Chap. 2 The Fox and Cherry Blossom

As the sun shined brightly over the mountain top of Konoha's famous five Hokage's a certain kunoichi couldn't help but feel uneasy of the morning. Sakura has spent the last five nights sleepless ever since she and Naruto started training and spending time together. Sakura was enjoying her time with the young shinobi she was amazed at how much he has grown in personality but noticed he lacked in some places. She remembers how Tsunade-sama mentioned Naruto was picking up on Jiraiya-sama's hentai behavior yet around Sakura he acted respectfully. Sakura hugged her legs close to her chest and rested her head against her knees.

She couldn't get her emotions in line when it came to Naruto training with him and seeing how much stronger he became. He was amazed at her super human strength she always provided a tough challenge to Naruto when they trained together. She enjoyed his smile and carefree spirit yet she felt that Naruto was hiding something. She knew he acted this way because of the burden he had to endure as being a Jinchuuriki the very mention of that word brought tears to her eyes. Sakura wondered how long she could be able to hide these feelings for Naruto eventually she would need to come to terms with her emotions. Sakura looked at her clock it was around eleven a.m. "ahhh better get ready I know Naruto will be wondering if I forgot about meeting him for training." With that the young kunoichi left to get her self ready with her sparing session with Naruto the guy she starting to fall for.

Uzumaki Naruto was accustomed to waking up early since Ero-sennin took him under his wing. He couldn't help but smile knowing that he would once again practice with Sakura he enjoyed these past weeks with her their training as well with spending time with her. He knew deep inside he wanted to protect Sakura-chan and those he held deep in his heart. He knew that in order to protect those he loved he needed to get stronger but he didn't want to follow the same dark path that Sasuke had chosen. Naruto looked up to Konoha mountain upon where the great five shinobi leaders where etched in stone for all time to be remember as the wise and strongest and protectors of his village.

"(Why did Sasuke choose that path to abandon his friends and village for his own dark ambitions? No matter what the cost I promised Sakura-chan I would bring you back even if it cost me my life I will bring you back Sasuke I will turn you away from the darkness so you can see the light my friend") As Naruto noticed the training ground he was surprised he made it their he's mind was so focused on his thoughts as he walked. He took off his orange jumpsuit jacket. He wore black sweatpants and an orange sleeveless shirt he had his kunai pouch around his waist. He began his routine stretching letting his mind drift off Naruto wondered what new techniques he would teach Sakura-chan. He devilishly smiled thinking of whether or not to use his infamous Oiroke no jutsu sexy no jutsu.

"Ahhh maybe Sakura-chan may get a laugh out of it". Unknown to Naruto the young girl was right behind him wondering why he had such huge grin "Naruto-kun what's so funny?"

"Ehh?" Naruto turned around and was embarrassed that Sakura-chan may have heard of him out loud he was blushing like crazy and trying to make an excuse. "Sakura-chan oh…oh nothing I was just remembering how nice the day was so you ready for our training to start?"

The kunoichi could only smile at Naruto she couldn't wait to start their training. Sakura wondered if she should discuss with Naruto about what's been bothering her the fact that she is now developing stronger feelings for the young shinobi. Sakura decided that it is best not to complicate the issue and wouldn't want to frighten or burden Naruto at the moment. She got her black gloves on and punched her fist in to her hand and looked straight at Naruto "ready when you are Naruto-kun".

Sakura was running as fast as the wind her speed had increased since being trained by a one of the legendary sannin. Naruto's shadow clones all surround Sakura. The clones all smirked as they drew their kunai's "SAKURA-CHAN I GUESS I WIN HUH!" Sakura just smiled as the sweat dripped from her forehead she raises her left leg "Tsutenkyaku painful sky leg". The sheer power of Sakura's attack crushes the ground beneath her the earth shatters as her leg connects to the ground.

Naruto's clones are all swallowed in by the crushed earth the clones all disappear in to a puff of smoke leaving only one Naruto. As Naruto begins to move he notices his foot is trapped within the rubble as he try's to free him self Sakura sees an opening. "Ahhhh I got you know NARUTO-KUN!" Naruto looks up to meet Sakura palm as it connects with his chest the force of the touch sends the young shinobi hurdling towards one of the trees. His body makes contact with the old tree sending pieces of splinters every where while an exhausted Naruto is pinned against the tree. Naruto looks down on the ground as blood trips down his check smiling "heh…heh… good one Sakura-chan" as he collapses to the ground.

Sakura eyes are wide in terror worried she may have hit Naruto too hard she runs to his side "Naruto-kun are you all right!". As the kunoichi kneels down beside her fallen comrade she takes Naruto's head and places it on top of her lap "Shōsen Jutsu mystical palm technique" as Sakura was about to administer the technique she notices the wound around Naruto's head began to heal. She was amazed and shock of how quickly he healed himself she figured this was caused by the Kyūbi inside of Naruto.

Sakura couldn't help but stroke his head gently he looked so peaceful resting. As she looked deeply in to Naruto's calm face Naruto started to wake up his eyes pop open and is shocked to see Sakura looking down at him. He jerks up and scoots away from Sakura looking embarrassed Sakura equally embarrassed by the way she was holding Naruto on her knee. Fighting her blush she decides to end the awkward silence "so

Naruto-kun are you feeling better now I didn't know if I hurt you with that last attack". Naruto just grins at Sakura "ahhh don't worry about it Sakura-chan I've had worst hits laid on me you should see how ero-sennin gets when his serious. As both shinobi's get up and dust them selves Naruto's stomach decides to tell him its time for lunch "hehehe I guess its time for some nourishment which means Ichiraku ramen!" Sakura can only shake her head in disbelief "Naruto-kun I don't know if I'll ever understand why you love rumen so much".

Naruto picks up his orange and black jacket as they head out to Naruto's slice of heaven no matter how often he goes there or how many bowls he has eaten there for him there was always room for Ichiraku's ramen. The afternoon sun had befallen on the village of Konoha. Sakura didn't mind the heat she was interested on Naruto's tale about his adventures with Jiraiya-sama. "And then I had to find away to lure Ero-sennin away from the hot springs he was busy using his Toton Jutsu transparent escape technique, I had to use my Hāremu no jutsu ninja harem and tackle him from every where that did the trick but it made ero-sennin pass out, we couldn't train for two days since he passed out in the hot spring". Sakura had a disgruntled look on her face upon hearing how Naruto and his sensei's perverted adventures. As the two teens came closer to the ramen stand a loud voice came behind them Naruto could hear his name being called from afar. "Hey Naruto, Naruto!"

As the teens turned around to see who it was Sakura was shocked to see that it was Yamanaka Ino that was calling Naruto's name. A tired Ino stopped in front of the two teens she seemed out of breath. Ino had changed greatly from the last time Naruto saw her. She now sported a button-up top and skirt her hair was longer part of it covered her right eye. Naruto looked and checked her out from head to toe and couldn't help but noticed that Ino had developed quite nicely and she had a nice figure. The young shinobi grind widely at how lovely of a site Ino was. "Hey Ino what's up you seem very nice today."

The young kunoichi blushed at Naruto's complement Ino put her left hand on her waist and struck a sensual pose, "Ohh Naruto you're making me blush but thanks for noticing how lovely I have turned out." Unknown to Naruto was the fact that a certain pink haired kunoichi that had the strength capable of crushing a stone in to dust was getting pretty pissed off at the scene in front of her.

Sakura wondered why Ino seemed so "friendly" towards Naruto ("what does she want and why am I getting jealous over Ino its not like Naruto is my boyfriend yet I mean he and I are just friends right".) Naruto wondered what the lovely blonde ninja wanted with him "so Ino did you want something?"

Ino just smiled and walked closer to Naruto "I just wanted to say hi since the last time I saw you we didn't get a chance to talk much, plus I wanted to get a closer look at you I've heard you've gotten more handsome since last time."

Sakura's right eye began to twitch uncontrollably she couldn't believe what was happing in front of her Ino was actually flirting with Naruto in front of her of all people.

"Well you've seen Naruto-kun now, INO now we don't want to keep you waiting". Ino caught the malice in Sakura's voice she just smiled as looked towards Sakura. "ohh I'm in no such hurry say Naruto you don't mind if I join you guys I just wanted to catch up see how you're doing and all."

The blonde shinobi just smiled and scratched the back of his head he couldn't help but enjoy the idea of having two of Konoha's finest beauty's join him for lunch.

"Sure Ino I don't mind you joining us." Naruto would soon regret uttering those words. Sakura clinched her fists she had a scowl that would scare the dead she slammed her foot down leaving a small crater under it. Naruto jumped wondering what the noise was only seeing a slightly irate Sakura.

Ino only continued to smirk "is something the matter Sakura?" Sakura calmed her self down turning towards a nervous Naruto and smiling "oh nothings bothering me I thought I saw a cockroach that's all".

Inside Sakura was having a inner battle with her emotions ("why am I getting all worked over Ino she just wants to get reacquainted with Naruto-kun"). As the three enjoyed their meals Ino learned about Naruto's adventures and how much stronger he has grown. "So Naruto you and Sakura have been training daily huh that's good are you going to try for the Chūnin exam again you are the only Genin left from the old rookie nine."

Naruto was taking back by the question he only did what was natural for the blonde his trademark grin "off course can't let you guys get a head off me like that this time I'll become a Chūnin".

Sakura smiled at Naruto's up beat attitude he didn't let it get too him the fact that he was still a Genin yet her smile faded as soon as Ino spoke. "Well Naruto if you do go to take the exam I'll be there to cheer you on hope you don't mind "Ino let a smile giggle out.

Naruto blushed and grinned even more at blonde kunoichi "off course I don't mind Ino". Sakura couldn't help but notice that her eye began to twitch again.

"OFF course Naruto-kun wouldn't mind having all kinds of "fan girls" cheering for HIM!" Sakura's voice had a hint of sarcasms.

Ino could only smirk at the remark while Naruto coward at the evil glare Sakura was giving the poor shinobi. ("Gees what's gotten into Sakura-chan all of a sudden she's becoming scary like Yamato.")

Ino got up knowing that her sensei would wonder where she was "oh by the way Naruto there was another reason I needed to see you Shikamaru wanted to talk with you as well he said he'd meet you later at your place well take care Naruto-kun" she said the last part with such sweet voice that it left Naruto blushing.

As he waved at Ino good bye he couldn't help but stare at her rear Naruto forgot to close his mouth. As well he forgot to notice an infuriated Sakura. THUD! Naruto turned to his right noticing Sakura had both her hands on the counter she excused herself "Naruto-kun I have go and see Tsunade-sama I'll see you later you JERK!" the apparent anger in her voice only left Naruto stunned and stupefied wondering why she was angry at him.

Ayame-neechan could only sigh and shake her head Ichiraku-san instead try to help the confused shinobi 'Naruto-kun you still have a lot to learn about women". Naruto dropped the money on the counter and looked at Ichiraku-san in confusion "ehh" was the last words the shinobi said before retreating to his place.

As Naruto walked he couldn't help but wonder why Sakura-chan acted so strangely everything was going so will. "hmmm maybe I should ask her what's wrong. Ahhhh I'll never understand women!"

Scratching his head in defeat Naruto noticed a group of female kunoichi's smiling and giggling as Naruto came passed them. The giggles only got louder as he continued to walk pass the group of girls to Naruto they seemed around the same age as Moegi. Naruto turned around and smiled at the girls they immediately blushed and melted by Naruto's gesture. "Hehehe seems like I have a following now "grinning all the way home he notices that Shikamaru leaning against his door with his arms crossed. Shikamaru turned his head to face Naruto "you're as troublesome as ever you know that Naruto I've take it Ino informed you that I needed to see you I have a mission for team seven it's straight from the Hokage."

-Yo sup fellow fanfic readers and writers I hope you all will enjoy chap.2 I know there may be some OOC but it's only a little it's crucial for my story I figured that sense they are teens Naruto would start to notice the ladies hehe. Next chap. I will have some more action as well as fluff like how chap.2 came out don't worry Chap.3 I will try and have that out in two weeks I have too much free time lol any way leave me some feedback I hope you guys enjoy my fic plus I suck at titles for chapters its hard to name them for some reason peace out.