An: Thank you all for reviewing as always, your humble author S. o. t. A.

Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto and I'm doing this for fun not profit

Chapter 4: The shared burden

He was just a clog in the machine, and not even a very important one as he bowed to his master. Although the headband on his head said that man would be the Hokage, the truth was he served the Third's former student Orochimaru. "Ah, if it isn't Kabuto's sensei," Orochimaru said with smile, finding it amusing the spectacled man carried that title when Kabuto could probably easily handle him and his teammates combined, "Report."

"As instructed I have nominated the team to enter the Chunin Exams," the jounin spy said.

"Good, but why do you feel the need to report this to me in person," Orochimaru said wearing his disguise of the Sound team's sensei.

"Because Lord Orochimaru. Sasuke Uchiha's team has not been nominated."

"Is that so, any ideas why?"

"Only a rumor my Lord, but if it's true, Sasuke and his teammate got into a fight the day before the nominations."

"I see, well that could be useful when the time comes. Thank you for the information, you are dismissed."

The jounin left and a moment later another spectacled individual entered, "Sometimes the way you four scurry around trying to earn my favor can be quite tedious, Kabuto. Although, one has to wonder how you heard the news before him."

"Oh I didn't Lord Orochimaru," Kabuto said with a smile, "It's just unlike him, I'm not afraid of incurring your wrath by giving you bad news."

"True, he must have been hemming and hawing about it for a while. Still, it isn't all bad news. No doubt young Sasuke will be quite upset when he learns he is being barred from competing."

"It will present a hindrance for placing the curse mark on him," Kabuto said.

"Let's not worry about that for now. I think I have a better idea."

"Oh, what would that be?"

"Simple, I'm going to provide him with the means to awaken those magnificent eyes of his," Orochimaru said licking his lips, "and should I be capable of doing that, then no doubt he will gladly accept my mark in order to reach his goals."

Sakura was worried since it was the second day Naruto hadn't shown up early to train with her. She had sort of expected it the day after his fight with Sasuke, but since normally he bounced right back had expected him to show up today. Kakashi had told them to be at the bridge at eleven so Sakura decided to find him.

She didn't have to search hard as he was on the bridge they normal met Kakashi at. He looked up and noticed her but instead of waving happily he looked away. Wondering what was a matter with him she made her way towards him. He tried to smile but it faded quickly. Frowning to herself she was about to ask him what was going on, yet was stopped by a yell of, "Boss."

A little of Naruto's pep returned as Konohamaru, Moegi, and Udon ran up to him and whom he met half-way. "What's up, Konohamaru?"

"Don't tell me you forgot Boss," Konohamaru said moving around Naruto cutting him off from the bridge, "Today you said we'd play ninja."

"Sorry Konohamaru," Naruto said, "I did forget."

"Well that's alright, let's go."

"I can't," Naruto said, "I have to meet Kakashi-sensei here."

"But you promised," Konohamaru said disappointed.

"I know," Naruto replied, "But Kakashi-sensei kind of sprung this on us after training yesterday. I guess it might be a…"

Sakura eyes widened as Naruto trailed off believing she understood what was bothering him. He thought Kakashi and maybe her were mad at him. Not having had a lot of people in his life he was no doubt worried that he had pushed them away.

"Well I guess it can't be helped," Konohamaru said, "but you better play with us tomorrow."

Naruto nodded and Konohamaru looked like he was going to walk away till he asked, "By the way Boss, who is she?"

"That's Sakura," Naruto replied, "She's my…"

"Girlfriend," Konohamaru supplied. Sakura was surprised to feel her face heat up at the boy's statement and noticed a similar blush on Naruto's. She felt a little sad as Naruto quickly corrected the boy saying, "No, she's my teammate. We're just friends."

"Ah I get it Boss," Konohamaru said, "No sense in settling down right away."

"I guess," Naruto said.

"Besides, I'm sure you could do better, after all she has a huge freaking forehead," Konohamaru said.

To Naruto it felt almost as if it went from a pleasant sunny day to the dead of winter as all heat faded from the area. Looking up at Sakura, who was behind Konohamaru, he actually took a step back as her green eyes almost appeared to be a demonic looking white and it was like she was sucking in light making the area near her darker.

Sakura brought her hands together and cracked her knuckles before asking, "What did you say?"

Unfortunately Konohamaru didn't recognize the danger saying without looking back, "Well you have to admit your forehead is quite large. Right Boss?"

Looking at Naruto, he wondered why his rival was shaking almost like he was afraid. Suddenly, Naruto lurched forward grabbing Konohamaru around the midsection and taking off. Konohamaru was about to ask why till the ground where he had been standing exploded into dust. Looking back he saw Sakura standing there her fist on the ground and a small crater where he had been standing.

When her eyes met his, Konohamaru was positive he had just laid eyes on the angel of death. Sakura shouted, "Bring him back here Naruto," before taking off after the pair.

"Calm down Sakura," Naruto shouted back, "He didn't mean anything by it."

However Sakura was beyond listening chasing after them with a speed she had never shown before. Feeling fearful for his continued well being Konohamaru said, "She's gaining on us Boss."

"This is all your fault, Konohamaru," Naruto said looking back and seeing she was gaining. For a moment he considered letting Konohamaru go to fend for himself but rejected the impulse.

Unfortunately, since Naruto wasn't looking where he was going he slammed into a group of people hearing a, "Hey watch it," from the person he slammed into.

Picking himself up, he helped Konohamaru stand before he noticed the girl he had slammed into. Her two teammates looked annoyed at him, but the girl sat there dumbfounded as she stared up at him with her red eyes. Rubbing the back of his head he said, "Sorry about that."

The girl though was still in her own little world thinking, "His chakra's so warm." Actually closing her eyes to bask in it she felt an edge of darkness buried beneath it adding, "Oh and there's a little something dangerous about him too. I think I'm in love."

However one of her teammates saying, "Get it together Karin," forced her back to reality. Excepting the hand up from the blonde she fell on him slightly, pretending to be a little light headed and smiled as she basked in the feeling of his chakra.

Sakura had calmed after Naruto had crashed into the unfamiliar shinobi, but seeing the red head drape herself over him felt her anger begin to boil again. "Excuse me," Sakura said pushing the girl back off of a blushing Naruto gently. Addressing Naruto, she asked, "Are you okay Naruto?"

"Yeah, I'm fine Sakura," Naruto said wondering why she was directing a glare at the girl he crashed into.

"Good," Sakura said sending him a tight smile before looking at the shinobi whose headbands identified them as Grass shinobi. Cautiously she said, "Not to be rude, but what are Grass shinobi doing in Konoha?"

"We're here for the Chunin Exams," one of the red-head's teammates said. "Now we are late for registration so we'll be on our way."

Sakura nodded, but frowned when Karin took a step closer to Naruto saying, "I didn't catch your name."

"Naruto Uzumaki," the blonde said holding out his hand, "future Hokage of the Leaf."

Karin smiled saying, "Well, I'm sure I'll be seeing you again, Naruto," and then followed after her teammates.

Sakura was pretty sure that if she could emit death beams from her eyes the Karin girl, who was walking away with way to much sway in her hips to be normal, would be a smoldering corpse. She was just glad that the girl was setting her sights on probably the most clueless boy in the entire Leaf Village. However she felt a little feeling of dread when Naruto said, "She smelled pretty."

"What," Sakura asked shocked.

"Her perfume," Naruto said, "It smelt real pretty." His mood dropped again as he noticed Konohamaru had taken off and said, "It's getting pretty close to when Kakashi-sensei said to meet, we better get going."

Sakura nodded, but wanted to ask Naruto what was bothering him. However before she could he stuck his hands in his pockets and began walking away with his head down. Biting her lip, she refrained from prying but vowed if he didn't cheer up later she'd find away to make him.

Sasuke made his way to the bridge having noticed several foreign shinobi teams. Guessing that meant the chunin exams were around the corner, which he was sure probably was the reason Kakashi had summoned them on a day he normally gave them off. Arriving at the bridge, he saw Naruto leaning against the side of it and for a change Sakura wasn't near him.

Taking his usual spot he settled in to wait not giving in to the temptation to glare at Naruto. They didn't have to wait long as almost as soon as he got comfortable their teacher arrived. "Hello," Kakashi waved trying a little too hard to sound cheerful.

When nobody replied he thought, "Oh-boy this isn't going to go over well." Figuring to get it over quickly he said, "Alright, the reason I've called you all here today is yesterday the Jounin-sensei were summoned by the Hokage. The reason was so he could find out which teams would be nominated to participate."

"So when are we supposed to show up?" Sasuke asked.

"You aren't," Kakashi replied. "I didn't nominate Team Seven."

Kakashi was surprised when Naruto wasn't the one that shouted, "What!" Instead that honor belonged to Sasuke. Naruto on the other hand, simply dropped his head even lower if that was possible since he seemed down about something.

Sakura trying to keep the situation calm said, "Well none of the Rookie Teams were nominated right?"

Kakashi noticed that Naruto's head picked up at that and felt bad when his saying, "I'm afraid Team Seven was the only team not nominated, Sakura," caused the blonde to begin to sulk again.

"You can't be serious," Sasuke said upon hearing that. "How can they be ready, but we not be?"

"That would be because none of the other sensei's had to stop a fight between two of their students. A fight, where one student used a C-ranked fire jutsu on the other."

"That has nothing to do with whether or not we are ready," Sasuke countered.

"It has everything to do with it," Kakashi retorted feeling a small vestige of anger at his student. "Do you even know what a chunin is? A chunin is expected to be a leader of genin. He can't let things like pride get in the way of what is best for his team. By engaging in that fight, both you and Naruto proved you aren't ready for the exams."

Sasuke looked like he wanted to say more, but realized it was pointless so instead simply crossed his arms. Feeling uncomfortable Sakura said, "So then what will we be doing instead?"

"We'll have to pick up the slack for the other teams," Kakashi said. "It probably won't get hectic until after the first two tests of the chunin exams. We'll probably get a few C-ranked escort missions as nobles and such will be arriving to watch the third match. Until then it'll be business as normal. Any questions?"

Seeing none he dismissed them and frowned as two of the members headed off in separate directions with Sakura watching Naruto leave sadly. Shunshining away he hoped he made the right choice in barring his team's entrance in the exams.

Naruto felt horrible after Kakashi dismissed them. Bad enough he had disappointed Sakura by accepting Sasuke's challenge, but now because of it he was responsible for her not being allowed to compete. He was vaguely aware of somebody running to catch up. He was a little surprised it was Sakura but tried to smile at her.

"She's probably going to tell me how upset she is about not getting to compete," Naruto thought disappointedly. Although, felt that was unfair to her, as she had been nothing but supportive since Team Seven formed.

Which was why he supposed he shouldn't have been surprised when she said, "Well that's a relief isn't it?"

It must have shown on his face because she giggled slightly saying, "Did you think I wanted to enter the exams or something?"

"I…I..." he stuttered a few times before simply nodding.

Smiling she said, "Well I'll admit I'm not thrilled Ino-pig was nominated, but I can't seriously say I wanted to be in the exams. I mean, we have only been out of the academy for a few months. I can't imagine Rookie's like us are nominated all that often."

Although he knew Sakura was trying to cheer him up it was actually doing the opposite so he blurted, "I'm sorry."

"Sorry," Sakura repeated confused, "What do you have to be sorry about?"

"About not listening to you and fighting Sasuke," Naruto said.

"Well don't let it happen again," Sakura said jokingly. "I'm not mad Naruto," she added seriously. "You did try to walk away. Sasuke goaded you into fighting him."

"But still…"

"Naruto," Sakura cut him off softly, "Let it go. You made a mistake. A mistake that sounds like it worked out to my benefit because I'm not sure if I would have wanted to compete so soon, and I doubt if they would have let just you and Sasuke compete."

"What do you mean Sakura?"

"Well think about it," Sakura said smiling as Naruto did so literally his face scrunching up as he concentrated.

He didn't appear to try very hard as a minute later he said, "I give up, tell me."

Laughing lightly she said, "Well the reason Kakashi-sensei didn't nominate us was because of poor teamwork. So that means despite being an opportunity to advance to chunin we will be competing as a team in at least a few of the tests." Naruto appeared to be hanging on her every word so she stopped and wanting him to make the connection himself prompted him saying, "And…"

"And," Naruto repeated before suddenly saying, "That means all of us needed to enter."

"Exactly," she said giving him a dazzling smile that caused him to blush a little as he thought how pretty she was. Continuing she said, "And if Sasuke's reaction was anything to go by, he'd want to compete which means he'd probably try to pressure me into doing so as well."

Naruto nodded, feeling better and said, "I won't let you down again Sakura."

"You haven't yet," Sakura said in a way that touched Naruto. "But promise me if he tries to pick a fight with you again, you'll walk away."

"I promise," Naruto said to which Sakura nodded despite having a feeling that another fight between her teammates would be inevitable.

Sakura looked around as she approached Naruto's apartment building. She didn't know how but for some reason that Karin girl had kept showing up at places her and Naruto had been. She was beginning to get really upset, especially since the girl had issues with keeping her hands to herself. Even though she had only found out about the Chunin Exams the day before she was already wishing they were over.

However, it did provide her with the kick she needed to put a part of her plan to get Naruto to open up to her into action. She was beginning to wonder if Kami had some sort of fetish about trying to hamper her ability to find love. Granted, she had known what she was getting into with Sasuke after all there had been a lot of girls who had feelings for him before her. Yet, she was wondering why it was that now that she was interested in Naruto it seemed other girls maybe coming out of the woodwork as well.

Pushing that aside for now, but swore if she caught that Karin girl flirting with Naruto again she'd send her packing, she knocked on the door of Naruto's apartment. She wasn't surprised when it took a few minutes for him to answer. When he did answer the door she couldn't help the small laugh that escaped as Naruto answered the door wearing the silliest sleeping cap she had ever seen as he rubbed his eye.

Seeing Sakura at the door woke him up quickly and he said, "Sakura? What are you doing here? Did we have training today?"

Holding up one of the books she brought she said, "In a manner of speaking." Naruto seemed confused still so she asked, "Are you going to let me in?"

Stepping aside he said, "Yeah, sure sorry."

Entering Sakura stopped at the door as she saw the filth Naruto lived in. Almost afraid to enter she had a hard time keeping the revulsion from her face. She guessed she didn't succeed as Naruto asked, "What's wrong, Sakura?"

Deciding honesty was the best policy she said, "Well honestly this apartment is kind of filthy. Not exactly the type of place you would want to bring a girl too." But upon seeing how embarrassed Naruto now looked said, "But it isn't anything a little elbow grease can't fix. Where are your cleaning supplies?"

Naruto pointed to his sink in the kitchen and excused himself to change. He came out of his bathroom a moment later to see that Sakura had already begun getting things in order to begin cleaning. Sakura turned to look at him, noticing that Naruto's eyes were drawn to the ribbon that she was wearing in her hair.

"Is that the…"

"The ribbon you gave me," Sakura said with a smile, "Yes it is. Do you like it?"

"It looks as good as I imagined it would," Naruto said giving her a smile that made her blush.

"Yeah," Sakura said looking away, "Anyway we should probably get started."

"Sure," Naruto said excepting a garbage bag from her. As the two worked they often smiled at each other. At one point Sakura was picking up an old Ramen cup when the biggest cockroach she ever saw sprang out of it. Backpedaling as she dropped the cup as she slipped on a piece of trash but luckily before she crashed to the ground Naruto caught her. Leaning up against his chest with his arms around her Sakura was surprised at just how right it felt to be in Naruto's arms even if it was an accident.

Turning in them she felt an urge to kiss him but resisted it fearing it was to forward. Taking a step back she said, "Thanks."

"No problem Sakura," Naruto said wishing she was still in his arms.

Getting back to work it was another several hours before both of them collapsed on the couch. Looking over the apartment Naruto said, "Wow, I can't remember the last time it was this clean."

"Probably right before you moved in," Sakura said teasingly

Naruto looked at her hurt before smiling and saying "That would probably be about right."

"Try to keep it clean," Sakura said flicking his forehead.

Rubbing the spot Naruto said, "It's just such a bother."

"That maybe, but living in a pigsty would send the wrong message to people," Sakura replied.

"What people, Sakura?"

"People that might one day recommend you to be Hokage. You might become the strongest ninja in the village, but I don't think people will want a slob representing them."

Naruto guessed he could understand that and said so before asking, "So why did you come over Sakura? I don't think it was to clean my apartment."

Getting up from the couch and grabbing the book she brought that was on the principals of physics, Sakura said, "I came over to tutor you."

Making a face that showed he wasn't thrilled by that idea he said, "Thanks, but no thanks. I graduated the academy."

Sakura considered telling Naruto she knew how he did that but instead said, "That may be true, but I'm betting it wasn't due to your school work."

Again he appeared nervous but jokingly replied, "No, I graduated because I'm an awesome shinobi remember."

"That might very well be the case," Sakura said seriously, "but there's no substation for knowledge."

"Ah come on Sakura that stuff is boring," Naruto whined.

Sighing she said, "Please Naruto. Besides Kakashi-sensei said something to me that has kind of stuck with me."

"What was that?"

"He said we've had a positive effect on each other by balancing each other out," Sakura replied. "You've made me more confident in my physical skills. I want to help you with more mental ones. Also, a Hokage will have to rely on his brain more than his brawn." Seeing that Naruto was bordering on the fence of accepting she said, "But let me show you a way it can be used on the battlefield."

Looking around she found two marbles. Heading to the kitchen she grabbed a cup and then returning placed it on the side of the couch on its side. Kneeling at the opposite end she said, "I'm going to get one marble to enter the cup."

The look on Naruto's face showed he didn't think she could do it but he didn't say anything. Rolling the first marble she waited until it reached the right point and then rolled the second one even faster than the first. When it hit, the first marble shot off to the side hitting the cup and rolling inside. Sakura smiled up at him and grabbed the cup jingling it to show it to him. Naruto began clapping but said, "But what does reading a book have to do with that, which was a neat trick by the way?"

Holding up the physics book she said, "Because every object reacts in a set way Naruto. By throwing that second marble faster I was able to calculate how the first would react when hit. Now imagine if they were kunai, you'd be able to hit a target behind an object."

"Really, Naruto said, "That would be a cool trick."

"Yep, but the principles behind that trick are located inside those boring things called books," Sakura said smiling as Naruto scooted over making more room for her.

Glad he seemed willing to try her idea; she sat down next to him folding her legs under her and opened the book saying, "Lesson one: An object at rest stays at rest unless…" As she began explaining the three laws of motion she smiled internally that Naruto was willing to better himself, confident that one day he would reach his dream of being a Hokage like no other.

Sasuke was returning home after another wasted day with his team. But what really bothered him was he had watched Naruto and Sakura training while they waited for Kakashi and it seemed Naruto was working on the trick that Sasuke remembered Itachi often practiced. Although, Sasuke had already mastered the trick seeing Naruto working on it angered him.

He was also upset that he had heard that several members of the Rookie Squads had made it to the final round that would be held in a month. He was almost home when he saw a bruised Ino sitting on a bench near the entrance to the Uchiha district and who had lost in a preliminary round to a Sound kunoichi. Ignoring her as he walked past, he noticed that her hair had been brutally cut almost like someone had been making a point.

"Sasuke," she said weakly.

"What?" he replied, wishing she had just let him be.

"Well I…I was just…"

"Spit it out," he said annoyed.

"Do you think I'm a worthless kunoichi?"

"Hn," Sasuke said not answering and simply turning to walk away.

Ino felt anger well up inside her at the dismal saying, "You fucking prick."

Sasuke turned surprised saying, "What did you call me?"

"After all these years I've spent wishing to get closer to you. The one time that I ask you for a little comfort you blow me off."

"Whose fault is that," Sasuke said squashing down the anger he felt. "I've never asked you to waste your time chasing after me. What's more you've let your training slide to the point that considering you as a possible matriarch of my clan would almost be laughable." Turning around he entered his property saying, "Now if you'll excuse me I'm done wasting time here."

He hadn't even finished his sentence before Ino had taken off running away with tears in her eyes. Already moving on to more pressing matters, he wondered how it was Naruto was getting stronger and stronger off of the weak stuff Kakashi had taught them so far.

Kakashi was surprised when the toad had been sitting on his doorstep after training. Arriving at the rooftop it had directed him to he said, "Lord Jiraiya."

Turning towards Kakashi the Toad Sannin said, "How have you been Kakashi? Finding being a team leader as rewarding as Minato did?"

Sighing Kakashi said, "Well it makes me wonder how he made it seem so easy."

Jiraiya frowned slightly saying, "I trust Naruto isn't the problem."

"Not exactly," Kakashi said, "But his improvement is making it worse not better."

"I see," Jiraiya said, "You must be wondering why I wish to talk."

"A bit."

"I'll be taking over Naruto's training from here on," Jiraiya said.

The Toad sage was surprised when Kakashi said, "With all due respect, Naruto is my student."

"True, however his status as a jinchuriki has made him a marked man. You're good Kakashi, but I don't think even you can get him ready for what he has to face."

"Look Lord Jiraiya, I can understand you wanting to train him. But your timing couldn't be worse. I'm already having trouble with my team. If Sasuke learns Naruto is being taken in as your apprentice I'm afraid of how he'll react."

"Tough," Jiraiya said without much sympathy, "I don't have time to soothe the Uchiha's ego. There is a group called the Akatsuki that has been on the move lately acquiring objects of power. They've also been placing out feelers for the location of the jinchuriki. What's worse is that at one time Orochimaru was a member, and any group that would accept him has to be up to no good. Now I'm not asking you to let me train Naruto. I'm telling you that is what is going to happen understand. I've already cleared it with the Hokage."

Kakashi rubbed his loan eye not liking what it would mean for his team but nodded. Easing up slightly Jiraiya said, "I'll do my best to keep it from the Uchiha. Why don't you offer to take him under your wing? Make him think you'll be giving him some one-on-one training. You know make him feel special."

"Yeah," Kakashi said, "But I do have one request."

"What is it?"

"Sakura has been spending a lot of time with Naruto, help her along too."

"I don't know Kakashi," Jiraiya said, "A lot of what I want to teach him, are jutsu specific to his father."

"Trust me Lord Jiraiya. By not including her, you'll only be making her more curious."

Jiraiya arched an eyebrow but nodded. "Well then tomorrow you'll be accepting a C-ranked mission to escort an author to Konoha. I'll see you at the meeting point."

Sakura was in her room and sighed since Karin had made it to the final round and had asked Naruto to take her out to celebrate. Naturally, he had recommended Ichiraku which was the only reason she probably hadn't invited herself along. Since she was sure Ayame would at least hinder the girl a little due to her protectiveness of Naruto.

Hearing a pounding at the front door she hoped it was Naruto begging for a place to hide from said girl. However, instead she was greeted by the sight of a weeping and bruised Ino. Controlling her sobs she said, "Sakura…can I come in?"

"Of course Ino," Sakura said allowing the blonde into her home. "Let's go up to my room."

Ino nodded following Sakura up the stairs to the pinkette's room. Having not been in it in almost six years, she was surprised it remained almost exactly the same as she remembered. Unlike hers which featured new pinup posters of Movie actors or whoever the hottest guy of the time was. Sakura's was rather sparse only featuring a mirror, dresser and a desk which was covered in books.

Sakura pulled out the desk's chair for Ino sitting on the bed asking, "What's wrong?"

"Everything," Ino said between sobs. "Today was the end of the second test."

Gaining a look of distaste as she thought of Karin, Sakura said, "I know, but what happened?"

Rubbing her eyes Ino said, "After spending five days in a training ground called the Forest of Death, we were forced to fight some preliminary matches. I ended up fighting a Sound kunoichi called Kin." Thinking of her match Ino sobbed a little saying, "She completely decimated me. Even worse…was after hitting my arms and legs with senbons she began cutting my hair saying how pathetic I was."

"Ino, I'm so sorry," Sakura said soothingly.

"It gets worse," Ino said, "I tried to talk to Sasuke to see if he felt the same way about me as I did about him. I don't know hoping maybe seeing me all beat up he'd try to comfort me. But he couldn't be bothered. In fact he tried to blow me off till I called him a prick."

Sakura giggled a little at that which brought a slight smile to Ino's face, but it didn't last. "I guess that Sound Kunoichi was right. I am a worthless kunoichi."

Sakura didn't say anything till Ino asked, "Do you think I'm a worthless Shinobi as well?"

"No, Ino I think you were just like me and concentrated on the wrong thing," Sakura said. "You have all the tools you need to be a great kunoichi. You just need to refine them through training."

Standing Sakura pulled some scissors from the drawer of her dresser and then said, "Here let me straighten out your hair."

"Thanks," Ino said allowing Sakura to maneuver the chair in front of the mirror.

Beginning to cut it Sakura asked, "So what else happened?"

"Well a kunoichi named Tenten beat Kiba pretty handily since she never missed with all her senbon. Hinata got beaten up pretty bad by a fellow Hyuuga by the name of Neji. According to my sensei they were cousins. It didn't sit too well with Neji's teammate though as he leapt to her defense before Neji could do any real harm to her. He was kind of heroic looking despite the hideous eyebrows of his. Anyway Lee, the eyebrow kid, he ended beating up Kin's teammate Zaku pretty easily too since he moves so quickly."

Looking at what Sakura was doing Ino said, "Hey, you're making it look like when I was younger."

Sakura nodded saying, "Do you not want me too?"

"No it's fine," Ino replied. "Where was I?"

"Eyebrow's I believe." Sakura said resuming cutting Ino's hair.

"Yeah, well after that match Shikamaru ended up beating Chouji. Although the truth is he bribed Chouji into forfeiting by telling him he'd take him to the barbeque restaurant he likes so much."

"I'm surprised Shikamaru would bother."

"Well apparently he was afraid his mom would find out if he forfeited."

Sakura nodded so Ino continued saying, "That creepy kid Shino ended up losing to another of Kin's teammates named Dosu. A sand Kunoichi was going to fight a leaf shinobi named Kabuto but he forfeited at the last minute. Another Suna kid that used a puppet beat Kabuto's teammate who could drain chakra. Then there was the last Suna-nin who faced Kabuto's last teammate."

Ino stopped a moment looking a little pale at remembering what the red-head did to the boy. "Maybe I shouldn't continue."

"Go ahead," Sakura said still cutting.

"Well he killed his opponent," Ino said, "He crushed him with sand which he seemed to be able to control."

Sakura stopped in mid cut, remembering what the book said about the jinchuriki of Suna. Ino noticed saying, "Sakura are you alright?"

"Yeah," she replied resuming her task, "You said he can control sand."

Nodding her friend said, "He didn't even need to move it simply attacked while he stood there with his arms crossed."

"Did he have any unusual features?"

"What do you mean?"

"Well did he sort of have a feature that reminded you of an animal?"

"Well now that you mention it, he had these dark circles around his eyes that sort of reminded me of a raccoon. But he was dangerous Sakura he almost seemed to enjoy killing."

"If he is a jinchuriki," Sakura thought, "I wouldn't doubt it's because of how he was treated." But aloud said, "Guess it's a good thing my team wasn't nominated then."

"Why wasn't it?"

Telling Ino about what happened between her teammates she finished her tale and haircut saying, "There, what do you think?"

Looking in the mirror and seeing her hair shorter like when she had first met Sakura, she said, "I like it. I think it'll go along with the new me." Looking at the time Ino added, "Wow it's already nine o'clock. My parents might be getting worried. Bye Sakura."

"Wait Ino, one last question what about a kunoichi named Karin?"

"Oh her. Her teammates both pulled out but she lucked out getting a bye to the third round of the exams." Sakura cursed internal, but kept her smile in place as she waved to Ino as she, left before going in search of the red-headed boy Ino had described.

Naruto wasn't sure why the Grass kunoichi kept popping up everywhere he went. But figuring it would be nice to have another friend so didn't mind. Having taken her to Ichiraku he was telling Ayame some of the things that Sakura had taught him, "…Then apparently the First Great Ninja War was started when a shinobi from Grass succeeded in assassinating a daimyo from Suna and because of the treaties all the other shinobi nations got pulled into their conflict."

Ayame giggled saying, "My Naruto, I've never seen you so excited about history before."

"Well Sakura says that a Hokage should be aware of such things so mistakes like that aren't repeated." Naruto noticed a slight frown on Karin's face so asked, "What's the matter?"

Trying to smile despite Naruto's continued talking about his teammate she said, "Oh, I guess it's just hearing my village was what started the First Great War reminds me why I don't like it."

"What do you mean?"

"Well I wish I could say things have changed there, but they really haven't," Karin said. "We do business with all sorts of dirty people."

"Then you should try and become the village leader to change it," Naruto said nonchalantly while slurping down some of his broth.

"I'm afraid it isn't that simple," Karin replied with a sigh, "It's one of the reasons that for a minor village we're one of the richest. Which is for the right price, we'll pretty much do anything."

"Well if you can't change it you should leave," Naruto said paying for him and Karin before waving good-bye to the ramen stand workers.

"You make it sound so easy," Karin said wishing she was as carefree as the blonde.

Thinking of Mizuki he replied, "Well shinobi defect all the time, right? If your village is as corrupt as you make it sound. Why not find something on them that one of the other villages could use and trade it for a place among its forces."

"Hey, have you ever thought of defecting from the Leaf?" Karin asked saddling up to him as they walked, "because if so I wouldn't mind running away with you."

Unaware he was being hit on he said, "Nope, but I was caught up in another shinobi's defection plot so have some idea of what is needed."

Surprised Karin asked, "This shinobi, did he make it?"

"No," Naruto said with a shake of his head, "I caught him. But he wanted to leave the Leaf for money and power. You sound like you want to live up to some sort of ideal."

"Not really," Karin said, "But there is a boy I wouldn't mind seeing everyday if I did it."

"Really so you've already picked out a village to move to," Naruto said.

"Yeah, I think I have," Karin said with an enigmatic smile.

Sakura not for the first time questioned her sanity for heading out at night in search of Suna's jinchuriki, due in part to Ino's description that he seemed a little unstable. However the temptation to talk to him openly about his status as one proved too much to ignore. After over an hour of searching she found him sitting on top of a building listening to some wind chimes.

Approaching so that he could see her coming she wasn't surprised as he said, "What do you want?"

Sakura was nervous so stammered out a, "Uhm…Hi….my name is…"

"Go away," Gaara said dismissing her presence as not a threat to his existence, "or I'll kill you."

"There's no need for that," Sakura said taking another step forward which she regretted as a ribbon of sand shot out of Gaara's gourde wrapping around her neck and lifting her in the air.

As she tried to pry it off Gaara said, "We may be allies but I won't warn you again, leave."

"Please… I just want to talk…I know you are a jinchuriki," Sakura managed to get past her constricting throat.

"Then you should know better than to approach me," Gaara said although he placed Sakura back on the ground and retracted his sand. "Unless you are this village's weapon and wish to test your own existence against me."

Sakura raised her hands and took a step back saying, "No…I'm not the jinchuriki."

"Then why seek me out," Gaara asked his emotionless face giving nothing away.

Figuring the truth was the best way to go in this situation she said, "Because I know who the jinchuriki of the village is and…"

"Who?" Gaara cut in his eyes seemingly to fill with a certain amount of blood lust.

"I can't tell you," Sakura said.

Gaara took a step towards her but she stood her ground. "I could hurt you until you tell me," he said without emotion.

"You'd have to," Sakura shot back defiantly. "He doesn't know that I know, and I want to keep it that way until he tells me. I sought you out so I could talk to you. To maybe get a better understanding of him and to also be your friend."

Gaara's eyes went wide for a moment, but he turned away saying, "I have no need for something as pathetic as friendship."

"You're lying," Sakura said. "I read in a book that people consider jinchuriki as loners. But you aren't, it's something that the rest of your village forced on you until you came to believe it yourself. Everyone wants friends Gaara. I know that because the jinchuriki of Konoha was alone too. But he hasn't given up trying to make them and he has. You can too."

"How many assassination attempts did he have to survive before he made friends?" Gaara asked his unemotional voice making it difficult to tell if he was joking or not. However something told Sakura jokes weren't a part of Gaara's conversational skills.

"None," Sakura said, "at least I hope that's true. But a teacher did try to use him once as a scapegoat and the village seems to see him as the creature he is locking away." Gaara didn't respond, so Sakura said, "Alright I'll leave, but my offer still stands. Please consider it because nobody wants to go through life alone Gaara."

Gaara watched the girl run over the rooftops confident he could find her later if he wanted. However whether it was to talk to her or kill her he hadn't decided.

Naruto was bored as they waited at a traveling house near the Taki Border. His team had accepted another C-ranked escort mission but so far it had yet to truly begin as the client was so far a no show. "When is this guy going to get here Kakashi-sensei?" Naruto asked hoping the answer was soon.

"I don't know," Kakashi answered looking up from his book, "he should have been here over an hour ago."

"Great, he must have taken lessons on punctuality from you sensei," Sakura said causing Naruto to chuckle.

"So how does it feel to be the one waiting around for a change?" Naruto asked.

"Oh, I don't mind," Kakashi said lightly, "as long as I have something to read I'm okay."

A shrill scream of, "Pervert," followed by a slap, cut into their conversation. A moment later three women in bathing suits came storming out of the brush. Coming up behind them was a older man in red holding up a hand as he chased them saying, "Wait please come back. I couldn't help watching you three like that as I was captivated by your beauty."

"Get away from us, you old coot," one of the girls shouted picking up her pace.

Running in front of the man Naruto shouted, "They said leave them alone."

"Out of the way brat you don't understand the ways of women they obviously are just playing hard to get," the white-haired man said.

"I understand that you're a dirty pervert, just fine," Naruto said.

"A pervert," the man replied indignantly the women forgotten, "Why, I'll have you know I'm an author of great books. Books, which require that I regularly bathe myself in the sights of beautiful women in order to deliver only the best material to my avid readers." He punctuated his sentence by holding up one of his works.

Kakashi immediately began to say, sounding creepily perverted himself, "You are the author of Make-out paradise?"

Making himself sound important the man said, "Ah, you've heard of my works."

"Heard of. No, worship them as the masterpieces they are Lord Jiraiya," Kakashi said.

"Jiraiya," Sakura said having recognized the name, "Not the Jiraiya, one of the legendary three?"

"Indeed I am," Jiraiya said proudly, "and if you are here waiting for me then you must be the shinobi I hired."

"Indeed sir," Kakashi said playing up the star struck angle he had set for himself, "It will be our honor to watch over you as you return to Konoha."

"Good," Jiraiya said, "Well let's get going as I would like to be at the next village by sunset as they have mixed bathing hot springs."

Taking off after the eccentric man, who was actually skipping as he sung to himself about the joys of research, Naruto had a hard time picturing him as the Jiraiya that Sakura had told him about in her tutoring session on the Second Great Shinobi War.

Sakura apparently did too as she asked, "No offense Lord Jiraiya, but why would you require an escort."

"Well because I'm retired," Jiraiya said, "and what's the use of having money if you're going to have to fight your own battles. By the way you're pretty cute. What's your sign?"

"Hey perv don't talk to Sakura like that," Naruto jumped in.

"Oh is she your girlfriend kid," Jiraiya said causing both young teens to blush. "Ah young love, maybe I'll write a book which features you two."

"Why would I want to be in one of your trashy novels you pervert," Naruto shot back.

"Look here kid," Jiraiya said standing in front of the group, "I don't think you realize who it is you are talking to." Rolling his neck he began hoping on one foot saying, "I'm the Sage of Mount Myoboku. Men fear men and women adore me for I'm the wild and crazy Jiraiya."

All of Team Seven looked at Jiraiya as if he was rather sad and pathetic even Kakashi had a hard time keeping up the act of being a star struck fan. As Jiraiya stood there waiting for some sort of applause or something, Naruto began walking around him telling Sakura, "I can't wait to reach Konoha so we can drop off this Pervy Sage."

Sakura giggled as she followed him. Sasuke also walked past letting out a, "Hn." Wondering how a fool like the one they were guarding could have amassed the reputation he had. Kakashi was last placing a hand on the motionless Jiraiya's shoulder before following his team. A bird screeching overhead pulled him out of his momentary funk as he shouted chasing after them, "Hey was the hopping too much? Guys…aw come on. Don't you know who I am?"

A few hours later the five of them arrived at the town in question. Immediately Jiraiya began chasing after a group of you women. As the older man made a fool of himself, Kakashi said, "Naruto, why don't you keep an eye on our client."

"Me, aw come on Kakashi make Sasuke do it," Naruto complained.

"Well Sasuke and Sakura are going to come with me to get a hotel room and secure it. I suppose I could send Sakura if you want…"

"I'll do it," Naruto said not liking the idea of Sakura being left alone with the raging pervert.

"Well then you better get after him," Kakashi said.

Turning Naruto saw the pervert was gone. Cursing he handed Sakura his pack and took off into the crowd listening for the sound of women screaming. After a thirty minute search he found the man peeping through one of the fences for the local hot spring. "There you are," Naruto said.

No sooner had the words left his mouth then he found the man next to him clamping a hand over jaw. "Shhhh, are you trying to get me caught?"

Naruto nodded his head, causing Jiraiya to say, "I wouldn't if I were you kid. Don't forget I'm a legendary ninja and would be able to get out of here before you. You wouldn't want that pink-haired girl to think you are a pervert now would you?"

Naruto shook his head so Jiraiya said, "Good, now do your job and keep watch for me." Grumbling Naruto did as he was told and listened with half an ear as the Toad Sage began mumbling to himself while writing in a notepad. After almost an hour Naruto was getting impatient, but apparently Jiraiya felt he had enough material and got up.

Once they were far enough away Jiraiya bit his thumb and summoned a large orange toad much to Naruto's amazement. Handing the full notepad to the toad Jiraiya said, "Put it with the others would you." The toad nodded before croaking and disappearing into smoke.

"That was awesome," Naruto said, "teach me how to do it."

"Hm, I don't know," Jiraiya said, "You were kind of disrespectful earlier."

"Please," Naruto said, "Umm, I actually thought your books were kind of good."

"Liar," Jiraiya said, "The sale and reading of my art is prohibited to those under the age of eighteen. Sorry kid, you can't butter me up by telling me blatant lies."

Naruto sighed figuring he knew a way to get Jiraiya to teach him but probably wouldn't like it. Disappearing in a cloud of smoke he reappeared as his Sexy jutsu self and said, "Please Master Jiraiya."

Jiraiya stood motionlessly for a moment before his eyes seemed to pop out of his head as he said, "Ah, she's beautiful. Kid, how'd you make her?"

"This is my sexy jutsu," Naruto said.

"Oh it's sexy alright, you are a certified genius. Alright kid you've got a deal." Turning from Naruto he poked his fingers together saying, "On one condition that is."

"Condition? What sort of condition?"

Giggling perversely Jiraiya said, "That you train like that?"

Dropping the henge Naruto shouted, "I knew it you're nothing but a little perv."

"How dare you kid? I'm not a little perv."

"Oh yeah then what are you?"

"A big one," Jiraiya said, "but besides that. I do sense some small amount of potential in you. So I'll teach you this jutsu once we return to Konoha. But you'll have to keep it a secret. Alright?"

"Even from Sakura?" Naruto asked.

"For now," Jiraiya replied not sure if he could trust the girl just yet.

Naruto was conflicted by that which Jiraiya could see so he said, "My techniques are super secret and can only be shown to those I choose so…"

"I agree," Naruto said not liking it. But the stronger he got the better he would be able to protect his friends. Besides once he mastered them. They would be his and he'd be able to show them to who he chooses one day the first of course being Sakura.

Sakura couldn't wait to get in the bath, although they had been gone for a week, she had been nervous every time she bathed fearing Jiraiya would spy on her. Therefore the last day on the road she hadn't been able too, since they had camped outside. Entering her room, she looked at herself in the mirror before grabbing the hem of her shirt about to pull it right over her head. She spared one more look in the mirror except found that Gaara was occupying it as well. Turning she shrieked and reacting on instinct tried to slug him.

Gaara's sand caught the punch and he said, "Is this how you react to people you claim you want to befriend?"

"It is when they sneak into my room as I'm about to undress," Sakura replied.

"Sakura honey is everything alright," Sakura's mom asked knocking on the door.

"Yeah mom just a spider surprised me," Sakura responded.

"Okay dear," her mom replied heading back downstairs.

Blowing out a breath Sakura said, "Whew, I don't want to think how she would react if she knew a boy was in my room."

Gaara confused asked, "Why?"

"Because that's just how moms are," Sakura said, "isn't your mom like that?"

"My mother's dead," Gaara said. "She was sacrificed to make me into Suna's weapon."

Sakura placed her hands over her mouth cursing herself for a fool saying, "Gaara, I'm so sorry."

Gaara didn't seem to care one way or the other saying, "You've been gone for over a week, where have you been?"

"An escort mission," Sakura replied. "But I was given the rest of the month off. By the way, why have you been looking for me?"

"I was trying to decide whether to kill you or not," Gaara said calmly.

"What did I get myself into," Sakura thought but said, "I take it that you've decide not."

"For the moment," Gaara replied walking towards her desk. Looking at the books on it he said, "Why have you taken an interest in seals."

"I told you, I'm trying to understand more about my friend," Sakura said. "By understanding more about seals I'll…"

"Be able to see whether or not the creature controls him," Gaara said.

"No, I know it doesn't. Just like it doesn't control you," Sakura replied.

"Are you sure, I can hear it you know?"

Sakura's eyes widened but she said, "Tell me. What is it telling you to do now?"

"To kill you," Gaara said.

"But you haven't," Sakura said.

"Because for the moment you intrigue me," Gaara countered.

"That may be, but I obviously don't intrigue the Bijuu. Tell me could you always hear it?" Sakura asked.

"No, it became clearer after my uncle tried to kill me."

Sakura shock her head wondering just how could Suna be so horrible to him, but it proved her point. The seal, even Gaara's seemed to work based on the jinchuriki's will, to keep the beast locked away. Obviously when his uncle betrayed him Gaara's seal weakened enough where the Bijuu was almost a constant whisper in the boy's ear. "Well since it appears for the moment you aren't going to kill me," Sakura said trying to sound flippant but probably sounded nervous, "How about we go out to get something to eat?"

Gaara studied her for a moment before nodding. So Sakura said, "But first can you please leave so I can change my clothes." Gaara disappeared into sand which floated out of the window. Drawing the curtain closed, Sakura did another search around her room just to be sure and then changed.

After telling her mom she would be leaving she met Gaara outside. Figuring she'd take him to Ichiraku she said, "So I heard your entire team made it to the finals you must be happy."

"Why?" Gaara asked.

"Uh, because…" Sakura replied lamely, "Do you not like your teammates?"

Gaara simply looked at her for a while causing her to say, "Should I take that as a no?"

"They are supposedly my brother and sister," Gaara supplied, "But I've never thought of them that way."

"Why?"

"They lived with my father, while I was raised by my Uncle."

"The one that tried to kill you," Sakura said to which Gaara nodded. "Still, I'm sure they care for you."

"They're afraid of me," Gaara said.

"Well not to be mean, but Duh," Sakura said. "I've only seen you twice and you've threatened to kill me both times." Gaara didn't kill her so she guessed it was okay to continue, "I know it's hard, especially since your uncle betrayed you. But if you want to become close to people you have to let them in and not threaten to kill them."

"Sakura," the familiar voice of Naruto said as they entered Ichiraku.

"Hey Naruto," Sakura said happily due to one of the reasons she planned to head to Ichiraku was so Naruto and Gaara would meet. "Gaara, this is my teammate Naruto."

"Is this the…"

Sakura cut Gaara off saying, "Yes, this is the boy that can eat fifty bowls of ramen," she ended her sentence with a chuckle that petered out.

"That wasn't…" Gaara was about to say.

Sakura glared at him in a way that for the first time in his life he believed his existence would end if he finished his sentence. Gaara wasn't sure why he didn't try to kill the girl as a result, but decided to keep quiet.

Naruto for his part said, "You're acting weird Sakura."

Sitting next to him while motioning Gaara to the stool next to her she said, "I'm not the only one. I thought you would have a fit when Kakashi said he'd be taking Sasuke on a mission without us."

"He also said, it was more of those boring escort missions," Naruto said.

"Still Sasuke didn't seem upset which means he's probably getting some special training from Kakashi."

"Yeah, I guess I didn't think about that," Naruto said. "Oh well."

Sakura instantly knew the blonde was up to something due to his dismissal of Sasuke getting special training. Vowing to find out what she decided to drop it for now saying, "Naruto, Gaara's from Suna and is participating in the Chunin Exams. He made it to the final round."

"Wow, you must be pretty strong," Naruto said, "Do you want to spar sometime?"

"Are you testing my existence?"

Naruto looked towards Sakura confused so she quickly said, "No Gaara. Naruto's dream is to be Hokage. Since you made it to the final round he simply wants to see how strong he is compared to you. But he doesn't want to fight you in order to hurt you."

"Wow, do they train that hard in Suna?" Naruto asked.

Sakura wasn't sure, but Gaara said, "No, most do not."

"Okay," Naruto said returning to his meal happily.

Gaara watched the two interact and for the first time in a while began to hope he could relate like that with people. He also was positive that the blonde was the jinchuriki he had been warned of by the spies that Sound had in the village. He also found it a shame that in three weeks time he'd probably have to kill both of them.