Sakura Looked down at the paper she had. 'Are these papers for missions?...'
"Ah we are going on D-ranks, and your poor sensei is too tired to fill out the mission reports so please can you do it for me? After all, my adorable little genin wouldn't make me fill it all out would they?" Kakashi said with an eye crinkle that meant he was giving a shit-eating grin.
Sakura just nodded because there was no point in arguing with a man who disappears when he feels like it. Also, missions mean pay and if Sakura is to become stronger she needs supplies that cost money.
So they headed to their first mission location, an old ladies' farm. She was nice and gave them water and watched from her house while doing her own chores. It was an herbal farm so Sakura began to think about how she should start learning about herbs and poisons soon. The old lady then came outside to check on the progress, she seemed sweet still, well until Naruto and Sasuke got carried away in a fight and picked EVERYTHING from her garden, not just the weeds. That was the first failure and one hit on Sakura's patience.
Next, Kakashi led them to a dog pound within the Inuzuka compound, and they were to walk the dogs. Nothing wrong could happen, right? WRONG! Naruto led his dogs through a landmine field and blew himself up. This was a result of Sasuke antagonizing Naruto. Again another hit on Sakura's Patience and now her pride.
Next, they were to deliver food to T&I for a meeting. Naruto ate it… all. The purple-haired kunoichi in there was not very happy because she specifically had put her money into getting the dango for the event. By some luck, the senbon that was thrown hit Sasuke and Naruto but missed her. And the last hit on her patience was used up and she was pissed and going to kill her teammates.
Kakashi, the eye crinkle never leaving his eye, disappeared as soon as they got back to the training ground. He was likely a clone.
Sakura fuming looked at both Sasuke and Naruto, "Alright you two. Today was ridiculous. What the hell was that? I get it. You are both male, and disgustingly prideful. But we failed every mission because of you two. I try not to step in between you guys because it gets to be a lot but the next time you act up on Missions I am going to get in the middle." Sakura says trying to calm down.
"Don't be annoying, it was all the dobe's-" Sasuke started only for Sakura to finish.
"Did I say you could open your mouth? Why are you talking back right now when you know it is your fault partly? Yes, I could have stepped in the middle and prevented this whole ordeal, hell Kakashi should have stepped in. Naruto shouldn't have talked back or antagonized you. But you partook in the behavior so accept you are at fault. Now go fill out your reports please." Sakura finished tired of this crap.
This was the most that she had spoken directly to Sasuke. And it wasn't out of care or love like she had thought it would be. It was out of rage. And to be frank it was about time.
They all sat down somewhere, Naruto was in the middle of the field criss-cross covered in bruises, he filled out the report for the Dango Delivery since it was his fault mainly. Sasuke was brooding underneath a tree on the other side of the clearing, he took the gardening assignment. He was no doubt brooding because he got told by Sakura for the first time ever.
Sakura was on her stomach in some shade between Naruto and Sasuke. She gave a very honest account of what catastrophe had taken place during dog walking. As they filled it out after their mission FAILURES, because of Naruto and Sasuke fighting, Sakura couldn't help and feel like she wasn't a part of a team but a circus.
Sakura felt dumb for asking Kakashi but decided to ask him, "Kakashi-sensei do you think we could work out more team bonding? We look and act more like a circus act than an organized team."
Kakashi simply responded with a, "Let me think about it and maybe I can arrange something Sakura. Now go and rest up for tomorrow." He finished with his stupid little eye crinkle.
Sakura let out an audible sigh and handed her mission report to Kakashi before she headed toward the library, leaving her two very frustrating teammates behind to finish.
She was going to ask Genma to help her sign up for an internship at the hospital soon. He knew the ins and outs of it all so it seemed best. She knew all the theory and memorized the basics of it, so it only made sense for her to begin to apply it right?
As Sakura kicked rocks along the path to the library she was thinking about asking Genma to train her. He seemed confident and strong. Maybe it would help her out. Help her catch up and pass her teammates. The only way to protect them after all was to have them behind her. They could only be behind her if she could attack too.
Sakura walked into the library. And was greeted with a smirk all too familiar. It was Genma, with a senbon hanging out of his mouth, reminding her of the events that took place earlier in the day. Something about Genma just made her feel like she was in a therapy session under some sort of truth serum.
"So you ready to get started?" Genma greeted but his smile faltered when he saw her face fall, it was a mix of exhaustion and anger"Hey kid, what's wrong? Don't start crying on me." Genma stopped smirking and gave her a look of concern. However, he held that smirk through his don't start crying line.
"Well, it is just frustrating you know? How my teammates are constantly butting heads like freakin deer, and how sensei doesn't do anything. It is almost like he expects me to be a mediator. Not only that but he doesn't teach me crap. It is always, 'mah.. Sakura, don't worry about that now.' or freakin 'Take time and be a kid.' It is like I am a chess piece for him to encourage the boys with. Like in Wave he "taught" aka made us figure out how to walk on trees. I was able to get it on the first try and he just let the boys know they were falling behind and they would barely talk to me at first. It is fucking exhausting. But Sasuke gets to learn fancy new techniques, and Naruto gets his undivided attention. And he just babies me. Like I want to learn too! What is wrong with that?!" Sakura was now red in the face and heaving from a very long rant. She probably took one breath that whole vent. But Sakura was glad it was off her chest now rather than never. And especially, since she told someone she trusts. Part of her felt bad about all this built of rage against her team, her supposed second family, but it was dumb how Sakura was expected to be the bigger person.
"Pfttttt. I am honestly not surprised kid. He is pretty fucked up in the head. Probably wants to protect you more than anything else. But he is putting you at risk. You are gonna come home in a matchbox one day and then he will spend more time sulking around the village. It seems like an unending cycle in his life. Anyways, how about this? I teach you basic things like Taijutsu and how to use senbons and basic things like that, and you end up having a larger chance coming out of missions alive." Genma said never losing his cocky smirk. Genma felt like he knew this twerp ages for some reason. Already felt like her brother or her uncle in a sense.
Sakura couldn't help but feel like Kami had sent someone to save her. Someone who wanted to work with her and help her day in and day out. Someone who would help her be the person in the lead.
"You would really do that Genma? Thank you so much." Sakura said as she held tears in. Someone finally noticed her.
"Yeah yeah, kid don't mention it. But did I just hear your cuss in your little rant?" Genma said as they headed towards the Chunnin section to get Sakura more medical reading.
"No. I would never have. I have manners." Sakura said with a sarcastic gasp.
"No I am pretty sure I heard a distinct fucking within your little rant," Genma said looking at Sakura with a shit eating grin on his face.
"Whatever old man."
As they headed into a different part of the library, Genma started tossing books at her. She caught them all and read the titles to herself as she caught them. A guide to the chakra system. All you need to know about pressure points. How to save a life: Medical shinobi addition. How to kill with Medical Nin-justu. How to use senbon and improve accuracy. Basic poison guide. How to enhance strength. Guide to first aid and human anatomy.
"Genma I think this is enough for now. It is quite a lot." Sakura said patiently.
"Ah alright, kid I guess this will do, ill check it out for you with my clearance pass real quick. Go ahead and head home. However, I expect you to be at training field 31 tomorrow morning at 6 in the morning. We are gonna get you started with your training." Genma said as he tried not to laugh at the stack of books Sakura was holding. It went over her head and she had to look to the side of the books to see.
"Ah, one more thing Genma-san, can you walk me through how to apply for a hospital internship?" Sakura asked with pleading eyes.
"Puppy dog eyes don't work on me but we will talk about it tomorrow morning. See ya."
And just like that Sakura was on her path home after a mini-therapy session and a short chat. As she mulled over the day she ran into someone dropping her books in the process.
"Ah sh… crap," Sakura said as she hit the ground with her books scattering everywhere.
" What a drag, I am really sorry Sakura let me help you out."
Sakura realized based on that one word who it was immediately. She looked up at the person who had just picked up the book and saw the face of 2nd to last Shikamaru.
"Ah it is okay Shikamaru-san I wasn't paying attention. How is Ino and how is your team?" Sakura asked not wanting the air to turn awkward.
"Ino is doing good but it is the same every day about Sasuke, you know, and I think we are adjusting well since we were raised for this trio and we were all already close. What about your team?" Shikamaru explained.
"Well it isn't going well but I don't want to bore you with the details and I have all these books I have to read. Thank you Shikamaru-san maybe we can pick up this convo another time?" Sakura said while grabbing the books from him. Shikamaru was a nice person and Sakura always secretly wanted to be friends with him so this was a good opportunity.
"Yeah, sure. How about tomorrow afternoon at 3? I don't want to spend time shopping with Ino tomorrow because it is a complete drag and I feel like you would pose an intelligent conversation. How about my house in the Nara compound for a game of shogi?" Shikamaru asked.
Sakura felt like she might have a new friend. But this conversation reminded her of a bridge she burned that she shouldn't have. The bridge with Ino. She decided she needed to resolve this right now or she may never.
"Sounds like a winner, but I have to go. Bye, Shikamaru-san have a nice evening. And what tea do you like? I'll bring some?"
"How troublesome. But if you insist, I like Hojicha Tea the best. If not Pu'er tea is pretty good. Have a good evening too Sakura." Shikamaru said walking away giving a quick wave, then sticking his hand back into his pocket.
She changed direction after a couple of minutes of hyping herself up to see Ino. She needed this conversation so she headed toward the Yamanaka Compound. It was still relatively early after all so she knew she wouldn't be waking anyone up.
Once Sakura arrived she knocked on the door to the compound. Ino opened the door.
"Hello… Oh, it is you Sakura." She stated surprised with her eyebrows raised.
"Yeah….Could I come in so we can talk? Please?" Sakura asked pleading with her eyes almost.
"Uh sure.. Hold on." Ino said slightly confused. It was slightly awkward between them since they had not really talked since the team assignments. Ino told her parents she and Sakura would be going up to her room to talk for a bit.
They went upstairs to Ino's room and closed the door. Ino sat on the bed's edge crisscrossed and Sakura on the floor leaning back onto her arms.
"Alright, what did you want to talk about," Ino said. Ino wanted to keep up the annoyed and upset act but with Sakura, her best friend, after so long she couldn't do it.
"I want to say I am sorry. Ino, I regret how things ended between us. I mean you are my best friend. You know everything there is to know about me, and I know you. You are my sister you took me in and inspired me to become a kunoichi in spite of my background and my parents. And I regret how we ended our friendship over some stupid boy. I feel like I never even liked Sasuke to begin with almost. I feel like I started to like him to try and give our friendship a reason to blossom. And if I ever did actually like him I don't anymore. Our friendship is too important to me for us to continue losing each other to a guy. If you want to like him, you can. I would advise against it because he is seriously broody and annoying sometimes. But if you do you can and I will support you in liking him. I just can't lose you because of some stupid guy with ugly ass hair." Sakura was on the verge of tears at the end of her speech because she felt dumb for not seeing Sasuke for who he was originally and letting go of Ino because of it.
"You know Sakura, thank god you said that because I don't even like him either. I was just liking him to give us something to rival and be friends over." Ino said giving a watery smile before getting up and hugging her best friend.
They talked it out and caught up for a bit before Sakura had to leave and head home. She had a lot to do for tomorrow. Which let her mind drift to Shikamaru and Tea, and then Shogi.
On her walk home, Sakura started to think about how Shogi would help with her strategy and she decided that it is worth it in her training.
As she reached her doorstep she heard her mom in there cooking up a storm. She took a deep breath, steeled her nerves, and opened the door.
As she tried to tiptoe past her mother, Sakura's mom started to speak.
"Ah Sakura, The Neighbors are coming over and bringing their son, go make yourself look presentable within the next two hours. I expect you down here at 7."
"Ah yes, mother. I will be back as soon as possible." Sakura stated with poise. She hated this stupid house.
Sakura opened up her door and slammed it as quietly as possible. She put her books down and opened her closet.
She put her new clothes away and grabbed her favorite green floral dress. It was a sage green and had a bunch of small daisies patterning all over it. It was Spaghetti strapped and rouched vertically throughout the bust and just above knee length with a Gathered Skirt. It flattered her very well while also being cotton and a comfy sundress.
She threw it on and brushed through her long hair and thought about cutting or styling it.
However, her mother would never approve of cutting it.
She also made sure to throw on her dainty necklace with a small emerald in the middle of it. Her mom got it for her when their relationship was less strained.
She put on some cute white Sandals to go with it.
As she looked at the clock she realized she had plenty of time to spare. She had an hour before she was expected to be downstairs. She decided to sit at her desk and open the first book. She opened A guide to the chakra system and continued.
'Chakra pools are a part of the energy system of the human body. They are responsible for regulating, harmonizing, and balancing the energy in different parts of the body. Chakras are also known by different names like spiritual centers, spiritual centers, or spiritual bodies.
There are seven chakras in total, but there is no consensus on how many chakras there actually are…'
As she read along she lost track of time and realized that it was now 7:01. She opened her door, closed it behind her, and went downstairs. She made it in time since the neighbors weren't here yet, however, her mother was sitting at the table waiting on Sakura.
"Ah Sakura how happy I am that you decided to join us, later than I stated. Don't you remember that Early is on time and on time is late? We will finish this discussion after dinner young lady and your father has some things to say on the matter as well." Sakura's mother finished as soon as the doorbell rang but before her mother got to the door Sakura said something.
"I am a minute late because I am working hard in order to not come home in a matchbox, I am prim and perfectly dressed to the goddamn nines in the most impractical clothing, and you think my own father will speak to me? That is rich." She said. She felt like this whole thing was stupid. Having to dress up and act like a stranger in her own home? All for another family?
"Sakura. Later. Period end of story. And watch your language." Sakura's mother uttered out lowly in a warning.
As much as Sakura wanted to run out of this stupid house, she decided she was better than that and stood her ground. And with a jump, she was in her seat.
And that was when the Neighbors funneled in.
Mr. and Mrs. Taro and their 14-year-old son Itsuki.
"Ah Mr. and Mrs. Haruno how lovely to see you and thank you so much for your invite to your lovely house. Is this the Sakura I hear so often about, what a prim and perfect lady."
"Ah yes, that is our Sakura. And it was truly no problem, after all, you only recently moved into Kohona. Anyways please have a seat and Sakura will take your coats. "
Sakura stands up and grabs the coats with grace, but little did her mother know, she was working on chakra control while walking.
After she put the coats in the hall closet she returned to the table and zoned out most of the dinner only glancing up when Itsaki-san kicked her lightly under the table. She was tempted to kick back but didn't. As she made eye contact with Itsaki she pushed her plate back slightly. And began to think.
Itsaki is brown-haired with brown eyes and pale like he had never seen the sun.
Why would freak boy kick me? He is a guest here and buddy he better have some manners.
Her thoughts however were quickly interrupted by her mother's stupid voice.
"Sakura, would you mind showing Itsaki around the house while we discuss some things for next week's pageant and events?"
"Yes, mother," Sakura said with poise.
She and Itsaki got up and drifted a couple of feet from the table and to the stairs. She walked upstairs and as they did she started questioning.
"Where did you move from Taro-san?"
"Small territory outside of Kohona. My dad retired from being a feudal lord's assistant recently and we got plenty of money so we moved here. Also, call me Itsaki please, Sakura-chan."
" Ah I see." Sakura let it bleed into silence because this kid's tricks were mid as fuck. Probably my parents trying to set up a marriage or something. How gross.
"I heard that you are a kunoichi, that is pretty cool."
"Yes, it is."
"Okay this atmosphere is killing me, I will be upfront, my parents and your parents want us to go on a date tomorrow at 6. The reservation is already made." Itsaki just spewed out everything.
"I had a feeling, anyways, this is my room. Off-limits." Sakura said as she kept walking keeping a polite poker face. Itsaki just kept following her around.
They made it to the backyard garden after a bit and sat. Sakura read Itsaki as a typical slightly perverted 14-year-old boy that would do anything to please his parents because he was a trust fund baby. He kept up this rich cocky aura that was sickening and his ego was so big it barely fit through the door to the backyard.
"Itsaki I am going to be frank with you. I am not at all interested in a relationship with someone let alone you seeing as I am just newly 13. I am still focusing on solidifying myself as a kunoichi and I am quite busy tomorrow." Sakura stated honestly glaring over at him. He didn't receive that information well.
"I don't know if you knew Sakura, but you don't really have a choice and to be frank I really am not going to give you one either. I think you are pretty well-mannered so I don't know why you even want to be a kunoichi at that. You would do much better as a housewife in the future." He started his argument out strong before turning into a typical spoiled 14-year-old boy, "Also you are kinda hot. And I want to get into my trust fund sooner rather than later and that involves me dating and marrying someone." He finished not so eloquently.
Sakura had steam coming from her ears and just kind of sat there wanting to put her skills to use and murder this kid. But she was sure this date meant a lot to her family's future or something stupid that she shouldn't have to be roped into.
"I assume this date means a lot for my family in some way. So I will humor you. But just for tomorrow." Sakura stated.
"I'm glad you agreed because this arrangement means a lot for your father. And after tomorrow you will want more for sure." He said thinking he had some sort of ultimate rizz.
Sakura just rolled her eyes and Itsaki's parents began calling his name to leave.
He started to walk away before skipping back a little and bending down to Sakura's level and kissing her on the cheek.
He lifted his head to her ear and said "See you tomorrow." before skipping off.
Sakura audibly gagged. She was beginning to think most males didn't have redemption in this world.
Sakura wiped her cheek off before going upstairs and changing before her mother called her down to lecture her about her actions earlier. She showered and got ready for bed. She had to be up at like 5 anyways for training tomorrow.
BAHAHAH yall Ap lang has made me a different typa beast forreal. I just typed this out in a couple hours anyways. Ill work on the next chapter starting tommorow cause I got a whole bunch of other shit to do.
Also I know that 14 year old boys at one point didn't act like that but currently they do as someone who has experienced them and Sakura's dad works with Feudal lords and her mom is like well-known as a pageant winner so that should explain that.
Anyways slay.