Disclaimers on all that I don't own, especially the Naruto characters that belongs to Kishimoto. So don't sue.

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Chapter Three,

By Winterwing3000

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"Meditation?" Sakura asked doubtfully.

"Yes, meditation helps with growing of chakra reserves. And so far, you're very low in that department." Tsunade said, sizing up her apprentice.

It was the second week of her training and finally, the Godaime had gotten some time on her hands to start working on Sakura's exercises personally. Shizune, during the remainder of the first week, had taught her about how perfect chakra control was necessary in order to become an accomplished medic nin. Sakura had also been told of what she was to expect in the training.

She will be molded, slowly but surely, into a medic ninja as Shizune-san and Tsunade-sama were but with extra abilities as to protect herself. Even though she will be training, she will be sent on missions on a regular basis so that she may improve and test out her newly acquired her battle skills along the way.

Raising a skeptical eyebrow, the Hokage asked, "Did you not learn that at the Academy? I'm pretty sure that it was one of the requirements to study about chakra and all its forms and usage."

"Ano… we did. And Kakashi-sensei had us meditate once." The girl said, trying to remember as to what Kakashi-sensei had said that particular day while at the Wave country.

Sakura sat down, Indian style, hands formed in a simple seal which Kakashi-sensei had shown her. As she did that, Tsunade 'hmm'ed distastefully and fiddled with the pile of work which Shizune made her bring along, knowing that she'll have nothing to do while waiting.

Nearly half an hour had passed as Sakura sat diligently on the dirt ground, concentrating the flow and snail-paced extension of her chakra within her. First, her mind was at ease, soaking in the sounds of quiet nature. Soon, it became restless as time wearied on and her chakra flow became irregular.

With her eyes closed, she frowned and fidgeted where she sat.

Her thoughts wandered off, Naruto's words came back to her.

I'll be off training with him for three years…

Can she truly be stronger within three years? She had no true talent like the boys of her former team. No advanced bloodline like Sasuke-kun. No true dream of becoming Hokage like Naruto. She only knew the easy jutsus taught at the Academy. In the beginning, she was just an ordinary girl who just wanted to fit in and to be closer to everyone else. To be closer to Sasuke-kun. Even under Kakashi-sensei, she was behind both of her former classmates. She lacked the growth that she had seen in both of them.

Few times, she made sacrifices. The first in the Chuunin exam. The second during the attack of Orochimaru, with Gaara. The times with Morino Idate…

"What's wrong?" Tsunade's voice disrupted her. She felt the chakra waves coming out unsynchronized.

Opening her eyes, she smiled weakly. "Ah… I was just… thinking. Gomen nasai, Hokage-sama."

"Don't call me that. It makes me feel old." The female Sannin waved aside her apology. "Tsunade is just fine."

"Hai… Tsunade-shishou."

"What's on your mind?"

"… Will I truly be able to become strong? I mean, even with all the training that I had with Kakashi-sensei… I've been getting nowhere. I'm still weak. And Naruto…" Sakura hesitated in continuing with her thoughts. "Naruto's told me that once he's better, he'll be leaving with Jiraiya-sama. To train."

"Sou ka?" Tsunade placed her chin on the small bridge of fingers. "Well now, the question is… do you think that you have what it takes to become stronger than you are now? Or Naruto for the matter?"

"What it takes?" Did she have what it takes?

Naruto fending off the large snake and Orochimaru in the forest. Sasuke's pain etched face, covered with black flame-like markings. Naruto taking down Neji in the final part of the chuunin exams. Sasuke lying in the white bed sheets of the hospital, unmoving and expressionless. Naruto telling her to never be involved of their fights. Sasuke leaving the village, despite her attempt to stop him. Naruto's defeat and failure at the retrieval mission, coming home with wounds.

Did she have what it takes?

"Yes, I do. Because… I have to get back Sasuke-kun with Naruto. I will be stronger. I have to." A new flame alighted in her green eyes, hard with resolve.

Tsunade smiled inwardly. "Keep that in mind and never waver. We'll stop for break in two hours. Now, back to meditation!"

"HAI!"

The small leaves of the large tree of Konoha truly have a flame, a growing flame, in every one of them.

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"Naruto! Okaa-san made another… Oh!" Sakura opened the door to Naruto's room and found three other nin in there before her.

Hinata was at the foot of the bed, shy blush on her face and hands in front of her, forefingers poking. Kiba stood next to the Hyuuga heiress, Akamaru resting on his head. Shino stood by the wall adjacent to Naruto.

"Ah, Sakura-chan! Do you have more food for me?" Naruto perked up excitedly at his friend's entrance.

"Yeah, okaa-san made some for you. Am I interrupting you guys?" she asked, placing the newly wrapped obento in front of the blond.

"Nah, we just stopped by after completing our mission. Kurenai-sensai's at the Hokage's office." Kiba said, stuffing his hands into his pockets.

"Really?" Sakura turned to Hinata. "Why don't you sit down Hinata-san? And you, Naruto! Where are your manners!" she bopped him over the head.

"Itai dattebayo!" he winced and rubbed the spot.

"Ah, n-no, that's fine. W-we're just l-leaving. I have to g-go home now. Thank you though, Sakura-san." Hinata said, bowing to the other kunoichi.

"Ah, come back soon then!" Naruto said, as Team 8 left the hospital room.

Sakura watched as Naruto eagerly unwrapped the box and broke apart the chopsticks. "Itadaikimasu!" and dug into the rice and small pickled vegetables and some meat.

The bandages around his head came off, as did the ones around his hands. She wasn't sure about the others since the hospital gown covered most of it.

He started rambling about how things have been, about the nurses, and about the things during his rehab. She listened half-heartedly, most of the time gazing at him.

Naruto, the boy she despised and looked down upon during her years at the Academy. The idiot and prankster of the class. The boy who knew nothing and wasn't worth her time. In a short time, this boy grew into a spirited warrior. The boy, who promised as a ninja and upon his ninja way, that he will become the Hokage. The boy, who with just his words and determination became a life changer. The boy…, who loved her despite her own love for another, made her a promise of a life time and will never break his word.

Yes… she did really have what it takes. She had him and she had Sasuke-kun to drive her. To drive her to protect them. Time and time again, it was them. Now it was her turn.

"Eh, Sakura-chan? Daijouba ka?" he looked up from his food.

She chuckled seeing the crumbs on his face and handed him a napkin. "Just thinking about what I have in order to become stronger."

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AN: … okay, so I lied. I end up writing this before school started just because I'm too into this now. But I did this by ignoring my own summer homework. Great. I'm doomed now.

You better have reviews for me as compensation!

Thank you seguha, iamNOTafangirl3221, Linnorria, Wind Kunai and rainingblood666 who spend their time to read and review!