~Uchiha Compound~
Contrary to what everyone, especially Sasuke, believed or thought, Kajiya was the one in fact not pacing, no that honor went to Hyo, as his legendary patience finally wore out, in regards to his human cub apparently.
"She'll be just fine Hyo, trust her and those boys to come back to us unharmed and just as happy as ever" Kajiya was getting a great amount of amusement out of her mate pacing back and forth like he was though even as she tried to assuage his fears and worries.
During this time his own offspring and their mates had made themselves scarce, because they didn't want to laugh for fear of, a growl rumbled through the air, that, Hyo was apparently prone to violent outbursts.
As he swiped his paw through some firewood his human cub had collected sending splinters of wood flying through the air to crash against the stone wall of their cave "This is only the second time I have been separated from her for more than a few days" Hyo grumbled pitifully to his mate.
In that instant Kajiya remembered the very moment she and Hyo had met, that was the first and last time he had ever left Sakura on her own for more than a few hours at a time and she supposed on some level she could understand.
He wasn't just worried that she'd come back hurt, he was acting like a general well mother towards the girl he'd took in and raised, basic empty nest syndrome despite having their own cubs together, he felt as if she was going to go off and never come back to him that's what it really was about, his little temper tantrum.
Which made her even more amused at her mate than before "Oh Hyo you really are something else, let me say this then, Sakura will come back to you, she's not going to leave you suddenly, your to important to her" she shook her massive head as she spoke then lay her head on her paws.
To all this Hyo swung his head around to pin his viridian irises on his mate as he realized she'd figured out what he was so upset about, then with a long suffering sigh he flopped down next to Kajiya relenting with his pacing "Thank you" he grumbled quietly and quiet resumed in the cave.
~Meanwhile~
"I'll ask again why do you three smell like me and if you three over there even take another step when I haven't given you leave to do so I'll tear you to shreds" the dark brown spotted male jaguar growled in a warning tone.
Glinting obsidian irises pinned on the Sound Genin as they shuffled backwards at the threat, in the jaguars momentary distraction, Sakura grabbed her teammates by the arms and dragged them closer so they could hear her better as she whispered the plan to get them out of the situation they found themselves in.
This was not something she'd expected after all "Listen up Naruto, Sasuke, if we don't do as he says he really will lay into us, so the best thing to do is to submit follow my lead and don't mouth off" Sakura whispered.
Lowering herself to her knee's in the standard seiza position then bent until she was practically nose to the ground tilting her head in the right way to appear extremely submissive, both boys hastily did as told and followed her lead as best they could.
"You sure this is going to work Sakura-chan" Naruto gulped fearfully not daring to look up at the threatening jaguar that had suddenly appeared from out of nowhere, who would have thought that such a creature was already living within their village before the others had even come.
On her other side his adoptive brother grimaced "We can only trust that this plan of Sakura's will work" Sasuke winced keeping his eyes glued to the ground as the jaguar just as suddenly returned his attention onto the three of them and prowled forward with another low growl.
Until he was circling around them before coming to a stop in front of them "You may speak now" he spoke in a pleased tone, it confused the two boys, but the girl knew that their submissiveness had gone a long way in calming him down.
As quick as that her body had straightened but she kept her head tilted to the side in a submissive gesture baring her neck to his onyx eyes "We smell like you because I was raised by jaguars, we are currently living in the Leaf Village now" she didn't raise her gaze yet it was to dangerous
Surprised at the answer, the entire answer because he'd never heard of such ridiculousness in his entire life, a jaguar raising a human was preposterous after all, however her tone suggested that she wasn't lying.
"What of these two then, what are they to you and the jaguar's that have invaded my home, this forest of death" he growled out another question pacing back and forth once again, but she proved to be more resilient than he'd thought.
Because the girl waited patiently until he was stood before her again before speaking once more "My teammates and I guess you could say understudies, they are learning from me and the jaguar's that I was raised by have not invaded this particular forest" came her answer.
Growing more confused by the moment, yet sensing no deception in her tone "Look at me child, allow me to look into your eyes to see the truth of what you speak" another command and when she did he nearly went ballistic "Your blind human child" he was appalled.
Though now it made sense for a jaguar to take her in and raise her as their own cub the possibilities were limitless "I am but I've long since accepted this fact, may my friends rise from their positions" the rose haired girl was polite and understood customs.
So much so he couldn't refuse "They may, you have pleased me little ones, I am the one known as Hoseki and have made this forest of death my own since my birth five years ago" Hoseki finally introduced himself.
Relieved that they were allowed out of their prostrate positions "Hoseki-san, I am the one known as Sakura Haruno, the name was given to me by the jaguar called Hyo, the one on my left is Naruto Uzumaki and the one on my right is Sasuke Uchiha they are siblings" Sakura introduced herself.
"Yeah, yeah, but I'm adopted" Naruto nodded his head carefully not sure if he could speak quite yet, when he wasn't rebuked for his action and he saw Sakura rising from the ground brushing off her knee's and no longer keeping up the submissive gestures he carefully did the same.
Followed by his adoptive brother "Despite that we are still family cause well the Dope didn't have anyone" Sasuke huffed quietly just glad that they'd gotten out of the situation thanks to their teammate, lucky them that she knew all about jaguars after all.
The relief was short lived as the Sound Genin shuffled forward "Sasuke Uchiha we've come to kill you on Orochimaru the Sannin's orders" the one wrapped up like a mummy spoke in a harsh tone as they were thrust head first into another sticky situation.
Hoseki who'd been on his way to leaving because he wasn't allowed to interfere with the Chunin Exams, he wasn't without a brain in his head after all, whipped around with a thunderous growl and charged seeing red.
Because he had liked the way the three children of man had handled themselves in his presence and hadn't spoken out of turn, the Sound Genin scattered seeing the jaguar coming straight at them and without realizing it dropped their scroll and was gone off into the forest once more.
Immensely glad for the jaguar's presence and that they were once again getting out of a situation scott free, Naruto and Sasuke slumped to the ground "Who the hell is this Orochimaru guy anyway and why is he after you Teme" the blonde frowned.
"No idea Dope, you got any clue Sakura" the raven haired teen tilted his head up to his pink haired teammate but she shrugged in answer before tilting her head to the jaguar, as he padded forward, Sound Genin's dropped scroll in his mouth.
That was immediately dropped in Sasuke's lap "One of the Sannin, he summons snakes and not an opponent that you'll be able to take on yourselves, go now to the Tower, just a few miles and hurry to alert the proctors of this exam of the situation as he's an enemy of the village" Hoseki explained.
And just like that was gone and without ever having to really exert themselves during the survival round and only two days in they had both scrolls needed and were on their way to the Tower at the center of the forest.
Glad to be done with the spooky forest as they went in the door that had been assigned to them, Sasuke wanted to groan, he must have made some kind of noise as Sakura tilted her head to the side in confusion "There's a riddle we must figure out" he grunted out grumpily.
Naruto groaned himself and flopped down with a pout "First that written exam, then the spooky forest of death and all it's creepy crawlies, now a riddle what next" he whined behaving like a child for a moment.
Until the stares, even if one of them was of dull green eyes, got to be to much and he popped up from the ground with a long suffering sigh not wanting to stress his teammate out to much "Okay so what does the riddle say Sasuke" the pinkette turned to Sasuke.
Who immediately turned to the board the riddle was written on and rattled it off for both of his teammates, in the end it was decided that the riddle wasn't as hard as originally thought as both scrolls that had been stowed away in Sakura's pouch were whipped out.
"Did you figure it out already Sakura" the Uchiha creased his brow in surprise as he was handed one scroll, the heaven and Naruto was handed the other, the earth scroll, in response to his question the girl nodded to his exasperation.
They were a bad influence on her it seemed as there was a dramatic pause that was to long in Naruto's eyes because he burst out in the next moment "Well what is it Sakura-chan, what do we have to do to figure out the riddle" the Uzumaki pouted with wide blue eyes.
Sakura grinned widely "We have to open the scrolls, cause that's what it's speaking of, when heaven and earth are combined you have basically become what ninja strive to be, so open them together" the blind rosette exclaimed happily.
Confused and unsure of how this was going to go, and after taking deep breaths both scrolls were unrolled together overlapping in an x completing the jutsu formula that had been written on both and in a large plume of smoke their sensei was stood before them.
"Good job you three on getting through the written exam and survival round and figuring out the riddle" Kakashi praised ruffling each of his students hair giving them equal attention because they had come a long way, Naruto and Sasuke more than Sakura, but she still deserved to be praised.
They were quiet for a moment until the members of Team Seven remembered the threat that had been made "Kakashi we got a problem apparently there's this sannin guy by the name of Orochimaru going around in the forest wanting me dead" Sasuke blurt out so unlike himself.
"Yeah, yeah and those guys that wear the headbands with the sound symbol are apparently working for him" Naruto was next as he jumped his sensei remembering the promise they'd made to tell someone, who would inform the proctors about the threat.
Lastly was the lone female on the team "If it hadn't been for Hoseki-san all three of us could have been injured in some way shape or form, by the way, Hoseki-san is a jaguar who's been living here in the forest of death" Sakura explained not wanting to leave that part out.
Kakashi blinked at all three of his students and sighed quietly "Never a dull moment with you lot and thanks for telling me, I'll let everyone know, now you three go on in through that door, you must be hungry, then get some rest" the silver haired nin ushered his students towards the door.
When it had closed his expression shifted to a more furious one, like hell was he going to let Orochimaru get his slimy hands on Sasuke, the second heir of the Uchiha Clan, who'd only just awakened his sharingan not even two months ago.
Then he was off to inform the proctors and the Hokage, who then got in touch with the anbu to increase security in the village during the exams, children's lives were at stake after all and he wasn't going to lose that which was precious to him again.
~In the meantime~
Once again relieved that they didn't have to bed down in a spooky forest for the night, even if it was still morning only on their second day, Naruto, Sasuke and Sakura quickly took showers, ate and then found a spot to curl up together and get some sleep.
Because not a single one of them had gotten much rest the night before due to being worried for their lives, their fears had been just after all considering the Orochimaru guy, but both Naruto and Sasuke were glad that Sakura had been there with them and that a jaguar had come to their rescue.
Just a little over three hours later, an hour past lunch the members of Team Seven awoke from their impromptu naps feeling much better "I can't wait until we can sleep in our own beds again" Sasuke grumbled unhappily.
"Me to Teme, but hey at least we don't have to worry about bugs crawling into our bedrolls" came Naruto's upbeat answer, just then a familiar trio came into sight or senses for Sakura at least only to pause at the younger genin.
It was quiet for all of three seconds before a low whistle pierced the air making everyone cringe as it echoed off the walls and all the way down the hall "Oops sorry hehehe, so looks like we aren't the only ones who got through that forest lickity split huh" Kankuro laughed sheepishly.
While his older sister dug her elbow into his side none to gently "Idiot and good job I guess at least you lot won't be run down on chakra when it's time for the preliminary rounds" Temari snorted eyeing the Uchiha warily but it didn't look as if he was in any pain.
In fact he didn't look as if he had a single scratch on him, the same with his teammates "Preliminary rounds" Sakura inquired cautiously, sue her she was still lost on half of this stuff and she was winging it.
"The round in which the final round contestants for the Chunin Exams are chosen" Gaara answered in his usual gravely tone of voice upon seeing the confusion on her face, which disappeared but the caution remained.
Sakura swallowed lightly and took a deep breath, trying to keep in mind all the little spars she'd had against her teammates and sensei all of which had been to no doubt prepare her for this moment, then exhaled slowly.
Doing her best to keep her feelings under lock and key and inwardly wondering if she really was ready for this after all despite making that bet with Tsunade, Sakura rose to her feet followed by Naruto and Sasuke.
"Thanks for explaining Gaara" then flashed the red head her brightest smile once she was sure she wasn't going to break down and spill all her worries to her teammates, while all on the hand was glad that the boy had calmed down and was no longer leaking that demonic chakra everywhere.
Pale green eyes blinked in response to the blinding smile, that smile did strange things to him and before he realized it a small flush rose to his cheeks and Gaara cleared his throat in response embarrassed for the first time ever to his siblings shock.
Both of them shared a quick covert look with each other "Say Pinky want to hang out and ditch these guys for awhile" the teal eyed blonde burst out, screw the plan, this kid was way to interesting, not to mention the girl was a good influence on her little brother.
Kankuro blinked his onyx eyes then shrugged rolling with the newest events "Yeah and while those two girls are busy, the four of us could hang and do guy stuff" the brunette grinned widely slinging his arm over Gaara's shoulders.
For once the sand didn't rise in defense of it's host nor was he rebuked for the action "Guess so, Sakura needs another girl to hang out with cause Yamanaka doesn't understand" the raven haired teen saw the excitement on his teammates face.
"Yeah, yeah so we'll see you in a bit Sakura-chan" the blonde waved exuberantly as the two girls headed off, earning a small wave from the girl that had been placed on his team until they rounded a corner and disappeared from sight.
Gaara frowned deeply wondering what his siblings were up to "Looks like we're decided then" the red head grudgingly relented not wanting to admit it felt nice that they were treating him normally for once and not like he had the plague.
And wishing that this would continue to happen, a few hours later the lot of them regrouped and Sakura looked ten times happier having another female to chat with "There's a lot I don't know about the world" the blind rosette announced as they sat around a table for dinner together.
"Only cause you've been living in a single cave for most of your life with those jaguar Sakura, so of course you won't know much beyond that which you've learned here in the Leaf Village so far" Sasuke snorted not unkindly, happily munching on his tomato soup.
Dull peridot eyes turned his way with another one of those blinding smiles that had Gaara fidgeting uncomfortably even as he felt a foreign emotion bubble up within him "What exactly did you two talk about anyway" the middle Sabaku child was curious as he turned his gaze on his sister.
Temari grinned widely "Just stuff, and a possible future visit to the Sand Village" the elder Sabaku child and only daughter of the Kazekage quipped, eyeing her littlest brother in a small manner of amusement as a sulk appeared on his lips.
He was jealous that Sakura wasn't paying him any attention and so damn adorable that it was hard not to squeal, her little brother had his first crush it was cute "By the way how exactly did you guys make it through the forest so quickly" the youngest Sabaku child questioned.
But his question was more directed towards the younger female at the table who was having a time of it trying to cut her steak, coincidentally she was seated right next to him, so on a whim decided to help her out by directing her hands into the proper movements.
This earned him exactly what he wanted "Thanks Gaara and ah we kind of just winged it, we had a bit of trouble being tailed the first day and earlier this morning, probably would have lost this round if we hadn't had a bit of help from someone unexpected" the pinkette exclaimed.
Smiling brightly yet again at the boy at her side "Sakura-chan's talking about a jaguar that lives in this forest, his name is Hoseki and the only reason he came out is because we smelled like him thanks to hanging around those other jaguars" the Uzumaki on the team chattered.
All the while his adoptive brother is rolling his eyes in semi exasperation/amusement "Dope I swear sometimes" the second Uchiha heir shook his head with a light snort and nudged his adopted brother off the seat.
Causing laughter to fill the air and the boy who'd fallen couldn't help but laugh along because it had been funny, eventually he did pick himself up off the floor and re-seat himself to finish up his dinner it was as they were returning their dishes that another team waltzed in.
Team Eight, Kiba, Shino and Hinata "You guys are fast" Kiba huffed eyeing the members of Team Seven a little sulkily, in response Kankuro scoffed, only to get elbowed by Temari, and Gaara remained practically glued to Sakura's side.
Who smiled sweetly complete with a little giggle of amusement as she sensed out the envy in his chakra, Hinata fidgeted "Um are w..we the o..only ones h..here so far" Hinata frowned lightly stuttering and keeping close to her own teammates.
"Exactly we all got done kind of early, glad for that to cause now we don't have to sleep in no creepy forest" Naruto reiterated his words of earlier that afternoon with a light yawn only to get scuffed over the back of his head by his adoptive brother to everyone else's amusement.
Probably not Gaara's, who knew how he felt about this odd situation he found himself in "If you excuse us we'd like to get dinner then go to bed, why because tomorrow is the last day we have and we need to be at full strength and rested up on chakra" Shino cut in.
In response to this Team Seven and the Sand Genin left the cafeteria to get some shut eye for themselves after bidding the members of Team Eight goodnight since they would be already long asleep before Kiba, Shino or Hinata finished eating their late dinner.
Later on after they were sure the younger teens were passed out snoozing the night away, Temari, Kankuro and Gaara snuck off down the hall a little further away from the Leaf Genin "You sure it's wise to just screw the plan Temari" Kankuro was blunt and to the point.
Wanting to know exactly what his sister was doing in getting close to the ones they were going to attack "Come on Kankuro, Pinky is totally awesome, if in the end we do enact our plot to destroy the Leaf, that girl will get hurt and feel betrayed, she considers us friends" Temari snorted harshly.
Not only that but Sakura was a good influence on Gaara "Quite, we've already gotten to close, attached as it is" Gaara nodded his head in agreement, feeling his heart squeeze painfully in his chest at the thought of hurting the girl, even if he didn't know the exact reason why just yet.
He would eventually though and that's all that mattered "Okay so what do we tell Baki-sensei or our Father, we'd basically be branded as traitors" the brunette crossed his arms over his chest waiting impatiently for the answer.
Temari bit her lip, then shifted her gaze to Gaara discreetly, Kankuro noticed and creased his forehead in confusion, all to soon the confusion gave way to realization, he'd noticed it of course, how couldn't he have after all, there was something about Sakura that calmed Gaara.
To the point where he actively reigned in his blood-lust and actually became normal "Even if we are, that's better than any other punishment they could think up" the teal eyed blonde finally said, thinking of the consequences but not caring.
Gaara clenched his hands into fists "For now let us get some rest, tomorrow we'll explain first to Baki-sensei" the red head turned on his heel and hurriedly returned to where the others were resting and placed himself as near to Sakura as he could without invading her space.
Even if it was weird seeing the members of Team Seven all curled around each other, soon enough the Sabaku siblings found the most comfortable spot they could and went back to sleep knowing that the next day would be quite the ordeal.
"Ugh that wasn't exactly the most comfortable place to sleep" Kiba groaned the next morning as they all gathered around a table together to eat breakfast, his teammates seemed to agree, while Naruto, Sasuke and Sakura looked as if they hadn't been bothered by the stone floor they'd slept on.
Of course after sleeping on the ground for her entire life the pinkette wouldn't be bothered, but it was a surprise that neither Naruto or Sasuke had been to bothered by that fact either "We've been practicing for awhile" Sasuke admitted sheepishly.
Cheeks tinted pink lightly in embarrassment "What do you mean practicing" Sakura creased her forehead in confusion as she faced the boy, the only times he'd had to sleep on the ground were the hunting trip or any other missions, the night before the exams began and until now.
Sasuke cleared his throat "We haven't been sleeping in our beds for the last week while we were training and sleeping outside under the stars Sakura-chan, it was the Teme's idea" Naruto admitted full-heartedly with a whiskered grin.
It was clear that she hadn't even known about that "Either way at least your partially use to it, why because sleeping on the ground isn't fun" Shino could admit that Sakura fit in rather well with the lot of them, even if she had been living in a cave her entire life with jaguars of all creatures.
But it was that fact that let her accept him fully for being the host of insects because she knew what it was like to be weird or strange and have unique characteristics to herself "N..No b..but at l..least we'll b..be prepared for fu..future missions" Hinata stuttered yet again.
Not wanting to be left out of the conversation thus far, even if she might get punished for talking to Sakura in the first place it was nice having another girl besides Kurenai-sensei to talk to, during all this the Sand Genin were listening to the conversation with mild amusement in their gazes.
"Bet you guys are ready to sleep in your beds again" Kankuro chuckled, thinking that it wouldn't be so bad, even if they were branded as traitors for revolting against the plan that had been put in place to destroy the Leaf Village, at least they'd have some great friends to hang out with.
Off to his side his sister snorted "I think we're all ready to sleep in a real bed again Kankuro you baka" Temari grinned and none to gently shoved her brother off the bench prompting laughter, even from Gaara this time.
Just a light chuckle all the while Kankuro pouted before righting himself "Agreed" Gaara couldn't help but nod along as well again to his sister, who gently nudged him in the side with her elbow, taking care but still treating him like a person and not a monster like before.
Soon enough though they finished off their breakfast and parted ways to explore the tower until other teams started showing up and before Naruto, Sasuke and Sakura knew it the time for the preliminary rounds were beginning.
As they were all made to gather in the arena, some genin dropped out, the one that had tried to approach them before the start of the written exams for instance, and then the rest of them headed for the balcony so the spars could begin.
Immediately the first fight was decided on due to the electronic board "Good luck Teme" came Naruto's outburst startling his teammate, who just now realized that their sensei was on the balcony with them.
"Yeah knock em dead Sasuke, I'm sure you've got this fight in the bag anyway" Sakura cheered lightly patting the Uchiha on the back gently wishing she could see more than ever in that single moment so she could watch the fight.
To their encouragement the Uchiha grimaced "Right thanks" Sasuke blew out a breath, squared his shoulders and marched down the steps to the arena to begin the first match of the preliminary rounds, against a fellow Leaf Nin.
During this time that Sasuke was fighting, Temari, Kankuro and Gaara were taking the initiative to inform their sensei of their decision to ultimately abandon the plan to destroy the Hidden Leaf Village "So we're not going through with the plan" Temari announced bluntly in a whispered tone.
His one visible onyx iris widened in surprise "Yeah cause those kids are way to interesting" Kankuro cut in glancing down into the arena first, then directing his gaze to the remaining members of Team Seven.
The youngest Sabaku sibling was quiet until his sensei faced him "And what of you Gaara do you feel the same as these two" Baki questioned forcefully, he wasn't stupid, he'd seen how the boy acted around the young pink haired blind girl.
And for whatever reason Gaara had attached himself to that girl to the point where he was reigning in his KI and blood-lust, becoming almost like a normal teenage boy for once in his life, even Temari and Kankuro had been reigning themselves in.
In the next moment Baki had his answer "I do, they, she, considers me, us friends and if we went through with our plan it would end up with her hurt and feeling betrayed, being in a village is still new to her and the thought of hurting her, hurts me" Gaara nodded in answer.
Confusion flitting across his features and hand raising to press against the spot his heart beat in his chest, he wasn't sure why her being hurt would hurt him, or why he was feeling all these foreign emotions, but that was the last thing he wanted to do anyway since he was finally making friends.
Who didn't treat him as if he was a monster with a plague, and his siblings were treating him like part of the family for once in their lives, Baki let out a long suffering sigh "Very well, guess all that's left is to inform Kazekage-sama" the turban wearing Sand Jonin said.
Temari narrowed her eyes on her sensei "Your giving up a little to easily there Baki-sensei, why" the teal eyed blonde demanded to know in the next moment keeping up with the whispers, as to avoid anyone from eavesdropping on them.
All the while Sasuke was still fighting his opponent, "Did you think you three were the only ones having doubts, besides I'm not going to be the one to tempt fate by hurting that girl" Baki raised his visible brow in response, then lowered his voice on the rest of his answer.
Pointedly glancing in Gaara's direction who was currently oblivious to the conversation as he'd completely disappeared from their sides and headed towards the only pink haired girl they'd ever met "Probably for the best Baki-sensei, around her, he controls himself" the brunette nodded.
That was the end of their conversation as they returned their attention to the arena where Sasuke was struggling against his preliminary round opponent "Oh Gaara" Sakura realized that the Sand Genin was right next to her suddenly.
"Do you think we'll win" the red head questioned quietly ignoring the suspicious stare he was getting from Sakura's sensei, who was coincidentally stood right behind them watching over the match like everyone else.
At the question Sakura turned her attention onto the two chakra's down in the arena and bit her lip "There's something not right about that guy Sasuke's fighting, his chakra feels like a snakes, not only that but it's like he's somehow stealing Sasuke's chakra" Sakura answered as best she could.
Behind her, her sensei straightened "Stealing Sasuke-kun's chakra how Sakura-chan" Kakashi questioned carefully, eyeballing the redhead standing next to his sole female student for a moment to make sure he wasn't going to try anything before focusing his gaze on Sakura.
"Yeah is that even possible" Naruto like usual was just as lost on her words like he always is, everything that came out of Sakura's mouth made him confused, Sakura tapped her lip in thought trying to come up with a suitable answer to the question asked.
Everyone near to them, which included Team Ten and their sensei Asuma, Team Eight and their sensei Kurenai and Team Gai and their sensei Gai, held their breath waiting for the answer from the young pink haired blind girl.
"It's like every time he gets a hand on Sasuke, he absorbs Sasuke's chakra into himself, thus essentially stealing it" the pinkette finally said, in response everyone focused their gazes on the two fighting teens and Neji went so far as to activate his Byakugan.
He'd wanted to scoff and call her stupid, but thanks to his dojutsu could see exactly what Sakura was feeling with her highly advanced senses "Haruno-san is right, Yoroi-san is absorbing Uchiha-san's chakra into himself" Neji nodded grudgingly giving truth to the girls words.
"Of course she was right" Gaara shifted closer to Sakura if that was even possibly, as if her being wrong had never been a thought to enter his head, it seemed Gaara had absolute faith in Sakura as did her sensei.
And of course "Yeah cause Sakura-chan has highly advanced senses which are even better than yours" Naruto interjected childishly sticking his tongue out at Neji and boasting about Sakura's skills all in one breath.
Kakashi let out a long suffering sigh while Neji glared furiously at the blonde "Okay lets all just cheer Sasuke-kun on" the silver haired nin clapped his hands standing at the railing now and blocking the boys sight of each other.
Glad that she wasn't the one that had to break up a potential fight and that the tension was slowly dissipating as everyone returned their attention onto the still ongoing fight Sakura did the same keeping up as best she could.
Until eventually Sasuke did manage to win his fight with good ole fashion taijutsu "Good job Sasuke" Sakura praised once the boy had rejoined them on the balcony, while Yoroi was taken away on a stretcher by some medics who'd been on standby.
"Thanks my body hurts like hell though" the raven haired teen grimaced flopping down against the wall while the electronic board started up again to choose the contestants of the next match, Sakura frowned deeply.
Before reaching into her medical pouch "Here this will help you regain the chakra you lost and I could heal you a little bit" the pinkette offered worriedly feeling Sasuke's chakra flaring in pain that was worse than anything knowing he was in pain due to his injuries.
Sasuke looked a little shocked at first before it morphed into understanding "If you still have some chakra left after your own fight heal me then until then don't worry about me so much" the second Uchiha heir finally relented.
Relieved he wasn't completely brushing her off she returned to the railing just as the next match was decided on between Shino and one of the Sound Genin Zaku Abumi, during this match, Asuma inched his way forward.
Until he was stood next to the young girl he'd only been told about and his female student talked about all the time "Very interesting" the raven haired Jonin mused suddenly, but the girl didn't so much as even jump, which was odd considering he'd been suppressing his chakra.
"I felt you coming due to the vibrations you made if your wondering why I didn't jump, and what's very interesting" the rosette tilted her head in his direction speaking in a curious tone of voice a serene smile on her lips.
Kakashi snorted which turned into a cough as brown eyes shot his way a small glare in their depths "Caught something in my throat" the Copy Ninja coughed a little more for affect but everyone was pretty sure he was faking it.
Asuma stroked his beard in thought "You are Haruno-san, is it true that you were raised by jaguars" the Third Hokage's son prodded carefully not sure if it was a sensitive subject or not, he was about to get a shock as she turned her whole entire body to face him.
"Yes that part is true, if it weren't for Hyo-kun I would have died where my parents left me, in the forest, he told me he'd watched them leave me there and after waiting for several hours for them to come back he approached and took me in to raise me as his own" she answered dutifully.
Giving truth to the rumors that had been thrown around since everyone had learned of her presence in the village after the Tsume Inuzuka debacle "Oh you poor girl, how on earth did you acquire clothing, surely a jaguar couldn't procure such things right" Kurenai gasped.
Here Sakura fell silent "Er well you see that's where Mikoto-chan comes in, if it hadn't been for her I probably would have never known what it was like to wear clothing" she cleared her throat and spoke in a quiet tone.
Just when Asuma went to ask another question her entire body snapped around to face the arena again obviously sensing something once again "What is it Sakura-chan" Naruto was curious to hear what was going on.
"Uh Shino-san's bugs there inside Abumi-san's arms, a whole mass of them and eating his chakra, I doubt Abumi-san even notices" the pinkette stated brow creased and waiting patiently for whatever was about to happen.
Kurenai blinked her red eyes and directed her gaze to her classmate and fellow jonin who shrugged in response "Don't look at me Kurenai, I can't sense insects" Kakashi admitted, still extremely curious about his student himself, he didn't know everything there was to her after all.
Only moments later when Zaku tried to unleash one of his jutsu's, the whole jutsu rebounded on it's caster due to the bugs that were clogging up the holes in his hands, tearing his arms to shreds, it wasn't a very pretty sight as Shino was named winner of his match.
Without ever exerting much effort on his opponent who'd been cocky and arrogant to the point of being extremely oblivious to everything that was happening around him, once Shino had rejoined the lot of them the electronic board started up again for the third match contestants.
This time Gaara straightened when the pairing had been decided upon "What's the matter Gaara" Sakura, who he was standing extremely close to, practically pressed into her side actually questioned softly worried that something was wrong.
"Kankuro was chosen as one of the contestants for this third match" the red head admitted, pale green eyes focused on his older brother as Kankuro walked calmly down into the arena, followed by his opponent for the preliminary rounds.
At the answer Sakura focused her senses on Kankuro only to frown once more in confusion, Asuma lifted a brow in response confused himself "Is there something you wish to ask Sir" so she didn't know his name, that didn't mean she couldn't be polite.
"I never said anything nor was I exactly staring at you Haruno-san, so how did you know I wished to ask you something" Asuma creased his brow, this girl was the strangest child he'd ever met, he couldn't understand her in the least.
Sakura opened her mouth to answer but was interrupted "Sakura-chan can sense what your feeling from your chakra that's how she knew that you wanted to ask her something" Kakashi came to the rescue yet again seriously amused.
This earned him a quiet huff from the girl "Yeah that" she finally mumbled quietly keeping her senses focused on Kankuro and wondering what the hell he was doing, the whole Chunin Exams had been extremely weird thus far.
"Okay what is it your sensing now Haruno-san" the raven haired Jonin finally inquired feeling extremely out of his depth as she focused her entire attention on the wrapped puppet that was situated upon Kankuro's back.
Gaara figured out what was wrong before she could put what she was feeling into words "Kankuro switched places with his puppet, the one Tsurugi-san is fighting currently is actually a puppet" the red head answered in a low whisper only loud enough to be heard by the two jonin near them.
Happy that she hadn't had to explain and probably confuse everyone with her answer Sakura fell silent as did everyone else as the fight continue until Kankuro emerged victorious from his fight and Tsurugi was carted off on a stretcher like his teammate had before him.
And once again that electronic name board started up again when it stopped a hand landed on her shoulder "It's your turn Sakura-chan" Kakashi grimaced eyeing Ino who was shocked at who she'd been paired against.
"Um who's the one I'm fighting" Sakura questioned as she was led towards the stairs only to sense the chakra following along behind them "Ino-chan" a frown tugged her lips downwards as the Yamanaka Heiress flared her chakra in confirmation.
Then they were stood before the proctor ready to square off against each other Ino felt her stomach churning uncomfortably not sure if it would really be fair cause technically she would be beating up on a friend and someone who was blind and couldn't see.
Hayate Gekko was curious about the young blind girl like most everyone else was "If your ready let the fourth match of the preliminary rounds begin" he called the start of the match and both girls jumped back.
"Very sorry Sakura-chan but I'm just gonna beat you nice and quick okay" Ino spoke and Sakura frowned wondering what was wrong, then she felt it the hesitance to harm her and the slight undertone of pity in her voice.
It was enough to get her blood boiling "Ino-chan just because I'm blind doesn't mean I don't know how to fight don't treat me like an invalid" Sakura frowned much more deeply than before if there was one thing she hated more than anything in the world.
That was being treated like a child who couldn't find their way around and Ino knew that very well, Ino grimaced "Okay then I'll face you seriously you must do the same and don't take it easy on me" it was the least she could do.
Sakura nodded and settled into a loose stance ready just as her friend launched forward into a flurry of punches and kicks, each one easily deflected before Ino found herself being punched backwards from a low punch to the stomach and land harshly on her back.
Clearly Sakura wasn't going to hold back in the least "Ouch don't think you'll manage another hit" the Yamanaka Heiress drew herself to her feet and launched forward again trying to find a hole in the other girls stance.
Not really wanting to seriously hurt her friend, Sakura bit her lip trying to think up a good plan, as she knocked Ino across the arena again, it came to her moments later remembering vividly the lessons Mikoto had taught her.
Plan in mind she flew through a set of hand signs "Suiton: Water wall" the pinkette breathed out a wave of water that rose all around her then suppressed her chakra and scent before focusing as hard as she could on the chakra on the outside of the wall.
Knowing she had limited time as Ino ran into her jutsu "Gah what the hell when did you learn a jutsu" the blonde gaped just as she lost all sense of her friend it really was freaky how easy the girl could do that and whipped around thinking the girl was going to body flicker.
A basic distraction and when the water wall dropped Ino definitely wasn't ready for Sakura, who'd been hiding in plain sight kind of to dart forward and pinch a nerve ending the fight quickly fair and square with minimal damage.
Everyone blinked at how quickly the fight had been won, especially by a girl who was blind and shouldn't know how to do half the things she could "Winner of the Fourth Match Sakura Haruno" Hayate called it after several second of the blonde laying there.
Glad that she hadn't truly had to harm the girl Sakura bent and sent a jolt of chakra into Ino that woke her "Oooh what happened" Ino sat up holding her head as it throbbed before that to faded away under the expert healing hands of her friend.
"I knocked you out by pinching a nerve in your neck thereby winning the fight" Sakura winced helping Ino to her feet after healing the blonde of the bruises she'd given her from the few punches she'd delivered.
Causing Ino to gape in response "But how did you get behind me cause I thought you'd body flickered" the Yamanaka Heiress asked in confusion as they walked towards the stairs together so that the next match could be decided upon.
Sakura shook her head in light amusement "Don't know how to body flicker Ino-chan, I suppressed my chakra to a nonexistent level and hide within my jutsu, you took the bait that I set in thinking I'd body flickered" the pinkette explained gently.
And though she really wanted to be jealous and pout "I see well thanks for not going overboard like I know you like to do sometimes" the blonde shrugged seeing no point in getting truly angry, the fight had been won fair and square after all.
Then both girls were back up on the balcony and after remembering her earlier promise Sakura healed Sasuke of his injuries, then took a chakra restoration pill "Even if you didn't win Ino, after all the fights are over I'll treat you guys for doing such a good job anyway" Asuma offered.
Everything was right as rain in Ino's world after that to know she'd still get a reward for giving it her all on this exam, soon enough the rest of the fights flew by, Naruto winning his, Shikamaru, Temari, Neji, though not without a little trouble.
In which Sakura disappeared for awhile to help heal Hinata of her injuries, Dosu one of the Sound Genin also won his match and Gaara of course, who had struggled a little bit against Rock Lee before emerging victorious from his own fight.
Until the ten final round contestants were gathered and Hiruzen came forward "Congratulations on making it through to the final rounds, it's such a privilege to witness how each of you have grown since becoming genin" their Hokage praised.
Moments later each of them were told to draw a number and tell the proctor the number, then the matches were set Naruto vs Neji, Temari vs Shikamaru, Shino vs Kankuro, Sakura vs Dosu and Sasuke vs Gaara, before they were all freed of the tower.
Glad to be out of that spooky forest Kakashi told his students to meet him the next day on the bridge since all three of them would be in the final rounds before heading off, leaving them to walk back to the Uchiha Compounds by themselves.
"Can't wait to sleep in my bed again finally for what seems like the first time in weeks" Naruto mumbled tiredly, even if Sakura had healed the injuries he'd received during his fight with Kiba, he was still exhausted.
Much like his adoptive brother "Yeah no more of that sleeping on the ground stuff for awhile" Sasuke nodded in agreement relieved to be going home and sleep for several hours even if that meant missing lunch, dinner or whatever meal was to be cooked.
Sakura giggled "Tell Mikoto-chan to just keep an eye on Tokei-kun and Mita-chan for the night as well I don't think I have the energy right now and intend on going straight to sleep" she was also in agreement with her teammates.
With that and upon reaching the gates the three of them split up in two separate directions, the jaguar's were surprised to see her but Hyo wisely kept silent and curled himself around his human cub as she flopped down tiredly on the ground to rest obviously exhausted much like her teammates, who slept the rest of the day away.