A/N I want to thank everyone for their wonderful reviews, they are the only thing keeping this story alive. Also all the jutsu displayed in this chapter will be D ranked excluding the Kage Bunshin. Now to comment on some specific reviews…

Haruno Temper – thank you for encouraging me to carry on with the nin dogs and I probably will need some help to come up with a style for them in the upcoming chapters. I will message you shortly. Thank you for the help.

Tuatara – thank you for pointing out my editing issues – I don't have a beta reader so these chapters are posted shortly after I skim through it again. Hope I didn't disappoint by actually putting in the dogs but don't worry they have a key role in this story plus I think they're cute. Call me being a typical girl but Naruto could use some fluff.

Happy everyday life – Don't worry Sakura will face some obstacles – I'm just bigging her up a little in the first chapters of this story but once again the title of this story says it all. This is kind of Sakura id based. And I started wearing lip gloss when I was nine. It's not that sexy lip stick and she will never wear that but in lights of being a girl I think lip gloss and cute nail polish is okay for a ten year old. Also as noted in this chapter Ino will become nicer, its just when you're ten you contain a lot of unnecessary emotions and can't control them all. In lights of Sasuke – he hates everyone!

SF Geronimo – your enthusiasm astounds me and I love it! Thanks so much for your continued support.

Waterflame4991 – Thank you! I think you can agree that it was so time for Sakura to shine. Both her and Naruto will overcome their obstacles together.

Mathiasosx – Thank you so much, encouraging reviews keep this story alive!

Now on with the story! Hope it lives up to your expectation. (PS All the reviews were wonderful but in light of this story I apologize that I cannot comment on all of the wonderful comments you all send me. But they are much appreciated.)

x-x-x-x

The dawning of night brought with it the singing of night crickets. The vendor stalls had been emptied, leaving only the wooden structure standing. Sakura found herself smiling as she observed the street from her window. Having an apartment that rested above their privately owned bakery had many advantages. One being that Sakura's bedroom window overlooked the main street of Konoha.

"Are you sure this is okay?" Naruto asked as he walked out the bathroom, drying his now drenched spikes. Sakura couldn't keep herself from admiring him as he turned around to close the room door. His pajamas simply consisted of a pair of boxers and a black tee shirt. Over the last few years they each had gotten over their initial shyness. While neither would be running around naked anytime soon they each felt fairly comfortable around each other.

"For the last time Naruto, yes!" Sakura answered with just a hint of irritation. They had stayed out late, as was per usual these last few months, training. The final exam was tomorrow and both adolescents felt that they were more than ready to pass it. Now they each needed a good night's sleep to not only boost their chakra levels but to prepare their selves mentally. It was out of pure coincidence that it had become too late, at least in Sakura's opinion, for Naruto to walk home.

As a result they both decided they would bunk together and then go the exams early the next morning.

Walking away from the window, Sakura began to pack both her and Naruto's backpack – knowing that the blonde would likely forget all about the written part of the exam. It was not to say Naruto was stupid – but her blonde partner was definitely more physically orientated.

Naruto himself was beginning to lose control of reality as another yawn echoed through the room. The two snoring puppies resting beside him, snuggled together in the blankets didn't really help matters. While the two pups had grown somewhat over the last two years, it wasn't by much. They both only reached a little over Akamaru's size. According to their breed information they should have been twice the size of the white puppy. The Inuzuka Clan had been monitoring their growth since Naruto and Sakura had found them. Each of the two teenagers had found themselves bottle feeding the two canines.

Sadly one hadn't made it, passing away shortly after they had been brought to the compound, wrapped in Naruto's soggy jacket.

"Are you nervous Sakura-chan?" Naruto asked, lifting his head the bear medium to glance at the pinkette. He inwardly swooned when she turned around, wearing a sleeves shirt and a pair of loose shorts.

Sakura yawned loudly " Nervous no, sleepy? Extremely. Back over"

Silence drifted through the room for the minutes to follow – each of the pre genin exhausted and tired for the day to come. They each reasoned that if they actually managed to get on the same team they would more often than not be sleeping together in the same room.

The two puppies suddenly looked up as their master and mistress fell asleep, and with a lazy wag of their tails climbed on each of their stomachs before falling asleep again.

x-x-x-x-x

"I told you this would happen" Naruto whined, pulling at his now new black jacket as they raced down Konoha, a dozen eyes following his wake.

"Oh shut up baka, you're the one who mentioned needing a new jacket" Emerald eyes narrowed, causing a shiver to race down the blonde boy's neck. It had become very obvious during their two year friendship that the pinkette never did any wrong.

Sakura herself was inwardly pleased with the new clothes, the black sleeveless vest matching Naruto's black jacket perfectly. Each pair of clothing had red stripes down the sides with a flame insignia right on the middle of the back.

The Academy was crowded when Naruto and Sakura managed to finally make it. Their tardiness had been the direct result of Sakura's mother.

"You sure wasn't complaining" Naruto noted, signaling Nyoko to his side for the third time as the puppy drifted to the further side of the building. The puppies had only begun their training one month ago due to their prior feeble disposition.

"Why would I?"

Having no response that would leave him physically intact, Naruto let the whole girl thing go.

"Oi, Naruto and Sakura" Kiba waved them over, Akamaru planted firmly on his spikey hair. While the brown haired boy didn't agree with two outsiders actually rising the two nin- dogs he accepted it. They were still his best friends and hoped they would continue to be.

Besides the two pups practically looked up to Akamaru.

"You ready to kill this" Naruto said as way of greeting as they bumped fists.

Sakura would never understand boy logic.

Mai suddenly whined and tried to climb into Sakura's arms. Giving into the unspoken demand the pre genin lifted the canine in her arms – sympathizing with the animal. It was her first time in such a crowded environment.

Kiba watched the interaction with a hint of amusement, his pink haired friend was in a world of hurt when the dog actually grew up to be twice her height and tried to do that. The Inuzuka Clan had learnt early on that dogs sometimes forget their actual size.

"Okay everyone to your seats" Iruka shouted over the wave of chattering, easily spotting Sakura and Naruto in the crowd. The scarred teacher liked to think of himself as loving all his students equally but it was just something about this particular pair that stood somewhere in his heart.

He had watched as Naruto grew – not only in body but in mentality. Watched as Sakura became more confident. It was an incredible sight to behold.

"As you know the written part of the final exam will begin in two minutes. Proctors please hand out the papers."

Wishing every one of this students good luck, Iruka stepped outside. Little did he know that his childhood friend was paying a little too much attention to one of his students.

x-x-x-x-x-x-

Ino Yamanaka watched with a varying degree of jealously and awe as Sakura henged into their chunnin instructor five times without even one imperfection. She herself had gotten a three out of five and considered herself superior and sure to attract Sasuke's attention.

Unfortunately Sasuke hadn't glanced her way once.

The past two years had stemmed some of the blonde girl's rage with Sakura – both girls growing into maturity. Yet there were still times when Ino reminisced about the lost chance. Was she too harsh on Sakura? Were her affections towards Sasuke unfounded when it came to her once best friend?

Unbeknownst to her, the idol of her dreams had also taken a closer look at Sakura. Two years had done nothing but elevate Sasuke's ire and confusion regarding Naruto and the rosette. They were both clan less, supposedly talentless ninja with no bloodlines whatsoever. How had they managed to not only keep with him but challenge the Uchiha in everything they did?

It was disgusting.

"Woah Sakura-chan, keep that up and you could be rookie of the year"

Sasuke anger grew as he heard Naruto congratulate the girl that had seemingly taken his place.

It had been a simple mistake – Sasuke never really paying attention to their chunnin instructor had forgotten the correct hair color into the henge. But there was enough time to redeem himself Sasuke reasoned as he watched with darkened eyes. It was not going to be said that the almighty Uchiha lost to some common girl.

He would not lose to some freak novelty.

"You better stay out of my way"

No one heard the implied threat as the dark haired boy sulked further into the desk, black eyes narrowing in consternation.

x-x-x-x-

Sakura dodged the pair of kunai easily, her opponent's sloppy aim giving her the advantage. Adjusting her stance, the pinkette crouched low to the ground, giving the grey haired pup ample opportunity to jump over her back and nip Naruto's neck. The act didn't even sway a flinch of pain.

"What's wrong Naruto?" Sakura asked as she stood up, concerned emerald eyes examining the blonde boy's face. Cerulean eyes had lost most of their luster, now sad orbs that refused to even meet her gaze. They had been sparing for well over an hour and the blonde had never even managed to land a single hit.

"Nothing"

Sakura could tell he was lying but didn't know what to do about it. His entire demeanor had changed since the final exam.

Both teenagers had been ecstatic, already reveling in their sure victory. It had only been when Mizuki had approached Naruto at Ichiraku's had Sakura grown suspicious. She had tried to trail them but both her and Mia's tracking skills left much to be desired.

The pinkette hadn't seen Naruto again for well over four hours before the blonde had suddenly appeared out of thin air – red eyed and antsy for a fight.

"You know you can talk to me right?" Sakura asked, hating how lifeless her blonde partner seemed. Crazy and stupid Naruto was much more preferable.

The downtrodden boy simply nodded his head, before looking to the ground.

Nyoko whined, clawing at Naruto's leg – hating the sad aura that surrounded his master.

"You want to get some chocolate?" The treat was a favorite of both teenagers and the only thing the pinkette could think of. Dealing with emotions had never been a talent the Haruno's possessed – Sakura's mother the only exception to the rule. Perhaps understanding came with motherhood?

"No thanks Sakura-chan" gathering Nyoko in his arms, Naruto cast his best friend a wry smile "I'm kind of tired, I'll meet you at the Academy in the morning."

"Yeah, hopefully we'll be placed on the same team" Sakura said. Naruto could tell that she was still bothered but there was nothing he could do to even fake having a good mood.

"You are the nine tail fox"

Naruto flinched as Mizuki's voice kept resounding in his head. Barely spearing the rosette a backwards glance the teenage boy raced off.

Emerald eyes stared into the distance a long time before they too disappeared, leaving a saddened pair of brown eyes trailing after the pair.

x-x-x-x-x-x-

Sarutobi Hiruzen stared into each of the jounin sensei eyes, gauging their expectations. The fresh air of anticipation rang thick in the air – making each ninja almost look antsy. The teams had already been assigned and Sarutobi wasn't surprised to catch just a hint of satisfaction in Kakashi's usually neutral expression.

He had been Minato's student after all. The old Hokage felt at peace knowing that the Yondaime's legacy was in capable hands.

Searching through the papers on his desk Hiruzen handed over the performance sheets to each teacher "I expect a full report in two weeks. Good luck." The Hokage spoke with a wave of authority, his eyes wrinkling.

Kakashi was the first to shinshin at the apparent dismissal, invoking a similar reaction in each of the other instructors.

Sarutobi glanced outside, the sun warming his worn skin and couldn't help but feel optimistic. A new generation of ninjas would set out today – continuing the growth of the Leaf.

Yes hope for the future had never been so palpable.

x-x-x-x-x-x-

Naruto was bored – an all-consuming yawn inducing bored. Glancing at Sakura, he flinched as she met his gaze and glared at him.

She was still pissed at him for keeping secrets. But how could he tell her? It might be selfish but being the only friend Naruto had really ever had left him between a rock and a hard place. He himself was still coming to terms with being the jinchuuriki of the nine tails. The same demon fox that had destroyed the village thirteen years ago and killed Iruka sensei's parents.

"I'm sorry Sakura-chan" Naruto tried apologizing again only to be met with now betrayed emerald eyes.

"We always shared all our problems Naruto" Sakura noted, scratching Mia's head "And I'm not ready to start lying now."

Frowning, Naruto nodded- conceding her point, before motioning Sakura to follow him, ready to at least explain some things to her. The rest would have to come with time.

"But what about our sensei?" Sakura asked, still a little miff over his/hers tardiness.

"I'll leave a message on the board" Naruto said, already walking to the front of the class "Besides I doubt it'll take that long"

Fifteen minutes later found both our adolescents walking back into the Academy. Well…Naruto was walking, his body supporting the pinkette as he carried her inside.

The classroom was still empty save of Sasuke, who had fallen asleep waiting for their sensei to arrive. The blonde boy still didn't know how to react knowing that the Uchiha was on their team. It was safe to say that Ino was pissed, barely able to look their way as Asuma- sensei left with his new team.

Sakura was more indifferent than anything else- scowling just a little bit at the downfall.

"Naruto-kun" Sakura suddenly sighed into his hair, making the blonde boy stiffen as she nuzzled deeper into his shoulder. Having fainted after producing six Kage Bunshin (which died immediately upon creation) it was suffice to say Sakura wouldn't be awake for a while.

Being the rare voice of reason Naruto had tried to convince his overexcited partner to wait until later to train given the chakra intensity and practice the jutsu required, but it was of no consequence.

When Sakura got an idea in her head it was over.

Now as the pinkette continued to nuzzle his shoulder Naruto was forced to rest the girl down before he lost all the blood from his nose.

"Oh Kami! Why me?"

Of course his question was met with the soft snores of Sakura and the mixed murmuring of the Uchiha.

x-x-x-x-x-

Watching in the shadows Kakashi shin shined away to alert the Hokage to this latest development. He had been watching his trio of genin to observe their interactions and knew without a doubt that he was in for a difficult year. Not only was it quite apparent that Naruto and Sakura were in the process of forming some romantic relationship (a virtual suicide to any of the member involved on the field) but for the most part stayed away from their third member.

"Just great, two lovebirds and an antisocial" The masked jounin muttered to himself, as he flew from tree to tree.

While he was happy that Naruto was finally finding some of the love he deserved, the timing couldn't be any less perfect. Why hadn't he been told?

"Ha, Kakashi, what do I owe the pleasure?" The Hokage spoke just as the jounin entered the room.

The old man wasn't surprised to see the sensei in so early, given the news of Mizuki. Sarutobi had just finished the paperwork in regards to Mizuki's betrayal. While he would have preferred Naruto to learn of his nature in a less violent matter, the deed had been done and it was up to the boy to see how the consequences would turn out.

"He was taught a B ranked jutsu?" Kakashi's voice held disbelief. If he hadn't seen for himself, he wouldn't have believed it true. It was a feat in itself that not only had the boy learnt it but had the ability to teach it to his partner.

"All revolving around Mizuki's defect from the Leaf" Sarutobi explained, pulling a long drag from the wooden pipe "The boy's secret was revealed as well."

Both men stood in silence for a while. The sunlight streamed into the room, the position of the sun announcing midday. Most of the teams had set out about an hour ago.

"What else is bothering you Kakashi?"

"Sakura – it is obvious they are or becoming more than friends"

"And this bothers you?"

Kakashi sighed before meeting the unwavering gaze of the Hokage "Yes, love has no place on the battlefield."

"You never seemed to have a problem making love work"

More silence ensued, only a knock on the door breaking the stalemate. "Lord Hokage we have requests from the Country of Rain."

"Most of the teams have already gone" Sarutobi noted, his eyes leaving the ninja standing before him.

Taking the dismissal for what it was, Kakashi set out to meet his new team.

x-x-x-x-

"What are you doing Naruto?" Sakura yawned, watching as the blonde fully stretched to his full height, trying to rest something on the door. The words short and cute to her mind.

She blushed.

"Revenge for the lazy bastard for making us wait so long" Naruto said, giggling to himself.

"Join him, you know you want to" Inner Sakura thought, dancing with glee at the chance for revenge. After all she did have things to do today other than wait around for a sensei who obviously wanted nothing to do with them.

Instead the pinkette refused to be bribed into a trick and displayed some semblance of control.

"You know that he's a jounin right? It's not going to work."

The blonde stopped for half a second before shrugging and continued to wedge the duster on top of the partially opened door. "What's the harm in trying?"

Surprisingly after only one minute did a mask man poke his head into the door, triggering the duster to fall on top of his head with a plop.

Both genin were stunned that it actually worked before Naruto busted into amused chuckles and Sakura fought to contain her smile, which proved useless as a few giggles still escaped.

Sasuke awoke with his signature scowl at the noise the pair was making.

"My first thought, is that I hate you" The masked man spoke, his lone eye zeroing in on the pair of laughing genin before wondering over to the frowning Uchiha "Meet me on the roof in one minute."

Even with that ominous statement said the pair still couldn't help laughing as they rallied up Mia and Nyoko – leaving the derailing Uchiha behind them. It wasn't that they were consciously excluding him but having familiarized themselves with each other in the last two years left an unbreakable kinship. The kind of relationship that didn't need or want a third party. Perhaps it was because somewhere in Naruto's mind he still saw the Uchiha as competition. A dark shadow lurking in the distance, waiting for a chance to swoop in and steal the pinkette from him.

Insecure or not the blonde boy would still be keeping a close eye on the scowling genin.

Sakura herself had always expelled all her attention and knowledge on Naruto and old habits were hard to break.

Sasuke didn't seem to care one way or another, having never even been bothered to return the 'Nice to have you on our team' Sakura had said to him after the teams had been set up.

"Ah, I see you finally made it" the masked ninja said before introducing himself "My name is Hayate Kakashi and I will be in charge of your team from now on. Now before we actually move on I want each of you to introduce yourselves. Dislikes, likes, stuff like that. Blondie you're first."

Sakura couldn't help but feel disgusted and disappointed as their so called sensei pulled out an orange book – the same one Kiba thought he could hide from them. It was only when an innocent Naruto had inquired about its contents did the book experience an untimely demise. Disgusting.

Naruto was literally jumping in his sandals as a grin split his face. But before he could say anything Sakura spoke up.

"Wait that isn't fair sensei, why don't you introduce yourself first. Give us an example."

Kakashi sighed heavily, perhaps exaggerating a little bit before closing his book and conceding.

"My name is Hayate Kakashi, I don't have any likes and my dislikes are numerous and far in between. My goal is to teach you students."

Sakura sweat dropped as the man basically told them nothing about himself. Looking sideways Sakura almost fell over with the weight of the sweat drop, Naruto actually looked fascinated!

Naruto stood up proudly "My name is Uzumaki Naruto, I like ramen and dislike the three minutes it takes to cook. My goal is to become Hokage." He had no way of knowing that his statement was met with a little disappointment from Sakura – sure in the boys affections towards her.

"Okay pinkie you're next" Kakashi said, his eyes still glued to the orange book.

"Hai, my name is Haruno Sakura, my likes are" Sakura blushed but with steel determination prevented her eyes from drifting to Naruto "um…dumplings…and my dislikes are people who think too much of themselves. My goal is to become the best kunoichi I can be."

Secretly impressed at the determination Kakashi saw lurking in Sakura's emerald eyes he waved to the Uchiha "You're next"

Sasuke stood up stoically, hands in pockets, scowl still in place "Uchiha Sasuke. I have no likes or dislikes. More of a deep hatred for a certain man. My ambition is to kill a certain someone and avenge my clan."

"Great another avenger" Kakashi thought sadly before glancing at the rest of his team. He could practically see the light bulb shining over the rosette's head. Obviously Sakura had figured out that this 'certain man' was none other than Sasuke's brother. Naruto was too busy watching the varying disarray of emotions crossing Sakura's face to even bother giving the Uchiha a reaction.

"Love struck fool" Kakashi thought before standing up. "Okay, well I have to go walk my dog, meet me at training ground 4 early tomorrow morning. Oh and don't eat breakfast or you'll throw up."

Sakura sighed as she watched Kakashi disappear, immediately knowing the jounin did not own a dog.

"Oi, Sakura-chan you want to go to the training grounds?" Naruto asked somberly, still feeling a little guilty at not telling the pinkette the entire truth. Now that they was officially alone, unless you counted the Uchiha, the feelings came back.

Sakura examined her partner for a minute before glancing over at the Uchiha who seemed to be staring a little too intently at her and Naruto.

Needless to say she quickly agreed.

But as she jumped from tree to tree, the muscles in her legs conditioned from playing tag with Naruto in these same trees, Sakura still couldn't help but wonder about the blonde genin.

Even after two years of friendship the secrets still kept coming forth. How did he learn a forbidden B rank jutsu? Why had Mizuki-san used Naruto in his attempt to defect from the Leaf? She could tell there was something the boy was holding back but what?

x-x-x-x-x-

Sasuke knew now more than ever that both Naruto and Sakura were being trained by the Hokage. How else could they both know the Kage Bunshin – the forbidden Bunshin technique. Though Naruto seemed more affiliated with the jutsu than his pink partner, there was no other reason to explain how they had both learnt it.

He knew that the Hokage had purposely put his team together – hoping they were aimed for greatness. How else could the three smartest students from the Academy be placed in the same team? The weak were supposed to be paired with strong.

It seemed that all the instructors were surprised with the dobe's progress.

That was all other than Iruka-sensei, who Sasuke reasoned to be in on the plot.

Now as the Uchiha lurked in the trees, observing his team mates his hatred grew for the Leaf. He was an Uchiha, the last of his once powerful clan. Shouldn't the Hokage be more concerned with him, giving him the power he needed than trying to build up two useless and powerless nin.

Dark eyes grew colder as the two dogs started barking at the tree he was situated. Another reason for question – what were two people out of the Inuzuka clan doing with nin dogs in the first place? It would be so easily to kill them, a couple of kunai to the throat but Sasuke suppressed the killer intent. Instead, the dark boy disappeared, intent on finding more answers.

x-x-x-x-x

"Kage Bunshin no Jutsu" (Shadow Clone Jutsu) came the call, as three distinct poofs echoed the training grounds. Sakura sighed as she felt chakra dispel from her body. Smiling in relief as her two feet remained grounded. It appeared that she could only create three shadow clones while leaving enough chakra in her body to be able to fight. Anymore and the genin would drop in a dead faint.

"Oiii, good job Sakura-chan" Naruto smiled, watching as the pinkette jumped up and down. It was times like this that Naruto barely resisted the urge to ask her on a date – only the fear of losing the secure relationship with the rosette holding him back.

"Do you realize how many possibilities this has?" Sakura asked, her analytical brain easily breaking down the uses of this technique.

"How so?" Naruto asked confused, seeing the jutsu as a void and null given how they dispelled so easily. While this had no consequences to him, seeing that he could create over two hundred of the clones without feeling the strain at all, Sakura could only create three.

"Well since each of the clones experiences transfers back to the user, things like practicing other jutsu and reading could be done at the same time" Sakura said, caught between feeling giddy all over again and looking at the blonde like he was slow.

Meanwhile Naruto used all his control not to show his shock. Not wanting to appear dumb in front of his partner, he barely suppressed the urge to slap his forehead. How hadn't he noticed?, for Kami's sake he had created over hundreds of these things the night prior and still didn't notice what Sakura had deemed in less than three minutes!

The next hour was filled with both genin testing out Sakura's theory. One pair of each of the genin's clones were sparring with the Nyoko and Mia, the next reading up the benefits of weight seals in muscle development and the last pair trying out the Kage Shuriken no Jutsu. While the technique was similar to the shadow kunai, it proved more difficult due to the size of the weapons. Getting the enemy to focus solely on the top shuriken would be difficult due to a ninja's critical eye.

Meanwhile the original pair of genin was focused on separate objectives. Naruto himself was studying the necessary hand signs for a D rank water jutsu while Sakura was engaged in studying ways to become more in tune with Mia. Unlike the Inuzuka clan who seemed to have a deeper communicative connection with their animals, Sakura had no such thing. She had to rely on things like body language when out on the battle field to save her life.

This is how Konohamaru found them. The little boy was stunned as he observed the eight look-a-likes. If this was what a ninja was Konohamaru couldn't wait to start the Academy. At eight years he still had a few years to go but a toothless grin encompassed his face as he dreamed of being just like boss.

He made sure to stay in the shadows as he observed them. He was surprised to see such small puppies going against their owners with sole determination, dodging blows and trying to land a few. Yet what surprised the eight year old the most was how boss and Sakura-neechan were cuddled under a cherry blossom tree. While each was focused on something different, they were laying side by side, both shoulders and legs touching.

The younger boy grinned with this new blackmail material. Boss would be forced to play ninja with him from now on!

Hours passed quickly as Konohamaru continued to observe them, the only thing preventing him from getting caught was his familiar scent with the dogs. After all he had played with them on many occasions.

The young boy was just about ready to head home when Boss and Sakura stood up and stretched, dispelling all of their clones.

While Konohamaru couldn't hear what was being said, he watched with amusement as boss deflated and followed the pinkette.

Hard to believe that his presence still wasn't discovered Konohamaru continued to trail them as they ventured into the marketplace. Scowling as some of the vendors refused to serve the pair, the boy purposely stole some of the fruit when the mean old man wasn't looking.

It wasn't until Konohamaru managed to stalk them to boss's apartment did things get scary.

x-x-x-x

Sakura was stunned as she pushed the door open. After barely suppressing her rage at the rancor of the village people she was already antsy for a fight. What she saw didn't really help depress her rage.

The entire wooden floor was laden with empty ramen cups, discarded clothes and…wait…was that a pair of boxers? Turning to the now cowering blonde, Sakura dropped the heavy bags – fruits and vegetables spilling over at her feet.

"Oi, now Sakura-chan, it's not that –"

His response was cut off as a powerful fist connected with the side of his jaw. The force behind the punch was so fierce Naruto's eyes bulged as he was sent flying over the railing, only to land a few in front of a bewildered Konohamaru.

The young boy took one look at the devilish look on the pinkette's face before scampering back the way he came – ultimately deciding that a game of ninja was not worth his life.

X-X-X-X-

A/N – I sincerely apologize for the late chapter. Real life and a lost muse is to blame. I am also trying to work on my other stories so things got a little choppy. I hope you enjoyed this chapter and while I know a lot of you are probably a little concerned about things moving too fast I had to be realistic. Sakura and Naruto have already known each other for two years and suppressed feelings don't stay suppressed for long. Be that as it may I will not have them having sex in the next three or even five chapters. They won't move THAT fast people so rest assured. Also survival training is next along with some fluff involving the D ranked missions. Remember this is action, adventure and romance.

Please review

Preview for the next chapter:

"Suiton: Mizu Kuri No Yaiba" (Water Style: Sword of Draining) Naruto screamed as he dashed Kakashi again, swinging the water sword in a large arch. The jounin barely had the time to be impressed before he was forced to dodge the weapon.

Smirking as the masked man jumped back, only to land in the muddy trap Sakura had set up minutes prior, Naruto readied the weapon again.

Yet Kakashi had more than a few tricks up his sleeve. Quickly dispelling a smoke bomb the jounin shinshined away, chuckling as he heard both Naruto and Sakura curse.