Lionheart: Another chapter update from me. Hope you enjoy it.

Reviewers: Wow, this is…im speechless…thanks for all the reviews. And based on my poll it looks like we're skipping the Konohamaru part. And, we will now get to see Sakura and Kakashi.

Note: This is the night, after Naruto meets Konohamaru. The next day, will be the day they receive word of the Jounin squad leaders.

Anyway, enough talk and on to the story.

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"blah" – Talk

'blah' – thoughts

"blah"-telepathic taught

"blah"- inner Sakura.

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Sasuke, Sakura, and Naruto! Same Team

In the middle of a forest, a tree suddenly crashed down, from a mighty kick. 12 year old Naruto Uzumaki stood on top of it grinning, while his sparring partner Sasuke Uchiha landed in front. The two had been practicing Taijutsu, even since Kyuubi had pointed out to them, unkindly, that they were weak in hand-to-hand combat. And so they began practicing moves copied from Rock Lee. Sasuke had learned Konoha Senpu (Konoha hurricane), Konoha Reppu (Leaf Gale), Konoha Daisenpu, (Leaf Great Whirlwind), and Kage Buyo (Shadow of the Dancing Leaf). These techniques were then shown to Naruto, who was beginning to get the hang of them.

"My turn," said Naruto who leaped under Sasuke. Sasuke looked down below, just as Naruto shouted, "Konoha Senpu." His kick sent Sasuke flying forwards, and immediately Sasuke knew, Naruto would follow up with a combo. Naruto didn't fail his expectations as he jumped right behind Sasuke for Kage Buyo. Sasuke realized he would be finished if he didn't do something so he tried to turn and kick just as Naruto came to grab his torso. Naruto missed the grab entirely, and landed with a curse. Behind him, Sasuke shouted, "Konoha Reppu."

Naruto jumped up at the last second, avoiding the sweep, but was knocked backwards by the wind. Sasuke tried to follow up with a combo, but Naruto disappeared with in an orange blue and appeared some ten feet away.

"Damn, you Naruto. I nearly had you that time," said Sasuke, who panted to refill his lungs with air. "Ha…too slow, Sasuke. They didn't teach me the Shunshin No Jutsu for nothing." Naruto grinned as usual.

"Hey, brats, you think you got the techniques down?" Kyuubi's voice sounded impatient and annoyed. One could tell he was waiting for them to do something else. "Yeah, yeah, we got them down perfectly," shouted Naruto. "Can we take these weights off now?"

Weights…both Naruto and Sasuke were required by Kyuubi to wear them. They were to wear at least 200 pounds each every day, no exceptions. Both Genin, were slowly getting stronger and faster, but the weights were taking their toll. Sasuke, although he would never admit was getting more and more tired each day with the weights on, while Naruto complained about it non-stop. Both could use a break, considering they wore more than they should have been.

"NO BRATS!" Both Sasuke and Naruto shuddered. "And if you ask me one more time, I'll add another fifty pounds to it. Now, if you'll listen, I want you both to practice the Mikazuki No Mai, and then practice your teamwork on a Kage Bunshin. You still both are too predictable in your movements. If you're even dreaming of taking one bell from Kakashi, I suggest you work harder. Oh, and I almost forgot."

Both Sasuke and Naruto stared at each other, wondering what else Kyuubi could add to their list of exercises.

"Today, when you will meet Sakura for the first time, act as you normally would. I have a bad feeling that the Hokage is…well he is suspicious of something. You two are supposed to be total opposites…huge rivals. For now, let's keep it that way." "That won't be too hard," said Sasuke and Naruto at the same time. Both grunted and looked away.

Kyuubi sighed in their heads. "Alright, brats, you guys worked hard enough today. Go home, take a nap, and then get your butts over to the academy." "Hai," answered Sasuke and Naruto, running home as fast as they could."

The Next Day

Birds chirped as the sun slowly rose to signal a new day. It was quiet in the village, but it was soon about to get busy. Very Busy. Today was the day a select few would become Genin.

A sleepy Naruto sat up in bed, feeling the sores and aches of training. His legs were tired from yesterday night's Taijutsu practice, and his arms felt like dead weights. To top it all off, he was still wearing 200 pounds worth off arm and leg weights. He felt like sleeping it all away and he would have had not Kyuubi screamed in his ear.

"BRAT, wake up, you need to get ready. Today's the day we've been training for. It'd look real nice if you were late." Naruto couldn't help but hear the sarcasm in Kyuubi's tone as he sat up, yawned, and stretched his arms. "Alright, alright already, I'm up… Geez, you sound like Sasuke almost, "Naruto do this…Naruto do that." "What's that Naruto," asked an irritated Sasuke. Naruto quickly mumbled something before saying he'll see Sasuke at school. "Baka."

Naruto shook his head and stood up. He nearly fell down, forgetting about the weight. 'Damnit, Kyuubi. Making me carry all this." "What? You want more?" That shut Naruto up, as he summoned his chakra to help him carry the weight jacket. "Hurry up and eat, brat, then get going." Naruto ignored Kyuubi as he opened the fridge and grabbed his milk and some cereal ramen. Sitting down he said to himself, "Today's the day…well…time to eat." Slurping down his ramen and some of his milk (which tasted a little weird), Naruto picked up his head protector and ran out the door. Forgetting all about his weights he walked down the street grinning, like he was a superior.

He noticed a bulge in the wooden fence along the way to the academy. If Naruto was right, and he was sure he was, it was him. Sighing, Naruto continued on, as if oblivious to the bulge, when it suddenly moved and a figure leapt out.

"You're mine, Naruto!" The figure, a small boy, stepped forward, but tripped on his piece of cloth. Naruto resisted the urge to laugh. Instead he asked, "Uh…what do you think you're doing, Konohamaru?"

Konohamaru remained face down on the ground as he answered, "That was a slick move, Naruto. That's why I respect you as my eternal rival." Konohamaru stood, looking somewhat disappointed. Naruto looked to the side, somewhat annoyed, "But I didn't do anything," he replied. Konohamaru totally ignored the statement and stood up making a hand sign.

"Alright then, fight me fair and square." He was about to do a super wicked transformation jutsu (well it was super wicked to him), when Naruto scratched his head. "Sorry," replied Naruto, "I've got an orientation, too bad."

"Orientation?" Naruto grinned, "That's right, you see…as of today, I'm a ninja. Believe it," bragged Naruto. Konohamaru gaped at him, mouth wide open, staring at the headband on Naruto's forehead. "Whoa." Naruto laughed before waving good bye and continuing along.

Somewhere Else

A young pink haired girl stood in front of a mirror, slowly fixing her hair. She was getting ready for the orientation today at the academy for graduates. Humming, she played with her new Konoha headband and winked at herself.

She was interrupted by her mother who yelled, "Sakura, isn't time for you to be going." Irritated, Sakura turned towards the door. "I know…I'm on my way out now," she replied, coldly. "CHA! How long are you going to treat me like a kid, I'm a ninja now." shouted inner Sakura.

Sakura left the house soon after, slowly walking towards the academy. She couldn't help but feel anger at her mother and father for treating her like a kid. 'So, I'm not a little Academy student anymore.' Raising a fist she thought, 'Sakura Haruno, kunoichi in training.' Sakura couldn't help but grin at the thought of it. She was a ninja now; she wasn't a little girl any longer. "CHA," shouted inner Sakura, with thumbs up.

Not too much later, Sakura heard a voice, "See you later." She stopped as a somewhat pretty blonde stepped out. The girl was her height, and like her had a ninja forehead protector. The girl turned in her direction, revealing her long hated rival, Ino. The girl frowned slightly, before grinning maliciously.

"Good morning Sakura," she greeted, somewhat unkindly. "Good morning, Ino, said Sakura, as she put on her best 'I-Don't-Like-You,' face. She walked with her rival towards the academy in a somewhat awkward silence. Ino decided to break it with an insult.

"So, they actually let you graduate, Sakura? What a surprise." Sakura resisted the urge to shout. "Those classes are ancient history now," she told a surprised Ino. "We're both ninja now," continued Sakura, "I won't lose to you anymore. To prove her point, Sakura walked faster ahead of Ino. Irritated, Ino walked faster than Sakura, getting ahead. Sakura noticed this, and with some effort pulled ahead again. Both girls continued in this fashion until they were nearly jogging, shoulder to shoulder, furiously grunted at each other.

The Academy

"Good job brat," came Kyuubi's voice. Naruto looked confused, "What is it?" Sasuke's voice soon interrupted, "Baka, we thought you'd never make it." Naruto shut them out and turned away from Sasuke, who he sat next to. He noticed a familiar face nearly pass him by. The other boy, noticing Naruto stopped, somewhat annoyed.

"Heh? What are 'you' doing here, Naruto? This class isn't for dropouts; you can't be here unless you graduate." Naruto smiled, "Oh yeah?" He pointed to his forehead protector, "You see this? Open your eyes, Shikamaru, this is a regulation headband. Which means I graduated. So that means we'll be training together. How do you like that?"

Shikamaru eyed Naruto down before shrugging, "Hn." "C'mon Shikamaru, we both know it," said Naruto bragging again, "this headgear was made for me." Sasuke couldn't help but stifle a laugh in the corner, just audible enough for Naruto to hear. "Hn," replied Shikamaru, as he walked away.

Meanwhile, a young girl, with pale eyes and a brown coat, eyed Naruto. She was smiling. 'Naruto, you graduated after all…I'm glad," she thought, with a blush. Of course Naruto missed this.

Suddenly the door burst open, and two angry girls stood in the doorway. Sasuke eye's shifted to the right, and a small smile danced on his lips. Naruto smiled, not yet ready to turn. It was her…finally. His heart pounded much faster than usual, and his breathing became faster. He remembered the last time he saw her. Shaking out the bad memories, he slowly began to turn. He blushed seeing the pink haired girl. She was younger, but it was only natural. Naruto was twelve too now. 'Sakura…' he thought to himself.(A/N: I know you all voted for NarutoHinata. Don't worry, It'll head in that direction soon.)

"So, Naruto, thinking about Sakura?" Naruto turned right away, glaring at Sasuke. "How about you Sasuke?" Sasuke turned red, and shut up, while Kyuubi mentally slapped them for arguing.

Both girls were panting out loud, red in the face, and glaring daggers at each other. "I'm first," they both yelled, when they could speak. Ino turned to Sakura, with a grin, "I win again Sakura."

Sakura grinned evilly, "Give it up, I had to look back to see you. My toe was at least a tenth ahead of yours." Ino blew off the idea, "Sakura, are you always this delusional? Sakura looked away, and soon saw Sasuke. "Heh…Hn…OHHH." She ran off immediately, with Ino, raising a hand after her. "Hey, where you going?"

Naruto heard footsteps and saw a smiling Sakura rushing towards him. "Oh, hi, Sakura," he shouted standing up. Sakura shoved him aside, yelling, "Move it." She then clasped her hands together and stood smiling at Sasuke, who made no move. "Damnit, Naruto, tell her to move, and sit down somewhere else or something." "Why, Sasuke, embarrassed," teased Naruto.

In his seat, Sasuke clenched his teeth, though he made no move. Looked like he would have to put up with Sakura again. "Good morning Sasuke," greeted the pink haired kunoichi. Sasuke sighed, and was about to turn when he noticed all the girls moving over. "Oh damn, hey Naruto, Kyuubi, do something." Naruto slinked away, unnoticed, leaving Sasuke to silently fume. Sasuke gave up and turned slightly toward Sakura, though he remained silent.

"Um, Sasuke, mind if I sit next to you?" Sasuke was beginning to feel slightly uncomfortable. He liked Sakura sort of, knowing the type of person she would turn out to be, but right now there were too many girls to deal with. He soon saw Ino, approach, looking angry and irritated. "Back off forehead, I'm sitting next to Sasuke." Ino grabbed Sakura's arm. "I was here first," protested Sakura. Ino got red, but soon replied, "Well I got into the classroom first. Everybody saw it."

Sasuke silently sulked as he sat there. Naruto was standing nearby taunting him and Kyuubi was laughing, very un-Kyuubi-like. 'I'm gonna kill you both in your sleep,' thought Sasuke, revengefully. "Hehe," replied Naruto, laughing out loud.

Meanwhile, more girls were surrounding Sasuke all disagreeing with each other. "No, I was first, you all came in after me." "Well," replied a fat girl, "Sasuke likes me best, you girls can just go away." Sasuke turned green at the thought of it, and so did many of the others. They pushed her away and then turned smiling towards Sasuke. "Let me sit next to you," said Ino, smiling. "NO," shouted Sakura, "I'm sitting next to Sasuke." "No, I am," shouted the fat girl. "Stupid," murmured Sasuke, inaudibly.

Hokage's House

The Hokage's crystal ball stayed focused on Sasuke, who had folded his arms and closed his eyes. A group of Jounin stood around it murmuring to each other. One spoke, upon seeing Sasuke, "Most promising new student, Sasuke Uchiha. Is that him?" "Yes that's him," replied the Hokage. The other Jounin murmured to each other. Kurenai looked at Sasuke saying, "He's the only survivor of the Uchiha Clan." "That's right," replied the Hokage.

Meanwhile, a silver haired Jounin looked away from Sasuke toward an orange clad boy, who sat watching a crowd of girls. (Guess who?) This particular Jounin noticed that Naruto was smiling, something not often seen of the boy when in the academy. 'Naruto…Uzumaki…hmm.'

Back at the Academy

Naruto, finally having enough fun, leapt onto the table in front of Sasuke. Both Genin glared at each other. "Alright, Sasuke, how about a fight to get them away, right here?" "Fine with me, baka." "Watch out brats…umm…too late…hehe," came Kyuubi's voice.

As Naruto processed Kyuubi's words, the kid in back of him suddenly bumped into him sending him forward. The girls stopped chattering immediately seeing the new developments. "What the," murmured Sakura. "I uh…" said Ino, shocked. Sasuke and Naruto…kissed! Both boys pulled apart, clutching their throats and spitting out, frantically. "Naruto, you stupid baka. I swear I'm going to kill you." "Wait, Sasuke, it was an accident, why the heck would I want to kiss you…ack…besides, you told me to do something about them. Oh, and your breath stinks…YUCK." "NARUTO!" Kyuubi laughed hysterically in their heads, enraging them even further. But their anger was nothing compared to the girls.

Sakura, nearly fell over at the sight while Inner Sakura shouted, "CHA! This is outrageous. I was supposed to be Sasuke's first kiss. Naruto will pay for this, CHA!"

Naruto continued to choke, when once again his senses went haywire. He didn't even bother look up. "Oh damn," he muttered. "Naruto, you are so dead," said Sakura, calmly. She and the other girls charged, while Naruto made a break for it. Sasuke couldn't help but laugh in his head, as he was mobbed and beat up to a pulp.

Sometime Later

Iruka stood in front of his class, proudly. "As of today, we are all ninjas. To get here, you faced difficult hardships and trials." "I'll say," whispered Naruto, to himself. He still held massive bruises from earlier. Iruka continued, "Those hardships were nothing compared to what you have to do now. The tasks will be far more difficult despite the fact you are only Genin, first level ninjas. And so, each Genin will be grouped into squads of three. Each squad will be led by an elite Jounin.

Sasuke, Naruto, and the others all looked up in surprise. "Three man squads," they all asked surprised. Sakura waited for Iruka to clarify when Ino spoke behind her. "Well…someone has to be in Sasuke's group. I wonder who?" Sakura twitched slightly as she turned. "I don't know," she replied innocently. Inner Sakura had something different to say. "CHA! I'm gonna be with Sasuke. So stay away from him you hag."

As Sasuke and Naruto silently shared laughs about old times, Iruka continued. "Each team will have a set of strengths and weaknesses." He waved a paper, "So that's how we set them up."

"Fox Eye," whispered Naruto. He looked at the squad's list. Team 7: Haruno, Sakura. Uzumaki, Naruto. Uchiha Sasuke. "Hmph," "Hey, it's the same teams as before. How lucky." Sasuke smiled again. "So," he said to himself, "Let's see how you react when you meet us…Kakashi."

"SO, I will now announce the teams," stated Iruka. After six teams were announced Iruka got to team seven. "Naruto Uzumaki." Naruto looked up. This was it. "Sakura Haruno." While, Sakura sulked, Sasuke and Naruto both exchanged a glance. "And…Sasuke Uchiha." Sakura jumped with joy, and immediately turned to Ino. "Too bad, Ino." Ino glared back, "UGHHH, how did you get in his group?"

While, Sakura grinned ear to ear, team eight was announced. "Hinata Hyuuga, Kiba Inuzuka, and Shino Aburame. Hinata was disappointed as she stared at the back of Naruto's head. "Oh, I won't be with Naruto then…"

Meanwhile, Shikamaru stared at Ino. "I don't get it. What do you see in a guy like him? He's not so special." Ino glared at him. "You are so beyond, clueless Shikamaru. Don't you get it," she yelled. Shikamaru stared right back, "No, I don't get it, cause I'm not a girl," he said. Ino looked away, smiling. "Your so full of yourself. Jealousy is a terrible thing. I'd hate to beat on your team." Right away, Iruka announced the last team.

"Ino Yamanaka, Shikamaru Nara." Ino looked up shocked. Shikamaru taunted her, "Huh, did you say something about hating to be on my squad?" Ino glared daggers at him. "And," concluded Iruka, "Chouji Akimichi." Chouji paid no attention as he stuffed chips into his mouth. Ino, on the other hand, slumped in her seat, hating herself and her life. 'Not him too,' she thought. "Those are all the squads," finished Iruka cheerfully. "Anyway, you're dismissed for lunch. You will meet your Jounin squad leaders afterwards. Until then, class dismissed."

As students poured out talking to each other, Sasuke and Naruto walked out as instructed by Kyuubi. Sasuke was going out to practice the new earth style jutsus, while Naruto would distract Sakura. Sasuke figured the first thing she would do was look for him. "Alright, Sasuke, but remember…you have to teach me another fire jutsu tomorrow." Sasuke waved and disappeared.

Outside the academy, Sakura looked around calling for Sasuke. 'Hm,' she wondered, 'why did Sasuke have to go running off so fast? Since we were in the same group together I thought we could have lunch together and get to know each other.' "Hey, Sakura," called out Naruto. Sakura turned to see Naruto coming her way. "Since we're in the same group together, I thought maybe we could have lunch and get to know each other." Sakura looked terrified at the idea. "Why would I want to have lunch with you?" "Huh?" Naruto was a little surprised at first, but he remembered that day. He let the feeling of jealousy pass up. "Well…since we were in the same group…," he stopped seeing Sakura's face. "Naruto…YOU'RE ANNOYING." She left him, while he sighed.

As Sakura wandered off, Naruto schemed of ways to get Sakura to like him. He had one immediately. Grinning he said, "Henge." (Transform)

The Park

Sakura sat alone in the park, absentmindedly picking at her food. 'Well, it's not like there's a rush or anything. I'll be in the same group as Sasuke for a long time.' Sakura thought about herself and then sadly thought, 'But still. How can I ever dream he'd like me? I'm scrawny and small, except for my forehead. Why was I born with a big wide forehead,' she complained.

Sakura suddenly realized someone was watching her. Looking up, she saw Sasuke standing by a tree, staring at her. 'Uh? Oh, Sasuke, he's looking right at me.' She blushed. Sakura had an image of the two of them kissing, but the thought of it turned her back to reality. 'Grow up Sakura,' she thought to herself sadly, 'It's just a fairy tale. And fairy tales don't come true.' "Hey, Sakura."

Sakura looked up, surprised to see Sasuke walking towards her. "Hey, I have a question," he said as he sat down next to her. Sakura blushed, but she nodded for him to continue. "What do you think of Naruto?" Sakura's blush died away as she thought about Naruto the baka. "Naruto knows about my feelings, and he purposely tries to get in the way. He enjoy interfering and making me feel bad. Naruto…he doesn't understand one thing about me. He's just annoying. All I want…is for you to accept me Sasuke. That's all." Sasuke's eyes widened as he processed the information. "You just want me to accept you?" Sakura nodded as she blushed and crept closer, leaning in for a kiss. 'I see, I think I understand why I like Sakura so much now, and ughh…wait what is this feeling in my stomach,' though Sasuke (who is really Naruto), before taking off. Sakura opened her eyes and saw Sasuke rushing off. "WAIT, SASUKE." "I'll be right back," shouted Sasuke.

Sakura sat on the bench, thinking, "Wow, I didn't know Sasuke was so shy. Maybe he needs time to get ready." Sasuke ran off and ducked into his apartment and his bathroom, just as he transformed back into Naruto. 'Whew. Damn, I was just about to kiss her too. Oh well, that plan ended up badly. I think I'll go train now.'

Meanwhile, the real Sasuke walked towards Sakura, whom upon seeing him, jumped with joy. "OH, Sasuke you're back. Are you ready now, you bad boy? I mean mentally?" Sasuke stared at her, "Where's Naruto at, I can't seem to find him?" (A/N: Naruto isn't replying telepathically). Sakura laughed. "Oh, there you go again, changing the subject. Anyway, Naruto just picks fights with you. You know why? It's probably because he wasn't raised right? He has no parents, no one to teach him right from wrong. Think about it. He just does whatever comes into his head. He's selfish, a big brat, and just plain annoying. He's all alone."

Sasuke's eyes narrowed. He couldn't believe Sakura would say that about his best friend. "Alone huh?" Sakura nodded, glad to hear an agreement. "Isolated." "Huh," asked Sakura.

"I wonder Sakura…Do you know what its like to be alone. Always by yourself, no one to talk to. No parents or siblings to care and love you. And even worse, hated by everyone in a village, shunned for something you have no control over, do you understand that feeling?" "S-Sasuke, why are you saying that?" whimpered Sakura. "If you don't, then you have no idea how Naruto feels…and in that case, you have no idea how 'I' feel. And yet…you claim you love me, well if you really do, then perhaps you can treat your teammate with something other than hate and irritation. He already gets enough of that."

"W-what," asked Sakura, shocked. "You're …annoying," said Sasuke slowly before disappearing. The words hit Sakura like a smack in the face.

Naruto left the bathroom and ran smack into Sasuke. "Oh, there you are baka." "Oh hi, Sasuke," said Naruto uncomfortably. "Loser, why didn't you answer me when I called for you?" "Bathroom," muttered Naruto. Sasuke sweat dropped, "Fine, whatever, let's finish the fire jutsu practice. There's only one more technique.

Sakura

Alone, Sakura sat on the bench pondering Sasuke's words. 'I'm annoying? That's what he said…hmm. Now I get it, this must be how Naruto feels. I shouldn't be so mean to him. Okay…next time I see him, I'm going to be nice.'

Sakura soon got her opportunity as she spotted Sasuke and Naruto walking over. Taking her chance, she jumped up. "Hey, Sasuke, uhh…Naruto, do you two want to eat lunch with me before we go back." 'Smile,' she thought to herself. Sasuke and Naruto stared at each other. "What's gotten into her suddenly," they both asked. "Fine, you can eat lunch," replied Kyuubi. Naruto and Sasuke wandered over, when Naruto suddenly doubled over. "Ah…bathroom," he cried, running off. Sasuke sighed, "What a loser," before disappearing. Sakura dropped her hand. "NARUTOOO…"

Hours Later

"He's late…" said Naruto, clenching his teeth. The three Genin were the only three left. Sasuke sat on a bench, while Sakura silently fumed about their teacher.

Meanwhile Naruto stood by the door grunting and groaning. Eventually Sakura couldn't stand it anymore. "Naruto…sit down!" Naruto glared at her, "I don't want to. How come our teacher is the only one that's late? All the other teams have already met their senseis. I'm ready to roll…believe it."

Sakura sighed inwardly. Was Naruto always this dumb. "We know, Naruto, just sit down." Sasuke suddenly stood. "S-Sasuke?" Sasuke stood by Naruto whispering something. Both boys grinned and went over to the other side of the room setting up strings and a kunai. "What are you two doing," asked Sakura, shocked. "Setting up a trap for our teacher…he deserves it," replied Naruto.

Sakura sat back, not wanting to disturb Sasuke's work. However, she was wondering why he was working so well with Naruto. 'Hmm,' she thought. 'Maybe he's trying to be nice.'

Sasuke and Naruto did a technique that camouflaged the kunai so it wouldn't be seen. They set the strings so when a person came through the door the kunai would fly at them. In the case Kakashi didn't react to the knife, it was designed to stop at a certain point. To finish the trap, Naruto set a chalkboard eraser in between the door and the doorway. As he finished, they could all hear footsteps in the corridor. "Here we go," whispered Naruto, with glee. Sakura folded her arms. "You're asking for trouble. You know you shouldn't do this stuff." "CHA! I love this stuff."

Three seconds later and a hand appeared in the doorway. Both Sasuke and Naruto grinned.

Lionheart: Okay, sorry about the long kind of filler chapter, but I felt it was necessary to introduce sakura and the teams.

Anyway hope you enjoy.