Chakra was an usual, yet comprehensive system of power. It could be expressed through various ways.
Bloodline Limits, which were unique to the lineage of the individual. Sometimes even specific to them.
Hand Seals, the tool used by ninjas to weave chakra to mould it into different 'ninja magics'.
Also known as Ninjutsu.
If we were to exclude all those techniques that originated from hand signs, there was one left.
Taijutsu!
The way of applying Chakra to the body or weapon to fight. This was the main focus of Samurai Clans.
While ninjas had their Genjutsu, samurai had their secret techniques that applied to their bodies.
Sometimes illusionary, sometimes a dense focus and release of energy at a certain part of a blade…
…and sometimes releasing their innate potential.
Just as Ninjutsu could be expressed in different ways through Hand Seals, different Taijutsu specialists expressed their 'style' in unique ways from others. Like the Hyuga Clan's 'Gentle Fist'.
By using their ocular Dōjustu, they were able to see the Chakra Pathways even Sharingan users weren't privy to. Able to use precise strikes to seal up any of the 361 Chakra Nodes located on the body.
This was a style formed with the balance of Ninjutsu and Taijutsu. A hand externalising Chakra.
Then there was 'normal' Taijutsu like one man…
…the 'Strong Fist' of Might Gai.
Though the youth of the Hidden Leaf weren't aware of his exploits, this man had a certain fame to him.
Known as the 'Blue Beast'.
A ferocious man who used a bone breaking fighting style that focused solely on speed and strength.
Spies of the Hidden Mist felt fear whenever they delved deep into his personal life, and saw that this man had a strange and unorthodox practice. Not that it didn't make any sense, but it was overboard.
Handstand running laps around the village?
Training until his muscles and ligaments snapped?
And even after all that, this smiling tiger seemed like a fool to any who knew nothing about him.
Worthy of being the son of the man who killed many of their Ninja Swordsman in a direct clash.
A crazy beast indeed…
It was a good thing Naruto and Sasuke also knew nothing about him, or else they see him differently.
Sakura wouldn't let them know any of this.
It was better to have a goofy instructor they'd get to admire through training than a stoic teacher.
If it weren't for the fact that Kakashi would NEVER train them, she would've chose other options.
Gai was the only person who'd train them harshly without questioning what was the need to do so.
And so, she looked for the master-student pair.
To find the titular duo enjoying their horrifying levels of physical training, all Sakura had to do was ask around. These two dolts were conspicuous Taijutsu Specialists, and would be found in no time.
Her mind wandered while thinking about the future.
The three legendary sannin had taught Team 7 different ways of entering their strongest form.
'Sage Mode'…
Right now, her chakra reserves were too low to use the method Lady Tsunade taught her to activate it.
Unlike Naruto's dangerous method of balancing energies within him, or Sasuke's body modification type Sage Mode. Sakura had to store chakra for years using her high chakra control and patience.
Sealing away a good chunk of her reserves…
Such was the price of using an S Rank supplementary Sealing Jutsu. It was on the same level of complexity as the Flying Thunder God Technique, but was much harder to utilise.
After all, it wasn't made for attacking others, but solely for surviving and healing one's comrades.
It was why she earned the nickname 'Healing Goddess'. Her range and potency improved.
But it was also because of a slight alteration.
Lady Tsunade, the Fifth Hokage, had used the Strength of a Hundred Seal (or 'Yin Seal') to power her Creation Rebirth technique. It was known as the pinnacle of Medical Jutsu that divided cells.
Allowing for instantaneous regeneration.
An S Rank supplementary Kinjutsu (Medical Ninjutsu) that required deep chakra reserves.
The 'Strength of a Hundred Seal' and 'Creation Rebirth' seemed made for each other. Even though one was an ancient art, and the latter was created by Tsunade to heal anyone with quick effects.
Largely due to the traumas she'd sustained…
The 'Creation Rebirth— Strength of a Hundred Seal' Ninja Art was the pinnacle of her mastery.
With it, Tsunade could utilise techniques without wasting excess chakra. Healing herself and others.
Tattoo lines would appear on her body upon use.
Sakura had managed to reach this level in the Fourth Great Ninja War, and even surpassed her teacher by reaching it within three years. A feat that even Tsunade herself was unable to manage.
But this changed nothing…
Even while managing to break the three rules of a medical ninja and fighting directly, both Sakura and Tsunade only became durable punching bags to the revived legend. Which was Madara Uchiha.
Nothing they did could ever deal fatal damage…
The experiences she'd had in the Fourth War lead her to develop a new style. Using her own traits.
She discarded the 'Creation Rebirth' Jutsu entirely.
Instead learning the 'Flying Thunder God Technique' to pair with her power-type battle style.
Switching one one S Rank supplementary Jutsu for another, but changing her a lot after mastering it.
With her extensive medical knowledge and perfect memory, her regular Kinjutsu became on par with Rebirth Creation. With speed, she was able to get her expertise to all in the Fifth Great Ninja War.
Strength, speed, and healing expertise. This was what she was known for in the drawn out Fifth War.
She had been fighting for a long time…
Mastering her own fighting style, the 'Power Fist' that was similar to Gentle Fist on a lot of ways.
An example being the need for Chakra Control.
Except instead of externalising it, her technique temporarily strengthened body parts to hit harder.
But if one was to pit her against the 'Drunken God' of the Hidden Leaf, she would have given in.
Even SHE would never beat Rock Lee of her timeline, even if she had great speed and strength.
He had become THAT strong…
Which was another reason to seek them out.
Since she wasn't a Sensory Type (and the Naruto of the future wasn't here with his Six Paths Sage Mode), it was natural that she used this more simpler method of finding the people she wanted.
Asking the person who'd likely know where they were, even if others would've ignored the duo.
"Are you saying you want to be tutored by Might Gai in Taijutsu?" Iruka asked with disbelieving eyes.
"I'm also bringing Naruto and Sasuke with me. I believe training the basics first." She put on her good student demeanour, and continued while trying her best to make her words reasonable:
"My dream is to become a strong Kunoichi! Come on Iruka-sensei, I am very serious about this!"
Of course, 'reasonable' in a child-like manner.
Enough to make him let his guard down.
Iruka didn't know what to say. The pink-haired student of his was the most studious of the bunch.
For her to actually come to him with eyes full of resolve… It must be a sincere request on her part.
Maybe this was what she truly wanted…
He looked through a window and found that Sasuke and Naruto sensibly waited for her near the Academy's gates (Well, Naruto was still being loud as always). They seemed to be on the right path.
But did they know what they were getting into…?
"You DO know about the 'standards' your Gai-sensei has, right? Are you truly prepared? And not only that but you're bringing Naruto along? Are you sure he won't escape halfway? What if he-"
"Don't worry, Iruka-sensei! I'll beat him senseless if he does something stupid." Sakura raised her thumb towards him and spoke reliably. It didn't seem like she dropped the act while saying that.
Though only Iruka would see it this way.
Anyone else would've called out her violence.
Iruka felt like he found a kindred spirit in this student of his. Those other than himself would only regard Naruto as a nuisance. He was somewhat like a father to Naruto after all these years…
…despite knowing that the nine tailed fox was sealed within the orange clothed kid he cared for.
To find out that the knuckle-headed kid actually had someone other than himself who didn't display pure malice or neglect, this revelation almost brought tears to his eye. Naruto finally had a friend!
A good one at that…
Like the speculative uncle he was, Iruka immediately narrowed his eyes and thought:
'Does she like that kid?'
But that thought only lasted a second. It wasn't his job to speculate the relationships of his students.
He left it at being surprised Naruto made a friend even before they had grouped them into teams.
Surely, her intentions were pure.
"Did you just think something unpleasant?" Sakura didn't know why, but her heart suddenly felt annoyed after seeing Iruka's 'I-see-he-is-popular' look. There was a misunderstanding forming.
There was no way in hell she would ever consider Naruto, that knucklehead as dense as brick walls!
If Hinata made food for him and said that it was homemade lovingly by her hands, he'd say thanks and think she just really like cooking. That was the kind of brick wall Naruto was even in his youth.
It's not as if the Healing Goddess didn't see him as worthy of her, but deep in her heart, she already knew that the person destined to be with Naruto was the courageous and cute Hinata, someone who earned her place by his side and in his heart.
Hinata's inner Will of Fire one that even moved her.
'Should I bring her along as well?' Sakura suddenly had a thought. She remembered that Naruto was a meathead that didn't understand that shy girl liked him until she actually said it to his face!
Oh, how much of a pain this guy was…!
Even after saving the village from Pain (a member of the Akatsuki), they still had an awkward relationship because the two fools sucked at romance. It took Toneri kidnapping Hinata for the meathead to realise what was important to him.
To go and actually marry her already!
After being told of Gai-sensei's current location, a light appeared in Sakura's eyes. She looked around for Hinata, who must be watching and silently encouraging Naruto's efforts from a distance.
"Hinata!" She finally found the person she was looking for behind a tree near the Academy's gate.
"Umm... I... Yes...?" The white-eyed girl was at a loss for words after being caught spying on Naruto.
'You know, if you weren't so cute, these actions would be considered stalker-like...' Sakura shook her head inwardly, but still displayed a kind smile on her face. She approached this 'target' of hers.
"I'm going to ask Gai-sensei if he could train us in Taijutsu. It's so that we can pass the graduation exam that's coming up. Do you want to come along?" The pink-haired top scorer in academics asked while grabbing onto her hand expectantly.
"Me? Training with Naruto?" Her face went beet red as she imagined them happily chatting after training.
"No... But... I can't... How could I impose?"
"Don't worry about that. I know you're feeling insecure about a lot of things right now, but all I want to say is that no one will stop you from training in the same place as Naruto.
You understand, right?"
Sakura gave a knowing look at the daughter of the Hyuga Clan. It was strict in a lot of things. She knew that there was no way Hinata would break from her usual routine and come with them, but the suggestion of training itself wasn't a bad idea.
Hinata opened her mouth: "I-"
"Hinata-sama, it's time to go." A strong ninja with eyes similarly white as Hinata's arrived to pick her up. The insecure girl stopped talking to her and left with him. She whispered that she'd think about it.
'Haa... Naruto, it's a wonder if you two will be able to even interact with the Hyuga Clan being as strict as it was in the past. Don't worry though, I'll be your wingman this time!' The wildness within her seemed to emerge. One that her past self revived.
She was pumped to get these lovebirds together at all costs. The only problem was Naruto himself...
'Kurama is still uncontrollable right now and Naruto himself is still too immature. There's no way he'd be able to win that guy's favour as he is now. How am I supposed to help him grow faster?'
This knowledge, along with the problem with Sasuke's brother, really gave her a headache.
Sakura knew it would be too hard for everyone to believe that jet memories came from the future.
The only thing she could do was try to improve their growth rate as much as she could before the whole mess that was the Chunin Exams. She wasn't strong enough to take on Orochimaru right now and certainly couldn't stop his plans…
…as of right now.
'I need to improve my strength!' Sakura thought with resolution, but was taken off guard by the guilt she felt from the last moments of her life in the original timeline. The memory of her future.
The look on Naruto and Sasuke's face when they saw haunted her a little now that she had regained her clarity of mind. Her interpretation of those future scenes that had filled her was different now.
Which also extended to her current memories…
"Sakura, I said I got dibs on Sasuke! What did you say to him that he's actually waiting at the gate for you!" An angry voice interrupted her thoughts. Ino barged in front with an angry look on her face.
"We're going to go see Gai-sensei."
"Who's that supposed to be?"
"A hotblooded Taijutsu Specialist."
"...You're going to use this as a chance to get close to him, aren't you? I won't lose to you, Billboard Brow!" She spoke like a rival in love, but the current Sakura found it hard to find motivation to talk back.
Only being able to offer:
"If you want, you can come with us."
"...Huh?!" A shocked look appeared on her face at her rival's calm reaction. Normally, Sakura would retort by calling her 'Ino Pig' and lose her cool (A usual routine between them as Sasuke fangirls).
Not only that, but she actually INVITED her?!
"What are you plotting?" Ino spoke suspiciously while keeping on guard up towards her cautiously.
"I just found an interesting guy, so I'm temporarily giving up on Sasuke for now. What do you think?"
"What SHOULD I think?" She retorted.
"Why not... We start over again..." Sakura felt a rock in her heart being lifted after she said that.
A feeling she'd hidden deep in the past.
With a matured mindset and future memories of their friendship, she couldn't continue their rivalry.
It was too hard…
"You... Are you actually serious?" There was more genuineness in her eyes. Ino remembered how they stopped being friends after getting into a spat about liking the same guy. From then on, they stopped hanging out and became less friendly.
"I truly want us to be friends again." After seeing the young Ino of today, Sakura couldn't help but think of that older friend of hers in the future. The one who ended up getting married to someone as infuriating as Sai (who even called her 'ugly'!).
"How do I believe you?" Ino still felt this was some sort of scheme as people don't change in one day.
"Then let me prove my resolve." She smiled before pulling out a kunai from a pocket strapped to her waist. Once again, Ino was shocked. Sakura tied her hair up with one hand and cut her pink hair.
A messy cut that left strands here and there…
It didn't look the least bit clean, but the messiness and loose strands made her seem more genuine.
Like she'd given up something important to her.
"You know, I grew my hair out because I was self-conscious. I'd also heard Sasuke liked longer haired girls. Now I don't need it anymore." Unlike the previous timeline, there was no need for her to try appealing to him with such shallow tactics.
Her future self's memories already made a plan.
After discarding her long lock of pink hair, Sakura saw Ino's emotional expression as she faced her.
"You didn't have to go that far..."
"I didn't... But I did since I just wanted to. Having long hair gets in the way when fighting anyway~"
The happy look on Sakura's face as if changing her hairstyle was nothing really hit her deep. It was only now did she remember how her friend was like in the past, timid and insecure about her looks...
Since it wouldn't look nice to go with messy hair, it was Ino who helped cut off the loose strands.
She took out a kunai, then cut small bits off.
"I'll come along as well... As a friend this time." Ino no longer thought of acting close with Sasuke.
To her, it was as if Sakura grew up while she was being immature. So it was better to do the same.
It still didn't change the fact that she had a crush on Sasuke, but at least for now. She wouldn't be as fangirl-like and focus her efforts to match her rivals own. Right now, she wanted to find out how strong Sakura grew in their time apart all this time.
"Thanks, Ino~ You really are the best~!"
"Stop clinging to me! Billboard Brow!" Though some things still never changed.
The two boys saw them making up from the gate.
Sasuke himself was a little surprised at the scene.
These two fangirls were practically the most toxic of his 'fan club'. They'd always fight constantly.
What made them so close now?
He was a little interested, but feigned edginess with crossed arms. As if he didn't care.
"How long are you going to take? We've been waiting a long time." He asked in displeasure towards them.
"Sasuke, Ino will be coming with us as well!"
"Do whatever, just don't waste my time." He replied coldly, which Ino seemed to find extremely cool~!
After all, she also liked the 'bad boy' types.
"Wow! Sakura cut her hair! Why though? Oh well, you look as cute as ever! Believe it!" Naruto spoke in confusion. From their reactions alone, it was as if he was the only one who noticed her hair.
"It'd get in the way of training, so I cut it." This explanation was easily accepted by Sasuke, but didn't seem to work on Naruto. He knew her better than that! His eyes seemed very suspicious of her.
'Why does he got to be weirdly sharp at times like these?' A thought of just clobbering him came to mind, but she held herself back since it wasn't like he was actually prying her for answers.
Sakura even noticed that though he looked a little bored, but in truth, he was very excited towards showing everyone how awesome he was! He turned and decided to lead the way himself.
Despite not knowing which way they were going.
"You ready to get going?" Sakura held him back.
"I was born ready! As the future Hokage, there's no way any of you will match my efforts, ya know?"
She ignored his usual 'telling-everyone-in-the-world-he'll-be-Hokage' and was about to go forward to lead the way. However, she was stopped by hand that grabbed her wrist and pulled her backwards.
"Are you going to go with such messy hair? Let me tie it up for you." Ino didn't give the pink-haired girl any room to refuse. She got ahold of a red ribbon from her pocket and took off the blue one Sakura wore. The messy hair looked like bob cut now.
Those minor alterations really made it look better.
When she was done tying her hair, even Sasuke was surprised at the transformation. Sakura put her hand on her head and realised this was the same hairstyle she'd always have in the future.
'How will he react?' Sakura secretly swept a glance at Sasuke and found he had quickly hid his reaction at her increased cuteness. Naruto, on the other hand, was the acting same as ever (a little perv)…
…which was practically asking for a beating.
"Well then, let's go!" Sakura spoke while smiling happily. She remembered how Ino similarly tied her hair in the past, when they were kids. She was a little excited now that she had another chance to shock Ino when they finally got there.
Today's training would be 'fun'.
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.
ความคิดเห็นย่อย
คุณลักษณะความคิดเห็นย่อหน้าอยู่ในขณะนี้บนเว็บ! เลื่อนเมาส์ไปที่ย่อหน้าใดก็ได้แล้วคลิกไอคอนเพื่อเพิ่มความคิดเห็นของคุณ
นอกจากนี้คุณสามารถปิด / เปิดได้ตลอดเวลาในการตั้งค่า
เข้าใจแล้ว