A/N – First time writing Naruto fan fiction, so it might not be up to par with the others. I just needed a break from Twilight so hope you enjoy.
Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto,Masashi Kishimoto does. If I did Sakura would be stronger and would be with Naruto!
x-x-x-x-
The streets of Konoha were bustling with activity as street vendors prepared their daily produce. Dried fish were laid proudly on slanted makeshift shelters. Fruits and vegetables of very shape and size piled atop each other to create a dizzying array of colors. Herbs of luscious greens sat beside them to display an overall inspiring effect of hard work and a man's daily stock.
Those that didn't dwindle in the natures of the world, displayed figurines, jewelry, herb remedies and every other trinket and nugget ever imagined.
The sun had yet to fully rise when the smell of Ichiraku's crept through the morning breeze. The smell of miso pork and noodles making every person who hadn't eaten breakfast groan in delight.
This was where Haruno Sakura found herself on a clear Monday morning. Running down the busy streets, a pair of emerald eyes scanned the crowd once – twice – three times before making a break through the hustle and bustle.
"Left, right, sideways, spin, crouch, jump" she toned loudly as each move was perfectly executed. Pink hair – combed to straight silky strands- flowed effortlessly behind her. Her mother had trimmed it for her the night before, when Sakura, part begging – part pouting- had asked her to make a new look for her in preparation for today.
The day Haruno Sakura would make her mark and continue the short legacy of the Haruno family.
Now it hung down to the middle of her back – with perfect straight ends – and side bangs that framed her child- like face-ending just pass her shoulder. Her emerald eyes glowed with determination as she continued through the crowd, smiling a bit as some of the villagers waved at her.
Most of them knew her face if not her name – only one person in the entire village had her particular hair shade. It had been a major pain in the ass during her childhood days – but now she had learned to accept it…..her forehead not so much.
But putting those thoughts aside- Sakura smiled as the domed shape building came into view. Painted with quickly fading orange – or was it persian?
Sakura giggled to herself as she looked at the proud building "I've definitely been hanging around Ino too much"
The thought of her once best friend quickly formed a frown on the pinked haired heroine.
It had only been two weeks since they had ended their childhood friendship. Two weeks since Uchiha Sasuke graced Konoha's streets with his awe inspiring presence.
Sense the sarcasm?
Okay so his dark eyes synchronized perfectly with his hair. So his stand offish mood was sort of cool and mysterious. Okay…cool…but was that really a reason to end the only friendship Sakura had ever had.
It wasn't like Sakura was in the long ranged running for the Uchiha's 'love'. That is if he even had any.
Ino had basically questioned her sexuality when pink balloons and teddy bears hadn't burst from her eyes when she had first laid eyes on tall dark and mysterious.
Bleh….
And to think more than likely she'd be going to the academy with this guy.
Okay…perhaps she was being too negative – it wasn't his fault he had hordes of obviously desperate girls following his every step. She could even sympathize with the guy – losing his entire clan because of one bad egg.
Sakura had been with Ino when the news of the Uchiha massacre had reached the village close to two six months ago. Shock, horror and sick disgust had twisted in her stomach at the name of Itachi…and to think the fiend was his older brother.
Sakura shuddered – sometimes it was a blessing the Haruno's had been civilians for so many generations.
So in retrospect she couldn't really blame Sasuke for her ill- fated friendship.
"Oh yes you can – that arrogant smirk of his sets me way off. A simple no thanks would easily shoo them girls off him. Shannaro!"
Sometimes her inner conscience had a mind of its own.
"Of course, I'm an individual!"
See – totally creepy… but back to antisocial.
"Okay, so that's a point – perhaps he likes the attention" Sakura spoke to herself. Running her fingers through her hair as her feet stayed firm to the ground, Sakura decided to brush those thoughts aside and focus on the here and now.
The here being the Ninja Academy – the now being actually opening the door.
"Okay, I'll count to three"
Counting down the numbers in her head found her fingers not only still by her side but totally glued together as if opening the door was too much of a feat.
"I can do this, think about those long nights – those outrageously thick textbooks…hell think about the hour you spent in the shower for this exact moment."
"You really need to stop talking to yourself – its creeping me out"
Great, even her inner thought she was crazy – bonkers, off her rocker…totally nu-
Her thoughts cut off abruptly as she heard footsteps behind her. She really didn't want anyone to see her sweating bullets and immediately wiped her forehead with the back of her hand.
Turning around Sakura was immediately greeted with shining blonde hair – hair that outshined and out styled Ino's dull mop any time of day. It challenged the sun itself in its brightness. Sakura distantly wondered if he moisturized.
Spikes shot in every which way and nestled atop of them were a pair of green goggles. It looked familiar somehow – a distant memory perhaps?
Looking further down still, blue cerulean eyes that just shined mischief was staring right back at her in surprise and what suggested awe. Guess the guy never saw a girl with pink hair before.
*Huff*
Some people
"Ohayou I'm Sakura" deciding to be polite, she held out her hand to the strange boy. Hoping any remaining sweat from her near breakdown had evaporated.
At first only the morning chirpings of the birds and the whisper of wind in the trees greeted them. The sun – now full in the sky – made his orange jumpsuit almost glow.
Orange was so NOT in his color wheel.
Suddenly, cerulean eyes widened before filling with excitement.
Talk about odd.
"Hi I'm …uh…Naruto, Naruto Uzamaki" stuttering but finishing strong the boy immediately encased her hand in his.
Ah – that explained why he looked familiar – the village prankster and all-star hated person in existence. Her mother had called all the villagers ' close minded fools' when Sakura had inquired about him. But the reason for their 'close minded foolishness' was apparently hush hush.
He must be just as nervous as she was…Sakura found comfort in this and smiled at him.
"Nice to meet you."
"Hehe…um…we've actually met before" running his fingers through his crazy hair Naruto mumbled before turning his eyes downwards.
Off course she wouldn't remember him.
Sensing more than seeing the boy's hurt, Sakura raked her memory – trying to put a face to the name.
Flashback
A young Sakura sat playing in the sandbox alone. Ino had gotten the flu and had been unable to make it for their usual play session. Already dressed and wide awake – Sakura had decided she might as well enjoy it.
Her red ribbon sitting proudly atop her head, the day waned as the young girl built sandcastles that would rival any architecture's work. At least that's what Sakura thought – humming happily to herself.
Trouble came in the arrival of a trio of boys, probably only two or three years older than Sakura herself.
Sakura didn't even notice them at first- engrossed with her oncoming masterpiece.
Breathing a sign as she started to pour the heavy pail of water in her well dug moat, the pinkette smiled as the castle came together. She had, in her opinion, found the perfect stones for her prince and princess. They stood proudly on the top of the tower. All that was missing was some grass for the field.
"Ohh, look guys a sandcastle" a voice from behind was the only warning Sakura got as the trio of boys immediately crashed into the sand box, laughing as they triumphantly destroyed the structure it had taken Sakura hours to almost complete.
Stunned Sakura watched as they stomped on the castle and kicked sand in water filled trench. She couldn't believe what was happening.
But as the shock wore off – anger quickly took over.
Glaring, despite the tears now glowing in her eyes, Sakura pitched up and screamed "What'd you that for! Bunch of stupid boys."
Apparently the 'stupid boys' didn't take that comment well as the leader of the three, a boy with light brown hair and a muddy t-shirt, walked up to her.
"You want to say that to my face forehead?"
The others behind him snickered as the girl immediately lowered her head…
Only to gasp in shock a minute later as their esteemed leader was drenched in water from the bright yellow pail the pinkette had flung at him.
The small amount of satisfaction Sakura felt was immediately replaced with pain as the three ganged up on her, kicking sand in her eyes.
"Ahhhh!" she screamed as it stung – causing the assailants to stop in their torture as they noticed the stream of tears now following down the girl's face.
"Uh, that'll teach you" with one more kick the trio departed.
Tears still streaming down her face, Sakura nimbly picked herself off the ground, frowning as she noticed the wet sand plastered on her once immaculate green dress.
She was just wiping the sand off her face – the sand in her eyes already rinsed away with her tears – when she heard them scream.
Spinning around Sakura was pleased to notice the bunch of them sporting triple lumps on their foreheads. Her hero was now screaming something at them she couldn't hear but it was enough to make the bunch run off before they got assaulted with any more stones.
Sakura giggled as she watched them race from the playground- every one of them sporting tears.
The blond haired boy turned at the sound of her voice and flashed her a small smile before running away as well.
She never even got to say thank you.
End flashback
Blinking back from her daze, Sakura looked down to see Naruto still watching her expectantly.
Flashing an embarrassed smile Sakura mumbled "I never even got to thank you."
Immediately flushing Naruto waved his hands frantically as if trying to physically dispel the notion "No need, those guys deserved it."
Secretly inside, the blond knucklehead was spinning cartwheels – rejoicing in the fact that his beloved Sakura-chan had remembered him.
Smiling now at how cute his flushed face look, Sakura bent down "Still I would never live with myself if I didn't find a way to repay you."
Before Naruto could voice another opposition a pair of shy lips greeted his cheek before pulling away just as quickly with a whispered "Arigato"
The lingering warm sensation currently buzzing on his cheek stunned the usual loudmouthed boy into silence.
Seeing his dazed look, Sakura giggled, all lingering embarrassment long gone.
"Come on, let's go inside before the bell rings" And then dashing any hopes Sakura had of making a good impression.
Sakura noted, with a good deal of amusement, that Naruto had still not recovered. The blond seemed to be staring past her with a blissed out 'I'm totally drunk right now' expression.
Feeling her confidence blossom Sakura grabbed his hand before pulling him inside.
Apparently they were the first ones to arrive. Though if you thought about it, it made sense. It was, after all, only nine in the morning- classes starting at ten thirty.
Leading Sakura to question what Naruto was doing here so early as well.
Sighing, Sakura looked around and admitted her ridiculous fear of being late hadn't been all bad. She had already made a friend and in being the first ones here, it allowed her a chance to actually exam the room.
Several long benches faced the front where a green chalkboard stood proud. The floor was plastered with light orange tiles and lining each corner was a bookcase filled with ninja books.
Sakura briefly wondered if she could take some home with her.
The room itself wasn't that big but the huge opened windows made up for any claustrophobic the pinkette might have felt. Since the sun was bright outside, it provided enough sunlight to make turning on the lights unnecessary.
"Where..um..uh...do you want to sit?" Glancing to her left Sakura was pleased to note Naruto had awoken from his stupor and was now glancing around nervously.
He also seemed to be sporting a continuous tick in the hand she belatedly realized, was still firmly in her grasp.
Quickly releasing him, Sakura quickly turned her attention back to the benches and replied "Umm… how about in the third row, the ones by the edge."
Nodding Naruto walked – no glided – to the seats still in somewhat of a daze. How could he not be when his long time crush had just kissed him. Normally people didn't want anything to do with him. Glancing to his side he watched Sakura out the corner of his eyes, taking in the green shirt that matched perfectly with her eyes, blue jeans skirt and anime featured shoulder bag.
Could she get any more perfect? Mostly girls their ages had outgrown what he had heard a mother call "childish games" and moved on to flower organization and *shudder* lip gloss and toe polish.
While Sakura still seemed to be sporting both these things, her bag still proudly displayed her love of all things anime style. Plus the make up only enhanced her beauty.
Naruto inwardly swooned.
Meanwhile the object of his affection was pulling out some notebooks and pens, looking ever the diligent student.
Glancing at the clock, Sakura groaned, they still had half an hour before class was due to start. Glancing over at Naruto he seemed to be thinking the same thing if his hunched shoulders were any indication.
Determined to start a conversation, Sakura turned to him "So Naruto…do you always wear that orange jumpsuit?"
In the next fifteen minutes Sakura learnt about Naruto's almost OCD ness with the color orange, that his favorite food was ramen, and that he lived by himself. After much pestering and pouting she also learnt that he was an orphan and his main goal in life was to be the Hokage.
Pleased with that, Sakura had decided to share a little about herself as well.
Naruto had practically choked on his tongue when she admitted that ramen made her sick to the stomach. But then gasped when she mentioned he had never eaten Ichiraku's before – only the ones out of the market.
From the gleam in his eyes – she could tell Ichiraku's was in her near future.
He hadn't laughed with her obsession with cherry blossoms and even admitted it suited her – considering her name and all. He had even complimented her on the few drawings she had begrudgingly showed him – gaping in amazement at the details she had sketched.
Blushing from the praises, they didn't even notice when another student entered the room.
"Well what is this billboard brow? Flirting already, tsk tsk, and you call me desperate."
Barely containing her ire, Sakura immediately recognized the voice and accompanying name to go with it.
"Is that all you think about Ino-pig?"
Barely spearing her former friend with a pitied glance, Sakura turned back to Naruto. Sakura shook her head when she noticed that his face had gone red again at the comment – did it take anything at all to make this boy blush?
"Umph!" Ino huffed as she stared at her former friend, still wondering how and why she had befriended her in the first place. The girl herself was wholly lacking everything. Her face was still lined with baby fat even at ten years of age, she bluntly refused to wear mini shirts, stating they were too 'skimpy' while spearing Ino with a disdainful glance. Ino had accepted her friends somewhat tomboyish behavior at first – perhaps she was just a late bloomer? They still painted their nails together and experimented with the different baking techniques under her mother's guidance – so the positives outweighed the negatives.
It was only when Sakura had clearly stated her indifference for Sasuke (inward swoon), that things had exploded.
Ino might not hate or ostracize lesbians but that didn't mean she accepted them – especially one who was close to her.
And thus their three year friendship was over.
The memories just angered the blonde girl more and quickly thinking up an insult Ino sneered "And why are you talking to that monster for anyway? Desperate for friends?"
Smirking as Sakura's shoulders tensed, Ino sat down on the opposite side of them. If she was really spiteful she could tell Haruno-san and get the rosette in trouble.
Meanwhile Sakura was boiling with fury, it was one thing for Ino to run her lip to her – but Naruto had done nothing wrong. She had watched in growing anger as said boy physically flinched at the word 'monster' and then proceeded to scoot away from her. As if the title would make Sakura view him in some different light.
Reining in her 'unladylike temper' as her mother called it, Sakura quickly looped her arm over Naruto's tensed shoulders and replied "Unlike some people, I can make friends without dressing like a total ho."
Ignoring the indignant gasp thrown her way, Sakura watched with satisfaction as Naruto beamed and released the breath he had been subconsciously holding.
Ino didn't get to retort as a group of students suddenly starting pouring in at once, as if summoned by some invisible force. Sakura recognized a boy from the Inuzuka clan and the silent Hyuuga. She had met Kiba in the video games store about a year ago. They had both bonded over their favorite games and secret cheat codes they had discovered over the past few years. Kiba had left with a "You're the coolest girl I've ever met." She and an invited Ino had often found themselves at the Inuzuka compound, sometimes playing video games in Kiba's room or watching the adults spar in the training dojo. The way they coordinated with their nin dogs was astounding. The whole experience had driven Sakura to become a ninja even more. Ino herself had only liked petting the puppies they always had running around the compound.
"Hey Kiba!" Sakura called as the dark spikey hair boy looked around clueless – obviously wondering where to sit.
Turning towards the sound of his name Kiba was pleased to note that Sakura had indeed passed the preliminary test for the Academy. Though there was never a doubt that she wouldn't. Her forehead obviously wasn't just for show.
"Oi, Sakura- chan, I haven't seen you for a while." Sitting down next to her Kiba was surprised to see Naruto as well.
"I could say the same for you dog-boy" Then realizing where his attention lied, she introduced the silent blonde next to her "Kiba meet Naruto, Naruto Kiba"
She sweat dropped as the two stared at each other for about two seconds before knocking knuckles.
Boys.
When Sakura finally noticed the pup sitting atop Kiba's head she couldn't contain the coos and awes over the white ball of fluff. HE WAS ADORABLE. With brown markings on each ear and the smallest little button nose, Inner Sakura was having a field day inside her head.
Kiba- who was well skilled in the overall girl craziness over all things cute, briefly explained how his mother had given Akumaru to him as a birthright into making it into the academy.
Naruto didn't see what the big deal was over the pup and verbally voiced his indifference.
That had earned him a lump on the head with a snickering Kiba laughing at his expense.
Then all conversation stopped as a Chunnin entered the building – wearing the traditional green vest top. He had a scar across his nose but Naruto was focused on the headband proudly displayed across the scared ninja's forehead.
One day he would earn one of those. Believe it!
x-x-x-x-x-
Sakura was starting to frighten Naruto into a feeling of total anteriority. Their first lesson, after brief introductions had been made – his own in particular gathering disdainful frowns from a couple of the other chunnin sensei's – had been on kunai.
Of course Naruto knew what the weapons were, having seen a lot of other children playing with paper kunai – but started to zoom out the minute Iruka sensei had started on the physics of the steel object. Glancing to his left he had been astounded when instead of looking bored-as did half the class – the pink haired girl had a awe enthused grin on her face. Obviously absorbing every word of the lecture and writing it in her ram animated notebook.
He himself had briefly wondered what being a ninja had to do with Newton's laws and the basics of trajectory. But then, as if sensing the encompassing boredom of his students, Iruka flicked a kunai straight through the window – the aimed missile embedding right on target center outside.
The chunnin seemed to get a kick out of the awed sounds of the preadolescents and instructed each of them to line up outside.
"Okay, I want all you to grab three kunai, and using the basics of what I just said, aim for the target center."
All the students immediately piled in a line, eager to test their skills.
"Ohh, this is so exciting" Sakura was practically jumping with excitement as she watched the first kid miss the target completely – the kunai landing just short of the rooted stump.
"Please, this is baby's work!" Naruto said confidently, though inside he was sweating, nervously glancing at the great distance between the throwing range and the target itself.
Sakura smirked at him "Okay, so you wouldn't mind a friendly wager now would you."
Far from backing out of the impending bet, the blonde plastered a bright smile on his face while shooting his thumb in the air "Naruto Uzamaki never backs down, you better believe it!"
A large sweat drop formed behind Sakura's head – she was amazed at the great difference between the quiet lipped boy she had met this morning and the outspoken knucklehead now in front of her.
It seemed his attitude was directly linked to the number of glares their peers had sent his way. Sakura didn't understand how someone who had never even met the blonde could harbor such resentment for him.
They were only ten for pete's sake!
Swearing to investigate her theory later, Sakura turned back to the challenge at hand.
"Okay, Hokage-san, how about if I win you have to..uh…um…"
Sakura quickly looked around, trying to think what she really wanted…..Ummmm..
"Ah! You have to pay for my portion of Ichiraku's."
As silence ensued, the distant thunks of the kunai sounding in front of them…Sakura wondered on the logic of her plan.
Because for some reason the blonde seemed not only agree with her terms but was more than happy to comply if the shit eating grin on his face was any indication.
Flip, curse her quick thinking under the reins of stubbed pressure.
"Sure Sakura- chan, but if I win you have to agree to go as a date."
Now only the echo of the kunai sounded as the green eyed girl's jaw connected with the force of gravity.
Date?
Red immediately colored her cheeks as she thought of the idea…a date? She had just met the boy, let alone learn his name only a few hours ago. Did he only befriend her to ask her out?
Flip this…there was no way she was going to lose anyway, so what was the point in stressing over it?
"Fine Narut –Her response was cut off at the group of awe inspired sounds vibrating in front of them. Turning around Sakura watched as Sasuke's last kunai joined the others in target stump, all lined perfectly under each other.
"Oi, Sasuke you're so cool!" Then a round of giggles accompanied the statement as the Uchiha performed his signature "Hn" and turned away.
Sakura rolled her eyes "Desperation is a sad thing Naruto"
Naruto didn't respond, giddy on the fact that Sakura wasn't impressed with the Uchiha's display. Then he thought back to his original question – had she been about to say yes?
And then, was he asking her too soon? They had only just become friends…but then it could be a friendly date couldn't it? Not one for overly extended thinking, the blond decided to just voice his thoughts.
"Oi, Sakura you know I only meant as friends right?"
Flashing the blonde a quick smile, Sakura was inwardly relieved to know she had not made friends with a secret pervert.
Then joking turned aside as Naruto's turn approached. Gulping the blonde accepted the trio of kunai before stepping behind the white line.
"You can do it Naruto!"
Smiling at the encouragement Naruto drew the kunai back before throwing the first one. That one landed just short of the target stump. Frowning at the whispered snickers echoing around him, Naruto tried again with a little more strength.
The second kunai landed right above the target circle, its black dot taunting the blond.
Now embarrassed as well as frustrated Naruto growled out "Come on you piece of crap!"
And then closing his eyes, he threw the kunai with all his strength.
The ensuing silence made the blonde nervous, and hesitantly cracking his eyes open, Naruto was in shock as the kunai stared back at him.
It had landed right in the middle of the stump.
"YEETAH!" he screamed as he danced around, dizzy off his small victory.
Marching up to Sakura, who was sporting an amused expression, he gladly shouted "Beat that Sakura!"
The rosette raised her eyebrow before marching behind the white line with a "Gladly" retort behind her back.
Grabbing the three kunai, Sakura bent her knees a little while tensing her back and shoulders. Mentally analyzing the distance between her and the target range.
Unbeknownst to her, Ino was scowling on the sidelines. Upset that she hadn't done much better than Naruto of all people. Surely Sakura couldn't beat her right? Yeah…maybe she wouldn't-
Ino looked up at the sound of three distant thunks.
The second kunai had been obscured within the shadow of the first, landing just below its processor. The third kunai had simply landed in the dead center of a second stump, thrown with Sakura's left hand instead of right.
The quiet chirping of birds and the whistle in the trees were the only sounds as the pre genin straightened from her slight crouch, before running her fingers through her slightly ruffled hair.
"Ne, good job Sakura. It's nice to know at least SOMEBODY was paying attention in class."
Blushing under the compliment, Sakura responded with an "Arigato" and slight bow to Iruka.
Sasuke, who had only looked up from his usual ground hating scowl when the constant noise had ceased, watched the pinkette scramble back to join the rest of the group – namely Naruto.
He was angry – which wasn't that unusual. On his best day the most Sasuke managed was a scowl. Things had to be rainbows and shine rays for him to even manage a neutral expression. But a different emotion brought about his signature scowl.
Confusion and disbelief.
How in the world had she learnt a technique of Itachi's? His brother had taken two weeks to learn that particular trick. The Haruno's were nothing but commoners – no clan – no bloodlines…so who had taught her the technique?
Furrowing his forehead, Sasuke swore to watch the girl more closely, there was definitely something different about her. And that didn't even begin to cover the fact that she didn't run around him like a love struck fool – something he was grateful for.
x-x-x-x-x
"Ne, can I stop now Sakura – chan?" Naruto panted as he threw the last kunai. The metal weapon landed soundlessly in the wood, joining its forty comrades.
Sakura looked up from the physics book she was reading and studied the blond. It seemed his unusual amounts of stamina had worn thin. Sweat dotted his tanned forehead, his usual energetic cerulean eyes now a dull blue.
All in all he looked ready to faint – apparently mental exhaustion did have physical consequences.
After the Academy, even though she had won the bet, Sakura allowed Naruto to treat her to Ichiraku's. Mainly because the boy wouldn't stop pouting. Apparently she had swindled him, thus making the bet void.
Boys.
Naruto wasted no time on guiding her through the different flavors, explaining the basis of all that was ramen. And then the steaming bowl had been set in front of her – the scent of sizzling miso pork and chicken broth engulfing her senses. Then…she had taken her first bite.
Three words…
Oh. My. Kami.
Now that's not to say she scarfed down her portion like a certain pig she knew but was hard pressed not to ask for a second serving. Sakura had blushed when Teuchi-san and Ayame-chan had taken one glance at her blissed out expression and declared her the perfect girlfriend for their 'loud-mouthed gaki.'
It was with a stuttering and embarrassed half laugh half giggle that Sakura bibbed them good bye with a red beet Naruto trailing behind her.
That led Sakura to having nothing else to do for the rest of the day. It was only two in the evening and the pinkette wasn't ready to return home yet. Buttering pans and frosting cakes weren't really in her realm of 'things I want to do' list. Walking past the Academy had given her a great idea – why not practice. After all, her mother's nindo way was that "practice saved the most unluckiest of ninja"
So this is they found themselves, several hours later.
Sakura lounging contently under a tree, shaded from the weak rays of the setting sun and Naruto drowning in his own body perspiration.
Examining the kunai embedded within the stump, Sakura shut her book with a loud thump
"I think you finally got the hang of it"
"Oh thank Kami" collapsing with an agonizing groan Naruto flopped onto the grass. He couldn't feel his fingers.
"Why Hokage- san I must say, you look absolutely exhausted" sitting next to the groaning blonde, Sakura continued "thinking must be hard work."
His response was a nasty glare followed by a belated "Sakura- chan"
Giggling, she lied down beside it, her gaze following the orange and pink hues of the sunset. The distant howling of the wind as night bordered caused her to sigh. Everything seemed so peaceful when day over-casted, promising a dark night. The hustle and bustle of the morning had dwindled down – if she strained her ears she could hear the thunks of boxes being filled with unsold goods. The remission of a hard day.
Glancing over to her blonde companion she wasn't surprised to see him asleep. Snores had started rumbling through his wide mouth exactly four minutes after his head had touched the ground. She would have to wake him up later but allowed the knucklehead to sleep for now.
Staring at the twenty kunai that lied embedded deep within the center of the training posts, Sakura couldn't help but think that he deserved it.
A sudden rumbling noise suddenly penetrated the silence, followed by a quiet "Ramen".
Sakura had to cover her mouth to keep from laughing but a snort managed to escape. She was glad her mother wasn't around to hear that – Sakura could already imagine the scolding of her 'unladylike' behavior.
"Naruto, you're really something else."
And to her surprise, the voice was laced with hidden affection and amusement.
A/N So there you have it – the first chapter done! I hope you liked it, the other chapters may take a while to come – even though I am a Naruto fan, I haven't really watched much of its episodes in a long time – so my memory is kind of scratchy. I have to look up a lot of stuff like names and jutsu styles. I researched on the technology level of the Naruto world and found it kind of weird. They have TVs and video games but no cars and phones. Hardly any fan fiction mention technology so I just went with it. I warn you for the oncoming chapters – some stuff will be made up in relation to Jutsus and stuff but I will pull some from the anime series. Also I am in college so finding time in hard-pressed. Just a warning. To those concerning my twilight fanfics. They will currently be put on hold until summer – sorry but my mojo for that series dimmed.
Also I am a strict NaruSakura fan – no harem.
Please R&R
Silverdust101
Ps. I know pinkette isn't a real word – I just made it out of rosette. Go with it. It means the same thing I just didn't want to use the same word over and over to describe Sakura.
Preview for next chapter:
"Should we continue to spy on them Hokage-sama?" the ANBU asked, forcing his face to remain emotionless as Sakura slapped Naruto's face when his hand accidently brushed against her hip. The result being a bright red imprint on the left side of his face.
"Yes, I do not trust Danzo to keep his promises in regards to Itachi, see that they are both heavily guarded"
"They?" the ANBU asked, puzzled.
"Correct, Danzo just might attempt to use Sakura against him." Sarutobi sighed as he rubbed his beard "Remember they must not sense you."
With a one handed salute the shinobi disappeared with the signature puff of smoke.