Hello readers! I know...i know...for a full explanation please read my profile. Just know that i will now be updating regularly again. I will try ti stick to my monthly goal that i had when i was pregnant. Happy Reading!

The men in the camp grumbled as they put the wooden chairs and tables back together. That new kid had some spunk getting the General's son all fired up and causing a ruckus. Not to mention the very brave lad had gone ahead to be one of the most stupid men in history by making an enemy of the legendary Hatake Kakashi. Had he been an enemy warrior one can only assume what the older man would've done.

A few of them found the new Seito as brave, but that was mainly in the civilian population. Others had begun to resent him. Who was this boy to disrupt their peace? Who was this boy to challenge and mix their already perfected groups? They had never even seen him before, not in missions and definitely not at the Academy.

And now while they were busy picking up after the fight they didn't even cause. And the blasted boy was sitting up in the tree happily munching on a senbon with the two other clan kids. How they managed to get out of clean up duty, well it was probably due to their status. Even outside of the village's hierarchy those that were more privileged got out of doing the mundane tasks.

Not to mention they already had a the Uchiha Clan's prodigy as their Commander. It made some very uneasy because of his age. The man had hardly as much experience as Hatake Kakashi. If you think about it, how much experience can such a young man have?

It didn't help that said prodigy was an anti-social being. His standoff-ish demeanor definitely put some of the civilians on edge considering they were not used to him. Even some of the lower ranked shinobi were intimidated. Which got them all to thinking that chances were, all of that amazing talk of him was just that. Talk.

Even though the camp was full of melancholy feelings nothing was for certain until the next day when their training would begin.

Itachi sat quietly in the tent, lending only an ear to what the esteemed Namikaze-sama spoke of with Hatake Kakashi. The grey-haired man seemed rather amused with the anger the small Haruno had shown him and Minato-sama had been fairly impressed. Men like that do not come easily, but apparently…neither do men who dislike Kakashi.

But soon that conversation led to his own ponderings of this so-called brother of Haruno Sakura. He had an interesting name, Seito. The boy was much too young to drink. Maybe a family name? But it didn't matter…something still struck him as odd about the boy…man…recruit. He hadn't been able to shake the feeling since their conversation. Maybe it was just because he was an unknown. In all reality nobody knew that Haruno-san had a son. Everyone knew about his daughter but never about a son. Maybe this young man was Sakura in disguise? No that was ridiculous and impossible. The Sakura he had seen on both occasions had seemed a very ladylike and graceful woman, the second occasion not too demure but still very feminine. Then he recalled the way the man walked and there had been no grace that every naturally woman had. His movements were very deliberate. His strides were long and determined not like the small totting steps that women were trained to walk with.

Recalling his other memories of Sakura he thought back to when he spied her at the Matchmaker's home. She had entered rather…oddly for a women dressed in a formal kimono. She had hidden her chakra output expertly from him. So he knew she had some decent amount of chakra stored. With her brother's obvious talent Sakura could be a fair shinobi. But the chakra her brother was putting out was very significant. The only other person with chakra close to that was Minato's son Naruto. Of course the Namikaze's and Uzumaki's were known to have large chakra reserves and since he's a high ranking member of ANBU he knew exactly why that was. He only hoped that Naruto would be able to stay in control for this war. He didn't need the added headache of suppressing the hidden demon that most of the corps did not know about.

But now he was getting off topic. The Kyuubi was of no importance at the moment and Minato assured him that the seal was reinforced because of the upcoming battle. But Seito…he was a spitting image of his father. Their facial structure, hair, there was no denying his parentage. Well only time will tell. He will extra vigilant in his…observation of the boy. It still seemed curious though that he had never heard of him before. Usually males were registered and announced but then again that was true for shinobi clans. Maybe civilian clans were different in that regard. He had never paid much attention to that little detail before.

What didn't really make sense was the boy's flinching. Why would he flinch around members of the same sex? It wasn't like any of these men had hurt him in any way. Most women did not react that way unless there were…circumstances that made them that way. It's impossible for a boy that talented to be abused as such. And it's just as impossible for him to be a girl…for him to be Sakura. Besides a woman would have to be stark raving mad to enter a war camp surrounded by men.

Sakura munched on her senbon thoughtfully. It was rather amusing watching the men from below glare up at her. So what? This was her tree, she put it here and she had a right to sit in it. If they were so jealous they could make their own or go find one to sit in. Besides she had two nuisances to get rid of who thought they could jump in her tree and sit on her branches.

They were the most arrogant men she had ever had the pleasure of seeing and unfortunately knowing. Sure, they were particularly pleasing to her eyes considering they were a Hyuuga and Uchiha. Not to mention she had had the pleasure on many occasions to watch them train together. Such beautiful forms of male perfection, different in their own way, but pleasing to look at. But she wasn't here to watch this time…she was here to learn and protect her country. She couldn't allow herself to be distracted.

Focus.

But she would be a fool not to take in…prospects in this situation. She had prime picking considering both shinobi and civilian clans were here. And considering Tsunade had just met with her as a match maker.

Itachi…you really think…I mean…

Couldn't say love. Honestly we don't know too much about him.

True. I guess it'll be our chance to learn now won't it.

Hai.

Her thoughts went back to Tsuande's home. He wasn't past the age of marriage. He had just rejected woman after woman as a potential bride. Why? What was it about those women that made them not suitable for him? Her master said that his father was angry with him because he wouldn't choose. So obviously he gets a choice…at least after they've been vetted by his father. But now Fugaku didn't care. He just wanted his son to marry. Could she really…I mean really be a potential bride to one of the most powerful clans in Konoha?

Why not? We're strong, powerful, and we don't take shit from anybody. We could be a Matriarch if we really wanted to.

Her inner musings were cut short.

"Haruno-san," Neji leaped up to beside her, Sasuke following.

"Damn it," She flinched back and pushed them to the side with her chakra. "Haven't you people ever heard of personal space?"

"Tch." Of course I have but I'm a blood lined guy so shut up.

"Hn." And I'm an Uchiha, I don't have to listen to you.

Of course they hadn't actually said that. Sakura had just interpreted it in such a form.

"Whatever…what do you want?" she asked watching them warily.

Neji raised his brow, "Perhaps you should learn to be more respectful."

Sasuke being that naturally anti-social person and was just sitting there listening carefully. Sakura turned to him and ignored Neji.

"Say, aren't you best friends with the Uzumaki guy?"

"We are not friends," he retorted.

Neji bristled lightly, "Haruno-san, I was-"

"Stay out of my personal space and maybe I'll answer your questions."

He sat back with a disgruntled look on his face, arms crossed in front of his chest.

"Now, Uchiha, you don't expect me to believe a load of bullshit like that right?"

He smirked.

"Oh so you do? Well I don't like bullshit. Now wipe that smirk of your face!"

The smirk widened.

"So annoying...all you men are so bloody annoying!" she huffed and turned away from them.

"You say it like you're a girl," Sasuke stated blandly.

"Well I often hear my sister complain about you two staring at her and your annoying words of pathetic this and pathetic that and let's not forget the looks of disdain that you grace her with when she takes her tea with Hinata-san," she turned a piercing glare on them.

"We-we do not-" Neji began.

Sakura raised a hand effectively cutting him off, "So the Hyuuga stammers. Yeah, like I'd believe you over my own sister. You fools." She felt good…really good. How long had it been since she could freely express herself in such a manner?

Too damn long that's for sure!

"Hyuuga, clarify it, I am most certainly not good friends with the dobe."

"Oh yes indeed Uchiha. That's why you refer to him with such a lovable nickname."

He had the decency to look slightly abashed.

"Now that this completely pointless conversation is over, would you people quit following me? So annoying!" And she jumped all the way to the top of the tree and strode away.

The two clan boys merely looked annoyed as the tree abruptly vanished sending them to the ground. They were joined quickly by Naruto and Kiba.

She tuned out the camp's yammering and concentrated on the way Itachi had been scrutinizing her. It simply would not do to be found out. And he was the most perceptive man here, other than Minato-sama of course, but the guy was leaving with the main company tomorrow.

Did she act out her part as a boy properly? It got her thinking about whether they would be able to see her as a female, what with her nonsensical etiquette training her mother had forced on her since she had been able to walk and talk. Then again, her father had often told her that had she been born male he wouldn't need to change much about her. Many men of noble birth needed to be refined and not to be running around like a wild boar.

But in a way it was good that she had been born a female because then she would have had to mingle with the likes of…them…those immature boys who think they are worlds above others. At least with women they are subtle in their flaunting of social standing…with the obvious exceptions.

*cough* Ino *cough*

Maybe marrying an Uchiha would be a good thing, it would make her the highest ranking woman in the social society. That would be nice to rub into their arrogant faces. But alas it was probably not going to happen. Itachi gets to pick his bride and there is no way he would pick someone with…her reputation. Especially after her disgrace at the meeting and her father's slap. No in all reality she knew she was destined to be a farmer's wife. Not a bad thing but it'll be different. Perhaps getting out of the village would be good for her. She could get a fresh start and work side by side with an honest, hardworking husband and not have to worry about social standing or any of that bullshit that she deals with now.

She could live a peaceful and calm life.

She spotted an annoying familiar shape of gravity-defying grey hair and grumbled inwardly. That pompous ex-general should really let the proper general do his job. He clapped his hands twice and apparently, that meant they were supposed to gather in front of him. An interesting way to get everyone's attention but it worked so she followed the flock. She could not risk getting kicked off this army training. For the sake of her father, she had no choice.

"Gather round new recruits," Kakashi announced, "Due to the foray earlier this afternoon we are postponing the welcome meeting for another hour. At which time you need to be completely settled in to your respective areas. After which the training regime will be explained to you and then dinner and rest. Any questions thus far?"

Everyone remained silent.

"Good you're dismissed meet in the training grounds directly south of the camp for our meeting. See you in an hour."

Sakura spent her hour at the stables brushing Yoru and cleaning the mud from his hooves. She arrived at the large training grounds fifteen minutes early. She was rather surprised to be the first one on the scene.

Odd…

Not so much. Technically it's not that far of a walk to get here.

But still.

Oh well just check it out and get a feel for the place since we'll be spending a lot of time here in the near future.

Sakura couldn't argue with that logic and began perusing the training field. Near the eastern sector were life size targets probably for kunai practice. Directly to the north end there seemed to be stamina training. Easy from what she could see but she has her father's extensive training to thank for that. A sparing section existed on the western side probably for the study of kenjutsu. And to the north she was surprised to see more targets set up along with bows and arrows.

For the civilians. It'll keep more of them alive if they are fighting long range rather than on the front against shinobi.

Fair point well made as always.

She sensed more people approaching and walked steadily back toward the center that was just one big open clearing. Looking up she studied the men who just entered the clearing, civilians by the small amount of chakra they possessed. Instead of opting to mingle she stood stoically near the center waiting to see what they would do. Without fail they walked up to her.

"Hi," one brunette young man spoke, "I'm Takahashi Haru. This is my brother Isamu."

Sakura nodded towards them, "Haruno Seito, it's a pleasure." Good grief they are identical twins.

"Ah, you're the one that got into that scuffle with Namikaze Naruto." Sakura turned her gaze to a red haired gangly looking youth.

"You have been misinformed. Naruto-san was looking a fight, I was only evading."

He smiled displaying nice white teeth, "My apologies. That's the information I heard around camp. My name's Iwana Kaito."

Sakura nodded in response.

"So if you were…defending yourself against Naruto-san then you're a shinobi?" Haru asked.

"Hai and judging by your chakra output I would guess you three are civilians?"

"Yeah, our dad's a blacksmith in the village," Isamu answered, "He makes most of the kunai and shruiken for you shinobi."

"And you?" Sakura asked the red head.

"Oh I'm not really trained in anything. My family runs the bakery on market street," he scratched the back of his head shyly.

Sakura smirked, "I've been to that bakery. Your cinnamon rolls are the best in the village."

Kaito smiled, "Thanks. That recipe's been handed down for generations…according to my mum."

In the few minutes she stood next to these three guys they were genuine, nice, and very easy going. She liked people like them…they were real.

"Well if you guys every need help let me know. If I'm not in my own training I'll gladly help."

Kaito breathed a huge sigh of relief, "Thanks…I'll admit when the summons came I was…well let's just say if I didn't have to be here I wouldn't."

Haru and Isamu both nodded, the relief on their faces was just a prevalent as Kaito's. The area had filled up significantly since they had been talking. Sakura could see come of the clan boys eyeing her as she conversed with these civilians. Apparently they have no idea how to talk to people who aren't shinobi. For some odd reason she now found that she pitied the clan boys. It shouldn't matter if these guys are shinobi or not they are here for the same reason; on orders from the Hokage to defend their country.

"Everyone gather round and take a seat," Kakashi announced from Sakura's left.

The distinction of shinobi and civilians was blaringly obvious that Sakura was beginning to wonder if this had been an issue for longer than she anticipated.

"For those of you who don't know me I am Hatake Kakashi and I will be the commanding officer for all of the non-shinobi recruits in the ranks. Your training will be under my supervision. For this war I am the first lieutenant of this branch of the army." He stood in his trademark slouch hands in his pockets. "Now let me introduce the Captain of our regiment and the commanding officer and training supervisor for all shinobi recruits, Uchiha Itachi."

He stepped forward wearing his trademarked stoic visage, standing tall and proud in front of his now subordinates.

Kakashi continued, "Now we know all of you have never fought in a war before. This is the reason for the camp. So listen up. For all shinobi you will continue training as is typical for you with the addition of how to work in larger groups. All groups, including non-shinobi, will be separated into three sections: Long range fighters, mid-range, and short range fighters. All non-shinobi will be split into two groups. One group is for those who have had some semblance of training either kenjutsu, archery, martial arts. The other group is for those who have had no prior training in any area. For all non-shinobi once you are separated into one of the two groups you will be divided next into which sector you will be training in. The next couple of days will be an assessment of your strengths and weaknesses and you will be placed into a fighting group that best suits you. The next couple of weeks will be spent developing your specific traits so be prepared for the hardest workout you've ever encountered.

"Shinobi," his tone changed from a general announcing tone to a heavier vibe, "You are the main attack force of our regiment. It'll be your job to not only engage the enemy in the way that your training has always taught you, but to also ensure that casualties remain at a minimum. We are the strongest village in all the Five Great Nations for a reason. Many of the men here today did not grow up like you. They have never before taken a life. They are here because their Hokage and village leader asked them to be here. These men will need your help, be open to it."

Sakura took a quick cursory glance around and could see various reactions to those words. Some shinobi, it seemed, were slightly open to the idea while the others less so.

Stubborn, arrogant men.

"That went over well…" Haru whispered to his brother.

"Yeah you felt that too."

"Like I said before," Sakura cut them off, "If you need help come see me."

The three young men looked at her in gratitude, "Thanks Seito."

"But I'll warn you, when I train I don't go easy and I keep going until I get it perfect," she looked over at the trio with a serious gaze.

They nodded once again with a more serious expression.

Kakashi clapped, "Alright now all non-shinobi recruits line up over at the archery targets give your name and training experience then head to the mess hall for dinner. Shinobi head to the kunai area give your name and which of the three groups would most suit your talents then head to the mess hall for dinner. Any questions?"

Silence ensued for a minute.

"One more thing," Itachi spoke up, all eyes trained on him, "This is a training camp for war. If another member of this camp participates in any insubordinate and adolescent behavior like earlier this afternoon, there will be consequences. Am I understood?"

"Yes Captain!" The group replied.

"Training for all recruits begins at 0700 hours tomorrow morning. The mess hall will stop serving breakfast at 0645 in order for no recruits to be late for training. Be on time, tardiness is not allowed in my camp. You're dismissed."

Sakura stood and dusted off her pants, "Well see you all later."

"Bye Seito."

Sakura arrived on the training fields at 6:30 in the morning. It was a relatively chilly morning but that would only last until about 8 when the sun started heating up the ground and the training began. She was just happy that it wasn't a full blazing summer when they are out here sweating their asses off in 100 degree weather. That would not be fun.

She woke up precisely at 6 am, dressed in her complete gear and was eating her breakfast by 6:10. She didn't talk to mingle with anybody, she figured most people were gonna show up just after 6:30 and get to the training grounds exactly at 7. But being early meant she could get her pre-training stretching in. Assuming her first pose she bent over at the waist and touched the ground. The morning dew still rested lightly on the tips of the grass but that would only last until training began. She always loved the still, calm and quiet solitude of the morning. It afforded her a sense of peace before the world awakened.

"Good morning Haruno-san."

Sakura looked up from her figure-four stretch into her Captain's eyes, "Uchiha-taichou."

"Do you always arrive early?"

"If I can help it, yes."

He nodded unsure of how to keep conversation going. This was very much out of character for him to try and initiate casual conversation. But he was determined to try especially if he could befriend Sakura's brother.

"What's on the training schedule today?" Sakura asked as she stretched her calves.

He thanked the deities above for a safe topic of conversation, "I want to observe all shinobi that I'm not familiar with to get a sense of their abilities. Those that are not as well rounded will focus on their weak areas. Those that are sufficient will be sent over to Hatake-senpai to help train the non-shinobi."

"A good plan," Sakura nodded as she stood.

Itachi arched a brow, "I didn't know I needed your approval."

Shock registered briefly in her eyes, Is he…teasing?

So the stoic Uchiha has a personality, who knew.

"You don't taichou…I was merely making an observation."

"Hn," he stated before walking away. Yes it wasn't every day that he would openly participate in light banter but he knew it was definitely a way to get on someone's…good side. He just needed to make sure he wasn't making a fool out of himself.

She quickly shook her blonde head to clear her thoughts and continued with the stretching. The training field was now filling up with the rest of their regiment so she straightened herself and dusted off her training pants. Itachi stood at the front of the group holding a large scroll with a blank expression.

"Welcome to your first day of training," he intoned dryly, "Today will be an assessment day. I will observe each shinobi's abilities to determine where they are in their training. Each shinobi will be well versed in all aspects of our profession, if you are lacking in one area that is where we will focus on your training. After the assessment period is concluded those shinobi who pass my evaluation will assist Hataka-san in training the non-shinobi. Those who do not will remain in this area of the camp for training. Any questions?"

Nobody spoke while Itachi waited a full minute, just for effect.

"Then we will begin. These spars will be one on one. Try to demonstrate a good portion of your abilities while not permanently injuring one another," he opened the scroll, "First up is…Hama Rinji verses Namikaze Naruto."

Sakura spied the other shinobi whose faced paled at being paired against Naruto.

"Come on Itachi-taichou! I wanted another chance at that Haruno-teme," Naruto complained.

"I've already seen your incompetence against Haruno, Namikaze-san. Hama-san is your opponent for this round," Itachi responded blandly.

Naruto took the stab grudgingly and faced off with his opponent. Rinji took a deep breath before grabbing a kunai and holding it shakily in his hand.

"You can do it Rinji-san!" Someone shouted near her.

"Beat his ass Rinji!" Another voice yelled.

Glancing over at his friends, Rinji smiled slightly then after another deep breath charged at Naruto. A wicked grin spread across Naruto's face as he performed his signature jutsu.

"Kagebushin-no-jutsu!"

Sakura stood straight and tall and observed everything little Rinji did. Naruto was easy to read after a while and even easier to defeat in the first thirty seconds of a spar. She did know that he wasn't a strategist in the least bit and that he was known as being unpredictable. She recalled watching him defeat Hyuuga Neji during the Chunin exams that she went to with her dad. His idea of burrowing in the ground and using a clone as a distraction was brilliant. But to get under his skin was to defeat him before his sheer dumb luck came into play. And he can outlast anyone due to his ridiculous amounts of chakra swirling through his body.

But unfortunately Rinji was still intimidated by the rambunctious male and fell easily to his hand. No significant jutsu's were used and Sakura got the distinct impression that this Hama-san either did not possess the capacity to use high level jutsus or just simply had not trained in them. Either way he wasn't getting a "get out of boring training" free card.

"Uchiha Sasuke verses Momota Gru."

The sparring continued for an hour before her name was called. Sakura had to admit that she was getting a little restless waiting for Itachi to call her name.

"Nara Shikamaru verses Haruno Seito."

"Finally," she mumbled so only the men next to her could hear.

Shikamaru sighed as he started walking forward, "Never thought you hated me that much Uchiha-taichou."

Itachi smirked, "Think fast Nara-san."

Shikamaru continued to grumble as he took up his position against his opponent. Sakura stood perfectly still already analyzing everything she knew about him and his clan. She remembered Tsunade's words on how they provided herbs and other remedies to the hospital that were valuable to the health of the village but in such case, unless he had poisons in his arsenal, were not important as of now. Instead she remembered her father's words and recalled how out of all the young men she watched during the Chunin exams…he was the only one who passed.

He's ridiculously smart, patient, and manipulates the shadows.

He's a mid-range fighter. Itachi saw me close up during the little show yesterday even though I was messing around. So he's probably testing my strategic abilities against Nara.

My guess is you're right. Well let's give them a show, Itachi wants to see what we're capable of.

"Aren't you going to attack first?" Shikamaru asked.

"I never attack first," Sakura answered mimicking his bored tone.

He sighed, "We'll be here all afternoon."

"It would appear so."

So they waited much to Naruto's and other shinobi's grief who wanted them to actually fight. But both were compelled to not make the first move. Then out of nowhere a kunai with an explosive tag entered their area and in a split second Sakura deflected with her own kunai sending it back towards the observing group. In her second distraction she spied Shikamaru's shadow heading in her direction which she immediately evaded.

"I'm faster than that Nara-san!"

Landing for a split second on the ground she threw three shruiken aiming for his legs which would force him to break his stance. Shikamaru cursed and leapt away only needing to avoid kunai directed perfectly into his intended path. Using another shade technique he deflected the kunai only to quickly palm his own kunai to deflect the tanto pulled on him.

Sakura was on him in an instant throwing the full force of her strength into her blows. She was well on her way to winning when another name was called.

"Hyuuga Neji!"

"Shit," she cursed under her breath as she dodged a perfectly aimed attack to one of her chakra points. Spinning quickly she regained her balance and stared at both of her opponents. Shikamaru was kneeling and slightly breathless while Neji was the epitome of composed.

"Rock Lee, Inuzuka Kiba."

Two more men joined the ranks against her and she cast a brief glance at Itachi. His eyes remained fixated on her. He knew she was talented and he obviously wanted to see exactly what she was capable of.

"Fine, this is child's play anyway," she commented stowing her tanto back into his hold.

"It's four against one, you really think you can win?" Kiba taunted while his companion barked.

"I've trained with one of the highest ranking ANBU Captains since I could walk, so yes I do think I can win."

Rock Lee smiled, "It will be a pleasure to put your words to the test Haruno-san!"

Without warning Rock Lee sped ahead and quickly engaged her in some of the toughest taijutsu she had ever encountered. She was pleasantly surprised at this development considering she couldn't detect any type of chakra presence in the man.

Interesting.

While Lee occupied their opponent Shikamaru quickly relayed a plan that would end in Haruno being trapped in his jutsu thus ending the match. Kiba and Neji were quick to comply as they leapt forward to activate their plan.

Sakura saw them coming and immediately executed a fuuton jutsu causing Lee to be blown back so she could defend herself. A second later she was covered into a purple smoke that stung her eyes briefly. When she opened them she immediately had to dodge Kiba's combined attack. Once he passed her she ran quickly out of the smoke only to dodge Neji's attacks. One hit from him and her survival rate would drop by at least ten percent. Lee joined into the fun again and she spied Shikamaru patiently waiting.

I need to do something drastic.

About time, will you stop playing around and show these arrogant assholes what we're really made of.

She had to admit her inner was right. She hadn't really used a real jutsu yet. So quickly escaping the confines of her battle she escaped to a midrange distance between her opponents. Completely separating her chakra from her life force Sakura instantly activated a water jutsu shooting herself up into the air.

Kiba's mouth dropped open as well as did any others, at the sight before them. That slight little wisp of a man just created that largest water vortex he had ever seen. Not only that but that little man was tucked comfortably at the top well out of range for normal justus like he was the master of the universe. Apparently after the combined attack he decided to get serious and now they were all going to pay the price for it.

"Don't get hit, it will hurt," Seito warned them before electrically charged arms shot out of the spinning tower in their direction. Some of the water arms hit the ground near them while others would have pierced had their reflexes not been fast enough.

"We need an earth user or a jutsu," Shikamaru shouted, "do any of you know one?"

"No we're all clan kids using our abilities, except for Lee who's just weird," Kiba growled in response.

"Either way we need to do something drastic before he wears us out and the match is over," Neji replied before dodging, "What if we went with a strong wind jutsu instead. The lightning inside of the water could negate the use of the element."

"Earth is a more common jutsu among our ranks than wind but right now I'll take either," Shikamaru glanced at Itachi who remained exhaustingly impassive as he watched. It was clear he wasn't allowing anyone else into their fight. Although right now he would kill for some of Naruto's wind techniques. No matter he had already come up with an idea.

"Lee, see all of the debris caused by the water strikes?"

"Hai!"

"Pick them up and try to get them into the vortex. If we can get them sucked into the center they will disrupt the flow and cause the jutsu to break."

"HAI!"

"Neji, Kiba try to cover me as best as you can."

"Good fucking luck Shikamaru!" Kiba yelled while Neji only nodded. They both had picked up what Lee was trying to do and started joining.

Sakura had to admit they were being clever. She would definitely need to be more careful with her surroundings considering she was creating ammunition for them. Not to mention she had to focus on the three idiots with rocks instead of Shikamaru who was obviously already coming up with another strategy to get her caught. She needed another plan and soon so that when theirs was in motion she would already be countering it. Good thing was, she had an excellent viewpoint from her position.

Her focus faltered for just a moment allowing two large rocks to enter into her water tower. She could feel the interfering presence makes it way quickly to the top uprooting her in an instant. Landing gracefully on the ground she made to move but found herself stuck. She smirked.

"So that's what you were doing."

Shikamaru smirked slightly, "I had to guage where I thought you'd go then acted accordingly. Thankfully you made it easier to break through the ground with your water and lightning strikes. From there it was a game of chance."

"Hmm," Sakura acknowledged, "One thing you failed to notice Nara-san is that when I will something to happen…it always happens."

His eyes narrowed briefly at her words before the ground began to quake. Neji was quick to lunge towards her with his fingers outstretched only to be stopped by a perimeter of rock spears.

"Lee, break the boundary!" Neji called out.

But he was already gone. How he escaped Shikamaru's shadow possession they weren't sure. And their answer wasn't forthcoming since in the next two seconds both Shimakaru and Kiba were trapped in a head hunter jutsu.

"Three elements…" Shikamaru sighed.

"All five actually," Seito appeared at the far end of the field, "According to my father I'm an anomaly."

"I'll fucking say," Kiba grumbled while trying to free himself from his confines.

"It's useless your traps have been reinforced with water and air making it impossible to free yourself."

"How did you do it?" Neji asked his eyes narrowed menacingly.

Sakura smirked and crossed her arms, "Genjutsu, you caught an illusion."

"Impossible I would have been able to see it," he argued.

Sakura shrugged, "Don't blame me that your precious kekkei genkai fell for my trick. I performed it right as the rocks shot me out of my vortex and I instantly buried myself in the ground. Not hard to create a clone from there to bury the two of you. In essence I think we better check with Uchiha taichou to see if he wants us to continue."

There was nothing worse than knowing when one was being blown off. To Neji, being born from a high ranking clan, he was not used to this type of treatment. To see it from a small yet talented wisp of a man angered him beyond his normal rage. What was it about that person that had him so…on edge?

"Taichou?" Sakura called out.

Itachi nodded, "That's enough for now. Haruno-san release these men from their confines. Sometime this week I want you tested so we can know the full extent of your abilities."

She nodded, "Hai taichou. Who will be testing me?"

"I will."

The silence among the ranks was heavy. Two prodigies going head to head to test their power and limits, most of the men were salivating at the prospect of watching that battle.

"Very well Captain."

The next couple of weeks passed by uneventfully. She woke up, ate breakfast, then reported to her post with the non-shinobi where Kakashi assigned her to teach kenjutsu. For these two weeks she had been drilling the basics into these men and today they were going to spar with one another.

The rest of her days were spent helping those who asked her for help. Surprisingly not only had Haru, Isamu, and Kaito asked for help, but even some of the lower ranking shinobi asked for advice. There wasn't a day that went by that she wasn't teaching someone something, or assisting others in a project. If anything for her, it was an ego boost. She was being acknowledged because of her skills which was something only her father and Tsunade had ever done with her.

Her respect sky rocketed after that first day but she was always aware to make sure it didn't go to her head. One way she did that was sparring daily with Rock Lee. He was only too happy to oblige her in strictly taijutsu spars. To her it was invigorating and eye opening to see someone who was training more than she. It surprised her initially that he was even a shinobi for the village but day after day of either getting her ass kicked or ending up in a tie, she had grown to admire him. For someone who wasn't content to live as a civilian he made a name for himself as a master of taijutsu. And her own skills in the are also improved drastically.

"Alright line up! We have our matches today. Form a circle and take a seat, lay your swords across your laps."

The men were quick to obey making a wide circle.

"Here are the rules; the first to touch the other is declared the winner. In battle any hit can be fatal so this is how we will train. Protect yourself first and foremost then go in for the kill. Be observant and vigilant in your fights and do not waste an opportunity. Third, after each match is finished you will be critiqued by the group if they point out a flaw then you are to fix said flaw before the next set of spars like this. Any questions?"

"Is there a specific order for the spars?" One man asked.

"No we will start on a volunteer basis anyone who doesn't volunteer I will call out names."

Everyone nodded before two men instantly stood up. They entered into the middle of the circle with their comrades shouting and hollering encouragement at them. They drew wooden swords up and bowed to each other to signify a friendly spar then it began. The sparring ring continued until lunch was called and Sakura was just itching for a good rumble after watching the different partners get up and spar.

"Haruno."

She stopped at the sound of her Captain's voice.

"After dinner tonight we will have your evaluation. Make yourself available."

"Hai taichou, what time?"

"Seven we will use the northern part of the camp so that the training fields do not get ruined."

"Hai, I will be there."

With that she watched as he strode off towards the mess hall.

It was six in the evening. She had finished dinner thirty minutes ago and had been at the northern end of the camp ever since then. Preparation, especially against an opponent like Itachi, was crucial. And since she had the advantage as to the time and place for her evaluation, she made sure to take advantage of the opportunity.

Final layer of the genjutsu is set. Chakra storage is at 80%.

Good. We're going to need every ounce of chakra in this fight.

Hai we will. And we'll also need to make sure not to completely exhaust ourselves considering we have training in the morning.

Yeah I realized that and it's all probably a part of the evaluation which is why this is happening after dinner.

Agreed. Oh look the first of the observers have arrived.

Must want a good seat.

Sakura would be greatly disappointed in herself if any of the observers were able to spot her position. She had slowly woven a multi-layered genjutsu over the swatch of land that unless you were the creator it looked, smelled, and behaved as if nothing were wrong with it. But this level of genjutsu was needed for her strategy as well as for her own safety.

6:50pm.

All of the observers, aka the entire damn camp, were sitting in a long line on the southern portion of evaluation boundary. The buzz of voices betrayed the excitement for the pending fight. Sakura wasn't expecting to win but she was expecting a tie. Hopefully she would get her wish.

Heads up Itachi just entered the arena.

Show time. Put on your game face.

She watched as her opponent strode easily making his way to the center of the area. Then he stood and waited patiently eyes flickering over the crowd and then toward the trees just north of his location…and exactly where Sakura was currently hiding.

Here goes nothing.

Above their heads the grey clouds rumbled softly in anticipation. Sakura held her head up high as she steadily walked out of the concealing comfort of the trees. This was it. It was her official test as a shinobi.

How powerful was she.

Keep a clear head.

That's what you're here for.

She took up her position across from her opponent. She stared straight into his beautiful onyx eyes.

What did I say about that clear head!

Shut the fu-

Don't tell me to shush it. Besides where the hell did that come from anyway?!

You're ruining my concentration with your ridiculous questions! And you were the one ogling him back in the village so don't even try to criticize me.

"Haruno-san, this spar is an evaluation of your skills as a member of the shinobi ranks. You mentioned before that you can use all five elements, is that correct?"

"Hai Uchiha-taichou."

"Then I want to see all five elements used during this spar."

She nodded, "Hai Uchiha-taichou."

The clouds rumbled above them again.

"Then let us begin."

I know not very long BUT i ended here because i want your opinion: do i write the fight scene or do i just allude to it in the next chapter?

Your wish is my command! Anyways reviews make me smile :D