Me: HELL YEAH! Everything begins now! Get ready because I'm going to-

Itachi: *knocks Mearad out*

Shisui: *grabs the fanfiction book and starts writing*

Itachi: Mearad doesn't own Naruto or any of the Naruto characters...hn.

Finally, the last week of the Academy came. Sakura sat in her seat, mulling over the thought that this was her last week of true peace for a while. After this week, her true mission really begins.

Don't worry, we'll do fine! Inner cheered.

Sakura smiled as Iruka-sensei came into class. Naruto was being dragged behind him. Sakura looked at him. Naruto gave a sneaky grin while Iruka went on talking to the class. Naruto jerked his head in the direction of the Hokage monuments. Sakura looked outside the window and nearly laughed.

The Hokage faces had graffiti on them by, yours truly, Naruto. She sent him a grin back and Sakura nudged Sasuke. He smirked as he looked out the window. Sakura heard him mutter "dobe" under his breath, though he was still smirking.

"And so we shall be repeating the transformation jutsu!" Iruka-sensei said, as he glared at Naruto and his mischievous ways.

Sakura sighed and lined up first. She transformed into Iruka-sensei and then walked to the back of the line. Sasuke went next and then stood beside her, as they both watched Naruto walk up to Iruka-sensei.

This is when Naruto finds out Iruka-sensei is a pervert! Inner fist pumped.

Naruto grinned evilly and shouted out "Sexy no jutsu!"

Naruto stood, as a female, naked with smoke covering her body.
Sakura laughed as Iruka got a bloody nose and fell backwards. She tried to keep a straight face, as Iruka stuffed a tissue up his nose to stop the bleeding and then proceeded to yell at Naruto.

Sakura, Sasuke and Naruto were still sniggering as they walked out the Adacemy for lunch.

"Ne, ne!" Naruto said, as he jumped in front of Sasuke and Sakura. They were walking around the Academy, heading for the training posts behind the school, the sun blaring down on them. The other academy students were heading home with their families for the day.

It had become a ritual for the three of them to train everyday together after school to get in as much practise as possible. Naruto and Sakura had promised to help bring Itachi back to Konoha. Sasuke smirked, saying Naruto will probably need all the help he can get if he wants to be Hokage.

"What is it, dobe?" Sasuke asked, irritated.

"Let's go to Sakura's house!" Naruto said.

Sakura froze.

"Why, dobe?" Sasuke asked, fighting back punching the blonde in the head.

Naruto glared at Sasuke.

"We've never met her parents before!" Naruto whined.

Sasuke hned and Sakura found herself leading them back to her home, contemplating what to do.

You have to tell them sometime, you know. Inner reminded her.

Yeah, but I was hoping after we became genin teams.

Still, you might as well tell them now, rather then they find out on their own.

Sakura, instead of leading them to her house, went towards the park instead.

"Naruto, Sasuke..." Sakura said nervously. "I-There's something I haven't told you..."

Naruto and Sasuke picked up immediately on her serious tone as they sat on a park chair. Naruto looked at her worriedly and Sasuke sat next to her, giving her enough personal space.

"What's wrong Sakura-chan?" Naruto asked, as he looked into her pain filled eyes.

"My parents..." Sakura said, as tears built up. "They are already dead."

Naruto froze, but Sasuke didn't seemed shocked by the news. Still, that didn't surprise her. She had come into contact with Itachi and Shisui on her way back to Konoha. Sasuke would've been told by his parents ages ago.

However, Sakura couldn't look Naruto in the eyes. She had kept a big secret from him because she didn't want to make him upset. But as she felt Naruto pull her into a bone crushing hug, as he cried, she knew he would forgive her. That was just Naruto's way.

Naruto pulled apart from Sakura after a few seconds and Sakura gave him a small smile.

"I'm sorry Naruto, Sasuke. For not telling you both. I-I just didn't want anybody to worry." Sakura said, as Naruto squeezed her hand. "I mean, I'm not lonely. I have all my friends and you guys-"

"Sakura-chan" Naruto said, as she looked into his eyes. "You are my family, my adopted sister. I don't care if you have no parents just like me. To me, you and teme are my siblings, no matter who you have or don't have in your family"

Sakura was shocked but then gave a small smile. This was definitely her Naruto. Even if the one from her time was more mature, they were still one and the same. Sakura nodded and Sasuke put a hand on her shoulder, showing he thought of her like a sister too.

Sakura rolled her eyes and brought him into the hug. Sometimes, Sakura forgot he was an Uchiha and just spoke two words at a time (or no words at all).

See, I told you it would go well!

Yeah, thanks inner.

Sakura was bemused when she felt pride run off her inner self.

"Can we still go to your house Sakura-chan?" Naruto asked, a pout forming on his lips.

Sakura rolled her eyes while Sasuke just smirked.

"Sure." Sakura muttered.

The three of them walked past the glaring shop owners, already used to the way they treated Naruto, and towards Sakura's house. Sakura and Sasuke had made sure to always buy the food for Naruto. It was quiet funny really. Naruto would stand beside them, telling them what he wanted. Then, the shop keeper would try to chase Naruto off. Sakura, Sasuke, or whoever was there, mostly Mokito-san, would stand in front of the shop keepers, as if daring them to continue on.

The shop keepers usually left it be if it was Mokito-san, but after she died, Sakura helped Naruto. Whenever it was Sakura, the shop keepers would usually bypass her to get to Naruto. Sakura would grab the shop keeper's hand if they advanced to hit Naruto. Then she would say something like:

"Naruto has done nothing wrong and by attacking him, you are liable to be charged. We are good friends with the Hokage and I'm sure he can go over a thing or two about attacking people for no reason."

The shop owners would pale and then let go. Naruto would usually burst into laughter after they left the shop. So she was stretching the truth a little. Sakura spoke to the Hokage weekly (hey, she was an orphan) so he knew Sakura was doing okay but Naruto was closer to him than she was.

As they entered Sakura's house, it was still very neat. Her parents' room was now just a spare bedroom. Sakura brought them into the kitchen and Naruto's eyes widened.

"Wow Sakura-chan! Your house is so big!" Naruto said.

Sasuke hned in agreement. It was a double story and had a kitchen, lounge room, her parents' room and a bathroom downstairs. Upstairs was her bedroom, another bathroom, and another spare bedroom. Of course, it wasn't as big as Sasuke's but still.

"So Naruto, Sasuke, what do you want for dinner?" Sakura asked.

"Ramen-" Naruto said, before Sakura glared at him.

"Naruto, you can't eat ramen every day. Pick something healthy for you." Sakura said, as Naruto thought for a minute.

Sasuke just watched them, arms folded while he leaned against the wall.

"Then, how about Miso soup?" Naruto asked, as he looked puppy eyes at Sakura.

Sakura turned to Sasuke for agreement.

"Miso Soup is fine" Sasuke said, and Sakura began to cook.

Sakura headed for the Adademy. Today was the last day as students. Inner was cheering her on. She met Ino half way and the two of them walked to school, Ino saying excitedly how she thinks she might be on Sasuke's team. Sakura smiled but didn't say anything. As they got to class, Iruka-sensei came in telling them the last test was the clone jutsu.

Sakura, out of the corner of her eye, saw Naruto pull his hair. Sakura gave him an encouraging smile. He may fail the test today, but he'll pass with flying colours after the Mizuki incident. As Sakura preformed the jutsu, she grabbed her headband and headed outside. Unlike before, nobody congratulated her this time. Sakura sighed. She really missed her parents.

Ino came up to her, after tying her Konoha headband around her waist. She was wearing her purple outfit like in Sakura's timeline, a kunoichi dress and shorts. Her hair was tied up and a little dangled in front of her face, giving her a cool and proud appearance.

Ino knew of Sakura's parents' death. Ino was pretty smart when it came to her friends. She had demanded to know what happened and after, she hugged Sakura and stayed over for the night. That was around two years ago.

Sakura walked with Ino to her flower shop, as Ino had invited her for dinner, mulling over how many people knew her parents were dead. Basically, Shikamaru and Choji knew because Shikamaru was a genius, and Choji had asked her why her parents never came to pick her up. Hinata would talk to her about moving in with somebody else but Sakura said she could take care of herself. And as Naruto and Sasuke found out a few days ago, the only ones who didn't know was Kiba and Shino, though Sakura had a sneaking suspicion Shino knew. She was familiar with Kiba and Shino in this timeline but not as close as her old one. Still, Sakura knew, sometimes people only bond when you fight alongside each other, trusting each other with their lives.

Sakura walked with Ino as they passed the flowers in her backyard. The Yamanaka Clan was pretty big, Ino's home only being that, a home. Their backyard was filled with herbs, flowers and houses scattered the area. Ino and Sakura walked around a bit, talking about what life as a ninja would be like.

"But Naruto didn't pass..." Ino said sadly, as Sakura gave a grimace.

At least Naruto had the Rookie Twelve on his side in this timeline. He didn't have to defeat enemies so much more dangerous than himself to earn everyone's respect. Of course, the village still hated him but that would change over time. Naruto wouldn't sacrifice himself this time to earn the villager's respect.

Sakura sighed and they went back to the house, as Ino's father and mother were taking them to the Nara's compound to celebrate passing the test.

"So Sakura-chan, who do you think you'll be with?" Choji asked, as he ate the barbeque food.

Sakura thought for a moment. Would she still be on Naruto's and Sasuke's team?

Yeah, we should. Inner said. We purposely held back on our tests, even though most of our friends and Iruka-sensei know we're stronger than that. The only thing that is different on our records is that we are a qualified medic and we aren't a fan girl.

"I dunno but I'm hoping I can get onto the same team as a friend, at least." Sakura said, smiling at Choji.

"I'll absolutely die if I'm on your team, Shikamaru!" Ino said, glaring at said boy who was sitting on the grass, much like the first time Sakura had met him.

"Whatever, troublesome woman..." Shikamaru muttered, still watching the clouds.

"Ugh..." Ino said. She'd do anything to get out of this situation. "Come on Choji!"

She grabbed Choji's hand and Choji was dragged to the food table again, rather forcefully by the blonde. Sakura smirked, as she lay on the ground beside Shikamaru.

"So you gonna tell me what's been on your mind the last few days?" Shikamaru asked, as he turned his head a little to look at Sakura.

She had been acting tense and nervous because of stressing she wouldn't get onto the right team, but still. Did it show that much to her friends? Also, Sakura figured she'd have to tell the Hokage, Sarutobi, soon about her secret. Maybe after the mission to wave?

Ugh! It's all so troublesome!

Great. Inner said. We've been hanging around Shikamaru too much!

"Nothing much Shika" Sakura replied, frowning.

Shikamaru shot her a doubtful look.

"You're so troublesome..." Shikamaru muttered, as he stood up.

Sakura also got up and he inclined his head in the direction away from the loud music, towards his home. Shikamaru's home was quiet big, having many rooms, and long wooden floorboards. He had porches that circled all around his house and many ponds. Still, the two of them walked towards one of the rooms they both visited a lot.

They entered the room, though the sliding doors, leaving them open. Shikamaru went to the cupboard to get his shoji board. Sakura sat down on the ground, glancing at the party outside the room. She had come here often, often to play shoji whenever she didn't want to train, or whenever she felt drained and needed a break.

Shikamaru was a genius and picked up on it all the time, challenging her to shoji to get her mind off things. Obviously, he won many more times then she, but he often said she was a great partner to challenge.

Shikamaru set the board up and wordlessly, they began to play, Shikamaru focusing on the board. Sakura pondered if she should ask him, but he broke the silence instead as he moved a piece.

"So, what's really wrong Sakura?" Shikamaru asked, as Sakura worked out her next moved.

"I don't know what you're talking about" Sakura said, as she decided to move her corner piece.

Shikamaru sighed. They elapsed into silence once again, not talking until the game was nearly finished.

"Checkmate" Shikamaru said, as he beat Sakura.

Sakura grinned. "I'm never going to beat you again, am I Shika?" Sakura said. "You're just too smart."

Shikamaru smirked. "Says the one who got the highest in the intellect class."

"Hey!" Sakura said, as she mock glares at him. "You'd of beat me anytime if you actually weren't so lazy and slept most of the test time."

Shikamaru grinned as he put the game away but then his grin wormed away as Sakura's face became troubled again. The party was still going but it would end soon. Shikamaru knew and Sakura knew.

"So, spill it" Shikamaru said, as the two of them sat on the porch outside.

Sakura sighed.

"There's just so much that's been on my mind lately." Sakura said, careful of her words. "Sorry Shika for worrying you."

That didn't say much. Inner commented.

Sakura ignored her.

Shikamaru looked at her for a long moment, seeing worry and annoyance Maybe he could get Ino to talk to Sakura?

He looked up at the night sky. Girls really were troublesome...

"heh." Sakura said. "The party's finished. I've got to go home Shika"

Sakura got up to leave and Shikamaru eyed her lazily.

"It's troublesome but I guess I'll take you home" Shikamaru said.

Sakura blinked.

"Shikamaru, you haven't got a fever right?"

Shikamaru sighed, shoving his hands in his pocket. He started walking, and waited for Sakura to catch up. Sakura said bye to Ino, Inoichi, Choji and Chojiru, before Shikaku nodded to Sakura, as Shikamaru said he'd walk her home.

The night was lapsed in silence. Both felt the chakra presences of many ninja running around the village. That was probably why Shikamaru walked her home. To make sure she wouldn't get hurt. Pah! She's stronger than him by a mile! She had all of her chakra and more accumulated over the years. She had 8 years to get her chakra back. She was a powerhouse now! Of course, the seal containing her chakra prevented much of it actually being used and kept hidden so it wasn't sensed.

"I hope nothing is really wrong..." Sakura said, as she sensed another couple of chunnin ninja flash by the rooftops.

Shikamaru looked at her.

"It's obviously under control, seeing as many of the chakra signals are returning to the Hokage tower." Shikamaru said, as they arrived at her house.

Are you stupid? Remember-Mizuki! The Forbidden Scroll?

Of course! Whoops! I forgot about that as we walked home.

"Thanks Shika for walking me home." Sakura said, smiling at him. "See you tomorrow"

Shikamaru nodded, as he turned around and walked away. Sakura smiled, feeling a little less stressed. Even if she wasn't in the same team as Naruto and Sasuke, she'd make do with what she had.

After all, she, Sakura Haruno, inherited the Will of Fire from Konoha's number one knuckle-head ninja, Uzumaki Naruto, and Naruto was one to never give up.

Sakura got up bright and early, contemplating whether to cut her hair. On one hand, she should cut it after the chunnin exams which were a few months away. But Sakura would've probably changed so much by then that it wouldn't matter. On the other, as a ninja, it was and is really risky to have long hair.

Cut it when the time is right, Shanaro! Inner cheered. That way we'll look cool!

Sakura chuckled quietly to herself, and went downstairs to her empty house. She had a shower and got dressed in an outfit she liked in her timeline (Naruto shippuden). She wore a dark pink vest, black shorts with Gaara's gift, the cheery blossom sand sculpture, tied to her shorts. She had wrappings around her leg, her kunai holster and her headband was wrapped over her head. The sand sculpture didn't move from her shorts because it was tightly put.

Gaara was right. It didn't break.

She also wore Tsunade's necklace around her neck, hidden under her clothes. The Uchiha necklace, given to her by Itachi, was around her left arm, secured tight so it didn't move, nor make a sound. The chain of the necklace was wrapped further up her arm, like twin snakes circling prey. Sasori's puppet was sealed in a seal on her same arm in black. It was like a summon, she had to use her blood to summon the scroll, then use her blood to open it.

The chain parted on her arm just a few centimetres above her elbow, creating an opening, and in between that, was the small seal, a cherry blossom, delicately engraved on her skin.

Over the years, Sakura had upgraded the Sakura puppet. It now contained poisons that only Sakura knew how to make in her past timeline, as well as senbon needles coated with the poison.

For a couple of years after returning to the past, Sakura hadn't wanted to use poisons, remembering how her own poison killed Shikamaru, but she got over it and started making her own poisons.

She had a little experience on puppets thanks to Kankuro of the Sand, Gaara's brother, from her timeline. She had been practising in this time, figuring out the best way to use the puppet.

The senbon needles came out a small opening in the arms, with a small flick of the chakra strings. The puppet's feet could also change into sharp knife like points.

The purpose of the puppet was to kill the enemy instantly, or to immobilise them. The puppet was hardly bigger than Sakura's knee height. However, the advantage to having a puppet so small, and having earth abilities were huge.

Sakura hid underground, controlling the puppet, and because it was so small, the puppet was faster than an average puppet. But like Sakura said, the puppet could only be used for instant kills or instant immobilisation. Once the enemy figured out her location, she had to move and hide again or use a different tactic.

After making herself a quick breakfast and lunch, she headed for Ino's house, waiting as Ino came out smiling brightly. The two of them walked slowly to the Academy, the walk lapsed in complete silence. Neither felt the need to talk. They both knew that from today onwards, life will be different.

As they entered their classroom, Sakura was tackled to the floor by Naruto. He hugged her saying he became a genin and could do the shadow clone technique. Sakura looked at his goody smile and gave a small smile of her own before noticing their positions.

She was on the floor, propped up thanks to her elbows, while Naruto was still hugging her, his head resting on her stomach. He was like a true two year old. But she wasn't his MOTHER!

"Naruto?" Sakura asked, as Naruto looked at her.

"GET OFF!" Sakura said, as she hit him over the head. He tumbled off her and into the wall. Sakura sighed and was helped up by Ino who gave Naruto a worried look, before shrugging and sitting next to Choji.

Sakura heard a groan from Naruto as he detached himself from the wall. Trying to hold in her anger, she went up to him and started healing the small bump on his head. Naruto looked at Sakura. Sakura could only think two words. Kicked. Puppy.

She sighed and Naruto followed as she walked to Sasuke, she sitting in the middle seat, and Naruto on the other end, away from Sasuke.

"Sorry Naruto but you can't be such a douche anymore" Sakura said, as Naruto gave her a small grin. Sakura rolled her eyes. "And congratulations on passing to genin."

Naruto grinned broader and started bragging, careful to always say he was better than Sasuke-teme. Sasuke was also careful to say Naruto was better at being stupid. Sakura rolled her eyes. To think, she'd still have to wait for Kakashi-sensei to show up, two hours later.

Iruka-sensei came in, starting to announce the teams.

"Team 7" Iruka-sensei said. "Is Uzumaki Naruto..."

Naruto waited in anticipation.

"Haruno Sakura..." Iruka said.

Sakura smiled and Naruto jumped out of his seat.

"And Uchiha Sasuke" Iruka finished.

Naruto banged his head against the table, anime tears coming out of his eyes.

"Why do I have to be on the teme's team?" Naruto whined.

Iruka sighed and said Sasuke balances him out. He got the highest while Naruto got the lowest.

Sakura grinned as Naruto sat down again.

"Well, at least I'm on your team, nee, Naruto?" Sakura grinned, nudging him.

Naruto grinned and smiled. Sasuke snorted.

"Sasuke, don't be like that." Sakura frowned. "Just think, I can keep your fan girls away now while we're on missions!"

Sasuke only hned and turned around, a small smirk on his face.

Team 10 was the same thankfully, consisting of Ino, Choji and Shikamaru. Team 8 was also the same, with Kiba, Hinata and Shino. Sakura gave a sigh of relief. She had done everything right up to this point. But from now on, things will get tricky. Major things will change and soon Sakura will have no way to tell what comes next.

Naruto groaned, frustrated as Sasuke and Sakura sat in their chair, waiting for Kakashi.

"Where is he?" Naruto yelled, frustrated. He suddenly got an evil grin on his face and placed a chalkboard on top of the door. Sakura grinned as Sasuke snorted.

"No jounin would fall for a trick like that-" Sasuke said, as Kakashi walked in and plonk, it fell on his head. There was a moment of silence and then Naruto cracked up laughing, followed by a few giggles from Sakura.

Sasuke had a smirk on his face.

"Hatake Kakashi. The first impression I have on you...I hate you" Kakashi said, as he turned around. He glanced back at them. "Meet me on the roof in two minutes."

Sakura grinned evilly as he vanished in a puff of smoke.

She grabbed Sasuke's wrist and grabbed Naruto's. It was time to put the Kakashi revenge plan into action.

2 hour later...

The three genin arrived on the roof, either grinning or smirking. Kakashi glanced up at them, before turning another page in his book.

"You know you can't be late like that when we're on missions." Kakashi said.

"Whatever do you mean, Kakashi-sensei?" Naruto asked, showing an "innocent" face.

Sakura smirked. "Yeah, you see, on the way to the roof, we came across a broken step so we had to go the long way."

Kakashi sweat dropped. These were the best lies they had? They were worse than his own!

"Well, anyway." Kakashi said, as the genin sat down. "Tell me about yourselves. Your likes, dislikes, hobbies, goals..."

Sakura smirked. This would be fun.

"My name is Sakura." Sakura said. Everyone stared at her, waiting for more.

"Likes, dislikes, hobbies, goals?" Kakashi pushed.

Sakura shrugged, inner cackling evilly in their mind.

"I don't feel like telling you" Sakura said.

Sasuke smirked at her.

"Everyone knows my name. Don't have much likes or dislikes. My hobbies vary. My goal is to find a certain man and defeat him."

Kakashi sweat dropped. All he got from pinkie was her first name. All he got from emo boy was he wanted to find a man and defeat him. Kakashi turned to the blonde, as the blonde jingled his forehead protector.

"Naruto." Naruto said. Sakura was laughing insanely in her mind as she watched Kakashi's sweat drop. Sakura was going to make his life misery...for a while. Sakura pondered the influence she had over her team and how much she had changed in this timeline. Everyone looked so happy.

"A-Anyway, I'm Kakashi as you know. I have many likes and dislikes. I don't have a lot of hobbies and my dreams, I guess I never really thought about it."

"Get on with it, sensei" Naruto said.

"Well, you know you aren't genin yet, right?" Kakashi asked them. Sasuke and Naruto looked shocked. Sakura rolled her eyes.

"Then tell us what we have to do to become genin." Sakura said. Kakashi observed her. She seemed the calmest of the three.

"Well, out of the 27 graduates, only 9 of you will actually pass." Kakashis said, waiting for the truth to sink in. Once he got the horror look from Naruto, and nothing from Sasuke and Sakura, he guessed they must be good at hiding their emotions.

"So it's only a 33% chance of passing. Meet me at training ground 7 tomorrow" Kakashi said, and stopped as he turned around, a sick grin making its way to his face. "And don't eat breakfast, or you'll be sick."

Then in a poof of smoke, he was gone.

Itachi: I hope you liked our chapter, seeing as Mearad is asleep at the moment.

Shisui: It is counted as a chapter, as we have published it!

Me: *wakes up* What?! I'll kill you-Wait. *reads the new chapter and blinks*

Itachi and Shisui: ?

Me: Wow! I love this chapter! I'm going to write the next chapter!

Itachi: *goes to knock MEarad unconscious again*

Me: KAKASHI! *Kakashi comes and ties ropes around Itachi's mouth and body, effectively immobilizing him.*

Itachi: *poofs away in a cloud of smoke*

Me: Get him, Kakashi!

...

Me: Kakashi?

Kakashi: *reading IchaIcha Paradise*

Me: *Starts writing furiously in book* Next chapter it will be much worse for you!