I've decided to go back and edit all the early chapters so that the story flows better. Have fun with the new material!

Summary: As everything she had ever known is turned upside down, Sakura strikes out with her newly founded team in a perilous time when friend and foe alike can become complications. AU. MultiSaku. Sakura centric. SakuraHarem. Sequel to "no good gift (goes unpunished)." Multi-chaptered.

Pairing(s): SakuraxNaruto, SakuraxSasuke, SakuraxSai, SakuraxGaara, SakuraxDeidara, SakuraxSasori, SakuraxKisame, SakuraxItachi, SakuraxHidan, SakuraxKakuzu, SakuraxTobi, SakuraxMadara, SakuraxPein, KakashixSakura, KibaxSakura, ChojixSakura, ShikamaruxSakura, HakuxSakura, ZabuzaxSakura, LeexSakura, NejixSakura, ZetsuxSakura, KimimaroxSakura, KabutoxSakura, ShinoxSakura, SuigetsuxSakura, JugoxSakura, ShisuixSakura, IzunaxSakura, KotetsuxSakura, IzumoxSakura, GenmaxSakura, KonohamaruxSakura, YamatoxSakura, BxSakura, CxSakura, DaruixSakura, MenmaxSakura, JiraiyaxTsunade, OrochimaruxTsunade, (implied) AxTsunade

Genre: Adventure/Romance/Friendship/Humor/Angst

Warnings: some cursing (they are teenagers!), general OOC-ness, dark and sometimes suggestive themes

Notes: Here we are again with what is quite possibly the final installment of the "Gifted" universe. It's definitely been interesting and fun. I will say that I'm surprised that what was originally an idea for a contest has spawned its own universe.

I sincerely hope that you all enjoy reading this installment!

Chapter Summary: In which Sakura gains some teammates; books are burned; Naruto makes a difference; Suigetsu is conflicted; and some students are placed on a dangerous mission.

"the gifted and i"
-1/26-
Of Beginnings & Betrayals

Sakura perched nervously on the edge of her seat, waiting expectantly, if not exactly patiently, for the announcement that would change her life forever. She watched vigilantly as Headmistress Tsunade, decked out in her official robes and hat, took to the stage.

"Sakura," a hand broke the girl out of her reverie. She turned to see Haku smiling at her in that gentle manner of his. "It's alright."

Sakura scoffed and avidly returned her gaze to the events unfolding in the Stadium. "No it is not 'alright' as you so claim Haku! This…this is the moment I've been waiting for since I found out that I was Gifted!"

Kiba snorted. "C'mon Sakura! You've been giving us this speech since we were fourteen! We get it!" He ignored her dirty look. "Worrying about your team assignment won't make it come any faster!" Akamaru yipped in agreement.

Sakura frowned for a few moments longer before giving in. "Sorry guys," she said with a sigh, rubbing her temples with her hand aglow with her Gift. "It's just a bit stressful you know? I mean...being a Gifted female and all…"

They sat in an awkward silence for a bit. Surprisingly, it was Shino who wrapped a hesitant arm around her shoulders in an attempt to provide some semblance of comfort. He, Haku and Zabuza all gave Kiba an exasperated look before returning their attention to the girl. Shino did not speak, but let his actions bring her comfort.

Finally, Sakura's shoulders slumped. She turned to smile at her friends. "Thanks for that guys. You just can never be too careful nowadays. Especially with the new organizations that have popped up…"

As Sakura became pensive, Zabuza nudged her roughly with a shoulder. Broken out of her darkening thoughts, she gave him a curious look. He cleared his throat awkwardly, unused to starting conversations. "Have…have you managed to work your axe into any of your new affinity techniques?"

Sakura lit up, chatting with him animatedly about battle styles using weaponry and how she worked them into her own fighting style. All four boys let out a sigh of relief, glad to get her thoughts away from rogue organizations and the Council. While she had a lot on her plate, they thought it was unnecessary for Sakura to worry herself about things yet to come.

Suddenly, Headmistress Tsunade's voice boomed over the noise of the Stadium, causing all the students to fall silent. "Now that everyone is here." She gave Kakashi a pointed glance that he characteristically ignored. "Let us begin. Teams will be comprised of four students with a teacher or mentor over them. Team One is Gaara Sabaku, Kankuro Sabaku, Rock Lee and Neji Hyuga. Their team leader will be Baki. Team Two is…"

Sakura clapped excitedly as those mentioned made their way down into the arena. And so it continued. Sakura sat with Kiba and Shino as Haku and Zabuza were inducted into Team Six with Suigetsu and Jugo. The anticipation was practically killing her at this point. Sakura held both Kiba and Shino's hands in a tight grip though neither dared to mention it.

"Team Seven is Sasuke Uchiha, Naruto Uzumaki, Sai and Sakura Haruno." Sakura didn't fight the grin that made its way onto her face. Placed on a team with her absolute best friends? Sakura reminded herself to give Headmistress Tsunade a bone-crushing hug later. "Their team leader will be Kakashi Hatake."

Sakura skipped down through the stands, making her way into the actual arena. As soon as her feet touched the sand, Naruto pounced on her, red tail waving about behind him in excitement. From her rather smothered position, Sakura could see Sasuke and Sai standing nearby, looking almost uncomfortable.

"Isn't it great that we're on the same team Sakura?" Naruto asked the girl still wrapped in his embrace, grinning brightly.

Sakura laughed. "Most definitely!" Without warning, she grabbed both Sasuke and Sai by a hand, and, using her Gift of Power, pulled them into the tangled embrace. They all fell to the ground, laughing without a care in the world. Sakura caught sight of Kakashi standing nearby aloofly reading from his perverted little book. She grabbed his ankle from her tangled position and dragged him over with a laugh. Sakura made eye contact with the Headmistress, beaming her thanks. Headmistress Tsunade smirked and gave a slight nod before returning to announcing teams. Sakura redirected her gaze to her team…no, family. "Most definitely."

Three months after their inauguration as a team, Team Seven passed through the gates of the Academy; glad to be home again. They'd been out on a simple reconnaissance mission though of course, with Team Seven being involved, it had become a fight for their lives as they discovered an underground drug ring. All in all, Sakura was happy to return to the school, hopeful for a bit of downtime between missions. Naruto on the other hand…

"Guys," he whined. "Why couldn't we make one more stop before coming back? Granny Tsunade wouldn't have missed us too much if we grabbed some food before coming back!"

Sasuke scowled, punching the blond fiercely in the arm. "Idiot!" he drawled out scathingly, finally losing his patience after Naruto's five minutes of constant pestering.

"Bastard!" Naruto yelled in reply, preparing himself for a brawl.

"Best Friend?" Sai inquired of the exasperated girl.

"One moment Sai," she muttered in response before using her Gift to lift both the Uzumaki and the Uchiha by their collars. She glared at Sasuke first. "This is not the time or the place to be initiating a fight Sasuke." She gave Naruto a hard look. "You shouldn't rise to his baiting. We've made three stops for you on the way back; you don't need any more food Naruto! Am I understood?" When neither replied, she shook them angrily. "Am I understood?"

"Yes ma'am," they mumbled, unhappy about her interference.

She gave them another hard look before releasing them, dusting her hands off. She turned back to a rather quiet and solemn Sai. "What did you need Sai?"

"Well Best Friend, I thought you would like to know the library is on fire."

"Wait what?" she asked, whirling toward the building in question. Sure enough, fire and billowing smoke were rising from that section of the Academy. Fight forgotten, Sasuke and Naruto joined her as they all ran at top speed to the desecrated building. "Why didn't you say something earlier?" Sakura yelled at Sai.

"You told me to wait," he replied, confused at her reaction.

Sakura shook her head in exasperation and returned her focus to the library. Sasuke looked at the flames pensively. Sakura, knowing that of the team Sasuke was the only one with a fire affinity, asked somberly, "Natural or unnatural?"

Sasuke stared at the fire for a few more long moments before sighing and turning to his friend. "Unnatural."

Sakura and Sai nodded firmly, knowing exactly what that implied. "Why does it matter?" Naruto questioned, unaware of connotations that Sasuke's one-worded statement held.

"It means," Sakura began with an uncharacteristic scowl etched upon her face, "that we, the Academy, are under attack by an unknown Gifted threat."

Naruto's eyes widened in surprise as he sputtered, "But-but why?"

Sakura exchanged a look with her two dark haired companions as they all came to a halt a little ways away from the burning library. "That's what we're about to find out," she said quietly. "Sasuke, Sai your job will be to gain information on our enemy. Sai, use some of your wind techniques to keep the smoke from getting to you two. I suggest putting on your goggles before going in." They nodded briefly before disappearing into the smoke. She silently wished them the best. Sakura turned to Naruto, whose tail had appeared in a fit of nervous anger. "Naruto, you and I have the affinities most compatible with putting out the fire. You're going to need to use your wind techniques to keep the fire contained so I can put it out." He nodded firmly and got ready to leave before Sakura placed a hand on his shoulder to stay him. "Naruto," she paused, trying to find the right words. "This mission is not about brute force okay? If you overpower your techniques, then the fire will just grow larger. You must focus alright?" She closed her eyes against her headache, raising a glowing hand to soothe it. "We will probably be attacked by the people who set the fire so be on guard."

"Don't worry," Naruto stated in uncharacteristic seriousness. "We've got this covered Sakura. I'll watch your back if you'll watch mine."

Sakura nodded and, grinning slightly, they too disappeared into the chaos of the library. Coughing slightly from all the smoke that smothered them, Sakura asked, "Naruto?" She heard a hum that indicated that he'd heard her. "Can you do something about the smoke surrounding us?"

"Sure thing Sakura!" was his reply as the air around them cleared.

"Thanks," she said in relief, adjusting her goggles before they continued onward.

As they approached the burning building, Sakura felt her heart sink as she caught sight of the damage wreaked upon it. This was the place she spent many afternoons, talking with friends and studying for classes. It held memories of mission plans with Shikamaru and Sasuke, helping Naruto and Konohamaru with papers, teaching Sai about emotions and so many other cherished moments. Sakura scowled; an attack on the library was practically an attack on her.

"Naruto!" she called over the roar of the flames and the cries of the surrounding students. She pointed to the area of the building where the fire seemed to have started. It billowed from the windows, taller than Sakura. "Start there! I'll work on the smaller fires right now."

With those parting words, Sakura took off, thankful for the cool weather as she pulled her scarf up over her nose. She made her way over to the small, natural fires that were not fueled by Gifted individuals, they had been ignited by the unnatural one. With a flick of her wrist, she easily put them out, trying her best to conserve her use of water. She really wished it would rain…

Suddenly struck by a new idea, Sakura darted off again, searching for a rather elusive Sasuke as she continued to put out little fires. After a few intense moments of dodging around frantic students and falling debris, Sakura spotted the young Uchiha hunkered down in a tall tree. Quietly, Sakura made her way up to him. As she found a spot next to him, she noted that his Sharingan was activated. "Found anyone?" she asked conversationally.

He turned his red gaze towards her. "Yeah. Sai's on the other side of the library gathering information." He paused, struggling with what he'd seen. "You aren't going to like this Sakura."

"What is it?" she asked apprehensively.

"Orochimaru." Sakura's eyes narrowed in calculating anger, the man had tried to take Sasuke a few years back. "And…" Again he hesitated.

"Tell me!" Sakura urged.

"There are traitors in our midst." Sasuke turned away from the crestfallen expression on Sakura's face. He gently placed a hand on her shoulder in comfort.

"Do I know them?" Sakura asked. Sasuke refused to look at her. Frustrated, Sakura grabbed his face and turned him to look into his eyes. "Sasuke, do I know them?"

He nodded wordlessly. "Kimimaro started the fires."

"No," Sakura mumbled in shock. Kimimaro, sweet, passive Kimimaro, started the fires? She almost couldn't believe it. In fact, if Sasuke hadn't been the one giving her this information, she would not. However, the Sharingan didn't lie. She took a deep breath, gently grabbing hold of Sasuke's hand as she calmed herself. "Alright," she said after a few moments of silence. "I need your help to put out the fire." At his questioning look she quickly explained: "I need you to use one of your lightning techniques on the sky. It's already pretty overcast so Mother Nature only needs a bit of a…push."

Sasuke smirked. "Sounds easy enough. I'm guessing the rain will be used for your water techniques?"

"Oh Sasuke," Sakura said dramatically, fluttering her eyelashes at the surprised boy. "You always do follow my thought process so well." She laughed at the astonished look on his face before getting serious again. Now wasn't the time to be poking fun at a teammate. "We need to get back to Naruto. Hopefully, he's got the fire contained. If not…well, that lightning technique will come in handy now won't it?"

So saying, the pair hopped down from the tree and made their way towards their knuckleheaded companion. Thankfully, Naruto had done a wonderful job of corralling most of the fire into a contained area. She nodded to Sasuke, allowing him the time to prepare his technique. Sakura couldn't help but wonder where the fire starter, Kimimaro, had disappeared off to. Sakura knew that Kimimaro's personality wouldn't allow him to gallivant away if he was on a mission…

Sakura shook herself from her uneasy musings. Now wasn't the time to get distracted. She watched quietly as Sasuke directed his lightning attack to the heavens. With an unearthly roar, the lightning streaked its way into the sky, leaving the heavy smell of ozone in the air, briefly overpowering the charred scent that wafted around the library. "How are you holding up Naruto?" she asked her teammate, noticing the sweat that beaded on his forehead.

"I've been better," he replied honestly, gritting his teeth as he upheld his tricky technique.

"Only a few more minutes!" Sakura encouraged, staring up at the darkening clouds and wondering where Headmistress Tsunade was. "Good job Sasuke!" she complimented as the first, thick drops of water fell onto her face.

"Hn," Sasuke said smugly, hiding the slight smile of pride that flit across his face at her heartfelt praise.

Sakura concentrated on the water, hands flitting through the seals necessary for the technique she was about to complete. Some of the rain was already pouring down over the fire, sizzling as it made contact. Sakura, however, knew it wouldn't be enough. She had to fight unnatural fire with unnatural water. Humming, Sakura closed her eyes as the water around her slowly took shape, forming a giant water dragon. She could feel the water; fought the pull to release the water right then and there. She needed to destroy this fire in one fell swoop.

Finally, Sakura opened her eyes, allowing the water to rush past her and over the raging fire. Naruto breathed a sigh of relief, happy to release his hold over his own technique. The trio watched silently as the fire and water clashed for dominance until everything fell still. Sakura smiled, despite the smell that filled the air in the aftermath. She pulled Naruto and Sasuke into a tight hug, which they both returned.

"Great job guys!" exclaimed Naruto with a brilliant grin. "I was a bit worried there for a bit!"

"Me too," Sakura replied, breathing in the smoky smell that clung to his clothes. She pulled away; smile leaving her face as she remembered just how the fire had been started. "We have traitors among us."

"No way!" Naruto cried out in a startled voice.

"Yeah," Sakura replied, nodding. "Sasuke saw Kimimaro set the fire. Orochimaru is assaulting the Academy; his motive is still unknown." She and Naruto both glanced at Sasuke. He stiffened. "If it's like last time, he's after the Sharingan."

Sasuke sighed irritably. "Alright here's the plan. Sakura go find Sai. If he's in trouble, get him out quickly Naruto and I will search the building for students. We'll rendezvous outside of Tsunade's office. We need to get to the bottom of this."

Sakura nodded her agreement before turning to Naruto, biting her lip all the while. "Naruto, please, please don't try to play hero okay? We aren't exactly sure what's going on right now. We have to avoid direct confrontation. We still don't know if Kimimaro is the only traitor." Sakura placed her hand on the teen's tightened jaw, trying to soothe away the tension. "I know you don't like it. Honestly, neither do I, but we cannot compromise Sasuke okay? We can't repeat what happened last time."

Naruto stood in stiff silence for a few moments before relaxing and nodding. He grabbed Sakura's hand from his face, pulling it to his chest. "I'll try Sakura." He gave Sasuke a look. "The bastard will keep me on track."

Sakura grinned, pulling away and turning to scan the surrounding area. The smoke was clearing, giving her a better view of her environment. "If either party isn't in Headmistress Tsunade's office at 1900, we go out searching."

With those parting words, the trio split ways; Naruto and Sasuke entering the ruined library as Sakura took off towards the other side where Sasuke claimed to have left their teammate. Within minutes, Sakura could make out two figures fighting. Surprised and instantly on guard, Sakura ducked out of sight as she made her way towards them. She caught sight of Sai's signature ink animals and breathed a sigh of relief. Sakura frowned, trying to figure out who Sai's opponent was. She inhaled sharply as she caught sight of Kabuto's chakra scalpels.

"Damn," she muttered, shocked that there was truly more than one traitor. Over the years, she and Kabuto had formed a close friendship based on their mutual interest in medicine. She respected him and he respected her, but this…this was unexpected. Clenching her fist, Sakura stood, catching sight of another person nearby balancing a large sword on his shoulder. "Suigetsu!" she exclaimed in surprise.

He turned to her, shock filling his expression. "Princess!" he said.

She grinned at him, waving him over. "I need your help Suigetsu." Her facial expression darkened. "Kabuto's a traitor and Sai will need our help." Sakura started heading to Sai's side, but was pulled back by a heavy hand on her shoulder. "Suigetsu?" Suigetsu's face was heavy with a dark scowl. Sakura looked him over and noticed his weapon. "Suigetsu," Sakura hesitated, not daring to believe it. "Why do you have Zabuza's Kubikiribocho?"

Suigetsu released her, grabbing hold of the sword. "I'm really sorry about this princess…"

That was the only warning Sakura got before the huge sword was bearing down on her. Sakura instinctively dropped to the ground and rolled, feeling the air whoosh around the sword. Sakura rolled onto her back and threw her weight on her hands, back flipping into a defensive stance. Who else was a traitor? How many of her friends worked for Orochimaru? What had happened to Zabuza? Was he okay? Was he even alive? All of these thoughts played through Sakura's mind.

"Why?" she screamed at Suigetsu, fighting tears. It was a fitting question.

Suigetsu shrugged, trying to ignore the pang in his heart. He didn't want to hurt the princess. On the contrary, he wanted to protect her. "Why not?" he asked rhetorically. "I'm a freak, princess, even in the Gifted world. Being able to turn into water?" His expression became pained. "Please princess have you ever met another person with this ability? It isn't normal. Orochimaru," he took a deep breath before confessing: "Orochimaru experimented on me! He made me this way!"

Suigetsu half-heartedly attacked again, forcing Sakura, who was weaponless, to duck and summon her Gift to her hands.

"Then why work for him?" Sakura asked angrily, unable to understand the flawed logic as she threw a punch at him. It connected and his face fell apart with a splash before regenerating. "Why didn't you ask for help? Tsunade and I could have done something; anything!"

Suigetsu sneered, savagely pushing away the hope that built in his chest. "You don't understand. Orochimaru will fix me! I can't stay in the Gifted world as an anomaly."

"You think that I'm natural?" Sakura scoffed, rolling away from another sweeping blow. "I'm more of an anomaly than you are! I'm a Gifted girl from an unGifted family! How the hell is that normal?"

Suigetsu frowned and began to reply, but was interrupted by a booming voice: "What the hell is happening here?"

Sakura turned with a smile of relief as she caught sight of Jiraiya making his way towards them. Sakura watched as Kabuto ran away, leaving Sai alone among his ink animals. She rounded on Suigetsu, giving him a pleading look. "Please Suigetsu, stay at the Academy. We'll help you, I promise."

Suigetsu shot her a long, searching look. Finally he sighed. "I'm so sorry princess." Suigetsu moved closer to her, ignoring her sharp intake of breath, as he trailed a cold hand up her cheek. He stared, entranced by her lips. Should he? Could he? Fortifying himself, Suigetsu leaned down and pecked her on the corner of her lips. Suigetsu tucked a strand of hair behind her ear before sighing against her lips. She felt his warm, slightly minty breath wash over her face. "Goodbye."

He turned and fled, leaving Sakura to stare after him in shock. Had he really just...?

"Best Friend?" Sai questioned from behind her, interrupting her incredulous thoughts.

"Oh Sai!" she exclaimed in relief, eyes scanning him for injuries. "How was the fight?"

"Four Eyes is a decent opponent." Sakura smiled; in Sai-ese he'd practically called Kabuto an equal. "My rib cage is sufficiently damaged. Would you be willing to heal me?"

"Of course!" she replied, laying a glowing hand against his side. They stood in companionable silence for a few more moments as Sakura finished her healing session. "Did-did you see any other traitors?"

Sai nodded, taking on an even more emotionless air. "It appears that Jugo, Suigetsu and Kabuto have defected."

"And Kimimaro," Sakura mumbled, overwhelmed by the idea of having so many traitors in their midst. All of them had been her friends…

"Sai, Sakura!" Jiraiya called, making his way over to them. He smiled down at the two teenagers wearily. "How are you?" he asked softly.

Sakura tried to muster a smile, but it became a grimace instead.

"That bad huh?" Jiraiya said sympathetically. "Tsunade wants to see you in her office. Where are your teammates?"

Sakura froze, grabbing Sai's hand to check his watch. 6:53 PM. Sakura grabbed hold of Sai and ran off, ignoring Jiraiya's exclamations of astonishment.

"Come on Sai!" she growled as the boy stumbled to get his feet beneath him. We need to get to Headmistress Tsunade's office now!"

"Okay Best Friend," Sai replied, gaining his footing. He didn't think to question her as to why they needed to get there so quickly; he just rolled with it.

Sakura and Sai made it to the hall outside the Headmistress's office at 6:58 PM. "Two minutes to spare!" Sakura panted triumphantly.

"Took you long enough," groused Sasuke.

Naruto hit the boy in the back of the head. "No need to be a bitch about it, bastard!" He turned a concerned and curious eye to Sakura. "What happened?"

"Kimimaro wasn't the only traitor," Sakura said grimly.

Her teammates nodded at the vague explanation, accepting it for the moment.

"The Headmistress wishes to speak with us," Sai said quietly.

"Why didn't you say so?" Naruto yelled over Sakura and Sasuke's protests. He kicked open the door. "Hey Granny Tsunade, have a new mission for us?"

Tsunade looked up at the quartet, eye twitching. "Boy," she growled out, "if you speak to me like that one more time you won't have to worry about missions for a long, long time."

Naruto shuddered under the weight of her glare. Geez, it was just a question!

Sakura tittered nervously, trying to make up for her teammate's idiocy. "Headmistress Tsunade, would you like a mission report?"

Tsunade waved a dismissive hand. "Nah, we've got more important matters to discuss right now." All of Team Seven straightened at her somber tone. "As I'm sure you all know, Orochimaru just led an assault on the school, taking with him many of our students and a few teachers. We have lost Kabuto, Kimimaro, Jugo, Sakon, Dozu, Suigetsu and others to his cause. Thankfully, there were no causalities this time." Sakura breathed a sigh of relief, thinking of her friend Zabuza.

"What was his motive?" Sasuke questioned quietly, his eyes Sharingan bright.

Tsunade sighed, rubbing her temples with one hand as she groped about for her alcohol with the other. "He ransacked Sakura's dorm room." She gave the astonished girl an apologetic glance as her teammates moved in front of her protectively. "When he couldn't find her, he set fire to the library. I do not believe that he knew you were on a mission, leading me to believe that his insiders are giving him false information. It reeks of Council meddling."

"In other words, the Academy has been compromised," Sai surmised, a look of slight anger on his face.

Tsunade straightened up, pinning each individual of Team Seven with a fierce look. "Exactly. Now, all of you are unsafe at the moment. Naruto, the Council wants you for your family connection." Naruto scowled fiercely. "Sasuke, your Sharingan." He grimaced. "Sai, Danzo." Sai stiffened in anger and fear. "Sakura...Sakura, you happen to be in the most precarious position of all. The Council has wanted to control you since your arrival here. Unfortunately, they will probably try to manipulate this most recent infiltration of the Academy as a ploy to get you into their control. That is why I called all of you here.

"Starting now, you four are on an A-ranked mission to enter into the Kumo sector and meet up with Headmaster A of the Excellent Academy for Gifted Students. This Academy is located in San Francisco, California."

"What's a Kumo?" Naruto mock-whispered to Sakura. Of course, everyone happened to hear the question

Sakura flushed at her teammate's ignorance. "Haven't you been paying attention in class?" He smiled sheepishly. "Each time zone is also separated into a Gifted sector that adheres to its own laws and regulations. Konoha is the east-most sector where we are located. Kumo is the west-most sector and the Excellent Academy falls under its authority. Just as Headmistress Tsunade has the most power here in the Konoha sector, Headmaster A has the most power in the Kumo sector."

"Why do we have go to the Kumo sector? Couldn't we go to the one closest to us?" Naruto whined.

Tsunade gave him a look before continuing her explanation, "As I was saying we have a treaty with the Kumo sector, meaning he will be obliged to aid us in this time of tribulation. You will undoubtedly be tracked, both by rogue organizations and the Council." She watched the way Sakura and Sasuke stiffened at the words "rogue organizations." "There is a high possibility of coming into contact with the Akatsuki. Whatever you do, do not engage. Though you may have known them as friends and colleagues during their time at the Academy, they are not to be trusted."

Sasuke snorted as Sakura laid a comforting hand on his shoulder. "I make no such promises."

"Uchiha," Tsunade said bitingly. "The Akatsuki has taken an unhealthy interest in both Sakura and Naruto. We cannot allow either of them to fall into the organization's hands. We do not know their motives as of yet. Do not engage. Do I make myself clear?

"This mission will consist of a trek across America. I cannot provide you with a vehicle and I suggest that you switch modes of transportation as often as possible to avoid detection. The Council will not be informed of the details of your mission or your destination, in fact, the less the Council knows, the better. I suggest you all head over to the Quartermaster for your supplies."

"Hey!" Naruto exclaimed. "What about Kakashi?"

"Hatake has a mission of his own that I just sent him on. He sends his condolences and, I quote, orders each of you to 'get lost on the road of life once in a while.'" Her lips quirked upwards into a smile. "He'll be sent to join you in Kumo as soon as he's done."

Sasuke snorted. "Like we need a babysitter."

Tsunade leveled him with a steely look.

Sakura smiled determinedly. "Anything else, Headmistress?"

"Oh," Tsunade replied with a bit of a grimace. "Well…Sakura, I suggest you borrow some of Sai's clothing for the moment. He's the closest in size to you and…well, let's just say you need a new wardrobe after what Orochimaru's done to your bedroom."

Team Seven walked out of Tsunade's office with an air of grim determination about them. With a sigh, Sasuke led the way toward the Quartermaster's office, hands weighing heavily in his pockets as he slouched forward.

Sakura and Naruto exchanged worried glances as Sai merely smiled blankly, doing his best to ignore the tension. They moved along in a suffocating silence until finally Naruto blurted out, "Bastard!"

Sasuke whipped around angrily, Sharingan blazing in his eyes. "What do you want, idiot?" he seethed.

Naruto was undeterred. He stared his friend down with his honest, crystalline blue eyes as he was wont to do in any serious situation. "We'll get him. Maybe not on this mission or the next but we will."

"Together," Sakura added determinedly, clenching a fist. She owed it to Sasuke and herself to be a part of this.

Not one to be left out, Sai surprisingly reached out to grasp Sasuke's shoulder. "We are a family."

They all held their breath as they waited for Sasuke's response. Slowly, almost painfully, Sasuke relaxed his shoulders and fists as his Sharingan bled back to a warm grey. His lips curled into a broken, beautiful smile. "We will."

Team Seven approached the Quartermaster's temporary abode in a companionable silence that is only brought about by an inner peace and an innate understanding of the surrounding people. Since the attack had demolished many of the main offices, the Quartermaster was currently operating out of his own bedroom. The four looked at each other in slight apprehension before Sakura stepped forward to knock.

Before her knuckles even touched the whitewashed door, a muffled voice called, "Come in."

Sakura pushed the door open, wincing at the way it creaked. She glanced around the room, taking in the strewn papers and weaponry. A few menacing looking gadgets rested atop a fern on the Quartermaster's desk. Sakura frowned as she caught sight of all of the grimy coffee mugs lying haphazardly about the room, decorating the floors, bed, bookshelf and desk. Her gaze finally flitted to the Quartermaster, who had been sizing her up accordingly.

"Genma," she greeted with a slight twist of her lips, something that might pass for a smile.

"Sakura, looking lovely as usual," he returned, senbon twitching as his mouth moved. The same could not be said about him. He, to be quite frank, looked like hell. His eyes were dark with heavy circles. From the slight twitchiness of his legs, something that only the medic in Sakura could pick up on, she realized that his caffeine intake was worse than she'd originally expected. Though she certainly couldn't fault him for looking the way he did. After all, as Quartermaster he was in charge of mission rosters, weaponry, mission reports and the like. With this full-on attack upon the school, Sakura knew that he would be working overtime for quite a while. Not only that, but he'd been tracking Akatsuki sightings for the past few weeks up to the attacks. She knew that she didn't look much better.

"I suppose you all are here for the mission?" he questioned, skimming his eyes over the rest of Team Seven.

"Indeed," Sasuke replied. "Details?"

Genma let out an absurd sounding giggle, twirling a pen around with the accuracy of a senbon. Sakura knew beyond a doubt that he could, probably had even, have killed with a writing utensil such as this before. "Could I get a 'Please' first, Master Uchiha?"

Sasuke's mouth tightened momentarily before he looked over at Sakura for assistance. She shrugged. Finally he managed to grit out, "Please."

"Well now," Genma said, fluttering his hand above his heart. "I'll be! Never thought I'd ever see the day where I would hear such a word from a mighty Uchiha!" He suddenly clapped his hands together, swiveling his chair about. "You all are about to embark on a B-ranked mission which could possibly escalate into an S-ranked mission. Your time limit is well…unlimited to an extent. Tsunade would like you lot to be done in two weeks but with circumstances being what they are…well, this mission is our top priority. Any questions yet?" Naruto's hand shot up. "Yes Naruto?"

"Well…um…" Sakura elbowed him in the ribs. Naruto yelped. "Do we get any super cool and freaky gadgets?"

Genma rolled his eyes. "If you consider your standard scrolls and Summons 'super cool and freaky' then yes you do." His eyes darted to Sakura. "Any other questions, my dear?" Silence followed his question as Naruto sulked. "Moving on, each of you get a credit card, courtesy of the Academy." He whipped four shiny pieces of plastic out of his sleeve with deadly speed. Team Seven was once again reminded that Genma, for all his jokes and flirtations, was a force to be reckoned with. With a flick of the wrist, Genma threw the cards to Sai who deftly caught them. He plucked a set of keys out of one of the empty mugs and tossed it to Sakura. "Go get your scrolls sweetheart. I hope to see you in one piece upon your return."

Sakura smirked and nodded, making her way out of the room feeling much more confident than when she'd entered it.

Sakura sat docilely on Sasuke's bed, feeling refreshed after her ten-minute shower. She was completely unwilling to go near Naruto's side of the room. She couldn't see the floor and she swore she'd just seen something move. "Naruto," she began cautiously.

"Yes Sakura?" he asked obliviously.

"Do you ever clean up your side of the room?"

"No," Sasuke snorted, folding a few of his shirts that proudly displayed his clan's symbol.

Sakura bit her lip. "Sasuke, I don't think it's a good idea to try traveling inconspicuously with your clan's logo marking a target on your back."

Naruto guffawed in laughter, falling off his own bed into the chaos of his floor. Sakura cringed, turning to check her own supplies. "Are you sure it's alright for me to borrow your clothes Sai?" she asked as she placed a few of his dark shirts into her backpack.

Sai nodded from his side of the room. Somehow, the three boys had survived the past eight or so years of being roommates with one another, despite the fact that Naruto was a slob and Sasuke and Sai were both neat freaks. "Of course, Best Friend." He tilted his head in confusion. "Though in my studies, it has shown that when a man shares clothing with a woman they are in a romantic relationship." He was oblivious to the way that Naruto went eerily silent and Sasuke's Sharingan flickered to life. "Are we lovers Sakura?"

Before she could reply, both the Uchiha and the Uzumaki pounced upon him, sending them all to the ground. Sighing, Sakura ignored their fight and focused on packing. She had her two scrolls, one for weaponry and the other for medical supplies. Her, or rather Sai's, clothing consisted of three dark, long sleeve shirts, two pairs jeans and a belt. She supposed that they'd have to shop on the way for undergarments and socks. Sakura snorted at the very idea of her Team going to a mall. She also had her wallet, fake ID, Academy credit card and some protein bars. They were definitely going to have to stop to grab a bite to eat before hitting the road…

"Boys!" she yelled over the commotion they were making. They all paused to look at her. She grinned deviously. "How do you all feel about McDonald's?"

-1/26-
Complete
-1/26-

And thus, the boys of Team Seven discover the wonders of fast food. I'm positive Naruto loves it, Sai's indifferent (surprise, surprise) and Sasuke absolutely abhors it. After all, he is an Uchiha. He is used to fine dining.

So…Akatsuki. Yeah, there will be a back-story on exactly how they went rogue and what not. I wonder why Sasuke hates them so much? Hm. Why the interest in Sakura and Naruto?

Sectors and whatever will be this universe's equivalent of the Hidden Villages. In my mind, the Boarding Academy for the Gifted is located in Atlanta, Georgia. I wonder how they'll start their adventure?

Oh, and the poll is still up, I'd love to get more feedback on what sort of Familiar Sakura should have!

Anyway, read and review please! I love getting feedback!

-jay