"Do you really have to go alone Sakura-san I'm not to fond of that idea" Jugo frowned, when six days before the new Chunin Exams she was told by Tsunade that she'd be heading for Sunagakure ahead of everybody else.

Sakura had packed everything she needed in an instant and was probably already ready to go but he just couldn't stand the thought that she'd be alone "Huh didn't I tell you the other Chunin who got promoted with me, Sasuke and Naruto is gonna be with me" Sakura frowned.

He paused, then thought back over their conversation, his face instantly colored with embarrassment "You did, sorry I wasn't paying much attention" Jugo apologized, feeling like some kind of over-protective brother.

Even though that was the last thing he wanted to be to Sakura "It's okay Jugo, anyway I should go now, see you guys soon" Sakura smiled brightly at the duo who would be helping to escort the genin from Konohagakure to Hidden Sand.

Then disappeared out the door "Admit it Jugo, your falling for her aren't you, or have already fallen isn't that right" Kimimaro accused once the door had shut and it was just the two of them since Sasori was off elsewhere.

Jugo sighed "Yes, but I know Sakura won't accept me until those two are dealt with" Jugo reminded, not ashamed of his feelings but he knew Sakura wasn't ready and she wouldn't be for a long while.

His best friend shook his head "Usually I wouldn't encourage but Jugo, Sakura cares a great deal about you as well, I think you should go for it, tell her how you feel, and together the both of you will be strong" Kimimaro suggested.

Inwardly hoping it wouldn't backfire on him and cause Sakura to push Jugo away, meanwhile speaking of Sakura, she and Shikamaru had just signed out and started down the path in the direction of Wind Country.

"Who'd have ever thought we'd be assigned a mission together" Shikamaru commented four hours later, considering the two of them had been practically walking in silence, Sakura looked up from where she was digging into her pack.

Before smiling "Right, Tsunade-shishou thought it would be a great idea to gain experience in working with other Chunin, I have to admit that it's nice not having to argue as much or whack Sasuke and Naruto for their constant recklessness" Sakura explained.

Shikamaru smirked at that "I can kind of understand where your coming from there, those two were always doing crazy stunts and you were always having to reign them in" Shikamaru said, remembering their time in the academy.

When the two would let their tempers get the best of them it had always been Sakura who'd knocked sense into the duo "You know I saw them about a week and a half ago right, just came out of nowhere" Sakura piped in.

"Really and how are those two doing, hopefully not being troublesome for Kakashi-sensei or Jiraiya-sama" Shikamaru asked, curious as he watched Sakura dig a hole and get a fire going in order to cook lunch for the two of them.

Sakura smiled softly "Well…I didn't get to ask them much about what all they'd been doing since it was a brief meeting, though Sasuke does seem to have changed a bit, Naruto hasn't changed at all in the least" Sakura explained.

Prompting her companion to roll his eyes "Figures" Shikamaru scoffed before settling back to rest while he could until the afternoon meal was ready to be eaten and half an hour later they were back to walking in the comfortable silence of before.

And a day later after cutting their trip short by walking at a faster pace than usual Sakura and Shikamaru were being ushered into the Kazekage's Office "I never expected you to be sent Haruno-san" Rasa commented.

Sakura bowed her head at him while her companion looked confused "Kazekage-sama, this is Shikamaru Nara and we'll be providing security during the exam as you already know" Sakura introduced the teenager at her side.

Who nodded in greeting "Quite, your already familiar with Baki who is in charge of such details, once he's here I'll have him show you the area you'll be patrolling for the second part" Rasa informed.

Glancing briefly at the Nara who still seemed unsure about anything that was going on "This isn't your first time in Suna is it Sakura" Shikamaru finally asked and the rosette shook her head, which reminded Rasa about something.

"How is Akasuna doing, beyond what I know, is he intending on entering his current genin into the exam" Rasa questioned, giving the girl all of his attention, to gauge her reaction to his question in order to tell if she was trying to deceive him.

The pinkette straightened, a brilliant smile forming on her face "Sasori-ni is doing great Kazekage-sama but as far as I'm aware no he's not, I think it was just last week he was complaining about their whining but he was going to remain firm in his decision not to" Sakura answered properly.

Rasa stared a little surprised that she was being so honest about everything and just as he was about to ask more a knock echoed through his office "Come in Baki" Rasa ordered and his children's sensei entered the room.

Only to bow low once the door shut "Greetings Haruno-san, Nara-san, I have been put in charge of the security for the exam and have been forewarned that Leaf will also be providing security for the event" Baki greeted calmly.

Upon straightening out of his bow and got nods in response "So if you don't mind we'd like to take a look at the area we'll be at" Shikamaru stepped forward taking charge, even if Sakura was mission leader mostly.

She trusted him thankfully to do the job properly, before leaving Sakura bowed once more to the Kazekage then shut the door to his office quietly behind her as they followed Baki back through and outside the village once more.

Baki didn't talk much or any at all really as he led them to the area the second exam was being held at "Here we are the Demon Desert, it's much like your Forest of Death in Konohagakure if you want a comparison" Baki announced.

Partially amused when Shikamaru shuddered in response to his admission, "Do you have a map of the area Baki-san that we can borrow and can you show us where all the others will be positioned in case of an emergency" Sakura requested.

Clearly taking this seriously "As a matter of fact I do happen to have a map on me but I'd have to make a copy of it because it has all the details drawn on it" Baki nodded, but pulled out and unrolled the map for the two Chunin to look at.

Sakura took it carefully in her hands, chartreuse orbs flicking across the map and taking in all the marks to indicate where others would be patrolling and keeping an eye out for any trouble "Quite the layout" Shikamaru whistled softly.

Basically doing the same as Sakura "Each Jonin and Chunin will be equipped with a communicator and three flares, for safety reasons I decided to position you two along the edge here in this place and this place" Baki pointed.

Gesturing to two marks at the edge of the wall surrounding the Demon Desert, "So we're going to be on the outside to ensure no one can infiltrate" Sakura noted before finally handing the map back as she got done looking at it.

Now she wouldn't need one of her own "Yes, fear not, others from your village will be positioned nearby only on the inside so that if you get in trouble they will be able to come to back you up if necessary" Baki informed.

Turning around and heading back for the village "Good because Sakura is a trouble magnet…ack" Shikamaru snorted only to get slapped on the back, throwing him face first to the ground, a second later he jerked upright spitting out sand that he'd accidentally eaten.

Before rising to his feet and glaring at Sakura who rolled her eyes "Wimp I barely hit you and a simple whack was enough to send you sprawling out on the ground, and that was without chakra, you need to get stronger Shikamaru" Sakura grinned.

Shikamaru opened his mouth then closed it, followed by letting out a long suffering sigh "Okay I suppose I deserved that hit but next time I'll know to dodge your fist" Shikamaru grunted, grudgingly admitting that it was his fault for being mouthy and teasing Sakura in the first place.

Verdant orbs glittered with mirth in response but not long after they were back in Sunagakure "Seeing as your not needed until the second part, I suggest you two enjoy yourselves by taking some time to take a break for the next few days" Baki suggested.

Leaving the two Chunin by themselves once they'd all signed back in at the village entrance "Right I'm going to check out the puppeteer shop" Sakura declared, excited to see what the shop had and if there was anything new that she might want to buy.

And just because he didn't want to be on his own Shikamaru decided to tag along "May I ask why you had to visit Sand before, you don't have to tell me if you don't want to I'm just curious" Shikamaru questioned.

Upon entering the shop Sakura wanted to visit and she'd went straight to a shelf full of puppet parts "Naruto, Sasuke and I escorted Sasori-sensei here, that's how he got stripped of his international criminal status" Sakura answered.

Picking up random parts and inspecting them thoroughly before setting it back down to look at another "Hmm one wonders why the Kazekage gave in so easily with so few demands" Shikamaru mused quietly.

Sakura's head snapped in his direction "What are you getting at Shikamaru, that Kazekage-sama had some kind of ulterior motive….I thought that to, but he was genuine, I can tell remember" Sakura snorted.

Deciding to set Shikamaru straight on the matter "Your not joking are you….ugh fine" Shikamaru groaned, feeling a headache coming on especially when Sakura shook her head, finally picked out what she wanted to buy and headed for the check out counter.

Eight minutes later they were settling their belongings in individual rooms after hunting down an inn and setting forth to grab lunch from a nearby restaurant "Pinky" upon sitting down Sakura was immediately accosted by Temari.

Her brothers on her heels to greet the rosette as well "Hi Temari-chan….can't breathe" Sakura wheezed out as Temari tried to crush her lungs with her bone crushing hug, though Temari quickly released her a second later.

Looking sheepish "Where's Uzumaki and Uchiha I don't see them, only Nara" Kankuro asked taking a seat on the right side of Sakura while Temari took the left leaving the space in front of Sakura to Gaara.

"Their not here and won't be either Kankuro…..their off training for the next two years still" Sakura explained, smiling softly when Kankuro squeezed her shoulder gently, probably thinking she was depressed or something.

And then there was Gaara who frowned "If that's the case that means you've been going mostly on missions alone, what about Yakushi, he is still after you isn't he" Gaara asked, pupil-less green orbs peering into jade ones.

Until his question was answered "In the time that they've been gone I've only been on two missions, one that lead me to Iwa to ask for a peace treaty with Tsuchikage-sama and second this one to help provide security for the exam" Sakura answered properly.

Even Shikamaru seemed surprised about the admission "Then what the heck have you been doing for the past six months if you've barely been on any missions" Shikamaru inquired and now that he was thinking about it why didn't Ino tell him she surely knew why as well.

Sakura smiled "Because I'm Tsunade-sama's apprentice now so I've spent the mass majority of that time training and working in the hospital or T&I whenever Ibiki-sensei needs me there" Sakura said.

Causing her friends to gasp in shock at the statement "Right I think I remember Ino mentioning something about that now quite awhile back, a couple weeks before those two left and you got your parents back" Shikamaru nodded.

Remembering now as his memory was jogged "You found your parents, how, you have to tell us Sakura" Temari demanded suddenly because this was the first she'd heard of it obviously considering it had been awhile that they'd seen the pinkette.

"Mhm, Naruto, Sasuke and I went into a forest protected by the Aburame Clan and there, there was a beetle called the Bikochu that can track a scent no matter how far it might be and remember that scent for the rest of it's life, the Clan leader helped us find one" Sakura announced.

Temari relaxed at that "That was nice of Aburame but if they were held prisoner by Orochimaru for three years, who knows what he did to them in that time frame" Kankuro hummed, a little worried that Sakura's parents weren't the same.

Her features softened "Fortunately Yakushi prevented any experimentation on my parents so the only thing we had to worry about once they were retrieved was malnutrition and dehydration" Sakura informed.

Not paying much attention to Kankuro or Temari's expressions as their eyes grew wide at the openness she was giving them "Does that mean you've accomplished your dream" Gaara inquired, drawing her attention onto him.

"I completed one goal that I have yes, but my dream is to be the best medical ninja in the world one that surpasses Tsunade-shishou in healing and strength, I do have another goal though and that is to put an end to Orochimaru and Kabuto someday" Sakura said.

Smiling at the waiter thankfully as their meal was finally brought to their table, chit-chatting with the Sabaku siblings for awhile longer as she and Shikamaru ate before paying and heading off to explore around the village a bit, then they had dinner at a different restaurant.

Before heading back to the inn to take a shower or bath if they wanted and afterwards headed to bed for the night, three days later others from Konohagakure started arriving in Sunagakure where Sakura and Shikamaru were promptly joined at the inn by Kimimaro and Jugo.

They both seemed relieved to find Sakura doing just fine "So have you already checked out the area we're gonna be at" Kimimaro asked, even though he could have guessed the answer already, especially as Sakura pulled out a map.

Making Shikamaru gape at her "Yes Kimimaro, Baki-san let us take a look at his but I knew you'd need more than a few minutes to memorize everything so I made one of my own with marks in the same places that were on his for you and Jugo and anyone else" Sakura informed.

Passing over two maps "Why am I even surprised that you did this….and how the heck did you memorize the entire map and how he marked it in just a few minutes, even I would have trouble recalling that information" Shikamaru frowned earning a snicker from the pinkette.

"Eidetic memory Shikamaru, one of my strengths the ability to drawn on things I've memorized in complete detail…though I'm sure Baki-san will want to take you to the Demon Desert to show you where you'll be positioned the maps are just precautions really" Sakura announced.

Kimimaro nodded his head in understanding at that while Jugo stood back trying to decide if now would be an appropriate time to talk to Sakura about his feelings for her, as he was handed a map he decided to chicken out for the time being.

Until his best friend shot him an encouraging look "Sakura, when we're not busy do you think we could go on a walk just the two of us" Jugo cleared his throat, viridian orbs focused on him before a smile split across her face.

"Sure Jugo I can show you some of my favorite places here in Suna that I think you might like" Sakura relented easily, completely oblivious to his feelings at the moment but she would soon know in little under a couple hours.

As Baki swung by to collect Kimimaro and Jugo in order to show them the way to Demon Desert and point out where they'd be positioned around the wall, like Sakura and Shikamaru they'd be on the outside of the Desert.

Then it was back to the village where he left the two to their own devices "Good luck Jugo" Kimimaro clapped his friend on the shoulder reassuringly when they found Sakura waiting for them outside the inn.

Jugo steeled his nerves and walked forward confidently "Shall we go Sakura on our walk" Jugo inquired, falling into step next to Sakura as she set forth from the inn and began leading him around Hidden Sand.

Pointing out her favorite places in the village "Jugo are you okay, you've been pretty quiet since we started walking around" Sakura finally seemed to notice his unusual silence, it wasn't exactly uncharacteristic of him but he was being even more silent than usual.

It was about an hour into their walk and Jugo decided that he had to do it now or else he would continue to chicken out "Sakura…..I like you quite a bit, as more than just a friend…please listen before you reject me" Jugo breathed out.

Holding up his hand after confessing to stop her from speaking "I know when you helped me this was probably not something you planned on ever happening me falling in love with you but I have even knowing your own feelings on the matter" Jugo continued.

"But I knew if I didn't tell you now and someone else came in and you developed affections for them I would regret not telling you and in the words of someone else if I didn't try I would never know and that together we could be strong now you can reject me if you want" Jugo finished.

Rejecting him was the last thing on Sakura's mind though as she stood there and listened to his confession, the first genuine one she'd ever received, it hadn't been based off her abilities or how her blood would strengthen the next generation or anything.

So she did want any normal teenage girl would when confessed to so bluntly, Sakura blushed five different shades of red in response "I…uh..um have liked you for awhile as well" Sakura stammered nervously.

Surprising Jugo and those listening to what should have been a private conversation between the two but some people couldn't help but be nosy apparently "You have…..I see" Jugo asked and got a nod from the rosette.

Who was behaving very shyly, perhaps her true personality, buried deep to hide who she truly was on the inside "So…what do we do now" Sakura fidgeted, forcing herself to meet Jugo's red/orange eyes.

Not really sure what was supposed to happen after confessing "A date maybe" Jugo suggested awkwardly, unsure of what to do himself, things were beginning to get mighty awkward between them when their eyes met and Sakura giggled.

Drawing a chuckle out of him in response and then they were laughing "We're a pair aren't we Jugo-kun…come on I know somewhere we can get a bite to eat seeing as it's lunch time" Sakura smiled and held out her hand.

Eyes gleaming with happiness "To true" Jugo smiled lightly and took her hand within his own, when the two were gone off on their first date Asuma, Ino and Choji stepped out from behind the wall they'd been stood behind.

Unfortunate ear witnesses to the forming of a new relationship between the two teens one of whom was very important to the three of them "I can't say I'm to surprised about that, Sakura's had a crush on that guy for awhile but didn't want to acknowledge her feelings" Ino commented.

"Why do you say that Ino" Choji asked munching on chips as they walked back to the hotel while taking their leisurely time in doing so, considering the Chunin Exam didn't start until the day after tomorrow allowing them plenty of rest time.

Ino put a finger to her lip in thought "Deep down Sakura's terrified of losing people she cares about thanks to the incident with her parents and me running off like an idiot at the start of our genin days which didn't help" Ino admitted.

Asuma nodded remembering that day and the frantic way Sakura had searched for his student "Indeed and for the safety of one of her loved ones as your sensei I order you to keep what we learned to yourselves until Sakura's ready to let others know" Asuma ordered lightly.

Both students with him nodded sagely in understanding "Roger that Asuma-sensei" Choji saluted then returned to devouring his bag of chips as they returned to the inn and found Shikamaru deep in a discussion with Kimimaro.

In fact Shikamaru didn't even notice them standing there until Asuma cleared his throat "Oh Asuma-sensei I didn't realize you, Ino and Choji were here already though I shouldn't be surprised" Shikamaru greeted with a wave.

"Kimimaro-san escorted us so you have him to thank for our safe arrival" Asuma nodded at the sole remaining Kaguya from the practically extinct Kaguya clan, he also wouldn't be the one to tell the teenager the elders were planning on asking him to supply samples to restore his clan.

Shikamaru lifted his gaze to Kimimaro who nodded simply at the unasked question "Thank you then and for the conversation as well if I had to guess Sakura has rubbed off on you some" Shikamaru said.

"Perhaps a little, but now that my mind if free of any hold Orochimaru formerly had on me and that I've been allowed to think my own thoughts I can admit to holding a certain level of intelligence myself" Kimimaro admitted.

Wondering how the conversation between Sakura and Jugo was going if his friend had confessed or not as Team Ten wandered off leaving him alone for the next hour until the two returned from where ever they'd gone.

Upon entering the inn Jugo released Sakura's hand "Hey Kimimaro" Sakura waved on her way past him on her way to her rented room, once in Sakura threw herself down face first on the bed with a quiet squeal of happiness while inwardly promising later on to seek out Ino.

Meanwhile in their own rented room Kimimaro quirked an ivory brow at Jugo "I told her….and she confessed to liking me back as well so we went on a date to a restaurant that had exotic Sunarian dishes that Sakura liked and I must say I quite liked them as well" Jugo answered.

Not daring to keep the truth from Kimimaro who'd been the one to encourage him to confess in the first place "Good…for both of you, and know that you'll always have my support, no matter what happens I'll be there to back you and her up" Kimimaro smiled.

Relieved that things had worked out, later on after dinner Sakura snagged Ino and sequestered the both of them in her inn room "What gives Sakura" Ino huffed when a sound proofing seal was activated to prevent any one from eavesdropping.

"I'm not sure if you knew this but I kinda had a crush thing going on for Jugo, the guy we brought back when we rescued my parents, he's really great, well he confessed and I confessed and now we're dating and I don't know what all I'm supposed to do" Sakura rambled.

Hoping that her best girl friend would have advice as she stared at the blonde pleadingly with panic on her face, Ino blanked for a second not having expected Sakura would come to her for relationship advice.

After a moment she shook her head "First take a deep breath and relax….good so your dating him huh well from what I've seen Jugo is a pretty easy-going guy so you don't have to worry about him pushing you into things your not comfortable with right away" Ino suggested.

Glad when Sakura calmed down "Yeah we both agreed to wait for a long, long while on that" Sakura nodded, that being intercourse which Ino had probably already guessed at "But we also don't want a whole lot of people knowing either" Sakura said.

Ino couldn't blame the pinkette any so she spent the next hour explaining the finer points of dating the do's and don'ts of relationships so early on and how to do it so sneakily that no one else even realized they were a couple "And there you have all my advice" Ino leaned back.

And was squished in a hug a second later "Thank you Ino for being one of my best friends" Sakura smiled at the blonde after releasing the Yamanaka heiress from her hug, Ino grinned and decided to share a secret with the rosette.

"Well as your best friend I feel as if I should tell you who I have a crush on now….it's not Sasuke or that Kimimaro guy or Shikamaru or Choji" Ino said, eliminating several guys from the list that Sakura would choose from.

Because she knew it would only be a matter of time before Sakura guessed who it was she liked "You like Naruto for how long and how come you never told me before now" Sakura spluttered in surprise.

Ino giggled "I think it started that day on the training grounds you know when I stopped crushing on Sasuke but I didn't realize until much later when you were unconscious for that month, and now that he's been gone for half a year it really sunk in that I had feelings for that knucklehead" Ino admitted.

"Absence does make the heart fonder but if you want to get him to notice you, you'll have to be really blunt about it and practically spelt it out for him" Sakura giggled, before becoming serious and giving Ino a sage piece of advice.

Prompting them both to dissolve in a heap of helpless giggles "True, he really is oblivious to the feelings of girls sometimes, I mean Hinata had been pining after him since we were five but I think she just looks up to him now instead of having feelings for him now" Ino informed.

Sakura had to nod, having noticed the change in the Hyuga Heiress who'd become more confident in herself as she worked hard to better herself and make things better for her clan "Anyway I should probably let you out of here now" Sakura announced.

Making a hand sign to deactivate the sound proofing seal "Goodnight Sakura" Ino waved on her way out to her own room at the inn where she crawled into the bed, curled up beneath the covers and went to sleep for the night.