1.) So, with this summer semester is coming to an end I am hoping to be able to update more frequently. It's been a year and a half since I started this but I'm still interested in it and I have not forgotten it. I just had some writer's block for a while.

2.) I got two reviews!

LuckyGem and minniemousemom. Thank you for your reviews. I know I've read a lot of stories and I hardly leave reviews, even on the ones that I absolutely loved and have re-read three times. So thank you for taking the time to do so.

Lastly, I do not own Naruto. That privilege belongs to Kishimoto-san alone.

Chapter Two

Grudge

"To be wronged is nothing, unless you continue to remember it."

- Confucius

xXx

A sigh escaped Kirimi's lips as she made her way through the familiar streets back home. It was almost dark and all she wanted to do was go to sleep. She hung her head as she drug her feet and her blonde pigtails came into her line of sight. She really needed a haircut. Sighing again, she turned her bright blue eyes up at the sky as she mused about her long week ahead of her.

Let's see, I have a test tomorrow in Osaka Sensei's class., there's also that quiz in Tanaka Sensei's class, and I have to meet up with Mizutani-chan at that café around the corner so we can study for our upcoming exam.

"Oh man! I'm so stressed out! Damn Miyabi-senpai for making us run laps after kendo practice!" She grabbed at her high pig tails in frustration. "Not only am I going to be up late studying for everything, but mother's going to kill me if I'm not home in time for dinner!" At that statement she looked back up at the sky to see it rapidly darkening.

Yeah, mother's going to kill me.

"Good evening young lady." The deep voice made Kirimi stop her slow pace and turn around. The man that faced her wore a grey suit and dress shoes. His dark brown hair hung low in his face obscuring his eyes. His posture was relaxed as he stood a respectful amount of space away from her.

Her politeness getting the better of her, Kirimi graced the stranger with a smile and gave her own greeting.

"What are you doing out so late tonight?"

"Oh, I'm just on my way home from school. I kind of got a delayed start on my journey."

"I see." The man looked thoughtful for a moment before taking a cautious step toward her. "You know, it's dangerous out here for young women such as yourself. Please, allow me to escort you home." He held his hand out to her and offered a sincere smile.

Kirimi took a step back and gave what she hoped sounded like a lighthearted laugh and held her hands up in front of her chest. "Thank you for your concern but that's unnecessary. I'm nearly home anyway." She lied.

"Please, I insist." The man began walking toward her again.

Warning bells were ringing in her head as she took yet another step back from the approaching man. This guy; something doesn't feel right. She did away with the pleasantries and planted a serious look on her face. Her voice was stern when she said "Look, I said I don't need your help. Now, I suggest you leave me be unless you want to be in a world of pain." She smirked at the man as he stopped his approach.

"That's not a very nice thing to say, young lady." The man shook his head disapprovingly. "You know, you should really learn to respect your elders!"

Kirimi's stomach took a nose dive as the man lunged for her. On instinct, she sidestepped his attempt to grab at her and reached for her wooden kendo sword strapped at her back. With the familiar feeling in her hands, she pounced toward him, aiming a blow at his chest. Her target easily dodged her attempt and swatted at her weapon attempting to knock it from her hands. She only took a stronger hold of her favorite weapon and quickly went into a half crouch and lunged again.

"That's enough of this nonsense." The suited man effortlessly took hold of her kendo sword and tossed it aside. Defenseless, Kirimi turned to run but was halted as she felt the man grab her right wrist. Said wrist was forcibly restrained behind her back. Her pain-filled scream was cut short as his free hand covered her mouth. "Now young lady, behave."

As if! She thought acerbically. At a desperate attempt to get free the young blonde began struggling in the man's hold.

"Now now, I said to be behave." The man hissed the last word in her ear making shivers run down her spine.

Her chest constricted as the fear finally overwhelmed her. Oh no! What's going to happen to me?!

"Don't you worry that pretty little head of yours." Her eyes went wide as she felt his hand move to caress her cheek. "We're going to take very good care of you."

"You're catching on quickly Sakura." Said girl was currently sparring with Kiba as he conversed with her. She sent a series of punches toward him only to have him block every one. She pulled her right arm back once more and aimed another punch to his face. Kiba grabbed her wrist and threw her body to the side.

He was on her again in an instant making her block and dodge his powerful punches. Tiring of this game quickly, Kiba decided to end this spar. He pulled his arm back for one more potent punch. Just as he was about to make contact, she ducked below his range. Bracing herself with the palms of her hands flat on the floor, she delivered a successful kick to her opponent's abdomen.

Kiba back flipped with the force of the kick and landed in a crouch. He rose smirking at his student. "Not bad."

Wiping the sweat from her brow with her forearm she replied. "Just you wait Kiba. I'll knock you on your ass soon enough."

"Challenge eagerly accepted, Sakura." The two didn't drop their smirks until they made it to the nearby table currently holding all the refreshments. She handed her sparring partner a small cup of water and they both leaned against the table watching the others finish up their spars.

They weren't at "headquarters" anymore. Now they were back at the regular dojo where Naruto normally spars. Apparently it had been under some reconstruction the day of orientation. Shikamaru explained to Ino and Sakura later on that the building that had hosted their first meeting, the one Sakura self dubbed the "Stupid mass of concrete that housed sexist pigs and never ending hallways" was the original building that was used for their assemblies and spars when the dojo first opened. But later when the dojo grew, Kakashi and Gai sensei opened up the building they were using today. The first one was mostly used for storage now, which explained all the extra equipment she had noticed throughout the first day.

She and Ino had been coming here for a little over a week now. Sakura fully enjoyed this form of exercise. It helped her keep in shape and was a good stress release after a long and stressful day at the hospital. She looked across the hall to see her two childhood friends sparring against one another. Ino also enjoyed the intense workout sessions. Sakura couldn't help but shake her head as she remembered her and Ino's conversation after the first day. The two had been enjoying a nice lunch when the "epiphany" hit her best friend.

"Sakura." Said female cocked her head to the side, wondering what made her blonde friend so serious. "We're going to have killer asses after this." Sakura had nearly fallen out of her chair from laughter that day.

"Ow! Ino-chan! Why'd you hit me so hard?" Naruto was currently sitting cross legged on the floor mat rubbing his slowly swelling head.

Ino merely ignored the whining boy and walked gracefully toward the small table to grab her own drink. Sakura merely raised an eyebrow at her friend's antics.

"What? Hitting Naruto makes me feel better."

"Long day at work?"

"More like long week ahead of me." She raised the cup to her lips and sipped her water. "I have so many flower arrangements due this week it's maddening!"

"Well it is early spring…"

"…which means it is wedding season." Ino sighed happily. "It is nice though, being a part of something so beautiful."

"You're such a romantic."

"Like you're not?" The two were so engrossed in their conversation they failed to notice Kiba slowly making his retreat.

"Alright everyone, this concludes today's session." Kakashi sensei leaned against the far wall reading that ever present orange book of his.

As everyone made their way to stand before their sensei, Sakura took in her surroundings once more. There were only a few girls here; not nearly as many that showed up at orientation. Lee had oh-so-exuberantly explained that they had split the classes up into two groups. The other party met at another time and had different sensei's teaching them. The one her and Ino were in was set at a faster pace and delved into more complex techniques. Honestly, it didn't feel much like a "self-defense" class anymore. It was more like legit martial arts training. But she wasn't complaining. None of the skills she was learning were useless.

There were only four other girls in her class. They didn't socialize much with herself, Ino, or TenTen. As a matter of fact, if she was completely honest with herself, Sakura didn't really want to get to know them. On the first day of class, she had tried introducing herself but those four just shrugged her off like they were better than her. She didn't try again after that. But just because they didn't interact with her and her friends didn't mean they didn't try to get to know the guys. Every chance they got, those four were flirting with Naruto and the others.

One of them, Midori, had long, brown, curly hair she always kept tied up in a high ponytail; she was the loudest. Aoi had short blue hair; she was the quieter one. The third one, Mari, had black hair she kept tied in a bun on top of her head; she was the cockiest one. All three had their sights set on the males conducting our sessions and all three sent glares towards her and her female friends. But these girls seemed to exhibit a similar behavior in that they all looked to the fourth as their leader. Said leader had long, unrestrained, red hair to match her eyes and wore glasses. While they all dressed a little too inappropriate for Sakura's tastes and all seemed fixated on the opposite sex's attention, this one, Karin was her name, seemed to be only mildly interested in the guys.

Sakura shook her head of her thoughts and paid attention to Kakashi Sensei's words. "You've all done well with honing your fighting abilities. Enjoy the long weekend you have ahead of you, come next week we continue your training."

With that not so subtle dismissal, everyone began gathering their belongings.

Beside her she heard Ino sigh. "I can't wait to go home and take a shower. I'm sweating like a pig!"

An evil smirk made its way to Sakura's face.

"You look like one too." As expected, Ino puffed up beside her, cheeks re-reddening from anger.

"Oh yeah! At least I don't have a huge forehead, Billboard Brow!"

"Come again?!"

"You heard me! Or is that brow of yours so large it reduces your ability to hear correctly?!"

"All I hear coming out of your mouth is your incessant snorting!"

The two girls were in each other's faces glaring maliciously.

Witnessing the retorts unfold, TenTen held her hands up in a placating gesture. Her facial expression showed how uncomfortable she was with the situation. "Um, guys?"

The two unlocked glares with each other and looked at their bun haired friend.

"You don't want to get involved in this TenTen."

"Ino's right." The two faced their bodies toward the weapon's specialist. "Or we'll turn on you!" The two lunged forward and threw their arms around their friend enveloping her in a tight hug.

"Wha-?"

Sakura and Ino just continued embracing the girl and only laughed harder at the girl's confusion. TenTen finally resigned and joined in.

"Jeez, you two are going to give me whiplash with your mood swings."

"Don't worry Ten, even though Ino annoys the hell out of me, I would never do anything to hurt her." She grinned from ear to ear.

Ino chuckled. "Same here."

The girls laughter ceased however as they heard Karin and her group gasp. Sakura looked over to see a very familiar man walk into the dojo. True anger quickly overtook her emotions as she watched him walk up to Gai and Kakashi Sensei.

Just what in the hell is he doing here?

"Whoa. Who is that?" Ino's gaze was one of captivation as she watched the tall man walk confidently into the room.

"That's Sasuke Uchiha." TenTen responded, disentangling herself. "I believe Sensei mentioned him at orientation. He's a Captain alongside Neji-kun and the others."

"He's gorgeous."

"He's a conceited jerk who needs to learn some manners."

The two girls looked to see that the pinkette was visibly shaking and currently glaring daggers at the new comer from across the room. If looks could kill, he would be writhing in pain right about now.

"Saku-"

"Teme! Long time no see." Naruto ran up to Sasuke in greeting and leisurely threw a hand on said man's shoulder. "How ya' been buddy?"

Sakura's eye twitched. Buddy?

"Hn. Dobe,"

Did he just call my best friend an idiot?

"Sasuke-kun!" Karin shoved Naruto to the side and clung herself to the dark haired man's arm. It didn't take long before the Uchiha was surrounded by the rest of—what Sakura could clearly decipher as—his fangirls.

"Eh? What just happened? Why did you shove me Karin-chan?"

"AH! Young Sasuke-kun. How was your trip to Oto?" Gai placed his hand on Sasuke's free shoulder and gave a thumbs up. "I hope it was a joyous experience full of youth!" Sasuke's eye now twitched in what Sakura would assume as annoyance.

I officially love Gai Sensei.

"Ahem," Kakashi interrupted the rather, awkward, gathering in front of him. "It's nice to see you doing well Sasuke. Your trip was uneventful I hope."

His only response was Sasuke extricating himself from the grips of his fangirls.

"In any case you're just in time. Allow me to introduce you to the students." Kakashi's lone eye crinkled in evidence of his hidden smile. "Everyone, this is Sasuke Uchiha. He is your Captain."

Sakura tried controlling her emotions as she made her way to the familiar bar across town. Why the hell did she agree to meet up with everyone from the dojo again? Just then, Naruto's cheerful face from that afternoon appeared in her mind.

"Sakura-chan, we're all going to Cid's to celebrate Sasuke-teme's return. You'll be there too right?"

Sakura sighed. How could she say no to that? He looked so happy to have his friend home. Speaking of which, how come she had no idea Sasuke even existed? She might not have ever met Kiba and the other's before she started taking up lessons but she remembered hearing about them often. Enough so she could have probably guessed who was who without any introduction. Somehow the Uchiha completely escaped her attention. If she thought about it though, that wasn't necessarily a bad thing. Remembering the glare he sent her way when he locked eyes with her that afternoon, she just wished he could have forever stayed omitted from her life.

"Sakura-san?"

Sakura turned to see an old yet familiar face smiling at her. "Hinata!" Said girl quickened her pace to meet the young doctor in the street. "What are you doing here? I haven't seen you since we graduated high school!" She enveloped the girl in a hug.

"Neji-nisan invited me out tonight. I've been away for family obligations and have just returned home today."

Sakura knew the two were related. The day she was introduced to her quiet captain she didn't miss the familiar last name or the similar appearance. She knew Neji had to be related to her quiet friend. She just never thought it appropriate to ask him about it.

"So you're coming to Cid's?" A nod was all Sakura needed to wrap arms with the shy girl and pull her the rest of the way. "I'm on my way there right now. Oh, Ino will be so happy to see you!"

And Sakura was right, as soon as the two girls walked through the door, Ino took notice immediately of the new comer. Just as Sakura had, the blonde embraced her long lost friend in joy. It wasn't until Ino started blubbering like a fool that Sakura noticed she was clearly already drunk. And when Ino was drunk, she became very emotional very quickly.

"Come on Hina! Let's go see everyone!" The poor girl was yet again pulled along for the ride. The others welcomed Hinata warmly. All the guys had already met her on some previous occasions and for that Sakura was glad.

"Welcome back Hinata-chan!" Naruto graced her with his well-known smile. The girl instantly reddened. "Hey, Hinata-chan are you okay? You look a little red. Do you have a fever?" he placed his hand to her forehead. "You're a little warm." This only made the girls blush more prominent.

"I-I'm fine, Naruto-kun. Thank you."

"Hn. Since when are you the health expert, dobe?" His voice made Sakura instantly forget about the amusing scene in front of her. That's right. He's here too.

The man she had yet to forgive was sitting just a few feet in front of her at the bar. A single glass sat in front of him. Next to him lay multiple martini and margarita glasses. Sakura sighed. Well, I know where Ino is sitting.

"Shut up teme! I know way more than you! That's for sure!"

A scoff was Sasuke's only response.

Naruto growled in anger. "If anyone is the health expert here it's Sakura-chan!"

Sakura bristled as Sasuke turned ever slightly to glance in her direction. They just stared at each other.

"Oh that's right. You two haven't met." Animosity forgotten, Naruto threw yet another heart-warming smile on his face and introduced the two to one another.

"We've met." Naruto stared at the girl who spoke.

Sasuke only looked away uninterested.

"Wait, you have?"

Since the stuck up asshole deemed it unnecessary to respond to the blonde's question, Sakura did. "On orientation day. He's not very good at making a first impression."

"I'm not the one who carelessly runs in to people."

"At least I have dignity."

"You call sitting on the floor and yelling profanities dignity?" He looked conceited sitting on his stool. And his smirk was doing nothing to calm her anger.

Her fist was clenching for nothing better to do and her negative emotions were running rampant.

"Hey! How dare you glare at my Sasuke-kun." Sakura looked to her left to see Karin and posse standing defiantly. Karin's outstretched hand was pointing at Sakura.

Sakura raised an elegant eyebrow.

"You have no right to talk to our dear Sasuke-kun!" Midori announced.

Sakura stared.

"Yeah, back off." Aoi chimed in.

Then she blinked.

"He's too good for you anyway." Mari said her piece.

Sakura looked at the four in front of her then at Sasuke who seemed to not even be paying attention to the display going on in front of him, then back to the four.

"You can have him. In the meantime I need a drink. Come on Naruto." She left the four girls gaping and a silent Uchiha wondering as she drug Naruto to a table and ordered something strong to drink. She planned on fully drinking away her stress tonight.

So here's the update :) Nine whole pages! Whew! Thanks for sticking with me on this story.

I wanted to concentrate on Sakura's personality and friendship on this chapter as you can see with all the hugging and laughter. I did want to incorporate some SasuSaku BUT it's super long as it is so that's going to have to wait for the next chapter ;)

And of course I would love to hear what you think so feel free to leave a review!