Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto.
"This is the bell test." Kakashi tells them the next morning, giving them an eye-crease as a substitute for a smile, "You have to take both of them away from me, otherwise you get sent back to the academy."
Sakura blanches and she doesn't even throw Naruto a glare for chuckling.
She can't go back there—the Okiya wouldn't take her in; they didn't have a sponsor anymore—and she couldn't, wouldn't suffer through anymore of the academy curriculum.
Think, she tells herself, disappearing into the bushes as Kakashi calls the whistle, think and trust in yourself.
As she watches Naruto throw himself at their sensei and Sasuke hightail it into the trees to plan, her heart seizes in her chest.
She must remember her ninja way: to realize her friend's goals.
And that is how Sakura begins to scheme, a delicate frown on her face as a sheen of sweat covers her forehead.
Oh my gosh, y'all. I just found out my story is in a community! LIke and actual community. Just wow. walking on air here. Thank you for reading and for the reviews, I love them all and thank you so much for your continued support.