Disclaimer: I do not own any of the content following this statement. All titles, names, and plots are owned by Masashi Kishimoto.
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Sakura Awakens
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Sakura jolted upright in bed, her eyes wide with sheer disbelief. The vivid images of Naruto's blood on her hands, as she failed to heal him, were still seared into her mind, leaving her trembling and uncontrollably shaking. Overwhelmed by the surges of lightning-like sensations coursing through her body, she collapsed back onto the bed. Curling onto her side, she clutched the pillow tightly to her chest, seeking to block it all out amidst the excruciating pain that surpassed even the agony of childbirth.
The room spun mercilessly, spinning like a twisted carnival ride without end. She squeezed her eyes tightly shut and let out muffled screams into the comforting embrace of the pillow, desperately wishing for it all to stop. But the universe, in its twisted sense of humor, decided to prolong her torment indefinitely, shattering her mind into fragments only to rebuild it anew.
Yet, amidst the chaos, Sakura found a flicker of hope. This was not the end; it marked a fresh chapter, a chance for a different destiny. Crawling to the edge of the small bed, she gazed down at the long-forgotten floor with its well-worn rug and that stain from her first attempt at makeup, realization dawning upon her. "It worked," she whispered, a mix of astonishment and determination flooding her being as the memories of her past, now her future that would never come to pass, flooded back with unwavering clarity.
She stood in the Hokage's office, the room trembling with the echoes of the alarm. The village walls were under attack, and a colossal force had shattered the barrier wall effortlessly. Naruto's voice pierced the chaos, rallying the shinobi to defend their home. The adversary was monstrous, obliterating buildings and lives with unnerving ease. Amidst the chaos, Naruto, riding atop the head of the chief toad, calling forth all his strongest lieutenants they confronted the threat head-on.
In a blaze of sage-mode brilliance, Naruto and his four mighty toads clashed with the creature, briefly halting its advance. But it was a fleeting respite. She watched in anguish as the toads fell one by one, and Naruto, a blazing comet of orange chakra, soared above the village before crashing into the Hokage mountain. The colossal impact sent stone faces tumbling down, engulfing the village in a torrent of destruction.
Her heart raced, thoughts consumed by her two boys, her precious children. With a surge of her own blue chakra, she raced to the academy, her body fueled by the strength of her legendary powers. She willed the very mountain to move, desperately attempting to uncover the academy's ruins. But her hopes shattered as she beheld the devastating sight—the academy lay crushed, its halls holding the weight of unimaginable loss. Dead all of them dead the hope of the village, the future gone.
Brimming with unbridled rage, Sakura's soul ignited with fury as she turned to witness the clash between Naruto and the beast. In a blinding flash, Naruto's form was enveloped in the resplendent golden armor of Fox Chakra, an awe-inspiring fusion with the power of nature itself.
Sakura, unlocking the seals on her forehead, tapped into the formidable Mitotic Regeneration jutsu. As her body became adorned with intricate black lines, she hurled herself into the battle, unleashing a relentless barrage of strikes alongside Naruto. Blow after blow, they united their might, pushing back the monstrous entity that threatened their world.
A fleeting glance exchanged between them conveyed a profound understanding—a shared realization of the irreversible loss they had suffered. Naruto's children, had their hopes and dreams, extinguished. In response, he relinquished all barriers, allowing the formidable forces of the fox and nature to surge through him. With unwavering resolve, they unleashed their combined wrath upon the abomination that had shattered their cherished aspirations.
Sakura, relentless in her pursuit of victory, experienced death a thousand times over, yet her indomitable spirit persisted, using Mitotic Regeneration resurrecting her each time to rejoin the battle. The once majestic village now lay in ruins, a mere remnant of its former glory. But still, the beast relentlessly attacked, its savage claws ripping through shinobi and buildings alike.
Then, in a cruel twist of fate, one of those lethal talons found its mark, piercing the heart of the only man Sakura had ever loved. Time seemed to stand still as she witnessed Naruto's lifeblood spill, his valiant spirit flickering amidst the chaos. Grief, anguish, and fury surged through Sakura's veins, igniting an inferno within her soul.
With tears streaming down her face, Sakura unleashed a primal scream that shattered the heavens. Every ounce of her being converged into one final, cataclysmic assault. Bound by love, fueled by loss, she channeled all her power, shattering the barriers of her own limits.
In that climactic moment, Sakura became an embodiment of wrath and vengeance, her blows raining down upon the beast with unparalleled force. Each strike reverberated with the collective pain of a shattered village, a fallen love, and the weight of a world on her shoulders.
But in her heart, Sakura knew that even if she slayed this abomination, the void left by Naruto's absence would forever haunt her soul. Still, she fought on, a warrior with nothing left to lose, seeking solace in the battle's end or her own final breath.
With her chakra finally spent the creature swatted her away sending her flying to land in the remains of the academy practice yard, Naruto no more than a few feet away. With what little strength she had, Sakura crawled on bloody knees to his side and pulled his lifeless body into her lap.
Clinging to Naruto's lifeless body, her tears mixing with the blood that stained her trembling hands, a blinding flash of light drew her attention skyward. Through blurred vision, she beheld the awe-inspiring sight of the Nine-Tails resurging in all its majestic fury.
The Fox's eyes burned with a fiery resolve as it gathered an immense sphere of darkness within its maw. The air crackled with anticipation as the beast unleashed its devastating tail beast bomb, a cataclysmic force that surged toward the grotesque creature that had robbed Sakura of her beloved.
In a breathtaking display of power, the Nine-Tails' nine mighty tails lashed out, each strike slashing through the air like celestial blades. The tremendous blast of chakra erupted, engulfing the monstrosity in a whirlwind of destruction. The Fox's triumphant roar reverberated across the devastated landscape, a testament to its undying loyalty and unyielding defiance in the face of overwhelming loss.
Yet, even in this moment of glorious retribution, Sakura's heart ached with the realization that no victory could ever compensate for the emptiness that now consumed her. Her world had crumbled, her hopes shattered, and she clung to Naruto's lifeless form as if trying to defy the cruel fate that had torn him away.
In the aftermath of the Fox's onslaught, Sakura remained cradling Naruto, her sobs mingling with the echoes of their shared dreams and the fading echoes of the battle. Their bond transcended death itself, etching their love and sacrifice into the very fabric of their shattered village.
As the ground cracked beneath them and debris tumbled, the towering Fox cast his gaze upon Sakura, a profound weight carried within his voice.
"It is done," declared the Fox, his words resonating like a tempest that shook the very mountains.
Sakura, her world shattered and hope extinguished, responded with a somber affirmation. "Yes, it is all done," she whispered, her spirit broken with despair.
In a desperate plea, Sakura beseeched her loyal companion for one final favor, a release from this anguish. "Old friend, grant me the peace to join my husband and children in the pure world," she implored, her voice filled with resignation.
The Fox, his immense presence bowing his head to be on a level with her gaze, revealed a profound truth. "This creature did not belong to this time or place. This should have never come to pass," he shared, his eyes reflecting the sorrow Sakura felt.
Confusion gripped Sakura as she questioned the significance of this revelation, her voice tinged with grief. "What does it mean? Why should I care when everything is lost?" she screamed, her voice laced with aching emptiness.
The Fox, his eyes mirroring her sorrow, divulged a flicker of hope amidst the despair. "The one responsible for this disaster hails from a time before now. They have broken the eternal laws to send that mindless creature to kill Naruto but that allows me the power to send you back to confront the killer while they are still weak, preventing this from ever occurring," he said, his tone laden with gravity. "But I must warn you, altering the past will forge a new future, erasing the world you once knew. All this will never be and your pups may never be born."
Unyielding, Sakura closed her mind to her grief and cast aside the remnants of her former existence as she stood up. "I don't care. Just do it. I will avenge my family," she declared, her gaze fixed upon the Fox. The Fox did as he was asked and as the world around him faded into nothingness to never be as he laughed in the faces of the fates.
Struggling to catch her breath, Sakura now finds herself transported back to her childhood bedroom, her body feeling small and weak unable to even stand. She crawled towards her desk, using the last of her strength to pull herself up into the creaky wooden chair. As she surveyed her surroundings, her eyes fell upon a familiar object – her childhood diary, tucked away in a drawer.
She needed to know when she was and this was the key as she wrote in her diary every day even as an adult, retrieving the diary, unlocking the book with its useless key she flipping through its pages, she was met with scribbles, doodles, and fragments of her younger self's thoughts. So many hearts with Sasuke's name within it made her want to gag, she had tried to forget just how stupid she had been at this age.
Finding the last page she read it, graduation day loomed on the horizon, it was to be the next day. Sakura peered out of the window, greeted by the soft rays of the morning sun. In that moment, a realization dawned upon her, today was graduation day, the day that everything changed for her.
With a groggy haze clouding her mind, Sakura stumbled her way into the shower, stripping off her sweat-soaked nightclothes. She sighed in relief as the cold water cascaded over her weary body waking her fully, gradually adjusting the temperature until it became soothingly warm. Wrestling with her long, tangled hair, she scrubbed it diligently, using an endless supply of vibrant pink towels to dry it out. She had almost forgotten what it was like to have long hair.
After dressing in her trusty shinobi attire, Sakura tiptoed down the stairs, mindful not to disturb her slumbering parents. She raided the refrigerator, grabbing a haphazard assortment of leftovers, which she devoured hastily. Sneaking out the back door, she set off on her journey for the day – a day that stood etched in her memory, thanks to Naruto's incessant boasting about it for years, much to the annoyance of their children.
The imposing figure of the Hokage Mountain cast its long shadow over the village as Sakura jogged towards it, her breath quickly becoming labored. She swore by all the gods above she would train this time and not hold Naruto back with her constant need for rescue on every mission.
Reaching the street below the faces she looked up to see Naruto laughing his head off in all his orange glory swinging back and forth painting the faces in every color of the rainbow. How was an academy student able to do this over a shinobi village? Even after all these years, she hadn't believed he had done it alone.
With her experience of years, she trained her senses on the mountain and it hit her like a brick wall how he was or better yet what was allowing him to go unseen. It wasn't mere invisibility that shielded Naruto from view. It was a genjutsu so insidious, so devious, that it made those who didn't truly focus on him feel indifferent and dismissive. It was a torment inflicted upon a child, rendering him unseen and uncared for by those around him. The person that did this was truly evil on a level few ever reached.
Hearing footsteps coming toward her Sakura spotted Iruka Sensei coming down the street and looking up at Naruto.
"Hey, Naruto! Come down quick! Iruka-sensei is heading this way!", yelled Sakura waving her hands over her head.
Ino shouted back at her leaning over the cliff edge, "Hold on, Sakura! Naruto's just putting the finishing touches on his genius creation. Iruka-sensei is in for a front-row seat!"
Sakura's eyes widened, a mixture of concern and excitement evident. "Wait, what? What are you doing up there?" This was not part of the story, not once did Naruto mention Ino was with him. Things were changing already and she felt like she was losing control too soon.
Ino laughed down at her yelling out, "Don't worry, Sakura. It's all part of Naruto's epic plan to become Hokage. Get ready for a show you won't forget!"
"Naruto, get down here!" Iruka-sensei yelled up causing Naruto to get tangled in his robes before cutting himself free.
"Run Naruto, Run," Sakura shouted hearing those same words coming from Ino from above.
Naruto fell onto one of the nearby building's roofs and ran with Iruka close behind as they leaped from building to building until even Naruto's infectious laughter could not be heard.
"Ino what are you doing up there?", yelled Sakura as looked up at the outrageous design Naruto had painted across all the faces.
Ino didn't respond and as Sakura stood there trying to recall what she had originally done on this day Ino came running up to her from the pathway that lead up to the mountaintop.
"Hi Sakura,", said Ino out of breath from the run down the path.
"What are you doing here?", they both said as they stood facing each other. This caused a smile on both their faces but both waited for the other to respond.
"I was just helping Naruto with his ropes is all.", said Ino as Sakura's silent stare got to her, she was always the one to talk first.
"Why would you help Naruto? You don't even know him," Sakura remarked, recalling Ino's lack of kind words about Naruto during their school days. The few times she spoke to or about him she had been cutting in her choice of words.
"Oh, come on, forehead! I've been training with Naruto this past week, you know that." Ino retorted, causing Sakura to raise an eyebrow. Ino remembered that Sakura had been quite content having Sasuke all to herself, always making sure to sit next to him and wave at Ino sitting at the top of the class, just a few seats away from Naruto.
Ino training with Naruto? Sakura felt a pang of curiosity, realizing she would have to read her diary when she got home. If this change had already occurred, what else was going on? Determined not to let Ino sense her confusion, Sakura turned and headed toward the academy. They still had their final exams today, and later she would have to find a way to help Naruto evade the ANBU and give him time to read the forbidden scroll.
"I don't know about you, Ino-pig, but I'm graduating today!" Sakura exclaimed with a mischievous glint in her eyes, jolting Ino out of her daydreams. Determined to make a grand entrance, Sakura ran down the street with Ino following close behind. A jog turned into a run and then an all-out sprint.
Their footsteps echoed through the corridor as they raced towards the classroom, their arms flailing like ninja windmills. Sakura's pink hair bobbed up and down like a hyperactive cotton candy machine, while Ino's ponytail bounced like an over-caffeinated spring.
Just as they reached the door, Sakura's and Ino's shoulders locked in a spectacular fashion. Sending them flying forward, arms windmilling wildly, and crashing into the classroom like a clumsy ninja meteor. Ino, caught off guard landed next to Sakura and burst into uncontrollable laughter.
The entire class turned to witness the spectacle, their stifled chuckles echoing in the room. Even Naruto, who was tried to a chair in the balk of the class, couldn't help but burst into fits of laughter. Iruka-sensei, struggling to maintain his composure, cleared his throat and attempted to regain control of the situation.
"Ahem, girls, nice entrance. I hope you're not planning on making a habit of crash-landings in every mission you end up on," Iruka-sensei remarked, his lips twitching with amusement. He had done his best to clean off all the mud and leaves from his clothes and out of his hair from his chase this morning.
Sakura, her face flushed with embarrassment, scrambled to her feet, trying to salvage whatever was left of her dignity. "It's... um... a new technique I'm working on, sensei. It's called 'Ninja Cannonball Entrance Jutsu'!" she stammered, hoping her quick thinking would cover up her clumsiness. This old body of hers was so out of shape she was shocked she even made it this far. Now it was time to worry if she could still pass the written test after all these years.
Ino, still clutching her stomach from laughing too hard, chimed in, "Yeah, it's super effective against doors and gravity!" Gathering herself together Ino stood and pulled Sakura to her feet. Looking around she noticed that all the front-row seats were still empty as was the norm, all but for Sasuke that sat at the end of the row by the window. Seeing the raven-haired boy sitting there not even looking into the room to see what all the noise was about made her boil in rage.
The class had erupted in laughter at their entrance, Iruka-sensei included. "Alright, alright, settle down everyone," he managed to say amidst the laughter. "Let's get back to our seats and start the exams."
Sakura sheepishly made her way to a seat in the front row, everyone was surprised that she didn't sit next to Sasuke, in truth it didn't even cross her mind. Shooting a glare at Ino, who was now looking around, she tapped the seat next to hers. If Ino wanted to play this game then she would have to honor their bet and sit with her.
Ino gave Naruto one last look and sat down next to Sakura as Iruka-sensei started to hand out the written exam. It was fifty pages of questions that would take a skilled student four hours to complete. Ino had no idea how Naruto would be able to sit still that long and forget about answering the question.
"OK class, you can open your packets, and time starts NOW!" Iruka's voice boomed through the classroom as he placed a five-hour timer on his desk. The tension in the room was palpable. At the end of the five hours, they had to turn in their tests, no matter what, so they could proceed to the next set of physical exams in the training yard. There would be no lunch break today; it was all part of the grueling exam.
Sakura's heart raced as she looked down at the first question, her palms becoming clammy. This was the exam she had dreaded in the past, a test of her knowledge, skills, and endurance. Gripping her pencil tightly, she began writing down the answers, calmly as she relied on her photographic memory to the outside world it looked like she was transcribing the answers from a book.
Ino, sitting nearby, shared the same mix of anxiety and determination. However, without Sakura's extraordinary memory, she struggled to recall all the information from her viewpoint she learned so many years ago. Two hours into the exam, Sakura took a deep breath and stood up, her booklet filled with completed answers, foot notes and references. She walked up to Iruka's desk, her confidence unwavering.
Iruka, surprised by Sakura's swift completion, quickly flipped through her booklet to verify her work, seeing she didn't miss any pages. "Take a seat and wait for everyone else. We move to the next stage as a group," he instructed, expecting Sakura to follow his words like always. But to his surprise, Sakura smiled at him and calmly walked past her seat, ascending the stairs to sit next to Naruto.
The room fell silent as all eyes turned to Sakura and Naruto, who was still bound to the chair, only his arms free. Naruto stared wide-eyed at Sakura, unable to find his voice as she sat beside him, offering a small, reassuring smile. She pulled her chair closer to the shared table, Sakura noticed the poorly crafted genjutsu placed on Naruto's test, causing the words to warp and shift on the page. Determined to help him, she moved her hand to subtly position it beneath the table. She unleashed a burst of chakra through her hand, targeting the genjutsu. As if by magic, the words stopped moving, and Naruto's stunned expression transformed into one of sheer astonishment.
Now it was up to Naruto to prove that he understood the basics of being a Ninja, he didn't have to score above a fifty if he was able to pass the physical test that came next. She found that if she touched his knee with hers when he went to circle the wrong answer he would move to the next. The written part of the exam she couldn't help with but at least in this small way she could guild him to the right answer.
At the three-hour mark, Ino abruptly stood up from her seat, catching Sakura off guard. Sakura glanced down, puzzled by Ino's intense stare. Following Sakura's lead, Ino handed in her exam and silently made her way up the stairs and settled beside Naruto, taking a seat next to him.
Naruto, focused on completing the test before him, couldn't help but feel a bit confused. He tried his best to concentrate, but the presence of Sakura and Ino on either side disrupted his concentration. They seemed absorbed in their own world as if engaged in a silent competition that Naruto couldn't quite comprehend.
As Naruto furrowed his brow, trying to make sense of the next question, he decided to only focus on the test in front of him. His need to pass the exam outweighed any distractions or curiosity about Sakura and Ino's actions. Naruto knew that he had to give his all, prove to himself he wasn't the loser they called him, and reach his goal of becoming the next Hokage.
The room grew quieter as more and more students handed in their exams, Sakura and Ino exchanged occasional glances but said nothing, their expressions a mix of uncertainty and worry as they watch Naruto write down his answers. Naruto, for his part, was oblivious to the unspoken tensions lingering between the two girls. He had a single-minded goal in mind, and that was to finish the exam and move on to the next step.
Iruka's hand slammed onto his desk with a resounding bang, capturing everyone's attention. "Okay, time's up! Hand in your tests and prepare for the next phase," he announced firmly.
Ino felt a surge of pride for Naruto. He had followed her advice, diligently answering the questions he knew and returning to put in extra effort on the more challenging ones. She couldn't help but notice that he had breezed through the multiple-choice questions, which made her realize that Sakura must have found a way to help him but why was the big question?
As Ino glanced over at Sakura, a mix of worry and curiosity washed over her. Sakura had always been resourceful and determined, but seeing her for some unknown reason help Naruto was truly out of character. Ino couldn't help but wonder if this was Sakura or had someone else managed to replace her.
With the tests finally behind them, Ino's mind raced with anticipation for the upcoming phase of the examination. She understood the weight of Naruto's success rested not only on his own abilities but also on preventing any unwanted interference. The atmosphere in the room crackled with excitement, but beneath Ino's outward confidence, a sense of unease gnawed at her.
As she observed her fellow classmates bustling about, Ino couldn't shake the feeling that something was amiss, that events were spiraling beyond her control. She had taken great care to ensure that her actions didn't disrupt the timeline but now doubts crept into her mind. Had she unwittingly set something in motion that was now threatening to unravel?
Ino's thoughts swirled, searching for answers amidst the confusion. She had played her part cautiously, always mindful of the consequences. Yet, the unfolding circumstances hinted at a larger game being played, one that she hadn't anticipated. Anxiety coiled within her, tightening with every passing moment.
As the students spilled out of the building, they naturally grouped themselves—girls on one side, boys on the other. It was a routine arrangement, familiar from years of training together. Today, they were about to face a series of tests, and everyone felt a mix of excitement and nervousness as they collected their weapons and strapped them on.
The instructors called for attention, signaling the start of the next phase. Simultaneously, the girls and boys would showcase their skills with kunai and shuriken. It was a rapid-fire sequence of throwing and aiming, requiring speed and precision. Once that was done, they would move on to the next challenge.
Among the students, whispers of anticipation filled the air. They had been practicing tirelessly, pushing themselves to improve. This was their chance to demonstrate their abilities and prove themselves worthy of becoming shinobi.
"Naruto, wait up.", yelled out Ino as she broke from the girls' group and ran to Naruto as he approached the targets.
Ino handed Naruto a pouch filled with kunai and shuriken, insisting that they would bring him good luck. Before Naruto could react, she swiftly took his own bag of weapons and returned to the girls' group. Sakura was taken aback by Ino's sudden act of kindness toward Naruto, struggling to comprehend the shift in dynamics, had the timeline changed so much in the past 12 hours that this was the new normal.
"What was that all about, Ino-pig?" Sakura asked, her mind racing to make sense of the situation. It seemed unfathomable that Ino, of all people, would willingly offer assistance to Naruto. The plans she had made for this journey were already unraveling before her eyes, leaving Sakura feeling disoriented and out of place.
Sakura looked into the pouch Ino had taken from Naruto. To her surprise, she found a collection of worn-out, broken, and rusted weapons that had long surpassed their usefulness. It was a testament to Naruto's stubbornness and skill that he could achieve anything with such battered ninja tools.
"How did you know?" Sakura asked, a mix of confusion and urgency in her voice. She realized that time was of the essence if she wanted to take care of her future husband, and this unexpected turn of events was not a promising start.
"I told you I've been training with him this week," Ino replied, her expression holding a hint of bitterness. The thought of Sakura incessantly chasing after Sasuke day and night left a sour taste in her mouth. Her gaze hardened, revealing a depth of emotions that had simmered beneath the surface for years she wondered what Sakura was doing chasing that traitor.
As Sakura absorbed Ino's words, a realization dawned on her. The dynamics between them had changed, and the bonds they had forged were shifting in unexpected ways. Sakura knew she had to adapt quickly if she wanted to get close to Naruto again and save the future from its tragic fate.
"I had no idea, why didn't you tell me?", said Sakura forgetting she was in the past and this wasn't Ino her lifelong friend from before but a fresh academy student like she was pretending to be.
"Tell you? You're joking, right? Any time I bought up Naruto this week you told me the stop it so you could talk about watching Sasuke train or Sasuke eat or Sasuke tell you to go to hell, but in a cute way.", said Ino making making a face, it clear she was sick of hearing about Sasuke.
Sakura's head was spinning, god she needed to read that dairy and quickly before she totally made a fool out of herself. The one good thing she thought, it was clear that this timeline's Sasuke didn't want anything to do with her, thank god.
"Sorry about that, let's talk about it later, we need to pass the test to you know.", said Sakura as the line was getting shorter for their turn to hit the moving targets with Kunai before moving to the Shusriken range.
"Oh Mizuki sensei.", called out Ino batting her eyes at Mizuki and holding out the pouch of useless weapons in both hands. "I somehow picked up the wrong pouch on my way to class this morning, Can I please use yours." Mizuki looked at her for a minute and blinked a couple of times like he was under some genutsu before pulling off his weapon pouch and handing it to her.
"Here, but you have to return them all later.", he said shaking his head as he walked back to oversee the shuriken range. Ino was glade to see she still was able to use her old tricks to get what she wants as she moved back in line.
It was now Sakura's turn to demonstrate her skills at the targets. Despite her initially weak physical condition at this time in her life, the training she had received from Tsunade over the years kicked in, she achieve a flawless score of one hundred percent. She couldn't help but flash a victorious grin at Ino as if daring her to match her impressive performance. As Ino walked up to the line Sakura rubbed at her shoulder having pulled a muscle or two and having too low of a chakra reserve to heal them.
Ino, for her part, couldn't help but be genuinely impressed by Sakura's progress. Knowing that Sakura had struggled with weapons in the past, and hadn't improved until they were much older. She had always told her the importance of mastering the basics, as her father had endlessly told her. It was these fundamentals that could make a difference in life-or-death situations.
Ino stepped up to the target and, with precision and grace, matched Sakura's perfect score. Grinning back at her long-time friend and now newfound rival, they moved on to the next station to test their skills with kunai.
Meanwhile, Sakura took a moment as she walked by to glance at the scores on Iruka-sensei's clipboard. Sasuke, predictably, held the top position with a perfect score. However, Sakura's heart swelled with pride as she noticed Naruto in third place, tying with the usually laid-back Shikamaru and surprisingly above the competitive Kiba.
This unexpected turn of events filled Sakura with a sense of hope. If Naruto was able to score high enough she hoped they would find a way to let him pass when he failed the clone test. They did it when Lee failed the test so there was a chance even if small they would do the same for Naruto.
As the Kunai test commenced, Ino and Sakura stood side by side, Sakura's competitive spirits not wanting an academy student like Ino to win. The air crackled with anticipation as they prepared, their scores in the Shusrikens test had placed them way ahead of all other girls in their group and tied with the top boys.
Ino smirked confidently, twirling a Kunai between her fingers. "Alright, Sakura, let's see who's the better one here," she teased, her voice dripping with playful rivalry, there was no way she was going to let an academy student like Sakura beat her.
Sakura matched Ino's smirk with a determined glint in her eyes. "You're on, Ino! I won't let you beat me that easily," she retorted, her voice unwavering.
They positioned themselves at their respective targets, their focus razor-sharp. The crowd watched intently, eagerly awaiting the outcome of this fierce competition between the two talented kunoichis.
With a swift and practiced motion, Ino released her Kunai, sending it soaring through the air toward the target. It struck dead center, embedding itself with precision, earning her a chorus of impressed murmurs.
Sakura, undeterred by Ino's initial success, channeled her chakra, infusing it into her Kunai. She visualized her target with clarity, aiming for nothing less than perfection.
She released her Kunai, the speed, and accuracy of her throw leaving everyone momentarily breathless. The Kunai hit its mark, striking bullseye, causing a wave of astonishment to ripple through the spectators.
Ino's confident smirk faltered, replaced by a mixture of surprise and determination. "Not bad, Sakura. But I'm just getting started," she declared, her competitive spirit reignited. Now with the first stage done, they moved to the moving targets as Iruka sensei sent them swinging.
The two kunoichis continued their relentless assault on the targets, each throw accompanied by a volley of verbal jabs and playful taunts. The intensity grew with every moment, their skills and determination on full display. Both girls thought the other was just an academy student called on all their past skills to win.
The crowd watched in awe as Ino and Sakura's scores skyrocketed, leaving the other girls far behind in the overall standings. It became clear that this fierce competition was a battle between the two strongest contenders. How had they been hiding their skills all these months, neither had shown this level of ability before.
As the test drew to a close, the final throw determined their fate. Ino and Sakura shared a glance, their eyes filled with a mix of respect and rivalry. They both knew that this last throw would decide the winner.
In a synchronized motion, they released their Kunai, the blades slicing through the air with precision. The tension was palpable as the Kunai hit their targets, but only one struck the bullseye sending the target wildly spinning out of control.
Cheers erupted from the crowd as Sakura's Kunai landed spot-on, securing her victory in the Kunai test. She turned to Ino with a victorious grin, her voice filled with pride. "Looks like I've got the edge this time, Ino," she teased, her competitive spirit still aflame. Both girls didn't seem to notice the wide-eyed stares they were getting not just from their fellow students but both sensei, they didn't know what to make out of this show of skill.
Ino, though momentarily disappointed, couldn't help but smile in admiration. "Well done, Sakura. You've definitely earned this win," she conceded, her voice carrying a mix of respect and friendly rivalry. She had missed the bullseye by the width of a finger, not bad but still not enough to win.
…...
As the taijutsu portion of the exam commenced, they all watched as the boys were matched up, each fighter was only to focus on taijutsu and if any jutsu was used they would fail this test. No fight lasts longer they a few minutes with Shikamaru's fight against Kiba being the shortness as the lazy Nara just backed out of the ring forfeiting the match with his trademark, "This is too troublesome", remark as he walked away.
Halfway through the list of boys, Naruto found himself facing off against Sasuke, their eyes locked in fierce determination. Suddenly the tension in the training yard was palpable as they prepared to engage in combat. Everyone knew that these two didn't hold back.
Sasuke lunged forward with lightning speed, launching a barrage of punches and kicks at Naruto. "You're no match for me, loser!" he taunted, his voice dripping with arrogance.
Naruto dodged, ducked, and weaved through Sasuke's onslaught, his reflexes honed through countless training bouts with Ino over the last week. "I'm not giving up that easily, Sasuke! Believe it!" he shouted back, his voice filled with unwavering resolve.
With a swift spin, Naruto evaded a roundhouse kick and countered with a powerful uppercut, catching Sasuke off guard as his head snapped back. The impact reverberated through the air as Sasuke stumbled backward, momentarily stunned.
"You're not the only one who's been training!" Naruto declared, a determined fire burning in his eyes. It felt so good to land a solid hit on Sasuke he wanted to do it again as he charged forward, and unleashed a rapid flurry of punches, each strike landing with precision as he hit Sasuke's upper body with all his might.
Sasuke, fueled by his pride, fought back with renewed vigor. He blocked Naruto's strikes with deft parries, his black eyes analyzing Naruto's moves with calculated precision. "Is that all you've got?" he sneered, his voice laced with superiority. Sasuke pushed the pain of the blows out of his mind only wanting to see this loser on the ground begging for mercy.
Naruto wanted to prove himself as he faced Sasuke head-on, without any illusions or tricks up his sleeve. His determination burned brighter than ever as he stood his ground not giving a step as Sasuke did his best to push him out of the ring with every blow.
As Sasuke unleashed a barrage of lightning-fast strikes, Naruto dodged and weaved with matching reflexes. Each punch and kick embodied Sasuke rage and carried the weight of his hate for everyone around him. Naruto blocked, parried, and countered with all his might, refusing to back down.
Sasuke was almost impressed by Naruto's unwavering resolve, and intensified his attacks, pushing Naruto to his limits, he was going to win and show Naruto that he was nothing when facing a Uchiha. But Naruto was not backing down. Drawing upon his inner strength, he tapped into the depths of his potential as he wiped the blood from his lip and spit a mouthful of blood on the ground.
With a primal roar, Naruto leaped into the air, executing a series of acrobatic flips, dazzling everyone with his agility. In a split second, Naruto unleashed a devastating combination of strikes. His fists and feet blurred as he struck with precision and force. Sasuke struggled to defend against the onslaught, his confidence unwavering under the relentless assault. Sasuke knew he could not lose as his bloodline, his family was always the best.
"Is that all you got loser.", said Sasuke as he tried to catch his breath on the other side of the ring as they circled each other.
A surge of determination coursed through Naruto's veins. He planted his feet firmly on the ground, gathering his strength for a decisive blow. He would show Sasuke he was no loser, and with a mighty spin kick, he unleashed a blow using everything he had, sending Sasuke hurtling through the air,
Gasps of astonishment echoed through the onlookers as Naruto stood in the center of the ring triumphant. He wiped the blood from his broken lip, a wide grin spreading across his face. "That's how it's done!" he exclaimed, his voice filled with exhilaration as Sasuke lay sprawling on the ground just over the edge of the ring as Iruka sensei moved between them to declare Naruto the winner.
Sakura, watching with awe, rushed over to Naruto's side. "You did it, Naruto! You showed everyone!" she exclaimed, her voice filled with genuine admiration as Naruto stared at her and took a step back in shock. The dead silence that followed her declaration made Sakura back away, she blew her cover or at least made herself look like a defector by jumping to Naruto's side just as he defeated Sasuke. Even Ino who had been cheering on Naruto looked at her like she had grown a second head and didn't know what to say.
"Ok, next match is between Choji and Shino, everyone back to your places.", said Mizuki sensei as Iruka reach down to pull Sasuke to his feet to only have his hand slapped away by the would-be avenger as he stood on his own.
"Forehead what was that all about.", said Ino as Sakura joined her on the sidelines to watch the next fight. Naruto had wandered off to the side to nurse his wounds as he talked to Kiba about his fight with Sasuke. The dog boy was impressed and was asking for pointers on how Naruto defeated Sasuke.
"What are you talking about.", said Sakura not facing her friend and rival but keeping an eye on Naruto. She wanted to rush over and heal his cuts but she knew she didn't have the chakra or the training at this time to get away with it.
"Come on Sakura, you are the biggest Sasuke fan-girl there is, why did you jump ship so fast?", said Ino, she didn't understand, she had been working all week to slowly change away from Sasuke fan-girl to Naruto's friend to avoid everyone's suspicions and Sakura just jumps on Naruto at the first sign that Sasuke isn't the strongest. The worst part was that nobody seemed surprised by her turncoat action.
'Was it really that simple to change sides?', she thought as she grabbed Sakura and spun her around to stare into her emerald eyes.
'Think fast Sakura before someone calls the ANBU on you.', thought Sakura as she look at Ino.
"You said you've been training with Naruto all week? Why?" Sakura questioned, trying to buy herself some time to think.
"I already told you, I couldn't stand Sasuke's aloof and distant attitude anymore. That guy is so detached from reality, it's scary," Ino replied, crossing her arms defensively.
"Okay, I understand that. But why Naruto? He was always dead last until today," Sakura pressed, searching for a way to justify her own actions. She could already hear the other girls whispering about her, using the word "traitor" in their discussions.
"Because Naruto is going to be Hokage someday," Ino hissed through gritted teeth, glaring at Sakura with intensity.
Sakura almost took a step back, caught off guard by Ino's sudden intensity. "What makes you think that?" she blurted out without fully considering her words, the useless chatter of the girls talking around them faded away as she solely focused her attention on Ino. She had always believed deep down that Naruto would become Hokage once they started going on missions together, but how did Ino share the same conviction?
Ino's eyes narrowed, her gaze piercing through Sakura. "Because I've seen it. I've seen the unwavering determination in his eyes, the unyielding spirit that pushes him forward," she declared, her voice filled with conviction. "Naruto has faced countless challenges and setbacks, yet he never gives up. He fights for what he believes in, and that's what makes him different, that is why I think it is special."
Sakura listened, a mix of surprise and curiosity washing over her. She had never expected Ino, of all people, to understand Naruto's true potential at such a young age, it took Sakura years before she saw it and made it her life's goal to marry him. It made her wonder what had transpired during their training sessions and what Ino had witnessed.
"He's not just some clumsy fool or a class clown," Ino continued, her voice softening. "Naruto has a strength that goes beyond his abilities. He has the power to inspire others and to bring people together. I've seen how he impacts those around him, and how he never gives up on his friends. And that's why I believe he'll become Hokage one day."
Sakura felt a flicker of renewed admiration for Naruto ignite within her. Ino's words resonated deeply, stirring something inside her heart. All of these same reasons she had felt as they worked together on mission after mission making her want to be with Naruto, to stand by his side and support him on his journey in life.
As the realization settled in, Sakura looked back at Ino with a mix of respect and determination. The rivalry between them intensified, fueled by their shared belief in Naruto's potential as Hokage. Sakura couldn't let Ino's words sway her; she had plans to win Naruto's heart once again.
"Ino, you may have your reasons, but I won't back down," Sakura declared, her voice tinged with a competitive edge. "Naruto deserves someone who will fight for him, and that someone is me."
Ino's eyes narrowed, a flicker of defiance crossing her features. "Don't underestimate me, Sakura. I won't let you claim Naruto without a fight," she retorted, her voice having a new hard edge to it, she will get her loving husband back and if she had to break a lifelong friendship to do it, so be it...
Their once-friendly rivalry now escalated to a full-blown contest, their desire to win Naruto's affection driving them. As they prepared for the next stage of the exam, their gazes locked, sparks of fierce determination igniting in their eyes.
"OK, everyone, it's time for the girls to take to the ring, the first match is Ino and Sakura.", said Mizuki, he had changed to matches once he saw that both girls were cheering for that dam Demon.
The other girls watched in awe as Sakura and Ino stepped onto the training grounds entering the ring, ready to prove their worth. With hands raised and focused expressions, they unleashed their skills, pushing themselves to their limits. Each throw, each strike, carried the weight of their unwavering commitment to Naruto, this fight had turned personal for them and everyone watching knew it.
Trash-talking filled the air as Sakura and Ino traded verbal jabs, their words laden with a mix of rivalry and underlying respect. They pushed each other, seeking to outshine and outperform, leaving no room for compromise or shared glory.
When Naruto moved to the edge of the ring to watch with the other students the tension rose with every blow, their rivalry fueling their need to surpass one another, to show Naruto who was the strongest. They moved with grace and precision, their competitive spirits driving them to reach new heights. The onlookers were left in awe of the sheer intensity of their contest. Who were these two girls in the ring, they fought with a skill that a chunin would have a hard time matching. At no point before now had they shown even a tenth of this skill.
Sakura's strikes were swift and calculated, displaying her exceptional control and precision. Ino countered with agility and strategy, utilizing her sharp intellect and flexible body to outmaneuver her opponent. Back and forth they went their skills on display for all to see.
With a scream they both charged to the center of the ring, as the dust settled and the onlookers blinked in surprise it was clear that Sakura and Ino were evenly matched as neither had emerged victorious as both sat on the ground on opposite sides of the ring both trying to maintain their composure. The last blow had forced them both out of the ring at the same time. Iruka moved to stand between them and declared a tie.
Their rivalry had reached a new level, their determination to win Naruto's heart unyielding. The battle was far from over, and Sakura knew that she had to keep pushing herself to prove her worth. The next chapter of their contest awaited, and neither of them was willing to back down.
Ino, fueled by the sting of Sakura's newfound skill, looked at Sakura with renewed determination. "This isn't over, Sakura. I won't stop fighting until Naruto sees that I'm the one meant for him," she said in almost a whisper so that only Sakura could hear, her voice laced with unwavering resolve.
Sakura met her gaze, a fire burning in her eyes. "I welcome the challenge, Ino. But mark my words, I will do whatever it takes to win Naruto's heart. This is just getting started."
…...
Sakura and Ino sat in the classroom with everyone else, waiting for their names to be called into the other room where she knew they had to do the clone test. Sakura quickly brushed the dirt out of her hair and glanced at Ino, who was doing the same. Despite giving her all, Sakura couldn't beat Ino. It was a stark realization a real wake-up call that told her just how out of shape she was as Ino, a mere academy student, managed to match her blow-by-blow. The realization hit hard, Sakura had to improve her physical condition or get used to waiting for Naruto to save her on every mission again. That was something she would never let happen.
As the names were called and students triumphantly returned, proudly waving their newly awarded Hitai-ate, Sakura's attention was drawn to a disconcerting fact. Approximately one-third of the students did not make it back. It was a realization that hadn't crossed her mind before, but then again, she had been preoccupied with her constant gaze fixed upon Sasuke. The failed students, those who didn't pass the clone test or the previous examination, were simply dismissed. They were sent home, awaiting their next opportunity to continue their education or, in some cases, transitioning into civilian life to seek employment.
Kakashi's words echoed in Sakura's mind: most students do not become shinobi. Though she had heard those words, she had never truly connected them with her class until now. The gravity of the situation dawned on her, revealing the harsh reality that not everyone would achieve their dreams of becoming full-fledged shinobi.
"Next! Sakura Harumo, come with me.", called out Iruka sensei from the front of the classroom. Running down the stairs Sakura joined him as they walked down the hall to a small exam room.
"Sakura, this is the pivotal moment that will decide your readiness to become a true shinobi of our village," Mizuki-sensei stated with a serious tone that he had used A dozen times today. "Your task is to pass the clone test, a fundamental examination of your skills. Do you fully understand the importance of this challenge?"
She knew he was only doing his job but the clone test was so simple it made her laugh but she stopped before anyone had a chance to notice. She gave a nod in understanding and waited for the order.
"Create a clone and have it walk around the room.", said Iruka not even bothering to look up from his clipboard.
"Good, now make a clone that looks like Iruka,", said Mizuki
"Excellent job, Sakura. Welcome to the esteemed ranks of the shinobi forces," Iruka proclaimed, his voice filled with pride and encouragement. He picked up a Hitai-ate from the box at his feet and handed it to her, signifying her official entry into the shinobi community.
As Sakura made her way from the examination room back to the classroom, she couldn't help but feel a sense of disappointment. All the anticipation and buildup had led to a simple clone test. She remembered how nerve-racking and challenging it had been the first time around. Sitting back down in the classroom, she heard Ino's name being called, and as she came back in a minute realizing that her friend had also succeeded.
Turning her gaze around the room, Sakura's eyes fell upon Sasuke, who already had a Hitai-ate in his possession. She hadn't even noticed when his name was called, overshadowed by her thoughts. Off to the side, Hinata stood, holding her Hitai-ate with a mixture of awe and trepidation, as if it were a fearsome monster about to consume her. The shy girl hadn't said a word all day and if Sakura didn't know about her secret she wouldn't even bother to look for her.
Unsurprisingly, Naruto was absent once his name was called. He had once again failed the test, unable to create a basic clone despite his immense chakra reserves. It was a skill she knew that continued to elude him, even into adulthood.
"Class, or rather, fellow shinobi," Iruka-sensei announced with a beaming smile. "If you're in this room, it means you have successfully passed the final test and are now officially members of the shinobi forces. Take the rest of the day to celebrate and rest, but be sure to arrive here promptly tomorrow morning for your team assignments. Congratulations on this remarkable achievement."
As the room emptied, filled with a mix of cheers and more subdued celebrations, Sakura approached Iruka with a lingering question. "Iruka-sensei, where is Naruto?" she inquired, though already aware of the unfortunate truth.
"Sorry, Sakura, but Naruto failed the clone test," Iruka reluctantly replied.
"But he did so well in the other parts of the exam, and he even beat Sasuke," Sakura persisted, refusing to give up.
"I understand, Sakura, but a shinobi must demonstrate chakra control by creating at least one clone to pass," Iruka explained.
"But Lee can't make a clone either, and you passed him last year," Sakura argued.
"That's true, but Lee had a Jonin Sensei who was willing to mentor him. Naruto doesn't have a sponsor willing to train him," Iruka clarified.
"That's just unfair," Ino interjected from behind Sakura, finally voicing her thoughts after allowing her pink-haired friend to lead the conversation.
"Now, girls, please remember that it is the Hokage who sets the rules. If you have any grievances, take it up with him," Iruka suggested, gathering his papers and giving them a slight bow before leaving the room.
"I thought bringing up Lee would help," Ino remarked as they walked out together.
"Yeah, me too," Sakura replied, both girls puzzled by how the other knew about Lee's inability to perform any jutsu due to his lack of chakra. Lee was a year ahead and had never interacted with their class.
…...
Sakura sat on the rooftop of a building overlooking the Hokage tower. She just knew that the Anbu knew she was there but didn't care. Who was she but a little academy student staring at the Hokage tower. Little did they know that she was watching for an orange-clad boy running from the tower with his prize in hand. A boy she expects to see leaping from a Hokage's office window.
Despite the watchful eyes of the ANBU, she remained undeterred, determined to catch a glimpse of the one person who occupied her thoughts. She knew that if she wanted to catch him, she had to be patient and observant. And so, she waited, her heart pounding with anticipation.
Suddenly, her patience was rewarded as a flicker of movement that caught her eye. There he was, cloaked in his subtle genutsu that if you were not looking for him you would never see him. It was Naruto, leaping gracefully from a window of the Hokage's office, clutching something tightly in his arms.
A surge of excitement coursed through Sakura's veins as she watched Naruto make his daring escape. She knew he was in possession of the scroll of forbidden technique, something that had captured the attention of all the great hidden villages. The knowledge contained within the scroll was considered dangerous and volatile, its usage strictly forbidden by the Hokage
Sakura couldn't help but admire Naruto's tenacity. He was always one to defy the odds and challenge the status quo. She found herself drawn to him again but it was too soon for both of them. They needed to grow more both as shinobi and as people able to have a relationship.
As Naruto disappeared into the distance, Sakura's heart raced, she knew she had a role to play to buy Naruto the time he needed to study the scroll before facing Mizuki-sensei. Sakura devised a plan to divert the attention of the Anbu, even though she knew she was physically no match for them.
Navigating the shadows, Sakura made her way to the base of the Hokage's tower. Years of sneaking around and late-night visits to Naruto had familiarized her with the secret entrance. With practiced ease, she unlocked the seal guarding the passage and slipped inside, the darkness becoming her ally.
Ascending the stairs with careful steps, Sakura emerged behind the bookshelves in the Hokage's office. Memories of stolen moments with Naruto flooded her mind, a bittersweet reminder of happier times. She pushed those thoughts aside, focusing on the task at hand.
Approaching the Hokage's desk, Sakura spotted the crystal ball—a prized possession of the Hokage, used for surveillance he told everyone but those that had seen it had other ideas about what it was used for. Without hesitation, she swiftly lifted the crystal ball, her heart pounding with the weight of her actions. Time was of the essence.
With the crystal ball in her possession, Sakura retraced her steps, making her way back down the stairs. She dropped a smoke bomb behind her, creating a cloud that found its way out of the tower setting off alarms. Sakura's mind raced, knowing that the village would soon be thrown into chaos.
Not wanting to be caught in the aftermath and spend years in a T&A cell, Sakura strategically placed the crystal ball at the bottom of the stairs, where it would be discovered later. The Hokage's attachment to his prized possession would ensure that the search for it consumed the village for days if not weeks. It would serve as a distraction, giving Naruto the invaluable time he needed to delve into the secrets of the scroll.
Slipping out the entrance she made her way home using the shadows and chaos of half the village shinobi running around looking for an enemy that wasn't there. Now it was up to Naruto and all she could do was wait to see him in the morning.
…...
Ino could hear the alarms sounding in the village as she knelt in the tree branches on the lookout for her orange-loving future husband. He may not know it yet but she was going to be at his side when he became Hokage. In the distance, the faint echoes of her cleverly placed traps reached her ears. Though harmless, they would create a diversion, granting Naruto the precious time he needed. Every second counted on this critical night, and Ino was determined he would learn the shadow clone jutsu and become a shinobi this night.
Ino crouched among the dense foliage of the forest, her keen senses alert to every rustle and whisper in the air. The distant echoes of alarms from the village reached her ears, intensifying as more shinobi were sent out to hunt for what she assumed was Naruto. Tonight, she would be his unseen ally, supporting him from the shadows as he started on his path toward becoming Hokage.
Her pale blue eyes scanned the surroundings, searching for any sign of Naruto. A flicker of movement caught her attention, and her heart quickened. There he was, her beloved Naruto, navigating the forest like an elephant trying to be heard, stealth was never one of his skills.
Silently, Ino trailed behind Naruto, careful not to reveal her presence. She matched his pace, her nimble footsteps barely making a sound as he ran along the forest floor below her. Her mind raced with thoughts of how she could do something, anything to make this night work as it had done before.
As they ventured deeper into the forest, Ino's sharp senses detected a faint disturbance in the air. She instinctively knew trouble when she heard it. Peering through the foliage, she spotted Mizuki, his malevolent gaze fixed on Naruto. Ino's eyes narrowed, her protective instincts kicking into overdrive.
Ino's grip tightened on her kunai, her muscles tensed as she observed the unfolding confrontation between Naruto and Mizuki. She knew she had to remain hidden, biding her time for the perfect moment to intervene.
Her heart pounded in her chest as the battle erupted and Naruto learned of the demon fox he contained, with each clash of blades reverberating through the forest. Ino's azure eyes never wavered, her focus solely on Naruto. She watched as he deftly dodged and parried, his determination shining through every move.
When Iruka sensei arrived and joined the battle helping Naruto Ino thought the night was over until Mizuki wounded Iruka, she didn't hear what words were passed between student and teacher but Naruto attached Mizuki like a man possessed.
A surge of adrenaline coursed through Ino's veins as she witnessed Naruto's unwavering attacks. She silently urged him on, whispering words of encouragement that only the wind carried. She yearned to stand by his side, to lend her strength, but she knew the importance of allowing him to face this battle.
Then, a moment of revelation came. Naruto's hands weaved through intricate hand seals, his chakra surging with newfound power. Ino's breath caught in her throat as a horde of shadow clones materialized, surrounding Naruto in a display of sheer force. She watched with awe as the clones coordinated their attacks, overwhelming Mizuki from all angles.
"Incredible!" Ino couldn't help but exclaim under her breath, her admiration mingled with a touch of pride. She reveled in the sight of Naruto's using his jutsu for the first time, knowing that she had played a small role in his learning it this night.
As the dust settled and Mizuki lay defeated, but not dead, Ino's heart swelled with pride at what Naruto had been able to do. Naruto had emerged victorious, his true strength was evident in every fiber of his being. She watched as he dispersed the shadow clones, his movements swift and confident, before rushing over to assist Iruka, who was battered but alive.
A bittersweet smile tugged at the corners of Ino's lips as she silently retreated into the shadows, her presence fading like a whisper in the wind. Her role as the unseen supporter was fulfilled, and it was time for her to blend back into the background.
The anticipated moment arrived as Iruka placed his Hitai-ate on Naruto's head, their exchange filled with profound meaning. With a grateful nod, Naruto helped Iruka to his feet, their bond strengthened by their shared blood this night. Ino watched their interaction from a distance, her heart brimming with a sense of fulfillment, she thanked all the gods that it worked.
Soon, the forest came alive with the arrival of ANBU operatives, their swift response a testament to their name. Naruto and Iruka were swiftly whisked away to the safety of the village, leaving Ino to navigate her path back. She moved with stealth and grace, as a phantom in the night, her presence unnoticed amidst the chaos.
Making her way back to the village, Ino blended seamlessly into the bustling streets, her mind filled with a whirlwind of emotions. She longed for home, to have a moment to look back on the events that had unfolded. Her steps were measured, her gaze fixed on the path ahead, as she returned to the familiarity of her room.
As she closed the door behind her, Ino took a moment to breathe, letting the weight of the night settle upon her shoulders. She shakes with suppressed fear as what she did tonight came back to her. It was so dangerous to be out there with so many Jonin and Anbu searching the forest, one mistake and she would have been a footnote in some report. Tomorrow would bring a new day, a fresh beginning. Ino held a flicker of hope within her heart, an ember of anticipation that things might somehow be different this time around. Team placement could turn out better, at least for her, a girl could only hope.
…...
Remember that reviews feed the muse.
My goal was to put a tear in your eye reading this, tell me if I succeeded or not. Do I continue with the melodrama or do we move on to the plot and learn what the hell attacked them?
…...
