Alright this is another story that I have planned. Whether it continues or not depends entirely on you guys. If you are interested let me know and I'll keep writing.

This story is based on the book, "The Ranger's Apprentice". One of my favorite series, and of course, it will not be exact because in order for this to work I had to change ages and bunch of other stuff. Anyway, I hope you enjoy!

My Apprentice

"Home is not where you live, but where they understand you."

-Christian Morgenstern

Cold black eyes stared out into the distance. The mountains were his home … for now. The attack two years was his final effort, and it had failed. He had thought it out perfectly. No loopholes whatsoever.

And yet, he still lost.

He was tricked.

Glancing down, he saw his warriors fighting one another. Waiting for the time to strike.

And he knew that moment to strike would be when the one person who had foiled his plans was dead.

"And because we took that secret route, Orochimaru had no choice but to retreat. Some of our men chased after them to make sure that none of his warriors would try to attack."

Emerald eyes lit up as the end of her favorite tale came to a close. She smiled before resting her head on her hand that was propped up on the wooden table. "And my father was one of them."

The older, silver-haired man nodded. "And ever since, Konoha has been living peacefully for two years."

"You know, after all the times you've told me this story, you never mentioned who Orochimaru's men were, Kakashi."

Kakashi's one eye crinkled. "That is because you never asked. His men weren't even men. His army is what we call Wargals. Try imagining a wolf and a humane mixed." Sakura's nose scrunched. "That is what a Wargal looks like."

"Kakashi, why didn't my father want me?"

"You have to understand, Sakura, that he wanted you very much. However, being a knight took away all of his time and he wanted his daughter to be raised right."

Sakura smiled before biting into the small loaf of bread that she had. "Geez, Forehead, aren't you too old for stories?"

"Sorry that I'm curious of my family, Ino."

Ino was another girl that was fostered by Kakashi. Naruto and Shikamaru were the other two. Unlike Sakura, Ino lived with her parents until she was around six. Then her parents decided they would not raise a child in a country where war was thrown around so easily. They had become best friends while living with Kakashi. Shikamaru was a laid back guy who wouldn't talk about how he ended up with them. Naruto was a different story. Although friendly at times, most of the time he was a loudmouth who didn't care about anyone. Why he felt that way, Sakura didn't know. Perhaps it had to do with his childhood. Kakashi had no information as to where he came from. One morning he opened the door to find a baby wrapped in blankets in front of the house. No note or anything.

"Come on you two, set the table while I go and get the boys."

Sakura grabbed the pile of wooden dishes and set them around the table as Ino set the bowls for water. The two took their seat as the boys came in from the other room.

After a few minutes of silent eating, Kakashi decided to break the silence. "So, as all of you know, tomorrow is choosing day. And I know that all of you are nervous, but I would like to hear what each of you wants to do for the rest of your life."

Naruto smirked. "Battle school of course."

"I'm thinking of Kurenai for plants herbs," Ino told.

"Asuma."

Kakashi looked at Shikamaur. "Battle horse care?"

Shikamaru shrugged. "It seems like an easy way of life."

Kakashi turned to Sakura. "What about you?"

For the longest time she wanted to go to battle school to follow in her father's footsteps. But at the same time she wanted to study plants like Ino. "Battle school, sir."

Naruto almost choked on his food that he was chewing. He then erupted in laughter. "What makes you think that you could get into battle school?"

Sakura glared. "If they let idiots like you in then I should be top class."

Naruto glared at her as he stood up from his chair. Sakura smirked as she flew from her seat and ran out the door. Naruto followed close behind, chasing her until she decided to climb up into a tree. She limbed until the branches could just support her weight. "The battle school master would never pick you anyway!"

Sakura watched the blonde march back into the house. Sighing, she leaned against the tree, fitting snug on the branch. Would she get picked? She had to. It was up to her to follow in her father's steps and become the greatest warrior. But she couldn't force the battle master to choose her. But if she wasn't picked then she was doomed to a life working the fields. Not the way she would want to spend the rest of her life. Sakura gazed out towards the now setting sky. The sunset could be a beautiful thing. From her position, she could see her home. The door had just open leaving a small streak of light. Ino walked out, looked around, and then went back inside. Sakura knew that she was looking for her. She believed that Ino was the only person that cared for her.

Sitting in the tree for a few hours, Sakura waited until the guards changed shifts and started to replace the burnt out torches. Once the guards were occupied, she moved quickly through the shadows and quietly to her home. Kakashi's office light was still on. She could see his shadow moving about before he bent over and blew out the candle. Sakura opened the wooden door quietly and silently made her way towards her room. Upon entering she noticed Ino fast asleep. Not even bothering to change clothes, Sakura climbed into her bed and tried to get some sleep. After all, tomorrow was choosing day.

And if she was going to do something with her life, tomorrow would decide her fate.