A/N: Hello! Happy new years everyone. I know this is a shock to see an update to this story. I've actually been working on this chapter off and on for the last six months. Just a small note: This chapter is written differently then others I've published. If any characters seem Out of Character well there might be a reason for it. Grammar and spelling errors are my fault and I don't care -smile-. Enjoy take it for what it is, see you in a few months (or year) for the next chapter.
Chapter 9: Marks and remarks of Geniuses
Basking in the shadow of the east building, two of the schools smartest freshman could be seen from the third story window lounging in the grass while cutting class. Neither of them saw the point in attending a class in which it had a substitute teacher. Earlier in the week Shikamaru caused their normal teacher to have a nervous brake down after he corrected her. Sakura felt that he might have been out of line, but after reviewing the information herself she came to the same conclusion. The teacher was wrong.
She watched him lay on his back counting the leaves that fell from the trees, seemingly passive look that was only betrayed by his slight facial twitches when he thought about something. He was an amazingly smart boy for his age. Sakura did know that he was the number one boy in their class possibly in the entire school, no, the entire region. He could calculate situations two hundred steps in advance when it came to shogi, the fact that he caught the teachers slip up was amazing, it wasn't a major one it was only a minor thing. But in the real world minor things can cost you, mainly your job.
Idly, Sakura played with the grass next to her while she watched the clouds. Taking note that Shikamaru sat up she looked at him quizzically "What?"
"Nothing thought I heard something that's all." Sakura looked in the general direction he was glancing; sure enough a small dust cloud was coming this way. "Mendoukusei ~na" He whispered "and here I was enjoying myself."
Sakura too sat up she wondered what it was that was coming at them at an extremely fast clip. It wasn't until they were right on top of them she recognized who and what it was.
"Tally ho Good Chap!" Naruto shouted at the top of his lungs while riding Chouji's shoulders. At first glance it was amusing, but then she noticed he had a flag pole in his hands and attached to that pole was a pair of green tights. Trailing not too far behind them was their fearless gym teacher, Gai.
"Stop shōnen! Stop I say!" Streaking past the two sitting on the grass, Sakura and Shikamaru watched in complete amusement. After rounding a corner Sakura noticed that Shikamaru had stood up and dusted himself off.
"Time to go" he said casually still watching the direction the trio had gone "If Gai can't catch Naruto and Chouji, he'll come back for us."
Sakura stood up abruptly dusting herself off as well, "Think he saw us?"
"I know he did. Come on lets go hang out in the stairwell till the bell rings." Sakura followed Shikamaru up the grass and beyond the main door to the east wing. Turning left they exited through the door that lead to the main stairwell, Shikamaru went a few steps up before plopping himself on the step just above the one he was standing on.
"I wonder what that was all about?" she asked as she came to sit down next to the mousy brown haired boy.
"Who knows who cares? I'm sure we'll find out later."
"True" she glanced over at her class cutting partner. "Say… have you given thought to which event you'll participate in?"
"Hn" He grunted in a disgruntled manor "Can't say I have, it's all so… bothersome."
"You don't want to go to the onsen?"
"I do, it's just annoying to have to participate to win." Sakura agreed whole heartedly. "I mean, if the grand prize was something else I might have just blown it off. But everyone in class is so eager to go it would be a shame to disappoint them."
"How kind of you"
"Na, not really I want to go for my own selfish reasons." He gave a lopsided smirk in Sakura's direction.
"What's that?"
Shikamaru put up his finger and wagged it at her saying "It's… a… Secret"
"Fine, be that way" looking away she knew he was always up to something, it just never occurred to her that she might be the reason. Shikamaru watched her closely, he knew there was something different about her but he just couldn't place his finger on what it was exactly. She was a totally different person from the girl he knew in middle school. She was more… carefree. He never would have pegged her for the type of person to cut class just because she could. She seemed to wear less and less make up too, he knew she was engaged to Hatake-san but he didn't really think that he would have a huge impact on her. It was clear something changed in her and he was curious to find out what it was exactly.
"I haven't decided on which event. Care to suggest something to me?" He said casually knowing she already had something in mind.
"Kibasen, interested?" She smiled turning his way; he noticed her lip movement and the way her eyes closed slightly when she asked. It was something; he noted she would have never done in the past. It was almost flirty, but he knew better she didn't like anyone in their class.
"I'm listening, who all would be the partakers?" She had piqued his interest.
"Naruto, Chouji and myself"
"You?" Now he really was interested. "And pray tell what would you be doing?"
"Rider" She said simply. His brain calculated instantly, if she was the rider and he was in the back he'd had every excuse to touch her legs.
"I dunno, rider is a hard job."
"I can do it!" she said with almost as much enthusiasm as Naruto has on melon bread day in the cafeteria, it amused Shikamaru.
"Really…" She nodded; he noticed that her hands had come together in little fists pulled to her chest, something else she would have never done in the past. "Alright"
"Really!?" She beamed over at the young man that looked almost as if he regretted saying yes.
"But"
"But?"
"I have a request." She tilted her head as to say 'go on' "I want a date, with you, if we win" He watched her head tilt the other way in confusion. "If we win" he repeated "The grand prize, I would like to request a date with you."
"I'm… not so sure about that." She said looking slightly dejected.
"What are the odds that the class would win all the events and the grand prize?" He could see her thinking about it "not very high, I'd say about a 30% chance of winning" She nodded "So what's the harm? You agree we do our best, if for whatever reason we do win I think it's a small consolation prize for me for helping wouldn't you agree?"
Sakura thought about what he said if the chances are as low as he said then why participate at all then? There had to be a catch. "No other prerequisites? No other conditions?"
"None, you have my word as shogi captain"
"Fair enough, alright I agree." He put out his hand to shake on the deal, she unsteadily took it and shook. As the bell rang she looked up the stairwell before letting go "Time for next class" She smiled, standing and maneuvering around the barrier to the first level where their class was. If she had looked back she would have seen the uncanny smirk that danced on Shikamaru's face.
"Check mate"
-
Sakura glided into the classroom followed shortly by Shikamaru. Naruto charged up to them "Did you see?" He said with a champion look on his face "Chouji and me swiped old man Gai's tights."
"And you got away?" Shikamaru mused
"Yeah oddly we did, after awhile we noticed that he wasn't behind us anymore."
Shikamaru looked over at Sakura "I told you, he probably went back looking for us."
"Ah, I didn't realize that he was so easily distracted."
"It's not that, he rationalized that there was no way he could catch them so he'd figure he'd go for an easier target."
"That's just like you Shika! Always thinking ahead"
"No thanks to you, Naruto. You ruined my mid morning nap."
"Sorry" Naruto said hanging his head in shame.
"Yeah, whatever" Shikamaru moved off to his desk before the bell rang. Sakura pinched Naruto in the elbow.
"Ow, what?"
"We got Shikamaru for second."
"Really?" Naruto's face contorted into a huge smile before fading again "What's the catch?"
She looked around and took notice that a Sasuke was watching them, "Tell you at lunch."
"Aww… ok" Maneuvered over to their desk Naruto leaned over to Sakura's desk "Nay, nay"
"What?"
"So if we do win this thing, I was thinking that we could go down to the town the onsen is and buy some souvenirs for the teachers we like"
"Who says those teachers won't be coming with us?"
"Oh"
"Silly boy" Sakura said with a genuine smile on her face, it was caught by Shikamaru who watched them banter on about what they would do if they won. He watched her face give way to new expressions and emotions that she hadn't shown in almost a year. Naruto had changed her, or, rather someone else changed her. He was interested in her sudden change; he was also interested in find out if all the rumors about her were true. He was a firm believer of not believing everything you hear until you see it for yourself and that applied to Sakura. There were various rumors flying around about her, some were very farfetched others he actually believed they could be true. Like the one about her and Hatake living together, he speculated that it might be the case. The one where she had been kidnapped by mobsters? Not believable. Or her attempting to kill herself at the end of middle school, highly unlikely. Scars of unknown nature, he believed this one to be true, he had never seen them before but the way she guarded her arms made him suspicious that it was a true rumor. Regardless he was going to find out if he actually did get a date with her. On the other hand, he watched Sasuke with great interest. That boy had been behind one of the rumors, he watched her like a hawk watching its prey, to Shikamaru it was slightly unnerving that she could sit next to him and pretend that nothing happened. Not too long ago he was privy to information regarding Sasuke, apparently he accosted Sakura in the stairwell with a kiss she didn't desire, Naruto followed up with a rather heavy punch to the face. Deserved, in his opinion one should never kiss a girl without permission first, maybe I'm just old fashion? He sighed to himself, watching the teacher arrive for the next class, his attention focused on what he was going to say and by chance if he slipped up Shikamaru thought it was in everyone's best interest if he by chance, said something.
-
Crumpling a paper bag Naruto watched some of the sports teams across the way. Winning the festival was going to be a pain in the ass. He looked over at Sakura who hadn't been paying attention to her food "Sakura-chan, what's the catch with Shikamaru?"
"Date" she said bluntly, Naruto's face dropped as he went to say something Sakura stopped him "The odds of us winning are only 30%. There's no harm in a simple date if we do win."
Naruto opened then closed his mouth again, only to open it again but this time words came forth "Yeah but, what would Kaka-sensei think?"
"I don't think he'd mind, after all we go on 'dates' now and then."
"Hardly dates" He scoffed "Not like I try to kiss you or anything."
"True, but I don't think that's really on Shikamaru's mind."
"Then what?" He questioned watching her play with the ends of her hair.
"I think… he wants to know me."
"And that's not bad?"
"I don't think it is. More people will eventually be curious to my behavior. Eventually I should just come clean." He watched her face turn from a smile to very sad within a short amount of time "Because I have to participate, Kakashi-tan has pretty much forced me to."
"He hasn't forced you to do anything!" He shouted.
"No, but it feels that way. Somewhere inside me I know he's really trying to help me, understand myself, understand the way things work, possibly even understand him. It's a challenge."
"Challenge?"
"Yes," Her eyes dropped to the grass, her voice seemingly meek. Naruto didn't know what to make of all this, she hadn't told him what the big secret was he knew it was something major but he didn't understand why Kakashi would challenge Sakura, he just didn't get it. "It's a challenge to see if I can accept change and maybe gather some courage."
"Sakura-chan, you have plenty of courage!"
"Do I?" She laughed "I've been hiding, really… I'm scared." Naruto caught the small tears welling up in the corner of her eye. "I'm so scared that everyone will turn their back on me if they find out."
"I won't" He said bluntly "I don't care what it is, whatever it is, Sakura-chan you are my best friend. I'd never abandon you."
She smiled with tiny tears rolling down her face, "Thank you." Naruto found himself scooting closer to her to put his arm around her; he wanted to shield her from prying eyes. It wasn't their business, he thought to himself as he looked around making sure no one was looking at her. Sakura was never one to just drop the ball on anyone but the words came out of her mouth so fast she didn't have time to stop herself. Naruto taken aback, pulled away slightly looking down at her with wide eyes. Pulling her closer he whispered back:
"You are brave; don't let anyone tell you otherwise."
-
"Alright!" Naruto cheered as Kiba crossed the finish line. "Where do we stand?" He looked over at his companions and classmates.
Ino holding a clipboard calmly replied "Seventh across the board"
"Seventh, ka? Is that over the school or just our year?"
"Year" She said looking away
"Damn, over all?"
"It's not that bad actually, tenth"
"… Well that isn't so bad, but we have to come in first for all the events here on out to make first."
"Yeah, we'd have to win them all… is that possible?"
"Be a bit more optimistic Ino-chan" Naruto said with a smile "Kibasen is next, it gets you a ton of points if you win first"
"That's what I'm worried about" She whispered as he walked away from the group.
Naruto came cantering over to Sakura who was sitting with Shikamaru and Chouji waiting for their event to start. "Tenth over all, seventh for year"
Shikamaru groaned "We'd have to make first place for all events starting now to win, what a pain"
"We can do it" Naruto putting on a brave man face, "Listen, even if we don't win Kibasen and just win the next events we have a really good chance of making first over all."
"In what dimension? Kibasen ranks the most points out of all events."
"I know we'll manage" He said with a toothy grin. His attention was caught by the announcer looking over at the booth then back to Sakura who was sitting between the two boys clutching her school sweater. "We're up Sakura-chan"
Shikamaru thought for a moment that she might be sick all over him, he scooted away casually. "You sure you can do this?"
She nodded standing up, "what's the goal?"
Chouji stood up munching on some chips "Honor and glory?" Shikamaru looked over at his friend and shook his head "No? I thought that was the point of the Calvary battle"
"It is, but" He sighed knowing this would be trouble "Our goal is simple, win."
"Win?"
"Yes, so Sakura shake off all those butterflies and let's get on the field before we are disqualified" She nodded hesitantly then moved forward joining them.
"To win" she said lightly.
"TO WIN!" Naruto shouted at the top of his lungs followed by Chouji who sprayed them with chips "Ew… Right the goal to win, Sakura do what you feel is natural, don't hesitate to dodge."
"Don't get knocked in the face, or at least try not to, Chouji handle keeping them at bay while she makes a grab"
"You got it"
Sakura nodded, she wasn't sure what Naruto meant by 'do what you feel is natural' but she was sure it would come to her. Crossing the track lines they came to the open field. Other groups had already begun to gather. "Uh… guys you didn't tell me this was a mostly male oriented thing… and with upper classmen."
Naruto looked over "Yeah I thought I told you that. This is a three year fight." He put his hands on her shoulders "I have faith in you." Smiling and winking he took her by the hand, the four of them walked over to the teacher that oversaw and judged the match. Looking down he assessed the group.
"A1: three boy's one girl, who is the Rider?"
Naruto pulled Sakura's hand up "She is"
"Very well, we'll make sure to have a medic watch out for you."
"Uh…" now she wanted to run, what did she get herself into?
"Don't worry, that's only if something bad happens. Don't get too carried away and remember cover your head if you fall."She nodded; the teacher's reassurance wasn't really reassuring at all. "Secondly, no loose clothing or sweaters. You'll have to take that off before we begin. You wouldn't want it used against you to be pulled off your mount." Sakura looked at him in terror then over at Naruto who shrugged "Rules are rules, get ready we start in five minutes."
The four of them walked down the path to gather up the bandanas for the event, "Naruto, you never told me I couldn't wear my sweater."
"Slipped my mind, sorry" He put his hands up as to pray to her to not hit him in the face.
"Is there a problem with that?" Shikamaru asked subtly.
"No" She said as they reached the counter. The teacher there handed them each a blue headband, it was the symbol of their year. She also made motion for any loose clothing to be handed over.
"We'll put it aside for you when you get back" Reluctantly Sakura unbuttoned her sweater, pulling it off she handed it to the teacher who merely looked at her. Quickly she turned and headed back to the field. Her teammates turned and ran after her.
"Sakura-chan?"
"It's fine, let's get this over with!" she said loudly "To Win!" then she turned and punched Naruto in the arm. "Oops."
He laughed, "Fair enough, to win!"
Shikamaru took note of her arms, fine lines traced down her forearms. He made it a point not to stare they weren't all that visible in the first place. He couldn't quite understand what the big deal was, really. He thought it was odd that Naruto made no reaction at all to her arms; it was almost like… he knew. Following them down to the starting point they worked out what side they would be on, Naruto on the left Shikamaru on the right, Chouji in the center. Sakura crinkled her fingers she was nervous and really hated the idea that someone might notice her arms, Shikamaru quietly came up behind her and whispered in her ear "No one will notice if you don't make a big deal." She whipped her head around to look at him, he simply smiled and kissed her cheek "You'll do fine, trust me." She turned away quickly and heard Naruto smack Shikamaru in the chest with his hand. "Sorry," He laughed "I couldn't help myself."
"Don't do it again" Naruto warned, Shikamaru shrugged looking around he noticed that most of the competition was far bigger than them. He wondered if it really would be alright. The few teachers that were assigned to help gathered around. They motioned for everyone to pay attention.
"We want a clean battle, no unnecessary roughness, anyone caught dismounting a rider with unusual force will be disqualified. Defending against other riders is allowed, Mounts may also defend riders, and unusual force will count towards disqualification. No tripping, no punching, shoving with minimal force is allowed. The groups with the most bandana's without losing their rider's bandana wins. Points are adjusted accordingly to how many you have, let's mount up." And with that all the third years put their riders on the arms of the supporters. Sakura felt intimidated by the prowess that they displayed.
"Sakura-chii, hurry we have to set up." She turned looking at Naruto "You can do this, we have faith in you."
"They are so much bigger than us!"
"So? The bigger they are the harder they fall" Chouji chimed in with a small grin on his face; he was looking forward to this. She couldn't disappoint, coming around behind him she gave herself a good slap to the face. I can do this. Forming a triangle Shikamaru and Naruto put their hands on Chouji's shoulders. Leaning down they waited for Sakura to hook her legs over their arms. She pulled herself up holding on to Chouji's neck for support. Slowly they lifted her into the air. She'd never been so high off the ground before.
"Don't close your eyes" Naruto scolded "you have to keep them open, we are here for you just move naturally." Right away Sakura noticed the other groups were sizing them up, sizing her up. "They are going to gun for us, grab and dodge they'll come to us since we are smaller." His words rang in the back of her mind as she nodded. She was terrified of being hit. Looking around she noticed that some of the other freshmen groups seemed more cowardly; they seemed downtrodden by the older players. Seeing this made her determined to surpass them, but it was going to be hard to do so.
One of the third year groups called over to her, "Hey, you going to be ok? I mean you have a Meatball for a front runner!"
"Meat-ball?!" Chouji snorted "Are you… implying what I think you are implying?!"
"Yeah, Fatty I'm talking to you!" Sakura could feel the tremble from under her; she looked down and saw Chouji was beyond angry.
"Wait for the gun Chouji!" Shikamaru yelled.
"Fatty fat, fat, that's a big fat meatball!" They jeered. Just then the Gun to start went off and so did he. Naruto and Shikamaru had a hard time keeping up with their front man.
"Chouji slow down!"
"Heeeeiiii!" Sakura shrieked, thinking she was going to fall and break her neck. She knew he was fast but this was too fast! "Slow down!" Chouji collided head first with the front runner of the group that was teasing him, Sakura took her opportunity to grab. Taken off balance, the group swayed then pushed forward, their rider reached for Sakura.
"Sakura!" Shikamaru shouted "Above!" She leaned back sliding slightly down Naruto and Shikamaru's arms her back arched just out of reach of the Rider attacking, his reach over extended as he began to fall Shikamaru shouted to Chouji "Pull right!" Sakura leaned right still arching her back she had hoped that her momentum would encourage Chouji to move, and she was right. He barreled off to the next target, while the other groups were entranced by what just happened she grabbed for other bandanas. Chouji the unstoppable collided with several other third years. "Left!" Shikamaru pushed left, while Sakura grabbed from the right then leaned left. "Down!" Naruto and Shikamaru squatted down letting Sakura slid back out of harm's way. Chouji put his arms out pushing the front runner of the attacker to the side.
"Sit!" he yelled, pushing gently the front runner fell back with the rider falling on him.
"Right!" Naruto Pushed right, making Chouji turn they headed towards the center of the fight, some first years were hen pecking each other when Sakura reached out and grabbed the rider's bandanas. She could hear them shouting as Chouji took off. "Center mass, Sakura" Sakura did as she was instructed, she pulled herself to the center leaning inward towards Chouji as he continued forward. "Strike!" Naruto and Shikamaru put out their arms and pushed gently to either side letting Sakura grab with both hands, as the riders made a lunge for her she leaned back until all they caught were each other. "Good, only a few more. Above!" Sakura looked up to see a third year coming right for her. Her instant reaction was to lean to the left, which was an interesting maneuver on her part. Her right leg nearly left Shikamaru's arm, as she pulled herself almost horizontal with her group. She leaned so far that Chouji started to turn. "Don't turn!" He grabbed on to her right leg with his free hand and prayed that she didn't fall. Naruto grabbed her hip and pushed her upwards, her entire body bent and swung around in such a manner that she was able to grab the senior's bandana and remain mounted. She pushed off the front runner causing him to fall as she swung back up and they continued on their way "Dangerous, let's not do that again!"
"Sorry!" She shouted as she sent her arms out once again to strike. Shikamaru kept close tabs on the way she moved and predicted when she would strike again. The on lookers in the benches watched her stunt; silence came over the entire stand. Not that any of the participants noticed they kept going until the gun shot off again to signal the end of the game. Chouji came to an abrupt halt when the gun went off, riders stopped grabbing and Sakura felt that she was safe. She sighed in relief.
"Riders dismount and come forward with the earnings" Sakura was more than ready to get down. Leaning down Naruto and Shikamaru let her off.
"Crazy, you know that? You are crazy." Shikamaru smiled.
"It wouldn't have been as exciting if she wasn't" Naruto grinned. Sakura smiled and walked off to the teachers in charge. "Actually I wasn't expecting her to do that"
"Seriously, I didn't calculate she could bend like that."
"Like what?" Chouji asked
"She nearly bent backwards in half; I didn't think she had that kind of skill."
"Didn't she take gymnastics as a kid?" Chouji asked as he rustled around his pockets for something to munch on.
"Did she? I didn't know that." Shikamaru quietly said "She's full of surprises."
"I think she's awesome!" Naruto said putting his hands behind his head, "If she was normal, she'd be boring." Shikamaru was about to question why he had said that when the teachers announced they had a winner.
Anticipation bit down on everyone as they eagerly awaited the results "First place for Kibasen, A1! Some amazing moves by the first year rider Haruno Sakura and her runners. Points will be calculated according to how many bandanas she claimed on her run."
The second teacher in charge came up and stated "The marathon will begin in five minutes for all those that want to watch." And with that the crowed on the bleachers either settled in or dispersed for the restrooms. Sakura came back to her classmates with her sweater on her smile was only surpassed by the surprised look on the third year students who were still in shock she won.
"How many points did we earn?" Naruto asked
"Dunno they didn't tell me. It was mentioned that it would get added at the end."
"Determining factor for winning or losing, ka?" Shikamaru sighed. He looked at her a moment "Tell me, why the sweater?" She looked away pretending not to hear him.
"I need to use the rest room, pardon" she made a bee line for the girls wash room in the gym.
"She's fast" Shikamaru pointed out
"She is very good at avoiding questions" Naruto commented, as Shikamaru turned to look at him Naruto gave him a knowing nod "I knew what you meant, it's in your best interest not to ask, yet."
"Fair enough"
-
Sakura darted between people trying to get to the restroom as fast as she could to get away from the question that was pressed at her. She didn't want to answer, she wanted to disappear. Rounding the corner she ran headlong into the person coming from that direction "Oh! I'm so sorry." She looked up to see Asuma.
"Hello," he smiled
"Asuma-san! What are you doing here?"
"Kakashi invited us, I saw the Kibasen and I'm impressed." Her face turned scarlet knowing someone she knew was watching.
"Who else saw?" she murmured.
"Who? Hm let's see Kurenai, Genma, Tenzou" Sakura sighed in relief as he didn't say, "Kakashi." Her air seemed to be sucked out of her when he said his name. Him of all people, yes she wanted to die. "He was pleased you did so well."
"He thought I did well?" She questioned on the air of caution.
"Yes, he didn't see too much he got there late." She sighed in relief once again "honestly I didn't expect you to bend in half like that."
"Uh… Did he see that?" Dreading what he would say she wanted to burn up into tiny ashes.
"Hm, yes I believe so."
"Oh… well pardon me I need to use the restroom."
"Ah sorry! Is Naruto-kun down at the field?" She nodded as she ran off to the restroom. "Did I say something wrong?" He looked over at his wife.
"You embarrassed her; I think she might be thinking that Kakashi might get the wrong idea about her."
"Bah, he wouldn't think anything of it… Genma on the other hand, would."
"True" She smirked taking her husband's arm, "Let's go see Naruto-kun."
-
Sakura planted her hands firmly down on the sink in the bathroom, she looked up at herself. There was mixed feelings drifting over her face she wasn't sure if they were good or bad. If Kakashi had seen her pull off all those crazy moves what would he think of her? She sighed turning on the water, she was sticky and sweaty from all that activity and it didn't help that she felt nauseous to boot. Splashing her face with water she looked up again to see a pair of eyes watching her. Spinning on heel she came face to face with Sasuke.
"This… is the girl's bathroom."
"I know" He said shortly. "I just wanted to talk to you alone before the marathon."
"Oh well, not in here."
"Why not?"
"Because it's the bathroom" She retorted her senses were tingling as if something might happen if she wasn't careful.
"I don't get you."
"Pardon?"
"You act all down and shy, but you let Naruto and Nara of all people, touch you."
"It was for a game!" This was ridiculous, what was he getting at?
"Right, a game. So Nara kissing you before the game that part of the game? You didn't reject him for that."
She paused looking at him a moment, "I don't understand, what does that have to do with you?"
"Everything!" She took a step backwards into the sink. Sakura didn't like where this was going. "Look, I don't care if you reject me for that teacher but letting other boy's kiss you is out of the question."
"What…" She paused "What I do is none of your business! We were never dating, what's wrong with you?"
"Nothing." He said shortly turning to leave. "Just watch out Nara isn't the nicest guy he makes himself out to be."
"You have no right to say that!" She shouted, he's out of line Shikamaru wouldn't do anything to hurt her.
"Oh yeah? Ask him why he really joined the Kibasen with you." And with that Sasuke left the bathroom.
She leaned on the sink thinking about what he said. This is utter rubbish, Shikamaru isn't up to anything, he joined because he wanted to go… then it hit her he refused to tell her why he wanted to go, or why he really wanted a date with her in the first place. Maybe he really was up to something or maybe Sasuke was jealous, but why? It didn't make any sense.
Opening the door to the bathroom she was greeted by one smiling face and a smirking one. "What?" She demanded.
"Nothing came to make sure you were ok."
"And you?" She pointed at Shikamaru
"Ditto, I saw Sasuke coming this way. He didn't go in the bathroom did he?" She didn't answer. "Sakura, you need to be careful of Sasuke… he has"
"What?"
Naruto piped up "Dark intents"
"Rubbish" She replied "He's our classmate why would he have 'dark intents'? That's silly don't be irrational."
"Someone is being irrational and it isn't us." Shikamaru commented.
"Well then, why would Sasuke tell me to ask you the real reason you wanted to join the Kibasen?"
Shikamaru gritted his teeth slightly then smiled "I did it for you, Sakura, do you need any other explanation then that?"
"Yes. Why me?"
"Curiosity, I suppose. Truth be told, I want to know more about you."
"Why?"
"I'll tell you but not here. Let's go somewhere more private." With that the three of them left the festival to the other side of the campus. Naruto followed along because he also wanted to know. Coming to settle in a small corner of the school Shikamaru turned around. "Alright, here's the deal. There's a ton of rumors about you."
"Yeah, rumors are just that, rumors"
"No, that's not what I mean. There are a couple of rumors that are true, and I would really like it if you cleared them up for me."
"There is no guarantee that I'll answer, but go ahead."
"Fair enough" Shikamaru slouched against a wall looking at her for a moment before firing off questions "Question one, what happened to you when you disappeared at the end of middle school? Question two, the mysterious scars where they caused and/or the reason for you disappearing at the end of middle school? Question three, and probably the hardest one to answer. Are you living with Hatake Kakashi?"
Sakura blinked for a second before responding "That's all you want to know?" he nodded "Alright" he stood up a little straighter "One" she looked down at her feet for a moment "I had been abducted by a very nasty man that demanded money from my father. Two, yes and three…" She paused looking around "you won't tell anyone what I'm telling you?"
He made a cross over his heart, "I'll tell no one"
"Yes"
"I knew it!" he stepped forward reaching out for Sakura, she backed away slightly, he grabbed her hands "You'll let me come over right? Hatake is my hero, so is the rest of his corp."
"What?"
"It's" he blushed slightly "It's my dream to get into a special unit for the police, could you introduce me?"
"That was really all of a sudden" Naruto commented.
"So… that's it?"
"No actually it's not, you wanted to know why I was so interested in you? Well you see, I'm planning on taking the Early graduation test near the end of the year, get out of this hell hole and go to college and I was wondering if you wanted to take the test with me."
Sakura blinked for a moment looking at Naruto then back at Shikamaru, "Why?"
"Because…" he paused with a rosy tinge to his cheeks "I don't want to do it alone. I know you have the highest scores in our class, next to mine, it's a shame to waste your talents here when you could go to college and get your medical PhD at the age of twenty." He had thought ahead about what he was going to say to her "I originally wanted to ask you on the 'date' you had promised me after we won, but that seems moot since we are just airing things now. However I would like a 'date' still." He smiled waiting for her to answer.
"I don't know, I mean… I'd have to talk to Kakashi-tan about it."
"Understandable, look" he said with seriousness "If you did that then the school system can't fire him for marring a student, because you won't be anymore. There's nothing they could do if you graduate this year before the six month time limit."
"He has a point" Naruto said casually "But you wouldn't be here with me anymore" He pouted.
"Naruto, it's not like you can't still be friends with Sakura."
"Couldn't he take it too?" She asked off handedly.
"I doubt I could pass it Sakura-chan."
"Never say never," She turned and smiled at him "If I take it, I insist you take it with me Naruto!"
"Alright, you have my word!" He looked at Shikamaru "You should probably let go of her hands now" As quickly as Naruto said it Shikamaru dropped her hands just as fast.
"Sorry."
"It's ok… we should probably get back. Who knows what they might think if we're away too long."
"Oh right! We need to find out where our standings are!" Naruto grabbed Sakura's hand and started to pull her back to the festival, in an instant she grabbed on to Shikamaru.
"Come on lazy butt."
"Takes one to know one" He retorted smiling from the corner of his mouth.
-
Not a few minutes prior to the Kibasen starting Kakashi made his way down to the field; he managed to get someone to cover his shift at the medical tent. He found out late that Sakura was going to be in that event. Annoying, looking over the crowed he made his way to the bleachers, she didn't tell me which one she was in. On second thought she was probably embarrassed to say something. Scanning over the crowed he looked for her and her troop, on the other side of the track he barely made out her pink hair amongst the other students. He made his way up the bleachers to an open spot on the top row; he had to stand to actually get a good look. He was in awe by the number of players for this game, and wondered if Sakura would be alright.
Something else that took him by surprise was she wasn't wearing a sweater out on the field. Her bare white arms stood out, against the school gym uniform, which in his honest opinion was too short, the shorts that is. He leaned on the railing while others shuffled past, getting to open spots on the top. He sighed, interaction with this many people made him uneasy. It was one thing to be surrounded by high school children all day, but it was most certainly another to be surrounded by the parents of the high school children. An older man sitting next to him smiled his way "Rooting for anyone?" he asked in a not so subtle way.
Kakashi looked down at the gentlemen and smile "Well yes, but it's only fair if I keep an unbiased opinion."
"Why's that?" He inquired
"I'm the school doctor" Kakashi smiled looking back on the field just in time to see Nara Shikamaru plant an innocent kiss on Sakura's cheek. His breath hiccupped at the site. The old man looked up at him with curiosity.
"Are you alright, doctor-san?"
"Yes, fine" He noticed that Naruto hit him just as fast as it happened. He noticed that the young man laughed like it was a terribly funny thing. Maybe he was trying to make her feel better? Whatever the reason, I should like to question him later. He watched them as the set up and Kakashi noticed that some of the third years were sizing her up, "Oh boy, this should be interesting."
"What?" the old man asked even though Kakashi wasn't talking to him per say.
"Ah" He pointed towards Sakura "The third years are sizing her up"
"Gutsy girl, I hope her team protects her from falling"
"Yes me too."
"Oh ho interesting!" The old man shouted poking Kakashi in the side "Look at their formation"
"Hm?" He took a closer look; the formation they picked was odd. It didn't strike him odd that she was the rider, and it didn't strike him odd that Naruto and Shikamaru were in the back. What caught his attention was the way they had her 'mounted' her legs were between their arms keeping Naruto's left arm free and Shikamaru's right arm free.
"She must be light if they can pull that off" He commented excitedly
"Apparently so" He watched as they hoisted her up her arms were practically strangling Chouji. Then he noticed something else, Shikamaru was shouting at Chouji he had never seen the young man so riled up. The cause? Kakashi scanned and noticed a third year group shouting at Sakura's group.
"Eeeeh… did they just call that young man 'fat'?" Kakashi smirked at the old man's comment "Oh boy, that poor boy in the back is trying to calm him down."
"You can hear that far?"
"Yes… can't you?" the old man winked turning his attention back to the game which began "OH! That will leave a mark!" He shouted as Chouji ran head first into the third year front runner. Even Kakashi made a face. He could hear Sakura's scream from across the field as Chouji charged, he couldn't help but laugh. He watched as Sakura leaned back avoiding the first attacker, her body bent so far it didn't look human. "Cripes, that would make good book material right there!" The older man shouted slapping Kakashi on the back.
Book…? He glanced over at the old man before putting his attention back on the game. Sakura leaned right trying to change the direction of her front man; somehow she managed to make it work in time. Over the next few minutes he watched her grab and dodge like she was made for this game. He also noticed that Shikamaru was shouting orders while they moved. He saw her pull a couple of first year bandana's before Shikamaru told her to go center mass herself as they charged headlong into the fray. He saw the two back runners put out their free hands and push other runners back as she reached out to grab some bandanas.
"Not good!" The old man shouted as they watched the riders lunge for her. Once again she pulled back sliding slightly her body bending so far back the two of them thought she was going to hit the ground. The two riders caught each other as Chouji and the others kept running. Righting herself she looked to the side taking note of a rider that came at them from the left. It left the older man speechless as she craned so far left that she was horizontal with her 'mount' he also took note that Shikamaru grabbed her leg with his free hand gritting his teeth to keep her from falling and Naruto was pushing her back up with his free hand. She made a sweeping motion under the riders grasp; grabbing his bandana and pushing herself back up with the momentum of the front runner. Kakashi noted that everyone in the crowed had gone silent, until she was once again upright on the two boy's arms. He had never seen something like that in real life, only in those Hong Kong flicks where the person is usually attached to wires. "Like a ninja! Good book material!" the old man shouted in glee, he looked over "Do you think Sakura-chan would mind if I used her as inspiration?"
"Pardon?" Kakashi looked down at the old man again getting a better look at him, who was he?
"Ah, forgot to introduce myself Doctor-san, I'm Naruto's Grandfather Jiraiya." He said with a grin that matched Naruto perfectly. He stood up to shake his hand. Not so frail… Kakashi noted.
"I'm not sure she'd like that." He grimmest as Kakashi remembered who the old man really was.
"Oh oh, right, well it was for a normal novel for young kids, 'The Unemployed magical ninja girl' or something like that. She's perfect inspiration for the main role." He looked onward as she continued the fight without pausing to notice she had a frown on her face, a fierce look, a look of 'I don't want to lose'. "Naruto invited me to this festival, I had no idea it would be so exciting!" He said clapping his hands together.
"No neither did I."
"By the way Hatake-san, your father is a sly one, be careful." Kakashi looked down but the old man was gone. Looking around he saw Jiraiya mingling into the crowed. How…? The gun had already gone off for the game to be over, he looked around and noticed Sakura was gone. He saw the three young boys chatting to themselves; Naruto was standing on one foot with a huge smile on his face. The announcement was made that Sakura's group had won, without a doubt in his mind why… she had pulled some crazy stunts to keep her bandana. He watched Sakura saunter back to her group with her sweater on. Naruto seemed excited, when she got back. He noticed that Shikamaru said something to her; Kakashi watched her turn quickly and make a quick escape. One could only guess what he asked. Before he could leave the bleachers he was approached by Genma.
"Crazy, Kakashi. That was some crazy shit right there."
"Don't get any ideas." Kakashi warned his friend as Genma put up his hands in defense.
"Not one, I swear. The others were looking for you, Asuma saw you up here but after the event ended they went over to the gym. No idea why"
"Probably to sneak a smoke" Kakashi sighed
"Doubt it, he is trying to quit after all."
"News to me"
"He started this last week actually. So… who was the kid that kissed her?"
"Saw that did you?"
"Yeah, who didn't see it?" Kakashi groaned in misery "It's not that bad, you know how she feels about you."
"Yes, but he's suspicious."
"How so, just because he's a boy he's suspicious?"
"He's Nara's oldest son."
"Old man Nara?" Kakashi nodded "Well color me blue and hang me from a flag pole"
"I can arrange that."
"I had no idea his son attended this school."
"I did, but he's not really the social type…"
"Unless…?"
"Unless, he wants something, he's the calculating type."
"What do you think he wants from Sakura?"
"Information, that much is clear"
"About what, exactly?"
"No idea, that's the problem." Kakashi watched Naruto and Shikamaru trail down the same path Sakura did after speaking with Asuma for a short time. "I should follow them."
"No you shouldn't, listen, not all teenage boys are after her like that."
He sighed once again "No it's not like that Genma."
"Then… what?"
"He's up to something."
"Then ask Sakura, she'll tell you." Kakashi remained silent for a long period of time, I guess that is true. I can't go sticking my nose in her business, she is practically an adult. Kakashi looked up as Genma was waving someone over, looking it was Asuma and his wife "Where did ya go?"
"We went to the rest room" Kurenai stated with a grin.
"Right…" Genma winked
"We saw Sakura, Asuma told her that you were watching, Kakashi."
"You guys saw me up here huh?"
"Apparently she didn't, Asuma was kind enough not to mention you watched the entire game."
"Kind of you, she's going to kill me later for watching regardless." Kakashi smirked.
"Oh it's not that bad," Kurenai commented with a smile "She's concerned with what you think about her."
"Hn" Kakashi rubbed the back of his head. "Something silly to be concerned with, oh that reminds me Old man Jiraiya is here."
"Really?" Genma smirked tapping his cell phone case. "Why?"
"He was here to see his grandkid in the Kibasen."
"Grandkid?" Asuma asked with genuine surprise.
"Naruto's grandfather is Jiraiya."
"That pervert?" Genma half laughed until he realized Kakashi was serious "Serious? Wow…"
"He's thinking about writing a kids book."
"That won't go over well."
"Who knows, Genma, the world works in strange ways"
"So in your honest opinion, how good a chance does her class stand at winning this thing?"
"Extremely high, especially since they won the Kibasen."
"I take it you volunteered for the Onsen if she won?"
"It was one of the conditions Sarutobi had for setting up the vacation. Sadly I wasn't the only one that was picked if her class won."
"Interesting, who else?"
"Iruka, for starters" Kakashi sighed "Kotetsu and his partner in crime Izumo and lastly Gai"
Genma shuddered then perked up "Gai gone for four days?" Kakashi nodded "THANK GOD!" He screamed causing some of the people to turn around; he bowed and apologized "You have no idea how happy that makes me."
"Genma, don't cry"
"I'm not crying!" He said wiping his eyes "They are tears of Joy!"
"Happy for you, not for me"
"Oh don't be like that, not like they'd let you be alone with her anyways." Genma teased.
"That is not what I meant" Kakashi stated with a sour tone slapping Genma about the head "Gai, for four days at a secluded Onsen… that breaths trouble."
"I'm sorry Kakashi…" Kurenai said with little sympathy, the smile about her lips revealed that it amused her greatly.
"Right, well tell that to the students. They don't know yet."
"Oh dear" She said lightly covering her mouth.
"Dear, you don't hide the fact it amuses you very well."
"Oh, I'm caught!" she said falsely smiling "I do find it rather amusing."
"Yes, yes… it will be hell and amusing at the same time."
"Why?"
"He's going to try to challenge me and everyone else to ping pong or something of the like. But enough of that, you all should enjoy the festival there's only a few more events I have to get back to the medical tent before something really bad happens."
"Bad?" Genma asked watching his friend descended the stairs.
Kakashi turned smiling stated "Bad, like Gai pretending to be a doctor." He watched his friends visibly shiver on the warm summer day; he smirked as he disappeared behind the crowed.
"He's evil" Asuma stated, as his comrades stood there nodding.
-
Making his way back to the medical tent he caught site of Sakura being lead by Naruto by her hand and she was pulling Shikamaru along. His attention was pulled away from that scene as a couple of students rushed out of the medical tent.
"Kakashi-sensei! Gai-sensei! He's… he's…!"
Kakashi sighed and bowed his head low "Trying to help the wounded?"
"YES!" they screamed eyes filled with tears "Kira only had a scrapped knee and Gai wrapped his entire head…"
Kakashi held up his hand "Say no more." Walking up to the tent he opened the door.
"Welcome!" said an enthusiastic youth with black hair and shinning black eyes. Oddly Kakashi noted this boy wasn't a student of the school.
"Uh… Who are you?"
"Assistant to the doctor!" he shouted
Kakashi pointed at himself "Me?" then he realized when he looked over to see Gai wrapping what looked like a splint to a first years foot "Pardon" pushing the bright eyed youth to the side he came over to Gai. "Um, Gai…"
"Ah Kakashi! I was just helping this young person with their injury!"
The first year whimpered "But I'm not injured…"
Placing his hand firmly on Gai's shoulder he pulled him away from the boy, "Gai if you don't mind this is my medical tent and well… frankly you have no medical training."
"Sure I do! I took a year as a life guard in college don't you remember?"
Kakashi sighed "How could I forget?" he grimmest remembering Gai trying to save the 'drowning' people from the pool during a meet. It did result in some comical amusement for Kakashi but overall it caused more harm than good. "Look I appreciate that you are willing to help, but maybe you should leave this to me, hm?"
"Very well my rival, I have to supervise the next events anyway." He motioned to the young boy at the door to come over "Kakashi, this is Lee. I've been thinking about making him my assistant for gym."
"Oh," Kakashi looked over while unraveling the miles and miles of wrapping Gai had used "Nice to meet you, Lee-kun. You are…" He looked him over carefully before continuing; short black hair, an athletic build and bounding with energy… he's like a mini Gai "Tenten's friend from college correct?"
The young boy's mouth opened in shock as he shouted "YES! That's correct!" He looked over at Gai "He's as good as you said, Gai-sensei!"
"But of course, he is after all…" He smiles a big toothy smile "My eternal Rival!"
"Gai-sensei!"
"Oh boy," Kakashi sighed "Look, Take it outside or something, I have people to treat. It was very nice to meet you Lee-Kun"
"Likewise, Kakashi-sensei!" He turned stiffly and left the tent.
"He's such a nice kid" Gai smiled with genuine air "He's the national martial arts champion over at the capital"
"Really… wouldn't have guessed."
"Yes! I think it would be good for the school to have such talent as part of the staff, why just yesterday…" Gai suddenly realized that Kakashi wasn't paying attention to him anymore "Kakashi!"
Kakashi looked over without much effort "Hm, sorry did you say something?"
"How hip of you…"
Kakashi cut him off before he spouted more spring time of youth "Gai, your event you should go"
"Right!" and with that, Gai charged out of the tent.
-
"Who's that?"Naruto pointed over at the young boy trailing behind Gai.
"Who cares?" Shikamaru retorted shrugging. He looks annoying…
"Let's go ask" Naruto grinned widely, before he could make his way over to the young man Sakura pulled him back.
"Stupid, we'll find out soon enough why he's with Gai."
"True enough, we all know Gai will make a big deal about this guy no need to rush over and talk to him, especially since Gai is with him."
"Man, you two are downers" Naruto pouted "He has fuzzy eyebrows how bad could he be?"
Both Sakura and Shikamaru coughed loudly "Mini Gai" Naruto's face fell then turned into a grin so wide Kiba would be proud.
"Then I'm defiantly making friends with him!"
"Why?" Shikamaru asked knowing better, putting his hand in his pocket waiting for the answer.
"Because wouldn't it make it easier to play pranks on Gai, if we are friends with someone who's like Gai?"
"That logic is illogical Naruto, there's no guarantee he'd help us play pranks on him."
"Actually… it does make sense."
"Sakura…"
"No listen, if you make friends with this guy and tell him it's for the betterment of youth, I'd bet he'd believe it."
"Astounding, that was almost as illogical as what Naruto said. But it makes sense… or it could horribly backfire. Besides who cares? We want to take that Test no use in getting suspended or expelled over some silly pranks." Shrugging he looked over at the boy who was now looking in this direction "Uh-oh"
"What?" Naruto asked looking in that direction "He's coming over here?"
Sure enough the black eyed boy was heading in their direction at an exceedingly fast clip. There was a tingle in the back of Sakura's head that screamed she should run away very fast and very far before he got to them. Before she took a step he was upon them, "Hello! My name is Rock Lee I am Gai-sensei's apprentice for Gym starting next week and you are?"
"Naruto!" he shouted grabbing the young man's hand shaking it firmly, the youth looked at him and smiled.
"I meant the lotus blossom"
"Who?" Naruto asked raising an eyebrow.
"Idiot, he's talking to Sakura" Sakura almost yelped when Shikamaru said her name.
"Sakura-chan! What a wonderful name! A perfectly, astounding, wonderful, exciting name for a flower that is in bloom!" He reached out trying to take Sakura's hand to shake it, she managed to grab onto Shikamaru's hands before Lee reached her.
"Yes nice to meet you, we have to go." She pulled Shikamaru hard before he fell in step
"What are you doing?"
"Bad… bad" She whispered he raised an eyebrow "Bad feeling must flee now."
"Oi! Wait up!" Naruto turned to follow "Nice to meet you fuzzy brows"
"The name is Lee!" He shouted watching the three fade into the distance.
-
"Sakura what was that about?" Shikamaru asked pulling his hands free of Sakura's vice grip. He could hear her breathing hard.
"Oi… Sakura?" Naruto asked before she hugged him tight "It's ok… Wow he was really… uh"
"Scary" whispered Sakura
"Something alright" Shikamaru commented quietly "I don't think it's a good idea making friends with that guy."
"Probably not" Naruto said patting Sakura on the head "He's gone now"
Sakura pushed away brushing her hair out of her face; she smiled slightly before turning to the field. "Sorry"
"It's ok. We should get back to the class anyways find out our standing." He watched her walk away before looking over at Shikamaru "what was that all about?"
"No idea, she gave the impression he wasn't who he said he was."
"Hm… There was something not right with that guy."
"Besides the fact his eyebrows are unusually big?"
"Yeah, I have a feeling Sakura will be skipping Gym more often if he comes to work here." Shikamaru fell silent he also felt there was something not right about that guy aside from his choice of clothing and grooming. It wasn't that he was like a mini Gai it was like he had an air of danger about him that he hid under a mask. Was Gai like that too? Maybe he was over thinking it? "Let's get to the rest of the class, Shika" He nodded following Naruto back to the group where Sakura hid within. That guy managed to frighten her with just a few sentences… maybe he was over thinking it maybe it's not the type of fear he was thinking it was.
"Shikamaru?" He looked up to see Ino hit him in the head with her clip board "Where have you been? You were supposed to take the results for the next event!"
"Oh, sorry" Taking the board he looked over the results. Naruto came bounding over with Sakura not too far behind "So far…" He smiled "If my calculations are right we'll come in first overall and year." Naruto punched his fist into the air and cheered "But we are really heavily leaning on the points from the Kibasen."
"Oh" Naruto's face fell flat
"Oh don't worry Sasuke won the marathon so we are second overall and first for our class. There's one more event, so as long as the persons participating doesn't mess up we'll be first."
"Who is in the next event?" Sakura asked looking around.
"Ino and Hinata it's a two person rally. We just have to wait for the results." Within five minutes Ino and Hinata came jogging back to the group. Hinata looked fine but Ino she seemed to be out of breath "Well?" he asked unconcerned for the blond's state of health.
Hinata looked up at him with her big eyes "First, I thought Ino-chan was going to die on me"
Wheezing Ino looked over at Hinata "It's not fair I tell you, those hurdles are a lot bigger then they look!"
"Right, well… if I calculated right we should be in first unless they take points from us."
"Better… not" Ino said shaking her fist violently.
"Oi… you should sit down or something."
"I'm fine!" Standing up straight she walked over to the container where the class kept their supply of water and drinks.
Shikamaru looked over at Hinata "What was that about?"
"Um…" She said blushing "I… don't know excuse me I need water" Shikamaru watched her bolt over to the table where Ino was. He shrugged looking over to the rest of his class mates smiling and nodding. They silently cheered knowing they didn't want to give anything away.
"You sure?" Kiba questioned, He nodded "Nice, I wonder how many points we got for the Kibasen?"
"Not sure, I've heard it can range in the hundreds depending on bandanas" Sakura watched Shikamaru put his hand in the air "Announcements"
Everyone's attention turned to the speakers on the stand near the field. The head master stood in his nice Sunday wear. Adjusting the microphone he began to speak "I would like to thank you for coming to this year's sports festival here at Konoha high school. Today we witnessed many feats of excellent sportsmanship and teamwork. It is my proud honor and duty as the headmaster of Konoha High to announce this year's winners of the sports festival." Sakura looked over at Naruto who smiled, he took her hand she could feel his hand shaking he was nervous even though it was pretty much determined that they would win. Sarutobi went over the list of winners starting with last until he got to first "And in first place and grand prize of an onsen trip for four days is…" he paused pulling out an envelope from his inner pocket, there was a hushed silence it seemed even the birds held their breath. "Well well this is a surprise! We have a tie!"
"What?" Naruto shouted "how?" He looked over at Shikamaru who shrugged.
"A1 and A3! Congratulations to both classes. The meeting for the trip will be tomorrow. Thank you all for coming!"
Naruto turned to Shikamaru and Sakura, "How?"
"Not sure, we weren't keeping tabs on the seniors."
"Sounds rigged" Kiba piped in.
"Maybe we can ask about it, but I'm fairly sure that our points from the Kibasen should have knocked us over and above any other class."
"It might have been their intention all along if we won, to have an older class go with us?"
"That's bunk Naruto; it should be our class and only our class!" Sakura could see a tinge of pink around Kiba's ears, he was really upset.
"It seems that way," Shino pointed over to A3 who also looked confused "How? I'll tell you, we were the dark horse they never expected it. They never expected Sakura-chan to pull off the Kibasen. The only explanation is that the teachers came to a compromise. By letting them come along it offsets the fact that we A1 won that we… freshman won." Shino adjusted his glasses and pulled his collar a bit higher "Why? Because we have teamwork" With his profound statement he walked away.
"That…" Kiba looked at Shino's back "Was really weird." Everyone nodded "Ah whatever, let's have a great trip!" Thrusting his fist into the air all the other boys followed in suit. Sakura smiled at their loony antics, she turned to Shikamaru who wasn't joining in the male bonding who looked back at her he smiled.
"Calculated?" She questioned
"Always" He smirked turning to walk away he commented under his breath "I'll call you about that 'date'" She smiled shaking her head, he knew all along, he knew we'd win.
"Sakura!" Naruto lunged in for a hug; leaning back she spun to the side letting him fall flat on his face. "Ow…"
"Too slow" She smiled and winked "But I'm glad we won, four days without Kakashi-tan will be nice." Naruto jumped up dusted himself off and looked at her, for the first time he saw something, it was kind of like a glow. Something sparked during this event, what he didn't know. She seemed more alive and for the first time he wondered if there really was more to her then what it seemed it made him want to be by her side until the end to find out what that special secret really was. His only real wish was to be her friend forever, because he 'loved' her. Smiling he rejoined the rest of the class that remained on the field. Tomorrow would be an interesting day filled with planning and anticipation. Anything could happen at an Onsen, if one keeps their eyes open and know where to look.
TBC
Chapter 10: Onward and upwards to trouble