Story: The Keeper.

Series: Naruto.

Summary:

Due to a malfunctioned summoning scroll, Sakura finds herself sent into back in a time where Sasuke is still innocent. As she tries to undue her mistake her reason for returning grows less every day she spends in a life where everything was simple.

Chapter name: Playing tourguide.

Word count: 871

{A/N;;Much like in my story "Smolder," inner Sakura is almost never heard except in extreme situations or for a good comeback. Her rants are in Bold. –S.s

Sakura's first day of class was certainly eventful. The moment she walked in the classroom she deftly avoided the whole new dirty chalkboard eraser trick and this alone amazed her new students. Apparently added to the fact that she was already familiar with their names and habits made Sakura an instant hit.

During recess Sakura made sure to pay extra attention to little Naruto, and even shared her lunch with him. It was kind of painful to watch how the other kids segregated him, and even worse to realize she used to be one of those kids. If only she could turn back time and talk sense into little Sakura… but she had promised herself not alter time too much. After all loneliness in the beginning was what made Naruto so strong later on in life.

After school Sakura watched every child be picked up in a timely fashion save for one; Naruto. By this tender age he already had accepted that there would be no one to walk him home. Dark rain clouds were on the horizon, and it was cold today with whipping winds. Grabbing her umbrella, she decided to treat little Naruto to a dinner of his favorite ramen. With her simple gesture, the blonde's whole face was alit in happiness, "Domo arigatou Sakura-sensei! I haven't eaten Raman in days!" Sakura laughed lightly as this, and laced the boy's small fingers into hers as they walked towards the raman stand.

After his third bowl, the blue eyed boy looked with scrutiny at Sakura and said, "You know you're nothing like my Sakura-chan."

Sakura laughed at this, "Oh really? Do tell!"

"You actually seem to care, and are super strong too. But I still like my Sakura-chan!"

"That's good; I wouldn't want her to get too jealous."

"She's not like that. She's very sweet and cute but likes that stupid-head Sasuke over me!"

Sakura rolled her eyes at the ceiling, because this was a rivalry that had started early on, "Well, I'm sure she'll come around. And even if she doesn't like you now, it's better to be a friend than a boyfriend for now."

"You're really smart Sakura-sensei just like my Sakura-chan. You both even have pink hair!"

"Well, I wouldn't say were too alike, after all, I'm quite a few years older than her."

Naruto looked down at his empty bowl mournfully at this, and then replied, "I guess so. Do you think that maybe we could do this again sometime?"

Sakura nodded slowly letting a small smile grace her lips. "Of course Naruto-kun, I'd love nothing more than to have ramen with you as much as my wallet can support."

"Wow, you really need a boyfriend."

The pinkette huffed visibly annoyed at this, "Hey, I've dated plenty of guys, in fact Itachi Uchiha even asked my out tonight!"

"Really, what time?"

"Oh shit! I forgot!"

Thus after dropping Naruto back at his house Sakura ran full speed towards the Uchiha complex, the heavy rain soaking her to the core. She arrived at the door dripping and sneezing and rang the doorbell. Itachi eyes drifted down her frame and finally their up to her own eyes before he replied, "I'm not even going to ask why you're late Sakura-sensei. But I do know that the tour of the village may have to be down sized to a tour of my bedroom."

Sakura's eyes widened at words as fought the urge to blush. Inner Sakura was not nearly as tactful, "Shannaru! I'll take up in his offer anytime day or night. Actually nighttime activities are usually my favorite, if you catch my drift."

Not thinking Sakura spoke out loud her retort, "Shut that's disgusting, he's Sasuke's brother, you twit."

Itachi looked mildly confused but an amused smirk alit his features, "What do you think is disgusting, Sakura-sensei?"

Sakura gasped mortified at her words, "Er…nothing. Anyways don't call me that!"

"Why ever not?"

"Cause it sounds wrong that's why, I'm not your teacher."

"Hmm, really? It seems I've learned that most pink haired girls are crazy, what with talking to themselves."

Sakura fought the urge to punch him, knowing that that would be bad protocol, "Shut up and invite me already!"

Itachi's amusement seemed to grow as her embarrassment did, "Of course, princess, anything you say. Please do come in to our humble estate. Father and Mother are out to dinner with Sasuke, so you'll have to suffer my presence alone."

Inwardly Sakura cursed, "It's going to be a really long night."

{A/N;;See two chapters in two days that's pretty fast. More reviews might just speed it up even more 3 Yes, I'm shameless, but I really love your guys feedback. :3

-S.s