GaaSaku: Childhood & Chunin Exams

Chapter 17: Fight for you

The preliminary rounds continued on to the next match after Sakura's true power had been revealed in front of everyone. Nothing was impossible. Nothing at all. Sakura couldn't believe she had won the match against Ino. The power of her feelings really helped her a lot. The wounds and scratches had almost vanished on her skin.

Naruto and the others were impressed by Sakura's power-up, which she managed to release within her just so she could win. To be as strong as her teammates and surpassing Ino was the best thing that ever happened to her. If she didn't have the power to win, she couldn't have done it. Kakashi pointed out that Sakura has grown up so much and it was the best choice to send her on the Chunin exams. She knew what she was capable of and knew who she was fighting for.

"Wow, Sakura! What you did there was amazing! Even though you didn't use your incredible power to attack Ino!" said Naruto happily as he put his hands behind the back of his head.

"Well, I'm not the kind of person who would hurt my rival. I did what I could to stand up since she ran out of chakra," said Sakura softly as she rubbed her right arm awkwardly.

"That chakra of yours... it's very unique and... so are you," Naruto smiled at her blush that appeared on her cheeks.

"Hehe. I was born with it and it's not like I mastered it or anything. It was a gift from my parents and I'm very thankful for that," she smiled at the memory of them being proud of her.

Naruto's smile began to falter into sadness. It seems as if he felt jealous of her having great parents while he doesn't get to have one. He always thought of Iruka-sensei as his father whenever they spent their time together at the Ichiraku Ramen. He wondered what kind of parents would be like to have them in his life. If only he knew. If only...

"Sakura..." Ino called out while she was leaning against the wall and arms crossed with a smirk at her, who glanced wide-eyed. "Here's your forehead protector." She held it in front of her.

Sakura walked over to her side and took it in surprise.

"You've finally made it bloom like yourself. A beautiful flower. Gee, I never thought of you having so much strength to stand up while I was knocked out. That power of yours is really incredible," Ino stated and this time with a warm smile.

Sakura smiled back as she tied it back on her head. "Thanks, Ino... I owe you. Next time, we'll have a rematch together."

Ino smirked as she closed her eyes. "Well, I can't say 'no' to that. After all, I'm fired up to take you down. Plus, I have no intention of giving Sasuke to you."

"It's on," Sakura challenged as they shook their hands together, then focused their eyes on the next match in front of them.

"Umm... *cough cough*... the next match is Temari vs. Tenten," Hayate said when their names popped up on the screen.

Tenten stepped forward in front of Temari and thought determinedly. "I'm so ready. After watching their last match, I'm fired up."

"Go Tenten!" Lee cheered and wooed. "Go Tenten! You can do it! Do your best!"

"Well, this should be interesting to watch," Neji said with arms crossed to watch his teammate.

On the other side of the upper level, Gaara and Kankuro began to watch their older sister going to fight against Tenten. With no doubt, Temari has a 100% chance of winning. Afterall, she is one of the strongest kunoichi in the Sand Siblings and she trained a lot.

As the 5th match started, Tenten took a step back to keep her distance from her opponent when she noticed her death in her eyes.

"Come on, Tenten! You can do it!" Lee kept cheering loudly.