Chapter 9

He walked through the empty school hallways with his head held high, a stride of pure confidence and arrogance. His grey eyes narrowed on the ground he strode atop and his dark orange hair swishing along every time he took another step.

Normally, if he were to do this, every single student he'd pass by would move out of his way; the girls would gush at the mere sight of his god-like appearance and the guys would give his narrowed eyed glares full of jealousy. Of course, he himself could understand why they would act that way - he was, after all, one of the most attractive (If not the most attractive other than the Uchiha's) guys in the school, maybe in even the whole city; not that he was that vain to admit this out loud.

The reason for him being the only student inside the corridors at the moment was because everyone else was in class - supposed to, anyway. However, since his lesson (english) was one of the most boring of all and his teacher - Mitarashi Anko - was a sadistic freak, he decided to skip; it wasn't like he'd ever need english for his future occupation. Now that he thoughts about it, he still didn't know what he was going to do for his future job. He was already in his senior year in high school as well... he had to decided at some point.

A sigh passed his lips as the *ding* of the bell signalling the end of lessons rang throughout the school. The students would soon be filling out of their classes and rushing through the hallways as if it was rush hour; a horde of stampeding rhinos trying to got to their last lesson of the day before they're finally set free - at home where they can relax for the next 6 or so hours before bed until the next morning where they have to start school all over again.

As soon as those thoughts left his mind, like he predicted, dozens of males and females began speeding past him; though they tended to stay at least out of the god-like man's way as they all knew what would happen to anyone that dared bumping into him or even coming too close within his personal bubble.

Slowly, as he continued to walk, he was so concentrated on his wandering thoughts that he didn't notice the person right in front of him. A grunt had snapped him out of his daze-like state and he stared down impassively at the person sprawled out on the floor, their belongings spread out around them. Why he didn't fall over as well? That's easy to explain: He's just good at keeping his balance.

An uncomfortable silence past throughout the length of the hallway as every single student who was rushing towards their next lesson stopped to see what he would do to the 'peasant' (as he would call others that were bellow him) that bumped into him. However, that silence soon ended as whispers erupted quietly and surrounded him, not letting the god-like man keep to his thoughts and further. Things that were said: "Poor girl, she's only been here for one day as well" and "We should go unless we want to get caught up in it as well"

The girl that he'd bumped into didn't even bother looking up as she apologised frequently and began sweeping up the contents that had flooded from her school bag. How could she be so stupid in knocking into someone when she was late? All she wanted was to get away from the fish-man before he could get away from his desk and follow her out into the hallway (why did these Akatsuki members keep bothering her anyway?). She could see him from the corners of her eyes, throughout the class, staring at her with a wider than average grin.

The orange-haired man watched as she continued ignoring him, not taking any notice of the fact that he wasn't helping her collect her things - it was kind of his fault as well that she fell to the ground, though.

As soon as she'd started, she quickly finished and stood up; still not looking the person she knocked into in the eye, she bowed low at the waist and apologised one and last time before running off. There was only one thing going on through her mind at that moment, and it wasn't anything to do with the person in front of her.

"I'm really sorry, but I'm in a hurry!" And with a flash of silvery pink bubblegum hair, the girl disappeared into surrounding crowd, leaving a slightly stunned godlike being behind as well as gobsmacked witnesses.

The orange-haired man stared after the slightly familiar girl and after a few seconds, it clicked! She was the girl he saw that day he was idly leaning against a tree; he remembered the spunk and mischief clear in her eyes as well as the pure confidence in her elegant strides as she made her way towards the girl's dorm house.

Then he recalled the moment Kisame came up to him and the others in the bar and started prattling about a feisty pink-haired kitten that had outright insulted him without battling an eyelash in fear. The fish-like man was so excited and couldn't stop repeating how "amazing" it would be if he could meet her again. Before they could ask anything more about the girl he'd met, however, Kisame had already ran off to do something Kisame-like.

A smirk graced his attractive features as he turned around, amused to some extent. And he didn't let that smirk leave even as he heard the rumors start to spread from around him; he could understand why as well. He would never let just anyone off for touching him like that (even if it was an innocent bump) nor would he outright smirk in public. Hell, he would barely ever show emotions at all; even in front of his dear half-sister - Konan.

Speaking of, said senior was speed-walking his way right that moment and she didn't look happy. The only thing he could plead before she was right up in his face was with an angry expression plastered all over that of her own, was:

'Please, not in public'

She ran through the overcrowded hall, bumping into a student here and there as they hollered after her as she ignored them in her concentration of getting to one of her favourite lessons - P.E

'It's all that oversized fish's fault!'the pinkette screamed inside her mind, her outward demeanor no longer giving off the calm and gentle aura she normally would. Sakura was a good student, even though she was a kind of punk girl attitude. In all of her life, she had only once been late for a lesson and that was for a very good reason - also, said lesson was one of the ones she hated the most.

'Just this once! If there's anyone up there, please let me have some luck and make sure that I have no Akatsuki members in one of my favourite classes'Sakura pleaded as she stared up at the ceiling, not minding that she was not watching where she was going; she was quite confident that she wouldn't run into anyone... though said thing did just previously occur because she wasn't watching where she was going.

Shrugging off her thoughts, Sakura stopped running as she finally appeared in front of the gym doors where she was supposed to meet with Temari. It was probably going to be a while before said blond-haired girl arrived, however, so Sakura decided it would be ok to confine herself to her thoughts - which were about none other than Kisame and Hidan.

Short moments passed by as many female and male students alike went to get changed for Gym class and finally, after what felt like hours of waiting, Temari could be seen running towards the pinkette from the distance.

"Sakura!" The sandy blond-haired girl called out, a wide smirk gracing her boyishly pretty features as she slowed to a stop and leaned her hands on her knees as she paused to catch her breath."Sorry I'm late, got to stay behind 'cause I didn't do my homework. You didn't have to wait for me though" She gave her pink-haired friend a thankful smile before leading them both inside the Gym and towards the back where the girl's and boy's changing rooms were situated.

"It's fine. Besides, who else would show me where I had to go to get changed?" The two shared a chuckle and as they walked into the far corner of the changing room, passing by many half-naked girls on their way; the two cringed and turned away at the sight of the too skinny to be pretty girls. Now, they themselves were pretty thin (Well, Sakura was - Temari was filled with muscles) but not the "Vomit your guts out" thin like Karin and her gang of female followers that Sakura hadn't yet had the pleasure to meet. Note the sarcasm.

As the two girls made it to their lockers, they noticed Hinata already half way through getting changed and gave a wave and a nod each.

"Hey Hinata-chan" Sakura greeted, a kind smile clear on her features as she shifted her gaze over to the locker before her; she didn't take much notice to the fact that the shy girl had just muttered out her shy reply.

Although Sakura knew that the school was loaded due to the head master - Tsunade - investing so much, she didn't think they'd be so ready for her arrival that they'd already loaded up her locker and given her the correct clothes for P.E.

Pulling the locker open, the pinkette took a wary glance inside, only to almost jump out of her skin as a hand planted itself down on her shoulder. Without even thinking about what she was doing, Sakura took a firm grasp of the mysterious persons hand and swung around along with said person before trapping her arm across her back in a painful looking way.

A gasp escaped her lips and she quickly let go, a sheepish look adorning her elegant features as Temari turned around to face her, a scowl clear on those of her own as she rubbed her left arm fervently.

Sakura let out a nervous chuckle and scratched at the back of her neck as she apologised, full heartedly mind you. It wasn't really her fault that she'd acted that way. For all she would've known, Karin may have been behind her and she certainly didn't mind the thought of giving her a bit of pain that she so rightfully deserved. However, then again Hinata could have just wanted to talk to her and Sakura would have ended up hurting her; this was something she definitely didn't want to happen, even if it were on accident. Hinata was a kind, shy... but very kind and gently girl who deserved nothing less that happiness and the pink-haired girl was sure that if it was her that she'd have hurt, she would have been very upset. She's just lucky that Temari was used to being in pain - she did have Kankuro and Gaara as brothers after all.

"Sorry Temari. Reflex" Noticing the sandy blond-haired girl's temper vanish almost completely, though there was still some anger of being beaten so easily (without even being able to help herself, even with Sakura being smaller and more fragile), the pinkette continued.

"Anyway, do we have to wear such things?"

Sakura took out from her locker a pair of navy blue short shorts that, if put on, she was sure would ride up her thighs so far that everyone would be able to see her ass. The shirt wasn't any better to be honest; it looked as though it was so tight that it would squeeze the life out of her. She shuddered at the mere thought of having to be in front of other people, guys at that, with those slutty piece of material on - she wouldn't even consider them as clothes.

Temari chuckled gruffly (not so weird as she was a boyish girl - if she had short hair and no breasts at all, anyone would think that she was a guy ) at her pink-haired friends horrified expression as she rummaged through her duffel bag that contained her own p.e uniform. Finding what she was looking for, the grabbed a hold of them and threw them swiftly towards the pinkette - landing straight on said girl's still horrified face.

"Well, they are the standard uniform for p.e. But, we girls are permitted to wear similar clothes if were bothered to bring them in. Lucky for you, I had a feeling that you were going to be in the same Gym lesson as me so I brought an extra pair" As Sakura finished assessing the clothes that had been thrown, rather unceremoniously, at her head, she sent a relieved and thankful as hell gaze towards her roommate.

"Thanks Temari, I owe you one" What the pinkette didn't expect, although she should have known from the sandy blond-haired girl's personality, was a wink back as well as a "I know" for a reply. Sakura gulped knowingly, however quickly switched her gaze towards the other side of the room and began getting changed as well. God knows how much time had passed by already and she didn't want to know what would happen if they were late; the other girls were already filling out of the room - Hinata joining them with a shy wave in the direction of her friends. In her old school, Sakura had been made to run around their larger than humanly possible outside field as punishment for being a minute late... a minute! And it was all her fault.

Snapping out of her thoughts as she pulled the white tank top over her head, Sakura adjusted the black sweatpants so that they were sitting more comfortably around her waist and quickly tied up her black trainers white shoelaces before rushing after Temari who was already near the changing room doors.

Stepping out and joining the others as they stood around the Gym teacher, Sakura couldn't help but gape, more than slightly terrified at the man standing before them.

She couldn't believe her eyes!

The man had his black hair cut into that of a bob - as though he had someone place a bowl on the top of his head and cut around the brim of it - and his eyes were round and a dark grey, although they looked beady... like Kisame's, although much bigger. His clothing was actually much weirder than his haircut as they consisted of a tight (Too... Tight!) forest green jumpsuit with orange leg warmers.

Temari snickered at her friends expression and gave a nod in self understanding. She too, when first seeing the Gym teacher - Might Guy - had been so freaked out that she couldn't take her eyes away from him, though that was all she wanted to do. What the blond-haired girl couldn't wait for, however, was the moment that Guy would notice Sakura and do something drastic to welcome her to the school... like he'd always do with the new students. And let me tell you this, what he made them do was nothing like a welcoming at all.

She could remember when Watanabe Ami had first arrived Temari's second year in Konoha high. She could see it clear in her mind, as if it was just yesterday.

Ami had just finished changing clothes, not in any way minding how slutty and skin showing the p.e uniform was, and walked out into the large Gym room when suddenly, she was somehow standing in front of everyone, right beside a man clad in a forest green jumpsuit - the sandy blond-haired girl could practically hear the scream that you could see clear on her face, throughout the edges of her mind.

Guy was so delighted to have a new student that he'd gave her a challenge to welcome her right away.

In Temari's opinion, it wasn't as bad as the ones the clad in green man had given to other new students and Ami had obviously taken it to seriously; It was only a little challenge. All she had to do was climb up a rope and jump to the next one before climbing down. What could have possibly gone wrong... right? Well, because the girl - Ami - had barely any arm strength, she'd ended up falling half way up to thick rope and fell on her ass on the matt, her hands acquiring first degree burns - from said rope she had to climb.

The girl had ended up crying her eyes out and running away in front of the whole class, causing said class to end up bursting into fits of laughter. To be honest, it was a pretty funny sight. However, due to the incident, Karin had ended up getting a right-hand follower. Anyone could see how this would become a problem... right?

Placing a hand on Sakura's shoulder, Temari gave a reassuring smile and spoke in such a soft whisper that you wouldn't think she was amused by the pinkette's situation.

"Don't worry Sakura, it'll only get worse from here on out" Oh... Sakura's expression was priceless; Temari wished she'd brought a camera so that she could remember this moment for the rest of her life, however mean that sounds.

'It'll only get worse!? How is that being a reassuring friend!'Frustrated, Sakura let a groan leave her lips. But, that seemed like one of the worst things she could have done because Guy, hearing a signal of distress and thinking that something was wrong, turned her way; a grin even wider than Kisame could muster (and even more terrifying as his teeth glinted along with his eyes) decided to grace the weirdly dressed man's features as he placed a hand on Sakura's shoulder, leaving her with no way out of what was about to happen.

"Oh! The youthfulness of today! A new student that I can welcome to our youthful group!" His voice shouted into oblivion and catching everyone else's attention as they shifted their gazes, stopped mid-conversation, towards the pinkette who was trying her best to shrink into such a size where no one would be able to notice her.

Sakura turned towards Temari in a flash and, with the most pleading face she could muster (which was a very pleading face at all as Sakura had never begged for anything in her life), begged with her eyes for the sandy blond-haired girl to help her get out of this mess. Sadly, said blond simply smirked with a 'Sorry, but no can do' look in her eyes and turned away, whistling as if nothing was happening to her roommate right before her eyes.

Screaming mentally, the pinkette finally gave in to defeat and decided to ask what she had to do. She didn't really understand what he'd meant by 'welcome her to the group' but she had this feeling in the back of her mind that was telling her it wasn't going to be a good thing...

'Yup... I'm dead'

Sakura stared up at the high wall that was used for 'rock climbing' with an agitated expression. 'Is he really expecting me to climb this thing?' Just to make sure she was really having to do this, the pinkette turned towards her teacher with a raised eyebrow, awaiting the moment banners came down and confetti was thrown all over the place as everyone shouted at the same thing "April Fools!"However, it wasn't even april and Sakura could positively see no sign of someone getting ready to throw the familiar stings and pieces of colourful paper.

After a long, although it seemed very short, moment passed by like a flash of lightning striking a random antenna without anyone noticing, Sakura turned back to the wall before her and decided to just get it over and done with. I mean... what could possibly go wrong... right?

'This better be worth it!'

Anger flared throughout the pinkette's body and she saw red as she continued her ascent of the roundedly jagged structured wall. It wasn't as difficult as it seemed, to be honest; In her old village, Sakura had once tried rock climbing and she hadn't failed. However, that time she had at least worn a harness so that if she fell, someone would be there to catch her. It seemed that in this school no one cared about the student's health and safety as Guy merely placed a helmet on her head and pushed her forward towards her challenge - she stumbled due to the pressure he added onto her back.

As Sakura was minding her own business, climbing steadily up the wall, seemingly without a care in the world... Hinata moved to where Temari was standing and the two shared a worried glance. Well, Hinata did. Temari was more amused with the situation than anything else really. She knew that whatever welcoming challenge Guy gave her would be at least tougher than the one he'd given Ami in the past. However, that didn't mean she wasn't worried for her new roommate and friend. She thought the 'youthful' man would at least give her a harness so that if she fell, she wouldn't get seriously injured. Hell, their teacher was so idiotic that he didn't even get the matt out so that if she fell (if), she would at least get a soft landing.

"D-Do you think Sakura-san w-will be ok?" The shy blue/purple tinted haired girl asked the tougher, boyishly girl beside her. Hinata was normally worried about other, but this was something she couldn't help but get a bad feeling about. Wouldn't you usually have some safety harnesses on, or at least a mat underneath.

Temari understood the girl's worries, but she knew Sakura would be fine. The pinkette was a strong girl from what she'd seen so far and there was no way Guy would just let one of his new students get hurt like that. He'd had to have a plan for if she fell... 'But why is he testing her like this?' That was the main question. Sakura was in the school on an academic scholarship so why was Guy treating her like he would his Sports scholarship students? 'It doesn't make sense...'

"She'll be fine. You trust Sakua don't you?" After receiving a, rather confident nod from the shy girl - which was quite surprising - Temari smirked, a glint in her eyes that said 'If she gets hurt, I won't be hold accountable for Guy's health afterwards'

"Then trust in her. Besides, you know just as well as I do that Guy wouldn't let one of his "precious youthful students" get hurt. My guess... he's testing her"

Hinata turned to her blond-haired friend with a questioning look. Sure, she was smart, but she didn't have the analysing techniques that Temari did so she didn't quite get what the girl was going on about. Tilting her head to the right cutely, the shy girl awaited Temari to explain further about what she'd figured out so far.

"Think about it. Why do you reckon every time a new students joins out class, Guy would practically force them to take up a challenge? He wants to see if their ready for the lessons he's going to force onto them. You know how challenging Guy can be; he just wants to know whether the new sports scholars can take what he's going to give them" Hinata, catching onto what Temari had been thinking about, nodded.

"But" The two stopped staring at each other and shifted their gazes towards their pink-haired friends as she was almost to the top of the wall - the most difficult part as the wall would curve out for you to reach the end "Why would he want to test Sakura - someone who's on an academic scholarship?"

Their question was left unanswered as anxiety clenched their stomachs uncomfortably; Sakura had made it to the top of the wall and although she was slightly out of breath, she didn't look like she'd had much of a hard time. Her hands tightly gripped the whole in the top of the wall where you would normally hold onto when you needed a rest - her arms strong and muscles tense, as if she was worried if she'd loosen them, she'd fall.

Everyone knew that it was easier going up that down, so now the question that arose on everyone's mind was "How's she gonna get down without a harness?"

Simple...

She'll jump.

As Sakura reached the top of her challenge, now only needing to get back down, she decided to rest for a moment and make sure her breathing was back to normal before doing what she was thinking of doing... which was pretty stupid, mind you.

She didn't want, nor did she have the upper arms strength to hold her own as she climbed all the way back down. The wall was at least over 12 meters high and it had taken her approximately 5-10 minutes to climb up - by now her muscles would start to ache, at least. It was an even more difficult task when you climb down so she knew it would take longer; by then her arms would be jelly and she would fall to her inevitable death... no, that was over the top. She wouldn't die from a mere injury like that, maybe a broken leg or something like that, though.

Letting out a sigh, Sakura craned her neck down to the ground to stare at what was happening below her.

Most of the girls were sitting down by the wall, bored, or on their phones texting god knows who. Temari and Hinata were talking to each other about something that Sakura obviously couldn't hear, but the shy girl looked worried about something. 'Aw... is she worried about me?' The pinkette grinned to herself before moving along and spotting Sasuke, Naruto, Shikamaru, Kiba and Choji along with another boy she hadn't seen before. Said boys were talking to each other (more like arguing - Kiba and Naruto) in hushed tones and looking up now and then to see how their pink-haired friend had fared in her task.

Moving along, she finally came across a small group of kids that she'd recognise any day - The Akatsuki.

'And here I thought the heavens would finally bless me with some good luck... Oh well, can't do anything about it but ignore them' Giving a nod in self agreement, Sakura didn't notice to the rusty-brown eyes that fell upon her small form (she is high up) until the two made eye-contact.

Nothing happened for a while as the two stared at each other, for what seemed like eternity, before finally the boy made a move... he smirked up at her and gave a familiar challenging look.

'I dare you' Was what he was saying to her.

Why he was giving her that look? Sakura didn't know, nor did she want to know. However, all she really wanted to do at that exact moment was go down there and wipe that smirk off of his attractive face... in a rather unattractive way. She's punch it off. Sakura wasn't the type of girl who would 'slap' someone. She was more of a 'punch and kick where the sun don't shine' type of girl and oh did she love it when she made a guy unable in performing in bed... that was something that would always make her day.

'Oh when I get my hands on that cocky bastard!' She seethed as she snapped back from her thoughts about sadistically torturing guys in the worst possible way before finally letting her hands go at the same time as she twisted her body around and prepared for the slightly over 10 meter drop. She'd dropped from further up before, but that was with a harness, so she didn't know how things were going to turn out.

'Can't exactly turn back now... I've already let go'
Twisting her body into the correct position, Sakura made sure that she'd landed further away from anyone so that they wouldn't get caught.

The moment her toes touched the ground, her knees bent down and she dropped her body into a forward roll so that the extra energy was released and that he legs wouldn't receive the normal shock, or at least most of it wouldn't occur. The pinkette always hated the aftereffects of jumping from a high place; that horrible electric shock feeling that would make anyone fall to the ground. The mere thought of it made her cringe.

All was silent as Sakura dusted imaginary dust off from her black sweatpants. However, the silence ended as the teacher - Guy - jumped on the pinkette in awe and amazement.

"That was amazing! Never have I seen such youthfulness in one of my challenges. I welcome you Haruno Sakura! Now, why don't we celebrate by running around the field 100 times!" Groans of protest could be heard from almost everyone in the group. However, Sakura wasn't bothered as she was more concentrated on the narrowed, cold glare she was giving Sasori who was merely looking at her in mild amusement; as if he'd just found a new toy to play with.

'No way am I letting this bastard get away with thinking of me like that!'

The pure fury and annoyance that was clear on the pinkette's face only made her look more exotic to the wood craftsman - Sasori. The way her silvery pink hair flew around her face with non-existant wind made her seem like a goddess ready for battle; the way her rare shade of emerald-green eyes narrowed into dark slits only added to the wild, sexy look it gave her.

Oh yes... he would have fun with messing with her from now on. He couldn't wait...