Chapter 3:

Of Tricks and Training

A light breeze drifted across Konoha, gently jostling the leaves of the ancient oak trees and stirring the nearby lakes to form soft waves. The evening air was warm, stubbornly defying the autumn season it sustained the heat that cracked the dry earth, easing the once vibrant, green grass into a wallowing brown.

Surrendering to the plaguing heat, the petal haired nin had peeled off her customary red top, revealing the black bandeau that covered her chest bindings. As the cool breeze gently kissed her skin, Sakura sighed in relief. Basking in the dying warmth of the sun, the medic nin carefully laid back against the softness of the grass, settling for what would no doubt be a long wait for her team. A team that, as each frustrating training session passed, arrived later and later.

Lazily easing a kunai out of her thigh holster, Sakura languidly began to throw the sharpened weapon in to the air above her head, deftly catching it again as it descended towards her. It was a talent Sakura had carefully honed in the weeks since she had been assigned the new team.

Idly, as Sakura adroitly caught and calculatedly eased the kunai into the air, she reflected on the distinct lack of progress that haunted the recently formed team's practices.

Unofficially dubbed Team Zero amongst Konoha's ninja ranks, it was generally accepted that the squad was more likely to self destruct than successfully complete a mission.

Emerald eyes narrowing in thought, Sakura pondered the problem that was her new team. So far, practice had been devoid of the vicious brawling Sakura had thought it would divert into- the reality was much more maddening.

The team members clashed in a spectacular fashion. Genma flirted, Sasuke brooded and Kakashi mostly attempted to retreat into an Icha Icha induced stupor to escape the generally depressing reality that was Team Zero.

Training sessions were awkward- each day the members mechanically completed the exercises set by Kakashi but it was devoid of the smooth cooperation and creative innovation expected of high ranking cells. All of this, interspersed with the Sasuke's arrogant insults and Genma's glib remarks, caused Sakura to dread each practice.

Frowning slightly as Sakura was forced to reach for the errantly thrown kunai, Sakura privately doubted that the team would ever, even vaguely, resemble the teamwork and trust of the other squads.

Inwardly cursing her devious Shishou, Sakura was resigned to spend the rest of her active career with the malfunctioning team- she doubted they could ever meet Tsunade's requirements.

Generally, Sakura sought to ignore both of her teammates, figuring that they might eventually tire of their competitive routine. Unfortunately, this resulted in her shutting out even the occasionally useful advice that her teammates offered, such as move. Like the memorable moment Sasuke's kunai accidently missed its target and imbedded itself in Sakura's thigh. At the time the medic had been too preoccupied assessing Kakashi's sharingan to heed Genma's warning. Just recalling that incident encouraged a barely noticeable twitch in a delicate, pink eyebrow.

Finally, to complete the pathetic picture that was Team Zero, Genma seemed to provoke the sort of competitive idiocy in Sasuke that was normally reserved for Naruto. This led to spars that increasingly resembled all out battles and forced Sakura to reluctantly patch up her teammates afterwards. More often than not, the med nin was known to refuse, leaving the senseless nin to limp the distance to the hospital. Sakura refused to encourage these spars by patching up the nin afterwards.

Sakura frowned, oddly enough, Genma generally managed to outmanoeuvre the Uchiha- relying on his ability to outrage Sasuke to the point that Genma could easily, almost uninterestedly, outwit him. Naturally, this only served to further outrage Sasuke and, combined with Genma's pointed comments, only encouraged the frustrating circle to continue.

Stupidly, Sakura had relied on Kakashi to intervene between the other two nin. Instead that permanently aloof Copy Nin seemed more incline to determinedly ignore the increasingly brutal spars.

Sakura was valiantly hoping that Tsunade would eventually give up on this unique and entirely unproductive punishment, recognising that it was only wasting the talents of some of the villages most skilled shinobi. Unfortunately, the Gondaime had quickly resolved the issue, occasionally commandeering one or two of the nin to complete side missions in different squads. Really, Tsunade had done a stellar job of refuting every excuse Sakura could think of to avoid the painful reality of Team Zero.

Carefully following the fall of the kunai, Sakura's musings were interrupted as the weapon was speared from her right. Disinterestedly, emerald eyes tracked the silver flash above her head, following weapons' trajectory into the trunk of a nearby tree. The senbon quivered slightly from the force of the throw that speared the circular indent in the handle of Sakura's kunai.

In the same instant, Sakura whipped her hand to her hair, uncovering the senbon used to tie her hair in a loose bun, she swiftly threw the weapon where she assumed Genma approached.

Nonchalantly, Sakura turned her head to follow the projectile's path, quietly thinking that the team dynamic may be sightly smoother if she hadn't tried to turn her teammate into a pin cushion.

Genma easily caught the weapon, quickly placing it between his lips he smiled crookedly. "Thanks, kitten."

"Genma." Sakura acknowledged, surveying the older nin. Unfortunately, Sakura had yet to discover a way to unsettle Genma; all of the medic's efforts were efficiently deflected, more often than not to the embarrassment of the kunoichi.

Sakura quickly deduced that the senbon now impaled in the tree was the one that normally rested between the older nin's lips. Grudgingly, Sakura admitted it was an impressive feat. If Genma never talked, she could perhaps admire his skills.

Retrieving another senbon from her thigh holster, Sakura nimbly used it to pin up her hair.

"Any sign of the others?" She inquired mildly, returning her gaze to the sunset streaked sky.

Genma shook his head, moving to sit with his back against a nearby cluster of rocks. Shuffling around until comfortable, the nin eased his arms behind his head, relaxing like a contented cat.

"None were on a mission," Gemna helpfully supplied. "Shame really, I was hoping I could get out of this... there's this kunoichi from Sand-"

Sakura resisted the urge to roll her eyes- he always had to add that little extra.

Genma lazily deflected Sakura's second senbon, noticing the cascade of her pink hair as it settled around her shoulders. Contemplatively assessing the kunoichi Genma could easily admit that she looked incredibly appealing as she bask in the sun- too bad she didn't always wear such scant clothes. Recognising the concession to the weather, Genma languidly wondered whether the next few days would be similarly warm.

Returning his thoughts to the kunoichi regarding him mutinously from emerald green orbs, the shinobi could hardly deny the attraction of Sakura. Too bad about the Sasuke hang up, the violent temper and her ill-disguised dislike for him, he thought humorously.

There were few women Genma felt were off limits, but he easily put Sakura in that category- there would be nothing easy or casual about being with her. Then there was the combined wrath of the Copy Nin, the Kyuubi jinjuuriki and the no doubt jealous Uchiha. Poor girl had no hope really.

As her eyes narrowed further, Genma belatedly realised he may have been caught out staring at her.

"Did you cut your hair?" He asked quickly, recognising that distraction would be vital here.

All he received was an incredulous, albeit suspicious, look before she snorted disparagingly.

"No Genma, not for a month or two."

"Really, because-"

"Kakashi-sensei." Sakura greeted unenthusiastically as the third member of the squad arrived.

Although Sakura could not deny her relief that she had been spared from more irritating interactions with Genma, the Copy Nin's arrival was, without fail, soon followed by Sasuke's. This would then signal the beginning of the slightly tragic farce that was Team Zero's training.

Sakura resisted the urge to laugh as Kakashi failed to summon even an detached hand wave in greeting. Apparently, the team's lacklustre performance was finally breaching Kakashi's persistence aloofness.

As expected, the Uchiha flickered into existence, blanketing Sakura and the nearby Genma in the smoky remnants of his transportation jutsu.

"Kami forbid him having to walk to training," Sakura muttered, startling an appreciative laugh from Genma.

Sweetly, Sakura smiled at the red-tinged glare directed towards her.

Genma's mischievous brown eyes eagerly observed the two, no doubt hoping for the usual antics to emerge.

Kakashi sighed pointedly.

Failing to garner the attention of the squad, Kakashi astonishingly slid his beloved Icha Icha Paradise back into the pocket of his flak jacket. Immediately, three pairs of eyes snapped towards the jonin.

Rubbing the back of his neck sheepishly, Kakashi resisted the urge to defend his avid appreciation of Jiraiya's "classic literature."

"We will not be training today," Kakashi began, instantly brightening the countenances of the members of his squad. "There is little that can be achieved for this squad from traditional training methods, instead, I thought we would have a nice team discussion." A lone eye crinkled in delight as the same squad members visibly drooped.

"What is the most important attribute of a squad?" Kakashi pointedly questioned.

"Teamwork." Sakura replied dutifully, almost dreading where the team captain was going with this.

"Good Sakura-chan." Kakashi responded slightly patronisingly, ignoring the medic's beseeching gaze as he ruffled her hair affectionately.

"And how are we going to escape these charming training sessions?"

"Teamwork." Sakura could virtually hear the pout in the Uchiha's tone.

" I don't know," Genma volunteered ponderously, "I don't think I'm ready to leave you guys yet."

The senbon wielding nin smiled as five eyes glared mutinously at him.

Predicatively, Kakashi didn't deign to respond to that ludicrous statement. "Excellent! And how will we achieve this?"

Silence greeted Kakashi's latest question.

Perhaps everyone is suffering from shock now that Kakashi is finally attempting to teach, Sakura thought sardonically.

The minutes ticked by. Apparently, Kakashi was going to be regrettably stubborn on this one, Sakura recognised.

Typically, it was Genma who broke the stretching silence.

Turning his attention to the lone kunoichi on the squad, Genma allowed his gaze to drift suggestively. It had been a dull session the brunette mentally shrugged, it was about time to make it a little more interesting.

"I think I've figure out a way Sakura and I can bond. I've always wanted to see if the rumours were true..." Genma trailed away delicately, leaving little question as to where he was leading. Eyes bright, he interestedly waited for Sakura's response, and that of her teammates.

Sakura momentarily froze. Preparing to unleash her typical violent response, a soft huff of amusement broke her concentration.

"They are, don't waste your time." Sasuke of course. Fighting the urge to wilt, Sakura's mind darted for a way out of the embarassing situation.

Genma had averted his gaze sheepishly- he probably didn't expect Sasuke's remark to be quite so insulting, Sakura recognised.

Abruptly standing, Sakura glared deliberate anger, striding towards Genma she moved so her long legs to each side of the nin's own outstretched pair. Predictably, Genma tensed, sitting up from his place of rest against the rocks, he readied for what he assumed would be some sort of retaliation.

Inwardly, Genma almost regretted his comment. He had hoped to be a spectator to the antics, rather than have the kunoichi unleash her anger on him.

Quickly assuming a sweet, almost coy smile, Sakura slowly dropped to her knees. Gently easing her weight down on the nin until she straddled his thighs.

As brown eyes widened in startled shock, Sakura forcibly stifled her laughter- finally, she managed to one up Genma. Swiftly, she removed the senbon perched between his lips, nimbly moving the weapon between her fingers.

Stubbornly ignoring the not uncomfortable warmth emanating from the nin beneath her, Sakura gazed at Genma unflinchingly.

"Maybe you're right Genma," Sakura cooed softly, moving her lips next to his ear she moved her hips suggestively against his own.

Genma recovered quickly, casting a glance at his startled teammates through a curtain of pink hair. The unmistakeable scent of cherries and something uniquely Sakura cloaked the nin. Taking as much advantage of the situation as he could, the older shinobi moved his hands to circle the medic's waist, steadily inching his right hand higher. Revelling in the soft skin revealed by the summer heat, Genma didn't fail to notice the goose bumps that arose underneath his touch.

Resisting the urge to smile at the pink haired medic's response, brown eyes returned to meet the slightly darkened green pair.

Smiling slightly, Sakura rose onto her knees, forcing Genma to look up at her, her gaze unconsciously drifted to his lips. Emerald eyes flickered in uncertainty before hardening her resolve. Biting her lip, Sakura slowly moved her hands up Genma's chest, murmuring appreciatively as she felt his muscles ripple underneath the thin fabric.

A pang of desire shot through the kunoichi. Sakura forcibly suppressed the brief sense of panic- rationalising her body's unwanted response, the medic recognised that it had been months since any man had touched her.

"Should we move somewhere else, Kitten." Genma suggested, sliding roughened hands to her hips, no doubt in response to the spike of chakra behind them.

Ignoring the three eyes piercing her back, Sakura shook her head slightly as moved her hand to rest behind his neck.

"I think I'm fine here." Sakura whispered, the slightly innocent uncertainty surprisingly appealing for the jaded nin.

Steadily, bright brown eyes drifted shut as Sakura cautiously closed the gap between them. Soon, a calloused hand moved to rest gently against kunoichi's face, encouraging Sakura's movements

Just as her lips ghosted across Genma's, the nin tensed slightly, blearily recognising the unmistakeable signs of gethering chakra.

It was too late.

Sakura sent a small spike of chakra into the nin's neck.

Genma slumped unconscious.

Sakura caught him reflexively, easing him back against the rocks before he accidently hurt himself. Sakura's actions were harmless, with a carefully controlled amount of chakra, she had temporarily disrupted Genma's chakra pathways.

Sakura smirked victoriously, turning her gaze to the stunned remainder of her team.

"There Kakashi, I think I am beginning to see how we can best function as a team, shall I knock Sasuke out too?" Sakura offered in a saccharine sweet voice.

Kakashi blinked owlishly at Sakura before shaking his head in consternation. Poofing out of existence, recognising that not even he had the patience to continue today. Admittedly, her couldn't blame the kunoichi, nor hide his appreciative smirk.

Satisfied, Sakura returned her gaze to Genma. He would wake in around five minutes which meant that it was time for the kunoichi to leave, before her inward embarrassment overwhelmed her. Hopefully Kakashi wasn't too mad at her, she would have to apologize to him later, Sakura conceded.

Nodding to Sasuke, who remained slightly stunned by the turn of events, Sakura gathered her stray senbon and left the training grounds, an unmistakeable grin lighting up her face.

Blearily, chocolate brown eyes opened. Briefly confused by his location, the events of Team Zero's latest training swirled around his head.

Laughing softly, Genma reluctantly admitted that Sakura had surprised him- twice.

He should've known there would be a trick lurking behind her actions but he had never expected her to go that far. A comical disbelief threatened to engulf his face as he recognised that he had been seduced by Haruno Sakura.

And then knocked out cold by the same woman, he admitted grudgingly.

It had been worth it, he conceded it easily. He found himself unwittingly admiring her actions, it seemed she was slowly return to her pre-Sasuke self. Albeit a slightly more jaded and pithy version.

Contemplatively, Genma mused that either the medic was a much better actor than his knowledge of her suggests or she wasn't as unaffected by the encounter as she would have hoped.

Smiling wolfishly, he absently fiddled with his senbon, wondering just how else the kunoichi could surprise him.

Gracefully, he stood up, wondering where that charming Sand kunoichi could be. Stretching, he found no ill effects of Sakura's chakra. Content, he ambled off the training grounds towards the Hokage tower. It seemed a reasonable place to start his search.

BREAK

Wearily traipsing down one of Konoha's busiest streets, Sakura felt the familiar pang of regret as she automatically followed the most direct route to her home. Normally, it wouldn't bother Sakura but her shift at the hospital had culminated in the arrival of a critically injured ANBU team. Three of the four man squad were threatening to bleed out in the emergency ward entrance as Sakura responded to the frantic calls for her assistance.

The men survived.

Sakura had been forced to send a request for Shizune's assistance in order to quickly deal with the critically injured shinobi. Even with the combined efforts of two of the village's preeminent medic nins, hours had passed before the nin could be classified as stable.

Nearing chakra exhaustion, Sakura had failed to take into account her appearance before trudging through the village on a Friday night. The acrid stench of blood, sweat and hospital antiseptic clung to Sakura. Her pristine medic uniform was splattered with blood, once again assaulting Sakura with the glaring impracticality of the pale colours that comprised the skirt and blouse of the hospital staff.

Raking her hand through her delicate pink hair, Sakura unwittingly caught a glimpse of silver as she walked passed one of the various bars that littered the central district of Konoha.

The kunoichi faltered, identifying the unmistakable hair of her team captain. Resigned, she recalled a recent conversation with her shishou.

Unsurprisingly, news of Team Zero's latest training fiasco had reached the Hokage Tower. Thankfully, the details hadn't filtered through to the Gondaime, only the recognition of another abruptly shortened practice session.

Sakura could readily recall the rebuking glint in the amber eyes of her mentor.

"I had, have, high hopes for this squad, Sakura," Tsunade began firmly. "The combination of talents is unique. Without difficulty Team Zero- yes, I am aware of the name- could become one of Konoha's most valued squads.

Sakura could almost feel herself wilt before the Hokage's eyes. The rebuke was clear- this was far more significant than Sakura's, and the rest of the squad's, personal issues. It was a matter fundamental to the efficient use of the village's resources.

Privately, the medic doubted the team would ever become a full time squad but she could easily see the Hokage's perspective. Konoha was always searching for versatility within their ranks and new team formations- it fostered the village's reputation as progressive whilst allowed Konoha to accept missions whose outcome could not be readily attributed to the village.

It was Team Seven's only downfall, Sakura abruptly recognised. Naruto was always improving but his involvement in the mission was generally hard to disguise. Although, Kakashi and Sasuke's techniques were equally unique.

Subtly, viridian eyes narrowed- wondering if the Hokage's motives were a little more hidden.

"Don't let me down, Sakura."

The Hokage's words jolted the medic. There was now little doubt that this was more than a particularly vindictive punishment from Tsunade.

Nodding resolutely, Sakura resolved to do what she could to ensure the team's success.

Sighing, Sakura mentally pushed aside thoughts of her warm and welcoming bed. Although a few days had passed since the travesty of a training session, Sakura had yet to find Kakashi and apologise to him. Mostly, Sakura had been hoping she would stumble across her sensei in the Hokage tower or near the training grounds, therefore sparing her the chore of locating him herself.

Unfortunately, this was the first glimpse of him.

Muttering darkly to herself, Sakura fervently hoped Tsunade appreciated her efforts.

Despondently, Sakura pushed aside the cracked wooden door of the bar, resolving to apologize to Kakashi and then quickly escape before other social interaction was required.

"Ino would be so proud," Sakura muttered sarcastically.

Lazy wisps of smoke clung to the sealing, the combined smell of cigarettes permeated the air of the darkened room.

Resisting the urge to lecture a group of what looked like chuunin on the dangers of smoking, Sakura quickly moved to the secluded area near the window where Sakura had caught a hint of Kakashi.

Grateful for Kakahi's unique appearance, a soft smile crept across Sakura's face as she sighted the slouched form of her masked sense. A grey eye peeked over the pages of his orange book as he waved a greeting to her.

Immediately, Sakura pushed her way through the crowed bar to reach the booth.

"Sakura-CHAN!"

Abruptly, a vision of orange engulfed Sakura in a crushing hug.

So much for leaving unnoticed, Sakura thought dully.

"Naruto!" She laughed genuinely- nothing could brighten her countenance quite like her blonde brother.

"Sorry Sakura," he smiled sheepishly, "I haven't seen you in ages though!" Still loosely gripping her shoulder's he stepped back slightly.

Analytical blue eyes darted across the kunoichi's dishevelled appearance. "Rough shift at the hospital," he surmised.

"Ugly, there is blood in your hair."

Naruto laughed lightly, as Sakura visibly resisted the urge to snap at Sai. "Yes, Sai. I just finished my shift at the hospital."

Nodding in understanding, the artist frowned in consternation. "Should you be here then? Your chakra is depleted, I think you should be resting." Sai's tone was unsure, black eyes appealed to Naruto for confirmation before returning to the tired medic.

"Thanks Sai. You're right, I just need to talk to Kakashi quickly." Sakura replied in a heartfelt manner- Sai really tried to help them as he could.

Sai smiled brightly. Well, at least Sai's latest version of a bright smile- he was getting better though.

"Nice Sakura." Naruto said appreciatively. "Wasn't sure you could pull off that level of tolerance tonight, you sure your alright?"

Sakura nodded, already returning her attention to her wayward sensei.

"I'll be fine Naruto. I'm about to leave anyway. Lunch tomorrow?"

Naruto beamed. "Sounds great. I'll see you at noon. Ichiraku?" he finished hopefully.

Nodding, Sakura readily agreed. It had been a little while since she had been able to properly catch up with Naruto. Being on separate teams combined with Sakura's increasing hospital times made meeting each other difficult.

"Everything fine at the hospital, Sakura." Kakashi's eyes hadn't left his much loved book, but the slightest hint of concern entered his normally laidback tone.

"Yeah," Sakura began, forcing the Copy Nin to shuffle along the seat as she perched herself on the edge of the booth. "Squad of critically wounded, all stable but it took a while."

A comfortable silence enveloped the pair. Slightly guilty over her behaviour, Sakura fidgeted restlessly.

"You don't need to apologise, Sakura." Kakashi casually remarked, correctly interpreting Sakura's concern.

Astonishingly eyeing Kakashi, Sakura raised an eyebrow questionably. "Just a guess," he replied easily, "but I spoke to Tsunade-sama."

"Me too, I think Shishou's up to something, Kakashi-sensei."

The masked nin nodded affably. "Probably," he conceded, turning his attention to his books. "Ah, before I forget, training is tomorrow at six."

"Can't wait." Sakura responded drily. "I better go now, thanks Kakashi-sensei."

Lazily, he followed her hand as she reached across to lightly touch his forearm.

"You should know better than to try to hide injuries from me." She rebuked gently. A light flare of mint green chakra lit the table as she soothed the fractured rib.

"You were sitting slightly to the left." Sakura said by way of explanation.

Stretching as she stood, Sakura recognised the toll the brief healing session had taken on her already dwindling chakra reserves.

"I should really go now, thanks again Kakashi. I'll see you tomorrow."

Not waiting for a response, Sakura quickly made her way towards the exit. Finally allowing herself to envision her own bed, Sakura relaxed.

Just as Sakura ventured towards the door, an undoubtedly masculine hand gripped her arm.

Wrenching the hand off of her as she spun around, Sakura immediately regretted her action as she felt the first signs of dizziness.

Groggily, Sakura tried to focus her gaze. Idly noting that there were two Genmas looking down at her in a concerned fashion.

Gritting her teeth in anger, Sakura eyed him furiously. "I'm exhausted and I need to sleep. What do you want Genma?"Abruptly remembering her promise to her shishou, Sakura rubbed her eyes tiredly. "Sorry Genma. It's just been a long shift at the hospital."

"It's alright, Kitten." Genma replied tentatively, apparently not trusting her quickly changing moods. "I'll leave you, I can see you need the rest."

Nodding, Sakura turned, unintentionally bumping Genma as she left. "Sorry," she mumbled again.

"You need me to help you home, Sakura?"

Genma could see Sakura was almost completely drained of chakra- almost anyone could see it as the medic visibly swayed on her feet.

"Thanks, Genma but I'll be right." Imparting a tired but nonetheless genuine smile, Sakura left.

Uneasily, Genma watched her move out of the door, carefully negotiating the steps. Shaking his head, he set off to find Kakashi. He knew they were friends- hopefully the stubborn girl would accept his help.

Ambling across the slowly emptying floor, Genma quickly found Kakashi.

"Sakura?" Kakashi questioned expectantly. Putting his novel away, the Copy Nin looked questionably at Genma.

"Yeah..." he trailed off, not quite knowing what to think of his encounter with her. "She's almost dead on her feet, why did she..."

"'Cos she's Sakura." Kakashi said by way of explanation. "Normally she's alright but she needed to find me and recognised an injury I got on a mission yesterday."

It was left unsaid that there was little point in arguing with her.

"I offered to help but she declined."

Kakashi laughed softly. "She probably wouldn't want to inconvenience you. I should go after her now. Thanks for letting me know."

Quickly, Kakashi left.

Privately, Genma didn't think he'd seen Kakashi move that fast outside of a mission. The girl probably had few friends, but there were dedicated.

Genma shook his head. Sakura was so full of contradictions- she was volatile and unpredictable but would easily drain herself to exhaustion for her strangers and teammates alike. She was compassionate.

It seemed he still had a lot to learn about his new teammate.

Genma shrugged, he could think about that tomorrow. Moving back through the crowd, his attention soon drifted to more... fundamental things.

1. Thank you all for your support, I can't say this would have been updated without you all. So PLEASE review it will not only make me disturbingly happy but will motivate me to update sooner. Subtly bribing face as opposed to the utterly boring :)

2. I would love to hear your thoughts on the chapter, if you are at all confused by the lay out please let me know. I have switched the point of views up a little, if you were a little lost at times tell me so I can change it. Love to hear your thoughts on characterisation as well!

2. For those that are interested, I am half way through the update for To Be Surprised and about a third of the way through Vanguard.

3. Yes, there are two 2s.

4. Stay safe and happy reading/writing, hopefully you will all hear from me soon!

5. I am still searching for a beta for this story. I would love to hear from anyone, this is mainly for editing and grammar purposes. Otherwise, if readers notice any typos or faults, feel free to PM me and I will do my best to fix it. I try my best to edit, unfortunately, I tend to miss some errors.

El