Naruto Fan Fiction ❯ Struggling Hearts ❯ Training the Heart ( Chapter 1 )

Struggling Hearts

 

Disclaimer: The usual stuff. I don't own Naruto or any of the characters, so you can't sue. I also must apologize if any of the characters seem a bit OOC (Out of Character) this is my first fanfiction that I hope to finish. So, happy reading!

 

Chapter 1: Training the Heart

 

“Great job, Naruto-kun!” Sakura called to her blonde-headed blue-eyed friend. She was smiling, something that was happening more and more often.

 

It had been nearly two years since Sakura had passed her Chuunin exam and studied under Tsunade. She was 18 now; at least, she turned 18 a few months ago. Sakura had been helping Naruto train for the Chuunin exam. He might not have had a team to go into it anymore, but there were many people like this, so Naruto could easily find a three-man team to go into the Chuunin exam.

 

“Think I'm ready yet, Sakura-chan?” asked an eager Naruto.

 

Sakura narrowed her eyes, and starred at Naruto, “You're still as stupid as ever.” She watched Naruto lower his head at the insult. Sakura grinned, “I'm just kidding, Naruto.” She walked closer to him and put a hand on his shoulder, “You are definitely ready.” She looked at the sky, “Good thing too, since they start tomorrow.”

 

Naruto nodded, his usual confident look spread across his face, “Right.” His hand balled into a fist, “I'll definitely pass!” He turned to Sakura and embraced her tightly, “Thanks for all your help Sakura-chan!” He let go, and waved goodbye as he headed home.

 

“You better make sure to thank Hinata too!” Sakura shouted after Naruto, “She's the one that let's you come out here so late at night.”

 

“I don't need her permission to go anywhere,” scowled Naruto as he headed back to the village.

 

Sakura let out a deep sigh and sat on a log that was nearby. She closed her eyes and rested her hands on her chin, elbows on top of her knees. I guess I'm glad for Naruto. Finally going out with Hinata. I only wish I had someone to love. With Sasuke gone…that jerk. She felt tears welling in her eyes. She knew what had happened between Naruto and Sasuke, and Naruto continually said he would bring back Sasuke; it was his promise, his way of the ninja.

 

She shook her head, “But he shouldn't go to all this trouble. Becoming a Chuunin just so he can become an ANBU and help search for Sasuke.” Another sigh, “It's just not fair for him.” She laid her hands down across her lap and looked up, eyes opening slowly. “Though I can't tell him to forget it… he won't.” Her hands balled up into a fist, Sometimes I just wish I could be as brave and courageous as Naruto is. She stood up, “Moping around won't do any good.” She began to walk back to the village as well, she would probably have to get up early… she was planning on seeing Naruto off to the Chuunin exam. Scowling, “I feel like his mom…” Her expression relaxed, because he had realized, she had become somewhat of a motherly figure to him.

 

“Oh well,” she yawned, “Guess I should head in too… Though, I was hoping Kakashi would get back from his mission soon. He might have wanted to see Naruto off too.” It had been awhile since she had last seen her sensei. Or, rather, ex-sensei. Just as she took another step, she expectedly looked behind her, thinking that he would be right behind her saying something stupid like, `Sorry I'm late, but you see-` Guess not.

 

She finally began to walk quickly back to the village. Her house was now vacant and she really had no one waiting for her at home, so she slowed her pace and looked around the almost empty streets. She heard footsteps behind her and she stopped, suddenly, and turned around.

 

Shikamaru had been running at her so fast, that when she stopped, he ran right into her. He was panting and held out a hand to help her out, which she graciously accepted. As she got up he spoke, “Sorry. So sorry about that. Oh, this is very troublesome.” He scratched the back of his head.

 

Sakura gave him an odd look; he didn't seem quite himself, “Are you all right Shikamaru?” She asked, her expression full of worry.

 

“Oh, Sakura!” Shikamaru shook his head, “Sorry, I'm just really tired. I'm still not really that used to working so much.” He sighed, and then looked at her sharply, “Tsunade wants to see you. Actually, she needs your help. A medic nin such as yourself should be able to help, since Tsunade herself trained you, and you know a little about that jutsu that you transfer a small amount of your life to another person? Yeah, that might come in handy too. So please come right away.” He gave her a small bow, seemingly a bit annoyed that he had to go and find her, and then she made him fall. Then, he was gone.

 

Sakura gave a small grunt, “So much for a calm evening.”

 

------------------------------------------------------------

 

Author's note: Well, there's chapter one for you. I got inspired to write the story by reading so many good Kakashi and Sakura fanfictions; I just got the urge to write one for myself. I hope that it'll end up being as good as I'm planning on it being, but I'll admit, I'm not the best writer, nor the most creative, but I'll try to be original as possible, but almost everything has been done already… so it'll be hard.

I hope you like it; I'll get the 2nd chapter up as soon as I can. I'm not going to lie, it might take awhile, it will definitely be longer then this chapter, and sorry this one is so short. ^^;