Here we go... :P

It was 4 am and already she had broke a sweat. Liquid trailed down the sides of her face and glistened at the tips of her pink locks. Sakura had gone out to train. She deserved some self attention after all, she was going crazy over these kids. She needed to think of other things now and again, right?

Her gloved hands shattered boulder after boulder, the sound of the explosion drowning out her battle cries. In truth, she was only spazzing over one of her students and she was trying to pretend otherwise. That fierce look he gave her, oh how it haunted her. She didn't even WANT this job, so why did she care what he thought?

Biting her lip, she slammed her heel into the ground, creating a crater that shook surrounding trees. After short breaths for air, she straightened her posture and dusted off her skirt. Wearily she threw her head back and looked at the awakening sky. To her dismay, a shrill chirp filled the air.

"A mission? Seriously?"

"You've completed over 30 D rank missions with your squad. That's all the time I can afford to give you to acquaint yourselves."

"But Tsunade-"

"No more excuses! It's time you learn your place in the shinobi world. They need to trust in your strength and intelligence and no one can prove that to them but you. If you really care about their safety, exposure to danger will only motivate them. They didn't survive where their parents fell by accident."

"..." Her eyes shook as she understood there was no getting out of this one. To be responsible for their lives, for their success or failure...

"Head out by this afternoon. This isn't that challenging a mission so you should return in 3 days maximum. Dismissed."

"A REAL mission?" Naruto grinned and laughed.

"Umumu...Sakura sensei-What rank mission is this?" Hinata whispered.

"It's just a C rank, don't get too excited, loser." The cold voice of Sasuke came, tearing through Naruto's excitement.

Sakura scowled at the boy and propped her hands on her hips, "Well if it's really a piece of cake, we need to head out. Meet me at the gate with a light travel pack. I'll be waiting."

Sasuke didn't meet her gaze. He refused to since that night she saw him. He wouldn't even acknowledge her existence with his usual smug remarks to her pep talks, instruction or insults. He quickly withdrew himself from the gathering to get his things.

The mission description was as follows:

Deliver a package (to be unopened by messenger(s)) to the Hidden Mist. Package need be in excellent condition or reward will falter. Needed ASAP.

Naruto indeed felt let down by such a simple task so Sakura decided to give them turns in holding it. She was constantly emphasizing the importance of the condition of the package and it's relevance to the mission which kept him dramatically cautious. This amused Sakura but kept Hinata at Naruto's toes because he was an apparent clutz. From the very back of the group, Sasuke watched. His eyes were glued to the package like a predator eyeing its prey.

Despite Sakura's efforts to get his attention by walking beside him, he only looked ahead. Of all things Sakura was impatient with, it was his failure to pay her any mind.

Boy I oughtta slug you! Cha! came her thoughts.

It was almost as if he heard her for it seemed that the corner of his mouth twitched. The kunoichi's eyes widened and she leaned closer to him, her body turned in his direction.

This made him grunt and walk sideways so his chest was facing away from her. His eyebrow twitched as she continued to pursue him. They were two stubborn forces butting heads without seeing eye to eye.

Suddenly realizing he had lost focus on the package, he jerked his body too quickly and stumbled forward. Clenching his teeth, prepared to catch himself from falling, he felt a hand at his collar drag him to his feet.

Naruto and Hinata stood watching as their sensei steadied Sasuke till he regained footing. Naruto was tempted to laugh but was more jealous that Sakura was paying him such close attention.

"Idiot, watch where you're going." Sakura scolded the boy as if he were a toddler. His eyes closed tightly and he shrugged her off, heading to the front of the group and taking the package from Naruto.

"H-hey-" he began to argue.

"It's my turn."

Sakura crossed her arms and followed behind the three, her eyes now following him as closely as his eyes had followed the package.

A letter from Sakura

Mr. ANBU

Tell me about it. Without you around I've found I have excessive amounts of time to devote to both paper work and the kids. It's been annoyingly difficult. I feel a drive to understand him... I don't get it-I don't care-why should I care-what's there to gain if he just treats me like a worm? Ugh, well the boss assigned us a mission so I'll have my hands full. Maybe you'll be home by the time I get back? I know you've been working hard but I miss your face. Get home soon :(

Sakura