Yey! Another update. lol. I don't know what to say.

okay! here it goes! :DD


Chapter 1-Hearts beat again


His time started again. Although it feels like the second hand moves every after an hour; or winter was as long as spring, summer, and fall; or a year feels like tedious centuries, he was still thankful he endured everything. He knows he's better and he already learned a lot from the past six years, but moving on was still as hard as triumph.

Many things already happened which were out of the blue; many issues were already resolved. The Sandaime hokage talked to Itachi one time about something which disturbed both of them. Being unfair was all the hokage regretted ever since Kana beseeched him to accept her pleas and let her be blissful with the man she used to love. He felt sorry for what he had done, and because he hindered their relationship he let two hearts suffer, though their only fault was they learned how to love each other—that was not even counted as a mistake. He apologized to Itachi for acting that way, which Itachi understood, considering Kana is so dear to her family and someone like her is meant to be protected and loved. He forgave him, and both of them were certain that they made their beloved princess smile in the heavens.

But then, weeks after that momentous meeting, the hokage missed his granddaughter so much he already followed her in life after death. He died in a battle with his former student named Orochimaru the snake, during the Chuunin exam. Of course, related to that setting, Itachi didn't want to get all the glory and to admit to himself that the village owed him for what he had done. He became even more popular this time that his name was listed in every bingo book because of what he did, and the birth of his fan girls was extended to all Shinobi nations.

Konoha lost a great leader who served them for decades, and his loss affected the hidden leaf village. They needed someone to act as their head and someone who can guide them to a better living. That led to the search for the missing associate of the legendary Sannins, which consisted of Jiraiya, the late Orochimaru, and the perfect one to be called the Godaime hokage, Senju Tsunade. The blood of being a hokage ran through her veins, since she was the granddaughter of the first hokage of the village.

Tsunade was renowned as the best medical ninja, and her come back and existence in Konoha made medicine more effective. Ever since Tsunade ruled Konoha it was nothing but a peaceful and a prosperous village. She had ninjas to train so they can be medic-ninjas that can help the village someday, and someone stood out from this group of people. The name was Haruno Sakura and she was Tsunade's best student, whom later on, became her apprentice. They had trainings which gave Sakura motivation to become better for the people she loves. While she was in the assistance of Tsunade, things got more favorable for Sakura, and they were close enough that Tsunade was like a mother for her.

Some negative effects took place, too. Jiraiya knows Tsunade too well that he already said Sakura inherited her terrible tempers. But either side, Sakura became one of the strongest kunoichi of the village. Her prayers already had answers; her dreams are now real. She is already acknowledged by great Shinobi nations, and even though she's not as famous as the great Uchiha Itachi like what she used to want, at least where she stands right now is enough for him to notice how much she has improved. Also her other dream died years ago, when Sasuke and she agreed to bury that embarrassing past she made—Sakura was one of Sasuke's active fan girls. They already became best of friends together with Uzumaki Naruto, being one in a team with Hatake Kakashi as their sensei when all they started as genins. Their connections are settled and stabled up to the present and they were all contented for that.

But still, there's a simple problem that bothered almost everyone in the village. The search for the third member of Itachi's team, team one, is still ongoing. As if it's like a pageant, but seriously, they really need someone who can cope up with them. Ever since Kana died, many tried to be the member of the prestigious team, but all of them gave up and accepted the fact that they are not worthy to be one with the great Uchiha Itachi.

There are a lot of Shinobis who tried, but the problem is it's not their faults, but the team captain's looks and appeal. They both wanted to get a lady for their team, since Shisui's temper is getting worse whenever a Shinobi tried. They can't get too well, and Itachi didn't care at all. He only let them quarrel as if there's no tomorrow. On the other hand, the hitch in a kunoichi was that all the ladies in Konoha, either civilian or a ninja, were dying to chase the best heartthrob in town. Later that part, Itachi will ask Tsunade to choose someone who can cope up with their characters, and if it is possible, can get a Kunoichi who's not his fan, but they are really hopeless in that matter. Truly it is hard to manage an Uchiha, and in view of the fact that their team involved two Uchihas, no one can break her history record—Kana was the only one who knew how to handle their idiocy.

Now, here they are again inside the hokage's office, standing in front of the Godaime hokage, and talking about the same trouble all over again. Tsunade got headaches because of this, and only a bottle of sake can get her out of it.

"You both now why you're here again, right?" She placed her sake in the drawers and pointed them both. "You know, for the past years both of you are performing well in Anbu, but honestly, I'm getting sick of your problem! Just don't tell me you're choosy, or else…" She tapped the table and some papers fell of the desk, but none of them minded to pick those up.

Shisui cleared his throat, since he was planning to defend his side. He knew he was somewhat the reason why they can't be complete. "Hokage-sama, those people who tried are not worthy to be one of us. I just hope you can find someone like Kana, or better yet, someone who's close to being as skilled as her, and one more thing. We prefer kunoichi." He was so busy talking about his demands, and really enjoying as well, that he didn't notice the acts of those two other people inside this room. After his speech, he looked at the raging image of Tsunade, and realized it was too late to be sorry for what he just said. It was erased in his mind that she recently warned them not to be demanding, or else…

"Uchiha Shisui, I think you did forget what I said, hmm." His two eyes saw the way she tightened her fist, and he was not that stupid not to predict the next thing which will happen because of his forgetfulness. In no time her office desk will crash, but Itachi talked and saved his cousin from his soon sentence. He's certain Shisui is really thankful this time.

"Hokage-sama, we both know how skilful Kana is. She's one of the elite, and I would say I salute her for trying to manage things especially when Shisui is involved." His eyes took a glimpse of Shisui whose eyes were already sparkling, and he sensed that by now, he want to thank him for saving his life. He was still an idiot, though, because for Shisui, his sense of humor didn't make any sense. He followed his joke with seriousness for he remembered her again. They should not talk about her in this kind of comportment. It felt like they're disrespecting her, and the mere fact he's one of the 'they' he thought, he's included as well. He continued. "But this is not about kana anymore." Now, it is better to say that he doesn't want to admit that every time he hears her name, his heart is tortured.

"I got your point, Itachi. I don't feel the need to be urgent to this matter, but I will make sure I will look for someone," he looked at Shisui which made him go crazy, "who's capable of your requests. Anyway, I can feel that that someone is coming soon. After all, I don't want to see your faces again here in my office just because of this." She rubbed circles on her forehead and tried to control her temper or else, that 'or else' will really happen. Now, she wants to hold her dear bottle of sake."You're dismissed."

After bowing their heads Shisui quickly held the door, or his worst nightmare might kill him right on the spot. Since he was somewhat trembling, he can't open the door as expected although it's easy. He's not in his senses to do the simple task as quickly as possible. So, Itachi pushed him a little to the side and held the knob for him and of course, he opened them easily. His actions implicitly stated 'you idiot' to Shisui. When his eyes looked outside the hokage's office, he saw an unexpected face. It was the hokage's apprentice.

Sakura was out of breath as she stood outside her shishou's office, while realizing how late she was. The other day, Tsunade told her to meet with her and report how things were going in the hospital, and she also said that after their meeting she will also meet the infamous team one. Now, as Sakura can see it, Tsunade's meeting with the well-known team was already finished, and for sure, her shishou already cursed her under her breath. On the other hand, she was not surprised to see Itachi's perfect figure, and for that reason she greeted him perfectly while their eyes met—astonished onyx eyes as to weary emerald eyes.

Itachi pushed the entrance wide open, like being a gentleman for his brother's friend. He plans to let her enter first before they will get out and let them talk with their private matters.

That little show made something came into Tsunade's mind. It was a little brilliant idea, and instead of wasting her time scolding her dear apprentice just because she's late, she wants to maximize everything to fix everything, now that those people who were involved were already standing in front of her. After all, she's tired to see the Uchihas' annoying faces, and she's getting more stressed when they keep on talking about the missing teammate. It's like the search for their missing colleague is always number one in line, and it's like she considered this as the most problem of the problem. Ever since Kana died, it became a hot issue in the village to know who will take her place permanently. At the moment, that exasperating problem will be solved, and she plans to have a little celebration with two or three bottles of her most favorite sake.

Shisui, the scaredy cat, took a step towards the door before Itachi did, when Tsunade called them back. Itachi still held the knob, so he was responsible in closing the barrier for their short talk. They turned back to their preferred places—Shisui stood beside Itachi on his left side, while Sakura occupied his right part. All of them were still confused about what was going in her mind, but the prodigy had a hint of what she is supposed to do. If he's right, she wished to let Sakura try to be their third teammate. But it's not only him got Tsunade's idea. They symbolize different perspectives and emotions, while they share the common clue—this is about team one, and seems like Sakura is going to be involved.

Sakura became more and more nervous although she didn't have to. The atmosphere was getting warmer then hotter as she can feel it, but not because it was summer that moment. She can't breathe properly because she was so uneasy. She's suffocating as her heart beat faster than before. Although she can't really determine her real emotion, it was positive that it was not because of excitement. It was more of a paranoid expression because of the idea she thought her shishou had in mind. Tsunade will be the only one needed to confirm everything clearly. Prayers would be the most effective way to get out of this mess, but seems like her words jumped back the moment they reached the office ceiling. No this can't be. Tsunade looked at her with her eyes full of hope, and her soon to be words made her want to escape through the windows.

"Sakura, you owe me for being late today. You know how much I hate that kind of attitude."

"I'm so sorry, shishou. I recently finished my hospital shift a while ago because we had an urgent operation." She looked down as she said those words, while she wished to forget she was in that place with the great Uchiha Itachi. Yes, she's dying to meet someone as good as him, but not in this kind of manner. Embarrassment filled her whole being while she explained her side, and though they were not commenting, it felt like deep inside he was so disappointed to know her.

"Don't mind it this moment, my dear apprentice. For now, I'd rather say that you are the perfect one to be the third member of team one."

"Whaat?!" She screamed at the top of her lungs aggressively, and that made Shisui want to cover his ears if he didn't like damaged eardrums.

He tapped Itachi and his eyes seemed like whispering to him. Their eyes had connections and read each other's thoughts. Itachi exactly knew what he was talking about. He got Shisui's point and even though this is the very first time he met Sakura formally in this meeting, he already concluded that Sakura is the total opposite of Kana. But no matter what, they needed someone like Sakura. Besides she's already a medic ninja, he also heard the rumors that Sakura was now even greater than her teacher, which made him more interested to her skills. Having her would give great advantage because she's the best medic-ninja in the village as of now, and they would not need a medic-ninja, who's not their teammate, to accompany them in missions. He stayed calm and silent, but deep inside, he already approved.

Tsunade tried to insist her point. Seemed like Sakura forgot who she was. "Sakura, I am the hokage! You have to follow my orders!"

"But shishou, the hospital needs me more than they do. They are the best Anbu as far as I know!" Sakura defended her side.

Tsunade took a deep breath. There's no point in this quarrel. Whatever happens, she knew she can convince her but she had to find a way on how to let her agree with her plans. She looked around while trying to think of a way when she almost laughed because she forgot that the Anbu captain himself was standing in obverse of her. She pointed him out and said, "Now, tell us your ideas, Itachi. What do you think?"

Without much to say, he had to be direct to the point in order to put an end to this silly meeting. He precisely knew what he would say so he can induce her. "Be at the training grounds tomorrow at 6 in the morning. Don't be late."

"See?! Itachi already approved. Whether you want it, or you want it, you will try to be an Anbu under his care. Don't worry. I know you can do it. And about the hospital, Shizune can handle it."

Sakura knew she can't do anything now, and in a hopeless manner she nodded, and just hoped that Kami may bless her in this game she will soon play. It seems like tomorrow is the start of her Calvary.

After seeing her apprentice's reaction, which Tsunade already expected, she released a smirk on her lips, and Sakura was certainly annoyed by her actions. On the other hand, directly to the point she only said "You're dismissed", because she's really, really tired form looking at their irritating figures. In a glimpse they were out, and she was really excited to get her sake in the compartment of her desk. At last, she's free to do whatever she wanted.

Sakura planned to see her friends the moment she went out of that pressuring office, and now she's running to escape this never-ending hallway. The stress she can feel appeared to be more than those stresses as an aspiring medical ninja. Tsunade expected more from her when she agreed to choose her to be a member of the most prestigious team, and she also knew she can't fail or else many will be disappointed to her. As a result, the reputation she had worked hard for will be nothing but disarray. She really needed her friends, Naruto and Sasuke, and maybe Kakashi sensei for his advices. Where to meet them is not a problem. All of them knew that the best place to meet each other was at Ichiraku's ramen shop, and that's where she was heading right at that very moment.

It was already nearing noontime and the summer heat was absolutely scorching hot. The heat penetrated in her skin and felt like all her body fluids evaporated, but in reality, she was perspiring so much. She was already at the busy streets of Konoha and few more blocks to go she will soon see the ramen shop. She's late for their regular lunch meetings but she didn't mind, considering their sensei will be there after an hour or two and will reason out that he was lost like what he used to say. She continued running as she doubled her speed, but as she was thinking about her training with those two Uchihas the day after, She can't avoid to be nervous and showed her stress in her dull emerald eyes. Many things bothered her now, like those things in the hospital, and now the Anbu. She was busy thinking about how wretched she was that when she arrived at the place, she didn't look good and lively, like how she used to be, which surprised her former teammates and present best friends, and made them raise their eyebrows. She didn't care at all again and just sat in between them. Before she can even greet her friends even in a willful manner, Naruto neared his face to hers and examined her expressions.

"What's the matter, Sakura-chan?" He continued roaming his eyes to her figure, and he was not contented with that, so he stood up and turned around her while still looking curiously, and as if he will know what was wrong with her.

She buried her face on the table stubbornly then sighed."Tsunade-shishou appointed me to become a member of team one."

"You mean my brother's team?" Sasuke's eyes opened widely which looked like he can't believe what she said. His brother's team was one of the most respected Anbu team, and the fact that his brother was there made it more popular. He remembered that time when he asked him why they can't be complete. Itachi reasoned out that they really prefer Kunoichi because of Shisui's attitude.

"Oh teme! You mean your amazing handsome brother will handle Sakura?" The adjectives were like pointed swords which he tried to stab to Sasuke. He thought it would really offend him with those as an insult, but it turned out to be nonsense, useless attempt.

"Were you happy with that, dobe? Don' you know that Itachi's team is one of the most known team not only in Konoha?" After saying those things, Naruto looked like as if his mind can't reach those kinds of altitudes so Sasuke just continued, with an evil grin on his face."Oh don't bother, dobe. You won't understand."

"Of course I know Sakura-chan's situation! I'm not that stupid. That means she will have less time with us." He frowned.

"It's not just that, dobe. Itachi won't go easy on her just because she's my friend. Missions and ninja things are different from his family and loved ones. That's how he thinks."

Sasuke's words made an effect to Sakura. He's absolutely right. Sasuke knew more about Itachi, considering he was his brother. She had to listen to his advices if she didn't want to be embarrassed with his brother. And certainly, his warnings are right. She knew how Itachi trained his brother, and Sasuke was not a little child anymore. He trained him like there's no more tomorrow, or as if the war was held often. He's not going easy with him. How much more with her? She can't be the reason why team one's reputation be ruined, and most likely, she didn't want to be a burden to their team. So, it's like she was lively again, which made her place her arms to Sasuke and Naruto's shoulders and surprised them again. Her mood swings are really fast as they thought. A while ago was the total opposite of what she was now, because at this moment she had full of determination. She smiled at them, and said, "I will do my best, Naruto-kun, Sasuke-kun. I promise—"

"I'm sorry, I was lost." All of the three looked behind them and saw the most irritating face they encountered that day. Yeah right. It was their stupid sensei. He's late as always.


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