Chapter 1: Determination

Sakura sat in front of her vanity, and stared at herself in the mirror. As she scrutinized her appearance, she wondered if she should put on makeup. Yeah right. Most kunoichi didn't even own makeup, because sweat and injuries would always ruin their hard work during missions. Makeup was only for those who were weak, those who didn't risk their lives on an everyday basis.

Sakura was not that kind of girl. She had been, once. But that was a long time ago, when she was a useless girl who couldn't do anything except cry. That Sakura was gone now, forced to grow up so that she wouldn't be left behind by the harsh reality.

The love-blind, scared Sakura was a Sakura that no longer existed, but instead was replaced by a Sakura who had trained relentlessly everyday so that she would not fall behind anyone ever again, even Naruto. The new Sakura was stronger, both physically and mentally, thanks to disciplining herself relentlessly for years. Her name was known everywhere, as someone who had surpassed the Fifth Hokage.

Today, she would settle everything herself. Sound had declared war on Konoha, and they were being led by none other than Uchiha Sasuke. Naruto was unfortunately out in a distant land for a mission, so Sakura had volunteered without a moment's hesitation to lead the troops and to confront Sasuke.

Flashback

Tsunade raised her eye at the sight of Sakura raising her hand to nominate herself in being the leader of the mission. "Is there anyone else who would like to volunteer?" she asked.

All the ninjas gathered in the room immediately turned their gazes to the floor in shame. It was an understandable reaction, to put it straightforwardly. Everyone was scared of war, especially because the enemy included Uchiha Sasuke, an S-rated criminal. No one wanted to plunge into an almost guaranteed death.

Tsunade sighed. She turned to look at her student once more, only to see determined eyes that did not waver.

"Alright," she grumbled. "Sakura will be the leader. Sound will be attacking in three days' time, so all of you prepare. I wish you luck. Everyone is dismissed. Sakura, stay"

Everyone shuffled out of the Hokage's office, until only a pink haired kunoichi was left with her blonde teacher.

"Sakura…" Tsunade started, but she was cut off by her precious student.

"Shishou, I can do this," said Sakura, in an earnest voice. "It has to be me… I want to be the one to finish him off. I'm not the weak little crybaby anymore. And I can't always depend on Naruto to save me. Besides, it would be a disgrace to Shishou if her only student was to go down so easily. I'll prove to them that they can't underestimate the world's best medic-nin" she finished off with a wink.

Tsunade sighed once again. Suddenly, she was overcome with emotion and went to hug Sakura. Sakura was like her own daughter, and she understand Sakura's pain more than anyone else. After all, she lost her love as well… She didn't want Sakura to suffer anymore.

"Do you still love him?" whispered Tsunade as she peeled herself away from Sakura and stared into her eyes. Sakura smiled sadly.

"Don't worry about me," she whispered back and forced a fake smile. She released herself from Tsunade's grip and disappeared through the door.

Tsunade watched her vanish from her sight, and her shoulders dropped as if a heavy weight had been dropped on top, her eyes crinkling in worry.

-end flashback

Sakura decided to put on a tinted chapstick. The color was very faint, almost unnoticeable, and lip balms didn't count as makeup because they were actually an essential. She gazed at herself and smiled one last time, as if trying to convince herself that everything would go alright.

"Channaro!" she shouted as she stood up and prepared to leave to the meeting spot.