⏪ Back in Time! (HELP!) [Sakura Timetravel AU]

12: A Forsakened Friendship

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"That's pretty much it for today, guys. See ya," Kakashi disappeared in a cloud of smoke, leaving the genin to clear out.

After a rough day of training with team 7, Sakura wanted to get home to just sit down and have time to herself. Tired, she trekked out of the training grounds with Naruto and Sasuke disappearing off to who knows where. Setting her sights on the way back home, she set off back into Konoha. In addition to that, she was deeply pondering her skill.

The others are quick on their feet and manage to land strong hits.

Meanwhile, I've been lagging, my body is not in good form.

Sakura had been meaning to get some training in herself to enhance her abilities- but she hasn't figured out a way to go about it yet. Admittedly, she was not quite satisfied with the results so far.

Which means I have to start picking it up soon.

Bringing her hand up to her chin, she closed her eyes in deep thought.

Oh yeah. Now that I think about it, I did want to ask Gai-sensei to help me train.

"Hey! Sakura!"

Startled, she turned around by instinct, going into a battle stance.

"Wow. What's got you so on edge?" Sakura relaxed, looking at the girl with the familiar voice. The blonde strutted up to her with a snarky grin planted on her face. Sakura looked over Ino's shoulder to see that her team was there as well. Shikamaru rolled his eyes at them.

"Ino's gonna start her troublesome girl-talk again... Let's get outta here, Choji." The other boy agreed and they walked past the two girls briskly, leaving Asuma behind. The older man got a lighter out of his pocket and lit the tip of the cigarette in his mouth.

"I'll see you tomorrow for training, Ino." The man took a slow inhale and followed after the rest of Ino's team.

"Oh, bye." Ino gave a last glance at her sensei and then returned her attention to Sakura, sizing her up. A sudden strong breeze blew through the forest, moving the hair out of both of their faces. A tension fell between them. Sakura felt a twinge of embarrassment, remembering their last interaction.

Sakura decided to end the silent stare down. "So... I haven't seen you in a while. How are you?" Ino didn't respond, seemingly stuck in her mind. Her eyebrows were furrowed slightly, and her eyes were staring straight ahead as if looking into Sakura's very being. Something was clearly on her mind. "Ino? Ino-pig?" Sakura jeered at the stiff girl.