Sakura crept out of bed and tip-toed to the forbidden office; the only room she wasn't allowed in ever. She never broke the rules, always a good girl. However, she knew there was a key under the potted plant and went for it.

A pause and widened eyes. Sakura saw dusty boxes and files that were scattered throughout the messy room.


When..


CRASH!


Masked men flooded her home. Sakura heard mama scream awake and a loud struggle was afoot. Masked men were everywhere raiding mama and papa's house. Sakura dashed upstairs to help her mother, when she saw one of them

hit mama too hard on the head.. Mama hasn't gotten off the floor..there is a blood stain. The forbidden room had been abandoned and completely forgotten.


Scattered papers, stolen scrolls, and a night of broken glass.


Sakura knew she had to take care of her mama, be the woman of the house, be strong, just until papa came home from his trip..Right?

Pretend everything is normal

Put a smile on her face

Everything will be okay..

Mama is just sleeping

Mama is just sleeping

Mama is just sleeping


Sakura had received a messenger hawk from her papa. It was addressed to her mama and herself. Apparently, the trip would be taking longer than usual and he wouldn't get back to see Sakura off on her first day of the academy.

Sakura did all the chores, laundry, cooking, and practiced what her papa taught her. She had to be strong, because who else would?


The first day of the academy came and mama was still nowhere to waking up. Sakura had dark defined bags under her eyes and she wasn't getting a wink of sleep. She was trying to keep up with everything and holding a facade of naivete and carefree.

Sakura had packed her own bento and set out an outfit the day before. She kissed her mother goodbye on the cheek and promised she would check on her as often as she could.


"My name is Iruka and I will be your instructor until you graduate. You will be the culmination and prosperity of the future. Why don't you start introducing yourselves?"

Everyone introduced themselves one at a time. One person stood out in particular. His aura shined bright like the sun, had the bluest eyes deeper than an ocean, and a smile that can warm anyone's heart..his name..Naruto Uzumaki. She had recognized him from the playground incident and was the one getting screamed at by the store clerk. She was immediately drawn him and wanted to be near him.

Sakura wasn't prepared for her introduction. Not one bit..She was so exhausted and wiped out that half way through her introduction, she ended up blacking out and carted off to the nurses office.


Iruka would have to chat with Miss Haruno after she awoke from her slumber. Something wasn't right, and it was up to the teacher to play detective to figure out what was causing his student a lack of sleep..Figures, on day one of school. He'd have his work cut out for him. Just his luck..


Sakura blearily opened her eyes and was startled to see Iruka-sensei. She was in the nurses office.

Iruka-sensei sighed.

"Haruno-chan, are you finally awake? I'd like to talk to you about today's incident. How is everything going on at home? How is your father and mother?"

"Iruka-sensei.." Saku-chan trailed off, not knowing where to start.

"Papa is merchant and is on a business trip."

"And your mother?" Iruka asked kindly

"Mama is sleeping..Iruka-sensei."