Sakura woke up the next day with a smile on her lips and at exactly 5 in the morning which meant she was finally getting a good nights sleep "Lena, Lana" Sakura called but her two companions didn't appear.

'Huh maybe mom or dad accidentally let them out of my room and forgot to put them back in here' Sakura creased her forehead as worry filled her heart, she jumped from her bed and flung open the door "Lena, Lana" Sakura tried again but still they didn't come at her call.

Mebuki slammed her door open "Sakura it is five in the damn morning stop making all that racket" she huffed looking tired, Mebuki had been having a hell of a time trying to sleep and last night had been the first she had fallen asleep well.

"I'm sorry mom, it's just Lena and Lana are missing and I know they were in my room last night" Sakura wrung her hands as she spoke before chewing on her lip, Mebuki frowned but shook her head in response.

"I haven't seen them since you went to bed and they stayed asleep when your father went in to check on you" Mebuki explained, then turned on her heel headed back into her room and shut the door with a firm clack.

Sakura nearly cried right then, her window had been shut the entire night so there is no way they had run away so the only plausible explanation was that someone had come into her room and stolen her companions.

'I have to find them' Sakura stalked back to her room, took a quick shower dressed in her off white clothes then leaned down on her floor by Lena and Lana's beds, Sakura filled her nose with their scents, one had the smell of honey while the other had the smell of chocolate.

Karin looked up as a pink and white blur flew passed her "Hey Karin wasn't that Sakura-chan" Suigetsu asked as he exited their apartment building, Karin took a closer look at the blur and nodded that was indeed Sakura.

"Come on I have a bad feeling cause that was definitely Sakura-chan" Karin took off like a rocket following her female team mate as she ran in and out of alleys, smelling the air here and there and pausing every few minutes.

Sakura frantically searched nearly the entire village looking for her bonded companions, she just knew they were calling out to her soul, Sakura's heart gave a lurch and she turned in a random direction letting her body lead her to Lena and Lana.

"Sakura-chan" Suigetsu shouted and Sakura started in shock "What's going on, I mean you said you had training at 8 but I didn't think you'd be up so early" he started chattering on and on not knowing that Sakura was anxious.

Sakura's eyes filled with sadness, she had been carefully keeping that from flowing into Kiba's emotion ring, she didn't want him to worry, but there was no reason Sakura couldn't tell her new team mates because they wouldn't rat her out.

"Lena and Lana are missing I think someone stole them while I was sleeping" Sakura rushed out feeling sick, who would take two innocent little puppies, Karin opened her mouth to talk when Sakura doubled over pain clear in her eyes.

Suigetsu shared a look of concern with Karin "We'll help you find them Sakura-chan, I may not look it but I remember chakra signatures very well and I definitely remember Lena and Lana's" Karin pushed her glasses up her nose and focused her chakra.

Sakura waited impatiently as Karin closed her eyes and felt out the entire village looking for her companions chakra, she hadn't realized that even Lena and Lana had individual chakra "Relax Sakura-chan, Karin knows what she's doing" Suigetsu reassured her.

"Ah got them let's go Sakura-chan, baka Suigetsu" Karin opened her eyes a few minutes later, then charged forward leading her team mates to a little apartment on the outskirts of town, the building was completely abandoned.

Sakura channeled chakra in her ears and smelled the air, the sound of two familiar pups barking filled her ear canals and the scent of honey and chocolate filled her nose "Lena, Lana" Sakura leaped forward and yanked at the door.

Suigetsu cringed when the building exploded into dust as Sakura let her temper out after ordering her pups to take cover, she gathered chakra into her fist and punched the door it flew off it's hinges and the tiny apartment imploded.

Karin grimaced, ok second thing about her team mate that she learned about was that never touch her companions because Sakura wouldn't listen to reason until Lena and Lana were safely in her grasp again.

Lena and Lana let out a whimper as the ceiling fell on them, a moment later it was tossed to the side by their partner *Sakura-chan thank you for saving us* Lana popped up and shook her fur off before nudging Lena.

Sakura blinked in confusion and rubbed her ears "Wait a second did you just talk to me for the first time" she was proud that they finally trusted her enough to speech with her in their own unique way "And always" Sakura vowed.

*Yes, Sakura-chan we are very glad you came to us in that kennel, I'm sorry it's taken us so long to talk to you* Lena shuffled over to her and nosed Sakura's hand when the girl bent to pick her and her sister up and clutch them to her chest.

Sakura's eyes filled with tears and pressed her face into her companions fur "I'm so very glad I went in there as well and that's ok I understand you needed time" she cried softly and got a lick from both of her companions.

"I hate to interrupt your little reunion Sakura-chan, but it's almost 8" Suigetsu smiled sheepishly when Sakura jerked her head up and panic entered her emerald eyes "If you hurry, you can make it back in time" he pointed at a back alley and Sakura took off.

"Thanks Karin-chan, Suigetsu for helping me find Lena and Lana" Sakura called over her shoulder as she pushed chakra into her legs to run faster if she didn't hurry then she would be late and Tsume would make todays training difficult.

Tsume quirked her brow when Sakura skidded to a halt in her back yard training ground "Seems like someone is eager to train this morning isn't that right Haruno brat" she snickered as Sakura set down her two companions and panted in exhaustion.

"That's a part of it Tsume-sama, but something terrible happened, this morning when I woke up Lena and Lana were missing, I think someone broke into my room last night and kidnapped them" Sakura stared right into Tsume's eyes as she said this.

Hana dropped the scroll she had been carrying, she had decided to teach Sakura about the healing and statis jutsu that day after she ran through her usual session, Sakura had said those words with a seriousness a young girl shouldn't have.

"WHAT" Tsume roared impressively setting off the canines in the compound as they felt their alpha's growing agitation and irritated chakra, a moment later Tsume took a deep calming breath "Did you see who did it" she asked wanting to get all the facts.

Sakura looked down at her hands "No Tsume-sama, Lena and Lana were in an abandoned apartment on the outskirts of the village" she replied obediently, Sakura was just as pissed as Tsume that someone would touch what belonged to her.

"I swear every time I fix one problem another comes up" Tsume rubbed her face tiredly, it was ridiculous, Sakura was a very sweet girl though sometimes she had a bit of a temper, so Tsume didn't understand why everyone was targeting her.

Sakura scuffed her shoe, she knew Tsume didn't mean anything by saying that "I'll try harder, I'll get stronger so that you don't have to fix my problems anymore Tsume-sama" Sakura vowed, and Hana sighed.

"How about we get started on your training and then we'll talk about this later" Hana soothed gently and Sakura relaxed like Hana thought she would, the girl just adored her and it came in handy having such a calming scent.

Sakura turned "Ok you two, time to get to work, like usual run that course" she pointed at the upgraded course and chewed on her fingernails nervously, Sakura was worried that someone would attempt to kidnap Lena and Lana again.

Tsume watched Sakura pull out her notebook after clicking the timer she used and wrote down the completion time of the course "Come on Haruno brat let's see how much you've improved" she rubbed her hands together eagerly.

Hana laughed lightly, she wasn't the only one captivated by Sakura, her mother was just as involved with the girl as she and Kiba were "Of course Tsume-sama, Lena, Lana Dynamic Marking" Sakura called out.

'And then there's that with the constant use of title Mom probably has her ego inflated everyday' Hana snorted softly in amusement, as she watched Sakura go through the course practicing dynamic marking.

When Sakura was finished, she back tracked and nodded proudly "Good Job Lena, Lana you got nine out of ten this time" Sakura ruffled their fur kindly as they gave her matching barks of happiness.

*Thank you Sakura-chan, I'm glad we've improved Lena and I will always do our best to become companions that you can be proud of" Lana licked her paw clean, Sakura was very good to them so that was the only choice become their very best.

Sakura beamed at Lana with fondness in her emerald eyed gaze "That means a lot, Lana, Lena" she couldn't help but feel happy despite the newest looming danger, Sakura vowed to always make sure her companions were safe.

Tsume blinked in confusion it sounded like Sakura had just had a conversation with her two pups, though it should be impossible because the connection took years to form, but Sakura was a very special girl so Tsume thought that it must have happened a lot earlier.

"Ok Haruno brat, Lena, Lana it's time to learn fang over fang" Tsume planted her fist on her hip and pointed to a spot in front of her "Kuromaru" Tsume whistled and the old canine padded from the house to stand at her side.

Sakura perked up and her face lit up in happiness "I can't wait Tsume-sama" she exclaimed and watched Tsume perform the jutsu with ease, Sakura realized after a moment that the jutsu took perfect control and aim.

"Ok your turn" Tsume ordered and repeated the hand signs needed for the jutsu, she wanted to see how much Sakura could handle, Sakura took a deep breath, looked at the targets scattered about the grounds and started.

"Ninja Art: Fang Over Fang" Sakura concentrated as she and her two companions rotated like a drill around the training grounds, it was difficult to maintain focus without going out of control as she started smashing her way through the targets.

Hana winced as Sakura lost control of the jutsu momentarily and slammed into a post "Sakura are you alright" Hana rushed over to the girl, Tsume trailing after her, Sakura leaned her head back to reveal a bloody nose.

"I'm ok I think I just broke my nose" Sakura gave a pained smile, reached up and then snapped her nose back into place, thankfully her glasses were undamaged, Hana cringed at the crunch before leaning down.

Tsume shook her head as Hana healed Sakura's nose, the girl had done beautifully before going out of control, Tsume understood that for a genin who had no prior training until nearly two weeks ago it would be difficult to control such a jutsu.

"Ok Sakura, time to learn about medical ninjutsu, I'm going to teach you the healing and statis jutsu" Hana pulled out the scroll she had stowed away in her pouch, Sakura smiled sheepishly "What is it Sakura" Hana asked upon seeing the expression.

Sakura rubbed the back of her head "Hana, I don't want you to be mad at me but I studied that medical book you gave me and got curious" she looked down, Sakura knew she should have waited until Hana said she was ready.

Hana furrowed her brow in confusion "Does that mean you already know the jutsu" she questioned gently, Sakura nodded guiltily "Ah that makes things easier though can you demonstrate what you know so far" Hana enquired.

Sakura's eyes lit up and she took the fish used the chakra scalpel efficiently then healed the gaping wound she had made, Tsume smirked when the fishes flesh started mending together, Sakura was an exceptional shinobi.

"Tell me something Haruno brat how come you never trained like this before" Tsume asked, she had been wanting to know for quite a long time it didn't make any sense if Sakura had been trained like this then she would have made it through the chunin exams.

"Kakashi-sensei said that since I was a little flower that I should just sit back and let my team mates protect me, the only things he really taught me were the tree climbing and two jutsu" Sakura scowled now that she was away from the man she could see all of his faults.

Hana's jaw dropped, and she had, had the highest respect for the silver haired jonin, he was a good shinobi for sure but as a sensei Kakashi just failed, he was no good at having a team of genin under his control.

Tsume's eye twitched in agitation, it was a good thing she had acted and gotten Sakura off of that incompetent idiots team "Say Sakura how would you like to help out at the clinic for the rest of the afternoon" Hana offered wanting Sakura to smile again.

"Ah I would love to, but I made a promise to my friends and team mates that I would help them look for a yukata to wear to the treaty festival" Sakura smiled happily "Maybe tomorrow" she asked shyly.

"Of course though you better complete your individual training" Tsume swiftly ordered and watched Sakura for the last couple of hours work with her jutsu's and enhanced strength along with chakra control.

Sakura swiped her forehead from the sweat that had beaded there as she finished her taijutsu exercise "See you tomorrow, Tsume-sama, Hana, oh could Lena and Lana stay here until I finish up shopping" Sakura stared down at her two companions worriedly.

"Yeah Sakura, I'll watch after them" Kiba appeared with Akamaru having just got back from training with his team and sensei "It's no bother and they can train for a couple of hours build up their speed and energy" he stated nonchalantly.

Sakura smiled brilliantly and waved "Later then" she rushed off heading to the gates where Suigetsu, Karin, Sasuke and Tenten were all waiting "Sorry it took a couple of minutes longer than I expected" Sakura explained.

"Don't worry about it so much Sakura" Tenten grinned, she was excited about the festival and getting to go shopping for a yukata with the Sasuke Uchiha "We haven't been waiting for very long anyway" she waved Sakura's concerns off.

Sakura pumped her fist "Alright I know the best shop to get a yukata at" she led the group of four to the nearest clothing store and walked right in with her head held high, this was the shop that Kiba and she always went to.

Karin's eyes widened in awe at the amount of yukata's in the store "Sweet sage" she stared in wonderment before gripping Sakura and Tenten and leading the two girls over to the nearest rack, all of them had decided to get Sakura a yukata.

Tenten whistled in awe as she held up a pure white yukata with weapons decorating it "What do you think Sakura" Tenten asked turning to the girl who was standing back a little ways and just watching them pick out their favorite colors.

"I think it's very pretty Tenten-chan and it would suit you very well" Sakura let her eyes scan the white yukata before nodding "So what do you think Sasuke should wear do you want it matching or something else" she enquired softly.

Tenten blinked, she had never thought of having matching colors "Sasuke can wear what colors suit him best anyways lets help Karin pick out a yukata now and then it's your turn Sakura" she grinned and Sakura turned sheepish.

"Oh helping Karin-chan find a yukata is good but I've got a yukata that I'm going to wear at the festival" Sakura pushed her fingers together shyly, and she blushed prettily in remembrance of the temple she had went to with Kiba.

Karin's eyebrows raised into her hairline before a smirk spread across her lips "I bet your thinking something naughty Sakura-chan, come on spill I want to hear all the juicy details, and we are still getting you a yukata that part is nonnegotiable" Karin crossed her arms stubbornly.

"Yeah you'll just have to deal with it Sakura and I admit I'm also curious what would make you blush like that" Tenten leaned forward as she and Karin crowded around the pinkette who just turned a deeper red.

Sakura smiled shyly "It's nothing naughty, but I was just thinking about when Kiba and I visited the soul mate temple in the Hidden Cloud Village, that's why I have a yukata, he got one to cause we have an abnormally strong bond" she couldn't help but whisper with a large smile.

"Ohohoho talking about me Sakura" Kiba snuck up on the pinkette and she jumped a foot in the air, only to swing around with a pout on her lips "Ah, you deserve it for being absent minded" Kiba patted her forehead gently.

Karin and Tenten snickered quietly "Kiba when are you going to ask Sakura to be your girlfriend, if I can see that you like her then everyone else can to" Tenten spoke up suddenly and it was Kiba's turn to flush beat red.

Sakura pressed a hand over her mouth to stifle her laughter as Kiba stuttered in shock "Don't harass him Tenten-chan, we are waiting before becoming an official couple" she swooped in and saved the boy from digging himself into a deeper hole.

"Aww ruin our fun Sakura-chan, anyways let's find me a pretty yukata I refuse to look bad next to that baka Suigetsu" Karin put her hands on her hips and sent Kiba scurrying from their group it was just girls for the time being.

Sakura sighed and sorted through the rack before coming across a multi red colored yukata "How about this one Karin-chan" she held it up for Karin to see who became fascinated by the mix of her colors.

"Perfect now for you" Karin put her yukata in the basket that held Tenten's and turned to rifle through the pile of yukata's looking for the perfect one that would suit Sakura "What color is the yukata you already have" she struck up a conversation suddenly.

Sakura smiled brightly "It's dark pink with light green butterflies on it" she explained "The one Kiba has is all brown with red dogs on it" Sakura grinned he had looked so cute in it that it was unbelievable.

"Your thinking about Kiba again, it's written all over your face" Tenten teased joining in on the conversation when she turned back to the rack though Tenten came face to face with a beautiful yukata that would be perfect for Sakura.

Karin saw it as well and both girls grabbed it "Ah looks like we had the same idea, you know this hanging out with girls thing is really fun" she let go of the yukata and let Tenten present it to Sakura who gasped in awe.

The yukata was a dark green with pink and green diamonds as it's design "It's gorgeous" Sakura took the yukata in her arms and held it up to her body "Not to mention a perfect fit as well, I'll save this one back until something important comes up" Sakura decided out loud.

"Good idea, now let's go help those boys out cause I don't think they could figure out what yukata to pick" Tenten led the group to where the boys were standing around looking as clueless as they had been when they had all first entered the store.

Sasuke spotted them first "Thank god I was about to give up on picking the right yukata" he sighed in relief, Sakura giggled lightly at him and he sulked, she was always teasing him now and it was just plain weird.

"Well your in luck, I'm pretty good so lets see for Suigetsu first, cause I have the perfect idea for you Sasuke" Sakura started going through a pile of yukata, Karin and Tenten just hung back letting her work.

Suigetsu sighed, he hoped Sakura found a good one for him, Karin had already threatened him that if he made a fool out of himself then she would never take him to another festival so long as he lived.

Sasuke leaned against the wall, Sakura truly was amazing "So Sakura did you hear that Sai's apartment got destroyed this morning" he enquired wanting to know if his old team mate had heard the news.

Sakura froze "Sai's apartment" she asked going white in realization 'But what would he want with Lena and Lana and it also explains why I didn't sense him, there is something off about the boy' Sakura scowled in her thoughts.

"Yeah the door was off it's hinges along with the entire apartment just being in pieces" Sasuke missed Sakura's reaction as he explained the damage "They are trying to replace his things that got damaged" he tapped his arm and looked up.

Suigetsu and Karin shared a look of concern "Was it on the outskirts of town like way out there" Karin asked suddenly glancing at Sakura as worry filled her red eyes, Sasuke nodded "Shit" she cursed startling Sakura.

"Why do you know something about it Karin-san, Suigetsu-san" Sasuke narrowed his eyes, the slightly older kids were acting extremely suspicious, even Sakura was acting strangely she hadn't moved for several minutes.

Sakura turned around shame in her eyes "Sasuke what I'm about to tell you must never be repeated to anyone ok" she stared into his onyx eyes hoping that it would make an impact on the boy to prevent him from talking to anyone.

"I swear to never tell a soul Sakura" Sasuke vowed getting scared, Sakura wasn't being herself right now "What do you have to do with Sai's apartment being destroyed anyway" he creased his forehead in confusion.

Sakura took a deep breath "Sasuke, this morning when I woke, Lena and Lana were missing it was only thanks to Karin-chan and Suigetsu that I found them, they were in Sai's apartment, I'm the one who destroyed it to get my companions back" she rushed out quietly.

Sasuke's jaw dropped in horror "What was Sai doing with your canines" he couldn't believe his ears, but if Sakura said it then it must be true "We can't hide something like this, Lady Tsunade should be told" Sasuke blurted out in a whisper.

"Listen Sasuke, I think your new team mate is up to something if we blow him now then he'll just deny everything" Sakura whispered back heatedly, if they gathered enough information then they could stop his plot.

"Ok Sakura, I'll keep it a secret" Sasuke nodded just as Sakura pulled out a boys yukata in pale blue and purple and handed it to Suigetsu "My turn right" he asked when Sakura turned around to face him.

Suigetsu whistled in awe and bounded off to pay for the yukata with some of his left over money, the apartment was cheap so between him and Karin they had plenty of money to buy other things they wanted.

"Yes Sasuke, it's your turn" Sakura smiled kindly and scanned the racks, she spotted the yukata right away and reached up to pull it off the shelf "Here you go" she presented the blue yukata with onyx gems decorating it to him.

Sasuke took the boy yukata in hand "Good now we can all get a late lunch it's almost 1:30, I can't believe how long we've been in here" he stated casually before they all headed to the front of the store to buy their yukata's.

Sakura couldn't help but smile, silently wishing Kiba was here as well as they finally left the store and headed to the tea and dango shop "Looking for me" Kiba appeared behind her and she swung around with a shout of fright.

"Damn it Kiba stop sneaking up on me" Sakura sulked that was twice in just less than an hour the boy had managed to nearly give her a mini heart attack, she pressed her hand over her heart and tried to calm down.

Kiba turned smug Sakura didn't realize she had been sending her emotions through the ring they were pure and unadulterated "Ah didn't think I would join you for lunch did you" Kiba scolded, Sakura knew he loved the tea and dango shop.

Sakura beamed at Kiba and took his hand "I actually hoped you would come on the others have already gone in" she tugged him into the shop and over to the table that already held four people seated at it with room enough for just two more.

Karin gave an inward smirk, so that's where Sakura had disappeared to "So Sakura-chan, what do you think Nara-sensei is going to have us do today" she chatted softly with the girl across the table as they ate their dango sticks and drank their green tea.

"Who knows Nara-sensei might have us go through some more tests to evaluate our intelligence levels or have us go under cover or something" Sakura shrugged, she had heard stories about Shikamaru's dad and so she could only speculate for the moment.

Suigetsu spat out his tea "More freaking tests just great" he sulked while he ate, the girls around the table giggling at him as he did so "I mean why couldn't we train like normal people instead having to walk across lily pads" Suigetsu complained loudly.

"Baka Suigetsu" Karin snorted "But I have to agree with him why do you think that anyway Sakura-chan" she was curious as to why Sakura would say something like that, then again with the rumor mill maybe Sakura had picked up on something.

Sakura tapped the table with her finger "Well Nara-sensei is a really smart jonin, he's a master strategist, not to mention Nara-sensei has a son who's almost as smart as him and his intelligence levels are off the charts" she listed for references.

"You sure know a lot about our sensei Sakura-chan" Suigetsu leaned forward with a grin, their team mate was one of a kind, and even Nara-sensei had praised her the other day, Sakura could very well be just what he and Karin had both needed.

Sakura smiled sheepishly "Just telling you guys what I've heard from other people, we are his first genin team ever that I know of so nobody knows what Nara-sensei will do" she shrugged and finished off her dango and tea.

Sasuke had remained silent the entire time Sakura and her new team mates had talked between each other, she was out of team sevens reach forever and Sasuke knew that now "I'm glad that your happy Sakura" he gave her a small smile paid for his meal and then disappeared.

Kiba glanced to the side at the pinkette who had a bitter smile on her lips "Sakura, you still have hanging out with them to look forward to, just because Uchiha said that doesn't mean what ever your thinking" he nudged her gently in the side and squeezed her hand tightly.

"I know Kiba, I'll be over to pick up Lena and Lana after team training they aren't ready yet" Sakura smiled paid for her food and stood "We should hurry, Nara-sensei said three and I hate to be late" she grinned as Suigetsu and Karin hurriedly finished up.

Kiba and Tenten watched the trio leave the shop "You really like her don't you Inuzuka" Tenten spoke up and Kiba gave a little sigh "Don't worry about it so much, Sakura will wake up and smell the roses eventually" the brown haired girl winked and then left leaving Kiba alone.

At the training grounds team eleven arrived exactly at three "Well at least I don't have to go looking for you three" Shikaku appeared from the shadows and two of his genin jumped, Sakura just looked like she had expected him to do that.

"We weren't late were we Nara-sensei" Karin asked, Shikaku shook his head "That's a relief looks like we made it Sakura, like you said we would" she sighed in relief before looking at the pinkette "So what are we going to do today Nara-sensei" Karin eyed her sensei warily.

Suigetsu glanced sideways at Sakura, what if her hunch was correct "Hm, I was thinking maybe a little physical training, like avoid being caught in my jutsu for instance" Shikaku formed the hand signs to his shadow hold jutsu.

Sakura cartwheeled backwards, Shikaku's shadow was much faster than Shikamaru's 'I'm at least going to make it difficult for him, if I apply everything I've learned over the last couple of weeks then I'll last for maybe ten minutes tops' Sakura chewed on her lip as she thought.

Karin and Suigetsu were immediately caught "What that's not fair Nara-sensei" Suigetsu started complaining right away as he struggled to get out of the shadows that were holding him down "You didnt even tell us what your jutsu was" he scowled.

Shikaku rolled his eyes and spoke just as Sakura did "The enemy isn't going to tell you what his jutsu is, he's just going to attack will it still be unfair then Suigetsu" they spoke in unison and Shikaku blinked in confusion before a smirk lifted the corners of his lips up.

Suigetsu shut his mouth at that, both Sakura and Shikaku were right an enemy wouldn't give you any five second warning he would just attack "Hm your surprisingly bright Sakura" Shikaku called she was putting up quite the fight having avoided his shadows so far.

"I'm just telling it like it is Nara-sensei" Sakura grinned leaning back to avoid the next shadow, sweat beaded on her forehead as she concentrated, Sakura had known what the jutsu he was going to use was but her team mates didn't.

Karin pressed her lips together angrily, she should have asked Sakura what their sensei could do instead of asking what he was like, that way maybe she and Suigetsu would have been better prepared, information was everything after all.

Shikaku sped up the speed of his shadows and Sakura jumped back as fast as she could to dodge being caught it was a game of speed and Shikaku was sure he would win because Sakura was slowly wearing down.

Sakura's heart was pounding in her chest this was her limit ten minutes "Gah" she slipped on some mud and Shikaku's shadows latched on holding her up in the air "Looks like you finally caught me Nara-sensei" Sakura grinned tilting her head slightly to avoid getting dizzy.

"You still put up quite the show though so I give you a passing grade for the day" Shikaku set his genin free and Sakura flopped on the ground tiredly "As for you two ten laps around the lake" he ordered before leaning against a tree.

Suigetsu grumbled under his breath as they ran "I never thought Sakura-chan could be that good, it's like dodging is in her dna" he talked to Karin and chanced a glance over to the pinkette who was still resting on the ground.

"Yeah, if she hadn't of slipped like she did Sakura would have been able to keep dodging for maybe five more minutes" Karin huffed in exasperation, she was proud of her team mate but on the other hand slightly jealous.

Shikaku eyed Sakura "So you were expecting something like that to happen" he questioned suddenly and the pinkette jumped a little, apparently Sakura had been deep in thought and by speaking he had startled her.

"Oh well your Shikamaru's dad, I figured it would either be something like intelligence evaluation or something a little more sneakier like that" Sakura explained lamely, she hadn't really thought about it all to much.

Shikaku let out a snort of laughter "Interesting little girl aren't, I pity those that face you on the field one day" he mused, Sakura would be quite a force to be reckoned with in the near future, Kakashi was going to regret doing what he did when she turns out stronger than everyone.

"I'm not all that interesting Nara-sensei, I'm just Sakura Haruno" Sakura stated fidgeting in embarrassment it was so weird being complimented for something Kakashi had always left her mostly out of team training saying that she didn't need to worry about it.

'Damn Kakashi, you've really lowered this girls self esteem and confidence' Shikaku shook his head, why on earth would the man allow someone of Sakura's caliber wilt and fade in the background it was strange even for Kakashi.

Karin and Suigetsu came to a stop as they finished off their final lap "We are done Nara-sensei what do you want us to do next" Suigetsu took a large sip of his water and reattached it to his belt, he had to stay hydrated no matter what.

Shikaku chuckled deeply "Ok you little genin a ninja must have proper chakra control as demonstrated by Sakura yesterday, your task is to climb that tree without using your hands" he addressed the two genin.

"Sakura your job is to help them establish a proper flow with their chakra and teach them the tree climbing technique" Shikaku ordered turning to Sakura who nodded in agreement before leading her team mates over to a tree.

Sakura took a deep breath "First you focus chakra into the soles of your feet that's the easy part" she walked straight up the tree to show her team mates "At first you'll want to run to get a head start" Sakura sat down and made a mark on the tree.

Karin looked up and up and up, Sakura was way up in the tree "The technique relies mainly on having the right amount of chakra, to much the tree will crack and you'll bounce off, and to little you'll just slide back down" Sakura continued her explanation.

"Oh I get it Sakura-chan" Suigetsu being cocky was the first one to fail as he concentrated to little chakra into his feet took off like a bullet only to tumble back down the tree head first and slam into the ground with a groan.

Sakura winced "You ok Suigetsu" she called down from her tree branch, Sakura wasn't worried about falling because she was anchoring herself to the tree with chakra, the boy gave her a thumbs up and Sakura sighed in relief.

Karin pushed her glasses up her nose, if Sakura could do this technique flawlessly then so could she, Karin focused chakra to the soles of her feet making sure to have a good amount, then got a running start to climb the tree.

Shikaku watched curiously as Karin got half way up the tree before it cracked like Sakura had said it would and the girl pushed off the tree to avoid getting hurt, Sakura was very good at explaining things for people to understand.

"Good try Karin use a little less chakra next time, I know it's hard at first but that's why there's the saying, practice makes perfect" Sakura called down to her team mates as they continued to try and reach her spot in the tree.

"Say Sakura-chan, why did you make a mark on that tree anyway" Suigetsu shouted up the tree hoping that the pinkette would explain to them, Karin looked just as curious so now Sakura had no choice but to tell them.

Sakura blinked before shaking her head "Oops, that's just a habit, though I suppose it could work for you two as well, this is a mark to signal where you need to get eventually once you can reach this height then we'll go higher" Sakura explained sheepishly.

Shikaku creased his forehead, so that was something Kakashi had taught her, but then who on earth had taught Sakura the water walking technique, genin shouldn't have that amount of chakra control it was crazy.

Karin sighed as she tried again and again to get the right amount of chakra flowing in her feet, sweat slid down the back of her neck and Karin grimaced it was gross and she was definitely going to take a shower when she got home.

Suigetsu paused for a moment to take another sip of his water before gritting his teeth as he put to much chakra in his feet and bounced off the tree, Suigetsu landed face first in the ground and a loud crunch signaled something had broken.

Sakura jumped from the tree and rushed over to the boy "Hey are you ok, what got broke" she asked frantically, she had broken her nose just this morning so it was strange to see the same thing happen to one of her team mates.

"Ah I think I broke my jaw" Suigetsu tried to say but it came out "A I fink I bwoke y aw" he winced as his jaw throbbed in agony it was worse than anything Suigetsu had ever felt and that was saying something since Karin always smacked him on the back of the head.

Karin tapped her foot, she didn't want to reveal one of her special abilities but maybe she would have to, to heal Suigetsu "It's ok Suigetsu" Sakura smiled soothingly and helped Suigetsu put his jaw in place.

Shikaku watched in awe as Sakura called healing chakra into her hands and healed her team mates broken jaw, time was up anyway for their training session "Where did you learn that and the water walking technique" Shikaku asked as Sakura pulled away and the green glow faded.

Suigetsu rubbed his jaw, it didn't hurt but there was still a bruise "Thanks Sakura-chan" he hopped to his feet and left with Karin as Shikaku dismissed them "Can you believe it Karin, Sakura know medical ninjutsu" Suigetsu couldn't help but think his team mate was amazing.

"Yeah just perfect" Karin sulked, Sakura was awesome and had continuously showed her and Suigetsu up the entire two hours they had trained with their sensei, Karin didn't think Sakura was doing it on purpose but it sucked that their sensei payed the girl more attention.

Suigetsu shook his head "Your just sore about Sakura being better than you, know what Karin your just going to have to get over it, did you see what her old sensei tried to do to her, not to mention everything else" he wanted to make sure Sakura didn't get hurt again.

Karin flashed back to the other day when they had met Sakura for the first time, her old sensei had nearly hit her "Your right, I'll apologize to her tomorrow" Karin looked down at her feet ashamed of herself for being jealous of Sakura.

Back on the training field "Well, I know medical ninjutsu cause I taught it to myself, along with the water walking technique everything else I learned on my own except for the Inuzuka Clan Jutsu" Sakura fidgeted nervously.

Shikaku shook his head "Keep up the good work then and tomorrow you should bring your companions they need to train with you not apart from you now go home and get some rest Sakura" he patted her on the head gently and disappeared in a puff of smoke.

In a good mood Sakura walked through town heading back to the Inuzuka Compound, she stopped though when three familiar people stepped in her way "Lord Raikage, Darui-san, Cee-san good evening" Sakura chirped happily.

"What's got you in such a good mood pink brat" Ay barked gruffly and Sakura sent him an ecstatic grin "Ok this is a side of you I haven't seen before" he ruffled her hair roughly and Sakura just let him get away with it.

"Ah just had a good day today, though this morning wasn't very good it turned out better than I thought it would" Sakura explained her good mood to the three men with a bright smile on her lips, everything was turning out great.

Darui chuckled softly and gave the young girl a pat on the head "Hows the new sensei panning out for ya, he's not to dull is he" he asked as they walked through town, Sakura didn't look like she was in a hurry anyway.

Sakura's face lit up and her eyes sparkled "Nara-sensei is so awesome, just training with him for two days I can already tell I've improved and my team mates are pretty cool as well" Sakura chattered softly.

"Have you been training with your medical ninjutsu" Cee joined in the conversation smoothly since the other day they hadn't had contact with Sakura so it was very frustrating not knowing how she was dealing with all the new changes.

Sakura grinned "That's all good to, tomorrow after I get done training with the Inuzuka's I'm going to help out at the vet clinic after lunch for the entire afternoon" she transitioned from one person to the next keeping the flow of speech going all the way to the Inuzuka Compound gate.

Ay let out a rumbling laugh, the pink brat was so bubbly it was unbelievable, "So what was so bad about this morning" he questioned before Sakura had a chance to take off into the compound Ay was curious.

Sakura froze "Oh well I just had a little trouble with my companions that's all" she smiled, she hadn't lied but she hadn't told the truth either, besides nobody else needed to know about what had happened.

Ay rolled his eyes and Sakura headed on through the gates when they opened up for her "Lena, Lana" Sakura called when she spotted the two pups on the training course, they bounded over to her in excitement.

*Sakura-chan, did you see Lana made that high jump so can we come to training with you and your team mates tomorrow" Lena panted out as Sakura scooped her and Lana into her arms, they had been training for two hours straight and were tired.

Sakura grimaced the smell of dirt and a mix of other things clung to her two companions like a second skin "I saw Lena and guess what you two get another bath" she smiled as they whined at her in unison.

*But Sakura-chan, we just had a bath not to long ago* Lana complained as they headed to the gates of the compound to leave, Sakura just gave them a stern look and she sulked in the girls arms next to her sister.

Sakura shook her head "I know it wasn't to long ago but you two stink again and if that drifts through the house then I won't be allowed to keep you there anymore" Sakura explained it was that or be left elsewhere for the night.

"Uh Sakura who are you talking to" Kiba appeared next to her hearing the conversation between Sakura and an unknown person, the pinkette jerked her head up in surprise before sending a look of confusion at her two companions.

"I thought you could hear them as well but maybe it's just me, I was talking to Lena and Lana, they were complaining about not wanting to take another bath" Sakura explained it was weird, though she couldn't hear Akamaru either so maybe it was just her who could understand.

Kiba's eyes widened "Holy crap Sakura your a genius it takes years for that connection to form, but if Lena and Lana trust you that much then your going to turn out one of the greatest honorary Inuzuka's ever" he praised loudly.

"You really think so Kiba" Sakura asked shyly, her cheeks turned a soft red and Kiba just grinned at her as they finally left the compound, Ay, Darui and Cee were waiting for them "Hello again" she smiled sweetly at the three men.

Kiba patted Sakura on the back "Of course, and I'm coming over for a bit" he nudged Sakura in the side and she just blushed even harder "How did team training go" Kiba continued when she remained silent.

Ay shrugged she would be fine now "See ya pink brat" he called and he, Darui and Cee headed back to their hotel, the festival was a week and six days away so they had plenty of time to visit and chat with Sakura.

"See you later" Sakura waved until they were out of sight "And it went great, I think I surprised Nara-sensei" she grinned mischievously "Then afterwards, I got to help teach Karin-chan and Suigetsu the tree climbing technique" Sakura continued.

Kiba blinked in confusion "How do you figure you surprised Shikamaru's dad, I thought he was unflappable" he scratched the back of his head as Sakura giggled at him after his statement, this caused Kiba to sulk.

"Well it's not that I really startled him I just don't think he was quite expecting me to be able to dodge his shadows for ten whole minutes, if I hadn't of slipped on some mud I probably would have been able to make it for a few more minutes at least" Sakura explained.

Kiba's lips parted in an o "I see, good job Sakura you'll have to tell Ma about it tomorrow, and the reason I'm coming over is to set up some traps to prevent someone from coming in your room" he told Sakura the true reason.

Sakura nodded wisely "That's probably a good idea, I don't know what I'd do if something happened to Lena and Lana" she stared down at her two companions, worry clear in her eyes, it had hurt to physically be parted from them.

*Don't worry Sakura-chan, that guy who took us won't get away with it again, though do you think we could sleep on your bed tonight underneath the covers" Lana asked after giving Sakura a lick on the cheek.

*Yeah, Sakura-chan, can we please* Lena joined in on the begging giving Sakura her best puppy dog eyes, a smile spread across the girls lips before hugging them closer *It's not like we'd be stinky* Lena continued when Sakura remained silent.

Sakura hummed for a moment in fake contemplation "Oh alright you two can sleep on my bed underneath the blanket tonight" she relented after a few minutes and the pups gave two matching yips of happiness and lathered her face with kisses.

Kiba chuckled softly, Sakura was good with the pups and little kids, he wondered if she was just as good at calming adults down, though that would probably come at a later time "Hey Mr. and Mrs. Haruno" Kiba greeted suddenly.

"Hello Kiba-san, do you mind if Sakura spends the next three weeks with you at your house, we are going out of the village on a mission" Kizashi greeted with a nod before asking a favor of the young boy that Sakura had made friends with.

"Yes, I would hate to have Sakura stay here and get in trouble, plus she would be much safer with you and your family" Mebuki joined in, there was no way Sakura was staying alone, her daughter got in way more trouble than she needed to nowadays.

Sakura's jaw dropped "But you'll miss the festival" she blurted out suddenly what on earth was Lady Tsunade thinking sending her parents out on a three week mission all the shinobi in the village were supposed to attend the treaty signing and the following activities.

Mebuki and Kizashi shared a secret grin "We will but that's ok we've been dismissed for the festival" Kizashi gave Sakura a brief hug "Take care Sakura" he gave her a wave and started walking to the gates.

"Yes, take care Sakura dear and make sure you look after our precious little girl" Mebuki squeezed Sakura to her bosom tightly before turning her attention on Kiba, the boy who had given her daughter a better chance at making it as a kunoichi.

"Roger that Mrs. Haruno, Sakura is safe in my hands" Kiba saluted the woman as she walked off "Shall we gather your things now" he faced Sakura when the two Harunos were out of sight and hearing distance.

Sakura nodded with a giggle "You are hilarious, it makes me wonder why we never hung out before, but then I realized I was to focused on Sasuke to give hanging out with another guy a chance" she rapidly spoke.

Kiba blinked before rolling his eyes in exasperation "Come on" he pulled on her hand as they entered Sakura's house and headed to her room, Kiba paused "Uh you better go in alone" he gulped nervously.

Sakura narrowed her eyes suspiciously "I'll be out in a jiffy so just make yourself comfortable Kiba" she pulled open her door and it shut with a soft click behind her, Kiba sat down on the couch and pressed his face into his hands.

'Why the hell did I chicken out, it's not like I haven't been in the same bedroom as Sakura before, but this is different that's her real room' Kiba inwardly berated himself for not going in the room with Sakura for fear of becoming to embarrassed at all the girly things in it.

Inside Sakura's bedroom, she had set Lena and Lana down on her bed so that she could remove some of her clothes and the yukata from the dresser and stow them in a scroll, Sakura didn't realize the danger in her room until it was to late.

Kiba jumped up when a loud shriek was heard from Sakura's bedroom, he sped down the hall and jerked her door open and found Sakura in the corner of her room and a tall masked man holding Lena and Lana in his arms.

"Oh no you don't bastard" Kiba bared his teeth and flexed his claws leaping forward catching the man by surprise as he raked his fingers down the mans arm, he let go of the pups and they scurried over to Sakura.

Sakura gasped and pressed her hand over her mouth, she had to do something, then her emerald eyes filled with determination and Sakura quickly formed the hand signs to the chakra scalpel and jumped into battle.

"Lena, Lana don't move from the corner" Sakura ordered harshly and they whimpered softly as she lashed out with her chakra scalpel, now it was the man on the defense as her hand grazed his stomach and the man doubled over.

The man swung out and struck Sakura across the face before kicking his foot, Kiba jumped over it and Sakura latched on with her teeth and bit down tasting blood, the man let out a shout of pain and shook her off.

When Kiba looked up Sakura went flying across the room into the wall "Sakura" he forgot all about the man as the pinkette crumpled onto her bed unconscious, the man took his chance and disappeared in a puff of smoke.

Kiba breathed heavily as the last few minutes replayed in his mind "Lena, Lana I can't carry you two and Sakura so lets go" Kiba ordered as gently as he could, before grabbing Sakura's scroll she dropped and lifting the girl in his arms.

Cee's stomach filled with dread, something happened he could feel it "Hey I'm going to go check on Sakura-san" Cee told Darui suddenly the dark skinned male looked up in confusion they had just seen the girl not even an hour ago.

"We'll go with you then, I admit I'd like to continue talking with her as well" Ay stood and stretched, Cee seemed almost anxious to leave and Ay wondered why, maybe something had happened and the blonde could sense it.

Kiba sped down the streets to the hospital, he had sent Akamaru, Lena and Lana ahead to the compound to let his Ma and Sis know what had happened and where he would be, Kiba gritted his teeth why were people targeting Sakura it didn't make any sense at all.

Sakura came to with a groan "Kiba what's going on, what happened" she opened her eyes and peered up at the boy, Sakura knew he was carrying her again, then her eyes widened fully as the memories flooded through her mind.

"Yeah, I'm taking you to the hospital Sakura just don't move to much" Kiba warned, he didn't know if something had broken when she had hit the wall or not but he wasn't going to chance it not until Sakura could get looked at by a qualified medic nin.

Tsume looked up as Akamaru and Sakura's companions burst into the house from the open back door and started barking up a storm "They are saying something happened to the pink pup and Kiba is taking her to the hospital" Kuromaru translated.

Her heart skipped a beat as worry filled her entire being "Kuromaru stay with the pups" Tsume barked out her order and sped from the compound, briefly stopping at the clinic to get Hana before continuing to the hospital.

Along the way the two women ran into the Raikage and his men, who followed them all the way to the hospital, Tsume ran through the doors and demanded to know where Sakura Haruno was "Calm down ma'am, she's resting in one of the rooms" the man behind the desk soothed.

"Which Room" Tsume snarled viciously, Sakura was like another daughter to her and if she ever found out who touched her that person was a dead man, the man quickly listed the room number and Tsume tore down the hall, her daughter and the cloud ninja on her heels.

Kiba looked up as the hospital door slammed open "Ma" he jumped up with a shout of relief, Sakura stayed completely asleep, the nurse had given her something for the pain and had drifted off five minutes ago.

"What happened otouto" Hana cut in, Sakura was covered in bruises "It's not even been an hour since you two left the compound" she furrowed her brows in concern, how the hell could this have happened in such a short amount of time.

Kiba swallowed thickly spotting the Cloud Ninja "We were at her house, her parents left on a mission, I stayed out in the living room while Sakura went to pack" Kiba clenched his fists as angry tears filled his onyx eyes.

"I heard Sakura shriek and when I opened her bedroom door a masked man was standing by the window holding Lena and Lana, I attacked and Sakura joined in, he struck her and she bit him after using the chakra scalpel and then he tossed her" Kiba continued his explanation.

"Sakura hit the wall and he escaped if only I had been able to mark him" Kiba grit his teeth as he finished, it was his fault, Kiba knew he shouldn't have chickened out then this wouldn't have happened Kiba felt sick to his stomach from the guilt.

Tsume's mouth dropped open in horror, why was someone after Sakura's companions "Oh brat" she shook her head then pulled Kiba into a hug, Tsume was thankful that Kiba had been there otherwise things might not have turned out so well.

Cee pinched the bridge of his nose in frustration "Was she badly hurt when she hit the wall" he questioned as he walked over to stand at Sakura's side and run the statis jutsu, Cee didn't work in the hospital but that didn't mean he couldn't assure himself that Sakura was ok.

"No, she had a bruise on her cheek and a bump on the back of her head, it knocked her out for a moment though" Kiba explained, to be honest Sakura wasn't safe in the hospital the only place she would be completely safe at would be the Inuzuka Compound at his side.

It was quiet in the hospital room for a long while after that, until Sakura finally came to "Hello Tsume-sama" Sakura greeted wearily her eyes widened in shock as Tsume pulled her into a tight hug.

"Don't you ever make me worry like that again do you hear me Haruno brat" Tsume growled softly not letting the young girl go, Sakura had her wrapped around her cute little fingers, she didn't understand why someone would want to hurt the girl.

Sakura's eyes filled with tears as the events flooded her mind and she cried softly "I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm not good enough yet, I.." Sakura trailed off as her sobs got louder and louder, she was numb with shock.

Kiba clenched his fists as his heart lurched, Sakura was crying and once again he couldn't do a damn freaking thing to help her "It's not your fault Sakura, just some people are assholes" Kiba squeezed her hand.

"Hey good job fighting back, I heard you got in a few licks of your own pink brat" Ay inserted himself into the conversation, he couldn't stand hearing the girl cry, not after that first time, it was just a horrible sound.

Sakura let out a little laugh while still crying "Yeah, I guess I did" she wiped her eyes and leaned back from Tsume "He didn't get Lena or Lana either, Kiba and I protected them" Sakura finally calmed down as pride filled her.

Hana smiled fondly at the young girl, Sakura was going to be alright for now "I'll go see if you can leave" she left the room and headed off to find a nurse "Hey is Sakura Haruno free to leave" Hana asked and the woman nodded and had her sign the girl out.

"Guess who just got permission to leave" Hana knocked on the door and grinned at Sakura, it would be easier to watch over the girl if she was at the Inuzuka Compound and no one would be stupid enough to try and steal Lena and Lana while Sakura was there.

Sakura carefully climbed out of bed still wearing her off white clothes, the nurse hadn't bothered with having her put on a gown since she hadn't thought Sakura would be staying very long it turns out the nurse had been right.

"We'll see you around Sakura-san" Darui called as he, Cee and the Raikage headed back to the hotel, Sakura gave them a silent wave but even he could tell she was still worried about what had happened.

Sakura remained silent the entire way to the Inuzuka Compound, she needed to step up her training, she had been horribly unprepared for what had happened, Sakura was ashamed of herself and Kiba could feel it through the ring.

"Hey you should be proud, just because you didn't have a chance to use any of your other abilities it doesn't mean you failed, we injured him pretty bad" Kiba took Sakura's hand in his own and wove his fingers through hers.

Sakura sighed, so Kiba could guess what she was feeling, for the first time she regretted having the emotion rings "Yeah, but he got away" Sakura clenched her jaw tightly, she was pissed someone had tried to kidnap her companions twice.

'Bull headed girl, I guess that's one of the reason I like her' Kiba thought silently and bit the inside of his cheek harshly, next time he would be prepared no one would ever touch Sakura again if Kiba Inuzuka had anything to say about it.

Dinner was a quiet affair before the preteens headed off to bed, Tsume changed Sakura's assigned room to the family wing so that the pinkette was right next to Kiba's room, the household was silent for the rest of the night.