Summary: AU As big-city girl Haruno Sakura takes the chance to move into the remotely small town of Konoha with her friend Ino, she encounters an opportunity she cannot refuse and takes up a certain position. There she meets a man—Sabaku no Gaara. GaaSak

Disclaimer: All characters except my OC's (who are insignificant) belong to Masashi Kishimoto. The plot belongs to me.


Sakura struggled with the last box as she ambled through the driveway and into the open doorway. Dropping the container beside the other boxes, Sakura sighed and swiped the sweat that collected above her brow.

"Hey forehead, here!"

Sakura turned to greet the grinning blonde beauty that faced her, a cool drink in hand. Eyeing the cup appreciatively, she took it eagerly.

"Mmm, peach tea, my favorite. Thanks Ino-pig!"

The grinning blonde swatted at her playfully and said, "Hey I'm not a pig anymore. And you shouldn't be talking, forehead girl!"

Downing the remaining dregs of her tea, Sakura looked disappointed at the empty cup, as if she was sad that it was all gone.

Abruptly, she stuck her tongue out at Ino, and yelled, "PIG!"

Ino muttered, "Why you little--!"

Sakura ignored Ino's mumbling and said affably, "Hey Ino, you promised to show me around right?" Sakura stepped out into the doorway and shaded her eyes, "Well I want to see just how great this small town Konoha is."

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"You know, I really appreciate you letting me stay with you right now."

Ino didn't bat an eyelash as she replied nonchalantly, "I know you do."

Turning to face Sakura, expensive sunglasses gleaming, she smiled deviously and added, "Besides, what would little Sakura-chan here do without me?"

Sakura snickered and said, "Aren't you sure that isn't the other way around?"

Ino snorted and looked at Sakura again for a moment. Simultaneously, the pair burst out laughing hard, nearly choking.

A few bystanders stared at the girls uncertainly, as if they had some sort of strange, malignant affliction that was contagious.

When Sakura and Ino wiped their eyes of the tears that came about, they grinned at each other. Sakura sighed contentedly and said, "Ah, that was a good laugh. I haven't done that since the last time we snuck into that old man Fujikawa's backyard and stole his garden gnomes. I wonder if he's still alive?

Ino giggled at the memory and added, "Yea, that was when you still had a huge forehead and always wore that ugly purple and yellow jacket."

Protesting, Sakura said," Hey, it wasn't ugly, it was hideous! Have some respect for it. It served me well for three years until you had it burnt in Takashi's bonfire!"

Trying to keep a straight face, Sakura kept talking. "And besides, you were a little piggy back then. Your shadow must have weighed three pounds!"

Ino huffed and her cheeks turned a rosy color. "At least I didn't have a grimy, mutant forehead like you. No wonder Takashi was scared of you, he was intimidated by that thing you call a forehead!"

Sakura retorted, "Well at least he wasn't scared from being accidentally consumed by a certain blonde girl cough Ino-pig cough."

Ino smirked a little and said, "I could have said the same about your forehead, hun."

Comfortable silence ensued afterwards, and the early summer warmth loosened the strides of the two girls.

It was true. When Sakura had been a freshman in high school, her forehead had been unnaturally large and while it had been the butt of many cruel jokes, it had served its purpose. Sakura had become tougher mentally and physically from constantly defending herself. She learned to accept herself back then, even with her also unnaturally colored cherry blossom pink hair. In turn, she had come to protect Ino, who had been quite wide in girth.

Ino had not been necessarily obese. It had been more of a few extra bundles of fat that gathered around her waist, cheeks, and thighs. When she had met Sakura, she had admired her resolve and enthusiasm, which had ultimately inspired Ino to be bolder and to take greater strides. As a result, they had turned out as they were today.

"Heh. It gives me a nostalgic feeling, just thinking about the good old days."

Ino turned to look at Sakura incredulously said, "Psh, girl, those were the good old days? Look at us now! Now, these are gonna be the good ole days!"

Sakura turned absentmindedly and looked at their reflections in the nearby shopping window. Ino had lost a lot of weight since then, and now she was gorgeous. In fact, she was a rising model for the famous Hokage Agency. All the models needed to look sharp, and sleek. Her long platinum blonde hair went well with her tan, and her physique was one that was envied by all girls, despite her previous condition. She had grown to be the likeness of her mother, with distinctive cobalt blue eyes. Overall, she had developed into a sexy, confident girl.

Sakura had certainly changed as well. Her abnormally large forehead had grown in and now was an average size, to the relief of Sakura. She was already physically well and had a pleasant body, but she believed her size was a little too petite. Her height was approximately 5'5" which did not fit too well with a large bust. Although, even with her so called "disproportion", she thanked kami that she did not have short stocky legs, but toned nice ones. But she did curse herself for she stuck out like a sore thumb, due to her cherry blossom pink hair and her large, innocently emerald green eyes.

Ino turned to glance at the reflection as well and smiled. "Well, at least we got to where we wanted. No more awkward stages, no more fat, no more humongous forehead!"

Sakura grinned as well and nodded slightly in agreement.

"Yea." She whispered under her breath.

"Anyways, what I was thinking was—", Ino pulled on Sakura's arm and began dragging her across the street,"—that you needed a change. You know, to refresh yourself, cleanse yourself of the big city. So I made an appointment earlier to get you—," Ino stopped in front of a small building with a large red and white swirling pole in front, "—a haircut."

Sakura's eyes widened in terror and she attempted to scramble away, but Ino had relinquished her iron grip. Promptly pulling a frightened Sakura into the hairdresser, she smiled as she greeted the woman at the counter.

Ino greeted her casually. "Hey Shizune, how's it going?"

The woman named Shizune looked up from her magazine and her warm eyes glowered in recognition.

"Ino, how nice to see you. So who's you friend?"

Ino turned her head and nodded toward Sakura. "Oh her? She's the one." Ino leaned forward and cupped her hand her mouth and whispered," She's a fighter. We need Anko."

Shizune nodded knowingly in understanding and slightly in sympathy. Tapping a few keys into her computer and then picking up the phone, she dialed in quick succession.

Winking at Sakura, Shizune mouthed something that sounded like, 'She'll be here in just a moment'.

Sakura waited miserably on the plush black leather couch. Her eyes were glued to the meticulously polished white tiles of the floor. Her feeling of anxiety and foreboding only grew and she grasped a lock of her precious pink hair and stared at it glumly.

"Shannaro, Ino! I'll get my revenge soon!" Sakura thought fuming.

Her thoughts were cut off though as she heard a booming voice echo through her ears.

"Alright! Anko at your service! Who's the next maggot?!"

Sakura's eye twitched as she referred her as a 'maggot'. Looking up, she was faced with an unnerving sight.

A tall, strong-looking woman with unruly purple hair in a stylishly messy bun stood erect in the middle of the room. She was wearing a white coat with a black half-fishnet shirt and a tight black wool skirt. Her shoes were plain high heels and she had nothing else on except the crazy grin that was plastered onto her face. The gleam in her eyes made Sakura immensely uncomfortable.

Anko's grand entrance was ruined though was Shizune abruptly tapped on her shoulder and whispered something in her ear while pointing to Sakura.

Sakura shivered when Anko's beady eyes slid toward her direction and her grin split even wider.

Taking crooked, paced steps toward Sakura, Anko drawled out. "So…Haruno Sakura is it? Don't worry, I don't bite."

Sakura gulped and clutched the armrest of the couch tightly. Licking her lips, Anko added deviously," Come with me, and we'll get you all fixed up."

Sakura shook her head vigorously in reply and shrunk father away until she was completely backed away against the seat. By then, Anko's face was nearly in hers and the erratic grin was making her extremely nervous.

Darting her eyes to the exit, Sakura attempted to bolt for the door but Anko's quick hand flashed and gripped Sakura by the ankle.

Anko chuckled mirthlessly and said, "Don't try to escape, sweetie." Anko's eyes darkened. "No one. Not a single person had ever escaped."

Dragging a poor Sakura promptly across the floor, Anko whistled cheerily as she prepared to do her work.

A few shrieks and the sound of bottles dropping could be heard every so often, but Shizune and Ino merely dismissed the noise. It was quite normal when Anko did the haircuts. Sakura emerged from the back of the room thirty minutes later, being reluctantly pushed by an eager purple-haired fiend.

"Ano…Ino-pig…how does it look?" Sakura mumbled.

The blonde looked up from the fashion magazine she was holding and her blue eyes widened a fraction.

"Forehead-girl? Is that you?" Ino stood up and approached Sakura's figure, easily towering over her. "Kawaii!!" Ino screamed. "You look great Sakura!!"

Slightly surprised, Sakura blinked and nodded. Sakura grabbed a lock of her newly cut hair and peered at it apprehensively.

"Does it really look okay? I mean, the last time I got it cut short was when I was eight…"

"Oh please forehead! What happened to you? You're alive aren't you? So go look in the mirror and enjoy your new haircut!"

Standing in front of the polished mirror, Sakura warily scrutinized her hair and slowly began to relax. It didn't look so bad. In fact, she liked it somewhat. Her bangs had been trimmed shorter and her hair, which had been waist-length, was cropped to right above her shoulders in a messy, but cute layered fashion.

Twirling around in front of the glass, Sakura smiled, pleased with the results. Anko still had that maniacal grin on her face, but had a bit of pride glinting in her eyes.

Shizune said, "Its good isn't it? Most people don't prefer Anko because she's so intimidating, but she's actually one of our most experienced and skilled barbers."

Elated with her new look, Sakura said warmly, "Thank you so much!"

Sakura had turned to express her gratitude to Anko but found nothing but the empty seats of the salon and hair clippings on the floor.

"Eh, where'd she go?"

Shizune stepped up and accompanied Ino and Sakura to the front of the shop as she said casually, "Don't worry about her. That's Anko for you. Here one moment, gone the next. Anyways, maybe I'll see you guys around town. Have a nice day!"

Sakura and Ino waved back amiably as they left the building. Sakura was in a pleasant mood at the moment and was flourishing her new haircut. It made her feel clean, as if she were anew.

"Shizune is really nice. I guess Konoha isn't so bad, not her at least." Sakura commented.

Ino turned and grinned. "You see why I fell in love with Konoha? You'll learn to love it more as the days come by." Ino paused for a moment and then clapped her hands in glee. "Hey Sakura, I nearly forgot but then I just remembered!"

Sakura gave a mild glance of amusement and asked, "What is it this time Ino? A new boyfriend?"

Ino, apparently excited, began babbling," Well that too, but that's not what's important here! I found out while getting my hair straightened at the salon today that Shizune is the niece of the Dr. Tsunade. This could be your big break, Sakura!"

Sakura's mind did not register that notion at first. In fact, all she had heard was "straight" and "break".

Replying quizzically, Sakura said, "Er, Ino slow down a bit. Did you just say you broke your straightness?"

Huffing with impatience, Ino tutted and shook her head. "No Sakura! Use that big brain of yours! Shizune had connections with Dr. Tsunade!"

Sakura's eyes widened in recognition. Her mind fuzzed over as she thought about the opportunities. After a five second delay, she squealed. "Gah! Ino! This could be my big break!! Let's contact Shizune right away!"

Sakura broke into a sprint as she ran back towards the hair salon and Ino trailed behind. "Stupid forehead girl! That's what I just said!"


Shizune slammed down the receiver of the phone and smiled at Sakura.

"Congratulations Sakura, Tsunade-sama has agreed to meet with you tomorrow in the morning at 10:00 AM. If she approves, then you'll start working immediately. Knowing my aunt though, she is extremely thorough and professional so you should prepare a resume in case she wants to check out your credentials. But I'm only suggestin—"

Sakura squeezed Shizune by the midriff, seeing as Shizune was considerably taller than the girl. Surprised but amused, Shizune patted Sakura on the back.

"I can't find any words to describe how grateful I am! If I can help you in anyway, then give me a call and I'll be there."

Shizune waved the comment off and smiled. "No need for thanks Sakura, it was just a small favor. Besides, it's the least I can do for a happy customer. Anyways, see you again."

Sakura, now extremely giddy, grabbed Ino by the arm and suggested, "Hey, let's go out to eat. My treat. Do you know any good places?"

Ino smiled at her friends antics but replied teasingly," Don't get your hopes up too high Sakura. You haven't even met her yet, and I heard she's pretty vicious."

Completely ignoring Ino's remarks, Sakura pulled Ino across the street into a small booth like restaurant with a nifty shade overhead. The sign spelled out 'Ichiraku Ramen'.

Sakura settled herself comfortably on a chair and flipped through the menu. Noticing Ino's inactivity, Sakura asked, "Is anything wrong. Do you want to eat somewhere else?"

Ino rummaged through her purse and then looked up. "No, no, this place is fine, it's just…what time is it?"

Sakura glanced down at her wristwatch and replied, "It's 7:59. Why? Is something happening?"

Ino sighed and straightened herself. "You'll see Sakura. He should be coming in about three seconds…"

Still confused Sakura, resumed looking at the menu until she heard the first yell. It was a loud and rambunctious yell, more like a battle cry.

Startled, Sakura dropped her menu and turned to look around. Ino sighed and cringed, embarrassed and annoyed.

"HEY OJII-SAN!! I'm here!! Get me the usual, ASAP! I'm hunnnnggrrrrryyyyy-"

Ino cut the voice off by screaming, "Naruto, you baka! Shut up! Some people are trying to eat peacefully here!"

Eyes twitching Ino turned to face the origin of the voice. Sakura turned as well, now extremely curious. A tall, well-built male with spiky blonde hair came into view. His cerulean eyes were glowing with excitement and six light, strange whisker-like marks crossed his cheeks. Other than the weird scars, he had a young boyish face with a large fox-like grin.

Rubbing his head sheepishly, Naruto apologized to the irritated blonde girl. "Hehe, sorry Ino-chan. Just came back from a judo tournament and I'm so hungry. Sasuke-teme was there and so was Shikamaru."

Ino's eyes glowered appraisingly for a moment and said slightly dreamily, "Shikamaru was there? When did he come back?"

Stopping to think for a moment, Naruto replied unsurely. "I think four hours ago. I don't know if he's at home though. He may be at Chouji's wrestling tournament in Rain now."

Ino said a small 'oh' and sighed disappointedly. Sakura patted her back in comfort.

'Guess this Shikamaru is the new boyfriend.' Sakura thought.

Naruto suddenly looked at Sakura and grinned. "Hey Ino, introduce me to your pretty friend!"

Sakura blushed a little at the remark but started giggling when Ino deadpanned, "Naruto meet Sakura. Sakura, meet the town idiot."

Naruto whined, "Aww, Ino don't be like that. Now Sakura-chan thinks I'm a loser."

Ino shot back, "But you are."

Pouting, Naruto turned his attention back to Sakura and greeted her enthusiastically. "Hi Sakura-chan. Nice to meet you! I—"

"Now that the formalities are done—" Ino interjected, "it's time to leave, Naruto." She grabbed Naruto by the back of his shirt and began dragging him off.

Naruto began protesting loudly. "Ino! Put me down! I want to sit with Sakura-chan!! Please?"

Sakura chimed in," Why don't you let him sit with us Ino? He seems like a nice kid."

Ino stared at Sakura incredulously and gaped. "Are you crazy? This fool won't shut up the rest of the night if we let him sit with us!"

Sakura and Naruto pouted simultaneously and Ino grumbled.

"Fine, fine. But don't sit beside me Naruto, okay?" Ino begrudgingly complied.

Naruto yelled, "Yay! I get to sit by Sakura-chan!" Sticking his tongue out at Ino, he added, "I wouldn't want to sit by you anyways."

Fuming, Ino gripped her seat and breathed heavily a few times in an attempt to calm herself down. Managing a pained smile, she glared at Naruto.

Sakura was being efficiently showered with words by Naruto, who had also began eating his third bowl of noodles in five minutes. Sakura gulped a few of her noodles that were from her first bowl and stared wide-eyed as she watched the blonde boy consume an unhealthy dose of ramen.

Though slightly intimidated by his overbearing friendliness, the night progressed smoothly and even Ino had a bit fun, though only by teasing and hitting Naruto. Sakura just giggled when the two blondes bickered over stupid things.

Life in Konoha didn't seem so bad after all.


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