Disclaimer: I don't own Naruto, simple as that.
'Inner Sakura Talking to Sakura'
'Sakura talking to Inner'
'Inner Sakura talking out loud'
'Both Sakura & Inner talking out loud'
Konoha and those who have come to Konoha to see the Chunin exams were watching in awe as Naruto and Neji faced off. Sakura knew that Neji would let Naruto win again, considering that he also thought this would help Naruto earn more respect. Naruto made his final move and Neji found himself onhis back, staring at the sky. A miniscule smile appeared on his face as grunted in 'pain'. He got up as if he was hurt and looked at Naruto. He held his hand out, which shocked many people in the arena.
"Good job Naruto. If I was to be defeated by anybody, I am glad that it was by you."
Naruto seemed a taken back. Then he broke out into his usual grin. He took Neji's hand and they shook. One grinning like an idiot, the other with a smirk. both of them exited the arena and they watched with the others as they next contestants went up.
The fight between Shikamaru and Temari was the same, but with a little twist. Those with very good eyesight saw how Shikamaru slipped a piece of paper into Temari's hand and whispered something in her ear which made her blush. The two of them left the arena, Temari as the winner of the round.
Kankuro had forfeited his match with Shino aburame. Sakura knew that they would get a chance to fight anyways. Now it was her turn and she was going against Riku of the sound. (OC).
"Tch, pathetic." Riku said. "Why don't you just give up little girl. Maybe after this is done then we can go out on a date?"
"Sorry, but I'm taken." Sakura said.
"Begin."
Riku disappeared from Sakura's sight and she knew exactly where he was hiding. But she didn't make any moevement to go and dig him out. Instead, she disappeared also. Soon in the middle of the arena you could see Sakura and riku going in full out fighting. Riku was shooting barrages of kunais, shurikens, and senbons at the pinkette. She dodged them gracefully and appeared behind him. Before she could hit his pressure point he elbowed her in the gut.
Sakura wiped the blood that had trickled out of her mouth.
'He wants to play tough? Then let's play.' Saku said.
'I agree with you this time. Would you like to do the honors or would you prefer to watch?'
Inner Sakura grinned, 'I think I'll watch. I'll help out when I'm getting bored.'
'Suit yourself. This guy's ass is gonna get beat.'
Sakura pulled on her gloves and strapped them on. Riku smirked and called out.
"Gloves won't protect you're hands girly. You'll only make a fool of yourself."
"You have two strikes. One more and you're out." Sakura warned.
Riku smirked, "Or what? The pink haired little girl will cry to her boyfriend?"
"No, but you will be crying to your mommy when I'm through with you."
Gathering chakra into her right and left fists, Sakura looked Riku right in the eye. Smirking she lunged to him only to have him dodge.
'Perfect,' both her and Inner Sakura grinned.
Sakura transferred the chakra that was in her left fist to her right just as she made contact with the ground. In doing so she managed to create an even larger crater than what she would have if she only focused the chakra in her hand. Riku was shocked and angry. She had been leading him around and he didn't like it one bit.
Before he could make his move, Riku found himself looking up at the sky and soon a face came into his view.
"Still think I can't fight?" Sakura said.
Riku couldn't answer, because he had passed out due to the amount of pain he was experiencing.
"Winner, Sakura Haruno!"
The crowd cheered and Sakura left Riku to the medics that rushed out onto the field and made her way to Neji. She cuddled up against him and sighed in content.
"Let's see how Sasuke does." Sakura said.
"Yes, if things turn out the way it did last time we resort to plan C." Neji murmured into her hair.
"Hai. Does Ten Ten and Lee know what to do and their positions?"
"Yes, I informed them before the exam began today."
Sakura looked to where the Hokage and Kazekage sat. She narrowed her eyes at the supposed Kazekage and couldn't wait until she beat the crap out of him. He ruined her home in their time and he ruined her and Naruto's bond between Sasuke and themselves. Orochimaru deserved death, if not worse.