Authors Note: Thank you so much for reading!!! And a special thanks to PreternaturalC for reviewing my story. Anyone who gives me a review I will put there names up on the top and thank each of you personally:)

On with the story!

Disclaimer: yeah you know I don't own Naruto...

People Change Too

Chapter 3: Something Is Going On

It is only a little after eight in the morning, and yet the streets of Konoha are bustling. It has been a little over an hour since my scheduled appointment with the Hokage. I have finally calmed down, but my mind is still a maelstrom. I can barely contain how anxious I am to finally leave this village and start over! But, of course, there are several things I have to deal with before I go...

After walking through crowds and more crowds of people, I found my breakfast spot. Ichiraku. Naruto would be so proud to know I was having ramen for the most important meal of the day. I took a seat and noticed that no one else was at the popular little restaurant.

"Well, looks like you're our first customer," said the old man who owns the ramen stand.

"Yeah, I guess not many people eat ramen in the morning like Naruto does," I said smiling. The old man laughed and then nodded his head.

"How is the little guy doing?" He asked curiously. I looked down on my lap where my hands were. I haven't really thought much about Naruto lately...

"Um, I haven't heard from him in a while..." and then I trailed off.

The old man could tell I was uncomfortable talking about the topic of the hyperactive, blond-haired ninja so he just asked me what I wanted to order.

"Miso ramen please."

"Coming right up."

It didn't take long before the food was ready and placed in front of me. While I ate I made a mental list of what I need to do before I leave. First, I should visit my parents and tell them I'm leaving... I winced as I imagined my mother yelling and telling me how inconsiderate I am for not informing her sooner. As I imagined my mother yelling all of this I pictured her going on a rampage and get her long pink hair frazzled. She is where I get my temper and my freakish hair color. I could also imagine my father not saying anything and his emerald-green eyes would just stare out into space. He always does this when something completely unexpected happens, and it always freaked me out when I was younger. I got my eyes from him.

I finished my meal and took out my wallet. Before I even got a chance to open said wallet, there was already money put out. The old man took the bills, counted them, and safely put the money away in the cash register. I turned to my right to see who paid for my meal. I was surprised to see my old sensei, Kakashi.

"What the— why'd you do that?" I asked.

"Early birthday present," he answered trying to use as few words possible.

"Thanks, but today isn't my birthday. Tomorrow is," I answered.

"I know that's why I said early," he said emphasizing the word early.

"Right..." I said awkwardly.

"How old are you turning, anyway? Fifteen?" he said trying to make a joke, thinking it was funny.

I glared at him and answered, "Gee, I didn't know you were a joker," then I sighed, "I'm turning seventeen. I'm practically an adult."

I got up from my stool, ready to leave. "I have to go, Kakashi-sensei," I started walking away and turned around to wave goodbye. Then I continued walking, but only to be stopped by someone pulling my arm and calling my name.

"Sakura. Wait," I turn around and I see Kakashi! He's full of surprises isn't he... "What?" I asked a little irritated.

It looked like he was about to say something but changed his mind. "Where are you going?" he asked while trying to sound curious even though I knew he wasn't. I narrowed my eyes at his question suspiciously. Then I leaned my weight on my left foot and put my hands on my hips. Slowly, I replied, "I'm going to my parents' house. I have to tell them I'm leaving."

"Well then, don't let me stop you," his eye creased when he said this, but it was a forced smile. Why is he acting so weird?

I continued going onward to my parents' house and I glanced back behind me and saw Kakashi staring at me. My eyes widened. And I quickly turned around. I walked a few more feet and took a chance to take a glimpse behind me, and he was gone. A shiver ran down my spine. Something is going on...

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I arrived at my parents' house, the house I grew up in. I smiled as I thought about the fifteen years of my life that happened in this house. My old home is small, safe, and... home-y I guess you could say.

I walked up to the door wondering if I should knock. Well, I don't live here anymore so... why not! After knocking three times I stepped back and waited for someone to answer the door. It took about a minute or two before the door was answered.

The door was only opened a few inches and I was met face to face with the woman who gave me life. But there was something different about my usually cheerful mother. Her eyes were bloodshot and puffy, and her entire face featured a lackadaisical countenance. "Mom?" She just replied with a sniff and opened the door wide enough for me to enter her abode.

I walked inside and took a look at my surroundings. One word described how I felt: flabbergasted. In all of my years of previously living in this residence this house has never been so... empty.

It was empty as in the definition of everything being gone. The only furniture in the living room was a table for eating and a couch for sitting. All of my father's encyclopedias and books that I've read were missing from the shelves. The collection of antique Japanese fans that my mother bought at flea markets over the years were absent from the walls. Most importantly, the family portrait from three years ago with my mother, my father, and me was no longer hanging in the middle of the wall. It only left a large faded rectangle from where the picture once was.

The house was not only empty because of the lack of furniture; the atmosphere of the room gave off a sense of emptiness. The aura the room was emitting felt like a wave of misfortune. Something bad must have happened. Something terrible.

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Author's Note: ok so that's it! I have Chapter for up in my brain right now, but soon it will be on paper! Oh! And I have REALLY good plans for the chapter when Sakura leaves for snow! You all should be excited!