Saturday, June 29th, 2013.

I can't believe myself.

I know for sure I originally posted this chapter, but when I put up an A/N, I must have replaced it.

So, sorry guys for anyone who was wondering WTF was going on between the last chapter and the next since this one was an A/N.

I was looking for something in my story, so I noticed this finally, after all this time.

So here's the real chapter 19. I don't feel like editing it again (I'm in a rush right now and don't have the patience for it) so sorry for any mistakes.

BTW, if anyone knows when I started announcing one-shots for the 75th, 100th, etc, reviewers let me know.

I decided to start writing those one-shots, but I'm looking for whom I own them. If I sent you a PM telling you that you were one of those reviewers that is rewarded a one-shot, let me know. It doesn't matter if you reviewed ReWind or DoOver, just let me know if you did. PM me. Or review if you can't.


Chapter 19: Finals Part 2: Into the Fray


Sakura POV

Shit…I'm so jumpy, so nervous…Sasuke-kun's fight just started…

I was so jumpy, Sasu-tan moved to Mikoto's lap for a moment until I noticed and calmed down. "Sorry," I whispered to him.

Before I could continue more incessant worrying, I heard a familiar but disgusting voice screech through my thoughts.

"HA-RU-NOOOO!" Twisting my neck, I searched for whoever just screeched my name, and found a head of short, plum-purple hair and blonde heading toward this aisle.

Watanabe Ami, and one of her lackeys, Kubiru Mana. Great…we haven't seen her since a week before the Chunin Exams started, to drop out of the position of Co-President in the Uchiha Fanclub, exiting the fanclub entirely.

Wish she would've stayed away.

"Haruno Sakura! Who do you think you are to just resign like that?!" The girl had her hands on her hips, in front of me, attempting to look threatening. (let's just say the stands were pretty spacey) Mana crossed her arms next to her and nodded.

"I think I'm Haruno Sakura." I answered.

"Don't you be smart with me!"

"I think I'm pretty smart. I mean, I was only second to Shikamaru as far as intelligence went in the Academy."

"S-shut up!" Ami cleared her throat, as if assuming her "position" as "superior".

"A-anyway, do you think you're better than me? Better than the rest of us? Too good for Sasuke-kun?"

By now, I had the attention of the other Uchihas. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Shisui buy some popcorn by one of the moving venders (like in baseball games). Seriously Shisui?

"Well, kinda, yeah. But I don't think I'm better than Sasuke-kun. I just have better things to do than waste my life and pride chasing after a guy who will never like me and frankly, doesn't appreciate the attention. Like reading. And training. Especially training." I was calmly petting Sasu-tan (who was eating up the attention) like those evil dudes who stroke their cats in elegant chairs and robes in front of a fireplace in elegant robes. I felt important with that reference.

"So you're playing hard-to-get, then, if you still like him! Back off! He's mine! Sasuke-kun and I have had chemistry from the moment our eyes met when we were eight! We belong together! Isn't that right, Mono?"

"Mono" nodded her head. "It's Mana, Ami-sama."

"Whatever!"

Unable to hold it in anymore, I laughed. It was a real and long laugh. Sasu, disturbed by my shaking body moved to Mikoto's lap again.

After I calmed down and took Sasu back, I spoke. "I'm not playing hard to get. I gave up. Gave. Up. We're friends now, and that's all I want. Besides, Sasuke-kun? Yours? Ha! You're going to make me laugh again! Quit deluding yourself and move on! He isn't interested –much less in you, Ami! Ask him yourself!"

Ami's face was turning red in anger. "Oh, what do you know!? You've always been a little brat since you were little, always cowering behind someone! You think just because you're on the same team that you can speak to me, me, like that! I'll show you your place!"

Before I can retort, however, another voice joined in the fray. "Oh, get over yourself Ami. You're just as much as a bitch – no, worse, way worse, than you were when we were kids. You've always hated Sakura, since we were toddlers, though I don't know why. Then, obviously, you started hated me too just because I wouldn't join your little clique when you asked me to and befriended Forehead instead."

Ami turned to her. "You too, Yamanaka! No longer in the fanclub, either? Why is that, huh?! Is it because that guy? He could never be Sasuke-kun's replacement!" She was referring to Sai, and when she finished her little tirade, she made a flirty wink and hand wave, as well as a "call me" motion to him. WTF is wrong with this chick? First, she disses him and then flirts with him?

How dare she call Sai-kun Sasuke-kun's replacement! Sai-kun hates that!

I stiffened, and slowly turned to see what Sai would do. Sai's eyes were hidden by the shadow of his hair, and he was gripping Ino's hand tightly.

"I would gladly have you know," he started with a fake smile, that I noticed hid anger. "That I am no one's replacement, delusional bitch."

It fell silent immediately. Chouji actually dropped his chips. Sai's expression remained as a fake smile. I couldn't help a smile come to my lips, trying so hard to hold in my snickers at Ami's shocked expression.

However, Ino broke before I did and burst out laughing. "That was good, Sai-kun! Ha!"

I was next. But before I could do anything but laugh, a familiar voice broke in. "Burn Ami! Hahaha! That was fantastic Sai-teme! Kudos to you! You just scorched her!"

Sai tilted his head at our familiar blonde ignoramus. "Burn? I didn't scorch her. I don't have anything to scorch her with. Do you?"

"'Burn' is a phrase used when…well in cases like this. I don't know how to explain it very well. Ask Ino at one of your sessions or whatever you guys have." I said, shaking my head in exasperation. The pale boy nodded.

"Naruto-kun? Neji-nii-san? Why are you here?" Hinata asked.

"Don't forget us." Behind the aforementioned two were Shikamaru, Temari, Shino and Kankuro. Kankuro took the seat to the left of Ittetsu; Temari next to him; Shikamaru to the right of Sai; and Shino between Kiba and his own father.

Matsuri had scooted over so Neji can sit between her and Tenten. The boy had yet to look directly at his cousin.
Naruto had Hinata sit on his lap after a very entertaining conversation with the blushing girl. He also didn't want to sit too far away from everyone.

"After we were looked over for any major injuries, we were allowed to take a seat in the stands and watch the rest of the Finals." Naruto said, absent-mindedly playing with Hinata's hair.

"Get away from Hinata-sama!" A voice shouted, causing Naruto to jump, barely catching Hinata.

Ko stood behind Naruto with a threatening look on his face. "Well?"

Before he could utter a word, however, Tenten intervened. "Relax, Ko. She'll be fine. The worst that can happen is that she faints. You trust Naruto don't you? Well, enough to know he wouldn't hurt Hinata right?"

Ko reluctantly nodded. "So let them stay that way. If anything happens, I'm sure no one will stop you in beating the shit out of him. I certainly won't. Isn't that right, Sakura?"

I nodded my head.

"See-" Tenten was interrupted – is it a new trend to just interrupt people lately? – by Ami.

"Hello? I'm still here you know!"

"Yeah, and I'd like you to not be here right now. Can you arrange that?" I replied calmly.

"THAT'S IT!" The banshee screeched, rolling up imaginary sleeves, getting into a fighting stance. "Let's go, Haruno!"

Introducing the encore of my nice, long, and painful (to my abdomen) laugh.

"Y-you think you…that y-you can ac-actually beat me in a fight?! You're too much, Ami! Too much! Hahahaha!" I was near rolling on the floor, pointing to her and gasping for breath.

"Too scared? Huh? Are you?"

Calming down, I sat up in my seat, quickly apologized to Sasu-tan – who had once again taken refuge with his new 2nd favorite person (Mikoto) – and replied to the delirious skank. "Nah, I'd just rather watch the Finals, which was what I was here for, after all. You gave me a nice laugh, though. Shouldn't you go to your seat? 'Your' Sasuke-kun's match is starting." I pointed to the arena, where Sasuke and Gaara were facing one another, Genma announcing their identities.

"Kya~! Sasuke-kun!" Ami squealed for a minute, then turned to me with a glare quickly, doing that "I'm watching you" thing with her fingers. "This isn't over," she said to me, and took Mana and left this part of the stands, Mana blowing a kiss to Neji as she left.

It wasn't hard to see Neji's shiver.

"So," a voice started. I turned to see that it was Shisui. "You were a Sasuke fangirl?"

I sighed and nodded. "Sorry you had to see that. I was the Co-President of the Uchiha Sasuke fanclub up to about…a month and a half ago. As you can see, I'm no longer a fangirl."

My beloved little Sasu-tan was mewing for my attention again, and I proceeded to pet and stroke him, as well as scratching him under his chin and ears, which he practically melts at.

"Co-Prez? Why not just Prez? Or Vice-Pres?"

"The other Co-Prez was Ami, and Ino was the Vice-Prez. We were all rivals for Sasuke-kun then, but Ino and I were on a more personal level. She gave up too, by the way."

"I see…"

I nodded, turning back to the fights and asking one of the venders for a Dr. Pepper. Immediately, I popped it open and began drinking, quenching my unnoticed-before-now thirst.

"So…have you ever stolen any of Sasu's underwear?"

That question caused me to choke on my soda, and the fact that it was Mikoto who asked made me cough longer. Sweet little Sasu was pawing my shirt, as if wondering if I was alright. When I was able to breathe soundly again, I kissed Sasu on the nose to let him know I was now fine.

"W-what, Mikoto-san?"

"You heard me."

"W-well I-…" Cue encore of the hand gestures that don't make a lick of sense. "I almost did. But…um…I did manage to snag some shorts and locks of hair…but I gave the shorts back and burned the hair! Then sold the fakes! I swear!"

That wasn't supposed to come out!

I gasped and covered my mouth, looking anywhere but the Uchiha's surprised faces. Even Fugaku-san had his brow raised.

"Burned the hair, huh? That's actually a good idea." Mura said. "Who wants their hair back? And burn it so no one can clone him…"

"Hahaha! Haha! Oh my God, 'sold the fakes'! That's brilliant! And hilarious! Hahaha! I like you, Haruno!" It looked to me that Shisui would fall out of his seat and spill his popcorn. Which was a shame because popcorn's one of the healthiest junk foods there is, if you take away the butter and salt. It's also one of the tastiest. Oh, hot, fresh kettle corn…how I love you!

Mikoto's expression, however, was unreadable. "You sold the fake hair and such?"

I nodded.

"How much did you make? Did you sell it all?"

"Uhh…" I started, scratching my head sheepishly. Maybe we hung out with Naruto too much in the future. "Well, I still have some fakes. But just a few! And I made, so far…around $175 dollars. I'll sell the rest gradually…there aren't too many…"

"What do you do with the money?"

"I live on my own now, and I use it to pay some of the bills and stuff for Sasu-tan. I'm planning to give about 33% of the profits to Sasuke-kun, though. I mean it is his fake hair and stuff, right?"

"Why not all of it?"

"I worked hard as a fangirl to get them, and I'll – please excuse me – be damned if I don't get something out of it! And frankly, what does Sasuke-kun need the money for? He's not a very material-based person, and is the heir to the most famous clan village. I'm the pink-haired genin that's only living by her mission money here."

After observing me for a moment, Mikoto's face suddenly broke into a sunny smile and she glomped me and little Sasu-tan. "You have my blessing!"

Flustered, I stuttered, "B-blessing? W-wh-what for?"

She pulled apart from me and grasped my shoulders. "To date and eventually marry my Sasuke, that's what!"

"WHAT?!"

"Honey, I know you're not deaf."

"B-but d-date? Eventually…marry?! Sasuke-kun?!"

"Exactly. I will make you my daughter, and you're perfect for Sasuke. And I can't adopt you 'cause that'd be incest and I hate incest."

"Excuse me, Miko-kaa."

Naruto's voice saved me from hyperventilating. I'll let him eat ramen on Thanksgiving. GOOD ramen. Hell, I'll treat him to Ichiraku the next time he asks!

"Yes Naru-Naru?"

"I'm going to ignore you called me that – you know I hate being called that in public…anyway, I thought I heard you say 'Sasuke-teme' and 'marry' in the same context."

"Sans the '-teme' and I'm glad you know such a big word, Naru! But yes."

"And then 'Sakura-chan'."

"Exactly."

"You want Sasuke-teme and Sakura-chan to marry?"

"Glad to see you're following us Naru."

"WHY?! Oh, sorry for yelling in your ear, Hina-chan. Are you okay?" A small, "I'm fine" was muttered.

"She's good for him and she obviously is crazy for him."

"Mikoto-san!" Someone kill me…just kill me please.

"Mikoto-kaa-san, to you dear. You're going to be my daughter after all."

"Teme's going to ruin her! And he's asexual! He doesn't have a single hormone in his body!"

"I beg to differ, after what I saw in your guys' tent last we-"

"KAKASHI-SENSEI! You swore!"

"I also swore not to tell anyone about Naruto and Sasuke kissing again but guess what? I crossed my fingers. You did, too. Hell if I'm not going to tell anyone. Besides – I just said I wouldn't tell Naruto. Which I didn't."

"Yes you did! And I only told Pig, who conned it out of me!"

"No, I told the general public. Not Naruto. He just happened to be part of the general public. Not my fault."

"Same thing!"

"Ooh, what happened? Tell me all the deets!"

"Mikoto-san! Nothing happened!"

"Sure. Then why were you sleeping on his bare chest, Sakura?"

"'Cause he sleeps that way, Sensei!"

"But I distinctly remember you having your sleeping bag. What happened with that?"

"Ooh, this is juicy!"

"It's not! I just-…I di-…I just didn't-…-"

"EHH!? Okay, I covered your ears Hinata. I've been told that I'm loud, apparently. But seriously, Sakura-chan? Why didn't you tell me? I thought I was your 'Personal Teddy Bear'?"

"You are! There was nothing to tell!"

"Did you two kiss? Tell me you did!"

"…Seriously Mikoto-san?"

"It's official! We need a girl's night! You're telling me everything, Forehead!"

"Can Hana and I attend, Ino-san?"

"Sure, Murasaki-san!"

"…Tenten?"

"Yeah, Sakura?"

"Would you mind killing me please? The old fashioned way, with a gun? It's instant. And I've always liked guns." The sooner the better, please.

"Sorry. I don't have any guns. Something about giving guns to 13-14 year olds being dangerous... I know a guy where I can get them from though and ordered a few. But they won't arrive till around Christmas."

"Is it that one guy outside the village? The one we delivered weapons to with Naruto?(1)"

"Yeah, Neji-kun. I'm paid to test his weapons now, and I can buy them at a discount! Sweet, right?"

"Tenten…" Come on…

"Besides, Sakura, I have a 'No-Killing-Friends-Policy'. I made it after Lee destroyed my X-Box, TV, and my…*sniff* laptop, as well as certain clothing…you know...girls stuff...by accident when he accidently got drunk one time." Good rule.

"Well, damn."

"Gaara-kun! Gaa-ra! Gaa-ra! Go Gaara-kun! Woo!"

Matsuri's cheering seemed to have brought all of us out of a daze, and moved their attention to the arena once again, where Gaara was building his Sand Shell, and Sasuke trying to find ways to penetrate it. Finally, he started his Chidori.

I remember this…soon, Orochimaru will expose himself and Tenten will shoot her arrows.

Karin however was now snapping High-Quality shots with the newer, Canon camera that Mura had let – forced – her to "borrow" since the camera she was using before was "beyond." She'll give the camera back once the photos are developed.

Turns out Mura has a thing with video cameras and adores making videos, but brought her picture camera with her to the Finals.

I think those two will get along swell.

Anyway, Sasuke had just used his Chidori. I'm cheering for him, but nervous, my eyes flicker to Tenten, who was listening to music on Neji's iPod Touch, sharing his earbuds, leaning (sweetly) against each other. My mind went back to Lee's explanation of why she wanted to.

"When Neji is upset or stressed or angry, Ten-chan often has Neji-kun listen to music with her, and it calms him. Or oddly enough, sort of cheers him up when he's gloomy. I sometimes do the same also, but Neji-kun has a different connection with Tenten-chan than he does with me and the two share the same tastes in music. As a result, I usually share with Tenten – almost never with Neji-kun. The two of them are very close."

She, noticing me out of her peripheral vision, nodded slightly, signaling she was soon going to be ready in time.

At Gaara's scream of, "MY BLOOD!", Temari gripped her armrests so tight they cracked, at the same time telling Kankuro to leave their brother be. Matsuri looked like someone had killed Lt. Col. Maes Hughes(2) again. I couldn't hold a shiver back. Just as frightening as last time…

Matsuri, however, instead of being scared, was more worried than anything. Yelling to her friend, "Gaara-kun! You can do it! Take control! Come on! Gaara!"

Then it happened – Gaara attempted to transform, but instead collapsed to the ground in pain. And most importantly – the "Kazekage's" smoke bomb.

I gave Karin – who was already looking at me – a look, and it was her signal to prepare enough chakra to counter Kabuto's genjutsu that had put us all under a sleeping spell before.

Tenten had already sprang into action – standing up quickly (taking out the earbud of course) and at breakneck speed, took out her modern-style bow and arrow. Tipping them with her chakra, she shot them at the SN4's hands, who had revealed themselves on the roof and were about to put up the jutsu.

I quickly handed Sasu-tan to Mikoto, putting Jenti's address in her pocket, kissing the little one the forehead while whispering to him to behave.

I stood up and met eyes with my mission teammates, including Shisui. "Now!" I yelled.

Shisui quickly kissed his girlfriend, and told her to get everyone out of here, repeating the order to his father.

Sai jumped out of the stadium, quickly drawing a bird, landed on it, and flew away to what I assume to be the ROOT base.

Karin began engaging in battle with Kabuto, pulling him into the arena so civilians wouldn't get hurt, calling him names on the way down. She always hated him. Maybe even more than I do.

Tenten pulled Neji with her to go after Kidomaru, ordering him to just follow her instructions and to quit pestering her with questions.

Temari pulled Shikamaru with her and jumped out of the stadium, the two landing on her fan and flying towards Kayuya.

Hinata pulled Kiba and Kankuro to go after Sakon and Ukon; and Ino pulled Chouji to go after Jirobo.

Hana and her dogs went off to battle the enemy Sound nin; Shisui headed to assist our beloved Hokage in any way he could.

I hurried myself over to Lee. "Lee-kun! I need you to do me a favor and help the civilians out of the arena and to the safe houses! Please!"

The horribly confused teen stuttered. "W-w-what's going on Sakura-chan? Why not into the village?"

"The village is being attacked right now! Please, just trust me and get everyone out of here! Have Gai-sensei help you!"

After a quick moment of gazing at me, Lee nodded and ran to get Gai, the two calmly but quickly helping the civilians exit the stadium.

Next – Kakashi!

However, he found me before I found him.

Grabbing my arm, the silver-haired man turned me around to face him. "What's going on here, Sakura?!"

I winced at his grip, but answered. "The Invasion has begun, Kakashi-sensei. I need Pakkun to go after Gaara and Sasuke." And Matsuri… She'd already run off after them the moment they left the arena.

"Sakura-chan! What are you doing?!" Naruto came into view behind Kakashi.

"I need you to come with me, Naruto. Remember you're supposed to fight Gaara? Well, it's time." I looked up to my sensei. "I need to go now, Sensei!"

"No, Sakura. Not until you tell me how exactly you know all this, and seemingly planned a counter-attack!"

"There's no time!"

"I'm not letting you go until you do!"

"If I don't hurry-"

"If you don't hurry, what, Sakura?"

"Kakashi-sensei! Please, just call out Pakkun!"

"No, Sak-"

"Listen to your student, Hatake. She seems to know what she's doing."

"Kakashi-kun, just let her go."

Interrupted, Naruto, Kakashi and I turn to the source of the two, very familiar, voices.

There stood Momichi Zabuza, Haku(3), and Hanare(4), the woman we had accidently gotten Kakashi to kiss – through his mask, however – who also had a history with him.

"H-Haku…Zabuza." Naruto's eyes widened considerably, and Kakashi's hand slackened, allowing me to pull my upper arm free.

"Hello again, everyone, but reunions can be saved for later. We must move now." Haku placed his mask on his face, nodding to Zabuza.

"Haku and I will take care of the enemy ninja and giant snakes around the entrances of the village." The older man said, then left with his disciple.

"I'll fight the enemies here in the arena. Care to join me, Kakashi-kun?" Hanare walked closer to Kakashi.

"Hanare…"

"Hurry and get Pakkun out. Every second counts." After a look to me and Hanare, Kakashi thought for a moment.

Sighing, he summoned his favorite summon. "Pakkun, take Sakura and Naruto after Sasuke. Fast."

With a quick glance around the stadium, the dog sighed and started on his path to our teammate. "I'll ask questions on the way. Hurry up you two!"

"Thank you, Kaka-sensei!" I yelled back at him. "Come on, Naruto! We need to hurry before Gaara loses complete control!"

"Sakura, how am I supposed to fight him though? If he loses control of Shukaku, how the hell am I supposed to fight him?!" I felt the worry in Naruto's words and looked at him as we swept thorugh the trees.

"Try talking to Kurama inside you. I hope that he'll give you the power you need. Also, Jiraiya-sama trained you, right? I assume he gave you a summon, so try summoning one of them."

I turned forwards again after Naruto nodded. "Sakura-chan…"

"Hm?"

"What will you be doing through all this?"

Seeing Pakkun speed up a bit, I also quickened my pace. "I'll be getting Sasuke away from your and Gaara's fight, taking on enemy ninja in the village. I imagine it must be in a panic, trying to get everyone to the safe houses. Matsuri's already ahead of us, and I doubt she'll leave Gaara during your guys' fight."

"Matsuri? She's already there? Why wouldn't she leave?"

I sighed at the difficult question, and tried to answer it as best I can while not revealing Matsuri's feelings for the Jinchuuriki. "Matsuri…she knows Gaara's fighting style very well, since he trained her after all. She'll be useful to you. She also cares for Gaara very much; however, she may leave you two be when your fight gets more serious. It is your fight after all."

"I see…"

I simply nodded.

"You know what's weird Sakura-chan?"

"What?"

"Despite the fact that I'm actually afraid and nervous, I'm also totally revved up! Like I can do anything! Really excited!"

I couldn't help but giggle a bit. As optimistic as ever, Naruto. "You definitely took that 'revved' up line from Fairy Tail!"

I could evenhear Naruto's pout. "It's not my fault Natsu's awesome and that line fits what I'm feeling!"

"Whatever you say, Naruto."

"Sakura-chan!"

I laughed again. It's no wonder he's our "personal teddy bear". He certainly cheers us up like one! And is just as cuddly!

"Sakura, Naruto. They're right up ahead."

The two of us looked ahead to where Pakkun was indicating. Just up ahead, we can see Gaara and Sasuke battling in the trees.

"I'll be taking my leave now, guys. Good luck." With that, the dog 'poofed' away.

Naruto and I hesitated to take that distance, however.

I can only hope things will be alright…

"Sakura-chan?" I whipped my head to my best guy friend and brother.

When my eyes met his, Naruto smiled his signature cheek-cheek grin, flashing me a thumbs up. "It's now or never! Let's kick some serious ass!"

I smiled again, really happy at my friends never-ending enthusiasm, and high-fived him.

"Yeah. Let's kick ass! Shannaro!"

With that, we jumped into the fray.


(1): In a filler episode a LONG time ago, during the Konoha History Arc (a filler arc in Shippuden) Tenten, Neji, and Naruto went to get more weapons from a weapon supplier outside of Konoha. This took place after the Chunin Exams, so Lee was too injured to come.
(2): Character from FMA and FMAB. Love that guy... and yeah, he's dead. But it's not too much of a spoiler for those who haven't seen it - he dies in both series. And early in one of them.
(3): Zabuza and Haku lived.
(4): A filler character from the Konoha History Arc.