So Long Sentiment
AN: I hope you guys like this story. It's only my second ever, (my first isnt actually finished yet but i'm working on the next chapter which will be updated soon. For any of my other readers, I'm sorry its taking so long!), and it's my first that isnt a x-over. Please read and review. I do read my reviews even if I dont always reply. I take into account what my readers think. I'm also not a great writer so any constructive criticism and mentions of how I could improve are welcome :) Please enjoy :)
Summary: With Naruto, Sasuke and Kakashi all no longer in the village, Sakura is left alone to decide her own fate as a shinobi. Catching the attention of a grieving member of ANBU, Sakura finds herself in the hands of a new sensei.
I do not own Naruto
Chapter One
Haruno Sakura lay face up on the ground watching as the cold rain washed over her, drenching her clothes and hair. She couldn't help but think about why she was there, at training ground three.
She had been left behind.
Forgotten.
Thrown away like yesterday's trash because she was weak. And the worst part about it was that it was true. She was nothing. She had next to no skills as a shinobi. The most she could do was jump in front of people to stop them from dying.
Dead weight.
That's what she'd been since she had joined team seven and that was why they left her.
She wondered, if she had been a part of a clan, would things have been different. If she had something to contribute, would she have been more accepted by them? Maybe even if she had told them she could now truly understand the feeling of loss, at least then they may have accepted her.
No, she was too late. She knew she'd never taken being a shinobi seriously. But she also wasn't stupid. She could tell that the males in her team shared a bond that she didn't quite understand and she was sure now she never would.
Loneliness.
Was that what this crippling feeling in her chest was? It felt as if her heart was continuously being gripped in a fist and squeezed for all its worth then let go for a short breath. But the relief didn't last long because as soon as thoughts of them drifted into her mind, the grip on her heart tightened again and the need to cry arose.
But she didn't cry.
She told herself firmly every day that she wouldn't cry anymore.
Crying made you weak. And she wanted to become worthy of standing beside them. But deep down she knew, she would never be as strong as them. She wasn't ignorant about who they were.
Hatake Kakashi was a legend from the third shinobi war. Uchiha Sasuke was a member of one of the strongest clans that founded the village. And Uzumaki Naruto, even if he didn't yet know, was a member of the Uzumaki clan who were well known for their massive chakra stores, special chakra abilities and sealing techniques. They were all from families who have left marks on the village.
And who was she?
She was just some girl whose mother was once a chunin who gave up her shinobi career and followed her father who was a travelling merchant. She wondered sometimes, what was the reason that she was even put on team seven? She wasn't from some noble clan, in fact she was practically a civilian.
A civilian playing at shinobi.
But that didn't matter anymore either. She couldn't stop the bitter feelings that arose at that thought.
Moving to get up, Sakura groaned and lay back down as her muscles protested her movements. Maybe she could just sleep here tonight she thought to herself. It wasn't as if anyone would be looking for her tomorrow.
Closing her green eyes from the rain, her breathing evened out as she fell into memories of the last day she'd seen her team.
Sakura couldn't understand how things had become this way. What had pushed them to this? They had only just reunited as team seven after Naruto had left the village in search of their new Hokage and Sasuke-kun and Kakashi-sensei had been awoken from their comas.
A feeling of heaviness engulfed her chest as she ran up the stairs of the hospital to the roof top floor, knowing that's where the boys had been heading to have their 'friendly spar'.
But Sakura wasn't stupid. She could see the competitiveness in both of their eyes, covering their needs to be acknowledged. Naruto by Sasuke and the village and Sasuke… Well Sasuke she didn't know… because he wouldn't tell her or anybody for that matter. But that's not what scared her most.
His want for Power.
She'd seen it in his eyes today as he looked at Naruto and in the Forest of Death when he'd woken up after getting the curse mark.
And it frightened her.
Her breathing became ragged as she came to the implications of her thoughts while running up the stairs. She could see the light of the door now as she reached the top.
Pushing her way through both doors she watched the fight unfold.
Sasuke had just released his fireball jutsu at Naruto, propelling him further into the air. Sakura couldn't believe her eyes. Was Sasuke-kun trying to kill Naruto? Using such a jutsu from close range. Surprisingly, when the fire abated, Naruto was standing tall with two clones on one of his sides doing something before they disappeared.
A small ball of what looked like pure concentrated chakra was being held in Naruto's hand as he changed his stance and began running towards Sasuke. Sakura new for a fact that the jutsu Naruto was using must be deadly considering the amount of chakra that would have to be condensed into that form in order for it to appear so physically manifested.
Sakura looked at Sasuke to see how he would respond only to feel the growing horror in her gut when she realised he was making the hand seals for the chidori. As lightning lit his hand and the familiar sound of birds chirping reached her ears, Sakura couldn't help but feel completely numb.
Team seven was all she had left and two of their members were about to kill each other. Before she knew what was happening she could hear her voice screaming and could feel her hands going through familiar hand seals.
"Stop it!"
Dredging up as much chakra as she could, she felt the familiar sensation of her body being displaced before she was staring straight into an oncoming jutsu.
The storm was unrelenting as it flooded the streets of the shinobi village of Konoha, hiding even the carved faces of the strongest shinobi behind a curtain of rain. On the west side of the village, a lone figure stood hidden within the thick branches of some of the tallest trees that made up Konoha on the grounds of training ground three.
The figure watched through the eye slits of a white anbu mask decorated with the features of a cat, as the younger shinobi continued to train undeterred by the rumbling thunder and heavy down pour over head.
The female ANBU had been ordered to check in on the younger kunoichi and then to report her findings each day by order of the Lady Hokage. This was seven days ago and she couldn't help but admit to herself that she admired the dedication the genin had shown in the past week, even if it sometimes bordered on excessive.
When she had first begun observing the female member of genin team seven, she had wondered why the girl had been training alone. After all, she herself had worked under the genin's sensei while he was still in ANBU and she knew that above all, Hatake Kakashi valued team work.
So then why wasn't he there, helping his student who obviously needed him?
But who knew, Hatake was also lazy so maybe they would be meeting in the afternoon. Dismissing the thought, as it didn't really concern her, she made her way to report to the Hokage.
The following morning at sunrise, she had surprisingly run across the same genin. She had been standing in front of the memorial stone, thinking about the loss of her lover, Hayate, during the invasion by Oto and Suna but she'd been brought out of her thoughts by a sound coming from nearby.
When she turned to investigate she found the same pink-haired genin whom she'd been tasked to watch the day before and later that day.
She observed the kunoichi's slightly reddened cheeks probably from running beforehand, as she began her stretches then moved onto sit-ups. Having watched enough, the ANBU decided to get some breakfast, planning to return later.
When she returned not even a half hour later, she stayed and watched the girl continue to train her body. Push-ups, pull-ups, sit-ups, squats, kunai and shuriken practice then warming down before pulling a bentou from her bag that was nearby and sitting to eat. Taking this as a lunch break, the ANBU decided to take her own break to report to the Hokage, still planning on returning later.
When she did return later in the afternoon she was surprised to find the girl in the same spot but this time going through her taijutsu stances and katas. Obviously exhausted but still training with no sensei insight to fix her stances which weren't wide enough and were being performed with movements that were unbalanced and rough.
The Anbu member decided she'd had enough, she released a small burst of chakra to make her presence known and made her way to the surprised genin in order to correct her stances.
She wanted to chide the kunoichi for not being more aware of her surroundings but stopped herself when she remembered she was indeed just a genin. Observing the girl up close, she could see the fake smile that occupied the pinkette's face as she greeted her. But what stopped her in her tracks was the look in her eyes that conveyed hurt and loneliness but beneath all of that was a look of fierce determination.
Listening to the girls mumbling and stuttered apology, Uzuki Yugao watched as the member of team seven left the training field in a hurry, shoulders back and her chin high.
Realising that she didn't do what she was planning to, Yugao decided to take this opportunity to find out about the reason for this mission, something she should have enquired about at the beginning, she'd gathered her chakra and disappeared leaving only a few leaves floating to the ground in her place.
Watching the girl now, no, The Kunoichi, Haruno Sakura, she could understand more about why she would be so determined to become stronger. To be left behind and abandoned after what she'd gone through, Yugao could think of several reasons she'd want to become stronger.
Looking down at the kunoichi who was now soaked through to the bone and laying on the ground with her eyes closed, Yugao leapt from the tree she'd been perched in and landed next to the girl. Unbuttoning her cloak and wrapping Sakura in it before taking her to the hospital to be checked out.
Reaching the reception of the hospital, she was directed to a room where the girl could lay and be cared for. Giving the kunoichi one last look, she made her way to the Hokage's office to inform her of her intentions.
Tsunade looked up from her desk at the sound of knocking then back down to the small sake bottle that occupied her desk and wondered if it would be alright to ignore whoever it is. It was one of the rare times in her job as Hokage when she wasn't being constantly bothered by shinobi asking for missions or bringing her paperwork.
It was also one of the few times when Shizune wasn't there to nag at her about finishing said paperwork.
But upon sensing whose chakra was at the door Tsunade sighed and poured two cups of sake to go with the conversation that was about to take place.
"Come in!" She ordered and watched as the purple haired shinobi walked into the room and stood in front of her. Her face was a mask of professionalism but her eyes showed signs of resolve and determination.
Smirking inwardly, Tsunade realised what was about to be asked of her having thought about the outcomes to their earlier conversation a few days ago which she recalled with sober clarity.
Tsunade had been sitting at her desk in a similar manner when one of her personal ANBU guards Uzuki Yugao had come into her office and enquired into the situation involving team seven. Tsunade had actually been surprised it had taken over a day for Yugao to ask about the details of the mission. But then again, she understood the position her ANBU guard was in having been in the situation herself before.
Losing your lover was never easy and unlike Tsunade who was able to escape the village because of her status, Yugao wasn't as lucky. So instead she'd been taking on more missions outside of the village, trying to run away from the memories of a happier time. It was one of the reasons she assigned this task to her. To keep her in the village and to show her that there was still hope for the future.
She wasn't the only one suffering in the village. And though their pain was different, Tsunade understood Yugao enough to understand that she would help a fellow shinobi in need. Especially a kunoichi. And even more so, one who she believed had been wronged by her team. Thinking about said kunoichi brought the memories back to how this had all started.
"Hatake Kakashi! You will explain to me right now exactly what the hell your students are doing fighting to the death on the roof of my hospital!"
Tsunade yelled as she slammed her hand on her desk, causing a crack to form down the middle before it broke in half and fell to each side. Tsunade was sure that if the situation wasn't so dire she would have found some humour in the expression of wariness on Hatake's face at the sight. But alas the situation was in fact dire.
"Maa, you see Tsunade-sama-" Kakashi started while scratching the back of his neck but was quickly cut off.
"I don't want one of your damn excuses Hatake! I want you to explain why I just had to perform a two hour surgery on one of your students who I might add, was suffering from a major wound inflicted by your other student."
Seeing the copy-ninja breathe out deeply before standing straighter, Tsunade knew that he meant business. But before he could begin another, more familiar voice interrupted them.
"Give him a break Tsunade. It wasn't his fault those kids decided to go at each other."
"Jiraiya…" She said while turning to face him. The legendary toad sage was now seated on the window sill of her office dressed in the same outfit she'd seen him in over ten years ago. 'Somethings never change.' She thought to herself.
"That still doesn't excuse the fact that their team mate is currently lying unconscious in a hospital bed recovering from a major injury!" She said before sighing deeply and bringing her fingers to the bridge of her nose. She could feel a headache coming on.
"Hokage-sama, firstly I want to apologise for the damage done to the hospital." He said before continuing quickly at the impatient look she was giving him.
"Since team seven had been formed and even before that, Naruto and Sasuke have always seen each other as rivals. Naruto of course whose dream is to be Hokage one day and Sasuke's goal is to kill his brother. Overtime they have steadily been progressing into strong shinobi. However, since Sasuke received Orochimaru's cursed mark I believe it has influenced him. Not because of the side effects of the jutsu, but mainly because of the limits it has put on his abilities.
I'll be the first to admit that throughout their time on my team I have used their rivalry as a motivation to make them stronger and they both have grown, especially Naruto and this may have been a bad thing. Sasuke's recent encounter with Itachi has reaffirmed his belief that he isn't getting stronger here. That and the fact that Naruto who was once the dead last has advanced so much has called into question his own progress.
I'll admit that the fight at the hospital was most likely spurred by Sasuke's want to affirm his own strength. From the accounts I've heard from both Naruto and Sasuke, Sakura did the only thing she knew to stop them which resulted in her condition…"
Sighing inwardly, Tsunade knew taking this job would make her miserable.
"Kakashi," She said firmly "Uchiha Sasuke cannot be allowed to act this way towards his comrades. I don't care if he's the last damned Uchiha." She exclaimed before calming herself down so she wouldn't get worked up. "He is a shinobi of this village, of Konoha. And he needs to start acting like it. You know for a fact that if they weren't a jinchuriki and an Uchiha then there would be consequences for their actions!"
Tsunade watched Kakashi glare at her desk and sighed, outwardly this time. Thinking about how to tell Kakashi he would have to change his teaching methods or find a way to calm the Uchiha brat.
"I'd like to make a request and suggestion." Jiraiya said causing both Shinobi to turn to look at him.
"With the organisation Akatsuki after all of the Jinchuriki, I had planned on suggesting I take Naruto under my protection for a few years in which time I'll travel while training him to control the Kyuubi." He paused before looking both of them in the eyes.
"Tsunade, I already told you my plans for this…" Tsunade nodded waiting for him to continue. "I also think it'd be a good idea for Sasuke to be trained similarly, especially with Orochimaru's current interest in him." He said, looking at the window again. "We can't let Orochimaru get his hands on an Uchiha." It was Kakashi who spoke up next.
"I was actually going to ask permission today to take Sasuke out of the village to train. I already figured Naruto would train with you Jiraiya-sama…"
Tsunade looked between both shinobi waiting for them to realise they'd forgotten an important detail. Feeling the frustration build up within her she faced Kakashi again and posed her question.
"And what about Haruno Sakura? Are you just going to leave her here unattended until you get back?" Tsunade knew she sounded bitter but she couldn't help it. She'd seen it happen too many times.
Kunoichi not being trained properly by their teachers.
It didn't help that this generation never knew war and were hung up on boys, but it was also a teacher's job to show them that there was no place for infatuation as a shinobi.
"I'd hoped you would be able to find her a teacher who would be able to help her reach her potential, Tsunade-sama, as I don't know many genjutsu specialist except Kurenai, and she already has her own team…" Kakashi said while looking guiltily at what was left of the Hokage's desk.
Sighing again, Tsunade nodded her head in acknowledgment of the request despite her anger. She didn't agree with him palming his own student off to another but she understood the need to give the Uchiha brat what he wanted before he went rogue and they lost another potential high level shinobi. The council would give her hell if that ever happened. Not that they didn't already.
"Three years. Four years tops. I want them back before then." She said while looking resigned.
"Also I have one last mission for you before you leave Kakashi. It shouldn't take more than a day…"
"Tsunade-sama…"
Brought out of her memory Tsunade realised she must have drunk more than she thought if her mind was wandering off so easily. Looking across her at the woman who was dressed in the standard ANBU gear she questioned, "What can I do for you?"
"I'd like to take time off and become Haruno Sakura's official teacher." Yugao said confidently.
Smiling inwardly, Tsunade looked Yugao up and down with her eyes while putting her chin on her folded hands. Realising this would be good for both of them she gave her answer.
"Hai. Your request is accepted." Tsunade smiled while pushing one of the sake cups towards the ANBU Kunoichi. "However, I have one condition."
I hope you all liked the first chapter. Please review and let me know your thoughts on it :)