Response to Reviews:

Darkredblossomgodess: Nope. Sorry. The headband is from Kumogakure (Village Hidden in the Clouds) so, it can't be Kakashi.

Reviewer: Why would you think Sakura will be raped in this chapter or in any chapter at all? Just because I said that this encounter will rock Sakura to her core, doesn't mean she's gonna' be raped. There are other ways to harm a child besides physical and emotional abuse. The harm will only be temporary and won't be a big deal unless something triggers it and she goes down memory lane. I really don't see the point in Sakura being raped just to deepen a plot unless the plot revolves around that. This doesn't. Besides, I despise child and sexual abuse. Why would I write about it?

To the other reviewers, thanks for the support! Onward with the chapter!

Hyuga Clan Estate- December 27

Sakura took a step back, taking in the appearance of the man in front of her. It was clear as day that he was a Shinobi. The headband around his forehead had a design that neither of the girls had ever seen before. It was out of the question for him to be a Konoha Shinobi.

Sakura tightened her hold on the fox under her arms. The man in front of her noticed this movement but ignored her, settling for looking at Hinata. He grinned and stepped into the room. This made Sakura take a few steps back. She saw that the man's gaze was on the younger girl. The Jinchuuriki stood in front of Hinata, blocking the man's view of her. His eyes flickered over to her and he glared.

"Shiro! Did you find her, yet?" Another man walked into the room, stopping once he laid eyes on the two girls. Sakura steeped backwards, pushing Hinata into her shadow even more. The new man's breath caught in his throat when he saw the girl's features. "Shiro, you dog…."

Shiro turned to him, an eyebrow raised. "What's up, Aio?" He noticed the brunette's intense gaze was settled onto the children and he turned back to them. "Come on, let's take the Hyuga and get the hell outta' here. Anbu could get here any minute."

"No." Aio spoke, his gaze locked intensely with Sakura's. "We'll take both. The pink one is just as valuable – if not, even more than the Hyuga."

"What? How?"

Aio's gaze hardened, startling the pink-haired girl in front of him. "She's one of Konoha's Jinchuuriki."

Despite the situation, Sakura frowned at that unfamiliar statement. 'Jinchuuriki? What's that?' Her eyes widened when Shiro started to cackle.

"Seriously? Aw, man, we sure hit the jackpot tonight." Shiro turned to the girls, grinning.

Sakura heard Hinata whimper behind her and her muscles tensed. 'I don't know what they want but I can't let them hurt Hinata-chan. She's my only friend.' She pushed the girl further back, never looking away from the men in front of her. 'What are they gonna' do?'

Her answer came quickly just as Shiro launched himself to grab them. Sakura reached up, shielding herself from him. She felt hands grabbing her by her waist, and she was suddenly off the floor and hanging on one of the man's shoulder. A scream pierced the air, making the young Jinchuuriki tense even more. 'Hinata-chan!' Sakura turned her head to the side, watching as Aio grabbed Hinata by her legs and slung her over his shoulder.

Rage suddenly filled inside of her at the thought of these men taking Hinata away from her and hurting her. No, Hinata was her only friend. She wasn't going to be taken away from her. Sakura worked hard enough to attain this one friend and she wasn't about to lose her. Not now, not ever. Not if she could help it. She won't let them take her away. She won't allow it. These men are going to pay for ever thinking about separating them.

Sakura reached forward then brought her elbow down on the back of Shiro's head. Shiro cried out, momentarily losing his grip on her. Sakura yelped as she fell backwards onto the floor. She landed with a grunt and closed her eyes as pain erupted up her spine. Opening her eyes half way, she was greeted with a fuming Shiro. Her eyes widening, she scrambled to get onto her feet but a foot planted itself on her back, making her lose her balance and fall face first on the floor, legs and arms sprawled to the sides.

Shiro chuckled, putting more pressure on her back. Sakura groaned in pain. She closed her eyes and whimpered slightly in defeat. This guy was at least three times bigger than her and a Shinobi. She'd never stand a chance against him.

Aio scoffed, watching the one-sided battle. "Don't hurt her, Shiro. She could be a valuable aspect for Kumogakure."

Sakura grunted at the mention of the village and turned her head to look at the brunette. 'Kumogakure? Isn't that another village?' She groaned when more pressure was applied to her back. She hated not knowing what was going on. It made her feel useless, weak and confused. She didn't like feeling like that. That's why she planned on joining the Academy next year. She hated being useless and weak. Ignorance was bliss but uselessness struck her to the core and she hated it. She especially hated the position she was in right now.

Shiro chuckled, taking his foot off her. Sakura sighed in relief and made to get on her knees but the man's next words stunned her. "These fuckers never die. You can stab them to death and their damned Bijuu will heal them, no problem. You've seen Bee. The bastard won't stay still for a moment."

"Yes, but Bee is a teen and a Shinobi. She's just a little girl."

"No matter. They're all still the same; they're still demons." Shiro spat, kicking Sakura in the stomach. Aio watched silently as Shiro bent down and grabbed the girl by the front of her shirt. Bringing her close to his face, Shiro glowered. "Kyuubi's previous Jinchuuriki killed my parents after they had tried to kidnap her (1). This little monster is going to pay for that." Shiro paused, watching in satisfaction as Sakura's eyes widened in fear. "I'm going to beat you within an inch of your life then, when you're all healed and better, I'll gladly do it again."

"Shiro," Aio warned, his eyes narrowing slightly.

Ignoring his commander, Shiro pulled his fist back. His fist connected with Sakura's stomach, knocking the air out of her. Blood dribbled down her mouth and to her chin, something that seemed to excite the Kumogakure Shinobi holding her captive. He let go of her, dropping her carelessly to the ground. Sakura whimpered when she landed roughly on her knees. She leaned forward, supporting herself on her hands and panting.

Shiro cackled, holding his ribs. "This is what a Jinchuuriki can do? You're pathetic, kid. Maybe you're not even worth taking away. We'll just take away your little Hyuga friend there and leave. You're worthless."

"Hey, do you see her?" A soft, feminine voice interrupted the silence in the park. Sakura looked up through her bangs, staring up at the two women that were sitting on the bench watching over their kids. The brunette was staring at the pink-haired girl with a disgusted look on her face. The other one, a blonde, turned at the sound of her companion's voice. She followed the woman's gaze and frowned slightly when she noticed Sakura with her head down, all alone in a corner of the park field.

"Yeah, what about her?"

The brunette scoffed. "I heard the Hokage was going to let her into the Academy next year. I don't see why. That monster doesn't deserve to be a Shinobi. She's worthless-"

"Shh," The blonde interrupted, watching as Sakura abruptly stood up and ran off.

Shiro's foot connected with her stomach, sending her crashing against the foot of Hinata's bed. Her back hit one of the legs and she coughed out blood.

"That monster doesn't deserve to be a Shinobi."

Shiro grabbed her by the front of her shirt and tossed her over his shoulder. She hit her shoulder against the floorboard, crying out in pain.

"She's worthless…."

Grabbing her by the front of her shirt again, Shiro pushed her up against the wall and started dragging her across it. Sakura hissed in pain as splinters and pieces of wood struck her back.

"Maybe you're not even worth taking away. We'll just take away your little Hyuga friend there and leave."

Shiro punched her in the stomach. Sakura doubled over, the wind knocked out of her. She coughed out blood, her eyes opening halfway in pain. She let out a few ragged breaths as Shiro pulled his fist back. Relief flashed through her in hope that he gave up on beating her. That relief was short-lived, however, because soon enough the same fist connected with her stomach again. Shiro let her fall to the ground onto her knees and palms. He scoffed, bringing his foot back to deliver another kick.

"You're worthless."

…..No….

Worthless

…Why?...

Monster

…No…..

You're worthless

…!

"You're fucking worthless!"

Sakura's eyes shot open. She looked to her right, watching as a foot made its way towards her face. The next few seconds happened so fast, neither ninja knew what hit them.

Sakura's body was suddenly enveloped by a fiery chakra. Her beautiful green eyes turned a bloody red and her pupils diminished to slits. Her nails grew and sharpened into claws. Fangs sprouted from under her lips. Six whisker-like marks appeared on her cheeks, three on each side.

The Jinchuuriki turned her bloodlust-filled eyes to the Shinobi that had just beaten her to the ground. Letting out a silent sigh, she disappeared, only to appear crouched down behind the man. She took a swipe at his legs with her new claws. Shiro screamed in agony. He fell to his knees, clutching the back of his legs tightly. His eyes became ablaze with rage as they landed on the girl's crouching form. Her bloodshot gaze met his and a snarl made its way onto her face.

Letting out a rage-filled war cry, Shiro reached over to her. Sakura growled, biting down on his hand hard. Her fangs pierced his skin, drawing blood. Shiro screamed and swung his other arm down on her. Sakura was thrown off, slamming against the opposite wall. Blood fell down her lips as soon as her back made contact with the wall.

Shiro glowered, taking slow steps towards her. Sakura looked up, panting, as the red chakra wavered around her. Her eyes started to change colours rapidly but decided to stay on red for the moment. Shiro reached into his kunai pouch and drew a kunai, a menacing grin finding its way onto his lips. His shadow fell over Sakura and she looked up. Her eyes widened when she saw the kunai swinging down on her.

A sharp pain shot through her upper right arm and down to her palm. She gasped out as the kunai was pushed deeper into her skin, hitting muscle and tendon. Her pained scream pierced the air when Shiro dragged his kunai, still muscle-deep into her arm, down to her wrist then back again in the same injury. Blood was soon coating her entire arm and right side of her body along with Shiro's hands and chest. The man cackled, enjoying her sobs, having covered her mouth with his free hand.

Her muffled screams soon turned into whimpers. Shiro scoffed and stood up, leaving his kunai deep within her arm. He glared down at her. "You insignificant little demon. You're a nuisance. You're not worth bringing in with us. I'll just kill you right now." He pulled out another kunai then glance over at his partner. "Don't try to stop me."

"I won't."

Shiro smiled at Aio then turned back to the bleeding girl on the floor. "Goodbye, useless demon."

…..Insignificant…..

…..Monster…..

…..Demon….

…...Nuisance….

…..Worthless….

…You're worthless, kit!...

No.

What?

I'm not-….I'm not worthless.

Yes, you are.

No, I'm not worthless!

Then prove it.

Huh?

Show me you're not useless. Correct me. Prove me wrong. I fucking dare you, brat.

I'm not worthless. I'll show you, whoever you are.

Atta', girl. Now kill this fucker.

The first thing Sakura thought she was going to experience when the hit came was pain. Yet, she felt neither the pain nor the hit. All she felt was a drop of something warm land on her cheek. Opening her now green eyes, she took a sharp, deep breath when she saw what was in front of her.

Shiro was poised to launch the kunai. His eyes were wide as he gazes down at the girl. Sakura stared at the claw-like form that was going through his chest, right where his heart was at. She trailed the claw to where it started with her eyes, gasping when she saw that the chakra-like claw was connected to her bleeding arm. Her pupils dilated and her breathing began to speed up. Her form started trembling as she reached up to dig her fingers into her hair.

She was hyperventilating.

The chakra began to retreat back to her wound, where it seemed to numb the pain. Sakura looked up as Shiro's now lifeless body fell backwards. She sat up and pushed herself up against the wall, staring at the corpse in horror. 'What….What did I do? How did I do it? Was it even me?' So many questions ran through her head but nothing mattered at that moment besides the body lying in front of her, motionless.

Her eyes quickly looked up at Aio when he moved to check his partner's pulse. He sighed when he found none then looked at her. Sakura flinched, backing up further into the wall. She wished she could just merge with it so she could hide away from the pain and the suffering. So she could pretend this never happened and she was with Hinata, silently wishing her a happy birthday. So she could go to sleep peacefully, curled up in her sleeping bag.

So she could forget about the bleeding, motionless, lifeless body in front of her.

A dull thud pulled Sakura from her thoughts. Looking up, she saw Aio fall forward, landing by Shiro's body. Her eyes drifted over to the three Anbu in the room. One was carrying Hinata in his arms while the other two checked Shiro and Aio's bodies.

A hand fell on her shoulder, and Sakura flinched away from it. Looking up, she saw a fourth Anbu crouching down by her. The Anbu held out its hand out for her. Sakura looked at it before looking up at the porcelain mask covering the ninja's face. She then looked at the bodies of the ninja who hurt her. She started trembling, turning back to the Anbu by her. She shook her head slowly, tears finally leaking out of her eyes.

The Anbu seemed to sigh then reach over to pick her up. Sakura flinched away again, a sob escaping her and shaking her small frame. She lowered her head, hiding her face and tears with her loose bangs. The Anbu took a deep breath then reached over for the mask. The ninja pulled it aside to cover her identity from her fellow Anbu. Chocolate brown eyes looked down onto the younger girl softly. "Hey," the woman spoke softly, pushing one of Sakura's bangs behind her ear. Sakura tensed, her eyes widening slightly.

"What's your name, Sweetie?"

Sakura's head snapped up at the nickname the Anbu used on her. Sweetie? No one's called her that before. She's heard how moms would call the kids like that. It was never used on her, though. And no one's ever asked for her name before, either.

Sakura looked down at the ground, staring at her blood-covered toes. "U-…Uzumaki Sakura," she whispered, releasing a shuddering breath.

The woman smiled at her gently and offered her hand again. "I'm Uzuki Yugao," The she grinned and pointed at the other Anbu in the room. "But don't tell those guys, alright? It'll be our little secret." She winked at Sakura, making the girl giggle despite the situation. Yugao smiled then offered her other hand. "Come on, let's go check that wound." Sakura blinked then looked down at her bleeding arm.

Everything that happened came back to her and the tears started falling again. She buried her face in her hands, her bangs falling down to shadow her face. Yugao cursed inwardly as she watched the girl start sobbing again. She sighed and swiftly picked the girl up in her arms. She apologized when Sakura winced in pain. Yugao, despite her arms being occupied, made a handseal and they disappeared in a cloud of smoke.

Konohagakure General Hospital- December 28

Hiruzen stared at the girl sleeping peacefully on the hospital bed, a frown adorning his aged face. He has been there for about an hour now, his gaze never wavering or leaving the girl. The steady rise and fall of her chest indicated that she was fine. However, the bands around her entire right arm said otherwise. The nurses and doctors say that it'd be a miracle for the arm and nerves to function correctly, as the kunai had cut through the muscles and tendons numerous of times.

However, the experts had been silenced as the muscles and tendons had begun repairing themselves at an alarming rate right in front of them while they had been preforming an operation to close the wound. Upon closer inspection, it was confirmed that it was the Kyuubi's chakra which was healing her ten times faster than any normal human being. It had amazed the doctors and medics but it didn't stop them from having to close the wound, hoping that the Kyuubi would heal the damaged muscles and tendons.

This was the only reason why Hiruzen was grateful for the Kyuubi inside of her.

A knock on the door disrupted his thoughts. He ordered for the person outside the room to enter. The door opened to reveal Yugao wearing simple Shinobi pants and a shirt. Her long purple hair cascaded down her back, loose from its usual ponytail. She closed the door behind her, bowing down to the Hokage before looking at the sleeping Jinchuuriki.

"How is she, Hokage-sama?"

Sarutobi let out a sigh. "She's making a remarkable recovery. The Kyuubi is helping in healing her wound. The doctors estimate that, if things keep going the way they are, she'll be out of here in less than a week."

Yugao let out a sigh of relief she didn't know she was holding. 'I'm glad.' She then turned to Sarutobi. "How long has she been asleep?"

"She wouldn't go with the doctors when you turned her in. She didn't seem to trust any of them. They had to distract her to be able to sedate her. Even then, she wouldn't give in very easily. It took five doctors, two nurses and three sedatives to hold her down and calm her without injuring her even further. She slept through the operation without even a twitch. She's been asleep for over twelve hours now." Sarutobi paused turning to Yugao.

"Her chakra coils are strained. She's too young to know how chakra works, much less how to use it. I assume the Kyuubi somehow forced its chakra through her coils. I'm still stomped on whether it was to get out or help her. I guess I'm gonna' have to look over it in the reports. I've also called Jiraiya over to take a look at the seal. It's doubtful but it could've weakend." He sighed as he stood up. He rubbed his temples, looking over at Yugao through his fingers. "I called you here so you could look over her. I don't need another incident."

Yugao nodded. "I would've come anyway, sir." At the Hokage's small smile, she paused. "Hokage-sama, I've been meaning to ask you this for a long while. However, work has been hectic the past year so I've never had the time." She glanced up at him, continuing when he nodded. She turned to Sakura as a soft smile made its way onto her lips. Sarutobi watched as Yugao gazed fondly at the younger girl.

It was then that he decided that he made a great choice in choosing Uzuki Yugao as Sakura's Anbu guardian.

"If possible, I'd like to adopt Sakura."

Yes, a great choice indeed.

The Hokage wasted no time in answering. "Uzuki Yugao, you asked this of me in the morning following your assignment to this protection mission. I had answered you with a negative. You were only thirteen then and had just lost your parents. You needed to sort out certain things before you could take care of someone else. As the years progressed, your job in Anbu became hectic and busy. Just last year, you officially became an adult – both in the eyes of the Shinobi and the civilians. However, your job in Anbu is very demanding. You taking on Sakura will mean dropping off Anbu and becoming a Jonin. Are you willing to make that change?"

Yugao frowned and gazed down at the floor. Anbu was her job, her home. It's been her life for the past six years. She'd make remarkable comrades in the elites. Bear, Bird, Snake. Hell, even that pervert Kakashi was a part of her life. She had promised herself she would defend it 'til the very end. The Anbu member turned to look at the hospital bed, watching the steady rise and fall of the girl residing within it.

But looking after Uzumaki Sakura was a huge part of her life, as well. If she wasn't on a mission – which she was on most of the time because she was one of the most trusted elites – she was watching over Sakura. She especially liked watching over her during sunset, when the girl would stare out of her window in her room at the orphanage, and just enjoy watching the sun disappear and the moon take its place. The girl didn't know it, but Yugao always watched the sunset with her – albeit hiding in the shadows but she was there, nonetheless. It was her favourite pass time and she wouldn't dream of leaving it behind.

The answer to the Hokage's question came easily.

"Yes, Hokage-sama."

Uzuki Yugao Household- Three Days Later

Yugao opened the door for Sakura and ushered the girl in silently. Sakura stopped dead in her tracks, staring at the house in wonder.

It was slightly larger than the houses she's seen around the orphanage. The walls were painted a bright white while the furniture was all dark in colour. There was a chimney on the wall in the living room. The kitchen was to the right while there was a hallway to the left which probably led to the bedrooms and restrooms.

Yugao smiled as she watched Sakura walk around the house, exploring every inch and cranny there was to the place. She shook her head in amusement when Sakura leaned over to look under the chimney and poked around, making a bit of ash fall on her face. She sneezed, losing her balance and falling on her rear on the floor.

Yugao snickered as she walked over and helped the girl onto her feet. She grasped her upper left arm to pull her up because she didn't want to injure her any further.

Yugao stared at the bandage that covered Sakura's whole right arm as the girl wiped the ashes off her face. The skin, muscles and tissues under it were completely healed already, thanks to the Kyuubi. However, because the gash was so long and deep, there was a scar marring her entire arm. It started at the base of her shoulder and extended down to the elbow, where it swirled to the side then continued its path down to her wrist. Though it was completely healed, Sakura didn't like the sight of it and so Yugao took it upon herself to teach her how to bandage it, seeing as the girl had somehow liked the style.

"Come on, Sakura; let's go see your new room."

Said girl smiled and nodded, following Yugao into the hallway and to the second door on the right. They went into that room and Sakura gaped at what was inside. The walls were painted white, just like in the living room. The shelves, the head of the bed and the desk in the corner of the room along with the closet door were painted a deep red. However, the thing that caught Sakura's attention was the stuffed red fox sitting on the plain white sheets of the bed.

Sakura squealed and ran over to the bed, jumping on it and sweeping the stuffed animal into her arms. "Kitsune-chan! You're alright!" She squealed again, hugging the toy even further.

Yugao smiled at the scene and leaned against the doorframe, crossing her arms across her chest. She gazed fondly at the girl, a chuckle escaping her lips when Sakura accidentally leaned back and fell off the bed, landing on her back. Her chuckle turned to full on laughter when she head Sakura whimpering and groaning.

Sakura looked up at her when she heard her laughing. A smile crept onto her face then she started laughing along with the older girl. Her laughter was cut short when pain erupted up her spine. "Ow, that hurt. I'm not falling off the bed again."

Yugao shook her head in amusement and smiled down at the girl. "Let's go get dinner, Sakura." Said girl looked up and nodded eagerly, sweeping Kitsune-chan into her arms and following Yugao out the door.

Konohagakure Streets- Next Year- October 10

Uzumaki Naruto stepped onto the streets, hands in his pockets and head down. Blonde short bangs shadowing over his eyes. He walked down the lonely streets towards his favourite ramen stand. The moon was up, shining down on the empty road ahead of him. The dirt road was void of its usual civilians and ninja. The light of the moon reflected his path, making it easier for him to move in the slight darkness.

A crash was heard inside an alley by him, making the boy jump at the sudden sound and look up. His light blue eyes scanned around as he nervously bit his lip. Gulping down his fear, he started walking towards the alley. He peeked around it, sighing in relief when he found nothing after scanning the area. He was about to turn to go back to the streets but someone pushed him forward.

Naruto stumbled into the alley, and fell to his knees and palms. He looked over his shoulder at the person who had just pushed him. His fearful and confused blue eyes met the hard gaze of red eyes, three swirling comas surrounding the pupils.

The man above him grinned, the light of the moon catching the glint of sharp metal in his hands.

"Happy birthday, demon."

(Oh, yeah! I'm done! Finally. School has been driving me insane these past few weeks. Good thing it end next week. Got all the free time I need in summer. I'm so glad for a break. School's hectic work.

Anyway, there's not much to say in this author's note besides complain about the Manga's current chapter where we find out about Kabuto's past…..Tch! BORING!

(1) Kushina fell in love with Minato after he rescued her from some Kumogakure ninja because they wanted to use her special chakra. Let's just say that she took part in defeating some of those ninja and two of them just happen to be Shiro's parents.

Yes, I'm very evil. But things are coming together rather nicely (In my perspective, anyway)

Sakura is not out of the woods, yet, either. The next year will be awful for the two Jinchuuriki. These accidents will have a major toll on them when they become Genin. Sakura seems normal but she was just given a chance at a different life with a loving and caring person. Anyone would be happy about it if they were in her situation. Hmm, I've given away too much. I should stop talking.

Anywho, any ideas you guys are interested in seeing here, you can just PM me or leave me a review. I'll take it into account and give you the credit if I end up using it. That's all for now! And thanks for reading!

7th Creature)