There was now only a couple months left that they had in the academy "S..Sakura-chan d..do you think I co..could join you in the li..library today my F..Father finally sa..said it was alright sin..since I'll soon be a genin" Hinata asked shyly right before they were to get out of class.
For a couple weeks of break since the academy sensei's were all working on getting the academy graduation exams ready for them "Good cause I have clan training these next couple of weeks sorry Sakura, Naruto, Sasuke" Ino apologized from behind them.
"Of course you can Hinata-chan and every day after that if you want to join us on the training grounds, though I think we were going to work on our elemental natures and I was going to work on creating my genjutsu" Sakura glanced to the two boys on opposite sides of them.
Both of whom nodded "Yeah, yeah that we if we do get stuck together as a team we'll already know half of the stuff we need to know and make it easier on our sensei and he won't have to worry about working on our teamwork and we'll get lots of cool missions Believe it" Naruto chattered.
Sakura blinked at him before letting a smile form on her lips "Still a Dope I see, oh well at least your academic performance has improved, even if you still can't get down that clone jutsu" Sasuke snorted from the other side of Sakura.
While Naruto was on the other side of Hinata "Alright I'll see you in two weeks have a good break and don't do anything reckless" Iruka dismissed them finally and his entire class packed up their belongings and filed out of his classroom some giving him waves.
I.E. his best students if he was being honest, Ino, Sasuke, Sakura, Hinata, Naruto was still struggling but he'd gotten better, then the door was closed behind them and they were on their way towards the library.
Partway there someone slid to a stop before them "Got to borrow Sakura for a moment" Koeda panted out of breath looking as if she'd been through hell, grabbed her cousin by the hand and then the two pinkette's vanished from sight.
"D..Does K..Koeda-san usu..usually do that" Hinata was concerned, sure she knew Sakura's cousin really well because the older girl had once hung out with them before she'd graduated from the academy, after that she hadn't seen to much of the older girl.
Thankfully the two boys on either side of her nodded "Usually, but only in the recent weeks, Koeda's a Chunin now took the exams a month ago, she's been dragging Sakura off like that because she started learning how to treat wounds the civilian way" Sasuke answered.
"And the only times she really drags Sakura-chan off is when she's confused about something that she needs to get for her medic pouch" Naruto chimed in helpfully as they entered the library and sat down at their usual table to study until it felt like their brains were going to melt.
Hinata blinked and eight minutes later Sakura came charging into the library "Sorry about that, she was lost on what ointments to get again" Sakura blew out a breath dropping down into a chair gracefully after grabbing her usual books on genjutsu.
Studying the functions of a brain still and reading through the scrolls on how to craft her own genjutsu "It's alright Sakura, so your really going to try it then, how" the raven was curious as he spied the usual books in front of his friend.
In answer her nose crinkled up "Maybe one of those Chunin would let me practice on them, they owe me for not telling my parents after all" the pinkette stated simply, though she wasn't sure how she'd explain why they had to let her practice on them without telling them the truth.
"Why didn't you Sakura-chan" the blonde, who was still eleven but would be twelve next month like the rest of them asked cluelessly, in fact besides Musubime, her Aunt, Uncle, and cousins, he'd never even met her parents.
The girl froze in response "B..Because th..their super bu..busy N..Naruto-kun" the bluenette at their table came to the rescue, and the fuscia haired preteen let out a quiet sigh of relief when the blonde resumed his studying.
Before it was time for them to go home in opposite directions of each other "Did you have a good day at the academy Sakura-hime" Koron was there to greet her like usual, the house feeling just a tinier bit emptier to.
"If your wondering Koeda-sama has a mission, Mebuki-sama, Kizashi-sama and Eda-sama went off on another excursion to different villages" Kyogo explained, ah now that explained the reason for the empty feeling of the house, it was just the three of them.
Her lips pursed in response "Yeah it was good, Hinata-chan's Father finally let her come to the library and study with us, he said because she's almost a genin there would be no point in forcing her to stay cooped up in the Hyuga Compound" Sakura huffed.
That subject had been a point of irritation for her, for several years "Now, now Hime-sama at least Hinata-san can join you studying and training" the green haired pink eyed woman tapped the preteen on the head and stepped aside.
"And now it's time for dinner so eat up, then we'll work on your politics lesson" the green haired pink eyed male reminded, it was the only subject that she really had to learn now that she was extremely advanced in the other ones.
Sakura smiled brightly that was also one of her favorite subjects and so she happily ate then participated in her politics lesson before being dressed in her sleeping yukata so she could go to bed and sleep for the next day.
Where she headed to the training grounds "Should have figured those boys would be late, but Hinata-chan to" Sakura sighed sitting comfortably on the ground and leaning back on her hands to stare at the sky.
Breathing in the fresh air, feeling the wind on her face, the grass beneath her hands and dirt between her bare toes, the sound of water and the leaves of tree's rushing in her ears and closed her eyes to relax.
Her senses were on high alert a few minutes later as she essentially meditated, so when she felt the ground vibrating signaling that someone was approaching, she didn't think and leaped into a defensive stance taking up one of her throwing needles prepared to defend herself at all costs.
"Cool it brat it's just us" Tonbo's familiar deep voice filled her ears in the next moment and her vibrant green eyes snapped open, Sakura smiled sheepishly in the next moment and slid to the ground again but didn't dare close her eyes.
Tonbo snorted in response "Who did you expect a ghost or something kid" Kotetsu eyed her in amusement earning a half-hearted glare in response to his ribbing, she even went so far as to stick out her tongue.
But she did answer "No, but I was pretty out of it for a moment there, meditating is something else entirely" the pinkette admitted quietly patting the grass taking in the feel of it again as her heart rate slowed to normal after being spooked.
Kotetsu shook his head "Just as weird as usual then, come to think of it where are those other brats that hang out with you" Iwashi prodded looking around and not spotting the three brats that usually accompanied the brat before them.
"Probably still asleep I guess, though Ino has clan training these next to weeks, Hinata was supposed to come today, but apparently I'm to early of a riser for even her" Sakura smiled lightly, her friends were special in her eyes.
"Really now Hiashi Hyuga is letting his daughter train with a civilian girl now there's a surprise" Izumo said to keep up the pretense, there was absolutely no way he was going to be the one to spill the beans on who Sakura was to them.
Sakura grinned "Oh yeah, though that's probably more because in just two months we'll be taking the academy graduation exams" the pinkette snickered hardly able to wait, though she knew that it wouldn't be easy acquiring her goal.
Those boys would undoubtedly make her work since their both idiot's sometimes "Whatever your thinking I'm probably going to take offense to it aren't I" Sasuke trudged wearily onto the training grounds in the next moment.
Looking utterly exhausted "Me to no doubt" Naruto was just a few steps behind him looking much the same and she wondered what had happened to them that they looked as if they'd barely slept a wink the entire night.
"Dope thought someone was breaking into his apartment last night so came to mine, how he even knew where I lived is still a mystery and we stayed up half the night" the Uchiha explained their tiredness, all because of that idiot.
Now she was less sympathetic "I know, I know it was probably just my overactive imagination" the blonde held up his hands not wanting to be pummeled so early in the morning, especially after he'd just finished eating a late breakfast.
"Idiots, anyway sit down, relax and if you fall asleep I'll shove you in the river, we're still waiting for Hinata-chan" Sakura snorted and both boys stared at her warily even as they sat doing their best to stay awake because they didn't want to be pushed into the river.
Even if it was slow moving and not very deep, it would be cold, they both shuddered even thinking about it, Kotetsu covered his mouth "You got them scared of you pinky that's adorable" Kotetsu chuckled unable to help himself.
And he laughed even harder when the two boys gave him matching glares "For all you two fight like cats and dogs" the fuscia haired preteen shook her head before staring off into the distance just as a familiar form started making her way towards them.
"M..My F..Father ha..had me stay a b..bit late I..I'm not la..late fo..for training am I" Hinata slid to a stop before three of her friends glad that she was finally allowed to wander and not be cooped up so much in her clan's compound.
Sakura smiled brightly "Nope not late just on time actually, though I'm not sure how much fight these boys will put up" she directed her gaze onto the half asleep boys, who jolted and tried to stand before slumping to the ground again.
Hinata blinked at them "Wh..What o..on earth ha..happened to them" the bluenette stuttered in confusion, this was much worse than when they'd come trudging into the classroom looking like death warmed over.
"Thought someone was breaking into my apartment, went to Teme's" Naruto reiterated for the Hyuga Clan Heiress and forced himself to wake up more, but it was utterly hopeless and then he got an idea, perhaps Sakura had it right.
Apparently Sasuke thought of the same thing because they both turned to each other "Get ready to go down Dope" Sasuke smirked lunging and tackling the blonde where they both went rolling into the river with a loud splash.
Sakura was dumbfounded "Guess they didn't want you to do it brat" Tonbo chuckled darkly as the two idiot brat boys heaved themselves onto dry land once more, looking five times more awake than they had previously thanks to the cold water.
The pinkette shrugged in response "Better them than me cause I wouldn't have tackled them, I would have point blank shoved" Sakura grinned eyeing her two friends up and down just to make sure they really were awake and wouldn't fall asleep on her anytime soon.
Kotetsu rolled his eyes "Just a bunch of brats, come on you three let's get back" Iwashi snorted which signaled the departure of the Chunin, three of them at least, while the one with long brown hair stayed behind for a few minutes.
When Sakura realized he was still standing there she paused "Is something the matter Izumo-san" the fuscia haired preteen asked carefully concerned that she'd done something wrong and she was about to get scolded for it.
He shook his head and pointed off to the side, so she followed him, waving to her friends to get started without her "Your the Feudal Lords Daughter" Izumo came outright and said it, tired of wondering if he was right or wrong on the matter.
Once she became completely rigid in response to his words he knew he'd been right all this time "Correct, but please don't tell anyone you know Izumo-san, Sasuke and Hinata-chan know and now you but that's about it" Sakura pleaded.
Glad to get that out of the way, Izumo nodded and disappeared in a plume of smoke while she returned to the others "So how exactly are we going to do this whole elemental jutsu training, what about Hinata" Naruto asked once she was stood in front of them again.
"I figured while we work on our elemental natures, Sasuke and Hinata-chan can spar, lightly for a bit" the pinkette suggested while simultaneously pulling out the nature sensing paper and handing one over to Naruto.
Who took it between his fingers and stared down at it in confusion before he remembered "Ri..Right g..guess we b..better get started" the bluenette turned to her unlikely sparring partner, who looked a little wary of her.
But he squared his shoulders and settled into a stance "Whenever your ready Hinata" the raven nodded knowing that because of her Byakugan she could seriously hurt him, which scared him even more than facing Sakura on one of her bad days.
Meanwhile with the other two in their group "Just push chakra in to it you knucklehead geez what's the worst that can happen" Sakura snorted at her friend's sudden hesitance to find out what his chakra nature was.
Her, she'd already used up her little chakra nature sensing paper "But what if I have something dumb" the blonde whined holding the paper precariously between his middle finger and forefinger, only to cower as Sakura got closer.
Then he was pushing chakra into the paper only to have it promptly rip in half "Wow we all have different chakra natures, Sasuke has lightning and fire, I have earth and water and you have wind, we'll make the best team yet" the pinkette squealed suddenly excited.
"Wind's cool I guess now what about learning a jutsu, since Teme already knows several fire and a couple of lightning nature jutsu's" Naruto pouted wanting to learn a couple elemental jutsu for himself.
Viridian orbs widened as it suddenly occurred to her and she hastily conferred to the wind jutsu scroll she'd got Naruto from the shop they frequented "Futon: Dust Clones and Futon: Gale Palm Jutsu for you, these are the instructions" Sakura thrust over the scroll.
Naruto took it with equally as wide eyes before sitting down and started running through the hand signs and she did the same, she was also the first to try a jutsu "Doton: Mud Wall" she flew through the hand signs and pressed her hand to the ground.
Pumping her chakra into the earth until a slab of earth was stood before her, when she straightened it came to her chest "Nice one Sakura" Sasuke called taking his attention off his opponent for just a split second and nearly getting slammed with an open palm.
"D..Do..Don't get distracted S..Sasuke" Hinata giggled thoroughly enjoying herself and feeling as if she could improve now that she wasn't restricted to just one sparring partner, that had been the worst part of being cooped up in the compound actually.
Sasuke shuddered in response but kept his gaze on Hinata inwardly vowing to not get distracted again "Wicked now it's my turn right" Naruto was practically bouncing up and down in excitement as she sat back down to confer to her jutsu scroll again.
At his question she nodded and so he hopped up ran through the hand signs to his first ever elemental jutsu "Futon: Dust Clone Jutsu" the Uzumaki called and three clones formed into existence, this time they didn't fail on him.
Tears welled up in his baby blue eyes "There, there Naruto I told you we'd have you ready for the exams" Sakura smiled softly jumping to her feet again, running through a new set of hand signs "Suiton: Raging Waves" she called.
Breathing out a wave of water that crashed into her mud wall cracks formed but it didn't break "Yikes I could see that out of the corner of my eye and your still scary no matter what you do" the Uchiha gulped now she was doubly scary to him.
"You three are g..going to b..be the powerhouse t..team of our gen..generation" the bluenette exclaimed hardly stuttering that time and she made her own vow to never give up and back down and she would prove to everyone that she wasn't weak, she could be strong to.
Resolved she went just a tiny bit faster more determined than ever and Sasuke blinked at the change in pace "Now for the Gale Palm….mm I'm a bit confused Sakura-chan" Naruto frowned staring at the hand signs and instructions.
She leaned over him in the next moment "Go through the hand signs and when you call out the jutsu feel the pressure of wind against your hands and push it from you" Sakura explained carefully, then she was focused on choosing her next earth jutsu.
Glad that she was there and not making fun of him for barely understanding anything, Naruto popped up from the ground for the last time and went to try out his second wind jutsu, that went off without a hitch, so he joined the others in sparring.
Until Sakura finally joined them after practicing the earth spike jutsu and the water shotgun jutsu respectively "N..Now w..what a..are we going to do" Hinata was clueless and she got the feeling that this was different than how her friends normally trained.
"We go into her genjutsu, just try not to make it to bad and make it obvious for the Dope" Sasuke said as if it explained everything, it was the last thing Naruto had to get through otherwise he'd never pass the graduation exams.
Naruto, who gulped as they settled on the ground and Sakura cast an area wide genjutsu over the four of them, it looked just like the training grounds which made them all wary, even Sakura because she didn't know what was going to happen in her own genjutsu.
It got off on a very slow foot that was for sure, because for several minutes it felt like nothing was going to happen, then the wind slowly picked up in speed and dark clouds creeped towards them blacking out the sky.
Then came the rain, it pelted their faces and a crack of thunder, it struck a tree, a loud creak sounded before the tree crashed to the ground catching fire, they could feel the heat that's how real it seemed and then it was gone all of it.
And they were in a barren wasteland a beast, huge and ugly before them, tornadoes swirling around it, a hideous noise "Release" Naruto pulsed out his chakra remembering that it was a genjutsu in the nick of time because he certainly didn't want to see anymore.
He came to with a gasp, skin pale and slightly shaking "That was slightly horrifying Sakura" Sasuke breathed, sweat beaded on his brow, knowing now that she had an overactive imagination, never mind how she knew how to make it feel as if they could feel the heat of fire in a genjutsu.
She must have worked super hard on it in order to acquire that sort of affect "Well at least I know it works and I think we can relax for the rest of the day, no studying for once" Sakura leaned back exhausted now because she'd wasted a huge chunk of her chakra for that genjutsu.
"S..Sounds go..good to me" Hinata lay back to stare at the sky and soon enough all four of them were laying there just watching the clouds roll by and before they knew it their eyes were closing and they were drifting off into sleep.
Nearly two hours later five familiar people strolled onto the training grounds only to pause at the sight of the napping preteens "Must have exhausted themselves for once" Genma was openly surprised in all the time the brats had been training never had he caught them taking a nap.
Ever and it made him worried "Right with as much as those brats do after all, but we shouldn't leave them here, we should take them home or something" Izumo the sensible one pointed out, he wouldn't feel right leaving them there unattended something could happen.
"It would serve them right if they got sick from lying there on the cold ground I say we leave them" Iwashi was all for leaving the brats right where they were, and like he said it would be their fault if they got sick from it.
This earned him a glare from Izumo "Now, now Izumo might have a point, Hiashi would skin us alive if he found out we just left his sleeping daughter on the training grounds unattended" Kotetsu was displaying a lot more maturity this time, only because he was afraid of the Hyuga Clan Head.
"He's got a point, I'll get the girl" Tonbo growled in displeasure bending down to heft the girl over his shoulder, he never said he'd be gentle, but just as he was reaching out she flew up and they banged heads.
A hiss flew from his lips and Sakura held her bruised forehead "Ow oh I'm sorry Tonbo-san" Sakura spied the man with bandages wrapped around his face through the black spots dancing across her vision before she remembered she could heal herself.
Tonbo leaned back on his haunches then stood properly at his full height "Whatever brat, you didn't do that on purpose did you, a bit of latent revenge for our genjutsu stunt" he asked not liking that thought in the least.
Sakura shook her head carefully "Aww no fun I was hoping to nap some more" Naruto whined as they were woken from their nap, viridian irises snapped his way and he shrunk back at the exasperation in their depths.
Before she sighed "Nice going Dope, anyway I think two hours was long enough of a nap anyway" Sasuke sat up with a stretch before climbing carefully to his feet, feeling a little more rested now that he'd gotten a couple of hours asleep.
"I..I'm sorry I..I didn't mean to b..be the first one t…to fall asleep" Hinata was the only one to take the blame for them falling asleep and she fidgeted nervously hoping that she wouldn't be banned from joining them again.
Her fears were unfounded "No I didn't do that on purpose Tonbo-san and if I wanted revenge I wouldn't do it that way and don't worry about it Hinata-chan it wasn't your fault, I guess we were all a little tired" Sakura assured both the adult and her friend.
"Makes me wonder about you brat, just why are you so different than the average brat" Iwashi crouched before her suddenly and Sakura focused her gaze on him in confusion before shrugging lightly, because she didn't have an answer for him.
Their attention was stolen by Naruto "Hey, hey Sakura-chan what do you think this tag is, the shop owner said all I have to do is place it and make a hand sign" Naruto exclaimed suddenly pulling something out of his pouch.
Sakura blinked, then did a double take and lunged "BAKA" she tackled him point blank just as Sasuke did the same for Hinata and the adults scrambled back as the exploding tag went off dirt and rocks flew everywhere.
And when the dust settled it was utter chaos because Sakura had taken the brunt of the blast in the back which had sent her and Naruto rolling across the training grounds pretty far away actually "Sakura are you alright, come on Sakura say something" Sasuke was right there seconds later.
Alongside the adults "Looks pretty banged up Uchiha, even the knucklehead got hit somewhat, honestly what idiot sold an exploding tag this brainiac" Genma groaned feeling a headache coming on.
"P..Poor S..Sakura-chan" Hinata gasped in horror at her friend's current state, there was a light burn on her back and scratches from the rocks that had hit her as they rolled, even her hair looked quite the sight.
Iwashi pinched the bridge of his nose "Give me a break" but he wasn't the one who said the words, Kotetsu was and now they had to bloody take the brats to the hospital to get them fixed up and hope to kami that they weren't blamed for this incident.
Just as they were getting ready to move the brats the pinkette sat up carefully "Ow that hurt like a motherfucker…Naruto quit faking being unconscious, what the hell were you thinking you idiot, exploding tags are very dangerous" and then she was on her feet scolding the blonde something fierce.
"Quite the potty mouth" even Izumo was surprised at the cuss words coming from the young girl, but he was even more so because she was their country's princess and she was cussing, guess that's what happened when she hung around very foul mouthed boys or preteen boys.
Naruto sat on the ground cowering away from Sakura as she scolded him until his ears rang and he felt like crying, then he got a good look at her and really did cry "I'm sorry Sakura-chan I didn't know what it was" Naruto sniffled.
Then and only then did she stop in her angry tirade and let out a long suffering sigh "Baka I would have told you if you'd just asked instead of setting it off, and don't worry about me, I'll be al..alright" Sakura winced hurting all over.
Genma decided to step in at that point "I think it would be better if you went to the hospital instead of trying to heal that yourself, besides you feel low on chakra anyway" Genma pointed out carefully not wanting her to get all hyped up on him.
Sakura winced again and tried to feel out her back, but when she twisted her arm she immediately relented to the subtle order "Wh..What ab..about us s..should we g..go with you S..Sakura-chan" Hinata frowned not wanting her friend to be alone.
Her expression lightened at the offer "Probably best if we just stay here and calm the Dope down cause he's going to be extremely sulky for awhile from that scolding, you should have seen him when he accidentally set her hair on fire" Sasuke snorted heading towards the mopey blonde.
"One of us should go with her" Kotetsu pointed out, getting the feeling that the girl might pass out before she ever reached the hospital, as it was she was already limping extremely slowly off the training grounds.
And they felt for her somewhat and yet she'd taken responsibility for her friends reckless actions "If I go I'll just get distracted by something" Izumo cleared his throat not wanting to be alone with the girl where he could get in trouble.
He could practically feel the anger palpable in the air "Fine but you lot owe me you understand" Tonbo spat furiously stalking after the girl and hefting her up under his arm despite her protesting that she could walk just fine.
Then they were gone for nearly an hour to be exact and when the duo came back neither one were even speaking to each other "Did something happen" Genma was curious, but Tonbo was suspiciously quite for some reason.
"Okay we're going now see you around brats" Kotetsu was gone in the next moment getting the feeling his friend/partner was about to get punched for something, Genma scrambled after him and Iwashi wasn't long in coming.
"Yeesh those brats are something else and think about it their going to be genin in a few short months" Iwashi shook his head, hardly believing that he'd known the brats since they were eleven a full year that a was a long time if they were being honest.
Though Genma had known the brats since they were ten "Everything okay Sakura" Sasuke was wary, his friend was quiet, to quiet if he was being honest, there was a glare in her eyes and she looked ready to pummel someone.
Much like the Chunin that had hefted her under his arm, "Come on Tonbo what's eating you" Izumo was worried did something happen, it was likely if he was being honest with himself and then he was being dragged forward away from the brats.
And Tonbo's hands were clutching his vest "That girl she's the Feudal Lords Daughter, don't deny it Kamizuki, even though she didn't outright tell me, her silence was enough" Tonbo finally snapped more furious than before.
Izumo paled in response and then he was being released and Tonbo was stopping off, he was quick to hightail it of the training grounds himself hoping to kami the man didn't alert the entire village about Sakura's existence there.
Speaking of Sakura she was still quiet "He figured it out" or not, as Sakura finally spoken being cryptic because Naruto was currently still moping and not paying attention to anything going on around him which was a good thing.
"O..Oh n..no d..do you think he'd tell" Hinata gasped quietly and cast a furtive glance at Naruto, but he was oblivious to the conversation going on, Sakura shook her head thankfully, then nudged the blonde with her foot.
He jumped up with a scream of fright "Don't hit me I'm sorry please forgive me" Naruto cowered arms held over his head, then he realized she wasn't coming after him and it was practically lunch time so they went to eat.
Before finding something to do that wasn't studying it was different for sure but at least they had fun and for the entirety of their two week break they had fun doing new things that they hadn't allowed themselves to do in all their time so far in the academy.
And then they were gathered in front of Iruka again and being run through the material of their graduation exams and before they all knew it there was only a week left before they were to graduate and Naruto had turned twelve like the rest of his classmates.
Lo and behold who would come to visit but Darui and Cee "Hey there Sakura" Darui greeted when they were walking by the gates and he and his partner were signing in, they'd be there for a couple of weeks on a mission.
"Darui-kun and hello Cee-san, guess what it's almost time for the graduation exams, a week from today so next Friday" Sakura jumped at the now twenty one year old dark skinned male and gave him a quick hug wrapping her arms around his neck.
Her enthusiasm earned her a chuckle "Sakura-san and I've been wondering have you taken the test for your medical license yet" Cee inquired suddenly and Sakura blinked at him as if the thought had never entered her head.
Even Darui was surprised "But how would I do that, do I have to have my medic's license to be a medic-nin" Sakura asked in confusion, because she'd never thought she might not be allowed to use her medical ninjutsu without a medic's license.
Cee's onyx eyes widened "Go ahead Cee, I'll go alert the Hokage of our presence here in the village" Darui waved his friend/partner off, Sakura, Hinata, Naruto, Sasuke and Ino on his heels which was strange but kind of adorable.
"You don't specifically have to have a license to be a medic-nin, but it would come in handy in the case you got paired with a clan child and needed to study their chakra network in order to heal them that license will help you since it proves your more than qualified" Cee explained.
As they walked down the streets to the hospital to hopefully get Sakura's medical license test underway "Sounds awesome you know and at least no one will be able to doubt your abilities when we do become genin" Ino sulked, wishing she could do this to.
But as Sakura had kindly pointed out to her last time she'd asked it had taken nearly five whole years of studying everything she could get her hands on in order to be an efficient medic "Right, Sakura-chan is going to be the best of the best BELIEVE IT" Naruto punched the air enthusiastically.
"Of course she's going to be one of the best, look at all she's accomplished in nearly seven years of being in the academy" Sasuke snorted lightly as they came to a stop in front of the hospital only to enter, he figured this is where she would have to take her test so didn't complain.
Neither did Hinata "D..Do yo..you think th..they'll allow h..her to th..though" Hinata frowned eyeing the lady behind the desk as Sakura and Cee approached to inquire about the medical license test.
"Try again when your at least twenty sweetheart, now scram" she'd take that as a big fat no, but what the front desk lady didn't count on was for the stubborn streak in Sakura, who planted herself firmly in front of the desk.
Arms crossed over her chest "I can't wait that long, for my important people I'll do anything so let me take the test" Sakura narrowed her eyes daring the woman to argue further, and just as she was getting to press more.
The lobby doors opened again "You never change Sakura" Darui appeared with a chuckle seeing her stance, of course the medics in the Leaf Village were rude and all around sour pusses, because the lady at the front desk refused to even acknowledge Sakura's request.
Until the Head Medic herself came to see what the fuss was and relented to the demand to take the medical test and so Sakura, feeling mighty smug was led away to conduct her test "Well at least that's resolved" Cee shook his head in amusement.
Practically an hour later Sakura returned with a triumphant gleam in her eyes and a small card held precariously in her hands signifying her status as a fully qualified medic, Darui was never prouder and even Cee was proud that his somewhat protege had acquired part of her goal.
After that they headed from the hospital and did the odd thing around the village just acting like the preteens they were and having fun before it was time to go home for each of them "So how does it feel" Darui asked once he was alone with her.
Cee choosing to stay at a hotel for once "It's nice, I feel all warm inside knowing that I have something to physically show proof of my status as a qualified medic" Sakura smiled patting her wallet because that's where she'd put it.
Darui chuckled and pulled her into his side "Oh hello Darui-san" Mebuki greeted when her niece and the dark skinned man walked into her house just as she was stepping out of the kitchen to tell her family that dinner was ready.
"Mrs Haruno, Koeda, Eda, Mr. Haruno, Koron-san, Kyogo-san" Darui nodded his head at each person in the living room as they all headed into the dining room to eat dinner which was an affair like usual.
There was more excitement in the air than usual and it was coming from Sakura "Anything interesting happen Sakura-chan, you look downright beside yourself" Koeda noticed her cousin holding herself back barely.
At that she was unable to keep the secret "Took the test I'm officially recognized as a qualified medic and got my license" Sakura squealed softly pulling out the little card that proved her status out in the field or in the village and showed it off.
"Good grief and it only took you nearly seven years" Kizashi teased, he knew it hadn't been easy what with learning how to do everything and reading all the material necessary before she could even begin practicing and he was proud of her.
Koeda was shocked herself "Wow your awesome Sakura-chan" Eda clapped, that still wouldn't give her any time to spend with him since she would soon be a ninja as well and then the little card was put away.
"Very well done Hime-sama Juhi-sama and Sayuri-sama will no doubt be proud of you when they receive their letters from you, even Musubime-sama" Kyogo reminded gently knowing that if they didn't remind her she'd forget and collapse in her bed and go to sleep instantly.
Sakura panicked at that and quickly ate as fast as her manners would allow anyway, before vanishing down the hall to the room she'd slept in off and on for the last several years "That girl honestly" Koron shook her head and they all had a laugh over it.
Until she returned and was given her usual politics lesson before taking a bath and crawling into her to large bed, just as she was getting ready to lay down her door creaked open "Sorry for the intrusion" Darui winced shutting the door behind him and shuffling forward.
Then once he was stood at her bedside sat down "It's okay your always welcome in here" Sakura peeked up at him shyly, not sure what he was thinking by coming in here like this and they were completely alone in her room to.
His onyx eyes met her vibrant viridian irises and he blew out a breath that ruffled her loose bangs slightly "Listen I know I've stressed this to you before, but when you become a genin and you have an outside mission, just promise me you'll be careful alright" Darui stressed.
Leaning forward until their foreheads touched and his hand was buried in her thick mid-back pink locks, Sakura squeaked in embarrassment "I..I promise D..Darui-kun" she stuttered cheeks now the same color as her hair because this was the closest they'd ever been.
Darui closed his eyes etching this moment into his heart "Good cause I won't stand anything happening to you, I'll find a way to get to you and that's a promise" he said and then he swept out of her room just like that.
Sakura found it hard to go to sleep that night as her heart pounded in her chest and her blood rushed loudly in her ears, but eventually she managed to calm herself and let her eyes drift close taking her away to dreamland.