. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

"Oh doesn't Kagami Uchiha look especially gorgeous today!?"

"He always looks good, but he doesn't compare to Sasuke... God, that boy is absolute perfection."

"Oh my gosh! I better be on Sasuke's team or my whole reason for becoming a ninja will be wasted!"

The tendons at the petite rosette's jaw stretched in annoyance.

Everyday, it was the same.

'Sasuke this, Kagami that, Naka there - etcetera and etcetera...

It was endless.

Sakura gripped her head forcefully to fight the urge to slam it against the desk to be done with it all. Yes, the Uchiha were unnaturally good looking. Yes, they came from a powerful clan and their kekkei genkai was as beautiful as it was terrifying... But irreversibly, they were assholes.

The whole lot of them.

Sakura despised the constant gushing praises and love they were given when they were undeserving and didn't even appreciate it most of the time. Except for Naka - he thrived off the attention, the man-whore that he was.

Her ivory cheeks filled with air before she parted her rosy lips in exhale and they deflated.

"I wonder why Iruka Sensei's running late... I'm dying to know what team I'm on!"

"If me and Naka are put together... We would have the ultimate love story as we grow older..."

The pre-teen closed her eyes in exasperation... Having grown tired of the repetitive conversations surrounding her in the classroom, Sakura debated a short nap before their teachers arrival... It was their last day after-all, no harm in it.

Sweeping her long pink locks aside, she tried to tune out the irritating fan-girls as best she could. Though Sakura couldn't deny that there was a point in her short life where she too shared the admiration for the Uchiha. A boy with raven-black hair and the darkest eyes she had ever seen became a vivid image in her mind. Skin white as snow with round, juvenile features and a permanent superiority stamp on his arched brows... Sasuke Uchiha.

Inwardly, the rosette could admit the years-invested - infatuation she used to hold for the boy and his older brother... They even used to play together on occasion... And then she had a conversation with Sasuke a little over two years ago - she'd learned her lesson. The memory still managed to send her blood boiling but she kept a cool exterior...

'Was that your excuse in order to speak with me? ...Stop wasting my time.' He'd uttered darkly before walking off... His only words to her when she had asked if he was feeling 'okay' because of the exhaustion and sorrow etching his pale features...

The only time she had ever gained the courage to reach out to him, and for him to react such a way had left a dull ache in her heart... It was a chance Sakura would never take again.

Her pride wouldn't allow it.

She could still hear the obnoxious, hyena-like laughter coming from the other younger Uchiha boys who had stood close-by to witness the transaction...

Oh, the mortification she had faced in those days...

Never again.

Her far-away expression evaporated when Iruka entered the classroom, closing the door shut with a click...

This was it.

The brunette instructor set his folders down, and leaned both hands flat against the desk before facing his students,"Sorry I'm late class... I had to speak with a few of your future Instructor's,"He said with a wistful smile before clearing his throat to continue,"Now I know your all excited to be graduating but please remember that whatever you've learned here doesn't compare to what you will face daily out there..." There was a nearly audible gulping sound from every student within the room.

"When you are with your teams - whether enduring through a silly D-rank mission, or on a more dangerous higher ranking, you will be pushed to the limit... Mentally, physically and emotionally... and only then will you be able to discern if you can go all the way... But I have faith in you all, and certainly - I have no doubts that many of you here right now, will make history..."

They went through the tests, both written and physical the day prior so Iruka merely spoke more words of encouragement before preparing to dismiss them.

One by one, names were called out with their assigned team number.

"Kiba Inuzuka, Shino Aburame, and Hinata Hyuuga - Team Eight."

Snickers and whispers filled the room as half the class had already been named.

"Naka Uchiha, Haru Murakami, and Naomi Akiyama - Team Four."

Several girls deflated in their seats as Naomi blushed scarlet red, immediately moving to sit beside the shaggy Uchiha. Naka winked at the violet-haired girl before fist-pumping Haru.

"Shikamaru Nara, Chouji Akimichi, and Ino Yamanaka - Team Ten."

"Oh you've gotta be kidding me!" The platinum blonde shouted in open distaste, screeching her chair back to stand. Ino was answered with a mild glare from Iruka,"Sit down Miss Yamanaka." Reluctantly, she did as she was told but continued to spout furious indignation's under her breath.

"Next we have Naruto Uzumaki, Sakura Haruno,-" The rosette heard her new teammate's triumphant hoot at her name and couldn't help but smirk with the shake of her head,"...And Sasuke Uchiha - Team Seven..."

The smirk was wiped off Sakura's face, along with all color. Naruto's own grunt of displeasure barely reached her ears with all the jealous gasps and cries from the girls around her. The original plan to overlook him failed miserably, as her green gaze hesitantly shifted across the room to find him predictably - displeased. Dark brows drawn low, he sat with his arms crossed and eyes closed.

It seemed, neither of the three were pleased to be with each other.

Dammit... Why was fate always against her?

Iruka called the last two teams before preparing to dismiss them. But even before he had, Sasuke was already making his way down the rows of desks and exiting the classroom in haste.

Sakura ground her teeth together, grabbing her bag and shuffling out along with the rest of the class.

What was his problem? Were they too beneath him to be good enough..?

Arrogant bastard..!

She kicked a pebble with more force than necessary as she made her way home.

The fan-girl in Sakura had died long ago, she hadn't even spoken to him since that encounter two years ago and uneasiness overcame her at the thought of being near him everyday.

She didn't want to be awkward around him - no, she needed to maintain a professionalism. This was her career after-all. So long as Sasuke acted as a teammate and nothing less, they could possibly make it through. But if he continued his condescending ways, she vowed to make his life a living hell.

A resigned breath left her lips as she neared the front-door.

Tomorrow... Tomorrow it would all begin.


The drawl of Naruto's stomach growling could be heard from a mile away - Sakura would wager.

"You guys, pleaseeee - I cant take it!"

The blonde was tied up against a wooden post for disregarding the bell test' assigned by their new Sensei. Instead, the famished boy had tried to eat their lunches. Sakura sat a few feet away, eyeing the assorted bento-box within her grasp. She had no appetite with the many thoughts hindering her. Vaguely, her hooded green eyes shifted toward the lone Uchiha standing at Naruto's other side, still showing blatant distaste for the situation.

Of course, they had failed the 'bell' challenge.

It wasn't even required of them to snatch one of the blasted chimes - teamwork was the only objective.

And none of three could stand beside the other for longer than five seconds.

Sasuke was as pompous as ever and Naruto was a reckless fool, and she... She was quivering like a frightened kitten all throughout the ordeal.

Pathetic.

"Oh kami my visions blurring, everything's going black... I'M NOT GONNA MAKE IT!"

"Its your fault we're in this mess, so just shut up and hang there!" Sasuke growled darkly from where he stood, surprising the two by speaking at all.

He hadn't spoken a single word since their Sensei's short-departure.

Jaw clenching, the blonde wiggled from his perch in anger,"My fault? Your the one who kept charging at him like you could take him on your own!"

The young Uchiha shifted on his feet, pacing until he was standing before Naruto,"I almost did, what do you have to show for? ...And you -" He aimed a fowl expression towards the defeated rosette sitting on the earth,"At-least try to contradict your physical appearance by acting like a ninja."

"Hey - don't talk to Sakura-Chan like that!"

The rosette knew this was coming... And honestly speaking, she was surprised it took so long.

She set the food down beside her hip, meeting his scowl with her own,"What is with you and my pink hair? My hair has nothing to do with my performance!"

He snorted, turning away from the two,"Doesn't reinforce it either."

Patience running dry, Sakura grit her teeth.

Pushing onto her feet rapidly, her features morphed into a confused vehemence,"What the hell have I done to offend you?"

Tilting his neck so half his face was in view, a sardonic smirk spread over his mouth,"You'll never have the influence to offend me..."

"Then what is your problem?" She demanded, crossing her arms over her chest.

Sakura waited, staring at the structure of his back. The Uchiha fan symbol at his middle, the evident muscle-formation for such a young body and the clenched fists stuffing into his white pockets.

The 'scornful' pride of the Uchiha clan.

Why was he making this so difficult... Why did he have to make her feel -

"It's your inadequacy."

She stopped breathing altogether.

...Inadequate...

It didn't matter how good she did in the academy or how much her grandfather encouraged her to be a ninja... The rosette understood then that Sasuke had just called her what she had always subconsciously felt.

Not good enough...

Aiding too many irrational fears...

...Her quiet terror of Death...

Was it so blatantly obvious that she wasn't suitable, or had the raven-haired boy read her emotions somehow... Hitting her where it hurt.

But really, she shouldn't have been so caught off guard by his words...

Because that's what his kind did, they used your weaknesses against you.

"You bastard!" The shaggy blonde roared, his restrained arms flailing as he glared holes into the back of the young Uchiha's head,"Don't listen to him Sakura-Chan, your super smart and your gonna be a great ninja someday - after me!"

With the brewing storm in her mind, she barely heard Naruto's words.

She swallowed the mass of emotion at her throat, and spoke with unrestrained contempt,"An Uchiha's opinion means nothing to me... How can anyone consider your words when all you people do is lie and deceive... With and without those damn eyes."

Unprepared for such words to come out of her mouth, Naruto gaped at the rosette...

And then - within the blink of an eye, a glowering Sasuke was standing before her shorter frame. Long-ebony locks covered his features, casting shadows over his black eyes,"...Say that again..." Dared his quiet tenor.

Blue eyes widened in panic and the blondes head shook rapidly,"Nu-uh, no - no Sakura! Don't say it again!"

For a fraction of a second, she had unintentionally displayed fear - being mentally unprepared by the speed in which he moved...

But she bounced back fast, her brilliant green eyes narrowing into slits,"You manipulate people to get what you want, and you do it at any cost..." Sakura paused, feeling bold she took half a step closer,"Even at the expense of your own clans-mens!" She sneered with disgust, and suddenly - her feet were no longer on the ground.

Sakura's back was slammed against the wooden post, stealing her breath and distorting her vision.

"STOP IT - Let her go you teme!"

Eyes coming into focus, she reflexively gulped only to feel strong fingers at the base of her throat. Bodily restrained, her hands gripped and shoved his own in futile - he would not budge.

His black gaze had bled into crimson, and she couldn't stop the gasp from escaping her lips.

"You know nothing of my clan, nor what I endure on a daily basis..." His icy hiss had the hair at the back of her neck standing on end.

Naruto jerked violently against the ropes,"Let her go now ass-hole!"

Sasuke's grip only tightened on the the material at her collar-bone,"Choose your words wisely around me..." He said grimly, leaning in closer and she fidgeted anxiously,"I wont tolerate it a second time."

The hell she would!

Still, she couldn't deny how much stronger he was - and how much it was beginning to scare her.

But it was all an intimidation tactic, his threat was empty.

"What are you gonna do, kill me?" Sakura intoned spitefully, revealing her green gaze, she met his eyes unflinchingly,"Besides... I thought I didn't have the power to offend you."

Black brows dipped low as his aura emitted waves of malice and he pressed his fingers on a pressure point that had her mind swimming in a dark fog and limbs feeling as though they weighed a ton.

"I'm calling your bluff," He brought his mouth against the shell of her ear, and uttered in a tone as harsh as the bark of the tree biting into her shoulders,"Your not fooling anyone Haruno, your shaking..." His words along with his hot breath sent a chill down her spine and she flinched,"So unless your ready to defend yourself... Bite your tongue."

Not waiting for an answer, Sasuke withdrew as fast as he had come and she dropped onto her sandled feet.

Light-headed and slightly breathless, the rosette leaned against the trunk to get her bearings.

Clearly, she had a death-wish... and he was ready to grant it.

But when the shock of the transaction wore off, she was torn between breaking his pretty face and apologizing for her words...

So, she did neither.

Maybe she had crossed a line or two, but he was pushing for it...

"Earth - to - Sakuraaa!"

She shifted to finally acknowledge the blonde,"I'm okay Naruto..."

No, she wasn't... but it wasn't any of the his concern.

He squirmed uncomfortably,"The bastards lucky I'm tied up... Who does he think he is, putting his hands on you like that?"

Who indeed... And she couldn't even oppose his physical strength.

Sakura's resent for the young Uchiha had reached incorrigible lengths but... She didn't like the things she had said to him, no matter how much he had pushed her on.

'Nor what I endure on a daily basis...'

For the first time since her anger manifested for the boy, she stopped to consider what it meant to be an Uchiha, and all the obligations that came with the name... She'd heard rumors of Itachi's struggle with the clan but never reviewed the boy standing several feet away. On one account she'd witnessed a transaction between a younger Sasuke and his uncle - apparently, he beat the older more 'experienced' man in a spar and suffered the consequences. That was the first and last time she had cried for him. Sakura could only imagine how hard its been - especially with the infamous Fugaku as their father...

The rosette sighed, wanting to just go home and quit the day.

"I was... Sort of asking for it Naruto," She found herself confessing, leaving a bitter taste in her mouth. And she hoped the young Uchiha had heard her because that was as close to an apology as he would get from her at the moment... He was still a jerk.

Naruto quickly disagreed and went on and on about his rivalry with the boy.

Her brows furrowed in frustration, as she tuned out her loud teammate.

The situation was ridiculous... How were they going to pass this damn test now?

It had gone from bad to worse in a mere ten minutes.

Though, she knew the only way was to put their differences aside - at least for the next hour... and maybe, Kakashi Sensei would give them another chance...

Maybe... If they could manage such a feat.

But, somewhere deep inside - she knew they would manage because, the two boys deemed her teammates wanted this as bad as she...

No even more so than she...


Days had turned into weeks, and weeks had become months...

And it had been a rough beginning for Team Seven.

Somehow, they managed to pass... And all in the name of steamed rice. Before their Sensei showed up, Sasuke had begun stuffing Naruto's mouth just to drown out his voice, but Sakura knew he was really doing it to nourish the blonde before the silver-haired Jonin put them to a second test.

It was as unbelievable as it was hilarious.

And since that first day, what soon followed was - zero teamwork, no communication and unrelenting squabbles that consisted on a daily basis between Sasuke Uchiha and Naruto Uzumaki.

Sakura believed they secretly had a crush on each-other but weren't ready to come out of the closet and so, they argued... About everything.

And aside from nearly losing both teammates within the first few months - they were all still alive, and getting better everyday. As for her trepidation with the boy with the raven-black hair, it was long gone... After wanting to spill each-others blood their first day as a team, things had changed for the better... Sort of.

Initially, Sasuke was cold and didn't acknowledge her presence at all, for weeks... And the feeling of 'Inadequacy' had lingered still.

His words had affected her more deeply than Sakura knew... They were the reason behind her relentless training, sleep deprivation, and with time - remarkable improvement.

She never wanted to give him, nor the rest of their team a reason to doubt her abilities.

And as time passed, they had developed into somewhat of an understanding... Now, they only spoke to each-other if it concerned a mission or anything related, and Sasuke was condescending only on occasion.

Progress.

But still, because of her weariness of the boy with the raven-black hair, Sakura had been hindered - unable to grasp some of the sacrificial components of being a kunoichi, until the lesson abruptly presented itself on the current - measly C-rank mission.

"Are we there yet?"

Pebbles and gravel crunched beneath their sandled shoes as they trailed after Kakashi Sensei. Team Seven was at present - travelling to the Village Hidden by Stone, on a scroll delivery venture. It was a simple enough task, except for the fact that the journey itself was more life-threatening than being attacked by rogue-nin. Vast lengths of stone upon stone jaggedly encased the city - that they were so desperately trying to reach.

Muscles aching, sweat trickling and throat as dry as the Suna desert, Sakura trudged on with little motivation... Every-time she looked down, her heart plummeted down into her stomach, and she froze up. Though every-time she did, she was surprised to find Sasuke nudging her shoulder... In encouragement or annoyance, she wasn't sure but would bet on the latter. Either way, it did the trick in getting her body to move.

The trail was narrow, and their copy-nin Sensei strictly advised they stay close to one another and assist each-other every moment of the way. It was four-days travel and they were facing the worst of it now, so they were close.

A long, gratey groan left Naruto's chapped lips somewhere from behind her,"Are we there yet?"

Still, no one answered.

Sakura found the task of speaking too taxing for her dry throat and believed the others felt the same way.

They continued on in silence for some time, praying the rays of the burning sun would relent. Dazedly following after Kakashi Sensei, the rosette barely grasped his warning words a few seconds prior of the unsteady boulders, balancing atop one another miraculously beneath her feet. The urge to stop and steady herself was strong but she knew the end result would be bad. Quickly, the rosette jumped off just as they began to quake beneath her sandles and started to breakout into a jog to catch up to the copy-nin and young Uchiha. Though, just before she could turn the corner, the shaggy blonde's yelp of distress reached her ears.

Naruto.

He wasn't in ear-shot at the time to have heard Kakashi's warning of the unstable rocks.

Dust rose from the gravel as she abruptly turned on her heel, nearly falling over the edge herself as she raced back around the corner to find - Naruto's body flailing, defying gravity with the slow-motion of the scene as he was sliding off the large grey stones.

Oh God.

"Ah, crap! Help!"

Green eyes widening in panic and heart slamming against her rib-cage , Sakura dove for her teammate without much thought or deliberation.

"Naruto!"

Reaching - she reached for him with no idea of how she was to prevent them both from falling to their deaths. Her only motive was to grab ahold of his quickly descending form. Torso skidding rapidly against the hard ground, Sakura's ivory hand locked onto Naruto's tan wrist. Relief almost came, until she realized her sliding body wouldn't stop. His weight was overpowering her own. Before she could try to reach for anything - anything at all to anchor them they were both falling over the edge.

NO!

Her mind screamed, as her breath was stolen, but reflexively her clawing hand managed to lock onto a sharp edge just a few feet below the treacherous boulders. The force cut into the skin of her palm and something between a cry and a gasp left her aching throat, echoing throughout the hills of stone surrounding them.

"Sakura, Naruto! Hold on!"

Their silver-haired Sensei exclaimed from above.

Surely she was in capable hands and even if they had fallen, Kakashi would have been able to do something still... But Sakura couldn't shake the feeling of impending doom.

The rosette squeezed her eyes shut in absolute terror... She would not look down, she would not let go of Naruto. Sakura repeated like a mantra, urging her emotions into alignment with the words and failing miserably.

Tears stung behind her eye-lids and she bit down on her quivering lip.

Naruto's dangling body swayed helplessly, making it harder to maintain their locked hands.

"Sakura, I - I'm so sorry... I had water and food on my mind and wasn't paying attention," He confessed in a guilty whine, the remorse also evident in his tone, "A-Are you okay?"

Swallowing the lump in her throat she nodded, unable to open her eyes to assess the blonde she could only ask him back,"A-Are you o-okay Naruto?"

Curses!

That came out far too weak and shaky.

The hand that had locked on the sharp edge of stone had gone completely numb and it wracked her whole body with tremors.

Where was Kakashi Sensei? Sakura wasn't sure she could hold on for another second.

"Sakura your hand, its-"

She shook her head weakly,"Don't worry Naruto..." Bouts of air left her tightening throat and she began to panic when two of her fingers seized up, releasing their hold,"I - I cant hold on!"Her raspy squall carried over. Sakura shuddered as her stiff fingers reluctantly tore away from the jagged stone.

Oh please no!

Slipping, they began to free-fall.

Crippling fear and failure consumed her, and she prepared herself for the inevitable when Naruto's hand was suddenly wrenched away from her left-grasp just as her numb - flailing right-arm was caught in a vice grip. Sakura's neck jerked, and body swayed from the force. Unwillingly breaking her eyes open, she found - Sasuke.

With profound grace, he was crouching on a jagged stone - his pale hand gripping her crimson-smothered wrist - consequently painting his own and she quickly locked her sore fingers around his forearm.

What about Naruto! She couldn't find her voice to ask about the blonde.

Confused at the sight of bright red, the exerted rosette was alarmed to find the extent to which the thick trails of blood had streaked down from her palm all along her arm. She gulped, and her edgy gaze was in-admissibly drawn low.

High - they were so high up that the ground at the very bottom was grey and without any perceivable form.

Squirming, as her stomach did a massive somersault, Sakura understood - she was officially going to pass-out.

Before her hand could completely slacken from his own, she was hefted up in one tug. Bodily grabbed and tossed over the edge of the cliff, she tumbled on the level surface. Breathing ragged, she didn't even flinch when Sasuke's sandeled feet landed beside her hip.

"N-Naruto," She intoned weakly.

He crouched before her, wearing an expression she couldn't quite explain. "He's fine," he answered, cocking his head towards the right where the blonde was carried by a wall-walking Kakashi... They seriously needed to work on their Chakra-control, Sakura admonished in her foggy mind.

She pulled herself up to sit, leaning against a large boulder; willing her quaking body to ease up... And Sasuke's scrutinizing gaze only made it worse, she felt like a coward. Like this weak little thing that could be so easily afraid, and shaken... This was nothing compared to the obstacles they were going to face - that she was going to face...

"H-How do I stop sh-shaking?"

Her voice, it was so thick... God, she really didn't want to cry in-front of this boy.

But her emotions were swelling within her, and she didn't know how to stop it...

Her first chance in proving herself and she was crumbling, and at something so trivial for a ninja.

"I - I know I'm pathetic, but I c-cant help it."

Was this what a panic attack felt like?

She was breathing far too heavily, and could barely keep her head from lolling to the side. Sasuke stepped forward to kneel beside her just as a strong, large hand grabbed her chin and directed her pale features to meet Kakashi Sensei's searching gaze.

"Breathe through your nose Sakura."

His gentle voice directed, as he proceeded to uncork his canteen and pour a good amount at the crown of her head. The rosette flinched, leaning away from the waters source as her teeth clacked.

Calm down, its over...

Don't cry, your a freaking ninja..!

Her inner voice reprimanded over and over.

The copy-nin's hands grabbed the blue mask covering his eye and pulled it down, revealing the three black tomoe's encased in crimson. Sakura's heavy breaths became loud in her head, as the people before her began to blur, and something akin to a soothing sedative filled her senses. A slow, unhurried breath left her lips and she leaned her head back in respite, thankful for the un-explainable peace now washing over her.

Sasuke watched the unfolding scene with curious black eyes. Only on one other occasion had he witnessed the Sharingan used in such a manner... To bring peace instead of destruction and though he couldn't identify it at the moment and wouldn't even allow himself to dwell on it - he undeniably revered the ability.

"Wow, that was pretty cool Kakashi Sensei..." Naruto inserted in awe, leaning in on the balls of his feet to get a better look at the girl,"Your cheeks are rosy again Sakura-Chan... Does that mean you feel better?"

She managed a nod,"Much."

Blue eyes creased with regret,"I really am sorry, I feel like an idiot... especially since your the one who got hurt and not me."

Sakura gulped, avoiding their eyes she confessed,"I'm the only idiot here Naruto... Look at where my fear got me?" Her voice broke, and she cradled her torn hand,"I couldn't even hold on for a minute... I would've killed us both if it wasn't for Kakashi Sensei and Sasuke."

The silver-haired Jonin quietly took her hand and 'tisked' at the damage before opening their emergency kit. He grabbed a damp cloth and began wiping all the excess blood along her arm with care before speaking,"What do you think, Sasuke?"

This caught all three students off guard and Sakura bit her lip, mentally preparing herself for his usually harsh comments.. That is, if he even answered.

Why did her Sensei have to ask him anyway?

His opinion hardly mattered... Correction - she wished his opinion didn't matter, but it did - for some reason that was completely beyond her.

Her heart accelerated with apprehension.

Sasuke had his back to them, seemingly over-looking the mountains of stone beyond the edge. He clenched the hand still stained with her blood and shoved both into his pockets before speaking."They're both idiots,"He uttered with a voice unrecognizable to her ears, and she leaned her head back; believing he had finished his perspective on the matter.

"But... You took action even when the mere sight of the drop had you afraid, Sakura..." Sasuke turned his neck to catch her weary - half-lidded gaze,"I'd call that courage..."

Pink brows rose in curious disbelief.

Was she dreaming?

"Hey the teme said something right for a change..." The knuckle-headed ninja chimed, squeezing her shoulder before a thoughtful expression etched his tan features,"Well, uh - except for the first part... If we're idiots, then he's an idiot by accommodation."

Sakura's brow arched in amusement,"I think you mean 'association,' Naruto."

He rubbed his neck as a sheepish smile revealed his pearly-whites. The rosette chuckled, and the young Uchiha rolled his eyes with the most subtle smirk present at his mouth. Kakashi's single eye crinkled at the corners, as he finished bandaging her hand. Satisfied with both his emotional and physical support for the petite rosette, the Jonin released her wrist and put the emergency kit back in his bag.

"How does it feel?"

"Better... Thanks Sensei."

Kakashi ruffled her hair in a lighthearted manner, before pushing to a stand.

A long index finger tapped at his chin thoughtfully,"So... We've still got a ways to go but, I believe we're in close enough range for a transport."

"Oh hell yeah!" Naruto bounced off his knee's and fist-pumped the air,"Water - RAMEN, here I come baby!"

The silver-haired Jonin shook his head, as a sort of sly-smile spread over his mouth,"I was addressing Sakura... You and Sasuke will remain."

"...WHAT!?" The blondes holler shook the very ground they were standing on - the three winced.

"Shut up dobe... She wont be able to keep up now, and your equilibrium is pitiful," Sasuke explained in an 'obvious' manner, seeking out their sensei's gaze for agreement,"That's your reasoning, right?"

Kakashi's uncovered eye was moon-shaped as his hand reached out to pat the young Uchiha's head, rather forcefully because of Sasuke's dodging neck,"Precisely... Now, I expect you both by noon."

Naruto was a weeping mess, clutching the blonde hair at his scalp in fear,"B-But that's only an hour! We still have a long and - and dangerous way to go!"

The Jonin assisted the expended rosette to stand, and gripped her shoulder with one hand while the other formed the appropriate seal beneath his chin,"Once you've entered the village, go to the Inn as we discussed and get two rooms... We will meet you both there shortly after I've finished with the Tsuchikage."

"But - but," Naruto sputtered hopelessly watching the two; the rosettes features were apologetic as they vanished out of sight."Kami - NOOOOO!" He dropped to his knee's and threw his head back to the heavens,"Why have you forsaken me!"

Sasuke shook his head in utter annoyance at the display before him. They didn't have any time to waste and he'd be dammed if he had to hear another one of the foolish blondes howling whines.

With a subtlety that only he could acquire, the ebony-haired boy stepped closer to his depressed teammate and without warning; pressed the tip of his sandled foot against his shoulder, pushing him off axis. Unprepared, Naruto fell onto his side; barely managing to shoot his hands out to steady himself so his face didn't meet the gravel,"What the hell teme!"

"You better keep up... Loser."

His taunting voice was far already and that alone had Naruto jumping onto his feet and racing after him,"I'm gonna kick your ass - believe it!"

They both traveled with renewed vigor, pouncing from stone to stone like panthers on the prowl... And their bickering continued throughout, but neither of the two would have it any other way... Because, it made them push harder; it made them better.


Ten months later...

"Wow, this place is... beautiful."

An awe-stricken Sakura voiced what the two boys at her sides were too reserved to say. Yugakure - the village hidden in hot water; literally, was warm yet pleasant in its temperature. Steam arose from the streams on their path and doubled with the yellow and red hued rays of the sunset beaming down on them - gave the most dreamy-glow. They were merely passing through, having escorted a Lord to the neighbor village a few hours prior... And it was a shame really, Sakura would've loved a nice soaking after being on her feet for nearly thirteen hours. Her limbs ached with every step, and she was sure her teammates were no better; no matter how well they hid it.

A soft sigh left their Sensei,"Yes, this village is something... I suppose we've earned a break in our travels," he said in a light tone, and the rosette held her breath in anticipation as they tread on... And soon enough, they came to stop near a quaint cabana.

Though the spikey-haired blonde didn't stop his steps until he was hugging the wooden structure,"Oh yeahhhh! This is exactly what I need after doing all the work back there."

Assessing their surroundings out of reflex, Sasuke's black eyes narrowed as he processed his sometimes obnoxious teammates words,"He's delusional Kakashi, the steam would only make it worse..."

The copy-nin folded his arms at his chest in mock contemplation before giving a curt nod,"I agree... Naruto, you should stand watch."

"Whaaa-But-I-HEYYYY!"

The rosette turned away from him just as a chuckle made its way up her throat, she couldn't help it; her blonde teammates face was priceless.

Kakashi pulled the thick drapes aside and entered the spacious hut; Sasuke followed suit with the most subtle amusement flickering in his gaze and Sakura shifted on her feet uneasily.

"Sakura?" The silver-haired Jonin called in question; holding the draping's open for her patiently when she continued to hesitate.

Impressive green eyes took in her blonde teammates sullen features then traced back to her cool Sensei,"Ah, come on Sensei... He's earned it too, just as long as he vows to leave his snooty attitude out here."

Kakashi's lone black eye blinked over to study the blonde mutely.

Naruto nodded, clasping his hands together and bringing them forward in a plead,"I promise I'll shut up...please?"

After a hanging moment, he nodded once and withdrew, letting the curtains clash and sway together.

Relief flooded the shaggy blondes system and he quickly fell into step after his only female teammate,"Oh Sakura, I knew you wouldn't leave me out here... You actually have a heart unlike Sasuke... Which is why I..."He paused, gulping with emotion,"Sakura, I - I like-" Opening his eyes he found none of the three in sight.

"Hurry Naruto! Lets soak up every minute!" Sakura called from the hall, before entering the 'women's' changing-section out of sight. A wistful smile spread over his mouth as he did as she suggested, disregarding his moment of near-confession... Tch, what was he thinking anyway? With his Sensei and rival so close, it would have been beyond humiliating if they'd heard him admit his feelings for the girl. He was still trying to figure it all out anyhow...

With a low exhale, Naruto hurried down the hall and shifted right towards the mens' side.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

"Ahh," Sakura breathed out in bliss, easing her bare back-side against the wooden edges of the bath. Ivory arms spread like wings, resting atop the wooden surface beside her arched neck. A mop of long pink hair had been drawn into a messy twist of a bun at the base of her crown, with long wispy strands falling over her features.

This is heaven.

She enjoyed the warmth, the thick mist permeating her senses - nearly lulling her to sleep with its soothing embrace... Until a creek sounded near the entrance. Sakura's half-lidded gaze expanded as she drew her arms into the water, closing in on herself. A woman entered... Of course. But then, ten seconds passed and another entered, and then several others. Soon enough, soft chatters and giggles filtered the once quiet room and the rosette remained in her corner, still covering her bust. Yes, she was surrounded by women who weren't the slightest embarrassed to be bare in-front of one another... but Sakura had never been to a bath where you were to be completely naked, there was always some form of clothing. Even so, as time passed she became comfortable once more, and loosened her covering arms to some extent. She began listening in on the latest gossip within the town that the women beside her were going on and on about. Apparently, several people - mostly women within the region had gone missing and they had no clues or explanations for the disappearances.

"Poor Haru was devastated when Megumi never came home... It was awful!" The brunette with the yellow eyes exclaimed dolefully.

The younger girl with streaks of orange and gold hair gripped the others shoulder in a consoling manner,"Don't worry, Hidan-San is one of our top Jonin... He's doing everything in his power to figure out whats going on and bring back our friends."

Too numb and relaxed, Sakura vaguely listened in some more and was half-asleep when the air change.

Abruptly, a large intake of breath ensued,"Is - Is that BLOOD?!" One of the older women shrieked and everyone splashed and scrambled at the mention of the word. Several eyes were drawn to the center of the water bath - where pools of crimson were quickly manifesting; discoloring the water.

Was someone hurt?

The color thickened to alarming amounts and several women began screaming but the rosette seemed to be in a hypnosis of sorts. Unseeing of what was happening around her, Sakura remained stiff - watching as the painted water rolled over with the small waves, nearly reaching her body and only then did she shudder out of her stupor...

Where did it come from?

Fear of exposure forgotten, she gripped the wooden edges and pulled herself out of the large bath.

"Come here you wretch!"

"Noooo! Help, someone!"

"What do you want from us!?"

"NO!"

Brilliant green eyes widened in shock at the scene before her. Several masked were littered all across the bath, grabbing and chasing the women out of the room. Her senses had been subdued by the steamy bath, but her unawareness was inexcusable... But, what about the staff; hadn't the workers been alerted? What about her teammates? Surely the commotion would've reached them...

Her lips formed into a thin line; something was very wrong.

No matter - she grabbed the thin white towel at her feet and secured it around her body as best she could before determining her next move. The bandits were clothed in grey, head to toe and the only feature exposed were their eyes. Two were currently pinning the brunette that had been sitting next to her moments ago. One was carrying off another young woman and another was back-handing the only girl putting up a fight... And most of the women were still naked - such mortification, how dare these bastards!

No way... She would not stand idly by and watch this unfold.

Within a flash, she was behind the assaulting man and wrenching his large hand mid-way from coming down on the beaten girl. Before the bulky man could react or even process what or who had gripped his arm, an upper-cut slammed against his jaw - knocking him off his feet by the force.

He saw black as his teeth clacked and backside slammed onto the hard ground.

"Who the hell-?"

"Me - you scum!" Sakura spat venomously from above him, before striking a pressure point at his neck with a snake-like snap. He fell limp immediately and many of the girls scrambled out of the room - getting away at the distraction. Sakura almost sighed in relief until another rogue materialized from behind, grabbing her just as another came before her. Even though she couldn't see it, she knew the one standing before her was smiling by the way his brown eyes crinkled at the corners.

"Looks like we have a Kunoichi on our hands... And a pretty one at that, but we cant risk you getting this back to your village, so you know what that means..."He paused to snicker, his gaze searching her own intently,"Your pathetic teammates have already been exterminated."

So, that's why they hadn't shown up yet - they were having a battle of their own.

The rosette couldn't help it, a very unlady-like snort resounded.

They watched her amused outburst in shock.

"My genin teammates - could kill you in their sleep," She uttered lowly and without warning - head-butted the man holding her from behind. He grunted in pain, releasing her to aid his broken nose as the one before her charged forward. Sakura's head jerked back as a Kunai swiped the air, missing her by an inch. He slashed again and again, and she shifted from right to left knowing very well that he was pushing her into a corner.

From her peripheral vision, she saw the brunette girl being carried off and felt her heart drop into the pit of her stomach.

Before Sakura could even strategize on how to get to her, the blast of an explosion erupted. A powerful gust of wind threw her body back as the wall dividing the men's and women's side was torn to shreds. Small pieces of wood and stone scarped at her skin with the last of the blast. Clouds of smoke and ash filtered the air, and Sakura searched for the bandit she'd been fighting seconds ago - face down and lifeless on the ground. Thick chunks of wood had indented into his back, killing him; no doubt the cause of the blast... The blood within her veins thickened as she understood that that could have easily been her...

Green eyes shifted beyond the broken wall.

She took in the mass destruction of the scene. The ceiling lights were hanging; its wires exposed and lights flickering. Chunks of wood, marble and stone covered the ground and the bath she had occupied moments ago was non-existent. More than half the building was obliterated.

Kakashi Sensei, Sasuke, Naruto...

I hope they're okay.

The urge to find her team was overwhelming but a blood-curdling cry from her right had her thoughts halting.

She gasped, The girl!

Sakura gripped the towel that was still miraculously intact, and raced over in the direction her cry had come. She entered another larger bath-room to find both the brunette and gigantic bandit, in the water - he was trying to drown her...

Pink brows dipped in confusion; Why?

It seemed a contradiction to kill the kidnapped beforehand.

Fear welled up in her, as she acted recklessly. She leaped one, two, three times - propelling herself in the air for momentum before coming down on the huge man's head with a bent elbow. It was barely enough of an impact for his grip on the young girl to falter. But he wasn't affected by the blow in the least. Sakura's arm ached, and heart pounded at the realization that this man before her was stronger than the others - maybe, not even human. She had begun her training with Lady Tsunade a few weeks ago, so the blow she'd just given him was charged with chakra, it should've cracked his skull in the very least. Slowly, he turned fully toward her, forgetting or disregarding his job in drowning the brunette with the yellow eyes.

"Run!" The rosette shouted at the girl, as the built man grabbed her by the throat; lifting her out of the water.

The shaken girl hesitated only for a moment, the torn expression on her face evident before she stumbled out of the water; racing out of sight. His thumb and three fingers alone covered Sakura's throat. He wasn't even squeezing yet but she could barely breathe.

The rosette clawed at his hands, the pressure behind her eyes was blinding. Features swelling and reddening, she sent chakra-fused kicks to his gut and shin but to no avail. He was an unwavering wall, and she was beginning to see black. Bizarre as it was, his white eyes took on a curious glaze as he watched her struggle. He leaned in in the process and the rosette let instinct take over. With her index and middle finger Sakura shot her hand out, poking him right in the eyes. He winced, and his grunt of pain came out forced, as though he didn't know how to express it but his hands relented their hold on her.

The rosette fell, submerging into the water. Pressing her feet against the side of the bath, she pushed herself away before emerging - inhaling sharply for breath. She coughed profusely, nearly pulling herself out of the water when her leg was wrenched; dragging her under once more. Towel sliding off her body, Sakura gripped it against her bust as she twisted in the water catching blurry glimpses of the bandits robotic features; the streaks of blood from his white angry eyes that she'd caused.

His hand was dipping in the water, reaching for her throat a second time until he was hindered. Abruptly, her leg was released just as the large man was brutally thrust back by a flickering round-house kick to his chest. Breaking the water as his frame slid - eventually slamming against the edge of the bath, indenting its edges with his heavy weight. Confused, Sakura threw her head back as she came out of the water, sucking in much needed bouts of oxygen. Green eyes came into focus to find two black-sweat clad legs standing on the water just before her body.

He was in his defensive stance, taking in the monstrous man with calculating eyes.

"You alright?"

Sasuke asked after a moment, turning his neck slightly so his red eyes could take in her appearance.

Still dazed at his intervention and all the water she'd drank, Sakura managed a nod,"Yeah," her answer coming out breathless.

He nodded once, before turning back to face the bandit,"Good... Get out of the water and away from here, now Sakura."

She knew he was planning something, no doubt he'd dealt with another just like him so she didn't hesitate at the order... Besides, with her shredded towel she was in no shape to defy him. The rosette knotted the torn cloth at her bust, thankful it still covered all the important parts just as the raven haired boy shifted; cutting the water in his trail. Sakura heard them clash but didn't risk wasting a second to look back. She gripped the edge of the bath and pulled her body out. She raced passed the broken walls barely hanging from the ceiling only faltering her quick steps at the sound of Sasuke's sharp intake of breath.

Sasuke..!

Forgetting her intentions, Sakura quickly ran back to the scene to find her teammate air-borne, choking for breath with the giant mans hands restraining him. One hand was at Sasuke's neck, and the other was subduing the palm that was infused with the bright, spouting Chidori. But what had her mind reeling with anxiety was the many Kunai's lodged all over the bandit's back; attached with bomb tags.

"Sasuke!" She cried out in a panic, racing back thoughtlessly.

Even from the distance, and the very life choking out of him; she could plainly see the young Uchiha glaring fiery daggers at her.

"I t-told you to s-stay back!" He growled behind clenched teeth, punching the giants face with his free hand.

The exerted rosette bent low, grabbing large chunks of stone and throwing them at the giant of a man. A rock to his back, a chunk of marble to his crown but the mutant wouldn't budge an inch. Watching the tags nearing the end of their flaring, she became overwhelmingly distressed. With one last hope, she ripped the sharp piece of iron from the destroyed roof above and infused it with Chakra - aiming and releasing it towards a pressure point within his neck. The seconds it took to reach him had Sakura hyperventilating. Before the sharp tip of metal could meet his skin the bandit shifted just in time to propel it the other way and in the process - freed Sasuke's right arm. Within an instant he slammed the sparking Chidori down on the bandits shoulder. Its shrieking cry permeated the room along with its blinding blue light.

Dropping onto his knee's, the rogue released Sasuke's throat and the raven-haired boy didn't even stop to catch his breath; flickering out of sight. Before the rosette could completely process that he'd been freed with the blue light obscuring her vision, Sakura was bodily rammed just as the tags went off within the room. The booming explosion had her ears ringing and impact of Sasuke intercepting her had the intake of breath impossible.

Yellow, orange and red. Vaguely, that was all her burning eyes could see beyond Sasuke's pale shoulder.

His arms were locked around her small frame as they were tossed clear across the many buildings, tumbling and bouncing off the hard ground as blasts of fire and wood darted along with them. Slowing, they rolled one, two, three more times, until Sakura's back met a hard corner.

Feeling as though she'd somehow been unconscious the whole time, Sakura hacked for breath. She then felt Sasuke's chest convulse and knew he was worse off, internally fearing he might have broken a rib or two... She would have to examine him later, of course, if he let her. Stubborn as he was.

Subsequently, their heavy breaths slowed, and tense muscles eased.

Sakura breathed out a weighted sigh...They had made it out alive and intact and that was all that mattered.

Glossy green eyes fluttered open to find Sasuke above her, covering her... covering her body against the corner and suddenly - she swallowed with emotion. His strong arms were still cradling her neck and waist; his neck still pressed at her temple. She couldn't see his face but was aware of how hard his heart was still beating, and how he was still struggling to catch his breath.

He was still recovering...

But she was still naked, wasn't she..?

So very naked, all the blood rushed to her face and neck. The towel was more like a rag now, barely covering her blooms and lower region. The roundness of her still-developing breasts and torso were completely exposed through the shredded pieces and knots of dread twisted within her stomach.

He shifted then - loosing his grip on her, and blinking his red eyes to black, he reflexively took in her features.

Long, pink strands of hair were strewn over her green, green-eyes. Debris smudges peppered her ivory fore-head and cheeks along with a few small scratches along her chin and neck.

Yes, Sasuke established that she was alright - yet, yet he felt arrested to the spot; even the urge to lean a little closer to examine the lime pools within her feline-gaze. He'd never noticed it before, then again he'd never been so close to her. What was this pull in the atmosphere..? For the life of him, he couldn't command his limbs to move. It wasn't until his thinly veiled, curious gaze innocently roamed over her full, rosy lips - when reality slammed into him. Alarmed, his resolve bounced back full-force. Abruptly, Sasuke released his hold on her as though she had chilled him to the bone. Rapidly drawing away, he in-admissibly caught sight of her barely covered, slender body...

Heart thundering within her rib-cage, Sakura had no idea why his black eyes had been almost curiously watching her but the moment he moved, she went into cardiac arrest.

"Don't look at me!" The rosette shrieked just as her hands shot up to cover his eyes. She saw his body stiffen understanding before, a low groan of frustration emitted from his throat. Of course Sasuke had an idea of what state she'd be in the moment he came looking for her but hadn't registered it fully... Until now.

No wonder she'd been so... soft.

What..?

His brows dipped in confusion at the unusual and offensive thought and he proceeded to skewer and burn the notion before speaking.

"I wont look at you," he assured in his usually cool tenor, gripping the shaking hands covering his eyes he brought them down a few inches only for her to squeal and clamp them on tighter,"P-Promise me you wont look - not e-even on accident."

Beyond infuriated with the situation, Sasuke grit his teeth,"Dammit Sakura, let me get you some clothes."

She gulped.

Now that their lives weren't in danger, her honor was at stake as a young woman; ninja or not. Surely he could understand her trepidation..? And what was with his sharp attitude? ...She was the one in a dilemma!

Distantly, several voices could be heard then and she became queasy with absolute dread.

"Sasuke, Sakura, are you in here!?"

Naruto.

He sounded so close.

She gasped,"Kami, no!"

Reflexively, she brought her hands back to cover anything she could as she sat-up to mesh herself in the corner; bending her legs to the side to cover her lower.

Sasuke swiftly turned away from her in the process.

Closing his eyes, he let out a heavy breath before responding,"We're here but stay put... I'm coming there." Sasuke stated, pushing to a stand when Naruto suddenly turned the corner. Before the rosette had even seen the blondes body come into full view, a broad back was blocking her vision. Tousled black locks still looked silky smooth after all they had just endured. His shoulders tensed with his arms out-stretched on either side of the corners walls, bodily shielding her.

"I told you to stay put idiot - turn around!"

Wide blue eyes watched the questionable scene in confusion, until he did as he was told,"Whats going on? Why are you hiding Sakura?"

The young Uchiha shook his head in exasperation,"Get a shirt and some pants from that stall over there, set it on the ground, and leave."

A thoughtful expression took over his sun-kissed features as it finally dawned on him,"Ooooh Sakura's... Sakura needs... But wait, why are you there teme?"

Sakura resisted the urge to face-palm. She could always count on Naruto to make things more awkward. Nausea was sitting at her throat, as the mortification of the situation deepened.

The blonde took cautious steps toward the stall before him, picking through the big sizes he found the smallest black pants and shirt within its confines. Taking slow steps towards the two without looking at them, Naruto hid his confusion and almost jealousy until shuffling could be heard with several voices close-by.

"Naruto throw me the clothes and don't let anyone through that entrance."

The blonde nodded, tossing the bundle with precision and racing over just in time to ward off the workers and civilians,"Nothing to see here, shoo - go on, get!"

This time, Sakura did face-palmed at his choice of words. He was making the people more suspicious than wary. She was going to thoroughly kick his ass when this was over. Without delay, black-cotton was thrust into her lap and she looked up to find Sasuke before her, in the same protective position.

"Hurry," he urged her into action. She swallowed, hesitating for a split second before quickly tossing the torn rag aside, throwing her arms threw the sleeves of the loose shirt, and quickly sliding on the pants. The relief at being clothed was so overwhelming she became light-headed at the eased tension. Sakura was pulling her hair out from under the shirt when she slowed to consider the boy before her.

Sasuke... He'd been her knight in shining armor on two accounts.

Her heart fluttered.

She was in debt to him.

Shuffling onto her knee's Sakura let her gratitude lead her... She was aware of the consequences, hell - he might even shove her off but she'd be okay with it. Wrapping her arms around his lean torso, she felt his abdomen jump at the contact - yet proceeded to press her cheek against his shoulder blade; leaning against him.

She sighed in utter appease and appreciation,"Thank you, Sasuke..."

Frozen to the spot, he stopped breathing all together... Soft, she was still so soft and her scent - it was so sweet. What was this feeling in his chest? This fluttering of his muscles that had his heart spasming? He'd never felt it before... He swallowed, deciding then that he didn't like the feeling; but he couldn't deny her warmth... Was that what brought the feeling about?

Black eyes fluttered shut, as a dense displeasure dominated the prior emotions...

For the love of amaterasu - what the hell was he thinking?

Where were these thoughts coming from?

He cleared his throat gruffly, and pulled her arms apart without remorse.

Understanding his restriction, Sakura took little offense... It could've been worse.

After a moment of foreign silence, the young Uchiha shifted to stand and began walking.

Getting his thoughts in order he utters his intent,"Let's find Kakashi."

Sakura followed suit, trialing after,"Okay." watching her two boys with a warm light in her eyes.

As humiliating as the situation had been - and as bad as it could've ended, her heart was suddenly so full.

She'd known for a while but now there was no denying the sweet buzzing in her chest, the need to make them smile or protect them - she loved team seven, with all her heart... This kinship was why she had become a ninja, this is what she was made for.

She followed their lead out of the building, inwardly hoping their Sensei was okay too.

"So... that Hidan guy got away... and since when are red-clouds in fashion?" Naruto spoke to no one in particular, just thinking out loud.

Pink brows dipped low, as Sakura recalled the conversations with the girls in the bath,"Hidan..? He lead the attack? ...but isn't he a Jonin of this village?"

Sasuke shook his head once in answer but was slow to elaborate and the rosette eyed him intrusively, awaiting an answer that didn't come.

Whats with him..?

Eventually she gave up and nudged her third teammate hoping he'd have a clue,"Naruto?"

Naruto out-stretched his hands above his and entwined them at the back of his neck casually,"Yeah he's defected... A part of some club now, what was it called again Sasuke Aka-Waka, Tsuki-Buki?"

The boy with the raven hair shot the blonde an expression that went along the lines of 'Why are you such an idiot?'

"Akatsuki..." Sasuke finally corrected.

Hidan, red clouds, 'Akatsuki.'

Sakura stored the information, somehow knowing it wasn't the last she'd hear of them.

. . .

. .


FYI- Naka, Kagami, and Izuna are all real Uchiha from the manga - pretty cute too ;)

Anywho, Did this flow okay for you? Please leave me your thoughts on this :)

P.S. Next Chapter is gonna be amazing - things are gonna heat up!