Strategic team

Chapter 23: Tailed beasts fight

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"There following us Shikamaru. What are we going to do?"

We have been hoping from tree to tree for a while, but I had to break the silence when I felt strong chakras near. A lot of them.

"Huh!? Sakura-Chan how do you know???"

Ignoring Naruto, Shikamaru started.

"We ambush them. After all were Genin, were not supposed to be strong. Someone will have to stay back." I nodded, giving him a second to think. Naruto seemed to be silent as well.

"I will. I have to. My shadow possession Jutsu can hold them for a while."

"Hai! Lets go Naruto we shouldn't waste time." I slightly nodded to Shikamaru. I knew he could do this, and there was no point in arguing. So, Pakkun started jumping again and I followed. Out of the corner of my eye I saw Naruto hesitate a little, but eventually he started to catch up to us.

I could suddenly sense strong chakras. One of my other teammates and the boy, Kankuro. But also, in the distance, Sasuke and the red headed boy Gaara. His chakra was strong, and mad. Temari, the girl's was faint like she had been knocked out, but she was still alive. I grew worried. The chakra from Gaara, it wasn't a normal shinobi chakra. It could only be described as one from one of the tailed beasts sealed inside a user. The only other person I know who has this, Is Naruto. They will have to fight.

Hopefully Naruto can win..

He has got the nine tailed fox! It basically rules over all other tailed creatures! He. is. fine.

We jumped into a clearing. Sasuke was laying on a branch, and like I thought Temari was unconscious. I let my gaze go to Gaara. His arm looked like it was covered in sand and turned into the monstrous one tail beast inside of him. I stopped in my tracks. I watched him spare a glare at me. It was only for a second but made my skin crawl and sent a shive down my spine. I looked over at Sasuke. Gaara charged.

Shit.

I ran at top speed, landing in front of Sasuke. I watched in a split second and the arm of sand was in front of me.

"Sakura?!"

*BAM*

My head was pounding, my back had a giant pain strike it. I let my head drop. Still barely conscious, I closed my eyes and tried to listen to what was happening. I could barely make out a battle. Soon, a veil of unconsciousness consumed me.

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I woke up and sat up almost immediately. My hand clapped my head as a pounding sensation rang through it. I looked around as my eyes adjusted to the room. I was in another hospital room. Great. My attention snapped to my side hearing the sudden loud words that could of come from no one but the Hokages son.

"Sakura Chan!!!! Are you okay??"

"Naruto..? What happened?"

"You were knocked out in the battle against Gaara!"

"Oh.. So I was useless?"

"What!? NO! Don't ever think that You saved Sasuke Teme! He could have died if you didn't step in!"

"..."

"Sakura.. Your only useless if you think you are."

"Your right.." My gaze was on my hands as I talked. Suddenly I felt two arms wrap around me. I looked up in surprise to see Naruto hugging me. I relaxed and laid my head on his shoulder.

'I'm sorry.. I just.. I am trying so hard to keep up with everyone.. and I.. I wish I could have done more..!"

"Sakura, I know this is hard.. coming from a civilian family.. but that just gives you more reason to try harder! You try harder then anyone else, but you are going to be amazing! I just know it! Don't doubt yourself! Believe it!" Tears came to my eyes, in a attempt to hold them back, they seemed to only fall faster.

"Thank you Naruto.. For believing in me."

"Of course Sakura.. You are my best friend!"
Suddenly the doors opened and feet shuffled in. Naruto pulled away from our hug and I got a glance of Hinata and Ino before being engulfed in a hug by both.
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Later on, I was informed of how the Kazekage of Suna was replaced and killed by Orochimaru who tried to kill our Hokage. instead, when the third Hokage came out of retirement, he died in a sacrifice. Orochimaru got put in prison, and there was a funeral held for the third Hokage.

As I laid my rose on the coffin, I remembered how Ino and I used to give him flowers. He always treated me with kindness, even if I was civilian born, he treated me like any other child training to be a shinobi in the academy. He, was a true hero.