"It's been a long time, Sakura-Chan. 4 years I believe." Jiraiya flashed her a sheepish smile. "Listen... sorry about not being there these past few years." Sakura's face remained neutral.

"You don't really think an apology will make up for years of neglect do you?" Hiruzen cleated his throat, easing the tension.

"I'm afraid personal matters will have to wait another time you two. The livelihood of Konoha is at stake." Sakura listened intently to the Hokage.

"We have reason to believe that Orochimaru is running this new hidden village Otogakure. It seems he hasn't learned his lesson from the last time." Hiruzen said.

"Yeah, Sakura-chan wasn't it you that destroyed Yamagakure?" (Village Hidden in Mountains)

Jiraiya said proudly. Hiruzen winced at the memory.

Sakura shook her head. "That's in the past. We mustn't worry ourselves with that. You came for a reason Jiraiya. What is it?" Jiraiya's face hardened to stone.

"We have reason to believe he's after Sarutobi-Sensei." Hiruzen sighed. "In my old age, I cannot hope to match him. He's no doubt taught himself many kinjutsu." Sakura scoffed at that.

What was the point of making Jutsu if they were taboo? Sakura herself could never understand it. Her great uncle Tobirama likely created so many Jutsu to stroke his ego.

"Otogakure is already just a little smaller than Konoha. Add in those cursed seals that many of them are being given... and we have a dangerous foe. Orochimaru alone could probably kill thousands. Add others..." Hiruzen trailed off.

"Which is why we need your prowess Sakura." Jiraiya said. "You're the only one capable of defeating him. I can't guarantee that I'll be around when he attacks and Sensei has grown old."

Sakura made her way to the door. "I'll protect the village. That is all." She stiffly bowed and left out. Hiruzen sighed. "She's angry... I can feel it. Orochimaru killed her father and forced her mother away from society. If those two titans go at it... we will all die."

Jiraiya shared his sentiments. The old Kage sighed again. "If only she'd accept the position as Hokage... if only."

————————————————————

The group of Genin walked to the address that Sakura gave them. It was in the wealthier section of Konoha, where Hinata resided.

"Geez! This walk better be worth it. We've been waking nonstop for like half an hour. But considering the location, Baka-sensei must be loaded." Naruto said.

Sasuke then looked up to see a gargantuan sized house. "Uhh... I think you're right for once Dobe."

Naruto blinked. "Is this... WHOA!" Naruto looked at the beautiful scenery. Hinata had to admit that this rivaled even the Hyūga compound! Even Sasuke could not believe how huge this place was!

"What should we do first guys?" Hinata asked quietly. Naruto noticed a tall man planting flowers. "Maybe we ask that guy." Sasuke went up to him.

"Excuse me. We're guests of Kato Sakura. Where should we go to place our belongings?" The man smiled. "Oh yes! I've been expecting you all. Just place them in the closet as soon as you walk in."

The Shinobi thanked him and walked into the mansion. Naruto admired all the nice furniture. He'd never been inside of a house like this before. Everything seemed so clean and tidy.

Sasuke just sat down on a nearby recliner. Once he sat down, his eyes rolled into the back of his head in a moment of utter bliss.

Hinata walked upstairs and nearly fainted seeing the massive library in Sakura's study. Hinata had guessed she was out of bounds but didn't care.

Hinata waded through the various books and scrolls noting that all of them dealt with Shinobi skills.

Medical Ninjutsu 101

Fūinjutsu Decoded

Advanced Kenjutsu

How to Cast Genjutsu Through Smell

Taijutsu Styles

Hinata now understood why Sensei was so well read. She had an understanding of almost every Jutsu in existence. Hinata shuddered thinking of how much studying was necessary.

"Y'know you shouldn't lurk on others things." The soft yet authoritative voice of her Sensei said. Hinata resisted the urge to jump out of her skin.

"Hai Sensei." Sakura wrapped an arm around her female student. "C'mon. Dinner is ready." The two descended down the stairs happily.

——————————————————

Outside of Konoha, two cloaked figures stood still. "I trust you finished Rasa off Kabuto." The shorter figure bowed. "Yes my Lord." The Leader of them cackled maniacally.

"Victory shall belong to me!"

————————————————————-

"DIG IN TTEBAYO!" Sasuke rolled his eyes but couldn't help but smile. Was this what it felt like to have a full family again? Whatever it was, Sasuke never wanted this feeling to go away.

Naruto drooled over the feast presented in front of them. Hinata gushed over how delicious everything looked. This was a five star spread if she'd ever seen one!

Sakura giggled at her students antics. They were a family.

Her family.

BREAK*

Two months had passed since Team 7 returned to Konoha. Sakura had highly stepped up their training regimen to the point where she was confident they could beat a seasoned Chunin.

Talk of the Chunin Exams spread through the village like wildfire. Hiruzen had planned on Konoha skipping them this year but received a nudge from the new Mizukage, Zabuza Momochi.

Jiraiya had left again, after another failed apology to Sakura. Truthfully, Sakura understood his actions but couldn't bring herself to say she cared for them. He had to protect Konoha with his spy network but he rarely even dropped in for a 'hello.'

Concerning her students, Naruto had become increasingly versatile in melee combat. He took to Kenjutsu like a duck to water. Sakura often had him spar with Yugao and he came close to landing a blow!

Sasuke continued to develop his Sharingan, as well as his Taijutsu. While Hinata would utterly crush him in that area, he was no slouch. Sasuke now boasted 25 Ninjutsu.

Hinata had grown very competent with her Jyuuken. Her chakra control was Kage level, offsetting her relatively small reserves. The heiress had also learned a few Genjutsu.

Sasuke was currently sparring with Hinata. In hand to hand he was helplessly outclassed. However a near point-blank Fireball almost ended the match.

If it weren't for a quick Kawarimi, Hinata would be mincemeat. She threw kunai with perfect precision but they were expertly dodged. Hinata threw a smoke bomb, blinding Sasuke.

Hinata took advantage of Sasuke's unfortunate predicament and casted a small illusion.

"Genjutsu: Hell Viewing Technique!"

Sasuke then saw himself being stabbed with swords over and over again. With a scoff, he broke the Genjutsu. The smoke cleared and Hinata had a needle to his throat.

"I win Sasuke-san." Hinata smirked slightly only to frown as Sasuke had a kunai at her abdomen. "We're both trapped." Sasuke boredly said. Hinata flushed slightly.

"F-fine. It's a draw." Naruto clapped while Sakura sat stone faced. The two jumped down from the treetop. "You three know what's coming up right?"

She received nods from them all. "It's the semi-annual Chunin Exams. Genin take them every year." Sasuke stated. His Sensei nodded.

"That's right. We have Genin from all over coming to our village. You may even face your own teammates."

"But... there's one Konoha team you need to look out for. That's Team Gai." Naruto looked confused.

"But Bushier Brows Sensei is super cool! How can his team be dangerous?!" The Uzumaki quite enjoyed the spandex clad Jounin.

"I know he doesn't look like much but at full power Gai may be the most powerful Shinobi in the world. His students are all dangerous but there's one that is absolutely a prodigy even greater than you Sasuke."

"Neji-nii." Hinata whispered. Sakura nodded. "He's not only being trained by Gai but one of the greatest Shinobi Konohagakure has ever produced."

"Shinichi Hyūga. His prowess rivals even mine. His Taijutsu is second to none. Not even Gai. While he lacks a significant array of Ninjutsu, he most certainly makes up for it with his intellect and raw skill."

Sasuke grit his teeth. "Itachi has brought him up before. You, Itachi, and this Shinichi made up the most powerful three man cell in Konoha's history."

Naruto brushed it off. "This Neji can't be that dangerous. If I face him, I'll definitely win." Sakura whacked him over the head. "Don't underestimate someone ever! Hubris has led to experienced Jounin dying to rookie Genin."

Naruto could only rub the lump on his head. "Anyway, it's time you start the Exams. It's time for you to take the written portion. Your proctor is Ibiki Morino. A-class Shinobi who's not to be trifled with."

Sasuke knew that this was vital in his quest for strength. The ultimate chance to prove himself to his beloved older brother who was always watching. Sakura grabbed them and Shunshined to the Exam Hall.

———————————————————-

Sakura wished her team luck as they walked into the testing area. She was greeted by her fellow Jounin Sensei.

"How are things, Sakura-chan?" the genjutsu mistress Kurenai asked thoughtfully. Before she could answer, Gai ran up and bear hugged her.

"HOW IS MY MOST YOUTHFUL BLOSSOM?!" Sakura resisted the urge to scoff. How could someone so powerful be such a goofball?

"Must you be so loud Gai? Don't you have that scarecrow to bother?" Gai shook his head enthusiastically. "Kakashi is on a mission! My ultimate rival has been quite absent lately!"

Asuma facepalmed. "Gai... seriously put her down now."