Alright, I wanted to post the second chapter as soon as possible so that more of you can see what will really be happening in this story. Excluding this chapter, I plan on updating Mondays if possible. That'll give me the whole to work on it for those who want me to continue.

And don't forget to review! I like to know what you think. Also, if you would like something to happen in this story, feel free to tell me, and I will try my best to work it in!

My Apprentice

"You cannot teach a man anything, you can only help him to find it for himself."

-Galileo Galilei

As the sun's rays peeked through her window, Sakura woke with a start. Today was the day. Today she would be that day that she got into battle school. A smile crept onto her face. She would get into battle school. Getting to her feet Sakura let out a small chuckle. Her father would be proud of her.

Running over to the small desk that was in the corner of her and Ino's room, Sakura grabbed the brush and quickly combed her hair. Sighing, she grabbed a band of wool and tied her hair up into a pony-tail. Sakura glanced at Ino's bed and saw that it was empty and already made. She was probably up for a while. "Sakura, are you almost ready? They'll be here soon."

"Yes, Kakashi!"

With her confidence growing, Sakura hurried out into the kitchen where the rest of her friends were. They were lined up against the wall. Sakura stepped next to Ino in the line. Kakashi grinned as he stepped in front of them. "So, today is the day. No matter what the outcome, I want each of you to know that I am very proud of you."

There was a knock at the door that made Sakura's heart flutter. Kakashi looked at them one more time before walking to the door and opening it. Here we go, Sakura told herself before letting out a long held sigh. Several adults walked into the room exchanging greetings with Kakashi. The first craftmaster to enter was Ibiki, the battle school master. The man was tall and had a face full of scares. He was also very … intimidating. He wore a standard dress of chain mail under his white surcoat that had his own crest on it.

Next came Asuma, the horse master, responsible for the care and training for the battle school horses. He had stong, muscular forearms and heavy wrists. He worse a simple leather vest over his woolen shirt and leggings.

Kurenai walked in next. Her beauty was the first thing Sakura noticed about her. For her older age, she didn't look a day over thirty. Sakura smirked. She probably knows of a herb that keeps her looking young, she thought.

There were other craftmasters, of course. The blacksmith and cook were two, but only those who had vacancies for apprentices would be represented today.

"Good morning, ladies and gentlemen. Perhaps we could proceed?" Kakashi suggested.

Sakura felt uneasy as she shifted to her other foot. She had a feeling that someone was watching her. Glancing up, Sakura almost jumped when she met the cold gaze of a ranger. She didn't even see him walk into the room. Now he stood behind Kakahi's chair in his usual brown clothes, wrapped in his gray and green cloak.

"Now who will go first?"

Naruto stepped forward with pride. "Naruto Uzumaki. Battle school, sir."

Ibiki grinned as he too stepped forward and studied the boy. He had the body of a worthy candidate. The boy spoke with pride and his muscular form would certainly come in handy while he trained. "I, Ibiki, accept you as my apprentice. You will meet me at the battle school by eight o'clock sharp."

"Yes, sir!"

The two stepped back in line. Now it was Shikamaru's turn. "Shikamaru Nara. Horse care."

Asuma stepped forward and looked at the boy. Although he seemed carefree and judging by his posture, lazy, he could make an excellent apprentice. "These horses need a lot of care. And they know how to run. Are you up to the challenge?"

"Yes, sir," Shikamaru said.

"Then I will see you at the stables by seven o'clock."

Nervousness rose in Sakura's stomach when she realized that Ino was the only one left until her. She glanced up at the ranger who was still standing behind the chair, a shadow masking his face. Sakura bit her lip as Ino stepped forward. "Ino Yanamak. Study of herbs."

Kurenai stepped forward and smiled. Just by looking at the young, blonde girl that she had potential. "I accept. Be at the gardens by seven."

Now, everyone was staring at her. With a shaky step she walked forward and exhaled. "Sakura Haruno. Battle school, sir."

Ibiki looked at the small girl. The man sighed. "You are very small."

"I swear I have the spirit to fight, sir."

"I am sorry, but I cannot take you."

That was a hard blow, she thought to herself. Just by those words her world shattered around her. She couldn't let this stop her from trying to follow her father. I'll pick the next best thing to being a warrior, she told herself. "Battle horse care."

Asuma looked at her and shook his head. "Like Ibiki said, you are just too small. Those horses would not listen to you."

"Will anyone claim her as their apprentice?" Kakashi asked.

"There is something you should know about this girl, Kakashi."

Sakura had never heard the ranger speak before. His voice was low and held very little emotion.

"Is there, Gaara?"

The ranger walked over to the man and whispered words into his ear as he handed the man a piece of paper. "You are sure of this?"

The ranger nodded. "Indeed, my lord."

"Well, I'll have to think about this overnight."

Gaara nodded before stepping back and blending into the crowd. Sakura watched the ranger trying to think what kind of message the man could have given Kakashi. Like most people, Sakura grew up believing rangers should be avoided. That they were a part of some secretive group shrouded in mystery. And that mystery led to fear.

Sakura didn't like the fact that the ranger knew something about herself. And whatever it may be was written on that piece of paper lying on the table. So close, but yet so agonizing far away.

"Congratulations to the new apprentices. All of you may have the rest of the day off and the cooks will be giving a banquet for the rest of the day," Ibiki told.

No one moved. Sakura's gaze fell to the floor. No one wanted her. She felt Ino place a hand on her shoulder. It was easy for her. At least she was someone's apprentice. Ibiki walked over to Sakura and looked down at her. "Do not be so disappointed, Sakura. The craftmasters and I will discuss this matter tonight and return in the morning to see if we can get you into something."

Sakura forced a smile onto her features. "Thank you, sir."

Ibiki gave a sad smile before turning and leaving the small home. The other craftmasters follow his lead and walked out the door. Sakura stayed behind the others while they went back to their rooms. She looked at the letter as if she could see the ink through the paper. The girl stopped when she felt the hairs on the back of her neck stand. She looked up and stared into the eyes of the ranger. The ranger seemed to blend in with the surrounds behind the chair.

Sakura shuddered before hurrying out of the room.

It was long after midnight. The torches that had burnt out were already replaced and started to running low again. Sakura watched patiently for hours, waiting for this moment. The light was uncertain and the guards were yawning, almost done with their shift.

Today had been the worst that she had ever felt. While her friends celebrating the big day and had a feast, Sakura had slipped by the guards and sat under her favorite tree in the shadows. There she thought about the Choosing day events.

As the long day dragged on and the shadows started to lengthen, she came to a decision.

Sakura had to know what was on that piece of paper. And she had to know tonight.

Once night fell, Sakura hurried back to the grounds trying to avoid any guards or villagers. She quickly climbed a nearby tree. She watched and studied the movements of the guards, getting a feel for their timing. When time was right she hurried down the tree and used the shadows to run to the side of her home. The light was on in Kakashi's office, but there was no shadow of him.

Sakura leaned against the wall and started to think. She couldn't go in the front door for obvious reasons. Observing the rock house, a smile formed on her lips when she realized just how much room each brick had. Lifting her weight onto the wall, she quickly but carefully started to climb the house. Every few seconds she would stop and make sure that none of the guards had noticed her. When she finally reached the window, Sakura quietly climbed inside.

Her emerald scanned the area until she saw the letter sitting on the desk. Determination swelled inside of her as she crept forward until she was standing directly in front of the table. Taking a deep breath, Sakura reached for the letter. Her fingertips brushed the paper before something grabbed a hold of her wrist. Sakura jumped and spun to her side. Standing next to her was the mysterious ranger from before. "I knew you would try to do something."

He knew? The ranger pulled on her arm indicating for her to start walking. "Perhaps Kakashi would like to hear about this."

Sakura's heart sunk. Kakashi would be furious. The two walked down the stairs and into the kitchen were Kakashi was sitting. "You were right, Gaara, she did try to get the letter."

"I wasn't going to steal it, sir, I only wanted to read it," Sakura told.

"What kind of punishment do you think this situation would need?"

Sakura turned her gaze to the ranger waiting for his reply. "Perhaps we should show her the letter she is so anxious to read."

Kakashi smirked. "Give her the letter, Gaara."

The ranger pulled out the letter from his cloak and handed it to her.

The girl has potential to be a ranger.

I will train her to be my apprentice.