Disclaimer: I of course do not own Naruto; so don't pretend like I do, because I won't.

Ages: All of the rookie 9 are 18.

Author's Note: Well, this is my first fan-fic, so be nice. I appreciate criticism, as long as it's constructive.

As of now, the fic will be rated M, since this is my first fic, and I don't know how far with the language / adult themes I want to take it. So just to be cautious, there you go.

I've also read a lot of Naruto x Sakura fanfics, and after all of what I've read, I felt compelled to try one out on my own. As of now, the chapters won't be too long, but I will try to update 2-3 chapters at a time, so you will get a full chapter worth of material depending on how fluidly ideas come to me. (And depending on the number of reviews I get cause if I don't get any, then I'll probably just go back to reading instead of writing.)

Also, I have never used Japanese honorifics, so just bear with me. If I get one wrong, please point it out politely, and I will be happy to change that mistake in the future.

The official pairing is Naruto x Sakura, and if you're a Sasuke fan, well, too bad. He happens to be my least favorite character. (And it has NOTHING to do with the fact I like the aforementioned pairing.) While I will reference other characters from other teams, they won't be major players in the story (At least as of now).

As of now, the main antagonist will be Sasuke, however, bear with me, since I won't be able to fully introduce him into the plotline I have in-mind for several chapters at least. And the rating will be T for language, implied mature themes, and any other naughty things my mind can come up with.

So without further adieu:

Chapter 1:

Konoha forest

The rain was unrelenting, pouring down upon the recently charred battlefield, soaking anything, and everything. What was once a lush, vibrant forest was now nothing more than a desolate landscape with sporadic craters, quickly becoming ponds thanks to the continuing downpour. And kneeling in one of those craters was a certain pink haired kunoichi, clutching her unconscious and battered blonde haired teammate.

"Baka…" She muttered to herself as she laid his head on her lap, water beginning to form around her tightly shut eyelids. "Why? Why do you always do this to yourself? Why do you always push yourself this hard, this far, for others, for your friends… for me." She whispered, as she knelt there, tears now freely flowing, adding to the already saturated ground.

As she got up, she positioned his unconscious form on her back, trying her best not to touch his heavily burnt arms, as well as his left leg, where the fabric of his pants seemed to have fused to his skin due to the extreme heat. Once he was securely fastened, she began rushing back to Konoha in order to get him the medical treatment he would need if he had any hope of surviving. While the jinchuuriki was known for healing quickly, with burns came the likely risk of infection if not treated swiftly, and properly.

As she rejoined her team on her way to the village, she gave one last look to the battlefield. One last fleeting glance at the newly created void in what seemed a never-ending forest. This would be the last time she would gaze upon the lifeless body of Itachi Uchiha, the man sent to capture the boy who now lay on her back, barely clinging to life

"Hold on, Naruto." She silently pleaded as she moved nimbly through the trees.

Little did she know, a separate pair of red and black eyes were watching the battle. Little did they all know, that the person behind those vengeful eyes, now had a new target; namely, the man who took away his purpose. Uzumaki Naruto.