Notre From Author: I couldn't get the title down below in the middle (computer is refusing to listen to me) so I'm sorry about that. Nothing else of importance to mention.

Rating: G

Clashing Personalities

Five

One day slowly moved into one week and Sakura has come to understand many things. At the top of the list: Naruto is as sweet as chocolate. At the bottom: someone needs to knock Karin really hard in the face so that she knows her place. And that place isn't above everyone else in the school.

Sakura has also learned a few new things like: avoid the gym teacher because he will start ranting about the 'flame of youth' till the end of the day. Also avoid the science teacher for, as many students will say, he is a pedophile.

Within this week she has met a few people that might become her friends in the distant future. Naruto, being at the top of list, is carefree and happy. After him is his Shikamaru Nara, the smartest boy in the school. He's lazy, doesn't really talk, and spends his time looking at the clouds. After him would be Hinata Hyuga. She's unnaturally shy but, when prompted, she can talk about things that she likes although she get red-faced at the mention of Naruto.

Besides them, she hasn't really met anyone worth to mention.

But now, standing in front of the school with Karin gripping the front of her shirt and fist pulled back in preparation to hit her, Sakura feels overly helpless. The fury in the red-head's face is enough to force her blood to freeze in her veins and for her heart to skip a beat.

And all that she can think is, Another beating…

And as the fist closes in on her, her eyes close, and she waits. Nothing happens.

She cracks her eyes open to see a slender hand with painted nails holding onto Karin's wrist. The bangles that fight for space on the other girl's wrist are a variety of colors and then, "Really, Karin, I thought you had more fire than that. Its obvious forehead here isn't a fighter. Why torment her?"

Sakura turns her attention to the newcomer but only see the back of her head and the long, golden hair that is pulled up in a high ponytail. From the way she is dressed it is easy to see that the girl has plenty of money to spend: her clothing is designer made. What brand – Sakura does not know.

"Go on, Karin, let her go." The hand fisted in her shirt loosens, tightens, and loosens again before finally releasing her.

The moment Sakura's feet touch the ground, she stumbles, and trips. She lands roughly on the ground. She stays there, unsure of what to do, but frowns when she sees a nasty glare on Karin's face. Said girl turns and leaves.

Then the blond turns around and bright azure eyes meet with her emerald. At first she thought she was looking at the female Naruto, but now, there is nothing in resemblance.

"You okay?" the girl asks and Sakura nods.

"What are you, mute?"

"No." Sakura takes the offered hand and lets the unnamed female pull her up.

She dusts off her skirt, the red and black plaid, before smoothing her shirt. She looks up when the girl asks, "So, what's your name?"

"My n-, oh, It's Sakura. Haruno, Sakura." She introduces herself.

"It fits. Pink hair – cherry blossom field." The girl laughs before saying, "Oh, by the way, I'm Ino."

Ino.

Sakura lets a small smile come onto her face.

Ino is a pleasant name. One that she is sure that she will like.

"Thanks."

Ino shrugs but says, "I'd be just like Karin if I stood by and did nothing. The little whore needs someone to deflate her ego. Might as well be me."

Sakura, to her amazement, agrees wholeheartedly.

I had to repost this and it keep Italic-sizing everything. Then I had to delete it. Repost it twice (ugggg) and repeat the process till it worked...Sometimes, I had this stupid thing.

But that's another story.

Anyway, sorry it was reposted twice.

I really am.

And thank you - the one who told me. You know who you are.

Anyway, if you get the time, review.

~CideaForever