The following morning was chaotic in the Morino Household as everyone scrambled to eat and hurry off for training or in Sakura's case, eat, prepare for her mission and vanish out the door "Guess I'll be back towards the end of the month" Sakura announced.
"You'll be fine brat and I know you'll be stronger when you return" Ibiki ruffled her loose bangs not daring to do much more than that because he didn't want to seem overbearing even if he was a little ticked off that she was going off with a male of all people.
Even if it was someone she'd known nearly her entire life give or take a few years "Be safe Sakura-chan and I promise I'll train super hard to improve as well" Naruto saluted disappearing from the house first to the designated spot that Jiraiya had chosen to train him at.
"Me to Sakura-chan, I won't lose against that stupid Grass Ninja" Karin vowed hugging her sister for all she was worth, it would be hard being separated for nearly an entire month since they'd been together since they'd been ten.
Sakura smiled softly then glanced down into ebony irises "If you remember would you get me a souvenir, other than that come back safe Sakura-nee" Inari sulked, it would kind of be lonely without the pink haired girl around.
"Right so I'm just going to stick with these two while your gone" Kin pointed at Ibiki and Karin as they all split up, Haku, Zabuza and Suigetsu having already vanished in order to start on their training as they wanted to be ready for the Final Round.
With that Sakura turned on her heels "Just take care of yourself out there Sakura-chan" Tsunami called before the door could shut fully, Sakura flashed her a smile over her shoulder and then she was gone from sight.
Inari sighed and grabbed his pack "Have a good day at the academy Inari-kun" Tazuna waved the eight year old off as they went separate ways, his grandson to the academy and he deep into the civilian section to find houses that needed maintenance work done on them.
~Meanwhile~
Upon arriving at the gates she found herself there a little ahead of schedule "Don't you know it's forbidden to leave the village during the Chunin Exams" one of the Chunin at the sign in desk hollered at her a moment later.
Confusion filled her and Sakura opened her mouth "Unless a contestant has permission, Hokage-sama assigned a mission to me and I'm training her for the month" Itachi appeared in the next second handling the situation with ease.
Glad he was there Sakura closed her mouth keeping quiet for the time being as the mission scroll was checked over before they were allowed to sign out and head down the path to start searching for Tsunade Senju.
For awhile they walked in silence "How exactly are we going to find Lady Tsunade, Itachi-san" the pinkette questioned when she could no longer stand it, Itachi chuckled down at her and smiled his usual kind smile.
"Actually I've been searching for her for awhile and I believe I've finally found some information on her whereabouts, in a village very nearby called Tanzaku Town if I'm not mistaken" the ebony haired seventeen year old explained lightly.
She tilted her head to the side "Tanzaku town is only a few days away, so what are we going to do to convince her to come back and man the hospital for the Final Round" Sakura inquired carefully hoping she wasn't being to annoying.
This earned her another smile "No idea, but I'm sure we'll think of something" Itachi admitted and Sakura stared at him in surprise, basically they would be winging this entire mission while having her train at the same time.
It was strange if she was being honest going on a mission and having this person as her trainer for an entire month all by their lonesome, then she remembered what he'd done before the start of the Written Exams and blushed.
Making Itachi just a tiny bit curious as to what she was thinking, "Err Itachi-san about before, wh..why did you kiss my forehead" the pinkette managed to ask several moments later during a now uncomfortable silence.
He froze and they stopped in the middle of the road, out of all the things she could ask, she just had to mention his moment of stupidity "Sakura-san that is not a question I can answer at this moment in time, perhaps someday but for now it's a secret" the Uchiha Heir said.
Clearing his throat quietly and just like that they were walking again, the tension in the air faded allowing him to relax as they trekked forward until it was time to stop for lunch, a fire was set up and fish were caught and they ate in silence.
And then they were cleaning up after themselves "Um Itachi-san shouldn't I train as well" Sakura spoke up when she realized they were just going to walk again, ebony orbs swiveled to meet her emerald irises.
Before he nodded "Very well then, I think one of the things you should work on at first is your mind, as you know Sasuke-otouto has his Sharingan which gives him the ability to place genjutsu's on you with it, you must fortify your mind" Itachi instructed.
Sakura understood immediately "By having you place me in genjutsu's that are so like reality it will confuse me and make me really believe it's the truth and fight against it" the fuscia haired preteen finished.
"Exactly Sakura-san prepare yourself it is going to be difficult and you'll feel like dying before it's over" the ebony haired seventeen year old activated his sharingan and before she could really compose herself was deep in a genjutsu.
Like nothing she could have ever imagined really and once again she was face to face with her thought to be dead Uncle, it was a different setting this time, a memory of her past, the first day she entered the Morino Family.
"Who's she and why is she clinging onto you like that" little seven year old Idate glared accusingly at her and she found herself to be a mere four year old again, her mindset was different this time as she was much older in reality.
Opening her mouth to explain she found no words would come out "Your niece Idate, I adopted her, she can't speak" her adoptive Father explained and Sakura creased her brow in confusion, this was certainly playing out a lot differently than she thought it would.
Frowning deeply she tried to force her vocal cords to work, but no sound would escape "Great just perfect now we have to treat you special just because your mute" Idate snorted callously before vanishing from the living room.
Tears filled her emerald orbs "Don't mind him, he'll get use to you brat" Ibiki assured releasing her hand and disappearing from the living room, and for a brief moment she really thought the genjutsu she was in was real.
Before she remembered and focused on breaking free of the jutsu and came to with a gasp, practically falling forward until she was caught in strong arms that held her up "N..Not good enough Itachi-san, I still knew it was fake" Sakura breathed heavily.
Sweat rolling down the back of her neck and a headache pounding through her skull like a sledgehammer, a chuckle filled her ears, a shudder crawled down her spine as she glanced up into unfamiliar gold eyes "Did you little rabbit" a menacing voice spoke.
Fear filled her as she found herself back in the forest of death, only this time she was alone, could it have all been a dream, was she still unconscious "No, no, no, no, no" she squeezed her eyes shut and brought her hands together.
Releasing the second genjutsu, falling flat on her back this time and scrambling away from Itachi as he reached for her "Sakura-san it's alright, I only placed two genjutsu" Itachi grimaced, perhaps he'd gone overboard and should have only started off with one genjutsu.
Trembling like never before Sakura wrapped her arms around her body, feeling cold all of a sudden "There was no warmth, I knew they were fake, but still seeing her again scared me" the pinkette shook.
Itachi frowned "You mean the person who attacked you six in the forest, you don't have to worry, he can't get to you, I made a promise to protect you after all" the raven haired teenager kneeled and gently helped her onto her feet.
It took a little while for her to talk to him again as they began walking once more in hopes of finding and convincing Tsunade to come back with them "I think from this point on, you should place in genjutsu's when I'm not aware of it" Sakura cleared her throat.
After silence had reigned for nearly an entire hour "Probably for the best and we can also switch up your training tomorrow and work on kenjutsu if you'd like" Itachi offered not wanting to cause more harm than good.
Sakura nodded quietly and a few hours later they'd reached one of the several outpost towns that Fire Country had, they checked into a hotel and got separate rooms before finding a restaurant to eat dinner at "You know I was thinking that while I'm training I could also come up with plans" the fuscia haired preteen admitted.
Earning a chuckle "Not a bad idea what were you thinking as a plan, but don't forget you must always have a back up plan for your back up plan and so on and so forth" the seventeen year old reminded gently.
Viridian orbs turned contemplated "Well for starters I know that Sasuke can use genjutsu's, what about reverse genjutsu, that would really throw him off at first if he used one" Sakura suggested after swallowing her bite of ramen.
He was a little surprised at that "Just how long have you been thinking about that" Itachi chuckled a little amused, Sakura was certainly an interesting girl as she mulled over her other options and considered a back up plan if her first plan failed.
"There's also countering his fire style with my water style, but if Kakashi-ni teaches him lightning style it wouldn't be good, then again if I time my jutsu right the jutsu could rebound on him" the pinkette mused aloud, Itachi blinked at her.
Before offering a few suggestions himself "You also have your chakra chains at your disposal, and earth nature, make a clone and use the head hunter jutsu" the Uchiha Heir commented knowing that there were several ways that Sakura could come up with to beat his brother.
It would be extremely amusing to see the boy pout if he lost, but Sasuke would definitely put up a fight against his teammate and friend "Right that's true" Sakura hummed finishing off her dinner and placing down the amount of ryo she owed.
Her trainer did the same "Come along Sakura-san time for bed it seems" Itachi led her back to the hotel and soon enough after showering and dressing for bed, she bid him goodnight, crawled into the bed that was in her separate hotel room and fell fast asleep.
A knock on the hotel door woke her the next morning and Sakura creased her brow, it was only four in the morning, surely Itachi wouldn't get her up that early, but when that knock came again Sakura sighed and threw the blanket off her body.
Getting up to answer the door, "Mm looks like I got the wrong room, tell me pinky where is Itachi Uchiha, our leader wants him for our organization" the blue fish like person bent until he was practically leaned over her.
Before she could really help herself a shrill scream escaped from her mouth "Damn brat" the blue skinned man grabbed her and placed his hand over her mouth cutting off any further sounds "Just couldn't answer me like a normal brat could ya" he sighed sounding put out with her.
Unsure of what she was supposed to do to get herself out of this situation, Sakura stood there held captive for several long moments, before she managed to shove his hand away from her "ITACHI-SAN HEL….." she shouted at the top of her lungs before being knocked out.
Seconds later the door to her separate room slammed open "Release her now Hoshigaki Kisame" the Uchiha demanded knowing exactly who it was who held his charge, how the hell hadn't he sensed this man's chakra.
"Oh the brat's important to you is she, well if you want her back, you must agree to come with me to Akatsuki" the rogue from Mist bartered, the seventeen year old grit his teeth trying to think of something that would help him retrieve Sakura without her being accidentally injured.
While he was thinking Sakura regained consciousness and realized she was still held in unfamiliar arms, she only raised her head enough to meet Itachi's gaze "I would never betray my village or those that rely on me" Itachi stated firmly.
Nodding at the twelve year old girl who focused on manifesting her chains and they burst from her back in a pale yellow, making the rogue hastily let go of her in order to gain a respectable distance and just like that she lunged "Thought for sure" Sakura gripped onto Itachi.
Practically hiding behind the seventeen year old now shaking lightly as her chains receded vanishing out of existence "Creepy little brat aren't you, just what the hell were those things anyway" the shark like ninja demanded harshly.
Making the girl flinch "You will gain nothing by staying any longer Hoshigaki Kisame, leave now and be warned the next time you try and lay a hand on this girl I will kill you" the ebony haired Uchiha Heir warned darkly.
A shudder crawled down her spine never having heard the Uchiha speak so harshly to someone "Very well next time though I'll be more cautious about that brat" Kisame grumbled, escaping through the window.
Sakura slid to the floor "Why is some guy after you Itachi-san" the pinkette frowned up at her guardian for the month, looking horribly upset that this had happened in the first place and to her, that guy could have taken off with her if she hadn't managed to yell out.
With a sigh the seventeen year old knelt until he was eye level with her "Because of my Sharingan, I could become one of the Leaf Village's greatest enemies, but I have people that count on me, Shisui-san, Otouto, you, I would never go with them and would find a way to rescue you and anyone else they threaten" Itachi vowed.
Reaching out and placing his hand on her head and smiling softly, it was her undoing as tears rushed to her eyes and spilled down her cheeks "I w…was so sc..scared and his chakra felt wrong" Sakura cried lightly shaking much more visibly now.
Itachi grit his teeth and hugged her for only the second time, he couldn't tell her the truth about his feelings yet, but he would damn sure never let her out of his sight again where she could be held captive by a rogue ninja that was coming after him to recruit him for that Akatsuki Organization.
They stayed that way for the better part of five minutes until her tears abated and Sakura fell asleep, he sighed softly lifting her into his arms and carrying her over to the bed, then after making a clone to collect his belongings sat down to wait.
Not wanting to wake her up after she'd managed to go back to sleep until it was truly necessary, at exactly 6:30, Sakura woke up on her own "Oh um go..good morning" the pinkette greeted warily shocked that he was still there.
He chuckled lightly "Go on and get ready for breakfast Sakura-san, then we'll move on to the next town alright" the Uchiha Heir ushered her towards the bathroom pack in arms and twenty minutes later she emerged wearing one of her favored outfits.
Moments later they were eating breakfast and leaving the outpost town behind an hour later intent on making good headway to Tanzaku town, because he couldn't be certain or not if Tsunade hadn't already left the town.
Which wouldn't be good in the least, the silence lasted much longer this time until they stopped for lunch a couple hours later than they were both use to "Say Itachi-san I was wondering who was that guy anyway" Sakura asked as the fish were cooking over a hand made fire.
"Kisame Hoshigaki, he's from the Hidden Mist Village, a rogue and one of the Legendary Swordsmen as he wields the great blade Sharkskin or Samehada if you will, it's a chakra eating sword and he's one of the few who can control it due to his massive chakra" Itachi rattled off.
Hoping that answer satisfied the young girl and it did "Do you really think we'll find Lady Tsunade" the fuscia haired Uzumaki inquired softly unable to look Itachi in the eyes, she wasn't usually such a downer but she just had this bad feeling in the pit of her stomach.
Onyx eyes widened "Of course we will Sakura-san, it's a mater of convincing her that's going to be the difficult part" the ebony haired seventeen year old admitted with a grimace, her head snapped up and locked gazes with him.
No more questions came though and after lunch was eaten the two of them took a couple of hours to get in some kenjutsu practice before making haste towards Tanzaku Town, they were still several hours away when night fell over them.
"Guess we're camping out under the stars this time huh Itachi-san" Sakura commented feeling a little queasy, never had she slept outside and she feared what could happen during the night, would that rogue come back, she shuddered to even think about it.
A little unsure himself, he tried to send her a reassuring smile "I'm an Anbu Sakura-san I won't allow anyone to harm you during the night or sneak up on us, so try to get as much sleep as possible" Itachi said carefully.
Eating dinner quickly before Sakura unrolled her sleeping bag and crawled into it, sorely missing the privilege to take a shower but as told she closed her eyes and it wasn't long before she was fast asleep snoozing the night away, Itachi breathed a sigh of relief at that before keeping watch.
~Meanwhile back in the Leaf Village~
"Ugh that damn pervy sage is so mean, first he pushes me off a cliff, now he wants me to learn how to wield the stupid foxes chakra" Naruto complained for the third night in a row, not only that he was missing his adoptive sister badly, as she was the one who usually reigned him in.
Next to him, his other adoptive sister sent him a dirty look "Naruto seriously stop whining like a baby, he's trying to help you get stronger" Karin snapped just a tiny bit harsher than she intended earning an upset expression.
Karin sighed and lowered her head "Goodness it's like they fall apart without Sakura-chan around" Tsunami grimaced seeing first hand the effects Sakura's absence had on the family, it was mildly amusing and partially sad to see them like this if she was being honest.
"Pretty much, the pink haired brat was the one that brought them all together after all" Ibiki snorted watching the antics with amusement in obsidian orbs, though he wouldn't verbally admit it but he did miss his first adopted brat much like the others.
He was just better at hiding it than the brats were "Kami just a sad bunch aren't you brats" Zabuza was as equally as amused, he wouldn't say much more than that because his brat apprentice was missing the girl as well.
This earned a glare from the two Uzumaki's "Maybe you have it right Zabuza-senpai, it kind of sucks she's not here" Suigetsu mumbled leaking depression, if it hadn't been for Sakura, he would have never really found his place in the Leaf Village as one of her friends.
"What are you guys worried about anyway, it's not like she's going to get into any trouble while gone right" Kin frowned trying to understand the others and their current mindset, sue her she was still trying to get use to a life free of a mad man's clutches.
Ruby and blue eyes widened before Sasuke scoffed "Sakura is a magnet for trouble, even if she doesn't actively go out of her way to find it, it comes to her" Sasuke scowled unable to really concentrate on his dinner.
"Unfortunately Sasuke-chan is right, Sakura-chan always manages to get in trouble despite avoiding it like the plague" Shisui winced wishing he'd been selected to go on the find Tsunade and bring her back mission as well but sulking because he hadn't.
Zabuza had to agree as well "She threw herself headfirst into danger before in order to save them" Haku reminded, while the girl tried to avoid trouble as much as possible, she was as equally as reckless on the other hand.
"Yeah I remember that to, I thought I was going to have a heart attack when that Grass Ninja tried to take off with you Karin and then she just used those chakra chains of hers nearly falling after you because of the weight" Tazuna shook his head.
Inari was quiet listening to the adult's and older kids talk amongst each other until it was time for bed "Night everyone" Inari yawned padding down the hall to his room to get some shut eye, because he didn't ever want to be late for class after all.
~Near Tanzaku Town~
Upon waking her determination was renewed "We have to find Tsunade-sama and convince her to come back today" Sakura vowed not wanting to ever feel like she had the day before, weak and afraid unable to do anything for herself.
Her statement earned a fond smile "Let us eat quickly then and hurry the rest of the way to Tanzaku Town alright Sakura-san" Itachi said, getting the fire started and setting up fish to cook so they could fill their bellies.
Fifteen minutes later the fire was put out and packs were situated on their backs again, then at a faster pace than the other days practically running they hurried towards the town in the distance determined to complete their mission no matter what it took.
When they did eventually reach Tanzaku Town it was almost noon and so with that in mind, they ate an early lunch before starting on their search "If I were Lady Tsunade what would attract me most about a tourist town" the pinkette mused looking every which way.
In hopes of spotting their mission target, it occurred to her then that she had no idea what the woman looked like and turned to face her trainer and mission partner with a wide eyed look "Here Sakura-san, Jiraiya-sama gave me this photo to use as reference" the Uchiha relented.
Presenting a picture of a younger Tsunade to his charge who quickly scanned it and committed the woman's features to memory like she was use to and with that they set forth to search as much of the town as they could.
By the time it was almost dinner their search had proved fruitless "Do you think we could take a break and eat Itachi-san" Sakura sighed feeling exhausted for some reason and starved like never before, she'd also been training to increase her stamina this entire time as well.
Using chakra to increase her speed and upping the pounds on her weights by four extra pounds than she was use to "Alright I think we've earned a break after all the searching we've done today" Itachi nodded leading the way to a restaurant.
Lo and behold who would be in there at that particular moment drinking the evening away would be their mission target, peridot orbs widened when she caught sight of the woman "Itachi-san it's Lady Tsunade" the fuscia haired Uzumaki burst out exuberantly relieved they'd found her.
"Indeed it is and now comes the hard part Sakura-san are you ready for it" the raven haired seventeen year old reminded carefully as they walked forward together, him slightly in the lead until they were at the woman's booth and he was clearing his throat to gain her attention.
Honey and obsidian irises snapped their way "The hell do you want" Tsunade snapped angrily clearly inebriated from the multiple sake bottles that littered the surface of the booth table and obviously in a foul mood for some reason.
Not really having expected that the young girl shrunk back avoiding drawing attention onto herself right yet "I apologize for Milady's attitude, we've just had a bit of bad luck lately is all" the ebony haired woman apologized sheepishly.
"Tsunade-sama I know you have the ability to sober up, please do so as there is a matter of most importance I must speak with you about" Itachi cleared his throat again, speaking this time and hoping he wasn't decked in the face.
Obviously she was very temperamental at that moment in time as well because those honey irises glared furiously at him "Fine whatever now what is it you wanted to speak with me ab…." the honey eyed blonde trailed off.
Catching sight of who else was with the idiot who was interrupting her "Goodness your just a doll, pardon my manners I'm Shizune and you are" Shizune gasped finally introducing herself to the young girl as the two sat on the opposite side of the booth.
"S..Sakura Mo….Uzumaki but I was adopted by Ibiki Morino when I was four" Sakura introduced herself and gave her real last name to the two females before her, then fell silent waiting for someone else to speak up.
A little shocked because it had been such a long time since she'd seen another Uzumaki, Tsunade continued to stare at the young girl with glaringly bright pink hair "No way, there's never been an Uzumaki with pink hair" Tsunade snapped in the next moment.
Itachi straightened "I assure you she is, she can use the chakra chains and is adept in fuinjutsu, however the reason we've sought you out Tsunade-sama is that Hokage-sama requests that you return and man the hospital during the Final Round of the Chunin Exams" the Uchiha Heir explained.
"You don't mean the Head of Torture and Interrogation do you Sakura-san" the ebony haired woman was slightly horrified at the revelations of who the young fuscia haired girl had been adopted by and wondered how the girl had ever survived as his daughter.
Unfortunately Sakura did nod "That's the one Shizune-san" the pinkette answered politely before becoming silent once more, even if she'd been sent on this mission, her primary task was to train and improve for the Chunin Exams.
In the next moment Tsunade burst out "Absolutely not, no matter what I'm not going back to that village" the blonde snapped refusing the request outright, she wouldn't do it even if her old sensei begged her.
Having known this would happen the Uchiha sighed lightly "You cannot wallow in the past Tsunade-sama it's detrimental to your health" Itachi pointed out carefully ready to flee in case the woman took a swing at him.
"Why you how dare you talk like you know what I've been through" Tsunade shouted slamming her hands on the table and rising to her feet, honey irises betraying her feelings, fury and sadness, in the next moment she sat back down and Itachi gave an inward sigh of relief.
Then glanced to his charge hoping she had something in that brain of hers "U..Um wh..what about a bet then, s..say I train under you for the next week, if I stick out the training you have to come back to the village and take me on as your second apprentice" Sakura burst out suddenly.
Even Tsunade was stunned at the idea "But Sakura-san you'll be hurt and never last" Shizune felt fear fill her, that was it, the end of the pink haired girl because as soon as Sakura saw what her mentor was really like the girl would run and never look back.
But Sakura proved to be to stubborn "Hmm it's not a bad idea I'll admit, though why do you want to be my apprentice, what do you gain out of that position" the blonde narrowed her honey eyes on the young girl, who claimed she was an Uzumaki.
"For my family and friends I must get stronger and improve, plus my dream is to be a really good medical shinobi plus a Hunter Ninja as well" the pinkette admitted quietly determination searing through her veins.
And Itachi couldn't be prouder of her "Well what do you say Tsunade-sama will accept the terms of her bet" the seventeen year old turned his gaze on the older woman in hopes that she wouldn't refuse the bet.
Tsunade grumbled for a few minutes before relenting and accepted the bet "Guess we'll see you tomorrow morning outside the village" the ebony haired woman sighed hoping this didn't end in disaster as they split up and went to bed in different hotels.
Upon waking the next morning and after eating breakfast the four of them gathered outside the village "Are you ready brat, I hope you are cause this training is going to be like nothing you've ever been through before" Tsunade stood opposite the young fuscia haired girl.
Who took a deep breath steeling her nerves to get her through this training "Just so you know Tsunade-sama I don't give up easily" Sakura stated pushing her glasses up her nose and settling into a defensive stance ready.
And with that training began and she had to hastily back-flip in order to avoid getting decked in the face with a fist, concentrating while dodging was a lot more difficult than she'd imagined but soon enough she was able to manifest her greatest weapons.
Chakra chains "So she really is an Uzumaki like she said" Shizune gasped, not only that but Sakura was very good at wielding the special chains while dodging and throwing in her own attacks at the same time, mind no doubt going a mile a minute as she thought on what to do.
"Of course, Sakura-san is a very special girl, has a high intelligence that could give even probably Shikaku Nara's son a challenge with her skills during a fight as she's been training since she was six" Itachi nodded.
Keeping his gaze focused on the two training females, who were really quite a like in some ways which made the training session interesting until Sakura ran out of energy and chakra just a little before noon and flopped on the ground after getting punched for the millionth time.
Thanking her lucky stars that the woman she was training against wasn't using chakra to enhance her attacks for the time being "Heh guess you do have some guts after all brat, go eat, find something to do I'm going to find a hot spring to soak in for a bit" the blonde snorted.
Bending to heal some of the damage she'd dealt to the brat before stalking off "Ugh Tsunade-sama is kind of brutal, I like it" the pinkette grinned feeling as if she could really improve and become stronger under that woman's tutelage.
"You are something else Sakura-san, come on let's find a restaurant that has your favorite" the raven haired seventeen year old shook his head in amusement helping the girl onto her feet as they headed back into the town to eat.
Leaving behind Tsunade's assistant who hurried after her mentor "Mean why did you leave me behind like that" the ebony haired woman sulked cradling her precious pig Tonton in her arms as she caught up with her dead Uncle's lover.
Eventually they did find a hot spring to relax the rest of the day while their two unexpected guests were eating before wandering about the town on the search for souvenirs to bring back as promised for everyone, even the ones who hadn't requested a souvenir.
In the end they both had fun trying out some amusement in the town as there seemed to be some kind of festival going on before finding a restaurant to eat dinner and then return to their chosen hotel to get some shut eye for the next day.
Which was a repeat of the day before "Just give up brat you'll never last" Tsunade snapped itching to get her hands on the brat again, though it seemed her evasion skills had improved since yesterday which really irked her for some reason.
"Never Tsunade-sama, I have to win this bet, Hokage-sama is counting on us to bring you back and I hate failing at missions or disappointing those that are important to me" Sakura shot right back ducking low and swinging her foot out.
Making the woman retreat to get out of range from the chakra chain that came after her in the next moment at that point she was extremely out of breath but she would push herself past her limits because she didn't like loosing.
Tsunade ground her teeth in frustration and shot a glare at the Uchiha that had come with the pink haired brat who really was testing her patience "It's like she's grown even more determined since yesterday" Shizune frowned watching the training session from a safe distance.
"She has, that's Sakura-san, she'll struggle until she manages to complete something" Itachi nodded lightly, glad that she'd thought of something to convince the woman to come back with them, even if he was no longer training her.
Of course though he could if she regained some chakra later on in the day take her out for a training session of his own in order to help her improve on other things and not just her taijutsu, it was an idea he'd run by her later.
Especially as the second training session between Tsunade and Sakura came to an end at the same time it had the day before "Damn stupid little brat" the blonde glowered down at the girl who was flopped on the ground again breathing heavily and sweat pouring from her entire body.
Looking exhausted "S..Still not giving up Tsunade-sama no matter how much you complain" the pinkette panted out of breath and struggling to get back onto her feet to no avail, she'd really pushed herself it seemed.
"Honestly what do you hope to accomplish pushing yourself like that" the ebony haired woman shook her head trailing after Tsunade as they vanished into Tanzaku town like they had the day before to probably find something to do.
That day was gambling, "Right time for lunch and I had an idea, after you regain some of your chakra we can come back out here and I'll train you in other area's to help you improve on other skills that you want to" the Uchiha Heir offered.
Peridot orbs lit up with excitement and the fuscia haired girl nodded her head eagerly as they found a restaurant that served ramen before returning outside the village to work on kenjutsu, genjutsu and fuinjutsu as well if she felt like it.
Before returning to the hotel to eat and go to bed, where the days repeated until it was the final day of the bet "For kami sake just give up brat like hell I'm going to lose to you" Tsunade wasn't very happy to realize that the brat had pushed on despite the odds.
"Likewise Tsunade-sama you will be coming back to the Leaf Village with Itachi-san and I" Sakura snapped back being extremely careful that day as she wanted to last longer than she had the other days, it would really prove to her that she was becoming stronger and improving.
Off to the side watching like usual were Tsunade's attendant and the Uchiha "Just don't understand what drives her to be like that" Shizune was concerned for the girl's mental state, had she been traumatized or something.
A moment later she had her answer "When she was ten, Morino's younger brother was branded a traitor and died during a previous Chunin Exams, it traumatized her of death and so she vowed to never let anything like that happen again to those she cares for by training" Itachi admitted.
He wasn't as quiet in his explanation as he thought for Tsunade had a moment of weakness as pity filled her for the young girl in front of her "SHANNARO" the pinkette took advantage of that hesitation and knocked Tsunade back a couple of feet.
"Guess you really have surprised me brat" the honey eyed blonde smirked aiming a kick at the girl's stomach and sending her flying until she crashed to the earth several feet away barely conscious but still awake to make a sound of pain before blacking out.
Itachi jolted "Did you have to kick her that hard Tsunade-sama, she is still a child despite her advanced abilities" the ebony haired Uchiha frowned hurrying towards his charge and bending down to pick her up.
Only to be stopped as the woman herself healed Sakura fully "So what are we going to do now Tsunade-sama" the raven haired woman questioned in confusion, technically Sakura had made it a whole entire week training with Tsunade thus completing the bet.
And the loser was her mentor "Fine, fine looks like we're going back to the Leaf Village and the pink brat is my second apprentice now" Tsunade groaned storming towards the village intent on packing her belongings so they could go back.
Relieved that it had only taken a week and three days "Thank you Sakura-san" Itachi murmured lifting the unconscious girl into his arms like he had wanted to earlier and carrying her gently back to the hotel he'd chosen for them.
"Can't believe it" Shizune was stunned, still not really understanding what made the only pink haired Uzumaki in existence that she knew about push herself past her limits in order to prove herself to others.
Forty minutes later said girl was awake again "Wait a minute I lost the bet didn't I" Sakura realized that they were in the hotel and Tsunade was not around, great she just had to go and pass out like an idiot didn't she.
Itachi chuckled under his breath "Not at all Sakura-san, she conceded defeat and agreed to come back to the village with us while taking you on as her second apprentice" the Uchiha Heir explained turning to face his charge.
Sakura's eyes lit up in happiness "Yay, yay I did it, I did it, can't wait to tell Father" the pinkette cheered hopping about eager to return home and hand out souvenirs, plus brag about becoming the apprentice of one of the Legendary Sannin to Sasuke, it would totally make him jealous.
Knowing what the girl was thinking probably he ushered them from the hotel after paying the rent and together they made their way to the exit of Tanzaku Town "Bout time you got here I was getting sick and tired of waiting for you" the blonde grumbled.
"Don't mind Tsunade-sama, she's just a little put out that you managed to last for a week training with her is all" the raven haired woman said, kind of excited to return to the Leaf Village since it had been so long if she was being honest with herself.
And just like that they started down the path, their destination the Hidden Leaf Village, hours later though when it was nearing dinner time they stopped to set up camp and sleep out under the stars for only the second time.
While fish were cooking over the fire Tsunade rummaged about in her pack for something "Come on brat if your going to be my apprentice you have to learn how to be a Slug Summoner and summon slugs" Tsunade ordered finding that which she sought.
Pulling out a storage scroll which was unsealed to reveal a huge scroll that was for creature summons, not just any summons but Slugs "Right and I promise to train hard beneath you Tsunade-shishou" Sakura vowed not realizing the change in title.
The others did though and so did Tsunade but no one commented on it as she had the brat unroll the scroll and sign her name on it "Before we leave tomorrow after breakfast you can practice if you'd like" Itachi offered knowing that Sakura was excited to begin her new training.
Immediately Sakura nodded her head, emerald orbs burning brightly with her determination "Why are you determined to train so hard right now, this was just a mission wasn't it" Shizune questioned having not been paying attention lately it seemed.
"Chunin Exams, Shizune, and I'm guessing you brat are a participant of the Final Round" the blonde raised a pale brow on her newest apprentice who gazed up at her before nodding seriously in answer.
Shizune's eyes widened "Suppose I shouldn't be to surprised, do you know who your fighting against in the Final Round" the raven haired woman inquired curiously while reaching for a stick as dinner was deemed ready to eat.
Next to the young girl Itachi chuckled "My otouto, Sasuke, they've always been competitive towards each other and it should be quite the match" the Uchiha Heir announced and Sakura giggled under her breath.
"Somehow though I always manage to beat him in a spar, that was when we were little though, now he'll be difficult and be able to keep me on my toes" the pinkette admitted mulling over her options again in order to figure out a full proof plan.
There was absolutely no way she was going to lose even if Sasuke was her friend, silence reigned over the four of them as they ate before crawling into their sleeping bags to get some shut eye for the night and regain the chakra they'd lost during the day.
Upon waking the next morning Sakura found herself one of the first one's up, not only that it was only six and she had way to much energy to spare for some reason, with that mindset she went a few feet away from the camp and unsealed her sword.
Working on her kenjutsu in that manner twenty minutes passed by "Fuck it is way to early why the hell are you up brat" suddenly she was joined by Tsunade, who put her hands on her hips and stared down at her in exasperation.
A sheepish smile worked it's way onto her lips "Kind of use to waking up at six cause of Father" Sakura said quietly not wanting to disturb the others that were still asleep, sure they'd only been gone for a week and four days but Itachi had to be tired from keeping watch nearly every night.
Honey orbs widened "Morino right guess I shouldn't be surprise, anyway since we're up might as well get started on your training brat" the blonde reminded, showing Sakura the summoning jutsu hand signs to get her going.
Knowing this training was going to be like nothing she could have ever imagined Sakura took a deep breath sealing away her sword and sat indian style on the ground running through her newest set of hand signs "Ninja Art: Slug Summoning Jutsu" the pinkette called softly.
Molding the right amount of chakra needed into the jutsu and in a quiet plume of smoke there was a small purple and white slug before her "Hello I am Himitsu pleased to meet you" the slug introduced herself.
"Training already should have known you couldn't wait Sakura-san" Itachi woke up at the unfamiliar female voice and inwardly relieved that it wasn't some attacker, that was the thing he feared the most while outside the village and having Sakura with him.
He swore on his life that he wouldn't let her get hurt or kidnapped after all, his honor and loyalty wouldn't allow it "Way to early for this" Shizune yawned sitting up looking as if she hadn't slept a wink during the night.
Causing her mentor to snort before focusing her honey orbs on her newest apprentice just as the summoning wore off "Before you get started I must warn you, Sakura-san already knows the mystical palm" the Uchiha threw out there.
Shizune gaped openly at that "Impossible, Sakura-san is nothing more than a child, who I admit does have some skills but the mystical palm is way to advanced for even her" the ebony haired woman scolded.
Being doubted made her heart drop into her stomach for a brief second until she forced the hurtful statement out of her mind and heart "Does this prove it to you that I do know the mystical palm" Sakura cleared her throat, focusing her chakra into her hands and willing it to turn green.
It did beautifully just as Itachi had said "O..Oh Sakura-san I'm very sorry I didn't mean to doubt you so harshly like that" Shizune flinched being proven wrong by the young Uzumaki girl, who let the healing chakra fade before turning away from them.
"Gonna have to apologize a little better later on, she's worked very hard on learning for those she cares for after all" Itachi murmured quietly not daring to speak loudly, the girl was as stubborn as an ox in some cases.
Realizing that there was limited things she could teach the brat while on the road, the blonde tapped her chin in thought "Very well then we'll work on your chakra control until we reach the Leaf Village, I want you to start storing chakra right here" Tsunade ordered.
Tapping the girl on the forehead, peridot orbs stared up at her in surprise before relenting to the woman's demands, with that breakfast was deemed done and after packing up their limited belongings they were on their way once again.
As they got closer to that outpost town though Itachi and Sakura tensed unsure if that rogue was still hanging about waiting for them to return "Is something the matter" the honey eyed blonde eyed them with a weird look in her eyes.
"When we came through the first time a rogue from Mist came after me to recruit me for an organization known as Akatsuki, he held Sakura-san captive in his clutches" the ebony haired seventeen year old said.
Keeping his temper reigned in, it had been hard not snatching Sakura out of his arms "Yeah and that jerk knocked me out to" the pinkette huffed walking a little closer to the Uchiha because she knew she was safest with them out of anyone, even Tsunade.
Shizune was horrified like usual "Kami that's just terrible, is that why you reached Tanzaku Town so quickly you thought he might pursue you Itachi-san" the raven haired woman inquired and the teenager nodded guard raised, he was a member of Anbu Black Ops after all.
Eventually they did reach the outpost town just a day away from Leaf Village now and rent a hotel, two separate rooms one for Itachi and the second for the three females where they ate dinner at the cafeteria before going to bed.
And the next morning they were on the move hoping to reach the Leaf Village before the end of the day so they'd be safe and sound and able to rest in their own beds once more, by dinner they'd completed their goals.
After a quick meeting with the Hokage, he sent them home, Naruto, Karin, Suigetsu and Inari were glad to have Sakura back home, but it was clear she was exhausted from being gone for two whole weeks at that point and after eating quickly went to bed knowing that the next day would be like hell on her.