Author: Hey everyone this is my first fanfiction in 6 years so im hoping im not to rusty.
Hope you enjoy.
I do Not own any Naruto characters
Sakura had just seconds shut the door to her apartment when a piece of folded white parchment fluttered through its letterbox. She looked over her shoulder and hesitantly turn't to pick the small object up "Don't do it, you know it's from her, that's the second time she summoned us today" screamed inner Sakura pulling on her hair with both hands to exaggerate the situation. Sakura inwardly laughed but bent down to pick up the folded letter anyway. Lifting it up to eye level a strong whiff of her mentor's perfume hit her in the face and she shook her head, she would never understand why she went through all that trouble to send every letter or note that exited her office scented in her perfume.
Unfolding the parchment her eyes scanned quickly over its contents, before she re-folded the object and shoved it into her jacket pocket. "See I told you the old bag would want something else, you should have pretended you never seen it" inner Sakura huffed. Once again shaking her head to rid her of her annoying inner self, Sakura proceeded to enter the small kitchen of her one bed apartment, if Tsunade wanted her again, she would bloody have to wait for when she was ready, she needed to eat some time she thought stretching up to reach an apple from a small tray onto of the fridge. Within a few bites, the apples thin core was the only bit that was left, so depositing it into the bin she grabbed her keys and was gone.
Sakura flipped her strawberry coloured hair over her shoulder with an agitated huff, the thought that this was her second trip to her mentor's office was slowly making her blood boil. Taking a deep breath she began to calm her self-using, the deep breathing exercises that Tsunade had taught her within her first week of learning with the older women. She continued her journey through the busy streets of Konoha, dodging small children and busy traders as she did. As she neared the Hokage's building a familiar scent filled her nostrils, causing her stomach to rumble loudly. A soft glow of embarrassment covered her pale skin, when she received a few chuckles from fellow passers-by. She let a small smile adore her face, which was quickly developed into a heartfelt smile when her familiar blonde companion was spotted out the corner of her eye. Turning to face his current position she let a small chuckle erupt from her throat, folding her arms across her not so small chest, Sakura began tapping her foot and letting out a loud tutting sound. She couldn't help the giggle that surpassed her lips when the blonde ninja tensed. He slowly turnt his head, a small string of Ramen still dangling from his mouth. "Now Naruto I thought I told you to start eating prop….." she was stopped in mid-sentence at the sight of the ninja sitting next to him. "uh hum I thought you knew better than this kaka- sensei" she said in the best athorative tone she could muster.
Kakashi chuckled "you caught me out, my apologies Sakura, but in all fairness I do have a job for Naruto". Sakura smiled and entered the small Ramen shop, standing nicely just behind them "let me guess another of your perverted books is about to be released" Once again a low masculine chuckle erupted from her former teacher, "you got me but you know Naruto loves ramen it's a win win situation don't you think" Sakura couldn't ignore the logic, and shook her head in mock disgust rolling her eyes for extra effect. " why don't you join us Sakura-chan" Naruto's deep voice caused her to look at him, she hadn't realised how handsome he had gotten in the years after Sasuke left. She raised her hand and rested her small fingers on his forehead, with the tiniest extract of chakra she pushed forward causing the stool he was sitting on to shake. "sorry Naruto but Tsunade has beckoned me again, maybe some other time". She was just about to leave when gentle fingers gripped her wrist, she turnt to see his sky blue eyes filled with pain and worry. "You're working too hard Sakura-chan, none of us get to see you anymore. And were all worried you'll work yourself into the an early grave" his voice was low and raspy but she heard it perfectly, like it was just her and him. "I'll be fine Naruto, I promise when I return from whatever Tsunade wants me to do now I'll buy a huge bowl of Ramen".
This was enough to brighten the man's attitude and he smiled, the cheeky grin she was so accustomed to seeing. Leaning forward she left a small kiss atop his forehead before whispering in his ear " thanks Naruto….. for worrying about me. You know I will always love you as a brother….. and I appreciate you more than you'll ever fully understand….. always remember that" They exchanged a silent look , before she was gone and into the crowd.
She entered the Hokage's building with ease, her strawberry coloured hair was easily recognisable. It didn't take her long to reach her mentor's office, raising her hand she knocked twice when a grunt was heard through the door she entered. Tsunade looked across her wooden table, one which had recently gained a new battle scare from her fists when her pervert of an ex team-mate Jiraiya proceeded to ogle her breasts. Shaking the thoughts from her head Tsunade took a quick sup from the freshly popped bottle, before meeting Sakura gaze. "Sakura" a slight pause, almost a hesitation on Tsunade's part could be detected before she continued. "I have a mission from you" again another pause this time she took the time, to take a quick sip from the open sake bottle. "As my most trusted and well trained student, I believe you are the best for this job" Sakura smiled "of course I would be happy to complete this mission Tsunade-Sensei"
Tsunade smiled at her apprentice, at only 22 years of age Sakura was one of the strongest females, within the leaf village both physically and mentally. "if I might ask Tsunade-sensei what exactly does the mission intel?" Sakura's voice disrupted the Hokage's thoughts, and she smiled "actually Sakura, this mission will require you picking up a scroll from a hidden alley, they will be waiting for you in the village hidden in the mist, however do not underestimate the importance of this scroll." Again another sip of sake was consumed, before she continued once more. "Orichimaru and the akatsuki also seek the information encrusted into the scroll, if either one of them lay there fingers on the scroll. I'm afraid the future of Konoha is in grave danger" Sakura nodded her understanding, before brushing her hand through her locks "Hai Tsunade- sensei I will not let you down". Tsunade nodded in approval and motioned for her to be dismissed with a slight hand shake, her eyes already scanning over a document on her desk. Just as Sakura's fingers grasped the door handle Tsunade spoke, "you will take two others with you, I have chosen Hinata and Ino, they have already been briefed and will meet you at the main gates at dawn tomorrow. Good luck".
