Chapter 13: Fear and Sorrow, The Chunin Exams 1 & 2.

Sakura awoke alone in the apartment she recognized Genma's bed when she saw it. She looked over and saw Ino. Tears began to build in her eyes, 'If things turn out like last time…she might not survive the forest.' Her heart was torn she knew her loved ones would be at risk, but she thought it wouldn't happen for at least a little more time. The piper had come to call and instead of her it may be Ino who pays the price.

Sakura grabbed a bead from her hair and replaced it with the one Ino normally wore. She placed her own weapon bead into Ino's hair as she left the room. Genma sat on the couch with tea steaming and he gestured for her to sit.

"What made Morino bring you home like that last night?" Genma asked in a tone that brokered no argument.

"Hokage-sama and I had a disagreement. I was a bit hysterical because of how much work I'd put into a plan he'd asked of me. I wasn't meant to be in the exams but the acceptance of the nominations for all the rookie teams…they aren't ready, and I won't always be there to look after them Genma." Sakura's voice was hoarse and rough from the emotions she was fighting.

"Did you two almost come to blows or was it words?" Genma asked.

"Just words, not a single jutsu in the air," Sakura said quietly.

Genma prodded, "But?"

Sakura looked him dead in the eye her fear and anger lying in wait, "But, I'd considered it." She stood pulling at her hair, "I didn't work my ass off all these years to be ahead of my peers, so that when I got to another rank I could help them all train to be better for Hokage-sama to put them at risk with barely 6 months under their belts!"

She looked to Genma who nodded in understanding, "I did it so I could protect them until they could better protect themselves and each other. I'm not a god, I'm not invincible, I'm one person stretched in 12 directions. I've dedicated my life to protecting my precious people and this plan was a way to do that." She gestured towards the tower knowing the privacy seals were active but he'd be watching her in his orb.

"He even agreed to this plan, it wasn't instantaneous, it was years of planning and waiting and training! Now he's gone and changed everything with this one decision and my friends may end up fucking DEAD because of it. Am I pissed?" Her green eyes blazing like fire, "Oh Hell Fucking Yes I'm PISSED THE FUCK OFF!"

Genma launched himself from the couch, "I'm sorry you're scared…I'm sorry that everything you worked for seems to be going up in smoke, but Sakura if there's anything I know…" He turned his little sister so he could let her see his sincerity. "It's that he always has a back up plan. Even if you can't see it yet, I promise you it's there!"

Sakura closed her eyes and took a deep breath, "Genma, if his plan doesn't correlate with mine…I may not be here when the dust settles…" Her meaning wasn't lost on him. He always knew there was more to his little sister than meets the eye. She was mature and hardened in spirit while her body remained fragile. People don't get eyes like hers from nothing, whatever twist of fate brought her into his life he thanked them every day. If she left, he would listen out for her and keep her safe from within.

"If that's true that's okay…no matter what Sakura. You will always be my little sister. No matter where you go, what you do, or how long you're gone. I will be here when you come back." Genma vowed as he embraced her tightly. Anything he could do to make her life easier he would. Making a list in his head he was going to gather supplies and save some extra cash on the side to be ready for her when the time came. He knew no one else could know especially not her peers…they wouldn't understand what she's sacrificing for all of them to have a future.

Sakura hugged her brother tightly wishing that she was wrong but, in her heart, knowing she wasn't. The sadness Hashirama felt also proved her theory to be right. She was going to have to leave her home in order to protect it. 'Now I know at least a fraction of what Itachi felt in the last lifetime.'

"I love you, big brother!" Sakura said tearfully as she hugged him tight knowing that these exams will probably change everything. She has work to do to get ready, clothes to buy and pack, money to seal, weapons and medical supplies, maps, a few books and scrolls. There was no way she could do it all quickly enough.

She stepped back and nodded then headed for the door to begin the shopping and preparations for her long journey. Her usual supplier looked surprised at the massive number of tools, sharpeners, medical supplies, and weapons. "Big plans Sakura?"

She looked up at the kind old man, "Hello Ichi-san, My team was nominated for the chunin exams called me paranoid but, where can I get food that can be eaten without a fire that's not a ration bar? Good for being in the wild?"

Ichi laughed, "I gotcha, head two doors down there's lots of foods like jerky and such there that'll help ya."

Sakura bowed and gathered her purchases sealing them, "Thank you Ichi-san!" She ran off before anyone else could stop her and moved to the food store to go through the same pattern.

The lady was a cousin of Chouji and was a bit concerned, "Sakura-chan is everything alright?"

Sakura blushed, "Can't be too prepared for the exams, right?"

Mai calmed down immediately and showed great understanding, "Nominated already that was fast. I'll make sure to tell Uncle Chouza to have Chouji and Shikamaru come get some too. You grabbed a lot but the boys should pull their weight too."

"I appreciate all your help Mai-san, thank you!" Sakura bolted in frustration getting annoyed that so many people were going to question her overzealous supply trip. "Now the clothing/armory store." Sakura bolted 3 blocks away passing Shikamaru and his Dad who paused.

"Wasn't that your teammate son? Where's she in such a hurry to?" Shikaku questioned his son.

Shikamaru sighed, "She seemed freaked out by our early nomination into the exams. She might be in preparation overdrive."

Shikaku looked at his son, "Son, the exam starts tomorrow…have you resupplied yet?"

Shikamaru looked up, "No…its troublesome."

Shikaku grabbed his son by the scruff sighing, "There's a time and a place for that attitude and right before an exam that could kill you if you're not prepared isn't it son." He scratched his nose, "If your mother had heard you, she would have knocked you one. Your teammate has the right idea."

Shikamaru grumbled but ambled into supply shops to be greeted by the shop keepers pleasantly. Shikaku decided to follow Sakura's example and take his son to the armory before going to their clan weaponsmith. As they entered into the shop, they were surprised to see her looking at a large catalogue for custom orders rather than the colorful clothing on the shelves.

"Not finding anything to your taste, kid?" Shikaku asked.

Sakura looked up surprised, "Oh…no what I want is too specific and I probably have to order it. It's a pain. I need elemental resistance armor that lays over my weights and clothing without being obvious. Something to protect me from the ninjutsu others use that I don't have the skill to counter yet." She gestured to her hair, "My hairs enough of a signal screaming, "I'm right here" dyes don't work, and I don't have energy or time to waste on constant genjutsu. I don't need silly clothes to put even more of a target on my back."

Shikamaru threw out, "My cousin's an armor crafter. He might be able to help you get what you need before tomorrow."

Sakura looked surprised, "You sure? I don't want to impose."

Shikaku nodded, "He's right you'll get what you need and that will help you for now. After that your order from here can get sent to wherever you need it."

Sakura was almost ready to resist before she bowed and said, "Thank you Nara-sama, Shikamaru."

Shikamaru cuffed her on the head with a light scoff, "We're teammates. We help each other its what we do."

Sakura stood up with a pained smile, 'I hope you'll still feel that way when this is over.' She knew Shikaku would notice but sue her she had a reason to be sad.

Shikaku looked at the pain on the girl's face and remembered seeing a similar look on the Hokage's face. 'Looks like I need to ask the Hokage a few questions.'

Sakura followed the two males back to the Nara compound where they were greeted by the strong woman that was Yoshino Nara. Eyes narrowed until she saw the insignia on the bags and then their guest, "Oh Sakura-chan do you and Shikamaru have another mission?"

Sakura sighed, "We were nominated for the exams. Just wanna be ready is all." She calmed her heart and looked up kindly at Mrs. Nara. "I hope I didn't make them late for anything important."

Yoshino smiled adoring her son's teammate, "Of course not dear! Thank you for looking out for my son."

Sakura looked up at Shikaku curious and he simply shrugged with a smirk. "She likes you…what can I say."

Sakura giggled at the groaning and complaining from Shikamaru as both led her to his cousin's workshop.

Shikato was a friendly older man who looked to be about Genma's age. He smiled and looked curious as to the new person with his Clan's Head and heir. "Shikaku-sama, how can I help you today?"

Shikaku asked, "You still have that extra elemental proof armor?"

Shikato nodded in curiosity, "Sure do, was going to scrap it. What can I do for ya?"

Shikaku motioned to Sakura, "She has a request," The younger Nara nodded with a smile.

"How can I help a pretty girl out?" Shikato asked making Sakura blush cutely. She wasn't used to flattery even in her old life and had no idea how to react.

"Um, I was planning to ask for some armor that will blend in with my clothing. Shikamaru and I with our teammate Chouji have been nominated for the chunin exams. I don't have a way to counter elemental jutsu. I need armor to help protect me from the worst of it so I can take care of my teammates." She bowed with a blush, "Can you help me Nara-san, please?"

Shikato laughed delighted he could fluster his cousin's cute little friend. "Hmm, I think we can swing that especially because you said please! Need a clan insignia on it?"

Sakura froze and said earnestly, "No! I don't need a clan marking on it or anything that you're helping me is enough."

Shikato seemed surprised, "Really, even most civilian born shinobi have their clan mark somewhere."

Sakura smiled, "I love my family too much to do that to them. If I'm in the field or during these exams if I make an enemy, I don't want them to target my civilian parents Nara-san." Her smile became brittle, "It's better not to add to their worries."

Shikamaru looked surprised, "I never thought of that. It's really not safe for civilian born shinobi to wear a family mark until their rank is high enough to make people think twice, is it?"

Sakura smiled sadly, "No, it really isn't. We must be cautious because clans like Nara tend to be large and have great numbers not to mention formal alliances with other clans. Most clans overlook civilian families because we don't have as much to offer in stories and traumas and we don't always understand a long-term rivalry. We're still people though. People from larger clans forget that just because our problems are different doesn't mean that they are any less significant."

Sakura was grateful and bowed carefully at them, "Sorry, I don't mean to come off so panicked I just worry. My parents are traveling merchants and so if I made enemies and my family members passed through. I would be placing them in the line of fire." She stood again, "I just want to protect them the best I can."

Shikato smiled, "I can measure you just stand on this spot right here. I have to go around you so no poking!" His joke was a clever way to clear the air of the somber tone and bring smiles back. He gently went around measuring her arms-length, legs-length, height, waist, hips, calves, neck, and bust. If he was going to make her useable armor to be ready tomorrow, he was going to do it right. "Alright, I've got all your measurements it will be ready, and I'll have Shikamaru bring it for you tomorrow okay?"

Sakura bowed again, "Thank you so much Nara-san!" She turned to both Shikamaru and his father, "Thank you both so much and I will see you in the morning Shikamaru? Please make sure to eat well and go to sleep early. I know you hate losing sleep."

Shikaku laughed at his son as they waved goodbye to his teammate, "She knows you well enough. Wish your mother was that laid back, but she wouldn't be her if she was."

Shikamaru scoffed, "Whipped."

Shikaku chuckled, "Someday son, you will be too. You just won't know it until it's already too late."

Shikamaru's only response was, "Doubt it."

It wasn't until only a few days later the poor sod would unknowingly meet his match. The exams would begin in the morning demanding a lot of the youth of Konoha even if most weren't aware of it yet. Both team 7 and 10 took great care to prepare because of Sakura's visible worry at the restaurant. None more so than Sakura herself.

Night fell and Sakura sealed all her new possessions on her person to prevent them from being lost. All her storage seals hidden beneath clothing to be extra secure on her skin. Before she could sleep though she had letters to write in case her worst fears came to life and she was forced to leave to do her assigned mission. They deserved at least this much since she couldn't give them everything. They needed to know that her leaving was for their futures sake. Even if they wouldn't know exactly where she was going or what she was doing she would always keep them in her thoughts.

When morning broke Sakura woke just before the sun and slipped into the kitchen only to find Ino, Hayate, and Genma already at the table her plate dished out for her. She smiled at their thoughtfulness as she had been rather morose yesterday.

Genma smiled at their charges glad to see Sakura had pulled out of the mood she'd been in for that past few days as she'd been focusing on being ready for anything. Genma already promised to forward her orders to a neutral mailing address through a summon he'd kept secret for some time. He'd always help her when she needed him.

Sakura finished breakfast and stole the dishes to clean since she wasn't sure who cooked she refused to let them clean but they hung out with her none the less and Hayate put the dishes on the higher shelves making her pout at him.

"Not my fault you're vertically challenged!" Hayate laughed holding his hands up in surrender.

Sakura just stuck her tongue out at him while rolling her eyes. She grabbed her basic pack and moved towards the door. When she opened it Shikamaru, Chouji, and their fathers stood on the other side. She blinked, "Good morning, uh come in we just cleaned up from breakfast. Tea?"

Shikamaru chuckled and handed her a large bag, "It's ready go put it on."

Sakura jumped to it causing everyone to laugh at her. She went into her room and put on the new armor layer that blended in perfectly with her clothes a symbol had been added, but it made her smile. She read the note attached from the armor's maker. Shikato was a Nara unlike any other she had ever met as clever as he was, he was personable and not lazy.

Sakura-chan,

I know you worry for your family, but I hope this calling card is a symbol you can shamelessly place on all your armor and weapons too if you want from here on out. I may have snuck to your home and looked for a signal significant enough. I saw the necklace you wore the blossom and felt it suited you. Sorry for being weird I just feel like everyone should have a sign to call their own that reminds them of home.

Hope this armor gives you the boost you need!

Shikato Nara

Sakura smiled knowing the exact necklace he spoke of since she never took it off no matter what anyone suggested. Her necklace had been a gift from her father to remind her of home and it was custom made. She came out and Shikamaru looked surprised at the symbol though his father didn't.

Shikamaru searched his teammates face and found only contentment. She pulled out the necklace to show him and Shikamaru nodded. The necklace was a significant symbol to her and one that would endanger her loved ones. 'Good move Shikato.'

Sakura spun and said, "I really love it, it's perfect! I owe Shikato a big thank you!"

She looked at both Ino, Chouji, Shikamaru, and their family members in the apartment. "Ready to go?"

Ino jumped up with an excited, "Yeah! Let's ace this exam!"

With that the three genin left to meet up with Ino's teammates at the Exam Entrance. All the adults left behind could smile but worry. They too didn't appreciate the early nomination, but these events were at the discretion of the sensei and Hokage-sama.

As soon as the four genin entered Ino went and grabbed her two teammates groaning as they were making a scene. Once they joined back with Team 10 Sakura whispered, "We're gonna send you guys up the steps and keep quiet, no fighting or arguments. We'll join you in about 3 minutes."

Ino did as instructed while Shikamaru set a timer. Chouji waved over Hinata who brought her teammates along. "Head to the stairs we'll see you in a few minutes. This is the second floor according to Sakura."

Hinata smiled and thanked Chouji before heading up the stairs. As soon as the timer went off on Shikamaru's watch they also headed up the steps only for Sakura to groan as she saw Lee and Sasuke fighting. She moved over to Ino and said, "Do they not understand the idea of subtlety at all?"

Ino just glared at her frustration clear on her face, "That's like asking me to be ugly or Naruto to be quiet. It just won't happen no matter how hard we all try and it's ridiculous!"

Sakura patted her friend gently on the back before moving over to the two older genin, "He does know that fighting without the proctor's permission is an easy way to get kicked out of the exams, right?"

Both teammates looked at her wondering if she was right and gaped as she yelled, "Sasuke get back with your team and stop making a scene. Do you want to get disqualified before the tests even begin? Fighting isn't allowed without the proctor's permission and supervision. Get moving!" She then pulled back and grabbed her team to head into the room after being greeted by a line of surprised sensei. Sakura shrugged, "What it's true!"

Shikamaru sighed as they went into the classroom and quietly lined up near the wall. Sakura peeking at the competition through her hair as Shikamaru started to doze. Chouji eating his chips as usual needing the energy boost before the nerves of exams could get to him.

"I'm gonna beat all of you believe it!" Naruto exclaimed making Sakura facepalm as she muttered, "Idiot…" She looked over fondly, "Hey Loudmouth, get over here and pipe down. Exams are gonna start when the proctor gets here."

"Why'd you ask him over here Sakura? Now he's just gonna be loud right next to us." Shikamaru complained making Sakura smile at him.

"Ino hasn't figured out how to corral him yet. Maybe a few demonstrations will help her out. He seems to listen just fine to me." Sakura paused thinking to herself, "I wonder why that is?"

Chouji just laughed as his best friend grumbled in complaint. They remained close together as Ino and Sasuke followed along with Hinata, Kiba, and Shino. Together they grouped together, and Sakura quietly began. "So, the idea was our sensei want us to work together. My guess is they exam is gonna go 3 through 3 phases, written, survival, then one on one or team vs team matches. Any ideas?"

Shino gestured forward bugs appearing from his sleeve, "Kikaichu are easy for me to track." Sakura looked at both teams, "They eat chakra so who has the most on each team? I can carry one for us." Sasuke wordlessly offered his hand and allowed a bug to join him.

"How are we going to track them though?" Naruto asked whispering because of the glares being sent his way from earlier.

"Ya know, things are pretty tense as it is. You really shouldn't be grouped together and chatting. These exams are pretty serious." A new voice interjected.

Sakura had to fight to keep her hackles from raising. She knew Kiba noticed since he sent her a questioning look as she smiled. "Thanks, but we can take care of ourselves nin-san. Please go back to your team. We don't even recognize you from around the village."

Ino gave him a smile joining Sakura, "Yeah, if we wanted help, we'd ask someone we knew already, kay bye!"

The remainder of their rookie group followed their lead and chose to ignore the silver haired genin randomly sticking themselves into their conversation. None noticed the brief annoyance to grace his face. He allowed his smile to return, "I'm Kabuto Yakushi, the reason you might not see me is that I'm normally working in the hospital or with the Orphanage I grew up in."

Sakura sighed, "Name's Sakura, please leave us alone Yakushi-san. You are a stranger and have nothing we want." She returned to focusing on a moment of meditation while she had the chance keeping her senses pealed for any disturbances. As she turned away her bangs moved enough for her seal to be visible.

'This is the girl Orochimaru-sama spoke of?' Kabuto wondered as he glimpsed the mark that no child should be capable of attaining the discipline.

Sakura remained until Ibiki Morino came and started to place students in their assigned seats. Sakura looked around the room at the proctors and smirked at Kotetsu and Izumo. Her light comment, "Your henge jutsu wasn't very convincing gate watchers." She teased the two and she grinned as their eyes narrowed at her.

She was poked from behind, "Sakura don't pick on the proctors. They managed to keep some people out. "That was their genjutsu not their henge Ino."

Ibiki barked, "Quiet the Gossip ladies. I've gotta a test to run here."

Sakura shrugged non-chalant, "Bluff? Trick Question?" She held up the paper, "I know this isn't the true test. Some of these questions require Jounin or Anbu mindset to respond." She laid the paper on her desk and muttered, "Psychological warfare?"

Ibiki couldn't help but narrow his eyes on his favorite pinkette, "Brat, why are you even here? You shoulda been skipped to the next phase."

Sakura pouted, "Aww but then you'd miss my pretty face Ibiki!" Her eyes fluttered dramatically causing most of the genin to gag while Ino laughed.

Ibiki couldn't deny a smirk, "Brats, step out and sit with Izumo and Kotetsu as an extra proctor. We shall know if you'll pass this round by your teams scores." His eyes narrowed on the remaining four, "You fail and so do your two lady friends."

Sakura winked at her teammates and sat with the proctor Ino joining her as they shared a laugh. Sakura's voice darkened, "They wouldn't dare."

Kotetsu groaned, "Boss, what have we ever done to you?!"

Izumo rolled his eyes smiling at the two, "Hello ladies, sit with me since Ko's being a baby."

Ino and Sakura hugged their favorite gatekeeper sighing playfully, "Now everyone knows why you're our favorite gatekeeper."

Shikamaru groaned, "Troublesome, stop flirting with the chunin girls. Your dads will be pissed."

Ino and Sakura pouted a final comment, "Spoilsport!"

It was in another office sat several of the jounin sensei and parents alongside the Hokage. Inoichi and Kizashi groaning in a corner as the others laughed.

Shikaku's eyes narrowed, "Why did they reject that young man's help? Also, why in the world did those girls call out the point of the exam?"

"Confuse the competition most likely. No one expected them to figure it out. Being singled out and forced to depend on their team is a twist as much as a cover. Ibiki knows he can't fail them now." Inoichi said with a sigh.

"My little Petal, she's growing up too fast Inoichi what do I do?!" Kizashi cried as his daughter played the proctors easily.

Hiruzen chuckled, "They are being kunoichi, Kizashi-san. They are using their charms to sabotage and play the other teams that aren't familiar with their antics. Watch their competition closely."

Kizashi and Inoichi looked closer before their eyes widened in surprise at the sheer fear on some of the teams faces. The Suna team seemed amused as did sound and grass. Sakura's eyes were clearly canvasing the room picking out the weaker teams by their reactions.

Ino in the meantime was also using her talent to provide both teams the answers to the test using her jutsu after stealing the copy from Sakura that she answered before their little show. Proving that they had what it took to pass regardless.

Shikaku groaned and looked at Chouza, "We should have had a team dinner at our houses. We should have known sooner just how dangerously intelligent and advanced she was."

Chouza chuckled, "Hindsight is always 20/20 my friend. We can hold one before the final round of the exams." Shikaku nodded his agreement wanting to get to know the girl better.

It took time but eventually the known teams were passed for round two. All spectators shuddered as Anko broke into the room and announced the second exam. "The Forest of Death, waivers to be signed, and one scroll each team. Either Heaven or earth, they have to compete and get the other scroll from another team in order to reach the tower for the third exam. If you die after signing the waiver no one can blame us."

Sakura returned to her team ignoring the other teams for the moment and double checking, "Everyone got their supplies?"

Shikamaru nodded, "Extra food and weapons, you got the medical stuff?"

"Extra food for all of us, weapons, medical supplies, and my armor of course." Sakura responded.

"My cousin told me to stock up…guess I know why." Chouji looked at Sakura surprised, "You really went all out for this didn't you?" He recalled her list and his eyes widened further, "You didn't use all of your mission pay for us, did you?"

Sakura shook her head, "Nah, I sealed my mission pay away in savings for the most part. This was just my mission prep money that I spend carefully."

Shikamaru looked curious, "You worry about budget already? Why?"

Sakura smiled, "I'm going to be on my own eventually. Might as well have a head start in case some kind of emergency pops up." She looked around, "I plan to move out on my own sooner rather than later for the same reasons I don't wear my clan symbol. My problems will be mine and no one else's."

Shikamaru nodded in understanding and he said quietly to Chouji, "I'll explain later."

Chouji gathered closer, "Who should carry the scroll?"

Sakura thought for a moment, "Why not you?"

Chouji was surprised, "You'd trust me with it?"

Sakura looked shocked, "Of course I would. I trust both of you equally ya know." She looked a bit sad and asked, "Does it seem like I don't?"

Chouji shared a glance with Shikamaru, "It's not that exactly…just some of the stuff Kakashi asked about you seemed really private."

Shikamaru added, "Let's talk about this after the exam. We trust you Sakura…you're just not as easy to read. We can work through it."

Sakura nodded and went to position herself at her team's gate. "Right, let's do this, guys."

Chouji and Shikamaru smirked, "Right!"

"And GO!" Anko bellowed as all the gates opened into the forest their team leaping in without hesitation.

Shikamaru took point while Sakura and Chouji focused on the wings and rear together. No one was sneaking up on their team if they could help it.

"Sakura, Chouji, wait by the tower or gate?" Shikamaru asked.

"Are we faster or stronger?" Sakura asked honestly.

Shikamaru sighed, "Faster, for the moment, tower good with you Chouji?"

Chouji took a moment, "If we're careful but, do we have anything I can eat easily that will keep me moving?"

Sakura used a bit of chakra on her seal at her left lower stomach and handed Chouji a few different Granola bar flavors. "It's not much but Jerky we should save for later."

Chouji hummed happy that he wasn't being made fun of for his need to eat. During their childhood training for Ino-Shika-Cho he used to get teased relentlessly by Ino.

Sakura smiled, "Your body needs more fuel than ours because your jutsu are more exhausting. Nothing to be made fun about."

It wasn't long until a random Mist team decided to try their luck and they mistakenly assumed Sakura had the scroll. Team 10 set plenty of traps and smirked as they tied up their unconscious competition. Sakura retrieved two scrolls and laughed, "Look guys just what we needed and a spare."

Shikamaru grinned, "To the tower then?"

Chouji cheered, "To the tower so we can eat!" The team shared a relieved laugh as they headed deeper into the forest. Sakura praying for the best.

She begins to feel a bit apprehensive as they reach a familiar part of the forest. Ino's voice can be heard whimpering.

Sakura shoots a look a Shikamaru who seems grim and nods. She bolts ahead to the sound of her friend curled in fetal position as a sound kunoichi Kin hovers with a kunai above her. Sakura in a push of chakra slams Kin into a tree with a chakra enhanced kick. The scream released from her enemies bones breaking heard clearly. Sakura saw Shikamaru holding Dozu in place and Zaku being pinned by Chouji's expanded limb. Sakura immediately checks Ino and repairs the damage she can before hiding her and returning to face Dozu.

The sound nin glared, "Orochimaru didn't say you leaf would come from the woodwork."

Sakura sneered, "Don't really care what that snake would say. You can either scram or we kick your ass and make you scram." Her body lowered into a stable crouch ready for a fight. Her beads clinking in the light peeking through the trees.

Shikamaru grabbed his weapons and stood to assist Chouji if needed. He knew Sakura could mostly handle herself and them attacking Ino was a big no-no where she was concerned. His eyes remained sharp as he waited for someone else to show up.

Sakura discreetly moved her chakra to deafen her ears and block them from damage. She then moved to plant her senbon in a circle of sorts around the sound nin. Once she did so she signaled to Shikamaru and Chouji to release Zaku before setting off one of her beads. It held a basic lightening jutsu that Hayate had sealed for her. Nothing too powerful but it would trap them for the moment.

"Shikamaru, give our spare scroll to Ino if it's the one they need and to get straight to the tower. She needs to get them out of the forest." Sakura muttered quickly.

Shikamaru grabbed her, "How long will that jutsu hold?"

"10 minutes tops." Sakura said honestly.

"Chouji grab Sasuke and I'll get Naruto. Sakura grab Ino and let's move to the tower before the jutsu runs out." Shikamaru ordered and Sakura obeyed without question. The two teams were met by the remaining two leaf teams.

Neji and Shino glanced at Team 7 in concern and Sakura focused on helping Ino stay stable. Her blonde friend would have to open the scroll for her team. As the four groups entered the tower Chouji opened Team 10 and Ino opened Team 7 scrolls, Tenten and Kiba did the same for their teams.

As the four Chunin appeared they were both shocked and relieved to see all 3 rookie teams and team guy before them. Iruka wanted to know what happened with Team 7 but Ino interjected, "Sensei, we need to get to a room before the 3rd round begins."

Sakura followed Iruka and helped Ino while her boys carried the other two into Team 7's assigned space and carefully sat Ino down on the bed before she removed her armor to access a seal, she had her medical supplies in.

Shikamaru had known his teammate had been prepared but had no idea how much until that moment. Her medical supplies on the bed made it for easy access so she could treat all members of team 7. She pulled out a scroll that she rolled out and accessed another seal to supply food 5 teams worth of food supplies. She looked to Shikamaru and Chouji, "I hate to ask guys but think you two can handle the food? I made sure to have enough for our four teams and a little extra."

Shikamaru simply grabbed the supplies Chouji smiled at all the ingredients and said, "Sure we can! Take good care of them Sakura."

After the boys left Sakura looked to Ino who was in pain but unconscious and terrified. "Ino," she said gently to her friend. "I need you to tell me what happened. Everything…I'm sorry but I need to know to treat them."

Ino clenched her eyes shut and trembled whimpering in fear, "There was a man…he pretended to be a woman. He…" She paused, "He wanted Sasuke for his eyes…and he wanted information about you." She looked up at Sakura, "I didn't give him anything! He used genjutsu…summoned snakes. Sasuke almost got bit but he'd missed." She looked at Naruto, "Naruto got really mad…he was cloaked in chakra so heavy I felt like I couldn't move."

Sakura sighed, "Did anything else happen?" She gently pet Ino's hair and back as she slowly breathed with her watching her calm down a bit.

"He said his name was Orochimaru…he's the Sanin isn't he the one that left the village with Yellow Flash was made Hokage?" Ino asked.

Sakura clarified, "Summoned snakes, what did he look like?"

"Black long hair, soft pale skin with purple markings, soft but male face, and haunting gold eyes." Ino said and Sakura nodded.

"Sounds like the Orochimaru I've heard of. Anko-san would be able to tell you for sure though. Are you okay?" Sakura asked carefully as she bound and healed some of Ino's injuries. She had severe bruising that had now faded and would be completely gone by morning.

Ino nodded, "He…he said someone was coming and took off. He seemed a bit frightened." She looked to Sakura who was calmly checking Naruto for chakra burns. He had mostly healed thanks to Kurama though. As soon as her chakra touched his she felt a warm greeting from the fox in the form of a shock.

'Nice to know you still remember me Kurama…watch it your chakra isn't always human friendly.' The pinkette thought towards the fox as she continued to check Naruto over. Once she was done she gently woke the blonde, "Naruto, you need to clean up and change. Food will be ready soon."

Ino waited for Naruto to get in the bathroom before she stripped and changed. She would freshen up before bed with Sakura. As she finished, she moved over to check on Sasuke as Sakura looked for injuries. Sakura checked him carefully, "Ino, you're sure Orochimaru missed Sasuke right? He didn't bite down anywhere?"

"No, he missed and then ran off when he sensed someone. Why is being bit by him such a big deal?" Ino asked wanting to know what was going on with her friend. Sakura was acting a bit paranoid.

"You ever heard of that curse mark thing on Anko's neck?" Sakura inquired cautious as Ino responded in the negative with a shake of her head. "Orochimaru gave it to her. It's a twisted form of sealing and senjutsu that is both forbidden and dangerous. If Sasuke had such a mark and used it willingly. Orochimaru's chakra would infect and possess his entire body like a parasite. It's not good news Ino. I need to check to be sure."

Ino gaped, "Why would he do that? Ew!"

Sakura shrugged, "Power, delusion, who really knows but the man himself." She sighed in relief as she realized Sasuke was still in the clear. 'Whatever your plans are Hiruzen…at least you didn't let him suffer for it. I wonder who made Orochimaru run away.'

Naruto came back fresh and showered and Sakura woke Sasuke and told him, "Dinner is almost ready, shower and change. I'm glad you're alright."

Ino looked like she wanted to ask something but shook her head and decided to leave Sakura be. She was as motherly and strict as ever. Caring but direct and unwilling to tolerate bullshit.

Once Sasuke returned Sakura led them to the communal dining hall where Chouji began to lay the food on the table. Her instinct to bring more proven fruitful as they were joined by the team from Suna.

Naruto looked at the sand team and said, "Hey, Gaara, Temari, and Kankuro, right?"

Kankuro sneered at him causing Temari to smack him, "Show some respect Kankuro they didn't have to offer to share their food with us."

Gaara's gravel tone slipped free, "Behave or I'll kill you." This caused both to freeze.

Sakura laughed lightly as she fearlessly approached the currently temperamental jinchurikki fondly. "Hello Gaara-san, don't worry about it I think it's funny that he can rile up Naruto so quick. Barely takes any effort, Naruto's finally getting a tiny bit of his own medicine in a way."

"Sakura-chan why?!" Naruto cried dramatically causing the others to laugh.

Sakura goes blank, "Says the goof who constantly pranks the world around him. Kankuro is your karma!" She then smiled teasing him. Her hand lightly atop Gaara's as he stared down mesmerized by what he was hearing from "Mother".

The red head seemed almost lost as he saw the images of her previous life including how he tried to kill her and then was saved by her. How she supported and encouraged him to be a great Kage one day. "Mother" was Shukaku the one-tail. This girl was older than she appeared and apparently came back in time to save them. He felt a warmth he'd always wanted and didn't know how to ask.

Sakura felt a slight squeeze on her hand and looked down at Gaara who looked at her with longing and confusion. She asked quietly, "What can I do for you…Gaara-san?"

"Just Gaara…and" he paused embarrassed as the pink filled his cheeks, "can I have a…hug? Like you used to before?"

Her eyes widened as she checked to make sure no one heard him. Her gaze returned to him and she smiled her eyes lightening as her walls came down for a moment, "Sure ya can Panda-chan." She hugged him tightly but warmly with a small laugh as the others gasped.

Gaara's chuckle joined her own as he realized no one was aware of what he knew. She'd been keeping it all a secret to protect them. He too would keep her secrets as she has long since been protecting his. He allowed her to go sit with her wary teammates as Temari and Kankuro gaped after her.

"Did you let her hug you Gaara?" Kankuro asked in disbelief. "You hate being touched though!"

Temari just looked jealous, "I'm your big sister and I never get to hug you, but she does?!"

Gaara looked at his siblings and said honestly, "When would you hug me? When you're too busy listening to everyone who claims I'm a monster? I have no siblings…if I did, they certainly don't act like family."

Temari looked crushed and Kankuro looked torn between ashamed and astonished. Neither had ever considered that by being afraid of him and never giving him time to bond with them that they'd been feeding into his loneliness and rage. He didn't accept them because they had listened to their father's cruel words and blamed him for their mother's death.

Temari smiled sadly, "I'll try to be a better big sister…please don't push us away anymore."

Gaara said, "We shall see…" he wanted to see true change before he could let them in. If they didn't change, they would not be ready nor deserve his devotion.

Sakura sat next to Chouji, "Sakura…can we talk back at the room?"

Sakura looked up at her shy teammate and said, "Yeah, now or after dinner?" She didn't want to put anything off if she didn't have to in case it would upset him.

Chouji laughed, "After dinner, I think we need to talk as a team…about earlier before we started the 2nd exam." He seemed like he wanted to say more, but he respected the team enough to do it in private.

Sakura looked to Shikamaru with a smile, "You good for it? We can all get showered afterwards."

Shikamaru simply agreed, "Yeah, better now than later." He finished his food and took his plate to the sink rinsing it off before setting it to the side. "Cooks don't clean!"

Sakura laughed as Naruto groaned, "Ah man, do I have clean-up duty again?"

"I don't mind cleaning up since Team 10 did the cooking and food supply." Tenten offered and was soon joined by Shino who would dry and place the dishes away for the morning. There was still 2 more days left in the tower before round 3 took place. "I can make breakfast in the morning since I get up early."

Sakura finished her food and stood to rinse her plate before handing it to Tenten, "Sure, I'll put some food in the fridge for tomorrow morning." She moved to the cleared area of the table and summoned her supplies taking out 2 packs of bacon, several potatoes, and plenty of eggs. She looked to Tenten, "This good you think?"

Tenten just nodded with wide eyes as she placed everything in the fridge. After Sakura left to head back to her team's room she turned and asked, "Does she always carry that much stuff?"

Shikamaru, Ino, and Chouji just shrugged. Sasuke decided to expand on it, "Both times we've been gone extensively foods been a big concern. She stocks up so we all eat. More forward thinking then the rest of us."

"We woulda been in real trouble on that Wave mission if she hadn't though." Naruto pointed out honestly. He remembered sadly how poor the village had been and how they'd struggled just to survive until their teams had gotten there and worked hard to help them recover as much as possible.

Shikamaru and Chouji stood to return to their room, "Gotta have a team meeting. See you all later." Both boys left to their room to find their teammate waiting on one of the beds for them.

"We've got a lot to cover don't we boys?" Sakura asked kindly as she waited for the questions to begin.