It was the summer after she turned ten and her parents had went missing that things changed for her "Sasori-ni what are you doing here so early" Sakura asked when she answered the door to her small apartment, while reviewing some scrolls so she could psyche herself up for later that day.
"Well I thought we could have some one on one time like how we use to" Sasori offered wanting to see a spark of excitement in her eyes and there was so many things he had yet to teach her, though he hadn't been able to because he had other students to focus on at the same time.
As expected, emerald orbs lit up, the only way to tell she wasn't completely lost despite losing her parents "You know Sasori-ni I think I'd love that" the pinkette bounced lightly eager to have that one on one training with Sasori again.
"Good to know brat, first though since this was kind of a split second decision, I need you to run to the library and get this list of books, then to the hospital for these herbs" the redhead cleared his throat underprepared for once and she couldn't help but crack a small smile.
She took the two lists and vanished out the door without grabbing any of her weapons and the like, he snorted at that so did the honors, going so far as to grab the bow and arrows, the hair ornament and summons scroll he'd gifted her, before body flickering to their training grounds.
"Fancy meeting you here Sakura-san" Kabuto greeted when she skidded to a halt before the library, they'd met every so often when her sensei had ordered her to acquire a list of herbs from the hospital for him, though she never spoke the man's name which was frustrating.
Jade eyes flashed towards him "Kabuto-san, sorry in a hurry, sensei wants me to get some books and then herbs as well from the hospital" Sakura explained carefully, hurrying in to the library him on her heels because he wanted to spend a little time with her.
"Maybe I could help you find all the books, some of them look complicated" the gray haired teenager offered pushing his glasses up his face into their proper place, opportunities such as this only came every so often and he'd already established to Orochimaru she was going to be his.
Sakura glanced at him again "If you could please Kabuto-san I don't want to keep sensei waiting any longer than I have to" the rosette held out the list, looking adorable, he couldn't resist as he was reaching to grasp the slip of paper, he ruffled her bangs gently as well.
A couple seconds was all he got before she jumped back away from him "Yes, yes I know you don't like being touched" Kabuto sighed one of these days he was going to have to follow her and find out where she lived, maybe even find out who her sensei was.
But he turned and went around collecting the seven books the man had requested "Thank you very much Kabuto-san" Sakura bowed lightly once the books had been checked out and she'd stowed them away in a storage scroll that she had on hand.
Then she was off to the hospital requesting the same list of herbs that it was every time before heading to the training grounds they'd been allotted "Perfect, now we have up until lunch just the two of us" Sasori nodded grateful of the kid who was willing to run errands for him.
Peridot orbs brightened "Right so what are you going to teach me first Sasori-sensei" the pinkette asked excitedly, feeling like that itty bitty five year old she once had been until that bubble popped and Sasori led her over to some posts.
Ninja wire strung up "Balance training, you've improved yes, but your still without the grace kunoichi possess, for the next week I want you to solely concentrate on improving your body's balance, an hour a day only understand" the crimson haired man announced.
"Certainly an interesting training method Sasori-sensei, why not just have me dance" Sakura teased a twinkle of amusement glittering in her vivid green orbs, this made the man snort and roll his eyes, with a small tilt of his lips to indicate he'd found what she'd said funny.
She didn't complain though and heaved herself atop the posts and hesitantly stepped out onto the wire like some kind of performer only she wobbled and fell flat on her rear seconds after "I'm sure you understand now correct Sakura" Sasori raised a brow at her sprawled out form.
And the ten year old girl nodded, climbing up on the posts again sporting a determined glare in her eyes, half an hour later someone stormed onto the training grounds "Akasuna what the hell do you think your doing, you have other students to train as well remember" Shisui hissed.
Drawing Sakura's attention, which caused her to lose her balance and she fell on her face for the million time just when she'd been doing good to "Yes I'm well aware Uchiha, however that time is reserved for later remember" the redhead said in a flat tone.
That had Shisui reeling back "Okay so why train her so early then" the almost eighteen year old put a hand on his hip not impressed in the least, Sasuke would be jealous if he learned that Sakura had gotten extra training and he hadn't.
"Because first and foremost Sakura is the student I chose, second with Orochimaru that bastard after her for some reason, she needs all the extra training she can get, and third, to keep her from being cooped up ninety percent of the summer" Sasori hissed tired of being questioned already.
Onyx eyes widened slightly "Guess I can't argue with that, so what exactly are you having her do anyway" Shisui grimaced, before he saw movement out of the corner of his eye, Sakura was balancing precariously on a string of ninja wire.
"For balance training, her body's balance isn't right so I'm helping her correct that" the redhead explained not batting an eye when she fell again, Sakura was determined however as she merely heaved herself back up and retried over and over again.
Until another thirty minutes had gone by "Thank kami that's over" the pinkette winced as she stood before Sasori again ready for whatever else he was going to teach her and feeling bruised all over from her multiple falls from the ninja wire.
That he took down to be put up again tomorrow probably "Not bad and your balance did improve a little bit, just a little, next will be learning how to use your hair ornament in conjunction with genjutsu" Sasori nodded pleased with the progress so far.
By the time Sakura was a genin, she'd be the best rookie genin the Leaf Village had ever seen, he'd make sure of it "Okay I understand that you can do that, but how exactly" Sakura frowned in confusion knowing it was a silly question because Sasori would show her anyway.
"You know sealing jutsu, well there's a seal inside the bell that allows you to seal jutsu's inside of it, particularly illusion jutsu's, in a pinch you can remove the ornament from your hair and throw it, unsealing the genjutsu at the moment of impact, ensnaring your target" the redhead explained.
Sakura's eyes were wide with awe and surprise because she obviously hadn't thought of that "Want me to be your target practice Sakura-chan and I'll willing let you put me in a genjutsu" the Uchiha offered knowing she wanted to try no doubt.
She turned sharply in his direction "Really, really Shisui-san" the rosette pouted adorably, hope shining in her emerald orbs, he couldn't really say no to that kind of face, plus he had already offered so nodded in answer.
Then Sasori was teaching her how to seal jutsu's inside seals "Just run around Uchiha, she needs to practice her aim on a moving target anyway" Sasori shrugged lightly, otherwise Sakura would never improve where she need to improve.
"Just let me know if I'm moving to fast alright Sakura-chan and I'll slow down until you get better at throwing weapons at a moving target" Shisui commented already running and Sakura was holding her hair ornament precariously between her forefinger and middle finger.
Watching him with intense green eyes, assessing the speed at which he was going and calculating distance, wind resistance, strength needed to throw and place he would end up all at the same time, when all of this was done she smiled and loosed the hair ornament.
Shisui cursed under his breath as it sunk half an inch into his arm followed by the heaven viewing jutsu "Did it work Shisui-san" Sakura asked when he broke out of the genjutsu and plucked her hair ornament from his arm, this kid was going to be quite the skilled genin it seemed.
Though there was still room for a lot of improvement, she'd hit him on the first try and that was scary "Yeah the genjutsu worked Sakura-chan, want to practice some more" the Uchiha offered and Sakura nodded her head eagerly.
For the next thirty minutes, every two other times she managed a hit someplace else on his body "Alright that's enough, we're moving on to practicing with your new weapon" the crimson haired rogue clapped ending the throwing practice.
Holding out the bow with quiver full of arrows, intriguing Shisui, who stuck around a little longer "Right Sasori-sensei, so how exactly do I draw back the string which is ninja wire" the pinkette asked looking confused since she hadn't been able to figure it out.
Of course he had realized that so gestured to the wire "Channel chakra into it, then notch your arrow and pull back, it's called wire manipulation, as you grow use to doing it you won't even have to think about channeling chakra into the wire, it'll be second nature" Sasori instructed.
Demonstrating even so she would better understand and be able to visualize herself doing it "I promise to do my best Sasori-sensei so that someday I can put an arrow straight through Orochimaru's heart for doing what he did to my parents" Sakura vowed suddenly.
Next to Sasori, Shisui blanched "Now, now Sakura-chan, let's leave taking out Orochimaru, who's a sannin might I add to professionals, alright" Shisui grimaced not wanting Sakura to go running around saying that to everyone under the sun and moon.
Unfortunately for him, Sakura's eyes continued to burn with determination for her new found goal in life as she turned to start practicing with her new weapon, channeling chakra into the wire just like told and notching her arrow when she had.
Taking aim at a target, calculating everything she needed before loosing the arrow, which sailed clear over the target, Sasori simply blinked Shisui however snorted and got a death glare for daring to laugh at her first failed attempt.
Promptly Shisui stopped laughing "Could have warned me she still had that death glare Akasuna" the Uchiha scowled, that glare rose goosebumps on his flesh, it was a wonder Naruto or Sasuke weren't utterly terrified of the girl.
Before he remembered that neither Sasuke or Naruto incited Sakura's wrath like he did sometimes, she could hold a grudge that was for sure "So much funner not to Uchiha" the scarlet haired man scoffed, mocking the teenager at his side as they watched over Sakura training.
No doubt her fingers and arms were sore by the end of it "May I take a small break Sasori-sensei" the fuscia haired teen year old requested, two and a half hours without a break was not fun in the least, thankfully Sasori was in a pretty giving mood as he merely waved her off.
With no further ado she plopped down on a rock, even going so far as to meditate, which was still considered training in Sasori's mind, it helped her increase her chakra pool and reserves after all, even replenishing the little bit she'd used for the genjutsu practice of earlier.
Only for thirty minutes sure, then she was back on her feet, to finally learn how to use the summons she'd been given "To sign an animal summons contract you must first sign your name and fingerprint your prints in blood" Sasori commented, unrolling the scroll.
He didn't know what kind of summons would come out but hopefully it would be useful "Is that wise Akasuna, what if she can't do it and owww that hurt" Shisui started in only to curse under his breath and hold his arm that now had a senbon needle in it.
"Don't insult me Shisui-san, I won't tolerate someone putting me down or saying I can't do something" Sakura scowled, hating that more than anything, just because she was civilian born and had to work harder didn't mean she couldn't do something just as well if not better than a clan born kid could.
Hazel eyes shifted away "Right, sorry" the almost eighteen year old cringed knowing that Sakura was right and he shouldn't have even said that even in concern, he knew she was good, on par with Sasuke and he felt like an idiot.
"Anyway go ahead and sign Sakura, then these hand signs followed by Ninja Art: Summoning Jutsu" the redhead cleared his throat drawing her attention onto him once more so they could move on to actually summoning whatever creature this summons scroll belonged to.
The shop he'd bought if from hadn't even known so it was all by chance right now whether the creature would be useful or not "Okay, Ninja Art: Summoning Jutsu" the rosette did as told then flashed through the hand signs necessary.
In the next second she coughed as a plume of smoke filled the air and she inhaled some, followed by probably the cutest thing she'd ever seen "Hello if you didn't know I'm a bat, well I'm a bat, the names Aimai" and it talked.
"Oh uh I'm Sakura, Haruno Sakura to be exact wo..would you like to be my summons I promise to take good care of you" Sakura introduced herself to Aimai as she'd introduced herself, wanting to touch the creatures fluffy ears for some reason but refraining for the moment.
Aimai tilted her head this way and that before nodding "Course Aimai would love to be your summons Lady Sakura, but first you must come with me to the caves for training" Aimai announced and before Sasori could move both girl and bat were gone.
"Well that can't be good" Shisui gaped, horrified and near panicking because Sakura had just been kidnapped by her own summons, then he chanced a glance at Sasori, who was staring at the spot Sakura had last been, looking the most shocked he'd ever seen the man.
Followed by frustration as Sasori snatched up the scroll and weapons that had been left behind "Come on let's go inform the Hokage of what has happened, kami I'm an idiot" Sasori rubbed his face feeling like a fool, and even worse after Hiruzen got through yelling at him.
~Meanwhile~
"Um Aimai-san why did you take me along with you" the pinkette asked nervously as she was enveloped in all consuming darkness, she couldn't even see that's how dark it was, even after she had been there for a few minutes, nothing could be made out.
There was a flap of wings, then something settled on her shoulder "Aimai told you Lady Sakura you must come for training if you want to be Aimai's summoner training is to be had" Aimai informed then took to the air again and nudged the young girl forward.
Letting herself be pushed forward by a small creature Sakura stumbled over everything "Okay but for how long and what kind of training is it going to be exactly" Sakura rubbed her arms feeling chilly all of a sudden and wishing she'd worn her long sleeved yukata with removable sleeves.
Aimai tilted her head that as they came to a sudden stop "Just until you learn how to see without seeing, could take months, years even for most, but Aimai thinks Lady Sakura is special and will manage in just two weeks time" the little bat proclaimed confidently.
Just when it felt like she was going to be sick at the news and possibility she'd be stuck there for years "Well I'll do my best, but is there anyway you can go back and let Sasori-sensei, he was the one with red hair, know I'm okay and going through with your training" Sakura requested.
In a serious tone of voice "Very well if that's what Lady Sakura wants then Aimai can't refuse" Aimai tilted her head to the side then was gone in a plume of smoke leaving her behind in a dark cave, with lots of other bats if she wasn't wrong.
Nineteen minutes later Aimai was back, carrying a scroll in her mouth "Sensei-san said this was to help keep you warm during training, Aimai was hasty she apologizes" once she dropped the scroll in Sakura's hand, quickly apologized to her young summoner.
"It's okay Aimai-chan, I'm not mad and I'm sure Sasori-sensei isn't either" the rosette assured doing as she wanted earlier and hugging the furry creature, rubbing Aimai's fuzzy ears and squealing inwardly at the feel of them.
Even finding herself thinking that this training might not be so bad "Right let's start shall we" Aimai perked right up, nudging Sakura in the direction of earlier, who kept stumbling over everything for a while until they came to another stop.
"Okay what's first Aimai-chan" Sakura inquired curiously, heaving herself onto a rock to sit and listen to her bat summons, who seemed no older than herself, but ages for animals were strange and the bat could be much older than she seemed.
Pleased that she wasn't getting anymore resistance "First Lady Sakura you must spread out your senses, feel all around you, not just Aimai's cave mates but the chakra in everything, roots and rocks, plant-life and keep your eyes closed in the meantime" the furry brown bat instructed.
"Got it don't worry Aimai-chan" the pinkette nodded seriously, closing her eyes as told and spreading out her underdeveloped senses, she could only feel a few feet away from her, but chakra from other bats prickled at the edge of her senses.
Feeling anything else right then was impossible but she kept on, sharpening her senses further until she sensed chakra below her just before her concentration snapped and she lost that feeling "Ooh drat, but that was a good first try Aimai thinks" Aimai informed proudly.
Happy at the praise Sakura tried again until she grew tired "I have no idea what time it is, but my stomach is saying it's hungry Aimai-chan" Sakura admitted sheepishly hearing her stomach growl loudly in the near silence of the cave.
Laughter was her first answer until she was given confirmation to take a break and eat, it was hard though picking through what had been sealed in the scroll to find food until her hand hit a bag of apples, some beef jerky, trail mix even until she dug in, half starved from all the work she'd done.
What was even better after that, Aimai let her do her own sort of training, which consisted of stringing up some ninja wire to practice balancing while splitting her concentration at the same time which was unbelievably difficult, until Aimai called it.
"Time for bed for you Lady Sakura, Aimai has to go out and hunt" the little bat informed politely, ushering her young summoner over to a little niche in the cave wall that Sakura could fit in comfortably, then took off with the rest of her cave mates.
Sakura yawned tiredly, but ate a hasty dinner of the can of beans she'd found, making a messy burrito with the soft tortilla wrap that had been sent to her by Sasori, then after placing down several blankets, a sleeping bag that she wrapped herself up in and placing a pillow down went to bed.
Aimai woke her the following morning "I'm up, I'm up I swear" the pinkette sat up nearly cracking her head on the cave wall in the process, which wouldn't have been good, the little bat would have probably had to send her back if that had happened.
"Unfortunately Aimai got a scolding for staying up all day yesterday, so Lady Sakura must conduct her own training and when Aimai wakes up she'll check on Lady Sakura's progress" the little bat explained in a sheepish sounding tone.
Indicating that she was young as thought to be "That's okay Aimai-chan, you just go get some sleep, I promise I will train diligently throughout the day" Sakura vowed seriously not wanting to be given up on or declared hopeless or incapable anymore.
Clearly this made the little bat as happy as pie "Good luck Lady Sakura may your training be fruitful" Amai cheered then all that could be heard was the flapping of wings as Aimai flew away to join the rest of her cave mates in slumber throughout the day.
More determined than ever Sakura redoubled her efforts on balance training and broadening her senses at the same time, it was difficult and bruising as she fell every so often but she refused to give up no matter what happened or how hard things seemed.
Very little breaks were had only to regain energy or eat, maybe even go if she had to, that was difficult but she managed until the whole day had gone by on her "I think I've improved Aimai-chan" the rosette announced proudly when she heard familiar flapping of wings.
Differentiating between the others "Oh absolutely Lady Sakura, you even could tell it was me, even with everyone else taking off to hunt for the night" the little bat chirped in a praising tone, tugging on a lock of hair affectionately.
Excitement coursing through her veins now the ten year old bounced up and down "What next Aimai-chan are you going to have me practice dodging you while I'm up on the wire to" Sakura asked hardly able to reign herself in at that moment.
Obviously though Aimai hadn't thought of that "Sure if that's what Lady Sakura wants, I can gather some others together to have you dodge, only by sound, which means you can't have your senses spread, it's another great way to see without seeing" Amai quipped.
Flying off to do just that and Sakura really wanted to slap herself because in the next moment after precariously balancing on the wire, a bat rushed towards her, there was hardly any flapping, only the air shifting, then she was flat on her face "That hurt" the pinkette mumbled dully.
Sitting up and rubbing her nose, thanking the kami it wasn't broken hopefully "You'll get it just believe in yourself" the little bat that was mostly training her, or rather instructing and then abandoning her to train by herself somewhat piped in seriously.
Her lips curved up into a small and determination filled her so up she went on the wire again, going higher than before to really challenge herself, this training lasted for an hour and a half and during the last fall, Amai told her to go to bed since she had to go hunt with the others.
With a long suffering sigh, Sakura ate a late meal of fruit and jerky then curled up in her little niche snuggled down in her sleeping bag and feeling utterly exhausted, a little alone to since Aimai was busy hunting while she was supposed to be sleeping.
The next several days proved to be long and hard, lonesome even until one evening "Come hunt with us Lady Sakura" Aimai exclaimed in excitement knowing this was the best way to test her summoner on the progress she'd made so far.
Immediately the young girl perked up "I'd love to Aimai-chan" Sakura grinned widely, grabbing some weapons, her bow and quiver with arrows as well before following after Aimai in the pitch black, by sound alone and out of the cave for the first time in days.
Of course she could have guessed that it would be dark but not this dark for kami sake and she didn't really feel like she'd made any progress at all until her ears picked up on the sound of a bush rustling off in the distance and the chakra of an unknown animal.
"Smell that Lady Sakura, it's food for you and us, guess I forgot to tell you but I'm a hairy legged vampire bat" the little bat settled on her shoulder, facing the same direction she'd heard the rustling, emerald orbs went wide because she hadn't known that.
But it was nice to finally learn what species her summons was "Can't exactly smell it Aimai-chan, but my hearing has increased to the point I can hear it, want me to help take it down" the rosette inquired, whispering in a hushed tone to her creature companion.
Aimai nodded seriously "Anticipate where its going to move and let your arrow fly" Aimai instructed gently sounding far older again, confusing Sakura on the bats age but she notched her arrow anyway and sensed the chakra in the animal she was hunting.
Doing exactly as told and anticipating where it'll be and taking into consideration everything else then loosed her arrow "Got it Aimai-chan, though it occurs to me since I'm not allowed how am I going to eat it, I'll get sick if I eat it raw" Sakura tilted her head to the side.
"You can cook it out here Lady Sakura, once everyone has had their fill of it's blood, you can have the rest" the little bat chirped taking flight from her shoulder, leaving Sakura to rush after her to find the injured creature, which turned out to be a boar.
Covered in bats which was a little freaky as she made a small fire that wouldn't bother them, weaving sticks together even, then when Aimai settled on her shoulder again and the other bats took flight she went forward stripping the boar of it's skin and meat.
"Never thought I'd use the survival lessons Sasori-sensei taught me until I was older and a genin, but here I am and definitely glad for them" the fuscia haired girl whistled softly as she worked, talking to herself and her companion somewhat.
Placing strips of meat on the rack of sticks she'd made, while spearing the rest on sharp sticks, seasoning them the best she could with what herbs she'd found as she'd been making a fire "Do you want me to send word to Sensei-san that your alright" Aimai asked.
Sakura jolted "Really could you Aimai-chan, ask for a change of clothes even please" Sakura tweaked the little bats ear fondly just before Aimai vanished in a plume of smoke, leaving her to finish up cooking though a couple parts of the meat got burnt and it still tasted bland.
But it was better than nothing she supposed, fifteen minutes later Aimai was back "Sensei-san sent other things for you Lady Sakura, notes from your friends, some seasonings and clothes" the bat declared happily liking that she could run errands for her summoner.
"Thank you very much Aimai-chan" the rosette hugged the flying creature again, retrieving her loosed arrow from earlier as a second thought before plopping down to eat and read the notes Naruto and Sasuke had sent her, each one expressed their feelings on her absence.
And she even scribbled some notes to appease them that she was fine, once she was done eating Sakura stood and hid behind a tree just in case to change out of her dirty clothing, sealed everything back up in a scroll and followed Aimai back to the cave.
Where her training continued, getting harder and harder as the days went by until finally "Aimai is pleased to announce your training is done Lady Sakura just as Aimai thought you are very special and managed to learn how to see without seeing in just two weeks" Aimai declared.
After the very last practice session in which she was balanced precariously on wire which was strung very high up in the cave, the level where most of the other bats slept hung upside, the distraction of learning this news hardly broke her concentration at all.
"Phew here I thought I would have to stay here another week" Sakura hummed, turning on her heel carefully and walking back across the wire since she was stood in the middle of it, then focusing chakra into her feet to walk back down to solid cave flooring.
Aimai shook her little head "Nope, nope Lady Sakura you get to go home now, Aimai is pleased to have such a special summoner as yourself" the little bat flew back and forth in excitement, then in a plume of smoke they were in the Hidden Leaf Village once more.
Upon returning Sakura was snapped off her feet "Kami you little brat, give me a heart attack why don't you" Sasori hissed squeezing her just a bit to tight, it was around the time they were meant to train as a whole, all three of them with Sasori teaching them.
"My apologies Sasori-sensei, I really wanted to be Aimai's summoner and the training wasn't all that bad, it was kind of fun even" the pinkette smiled sheepishly, looking tired, covered in dirt, blood from an animal probably as well, but overall well.
His shoulders lost the tension that had been building up over the last several days "Right…next time I would like a little warning though" the redhead deadpanned and Aimai ducked behind Sakura with a high pitched squeak.
"I'm sorry Sensei-san, Aimai was just really excited to have a potential summoner for the first time ever, she just got ahead of herself and acted hasty" Aimai apologized swiftly, hazel eyes softened slightly, this guy really seemed to care for her summoner apparently.
Then the softness went away as two others arrived on the training grounds and she disappeared in a plume of smoke back to the caves so she could hunt and wait to be summoned "Sakura-chan your back, your back" Naruto was the first one to her.
As Sasori set her on her feet "Yep I'm back, the training was hard but I did it, I'm officially a bat summoner" Sakura pumped her arm and did a victorious pose, tongue sticking out ridiculously, Sasori rolled his eyes and scoffed while giving an inward chuckle at her antics.
"Lucky, when will it be our turn Akasuna-sensei to go through summons training" Sasuke sulked somewhat jealous, because Sakura was the only girl among them it seemed she got special treatment which was a little unfair.
It seemed his instructor picked up on that jealously "Eventually Sasuke, when I find summons that will suit you, whether you'll have to go through the kind of training Sakura did I don't know but for now lets just work on your individuals" Sasori ordered and they scrambled to do as he bid.
Much later on after a particularly harsh taijutsu spar, Sasori dismissed his three students to head home, take showers or baths, eat and then go to bed, he followed Sakura and Naruto since they went in the same direction and made sure they reached their apartments before doing the same himself, working on a puppet through the rest of the night.
