The last two weeks of training Team Seven had were like hell because their sensei decided to switch up the team they always trained with "Today you'll meet an old friend of mine, Might Gai and his students their all a year older than you" Kakashi greeted.
As they stepped onto the training grounds three hours late like usual "And who are those guys, pretty sure they aren't members of this village" Neji Hyuga pointed out in a matter of fact tone while gesturing to the extra's on the field.
"I have just as much right to be here as you do, besides I'm soon going to be a Leaf Shinobi" Karin huffed proving to have as much of an attitude as the Uchiha on team seven on a regular day and her best friend sighed with a small smile of amusement.
Neji flicked his lavender irises in the girls direction before glancing to the unknown males and spying their headbands "We weren't aware Mist and Leaf were on friendly terms" the girl with buns in her hair stated.
"Technically no but they have special permission to be here Tenten-san from Hokage-sama themselves" Sakura got fed up with the suspicion being directed at the duo that were becoming fast important people to her.
For a moment things were quiet "Just how is it you know Tenten's name" the last remaining genin, with hair in a bowl cut and thick bushy eyebrows inquired gently sensing the rising tension in the air and not wanting things to go to hell decided to be peacemaker.
Surprisingly the answer didn't come from Sakura, but from one of her other teammates "Hinata-chan is our best friend and she talks about her cousin and his teammates, can't mistake those Byakugan eyes and I remember the description she gave once" Naruto piped in bravely.
Also remembering what else his pretty Hinata-chan said about her cousin "Does that Hyuga tell you everything kami and here I am yet again being left out of things" Sasuke sulked off to the side not happy in the least.
Every eye turned his way "That is besides the point you have most youthful students Kakashi, so which one of you would like to go against Neji" Gai, as he'd been named flashed an all to wide grin at the younger genin.
Utter silence met his question until the lone girl on the team was shoved forward by Sasuke "Are you sure that's wise Hatake, he could crush her like a twig" Zabuza wandered over eyeing the brunette with lavender eyes warily.
Kakashi shifted his lone onyx eye onto the person speaking to him "Plus even with her skills she'll be no match for him" Haku nodded quietly, they'd sparred for an hour every day of the week, he would know where her levels currently sat.
"Guess I'll be facing you Neji-san and just so you know I've studied chakra points extensively, know where every single one of them are and have a trick up my sleeve to prevent you from striking them" the pinkette stated simply.
Standing before her opponent bravely "So you are the girl that made shy little useless Hinata-sama gain a confidence and her training improve in leaps and bounds, I look forward to fighting against you" the brunette gave a mock bow.
"Ooh if he wasn't such a jerk you should totally kiss him Sakura-chan" Kushina blurted out suddenly watching as the others were paired up against each other, Naruto vs Tenten, Sasuke vs Lee and then the spars began.
It was clear there was tension between Neji and Sakura "Don't you think she's experienced enough males kissing her Kushina" Hashirama deadpanned keeping his onyx eyes glued to the fight happening before them.
Kakashi frowned deeply "You know perhaps Gai that pairing her against Neji wasn't a good idea" the silver haired nin grimaced suddenly as the ground shattered, his sole female student had serious anger issues with the boy she was sparring against.
That wasn't good "Why do you say that oh youthful rival of mi…kami what the hell have you been teaching her Kakashi" the raven haired weird Jonin gaped at the amount of destruction and there Neji was sporting a couple of scrapes in the ensuing chaos.
Blood dripped down his arm "He hasn't been teaching her anything, that's all on the brat, she self taught herself all of the skills she knows" the raven haired rogue from Mist threw out there, having seen her train for an entire week in all manners of things.
Grudgingly Kakashi nodded in agreement "That anger is different than the one she displays when she's angry with her teammates or when someone simply picks on her forehead" the raven haired fifteen year old noted seeing the fury etched into those emerald orbs.
"Looks like you have a good teammate in your ranks huh Naruto" Tenten smiled knowing she had her opponent beat but drawing out the fight so that she wouldn't be bored, Naruto knew he was beaten as well, he didn't care though.
Cause in the next moment he nodded "Yep though Sakura-chan kind of has a personal issue with your teammate, what he's done to Hinata-chan is not acceptable, family is to be treasured no matter what" the blonde recited an earlier lesson he'd been given.
Blue eyes shifting in his distant cousins direction the only family he had and he would treasure her like never before "You can do it Naruto-kun" the red haired girl with ruby eyes cheered in the next moment looking happier than ever.
Tenten considered the statement before nodding in understanding it wasn't right of Neji to take his anger out on Hinata for something that wasn't her fault but until it was beat into him then he would continue to do the same things he had for several years now.
"Mm Sakura-chan maybe you should stop now, your letting your anger blind you and that's not good" the violet eyed red haired woman warned and Sakura's viridian orbs cleared of the fury, allowing her to focus on dodging and making the occasional strike on her opponent.
Her sensei let out a sigh of relief as the tension faded "Nicely done Sakura-chan just remember don't let personal feelings enter a fight unless strictly necessary" the brunette announced wisely knowing it was difficult for his young protege.
"The cherry blossom is most youthful wouldn't you agree Sasuke-san" Lee exclaimed in the next moment as the spars continued raging on between the six genin, it was like war had broken out between the lot of them.
Before each fight was called and due to having more experience and training longer not a single member of Team Seven won their spar "Ha finally someone that can beat even you Haruno" the raven haired boy smirked speaking in a smug tone of voice.
Sakura whipped around glowering furiously at Sasuke until he shrunk back "So says the one that lost a fight against a girl simply because he was biased and thought she was weak" the only pink haired girl in existence snapped.
Naruto gaped "Is now really the time to be arguing about that sort of thing, I think Kakashi-sensei's got something to tell us" the Uzumaki boy waved his arms stepping between his two teammates and hoping he wouldn't get beat into the ground for being reckless.
Once again the tension faded "What is it about Neji Hyuga that pisses you off so much Sakura-chan" the Copy Ninja asked since the others were gone and out of earshot, he hadn't thought she could get that angry until now.
She turned to face him fury in her eyes "For years now he has been mentally abusing Hinata for the sake of personal gratification and everyone wonders why she's shy, has no confidence and wouldn't even say boo to a mouse, but one has to look no further than her bloody fucking cousin" she stated.
"What do you mean by mentally abusing her" Haku prodded not liking where this conversation was suddenly going even if he had no business entering it in the first place he couldn't keep his mouth shut because he'd met Hinata.
Emerald eyes flashed his way "Tells her she can't do something, that she's to weak a disappointment in the clan and that she doesn't deserve to be the heiress, hearing that every single day of her life since she was six has broken her down and she feels as if she won't amount to anything like he says" Sakura sighed.
It was obvious not even Hinata's new friend hadn't even known that "You've been friends with her since you were what ten, just how do you know all that anyway" Karin frowned deeply herself, never having even imagined.
"Her bodyguard Ko-san noticed the changes in Hinata after spending the night with me and asked that I continue looking after her well-being, all my hard work though is undone because of Neji which really ticks me off to epic proportions, all he has to do is say one little word and she's broken all over again" she rubbed her forehead.
Naruto lowered his gaze "Sounds like the girl needs to just move out and get away from him" Zabuza offered what he thought was a simple solution but even Sasuke knew that was impossible because of Hinata's standing.
"That's impossible, Hinata's the Clan Heiress, if she were to move out of the compound she would be branded as a traitor and possibly forced into servitude by her own family" Sasuke grimaced never having realized that other clan children had it tough.
Zabuza grimaced himself and shrugged "Ahem if I could have your attention you three before you go running off to do whatever it is you do, I wanted to inform you that I have nominated you for the Chunin Exams" the silver haired nin cleared his throat.
His three genin turned as he presented the submission forms "We're all in right even you Sakura" the Uchiha glanced to his sole female teammate who had trepidation in her gaze, it put him instantly on edge.
"Of course Sasuke to keep you brainless idiots out of the trouble" the pinkette snorted harsher than she intended and Naruto looked just a tiny bit hurt until she flashed him a small reassuring smile and the hurt melted away as if it had never been there in the first place.
Kakashi watched his little students interacting before something came to mind "Sakura-chan did you ever figure out a dream/goal to work towards" the Copy Ninja inquired suddenly and she turned to face him with a surprised look.
It was obvious until that moment she hadn't even thought on it in the least "Wait a minute you still don't have a dream Sakura-chan, you have to have a dream or goal like Teme and I, and Kakashi-sensei to even if he didn't tell us anything beyond his name about him" Naruto waved his arms.
She rubbed the back of her neck brow creased "Hmm well let's see….to be honest I never really thought on it before" Sakura frowned considering the question "Perhaps to protect the future of the future of the Leaf Village and all the people in it" she finally settled on.
"If I didn't know better I would say you were Lord First Reincarnated with a bit of an old friend of mine mixed in there" Kakashi chuckled ruffling her long pink hair and Sakura smiled up at him and batted his hand away with a huff.
A moment later "Does that mean we're free now or not" Sasuke grumbled thinking of better things he could be doing, Kakashi shifted his lone onyx eye onto the Uchiha before nodding his head in agreement.
"Now shoo with the lot of you, I'd like to read my book in peace" the silver haired nin vanished in a puff of smoke, Sakura rolled her eyes fanning the smoke away until Haku was right there at her side like he had been for the last week.
Peering at her with those dark brown eyes "I'm going to go hang out with uh with those two" Karin disappeared in the next moment after her distant cousin and Sasuke making only three people left on the training grounds.
Invisible to everyone else "Come on Sakura-chan go take a walk with Haku, perhaps he'll kiss you again" Kushina was definitely rooting the ebony haired teenager on as even Zabuza left his apprentice alone with the girl.
"Really Kushina what is it with you and having Sakura-chan kiss, I get it you want her to experience those sorts of things but isn't Shino and Haku enough, who's gonna be next" Hashirama grimaced unable to watch.
When Haku took advantage of being alone with Sakura and backed her into the tree "Sakura-chan I have a question to ask you, don't worry I'm not jealous or anything and I know we aren't exactly together, but was I your first kiss" Haku questioned gently.
Her face went redder than an apple at that "N..No um I kind of tripped once and landed on one of my classmates, we ended up kissing" Sakura mumbled unable to meet the older boy's eyes as her skin turned red and she blushed from the roots of her hair all the way down to her toes.
Haku had never seen anyone blush that bad before "Relax Sakura, come let's take a walk I'm still very curious about your village after all" the raven haired teen smiled retreating a ways to give the girl a moment to calm down.
"The Leaf Village is pretty expansive, oh that's right you haven't seen where we usually meet" the pinkette exclaimed and with that they were off to the bridge and the little stream that ran underneath it, the place was wonderful.
And they spent an hour there just watching the clouds on the bank of the stream, it was on their way to get lunch that they ran into unexpected trouble "Boy what's going on" just as Zabuza joined them and a trio of kids ran past.
On their tail was Ami Himekari, followed by Naruto, the five of them rounded the corner, then came multiple cries, Sakura went rigid and she was off around the corner in the next moment emerald eyes widening at the scene before her.
"If you know what's best for you, you will let that boy go immediately or be thrown out of the village for attempting to harm Hokage-sama's grandson" flew from her mouth as the brunette that was definitely old enough to have learned manners to behave in another village reared his fist back.
Though at the warning he paused and all eyes turned onto her "Yeah and what will you do if I don't let him go ugly forehead girl" the brunette sneered going for the obvious insult and the purple haired girl inched away.
As killing intent filled the air "I'm outta here" the girl stated and then was gone in a flash not sticking around to find out what became of the other girl, the trio of kids or whoever else was there in the alley.
Sakura's lips pressed together "Go straight to the Hokage and since you are obviously from a different country you should know your manners unless you also want to be disqualified from the Chunin Exams as I'm guessing that's the reason your here for" she crossed her arms.
Lifting a slender pink brow on the older boy "N..Now wait a minute Pinky, Kankuro was just messing around right and wasn't really going to hurt the kid" the teal eyed blonde jumped in at that realizing how dire the situation was.
"Come on you don't actually believe this punk that this little brat is actually related to the Hokage do you Temari" the one named Kankuro grumbled still holding the little boy up by his shirt and scarf, tears in his blue eyes.
Temari eyed the silent duo while the younger blonde kept the other two kids back "I do believe it actually Kankuro let the kid go or we'll have even more trouble being kicked out of the chunin exams for starting trouble, not by the Hokage, but by him" Temari shuddered.
It was a little worrying who this him was, Kankuro growled but dropped the little boy in his clutches who immediately went scrambling for his savior just as they got a newcomer "You smell like blood" a deep gravelly voice came from behind Sakura.
A chill crawled down her spine as hands rested on her shoulders "Lot's and lots of it, almost as if you've bathed in it, it coats your skin, your hair, everything" that gravelly voice continued to speak and Sakura didn't dare turn her head.
To see who it was that was stood behind her, for fear of fainting and she perhaps thought that maybe the boy was mistaking himself for her because the smell of blood came from him strongly, it was sickening and a lot worse than the few times she'd been covered in it.
"Whatever you do Sakura-chan don't piss that boy off, he's a Jinchuuriki to the one tailed beast the Sand Spirit Shukaku and he's close to the surface slowly breaking down at the seal that wasn't made right" the First Hokage warned suddenly.
And her skin paled immediately in response "Say something Sakura-chan anything to get out of that situation" the Uzumaki woman prodded knowing how dangerous the situation was at that current moment in time.
Sakura steeled her nerves and took one step forward before turning to face the boy speaking to her and graced him with a light smile "Well I do end up covered in blood on plenty of occasions and I haven't exactly been home yet" and she even threw in a small laugh for props.
The boy had red hair and pale green eyes that held a blood lust in them "Hmm and here I thought you were mute and couldn't speak" he taunted on purpose in hopes to rile the girl up and piss her off, he wanted to fight her.
"Nah I just like seeing who I'm talking to that's all" Sakura announced in a careful tone keeping her eyes locked with his and shoving down all of the fear she had in that single moment as she saw her death in his eyes.
Those pale green eyes narrowed just as a blur shot down beside her "Wh….what the hell was that for Sakura" it was Sasuke, she elbowed his side harshly and gave him a death glare of her own that plainly said speak or die.
Sasuke kept his mouth shut after that "Either way I apologize for my siblings rudeness I am Gaara and we three here will be participating in the Chunin Exams" the red head finally introduced himself with a smirk on his lips.
Indicating he wanted her to do the same "Sakura Haruno is my name and we'll also be in the exam" the pinkette nodded and then in a swirl of sand the boy was gone, behind her once more and she quickly turned to watch the trio of Sand Shinobi walk away.
Upon vanishing around the corner "Why the hell did you elbow me Sakura that wasn't nice and I was only trying to help" Sasuke rounded on his teammate not liking that she hadn't let him help when the situation had clearly been bad.
"Yeah and if you'd shot off at the mouth in your usual cocky arrogant way the lot of us would be dead right now no doubt" Sakura glared right back arms crossed over her chest as the two silent spectators stepped forward.
Curious as to what she meant one of them couldn't help but ask "What do you mean brat, though now that you mention it, blood lust wafted from him in waves and what the hell was up with that gourd" Zabuza questioned.
Sakura blew out a breath "I..I think he's a Jinchuuriki, he wouldn't have hesitated to kill any of us if one wrong move had been made because his seal is coming undone and I'm guessing he carries sand in it to wield as a weapon" the pink haired kunoichi explained.
Naruto instantly paled "A jinchuuriki, do you really think that Sakura-chan" the blonde gulped baby blue eyes flashing in fear as it hit him, that could be him, out of control and insane to the point where if someone pissed him off he'd just kill that person.
"What exactly is a Jinchuuriki anyway" Haku the only one who hadn't been informed of these things before questioned and Zabuza grimaced he didn't have a clue as to what to tell the boy so glanced to the girl.
In hopes she'd give an accurate explanation "Jinchuuriki or tailed beast containers are living sacrifices to seal away one of the tailed beasts in the world, there are nine of them, they are chakra beasts of destruction and yes Naruto I think that and his seal is coming undone which makes him more dangerous" Sakura didn't mince her words.
Before coming forward with Konohamaru still attached to her hip "And Naruto you will never be like that, that I can promise okay" her eyes softened because without a doubt she knew what he was thinking and damned if it didn't jerk at her heart strings.
To blue eyes filled with relief met with kind peridot colored eyes "Guess that since you've got everything under control I'm leaving now" the Uchiha disappeared leaving the rest of his team in the alley and their two guests.
"You're one of them to huh boy" the rogue from Mist immediately caught on as he just now realized that things could have been pretty bad for him and Haku if they'd continued fighting against the Leaf Shinobi and the beast sealed inside Naruto had broken through somehow.
Though at the question the boy lowered his gaze "Yes I also have one of those things sealed inside of me, but why Sakura-chan is he so different, what made him like that" Naruto didn't understand how someone could be that crazy.
Her lips pursed in consideration "One is the seal, it wasn't done right so that allows the tailed beast to influence it's hosts actions, two did you not see how his own siblings acted around him, their terrified, probably been like that since he was a kid, that's probably why" Sakura explained.
"Wait a second you think that because of those two reasons that boy is like that" the ebony haired fifteen year old frowned deeply not liking the conversation in the least but unable to stop listening because he was curious.
She shook her head "No, most likely he was conditioned to be like that, an essential tool for his village an ace for the Sand Village or something traumatic happened to him, I can't say for sure, there are probably various reasons he's like that and I would never know" she said.
"By the way you three what are you doing skipping lessons at the academy" emerald orbs suddenly locked onto the three eight year old's huddling together, who all jumped, then scrambled like hell from the alley to avoid getting scolded.
A "Thank you Sakura-nee, Naruto-ni" falling from their lips as they ran like mad to get back to the academy, even if they were going to get scolded, it wouldn't be quite like the scolding they would have gotten from Sakura.
"Even kids are scared of you Sakura-chan right well I'm gonna go find Karin-chan" Naruto rubbed the back of his neck sheepishly then vanished just as quickly as the three academy students had to avoid being scolded also.
Sakura rubbed her forehead and healed the headache without thought "Girl could you do that right from the beginning, when we were holding you captive" Zabuza questioned roughly eyeing the green glow that faded at his question.
The girl turned towards him "Yes I've been practicing the mystical palm since I was eight" the pinkette nodded lightly knowing that he was frustrated, because a tick formed on his forehead and the vein looked as if it was about to burst.
"I could have used your skills to heal faster Tch damn brat, if you need me Haku, I'll be with Hatake" the raven haired male turned on his heel and vanished leaving the two teenagers alone to laugh quietly.
Haku was definitely amused "Come on Sakura-chan let's go get lunch alright it's on me this time" the fifteen year old held out his hand, there was a brief moment of hesitation before her hand slid into his with ease.
As they started walking towards the restaurant of choice it was always the tea shop "Are you and Zabuza gonna stay here clear through the Chunin Exams" Sakura inquired lightly once their orders had arrived and she'd started eating her rice and curry.
"Well I have no idea what Zabuza-sama is going to do really, but it's probable, I think he secretly misses living in a shinobi village, not to say he doesn't care for that little village, because he likes Tsunami-san, just won't admit it" Haku laughed.
Sakura blinked her emerald orbs in response "You know I thought something fishy was going on between the two of them, it's like he would purposefully incite Tsunami-chan's anger to see her eyes lit up with fury" she giggled remembering the few days they had.
The teenager sitting opposite her nodded in agreement "Best not let him catch us talking about it though or training will be twice as hard for me" the raven haired teenager let his lips quirk upwards in amusement as they continued eating.
Before it was finally time to split up "See you later Haku, try not to cause Zabuza-san to much grief" the pinkette waved rounding a corner and vanishing from sight as she hurried home for the day, earlier than usual.
Only at the insistence of her two ghostly companions "We're going to have you write a new seal, that we'll put on Gaara to suppress one tail" Kushina explained once she was locked in her room behind a barrier/sound proofing tag.
"Exactly because I don't fancy having a tailed beast raging around our village again, not to say it was your fault Kushina for what happened, but that had been agonizing to watch" Hashirama cleared his throat looking more serious than ever.
Sakura knew the whole story as well but didn't comment instead pulled out a blank tag, ink brush and ink well then on the two ghosts instructions began drawing the new seal that would help Gaara come back to his senses.
It wouldn't exactly change him, but it would help and then hopefully she could get past his defenses and help him come to terms with whatever had happened to him, "For Gaara" Sakura announced when it was done, jade eyes flashing with determination.
Like she always said the will of fire had been instilled in her and her dream as she'd decided on earlier was to protect the future of every single person in the Leaf Village and the future of the Leaf Village itself.
Hashirama and Kushina nodded taking the seal and vanished leaving Sakura alone, it wasn't hard to figure out when the seal had been activated as the blood lust even she could feel diminished greatly allowing her and several others to breathe easier.
Not long after that Karin came back, they ate supper, had showers and finally crawled into bed to get some shut eye for the next day, which was basically a repeat of the other days, and carried on up to nine days, making it a whole week and three days that had passed.
Until Sakura once again encountered Gaara, this time alone and he was also alone "You've got this Sakura-chan take a chance and befriend him, he's a lonely boy like my Naruto-kun use to be, show him what friendship is all about" and the red head urged her to befriend him.
"J..Just try to be careful Sakura-chan alright, he's still a little unstable even though Shukaku has been suppressed and can't influence Gaara's actions any longer" the brunette said caution in his tone because that was all he could do.
Sakura blew out a breath and approached confidently "Hello Gaara-san lovely day isn't it" the pinkette spoke after flaring her chakra to announce her presence, she didn't want to die that afternoon after all.
Gaara turned sharply pale green eyes narrowed trying to determine if she was a threat no doubt "What do you want, are you here to yell at me as well" the red head turned his head away, brooding as only a teenage boy could.
Well that definitely wasn't a reaction she thought she would get "No that's not it at all Gaara-san, why have people been yelling at you" her brow creased in confusion, obviously the boy had been more influenced by the tailed beast inside of him than they'd all thought.
Because he wasn't acting like how he had before, almost submissive and like Kushina had told her lonely, it shined within the depths of his pale green irises "My older siblings and sensei, they keep talking about some sort of plan that I want no part of" he admitted quietly.
"Ignore them Gaara-san, if they can't be the siblings that you deserve then they aren't worth the effort" Sakura couldn't believe how drastic the changes were in the preteen boy before her just by using a seal to suppress Shukaku.
And she was definitely going to take advantage of the moment "I need them to make the effort you don't understand how I have to prove my worth to them, th..that's why I'm going to go through with the plan" Gaara stated suddenly.
Sakura felt her heart drop into her stomach "Gaara-san you shouldn't have to prove anything to them, their family they should love you regardless of having to go through any sort of plan" the pinkette said softly.
Feeling for the boy in front of her "How would you know, does your entire existence rid on being acknowledged no then don't speak to me of such things" the red head spat becoming more like the other Gaara she knew.
Things were getting tricky now "Maybe I don't Gaara-san but I can tell when someones lonely, it shines within the depths of your eyes, you want to be acknowledged and I acknowledge you regardless of some stupid plan their trying to force you into" she locked gazes with him.
Pale green irises widened "You don't know me, so how can you say you acknowledge me, accept me for everything I've done, I've killed people for less just to be recognized" Gaara glared angrily arms crossed tightly over his chest.
"I've killed as well Gaara-san, probably not as many as you have, but I didn't do it to be recognized, I did it to protect the ones I consider friends, love Gaara-san that is what you should strive for to be acknowledged for, love them despite their hate of you and you can overcome anything" Sakura explained gently.
Gaara froze "Love gives you the strength to kill in order to protect but why, I was always taught to love only myself and that power is the only thing that will be recognized" he was definitely confused not understanding anything being told to him.
And once again her heart jerked painfully "Then you were taught wrong it doesn't matter what anyone else thinks so long as you hold your belief's close to your heart, fight for what you believe is true not what someone else tries to force on you" she murmured.
Stepping closer carefully eyeing the guard just a tad bit warily then placed her hand on his shoulder to smile as brightly as possible "Love can overcome anything even hatred" the red haired preteen mused considering what he'd just been told.
"Yes only if you have the will to make it possible, do what you believe is right and don't let anyone sway you from your decision, I have to go, but I'll see you at the Chunin Exams" Sakura patted his shoulder once gently, then was gone.
Leaving the boy alone to sort through the new possibilities that had been opened up to him as she headed home late in the day "At the very least Sakura-chan he won't be much of a problem" the Uzumaki woman floating along after her commented.
For once not going on about having her kiss as many boys as possible "Indeed Sakura and you might have just turned the tide in our favor, if you can find him tomorrow, bring Naruto along, remember many ripples can change the tide more thoroughly" the First Hokage announced.
Sakura nodded lightly and the next day when there were only four days left before the start of the Chunin Exams, she dragged Naruto along with her "Sakura-chan where are we going" the blonde sulked but didn't argue as he didn't want to be whacked.
When he saw who they were headed for his skin paled "Relax I think you two could be good friends, just be nice alright" the pinkette warned under her breath as they came to a stop before the depressed looking Gaara.
Clearly things still weren't going well for him, but at their arrival he definitely perked up a little "I thought for sure we wouldn't see each other again, is that the one you killed for" Gaara inquired looking at the blonde.
"Not exactly, but I would kill for Naruto, he's been one of my best friends since we were really little since we were seven I believe, and I thought you two could find a few things in common as well" Sakura smiled brightly.
"Yeah, yeah" Naruto nodded launching into a round of chatter giving Gaara no choice but to talk because he wouldn't let the red head be silent the entire time and the three of them sat there and chatted for three hours.
Before it was time to head off "I'll be here tomorrow" the red head explained not wanting to admit it but he wanted to get to know these people more, his first friends regardless of what anyone thought, he wouldn't bow under pressure anymore.
"And we'll see you tomorrow then Gaara-san" the pink haired kunoichi waved as he vanished in a swirl of sand "Tomorrow we'll bring along Karin-chan, something is off and if we can sway him to our side then whatever is coming won't be so bad" she finally explained.
Naruto's blue eyes widened "I got it, but he is pretty cool and I hate to think that we're just doing this to avoid trouble" he frowned, his friend certainly was strange, but he didn't think she had ulterior motives.
Sakura shook her head "We're not, that's only a perk hopefully" Sakura smiled lightly as they headed off and the next day Karin joined them, and the day after that Sasuke and Haku, until it was finally time for the Chunin Exams.
By that point she was certain that Gaara was on their side, his two siblings and sensei had been ignoring him, so no matter what happened things would go in Leaf's favor as she spent the entire night packing things in a pack to be ready for the exam and sealing it in a scroll to keep on her.
Then after that she crawled into her all to large bed after taking a shower, flipped the covers over her body after getting as comfortable as she dared and set a timer to wake up early to eat breakfast before finally falling asleep.
