Hey~ Thanks so much for reading Naruto Promotion. I know that a recent Naruhina moment has occurred, so thank you to everyone that still roots for Narusaku.

I actually don't mind either~ as long as everyone finds a love will be good, right?

Anyways, if you can, please review? Just saying hi would be nice because reviews actually encourage me to work faster!

Thanks la~

Naruto Promotion 7

Contest

A blonde was happily slurping a cup of ramen while his brunette friend watched with disgust. Sasuke poked his untouched cup with his chop sticks and growled, "How does this dobe eat this without throwing up?"

Naruto drank the last drops of his soup with a smile, but frowned when he noticed that Sasuke hadn't even opened his cup yet. "Teme, it's going to get cold if you don't eat it."

"Hn," Sasuke pushed the cup toward Naruto.

"What? You don't want it?"

Sasuke pushed it even closer.

"Seriously don't want it?"

Sasuke hissed and nearly shoved the lukewarm cup into Naruto's face. Finally getting the hint, the blonde took the cup and finished it like a starved man. While Naruto cleaned up his mess, Sasuke looked around the room and noticed an absence of pink.

"Sakura isn't home?"

Naruto returned with two cans of soda and tossed one to Sasuke, "That evil Ino kidnapped her! I tried calling her again after Ino hung up the phone, but the calls went to voicemail right away. That best friend stealer is going to corrupt my Sakura-chan!"

Sasuke took a sip of his soda calmly, "She is going to be okay."

"How do you know?!" Naruto screamed into the poor boy's face, "Ino will corrupt her! She is going to teach Sakura-chan bad things! Then... then Sakura-chan won't want to come home and she will elope with someone!"

"You're exaggerating. From what Sakura told me about this Ino, I think all they're going to do is shop and have girl talks."

"But, but... Sakura-chan is supposed to be here with me, not somewhere else with her!"

The dark haired boy watched the blonde from the corner of his eyes and sighed, "Just admit it, dobe. You're lonely. This is the only reason you called me over."

"No, I'm not."

"You and Sakura are so alike, when the other is gone, you both call me over," Sasuke set his soda down gently. "The only difference is that she actually treats me to a nice meal for hanging out with her whereas you stuff cup ramen into my face. If you are going to call me over, you should at least stock up on tomatoes."

"Tomatoes?" Naruto gave a long pause, "WHAT?! You came over to hang out with Sakura-chan?! How come I didn't know about that? What did you two do? What did you do to my Sakura-chan?"

Sasuke shoved Naruto away from his face, "We just talked, dobe."

"You'd better," Naruto replied as he finally sat down.

"Can we please watch the movie in peace, now?" Sasuke muttered.

Naruto nodded and turned back to the neglected television.

Somewhere else in Konoha ~ Ino's house

Deidara's face was stuck next to his little cousin's bedroom door as he tried to eavesdrop on the girl's conversation. He could only hear little snippets so he tried to open the door slightly, but before he could turn the knob, Ino swung the door wide open. Her icy eyes glared at him, "If you're going to eavesdrop, might as well just knock and come in."

He gave her a sheepish grin, "Why so nice all of a sudden, yeah?"

Ino growled as he walked in and shut the door, "Even if I kick you, you will come back anyways."

Deidara laughed as he entered the room and Sakura greeted him politely since she has finally gotten over meeting her favorite idol. The blonde couldn't stop looking at her face until Ino knocked him over with her foot. Ino sat next to Sakura and stacked several barriers between her friend and cousin as protective measure.

"So what were you two talking about, yeah?"

Sakura smiled, "Ino and I were discussing about what I should do for the talent portion of the contest."

Ino nodded, "We got the clothes and stuff, but we have to settle on a talent soon. We only have 2 days left now. I was thinking we could do a song. Idiot, you're a singer, have any advice?"

"I knew it, yeah. She would only let me in if she wanted something from me." Deidara flipped his hair, "Hmm, there is this one song that Rin-sempai sung before. It was a big hit."

Ino also flipped her hair, "Yura Yura? [Wavering] "

Deidara nodded, "Yeah, I think I have the disc somewhere in the house." The blonde dashed out and made a huge ruckus in the living room. He came running back with a disc in hand and handed it to Ino, "play it!"

The blonde nodded and dropped it into her sound system and the music blared loud and clearly into the room. All three bobbed their head to the music as Sakura tried to sing along. After hearing the song a few times, Sakura was almost done memorizing the lyrics.

"Wow, you can learn lyrics so quickly, yeah?" Deidara was truly surprised.

"Unlike you who take days to stare at score sheets, Sakura is actually smart and can remember things easily," Ino jabbed at him, not missing a chance to insult him.

"Can't you see how mean she is to me?" Deidara gave a puppy look to Sakura, "and I feed her, yeah."

Sakura laughed softly as the pair continued to bicker but she stopped when she felt her cell phone vibrate. It was a message from Naruto telling her to go to bed early and that he will call in the morning. Looking at the clock, Sakura realized it was indeed quite late. She looked at Ino and Deidara and waved her hand about for their attention.

"Yes, Sakura-chan?"

"What is it? Sakura."

Sakura showed them the time, "I think we should sleep, soon."

Deidara grinned, "Okay!" He ducked and scooped Sakura into his arms. However, before he could make his escape, Ino grabbed fistfuls of his hair. "Ow!"

Ino didn't release her hold, "You have five seconds to set her down gently or kiss your hair goodbye."

Deidara laughed, "Fine, yeah." He turned around, set Sakura down gently, held his arms up, and dashed out of the room.

Sakura's face was burning red and she felt weak as she fell onto the floor. Ino rushed to her aid, "Are you okay?"

"I think so," she reassured her friend, "but I need a break from all this craziness."

Day of the Contest

Naruto was pacing back and forth in Jiraya's office and kept checking on his cell phone to see if Sakura had called him. The girl did call him when she was with Ino, but that was one day and a half ago and he was growing impatient. He wanted to save Sakura a seat at the contest hall but Jiraya told him that he had everything set up for her already. Therefore, he had given the extra ticket to Sasuke who took it reluctantly. Unknown to Naruto, Sasuke's annoying cousin Shisu had also gotten a ticket from Itachi and would be there to pester him.

"Naruto, you are going to make a dent on my floor if you keep walking around like that," Jiraya sighed as he fixed his suffocating tie and asked one of his secretaries to put some powder on his face. Naruto ignored him as he continued pacing since he was all set to go. He had arrived two hours ago and all the assistants had attacked him with a white suit, hair gels and a thin layer of make-up. Still, he had to admit that he looked cool. However, the person he wanted to impress was nowhere in sight.

"Where is Ino, perv?"

Jiraya looked at Naruto with a questionable gaze, "He didn't figure out that Ino is preparing Sakura for the contest, did he?"

"Why are you asking?"

"Sakura-chan was with her the last time she called me," Naruto replied, completely oblivious to Jiraya's mini panic attack, "I was wondering if they're going to see the contest."

"They will be there, alright..."

"I don't know," Jiraya smiled, "We should head out, soon."

The white haired man took Naruto's cell phone and put it into his own pocket, "I will hold on to it until the contest is over."

The boy grumbled but didn't fight the man as they got into the company car that would take them to Konoha Stadium, the grandest athletic center in all of Konoha and the Fire Region.

Two girls were sitting in one of the special rooms that were prepared for all the contestants. There are many girls entering the contest this year, so several people have to share a room together. Of course, in order to lessen tension and jealously, curtains cut the rooms into smaller private sections for each contestant.

Ino was busy with the final touches of Sakura's make-up and Sakura set obediently while trying to keep her dress clean and neat. The blonde smiled in triumph as she finished with dolling Sakura up. The pinkette whispered quietly, "Ino, why didn't you enter? You would win easily."

The blonde looked at her friend and laughed, "Oh please! I know that already! Besides, when I signed the contract with the pervert, I also agree that I won't enter any contest that would expose my identity until I debut. You, on the other hand, didn't sign such a contract."

Sakura nodded, "I see."

"Anyways, how're you feeling?" Ino handed Sakura a small cup of water, "Your voice is doing okay?"

"Better than ever!" Sakura set the now empty cup down.

"Great, now go check you out at the mirror. See how amazing I'm!" Ino pushed her gently toward a mirror and Sakura gasped in surprise. She flung her arms around Ino as she fought her tears, because she didn't want to ruin the wondrous make-up on her face.

"I never expected I would look this wonderful," Sakura sniffed, "Thank you, Ino!"

The blonde patted her friend's back softly and pushed her back, "Don't you dare cry now. You can cry and ruin your make-up after you win. After you win, understand?"

Sakura bobbed her head up and down.

"Alright, make sure you don't move about too much, okay? I have to go to my seat now." She gave Sakura a gentle pat on the head, "Be confident and think of how proud he would be."

"Not just Naruto, Ino," Sakura smiled back, "For you, Deidara-sama, and everyone else."

Ino grinned and waved goodbye as she slipped out of the curtains and ran to the special sitting area where Jiraya was waiting for her.

The man grinned like crazy when the blonde approached. "How did it go?"

Ino gave him a "what do you think" look, "Just get your contract already."

Naruto jerked when he heard the blonde's voice and ran over the pair. "Ino! Where is Sakura-chan? Is she here yet?"

Knowing exactly what to do, she replied, "Don't worry, she is here. You will see her soon."

"What do you mean -"

But before Naruto could finish his sentence, an enthusiastic voice boomed from the speakers. "Ladies and Gentlemen! Welcome to the 26th annual Miss Konoha Contest! Today, in celebration of the founding of our lovable Konoha, we will search for a beautiful and talented girl that will bring happiness to us all!"

A pair of hands shoved Naruto near a podium, "Wait here, Naruto-kun."

The blonde nodded and put on a bright big smile.

"Today, all the media is covering this regional event and as we all know, this year has the most number of contestants in counting! Why is that? That is because of NARUTO-KUN, the first prize!"

A blinding light shone down at Naruto who waved at the screaming audience.

"Look at that sun-light aura! That golden hair and blue eyes! Who will be the lucky girl to receive his kiss? We'll see!"

Naruto kept the smile on his face until the light faded. A small sigh escaped his lips as he stepped down the podium and returned to his seat between Ino and Jiraya. He looked side to side, but he still couldn't see his friend. He looked at one of the screens that filmed the audience and gave a small amused chuckle when he saw Sasuke being bothered by the Shisu that he told him about the night before. "At least teme showed up."

Ino looked at Naruto out of the corner of her eyes, "Just a kiss on the cheek won't kill you, you know?"

The boy returned her gaze, "No, it won't. But it will burn my tongue for weeks and nothing but Sakura-chan's cooking can cure my illness."

Jiraya held down a chuckle whereas Ino shivered from the cheesiness. "Just wait until you see!"

As the contest progressed, Naruto was growing more bored by the second. He wasn't even looking after the 14th contestant. He seriously had no idea that Konoha was such a big city. He tried to yawn but Ino had covered his mouth, saying that it was rude. Naruto rolled his eyes, "Yet she was the one who criticize every single contestant, but she did make some good points though..."

Naruto pulled on Jiraya's long mane, "Hey, perv, how many contestants are there?"

The man was too busy staring at some unmentionable parts of the contestants, "Huh, 60 in total this year. There were never this many in the past and we had to put a limit at 60. I mean, there is no age limit as long as you are not married and above the age of 16. We had to turn many sad spirits away."

He sighed as he returned his attention to the stage. Currently, a young girl was singing and he admitted that her voice wasn't bad, but he was getting really tired. "Where is Sakura-chan?" Naruto had tried to sneak his phone back earlier, but Jiraya had caught him and gave the phone to his assistant.

Several moments passed and Naruto realized that they had been there for at least three hours. He moaned into his hands and had decided to take a nap when he was suddenly jerked awake by the blonde next to him. "You have to watch this!"

"What?" Naruto looked onto the audience stage to see a girl with brown hair and brown eyes. She was trying to sing, but her nerves seemed to have ruined her chances of winning. "So?"

"Not her, just wait!" Ino was bubbling up with excitement now, "It's the last contestant!"

Naruto was a bit scared by how Ino was starting to shake, so he focused his eyes on the stage.

The voice boomed, "Our last contestant! Please welcome 17 years old Haruno Sakura, who will be singing Yura Yura by Rin."

Naruto's jaw dropped as the curtains parted and the unmistaken pink tresses peaked out. The audience was silent as Sakura strolled out of the curtains shyly, yet confidently. Her uniquely colored hair was twisted into a fashionable, loose top knot that was covered with gleaming sparkles; while some were left down to frame her heart-shaped face. Her porcelain skin was flawless and smooth, with light dashes of pastel make-up on her face. Bright emerald eyes reflected the stage light and her pink full lips were slightly open as she took in a light breathe. Her dress was a beautiful shade of red; it had two thin straps on both sides and ruffles that ran down the lower part of the dress. The front was opened, exposing her long legs, while the back was long and trailed behind elegantly. Strapped to her feet were black, laced up flats, since she had protested against high heels.

The boy couldn't drag his eyes away and he instantly felt a burst of anger as he imagined how the numerous guys in the audience were probably doing the same thing as him. Sakura's presence demanded attention and Naruto couldn't breathe. Even the girls backstage couldn't tear their eyes away, only a few were stable enough to grumble and gossip.

Sasuke, from his seat near the front, gave Sakura a smirk when she saw him and their eyes met. He pointed to the area where Naruto and Ino were sitting, but Sakura didn't dare to look at Naruto. She shut her eyes for a quick second and walked toward the mic waiting for her at the stage. Shisu, who was also awestruck, could only watch the quick silent exchange between his little cousin and the beautiful girl on the stage with an opened mouth.

Sakura, after watching the 59 girls before her, took the mic into her hands and spoke into her softly, "Hi, I'm number 60, Haruno Sakura. Nice to meet you all, please listen to Yura Yura. Thank you."

The audience, those that recovered, clapped as Sakura squeezed the mic tightly with both hands. She was remembering how Deidara and Ino had helped her during the last 2 days. She was surprised by how fast she improved and only had Ino to thank, since the blonde had dragged her to the studio for the past month and literally forced her to practice singing (before telling her that she had signed her up for the contest, of course). Regardless, Deidara told Sakura that she was a natural singer and there would be plenty of time to practice after she wins and joins NS.

Naruto growled when Sakura didn't even try to look for him. He saw her exchange with Sasuke and was furious that she turned toward the stage right after she was done smiling at that teme. Ino and Jiraya had to keep their hands on his shoulders to keep him from running on stage and kidnapping Sakura then and there.

Sakura sucked in a breath, "I can do this! I will make them proud!" and began singing.

Through the wavering sky

I will spread my wings and fly

Searching near and far until I can find you

I know you're close by

And I won't rest 'til I'm by your side

For I know our love is true

You've been by my side

Right from the start

So your brief goodbye

Left a hole in my heart

I've waited for you

But staying here has been so lonely

Please, won't you come back for me

If you're crying and lost inside

Unfamiliar places

If I can't be there by your side

I know my smile will surely make it

Through the wavering sky

I will spread my wings and fly

Searching near and far until I can find you

I know you're close by

And I won't rest 'til I'm by your side

For I know our love is true

The whole stadium went silent when Sakura finished and returned the mic to the stand, then a loud uproar echoed in the stadium as people screamed and clapped. Sakura, blushing furiously, bowed several times before escaping back into the curtains. Some girls patted her back encouragingly and told her that she will definitely win. Others try to sneer, but Sakura's loving aura stopped them from doing so. A girl with jet black hair touched Sakura's loose tresses, "Your hair is real, right?"

Sakura nodded, "Yeah."

"This is amazing," some girls chorused as they crowded around the blossom.

Noticing the mob, several staffs came over to shoo the girls back to the inner part of the backstage area. "The judges are discussing the points and the audiences are entering their votes, please be patient."

Naruto was fighting against Sasuke, who came over from his seat, and Ino who wouldn't let him find his precious Sakura-chan. "She is back stage; I have to talk to her!"

"Stop it, dobe. You're only going to cause uproar."

"Yeah, you will see her soon enough!" Ino screamed for Jiraya's assistant to help them restrict Naruto since the man himself had went to the judge's table to discuss with the other honored guests.

The voice boomed once more when Ino and Sasuke finally knocked some sense into Naruto and forced him to stay without trying to escape. "Contestants 2, 5, 15, 23, 35, 39, 46, 50, 56, 60, please come onto the stage!"

Ino bit her lips, Naruto hissed, and Sasuke focused his gaze as Sakura came out onto the stage last, fear and anxiousness clear on her face.

"These are our top 10 contestants, but only three will remain! The seven numbers I call now will receive a generous prize! 2, 15, 35, 39, 46, 50, 56, please step forward! Our sponsor, Jiraya-sama, the CEO of the NS agency will present your prizes."

As the pervert he was, Jiraya winked at each girl as he placed a flower hoop around their necks and handed them a small box of prizes. None of the girls complained as Jiraya shook hands with them, since he was such a famous person. When Jiraya was done, he stepped off the stage and returned to his seat.

Only three girls were left on the stage and they were all beautiful. Number 5 was tall and had short purple hair; her talent was dancing to a DANGER song. Number 23 was average height with blonde hair and piercing green eyes; she did a traditional dance that amazed the audience since she looked very young. Last but not least, Sakura stood shyly next to the others. Sakura smiled warmly at the other two. She had talked to them before they all stepped out onto the stage. She found out that number 5's name was Ayumi and she was a big fan of DANGER. She squealed when Sakura said she may be able to get her autograph since DANGER sort of befriended her when she served them some home-made tempura. Sakura also learned number 23's name, Kuromi, who was actually much older than she appeared. She was very friendly and told the pair that the main reason she entered was to see how many people could actually figure out her real age. So far, no one had even come close to the right number.

All three had agreed that there would be no hard feelings regardless of the result.

The voice boomed, "Ladies and gentlemen, in third place, we have number 5, Ayumi Mitoshi!"

The audience clapped and cheered as Tsunade, the mayor of Konoha, stepped onto stage and gave Ayumi a red flower hoop and placed a small copper colored tiara onto her head. "Congratulations."

"Thanks!"

Sakura was scared now, but she calmed down when she felt Kuromi squeezed her hand encouragingly. She smiled at the shorter woman. From faraway, her three friends were tense.

"Although this day has been fun and we have met so many wonderful girls and women alike, it must come to an end and we must choose the 26th Miss. Konoha!"

A dramatic pause... that made the whole stadium sweats even more.

"In first place, with an overwhelming amount of audience votes, we have the beautiful and talented HARUNO SAKURA! Congratulations!"

A deafening scream soared across the audience and Sakura's eyes widen. Ino screamed in the audience booth forcing Sasuke to cover his ears as he smirked at the expected victory. Naruto was speechless.

Tsunade smiled warmly as she finished greeting Kuromi and then stood in front of Sakura. She placed a white loop around Sakura's neck and a golden tiara atop of her head. "Congratulations, go show the audience what you got!"

Sakura nodded with a small blush adoring her cheeks. She received a bouquet from Tsunade's assistant and the woman instructed her to walk around the stage. Ayumi and Kuromi flanked Sakura's sides as the three of them walked around the stage three times, basking in the cheer and shouts.

Finally, Sakura returned to center stage alone. The voice boomed, "Now, we'll have that kiss! Naruto-kun, please enter!"

Sakura froze while the entire audience screamed. Some people were eager to see the kiss while some girls were screaming no with all their might.

Earlier, while Sakura was circling the stage, Naruto had dashed backstage with Ino and Sasuke trailing behind him. It was time for Naruto to get on stage and present the winner with a kiss, but the boy didn't know what to think. "I'm angry that Sakura-chan hid this from me. But I'm happy that she won. I'm even happier knowing that I will be kissing her cheek! AHHHH, I'm so confused! Why do you do this to me, Sakura-chan?!"

The blonde, dressed in his neat white suit, walked on to the stage and the light flashed onto him. His hair gleamed and several girls in the front row nearly fainted. A big smile was on his face and people cheered, but Sakura saw some of the remaining anger in his eyes and panicked.

"Congratulations, Sakura-chan," Naruto whispered.

"Thank you, Naruto..."

A man with a camera told the pair to stand closer, "When you're ready."

Naruto nodded and swooped in for the kill, his lips pressed onto Sakura's soft cheek and he couldn't help but be intoxicated by the floral smell that surrounded her. A quick flash followed, but Naruto didn't move back for a few extra seconds.

Sakura's face was red and Naruto laughed and he tried to hug the girl, but she was steered away quickly by Ino, who had ran onto the stage.

The contest ended just like that; with everyone wondering who Haruno Sakura was and where they could find her.

"Here," Ino dropped something into Sakura's hands. It was the photo of Naruto kissing her cheek. Blushing furiously, Sakura stuffed it in her planner and put it into her bag. Ino grinned at Sakura's protective measure of not wrinkling the photo as she helped the girl remove her make-up and change back into her regular clothes.

The blonde was cleaning up the cosmetics when Sakura's phone suddenly rang. Sakura looked at the caller ID and nearly screamed, "My parents!"

"Who is it?"

"My mom and dad! They probably just watched the contest! I didn't tell them about it!"

Ino laughed, "They didn't even know their daughter entered and now she calls them about it after she won, ha, funny!"

"Ino!"

The blonde tried to hold back her giggles, "Okay, do what you have to do."

Sakura picked up the call gingerly and her mom's voice boomed out of the phone, "HARUNO SAKURA, explain yourself right now!"

"Now, now, don't be so harsh on her. She just wants to surprise us, right Sakura?" it was her father's much calmer voice.

"Yeah, surprise?" it was a weak reply.

"Sakura, I sent you to Konoha to study, not to enter Miss. Konoha!"

"Mom, I'm studying!"

"Yeah, our daughter is smart. Besides, she won, darling, isn't that wonderful?"

Mebuki punched her husband far away, "Sakura, you should have told us you were entering, instead of trying to give me a heart attack while watching television."

"Sorry, mom," Sakura fidgeted, "It was a spur of the moment thing."

"Well, as long as you understand," Mebuki's voice softened, "You were great darling. You have to sing more to us when you come home, okay? And great job. I can't believe my sweet heart is Miss. Konoha."

Sakura flushed at her mom's compliment, "I will, thanks mom!"

"Well, your dad gives you his compliments, too. I guess I should let you off the hook and take care of business?"

"Thanks mom, call you later!" Sakura hang up happily and Ino grinned.

"Went well?"

The pinkette nodded as she stood up from her chair

"We have to hurry, Sakura. Sasuke won't be able to hold Naruto for long."

"Where are we going?"

"To that pervert's house. We have a lot of things to discuss. Hope you won't mind missing school tomorrow."

Sakura didn't even have time to reply as Ino dragged her out the special rooms, avoided all the reporters, and tossed her into Izumo's car. Jiraya was already waiting for them and the car drove off before anyone could question where and who Haruno Sakura was.

The next morning

Naruto was beyond irritated. He had planned to forgive Sakura after they talked about her reasons for joining the contest and keeping it a secret from him, but he didn't have a chance to see her after Ino took her away. He tried calling, but her line was busy and reporters won't stop asking him about his opinions about the mysterious pink haired girl.

Currently, he was sitting at his desk at school and brooding. He was torn between being angry or worried. Sakura didn't even come home last night and he felt like a lost puppy. The people around him had to make things worse with their gossip.

"Who was that girl?"

"Who was that girl that won Miss. Konoha?!"

"Why hasn't the media released anything?!"

"All the headlines just say Miss. 26th Konoha disappeared from Stadium!"

"There wasn't even an interview?"

"Oh gosh, she was so pretty, did someone kidnap her?"

Naruto hissed, those weren't even the worst comments. What he really couldn't endure any more were the people that pestered him.

"Hey, Naruto, didn't that girl who hung out with you had pink hair?"

"Wasn't her name Sakura something? Miss. Konoha was her, right?"

"Hey, Naruto! Tell us what she likes!"

The blonde couldn't take it anymore and slammed his hands down onto the table, "I finally know how Sakura-chan feels."

"Naruto, you okay?"

He smiled, "just peachy."

He whipped out his cell phone as he went on to the roof top to call Sasuke.

The boys stared as Naruto disappeared.

"His smile was kind of scary."

"... I wonder what is up with him. He got to kiss the girl, didn't he?"