'How could everything go so wrong?' Sakura asked herself as she ran through the trees attempting to sense Naruto's chakra. It had seemed to be such a simple mission, retrieve a prisoner who had escaped form prison earlier that day. They had known he was a dangerous criminal, his powers in a different category form anything anyone had seen but they had been so sure that with their powers combined they would be able to handle him. When they had entered the clearing that the prisoner was camping in they hadn't realized that they were walking into a trap.

Remembering back to the very moment that she heard the snap of the taunt string at their feet Sakura shuddered. The trap was meant for Naruto, that was obvious, as a red powder rained down on him. The effects were immediate as the nine tailed surface and Naruto lost control. He rampaged through the forest as the prisoner escaped in the confusion.

All kinds of questions ran through Sakura's mind. How did he know that Naruto wold be the one after him? What was that powder that made Naruto lose control? Had this been planned from the beginning? She wasn't quite sure she would get an answer to any of these questions. Hell she didn't even know what she would do when she found Naruto! Would she even be able to calm him down or would the unthinkable happen...

Just as these thoughts begin to enter her consciousness she sensed it. Naruto's chakra two miles ahead of her. Her heart pounded, she hadn't thought this far ahead. It was too late now though, she was going to try to help her friend even if he did attack her.

When she saw Naruto he was on his hands and knees in the center of a newly formed crater. He was obviously fighting the nine tails as his fists clenched in the dirt. Sakura felt her heart skip a beat and her mind go blank. 'I found him...but how can I help him?'

"Leave Sakura." His voice was so calm that it scared her.

"And leave you here? No I am not going to turn my back on you this time Naruto." Sakura hadn't even realized she was talking or that this confident voice was hers, she certainly didn't feel confident.

An evil smirk appeared on Naruto's face as he spat out how Sakura had not been there for him when Sasuke was around. It was true though, Sakura had blatantly ignored Naruto when Sasuke was around, even though Naruto was the one who cared for her.

"You're right. And I am not letting that happen again. Naruto...I..." She knew what the truth was but just couldn't bring herself to say it. She had wanted to say it to Naruto but at the moment she felt as if she was saying it to the nine tails.

Suddenly Naruto turned towards her completely, he still had the smirk but his eyes held curiosity and general concern, maybe even a bit of happiness. "What is it Sakura?" His voice was his and she could tell it.

"I want to speak with Naruto in complete control! I won't say anymore until he is the one who responds." Sakura was still surprised as how she was speaking, he could easily kill her right now. She watched though. His face twisted in internal conflict and she could tell that Naruto was gaining control again. She gave out a sigh of relief as his chakra went back to normal.

"Thank you for giving me a reason to fight Sakura." Naruto smiled and Sakura nodded. "So what is it that you wanted to tell me..." there was so much hope in Naruto's expression.

"Naruto..." Sakura took a step closer to Naruto, "I-I love you." Sakura cursed herself as she felt the heat on her cheeks and quickly tried to turn away. She felt a hand on her shoulder turning her back to Naruto and something warm touch her lips. Her eyes widened when she realized that Naruto was kissing her but quickly shut them and melted into the kiss.

"I have always loved you Sakura. Never leave my side." Naruto said as he broke away and rested his chin on her head. Sakura gave a slight smile before nodding slightly.