Guess who's back?

Fuck off.

Well exccuuusseee me, Rae.

Whatever. Let's just do this.

It's been a long time. I'm watching Matt and Pat's Shitstorm of Scariness, eating some poptarts, and dreading college tomorrow [It was around 9 PM Oct 29 when I started this]. But there are some things I must address:

1. I'm a big fan of Naruto, but I've only ever seen the anime. And only really up to where Naruto is following Jiraya around. There was waayyy too much filler for me from when they tried to go after Sasuke up until the Shippuden era. Keeping that in mind...

2. Some of this will definitely be OOC and AU. Come on, Sakura has the Kyuubi in her now versus Naruto. Shit's gonna change like fer real. So do expect that and don't come ranting at me (it hasn't happened yet, so I am really REALLY surprised) if things aren't how you want it.

3. And I'm not sure how it's all gonna play out because I'm horrible at planning ahead. Unless you've read Spring Day, Autumn Night, where I planned that shit down to the end. Thanks for sticking with me and the Namikaze family. I've incorporated a lot of different ideas that haven't been seen in the anime/manga and I'm really toying with the ninja kekkei-genkai.

Thanks to all those that have read and reviewed. On with the chapter!

"Talking"

Thoughts

Kyuubi

Inner Sakura

Disclaimer: Nope. Not now, not ever.

[ - ]

The Scroll of Prophecy

Chapter Four

/Konohagakure, the Village Hidden in the Leaves, Ichiraku Ramen May 11th, 12:00 PM/

Sakura spun around in her seat, kicking her legs out while she watched her brother devour bowl after bowl of ramen. It didn't matter what kind it was, so long as it was hot noodles in steaming broth. Scratching at one of the whisker marks on her face, she grinned at Naruto.

"Ano, you're gonna get a stomachache if you keep eating that much ramen."

Yeah c'mon Naruto-kun! Geez!

I hope he blows up from all that ramen.

Shut up Kyuu-chan!

STOP CALLING ME THAT YOU IDIOTIC GIRL!

Which one of us? There's outer and then inner!

Both of you!

I wasn't doing anything, for the record. Both of you quiet for the rest of the day. I mean it.

Finally focusing back in on her brother, all she got as an answer was the slurp of noodles. She looked over at Ayame, who was smiling at her gently. "How is being a Genin, Sakura?"

"It's pretty tough, Ayame-san," the pinkette answered with a nod. "We only do miniscule missions like pick up trash around the village, walk dogs, or even help out some of the elderly. But it tires us out since we're usually gone all day. This is the first time in three days that we've had a break."

"And Naruto spends it eating ramen."

"Hai! Father is paying so Naru-chan doesn't have to worry about a thing."

Sakura liked the owner of Ichiraku and his daughter. They were some of the people who saw her not as a demon, or even as a hero, but as a little Genin girl: the adorable daughter of their Hokage. She appreciated how they saw her, and she tended to frequent the ramen place just to get away from the stares that people always gave her.

"Heyo Saku-chan," someone murmured, taking a seat next to her.

She turned to smile at Shikamaru. "Hey Shika-kun. Did you come here for the ramen too?"

"Nah, too much trouble," he said, waving his hand and tossing a smile over to Ayame to show he was joking. "I just saw Naruto's orange from beneath the cloth, and I knew you'd be here with him."

"You know us so well Shika-kun."

"How are you faring?" He asked, lowering his voice. "I know Ino hurt you with her words, and now you have that emotionless boy on your team."

"I should be asking you the same question," she murmured back. "You have the pig on your team, but you have Choji to help you out. Like I have Naruto. Shino and Hinata have each other as well, but Kiba isn't bad. Naru-chan knows him more than I do."

"He's an okay kid, I suppose," Shikamaru said, resting his arm on the counter. "They specialize in their ninja dogs, which is why Kiba always carries Akamaru around."

"I've always wanted a puppy," Sakura murmured, tapping her chin.

Shikamaru chuckled. "Then why didn't you let your father or brother know by the time your birthday came around?"

"Because I don't have time to take care of one," she said, sighing to herself.

"Get a ninja dog instead of a regular one. Train it up like Kiba does with Akamaru. You don't have to use the pup in battle, but at least it can protect you guys if you really need it." Shikamaru answered.

Sakura thought long and hard about it before nodding. "Alright I'll head over to the Inuzuka compound, but only if you come with me."

Shikamaru sighed and got off his seat. "If you insist," he said with a smile. "Come on then."

"I'm heading to go see Kiba, Naruto-kun. I'll be home later." Sakura said, sliding off her stool and grinning at her brother.

"Be careful, Saku-chan," he said seriously, looking at her and away from his ramen for a moment.

"I'll be fine. I have Shika-kun."

"Let's hope this won't be a drag."

Sakura and Shikamaru walked in relative silence on their way to the Inuzuka compound. Shikamaru's hands were in his pockets so that he could clench them in anger anytime someone made a small whispered comment about Sakura. He knew she could hear them, but still she smiled over at him and said something that he didn't hear.

He had known Sakura for ages, but only now did he truly realize the brunt of the damage all the whispering did to her. He never wanted to see her like he did when they were six years old...

/Konohagakure, the Village Hidden in the Leaves. Six years ago, April 7th, 9:30 AM/

Yawning to himself, the young Nara heir made his way to his favorite cloud watching spot. It was away from the swings and sandbox where all the girls went to watch Sasuke practice his kunai or shuriken throwing abilities. It was also away from the slide where everyone else hung out, like the Namikaze kids, the Aburame boy, and the Hyūga girl. He preferred his solitude.

However today was different. The slide was empty and so was the area everyone else usually hung out. It was like eleven right? Shouldn't all the kids be here? Looking at the watch his mother had given him, he blinked in surprise. He actually got up before ten on a Saturday? Who else did that? He guessed that Sasuke should have been here, but the boy was probably training elsewhere. The fangirls, as young as they were, probably broke his concentration more than he wanted.

Hearing some slight sniffling coming from the tree near his cloud watching spot, he carefully crept over. Trying to be as quiet as he could, he chanced a look to see who was near his area and why. Surprised, his first reaction was to figure out why Namikaze Sakura was sitting under his cloud tree and crying. His second reaction was to tell her to leave, but his mother taught him to be respectful.

"Hey," he said softly, stepping around the tree and looking at her.

Sakura's head whipped up and she held a hand out in front of her, scooting back away from him as quick as she could. "Please stay away, don't hurt me anymore. I didn't do anything. I'll go away from here, but please just don't." With tears streaming down her face, Shikamaru thought she was pleading for her life.

It was then that he noticed all the cuts and scratches on her arms and legs. "What happened?" He asked, sitting down on the grass in front of the tree. He didn't want to spook her, but at least sitting down showed that he wasn't going to do anything to her.

Tilting her head, she sucked in a deep breath and wiped at her face. "Shikamaru-san? Is that you?"

He nodded, immediately thinking that she saw one of her assailants when he stepped around the tree, scaring her with his presence. "Yeah, it's me Sakura-san. I'm sorry I startled you."

"No it's fine. I-" She bit her lip and continued to wipe at the tear tracks down her face. It appeared like they wouldn't stop. "I think I'm in your spot right?"

She was trying to change the subject. Shikamaru narrowed his eyes. Even at only six years old, he was classified as a grade-A genius. Lazy as all hell, but still, a genius nonetheless. Standing up, he held out his hand. "Come on."

"What? Why?" She asked, but she took his hand as he helped her onto her feet.

"Because my mom can use her chakra for healing. Only minor healing, but still."

Immediately the girl started trying to tug her hand out of his. "No, no please. Just leave me alone. I'll go home and-and-"

"And what?" Shikamaru challenged, turning to look at her while he dragged her along. "Have your dad heal them and then explain to him what people have been doing to you while he had his back turned? You're trying to spare him the heartache aren't you?"

Sakura nodded and bit her lip, a whole new bout of tears cascading down her face. "He gets sad when he sees me hurt, and I don't like him sad because then it hurts me worse."

"Well come on then. We'll take the back way to my house, through the forest. So that way no one else can hurt you."

Sakura allowed Shikamaru to pull her along, a smile coming to her face at the determined look on his. Thank you, Shika-kun. Thank you so much.

Nara Yoshino was surprised to see her son return home so early, but was even more surprised at the charge he was dragging along. "Oh my! Shikamaru, what happened?"

Shikamaru led Sakura in and pointed to the chair in the kitchen. The young girl meekly scuttled over to the chair and sat down, bowing her head and twisting her hands in her lap.

"I found Sakura-san like this in the park. Why do people insist on being so mean to her?" Shikamaru demanded of his mother.

Yoshino knelt down and took a look at all the scratches and cuts, before lifting up Sakura's chin with a finger. "Sakura," she asked gently, only continuing when the girl's eyes were on her. "Did some of the villagers do this to you?"

Sakura jerked her head in some form of a nod. "Does your father know about this?"

"You can't tell him!" She finally burst out, covering her hands with her mouth at her yelling. "Please don't hurt me. I'm sorry for yelling. I'm not bad, I promise."

Yoshino shared a look with Shikaku, who had just come in the kitchen to see what the fuss was about. "Don't worry, Sakura. You're safe here. Now, come on. Let's go get you cleaned up, yes?"

"Okay," she whispered, taking Yoshino's hand and following her out of the kitchen.

"You did the right thing, son," Shikaku said, kneeling down to place a hand on Shikamaru's shoulder.

"Why are they so mean to her?" Shikamaru asked angrily. "They're throwing things at her! Soon it will elevate to actual hitting, I just know it." The perks of being a young genius, he supposed.

Shikaku sighed. "That's not my story to tell. One day, I hope you both will be good enough friends that you'll be able to learn about it."

"Dad, you should have seen her. It was...she was like a caged animal or something."

"I know, son. I know."

"She needs to be protected. I'll do it, no matter what."

Shikaku smiled with pride at his son and stood back up when Yoshino and Sakura came back into the room. "There we are. Good as new. It was nice to finally meet you, Sakura. You're welcome here at any time."

"Yes ma'am," Sakura murmured softly. "Thank you."

"Good to see you Sakura. Tell your father hi from me when you get a chance." Shikaku said, sitting down in a chair.

"Yes sir. I'll let him know."

"Come on, Sakura-san," Shikamaru said, holding out his hand.

"Kay, Shika-kun. Where are we going?"

"Have you ever watched clouds?"

"No. Is it fun?"

Yoshino shut the door behind the two six-year-olds and turned to Shikaku, a grim look on her face. "It's so horrible what people do just because they fear that little girl. She's a sweetheart, for Kami's sake."

"I know, Yoshino. I know."

"Hopefully Shikamaru will become better friends with her," the woman murmured, returning to cleaning the dishes. "I would love to see her around more."

"His curiosity is peaked about why people treat her like they do. Sooner or later, he'll ask about why. And I'm sure that Minato chose to tell Sakura the minute she started hearing the Kyuubi in her head."

"She can hear that demon?" Yoshino asked, surprised. Shikaku nodded, leaning back in his chair.

"Minato likes to talk with me about our children most days. His own son is a little spitfire who protects his sister fiercely. Doesn't back down from anyone, no matter what size they are. Last I heard, he jumped some guy and bit him as much as he could for making a small remark about his sister."

Yoshino shook her head. "Those poor children. You would think people would have more respect since they are the Hokage's children."

"Everyone loves Naruto. It's Sakura they don't like." He pointed out.

"Poor dear. I hope she grows stronger soon..."

/Konohagakure, the Village Hidden in the Leaves. En route to Inuzuka Compound. May 11th, 12:10 PM/

"Shika-kun? Shika-kun!"

"Huh. What?" He asked, turning to look at his friend.

"You were spacing out a little there," she said with a smile. "I'm not sure which way leaves to the compound, so you'll have to direct me there."

"Oh sorry about that. I was just thinking about something."

"I could tell," she said, giggling.

It's nice to see Sakura-chan happy. I'll never forget that fear in her eyes when she thought I might hurt her.

"Demon."

"Disgrace."

"Monster."

The whispers were getting louder the farther they went away from the Hokage tower. It was like these people had nothing better to do. Gritting his teeth, he bared it for Sakura's sake. She was happy and smiling at the moment, and that was all that mattered.

"She'll kill us all."

"Hide the children."

"Oh Kami, help us."

Shikamaru watched as the light physically dimmed from her eyes. She still had on her happy smile, especially when looking at him, but he was done with it. Stopping in the middle of the street, he dropped his head to stare at the ground.

"Shika-kun? What's the-"

"Don't you people have anything better to do?!" He yelled, whipping his head around to look at everyone who was staring at them. The whispers stopped immediately. "Apparently Konoha runs on rumors and lies! Get back to your jobs and start worrying about yourselves! You all disgust me!"

Taking Sakura's hand, he vaulted up onto a roof, away from the prying eyes of the villagers. He kneeled down and sighed, running a hand down his face. "I'm sorry," he finally said.

Sakura kneeled down next to her friend and frowned at him. "Are you okay, Shika-kun? I've never seen you do that before. It's fine, it doesn't bother me."

"That's a lie, and you know it Saku-chan," Shikamaru said, looking at her angrily. "It bothers you, and you never speak out against it! Why?"

Sakura closed her eyes and leaned back. "Because...some of what they say is true."

"What? How can that be true? You're not going to kill them, and you certainly aren't going to take their children!" Shikamaru was floored. How could his friend think that about herself?

"I am a Clan Reject, Shikamaru. My own family members do not want me. I am literally a fox girl because inside me..." She placed a hand against her chest, near the base of her throat. "I am the one who houses the Kyuubi who attacked our village twelve years ago. Inside me, is a monster. Inside me, is a demon."

"That's not my story to tell. One day, I hope you both will be good enough friends that you'll be able to learn about it."

"All the adults know," Shikamaru said, piecing it together quickly. "Your father told you, and the adults who hate you told their children not to hang out with you."

Sakura nodded sadly. "No one else knows except father and the adults. And even then, only a select few truly know. My father suspects that the Haruno patriarch spread it around that I was the host for the Nine Tails, so that I would be hated more. I helped out Hinata when we were younger, and our friendship is the one thing that she fought her father for. I think he's proud that she made a stand against him for me. Shino's parents like me well enough, and well, I know your parents do."

"Saku-chan..."

"It was worse when I was younger, as you saw. I was without my brother some days, and when my father's back was turned, the insults and rocks flew. I could pass it off as a little cuts from tussling with Naruto because I'd jump him when I got home so he wouldn't see me before. But I always made him feel bad doing that. I'm grateful to you and your parents for healing me because when I went home that day, my father was home. He would have seen what the villagers had done, and I didn't want that on him."

Sakura found herself wrapped up in a hug from one of her closest friends. "Thank you, Sakura. Thank you for trusting me. I promise that I won't freak out like I did. I was just angry."

She smiled and rubbed her cheek against Shikamaru's like a cat. "Why'd you think I had these whisker marks silly?" She asked, pointing to them and sticking her tongue out.

"I thought they were just birthmarks. Is that why Ino hates you? Because of the Kyuubi?"

Sakura shook her head. "The Kyuubi has nothing to do with it, and I'm sure Inoichi-san didn't tell his daughter to just hate me like the rest. I think she does it just because she can. I'm always surrounded by you guys, and now that I'm on Uchiha-san's team, she'll hate me even more."

"And she's on my team," Shikamaru said, grimly. "I know my dad used to belong to the old group Ino-Shika-Chō, with Ino's father and Choji's father, but I don't think I'd be able to be in such a group with Ino. Especially because of how she treats you and Naruto. You are the Hokage's children, and should be treated much better."

"A lot of the villagers love Naruto, and even tell him to keep away from me because they fear for his safety," Sakura said softly, with a sad smile on her face. "It's me that they hate and want to get rid of."

Rising from the roof he was kneeling on, he held his hand out to Sakura. "Come on. Let's get you a ninja dog, huh?"

"There's no guarantee that I'll be able to get one, Shika-kun," she said, but took his hand nonetheless.

"Let's jump from the rooftops like we should have done. And you'll get one, Saku-chan. You'll get one."

/Konohagakure, the Village Hidden in the Leaves. Inuzuka Compound. May 11th, 12:35 PM/

Kiba met them at the entrance to his land with a smile on his face. Akamaru stood next to him, barking happily at them. "Hey Shikamaru! Yo Sakura-san. How's it going guys?"

"Hey there Kiba," Shikamaru said, sticking his hands in his pockets. "How's it going with you and Akamaru?"

Sakura knelt down and had Akamaru sniff her before the pup jumped up into her arms. Smiling and laughing, Sakura's face was smothered with Akamaru's wet nose to the amusement of the other two ninja standing there. She set Akamaru down and waved slightly at Kiba. "Hi Kiba-san."

"I assume you two have come here for some reason, right?" He asked, crossing his arms as Akamaru barked again.

"We were wondering if you guys sold ninja dogs to those outside of your clan," Shikamaru said with a nod.

"Yeah we sell them out everywhere as long as we have what the ninja needs. It's the dog that choose them, you know, so no dog will just work. Why, you guys want one?"

"I do," Sakura said softly, fiddling her hands together. "If you think I can get one, Kiba-san."

"Of course, Sakura-san. Let me go get Hana, and she can lead you to the ones we have."

"No need, Kiba. I'm already here. Come with me, Sakura-san."

"Do you want me to come with?" Shikamaru asked.

"No thanks, Shika-kun. I think I'll be fine with Inuzuka-san." With that said, Sakura walked away with the woman.

"You seem a little tense, Shik. What's got you on edge?"

"Townspeople," Shikamaru finally said. "Tossing curses and names at her right and left."

"Because of the Kyuubi within her right?"

Shikamaru jerked back like he was punched. "How did you-!"

Kiba tapped his nose. "I can smell it on her. And if I couldn't, Akamaru can. And he tells me anything that seems off. He senses that she's sad a lot of the time. That's why he jumped up on her. To at least make her happy for a little bit. It's a closely guarded secret, but all the members of the Inuzuka clan appreciate the sacrifice she made for our lives. She can have any dog she wants, no charge."

"Does the Hokage know-"

"Yes he does, and Kiba and his family are sworn to secrecy," Minato said, crossing his arms as he appeared behind the Nara boy.

"Hokage-sama," they said, bowing to him.

"Where's Sakura?"

"Picking out a ninken of her own, Hokage-sama," Kiba said, jerking his thumb to the compound behind him.

"I see she finally told you, Shikamaru. May I ask what prompted it?"

"I yelled at the village people in the middle of the street because of what they were saying behind our backs. I couldn't handle it anymore I guess. It was a drag to see her down like that."

Minato sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose. "I know. It's something that has divided the people in our village for twelve years. Some people see her as a hero, while others just see her as a girl. Others, as you know, see her as a demon. It's not what I wanted for her, but-"

"Father?"

Everyone turned to see Hana and Sakura coming up to them, while Sakura was holding a small dark brown puppy. When the puppy blinked up at them, they could see bright green eyes. Shikamaru's gaze wasn't drawn to the puppy's unnaturally bright eyes, however. What he was really looking at were it's three tails.

"Hey, you chose Daisuke," Kiba said with a smile. "He suits you, I think."

"Rather Daisuke chose her," Hana said laughing. "The minute we walked into the kennel, this little furball comes running up and tackles her."

"His name does mean little helper," Minato answered before turning to Hana. "How much do I owe you for him?"

"Free of charge, Hokage-sama. Just think of it as some thanks for all that Sakura-san has done for us."

"Thank you, Inuzuka-san. You too, Kiba-san."

"It was our pleasure, Sakura-san. Come back soon, okay? I think Akamaru would like to play with Daisuke more often." Kiba said with a nod.

Sakura smiled and nodded, putting Daisuke down so the little pup could wander over to Akamaru.

"What are you doing here, father?" She asked, stepping up to her dad.

"I was just out and about. I heard there was a little disturbance in the village a little bit earlier."

At this, Shikamaru had the decency to blush a tad bit.

"But it seemed to resolve itself quickly. Are you going to hang out with Shikamaru and Daisuke some more?"

"Yeah. We left Naruto-kun at Ichiraku's."

"Ah. I'll make sure to avoid that area then."

They both laughed, and Minato ruffled her hair. With a wave, he disappeared in a flash. Patting her leg absentmindedly, Daisuke made his way over to Sakura with one last bark at Akamaru. "Thanks, Kiba-san. I'll see you later, okay?"

"You got it, Sakura-san. Just keep safe."

"Will do!"

"See ya, Shik. Tell Choji I said hi."

"You got it, Kiba."

With one final wave, the two ninja made their way back into the heart of the village, with Daisuke trotting alongside them as if he belonged there the whole time. Glancing at Sakura, she appeared much happier than she was earlier.

"Did they give you any supplies for him?"

"Inuzuka-san said that she would send some over later with instructions as well. I'm just really happy that I was able to get one. Not everyone who goes there can."

"With a name like Daisuke, it's no wonder he picked you. Anyone with hostile intentions toward you had better watch out. And since you have a ninken, everyone will know that the Inuzuka clan harbors no ill toward you. They even respect you enough to give you a dog free of charge." Shikamaru said, reaching down to scratch Daisuke behind the ears.

"Today turned out to be a great day. I think we'll get a better mission soon. Naruto-kun and I are pretty excited, but Kaka-sensei told us not to get our hopes up for anything too special."

"He suits you, you know," Shikamaru said, gesturing to Daisuke. "He's got three tails, and you have nine."

Sakura blinked in surprise and laughed. "I actually didn't think of that. Inuzuka-san says that sometimes the dogs they breed are very different from regular dogs, but she had a feeling that Daisuke would be mine."

"All the members have some great noses, so I'm not surprised. Come on then. It's nearing one, and I think my mom has lunch almost ready."

"Yum! I love your mother's cooking." Sakura said, picking up Daisuke and jumping up onto a roof in her excitement.

"You're not the only one, Saku-chan," Shikamaru said, following her up.

I'll do anything I can to keep her smiling.

[ - ]

Filler chapter alert. And I wanted her to get a dog so yup.

Pretty much.

Well I wasn't able to keep the new puppy we got because my other dog is vicious.

So Sakura gets the pup.

Pretty much. It'll help her, I think. I wonder if she should be able to understand Daisuke?

Well wouldn't she have to understand all the other animals as well?

True. I guess I'll just have the Kyuubi translate. Or I can just make her understand animals because of the Kyuubi?

Dunno. What if we had fanart for this?

I would troll so hard. Do you know how adorable it would be seeing a dark brown puppy with three tails following Sakura and Shikamaru around? I'd pass out from the adorableness.

I'd laugh my ass off.

Whatever. Hope you guys enjoyed the chapter! I missed you, ya know Raven.

Tch. The feeling is not mutual.

God you remind me of your namesake.

Good. He's badass.

Duh. Anyway, let us know how we did!

Nat and Raven