A day later Sakura woke up ready to face the long day ahead of her, she started out by performing a different prayer than normal "Teach me, Lord Jashin, the knowledge of the ages, guide me in thy wisdom, let me feel thy presence and experience what you have for me" Sakura began.
"Do not let me be bound by irrefutable doctrines, but lead me to true freedom, give me the strength to leave my comfort zone, to explore that which is forbidden by those who believe they are wise, take away the fear that binds me, set me on my true path" the rosette chanted.
"But if you do not think I am ready let it be as a sunrise, allow me to see your light as well as your darkness, the fullness of who you are Lord Jashin, if I could have anything it would be to know your truth, to believe what is real, not someone else's insanity" the pinkette prayed.
Coming to the end of her prayer "So as I walk down this narrow road, don't let me be discouraged, as it is you who place me upon it" Sakura finished, sitting in the symbol of her god for a moment longer before finally readying herself by dressing appropriately.
Her outfit for the day consisted of a black sleeveless qipao shirt that reached a couple inches below her breasts to show off her slightly toned stomach, underneath she wore a mesh shirt with dark red trimmings.
For the lower half she slid into lower thigh length mesh shorts with red trimmings before tying a upper thigh length pitch black skirt around her waist that had slits up either side, a dark red short sleeved trench coat topped off the outfit.
She wasn't done however as next Sakura threw her hair up in a short ponytail, leaving half of her hair down still then slid her feet into a pair of crimson open toed boots with an inch heel that reached her toned calf muscles.
Only then did she finally exit her bedroom "Morning Pinky, oooh I like that one, guys are going to be vying for your hand after this event I swear" Anko greeted before whistling at what her little student was wearing.
Earning a giggle from Sakura "Thanks Anko-sensei, I admit this is one of my favorites to, I don't get many chances to wear it though cause Sasuke practically has a heart attack every time I even take off my shirt in front of him" Sakura snickered.
Unsympathetic of her teammates plight "No need for that, already went out and got breakfast from that Sushi Palace restaurant, so eat your fill then we'll head over to the arena" Anko shook her head, stopping the girl from cooking when she walked towards the stove.
"I love sushi, what a great way to start my morning off by indulging in something I like" Sakura grinned, loading up her plate with all the various kinds of sushi Anko had ordered and brought back to the house.
Anko snorted watching as Sakura devoured breakfast with added gusto "Right so are you ready Pinky, today is going to be extremely trying and I want you to make sure you aren't going to back out before things get going" Anko asked.
When Sakura was done eating "Anko-sensei, after everything I've been through, there's no chance in hell that I'm quitting when I've already made it this far, I swear I won't waste your efforts, or make Kakashi-sensei regret entering us into this exam" the pinkette vowed.
"Good then lets get going" the purple haired interrogator nodded, pleased at the conviction she heard in Sakura's voice, with that they began their trek to the arena, halfway there though they ran into someone Sakura never expected to see again.
Her eyes widened right as he spotted her "Kid, good to see you again, your probably wondering what I'm doing here right, well when the woman heard about the Chunin Exams, she wanted to come see you and make sure you were doing alright after you, you know" Ogawa greeted.
Relieved to see her doing well "Ogawa-san I didn't think I'd see you again, but you mean Tsunami-san is here" Sakura admitted, looking around as she asked in hopes to spot the blue haired civilian.
Ogawa nodded "Yeah, and don't worry, the village is doing just fine, I found some people to help protect it while I was away" Ogawa assured, pointing when he saw the woman who'd given him the slip the moment they'd arrived.
As she walked briskly towards them "Sakura-chan how are you, I hope you've been well and I'd also like to apologize again for what my Father did, both he and my son were rather rude to you and your team and sensei" Tsunami squeezed the girl in a hug.
Sakura hesitantly returned said hug "Anyway it's nice you came all this way but Sakura's participating in the final round and if she doesn't get to the arena in the next five minutes she'll be disqualified" Anko declared.
Both Ogawa and Tsunami nodded in understanding "We'll be there to cheer you on Kid so do your best out there" Ogawa called when the two kunoichi started walking again, Sakura waved and then the two were out of sight.
Leaving him and Tsunami to head to the arena themselves to find a spot to sit and watch the matches, meanwhile because they were already behind schedule Anko decided to simply body flicker Sakura the rest of the way to the arena herself.
Seconds before disappearing on the girl, Sakura threw her arms around her waist "Thanks for everything this past month Anko-sensei, I've never really had a female role model until I met you, your like the older sister I've always wanted but never got until now" Sakura rambled.
Nervousness creeping up on her "Hey, hey enough of that Pinky you're going to do fine, you swore remember" Anko assured not using to seeing Sakura like this so it was more than a little concerning.
After a moment Sakura released her "I know, I just wanted to uh thank you I guess, hehe" Sakura blushed, embarrassed before turning tail and disappearing through the arena doors, only to find herself almost the last one there.
The first person to notice her was Naruto "Sakura-chan what are you wearing" the blonde gaped in horror at her attire for the final round, not sure how he felt at her revealing clothing, it was worse than usual.
She rolled her eyes "Clothes Naruto what else would I wear my birthday suit..kidding don't take everything so literally otouto, and it's not that bad compared to what some other people wear" Sakura snorted.
"By the way, never leave me alone with Anko-sensei for a month ever again, I love her to bits and pieces but she is sadistic as fuck" Sakura told him once she was stood next to him, basking in his presence and his close proximity after not seeing him for a month.
Naruto shuddered and nodded "Do you have to be so foul mouthed Sakura, it's troublesome" Shikamaru piped in from the other side of him, slightly horrified to find that Sakura's mouth had gotten worse during the past month.
"There's no point in telling her that you lazy ass, Sakura will just continue to cuss regardless of what's proper for girls" Naruto commented, dodging the whack from Sakura who swung her hand out to slap him upside the head.
Before their conversation could continue the proctor for the final round approached them "Quiet down, you lot are the heroes of today, so stand up straight for the judges and spectators" Genma snapped reigning the genin in easily.
While winking imperceptibly at Sakura who clasped her hands behind her back and stood tall not a spec of fear in the girl "Now before I explain the rules take a look at this sheet some changes have been made so I expect you to memorize them" Genma informed.
Pulling out the match up sheet prompting a frown from Sakura "Hold on what happened to Dosu" Sakura asked him, clearly confused and so was he as he raised a brow before Genma realized that Anko hadn't told her.
"Dosu dropped out about two weeks ago, so you'll be fighting whoever wins Shikamaru's and Temari's match, also we got a message saying that Sasuke Uchiha would be late" Genma explained.
Inwardly amused when Sakura gaped at him before sighing in exhaustion as he explained the rules, pretty much the same from the preliminary round "So everyone off the field except Uzumaki and Hyuga" Genma barked.
Sending the genin scrambling for the balcony "I wouldn't usually ask but if I win my round, you wouldn't consider simply forfeiting would you Sakura" Shikamaru asked when they were stood in the stands to watch the first match.
This got him a glare "You have no idea of the hell I went through Shikamaru so even if it's not against my original opponent I'll still be fighting so no I won't consider forfeiting" Sakura grimaced intending on seeing this day through.
Off to the side of her Shino snorted "Nara you should have known that would be her answer, why because Sakura's not the kind of person to back down from a fight" Shino reminded, hoping that she won so that he could face off against her.
He'd always wanted to fight her but the chance had never presented itself, Shikamaru groaned under his breath muttering about how women were troublesome before they focused on the fight happening down in the arena.
Naruto was putting up one hell of a fight against Neji, and though it seemed like he was losing, Sakura knew her little brother better than anyone, he was baiting Neji so that he wasted his chakra on chakra extensive moves.
Keeping himself out of range at the same time and spamming the hell out of the shadow clone jutsu, a carefully laid out trap that ended with Neji flat on his back from a punch to the chin as the blonde burst up out of the ground and nailed him.
Thus winning his match "Proud of you Naruto, that was a good fight, tactical, you're a shoo in for Chunin at this point" Sakura praised when he breached the top of the steps and she met him with a bone crushing hug.
That he all to happily returned "Not yet Sakura-chan but I will be after I win a couple more matches" Naruto grinned, reigning in his excitement for beating Neji as the next match was called between Shino and Kankuro.
Kankuro raised his hand "I forfeit is that alright, I've got a stomachache" Kankuro declared, lying through his teeth, this was so that he could conserve his chakra for the coup, unaware that they'd been abandoned as Orochimaru had long since fled Konohagakure.
Genma frowned "As Kankuro has forfeited Shino Aburame automatically wins, so Shikamaru Nara and Temari it's time for your match unless one of you wishes to forfeit" Genma eyed the two teens hoping that they would fight.
Shikamaru almost did forfeit until he was knocked over the railing into the arena by Naruto "Damn it you suck Naruto" Shikamaru complained as Temari floated down on her fan to face him and with that the third match was started.
"What do you think Sakura-chan, will that lazy ass win, if he does you'll have to fight him next" Naruto inquired watching the match closely not that much was happening at the moment since Shikamaru had hidden himself.
Sakura shook her head "He'll forfeit at the very last moment when he has her captured while throwing in a comment about how it's to much of a drag to win" Sakura stated, knowing how the Nara heir would probably go about his match.
Naruto blinked but then shrugged and ten minutes later Shikamaru did exactly what Sakura said he would do "Sakura want to come down here, its your turn" Genma hollered up to the pinkette as Shikamaru trudged off the field.
With a grin the girl jumped over the railing fearlessly and landed neatly on her feet "Wait shouldn't I get a quick break before jumping right into another fight" Temari asked, concerned because she didn't know anything about Sakura's skills.
She'd hardly displayed any during her preliminary match, plus she wasn't to keen on fighting the pinkette anyway "Kid you feeling generous today or are you like a viper" Genma peered at Sakura who strolled towards them leisurely.
"Eh generous I suppose, here Temari-san this will replenish your chakra and energy so that you can keep fighting….unless your afraid of sweating some more" Sakura teased lightly, flicking a hand made soldier pill at the older kunoichi.
Temari quirked a pale brow in response "Careful Pinky I've heard some rumors floating around about you, so I suggest you watch what you say especially if you can't handle retaliation" the blonde warned.
The response was immediate as Sakura scowled "Made up rumors I bet and trust me I'm plenty capable of handling retaliation even if I'm the one getting harassed" Sakura hissed turning into a viper, pissed that yet another person was judging her because of Ino and her stupid mouth.
Genma shook his head "Right let the fourth match between Sakura Haruno and Temari Sabaku begin" the special Jonin brought his hand down starting the match because he knew if he didn't Sakura would start it anyway.
Instantly Temari crunched the pill Sakura had been kind enough to give her, followed by waving her fan casting a wind jutsu in hopes to end the fight quickly, Sakura however wasn't the type to just lay down and take it.
As she whipped out her weapons scroll and unsealed her scythe, charging when it was within hand, her free hand was already weaving one handed hand seals "Doton: Earth Spike Wave" Sakura finished the hand signs.
Before kicking the ground and sending a deadly wave of earthen spikes after Temari, distracting the blonde and making her take her attention off of Sakura in order to get out of range from the elemental jutsu attack.
When Temari looked again Sakura was no where to be seen "Coward come out and fight" Temari shouted, looking all around until a shadow fell over her and she looked up to see Sakura above her, tri-bladed scythe pointed straight at her.
"Whose a coward" Sakura glared, as Temari blocked her scythe with her battle fan, however the blonde wasn't covering herself completely as she swung out a foot intending on tripping the older girl only to have Temari jump backwards to disengage and create distance.
In order to cast another of her wind jutsu's "Damn it" Temari cursed when Sakura used another jutsu, this one being a water jutsu as it protected her from the cutting wind, before coming after her again.
A hand tried to grab her ankle a moment later that she barely managed to avoid as she once again got out of range while Sakura emerged from underground "So close" Sakura hummed, calculating out her next move.
Practically having this fight in the bag she was simply dragging things out to give Sasuke a little more time to get there before he was disqualified for being late "Quit screwing around and take me seriously damn it" Temari raged suddenly.
Feeling as if Sakura was barely trying "Oh I wondered when you'd notice, kudos to you Temari-san, but if that's what you want then that's what you'll get" Sakura clapped before the smile dropped off her face.
Her scythe flew through the air a second later, hooking onto Temari's fan "Shit" Temari exclaimed when despite struggling to get free of the damn scythe, her fan was ripped out of her hands and dragged towards Sakura.
As she used the retractable cord attached to her weapon to reel the scythe back in "Looky here I caught me a fish, unfortunately it's rather useless to me, so why don't I, ah put it here in the ground" Sakura grinned.
Slamming the fan into the ground to where it was stuck "No, no, no" Temari shook her head seeing the glint in Sakura's eyes once her fan was embedded in the ground when she turned to run, she ran head first into a clone.
She put up the best fight that she could after that but alas Sakura had her outclassed "Do you forfeit" Sakura asked five minutes later from where she was sitting on Temari's back keeping her held down despite the older girls struggling.
Temari wheezed out of breath "Your insane, but I concede defeat, proctor call the match" the blonde coughed, feeling utterly humiliated at how quickly she'd been beaten, it had only taken twenty five minutes but the truth was undeniable, she'd lost.
"Very well Sakura Haruno is the winner" Genma declared, amused when Sakura jumped up like she was on fire and heaved Temari back onto her feet, she even returned the blondes fan after ripping it up out of the ground with nothing but brute strength.
Just as Sakura was preparing to return to the balcony, leaves started swirling around and then suddenly stood in the center of the arena were Sasuke and Kakashi "Sakura" Sasuke saw her standing there only to blanch in horror at what she was wearing.
"Save it for later Sasuke, you have a match to win so that I can kick your ass for being late on this day of all days" Sakura snorted, shaking her head when he went to say something else so she interrupted him by turning her back on him and heading for the stands.
Kakashi on her heels, chuckling under his breath "I can't believe I'm saying this but I've missed hearing you cuss out Naruto and Sasuke when they do something stupid, try not to blame him to much, it was my fault that I wanted to have one last training session" Kakashi commented.
Patting his kunoichi on the head to sooth her ruffled feathers "Don't worry I'm mad at you to Kakashi-sensei, all three of you abandoned me with Anko-sensei for a month and she didn't even have the decency to tell me that Dosu had dropped out" Sakura ranted.
"So that's why you were fighting Temari from Sunagakure" Kakashi said, already having known about Dosu dropping out of the exams, all Sound Shinobi had actually disappeared over night a little to suspiciously.
Sakura scowled at him "What the hell is going on Kakashi-sensei, everyone's been acting weird, all twitchy like, like their expecting an attack on the village" Sakura frowned, not liking that she was being left out of the loop.
Her sensei sighed and put up a sound proofing jutsu "That's because we are expecting an attack, sometime during Sasuke-kun's match, Sand and Sound are going to attack, that's why Hayate nearly died, he found out that information but was caught trying to leave" Kakashi explained.
Viridian irises widened "Oh god if Jashin-sama hadn't told me we wouldn't know at all and Hayate-sensei would be dead" Sakura choked out, revealing who'd told her about Hayate being on the verge of death.
"Relax Sakura-chan, he's doing quite well now, but I must ask that you not tell anyone else and if it looks like Sasuke's about to rush off recklessly stop him by any means necessary because Orochimaru is after him" Kakashi informed.
Further scaring his student who nearly hyperventilated before forcing herself to calm down "Understood, your orders will be followed Kakashi-sensei and I won't let Naruto do anything stupid either" Sakura vowed.
Dashing up the steps ahead of him to find that Sasuke's match had already begun against Gaara 'The boy is a Jinchuuriki, I don't know why I didn't realize until just now and he's unstable at that' Jashin told her suddenly after she'd been watching Gaara closely.
Causing Sakura to nearly hyperventilate again 'There is no need to fear child, a simple spiking of my chakra should be enough to prevent Shukaku from going out of control and taking over his host, the beast has enough decency to behave after all' Jashin assured.
Below Gaara felt that malevolent chakra spike, and the voice inside his head faded, during this he paused for a split few moments, allowing Sasuke to get in range and kick him half way across the arena to his siblings horror.
They weren't the only ones shocked, Sasuke was to because he'd expected it to be a lot harder to get hit in on Gaara especially since he could wield sand, from where Gaara had skidded to a halt he rose on unsteady legs.
And the fight was on again until Gaara shielded himself with an entire dome of sand to prevent Sasuke from attacking him anymore, Sasuke had a trick up his sleeve however as he scaled the side of the arena wall.
Weaving hand signs "Raiton: Thunder blade" Sasuke called out, as the arena was filled with the sound of a thousand birds chirping and lightning crackled in his hand as he ran down the wall and maneuvered himself until he was before the dome of sand.
Sasuke thrust his hand forward, cutting right through the sand to reach Gaara, only then did the screams start "IT'S BLOOD, IT'S MY BLOOD" Gaara screamed in utter agony from the injury he'd just been dealt.
Little white feathers started floating down as the sand fell away from Gaara who was screaming like someone had murdered him, Sasuke was completely dumbfounded, especially when Sand Shinobi poured into the arena and started attacking.
In fact he nearly lost his head to a Sand Shinobi, if it hadn't been for Sakura, who punched first and asked questions later apparently "Leave him, the adults can handle Gaara, we have to help evacuate the civilians to the shelters" Sakura shook her head.
When he made to run off after Gaara who was taken away by his siblings "The hell is going on" Sasuke scowled, swallowing his pride and leaving the fight left unfinished as they collected Naruto and headed out into the village.
"Yeah I'd like to know as well Sakura-chan this is crazy, I thought Sand were our allies" Naruto rambled as they hurried down the streets, directing civilians as they went towards the shelters, properly performing their duties as shinobi of Konohagakure.
Sakura sighed "A coup, though I was told Sound were going to be a part of the attack, that doesn't seem to be the case, still we have to be careful cause Orochimaru could be slinking around waiting to get you Sasuke, for your sharingan I guess" Sakura explained.
Kicking a Sand Shinobi on reflex alone as he tried to sneak up on them "I see you got better at that" Sasuke noted when the man went flying backwards and slammed into a building, cracking it even to his chagrin.
"Train with Anko-sensei for a month, you'll have no choice but to develop quicker reflexes to dodge the bloody snakes" Sakura deadpanned, took a quick look around her and led her teammates down a different street to begin clearing it of civilians as well.
Sasuke paled slightly as did Naruto "Is that why you said to never leave you alone with her again" Naruto grimaced, feeling bad that he'd stayed out training under that pervert hermit sage Jiraiya all month long.
Just then they were joined by a familiar jonin "Now just where do you think you three are going" Baki questioned, standing in their way, it was just them and him on the street with no help coming any time soon probably.
"Shouldn't you be more concerned about Gaara, he is your student isn't he and he was injured so why are you coming after us" Sakura scowled, shooting her teammates a look to ensure they wouldn't act recklessly.
Baki chuckled "Orochimaru may have abandoned us but don't think I haven't noticed, you're a special girl Sakura-san and I intend on making you a hostage, the Hokage will comply to our demands that way" Baki explained.
Edging forward "Are you stupid, you don't go revealing your plan to the person you intend on capturing otherwise they'll end up figuring out a way to avoid you" Naruto scoffed, tensing as Sakura and Sasuke did the same.
The Sunagakure Jonin shook his head "You forget however, I am a Jonin, you three are genin, I outclass you in strength, skills and ability" Baki reminded, creating a wind blade and rushing the kids.
Sakura had good reflexes however as she grabbed Naruto, shoved Sasuke and hauled them down a side street "Never thought I'd see the day where you'd run from a fight Sakura" Sasuke snorted, finding humor in the situation.
Which got him a death glare "Stuff it Sasuke and run, we have to find a Jonin, that bastard almost killed Hayate-sensei" Sakura shook her fist angrily at the Uchiha as Baki pursued them from the rooftops not letting them out of his sight.
He was surprised at her words though but that didn't deter him from chasing the genin across the village, they were quick Baki had to admit if only to himself but eventually Team Seven came upon a dead end and with that their little game of cat and mouse ended.
"Just come with me Sakura-san, those two don't have to get hurt as long as you don't resist" Baki said, creeping ever closer, he was nearly there and Sakura was clearly weighing her options when a voice came from the other end of the street behind him.
It was one none of the genin wanted to hear again "In quite the predicament aren't you girl, I can kill him to save you if that is what you wish, but I desire loyalty in return, join me in root and I will kill this fool who hunts you" Danzo offered.
'What do I do, what do I do Jashin-sama' Sakura clenched her eyes shut, hoping that the god of slaughter would have a suggestion to get her and her teammates out of this mess they had unintentionally gotten themselves into.
Jashin was quiet however, leaving her to stand on her own two feet during this trying time "No deal Danzo, I'd rather…I'd rather go with Baki-san than be saved by you" Sakura decided, jutting out her chin determined to remain strong.
Shaking her head at Naruto and Sasuke who tried to object to her decision as Danzo stormed off "You just wasted your only chance to be rescued Sakura-san" Baki commented with a laugh, having thought he was about to die for a moment there.
Sakura glared at him as he tied her hands together "He was no rescue party Baki-san, as for you two stay safe" Sakura scoffed, allowing Baki to lead her away from the two boys who clearly wanted to object to her sacrificing herself like this.
For them they reminded themselves "We have to find Kakashi-sensei" Naruto steeled himself by taking a shuddering breath while deciding on their course of action from this point onwards, if they could find their sensei Sakura could be saved.
"Right, we can't let her sacrifice go to waste, she'll be fine as long as she doesn't have to reveal the fact that she's immortal to the entire village, Sakura can handle herself without us" Sasuke nodded so off they went.
Meanwhile headed back in the direction of the arena were Sakura and Baki, Leaf Shinobi stopping in their tracks upon seeing the hostage situation unfolding before their very eyes "Kami no, PINKY what the hell are you doing" Anko screamed at her.
Seeing her favorite little genin in the hands of the enemy "Taking the fall Anko-sensei to protect everyone I care about" Sakura announced, wincing slightly when Baki poked her in the back with a kunai when someone got to close.
Making the shinobi back off, Anko ground her teeth furiously, frustrated that she could do nothing but stand there like an idiot as the enemy made off with Sakura to where the two Kage's were battling it out.
Rasa and Hiruzen paused however when Baki appeared dragging Sakura along "Comply to our demands Hokage or….." Baki put a sword to the pinkette's neck, threatening wordlessly to slit her throat if Hiruzen didn't do as they of Hidden Sand wanted.
"Taking a hostage that's good work Baki, bring the girl over here" Rasa ordered his shinobi and soon Sakura was stood before the Kazekage, she kept her head raised and didn't cower, a truly brave genin.
He doubted she'd last very long though as he leaned down "Tell your Hokage to give in to our demands or your village and family will suffer" Rasa murmured in her ear, keeping his gaze locked with Hiruzen's.
Sakura grit her teeth "I never said I'd comply further than going with Baki-san to protect my teammates so no I won't and you can't make me" Sakura announced, her will wouldn't be broken that easily.
"Playing the hero I see" Rasa laughed as if he was genuinely amused "We'll see how long that lasts, Baki, cut her, make it painful, who will cave first the Hokage or you" the Kazekage ordered and Baki came forward.
With a sword in hand, Sakura kept her mouth shut when Baki sliced open her stomach "That's nothing compared to the pain I've already endured, though your not very creative with your attacks are you Baki-san" the rosette taunted.
Unaffected by the pain "Don't make things worse for yourself Sakura-san" Baki frowned, following through with the next command by digging his fingers into the wound he'd made but he got nothing for his efforts.
Not even a flinch, his assault on the girl lasted for several minutes until "GET THE HELL AWAY FROM MY STUDENT" an enraged voice shouted, followed by the sound of electricity crackling in their ears.
It was what Sakura had been waiting for as she focused her chakra "Suiton: Waterwall" she called out firmly, as water rushed up and around her allowing her to escape to safety "Kakashi-sensei I knew they'd find you" Sakura breathed as he held her in his arms.
"Mm they did, you should be proud of them Sakura-chan, despite wanting to come rescue you with me, they stayed to protect the academy from any further attacks" Kakashi crinkled his eye at her, just glad he'd made it in time.
Next to show up on the roof was Anko "Kazekage admit defeat, you have no hostage to use and your shinobi are beaten, concede" Hiruzen stepped forward, relieved that Sakura hadn't had to reveal her secret and that he hadn't caved when he'd just been about to.
Rasa glared furiously before grudgingly bowing his head "Stand down Baki, we have failed here today" Rasa ordered reluctantly, letting Ibiki who had appeared after his second in command put chakra suppressing cuffs on his wrists.
"Pinky I want you to know that I'm extremely pissed off at you, that was stupid what if you'd gotten yourself killed" a purple haired woman snarled at the girl he'd had captive up until a few minutes ago.
Sakura scoffed "Go ahead and be mad then Anko-sensei, I did what I had to to protect my village, and I'm angry with you myself, you made me suffer for two weeks listening to that chime nearly give me brain damage when you knew Dosu had dropped out of the round" Sakura sniffed.
Healing herself of the injuries Baki had inflicted upon her "I'll give you brain damage you little brat" Anko growled, punching the girl on the head with a loud crack, Kakashi quickly snatched his kunoichi away from the violent woman.
"Fuck Anko are you trying to give her a concussion" Kakashi scowled at the T&I specialist while Sakura glared with tears in her eyes from the hit to the head and belatedly Rasa realized that he should have focused on that area since it seemed to effect her some.
Anko sneered but finally followed after Ibiki "Can we go find Naruto and Sasuke now, I'm all healed up" Sakura requested when it was just her and Kakashi on the roof, the Hokage having left to resume his post in his office and get started on the paperwork this had no doubt caused him.
Kakashi let his gaze soften "Sure Sakura-chan lets go" the Copy Ninja lifted her up, knowing that she was probably dizzy from blood loss, not even Jashin could give her back all the blood she'd lost during the time she'd been held hostage.
Upon arriving at the academy Sakura was accosted by two distinctive blurs "Sakura-chan what happened why are you covered in blood, you didn't have to do that did you" Naruto rambled, paying no attention to Kakashi.
Who let his arms drop to his side with a huff as Sakura was held precariously in Sasuke's arms now "I'd think we'd know if she had to do that Dobe, but an explanation would be nice" Sasuke snorted, cradling Sakura against him gently.
It was only then that Sakura broke down crying at long last "The things I do for you idiots but no I didn't have to do that…and the Kazekage had Baki-san torture me by inflicting extensive injuries upon my person" Sakura sniffled quietly.
Naruto felt sick to his stomach at the news "Well it's over, you don't have to be tortured anymore Sakura-chan, so lets go home okay, there you can wash up and then we can try to forget this whole nightmare of a day happened in the first place" Naruto declared.
"Hear that we're going home Sakura" Sasuke spoke gently to her as Kakashi pressed his hands down upon his and Naruto's shoulders to body flicker them to the house instead of going through the hassle of trekking to the apartment or the various alternate routes.
By the time they arrived home however Sakura was already asleep unable to stay awake any longer and since they couldn't access Sakura's room, she was put in the guest room, where after the rest of them decided to just go to bed early themselves after the long day they'd had.
Four days later Anko popped by the house just before lunch "Here Pinky the female black mamba you won off of me over a month ago, and Morino wants you down at T&I" Anko informed, passing over the smaller black mamba to Sakura.
Chishi already curled around her shoulders as she lounged on the couch though at the admission Sakura stood, wrapping the new serpent around her neck "What does Ibiki-sensei want me for" Sakura frowned.
"You'll find out when we get there" Anko shook her head, leading the pinkette towards the door and outside the range of anti-transportation seals, arriving back at T&I in a timely manner and then for only the second time, technically third Sakura was led deeper into the building.
All the way to the indoor training room, when the door was opened Sakura got a shock as clapping sounded, thundering in her ears "Uh what's going on" Sakura asked massively confused at the applause she was getting just for entering the room.
Off to the right of her someone snorted "Brat, your being congratulated, you should be honored after your performance during the exam and the bravery you displayed" Ibiki, the culprit informed with another snort.
"That's right Sakura-san, usually this would be done by Hokage-sama but Anko begged him to let us be the ones to do it, so congrats on your promotion to Chunin" Hayate stepped forward, a Chunin Vest in hand.
Sakura felt the breath whoosh out of her "Normally you wouldn't be promoted so early on, after the exams end, Hokage-sama pushed it however hence why your getting yours early, there are a few others being promoted to" Genma explained.
Seeing the confusion as Sakura shakily took her Chunin Vest from Hayate "Who they are however is a secret so don't ask because we don't know either" Kotetsu chimed in, preventing Sakura from asking just in case.
It didn't seem like she was going to though "Time for food" Anko declared, wandering off, Sakura couldn't help herself really she just started laughing not sure why she found that so funny but after a moment she managed to calm herself.
"Feeling okay Sakura-san I know this must be overwhelming" Izumo sidled up to the rosette, who clutched her Chunin Vest possessively, being wary of the black mambas situated upon her person, though now he knew why Anko had taken one with her.
In response Sakura nodded "Yeah I'm okay, this wasn't what I expected sure but I'm happy and not at all overwhelmed in the least" Sakura chattered, smiling sweetly up at him, accepting the plate of sushi Anko shoved into her hands.
While the woman in question chowed down on dango "One more thing brat, would you be willing to talk to that Sand Jonin, he's been rather quiet, I won't make you of course" Ibiki inquired when the party started breaking up.
And ignoring the glare being shot his way by Anko "Alright if it'll help I'll do it" the pinkette relented to the request by nodding, despite Anko throwing a fit in the background about how it was cruel to make her go into a room with Baki after he'd tortured her.
But Sakura wasn't the type to cower "Come on then" the Anbu Commander gestured, knowing he wasn't making a mistake, the girl was mature beyond her years, plus he wanted to make sure they weren't promoting her to early on.
Ten minutes later they came to a stop and the door was unlocked allowing them entrance, Baki's visible eye went wide at the sight of her, before turning his head away so he didn't have to look at her anymore.
What he'd done was absolutely unforgivable "Guilty huh you should be, what if her sensei hadn't arrived in time, would you have killed her on the Kazekage's command" Ibiki smirked seeing the reaction and the uncomfortable shifting.
Baki grit his teeth "It was her choice to come with me, even when one of your own offered to save her, she refused him and I had no idea Kazekage-sama was going to have me torture her" Baki spat, still not looking at Sakura though.
Ibiki quirked a brow at Sakura "Truth….I'd have rather been a hostage then a dog to Danzo, but I also did it to protect my teammates" Sakura nodded, not lying, while anticipating the next question because she knew what it was going to be.
"What the bloody fuck does Danzo have to do with anything" Ibiki scowled, confused, this was not how he thought this interrogation would turn out, Baki finally says something and the brat says something about Danzo Shimura.
She bit her lip "Err remember that guy who was impersonating Kakashi-sensei, yeah he was one of Danzo's root operatives, I was the genin placed under anbu watch for about a week after returning from that disaster of a mission" Sakura explained.
"And Danzo wanted to know why, that doesn't make sense, Root was supposed to have been shut down years ago and why would he want you in Root" Ibiki frowned, still not making any sense of what this brat was telling him.
Finally she sighed "Because I threw off his mind control and believe me it's still very much alive and thriving, Kakashi-sensei was the one who told us" Sakura admitted outright, knowing there was no lying to Ibiki.
"Hmm, something to think about for later, now back to this interrogation" Ibiki shrugged, not sure if he could really believe her story just yet until Kakashi confirmed the truth for him, half an hour later, Sakura was released to head home.
Where she lounged on the couch for the rest of the day, Naruto and Sasuke equally jealous and proud of her for being promoted to Chunin early ahead of everyone else, and with that the day ended on a pleasant note.