Gravity

Sakura vs Ino (Alternative Title: Sakura's been practising her punches!)

Kakashi had just made it in time for Sakura's match. He only managed to tell her and Naruto that Sasuke was sound asleep in the infirmary, just before her name flickered up on screen, right along with Ino's.

Ah, crap.

He should not have let Mr. Kidnapper lure him into a nap. Not even a short one. That had been such a bad idea. He couldn't help Sakura brace herself, Sakura who was clearly panicking.

.::.

This was bad.

Sasuke was in hospital, sure, Kakashi sensei said he was sound asleep, but still! Naruto hadn't had his match yet and there were so many strong people waiting. And now Sakura was fighting Ino off all people.

She didn't want to fight Ino.

But when Ino's fist turned into a slap something snapped. She wasn't a scared little girl Ino had to protect anymore. She wasn't going to cower behind Ino and cry, or beg her for help. Izumi had already pointed it out to her. Sakura needed to grow up and get serious. Kakashi sensei boasted about her chakra control. He believed she could be the team leader. Izumi believed she could be the team leader. She could stand beside Sasuke and Naruto and be their equal. Not just their shadow.

No. It was no longer time to be a scared little girl. She had to grow up.

"Alright, listen up, Ino!" Sakura snarled. "We're not going to fight over Sasuke-"

"Excuse me-" Ino growled.

"I'm not the weak, needy girl I used to be. Besides, you're not even Sasuke's type! And this isn't even about him. This is about us! Stop treating me like a kid and stop holding back, because I'm not going to!"

Sakura strapped her forehead protector to her head.

It was time.

.::.

"What the heck is going on?" Naruto frowned. "Why are those two getting so worked up just looking at each other?"

Kakashi snorted. "That's a bit hypocritical, don't you think?"

"What do ya mean, sensei?" Naruto blinked up at him.

"Think of you and Sasuke. You two go crazy the moment you look at each other," Kakashi sighed. "Look, rivalry is a complicated thing. I might just know a thing or two about it." He eyed Guy, who tilted his head at him. Kakashi waved.

Guy stared intently at him, probably trying to figure out what he was up to.

Then the girls charged at each other, distracting them both. Asuma realised it just after Kakashi did. Sakura's punch would land first. She was faster and stronger. Kakashi frowned. He hadn't been able to teach her anything lately. So how-

The chakra control. Izumi's teaching and Sakura's natural talent for chakra control had obviously lead to a rather good punch. Kakashi smiled as Ino was sent crashing into the wall.

"Cha!" Sakura raised her fist.

"Shit!" Shikamaru cursed. "Since when was Sakura that strong? Is Ino even alive?"

Choji yelped. "Ino!"

Tenten smiled smugly at Neji. "I told you girls could be strong."

"Go, Sakura!" Naruto cheered. "Way to go!"

Kakashi grinned and nodded at her.

"The winner of this match is Sakura Haruno!"

Sakura raced up the stairs, and Kakashi had to brace himself when Sakura flung herself at him. "I did it, Kakashi sensei!" she squealed. "I actually did it. Thank you so much!"