She would do anything to prove her worth, to protect the ones who've always fought so ardently to protect her. Sasuke was gone, Naruto was being hunted and she was powerless and watched as her team drifted farther apart. It was her turn to act, her turn to sacrifice everything. For her team she would leave and watch over her village from afar. She was donned in crimson, black and pink, her name was Haruno Sakura.

A/N: I haven't written anything in a while because of finals and whatnot. Growing up scares me and in my last years of highschool I can only endure and enjoy my fading free time.

Hellbent

Chapter1: To hold onto everything

Tonight everything would end and she would finally prove her worth. It was all an elaborate plan, and in her decision she knew she would never be able to return.

It's something I have to do.

The years were kind as her life finally reached a zenith. She was an ANBU, a well respected ninja and medic-nin. Despite her seventeen years she never found solstice. It was everything around her which kept her on edge, with nightmares and bitter thoughts which she would just sweat out during her training sessions. As she became more involved in the constant threats and village news the more she felt weak, unable to stop the inevitable, unable to protect her village. There would always be danger, she told herself but that in itself always made her feel inadequate.

She needed to take action.

Team seven was always a three man team because that was the way it was suppose to be. She wasn't going to be left helplessly crying, Naruto wasn't going to be captured, and Sasuke? Sasuke was going to return, she would see to it. She would leave with their hearts in mind. They were always with her, she told herself.

Even it would cost her,

even if she never. . .even if she could never. . .

Savoring her time she soaked deeper into the tepid water. Cupping the water she watched as it trickled through her fingers she sighed deeply before getting out of the tub. Her wet tendrils clung onto her shoulders as she attempted to tie them up. In the mirror she examined herself, her appearance and health.

Her fingers lingered on the pendent which she wore around her neck. It was a locket with a crimson ruby adorned in the middle. Inside was a picture of team 7 when they were young. The color red was always a favorite, it represented passion, fury and love.

Finally dressed in her ANBU uniform, Sakura made sure no skin was exposed and no scent could be traced. Picking up her mask, she noticed that the porcelain was cool even between her gloved fingers. In gloved hands she jiggled a can of spray paint covering the white painted surface of the mask. Blackening her identity as an ANBU, her mask of distinguishing features were black now. With postponing actions of tightened her boots and fastening her vest she pulled up her hood and finally left.

A scribbled message on her table.

"Naruto."

His golden hair made his identity painfully obvious.

" Sakura-chan? What are you doing out?" Naruto lifted up his ANBU mask and placed it on the ground. He was sitting casually by a riverbank his arms holding his body up. He was looked so relaxed and vulnerable that Sakura kicked him into the river for his carelessness.

Just for the hell of it.

" W-what was that for?" The blond popped his head up but remained in the water, a safe distance from Sakura.

" Idiot. How can you be so nonchalant, so lazy, so stupid! The Akatsuki could be nearby, they could have easily captured you." It was years since the last time the Akatsuki made an attempt at capturing Naruto. Word was that they were after the Kyubbi sealed inside the boy and the thought of losing another companion made Sakura cringe. The time between their last visit was too long, they would show up soon.

Naruto himself of coarse was stronger now but still. . .

He was an idiot.

Naruto took a moment before it registered in his mind. " Sakura-chan are you worrying about me?"

She ignored the suggestive tone in his voice." Just get out of the damn river before you get sick. Didn't Tsunade-sama tell you not to wander around mindlessly without the team?"

" That old hag, she doesn't know what she's talking about. Whether I'm alone in my apartment or out here it's all the same. If they want to try and get me again I'll just kick their ass."

She sighed. Naruto was hotheaded as usual. Walking on the water she lend a hand to her teammate and pulled him up. With her back turned to him she looked up at the moon then shuffled around in her pocket.

" It's late Naruto but perhaps Ichiraku's is still open." She held a coupon between her fingers.

" I really shouldn't. . ."

Sakura's lips twitched. He was refusing ramen, free ramen? Perhaps he was just trying to be polite or maybe everyone was just as on edge as she was.

" Fine." In a swift motion a rip was heard as Naruto's azure eyes widened.

The pieces of paper fell to the floor.

" Ahhh! Why Sakura-chan?" Naruto fell to his knees tears streaming down his face. He clutched the pieces of paper in his hands. It was like she just killed one of his most dearest friends.

She didn't like that analogy.

Turning around she held out the coupons and he looked at her with childlike admiration.

Sakura never saw Naruto's eyes lighten up or disappear with the coupons or even hear him running through the forest but faintly he said 'thank you' and she smiled blushing slightly. She touched her cheek before covering her face with Naruto's mask.

That sneaky bastard stole a kiss.

Sakura wasn't going to lose another partner, in fact she planned on getting Sasuke back. To calm her own mind and to ease the minds of the others. But first she needed the strength and power to do so.

Running off into the woods she still felt flushed.

Naruto would take this especially hard.

. . . Try to understand

I have most of the chapters written out, now all you have to do is review. Criticisms and gentle nagging to update is always appreciated.