meanwhile. Well… Not much, truth to tell, I have been training a lot lately, and haven't seen much of my friends, and that Perverted Hermit… What, Perverted Hermit was attacked by sound-nin and fights for his life even as I speak! Why did I have to be away when that happened! Coming next, "Dangerous Beauty, Crisis Finds Jiraiya!" It is time to get Team Kakashi together again.