Chapter 12

A/N: Helloooo. This will be a continuation of the "Regaining memories" part of this story. By the way, don't mind the wrong grammars and tenses. I'm gonna lay out these parts first them fix them later on. I just need to put the ideas off my head.

Anyway, I got one review that requested for Sakura and Hinata's friendship? Well I plan to make Sakura meet all of Konoha 11 in this chapter. So I will actually have some Sakura and Hinata moments I really appreciate all of Konoha 11 in Naruto so I want to give them as much exposure as I can. Even though they all have to be jam packed. But I will try. It's so sad that Neji is already dead. He happens to be one of my favorite characters

The review also asked me about Matchmaker Sakura. To be honest, I intended her to be an extreme matchmaker the moment she got back to Konoha. But I'm treading in a thin line between clueless-of-love Sakura and Matchmaker Sakura. Let's see how it plays out.

And no, I really don't intend her to just suddenly fall in love again with Sasuke. Although I'm still testing the waters. As I said, this will be a SasuSaku story after all. But even up to now, it's hard to put a development between the 2. I'm playing between Sakura who lost interest in Sasuke because she lost her memories, and Sasuke who's still not interested in Sakura. It's so complicated. Any suggestions?

Anyway, I missed being back too! Thank you so much for appreciating the story! I honestly felt like the last chapter was a little awkward. But I'll work on it.

Yay Chappie 12.

A Guide to Choosing the Perfect Hang-Out Places For Friends

The Principles of Humor: An Idiot's Guide to Being Funny

Ways on How Not To Be Awkward

12 Fail Safe Steps to show Sincerity

Beginner's Guide to Falling in Love

"Uhhhh Sai, are you seriously going to read those books?" Sakura asked incredulously, looking over Sai's shoulder, reading his chosen books' titles. Sakura ended up following Sai to the library as they left an extremely annoyed Sasuke and a chuckling Naruto.

Sakura decided that she would borrow books at the library to pass the time. She always liked reading anyway. Sai was going to borrow books too, but she didn't realize that he had such peculiar tastes to his reading hobbies.

"Oh I already know all the basics of interactions. I have been studying for years after all. I just like reading about them from time to time." Sai said, his eyes closed in a smile.

Sakura frowned. "Studying about them….you mean you've been studying about interacting? Why in the world would you do that? You have lots of friends to show you just that!"

"Well." Sai began, his lips transforming to a sad and small smile. "I used to have no real friends. I didn't know how to have one, how to keep one, and what is one."

Sai sat by the library desks and started flipping through his books in a carefree pace. Sakura followed and stared at Sai, her gaze just softly regarding.

"Is that why you always check your notes first when you talk to us?"

Sai shook his head. "Not all the time. You told me before that I should be just myself. But then you hit me when I tried, because I called you Ugly."

Sakura blinked. "Oh but-"

"But you were right." Sai continued. "It was easier just being myself. But sometimes, you can't be too sure."

Sai smiled sincerely at her before he returned back to his books. Sakura clutched her own borrowed books and thought about it in silence. Sai is such an endearing guy. It creeped her out at first because he was always smiling so weirdly, as if it's a task to be pleasant or it's a job to smile. But she realized that he was only smiling because he wanted to make her comfortable. He told her he read somewhere that a smile always brought comfort. Sakura personally found it sweet that a guy like this was striving so hard to be a good friend. They must be really close before.

"It's easier now isn't it?" Sai suddenly asked, not looking away from his books.

Sakura stared at him, fiddling with the edges of her books. "What is?'

"Your stay here." Sai said. He looked up at her, watching her curiously. "You were afraid of us in the first days."

Sakura bit her lip nervously. "I still am, to be honest. But I'm happier that everything seems to be falling in place. I remember a lot of things now."

Sai nodded. "You belong here Sakura. Rose. Whatever your name now is. Oh what would you prefer me to call you now?"

Sakura beamed at him. "Ugly."

Sai nodded, almost laughing. "Ugly." He agreed.

Then the flashes came again.

"N-Naruto…..Sakura…." Sai's soft voice interrupted the growing quarrel between Naruto and Sakura. They both turned to look at a seemingly embarrassed Sai who was looking down feebly at the ground.

"Would you mind if I join the conversation as well?"

Naruto and Sakura waited for Sai to continue, looking at him curiously. Sai had just changed from being a cold unfeeling person, made that way by the harsh training of Danzo, and had decided to go on a quest to understand relationships and ties, siding with Team 7 in the last minute in their pursuit to bring back…..someone?...to Konoha. (Sakura's memories waivered at this part).

"Ah! Er….I read this book, about getting to know people and stuff….and…."

Sai turned out to be struggling with nicknames, deciding if he should just add suffixes like "Sakura-chan" and "Naruto-kun." But he decided that nicknames are ultimately more personal. Sakura gave him examples of creating nicknames, saying that it's supposed to describe the personal characteristics of the person he intended to give a nickname to.

"Thanks! I think I got the hang of it now…." Sai turned his closed eyes smile to Sakura. Then he said,

"Ugly."

Silence.

Then Naruto immediately leaped to wrap his arms around Sakura to stop her, as she also immediately made to pounce on Sai with waving fists.

"SHAANNAROO!" Sakura roared in rage.

Naruto's face scrunched as he tried to hold Sakura back. "Sai! That's way way overdoing it!"

Sai just smiled. "Huh? What do you mean?" He asked innocently.

Later on, both he and Naruto got bruises on the face. Then Sai got another bruise when he called Ino Gorgeous, and Sakura got angry just because.

The scene changed.

Ino and Sakura were both arguing as usual when Sai came up behind them and said,

"So their nicknames are Forehead Girl and Ino Pig."

Ino and Sakura stopped arguing and glared at Sai. Suddenly, they turned to each other with a smile.

They both raised their fists towards Sai and…

The scene changed.

Naruto was injured so it was hard for him to eat at his favorite ramen place, Ichiraku.

Sakura sighed and she was about to feed Naruto. Naruto's eyes sparkled with excitement. When suddenly…

"Opeeeen Wide!" Sai sang from next to him, shoving the spoon into his mouth.

Naruto gagged, turning red with frustration and heat. "OW! HOT!" Naruto complained, struggling from Sai, who was currently still trying to feed him. "IT'S HOT!" Naruto screamed, trying to shove Sai away. "AND ON TOP OF THAT, IT'S NOT SUPPOSED TO BE YOU!"

Kakashi looked on at them with amusement while Sakura giggled.

Sai gave Naruto his brightest smile. "When a friend is in need, a true friend helps them. That's what the book….."

"FORGET ABOUT THE BOOK! Read the situation! The situation!" Naruto yelled in frustration.

The scene changed.

"Please don't think you have to shoulder all the responsibility." Sai was telling Sakura. "I'm part of Team 7 too." Sakura merely pretended to agree with Sai as she smiled a fake smile. Sai inhaled subtly, concern glinting from his eyes.

The scene changed.

"Even I can tell!" Sai screamed at Sakura, shaking with anger. "That he really loves you!" Sakura can see in his eyes that all this anger was because he was also hurt that Naruto was hurting.

Sakura blinked, memories were still flooding her head but for now, she was here and now, with Sai. Sai was still grinning from calling her ugly. Sakura suddenly laughed and threw her arms around Sai. Sai caught her and looked at her, startled at the sudden attack.

"Oh Sai!" Sakura said affectionately, burying her face at the crook of his neck. Sai shifted uncomfortably, but he hugged her back.

"Mmmm….are you hugging me because you're sad? Or because I'm sad?" Sai said, confused.

Sakura giggled. "I just want to hug you."

Sai immediately turned to her. "I can do that whenever?"

"No." Sakura instantly said. She can't have him suddenly pouncing on people. Naruto would definitely complain to her on that.

Sakura sighed, she missed Sai after all. And she now understood why Ino liked him so much. He was so adorable and innocent. Speaking of Ino…

"Oh Sai. By the way." She said, calling his attention. Sai looked at her, inching a way a little bit from the proximity. Sakura rolled her eyes and returned back to her seat.

"Why did you say I love you back to Ino?" Sakura asked, wanting to make sure that he actually loved her friend, and not because he got the concept confused again.

"Oh because I care for Ino too! The way she does for me, that's why she said it right? A book told me that the "I love you" expression is to express your deep care and feelings towards a cherished person." Sai replied happily.

Sakura narrowed her eyes. "Would you tell me you love me too?"

Sai tilted his head, but then he nodded. "Yeah of course! I love you Sakura. You and Ino are my cherished friends."

Oh no. I knew he would be thinking like this. Sakura rubbed her temples. It would be difficult to hammer on Sai's head how romantic relationships work. But he once accused Naruto of being in love with Sakura. So maybe it's not all hopeless.

Sakura grabbed Sai's books and scanned each of them. She took the one titled "Beginner's Guide to Falling In Love" and handed it to Sai.

Sai threw her a questioning look. Sakura shrugged. "That is another concept of love altogether. I think it's time you know about it?"

She winked at him and stood up. She made her way out of the library. But before she closed the library doors behind her, she turned back to Sai and said,

"Oh and don't just randomly say "I love you" to your friends. It's weird and creepy. I mean you can, but try not to be too Sai. Oh whoops, go ahead after all." Sakura laughed as Sai rolled his eyes but offered her a small smile before he opened the book Sakura handed him and pored over it seriously. Sakura bit her lip and smiled as she left the library.

DISJDISJDLKSJLKSDJKSDJLSKDJKLDJLKSJD

Sakura was whistling pleasantly as she deliberated where she would read her books. The village was bustling a little now as the people are rushing to start their days. She then spotted a girl with long dark blue hair.

"Hinata chan!" Sakura called, waving her arms high and wide so Hinata would see her. Hinata turned to her, eyes growing wide, and smiling back shyly, giving her a small wave.

"Hi Sakura chan." She said softly, walking towards Sakura.

"Hello. What's up? Still having boy troubles? I remember you were quite distressed back at that well." Sakura said casually. Hinata gasped, looking left and right nervously.

Sakura giggled as she drew closer to Hinata and whispered. "Don't worry. I don't think Kiba is here."

Hinata immediately stopped fidgeting and stared at Sakura. "Ummm….Kiba kun?"

Sakura shrugged. "Yeah. Isn't he that boy you were talking about? The one with a lot of fangirls?'

Hinata's lips almost curled in ickiness. But she stopped herself to be polite. "No, Sakura chan."

Sakura pouted, rubbing her lips together, deep in thought. "Oh is it Sasuke then? Ino said he has a lot of fangirls."

Hinata's eyes widened in surprise. "But…Sasuke….mmm…"

Sakura nodded. "Okay No. Sasuke is creepy, I know." Hinata blinked, confused.

Sakura snapped her fingers. "I know who it is! I saw you blushing and stuttering when you talk to him! Man, I'm dense! It's Naru-"

Hinata's hands immediately clamped over Sakura's lips. "Me, Kiba and Shino are on a simple mission to find something just at the near forest. Wanna Come? Yay! Let's go."

Hinata dragged Sakura all the way out of the village.

JSFKLKSLDKSDLKS:LK:SKD:LASK:LDSKALDKSLK:SASBDKASJ

"What are you doing here again, Sakura?" Kiba asked as he looked around the clearing with Akamaru behind him. Team 10 is currently on a B rank mission, collecting the small "creatures" that Kakashi said escaped a wealthy household in Konoha. It was simple enough to capture them. The only reason why it was B rank was because the creatures themselves were extremely valuable.

Kakashi assigned his best tracker team to recapture the creatures to honor that high value, even if it was really just simple to catch them.

Thus, excusing Sakura's presence right now. She wouldn't really be a bother since the mission was so easy. But he was still curious to know why she was with them right now. He hadn't seen Sakura in some time since she immersed herself in work after returning to Konoha. That's not to say that he hadn't met her at all. She had always been jolly whenever they all meet. It was a contagious kind of joy, he can't help feeling happy too around her.

Sakura opened her mouth but Hinata suddenly spoke.

"She missed us and wanted to help. Right, Sakura chan?"

Hinata looked at Sakura pleadingly. Kiba chuckled. "There's no point hiding it Hinata. You only ever act this way if it involves Naruto."

Hinata gasped, turning to glare at her teammates. Shino sighed. "Yeah that's right, Hinata. Sakura must have exposed your secret by blurting it out loud, right?"

Hinata flushed and looked down, shuffling her feet both in embarrassment and annoyance. She pursed her lips shut and decided to ignore everyone.

Shino looked at Sakura. "You tend to be quite clueless Sakura, especially when it comes to romance for some weird reason."

Sakura shrugged. She put a hand on Hinata's shoulder and gave her an apologetic smile. Hinata sighed but nodded in defeat. Sakura was too sweet to continue being angry at. Besides, Shino is right. Sakura actually was clueless. She had, after all, made 2 wrong guesses before she got it. Hinata thought that her secret was so obvious that only those as dense as Naruto couldn't have gotten it.

"S-Sakura chan, you really didn't know it was Naruto?" Hinata asked, curious.

Sakura laughed awkwardly. "Yeah. Sorry, Hinata. I knew Kiba would be too smelly for you. But then Naruto's not any different so…"

"Hey!" Kiba complained, shooting Sakura with a glare. Sakura chuckled. Kiba rolled his eyes. "I can't believe you thought it was me. How could you have thought that?"

Sakura frowned, thinking. "Well, Hinata's always with you. So it must be you."

Shino raised his brows. "You of all people, Sakura, should know that love has got nothing to do with proximity and presence."

Sakura's forehead creased. "What do you mean?'

Kiba and Hinata stare at Sakura in surprise. Of course, Sasuke had been gone for so many years and yet Sakura's love for him never wavered. Except now she was clueless about it all.

Hinata cleared her throat. "You don't remember Sasuke?"

Sakura suddenly stomped a foot and groaned. "No! Not Sasuke again! Everyone is just like Sasuke this, Sasuke that!"

Kiba laughed. "Oh I once knew a girl who was Sasuke this, Sasuke that, before."

Sakura huffed. "Well that girl must be crazy."

Kiba laughed harder. "Oh she is."

Sakura blinked a few times, not really catching on the subtle attacks of Kiba. "Well whatever. I'll just remember Sasuke whenever. I don't care."

She turned to Hinata. "So let's talk about Naruto. Are you going to get married soon?"

Hinata flushed bright red. "Oh ahmm…uhmmm….mmm…."

Kiba rolled his eyes. "Sakura, stop torturing Hinata. Jeez you're supposed to be the ultimate romantic expert around here since you've been at it the longest along with Ino."

"I am?" Sakura asked, confused.

Shino shook his head. "Ignore Kiba, Sakura. You'll remember on your own pace."

Sakura fixed her gaze on Shino gratefully. But then her lips curled into a knowing smile.

"So Shino! How are things with Allie?" Sakura asked in a high chirp. Shino visibly froze.

"AHA! So Allie is the name of that girl huh? Wait, that Allie from the West? One of Sakura's friends from the West?" Kiba exclaimed, pointing an accusing finger at Shino. "Allie from the West is the one you've been emailing every night?"

Sakura gasped. "You've been emailing every night?!"

Hinata just smiled at Shino, as if congratulating him for finally having a love life.

Shino scowled at all of them. "It's not a big deal. Stop making it like that. Al and I are friends."

"You're calling him Al! It took months before she allowed us to call her Al!" Sakura said, pointing at Shino now too. Shino huffed and turned his back to them. But the tips of his ears were red.

Kiba laughed. "Shino you're such a dork. 'We're just friends.' Please."

Hinata turned to Kiba and said softly. "But Kiba kun, aren't you meeting up with Tamaki chan, the cats owner?"

Kiba was the one who froze now. Shino threw Hinata a grateful smile.

Sakura giggled. "Ahh love is in the air for Team 10."

Shino frowned at Sakura. "It's only because you can't remember yours."

Sakura tilted her head. "Oh so I have a love life?"

Kiba scoffed. "Not exactly. Just a love desire?"

Sakura rolled her eyes. "Well a simple crush shouldn't matter."

Hinata shook her head. "But it's not just some crush Sakura chan. It's a foundation of strength and intensity for you."

Sakura rolled the tips of her hair on her fingers. "I really don't get it."

Shino shrugged. "You will, in time. By the way, Allie told me to tell you that she misses you."

Sakura wiggled her eyebrows suggestively. "Ahuh."

Shino turned red. "I'm just saying."

Sakura leaped beside Shino. "Allie is such a serious girl isn't she? You should try to tempt her out of her shell."

Shino nodded. "Yeah. She's too serious. But I sense that it's all a façade, an attempt to have a level of control in life. It's fear of uncertainty more than anything else."

Kiba shook his head. "Who are you to lecture someone about being serious, Shino? You're a stone."

Shino frowned. "I am not. But even if I am, sometimes, you just want to try new things with the right person."

Silence.

Kiba yawned. "Well, that my folks is Shino's love confession."

Shino glared at Kiba. "It is not! It is an expression of concern for a dear friend!"

Sakura shrugged. "It doesn't matter. I totally ship them. And Allison has a fascination with bugs too. Perfect match. Done."

Hinata and Kiba nodded in agreement. Shino rolled his eyes and went back to his task.

Sakura turned to Kiba. "So what's that about Tamaki that Hinata was talking about?"

Kiba lifted his chin proudly. "Well, unlike these two, I'm not ashamed to say that I like Tamaki and that we've been going on dates."

Shino and Hinata glared at him. He grinned.

Shino raised his brows. "Is that so Kiba? Should I then let it slip to Tamaki that you like her?"

Kiba visibly paled.

Sakura giggled. "That would be so cute though. Dogs and Cats."

Kiba grinned. "Yeah. You know what they say, sometimes, it's not exactly what we're looking for that catches us. And yet it's the one that makes us the happiest."

Silence.

Shino snorted. "Who's the dork now."

Kiba leaped at Shino and wrestled him. Hinata laughed softly.

"If you live together, I wonder whose smell would dominate, cat smell or dog smell." Sakura wondered absently. Kiba rolled his eyes.

He pushed Shino away playfully and dusted himself off. "The dog smell of course. The man shall dominate!"

Hinata coughed. "But Kiba kun, I saw you carrying Tamaki chan's groceries the other day, while cradling her cats."

Kiba turned to her, exasperated. "Are you following us on our dates?!"

"Huh. It's only a date in your dreams." Shino said.

"It's only an adventure-with-the-right-person in YOUR dreams." Kiba mimicked.

They glared at each other. Then Kiba pounced on Shino to wrestle him again.

Hinata sighed. "Guys." But she was smiling at them in amusement.

And then she frowned, looking down at her feet.

"What's wrong Hinata?" Sakura asked, instantly noticing her mood. She whispered so the wrestling boys wouldn't hear.

Hinata shook her head. "I'm happy that Shino and Kiba seem happy with their love lives."

Sakura nodded in understanding. "Ahhh are you worried about yours?'

Hinata looked up at Sakura. "No. Of course not! It's not a primary focus. I'm a dedicated kunoichi and that will always be my priority."

Sakura smiled. "Of course. But it would still be nice if only…" She trailed off, knowing Hinata got it.

Hinata sighed again.

Sakura put a hand on Hinata's shoulder and beamed at her. "Well I think you stand a solid chance with Naruto. He's dense and he could be an idiot most of the time but I think there is no one else more fitting for him than you."

Hinata gasped, surprised. "W-Why do you think that S-Sakura Chan?" A blush was forming on her cheeks.

"Naruto is bright and blinding. While you are gentle and glowing." Sakura said, looking up at the sky. "There's Shino, like butterflies, he and Allie would transform into a new beautiful life. There's Kiba, love in polar opposites. Then there's you, the Sun and the Moon. I think it's perfect."

Sakura sighed dreamily.

Hinata smiled gratefully at Sakura, feeling more confident. It did sound perfect.

Sakura winked at her and proceeded to the boys.

Sakura went to the boys and pulled them apart.

"Well, I think I should stop distracting you guys so you could finish your mission early. I'll be going now! Ja ne!" She told them, raising a hand in farewell. She turned back to the village and started walking away.

"Thank you Sakura chan!" Hinata called after her. Sakura raised a thumbs up in the air without turning back.

Kiba looked at Sakura's retreating figure. "Well Sakura's different don't you think?"

Shino nodded. "I think she's the same in a lot of things. But yeah, she changed in a lot of ways too. Weird how she's clueless about love when all her life almost revolved around loving Sasuke and longing for him."

Hinata frowned. "That's not what the old Sakura was just about. She also cared about Naruto and her team. And she's compassionate, that's why she's a medic see?"

Kiba snorted. "Yeah yeah. But she's more fun to be around now yeah? She's just…so….free? I dunno. It's like she's not worried about anything. It's so….positive."

Shino shook his head. "I think it's all perspective. Allie says that there are a lot of things going on in the West and I bet Sakura is also worried. But she chose to focus on the good things around her."

Kiba whistled. "Well that's amazing."

Hinata nodded. "Yes. She's amazing."

JKSDHJSDHLKSDJKSFJLKSJFJJDLKSJDLSJDLKSJFL

On her way back, Sakura caught the sound of swift movement and loud thumping from another part of the forest. She quickly hurried to the source of sound, posing defensively and sneaking to the shadows to investigate.

It was just Lee and Tenten sparring.

"Oh, hey you guys!" Sakura called out to them, springing out of her hiding place.

Lee immediately turned to Sakura, his aura turning into vibrant pink with hearts sprouting out everywhere.

"It is you my Cherry Blossom! I knew you would soon be seeking this youthful strength I have, and I can only offer you all of me." Lee recited lovingly, opening his arms as he prepared himself to engulf her in a hug.

Sakura quickly sidestepped, leaving Lee to land face first on the ground.

"Uhhh No." Sakura said, stepping around Lee to stand beside Tenten. Tenten was frowning down at her teammate, her lips set in a disapproving scowl.

"Lee please behave yourself. You're so erratic!" Tenten scolded in a bitter tone. Sakura sensed that there's more to it than she was letting on. Tenten turned to Sakura with a stony smile.

"Forgive him Sakura. He doesn't mean any of it."

Lee leaped up to his feet gracefully, shaking his head. "But I mean it my love, pinkness of Konoha, you have all of me and you may do as you please with me."

Sakura saw Tenten's fists clenched. And she wasn't so sure whether Tenten was about to hit Lee or Sakura herself. Sakura started backing away from the two, with her hands up as a sign of surrender.

"Mmmmm I'll just leave you guys if I'm being a bother. I'm sorry."

Tenten's expression immediately softened. "Oh, no Sakura! I'm sorry. I was just having a bad day. It's okay. We're about to take a break anyway. Come over."

Sakura beamed as she skipped happily next to the two.

Lee looked like he was about to escort Sakura towards them but Tenten kneed him on the groin to keep him still.

"Ow! You are too harsh Ten. I admit, that youthful vigor is impressive. But that just hurt."

Tenten giggled, shaking her head at her silly teammate. Sakura watched them with amusement.

"You two are so cute! Have you two ever thought about dating?"

Tenten immediately turned red while Lee gasped.

"But Sakura, there is no one else for me but you and your beautiful cherry locks!"

Tenten was watching Lee with a sad expression as he said this, but when she realized that Sakura's eyes were on her, she immediately hid it. She turned her facial expression into anger.

"Lee you're so stupid." She just exclaimed, suddenly punching Lee.

"I thought we were on a break! You hit me twice already!" Lee complained, rubbing his head soothingly.

Tenten glared at Lee. "Well you were being stupid!"

Lee shook his head. "How I was being stupid? Declaring love for someone isn't stupid! It's a noble youthful expression!"

Tenten stomped her feet. "Of course it's stupid! Especially if the one you're confessing to probably never liked you! Most especially if he likes someone else!"

Silence.

"B-because…Sakura likes Sasuke! Right Sakura?!" Tenten stammered, realizing her weird little slips.

"Uhhhh…" Sakura responded uneasily.

Lee stood straight infront of Tenten. "It doesn't matter if she likes someone else. I would keep confessing my love as long as she is unattached. I would never know if I have a chance if I never try. I will keep trying until it's just over."

Tenten stared at Lee. "Even if she obviously doesn't like you right now?"

Lee nodded. "Love can always develop. We never really know. But what I know is the regret I will feel if I never tried."

Tenten stared at Lee, questions swimming in her eyes. While Lee stared back at her with determination.

Sakura cleared her throat. "Ummmm are we about to hear a confession?"

Tenten turned red to the roots. While Lee nodded at her enthusiastically.

"But of course my Sakura! I'll let you hear my confession again and again!"

"I wasn't talking about your confession." Sakura whispered under her breath, watching as Tenten pinched Lee's ear.

"So Tenten!" Sakura called to Tenten, halting the rising arguing between the two.

"Weren't you like Neji's girlfriend before?" Sakura asked curiously. Tenten sat down at the grass and pulled out a bottle of water from her bag. Lee did the same.

Tenten thought about Sakura's question. "Well." Tenten began. "Kinda. Not officially because of all the problems going on back then. What with the war and all. But we confessed to each other, yeah. Why Sakura? Did you remember that?"

Sakura nodded. "Flashes of memories come and go every now and then. I remember you, Lee. You're seriously hung up on me for some weird reason! I don't get it. You saw me once before chunnin exam, and you just love me after that!"

Lee smiled sweetly at Sakura. "Don't you believe in love at first sight? I can't really explain it."

"Besides." Tenten said, eyeing Sakura. "Weren't you the same? You saw him once and declared a friendship over."

Sakura's forehead creased. "What do you mean?"

Lee's mouth popped open. Tenten gasped. "Wait….Don't tell me. You remember about me and Neji, then Lee. But you don't remember about Sasuke?"

Sakura groaned. "For crying out loud! How is this related to Sasuke again? And yet nobody tells me just why the hell he's so relevant to me! Just tell me alright! I had it with all the suspense!"

Tenten frowned, thinking. "Well, I think they want you to remember it yourself. And I think they're right. We can't have you forcing your feelings just because your past self felt them."

Sakura raised her brows. "So it's got something to do with Sasuke and feelings?"

Tenten and Lee paused with bated breaths.

"Did he do something bad to me? Do I hate him that I developed myself due to my hatred of him? Hoping that someday, I'll beat him?"

Tenten looked at her incredulously. Lee started laughing.

"That was Sasuke's story! Not yours. How do you come up with that?" Tenten said, rolling her eyes in exasperation.

Sakura sighed. "STOP LAUGHING LEE. I can't figure it out. Usually I gain back my memories because I interact with people. Sasuke doesn't talk to me. The last time we talked, he told me he tried to kill me several times before. Not exactly a conversation warmer. Oh and by the way, what does he mean by that? Was he serious?"

Tenten pursed her lips and rubbed her chin. "I really don't know how to tell you anything about Sasuke without being a spoiler. But yeah, he did try to kill you before."

Sakura nodded. "I knew he was messed up somewhere in there."

Lee shook his head. "Don't say that Sakura. You are one of the people that Sasuke came home to. Precisely because you continued to believe in him. In his goodness. In his capacity to love and be loved."

Sakura blinked at Lee. "So Sasuke left. I knew there was a reason why Sai is my teammate too." She exhaled. "Look guys, I believe in Sasuke. Honestly. He is weird and scary, but I don't feel bothered around him. I didn't even feel scared when he said he tried to kill me. Maybe it's a manifestation of my old support for the guy."

Tenten smirked. "Oh it's a lot deeper than just that. But you'll figure it out Sakura."

Lee smiled widely at Sakura. "Yes you will! Because my Cherry Blossom is amazing!"

Sakura giggled. She was getting used to Lee and his affections. But then she caught Tenten throw her a sad look.

"Neji's gone right?" Sakura asked, just realizing how blunt the question was, and starting to look horrified. Tenten smiled though.

"He is. But Lee helped me pull through. He was always there for me when I would start to break down. And he really pushed me out of my sadness shell. I don't know, Lee's kind of a constant to me now." Tenten said, nudging Lee affectionately. Sakura sensed the warning in Tenten's tone. Sakura tried not to shiver. Of course she had no intentions of taking Lee away! She didn't see Lee like that! He was funny and sweet but she couldn't look at him that way. It just felt wrong!

Lee grinned at Tenten. "Of course Ten! You're my most precious friend!"

Uh Oh! Man he's just like Sai. Sakura thought, watching Tenten's expression still into a cold silence. Sakura swallowed uneasily.

Then suddenly, Tenten punched Lee so hard that Sakura almost expected Lee's head to roll off. Lee was thrown off his seat and landed flat on the ground. Tenten stood up, shaking in anger and started to walk away.

Sakura sighed. Okay, here goes nothing. Sakura disappeared from her spot, and instantly appeared infront of Tenten.

"Sorry, Tenten. I have to do this." Then she pressed a palm to a sensitive spot on Tenten's neck which paralyzed Tenten all over. Sakura pushed Tenten back to a tree gently, and got a rope and a red kunai from Tenten's pouch.

"You know this rope and kunai right? As the weapons mistress, and as you have this in your pouch, then you know what it would do?" Sakura asked Tenten, who could do nothing but stare at Sakura helplessly, questions swimming in her eyes.

"Nothing can cut this rope but this kunai. Having said that," Sakura put the Kunai in Tenten's palms and wrapped the rope around her torso down to her arms, so that her hand with the kunai was covered with the rope too. "Noone else would be able to cut this rope off but you. I hit a sensitive spot on your neck, but strong willpower can snap you out of it. Break away from it with sheer mental strength. Otherwise, you will watch me beat up Lee until he's black and blue."

Lee finally snapped out of his daze from being punched by Tenten and found her all tied up with Sakura standing over her.

"Sakura! What the hell is going on?" Lee demanded, immediately leaping infront of Tenten. Sakura leaped back so that she was in some distance away from the two.

"Resuming your training Lee." Sakura answered smoothly. "I gave Tenten a challenge so she can break away from those ropes. You, on the other hand, have a different challenge. While Tenten is all paralyzed like that, I'm going to attack her with the intention to kill. Protect her at all costs."

Lee blinked, the situation dawning on him. Then he grinned at Sakura with excitement in his eyes.

"Alright! The power of youth spreads on all of us! Give it all you've got Sakura! I will protect my teammate with my life."

Sakura smirked. "Ahh. You think this is a game? Okay, watch your teammate die."

Sakura disappeared, then appeared infront of Tenten with a kunai in her hand. Lee was just as quick as her, appearing beside her and blocking Sakura's arms. Sakura swiped at Lee's legs, which Lee quickly avoided. But while Sakura was swiping at Lee's legs, she had also already thrown her kunai to Tenten. Lee quickly noticed it and deflected the kunai. But another kunai, hidden by the one Lee deflected was coming, and Lee barely had enough time to deflect it. But he managed to do that.

Sakura is fast! She's almost as fast as me when I don't have my weights on! Lee thought, turning to grin at Sakura. But all of that was just a diversion after all. Because Sakura's act of swiping at Lee's legs was not really that, she swiped to throw a thin needle to Tenten's legs, and made it look like she was just attacking Lee. Then she made it look like a diversion when she throw one visible kunai and one hidden kunai behind it, to make them look like the main attack. But in reality, the first swipe was the real attack and everything else was a diversion. The needle buried itself deep in Tenten's legs.

Lee gasped, watching Tenten almost shiver in pain, and her eyes widen with panic. Lee immediately pulled the needle out. It was dripping with a violet liquid.

"IT'S POISIONED!" Lee yelled, looking at Sakura with horrified eyes.

Sakura nodded dismissively. "I will only heal it if Tenten frees herself. In the meantime, I will come up with the same attacks. I will increase the level of poison with every strike. Every level will shorten Tenten's life faster and faster."

Lee gasped. "Sakura you can't be serious! This is Tenten's life we are talking about! This is a ridiculous training."

"Less talk More work." Then Sakura disappeared. Lee's heart seemed to jump out of his ribcage as Sakura appeared next to Tenten again, kunai striked high for a kill. Lee only caught up with enough time to stray the attack away, but it still grazed Tenten's cheeks.

Sakura was serious about this.

"Tick tock Lee. Every tick is Tenten's life."

Lee ran infront of Tenten. "You are not to touch her any longer." He said firmly, his eyes strictly focused on Sakura and her movements.

Sakura smirked. "We'll see."

Then they started to clash, so fast that Tenten couldn't really see them move anymore. They were just blurs of colors in front of her. She could hear their brief contacts of punches and brief clashes of weapons, but that's just about it. Sakura wasn't kidding, her kunais were poisoned. She could still feel the immense sting of the two that stroke her. But she also felt her body weakening, in response to the poison.

Tenten shivered. She could really die. Sakura's eyes had asked her to trust in Sakura. But she was ultimately frightened as of the moment. She could really die with this. The poison was working too fast. She was trying to do what Sakura said she should do, sheer will. But it was difficult. Amidst all the pain and confusion, it was hard to just will herself to move. Only her eyeballs can move, her nose wouldn't even expand to let her heave and breath. She was trying, but it was getting harder every second. She was dying, and it consumed her thoughts and concentration.

Lee could feel Tenten suffering, and his heart leaped every time Sakura would almost bypass him and get a weapon near Tenten. He threw a glance over his shoulder to look at Tenten, her eyes were wide with fright.

"Sakura." Lee growled, feeling anger course through his system. He never felt so angry all his life. Not even when he lost feeling in his arm and leg. This was Tenten, and he couldn't bear to see her shaking helplessly, her eyes begging for him to help her. All shriveled up in the hands of a crazy enemy. This was Tenten, precious Tenten who would smile at him brightly and comfortingly in the hot summers when he pushed himself too hard. She would bring him refreshments and towels, but she would encourage him to do his best, believing in his capacity to push further. Tenten, who would smack him in the head when he did something wrong, but concern and worry would blaze in her eyes. Tenten who would pick a fight with the biggest men who would make fun of him. Tenten who stood infront of him when he was unconscious in one of their missions. Tenten almost died, handling it alone. But she didn't give in. She stood there, protecting him, until the sun came up. She didn't fall to exhaustion until he finally opened his eyes. This was his Tenten, and he wouldn't let anything harm her, not even Sakura.

"This kunai has the strongest poison as of the moment. It will end the life of a person in 10 minutes. Tell me Lee, who should die?" Sakura said seriously. She performed a jutsu with one hand and covered a large area with blue fire, melting everything it touches. On the other side, she threw a thousand needles licked with that poison she was talking about. There was only one side that she didn't touch, and it would be the safest spot for Lee to jump to, to avoid the fire and the needles. True, the fire wouldn't reach Tenten at that distance, but the needles would. It was a trap. The fire was meant for Lee to jump to safety, to the spot Sakura didn't touch. But if he did, then he would be allowing the needles to penetrate Tenten.

Without a second thought, Lee avoided the fire, but he jumped towards the spot of the needles, sacrificing himself and getting struck with countless needles to block them from getting to Tenten. The poison immediately hit his system. He fell face first to the ground, unconscious from the hard blow of the poison coursing through his body.

Sakura looked at Tenten's alarmed eyes. "I won't heal him unless you break free Tenten. You have 10 minutes. Then he's gone forever."

Tenten's heart stopped, as she watched Lee who caught all the killing needles for her. She was looking at him when he decided to do just that, and she saw the spark of concern, worry, and determination in his eyes as he made the final leap to his death just to save her. But there was something deeper in them that made her almost forget where they were and what was going on. It almost looked like a spark of emotion that she never saw in him when he looked at her before.

It was almost like….the way Neji looked at her before. Only this time, it was even more intense, mixed with confusion and a lot of things, but it was truly there.

NO! MOVE YOU STUPID BODY! I AM NOT GOING TO LET HIM DIE! NOT NOW WHEN HE ALREADY REALIZED THAT….

In that instant, Tenten was finally able to shake her body. The feeling of life down her muscles was such a relief that she almost danced first before anything else. But she felt the key kunai in her hands, and quickly ripped the rope apart.

"THERE SAKURA! NOW HEAL HIM! NOW!" Tenten screamed, leaping next to Lee's body and tears streaming down her face as she looked at his brittle form.

"You are also dying Tenten. You had 2 strikes. You should die in a few minutes too." Sakura said in a curious voice.

Tenten glowered at Sakura. "I. DO. NOT. CARE. Heal him first. If it kills me…tell him that I…that I…mmm…."

Sakura chuckled, which almost made Tenten strangle Sakura right there and then.

But Sakura raised a finger to calm her. And then Sakura snapped her fingers. Suddenly, all the needles sticking in Lee's body disappeared. The hazy feeling that Tenten was feeling because of the poison also disappeared. Her wounds disappeared as well. Lee also suddenly got up, eyes wide open, and mouth hanging in surprise.

Tenten couldn't help it. The first thing she did was engulf Lee in a big tight hug as she sobbed on his shoulders. Surprisingly, Lee also wrapped his arms around her and hugged her as tight as he could as well, rubbing his face on Tenten's hair in a wave of relief and hysteria at having her back.

Sakura smiled at them. Mission accomplished.

"It was Genjutsu." Tenten said a while later when they both calmed down. Sakura rolled her eyes.

"Of course it was genjutsu! How horrible do you think I am that I would actually allow you to be in the brink of death!" Sakura exclaimed, clearly offended.

Lee frowned at her. "But it felt so real. I could feel the pain and all."

Sakura shrugged. "You were unharmed. All the pain is in your head. It's all about making the brain believe that it was painful. Then it will be painful."

Lee beamed at the both of them. "Well it was a good exercise nonetheless! I felt my youthful spirit go all out in that battle! Al though I am not very sure what it did for us in training."

Sakura smirked. "Oh it did something."

Tenten smiled at Sakura and winked. "Yeah it surely did." She scooted closer to Lee, who affectionately held her hand and squeezed it.

Sakura got up, feeling satisfied. "Well, I'll be going now. Have fun you two!"

"Oh, Sakura!" Tenten called after her as she started walking away. Sakura turned to Tenten and tilted her head. Tenten grinned at her.

"You will find it too. And with a bang, knowing you."

Sakura's brows raised. "Find what?"

Tenten gaped at her. "How can you be so perceptive about me and be completely dense on yours!"

Lee started laughing. Sakura lifted her shoulders. "I don't know what you're talking about. Anyway, Ja ne!"

Tenten turned to Lee. "Do you really think she'll get it? She's almost as dense as Naruto!"

Lee looked at her blankly. "Get what?"

Tenten froze. But Lee smiled softly at her and ruffled her hair. Tenten knew that he actually got it as she smiled back.

JDSFKJSDHLFJKDHFJKDHFDHFKJDGFKJDSGFJD

Sakura was now just walking aimlessly, her books still under her arms, and deep in thought about where she can peacefully read her books. Miraculously, her books were still in good form despite all the ruckus earlier. She sighed. Those Teams were in love situations. It was interesting. She always loved sweet love stories after all. She was completely lacking in that department so she compensated by helping others. She was one big hopeless romantic after all. She didn't know why but she just craved a healthy dose of romance every now and then.

Despite the variety of choices she had at the West, no one really interested her. She had fan boys here and there, and it seemed like there was a fan boy club starting here now as well. But no one felt like anything for her. They were all friends for her. It was a hard feeling to get rid of. She was like friend zoning everyone. Except Sasuke. Sasuke was supposed to be a teammate and all but she just didn't feel like being friends with him. For some unfathomable reason, she cared for him but she also knew that they weren't really friends. She briefly wondered what it all meant. And what everyone meant.

She sighed. She didn't want to think about Sasuke because it hurt her head.

Just then, she bumped into a huge figure who came out of nowhere and stood infront of her.

"Sakura!" Chouji yelled at her, lifting her up in a hug.

"Ow! Hey Chouji! You surprised me!" Sakura said, wincing at Chouji's tight hug.

"So we can still surprise you? You're always on alert ever since you came back. We won't bite." Shikamaru said good naturedly from the sides, watching her with amusement.

Chouji put Sakura down. Sakura patted her clothes to remove the creases. "I was just thinking about something. Oh hey! I was promoted to doctor last week! Let's celebrate! My treat!"

Chouji gasped then lifted Sakura again into a wiggly hug this time. "Now we're talking! You're an angel in my eyes Sakura!"

Sakura giggled as she was carried by Chouji towards Yakiniku, team 10's barbecue place. Shikamaru sighed.

"Chouji, you're making a spectacle. This is so troublesome."

Chouji barked out a laugh. "Come on Shikamaru, Sakura's treating us to barbecue! What's not to be happy about!"

Shikamaru shook his head in exasperation. But he turned to Sakura with a smirk. "I hope you know what you're getting into."

Sakura looked at Chouji and eyed his big form. She smirked back at Shikamaru. "Oh I do. I just really feel like eating barbecue all of a sudden and I want to do that with friends."

Shikamaru shrugged. "Your paycheck."

This was all a surprise for Shikamaru actually. Chouji was one of the kindest person he knew, but he was also very shy. He wouldn't just man handle anyone, and he was particularly conscious about his weight so a display of his strength was also not his usual demeanor. This marked one of the changes about Sakura ever since she returned.

Sakura and Chouji laughed at his earlier remark. Soon, they were sitting comfortably in the restaurant and Chouji was swallowing barbecue so fast that he looked like a vacuum.

Sakura watched Chouji with a small smile on her face. "Ahhh but food is the greatest love of all."

Chouji nodded enthusiastically as he inhaled more food. Shikamaru chuckled, shaking his head as he ate his food in his own pace, lazily and comfortably. He looked at Sakura.

"So Sakura, how are things for you?" Shikamaru asked her interestedly. He had been keeping an eye on her for a while. They all spent years just looking for her and while it was true that all of them are relieved and happy that she was home, necessary precautions had to take place. She could have been a spy for all they know, wiped off of memories and used as a weapon against Konoha. So he was keeping an eye on her.

Sakura had been suspicious. She was obviously different and she was radiating power, more than what she could ever handle in the past. Her stance spoke volumes, obviously in control. She didn't have a care in the world. For others, it would just seem like she had gotten more confident. But Shikamaru knew that it was really because Sakura wasn't scared at all. She knew that if a fight broke, she would win. And that aura confused Shikamaru, because for someone who had been thrown to a village that was knew to her, she should have been wary or at least a little nervous. But this one was all "out there." More than confidence, it was the air of a person who trusted their skills a lot to know that there was nothing to worry about. And after her sudden teamwork with Naruto and Sasuke with that Corpo Seco, she should have at least been oriented at just how strong Konoha could wbe, hat with her show with their 2 strongest fighters. But no, she was comfortable.

She was happy…too happy in Shikamaru's opinion, for someone who just discovered the greater half of her life, yanked away from the West, the city she grew accustomed to, and exposed to memories that she might not be prepared for. She was generally jolly, no tantrums or temper runs, just happy. It was almost scary because Sakura was known for her short temper.

But what ultimately lead to Shikamaru's true judgment was the pointlessness of it all. Sakura exuded power and yet acted like a noob in pretending, if she was pretending at all. A true spy would have at least made an effort to not be so different. She would have acted more confused about the scenario, and even acted scared. This one just wanted to do whatever she wanted to do. She immediately jumped to things her mind was set to, and indulge into it with excitement and thrill. But also because Sakura still acted that way even when he wasn't watching. The villagers talked about her as if she was some hero. The past Sakura was, but this one was glorified because of her kindness and quirky character that made her a joy to be around with.

Also, upon closer investigation, Shikamaru figured that the joy attitude was her means to welcome her past life back to her. Beneath her smiles was the worry about what would happen next, but she welcomed it bravely with open arms. That was why she was set to loving the village she had forgotten. That was why she was instantly attached to the villagers, because she looked on them as if they were the family she yearned for so long.

It was that kind of character that made Shikamaru decide that this girl was no spy. She was Sakura through and through, plagued with obvious changes, and yet the essentials remain; love, wit, care, bravery, and determination. She may be strong, but it all fit in.

Of course, it was still too early to drop his doubts. But as of now, he would give her the benefit of the doubt to make her comfortable in easing her way back to her life.

Sakura thought about his question. "Konoha is becoming clearer in my head everyday." She said after a while. "Although I do feel like I'm still missing some essential parts. But we can work on It right?"

Underneath the jolly tone was the genuine worry, as Shikamaru noticed. So he nodded at Sakura. "Well, I have nothing else to do so why not."

Chouji patted Sakura's head. "We'll all help you Sakura. Soon, you would start hitting all of us again."

Shikamaru chuckled. "I'm glad you still don't remember."

"Aww guys don't be like that! I wasn't that violent right?" Sakura insisted, lightly tapping Shikamaru's hand and Chouji's hand to prove her point. Chouji flinched, expecting Sakura to actually smack his head.

Shikamaru laughed. "Well there you go."

Sakura rolled her eyes. "Keep it up and I'll run straight out of this shop without paying. Then you'd have to wash the dishes."

Shikamaru snorted. "Oh please, as if you can outrun the both of us." He played along. Of course, Sakura used to hate to be called weak. Perhaps this might trigger some sort of memory.

Sakura paused, her eyes glazing for a few seconds, before she turned to face Shikamaru with a mischievous grin. "Is that a challenge. Nara?"

Chouji pushed Shikamaru back in his chair. "Stop it Shikamaru. That's my angel you're talking to."

Sakura giggled. "Don't let Karui hear you."

Chouji suddenly stopped moving. Shikamaru laughed.

"Why are you guys always teasing me about Karui?!" Chouji complained, pausing momentarily from his meal to scowl at them.

Sakura looked at Chouji with an amused expression as she continued eating. Shikamaru shrugged.

"If I have to spend one more time with that troublesome girl…"

Chouji rolled his eyes. "Noone said that you can come along when I go to Kumogakure!"

"The question is, why you even have to go to Kumogakure in the first place!" Shikamaru demanded, looking exasperated.

Chouji glared at him. "Oh yeah! Why do you go to Sunagakure!"

Sakura raised a hand to stop both of them. "Alright enough you two. Conclusion, you two both have a girlfriend."

"What?! How was that the conclusion?!"

"Tsk. Troublesome. How is that logical at all?"

The two boys complained, scowling indignantly at her. Sakura giggled. "Was it Temari, Shikamaru?"

Chouji nodded with a wink at Sakura. "Lover boy says it's because she's ambassador or something. Lies."

Shikamaru raised his brows. "Well Lover boy says it's because there's some yummy barbecue place at Kumogakure! That was the real Lie!"

Chouji just laughed. "Alright. I like Karui. She's very nice and she can cook like hell. And I do appreciate you coming with me to visit her Shikamaru. But don't worry yourself too much."

Shikamaru sighed. Chouji had always been sweet and kind, even to him even when he was obviously picking a fight.

Sakura squealed. "Awwww you two are going to be so adorable Chouji!"

Chouji frowned at Sakura. "But you haven't even met her yet."

Sakura lifted her shoulders in a shrug. "yeah but because you're in it, It will always be adorable."

Chouji smiled sweetly. "Thank you Sakura chan."

Sakura smirked. "That wasn't for free. Race me to eat, if you lose, you'll pay!"

Chouji grinned wide. "Sakura, you're the one that's adorable. GAME ON!"

Then they actually started to race food.

Shikamaru sighed again, looking out the window, up at the clouds, as the two beside him try to shove as much food as they can in their mouth. This was too troublesome. But it was a nice day, nonetheless, watching them start to go red in the face.

In the end, Chouji won, which was no surprise really. But Chouji said he was really challenged, but Shikamaru wasn't sure if he was just being nice. Sakura was beaming at Chouji as she told him that racing him was really fun.

Then Sakura turned to Shikamaru. "Let's play shogi! If I beat you, then you pay!"

Shikamaru raised an eyebrow at her antics. Why would she offer to treat them and then try as hard as she can to pass paying?

But Shikamaru relented. It was an off day so he carried his shogi board around in his bag, just incase he was bored. He set up the pieces and confidently ushered Sakura to make the first move.

Of course, Shikamaru won. Although to Sakura's credit, Shikamaru was almost sure at one part that Sakura was going to win. She was loads smarter and she came at him so unexpectedly that he almost fell to her traps and subtle goading. Of course, he saw through it just in time and managed to move his pieces to prevent her from winning. If he just a tad less smart, she would have totally beaten him. At the end of the game, Shikamaru stared questioningly at Sakura.

Sakura seemed to understand. "I was always team leader at the West. I need to always make the right calls with carefully planned strategies."

Ahhhh how troublesome for her, Shikamaru thought. Of course, strategizing had always been his line of work. But he knew just how stressing it could be. Especially if lives depend so much on your strategy. He saw a flash of strain in Sakura's eyes, and he knew that those moments of life and death and wits bothered the hell out of her.

He smiled at her sympathetically. Sakura saw it and smiled back. Without saying anything, they knew they shared the same burden.

Soon, Sakura stood up. "Anyway, I have to get going! I still really want to finish these books."

Chouji beamed at her. "Come eat with us any time okay?"

Sakura chuckled. "Yeah but I won't be paying next time!"

Chouji pretended to look affronted, but it melted away with a joking smile as he waved Sakura off fondly. Sakura gave a high five to Chouji while she graciously winked at Shikamaru before she started walking away.

That was the thing too, Shikamaru mused. Sakura was so much more likable. You couldn't help but love her. Chouji's display of affections which were rare was just one indication. It was all a part of a grand charm, but then again, perhaps it was just the village welcoming Sakura in kind as well.

"I like her." Shikamaru decided in the end. There was something unique about Sakura now that made him want to trust his life to her, even if she was admittedly worried about it.

Chouji nodded in agreement. "Me too. Although the old Sakura was never far awar."

Shikamaru shook his head in amusement as a memory of head pounding Sakura invaded their heads.

KDDFJLKDJFLKDJFLKDJSLKFJKLDSFJLKDJFL

She finally decided to settle her reading underneath a Sakura tree. It was not only peaceful and nice, it was also a little symbolic for her. She looked like she was part of the tree because of her hair. She settled herself and wiggled in place beneath the tree as she opened her book contentedly.

But suddenly, several voices interrupted her senses.

"I could have sworn I saw Sakura around here."

"Where? I am going to ask her on a date."

"What do you mean? I'LL be the one to ask her."

"Oh she wouldn't go out with two idiots like you."

"WHAT DID YOU SAY?"

"Obviously she wouldn't go out with any of you because she will go out with me."

"Noone will go out with you. She will go with me."

"NO ME!"

"ME"

Sakura immediately whipped her head to the source of voices. Sakura paled.

Fan boys.

Most of the time, she found them adorable. After all, she respected a man who was honest about his feelings. So she never shot them down unkindly. But she did make it clear that she wasn't interested. Of course, that didn't waver the boys. And she didn't mind that they continue crushing on her as long as they knew her deal.

But she wasn't really in the mood right now. She had been itching to read her book since forever.

And now they were coming neared.

They were just a couple of meters away from her tree now.

She cursed under her breath as she pressed herself flat against her tree.

"Oh men." She complained to the winds, when suddenly, a low grunt spoke came from her side.

Her head immediately snapped to her sides. Sitting beside her under the tree with a stoic expression on his face as he regarded her silently was the man who had the most infuriating black eyes she had ever seen. He was staring at her with annoyance, like always.

"Hn." He said, calling her attention. To her surprise, her mind immediately translated the nonsense word. What are you doing here?

Sakura opened her mouth in disbelief.

"What am I doing here? What are YOU doing here, Uchiha Sasuke?"

A/N: So I know the meeting with everyone is supposed to end with this chapter. But I'm already at page 23 in word and I realized that I haven't formally made the Sasuke meeting. They met during Ino's. But they didn't exactly have a moment together. I'll write it next chapter then proceed with the Team 7's mission. Anyway, make some reviews to comment. Don't mind some mistakes okay? I'll edit it soon.