A/N: My apologies in advanced for any misspelled words.

Summary: A trip to remember... Viva Las Vegas

Time line: The "nine rookies" are now 16. Neji and his team are now 17. This is the last week before they begin their training to become jounins.

Disclaimer: I do not own any characters related to Naruto. I'm too poor to sue.

The 16 year-old pinked haired shinobi looked out her bedroom window and waited for the sign. It was now or never, everything finally falling into place. 2 weeks of planning would either strive or burn in a matter of hours and she silently hoped it would be triumphant.

She looked down at the backpack at her feet, mentally replaying what she had packed. Five days worth of clothes, individual snacks, and weapons would burden her back, but it would be worth it, as long as they could get out. She took a deep breath, as her eyes gazed over the retiring horizon, nerves slightly kicking in, as the sky offered no signal.

She briefly considered defeat as the sun began to disappear in the horizon, but her inner self refused such thoughts. It was a mission they could not lose, would not lose, not when they were so close.

She heard the faint rustling of dishes in the kitchen, stings of guilt pulling slowly inside of her. Her mom could be out, visiting friends tomorrow, which meant she wouldn't be missed, but still, the thought of lying to her left her with troubled thoughts. Her mind drifted to her sensei, questions buzzing in her mind. Would he be worried about them? Would he notice their absence? It was a by-week for them, but they still bumped into each other in Konoha. Could he sense their sudden disappearance?

They had debated over it, some even backing out, unsure if the adventure was worth taking. It would take them most of the night to get there, an inn already reserved for them the following day. It was now only a matter of getting there. The sudden noise outside her room caught her attention, the brilliant colors of red and green grazing the darkening sky. The local Konoha festival had begun, the fire works the opening attractions. But it was the slight light across town, which caught her attention. It was faint, but if you paid close attention, and knew what to look for, it could be found, and she had.

Without a moment to lose, she quickly stood up and grabbed her bag, hauling it over her shoulder. Time was in essence. It was now or never, she thought as she quickly walked out of the room and headed down the stairs.

"Mom, I'm going," she yelled, not really waiting for a response as she headed towards the front door.

"Be careful Sakura," the woman in the kitchen yelled back. "Have a good mission."

Closing the door behind her, she smiled. Phase 1 had been completed. Taking another deep breath she headed down the street, wondering who would be there waiting for her.