Chapter 2: Proof of Growth

Sakura was leading the way in their journey to the Sand Village. Kakashi's speech definitely raised morale amongst the others. For Sakura, it didn't change much. She needed to get stronger, needed to be able to keep up with the gains that Naruto was undoubtedly making. She sighed then, as she thought about her teammate. Despite her love for Sasuke, she realized that she was missing Naruto just as much. His enthusiasm and goofy ways always cheered her up, even when things were looking hopeless.

"Sakura", Ino whispered, looking around to make sure no one else could hear. "So listen, we need to talk about our strategy one more time."

Sakura rolled her eyes at this one. Ino had only agreed to team up with Sakura as long as it was established that she would be the leader of the group. Ino had been quick to establish her authority, constantly setting times for meetings and bossing Sakura around at every chance. In the past, this would have bothered Sakura. Given the change in circumstances, Sakura accepted this as a necessary sacrifice.

"Alright, we'll drop back a little to discuss if you want" Sakura replied. Ino didn't seem overly pleased with Sakura's lack of protest, but gathered her team at the back of the group.

After training to be a ninja, it's impossible to look at the world the same way again. Any slight inconsistency in nature, any small problem that almost everybody else would shrug off is a sign of possible danger. It could be just a small puddle that shouldn't be there, or an animal that is slightly different shade than it should be. In this case, it was the falling of five leaves off a tree on a day with no wind that first alerted Sakura that they were in trouble. It seemed, however, that she wasn't the only one.

"What was that?" Kiba yelled, his concern being echoed in the loud and panicked barks of his trusted partner Akamaru.

"Earth Style: Mud Wall" came the cry from the shadows as the ground beneath them suddenly rose up, creating a solid wall of earth in the middle of the road. The speed at which the attack happened was frightening. Instantly, it became obvious what had happened.

"They've separated us from the Jonin" Sakura yelled "be on guard, an attack could come at any time. Neji and Hinata, search the trees with your Byakugan for any sign of the enemy. Everyone else, Formation C." Everybody did as they were told. Even though they were all planning on doing this anyway, they were impressed with the way Sakura took control of the situation. However, they were still in deep trouble. The third Hokage once used that technique, so it was obvious they were dealing with talented enemies.

Suddenly, the sound of fighting broke out on the other side of the wall. The piercing clang of clashing metal filled the air as each side traded blows of Shrunken and Kunai. The enemy was trying to scare the less experienced Genin by attacking their teachers first.

"There", Neji shouted as Shrunken flew out of the forest. TenTen reacted, exchanging with some her own. She was able to deflect all of them, her reputation as being 100% accurate being shown as 100% correct. Quick as a flash, the enemy appeared, 10 ninja with black masks jumping out of the forest. Without a second to waste, everybody reacted. The amount of enemies who attacked at once made the fight seem a blur. There was a spectacular clash of jutsu that practically lit up the sky. The enemy ninja were backed into the middle of the road and suddenly stopped moving. Panic stricken, they looked around searching for a reason. It didn't take long for them to find one.

"Shadow Possession successful." Shikamaru said, smirking as he did. "Now, tell us who you are and what you're purpose for attacking us is."

One of the men laughed at the question. "You think you've got us don't you?" he said, still laughing sadistically. "Well-"

"Sakura" Neji and Hinata yelled as another masked ninja rushed behind her. His speed was outstanding, almost too fast for the Byakugan to spot. Sakura was caught and a Kunai was held to her throat. The cold steel was held tight to her skin, a reminder that one wrong move would lead to death.

"Now, release your jutsu or she dies" this new foe demanded, his voice having an almost snakelike quality to it. The voice itself instantly reminded Sakura of Orochimaru and the very comparison made her blood boil. She closed her eyes, wiling herself to remember her training. Now was the time to put it to use. Now was the time to prove herself.

"Quickly boy" he hissed, "she has about 5 seconds left."

Shikamaru's grin returned to his face.

"Actually", he said, "I think you're the one who's running out of time."

Just after Shikamaru was finished, Sakura let out a yell as she forced her elbow into her captor's stomach, sending him crashing into the wall behind them. Sakura had forced chakra into her arm in order to strengthen her attack and overpower her opponent.

"Now then", Shikamaru started "like I said, tell us what we want to know."

Their lead man began to laugh again, although this time it sounded far less threatening. He looked up at the top of the wall and said, "Well Kakashi, how'd they do?"

Kakashi, who was sat on top of the wall, responded, "About as well as expected. Nice hit there Sakura, although I'm sure that our friend here won't be too pleased about it."

There was confusion amongst the group about what had just taken place. Although, Shikamaru had it figured out.

"So, this was all just a test to see how they did? Could have told me guys," Shikamaru said, seemingly joking with his anger about not being told of the plan.

"Well that would have ruined the fun" Asuma responded, "plus we know how much you hate work."

Shikamaru released his jutsu and the group continued on their journey. Everybody else's spirits were raised even higher based on their success and Sakura tried to join in but mostly kept her excitement to a minimum. She may have been able to get out of it, but for a second there she had been careless. She allowed herself to be caught from behind and in another situation could have been killed. These mistakes will not bring Sasuke back. She breathed in and out to relieve the pressure. This won't happen again. Next time, she'll be ready.