It's been almost two years since Naruto left Konoha to train with Jiraiya, and since then everyone has been training hard to become better ninja. Sakura Haruno has trained especially hard under the legendary Sannin Tsunade, and has attained the rank of Chunnin. Her training is now mostly complete, or so Sakura thought...
"I'm back!" Sakura exclaimed after returning from another mission. "I'm pleased to report that the mission was a complete success."
"Very good, you're improving. Just a few months ago you would have barely survived that mission much less completed it." congratulated Tsunade. "I'm impressed, but.... you still have a ways to go."
In response to this Sakura simply nodded her head and said, "Thank you!"
"Now, you're probably thinking about today's training." said Tsunade.
"What, is there going to be something unique about today's training?" Sakura asked.
"There is a camp for leaf kunoichi that is held once every year by ANBU. There they teach all manner of skills, jutsu, and other essentials to being a ninja." explained Tsunade, "I have made the decision to send you off to this camp as I believe that they are more suited to teaching you things like this than me."
Sakura looked puzzled, "But you've been a great teacher lady Tsunade, why would you think some camp is better suited than you?"
"While I have taught you many things, this camp teaches group skills, something I have been unable to properly teach you. This camp is one of the best, you will get ample training, I assure you." answered Tsunade.
"Well, if you say so." Sakura replyed, "How long does this camp last, how long am I going to be out of town?"
"The program lasts about three months." answered Tsunade.
"Three months... I see, that's a bit... lengthy...... for a training program isn't it?"
"Well, you've spent two years training with me. This should be nothing to you."
"Yeah...... I guess you're right, when do I leave?"
"You leave tomorrow morning at noon, your parents have already been informed and have probably finished packing your bags by now."
"Alright, am I dismissed now?"
"Yes, I'll be there to see you off tomorrow. Bye!"
"Bye!"
Sakura walked out the door and headed home.
"Mom! I'm home!" Sakura yelled as she entered her house.
"Welcome back sweetie," her mother welcomed, "I assume that you've heard everything from the Hokage."
Sakura nodded.
Sakura's mom held up a large, pink backpack. "I've packed your clothes, gear, and anything else I thought you might need for camp."
"Thank you, I..."
"You know, me and your father are going to miss you on this trip, but we could never be more proud that our little girl is such a skilled ninja."
"Alright," Sakura said with a smile. "I'm going to go look through my things and go to bed, I'll see you in the morning."
"Good night honey!"
"Night mom!"
THE NEXT MORNING
Sakura woke up, got dressed, ate breakfast, and went through the usual morning routine before grabbing her bag and heading for the gate leading out of Konoha. When she arrived, Tsunade, her parents, and a single member of the ANBU Black Ops were waiting for her.
"Morning Sakura." greeted Tsunade, "This member of ANBU is here to escourt you to the camp, are you prepared?"
Sakura answered with a simple "Yes." and turned to her parents.
Sakura's mother kissed Sakura on the forehead and said, "We're going to miss you honey. Your father couldn't be here today, I'm sorry to say, he couldn't finish his mission on time."
"That's okay, I understand." Sakura smiled.
The ANBU agent simply stood there and asked, "Are you ready to go?"
"Yes." answered Sakura.
"Then let's go!"
"Bye everyone!" waved Sakura and then the two lept off into the trees.
As Sakura followed the ANBU agent she got the feeling that this trip wasn't going to go as planned. She simply shook this off and assumed it was just her being nervous. She did not know how wrong she was...