章 3: Sakura Tactics- Feigning Weakness
A while after leading the way, the group of aspiring ninjas came across a youth in a green bodysuit.
The boy wasn't lazing around, but doing a really exaggerated number of push-ups in a row.
What left the entire group speechless was the numbers he counted... Was this a trick?
"976... 977... 978..." His body didn't even seem that sweaty. He was pushing the ground with one hand.
"Is Guy-sensei here?" Sakura was the first to call him out, only to see him do a backflip from that position to see who called him. His movements seemed rigidly practiced, yet flexible and agile.
One could tell he had a talent for this.
The sudden infatuated look in eyes suddenly reminded the young Sakura of an important fact.
One she'd overlooked among those memories…
'Damn! I forgot Rock Lee had a crush on me as well... Was I always this popular with idiots?' She thought. Although the Lee past and future were similar, the latter had more control over himself
The former (the one in front) was still struggling to be acknowledged by the world around him.
He was like Naruto in a way, except much more fortunate considering he didn't have a Tailed Beast that wanted control sealed into his belly, had living parents, and a teacher who was willing to guide him. A person who naturally tended to work hard.
She'd always found this part of him appealing.
Unlike Naruto, who pushed himself with a drive to be accepted… but didn't have any confidence or guidance. And Sasuke, who only worked hard enough to be the best in class and nothing more.
Lee was a different kind of hardworking sort.
You'd think there would be a deep and dark story of why he'd push himself to the absolute limits…
…but no, he basically roles like that 24/7.
Just a passionate guy who likes work by nature.
If he was an academic, he'd probably do the exact same thing and be the typical dorky glasses type.
She never really understood why he chose to pursue such a difficult dream despite having other options in life, but it was probably not something she was meant to. His mindset was just rare.
Where others would falter, he put more effort.
Even if that meant slaving away like this…
Sakura had heard of how Naruto and Sasuke were the reincarnations of Ashura and Indra, which is why they were destined to clash, but what reason did Lee have to try to stand up to them using fists?
She herself had some talent at least, but was being acknowledged really worth holing himself here?
Well, she guessed it was better this way.
He would fully make use of his talents anyway.
"My name is Rock Lee! You're Sakura-san, right? Let's go out! I will protect you with my life!" These familiar words rang in her ears. However, she couldn't bring herself to have the same reaction as her immature past self would've in this situation.
She looked at the toothbrush commercial smile on his face and expressive hand movements closely.
The others could only see him for who he was right now, but what here eyes could see was the legendary 'Drunken God' who caused a stir in the Fifth Great Ninja War as a Taijutsu Specialist.
It was the same for Naruto.
Whenever she looked at him, she couldn't help but see their future selves and bite her tongue whenever she was about to spout some harsh criticisms to them. Not only were they friendly, but she also greatly admired these two in the future.
"Umm... We've just met so... How about we start off as friends?" The positive response that held no trace of disgust made Lee feel as if he was in cloud nine. His heart was was moved by her words.
He immediately grabbed her hands.
"It would be my pleasure to be your friend! You are such a kind angel!" His eyes turned into hearts.
Lee's voice was booming like a loudspeaker.
This kind of strange reaction caused Sasuke to feel surprised inwardly. However, his reaction was nothing compared to the shock Ino felt upon seeing how Sakura didn't outright reject him.
Wasn't she the type to cut down advances?
To be disgusted if they didn't have a nice face?
Ino's eyes twitched when she looked at those bushy eyebrows. Truly a match made in heaven.
Billboard Brow and Bushy Brows…
'Is this the guy you were interested in?' Ino somehow misunderstood Sakura's blatant excuse to be the truth. She connected this conversation to the one they had before coming here.
Her eyes widened as she saw the stiff smile on Sakura's face. And saw it as her being shy.
But the girl in question was just holding it in.
'Damn it, Lee! Let go of my hand before I send you flying!' Inner Sakura deep in her subconscious roared. She wanted to beat the crap out of Lee despite their friendship made in the future.
"We are here to meet Gai-sensei! So get your hands off of her already!" Naruto angrily barged in between the two and split them up. He stepped in front of her protectively, like he was a great wall.
She was thankful to Naruto, but the jealous look on his face made her take that gratitude straight back.
"Did somebody call my name?!" Out of nowhere, a man in a green bodysuit and vest fell from the sky in such a dynamic entrance… that Sakura felt it must have been staged a little. Or wasn't it…?
She looked Might Gai with a suspicious but unsurprised look in her eyes. Yes, this was normal.
This was how he usually barged in unannounced.
Gai seemed to be a little nervous despite having the higher ground. He wondered what was up.
Why were they here?
"We came by Iruka-sensei's recommendation to train Taijutsu under you, Gai-sensei!" As soon as she finished speaking, tears streamed down Might Gai's eyes. Especially since he saw the number of his students increase. It was a great feeling.
To think… Iruka recommended him to students.
He DID ask if he could do that, but the scar-faced teacher didn't seem committing in helping him.
Something about how he trained them too hard.
Nonsense! Youthful energy mustn't be wasted on doing nothing! Training was fun too! It was all joy!!!
That must've been why they were here to train!
'I knew I was popular with the kids!' Gai was inwardly proud of himself. Who cares if Kakashi thought he was cooler because of his mask? The next time they'd meet, he HAD TO brag about how popular his Taijutsu training was in the Academy!
"You have came to the right place! Let's dispense the formalities, my newly admitted and dearest students! Showing me the burning passion of your springtime of youth and give me a hundred- No, as many push-ups as you can! Give me all of them!"
"WHAT?!" The entire group was at a loss when they saw Lee casually nod his head in approval.
The only one who went straight for doing push-ups were Naruto and Sakura (one being spurred by his jealous rivalry, while the other out of seeing this coming). The rest had a lost look on their faces.
"Are you two going to stand there?" Was the last thing Sakura spoke before starting her push-ups.
She was well-aware that although Gai-sensei had an eccentric personality, his training methods in Taijutsu and the like were spot-on. An instructor with a keen eye when it came to training others.
Rock Lee was only able to become as strong as he did in the future was because the 'Strongest Taijutsu Specialist', as acknowledged by Madara Uchiha himself, rigorously trained his Taijutsu.
This was a lucky opportunity she wouldn't miss!
The determination Naruto and Sakura showed moved the Blue Beast. He felt a tug in his heart.
Especially when Ino and Sasuke followed suit.
'It seems that these two got what it takes!' Gai was ecstatic as the other two students, who just started, were moved by their vigour. They were only a few moments late from doing push-ups.
"Gai-sensei! Let me join in as well!" Rock Lee wasn't to be underestimated in his own field.
He also joined in on the fun.
The whole training program Might Gai gave them was one that they would each physically be able to achieve… as long as they had willpower. At first, he thought the kids would give up halfway through
They wanted to ask for a lot of rests.
However, everyday he became more and more surprised at the results each of them showed.
Naruto was always the type to work hard when encouraged to do so. He was naturally gifted.
His Uzumaki bloodline gave him a better body and higher chakra reserves than others, which was a talent like a raw gem. So long as the child was guided right, his potential would bloom indefinitely.
Right next to him was Sakura, who seemed to have a rigid will that wouldn't give in to her exhaustion.
She didn't seem as physically talented as Lee or Naruto, but he was sure her hard work would pay off. Strong willed individuals like her normally became great figures. He wanted to see her grow.
To what extent would her potential bloom?
Naruto also benefited from her being this way.
Since it wouldn't be manly to lose to a girl, how could he give up halfway? He pushed his body to its limits everyday to surpass himself and go beyond the potential he had in Sakura's timeline.
Sasuke and Ino also didn't give up after seeing their rivals stubborn willpower to train themselves.
In fact, though the brooding Uchiha youth didn't take Naruto seriously due to his results at the Academy, he was still unwilling to be defeated in the contest that tested willpower. Unacceptable!
Sasuke couldn't let it stand…
The two of them had the will to go forward, but over time, they found that the gap between them was slowly increasing as a week went by. Their bodies couldn't keep up with Naruto and Sakura.
Naruto, being of the Uzumaki Clan, wasn't going down without a fight. He indeed had talent, but he could only show his worth when there was someone pushing him forward. Just like 'she' did.
The ordinary girl training right beside him.
Sakura, on the other hand, may not come from a prestigious clan, but the Medical Ninjutsu those memories brought to the past allowed her to heal from fatigue. Allowing her to push herself more.
Even if that did nothing to lessen the pain and tiredness from training every single day in and out.
Her body was practically screaming…
It was only thanks to Gai stopping her at times did she not pull a muscle and overtrained her body.
After all, too much could damage the body instead.
Both Ino and Sasuke were at a loss too,
They pushed their bodies to the breaking point many times, only to be told off by Gai to not overtrain their physiques. It was all ridiculous… In fact, Gai and Rock Lee were inspired by the two who seemingly had an endless amount of stamina!
"It really is the burning passion of youth! This springtime that must be used to the fullest!" With that said, Gai decided to focus more on teaching them actual Taijutsu… after they had finished his training to obtain the strength of a strong fighter.
He continued:
"Unfortunately, I can't watch over your training after you all graduate from the Academy! That's why you must come together to train even on your own. The body is like a tree that can grow when taken care of it, but whither when not pushed to its limits! Do you, my dear students, understand!?"
"We understand, Gai-sensei!" They all replied with great spirits.
Sakura was exhausted more mentally than she was physically from how Lee kept on proclaiming his 'love', Naruto getting jealous over her, and Gai casually recommending his green bodysuits to them at any given moment.
"Now onto Taijutsu Training. Let you body burn with fighting spirit, my students! I will pair you up in twos so you can show me what you know. The first pairing is Naruto and Ino while the second pairing is Sasuke and Sakura. You may begin when ready!"
Rock Lee became largely absent after a week in order to focus on his own higher level training.
It was Gai who forced him to leave.
The four people left became more aware of Lee's horrifying training regimen and shivered at how inhumane it was.
"Was that guy you were talking about?" Sasuke, for the first time, took initiative to ask after seeing how Lee was able to keep up with Gai-sensei despite the fact that willpower was tested everyday of training.
"He is. So... Sasuke, are you first planning to overcome the training he goes through first before asking to battle with him? That sounds like the sort of thing you'd do to prove your own superiority."
"Your tone... Kind of annoys me." The boy looked at Sakura, who was seemingly more arrogant now.
"It's impossible. Give up."
"Why?" He was angry, but still asked this question.
"You'd have to give up everything else if you want to match him in Taijutsu alone." She commented, to which Gai-sensei nodded at the side. He found it very encouraging that someone Lee's own age had the analytical skills able to see his kid's diligence.
On top of that, Lee himself had a knack for combat unlike others. Even if Sasuke DID put everything aside to catch up to him in Taijutsu alone, that would in turn ruin his potential in other areas.
Lee had no choice but to focus on Taijutsu, but Sasuke had the capabilities to train bigger things.
Although Sasuke knew Sakura was right on this one, he couldn't accept that by comparison.
Sasuke seemed to not give all his effort in his training compared to Lee. It felt a bit humiliating.
In fact, he felt deeply ashamed to point of wanting to lash out. How could he not have Lee's drive?
He wanted nothing more than to avenge his fallen family, so how could he laze around so easily?
Unknowing that this was just human nature…
Someone who enjoyed the act of training would be surpassed by one who thinks of it all negatively.
This was their crucial difference.
"Less talk, are we going to fight or not?" He spoke while throwing a kick towards her leg with strength.
He started their sparring match.
However, how could a young Sasuke be able to compare with Sakura who had matured her Taijutsu already as a ninja from the future? Her whole body seemed to move fluidly. A type of movement that could only be attained through great experience.
She moved like a body of water. Her own kick throwing him off balance and locking him down.
Sakura didn't allow Sasuke to take initiative.
Sasuke's greatest attribute right now was his agility, which she couldn't match with just yet.
Thus, she kept in close without backing off.
Making it hard for him to move the way he wanted.
Their hand coiled and snapped at each other like snakes, but it doing things faster wasn't the same as doing things more precisely. Halfway through his movements, Sasuke hesitated when he was mulling over how to connect his series of strikes.
That slight hesitation was enough for her to do two actions while he was doing one. Multitasking.
Hitting him in the stomach and throwing him over.
When he finally came to, Sasuke realised he was too late to do anything even with his greater speed.
"The sparring match has ended, Sakura is the winner." These words struck like thunder in Sasuke's mind. He couldn't believe he'd been beaten by someone like 'her'… a fangirl.
Many traumatic memories of his past arose at such a clean defeat. His eyes tinted with a red hue.
"Sasuke, you've lost. Stand down!" Gai tried to stop them, and was shocked by his change in eye colour, but interrupted by a girl's voice. Surprised further by the lack of shock on Sakura's face.
"You've finally decided to fight seriously with your Sharingan? Don't you want to save it for the exams later on?" Sakura tilted her head pridefully. She saw the same Dōjutsu that brought her both pleasant and unpleasant memories.
Images of her daughter overlapped over the current sight of Sasuke, but what drove her to become angry was the trauma of seeing her little girl's death. And her inability to save her child.
He had the Sharingan and Indra Rinnegan in the future, so why couldn't he save their daughter?
"You know about the Sharingan?" Sasuke seemed surprised anyone his own age knew about it.
"The Uchiha Clan is considered one the two clans of the Hidden Leaf that is capable of Dōjutsu."
"If you understand my Bloodline Limit, then give up this match. Your movements can't escape my eyes."
"Hehe~" She smiled teasingly at him.
"You have a 'Sharingan', but so do I!" She smiled.
"What...?!" He couldn't understand what she meant until she used her index finger to point at her head.
"This is my 'Sharingan'." Sasuke was incensed by her arrogant words. Was she joking right now?
The Sharingan, even in a single tomoe state, was still more powerful than the regular eyes ever were.
There was no way she could keep up with him now.
The match was decided.
Although Sasuke considered this overkill to use in a sparring match, his pride wouldn't let him lost.
He once again started to fight her.
This time, Sasuke was able to keep up with the complex nature of her extensive move set.
He was slowly overpowering her with his creative tactics on the fly. Although he may be young, that still didn't change the fact that he was a genius who almost seemed to be born for battle.
Able to find new way to connect his attacks.
Sakura also felt the change.
Although she may have trained hard for a week to improve her physique, that didn't change the fact that her old self had neglected physical training for far too long in order to be diligent in her studies.
A swift fist born from years of diligent training punched her cheek… It knocked her off her feet.
'I should stop this battle already.' Gai was worried after seeing her unable to keep up, but what almost made his jaw drop to the ground was what he was able to perceive as a veteran of many battles.
Right at the last moment before she was 'knocked off her feet', Sakura followed the trajectory of his strike and jumped just before its impact. This act done so masterfully that Sasuke didn't 'see' it.
After all, even with his heightened sense, the ability to comprehend what was seen was done after having fought for many years. Moreover, Sakura knew his bad habits better than he did himself.
Sasuke was sometimes too quick at making assumptions, even if smart enough to adapt.
Which was why he fell for this old school trick.
This movement which Sasuke was slow to see through was followed up by a throw after secretly grabbing his arm. She used the momentum of her fall to flip her opponent using her entire weight.
All Sasuke saw after he felt fist failing to make impact was Sakura's hands 'accidentally' touching his right arm. Then the world suddenly turned upside down, and a fist was placed before his head. He realised his body was on the ground.
Defeated the same way again…
"You lost." The girl who had one knee on his ribs and her other free hand on his shoulder spoke.
An indifference in her tone.
週次パワーステータス
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