Strength

With a couple hours to spare Sakura arrived at her apartment, excited and nervous. Excited for meeting a new team. Nervous because Hatake will join in the future. She hoped that it’ll take a while. What Tsunade told her did stir her feelings a bit. 

She didn’t know that he kept tabs on her, she didn’t know that he would be the awkward type. Sakura sat down on the couch after taking a shower, her long hair placed in a braid hanging loosely on her right shoulder, bangs framing her face. 

Wearing a bourgondy red fitted off shoulder top showing her toned stomach, a black choker with a silver necklace with a cherryblossom shaped pendant, her top was paired black leather pants together with bourgondy red stiletto heels, an album placed in her lap and a cup of tea placed next to her. It was an album full of family photos. Of her parents and Aki.

Dear Aki. He was everyone's favorite and Sakura could imagine why. She adored him. Having the same emerald green eyes as hers and his hair being red, they’ve had a strong resemblance as siblings. Both hotblooded, kind hearted and they’ve shared a lot of common interests. Flipping through the pages, Sakura stopped to look at a photo of her and Aki. 

Very often their parents found them cuddled up on the couch with a book that he’d read to her. 

She smiled at the memory. The last time it happened was right before he died he was 16years old at the time, Sakura 12. Sakura came back from her mission from the land of Waves. Her parents were out, they wouldn’t have noticed that she came back. They didn’t even bother being at home. Her brother on the other hand would be here, always.

. 

After she came backfrom the mission and was about to open the door, the door flew open with her brother barging out engulfing her in the warmest brotherly embrace. He lifted her up and carried her to the living room asking her how her mission was, ordering her to take a shower. 

When she came out he handed her a cup of tea and pulled her with him on the couch, sharing a blanket and her leaning against his chest. 

Talking about the mission, Sasuke close to dying, Zabuza’s end, Naruto saving the day and burying Zabuza and Haku. Her beating the two of them with chakra control during training. 

He was so proud when he heard that she climbed the tree and succeeded on the first try surpassing both Naruto and Sasuke in regards to chakra control. 

He pulled her towards him and comforted her when she cried, remembering the sight of Sasuke lying on the ground motionless with all the senbon protruding from his body. She admired both of them after that mission. After that, her mindset shifted. 

Sakura didn’t want to admit it, but after that mission she began to feel the rift between them in skill. They were miles ahead and she couldn’t keep up, deciding to voice her concerns and insecurities to her brother. 

She started to realize what it meant being a ninja and the risks coming with it. She was afraid that she would be left behind, Kakashi gave extra training to Sasuke and Naruto but not her.. 

When she would ask him for exercises, he would brush her off. She didn’t know why and she was beating herself up about it. Being a ninja himself and being aware of her fear, he reassured her. Telling her that she would get there and that hard work beats talent. He had faith that she would get stronger and in the future could stand beside them, maybe even surpassing them instead of looking at their backs.

“You know, for a capable Jounin like you Haruno - ”. Sakura was pulled out of her walk down memory lane, surprised by a voice whispering in her ear. 

She pushed herself off from the couch, twisting her body causing her to fall headfirst to the ground and legs still on the couch, after noticing the sudden presence standing in her living room. 

Grinning and looking too amused to her liking at her not so elegant position, she cursed.

“Jeez, for fucks sake really?!...” 

Sakura looked at the silver haired figure standing behind the couch. 

He was dressed in dark blue jeans, a grey blouse partly buttoned up his muscular chest showing. A silver chain with a black cross, a beautiful red gem adorning the middle. 

His hair was hanging in front of his right eye hiding it from view, stopping at his nose. His visible sapphire coloured eye checking her out as well. 

She had to admit he was handsome. “Ryuu I presume?” 

He nodded, walking towards her offering a hand. “In the flesh, sweetheart.”. 

Sakura rolled her eyes, accepting his gesture as he pulled her up to her feet. Placing a hand on her back to make sure she was steady before stepping back.

“You know I have a doorbell right?” Sakura stated. 

Ryuu shrugged: “Yep, where’s the fun using the doorbell when we’re shinobi. So..Ready to go?”

 Sakura closed her eyes, brows furrowing. ‘ This man, what is it with men and their cocky attitude’. Already having an urge to slap the man, she sighed and walked to the door. 

“Well then, lead the way..” She motioned for him to follow, grabbing a black leather jacket on her way out. Together they made their way downstairs to start their way towards the bar through the streets of Konoha.

“So Haruno, ready to meet Yue and Hayato?” Ryuu looked at Sakura. 

He was curious about the pink haired woman next to him, her emerald eyes looking up to meet his. She smiled and nodded.

“Yeah, It’s been a while since I've been on missions and was part of a team. Tsunade informed me that you’ve requested me as a regular, interested in my skillset. I hope I can meet up to your expectations of me.” 

Sakura heard him chuckle, not seeing him shake his head in disbelief. 

They arrived at the bar, and made their way inside with him walking in front when he stopped Sakura and turned to face her. 

“You’re shitting me right? You’re afraid of letting us down? You’re 16 and already have quite the reputation among your fellow shinobi for taking care of A-class and S-class solo missions and being a force to be reckoned with. For some it takes years to even accomplish that, are you even aware of your ability?”. 

Sakura was speechless. She wasn’t used to getting complimented like this so straightforwardly. Usually she was told she was weak, annoying. 

She didn't know how to respond and wanted to rebuke his comment, when she heard someone shout.

“OI Ryuu, stop hogging our new teammate and get your ass over here!” 

Sakura turned her head towards the location of the voice. 

A blue haired woman, dressed in a black tight fitted dress and matching knee high boots, was standing in front of the bar waving at them and smiling. 

Next to her was a brown haired man, dressed in a white T-shirt and jeans, trying to shush the women, scolding her for being too loud. 

Ryuu guided her over to the bar. The woman walked up towards Sakura pulling her in a tight hug, causing Ryuu to smirk seeing Sakura’s discomfort.. 

“It’s about time a woman joined our team, took them long enough to accept our request.” The brown haired man pulled Sakura free from her grasp. 

“Yue, if you keep holding on to her any longer..you’ll suffocate her.” 

Sakura sweatdropped, She had a feeling that the girls would like her, her eccentric behaviour reminded her of Ino and Temari. 

She looked at the brown haired man and extended her hand to him for a handshake. “You must be Hayato? I’m Haruno Sakura.” 

Hayato shook her hand and nodded. 

“I’m Katsuragi Hayato, and the woman is Sohma Yue. Welcome to our team Haruno-san. The person next to you is Kato Ryuu, but you're probably aware of that.“ 

Sakura smiled. ”Nice to meet you and thank you for considering me as an addition for this mission. Please call me Sakura.” 

Sakura looked at them. ' Besides their skills, everyone was certainly blessed with the supergene regarding looks huh?' They were a lively bunch that was certain. It made her feel nostalgic to team 7. She felt an arm slipping over her shoulder. 

“So Sakura-chan, what do you think of us so far?” She looked at Yue, being the one asking, who was pulling her in a semi embrace. 

Sakura looked at Hayato smiling at her and Ryuu looking at her acting indifferently after they arrived at the Shaker Brothers. He was quiet in comparison to 20 minutes ago. 

‘Talk about a doing a 180.. Weird man.’ Sakura thought. “I think we’ll get along just fine.” She smiled at them.

The team was so open to her and kind hearted. Yue being the eccentric one of the three but mature. Her golden eyes together with the short hair gave her an edgy but youthful look, her outgoing character fitting the image perfectly. 

Hayato was quite the silent type. His spiky hair and black eyes together with his outfit, Sakura guessed him to be quite down-to-earth but the social type. 

Ryuu on the other hand. She couldn’t put a finger on, at her home he was playful and being a jackass and now.. Sakura observed him silently while Hayato was talking with Yue.

 In the company of this team on the other hand, he was different. More silent and mature. “What’s wrong Haruno, am I blinding you with my looks?”

‘Okay... He’s an arrogant jerk’. Sakura looked at him and snorted. Downplaying the fact that he caught her staring.

 “It’s Sakura. Kato-san, I was wondering why we’re meeting here? It’s quite unusual for a team of your caliber to meet up with a new team member in a bar. Usually it’s in a different...setting.” 

Usually when a member was added to an Anbu team, they would be summoned to the Anbu headquarters. It was protocol, but this team seemed to have a different plan. She saw Hayato turning towards the bar and signing to the bartender. It didn’t take long before he turned to her and handed her a cocktail. It was a zombie. It was the very same cocktail she had the last time with Ino and the girls. He ordered it for all of them. This demonspawn of a concoction meant trouble, she had to be careful. Or else she would be dancing on the pooltable again and harassing random people. She knew she kissed a person or two...maybe three or four. Her memory was hazy. 

She looked at Hayato who was grinning at her, holding his drink in the air for a toast. “We kind of figured you like this drink, being Tsunade’s apprentice and all.” 

Sakura joined in for the toast together with Yue and Ryuu, lifting her glass as well. 

“Be careful though, this drink may not taste like it, but it’s not for the faint hearted. Last time there was a certain pink haired lady dancing like an idiot on the pooltable and she harassed Ryuu trying to kiss him all night.” Said Hayato. 

Sakura blushed. ‘Oh god no. Please, please please don’t tell me.’

Deciding to sneak a peek at Ryuu, finding him looking amused at her, he bent forward, closing the space between them before whispering in her ear. 

“It was quite a sight to behold and a rather entertaining night for us. I could’ve sworn she could be your twin. I plan on taking revenge for the harassment if I see her again, princess .” Before turning his attention to the others again saying “Cheers, we hope you’ll choose to be a regular Sakura-san it’ll be fun'' while winking at her and clinking their glasses.

Ryuu nonchalantly looked at her, a small smirk shown on his face, she could see the twinkle in his eyes that meant hell. He was hell bent on making this night a challenge. 

Sakura whimpered, she wanted to crawl into a corner and stay there for the remainder of the night. 

Yue and Hayato looked at the exchange filled with mirth. They obviously knew that it was Sakura that night. It was hilarious. They’ve never seen Ryuu so desperate to leave as soon as possible, he begged Hayato to save him. The pink haired woman made it quite difficult, clinging to his side. Yue eventually made sure that one of Sakura’s friends took her home, saving Ryuu in the process with Sakura being thrown over the shoulder of a handsome but stoic long haired Hyuuga and the rest following behind, waving Ryuu a goodbye. The other girls in a seemingly similar state laughing at Sakura and pointing at her. The Hyuuga grinning while carrying her off, saving Ryuu from her advances.

The Zombie that she was offered tonight in this bar was Yue’s idea. She just loves to tease the pink haired woman. That night she knew that she would like this woman. Hayato thought the same. They saw her changing from a well mannered, hotblooded but kindhearted woman into an eccentric, overly social, and quite clingy drunk who loves to be in the center of attention. When she noticed Ryuu in the bar, she walked up to him..like a lioness having chosen her prey, going in for the kill adamant on kissing him. They’ve never seen him so tormented and flustered. They were observing her for a month or two before that night. Ever since they’ve heard rumors of a pink haired kunoichi climbing up the ranks, they were hell bent on finding out about her skills and wanting to see if she was qualified for their team. Unbeknownst to Sakura, they’ve approached the Hokage after inquiring at the headquarters about the girl. Finding out that Kakashi was her sensei, Yue asked Kakashi about her abilities. 

He shamefully acknowledged that he sort of lost contact with her after the Jinchuuriki and that Uchiha kid left the village, the latter leaving her on a bench. They realized that the Copy nin didn’t pay much attention to her when he was her sensei. 

This made them decide to observe her from the shadows for a while before deciding she was the perfect addition.Taking turns to watch her train with Tsunade and some of her friends. She was skilled, versatile and talented. 

Kakashi didn’t even realize what he missed out on. Sakura’s a force to be reckoned with. 

Ryuu was annoyed with Kakashi and made sure to let him know about the mistake that he made and Hayato and Yue couldn’t blame him. 

After they’ve returned from their mission, it was Ryuu who found her unconscious on that bench, realizing that the Uchiha kid left her there. He guided her to the Hokage’s office, tear streaks staining her face.

But that night at the Shaker Brothers she gave Ryuu hell and he was apparently quite insistent on letting her know. Yue smiled at those two. Ryuu was whispering something in Sakura’s ear before they clinked their glasses, eyes widening a little in amazement when she saw that guy winking at the pink haired woman, seeing her whimpering and a blush adorning her face. 

He probably confirmed her fears that they knew it was her that night. She looked at Hayato, confirming to her that he also noticed Ryuu’s carefree character towards Sakura. 

Sakura clicked with them, it felt right. Seeing her that night, experiencing that side of her. 

She knew that Ryuu would come to like Sakura as well. Ryuu wasn’t the type to accept people so fast. It took him more than 6 months to accept Kakashi. Sakura was a different story apparently. 

Yue wanted to make sure that Sakura felt at home with team Kage and what’s better than meeting up in a bar before leaving on a mission? Right? They were known for their outings before and after missions. They made it a habit to go to the Shaker Brothers. They all have a profound love for cocktails and it was their routine before and after a mission to ease the nerves and blow off some steam afterwards. And through their Hokage, they knew that her apprentice had their love of cocktails in common.

Yue chuckled, she had a lifetime’s worth of blackmail material thanks to those outings.

Yue noticed Sakura looking at the others. She realized that Ryuu didn’t answer her question about meeting here instead of the headquarters.

‘ That guy, honestly..’ Yue sighed.

“Ryuu, could you at least answer Sakura?”. He shrugged. 

“Haruno, I’m sure Tsunade told you already that we act differently in comparison to other teams.” Yue nodded before adding “We like to meet new members in a less formal way. By now you also would’ve noticed that we love to tease newcomers as well. Being a temporary addition or a regular addition to our team. We respect everyone who joins us. We like to show our appreciation and getting to know them at the same time. We thought this was a good way. It’s a habit for us to go out for a drink before and after a mission as well.” 

Raising her glass once more and grinning towards Sakura. “Get used to it. Before you know it, you’ll be here on a regular basis as well.” Hayato nodded in confirmation. 

Sakura looked at the three of them and couldn’t help wishing to have met them earlier. Sakura put a finger on her chin, wondering. “ Meeting so short before a mission, is this okay? How can we complete a mission without them knowing my skills and me not knowing theirs?” How will they fight together on a mission without even a spar beforehand? 

Sakura signed for a bartender ordering daiquiris for the four of them and handing them their drink before tapping Hayato on his arm. 

Having caught his attention, she started to voice her thoughts: “Hayato- san, I’m very lucky to be joining you on this mission and I love getting to know you all like this. I have to ask though. How are we going to complete this mission successfully with you not knowing my abilities and me not knowing yours?’” 

Hayato placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. 

“It will be fine. We are aware of your skillset, please trust us to back you up when necessary. We’ll always look out for our fellow nin. Didn’t Hokage-sama tell you Sakura-san? Before we decided to request you as a regular to our team, we’ve observed you for a while confirming if you’re qualified for our team. We’ve reached out to Kakashi-san as well, but he regretfully told us that he isn’t all that familiar with your current abilities which made us decide to observe you. Even he was amazed and proud finding out about the growth that you’ve made in such a short time.” 

Sakura stayed silent, she didn’t know how to react and chose to avoid eye contact and looked elsewhere, an empty expression showing in her eyes.. 

Kakashi was a sore spot for her. She didn’t like to talk about her genin days and team 7.

She took a sip from her drink and noticed a hand brushing a strand of hair from her face. She looked up to see Ryuu looking at her with soft eyes. “We know Sakura.”

She was puzzled, looking at the three of them and them looking back at her. “What do you mean Kato-san?” 

Ryuu sighed, responding. “It’s Ryuu”. Grabbing her empty glass from her and placing it on the bar before continuing and ordering another round of daiquiris. 

“We know about team 7 and Kakashi treating you differently. We’re also aware of the fact that you’ve lost a lot during the last couple of years. The Hokage told us. She didn’t go into details, that is your story to tell when you’re ready. When we requested for you, she warned us about your reluctance to join our team and that Kakashi had something to do with it. So she explained to us that you’ve lost your brother, your teammates leaving you, Kakashi neglecting to train you properly which led you to seek guidance from Tsunade-sama after your last retrieval mission in an attempt to bring the Uchiha back and becoming her apprentice and to top it all of your parents dying as well. Kakashi still doesn’t know, right?” 

Sakura nodded, breaking eye contact before confirming Ryuu’s question.

“I didn’t tell him. It was after they left and him immersing himself in missions. I decided to train harder than before. We lost contact soon after. So that’s that.” 

Deciding for herself that they’ve asked enough about her and wanting to know more about them she decided to change the subject.

”So, tell me more about you guys. How old are you guys?”

Hayato chuckled before answering. “I’m 23 and Yue is 23 as well. Ryuu is the youngest, having just turned 21. He’s our buntaisho, has been since he was 18 and joined the ranks at 17.” Sakura felt an arm placing itself around her shoulder, thinking it was Yue for a second before noticing her standing beside Hayato. 

Sakura raised her head and turned to the person to whom the arm belonged, seeing Ryuu with a smirk on his face.

“Didn’t expect me to be the squad leader right?”. Sakura rolled her eyes at him, crossing her arms across her chest. Now leaning against his side, she could smell his cologne..it was divine and inviting her. He was too close, acting like they’ve known each other for ages. Though, she found that she didn’t mind it. They knew her longer than she knew them. It wasn’t fair, reminding herself to confront Tsunade about keeping it from her that they’ve observed her for a while.   

She turned away from Ryuu ignoring him, making him pout. He was tipsy, all of them were. The effect of alcohol kicking in her system. They’ve had a way of drawing out her carefree side. With Ryuu also testing her patience in the meantime.

Sakura let her mind drift off to Team 7… ‘ It’s been over 3.5 years already, I wonder how they’re doing’ . 

Naruto was supposed to be back around this time, training with Jiraiya. Sasuke vanished like smoke, after the last search party there hasn’t been any attempts. 

She felt there were some similarities between Yue and Naruto.

Both quite eccentric and headstrong. Hayato was kind of down to earth like Kakashi but had a slightly sadistic side. But wasn’t a pervert, like Kakashi. And then there was Ryuu, being playful sometimes but also the silent type she noticed. There was more to him than meets the eye.

If she had to compare… He was stoic and silent like Sasuke and Kakashi. But he was flirty, when he wanted to be. ‘ Could be alcohol though..’ All of them were quite mature and that was a difference. She could understand why Kakashi was appointed as a regular in this team. He fit right in. 

She had always felt that there was something missing during her time with team 7. Sure Naruto protected her always when in danger, Sasuke and Kakashi as well. But besides going on missions, she missed the connection with them and it always felt like she was lacking something. A barrier that kept her out of the connection that they’ve shared with each other. She couldn‘t quite put her finger on it.

“Sakura, are you okay?” Sakura was nudged back into reality and looked up. It was Hayato. “I had a feeling you were a bit out of it”. 

Sakura nodded. “I’m a little bit tipsy.. and..” 

Sakura shook her head before smiling. “I was thinking about my time with team 7. It was so different, it felt like there was always a barrier between me and them. You guys are so open towards me. It’s weird..Comfy weird though it makes me feel at ease. And I can understand why Kakashi also was chosen to be an addition.”

“Well, let’s make our time together amazing then should we?” 

She was pulled backwards, into the chest of Ryuu, his face beside hers touching her cheek and his arms around her waist. Her eyes widened. She didn’t expect this. 

“And of course..I still gotta take revenge for that stunt you pulled on me that night.”

Sakura laughed. Turning around, leaning in and bringing her hands up to pinch his cheeks. “Bring it, old man!” 

Ryuu puffed and brought his right arm around her waist. “You little vixen, who are you calling old?!” Ruffling her hair with his left.

She smirked. “Why you, of course!”. 

Hayato and Yue laughed at the scene, joining in to banter Ryuu.

Sakura smiled. She would enjoy spending time with them. This evening was already a great start to hopefully a great time. Being part of a team again, made her feel hopeful.

Having hope that this team would be different from her time as a member of team 7.