Keep Or Scrap?

by sincerelyLen

Keep or Scrap? Let me know what you think? Story ideas I had in mind to write but unsure if it's worth the read, I need your help! 12. The roles prescribed to them were far from how they were defined. 13. -Reconfiguration-

10. The Haruno and Yamanaka Chronicles

Title: The Haruno and Yamanaka Chronicles
Date: November 13, 2008
Summary: Two kunoichi are given an important task...A Mission away from home and friends for many years...Two kunoichi by the name of Haruno and Yamanaka are sent to infiltrate a dangerous Organization Base by the name of...Akatsuki..
Pairing: Eventual Sasuke and Sakura
Rating: M
Themes: /Drama/Angst/Action/Adventure

---

Prologue

"I have a special Mission assigned to the two of you…"

It was another busy day in the Fire Country…Another important mission assigned for the Ninja of Konohagakure no Sato of the Hidden Leaf to complete. Spring was coming and going with warm and beautiful weather, Summer just around the corner. The sun was out and the sky was absolutely cloudless. Civilians roamed the streets in high spirits; Ninja of different ranks went about doing their various assignments; the Hospital was busy with constant healing, and the Konoha Academy proudly taught the newest students of the generation.

"Of course Hokage-sama…What would you have us do…?"

Had it already been 2 years since a certain Kyuubi Vessel returned from his 2-year journey with one of the Legendary Sannin of Konoha? Had it already been 4 years since a certain pink-haired kunoichi asked the Godaime Hokage to take her as an apprentice? And had it already been 5 years, since the Rookie 9 Class graduated from the Konoha Ninja Academy to begin the lives they now so proudly led?

"…This is a dangerous S-Class Mission…And I believe you two are the best Kunoichi for the job…"

Although the Class of Rookie 9 and the other aspiring Ninja of their age group and level had grown, in both mind and strength, they all made an effort to keep in close contact. As some shinobi reached their Jounin levels, while others dominated in ANBU Black Ops, the group of friends did their best to spend some time with one another. They would talk: Ranging from gossip around the Village to the latest Missions they had completed. And they would duel: To test one another's strength and help to improve on weaknesses. Despite their growing in age and climbing of Ninja Ranks, they were, admirably, life-long friends.

"…This may be asking a lot from the two of you…But this mission will be requiring your skills in stealthy infiltration and assassination…Although Hyuuga Hinata and Lady Tenten are also well in these skills, your other skills far surpass them…Specifically your Mind-Controlling, Yamanaka…And your Medical Skills, Haruno…"

On this beautiful, sunny day; all of Rookie 9 and Team Gai, were fortunate enough to return from their many missions, and were given some well-earned time off. While the children were off at school and the adults were working, it was the perfect time for the group of friends to snatch a relaxing spot at the Konoha Park, which conveniently, was not too far away from the Training Grounds as well. And what better way to spend time together, when it was one of their close friend's birthday.

"…Unfortunately…This mission also necessitates your departure from this Village to the Earth Country, Lightning Country, and quite possibly, the Sea Country…There is a large chance that you will be gone on this mission for many months…Perhaps years…Although, we hope the mission goes successfully so your stay will not be so…long-termed…In short: You will not be setting foot in Konoha, much less the Fire Country…In a very long time…"

Blankets were set out along the nicely trimmed grass of the Park, as various wooden tables were set up, holding many plates of delicious food. Bright red and white balloons shifted slightly from the wind's soft current, as a big banner hung between two trees, informing all who saw, just exactly whose birthday it was. Many figures were lounging around already, laughing and speaking good-hearted conversations, while others loudly challenged people they knew to a duel, before racing off to the nearby Training Ground. It was a typical Rookie 9, Team Gai get-together. All seemed well, all seemed perfect…

Except…Despite the many people there, enjoying themselves in ignorant bliss…Two people were suspiciously missing…

"…We accept this Mission Hokage-sama…For the sake of this village…We will die for it…It is our duty as Kunoichi of Konoha…"

---

Chapter One

March 9, Year of the Tiger

12:23 PM

Uzumaki Naruto grinned happily as he looked upon the table filled with delicious and scrumptious food. However, what caught his eye the most was the large bowl of Miso Ramen Hyuuga Hinata had brought, just begging to be eaten. Drool was forming at the corner of his mouth as his bright blue eyes sparkled hungrily, his tall, well-muscled body slowly inching its way to the delectable treat. It had been hours since the 17-year old's last serving and, to the blonde-haired boy, that had been long enough. It was now time to remedy his stomach problem, and there was no better way than eating Hinata's Special Homemade Miso Ramen, which Naruto admitted, was quite better than Ichiraku's.

Akimichi Chouji stood feet away from the orange and black clad boy as he looked upon the same table, his features thoughtful as he tried to choose between BBQ flavored chips or Salt and Vinegar. It was a hard choice indeed, so the round man smiled mischievously before taking up both chip bags with a grin.

Seated on the grass not far from the food-filled tables were two females, enjoying the beautiful and warm weather as well as each others' company, laughing, smiling, and talking comfortably. Hyuuga Hinata was sitting cross-legged, grinning softly as she played with her long, dark blue hair; soft, white eyes looking at her companion with interest to what she was saying. Said companion, Tenten, had her legs swept over to one side, leaning against her right arm while her free hand twirled a kunai effortlessly. Her brown hair was tied up into its two usual and neat buns while equally brown eyes stared up at the sky while explaining the success of her and her team's latest mission.

The light conversation was interrupted briefly when a large, white, and shaggy dog, Akamaru of the Inuzuka Clan, decided to lie comfortably beside his Master's teammate. Hinata, who only smiled again, ran her hand gently through his well-tamed fur behind the ears. The large beast was pleased and gave a content growl as it closed its eyes.

Master of the large dog, Inuzuka Kiba, was a little ways off, standing near the Training Grounds, pulling at the collar of his black jacket with a grimace from the heat and the sweat while he watched as the Hyuuga prodigy and Konoha's Green Beast dueled impressively.

Hyuuga Neji was quite emotionless, as his Byakugan charged, opalescent eyes watched the movements of his speedy green-clad teammate. Despite their fighting, which had been going on for at least 30 minutes, it was quite a surprise to see not a single strand of long hair out of place or a single panted breath of exhaustion. The only sign that the boy had been fighting, was the small hint of perspiration at his brow. Although it could be put to deliberation that it was only there due to the intense heat.

Rock Lee, Neji's opponent, was in a similar state, although he was grinning widely, putting a 'thumbs-up' before him while ranting about their "youthful fire fueling such passionate fighting".

Aburame Shino only rolled his eyes slightly behind his dark sunglasses at the display as he sat in isolation under the shade of a large cherry blossom tree…Quiet as ever.

Sai, a newcomer of the group of friends, contently sat a few trees away from Shino, a small smile lifting at the corner of his lips, sitting comfortably in the shade and welcoming coolness of the trees while drawing in his little art book. Even a few books, one being named, 'Different Behaviors: How To Tell Them Apart', were stacked up beside his quiet form.

And, in satisfied seclusion from the rest of the group, a short distance away from the picnic area where the floor sloped up into a hill, Nara Shikamaru sat with hands behind his pineapple-haired head, while he lazily gazed up at the sky. He frowned slightly as he felt the heat beat continuously onto his form with no clouds to gaze at or offer him needed shade. He sighed. Hot weather and Sunburns were so troublesome.

It seemed like a typical Rookie 9 and Team Gai reunion, with the usual duels, food, and good company. But this reunion was slightly different. With the multiple boxes wrapped in shiny material on one table and the balloons and banners hanging around the perimeter, something indeed was being celebrated. And that was made all too clear if one were to look at the rectangular, two-layer cake a certain pink-haired kunoichi baked, in beautiful cursive of red icing stating, 'HAPPY 19th BIRTHDAY TENTEN!'

Yes, March 9th and it was Tenten's 19th Birthday. Hyuuga Hinata, Yamanaka Ino, and Haruno Sakura had gone all out in planning the party…Yet, two of the planners were no where to be seen…

"Hey Hinata!"

Hinata's and Tenten's conversation was interrupted once more as Naruto ran towards their blanket, Hinata's large bowl of Homemade Miso Ramen in his hands. Tenten arched a single elegant brow at the blonde shinobi as Hinata chuckled at the sight. With a grin, Naruto took a seat on the side of Hinata Akamaru did not occupy and broke apart his chopsticks, ready to dig in.

"Got enough Ramen there, Naruto?" Tenten asked with a smirk, to which Naruto returned the gesture.

"Tenten, you should know that no amount of Ramen can satisfy my stomach," Naruto explained, "Especially Hinata's! It's the best there is!"

The Hyuuga Heiress blushed lightly as she uttered a small 'Thank-you', the two women watching as Naruto pulled a thumbs-up sign, much like Lee's, and returned to his noodles. Tenten was slightly wary of the manner in which he ate it, or rather inhaled the food, before moving back slightly to avoid getting hit with any mess the 17 year-old boy produced.

"Did you even save any for the rest of us…?" Tenten asked as she and Hinata continued to watch him eat.

Naruto stopped, and stared at them with wide, electric blue eyes, "…I was supposed to…?"

Tenten could only shake her head with a chuckle, before Hinata leaned into her ear to whisper she had hid some extra Ramen where Naruto couldn't find it, causing the two girls to go into a fit of giggles. Naruto, seeing as he wasn't in trouble anymore, returned to eating his food, but in a slower manner; before he glanced around the area with a puzzled look.

"Something the matter, Naruto?" Hinata asked, her voice soft and without stutter, thanks to Tenten, Sakura, and Ino.

"…I haven't seen Sakura around," Naruto voiced as he scanned the area again, scratching the back of his head, "I remember she was here when I got here…Actually, both Sakura and Ino were decorating when I got here…But now I don't see them anywhere…Hmmm, where could they be?"

"Oh, they had to leave," Tenten informed, although a bit disappointed, "Shizune came by earlier…Tsunade-sama wanted to see both Ino and Sakura for something…"

"It seemed rather urgent…" Hinata added softly, "I hope everything is all right…I know Sakura and Ino wouldn't want to miss this…"

Nodding his head and absorbing the information, Naruto frowned softly in slight concern before slowly returning to his delectable Ramen, "Oh, okay…I hope they come back soon…That cake Sakura made looks really good!"

Hinata and Tenten couldn't help but chuckle again as Akamaru whimpered softly to Hinata for another ear rub, to which she obliged. Meters away, Lee and Neji's duel was coming to an end, Kiba removing his black jacket so the sun's heat would touch his bare flesh. Shino and Sai were still enjoying the trees' shade as Chouji joined Shikamaru on the hill, bag of BBQ chips in hand.

Yes, another typical reunion for Rookie 9 and Team Gai.

---

Haruno Sakura and Yamanaka Ino walked side by side, their steps slow and steady, forms slightly tense and rigid, and eyes locked tightly on the scrolls in their hands. They were making their way towards the Park, away from the Administrations Office, and away from the meeting of their life with the Godaime Hokage, Tsunade.

Sakura sighed as her emerald green eyes looked down on the rolled up piece of parchment, clutched tightly in her right hand. Her features held determination, pride, as well as the growing fear from the words her female sensei had directed to her and her best friend.

'…This mission will test you in the worst way possible…As newly ranked Jounin of Konoha, I know this is hard and unexpected…But we need people of your specific age and abilities to take on this task…Both you, Sakura and you, Ino have the aptitude and level-headedness to engage this assignment without flaw…I know the two of you will follow through no matter what and this mission calls for just that…I wish I could choose different girls…But I believe strongly in your skills…'

Sakura sighed again as she closed her eyes, taking the scroll and placing it in her waist belt. This was certainly not what she was expecting when she first became a Jounin. She had only completed at least 12 A-Class Missions…But to go S-Class so soon…And with only two fresh Jounin Kunoichi…?

'The mission calls for finesse…The two of you must be discreet…In the shadows…And to do so, you will have to remain there for a prolonged amount of time to avoid suspicion…'

And how could Sakura forget about that? Her first S-Class Mission with no supervision…A mission in which her and Ino's success…or failure…would affect the welfare of Konoha and the Five Great Shinobi Countries. There were also high chances she and Ino would not return home to their Leaf Village family and friends for months or perhaps years…Or even at all…

Was she truly ready for this?

"…What do you think about this Ino…?" Sakura whispered as she and her blonde friend walked ever closer to where the reunion at the Park was, "…I'm not sure if I'm ready for something like this…"

Sakura's shaky hand moved to glide through her shoulder length, pink tresses. Her lips were set into a deep and troubled frown as her green eyes dulled slightly with worry and dread. Her insides were clenching painfully, yet Sakura knew that it was her duty as a Kunoichi of Konoha to protect the Hidden Leaf…no matter what the cost.

But she was still scared…

"…If Tsunade believes in our abilities Sakura…We shouldn't doubt her…" Ino whispered looking at the ground, yet, with an equally uneasy expression, "…She chose us because she knows we can do this…So I'm sure we'll be fine…"

Ino then turned to Sakura, a small smile on her face yet her grey-blue eyes clouded with the same fears Sakura had. It was strange for Sakura to see the spunky blonde look so closed up and worried. Even Ino's small, weak smile for reassurance was false. When Sakura only continued to stare upon the floor she walked on, Ino frowned again before turning away and playing with her long blonde hair that was held in a tail, her own thoughts crowding her already teeming mind. The two women's tensed silence was suffocating.

It was out of the ordinary for the Village of Konoha to see their two, usually hyper and outgoing girls, look so depressed and anxious. And they had good reason. The longest mission the two had ever gone on unsupervised was in a time span of at most four weeks…But months? Years?

The only thing that they were grateful for was that they were not completely alone…At least they had each other to watch over…

'…Because this mission is very important, especially concerning the safety of Konoha…I am going to have you leave for the assignment in two days…I know this is soon, but as I have told you before, many people are in danger if this threat isn't stopped quickly…I will suggest that the two of you collaborate together on how you will approach this situation…As well as spend the last of your time with your friends and family…Remember, however, that this mission is highly classified…Only to each other will this be discussed…At least until the meeting tomorrow…'

"…I wonder how Naruto will take this news…" Sakura asked herself softly as the Park came into full view, "He's always so protective of me…"

"He knows you have a duty Sakura…" Ino answered, "This mission is especially imperative to this whole Village, our whole Alliance…We have to do our best…For the next few days…Live like they're your last…"

Sakura completely understood Ino's words and hearing them aloud only increased her fear and anxiety with what she and her friend were getting into.

'…Live like they're your last…'

There was little chance Haruno Sakura and Yamanaka Ino were getting out of this alive.

---

Hyuuga Hinata stood beside her older cousin, Hyuuga Neji, as the two watched Naruto and Kiba race off to the Training Grounds, hyped up to test each other's strengths and get some action stirred up for their own personal entertainment. Tenten remained sitting down on the blanket, now chatting with Lee about his duel with Neji as Shino stood up to get some food from the table. Everyone else relatively stayed where they were.

"…There they go again…" Hinata whispered with a soft sigh, watching as her teammate and long-time crush started to exchange blows.

"What provoked the battle this time?" Neji inquired as he watched the two boys yell insults at one another.

Hinata shrugged slightly, "Just their typical challenge to see who's stronger…Kiba-kun started it this time…"

"…And I see Akamaru decided not to join in…" Neji noted as he looked at the lying dog beside Tenten and Lee, the large, white beast now expecting the Weapon's Master to rub his ears.

Hinata shook her head with a smile, "Kiba-kun bet he could beat Naruto-kun without Akamaru."

"I see."

Although Neji did at one point loathe his younger cousin, Hinata, because of her connection to the Hyuuga Main House, his theory on 'destiny' had now drifted away. Over the years since that fateful Chuunin Exam Finals, Neji made an effort to tolerate and get to know the Main House better, Hinata included. Now that the two cousins were able to speak with each other without strain, progress was rapidly increasing.

"Who do you suppose will come out victorious?" Hinata questioned as she continued to watch Naruto throw punch after punch, while Kiba ran through kick after kick.

"…Uzumaki is full of surprises…" Neji answered, to which Hinata nodded with agreement.

"Are those two at it again?" A feminine voice asked behind them, causing the two Hyuugas to turn and find an amused medical ninja, arms crossed as viridian eyes watched the growing battle.

Behind Sakura, Yamanaka Ino was standing beside the blanket Tenten and Lee occupied, her gaze directed at the hill her two teammates inhabited while watching the cloudless sky. The blonde's arms were crossed as she frowned considerably before taking a seat beside Akamaru, asking her two companions if there was anything she missed while she and Sakura were gone.

"Hello Sakura-chan," Hinata greeted, "Was your meeting with Hokage-sama well?"

Sakura turned her emerald gaze to the girl in front of her, as Neji looked at her also, expecting an answer. The medical ninja only smiled, though it didn't quite reach her eyes, before scratching the back of her neck.

"It went fine Hinata-chan," Sakura answered with a chuckle, "Just got some Hospital work taken care of and was assigned a new mission…Nothing big…"

The way the pink-haired kunoichi's smile was forced and didn't meet her eyes had both Hinata and Neji skeptical. Though, they knew it was not any of their business and didn't press further.

"How is work in the Hospital Sakura-san?" Neji asked as he turned his gaze back to the two brawling boys, Kiba now having had been covered by about twenty of Naruto's shadow clones, "I hope they haven't been keeping you in too late…"

Sakura laughed softly as she scratched her left arm, "Busy as always Neji-san…Well, with all these attacks that have been going on especially with Sound and the Akatsuki…But we're managing…"

Neji gave a nod of understanding, Sakura grinning as she watched Naruto and Kiba swap more taunts while exchanging blows, grins on their faces as well. They seemed to be enjoying themselves. Hinata was slightly cringing with every hit, being she wasn't fond with seeing her teammate and crush fighting one another, but she continued to watch them and their well-being, ready to step in when the time called for it.

"How about a duel, Sakura-san?" Neji asked as he turned his pearly white eyes on her, "I believe in our current standing, I am in the lead."

Sakura nodded, "28-29 I presume…"

Neji smirked, "Perhaps today, we shall see who can hold out the longest…"

Sakura matched the gesture, her brow rising as she received his silent challenge. For the passed 2 years Sakura had been getting closer to Neji as friends, testing each other's strengths as Sakura greatly improved under the tutelage of the Godaime Hokage and earning each other's respect. Whenever they had the chance, Neji and she would duel each other and it was an honor in itself for Sakura to be able to gain the attention and esteem from one of the most powerful ANBU and shinobi of Konoha. Neji and Sakura were actually quite close comrades and had been on multiple missions together, having had saved each other's life one time or another, which gave them a pretty strong bond of friendship.

"Don't disappoint me," Sakura answered as she winked.

"How about the two of you duel after we cut Tenten's cake," Hinata suggested with a kind smile, "Which I say looks quite delicious Sakura-chan."

"Right," Sakura agreed, although her green eyes promised the Hyuuga prodigy a duel after Tenten's cutting and distributing of the cake, "Don't forget Neji-san."

Neji only smirked as he walked off back towards the blanket Ino, Tenten, and Lee occupied, "Hn."

There was a small explosion that emitted from the Training Grounds and Hinata and Sakura quickly turned their heads to Naruto's and Kiba's duel. It was quite comedic to see both boys on opposite sides of the field, lying stiffly on their backs and still exchanging taunts. Kiba now rolled to his stomach and tried to pull his way to Naruto's sitting up form, eager to continue the battle, before he promptly fell on his stomach, sore and unable to move. Naruto pointed at his opponent, struggling to laugh before he winced from his wounds and fell on his back once more, signaling to the two women on the sidelines that the duel was over.

"Time to medic them to health…" Sakura sighed as she and Hinata walked to the two fallen boys, the Hyuuga Heiress shaking her head with disapproval.

"…They always overdue it…" She whispered as she swept her dark blue hair over one shoulder.

When Sakura and Hinata reached Naruto's and Kiba's exhausted forms, the boys were struggling with difficulty to show no weakness and sat up again, flinching from their pains yet glaring with challenge at one another.

"This fight is over," Sakura stated as she bent down beside Naruto and checked over his wounds, "Hinata, would you please help Kiba over here?"

"Of course Sakura-chan," Hinata stated, before helping Kiba onto his feet and slinging one of his arms over her shoulders and gently leading him to the medic.

"Sakura-chan," Naruto greeted with a grin, although it seemed pained, "You're back."

Sakura nodded as she hovered her green, chakra-filled hands over his wounds, closing up the gashes and mending the bones, "Yup, and with good timing too…You both look horrible…"

"These are just…scratches, Sakura-chan," Naruto responded with a flinch just as Hinata gently placed Kiba down beside the blonde shinobi.

Sakura only rolled her eyes as she continued to heal his injuries, Hinata walking off to retrieve fresh bandages, "Scratches or not, you're getting healed Naruto…Why do you two always have to overdue your battles?"

"It makes it more fun!" Naruto answered with a wide grin, blue eyes sparkling with pride, "I like challenges!"

Sakura chuckled, "I'm sure you do."

"Well, I guess I was just too much of a challenge for you Uzumaki," Kiba stated with a smug grin, trying in vain to cross his arms, only to wince, "You and I both know that I won this round."

Naruto scowled as he pointed a finger at him, "Hey! You were the first one to fall flat on your face!"

"You must be blind," Kiba stated with a grin just as Hinata returned with some bandages and her special ointment, which would help the two rowdy boys heal faster; Sakura then moved over to heal the Inuzuka.

"I won!" Naruto yelled indignantly, "And you know it!"

"No, I won!" Kiba countered.

"I did!"

"No, I did!"

"I did you liar!"

"You're the liar!"

"Stop it!"

The boys stopped their glaring and yelling match to stare in surprise at the blushing Hyuuga. Sakura had even stopped healing Kiba's broken am to look at Hinata with wide eyes. Then, both Kiba and Naruto looked to the floor, still slightly angry and riled up yet staying quiet much to Hinata's relief and Sakura's surprise. But the pink-haired medic grinned. Hinata had the two boys wrapped around her fingers almost.

"I'm sorry…For yelling," Hinata whispered as she put ointment on Naruto's arm bruises, "I just hate to see the two of you fighting…"

"No…We're sorry Hinata-chan," Naruto stated as he looked at the still blushing Heiress, "We'll…try not to argue too much…"

The blonde nudged Kiba by the elbow, causing the boy to wince and Sakura to glare at Naruto reproachfully. Kiba however, took the hint and slowly nodded his head.

"Yeah Hinata," He replied, "Sorry…"

Hinata's blush deepened, but she smiled, "Thank you."

Sakura smiled, not only from the entire display, but from the now healed wounds, "All done!"

"TIME TO CUT THE CAKE EVERYONE!" Ino's voice called out excitedly, the blonde rallying everyone together to gather around the table with Sakura's Homemade Cake.

"And that's our cue," Sakura stated as she helped Kiba up, who thanked her and started walking off to the table, Hinata doing the same with Naruto.

"Oooh," Naruto said dreamily, "Sakura's cakes are the best…Come on Hinata-chan, let's get us some big pieces!"

Hinata chuckled and was dragged away towards the table where said cake was, Sakura chuckling softly as she walked slowly after them, green eyes sparkling and short pink hair blowing gently in the wind. Despite Sakura's beginning of the day with the unexpected mission, Sakura felt herself enjoying it, and she wanted to, as much as possible.

This would be her least Rookie 9 and Team Gai reunion for a long, long time…

"What can be great about a cake you made?"

Sakura frowned. She recognized that voice from anywhere, seeing as she had to put up with that voice and his questions and insults for the passed three years.

The medic sighed as she turned her head, to find the source of the voice beside her, carrying his drawing book and smiling that emotionless smile of his, "Why not you try the cake Sai before you judge it…?"

"What if you want me to try it so you could poison me?" Sai asked, the smile still on his face, "Hag."

Sakura smiled sweetly as she looped her arm through his, dragging him along, although he didn't seem to mind, "Perhaps I can just shove the whole piece down your throat."

"Violent today are we?" Sai inquired with a raised brow.

"Are we never?" The medic countered with a smirk.

"True," Sai agreed, "Although usually it's mostly you that's violent…Who could possibly like a girl that's violent and ugly?"

Sakura scoffed as they reached the table, "For your information, a lot of people like me…And you like me too…"

Sakura jabbed a finger lightly into his chest to emphasize her point, grinning good-heartedly as she teased her teammate.

"And where have you heard those nasty rumors?" Sai inquired, still smiling.

"From you of course!" Sakura lied as she laughed, "You were saying my name over and over in your sleep…"

"You watch me sleep?" Sai asked with a raised brow.

"Naturally!" Sakura stated sarcastically, "You're just too irresistible to watch Sai…I sneak into your tent during missions and snuggle up to your warm body…"

Sai rolled his eyes, "You're now a violent, ugly, stalker in my book…"

Sakura laughed as she hugged him close, "Nice to know I'm in your book though!"

Sakura was clearly joking and Sai knew. It was a game they played, Sakura teasing him and he trying to figure out what exactly she was trying to get across. Sometimes, however, their joking games weren't as nice as this one, usually being yell wars on Sakura's part, since Sai hardly ever yelled, but his insults were a lot more…insulting.

"Okay, stop flirting you two!" Ino stated with a grin as everyone turned their gaze on Sai and Sakura, who only laughed as Sai smiled.

"I can't resist," Sakura joked as she tightened her arm around Sai, causing everyone to chuckle, "It's fun teasing Sai."

"Well, enough with the teasing and on with the celebrating!" Ino stated as she took out a match and started lighting the 19 candles on Tenten's cake, "Let's all wish Tenten a Happy Birthday!"

"Happy Birthday Tenten!" Everyone shouted in unison.

Everyone besides Neji, Shikamaru, Shino, and Sai sang 'Happy Birthday' to Tenten, who was blushing considerably. When they had finished, the Weapons Master had closed her eyes, made her wish, and blew out the candles in one breath, earning cheers and whistles from her friends.

"Thank you everyone…" The 19 year old announced happily, "Spending my birthday here with you all means a lot to me…Thank you for celebrating this with me…"

More yells and cheers echoed as Tenten cut her two-layer cake, a large smile on her face. Hinata came up next to her to help distribute the pieces as Ino removed a camera and started snapping away pictures.

"And I would especially like to thank Ino, Hinata, and Sakura for planning this party for me…" Tenten added as she passed a few pieces around.

Ino, Sakura, and Hinata smiled broadly, the three girls laughing as they passed out napkins and utensils as well.

"Let's get this party on a ROLL!" Naruto cheered as he punched a fist in the air, his other hand holding his large plate of cake.

"Yeah!"

The Reunion of Rookie 9 and Team Gai had gone splendidly, the circle of friends happy that they were able to get together, especially on the special day that was Tenten's 19th Birthday. The cake was passed around as well as compliments to Sakura for such a satisfying taste of pastry to their senses. Even, Sai, who Sakura had been watching closely, had smiled genuinely when he took a bite into her creation. Naruto and Chouji were already up for more, the Medical Kunoichi recalling that they had at least taken four pieces each. She was truly flattered that they liked her baking so much.

As they enjoyed the sweet treat, everyone gathered around a table where Tenten was getting ready to open her various gifts. She had gotten a lot of weapons from her friends, a katana she had dearly wanted from Neji, some Ramen Cups and Chip Bags from Naruto and Chouji, and a few traditional clothes from Ino, Hinata, and Sakura. After words of gratitude from the young woman, she deemed the party and reunion to continue, Naruto racing off for more Ramen and Cake, Hinata joining Kiba and Shino in the shade of the trees as they talked with Lee and Sai, while Neji and Sakura walking side-by-side towards the Training Grounds, where they would begin their desired match to test each other's skills.

"Remember," Sakura stated with a smirk as they each went into offensive positions, she getting ready to remove a few kunai from her pouch, "No holding back."

Her smirk was matched by Neji's, whose pearl-white eyes became surrounded by protruding veins, "Hn."

And the two charged.

Meanwhile, Yamanaka Ino was standing all by herself beside the table full of food, watching as Sakura's and Neji's battle began, a small cheer echoing in her head as she smiled at Sakura's form. She admitted that her best friend was one tough opponent, and like usual, Neji would have a run for his money. Their battles were always worthwhile to watch and already they were gaining a crowd from Sai, Tenten, Hinata, Kiba, and Lee, to even Shino, who usually sat quietly under the forgiving shade of a tree. Ino chuckled softly as Naruto ran passed her with a bowl of Ramen in one hand and a plate of cake in the other, his deep voice cheering Sakura on. It was what teammates and friends did.

And speaking of teammates and friends…

Ino gave the Park a look around, her grey-blue eyes landing on the hill nearby, yards away, where her two teammates were happily secluding themselves. The kunoichi crossed her arms over chest as she scowled. The point of their Monthly Reunion was to speak and socialize with other people, not go cloud-gazing as usual and munch on a bag of chips with your own teammates, who you already see at least three times a week.

Besides, she and Sakura would be leaving in a few days for a long-termed mission. At least Sakura was spending some time with her team and even those of other teams. Why shouldn't Yamanaka Ino?

With a disapproving frown, Ino walked deliberately towards her two teammates, glowering at their forms as she trudged up the grassy hill and stepped up beside them, making sure she was in the way of their cloud-gazing and that her heated glare could rival that of the sun's. Chouji stopped munching on his chips as he looked at her with question, Shikamaru's lazy gaze falling on her before he sighed.

"Something you need…Ino?" Chouji questioned as he looked up at their blonde teammate with curiosity.

Ino's frown deepened, "…Why aren't the two of you talking with the others? You know you can cloud-gaze any other time."

Chouji only shrugged while Shikamaru closed his eyes in reply. This only caused Ino's blood to boil over with pent up frustration, but she knew it was fruitless to argue, her heart wasn't in it. And Ino knew why: Because she didn't want to spend the last of her days in Konoha, arguing with her teammates. She wanted to spend time with them and make sure, that if there were any last smiling faces of Konoha to see…It would be theirs…The faces of Squad Ten.

So, with a deep and loud exhale to make all her anger go away, and a clench of the fists to subside her irritations, Yamanaka Ino warily took a seat in front of her two teammates, facing them fully as she stared large grey-blue eyes in their slightly surprised directions.

And what, exactly, had made them so surprised? Simply put, her reaction, her posture, everything that had just happened in the passed five seconds had surprised them. For one, she would have started yelling at them, urging them to participate in the Reunion and pushing them down the hill roughly. Yet instead, she just sighed and took a seat in front of them, glancing at them in a wary and almost tired manner.

Chouji and Shikamaru had not been expecting that, and frowned with mild confusion and concern. Was something wrong with her?

"…Yo, Ino…" Chouji called out softly, earning her gaze, "…You okay?"

Surprisingly, again, the kunoichi remained quiet, her grey-blue eyes continuing to stare at them, as if calculating, causing the two boys to become slightly uneasy. Chouji shifted and stopped eating and Shikamaru returned his gaze heavenward, although his foot started to twitch.

"…Ino?" Chouji asked as he set his chip bag aside.

The sound of her name snapped the young woman out of her reverie, and she shook her head to clear her hazy mind, fingers clenching the purple fabric of her skirt while she glanced at her lap.

"I'm fine…" Ino replied softly, earning another curious stare from both men, "Just thinking is all…"

Shikamaru's brow rose in suspicion at her answer but closed his eyes as he sighed again, "Troublesome…"

Chouji watched with interest as a flash of…something…crossed over Ino's eyes and was quite taken aback when Ino only smiled and then gave a heavenward look to the clear sky also. Now, if Ino had been acting normal, she would have started screaming her head off about Shikamaru's 'lazy butt' in retort to his 'troublesome' comment.

A wistful sigh escaped Ino's lips before she gave another small smile in her teammates' directions, "It's been a while since Squad Ten has gotten together to hang out…Besides training that is…Maybe we should tomorrow…After training…What do you say?"

Chouji's eyes widened with slight surprise. Although Ino-Shika-Cho did hang out, and it was, most of the time, Ino, who initiated it to get their team's bond to become stronger, especially in their Genin days, Ino never asked for their consent. She just dragged them off to do it.

What the hell was up?

Shikamaru, who had lazily opened one of his closed eyes, was surprised to see plead in Ino's bright blue-grey orbs. They were…hopeful…desperate…

"Ino…Are you sure you're okay?" Chouji asked.

The glare Ino sent his way was almost welcoming. At least they knew Ino wasn't completely lost from herself. The hands that had been clasped in front of her and on her lap, landed on her hips as she glared continually in Chouji's direction.

"Of course I'm okay!" Ino retorted, "Just answer the damn question!"

Shikamaru shifted his hands behind his head in a relaxed posture, "Why don't you drag us off like you usually do…That always seems to work for you."

Ino frowned, her hands dropping to her sides limply, an almost defeated look taking over her features. Chouji and Shikamaru were slightly panicking inwardly. What if she cried? How would they handle it? This behavior coming from her was just too…bizarre.

"That's just it…" Ino sighed, "I always have to drag you two to hang out…For once, I was just hoping the two of you would willingly agree without me helping you…And I hate having to force you if you don't want to…"

Her words were like painful blows to both Chouji's and Shikamaru's guts. Is that how their female teammate really felt? Were they really just a broken team, forced to grow bonds together? Of course not!

Chouji shot a meaningful glance at Shikamaru before grinning broadly, "Sure, I'll hang out…Let's get some lunch after practice tomorrow…Eh, Shikamaru?"

The Shadow-User sighed as he shrugged his shoulders, "Yeah, sure…Whatever…"

At her teammate's words, Ino's grey-blue eyes lit up brightly as she gave her fullest grin of the day. Just the thought of her spending her last day in Konohagakure no Sato with her Team was enough to make her dull day bright. There was no other way she would want to spend it. And as a recollection of her previous thoughts: If there were any last familiar faces she was going to see, she wanted those faces to be theirs.

"You two are the best!" Ino squealed loudly with delight, earning a cringe from both boys, yet relief to see their regular Ino again, "We'll plan later."

Then, the kunoichi stood with a flourish, dusting stray leaves off of her attire before grinning broadly again and walking back to where the Reunion was taking place. Ino also took note that Sakura's and Neji's battle was done and that they were currently tending to their wounds at an empty table.

"And I expect to see you two down here and socializing!" Ino called out as she waved, before turning her back to them and making her way towards Tenten and Hinata, who were currently playing with Akamaru.

Shikamaru and Chouji watched silently as their female teammate left them, a large part of them slightly bewildered and confused with the whole conversation. The Nara genius only sighed as he looked back up at the clouds, Chouji watching Ino's form until she started talking with the two other kunoichi. The red-head then turned to his best friend.

"That was…strange…" Chouji stated as he took up his chip bag again, "You think something's bothering her besides our…Hanging out…?"

Shikamaru remained quiet, his contemplative gaze moving from one cloud to another, his mind reeling with possible theories, until he closed his eyes once more, the heat raining down on his welcoming form, "I'm sure she'll tell us when she's ready…"

Chouji could only raise a single brow at the confident tone Shikamaru presented, before shrugging his shoulders once more and putting a handful of chips into his mouth, all the while keeping the corner of his gaze on his blonde, short-tempered teammate.

"All done!" Sakura stated as she removed her glowing, green hands from Neji's arm, the open wounds that had been there now closed up and without scars.

The Hyuuga Prodigy nodded with gratitude and acknowledgment, pulling the sleeve of his white shirt down and silently watching as Sakura started to medic her own wounds: a few bruises on her arms and legs, a slight gash on her thigh, a small bump on her head, and a thin, bleeding cut on her belly, which the Hyuuga deduced from the blood that was now transferring onto her shirt. He too, however, had been pretty beat up himself, a few broken bones from the kunoichi's inhumane strength as well as a few cuts and bruises from her kunai and traps…Even his mind was whirring a bit from her Genjutsu skills.

Opalescent eyes watched as Sakura's concentrated green orbs stared intently on her hands as she healed up some of her chakra flows and a few broken bones herself, thanks to his techniques combined with that of the 'Byakugan'. Looking to the Training Field, he couldn't help but smirk as he looked at the desolated ground, all thanks to Sakura's numerous amount of times hitting the earth with her chakra-charged fists.

It had been a thrilling battle indeed.

"Even if I did win this round," Sakura's voice cut in through his thoughts, his head turning to find her grinning, "It still doesn't mean it's over…Once I get back from my Mission, I want a rematch…"

Neji couldn't help but smirk to her challenge, a part of him amused yet admired by her strength, or quite possibly, stubbornness, to continue on, "Of course Sakura-san."

Sakura smiled as she finally turned to look at him, healed fully, "One day, I will one-up you Neji-san…No more ties."

He could see the determination shining in her eyes and he found it to be, again, quite admirable. She didn't give up, she kept on fighting. Never had the score been where she led in wins, only tied, and yet she still fought, striving to reach her goal. Not admitting aloud, Neji knew she was a challenging opponent, that may someday reach her goal in getting a 'one-up' on him and until then, he would test her skills and see if she would finally accomplish that ambition.

"Hn."

And with a smirk of his own, Neji walked off towards his teammates, leaving Sakura to herself as she bandaged her wounds tight, just in case. The kunoichi didn't mind the sudden isolation, she actually welcomed it, seeing it as a time to be able to collect her thoughts, especially since this day would be the last day she would spend time with her friends, seeing as she and Ino had a long-termed S-Ranked Mission to complete.

Looking at those said friends, she smiled almost sadly as she watched Naruto and Lee start to go at it over in the Training Grounds, fighting in the same one Neji and she had fought in, despite the ground's desolation. Ino, Tenten, and Hinata were playing with Akamaru, and the remainder of the boys seemed to be talking to one another, Neji seeming to seclude himself too as he watched Naruto's and Lee's duel.

Watching the Hyuuga male, with his arms crossed and stern expression back on his face, the medical ninja could only wonder: Would she ever be able to have that rematch with him?

A soft sigh escaped Sakura's lips as she leaned her back against the tabletop, watching as Ino threw a ball for Akamaru to fetch. The pink-haired kunoichi had seen Ino with her Team, Shikamaru and Chouji on the hill after her match with Neji, and Sakura couldn't help but feel envious of them. Why? Because Ino was given the chance to spend the last of her time in Konoha with her team…Sakura didn't even have that luxury.

Ino's words then rang loudly in her head.

'For the next few days…Live like they're your last…'

Unfortunately for Haruno Sakura, the way she wanted to spend her last few days, wasn't even available to her. Her Team Seven was broken, scattered like the wind. The medic took in a shuddering breath as she bowed her head down low. Her team was gone…For the moment.

Hatake Kakashi, her Sensei, and a man she was close enough to deem 'Father' was off on a dangerous A-Class Mission, one that would last for at least three weeks, and he had only been gone for one. Sakura would have no chance in seeing her perverted and tardy Sensei before she left. The last she had seen of him, she had wished him a huffy 'Good-luck' for his mission and gave a mediocre wave, sour that day because he had ignored her attempt for a civilized conversation for his stupid Icha Icha Paradise Book.

Sakura frowned as she looked back on that event. Now, she would leave for a mission that would take, Kami knows, how long and he would return, remembering a bitter Sakura and would never be able to see her, or she him, for months, or even at all if she were to be killed in action! Was that how she wanted to be remembered? Hatake Kakashi's bitter student, Haruno Sakura?

'Bad thoughts…Bad thoughts…' Inner Sakura chanted as Outer Sakura rubbed her temple, her eyes closed in deep thought.

Running a shaky hand through her pink, shoulder-length locks, Sakura's thoughts strayed to another group member of Team Seven. Sai. Yes, Sai. Plain, old, Sai. Former ANBU Root Member, with no clue on how emotions works, yet improving on his own, Sai. The 18-year old boy that keeps calling her an 'ugly hag', Sai. The boy that always seems to grate on her nerves, yet also became one of her closest friends…Go figure.

Absentmindedly, Sakura looked up from the ground and scanned the area to locate the after mentioned boy. He was back at his tree, occasionally looking up from his 'Emotion' Books to watch Naruto's and Lee's battle, that ever present smile on his features. Despite knowing him for the passed three years however, Sakura still found that boy to be a complete mystery.

Although it would be nice to spend one of her last days with her Team, even if just one member, she probably wouldn't have minded it to be Sai. But, it was torture just to find him around the Village of Konoha. The man came and went like the wind. One would actually have a better chance at finding him if you sat perfectly still, waiting, even if it took hours. Sakura shook her head. But even if she did spend the day with Sai, he would constantly ask questions about Human Behavior and then insult her appearance, good-heartedly on his part, leading to a good beating from her. And, most of the time, the kunoichi did not want to put up with that. At least if Naruto or Kakashi were there, Sai would bother them too with his questions, and then amusedly question Naruto's masculinity, which would lead to a brawl that Sakura would find entertaining but also troubling when she would have to heal them later on.

Frowning, Sakura shifted the toe of her boots into the dirt, kicking up dirt and grass. Now, a person she wouldn't really mind spending the last of her days in Konoha with, would probably be Uzumaki Naruto. Not only because they were teammates, but because they were also the best of friends. Ever since the blonde-haired, blue-eyed shinobi had dropped his crush on her for Hyuuga Hinata, Sakura couldn't be any happier. It was easier for the two to have a refined conversation without Naruto trying to pester a date out of her and it caused them to grow a bond as close as blood relation. And Sakura loved him for that. She was always there for him and he was always there for her. They spent Saturday nights eating at Ichiraku's Ramen Shop with the occasional Sai or Kakashi to join them or just talked about everything and nothing at one another's apartment. And, undoubtedly, Sakura would never break that bond with Naruto for anything.

What she would give to spend her last days with her brother, Uzumaki Naruto…

But, the self-proclaimed Hokage had a mission coming up, and coincidentally, it landed on the only day she would be able to spend with him. Naruto was leaving tomorrow. An A-Class Mission that was said to last a week, and she would be long-gone by the time he returned. She had wanted to spend as much of the day, today, to spend with him, but she was also occupied with the girls, since it was Tenten's Birthday, and he was occupied with Hinata, not that she would complain, because she thought they were perfect together.

She had the chance to spend the last hours he was still in Konohagakure no Sato with her best friend…He was her last hope…

Sakura's head dropped again as the envy towards Ino and her Squad grew, tears coming unbidden to her emerald, green eyes. Her team was broken and the last that she would remember of a whole Squad Seven would be a scattered memory…Faces…No last event they shared except the B-Class Mission they accomplished a month ago, lasting only two days. And what could she expect with their tiring schedules…? She was a busy Medic of Konoha, one of the top, and apprentice of Godaime Hokage, Tsunade. With Kakashi's skills, he was almost a wanted Ninja for all missions…Sai was still, somewhat, part of ANBU, and Naruto was working his ass off for his dream to become Hokage…

They were all busy…All growing stronger…

…Stronger…

Another face entered into Sakura's teeming mind, a face she had not seen in 2 years since their encounter at 15 years of age. Black, spiky hair, prominent jaw, emotionless mask, dark, obsidian eyes, and hands that had tried to kill her best friend and her; the avenger that had wanted to gain power to kill a certain man that had caused him pain and despair; A former member of Squad Seven, who was now long gone, gaining more power, and out of her desperate reach.

Uchiha Sasuke.

Haruno Sakura could not spend the last few days of her life in Konohagakure no Sato with the man that held her heart. And with that realization, she understood that she would be too busy on her S-Class Mission to know of his whereabouts…Or to even help in bringing him back…To help in returning him home…

Naruto could find Sasuke, without her. Her best friend would return home with him, without her. They could live their lives…Without her…

There was a chance she would never save him…Or see him again.

'Sasuke-kun…'

And with those thoughts, the dam broke, the tears fell, rivers coursing down her pale cheeks as she looked up to the bluish-purple heavens and closed her eyes, the setting sun bathing her mentally exhausted form.

This would be her last two days in Konohagakure no Sato, the Village Hidden in the Leaves. She would treasure it, savor it, and remember it. There was little chance Haruno Sakura was coming out of this S-Class Mission alive, so she could only hope, only wish, and only pray for the best.

'I need to LIVE! I need to FIGHT!' Inner Sakura shouted in her mind as she pumped her fist, a small smirk forming on Outer Sakura's lips as tears continued to fall, 'For everyone I know…My Family and My Friends…FOR ME!'

A half cough and half chuckle escaped Sakura's lips as the tears lessened. If she was not able to spend her last days with Squad Seven…Perhaps going to the office and Hospital, working with a sense of familiarity, as if she wasn't leaving, would be good for her; or maybe drinking into a drunken stupor with Tsunade-shishou, while persuading Shizune to join them would be fun. The pink-haired Medical Ninja almost laughed out loud at that thought.

Wiping the tears clear from her face, already knowing that her eyes and cheeks were probably red, Sakura looked up from the healthy green of the grass and immediately caught Ino and Hinata staring at her, worry and concern clearly on their faces. The medical kunoichi knew that Ino understood what was going on with her feelings, because a knowing frown graced the blonde's features. Sakura waved her hand dismissively and Ino took Hinata by the arm, leading her away and towards Sai.

A part of Sakura knew what Ino was up to, and Sakura was grateful for her help, her emerald eyes watching as Ino caught Sai's attention and covertly pointed in her direction. Sai, slightly confused, looked at Sakura's hunched form at the table and frowned, catching Sakura's eye, who only looked away, finding the familiar orange and black of her other teammate coming her way, bloody and bruised, and probably hoping for her to heal him, again.

That thought brought a small smile to her lips.

From the corner of her eye, Sakura watched as Sai looked back at Ino with a questioning glance, before he nodded his head and stood, dusting his black pants off before making his way towards her, Ino and Hinata both watching for a few seconds before turning to medic Lee, who Tenten had brought over from his bloody heap.

'Naruto's surely gotten stronger…' Sakura thought absentmindedly.

"Sakura-chan!"

The familiar call brought another smile to Sakura's lips, her viridian eyes watching as Naruto ran towards her, a large grin on his face, the expression itself telling her that he had emerged victorious. Placing stray strands of pink behind her ear, Sakura watched as Naruto stopped in front of her, his hands on his knees as he panted, though still grinning, before he took a seat beside his pink-haired kunoichi teammate.

"I see you've beaten Lee…" Sakura stated with a grin as she watched Ino heal the green-clad man while Hinata rubbed her special ointment onto his wounds.

"Believe it!" Naruto responded with a fist in the air, his electric blue eyes shining as he turned to her, only to dull when his gaze finally fixed on her.

Sakura frowned at the change of expression Naruto had exhibited, her green eyes also catching that Sai had finally arrived and was watching the two of them with an intense stare, smile gone from his face.

"What's the matter Naruto?" Sakura asked.

A frown marred his handsome features as he moved a hand up and trailed it down her cheek, Sakura stiffening slightly, "You were crying Sakura-chan…Why?"

Naruto knew her too well.

With a soft smile, Sakura took Naruto's hand from her cheek and squeezed it tightly, noticing how his calloused hands felt against her smooth one, weathered from all his training and fighting. Giving Sai a glance, she pat the empty spot beside her on the bench, silently asking him to sit down. He complied, although warily.

"Are you okay Sakura-chan?" Naruto asked as he looks at her, a part of him angry at whatever made her upset; this was his best friend, who he had known for almost all his life and had become as close as blood to her in the passed six years ever since they had been placed on the same Genin Team, "Why were you crying?"

Sakura smiled softly, not really ready to answer yet, just reveling in the fact that she was with at least half of her teammates during her last time in Konoha. Then, with her free hand, she grasped Sai's, much to his surprise, and squeezed it just as she had done with Naruto.

Now, she had two of her boys with her…She would make the best of it…

This was Part One of her 'Farewells'…

"I was only thinking Naruto…" Sakura whispered as the evening breeze blew gently through pink, blonde, and black tresses, "Just thinking about the past…the present…the future…Everything…"

Sakura smiled again as she turned to Naruto, viridian eyes shining, "So many things have happened since we've known each other, hasn't it? Placed on the same Genin Team with Kakashi-sensei and Sasuke-kun…"

Naruto's hand seemed to tighten on hers as she mentioned their former teammate's name, his blue eyes perplexed as Sai kept quiet, the smile still absent from his face. Sakura, however, only smiled again.

"We've been on so many missions," She continued, "So many adventures…Team Seven, Team Kakashi…That's who we are…And then…We went our separate ways…"

A small, reflective frown melted onto the kunoichi's features, Naruto also becoming reminiscent as Sai continued to listen, knowing from his books that Sakura just needed to vent, and he and Naruto was offering to her that chance.

"We all went to become stronger…" Sakura affirmed softly, "To the 'Three Legendary Sannin' we went…And for two years, Team Seven, Team Kakashi…Was broken…"

Sakura could feel the tears coming back as she squeezed both her boys' hands tightly, her eyes looking unseeingly into the sky, lost in thought and emotion as the sun continued its descent behind the horizon.

"But then we were mended together again," Sakura said with a smile, finally turning to Sai with a small grin, "Sai and Yamato-sensei became a part of our family…Team Seven was back again…And now, here we sit, three years later…Team Seven, not exactly broken, yet not exactly whole either…And I'm grateful for what we have, I love my Team…And, I am going to miss it…Miss you…Miss everyone…"

Sakura squeezed both their hands again and she didn't miss the way Sai and Naruto had exchanged wary and confused glances, before landing their gazes back on her. She bowed her head, short locks covering her expression, before Naruto tilted her chin up gently.

"What are you talking about Sakura-chan?" The blonde shinobi asked, "We'll always be Team Seven!"

Beside her, Sakura could also feel Sai nod faintly, his hand also tightening around her grip.

A small, sad smile filtered onto the kunoichi's face once more, her head turning to gaze at the both of them, "In spirit, we are Team Seven…Yet physically, we have our own things to put up with as shinobi of Konoha…You two have your separate missions…So does Kakashi-sensei and Yamato-sensei…And so do I…"

Naruto grinned, Sakura absentmindedly noticing his cut lip and bruised cheek from his match with Lee, "Yeah, but we can always pester Tsuande-baa-chan for Team Seven Missions, with all of us…And then we can find Sasuke-teme and be a whole family again!"

His expression was so hopeful that Sakura couldn't help but smile at his confidence and his individual strength.

"You're keeping something from us Sakura…"

The medic turned, somewhat surprised and a little sheepish. Sai was getting good with his 'Emotion' comprehension, seeing that she was subtly trying to lay it down on them that something wasn't right and wouldn't be right for some time. Although, she did smile that he had finally called her by the name that was given to her.

"You said my name," Sakura replied with a beam.

Sai shrugged, though in an almost teasing manner, as if lightening up the mood, "Don't get used to it, hag."

However, Sakura continued to smile and she squeezed both of their hands and finally deciding to get down to business. She knew Tsunade-shishou didn't want anyone knowing, but her Team would find out eventually, whether by pestering the blonde Hokage or sneaking into her files. Besides, Naruto and Sai were part of the back-up mission just in case she and Ino…Failed…

So, how to put it lightly?

"Let's just say, Team Seven will be without their cherry blossom…" Sakura whispered, causing two sets of eyes to widen.

"What do you mean?" Naruto asked, fear lacing his voice, "You're not moving are you?"

'If only you knew…' Sakura thought solemnly.

"Naruto," Sakura stated sternly as she looked into his eyes, squeezing his hand before doing the exact same thing to the boy next to her, "Sai…Team Seven is going to have to break again…Just for a little while, okay?"

"Explain," Sai stated, painfully reminding both Sakura and Naruto that their former teammate used to do and say the same thing.

"Well," Sakura started, "I'm going to be leaving on a Mission in two days…S-Class…"

"For how long Sakura-chan?" Naruto inquired as he tilted his head to the side.

Sakura shrugged, deciding to lie on this part; besides, the point of this conversation was just to get them ready for the real thing; they could explode later, "Possibly a few weeks…I just wanted to tell you, that since it is S-Ranked…There is little chance that I'll…come back."

Naruto grinned as he squeezed her hand, albeit a bit weakly on both parts, "Come on Sakura-chan…You're strong, of course you'll come back! You haven't failed before!"

"What are your objectives?" Sai asked, effectively getting the kunoichi to turn his way.

Sakura although, smiled as she shook her head, "Sorry Sai, that's classified information."

Her answer only caused Sai to raise a suspicious brow, but Naruto didn't catch on as quick. He was grinning as he went on about Sakura's successes.

"You're one of the Head Medics at Konohagakure Hospital," He rambled, "There's no reason for you not to come back…And you're powerful…I'm even sure you can get it done, whatever it is, in two weeks, maybe less!"

"Who is accompanying you?" Sai grilled her, face stern.

Sakura shook her head again, this time, releasing her hold on both their hands, each of them missing the warmth as the cool breeze hit their flesh, "Classified Sai."

"What about your target?" Sai pressed on.

Sakura sighed, Naruto still rambling as she began to heal his wounds, "I can't tell you anything…Sorry."

As the medic continued to place her hands gently on her teammates flesh, her warm, green chakra healing his minor and major wounds; closing up cuts and mending bones, she couldn't help but think, 'Will this be the last time I heal Naruto? Will this be the last time I ever sit with them like this…?'

"So why the long speech…Naruto's right…You've been on S-Class Missions before, what makes this any different?" Sai asked, Naruto also quieting down as he stared at his two teammates worriedly.

Sakura remained quiet as she finished the rest of the blonde shinobi's wounds, and when she had, she sighed deeply, "Call it a bad feeling Sai…When I leave in two days, Naruto and yourself will probably be off on your missions…Kakashi-sensei and Yamato-sensei are already on theirs…Today is most likely the last time I'll see the two of you for a long while and since it is S-Class…You never know what could happen…"

Naruto didn't like the way this conversation was going, fear clenching at his heart as he mentally pictured a bloodied Sakura, and he, not there in time to save her, "…Just stick close to your team Sakura-chan…" He said with a confident smile, although the medic could sense the underlying worry, "You'll be fine…I know it."

Somehow, even her best friend's statement didn't seem to be as effective as usual. But, to lighten the mood and get off their current subject, Sakura linked both her arms with theirs and stood, dragging them up and along as she walked to where the rest of the group was standing.

"Naruto's right," Sakura stated pleasantly, "I've been on S-Rank Missions before…Maybe I just wanted to talk to the two of you before you both left for your own missions…I admit, I miss you both when I'm gone from Konoha for weeks, so just sitting and talking to you makes me feel a whole lot better…Thanks."

Sai didn't at all seem convinced but Sakura knew that the man can handle it. It was Naruto she was really worried about. She didn't want him to worry over her or blame himself if things that weren't his fault, happened. For now, at least until Tsunade-shishou told him, he would be in pure ignorant bliss about her whereabouts and doings.

"Anything for you Sakura-chan," Naruto exclaimed happily, "Believe it!"

When Sakura looked at Sai, he was directing a deep frown at her and she frowned sadly herself. When did he get so good at reading emotions? He knew, but she would be damned if Naruto found out this soon. Perhaps it was better her blonde teammate was off on a Mission while she left for hers…It was less painful.

"Wait, Sai…" Sakura whispered to him, for his ears only, "Just…Wait…"

Just wait until tomorrow…

Night finally came as the Reunion and Tenten's Birthday Party came to an end. The bright and sunny day was now a clear, warm night, stars beautifully scattered across the skies. The moon was also out in its full glory, lighting up the Park with a luminescent glow as shinobi of Rookie 9 and Team Gai said their 'Farewell until next month' declarations. The food had been packed, the garbage set out for pick-up, and the Grounds cleaned from their earlier battles.

The whole Village was turning in for the night also. People started to settle into their homes and finish up last minute chores. Husbands and Fathers tiredly entered into their humble abodes as Wives and Mothers ushered them to eat dinner before gathering their children up to ready for bed.

"So we'll see everyone next month right?" Tenten asked as she fumbled with all her presents in her arms, Neji and Lee offering silently to hold some, to which she was grateful.

Everyone nodded their heads to her question, although, Ino and Sakura exchanged nervous glances yet didn't say a word. Then, everyone moved to finalize their 'Farewells', the men of the group firmly shaking hands with other males, silently challenging them in a duel for next time as the women of the group enthusiastically shared hugs, happy for a Reunion and Birthday Party well-planned and executed.

Being the, sometimes, overly emotional girl she was, and seeing as she was friends with everyone, Sakura administered a hug to everyone, even the stoic men of the group. Ino raised a brow at this, as did everyone else, but luckily, they only brushed it off as one of her very friendly and loving moments. Sakura wanted to get a hug from at least everyone before she died…Besides, they were friends for Kami's sake and they didn't exactly know what she and Ino were getting into.

'They will soon enough…' Inner Sakura stated as Outer Sakura hugged Naruto good and tight, to which he returned the gesture with a wide grin.

Ino only resorted to hugging Chouji and Shikamaru, saying 'Good-night' and reminding them of their plans for the next day. Chouji hugged her cautiously while the Nara genius had done so stiffly. Ino only laughed at them and teasingly blew a 'good-night' kiss while waiting for Sakura to finish up with her open affections of friendship.

After Sakura hugged the girls and Naruto, she went straight for Sai, whose eyes had widened as she latched onto his torso and hugged him tight. His arms stayed at his sides as he remained rigid, until enough was enough and he started pushing her off, causing the pink-haired kunoichi and the people around them to chuckle at his gesture and the display.

Once Sakura was done with Sai, her sights landed on Shikamaru and Chouji, who Ino had just finished with. With a grin, she shuffled towards them and gave them each a hug, which was a double surprise for the two since they had just received one from Ino too. Ino laughed as Chouji now was rigid as Sakura hugged him, and Shikamaru, this time, being cautious. When Sakura pulled back, she smiled again before running after Shino, who was also stiff from the contact, yet didn't push her away.

"Troublesome…" Shikamaru uttered quietly when the two women were out of earshot, though Chouji had snorted.

After Shino, everyone still staring at her with curiosity and confusion for her sudden urge to hug everyone, Sakura went for Kiba, who grinned widely and opened up his arms, enveloping her in a tight hug that rivaled her own hold on him. Being the man that Kiba was, he smirked as he lifted Sakura from the ground, his hands going dangerously close to her backside. Sai was frowning slightly and Naruto was ready to kill.

However, being the casual flirt she could be, thanks to Inner Sakura and Ino, Sakura only smiled as she hugged him tighter and giggled, placing a soft, friendly kiss on his cheek. Satisfied, Kiba released her and watched with a grin as she ran off to give Lee a hug, who welcomed her in with open arms too and a blinding white smile.

"Touch her again like that Kiba, and I kill you," Naruto warned, over-protective brother mode going on.

Kiba shrugged with a smirk, hands in his pockets, "You can't erase what happened in the past."

Naruto only growled lowly, Ino watching the display with evident amusement.

"My cherry blossom!" Lee announced as he held the girl in his arms tight, "Your spreading of youth and joy make our passionate flames of youth burn as well!"

"That's good to know Lee…" Sakura struggled to say in his hold as she tried to breathe, "My flame is going out…Let go please…"

"Oh," Lee realized as he released her, allowing her to take in much needed air, "Apologies my fair blossom."

"Not a problem, Lee," Sakura wheezed as she waved a dismissive hand, "Not a problem."

And finally, Haruno Sakura turned to Hyuuga Neji. Perhaps the people she was closest to outside her Team Seven, and of the opposite gender, Sakura was closely bonded with Kiba, Shikamaru, Lee, and Neji. It already went to show with those hugs from those after mentioned boys, besides Shikamaru, who thought hugs were 'troublesome', but Sakura couldn't help but wonder how Neji would react. As she looked at him, with his arms crossed and lavender eyes looking straight at her, she debated on whether or not she should.

'But this may be the last time we see our friends,' Inner Sakura reasoned, 'We might as well take a chance!'

And everyone watched with amusement as Sakura grinned widely, before running up to the Hyuuga Prodigy and wrapping her arms around his torso, chuckling softly as his body went rigid, much like Sai had.

"Why the sudden show of physical affection Sakura-chan?" Kiba asked as he tilted his head to the side, yet grinned, "Not that we don't mind or anything."

Sakura smiled into Neji's chest, much to his chagrin as she turned her head to face the Inuzuka, "I have a Mission to leave on tomorrow…A dangerous Mission…So, might as well show some love before I leave…"

Sai frowned again, his earlier suspicions from her speech just hours before rising. Naruto was also frowning slightly as he gazed at Sakura's form, but made no comment.

"I'm sure you'll do fine," Kiba scoffed, "You have dozens of times before."

Sakura smiled, "Thanks Kiba, I appreciate it…And you," The kunoichi stated as she pulled back slightly to look up at Neji's emotionless features, "Don't forget our rematch when I get back!"

The Medical Jounin smiled as she pulled back fully, watching as Neji straightened his clothes from her embrace before he turned his gaze back on her and smirked.

"Of course Sakura-san," He answered her, "Although, make sure to come back alive…"

"Will try," Sakura replied as she saluted, earning various chuckles from the group.

"And speaking of Missions…Hinata and I should get going…" Tenten stated as she smiled and fingered her armload of presents again, "I have a Mission tomorrow too, and I can't afford to be late…"

"Me too…" Naruto sighed wearily, scratching the back of his neck, "Well, today was fun while it lasted…"

Everyone agreed, most saying their final 'Farewells' as they separated into twos, the common number when one shared an apartment. It was a fact that Ino and Sakura shared one; Hinata and Tenten another; Naruto and Sai, albeit they always argued; Shikamaru and Chouji; Shino and Kiba; and Neji and Lee. And Sakura and Ino sadly watched as everyone dispersed, personally feeling that it may be the last time they would see them, in a long time, or even at all.

When they were all out of sight, both women gave unified sighs, showing their fatigue and sadness of such a fun day coming to an end. Then, with one last look to each other, they began to walk down the street, side by side, back towards their apartment.

The Village of Konohagakure was eerily quiet. Not many people were out in the streets and the street lights and the moon's glow led the two 17-year old girls back to their homes, where they didn't even have the opportunity to get much sleep. Nope, the two kunoichi were going to have to get down to business on their Mission, seeing as they were leaving in two days.

"Fun day…" Ino whispered with a small smile, but Sakura had heard loud and clear.

The Medic smiled too as they turned the final corner onto their block, "Yeah…Fun day…"

---

March 9, Year of the Tiger

11:56 PM

Haruno Sakura sighed as she sat in the small Living Room of her and Ino's apartment, her legs swept up under her as she sat on the beige leather couch, a scroll in one hand and various other parchments littering the table across from her. The distinct sound of ceramic hitting glass reached the medic's ears, her gaze briefly shifting towards the tiny kitchen at her left, a wall with a rectangular hole separating the Living Room and the Kitchen, where she could see Ino's blonde head moving around as she prepared much needed coffee for the night.

For an hour already, Sakura and Ino had been discussing their plan of action and what the best way there was in approaching their current situation, given the type of Mission they were to complete. Never in their life had they been on a long-term Mission where they would have to gain trusts and become believable enough to have to possibly get to know other people, in depth. Usually, their Missions were to get in, get out, and return to Konoha with a Mission Complete.

This Mission was just far too complicated and needed to be handled much differently.

Yamanaka Ino sighed as she exited the Kitchen, two steaming mugs of coffee in her hands as her grey-blue eyes tiredly eyed the numerous amounts of paper on the table. Moving a few of the papers out of the way to put the hot liquid substances down, Ino followed up by taking a comfortable seat beside her friend, bringing with her a scroll to read up on.

Meanwhile, Sakura's emerald eyes were moving back and forth rapidly over the scroll she held, taking in all the information and storing it into her mind for later use. She and Ino needed to come up with a good strategy and it had to be without flaw.

Mission Status: S-Class; Infiltration and Assassination

Mission Issue Date: March 9; Year of the Tiger

Mission Issued By: Godaime Hokage, Tsunade (Hidden Leaf Village); Hidden Leaf Council; Fire Country Alliance, Kazahana Koyuki (Snow Country)

Mission Target: Akatsuki

Ninja Leader(s): Haruno Sakura – Medical, Tactical, and Field Shinobi (Jounin); Yamanaka Ino – Field, Medical, and Interrogator Shinobi (Jounin)

Backup Ninja: (Rookie 9; Team Gai) Hatake Kakashi (Jounin), Uzumaki Naruto (Jounin), Sai (ANBU Root), Nara Shikamaru (Jounin), Akimichi Chouji (Jounin), Hyuuga Neji (ANBU), Tenten (ANBU), Rock Lee (Jounin), Hyuuga Hinata (Jounin), Inuzuka Kiba (Jounin), Aburame Shino (ANBU)

Mission Location(s): Earth Country; Lightning Country; Snow Country; Sea Country

Given Time for Completion: ?

Information Sources: Tetsuya Hitomi (deceased); ANBU Squad 6 (deceased, MIA); ANBU Squad 17 (deceased); Snow ANBU Squad 22 (MIA); Kazahana Koyuki (Leader of Snow Country)

Mission Information and Data: The Akatsuki Organization is a well-known mass growing in both strength and numbers, in hopes to take over the world. The leader of this group is yet to be discovered, however, the power of the group is something not to be taken lightly. Akatsuki have already been recruiting even more shinobi and kunoichi to join their cause. At this rate, the Akatsuki will have the numbers to enact war on the Five Great Shinobi Countries in a span on 5-10 years. This Organization must be stopped at all costs before the Akatsuki begin their rampage throughout the land.

Not only are the Akatsuki trying to take over the world by creating an army of loyal shinobi, but the core members, directly under the Akatsuki Leader, are doing their best to capture the bijuu; or tailed-beasts within the bodies of humans, to be used for sacrifice. Six of these tailed-beasts have already been captured, one being Shukaku the Ibichi from Kazekage Gaara of the Sand, and another being the Two-Tailed Cat Demon from Nii Yugito of the Hidden Cloud. It is no surprise that the Akatsuki is also after the Nine-Tailed Kyuubi from Uzumaki Naruto's body as well as one more tailed-beast that will complete their collection of bijuu. The Akatsuki must be stopped at all costs from collecting these remaining two, tailed-beasts.

In addition to the capture of the tailed-beasts, a problem that must be taken into consideration, immediately, is the growing of the Akatsuki's army. From the sources and information, Snow Country Leader Kazahana Koyuki has given us; an Akatsuki Academy had been created 8 years prior while daimyo Datou had been in rule. It is a facility used to train new Akatsuki members and teach them of their ways. Various teams sent from Snow Country have gone to investigate this new discovery and suspiciously, none have returned, either killed in combat or captured.

However, one source, Tetsuya Hitomi, had been a captured kunoichi of the Snow Country and was able to provide the alliance of the Snow with valuable and the only information we have so far on the Akatsuki Academy. Tetsuya Hitomi had been forced to attend the Academy and join in the Akatsuki's World Domination plan. Due to quick thinking, she was able to summon Taro, subordinate of the Wolf Summoning, relaying to him as much information she could, before Akatsuki found out her plan and killed her. A week later, Tetsuya Hitomi's Sensei summoned the same creature, who told him all that Hitomi had provided.

Information Provided by Tetsuya Hitomi: "I have been here in the Akatsuki Academy for four weeks already and I must say that Akatsuki's growth so far is astounding…Day by day they gain more and more members to join in their cause…Whether by the desire to join and be a part in taking over the world, or by force…Yes, the Akatsuki have a strange way in 'controlling' people against their own will, specifically the people they capture that do their best to break free from the School…Already I have seen three of my comrades fall and become a mindless killing machine for Akatsuki's own sick wants. I do not have any idea on how they are controlling these shinobi, even if they are strong, but somehow, I have been able to trick them, play along, and pretend to join them willingly so they would not make me into one of their puppets. But my time is running short…Which is why I am telling you this Taro…So you may inform Kazahana Koyuki…What I do know is that there are three other Academies based in Lightning Country, Earth Country, and Sea Country and that the main leaders of the Schools are, Takahiro Kaori, Takahiro Hideki, Ryu Kimiko, Chiyo Daichi, Noboru Masaru, and Seiko Horoto. There are occasions when the core members of Akatsuki, such as Diedara or Tobi, that show up…But they aren't very long stays. This Organization needs to be stopped as soon as possible, their numbers are coming close to un-matching…Please, Taro, send this information as fast as you can…Oh, no, they're here…Go!"

Ninja Missing In Action: Aki Kaede (Hidden Snow), Sato Hime (Hidden Snow); Yamada Kaiya (Hidden Leaf); Ryoga Ami (Hidden Leaf);

Assignment Objective: It seems that the Akatsuki Academy is more prone in accepting female shinobi into their schools. The reason why is unknown. Proof of this is when any team is sent out to investigate, the men are mostly killed and the women captured to join the Academy, an example being Tetsuya Hitomi. The main kunoichi for this job will be Haruno Sakura and Yamanaka Ino, for the reasons that they are two of the top kunoichi in Konohagakure no Sato, with amazing skills in Mind-Controlling, and Medical and Tactical traits.

Haruno and Yamanaka will be posing as two S-Class Criminals from Konohagakure no Sato, the Village Hidden in the Leaves, and will first go to the Earth Country, which is under the Leadership of Takahiro Hideki and Chiyo Daichi. There, Yamanaka and Haruno will attend the school and attain as much information as they can while rising in the ranks. If the time calls for it, assassinations will have to take place but this mission is more for infiltration and the gathering of important information. If Haruno and Yamanaka are still attending the Akatsuki Academy when they call for war, they will use their position to attack from the inside. The mission must be completed at all costs.

Every six months, Haruno and Yamanaka will send reports to the Snow Country on their progress, which in turn, will be sent to Fire Country.

Mission Target(s): Takahiro Kaori, Takahiro Hideki, Ryu Kimiko, Chiyo Daichi, Noboru Masaru, Seiko Horoto.

Critical Mission Target(s): Diedara, Tobi, Zetsu, Hoshigaki Kisame, Uchiha Itachi, Akatsuki Leader.

Needed Information: Purpose, Locations, Weakness, People, Battle Plans

Assignment Objective: Backup Ninja will be involved in the aid of Yamanaka Ino and Haruno Sakura if/when they return. With the information they possess, the Backup Ninja will be the main shinobi to take on the task of the ultimate destruction of the Akatsuki Organization. If Haruno and Yamanaka were to fail, due to discovery of motives or death, the Backup Ninja will take over the Mission.

Be Safe…And Good Luck

Sakura sighed as she finished up her thorough reading of the Missions Objectives Scroll, her gaze falling on her untouched, and still hot, white ceramic mug. Beside her, Ino was frowning as well, her grey-blue eyes settled on two different scrolls she held, reading through each one, as if comparing the information they provided, before taking a long sip from her own caffeinated substance. Frown still in place, Sakura gave a heavy sigh before reaching out to the table to pick up another report, this one labeled: 'Report of Kazahana Koyuki'.

The pink-haired woman's hard gaze was calculating as she read through the Snow Country Leader's Statement, before her stare shifted to the Mission Scroll lying on her lap, where she skimmed a few choice sentences.

From the information Sakura had read in the Mission Objectives Scroll as well as the different bits and pieces of information she and Ino had been given from the Godaime Hokage concerning their role in the Mission, Sakura found that there really was no strategy to really come by. Akatsuki was a very secluded group and one that didn't let any information out. To have what Tetsuya Hitomi provided was pretty lucky for them, actually. And judging by everything that was given to them already, Sakura knew for sure that she and Ino were probably going to get into the Academy without any problem, as long as they played along.

"So…" Ino drawled softly as she picked up another parchment from the table, her tired features looking at her best friend somewhat expectantly, "How should we approach this…?"

The medic pursed her lips as she looked down at the two different scrolls in her laps, her mind shifting through various possibilities and ideas on how to handle this particular Mission. Scratching her left arm absentmindedly, Sakura turned slightly in her seat to face Ino more fully, intent to get her thoughts in the open so they could figure everything else out together.

"As Tsunade-shishou and our Mission Scrolls say…We are ourselves…" Sakura answered as she looked at the said Scroll, "We are Yamanaka Ino and Haruno Sakura who have become Missing Ninja after our thirst for power…We left Konoha to become stronger by means of learning Jutsus and techniques from other Countries and regions…"

"So, what's the point in just staying ourselves instead of taking identities that are entirely different?" Ino inquired before she took a long sip from her coffee mug, her grey-blue eyes showing clear confusion.

"Proof," Sakura simply stated as she reached for her own cup, "You and I are pretty well-known kunoichi in the Hidden Leaf, thanks to our performance in the Chuunin Exams and the events that followed. Now, this Akatsuki Academy is very observant of up and coming people of power, especially female, so they must have at least come by our names once…Even Hinata, Temari, and Tenten since there are so few in our Country, especially those that made it to the Exams…Following?"

Ino nodded, her gaze fixed on the papers in her lap, before lifting her eyes to Sakura's contemplating façade.

"Because of our…Should I say 'popularity' in the Fire Country, we don't need to change anything in our identity, especially since we are quite recognizable," Sakura continued, unconsciously touching her pink hair as an afterthought, "Tsunade-shishou thought it easier that she just change the status of our ranks to S-Class Criminals as well as change our status in our allying Countries, so if the Academy checks, it's plausible proof…"

"…But wouldn't they suspect that?" Ino asked as her brow rose.

Sakura shook her head, "No…Their base and their cover is so secret, even more so than the Five Great Shinobi Countries, that no information ever leaks out…None at all. The Akatsuki Organization is so confident…and cocky…that it probably doesn't expect a thing…"

"So where should we start?" Ino asked as she leaned over to the table and removed a small map from under a pile of crème-colored folders.

"This Organization has planted root four different Academies…One in Earth Country, one in Lightning Country, one in Sea Country, and one in Snow Country…As you know, Snow Country had just recently become Fire Country's ally about three years ago, when Team Seven and I helped to overthrow their daimyo and put Kazahana Koyuki into leadership…" Sakura informed as she looked up at the ceiling in thought.

"Yeah, I remember…"

"Well, the Academy for Akatsuki had only started a little bit before that when Dotou had been in control and allowed the Organization into his Country…However, even after Dotou was overthrown, they remained in the Country, but hidden…Koyuki has been sending searches for the school and the results were that they either did not find the Base at all, or they did and were immediately killed…But those were just the men…Women were taken…Rumors say to train in the Academy itself…"

"Women only?" Ino asked.

Sakura shrugged, "Only women's names had been stated in the 'Missing Ninja' Category…Remember Akatsuki seems to have taken a liking to the certain gender…"

"…So they just join…Wouldn't they try to get out…?" Ino asked, slightly perturbed, "Would they fall so easily to aid the enemy for their lives?"

Again, Sakura shrugged, "…That's the mystery…"

"…But…Wait a minute…That still doesn't answer my question about where we should start all our investigations…" Ino remarked as she looked at her friend.

Sakura bit her lip before looking at her Mission Scroll on her lap, contemplating, "We know there are four different Academy Bases, but we only have two kunoichi for the job, and it isn't wise to get separated…I say we should start in Earth Country…It's closer to Fire Country and the sooner we get there, the faster we can begin the Mission…"

"When exactly did all this happen? I mean, when did our Village actually start getting involved?" Ino asked, her mind whirring with information as she looked through the different papers scattered on her lap.

"Possibly nine months ago," Sakura answered as she traced the rim of her mug, "Hitomi had been based in the Sea Country, which is perhaps where the main and first Academy of Kunoichi is…Because of this 'Top Secret Information', word was taken slowly and carefully to each of Snow's allying Countries. When we finally got word, Tsunade-shishou acted and started planning a course of action immediately…"

"So let me get this straight," Ino stated as she crossed her arms and stared intently at the table at her left, "You and I are Kunoichi of The Hidden Leaf Village of Fire Country, coming to aid in the Snow Country as well as stop this growing threat of the Akatsuki Organization and their Academies…"

The blonde looked at her friend, asking if she was correct so far to which Sakura nodded in answer.

Sighing, Ino continued, "Akatsuki…Has already been rumored, from our sources like Hitomi, that they plan to attack the Five Great Shinobi Countries within the span of 5-10 years…So, as very well-known Kunoichi of Fire Country, Yamanaka Ino and Haruno Sakura have been branded as S-Class Criminals searching for power, this news spreading everywhere just so it can give the Academy proof that we are not spies, when we actually are, so that we can become admitted into the Academy…Right?"

Sakura nodded again as she took a look at her scrolls, "As S-Class Criminals, we are only using Akatsuki to search for and gain power, since Konohagakure no Sato couldn't 'give' that to us. At the same time, we are oblivious to anything else…We don't want to be suspicious by knowing too much…We only heard about the Academy through rumors…"

"…Okay…" Ino sighed before going on, "So, once we are in the Academy, we are to act under their rules, no matter how long it takes…In these reports, which I assume Hitomi had provided, the more you move up in Ranks in the Academy, the more likely we will be traveling, training, and visiting the other three schools of Lightning, Sea, and Snow…As we move up in Ranks, we are to gain trusts and acquire a steady and hopefully an important position while finding out as much information and weaknesses as we can…Now, Akatsuki are tough shinobi, as we have heard in rumors and reports and experience, so we need to be wary and cautious about what torture methods there are as well as techniques they may use to control us, if possible…We cannot slip to temptations…

"If a war does break out while we are still attending the Academy, we need to use our positions to attack from the inside…If there is no war in the first 5 years we are there we will slowly kill them from the inside, assassinations and what not, in a way where we would not become suspicious…So, we need to gain trust in any way possible so we wouldn't be suspected… With every six months, we need to discreetly send reports back to Konoha to show our progress…If we are caught or fail, we take them down with us…Or if we escape, we immediately send word to Konoha and Snow Country…Did I get the gist of it Sakura…?"

"I'm pretty sure…" Sakura stated as she placed her coffee cup down and retrieved a folder to flip through, "It's our Strategy so far, but at the same time, we don't even know what Akatsuki will do once we step through their territory…They may be recruiting, but because of our connection to the Leaf, we could be killed on the spot or brought in for torture and interrogation…"

"But Hokage-sama said we were the best for the job," Ino protested, "If that could happen, we could easily be going to our deaths! Why would she send us then?"

Sakura frowned, a hardness coming over her features, "Tsunade-shishou is sending us because our age, gender, and abilities fit those who have been captured by the Akatsuki…If there is any chance, the Organization will actually want to profit with us having joined them…Besides, they wouldn't let your Mind-Controlling go to waste Ino…And they would possibly want to use me as the Hokage's apprentice to extract important information…"

"And Hokage-sama is really willing to risk that?" Ino asked as she frowned and crossed her arms.

"Well who would you rather send?" Sakura inquired as she raised a single brow, "Someone with no experience…Or kunoichi like us, who at least stand a chance and have some experience to be able to make it out alive…?"

"Do we stand a chance, Sakura?" Ino replied softly, "Can we really make it out of this one alive?"

The medic sighed as she shook her head, "I don't know Ino…But as you said before: If Tsunade-shishou says we're the best for this job we will have to do our best to complete it all cost…Especially since we could be the only chance to save our home…"

Ino remained quiet, her stormy stare remaining on the pink-haired Medical Jounin, as if searching for more answers, searching for any more emotions that the young woman could be hiding from her hard-edged expression. Sakura only crossed her arms and stared back.

"Besides Ino…" Sakura continued, her gaze unwavering, "We've been trained well…We shouldn't doubt ourselves…I don't think the Akatsuki will kill us…Actually, I'm pretty sure they won't…"

"What makes you so sure?" Ino asked skeptically.

Sakura licked her lips to moisten them before responding, "The Akatsuki need us…In the reports they say they capture female kunoichi to join their cause…If we join willingly, as kunoichi who wouldn't put up a fight and would follow obediently, they would take the chance in keeping us…" Sakura then looked at her Mission Scroll, "And we need to play along obediently, because if we don't, we'll probably find out just what Tetsuya Hitomi meant when she said that the Akatsuki 'control' their shinobi like puppets, and we can't afford to be one of them…We need to be in our right minds…"

"And if they don't take us in?" Ino questioned with curiosity, "What if they do try to kill us?"

Sakura's eyebrows furrowed as she glared at her coffee mug, her hands gripping the ceramic tightly, "They won't…They know our power…And they know I've already killed one of their core members…Sasori…But if they do…" The mug in her hands cracked slightly and a trickle of liquid poured onto her hands, causing Ino to widen her eyes with worry, "If they do attack us…We'll threaten them to make them see our way…Or we'll just fight and take their whole Academy down with us…"

Ino frowned, her eyes still centered on her best friend's clenched hands, "Sakura…?"

The blonde kunoichi warily watched Sakura and her change in moods. And who could blame her? The Medical Kunoichi never did like the Akatsuki Organization; reasons being they already brought the Hidden Leaf so much trouble. They killed without purpose, one of their Core Members of Akatsuki was the reason why a former comrade of Sakura's left, and on many occasions, the Akatsuki were almost successful in capturing and killing Sakura's teammate, Uzumaki Naruto, to extract the Nine-Tailed Beast, Kyuubi, from his body.

Haruno Sakura had many reasons to loathe the Organization and Ino wasn't surprised that the pink-haired Jounin was ready to put her life on the line to take them all down.

Emerald eyes flickered up to Ino's and the Mind-Controller remained still, "We need to act like S-Class Criminals Ino…We need to be believable…Cold, ruthless, greedy, arrogant, and without mercy…It's the only way we can survive in that place…"

"…Sakura…"

Sakura smiled grimly as she looked down at the cracked ceramic cup, the warm substance continuing to dribble down her hands, "It's the only way…To complete this Mission…"

Ino watched as Sakura's emerald eyes flickered to the table where all the different information parchments were scattered. It worried the blonde to see her best friend look so cold. The only time Ino had seen Sakura in such a state was after she and Neji had brought a severely injured and unconscious Naruto home after a dangerous encounter with the Akatsuki Organization. The medic kunoichi never had relayed to her what had happened to Naruto, but the way her eyes had burned fiercely at her incessant questioning had the blonde immediately back-off.

The sound of movement brought Ino out of her silent reverie, her blue-grey eyes panning off to the woman sitting across from her, who was now glancing at her broken mug calmly, before she stood up and made her way to the kitchen, careful not to let her drink drip on the floor. However, she did stop for a brief moment to address her roommate softly.

"…I think that's enough strategizing for the night Ino…I'm pretty sure we can work with the plan we now have…" Sakura didn't look at her as she spoke and started to move towards the kitchen once more, Ino absentmindedly nodding her head in agreement, "We should get some rest…Good-night…"

And Ino watched as Sakura went into the Kitchen, placed her cup in the sink, not bothering to wash it, and disappeared into her room for the remainder of the night. Then she looked at the piles of papers on the table and released a mournful sigh, wondering if Sakura taking on this Mission was such a good idea.

"…Good-night…"

---

March 10, Year of the Tiger

7:32 AM

Haruno Sakura was never really fond of training; especially training that was crammed together for Missions that were time-constricting. Take her current S-Class Mission for example: She and her teammate had until March 11th to train which gave all of March 10th to fill up on preparation for said Mission, possibly going from four or five in the morning to, if they were lucky, twelve midnight. And what better way to prepare for this particular type of Mission than with Sakura's two most disliked training methods ever.

Sex Appeal and Torture.

Well, lucky for Haruno Sakura and Yamanaka Ino, the two kunoichi were already well off in the Sex Appeal Category, having already done Missions beforehand that trained them diligently in those arts. It also helped that both Sakura and Ino were casual flirts themselves in real life, the previous day with Shikamaru, Chouji, Sai, and Kiba were proof enough, so it wasn't all that hard to make it even more appealing and serious for them on Missions. It was almost a given that Kunoichi learn the art as well, since it was a very useful technique for information gathering, especially when dealing with men and alcohol.

Already Sakura and Ino had done two hours of training on their Sex Appeal with Yuuhi Kurenai and Mitarashi Anko. Well, the whole experience had been entertaining for the two 17 year old girls as they took in the different opinions and ways of their trainers. Kurenai was more of a discreet flirt, one who was careful with how she treated the men she tried to seduce and gather the information from. Anko, however, was more of a rough interrogator, feeling that men loved to see a woman tough and were turned on by that fact. With raised brows, Ino and Sakura had watched the two women argue and disagree about their different methods, before they decided to do it their own way.

Kurenai and Anko watched with wide eyes as Ino went first, set up in a room where Chuunin Ninja had volunteered to help, knowing information Sakura and Ino had to retrieve. It was a test, albeit harder since the men knew what was coming, but if Ino and Sakura could make them break and share their information, drunken men that didn't know what was happening would be all too easy.

So Ino had gone first. Using her charm and good looks, she swayed the men by moving her body sensuously, her exterior confident as she grinned seductively before sweet-talking her way with one of the Chuunin. Since the test took place in a Bar, she ordered some drinks, getting them intoxicating enough to stay conscious yet loosened. Then, she led said man into an upper room, where she teased him in a girlish manner, although her eyes held underlying disgust with what kunoichi had to do to get their facts. But the Chuunin was still stubborn and refused to answer her questions, trying to egg her on into some physical contact, which only caused Ino to get angry and pull a kunai on his neck, threatening his life if she didn't get what she wanted.

Her plan worked and Yamanaka Ino strolled out of the room, a grin on her face as she left an unconscious Chuunin on the bed of the room. Sakura only shook her head with a chuckle at her best friend's violent methods, reminding the medic that her way was almost like Anko's. But, there was an easier way Ino could have gotten the information. She could have just used her newest Forbidden Jutsu, which Ino had created herself, and went into the person's mind to take all the information without his knowing. Although, it did drain a lot of her chakra, it wasn't exactly perfected. Ino was using her Jutsu to the best she could, creating her own Jutsus derived from her and her family's Mind Controlling, especially since she had gone under the tutelage of Morino Ibiki, the Interrogation Specialist. Ino made a fine interrogator, particularly with her abilities and the young woman prided in that.

Then, it was Haruno Sakura's turn to test her Art of Sexual Appeal. And what better way she believed, as she scanned the Bar with glowing green eyes, than to test her abilities with the biggest of Jounin Flirts. Shiranui Genma. So, with a flourish, the Medical Kunoichi made her way to the Exam Proctor, a smirk on her features as the man watched her movements, particularly her hips, biting down on the senbon needle he had in his mouth. Sakura took a seat beside him, making sure her body language was inviting as she moved in a way that showed off her curves, which had developed quite nicely in the passed two years. Genma only smirked as he watched her, the two going into small talk as they ordered a couple of drinks. Thanks to her Medical Abilities, Sakura was quite tolerable of the substance, and was able to flush it out of her system with a flick of her wrist before she became too inebriated. Genma, however, was loosening up quite nicely.

It wasn't long before Sakura was teasing him with her lips as she and Genma sat on a lone bed in a dark room, her green eyes piercing as she tried to extract information from his form. Unfortunately for her, Genma was a skilled Jounin and wasn't allowing anything to slip, although he was enjoying her presence and groped her a few times, much to Sakura's chagrin. But it was his job at the moment and men she would probably encounter in Akatsuki would most likely be a lot worse.

So, seeing as she wasn't going anywhere with him and refraining from doing what Ino had done by breaking his groping fingers with her super strength, Sakura discreetly made a few hand signals, thankful that the room was dark. And when Genma looked into her eyes, it was his downfall, getting trapped into her Genjutsu, which she had quite a Mastery of, and torturing his mind senseless until he told her all she needed to know. Normally, Sakura would then kill the man through the mind leaving it clean and her unsuspected of the deed when she had Missions similar to this, but Genma was only doing this for training and she only put him into a deep and harmless sleep, her mind whirring with new data as she smiled and exited the room. Ino wasn't the only one with interrogation methods up her sleeve.

After two Mission Successes and smirks from both Kurenai and Anko for a job well-done, Ino and Sakura were ushered off to their next Training Session.

The tables had been turned.

Much to the two Kunoichi's dismay, they were met by Ino's personal Sensei, Morino Ibiki, the Interrogation Specialist, and the man who would be testing their strengths under the pressure of torture in mind and body. But, who could expect less? Both Ino and Sakura held vital information and it was imperative that they let nothing slip to the Akatsuki, no matter what the cost. A Genjutsu would probably also be used on them to make them forget certain information so it most definitely wouldn't come forth from their mouths.

How Haruno Sakura hated Interrogation Training…

"Again!" A deep masculine voice stated as he crossed his arms, dark eyes staring at the two bruised kunoichi tied up to wooden chairs; there seemed to be no mercy in his eyes.

Both Sakura and Ino were beaten pretty badly, blood pouring from various cuts; kunai, shuriken, and senbon covered in blood were littering the table not three feet from them. A single light illuminated on their forms, making clear Ino's disheveled ponytail; the bruise over Sakura's left eye; the various gashes on their arms and legs; and the awkward bend of some of their fingers. However, despite the pants of pain emitting from their mouths and the slight wince of their throbbing wounds, grey-blue and emerald eyes glared defiantly at Ibiki, not a word of betrayal to the Leaf Village, leaving their cut lips. Ibiki smiled at this.

"I admire both your spunk…" Ibiki stated as he walked towards them, the black cloak he wore, shuffling at his feet, "Already you've put up with this torture for two hours…Let's see if you can last another two…"

Both Sakura's and Ino's lips tightened, as if preparing to scream yet not giving them the pleasure of opening their mouths to do it. Two Jounin in the shadows emerged, kunai in hand as they approached the two women, both pairs of eyes glaring defiantly, ready for the pain.

Two Hours? Piece of Cake…

The Sound of cracking bones and muffled curses echoed in the room as Morino Ibiki watched with silent admiration. Two kunoichi at such a young age and taking the torture; they even lasted longer than even some of the best Jounin. And he knew what their upcoming S-Ranked Mission was and watching the two now, as the Jounin broke their fingers and slashed their abdomens, Ibiki couldn't have chosen two candidates better than them. They had willpower. They would see the Mission through.

Already he was amazed at their Torture Tolerance. Morino Ibiki was an Interrogation Specialist, but more with the mind. The first thing he had tried was Interrogation with a Genjutsu. Since Yamanaka Ino was his student, he had already trained her to withstand such torture, blocking off her mind with the help of her Forbidden Jutsu. Yet with Haruno Sakura, he had penetrated, yet couldn't get any information from her. She was able to close off her mind and not ten seconds later, she had somehow thrown him out. When he had questioned her about it, Ino had explained the same had happened when she had used her Mind Controlling on her in the Chuunin Exams. Sakura only shrugged her shoulders. But, Ibiki had been satisfied that the two's minds were safe from Interrogation and that it was best to test them on physical pain. They were doing well so far.

"Now…Tell us what the information Shiranui Genma gave you was…" One of the Jounin questioned Sakura as he slid his kunai down her arm, causing her to mutter a curse before biting her lower lip, "Tell us what he told you and the pain will go away…"

Sakura managed to chuckle lowly before she looked straight into the Jounin's eyes, "You want to know what he told me? You hear that Ino? They…they want to know…what Genma told me…I don't…I don't see how that…matters…"

Ino seemed to smirk as well through the ache of her broken fingers, "Tell them and stop all this splendid pain? That ruins all the fun…"

The Jounin frowned at this and Ibiki raised a brow.

"You'll have to try…harder than that…" Sakura whispered with strain as she looked directly in the Jounin's eyes, flinching slightly as she heard another disgusting crack and quiet moan come from Ino.

For the next twenty minutes, more yelps of pain and drops of blood were spilt from their mouths and newly acquired wounds. Sweat poured down the sides of the two women's faces as they controlled their labored breathing, eyes clenched shut as they readied themselves for the next onslaught of pain. Morino Ibiki continued to watch them from the far side of the room, a contemplative look gracing his hard and scarred features, fingers flexing unconsciously as he watched the two kunoichi endure the pain. They were continuing to do well.

However, Sakura gave a loud pain-filled groan as one of the Jounin decided to give her a full-on punch in the gut, "Uhg…Fine…Fine, I'll tell you…"

Morino Ibiki was disappointed as he watched the pink-haired woman pant with exhaustion as she looked at the floor, her expression unseen as her shoulders shook. He actually expected them to hold out at least a little longer…

"…Genma told me…" Sakura started as she breathed in laboriously, her ribs shifting uncomfortably, since the last punch broke a few of them, "…He told me…"

The Jounin leaned in a little closer to hear her words, Ibiki walking to the far end of the room, ready to turn on the lights once she confessed. When she did, they would have to endure a bit more training to rise up their torture stamina.

"…He told me I had a great body…"

Ibiki stopped in his tracks as the two Jounin smirked slightly at the answer and the fight the two women were putting up with. It was admirable indeed. Sakura's head rose as she met their eyes, grinning tiredly before she shifted in her seat to get more comfortable. Ino smiled as she chuckled despite herself, some blood trickling down the corner of her mouth.

"The Pervert…" Ino whispered, causing a pained chuckle to escape Sakura as well.

Morino Ibiki couldn't help but smirk too as he removed his hand from the light switch, his eyes wandering to the two Jounin as they went to retrieve more weapons from the table.

Yes, the Interrogator Specialist couldn't have picked two better Kunoichi for this important job, even if he tried.

Haruno Sakura and Yamanaka Ino. These were going to be names to remember…

---

March 10, Year of the Tiger

12:48 PM

Uzumaki Naruto walked alongside his Team Seven comrade, Sai, towards the Conference Room they had been assigned to appear at, uneasiness filling his entire being. Both he and Sai didn't know what was going on and Naruto was confused that he had been taken off his A-Rank Mission to go there. However, Tsunade-baa-chan had made it clear that it was extremely important. Taking a side glance at Sai, he found the boy to be frowning, dark eyes staring ahead as the doors to the Conference Room opened.

Imagine Naruto's surprise when he found the Rookie 9 and Team Gai gathered around in the mediocre sized room, conversing with each other with rather perplexed expressions as well. Some heads turned in Naruto's and Sai's directions, nodding their heads in silent acknowledgement to which the two shinobi returned the gesture politely.

"Naruto-kun," A soft voice called out in greeting, "Sai-san."

Electric blue eyes looked over the crowd to find the source of the voice, a grin forming on his lips as he spotted Hyuuga Hinata at a far corner of the room, gathered with Kiba, Tenten, Lee, and Neji. Naruto moved to join the group, Sai following him wordlessly.

"Hey everyone!" Naruto greeted with his usual toothy beam, "Hi Hinata-chan."

"Hello," Hinata stated as she smiled warmly.

"So what's going on?" Naruto asked openly, looking around the room at the other occupants, "I was taken off an A-Rank Mission to come here."

"You're not the only one Naruto," Tenten responded as she looked at the front of the room, where an empty podium stood.

"It seems like a special mission," Lee affirmed as he crossed his arms, bushy brows knit together in thought, "All of the Rookie 9 and Team Gai seemed to have been called for this Meeting…"

"I don't see Ugly," Sai pointed out as he looked around the room.

"Sakura-chan?" Naruto asked as he too looked around, not at all seeing the tell-tale pink of his female teammate's hair, "I wonder where she is? Well, she did tell us she had an upcoming Mission…"

"But if ours were cancelled, perhaps hers was too…" Tenten reasoned as she removed a shuriken and started to play around with it.

"Ino-chan isn't here either…" Hinata added as her pearly eyes scanned the room, "Maybe they're late…"

Conversation came to a close as a side door at the front of the room opened, two figures slowly emerging. One was Shizune, one of the Head Medics in Konoha Hospital and personal assistant to the Godaime Hokage. The other figure was the Godaime Hokage herself, narrowed hazel eyes scanning the room of its occupants as she walked towards the podium. Everyone took a seat at the long table in the middle of the room, ready and waiting for the meeting to begin. Naruto took a seat at the middle of the table, Hinata at his left, Sai at his right, and Team Gai across from them. Naruto then turned his cerulean eyes back to Tsunade, who was whispering in Shizune's ear and handed her a small box. Shizune nodded, took the box, and stepped away from the podium. The Hokage's eyes panned over to the Jounin sitting at the table, her expression calculating.

"It seems everyone is here…" Tsunade began, "So we will start this meeting immediately…"

Naruto frowned, knowing for a fact that Sakura wasn't there. Was she not assigned to this mission? Glancing to his right, Naruto found both Shikamaru and Chouji to be slightly confused, since their teammate, Yamanaka Ino, wasn't present either. Were both Sakura and Ino not involved?

"I know some of you may be wondering why you have been called here or taken off your already assigned missions…" Tsunade continued, "But it is for an important reason…An important mission that could possibly be classified higher than S-Ranked…"

At this statement, everyone seemed to sit up a little in their chairs, intrigued. A Mission that could possibly be higher than S-Ranked? Naruto's fists clenched with anticipation. He wouldn't dare want to miss out on this.

Tsunade sighed as she tiredly removed a scroll from her belt, while Shizune moved around the table, putting identical scrolls in front of the ten shinobi. No one made a move to pick it up and read it. The Hokage opened up her own scroll however, and moved her light brown eyes across the parchment, her expression thoughtful before she lowered the item and stared at the occupants in the room once more. Shizune had finished distributing the scrolls and had quietly taken a stand to the right and behind the blonde-haired woman.

"Recently," Tsunade started as she leaned her arms onto the podium while minding the scroll laid out atop it, "Our Fire Country Alliance has received word from Kazahana Koyuki, Leader of Snow Country, who gave us information about the infamous Organization called Akatsuki…"

Everyone in the room tensed slightly at the mention of the Akatsuki, all knowing about the dangerous Organization from rumors or having come across them during a Mission. Every Ninja in the area knew that Organization's name and the things they did: Merciless Killing, Rampages through Villages, their desire to 'Rule the World'. Naruto's fists clenched as he glared deep blue eyes at the closed scroll before him, his mind recalling times when he would encounter their members, because they wanted to remove the Nine-Tailed Fox Demon, Kyuubi, which resided in his body. Already, they had removed Gaara's tailed-beast, Subaku, and it had almost cost the Kazekage his life. The same possibly would be said for Naruto if it happened to him…

Looking around the table briefly, Naruto also noticed that almost everyone called to the meeting had somehow encountered a member of the Akatsuki. His generation of fellow Ninja probably knew more about the Organization's Members better than anyone.

He wondered why Sakura wasn't there, however. She did manage to kill one of the members…Sasori…

"We have found out through the Snow Country that the Akatsuki's numbers have grown in number, and rather quickly after such a short amount of time…" Tsunade continued seriously, cutting through Naruto's cluttered thoughts, "…We have reason to believe that if their progress continues, the Akatsuki will have the numbers and the strength to wage war on the Five Great Shinobi Countries…"

The statement caused several pairs of eyes to widen. Naruto too was surprised. How could the Akatsuki have gained so many Ninja? And war? Anyone could admit that war with the Organization of Akatsuki Members would be difficult; their group was made up of the best kind of Ninja.

"How is it possible they gained such strength and numbers?" Rock Lee asked as he gazed intently at the Hokage with wide, contemplative eyes, "I had assumed that Akatsuki were made up of a few select members…"

"We had thought so too," Tsunade sighed as her gaze fell back on the scroll in front of her, "In fact, we thought the Akatsuki Organization were made up of ten members not including the Leader…However, Orochimaru left, Kakuzu was killed by Kakashi, Hidan was finished by Shikamaru, and Sakura disposed of Sasori…Which only leaves about six Members left and the Leader…What we didn't know though, is that they are the Core Members of Akatsuki…The most powerful of the Akatsuki…Almost like Generals of the army I should say…"

"So you mean there are more Members in this Organization than we thought…" Neji supplied with narrowed eyes, "How much more?"

Tsunade shook her head, eyes closed, "We do not know an exact number…Although I am estimating about 5,000 Ninja…Give or take a few thousand…And I am assuming that their abilities are not to be taken lightly as well, this is Akatsuki we're talking about…"

"5,000 Ninja…?" Tenten whispered with disbelief, "How is that possible? And so quickly too…They must be from other Countries…Missing Ninja…?"

"Yes, most of them are Missing Ninja from other Countries…Recruited by the Akatsuki Organization to join one of their four Academies…" Tsunade supplied as she frowned, her hazel eyes hardening with thought.

"Academies?" Hinata echoed with question as she focused opalescent orbs in the Hokage's direction, a confused frown marring her features, "The Akatsuki have Academies?"

Tsunade nodded as she placed a stray strand of blonde hair behind her ear, her eyes narrowing onto the scroll in front of her, "Yes…Kazahana Koyuki had sent word to us that an Akatsuki Academy had been found in her Country by one of her Ninja, Tetsuya Hitomi, who had been captured and forced to become a part of the Akatsuki Army…Before Tetsuya-san was killed however, she was able to send word back to Snow stating what Akatsuki's main purpose was and that they also carry three more Academies to train their Armies in: Earth Country, Lightning Country, and Sea Country…"

"How could we not know of this before?" Tenten inquired as she gripped the kunai in her right hand tightly, "When did they start building these Academies exactly?"

"The Akatsuki Academies were possibly established in the Four Countries perhaps 8-10 years ago, when Kazahana Koyuki's corrupt Uncle, Dotou, had been in control of Snow Country; which is probably why Kazahana-san never knew of their existence in her Territory until now…" Tsunade answered as she leaned up from the podium and walked around it to become entirely visible to the group, "It was only until she started getting mysterious disappearances from her Ninja Squads and Tetsuya-san's report from one of her Wolf Summons that she started to send investigations to find the Academy in her Country…However, it seemed that whenever one of her Squads got close enough, they were killed or captured…Or specifically, the men were killed and the women were captured…"

"Men killed and women captured?" Lee asked with wide eyes, "Why would that be?"

Tsunade shook her head with closed eyes, "We don't know exactly, only men's bodies were found dumped somewhere in the Snow Country Rivers…Apparently, they need the women for their own means…Some men have been captured too, but not as many as women…Rumors say the captured are forced to join the Akatsuki Army itself…"

A troubled sigh escaped the Godaime Hokage's lips, hazel eyes opening as she gazed around the room, Naruto slightly disturbed to see her actual age almost reflecting through those windows of the soul. He had to admit that she looked tired, weary, and almost concerned, a deeply troubled unease that had the young male's stomach clenching with anxiety.

Something wasn't right and he had a feeling he was about to find out exactly what.

"We were lucky we were able to receive word from Tetsuya Hitomi from the Academy, because if we hadn't, we wouldn't even be acting upon this threat," The older woman explained as she ran a hand through her hair, moving towards the table full of Shinobi and taking a seat in the front empty chair, "Our Allies have already been sent word of this threat and we, Konoha, will be the main Village to investigate alongside Kazahana-san and the Snow Country…We have a plan formulated already…And we're hoping that it will work…"

Naruto watched as Tsunade tented her fingers together, light brown eyes scanning the table in a calculating manner, although that deep, underlying worry was still there; so Naruto grinned, trying to lighten the mood, "So what do you want us to do Tsuande-baa-chan?"

The Hokage's calculating gaze snapped over to Naruto, her eyes narrowing as she scowled for being called 'Baa-chan' in front of a group full of Jounin. However, being that it was Naruto, and that she did have a soft spot for him, she rolled her eyes instead and calmly folded her arms over the tabletop, a deep exhale leaving her nostrils.

It was time for the moment of truth, to tell the fellow Rookie 9 and Team Gai group that two of their own would be leaving for this S-Class Mission, and would probably not come back alive.

Another deep breath, in and out, Naruto's grin still in place and Tsunade glaring hard at the closed scroll in front of him, "…All of you here…Are not the Main Ninjas for this Mission…"

Several brows raised and confused expressions emerged, Naruto's grin disappearing as he tilted his head to the side, electric blue eyes filled with puzzlement. Although for some, such as Shino, Shikamaru, Neji, and Sai, frowns and furrowed brows creased their hardened features.

Something definitely wasn't right…

"Then why did you call us here Hokage-sama?" Hinata inquired politely, pearly eyes gazing at the older woman with worry and perplexity.

"I called you all here today because I wanted to prepare you for this Mission," Tsunade answered firmly as she glanced at everyone meaningfully throughout the room, "You all are the Backup Ninja for this Mission…I am assuming in 2-5 years time, your services will be of use to carry out the actual destruction of the Akatsuki…Today, I wanted to prepare you with this information so when the time comes for the definite strike on the Organization, you will all be ready…Which is why tonight you will read through your scrolls and put to memory all the information given so it will be put to future use…Even if this may be 2-5 years early, knowing the Mission now and the Mission you will be 'Backing Up' will be extremely vital to the present and the future of how you will handle certain situations…"

"Certain Situations?" Tenten asked as she looked down at her rolled up scroll with contemplation, "2-5 years? Hokage-sama, why exactly are we waiting so long to attack? And what are we 'Backing Up'?"

Tsunade watched as several heads nodded with agreement, asking the same questions the Weapons Mistress had. Naruto was scratching his head full of golden locks while staring at his scroll and most of the shinobi were looking as bemused as ever, not fully understanding what was going on.

"Like I said," Tsunade started as she placed her hands, palms flat, on the table top, "This is the Akatsuki we are dealing with and they are not to be taken lightly…It took us almost a decade to find out that they were building an Army and were planting Academies in the Regions, which means we need to handle things cautiously, since we still don't know too much…If we're lucky, the Organization might not know what we know yet, so since Tetsuya-san said that they may plan their attack on the Five Great Shinobi Countries in the next 3-5 years we need to use that time to find out their Weaknesses, Strategies, Important People, anything that will give us the upper hand…"

"And how do you suppose we do that, since we don't know much about this new…development…?" Shikamaru questioned as he leaned his elbow on the table, his posture lazy but his eyes, sharp.

Tsunade smirked, "…For the next 3-5 years we will be sending in two Shinobi to pose as Missing Ninja and take a position in the Army…They are the key to our success in this war and I trust that they will see the Mission through," The frown returned on her features, serious and calm, "We have instructed them to pose as S-Class Criminals and take residence there, reporting to us every 6 months of their progress as well as any information that they find…Hopefully, they will climb in the Ranks and become trusted enough to gain a powerful position…Perhaps even close enough to kill the Leader…Or at least destroy the Akatsuki and its Academies from the inside and, with any luck, without the Organization knowing that it is them…"

"That's suicide," Kiba whispered, mostly to himself as he scratched the back of his neck, frown in place, "If they're found out, there's no way for them to escape and if the war starts when they're there…They would have to fight with them…They would…"

"They would do their best to destroy the Akatsuki from the inside," Tsunade finished firmly before folding her hands back together, "Just to save us from going too deep into the war…These two Shinobi are the only ones believable enough to join this Organization and with their abilities they can and will follow through with what we have asked of them…They know the dangers that they will be facing, they know they may not come out of this alive, but they also know that without them our Country will fall…This is the life of a Shinobi and they have accepted it fully…"

A tensed silence surrounded the room, everyone intensely thinking over this new information. Naruto, whose frown had returned, was staring down at his reflection through the polished table top, brows furrowed as he clenched his fists. He silently admitted that these two Shinobi who were volunteering their lives for their Village and Country was quite admirable. He wondered who they were and if he could meet them, and he also questioned himself on what he could do as this 'Backup Ninja' to be able to help them.

Tsunade, who was now leaning back in her chair with her eyes closed, became alert as she heard a shuffling behind her, immediately noticing that it was the robes of Shizune's outfit. Because of the silence of the room and her close proximity to her assistant, the Hokage couldn't help but overhear the soft whispers as Shizune talked into her radio.

"Ibiki-san…Are they on their way over? Yes, the Meeting has already started…Prepare Healing…? Five Hours!" Shizune sighed, "Of course then…Bring them right away and make sure they aren't bleeding…They've healed some themselves? Don't let them overuse their chakra, they are leaving tomorrow…So they passed the test? Do you think they are ready for this? Good, yes I agree…Alright then…I'll meet them in front of the Conference Room…Thank you Ibiki-san…Alright, I'll tell her…Goodbye…"

Tsunade cracked open a single eye as Shizune quietly moved along the wall of the Conference Room, her assistant casting towards her a meaningful glance to which Tsunade nodded her head in understanding. Then Shizune disappeared behind the wooden door, not a single sound having been heard from her departure. Although, when Tsunade glance back at the Jounin around the table, Neji's, Lee's, Kiba's, Sai's, and Naruto's gazes were fixed on the exit Shizune had just left through. She cleared her throat to gain their attention, and was immediately given it.

"This plan isn't full-proof I admit," Tsunade started as she smoothed out the wrinkles on her shirt, "But it's all we've got in such a short amount of time. This Mission is more so Infiltration to obtain Information and only Assassination if it doesn't put our two Main Shinobi at risk…We just need enough information to be able to fight off this Akatsuki threat and our two Shinobi may be the ultimatum for their success as well."

"Sabotage…" Shikamaru muttered, to which Tsunade nodded.

"Now…To make out two Shinobi believable," The Godaime continued, "We have changed their records to S-Class Criminals of the Hidden Leaf Village…They will retain their identities but they will be traitors in our eyes…They are pretty well-known, so if they go to Akatsuki looking to join their cause, it shouldn't be a problem for them to get in…And I'm sure their persuasion skills will come in handy if they need to use it…So, if ever you encounter them, on a Mission, in the road, at a restaurant, you need to act like they're your enemies, no matter how much you care about them or don't want to fight them…Their reputation as Akatsuki Members will be at stake so if it means you have to battle them, you cannot hold back, you need to fight like your fighting to the death and I am sure you'll find some way to make one or the other retreat so death won't be an option…Understood…?"

Several head nods were answer to her although Naruto was frowning considerably as he rubbed at his chin. He didn't like the idea of fighting a fellow Leaf Village Ninja. But since it was their job to be the enemy, there was nothing he could do…

"Hokage-sama?"

The blonde woman turned her head slightly to find Hyuuga Neji staring at her intently, lavender eyes narrowed and lips in a straight, firm line. She nodded her head for him to continue.

"Yes, Hyuuga-san?"

"I am curious," Neji responded as he narrowed his eyes even further with thought, "But Hokage-sama, you speak as if we know these two Shinobi…And how will we know if we are fighting them if we know not their identities…? Who are the two Main Shinobi?"

Tsunade's shoulders tensed slightly, her fists tightening causing her knuckles to go white and her expression hardening, which did not go unnoticed by the other occupants of the room, their features also showing her that they wondered who they would be aiding in the Mission. At that moment, the door in the back quietly opened and Tsunade could see Shizune poke her head through, her expression calm, waiting the time when she would give the order.

"Yeah," Naruto spoke up, oblivious to Shizune's appearance, "I want to meet them Tsunade-baa-chan!"

Tsunade could only close her eyes and bow her head, biting her lower lips as she tried to regain her bearings. Despite the strength she showed on a regular basis, she still couldn't grasp the fact that she was sending two kunoichi into a dangerous battle field and that today, she would be revealing to all of their friends their intentions, their departure, their Mission, and their last possible encounter. Haruno Sakura was her prized pupil as well and she knew Yamanaka Ino enough through the pink-headed medial ninja. Of course Tsunade would feel the pain too.

It was almost like sending her daughter and her daughter's best friend out to their imminent deaths…

Tsunade's chin lifted high, her eyes opening as she gave a solemn, sad smile, her gaze flickering briefly to the window where the sun shined brightly to the afternoon day, before panning over the ten Jounin sitting around her. Again, they all remained silent with questioning and perplexed expressions, eagerness and anxiety filling their forms. With a brief look and nod at Shizune, her assistant disappeared behind the door.

"Rookie 9…Team Gai…" Tsunade began as she took a stand from her seat, "…It is my honor to introduce to you the two Main Shinobi of S-Ranked Mission: Akatsuki Academy…"

The wooden doors in the back of the room opened, causing all heads to turn in the direction, several eyes widening with pure surprise, shock, and horror. Gasps were heard from the two female that were sitting at the table, one clenching her kunai tightly enough to draw blood, the other placing a shaking hand over her rapidly beating heart.

Hyuuga Neji, Aburame Shino, Nara Shikamaru, and Sai were stunned and speechless, their usually hardened forms now with widened eyes and deep frowns, their hands clenching tightly, as if ready to slam it down upon the table, hard enough to crack it in two. Rock Lee, Inuzuka Kiba, and Akimichi Chouji had their mouths agape…And Uzumaki Naruto…

Uzumaki Naruto could feel the fear and despair coiling at the pit of his stomach, ready to spring and destroy everything inside him.

His heart never hurt so much…

Because through the wooden double doors, behind Shizune, walked two beaten kunoichi, blood covering their forms, and bruises and cuts littering their perfect skin. Their tresses of cherry and gold were disheveled and dirty, their arms and fingers were twisted this way and that and their walking was filled with limps and constant minor flinches from their pain. However, their chins were held up high as they walked towards the podium where Tsunade had taken her stand and their emerald and grey-blue eyes were filled with determination and pride.

"…Haruno Sakura and Yamanaka Ino…"

The wooden doors were closed, Shizune pulled out two chairs at the front for the torture-induced girls to sit on, Tsunade rolled up the scroll she had on the podium, and the room was plunged into an utterly suffocating silence.

---

March 10, Year of the Tiger

1:34 PM

Haruno Sakura and Yamanaka Ino were silent as they stiffly sat in the wooden chairs Shizune had kindly pulled out for them. Their shoulders were tensed and their minds were whirring with so many thoughts, wondering what exactly could be going on through their various friends' brains. As they sat taut, they couldn't help but feel the blood from their wounds trickling over their skin, the uncomfortable way their broken bones shifted, the disheveled appearance they probably presented, and the purples and blues just aching to be healed. However, what pained them the most was the way ten pairs of eyes stared at them, with complete disbelief, surprise, and fear.

Fear for them…

With her lips pulled into a grim line, Sakura rose her head up, scanning the room with bright emerald eyes, gauging each and every reaction from all of her friends. Ino seemed to be doing the same thing next to her, but from the corner of her eye, Sakura could tell her friend was having a harder time, judging from the way her brows had furrowed together, and her grey-blue eyes were slowly filling with moisture.

It was hard for them. More painful than any torture Morino Ibiki had thrown their way. Tears were going to be shed on both their parts.

Aburame Shino remained silent, his gaze focused on Sakura and Ino, although somehow, Sakura could tell that Shino wasn't directly looking at them. But, it was always hard to tell when Shino wore his dark sunglasses. His brows were furrowed though, and behind a part of his jacket covering his mouth, his lips were forming a hard frown.

Beside Shino was Inuzuka Kiba, his mouth agape as his eyes darted back and forth between Ino and Sakura, speechless like everyone else, with his fists balled atop the table. When he did close his mouth finally, Kiba could only look away from them, his jaw tightening as he briefly shook his head, as if inwardly arguing that the two kunoichi in front of him weren't the ones he was supposed to be seeing. However, a final brief glance their way caused his jaw to slacken and him to breathe in more deeply.

Next to Kiba was Rock Lee, whose bushy brows were also furrowed, a disbelieving frown on his lips as he stared steadily at Ino and Sakura, as if gauging their own reactions as well. His shoulders were tensed and he opened his mouth to say something, only to shut it again and break his gaze from their forms, resorting to just glare at the scroll in front of him.

Tenten wasn't even looking at Sakura and Ino. She was shaking her head from side to side, eyes closed, her mouth moving, Sakura noticing that she was somewhat trying to convince herself that everything in front of her wasn't true. The Weapons Mistress' grip on her kunai had not been released and blood was steadily pouring down her hand, wrist, and arm. After a few seconds of shaking her head, two watery eyes cracked open to look at them, only to let out the small trickle of tears to trail down her cheeks.

Wanting to prevent herself from crying, Sakura turned her gaze to the next figure, her expression impassive as she locked viridian eyes with lavender. Hyuuga Neji was considerably rigid as he studied the two kunoichi, his frown almost disapproving causing Sakura to almost shiver with fear at his intense gaze. The sun gave a glint off his headband providing good enough reason for Sakura to move her line of vision away from his powerful stare and on to the next person.

At the end of the table, Nara Shikamaru and Akimichi Chouji sat in complete silence, their gazes solely fixed on their Squad Ten teammate, Ino. Shikamaru's gaze had briefly flickered over to Sakura, but only for a second, before returning to the female next to her. The three seemed to be having a silent conversation with their eyes, and Sakura could almost feel the unease radiating off of Ino's form. It looked like Shikamaru wanted to say something, but he refrained, and Chouji was gaping openly, eyes wide.

Shifting her stare to the front of the table, across from where Lee sat, was Hyuuga Hinata, who had a distraught expression marring her gentle features, hands clasped together as her head was bowed down to her lap, eyes closed as her figure shivered continuously, whether from uneasiness or silent sobs.

Swallowing hard, Sakura purposely passed up the figure beside Hinata and landed her gaze on one of her fellow Team Seven comrades, Sai. Like Neji, his gaze on her was hard, the pink-haired kunoichi almost wishing she could see his usual empty smile. His fists were also clenched, dark eyes darting between her and Ino before he frowned and cast a glare at the scroll in front of him, his hands twitching involuntarily.

Sakura hated to see all these emotions emanating from her friends. She hated that she was the cause of it.

Taking a deep breath, Sakura closed her eyes, her throat almost locking up, ready to bring forth her own tears, but she fought it down with a fury. She couldn't show weakness, weakness wasn't an option, especially where she and Ino were going…

"…Why…?" A soft voice asked, Sakura recognizing it immediately despite her closed eyes, and she only tightened her eyes further to prevent herself from looking upon the face of her best friend, "…Why are you sending them…? Not…Sakura-chan…"

"Oh Naruto…" Shizune whispered, somewhere from Sakura's left.

It was only then that Sakura realized that Shizune and Tsunade had knelt down beside Ino and herself to heal their wounds from Morino Ibiki's Torture Lessons. She wondered why she hadn't noticed them and the warmth of their chakra before, but she supposed it was because she had been too preoccupied with controlling herself and watching how her friends reacted to her and Ino's part in the Mission. Sakura let herself relax as Tsunade's hands gently worked through her injuries, mending bones together and closing up cuts and other lesions.

However, a loud 'Bang' caused Sakura to tense again as she snapped her eyes open and landed them on a standing Uzumaki Naruto, his body shaking as he kept his closed fist firmly on the table he had just pounded on, and electric blue eyes glaring heatedly at her, Ino, and Tsunade. Sakura could just feel the chakra from his form radiating violently, but she could also feel his deep despair.

"Why are you sending them?" Naruto asked angrily and shook his head violently, Sakura watching as the tears slowly coursed down his cheeks, causing her own eyes to water up, "No, Not Them Tsunade-baa-chan! Not THEM!"

"Naruto!" Tsunade finally shouted to gain his attention, standing up from where she had been kneeling next to Sakura and taking a few steps forward, "Calm down…Sit, now!"

Naruto looked torn as he glared at Tsunade half-heartedly and then cast his gaze on Sakura. He did this several times, his expression almost broken before he slowly sunk back down on his seat, his hands coming up to grip his forehead, elbows leaning heavily on the tabletop. His shoulders were shaking and Sakura could feel her heart go out to him, wanting to run over to him and comfort him…

But Hinata was kind enough to rest a reassuring hand on his shoulder, offering her own comfort, much to both Sakura's and Naruto's gratitude.

Tsunade, who had been taking deep breaths of her own, frowned as she took a stand at the front of the table, slightly covering Ino and Sakura from the Jounin's view, but effectively getting them all to lay eyes on her. Sakura turned her head slightly to look at Ino, who had her head bowed low and small rivulets of tears trekking gently down her face. Again, Sakura looked away from the sight to prevent her own from coming forth, but she did reach out to take Ino's hand and squeezed it gently in a reassuring manner, much to Ino's gratitude.

"…I know that this may come as a complete shock to you all…" Tsunade started softly, "But as I have said before, Haruno Sakura and Yamanaka Ino are the best Shinobi for the job…They will be the two Main Ninja who will infiltrate the Akatsuki Academies and will take an active part in their Organization…"

"…But why them…?" Naruto asked softly as he finally lifted his head, blue eyes solemn, "I can't deny the fact that they're strong, but what reason made them the only choice to send…?"

Any other Ninja to have asked that question would have offended Sakura, but she knew Naruto only wanted to know why one of his comrades had to go on such a dangerous mission…

"…Naruto…" Tsunade started.

"Why?" Naruto asked more forcefully, his frown returning, "Tell me why!"

"…Ino and I volunteered for this Mission Naruto…" Sakura answered softly yet firmly as she stood from her seat, several heads snapping in her direction, including Ino's, and Tsunade moving slowly away from the front of the table so they could see her more clearly, "I am sure Tsuande-shishou had briefed you on the Mission…So I am sure she gave you the detail that whenever Ninja came close to the Akatsuki Academies, the men were killed and the women were captured…Ino and I will be acting as wiling women to gain access to their Academy…Our gender, age, and abilities are what Akatsuki seem to take a liking to in the Academy and knowing this, Ino and I find that we will do our part to help Konohagakure no Sato in any way we can…Even if it means leaving for an 'x' amount of years…Even if it means leaving to our deaths…"

Naruto's frown deepened considerably and all expressions became dark.

"Then why were Tenten and I not assigned this Mission…?" Hinata asked quietly.

Sakura's green gaze landed on the Hyuuga Heiress and she smiled warmly, "Your Father probably would not have wanted you to go Hinata-chan…Tenten and Temari-san were also candidates for this job, but because of my apprenticeship to Tsunade-shishou and Ino's knowledge to Interrogation, we were the best candidates for the job…Besides, we would rather go than see our friends go…Ino and I both know what we are getting into…"

"Do you?" Sai asked softly, maybe even a little coldly.

Sakura glanced at him but Tsunade cut in, "I firmly believe in Yamanaka's and Haruno's skills…If I doubted it I would have never assigned them the Mission…Besides, their current training will help them immensely with their encounter with the Akatsuki…They are a safe bet because of their identities…Akatsuki will not let them go to waste…"

"Won't they suspect that?" Neji asked callously, "Sending in the Godaime Hokage's apprentice doesn't seem like a good bet to me…You expect it to be believable…?"

"Sakura is smart, well off in diplomacy and debate…" Tsunade countered, "I'm sure with her persuasion she will do well in gaining admission to the Academy…"

"But she killed Sasori," Kiba responded, "Won't they kill her for that deed alone?"

Tsunade shook her head, "Akatsuki are made up of the best of the best…To gain a Member where one had destroyed a former of their own will only benefit to them…"

Sakura nodded in agreement to this, her lips firm and her gaze hard. Everyone seemed to be watching her, staring at her, but the medical kunoichi paid them no mind. If she were them, she would probably be gaping too. However, Naruto couldn't even seem to lay eyes on her as he clenched his fists, head bowed, and Shikamaru and Chouji were still looking at Ino with underlying concern.

"Hokage-sama…" Shikamaru started, although his gaze never left Ino, who was trying her best to keep her grey-blue eyes to the floor, uneasiness radiating from her form as she gripped her skirt tightly, "How long will they be gone for? What are the chances of them making it out of this Mission alive…?"

Tsunade frowned as she closed her eyes, her right hand playing with the sleeve of her robe as she softly answered, "It will take as long as it has to…Perhaps even until the Akatsuki is finally destroyed…Chances of Sakura's and Ino's survival is probably…"

Tsunade trailed off, her brows furrowing as her heart clenched. She knew the numbers, but saying it aloud would only make things more real, make the numbers truer and might even slightly diminish her hope for them to ever return…

"…Probably…" Tsunade whispered, trying to go on, "…Probably…"

"Ten percent…" A feminine voice finished softly, all heads snapping towards Yamanaka Ino, who had finally spoken since stepping into the room, "The chances of Sakura and me surviving are…Ten percent…"

Sakura watched solemnly as Ino's head slowly rose up from the ground to gaze at the Jounin sitting silently around the table, before they finally landed on her Squad Ten teammates. Her grey-blue eyes were still moistened with unshed tears, filled with apology, fear, and sadness. Her knuckles were white from clenching her purple skirt tightly, leaving creases in the fabric and transferring some of the blood from her wounds on her thigh to her hands.

"Ten percent…?" Naruto echoed, disbelief lacing his words, sapphire eyes wide as he stared at his rolled up scroll, "Chances of survival are…Ten percent…?"

Ino nodded slowly, "Maybe even lower…But what can you expect with an S-Ranked Mission?" The blonde kunoichi smiled weakly, "We face dangers everyday…We all have our Missions where there is a high chance of dying…It's just…Sakura and I have been given one that's more dangerous, more time consuming, and more of a chance of us not coming back…But even with those statistics, as our friends and fellow shinobi, you should believe in our abilities and strengths…We're not only doing this as kunoichi of Konoha…But for our families…Our friends…All of you…"

Sakura smiled as she nodded her head in agreement, turning her head to face the table full of Jounin and grinning, "Ino's right…We chose this Mission so we could save the Hidden Leaf, to prevent war, and to make sure that everyone would be safe…Akatsuki is a threat to a lot of people, a lot of Villages, and knowing this, Ino and I want to do our best to stop them…" The pink-haired woman walked away from her spot to the table and made for Neji's area, "There is a chance we'll be gone for months, years even and we know it will be hard, for us especially…But know that we are doing this out of duty and love for our home…And for you…Our friends…"

"Understand our position in this," Ino stated as Sakura took a stand beside Tenten, gently taking the Weapon Mistress' hand so she could heal her kunai wound, "Sakura and I would rather not be doing this…But if you were in our shoes and you were the only choice in saving your home and your loved ones, you would take this Mission too without any question…"

"So that's what we did," Sakura continued as she gave Tenten back her healed hand, who gave a watery and thankful smile, "No questions asked but with the knowledge that we were the only chance Konoha had…You cannot deny the fact that any of you would have done the same thing…"

"…But two Shinobi?" Lee asked as he looked up at Sakura, whose emerald gaze was now glued on Naruto, the blonde boy still staring blankly at his scroll, "Perhaps another should accompany you…"

Sakura shook her head, her gaze drifting down to Lee before she smiled softly, "Two shinobi from the same Village is already suspicious enough…Besides, we're trying to be as discreet as possible…"

"Sakura is right," Tsunade stated with a nod of the head, crossing her arms over her chest, "We're already hoping that the reasons Sakura and Ino became S-Class Criminals will be enough…You're jobs however will come into play once they complete their Mission…"

"And what exactly is their Mission Completion?" Sai inquired as he leaned back in his chair, expression blank, although his eyes never strayed from his female teammate.

Sakura met his gaze full on, "Mission will be completed once Ino and I gain a sufficient amount of information to help in the fall of the Akatsuki…Once that is accomplished, we will remain in the Organization and help to destroy the Akatsuki from the inside…"

"The only reasons Sakura and I will return home is if we escape from their Organization safely if they find us out," Ino supplied blandly, "Or when the Akatsuki falls and their Leader, dead…"

"What you will be doing…" Tsunade continued, "Your Mission is to be the main Shinobi to lead in the attack of the Organization once Sakura and Ino deliver the needed information…"

"And how long do you suppose that will take…?" Hinata asked quietly as she wrung her hands together.

Ino bowed her head down low as she shrugged her shoulders, "Like Sakura said…Months, years…However long it has to take…"

"…So when are you leaving?"

Various heads turned to look at Naruto, who was now looking up, sapphire eyes boring sadly into bright emerald. Sakura could almost feel her resolve disappear as she looked onto the distraught face of her best friend. He was frowning deeply, eyes slightly watered with grief, fists still balled, and shoulders shaking with what Sakura thought was suppressed anger.

"…Tomorrow…" Sakura and Ino answered simultaneously.

---

A/N: So, originally this was going to be my SUPER EPIC UBER AWESOME NOVELIZATION FIRST STORY IN NARUTO FANDOM for me when I came up with this *insert sarcasm* SUPER COOL EDGE-OF-YOUR-SEAT PLOT that would get me so many readers and reviewers and I was just so super EXCITED.

As you can see, however, it is now in the Keep Or Scrap? Section. Haha.

Soooo, this story was my pride and baby when I first started writing for the Naruto Universe, even before I began It All Started With. This was before Itachi was killed, before Sasuke betrayed Orochimaru, before Madara became the evil villain, and before A LOT of the happenings in the current manga. Originally this story (The Haruno And Yamanaka Chronicles) was going to be the Prequel to my "Epic-Insert-Cool-Name".

As you can tell, I have a vivid and far-reaching imagination with very complex and strange plotlines. In this Prequel, Sakura and Ino were going to infiltrate the Akatsuki by joining their Academies for Kunoichi – which would be later revealed as an All-Girl Institute because of a specific way they can manipulate and 'control' girls. The Prequel hardly had Romance though Sasuke-kun made a brief appearance which I REALLY wanted to write where Sakura infiltrates Orochimaru's Base to steal his Akatsuki Ring so she could be made a true member. Dear Sasuke-kun overhears Orochimaru and Kabuto – the former angry his prized possession was stolen and the latter musing that "I didn't think she of all people would betray her Village…'. Orochimaru grumbles about pink hair and Sasuke denies that Sakura could be the owner.

So Sakura and Ino spend a few years in the Academy, rising in the ranks, making friends and enemies in the process (one of whom who has a crush on Sakura and will do anything to have her). At some point, Sakura and Ino separate to different cells and the next time the two see each other, Sakura is completely different, as if she's forgotten her initial Mission of infiltration. She's cold and heartless. Ino later finds that Sakura is being controlled by another shinobi with a bloodline limit to puppeteer them, especially when disobedient and since Sakura was disobedient during her time away from Ino and with Kisame and Itachi, she was tagged as one to be watched.

All in all, Ino feels like the Mission is getting too hard. There are several encounters with Rookie Nine and one I REALLY wanted to write was Sakura against Neji – since in the above passage they frequently spar and were tied before parting. It's a bittersweet moment of friendship between them. The Prequel ends with Sasuke turning up wounded in Konoha, having escaped from Orochimaru – and unaware of Sakura's and Ino's planned defection – and Sakura being completely controlled and ordered by Akatsuki-Leader-Who-I-Now-Know-As-Pain/Nagato to capture Naruto.

Then the "Epic" Main Story starts with Sasuke wondering where Sakura is since he hasn't seen her, Naruto worried out of his mind since Sakura and Ino hadn't returned after two years as promised, and Ino sending word that Sakura had failed the Mission by falling to the enemy. Future scenes include Naruto and Sasuke coming upon Sakura covered in blood after killing a team of shinobi and having to reluctantly fight her.

Yeah…Not so Epic in my mind anymore now that I've grown a little in my writing. I'm more proud of The Curse and my other projects anyway. But see how weird my imagination is? Lol.

So, total Scrap and because I don't plan on continuing this, I'll even add the planned Epilogue to the Prequel, since it mirrors the Prologue. Who knows, maybe in the future I can tweak it, or someone can take the mantle. As for me, I'm just going to put it up to remind me how far I've come, haha.

---

Epilogue

"I have a special Mission assigned to you Haruno Sakura…"

It was another busy day on the island of Kikai in Sea Country…Another day of rigorous training, brutal killings, and gathering of important information. Spring was once again coming and going, yet with cold and gloomy weather, the rain and storms picking up and making the ocean choppy and dangerous. The sun was covered by grey skies and thick fog, having not made its appearance to the secluded island for many weeks now. Members of Akatsuki, each with their own agenda, went about doing their Missions, Students of the Academy were meticulously training, and essential information was slowly leaking in with benefit to the well-known Organization.

"Of course Hideki-san…Itachi-sama…What would you have me do…?"

Had it already been 2 years since a certain Konohagakure no Sato medic joined the accursed Akatsuki Academy? Had it already been 2 weeks since Takahiro Hideki's whore killed Hoshigaki Kisame to save and protect her best friend, Yamanaka Ino? And had it already been 2 hours, since Uchiha Itachi had returned Akatsuki's top student kunoichi to the hellhole of an Academy in Sea Country?

"This is your typical S-Class Mission…We believe you to be the only kunoichi for the job…"

Although the ruthless, killing medic that had once originated in Konohagakure no Sato and fought under them was now on the side of the enemy, she knew that she had a job to do. She was undercover, a link, a pawn, a key to bringing the Akatsuki down and she would do whatever she could to see that Mission through. She was a Jounin of the Hidden Leaf and she wouldn't let her friends and Village down, she would not let the enemy win. She would pretend, play along, and make them trust her, until it was all too easy to pull everything they worked so hard for, out from underneath them. She was already a strong weapon for the Akatsuki, she was already in a High Position, and all she needed to do was break free from their grasp…

"I will not accept failure from you Sakura…I will not tolerate any excuses for a Mission not completed…I do not care if your emotions get in the away and I do not care if you yourself need to die to get it done…If this Mission is not completed, I will punish you myself…I don't even care how long it takes for you to do it or by what means you take to finish it, I just want it done…"

On this ugly, cloudy and foggy day, one Akatsuki member found herself on her knees head bowed and several wounds adorning her porcelain skin. Blood fell freely from her arms and mouth as she remained still, fighting to stay conscious and fighting to listen to what her superior was telling her. She knows Uchiha Itachi is standing beside her, she knows that Itachi is keeping something from Hideki…The Uchiha is also using her by his own means. He had said so himself before he had captured her and brought her back to the Sea Country…The Uchiha intends to use her to lure out his brother…Uchiha Sasuke…

"This Mission will come out flawlessly from you…It must not be harmed in any way…You will use the scroll I showed you…The Akatsuki Leader needs this now and he will be most pleased if you are hasty in this…I will even reward you for your efforts if you bring it in two weeks time…Haruno Sakura, I wish for you to seek out your old comrade, Uzumaki Naruto and bring him here unharmed so we may extract the Kyuubi from his body…Uchiha-san will aid you…"

The young woman's emerald eyes widen as she holds in her gasp, the fingers that had been holding her wounds clenching tightly, causing her to flinch with pain. No, she couldn't go after Naruto…She loved Naruto…He was as close to a brother to her and she would never ever harm him in any way. She knew of the Kyuubi and she also knew, that if it were to be taken from her friend's body, he would die, just as Gaara, Suna's Kazekage, had. Although Gaara had been brought back to life, it couldn't possibly be the same for her Team 7 Comrade.

Sakura clenched her eyes shut. No! She couldn't –wouldn't– take this Mission! She wouldn't sell out her best friend! However, the ringing in the kunoichi's head returned and she couldn't help but succumb to the darkness, her mind screaming for help as her head rose and blank, viridian eyes stared at Hideki emotionlessly.

"I accept this Mission Hideki-san…For the Akatsuki's Purpose…It is my duty as a Kunoichi of the Akatsuki, to bring Uzumaki Naruto here…Alive…"

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Thanks for Reading and/or Reviewing! It really means a lot to me!

I'll try to update my other stories as soon as I can!

Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto and Company

Len83