The Flip Side

Summary: "This is probably the most useless thing you've ever done to get my attention," she informs him later, as the sun begins to set. "And considering you shaved your head that time Chōji told you I liked boys with short hair..." [SasuSaku Festival 2017 – Day 9 – Prompt: "Community Service"]

Disclaimer: This story utilises characters, situations and premises that are copyright Masashi Kishimoto, Shueisha, Shonen Jump and Viz media. No infringement on their respective copyrights pertaining to episodes, novelisations, comics or short stories is intended by KuriQuinn in any way, shape or form. This fan-oriented story is written solely for the author's own amusement and the entertainment of the readers. It is not for profit. Any resemblance to real organizations, institutions, products or persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental.

All plot and Original Characters except for those introduced in the canon books, manga, video games, novelizations and anime, are the sole creation of KuriQuinn. (© KuriQuinn 2016- )

Rating: T

Warning: AUish. Deals with evens from the Naruto Movie Road to Ninja. OOCish. Because RTN version of our beloved characters.

Author's Note: Sasuke was very interesting to write in this one. It's like, the total opposite of who he is. And it was soooo hard to write Sakura! I have such a hard time imagining a world where isn't utterly smitten with him!

Beta Reader: Sakura's Unicorn

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Sakura arrives at Training Ground Three bright and early to find the familiar sight of Sasuke and Menma glaring at one another.

Under normal circumstances, she would brush it off as their never-ending competition—they are so alike in temperament and skill that they've always been natural rivals. Since the three of them were assigned to Team 7, it's been a constant string of one-upmanship. Sakura had to become Tsunade's apprentice just to keep up with them (although she usually tells them it's to get a break from the testosterone).

Today, though, when she approaches the boys, she gets the sense she's stumbled onto something else.

"Hey," she greets, inwardly preening a little when Menma is the first to glance her way.

"Sakura," he says quietly, nodding in her direction.

Sasuke turns around, brightening at the sight of her. "Hey, kitten. Haven't seen you in a while."

Sakura glowers at him. "Stop calling me that!"

Geez! He has to start right away!

"Ah, Sakura! There you are!" Kakashi declares, straightening up from the ground where he's been doing push-ups. She wouldn't have seen him except for the white shock of hair. "It's odd that you're late. I remember when we ran missions together; you were as dedicated to punctuality as Konoha's White Beast of Prey!"

"He still talks about himself in the third person?" Sasuke inquires with a yawn.

Menma nods. "It would seem so."

"He's right, though," Sasuke agrees. "You're never late." An expression of concern passes over his face. "Are you still tired from being stuck in that other world?"

"I'm fine," she shrugs him off. "I only found out from Lady Tsunade and Shizune just now that I had to come here. They wouldn't say what it was about, so what gives?" Menma frowns, looking down at his feet, and Sasuke scowls. "Have I missed something?"

"Not at all, my most esteemed and youthful student!" Kakashi declares. "For your sake, I will gladly repeat the mission! You see, in light of the recent attack on the village, Lady Tsunade has decided that you're all to be placed on probation!"