Predecessor

Double Dare

Under a black semi-circle of shade, Sakura raises a piece of onigiri to her lips. Her sharp jade eyes roll across the field, taking in the chakra signatures of her classmates. Two are behind the large tree just on the hill, one behind the swing set and one—

"Found—you—!" sings Sakura, peering between the branches down at a certain Inuzuka Kiba lounging across the trunk with his ninken on his chest.

The small dog yips and Kiba shrugs nonchalantly, sitting up. So he's it now, but Sakura still has to find everyone else. And not even two minutes later, she has the rest of the players crawling from their hiding places grumbling.

This is why they never liked to play Hide and Seek with the Haruno. She always manages to find them almost instantly, like its magic— except it's not magic, it's chakra control; a concept not yet covered in their year level.

"Not fair," whines Akimichi Chouji, "Sakura-chan always wins!"

"Not always," laughs Sakura.

"Sak'ra-chan is just that skilled! Right, Sak'ra-chan?" Naruto cheers. He'll try to deny it but he's become her biggest fan, and Sakura grins at him lopsidedly, flinging an arm over his shoulders.

This summer is hotter than the last. It's the perfect season for beetle hunting and the cicadas sing-song deafeningly. The days feel longer and the nights; shorter, and Sakura and Naruto near the end of their assignment with only a few more tasks to complete.

"Who's it this time?"

"Kiba is!" points Chouji, "I saw it — Sakura found him first!" So they reset the game.

Sakura glances up at the sky and hms to herself as she realises the time. "Ah, wait," she calls. They turn to look at her, expectantly, "I have to go. I'll see you guys tomorrow though!"

The others' eyes light up and Naruto is the only one to huff. He knows she has training but he can't help pouting. She's the only reason why the people in their class let him hang around after Academy hours, and he's afraid they'll suddenly shoulder him away icily once she leaves.

She leans forwards to whisper, "Naruto is really good at this game so be careful." And they start to break out into childish protests because even though now she's leaving, it'll still be hard to play! The Uzumaki's eyes widen.

Sakura pets the top of his head. "Yosh! Have fun!" And then she's off.

Hoisting her bag over her shoulder, her small legs take her up a small hill and around the bend. A few yards out and there's a clearing beyond a barbwire fence that has become a familiar environment for Sakura.

There is a tall and voluptuous woman who stands in the middle of the training ground, green haori swaying in the breeze. Sakura can finally say she understands the kanji on the back within that red circle, and thinks it's very fitting — based on what Shizune has said anyway. Gamble.

A smile spreads across the young girl's face as she raises a hand over her head and begins to wave frantically.

"Tsuna-hime!"

"Tch." Upon hearing the awful nickname, the Senju starts to turn, revealing the deep scowl on her face. "I told ya to quit calling me that! You brat! And you're late!"