Because We're a Team

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Chapter Three

Goals

Time never stood still. Another two years of training had gone by and Sakura was now fifteen. She worked tirelessly at the hospital, having learned so much over the past few years of training, and yet she still studied, she still strived to get better. Things were harder now, she was working towards a goal that required delicate chakra control, something she had but considering the circumstances was still hard to achieve.

Her chakra supply had been minimized because she had been constantly fueling one part of herself with a steady flow of chakra, a reserve that she could not tap into for three years straight. At one point in her forehead, she would have to accumulate chakra for those three years. While she trained, while she worked… and even while she slept.

It would not be easy to accomplish, but Sakura had a determination that most didn't. She knew she'd succeed, because she'd never give up. So, Tsunade explained all she could and at first, Sakura had to calm herself and not think of anything else just to concentrate on separating her chakra flow. To only be able to tap into twenty percent of her chakra… it would be truly difficult for her.

Tsunade knew this, so she announced that Sakura would no longer be allowed to partake in missions, nor would she be able to perform certain procedures medical wise. Anything that would put her at risk to complete depletion of her chakra would not be allowed. Under no circumstances could she tap into the large reserve she was building, or she would never awaken the seal.

…

Naruto was off training with that sage again. Sasuke usually trained alone if not with Kakashi. He'd recently taken to a sword. Sakura had gifted it to him for his birthday that had only just passed the month before. She claimed that it caught her eye and she thought of him… and it made Sasuke want to master it.

He would.

Sometimes on his way back in from the training grounds, he would come across Sakura. She would always be sitting on the ground under a tree in the quiet, eyes closed as if she was blocking out the entire world. He'd never bother her, or break her concentration, but he knew she was training one way or another… she always was.

Missions came for him pretty often, sometimes it would be him and Kakashi and other times he was sent alone, or with a selection of other shinobi. It entirely depended upon the mission itself. It was strange though, even after so long of being without them, Sasuke missed his team. He knew that one day though they would be doing missions together again.

Until then, he would keep to himself, do his training and fulfill any missions given to him.

…

Another year passed by before Naruto returned, but only because Sasuke had sent his hawk with a message to the dobe, requesting he return in a timely manner. The chunin exams were only a couple weeks away and Sasuke was ready to attempt the exam again, had been for over a year, but Naruto was always away… and he still was unsure about Sakura.

Only on the rarest occasions did he get to see her and when they were together they avoided talking about training, being that was all the two of them ever did anyway. He hadn't mentioned the chunin exams to her yet, but he was sure she would agree to participate.

Naruto returned with only a week to spare, already eager for the exams. He didn't need convincing. But the two of them still had to talk to Sakura. Without all three of their members, they wouldn't be able to participate.

They found Sakura in the Hokage's office. She was surrounded by dozens of books as she sat on the floor, though she wasn't reading. She appeared to be meditating, eyes closed as they entered the room without so much as a knock. It was Naruto who barged in like he owned the place, while Sasuke followed him in silently.

"Naruto?" Tsunade's brow rose at the sight of him.

Naruto laughed as he greeted her. "Yeah I'm back! Sasuke told me about the chunin exams and we want in!"

Sakura opened her eyes then and stood to her feet, glancing from Naruto to Sasuke and then Tsunade who pursed her lips at his words. "It's unfortunate you came all the way home for that… without a three-man squad you can't take the exam and Sakura is unable to participate.

This was news to Sasuke. He eyed Sakura in wonder as Naruto gawked at the Hokage in annoyance. "And why the hell not?"

"Tsunade-sama," Sakura began with a frown, only to be cut short by a sharp look from Tsunade.

"Sakura. You know as well as I that I can not permit you to take the exams. The risk would be too great."

Sakura looked defeated, but made no move to argue with her mentor. She looked to her teammates apologetically, and Sasuke's jaw tensed. He needed an explanation. Sakura had been training endlessly for the past few years. He knew she was stronger, even if he didn't know how much stronger. He and Naruto were also stronger, much stronger. They could protect her if need be.

"Answer my question, granny! What risk? You think me and Sasuke would let anything happen to her?" Naruto was on a roll now, but Sasuke wasn't going to complain. Though he appeared as stoic as ever, he was just as curious, and just as annoyed on the inside.

Tsunade's fist slammed down on her desk and she glared harshly as Naruto. "Sakura's training is most important right now, and she's working on only a fifth of her chakra. She can't even perform surgery… or she isn't supposed to and yet she did just yesterday which ended in her collapsing! Any type of combat is off limits for her right now, because it is necessary."

One fifth of her chakra? Sasuke didn't know how she was managing that, but it had certainly piqued his interest. "Tsunade-sama is right." Sakura told them both, not bothering to hide her disappointment. "I would only hinder the two of you."

Sasuke's eyes narrowed at her words. He could see what she was thinking so clearly- 'just like last time'. He wouldn't allow her to be so hard on herself, when she had strived to get stronger, to learn more, to be more for herself, and for their team.

"We can't take the exams without you, Sakura." Sasuke told her, voice cool and calm. "You wouldn't be a hindrance. We need you for this. So your chakra levels are low right now, it doesn't matter. Naruto and I will protect you."

Sakura's lips trembled at his words and her eyes casted down to the floor. She was torn and he knew it. She didn't want to let her team down, by not participating, and also by being weak. Sasuke knew though that she wasn't weak. Still, if she could only work on such a short percentage of her chakra, things had to have been hard for her.

How long had she been dealing with this?

"Milady, please permit me to join them in the exams. I know my limits… and with those two with me I'm certain I'll be fine."

"That's right!" Naruto shouted, fist pumping into the air. "Sakura-chan deserves this chance. We all do."

Tsunade sighed, nails drumming across her desk as she pondered the situation. "Fine, I'll allow it. I know how determined you are Sakura… but if you're not careful these past two years could end up being all for naught."

"You won't regret your decision, milady."

…

After they each filled out their applications, Sakura and her teammates left the Hokage's office and made their way to Ichikaru's for some ramen. She was excited and happy to have her team pleased with her. Even if she couldn't do but so much, she was still capable even with minimum chakra. She knew just what she could do better than anyone, even if there were times that she did push herself too far.

They only had one week before the exams which would be held in Suna. In that time Sakura planned to rest. They would have to leave in four days. This time, she was certain that they'd all come out as chunin. They'd all grown considerably. She knew Sasuke and Naruto had gotten much stronger just by being in their presence.

Though she knew they were both curious, Sasuke even more than Naruto, neither of them questioned her about her chakra and she was glad because explaining things would have been difficult. They ate their ramen while Naruto talked endlessly about his journey and Sasuke and Sakura listened to him. They were both happy to have him back, and to be taking these exams together once more.

It was after they finished eating that Sakura excused herself. She was happy- so happy. While she wanted more than anything to spend some quality time with her teammates, she knew she needed to get home. She had so much studying to do, so much to prepare if she had any hope of passing the chunin exams. However, she barely made it out of Ichiraku's when a hand was suddenly halting her by her arm.

"Sasuke-kun?" How brows furrowed when she looked back at him, not liking the way his brows were furrowed nor the thoughtful look in his eyes.

His mouth opened but he said nothing, only closed his mouth after a moment as if he was at a loss. Sakura's head tilted in curiosity before he finally found his voice. "Would you just… I want you to take it easy before the exams. Can you do that… for me?"

Green eyes widened at this. She knew he was worried about her and it was rather touching. A soft smile took over her features and she turned to wrap her arms around his waist. "Don't worry, Sasuke-kun. I'll be fine. Lady Tsunade just blows things way out of proportion sometimes."

The way his eyes narrowed on her said he wasn't falling for her attempts to downplay the situation she was in. "A fifth of your chakra, Sakura?" He shook his head and sighed. "I'm serious. We don't know what things will be like in the exams this year, so until they begin I want you to rest. That means no training. No studying."

"Sasuke-kun." Sakura scoffed, pulling her arms away from him then. "I appreciate your concern, but I didn't ask for it. I can't afford to waste a single day. I need to train. I need to study."

"No, you need to take it easy. You're always pushing yourself. What's so bad about resting for once?" He argued, not understanding why she was getting upset with him.

"You wouldn't understand!" She spun around and ran away, leaving him confused and hurt.

It was never Sasuke's intention to upset her in anyway. He couldn't help but worry about her. She was his teammate. She was… she was special. If she wanted to be difficult, there really was no way for him to stop her. Things had been that way for so long now. Nevertheless, if it ever came down to her needing his protection, she would have it. Sasuke would never let anything happen to her… and if he did, he would never forgive himself.

…

The written exams came and passed, team seven getting by with how well they knew each other. The day they were set to leave for the exams had arrived quickly after. Being there were so many genin who passed the written exams, a preliminary round was held. It was a three day travel to Suna, and only the first thirty teams to arrive would be able to move to the next round. They were currently two days into their travels, just as the sun began to set. Naruto was by the river, trying to catch some fish for them to eat while Sakura and Sasuke set out their beddings. They were ahead of most teams, so they weren't concerned about losing a spot. However, as soon as they ate and had a little rest, they would be on their way. There wasn't much further for them to go now.

While Sasuke was setting out Naruto's bedding as well, Sakura had gathered enough wood to get a fire started. His obsidian eyes watched her as she went about trying to light the fire the old fashioned way. He didn't know why, but just the thought of her hands being hurt by the attempt rubbed him the wrong way.

"Sakura, let me-"

"I can do it!" She snapped which caused Sasuke's face to fall.

He didn't understand what her problem was, or why she was so upset every time he offered or tried to help her. It was because Sakura was sick and tired of being a burden. She was sick and tired of being the weakest link. She was sick and tired of not being dependable enough. She wanted to be better. She didn't want to have to rely on them. She didn't want protecting. She wanted to be an equal.

How hard and long would she have to work to get there? Would she ever…

Sasuke's hand took hold of hers, stopping her fruitless work. Their eyes met and he gave her a kind smile at the forlorn look on her face. "I know you can do it, but I want to do it. Please?"

Relaxing at his words, Sakura nodded softly. It only took Sasuke a second to have the fire wood pile ablaze. She knew it was wrong of her to think so, but it seemed like everything just came so easily to him, and even to Naruto. She struggled for so long, still was… and she still was so far away from catching up to them. It was a bit depressing, so most of the time she forbid herself from thinking about it. When she was with them though, it was impossible not to.

They were there, reminding her of everything she wasn't. She was proud of them of course, so happy that they were as strong as they were. But she was a member of team seven as well. She needed to be on par with those two- and one day, no matter how hard she had to work, she would do just that.

Soon, a cheeky Naruto returned with a couple fish for each of them and the three of them got them cooking. They sat around the fire together, talking about the upcoming exams. Naruto was so sure of himself, Sasuke was mostly quiet on the matter and Sakura… as much as she hated to admit it, was feeling pretty insecure about them herself.

Of course, her teammates were exemplary. They were destined to succeed, but her? She still had a long way to go. Naruto and Sasuke both knew her well enough to know when she was sulking as she was now. It was Naruto who moved closer to her and nudged her with his elbow.

"What's up, Sakura-chan? Scared you're gonna kick too much ass in the exams?" He joked and she rolled her eyes, but couldn't help the giggle that escaped her.

"More like scared I'll get my own kicked." She shrugged, her amusement ending in a sigh. "It's just a lot to think about, I guess. I'm sure it will be fine."

"Damn right it will, Teme and I will make sure you're okay! That was the deal wasn't it?" Naruto snorted.

Sasuke frowned as he listened, eyes on the fish cooking in the flames. "She won't need us to make sure of anything." He muttered, but his words rang out loud and clear to Sakura.

Her heart soared at their meaning and she found all her worries vanishing. Her team did believe in her, even if she believed in them more. The three of them would pass together. They just had to.

…

They arrived in Suna as the third team. It was a relief to have that race over with, but all three of them were curious as to what they'd go through next. The second round was similar to their last go at the chunin exams. They were given a heaven scroll, and required to obtain an earth scroll to go along with it, and make it to a building in the center of the desert in just three days time.

The risk factors associated with the exams were high enough that the three of them were made to sign wavers, which had been a bit concerning to Sakura. Her teammates however, didn't seem to care. They moved fast, finding a group to attack within the first half an hour and luckily for them, they had an earth scroll.

It was amazing seeing Sasuke and Naruto fight together. But once again, Sakura found herself being utterly useless to her team. They were so skilled they didn't even need her and that was all too disappointing to her. She wanted to help. She wanted to fight. But it seemed they were determined to do all the work and leave her with nothing. It was infuriating, but as they traveled through the desert on their way to their goal, she decided not to dread on it.

An unexpected occurrence happened. The Akatsuki had made a move, attacking the kazekage during the late stages of the exams. When Naruto heard about it he nearly lost his mind, and Sasuke had to put him in a choke hold to keep him from running into action before even hearing what had happened. It was just as they'd arrived at their destination that the attack was announced. Luckily, Gaara managed to escape but the exams were canceled on the spot and team seven was sent packing.

Sakura found herself depressed as she and her two teammates moved quickly through the forest on their way home. There was no way of them knowing if they'd be promoted or if they'd have to attend another chunin exam later on and it was a bit unsettling. In the end, it was ultimately left up to their leader. Tsunade.

In spite of everything, Tsunade seemed to be in a fair mood when they returned- and she was quick to promote all three of them, along with the other teams from their village who had attended. Everyone had worked hard and they were all far above genin level so it only made sense for them all to be promoted. There was always more to learn, and they would never stop striving to better themselves. Tsunade knew she'd made a wise decision.

…

Sakura still had a while to go with her training. She was with Tsunade every chance she could be, and when she wasn't, she was working in the hospital- or in the training grounds. She knew her limits and she would push herself as far as she could, as often as she could. It was the only way she'd ever get any better.

Tsunade seemed to have much more faith in her these days, she was allowed to work more without being nagged endlessly. And in turn, Sakura was being more careful when it came to her work. She never performed any surgeries unless it was an life or death situation and there were no other capable medics on scene. Sadly, she still wasn't allowed to go on missions with her teammates which disappointed her. She was always left behind- though she did make good of the free time she had.

Today, she was in her room reading one of her medical books when she heard a knock on her window. One delicate, pink brow rose in question as she got up from her desk and walked to her window. The second she opened it, she spotted Sasuke who had a sour look on his face.

"Sasuke-kun, you're back?" She asked with a smile, knowing he'd been away on a mission but all the blood drained from her face when she sensed how drained his chakra was, when she really took a look at his face.

He was so pale, that sour look actually one of discomfort and pain. Sakura quickly pulled him inside her room without waiting for a response. She pushed him over to her bed and forced him to lay down, her hands ripping his shirt clean off of him. She would find whatever injuries he possessed and she would heal him. She couldn't stand that dreadful look on his gorgeous face. Not on her watch.

Though her face contorted in anguish at the sight of his infected, open wound that was obviously done by a kunai, Sakura wasted no time in getting to work. Sasuke remained still and silent as she started healing him. She concentrated solely on the task at hand, pouring her soothing chakra into him. The infection had to be taken care of first, but then she could focus on closing the wound.

It looked pretty nasty, but it only took Sakura about ten minutes to have the wound completely healed. She sighed once she was finished and ran her hand over the area in thought. It wasn't like Sasuke to get injured. Even now, he was so quiet- more so than he normally was. His expression had now become unreadable, so Sakura couldn't help feeling concerned.

"What's wrong, Sasuke-kun? Can you tell me what happened?" She could only think that the mission must have been awful.

Sasuke's eyes moved to hers slowly and he studied her face for several moments before speaking. "You weren't at the hospital." He merely whispered, causing her brows to pull together.

"Huh?"

Watching as he stood from the bed, Sakura felt confusion consume her. Sasuke's didn't bother grabbing his ripped shirt as he walked towards the window. He wouldn't admit that when he went to the hospital and found she wasn't there, he feared her being sick or something. She was almost always in the hospital, or at least with Tsunade-and when she wasn't, he just had to come check on her. He'd initially been ignoring his own injury, but instead Sakura was just fine and she made him all better too. She was always helping him.

"Forget about it." He said as he stood by the window, glancing back at her briefly. "Thank for healing me."

Sakura watched him leave, wondering exactly what it was that was on his mind. Sometimes she didn't understand her dark haired teammate at all. With a sigh, she forced herself to return to her studies. Sasuke would always have that confusing, quiet side to him. One day, she hoped to be able to focus on all of him so he could never get anything past her.

A/N:

It really has been forever since I updated this fic. Sorry guys, I have a bad habit of having too many things going on at once. I will aim to do better!

Hope you enjoyed the chapter.