When I fought Neji I lacked battle experience, since fighting him had battled many times with Hinata Naruto and Sasuke. I might not be a taijutsu master but against children with no understanding of chakra control; I wouldn't need to be. As they jumped me, I couldn't help but compare them to tigers launching at their prey.

I flipped; hands on the ground and begone to spin, performing a prefect a helicopter. My heel connected with jaw, stomach, ribcage, shoulder blade, and a flat chest. Five girls were sent flying backwards colliding with the other girls as I right myself. A series of thuds and rolls followed their crash landing, I stood in the center of their scattered limps. The five girls that took direct hit trembled but didn't get up. They looked at me wide eyed, shock clear to see on their faces. There was a moment of pause, I remained still as they got to their feet's, medics rushing to get the injured away.

5 down 25 to go.

A group of them attacked breaking the calm. They attacked simultaneously, turning punches and kicks wildly. I stepped out of range of a pinch and below a kick. The others jumped in all eager to get a hit in.

With a short jump I spin and kicked out, they flew back from the forced of my amateur leaf hurricane. Not giving them any time to recover I lounged. Elbowing one in the stomach while simultaneously kicking another in the chest.

A spiky red hair landed a hit to my face, my cheeks burned as did my temper. I grabbed her wrist and yanked her towards me. She stumbled not expecting the pull and I punched her square in the face, an instant ko. I dropped her and leaned away from another attack.

Bob and weave then retaliate, I followed the rhythm of the fight. I've never been in a cat fight before but I'd image it was similar to the battle before me. They didn't have techniques, style or grace, inflicting as much damage as they could was their only goal. They punched kicked and clawed, going for my hair; big mistake, and face.

They got a few hits in, it was nothing like Neji's slaughter fest' but it was irritating enough to have me fight harder.

Like the merciless downpour they fell, one after the other like rain drops slashing on the ground. Their numbers dwindled and my burses increased, I was panting when I was down to 5. Ino, Ami, Fuki, and the candy twins. One had chocolate hair the other strawberry, the eyes were miss match brown and pink. I wasn't sure which one liked Sasuke or if it was both, but thinking about it only served to fuel my anger.

I had no beef with Ino other than the same love interest but Ami was going to get the main course. She was an arrogant coward that used others for her own end. Spoiled thinking there's safety in numbers. I was going to take my time with her I decided.

Before I could muse about my torture methods, the twins attacked. The separated going in opposite directions to circle around me. The stood on either side of me before charging at the same time.

I muttered a curse as I blocked chocolates kick and Strawberry's punch. My arms shook from the impact, though nothing was broken. They retreated before circling me again and attacking once more. I blocked only to be attacked from above by Fuki.

My hands were occupied leaving me wide open, they wore the grin of a victory. I hadn't realized they were working together, naturally I had thought they saw each other as enemies as well. My mistake, it wasn't one I'd make again.

For my own stupidity I allowed the hit to land, it was the closest thing to kicking myself. Fuki delivered a punishing axe kick to my head, I hand to grit my teeth against the pain.

My back hit the ground knocking the breath out of me, as rain pouring down on my face made it hard to see. I was thinking of how bad the rain village had it to always receive this awful weather when Ami stood over me, a smug look on her face.

"Not so tough, now are you?" She taunted. I noted she only had mud on her and not buries, she wasn't fighting at all was she? She stomped on my chest causing me to gasp.

How clique

But it's exciting isn't it? We did beat the majority fairly easily, now we're trapped under the enemy heel and must find the strength to keep fighting.

A smile creeped onto my face; she was right as usual, this was fun. Fighting for love and justice, I couldn't help but chuckle, who knew being in love could be this exciting.

I gripped Ami's ankle and grinned up at her shocked expression.

"Rule something: "don't but your foot in the lion's mouth" I said. I forcefully removed her foot causing her to slip on the muddy ground and spilt her crutch touching the ground.

How flexible

I flipped to my feet in time for the candy twins to attack. I grabbed strawberry shirt and though her into her sister. Fuki appeared out of nowhere another axe kick at her the ready. Bracing myself I leaping up meeting her half way and decked her, sending her spiraling to the ground. I landed gracefully my eyes locked on Ami, I was gonna enjoy this.

My back exploded in pain; stars flashed before my eyes as I fell to one knee. Slow reacting instinct had me rolling to the side before a kick stomp the ground I once knelt. I looked up at my attacker and paused dumbfounded. Ino stood glaring at me in the spot of my attacker.

"I don't like to be ignored" she all but snarled at me. I was at a loss for words, had I truly forgotten she was still conscious?

I mentally slapped myself, I didn't see her as a treat and failed to respond to her malice. I truly hoped this wouldn't become a habit. I stood returning her glare. I glanced at Ami and winded.

I wanted to beat her to a pulse though.

Ino didn't give me any more time, charging at me like a wild boar. I moved to the side to avoid it only to have her turn sharply and launched a kick at me. I back flipped out of range putting some distance between us.

She was fast, I trait I wasn't expecting. It was easy to forget she was the heir to her shinobi clan with how nice she acted.

Ino remained on the offensive never letting up in her pursuit. It may not have been a cat fight but there was no doubt it was a fight. Our fist clashed in a fight that was 6 year too early.

"Sakura!" Ino roared as she charged again. It was in that moment I achieved enlightenment, with adrenaline rushing through my veins and bloodlust teasing my nose I understood. The reason people yell out their opponent's name.

It was a battle cry a promise of pain and utter defeat, it was exhilarating! Blow for blow one became lost in the spirit of war and bloodlust. In that moment the world disappeared, only your opponent remained. And what other way is there to show that than to shout their name.

"Ino!" I yelled dashing forward.

We clashed heads pain exploded behind my eyes, and once again I knew what it truly was to have a rival.

The rain slowed to a drizzle as I panted heavily. My eyes still blazed with fighting spirit a huge grin never leaving my face, even as I stared down at Ino's unconscious form. That fight amazing!

While Neji it was more elegant and remained me of a dance. Each move was calculated and execute with precision and accuracy. Fighting Ino, heck even the other girls, was a brawl. Punches were thrown because you were within range and it would hurt. Kicks were swung for long range and it hurt more. The entire fight was about causing damage and pain. I loved it!

I caught movement in the corner of my eye even as nurses attended to Ino. Ami was still on the muddy field frozen with shock. I dark grin adorned my lips, it seemed I'd get my revenge after all. I turned and strode over to her, naturally she tried to flee.

I tripped her and stepped on her back to keep her in place.

"Now then," I cooed "what was it you did? Aw yes bullied Hinata and Naruto and coveted Sasuke. I'll be sure to put you in your place."

She screamed out before I even stated beating on her.

The clouds parted as I stared up at the sky, Ami laid battered and bruised under me. The adrenaline cooled and I was now calm, a soft smile even snuck its way onto my face. I looked over to the students to smile at them, my smile froze on my face.

Eh?

The roof, the walls and the ceiling of the academy were crowed with shinobis. I stretched my senses and found more in the surrounding trees even in the earth. The thought of me being so distracted as to not sense so many was concerning.

"Sakura Chan!" Naruto rushed toward me Hinata and Sasuke close behind. He tackled me but I managed to stay upright somehow.

"That was amazing! He yelled squeezing me tight. I groaned and awkwardly patted his back. He was hiding it well but I could sense his anxiety.

"I'm okay" I whispered in his ear.

You idiot, let go she's hurt!" Sasuke prided a reluctant Naruto off me.

"Are you okay? Hinata asked taking out an ointment. I gave her a reassuring a smile.

"That's the power of youth for ya!" I heard might guy praise.

"It seems the academy has some interesting students this year" Asuma said past his smoking cigarette.

"I can't wait to see the kunoichi she becomes" raven hair and scarlet eyes, Kurenai said smiling at our group.

The Hokage chuckled as stood next to Iruka and Suzume. "This was quite interesting to watch. He said " I'm glad to see the will of fire still burns bright." There were chuckles as the shinobis one by one begone to disappear.

The howl of a wolf had me spinning around, one dark eye greeted me. There in the tops of the tree stood a jonin with a mask and silver-gray hair, one eye covered beneath he's headband. He held my curious gaze for but a few seconds before he vanished in a poof of smoke.

Son of the white fang, creator of the Chidori, copy cat ninja Kakashi Hatake has taken notice of you

I frowned at inners commentary; it was only inevitable that Kakashi would notice me. He was our future sensei that was set in stone.

A howling wolf huh?

The lightning wolf has appeared!

Raiju

Exactly. Inner sounded too pleased with the comparison though comparing him to the mythical beast wasn't far off.

Raiju was a wolf shaped lighting beast. the companion of the Shinto god of lighting, usually calm expect during thunderstorms.

Recalling the howl, I heard from his chakra I could help but grin. Our sensei was a alpha wolf.

Awhoo

Ino recovered quickly thank to some medical ninjutsu. She was still sore over losing and that was a wound I couldn't heal. Sasuke to my horror approached her after she recovered.

"You fought well" he praised, "even Hinata had trouble keeping up with her when she gets serious." He smiled at her and her cheeks flushed. "You lasted longer than the others, if you keep training, I'm sure you'll be strong enough to challenge her." He turned to leave when Ino grabbed his wrist her eyes wide.

"What do you mean challenge her? I put up one hell of a fight!" She seemed offended. Sasuke was interrupted by Naruto who spoke for him.

"Sakura-chan has seals on her arms that lower her strength by 80%. She didn't take them off when she fought," he explained proudly. Ino looked over at me but I found something very interesting to stare at out the window.

"No way," she whispered letting go of Sasuke's hand.

"I'm not sure why you fought her but Sakura-chan likes you" Naruto continued Ino looked at him in disbelief.

"Sakura hates me" she stated bluntly. Naruto chuckled "no she doesn't if she did, she wouldn't have healed you."

Objection!

I had only done that because I didn't want her father to come after me for bruising his only daughter's pretty face. There was also the worry of my mother ripping me a new one for fighting my play mate. She was friends with Ino's mother and they both valued beauty and lady like manners. If she discovered I not only fought but against all the girl in kunoichi class, she would kill me.

Sasuke and Naruto returned to my side soon after saying farewells to Ino, sitting down in the seat in front of Hinata and I.

"Aniki and father haven't been getting along lately," he said disappointed. I stiffened at his words the implication clear. "I'm worried."

"How long have this been going on?" I asked, I needed a timeframe.

"Since Shisui died last semester" he said turning to look at me. "That was a while ago" he clarified.

We ere currently in our second semester so it happened over the break. I hadn't seen Itachi when I visited so I assume it was going on even then.

"Say Sasuke how old are you now?" I asked. He frowned confused at my question but answered anyway.

"I'm seven" he stated and I internally cringed.

One year my math deduced; I had one year before the Sasuke I fell in love with would die an ugly death. I bit my lip, thinking up way to make full use of our time together.

"Neh neh every one" Naruto drew our attention. "You guys wanna go to Ichiraku later?"

"Of course!" Hinata proclaimed not wanting to give up spending time with Naruto and ramen.

"Sure I can spend some time" Sasuke said and I smiled. Everything was okay for now.

"Naruto's paying" I said playfully, he immediately tried to change my mind. I smiled through it all even as my gusts twisted.

One year, damn you Danzo!

Hello my little night walkers, Luna here and I'm back! Sorry for the wait. Life happened. Getting into the meat of the matter here might go on hiatus soon just a FYI. Next chapter coming soon.