Haruno Sakura

[Haruno Sakura]

-----Name: Haruno Sakura

-----Age: 20

-----Gender: Female

-----Rank: Jounin

-----Weapons:
Exploding Note:
An exploding note is a rather common shinobi tool. Used in combination with different styles of jutsu, this small piece of parchment can have a devastating effect. What the note is, is a small piece of paper that has writing upon its surface that will cause the note to explode. The notes are usually attached in some manner, such as plastered to a tree, or wrapped around a kunai, and thrown, or left hidden. What it allows for is a person to plant the note and then make it a safe distance away. Used mainly for distractions, it can also be used to maim or injure. Sakura keeps usually 15 of these in her thigh pouch at a time.

Exploding Pouch:
Whereas an exploding note is in a note shape, the exploding pouch is, surprisingly, in a pouch shape. It is a small bag stuffed full of stuff that explodes. The pouch is actually attached by a small wire to a hook that allows a person to attach it to another person in a secretive spot. It is very small and easy to hide, to if done right, the person will never be aware of the fact that it has been planted on them. Like the note, the pouch will explode a short time after it has been planted by means of chakra. This gives Sakura enough time not to be caught in the vicinity of the pouch, or to still be holding it when it does explode. Sakura keeps usually 5 of these on her person, since they are not a major weapon for her.

Shuriken:
Shuriken are a small weapons that are often described as ninja stars, because of their shape, or a hidden hand blade, because of their size. They are a throwing weapon with all four points sharp and are made in such a way that they can be hidden or concealed. Sakura generally does not use them in such a way though, such as with a fire jutsu. Instead, Sakura uses the star shaped weapon as a simple throwing weapon. They are common enough in the shinobi world, and Sakura's are just your average run of the mill kind. She carries 10 of these within her hip pouch and more if she is going out on a mission in the pouch on her skirt belt.

Kunai:
A kunai is a weapon that all shinobi are familiar with. They are a leaf shaped weapon with a ring at one end, and a point at the other. Generally, Sakura will use them as a simple throwing weapon, or combine them with other things. Of course, Sakura will use them in companionship with exploding notes, either wrapping the note around the handle of the kunai, or attaching it via a piece of wire to the hoop. Sakura herself carries 20 of these, again more if she is out on a mission.

Smoke Grenade:
These cylindar shaped green canisters are usually only carried when Sakura is out on a mission. They are usually used if Sakura needs a quick escape, or cover the area in smoke to be able to do something in secret.

Makibishi: Makibishi are small little weapons that are thrown upon the ground during an escape. They are made out of metal and are spiked to puncture the bottom of a person's shoe, thus slowing down or halting persuit. Sakura keeps a bunch of these in the pouch on her skirt.

Gloves: Because of the switch that Sakura has taken, she now dons a pair of gloves. These are put on anytime she uses her fists for powerful strikes.



-----Appearance:
Sakura has started to mature in many ways. This of course includes her physical appearance. She is not the tallest of characters, and seems to have reached basically her full height. Sakura stands around 150 cm tall, though with her added heels, she does seem all that much taller. She is not a skinny person, nor is she fat. Rather, she as an fit body, which comes from training with Tsunade. Sakura was not known for her physical strength as a Genin, but these past few years have taken away the baby fat and molded her into a sleeker and agile fighter. She does not have a body builder's muscles, but rather a limber sinewy build. Sakura weighs around 35kg which she carries rather well on her body. She is well proportioned, feminine, but not overtly so. Her hair of course is still that bubble-gum pink colour. Unlike Ino, Sakura has kept her hair at a shorter length. A thick set of bangs frame her face. The bangs perk up a bit, and flutter down to wall wispy around her face. They also set the length for the rest of her hair, though it is shorter at the back of her head than at the bangs. It hangs just below her chin in length and it kept lose because of it's short length, but her forehead protector actually keeps a vast majority of the hair from slipping around her face.

Sakura's eyes are a green colour. They are not quite an emerald hue, nor a jade, but rather a mixture in between. They are bright and focused and inquisitive. Sakura's biggest trademark is her forehead. She of course has not really grown into this, and will probably continue to have a big forehead until her death. Unlike when she was a child, Sakura no longer takes to hiding this feature. Sakura has grown and has realized that hiding it does simply make it more noticeable. Her face as lost some of its fat as well, though her cheek bones are not that prominent. She has nimble fingers, but they are not soft and well taken care of as a child, but rather are calloused and used to the strain of being a shinobi. Sakura likes to paint her finger nails and toe nails a vibrant green colour, though usually they paint chips and peels rather quickly. She moves with a delicate grace coming from many years of training and the fact that she is a quite agile person. Some would say that Sakura can slink along rather well, and worm her way out of many positions.

-----Personality:
Like her looks, Sakura as also matured in her personality. Sakura has come to grow into herself, and has become comfortable with who she is. Inner Sakura is still there and still raises its head, especially when Naruto starts to pester her, but in many regards, she has grown. As a child, Sakura was a timid person and was bullied and made fun of because of her looks, particularly her big forehead. By the time Sakura had reached a Genin, Inner Sakura had manifested itself and Sakura had changed. She had become more aggressive, especially in getting things that she wanted. This of course included Sasuke, for whom Sakura was willing to throw away her friendship with Ino over. Also, Sakura could have been described as a bit whiny and hostile, especially towards Naruto. Sakura never actually took the time in the beginning to see Naruto for what he was worth. Instead she judged him and kept to that belief. She was often annoyed with him for his 'stupidity' and took it out with being hostile. Anyone who crossed Sakura would meet Inner Sakura, and either be punched or hit, or harmed in some fashion. Now though, Sakura has settled down and grown more comfortable. She has matured and moved past petty squabbles, for her relationship with Ino has been rekindled, and Sakura has also come to realize just what a shinobi Naruto is.

Now, instead of just lashing out at people or becoming emotional, Sakura acts more calmly. Once a very emotional shinobi, Sakura has calmed down and come to understand who she is. In many ways, she has mellowed out, but will still kick ass if she can. No longer feeling useless, Sakura has taken to training with Tsunade. It can probably be said that some of the Hokage's persona has rubbed off on her. Jiraiya has commented that Sakura is becoming another Tsunade. Sakura no longer judges people only by their looks, but rather gets to know them first. Although she has become more relaxed, she still at times has a violent temper, especially with Sai and at times still with Naruto. Generally, Sakura is loyal, almost to a fault, strong willed and intelligent.

Sakura often can switch moods quite easily. She's terribly sentimental, and when Sakura's feelings are wounded she can cry buckets, and does. She'll look at a person so reproachfully they'll feel as if they'd just shot a small rabbit that was her pet. Sakura sometimes gets the idea that she is hopelessly unequipped for the fierce battles and driving ambition required to survive. Then deep depression sets in; all the regrets of her life suddenly come crashing down upon her. These moments though are kept private from the world. The hardest lesson Sakura has to learn is to overcome her timidity and her doubts. If the fears go deep, Sakura'll shut herself off from others, then wonder why she's lonely. She's often afraid of imposing if she knows she is, pushing too hard, taking advantage, when such thoughts are in no one's head but hers, but when she does not realize that is what she is doing, Sakura will act first and then think. Sakura will cover her shyness and vulnerability with wisecracks, a sophisticated veneer and a frigid independent personality, a need to prove herself to the world. What it really is, is but a cloak of protection, worn to hide her uncertainty from the prying eyes of rough people who would bruise her gentle heart. Sakura tends to pour out her real soul by writing lyrics, bad lyrics really, with a secret message woven in the shades of her soft, very private dreams. No one, not even Ino or her mother, has ever seen them. When she's not writing, she's the brittle, callous, kunoichi orientated woman she wants people to see. Yet, even this type of mood is unable to fight her sentimentality. With all her make-believe independence she waits on the curb and still waits for a guy to protect her. That drive is there and more so than her younger years, but Sakura still dreams the feminine dream. There are some things one just doesn't do. She fools a lot of men who could quiet her inner fears and make her take back her frequent claim of, "Who needs a guy? They only mess up your life."

-----Village of Origin:
Konohagakure no Sato

-----Kekkei Genkai/Special Ability/Bloodlimit:
Nadda

-----Jutsus:
Henge no Jutsu (Transformation Technique)
The user assumes the appearance of another person, animal, or object. This is one of the basic jutsu taught at the Konoha Ninja Academy. Fundamentally, all ninja know this jutsu.

Shunshin no Jutsu (Body Flicker Technique)
A high-speed movement technique. It is described as 'appearing with the wind and disappearing like the wind.' A very basic jutsu, it appears that most shinobi above Genin-rank know it.

Kawarimi no Jutsu (Body Replacement Technique)
This jutsu lets the user quickly switch places with another nearby object, such as a plant (normally a section of a log), an animal, or even another person within reach, leaving the opponent open to a counter-attack.

Bunshin no Jutsu (Clone Technique)
This technique creates a clone of the user, but it is an illusion, not a real copy like the Shadow Clone Technique. The illusions will dissipate when they come into contact with anything. The illusions can be seen through by the Byakugan and the Sharingan.

Nawanuke no Jutsu (Rope Escape Technique)
A basic technique taught at the Ninja academy, this jutsu allows a ninja to free themselves if they have been tied up.

Doton no Jutsu (Earth Release Skill)
This Jutsu allows the user to travel underground, and come back up (or pull others under) whenever he/she likes.

Jibaku Fuda: Kassei (Exploding Tag: Activate)
This allows the user to set off exploding tags from a distance with Chakra.

Kakuremino no Jutsu (Cloak of Invisibility Technique)
This jutsu allows a ninja to take a cloak or a piece of cloth and blend into an object, making them invisible.

Kinobori no Waza (Act of Tree Climbing)
Kinobori no Waza, the art of tree climbing serves a dual purpose. Taking part in Kinobori Shugyou (Tree Climbing Training) helps a ninja learn how to focus their chakra, and it also teaches them how to run up trees and walk up walls. The training helps the ninja learn how to focus just the right amount of chakra to a particular part of their body. The amount needed to climb is small but it must be precise. The feet are said to be the hardest location to learn how to master chakra focusing. So by gaining the art of this skill, the ninja will be able to have any jutsu available to him (theoretically) because she can focus chakra as needed. Next the chakra released must be properly controlled.

Suimen Hokou no Waza (Act of Water Surface Walking)
A variation on the Kinobori no Waza (Act of Tree Climbing), the art of water surface walking allows a ninja to walk on water as if it was a solid surface. Focusing an even amount of charka out of the soles of their feet, they can balance themselves on the very surface of the water.

Kai (Release)
Kai is a Ninjutsu technique which allows the ninja to avoid the effects of a Genjutsu illusion. After forming the needed handseals, the Genjutsu technique will not affect the ninja. The ninja can also use the technique on another individual who was unable to avoid the attack. After forming the needed hand seals, the ninja touches the one affected to end the affect of the spell.

Shôsen Jutsu (Mystical Palm Technique)
This jutsu is a mutli-purpose medical technique used by medic-nin to heal wounds and perform surgery. For the former, the user concentrates chakra to their hand and applies it to a wound, speeding up cell regeneration. For the latter, the user focuses their chakra into a blade to make cuts where necessary. Because it is done with chakra, the user doesn't need to cut through their target's skin to reach muscles and organs. For this to be applied effectively in healing, a large amount of chakra is required. Using it to cut seems to be less chakra-intensive. This cutting aspect of this jutsu can also be used in combat, though it requires incredible precision on the user's part to be effective.

Dokunuki no Jutsu (Poison Extraction Technique)
This ornate jutsu uses chakra to literally pull foreign materials from someone's body, no doubt requiring precision control on the part of the user to avoid causing internal injury to their patient.

Tsûtenkyaku (Painful Sky Leg)
This jutsu is simply a drop kick to the ground. Because of the strength put behind it, it can result in a crater or a fracture along the ground. Sakura also uses her fists for much the same effect.

Kuchiyose no Jutsu (Summoning Technique)
Sakura has signed a blood contract with slugs, which allows her to summon one from another plane to use in battle. It has been passed down through her sensei. Tsunade, and there are many different levels of summons that can be accomplished. Katsuyu is the slug queen, and she is more quiet and more willing to help Sakura without any thought to herself. Her skills include creating miniature clones of herself when she is being smushed, and the ability to merge back together. As well, Katsuyu can spit out acid from her mouth which can melt through a variety of substances, rock included.

Ranshinsho (Important Body Points Disturbance)
Another technique that Tsunade passed down to her student, this jutsu required a small amount of chakra to be converted into electricity. Then, when this is done, she moves to hit her target's brain stem and disrupt the flow of electrical signals. What this does it makes the electrical signals get mixed up with other parts of the body. If they try to move their right leg, their left pinky finger might move.

-----RP Sample:[/color]
Twilight, the dawning of the witching hour when shadows begin to form blankets over every inch of the lithosphere and the sky grows pitch save for a few points of light that dance like possessed eyes watching all the world at play. Twilight is when all things dark and beautiful begin to stir, when owls begin their hunt and youth draw close to their matriarchs for warmth and safety from things unknown lurking in the growing shadows. It is amidst this dimming hour that one of the newest playings wandered into the district that stood with a sign labeled Konoha hanging above its gate.

Had one been looking at a picture of the outdoors, it would have portrayed the typical and quint fall setting. Already leaves were starting to change their colours, fading from the vibrants greens that had meant life. Now they showed the changes of the world around them. The cycle was drawing to an end, and nature knew this. Nature was the clock for those who missed the alarm. Yet, if one were to step forth into this still image, they would see that it was all a lie. The day had started out much like any other had from the past few days. The tormented howl of the raving zephyr was still battling against the house walls. The dwelling creaked and moaned, protesting yet denying the claim of dominance so put forth. It managed only to wiggle its way into the nooks and crannies that old age brought about. Its power and might diminished, the wind could only tickle and tease, not manipulate and snarl. The blew with a malicious intent that failed to reach beyond its volume. It was like a feather caressing the flesh, tickling and bringing giggles, but not once did it sway or bind.

Light green eyes peered out at the world before her. All seemed so calm, so peaceful, in her room, that at times Sakura forgot what lay out there. Life would always reminded her though, giving her a light nudge to inform her how foolish she was being. Peace was only something that children had until the world came knocking. Then it became something that was sought often like a holy grail. Sakura knew, for peace is what she herself was looking for, it is what they had all looked for.

Night had come, and Sakura knew that she should sleep, for tomorrow would bring about another full day of working under Tsunade and growing stronger. Somehow though, sleep evaded her, and she rose instead, swinging her body forwards until she sat up straight on her small bed. Rolling so that her feet landed softly upon the ground, a picture caught her gaze, and Sakura felt herself drawn into to. Team 7 all those years ago, when things had been better; when things had been worse. Sakura knew now, looking back, that she had not treated being a shinobi as properly as she should have; nor had she treated Naruto all that well. Things had seemed so simple and straight-forward. Her eyes though, soon found themselves jerking to another picture, a picture this time of Naruto and herself, but with Sai, Yamato and Kakashi all together.

Sakura would never have guessed that things would have turned out this way, yet, had she been able to change the past, Sakura knew that she would have stayed on the same trail she was on now. Pain hurt, but people learned to live through it. She would not be here now if it was not for her past. Trailing a finger first over Sasuke, then the smiling as she brushed over Naruto's and Kakashi's, Sakura rose and went downstairs to make herself a cup of chocolate.

[Haruno Sakura]

-----History:
Compared to some, Sakura's life could be called boring, or as she prefers to call it, normal. She was not an orphan, or did her family get massacred. Rather, Sakura was born to two average people, and grew up in a normal loving environment. From an early age, Sakura was always well behaved, yet seemed to be quick to judge people. Her neighbor's children often avoided her, since she could snap at one moment and punch them, or be nice and shy. This of course was the beginnings of the split persona that Sakura had. Being a rather well read child, since Sakura liked to know quite a bit, she entered into the Ninja Academy at the age of 5. Sakura had been eagerly looking forward to this moment, having seen all the shinobi moving about outside of her parents restaurant. Her parents of course had found it just a bit ironic that they would have a daughter who would go to the Academy, since to the best of their knowledge, there had never been a shinobi in their bloodline. They had wanted their only daughter to take up the family restaurant, though it soon became apparent that this was not going to happen. They gave their blessing to their daughter, supporting her with all their heart and hoping her the best. They of course had no clue what being a shinobi entailed, and asked now if they would have let their daughter continue upon the path that she had set out on, they would have taken a moment to wonder. Needless, they supported their daughter and gave her the encouragement that she needed.

Sakura of course thought that the Ninja Academy would be like a slice of cake; all good and tasty. This of course was not the case. As little children often do, they pick upon those that they know they can get away with. Although Sakura had been a rather loud child, she had never faced so many people who pointed and stared, making fun of her appearance. This of course led Sakura to become more timid as the children kept making fun of her forehead. As a result of this, she purposely tried to cover it up so that no one would be able to see it. It was a silly move, because people of course realized why she was doing that, and made fun of her all that much more. Although her parents tried to give her comforting words, there was only so much a parent can say to a child. Relief came in the form of one Yamanaka Ino. Ino was a very popular girl at school, the type of person that Sakura liked, yet disliked at the same time for her natural grace. Ino came, befriending her, and telling Sakura that it was silly to hide her forehead. Pointing out that it just made it more obvious, especially by putting her bangs in such a manner, and gave Sakura a ribbon. This ribbon was an item that Sakura kept for a long time after, because it came to symbolize a turning point in her life.

After befriending Ino, things became easier for Sakura. Although she was still somewhat timid, she was more willing to stand up for herself. Under Ino's friendship, Sakura started her first stage of growth, becoming more confident in herself and who she was. Their friendship continued to grow, though Sakura often wondered why exactly Ino, who was a lot prettier than Sakura (at least in her own mind) would want to hang out with her? On one particular occasion during flower arranging, which Ino naturally excelled at compared to her, Sakura wondered out loud if Ino was a fully bloomed flower. This of course brought up the question that if she was, what did that make her? Ino of course, had that private smile on her face, and took to explaining to Sakura that there was no meaning to a flower unless it blooms, that that even a bud becomes a flower. For Ino, those words were rather smart since she seemed to be only about her looks, which left Sakura thinking about them. Ino and Sakura's relationship only grew from then, and Sakura was happy that she had a person with whom she could confide in. Unfortunately, like all roads, sometimes paths split.

Sakura had slowly started to grow a crush upon one particular boy in her class; Uchiha Sasuke. He was, so Sakura thought, a mysterious and good looking boy. It soon becomes obvious that Ino likes him as well, and when Sakura realizes this, she knows that dark waters are coming. This revelation splits apart the friendship that the two had until that point forged. In a confrontation, Sakura gives back the symbol of their friendship; the red ribbon, and proclaims that she and Ino were now rivals and no longer friends. Their friendship deteriorates from this point, and anyone who had not know that they were friends, would not have been able to guess it. At this point, Sakura is still a rather weak individual and for the most part polite since the time she had been teased as a child. She does not take being a shinobi all that seriously and is perhaps only known for her crush of Sasuke. It is rather obvious that Sakura likes Sasuke, for she eventually grows her hair out because it was rumored that he liked long hair. Growing more vain, Inner Sakura starts to manifest itself again, since it had been dormant due to the teasings. Of course, this split really only was on the inside, with the angry Sakura ever surfacing on a few special occasions. During this period, it also soon becomes clear that someone has a crush on her.

Unluckily for Sakura, the boy who had feelings for her was none other than the most annoying shinobi she could ever meet; Uzumaki Naruto. For Sakura, this was such a horrid thought, for she found Naruto too abrasive and loud, nothing like the dark haired Uchiha. In fact, they could be said to be complete opposites in many regards. None the less, just like Sasuke's attempts to ignore Sakura, Sakura got stuck with Naruto and his feelings to her. There seemed to be a small glimmer of hope rise within Sakura, for Sasuke and herself were assigned to the same team. Some twist of fate, as Sakura would call it, also put Naruto onto her team, which of course made Sakura want to kill the people who picked it. They officially became team 7 under Jounin sensei, Kakashi. Sakura still does not take being a shinobi seriously. Her ridiculous infatuation on Sasuke continues to grow in much the same manner that Naruto's does on her. Sakura often berates Naruto, once telling Sasuke that the reason Naruto acted in such ways had to be because he had no parents. Unknown to Sakura, Sasuke himself was raised parent-less after his own were murdered. Sasuke of course informs her about her snobbish attitude, to which Sakura, abashed, agrees that he is probably right. Sakura though, often takes to agreeing with Sasuke no matter what he says, so really, her agreement does not mean that she should treat Naruto better, but rather that she is trying to get on his good side.

Hatake Kakashi was not the typical type of sensei. Often, Sakura was annoyed by his lax attitude and his lame excuses as to why he was late, but he did test and try his pupils. During one training session to get Kakashi's bells, an assignment where they are supposed to work as a team, Sakura of course works on her own, looking out only for Sasuke. Kakashi, realizing her weakness, uses it against her, demolishing her resolve from what she sees. Once their time is up, Kakashi points out that they do not work as a team, and challenges them on this, especially Sakura since she had focused only upon Sasuke and did not even offer to help Naruto out at all. Having told them not to eat that morning, and it now being afternoon, Sakura and Sasuke were offered the meal, and Naruto tied for his actions. Kakashi, stating that it was forbidden to feed Naruto or they would fail, left. Sasuke, after listening to Naruto, eventually shoves his meal towards him, and Sakura, following (gasp) Sasuke's example, offers hers as well. Kakashi of course pops out of no where, and shockingly tells them that they have passed; the first team that has been able to do so. What Kakashi looked for was not a team that would follow the rules but help their team mates.

From there on in, step by small step, Team 7 slowly started to grown a stronger bond. It soon became obvious to Sakura that she was the weakest of the three, and she actually did not like this. Kakashi though tells her that although she might not be as strong as Naruto and Sasuke, or have their endurance, she was the best a being able to control her chakra. Their first mission came and it was to be an escort mission to wave country. A simple mission, or so the paper said. They were to take Tazuna there to help finish building a bridge. What was not mentioned, since Tazuna kept it a secret, is that peril lay ahead. Attacked once a short while out, that Kakashi handles, it soon becomes obvious that this is not a simply escort mission. It becomes even more complicated once events start to happen, and Sakura is left to guard Tazuna while Kakashi, Naruto and Sasuke deal with Zabuza and Haku. Sakura herself is not involved in any of the major fights, but rather takes a symbolic role of guarding Tazuna. For once in her life, Sakura probably starts to realize just what it means to be a shinobi. Trying her hardest to live by the rules of a shinobi, which surprise, Sakura had memorized, she finds herself unable to, and breaks down over the body of Sasuke who had been seriously injured. Once it is obvious that he is not dead like presumed, she cries further, but tears of happiness.

Kakashi, feeling that the time had come for his band is misfits to try at becoming Chuunin, enters them into the Chuunin exams. On the way there, inside the building, they meet Rock Lee, who beats up Naruto and progresses into Sasuke, only to be stopped before any major damage was done. The main point which Sakura found annoying, was that Lee seemed to get a crush on her, blowing her a series of kisses which she avoids like a plague. Finally moving onto the first part of the exam, Sakura is able to complete it without cheating, which was the whole point, which proves that Sakura is actually a rather smart individual, when she is not drooling over Sasuke. Somehow they are able to pass onto the second part, for Sakura was sure that they would have failed thanks to Naruto. The second part of course tested them as a team in the forest of death. Having a certain number of days to not only reach the tower but to reach it while obtaining a second scroll, Team 7 sets out. Unknown to them, what lay ahead was something that nobody could have expected. Hunted down by sound shinobi, and Naruto being clobbered and his place taken on a numerous of occasions, it did not seem like they were going to pass.

To make matters worse, Sasuke gets bitten and both he and Naruto are soon left unconscious. Sakura soon realizes that she will need to be the strong one and protect her team mates with her life. It is obvious that she is weaker by far then those that are set out against her. Still, she fights on. Lee happens to come, trying to help Sakura, yet he too soon gets beaten down. On the brink of faltering, Sakura rises, and although she knows that she does not stand a chance, fights against the sound nins. Sakura of course realizes during this period that she is the weakest, and how cruel and cold she has been to Naruto. In a desperate attempt, when her hair is being held onto, Sakura takes out a kunai, for which she gets taunted about. But Sakura was not planning on stabbing, but rather, she cuts off her hair. Lee's team of course had come looking for him, and Asuma's team, consisting of Ino, Shikamaru, and Chouji watch from the sidelines. Delaying Abumi's attack by biting on him and receiving a harsh beating for doing so, gives Ino the chance to make up her mind, and she leaps to the aid of her friend.

Somehow, Sasuke awakens, and engulfed by Orochimaru's cursed seal asks Sakura who has hurt her, who is responsible for her wounds. Hesitantly Sakura states who it is, and Sasuke thus places his revenge upon Abumi, pulling his arms out of his sockets and verbally attacking him. He would have continued, had it not been for Sakura. Knowing that this was not the real Sasuke and that something must be wrong, Sakura runs towards him, and hugs him. She pleads with him to stop, that this is not who he is, and the cursed seal slowly starts to withdraw. As things die down, the teams split up, leaving Team Kakashi to set out to the tower. Able to get both scrolls, they soon meet up with Kabuto, who offers to help them to the tower. Being trapped once more in an illusion, and able to destroy the people doing so, team 7 makes it just in time. Unfortunately, too many teams had survived the match, meaning that some out need to be eliminated.

Fate would have it that Sakura ended up being pitted against Ino. Their match was rather heated, and left both of them knocked out. They, of course, had not reconciled their differences at this point. Throwing words back and forth at each other, the battle seems to be going no where. The two girls have a similar fighting style, save Ino has her own family related jutsu. Cutting her hair, Ino is able to bind Sakura to the ground with it, and uses her Mind Body Switch Technique, trying to make Sakura forfeit the match. Unknown to Ino, Sakura is not the average mind. Instead, Sakura has her Inner rage, and upon hearing Naruto screaming down and cheering at her, Sakura is able to shove Ino out of her head. Both girls end up charging at each other, and double ko each other, leaving both out. Not seriously injured, they are both brought up to where the rest of the people are waiting, and as Sakura wakes up, Ino comments that she has finally blossomed into a flower. Although the two are still rivals, their friendship has been mended, and they are once more friends. Both Sasuke and Naruto manage to make it past the preliminary exams, and of course, Sakura feels left behind, but when Naruto fights against Neji, she shoved aside those feelings and cheers him on.

As events break out with Orochimaru attacking the village and killing the Hokage, Sasuke runs off, betraying his team and his village in the process. Sakura of course happens to find him and understand what it is he is doing. As realization flows over her body, Sakura starts to cry, not wanting to lose Sasuke, and tries to hold him back. Confessing her love for him, and even offering to help with his revenge, if only he will stay, Sasuke simply states her name, and tells her thank you, before knocking her unconscious and leaving her on the bench. The next day as Naruto leaves to go hunt down Sasuke and bring him back to the village, Sakura confronts Naruto and tells him that he has to bring Sasuke back. Seeing his fellow team mate so distraught, Naruto promises to do that. This is another moment when Sakura starts to realize how wrong she has been in judging Naruto. He is obviously not the person that she first thought him to be. Fretting and worrying when Naruto is gone, there is nothing that Sakura can to but wait. Her team as it is, is cut apart and once more, she has been left behind by herself.

When Naruto returns without Sasuke, telling her how sorry he is for failing her, Sakura, seeing that he really means to keep his promise until it is complete, tells her that next time they will do it together. Sakura, wishing to be stronger, goes and asks Tsunade if she could be her apprentice. Tsunade, noting the look of determination and hardness in Sakura's request, agrees. Ironic, then, for all three members of the former team 7 now
train under one of the Three Legendary Sannin. Sasuke has already left, and soon Naruto follows, leaving Sakura alone. But this time, Sakura has a mission, and that is to become stronger so that she can help out next time they seek out Sasuke. For those years that Naruto is gone, Sakura spends a lot of time training under Tsunade, and gains an immense amount of strength and knowledge from the woman. She also gains some of Tsunade's personality. More mature and grown-up, Sakura once more tries to become a Chuunin, and this time manages to do so. Finally, Naruto comes back, and in their first meeting, Sakura tries to see if Naruto notices the changes. Naruto, of course, is totally oblivious, which makes Sakura annoyed. Sakura of course had thought that Naruto have matured like herself, yet it soon became obvious that he did not.

What is left of Team 7 meets up, and both Naruto and Kakashi are surprised at the new Sakura. Gone is the timid girl who always faltered behind, and here is the inhuman strengthed girl. Leaving both Kakashi and Naruto startled, Sakura shows off her new powers by shattering the ground beneath their feet with a solid punch upon it. This time, unlike previous times, during their bell test, they both manage to grasp a bell, though it is more because they use trickery. Then again, there is nothing wrong with trickery if it gets the job done. Not long after they had been reunited, they are called off on a mission to help Gaara. Once more, Sakura shows off her new abilities, for she is able to extract the poison from Kankurou, leaving Naruto once more realizing just how much she had changed. Meeting up with a woman called Chiyo, they all set off to find Gaara and the people who had kidnapped him.

A surprise greets them in the form of Uchiha Itachi. Itachi soon puts Naruto under a Genjutsu, which Sakura is able to remove, while Kakashi takes on Itachi in battle. They soon realize that this is not the real Itachi, but rather a transformed subordinate of
Sasori, one of the Akatsuki. Pressing on with the help of Team Gai who arrives, they all make it to the headquarters of the Akatsuki and break into it. The fighting begins right away though, but only Sasori and Deidara were actually there at the time. Deirdara takes off, leaving Sasori to deal with Chiyo and Sakura by himself, thinking that his partner will have no problems. Of course, things soon turn out to be pretty ugly. Sasori is skilled at puppets, and using his tools with a deadly grace. Sasori retreats into a puppet, which Chiyo and Sakura are able to drive him out of, only to have him summon a mechanical corpse of the third Kazekage. Chiyo, calling upon her two of her own puppets. The battle was ahrd, since the third Kazekage proved nearly impossible to beat. With Chiyo and Sakura working as a team, Sakura was able to strike in a last minute hit, getting rid of the puppet.

The fun though was still not done. Sasori had another trick up his sleeve; the biggest yet. He himself was a puppet, and started to fight once again. Chiyo pulled out her own secret trick, the White Secret Technique, which allowed Chiyo to use ten puppets, one for each finger. To trump her once again, Sasori took out his hundred puppets. Things seemed to be at the end for Chiyo and Sakura, for to face that many puppets was insane. Chiyo, weighing the risks, withdrew, and it was up to Sakura to finish. Although Sasori had thought that Sakura was out of the game from the poison he had given her, Sakura was able to rise thanks to the item that Chiyo gave her, and seal off his chakra. Being the snake that he was, Sakura soon realized that this was not Sasori, but another puppet. Sasori shot out a blade towards Chiyo, seeking to hit her, only to have Sakura get in the way. Using the last of her antidote, Chiyo gives it to Sakura, and as Sasori moves to strike again, two blades hit the last living part of his body. His dying words are to gloat that no one can heal the wound that he had given to Sakura.

Chiyo, seeking to deny this, used an unconventional treatment, one that Sasori was not aware of. By using a life-transfer jutsu that she had altered since it's original application, Chiyo was able to do this. Meeting back up with Kakashi and Naruto who had managed to get Gaara, Chiyo used the last of her life-force to revive Gaara. As Chiyo dies, she tells Sakura that she might go on to be even stronger than Tsunade and surpass her as a Shinobi. With that, Chiyo, her body having taken too much and given away too much of her life force, dies, leaving Sakura to cradle her body. They leave after they bury her, and Sakura states a final goodbye to the woman before joining up with the rest and heading home. Kakashi was seriously hurt, and when they returned home, Sakura and Naruto were surprised that Tsunade had replaced Kakashi and added a new member to their team. Yamato, or so he said his name was, took over Kakashi's position as team leader, and Sai took over Sasuke's position that had, until that point been vacant.

Naruto and Sakura of course were not pleased about these changes, and Sakura found Sai blunt and rude, withdraw and callous. Quickly they set out on a new mission; to find the spy Sasori was meeting with. Yamato, disguising himself as Sasori, discovers that it is Kabuto who is the spy, and he is soon followed by Orochimaru. Betraying the spy, Kabuto went and hacked at 'Sasori' not knowing that inside Sasori was actually a puppet, assumes that it is him. Orochimaru though, was not so easily fooled, and invites Sai, Naruto and Sakura to step forwards. Naruto, being brash and not thinking before he acts, was driven into a rage by Orochimaru's words and as his chakra blasts outwards, Sakura is nearly shoved off the bridge from the blast, and injures herself. Naruto and Orochimaru face off. The end result leaves Naruto injured, and Sakura uses her medical skills to save her team mate. Yamato notes that Sakura's feelings for Naruto must be very close, though Sakura is unable to respond since Naruto gains consciousness. Seeing the damage that was brought, Naruto questions who did this, and who hurt Sakura so? Knowing that it would shatter him to realize that he had lost his control and hurt her, Sakura lies.

As fate would have it, team 7 runs into Sasuke. Her feelings for him are still unknown though Sakura has taken to hitting Sai at times when he insults her former team mate. For both of his former team mates, Sasuke is still a touchy subject. Encountering a fake corpse of Sai, which they are able to tell is a fake, they press forward and into Orochimaru's base. Splitting up, they search for clues, and eventually as the base is torn apart around them, Sakura finds herself looking up and seeing Sasuke on the cliff.

Sakura, who stands by while Naruto and Sai take on Sasuke, has enough. Realizing that she had said she would help out next time as well, decides to take matters into her own hands, and charges at Sasuke with her fist ready to punch. Yamato though, realizing just what type of danger they are in, steps in, shattering his kunai on the tip of Saskue's blade. Pinned, with no place to retreat, Yamato can only lay there while his body grows numb, but it Naruto who arises, the power of the Kyuubi over powering him. Something happens, which Sakura does not know about, but a few moments later, Yamato shoves the blade out of his body by changing it into wood. It soon becomes obvious that Sasuke is not going to leave, and would willingly give his body up, if it means revenge. Orochimaru comes, stopping Sasuke from attacking, and soon they disappear. Once more, they are forced to return to Leaf empty handed. Upon arriving, Sakura vows once again to become stronger, and pushes herself even harder into her studies.

Sakura continued to train under the Hokage, eventually learning more and more medical skills. Between lessons with Tsunade, Shizune and other medical nin, Sakura eventually started to flourish and expand her powers. It would seem strange that such a untalented and whiny girl would eventually come to surpass the power of her own mentor. For Sakura herself, it felt strange, especially when it came time to attain Jounin level, a place Sakura would never had thought she would have been able to meet. Sakura knows she has grown, yet it still makes her uneasy to realize just how much she actually has accomplished. Sakura still remembered the first day with Kakashi, and finds it weird that she is the same rank as her sensei, whom she still calls sensei, despite any attempts to dissuade her.

[Uzumaki Naruto]

ACCEPTED