Caged Fox Part 5 Sakura's Resolve

A/N: Hey everyone, as I said on my last chapter the chapters, will change from Naruto to Sakura this one will focus on Sakura and this is the start of Sakura's wake up call and resolve to change the talk with Jiraiya and Kakashi on Naruto's behalf. This will take place at the same time as the last chapter.

Kyūbi Talking/Jutsu's

'Naruto Talking to Kyūbi/Sakura Talking to Inner Self'

'Inner Thoughts'

Inner Sakura

Disclaimer: I don't own Naruto just this story

Sakura sits up in bed, she thought a lot during the night she climbs out of her bed and looks in the mirror she looks a mess she cried a lot before she finally fell asleep luckily her mother didn't bother her that wouldn't have been good for her.

She quickly gets dressed she needs to find Kakashi-sensei and this Jiraiya person, she needs to inform them of Naruto's message, she leaves the house she'll speak to her mum when she gets back, she has no idea where either will be so just looking around the village will have to do.

She's been searching for over two hours when she finally finds Kakashi-sensei and some old man with a weird hairstyle talking so she starts to walk towards them.

Kakashi rubs his chin "So you haven't found Naruto, he should be home if he's not at home he'd either be training or at Ichiraku's eating he pretty much mainlines Ramen."

Jiraiya sighs "No he wasn't at home and from what I saw he never slept in his bed and I went to this Ichiraku's the owner said he hasn't seen him since the Hokage's funeral, I guess I'll start checking the training grounds."

Kakashi then sees Sakura approaching them and is confused she seems different her eyes are puffy like she's been crying Sasuke must have turned her down again but it's a bit early and they weren't supposed to meet up today.

Jiraiya seems to notice Kakashi's distraction and looks over his shoulder and sees a girl with Pink hair must be one of Kakashi's students.

Sakura finally stops beside them "You must be Jiraiya correct."

Kakashi looks at Sakura "Why would you ask that Sakura."

Jiraiya just pats Kakashi on the shoulder "It's OK, yes Sakura is it, I am Jiraiya why do you ask."
She sighs "I was given a message from Naruto."

Jiraiya looks confused and also curious as he hasn't found him yet "A message from Naruto have you seen him."

She nods "Yesterday, You won't find him he left the village yesterday." Kakashi and Jiraiya look shocked so she continues. "He told me some things before he left he told me that the Naruto you knew was a fake, he hid his true abilities from everyone, he said not even the Hokage knew how strong he was, he said he's not even a Genin he said he's probably close to a Chūnin or maybe even a Jōnin."

"He said other things, he hates the village, he said training with you Jiraiya for the month before the finals was one of the worst months of his life, he hates you both, because he knows who his parents are and hates you both for keeping it from him."

"He knows your his godfather and the fact you never once visited him you never once left a scroll for him or checked up on him, he knew you were the Spymaster but you didn't do anything."

She sighs "It means he hates you more than anyone, and I don't blame him for hating you, you could have done more but I'm not trying to argue with you because I could have done more also, I was mean to him but yet he always stuck by me even when he really shouldn't have."

She then looks at Kakashi "He said you were his father's student but you did nothing he said his parents took you in and became second parents to you, yet you treated him like shit, and although I hate to say something so vulgar he said you would rather shove your cock up Sasuke's arse then train me and him, not that he needed training It seems, I can tell there was more but he had things to do and places to be."

"He said his parents would be disgusted with both of you, he said if he could erase his memory of training with Jiraiya he would, he said he hopes you both drop dead."

She wipes her eyes "I have no idea where he went he created that Hidden Mist Jutsu thing that Zabuza used against us well it must have been him, he said he's fooled everyone and how he's finally free, well I gave you his message I'll be going now."

Kakashi and Jiraiya are speechless not believing what she said, could Naruto really have hidden everything from everyone even the Sandaime for seven years. Kakashi looks up after hearing everything he's shocked and also disappointed in himself "OK, Sakura, You go and rest, meet up tomorrow OK, let Sasuke know also."

Sakura looks at Kakashi "Tell him yourself, I've had enough of his treatment of me, I'm changing from this moment on, I will make Naruto proud of me he said I could be whatever I choose to be so I won't let him down."

She then walks off not waiting for a reply and Kakashi and Jiraiya look at each other, Jiraiya sighs "Well this sucks, I really did fuck up didn't I, if he left here last night and used that Hidden Mist Jutsu he could be anywhere, we have no idea of his skills strength or anything else, he's an enigma and also a dangerous individual, he's a Jinchūriki holding the Kyūbi after all."

Kakashi sighs "We both messed up Jiraiya, and maybe she's right, Minato-sensei and Lady Kushina would be disgusted with me, I should have treated him like a little brother I know they would have wanted that, it also rained last night so his scent will be long gone."

Jiraiya nods "I agree, I could try and reverse summoning him."

Kakashi nods "Then do it."

Jiraiya tries to do it but nothing happens he looks at Kakashi "Somehow he's blocking it, do you think he's planned to leave for a while he could have found a way to block a reverse summoning."

He does some hand signs and grabs the toad contract and looks shocked "Well that's interesting he's somehow removed himself from the contract, that explains it, if she was right and he hated training with me then he must have figured out how to remove himself from the contract, let's go to his apartment, maybe we will find some clues."

Meanwhile, back with Sakura has returned to her house she sees her mum in the kitchen, Mebuki looks up "Oh your back, did you get things sorted, wait your eyes have you been crying."

Sakura nods "Yes I did sort my task out, and yes I've been crying since last night."

Mebuki seems confused and she gets Sakura to sit down she quickly does and Mebuki plates up some breakfast and places it in front of Sakura.

Sakura looks at her breakfast and remembers her diet and groans "Mum can I have some more."
Mebuki seems shocked "But what about your diet, didn't you want to diet for Sasuke."

Sakura groans "Not any more, I have come to realise that Sasuke isn't worth it any more."

Mebuki puts some more food on Sakura's plate then sits down next to her daughter "What's going on dear, you usually talk non stop about Sasuke why the sudden change."

Sakura at first says nothing and wonders just how to answer what happened with Naruto last night, he really gave her a wake-up call not to mention the kiss on her forehead and her lips. She touches her lips and blushes.

Mebuki raises and eyebrow Sakura always talks about Sasuke and now she's saying she's giving up on him there must be a reason why.

Sakura finally answers "Mum, you know my other teammate Naruto Uzumaki." When her mum nods she continues "He left the village last night, everything anyone knew about him was lies not even the Hokage knew the real Naruto, he said he was living a lie and now he's free."
Mebuki's shocked "You mean he ran away, he's become a Missing-nin, was it him who's changed you." 'For the better, I might add.'

Sakura shrugs "I don't know if he cares about being a Missing-nin, and yes he gave me a wake-up call, 'Not to mention kissing me.' He told me I have great Chakra control, he said I could be whatever I want to be, I want to change I've been thinking all last night and I am weak, I neglected my training for someone who treats me like shit and the one person who didn't, actually tried to get me to focus on my career."

She sighs "Even when I treated him like shit he wouldn't give up on me always congratulating me and I want to make him proud and do what he wants me to be."

Mebuki smiles "I'm guessing there is something else going by you touching your lips and blushing."
Sakura again blushes "Do you remember years ago I used to be bullied." When Mebuki nods she smiles "Well Naruto told me who it was who bullied me, it was Sasuke, and I was always saved by a blond boy, it was Naruto, I was able to remember some of the memories, and he was right it was Sasuke and some other Uchiha's kids, It explains why he never treated me like an equal to him everyone was beneath him."

Mebuki's shocked "Sasuke was the bully who always made you cry." Sakura nods and Mebuki sighs "I'm sorry Sakura."

Sakura shrugs "It's OK, I was picked on because of my forehead but Naruto-kun said that I had a charming forehead, he said it holds my amazing brain, as I said earlier he said I could be whatever I wanted to be if only I focused on your career."

Mebuki chuckles "Well that was nice of him."

Sakura smiles "He then kissed my forehead."

Mebuki smirks "Well did you like the feeling."

Sakura nods and blushes "I did then he surprised me again he, kissed me on the lips because I was still shocked and I kissed him back, then he reminded me to talk to Kakashi-sensei and Jiraiya before he said goodbye."

Mebuki hugs her daughter "Well did you like it, what are you going to do though he's left."

Sakura looks at her mum then blushes and smiles "Yes I really did like it and I want to train as hard as I can then I want to find Naruto-kun. Mum, can you teach me medical Jutsu, Naruto-kun said with my chakra control I would be able to do medical Jutsu's, He believes I can do it so I will."

Mebuki watches her daughter and is proud of her, she's never hated Naruto she's not as stupid as some of the villagers but she's proud that Naruto's inspired her daughter to improve 'Thank you Naruto'

"OK, Sakura I will start you on medical training now eat up then we will go to the hospital and I'll show you the steps to take, is that all you want to do."

Sakura thinks for a while as she eats 'What else could I do, maybe Genjutsu, I'm not bad at it, maybe I could learn this I wonder if I could speak to Kurenai-sensei maybe, I wonder if I could get some Taijutsu training even if Naruto's gone would Kakashi suddenly change and train me.' "Hey, mum do you know any good Taijutsu users."

Mebuki thinks "What about your sensei, Kakashi, shouldn't he be teaching you."

Sakura groans "No, he cares more about Sasuke then either me or Naruto-kun, so no I need someone else."

Mebuki sighs "Well then I'm ashamed of Kakashi, he's one of the best Jōnin we have but to neglect two of his students means he's losing my respect."

Meanwhile, back with Jiraiya and Kakashi they've just left Naruto's apartment and found nothing which was frustrating for them. Jiraiya sighs "Well It seems I'll have to go without him I'll worry about him later on."

Kakashi nods "What will the council think of this."

Jiraiya shrugs "No idea what will happen well I've got to go."

Later on, Sakura's in the hospital her mum's showing her how to revive a fish she knows it will take time but her resolve is there she won't give up, she will only improve and when she sees Naruto again she will show him how great she can be.

Mebuki smiles "Once we have got this down I'll teach you a medical Jutsu called Shōsen No Jutsu (Mystical Palm Technique) this is a Jutsu that Medical-nin's use to heal people it's a typical Jutsu uses by Medical-nin's there are others also."

Sakura nods "Well I hope I can make you proud mum."

Mebuki smiles "I'm always proud of you Sakura, I'm so proud of what you've become."

Sakura gets a big smile on her face "Thanks, mum."

It's been two days since Naruto left, other then Kakashi, Sakura and Jiraiya nobody knows that Naruto's gone Sasuke's asked where he is but Kakashi's just said he's feeling unwell and will be back soon.

They're still coming to terms with the invasion and helping to rebuild Konoha there was a lot of destruction caused by Orochimaru's snakes and the ninjas.

Sakura's not yet been able to revive the fish but her mum taught her the Shōsen No Jutsu (Mystical Palm Technique) and it took her a few days to get the basics of the Jutsu but she hasn't yet learned it to risk attempting it yet, she's now walking through Konoha, Mebuki has a day off and has given Sakura some time off from training.

With her medical training coming along her next step is Genjutsu she sees Kurenai walking down the road so Sakura approaches her "Kurenai-sensei."

Kurenai looks up "Oh hello Sakura-san, what can I do for you."

Sakura smiles "Well, I know your known as the Genjutsu mistress and I'm not so bad at it myself so I was wondering if there is any Genjutsu's you could possibly teach me if you have the time if not that's OK also."

Kurenai smiles "Kakashi's not known for many Genjutsu's."

Sakura remembers the only Genjutsu that Kakashi used on her the one of the bell test "There was one he used on me but I never thought to ask him to teach it to me."

Kurenai nods "Can you remember the name of the Jutsu."

Sakura starts to think "I can't remember exactly all I remember is I saw Sasuke full of Kunai and the drop dead but I don't know anything else."

Kurenai nods "I see that was the Magen: Narakumi No Jutsu (Demonic Illusion: Hell Viewing Technique) (D-Ranked) I can teach it to you no problem, nobodies ever really asked me about Genjutsu, it's not one of the main Jutsu types with Tai and Ninjutsu being the more popular."

Sakura smiles "Well I have good Chakra control and have asked my mum to teach me Medical techniques she already taught me Shōsen No Jutsu (Mystical Palm Technique) but I haven't mastered it yet, plus I was good at them in the academy."

Kurenai smiles "Well that's very impressive Sakura-san, come with me, I'll teach you that Genjutsu, Magen: Narakumi No Jutsu (Demonic Illusion: Hell Viewing Technique) (D-Ranked.)

Kurenai walks to one of the training grounds and Sakura follows her, once they get there Kurenai starts explaining about the Genjutsu she shows her the handsigns then tells Sakura to try it herself.

Kurenai then watches as Sakura starts to do the handsigns she knows that Sakura was the Kunoichi of the year and the smartest girl in the academy so she's impressed that someone is willing to learn as some people think that Genjutsu is a dying skill although, she'd disagree with that.

After a few hours, Sakura's not far off doing it but Kurenai has seen enough for the moment "Well done Sakura-san, you are a quick learner but you did say that you were a natural in the academy and with your chakra control you will learn these quickly like the Mystic palm you haven't mastered it but with more training you will."

Sakura smiles "Thank you, Kurenai-sensei, I was wondering if we could have a little Taijutsu match I want to improve everything."

Kurenai nods "Well I'm not the best at Taijutsu but sure let's see what you can do."

After a half hour of the spar, they stop Kurenai smiles "Not bad Sakura, of course, that is the Basic academy style you'd be at a disadvantage to a clansman who had their own style though."

Sakura nods "I understand Kurenai-sensei, I asked my mum if she knew anyone who could help me with a different style but she wasn't sure who to advise me on."

Kurenai rubs her chin thinking of who she knows when she hears "Well you don't have to look any further."

Sakura and Kurenai look behind them, Sakura remembers her from the Chūnin Exams. Anko smiles "So you're looking for a Taijutsu style, I remember you, you were that blond brats teammate, well I'm your new Sensei pinky, and I won't go easy on you are you ready."

Sakura nods "I-I-I'm ready Anko-sensei."

Anko laughs "Well I'm off on a mission now but will be back tomorrow by midday so find me here then."

Sakura nods "Hai, Anko-sensei."

The next day at midday Sakura appears at the training ground that Kurenai took her to yesterday, she sees Anko there eating Dango, the moment Anko sees Sakura approaching she jumps out of the tree and tosses the Dango stick into the tree like the others.

She then grins "OK pinky I saw your Taijutsu fight against Kurenai yesterday, for a starter style it's OK but as you don't seem to have a style and remain your academy style I'll have to change that."

Sakura nods "My names Sakura Haruno, Anko-sensei."

Anko just waves it off "Whatever, fine Sakura, now Kurenai has her strengths and her weaknesses and Taijutsu really is her weakness, I, on the other hand, am different, but I am curious isn't your Sensei, Kakashi, why hasn't he found you a style already."

Sakura clenches her fist and makes a face in anger, Anko notices and raises an eyebrow 'There's obviously a story behind her anger' She's interested in training her, she spoke to Kurenai this morning and heard she has good chakra control plus she learned a Genjutsu in a few hours.

Sakura looks up "I'm guessing you saw my anger right" When Anko nods Sakura just nods "Well Kakashi-sensei, isn't all he's made to be, I and Naruto-kun were neglected by Kakashi-sensei, he only focuses on Sasuke, he doesn't really teach me or Naruto-kun anything."

Anko nods but she's also confused 'I thought she had a crush on that Uchiha boy but the venom in her voice when she mentions him means something has changed her mind, and I also heard she never liked that Naruto that much and now she's calling him Naruto-kun, but there's also sadness when she mentions him I haven't seen him lately either. Then there is Kakashi I expected more from him.'

"So Kakashi didn't teach you jack huh, well his loss my gain, now I have a question for you well a two-fold question I want the truth or you can turn your little ass around and find someone else you get me, pinky."

Sakura nods although she suspects it might be about Sasuke, and Naruto, Kakashi told her not to tell anyone about Naruto running away "Fine what do you want to know Anko-sensei."

Anko grins "OK firstly from all reports you were an Uchiha fangirl but the venom coming from your voice when you mentioned him seems like you've changed your tune care to explain why now remember you lie you walk your ass away."

Sakura sighs knowing her hunch was correct she knows she will have to tell her "I used to like Sasuke because everyone else did, I used to be picked on when I was younger because of my forehead so to fit in I went after Sasuke also, It got me nowhere the same with everyone else."

She looks down to the ground "I always wondered why until Naruto-kun made me remember that I used to be bullied and low and behold my tormentor was none other than Sasuke Uchiha, and some other Uchiha's, they used to pick on me and Naruto-kun always saved me."

She smiles then looks up "Somehow the appeal from him wore off, I started to think of all the harsh words he told me and I realised that he just wasn't worth it, all my attempts to gain his attention was wasted."

"Nobodies ever really complimented me, nobody ever believed in me other then my mum, well someone did, but I ignored him for so long, he told me I showed potential to be whatever I could be so I'm improving myself to make him proud of me but also for myself."

Anko raises an eyebrow she knows this girl isn't from a Clan so doesn't have any backing she wonders who this kid is who inspires her and maybe it's this Naruto kid which brings her onto her next question.

"OK that answers the first question now question two and again you know the consequences for lying and I work for the interrogation department so I know when people are lying, where is Naruto, he's not been seen for a few days someone of his reputation makes it hard to ignore when he suddenly just vanishes so where is he."

Sakura groans 'Shit I was right again, what do I do. I can't tell the truth what do I do.' "I'm sorry Anko-sensei but I've been forbidden to tell anyone you will have to ask Kakashi-sensei." She then starts to walk away although she was looking forward to learning a new Taijutsu style.

Anko nods whatever the reason is she'll help the girl the answer to her last question was all the motivation she needed to accept this girl. She's momentarily distracted and sees the girl leaving "Hey wait."

Sakura stops and turns around and just waits, Anko just smirks "You pass my test, get your ass back here and we will start with a spar, I watched the fight but actually being involved in the fight will give me a better understanding of your skills."

Sakura nods and walks back to Anko she sighs before getting into her stance ready she knows this will be tough she asked her mum about this woman and her mum was worried Anko is a Tokubetsu Jōnin and from what her mum says crazy as hell.

Sakura closes her eyes and focuses she won't give up she opens her eyes and Anko sees the determination in her eyes and grins 'Well that's what I like to see determination.'

After two long exhausting hours Sakura's on her knees she knew this wasn't going to be easy but nothing ever is 'I will get stronger than when I meet you again Naruto-kun you will see how much I've improved.'

Anko watches her on her knees she smirks at her new student and grins 'Not bad.' She sees Sakura pull herself to her feet she sees the sweat on her she's exhausted and she's covered in bruises but she has to commend her on not giving up, for a former fangirl she's impressed she's still raring to go.

Sakura looks at Anko her bodies in pain but she's determined to keep going Anko stands up from her fighting stance and smiles "That's enough for today, your exhausted and can barely stand and your in a lot of pain."

"I'll give you a day off to recover take that time to rest maybe go to the hot springs no physical training at all if you have missions with Kakashi then well do them but try and not overexert yourself, now go get some rest. Meet me here again in two days same time like today." Sakura nods and slowly leaves the training ground.

Not long after she's gone Kakashi jumps down from the tree "Did you have to push her so hard although I am curious why she's pushing herself so much, firstly learning medical skills from her mum, then Genjutsu training from Kurenai, and now Taijutsu with you."

Anko shrugs "Well now you decided to show yourself care to tell me where that Naruto kid has gone I know that girl seems to care for him but whenever she mentions him she gets sad has something happened to him."

Kakashi sighs "Why are you so curious why ask her those questions, to begin with."

Anko grins "Because I like to know why someone who was a fangirl for years who's only focus was gaining the attention of that emo Uchiha on your team, has now done a 180 and now seems to get angry at the mere mention of him and wants to push herself because of what someone said to her which I'm guessing was Naruto correct."

Kakashi sighs just the mention of hearing Naruto's name makes it feel like he's been stabbed in the back, and there's nobody to blame but himself he should have done more "Naruto left the village the day of the Sandaime's funeral."

Anko looks shocked that was almost a week ago, it seems only a few people know and the girl knows obviously and Kakashi knows, she wonders who else knows it is a delicate situation Naruto is also the Jinchūriki, and although she hates to admit it a tool for this village just like she is.

She looks at Kakashi "He left almost a week ago what aren't you telling me you seemed just as pained as Sakura was."

Kakashi nods "Naruto fooled everyone, for seven years he trained his body, for seven years he hid everything he knows, we have no idea how skilled he is, maybe he even hid this from the Hokage and from what Sakura told me he's not even a Genin he's closer to a Chūnin or maybe even a Jōnin that's what she said, he knows he's a Jinchūriki."

He sighs "He knows who his parents are how I don't know but he hates the village for there treatment of him which is understandable he hates me, and Jiraiya because of the way we neglected him, in Jiraiya-sama's case, 12 years of not even visiting Naruto once, and only meeting him by chance with that month break before the finals of the Chūnin exams."

Anko nods but is curious why he would visit some kid like Naruto he has more important things to do "What is Jiraiya-sama to Naruto."

Kakashi sighs "His godfather."

Anko scoffs "So let me get this straight for 12 years Jiraiya never once decided to visit his own godson, not even leaving him anything to improve himself, no visit, no Jutsu's nothing at all, I must say he's the worst godfather ever if you ask me."

Kakashi just nods he can't disagree with her at all, in a way he kind of agrees with her and Sakura, not that he'd say anything.

Meanwhile, Sakura stumbles to her house before she can open the door it opens and Mebuki looks at her daughter "Well, I'd say you look like shit but you asked for training, still your in one piece come in I'll heal you up then lets go to the hot springs my treat, after that lets go get some lunch you certainly need it."

Sakura nods and just like her mum said she was healed then they left for the hot springs Sakura still feels like crap but she grins 'Already getting stronger this is only the beginning.'

A/N: OK a few things to tell you Kurenai will only teach Sakura Genjutsu in her spare time same for Anko, Kurenai will try and train Sakura as much as she can because she's happy someone wants to learn Genjutsu. Kurenai will still be Team 8's Sensei.

Sakura may keep learning things quickly, but she is a master of Chakra Control after all, she will become a great Kunoichi over time, Anko, Kurenai and eventually Tsunade will make sure of that.

Why I added Anko well I'm not really sure I do like Anko though so getting her involved was cool, and she will definitely get her in shape.

Last thing to say this will be my last update for a while as this is the last chapter I have already written so it might be some time before you get the next update.