Letters of Yesterday

Chapter 2

CHUUNIN GROWTH

"I'm walking the plank, edging out, see the drop"

Fall For You by The Whitlams

It was that time of the year again. All the Genins looked thoughtful, the Jounins were busy staring up at the hawk in the sky.

"Chuunin Exam?" asked Naruto, looking more stupid than usual. "What's that?"

"Naruto!" Sakura shook with rage, her eyes white and scary. "Don't you ever listen?"

"Ehhh?"

The three foreigners – who the heck are they?

Sakura couldn't help but shiver at their size. The blonde-haired girl with the mean face who was toting around a big – fan?- then there was the weird teen with purple patterns on his face with a wrapped up bundle on his back too...

What's with them carrying stuff around? Those are strange weapons... And that creepy guy hanging from the tree with that huge jar... that looks suspicious... They're so – old! And big! I bet they could beat our butts... well... not Sasuke-kun... he's the best!

As she watched, Naruto unsuccessfully take on the weird patterned foreigner from Sand – and the cool way Sasuke saved them from a rather unsightly fate, Sakura couldn't help but wonder -

There's no way Baka-sensei would ever be stupid enough to put us in...

On the other side of town:

"They're always complaining..." Kakashi was teasing Iruka-sensei. "It'd be fun to see them in a little pain..."

Iruka screamed in frustration.

"Kaka-sensei!"

"That was a joke, Iruka-sensei... at any rate... they're not your students anymore... they're my soldiers."

Kakashi's eyes were hard and stern. Iruka tried to keep up a show of determination.

Geez, Kakashi... Asuma sighed. You SO do not know the time and place for jokes... and you don't have to be so... harsh...

Watching the three visitors from Sand spring away, Sakura couldn't help but shiver.

If freaks like those are in Chuunin Exam it's a good thing we aren't in this year... I could never beat strong opponents such as those... BUT SASUKE-KUN COULD!

She stared at her teammate's receding back with hearts in her eyes. Later on that night, Sakura couldn't help but smile at the memory of that day. Without a second thought, she picked up her pen and started writing a letter.

Dear Scarecrow,

How's it going? I know, I know... you've been really busy lately with all that intensive training of yours... but still... so many exciting things are happening! It's that time of year – you know – the Spring Chuunin Exams! Hahaha! I'm not going to be in it, but still... we couldn't help but bump into some people from Sand who are participating.

THEY ARE WEIRD!

And scary! I don't feel very strong when I see how cool they are!

Of course, the boy I like (still not telling! Ha!) is able to stand up to them... but that's genius for you!

How about you? Are you going into the Chuunin Exams after all? I hope you don't get hurt! I'd miss my favorite penpal!

Yours ever,

Sakura.

p.s. I just had a horrible thought? What if my baka-sensei nominates us for the Chuunin Exam? I don't think I'd be able to do it! But I don't want my teammates to go ahead of me... and – they don't think I can do it, either! I'm hopeless!

Three days later, Sakura, was sitting in her room, unsure, turning her entrance paper for the Chuunin Exam in her hand.

What should I do? My worst nightmare's just come true – and whoever that idiot was – whoever he was – even though I could see through that genjutsu... it doesn't really mean anything. None of it does... Geez... why me? He's right – even if he's bad at illusions... he's right... I'm not ready for this – not ready at all!

"Sakura -" Her mother, poking her head in, paused at the sight of her daughter's slumped shoulders. "Sakura? What's wrong?"

Her keen eyes landed on the paper in Sakura's hand.

"What's that?"

"N-nothing..." Sakura's voice trailed away.

Should I tell her?

And then, she remembered...

Maybe she's like that because she cares for you. Dad says people get most hurt by people closest to them. Ironic, huh? Something to watch out for, I guess.

Sakura looked up.

"It's a nomination for the Chuunin Exams."

"Oh!" Her mom came and sat down. "Congratulations! That weird – well – ah... that sensei of yours must have great beliefs in your abilities!" Her mom smiled. "That's my Sakura for you!"

"Yeah..." Sakura hunched even further, remembering Sasuke's harsh comments on her need for training. "Sure."

"But that's not what you want to hear," asked her mom. "You think, perhaps, you can't do it?"

"Yeah... I gotta choose to go tomorrow morning – or not..."

Her mom nodded.

"Whatever you choose, I'm right behind you... And speaking of which... I'll cook your favorite dinner for you – for my best kunoichi! There! And even better, here's your pen pal's letter! It came in today – and I just plumb forgot to give it to you when you came in!"

Sakura, snatching the letter out of her mother's hand, smiled.

"Thanks mother!"

Giving her mom a sideways hug, the Genin ran out to her balcony, and opened the scroll.

Her eyebrow twitched.

He's still really bad at his writing...

Dear Sakura,

You're so cute when you write this way! You seem so excited about life. For me, it seems to drag by slowly... It's really boring when you're alone by yourself all the time! I'm glad you're here to talk about your adventures.

Chuunin Exam time is exciting because of all the new people. And yes, Sand nins are really creepy sometimes... they need to relax...

You should too, Sakura grumbled.

Sensei says we have to enjoy ALL of life. Deep thought, huh... Right now, Sensei is flirting with some girls at an inn...

Sounds like something Shikamaru would say... lazy bastard... but... geez... a sensei hitting on girls when his Genin is watching? What the... and I thought Kaka-sensei was bad...

Well... I'm glad you got teammates who are there to protect you – but you know, as you get older (and stronger), I'm sure that you're going to protect others too. You, Sakura, will stand in front of them and show your back! I'm sure you will!

I think you need to have more confidence – I'm sure you'd do fine in the Chuunin Exam... who knows – maybe you'll grow a bit, even if you don't pass.

Ehhh?

As for me, I'm going. Not now, of course. Sensei's on an important mission - so I'll be probably going to the Autumn Exam. But whether I'll actually get past the first round, I'm not sure... We'll see.

This means I'm going to be super busy. I hope to write sometime... but it's probably not going to be soon!

Good luck!

Scarecrow

p.s. Sorry about not being able to go and see you... I'm sure you'll be fine! Just know that I'm cheering you on from far away!

Yeah, yeah, Shrimp, Sakura smiled. This kunoichi is going to kick ass! And get Sasuke's attention! You watch me, Scarecrow!

With newfound determination, Sakura woke up the next morning, thought about her decision again a sigh.

Scarecrow... you better be right...

Dear Scarecrow,

You were right. Even though I didn't pass through the rounds as far as I hoped, you know what? I learned stuff anyway. To be honest, even though you encouraged me alot, I didn't feel confident at the sight of all those Genin in the hallways... but your words helped me go through with it -

Well, even the boy I like told me that my genjutsu know-how was amazing!

But of course, not everything went well... the Chuunin exam was hard – and there were crazy people participating in it... and all of my schoolmates, too. But not everyone did well...

At one point, I had to protect my teammate's from this really evil guy who turned out to be some really important ninja in disguise! And what's worse – yes, it gets worse – in the final part of the exam, we were caught up in that big battle! You couldn't have missed it! It was horrible!

I got knocked out by a really evil Sand nin!

Isn't that a crazy exam? It ended up with – oh! I gotta go! My mom's calling me to run an errand – and I need to visit this really weird big eyebrow kid who saved me – he's in the hospital with some pretty bad injuries.

Gotta go!

In a hurry,

Sakura

p.s. You're right about Mom. I guess I just take things for granted.

Sakura dropped by the Academy to shove her letter through the mailbox. Iruka, walking past, paused.

"Eh? Sakura-chan? You're still writing to your pen pal?"

"Yes," the pink-haired Genin smiled at her bubbly old sensei. "I made a new friend... and we haven't stopped since then! It was a great idea, sensei!"

"Ahh!" Iruka laughed, scratching his head. "It's great to know SOMEONE liked my idea. The newest classes hate it as much as the old ones..."

Sakura smiled.

"Well... I gotta go! I'm visiting Lee today! See ya around, Iruka-sensei!"

Months passed, and there was no word from her pen pal. Sakura, although worried about whether he would even survive the next Chuunin exam, found even more stuff to do.

Things had gotten worse. When Sasuke left, she had felt so useless – but whining about it would do nothing. While Naruto was carted off to complete other teams for C-rank missions, Sakura had approached the new Kage for specialized training in medicine.

Perhaps, Scarecrow, you're right... Sensei said that it would be best for me – I've got the right skills and the best chakra control for our class – and I want to be there for Sasuke – and Naruto - they'll need me to be there to pick up the pieces... I can't let them down!

Still... why hasn't my pen pal written? Is he okay? I know it seems stalker-like to write another letter... but... but...

When summer ended and September passed, Sakura now seriously worried, found time in her busy schedule to scrawl a quick note to her penpal.

Dear Scarecrow,

You haven't written for a long time. Are you okay? Did your Chuunin exam go okay? I'm sorry... I wasn't able to attend because of a medic mission... but.. I'm sure you passed...

Is everything fine? I hope everything's okay for you! Seriously! I hope you aren't hurt!

Please drop a line – even if it's short! I need to know! I miss your letters!

Yours, Sakura

p.s. You're right! I'm going to become a medic! Thanks for your guidance!

She met Kotetsu and Izumo staggering out of the Academy. Izumo was balancing a pile of papers for the Kage to sign, while Kotetsu's arms strained to hold the edges of the old post box.

Sakura ran up to them.

"Sorry! Sorry! I just need to put the letter in!"

"Sakura-chan? You still do this shit?" ground out Kotetsu.

"It's not SHIT!" Sakura yelled, blasting the two Chuunin back. "And don't swear in front of a lady like that!"

"Sakura-chan..." whimpered Izumo.

"Just put it in!" Kotetsu howled. "My arms are breaking off!"

"Geez... what wimp," Sakura slipped her violet letter into the box. "And you're a Chuunin!"

With that, she sprang away, sticking her tongue out at the stuck Chuunins who could do nothing but fume at her teasing.

Struggling onward, Kotetsu sighed.

"She used to be so sweet..."

"And kind..." Izumo sighed.

"But now – that old hag... is turning the angel into a monster! WAHH!"

Kotetsu barreled into back of one Shuranui Genma.

"Tch. What idiots..." Genma smirked. "Delivery boys..."

Izumo pushed Kotetsu on, contenting himself with giving the senbon-sucking Examiner a death glare.

Later... later...

A week later, Sakura found a small scroll on her pillow. A short note from her dad: Came in the mail. Enjoy!

Bouncing up and down, she grabbed it and rolled it open. Her eyes widened at the first words.

Dear Sakura.

I'm sorry I didn't write for so long. Things have been crazy. My dad died.

No. That's a lie, really. The bastard – how can I call him dad? - he killed himself. I don't know what to say...

I'm too small – too young for him to leave me like this. My sensei is in shock too. He says I must stay with him – but I don't really want to because his eyes are just like everybody else – full of pity.

I can just see them saying... 'poor little boy'... I hate that. And some people laugh at me – and say that I'm going to turn out just like my dad. I feel pathetic. I don't want them to see my face and see him – so I'm thinking of getting a mask. What do you think?

As for living... well... I can't stay in the mansion, so could you send the letters to this new address? That'd be great. It's an apartment I chose for myself. It's in a quiet part of town, which I think is great.

Well... I gotta go...

Yrs. Scarecrow

p.s. Please don't tell anyone about my dad... It's kinda hush-hush. Only the higher ups talk about it. Thanks!

p.p.s. I'm sorry again for not writing sooner. It's been really busy here, packing everything up in the mansion...

Sakura bent over the scroll, tears rolling down her face.

Oh gods! I was so demanding when he became an orphan – in such a dishonorable way... I'm such a loser... I can't do anything either because he's so defensive... what can I say?

Raising her head, her green eyes hardened.

I'm going to be there for him. Not a pitying, patronizing type of care either... I will be that person there for him... even if he doesn't want it.

"Are you okay, Sakura?" asked her mom, noticing the girl's red eyes.

"It's alright... my pen pal's dad died suddenly... it was... upsetting..."

"Oh, that's too bad! Maybe you could bring flowers..."

"No... he's anonymous. He doesn't want me to know who he is..."

"Sounds like he's got confidence issues," Sakura's dad said kindly from behind a newspaper. "Most boys your age are like that."

"I think he's younger than me, actually..."

"Even worse then."

"Yeah... I just feel... so helpless, you know..."

"Write something to cheer him up, then," her mom suggested, as she disappeared into the kitchen. "Maybe you could find some nice flowers, dry them and put them in your next letter?"

"I'm not good at the whole flower thing..."

"You'll be fine – and I'll help you dry them properly."

"Thanks, Mom!" Sakura smiled, she ran out the door. "I'm off to do some training – I'll bring back flowers from Ino's shop!"

"Be safe!" Sakura's dad called.

Sakura grinned at her father's voice – inside her heart clenched.

He won't be hearing his father's voice anymore... I am one lucky girl...

Dear Scarecrow,

I'm sorry for making you feel bad. You shouldn't feel guilty. If I lost my dad, I'd be inconsolable for many months! The fact that you're already thinking for yourself and getting back onto your own two feet is amazing!

I think you're an example of determination to me!

I'm sorry about your loss – and you know what, if ever I meet you, I won't patronize you or pity you – because I know that you can take care of yourself and be a great ninja!

You know... I can't laugh or take it lightly... I know how it feels to lose someone close to you. The boy I loved all these years left the village! He betrayed the village to join our enemy! I can't tell you how my heart felt – it was like it was ripped out of my body... but you know...

It only made me want to get stronger – so I can bring him back. Nothing else matters. That's why, when my team broke up, I understood that this was a chance for me to train even more! I'm getting special tutelage from Tsunade – the famous medic Sannin!

Have you heard of her?

My sensei went to her to ask her if I was a good candidate. You know... my sensei is weird, perverted, late – but sometimes, he does the coolest things for us...

Oh yeah... wear a mask... my sensei has one – and all the girls in the village think it's cute – although it's kinda annoying since he doesn't let us see under it... I think wearing a mask is cool – but – if you do... please let me see your face!

Anyway, I gotta go!

Ja ne,

Sakura

p.s. I hope you like the flowers – they're the first time I've done dried ones!

Sakura mailed it off and sighed.

I hope it cheers him up... I wanted to write something funny – but... as life goes on... it's harder to find something to laugh about... I wonder... who he is...

A week and a half passed before Sakura got an answer.

Dear Sakura,

Sorry for the wait! Things sure have gotten busy around here! My sensei says that he's going to be testing for two new teammates! That means I'm going to be getting a team for real!

Ah! Good news! About time...

I hope they're going to be good. To be honest, I hate idiots. Idiots who run around crying like babies – or Genins who think they're all that... (yep, I passed the Chuunin exam!)

So much like Sasuke...

I mean... get over yourselves, you know?

What about you?

I'm sorry to hear about your teammate... well... people who don't follow rules are – well – not worth your time to lose your heart over... I think you need to focus more on your life. He obviously isn't worth it.

DAMMIT HE IS! WAIT UNTIL I GET MY HANDS ON YOU, BRAT!

Still... if that's how you feel, Sakura-chan. Then, I guess, it's okay. I see that you are becoming stronger with this – I don't understand but – I hope it turns out for you okay.

Tsunade-hime? You mean the Slug Princess? Yeah. I know her. She hung out with my dad. Her teammate, Jiraiya-sama, was my dad's best friend. They're the awesomest! I want to become like them!

Well... except for the part where Tsunade gambles a lot and Jiraiya-sama is always peeking at girls... How dumb is that?

Well... at least he isn't perverted...

You know... in the war, they saved a lot of people with their power... although, the third one, Orochimaru... he's creepy, isn't he? I think he's going to do something bad one of these days... My dad once told me to say away from him. Whenever I see him walking down the street, I go down the other side. My old man, I guess, is right about SOME things... but...

Do I look stupid to you?

How should I know... I don't who you are...

Anybody looking in those eyes sees a monster. Tch. I'm small, but I'm NOT a baby! Oh! It's time to go, Sensei's at the door!

Ja ne,

Scarecrow

p.s. Thanks for the flowers! I'll treasure them forever!

Sakura laid the scroll down with a smile. Turning her head, she looked out over the village deep in thought. The medic was in her small office – one she shared with Shizune. The scroll lay open on top of a very thick medical tome.

I'm glad he's okay now... it seems he's getting on... but... he's changed... his heart's a little worse for the wear, I'm afraid. We'll, that's to be expected... It makes me – I don't know... Sad... I wish, I could hug him or something. But boys his age – if he's younger than me, don't really like that stuff... oh well... and he seems to know Tsunade and Jiraiya really well... It's odd. He's says such weird stuff – like about Orochimaru. How could he not know that Orochimaru is leading Sound against us? He seems to think that Orochimaru is still in the village...

Sakura suppressed a shiver as she reread the scroll...

Weird...

"Ohhh... a love letter?" asked Tsunade, peering over her medic's shoulder.

Sakura squeaked and rolled it up quickly.

"Hoe? Over Sasuke so quickly?" asked Kakashi, raising a grey eyebrow lazily.

"S-s-sensei..." stuttered Sakura. "You're here?"

"Just passing through... so... how's it going?"

"Okay..."

"So... another boy?"

Tsunade smiled.

"NO! Just a pen pal!"

"Ahh..." Kakashi smiled. "Pen pal! I remember that!"

"You had to do that too, sensei..."

"Sure. Hmmm... with a very attractive girl no less!"

"SENSEI! STOP BEING PERVERTED!"

Watching the student beat up her sensei, Tsunade chuckled.

Those two are so much fun together... sigh...