A/N: Wow...I'm sorry I took so long to update. First I was feeling lazy (come on...happend to everyone . ) Then was being an ass as most of you know so I couldn't upload the chapter. In any case, I want to thank SweetAssassin once more for revising it and helping me. You rock!

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Chapter 10: Anew

People stared; others murmured amongst themselves. That was the villagers' expressions as they saw Sakura walk by. Her hair was a bit shorter than when she used to have it at that length; her long bangs that would drop from the sides were almost gone, replaced by bangs on her forehead like when she was a child. Her arms were marked with fading scars. Sakura had healed her wounds and had tried to make the scars as clear as possible, but there were still some traces left. Sakura walked with a serious expression on her face; it was as if her grief from days past had never occurred.

Sakura decided to go to the Godaime's office. After been missing for a few days, she didn't doubt that Tsunade was worried and wanted to see her. Besides, she wanted to request something important from her mentor.

Sakura knocked on the door that led to Tsunade's office.

"Come in," Tsunade responded.

Sakura entered.

The Hokage paused her work and looked to see the person that had just entered.

Her eyes widened, "S-Sakura…is that you?"

"Yes Tsunade-sama," the pink-haired woman responded in monotone.

Tsunade couldn't believe it at first. Mostly because it was the first time she had seen Sakura in 3 days; also because she had her hair short. Tsunade recalled that Sakura had been proud of her glossy, long hair. But overall, she was glad to see her again.

"I was so worried about you Sakura. Are you doing alright?"

Sakura nodded, "I'm fine. Sorry if I caused you to worry."

"Sakura…" the Godaime paused. Her eyes ventured Sakura's body; she noticed the marks on her arms.

Those must be the scars of her self-inflicted cuts.

"I want you to take it easy from now on. I'm going to reduce your amount of work. You can't strain your body in the current state you're in or else you'll be in serious trouble."

"Don't worry Tsunade-sama. I'm fine, really. I just needed some rest," Sakura said.

The blonde woman raised and eyebrow, giving her an unconvinced look.

"Tsunade-sama, I came to request something to you."

"What is it?" Tsunade inquired.

"From now on, I want you to give me all the A-rank missions you get," Sakura replied.

"Absolutely not! You need rest, not missions!" Tsunade argued loudly.

"I already told you, I'm fine. Please, I want these missions," the pink-haired woman protested.

"Why?" she asked curiously.

Sakura remained silent for a moment and closed her eyes for a second.

"Because I want to join ANBU."

The Godaime froze; her bronze eyes were wide open.

"Are you serious? Sakura, you've never been interested in ANBU. What's going on in your mind?"

"Nothing. I just want to improve as a ninja and I think becoming ANBU is a good opportunity to do so. Besides, I want to do something new for myself. That's all," Sakura responded.

The blonde searched the younger kunoichi's eyes. They showed determination, seriousness, and strength. It was clear that this wasn't a joke; Sakura was serious. And Tsunade knew perfectly that when Sakura was serious about something, she really meant it.

"You really are serious about this, huh? Well, I guess I can't do anything about it, now can I? I'll inform you as soon as I get a mission. So, you better start training," Tsunade sighed.

"Thank you, Tsunade-sama," Sakura bowed and departed.

After Sakura left, the Hokage was left in mixed thought. She still couldn't understand why Sakura would want to join ANBU so suddenly. Her apprentice had never liked the concept of it before, which is why she decided to dedicate herself as a medic. She'd rather save lives than ending them; though of course, she'd go to missions if she was assigned to them.

"There's something more to this," The Hokage narrowed her bronze eyes. "I'm sure of it."

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Well, that went well I think. I can't say I fooled Tsunade but at least she gave me what I wanted and didn't pry. Though knowing her, she'll pry in a more discreet way. So, I gotta be careful.

Sakura roamed through the village heading towards a training ground.

I better start training.

Behind her was Hinata walking with Neji. Hinata narrowed her eyes, trying to make out who was the rosette haired girl in front of them.

"Is that Sakura-chan?"

Her pink hair was a no-brainer. But what shocked Neji for a moment was the length of her hair. He as well as Hinata, had gotten used to her hair being long.

"Kami…that is Sakura-san." Neji said.

The Hyuuga cousins hurried their pace and caught up with Sakura.

"Sakura-chan!" Hinata called out.

The girl turned in response.

"Sakura-chan. I'm glad to see you again. How are you feeling?" The Hyuuga heiress asked.

"I'm doing a lot better, thank,." Sakura answered.

"That's good," Hinata smiled in relief. "Though I did have a bit of trouble recognizing you at first."

Sakura chuckled, "I can imagine why."

"Why did you cut it in the first place?" she questioned curiously.

The question hit Sakura like a brick wall.

"Just felt like changing my look," the kunoichi faked her smile.

"Looks cute though," Hinata complimented.

Neji looked at Sakura's emerald eyes. He noticed that they were different; they looked opaque. He could tell that something was going on and that Sakura didn't want to show it.

"Sakura-san, would you like to have dinner with us tonight?" he asked.

Sakura was going to accept his invitation but quickly, a voice came into her thoughts.

Remember your resolution, Sakura. Don't trust anyone.

Sakura sighed, "Sorry Neji-san, but I can't. I'm going to be busy with training."

"That's alright. Don't worry about it. I'm sure there'll be more opportunities," the man replied.

Sakura gave off a nervous smile.

"Well, Neji-niisan and I have to go. We're glad to see you're doing ok Sakura-chan."

Hinata and Neji waved and left.

Sakura grinned and waved in return. As they left, her grin started to fade away, her hand lowered, and her face turned solemn.

Sorry Neji-san, Hinata-chan. But things will be different between us now. From now on, the only things you will get from me will be fake smiles…if any.

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Sakura went to the training ground. She was alone, only trees and the grass field surrounded her. Sakura could hear the wind blowing and feel it as it brushed her face. But, she felt something different; it was an odd feeling.

"Of course…" she half-smiled. "My hair is shorter now."

She ran her hand through her rosette hair. It felt lighter. Sakura shook her head; she shouldn't be worrying about trivial things like this. She ought to be training.

Sakura put on her black gloves and sighed; closing her eyes she concentrated her chakra.

The rosette kunoichi opened her eyes; eyebrows meeting at the center with a strong look. She did a hand sign.

"Kage Bunshin no Jutsu!"

A second Sakura appeared out of the smoke.

"Let's start!" both of them said.

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Both Sakuras jumped back, facing each other, panting. Sweat would drip from their dirty faces. But they resumed their fight. As both kunoichi's clashed, Naruto passed by; hearing the clashing of kunais, the noise of the pounding ground and grunting sounds.

Sakura-chan?

The blonde boy watched from afar. Once both rosette girls came to a pause, Naruto called out.

"Sakura-chan!"

The kunoichi's turned their heads towards the impeccable voice that had just called them.

"Naruto."

He headed towards her.

"What are you doing here?" Sakura asked; the clone disappeared leaving a trail of smoke.

"That's exactly what I was gonna ask you," Naruto said.

"Well, I was just training a bit," Sakura answered. "Can't get rusty."

"True that. Though now that I think about it, I haven't seen you train in sometime, ne Sakura-chan?"

The blonde boy embraced his dear friend.

"I'm so glad to see you're doing well."

Sakura's emerald eyes gave a melancholic expression. It pained her that Naruto had worried this much about her. His hug comforted her; it always did. She wanted to embrace him as well, but the voice came again.

Sakura, our resolution. Don't forget it.

The kunoichi stood still, with the one-sided hug.

"Sakura-chan…are you really ok?" he asked.

"Yeah…why would you say that?"

Cerulean eyes met emerald; then emerald looked away.

"It's ok. You don't have to tell me now. But I swear Sakura-chan that I will never forgive the person who did that to you. Never."

Naruto's cerulean eyes looked firm and strong with the same shine they always had. Sakura was grateful for his care towards her, but that would be something that he'll never know. From now on, Sakura will have to keep everything to herself. That was what her resolution was.

"I appreciate it Naruto, but it's ok. I'm fine now and that's what matters," Sakura gave a forced grin.

"Still, my vow goes, ok? But I'm happy to see you again Sakura-chan. If you need anything let me know. Now, come to think of it I'd better go. I have to find that Sasuke-teme. I haven't seen him these past days."

Sakura's emerald eyes widened.

Sasuke…kun…

The name caused a shiver down her spine and felt her blood turn cold. Haunting images of that night flashed through her mind. Her body felt jelly-like.

"See you later Sakura-chan!" the blond waved at her and left.

Sakura waved in return, containing herself and forcing a smile. But as soon as Naruto was out of sight, Sakura fell to her knees. She put her hands on the side of her head and started to whimper.

No…no, please stop. I don't want to remember anymore…

I know, and that's exactly why you must break your bonds with your friends. As long as they are close to you, you will keep remembering. And…you don't want that, right?

No…

Sakura, never forget our resolution. Remember, only trust yourself. Don't worry; you aren't alone because I'll always be here.

Sakura put her arms around her body.

Yes.

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"I'm very worried about Sakura," Tsunade told Kakashi. "Want to hear what she told me when she earlier?"

Kakashi kept silent, but made a gesture telling Tsunade to continue.

"She said that she wanted to take A-rank missions in order to qualify to join ANBU."

"What?" the Copy-nin responded in shock. "Sakura has never liked ANBU."

The blonde woman rested her elbows on the desk and her chin on her hands.

"I know. Still, I knew she wouldn't tell me the real reason so I went along with what she said. In any case, I'm going to prepare her appointments with me. After what happened, Sakura needs some psychological treatment so I'll have some sessions with her. But Kakashi…" Tsunade paused, closing her eyes momentarily.

"You should've brought her immediately when you saw her in the state she was in."

Her bronze eyes narrowed.

The silver-haired man understood what she meant.

"I know, but at that moment I couldn't. She wouldn't let me get near her."

"You still should've brought her," Tsunade sighed, resting her back against the chair. "But what's done is done. At least, she's alive. In any case, Kakashi, I'm assigning Sakura to you. I want you to find out what exactly is going on with her. Do it discreetly, she might already suspect something like this."

Kakashi nodded once, "Alright."

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Sakura was in her bed, lying down pensively. She was wearing very short blue shorts and a light blue tank top. Her thoughts were interrupted when someone knocked on her front door.

"Who is it?"

"It's me, Kakashi."

Sakura's facial gesture changed to one of uneasiness. She couldn't just leave him outside after all so she reluctantly opened the door.

"Mind if I come in?" the silver-haired ninja said.

"Well, you're already are," Sakura shrugged.

He walked into Sakura's small living room and sat on the couch.

"Would you like some tea?" she asked from the kitchen.

"No, I'm good."

Sakura sat on the other side of the couch; trying to keep distance between her and her ex-sensei.

"Tsunade told me that you wanted to retake missions, correct?" Kakashi inquired.

"Yes. I was training this afternoon," Sakura replied.

"I see. Tsunade also said that she'll assign appointments for you to see her, like a session."

Sakura made a faded grin, "So…she thinks I'm crazy?"

"No, it's not that. She just wants to make sure you're alright," the Copy-nin said.

I knew it. I knew Tsunade-sama would do something like this. Sakura thought annoyed.

"In any case, if you like I can help you train," Kakashi offered.

"Thanks Kakashi-sensei, but I'd rather do this on my own," Sakura grinned.

Kakashi stared at Sakura's face. Something was different, but he couldn't put his finger to it. What was it?

A steaming sound was heard form the kitchen.

"Tea's ready," Sakura stood up and headed towards the kitchen.

Something's different about her, I can tell. There's something in her eyes that's…that's not her.

Kakashi's eye lowered with a worried look in it.

Sakura came back with a cup of tea in her hand; she resumed her sitting position in the couch.

"So, do you plan on leaving any time soon?" Sakura asked, drinking a portion of her tea.

Suddenly, a shadow hovered over her from her right side.

"Now…are you kicking me out Sakura?" the silver-haired man asked with a flirtatious tone and look.

Sakura laid the cup in the table in front of her, "No. I was just asking."

"Well, I don't plan on leaving yet. You still need to return the favor."

"What favor?!" the rosette girl reacted.

"Well, you did crash into my house that night and took my bed. Is only fair that I crash into yours, don't you think?" Kakashi's covered lips whispered in Sakura's ear.

She raised an eyebrow and looked at him; she sighed, "Whatever. Is not like I can do anything about it, now can I?"

Sakura took her cup and drank another portion of her tea.

"Sakura…" Kakashi cupped her chin and gently turned her face to him.

Her emerald eyes met his onyx eye. He gazed at her. Her eyes were different; they didn't have their usual shine. Her cheeks didn't have the rosy color they used to. Her lips looked as if they haven't been touched in some time; they looked lonely. Then, it hit him. Sakura was in this condition because he wasn't able to protect her. Kakashi remembered what Tsunade told him earlier.

You should've brought her immediately as you saw her in the state she was.

A sentiment of guilt overwhelmed him; it really hurt him to see Sakura this unhappy. Now, he comprehended why Sakura wanted to join ANBU; to escape whatever hell she suffered.

He lowered his hand, releasing her chin, slowly going down until he reached her thigh. He sinks his head; silver bangs draping his right eye.

Sakura watched Kakashi's movements. She had to know what was going on with him; she had noticed his sorrowful expression. It hurt her. Although asking meant that her bond with him wasn't severed, she still felt like she had to. Again, the voice came.

No. Don't ask.

I have to. I must, just this once.

"What's wrong, Kakashi-sensei?"

Slowly and hesitantly, Sakura put her hand on top of his. She leveled her head to his; waiting for an answer. Then, Kakashi's hand clenched into a fist.

"Please…forgive me…Sakura."

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A/N: Chapter 11 is on its way so be patience. Is half-done so if I'm not lazy it'll probably be up soon. Also, as a side note that, as you've read, Inner Sakura would be appearing more often. I originally thought of making her appear just in one chapter but apparently, it makes Sakura's struggles with herself more interesting.Well, don't forget to Read & Review please. I hoped you all enjoyed it!!