Chapter no.22 Naruto

Chapter no.22 Enter Sakura Haruno

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The soft glow of dawn crept into Sakura’s room, casting a gentle, golden light across her walls. She yawned, rubbing her eyes as she sat up and stretched, feeling the quiet peace of early morning settle over her. On the nightstand beside her bed lay her well-worn diary, its cover decorated with little stickers she’d added over the years. She reached for it, flipping to a fresh page with a sigh of contentment.

Dear Diary, she wrote, her handwriting neat and careful. Today’s my first day with Team 7. I hope Kakashi-sensei won’t be late, but I’m going to get there early. Maybe this will be the day I finally get a chance to impress Sasuke-kun…

She smiled, then paused, her pen hovering above the paper as her thoughts drifted to Naruto. I wonder… was he always like this? She wrote, her letters careful and neat. He’s different somehow, quieter, almost distant. He hasn’t even tried asking me out once lately… She stared at the words, a strange mix of confusion and something she couldn’t quite name settling over her. As much as she’d always brushed off his ridiculous attempts, there was a part of her—a small, reluctant part—that had come to expect them. They’d given her an odd little ego boost, a reminder of someone’s affection, even if she didn’t return it.

But now… Now it just feels strange, she wrote, frowning. Like he’s someone else entirely, and that goofy Naruto I used to know is gone.

In the back of her mind, Inner Sakura stirred, her tone biting. Why do you even care, Sakura? It’s Naruto!

She closed the diary, setting it carefully back on her nightstand before getting out of bed.

Outside her window, she could hear the faint sounds of the early-morning market setting up, a distant murmur of voices and clattering carts. Sakura quickly dressed, brushing her pink hair with care, then bounded downstairs to the kitchen, where she could already hear her parents’ voices.



Her father, Kizashi Haruno, was leaning over the kitchen table, examining a scroll with the usual smile he wore so easily. His dull pink hair was as spiky as ever, and his laugh was loud and hearty as he spoke animatedly with her mother. Sakura could only pick up fragments of their conversation—something about “shipping schedules” and “inventory delays”—but she knew it had to do with her family’s work managing a small trading business. They didn’t make much, but it was enough for their comfortable little home, and for that, she was grateful.

Her mother, Mebuki, was the opposite of Kizashi in every way. Where he was all smiles and jokes, Mebuki was serious and focused, her face set in a no-nonsense expression as she listened to her husband’s rambling with a patient, if slightly exasperated, look.

“Good morning, Sakura,” Mebuki greeted, barely glancing up as she sliced vegetables for breakfast. “You’re up early.”

“Morning, Mom! Morning, Dad!” Sakura chirped, slipping into her seat at the table.

Kizashi glanced up from his scroll, grinning. “There’s my girl! Heading out for Shinobi business early, huh? Hoping to catch a certain someone’s eye, perhaps?”

Sakura’s cheeks flushed, and she quickly looked away, trying to hide her embarrassment. “Dad, it’s not like that!” she protested, her voice squeaking a little.

Shānnarō! Mind your own business! Inner Sakura growled.

Kizashi just chuckled, winking at her. “Ah, young love! It reminds me of when your mom and I were first dating.” He elbowed Mebuki, who rolled her eyes but couldn’t hide a small smile.

Mebuki, without looking up from her chopping, added dryly, “Just remember, Sakura, the more you focus on yourself, the more others will take notice. Being early and disciplined is good; just don’t let it all be for someone else.”

Sakura nodded, her mother’s words sinking in even as that familiar frustration flared up inside her. Sometimes it felt like her mom just didn’t get her at all—like she was always pushing Sakura to be something else, something tougher, something… not Sakura. No matter how much Sakura tried to explain it, Mebuki didn’t seem to understand that she didn’t want to be a warrior or a kunoichi that chased after battles and bruises. She wanted to be herself—and, more importantly, she wanted to impress Sasuke-kun, not her mom.

But Mebuki had other plans. It was in everything, from her insistence on those awful weight gainer drinks—thick, chalky, and revolting—to her constant nudges toward training routines that no other girl she knew had to do. And Mebuki never took no for an answer. Once, when Sakura refused to drink the weight gainer, her mom just slipped it into her breakfast rice, thinking Sakura wouldn’t notice. Sakura nearly spat it across the table when she tasted the powder.

Mom, I don’t need to bulk up! I’m trying to be elegant for Sasuke-kun, not turn into some musclehead!

And then there was the story she’d overheard from one of the neighbors last year—the one about how her mom had actually gone down to a bar where the kunoichi used to hang out, just to ask for advice on how to train her daughter. Sakura could hardly believe it. The image of her mother sitting among rough-edged kunoichi, awkwardly asking about survival tips and fighting techniques, was too embarrassing to even imagine.

Yet, for all her frustration, Sakura knew, deep down, that her mother meant well. Maybe it was her way of showing how much she cared, in a world that was far more dangerous than Sakura sometimes wanted to admit. But still, her mom’s relentless attempts at “toughening her up” felt like they were smothering her dreams, pushing her away from the person she wanted to become.

Inner Sakura had a different perspective. Hell yeah, Mom! I’ll be the best kunoichi in the Leaf Village before they even know what hit ‘em!

After a quick breakfast—light rice and some pickled vegetables—Sakura grabbed her ninja pouch, slinging it over her shoulder as she headed for the door.

“Have a good day, sweetheart!” Kizashi called, waving cheerfully.

“Remember, stay focused!” Mebuki added, her eyes sharp.

With a final wave, Sakura stepped outside, breathing in the crisp morning air as she made her way toward Training Ground 7. The village was slowly waking up around her; shop owners were setting up stalls, children were heading to the academy, and she could even spot a few familiar faces here and there.

Guess, they were sent back to the academy.

Sakura arrived well before the others, as she’d planned. She took a deep breath, letting herself enjoy the stillness, the quiet that settled over the training ground.

Sakura tightened her grip on a kunai and decided to get a bit of training in before the others arrived. She moved through the basic stances, throwing the kunai at the dummy with all her strength. It struck true, lodging itself squarely in the center, and she allowed herself a small, satisfied smile.

Soon enough, Sasuke arrived, his focus entirely on the scroll in his hand. Sakura’s heart skipped a beat as she flashed him her brightest smile. “Hello there, Sasuke-kun!”

He barely looked up, responding with a small, disinterested “Hn” before returning to his reading. But that cute, nonchalant sound made her insides flutter, even as she felt a wave of panic wash over her.

Am I… sweaty?

Before she could overthink it, she made a split-second decision, sneaking away from the training ground and rushing back home. A quick bath later—and a carefully selected outfit to look as casual but cute as possible—she returned, just in time to spot Naruto strolling in with a book in his hand.

She blinked. When did everyone get so into reading? First Sasuke, now Naruto… She narrowed her eyes as realization dawned on her. Wait, Naruto?

“Na-Naruto… you can read?!” she blurted out, wide-eyed. It just slipped out, but she couldn’t help it. She’d never seen him willingly hold anything even remotely resembling a book before, much less read one.

Naruto’s face fell, and he sweatdropped, looking slightly annoyed as he glanced back at the book.

Sakura ignored his mumbled response and took a step closer, curiosity getting the better of her. “What’re you reading?”

She looked at the highly questionable material—one that made her freeze in shock. Her face turned bright red, her mouth opening and closing in horror as she realized what she was looking at.

Shānnarō! Is he seriously reading that kind of garbage in public?!

Naruto barely contained his grin as he watched her reaction, and something in his expression made her realize this was all part of some stupid prank. Her fists clenched automatically, and she stomped off to the training dummies, rage bubbling up inside her.

“Kakashi-sensei corrupted Naruto-baka!” she muttered furiously under her breath, driving her fist into the dummy with more force than necessary. “If he corrupts Sasuke-kun too, he’ll feel the wrath of the beautiful Sakura Haruno!”

The training dummy shuddered under her punches as she let out her anger. She could feel Naruto’s gaze on her, but she ignored him, not wanting to give him the satisfaction of a reaction. If anything, she wished she could launch him into the next village for even thinking of bringing that kind of trash near her.

Then, of course, Naruto just had to make it worse.

“Yo, teme,” Naruto called out, his voice laced with mischief, “wanna read?”

Sakura’s head snapped up in horror, her eyes darting to Sasuke, who had just shown up and was reading a scroll nearby, looking as disinterested as ever. Did Naruto really just offer someone as pure and innocent as Sasuke his disgusting book?

“Naruto, don’t you dare!”

The thought of Sasuke reading something so… so filthy made her skin crawl. “I’ll fight you with the heart of a maiden of war in love!”

For a brief, glorious second, Sasuke looked up, his gaze flicking toward her. Her heart skipped a beat, and she quickly softened her expression, hoping he might actually notice her.

But Sasuke, as always, just turned back to his scroll with a noncommittal “Hn,” dismissing the entire situation like it was beneath him.

Sakura felt a flash of disappointment, but she forced herself to brush it off, instead glaring daggers at Naruto, who was laughing under his breath. That idiot! Always ruining things!

Before she could properly scold him, Kakashi-sensei strolled into the clearing, looking as unconcerned as ever, even though he was a full two hours late.

“Oh my, what a lively team I’ve got.”

Sakura’s frustration boiled over. Here she was, putting in all this effort, coming early, training hard, and meanwhile, Kakashi-sensei and Naruto seemed to go out of their way to make a mockery of the whole thing.

“Kakashi-sensei, you… you corruptor! Deviant! Pervert!” she shouted, pointing an accusatory finger at him, her face flushed with anger and embarrassment.

Kakashi raised an eyebrow, looking amused. “Mou, mou, Sakura-chan, what did little old me do?”

She threw a glare at him, still fuming. “You corrupted Naruto with your ways! Now he’s bringing… that kind of book around!”

“You’ve got good taste, Naruto,” Kakashi said, sounding genuinely impressed after checking out the book as Sakura just blinked. “But why the cloak?”

“Oh, so I can use the Transformation Jutsu,” Naruto replied with a smirk. “Wouldn’t want Sakura getting jealous of some pretty women.”

Sakura’s glare sharpened, her hands itching to throw a kunai directly at Naruto’s head. If looks could kill, she would have left him in pieces by now. Shānnarō! How dare he even suggest—

“Alright, everyone, sit down. I need to reveal today’s plans.”

With a huff, Sakura plopped herself down on the grass—at least six feet away from Naruto, thank you very much. She tried to ignore him, focusing instead on Sasuke, who was still engrossed in his scroll. At least Sasuke-kun knows how to take training seriously, she thought, feeling her spirits lift slightly.

But as she sat there, she realized Naruto was strangely quiet. For a moment, she glanced over, half expecting him to be pulling another stupid prank. But he was just… sitting there, calm and focused. It was almost unsettling. What’s gotten into him? She wondered.

Part of her was tempted to say something, but then she reconsidered. Actually, maybe Naruto being quiet is a blessing from above.

“Alright, Team 7,” Kakashi said, his voice light but carrying an unusual weight. “Today’s our first real training day. Here’s the plan: we’ll go until noon, training each of you individually. After that, you’ll get a two-hour rest before we meet some special people, and in the evening… our first mission.”

Sakura’s heart leapt at the word “mission.” Our first mission! She imagined herself standing tall, dazzling everyone with her cleverness, while Sasuke stood protectively by her side, finally looking at her with admiration in his eyes.

But then Kakashi made three shadow clones, each one gesturing for them to follow. It took a second for her to realize what he meant. Individual training.

Sakura glanced over at the real Kakashi, expecting him to maybe work with her or Sasuke personally, only to see him wandering off toward a tree, where he promptly lay down and closed his eyes.

Inner Sakura was livid. Shānnarō! Lazy bum! I’m putting in all this effort, and he’s just lying there like some slacker?!

Sakura felt a hand on her shoulder, and before she could process what was happening, the world around her warped into a dizzying blur. Trees, leaves, and sunlight streaked past her in a tunnel of speed, her vision narrowing until it was all just color and motion. She barely had time to gasp before they came to a sudden halt, the impact jarring her whole body as the world snapped back into place.

Her stomach churned, twisting painfully, and she barely managed to hold herself together before lurching forward, throwing up the small breakfast she’d had earlier. The sour taste filled her mouth, burning her throat, and she coughed, spitting to clear the awful, acidic sensation from her tongue.

“W-What was that?” she managed to mutter, swallowing back the last of the nausea.

“That was the Shunshin,” Kakashi’s voice replied, calm and casual. “It’s a jutsu that allows for high-speed travel. Hmm, now that I think about it, you’re the only one on the team who doesn’t know it.”

Sakura blinked, still trying to recover from the experience. “How?” she asked, her voice hoarse from the bile that lingered in her throat.

“Oh, well, Naruto learned it from Iruka, and Sasuke copied it from Naruto.

“Of course, Sasuke-kun is amazing!”

“And what about you?”

Kakashi’s question took her off guard. “What… what do you mean?”

In response, Kakashi handed her a folder with her name printed on it. She opened it hesitantly, her eyes scanning over the text quickly. Her breath caught in her throat as she absorbed the words, her heart sinking. Almost every line was filled with brutal, unforgiving assessments: “F” in taijutsu, “F” in ninjutsu… only her academic marks were anything above average.

She felt her hands tremble, her throat tightening as she fought to keep her composure. “Kakashi-sensei… what is this report?” she asked, her voice barely steady, trying desperately to hide the hurt threatening to spill over.

“Oh, that? It’s my assessment of your current level as a ninja.”

Sakura bit her lip, blinking rapidly to keep her tears at bay. But… I was the top kunoichi of my class, she wanted to say, feeling that title slip away as she stared at the unyielding words on the page.

Kakashi must have noticed her struggle because he placed a gentle hand on her head. “There’s a difference between how you do in class and how you do in the field,” he said softly. “It’s okay to be weak, Sakura. There’s nothing wrong with being weak… but staying weak is a problem.”

The words struck deep, and she swallowed hard, nodding as she brushed away a stray tear that had escaped down her cheek. The nausea in her stomach rose again, but this time, it was from the bitter realization that she was far from where she wanted to be.

“Yes, sensei.”

Kakashi gave her an encouraging nod. “Good. Now, why not use that sharp mind of yours to figure out what you can do to improve, based on the report?”

Sakura took a deep breath, trying to clear her head. She analyzed the report in her mind, picking through each category, weighing her strengths and weaknesses.

“Sensei… what areas do you have me rated higher than Sasuke and Naruto?” she asked cautiously.

Kakashi gave her a small smile, nodding approvingly. “Good question. Well, overall, I’d say you have better chakra control, stronger academic knowledge, and an affinity for genjutsu according to your academy report.”

Academy report, she repeated in her mind, a small pang of disappointment accompanying the realization that these were just baseline skills. Her brows knitted in thought. “What about your report, sensei?”

Kakashi’s eye crinkled slightly in a smile. “Well, then I’d have to test you myself, wouldn’t I?”

She felt a small spark of hope.

“Thank you, sensei,” she said with a bow. She looked up, but… Kakashi was gone.

The space he had occupied just moments ago was empty.

“Huh?!”

Before she could make sense of his sudden disappearance, a voice spoke behind her. “S-Sakura…”

She turned, and her heart stopped. Standing before her was Sasuke—or what was left of him. His entire form was battered, his skin pale and covered in cuts, one of his arms completely severed. His left eye was missing, the socket bloody and raw, and dark, thick blood trickled down his cheek. He looked like he’d been dragged through a nightmare, his gaze dull, lifeless.

Her breath hitched as she took in the sight, horror gripping her as she staggered back, her entire body going cold. The color drained from her face as her mind reeled, unable to process what she was seeing.

“Sasuke-kun…” she whispered, her voice breaking, her heart thundering in her chest.

And then everything went dark.

Sakura’s eyes snapped open, her body jolting awake as a scream tore from her lips. She sat up, chest heaving, and looked around frantically. The world felt surreal, still tinged with the lingering shadows of the nightmare she’d just been trapped in. It took her a moment to remember where she was—the training ground, Kakashi’s lesson, and…

Her eyes landed on Sasuke, alive and whole, standing just a few feet away. Relief surged through her, overpowering every other thought, and before she knew it, she’d closed the distance, throwing herself at him. Her arms wrapped around his waist, and she buried her face against his shoulder, the tears spilling freely as she clung to him with everything she had.

“Sasuke-kun,” she whispered, her voice choked with sobs. She couldn’t put it into words—the sheer, overwhelming relief that he was right here, breathing, whole, alive. The sight of him in that genjutsu had shattered her, and she hadn’t realized just how much until she felt the solid warmth of him now. He didn’t say a word, just stood there, letting her hold onto him, his body awkward but still.

“What… happened to her?” a voice broke through, and Sakura blinked, lifting her tear-streaked face to see Naruto, looking like he’d been through a storm.

Looks like Naruto’s working hard, compared to us sleeping, Inner Sakura muttered, her voice laced with an edge that stung Sakura. She froze at the thought. He really is out here pushing himself, while I’m here falling apart over a test.

Then Kakashi’s voice cut through the silence, his tone oddly casual. “Looks like I took it too far with the genjutsu test,” he chuckled, rubbing the back of his head.

And those words hit her like a punch. It had been… a test? Just a test? The realization washed over her, and with it came a wave of shame so intense she felt like she might sink right there. This was supposed to be my strength, she thought bitterly, feeling the ache of failure in her chest. Genjutsu was supposed to be what I was good at.

She felt her shoulders sagging, the weight of her own disappointment settling heavy in her stomach. She’d thought herself strong in genjutsu, even held on to a bit of pride for it, but now… I couldn’t even tell it was an illusion. She glanced at Naruto, still looking worse for wear, his face determined despite everything, and then at Sasuke, who seemed so steady, so unbreakable. And then there was her—crying, clinging, and lost.

I’m the weakest one here, she thought bitterly, the words ringing through her mind like a cruel echo. And yet I had the nerve to call them lazy, like I had some right to judge.

Sasuke’s voice, tentative and low, pulled her from her thoughts. “Sakura… you okay?”

She nodded, forcing a small, tight smile that she could barely hold together. Any other time, she’d be ecstatic just to have Sasuke show the tiniest hint of concern for her. She’d hold on to it, let it lift her spirits, replay his words over and over in her mind. But now? All she felt was hollow. It was like she didn’t even deserve his attention, like she was a burden just for being there.

If only we’d listened to Mom, Inner Sakura’s voice chimed in, uncharacteristically quiet, the words heavy and blunt. If we’d trained the way she wanted, maybe we’d be kicking ass and taking names right now, not falling apart.

Sakura clenched her fists, closing her eyes as she pressed her hands to her face, hoping to hide the shame and disappointment that burned so rawly inside her. Mom was right, she thought miserably. All her mother’s pushing, all her insistence on strength and survival… she’d fought it so hard, resisted every attempt to be molded into something she didn’t want. But right now, she could feel the weight of those choices, and the regret that came with it.

“Sakura,” Kakashi’s voice softened, and she could feel Naruto and Sasuke watching her, their expressions full of concern.

“I’m fine,” she whispered, her voice tight and shaky. “I just… I just need a minute.”

She forced herself to breathe, but the feeling of inadequacy and shame sat like a stone in her chest. She wanted to run, to escape the eyes on her, to hide where no one could see the weakness she was feeling. Her heart pounded with the urge to flee, but she felt paralyzed, like her legs wouldn’t obey. She was trapped in this moment, this humiliating moment of failure, and it hurt in a way she hadn’t anticipated.

But thankfully, Kakashi started talking, his voice breaking the silence, shifting the attention away from her. She took a shaky breath, trying to focus on his words, letting herself fall into the background. She wasn’t ready to face them, not yet. For now, she just wanted to disappear.