Darkest Before Dawn

The Genin Called Bushy Brows

   She heard that there was a weird genin who always wore a green jumpsuit with orange legwarmers. But even though he was strange, his talent in taijutsu was uncomparable. His work ethic was high, and his determination was shining. Rock Lee was just the person she needed to help her out with her problem. Sakura walked to a training ground opposite of where she usually went. There was a single person training this dark, early morning, and coincidently, it was just the person she was looking for.

   "Excuse me... are you Rock Lee?"

   The boy ceased his high kicks and rabbit punches the spun around to flash the stranger a wide grin.

   "Yes I am! To what do I owe you this visit oh beautiful pink-haired lotus blossom?" he exclaimed. The eleven year old twitched before taking a few steps forward.

   "My name is Sakura Haruno, and I've heard about your skill. If it isn't too much of a bother, do you think you could help me with my taijutsu?"

   Lee stared at her for a few moments before his eyes lit up. He fell to his knees and clasped her hands as streams of tears poured down his face.

   "Such... Such youthfulness! I would be HONORED to help a beauty such as yourself!!! Let us go, Sakura-san! I will teach you all that I can!"

~

   Training with Rock Lee was tiring, yet was an oddly satisfying experience. Despite being a spandex-clad weirdo, he was actually a very nice, polite guy. He could be eccentric at times, but it was well worth it. Sakura trained with him on tuesdays and thursdays, and under his tutelage, she could see her taijutsu skills improving rapidly.

   Another thing she noticed was that Lee was a person you could easily get along with. It was safe to say that he was becoming a good friend of hers and could become a very reliable ally in the future.

   One day after training, Sakura sought refuge on Hokage Mountain. The sky was a beautiful hue of deep blue with spots of white bursting from the seams. She wondered- did the sky look the same from everywhere in the world? A smile crossed her face. She would find that out soon. Very soon. Her sensei already knew about her plans. He tried to talk her out of it, but nothing he said could change her mind. Ibiki accepted it eventually.

   Sakura sighed.

   Three hundred eighty-two days.

   All she had to do was wait.

   She shook her head and shunshinned back into her empty home and walked towards the coffee table. A few envelopes were scattered on the glass top- today's mail. She hadn't really gotten around to it earlier due to Lee's training. Most of them were things like electrical and water bills, but one was addressed to her all the way from Kirigakure.

   Sakura whipped out a kunai and cut the side. A letter and a photograph of a newborn baby girl fell out. She unfolded the letter and read the familiar messy handwriting.

Sakura,

   Well, what do I have to say... Suiren just gave birth to a baby girl! Her name's Kana and she's the most beautiful girl I've ever seen. And knowing you, let me make this clear. One, she's not blue, Two, yes, she is mine. I hope that you can come visit sometime soon so Kana can meet her 'nee-san'. 

See you soon, brat,
Kisame

   Sakura grinned. It looks like she'd have to miss school next week.