When Sakura first met Sasuke, well okay so he was watching him from afar and actually had yet to introduce and talk to the raven boy. Sakura thought he was cool. Like really really cool, as any eight years old would. Unlike most boys in his class, Sakura was different… at least that was what the classmates point out. Sakura was not brave and tended to stumble on his words, he was also a cry baby and had a huge forehead.

You look like a girl

Ew, why do you have pink hair? You do know pink is for girls right?

Is he crying?

CRY, BABY!

Your forehead is so huge

Hah, no way are you going to have a girlfriend

You need to man up.

Even the girls pick on you

Those were the cruel words said to him repeatedly. At first, Sakura did not understand. It was not as if he could control what colour hair he had. His Dad had pink hair and no one made fun of him, if anything Sakura loved his hair because how many children have unusual hair colour?

It made him unique and that is what he was proud of until the bullying began.

His parents tried their best to comfort him, but no matter the support, Sakura could not love himself as he used to.

Him being a cry baby, well okay so maybe he was rather sensitive. However, is that really a bad thing? It would be boring if everyone was the same, Sakura could not picture himself acting all tough and bullying other kids (it wasn't just him they picked on but definitely the most) and he certainly didn't have their ego. Always bragging about how they will be the best ninjas. Even Naruto was better.

The pink boy tried to ignore them and continue his day. Nevertheless, they always found him and this is where Sasuke came in.

"Oi, forehead. Cry baby, I'm talking to you!" Sakura tried to walk faster but the four bullies along with two girls cornered him. The two girls were not part of their group, they just loved to gang up on him. Sakura also had a sneaky suspicion that the main bully had a crush on the purple-haired girl. He would always blush around her every now and then, which Sakura tried to use as an advantage since there would be times he would get completely flustered and forget about the pink boy.

Unfortunately, that only worked when it was just him and the two girls. Otherwise, the other three boys wouldn't let him pass.

"It's rude to ignore us you know, what's the matter? I thought we were all friends here." A loud range of squeals and gasps came out of nowhere.

"Isn't that Sasuke?"

"He's so cool!"

"Sasuke-Kun looked at me!"

"Please marry me."

Sasuke gave a tsk and muttered a 'how annoying.' Before continuing his walk, he just wanted some peace and quiet. Was that really too much to ask?

The two girls around Sakura looked at him with hearts in their eyes, drooling and squealing. This did not please the main bully who did nothing but shoot daggers at Sasuke. Looking back at his crush the boy decided to confront him. Not the best idea, given what Sakura heard of the Uchihas but who was he to stop him. The other three boys looked at each other in confusion.

"Oi, Uchiha. I challenge you to a fight!"

"What do you think you're doing? Do you know who he is?" His friends tried to reason with him, but he just pushed them away and snarled. "Oh please, he can't be that hard to beat."

Sasuke however just continued walking.

"Don't ignore me! Did you hear what I said? I challenge you to a fight!"

Still ignoring.

"Oh, I get it. You're just probably too chicken to fight me. I mean I don't blame you, I am rather strong. You probably heard about me right? Are all the Uchihas cowards like you?" This left a gasp in the audience and whispers of whether or not there was going to be a fight. Sasuke paused but did not make his way down, he gave him a side glare.

"I'm not going to waste my energy with the likes of you. I actually have training to do." With that, he continued his way down. This made the bully's blood boil.

"Why not just admit that you're a coward?" he spat but Sasuke continued to ignore and walk on. Finally, the boy snapped and lunged at Sasuke with his friends telling him not to do it.

Unfortunately for him Sasuke was faster and swiftly dodged his attack thus causing him to trip face flat. It was a nasty fall, it also did not help that he was a big kid. Sasuke hadn't even touched him and still won the fight. Blood was dripping from his nose causing him to whimper. His three friends stood there wondering whether to help him or flee thinking Sasuke would attack them next.

He turned and gave them a glare and then looked back at the boy in front of him and ponder for a moment. On one hand, he could get into trouble, but on another, it wasn't like he physically did anything and instead dodged in self-defence. Sasuke continued on his way, the girls squealing and cheering whilst some of the boys muttered about how stupid he was to pick a fight with an Uchiha and others wished they were able to move as fast as Sasuke.

"We should probably help him," one of the other bullies spoke and the two nodded in agreement finally out of their daze. Slowly, they approached their leader who was crying and shoving them away about how he didn't need their help. The other two girls still had heart-shaped eyes and gushed about how cool Sasuke was.

The scene before him caused Sakura to sweatdrop. At least he was off the hook, for now, however, Sakura couldn't stop thinking how easily Sasuke had dodged and managed to get the bully off his back like it was nothing.

It happened so quickly but also in slow motion. Like Sasuke knew when the attack was going to come and when to dodge. It was so cool!


The pink boy decided to meet his one and only friend Ino. He couldn't wait to tell her what she missed in school. She was the only girl who actually stood by him and told him how she thought it was cute that he was sensitive. This caused the young boy to blush at the time, as he had never been complimented before by a girl. Unless you count his mother.

The two would usually meet in the park, to play and chat all afternoon.

"Hey Ino, have you heard of a boy named Sasuke Uchiha?"

"Sa-Sasuke?" Ino blushed. "Uh, yeah of course. I mean who hasn't right? He's cool and all if you like that sort of thing haha." This caused the young boy's face to falter. It was obvious that she had a crush on him, and honestly, he couldn't blame her. Sakura saw how awesome Sasuke was, he wasn't the type who got pushed around by others nor was he a cry baby, unlike him.

"Ino, do you… like him?"

If there was one boy who would make Ino happy, Sasuke would.

He would protect her, adore her and keep her safe. Something Sakura could never do.

"Me? Like Sasuke hah as if." She scoffed as if it was the most ridiculous idea she heard.

"I'm being serious Ino. Because if you do then I'll help you." The blonde's eyes widen and she looked at him concerned. "Are you sure? Because I thought that you...that is-"

"We're friends Ino, right? And friends help each other, don't worry. I'll be your wingman."

Right, because Ino liked Sasuke and he knew compared to him he would never stand a chance.

But if being with him made Ino happy then it made him happy too.


Naruto and Sasuke got into a lot of fights constantly.

Iruka would usually break them apart, scolding them in which the two would only huff and look away from each other. All the girls would be cheering on for Sasuke and no one for Naruto.

Well, not aloud at least. Sakura noticed over time the Hyuga quietly cheering for the boy, he can't blame her for doing so. The girls were fierce, even Ino scared him at times with how boisterous she was being. If she was caught cheering for Naruto, who knew what they do to her for betraying Sasuke.

"Oh, isn't Sasuke-Kun just the coolest," Ino would squeal. It almost seemed like she forgot the fact her friend had a crush on her, or maybe did take his words to heart and didn't think he liked her in that way. It wasn't exactly like he confessed to her, plus they were only little kids. His mum told him he was far too young to be worrying about girls and that the right girl wouldn't care about looks, it's what's inside that counts.

That didn't mean it didn't hurt though.

"Yeah, he is." He just gave her a soft smile and nodded. He can cry about it later, besides she wasn't wrong entirely.

Sasuke is pretty cool.


"Naruto Uzumaki and Sakura Haruno," Iruka called out to the class. He was listing out the teams and everyone was waiting eagerly to see who they would be teamed up with.

"And Sasuke Uchiha," all the girls groaned and whined wanting to be paired up with the Uchiha. Sakura glanced slightly at his friend, wondering if she would be bothered that they were in the same team. Although she was upset seeing as Sasuke would be on another squad, she didn't seem to mind he was. "Your so lucky Saks, I wish I got to be paired up with Sasuke."

"Why do I have to be paired up with him," Naruto yelled and Sakura soon realised that he would be caught in the middle of their antics and rivalry.

Yeah real lucky, is it too late to switch teams?

As soon as everyone was put into their groups, lunch came. Ino told Sakura that she would be with Shikamaru and Chouji and to go on without her.

Guess he was going to be by himself, well he was used to it. Until another blonde turned up.

"Hey, Sakura do you want to go get lunch together? Seeing as we're going to be in a team and all. No Sasuke though, I don't want to invite him." Naruto stuck his tongue out at the thought crossing his arms with a huff.

Sakura pondered, it would be ideal to get to know his teammates especially as Sakura never personally talked with either Naruto or Sasuke. Both these scenarios were different however, Sakura was warned by his parents to stay away from the blonde and not have anything to do with him. That he was a monster? Of course, he didn't understand what they meant but they were his parents so who was he to go against their wishes. Over time Sakura just assumed they called him a monster because of the way he behaved and didn't want the behaviour to rub on their son. But Naruto could behave normally if he wanted to, maybe Sakura could be a good influence on him?

Sasuke on the other hand just liked keeping to himself, so even if they did invite him he couldn't see him caring or wanting to go.

"Sure, besides I don't think Sasuke would be interested anyway."


"Why do all the girls even like Sasuke? I mean seriously what do they see in him?" Naruto vented digging into his lunch. It was nice to have some company since the poor boy was so used to being on his own. Sakura felt a little guilty after hearing how happy he was that someone finally wanted to have lunch with him.

Well, now that they were a team he didn't need to be alone anymore right?

"Well, he is cool. I mean he has the highest grades in the class, good at ninjutsu, and strategizing plus he is handsome. Even we can't deny that."

Naruto made a face.

"He's not that handsome and I'm way better looking, and not every girl has to like him right? Why couldn't they be interested in guys like us, I mean you like Ino don't you?"

Sakura blushed and almost choked on his food.

"How did you know?"

"Oh come on. It's so obvious, but she likes Sasuke right? Are you going to compete against him?"

"Compete?" Sakura took a bit out of his lunch looking at Naruto weirdly.

"Yeah you know, make Sasuke your rival so you can prove to Ino that you're just as good as he is."

"I don't think I can…"

"What do you mean? Of course, you can, we have to stand up for ourselves. If you beat Sasuke I'm sure Ino will like you more."

That did make sense in a way, but then could Sakura even beat Sasuke. Sure whilst his grades were on par with him, he still lacked everything else.

This is why you never get anywhere. Not with that mindset.

Sakura shook his head, Naruto was right. He did need to stand up for himself and he will.

"Yeah your right, hey I know why don't we play 20 Questions?"

"20 Question, what's that?"

"It's where we take turns to ask each other questions, so I can ask you what your favourite colour. Then when you give me your answer, you ask me a question. It's a game that helps us get to know each other."

"Oh okay, so like... what's your favourite food?"

"That's it, mine is anko dumplings coated with syrup and umeboshi. How about you?"

"Mines Ramen, hmm what else? Oh, I got a good one, is your hair colour natural? I've never seen a guy with pink hair."

Sakura just laughed, "yup it is. Runs in the family. Hmm, oh do you have anyone you like?"

"What me? Nope. Not one, no one that catches my interest anyway."

Sorry Hinata, but at least you have a chance.

"So, are you going to beat Sasuke and show Ino how amazing you are?"

There was silence for a minute before Sakura nodded grinning. "Of course!"


"Now I want you to introduce yourselves. Say your name what you like, what you dislike, and your goals for the future."

"Let's see, you go first," Kakashi spoke, pointing towards Naruto.

"Believe it, I'm Naruto Uzumaki. I like instant ramen in a cup and I really like the ramen Iruka sensei brought me at the Ichiraku noodle shop. But I hate the three minutes you have to wait to pour the ramen cup. My hobby is eating different ramen and comparing them. My future dream is, to be the greatest Hokage. Then the whole village will stop disrespecting me and start treating me like I'm somebody. Somebody important."

Well he's grown up in a very interesting way

"Alright next."

"I'm Sakura Haruno I like trivia games and hate anything spicy. I like uh... someone...I also like going for walks and my goals? Well, I guess I haven't really thought about it much, but there is one."

At that, he glanced at the Uchiha.

"To beat Sasuke," said person gave no reaction whilst Naruto laughed and high-fived Sakura.

"I'm with Sakura on that!"

Kakashi sighed.

Terrific looks like I'll have to keep an eye on Sakura as well.

Kakashi was aware of how Naruto and Sasuke were, hoping that Sakura would be easy but only time will tell.

"Next."

"My name is Sasuke Uchiha. I hate a lot of things and I don't particularly like anything."

Sasuke's hands were clasped together, his two teammates looked at each other with concern before shrugging it off.

"What I have is not a dream, because I will make it a reality. I'm going to restore my clan and destroy a certain somebody."

I hope he doesn't mean me was Naruto's thought sweatdropping.

Sakura slightly scooted away. Scary

"Well, now that we got that out the way. I'm expecting you here bright and early."

The three of them had no idea what they were installed for.


Kakashi had Naruto pinned down to the ground for the third time.

"You three really need some work."

Kakashi mused, Sasuke and Sakura just sighed in frustration. They were running out of time and only Sasuke was the closest to getting the bells.

"I expected better, but oh well."

Lunchtime came and poor Naruto had been tied up. Sakura felt sorry for him but Kakashi had specifically given them instructions not to feed him as it was his punishment. Sakura looked down, he felt so useless, he couldn't do a thing and was way too scared to approach Kakashi unlike the other two.

Naruto's stomach growled causing Sasuke to look at him mid-way through eating.

"Here," he handed his lunch to Naruto surprising the boy.

"What are you doing? You know we're not supposed to give Naruto anything."

"Relax, I can't sense him nearby. Besides, if we're going to work as a team then all of us need to be at our best. Otherwise, Naruto would only get in the way."

Well, that was a point but it was unexpected of him.

Since when did Sasuke care so much?

It was really kind of sweet Sakura thought before quickly shaking his head. Looking down at his own lunch, it wouldn't be fair for only the Uchiha to give up his food.

"You can have some of mine too."

Naruto felt like crying.

"You guys are the best!" Sakura winced at the loudness and shushed him as they didn't want Kakashi to hear any of it. The two took turns feeding Naruto and all was going well until Kakashi poofed at them furiously.

"YOU!"

Well, they were dead.

"You guys pass."


So as it turned out, looking out for your teammates and not abandoning them made you pass. Who knew? It was concerning on many teams Kakashi had turned down, did they all only think about themselves?

However, that didn't matter, after passing Naruto, Sasuke and Sakura had their first missions. They were simple, finding cats, walking dogs, and helping around the garden. Then their first real mission came, escorting Tazuna to The Land of Waves. Simple right? Wrong!

The mission was a D rank at first and became an A rank when Zabuza came along. Sakura could still remember freezing upon seeing them. What were they supposed to do? This didn't stop the other two mind you and Sakura found himself realising that he did the least.

Sure, he managed to dive in front of Tazuna to protect him and was good at controlling his chakra. Nevertheless, everything else was down on Naruto and Sasuke, and whilst it was a relief when everything finished. Sakura felt terrible.

They were always a step ahead.


"You really need to be more careful," Sakura spoke sternly bandaging Sasuke's arms.

"I know you two like to push yourselves but this is ridiculous."

Naruto and Sasuke were always overtraining. But there was a difference between getting stronger and putting yourself in hospital.

"Says the one who barely even trains, maybe you should actually do something."

Sakura froze and wondered if he heard him right, was he serious?

"I admit, I should be doing better but that gives you no right to have a go at me. Not all of us can be like you and Naruto!"

"What the hell is that supposed to mean?"

"You think that Naruto is rash but your no better yourself."

Sasuke scowled brushing past him. "Why not actually do something yourself before criticizing others?"

You know what Naruto was right, what did girls see in him again?


"Don't you think that was a bit mean?"

"No."

"Hey, Sakura's not like us."

"You can say that again."

"Urgh look, the point is he's doing his best so cut him some slack."

Ignoring him, the Uchiha walked off.

"Bastard!"


"You three will be taking part in the Chunin exams."

There was a silence which is not what Kakashi expected.

"Did I miss something?"

Naruto looked at his two teammates worryingly, Sasuke had yet to apologise and things were awkward. Naruto got along better with Sakura but was well aware he couldn't get in between their mess so instead shrugged and rubbed the back of his head laughing nervously.

"Nah we're fine."

Not seemingly convinced their beloved sensei didn't say anything more but handed them their applications informing them how it was their own decision on whether or not to participate before dismissing them.

Sakura said nothing but only glared at Sasuke before stomping off.


I would never survive this, Sasuke's right gah I hate him. Why does he always have to be right? Why can't I be strong? I'm just weak.

A twig snapped from behind and Sakura quickly got out a kunai to throw but as luck would have it, he who shall not be named appeared instead.

"Relax it's only me."

"Oh great, I feel ten times better then." Hold your tongue, hold your tongue.

Ignoring the comment Sasuke was about to talk, say something but shut his mouth instead. Apologies didn't come easy, especially when it's the truth.

"Come to belittle me some more? Don't tell me, let me guess. You're probably going to say that I should quit while I'm ahead right? Well, you don't have to worry about that, I'm not entering."

"You're not?"

"What would be the point? I will be out before I even have a chance, I mean did you see Gaara? I can barely keep up with you two, never mind him."

"I'll pretend I didn't hear that."

Well, Gaara certainly looked stronger.

"I didn't mean…" Sakura gave him a look.

"Okay, I did. But you do some good qualities, you have the sharpest eyes and best analytical skills on our squad."

Once again, Sasuke completely took him by surprise.

"You're giving me a compliment? After insulting me."

"Don't overthink it, it wasn't meant to be taken personally. It's a statement. If you train then you can get stronger, that's just a fact."

"I don't know where to begin, you make it sound so easy yet there's a difference between practising and actual fighting."

"Then let's practice, I need to warm up before the exams."

"Are you serious?"


"Why do you want to beat me so badly?" Sasuke deiced to ask, after the whole mission with Zabuza Sakura thought it would be a great idea to spend time together. They almost died, and Kakashi did tell them to practice their teamwork.

"Because, Ino-Chan likes you, so if I beat you she'll like me too."

"That's not how it works."

"Of course it is."

"I don't even like her and I never will! You don't have to prove anything."

"What makes you so sure you won't like her in the future?"

"What makes you so sure you still will?"

"… I love Ino."

"If you say so."


He was beaten up badly. Bruises were all over his face and he was pretty sure that one of his eyes is worse than the other. Still, Sakura couldn't give up, his teammates needed him and Lee had come out of his way to help even though he wasn't part of their team. These Sound Ninjas were something else, as Sakura spat out the blood from his mouth he found his face being slammed down by Zaku.

"You bastard! You really think you can beat us?"

Sakura had done a small amount of damage, he wasn't as strong as the other three but that didn't mean he couldn't sit back and do nothing.

"Make it quick Zaku, we don't have time to waste."

Moving his body around, Sakura tried to shake him off and successfully managed to pry one of his legs out from under him and swiftly kick him. He landed a little away and Sakura scurried quickly, throwing a kunai at him.

"SAKURA!"

Ino

Immediately, three people were in front of him and Sakura felt his heart skip a beat.

"Why are you-"

"We can't just sit around and watch you fight these guys by yourself. What kind of person do you take me for?"

Shikamaru snorted keeping a hold on Chouji. "And of course, you have to get us involved."

The battle was rough, and they almost won but when they were willing to sacrifice a teammate their blood ran cold. How could they even consider that? Didn't they care? This put them at a disadvantage but before they could do any more damage Neji arrived along with TenTen. The two of them looking for Lee and once they found him beaten on the ground it struck a nerve.

"You will pay," his voice cold activating the byakugan but upon further investigation, it seemed he was not needed. When voicing his thought Sasuke woke up, dark chakra surrounded him.

"Sakura, who did this to you?" His voice was dark and cold, nothing like him. Sakura didn't even say anything as Zaku gloated about how he was the one who did it. Giving him a fierce glare, if looks could kill Zaku would be dead then and there. Sakura heard Shikamaru tell Ino to get back inside her body and called Chouji over, which was a wise idea.

It didn't look like it mattered who got in the way. Zaku made the first move, being too cocky but Sasuke was smarter and faster. It wasn't long before he had him, his face with a twisted smile as he pulled out his arms.

What was happening? This wasn't how it was supposed to go.

"I guess your next, hope you make it more interesting."

Please don't

"Stop..." Sakura whispered knowing full well Sasuke hadn't heard, his body trembling.

"Stop," his face kept appearing in his mind. The cool, aloof Sasuke was never like this.

Not the boy he knew, not his teammate.

"I SAID STOP! STOP IT!"

He cried and ran to hug him, causing him to freeze.

What can he say? His body just moved on its own and there wasn't another way to stop him. Even if it was in front of everyone and he sent him a glare.

"That's enough, please."

Whether he finally got through to him or was tired Sakura wasn't sure but the curse mark receded and he went back to his normal self.


"Why am I always on the receiving end?"

"What?"

"Every time Ino's here, he's looking at her and you're looking at him."

Sasuke made a face.

"I am not."

"Yeah you are, you're always staring at him. I know you both think I'm an idiot but I'm not that dumb. Do you think I like putting up with your jealousy?"

"I'm not jealous."

"Keep telling yourself that."

"I'm not, I just find it stupid that he pretends he's interested in someone when he's clearly not."


When they left, Sakura felt his tense shoulders relax but glanced at Sasuke seeing him shaken, he didn't blame him. That power was... different.

TenTen took Lee off Ino shaking the poor guy and scolding him on how he shouldn't have run off on his own. Ino turned her attention elsewhere and walked up to Sakura.

"Hey Sakura, can I speak to you?" Nodding, he told Sasuke he be right back before following her.

"Do you like Sasuke?"

Hold up, what?

"What? Where did that come from? I can barely stand the guy."

"You didn't seem to have any problem hugging him just a while ago."

"That wasn't... a hug? Besides, things were tense. I couldn't let him kill them. That's not who he is."

He quickly glanced over at Sasuke before back at his friend

"I get that but it was just... I don't know. It didn't seem like something anyone would do."

"I... I don't like him like that."

Do I?

Ino gave him a look that said she didn't believe him but she smiled sadly and laughed.

"Hey, it's fine you know. I just didn't picture Sasuke as your type, I mean we're two completely different people."

"But I don't I like-"

"Hey, Sakura what happened?"

Ah, leave it to Naruto to finally wake up.


I felt bad for deleting this story since it was quite popular on here before. Well, popular for me at least. I just hope everyone who was reading it will be able to find this one. Again, I'm going to do my best and get all the other stories uploaded too.