It had been three months since Naruto and Sasuke returned home. Three more months and their punishment would be over. A lot had taken place. Tsunade informed them a week after they returned, that the Chunnin Exams would take place soon. Hinata finally confessed her love for Naruto. He in return, got over Sakura and fell into a deep love with Hinata. Ino and Shikamaru were still going pretty steady. Neji and Tenten were starting to talk about engagement. The love in the air put extra pressure on Sasuke and Sakura to get together. However, they went at their slow pace; wanting to build their friendship.

With Naruto and Sasuke constantly training to be Chuunin, Sakura would sit and watch them. At times, she would be called to handle emergency shifts or to go on missions. Most of her time was spent with them. Sakura felt safe, but began to feel neglected. She would offer to help spar, but they still saw her as the weak Gennin they left behind. It hurt. The pain had begun to deepen. They should have taken better care of her. Everything was connected, they were just too oblivious to notice it. Or perhaps, they wanted not to see. But their actions had set forth a chain of events, that would only cause them more pain.

Sakura was walking to the training grounds when she abruptly stopped. She quickly dashed to the side of the bridge she was on. Blood poured out of her mouth like a fountain. Internal bleeding she surmised. She didn't think her control was good enough to try and heal herself. She tried anyways. Surprisingly, her control didn't give out on her. Sakura thanked God.

Sakura ran into Hinata on her way to the grounds. Neither girl spoke except for the usual morning greeting. They both were just enjoying the good morning air. Finally reaching the clearing, Sakura saw something that would weigh her soul down. A girl was sparring with both boys. She had long black hair and blue eyes. She was not just pretty but gorgeous in fact. Her fighting style was good, she seemed strong. Sakura recognized her. Taka Nami. Nami was the top of her Gennin class. Sasuke and Naruto stopped noticing the girls' arrival.

"Morning Sakura-chan. Good Morning Darling!"

Hinata giggled and bid her boyfriend a good morning. Sakura mumbled morning, it was the best she could do. Naruto smiled and ran to Hinata's side. Sasuke returned to training with Nami. Naruto smiled at Sakura. She smiled back. If Sasuke had paid more attention, he would have saw.

"So Nami is now in your cell?"

"Yeah. Kakshi-sensei said we needed a third person to take the exam. We were surprised to hear Sakura had already advanced to Chunnin."

Sasuke stopped and looked at his pink friend. He motioned for her to come his way. Sakura slowly made her way towards him and Nami.

"Spar with her. I want to see how much you advanced."

Sasuke went over to Naruto and Hinata leaving a gaping Sakura in his wake. Nami quickly moved into fighting stance. Sakura shook her head no. Nami smirked, but no one saw. In one quick movement, Sakura flew back into the tree. Hinata gasped. Naruto looked worried. Sasuke scoffed. Sakura stood.

"Weak."

It didn't go unnoticed by anyone. A void covered Sakura's eyes. Her bangs covered her eyes so no one could see. Nami quickly followed up with a kick to the abdomen, but Sakura blocked it. Her hand encircled Nami's ankle. The grip was strong enough to make her wince. Sakura was on the verge of breaking. In the corner of his eye, Sasuke saw Hinata toss something to Sakura. In the blink of an eye, Sakura tossed Nami across the field. She went flying through several trees, before she slid to a stop. Sakura quickly advanced. When everything came to a stop. Sakura stood with her fist in the tree Sasuke was leaning on. His eyes had widened in surprise.

A chuckle came from above them. Naruto and Hinata looked up to see Kakashi. However, Sasuke was still looking at Sakura with wide eyes. Something deep inside began to tear. Hurt spiked through his body. He didn't know it at the time, but the pain was connected to the hatred in her eyes. Her eyes were the window to her soul. It's a pity he didn't realize it.

"The Hokage has asked for you Sakura-chan. She says it's important and to rush over."

Sakura slowly pulled back. Her fist leaving the dent in the tree. Loose bark fell from her contact. Her hand caught his eyes. Sakura currently wore battle gloves. It must have been the item Hinata tossed to her. Sasuke never saw her put them on. Sakura nodded to Kakashi before disappearing in smoke. Sasuke let go of a breath, he didn't even know he held.

"I would be careful if I were you." Kakashi stated seriously. "She's not the Gennin, you left behind."

Sasuke sank to the ground because his knees no longer supported him.

She fell to the floor with a grunt of pain. He towered over her with a whiskey bottle in hand. He roughly grabbed her by the chin.He spit in her face. He snickered with amusement.

"You, an Anbu? Don't make me laugh."

He shattered the bottle against the wall. The shards flew in many directions. He still grasped the top with it's ragged edges. She began to try an inch away. He slammed it into her leg. She screamed in pain. He kicked her in the ribs.

"Don't you walk away from me!"

He repeatedly kicked her until the alchol consumed him. Only one name escaped her and that name would never reach that person's ears.

The next morning, Naruto and Sasuke were to meet Tsunade at her office. Being as rude as he was, Naruto walked in without knocking. Both boys received a view they soon wouldn't forget. Sakura was sitting on a stool with no shirt or bra. Tsunade was healing what appeared to be broken ribs. Scars covered Sakura's flawless skin on her back. It was the only part that was marred.

"Sakura-chan what happened?"

Tsunade threw a vase which connected with Naruto's forehead.

"Can't a girl have some privacy?"

Both boys blushed and turned around quickly. Sakura slowly got up and redressed. She grunted in pain. She wobbled a bit and Tsunade steadied her.

"It was just a rough mission Naruto."

Naruto turned around, as did Sasuke.

"What mission?"

Tsunade and Sakura exchanged looks. Sasuke could basically figure out they weren't about to get the truth.

"Classified Uzumaki..."

"What!?"

Sakura began to leave only to be stopped by her teacher's voice."

"You can't continue like this Sakura."

Sakura left without an answer back. The boys looked at Tsunade awaiting an answer. She sighed and sat in her chair.

"What did you need?" Sasuke asked, impatient to get out and follow Sakura.

"Don't even think about it Uchiha-san." Tsunade's order came out icy.

"Both boys looked at her in wonder. They never really heard Tsunade so cold before.

"You need to leave her be. Anyways, the reason I asked you here was to let you know that the papers are in order. As of today," Just then Kakashi and Nami entered. "As of today, Haruno Sakura is no longer apart of Team Seven. Taka Nami has become her official replacement."

"Wait! What?" Naruto shouted.

Tsunade sighed and looked at Kakashi in exasperation. "Didn't you tell them?"

Both Sasuke and Naruto glared at their nervously chuckling Sensei.

"Um, I was trying to find the right moment."

"What did Sakura say?" Sasuke asked worried to hear the answer.

Nami looked at Sasuke hurt.

"That it was your decisions since she had no right to argue."

"What?" Sasuke roared. He immediately dashed out of the office, the door banging against the wall.

"Ooh la la, Teme's in love." Naruto sang.

Nami did not look pleased.

Sasuke was quickly running down the most likely road Sakura would take to the hospital. Upon arrival, Sasuke didn't once run into her. He made his way into the building and up to the information desk. Looking at the log, Sakura had not signed in yet. Sasuke quickly ran out and went to the park, the second most likely place she would be. Sure enough, there she sat on a bench watching a squirrel right in front of her. The fuzzy animal was nibbling on a peanut Sakura had given him. As Sasuke approached, the squirrel's ears perked. He quickly shoved the other peanuts into his cheeks and ran off. Sasuke smirked at Sakura's cute look of disappointment.

"Aw! The big bad wolf scared it off."

"Big bad wolf?"

Sakura smirked. "Don't you agree?"

"Sakura." Sasuke sat next ot her, while she turned her whole attention to him. "Why did you come here to rest?"

Sakura shrugged her shoulders. "I don't really get any at home."

Sasuke who had strectched his arm out across the back of the bench, pulled Sakura's head to lay on his shoulder. "You need to rest. You've been looking run down."

Sakura couldn't say anything. She didn't realize that Sasuke had took notice of it.

"How..."

"We're friends right?"

Sasuke never recieved an answer as Sakura slept on his shoulder.

"Mother!"

Sakura ran down the stairs and into the kitchen. She needed to leave on a Jounin mission. Some of her weapons and scrolls were missing. Her mother always knew where she threw her things. The kitchen was empty. Sakura scratched her head in confusion.

"I'm out back dear."

Sakura followed her mother's soothing voice into the back yard. Sakura leaned on the railing watching her mother take down the laundry.

"Shouldn't you be resting mother?"

Her mother giggled. "Don't worry dear. I'm fine now."

"Mother, you're not just lying to me as your daughter, but me as your doctor."

She sighed. "I just have a little more."

Sakura sighed too. "Fine, but then rest. Have you seen my mission equipment?"

"On the kitchen counter. Are you leaving again?" She questioned with a pout.

Sakura smirked and went inside to gather her belongings. "Yeah!" She yelled out. While picking up the objects she grumbled under her breath. "I need to keep occupied while they're gone."

Something falling to the ground caught her attention. Sakura walked out. What caught her eye had her dropping everything in her hands. Quickly, Sakura rushed to her mother's side. Trying to remain calm so she could clearly assertain the situation, Sakura turned her mother's body over. Checking the pulse to find it slow and faint, she did several handseals and disapperead with her mother. Rather than reappearing in the hospital, they appeard in the Hokage's office. Tsunade dismissed everyone in the room, and moved to Sakura's side.

"What happened?"

"I don't know. She said she was fine, but she did look tired. I assumed it was from all the medication."

"Anyone would. Help me move her."

Both women moved Mrs. Haruno onto the couch. Tsunade pumped chakra from her hand into the unconscious woman. When Tsunade opened her eyes, Sakura knew what it meant. Tsunade stood when she saw the mother coming around. She left to retrieve Sakura's father. Her emerald eyes met her daughter's in joy. The smile faded seeing the overwhelming sadness in Sakura's. She bowed her head so her mother couldn't continue to read her soul.

"Sweetheart..."

"Don't! You're about to leave me just like them."

"Sakura."

She waited patiently, but Sakura continued to refuse to look at her mother. Sakura's hands tightened into fists in her lap. Mrs. Haruno smiled peacefully.

"They'll be back then."

Sakura looked at her mother in surprise. Haruno-san took her daughter's hand. Her eyes drew heavy.

"I'm sure you'll be fine."

She shut her eyes and took one last breath. A tear ran down her cheek as the door to the office was thrown open.

"Okaa-sama..."

Sasuke turned to Sakura in confusion and then in worry, seeing the single crystal tear run down her cheek. Sakura's dazed eyes opened and looked at the world in front of her as if it didn't exist. Sasuke's voice calling out to her woke her up completely. Sakura looked at Sasuke with confusion as he brushed away the tear. She blushed ashamed.

"You're still a crybaby Sakura."
Her blush deepened. Her watch beeping alerted Sakura, she needed to go to the hospital for her shift. Sakura quickly got up to go but Sasuke's hand encircled her wrist. She looked back at him with confusion.

"Why were you okay with the permanent replacement?"

That's when Sasuke saw something in Sakura snap and the anger in her eyes shocked him.

"What makes you think I was?"

His hand tightened. "Don't lie to me Sakura. Tsunade told us you didn't care."

Snatching her hand away, her glare intensified. "True, maybe I don't. I have no right due to the fact that you and Naruto left without my opinion, so why is this different? Also, it's Hokage-sama, Uchiha-sama." Sakura disappeared before Sasuke could say or do anything.

Her father came busting through the door, a worried Hokage right behind him. Sakura was sitting on the ground clutching her mother's chilling hand. Tsunade placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder, but he shrugged her off. Quickly walking over, his hand roughly yanked on Sakura's shoulder. He sent her crashing into the opposite wall.

"Sakura!" Tsunade called out to her student.

Sakura stood as Tsunade made it to her side. They both looked over to Mr. Haruno cluching himself to his dead wife's body. Rocking back and forth in a soothing motion, he was mumbling to himself.

"What did you do? What were you thinking?"

"Otou-san...""

"Shut up!"

They stood in silence as he continued to clutch to his wife's body.

Sakura came out of her thoughts when someone knocked on her office door. She bid whoever in. Kakashi popped his head in. Sakura waved him in, yawning with boredom. Kakashi stood in front of his old student with pirde. By the stupid grin on his face, Sakura knew that he knew.

"So you know."

"I know. Anbu," Kakashi whistled. "Quite impressive. When did that...?"

"Six months ago." Sakura tossed a case file onto a larger one. "Are you here for something Kakashi-san?"

Kakashi's eye widened in surprise. The cold bite in her voice surprised him. The hardness in her eyes sent shivers down his spine. He shook his head no. Sakura waved her hand towards the door, obviously gesturing to him leaving. He left trying not to anger her anymore. Sakura sighed when the door clicked close. She closed her eyes and could still remember her mother's peaceful death face. Sakura leaned back and tried with all her might to make it leave.

Three days; her father had not been home in three days. Sakura stood in the living room, when the sound of footsteps caught her ear. She stood at the ready until the sound of someone fumbling with keys put her at ease. Sakura opened the front door to her intoxicated father. He couldn't focus on Sakura at first, but when he did, he caught her by surprise. She was thrown back a bit when he made a whiskey bottle shatter on her head. He proceeded with encircling his hand on her throat and having her crash into the wall. Pictures fell and shattered on the floor.

"You..." Sakura could smell his sour breath. "it's all because you were born."

Sakura's eyes widened in surprise. He threw her to the floor. Sakura coughed for air while rubbing the soreness on her throat.

"If only hadn't been born!"

Sakura couldn't stop her father breaking a wood chair on her. It was the first time her father raised a hand against her.

Tsunade emptied yet another bottle of sake despite Shizune's pleas. She couldn't help it. All the rain that was coming down was making her gloomy. Thunder and lightning cracked the sky, and Tsunade finally noticed the pink haired medic in the doorway. She made her way over to her. Blood instantly caught her eyes. She rushed the rest of the way. Sakura collapsed in Tsunade's arms as the blood mixed with rain water, making it all pink.

Sakura came out of it and she instantly became confused. She stood outside the hospital. Sakura looked at the entryway where Sasuke stood in his usual stance. He opened his eyes and saw Sakura finally aware of her bearings.

"Finally awake?"

"Yeah?"

Sasuke smirked, but it quickly faded remembering why he was here.

"Sakura."

"Yeah?"

Sakura now stood in front of him.

"This hatred you have towards us..."

"I don't hate you guys."

"You do."

"I don't."

"Yes, you do." Sasuke bit out. "Whatever the hell you are going through might be tough. I won't deny that, but just because we left you here, don't blame it on us."

Sasuke turned to leave, but her voice called him back a bit.

"I don't hate you or Naruto."

"Don't keep lying to yourself."

Sakura could hear it clearly. It was like someone was tearing her heart shred by shred. Sasuke should have looked back. Sasuke should have stayed. But when he did glimpse back, he lost the small window that had been given to him. Hope had given him one last chance, only to have him walk by it. Sakura ran as fast as her feet could take her. She found herself in front of Tsunade, on a unused path. Sakura collapsed to the ground. She knew who it was. Her father was tearing her wings apart. Feathers rained down with blood, and all that was left was pain.

Review Reply:

angel2559: Yeah... Don't you know already?
Manga: Leave them alone. They might suspect already.
Anime: And just don't want to say.
(glares at muses) Anyways, thanks for the review.

belle2990: (snickers) You called Naruto clueless.
Anime: Well he is!
(snickers) Still funny...
Manga: Baka.
Rude! Anyways thanks for the review.

Freedomstar999: I'll try. Thanks for the review.

Gothic Saku-chan: Haha. Hopefully it will be up today.
Manga: (glares) It was supposed to be up last night.
(sighs) Leave me alone. Anyways thanks for the review.

Pineapple Fizz: Haha. I loved writing Naruto saying he's the better bird. And yeah this is will be ending in like two chapters. I might write a one shot for later. I haven't really decided yet.
Manga: Yes you have.
How do you know?
Manga: Where do I live?
...good point. Anyways, thanks for reviewing. And whine all you like everyone else does.

sequha: Ok. Thanks for reviewing.

tenshi, the light of hope: I have no idea if that is wrong or not. (shrugs) Just don't hold your breath. You might die until the next chapter update. (sweatdrops) This story doesn't have enough readers as it is. So don't die.
Anime: Do you really think they would kill themselves for you?
(big eye stare) I hope not. Thanks for taking the time to review.