Chapter Fourteen: "Sasuke's New Way And Sakura's Suspicions"

Sakura: "Don't jinx me. I know I prepared a small army in my pocket, but I really don't want to use it. If this ends with me using Naruto's army to just act like my slaves for a day instead of fighting against an invasion, that'd be the best! Viva la being a queen!"
—On Hoping The Talking System In Your Head Is Wrong So You Can Pretend To Be Queen Cleopatra For A Day "Hey, Orochimaru! Go change your life mission to become a science teacher or something. You're ruining my sweet life fantasy!"

System: You're in this world to save Konoha! Not go on vacation!

Sakura: One must always live life to the fullest no matter where she is.

System cries: Why couldn't I get a serious host? Boo hoo.

Tsunade: Heyyy, I feel like I can get along with you. Like Sake?

Jiraiya: Me, too. I need a beta reader.

Orochimaru: Back off. She's mine! And you better not corrupt my Sakura with your filthy ways, toad.

Konoha: It's too late.

Meanwhile, Future Naruto and Sasuke are busy planning for their 401k while Sakura is rich from selling everything from seals to their own fanart. For some reason, people were calling them idols these days? What was that? The men bite their lips as they contemplate why they are forced to do over-time at work while Sakura messed around. Life was truly unfair.

Also Sakura: Why am I still single?

Akatsuki and Team Seven in background: *hides bodies while they beg for freedom* Just focus on money and us, Sakura. You don't need men.

…

…

One week later…The tournament between heroes — Oh? Wrong manga? But I already made a Deku banner…

*Narrator coughs* Right. Back to Konoha.

Anyway! The Chuunin Exam resumes! Once again, the infamous Konoha trouble-making trio found themselves on the steps as Kakashi wept in the background.

Kakashi cried, "My precious students are finally growing up! Boo hoo."

Naruto turned to his 'crying' sensei with a frown. He said, "If you're gonna cry, you should take your nose out of that ero book, Kakashi-Sensei."

Kakashi didn't move his eyes away from his holy tome. "I am truly sad. Truly. Do your best. It will be hard, but I will be watching you 100%." He said with a monotone as the book continued to cover his face.

Sakura scowled back at him and yelled, "Hey! Can't you act better? Our entire future is at stake! You should give us a moving speech and entice us with a reward by now! We could DIE in there, ya know. It's the least you can do. By the way, I accept cash rewards."

Sasuke rolled eyes and mumbled, "And there she goes."

Kakashi finally put down the book and sighed, placing a hand on his hip while he looked up at the sky with all the remorse in the world. "You guys are going to pass anyway so I don't see what the big deal is. All of you faced down a legendary sannin who escaped Konoha for several decades and lived to tell the tale. What are rookie genin gonna do to you three? And, Sakura, didn't you also kill a rank S kunoichi in our last mission? Granted, you couldn't claim the bounty because the Hokage and I want to keep you away from nosy friends, but that should say enough."

"That — That actually makes sense." Sakura pouted.

"See? That's why I have complete and total faith in you three." Kakashi's eyes crinkled up from his hidden smile and he faced each of them one by one. First, he placed a hand on Naruto's shoulder. "Naruto. You are reckless and your chakra control need a ton of work. However, you are the first to go into battle and the last to leave. Your loyalty and bravery are your true strengths. As you always say, believe in yourself and keep honing your skills. That's a true shinobi."

Naruto's back went straight as he listened and with a serious gaze, he nodded. "I won't let you down, Kakashi-Sensei!" From the corner of his eye, a tear threatened to leak out, but the young man puffed up his chest with pride.

Next, Kakashi turned to Sasuke. He didn't bother with the hand as he knew the Uchiha valued personal space so he opted for a head rub. Sasuke's eye twitched in annoyance, but he let the eccentric teacher continue. "Now, Sasuke, you are one of the strongest in your generation and a man of few words. While you are strong, don't forget your teammates and your friends. I see that you have grown considerably as of late in that regard so I have full confidence you already know the value of such bonds. You are a leader in the new generation along with Naruto and Sakura. And while you have much to deal with, never forget the legacy you can and will leave. You have your personal mission to pursue, I understand that, but also think about what you will do after you find the mission is done. I have faith in you."

Sasuke paused before he nodded. "I will never forget my mission, but I will take your words in consideration, Sensei."

"That's all I can ask." With that, Kakashi finally turned toward Sakura — who had a barely contained goofy grin on her face. The young woman looked like she was a puppy ready to be praised. "Um, Sakura." He started, but then coughed into his fist. "Right. Sakura. I just want to say — " Sakura's grin widened and her eyes turned bloodshot like some rabid dog version of a fangirl and he gave up on acting solemn. "Oh, forget it. What's with that stupid look on your face?" He couldn't handle it anymore! He didn't think it was possible for one girl to look both menacing and excited at the same time! Her brows furrowed together and her nostril's widened while her mouth twitched in a strange expression that would scare little kids.

Sakura's face fell before she glared up at her crazy teacher. "What do you mean stupid?! I was perfectly serious and I was waiting to hear what you'd say about me, but now you just ruined the moment! Baka! Stupid Sensei!" Before she could stop herself, she went back to old habits when her evil ex-bosses from her last life used to tease her daily just like this and mildly cursed him out wtihout making it obvious she was cursing him out. She was looking forward to hearing what meaningful advice her sensei would leave her! It was the first progress report she'd have since landing in this world! It would be her very first progress report as a NINJA for god's sake! This stuff used to be only in dramas. She scolded, "Now go back to being serious and telling me how fabulous I am, Sensei!"

Kakashi rubbed his temple. "Sorry, but that moment is long gone. I was just going to say don't cause any trouble since you didn't really need my advice, so there you go."

"How anticlimatic! That's not fair. You gave Naruto and Sasuke heartfelt advice. Boo!" Sakura's face fell and she grumbled as she stomped her foot. Her only chance at living out her dream 'sensei-student' moment in those old ninja dramas had crumbled. Why couldn't she get a serious teacher to fill the role?!

Naruto scratched the back of his head as he cut in, "Sensei has a point, Sakura-chan. You already improved lightyears ahead of most genin and took down a S class as well as faced down that snake guy."

Sasuke nodded in agreement as he crossed his arms, "The only problem is your personality and attraction to trouble. Confess. You were going to call that sand shinobi 'panda' when we run into him, weren't you?" He narrowed his eyes. "And you were going to oogle the other men. We can't have you harrassing the teachers, Sakura." He wasn't worried about other students, he was worried she be lured away from a teacher! Was it better or worse than the days where she followed him? She was far from innocent, but he still had to watch over her.

Sakura pursed her lips together and tried not to look guilty. "I-I wasn't going to call him panda! I was just going to THINK it. And the teachers are watching everyone else, so why can't I watch them? I'm simply attempting to gauge the enemies' weaknesses. Isn't that what kunoichi were supposed to do?" Of course, if they look extra spicy — erm, suspicious, then I had no choice but to use my kunoichi wiles to get closer to them. For finding out secrets, of course.

Also in the back of her mind, the System sighed. [I give up. Modern civilization has truly fallen]

Suddenly all three men stared at her in disbelief. Naruto, the one who committed pranks Sakura the most and thus was very familiar with her knack for generating evil plans, said with suspicion, "Ha? Wasn't that just big talk for flirting? You can't fool me!" He still remembered how she tried to memorize how he activated his sexy no jutsu. Luckily, he caught her earlier that day and added a twist so she ended up looking like an elderly man instead. It was only then that she stopped bugging him to get his sacred killer technique. He was grateful she didn't own the sharingan.

Sasuke glared at her harder, if that was even possible. She could have sworn she could see his veins throb. "Sa. Ku. Ra. You better stay away from that Gaara guy. In fact, just stick close to us. For your safety." An evil smile slid across his face.

Kakashi shrugged with a mocking look that screamed 'Ha. I win this argument. If you can't have fun, I can't.' "Well, dear student, Naruto and Sasuke is right. If I can't read my Icha Icha in peace, then you can't run around the area cooking up your schemes."

"I never have schemes! I've always acted in our best interests. Have I ever made you doubt me?"

All three countered in unison, "Yes."

"…" Sakura couldn't argue back.

Then Kakashi clapped his hands together. "Now, now. Don't be sad. The tournament will be a long one with breaks so you can be free then. Come on, let's get inside, shall we? Don't you have a promotion you're fighting for, Sakura? That's my advice to you. Fight with all of your heart for that promotion and you can't go wrong. Don't get distracted by your opponent's good looks. I have faith in your restraint."

Sakura grumbled but she still began to walk up the steps with the others. "That advice doesn't sound half as cool as the boys' ones."

"It just means I have faith in your abilities to get things done. Just try not to cause too much havoc this time." Kakashi yawned. "Now go kick some ass. I'm sure today will be fine. It's not like you are a small army."

"…" For a second, Sakura caught Naruto and Sasuke's guilty gazes and they only acted innocent. "Yes, Sensei." Maybe she shouldn't mention that she had mini-scrolls stuffed with a small army in her pocket. Using designs she recalled from designing microchips from her world, she created small pocket-sized scrolls that still retained the power of a full-sized scroll. Since the seal work required a lot of space to draw the seals at the right size, she adapted a bunch of seals to comply with smaller dimensions but needed more delicate handling to achieve. With her mastery of chakra control, however, that wasn't an issue for long. It was quality not size that mattered in work and in love heheh.

Seeing his students' suspiciously innocent faces, Kakashi had a strange feeling then, but soon dismissed it. What could possibly go wrong in a heavily guarded exam meant for genin to promote their strength and their village? Even his odd and powerful students couldn't do anything that would disrupt the Chuunin Exams. He must be acting paranoid.

And with that, Team Seven officially entered the arena.

…

…..

After that heartfelt moment on the stairs (again), Team Seven found themselves simply waiting against the wall in boredom. Well, Sakura was. Other shinobi were busy discussing strategy or keeping to themselves to get pumped for the battle, but Sakura really wished they could just take another exam and promote everybody so she could go home with her new pay raise.

Naruto in particular was excited, "We can test ourselves against the other villages! Oh, I can't wait! I want to show the world how strong I've become! They're looking at the future Hokage of Konoha here!" He flexed his muscles and Sakura weakly smiled.

"Yeah…suuuper exciting." Sure, she did that whole 'do our best' speech, but honestly. If all of the shinobi here were strong enough to pass the official exams, why cut down on the number of talented ninja? Because there were too many of them? Bullshit. Was Konoha too broke to afford chuunin-level pay rates for them all? Like a lazy modern capitalist, she just didn't understand the value of showing off their abilities and fighting to the potential death just to prove they were worthy and strong. What a waste of human potential! If some died, then whatever accomplishments they could have achieved went moot.

Then again, since this was the bloody era, if they lived, then wouldn't it just be more killing?

Sakura pouted. She hated politics and needless bloodshed, but she couldn't judge. The nations weren't all on friendly terms like they were in her time. If she pitied one person, she'd best be prepared for the day they'd stab her in the heart. Right. Forget the morals and focus on reality.

The System retorted: [If only you forgot your greed and focused on the missions like these studious shinobi then I wouldn't need to nag you, Host. Please learn from your classmates]

Shut up soul-reaper system. You wouldn't get it. You can't feel pain and you don't even bleed. I wish I had no period! Lucky basta —

[Oh? I can make sure you are a dog in your next life — ]

No! I apologize! I looove you~ Sakura thought, but stuck out her tongue.

[…Whatever! I'm going to sleep. Wake me up when the invasion starts]

Thanks for confirming Orochimaru's plan. Should I just tie him up and toss him to the Hokage? Then I wouldn't need to give up my studio apartment to go chasing him down after I have to run away. I can just search for the Akatsuki on my free time. Maybe hire a bunch of trackers.

[PLOTLINE. You still need to leave Konoha to find the Akatsuki later not deliver Orochimaru to jail and be watched as the number one hero! Stop further ruining the world.]

It's not me. It's the men acting weird. Okay, fine. I'll be good.

The System scoffed but said nothing. If it continued to talk to her, it's IQ would drop again.

While Sasuke prepared for the first match, Sakura looked around the arena in boredom and noticed the three poor genin they caught and harrassed in the forest of death. She couldn't help but notice the leader with all the bandages wrapped around his face — his lungs must be strong if he could run through the forest with his nose covered like that. Unlike the other students, the trio had a fishy look about them and didn't even seem worried about the upcoming matches. Their focus seemed to turn toward the sand nin. Hmm…Suspicioussss….

Sakura's eyes twinkled mischievously as an idea popped up. Sure, she said she wouldn't cause trouble, but they said nothing about preventing it! With a slight snicker, she ran her fingers against each other as she hunched forward and held an evil pose. Luckily, Kakashi-Sensei was busying talking with Sasuke and so only Naruto noticed the trouble brewing in Sakura's face.

Naruto leaned close and whispered with a knowing gaze, "Ne, Sakura-chan, whatcha planning?"

Sakura jumped and quickly smiled to hide her idea of fun — erm, secret mission. She squeaked out, "N-Naruto! Nothing is going on. I'm just thinking, um, about using the bathroom! Do you think I have time before Sasuke's match starts?"

Naruto narrowed his eyes as he looked her up and down. "You don't seem that curious about a toilet. You're not even doing the pee dance!"

Ugh. Just fall for it! "I'm really curious about Sasuke's first match since he's the first match to fight among us. I'm going to go to the ladie's room real quick!" To be honest, she couldn't care less since it was obvious Sasuke would take down the opponent. Basic life rule — if the main guy is in the first round, he'd pummel the poor victim to showcase how hard his future battles will be. That and Orochimaru would've got him as a student if she didn't show up so there was no way Sasuke would lose. To top it off, she also saw him fight everyday so seeing him throw another fire ball wasn't exactly amazing anymore. Stalking up potential spies was way more fun than another test.

To convince Naruto, she ended up doing the infamous pee pee dance that transcends time itself and she jumped on her two feet while cradling her stomach like she was giving birth to waterballoons. "I gotta go! Let me know how it goes!" And she ran off before hearing Naruto's answer.

Naruto frowned, "Let her know what happens? I thought she wanted to see the fight so she would rush pee. Ohhh. Unless she has constipation. I told her she shouldn't eat too much today!" The fox ninja grumbled as he fussed over his dear irresponsible team member's poor diet.

Sasuke glanced at him and retorted automatically, "Says the guy chugging down 3 bowls of ramen." He had just finished discussing possible strategies with Kakashi-Sensei. Ever since Sakura held her study group sessions, the team had gotten used to discussing plans and innovations even during spare time. It was growing on him. In fact, it was even a bit fun. He wanted to talk with Sakura as well, but saw she ran off and so asked Naruto, "Where did she head to?"

"The bathroom." Naruto tilted his head to the side. "I think it was the yogurt."

"Didn't she seem perfectly fine a minute ago?"

"You know how constipation goes. It comes out of nowhere!" Naruto said with wide eyes and widened his arms around like he was emphasizing how big the issue was. "You can never be careful! Always carry disposable wipes."

"…" Both Kakashi and Sasuke stared at Naruto. Suddenly, the dark-eyed Uchiha wondered at this new insight into his cheery idiotic teammate. "Sounds like a regular issue for you, dobe. How do you cope during long missions?"

"Hey! It's not a regular issue, bastard! I just have some experience that's all! Poor Sakura must be suffering. I hope she makes it before her match. Kakashi-Sensei, do you have medicine?" He looked up at his teacher earnestly with worried blue eyes that were clear as the sky.

Kakashi glanced at Naruto before staring at the direction Sakura ran off to and noticed that his suspicious student's chakra signature was perfectly hidden away. He didn't know if he should be proud of her accomplishment or concerned as that usually meant she was up to no good. He looked back down at the innocent pair of sparkling blue eyes and said kindly, "Yes, I do have some stomach medicine on hand. A shinobi must always be prepared! I'll go check in on Sakura." He turned to Sasuke and placed a hand on his shoulder, "I know you don't need this, but good luck."

Sasuke smirked. "You're right. I don't need it." He frowned. "Just make sure that girl isn't sneaking off." There was no way she'd randomly need the restroom. That would be too simple. With Sakura, nothing was simple. "I have a bad feeling." Plus there was the fact that she had a small army armed with bombs hidden in her pocket. Yes. Just a possibly insane kunoichi with amnesia and a penchant for explosions with a curse mark carrying a suicide bomb squad of clones. Right, nothing to worry about. But he couldn't tell Kakashi-Sensei that and Naruto was too stupid to realize the implications of her running off. He sighed to himself. He was the only responsible one in this group!

Before Sasuke could vent about Sakura's true nature and how he wished she acted serious, the announcement rang across the arena: "Please come down for the first match! Sasuke Uchiha Vs Yoroi Akado!"

"Tch."

Kakashi smiled and waved. "Go on. I'll catch Sakura." There was an implicit understanding that Sakura was up to no good. Only Naruto took his words at face value.

"I'll cheer you on twice as loud to make up for Kakashi-Sensei and Sakura, Sasuke! Man, I hope Sakura will be alright."

With another sigh, they patted Naruto's head. Even Sasuke was beginning to see what Sakura meant when she called him a 'puppy with the energy of a child' and he couldn't un-see that. Sure he was a fierce rival, but it was getting harder to hate the guy when he really did trust everybody's lies so easily. But that was it. He still called him dobe and fought against the blonde menace with nothing held back. Naruto wasn't a puppy, he was a wolf acting like one. Even he couldn't look down on Naruto's high stamina and fighting potential. Too bad he was easy to fool.

Kakashi winked. "Of course, Naruto. She'll be alright." Then he quickly went after Sakura while Sasuke headed down. Wasting no time, he simply swung over the railing and jumped down from the upper floor. Thud! Not even breaking a sweat, he landed perfectly on the stage.

A tall man with a black cloth covering his face followed after. The opponent sported black sunglasses that resembled that bug guy Shino's and he thought about the intense study sessions at his house over the past week.

Ever since their run-in with Orochimaru in the Forest of Death, the team worked endlessly — holding studies with the rest of their allies/friends as well as working on scroll work and sparring. It was in those daily sessions that Sasuke developed new techniques and for once, he was glad Sakura thought of the idea to invite different shinobi into his home. He would never admit it, but it was thanks to her that he began to realize the value of learning from different styles. Who knew the Guy-Sensei lookalike Rock Lee would lead him to create a new fighting technique. Heh. This match will be fun.

With a smirk, Sasuke faced his opponent head-on. "So it begins."

"BEGIN!"

Sasuke didn't wait for the opponent and launched a fireball as he dashed forward. Testing his movements, he went on the offensive before Yoroi threw kunai through the fire and Sasuke had to dodge. In that second, Yoroi dashed up to him and swung out at him with a kunai while grabbing Sasuke's arm. As soon as his hand clasped around him, Sasuke felt a bit drained and he kicked at the shinobi hard.

Yoroi let go and let himself get kicked but rolled and stood up without missing a beat. The force of the kick dissipated and he smirked. "Good. But not good enough, Sasuke." As he said so, he briefly glanced up but then focused. "You're strong. It's a wonder why no one valued you." Having said such cryptic words, Yoroi launched the attack first and before Sasuke could complete the jutsu, they entered into a taijutsu fight with Yoroi's attacks aimed at making skin contact.

While they fought, Sasuke realized the opponent's ability. As soon as Yoroi grazed him, he could feel a bit of chakra leaving him again and Sasuke jumped back. He quickly dodged the next attacks while he thought up a counter-attack. So Yoroi could drain chakra. How troublesome as Shikamaru would say. Even so, Sasuke taunted, "That all you got?"

"Such big talk for someone who only dodges." Yoroi chuckled. "You can't escape for long."

"No. I'm done analyzing." If the opponent hadn't revealed another card by now, then it either meant he was ridiculously resourceful with many talents to hide or he truly had nothing else really. He tried to think like Shikamaru, after talking a bit over dinner a few times he gained a new respect for the lazy shinobi, and judged that the opponent looked down on him and seemed to have a weird agenda against him. Since he had too many potential enemies that wasn't important — the only important thing was that the rest of the battle was going to be a piece of cake.

Once more, Sasuke launched a fireball and when Yoroi made same move as before to dash after throwing kunai, Sasuke quickly ducked and waited for Yoroi to show up above him. Sure enough, the target showed up from behind and Sasuke quickly kicked upwards with enough force to launch the unaware shinobi up into the air.

SWOOSH! Yoroi grunted as he was kicked into the air and Sasuke leaped up to be right behind him. They were as high as the second floor!

Sasuke revealed his hidden card — Lion Combo! At first copying the first two steps from Rock Lee's fighting technique, he then launched his own attack style and proceeded to gain enough momentum so that the higher they are, the more force would be added to his final kick when he would kick Yoroi to the ground with a force strong enough to break his bones. Sasuke and Yoroi kept rising higher and higher into the air as force built around them.

Unfortunately, the tense atmosphere was ruined by his well-meaning 'friends.' While he executed his technique flawlessly ever since he copied Rock Lee's taijutsu with his sharingan over the week, he could practically hear the green-clad bob head crying over their 'friendship.' Only Lee would be proud over a fellow shinobi practically dissecting all of his techniques. No shinobi would like that even if they were friends. Would he call him crazy or honest?

Naruto roared, "TEAM SEVEN IN THE HOUSE!" At this point, even Gaara, who was eyeing the battle with interest, was wondering about the insane antics of the team. From the crazy pinkette to the loud blonde, the only normal one seemed to be the Uchiha unfortunately. Where did that odd girl go?

While Gaara fell into his thoughts, Lee joined in the screaming and yelled even louder than Naruto, "That's it! That's the way, Sasuke! Oh, friendshippp!"

Naruto cheered even louder in response and soon the two's 'screams of friendship' took over the arena. "WHOOO! KICK HIS ASS!" The higher Sasuke and Yoroi were in the air, the louder their screamed.

"LET THE FLOWERS OF BROTHERHOOD FIRE UP THE SPIRIT!" Lee already ran to Naruto's side to join the newfound cheering team.

"SHOW THEM WHOSE BOSS! TEAM SEVEN! TEAM SEVEN!" Naruto shouted like he was a frat boy and jumped on the railing. He tried to throw his shirt off before he realized he was wearing a one piece.

"GRASHGLKSBLELSIH!" Meanwhile, Lee waved his arms in the air like a jellyfish as he gave up on the human language.

The two idiots got carried away as they went from cheering on Sasuke to just screaming for the fun of it. Acting like two drunks, they bounced off each other's energy and Sasuke knew he had to finish up the fight before his ear drums broke. So he launched the final bit of his combo—- BOOM! With a heavy downward kick while still mid-air, Yoroi crashed against the floor and a crack resounded in the air.

Sasuke landed without issue and just as his team predicted, he won the match.

The announcement roared: "SASUKE UCHIHA WINS!"

The crowds cheered and Sasuke looked above with a cocky smirk. From Shikamaru to Neji, everyone who stayed at his house to share knowledge looked at him with respect and even pride. Just a few months ago, they were enemies. For the first time, he understood how others could not only increase his power but also even influence his way of thinking. He didn't even need to use Sakura's power booster seals this time to make up for his chakra control. Equipped with this newfound realization, the world felt like it was waiting to be conquered and even Itachi would one day be his to kill. When Sakura first changed, the team was in a bad place. But when she grew rapidly, they all grew with her. He underestimated her — but then he underestimated everyone and now he saw that was his weakness. Just as Yoroi looked down at him, he looked down on his team. He had to respect them for putting up with him no matter how insane, perverted or idiotic they acted.

And so, he went to look at the one who changed him this way. He went to search behind Naruto. His lips twitched as he looked behind Naruto's ecstatic face while Lee hugged the life out of him like two crazy fans caught in the heat of the moment —

Kakashi and Sakura were still missing.

He didn't believe Sakura was truly sick so something else happened. What the hell was Sakura up to? He didn't care if she missed his match, he was worried about trouble. If Sakura was right and there was truly an invasion then…

Orochimaru might be here in disguise.

Immediately, Sasuke thought of the worst and his mind drowned in dark thoughts. If that perverted snake kidnapped Sakura, he would kill him — even if he was the legendary snake sannin. He'd cut his throat, tear off his limbs and cut up his heart into tiny pieces if Sakura had a single scar.

With that thought, Sasuke's eyes turned red.

Where are you, Sakura?

…..

…..

BONUS SCENE:

(Time: After Team Seven's first study session at the Uchiha Compound, when Hinata almost kissed Naruto due to Sakura's mischief)

Hinata was alone in her room after she regained her wits. Neji-nii-sama tucked her into bed and went to write down what he learned at the study session so she was left alone to die of embarrassment.

O-O-Oh my g-god! I almost kissed Naruto-kun!

When Sakura-chan whispered about giving her thanks, she didn't think it'd be like this! Ever since Sakura-chan lost her memories, she acted like a different person, but she was still the fiercest girl she knew. Only Sakura could be bold enough to push her right under Neji-nii-sama's nose!

The pale Hyuuga girl's face turned deep red as steam seemed to rise from her head. She kicked at her blankets as she remembered the way Naruto's arms felt — firm enough to hold her yet careful not to crush her. His bright blue eyes seemed to color her gray world of responsibilities with warmth and they were focused on her. Her heart beat so fast she thought it would jump out of her body. It…It….

It was the best day ever!

Ashamed at her greedy desire yet also ecstatic at being noticed by her crush, she only wished she didn't dodge by reflex. She was so used to dodging stares that it was an instinct. Unlike Sakura, she was raised to avoid trouble completely and so her voice was soft and her presence small. If she hadn't decided on taking a stroll that day Sakura lost her memories and watched Naruto head toward the hospital, if she hadn't said yes to Sakura's offer to study…who knew when she'd even talk to them or even another human being outside of her team and family? She would be on her own.

Hinata laid back on her bed and looked up at the ceiling lit up by the full moon. These days felt like a dream. Even though her father still didn't value her, Hinabi looked down on her and Neji-nii-sama still thought she was too weak to be left alone, the depression and pressure that used to weigh down her steps disappeared. Like magic, each week became fun as she joined in on Team Seven's study sessions a few times a week along with the others.

Unbidden, a tear leaked from her eye as she whispered to the room, "Thank you." Thank you for accepting her. Thank you for reaching out a hand when she was too scared to. Thank you for believing in her.

Thank you for being the first friends she ever made that wasn't because they were on the same team or that she was the Hyuuga Heiress.

Hinata smiled as her eye lids started to fall. With a soft whisper, she cuddled into her blanket and imagined going to the Uchiha house again soon, "Thank you for noticing me."

And so, the lonely heiress dreamed of the next day when she could see Naruto's smile and hear Sakura's laugh while Sasuke accepted her presence.

She only wished these days would last forever.

….

…..

…..

AUTHOR NOTE:

Konnichi Wa Stars in the Skies,

DUN DUN DUN! *Trumpets blow while those king announcer dudes in medieval dramas bow*

And so the Chuunin Exams are entering the final stage! Also, turning bonus scenes as a regular thing if I have time. For this arc at least. Cool.

Slowly getting back into gear. Had time with fam, but some issues came up so learning about letting go. If only I had an Inner Sakura to vent to. Random fact: when I was a tween, I wished Gaara would be my mentor like yoda or Jiraiya. Why? Red hair. My bar wasn't very high, but at least I had good taste? Move over Edward Cullens! Gaara's got the whole package.

Then I discovered Itachi and the rest was history lol. Honestly, if he were a vampire instead of Edward, I would understand Bella being obsessed about him. Itachi is Itachi — he even makes walking look sinful.

On another note, I am still aiming for going abroad for work. Idk if this year, but I haven't given up since 2019 so let's go! I can only hope things get better. Work passed out flyers on vaccines and my dumbass first thought is: so how many shots would that mean in the future. It's free right? Omg I still need to get a driving license.

Real life. Whatever your opinion on the universe is, I hope things get better for all of us. How about you? Any plans for 2021 or 22? I'm still aiming for Tokyo crepes or cafes in Seoul. I am mad I held off for about 7 years on moving there when I had the possibility but I was blind (I'm still in my twenties but I could have done many things better) so I'm not holding back anymore. Fuck the job just for the resume! I need more skills. I'll save and work the least sexy jobs. Build a career up slowly. And finally graduate college. If college had a career pathway that was straightforward like the chuunin exams, and the Hokage would give me a promotion, that'd be the good shiznit. Konoha, is that you? *Fantasizes about other dreams* No. Better not try sailing the world like Luffy. I get lost as easy as Zoro and I get seasick. I want a Devil's Fruit.

On random note: *Venting since certain family knew how to get under my skin since I wasn't 'successful' enough or organized and got depressed a bit. It's a freaking pandemic dude. To be fair, her work stressed her out and my uncle is a 'I'm honest but deal with it if it hurts' guy, but we hardly see each other more than once a year and even that was skipping some years. It couldn't kill you to chill for one week? It's not all her fault, but I'm not going to take all the blame again either. So I wrote more angsty stuff last week lol*

Anyone else have weird fam dynamics or should I try to gain a disney princess personality? Om. Smile and wave, follow the Way of the Penguins of Madagascar…

Why can't Uncle Iroh pass me wisdom. Heck, just give me Naruto — he is a great listener when it matters (talk no jutsu should be therapy no jutsu). Is it a coincidence? His sexy no jutsu became therapy no jutsu. And my romance novels became therapeutic escape fantasies for stress relief. Hmm…Was the mangaka insightful?! *Fantasizes again*

Phew. Okay! Enough rants. I hope you like this chapter and as always, please review! I love reading them. Btw, Ima start think of scrolls as Hermione's bag now lolol

Ok! Long ass note done. I wish you a happy 2021 and may we get our new year resolutions done. The mission to dominate 2021 like Sakura dominates the Akatsuki begins!

Good Luck and Safe Journeys,

WitchySkies

P.S. Great. Gonna cram learning korean while studying. This is going to hurt — I'm going to buy a case of Monster.

P.S.S. Fanfic has become a half-diary at this point. Damn. The future is strange.

P.S.S.S. To Do: Naruto soundtracks with enka and meditate like Naruto who crams studies at midnight. Dattebayo! At least I don't have to run ten miles and battle against teleporting ninja for a living, right? I'll be the secretary haha.

P.S.S.S.S.S.s.s. .s: The year just began and I'm already playing Nathan Wagner. Wagar? Look up Lonely and nathan w and it should show. His voice…Siiiigh. If Naruto cast were in America, this would totally be on their soundtrack with kakashi by the bonfire.