HI YOU PEOPLEZ holy crap I have not updated and am soooo freakin sorry about that! I have found new motivation as one of my friends is like super awesome at pushing me to do stuff. XD Sooo. Here's your new chappy! I really hope you guys like this chapter lool. complain to me about me having not updated in so loong. I appologize for all the trouble but I feel like my writing style has been changing from time to time, so I haven't been in quite the mood to write for a while. I'm back though!

MKAYZ. You pplz who gave me long reviews really deserve some responses and the ones who also read my notes at the begginning and end. I am so grateful to all of you for still following this story. I am seriously amazed. And I may have given the wrong impression of "threatening" to stop writing, but I was just joking around within that scenario, sorry if you misunderstood! XD

I am going to write a paragraph answering all your responses! :D cuz I'm lazy so yah LOOOL.

I feel like I've been getting relaxed since I'm now in my graudating year! All my teachers are extremely cool. My biology teacher plays his 3DS on pokemon x and y with a couple of the students, and it's really funny. I don't really get Calculus half the time, but I'm doing better than a lot of the students, so I'm pretty happy, overall, I think it's going to be a nice year! OMG, I am like why am I complaining about high school when my first year friends who are in uni are barely surviving. I am going to seriously enjoy my last year in high school! To those who want to talk about the story, I know I stopped for way tooo long. I appologize for the long wait since I know how agonizing it is to find a fic you like and find the author stopped updating so Ima finish this fic and move on to the Shippuden part of this fic which will for sure be the sequel! Yes, I plan on revealing more on the back story of Kuragari, and doing a LOT more with Sasuke of course. He's awesome, just that this is more focused on Sakura is all. :D

Hey, the dude who said FYI, you should really re-watch the anime, CAREFULLY. Kabuto explains that chakra scapel could easily be concentrated enough to cause external wounds, DUMBASS. I love making fun of people who don't pay attention. XD It's soo freakin fun. AND even if I'm wrong, who said it's not possible. NO ONE. So STFU. -evil grin-

"Speech"
"Spirit/God/Goddess/Any spiritual-like being"
"Demon/Tailed Beast"
"Emphasis"
Japanese name/catchword (Translation)
Singing(Translation)

– Point of View P.O.V. – (Place)
Chapter Number: Chapter Title

Chapter Fourteen: To Lead a Mission…

– Sakura's P.O.V. – (Konoha Village)

The next morning, I got to the Hokage's office and the Fourth greeted us with his wife. I was surprised when Tsunade came in as well along with Shizune. "So, your next mission will be led by Sakura. Our forces have been stretched thin, and all of our jounnin have been sent on other missions including Kakashi. You'll have to handle this one on your own. It's a B-ranked escort mission. Someone important… This mission could develop into an A-ranked mission if you run into trouble." Minato said.

"Hm… So… Who are we escorting?" I asked.

"I don't know." Minato said.

"What do you mean, you don't know?" Naruto asked totally confused.

"Every 4 years, our neighbor the land of Tea holds a dedication ceremony at the great Todoroki shrine and each time, we're asked to escort a runner who will participate in the race that's part of the ceremonies. This time, the messengers who were bringing the request were attacked before they could get here." Minato said.

"Who attacked them?" Naruto asked curiously.

"Don't worry about that now. When you meet Boss Jirocho, he'll fill you in on everything." Minato said sighing lightly.

"Jirocho…? You mean…" I blinked at Tsunade who nodded.

"Yes. My old friend that you met not too long ago." Tsunade said.

"Oh! That old guy!" Naruto said in realization.

"They're expecting you in the land of Tea by the end of the day, so please hurry." Minato said throwing me the scroll. I nodded and caught the scroll. I had handed him the mission report for the last day before the boys had gotten to the office.

"Right." I said.

"Got it." Sasuke nodded.

"Don't worry! You can count on us!" Naruto said with a determined look and we all left the room and packed up, meeting at the gates. My cousins wished me luck and like usual, Yuki was given a good belly rub from me before I left. I spoke to the gate guards and they marked us off as leaving the village.

Sasuke had the blade with him. I smiled lightly, knowing he had most likely asked Shisui to help him train and learn the art of sword fighting. I had both blades, Hyourinmaru and Sode no Shiraiyuki with me. We headed out towards the land of Tea and we were about half way there when I saw the tea shop sign. I was leading the way with the two boys following me. "Hey, Sakura-chan, can we take a break and eat?" Naruto whined. I sighed.

"Fine…" I said.

"Great! Look, what a coincidence! There just happens to be a tea house right there!" Naruto said with a wide grin, rushing off towards the tea house. I sweat dropped as he rushed off past me. Sasuke sighed.

"That kid doesn't look tired at all." I deadpanned.

"No. He's never tired." Sasuke said with a dull stare. We both sighed simultaneously, before entering the tea house. I noticed Idate in the corner of the tea house and didn't show that I had noticed him. Sasuke and I sat on one side, while Naruto sat on the other side.

"What will you be having?" The old lady asked, putting down three cups of tea for us.

"Some sweet bean soup!" Naruto said with a smile.

"I'll have some rice." Sasuke said.

"I'll have the dumplings please." I said.

"Very good, I'll be back in a moment."

"I just hope we get some fighting in!" Naruto said excitedly. I sighed.

"Naruto, that's exactly why you're not Chunnin. You do the exact opposite of any smart ninja. We're trying to avoid getting into a battle, since this is an escort mission. We don't need our charge getting caught in the cross fire. This is a mission from Tsunade's friend, and you're the son of the fourth. Don't get yourself into trouble." I said.

"I won't." Naruto said with an excited grin. I sighed and gave up on lecturing him.

"Just sittin' around in the shade… sucking down sweet bean soup… A ninja's life is pretty cushy." Idate said, not looking at us.

"What'd you say?" Naruto asked, slightly irritated.

"Guess you don't get much action in the leaf village… Judging by how out of shape you look." Idate said, eyeing Naruto. I sighed in annoyance and put a hand to my face, shaking my head when Naruto slammed his hand on the table. Naruto growled. Sasuke ignored Idate and Naruto.

"That does it!" Naruto growled angrily.

"Hey, where'd you come from sweetie? I didn't see you sitting here. I didn't mean you of course. I'm Idate Morino, what's your name?" Idate said with a flirty voice. Sasuke suddenly seemed to tense and glare at Idate. I took Sasuke's hand under the table and squeezed it. He looked at me before looking away, keeping his hold on my hand. Naruto growled angrily.

"I'm Sakura. If you're calling my teammates out of shape, you're calling me out of shape. I'm not going to fall for it." I said sighing.

"Heh. So the pinky seems to have a better control of her temper than the boys and seems smarter too. But still, you ninja are pretty pathetic, so why don't you just go back to where you came from or there'll be trouble. I'm warning you!" Idate said turning to Naruto.

"Yeah, well why wait, bring it on, tough guy!" Naruto yelled. Both of them growled angrily at each other, sparks coming from their eyes. The tension between them was growing thick… I sighed.

"Naruto, calm down." I said.

"She's right. Just ignore the punk. We don't have the time." Sasuke said.

"Get out of here Sasuke. After what this guy said, don't you have any ninja pride?!" Naruto yelled. I sighed and noticed Idate leave at that moment, swiftly and silently. "You can ignore it if you want, but I'm going to flatten him!" Naruto yelled angrily, turning back to see Idate had left. Naruto was surprised and Sasuke was shocked as well. I sensed he was getting away quick… His speed wasn't as fast as I was, but he was quick on his feet. "Arrghh! I hate that! He gets in this little dig and then runs away!" Naruto sighed and sat down when the lady brought our food.

"Here you go. Thank-you for waiting…" The lady said setting down the things. I wasn't surprised to see the two bills on the desk.

"Two bills?" I asked.

"The young man said you would pay for him." The lady said. Naruto growled. Sasuke glared in annoyance.

"I knew it! I knew I should have flattened him when I had the chance! That's it he's cross the line! I'm going to catch that stupid jerk!" Naruto growled, sucking down the soup in seconds. I popped the dumplings into my mouth quickly while Sasuke took in the rice within seconds. We rushed out and I left the money on the table letting the lady know we were leaving.

"He's fast… I wonder who he is…?" I said.

"Who cares! He's toast when I catch up with him!" Naruto growled. We jumped into the trees to pick up our speed and finally caught up with him, finding him on the ground. He looked shocked we had caught up with him and found him. He put up an act and the dropped his weights before dashing off. I knew I could easily catch up with Idate if I took off my weights but I didn't want to show off too much skill yet. We gave up on chasing him and made our way to the land of Tea.

"Welcome, and thank-you all for coming." Jirocho greeted us. Naruto walked up and introduced himself.

"I beg you greetings and offer you my services. I have come from the village hidden in the Leaves which is also the place of my birth! I was raised on Ramen and hard work and given the family name of Uzumaki! But I'm known to everyone-" Naruto was cut off.

"As the knuckle head…" Sasuke said with a smirk and a playful glint in his eyes. I snickered.

"As the knuckle head!" Naruto repeated dramatically. Naruto blinked. "ARGH! VERY FUNNY!" Naruto said. Jirocho was laughing at Naruto while Sasuke and I were grinning.

"You haven't changed at all, I see." Jirocho said to Naruto. "I'm glad to see you too, Sakura. You haven't taken that apprenticeship on yet, I'm guessing?" Jirocho asked. I bowed lightly in greeting and respect.

"It's good to see you're doing well too. Tsunade allowed me to think about it, so I'm just going along with life so far and keeping the opportunity in mind." I said. Jirocho nodded in understanding. "And I'm the leader of the team at the moment, so we should really be getting down to it so I can plan ahead a little bit. The Fourth Hokage said that you'd explain what you wanted us to do." I said.

"Right. You know about the dedication ceremonies held at the great Todoroki shrine every 4 years don't you?" Jirocho asked.

"The basics are quite vague to me." I said.

"Go on sit down. I'll explain." Jirocho said. We all sat down in front of him. Jirocho explained about the storms in the ancient times, and how the people of the land dedicated the Ryoko jewels to the Todoroki shrine. The ceremony was repeated every 4 years. The ceremony turning to a race after a long while, and the race turning to a competition that would decide the amount of power the two families, the Wasabi family and the Wagarashi family, had over the town. "I beg you. Please lend our family your strength. If we lose again, it means the Wagarashi will control this town for 4 more years." Jirocho said.

"I don't mind doing a favor for a friend of the Legendary Sannin and a teacher of mine, so who do we have to escort?" I asked.

"Excellent. That means you'll take the job." Jirocho said. He clapped and Idate appeared, opening the door.

"Yes boss, you wanted me?" Idate asked.

"Huh?" Naruto blinked in shock. Sasuke glared at Idate. I smiled awkwardly seeing that Idate and Naruto were already glaring at each other furiously, as if lightning was coming from their eyes. Sasuke was glowering angrily at Idate. Uchiha's could hold a grudge… I knew that. I sweat dropped.

"So you already know each other. That makes everything much easier." Jirocho said. I shook my head inwardly. I doubted that was true… We all split up for the day. I assigned Naruto to be Idate's guard and Sasuke and I would take a look around the village. At the rate Sasuke had it, he would have kicked Idate's ass. We were both looking around the shops, keeping an eye out for anything suspicious when a commotion was made outside.

We both rushed out to see what was going on. A villager was on the ground apologizing, frightened by the men surrounding him. The door of his shop had been knocked down under him.

"What's wrong with you? When we want something, we take it, you got it?" The male in the centre of the three asked. "You wouldn't even be in business if it weren't for the Wagarashi."

"I know, I know! It's just… to take it without paying me for it…"

"You're really not getting this are you?" The buff male in the centre said, cracking his knuckles. "Go." He told the other two. Both males grinned and went to the shop.

"No! No! Please!" The helpless villager begged. I knew they would take everything. Sasuke looked to me for permission to intervene and I sighed and nodded, crossing my arms in front of me.

"I'll make it easy for you to understand!" The man said about to punch the villager. Sasuke jumped in and caught the man's fist. "Huh? What the… Who're you!?" The man asked.

"Why don't you and your friends take a hike?" Sasuke asked.

"Get him out of here! Those are the Wagarashi's men!" A lady called out, worried for Sasuke's safety.

"If anything, I would be worried about those Wagarashi idiots. They have no idea what's coming." I said with a light smile. A gennin could easily take on those three men easily. With Sasuke, it would be over within seconds. The lady looked at me in surprise.

"You asked for it punk!" The man growled. Sasuke easily over powered them and dodged their weak attacks with his speed, punching them and kicking them a few times till they were bruised and swollen here and there. He let them get off easy of course.

"Ain't acting so tough now are ya kid." "That oughta teach ya a thing or two you little pipsqueak. Don't mess with us or next time you won't get off so easy." One threw the villager's stolen wallet back at the villager as they got up to leave.

Sasuke merely cracked his knuckles, threateningly. They stiffened and ran off like dogs with their tails between their legs, yelling out in fear.

I laughed lightly as soon as the men were out of hearing distance. "Nice finishing touch there." I said grinning. Sasuke smirked lightly.

"Young man." The villager on the ground called. Sasuke looked at the villager. "Thank-you, whoever you are." He said, gratefully. I smiled lightly. Sasuke seemed to smile. He said nothing, but I knew he was happy with what he did. We both knew we had to succeed. These villagers could barely survive.

We walked back to the mansion and I sat in our room, getting ready for the race the next day. I took most of the things from my bag and transferred them into the pouch. There were three soldier pills, the standard amount of weapons, and a few scrolls with medical supplies sealed within. I also had the antidote that Tsunade had given me just as we were leaving Konoha. She had appeared after Naruto and Sasuke had walked out. I finished packing my weapons pouch and wiped my blades, polishing it and making sure the edges were not dulled in any way.

"Sakura?" I looked up from my pouch to see Sasuke sitting in his futon. Their bags were in the corner of the room and Sasuke's blade was leaning against the wall. Naruto was already sound asleep. I knew he would rush to prepare in the morning but I didn't really mind. He was always ready when you needed him.

"Yes?" I asked.

"Do you think something will happen tomorrow?" He asked.

"Likely. We will have to go into battle to protect Idate… and sure, maybe I don't know him that well. Maybe you would rather save yourself and leave him… but we both know that all three of us, can't stand watching as someone suffer when we can help them. Especially Naruto… These villagers need our help, and both Idate and Jirocho suffer as well." I said.

"I know… I'm just… worried." He murmured. I smiled.

"We'll be fine. We're a strong team. We've gone through a lot together, and we're a team. We'll always stick together." I said. Sasuke looked up and nodded. I got up. "You should get some sleep. We'll be leaving at the break of dawn, so make sure you're not tired." I said.

"What about you?" He asked.

"I have a small errand to do. Get some rest. I'll be back in a few." I said. He nodded, looking a little awkward. I smirked and decided to tease him. I used my speed and flashed over to his side, pecking his cheek with a light kiss. His eyes widened and his face turned pink. I laughed lightly.

"Sasuke, you're blushing." I said with a grin. He looked away.

"S-shut up." He murmured. I smiled lightly.

"Night." I said ruffling his hair. He huffed and pulled the covers over his head. I grinned at his cuteness and embarrassment before I walked out of the room. Idate had gone to Jirocho of course to sulk about us being Leaf ninja.

"It's only… of all the people you could choose… why did it have to be them?" Idate asked. Jirocho sighed.

"Tell me when you're finished sulking." Jirocho said boredly. I smirked lightly, listening in to their conversation on the rooftops.

"I'm not sulking!" Idate denied. "It's just that…" Idate trailed off.

"Idate, the Wasabi family has complete faith in you, and I have faith in you. Isn't it time that you had a little faith in yourself?" Jirocho asked. Idate looked up. "Idate… I'm asking you to run for the family… begging you…" Jirocho said.

"I will sir… Yes." He said. He had a determined look on his face. He left the room looking slightly less tense. I dropped down. Jirocho looked at me. He knew I heard. Idate was in the next room of course. The walls were paper thin, so any conversation could be heard.

"That kid is no ordinary kid…" I said.

"He isn't… His history you'll have to hear from him himself..." Jirocho said.

"I don't need to know about his past. So just where is this race headed?" I asked. He gave me a map and told me where we would be headed. I just needed to make sure I knew where we'd be going… It was the same thing. I went back to the room and packed up, laying down in my futon to rest for the few hours we had left before the start of the race.

I woke up at the movement of feet in Idate's room and I got up. I woke both Sasuke and Naruto up. Like I expected, Naruto got up and panicked. He packed quickly and we went to the port. Everyone was watching. Naruto, Sasuke, and I stood by Idate. I explained the race to Naruto and Sasuke and warned them of the other ninja.

"I don't care whatever you guys do but whatever happens, just stay away from me." Idate said.

"What?!" Naruto asked angrily.

"I've got a race to run, I don't want you in my way!" Idate said glaring. I sweat dropped and sighed in annoyance. This was going to be a long race…

The announcements started. "Attention attention! The Great Todoroki Shrine race is about to begin! Running for the Wasabi, Idate Morino! Running for the Wagarashi Family, Fukushuke Hikyakuya! Runners, take your marks!" The doors opened and both runners got into position. I looked at the skies. The wind was blowing against us. "Go!"

They both started to run. I smiled when Idate turned left. "What the!?" Naruto yelped in confusion.

"Let's go." I said, rushing after Idate, knowing what he was thinking. I looked to Jirocho who seemed to be slightly worried. I looked to him and gave him a noticeable reassuring smile. He still looked confused, but slightly reassured. I left a shadow clone back at the port, just in case they lost hope.

"What's that idiot doing?" Sasuke asked.

"Look to the skies." I said. The both looked up.

"What?" Sasuke asked, still confused.

"You don't see it?" I asked.

"I don't get it Sakura-chan… What are we supposed to be seeing?" Naruto asked.

"At least one of you can think like a real ninja." Idate said smirking.

"Who's talking to you!?" Naruto growled.

"Ok. I'll give you guys a chance to work it out yourselves. How do those boats travel?" I asked.

"Catching the wind in their sails... Wait…" Sasuke murmured. He looked up again and seemed to realize. "Oh. I see now… but how are we going to get across, Idate?" Sasuke asked, seeming to respect Idate's knowledge. Idate had used the nature of the environment to his advantage.

"By boat… I've been prepared." Idate said. I smiled lightly as we raced after him. Naruto was still out of the loop. I knew when I saw him nodding slowly, still confused. I sweat dropped.

"Huh!? Wait up guys!" He yelled. We continued through the forests and I sensed the rain ninja getting closer slowly. They would get ahead of us quite soon.

-Sakura's Clone's Pov- (Port Degarashi)

"I knew that little bastard would run away." "I guess it shouldn't have come as a surprise knowing him as long as we have." "It was a mistake to let him run." The men from the Wasabi family murmured.

"You really shouldn't doubt a former ninja." I said appearing out of nowhere.

"Sakura." Jirocho greeted, slightly confused.

"Just a clone. You have no idea what he's planning." I said with a grin.

"And you do?" Jirocho asked. Everyone was listening.

"The wind guides the path of the winners." I said looking up to the sky. Jirocho looked up at the sky. He realized what Idate was thinking and smiled, with a light chuckle.

"I see what he thought now." Jirocho said. I smiled.

"That's all I need to say then." I said. I dispelled the technique and allowed the memories to return to the real Sakura.

-Sakura's Pov- (Forests)

I knew the rain ninja had finally found us and set up the genjutsu trap. There was one that set it up. The other two left to go ahead. Naruto and Idate rushed through the genjutsu. Sasuke and I jumped out before we were caught. "I don't even think they've noticed." Sasuke said.

"Oh great. They're going to fall." I said sighing and pulling out a rope. It would be faster using Hyourinmaru but I didn't want to waste any chakra on a stupid mistake like this. Naruto realized they were going to fall and tied a rope around his left to let us drag him up. His equipment fell to the ground.

"Reckless idiots. Anyways, forget that incident. We're losing time here." I said.

"Hmph. What about a little thanks!?" Naruto whined.

"Naruto. Are you going to follow orders or not?" I asked. Naruto went silent and I sighed in annoyance. Idate seemed a little surprised Naruto had shut up. "Alright. So you're heading north?" I asked. Idate nodded.

"Let's go then. We'll stay close. Just don't do something reckless like that again…" I said. Naruto and Idate both nodded and we went on. Idate explained what his plan had been from the start. We got to the port in the north and finally got on a boat. Sasuke was at the back rowing and helping guide the boat while Naruto and I tied the ropes on the sides to secure the sail.

I started the conversation with Naruto to get him thinking. Sasuke was also in on the conversation as well. We were talking about the chunnin exams. "I would have won the tournament and become chunnin if we weren't interrupted in the middle!" Naruto whined.

"I still doubt you would have made it Naruto. Chunnin are meant to lead missions… Not recklessly rush into battle with their teams. That's why Shikamaru and I were the only ones chosen to become chunnin. Everyone else was way too hot headed." I said.

"Now I remember. Idate Morino…" Sasuke said.

"Wait a second. The first proctor of the exams… Ibiki Morino…" I said.

"My brother…? He's really alive!?" Idate asked in complete shock.

"Why wouldn't he be?!" Naruto asked. My eyes flickered over to the edge of the boat, sensing three chakras nearby and I drew my kunai.

"Sakura?" Naruto asked in shock. They all looked to see an arrow shot into our boat.

"We've got company." I said. The saw the boat with the rain ninja on it, and more arrows were shot at us. I sighed in annoyance.

"Naruto." I called. He looked. I threw him a kunai and he caught it, slightly confused. "You dropped yours. Remember?" I asked. He blinked and sighed in annoyance, cutting away at the ropes. I narrowed my eyes at the clones that were appearing.

"Clones again!?" I growled in annoyance.

"The same trick as the last time we fought these guys…" Sasuke said.

"Heh. Let's do clone against clone then! I'm not tired like the last time!" Naruto said grinning. He was attacked by the real ninja and poofed away. A clone. He was always growing and thinking of his next move. I knew the next move would be oil and fire.

"They changed to water clones, Sasuke!" Naruto yelled.

"I know!" Sasuke yelled. I decided I wouldn't reveal my power just yet. Aoi would be the best time to do so. The oil rain fell down and I yelled out to Sasuke not to use his fire jutsu. The boat was lit aflame by a fire arrow, and we jumped out of the boat, after Idate freaked out. I swore that we would protect him and allowed a kunai to cut my shoulder. It bled slightly but I could heal it.

I told Idate to swim and he did. I healed myself and we jumped into the water. We swam towards shore and I sensed Aoi had gotten to Idate. I knew he had to face it. He wouldn't be able to move on without Naruto's mental strength. I had to do some of the pushing however. Naruto wasn't exactly alone completely this time.

"Sakura. How's your wound?" Naruto asked.

"It's fine. I healed it before we jumped in. We aren't safe though… those rain village ninja are even more dangerous in the water. They're used to wet conditions and this is perfect for them. I'd rather not start a conflict and we need to go check on Idate." I said.

"We have to get out of the water as soon as possible." Sasuke said. I nodded in agreement.

"Woah!" Naruto yelped as he was dragged under. The ninja had caught him again. I growled in annoyance.

"Great. They're back already… I'll form a bubble so we can both breathe under water. I said. Sasuke nodded. I created a bubble around our heads and we both dove under. I controlled the water so that we would be safe for a while. They dragged Naruto down and caught us with clones. They tried to pop the bubbles but the bubbles wouldn't pop. I smirked at their annoyance and Naruto formed his own clones, using the rasengan to create a whirlpool. We got out quickly and headed to shore.

"Sasuke, search for Idate's chakra. I have a bad feeling something happened…" I said. Sasuke nodded. His Sharingan appeared he looked around.

"Over those boulders." Sasuke said. "His chakra seems to be flickering though."

"That means it's weak. The enemy must have gotten to him… He's still alive though, but he doesn't have much time if it's flickering." I said.

"Let's go then!" Naruto yelled, rushing off. I nodded and we rushed off after Naruto. Naruto yelled out to Idate, who was one the ground. He was unconscious. I narrowed my eyes and checked on his condition. I looked at the senbon and pulled them out.

"Poison…" I murmured.

"Smart little girl." Aoi said smirking at me. We heard the cheering of the crowds. Aoi smirked. I glared. "I see you're the chunnin in lead of these two. But that doesn't matter. Gennin or chunnin, are no match for a jounnin. I'll get rid of you first and then take care of the two little brats." He said.

"We'll see about that." I said I drew out Hyourinmaru's blade. Naruto took out the kunai I had given him and Sasuke drew the blade I had given him, his Kusanagi. I looked back at Naruto and Sasuke from the corner of my eye. "Get Idate out of here. Sasuke, take this." I said holding out the antidote Tsunade had given me. He took the jar and looked at me.

"An antidote." I murmured quietly so that only he could hear. He nodded. "Get out of here you two. I'll catch up with you later." I said. They hesitated. "Go!" I said. They left quickly.

"We'll be back Sakura!" Sasuke yelled as he left, clutching the hidden antidote in his hand. Aoi grinned.

"You really think you can handle me?" He asked with a grin. I smirked.

"I know I can." I said. "Sit upon the frozen heavens… Hyourinmaru!" I called out. The sky darkened and it stopped raining. The temperature went down at least 10 degressed within a second. Aoi looked shocked and surprised. Hyourinmaru awakened from his sleep within the blade and the blade glowed. The chain appeared and the ground around me froze.

"You won't make it past me." I said smirking and flashing my kekei genkai at him. His eyes widened and I disappeared before his eyes. He immediately drew out the blade of lightning. We both clashed blades and I surrounded Hyourinmaru's blade with wind chakra. His blade may have been the Legendary blade of the thunder spirit, but mine was the spirit of ice. Wind with water. A blade with a conscious soul… I knew the thunder spirit could cut through anything, but Hyourinmaru and I were two souls fighting against one.

I could feel Hyourinmaru beside me, fighting alongside me. It felt great. We were linked and connected. I hoped I could do the same with Sode no Shiraiyuki, but I'd have to train and practice with her as well.

I smirked and let go of Hyourinmaru with my right hand, quickly creating the chakra scalpel and touching his shoulder, severing right bicep, leaving his right arm useless. The blade fell to the ground, and was left harmless on the ground. I quickly touched his left calf muscle, as he roared in anger, throwing senbon at me carelessly. I easily dodged them and jumped back. He was left barely standing.

He gritted his teeth. "N-no way… A mere chunnin beating… me!?"

"You're weak. Compared to S-class criminals…? You're nothing but trash. You rely only on the blade's power and think that you're so invincible." I said thinking of Sasori. To be honest, Aoi was one of the weakest enemies we had faced. "A blade is only as powerful as its master. You should learn that." I said. I picked up the blade of the Thunder sprit and placed it in my weapons pouch. A treasure of the leaf village would be returned to its rightful place.

"You won't get away from here alive!" He roared and I turned to see his umbrella up in the air. "Ninja art: Senbon Shower!" He roared. My eyes widened. It was too late to do anything but try to dodge. I cursed and dashed away, trying to get out of the area. I had already taken my part of the antidote.

The senbon stabbed into me and I gritted my teeth in pain. I got up and Hyourinmaru growled in anger. I could feel the ice cold fury rushing through me. I stood up and gathered my energy, jumping up into the air, and sending a huge water ice dragon at Aoi. He yelled in fear and the ice dragon froze him in solid ice. The ice crumbled and I closed my eyes, sensing his chakra fade away.

I smirked lightly and felt a wave of pain pulse through me. I had dodged majority of the needles but there were many that hit me as well. I pulled out the needles and caught up to the boys. They were in the cave and I appeared.

"Sakura!" Naruto greeted in relief. Idate looked shocked. I smiled and started to fall, feeling myself going unconscious.

"Sakura!" Sasuke called out in a panic. I felt someone catch me. I opened my eyes slightly and smiled a bit. "Sakura, are you going to be ok…?" He asked setting me against the wall.

"Y-yeah… Just… need a short rest…" I murmured tiredly, before closing my eyes and allowing my body to lose consciousness.

I opened my eyes to find myself covered with a blanket. "Sakura…?" Sasuke called.

"I… need some help… to heal myself… Just help me move my hand for a bit..." I said. Sasuke nodded. I had him move my hand over my shoulder and heal my muscle. I was able to get the movement in my arm back and finally managed to heal most of the wounds. I bandaged up my hands and dressed up the wounds. The boys gave me my privacy and went out of the cave. I called them back in.

"So what happened to Aoi…?" Idate asked.

"He's dead. I took some of the antidote before we fought." I said. I was finally breathing easier. "Tsunade gave it to me just as we were leaving the village." I said. Sasuke nodded in understanding.

"How…?" Idate asked in shock. I smirked.

"That guy was easier to beat than one of my opponents in the chunnin exams. He totally cheated his way into becoming a chunnin." I said.

"Oh yeah… Gaara was seriously… tough… and scary." Naruto said getting the shivers. "I mean, he killed like it was nothing. He didn't even care about his team, and they were siblings too! We first met him and I swear he had this evil look in his eye." Naruto said. Idate blinked in shock.

"All his life was about killing… In his words, I quote "I kill to exist." He was pretty messed up." I said. Idate seemed pretty shocked.

"They let a crazy guy like that get into the chunnin exams?" Idate asked.

"Yeah, but I'm pretty sure after the whole incident with the chunnin exams, he's changed." Naruto said grinning. Sasuke blinked at Naruto, slightly confused. I smiled knowingly and pushed myself up tiredly.

"We need to get moving." I said. Idate nodded determinedly. I was guessing Naruto and Sasuke had heard about Idate's story. I stumbled. Sasuke caught me.

"You don't look like you're gonna be able to run normally." Sasuke said. I huffed. He smirked and pulled me onto his back.

"Hey, what're you-!?" I yelped.

"I'll race you guys!" Sasuke said with a smirk. Naruto and Idate grinned as they chased after us. I smiled lightly.

"Sasuke…?" I asked.

"Hm?" He hummed, seeming happy.

"Arigatou." I mumbled with a smile on my face, leaning onto his back. He seemed to stiffen slightly, before loosening up. He gave a small typical monosyllable sound.

"Hn." He smiled lightly. I laughed a bit. We both rushed towards the shrine. Naruto and Idate ran up the stairs, while Sasuke jumped through the trees with me on his back. We got to the shrine and Idate grabbed the sacred ball, before racing towards the bridge. We hurried to the finish, while Idate raced past Fukushuke, towards the finish line. We were all cheering. I could see him tearing up in happiness, when Jirocho called for him to keep running.

Idate won the race, and the Wagarashi tried to make an excuse that he didn't follow the rules, the Feudal Lord overruled him with power and destroyed the Wagarashi family. Sasuke sent a message to the village that we needed to travel back on boat since I was wounded and we probably wouldn't be able to make it back without running into danger by night fall. The celebrations were great and I was sitting at the side smiling lightly, watching everyone pat Idate on the back, or give a friendly punch.

I took a short walk outside and I noticed Sasuke come out. "Shouldn't you be inside celebrating with them?" I asked. Sasuke smiled.

"One ninja should be enough to stir up the party, especially if it's Naruto." Sasuke said. I laughed lightly and nodded in agreement. He sat beside me. "So how are your wounds?" He asked.

"They're fine. I managed to heal them pretty well. I'm just a bit sore." I said smiling a bit. He was so different from my past… I looked up at the sky and smiled. I finally felt at peace… It was something that was relieving. I hadn't felt so calm in a long time. I knew the Akatsuki were still out there, but I wasn't worried about them… I would worry when the time came.

For now, it was my time to enjoy this life. This second chance that I was given… I smiled. I wouldn't waste it. I would live the life I wanted to come true.

We sat together and enjoyed the silence. Just being together was all that I needed. Being able to sit together peacefully, without any worries on our minds... A peaceful calm sensation that I enjoyed and savored…

The next day, the boat from Konoha came to pick us up. "I wanna thank you all for your help. Sakura, Naruto, Sasuke... And I'm also sorry about being such an idiot and having given up so early before, Naruto." Idate said. Jirocho was there too. I had spoken with him in the morning about everything that happened on the mission and he had seemed to be less confused after the whole explanation. Jirocho had sent his men to retrieve Aoi's body and destroy it. Once I had confirmed it, they destroyed his remains.

"Hah. Well, you learn from your mistakes! It was a pleasure working with you too!" Naruto said grinning.

"I've come for the wounded." Ibiki said.

"Big-brother!" Idate called out in shock. Ibiki ignored him.

"Where is the wounded?" Ibiki asked.

"She's over here!" Sasuke said.

"Let's get her on the boat then." Ibiki said.

"Right." Sasuke said. He walked by me and I smiled lightly at him. He smiled back. Naruto followed us up into the boat while the other set me down.

"Big brother! Big Brother! Hold on!" Idate called out to Ibiki.

"Who're you? Only one person called me that…" Ibiki said with a small smile which I noticed while they set me down on the side of the boat. Ibiki turned to face Idate. "…and he died, three years ago…" Idate stared at Ibiki for a bit. I could tell they had a silent conversation before Ibiki turned around with a small smile on his face.

"So long Idate, see ya again someday! Take care!" Naruto called.

"You got it! You guys come back any time!" Idate called out to us.

"Hey Boss, take care of yourself ok?" Naruto asked.

"Yeah." Jirocho said.

"Naruto! Thanks again!" Idate called, running after the boat.

"Idate! Next time I see you we'll have to spar a little!" Naruto yelled. I smiled lightly at their conversation.

"Huh. Your first mission and you're battered up?" Ibiki asked looking at me, leaning against the wood holding up the sail.

"We ran into a former leaf nin. His name was Aoi. From what I know, you know him from the past?" I grumbled and asked from the floor of the boat.

"Him, huh? Yes I know him… I guess it was a little trouble for Idate then…" Ibiki said. I smirked.

"Tch. Yeah, but the arrogant ass is dead now. I managed to retrieve the other treasure of the village as well." I said. Ibiki smirked.

"A job well done, then… " He said smirking. He went to tend to his other duties, while Sasuke came over and helped set me up in the cabin. Naruto was already sleeping like a pig. I smiled lightly.

"Thanks." I said.

"No problem." He said softly.

We finally got back to the village and I was sent straight to the hospital. My bag was set in the corner on the room. Shisui came by to visit first. He had nearly glomped me but Itachi managed to stop him last second.

"Shisui. Behave." Itachi said blankly.

"Aww! Come on! I only wanted to hug Hime-chan! I haven't seen her for a long time and I nearly got killed by you like a million times without her healing me!" Shisui whined. I laughed at Shisui's whining. Shisui pretty much killed the whole "everything is serious" aura around Itachi.

"So what are you two doing here? I would expect you both to be out on a mission or something? I mean, the village was pretty much in chaos and is still pretty weak right?" I asked.

"We couldn't stop ourselves from the temptation of visiting our dear favourite little student!" Shisui used as an excuse.

"Hn. We were passing by the hospital and came for a visit after hearing from your cousins that you were in the hospital." Itachi said. I knew that Shisui had probably gone ahead and Itachi wanted to keep an eye on him. The door opened and we all turned our attention to the door.

I heard a meow and a set of four feet hitting the ground. A small white fur ball jumped into my arms and I laughed. "Hey, Yuki." I said scratching her behind the ear. She purred happily and curled up in my arms. I knew with Yuki would come my cousins.

"Sakura…" Akane walked to me and hugged me. I smiled and set Yuki down in my lap still petting her while I gave Akane a one handed hug. Asami and Miyuki both hugged me as well. "I'm glad you're alright." Akane said. I smiled.

"I was careless and let my guard down. Sorry for worrying you guys." I said knowing they had been a bit worried. They were happy. I was going to be released this afternoon. Itachi and Shisui left for a mission and my cousins went back home for preparations for the next concert. They had come up with some new tunes and songs. The next concert was one that was going to bring the spirits of the villagers and ninja up. We would stay strong even if life seemed hard.

I looked out the window and smiled lightly. The Hokage Mountains were shown all throughout the village. I blinked when I sensed Team 7 outside of my room. I could sense Sasuke with his parents and Naruto with his parents as well along with Kakashi-sensei. I smiled lightly and the door opened to show Sasuke scanning the room for me. I smiled in greeting. His eyes widened in relief and he smiled back and walked over to sit beside me. Naruto shoved his way forwards, forcing the adults to get out of his way.

"Sakura-chan! You're ok!" Naruto yelled out happily rushing towards me. His mother grabbed the back of his collar before he could come over.

"Naruto! This is a hospital! Be quiet!" Kushina hissed. Naruto sweat dropped and nodded vigorously in fear. I smiled and giggled at their mother and son interaction. Mikoto was smiling along with Sasuke and Minato, while Fugaku smirked.

"I'm glad you're alright now." Mikoto said hugging me. I smiled and hugged her back.

"Glad to be feeling normal again." I replied.

It wasn't long before Fugaku and Mikoto had to return while Kakashi, Naruto, and Sasuke went out for training once again. Kushina had left to help assist in what Minato was supposed to be doing while I reported on the mission.

"Ibiki informed me that I should hear from you face to face…?" Minato asked. I nodded.

"I've been working on the written report already. It should be done tomorrow morning. I recovered the blade of the Thunder Spirit." I said. His eyes widened in surprise and shock.

"That was stolen by a chunnin ninja that went rogue… No wonder Ibiki told me I should come see you in person." Minato said. I nodded and opened my bag, leaning over to grab the blade within the pocket. I held it out to him. Minato smiled and took it from me. "Well done, Sakura. You truly are worthy of the title you hold, as a chunnin." He said. I blushed.

"It was nothing. Besides, I don't think he was so tough, I just let my guard down at the last second… I shouldn't have done that." I said scratching the back of my head with a smile.

If I hadn't known what was going to happen… and what should have happened… then I wouldn't be much of a use here… I would take only what I needed to fix the future, and take no more than what I needed to use.

Minato smiled and nodded. "I'll bring this back to put away in secret. We've finally claimed one of our old missing treasures." He said. I smiled lightly and nodded. "You can bring in the mission report tomorrow. I don't think there will be too many missions for a bit, since ninja will need to help do their part in rebuilding the village."

"Right." I said. He left my room and it was a while later, that I was released from the hospital but I was to take it easy for a day or two and let my body rest and recuperate. I went to the rooftop of the hospital. If everything had gone on as it had in the past, then today would have been the day Naruto and Sasuke fought on the rooftop. I looked around at the blankets, hanging on the racks around on the rooftop.

I walked up to the water tanks and touched the cool metal, remembering that they had both damaged the tanks severely. I could still picture it clearly. I sat down and breathed deeply, feeling slightly dizzy. I cursed slightly. I was still a bit tired because of the amount of healing I had done. I had secretly healed Idate's legs in the cave, and I also transferred some of my chakra into Sasuke while healing my own wounds. I knew that did affect me, but what affected me most were the terrifying memories…

…and the horrible thoughts of what could possibly happen because I changed something.

I stared up at the sky. I did kind of understand why Shikamaru watched the sky so much. The skies always seemed so free. No obstacles in the way, no worries in the world…

I sat on the roof of the hospital, feeling as if the stress was too much today… I wanted to let it out. It was all on me… It was too much…

"Sakura-sama."

I opened my eyes to find myself standing in a snowy ice land. Hyourinmaru and Sode no Shiraiyuki were both there. Sode no Shiraiyuki walked to me and pulled me into an embrace, a soft smile on her face. She patted my head and the head ache seemed to go away, soothed by the cool presence of the two souls in my blades. Hyourinmaru merely sat down beside me, watching over me like a guardian.

"Sleep. It's ok. We will watch over you for a while, at least until you feel better." She said smiling. I nodded, willing myself to let go of everything, and just sleep it off. I would deal with it later. I closed my eyes, falling into a dreamless sleep.

I lay in peaceful silence until I heard my name being called.

"Sakura… Sakura…" A voice was calling out to me.

Who was it?

I recognized this voice.

I opened my eyes to find myself staring into the black abyss of his eyes… Happiness, Worry, and Relief… I could see it all in his eyes… "Sa-sasuke…." I stuttered in shock. I sat up. "Where am I…?" I asked. I knew I was on a bed but I had no idea where. I could barely focus. Memories flew into my mind and I remembered my past life.

"Sakura? Are you alright?" He asked. My eyes widened… He was still here… I pulled him into a tight hug. I heard his heart beat race and skyrocket. "S-sakura?!" He called out in shock and surprise. I smiled and didn't speak, not trusting my voice at the moment. He wasn't Sasuke the avenger… He was Uchiha Sasuke of the Leaf Village… but I needed to make sure… that he wouldn't disappear.

"Gomen… I just…" I trailed off. I didn't want to say anything… "Can you… stay like this… just for a little while…?" I asked. He nodded and slowly hugged me back. I had a tight grip on his shirt. I leaned my head on his shoulder, listening to his soft breathing. He calmed down a bit. I closed my eyes, feeling the thoughts of the dark past backing off, being pushed to the back of my mind. "Arigatou." I murmured tiredly into his shoulder. He sighed lightly and patted my head before pulling back slightly.

"I went to the hospital since your cousins said you didn't come home for dinner and I found you on the rooftop. I brought you back to the Uchiha manor since it was closer. My parents know you're here along with Itachi. He left to let Akane know." Sasuke said. I nodded, noticing I was still gripping his shirt tightly. "Do you want to get something to eat?" He asked. I shook my head. "Do you want to talk about it?" He asked. I shook my head, looking down. "Do you want me to stay with you?" He asked. I nodded and stayed silent. He pulled me back into a hug and I leaned onto him, slowly letting my eyes close as he combed his hands slowly through my hair.

He was… kind and warm… his heart was full of light, and love, not darkness and revenge… He was a proud ninja of the leaf village, not a rogue ninja that left to sound…

He was the Sasuke I feared if I made a mistake, I would lose for good.

I fell into a dreamless sleep.

When I woke up the next day, Sasuke was on the bed, sleeping beside me. He was breathing peacefully and holding me tightly. I sweat dropped at his grip. "Sasuke…" I called out to him quietly. He grunted at the call of his name, and merely held me tighter. I sweat dropped and tried to gently move out of his grip, but he only held my body to his. I sensed a spike of chakra and was suddenly aware that there were 3 people outside of the room watching us. I blushed cherry red, when I figured out who they were. "Sasuke, wake up!" I hissed. He groaned and merely turned over on top of me.

I blushed even harder when I could feel his whole body against my own. I yelped in embarrassment when he murmured my name, still asleep. I unconsciously shut my eyes, letting my instincts take over and pushed him off of me with my chakra enhanced strength. He fell off the bed with a loud thump.

I was sitting on the corner of the bed, holding the blanket to myself when he looked up and groaned, rubbing his head. His hair was stuck up in an odd way, and he looked dazed.

"Sakura…? What are you doing here?" He asked tiredly rubbing his eyes. He stared at me for a few seconds tiredly. Then suddenly he looked like he was fully awake and he turned red.

"S-sorry. I didn't… uh… do anything weird to you did I? I didn't know! I was still half asleep!" He tried to make excuses and I was still awkwardly sitting on the corner of the bed. He laughed awkwardly. "I'll just head to the bathroom and wash my face." He said. He left the room. I opened the window, looking out the window, still completely embarrassed. The door opened and Shisui walked in.

"Awww! Hime-chan is growing up! I want green eyed black haired little Uchihas!" Shisui said hugging me. I turned red.

"Shisui-sempai…" I said, still embarrassed, but also angry.

"Yes?" He asked, completely unfazed by the aura I was letting out.

"DON'T EVER SAY THAT AGAIN!" I screamed, throwing him out the window. He landed somewhere in the Uchiha training grounds. I was still blushing when Mikoto came in.

"Sakura! Are you alright? I heard someone yelling." She said.

"H-hai…" I murmured quietly.

"You look a little flushed. Are you sick?" She asked worriedly. I shook my head again.

"I'm fine… Can I get something to eat?" I asked. She nodded with a smile. We both went downstairs and I sat down. Itachi came down the stairs and looked at me before sitting down beside me. I stayed silent. He patted my head.

"Good job with Shisui there." He said with a chuckle. I blinked and huffed.

"This time, he really deserved it." I said.

Sasuke came down to see me and we both blushed and looked away from each other. Fugaku seemed to take notice but said nothing. It was peaceful for a morning, at least until Shisui showed up whining.

"Hime-chan… That was mean!" Shisui whined.

"Shisui-nii, I don't understand how you're actually in Anbu." Sasuke deadpanned. I shook with laughter, unable to hold it back. I couldn't help it. I laughed. Sasuke seemed to grin. Itachi chuckled. Mikoto giggled and Fugaku smirked. Shisui pouted, but he had a smile on his face. Shisui started tickling me and I laughed until it hurt. I was breathing heavily and pouting at Shisui who was grinning cheekily. We all ate breakfast after the playful aura passed and finally I was walking out with Itachi and Shisui when I glared at Shisui. Itachi looked quite amused. Sasuke was grinning.

"I'm going to get you back, Shisui and when I do, you'll have to piggy back me around the village for a whole day." I said with a smirk.

"Sure, whenever you can, Hime-chan!" He said with a wide grin. I growled and ran after him, trying to grab onto him. He stayed just out of my arms reach, speeding up just when I was about to catch up to him. We got to the house and Akane came to hug me.

"We were worried when you didn't show up for dinner, Sakura." Akane said. I looked away.

"Sorry." I murmured. She patted my head.

"It's ok. As long as you're alright." She said. I nodded and hugged her. She smiled.

"Thanks, boys." Akane said grinning at all three of them.

"No problem!" Shisui said with a grin. Sasuke smiled and nodded. Itachi smirked at Akane. Akane blushed slightly and smiled. I giggled at the two of them and went inside, waving goodbye to them. Sasuke waved back. Itachi nodded and Shisui called out to me. "Bye Hime-chan!" Shisui yelled.

I put the report on the desk and filled out the rest of the report on the mission to the land of tea. Our house in the attack hadn't been damaged too badly, so it was alright to live in. It was closer to the north western edge of the village, also close to the Uchiha compound.

"Sakura! Let's practice this new song!" Akane called out.

"Got it!" I called. I finished the few last words in my report, and put on my signature. I checked it over once more before rolling it up and placing it in my weapons pouch. I would head out and give it to the Hokage before going to help out with the repairs in the village.

The new song we would perform was called "Light My Fire".

I could feel the emotions in the song, and smiled lightly while singing, feeling the strength of the song flowing through my mind. I could truly feel a connection trying to be made.

It would be something that brought everyone together.

We were all one village.

One nation.

One huge family.

And I wouldn't let the flames of our spirit die away so easily against Tobi.

Yay. I finished! Okay... I'm wondering if I should time skip a little and jump to when they're going to leave the village to train or do some fillers. Pass me some opinions u people! I need ideas loool. I need to re-watch OMG. I was busy watching and reading other animes and mangas so I kinda got myself side-tracked! You guys are the best! Please keep reading and reviewing!