Chapter 6

Sakura glared at the small bracelet.

"This thing is sooo stupid! I can't access all my chakra, it's so l-lame!"

She barely had time to roll away from Sasuke's fist.

It had been a few days and they had been training relentlessly. Or at least, Sasuke had been; Sakura, on the other hand, wanted nothing better to do than to just sit around and watch him train. But no, she had to train with him.

"You talk too much."

He huffed as he drove another fist towards her face. Sakura put both hands in front to protect herself. She grabbed onto his hand using her chakra and bent it down towards her side. Her grip on his hand didn't leave.

"Oh c'mon Sasuke you know I'd much rather watch you sweat then having to sweat along with you."

Sasuke used his leg and kicked the side of her face.

'Wasn't expecting that. This boy can be so--not nice.'

"Ugh, Sasuke, that was a cheap shot."

Sakura complained as her butt hit the ground with a thud, pulling him down with her. Sasuke barely was able to move so he didn't land on her.

"Why the hell are you still holding onto me?"

He hollered as he tried to prier her hand off his arm. Sakura beamed up at him, clearly happy that she got to him.

"Because I think you deserve to fall every once in a while. You're always the one still standing when we're sparring so I thought it'd be a good twist."

Sasuke glared at her as he pulled his arm away from her grasp. Sakura couldn't stop the giggle that left her mouth.

'It appears Sasuke is really messed up with the fact that I pulled him down with me. I guess he usually doesn't have this happen, it's good for him. He just needs to realize it.'

"Don't do that again."

He snapped as he dusted the dirt off his cloths. Sakura looked up at him and frowned.

"Well, aren't we mister stick up the ass man."

Sasukes eyes narrowed as he looked at her.

"You're a pain in the ass Sakura."

He grumbled as he began to walk away. Sakura jumped on her feet and chased after him.

"Well, you could always kill me so I don't have to deal with being in this hole. And..." She trailed off, stopping in her tracks. "It would save me from having him touch me every night."

Sasuke instantly stopped walking. His hands balled into fists but he didn't make any move to look at her.

'Why does she have to bring that up? Why the hell do I care? He chose her for his 'plan' whatever that is and there's nothing I can do to change it. I need him still--so I can't ruin my chances for learning more from him. But--she has to deal with it every night. His slimy hands touching her skin, tainting it with his dirtiness.'

Sasuke began to shake from the anger that was flowing through him. He shook his head as he turned to face her.

"You made the choice to stay here. I won't kill you because you chose this life. So now, deal with it."

Sakura's eyes hardened as she starred him in the eyes. Black clashed with green as neither of them broke the gaze.

"How can you just stand by and let him do this to me? I realize that you don't care about me anymore but there has to be a part of you that hates what he does. Why do you stand by and let him defile women like this?"

Sasuke swung on his heels and began to walk away from her again. Sakura looked down at her dirt stained shoes. The sadness entered her eyes again.

'There are times when I swear I can see the old Sasuke, times when he doesn't want to be anything but gentle...and then there are times when he can be so cold and...destructive. How could Orochimaru turn him into this...creature? I wish there was some way I could help him realize that he doesnt have to do things alone.'

Kabuto appeared at her side, causing her to roll her eyes.

"It's time for your daily check up."

"Yeah? We'll tell that to someone who cares." Sakura grumbled.

Kabuto clicked his tongue in annoyance.

"You should be grateful that I'm here to help you heal from the...physical wear."

Sakura gave him a death glare which caused him to smirk.

"Without me you'd probably be in so much pain that you couldn't even walk."

Sakura shrugged her shoulders.

"Not a bad alternative. That way I don't have to train with mister unemotional."

Kabuto adjusted his glasses on his nose.

"Are you telling me you don't enjoy Sasuke's company? Weren't you one of the many fan girls that chased him around back in Konoha? And now you're telling me that you'd rather be withering in pain than train with him? That's a bit shocking, I must admit."

Sakura turned so her back was facing him.

"You need to stick to your own business Kabuto. I have no reason to talk to you, so stay away from me for a while."

"Ah, the wrath of a woman, truly amazing strength it holds. Fine, but if you don't come to my office by eight then I'll be forced to find you, again."

Without another word he popped and was gone. Sakura sighed as she began to put her feet in front of the other. Her stomach was growling. She made her way to the dining hall and wasn't surprised by the whistles that came her way. Ignoring these she picked up an apple.

Taking a bite out of it a Sound ninja walked up to her. The girl looked like she was about to throw something, her purple eyes blazing, clashing with her shoulder length brown hair.

"So, you're the one that gets to be with Sasuke day in and day out."

Sakura twirled the apple around in her hand.

"And? Don't tell me you're one of the many girls that can't help but drool every time he enters the room. And let me guess, he ignores you or glares at you."

The girl stuck her nose up in the air.

"I'm Ariana and I know I could kick your trash all the way back to where you came from."

Sakura sighed as the girl kept talking about how strong she was and bragging about all the missions she had been on and come back from unharmed.

"Great, great, it all sounds fun and exciting but I'm rather hungry and the lunch line is moving, so would you mind watching what's going on in front of you?"

Ariana glared at her and then spun on her heels to walk to catch up to the line. Sakura rolled her eyes as she followed her.

"So, what does Sasuke look like when he's sweating? Is he like totally hot?" Ariana asked behind her hand.

Sakura had the urge to hit her with her apple but she fought it, instead smiling.

"Oh he gets really stinky and he becomes a big pain. He likes to complain a lot, or grunt, and there are times when he gets really scary because the mark on his neck is starting to move..." Sakura stopped herself from talking, taking another bite from her apple.

"Mark on his neck?" Ariana looked confused as she twirled her hair around her finger.

Sakura's eyes widened, apparently the others here didn't know about the curse mark.

"Well...its nothing to worry about, really. It just helps him calm down a little..."

"So then why would it be scary?"

"Because it makes him unpredictable." Sakura answered quickly.

Ariana starred at her for a moment but then shrugged her shoulders.

"All right, I guess I can see why that would happen. I still wish I was allowed to train at the same time he was though."

Sakura listened as she drabbled on and on about how badly she wanted to see Sasuke train.

'And here I thought girls would notice how cold and mean he was. Apparently looks are all that matters when it come to guys. I can't believe I used to be just like them a few years ago. But back then Sasuke was different, at first I liked him because of his looks and then...while we were training together, I was able to see the real Sasuke. And I couldn't help but fall more in love with him. I hate to admit it to myself but...I've never been able to let him go. It makes me mad to hear girls talk about him like this, how great his body looks and how they all wish he would take their bodies. Sasuke is still Sasuke, he isn't going to be interested in girls when he has a goal to fulfill. I wish I could say my feelings will lessen over time but...let's face it. They haven't left yet so they're probably here to stay. Sasuke will never know that he has a guardian angel. Me.'

"You know, Sasuke isn't your type." Sakura spoke up, interrupting Ariana's sentence.

"Wha? Of course he is!" Ariana protested loudly.

Sakura rested her two forefingers on her left temple.

"Okay, let me put it this way, you aren't Sasuke's type. So I'd stop daydreaming about him and find yourself someone else who will give you the time of day. Sasuke won't even look at you if you hit him in the face. Just waste your feelings on someone else."

Ariana looked like she could murder Sakura.

"How dare you! I'll tear you apart right here in front of everyone!"

Then she flung herself at Sakura. The bracelet stung slightly when Sakura called upon the limited chakra she was allowed. She used just enough to propel herself away from the fist that was coming speedily towards her.

"Ariana, I really don't want to hurt you, so let's just leave each other alone." Sakura expressed calmly.

Fire blazed in Ariana's eyes.

"I don't give a shit what you think! You're going down."

Sakura sighed as she shook her head.

"Fine, but don't cry to me when you can't walk tomorrow."

That only caused the fire to burn more brightly in Ariana's eyes. Sakura once again dogged her attack and this time added in a kick that sent Ariana spinning towards the lunch trays. Ariana banged into them causing a big crash to echo throughout the room. As she pulled herself up from the trays she glared at Sakura.

Sakura waved her hand a little, a big grin spread across her face.

Ariana pushed her hair out of her eyes and charged at Sakura again. This time she was able to hit Sakura in the face, causing blood to come from the side of her mouth. Sakura reached up and wiped the blood away, still not bringing her eyes up to look at Ariana.

"You really shouldn't have done that." Sakura said darkly, her left hand clenching into a fist.

Ariana just laughed as she put her hands on her hips.

"Whatever, you big forehead; I mean, look at it! You could fit a whole sentence across there and still have room left."

A vein twitched on Sakura's forehead. All the memories of being made fun of when she was little came rushing back. Her fist began to glow a light blue as her charka formed around it.

"Who could ever think you are pretty, I mean, anyone with a forehead that size should be put to death, just so others don't have to see it every day." Ariana continued to criticize.

When Ariana opened her mouth to say more Sakura was suddenly in front of her. Darkness now set in her eyes as she thrust her charka enhanced fist into her stomach. She smirked as she heard bones crack. Ariana doubled over, clenching her stomach and screaming in pain.

"I believe...four of your ribs broke, you better have those checked out, I'm sure Kabuto would be thrilled to fix you right up." Sakura mocked as she took a few steps away from the fallen girl.

"Next time you want to mess with me make sure you're ready to handle it."

Sakura just noticed all the people that had gathered around to see the fight. She pushed her way through the crowd and stopped short when she saw Sasuke leaning against the wall that led into the hallways. With her head bowed she walked up to him, not wanting to meet his eyes.

"Do I want to know?"

His voice sent tremors down her spine. She instantly started to shake her head. Sasuke looked back at the girl that Sakura had hit. By the way the girl was screaming he knew that she must have used her super strength.

"What could she have said to bring out this side of you?" he mused softly.

Sakura looked at him to see that he was still looking in Ariana's direction.

'Well...he's looking at her now.'

When Sakura didn't reply Sasuke looked back in her direction. He could see the sadness that suddenly entered her eyes, causing them to cloud over slightly.

"Nothing important."

Sasuke was surprised by how much it upset him that she wasn't being totally honest with him. He looked away from her and shrugged his shoulders.

"All right, but I must say, you really have grown."

Sakura half smiled, "I guess so. I really shouldn't have lost it like that...I feel bad, maybe I should go over there and heal her..." She was about to move when Sasuke suddenly reached out and grabbed her arm.

"No, leave her. It'll be a good lesson for her. Now she'll know never to get in Sakura Haruno's way." He smirked at her and Sakura couldn't help but look away from Ariana.

"How much did you see?"

Sasuke leaned his head against the wall.

"Long enough to see your fist basically go through her."

Sakura flinched slightly but quickly composed herself.

"And you didn't do anything to stop it?"

"Why would I? I could tell that you could take care of yourself."

Sakura folded her arms across her chest.

"But I can see that she still got a swing at you." Sasuke replied, his finger pointing at her mouth. Sakura reached up again and noticed that she was bleeding. She opened her hand and placed her palm on it. Her hand began glowing a light green color and soon the cut was healed.

"I let her hit me. I wanted her to think she had the upper hand."

"Ah."

Sakura sighed as she let her hands fall down to her side.

"What are you really thinking?"

Sasuke was momentarily surprised by her sudden question.

"Nothing, I just think that you handled yourself really well out there."

Sakura's eyes fell down to her shoes.

"You aren't thinking I'm turning into a twisted person that lives here?"

Sasuke looked at her, well he tried to look at her but her hair was covering her eyes from his view.

"Why? Do you think that?" Sasuke turned the question around on her. Sakura's shoulders slumped dramatically.

"I would never normally do what I did. Sure I get worked up and I hit people, like Naruto and Sai but...I've never intentionally broke bones before, unless it was in a battle, this was more of a bullying." Sakura explained.

Sasuke shifted the weight on his feet.

"If she was making you upset you had every right to hit her like you did. Don't worry about it Sakura, it's fine."

Sakura bit her lip.

'That's the thing, its fine here. But if I was back home...it would be the worst thing I could have done. I'm changing...and it scares me.'

"Yeah. Well I'm going to go take a nap." Sakura said as she turned towards the hallways. Sasuke didn't say anything as she left. Sakura couldn't help but walk quickly down the halls to her bedroom. She didn't want to see anyone right now. For the moment she wanted to be alone so she could think about what she did.

She flung the door open and slammed it shut behind her. Running to her bed she buried her face in the pillow, blocking out all the noise that surrounded her.

Naruto flipped in the air to land safely on the other side of the gorge. Kakashi followed after him and they both looked behind them at the vast forest below.

"So this is where you brought Sasuke to train for the Chunin exams?" Naruto asked softly.

Kakashi nodded his head.

"This is where we practiced for hours on end. He became very good...I only wish he would have stayed in the village."

Naruto looked up at Kakashi expecting him to venture further into his thoughts. Kakashi turned to Naruto and smiled under his mask.

"But the past is the past and the future is now. There is a lot of work ahead of us if we are going to save Sakura from Sasuke."

"Orochimaru, Sasuke wouldn't take her." Naruto responded without hesitation.

Kakashi sighed, "Yes, yes, Orochimaru."

Naruto tightened his head band.

"Let's go."

Kakashi lowered his right hand as his lightening blade formed.

Sasuke was walking back from Kabuto's office. The girl Sakura had hit in the lunch hall was seriously hurt. Sasuke had a smug look on his face.

'Well it will teach everyone here not to mess with her. She really showed her strength back there. I wish she would be that way while we were training. Perhaps she holds back on me because she can sense I'm doing the same thing to her. I might have to change that...'

Sasuke halted in his steps. Orochimaru was leaning causally against the wall, expecting him.

"I heard what happened in the lunch hall. I wonder what else our little Sakura is hiding."

Sasuke folded his arms across his chest.

"Hn."

Orochimaru smirked as he pushed himself away from the wall and towards Sasuke.

"I thought we agreed that you'd train her. Find everything out that she can do."

Sasuke glared at him.

"Beat it. You don't need to bother me right now."

Orochimaru's smile never wavered.

"Sasuke, Sasuke, you need to learn how to show some respect."

"I haven't showed you any so far so I see no reason to start." Sasuke growled.

Orochimaru clasped his hands together.

"I can think of a reason why."

Sasuke starred at him, waiting for him to go on.

"Sakura. If you don't start showing some respect I can't control what happens to her."

Sasuke shrugged his shoulders.

"I could care less about her."

"Oh, but we both know that's a lie. A part of you would kill yourself if anything horrible happened to her." Orochimaru cut in.

Sasuke's eyes hardened immensely.

"What plan do you have hatching in your head?"

Orochimaru snickered.

"That's for me to know, and you to see."

Then he turned on his heels and started to walk away from Sasuke.

"Oh, by the way Sasuke, I expect you to break her."

Sasuke looked away from Orochimaru's retreating figure.

'Break her...just like I did when I left the village...'

Wow, never thought I'd get this chapter out his fast. I realized i have nothing to do now that Fall semester is done and I don't have that much work. The next couple of days I have a lot of work though...bleck. I need to thank my beta Silver!!! She got me this chapter back 5 hours after I sent it to her. Totally AMAZING! Sakura beat someone up! And not even at full strength! YEAH!!! Totally show her fighting side.

I hope you guys have a very Merry Christmas. Thanks for reading, I hope it's been what you've wanted. Please Review if you have the time. If not thats fine. Take care! I'll update in a few days...or next week. :D