Chapter one: Surprise

The sun shine woke me up just so I could listen to the birds tweeting their song (at least that's what it seemed like). It was about nine in the morning and I surely shouldn't be awake yet. Shishou said none of use needed to worry about getting up early for the next few days from a previous mission.

I rolled over on my bed and groaned loudly, just wanting to be asleep again. I knew I wouldn't be able to though, so I stretched and rubbed my eyes. Just laying there for a while took up about fifteen minutes. Slowly, I made my way into a sitting position, letting my cherry blossom colored hair fall into my face while I stared at my toes. They started to move in a wave pattern for what? five minutes? before I realized how bored I was. Stretching once more, I hopped out of my bed suddenly wide awake.

I walked over to my closet and tossed on my casual wear which consisted of a navy blue skirt, a yellow shirt and a red vest that had the family Haruno "O" on the back. As my hair felt the tugging of my brush, it bounced back into place with each stroke. Really, it was taking me forever to get around because I had no idea where I was going afterwards. I guess I'll find out later.

My parents weren't home, like usual. Since it wasn't a mission though, I wouldn't need to worry about telling them where I went. For now, it was just a little stroll around town. At least it started that way. I found myself wondering towards Team 7's old training ground. Don't ask me why, because even I didn't know. When I got there, I walked over to the three stumps and looked at the middle one. The flashback of Naruto being tied up made me laugh. But I also remembered the important lesson the three of us learned. Teamwork.

The clearing of someone's voice scared me enough to make me jump. I looked to my left, and sure enough, under a tree, Kakashi sensei was just sitting there. A light smile appeared on my face. "Kakashi sensei."

"Sakura."

I couldn't quite tell if he smiled back, or just looked at me. "Why are you out here?"

His eyes looked over at the pond, "I was just walking around. You?"

Kakashi seemed…different today. But why? "I was..well. Doing the same thing you were." I saw him nod, but his sight never left the glistening water. I figured it would probably be better if I left him alone for now, so I did just that.

"Obito. Another year since you've been dead." The kunzite's sensei only spoke once she was gone.

I started wondering the streets of Konoha once again, just looking for something to do when I heard a loud call of my name come from behind me. I knew just who it was. A smile perked up on my face as I greeted my spontaneous teammate. "Hey Naruto."

"Sakura-chan! Wanna get some ramen?"

I shrugged. "Sure." I had nothing better to do. "But you're paying!"

He laughed, knowing I would say just that. "I know I know. But I've saved up some so it's alright!"

I couldn't help but laugh to myself while I trailed behind him on our way to Ichiraku's.

While I watched Naruto inhale each bowl as they came one after another I smiled, easting my one bowl. I still couldn't help but think the team wasn't the same. Just as I could feel the sad memories coming, Sai came in and sat down next to me. I was actually kind of relieved. There's no need to start crying on the few days break we get to recoup.

Sai's smile has been nothing but real ever since that one mission we went on to retrieve Sasuke. And smiling was what he was doing now. "Sai, what are you so happy about?" He just looked away, keeping his grin on his face.

Why were people acting different today? It seemed as if Naruto and I were the only ones that were normal. I looked over at him and noticed he had stopped halfway through his latest bowl. Okay, so maybe it was just me being normal.

"Naruto?" No response. "Sai?" Nothing. I stood up and backed up out of the little shack and looked around the streets. No one. What happened? Where was everyone?

Is she okay?

Who was that?

I don't know. Sakura-chan? Wake up!

"I'm right here! I am awake!"

Hey. You two! Don't wake her. Obviously she's not feeling well.

"Tsunade-sama?" My body fell to the ground while everything around me was consumed in flames. What the hell was going on? I saw five figures dancing in the flames. Who were they?

Yeah! But you don't just pass out on the way to Ichiraku's!

The five figures walked out covered in flames, making it impossible to see their faces. "Who are you?" My body wouldn't move anymore. Panic started taking over immediately. Then everything disappeared.

I felt my eyelashes slowly flutter open, revealing what seemed like a fog filled room. Once I blinked a few more times, I discovered it was just me. Then I remembered what I had just seen and bolted up, looking at my surroundings. The hospital?

"Sakura-chan!" Naruto rushed over and looked at me with a look of curiosity and worry. "Are you okay?"

I nodded, still not sure of what happened. It must've shown, because I heard shishou speak up. "Naruto said you just passed out on your walk to Ichiraku's."

My eyebrow raised. Seriously? My head slowly bobbed, which was good enough for a nod. "I had a weird dream"

"Hm?" I hadn't even noticed Kakashi sensei until now. "Well, Naruto and I were eating ramen, then I noticed everyone acting weird and walked out of Ichiraku's. Then my body collapsed and everything caught on fire. Five figures stood behind the wall of fire, but when they walked towards me, they were still covered in fire…" I could feel everyone giving me a weird look. "Uh, never mind. I doubt it's anything."

The Fifth Hokage nodded, looking to her apprentice, "Are you feeling better?"

I nodded, "Better than ever. Thank you." She nodded too.

I stood up off the bed and stretched, noticing I was still in my clothes. Good, nothing too bad happened, or I'd be in a hospital gown. "Sakura." I turned to look at Kakashi sensei.

"We're leaving on a mission tomorrow. We're just going to search and area that may lead us to Madara and his next plan. We're not to attack, but just search."

I nodded. Something bugged me about going on this mission though.

"All three of you, meet me by the village gate at sunrise tomorrow."

The command received a "Hai" in unison while we all exited the room.

The loud beeping from my alarm told me I had ten minutes to get ready. I didn't even hesitate to get out of bed and get ready. I was changed and geared in about five. I pulled my forehead protector on and tied the knot in the back, grabbed my backpack, and left after writing a short note to my parents.

Not a single person was at the gate yet.

Whoosh.

Or that. It was Kakashi sensei. Wait, Kakashi sensei? That could only mean this mission was highly important. Even Naruto and Sai walking up were surprised.

"What's the rank on this mission?" I'd been wondering for a while now.

"A-rank or higher."

"…" Or higher? And he says it so casually. I looked at my feet, watching them curl from my sudden nervousness.

Kakashi patted me on the shoulder, the corner of his eye wrinkling to tell me he was smiling, "Don't worry. We can handle this."

I smiled back and nodded. "Let's go."

The silence while we flew through the trees wasn't very comfortable. Usually we've said at least something by now. But guess what. We haven't said a sing thing since we left, and it was about noon. Then, Naruto started complaining about it. I sighed, 'Careful what you wish for.'

Kakashi stopped at a huge gate that was much smaller than Konoha's. A guard walked up to him, expecting an explanation."Hatake Kakashi, and this is my team. We're from the Hidden Leaf Village." The guards granted us access then we made out way to an inn.

Wait. I just realized. Why did Kakashi come instead of Yamato? What happened if we ran into Madara and needed to keep Naruto's emotions under control? Ugh. So many confusing things about this mission. I just stopped thinking before I got a headache.

It was only noon, and the place we were to search was on the outskirts of this town. We headed out there, scanning for enemies before really doing research. Everything was clear. We split up for fifteen minutes before meeting back at the center of the area. I shook my head at the others, "Nothing." The same response came from the rest of them.

"We'll rest up for tonight and continue the search tomorrow. Go ahead and roam the town for now if you'd like."

I know it wasn't much of a search yet, but we had just traveled a while. Kakashi wasn't cruel you know?

Naruto, Sai and I met up and roamed around on our own while who knows where Kakashi sensei went. Lazy, Naruto's hands laced together, becoming a head rest for him. "How about we go to the forest?" he mumbled.

Sai and I looked at each other then and Naruto, nodded simultaneously.

The forest had a small pond we aimed to get to, and did. The water shimmered in the sunlight while the birds flew around, skimming the top of it with their feet. Great idea. I pulled my knee length boots of to soak my feet in the cool water. It felt so nice to just relax. Though I must have been there a while since the boys seemed to have vanished. I pulled my feet out of the calm water, drying my legs as much as I could before tugging my boots back on. "Naruto? Sai?"

I felt something tap me on the shoulder. I spun around, instantly taking a fighting stance. Sai. I could feel myself mentally face palm. "Don't do that. You scared me." If I thought that was scary…

A yell came from about as Naruto leapt from a tree making me scream, fallowed by a punch to the top of his head. "NARUTO. Are you trying to give me a heart attack?"

He laughed. Just sat there and laughed. "Aw, come on Sakura-chan!"

Sadly, I gave in and started laughing too. I smiled and looked at both of them. This was my team. I guess it was time to get over Sasuke. Right? Yeah.

I shook my head at them, "It's getting late. We better head back."

By the time we did get back, Kakashi had ordered food already and was waiting in our room. Naruto was sure eager to eat, seeing as it was Ramen. It was normal for missions to have smaller meals though.

After dinner, we all needed to rest. We had more searching to do, which made me think. Why didn't Naruto complain about this mission? Was it because it involved Uchiha Madara? I decided to sleep on it.

When I woke up Sai wasn't in the room, and Kakashi was sitting on his mat. I looked at Naruto's sprawled out body, at my pillow, then back at him. Rolling my eyes I picked it up and threw it at his face. "Wake up!"

The usual groan came from the blonde haired boy while he sat up rubbing his eyes. Wait for it. 5. 4. 3. 2. 1. 0.

"Let's get started!"

I smiled. Always eager to get the work done and put all his effort into it. I kind of looked up to him for that.

I didn't notice it, but Kakashi even smiled at the scene that just took place.

The forest was huge. This meant splitting up into groups. I always got put with Sai. Just for the purpose of neither Kakashi sensei or Naruto still not being quite comfortable with being alone with him for a long period of time. Not this time.

I was sent of with Naruto for some reason. Not that I was bugged. We were to search on the half with the pond we were all hanging around last night, but not for relaxing purposes.

After about an hour and a half of useless searching, we sat down to take a break. Only, we didn't get to sit for long…

So, this would be the first story I've ever posted. Tell me what you guys think? :D I think I'm going to continue writing anyway, too. Mainly because I wanna get better at this. Any thoughts or suggestions, or even mistakes will be listened to.

Review if you would please! Thanks3
P.s. I know it's short. They'll get longer. I just want to see how this goes.