During the mission to Wave, Sakura realises that she has to become a better ninja for her teammates' sake and be someone they can depend on. She vows to take her training seriously, and receives help from the most unlikely of sources; Genma Shiranui. The two form an unlikely bond and stick together through thick and thin, while Sakura improves and meets other people along the way.

Someone hit the pavement, and their heart stopped. (Yet their spirit kept on going.) It's not a perfect situation, not by a long shot, but he'll make it work – somehow. [male!sakura][male si/oc insert into sakura]

But Sakura swears that, this time, Ino won't be the only one who notices. Sakura-centric.

Dying for the village has never bothered Ino.

The Wave Mission was a failure. They got caught, captured, taken-it didn't end well. Now Sakura has a half-heard order, uncut fingernails, and more desperation than bravery. One way or another, she's getting Team Seven out today. Complete.