The sky had grown dark and the sounds of the wildlife around them echoed in their ears as they sat by a small fire. Sakura was watching her students intently, her gaze casted on each and every one of them in quick flickers. It revealed a mix of paranoia and caution. She would not let a single thing go wrong-she was a perfectionist AND she was responsible for their wellbeing...

Hinata was already asleep beside Naruto, who was rocking in place anxious to do something. Sasuke never gave up the package when his turn was over and this made Naruto grumpy. How could he prove useful to Sakura sensei if he was cheated out of his turn to shine?

Sasuke of course, didn't seem to care, nor was his objective clear. Sakura was sure it wasn't an act made to impress her, especially with him still ignoring her every move.

They had maybe an hour or two left of travel as long as they stayed on the same path so she expected to make their destination by tomorrow morning. Naruto began to snore with his eyes half open and Sakura couldn't help but giggle. The defiant young man clutching the package stole a glimpse at her profile. Her smile made his jaw tighten...

She turned to look at him and arched a brow, her arms crossed and her lips pursed. Sasuke lowered his gaze to his lap.

She sighed and stood up. Her shadow drew closer to him as she approached. Refusing to look up he growled, "What?"

A gloved hand reached out and pinched the skin of his cheek, it hurt. Sasuke flinched and did his best to glare at her through one eye. Sensei loomed over him, her hair in her face yet her bright eyes clear as day shone right through the thick locks.

"Listen here, I'm just as new to this as you are, so why don't you cut me some slack and cooperate a little?" She let go and snatched the package away. With her back turned to him she added, "Now get some sleep or you'll be vulnerable to attack tomorrow."

Watching her settle down with her back to a tree, he rubbed his cheek and rolled his eyes. What did it matter? No one would attack them on a low ranked mission! This drama bomb was annoying and spoke just to hear herself... or so he thought.

Sakura awoke to the smell of rain. It was something she enjoyed... but wait-she was still outside! She clutched the package and drew it beneath her arm as she glanced around checking to see if it had already rained. The ground was still rather dry and the embers were still in tact. Her alert eyes fell upon the younger ninja laying nearby. Hinata was close to Naruto and Sasuke had fallen asleep leaning against a fallen tree.

He looked tense, even while trapped in the realm of dreams... She hoped the little schmuck was having nightmares! Cha! Rubbing her eyes with a closed fist, she called to them, "Hey... twerps-time to wake up."

Naruto snored but Hinata obediently rose and nudged the blondes shoulder. "Unn...Naruto? S-sensei said to wake up..."

Sasuke was also still asleep. Sakura grunted and stepped on Naruto's hand on her way to scold the miscreant. Naruto woke in pain with a yelp and Sasuke opened his eyes at the sound of the cry. Impulsively he lunged forward-catching hold of a long and slender neck.

Sakura choked as her air way was pinched shut, her eyes dilated as they studied the dark eyes of her student. She could feel it... pain... fear... loneliness... all put forth in the weight of his gripping fingers. Sasuke suddenly took on a look of alarm and let go of her. After taking a few steps back from her he managed to utter a sound of shock, unable to find words.

Naruto and Hinata were astonished and looked at each other unsure of what the appropriate reaction was...

The beautiful woman they called sensei raised her head as she lightly stroked the bruised flesh of her neck. Her eyes were heavy and faded. From the corner of her eye she looked directly at her attacker. There was no hate, or anger... it was a fierce gaze that seemed to look right through him and it made him shiver.

"...Sakura sensei?"

The pinkette broke her gaze to look at the blonde now tugging at the end of her skirt. His eyes showed worry and anger that was obviously triggered by Sasuke.

"Ahhhhhem..." she coughed as she cleared her throat and reached down to pick up her backpack. "Let's head out before the rain comes. We can't allow weather to jeopardize the condition of the package."

"Ah-yes ma'am!"

Sakura refused to acknowledge what happened. She was trying to take his advice and back down. Maybe she was pressing him too much... Getting in his face about her own hurt pride was exactly what she would have naturally done but this time something was forcing her to withdraw herself from the situation.

Sasuke kept his head hung low, more in a childish manner as opposed to aggravation. He wanted to busy himself with something like the package but it was in her possession now. It had been maybe an awkward 2 and a half hours...

"Huh?" Hinata stopped and turned to face the dark huddle of trees at their side.

Sakura furrowed her thin brows and waved a hand for them to continue forward. She assumed her position behind the group, keeping a careful eye. To her dismay she wasn't careful enough for Naruto tripped over an invisible wire that launched kunai from above.

Hinata and Naruto were swept off of there feet with a low kick that forced them to dodge, delivered by none other than Sasuke. Sakura was furious. She would not allow them to walk away injured! They were her responsibility.

The kunoichi tightened her gloves and punched the dirt ground with a loud, "CHA!"

Her students watched as the ground gave way and burst into the air, revealing three enemy ninja who were obviously surprised to have been found so easily.

The enemy ninja lashed out at the obvious superior with extendable iron claws and chains. She was a formidable fighter, her taijutsu and chakra control was hard to counter at a close range so they spread out around the 4 leaf shin obi. Hinata looked to Naruto and Sasuke. They all simultaneously nodded in agreement. They had to help.

Sakura turned and tried to make them retreat but remembered what Tsunade had told her. They survived because they too were strong. It was about time she'd get to see them in action. After all she had to protect the package.

Naruto multiplied instantly into 10+ shinobi and ran in all directions taking them on face to face. Sasuke lunged at the one closest to sensei with a flurry of kicks. Sakura was anxious to see the Hyuga take action but saw that she was already heaving. Was she ill? Her breathing was heavy and she clutched the bandage that covered her missing eye. Maybe she wasn't strong enough to channel the chakra through one Byakugan...

"Hinata-" Sakura called.

She nervously looked to her sensei and cried, "Watch out!"

Sakura turned only to be shoved back by the thrown body of Naruto. She managed to stand her ground and helped the boy to his feet. 2 of the 3 enemies were beaten to a pulp. The third had escaped when he threw Naruto.

Sasuke cursed under his breath and dusted off his pants. How could she allow one to get away? Some leader!

When he approached the team he held his tongue. Sakura was crouching over Hinata. Her hands were glowing as she held a hand over the girl's eye.

"I'm s-sorry-sensei..." Hinata uttered.

"It's not your fault..." Sakura said with a warm smile. "After all- you saw more than enough without your Byakugan to save me."

Hinata couldn't help but blush. Naruto was kneeling beside them and watched Sakura. She was so kind- so welcoming. Watching her smile made him smile too.

Sasuke got annoyed seeing that loser snuggle up to her... What a ham.

Sakura helped Hinata to her feet and tilted her head seeing Sasuke staring. This time she caught him dead on. He didn't have time to react so only continued to stare waiting to see her next move.

She stretched and picked up the package, "Alright, we have to pick up the pace if we wanna make up the time lost." She tossed it to Sasuke, "You're the fastest, right? You can lead the way. We'll be right behind you."

Sasuke caught it, rather surprised and nodded before leaping up into the trees.

"A chuunin sensei, hm?"

"Y-yes mi'lord... And she seems more concentrated on her students than on the mission..."

"Ahhh... so she's new to it? I'll greet them in town. Good work."

"Unnn, thank you mi'lord."

Team Sakura had made it to the village. They were actually in high spirits. It was a silent celebration but they all were sincerely happy to have almost completed their first mission together. Sasuke didn't linger, he entered the village wanting to be the one to have the success of the mission. Pride issues.

Sakura shook her head seeing this childish behavior and annoyingly scrunched up the blondes hair that was right beside her.

"Owwww-sensei..." Naruto whined and scooted away from her.

"Thank you," she chimed.

He blushed, "Huh?"

"You were really helpful- no matter the seriousness of the mission. I'm glad I can count on you, Naruto kun."

Naruto grew bubbly, Naruto kun?! Sakura sensei... you're too much.

She helped Hinata along and followed Sasuke. It was strangely quiet... a ghost town almost.

"Sasuke- Sasuke wait a second!" She called feeling uneasy.

He waved a hand at her, already catching on to something be wrong. He wasn't worried though. If it was the same punk as last time, he would love to be the one to deliver the beating.

The enemy ninja from before appeared behind Naruto and screeched in his ear making the boy stumble forward. Hinata caught him and helped him up. "Naruto-"

Sakura turned to help but was interrupted by the sound of the package hit the ground, "Gyuuh!"

"Sasuke?!"

A large man sculpted with muscles and short spiked brown hair had the boy in a head lock. "What a puny boy! GAhahah!" he laughed.

Sakura felt her stomach sink. Her students were being attacked and she was caught in the middle.

"Sensei!" Naruto called.

She looked at him, alarm in her eyes. When she saw him she was stunned. He and Hinata were grinning at her confidently.

"We can handle this guy! Sasuke can handle a beating but I don't like the way he's looking at you."

Sakura gave a crooked smile. "Looking at me? I'll give you something to look at, you pig!"

Sasuke was squirming to land a blow but found the grip around him was gone when he caught scent of strawberry scented shampoo close by. Sakura had nailed the enemy right in the head with one of her deadly punches.

The ninja staggered to his feet, holding his head and looking very angry. "You bitch!" He growled.

Sakura was standing in front of Sasuke defensively and muttered, "Go help them. I'll handle this."

"Pfft, you kidding?" he cleared his throat and half smiled, "I can't let a weak girl like you show me up."

She clenched her teeth and glared at him, "Boy..."

"Quit flirting with that child!" the ninja scoffed and advanced on them.

Sakura turned pink and drew out a kunai. She took him on face to face. Sasuke attacked from the side and rear. Being smaller than him gave them edge.. that is- till he split into two copies of himself. The big arms of the men together hooked them both and threw them down onto the ground. Sasuke landed on the knee of one of them and cried out as his ribs were crushed. Sakura pleaded as she was restrained, "Nooo! Not the boy-"

Sasuke was pounded into the ground with a heavy fist. Sakura screamed in rage and with her hands, broke the mans forearm into two, his bone and flesh exposed making him cry out in shock and agony. His form melted back into the original who immediately snatched Sakura up by the ankle and slammed her into the ground repeatedly.

She waited till the swing got her close enough to his head and swiftly planted her kunai between his eyes.

The man fell on top of her, lifeless and heavy. Her face was marked and bleeding but she was more concerned for Sasuke and the others. She could hear foot steps coming towards her and begged, "Please-check Sasuke!"

"I'm fine... Sakura."

She blinked the water out of her eyes only to see her student looming over her, his face showing pain as he examined hers. He had rubble in his hair and a few cuts but she didn't forget the damage to his ribs. She tried to sit up to help him but flinched in pain. Sasuke reached down and dragged her out from under the corpse.

His sensei got onto her knees and grabbed him by the shoulders while he had been crouching to see if she was okay.

"..." he swallowed, worried she'd yell at him.

And she did. :D

"Idiot! If you want to help me you can't get hurt like that!"

He rolled his eyes.

"You know how bad this'll look?! I'm new to this! I'm new to you! I'm an untrained mentor-I'm not perfect-I'm not-"

"You're a mess."

"What?"

"...nothing"

She smacked him so hard his face dug into the dirt and she wiped her blood onto the back of her wrist. Naruto and Hinata were running to them to see if they were okay.

She wouldn't look at him... It was crushing... But then again-why would she after that episode back at the camp or after the fight? Shoot- he probably looked like a fool after he was beaten up so easily. They had stayed at the village for an extra 3 days to recover. Sasuke's ribs, Naruto's ankle and Sakura's back were in shambles so they were in no condition to travel immediately after the mission. They were on the road back towards the leaf and Sasuke was walking beside her but by choice. He didn't know how to start up a conversation with someone he felt so defensive around. It was awkward and annoying. He had no obligation to apologize to someone he refused to call sensei. With his hands in his pockets he sighed and looked up at the greying sky.

A drop splashed against his cheek awaking him from his daze. Was it finally going to rain?

Sakura scowled up at the dark sky. Well- at least they were home.