I don't own Naruto.

Chapter 8: Sparring

Waking up at dawn, Sakura prepared breakfast for herself while she considered how much she should reveal to Neji during their spar. She knew that her insane strength was not an option. Her genjutsu was in; of course, she would need to time it because of Neji's byakugan. Taijutsu was fine as well considering she had a unique combination of Kakashi's and Gai's fighting styles, one Neji wouldn't recognize too quickly. As she was thinking, Neji came in and sat to eat.

"Good morning, Captain." Sakura said and all she got was a nod in return. As Sakura turned back to her breakfast, Neji got lost in his thoughts, about two different medics. Neji still couldn't shake the feeling of familiarity of the medic sitting across from him. There were certain habits that she had that reminded him of someone. In fact, the more he thought about it the more she reminded him of Sakura. The problem was Neji couldn't tell if he was projecting his feelings for Sakura onto this medic because of the way he and Sakura parted before he left Konoha or if this medic just stirred something in him. He had never felt this way before and to feel the same for this medic as he does for Sakura just confused him.

Sakura. She almost constantly invaded his thoughts. He had left Konoha rather abruptly, and considering the circumstances, he wasn't sure how his relationship with Sakura stood. Then there was his clan. Sakura had impressed his family and he was sure that the elders were sitting back in Konoha planning their wedding. But would there be a wedding? Could he trust her again? Neji shook his head; he wasn't even going to think about that right now. He came to get away from that, and that's exactly what he was going to do. Maybe the medic across from him could provide him with distraction.

"Medic, let us move to the dojo and begin the spar." Receiving a nod Neji stood. "I was told that your genjutsu and taijutsu are excellent, and that the main purpose to this training is to improve your ninjutsu." Assuming her role Sakura addressed Neji.

"That is correct, Captain. As a medic I have found myself in need of long-range ninjutsu capable of keeping enemy ninja at a distance while I heal."

"Understood. For today, I want to test your taijutsu and evasion skills. Genjutsu will not be used seeing as my byakugan will be activated. After we are finished, I would like to discuss your chakra affinity and control."

"However you wish to proceed." Neji did not respond but walked to the center of the training area and activated his byakugan. Sakura held her breath hoping that this would not turn out to be a quick experiment. And she didn't think Neji was ready to confront her yet. When Neji made no comment, Sakura stood across from him and bowed. Neji bowed in return and their spar began.

The two sparred for about an hour, neither ninja showing their true abilities. Neji testing the medic by making her move and attacking when he saw a weak spot. Sakura for her part stuck with using her speed and the anticipation techniques she learned from Kakashi, Gai, and Tsunade. Neji was impressed with her speed and reflexes. She's almost as good as Sakura. As soon as the thought crossed his mind, he ended the spar. Sakura pulled in her attack when Neji abruptly called a stop to the session. Worried she had somehow slipped up, she stared at Neji intently, surprised when he seemed to be completely lost in his thoughts.

"Captain, would you like to get some water and discuss this match?"

"Yes, let's go. Your taijutsu is definitely up to par, and I will trust your genjutsu is as well. Assuming your chakra control is above average, what is your chakra affinity?"

"I have two – water and earth." Sakura stated simply, but that simple statement made Neji stop in his tracks.