Beginning Anew

Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto…

A/N: Well, thank you to all those that reviewed. This chapter contains a report on how Naruto and Jiraiya is fairing in Suna. Yippee! It also contains some scenes with Sakura and Neji although there still isn't much. I don't want to rush things. Once again, please tell me if one of them gets too out of character. It will all eventually change but if it is too sudden please let me know so I can't work it out. Read and Review .

Full Summary: Now somewhat darker and serious, a journey is taken to fulfill his dream, while leaving behind a cherry blossom wallowing in her own despair. Will she be able to stand and catch up to her team mate who is so close to achieving the final title that every shinobi would die to have or protect? Who would be her pillar to lean on when she collapses? Please read and Review.

"speech"… 'thoughts'… "Kyubbi"

First Report

Tsunade gave a sigh behind her desk which was covered with all the paperwork she had yet to finish. 2 long months had passed since Naruto left on the journey with Jiraiya. She was promised a report this month sometime this week and was patiently waiting for the report. Well as patiently as a Hokage who was waiting for a mission report from an ANBU captain and his team of 4 coming back from an S-class mission that was suppose to be here 2 days ago. So I guess you could say the Godaime was not patient at all. She was really worried, and wanted to see how well Naruto had progressed under her team mates tutelage.

Sakura who is under her training had blossomed beautifully. Her skills were amazing. Her mind is able to make fast and accurate calculations that every field medic would need. She was always efficient and studied hard for all her lessons. Her medical skills were far from perfect but it was steadily getting better as well as all her other skills. Tsunade was considering that she would teach her how to do the super strength taijutsu soon and once she has it down pat, they would work on her next talent. Genjutsu, over the first month, Tsunade was able to find out that Sakura was amazing at moulding genjutsu that was extremely hard to break out of because of her unwavering control. The Hokage had taught her a few but didn't have the proper time to devote the entire lesson on just that topic. Her main priority was medical skills then her taijutsu. Then the genjutsu and ninjustu comes along.

'Hopefully, I'm not working her too hard. She seems to be doing well in all the stuff we do as well exceed a few. Our schedule will become more crammed and I'll have less time working with her because of Sound.' Tsunade sighed out loud. Sound was asking for a war against Konoha. They have been trying to get alliances with other countries. They haven't been established yet but she had a foreboding feeling that it would be soon. Hopefully after she retired though. 'Sakura will need to find a sparring partner so that she can practice when I'm busy. Hmm, gotta tell her that today after our lesson... as well as all the other things that I said that I would tell her today.' She sighed again, 'There's so much to do but so little time. Ugh… I'm going to kill that little toad when he comes back if the report doesn't get here soon'

Speaking of the devil...-er frog, a little orange frog hopped into the open window that provided a fresh breeze for the Hokage. "Yo, I got a letter for the slug sennin with huge breasts. Is that you?"

If Tsunade hadn't been so excited that the report had finally arrived she would have punched poor Gamakichi into oblivion. She nodded her head and waited impatiently for the frog to hand over the prized possession. Once she got the report from the frog, she looked at it sternly and said, "Be here tomorrow at nightfall. I'll give you the letter to send back. Oh and if you would kindly tell Jiraiya that the next time his frogs address me rudely he had better not return to Konoha for another 5 years. And you won't be seeing tomorrow so clearly anymore too, now why don't you take a break."

She turned around quickly back to her desk as the frog showed its way out eagerly with sweat drops on its head. It would certainly tell his summoner the news when he got back and scold him good for the threat he had just received. But before it could take a break, it had one more letter to pass on. Destination: Hyuuga mansion.


In training ground 28 once again, Sakura was trying to mould her chakra so that her new genjutsu wouldn't break apart. She wasn't having much success without her sensei there helping her. Recently all their time would be spent on working in the hospital learning new jutsu's and skills that would be needed on the field. If she said so herself, she was getting better but she knew that she was still lacking in certain areas. For example her taijutsu is better because she a lesson or two with Tsunade but she hadn't learned anything new in that area. As for her genjutsu, she had a talent for that. But if she were to work it out all by herself she would have trouble as she having some now. As for her ninjustu, she was only able to add a few to her currently short list but none-the-less she was improving.

One of her lessons had been to relax and meditate if you're too stressed out. So when her genjutsu broke again, she gave a huff of indignation before she sat down cross-legged and began to take in her surroundings. She was able to focus on her thoughts and wonder why her genjutsu was breaking every time she got up to a certain point. As she continued to ponder her heightened senses told her that someone was watching her. Her eyes shot open and began to search wildly about for the intruder. She didn't find anyone but she still felt their eyes watching her every move. There was a slight rustle to her left but the sound disappeared as soon as it had appeared. After searching for a while longer and not seeing anyone, she thought that the stress had finally gotten to her. 'I better go home before I catch a cold or pass out.' Then she headed towards the market place.

Neji had been sitting on the same branch of the same tree everyday these 2 months. He always sat there without a sound and coolly watched as the kunoichi went through her daily drills. His stoic expression rarely changed when watching Sakura train but occasionally his elegant eyebrow would rise due to surprise. He watched her everyday and saw progress. He acknowledged her better form and fluidity in her taijutsu and although her ninjustu was still somewhat lacking her list was getting better and better. And he was amazed whenever she practiced weaving her genjutsu. Although it wasn't that difficult to see through with his byakugan he was still impressed with her skill.

As he sat there seeing her determined to figure out the problem to her jutsu he whispered "byakugan". The veins came forth and were seen on his head. All connected to his strong and able eyes. He watched from a far and thought, 'She is moulding it correctly but it seems like she's focussing on the wrong point. She's trying to build it from bottom up but her chakra should be directed to the centre point and poured downwards. If she does that then the net will remain steady and the victim will have a harder time trying to break free.' He gave a light snort, 'I would help but it isn't my place and she would wonder why I am here.' Neji seemed so caught up in her jutsu and wanted to just tell her what was wrong because it bored him just to see her trying and trying when he already deduced what the problem was. It wasn't like he wanted to help her. He just couldn't stand people who were so hopeless that they couldn't even find a solution to their own problem. He gave a small and barely audible sigh before he slumped back down and continued watching.

His eyebrows shot up because he was surprised when he saw her sitting in the ground with her legs crossed. He placed more chakra into his eyes and focused on what she was doing. He noticed that all her muscles in her body were relaxed and she seemed to be some sort of trance. 'Ahh, so she's meditating. A good idea. With his enhanced eyes focused on her calm face he almost fell over when her eyes shot open. Seeing that she was madly looking around he finally thought, 'Oh so she finally can feel someone watching her? My eyes have a lot of chakra focused behind it so when she was meditating she must have felt it. By the way she is looking madly around; she doesn't know where I am. I better take my leave now.' He released all the chakra that had gathered behind his pupils and left. He left but not quietly enough, there was a slight rustle and he winced when he heard that. 'I better work on my stealth, but I'll practice as soon as I have lunch.' So he headed towards the market place once again although he stayed amongst the canopy as to not be detected as easily.


Tsunade,

This is the daily-er monthl-er every other month report. I have written this in the code that you have asked. We are still in Suna but we would probably be headed to Amegakure no Sato (hidden village of rain) in about a week or so. We are fairing well and below I will list some of the things that we have accomplished and important facts that have happened.

An offer has been made by the Kyubbi, it would allow Naruto to gain all its power in order to be set free. Now now don't fret. Kyubbi will also train Naruto and give him all it's knowledge. And he won't be set free untill all nine-tails have been absorbed. Once he has been released, Kyubbi won't be big, only about 6 feet long and 2 feet wide. It would be under the control of Naruto and it won't be able to stray far. With each tail of power he gain he also gains a unique ability. And once he gains all the demon foxes power he will get another contract additional to the frog one. Gamabunta wasn't very happy about it but he relented in the end.

Naruto has been able to draw upon the foxes chakra easilyy now, and his control has increased quite a bit that he can perform simple low level healing jutsu's to perfection. Darn that kid, when he was sparring against me in the middle of the desert he called upon Gamabunta so easily. He wasn't even breathing hard! Gamabunta was pissed man, and when Naruto explained it to him he got even more mad. But since that brat loked exactly like the Yondaime, that damned frog took it out on me. None of the ladies would even come near me after that incident for a whole week. I barely recovered alive. You know that I need women to live. Ugh, I'll kick the twerps butt the next time we spar! Naruto was able to master 2 of few jutsu's with the large toad.

The kids capacity grew too, about ¼ or a bit less than mine. Boy was I surprised when I was testing him. The first tail has been harnessed, and he gained extremely enhanced senses. Especially those of his nose and ears. His eyes are better but his sense of touch remained mostly the same. His accuracy, agility, and power increased and we are still working on mastery before we could attempt to make him stronger for the next tail. Woah, I just noticed this is quite a long report, I'll give you the other information quickly.

He has completed about 122 jutsu's to perfection.

Done: 37 D-class, 21 C-class, 4 B-class, 0 A-class, 0 S-class

I would say this is quite an achievement. He's getting better. Soon C-class missions would become to easy. But we don't have to worry until the next month or so.

He learns the concepts behind jutsus and stategies rather quickly and has a good heart. Jut like his father. Although he has a few problems coming up with good and pluasible tactics, we will be working on those the coming few months. I'll report in another 2 months. How is everything back there in Konoha? Reply soon, beware of the red dawn.

Jiraiya

Tsunade read it a few more times to make sure she read it right. When she finished reading it for the 4th time she blinked a couple of times from shock. 'Kyubbi made a very generous offer and Jiraiya was not able to detect anything wrong with the sudden turn of events. And they already completed so many missions in such a short time? A good achievement… hmm, since Jiraiya did not mention anything about the mission, I guess they aren't there. Rain is next huh, so Naruto has learned a lot of jutsu's related to this area. The Kazekage sent a letter requesting the help of Naruto and Jiraiya after their mission is over or to visit often because they have been a great help… so Naruto made friends with Gaara and his siblings. It also seems that Sand is fairing rather well with their new Kazekage.'

But what alarmed Tsunade was that the Akatsuki was on the move once again. 'Which members are on the move? Do they want to capture Naruto and Kyubbi… maybe that is the reason why the demon gave them such a generous offer. If Akatsuki was after them… wait, maybe they are not specifically after Naruto. Yet. They eould probably try to track them then keep an eye on them. So that's why they are heading towards rain so fast. If so, Sakura better be ready soon. Another reason to talk to her sooner rather than later.'

Tsunade put the letter back down and sealed it before putting it away along with all her important files that she locked away. There were still a few more of the Thirds' files to go through but she was too stressed at the moment to pay much attention to it. She had to think up of a plan for Sakura and the Konoha's forces when the time came to attack Sound and the Akatsuki. Extra training would be needed but she had no time… Jiraiya can take care of Naruto. He would know his strengths and weaknesses and go at the pace until the time comes for the others to take over. Trouble was brewing near the Sound and Fire border. They seem to be asking for a war. Tsunade let out a stress filled sigh once again. She still needed to make alliances with the Hidden Villages that she trusted and sign peace treaties with the remaining Villages in case of war. There was just too much to do, with time against them.


Walking through the busy streets of the market place, Sakura took in to all the smells and sights that intruded upon her senses. The bright light made her squint and blinded her momentarily making her bump into someone.

A few months past, she would be careful not to bump into anyone so that she wouldn't be dirty when her beloved Sasuke saw her. But now she just didn't care. She felt free for the lack of a better word, and she enjoyed her time with her best friend Ino. Yes her best friend, when Sasuke left, Ino and Sakura took their time to rebuild their friendship.

After much thought, she found that Sasuke as the problem to a lot of her problems. With him gone, a huge burden was lifted off of her, don't get her wrong but she found that she could live without him. At first it was painful to find out that a lot of her childhood was wasted on something so idiotic such as wasting her time preening herself and fawning over the arrogant Sasuke. But as the days continued to come the pain lessened, and her heart that was broken by an inconsiderate team mate started to heal. Most would say that she has matured and has come out of her shell that was a timid yet obsessed and obnoxious fangirl of Sasuke. You could see that she didn't get all depressed when the 'traitor' was mentioned in her friends conversations. However she would listen to their point of view and either contradict or agree with their opinion which was quite surprising at times. All her friends helped and she finally found that Naruto was a true friend that she always overlooked. She missed him dearly… all his energy and happy cheer; even if it was fake. Yea, after much thought she figured that Naruto always just had a mask on. He was always happy but a great companion, comerade, friend. Now that Naruto was gone, she would have to wait for 3 years before she could ask him for his forgiveness over that fact that she gave him the could shoulder throughout their time at the academy. But what she found weird was that fact that none of the Rookie 9 seem to know where he was; they asked her questions about where he went. Tsunade forbid her from telling them so all she could say was that he was on a mission and wouldn't be back until some time later.

Flashback

The group had gathered for some time together and pleasantly started talking but Naruto was brought up suddenly in their conversation.

"Hey where is he anyway?" Kiba asked the group.

"Ano.. he went on a mission and won't be back for a long time." Sakura answered.

"H-how long do you think h-h-he will be gone for Sakura-san?" Hinata hesitantly asked.

"I'm not sure. Close to 3 years?"

It was quiet. Most of the group was stunned.

"T-th-three years?" Hinata chocked back. It looked like it she was going to cry but a comforting hand was placed on her shoulder. It tightened until she turned around and came face to face with Neji.

"Don't worry, Hinata-sama. I'm sure he will fare well on his journey. He will return, you need not worry. He must accomplish this mission."

The words were not as comfortating as they could be, but coming from Neji it was quite warm unlike the rest of his personality. It seemed that everyone understood and agreed. They all knew about Hinata's crush on Naruto, only the blond was oblivious and they knew why she was so worried.

"He made a promise to Sakura-san, he will return to fulfill it." Even the quiet Aburame joined in in the comforting.

Everyone nodded.

Hinata only smiled. She understood that they were trying to cheer her up. Her face was slightly flushed. 'Wait! That would mean that they know I like Naruto-kun.' "Eeep!" Hinata cried out loud.

"Is something that matter Hinata?" Chouji asked.

"No… no, nothings wrong." Hinata replied slightly nervous.

As the conversation continued about the blond gennin, Hinata spaced out and prayed for his safety. 'Please Naruto-kun. Please make it back home safely.'

Neji did not seemed shocked at all, and kept that impassive face when Sakura told the group all the information she knew. Shino had the same stoic expression…well you really couldn't see behind those glasses and high coller. Shikamaru seemed suspicious but being as lazy as he was, he just mumbled something about it being troublesome. He would think about it later after their group went home for the night. Lee was yelling something regarding the fire of youth, while Kiba was acting all annoyed and irritated because he did not get chosen for the mission. Hinata remained silent throughout the entire exchange and just listened quietly. She kept wishing Naruto the best of luck and to return home safely… and to her as well. Her face turned red at thought. Chouji,Tenten, and Ino just looked surprised for the most part. They added their own opinions once in a while regarding their blond friend.

After discussing the subject a while longer they decided to change the topic and talk about more cheerful news, like the upcoming chunnin exams in Grass country in 4 months.

End of Flashback

Now back to her current problem. She just bumped into an elderly lady and knocked down all her groceries. She sprang back up onto her feet from natural reflexes and started picking up all the fallen groceries while apoligizing profusely for not watching where she was going. Within moments everything was packed back into the bags and Sakura let go a sigh of relief that nothing fragile such as eggs had been broken. Then she noticed that the old lady was still on the ground with a slightly stunned and pained expression.

"Are you okay? I'm very sorry for knocking you over… I wasn't watching where I was going."

The old lady gave her a kind elderly smile that only grandmother's that bake cookies for their grandchildren can give. "I'm okay, but I'm afraid that I won't be able to get home. I think I twisted my ankle." She grimaced slightly from the pain.

"Oh, I'm so sorry. Here let me help you fix that. I'm a medic-nin. And I'll help you home too. Please accept my apoligies." Sakura kept apoligizing.

"It's okay dear. Are you sure you can heal me? Are you busy? You could just drop me by the hospital." She gave Sakura a geniune smile.

"No, it's really okay. Here, let me." Sakura said when the lady tried to move.

Sakura placed her hand above the elderly lady's ankle and closed her eyes so that she could concentrate. She thought about how to fix twisted joints, tendons, veins, wrists, and ankles a month ago. As she remembered what to do, a warm chakra glowed from her hands. The elderly lady quieted instantly as she watched the alien chakra entered her system and increased her healing speed. The twisted veins and cells were forcibly and gently oushed back in place so that the patient endured no pain. Moments later the green chakra evaporated.

"Um, your ankle has been healed but it might still be tender for about an hour. Don't put too much strain on it."

An average citizen would have continued to gape at her in shock, but this was no average civilian. "Ahh, so you are what my huband and son calls a medic-nin. Quite talented aren't you dear?" she said with a gentle smile gracing her face.

Now it was time for Sakura to become slightly shocked. She hesitantly asked, "Ano, are your husband and son shinobi's?" as what the old lady said finally clicked in her mind.

"My husband and son were shinobi, but they are no longer with us. Rin went off duty from being a kunoichi shortly after my son's death. She never really got over his death in the sound and sand invasion. Ano, I'm afraid neither have I…" she gave Sakura a heartbroken smile and let out a sigh. Her smile was so depressingly sad yet alarmingly genuine.

Sakura had no idea what to do or say. She spoke the first thing that came to her mind. "Ano, would you like me to walk you home? I can carry your groceries since I was the one to carelessly bump into you."

Her question and generousity received a grandmotherly smile. "That would be lovely dear."

Sakura gave her a smile before getting up and lifting the bags effortlessly. She walked back over to –uhh- "Um, how may I address you by um…" Sakura asked with a sheepish smile.

"Aisura would be fine dear." She gave Sakura yet another kind smile in which Sakura returned. "And what may I call such a fine lady such as yourself?"

Sakura flushed from being called a fine lady. Inner Sakura was giggling like a mad idiot. "Um, I'm Sakura. Haruno Sakura."

Ever so gently, Sakura aided Aisura to her feet. She took a couple of unsteady steps until her foot muscles were use to the slight strain. Her face was graced with a smile before she gave a slight nod and started limping towards her house a few blocks away from the market place.

Aisura leaned onto Sakura only a slightly bit to retain her balance every time she took a step. They made their way to Aisura's house at a slow yet comfortable pace. The bags in Saskura's arms seemed weightless due to her training therefore it wasn't very hard to carry all the bags to her patients' place at their current and steady walking speed. Sakura and Aisura had a friendly chatter all the way to the house. As they continued to walk, Aisura's steps became more solid and didn't lean onto Sakura anymore. They were in a deep conversation related to herbs that they didn't notice 2 sets of eyes watching their every moves.

Rin's eyes trailed them from a far checking to see if they were a threat, well the pink haired kunoichi anyways. Some habits died hard, especially when you used to be a paranoid medic-nin who has had her husband killed before her very eyes. After killing all the enemies within the vincity with rage, she collapsed. Just fell down and began to cry, sob, breakdown. Ever since the day she woke up in the hospital and saw her husband's name on the memorial stone, she became an off duty jounin. An off duty medic-nin, although she was never the less alert. Before her eyes laid another kunoichi.

'An enemy or a comerade? Pink hair, green eyes, bright tunic, stands out too much in the crowd. Can't possibly be a spy…' she seemed familiar, something that Kakashi had said to her a couple months back but couldn't quite place. Kakashi, her former team mate. They rarely talked, but the day he came in he looked like a wreck. A miserable male mumbling about how he had failed his team.

Being a skilled kunoichi, she did a couple of quick seals and whispered out a medical jutsu. Suddenly all those around her disappeared from view but one. Her aura was gentle and calm with nothing hidden away. Only sadness and betrayal seemed to be locked away from the heart and mind. Determination seemed to cover the cage of unwanted emotions, never wavering. Her chakra colour was off though… greenish blue although the inner core seemed to pulse green chakra more steadily. 'Ahh, so she's the medic-nin in training. The girl that was on Team 7, Kakashi's team. The only one that he had passed. The girl that is now the apprentice of one of the legendery sennin. The one that is supposedly going to be put into a three man genin team as a project to see if four genins would really be more beneficial. But why trained by the Hokage herself? How is she so special? Any other qualified medic-nin would be able to teach her.'

How did she know all this? Well even though Rin was a off duty kunoichi, she was well informed by her friends that were teaching in the academy. And Kakashi. Kitai her only son went to the academy. He wanted to become a strong shinobi just like his father. She had said no but he was persistant. She finally gave in but not without telling him that if he ever failed a test he would have to give up on being a ninja. Yea, it was quite harsh but who could blame her. She never wanted to see another loved one die again. Memories of an Uchiha, her sensei, her husband, her family flashed though her mind.

They were at the door now, ready to open it. Rin quickly snapped out of her stupor and opened the door and put up the act that Aisura and she put together whenever a stranger came to their abode. "Kaa-san are you okay?"

"I'm fine Rin. This young lady here helped me when I twisted my ankle."

'She used my real name, so she's to be trusted…'

Sakura fought down a blush that threatened to burst to her already flushed cheeks. "It was nothing really, I should say sorry for bumping into you in the first place."

"I'll have none of that. If kaa-san thinks you are worth thanking, she would say so. Arigato. Would you like to stay for tea?"

Sakura looked flustered. "Ano, gomennaisai. I have a lesson soon so I have to go. But thank you for the offer."

'Ahh, so she's the warm and kind hearted type.' "No, it's fine. Come and join us on another day. How about the coming Sunday? You could meet my son Kitai." Rin gave her a genuine smile. 'I like her personality, very easy to get along with. It could prove to be both deadly and advantageous. Maybe she is special… I guess I'll test her Sunday…'

"I would love that. Thank you so much and I'm sorry once again. I'll see you on Sunday." Sakura beamed before she gave the 2 women a slight bow and wave. She then headed towards the Hokage tower once more.

Aisura and Rin both waved goodbye to the fast retreating girl. "I like that girl, so kind yet so sad." Rin said as Sakura's back disappeared from view.

"But her determination is great. Her spirit is lively and pure. Faithful.. There aren't many of those left nowadays. My chakra seemed to be attracted to her warm yet distant one. I knew that it was similar to that of a medics, but I was curious that it seemed so young. I had to find it, and when I did, the only way to meet her was to bump into her. Her skills as a medic-nin is coming along very well. She is very talented for her age, near complete chakra control. My ankle was healed and I was able to walk perfectly in a matter of less than 10 minutes. Great things will come upon her in the near future." Aisura replied to her daughter in law.

"Hmm, I guess I can train her. I'll need to speak to Tsunade-sama though. I'll do it when I go pick up Kitai. You're a great actress kaa-san. You fooled her, and she believed it. She needs to know who to trust and those that can lie and kill behind your back without ever feeling regret. I agree that she seems special, but she needs some work. Even you said so. She's safe… she won't be one to fail her mission. The mission from her heart that she works so hard for right now. To be able to strive forward and learn from your mistakes, a great lesson to be learned only from oneself."

"Kids these days grow up too fast. So when do we pick up Kitai from the academy?" she asked with a sigh.

"In another hour." Rin shrugged.

Both kunoichi walked back into the confines of their home to discuss their plans for the upcoming future. On that contained a pink haired kunoichi.

A/N: Sorry for the late update… haha it's the summer and I got to work. Oh, I would like to thank Hot Sexy Soccer Babe 777, anime girl987, Kiba-and-Sakura-4ever for reviewing. It means a lot! Don't' worry about the new characters. There really aren't many new characters in this story. I just thought that it could use a little twist. Sakura would only get mild training because you don't Naruto to get all the fame and glory now do you? The new characters are either minor or secondary characters to make the story more smooth. Once again please tell me if any of the main characters are out of character and read and review! Thanks.

Preview: Neji and Sakura chapter.. teeheee

Bumping into him once again, Sakura finds herself in a predicament while Neji ponders over Sakura's last meeting with the old kunochi and off duty medic jounin. He watches her interact with others and finds himself a sparring partner.

TBC… Read and Review! thanks.