Later as punishment, Sakura and Ino had to do some errands for Kakashi Sensei. While Ino was making copies, Sakura was throwing out recyclables. As she walked through the halls her arms grew heavy. Suddenly, she was knocked into someone, sending papers flying everywhere. As she picked up the papers she realized that is was Sasuke. As he bent down to pick up the papers Sakura exclaimed,
"Oh I'm so sorry I didn't look where I was going!"
"Naw it's nothing." He said "Oh Sakura have you seen …." Sasuke paused staring at the pendant hanging from Sakura's neck.
"Have I seen what?" Sakura asked tilting her head slightly.
"Oh, no … It's nothing! ….Um …. Never mind!" he said, still gazing at the pendant as he walked away. Confused, Sakura shrugged her shoulders and continued walking. As she rounded to the back of the school to dump the recyclables, she felt someone shove her, causing her yet again to drop the papers, it was Karin!!
"Look you, you'd better not get a swelled head just because you've got opening and closing shifts with Sasuke this week!" Karin yelled with rage, shoving Sakura into the wall knocking the wind out of her.
"You'd better watch it Haruno or I'll give you a good beating!" Karin said, walking away. Sakura stood there for a while trying to catch her breath. Slowly she picked up the papers in silence from anger and fright.
"Karin did what to you!?" Ino exclaimed.
"For the third time she shoved me into a wall, threatening to beat me if I got close to Sasuke!" Sakura said annoyed from repeating, as she rubbed her shoulders.
"Hinata, can you believe that!?" Ino said turning to the raven haired girl.
"Sakura, you should tell the principle! I mean she's your aunt, she'd totally help!" Ino said turning back to Sakura.
"I can't, that would be an abuse of power! Plus I have you guys to protect me!" Sakura gestured with a smile.
"Ugh!" Ino sighed "Fine, but just be more careful next time, okay!?"
"Be careful about what?" Naruto said popping into the conversation.
"None of your business dobe." Sakura said coarsely.
"Aw come on Sakura, your secret's safe with me." Naruto said.
"No! Now leave me alone!" Sakura yelled.
Later in class….
"So what happened?" Naruto whispered.
"Naruto, I said leave me alone!" Sakura yelled.
"Aw come on, tell me I want to know!" Naruto yelled back.
"I said that it is none of your business!" Sakura exclaimed, steamed.
"Ahem." Ino said impatiently.
"Hang on Ino." Said Naruto "Please Sakura, I beg you!"
"Fine I'll think about it." She said.
"Yes! Thanks Sakura!" Naruto said running back seat.
"Are you sure about this?" Ino said warily.
"Believe me I am sure." Said Sakura.
It was now very late and everyone had gone home. As Sakura was closing the library, she listened to the sound of heaters humming away. Suddenly the lights flickered out and the heaters fell silent, all was quiet and dark except for some orange light that dimly filtered through the window. Then there was a pulsating beat, like a heart, its beats loudly filled the room and Sakura's ears. Looking around, she realized that it was coming from her. Looking down she saw that the pendant was glowing a peculiar color. Suddenly the beat grew louder and louder until it was deafening and all she could do was stare. Sakura then noticed something in her pocket, pulling it out she looked at it, then the beats stopped. All there was, was dead silence. Look down at the pictures, she realized that they were the same pictures from that morning. As she was looking a cackling filled the silent air. Then a raspy voice called out" The jewel, give me the jewel!" the voice growled. Suddenly something grabbed Sakura's shoulders, she screamed out of fright turning around to face it seeing... it was only Sasuke.
"Geeze! I didn't mean to scare you... Sakura are you okay?" Sauke said, concerned. Realizing that she was crying Sakura wiped her tears, gripping the pictures in her hand.
"Hey guys watch' ya doin'?" Naruto said popping his head in. "Huh? Hey Sasuke! Did you make Sakura cry? Cause' if you did your in for a world of hurt!" Said the angered blonde. Sakura tried to speak up but wouldn't stop shaking.
"N-No Naruto, I'm okay. I j-just got a little scared w-when the lights turned off." Sakura managed to say.
"Hmmm.... Really?" Naruto said still unconvinced. Sakura nodded wiping her tears.
As they finished closing the school they each started going their separate ways. Sasuke grabbed Sakura's arm holding her back. Sakura watched as Naruto disappeared around the corner. Turning around, she glared at him in confusion an annoyance.
"Sakura, are you really okay? You seemed really scared back there." Sasuke said concerned.
"Y-Yeah I'm fine, I was just a l-little freaked that's all." She said as Sasuke stared at her. As he loosened his grip, Sakura pulled away and said,
"See you tomorrow? Sasuke." And walked slightly in a hurry.
"Kay' just be careful." Saske said walking in the opposite direction.
"Be careful, okay?" Sakura thought "Bur for what?" That she would find out all too soon.