Ahhhh! This chapter is super rough but God I really loved writing it. So much happened. I hope you guys enjoy it as much as I did!

Who was this psycho?

Naruto's shoes dug into the dirt ground as he tried to keep himself away from the demonic entity possessing her. This was not Sakura.

Their faces were nearly smacked against each other, and his hands were still tied behind his back.

"You're wrong," he said hoarsely, finding it painful to look her in those deranged, menacing eyes, yet impossible to evade them in their current position. "I'm not trying to stall for anything. That's not why I said that stuff."

"Really? Tell me more. Why did you say all that you disgusting excuse for a human being?"

"I..." God. How was he supposed to reply to that? He bit at his lip. "I was just frustrated that I lost."

"So you took it out on me? You're worse than I thought. Sasuke was given the chance to take your armband in exchange for passing the test while you were out. He didn't go for it. What an idiot. I would have done it in a heartbeat. Someone like you doesn't deserve to be a ninja. You don't even deserve to have a life."

He had to get out of here. This wasn't familiar. He didn't know how to react to the person in front of him.

"Does it hurt? Getting treated the way you treat others? Is it degrading?"

This couldn't continue. He didn't know how he was supposed to comprehend the barbs directed at him or the way he was being roughhoused by someone who he'd always dismissed as unimportant and meek. She'd just gone mad. He needed to -

She grabbed his jaw with one hand and then crept close to his ear, "'You repulse me.'"

Naruto froze.

"Imagine someone saying that to you. Does it feel good?"

No. None of this felt good. Naruto needed to get away from her before he broke down.

He choked, "I didn't mean it for you. I didn't mean it... I didn't realize what I was-"

"Aaagh!" Sakura shouted, letting go of him suddenly and beating at her head with her knuckles. "Get out! Get out of my body! I'm not gonna let you take over! Get the-"

Without warning, she grabbed Naruto by the shoulders and, pulling back with all the force she could conjure, bashed her forehead straight into his. Kakashi and Sasuke stopped mid-battle - Sasuke's kunai clashing against Kakashi's, the force of their blows muffled as they grasped the scene in front of them.

The pain almost caused Naruto to black out. He could see Sakura with her feet spread out and knees bent when his head finally stopped swimming.

Blood streaked down between her eyebrows. Her eyelashes quaked from the weight of her tears. "I didn't want her to ever," She clawed at her neck and let out a shudder of disgust. "Why? Why did you have to… push me to this?"

What was he supposed to say?

"My whole life... My whole life I've never amounted to anything," She began, her face scrunching up as she tried not to break. "Poor, ugly Sakura with her big forehead. Poor, nervous Sakura who can't stop crying. Poor, weak Sakura who can't hurt a fly. I found methods to overcome the pain, bad methods. I used words against myself that were worse than anything my parents or my teachers or you or Sasuke could say to me. I thought if I'd already heard the worst, nothing else could touch me. You saw what it's like to be targeted like that, Naruto-kun. It wasn't the right thing, but I was backed into a corner."

She sniffed hard. Tears soaked her face now. "I still believed in myself. Even though it hurt so much I couldn't breathe. There was this right here"-she hammered at her chest with her palm-"It didn't stop me from hoping. Poor, fragile Sakura had hopes, too. I've always wanted to make a difference. I've always wanted to be someone great. Someone great enough to stop a war. Someone great enough to unite people. Someone people look up to as their saviour. A hero. Who are you to take that away from me? Who are you to silence me? Call me worthless and cowardly for trying?" Her chin and neck were stained by a mix of tears and blood. She tightened her grasp on her chest and cried out, "Who are you to rob me of my dream, Naruto-kun?"

Naruto's head hung, hair shadowing his face.

I didn't mean it. Those words I didn't mean for you. I meant them for myself. I saw the part of myself that I hate in that genjutsu. I lost control when I saw you.

He didn't say any of that. It would be an excuse. He hadn't ever needed a reason to belittle her. He'd always treated her this badly.

"I guess I never considered you human," he said, not raising his head. "I never thought about you enough to realize the words I'm saying could cause you pain. I think this is the first time in my life that I saw how bad it could be… "

Sakura was silent for some time. She sighed roughly. "That's not important anymore. All I wanted was for you to listen to me because I found a way to beat Kakashi-sensei."

RING!

"But it's too late now."

.

Two things had become a source of great conflict as he tried to comprehend the situation unfolding in front of him. But when it came down to it, Sasuke was more bothered by Naruto's reaction than Sakura's outburst. Naruto never showed his true emotions. Iron walls bordered him whenever he was in the vicinity of others. Everything about him was a facade. The fact that he looked like he was on the verge of tears disturbed Sasuke in a way he couldn't put into words.

This guy.

Of all the people in the world to laugh Sakura off. To break her down for her ridiculous theories. He chose to be humble? Sasuke almost wanted Naruto to lash out cruelly. He was a jerk. That's just how he was.

The other thing was…

"... Poor, weak Sakura who can't hurt a fly ... worse than anything my parents or my teachers or you or Sasuke could say to me … "

"... I never thought about you enough to realize the words I'm saying could cause you pain…"

Just how much of this could equally be applied to him as well? Or rather, what didn't apply to him? A nagging part of his mind whispered he was as much of a culprit as Naruto.

However, he needed to discard these thoughts. It didn't matter that Sakura was a person with feelings or that Naruto could experience regret. What mattered was that Sasuke had landed four solid hits of Kakashi and their fight had been unwarrantedly paused as time was running out. He was the closest to getting the armband, yet for some reason they were standing around like fools, watching Sakura throw a tantrum. As if any of this would matter-

RING!

"A way of beating me? What's all that about?" Kakashi intercepted.

She whirled around, and her face reddened considerably. "It's not important now," she said, wiping her tears from the back of her hand, which was ironic as she entirely missed the splotch of blood on her face.

"I'd like to hear it," Kakashi said.

"But we already lost. As per the rules, if the bell rings and we don't have your or another teammate's armband, we forfeit the right to become a ninja."

"That's what you said," Sasuke said, terribly hoping that Kakashi would bend the rules again on a whim.

"True, but if it won't change anything then what's the harm in hearing you out?"

Sakura's caved shoulders rose as she took a breath. "Fine. I thought, I know that the entire test is shrouded in lies - purposefully. You told us we were supposed to fight against each other and you. But based on what these armbands say, we're actually supposed to work with each other to win. I heal, meaning I can make their armbands redder, meanwhile, Naruto and Sasuke fight, and you're the opponent. My hits against Sasuke also proved that point. I'd go all the way and passing the single strongest genin is a farce. It's not about supply and demand. Genin are usually placed on three-man teams and stay that way until they graduate to jonin level. I've always known that, I just forgot about it in the panic you stirred up initially, which was also on purpose, so it would be harder for us to notice the writing on each other's armbands. You were never going to pass us unless it was all of us - the whole team. To do that, we'd have to collectively prove ourselves as capable of working together or the like." She put up one finger, "Teamwork is the clearest objective. I say that, but this is also a test of perception and strategy." She put up the other two as she said those words. "The ability to see through the original deception and work in tandem - my support paired with their offensive - all to snatch your armband."

The way Sakura spoke had changed. Maybe he was being redundant, but this wasn't like before when she tried to fight him or pitch this very idea to him. This voice didn't say, 'look at the person I can be; look at how I've changed,' it said, 'your views no longer affect the way I behave.' She spoke as if Kakashi's reply was irrelevant; there was no need for confirmation that her words rang true. Her voice commanded attention. He supposed, even after the clock had rang, he was listening for the same reason Kakashi and Naruto were. The act of tuning out suggested blasphemy.

The most frustrating thing about this was the hush that followed. A wind rolled through the trees surrounding them, igniting a trill from leaves slapping against each other. Sasuke had no idea how to interpret Kakashi's lack of a response.

"And when did you think of all this?" he finally said.

Sakura smiled bitterly. "Right now. I couldn't figure it out during the exam."

"Okay, what do you two think of this 'friendship' and 'teamwork' theory, where all of you win if you work together? Do you think, I, as a jonin instructor, would go to such lengths to measure this sort of thing - teamwork - instead of trying to find out who's the strongest out of you, who's the one willing to do anything to win?"

Sasuke dropped his gaze from Sakura. He hadn't accepted it then, and he still couldn't accept it now. As much as he wanted to be swayed by her understanding and confidence, he couldn't accept it from a logical standpoint. Yes, her armband healing his didn't make sense, but Sakura was still reaching because she wanted an outcome that allowed their entire team to pass.

Naruto was the first to reply. "She's right."

His jaw dropped. Sure, Naruto had been positively humbled and headbutted (and tied up), but even with his admission to Sakura, it wouldn't make sense for him to agree to this. Unless he was simply going along with whatever Sakura said. Sasuke refused to accept this reason. "Why?"

"I'm not obliged to answer you," Naruto said.

Of course, he'd say that. It was hopeless trying to talk to him.

"So you're against Sakura's theory?" Kakashi asked him.

"I mean sure, I'd want it to be true, but it doesn't matter what I want," Sasuke said. "Why wouldn't you be looking for strength above all else when that's what's needed to… "

Why did it seem as though he was the unreasonable one here?

Naruto was emotionlessly staring into the distance. Sakura, herself, was cleaning the grit from under her nails, pointedly avoiding this conversation.

"You know what? I wouldn't agree with it because I think it's smart or anything. But these guys do, so maybe," Sasuke paused, trying to find a better reason. He shoved his hands in his pockets. "Maybe if I blindfold myself, I'll believe this sort of thing. That you did this whole test just to measure our teamwo- Wait, why are we doing this? Why are we having this conversation? We all lost already, so there isn't any point in it. Then what is this?"

"Your test," Kakashi said.

"What?" Sasuke asked.

Sakura's head snapped towards them and Naruto finally raised his.

Kakashi's shoulders were shaking. He placed a hand on his forehead protector.

"You're... laughing?" Sakura asked hesitantly.

"Explain," Sasuke demanded, arms crossed.

"I plan to. These armbands are made for a special game. They designate roles for each member, but several things are stopping you from even realizing what these roles are. First, by brutally stressing how you're all unqualified individuals, I put you on alert and made you self-conscious about your weaknesses. That tension makes it less likely that you'll notice that the armbands don't function the way they should and that the pattern on them is changing. Second, I crank that tension up to eleven by placing such harsh penalties that you're likely to do anything just to avoid them, including taking your teammates' armbands. Third, I made the person who appeared the weakest to their peers have the 'HEAL' armband, the one that can take damage but can't inflict it. So, person most likely to discover that this test isn't what it seems is also most likely to be taken out as soon as the test starts, way before they can make their point heard. Oh and of course, there was also a genjutsu on the armbands that if you hadn't released, wouldn't show the roles in the first place."

"Uh, Sensei," Sakura said incredulously. "From everything you've listed, the fact that I could even come to the correct conclusion is miraculous. Knowing what I know now, this test really is beyond the capability of any academy graduate. It's completely unfair."

"Let me finish," he said with a smile. "If Sakura hadn't figured out the exams when she did and given you all an opportunity to agree with her, you wouldn't become genin."

"Huh?"

"Likewise," he continued nonchalantly, "if Sasuke hadn't been persuaded at the end there, you also wouldn't have passed, since it's the entire team that passes. Mostly everything she said was spot on, but the test's goal wasn't for all of you to work together and take my armband which would be impossible, considering the difference in our strength. The goal was simply for all members to come to the correct conclusion before their armbands fell off or were taken. All of you met that criteria. Yes, I'm saying: You all passed."

It seemed there brains had collectively hit a fullstop.

"EHHH?" the three of them said.

"Wait, what? Are you serious?" Naruto asked.

"Well, you're a grim bunch. I thought I'd get a victory cheer. I mean, we're a team now."

Then Sakura's knees gave way, and she fell to the ground, "I really, I really did it… "

"You said that our world is dog-eat-dog," Sasuke said, interrupting this moment of relief, feeling unable to accept or process what was going on. "When you said that we don't have a shot at becoming genin because we're too rash or weak, I could respect that even as harsh as it was. You take it back, then? Is the world not the harsh picture you painted? Are our lives not at risk in every mission? Is strength not what we should value above everything? Why is your test so stupid, that merely agreeing to a question can allow us to pass?"

"It's not about agreeing to a question," Kakashi said. The he placed a thumb on his chin. "Hmm, maybe I didn't explain it well enough. The world is even worse than you describe, Sasuke. And I'm not really testing you on seeing through the lies and figuring out the clues, though that's part of it. What I try to do here is simulate a severe mission. Immense pressure, the stakes, each of your weaknesses singled out - it's psychological warfare. In such situations, it's almost suicidal to place your comrades needs first. To not become divided. To think of listening to and trusting each other. I hope you can understand the wisdom behind this. Here, you'll always be reduced to your capacity to serve the village. You are a tool, but if you can retain your compassion for your comrades and set values for yourself, above and beyond pedestalizing the 'the strongest succeed' mentality then, in my eyes, your worthy of becoming a ninja. I'm not asking you to hide behind an imaginative worldview. I'm asking you to choose to be good in our imperfect world. When you agreed with Sakura, you chose to stick to the side where all members of your team could win. That's why I consider it a pass."

Sasuke released a breath through his lips. Damn, he thought, I wish I wasn't the last one to get behind that idea.

Still, as much as he saw the importance in having values, the idea that something should surpass strength on his list of priorities was foreign. That would take getting used to.

Kakashi crouched by Sakura, "I'll say I never expected you to break it down the way you did. Your analysis was almost point-by-point what I devised. It's rare to seem this kind of intelligence at such a young age. I hope you can fulfill your dream."

"M-My dream?" Sakura asked, her face burning red as she brought her fingers to her lips. "W-Were you l-listening to that?"

Kakashi nodded as he stood.

"Oh, um, thank you," she said, blinking quickly, perhaps to dry off any tears.

A rush of emotion capsized Sasuke as it finally set in that he had passed. He allowed himself a smile, "I'm really glad." Then he dragged his feet over to where Sakura sat, "Hey, sorry I doubted you-"

"Naruto-kun!" Sakura shouted, leaping up and knocking Sasuke's chin.

"Ow," Sasuke said.

Sakura was bending to untie him, "I forgot about that sorry."

Naruto shrugged. All he did was shrug. Not even a scowl. Damn him.

"Wait, why would you do that in the first place?" Sasuke asked.

"Um, I was scared he'd misunderstand and then take my armband before I even had a chance to explain."

"What were you planning to do?"

"Hit him."

Sasuke deadpanned. "I see where the rope comes in."

Kakashi clapped his hands together. "Starting tomorrow, we'll be going on our first mission as Team Seven!"

"Woohoo!" Sakura cheered, jumping up.

"See, that's kind of enthusiasm I expected."

"Thanks for playing with our minds to the point of no return, Sensei," Sasuke commented. His eyes flicked to Naruto, who was still uncharacteristically quiet. Uncharacteristally everything. He wasn't even Naruto at this point.

"Let's get going. We start our first mission tomorrow!"

.

It was good for the two of them to work things out. Kakashi didn't expect this level of maturity from Naruto (especially since he initiated the conversation), but it seemed like Sakura - and this test - were becoming a catalyst for his change, something Kakashi had wanted to spark with his own genjutsu. Before this, he hadn't consciously realized he had a bias - he had formulated a genjutsu trying to get Naruto to confront his fears, he didn't need any more proof than that. It made sense considering whose son he was.

Also, the way Sakura's efforts had come to fruition here. It's rare to see this kind of intelligence at such a young age. Rare? That wasn't quite right. There was a terrifying quality to witnessing an inexperienced, almost nameless child list out the details of his test point-by-point - that paired with the assurance in her voice which didn't give room for doubt. She knew full well she was right. Kakashi had intentionally worn her down with insults specific to her weaknesses, and Naruto's cold words might have pushed her past the edge. So, perhaps this was a circumstantial by-product. A stroke of genius in a time of desperation, admirable but fleeting. But if he was wrong then Kakashi was going to make sure her talent was fully realized.

It appeared Sasuke had finally realized Naruto and Sakura had held back. He turned and waved to them, "He-"

Kakashi stopped him with a hand on his shoulder. "Leave them."

"Oh," Sasuke said, watching. Emotion glazed over his alarmingly bare face.

"Sasuke?"

"Huh, yeah, let's go," he said, turning back hurriedly.

"Are you… " Kakashi began, but then shook his head. "Never mind."

Just who was that emotion for? Kakashi wondered. Another drama to worry about. What did I get myself into?

.

Before this, Sakura didn't think Inner Sakura had the power to take over. But after today, Inner Sakura's days were done. If this was the first time she had taken control, it would also be the last time. Sakura would ensure it. She would see her to her death. Never had she felt as disgusted with herself as she had in the aftermath of her reign. It took Naruto - Naruto - breaking to shatter her grip on Sakura's personality. Naruto had stated he hadn't seen her as a human before, but maybe, that was true for her, too. She hadn't thought Naruto was a person that could be hurt. It might be why Inner Sakura tore into him as hard as she did. Because, even Inner Sakura believed nothing could hurt this boy who only ever hurt others.

But he wasn't just a bully. It was whatever Sakura went through today that made her realize that every person was capable of changing, and she wanted to make amends for having judged him the same way she accused him of judging her. People weren't canvases for Sakura to colour her assumptions on.

This is my first step, Sakura thought as they began to head out of the training field. After this, I'm only going to keep changing for the better. A real hero wouldn't just sit back now. I need to make a plan for how I'll improve.

Someone grabbed her wrist.

"Hm? Naru…"

His gestured to the side with his head. Sakura looked at Kakashi and Sasuke and then nodded.

"You're bleeding," she noticed, properly seeing his face now that it wasn't being covered by his hair. She pulled out a handkerchief. "Here."

"You need it more than me."

"Ah, wh-what?" She vigorously rubbed her face with the back of her hand. "I'm good. You take it-"

"I'm sorry," he said, keeping his eyes averted.

Sakura stopped, slowly pulling her hand back. Her bottom lip trembled. Why did those words have the effect that they did? All the pain she was carrying but not acknowledging suffocated her chest. It had been so easy to fantasize about moving forward anew. It had been so easy to smile and want the best for Naruto.

She closed her eyes. Her voice came out like thin ice cracking, "That's not enough."

"What the-" Naruto started and then cut himself off abruptly as he realized how fast he reverted to his old self. He wavered, "What am I supposed to do?"

"You have to... " She attempted to swallow the pulsing rawness in her throat. She thought she wouldn't have it in her, but tears still welled up in her eyes. "You have to promise never to say anything like that to me again. There's only so much I can handle. If you push me too far something really bad comes out, and I never wanted it to come out again."

"St-Stop crying, would you?" he said. "I won't do it again. Ever. Is that good?"

She blinked airily, trying to get rid of the tears for his sake. "I'm so sorry about whatever… I said to you before."

"Why are you apologizing? You didn't do any… well, whatever. Forget about it. Let's head back."

She nodded, pressing her knuckle against her nose. "Thank you. Thank you."

He was frowning at her. Orange light created a silhouette around him from the waning sun behind. If Sakura could dare to, she'd have a hugged him then. Because 'thank you' didn't feel like enough, and any other words were too impersonal. No, she wasn't falling back into her old self-pitying mannerisms. This was her relishing the amount of catharsis this conversation had brought to her. She was saying 'thank you' because she appreciated him for trying to change. Maybe, someone else should have been encouraging him. Maybe, she should stay angry or at least try to remain dispassionate rather than congratulating someone who'd given her such fresh wounds. That might have been the appropriate, self-respecting attitude. But what if Naruto didn't have anyone to encourage him, to recognize him for taking this step?

"Naruto-kun," Sakura said. They'd be splitting paths soon. Kakashi and Sasuke had long disappeared from ahead. "Why did you agree with me back there, when Kakashi asked?"

"It was the right answer."

"You knew?"

He fell silent, lost in thought.

"Naruto-kun?"

"I don't have to tell you anything."

"Okay… Um, there was something else I wanted to talk about."

He didn't say anything. Sakura presumed this was synonymous with 'continue.'

"Since we're a team now, and you did say you wouldn't say hurtful things to me, maybe, for the sanctity of our team, you could, um, extend that to," her voice got teenier, "Sasuke-kun?"

Naruto stopped dead in his tracks, his face statue-like. "Don't ever bring that up again. It has nothing to do with this."

"But… it, it does though," she said. She hated getting involved between the two of them, but this was the same issue. Naruto's treatment of Sasuke was worse than his treatment of her. If that continued, it would create a major rift in their teamwork. "Sometimes you say pretty bad-"

"Sakura," he said suddenly turning to her. "It's not the same. Stay out of it."

Oh.

She blinked. "Okay."

They'd reached the edge of the training grounds. From here, the sun was shrouded behind a horizon of trees. Naruto raised a hand as he walked off.

Sakura felt as though she'd gotten a glimpse behind the surface of a lake. She'd always thought their relationship was so simple. Naruto was a bully; Sasuke, though responsible to some degree for fanning the flames, was his victim.

Was it that simple?

I'm glad you made it! This was my longest chapter yet. ^-^ I wanted to end it on a hopeful, conclusive note, but that kind of got overshadowed.

Trivia: Naruto's sister exclusively dresses in his hand-me-downs (although they're not really hand-me-downs - she just steals stuff from his drawers). She hates girly things, which include everything her parents have bought for her. They have given up.

Also, I'll soon start cross-posting chapters to other sites (Wattpad, namely) as well as I am worried about the state of FFNET. It's a scary place these days. I won't stop posting here of course.

As always, forgive the grammar, write a review, thanks for the kindness.