Quick prequel to 'You Must Believe in Spring' outlining Sakura's backstory. In this AU, Sakura graduates from the academy and then moves to Suna. The story counts down to her departure from Konoha and then up from her arrival in Suna.

Sakura of the Sand
Twelve Weeks Before

"What is it like in Suna?"

Iruka looks up from his desk in surprise. The rest of her classmates have flown out of the room, ready to get home. She had hung back at the door, hesitating before blurting out the question.

"In Suna? Other than hot?" he jokes. It isn't unusual for his brightest student to ask questions after class, but she is never this hesitant about it. Something in her expression makes him shift his approach.

"Suna is three days travel from here, in the Land of Wind. It is one of the five original hidden villages, and has long been known for their strong and resilient shinobi. After the Fourth Shinobi War, their ties to Konoha were particularly strong, and we have been good allies ever since. The Fifth Kazekage was instrumental in the formation of the Allied Shinobi Force, and the Suna ASF base is highly regarded. They still have a Kazekage as a village head; you know that here in Konoha the leader was called the Hokage?"

She gives her small nod – not her usual level of enthusiasm, but enough to urge him on.

"As time went on, Konoha expanded the council and the role of Hokage fell out of use. It has evolved into the honorary title for the director of the Konoha ASF branch. Master Sarutobi is still very involved in the village, but not like same capacity as the Kazekage is in his."

Sakura nods again, mutely, and Iruka can tell she is cataloging all of the information as he speaks.

"And… and you said the Suna branch of the ASF is highly regarded?"

"Very much, so. It is consistently ranked as one of the top three in the Allied Shinobi Nations," Iruka continues. The one here in Konoha is the biggest, but our village has the most natural resources to support a civilian population. Suna has grown, but not to the extent that Konoha has. To do as much as it does with as little as it has is impressive."

"And, they still train shinobi?" Sakura asks absently.

"Of course," Iruka affirms. "Just like we do here in Konoha. The ASF is a main employer, but we still maintain our own shinobi forces for village needs and missions. Genin teams develop into Chunin and Jonin teams; even if the members go on to the ASF or other jobs, they still train together, and are expected to log time at least once a month with the village. It is what helps keep our village and the Allied Shinobi Nations safe."

"We have more civilians now," Sakura says, looking out of the window. "Neither of my parents are practicing shinobi. They have civilian jobs with the ASF."

"True," he allows, "But the ASF classifies positions as "civilian" because of the type of work being done, not the qualification of the person doing it. Both of your parents graduated from the academy – just as you shall do soon. Will they be coming to the graduation ceremony?"

Sakura nods.

"They must be so proud of all you have accomplished," he says warmly. "You are one of the brightest pupils that has come through this school, and you have the makings of a fine kunoichi. Whatever path you take, I know you are going to make Konoha - and the rest of us – very proud."

She tries for a wan smile, and the single tear that slides down her cheek is too fast for her to stop, or to escape his notice.

"Sakura," Iruka's voice is kind, as he hands her a tissue "What is it? Nerves before graduation are completely normal, you know."

"I know," she gives a rough half laugh and presses the tissue to the corner of her eye.

He puts a gentle hand on her shoulder – a reassuring and kind presence.

"You don't have to tell me if you aren't comfortable, but my door is always open, Sakura."

"It's my dad," she breathes.

"Is he ill?"

"No, no," Sakura shakes her head. "No, it's silly to be upset, it's just…" she finally meets his eyes, and he can see the sheen of tears she refuses to shed. "He's being transferred to the ASF in Suna. We're moving pretty much right after graduation. I…I heard their genin program was disrupted a few years back after a natural disaster. I'm not even sure if they are taking new genin, but if they are, it isn't likely they will accept a new girl from Konoha over a Suna native."

"One," Iruka ticks off one finger. "It isn't silly to be upset. It is a major life change at a turning point in your studies and shinobi training; your reaction and what you are feeling are both valid. Two: Yes, Suna's genin program was been disrupted, but it has made remarkable strides in these last few yeears. Three: As your father is transferring for the ASF, you, as his child, are given a priority for consideration in applying for genin placement, which means Four: this evaluation," he pulled a packet of papers out of his desk and let them thunk on the desk, "now makes much more sense."

Sakura's eyes widen at the sight of the stack of papers. "What is that?"

"That is the most comprehensive evaluation of a genin I have ever been asked to provide," he nods to the paper. "It covers just about every imaginable question that could be asked about a student. There are extensive records, scores, tests, letters of recommendation, and other such things that I have never seen amassed in this quantity."

Sakura's eyebrows draw together, and Iruka knows her nimble mind is struggling to accept the conclusion it has reached.

"And why does that make more sense now?"

"Because these are all about you, Sakura."

"Me?" she blinks.

"Why me?"

"Can't say I'm sure," he admits, "but when the Hokage himself brings you this extensive of a file on a - and I quote - "a clearly exceptional student," and asks that you complete your part of it, you don't ask many questions."

Sakura's eyes shine with a mix of awe, and incredulity.

"You know what I think?" Iruka leans over the desk and whispers. "I think that this," he puts a finger on the stack of paper, "is all part of the recommendation to fast track you into the Suna genin program. Much of this paperwork is from outside of Konoha – it wouldn't be on my desk if you weren't a serious contender for a spot."

"Do you really think so?"

"I do," he stands with a fond smile. "Naturally all of this," he picks up the papers and puts them away "is confidential and I can't share it with you, but I can tell you this: nothing gets wasted in Suna. The people are efficient in all things, and treat all resources conservatively, from water and paper to time and energy. If I already have a file that size, and the bulk of it was generated by Suna, then it is going to be filled out and filed when it returns to Suna. They wouldn't expend the energy or the time if the file was going to be rejected. I think," he smiles, "that you are going to graduate from the Academy in relatively short order, with one of the highest scores we've seen in decades, and that you are going to be admitted to Suna's genin program within days of you moving there. They don't assign teams right away – not like we do here," he is quick to assure her. "So, when you start, you will be on your own for a while, but they encourage open training."

"What else?"

The spark that is Sakura – the natural intelligence and curiosity – glints in her eyes, and Iruka's heart swells with pride. He motions to the chair next this desk, and she takes it, eagerly, rummaging through her bag for a notebook and pencil. In seconds she is poised and ready, and Iruka takes his seat.

When he finishes, the Sakura he knows is back – and it is that Sakura that he is certain is going to make Suna sit up and pay attention.

**Next installment: 10 weeks before.**