Chapter One: The Birthday Bomb.

March 28th 1994.

It was a special kind of day, Sakura Haruno was officially 2 years old, and her favourite uncle was 30yrs old. And just for her, he put pink streaks in his hair. James bent down to his niece. "what do you think kiddo?" Sakura smiled and ran her small fingers through her uncle's hair. "pretty, it almost matches mine." "that it does. Maybe soon it will all match yours."

Sakura laughed at the picture of her uncle having hair the same as hers. " so how about a hug for your favourite uncle?" Sakura giggled and wrapped her arms around him. He wrapped his arms around her and picked her up. 'she's so light for her age. But soon she won't be, and I especially can't wait till then.'

James carried his niece across the room, just as they were bringing out the big birthday cake. Once close enough James could see that It was for both of them. "Happy Birthday Sakura , 2 yrs, and James, 30." they had placed two candles in the middle for Sakura and 30 around the outside of the cake for James. Before Sakura and her uncle could blow out their candles, the door was shoved open and a man stumbled through. "we are under attack!" acting quickly, James grabbed his nephew and carried Sakura into his room and made sure they were hidden. James turned to his nephew. "keep an eye on your sister for me okay? And stay quiet." Jake looked up at his uncle and nodded.

James closed the door to their hiding spot, and made sure the protections were in place, and turned around just as an enemy ninja burst through the door. Inside the hidden cubby, Sakura, as scared as she was, was in the process of trying to get out, in order to run to her uncle. Jake struggled with his sister to try and get her to stay still and quiet.

"Sakura, we need to be quiet ok? Think of this as a game of hide and seek ok? Those men are the ones trying to find us, and no matter what they can't find us." Sakura stopped struggling with her brother. She nodded and Jake watched as his sister quickly and unnoticing hid her chakra. She had hidden hers better then he did, so he worked on hiding more of his. Sakura's was so good, no one would think that she was a ninja, but a normal civilian would had no ninja skills what so ever, which worked in her favour. Especially since she's only two years old.

Jake looked around at the cubby they were hidden inside of. It amazed him how only family members knew about this little spot, and was the only ones who could open it. Another thing that amazed him was the fact that even though there are walls all around them, they are able to see through the wall to the outside. And it is completely soundproof from the inside out, but voices and sounds can go in through the cubby wall. But it's the fact that who ever is on the other side, cannot see in.

After looking at the cubby, he raised his right hand and examined the birthmark. The birthmark is a trade mark of the Haruno family. The only way to get into the cubby, was for the special cubby to read the birthmark. It's a safety precaution, so that anyone who needed to be safe, could go in but only if you're a born Haruno with the family birthmark.

Jake pulled Sakura close to his side, and Sakura put her head on his shoulder and watched her uncle fighting. Screams from the other rooms could be heard from the other rooms. Every time someone screamed, Sakura flinched on the inside, but didn't show any reactions on the outside. The fight between Sakura's uncle and the enemy ninja, continued.

Sakura jumped to her feet when her uncle was struck by an unseen punch, but deflected the kunai that was aiming for his stomach. She wanted really badly to go out and help her uncle, but her brother had a hold of her arm, "Sakura, we were told to stay here, we need to be calm, uncle will be fine." Sakura nodded and stopped trying to get out, but continued to watch the fight.

As they watched the fight, they believed that no matter what, their uncle would come out of this the winner. At first it looked as that was going to be the case, but was soon faltering. And fast

James blocked the incoming kunai thrust, and preformed one of his own, he knew he needed to end this fast, cause he didn't really want the kids, especially Sakura, to see what might happen, and considering he was thinking about them, he wasn't thinking and concentrating on the fight, the evidence was when he stopped and looked down, only to see his opponents kunai stuck in his chest.

He hadn't even felt it go into his body. With dismay on his face, he looked to the closet and as he fell to the floor, he smiled and waved. As they watched their uncle fall, Sakura screamed as his body hit the floor. It was the last sound heard in that room, as James died.

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"Quick, inform the Hokage of the attack. We will hold them off, and keep them here." The ninja who was addressed, nodded and jumped off into the streets to the Hokage tower. Luckily no one tried to follow, as the ninja ran for the good of his clan. The only thoughts going through his head was, 'How could this happen?, Why us? Why now? Must get to Hokage- sama and save everyone.'

This ninja, is Haruno Kero. He's cousins with Sakura and Jake. Also he's become a candidate to be an anbu. He was born into Sakura's uncle James's family, making him, James's son. He's 10 years old like Jake. And like Kero, Jake is also a candidate for the anbu. James wanted Jake to protect his sister, instead of fighting. So here is Kero, feeling like an errand boy, but he knew his mission was important. He had to succeed in order to save his family. So kero, with his mind set, picked up his pace towards the Hokage Tower.

As he got to the tower, No one tried to stop him, but he did get a few strange looks as he ran past, as if his life depended on it, which the concept was right, but not his life, the lives of his family. Kero ran up the last flight of stairs, and down the hall to the Hokage's office door. He knocked before entering, once inside he couldn't wait for the Hokage to acknowledge his presence.

"Hokage -sama, I'm sorry to disturb you, but the Haruno compound is under attack." The third Hokage raised himself from his chair, and replied "when did this start?" Kero nodded and answered, "About ten minutes ago. We were all enjoying Sakura's and my father's birthday party, when they attacked. I was immediately sent to here to report to you." "You did the right thing Kero, Now lets head back to your home."

Kero nodded and followed the Hokage and his chosen anbu, back the way he came. They could still slightly hear the sounds of the fight, then everything went scarily quiet. No noise what's so ever. This is when the Hokage had a really bad feeling and picked us the pace. As they entered the Haruno Compound, the sight that met their eyes, was horrific and nauseating.

Bodies lay everywhere, and in every different shape and form. Kero looked amongst his families bodies and almost got sick to his stomach.

Then his father's face jumped into his mind, but Kero didn't move from the Hokage's side. The Hokage approached a man who was sitting against a tree, just staring at his fallen comrades. The third Hokage kneeled down in front of the ninja, as a med- Nin kneeled beside him, and began checking the ninja over. "Haruno Miashi, I need you to tell me what happened here."

Miashi swallowed and moved his eyes from the corpses, to look the third in the eye. "They came with out warning. Out of nowhere. They began killing everyone. Men, women, even the children. Some of the children made it to the cubbies, but not all. They killed as many as they could. It happened so fast, no one was prepared. So many were un- armed." a single tear travelled down the mans face.

The Hokage patted his knee and stood. He looked around then asked the ninja, "what happened after that?" The ninja began shaking his head back and forth, keeping his eyes fixed on only one place. "They just up and left. In a hurry too. I guess they figured they'd killed enough and left as fast as they'd came."

The Hokage nodded and began to check all the homes. Inside some of the homes, remaining members of the clan, were getting children and any who hid, out of their hiding spots. The last house they entered, was Sakura's house.

Kero pointed to his right, "If they'd had the chance, the cubby is that way. That's were they'd take anyone to be safe." "Thank you kero." the Hokage headed in the direction Kero pointed. He looked in all the rooms he passed.

Each one was pretty much the same. Ransacked and bloody. The sight in the last room, stopped the Hokage. Confused as to why the Hokage suddenly stopped, Kero peered around the third. What he saw knocked the wind out of him. Stunned, he took a few steps into the room, and looked at the body lying on the floor, with his cousins around him. Sakura was lying beside his father crying, while Jake was kneeling with his head in his hands.

Kero took a few more steps into the room, and dropped down beside his cousin. "What happened?" Jake lifted his head. "He shoved us in the safety cubby. just as the cubby door was closed and secure, you dad made to leave, but a ninja came into the room. Your dad got distracted, or lost concentration, and the ninja stabbed him. Once uncle James had hit the floor the ninja was gone. All of them just left."

Kero nodded. He lifted his father's right hand, and removed the family ring. He held his father's hand for a minute longer, then carefully placed it on his father's chest. He looked down at his father's ring. He knew just what to do with it.

Kero reached up and around the back of his own neck, and undid the black lace necklace he always wore, slipped the ring on it. He then stood, walked around his father, and placed the necklace and ring around Sakura's neck.

Sakura sat up and looked at her cousin, and held the ring in her hand. Kero pointed to the ring. "Dad would've wanted you to have it." Sakura hugged her cousin, but not before a tear slide down her face. "Thank you kero."

Kero smiled at his cousins, "now lets go see the Hokage." all three bowed to Haruno James's body and regretfully walked away to the hokage. The third motioned them to leave the room, while the medics checked on James' body, and was prepared for burial.

The third looked at all three children as they met up with the other survivors. Sadly Sakura and Jake's parents weren't amongst them. By the looks of it, Sakura and Jake would be living with Kero and his mother.

Kero's mother bent down and hugged all three, as silent tears fell from her eyes, as she mourned the loss of her husband. "Sakura, Jake, it would be my pleasure if you would stay with us." Jake and Sakura nodded.

Sakura thought 'it's gonna be lonely without you uncle James, but I'm gonna make you proud of me. I'm gonna be a strong Kunochi. I won't let you down.' with that thought running through her head, the tears in her eyes vanished and was replaced with determination.

The third Hokage noticed the change come over the young girl, and knew she'd become a great ninja.

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The funeral for the Haruno clan, took place three days later. Most of the villages population was in attendance, to say good-bye to family, friends, team-mates, and fellow ninja. Half way through the ceremony, the clouds opened up and dropped chilly rain on all in attendance. Many believed it was ok to cry, for the rain would mask the tears running down their faces, while other's silently grumbled to themselves about how a whole clan was almost completely wiped out in under twenty minutes.

Sakura, Jake, and Kero, stood with all the other children, while the adults stood close behind them. The surprising turn out was the presence of the Uchiha family. The Uchiha's were not always present at funerals, except the ones directed at someone who is very important.

Everyone believed that this must be one of those special times. The congregation began to move forward, and place flowers of all varieties on the graves, of those who were known, and even those who were not.

Sakura placed flowers on the graves of her family members. White ones went on extended family, and close family such as her parents and her uncle got her two favourite flowers. The Sakura blossom, and a blue rose.

The Sakura blossom was to represent Sakura herself, and the blue rose was so that her family would know she was constantly thinking of them. By the time the precession was complete, flowers of every colour, style and length laid on the tables. It was at this point where everyone began to head home.

Sakura walked up to her uncle's table. She glanced over all the flower's that decorated his table, then directed her eyes to his portrait. She bowed to her uncle's portrait and again repeated her promise to her uncle. To be a ninja worth being proud of. She wanted him o be proud of her talents, and for her to be a powerful addition to the Haruno ninja's.

Every year following he destruction of the haruno clan, Sakura, Jake and Kero always visited the graves of those Haruno's who where lost that horrible day. Sakura always renewed her promise to her uncle, and every year she kept it and struggled to be stronger.

Kero and Jake strived to watch out and teach her new techniques. Kero and Jake had made it into the anbu, so whenever they'd have the time in between missions, they'd help Sakura even more.

Keeping her promise in mind, she did become stronger, and so did the Haruno traits passed down to her. She gained excellent control over the Haruno sight, and still managed to keep the family tradition by keeping it secret.

Jake and Kero also became strong user's of the Haruno sight, but unlike them, Sakura was able to unlock a special part of the sight, something no in the history of the Haruno's except one, had ever been able to do.

Being curious about her family history, Sakura began visiting the library and looking up information. Unfortunately, the only information she could find were marriages, deaths, and family tree's, but nothing that related to the Haruno sight, or anything relevant in the past. But she continued to visit, and studied all about her ancestry and practice all she could.

When she turned 12, it was a big step for her. Graduating at the top of her class in the academy and being teamed with Naruto, and Sasuke was a great day. Naruto, yes was annoying, and immature but she learned to look passed that trait, and see Naruto for who he really is. A funny guy who would go to the ends of the earth to help a friend, or stranger.

Sasuke was still he same. A revenge seeking teen, angry about how life and his brother took away his entire family, leaving him as a sole survivor. Yes she was still hung up on Sasuke, and that ruined her promise only for that bit of time. Once Sasuke had left the village, she realized that this while time, she'd been trying to get his attention, she'd forgotten about her promise. But she'd gained something in return, something she didn't think she'd receive.

She received an understanding into the mind of Sasuke Uchiha, and the chaos he'd been living with this whole time. She realized that they had something horrific in common. The loose of family.

Since team seven was no longer a team, considering Sasuke and Naruto weren't in the village, Sasuke being with Orochimaru, and Naruto training with Jiraiya, they did not know about the Haruno sight or about any of Sakura's new abilities. The only way they'd find out, is if they became a team, and actually worked together as one.

After Sasuke's unfortunate departure from Konoha, Sakura began training under Lady Tsunade, who'd been chosen to be the Fifth Hokage, after Orochimaru killed the third. Sakura was terribly sad when the third died. Her training helped her with her skills including learning new ones.

Medical Jutsu's

Tsunade watched Sakura as she held her hands over the dead bunny, trying to bring it back. This test was given to all medical ninja's in training, but not many passed this test. Shizune appeared beside Tsunade. "Tsunade-sama, this was found amongst the thirds possessions. I thought you'd want to examine it."

Tsunade accepted the book from her assistant, and examined the book a little more closely. The front had a name scribed on the cover, but it was unreadable. She tried to open it, but it wouldn't budge.

Deciding she'd figure it out later, she tucked it under her arm and resumed watching Sakura, only to see she'd passed this stage, and it'd only been three minutes. Sakura lifted her hands away from the black bunny that was now sitting on the table looking at Sakura with affection in his blue eyes.

Tsunade walked over to Sakura. "Sakura, this is Lightfoot. I was requested by the bunny society, and yes they have one, just as frogs, dogs, snakes, slugs and every other species do, to find the first ninja to ever represent their species. As you can see, you Sakura are the first and only to have passed this stage and to be accepted."

This is when everyone in the room got a big surprise. Lightfoot sat on his hind legs and spoke. "Greetings Haruno Sakura. It is my pleasure to formally request your representation of our species. If you accept, I would be your trusted travelling companion, and helper to summon others of my kind. We also are able to help in the medical aspect. This is why this test is given to medics in training. My kind has never come across someone who's been able to resurrect our species before."

Disbelief showed on Sakura's face. "Seriously?" She looked at her teacher for confirmation. "It's true. Shizune and I both could not revive the bunnies. Tragic I know. Especially considering we are known medical ninja." Nodding Sakura turned back to Lightfoot. "What would have happened, had I not been successful in reviving you?"

Lightfoot's ears fell beside his head. "I would have remained as I was till the right person came along to revive me, apparently you are the one we've been waiting for."

Sakura nodded in understanding. She then turned to Tsunade. "What is next? I wish to continue my training with Lightfoot and his species beside me all the way." Lightfoot jumped up excited at the news and everyone laughed.

Tsunade looked at her apprentice closely 'she will soon surpass me. She's already passed Shizune by a long shot. And now we have a wonderful new ally on our side. Now all I got to do is explain her training. I'm happy she's ready for it.'

"Okay your next task is gonna be pretty taxing. You'll have to learn to connect with Lightfoot, fight alongside Lightfoot, and meditate. Meditation is a big part. Once meditation is mastered, connecting to your partner will become easier."

Sakura nodded. "It's now time to begin your training."

Over the next few months, Sakura mastered meditation, and connecting with Lightfoot, to form a better fighting team. Lightfoot and Sakura created and unbreakable bond working together. They also helped Kiba get better at working alongside Akamaru. Lightfoot helped Sakura with the medical aspect, by lending chakra if needed, quickly gathering herbs and medicines found in the forests and just being a faithful companion if something didn't go right.

Lightfoot taught Sakura greater control over speed, Agility and concentration towards her goals. Sakura shared her most treasured secrets with Lightfoot, including the Haruno Sight, the near massacre of her family, her love for Sasuke, and her sadness over his lose. Since they were a team, she trusted Lightfoot with her life, I know it's strange to put your trust in a bunny, but then it's equally funny for Naruto to put his trust and faith in a frog and Sasuke's in a snake. There are only a few people who has Sakura's trust.

Naruto, Sasuke even though he's no longer in the village, Kakashi who she shares random missions with and her three new best friends. Gage, Koza and Kaiden. Not to mention her brother and cousin.

Sakura met Tony Koza during her medical training and at times she helped him through the difficult steps if he needed help. They became friends right away. Koza introduced her to his two team-mates Kaede Gage, and Harachi Kaiden.

Gage is a talented swordsman. He mastered all styles of fighting. But his specialty no one knows, but those who are close to him.

Kaiden is a self taught master of bows and arrows. He doesn't use any cheap tricks like staying at a distance from his enemy, unless the situation calls for it, but is well trained in close combat as well as long range. Again depending on the situation. He also specializes in making his own weapons and equipment.

And so continues Sakura's journey to make her uncle proud, with friends and what little family she has left beside her.