Of Chakra and Magoi

Naruto X Magi The Labyrinth of Magic

Strong!Sakura

Summary: What if Haruno Sakura is a Magi and have been reborn three times? On her 4th rebirth, Sakura is born into the world of Shinobi, where instead of Magoi, chakra ruled. Armed with magic and knowledge from her previous 3 lives, Haruno Sakura take on the world as a kunoichi from Konoha. Can she survive with chakra alone? Or will she depend on magic?

Disclaimer: I do not own both of the series but the OCs are all mine

Warning: Typos, grammar errors

CHAPTER 10

Haruno Sakura is a threat.

Kinuta Dosu come up with that conclusion as soon as the kunoichi wrapped them in vines.

Even Orochimaru is interested in her, maybe as much as Uchiha Sasuke. As soon as they arrived at the tower, the man asked them about Team 7. They gave him their report and Dosu can see the interest in his eyes. During the preliminaries, he stuck around until Haruno Sakura's fight has ended. Orochimaru have no interest in any of them, despite being recruited by him.

It made Dosu feels like a discarded toy.

Of course, shinobis are tools but... Even if Orochimaru don't think much of them, at least he must acknowledge their power. In order to do that, he must win this damned Chuunin Exam. That and for Zaku's and Kin's sake. Dosu only met them through this mission but they are also have been toyed by Orochimaru.

Finding Haruno Sakura is fairly easy. Dosu just need to look for pink hair. Unfortunately he found her with Hatake Kakashi. He waited until she and her instructor went separate ways. They are still in public places so her house is the best spot. He follows her all the way there and patiently waits until Haruno Sakura fell asleep. The girl is so excited that she didn't even lock the window. Not that it will make any difference anyway.

Quickly slipping into her bedroom, Dosu bring out a kunai. A quick slit on the neck or other vital points... A wound that she can't immediately heal. He must be quick or she'll notice. Looming over her, he bring down the kunai when a hand caught his wrist. Green eyes glare at him. "Please kindly step away from me" Her hand start glowing golden, just like what Rock Lee did in the preliminaries. Having seen it being demonstrated first hand, Dosu know that he must step away. Or his wrist will be crushed. Withdrawing his kunai, the Oto nin take a step back.

Hand still glowing golden, Haruno Sakura get off the bed. Her other hand grabbed her staff. She stood in front of him, green eyes narrowed. "So" She started, her glowing hand dissipate. "Are you here because Orochimaru send you or you're here by your own accord?"

"The latter" Dosu answered, never lowering his guard. "I refuse to follow his instructions anymore, knowing that he lied to us."

"And you want to prove your worth to him by removing me?"

"Correct"

Haruno Sakura eyed him. Dosu don't dare to move. He's not going to say that he's in complete disadvantage... But who knows what kind of trick this girl still have? "You are not wrong to distrust him." She said softly. "But you should have wait till the final rounds to fight me."

Dosu think for a moment before replying. "It might be too late by then." Haruno Sakura narrowed her eyes at that. Dosu do not doubt her intellect so she might be able to piece everything together. She suddenly jerked and turn her head around to look at the window. Is someone coming?

"I always thought it's strange that a Hidden Village is formed in this age of peace." She looked back at him. "Then again... The signs..." She paused. "Do you still have the desire to follow Orochimaru?"

"No" Dosu answered sternly.

"Then gather your teammates and leave immediately. Do not return to your village. Orochimaru is the one who controls Otogakure. If you return, you will continue being his pawns. He is not a man that treat his subordinates well. You'll just waste your life there. The only reason you become an Oto nin is because of Orochimaru right? Well, Konoha will crush Orochimaru and Oto by extension. Save yourself before then."

Why is she telling him this? "You said you're not going to let us go the next time we clash."

"I did but unfortunately, someone is watching us and I have no intention to reveal anything to them." Ah... So there is someone spying them at the moment. Someone from Oto or Suna? Haruno Sakura sighed. "I honestly don't want to make matters more complicated than it is right now. We'll meet again anyways so there's no point arresting you now."

"How do you know that we're going to meet again?"

Haruno Sakura smiled. "Why, I'm giving you mercy at the moment. Knowing how fate works, we will surely meet again."

Dosu stared at her. "I do not want to be indebted to you."

"I know"

"Do I have a choice?"

She looked at him sadly. "Unfortunately no. You better go fast or others might suspect you and decide to remove you." Dosu glance at the window. He can't see or sense anyone but if there's a Jounin watching them at the moment... Staying here would waste his time, now that he blow his chance to kill Haruno Sakura. Anymore delay and he might not make it.

"Is this some kind of plot to have one less opponent for the Chuunin fight?"

"At this rate, a position is nothing compared for the safety of my village"

He studies her expression and found no indication that she wants to rid of him. Despite what she promised back in the Forest of the Death. "It appears I don't have a choice then." Dosu move toward the window. "You are one strange kunoichi, Haruno Sakura" The girl smiled at that. "Don't give a pathetic performance at the exam."

"Kinuta-san?" Dosu paused and turn his head. "Don't target anyone else tonight. Just go" With that, he climbed out of the window and disappeared into the shadows.

The following morning is not exactly pleasant for our resident Magi. The sunlight is too strong, her neck hurts, she accidentally stepped on her hair and tripped. And needless to say, the incident from last night even make the start of her day even more unpleasant. Sakura nursed her coffee as she waits for the toaster. Her father already left for work, leaving her with Mebuki.

"What are your plans for today, Sakura?" Mebuki asks, spreading butter on her toast.

"I'm going to train with Ebisu-sensei until noon. Then I will go see Lee-san in the hospital." Since his injuries are not that heavy, Lee will be discharged in 2 weeks or so. Sakura will be able to train with Lee again. She can't wait to teach him about fusing magoi to weapons. It might be more difficult than usual but Lee is a natural. She can't wait to see how far he would go. Speaking of hospitals... Maybe she should check up on Hinata as well. That girl put up quite a fight.

Finishing her breakfast, Sakura bid good bye to her mother. Ebisu told her to meet up with him in front of the library. Perhaps they are going to hit the books first and then the practical? Sakura have no problem with that. Magic is the same. Ebisu is already there when she got there. He looks fine, despite being knocked out by a toad yesterday. "Good morning, Sakura." He greeted her first.

"Good morning, Ebisu-sensei. What are we going to do today?"

"First you will show me how much stamina you have. Afterwards, we can focus on your jutsus or any other technique that interests you." Physical test first huh? So her training will start with something she sucks the most at. Sakura knew that Ebisu won't be impressed with her stamina. But she can't complain... It's all for the sake of getting stronger. "We're going to play tag. I want to see how well you evade me and how long you can keep up." Playing tag... What sounds easy are always hard... "And it starts now."

Damn it

Strapping her staff on her back, Sakura jumped away. Ebisu didn't immediately chase after her, as if giving her time to go ahead. Ebisu might look like that but Sakura knew better than to underestimate a Jounin. True enough, when Sakura have put at least 100 m distance between them, the man shows up. Even when she's using chakra, he'll keep up with her. Just how in the world is she going to shake him off? From what Naruto told her, he is weak against the Harem no Jutsu.

She have no problem with said jutsu really, just when Naruto using it in the wrong place and time. Also, he should at least have them wearing something, like a swimsuit. Naked girls in public in broad daylight? Such things don't even exists in her past lives... Except in very very very bad places. But if she did pull that jutsu, Ebisu wouldn't take her seriously. Damn, her stamina is going to deplete at this rate.

Bushin wouldn't work with Ebisu. She has yet to master Kagebushin no Jutsu. No way would she engage in Taijutsu with him. All that is left is genjutsu. What kind of genjutsu though? She has yet to learn any genjutsu that cover large areas. She also doesn't have anyone to play decoy or as back up as she create the illusion. She can't attack him with weapons, fearing it will hit civilians. Magic is a big no no. Traps? She have no time to set them up.

Sakura pull out every smoke bombs she had and throw it to the ground. The smoke is enough to cover enough area to cover passerby as well. Ebisu wouldn't be able to see her unless he have Byakugan. After a quick succession of hand seals, she send her clones to distract him while she cast an illusion to make herself invisible. This should by her enough time to form a plan... But just to be sure, Sakura left the street and enter a random shop.

...A shop full of flowers

Yamanaka Ino loves working in her family's flower shop. Who wouldn't want to spend your days surrounded by pretty flowers? The customers are all friendly and amusing. The ladies always have delicious gossip. Ino likes helping the guys get the right flower for the lucky girls. Through flowers, Ino find peace and love. Their many meanings can be interpreted to many things in real life.

Speaking of real life, Ino just participated in the Chuunin Exam. Her team managed to pass the First and Second exams but only Shikamaru pull through at the preliminaries. During the preliminaries, Ino lost to Haruno Sakura, her fellow rookie. At first, Ino believe that the rosette is weaker than she is. Sakura have high grades back in the Academy but Ino beat her in ninjutsu, taijutsu, assertiveness, cooperation and class attitude. They are tied in genjutsu. She is second to Sasuke in terms of grades.

However that changed.

When Ino saw first hand what Sakura is capable of in the Forest of Death... She found herself feeling scared... Towards Haruno Sakura. Her jutsus are freaky but effective. She have hid that kind of strength from them all these years. When they fought against each other in the preliminaries, Sakura demonstrate her prowess in genjutsu. And all that without her staff... Ino knows that her staff is what helping her with her jutsus... She's giving her a handicap. And that time when Ino took over her body...

The blonde shuddered.

Haruno Sakura is strange. Ino knows that for years. She stood out amongst the other kids. It's not just because of the colour of her hair but rather... Her attitude...

(Flashback)

Young Ino is playing with the neighbourhood kids at the playground. Shikamaru and Chouji didn't join them because they rather laze around at home. They are having fun at the jungle gym. Ino sit on top of the bars as she watch her friends getting stuck inside. "Hey, there's kid Mom told me not to play with! Mom said he's a demon!" One pointed to the swing set. Everyone including Ino turn their head around. A blonde kid is holding hands with a pink haired girl as they walked towards the swing set. They look pretty chummy. "What is she doing with him? And her hair is so weird!"

Her hair is the same colour of the cherry blossoms. It's quite pretty actually. It won't surprise Ino if her name is Sakura. Cherry girl and Blonde boy sit on the swings and start swinging around. The boy dare her to swing as high as she can. He kicked the ground with so much force for a kid that the swing actually did a 360. Surprised at this, he let go of the reins and fell to the ground, head first. As the other kids laughs, Cherry helped her friend sit up. She throw them a dirty look before checking on Blonde boy again. Even though Ino didn't join in the laughing, she feel guilty.

"Do you know that he's a demon?!" A boy shouted to them. Blonde flinched. Cherry stood up and glare at them. "He's bad news!"

"He's not a demon!" She shouted back. "His name is Naruto! N-A-R-U-T-O! Naruto! His name is not Demon! He's my friend! The adults are the stupid ones and you guys are stupid to believe their every words! Let's go Naruto!" Cherry pull her friend up and lead him somewhere else. Before they leave the playground, she throw them another look before going.

(End Flashback)

That's when Ino know that Sakura is different. Her words struck something in her but Ino's young self didn't think much about it. Naruto acting like an idiot during their Academy days didn't improve her opinion about him either. Maybe her relationship with Naruto is factor too. The pink haired girl also have it tough back then.

(Flashback)

"Eeeew look at that forehead!"

"Her hair is pink! What a weirdo!"

"Her forehead is like a bill board! Billboard! Billboard Brow! Billboard Brow!"

Others start to chant as each and every one of them start pushing Sakura around. The 7 year old gets up as soon as she hit the ground. Green eyes glaring back at her tormentors. Haruno Sakura never shed any tears, no matter what they did to her. It unnerved the bullies, since their target didn't have the reaction they wanted. When one of them pick up a stone, Ino decided that she had enough.

"Hey! What are you doing?!" She stepped out from her spot. Her sudden appearance prompt the bullies to run away, fearing that she will rat them out to a teacher. "Are you all right?" Ino asked Sakura.

"I'm fine" She mumbled as she brush dust off her clothing. Ino noticed how her (very) long hair reach the ground and her bangs covering her eyes. "You're Yamanaka Ino right?"

"Yes, that's me. You're Haruno Sakura right?" The name is fitting for someone with pink hair. Sakura merely nodded as she pick leaves out of her braid. Ino never seen someone with such long hair... It's either genetic or Sakura never cut her hair even once in her life. It must be difficult to care for hair that long. "You look like a ghost" She blurted out. Sakura stop picking her hair and looked at her. Wow, that was very rude of her. "Everyone must be making fun of your forehead because of how long of your bangs. Maybe it will be better if you show it?" Sakura looks like she's complimenting it. "Tell you what. Why don't you come here again tomorrow? I'll give you something nice"

(End Flashback)

The next day, Ino brought with her a red ribbon. Sakura let her style her hair and seems to be thankful. They become friends after that. Ino always feel like the rosette is being hesitant but brush it off as her being nervous. She is not exactly the most popular girl around. There are trouble now and then with bullies but nothing they can't handle. Ino and Sakura do what girls their age do. Telling stories, sleep overs, study together, dressing up, talking about flowers... And boys too of course.

Ino used to tease Sakura that she likes Naruto but she always deny it. She and Naruto are just friends. It's plain to everyone that the boy have a huge crush on her but alas, Sakura only see him as a friend. Poor guy. Sakura doesn't seem to like any boys in their year so Ino always assume she like older guys. Ino already have her eyes on someone though. Uchiha Sasuke. He is handsome, cool, always place first and very talented. The only girls who never show attraction to him are Sakura and Hinata. Ino have repeatedly asked Sakura if she have any feelings to Sasuke but Sakura always said no. However she have caught her stealing glances at Sasuke. This is what prompt her to ask in the first place. Ino want to avoid the scenario where they like the same boy. Sakura keep denying it. Gradually, doubt crept in her heart and Ino start distrusting her friend. It gotten so bad that they ended up getting into a fight.

(Flashback)

The two of them sit on a bench. Ino keep staring at her lap while Sakura looked confused. "What is that you want to talk about, Ino? You've been quiet for a while now..." Slowly, Ino raise her head. Her blue eyes looking straight to Sakura's green. Her friend frown, apparently knowing where this is going.

"Sakura... I need you to answer me truthfully..."

"Okay"

Here goes nothing. "I know I've asked this to you before but I really need you to be honest... Do you like Sasuke?"

"No" Sakura answered in a heartbeat. But Ino didn't buy it. Not one bit

"Sakura, I'm serious!" Her nerves is starting to get to her. Ino can see that his might end with a screaming match.

"I'm serious too." Sakura replied with a calm tone.

"Then why are you keep looking at him?!"

Sakura didn't immediately answer. A part of her deep down would actually feel relieved if her friend admit her feelings but if she deny it yet again... "It's not love" Sakura looked upwards, to the sky. "Uchiha-san reminded of someone." This expression of hers... Ino recognise it as affection... And sadness.

"Is it an older guy?"

That earn a chuckle from Sakura. "Yes, he was older. You wouldn't know him. He passed away a long time ago." As soon as those words reach her ears, Ino's heart is filled with guilt. Sakura continued. "Uchiha-san reminded me of him... They look nothing alike but Uchiha-san have a very familiar air around him. Their personality is somewhat similar too." She smiled softly at Ino. "Don't worry Ino. I don't have any romantic feelings towards Uchiha-san. Not even when he's so familiar with that person... To me, that person is..." Sakura didn't continue. The sorrow in her eyes is so apparent. "Which is why you should stop liking Uchiha-san."

Ino flinched harshly at that. Anger replacing guilt and sympathy. "What the hell, Sakura?!"

"If Uchiha-san is going down the same road that person have taken, he will inevitably hurt you." Sakura turn to her again. "There will be no going back for him. And there's nothing you can do to stop him. Love is simply not enough." She is deadpan serious. "I don't want you to get hurt. Not in the way that person have hurt me before."

"Who cares about that guy?! You've never told me about this person before! Not even after I tell you all my secrets! What gives?! Why should I listen to you now?! I know that you always keep secrets from me! You always have something guarded! I'm done! I'm done giving you the benefit of a doubt! I'm done with you! Clearly I'm not good enough to be someone you can trust! I'm not going to sit here and listen to you scolding me to be in love with Sasuke-kun! Just because he reminds you of some dead guy you can't let go!"

Ino got up and left. Not without a glance back to see how Sakura react to that. She never look back.

(End Flashback)

The blonde sighed. They are no longer friends after that particular day. She would be lying if Ino said she stop caring to her former friend. She still care. Knowing Sakura, she still care about her too... Or of what she know of about the Haruno... The Chuunin Exam reveal just how much Ino don't know about Sakura... Her manipulation with plants, healing Rock Lee and... what's inside her mind. Sakura never show any of those things in the Academy. It's possible that she deliberately hide her skill. Sakura would have beaten them all in Ninjutsu. Just how much did she hide from them? To think that Sakura is actually that strong...

For all the hype of her being the strongest female rookie, Ino feels like she's the weakest.

Sakura is the only girl from their year that advance to the final rounds. Alongside with Sasuke, Shikamaru, Naruto, Shino, and Hyuuga Neji. All members of Team 7 will be fighting... Sasuke is one thing but for even Naruto to be a Chuunin... Team 7 is full of surprises. Ino feels like she have to try harder. Especially when lazy Shikamaru got a spot.

She is snapped back to reality when a figure barges into the shop, followed by smoke filing the street. Ino raised an eyebrow at the sight of a panting Sakura. "Hi Ino! Sorry for barging in..." She leaned to the counter, sweat rolling down from her forehead. "I just need to take a breath- And I'm out of here- Training-" She wheezed. Ino sweat drop a bit. The smoke outside is yet to fade. "Can I...?" Sakura gesture to her ice tea. Ino nodded. Without further ado she gulped down the content of the glass. "Thanks"

"Training?" Ino inquiries.

"Training" Sakura confirms. "Time for me to go. Thanks again and sorry!" She run out from the room. Ino stare at her figure before Ebisu barges in. Nodding at her, the Jounin chase after her former friend. Ino stood there, trying to process the chain of events happening in such short notice.

Naruto must have rubbed off on Sakura...

Sakura groaned out loud. Her legs are burning from all that running today. For someone who got beaten up in one shot by a toad, Ebisu is pretty good. He ended chasing her all the way to the edge of Konoha, near the woods. Thankfully they do not do anymore physical training after that, Ebisu decided to hit the books instead. They spend the next few hours talking about genjutsu and ninjutsu. They discuss the jutsus Sakura wants to learn or create. Tomorrow they will focus on that. Perhaps Ebisu is the best teacher for her after all. Naruto with Jiraiya the Toad Sage, who will teach him better regarding Kyuubi. Kakashi training Sasuke in terms of the Sharingan. And her getting a theoretical instructor.

So much for Day 1

When the sky turns red, Sakura makes a run for it to the hospital. She still need to check up on Lee. The taijutsu expert is bored out of his mind when she got there. He predictably fired up at the mere sight of her. Lee suffers from torn muscles and broken bones but nothing that will detriment his shinobi career. If he follow doctor's orders not to move around and not doing anything crazy, he'll get out from the hospital in a few weeks. Perhaps before the Final rounds.

After promising Lee that she will still train magoi manipulation with him (in secret of course), Sakura head home. As usual she found her parents bickering when she enter the house. One quick hot shower and dinner later, Sakura lie on her bed. Gosh, her muscles are aching. But she know that she need to increase her stamina and strength considerably for the Exam. Maybe she will never have Naruto's stamina but... All these aches will be all worth it... It won't stop her from groaning though.

Sakura about to fall asleep when someone knocking on her window. Looking up, she found Sasuke perched outside, hand knocking the glass. 'Really? What is it with males and showing up at my place at nighttime? First there's Kakashi, Dosu and now Sasuke. Who's next? ' Resisting the urge to curse, she opens her window. "Good evening Sasuke"

"Hn"

Aaah the Hn language... "So what is it that is so important that you can't even risk knocking on my door instead?"

Sasuke has the grace to blush. "I... want to ask you something."

"What is it?" Sakura can tell where this is going though.

"Back then... During Lee's match... He's using an unknown techniques... His hands are glowing... And it helped him land considerable damage on Gaara... I know it's you who taught it. Don't deny it." Sasuke looked at her sharply. "I want you to teach me that"

"No" Sakura said flatly.

Sasuke narrowed his eyes at her. "No...?"

"No" She repeated. "Unlike Lee, you don't have the talent for it" Well, he's an Uchiha. He might be able to pull it off but... "And it's not something you can learn in the period of one month. Don't even try to do it without my supervision. Even if Kakashi is with you, chances are you will die. Waste of time really. And your life" She don't bother to say it with light tone. "Remember when Lee cough up blood after the fight? It's the effect of overusing the technique. Remember when Kakashi reprimanded me during the bell test? I use the same technique to put myself in danger so he will let his guard down. I'm using my own life force. It's a technique that deliberately shorten my age. I can recover myself. Lee can't. You can't. The moment you overuse it is the moment I will interfere. You will automatically lose. Gaara will win. You won't forgive me for that."

Sasuke stays quiet so Sakura continues. "I'm not saying you really can't do it but really, it's something more dangerous than any other jutsu. You're not using chakra. You're using your own life. You're too young for that. Another reason I teach Lee is because he have more life force than anyone else." Most of everyone else that is. "Yes, I can tell how much life force one have. And you... Yours are not as much as Lee's. If in such short period Lee is like that, what about you? I don't want you to be in the hospital before the match because of a mistake during training. Or worse." Sakura sighed. "I don't want you to waste your life learning something that you may or may not be able to ever master."

"I need to get stronger..."

"I know but I can't help you this time." Sakura shifted. "But you have Kakashi, you have the Sharingan, you have the 'earth' and 'heaven'. Make it work" Green eyes staring at him intently. "And. Don't. Die"

I'm having writer block OTL

Thank you for reading~

Please kindly leave a review. Seriously, review.

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