Daddy's Little Monster

Graduation and Survival

The week went by without incident, she had gathered her things from the Uchiha residence. Without having to explain much to her father of why she needed to go there. Just settling into the apartment and the village as much as she could. The day of the graduation came faster than she would have guessed. Getting ready for the day, almost feeling relaxed about everything until she saw a packed bag in the hall. Pausing as she brushed her hair before her father came out of his room fully dressed and stuffing his wallet in his pocket.

"You're," She paused and looked at his bag before her eyes swept back to him. "Leaving?" He sighed and nodded.

"Some things have come up so I have to get onto the road." Sakura pushed back all of her emotion, nodding rigidly and looking down.

"Okay." He sighed and walked to her leaning down and kissing her head.

"I'll be back in a month." The distraught pinkette nodded as she tried to hide her disappointment.

"Okay, have a good trip." Jiraiya nodded before he sighed and grabbed his bag.

"I'll see you in a month." She didn't look up until she heard the front door close. Sighing, she pulled her hair into a ponytail and went to the kitchen to get herself some breakfast. After she made herself some food she walked out the door. The streets were much quieter than most other days as she headed toward the academy. When she got to the gate she understood why; people were filing into the conference building. Crowds of children that were no doubt graduating and their parents. Sakura managed to get inside and go to the seats reserved for the graduates. Sitting down and scanning the rest of the graduates. Only looking up when someone stopped in front of her. Scanning the girl with long platinum blond hair and bright blue eyes. Sakura noticed first her unscathed hands and the fact that she was wearing a dress.

"Who are you? You weren't in any of our classes." Sakura cocked her head.

"You're graduating from the ninja academy?" The girl bristled at Sakura's incredulous tone.

"Of course I'm graduating from the academy. I'm Ino Yamanaka, the highest ranked kunoichi in my class." She said proudly, almost turning her nose up. Sakura raised a delicate brow.

"What was your score overall?" Ino seemed taken back by the question and she frowned.

"I just told you I'm-"

"No, you told me the highest ranked girl, between you and everyone else what was your rank?" She shifted.

"Why does that matter?"

"Because in the real world ninja don't discriminate based on age or gender. They'll kill you without hesitation either way. So if you're proud of yourself for being the highest ranked girl, but you're not even trying to be the highest ranked overall. Then you'll die a pathetic death." Ino gaped at her words before she became flustered and stuttered.

"That-"

"Based on the complete lack of calluses or scars on you I assume you're a long distance fighter. Genjutsu user most likely," She scanned her again before the realization hit her and she nodded. "Oh that's why your name was familiar. You're the Yamanaka heiress. So you use your family's abilities. Can you actually do anything else?"

"As mean as ever Sakura-chan." She shrugged as Shisui rested his arm over her shoulder.

"I'm asking genuine questions. She's young enough she should have potential but if all she does is focus on one area she'll fail miserably. One trick ponies die quick. Isn't that right," She looked at him with an almost innocent smile. "Shisui-kun." He huffed and ruffled her hair.