Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto or the Acacia Creek apartment complex.
Chapter Four: Why me?
Sakura had a hard time comprehending the fact that she could comprehend all the material she was currently copying down. In just a short amount of time, if writing five hours straight consisted of short, she had learned over half of the advanced material in the text that she knew would have taken her years to learn if she was in her old world. She had started defining this day as "new world" and her life previously as "old world"; she did not know what else to call it at the moment.
Although the concepts were difficult, Sakura was beginning to make sense of the new information she had been cramming into her brain. Most of the theory would have to be practiced to get any merit from the text, but she knew she had learned enough to have improved every basic skill she had previously learned.
Because she was the first of her family to aspire to become a ninja, Sakura's taijustu was exclusively the academy style. The text had taught her how to use the style much more effectively than she had practiced in the years she had attended. Sakura knew that she would have to train, knowledge that she had rarely put into use in her old world, due to focusing primarily on book smarts and winning over Sasuke. Sakura did not know how long she would be stuck in this weird world, but made up her mind to make the most of it. With all this information at her disposal she was determined to become better.
"The lack of progress you have made would have been disappointing if any other student was assigned the task, but I guess I should be relieved you are actually taking this seriously," Iruka commented as he walked into the classroom.
Sakura thought it unfair that he barley glanced at her work before he had insulted her, but she knew that this was the best she was going to get. Turning back to her work, Sakura hoped that her punishment would end soon so she could go talk to the Hokage. She hoped that the late time would not deter her from seeing the Hokage and he would be able to answer the many questions swimming in her head.
Unfortunately she had forgotten that this Iruka was not as nice as her old world Iruka; he gave her no such relief from the detention he had assigned. "Although I am required to teach and discipline the young that walk through my doors, I am in no way responsible for any extra time out of the classroom that you may need. You may not leave until you are finished copying down the whole text. Hopefully you will be done before class starts tomorrow. I will now take my leave."
Sakura was frustrated and could only glare at Iruka's back as he left the room. She could not believe that she was in such an unfair predicament. Knowing that she could never go against a teacher's orders, Sakura continued her punishment.
It was almost two in the morning by the time Sakura was finished copying all of the text. She was tired and grumpy but also happy that she had finally accomplished her task, plus had learned a great deal in the process.
Leaving the academy Sakura was relieved that she knew where her new world apartment was. She congratulated herself in asking Ino the question of where she lived earlier and had stored the information for later use. It would only be the cherry on top of the cake if she had forgotten which apartment she lived in and had to find a place to sleep. Finding the Acacia Creek apartment complex fairly quickly, Sakura made her way inside and immediately collapsed on her bed. Not forgetting to set her alarm, Sakura sighed contently and shut her eyes for the much needed sleep. Even the scratchy sheets could not keep her awake as Sakura quickly entered the dream world.
The next morning had Sakura blurry eyed and disoriented. She had hoped that she had imagined the craziness of yesterday and would wake up as usual in her room she had grown up in, but not immediately recognizing her surroundings, Sakura knew that she was currently what she had dubbed the new world.
Getting ready for the day's lesson at the academy Sakura made her way to the bathroom. After her usual morning ritual she went into the kitchen to make a small breakfast before she had to get going.
The journey to the academy was much the same as the day before without the detour to her home. Without the feeling of panic she had experienced yesterday, Sakura was able to enjoy the short walk to the academy and prepare herself for what was to come for the day.
Sakura did not know what Iruka had left to teach the last day before the genin exams, but was glad that she had gone over the entire curriculum and would hopefully be able to understand everything in today's lecture. She also thought of how she would bring up her problem with the Hokage without seeming crazy. It never occurred to Sakura to skip the lecture in order to make sure she would be able to reach the Hokage. She was almost programmed in the aspect that every day of school was important, a reason she had never skipped a day in the past.
Sakura had left the apartment in good time, but not as early as the previous day and was not the first in the class when she arrived. Shino in his weird getup was already there, as were a few others.
Sakura tried to hide her surprise as she used the free time before class started to observe her "new" classmates.
At the very back of the room sat a Hyuuga, who could only be Hinata, as she was the only Hyuuga of their age. The only problem was that Sakura could not comprehend that the girl sitting there was Hinata. The eyes of course were no different than she remembered, but the girl had an air of smug confidence that rivaled that of her old Sasuke.
Other than Shino's appearance and Hinata's personality, Sakura did not notice many other differences in the others currently in the classroom. Keeping to herself Sakura hoped that she was not the crazy one after all.
It made sense that since she was the only one noticing the difference of this new world to her old one that there was something wrong with her, but Sakura seriously doubted that she could make up another reality on the spur of the moment.
Sakura smiled at Ino as the other girl made her way to the empty seat next to her. She hoped that Ino would not be too interested in her strange behavior the previous day and would focus on the genin test nearing.
Surprised at her luck, Sakura tried to listen when Ino did not mention the activities of the day before, and instead started talking about some rare flowers that came into the shop yesterday, but with the lack of sleep she had gotten it was hard to give her complete attention to the subject.
The class started filling up more quickly as the time for the start of class loomed nearer. Sakura noted that the seating arrangement was practically the same as before when Naruto again picked the seat in front of her. The detention she had received had temporarily distracted her from what she had learned about her relationship with the boy, but now she realized the predicament she was in.
Sakura concluded that the smart thing to do would be to ignore how she had acted in the past in this new world and go on with her business, but the fact that she had tried to go out with Naruto bugged her to no end. The fool was the one who had a crush on her! Not the other way around.
Sasuke quickly made his way into the room as the bell rang, beating Iruka by a few seconds. Looking around he took the seat by the window that Sakura had saved for him. Again as he passed her, he gave her that charming smile that made her legs feel like jelly. She knew that with Sasuke around she could never love another, especially not Naruto.
Her musings were quickly interrupted as Iruka started his announcement. "You may think it unfair that I teach you anything you may need for the genin exam the day before the exam is given. I have to agree that that plan would be unfair to me as I would have to take extra time to make sure you understood the material. Instead I have come up with a written test over the entire curriculum. This is the pre-genin exam to eliminate those I find unworthy to take the real test. The three students who receive the lowest marks will automatically fail the genin test. Time is not considered in the score; if you happen to finish in five minutes or three hours is up to you. I find that this is not unreasonable because all of you should have complete understanding of the material and should all get perfect marks. Of course if that should happen, I will allow all of you to take the exam tomorrow."
Iruka began to pass out the test papers as the class gave him looks of disbelief. A pre-genin test? They had never heard of such a thing.
Sakura bit her lip as she considered how she would do. Hopefully all the work she had put into her detention would come in handy. She was glad that she had stuck through the whole thing and made sure she understood every concept.
"We all know who is going to get the worst grade in class," Naruto's scathingly commented as he glanced over at her. Before she could retort back, her attention turned to the test paper that had been placed in front of her. Mentally wishing herself good luck Sakura scanned the front page of the test.
Although still difficult Sakura was happy to see that she had learned everything on the test the day before. In two hours time Sakura was relieved to be done with the test. She only hoped that she did well enough to still be able to take the genin exam.
Walking out of the academy Sakura thought of her plan of action. How would she confront the Hokage about her problem? Making her way towards the tower she mentally prepared herself for what was to come. The probable outcome would be that her did not believe her and would send her on her merry way back home.
Sakura was still not sure what she was going to say as she made her way to the Hokage's office, but was hoping for a miracle. He had to believe her; she didn't know what else to do.
The person manning the desk told Sakura that the Hokage would be free in a few minutes and would call her in when he was ready. Fidgeting in her seat, Sakura could not help but be nervous about this whole ordeal. Her old world Hokage had always been nice and understanding. What if this new world Hokage was strict and mean? She had to handle this very carefully to get the results that she was hoping for.
After sitting for the shortest three minutes of her life, the Hokage called her in. Sakura hesitantly stepped into his office, still confused about how to bring the subject up. Knowing that she would have to eventually get to the point of her visit Sakura decided that she should be very straight forward about the subject.
Down to his hat and pipe, the Hokage looked exactly as she remembered in her old world. Hoping that his personality did not change, Sakura made her way in front of the desk where he sat.
"How may I help you child?" The Hokage asked as he looked up from his paperwork.
Sakura swallowed nervously before answering. "Excuse me Hokage-sama, but I have a problem. I know this may sound weird and crazy but I hope that you would hear me out and try to believe what I have to say is true."
The Hokage sat back in his seat after signing a document to give her his full attention. He didn't know what to expect from this pink haired girl that claimed she was not crazy.
Sakura began telling her story of what had happened the day before, starting with waking up in a weird room she did not recognize. The Hokage did not stir as she recounted her entire tale up until walking into his office. After she was done, he continued to stare at her as he thought over her story.
It was nerve-wracking for Sakura to wait for the Hokage's reaction. Her hopes were dashed at a solution being formed when he burst into laughter. She could not help the slight pink blush forming as he laughed for a good five minutes.
"I have not laughed like that in quite some time," the Hokage stated, wiping tears from his eyes, "If you are quite done, I have work to finish."
Sakura knew a dismissal when she heard one. She only hoped that she would be able to find a solution soon. Now that she knew that the Hokage could not help her she figured that the library might have some answers. Sakura knew that the library exclusively for ninjas would be helpful in her research, and only hoped that she would be granted access when she earned her headband the next day.
Making her way back to her apartment, Sakura decided she would practice some of her improved taijustu forms. Hopefully she would be ready for the genin test tomorrow. Sakura knew that she would be working hard. Motivation to aspire to get better was something she needed in the physical department. Someway, somehow she was going to get back to her old world. She only hoped that it was sooner than later.
A/N: Ok this is only slightly longer than the first chapter but it is still longer, which means I have kept my promise :D I hope to keep each chapter around this length or more as I continue writing. The good thing is that I am actually developing a plot instead of just an idea that popped into my head. I know I should take more time to write each chapter (depth not really time) but I have always been really impatient. I'm just glad I am able to keep dishing it out at the moment. I hope you enjoyed the chapter…Thanks for reading :D Next chapter will include the genin test and the team assignments. -LP