~Hey there
Glad you all liked the prologue so far it was a joy to write, anyway I still haven't made any concrete pairing decision but at this point in time another Darui/Sakura story is in the lead, I'd like to stress that I don't do Sasuke/Sakura pairings at all, they make me queasy and also thank you for all the reviews especially the guest reviewer, anyway enjoy this chapter there will be more to follow and I promise Kakashi and Sakumo will be making an appearance soon
End Authors Note~
She'd been there a year now stuck in an orphanage with other kids who never got adopted, like the blonde boy with blue eyes that always expressed his hurt whenever he was excluded, treated poorly and even called deplorable names.
The time in which they could go to the academy would soon be upon them and she was still undecided on what she wanted to do "Ne, ne can I play with you please, nobody ever includes me and I'm really bored you know" the boy she'd just been thinking of snuck over to her.
Flashing his bright blue eyes at her hopefully, odd whisker cheek marks stretched as wide as his smile "Um sure I guess…though I wasn't really playing, more like reading, the guys who watch me when I go out helped me get some books, would you like to read them with me" Sakura offered.
Apparently it didn't matter to the boy what they were doing as the sunshiny kid plopped down on his rear and grabbed up one of her very complicated books on poisonous herbs "By the way my names Naruto Uzumaki and I'm going to be the Hokage someday believe it" Naruto blurted.
Wanting the first person to ever include him in anything to know his name "Mines Sakura, can't tell you my last name cause I don't remember, hey you gonna enter the academy next month" the rosette inquired, peeking over the edge of her book.
As Naruto concentrated on the one he'd chosen, confusion the most prominent emotion on his face "Oh yeah, have to if I wanna be the Hokage someday and go on super cool missions and learn awesome jutsu's you know" the blonde nodded his head eagerly.
Pretending to read the book at this point because he obviously didn't understand a single thing that he was reading "Neat I guess, here this one will be easier" Sakura finally ended his struggle by handing over a different book that was more his speed hopefully.
"Thanks Sakura-chan your the best you know" Naruto grinned widely then settled down to read, to say they were friends wasn't how Sakura would put their relationship but at least when he was with her, he mellowed out and the other kids and adults left him alone.
She presumed it was because of the two Jonin who babysat her but she wasn't to sure about it and before they knew it, it was time to take the academy entrance exams "Did you make it Naruto" the pinkette asked when the entire thing was over and they were on their way back to the orphanage.
Naruto bobbed his head up and down excitedly, indicating that yes, he'd managed to pass the entrance exams and now they would finally be allowed to live outside the orphanage "Good riddance" the blonde scowled at the building.
When they were being escorted to the village supplied apartments, courtesy the two Jonin who watched over her on a regular basis whenever they could of course anyway, to Naruto's absolute joy though, their apartments were right next to one another.
And to the exuberant boy having the only person who didn't ignore him or treat him horribly so nearby was a dream come true "I'm gonna go to the library tomorrow do you want to come with me" Sakura offered as they were about to disappear into their different apartments.
"Course Sakura-chan you know" Naruto nodded, even if all she would do was read and he would be somewhat bored, sitting around doing nothing in the library sounded like a better idea than simply wandering about and possibly getting beat up.
Then they were inside and with the few essentials Sakura made her a very simple dinner, a sandwich and a glass of water to go with it, she quickly washed up and went to bed after that and the next morning after yet another sandwich Sakura headed out the door.
Bumping, more like ramming into Naruto as he was stood outside her door waiting for her "Library then maybe we can go shopping" the pinkette suggested, glancing to her usual protection around the village just as they randomly appeared.
Like they had been waiting for her to say that "You sure are nonsensical kid, ever since you came here" Genma chuckled ruffling her fuscia locks, Naruto clutching onto her arm, peering up at him with wide blue eyes, in their depths was fear.
"Can we go shopping first, that way we can sit and do nothing for a good long while after" the blonde asked, knowing what was going to happen, he would be kicked out of the store, called a demon and then chased off, it always did.
And he didn't see how anything would change with these two ninja with them "Then off we go to the youthful stores" Gai cheered, marching forward enthusiastically, to Naruto's surprise, despite the shop owners distaste, he was allowed into the store as well.
Most likely only because of the Jonin and with an excited squeal he made a mad dash towards the shelf full of different kinds of ramen "Kid sure does like that stuff, hey Sakura, try to get him interested in vegetables if you can" the brunet rolled his eyes lightly.
Talking to the kid the Hokage had assigned him and Gai as quasi guards over, she looked up at him "I'll try, don't expect anything though, he's stubborn" Sakura deadpanned, reaching for some bread and falling short by several inches.
Until Gai laughed and lifted her up so that she could grab what she wanted "His youthfulness is exceptional" the taijutsu specialist grinned setting Sakura down again to wander down another aisle, Sakura did attempt to get Naruto to buy some vegetables.
But that didn't work out so well and they left the store without Naruto buying any in the end "Say Sakura-chan why do you sit around and read all day anyway, what's so interesting about those complicated books of yours" Naruto burst out suddenly.
Halfway back to their apartments, emerald orbs focused on him at the question and the girl had to really think about how to answer him "Because when I become a ninja, I want to be a well-renowned poison mistress, though I don't know where the interest came from" the rosette finally said.
When they'd walked for several minutes in utter silence "Does that really warrant studying all day though, have you ever just gone out and played with other kids" the blonde frowned so deeply that it looked wrong on his childish features.
Sakura blinked before shaking her head "Course not cause Sakura here is to serious" Genma teased earning a huff, proving his point and less than four minutes later she was putting her limited groceries away and making the trek across the village to the library this time.
The librarian nearly made a fuss until she saw the Jonin and soon the two kids were seated at a table with books surrounding them "This is where we leave you for a short time, be youthful" Gai saluted, his antics drawing a small smile from Sakura.
In a plume of smoke the teammates were gone and she buried her head in the book that she'd picked out, though Sakura made sure to keep Naruto in her sights as the boy plopped his head on the table, sulking and obviously bored but unwilling to leave and wander on his own.
Good thing to because just as she was getting into her book about the complicated process of crafting poisons, a man with scars on his face, with a boy who could be his near exact copy approached them or rather sat at a nearby table.
Naruto chose that moment to inch closer to her and she simply let him, keeping her eye on the unknown males, one was obviously a shinobi, the kid her and Naruto's age "Bit complicated for you don't you think" and then suddenly the older one was talking.
To her, she realized, prompting Sakura to look him in the eyes "For me no, him, yes" Sakura pointed to Naruto, who puffed up his cheeks at her, but he didn't deny the statement because he knew her books were to complicated for him.
"Don't you know that hanging out with him will get you in trouble" the scarred man said wanting to see how she'd respond, emerald orbs flashed and she slowly put down her book, shifting until Naruto was practically hidden behind her.
Before letting loose "Honestly I don't care, I've seen how people treat him and those people should be severely ashamed of themselves, so long as he's with me I won't let anyone hurt him" the girl declared quite viciously.
Protective and the man threw his head back with a laugh "I like you girl, your amusing, Shikaku Nara, Jonin commander, this is my boy Shikamaru, have you ever played shogi, I bet you'd be an interesting partner for my son since no one his age plays" Shikaku finally introduced himself.
Viridian orbs narrowed "Haven't but I'd be interested in playing" the rosette finally gave a little shrug in answer then picked up her book to start reading again as she realized that the adult wasn't there to try and harm Naruto.
Who returned to his previous spot, looking more and more bored by the minute "Okay just give me your address and I'll talk to your parents, arrange a day where you can come to play shogi at the compound" the Jonin commander said.
It was Naruto's turn to get protective over the girl "That subjects taboo" Naruto scowled watching how Sakura went rigid and he could literally feel the upset wafting from her in waves, followed by the trembling he associated with her particular way of crying.
Silently without a single tear but on the inside she was crying all the same "How is it taboo….unless she's an orphan" Shikamaru, who'd been silent thus far came to a startling realization, of course why else would the two kids be together.
Sakura gave a sad, depressed sounding sigh "Yeah and whats worse I don't even remember what happened to my birth parents, Genma-san said that I just showed up outside the gates one day and I've been here ever since, a whole year to be precise" the pinkette sighed.
Expression as neutral as she could keep it "Well then, we'll just have to get the address to your apartment" Shikaku grimaced, wondering why no one had adopted the girl yet, she was bright clearly, but here she was still alone even after a year of being in the village.
The girl perked up a little at that and nodded her head "By the way the names Sakura" she finally gave her own name, belatedly at that and he couldn't help the chuckle that escaped from him as he ruffled her hair gently while Shikamaru passed her a pencil and a slip of paper.
Where she quickly scribbled her address in neat scrawl "Geez do you have to be proper all the time on everything" the blonde saw this as well and crossed his eyes in exasperation, Sakura took one look at him and couldn't help but giggle.
His cheeks turned red until he saw the humor in it as well and starting giggling with her, albeit not as quietly as Sakura sure but felt it was safe to laugh for once, wrong and before anyone could react the librarian was upon them.
"Get out of my library right this second you little demon bastard" she went to also grab up the now fearful and no longer giggling blonde but Sakura got in between them, protecting him with her own body, eyes squeezed shut as she waited for the impact.
It never came and a familiar hand was pressed down on her hand "Ease up there Sakura-chan, blondy is gonna be fine and so are you" Genma assured, having been watching and he didn't understand what Naruto had done.
Shikaku was surprised to see him though, Gai as well and his dark eyes narrowed in thought, perhaps he'd misjudged things, who was this girl that she would have two Jonin level shinobi keeping an eye on her, he would find out but for now he had a situation to deal with.
"Now what's the problem, why did you try to attack Naruto" Gai was in one of those rare instances he was actually serious, Naruto was precariously perched in his arms to the blondes shock but at least he was injury free for once.
The librarian hissed furiously at them "The little demon was laughing, disturbing the rest of the library's occupants" the woman snarled, Genma's expression darkened and a little killing intent leaked into the air, making her feel like she was suffocating.
But it was Sakura who had something to say "By all means I'm the one that should be in trouble, cause I'm the one who got him laughing, you've just been waiting to kick him out since we entered the library" Sakura glowered, not one for many emotions as she was usually apathetic.
However seeing Naruto's treatment upon being in the orphanage really got her blood boiling, the woman gaped, mouth opening and closing, floundering upon being scolded by a child of all people then with all the grace she possessed, turned on her heel and went back to the counter.
By this point though Sakura was as done with the library "Come on Naruto, I'm going back to my place, see you Shikaku-san, Shikamaru-san" the pinkette popped up, leaving the books she'd chosen where they were, then with Naruto on her heels left the library.
Sending a glare at the librarian for good measure as she passed "Your scary Sakura-chan" the blonde shuddered, sure she'd never established what their relationship was, friend, acquaintance but at least he knew she considered him important enough to protect which made him happy.
Tailing them were the two teammates "Sheesh that girl is a handful sometimes, at least she has her priorities straight right" the brunet sighed, flicking the senbon in his mouth from side to side repeatedly, probably annoying the hell out of people but right now he didn't care to much.
"Indeed, her youthfulness shows quite brilliantly, despite her demeanor, on the inside it shines like the radiant rays of the sun, oh such youthfulness" the raven with a bowl hair-cut ranted about the wonder that was youth.
Genma partially ignoring his teammate, but aware that Gai that had agreed with him about Sakura having her head on straight "Though I'm still surprised she threw herself between that woman and the boy without a second thought" Genma grimaced.
It had startled him, Gai as well because the young man went silent "Despite how she normally is, deep down she's just as alone as Naruto-kun, who was the first one to approach her, the first one her age" Gai speculated aloud.
Not presuming to know how Sakura felt or thought but he was sure he was pretty close to that and four minutes later they were back at the apartments, though Sakura was unwilling to let Naruto go far and dragged him into her's for lunch.
A week later after another shopping trip for groceries and such, Shikaku came knocking "Figured it was about time to come round, finding your place was troublesome" Shikamaru huffed, clutching a cardboard box in his arms.
What was surprising though was Naruto's presence "Sorry, I still have trouble myself, Naruto and I have only been living next door to one another in these apartments for this week, since we're going to the academy two weeks from now" Sakura apologized with a straight face.
It wasn't that she wasn't sorry, it was that she was having the same amount of trouble and it wasn't funny in the least "Have fun playing shogi, your mother made this to commemorate you having a friend that understands" Shikaku snorted.
Placing down a basket full of goodies and a large pitcher before exiting the small apartment "Looks good, want me to go get some plates and cups Sakura-chan" Naruto swallowed at the delicious looking food.
He barely caught Sakura nodding her head as Shikamaru set up the shogi board before he was racing into her kitchen and grabbing three plates, rushing back to drop off his cargo then he was back to collect the three cups.
By the time he was seated again Sakura was reading through the book that explained the rules of the game she was going to learn how to play "Complicated, just the way I like it" the rosette grinned excitedly for once.
Realizing it was going to take a few minutes Naruto took it upon himself to dig into the basket and fill the plates he'd grabbed, Sakura all to happily plucked the fig from the plate and bit into the delicious fruit "Do you think you can understand enough to play" the dark haired boy asked.
"Pu-lease Sakura-chan reads books about poisons and poison crafting all day any day that she can, of course she's gonna understand that" the blonde scoffed, confident in Sakura, who shot him a small smile, about all he could usually get out of her, before she focused on the rule book again.
Eight minutes later the game of Shogi was finally started, Shikamaru was gracious enough to let Sakura go first and before Shikamaru even had time to really understand what was going on he was backed into a corner, a stalemate he neither won or lost.
Dark brow eyes narrowed, confused but it happened again "The heck, are you sure this is your first time playing" Shikamaru glared at the board unsure of how he kept tying, she huffed at him, indicating she hadn't found his accusation very funny.
"Yes of course Shikamaru-san I'm sure it's my first time, otherwise I wouldn't have had to read the rule book" Sakura reminded bluntly not impressed right now, Shikamaru laughed awkwardly but continued playing anyway.
The spectator watching on with bored interest "Kami what's that the seventh game give it a rest already" until Naruto got overly bored and finally said something after Shikamaru and Sakura tied for the seventh time in a row.
Not to mention the basket and pitcher were empty now indicating how long they'd been playing "Ugh Naruto's right, next time we play I won't tie, troublesome" the Nara heir groaned, packing away the board in it's box, grabbing up the basket and pitcher before finally leaving.
Sakura rolled her bright jade eyes "Then I swear to study up on tactics and get my own shogi board" the fuscia haired six year old vowed, the start of their friendship, not that she knew it yet, but for once she'd actually enjoyed something beyond reading.
"I guess it's up to me to make sure you learn how to use those tactics on the board right" the blonde cheered, knowing he would probably never understand how to play the game, but Sakura would need someone to practice on when Shikamaru wasn't available.
She flashed him another one of her small smiles before going to make something to eat, where after he returned to his own apartment so that they could get some shut eye and prepare themselves for whatever the next day would bring them.
Just like that the remaining two weeks before they were to start the academy flew by "Are you sure we're gonna be okay" Naruto was quite literally attached to her hip when they made their way to the academy the morning of.
After two more shopping trips to stock up on supplies and four more visits from Shikamaru to play shogi "You wanna be Hokage right, well think about the academy as your first trial, you have to get through it to be a ninja, to move up the rank ladder to be Hokage" Sakura said.
In the same nonsensical way he'd grown use to "Try not to break his mind Sakura, good luck kids, make many friends yada, yada, have a good day" Genma chuckled, trying not to bust his gut laughing as he ruffled their hair and nudged them forward towards the gates.
"Yes the power of youth shines bright within you both, you'll do fine so long as you remain youthful" Gai cheered, ranting about youth again, Naruto as weirded out as he was by the Jonin felt emboldened and after grabbing Sakura's hand more tightly marched forward.
Genma and Gai let out sighs knowing that it was going to be back to missions and such for them now that Sakura was in the academy, which meant less time to keep an eye on her, them, for wherever Sakura was, Naruto surely wasn't to far behind, quite literally.
~Meanwhile~
Naruto and Sakura had finally made their way into the academy building, all the way down the long hall to their classroom "Look Sakura-chan it's Shikamaru" the blonde immediately pointed out the Nara who'd been coming to visit lately.
Jade eyes shifted to spy her shogi partner "To bad I didn't bring my shogi board" the rosette huffed but made her way to Shikamaru anyway, Shikamaru who was pretending to sleep until they joined him in the row at the far back of the room.
Shikamaru raised his head with a sigh "There are other seats you know" the lazy raven yawned not really complaining or anything just stating a fact, Sakura's reaction was to roll her eyes while Naruto crinkled his nose.
"Obviously Shikamaru-san because we're not smart enough to figure that out for ourselves" Sakura deadpanned in a familiar tone of voice that had Naruto fighting down maniacal laughter, he'd heard her talk like that to adults who thought they were funny.
The Nara heir blinked and let out a longer sounding sigh one that was full of exhaustion "Whatever troublesome, I brought my shogi board want to play during lunch after we eat" Shikamaru offered knowing it was the best he could get.
Sakura was all to happy to nod her head "Joy" Naruto grimaced knowing that it was going to be a boring lunch, oh well, keeping out of trouble seemed to be the best thing and he was unwilling to stray from Sakura's side, even if she was going to be playing a boring game.
Not long after their sensei showed up "I am Iruka Umino, this is Mizuki, we're your sensei, from this day onward you'll learn proper shinobi conduct, history, math equations, fundamentals of genjutsu, ninjutsu theory and taijutsu form" Iruka announced in an even tone.
Passing out the books and starting their first lesson, coincidentally on math "Alright who can solve this problem" Mizuki called, after he'd scribbled an equation down on the chalkboard, Sakura could barely contain herself as her hand flew into the air.
Ahead of many other students and she eagerly rushed down to the front of the room "Basically if we're to account for possible wind resistance, distance as well, the answer should be this right" the pinkette scribbled the answer in chalk next to the equation.
Figuring out how far she would have to throw a shuriken to reach the enemy target in a matter of a minute, jade orbs sparkling with excitement at the challenge math presented to her, Mizuki blinked at her in surprise but praised her for answering the question correctly.
By the time math class was over, Naruto didn't understand a single thing "Totally boring stuff" the blonde decreed, intending on just not trying until Sakura turned and gave him a look which had him straightening in his seat and attempting to pay attention to their next class.
History, followed by theory of jutsu's and the like, they even switched classes, Daikoku taught them theory of genjutsu and under Suzumi they learned about chakra theory, in between all that they had lunch.
"Glad to get away for an hour" the Nara heir groaned exhausted though neither Naruto or Sakura could understand how because he'd been napping nearly fifty percent of their day so far but after eating lunch Sakura and Shikamaru played a round of shogi.
Until finally the day was over "Sakura-san could you wait a moment please" the blue haired Chunin in charge of teaching them called when she was neatly putting things away in her pack to go home and do before reading.
Emerald orbs focused on him in an eerie way but she stopped all movement and sat, prompting Naruto do the same "Okay what's this about Mizuki-sensei" Sakura asked politely, face straight, fearing whatever it was the Chunin wanted to talk to her about.
"Well I talked it over with Iruka during lunch but how would you like to be in a couple of advanced classes, math for one I'm sure you'd enjoy, even perhaps the advanced history class, we'd just have to speak with your parents and Hokage-sama" Mizuki explained.
There was that taboo subject again, but Sakura kept her face neutral as yet another crack formed in her heart the absence of parents was the one thing that upset her more than anything else "The only thing is Mizuki-sensei I don't have parents" the rosette pointed out.
Straight face but ready to escape from this conversation, Mizuki grimaced "Suppose we'll just talk to Hokage-sama then, anyway by the end of the week I'll have some news for you" the blue haired Chunin saw fit to dismiss her.
And with Naruto on her heels left the classroom "Sakura-chan I know your upset, want to go get ramen to celebrate our first day or…." Naruto tried in vain to cheer her up, Sakura however wasn't to be consoled as she kept that blank expression on her face the entire way home.
Even missing the fact that they were being followed by her usual guards around the village and as soon as he tried to enter her apartment the door shut in his face "Is everything alright with Sakura" the special Jonin questioned when Naruto knocked but didn't get an answer.
"Someone mentioned the subject that's taboo again" the blonde sighed, casting a sorrowful stare at the closed door before moving towards his own and unlocking the door, it really hurt that Sakura liked to be on her own more often than not.
Genma shared a grimace with his partner "Poor Sakura-chan it's always been a sore topic for her" the taijutsu specialist said, what made it even worse was that the reason no one had wanted to adopt her was because of Naruto's presence.
For a moment they stood their unsure of what to do until the door creaked open and Sakura appeared in the hallway books clutched in her arms, then stomped her way to Naruto's apartment door and knocked.
It swung open "I'm not mad at you or Mizuki-sensei, I just hate it when people mention that and I need to stop throwing a fit about it to now homework" Sakura declared in a strong tone of voice as she marched her way into the blonde's apartment.
To his absolute horror, he was made to sit down and do his homework with her, her helping him as much as possible "Guess we know who's the smarty pants, anyway congrats yada, yada, here's a gift for making it through your first day as academy students" Genma chuckled.
Having taken a seat on the couch watching the kids do their schoolwork they couldn't stay forever so decided to give the children their gift sooner rather than later "You got us a gift" Naruto blinked in surprise.
Before excitement rushed through him and he couldn't contain his squeal of delight "One for each of you Naruto-kun, Sakura-chan, enjoy with that we have to go, please enjoy the rest of this youthful day" Gai informed talking about youth yet again.
While handing over said gift then they both disappeared in matching plumes of smoke "Cool look at this Sakura-chan it's a pouch to carry weapons in dark orange" the blonde exclaimed, glee prominent on his face, this being the first gift he'd ever received from someone.
Sakura was also rather excited about her own gift "Definitely, we'll have to stock it with the weapons we got the other day" the pinkette decided, showing off her own pouch in a deep forest green, variants of green were her favorite color after all.
After that they rapidly calmed down and returned to working on their homework until all of it was done, Sakura cooked ramen for both her and Naruto, ate with the blonde before returning to her own apartment to go to bed.
And by the end of the week she was in both advanced math and history to Naruto's chagrin as he was stuck all on his lonesome in a row with Shikamaru during the first two classes of the day, but at least he had someone who was willing to help him get his homework done and completed at the end of the day.