Chapter 8 The deadly cherry blossom

Disclaimer: I don't own Naruto so stop it already

Konoha (three years later)

The leaf village was still the same as always the streets were always crowded and the workers were busy as usual, however there have been a few things different and pretty noticeable. First they have finally carve Tsunade's face in the Hokage mountain faces proving that she was the fifth Hokage, and a lot of ninjas have finally achieve new ranks becoming quite strong and skillful. Those ninjas who were part of the formal rookie nine have finally been promoted Shikamaru aka lazy genius became a jounin along with the Hyuga prodigy Neji the rest have all become chunins.

A certain pink hair kunoichi have left the hospital from her usual shift she was going to take a break after working hard, her life in the hospital was not easy since she has become the best medic in the village after her master she was always working hard. Haruno Sakura sighed in relief glad to finally be out of the hospital she was now sixteen and a chunin, although Tsunade has been thinking in promoting her to jounin but she doesn't know that yet. In the past three years her physical beauty has improve looking more beautiful than ever, she has ignore that some of the young boys in the village have been keeping their eyes on her but she pay no attention to them because she has other important things to think about than looking for a boyfriend. She still had her pink hair short shoulder length and her body hasn't develop over the years nothing much to offer but she was still beautiful in the eyes of the young boys, her forehead was still big and no one hasn't dare to tease her because they all knew the consequences for that action will be a very painful death. She was wearing something different from her usual genin clothing (AN not going to describe it her Shippuden outfit), as for her skills her medical skills have increase and improved greatly and her strength well let's just say that it rivals her master Tsunade.

While walking the streets of the village she smile at all the villagers being a happy person even if most of her friends were worry about her, they knew of her vengeance to kill a certain Uchiha expecting that she was going to turn into a cold emotionless machine but they were wrong. In three years her personality has change for the better she was now kinder and open minded to others, she was now bolder with a lot of courage and she was more dedicated to her friends. She has also acquired a few of Naruto's traits first she was now saying believe it often and she has become quite addicted to ramen, she never knew it how delicious it is and now she has become Teuchi's and Ayame's number one customer at Ichiraku's. As she was heading to the ramen shop she took a glance at two familiar ninjas one was the lazy jounin Shikamaru and the other was a girl with blond hair in four pig tails green eyes with a large fan strap on her back she remember hers as Temari Gaara's older sister(An she's wearing her shippuden uniform). She grin evilly seeing that they were walking together getting the right idea or maybe it was the wrong idea she didn't care, she went to them while they have notice her.

"Hey Shikamaru how are you?"

"Hey Sakura" the Nara said in his usual lazy tone.

She gaze at the sand jounin" hey Temari what brings you here?"

"I'm the new ambassador of Suna and I've been given orders to come to Konoha as a liaison for this year's chunin exams"

"I see that's a big responsibility you've been given so Shikamaru why are you with her?' she ask coolly not wanting to say it in a teasing tone.

He sighed" I'm in charge of this year's exam I know it's a troublesome job but it was a direct order from the Hokage man sometimes she can be worst than my mother"

Temari frown" stop whining I swear you have become even lazier after three years would you be a man and accept your responsibilities as a ninja"

Shikamaru sighed again (she's talking like my mom)" troublesome woman" he mutter but Temari heard him and started glaring daggers at him.

Sakura smirk at the display in front of her she couldn't help it they make a cute couple not knowing why she thought that Temari was the woman who can finally put Shikamaru in his place and straighten him up, suddenly Shikamaru and Temari were staring at her like she had something in her face.

"What is there something wrong?"

"No it's nothing like that you seem to be happy today" Shikamaru said.

"Well of course it's a beautiful day anyway are you two enjoying yourselves?" she smirks.

Temari arch an eyebrow not liking where this was going" what are you implying?"

"Nothing nothing" she said innocently while waving her hand" I'm just saying that you two look nice together"

Shikamaru sweat dropped at her comment" no we are not dating Sakura"

"I didn't said anything of the sorts just saying you guys look cute together"

"That's saying it in another way but you've got to be kidding if I will date someone as lazy as him not exactly what I'm looking for in a man" Temari said.

"And I wouldn't be going for a pushy nagging troublesome woman like you"

Temari glare at him while Sakura was still smirking at the scene" well I better go just make sure you guys invite me to the wedding okay bye love birds" she left leaving two blushing ninjas behind.

(Sakura can be more troublesome than any women) Shikamaru thought while erasing his blushing along with Temari" well we still have plenty of time before the chunin exams begin how about we go to eat something?"

"I haven't eaten since I got here all right but don't get any ideas" she slightly gave him a warning glare.

"I don't know what you're talking about" he acted stupid like he didn't know but he was smart after all so he knew the same with Temari who didn't bought it.

"I guess Sakura is finally moving on after Naruto's death" Temari said as she began to walk.

"Don't let looks deceive you she may look happy but deep down inside she's still feeling guilty for his death and she won't rest until she brings down justice on his murder"

"You mean Uc…" Shikamaru cut her off while looking through the street for any sign of Sakura once he noticed that she was out of sight he looked back at the sand jounin.

"Look whatever you do never ever mention Sasuke's name in Sakura's presence that word is taboo on her it's the same when you called Chouji fatty it leads to the same destructive results"

"I see of course she hates him very much and she's not the only one Gaara also hates him for what he did I hope she succeeds in killing that bastard"

"You're not the only one everyone wants him dead especially Tsunade-sama"

She nodded while walking with him deep down inside they both wanted Sakura to succeed in her goal to kill the Uchiha, Shikamaru ignore a few of the comments from the villagers saying that they look cute together he mutter troublesome while Temari was trying to hold her blush.

Sakura arrive at Ichiraku's taking her seat while she was greeted by Teuchi and Ayame.

"Hey Sakura-san what will it be?" Ayame said.

"I will take some dango please"

Both Teuchi and Ayame were staring at her with the look that said is she crazy before she started laughing.

"I'm just kidding Ayame you already know what I want"

"One miso pork ramen coming right up"

She nodded while waiting for her bowl to be done, minutes later Ayame came with her bowl of ramen, she pick up her chopsticks and started eating. She have come to love the taste of ramen it was highly g addicted she finally understood why Naruto love it so much, she finish her bowl while wanting to eat another so she ask Ayame to bring her another bowl.

"So Sakura how is everything at the hospital?" Teuchi said while boiling the noodles.

"Oh you know the usual it's always busy and I think I have treated more patients than the doctor a medic ninjas work is never over I guess"

"That's good looks like Tsunade-sama has made a good job training you" Ayame said.

"Yup she has it wasn't easy but I manage to pull through the worst days were when she was in a bad mood it happen when I have to wake her up from sleeping in the middle of her job" she shiver at the memories" those weren't fond memories the training was twice as hard and I would usually end up in the hospital"

"Must have been one hell of training" Teuchi said while pouring the ramen in a bowl he gave it to Ayame.

"Here you go Sakura-san you know I'm sure Naruto-kun must be very proud of you oops I……" she gasp while Teuchi sighed knowing that she made a bad comment mentioning the name of the blond in front of Sakura.

Sakura's eyes soften while looking at the full bowl of ramen her chopsticks were still on the counter Ayame felt sorry for her comment she knew she was still trying to go on without her blond teammate, Sakura stood quiet while gazing at the tasty bowl letting her thoughts running.

"Sakura-san…I didn't mean it I'm sorry I know that you're still……"

"It's okay" she said while smiling" you're right I know he would be proud of me to see how strong I've become I wish he was here to see my progress"

"Sakura we all feel the same way we missed him more than anything the village hasn't been the same without him but sadly we have to move on" Teuchi said.

She smile while picking her chopsticks" yeah but let's not forget about him" she started eating her bowl while Teuchi and Ayame smile once she was done with her second bowl she let her money on the table she was grateful that she didn't have Naruto's appetite.

"I better go bye Teuchi-san and Ayame-san and thanks for the ramen" she then left the ramen shop.

Teuchi chuckle" she's very brave to be able to go on without Naruto all the ninjas should take her as an example"

"She has also become our number one customer who would have thought she would become such a ramen fanatic" Ayame said.

"She's doing this as a way to honor Naruto's memory it is very noble of her"

Ayame nodded she was glad to have another friend like Naruto who usually visits them and eat their ramen; they have already got used to her and didn't have a problem with it.

While walking she smile seeing Hinata heading her way and she has also change in three years, her navy blue hair was now longer reaching to her back and that wasn't all that has change but unlike Sakura her body has develop quite nicely. She had heavenly curves and her chest have develop to a nice D cup any other man who sees her would say wow damn, Sakura felt quite envious at her body development because she didn't have any womanly curves and a nice chest but she shrug it off because she thought it wasn't important because she's not looking for a boyfriend. Her relation with the Hyuga heiress have also develop in three years she has become one of her best friends, when she had her day off at the hospital she would spend time with both her and Ino those were really happy memories to her it help her get over the stress of her work. Her personality has improved greatly she was no longer shy byt very open minded and bolder, she has also gained a new level of courage and she was as strong as her cousin Neji. She smile Hinata has become stronger in order to honor Naruto's memory the one person who gave her the courage to believe in herself, she went to her and gave her a hug while she return the embrace.

"Sakura-san I'm glad to see you" she then broke the embrace" you have been working in the hospital a lot lately I thought you didn't have any breaks"

"I know that's why I requested a day off I really need it maybe I can finally focus on my training"

She giggle" as strong as you are now I don't think you need to practice"

"It's important to always practice your moves Hinata in order to improve your strength and skills those were one of the first things we learn at the academy"

"I know Sakura-san but you just got out of the hospital don't you want to take a rest you don't want to get overstressed"

"I already went to Ichiraku's to get my daily dose of ramen I'm going now to Ino's shop to buy flowers to put in Naruto's grave"

"Really that's what I'm going to do now you don't mind if I tag along right?"

She smirk" is that a trick question of course I don't mind having you with me silly let's go"

She nodded while walking with her that's when they both notice that some of the young boys were staring at them, some have hearts in their eyes others were blushing others were drooling and others got nose bleeds. Hinata felt embarrassed while Sakura grin in triumph they didn't wanted to admit but they were the center of attention in the village, after all they were one of the most beautiful kunoichis in the village and it was hard to believe that both of them were actually single. She chuckle while an idea pop in her head she look at one of the teens and she wink at him making him faint, Hinata saw the display and giggle she did the same thing she gaze at a blushing teen and blew him a kiss making him have a nose bleed while his eyes have hearts in them.

"Good job indeed Hinata you are learning well pretty soon you will become a master in the art of flirting" Sakura said in a humorous tone.

She giggle" I shouldn't be doing that it's not like me at all I don't want to bring high hopes on a boy I should save it when I find my one and only" her eyes soften a little thinking about Naruto she thought that he was her one and only.

Sakura notice her expression" don't think too much about that Hinata remember that you're a ninja of Konoha and protecting the village comes first before anything else"

"I know but still I don't mind finding that special someone, someone who can be there to support me and care for me to hold me when I'm lonely I guess it's nice to dream"

Sakura smirk" maybe you already found your special someone" Hinata look at her surprise" what about Kiba?"

She gasp while her cheeks blush she didn't know what to say, it's true that after three years she and the Inuzuka have grown close very close. She was still depressed about Naruto's death and she was always crying not having any motivation to train, but Kiba was there for her and supported her in any way he could. He has given her the strength to go on and become strong; he has saved her from her depression and loneliness, she actually like the idea of being with him since they have become close friends now if she would stop being in denial for her feelings for him. Sakura gaze at her with a smirk on her lips, her friend has been in daze while blushing she cleared her throat snapping her back to reality.

"I hope you weren't having any dirty thoughts about Kiba" she grin.

"SAKURA-SAN" she shouted in pure embarrassment.

"Easy I'm just teasing you look if you like him then tell him you deserve happiness your search for that special someone can finally end with him"

She erased the small blush that struck her cheeks" maybe you're right but what about you Sakura-san?"

She snorted" oh please that will never happen with me and besides I don't have time to think about that I have a goal to accomplish" her gaze hardened thinking about the Uchiha traitor.

"Sakura-san don't say that I'm sure your special someone is out there somewhere you know what they say there's someone for everyone"

"The only person I thought he was my special someone was an emo cold hearted bastard who left the village to get power from a homo snake and ended up killing my teammate who was a precious friend to me never again I will never fall in love" she said in a harsh tone.

Hinata eyes softened listening to this she couldn't believe she was hearing her best friend feeling so negative knowing well that she wanted to avenge Naruto badly, but still it doesn't give her a reason to quit in matters of the heart love is a powerful thing. She stop walking while touching her shoulders meeting her gaze, she saw her pale eyes and she was serious whatever it was it meant business.

"Hinata what's wrong?"

"Sakura-san please don't give up on love I know you want to avenge Naruto-kun but please don't lose your heart to revenge you have my full support in your revenge I told you I want to help you avenge him, but I'm begging you not to lose hope in love I know love is something very hard in the life of a ninja our lives will always be in current danger but it's better to live the happy moment than to never experience it and die without feeling that wonderful feeling"

Sakura was surprise at her words they truly hold a meaning of wisdom in them, she sighed knowing her she will keep bugging her about it if she told her yes Hinata could be quite stubborn in this occasion.

"Fine but that doesn't mean I'm going to become a desperate person looking for a boyfriend"

She smile" thank you Sakura-san people always find love I mean take a look at Kurenai sensei she found Asuma sensei they are so happy together"

"Oh so you've notice too they are sure quite making their relationship without telling us about it" Sakura said with a smirk.

"I wonder how long they can keep hiding it." Hinata said while giggling.

"It won't be too long and besides I'm pretty sure that they are already people besides us that know about it"

"They do make a cute people don't they?"

"I guess come on let's go"

Hinata nodded as they continued walking when they finally arrived at the Yamanaka flower shop, they saw Ino in the counter of the cash register who has also change in three years. Her blond hair has grown reaching to her back she also had tied on a ponytail and a portion of her hair was covering her left eye, like Hinata her body has develop nicely she had nice curves and her chest have develop to a C cup making Sakura more envious of her she was truly a gorgeous flower. She was a member of the beautiful kunoichi's club of Konoha along with Sakura and Hinata, the boys also had their eyes on her the only question they have in their mind is why is she single. She smile seeing her best friends, Hinata has also become a close friend of the Yamanaka and when they were free from doing missions they spend time together doing girl stuff like talking about boys just like a couple of average teenagers.

"Hey Sakura Hinata what brings you here?"

"We just came to buy some flowers for Naruto's grave" Sakura said" give me a couple of red roses"

"I would like a couple of white lilies Ino-san"

"Got it red roses for Sakura and white lilies for Hinata" she went to pick the flowers minutes later she came with the flowers" here you go courtesy of the Yamanaka flower shop"

Sakura took money from her wallet" here Hinata I'll pay for your flowers"

"Are you sure Sakura-san I don't want to bother you?"

"Nah its okay I have no problem with it here Ino" she gave the money to the Yamanaka.

"Thank you and come again"

"Right we'll see you later"

Ino watch as the two kunoichi's left the shop with the flowers she sighed so far her life hasn't been interesting, with Shikamaru in charge of this year's chunin exams Chouji leaving on a long mission with his father and Asuma currently dating Kurenai she didn't have nothing to do but to stay working in her mother's flower shop. She sighed again as she started thinking about a certain mist chunin who have saved her life twice three years ago when the undead army attacked the village, she has been thinking about him day and night and she couldn't stop thinking about him.

A blush rose to her cheeks thinking about him (I wonder what Ryo is doing it's been three years and I haven't heard from him he told me he wanted to come back to Konoha maybe he's very busy with missions….or maybe he has a girlfriend no that can't be it at least I don't want that to be true)

Suddenly Shizune enter the shop" Ino-san?"

"Oh Shizune-san what's wrong?"

"Tsunade-sama would like to see you in her office"

"Oh okay I'll be right there" she said trying to hide the happiness in her tone (maybe Tsunade-sama has a mission that means I won't have to stay working here I hope it's a mission)

At the Konoha graveyard Sakura ad Hinata put the flowers on Naruto's grave stone they both gave a silent prayer for their diseased friend, after that Hinata talk to him telling him about her progress and her nomination in becoming a chunin. After her speech she shed some tears for him she was never going to forget him for as long as she lives, Sakura took her turn next as she gaze at the grave stone with a smile while Hinata was a few feet away.

"Hey Naruto take a look at me I'm finally a chunin and I have become quite strong I'm no longer a burden I have become quite a medic ninja too Tsunade-sama says she's very proud of me I just wish I was strong back then when you left to find Sasuke, I would have gone with you and maybe I would have prevented your death but that's all in the past now but don't worry I will avenge you like I promised you. As soon as Tsunade-sama gives me any information on Orochimaru's whereabouts I will immediately go to find that bastard and make him pay with him dead you can finally rest in peace believe it"

She let a few tears fell from her jade eyes while Hinata went to her" its okay Sakura-san we will avenge him together"

"Yes thank you Hinata"

They gave one last look at the grave stone before leaving, on their way out from the graveyard they saw Kiba with Akamaru who has grew in size and he was pretty big. Kiba was a little taller and he was wearing something different from his old outfit (AN his shippuden outfit), Hinata smile as she went to him happy to see her friend and teammate.

"Kiba-kun how are you?"

"I'm fine I should it know I find you guys out here are you all right Hinata?"

"Yes I'm fine I was just paying my respects to Naruto-kun"

"Don't forget if you're feeling down I'm always here to help you" he smiled at her.

She nodded while blushing a little" yes thank you I know I can count on you"

They embrace each other while Sakura sighed in frustration" sheesh would you two kiss already and get it over with"

Hearing that both ninjas blush in embarrassment while Kiba glare at her" oh come on were just friends I just want to help her that's all why do you have to get the wrong idea Sakura?"

"Because Hinata will be happier if you were her boyfriend and besides you guys look cute together" she said with a smirk.

Hinata blush" Sakura-san please…"

Kiba hide his blush while Akamaru bark telling him something whatever it was it made him blush even more he erase it immediately" by the way Sakura Tsunade-sama has ask me to tell you that she wants to see you in her office"

Sakura was really interested the same with Hinata is it possible that she has already found information on Orochimaru, suddenly she thought about the snake sanin and her target Uchiha Sasuke. She tightening her fist while thinking about the Uchiha the murder of her blond teammate, how she wanted to fight him and kill him her training was finally going to pay off.

"All right I'll be there"

She left while the two ninjas watch her go, Kiba look back at her while trying to erase the blush on his cheeks.

"So um….Hinata do you want to go eat something?"

The Hyuga heiress smile" I guess I am a little hungry"

"Good then let's go"

Sakura arrived at the Hokage's office she was surprise to see Ino standing in front of Tsunade's desk.

"You wanted to see me Tsunade-sama?"

"Yes Sakura I have a mission for you"

"Does it have to do with Orochimaru?" she asked in an anticipated tone.

"No this isn't a mission but a training mission"

"A training mission?"

"Yes Sakura I know you have grown strong but I want you to get even stronger if you want to stand a chance against you know who, so this is your mission you will go to mist and train under Genjuro-sama at least for a year"

Sakura eyes widened" you want me to be Genjuro-sama's apprentice"

"Yes I know he can make you very strong you will be fine you are to leave immediately and also I'm giving you a traveling companion isn't that right Ino?"

"Tsunade-sama why do I have to go with Sakura not that I don't mind" Ino said hiding the fact that she was dying to go on a mission.

"But I do mind?" Sakura said with a sweat dropped while Ino ignore her.

"Ino this is a good chance for to improve your skills you need to improve your taijutsu and ninjutsu I promise you this mission will help you a lot now go prepare your gear and good luck"

"Yes Tsunade-sama" they said in unison before leaving the office.

"I wonder if they will be all right" Shizune said.

"They will be fine they are both capable of taking care of themselves"

"Sakura has grown strong hasn't she?"

"Oh yes indeed you know Shizune she beat me in combat"

Shizune was shock" no way Tsunade-sama are you saying that Sakura-san has become stronger than you?"

"I know it sounds impossible but she did it in three years she has become stronger than me she is destined to surpass me someday and it looks like it would be sooner than I think" she said with a smile.

Later at the village gates

Sakura and Ino have prepare their gear and they were ready to head out, she saw that Ino was being very happy and cheery all of the sudden she had a pretty good idea why she was so happy it had to something about seeing a certain mist chunin.

"You seem to be in pretty good mood Ino" she said with a smirk.

"Of course I'm in a good mood I'm finally going on a mission I was so bore being in the flower shop and everyone from my team are busy and now I get this great mission and who would be better to accompany me than my best friend right Sakura" she gave her a big smile.

"Oh Ino that's so sweet of you but I'm sorry to say this when I say bullshit" she ended with a frown.

"What are you talking about Sakura?"

"Oh cut the stupid act Ino the only reason you're so happy is because you're going to see Ryo again"

She blushed while shrugging her shoulders" that is a bonus Sakura I was really bore out of my mind what about you aren't you happy because you're going to see Seiryu again?"

She smirk as she saw the pink hair kunoichi blush a little" looks like you agree with me"

She growl" let's go already Ino I'm going to put chakra on my legs so you better keep up with me"

"Wait Sakura don't run" she saw that Sakura started running" OH DAMN IT WAIT FOR ME SAKURA" she focused the chakra on her legs she ran following her.

(Looks like I'm going to enjoy this mission)

To be continued

Another chapter done what will happen next please review farewell until next time.

Next chapter: journey to mist