Breaking Through

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Chapter One

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It was midnight; houses burned as screams of agony and terror echoed throughout the village. Chuunin hastily evacuated as many civilians as they could whilst every able-bodied shinobi fought the enemy with their lives on the line. Metal clashed against metal, jutsu against jutsu. Bodies scattered the village's soil, bleeding out the life force of those who fought to protect everything they held dear.

Sakura gripped her travel pack in horror at the sight she was faced with upon entering her beloved village. Her mind swam with unanswered questions, confusion, worry, disbelief…and most of all, anger. It was a pure and undiluted rage that caused the normally gentle medic to let loose a feral growl from under her breath. This wasn't right.

Rage…the feeling was so vivid.

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"Ino…INO stay with me!" Before she knew it chakra was already flowing into the gaping hole in her best friend's side. Sakura felt like she couldn't breathe. This was Ino…she wasn't supposed to look like this…soaked in blood and the life leaving her eyes.

Ino forced out a bloody smile, eyes closing at the pain of the movement and lifting up a bloodied hand to gently rub the frantic kunoichi's arm as a semblance of comfort. The simple action made Sakura's heart wrench.

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Tsunade motioned for the young medic to come over, placing her glowing fingertips on Sakura's temples. "This information can only be unlocked by Naruto's chakra. No one, not even you, can gain access to this without his chakra. It is vital that you find him Sakura. I am not only placing the future of the village in your hands…but I am also passing down my will of fire to you,"

After seeing the Hokage send her one last apologetic smile before watching the light leave her eyes something snapped within Sakura-

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"Shishou!" The twenty-one year old medic shot up into a sitting position, a thin layer of sweat covering her body. Her dreams were broken up and she couldn't determine the proper order they should have been in. Emerald orbs closed in an attempt to calm the rush of thoughts and memories that swarmed her mind.

After taking in a deep breath those very same orbs snapped open to reveal a pair of sharp eyes that held no feeling or emotions of any sort. It has been four years since Danzou took over the village and had taken everything she held dear, not to mention stripping the majority of the rookie 9 of their shinobi titles and forcing them to live as civilians under constant surveillance.

For four years she hasn't seen or heard of her team and during the first year of her capture, under Danzou's orders, all she prayed for was for her boys to bust in and save her. It was then that she realised that she was still unbelievably weak and could only depended on others. During that first year of his rule he had kept her and a couple of other highly ranked shinobi underground and imprisoned, only being let out when it was time for a beating or a brainwashing lecture from Danzou himself. There was only so much her body and heart could handle. When her spirit had finally been crushed, Danzou took the opportunity to remind her over and over again about how her beloved team -her family- had so easily abandoned her to rot within the village prison. The sad thing was…she knew it was true.

Once Danzou had deemed her ready enough, he had thrown her into Root to not only wipe out any traces of emotion left within her but to also shape her into a deadly tool that he could control. Despite having been jaded by the torture and brainwashing prior to the Root training, she could still feel them even as she trained with Root…but the remaining emotions she had left were eliminated as soon as Danzou had forced her into slitting the throat of the young woman she had been living with during her time in Root. Her emotions had drained out of her just like how the blood had drained out of the other woman's throat.

By passing Danzou's exam, Sakura had made into Root and was deployed on almost every single suicide mission the village had to offer. This may have been another way for Danzou to strengthen her but it also continued to harden the young woman to the point where she truly couldn't feel anything else other than anger. Sakura shook her head from the unwelcome replay of past memories before lifting herself off the mattress and grabbing some clothes, intent on washing up.

She couldn't remember most of the events that occurred during the night of the takeover but she knew Tsunade had left her with a purpose…though she couldn't exactly remember what it was. After witnessing her mentor's death the petal-haired shinobi mourned for weeks and had cursed Danzou to the pits of hell during his brainwashing sessions, angry at herself for not being strong enough to save the woman who had been the only one to see her potential as a great kunoichi. Memories of her shishou seemed to be the only images that could create a small, almost insignificant, spark of emotion deep within her heart. No matter how jaded she would become she could never abandon her shishou…not even her memories of the woman.

Sakura finished up and scanned her body in the mirror, blank emerald orbs scanning every visible scar that marred the expanse of her milky complexion. A hollow smirk graced her plump lips. Danzou had definitely succeeded in making her into one of his most deadly tools…one that couldn't feel even when taking the life of a parent or a child. The only thing that made her heart twitch was the knowledge that her shishou must be so disappointed with her…even in the afterlife.

With a small sigh she adjusted the standard black ANBU tank top that fit snugly against her torso and began pulling up the attached black mask to cover the bottom of her face, eyes narrowing when images of her sensei flitted through her mind. Sakura then picked up her crimson Anbu vest-armour that was usually a neutral colour for normal root members and letting calloused fingers trace over the Haruno symbol on the back before strapping it onto her body, watching as it stopped just above her navel.

After slipping on the standard shinobi pants, Sakura proceeded to wrap bandages around the bottom of her pants and slipped her feet into a pair of high-heeled ninja boots that stopped a few inches beneath her knees, Images of a busty hokage flashing behind dull emerald orbs. Delicate hands slipped into a pair of crimson arm guards before slipping into a pair of black leather gloves that sported titanium plates on the back where the Uzumaki symbol was carefully carved. A smile as bright as sunshine flashed back at her within her mind. Anger sparked within her as she stared at her gloves, wearing them only because Danzou had mentioned how they would always remind her of their betrayal and how she could never go back.

After tying her waist-length locks into a high ponytail and watching a couple of strands fall out to frame her face, she donned her precious forehead protector around her right arm, having it contrast against the dark ink of the Anbu symbol on her left. She believed that she no longer had the right to wear it on her forehead as a symbol of the leaf…

Lastly, she strapped on her weapon holster and her medical pouch before tying her katana around the back of her waist, scanning the red bandages wrapped around the handle and seeing an image of a long lost team mate that brought back her previous spark of anger. Without another word the pinkette grabbed a porcelain mask that strongly resembled the ferocious face of the ink tigers that a certain ex-root member used in his techniques before hooking it around the belt of her medic pack. Until now she couldn't understand why Danzou had given her Sai's old mask as it also only proved to be a reminder of the missing ex-root member.

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Sakura swiftly made her way through the busy Konoha streets, only slowing down when she saw two root members crowding a female near the Yamanaka flower shop. Sakura's slow stride came to a complete halt as she glanced over to the girl causing trouble, sharp emerald orbs taking note of long platinum hair and defiant baby blue orbs. The petal-haired captain closed her eyes in annoyance.

"Ino…for the love of the gods stay awake! Please…" Tears of frustration were threatening to fall but Sakura furiously held them back. There was no reason for tears because Ino was going to live.

"…Ino," The memory was gone just as soon as it came. The crimson captain wordlessly made her way over to the group whilst sparing no emotion for the situation…she just couldn't feel anything.

"You need to be punished for your rudeness," One of the root members grabbed onto the blonde's petite arm harshly, causing her to let out a pained cry. After hearing those words the pink haired captain flickered into view and a steel grip wrapped itself around the root shinobi's wrist. Sakura stared back emotionlessly at surprised blue orbs.

"What is your reason for harming a civilian?" Sakura's smooth voice was dangerously calm but held no anger or venom, only a stern sense of authority. Both root members stilled at the oppressive aura of the elegant kunoichi before bowing and giving the captain some space.

"She had cussed out our leader, Danzou-sama…Haruno-taichou," Sakura nodded and released the wrist of the root member before unconsciously moving her body to cover Ino.

"I will handle this ordeal, you two head back to Hyuuga-taichou. He is handing out missions to his teams," The two nodded and disappeared to the rooftops. Sakura turned back to the confused blonde, grabbing hold of her wrist and gently giving it a small slap. Ino scoffed and snatched her wrist back. Sakura bowed a little before turning and preparing to take to the rooftops when she heard the angry voice of the blonde she had just saved.

"I'm still a kunoichi of the leaf, Sakura. Tell me…where did my best friend go? I miss her. Until she comes back…I'm willing to take whatever punishment Danzou dishes out! The pain would be nothing compared to what you've endured-" Not wanting to hear another word, Sakura sped through the rooftops, not wanting to waste any more time.

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Sakura landed on the window ledge of the Hokage's office in a couple of minutes and gracefully stepped in, taking note of the three other captains that stood in front of Danzou. She nodded to the other three and placed her mask on her face before bowing to Danzou and falling into line next to Hyuuga Neji. Despite Danzou's coup, most shinobi were still deathly loyal to the village and continued to do what they could to keep their families safe…this included the usually stoic Hyuuga.

"I have prepared a few missions I need to go over for the upcoming events involving Konoha and Amegakure's new trading contract," Sakura saw the Hyuuga's fist twitch slightly before drawing her attention back to the scrolls their leader was handing out. Amegakure fell into the leaf's blacklist after the Akatsuki attack so it was understandable for the Hyuuga to despise the situation.

"Hyuuga-taichou, you are to triple the chakra barriers around the village perimeter as a precaution…we cannot fully trust Ame and even if their arrival is short…I'm not willing to allow any hostile attempts towards the village," Neji bowed as he accepted the scroll and left without another word.

"Kitaguchi-taichou, you are to make sure all the preparations for the arrival go smoothly and that security around the HQ is doubled. I will not tolerate any slip ups," The original root taichou bowed and left as silently as Neji had.

"Hitsune-taichou, I want your section of root to be on constant surveillance when Amegakure's party arrives. Have teams alternating in scouting not only the area around the village but also within the village. If anything looks suspicious you are to investigate subtly. As soon as the third taichou had left, Danzou's eyes landed on her and she stepped closer, awaiting her orders.

"Ah, what a loyal subject you have become Sakura…your shishou must be rolling in her grave," his chuckle was low and the mocking tone evident but it still had no effect on her.

"I know I've been sending you on suicide missions for the past year and have stopped giving them to you after you earned the title of taichou…but this mission I have for you requires your specific skill set. Though you did make a name for yourself by coming back from these missions alive, child," Sakura's eyes showed no emotion and she could only nod in acceptance as Danzou watched her with a calculating gaze.

"Hai, Danzou-sama," Danzou's wicked smirk was sickening as he handed the scroll to one of his few female captains. Tsunade must truly be suffering in the other world, watching her precious pupil live as one of his many puppets.

"Such obedience…I truly have created a wonderful weapon. Now, you're mission requires you to retrieve a couple of scrolls from one of my informants in Iwa but I also want you to destroy the crime lord that has hold of them as a show of power to the Tsuchikage. He won't be able to reject our offer of power for much longer," Sakura stayed silent and bowed before accepting her scroll and without another word leapt through the window to get ready.

"I should thank you, Tsunade-hime…for leaving me your most precious apprentice. Who knew that useless whelp of a kunoichi actually had some talent in her," Danzou laced his fingers beneath his chin and chuckled wickedly under his breath as he continued to mock the Godaime's legacy.

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"Why the long face?" Cobalt orbs looked to the owner of the voice before miserably shifting back to the ground.

"It's been four years and…I am one of the biggest cowards in the entire shinobi world," The deep boyish voice had spoken the last part softly, almost as if he were talking to himself. The other figure sighed before the sound of a book snapping shut was heard and he was crouching next to the younger man.

"We have a plan remember? Only a little bit more and we'll free them all…especially her," downcast cobalt orbs only closed in response as the owner gripped the kunai he was polishing, not sure whether those words were doing anything to console him at the moment.

"Sensei…It's been four years. I know we…had our reasons for not returning but we left her alone…she trusted us," The crouched figure stood slowly, head bowed and fists clenching.

"She'll…understand Naruto. It's all we can hope for right now," Naruto gave off a small growl before furiously throwing his kunai to the side, not caring how close it had landed to his team mate's head.

"Hey dickless, watch where you throw those things ah?" The ex-root member had not even flinched when the kunai had sped past his cheek and continued to draw in his sketchbook.

"Don't you guys miss her…?" Naruto's heartbroken voice was quiet but they all heard it, their own silence deafening.

"Every day Naruto…every day," Kakashi turned to his face to hide his shame from the other boys. After all, Sakura had considered him a father figure…and all he had done was betray her.

"Of course I miss that hag…" They had to strain to hear Sai's voice as the pale artist kept his head down and continued to draw, his hand flicking here and there to perfect the image of a familiar young woman who had been healing a child's scraped knee.

"Sakura-chan…"

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Sakura had finished packing her equipment and began turning off the lights to get ready for bed, she did have a mission tomorrow morning after all. Once she had secured her apartment the young kunoichi walked into her bedroom and glanced and the board to her left, the moonlight illuminating the collage of photos of her friends. Sharp emerald orbs began to narrow as plump lips were pulled down in a hateful scowl when her eyes had landed on the photos of her team. They were all smiling so happily.

"Don't worry Sakura-chan! We won't let anything happen to you!" his smile had always been infectious so it had her smiling as brightly as him within seconds. She had accepted her birthday present form him and gave him a bone crushing hug, one that he returned happily.

"Naruto's right ugly…I guess you could say we're…family?" Sakura gasped because she knew it was still difficult for Sai to express himself properly but his words had brought tears to her eyes but she refused to let them fall. She gave him one of her famous bear hugs too.

"Yare, yare…you're growing up too fast Saku-chan. Remember…no boys until you're 40 alright? Grant this old man this one wish, ne?" Sakura laughed as Naruto spluttered and began whining to Kakashi but he opted for ignoring him and taking his only female student in his arms, rubbing his masked cheek with her own soft cheek. Sakura giggled and returned her sensei's hug, stepping back as Naruto pulled the old man away from her and began screaming about how perverted the old jounin was.

They were her family.

Emerald orbs narrowed further before they closed completely as the owner whipped out a kunai with incredible speed and throwing it at the board, landing on a happy picture of team Kakashi on the Hokage monument. Within a couple of seconds the emotion of anger and hate immediately receded into the depths of those burning emerald orbs, dulling them into blank states once again.

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"I have no family…there is only Danzou-sama and my village,"

I've planned out so many versions of this story and written out a few but this is the one I was the happiest with so I hope you guys enjoyed it!

Leave me some feedback so I know what you guys thought about it! :D