Chapter 6: Changing Time Academy and Team Assignment

Sakura and Ino bonded tightly both girls agreeing to grow their hair out. Ino modeling her hair after her father with a swoop bang as her own flair and Sakura had her hair pulled back and braided as she got older to keep her hair under wraps she had a few stray pieces curled around her face. Ino wore her notable outfit a two piece both in purple with blue accents. She also wrapped bandages around her waist and legs. Ino had been gifted with a few beads rechargeable for use by chakra and all color coordinated just for her two white with jutsu inside, four light blue for remedies, one dark purple for poison, and black for weapons.

Sakura decided not to wear her old quipao dress style. She decided to trade up for an outfit consisting of green and black. She wore green pants a bit baggy around the legs but fitted to her waist and ankle. Her tools in a dark brown pouch tied at her waist the bag lying against her back. She also wore brown shoes to blend in with the soil and trees all around the leaf. Her shirt was a green long sleeved top with a black vest over top. Her hair tied up as usual in a ponytail with her braids throughout. She had custom ordered the beads to clip in her hair each had varying seals. Some contained jutsu those were red, others contained remedies and antidotes were green, the poisons were dark brown, and weapons were black.

Inoichi, Genma, Hayate, and the Harunos were proud of the forethought the girls put into their appearance and shinobi gear. Genma even double checked their tool kits and purchased weapon sharpeners for them both as a gift. Sakura and Ino smiled in thanks before high fiving each other. Kneeling down in front of them, Genma smirked, "Carry these tool sharpeners always…the condition of your weapons could mean the difference between killing an enemy or them killing you."

Sakura and Ino both shared a look of agreement causing Genma to tug their hair. Hayate said warmly, "Good Luck on your test girls. Let us know who your teammates are and your sensei okay?" Sakura replied, "Sure, we'll let you know as soon as we know." Ino ran up and hugged her dad before grabbing Sakura's hand laughing, "Come on Petal-chan let's go before we're late!"

Sakura and Ino took off into the building with large grins on their faces. Their family and friends watching from the gate, Mebuki laughed, "Those girls…always so eager to grow up. They'll do amazing things someday!"

Inoichi sighed, "They probably won't be on the same team though…poor girls will be disappointed." Kizashi shared a grin with Genma and Hayate before shrugging, "They're good girls, both will do fine regardless."

~In the Exams~

Sakura and Ino were both called into separate rooms to perform their tests before Sakura stood Mizuki, Ebisu, and Iruka sensei.

"Clone Jutsu please," Ebisu requested and Sakura in quick procession performed it. She had two clones standing beside her with no defects. They made their marks. And Iruka requested "Henge Jutsu, please," Sakura again not only transformed but had her clones transform. She was Ino, her clone 1 was Shikamaru, and clone three was Hinata. The instructors also created their marks again on their pages. The final request was done by Mizuki, "I'm going to ask you a single question answer honestly," Sakura nodded in acknowledgement. "What's more important the mission success or your team mates life?"

Sakura answered honestly, "To the village? Mission success but, personally I care more for the life of my comrades, those who break the rules are scum but, those who would abandon their friends are even worse than scum. There is no I in team after all…right sensei?" All three sensei stood gaping at her and she stood waiting for their final responses. What she didn't know is that she was being watched along with other testers by the Hokage and several jounin in his office.

Kurenai Yuhi, Asuma Sarutobi, Hatake Kakashi, Might Gai and his students, and Hiruzen himself all watched struck at how similar Ino and Sakura's responses had been. Hiruzen looked at both girls with a critical eye, "Please get me Inoichi Yamanaka…I'm curious as to how these girls are so different but so similar."

Asuma knowing where to find him left quickly to find him. Inoichi looked up from his desk when someone knocked at his door way and he greeted with a smile, "Shikaku, Asuma, I wasn't expecting either of you…can I help you somehow?"

Asuma said with a bored tone, "Hokage-sama wants to see you at the office Ino and Sakura were just tested." Inoichi smirked, "I imagine they have similar stats?" Asuma nodded and Inoichi followed him out thanking Shikaku as he left, "Thanks Shikaku, I'll tell you how everything goes."

Inoichi and Asuma entered the office where the sensei stood and Inoichi smiled, "You had a question for me Hokage-sama?" Hiruzen motioned to the screen and replayed Ino and Sakura's testing scenes. Inoichi chuckled and said simply, "Looks like Ino's gone and adopted Sakura's philosophy regarding teamwork."

"So this is Sakura's feelings originally?" Kakashi asked curious only to sigh as Inoichi nodded affirmative. "Yes, Ino didn't understand it at first until Sakura explained it later. Sakura's words exactly were," he smirked and used a genjutsu to show his memory of the event, "How about I show you instead?"

*Flashback being seen*

Sakura grinned at Ino who looked lost, "Ino, a mission can always be approached again. You can place a trace on the ones with your mission scroll and regroup but, if your teammates die you can never get them back. Your friend's lives will be the most precious thing to you on a mission. If you all come home alive…even if you don't succeed on the mission there's always a next time. If your comrades die…there is no next time. You may not get it now but, it'll make sense to you eventually."

Ino shook her head with a teary smile, "No you're right, if I had to choose between a scroll and you…I'd choose you every time." She hugged Sakura tightly, "It makes perfect sense and I thank whatever god out there every day for the fact I get to have you as a friend!"

Sakura hugged Ino back her own eyes watering, "Yeah Ino, I thank them all the time too." She squeezed her friend again before letting go and pumping her fist in the air, "I'm gonna be the best medic in the world so that I can save as many people as I can!"

"So what's the point of the Shinobi rules then Sakura?" Ino asked. Sakura grinned, "Well, I see them more as guidelines then real rules. We're human not machines we can't just stop being human. People who become desensitized to their work in the field are just as much of a threat as someone who loses control of their emotions is. The world isn't made of black and white the way we wish it was…there are too many shades of grey to count."

*Flashback End*

Inoichi ended the jutsu and commented, "Sakura has kept up her studies both Shinobi and Civilian in equal measure. She has a maturity and a sense of self that many children don't find until they are much older. She truly intends to surpass Tsunade and be the best medic she can be. Nothing, I believe, will stop her."

Hiruzen chuckled, "I remember when her father first brought her in here. She said even then at a tender age of 4 that she would surpass Tsunade." Inoichi nodded since he knew Sakura would never give up. "Anything else I can help you with Hokage-sama?" Hiruzen shook his head and Inoichi acknowledged he was being dismissed.

Hiruzen took the folders of Ino and Sakura and set them next to each other, 'Both of you have grown from knowing one another…I want to see how you grow when apart.' He then separated them and placed them at the head of their own team piles.

The sensei had a lot to mull over and Gai's students watched mesmerized after having viewed the memory of the two best friends. All the remaining students were testing and Sakura was sitting quietly to the side. They noted that her eyes narrowed as he performed the jutsu for clones and shook her head standing up and approaching him, "Naruto…you have too much chakra to pull of the basic clone jutsu." She turned to look at Iruka sensei and asked, "Is there another clone jutsu he could try one that uses more chakra then the basic clones?"

Iruka nodded curious, "Yes Sakura but we haven't taught it because of risks why?" Sakura pointed at Naruto, "It isn't fair to test Naruto on a jutsu that even in class everyone knew he had too much chakra to accomplish. He should be given a different jutsu to test since his transformation jutsu did just fine."

Ebisu nodded and moved to stand before Naruto, "I'm going to show you the signs of another jutsu I want you to study them closely and try to use the jutsu." The spectators in the office smiled and Kurenai commented, "She's a real team player and didn't hesitate to call foul on the test when she knew it wasn't fair."

Naruto was able to mimic the hand sign sequence and added his chakra before you knew it there were ten Narutos standing in the room with bright smiles. Sakura nodded and patted Naruto on the shoulder with a bright smile. Hiruzen's eyes narrowed on Mizuki who was glaring at the students before scribbling on his notes. Sakura moved away and Naruto answered the final question flawlessly stating that people were important because there's only one of them when there were so many missions.

At the end of the testing Sakura and Naruto sat near each other and they heard him ask in the video, "Why'd you help me?" Sakura seemed surprised before smiling gently, "I helped you because we're both future leaf nin. Part of the oath we take to become ninja is to help each other and protect each other. So I protected you from being tested and graded unfairly."

~In the classroom~

Naruto looked down at his feet before a hand appeared in his vision and he looked back at Sakura who grinned, "I'm Sakura Haruno, and I'd like to be friends with you…if you want?" Naruto looked at Sakura surprised before shaking her hand, "It's nice to meet you Sakura-chan, I'm Naruto Uzumaki and someday I'm gonna be the Hokage, believe it!"

Sakura grinned, "Nice to meet you Naruto, I'm gonna be the best medic in the world someday and I look forward to the day you become Hokage!" Naruto blushed and grinned asking, "Wanna hang out and get some ramen later?" Sakura took a moment to consider, "I don't mind is it okay if my friend Ino joins us?" Naruto smiled, "Sure thing Sakura, have you ever had ramen? Ichiraku's Ramen is the best!"

Sakura giggled and said, "No but, if you like it so much it must be something awesome!" Soon the teachers deliberated and all were guided into the hall so the teachers could post the results. Ino moved to stand with Sakura and smiled at her, "So the exam was easy. How did it go for you?" Sakura returned, "Easy for me too, hey Ino, you okay with us getting ramen with Naruto here later?" Ino glanced at a hopeful Naruto and smiled, "Sure, I'm down for it…I haven't been to Ichiraku's in forever!"

Sakura grinned, 'Befriend Naruto, check. Introduce Ino to Naruto, double check. Keep Mizuki-sensei away from Naruto, triple check!' "Awesome!" The pinkette cheered as both blondes laughed at her. Soon the teacher's called the students in to see their scores and Sakura found all three of their names on the pass list smiling, "Yes! We all passed come see." She grabbed Ino and Naruto's hands and brought them to their names and results.

Naruto smiled, "I finally passed after 3 fails, I finally passed!" Ino and Sakura giggled and grabbed each of Naruto's arms Sakura to his right and Ino to his left. Ino announced, "This calls for celebratory Ramen!" Naruto was happy to have two friends to celebrate with and they all took off for Ichiraku. Iruka and Ebisu smiling after the trio not noticing the anger being exuded by Mizuki who thought frustrated to himself, 'My plans for Lord Orochimaru…ruined!'

Sakura and Ino were later found sandwiching Naruto on the stools of Ichiraku Ramen. Teuchi and Ayame were as nice as Sakura always remembered them to be. After being given their results they were all asked to report to the academy in the morning to meet our sensei. Sakura looked to Ino, "So, does your dad have any clue who is going to be a possible sensei this year?"

Ino shrugged, "Even if he did I doubt he will tell me. He believes that the sensei should always have the element of surprise." Sakura sighed, "Well yeah, I guess so. I hope I end up on a team with either you or Naruto…if not maybe I'll get lucky and be partnered with Shikamaru or Hinata chan."

~At the Hokage's Office~

Hiruzen took in the rankings of the results from Academy, Sakura and Ino tied for top kunoichi both having different areas of specialty. Ino had the feminine arts like flower arranging and seduction in her favor while Sakura had diplomatic skills along with shinobi and civilian merchant insider perspective making her a possible future politician power player.

With these two girls the teams were hard to match the usual mix of Aburame, Inuzuka, and Hyuuga for tracking was a must. The intelligence of Shikamaru and the gentle shyness of Chouji could form the usual Shika-Ino-Cho combo but, the temptation to place Sakura with them for future peace talks was all too tempting. He looked up at Asuma and Kakashi, "What do you gentlemen think, tradition? Or take advantage of political power play and create a team of shinobi ambassadors?"

Asuma took a deep breath, "I'll take the diplomatic team…Kakashi is better suited for a front line heavy hitter team and shaking things up a bit could be exactly what this village needs." Kakashi agreed quickly not wanting to be faced with the girl who reminded him so much of Rin and Obito it hurt. "I think it's a good idea. I'll take Sasuke, Ino, and Naruto. I can turn them into a jutsu theft specialty squad while training them to be heavy hitters."

Hiruzen nodded and handed Kakashi the files of Ino, Naruto, and Sasuke. He then handed Asuma the files of Shikamaru, Chouji, and Sakura. 'Well this will be an interesting turn out. I look forward to seeing good things from all of them. Especially Sakura, when she realizes just how much easier I've made her job from now on.' He also reported the team match ups to Iruka who was to announce the teams and smirked at the man's shock. It was only a matter of hours before the students and Sakura herself became aware of how much was changing.

~The following morning~

Sakura, Ino, and Naruto met at the entrance to the academy and grinned excited to see what was coming for them. Sakura smiled when she saw Shisui and Itachi walking up with Sasuke. The massacre had not been completely avoided but, when she went to the Hokage alone a month before the final order came down the man had a plan to send the three Uchiha out of the village on a secret mission. They returned to find their family dead but, Itachi and Shisui shared a knowing glint of regret while Sasuke was sad and angry but, he was lucky to have his brother with him.

'I'm glad that the Hokage-sama listened to me and believed the letter his older-self wrote to him.' Sakura thought to herself as she waved at them in greeting. Neither she nor Ino ended up as shallow fan-girls both choosing to focus on their training. Genma, Hayate, and Inoichi had been all too happy to help push them to be the best they could be. Sakura was more like a finely honed weapon sent out to conquer. Ino, like a charming bird, sent out to win people over and turn situations to her advantage.

The entire class of students sat together and the teams were announced, "Team 8: Kiba, Hinata, and Shino, Team 7: Sasuke, Naruto, and Ino, Team 10: Sakura, Shikamaru, and Chouji." Sakura and Ino met each other's gaze before Ino bumped shoulders with Naruto who laughed. Sakura grinned, 'Hokage-sama you sneaky bastard…what are you up to?' She turned and looked at the shocked duo and grinned, "Well hi, looks like we're gonna be team mates!"

Shikamaru and Chouji looked at each other to Sakura and back and Shikamaru just grumbled, "This is so troublesome…all that Ino-Shika-Cho practice for nothing, what a drag!" Chouji just smiled in return, "It's something new…I wonder what they're planning?"

Sakura took a minute to think since they were told to wait here for their instructor. Sakura looked at the stats and personalities of each member, "They could be planning the leaf villages first political intelligence team or maybe diplomatic envoys?"

"You're not wrong Sakura," A man's voice came from behind them and Sakura turned to see Asuma Sarutobi. "Ah Sarutobi-san you're our sensei?" Sakura asked politely. Asuma smirked, "Sure am, follow me kids let's get some food in you and discuss this team further."

Shikamaru and Chouji stood up and Sakura followed after them smiling as they went to Yakiniki Q. It had been Team 10s main haunt in her last life too. She sat next to Shikamaru while Chouji sat next to Asuma sensei who said, "Order what you want? I'm buying today…" Sakura grinned and pitched in some money anyway, "Here Sensei, this is a team venture so I wanna pitch in too."

Asuma tried to reject it but Sakura got a glint in her eye and he chose the better part of valor and surrendered, 'Father was definitely right about her. He did say she was sharp and dangerous when she wants something her way.' He accepted and Sakura ordered green tea and began looking at meat options a bit confused. He almost said something when Genma appeared with a smirk and said, "Sakura you should get the steak and shrimp combo. You like it the best."

Sakura grinned at him and held her arms open, "Genma-nii! I didn't think I'd see you here!" Asuma just asked with Shikamaru, "Genma-nii?" The tokubetsu jounin smirked, "I've helped watch over and train Sakura with Hayate, Inoichi and the Harunos since she was four years old. She calls me and Hayate her older brothers." He then relented and hugged the feisty pinkette before she turned her pout on him. "She even scares girls away from us when she thinks they aren't good enough…cute but, infuriating," he glared at her a bit and she smirked unrepentant. "I have no regrets if they don't pass my test they don't get to date you."

Genma sighed, "Can I at least blow some steam with one?" Sakura whacked him upside the head and said, "You start doing that everyone's going to think you're some perverted playboy. No! What if you meet a girl and wanna marry her but she won't look twice at you because you behaved that way? A mission where you seduce your target should be plenty for you to 'blow steam off with' if you really feel the need to." Genma pouted but let Sakura have her way since she was the lady of the family. He had to trust a girl's perspective after all. "Fine! I give up!"

Genma got up and waved saying, "See you Sakura, Sakura's team…I'm sure you'll be seeing plenty of us soon enough!" Sakura waved and laughed as he groaned about annoying sisters before turning and seeing two of her team looking at her in disbelief, "What!" Asuma and Shikamaru just shook their heads groaning as Sakura turned to Chouji, "Was it something I said?"

Chouji smiled and laughed at the lost look on her face and shrugged, "Who knows? I can't read their minds." Sakura nodded and double checked the menu before the waiter could return to pick her order. She looked to Shikamaru, "What are you getting?" The Nara boy just shrugged, "Mackerel…it's my favorite but, I prefer it baked." Sakura grinned and looked to Chouji, "How about you?" Chouji smiled, "I'm going for pork and lamb!" Sakura laughed, "I'll trade a piece of my steak and two shrimps to try a piece of lamb and pork since I've never been here before." Chouji grinned, "You're on!"

Asuma grinned and made a plan to order extra shrimp for the table since Sakura was trading a bit more food. He still was shocked that she seemed so connected when her file states that her origin is civilian but, he looked forward to getting to know the graduation class' wildcard. "I'm just getting chicken for myself and ordering extra shrimp for the table." Sakura shrugged in acceptance with a smile, 'So I have a new team. This will be fun!'