Forged Beyond

3 years hmm?

(UH OH, THE TITLE SAID IT ALLL!!! T-T, This is a short chapter I knoww!! I haven't had the time to write but i had to write one today!!! Happy New year! cheers to the coming 2025)

"Time passes quickly when you're having fun, doesn't it?" Sakura said, stretching her arms above her head. It was late—almost midnight—and the trio had been playing games for the last three hours. Sakura rubbed her eyes, glancing over at Sasuke, who was clearly tired but masked it with his usual stoic demeanor. Meanwhile, Naruto, ever the boundless source of energy, was still wide awake, bouncing slightly where he sat.

Voices from the living room drew their attention. The three sannin had emerged from their drinking session and were speaking in hushed but serious tones.

"What are they talking about now?" Sakura whispered curiosity piqued.

"Only one way to find out," Naruto replied with a grin, already heading toward the door. Sasuke and Sakura followed closely behind.

They arrived just in time to hear Tsunade say, "I agree with you; it's the best option for them. But I'm not sure how the kids will take it..." She folded her arms, her brow furrowed in thought.

"Like what, Tsunade-baachan?" Naruto interrupted, hands on his hips, leaning forward with uncontainable curiosity.

"Ah, perfect timing. Come, sit with us, kids," Jiraiya said, waving them over as he sipped from his glass. Orochimaru's sharp gaze followed them as they moved to the couch. The sannin sat across from them, with Shizune perched on a chair nearby and Kabuto sitting with his usual composed demeanor.

"Alright, listen up," Tsunade began, struggling to find the right words. "This is a big decision, but we believe it's the safest and best option for you right now." She glanced at Jiraiya, who sighed and took over.

"You three will be separated. Each of you will train under one of us for the next three to three and a half years," Jiraiya said, his tone heavy.

The words hit like a thunderclap. Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura exchanged shocked glances, their wide eyes mirroring each other's disbelief.

"We chose this timeframe for a reason," Orochimaru explained, his voice calm and deliberate. "Three years allows us enough time to train you thoroughly. It's also long enough for you to grow emotionally and physically, yet short enough that you won't lose the bond you share."

"We know it's not an easy decision," Tsunade added. "But it's for your growth and safety. No distractions, just pure focus on becoming stronger. What do you say?"

Sakura clenched her fists in her lap, her mind racing. Three years without Naruto and Sasuke... I'll miss them so much. But... they distract me. I need to grow stronger on my own.

Sasuke's thoughts were equally conflicted. Three years away from Naruto and Sakura... It'll be hard. But I need this. Without distractions, I'll have the time and space to surpass Itachi.

Naruto, on the other hand, couldn't imagine being apart from them. Three years without Sakura-chan and Sasuke-teme?! I'll go insane! But if this old man can make me strong enough to protect them, I'll do it even if it kills me.

The silence stretched until finally, Sasuke spoke. "Alright." his voice was steady, but his hands trembled slightly.

"I... I don't want to, but yes," Sakura muttered, his dark eyes unreadable.

Naruto clenched his fists, looking determined. "If staying away from Sakura-chan and Teme makes me stronger, I'll take the risk."

The sannin exchanged surprised glances. The trio's agreement had come easier than they'd anticipated.

Tsunade leaned forward. "Good. Here's the plan. Sakura, you'll come with me. We'll leave the Land of Fire entirely, staying in a city far away from the village. I have a lot to teach you, and I may even call in a friend to help."

Jiraiya grinned. "Naruto and I will be traveling through forests and remote areas. It's the ideal environment to train the Nine-Tails and maximize Naruto's energy. Cities are too crowded for that kind of work."

Orochimaru's gaze settled on Sasuke. "We'll stay in this hideout for four months before switching to another. Each location has facilities for training, and we'll move frequently to avoid detection by the Hidden Leaf's shinobi. It's crucial that we stay hidden."

The trio nodded in understanding, though their minds were awash with emotions...

The meeting concluded, and the sannin exchanged brief nods before heading to their respective quarters. Tsunade placed a reassuring hand on Sakura's shoulder as they walked together, followed closely by Shizune. Naruto, Sasuke, and Jiraiya lingered for a moment, watching them leave, before heading to their own room.

Sakura entered the small room she'd shared with Tsunade and Shizune during their brief stay at the hideout. The space was modest but comfortable, with three beds arranged neatly and a lamp casting a soft glow on the walls. She dropped onto her bed with a sigh, rubbing her temples as the weight of the decision they'd just made settled on her.

"Long day, huh?" Tsunade said, sitting on her bed and kicking off her sandals. Shizune followed, perching on the edge of her own bed with Tonton in her lap.

"That's an understatement," Sakura muttered, leaning back against the headboard. "I can't believe we're actually splitting up."

"It's not forever," Tsunade reassured her. "Three years may feel long, but in the grand scheme of things, it's a blink of an eye. This time apart will shape who you become as a kunoichi."

Sakura stared at her hands, her voice barely above a whisper. "What if I'm not strong enough to keep up with them? What if... when we meet again, they're miles ahead of me?"

Shizune frowned, her tone gentle but firm. "Sakura, strength isn't just about who can punch harder or run faster. It's about resilience, intelligence, and heart. You've already shown you have all three in abundance."

"She's right," Tsunade added, her gaze steady. "I wouldn't have taken you as my apprentice if I didn't see potential. This isn't just about keeping up with them. It's about discovering who you are and what you're capable of. And trust me, you'll surprise yourself."

Sakura bit her lip, feeling a lump rise in her throat. "I'll miss them. Naruto's ridiculous antics, Sasuke's... well, Sasuke being Sasuke. It won't be the same without them."

Shizune smiled softly. "That just means you care about them, and that bond will make you stronger. The time apart won't erase it—it'll deepen it."

Tsunade leaned back, her expression uncharacteristically tender. "You know, I had people I cared about once, too. And sometimes, the distance made me realize just how important they were. You'll have moments of doubt, but you'll push through. And when you see them again, you'll be standing tall as their equal."

Sakura nodded slowly, wiping her eyes. "Thank you, both of you. I'll do my best."

"That's all we ask," Tsunade said with a smirk, lying back and propping her arms behind her head. "Now, get some rest. Tomorrow's the start of a new chapter, and I don't do well with whiny apprentices in the morning."

Sakura chuckled weakly, lying down and pulling the blanket over herself. Shizune leaned over to turn off the lamp, her gentle voice the last thing Sakura heard before drifting off to sleep.

"Goodnight, Sakura. You've got this."

Meanwhile, in the room Naruto, Sasuke, and Jiraiya shared, the boys were having their own quiet moments of reflection, their thoughts a mix of determination and lingering uncertainty. But tonight, sleep would come as a balm to their restless hearts, carrying them one step closer to their respective journeys.