Author's Note: I want to apologize for the significant delay in this chapter. I had my chapter already written and then, while going through the editing process, I decided to trash it and start from scratch due to sudden idea changes. I can't express how awful I feel for making each of you wait for this chapter. I hope it is good enough to make up for the delay!

Thank you all for dealing with me.

Enjoy!

Consequences

She was surrounded by darkness. There was no breeze to tickle against her pink cheeks, no soothing sounds of chirping birds fluttering into her eardrums, and her petite nose could not detect a single scent. In the middle of this endless sea of black, stood Sakura dressed in an elegant green dress that fanned to the jet-black ground.

Where am I? Sakura looked around, hoping to see anything else besides the grey ominous fog. Her short legs tried to take an elongated step forward but were restricted by the tightness of the lengthy gown. What the? Emerald eyes moved away from the black scenery to the royal forest green garment that obstructed her movements. Curious hands reached down to her hips and gently stroked the satin fabric. Where did this dress come from? Sakura twirled around on the balls of her bare feet, watching the train spiraled behind her body. The lovely green satin draped from her hips and cascaded down her figure as her spinning ceased. Delicate hands brushed along the golden silk fabric that adorned the top half of her body. Rubies, diamonds, pink tourmalines, and dark orange citrines were intricately placed in a crisscross pattern against the golden fabric. The fabric weaved towards the low cut outline that rested against her breasts. Even without any form of light, the royal gems sparkled luminously against her revealed ivory skin.

"Hello?" Sakura called out, "is anyone here?" At first she stood in the place, silence had become her answer, but a weak ocean breeze leisurely pranced through the dimness. The intrusion of air tickled against her face and curled itself in-between her shoulder length hair. Shocked by the unexpected movement, she followed the soft breeze and an all-too-familiar salty ocean smell filled her nostrils. Oh the sea, Sakura thought with delight as she closed her eyes and spun around, taking in the pleasant feeling that radiated throughout her body.

"Come with me," a deep voice called out desperately.

A voice? Realizing that she was not alone, Sakura ended her twirling and opened her eyes. She squinted into the darkness trying to pinpoint the location of the voice. "I don't know who you are, come out!" Sakura projected her voice loudly.

"I could give you everything…"

What direction is that voice coming from? She grabbed the sides of her heavy dress and began to run in the direction of the sound. Sakura struggled to increase her pace as she sprinted in the opposite direction of where she once stood. "What are you talking about?" She talked back to the frantic sound that infiltrated the black void.

"I could give you everything that pathetic man could never give you!" The once distressed and coy voice converted into a foreboding demand.

Pathetic man? Sakura felt her chest violently rise and fall against the gems that were compressing her rapid panting. Her head whipped back and forth in all directions as the incensed voice grew louder.

"I could give you everything that pathetic man could never give you! I could give you everything that pathetic man could never give you!" The threatening sentence repeated over and over. With every passing recurring demand, the vile voice surrounded Sakura, consuming her in its' resentment.

This voice…Sakura dropped the sides of her dress and placed her hands over her ears. Her heart began to strike against her chest uncontrollably, her eyes involuntarily shut, and her body became stiff as an unknown feeling arose within. Why am I acting this way? What is going on? This voice doesn't sound familiar… Even though her hands were covering her ears, the booming voice could still be heard, and as seconds ticked away the once unknown voice didn't seem as foreign as she had once thought. This voice…I recognize it, but from where? Its volume increased causing Sakura's legs to crumble without warning. The harsh impact of her knees collapsing against the ground and created a hallow echo that could barely compete with the unrefined shrieking. My body…what is going on? She tried to crawl away but her body was unwilling to move. This voice, the more she paid attention to the furious tone, the harder it became for Sakura to breathe. She could feel her body sweat, the hairs on the back of her neck stand, and her heart slamming against her ribcage in one of the most agonizingly painful actions Sakura had ever felt.

"Who are you?" Sakura shouted at the top of her lungs. My body can't take much more of this! No matter how much Sakura tried to mentally control her body's actions, physically, it acted on its own.

Silence.

Her cry immediately restrained the voice. Not taking any chances, Sakura kept her hands over her ears for a few more seconds before her eyes willingly opened. It stopped? Full of hidden relief, Sakura removed her hands from her ears and climbed back onto her feet. Her legs felt unsteady as she took a few steps to make sure her limbs would be able to support her body's weight. That was…different…I haven't felt something like that, ever. She was stunned at the intense state her body had been reduced to only a few short minutes ago.

It doesn't matter, I have to find a way out of here she told herself as she strained her legs to continue through the ambiguous environment. As she walked in the mysterious obscurity, a wave of new fragile voices pirouetted inside her ear canals. "Hello? I'm here! I can help you!" The desire to help those suffering coursed through her veins.

Soon, her slow walk transformed into a brisk stride as she chased after the new unintimidating hums. What are they saying? Their words were barely audible. Again, her heart crashed against the side of her chest, the feelings from before quickly returned. No, I will not let these strange feelings control me! Sakura forced her mind to ignore her body and pressed through the dark abyss.

As she pressed forward, the once delicate purrs grew into aggressive hollers. Every turn Sakura made, bone-chilling shrieks surrounded her. Why are they scream… Before Sakura could finish her thought, the salty smell was replaced by an unpleasant metallic cooper scent. Blood? Her heartbeat increased drastically as she pushed through her body's protest to curl into a fetal position.

Abruptly, a small beacon of light shined eighty feet away from her running form. Maybe if I run to the light I'll be able to see what exactly is happening here. Without hesitation, Sakura grabbed her heavyweight dress and ran with all of her speed to the small clearing. She came to a graceful halt when she finally reached the spotlight. Her exhausted body stood stationary underneath it, bathing in the only form of light that existed. Her breaths rapidly flew from her lips while her chest almost jumped away from her body.

"I'm here to help. Please tell me where you are!" Sakura strained herself to scream with as much power her lungs had left.

She waited to hear someone return her cry, but only received the view of the never-changing abyss as an answer. "Well this is annoying," she said out loud. Just as she was about to turn away from the white light, a silhouette appeared before her.

An outline…? The two separate white lines each curved into an oval shape. Sakura stood motionless while the sensation of disbelief washed over her as a transformation transpired before her very eyes. Each oval repelled the black scenery and a circle of white emerged within the oval shape. The two small circles of white grew to the size of planets and just when Sakura thought the sight before her wasn't abnormal enough, the white planet-sized orbs each obtained an onyx black iris. Black eyes? Sakura took one timid step towards the floating black eyes and tilted her head to the side. Why am I seeing this? Emerald eyes scanned the detached eyes for any clues as to whose they were, but her mind went blank.

"Ha, ha, ha, ha, ha!" The foreboding voice returned and altered into an ear piercing cackle.

With the return of the voice, Sakura could feel her body cowering underneath the weight of the cackle. All her previous symptoms that she tried her best to ignore could not be restrained any longer. "What do you want?" Sakura's voice cracked as her eyes began to water. Small liquid crystal tears trickled down her cheekbones and along her slender neck. A trembling hand rose to the top of her cheekbones as she tried to wipe the tears away.

Not truly concerned with the sudden display of emotion, Sakura looked around the void and could not find a single person, object, or animal. "What do you want?" Sakura called out again. The cackling laughter ceased and although her mind was relieved, her body did not stop quivering. She turned her attention back to the eerie floating black eyes that shifted its irises to the corner of the room.

What are they looking at? Sakura found her mind battling her body at the idea of looking in the same direction. Her palms began to shake and her throat gradually tightened. She opened and closed her mouth, like a fish, trying to inhale oxygen and exhale carbon dioxide to ensure air could reach her lungs. I have to look. I don't understand why I'm acting this way! Shaking her head from side-to-side Sakura quickly turned away from the black expressionless eyes and stared into the distance.

See? There was nothing… As soon as Sakura was able to calm herself down, an outline of an object began to float towards her stagnant body. What is it? She squinted her eyes and waited patiently for the object to become more visible. It's…it's a…as the object came closer, Sakura's body protested even more, her ocular muscles wanted to avert her gaze from the scene, while her body desperately pleaded to be allowed to curl into a ball but Sakura fought to keep her eyes peeled on the incoming flying object.

Within seconds, the object whizzed passed Sakura and bobbed away from where she stood. She quickly turned her body around to get a better look and watched as her heart, unexpectedly, jumped into her still tight throat. It's a head…a floating head. Her body began to shake uncontrollably as the head's short brown hair waved in the air and its lifeless, empty, emerald eyes stared back into her lively orbs. I…I can't breathe, her petite hands raced to hold onto her neck as she struggled with the primitive task. While she internally struggled, Sakura could not ignore the uncanny resemblance the lifeless eyes had in comparison to her very own. With a mind of its own, her body continued to viciously shake as the head abruptly stopped in mid-air.

"If I knew you would be running to me with open arms, I would have killed the bastard sooner!" The same infuriated voice screamed out, making the head return to leisurely floating on an endless journey within the void.

What…just happened? Sakura couldn't understand why her body was acting the way it was, I have seen violence before. It's nothing new. Why is a floating head having this much of an affect on me?

"We need to get her out of here," a softer, kinder, voice echoed into Sakura's space.

Sakura felt her insides return to normal with the intervention of the new voice. A relieved sigh made her body release the excessive tension. The reactions she was having to the, now extinguished, sinister voice and floating head still baffled the exhausted Sakura.

"Please take good care of this child," the voice sounded heart broken, it was as if the voice knew something awful was about to happen. Sakura could feel tears threating to fall from the corners of her eyes.

What is wrong with me? I don't even know where these voices are from and yet I'm reacting this way. Sakura ripped her eyes away from the vacant space the floating head had once stood and returned her attention to the black eyes that disturbingly stared back at her. Their once emotionless state was replaced by anger and vengeance. Okay…this is just weird… Not wanting to stay in the spotlight anymore, she took a step back while keeping her attention on the floating eyes. With her sudden movement, the vicious eyeballs glided closer in her direction.

I don't think so! Sakura glared at the floating body part and shifty turned around, picked up her dress, and sprinted away. The eyes followed her to every corner, never reducing its approaching speed. Sakura looked over her shoulder constantly, praying the onyx eyes would fade away. Her feet pounded against the rock solid ground beneath her while her dress violently waved around. How can I lose this thing? Sakura tried to look around the area for a hidden passageway, but to no avail. As she continued to run, a heavy object roughly thumped against her chest. What the? She looked down to see the golden octagon-shaped pendant that she had always worn. "Please, just send me back home!" Sakura shouted to the pendant as she covered the purplish-red diamond with one of her hands.

The floating eyes were catching up and Sakura found herself losing energy to endure more running. Concerned emerald eyes observed the dim diamond and firmly squeezed the sharp pointed sides of the pendant. I know I can make it out of here; she tried to encourage herself with each stride. The grip on the pendant tightened, causing Sakura's palm to acquire a small cut but the small wound did not faze Sakura. I will make it back Naruto. Believe it. Sakura's heartfelt declaration caused a small light to shine through her hand.

Huh? Quickly, Sakura removed her hand from the glowing pendant and watched as the sparkling blue light around her neck attacked the thick black void.

The once blinding light slowly receded from her eyesight to reveal an all-too-familiar butter-cream painted ceiling. Hazy sage orbs stared at the bumps that trailed above, trying to fully recognize her surroundings.

"Was it a dream?" Sakura asked herself. Timidly, her torso lifted itself from the bed and her slender arms gently pushed the navy blue silk blanket to her knees. It must have been. There is no possible way floating eyes can be real. At the returning thought of the creepy body part, a small shiver involuntarily rolled down her spine. "That didn't feel like a dream," a deep sign escaped her lips as she yanked her legs from underneath their warm cavern and placed her dainty feet against the cherry wooden floor. "It felt too real to be a dream…" Sakura looked away from the ceiling and out at her bay window.

The summer wind gracefully guided the giant oak tree's branches to lightly drag against the sturdy glass that separated Sakura from the outside world. The sun hasn't come up yet either, she looked away from the peaceful outdoors and looked around her dim room as a small groan escaped her lips, I don't think I'm going back to sleep. With this realization, Sakura pushed her body into a standing position and began her traditional morning routine.

Now that I'm dressed, she stared at her body cladded in thin beige pants and a red top with her country's symbol on the back, I might as well head downstairs and find something to eat. Soundlessly, Sakura walked out of her room, glided down the staircase, and slid into the kitchen.

The overly spacious kitchen was lit by a single candlelight at the center of the ten-foot long maple dinner table that was the focal point of the well-furnished room. Sakura walked through the square doorway and headed to the small green stained-glass fruit bowl that sat innocently on the marble stone bar.

What one should I take? A hungry expression examined the reddish green mango, the silkily soft golden yellow peach, and the large stem of fresh royal blue blueberries. I'm going to go with… her slim fingers danced around in the air, circling around each piece of fruit as if waiting for one of the mouth-watering items to jump into her grasp.

"Why are you awake Sakura?"

The sudden intrusion of the calm voice caused Sakura to immediately pull her hand away and spin at the balls of her feet, making her slam her hand against the indestructible surface of the bar. "Dad," Sakura answered in utter shock.

Beady black eyes encased in aged sagging skin watched his daughter from the head of the large table. There is something not right with her today, he noted by how easy it was to surprise her with his presence and the ungodly hour she had awakened. "Grab your fruit and take a seat," he ordered.

"Uh, okay," Sakura shook her head, dove her hand into the bowl, and speedily walked to the chair that vacantly sat on the right side of Sarutobi.

The room was silent and caused tension between each of them to climb through the air. Sarutobi concentrated on the small leather book that rested against the high gloss maple wood table, reading the small words that adorned each page. Sakura watched her father's eyes shift effortlessly from left to right before she finally released a small exhale.

Explaining this information to Sakura will be tedious. Sarutobi watched from the corner of his eye as his daughter took a small bite of the peach and aloofly stared into the shadows of the kitchen. One wrong sentence will have her screaming around this kitchen like a child. However, her behavior concerns me. As he looked away from his notes pertaining to his future meeting this afternoon, he gently placed his hand on the top of her shoulder.

It was just a dream Sakura, she told herself as she rose the piece of fruit to her lips and took an uncaring nibble into the juicy produce. But those eyes…they were so angry, so cold...they wouldn't stop following me. I have never heard either of those voices in my life and yet they sounded so familiar, but from where? Her eyes raced back and forth within its sockets, trying to make sense of it all. The more she thought about it, the more her hand began to shake and the more her brain overanalyzed the two tones. Why are you…! The sudden pressure of a gentle hand violently pulled Sakura away from her inner thoughts.

An understanding stare mixed with desire to help clashed against confusion and nervousness. Sakura could feel her father's grip on her shoulder trying to reach out to her and reassure her that everything would be okay. Sarutobi wanted to embrace her into a tight fatherly hug, but he could not treat her like a little girl anymore. With a small clearing of his throat, he removed his hand and used it to close his opened journal.

"You will come to my office today, when the sun reaches its highest point in the sky."

Long black lashes waved up and down in a rushed manner. His spoken words slowly brought her back to reality. "For what?" She asked him, he never requests me to go to the Governor's Tower.

"When you come to the meeting you will find out," he answered with a small all-knowing smile.

Huh? Sakura sat in her seat as she watched the elderly man gracefully pull himself from his chair and shove the small book into his robes. "Do not worry about watching Naruto today," he began as he took a few steps away from the table. "Kakashi will be responsible for him from now on."

Annoyed emerald eyes narrowed at his back as he glided through the doorway she had entered from. Is this some sort of punishment? A deep growl emitted from her mouth as she rose the fruit to her lips and slashed her teeth into the side, causing the juice to explode all over the table. I have always walked Naruto to the academy and home, now he isn't allowing me to do that? The nerve that old man has sometimes, she loudly scooted the chair away from her form and began to clean her mess.

Once the sound of a soft thud from the office door echoed into her ears, Sakura shoved the remaining parts of the produce into her mouth and skipped up the stairs back to her room.

The bedroom's windows slowly invited the daybreak's rays, causing a small line of light to glisten a path in front of Sakura's feet. I need to clear my head, she thought while administering Tsunade's breathing technique to regain her sanity. Instantly, her attention fell on her freshly polished dark brown elm wood bow that rested on top of her vanity table. Perfect, she dashed to the bow, placed the silk string over her shoulder and grabbed the neighboring quiver bag full of arrows. As she turned to the door, a small blur of brown entered her peripheral view. I thought I put that away? Taking a slight detour, she walked over to the small leather frayed book and smoothly pulled it from underneath her feather-down mattress. Both hands gently slithered down the granular, dried, leather binding while the black indented thick letters bulged to life at the center of the cover.

Three years ago the clan was massacred. Neji's voice rang through her mind as she stared at the spelling of one of the most highly organized pirate groups alive. Pink eyebrows slowly met in the middle of her face as Itachi Uchiha's name mentally flashed across the book. Hmm…I think I will be taking you with me as well, she proclaimed with a small smile as she held the book in her left hand, its cover facing the side of her hip. There is one place I can go. She slid down the banister of the spiral staircase and sprinted out the door.

Her mind instinctively directed Sakura through the dense forest. Its beaten paths she had explored during her childhood weaved around ponds, trees, and clearings, leading the hasty young woman to an all-too-familiar location. It's been a while, Sakura looked around at the vivaciously evergreen trees that outlined one of the largest openings. Her favorite seven-foot tall limestone rock stood in the center, guarded by the thickness of Konoha's trees. A gentle hand ran up and down the uneven craters that adorned the rock.

Memories of Sakura's final test with Kakashi flooded her mind and a satisfying smile stretched across her lips. I will never forget how proud they both were that day. A satisfying feeling overcame her as she remembered the comical way Kakashi's mouth drooped from his jaw and sank to the floor. I think that was one of the few moments Dad has ever been proud of me. The pleasing feeling eroded away as memories of her recent behavior circled inside her head. It's been years since he has smiled like that for something I have accomplished. I just make him more and more mad with everything I do. A small snort exited her nostrils. Even though Dad enjoyed not telling me what this meeting is about…I still managed to throw a fit.

The small breeze tousled her straight pink tresses, each strand individually played against the invisible element. As the wind blew, the scent of pine filled her nostrils and banished the depressing thoughts that had infiltrated her mind. A distressed sigh escaped her lips; it's time. She looked away from the olive-green grass and detachedly stared at the limestone rock. I better put you in a safe place. Her left hand brought the Akatsuki book from her hip, while her right hand reached inside the quiver, and pulled out several straps of leather. Kneeling on the ground, Sakura tied one piece of leather horizontally and the other vertically around the fragile journal. With the final piece of leather, she expertly tied the tough material at the intersection of the other two leather straps and secured the other end of the final strap against the pigskin belt of the quiver that hung tightly on her back.

A free hand grabbed the upper limb of the bow and slid it off of her shoulder. Leather boots smoothly turned against the slippery grass, causing her back to face the boulder, and departed from the memorable clearing. She reached the opposite end of the vacant space and pushed through the overgrown branches. The trees feather-like touches skimmed along her revealed skin, inviting her to travel deeper into the isolated zone. With each step she took, it brought her deeper into the befuddling layout of the Konoha forest.

"Here," her leather boots came to a halt while her right hand reached for a hickory iron-tipped arrow.

Emerald eyes scanned the endless sea of leaves that encased her entire body. The thousand-year-old trees stood rooted into the ground as if to tell visitors it was their territory. The hickory arrow twirled between her index and middle finger before the arrow shaft slid across the notch at the top of the golden thread. Small fingers expertly floated down the shaft to the nock of the arrow and a deep, concentrated, breath escaped her mouth as the nock forcefully cornered the silk bowstring in its clutches.

The once calm breeze transformed into violent winds. The wind thrashed against her revealed arms while her hair was aggressively tossed in circles. The once tranquil leaves had altered into blank faces. Various eyes of color glared at Sakura's direction as her bow rose in their direction.

"What am I doing wrong!" Sakura bellowed at the top of her lungs as the sharp iron tip of the arrow menacingly pointed to a face waving in the wind.

Its eyes narrowed at the display of defiance. Her right hand grasped the nock and pulled it until her fingertips reached the back of her right ear. Emerald eyes locked onto its target, "I will fix it," she unwaveringly stated as the arrow was released from her grasp.

A rustling sound echoed as the iron tip pierced the face right in-between its eyes. "Bull's-eye," she said with pride as she twirled on the balls of her feet and bolted deeper into the forest.

Arrow after arrow was released from her bow, piercing any and every face that caught her attention. Each arrow had as much force as the last and caused the silk string to vibrate against the increasing pressure from the frequent flying arrows. Her aim was flawless enough to make any master archer overwhelmed by her extraordinary raw talent. With adrenaline coursing through her veins, Sakura began to experiment with untraditional methods in order to shoot her targets. Every perplexing position corresponded with the graceful approach her body agilely created in order to dance around revealed tree roots, leap over decaying fallen trees, or slither in-between the thick stumps of elderly oak trees.

Soon the quarrels regarding her father had waned from her mind. The rush of fresh oxygen swept into her system as a new topic raced through her ever-curious brain. Her recent adventure to the Uchiha district and Neji's conversation resurrected with each passing arrow. I don't get it, her legs pounded against the ankle-high grass as another arrow sliced through the air, how could one man kill an entire clan?

Her mind replayed the faithful night when she encountered the murderer. An image of the dried blood smearing from his elbows, trailing down to the tips of his bony fingers, and drenching the front of his black shirt flashed across her mind. It's impossible. Her feet came to a skidding halt as a figment of her imagination took form.

The young Uchiha covered in his family's blood stood before her, his emotionless eyes stared uneasily back in her direction. Dried smudges of blood were evident across his face, starting from the side of his jaw and splattered to his raven hairline. The blood only accented the brilliant glossy shade of red his eyes miraculously possessed. Her chest heaved up and down, trying to catch her breath, as she squinted in concentration. I don't believe it. She took a step closer to the figure only to have the cruel wind blow it away into nothing.

At the disappearance of the Uchiha, her eyes blinked several times in perplexity. Sakura shook her head, as if trying to bring herself back to reality, and stared up into the upper layer canopy of the forest. The once bleak faces returned back into leaves and the violent winds subsided into its delightful zephyr. "How long have I been running?" Sakura noticed her lungs gasping for air at the unpredicted halt as her attention turned to her surroundings. "I guess now is a good time to take a break, huh?" She asked her body with a small smile.

Where to sit? She looked around the small clearing, she found herself standing in, only to see an overpowering color of pink at the boarder that separated the serene field from the chaos of the forest. A cherry blossom tree! Perfect. Sakura strolled over to the towering blossoming tree, admiring the blooming buds that littered its branches. Its' trunk was as thick as a weeping willow and its surprisingly flexible arms draped down to the ground, gliding on top of the blades of grass. As she entered the vicinity of the tree, its limber branches wrapped around her body, concealing her from the strong sun that hovered above. With a gentle hand, Sakura delicately moved the dangling branches away to allow her sit against the mammoth sized trunk.

Once settled, she gently placed her bow beside her. "I wonder what the book says about Itachi," Sakura tugged the pigskin strap and placed the cylindrical object in-between her legs. At the sight of her quiver, Sakura felt her jaw slipping, "where did all my arrows go?" It took her a slight moment to realize her goal to behead every imaginary face resulted in the depletion of her arrows. I'll deal with that later. She untied the black leather strap and quickly wiggled the delicate book free of its bindings. Holding the book only increased her desire to learn more about the fascinating Uchiha family. Scanning as quickly as possible, her fingers and eyes worked together to successfully find the plethora of information Sakura prayed the book would have about this man.

"Itachi Uchiha"

His name was plastered in the center of the page. The bolded chicken scratch lettering caused Sakura to cease her hasty search immediately. "This is it." She felt the air around her stiffen as she braced herself for the information written by the mysterious Orochimaru.

"An interesting lad indeed. He was the eldest son of Fugaku and Mikoto Uchiha, a couple with respectable skills. Their skills were clearly passed down to their promising children."

That would explain why Sasuke is as skilled as he is at his age.

"It is no secret that he is a genius. He passed the main Konoha academy at the age of seven and then joined Konoha's Knight's Division at the age of ten, where he climbed the ranks faster than any warrior."

"You're kidding?" Sakura shouted at the book as her body bounced off of the trunk and her wide eyes ogled at the written words. We only start the academy when we are six. I thought Neji was smart when he graduated at the age of nine. A newfound respect washed over her. "Wait a minute!" Her eyes hovered over the key words that had stole her focus. "He joined the Knight's Division when he was ten!" Sakura tried to compare his timeline to her own and found herself more captivated by the man she had only met once. "I learned battling techniques when I was thirteen…and here this boy is joining the division three years before I touched a bow…how can that be allowed?" She shook her head to bring her focus back to the bolded words, now is not the time to get distracted. I have to keep reading.

"The skillful thirteen year old boy infiltrated the Akatsuki's ship during the shadows of the night. A beautiful display of talent! Pain discovered the Uchiha standing in his study and made the boy battle the merciless Kisame Hoshigaki. That glorious battle resulted in Pain purchasing a new ship. Uchiha's display of raw power at such a young age had Pain agreeing to make Itachi a member. His passive and obedient nature makes him a great specimen."

Sakura's right eyebrow rose towards her hairline as Orochimaru's writing continued to compliment Itachi's past achievements. This Orochimaru guy is really…strange…

"His miraculous ability to read battle tactics and the outstanding way his crimson eyes quickly catch on to others battle techniques are breathtaking! Not to mention the astounding display of his mastery of the katana and wakizashi fusing together in such a glorious manner! His duel-wielding technique, utilizing both swords, gave him the nickname Crimson Devil within the organization and around the world."

Emerald eyes stared at the end of the man's three-page summary of Itachi's life with confusion, admiration, and curiosity. "So he can wield two swords at once huh?" Sakura could feel her excitement rise within, "that could be a lot of fun," images of their imaginary spar infiltrated her mind. "What I don't get…" she looked at the lengthy description in comparison to Pain's or Konan's entry, " is why does Itachi have a more in-depth description?"

"It was a surprise and gruesome attack that Konoha didn't see coming. The complex was put to the flame, and according to my father, nearly every member was killed. All in one night the entire clan, except Sasuke, entered the afterlife." Neji's words, the serious tone, and his unsentimental white eyes floated around Sakura's mind as she compared what she had just read to Neji's small synopsis of the massacre. Absentmindedly, Sakura closed the book. By the way Neji talks about him makes it seem as though Itachi was a coldblooded killer but by the way Orochimaru describes him…it's almost as if Itachi is god-like.

"Ah!" Sakura shoved the book back into its leather straps and tied it around the quiver. "There are too many different points of view." She remembered the callous and detached look she received the night she met the oldest Uchiha. He didn't seem like a killer when I met him. It was almost as if…as if he was isolated. It's why I gave him the Akatsuki book in the first place. I thought in some way I could help him. A faint smile graced her lips as she stood to her feet and grabbed her bow. I guess in my own way I did.

She turned to the breathtaking cherry blossom tree and patted its trunk, "I wonder who else knows about the Uchiha clan," the winds hollow was her answer. The smile never left as she turned away and brought herself back out into the small clearing. "The only possible way for me to get more information is by sneaking into the archives at the basement of the tower." Images of explaining to her father for access to the high security location made her groan with disappointment. "I will have to find another way in, he would never allow me down there. If I get caught…it will just add to the shameful actions I have committed just for this month."

A disjointed sigh fluttered from her lips as Sakura twirled in the sunlight, forgetting all about her morning and finding herself creating a new project to add to her growing list of information to collect. "Wait…the sun," Sakura looked to see the bright glowing planet nearly reaching the highest point in the sky. "Crap! Dad is going to kill me!" Sakura bit the side of her lip as she pivoted on the balls of her feet and took off towards town. "Come on Sakura you can make it there on time!" She cheered herself on as she pushed her legs in the direction of Konoha.

"Phew!" Sakura felt her legs shake from exhaustion as she stared at the impressively built, yet ancient, tower where her father spent the majority of his days and nights. "I made it with moments to spare," she congratulated herself as she walked through the wooden gate, which wrapped around the entire complex, and up the drawn-out marble steps that dwelled outside the main circular tower.

Three knights stood at the base of the gigantic green bamboo doors that accented the tower. Each one held a sword by their side with various other small weapons strategically attached to their belt loops. Sakura nodded to each guard before pushing the unexpectedly heavy door to reveal the inside of the iconic building.

The main floor was littered with several chief officials, each standing in corners of the open area. Three marble staircases rested inside the seventy-foot room. Two staircases wrapped around at opposite ends of the room, a brilliant forest green rug trailed down the center of each staircase's steps that connected the main ground floor to its own sector of the complex. The central staircase stood in the middle of the area, a white rug trailing down the center of each step, where it reached a thirty-foot wide wool rug. An outline of the country's symbol was stitched in the middle, displaying the pride of Konoha for all visitors to appreciate. Above the beautifully tailored rug was a stunning candlelit chandelier. The magnificent piece was divided into four ascending layers. The first layer branched out from the base of the main stem; its thick bronze arms snaked to the left and right side, holding dozens of white-stick candles. As the curvy base of the chandelier climbed towards the ceiling, each layer decreased in the thickness of its bronze arms. The very top of the chandelier had a small circle of thin rods that held dyed red candlesticks. It almost mimicked the structure of Konoha's forest trees.

Maroon-stained oak wood chairs scattered around the welcoming floor, some were clustered together with a multi-colored stained-glass table to invite chatting parties to enjoy a more comfortable setting to discuss policies. A small amount of knights strolled around, slyly profiling each individual that fluttered about, as they traveled to the darkest corners of the building.

Sakura stood in the middle of the space, allowing the sunlight that shined through the eight-foot wide hexagon shaped windows, to warm her entire body. I can't remember the last time I have been told to come here. Her attention fell to the main staircase, prepare yourself Sakura, her eyes never wavered from staring at the unending staircase that would guide her to her father's office.

Leather boots sauntered across the cherry wooden floor and clicked against the steps of the marble staircase. Although she concentrated on the multiple floor levels she would have to climb, she could feel the stares from each official that she dared to pass.

"That's her right?"

"Rumor says she's a savage."

"I don't understand why the governor took her in, she's nothing but trouble."

"All she does is discredit one of the great five nations in the world."

Their whispers grew louder and louder as Sakura climbed the tower. Most of the time she would ignore their cruel stares or the way they would point behind her back, but sometimes the unnerving looks were not easily ignored. Despite the gazes, she turned to a few officials she knew were highly respected and gave them a respectable bow. Depending on their mood, they would either intensify their glares or a slight rosy-pink color swept across their cheeks. I guess today they have chosen to glare, she noted with disappointment.

After each floor she climbed, the amount of knights increased and the number of political figures decreased. Finally reaching the eighth floor, Sakura smiled at the near-empty foyer. At least that is over, a sigh of relief followed as she gently walked away from the still climbing staircase and across the blue pearl granite floor.

The foyer possessed a wooden desk with a slender woman behind it, taking books and writing important information on a scroll as quickly as possible. One medium-sized bay window rested behind the quietly working secretary, persuading more light to enter the already bright space. An unmarked gray wooden door stood at the center of the opened space as two highly ranked officers stood on each side of it, waiting to pounce at any unwelcomed guests. Three highly expensive wooden chairs with rabbit skinned cushions, stuffed with goose feathers, rested against the red painted walls on the opposite side of the room, allowing any person who occupies it to be able to look out the six-foot square window to view the Konoha citizens.

Those are new. Sakura wandered over to the chairs and began to stroke the soft cushion's material with her two hands. Whoa! Excitement coursed through her and before she could control her actions, her body flopped onto the overly plush chair's cushion. Oh…I could get used to this, another content smile seeped from the corners of her mouth.

"Sakura? Is that you?" A feminine voice called out in surprise.

The familiar tone caused Sakura to jump to her feet. No way! Her entire body turned to the side as emerald eyes grew twice its normal size as they focused on the female that stood in front of her father's secretary.

"Tsunade!" Her cry rebounded off the walls and the heels of her boots aggressively clanked against the floor.

Before the woman could brace herself, a hundred and ten pound blur of pink crashed against her hefty breasts. "It's good to see you too," Tsunade's kind voice whispered into Sakura's ear as her arms captured the pink haired woman into a suffocating hug. It's been too long since I've last seen you, her eyes closed halfway as she kissed the top of her head. This assignment has taken me longer than I originally thought.

"Where have you been? It's been over two years since you were home," Sakura murmured into her chest. "I've…I've missed you," the absence of her female teacher was too overwhelming for Sakura to fully embrace.

"Hey, don't go soft on me, has my teachings mean nothing to you?" Tsunade lightly scolded as she felt the young woman in her arms begin to shake. I've missed you too Sakura.

"Of course not!" Sakura pulled away from her teacher, "it's just…been a while…" Sakura's normally light pink cheeks changed to a deeper shade of red while her index finger brushed against the side of her cheek.

"Blame your dad for that," Tsunade grunted. He's been sending me all over creation. A sharp huff came from deep within her throat.

"Where has Dad sent you?"

Tsunade locked eyes with her very curious student. A small flashback of when Tsunade tried to hide Shizune's poison books from the young thirteen year old reminded the elderly woman that information could never be concealed from her student. "I really shouldn't tell you…" The determined look that flashed across Sakura's face caused Tsunade's amber orbs to sparkle with pride. Even after all of these years, she still hasn't changed.

"If you don't tell me Tsunade, I'll just have to find out my own way," Sakura waved her finger in the air as a smirk appeared.

"Ha, I have no doubt," Tsunade chuckled as she shrugged her shoulders, "this is secret information Sakura. You cannot tell anyone you know this. You're father will scold even myself if he found out you knew such valuable information."

"Hai, I won't tell a soul."

The burning desire to know what her teacher knew echoed in her emerald orbs. Amber eyes stared around their location and motioned for Sakura to follow her to the opposite end of the room. Her long blonde hair swayed on either side of her curvy figure while her long green robe swished in unison. Long legs covered in tan cotton breeches lead the way to the square window. Serious clashed with inquisitive as Tsunade began to confide in her student.

Although this information could put Sakura in danger, I have full faith in her ability to defend herself if the need arose. The knowledgeable woman cleared her throat, "I will assume you have heard of the Akatsuki pirate group, correct?" Sakura's stern nod caused Tsunade to smirk, of course she would. Before I left Kakashi hinted that Sakura was beginning to research more information about pirate groups outside the typical gold raiders. "We have been following leads, all over the world, about their actions. The first lead was located in a country called Waterfall, but the small realm knew nothing about their whereabouts. Our information lead us to Kumogakure, and when we finally found a reliable clue we had taken port in Shimogakure," Tsunade shivered at the mere thought of the arctic country.

"Shimogakure? Isn't that…" Sakura's hands covered her mouth, trying to contain the gasp that threatened to leak.

"You're correct," a unappreciated grunt filled the room, "My crew was just as thrilled to be taking port in such a harsh climate. Unfortunately, that is where the majority of our time was spent."

"What information was Dad expecting you to find? The Akatsuki's movements haven't been too alarming recently." At least that is what I have overheard from Dad's meetings at home. If they haven't shown a lot of progression, it must mean they have reached a dead-end with looking for the missing piece. That is…if what Orochimaru's book says is correct.

Tsunade crossed her arms and rested her thumb and index finger around her chin. Her attention was no longer on her student, but rather, she began mulling over the information that had been circling her head ever since she was sent on this hunt. "That is what is puzzling me. Akatsuki is a very methodical and merciless organization. Their movements are cautious and they do not spend much of their time in one area. Your father ordered me to obtain information in regards to their next target. Our prime objective to be able to stop another desecration of a country."

"Target?"

"Wherever the Akatsuki take port, they burn the civilization to the ground and leave no traces of existence. Several towns around Shimogakure were already demolished by the time we arrived and luckily it left a trail for us to follow. Since we arrived only days after another torching of a neighboring city, rumors were circulating the capital. Some said they were looking for god-like powers, others believed the group is simply money hungry. Killing for gold is what pirates do, killing for any treasure of great value has always been their main objective. Akatsuki never followed the typical pattern of pirate thugs, they are searching for something more…but what?" Every time we got close to an answer our sources suddenly went silent. A unnerving feeling twisted in the pit of Tsunade's stomach, in all my years I have not seen a group organized to this magnitude to search for treasure. Their intensions have to be more satanic.

God-like powers? Sakura listened to her teacher as she continued. Does the missing piece have some type of power? Her mind could not begin to imagine what kind of power one device could hold. Can something like that exist? Could it really help the Akatsuki…

Before Sakura could catch herself, the words slipped out of her mouth like air passing through her lungs, "take over the world?"

Her words caused Tsunade to abruptly turn on her heels, "what did you say?"

"Uh…" Sakura shivered at her teacher's ability to dissect her very being. It was as if she was trying to reach into the depths of Sakura's mind and yank out all of the forbidden knowledge.

"Do not make me ask again Sakura," her voiced powerfully advised as her once crossed arms unfolded to crack her knuckles.

"Well," Sakura could feel small beads of sweat slither down the back of her neck, "isn't it every pirate's dream to take over something? The Akatsuki, like you said, is one of the most powerful groups Konoha has ever dealt with. Groups like them can make us assume they have to have a higher goal than just finding treasure." Her teacher's demanding stare made Sakura push more, "the group consists of high-level criminals from all around the world. It would make the most sense, right?"

Silence filled with angst seeped around the foyer. Tsunade could not take her attention off of Sakura. Taking over the country is a goal unheard of for any normal pirate group. Calculating amber examined her student's facial expression; then again the Akatsuki is no normal pirate group. The sudden realization caused another emotion to stir within Tsunade. Pride.

Sakura held her breath at her beloved teacher examined her like a piece of meat. Did she buy it? Please say she bought it, I don't know how I would be able to explain where I got the information. A sudden shiver inched down her neck, an image of Tsunade tossing her into a wall made the idea of revealing her secret relatively impossible.

"Very good Sakura," Tsunade's proud voice sang in the air as a prideful smile flashed across her face. "It was a conclusion that I had been slowly forming as well."

"R-Really?" Sakura's mouth dropped to the floor. I can't believe it worked. The satisfaction that swelled around her mentor almost made Sakura feel guilty for lying. No good would come out of me showing them that book. But, if Tsunade was thinking along the same idea…that means that Orochimaru's book is…accurate. Realizing the book was more accurate than she had originally hoped for caused a new burst of excitement to explode.

Tsunade placed her strong hand on top of Sakura's shoulder, her smile still in place. "I'm very proud of you Sakura," this new discovery caused Tsunade to release a bit of extra information that she was originally not planning on sharing. "At this moment we have heard from our spies that they are planning on attacking Kirigakure. Stressful enough as it is, we do not know when this assault will take place."

"Seriously?" Sakura could feel the hairs on her arms begin to stand, "but why Kirigakure? It's one of the five strongest nations, they couldn't overthrow it…could they?"

"Their organization is full of the world's most dangerous criminals. As scary as it might sound, if they had enough firepower and strategic knowledge of Kirigakure, anything could be possible. We can only hope the five great nations can work together to help defend Kirigakure or hope that they have enough resources to make the Akatsuki retreat. You can see that this news is very alarming, which is why your father sent an urgent request to Tetsu no Kuni."

A slim pink eyebrow rose, "the country of Iron has always been neutral in the world's affairs. They wouldn't join us…right?"

"Precisely. It's location between Iwagakure and Sunagakure is seen as the corner of the world. Tetsu no Kuni is worse than Shimogakure's environment. Tetsu is covered in ice and snow year round, making it easy for the country to remain neutral for centuries. However, when Sarutobi reached out to them, the governor responded quickly."

For a neutral country to get involved this attack has to be more serious than Tsunade is indicating. A deep huff emitted from Sakura as she regressed deeper into her thoughts. How much does Dad know about the Akatsuki?

"Don't tell your father I told you all of this," Tsunade interrupted as her hand gripped Sakura's shoulder. "He wouldn't be too happy that I have filled your head with more pirate information," she added with a small chuckle.

"Yes ma'…"

"Sakura, the Governor wishes to see you now," the mute secretary called out suddenly while nodding to one of the knights to open the door.

Sakura quickly stared at the woman before bowing to Tsunade. "Looks like I have to go," as she rose, a despondent smile appeared.

"Don't worry Sakura," Tsunade pulled her student into a rough hug, "as soon as my assignment is over I will return to Konoha's herb division. We can continue our lessons and who knows, if you're good, I'll show you my secret technique."

"Hai," Sakura stood frozen in her mentor's arms, absorbing as much of her presence as possible.

"Now you better get moving before Sarutobi gets annoyed," Tsunade gently released her student and pushed her towards the door. "See you around," she added as she watched Sakura's back enter the darkened room.

The violent push carried Sakura to stand in the middle of the two knights. She looked over her shoulder and slightly waved to the elderly blonde. Bye Tsunade. Her attention turned away from the woman and hovered over the dark curtain of black that covered the room before her. Here goes nothing. Sakura found she was growing nervous with each passing step as she forcefully carried herself into the somber room.

"My governor is more than willing to work with you on this matter," a foreign voice rang through Sarutobi's office.

Sarutobi sat in his throne-like dark cherry colored wooden chair, covered in red velvet material, his white and red governor robes draped around his sitting form. Assertive black eyes stared into the grey orbs on the other side of his desk, "if you cannot answer this question I will not hold it against you, but why has Tetsu shown interest in this matter? Your country has remained neutral in affairs for centuries." Has the Akatsuki made Mifune nervous?

The older man sat back in the sinfully comfortable cow-skinned leather chair. "Governor Mifune does not tell me much, I'm a mere captain."

Sarutobi smiled at the modest comment, "you are far more than a simple captain. You have sailed to countries unknown to many of the governors around the world. You're judgment with the sea is impeccable, your navigation skills are recognized by captains from all five of the great nations."

A faint pink spotted across the tan man's face, "your compliment is very generous. Governor Mifune wishes to extend our resources in the matters concerning the Akatsuki. We have watched idly for the past few years gathering the necessary tools to help sink them to the bottom of the sea. Their presence cannot be ignored any longer."

"Agreed," Sarutobi nodded his head. It seems that my current assumption is correct. Having Tetsu as an ally will increase our odds in stopping this rumored assault on Kirigakure.

"Um, Dad?" Sakura's voice sheepishly chirped into the conversation, breaking her father out of his thoughts.

"Sakura," Sarutobi stood up from his desk and waved at the dark corner of his office. "Our meeting is nearly finished," he turned to the visitor and nodded his head, "my apologies. I did not think our meeting would run this late."

"It is not a problem," the broad shouldered captain shook his head carelessly.

Sakura took her father's wave as an indication to move towards the sitting visitor. As she got closer to Sarutobi's side, she noticed his shoulders were wider than the back of the chair. Who is this guy? Her eyes concentrated on the space beside her father as she walked past the sitting man dressed in khaki shorts and a paper-thin white shirt.

"Sakura, I would like you to meet Jai. He is a legendary captain from Tetsu no Kuni," Sarutobi extended his hand in the direction of the guest, signaling her to engage in common introduction mannerisms.

She spun on her toes and waited patiently for the man to rise to his feet. As he stood from the chair, his figure loomed over her very own. His legs contracted, demonstrating the daunting amount of muscle that existed under the shorts that skimmed to the tops of his knees while his callused right hand reached out for hers. Curious eyes looked at his remarkably abrasive hands, traveled over his overly developed biceps, and finally met with deep pools of composed grey eyes only a true sea captain could possess. "It is very nice to meet you."

Jai felt his breath leave him as his eyesight caught her signature pink hair. Impossible. He thought as he watched the governor of Konoha instruct the young woman before her. Is that really Sakura? Sarutobi's words of introduction faintly whispered in his ears. H-How did Sakura end up in Konoha? It took all of his willpower not to faint at the sight of her. He demanded his legs to hold him steady and commanded his slightly shaking hand to grasp her delicate one. "The pleasure is all mine," he managed to articulate.

"Jai, this is Sakura, my daughter." Sarutobi informed.

Daughter? Jai felt his heart sink to the bottom of his stomach. He tried his best to control his emotions as Sakura held his gaze. Did Kizashi and Mebuki escape that island? An old memory resurfaced, the encounter with his governor, the dismissal of Yui's plan of attack, and the gruesome feeling that existed as he watched the boat sail away from the icy waters of his homeland. Governor Mifune objected to attacking the island after he had heard the sacrifice Kizashi and Mebuki made. Yui was enraged Governor Mifune wouldn't grant him permission to return to the island and swindled the majority of the crewmembers to sail with him. Calm eyes transformed into despair as the painful memory replayed. Sakura was only an infant when we sailed. He quickly glanced down her womanly body and returned to staring into the depths of the emerald pools he deeply missed. Her eyes are just like Kizashi's, but there was one issue that puzzled him, if Sakura views Governor Sarutobi as her father…does that mean Kizashi and Mebuki died?

Is this the guy Tsunade was talking about? She watched as he calmly took her hand and analyzed her form. This guy's experience at sea can be seen in his eyes. I can even feel it in his handshake, she noted as his grip slightly tightened. Though, he keeps staring at me. Sakura held onto his hand firmly, not wanting to be the first to pull away from the intense handgrip. Quietly, she watched as emotions of sadness and confusion clouded his peaceful exterior. What is wrong with him? Is it something I said? When she was about to pull her hand away she could feel his oversized one begin to shake.

"Jai," without thinking Sakura placed her other hand and clasped them both against his shaking one, "are you okay?" Her kind voice laced with worry for a man she had never met. Everything is going to be okay, she told him through her thoughts as she warmly looked at him with a gentle smile.

She sounds just like Mebuki, even smiles like her. Jai noted as he blinked away his emotions. There is no use in asking her what happened on that island, who knows when Yui arrived or if that leader…what was his name…Haruki…killed her parents. Based upon Sakura's interaction with him, he knew it would be in his best interest to remain silent.

"I'm sorry. You reminded me of someone I once knew," he commented as he pulled his hand away from her own. His attention then turned to the mature man at her side, "I will remain in Konoha for a few more days. Governor Mifune ordered me to sail my ship whenever your leads suspects the Akatsuki will attack. My ship will have more than enough trained assassins that will help your knights in battle."

"You will be hearing from me soon," Sarutobi walked from behind his desk and firmly shook Jai's hand. "We will work together and hopefully strengthen our alliance with each other."

"I have no doubt." He turned his attention to Sakura one more time, "it was a pleasure to meet you Miss. Sakura."

"Oh, uh, it was a honor to meet you," Sakura bowed to a ninety degree angle as she heard his leather shoes click against the wooden floor.

Jai smiled at the formality, storing the visual of Kizashi's grown daughter in his memory. It was nice to see you one final time Sakura Haruno. Your father and mother would be proud to see that you are doing well. May the gods protect those two, wherever they are, and wordlessly the distraught captain exited the office, not wishing to relish in the past any longer.

As soon as Sarutobi's office door closed, he motioned for Sakura to take the seat Jai had just occupied. "We need to discuss something," he walked back to his chair and slid into a sitting position.

The atmosphere drastically altered as his chilling collected black eyes stared at Sakura from across the desk. Sakura felt her throat swallow down the nerves that had reemerged. The moment of truth, she thought as she watched his fingers lace together.

"I understand this event happened days ago," his eyes cut through her as his face remained impassive, "but your actions cannot go ignored."

As her father began his speech, Sakura could feel her anger rising. He brought me to his office to discuss what happened at the marina? It happened days ago, why can't he drop the topic? A small grunt involuntarily oozed from her lips.

"You will not speak out of turn," he commanded, not allowing their conversation to be transformed into a screaming fest like on the night the action was committed.

"Hai," Sakura swiftly nodded her head while keeping her anger under the small amount of control she held. He's really serious this time. She could see it in the way his eyes barely revealed any emotions. It's as if he is giving an order to one of the knights, the striking similarity had rekindled emotions she felt earlier this morning.

"For years I tolerated your trips to the harbor. At first it was because Kakashi or Tsunade would accompany you. Even when I learned you obtained friendships with two fishermen, I still allowed it." His fingers separated and laid flat on the desk, "when I adopted Naruto I noticed you had stopped some of your devious stunts."

In that moment Sarutobi lost his ability to contain his emotions. I promised Minato and Kushina that Naruto would remain safe in my care. I adopted Sakura because I did not wish to see her as a beggar in a country she didn't know for something she was not apart of. All of the opportunities and teachings I have given her and she went behind my back. His hands smashed against his desk as his voice amplified several decibels. "As soon as I decreased the amount of surveillance in the town," his hands began to shake as fists were formed, "you abuse my kindness and break the most important rule!"

His uncharacteristic display of raw emotion had Sakura speechless. Her eyes darted back and forth between his shaking hands, his flustering face, and his angered posture. I'm in deep trouble. She gulped down the uneasiness she idea of excitement had come back only to slap her in the face.

"Your reason to take Naruto to the harbor was childish and infantile. Not to mention the street skirmish you started with some of the harbor-men. It took valuable resources to keep them under control and to make sure they would not kill you. I had to reason with the Hyuga clan and Guy to arrange escorts to retrieve the two of you."

The fast pace of his laundry list of issues that arose from her exploit pounded away at Sakura. There were this many consequences from my simple adventure? I didn't think it was that serious. I wanted Naruto to have some fun…that's all…

I was worried for your safety. Although you are not my daughter by birth, I still see you as such. If I lost you or Naruto, I'm not sure I would be able to recover…again. Sarutobi restrained his sentimental feelings and pushed through his scolding. "At sixteen you should already be betrothed to another man and be planning on raising a family, but with your uncontainable behavior Sakura…you act more like a child than a grown woman. It's impossible for me to find you a suitor when you act like this."

"But Dad I don't want…" Sakura tried to defend herself but Sarutobi held up his hand in protest.

"That issue is beyond the scope of this discussion. From now on, you are no longer in charge of taking care of Naruto without supervision."

"What?" Sakura felt everything around her come to a crashing halt. I…I can't take care of Naruto? The idea of having Kakashi following them in order for her to walk Naruto home from school made her furious. How is this fair? Her hands that were limply resting in her lap had violently grabbed onto her pants, the material starting to shake under the immense tension from her gripping fingers.

"With the addition to Sasuke, I do not…no…I cannot trust you with anyone. All your privileges: walking Naruto to and from school, helping him with training, or anything outside the vicinity of the home is not allowed unless approved by your escort."

Each passing word made Sakura feel like she was getting punched repeatedly in the ribcage. This can't be happening! Then his final words shattered her control, "my escort?" Her low grumble vibrated her chest as she pictured a knight at her side every waking minute. "You can't be serious!" Control over her rage had finally broken.

"You have only yourself to blame Sakura," his eyes stared at her shaking form as if trying to mentally control her rising fury. "I have assigned you an escort that will follow you and I will be give a report on your behavior daily. Your actions have left me no choice." Sarutobi ripped his upset stare away from his shaking daughter's form and nodded his head into the shadows. "Genma Shiranui will now be in charge."

Sakura could only see one color. Red. The turn of events had caught her off-guard and her father's punishment was harsher than she originally had imagined. I am assigned an escort? I cannot see my own brother without consent from a stranger? My father thinks…thinks I'm a child? His words rattled around in her mind as she tried to desperately hang onto the small strand of composure that remained. The sound of wood clicking against wood reverberated inside her eardrum. This is real. I knew he was mad…but I thought the mention of an escort was a bluff. He's…he's serious about all of it. About everything.

The dull clicking sound came to a halt. Sakura sluggishly looked away from Sarutobi and stared at the lanky man that had appeared by her side. His brown shoulder length hair was placed in a low bun, resulting in small pieces dangling on the side of his face. His attire was the typical black breeches, black short-sleeved shirt, with a forest green vest that had the traditional white embroidery of Konoha on its back. She watched with mixed emotions as the older man stood silently, playing with a embroidery needle in his mouth, hands jammed into his pockets, waiting for the orders that were expected to come from her father's lips.

No! This cannot happen! She slammed her boots into the ground, gripped the armrests of the chair, and pushed herself into a standing position. Her unpolished and rugged ministrations caused Sakura to relentlessly ram the chair twenty feet behind her. "Dad, come on, you don't need to give me…"

"My answer is final," a forced silence fell over the office as his mature eyes softened with disappointment. "Sakura…you have…disgraced me for the last time," he forced the words to rush away from his lips. There is no other possibility for me to be able to get you to understand.

His words almost knocked her legs out from underneath her sturdy form. Disgraced? Sakura looked between her escort and father for a fleeting moment, "I…" she began to speak as her attention fell to the ground. "I see," were the only words she could speak before she impulsively turned her back on her father and sprinted out of his office.

Sarutobi sighed and nodded in Genma's direction, "thank you for taking this order." The words were harsh, but necessary.

"I'll catch up with her," Genma said with a nod as he chased after her.

He turned to the bay window and watched his stubborn pink-haired daughter stomp through the town. Oh Sakura, Sarutobi followed her figure until it vanished from his sight. I'm sorry; the image of her pained face when he uttered those words lingered in his thoughts. I was hoping I wouldn't have had to say those words. His body collapsed into his chair, elbows planted firmly on top of the desk with both hands hiding his face from the shadows that loitered his office. Deep within him, he knew his words had damaged their relationship. Gods, forgive me, was all he was able to mutter.

Sakura pushed by any civilian that walked in her path. As she stormed the center of town people threw themselves out of her way, afraid that her flaring rage would severely burn them to ash. So I'm a disgrace huh? His words ripped her apart. It was bad enough that officials call me a savage or taboo for Konoha, but to have the only man that has taken care of me scream that… Tears began to form in the lacrimals of her eyes; I really do have a skill for making him hate me. Maybe I am the savage they all think I am.

The sound of clanking wood brought Sakura away from her thoughts. This escort is a lot faster than I thought. Sakura watched as Genma sauntered to her side, still fiddling with the needle between his tongue and top teeth. It's to be expected from a division one knight, the small red stripe that wrapped around the shoulder of his vest was evidence enough of his skill as a warrior. Still wounded by the conversation with her father, she glared at Genma's treatment of the sharp miniscule object and grunted.

"You know you can leave. I don't need an escort," she sneered at the end of her grunt.

Genma shrugged his shoulders, the needle scrapped against his teeth as he shifted it to one side of his mouth to begin to speak. "Keep dreamin' little lady," he answered. Watching you is one big payday, but from the stories Kakashi has told me I can see why the Governor has taken such strict precautions.

A glare was all she gave him before she took off in another direction, hoping to lose him in the foot traffic of the marketplace. To annoy her even more, Genma dexterously hovered behind her throughout the entire childish antic. I don't know why I even bothered, she sighed dejectedly.

Hours passed and Sakura tried her hardest to ignore the man by her side, but having someone looking over her shoulder was very hard to disregard. At times she would glance to her side, only to see him aloofly looking into the distance. I can't seem to make anyone happy. She thought back to her meeting and how much feeling her father showed. We have had our fights before…but nothing like this. He's never…he's never called me a disgrace. The word continued to haunt her mind.

Sarutobi's voice dipped into a lower octave, lacing in fury, screaming the word in her head over and over. The mental shouting caused the young woman to cease mid-step. Cobblestone was all Sakura could see as her legs turned into rubber and her body dropped to the ground. What's wrong with me? Her body sat where she had once stood as she grabbed her hair, in hopes that ripping at her scalp would subside the yelling. Why am I like this? I am just hurting the only father I have. Even if he isn't my real dad, he raised me. Why can't I do anything right! Why can't I see my ventures actually hurt people? Her inner thoughts screamed out loud, wishing to be given an answer for a personality trait she couldn't escape.

"If they live it would mean that the eel's spirit is thriving strong within them…my people are fearless…"

Sakura sat, lifeless, on the road as the kind voice from her nightmare returned. W-Where did that c-come from? Her eyes shut violently, yearning for the torturous hallucinations to subside.

"Sakura," Genma tried to break through to her as he watched her grow pale and her body beginning to shake. The Governor didn't say that she would faint on the side of the road. He knelt down next to her sitting position and reached out to her, only to have her reflexively retreat away from his touch. What is she reacting to? Mentally, he took notes on the behavior to discuss with Sarutobi later that night.

Eel's spirit? Thriving strong? My people are fearless? What do these words mean? Her shaking body intensified as her mind replayed the menacing dream from last night. She could feel her throat closing and her palms beginning to sweat as the disturbing voice returned, virtually immobilizing her. Get out of my head! I don't know who you are! Leave me alone! She tried to vanish the chackling words, praying for the kind voice to rematerialize. I don't know who any of you are! Sakura, this is just a figment of your imagination, get a grip! Right when she thought she could escape her temporary paralysis, a mental picture of the floating head returned.

Nothing else was around its floating form. The base of its skull hovered in the atmosphere of her mind, its emerald orbs staring lifelessly at her as its hair waved in the imaginary wind. Go away! Her head turned side-to-side, trying to shake the image away. You're just my imagination! The head remained. Its eyes never moving. Then, ever so slowly, its lips separated. Her body could no longer stay in a sitting position and she faintly felt the impact of cobblestone crashing against her side.

"All I was thinking about was trying to keep everyone alive, you and Sakura the most.

Remember Sakura.

Sakura.

Sakura."

"SAKURA!" The sudden intrusion of a familiar voice quickly dispelled the turmoil within her soul.

Her body progressively stopped shaking and her eyelids cautiously opened. At first her vision was blurry, she could only see outlines of objects and people. She noticed several blurs were moving around her while one remained glued to her side. Who…who are you? Desperately she wanted her vision to return, the idea of remaining in the dark was no longer welcomed.

"I have never seen her youthfulness this depleted. She never faints like that."

"Is that really what you say during a time like this?"

"How did this happen?"

Before one of the blurs could answer, Sakura blinked several more times, her vision beginning to brush away the hazy sight.

"Sakura."

I'm okay, she reassured herself. The voices are gone. They won't be coming back. One more blink, Sakura encouraged herself as the white blur before her melted into a male figure with long brown hair and snowy white eyes. Neji? Her eyebrows met at the center of her face as she blinked confusingly in his direction.

"Neji?" Her low-spirited shaky voice broke through the concern-filled atmosphere, "what…what are you doing here?" She asked him as he inched back to give her some space.

"Sakura, you're okay!"

She turned her head around to see Lee, in mid-jump, ready to pounce on her. His action came to an abrupt halt and in the corner of her eye Sakura had witnessed Neji's famous Hyuga glare directed at Lee. Along side Lee was a female with two buns snuggly pinned to each side of her head, staring at Sakura inquisitively. Isn't she the one that Neji and I saw sparing with Lee the other day? Seeing the woman gave Sakura the extra courage to push her small hallucination to the back of her mind.

"What are you guys doing here?" Sakura asked again as she rolled from her side onto her back.

Lee was the first one to answer. He dropped to his knees and placed his hands on hers, "we were walking by and we saw you sitting with Genma."

Sakura looked at her new escort, already forgetting that he had witnessed her spasm on the side of the street. "Okay…?"

"Then we saw you collapse," Neji interjected observing every breath she took. What made her act like that? He momentarily stared at Genma before returning his attention back to Sakura. He said she was going into shock. There was nothing around them that could manage to reduce Sakura to the state we just witnessed.

"Oh," Sakura flashed them an embarrassed smile before removing her hands from Lee's and taking an unstable motion to balance her body in a crutched position before taking a small breath. " I just…" she gathered strength into her arms and raised her body into a standing upright position. "Passed out that's all," her body swaying slightly under the change in weight distribution.

"Sakura," Lee's voice became serious as he gently held her arm in assurance that she would not collapse. "Genma said you were shaking and sweating before we got to you."

"Lee is right," Neji chimed in as he captured Sakura's attention with his assertive Hyuga stare. "Screaming and rolling around in the middle of Konoha Square is something we, as your friends, cannot ignore."

"Lee…Neji…" Sakura looked at her two best friends, it's scary how badly those voices affect me. Their eyes shouted their concern but she couldn't bring herself to fully explain what she had witnessed. I don't think I would want to relive it, her hands rubbed up and down her upper arms as a gloomy smile flashed across her face. "It…I…I had a meeting with my father," she finally admitted.

"A meeting?" Neji's eyebrow slightly twitched upward.

Tenten elbowed Lee in the chest, "hey, what would a meeting with her dad have anything to do with her fainting on the side of the road?"

Lee took a small step back, tilted his head while cupping his hand around his lips, and began to whisper in Tenten's ear, "her father is Governor Sarutobi."

"No way," Tenten felt her breath catch in her throat. I have only heard rumors about her. Large light coffee colored irises examined the pink-haired woman, they made it seem like he adopted a monkey. She could not believe that the uncultivated savage that jumps to her death was this petite woman. Lee wouldn't be able to handle someone like the rumors suggest.

"Meeting?" Neji shifted his eyes to Genma as the clues fell into place. Governor Sarutobi must have told her about her escort. He had heard the decision from his father; the small feeling of gratefulness his father displayed still irritated Neji.

Sakura sighed again, "yeah."

"How did it go?" Lee gently asked. Guy told me that Governor Sarutobi would be giving her an escort. It is for her safety. Lee thought back to the injured Sakura he had seen at the dock and vowed to make sure she would never become injured like that again.

I guess there is no escaping it. Sakura knew they would hear of her pathetic predicament eventually. "Dad assigned me an escort," she turned to her side and tilted her head in Genma's direction. He stood in the background, contently playing with the needle between his lips. "It's my consequence for taking Naruto to the harbor…along with other things," she trailed off.

"You have gone to the harbor?" Tenten could not contain her curiosity.

Sakura stared at the speaking woman with matching disbelief, "Uh...yeah…I go to visit Zabuza Momochi and his assistant Haku." Has she gone to the marina as well?

Tenten took a step closer to the woman and extended a pointed finger in the direction of the sea, "you mean to tell me you have a good relationship, never mind a relationship, with THE Zabuza?" Is this woman crazy? That fisherman is ruthless and even gives me the willies. As Tenten began to learn more about Sakura, she found herself admiring the fearlessness she had never seen before.

She knows Zabuza? "Um…" Sakura watched as the woman practically melted at the idea of her and Zabuza being friends. "I guess Zabuza didn't really have a choice in the matter," Sakura scratched the back of her head and giggled. "Kakashi and I would be training and Zabuza would start watching. One day I got sick of it and marched right over to him and demanded him to stop staring."

"You're kidding?" Tenten stared at Sakura with admiration. This woman has guts. I like it! Why have you been hiding such a gem from me Lee?

"He, he, I wish I was," Sakura placed her hand out, "my name is Sakura, it's nice to meet you…"

The motion caused Tenten to rub the back of her head in embarrassment. "I'm sorry! Where are my manners? My name is Tenten. It's an honor to meet you Sakura."

"Oh…I'm nothing important," Sakura tried to dismiss Tenten's praise. I'm…I'm just a disgrace to him. I'm not meant for the title that comes with Sarutobi's name.

"You're the governor's daughter," Tenten grabbed Sakura's hand and held it tight, "there is honor in that."

"Thank you," Sakura said with a small smile. "Wait a minute…" Sakura gently pulled her hand away and full examined Tenten.

She was dressed in a pastel pink cotton shirt with the Konoha insignia on her right shoulder. Her deep red breeches clung to her body, revealing a charcoal black belt decorated with a variety of melee weapons. Sakura's expert eyes even noticed a small linen bag, whose color had faded to a russet brown instead of the typical tan brown normal bags possessed. That bag must have some type of explosive powder inside.

The color on Lee's face slowly drained as he watched his crush examine his sparing partner. Please don't be jealous of her Sakura!

Neji smirked at the exchange between the two women. This should be humorous. Even though Sakura had recovered from her episode in the street, Neji could not push the events from before out of his mind.

"Did I do…" Tenten quickly shut her mouth when she saw Sakura shaker her head.

"You were the woman Neji and I saw sparing with Lee the other day, weren't you?" Sakura commented with a sly smile. Gotcha Lee.

"Oh…" Tenten turned to the red-faced Lee and firmly bobbed her head. "You are correct." But I don't remember her being around when I met Neji.

"You should feel lucky," Sakura began as she shot Lee a friendly thumbs-up and a presumptuous wink, "Lee refuses to train with me. He sees you as his equal and with Guy's strict training that's a big accomplishment to have the Handsome Devil of Konoha willing to be your sparing partner," Sakura giggled as Tenten's mouth opened at her compliment. "You don't know how many times I try to get that man to spar with me."

"Sakura, Tenten is just my friend," Lee chimed in nervously. I have made my flower wilt with my neglect. "I could never tarnish your spirit with my skills, you're too fragile to hurt."

Tenten rolled her eyes at her friend. Lee's comment had destroyed the overgenerous praise Sakura had given. "Women are just as strong as men." So she even knows how to fight, her burning curious stare observed the sturdy bow that remained hanging on her shoulder. I wonder what kind of damage she can do, the idea of acquiring a new sparring mate besides Lee created a satisfying smile to shamelessly appear.

"You're just like that green teammate of mine," Genma spoke out loud.

"What did you say Genma?" Lee fired out as he lifted a fiery-filled fist in his direction.

The escort of Sakura nearly chuckled at Lee's emotional display. "Scratch that. You even sound like that green bear," he teased. "I thought I escaped that hairstyle and obsession of the color green…one Guy is enough for the world, I can't imagine two of him running around." Genma slapped his forehead as he watched the duplicate of Guy stomp in his direction.

"I am proud to look like my Dad and teacher! Guy is the best knight in the division! He has taught me everything I know and my goal is to make him proud," Lee proclaimed while flames sparked around his black pupils.

"Not again," Tenten sighed as she heard Lee's declaration for the umpteenth time.

Sakura looked between her peeved friend and irksome escort. This guy knows Guy and Lee? She watched the way Genma's eyes sparkled with delight as he continued on with teasing Lee. "Lee…you know my escort?"

Lee nodded his head, his eyes never leaving Genma's provoking orbs. "Genma and Guy used to be teammates in the same Konoha Knight Division when they were younger. Their team entered a competition to see who would be titled a knight, that's where Guy and Kakashi first met and became rivals for life!" His overenthusiastic stance caused Tenten to shake her head.

"Oh."

Neji approached Genma and gave him a curt nod. "Good luck."

"What did you say Neji?" Sakura's ears perked up at the small comment.

Genma watched from the sidelines as the daughter of his governor approached the strongest young male Hyuga he had ever seen. This is the son of Hizashi Hyuga. Rumor around the division is that he is very gifted in the family's technique. What surprised him was the uncharacteristic way Neji simply allowed Sakura to intrude on his personal space and shake him by his collar. I didn't think a Hyuga would allow anyone, even if Sakura were the daughter of Sarutobi, to address him in such a manner.

"I'm sure you heard me Sakura," his eyes danced with amusement as her anger increased.

"You cocky Hyuga!" Sakura screamed as she brutally pulled on his shirt collar and lugged him away from the Konoha Square.

"Should we be worried?" Tenten asked as she watched the pair storm off towards the Konoha forest.

"We must! Neji could hurt Sakura!"

"Uh…" Tenten sighed as she followed Lee's speedy walk. I think if anything, Neji is the one that will get hurt. Sakura looks like she is ready to murder him. A small enjoyable smirk appeared, that might be fun to watch.

Genma wordlessly trotted alongside the younger adults as they followed the impulsive female. It's strange to see the Hyuga allowing such contact. It's very different than the traditional stoic self I have seen during meetings.

Sakura came to a skidding halt as she and Neji entered the mouth of the unending forest. Her hand released him from her grasp and she stomped her feet against the cushioned ground. Fiery eyes stared at his calm form with growing anger.

"You didn't need to wish him good luck," Sakura mumbled out as she crossed her arms against her chest.

Neji said nothing as he secretly thanked the gods for returning Sakura to her normal self. The discussion she had with her father couldn't have led to her collapsing on the ground. There is something more to the situation. However, he knew she was too guarded to really relinquish such sensitive information. I'm just glad she's slowly returning back to her normal self.

"You're just going to mutely stand there, aren't you?" She grumped, as he remained silent.

Before Neji could speak, the sound of three sets of pounding feet reached his standing form. Neji tilted his head to acknowledge each of them and Lee took the small moment of silence to intrude on the conversation.

"Come on Sakura, let's get back to Konoha. You don't want to upset your father further," Lee tried to reason with her.

This definitely will be fun, Tenten sensed Sakura's wrath rising with each passing minute. I'm getting the chance of a lifetime, getting to see the Governor's daughter and the golden child of the Hyuga clan fight against each other. The idea caused her to sit down and observe the turn of events.

Unfortunately for Lee, Sakura ignored his comment. "You know what Hyuga," her voice dipped to a dangerously hostile tone as she allowed her words to hang in the air.

"Oh man," Lee commented as he covered his face with his hands, "Neji is in for it now." Please don't be mad Governor Sarutobi! I tried to stop them! However, Sakura's recognizable rage indicated to Lee that he could not change her course of action.

"What do you mean?" Tenten asked, even though she could guess exactly what Sakura was planning on doing to the stagnant Hyuga.

"Sakura never calls Neji by his last name unless she is really mad."

Genma sighed as he prepared himself to step into their verbal standoff. Lovely.

Neji faintly felt his back stiffen at her tone. It was a tone he had never experienced from her. Ever. Sakura… Her use of his name did not sit very well with him.

"I challenge you to a sparring match, Neji Hyuga." Sakura raised a pointed index finger in his direction. Her eyes never wavered with the coursing rage that circuited through her body. After everything today, I don't need Neji teasing me. The disturbing dreams are one thing, having my Dad think of me as dishonorable is another, but I will not tolerate my friend harassing me!

"I will have to object," Genma took a lengthened step in-between the two adults. "You will do no such action," he ordered Sakura.

"Only if Neji objects," Sakura rose an icy glare to Genma.

The glare nearly knocked Genma off his feet. It perplexed him how similar the stare was in comparison to the Hyuga clan's very own ominous scowl. He easily swallowed down his shock and tossed a detached gaze at Neji, "I guess there is no room to argue. What will it be Hyuga?"

She wants to extinguish some anger, Neji noted as his friend began to reach inside her quiver and pull out a red-dyed linen bag. "Fine."

Genma hesitantly backed away from them and stood next to Lee and Tenten. "I was afraid of this," he rolled his eyes at the report he would be giving the governor on his first day. I'm shocked he agreed. He is her superior. He will wipe the ground with her…and then I am going to have to explain this to the Governor. The mere idea caused a defeated sigh to be heard by Tenten and Lee.

"It's decided," Genma pulled his hands out of his pockets and centered himself , on the sidelines, between Neji and Sakura. "There are only two rules. One: the arena will only be two hundred feet in length and width. You are not allowed to bring your opponent into the woods. Two: the match will end when either one of you renders the other one paralyzed. However, if I feel that the match should not continue, I will declare a winner and you will stop the match. Are we clear?"

"Sakura can't fight Neji!" Lee tried one more time to end the inevitable scrimmage.

Tenten rose to her feet in order to elbow Lee in the gut, "and why can't Sakura fight him?" Tenten winked in Sakura's direction, "she doesn't need to be protected Lee. Let her fight."

The hidden uncompromising stare that seeped from Tenten knocked Lee to the ground. Tenten is scarier than Sakura when she's like this. Shamefully, the green clothed male reluctantly nodded his head in agreement. Please don't hate me Sakura!

Tenten smiled at Lee's willingness to give up and returned herself back into a sitting position. "There ya go Lee. It won't be that bad," she encouraged him.

Genma rolled his eyes. Lee is just like Guy in all aspects, the need to slap his forehead brought back comical memories of his childhood with Konoha's overzealous knight. "Okay," he returned his attention to the two fighters. "Am I clear?"

"Hai," they both said in unison.

"On my count.

One."

Sakura tossed her quiver and bow near Tenten; her eyes never removed themselves from Neji's still form. All I have to do is make sure he won't be able to move.

"Two."

Neji watched Sakura open the linen bag and pour its hidden contents into the side pocket of her pants. Although Sakura does not have her weapon, he looked to the side to see it sitting innocently on the grass; she isn't someone I should take lightly. The contents hidden in her pocket was his main concern. There is no telling what tricks are up her sleeve, especially if I'm her punching bag.

"Three. Begin!"

Both remained, unflinching, as Genma screamed for the match to start. Sakura observed her friend shifting one of his arms to hover closer to the right side of his body, while his left arm slanted to a thirty degree angle and rested in-between the remaining half of his body.

Fine, Sakura dropped the linen bag and hastily raced towards Neji's awaiting form, it looks like he wants me to attack first!

"Prepare yourself Neji!" Sakura shouted as her left foot slammed against the ground, allowing her right leg to slash through the air and smash against her opponent's forearms.

His block caused her to grunt as she quickly retracted her leg, twirled on the balls of her still planted left foot, and directed another kick to hit below his knees. Her change in height caused Neji to hurdle over her kick.

"Is that all you got Sakura?" Neji commented as he effortlessly caught her extended leg in mid-jump and firmly grasped her ankle.

"Let go," she grunted as her hands came crashing down onto the grass, stabilizing her body while his grip on her ankle tightened. The disadvantage I have is that Neji is more skilled at hand-to-hand sparring than I am.

Not uttering a word, the skillful Hyuga began to pull her leg further above the ground. Show me what you have learned, his eyes concentrated on her hands as she expertly shifted her body's weight in order to retain some type of control over her situation.

With each passing moment, Sakura could feel her lower limb being pulled away from her center of gravity. I have had enough of this! She would use his leverage to her advantage. As soon as her body was completely vertical, Sakura spaced her hands shoulder width apart and took a deep breath. Now! Her torso shot down into the tall grass, her elbows bending in an inhumane way, as her weight slammed into the palms of her hands. The green pine-smelling blades tickled underneath her chin to indicate to Sakura that she had reached the lowest point possible.

Her sudden weight shift was a move Neji was expecting, but found himself taking a small step towards her contorted body. Sakura felt his weight lean closer towards her and exploded off the ground. Her fingers dug into the soft soil as she hyperextended her elbows and threw herself towards Neji. Petite feet slammed into Neji's chest as slender fingers slipped away from the ground and waved through the air.

"Ugh," a dull grunt escaped his lips as he felt his ribs vibrate in protest. From his half shut eyes, he noticed Sakura's foot chasing him through the air and until he crashed to the ground.

When Neji slammed into the ground Sakura skillfully twirled into a standing position, her foot weighing heavily on the center of his chest. "Is that all you got?" Her voice dipped in cockiness as she met his gaze.

"Hn," Neji smirked as his free hands grabbed her ankle.

"Crap," Sakura pulled, twisted, and yanked her leg free but his grip was too strong. I'm in for it now.

A small smirk entered the corners of his lips as he pushed her ankle away from his body. The violent motion caused Sakura to fall backwards, where she would have crashed into the ground if Neji didn't continue to hold her weight. His smirk sparkled in his eyes as he planted his right foot into the ground and pivoted on the balls of his left foot. Thanks to years of hard labor, the Hyuga swiftly spun into a half circle, causing his opponent to follow.

Sakura's body horizontally sliced through the breezeless air before an earth shattering bang rendered her body immobile. Hazy emerald spheres could only watch as her body unavoidably collided with an oak tree several feet away from their dueling circle.

Damn, she swore while demanding her body to stand. I can't give up now. I can still win this…Neji can't beat me that easily.

Neji watched as her body shook from the harder than anticipated impact. What will you do now? He returned into a defensive position as he waited patiently for her to make the next move.

Sakura stared at the ever-calm Neji with an enraged expression. I will prove to everyone that I have not dishonored you. I am not the savage and untamable person everyone seems to think I am. She pushed her protesting body away from the oak's trunk and unsteadily stood tall. Fierce eyes clashed with an anticipated stare before Sakura pushed off the tree and sprinted even faster into Neji's defenses. Her punches came one after another while several areal kicks were sent in hopes that the pressure of her swift offensive attacks would falter his rock-solid resistance.

The sounds of human bones slamming against each other echoed around the border of the forest. She's quicker now. Neji ducked each of her attacks, while sending his own hurricane of moves. With each punch and kick Neji directed towards Sakura, she was unexpectedly dodging each one without disrupting her own string of attacks. She's caught on to my fighting pattern, the sensation of excitement swirled deep in his chest. For years he had watched her train in the forest by herself, practicing her aim, perfecting the art of evasiveness, and he had longed to engage in a duel but their circumstances prohibited such a request. Don't disappoint me Sakura, he mentally encouraged her as her punch sent him slewing into the grass.

Her breaths became haggard as it took every ounce of power to send him down onto his back. Now is my chance, Sakura reached a corner of her shirt and forcefully ripped a corner of the material. I just need to get close enough, she didn't wait long before she was in front of the now standing Neji, sending another wave of attacks his way.

Calculating eyes dodged her punches while Neji mentally prepared his body for the change in fighting style that he was about to unleash. The speed of his punches increased as he circled around Sakura. His feet danced in the way of the grass while he took bolder steps into her defenses. The fast approaching body of Neji caught Sakura off-guard. The gracefulness of his ability to duck into the center of her defenses was breathtaking. When did Neji get this talented? The distraction of his moves caused Sakura to let down her guard and allowed Neji to kick Sakura into the distance.

The abrupt modification did not faze Sakura for very long. Her body skid against the grass and she jumped back to her feet, just in time to catch the on-coming uppercut kick that was aimed at the right side of her ribcage. Her block only made the skillful fighter quickly twist his body and send another kick to the left side of her face.

It's now or never, Sakura barely managed to catch Neji's leg with her left hand because her attention was still wary of his, now grounded, opposite leg. The fiery passion of competition could be read in each of their expressions. Sakura did not break the newly formed staring contest as she quickly used her free hand to grab a material deep within her pocket.

She keeps improving. Neji wanted to look away, but the intensity in which her blazing orbs shimmered with desire to prove something, made it hard to believe she had grown up right before his very eyes.

Sorry Neji! Her fingers grasped the silky smooth powder and flung his leg away from her face.

As Neji recollected his leg to return it back to its rightful place beneath him, golden flakes flickered around him. What the, he inhaled sharply before coughing profusely at the unpurified air. His eyes began to droop as the image of Sakura placing a piece of her shirt over her nose and mouth became foggy. I should have expected her to have some type of herb stashed away, he thought bitterly as he began to feel dizzy and could feel his heart's beat begin in decline.

"Whoa, what is happening to Neji?" Tenten asked as she watched the shockingly nimble Hyuga begin to slide against a tree's bark to safely sit on the ground. What did Sakura throw at him? She looked to the other side to see Sakura still breathing through the cloth she had wrapped around her face.

"Sakura trains with Tsunade, the top herb specialist in the world," Lee informed as his chest puffed out.

"The Tsunade?" Tenten responded with a mixture of jealousy and awe. I have always wanted to become as strong as Tsunade. Her skill with combining herbs for battle makes her one of the strongest female fighters alive.

Genma found himself impressed at the young woman's skills. She's able to keep up with Neji and uses herbs during battle. The idea of meeting an older Sakura a few years later caused a chill to subtlety roll down his spine.

"W-What did you do?" Neji chocked out as his fingers dug up the grass and tried to shove his body as deep into the earth's soil as possible. In a couple of more years she might just be able to beat me. His plan was to use the earth's chemical content to cancel out her poison and deliver one final attack.

"It's a plant called golden chain," Sakura informed him as the golden clouds receded. "Crushing up the flower buds before they bloom creates a golden powder, the golden powder you just experienced," she tapped the pocket full of crushed buds as she continued to explain her new weapon. "Everything about the golden chain is toxic, but if one consumed an excessive amount of the plant, it would result in death."

Genma felt his jaw unlock at the released information. "Good thing she didn't toss enough powder at Neji to kill him," he lightly joked, trying to disguise his surprise.

"She…she means business to pull out something as lethal as that," Tenten concentrated on the unmoving Neji, whose head was still hidden by the tall grass. "Shouldn't you stop the match?"

"Sakura did win," Lee nodded approvingly at Sakura.

Genma shrugged his shoulders, "give him a few more seconds." He had been watching Neji during the entire fight and knew for a sure fact that the Hyuga was holding back during the whole match.

Sakura ignored the side commentary and began to walk over to the unmoving Neji, "I believe I have won," she said with a satisfied smile.

The rumbling from the ground made Sakura come to an immediate halt. No way…he couldn't possibly? She stood, frozen, as his body snaked his hands from underneath his hips and placed them on either side of his body. Can someone recover from this herb that quickly?

In a millisecond, Neji had jumped to his feet and positioned himself beside Sakura. "You had me there for a second Sakura," he whispered into her ear. "But," he raised his hand to the side of her neck and applied a painful amount of pressure, "I am the one who won."

The unbearable pain made Sakura's body thump to the ground, into a paralyzed state. Although her body couldn't move, her mouth was still free to elicit all different types of comments.

"You suck Neji!" She screamed at him as he slid into a kneeling position and hovered over her useless body. "I know where you live, you better watch yourself!"

"Sakura," his calm voice lingered in the air as his orbs pierced into her soul. "Why did you wish to fight me?"

"Because you were being cocky," she snorted out.

"That's a lie," he stated harshly as he brought his face close to hers, trying to read every emotion that crossed those vibrant emerald orbs.

"It's…it's nothing," Sakura looked away from him, not willing to spill her heart out to him. What if he agrees with Dad? It would break her heart.

"Whatever it is," Neji pressed on, clearly vexed at her pigheadedness to entrust him with all of her secrets. "Learn from it. Don't let your father assigning you an escort affect you…" He paused for a moment as his voice dropped to a nearly inaudible whisper, "…that's not the Sakura I know."

"Neji," Sakura returned to staring at the emotional Hyuga with disbelief. His words repeated in her mind as she tried to recollect herself. "Thank you," she felt her fingers twitch in response. In seconds, her slender arms were released from the short paralysis and reached up to hastily pull the unsuspecting man into a tight embrace. Neji is right…he's right about everything, Sakura reassured herself as the earth scent of Neji's hair fanned into her nostrils.

"Oh, ho! Looks like those two are getting cozy," Tenten whistled. I wouldn't have guessed that Neji had a crush on Sakura. She turned her attention away from the adorable sight when she felt a boiling Lee fuming beside her, watching the entire exchange. Looks like you have some competition Lee, she thought with amusement. Her newly acquired friends were starting to bring very entertaining scenarios to her otherwise normally dull days.

"N-e-j-i," Lee felt his entire body shake and his ears began to spray hot steam. "I challenge you!"

"Oh no," Tenten slapped her forehead. You can't even let them have a moment?

Lee's shout made Sakura release Neji from her hug. "Lee?" Sakura looked to the sidelines of their dueling circle only to be greeted by a red-faced individual.

Neji stood up and wordlessly watched as their childhood friend created craters underneath his feet by the amount of crushing force each exasperated step released. "Just great."

"Why is he so frustrated?" Sakura jumped to her feet while staring confusingly at Lee's display of emotion. It was just a hug.

Neji sent her a sideways look while trying to contain the growing necessity to whack his head against a tree. She can't be that clueless when it comes to Lee's feelings. He watched as she extended a small finger to rest against her chin.

"Lee, calm down, it was just a hug!" Sakura shouted as she stood in-between her two friends. "There is no need to get upset," she tried to reach for his arm, but he yanked away from her touch. He's really mad about this.

Never mind, Neji sighed. She is as clueless as I thought. It baffled his male mind at how blind Sakura was in regard to Lee's emotions towards her. One would think all the declarations would be a strong enough hint.

"Please move out of my way Sakura," Lee astonishingly controlled his emotions long enough to sound cool and collected. I will finally battle you, Neji Hyuga, for the feelings of our Sakura! His speech only caused the fire within his heart to burn immensely.

"But Lee…"

"I believe that is our cue to leave," Genma interjected as he darted over to Sakura and slung her over his broadened shoulder. Nothing good will come of this.

"Hey! Put me down!" Sakura shouted as she tried to push away from Genma's shoulder, only to have his arm constrict against her waist.

"We are heading home now," he could see the rising tension the miniature look-alike Guy was creating before he turned his back on them and disappeared into the forest.

"Now that Sakura is out of the way," Lee crouched into position, holding his two fists in front of his body. "We will settle this."

Two battles in one day, Tenten skipped closer to the two men and found a safe hiding spot on top of a short, but thick, oak tree.

"Fine by me," Neji shrank back into his own formation. "I won't go easy on you."

"I would expect nothing less from my arch rival!" Lee howled as he galloped off like a bat out of hell right into the middle of Neji's defenses.

"Genma, for the last time, I said put me down!" Sakura hollered into his eardrum. I am not a doll you can just pick up!

The knight continued to sprint through the forest, not skipping a single step even when her high-pitched scream penetrated his unfortunate tympanic membrane. Just a little bit further, he reassured himself as his muscular legs allowed his body to glide through the forest.

The pair ran through the forest in silence. Sakura was leaning her elbow on the point of Genma's shoulder, tilting her chin on top of her palm, watching the flourishing trees flash away from her sight. Genma counted in his head the number of paces left before they had reached the halfway point between Konoha and Sarutobi's isolated home.

"Here," Genma finally spoke as his grip around her torso lightened and his opposite hand slowly lowered her to the ground.

Like a wet noodle, Sakura remained limp in his grasp until her feet felt the familiar firmness of the earth connect with the bottom of her boots. "Why did you take me away from my friends?"

Genma shoved his hands back into his pockets and motioned for her to follow him through the forest. "I'm your escort. If you get injured it's my head."

Sakura grunted as her arms folded over her chest, "If you have forgotten, I'm already have some injuries." Sakura held out her lightly bruised arms to prove her point, "I can handle myself."

A chuckle escaped Genma's lips, the sewing needle expertly tucked underneath his tongue to secure itself against the violent tugs of his throat. "Oh yeah, getting into brawls in a marina, and having a light sparring session with a Hyuga shows you can handle yourself."

His words smacked Sakura across her face. He knows nothing. Her attention was directed to the tops of her leather boots as black mixed into a sea of olive green.

Her quietness caused Genma to pivot on the back of his heels. Now his back was facing the forest while his brown-mocha colored eyes studied the quiet female. "It was a joke…but I guess it was a bad one."

"No," Sakura cleared her throat, still concentrating on the blades of grass as they were reduced to nothing under the trail of her footsteps. "You're right."

"Uh…" the confession virtually halted Genma in his place. From the information I gathered, this girl doesn't admit defeat this easily. Her uncharacteristic actions were making him feel edgy.

"Sarutobi is right," she began, not caring that she did not call the governor by his normal nickname she had given him when she was small. "I'm an juvenile child that doesn't think about my actions creating any type of consequence. I never think about the other people around me." A dark laugh fanned from her mouth, "I stand here and proclaim that I will protect Naruto and all I have managed to do is put him into danger." The feeling she had experienced on the boat with Haku slowly began to resurface. Swallowing down the nervousness that threatened to break her resolve she pressed on. "My actions…they could end in…in his death."

"I wouldn't…" the words were cut short when a soul wrenching expression interrupted Genma's attempt to reassure her cruel allegations about herself.

"I have grown up without knowing my real family," she finally gathered the courage to stare Genma in his eyes. Her head rose and her piercing emerald spheres glistened with tears. "Sarutobi was kind enough to take me in and all I have done is make him hate me. I see Naruto as my younger brother even if we aren't related. And now, I managed to swindle the last surviving Uchiha to join my makeshift family. For their sake, if not my own, I need to be less immature and more wary of the consequences that accommodate every action I make."

Genma listened in awe as she expressed her revelation. Is this really the Sakura I have been hearing about? Their crunching steps tapered through the forest as her words clung to the ether. "Something more than just the meeting with Governor Sarutobi got to you…didn't it?"

Sakura looked around the woods before she allowed herself to nod her head. "I…I saw…something," Sakura admitted. Even though I don't know him very well, it might be easier to explain what I have been seeing. All my friends would dismiss it entirely or blow it out of proportion.

"It is what made you collapse in town," Genma concluded.

She never broke their eye contact as she finally verbally acknowledged her nightmare. "Yeah. I heard…I heard voices…voices that sounded familiar but I couldn't figure out why. I still can't figure out who those voices belong to or why they seem so familiar. Then when I thought it was all over…I saw something," she watched carefully as Genma hung to every word. "I saw," she took a deep breath in and out, trying to prevent her body from reacting to the mental picture that began to reform beside Genma. "It was…a…a…floating head, " she chocked out.

"And?" Genma studied her form as she restrained her body from reacting to the mentioning of the fictional fabrication that was her imagination. It could just be a bad dream, but her reaction makes me think that it has to be something more complicated than a simple nightmare.

Her lips trembled as the words drew back into her throat. It kept telling me to remember, but to remember what? Her hands reached for the top of her skull while her nails began to scrape against the skin of her scalp. I don't remember anything! What could there possibly be to remember?

"It's fine," Genma grabbed her elbow, realizing that if he allowed her to relish in her thoughts any longer she would revert back to her warped state hours ago.

"Ah," Sakura felt Genma's grip tighten around her bicep muscle. The startling force successfully broke away her darkening thoughts. Her attention fluttered away from the distant space she had been staring at and met the concerned gaze of her escort.

"There is no need for you to explain any further," his hands released her after he was certain she had returned to reality. "Besides," Genma swerved around to face the retreating forest and took a step to the side as an overly large mahogany-red wooden patio intersected their path. "We are home."

Leather boots ruffled against the cobblestone pathway that had interfered with the untamed forest ground. Home. Sakura studied each of the patio's sturdy square steps as it ascended towards the double harvest colored oak doors. She watched the sun's rays cover the surrounding trees with its peaceful light. I hope Dad isn't home yet, deep down she did not wish to face him after her temper tantrum in his office. Something inside her feared that Sarutobi would resurrect her nightmare. I don't think I can relive that nightmare for the third time.

"Come on," Genma noticed her stalling and craftily sneaked behind Sakura's unsuspecting back. "You can't keep them waiting," his large brute hands pushed against her small shoulder blades, forcing the two of them to climb up the stairs.

At the top of the patio Genma grabbed the bronze s-shaped handle and flicked open the impenetrable door with a single push of his wrist. Sakura still could not find it within herself to move a muscle into the dark shadows of her entranceway. Another push from her escort caused Sakura to tumble over her own feet and almost crash against the stairs.

"I said give it back Teme!"

"Yeah right loser."

"Kakashi-Sensei tell Sasuke I'm going to slice him if he doesn't give it back!"

"I'd like to see you try."

"This never ends."

The sounds of Naruto and Sasuke rushed to Sakura's range of hearing. Naruto, at the sound of her younger brother's voice Sakura was able to find the confidence to walk deeper into the house.

At first her steps started off with a leisurely stride, but then as rivalry screams grew louder, it became impossible for Sakura to preserve her steady speed. Soon, her boots clanged against the wooden floors, her arms swayed by her side, while eager orbs shifted impatiently around the empty halls. Within seconds, Sakura came skimming into the curved archway of her well-flourished living area.

The royally luxurious red-nutmeg wool rug covered the room from corner to corner and each wall was formed by honey-tan marble brick stones stacked on top of each other. At the opposite end of where Sakura stood, a wall possessed alternating grey and black slate slabs that transformed into a lavish fireplace. Various wooden chairs with silk seat covers were placed in corners of the room while a twenty-foot long wooden bench, with a state-of-the-art wooden frame to allow visitors to rest their tired backs, was stationed in the middle of the room. The base of the bench possessed a slim duck feathered cushion that covered the entire piece of furniture while baby soft rabbit furs draped from the back of the frame and covered the sitting cushion. At the very center of the lavishly designed open chamber, hung a candle chandelier similar to the one located in the Governor's Tower.

In-between the customized bench and the grand fireplace were Naruto and Sasuke. Naruto had unsheathed his sword and was pointing the needle-thin tip at Sasuke's chest. Sasuke stood at the end of the sword with an uncaring expression as his dominant hand reached for the hilt of his own sword, ready to defend himself at any time.

Naruto growled at the cocky Uchiha, "Show me what you got you…!"

"Naruto…" Sakura gasped out as small tears formed in the corner of her eyes. She stared in shock at the young blond male, unable to fully form any thoughts or words.

"Sis?" The intrusion of his sister's nearly inaudible cry, Naruto returned his novice blade to his belt loop, and quickly turned his head in her direction.

"If I knew it would have been that easy to stop this fight I would have tried to find Sakura a long time ago," Kakashi sighed as he watched how quickly Naruto disengaged his almost physical scuffle with Sasuke due to Sakura's discovered presence. Even with Sakura's presence, Kakashi continued to sit on the bench and read the new installment of his favorite book.

Kakashi's statement did not register in her mind; all the young woman could concentrate on was the innocent, yet confused, sapphire irises focusing on her. Sakura did not cry out to Naruto when he called her name. Instead, she bolted to his side, her knees skidding against the carpet as she pulled him into an embrace. "Oh Naruto," she could hear her voice cracking with each passing second.

"Um…Sis…are you okay?" Naruto stood up straight in his sister's uncomfortably tight hug. "Did Bushy Brows do something?" he tried to push away to give a firm look but her grip only intensified, throwing him closer to her chest.

"Kakashi," Genma walked into the room and bowed to the superior knight.

"Yo," Kakashi continued on to read his book. "I see Sarutobi assigned you the job."

Genma nodded his head, "if it would be possible, I would like to speak to you."

Sasuke turned his eyes away from the strange behaviors Sakura was showing and studied the two knights in the room. What job? Sasuke observed the way Genma incessantly looked back at Sakura, his eyes were full of an emotion Sasuke could not identify. Who is this guy?

"About what? Sarutobi should have informed you of all of Sakura's tendencies," Kakashi swiftly looked over the top of his book to see a demanding stare glaring for his attention.

Genma snuck another glace at the still shaking Sakura from the corner of his eye before walking behind the excessively long bench. "It's about Sakura."

Grey eyes narrowed at the change in atmosphere around the normally calm and jokester-like knight that now stood behind him. "Did she start something again?"

"No. It's more…" Genma looked at the prying Uchiha before returning his gaze to the aloof Copy Cat knight. "It's about something she discussed with me. I believe it would be of importance to you and the Governor."

"Okay. Follow me," Kakashi stood up, placed his precious book inside his olive green vest pocket, and motioned for Genma to follow him outside of the living room and into the main hallway.

Did something happen to Sakura? Sasuke couldn't shake this unknown feeling that began to circulate. He wanted to hug her just like Naruto, he wanted to know what was wrong with her, but most importantly he wanted to know why that strange knight was with her.

"Hey Sasuke, help me out," Naruto called to him as he remained in Sakura's tightening clutches.

How could I have forgotten Sasuke too? Sakura slowly retracted one of her arms and swiftly encircled it around Sasuke's waist.

"Hmp," Sasuke grunted against her grip, trying to maintain his image as the uncaring intruder of the household.

"I'm sorry," tears trickled from her eyes and landed on the shoulders of the two young boys that she anchored to her body. Naruto, I'm sorry for putting you in danger. Sasuke, I'm sorry for causing you to remember events about your past that you wanted to forget. I'm sorry for only thinking about myself. I'm sorry for everything.

"Whoa Sis!" Naruto cried in alarm as his normally joyful sister was reducing his shirt into a sopping wet puddle. "This isn't…you'll be okay," he wanted desperately to help her but had no idea how. Why is Sis acting like this? She won't even tell me whose butt I have to kick!

Sasuke grinded his teeth as he watched Naruto wrap his hands around Sakura's neck, this is ridiculous. Why can't she tell us what's wrong? Crimson red eyes watched distantly as her hand pushed Sasuke's body closer to her side. He could see it on Naruto's face; even her brother didn't understand what was happening.

I need to get past this nightmare. Sakura closed her eyes as her body began to shake again as the floating head and eyes infiltrated her wandering brain. I will not let it affect me!

"Sakura. You're shaking," Sasuke softly told her as he subconsciously raised his hand to the shoulder that had been impaling his ribcage. Mom would do this to me whenever I couldn't get a technique right. As quickly as the happy memory came, Sasuke banished it to the dark depths of his mind, never wishing to remember his deceased parents again.

Sasuke's right. Sakura felt her violent shaking vibrated the boys that she forcefully attached to her. These emotions are out of control. She realized that her overwhelming emotions were taking over and a small sniffle was the only sound she could give.

It is a dream. Nothing more. Wordlessly, Sakura unraveled her arms from both Naruto and Sasuke and slothfully slinked away to give them some much-needed breathing space. "S-Sorry," she mumbled as the back of her wrist wiped away her falling tears.

"Did something happen to you Sis?" Naruto questioned. Sis never cries! What did that weirdo do to her?

Sasuke found himself itching to know what was going on in her mind. Seeing her act similar to when he found his parents lying unresponsive and deceased on the floor of his manor did not sit well in the pit of his stomach. Did someone die?

A short giggle came from her lips as her emerald colored irises, mixed with a magenta red sclera, stared at the two concerned boys. "Ha, ha, it's nothing to worry about," she tried to reassure them with a faint smile. I have to overcome this nightmare. The boys crossed their arms and sent her one of the most unintimidating glares she had ever witnessed. Those voices aren't important. I have more essential matters that need my attention. She watched the boys take a step closer to her sitting form, I will do everything I can to control these strange emotions. If that means reimagining that floating head until it doesn't affect me…then that is what I will do.

"You're lying," Sasuke snarled out.

"Sasuke! Don't be mean to my sister!" Naruto growled back. I'm the only one that can talk to her like that!

I have so many other people in my life that really care about me. I have Naruto, Sasuke, Dad, Kakashi, Tsunade, Neji, Lee, Haku, and even Zabuza. It would not be good for me to allow these voices and images to control me. Tsunade, Kakashi, and Dad have taught me better than to let feelings govern my life.

"Who was that guy?" Sasuke placed his hand on top of Naruto's forehead to restrain the blonde from charging at him. Why did I even ask that question? He mentally scolded himself at the growing tendencies he's mouth has developed when it came to asking Sakura every question that crossed his mind.

Sakura blinked away her inner thoughts as Sasuke's question lingered in the air. "You mean Genma?" Sakura looked away from the shadows she had focused on only to bit her lip in order to surpass the laughter that threatened to emerge. The comical sight before her made Sakura finally push away her unreeling emotions. Look at them, a small grin began to form, they are becoming fast friends. I never realized how much Sasuke has grown accustomed to Naruto's character. The insight caused her grin to revivify. Maybe creating that deal with Kakashi was a good idea after all.

Sasuke's crimson eyes stared Sakura down, waiting impatiently for her to answer. What is this feeling? His frustration seeped into his eyes as he battled with his mind to comprehend the raging emotions inside his heart. Why do I want to know the answer?

"Yeah, who was that guy Sis? Why was he with you?" Naruto immediately forgot about his small battle to run through the Uchiha as soon as Sakura answered Sasuke's question.

"Genma is part of the Division One Knights of Konoha," Sakura felt her shoulders slouch as her fingers brushed the carpet's wool. "He is my escort until Dad sees it unfit for Genma to follow me everywhere."

"But you can take care of yourself," Naruto protested. "Why would he need to follow you?" His imagination began to work copiously at the possibilities that would make Sarutobi order someone like his new teacher to follow her. "Someone isn't after you are they?" His fingers rushed to his new weapon and hastily revealed it to the imaginary threat, "I will cut them down if they get you Sis! Believe it!"

"No, no," Sakura rose to her feet and waved her hands side-to-side. "I'm not being chased by anyone," she tried to defuse the situation. Oh Naruto, she could feel small beads of sweat beginning to form on the back of her neck from his outrageous imagination.

"If he isn't protecting you then what is the point of him?" Sasuke crossed his arms, expecting to hear an answer. He shouldn't be around if she isn't in danger.

A deep sigh, followed by a rolling of the eyes, was all Sakura could muster before allowing herself to answer. "Genma is my escort because…it's my punishment for taking you to the marina," she explained as she stared at Naruto. "In order for me to go anywhere, do anything, or be allowed to walk the two of you home from the academy, it has to be approved by him."

"No way…" Naruto's jaw fell to the floor as the needle sword went limp in his grasp. Sis really did get in trouble. Sarutobi was mad…but I didn't know he was THAT mad.

"Hn," Sasuke felt a small smirk spread across his lips. This means Genma won't be staying very long. Although Sasuke enjoyed the idea of Genma's time around Sakura being short, irritation that she could be denied to see them train with Kakashi oozed from his one worded comment.

"It's my consequence for putting you in danger Naruto," she looked from the stunned blonde to the emotionally confused raven-haired Uchiha, "and it's to prevent me from putting you in similar circumstances, Sasuke."

"Ah who cares!" Naruto finally gathered control over his shock, making the needle tip to proudly wave: pointing, piercing, and jabbing the air around him. "I'll take him down! Don't you worry Sis!"

"Loser," Sasuke grunted as he watched his big-mouthed classmate paraded around them in a circle. "You don't even know how to use that thing."

"I do too Sasuke! I can wipe the floor with you!" Naruto jumped around and pointed his sword at Sasuke's chest.

"Seriously," Sasuke grunted as he found himself in the same position he was in minutes ago. "Do you even know what kind of sword you have?"

"Of course!" Naruto's azure blue eyes traced an imaginary outline around the blade, "Kakashi-Sensei just taught us them today. Mine is a…a…" Naruto glared at the sword, commanding it to tell him the answer.

"You don't even know your own sword," Sasuke unsheathed his own and balanced the thicker weapon on top of his index finger. "You're pathetic."

"I am not! My sword is a…katana?" One eye looked away from the sword and retreated behind its eyelid as he mumbled his speculation.

Sasuke slapped his forehead, "you're an idiot."

"Sasuke don't be so harsh," Sakura giggled as she watched their rivalry with a satisfied smile. "Naruto, a katana is a little bit thicker and a lot longer than yours. Think: what sword is small, short, and nimble like yours?"

Sweat began to pour down the side of his face and along his neck, his shirt collar began to give away his secret of bafflement. "Uh…uh…is it a kaiken?" A hopeless groan from Sasuke confirmed Naruto's fear. I got it wrong again. Dang it! "Well who cares what it is! As long as I know how to use it!"

"Pathetic," Sasuke repeated. "You're only as good as your sword. Isn't that what he said? If you don't know your sword how can you know how to use it?" Sasuke tossed his blade into the air and firmly caught the black clothed handle. "Mine is a cross between a tachi and tanto. Its thickness of the blade and its grip is from the tachi. The two-edged tip and a shortened length makes it part tanto," Sasuke rolled the facts off his tongue as his blade mimicked Naruto's earlier actions.

"Impressive Sasuke," Sakura gave him a wink as she tried to calm down the cross Naruto. "You were really close," she reached out and placed her hand over his to place the sword between them. "You see," she ran the tips of her fingers along the steel metal and stopped at the very edge of the short sword. "This tip is just like how Sasuke described his. It's double edged, which means its good for stabbing or slashing an enemy, and the length is a little bit on the shorter side to help you learn how to use a sword better. What kind of sword does that sound like to you?"

Naruto shot a competitive look at Sasuke's arrogant space, "it's a tanto," he stuck his tongue out in success.

"Correct. But do you notice that your blade is significantly thinner than Sasuke's?"

"Yeah," his winning moment was shattered when Sakura pointed out the flaw in his sword that Kakashi had just given to him. I don't know why Teme gets the thicker sword. I could handle it too!

"It looks like…" her fingers skated from the tip towards the orange cloth that indicated the beginning of the hilt. Kakashi, you're going to fuel the fire between these two, a slight shaking of her head went unnoticed by the young students. "This blade's thickness is a custom creation. There really is no type of sword it's modeled after, Kakashi must have had the blacksmith make it especially for you." Sakura pulled her hand away from Naruto's as he beamed with excitement.

"Ha! You hear that Teme! Mine is special!" Determined azure eyes shifted to the somber Uchiha and extended his sword. "That's why I couldn't figure out what kind of sword it was!"

"Yeah, whatever." Sasuke extended his sword and smashed it against Naruto's blade. "Prove it," Sasuke couldn't control his actions. He wanted to desperately wipe that smirk off of his face. Dobe, she complimented me first.

"Bring it on!" Naruto pushed his custom sword against Sasuke's crossbred. I will show Sis what Kakashi has taught me and then she will be even more proud of me than she was of you Sasuke!

"Wait now boys…" Unfortunately for Sakura she could not speak quick enough to stop the duo from running around the living room, jumping on chairs, and dashing along the bench. She stood in place, watching them attack and then defend from each other. Yes, her calculating eyes watched their novice stances with pride. I will not give in to those nightmares. I will learn from my mistakes and deal with the consequences that I was dealt. I will change and become a better person. Her determination flushed through her body, her joyful emotions no longer locked away. The feeling was uplifting and made Sakura vow to never revisit those crippling emotions again.

Genma followed Kakashi out of the archway of the living room and halfway down the connecting hallway. The ivory marble bricks brightened the room as candles were posted spaciously inside small caverns that were carved in the walls. Both adults was agonizingly silent as Kakashi dragged his subordinate far enough away to ensure the trio in the other room would not be able to hear their gossip.

"What information are you talking about?" Kakashi finally spoke as his bare feet came a halt.

"It's about Sakura's episode in the middle of Konoha Square today," Genma watched as the lethargic knight shifted around and leaned against the adjacent wall.

An ashamed sigh seeped through his cloth mask. I thought the idea of assigning Sakura Genma was to help her control these urges to harass people. "Who did she fight this time?"

"What?" Genma raised a brown eyebrow at the knight's assumption.

"She always fights someone. She will fight them to prove a point or if they irritate her. Just tell me who, so Sarutobi can fix the problem," his gray spheres never shrank away from Genma's fixated brown. "Though I was half hoping Sakura would be decent for you for at least a day."

"Kakashi, Sakura did not fight anyone." Genma slightly turned his head back to the archway in paranoia before he felt it was clear to explain the situation.

"Oh, that's right. You said she explained something to you, correct?"

Sometimes I wonder how Kakashi has gained such a high rank in Division One. The passive eye crease Kakashi delivered only confirmed Genma's flaccid confusion of Kakashi's methodology. "Correct. Jeez, does Jiraiya's books get you too horny to register what's going on around you?"

"You're just jealous you can't experience the pleasure I do," Kakashi joked back, unoffended by his words. "You should head to the brothel once in a while and treat yourself," Kakashi's shoulders shrugged, unaffected by the small glare from Genma.

"Regardless," Genma huffed out, "something happened to Sakura after our meeting with Governor Sarutobi."

"Did she storm off?" Kakashi inquired as he recalled Sarutobi preparing his speech to Sakura in his office earlier that morning.

"Yeah…a lot quicker than I originally thought," Genma interjected. Actually, now that I think about it, even if the Hyuga was going easy on her, she did hold her own. Kakashi should be very proud of her.

"As expected," he sighed and nodded his head, "you caught up to her?"

"I caught up to her, but when I did, she suddenly collapsed to the ground. She was laying on the ground, her entire body shaking, and she gripped at her head as if she was trying to make something go away."

"Although it is very unlike Sakura to drop to the ground, I know Sarutobi was planning on not censoring his feelings towards her behavior. His words probably hurt her. I wouldn't worry about it, she will bounce back."

"Would those words hurt her enough to pick a fight with Neji Hyuga?" Genma challenged. Come on Kakashi. Work with me here.

"She did what?" Kakashi thanked the Gods for the mask; otherwise Genma would have witnessed his jaw trying to slam into the ground. Neji would be the only one that would agree to Sakura's challenge if she asked for a fight. Lee is too conservative to fight with a woman he is trying to pursue. His hand rested against his, now collected, mouth as he contemplated over the possibilities. It must have been the meeting. Sarutobi wanted to take away a lot of activities that Sakura treasured. A shiver ran down his spine, especially the ability to walk Naruto back home from school. Anything that involved that knuckle-headed student of his, changed Sakura into a fire-breathing dragon. "Eh, I still wouldn't worry about it. She took pride in some activities that Sarutobi yanked from her." His gray eyes lit with inquisitiveness, "how was the fight?"

"The Hyuga kept it pretty basic at first but stepped it up towards the end. Your ex-student kept up with the Hyuga's skills. Though, her knowledge with plants…is pretty lethal."

Kakashi chuckled. "Ha, ha, ha. Blame Tsunade for that. That elderly woman taught her more than a teacher should about plants. What one did she use?" Kakashi longed to hear others suffering from Sakura's menacing usage of powders. When Tsunade was gone on assignments Sakura would test out her concoctions on me…now others can feel my pain. Ever since her bell test, her skill in creating cunning techniques to hide her potions has only improved. He twitched as he thought back to the awful gas that lingered in his lungs days after their fight.

"I am not familiar in the arts of herbs, but it was a golden powder that caused the Hyuga to become dizzy. She said that it was deadly if enough was consumed. You should be proud, her close combat skills were better than I anticipated and I think the same goes for the Hyuga as well."

She didn't use her bow? That thought alarmed Kakashi. Sakura takes great pride in her skills as a bow-woman and her not using it could mean one of two things. "Did you prohibit the use of weapons?"

Genma shook his head, "she tossed her bow and empty quiver to the ground." He reached behind his back to show her weapon of choice that he managed to swipe before the fight between Neji and Lee could break out.

What would have caused Sakura to use all of her arrows? His once calm façade had evaporated. She keeps thirty arrows in her quiver at all times, even when she trains alone she never goes through that many. "Do you know why it was empty?"

The knight shook his head as he read the concern that was written all over the masked man. "No. It was empty when I first met her. It might have to do with what she confessed to me in the forest."

"And what was that?" Kakashi pressed. I don't like where this conversation is going.

"It's the main reason why I asked to speak with you. After her fight with Neji, we were returning home," his wise mind made sure to eliminate the small skirmish that was developing between the Guy look-a-like and Neji. "Essentially, Sakura agreed to her punishment. However, what really made me uneasy was the real reason that caused her to collapse."

"The punishment was not the reason?" Kakashi could feel his anxiousness rise.

"No," Genma moved in closer to Kakashi to create only a small amount of distance between them. "She told me that she was hearing voices."

"Voices?" The tautness in the ambiance stiffened.

"Sakura said the voices sounded familiar to her, but at the same time she could not understand exactly why they seemed familiar." Genma watched Kakashi very closely as the man's revealed skin turned pale. "There is something else…"

"What?" Kakashi's voice cut through the thickened air with urgency.

"After the voices...she saw something," a small shudder rotated down his spine, "she said she saw a floating head."

"A floating head?"

"When I pressed for more information…her body almost went back into shock. There is something about those voices and that floating head that seems real to her. What could it…" Genma found his sentence trailing off as Kakashi took a step away from their close proximity.

"Voices that she knew but couldn't identify and a floating head," Kakashi repeated to himself while bringing his attention away from Genma and towards the hallway that lead to the faintly noisy living room. She couldn't possibly… If she did… A theory began to form as all of the information of Sakura's behavior had been presented.

"You know something." Even though it was his first day, he wanted to help the pained young woman. During her entire afternoon Genma noticed that Sakura seemed to be locked away from the world, tending to the inner-demons that were her mind.

"It is only an assumption," Kakashi started as his body pushed away from the side of the hallway's wall. "I have only heard of something like this happening in rare cases. It's when people subconsciously lock away memories to guard against reliving a traumatic event."

"I have heard of that…but…it's extremely rare. Even doctors don't believe in the theory. Aside from that, it wouldn't make sense for Sakura to have forgotten memories."

"Did Sarutobi tell you the whole story about how he obtained Sakura before you started this job?"

"From the look on your face I am going to assume he did not," Genma watched as the silver haired knight ruffled his locks with a shake of his head. This assignment is more complicated than Governor Sarutobi indicated. I thought I was going to have to keep an eye on an escape artist, but now I'm dealing with a young woman who might be remembering something from the past.

"Fifteen years ago, Tetsu no Kuni sent a raven to Konoha, asking for Sarutobi to send a talented warrior to help them with an internal affair. Governor Mifune said that one of his warriors had been blinded by greed and was sailing the sea to search for an island no one had ever reached before. Sarutobi was skeptical at aiding Governor Mifune but the letter said that if this warrior wasn't stopped there was great potential for an international war to start. No one knew about this island, the only rumor we had was that it had been uninhabited by any of the great five nations. Governor Mifune feared the island could have alliances with Iwagakure, Kumogakure, or even Sunagakure. Governor Mifune and Sarutobi didn't want to take the chance to learn exactly what country this island would fight for, which resulted in Hizashi Hyuga extended his services to Tetsu no Kuni."

"Governor Sarutobi allowed one of members from the Hyuga clan to participate in such a skeptical journey?"

"He offered. You know the Hyuga clan's pride, trying to prove that even a branch member is just as useful as someone like Minato Uzumaki. Sarutobi couldn't refuse, after all, the relationship he holds with the Hyuga clan is a strong one."

"It's obvious that Hizashi Hyuga managed to make it back to Konoha if Sakura ended up here."

"That's the strange part about it all. When Hizashi returned he couldn't tell Sarutobi how to get back to the island…it's almost as if his memory was erased…but something like that is impossible," Kakashi paused as a small sound of scraping metal brutally echoed down the hallway. Those two don't know when to quit.

Genma heard the noise too. "Should we do something about that?" His attention turned to the archway.

Kakashi shook his head, "Sakura can handle them. For you to be a useful alley to her, you should try to fully understand her background."

"Then continue on grandpa," Genma bowed and waved his hands to allow Kakashi to continue with his campfire story.

"Anyways," he willingly overlooked the new nickname, "Sakura didn't speak to Sarutobi much during the first week she was in his care. It's hard to believe that she was actually quiet at one point in her life." Kakashi swallowed the desire to laugh at a mute Sakura. "He tried, day and night, to get her to talk to him. He bribed her with food, took her on walks, and even brought her to the ocean. During their trip to the marina, they were walking on the boardwalk and she saw something move in the water. She jumped right in to grab it. You could imagine Sarutobi's face when he saw Sakura floating on her back."

"What was it that she wanted to get?" Genma found it hard to believe that any young child would willingly jump into the cold waters of the ocean that surrounds Konoha.

"It was…an eel."

"Why the hell would she want an eel?" Eels aren't the most…well liked sea creatures. They are nocturnal animals, they wouldn't come out at night, not to mention they live in shallow waters. How did she even manage to see one in the marina?

Kakashi shrugged his shoulders, "we don't know. However, after that, she started to talk to Sarutobi. As she got old enough to speak sentences, Sarutobi tried to get her to talk about her homeland. He tried to jog her memory, he tried showing pictures of unnamed islands on the world map…but she could never remember a single thing."

The pieces began to fall in place. "You think the voices she is hearing and the floating head she is seeing are from her past?"

"Like I said, it's just an assumption, but I think it's possible. What's strange is how sudden her behavior changed. Floating heads don't seem like something that could be ignited from a lecture from her father."

"Could an almost two year old have such a vivid memory?" Genma couldn't believe that Sakura could have recollected a terrifying memory at such a young age.

"It would explain her mood change and her sudden collapse. No nightmare could be that daunting to make a woman like Sakura go into shock that unexpectedly."

"If that is the case, what should we do?"

"When Sarutobi returns home, you will explain to him everything you have witnessed today. He might even call Neji and Lee to verify what happened and to see what they think about the episode."

"Get back here Teme! I'm going to slice you to pieces!" Naruto's roar screeched into Genma and Kakashi's ears.

"You're too slow Dobe," Sasuke's grunt followed, causing the two knights unable to ignore the unknown situation that was occurring in the other room.

"In the meantime, we will keep an eye on her, and since she confided in you, I would see if you could gently push her to reveal more about what she experienced."

"I'm not sure how much more she will give me, but I will try."

"Naruto! Sasuke! Watch out for the chair!"

"It sounds like she is doing better already," Genma noted as they began to walk towards the chaotic uproar.

Sakura will put on a brave face for Naruto no matter how much pain she is going through. A small smile stretched against Kakashi's cotton black mask, and with time, Sakura will be treating Sasuke just the same. They reached the archway only to see the long bench's cushion sliced open. Duck feathers tumbled along the wool rug as the two rabbit skinned blankets floated through the air. Three chairs were turned upside down and parts of the newly installed rug possessed various slash marks. We will help you figure out these memories Sakura…that is, if they are even memories. If they really are what I think they are, maybe Sarutobi can finally find the location of that island. If we aren't too late…maybe we can locate Sakura's real parents as well.

"How are we going to explain this to Governor Sarutobi?" Brown-mocha orbs examined the destroyed room with a look of dissatisfaction. How is it that with two highly elite knights, these three misfits still manage to ruin things? I swear, I'm never having kids.

Kakashi lowered his head as a defeated sigh filtered through the small holes in the fabric of his mask. "It won't be a very pleasant conversation."

To

Be

Continued