Chapter 1: A proposed decision

DISCLAIMER: I DON NOT OWN NARUTO!

A/N: I want to know if I should continue this story. And the only way I will continue is if I get at least 10 or more reviews. So, please do! Thank you, and enjoy the story! 3

Summary: Sakura is sent away for an unlimited amount of time to train by Tsunade. But, she must pose as dead to everyone, excluding Tsunade. She comes back stronger, beautiful, deadly, and over Sasuke.

Team Seven was, as usual, at their clearing, training. All of them at the age of 16-years-old. Naruto, the kyuubi vessel, has gotten what he wanted, respect from people, especially in Konoha. He had also managed to convince Sasuke that he couldn't beat Itatchi by himself, so, both of them (Sasuke and Naruto) did so together, and were very successful. Sasuke, as well, has managed to fulfill his goal with the help of his best friend. Both of them had gotten even more handsome over the years. Sasuke's eyes were darker, deeper, and more intense. His face showed pure maturity. Naruto changed from cute baby faced, to a hot blonde. His blue eyes were deeper and mature. Both were the strongest ninjas known in Konoha.

Buy, Sakura was left in their shadows, like always. Sure, she was strong, but not strong enough. She was just "Sakura of Team7." Nothing more. Kakashi still took more interest in Sasuke and Naruto that her. After all, they were both living legends. So, this left Sakura behind the three. Always protected. It made her angry at times, but in the end, she blamed herself for being so weak. She couldn't get mad at Naruto, because he brought back Sasuke, who she loved dearly. Sakura didn't change much, she still had short hair, and her forehead was less large, but still not small.

On with the story. Sakura was training with Kakashi on chakra control. Sasuke and Naruto were sparring with each other. Sakura, as usual, was in awe about how much power her two teammates had. And of course, she was angry at herself for being weak.

Soon enough, Kakashi called the day over. With that, their sensei disappeared in a puff of smoke, probably off to read his favorite book. Sakura stayed to heal both of her teammates. Naruto would give Sakura a big hug and would grin at her, saying "Thank you!" Sasuke would just nod and grunt his thanks. Sakura smiled back at both of them.

"Hey, Sakura-chan, Sasuke-teme, do you –" Naruto sarted.

"Save it, dope, I already know what you're going to ask. You ask if we want to go get ramen with you every everyday."

"Well?" Naruto prompted.

"Hn. Let's go." Sasuke started walking away.

"Sakura-chan? What about you?" Naruto asked.

"Sorry, Naruto, but I'm going over to the Hokage tower. Tsunade-sama said she has something she wants to tell me. Ja ne!" With that, she walked away, towards her destination.

(RAMEN SHOP)

Both raven and blonde sat down in chairs quietly. Every day, after training, both of them would come and eat ramen. Sometimes, Sakura would join them, sometimes, she was too busy.

"I'll have beef!" Naruto exclaimed when they ordered.

"Hn. Same." Sasuke answered.

"Too bad Sakura-chan couldn't come with us." Naruto said, downing his ramen in five seconds after getting it, and ordering another.

"Hn."

"She's been so busy."

"Aa."

"Well, I'm going to have to make sure that Tsunade-baa-chan can give her a day-off soo."

"Whatever."

There was fifteen minutes of silence. Both of them were just eating, Naruto was on his twenty-fifth bowl.

"What do you think of Sakura-chan?" Naruto asked.

(TSUNADE'S OFFICE)

Sakura opened her teacher's door. "You called for me, Sensei?"

Tsunade looked up and smiled. "Ah! Sakura! I did. Now, sit down. I want to discuss training with you."

Sitting down, Sakura looked at her teacher, confused. What does she mean by training? With team 7? "What do you mean, shishou?"

Tsunade sighed. "You've told me that you're tired of being in the shadows of Team 7."

Sakura nodded.

"You want to be stronger?"

Another nod.

"Well, I can help you."

Puzzeled look. "But, you're already training me."

Tsunade shook her head. "No, I meant, I will grant you permission to leave Konoha to train for as long as you want." She replied.

"I don't know…..what about Team 7? What will they think? They'll probably stop me. You know how Naruto is." Sakura questioned.

"Yes, I know. But, you could tell them you're on a mission."

"If I don't back, they'll be suspicious."

"That is why you're going to pose dead. We'll tell them that you died in a battle against an S-rank rogue. You'll create a cage bushin of yourself and put some blood in it. It'll make it more realistic."

"Pose as…dead?" Sakura repeated. "But-"

"I know this is a tough decision for you. You don't want to leave you're team, lie to them, hurt them. But think about it, ok? I'm sure you won't regret it." Tsunade assured.

Sakura nodded, still unsure about what to do. "Ok. I suppose."

"Come back when you have an answer." This was an indication that she could leave.

"Of course." She started at the door, but turned her head a fraction. "Thank you, Tsunade-sama." With that, she exited.

She decided to go over to Ichiraku Ramen. On the way, Sakura was thinking about what Tsunade said. Of course she wanted to be as strong as her teammates. Earn a title for herself, but leaving her team? Leave Naruto? Konoha? Sasuke?

I'm sure they won't allow it, Sakura thought. She was about to go in when she heard Naruto ask "What do you think of Sakura-chan, Sasuke?"

She stood there, not wanting to interrupt what Sasuke was about to say.

What DO you think of me, Sasuke, She thought.

"Sakura is weak." He answered bluntly.

Wow, straight-forward much? She hissed in her mind, clearly hurt.

"She needs to learn how to protect herself from strong enemies. I'm tired of being there to save her in almost every single battle we come face to face with. If she truly trained with the Hokage, then she should show us what she learned, instead of staying in the sidelines."

Sakura felt her heart break. "Is that what you really think of me?" She asked, now behind them.

The two said boys turned around. "You want the truth? Yes, I think that you're weak." Sasuke said, remaining impassive.

Naruto went wide-eyed. "What? No! Of course not, Sakura! I mean, sure, we sometimes get tired of it, but that doesn't mean we don't care about you!"

Then, something snapped in her. She was angry, very angry. "Fine, if you guys are tired of me, you should have told me earlier. I just came here to tell you that I'm off to a mission tomorrow."

Naruto stood up. "That's great!" He smiled. "When are you coming back? Is it a team mission?"

"I'll be back in three days. And it's a solo mission." Sakura frowned. "I'll be off. Bye." She turned on her heel and left.

Naruto sighed and sat back down. Sasuke frowned. "Great. She's mad." Naruto said.

Running back to the tower, Sakura barged through the doors.

"I accept!"

Tsunade looked up. "Hm?"

"I'll do the training. I'll leave tomorrow." Sakura announced, there was determination evident in her eyes.

"Tomorrow?" Tsunade questioned. "Are you sure? That's a bit early."

"Please, Sensei, I need to leave tomorrow. The sooner I start, the sooner I get stronger." Sakura explained.

Her teacher sighed then nodded. "Alright. Tomorrow it is. I suggest to go home and rest up. You have a long way to go tomorrow."

With that, Sakura walked home. "I'll show you that I'm not weak." She said to herself bitterly. "You'll be surprised with what you'll see." And that happy thought in mind, she lay on her bed and fell asleep.

The next morning, Sakura was at the gates 7 o'clock sharp. She could see Tsunade, Sasuke, Naruto, Ino, TenTen, Hinata and everyone from Rookie 9 there. She walked over to her Sensei.

"Are you sure you want to do this?" Tsunade quizzed.

Sakura nodded. "I think this...mission will do me good."

Tsunade sighed, it was something she's been doing lately. "Of course. Are you ready?"

Sakura stood a little taller, there was that spark of determination in her eyes again. "Always." She replied and began to walk towards Ino.

Her blonde best friend smiled at her. "Good luck." She winked, Sakura smiled.

Then, to TenTen. "Hope you find some cute guys." She said, making the pink girl blush.

Hinata walked up to her. "Be safe, Sakura." She told her, without stuttering.

Sakura nodded. "No promises." With that, she hugged her three best friends and said farewell to the others.

Finally, she came up to Naruto and Sasuke. Sakura's aura of determination increased ten-fold.

"Naruto, Sasuke." She said curtly.

"Sakura-chan. I hope you do great on this mission. But, you never did say what rank it was." Naruto remarked.

"It's and A-rank."

"I see." Naruto smiled. "And, Sakura, about yesterday-"

"Save it, Naruto." Sakura interrupted. "I told you I didn't care."

"But-"

"Dope," Sasuke spoke, "leave it."

Naruto sighed. "Fine." He smiled again. "Bye."

Sakura remained impassive. "Good-bye, Naruto. Sasuke." Looking at both of them fully, she smiled an empty smile. "I'll see you guys in a while." With that thought in mind, Sakura walked through the gates of Konoha, ready for what was to come.

"I'll see you in a long while." She mumbled to herself, disappearing from sight.

A/N: I hope you guys enjoy my first second fanfic! I would love to hear if you guys like it, sooooo, R&R everyone! Thanx