A/N: Hi! Well, it has truly been quite some time since I have opened my account. And I am so so so so so so SORRY that I had to delete my previous story. Due to all the school requirements I have been trying to comply, I found it hard to continue it.
I have an idea for a new story. And I sincerely hope that I will be able to finish this. I am making an outline for the story, so that I can keep good track of it. It's just that my studying calls for a lot of attention, and I am happy to say that my exams are over! So now, I have my break.
SasuSaku has been growing on me these past few days. And that gave me an idea. In my story, Sakura is already in ANBU. There may be certain scenes that come from the Original Manga and Anime, but I do not claim them as mine. This story is just something born out of my imagination and only serves for entertainment purposes only.
Anyways, thanks for your support. It's more than enough to me.
Since I am most definitely not that good with writing, I would sincerely appreciate reviews. They will make me a better writer.
Okay.. on with the first chapter !:D
Chapter One
"Shishou, what is this serum?"
After jotting down some observations on sheets of paper, Tsunade focused on her student's query. Sakura was apparently pointing to her latest concoction, a golden liquid swirling within a test tube.
"That's a permanent shape-shifting serum. It allows you to change your appearance completely."
Sakura was at loss for words, before she straightened up to ask more questions. Although, it seemed like she was speaking more to herself.
"How does it work?"
"It's rather simple actually." The Hokage propped her clipboard on one of the desks before continuing.
"You just have to imagine how you want to look like after you drink it."
This was followed by an immediate gasp issuing from the pink-haired kunoichi.
"What happens if you imagine yourself as a pig? Will you turn into a pig too?"
The laboratory was immediately filled with Tsunade's laughter. She found her student's remark rather amusing.
"Sadly, no," Tsunade hiccupped after a long bout of laughing, before resuming to her usual, serious self.
"This only works for humans."
Sakura nodded in understanding, before her watch began to tick. It was lunch time.
Tsunade couldn't help but think that for an ANBU, Sakura was unbelievably childlike. It would be hard to decipher her true potential due to her petite frame and honest eyes. But based on her observations, Sakura should never be underestimated. Her inhumane strength was truly unbelievable.
So, the Hokage heard the audible grumbling of the kunoichi's stomach, much to Sakura's embarrassment too!
"I guess that's enough for today!" Tsunade grinned at her now reddened student, whose eyes were inextricably focused on the serum.
Then, as if the remark interrupted her reverie, Sakura looked up.
She had to leave the laboratory as soon as possible.
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"What do you say, Kakashi?"
The silver-haired jounin was staring at the fresh piece of parchment in front of him, reading every single letter with thorough comprehension. It was hard to believe after all.
The Hokage herself was undoubtedly troubled, gazing out at the beautiful sunset. Pretty as it was, it most definitely did not suit her current mood. Trouble was at hand.
After what seemed like an eternity, Kakashi handed the parchment back to the Hokage, and resumed to his usual silence.
The anxiety was kicking in. It was hard to sit straight.
"I guess it's hard to believe that the eight-tailed beast has been captured. And the most shocking part is who managed to do it."
The Hokage agreed silently, and reread the parchment. With a sharp pang of pain in her chest, she realized one very troublesome fact.
Now that the eight-tailed beast was captured, there was only one more goal for the Akatsuki to comply. That was the capture of Naruto, the jinchuuriki of the nine-tailed fox.
Things were getting worse, and she could assure that.
"We have to protect Naruto."
There was a strong sense of determination in the jounin's voice, and that was a feat that the Hokage seldom witnessed. Kakashi must be very worried for his student.
The thought that Naruto was going to die was enough to make the Hokage break down. She had always loved the boy as her own, as he constantly reminded her of her deceased little brother, Nawaki.
"Do you think it is wise to inform Sakura, about this matter?"
Kakashi meditated on the proposition. Then, he finally gave a curt nod.
"However," the jounin spoke, "I'm not sure about whether we should tell Naruto. If we inform the council about this event, it is probable that they would keep him within Konoha's borders permanently."
"And that," he continued, "is something that would really bother Naruto."
Tsunade knew that Kakashi was right. Naruto would hate the fact that he was locked up because people were afraid that he'd get killed. He'd rather be out in the open, than jeopardize the lives of those who are dear to him.
Tsunade let out an exasperated huff.
It was just after lunch when one of the newly-recruited chuunins ran up to her saying that there was a very important parchment from Sunagakure addressed to her. The seal on the note was literally tight, allowing only the receiver to read it. Tsunade made a mental note to improve Konoha's mailing system. That way, their mails would no longer be easily intercepted or fabricated.
It was then, in her office, that she began to read.
True to her former intuitions, it was bad news.
The furious handwriting was enough to tell that the Kazekage, Gaara, was worried for Naruto's safety.
After digesting everything that was read, she called for Kakashi.
And that was how they ended up meeting at her office.
"Very well, then," Tsunade said, rolling back the letter and keeping it locked within her desk.
"Kakashi, I leave it to you to inform Sakura regarding this. Do it as discreetly as possible."
Another curt nod.
"After all, she is Naruto's teammate."
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"Excellent, Naruto!"
As if on cue, Naruto's kage bunshin exploded into puffs of smoke.
Then, the foxy kid gave off his trademark grin, until he was smacked on the head by a stealthy kunoichi.
"OUCH!! SAKURA-CHAN!"
Birds flew off in every direction, probably frightened by the boisterous voice.
Sakura's cheery laughter filled the area followed by uncontrollable giggles. Kakashi thought deep within that he would give anything to see them happy like this.
However, Naruto was not pleased.
"What did you do that for, Sakura-Chan?!"
It took quite a lot of effort for Sakura to quiet herself, before she said, "It's called 'attack when unguarded' Naruto!"
Naruto couldn't help but laugh along.
"Okay then!"
The kunoichi and her teammate looked up to find Kakashi right beside them.
"Who's up for ramen? My treat!"
Naruto jumped up and down with glee, before running to Ichiraku's .
"See you there Kakashi-sensei! Sakura-chan!"
There was nothing but a trail of dust left behind.
What bothered Kakashi the most was the effect on Sakura when she would find out about the plots of Akatsuki on Naruto.
I guess that I'll have to tell her later, or perhaps after the meal at Ichiraku. Now is not a good time.
"Sakura, let's go!"
"Hai, sensei!"
With that, they both sped towards the village.
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"Where are they?"
Naruto couldn't help but glance every now and then out the flaps of Ichiraku, looking for his comrades. He just hoped that Kakashi didn't trick him again. He had already finished 8 bowls!
And then, just when he least expected it, he turned back and saw himself seated between Sakura and his sensei. Naruto was sure that the seats they were on were previously unoccupied.
After placing their orders, Kakashi noticed the large pile of bowls in front of Naruto. With a quick head count, he deduced that they were eight in all. Naruto was having his ninth bowl.
"Eh, NARUTO."
With some noodles hanging from his mouth, Naruto looked at his sensei. In a matter of moments, he slurped them up.
"You plan on making me spend all my money!?"
As if Naruto was embarrassed, he gave his cheeky grin. Kakashi knew better. Naruto had no sense of guilt when it came to making him spend.
At least, Sakura was only having one bowl.
And so was he.
Kakashi could tell that Sakura was starting to get annoyed with all the noise Naruto was making. All the slurping and chewing did not ease her appetite.
It may have been too soon, but a few minutes later, Kakashi and Sakura had steaming bowls of ramen in front of them.
"Itadakimasu!"
Then everyone dug in.
It was truly one of the happiest moments of Sakura's life.
And undoubtedly, it was Kakashi's and Naruto's too.
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A/N: Just a matter of interest, but who do you think managed to capture the eight-tailed beast in my story? If you know, do tell! I can't wait to hear your guesses.
You'll find out if your guesses are right in the next chapter.
And do forgive me for some typing errors, grammatical errors and spelling errors!
:D
Review please. It'll make me better as a writer.