Title: Personal Kunoichi Growth System
Summary: In this world, Sakura goes on the Sasuke retrieval mission without permission and dies miserably because she was weak. She awakens in a pure white room and was introduced to the "Personal Kunoichi Growth System". AU. Strong-Sakura.
Character Information:
Sakura Haruno
Rank: Genin
Classification: Haruno Merchant Lvl 2
Taijutsu Style: Falling Blossom
Stats:
Perception:165
Dexterity:140
Negotiations:190
Strength: 73
Intelligence: 220
Speed: 235
Stamina:225
Ninjutsu:105
Taijutsu: 140
Chakra: 90% (Max)
Other:
Bloodline Limit: Merchant Mind
Nature Type: Water Release, Yin Release, Lunar Release, Earth Release
Chakra Type: Lunar Chakra
Potential Growth: 90%
Mastered Jutsu/Skills: Excellent Chakra Control, Tree and Water Walking, Basic Academy Taijutsu, Basic Clone Jutsu, Transformation Jutsu, Golden Coins, Yin Release: Coin Substitution, Dancing Blossom, Falling Blossom: Sword Dance, Falling Blossom: Ensnaring Dance, Lunar Release: Harvest Moon, Yin Release: Value Boosting, Yin Release: Item Duplication, Flower Release: Rosen Battle Maiden, Flower Release: Rainbow Flower Festival
Jutsu/Skills: Yin Release: Lucky Charm Lvl 2, Yin Release: Ownership Contract Lvl 1,
Points Available: 6000
Tsunade was an impatient woman, that she knew for certain, but ever since Sasuke disappeared it sparked unrest with the council and the clans. Tsunade rubbed her temples as she looked through the never-ending paperwork. Between her duties, the council, and the clans she was tempted to run away from the village again.
The council wanted the Sharingan to be kept safe in the village while the clans wanted to procure the Uchiha blood for themselves, especially the Hyuga and Yamanaka Clans who wanted to match either Ino or Hinata with Sasuke in marriage. They were some other lessor known clans vying for Sasuke as well. However, the Hyuga Clan was pushing for it the most. According to Hiashi, the Byukugan and Sharingan are two sides of the same coin and should be reunited.
She was stuck between two hard walls that refused to budge and could only send out to Anbu members to capture and bring Sasuke back. Then there was Sakura who was unfairly caught up in the entire mess. She was furious with Hiashi who ruthlessly scolded Sakura and demanded that she be removed for endangering Neji and the other clan heirs.
It was all so he could get his daughter on the team with the nine-tails and the Sharingan. If her anbu were successful then he would get his wish and she wanted revenge. She had pushed for Sakura, much to the council and Hiashi's dismay, and to be put on Team 8 but eventually, she will get the girl back on Team 7. She had read her files and could see that she had potential. That's why she couldn't understand why Hatake didn't train her properly.
Suddenly, three consecutive knocks rapt on her door. "Hokage sama." a familiar voice spoke.
Speak of the devil and he shall appear. "Come in!" She yelled before leaning back in her chair comfortably. She watched as Kakashi walked in with Naruto and Hinata trailing behind him. There was a silence among them and Naruto wasn't his usual cheerful self which made Tsunade a little sad. Tsunade patiently listened to the report from their latest C-rank mission and when he was finished she waved them away.
"Hokage sama."
Tsunade looked up from her paperwork with confusion. "What is it?" She asked coldly. She wanted to jump over the table and send him through the wall because of his presence alone.
"It has come to my knowledge that you have assigned Sakura to Team 8," Kakashi said which surprised both Naruto and Hinata.
"Yes, I did," Tsunade folded her arms, "She should be meeting with Kurenai this morning. What do you want?"
"With all due respect, she isn't ready to be a kunoichi," Kakashi said without emotion.
"Kakashi Sensei!" Naruto shouted, glaring at him.
Tsunade slammed her fist on the table. "Before you question my decisions, Hatake, maybe you should've actually trained her!" She retorted, "Get the hell out of my office!"
When they left the office, she slumped down in the chair. 'What else could possibly ruin my mood today, huh?' She thought tiredly.
"TSUNADE SAMA!" Shizune screamed, bursting into the office.
"FUCK" Tsunade muttered before jumping out of her seat. "Shizune, what the hell is it now?!"
Shizune ran up to the desk and slammed her hands down on the surface. "A-all of the gold bars and gold jewelry in our treasury has vanished!"
Tsunade was alarmed. "How is that possible?!" Tsunade nearly shrieked.
"Not just our treasury but there are reports in the village whose possessions, mainly gold, have gone missing as well!"
Her entire body was trembling. If this was true and everything had been stolen then that means... She shook her head furiously. "What about the silver and other valuables?" Tsunade asked coldly.
"Fortunately, whoever took them only wanted gold and everything else was left untouched," Shizune said with some relief.
Tsunade nodded and raised her hand. Several anbu appeared in her office in an instant. "I'm sure you have heard everything. Search the village immediately for anyone suspicious!" She ordered and they immediately disappeared.
Tsunade sat back down in her chair and rubbed her eyes tiredly. "I regret taking this job," Tsunade mumbled tiredly.
"Tsunade sama is the village br-"
"Don't say it." Tsunade interrupted. "Just get me some sake, please!"
Sakura was incredibly late, yet she didn't care. She carefully ate her breakfast at the table while her father had multiple papers on the table, carefully going through their documentation, finances, and his schedule for the day. Her mother wasn't feeling well so she was still in her bed recuperating. So they ended up discussing business at the table.
"I think we should name the farms' Wildflower Orchard," Kizashi said, "Also, since the farms are so close together we should turn it into one large farm but that will take some construction. What do you think?"
"I think Wildflower Orchard is a great name," She honestly replied, "I was also thinking of making it one large farm so I agree."
Kizashi nodded. "I still can't wrap my head around you having a summon and how she instantly grew strange fruits on the farm. Are you sure it is alright to eat those fruits?"
Sakura nodded, pushing her plate aside. "If you want you can taste them before we sell them today to the vendor."
"I think I will do that," Kizashi nodded, "By the way, that vendor you're talking about is one of my connections. His name is Yagami Ryuichi. They have agreed to the meeting next week so when the time comes we will go."
Sakura was surprised. "Is that so?" She smiled, everything was falling into place. "Thank you, Dad, for trusting me."
Kizashi grinned. "You're my precious daughter after all!" He boasted.
Sakura laughed at her father's antics.
"What are we going to do about Masuda and his gang of farmers?" He asked his daughter.
"I was thinking they should relocate," Sakura answered, "We no longer have any use for them. We could remove their old farmhouses and build one large three-story farmhouse, that way Hitsohi, Kiko, and the other farm help can live on the farm."
"Good idea," Kizashi was satisfied by her answer, "You should quickly go and meet your team. I'm not happy about this and wish I could keep you home but you have grown a lot these past weeks."
The pinkette rose from her seat. "I will see you later, Dad," Sakura said before leaving the house.
When she got outside she noticed there was a lot more ninja on patrol and going door to door but didn't pay it much attention. She took her time and went to the training ground 8. When she got there she was alarmed and dropped down onto the training ground as everyone's eyes turned to her.
[Sakura, why is your old teammate and sensei here?]
Sakura shrugged and walked up to her sensei. "Kurenai Sensei, forgive me for being so late. There was a cat that needed saving from a tree and an old woman who needed help with her groceries." Sakura said quickly while bowing her head and was met with silence and if one looked they could see Kakashi's eyes twinkle.
Kurenai didn't know what to say in response and had to quickly compose herself. "That's alright. Next time, please be early."
Sakura raised her head and looked her directly in her eyes. "Understood, Kurenai sensei." She replied.
"Alright, originally, Team 10 was here to observe but it seems we have Team 7 here as well so there has been a change of plans." Kurenai said, glancing at Kakashi, "Sakura, you're going to spar with Hinata today."
Hinata gasped, sending Sakura a look before quickly looking away.
"WHAT?!" Naruto shouted, "You can't do that to Sakura-chan!"
Ino stepped in. "I agree with Naruto. You should let me spar with her."
Sakura never felt so angry before. Did they think she was so weak she couldn't handle Hinata? "STOP!" Sakura snapped angrily, "I don't need you two acting like some valiant knights!" She looked at Kurenai, "I will spar with Hinata."
"Sakura-chan.."
"No, Naruto." Kakashi interrupted, "You should let her handle her own battles."
Sakura glanced at the man who used to be her sensei. "Thank you, Hatake san." She snipes, making him flinch at how she addressed him.
[Sakura, your old sensei doesn't want you to be a ninja. Why is that?]
'I don't know but he's in for a treat if he thinks I will stop.'
Kurenai was perturbed by the fire in Sakura's eyes and wondered if she made the right choice in agreeing to Kakashi's plan. "Alright, everyone clear the field for Hinata and Sakura."
Sakura took her position and stared at the girl who replaced her on Team 7. She still had the same timid personality and was trying her best not to look at her.
"I'm sorry, Sakura-san," Hinata said softly which only pissed her off more.
[Sakura, calm down, and fight carefully. She is still a member of the Hyuga Clan.]
Nix was right, she needed to calm down. Hinata was still a Hyuga who could incapacitate her with multiple hits. Sakura released her hidden white sleeves that fell gracefully to the ground and got into her stance.
Kakashi was calm and his body language showed it but on the inside, he was shocked. The Sakura that he saw a few weeks earlier didn't look like this. Her chakra felt different, it felt strong, soothing, and abundant. He noticed a lot more changes other than her appearance and wondered if the outcome of this battle will be like he expected.
Naruto was entirely different and was brimming with excitement and energy. "You can do it Sakura-chan!" He shouted like it was the most normal thing which earned a look of surprise from the said girl and her opponent. He had missed her terribly and wanted so badly to go to her but Kakashi suggested he didn't go to avoid bringing more problems to her due to his problem and rep with the villagers.
After his battle with Sasuke, he was heavily injured and when he woke up, he had learned what happened. He was angry with Tsunade and Kakashi for not even fighting for his teammate. Yet, when he finally met Sakura he couldn't even summon the words he wanted to say.
Kurenai looked at her current student and her previous student. "You both know the rules. if things get too dangerous we will intervene. Begin!"
The tension was palpable.
"Byakugan!" Hinata shouted breaking the tension cleanly.
She let out a silent gasp looked at Sakura whose chakra was pure white instead of blue. She was almost mesmerized by it. She never saw chakra that color before and assumed that Sakura trained when she was suspended from active duty but what type of training would make your chakra white?
However, that didn't matter in the scheme of things when she was worked to the bone by her father to get stronger. This was Sakura she was sparring against. Her civilian born love rival had no talent besides her chakra control. It was unlike her to be so harsh but it was the truth and she would make Sakura see the truth. She dashed towards Sakura with all the ferociousness she could muster.
Sakura observed the girl in front of her who bore a fierce fire in her eyes as if she had something to prove. Too bad, that she too, had something to prove. Sakura closed her eyes for a moment and then re-opened them. She channeled chakra to the bottom of her feet and jumped backward, high into the air.
She created ten gold coins in her right hand and formed the tiger seal with her left hand. "Yin Release: Lucky Charm!" Three coins were good luck, two normal, and the last five were bad luck. She threw the five bad luck coins at the girl along with the two normal coins and kept the good luck coins.
Hinata was surprised at the gold coins which were made of chakra that Sakura threw at her. She quickly pulled out a kunai and knocked them away before resuming her charge. Sakura smirked as she landed back at the ground and charged at the girl. She unleashed her right sleeve that flew across the field towards the white-eyed girl.
Hinata calculated the distance between herself and the fast incoming sleeve that was coated in chakra. She went to sidestep the attack but suddenly found herself falling towards the sleeve. 'I tripped over a rock?!' She thought before the sleeve hit her directly in her face. She screamed out as she flew across the field. Hinata rolled across the field and recovered with a flip. She growled and thrust her palm at the pinkette.
"Eight Trigrams Air Palm!" She shouted and watched as Sakura cart-wheeled to the side, dodging the crippling attack. Hinata grew more frustrated. She couldn't believe Sakura had grown so strong in such a short time and continued sending out more air palms.
Sakura danced around the field, a hairsbreadth from being hit from the air palms. Sweat ran down her forehead as she secretly thanked Neji for training with her. She knew how fast that attack was and she was at the receiving end of it the last time she trained with Neji. It was thanks to that, that she was able to calculate the distance and dodge accordingly.
She side-stepped the air attack that was close to hitting her and aimed her hand at the area above Hinata's head. She felt her chakra drain and the barrel she had copied yesterday formed above her head.
Hinata looked up and was astonished. "How?" Hinata couldn't help but question, as gravity pulled the barrel downwards. She felt many things at this moment and couldn't believe what was happening right now. Sakura and she were on the same level?
"DO SOMETHING HINATA!" Kiba screamed.
"YOU CAN DO IT, SAKURA CHAN!" Naruto yelled in response, forgetting that the girl wasn't on his team anymore.
Her ears tuned out Kiba and only listened to Naruto cheering for Sakura. Someone who wasn't even on his team anymore. She grew angry, so angry, that tears threatened to fall from her eyes.
'Sakura!' She thought angrily.
Sakura was calm as she watched the girl prepare her counter attack. She didn't care too much for Naruto's cheering but she knew it was affecting the girl across from her. It was all going according to her foresight, hopefully. If Hinata knew her clan's rotation technique she would use it now.
Sakura channeled chakra to her feet and moved across the field quickly. She sped through hand seals and through her right hand outwards. "Lunar Release: Harvest Moon!" Sakura shouted, her voice echoing throughout the field.
"Eight Trigrams: Palm Rotation!" Hinata shouted, having seen Sakura already and deflected the barrel.
Sakura gripped the lunar scythe in her hand tightly before slicing through the defensive jutsu. She slid across the field from her own momentum, absorbing the chakra she stole.
Hinata felt her chakra was disrupted and her jutsu shattered completely, throwing her to the ground. She panted, getting up from the ground and stared at the white scythe in Sakura's hand that was made out of that strange white chakra. She felt it, her chakra being absorbed the moment that scythe passed through her defense and through her.
"SAKURA!" Hinata suddenly shrieked, which was unlike her. Hot tears were rolling down her cheeks. Her father said she needed to be stronger in order to capture Naruto's heart. He ruthlessly reminded her every time they trained. He would beat it into her until she was completely and utterly exhausted and deprived of chakra. Yet, here was Sakura, ruining everything for her. Her accomplishments, her finally earning her father's attention, it was all going to be wiped away by her. Hinata growled and charged chakra into her hands with turned into fierce lion heads.
"Gentle Step: Twin Lion Fist!" shouted Hinata who dashed towards the pinkette.
Sakura allowed her scythe to dissipate and accurately threw two bad luck coins at the girl. She felt the good luck aura covered her body while watching Hinata deflect her coins. Sakura smiled at the sight of the bad luck aura covering Hinata completely and didn't move from her position.
"HAAAA!" Hinata roared and thrust her lion at Sakura's chest. Her fist crashed into something hard and her eyes widened at the golden shield protecting Sakura. However, the pain came before she could even summon a word. She heard her own wrist snap and let out a shriek as she jumped away from the girl.
"Hinata!" Kurenai went to rush towards the girl.
"NO!" Hinata screamed as more tears ran down her face, "I can still fight!" Her palm hovered over her wrist and a green light followed up.
Kurenai was surprised. "She learned Medical Ninjutsu?"
Kakashi nodded, his eyes resting on Sakura's calm figure. "I thought it would be best if she learned it. Her great chakra control and byakugan is perfect for medical ninjutsu."
"Yet, you spared no time for your former student?" Asuma quipped with a smile.
"She is clearly stronger than even we thought," Kurenai added.
Kakashi didn't want to admit it but they were right. She reminded him so much of Rin. He was haunted when he saw the arrow in her chest as Neji raced through the village gates with her in his arms. He was sure she was dead but she survived and he was relieved but felt guilty. He really couldn't face her.
Sakura watches as Hinata heal her own arm with fascination. 'Medical Ninjutsu, huh?' Sakura thought with a tinge of admiration. 'She really has gotten stronger.'
[Sakura, are you going to let her heal herself?]
'Yes,' Sakura replied, 'She and I are similar except our reasons for getting strong differ.'
Hinata finished to heal herself and narrowed her eyes at Sakura. "Sakura-san," Hinata coldly said, "I'm going to end this now. I'm sorry but I have more to lose and I will not lose to you today!"
She could see the shock on the faces of her friends at her words but she didn't care. If she lost, her father would go back to treating her coldly, she might get kicked off of Team 7, and never see Naruto again. She didn't want to go back to those days where her father didn't care about her or where she was just a distant friend from Naruto.
Sakura remained silent with a smile on her face which infuriated Hinata further as if she was superior to her. Hinata held her breath and ran through quick hand seals. "Fire Release: Sacred Air Palm!" She breathed out, wincing slightly as a small ball of fire appeared spinning on the palms of her hands. She worked on this technique secretly with Kakashi sensei, wanting to impress her father, and Naruto.
Naruto stared wide-eyed at Hinata displaying her new technique. "Kakashi sensei, Hinata has gotten really strong hasn't she?" He said softly, his hands clenched into fists.
"She worked really hard on this technique but it still has some drawbacks," said Kakashi, his eyes moving from Hinata to Sakura. 'Sakura has also been working hard. What will she do now?'
"What are the drawbacks?" Asuma questioned, looking at Hinata with interest.
"The user will hurt themselves," Kakashi said gravely
"Then we need to stop them. It's just a spar, no need to go this far." Kurenai said, moving to stop them from fighting.
"No," Asuma interrupted, "She has something to prove so let her fight. If it gets too dangerous we will step in."
"You can't be serious, Asuma?" Kurenai looked at him incredulously.
"Kurenai sensei is right," Shikamaru interjected, "Hinata seems irrational right now."
"If Sakura is in danger, I will step in but she is proving to be pretty skilled thus far." Asuma placated them.
"Are you sure sensei?" Ino's voice quivered as she looked at her friends fighting.
"Very sure."
Hinata lurched forwards and thrust her palm towards Sakura.
BOOM!
Sakura cursed as a roaring tornado of fire was rocketing in her direction. She frantically jumped out of the way, dodging the attack, but her sleeves caught fire and burned her hands. Before she had time to cut off the sleeves another tornado of flame was heading in her direction. She quickly cut off the sleeves and weaved hand seals just as the fire engulfed her. Sakura nodded as she appeared behind Hinata due to her last-minute substitution. Her hands held multiple stinging burns.
Hinata could feel her intense burning on her palms and arms. The flame combined with the air pressure generated from her palm thrust slowly burned away her sleeves and burned her. She sent wave after wave of fiery tornados at the agile pinkette and with each tornado she produced her chakra reserves reduced significantly.
[Sakura, this technique is pretty powerful. You have to be careful.]
Different strategies ran through her head as she continued dodging the fiery tornados. This wasn't a spar anymore, was what went through her mind. She didn't have many options dealing with the lethal technique except one. She cart-wheeled to the side, dodging another tornado of flames. She dug into her pouch and threw an explosive tag at Hinata with quick precision. Sakura watches as Hinata stops her attack and jumped away from the explosive tag frantically.
BOOM!
The tag exploded, sending up a plume of smoke and Sakura used that time to bite her thumb and ran through hand seals. "Summoning Jutsu," She yelled, slamming her palm into the ground.
"Little Sakura, you need me so soon?" Mirage said softly as she emerged from the ground in front of Sakura.
Sakura ignored her words and stepped in front of Mirage and brought her hands together."We're going to do that!" Sakura quickly said, bringing her hands together in the snake seal.
"Anything for you, Little Sakura." Mirage giggled before touching Sakura with two vines and inserting chakra into her.
"Flower Release: Rosen Battle Maiden!" She yelled. Roses burst from the ground and entwined themselves around Sakura, covering her completely in petals and vines. Sakura burst from the ball of flowers in armor dress made from rose petals with a rose crown on her head and a sword made of petals and vines at her waist.
Sakura burst through the smoke startling Hinata who just recovered from her unexpected attack. Hinata rushed to her feet and ran towards her with a growl. Hinata thrust her palm towards her face and she gasped as hand her met air and the pinkette appeared slightly more towards the left. She didn't have time to dodge the kick aimed at her stomach.
The kick connected and she bent over coughing as the attack forced her back. That was impossible. There was no genjutsu that could fool her eyes. She glanced behind Sakura at the strange summon that wasn't doing anything. "KAI!" She tried before Sakura could attack.
Sakura smirked and rushed towards the girl once more and they engaged in taijutsu with Hinata on the defensive much to everyone's surprise. Hinata didn't know what was going on. She couldn't see any signs of genjutsu yet her visual perception of everything was off.
"AHH!" Hinata screamed as Sakura landed a punch on her face and she was sent sprawling to the ground. She panted tiredly. She could barely move right now and her chakra was exhausted.
She wanted to cry.
This wasn't what was supposed to happen at all.
She was supposed to win.
Hinata closed her eyes cried silent tears. Her palms were burnt and hurt so much. Naruto watched her lose. Her father will go back to his old ways. He might even beat her more when they trained. She was devastated.
Sakura panted tiredly and looked down at the crying girl as her flower armor disappeared. She turned around and walked away, passing Kiba and Shino who was going to their friend and went towards her new sensei. She had nothing against the pale-eyed girl and thought that she was really strong. She was stronger than she originally thought and wondered if Neji held back against her in their spars.
[He most definitely did.]
Sakura chuckles and stopped in front of her sensei. She ignored the stares that were focused on her, especially her old sensei. "Kurenai sensei," said Sakura, "Am I suitable enough for your team now?"
Before Kurenai could say something a flower suddenly grew next to Sakura. "Sakura," Mirage called softly, "did you manage to sell my fruits?"
Sakura groaned and looked at her summon. "Must we speak of this now?" Sakura asked flower.
Kakashi coughed. "Sakura, who is this?" Kakashi asked, earning a glare from Sakura.
"This is my summon, Mirage," Sakura barely got out before Mirage began squealing.
"Sakura-chan, that's so cool. You're super strong now!" Naruto grinned and Sakura almost felt warm in her heart as the old Naruto surfaced. She nodded and looked away.
"Sakura, this man, he seems very strong. I think he needs some more training." Mirage said excitedly, looking at Kakashi.
Sakura paled. "What is she talking about?" Ino questioned.
Sakura ignored the girl. "Mirage, you can go now." Sakura hissed, glaring at the flower.
Mirage giggled. "Buh-bye, little Sakura." She cooed softly and disappeared in a plume of smoke.
"Kurenai sensei, can I go home now?" Sakura asked the red-eyed woman.
Kurenai nodded and look at her other students. "You both should also follow Sakura. Think of it as a team bonding exercise." She said.
"You three should also go with her.." Asuma ordered his team, much to their disappointment.
[They are all sending their students with you, Sakura. What are you going to do?]
Sakura was annoyed. "There is no need to let them accompany me, Sensei." She coldly told Kurenai and walked away.
"Sakura-chan, wait up!" Naruto bolted behind the pinkette to catch up with her.
Sakura ignored the blonde and tried to walk faster and he matched her pace. She grimaced and channel chakra to her feet before jumping away. Yet, the blonde followed her persistently. She landed on a tree and turned around fully ready to curse at the blonde.
"NARUTO!" Sakura screamed and glared at the boy who looked hurt by her harsh words. Her heart softened at his hurt look and she looked away to avoid looking in his eyes.
[You should speak to him, Sakura. Hear what he has to say.]
Sakura rubbed her temples, trying to calm down, as she could feel a headache coming on because of her bloodline limit. "Naruto, what do you want from me?" Sakura finally asked the blue-eyed boy with a sigh.
"I want to say that I'm sorry," Naruto said mumbled, "I'm sorry that I didn't visit you but I only found out when I woke up from my injury!"
"You were injured?" Sakura questioned with wide-eyes.
"I was injured in my fight with...," He said sadly.
She didn't even know he was injured by Sasuke. She was angry at him for being a lousy friend while she was also a bad friend. She felt horrible and selfish that she didn't spare a thought about Naruto's well-being or anyone else's that went on that mission. She was so caught up in her own grief and situation she didn't even think about them.
Sakura bit her lip, trying to hold back her tears."I'm sorry too, Naruto, I didn't know..." Sakura said softly, thinking of how Naruto must've felt being alone.
"I just wished I fought more to have you stayed on Team 7," Naruto said, coming closer to her, "You, me, Sasuke, Kakashi sensei, I want Team 7 back again."
Something broke inside her and she jumped into the blonde's arms, hugging him tightly. She really missed him, she admitted to herself. She missed this knuckled headed idiot so much. "I missed you, Naruto," Sakura cried.
Naruto felt hot tears roll down his cheeks and hugged her back. "I missed you too, Sakura-chan," Naruto whispered, "Sasuke is gone, I don't need you to be gone out of my life too.
Sakura pulled away from the boy with a smile. "Wanna get some Ichiruaku?" Sakura offered, wanting to cheer him up, "I will pay of course."
Naruto happily cheered. "Is this a date, Sakura-chan?" Naruto grinned with hopeful eyes.
'Somethings never change.' Sakura shook her head with a smile. "I guess you can call it a date."
"YES!" Naruto pumped his fist in the air. "Let's go, Sakura-chan!"
A half an hour later, Sakura was downing a bowl of miso ramen with Naruto on his fourth bowl of ramen. Sakura glanced at the glutton next to her and narrowed her eyes. "Naruto, I said I would pay but not for that many bowls!" Sakura snapped.
Naruto sheepishly put the bowl down and scratched his cheek. "It's just that talking to you again made me happy so that increased my appetite." He chuckled
"I'm so glad to see you both here again, like old times." Ayame commented before looking at Sakura, "Also, Sakura, it doesn't mean much but just know that we didn't believe anything they said about you."
Sakura smiled, glad to know that people were on her side. "Thank you, Ayame san."
"By the way, Sakura-chan, you were amazing today!" Naruto told her with wide eyes, "When you created that scythe and wore the flower amour thingy. Those golden coins that you-"
"Shhhh" Teuchi suddenly hushed Naruto. "Don't talk about gold, Naruto!"
"What do you mean old man?" Naruto questioned loudly.
"There is a rumor going around that all of the gold in the treasury has been stolen," Teuchi whispered.
"It's not much of a rumor if it's true, Dad," Ayame replied softly, "Several business owners have reported their missing gold also."
Sakura coughed violently, spitting out miso ramen all over the counter. She thumped her chest while coughing and Naruto started rubbing her back.
"Are you ok, Sakura-chan?" Naruto asked in a worried tone and patted her back.
'Nix is this the result of the value-boosting jutsu?!' Sakura screamed inwardly.
[So it seems. You're such a bad girl, Sakura. What if the village becomes broke?]
'The economy could collapse?' Sakura winced, 'Surely, they have silver, bronze, ryo, or even jewels in the treasury!'
[If you are right then you have nothing to worry about.]
Sakura let out a sigh of relief. "I'm alright, Naruto." Sakura sent the blonde and appreciative look before looking at Teuchi. "I'm sure that the Hokage will find the culprit."
"I hope so as well," Teuchi said gravely.
Sakura felt a little better now that she reassured herself and turned to Naruto. "So what have you been up to Naruto? Are you training too?"
Naruto finished his bowl of ramen and grinned. "In a few months, I'm going to leave the village with Ero Senin to train!"
Sakura was surprised but also happy for the blonde. He gets to rain with a legendary sanin to actually learn something. "Are you training with Kakashi now?" She questioned, knowing the answer in her heart.
Naruto smiles brightly but she could see it was a fake smile. "Kakashi is helping with training Hinata but it's nothing, dattebayo!"
"Then, until you leave, shall we train together?" She suggested, hoping to spend as much time as she could with the boy and maybe teach him something.
Naruto's eyes widened. "Would you train with me, Sakura-chan?"
Sakura grinned. "Of course, I think I may have something that you could learn."
Naruto jumped out of his seat and grabbed her hands. "Really?!" Naruto yelled excitedly
[What do you intend to teach him, Sakura?]
Sakura smiled at Naruto. 'He's bright like the sun, isn't he? I have been mad at him but he is also being ignored like I was and yet he is still so cheerful and happy.'
[Aren't you afraid of people questioning his abilities? Not to mention what you displayed at training will leave your senseis questioning your identity.]
'That's why you're going to help protect my mind in the event that happens,' Sakura thought smugly, 'I already came up with a story.'
"LADY HARUNO!" a voice ripped through the street.
Sakura quickly let go of Naruto's hand and ran out into the street. She felt Naruto came next to her but her attention was merely focused on Hitoshi running towards her at full speed. He was panting and sweating badly when he skidded to a stop in front of her.
[Sakura, you have completed three tasks. Rewards: 15+ Per, 15+ Int, 15+ Neg, 7000 points, Lucky Charm Lvl 3.]
Sakura was surprised at Nix's robotic voice. 'Which tasks did I complete?'
[You have completed the following tasks: Find a business that is on the verge of shutting down and make it successful. [Rewards: 5+ Per, 5+ Int, 5+ Neg, 2000 Points] [5days to complete]. Successfully open, or acquire a business and make it successful. [Rewards: 10+ Per, 10+ Int, 10+ Neg, 3000 Points] [21 days to complete]. Use Lucky Charm 10 times on another shinobi. [Rewards: Lucky Charm Lvl 3, 2000 Points][1 month to complete]
'I must've completed that one when fighting against Hinata. As for the others...then the fruits must be a success!' Sakura thought but stared at Hitoshi who was panting, 'Why is Hitoshi sound so urgent?'
"Who is this, Sakura-chan?" Naruto questioned, glaring at the older boy.
"Hitoshi, what is wrong?" Sakura asked, watching the boy catch his breath.
"T-the market!" He breathed out with a blush, "It's really bad there. The people, it's really bad.."
Dread filled her body and before she knew it she was jumping across roofs and going towards the market. "Sakura-chan, what is going on?!" Naruto shouted, jumping next to her.
"Lady Haruno, you shouldn't go there!" Hitoshi cried out from behind her, "It's nothing for a young girl," He looked at Naruto, "or boy should see!"
"Then why would you tell me?!" Sakura yelled back at the boy angrily and moved faster towards the market.
When they got there it completed scarred her and Naruto.
[Sakura, look away now! This is even worst than the red light district!]
Sakura covered her face with her hands and silently thanked Kami there were no children in the market at this time. "H-how could this happen?!" Sakura shouted and glanced at Naruto who was looking unashamed with a blush on his face, "NARUTO!"
"I'M SORRY, SAKURA CHAN!" Naruto closed his eyes quickly.
Hitoshi guided them away from the scene as the shinobi guards interrupted the unsightly scene. "I think it all started with….the fruits..." Hitoshi squeaked.
"The fruits?" Sakura gasped and her eyes almost bulged out of her sockets, 'This is her doing?!' Sakura seethed. She could hear the flower summon giggling and sending her taunting remarks. "Where are my Dad and Kiko?" She asked, dread filling her body.
"Fortunately, they went back home before anything could happen," Hitoshi said, "but….your father took some fruits home to eat."
"I-is the fruits making people do things like that?" Naruto questioned after being silent for so long.
"I need to get home quickly!" Sakura screamed before jumping away.
"Wait for me, Sakura-chan!" Naruto yelled and followed the pinkette with Hitoshi close behind him.
Hokage's Office
"So you're telling me, Sakura Haruno has displayed abilities that she shouldn't have in such a short space of time?" asked Tsunade.
"Yes," Kakashi said, "Just a few weeks ago she wasn't this strong."
"I do think it is suspicious." Kurenai replied, "Maybe someone is secretly training her."
Asuma laughs. "She won against a Hyuga too. Maybe the problem isn't her but the teacher." Asuma grinned, glancing at Kakashi.
Kakashi wasn't amused.
"While I agree, this could be a problem," Tsunade frowned, "Keep an eye on her, Kurenai."
Kurenai nodded. "Understood."
"Good," Tsunade sighed, "We have another problem. I have gotten multiple reports all over the village of gold going missing. I don't know or when it disappeared but there has been no traces left, no signs of broken entry, nothing. It's like a ghost came and stole everything."
"What are you going to do now, Hokage sama?" asked Asuma.
Before she could say anything, Shizune burst into the office and she knew it couldn't be anything good. "What is it now, Shizune?" Tsunade barked, glaring at the dark-haired woman.
"The shinobi guards had to apprehend over a dozen people at the market because they were...um…," Shizune blushed.
"Out with it?!" Tsunade yelled.
"They were doing sexual acts in public…." Shizune finally said and silence ensued.
"Oh," Kakashi said, looking amused.
"That-" Kurenai was unable to form words.
"JUST WHAT THE HELL IS GOING ON?!" Tsunade screamed.
End of Character Information:
Sakura Haruno
Rank: Genin
Classification: Haruno Merchant Lvl 2
Taijutsu Style: Falling Blossom
Stats:
Perception:180
Dexterity:140
Negotiations:205
Strength: 73
Intelligence: 235
Speed: 235
Stamina:225
Ninjutsu:105
Taijutsu: 140
Chakra: 90% (Max)
Other:
Bloodline Limit: Merchant Mind
Nature Type: Water Release, Yin Release, Lunar Release, Earth Release, Flower Release
Chakra Type: Lunar Chakra
Potential Growth: 90%
Mastered Jutsu/Skills: Excellent Chakra Control, Tree and Water Walking, Basic Academy Taijutsu, Basic Clone Jutsu, Transformation Jutsu, Golden Coins, Yin Release: Coin Substitution, Dancing Blossom, Falling Blossom: Sword Dance, Falling Blossom: Ensnaring Dance, Lunar Release: Harvest Moon, Yin Release: Value Boosting, Yin Release: Item Duplication, Flower Release: Rosen Battle Maiden, Flower Release: Rainbow Flower Festival
Jutsu/Skills: Yin Release: Lucky Charm Lvl 3, Yin Release: Ownership Contract Lvl 1,
Points Available: 13000
I'm going for a different characterization of Hinata. She is not my fav character but I'm enjoying writing to her. I want her character to be a little complicated. Someone who is vying for the attention of her father and her crush, yet at the same time, scarred by her father's wishes and moves for power.