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Chapter 2: Treasure

"And he told you to come here?" Sakura nodded meekly. She paused for a while to study the reaction of Rock Lee who was wearing his usual green uniform with long black and white bands circling his wrist and legs. He had his mouth opened wide with a slight red flare on his cheeks and his hands were all spread out on the side. She tried to stop a chuckle when she saw him.

How he missed this guy! He was much taller than her now and manlier compared to the last time she saw him, which by the way was ages ago. What era did she live in? The Jurassic? He was not alone when she found him. He was actually teaching the basic form of Taijustsu to several genins which was about a class of 27 or 30. She was amazed to see how he was teaching it very easily to them. It was as if he was a child himself, talking and getting the class' attention in just one shout. Iruka sensei had his time when everyone didn't feel like listening to him which brought a smile on her lips. But this was Rock Lee. If he changed, she could say that he had grown much stronger.

When she arrived, she had concealed her aura in high hopes of not bothering the class. Before she even had the chance to take a step away, Neji's most famous Byakugan caught her for snooping. They stopped the lesson for a moment when both jounins had entertained her for a casual get together. 

"We're actually here as replacements, the special jounins who were teaching the students were called for a mission. Since we're here as stand-by reinforcements, Lady Tsunade ordered us to stay here until the order is lifted," Neji explained. That made sense, she thought. She actually didn't expect Rock Lee to be invited to teach Taijutsu at the Academy but it was not surprising if he was there since this was his specialty. On Neji's case though, he really had the sense for teaching but knowing that he was better suited at the field because of his ability, Tsunade had specifically chosen him to do some special missions.

"Well I just thought that it's better to do it outside since this is Taijutsu..." Lee explained with a laugh while looking at the space of the open building. She nodded in agreement. She remembered their days when they were still in the academy. They never did it outside of the premises of the school but they stayed on a covered stadium near it. She thought this was a great idea, unconventional but who the hell cares? As long as the Genin learn that environment is a part of learning Taijutsu.

The place they were in is actually one of the training areas in the village. The orb shaped ceiling and the cemented floors of the area were held by 5 long pillars.This is one of the brick red colored buildings that are placed in a circular pattern around the village so it was an easy-find place for those who wanted to train their art.

"Anyway, it's rare to see you out of your office Sakura," Rock Lee said as he forced a laugh out, a shade of red never leaving his face. He brought one hand behind his head and started to pat it for a couple of times before bringing it down. It was the second time she heard that this day.

"Yeah, aren't you busy? You never seem to leave your office. Ten told me that you're busy with some paper works." No, make it the third time. Did she leave that kind of impression to people? She did think she was working so much but a... workaholic? She sighed. She did all of her trainings at night so there weren't a lot of people who knew how she could achieve what she have right now. Mornings were busy with reports for the Hokage. Afternoons were busy for critically ill patients. All her nights were for training in chakra and power control. That was her life for eight years. Missions were rare for her, about once a month. If she was lucky, she'd get two. Yes, yes, Tsunade is careful, she shook her head and fought off the feeling of being left out from the action.

"Well, I'm out for a change of environment. I'm boiled over there." She laughed a cute one. Lee's eyes widened as if an idea had just occurred to him and he jumped towards Sakura and shook her shoulders vibrantly.