Another First Time

Chapter 4: It Starts Now

"We're stopping here," Sai announced, putting down his pack and turning to the pink haired kunoichi several paces behind him. She mirrored his actions, putting down her own bundle and stretching out her limbs.

The two teammates had traveled for about three days, stopping for several hours each night to take turns resting. Sai had been tightlipped as to where they were going, and she was curious as to why.

"Where are we?" she asked, eyeing her surroundings inquisitively.

Sai smiled benignly at her. "That's for me to know and you to find out."

Sakura merely stared, not comprehending his meaning.

"What I mean is," Sai explained, "you have to find out exactly where we are, without asking anyone in the surrounding area. As an ANBU, you will have to be able to recognize the different environments of the different countries so that you will never be lost, wherever you are."

Sakura's eyes lit up in understanding as she said, "I see. How long do I have?"

"Ten minutes. You can explore only a ten meter radius from where I am standing," he replied.

Her eyes widened. "Ten minutes?"

He shrugged. "In a real life situation, you'd be lucky to even have time to thoroughly analyze your position and situation."

Eyes hardening in determination, she nodded and said, "Alright."

She exceeded his expectations when she arrived back at his side in seven minutes.

"So?" he asked, prompting her for their location.

"We're at the border of the Fire Country and the Waterfall Country," she answered correctly. Sai smiled again and nodded.

"That was a diagnostic exercise, Ugly, so don't be too pleased with yourself. You're going to work at your analytical and observation skills until you can identify your surroundings in at least half that time," he lightly said.

A vein twitched on her forehead but she crossed her arms and nodded. Confused as to why she wasn't hitting him, like she usually would have, Sai asked, "Ugly, you're supposed to be hitting me. Why aren't you?"

Her lips twitching slightly, she replied, "Well, you're supposed to be my teacher, aren't you? And I've been brought up to respect teachers…even if it happens to be you."

"Does that mean I can call you all sorts of names and you won't retaliate?" he questioned, already thinking up more nicknames he could call his companion.

"No," she replied, through gritted teeth, frowning as if she already regretted that she requested him as her trainer.

"Oh. Okay, I was just checking." He sent her another smile as he picked up his pack again. She groaned and followed his lead, murmuring, "We're starting up again?"

Sai tsked and commented, "If this is the state of your physical fitness, Ugly, the next couple of weeks are going to kill you. This is just the beginning."

Sakura smiled a humorless smile and cursed herself for asking for such training.

A week or so had passed quicker than Sakura would've thought. While she had initially thought that Sai would be a like a slave driver, she had thought wrong. He worked her hard, yes, but never to the point where she completely depleted her chakra, which was a regular occurrence under Tsunade-sama's tutelage. To her bewilderment, she actually found herself enjoying the training.

On a quiet evening in which she and Sai had both agreed to stop training early, since they had been working harder than usual due to Sakura's difficulty with a particular ninjutsu, Sakura found him writing neatly on a blank scroll. Peering over his shoulder, she found herself entranced by his smooth, flowing calligraphy. She had always known he was the artistic type, but she didn't know it applied to other aspects of his life as well.

"What are you writing?" she asked, curiosity clear in her jade eyes. He finished the last character before answering her.

"I'm supposed to report to Hokage-sama about your progress every week," he replied, summoning one of his ink birds to deliver the scroll to the Godaime.

"Oh. So how am I doing?" she casually asked, slightly afraid of his answer, especially after her dismal performance in the afternoon (she just couldn't seem to master that particularly tricky ninjutsu).

"Nothing spectacular, but not terrible," was his only answer before he changed the topic by saying, "There's a stream a little bit south of here. You should take a bath, Ugly. You stink."

Sticking out her tongue at him, but not denying that fact that she needed freshening up, Sakura stalked out of their tent and into the night. As she washed, she thought about her week.

She had mastered about eight new ninjutsus within the short amount of time, which was a personal victory for her, since she had learned that same amount of jutsus in half a year during her genin days. Sai also insisted on sparring with her at least twice daily, and as a result, she began to notice that her stamina was improving. When they first started, she could only hold him off for around fifteen minutes, but that number was increasing, albeit slowly.

Wringing out her dripping pink locks, Sakura allowed herself to think about Konoha for a while. Ever since leaving her home, she hadn't given the village or its inhabitants a second thought. She realized then that she really missed her friends, especially Naruto and Ino. And I've only been gone for a week, she snorted mentally. How was she going to survive months without them?

She was comforted slightly as she saw Sai's familiar silhouette standing outside their tent as she walked back to their campsite. He seemed to be deep in thought, as his dark eyes were focused on the moon high above them, and his hands were stuck deep in his pockets.

Looking at him in the faint moonlight, Sakura couldn't believe she had once thought he looked like Sasuke.

She realized that the only similarities that they shared were their pale, flawless skin and dark hair colour. Apart from the difference in hair length, Sakura noticed for the first time that while Sasuke's hair had a slight blue glow to it, Sai's was truly obsidian black. Sasuke's dark orbs were always so cold, but Sai's weren't. While Sakura couldn't exactly say that Sai's dark eyes were warm, they didn't have the same cool chill that the Uchiha's had. Sai's eyes always seemed to be searching for something – something that Sakura still hadn't discovered yet. Sasuke's features were more sharp and defined where Sai's were softer, more comforting. Especially his lips. Blushing slightly, Sakura couldn't help but think that Sasuke's thin lips could never compare to Sai's fuller ones.

Whacking herself over the head for thinking that way, Sakura hurried back to the tent, where Sai greeted her with a "You smell much better now, Ugly."

All kind thoughts of him banished from her head, Sakura huffed and said, "I'm going to bed."

Sai nodded and answered, "Good choice. We're leaving tomorrow, and you're going to need all the energy you've got."

"We're leaving?" she asked.

"Yes. Within these months, I want us to be able to travel through every single country. We've been in the Waterfall Country for the past week, and tomorrow, we'll be heading somewhere new. I want you to have experience fighting in different landscapes and territories," Sai explained.

"I see," Sakura said, her respect for his intelligence rising slowly. She never would've had the foresight to travel to different places to train – heck, she'd probably just learn a dozen A-ranked jutsus and be done with it.

Sakura crawled back into the tent and rolled out her sleeping bag, eager to let her tired body rest for the night. Yelling out a goodnight to Sai, who answered with a grunt, she closed her eyes and promptly fell asleep, too tired to dwell upon memories and events like she usually did.

Sai entered the tent a while after, intent on following Sakura into dreamland. However, as the moonlight streamed in through the flap in the tent, Sai was instantly taken back to the moment when he had laid Sakura in her bed that fateful night she had gotten hopelessly drunk.

An emotion swelled up within his chest – it had felt alien to him the first time he took note of it, but he realized that it seemed to swell whenever the more vulnerable side of a certain pink haired kunoichi was revealed.

He felt such a great need to do something – anything – to relieve himself of the feeling. Searching almost frantically in his own bag, he drew out a pen and a pad of smooth, blank paper. By the light of the waning moon, he began to sketch.

From the metal nib of his ink pen first flowed the curve of an exposed shoulder, part of the flat plane of a back, and the contrasting texture of a dark blue sleeping bag. An arm gave way down to a sharp elbow, which rose up again and ended with a slender, yet capable-looking hand that was strongly fisted around a pillow. A face with subtle cheekbones came next, accentuated by soft pink lips, a rounded nose, and closed eyes that were framed by feathery lashes that kissed the surface of the skin. And lastly, came locks of smooth hair that teased the jaw line of the sleeping kunoichi.

Jostled out of his sketching reverie by a particularly haunting owl hoot, Sai glanced down at his handiwork. While he normally drew black and white portraits, he had never wished more than now that he had some paints, colour pencils, anything, to add that pink hue to her hair, or that healthy glow to her smooth skin.

Noting that the moon was well on its way to descending from the night sky to give way to dawn, Sai put his book and pen away, intent on catching several hours of sleep. He pulled out his sleeping bag and set it in its usual spot – between the tent flap and Sakura's sleeping bag.

Perhaps the fact that he had sketched 'Ugly' had affected him more than he had thought, for Sai spent a couple of hours rolling around in discomfort before finally able to drift off into a fitful slumber.

Sakura made no comment as Sai wordlessly emerged from the tent later than her – a rare occurrence. Nor did she sneer at the black smudges under his eyes that marred his milky skin – Sai seemed to have a lot on his mind for some reason, and being the oh-so-sensitive kunoichi she was, Sakura wisely kept quiet.

Sai was not in a good mood, and he didn't know why. The uncomfortable and distracting nudge in his chest called annoyance and irritation kept making him lose his focus, and as a result, it was mid-morning by the time the two had finally managed to set out.

When the two were well on their way, Sakura edged closer to her companion and said, "Hey, are you alright?"

"Worry about yourself, Ugly," was his contrite answer as he sped up, leaving her behind. Frowning, Sakura called out, "Hey! I was trying to be nice…"

Crossing her arms in irritation, she wondered what was causing him to get his drawers in a bunch.

Several paces ahead, Sai mentally wondered why he felt so uncomfortable after lashing out so coldly at Sakura; after all, it wouldn't be the first time he had done it. Maybe it was because it really wasn't her fault that he was feeling so off.

Oh, but it is… the voice in his head said. You stayed up all night because of the girl, didn't you? You just couldn't get her out of your mind, eh? You know, her piercing green eyes, the soft pink hair that you'd just love to run your hands through - Sai abruptly forced the voice to be quiet after that particularly disturbing train of thought.

Sai nearly shuddered in revulsion. He was on a mission, dammit! He was not going to let himself (or his inner voice) get carried away with something as trivial as Sakura's appearance. She was Ugly, wasn't she? But damn, those pink strands of hair really looked soft enough for his fingers to run through, especially after she had washed her hair last night-

Sai growled mentally at himself, wishing desperately for the days when emotions were foreign and the voice in his mind lay dormant.

Several uncomfortable days had passed since the two had set off. Sai had closed up once again, speaking to her only when necessary. She found his sudden change quite disconcerting – she liked it a lot better when he talked, even if his words were tactless and sometimes downright rude.

Their strained routine was finally broken one late afternoon by a messenger bird bearing a scroll from Konoha. Sai opened it up, and discovered two other smaller scrolls wrapped inside. Glancing at the name on the two smaller scrolls, he handed them to Sakura, saying, "These are for you, Ugly."

With mumbled thanks, she opened the first one and was greeted with Naruto's messy script.

A small smile bloomed on Sakura's face as she began to read the contents.

Dear Sakura-chan,

I MISS YOU!!!!! When are you coming back to Konoha, huh? S'not just me, everyone misses you too. People have been asking about you and I dunno what to say to them. And the people at the hospital are complaining that their favourite pink-haired medic isn't there to treat them. Poor Shizune-neechan had to explain to each and every patient that you were on a training mission. And Tsunade-baachan looks so frazzled these days. I swear, the wrinkles are going to show soon!

Anyways, how're you doing? Is Sai-teme treating you right? He doesn't work you too hard, does he? I'll beat him up for you when you guys get back if he's being mean, 'kay?

Guess what, guess what? The Jounin exams are in a week! I can't wait to kick some Chuunin butt! Wish me luck, will ya? Not that I'll be needing it, heehee! I wish you could see me beat the crap out of all them Chuunin…but oh well, Hinata-chan's going to be with me, and she promised to make me ramen afterwards! Can't wait! Oh, she says she misses you too. She's beside me right now.

Can't talk too much now, Hinata-chan and I are going to train! Have you read Ino's scroll yet? I hope you didn't yet. Mine is better. She says I write like I'm still seven. Tell her I don't, Sakura-chan!

And tell Sai-teme that things are kinda boring without him to yell at here. And that he better be nice to you or I'll knock his teeth out next time I see him. He wouldn't want that.

Happy training, and come back soon!

Love, Naruto & Hinata

She fondly traced the names of her two friends, noticing that Hinata's name was written with a much neater and flowery script. Sakura let out a sigh and wondered what Naruto would be doing now. With his exuberance and endless stamina, Naruto was probably training…or out eating ramen with Hinata. As Sakura reread the letter, she realized with a pang that Naruto had written nothing about Sasuke.

He's probably doing great without me, while I've been broken up inside, she bitterly thought, as she rolled up the scroll and tucked it gently into her shirt. Picking up the scroll that had accompanied the one inside her shirt, Sakura opened it up and was met with the sight of Ino's neat and flowing script.

Dear Forehead,

How's it going? Hope your training's doing okay. Sorry I couldn't come with you…not that I'd be able to teach you anything. I hate to admit it, but you're so far ahead of me…oh well, at least I've got more of a social life than you.

Anyways, things are dull around here without you. You better had missed me too, or else I swear I'll tell that creepy admin. guy from the hospital that you've got the hots for him.

Here, Sakura wrinkled her nose in distaste. The "creepy guy" really was a creep – always leering at her when she passed him in the corridors and trying to ask her out with cheesy pick-up lines.

Oh, oh! I've got exciting news to tell you! Guess what? I've got a man! Guess who? Haha, you'll never guess. Even I didn't see it coming…it's Izumo! I dunno, just all of a sudden one day, I was with him and Kotetsu-san on gate duty and I just noticed how absolutely gorgeous he is. I think I might've told you about that, but I'm not sure. Can't remember that well. But whatever. And oh my gosh he's such a gentleman! You won't believe it. And when he asked me out, he was so nervous, it was so cute! Well of course I said yes, how could I have refused him? It's only been like, a week, but he's been an AMAZING boyfriend – the best I've had actually!

On a side note, Neji-san and Tenten-chan are officially an item! That ice-prick finally came clean with it and even his uncle knows now. Everything exciting is happening now, and you're not here, Forehead-chan. You suck. Oh, and I swear Temari is going to be staying in Konoha forever. She's so incredibly stuck on Shika, but she's got him whipped, so I guess it's a fair trade. I bet he congratulates himself every day for picking up such a great girl – and an older one too! I always thought he'd be too lazy to cater to the needs of a female…damn, guess I was wrong about him...AGAIN!

Okay, time for the serious stuff. I don't know how to say this, Sakura…but apparently, Sasuke got some Chuunin chick pregnant. Yeah, that's retarded, eh? I couldn't – wouldn't, believe it at first. But then there were all the talks about an Uchiha wedding coming up, so I guess it's true. It's a real shotgun marriage…I'm sorry, Sakura-chan. But hey, now at least we know he ain't a good one, right? It would've sucked big time if you guys had gotten hooked up and then you found out he was a jerk, cuz then you'd be stuck with him for life. You know, no matter what, you can always talk to me through writing – I'll be there, okay?

And don't let Sai work you too hard – give him a good knock on the skull if he's pissing you off. But he's a good shinobi…you're lucky you're getting one-on-one lessons from someone as capable as he is. But you know what, Forehead, I think I'm content staying a Chuunin. Surprisingly, I find my job with the kids really fulfilling, and I'm willing to stay. And this way I get to stay the same rank as Izumo!

Love ya lots!

Ino

Sakura zoomed in on four words – "Uchiha wedding coming up,". She sighed sadly, but in the back of her head, she knew that it would be a reality as soon as Sasuke had gotten wind that he was a soon-to-be father. He was like that – when it came to his clan, he paid real attention to things like honor and tradition. And besides, it was Uchiha blood that was running within the veins of the developing infant. Uchiha blood meant that the secret of the Sharingan would be passed on.

Standing up to her full height, Sakura brushed her wind swept hair out of her face and looked towards the horizon, beyond which lay the Fire Country. Sasuke-kun, I wish you well…in everything. We truly end here, with your impending marriage…Closing her eyes, Sakura exhaled. When she opened her eyes, there was a smile of acceptance upon her lips.

Turning back to Sai, Sakura said, "Are we good to go?"

Surprised that her mood seemed to pick up so suddenly, Sai gave her a ghost of a smile and a nod, saying, "Any time."

They set off again, in search of a suitable place to make camp. The rays of the setting sun danced brilliantly upon her and the man beside her. Sakura's smile grew wider as she realized that this conclusion to her relationship, this ending to a chapter of her life, was just like a sunset – the rays of the sun were blinding and painful. But as the sun sets at night, it will rise again in the morning. And each new sunrise is more beautiful than the last, more meaningful than the last.

Sakura turned towards the dark-haired male beside her, and sensing her stare, he turned towards her as well. She offered him a tentative smile, and understanding the meaning behind her smile, his eyes softened and another fleeting smile danced on his lips.

Turning back to the brilliant sunset, Sakura couldn't help but be excited for sunrise, unable to wait for the events the next day would bring. Glancing once again at the man beside her, Sakura knew the sunrise on this new chapter of her life would be the most brilliant, most radiant, and the most beautiful one of all.

a/n: If this story were divided into parts, this would be the end of Part I. But meh, w/e. Too lazy. And just as a side note, the angst just about completely finishes at this part. This story will now be geared more towards the action/adventure genre.

Finally, we have some closure with Sasuke. Whew. And Sakura grows stronger yet again through this turbulent period in her life. As to her shinobi abilities...well, you'll just have to see XD

Hope everyone was mostly in character (give me a little bit of leeway XP), and once again, thanks to my awesome friends Silver Matter and tinginkerbell for their editing efforts!

Please leave a review so I can improve, and enjoy!