The Day We Meet Again

Summary: Sakura, a struggling orphan at 17, is bound by a lifetime promise. In the course of fulfilling that promise, she enters the most prestigious high school in the country—Konoha Gakuen—and meets a blond pain in the butt and a dark-haired block of ice. And what is this other secret?

"Don't cry. I'm going to find my own way. You're going to find yours too, right?"

"Uh-huh…" The little girl stopped sobbing, and faced the boy with a determined look.

"That's right. You should always smile, and never give up. Then someday, when we've both found our own ways, we'll meet again."

"Where?"

"I don't know. But we'll meet again, ok? It's the promise of a lifetime."

The girl nodded, and two chubby pinky fingers wound into each other to seal the promise.

"SHIT! I'M LATE!"

The pink blur rushed back and forth the tiny one-room apartment, jumping over all the carelessly strewn books on the floor and almost toppling down the full-body mirror beside the dresser. Curses were thrown at every non-living thing in the room (which consisted of everything save her). At a record speed of 10 minutes, Haruno Sakura had managed to bathe, dress, redecorate her room, review her lessons, and, she decided as she looked at herself in the mirror, look damn good for her first day in her new high school. She wore a red sleeveless overdress which reached her knees and had slits at the sides, revealing black cycling shorts. Her family's crest was embroidered at the back, and her outfit not only looked good but also allowed comfortable movement.

It was extremely important to her that she make a really good impression to everyone today. Today was the start of her ascent; it was the day when her dreams of being successful would start to come true. She had spent every cent she had left and made every effort, and finally, she had succeeded. Konoha Gakuen, at one time, had only been a dream. But now it was within her reach. She was accepted into the most prestigious high school in the whole country, which took in only the offspring of the elite clans and those with superior strength and intelligence (ehem).

But now was not the time to be gloating. With a last look to check if she had turned off all electrical appliances, she closed the door. She only had twenty minutes left to go to school, and that had to be spent in leisure walking, so she could at least preserve her appearance. Her looks meant a great deal if she was going to rely on first impressions to succeed in that school.

Today was the start of her second year, but she didn't consider her first year in her former high school a waste of time. It was then that she went up the school ladder, enough to become the number one student and a possible transferee to Konoha Gakuen. This school gave no scholarships, so every cent that her parents had left her went to matriculation. After school hours today, she still had to look for a part-time job. 'Real good Konoha will do me if I can't even feed myself,' Sakura bitterly thought as she walked to school.

The campus of Konoha Gakuen consisted of eight large buildings and a clock tower inside the main gate. Three buildings were used for classes, and another three for the dormitory complex. The library was a separate building, an old-looking structure that towered over the park beside it, with a koi pond to boot. The last building looked really formidable from outside. The brochure said that it was used for "special purposes" which Sakura assumed were interschool meetings and competitions and the like. She gazed longingly at the clock tower, which stood high above all other buildings in the school. Sakura knew she just had to climb it.

"Get back here, dipshit! I'm going to kill you!"

"Heh! You can't even catch me; try saying that in your next lifetime!"

Sakura was shocked as she watched a burly guy chase an obviously delinquent blonde. So even Konoha had its share of problem students. The two were from the third year building, and were coming towards her direction at top speed. She suddenly couldn't bring herself to move.

'Damn it, this is gonna hurt…' was her last thought before she closed her eyes and braced for the impact. But after what seemed like hours, which was actually only just a few seconds, she opened her eyes and stared right into bright blue ones. He had stopped just inches in front of her and was now curiously looking her over. Then Sakura was surprised a second time.

"Hi!" The blond boy brilliantly smiled at her.

"Uh… Hi…" Sakura was smiling and greeting him back before she even knew it.

"Dammit, you won't get away!" The burly student was closing in, and the boy's eyes held mischief again.

"Uh-oh, fat ass's gonna catch up. Later!" And he dashed off towards the direction of the library.

Sakura was still dazed and unaware of the weird looks she was getting from the other students, until realization suddenly hit her.

'OH NO! I just greeted and smiled at a delinquent! SHIT! My future in this school is doomed!' She could practically hear her dreams crumbling down in an instant. In a panic, she looked left and right, and sure enough, the students were giving her odd looks.

Her inner self kicked in. 'Calm down, Sakura. Don't worry. You're a new student, just smile at everyone and they'll simply think you're naturally friendly. Come on, just focus and you'll do great. You've got to let them know that you're not hanging around delinquents like that. Otherwise, you'll be outta here faster than you can say Sucess.'

She tried to look as natural as possible; giving a smile to anyone her eyes came into contact with. She was right. One by one the students stopped staring curiously, and a slightly pretty girl even politely smiled back. Sakura was encouraged, and she tried talking to her.

"Hi! I'm Haruno Sakura, in class 2-Z. I'm kinda new here. Do you mind if we talk a little?"

The girl jumped a little, obviously surprised that Sakura talked to her, but nevertheless answered her in a little voice. "I…I'm Hyuuga Hinata. I'm also in class 2-Z. P-Pleased to meet you."

"So we're classmates, Hinata-san? How lucky! Pleased to meet you too. By the way, do you know where the teachers' lounge is? I was told to go there and look for Hatake Kakashi-san before I come to class."

"Umm… I can show you there if you like. It's in the second year building, where our classes are held. I'm on my way there myself. And Kakashi-sensei is our homeroom teacher. He's really nice, but…he's always late." Hinata looked at her shyly and giggled.

Sakura smiled at the kind girl, and they started towards the second year building. "Thanks, and don't mind if I take you up on your offer. This campus is HUGE!"

"It isn't so big once you get used to it. Besides, the only buildings that you really need to go to are our building, the library, and…there." Hinata looked like she was having difficulty explaining the last building, and merely pointed to the formidable-looking structure Sakura saw earlier. "Second year students are not allowed inside the other two buildings and dormitories, and same goes for the students of the other two years."

"Wow, it's really strict here. But when I think about it, that guy…" Sakura frowned, remembering the blond student she met earlier. He had definitely come from inside the third year building, though he looked no older than her. She turned to Hinata to ask about that, but was alarmed when she saw her companion blushing. 'Not good, Sakura,' her inner voice said. 'You're embarrassing yourself by making her remember that incident earlier.'

Sakura laughed awkwardly. "I mean… ah… it's really that strict? What about emergencies or those who have friends in the upper or lower classes?"

Hinata looked like she only just remembered she had company. "Oh, that. Well, students usually meet up on the campus grounds to chat and play, and we see each other during trai—physical education class. About emergencies, teachers are assigned to every building in the campus. They usually arrive pretty fast to take care of an emergency."

As they entered the second year building, Sakura was a bit unimpressed by what she saw. The inside was like an ordinary high school building, but she didn't know what to expect of a prestigious school either so she let that fact slip. Students were loitering at the shoe lockers and the hallways. All of it was very…ordinary. But something was definitely different; she just couldn't put her finger on it.

'It may just be that you were overrating this school, dimwit.' Her inner voice again. But what would she expect of a school with a hundred percent student success rate?

"…save for a few people," Hinata was saying, almost in a whisper. Her pearl eyes were darting from left to right in her panic. Damn it! Sakura cursed herself for not listening. She would have wanted to ask Hinata about what she was saying and risk being rude, but her companion looked so uncomfortable with the topic that she decided to let it drop. If it was that important, then she'd eventually learn of it, right?

"Oi Hinata! Get over here!" The rough voice took both girls' attention.

Hinata looked extremely upset. "I…I'm sorry, Sakura-san. I know I shouldn't leave you like this, but Kiba-kun is really impatient."

Sakura laughed and waved her hand. "No, no! It's me who should be sorry for taking up so much of your time! Thanks, Hinata-san! You helped me out a lot. I hope we can be friends."

Hinata smiled timidly and nodded her head. "You're welcome. And I'll introduce you to our other classmates when you get to class."

I think you should go now," Sakura grinned as the second "Oi Hinata!" was heard over the crowd.

Hinata giggled. "Yes, I should. Oh, by the way, the teachers' lounge is the second door to the right of this hallway. Well then, see you in class!" She waved and ran off towards the stairwell.

Sakura smiled and waved too, then walked towards the teacher's lounge. Upon reaching the door, she knocked twice and let herself in.

"Excuse me. Is Kakashi-sensei here?"

A young instructor with spiky hair and a scar on the bridge of his nose greeted her. "Oh, I haven't seen you around here. You must be the new student…hmm…Haruno Sakura, right?"

"Yes. Umm…are you by any chance Kakashi-sensei?"

The instructor grimaced. "I'd die first. Actually, the guy you're looking for, he's late."

"Again." The female voice carried itself towards them with just a little bit of dislike. A stunning woman with wavy black hair and scarlet eyes was seated at the farthest desk from the door, sorting out papers.

"Now, now, Kurenai-san, we know it isn't always like that. Uhh… just sometimes."

"Iruka-sensei, his excuses are outrageous. Anyway," she continued, glancing at Sakura, "since it's obvious that he won't be coming in the near future, I suggest you take care of this student yourself."

Iruka looked like he'd have wanted to be anywhere but here. "Damn. Do I really have to? I think I'm gonna be sick again."

"I don't care. Just get the girl to her class."

He turned to Sakura, who was openly gawking at Kurenai, and sighed. "Kakashi better show up today or I'll make him pay. Let's go, Sakura."

Sakura blushed with embarrassment. "Ah…yes. Please lead the way, Iruka-sensei."

Iruka grinned. "So polite. Our job would be a lot easier if your classmates took after you!"

'Damn right!' Inner Sakura was saying, but "Uhh…thanks…I think…" was what came out instead.

"If you've read the brochure we sent you, you should know the basics about this school. The three buildings…"

Iruka kept his incessant chatter as they made their way to the classroom. Of course Sakura knew about the school! Aside from what she learned from Hinata a while ago, she had also spent so much time poring over research about Konoha Gakuen before she decided to transfer here. She knew that the classes were arranged alphabetically, with A as the highest, with only one exception—Class Z. The students in this class were the top of the elite and those superior to everyone else in terms of strength, talent, intelligence, etc. Students in this class were maintained or demoted based on results of exams held every three months, so there was no time to even relax. That was why even though Sakura knew she'd get no rest, she was still proud to have made it to the top with her efforts.

"This is it."

They had stopped in front of the only door on the fourth floor. 'So the elite students have their own floor,' Sakura thought, amazed. 'They really are treated specially.'

Iruka touched the handle, fully intending to open the door, but suddenly stopped as if remembering something. "Oh yeah, there's something else. Before becoming a part of Class Z, there's something you must decide on first. But Kakashi-sensei will explain that to you later. For now, let's just go in and introduce you."

It was noisy. Students were scattered among tables and animatedly talking to themselves. The classroom was built auditorium-style. Sakura breathed a sigh of relief. The students didn't look boring and studious, quite the opposite, in fact. While she looked around for any sign of Hinata, Iruka moved to the center of the room and knocked thrice on the teacher's table to get the class's attention. Some looked, but the others didn't even give a sideward glance. Having had about enough, the infuriated instructor slammed the side of his fist onto the blackboard.

"SHUT THE FUCK UP!"

Sakura was horrified at the instructor, but when she looked at her classmates, she was dumbstruck. No one looked remotely surprised or shocked, and some were even harboring bored expressions. She guessed that this must be a pretty common situation for the students.

Iruka scratched the back of his head. "Che. This is why I hate these stuck-up little girlies. Sakura, come here and introduce yourself."

Still stunned, Sakura meekly walked towards the instructor and bowed to the class. "I-I'm Haruno Sakura, pleased to meet you."

"She'll be your classmate starting today. She hasn't learned yet, so play nice, little girlies. Any questions?"

"Ho ho ho. No need for such unusual remarks, Iruka-sensei." The casual reprimand came from an old man who had just entered the room.

"Sandaime-sama!"

Now everyone looked surprised. What was going on? Whisperings of "It's the Director…" reached Sakura's ears and she understood.

The Director came forward and chuckled slightly. "I just came to check on our new student. How is your first day, my dear?"

Sakura bowed to him and answered softly. "It's going well, sir. Thank you for asking."

"That's good. If you have any problems, you just come to me, ok?" He reached out to touch her cheek and winked at her.

Wait, did he just wink at her! Sakura was shocked, again. She hadn't prepared for so many surprises in one day. Problem students in the most prestigious school in the country, the supposed elite class full of delinquents, a very profane teacher, and now an old pervert for a Director!

"Sandaime-sama, may I please have a word with you? Outside?" Iruka spoke slowly, and Sakura missed the venom in those words. Unbeknownst to her, most of her classmates were now sporting grins and one girl was wearing a worried expression.

The Director raised one hand to silence him. "What you have to say to me can wait, Iruka-sensei. This student is much more imp—GAAAH!"

Sakura watched wide-eyed as the young instructor punched the Director full in the face, and sent him flying to the wall. Then there was a puff of white smoke where he had hit the wall, and when it cleared, the blond boy from earlier was there instead of the Director. Sakura's mouth dropped open.

The boy was grinning as he wiped his lips with his fist. "Heh. I didn't think you'd find out that easily."

Iruka, looking really annoyed,walked towards the boy and lifted him by his collar. The other students were already chuckling and eagerly awaiting the upcoming confrontation.

"Your henge wouldn't even be able to fool a genin, you idiot. Bad transformation, bad acting, bad everything. I tolerated you at first because the new student was here. But for you to even dare tarnish the Sandaime-sama's reputation like that; you know there will be hell to pay, Uzumaki Naruto."

What…was happening? Sakura didn't understand one bit. Henge? Genin? Transformation? So he isn't the Director? So the Director isn't a pervert? Uzumaki Naruto. Uzumaki Naruto? Uzumaki Naruto?

"EEEEHH! You're Uzumaki Naruto!" Sakura screeched, and pointed her finger at the blond. The whole class went silent, and even Iruka stared at her in disbelief.

Naruto grinned at her. "Hehe. I thought you'd already forgotten, Sakura-chan."

This is my first Naruto fic. I was reading the Naruto manga, and suddenly, I had the weirdest inspiration. After that, I was forming ideas in my head and before I knew it, I was typing away. Just so you know, this story is not totally AU, just the plot. There will still be jutsus and ninjas, and other stuff.

For now, the story will be revolving around Sakura, Naruto, and Sasuke (his royal sexiness will make an appearance). Pairings are…a secret. Actually, my favorite Naruto pairings are SasuSaku, NaruHina, and ShikaTem. But I'm not quite so sure in this fic, so they're on hold until I can decide who is for whom. But definitely, there will be no shounen-ai or yaoi pairings here. Not that I hate them or anything, it's just that I can't write them. Though maybe it's for lack of trying, who knows?

Anyway, thanks for reading, and please review! I'll accept anything. And I'll try to update as soon as possible, ok? Till next time!