Sakura Haruno grew up with a family full of athletes. So it was only natural that she became one. When Sakura turned seven, she was given a soccer ball. When she entered Elementary school, she joined the soccer team. She was perfect for her age, so good in fact that she had to be taken off the team. After all, kids that age only played for fun.

When she went to middle school, she decided to go a different route. Instead of soccer, she signed up for the girl's basketball team. She was a natural. Soon enough, she was named captain and went on to earn trophies alongside her teammates and friends.

Sakura's parents were very proud of their daughter. It seemed that she was a born natural at any sport and for that they were happy.

Her mother was a pro tennis player and her dad a pro football player. Though their jobs took away from family bonding, Sakura loved her parents dearly. They were her inspiration.

Sakura considered her life perfect. Until that dreadful night. It was the night of her championship game. Her mother had brought her to the school early so she could practice with the team before the game. Her father promised to be there when the game started. But he never showed. Sakura was hurt and angry.

The entire game Sakura couldn't concentrate. In the end, her team still won by two points. Sakura called her father's phone at least a hundred times, leaving message after message of her expressing her disappointment and anger. But he never answered back.

The next morning Sakura awoke to the sound of her mother crying and the sight of her clutching the phone.

"Mom, what's wrong?" She asked nervously. Her mother wasn't one to cry easily, so something terrible must have happened. At the sound of Sakura's voice, her mother collapsed on the carpet crying loudly. Sakura immediartely bolted out of bed and ran to her mother.

"Mom, what happened?" Sakura asked more urgently. After a moment of loud sobbing, her mother looked up into her eyes.

"Oh Sakura, there was a reason why your father hasn't been answering your calls." Her mother said as she grabbed Sakura by her elbows. Sakura suddenly felt her sick to her stomach.

"W-what reason?" Sakura asked, her voice cracking. Her mother shook her head and tried to swallow her tears.

"Last n-night, on his w-way to your game someone ran a red light, a-and - oh god- her ran into your father!"

Sakura couldn't breathe. She was frozen in shock. She could feel her face heating up and the tears escaping her eyes as the news sunk into her.

"I-is he okay?" She asked hoping her mother would smile and say yes. But she didn't. Instead, she only shook her head and started sobbing even harder as she held onto Sakura.

Sakura cried harder as she realized her father had passed away. They sat there on Sakura's white carpet crying for hours.

Aweek later they had a massive funeral. Her father being a Pro football player made him quite famous. He was after all a very known Running Back.

Twoo weeks after the funeral, her mother decided they should move. There were too many memories in their house. Of course Sakura didn't want to leave her friends and her team, but she had no choice.

So here she was in her new room. It was a nice sized room with a flat screen TV and sleek furniture. The rest of the house was beautiful as well, but Sakura didn't care much for it all. She felt like there was a hole in her chest, a big gaping hole where all her loneliness and sorrow lived. The only thing that seemed to help keep Sakura going was her music.

Her mother on the other hand didn't believe that was enough.

So they moved to Konoha near her mother's side of the family. It was just in time for her freshman year in high school. Sakura was excited to go to high school. After all, there were bound to be really talented athletes.

Sakura wasn't sure what sport she was going to try next. Maybe tennis like her mother. I wonder what dad would have wanted me to play next.

Sakura thought as she made her way to her new school. Since her new home was only a five minute walk from her new school, She decided it would be better for her mom if she walked there. As the school came into view, She grew nervous. Looking down at herself, Sakura became self-conscious.

She was wearing a pair of black skinny jeans and one of her favorite Paramore shirts. On her feet were a pair of plain black and white Converses. Her blue backpack was thumping against her back. Sakura's pink hair was tied up in a high pony tail with her bangs hiding her left eye.

Sakura walked up the front steps and past crowds of upper classmates. She could instantly tell which were the freshman trying to appear older and the actual upperclassmen. They were all in crowds holding schedules and acting as if they had no care in the world.

Sakura sighed as she was stopped by a group of cheerleaders who were blocking the entrance. After waiting about five minutes, Sakura lost her patience.

"Hey. Could you please excuse me? I need to get by." She said politely as she smiled up at them. Their reaction wasn't all that surprising to her.

Each turned and looked down at her. Since Sakura was on a lower step then them, they probably felt superior.

"Hey, look at this Karin, a freak just told us to move." A girl with long blond hair sneered. Her cheerleading outfit was way to revealing for Sakura's taste. It was red and black, the school colors, two pieced and the skirt was way to short. You could practically see her bright underwear.

A red head, Karin, turned to Sakura and sneered as well. "I swear the freaks are getting bolder and bolder every year, Ino." Her outfit was even more revealing then the blonds if that was possible. By now all four of the girls were looking down at her with the same holier-than-thou look.

Sakura sighed at their words. "I merely asked for you to move so i could get by, I didn't tell you too." She calmly replied. She tried desperately not to lose her cool. God she hated cheerleaders.

Karin scoffed and placed her hands on her hips. "No one asked you to talk freak."

"Last I heard, people didn't need permission from sluts to talk."

A voice said from behind Sakura. Turning around, Sakura saw a girl with dirty blond hair pulled up into four pigtails and blue eyes. She was smirking up at Karin and Ino as she stood beside Sakura. She mentally whistled in amazement at the girls height. This girl has to at least be six feet.

"Mind your own business Subaku" Ino screeched in a high pitched voice. Sakura cringed at the noise.

"Shut up blond bitch." Subaku snapped with a glare.

"Now i believe this young lady would like to get through. So move it." Subaku demanded as she grabbed Sakura's hand and pushed her way through the group of cheerleaders forcefully.

After they entered the school, Sakura thanked her.

"Don't sweat it. I remember my time as a freshman." Subaku replied as she led Sakura to the office for their schedules.

"Anyway, name's Temari Subaku." Temari stuck her hand out.

"Oh. Sakura Haruno. It's nice to meet you. I honestly thought your name was Subaku." Sakura giggled as she shook Temari's hand in return.

After getting schedules, the new friends compared their classes and were happy to find three classes together. Homeroom, Math, and Gym. Temari led the way into their homeroom and into some seats in the middle of the classroom. It was when they sat down that something occurred to Sakura.

"So how did Karin know you? It sounded like you two knew each other."

Temari smiled as she looked up at the ceiling as if she was reminiscing.

"Well my younger brother used to date her a couple years back so she would be over at our house a lot. Me and my youngest brother would pull pranks on her all the time. Now she hates me for it."

"Really?" Sakura whispered in disbelief. Who would want to date her? Sakura pondered.

"Yep. This one time, she was in our bathroom and i let the seat up before she went in. Fell right in it. Plus, to top it all off, my youngest brother put that blue cleaning chemical and she was wearing a white skirt! It was hilarious."

Sakura giggled as Temari proceeded to tell her more stories.

Ten minutes later, the teacher came in. A blond boy at the back of the room began to yell at the teacher for being late.

"Well you see, there was a cow crossing and I couldn't run them over so I waited until they crossed." He said lamely.

"What kind of excuse was that?" Sakura whispered to Temari. Temari nodded her head in agreement.

"There's cows in Konoha?" The same boy exclaimed at the teachers statement.

The whole class sweat dropped at his stupidity.

Sakura giggled at the confused look on the kids face.

Maybe this school won't be so bad after all.

Alright Class, my name is Kakashi Hatake but you may call me Kakashi-sensi." The teacher, who entered home room moments earlier, said after the commotion had calmed down.

"This is your homeroom. I'll mainly be taking your attendance and making sure you're keeping up with your studies. There are some occasions where we'll have announcements for the whole class to hear. Today, for the freshman here, we will have groups of upperclassmen representing clubs, come in and promote. Don't be shy and ask as many questions as you can."

A girl from across the room shyly raised her had. Her long dark hair slightly covered her lavender eyes. Her body was shaking so hard that anyone could tell she was nervous.

"Yes?"

"U-um, m-my name is H-Hinata Hyuga. I was wondering i-if we had to join a club."

"Hello, nice to meet you, and sadly yes you must join. School policy i'm afraid."

Hinata nodded and blushed in embarrassment as she realized everyone was staring at her. Sakura sighed before deciding to save her from further embarrassment, so she raised her hand. Kakashi nodded in her direction. Dropping her hand, Sakura asked her question.

"My name is Sakura, and my question is are there rules about clubs being gender specific?"

Kakashi was dumbfounded for a moment before answering back.

"I suppose there aren't any rules about it, but do keep in mind that some clubs are opposed to the opposite gender joining. That's a question you'll have to ask representatives." Sakura nodded in understanding.

"Now the representatives will be here shortly. In meantime, talk but don't scream."

Almost immediately groups of boys and girls formed in the classroom. Turning around, Temari smiled as she rest her head on Sakura's desk.

"So do you know which club you wanna join, freshy? Juniors like muah aren't required to join but i think imma join the basketball club." Temari giggled as she started to twist a pencil around in her hand. Shaking her head, Sakura was about to reply when there was a knock on the door. A group of people wearing white karate uniforms and a variation of colored belts filed in to the room.

"Ah, the first club reps are here." Kakashi mumbled from behind a small orange book. The club reps didn't seem bothered by his actions.

He must always act like this.

"Hello, my name is Neji Hyuga, captain of the Konoha Karate team. Our club is looking for people with a good attitude and who aren't afraid of discipline. Our team has earned three national titles for our school and we plan to making it four times this year. If you're interested in learning karate then come forth and sign up." Two sophomores were the only ones to sign up; A girl with two buns in her hair and a boy with a bowl hair cut.

After them came the Chess, Debate, Basketball, and Soccer clubs. Temari had kept true to her word and joined the Basketball team. The loud blond from earlier in the class had joined the Soccer team. Sakura wasn't sure which team she wanted to join. Her chance for Soccer and Basketball had already been up, but she didn't feel the need to join them. Sakura felt anxious and unsure.

"Alright class, we have time for just one more." Kakashi sang as he opened the door. Sakura looked up and saw five guys walking in; they were all wearing football jerseys.

That's it! I should play football just like dad! Sakura thought with a huge smile on her face. Temari must have she it because she snickered.

"Don't even think about it girly. They're all off limits." Temari whispered with a sly smile. Sakura gave her a confused look.

"What are you talking about?"

"Don't act like you don't know. You were totally checking out the football team. No one can blame you though, they're all hunks, but like i said; Off limits." Temari replied before gazing back up at the five guys who were in front of the class. Sakura took a moment to look at each of them before tapping Temari on the shoulder.

"They are good looking but not interested."

Temari gave her a doubtful look.

"Seriously i'm not. I was actually interested in joining the club."

Temari scoffed. "It's not like someone hasn't tried that before. Lots of girls have tried to get the position of manager for the team before so they could molest the boys. Believe me i've seen multiple try." Temari replied with a chuckle.

Seriously? Sakura thought in disbelief. "Come on Temari, i'm being serious. I wanna join as a player." Sakura said confidently folding her arms in front of her chest. Temari whipped around and gaped at her statement.

"You're joking right? You've got to be joking. That's suicide! You do realize that they play other boy teams."

"Yeah. And?" Sakura questioned as she unfolded her arms and raised her hand. Everyone looked at her questionably. The football players looked in her direction with a lazy stare, probably expecting her to ask for the manager position.

"Yes?", the guy with long black hair questioned. His red eyes stared her down as he waited for the undeniably annoying screech of a fan girl.

"I would like to join the team." He blinked in surprise that the screech did not come out of her mouth.

"As i said before, the manager position is not open. Why don't you try the cheerleading team, you look the type." He said with a smirk. Sakura glared up at him.

"I wasn't talking about that. I wanna join as a player for the team." She said smoothly through gritted teeth. The room had gone deathly silent.

"I think she's serious, Itachi." One of the players said in astonishment. He was huge, and had a slight blue tint in his hair that could easily be mistaken for black.

Sakura nodded with a smirk, "I'm very serious." She folded her arms once again and leaned back into her seat watching the expressions run wildly across each football player. After a moment of disbelieving silence, the silver hair guy smiled widely before turning to Itachi.

"Damn, we should definitely let her try out. Come on Weasel, it'll be fun."

Itachi stared at Sakura with calculating eyes while Sakura stared right back. Suddenly, he started walking towards Sakura and placed the sign-up sheet on her desk. Sakura smirked and wrote her name down along with the position she was trying out for.

Picking it back up, Itachi raised a brow as he read it over. "Are you sure?"

Sakura nodded. Nodding in return, he turned and left with no one else trying out from the room.

"So that's why you asked that question." Kakashi-sensei said aloud. Sakura nodded and smiled. She was trying hard to ignore the crazy look Temari was giving her.

"You are insane. Do you have a death wish?" Temari exclaimed in a hush voice.

"Look, you don't understand. I'm not doing it for just kicks. This is my new dream. I'm gonna make the team and i'm going to make a name for myself."

"I don't understand? What's there to understand! You just agreed to try out for the football team with huge guys that can easily do bodily harm to you. Not to mention that it's not exactly rare for someone to get hurt."

"I know that, but trust me on this one."

Temari crossed her arms and huffed.

"Fine! I'm coming to your try out though."

Sakura smiled, " And i to your's."

The bell had rung for students to know that first period would begin in ten minutes. Sakura and Temari grabbed their belongings and headed into the chaotic hallways. Taking our her schedule, Sakura let out a groan as she realized she had math first period.

"So how did you manage to get into Adavanced algebra 2 even though you're still a freshman? I mean this is a junior math class Sakura." Temari asked as she led Sakura down the halls to their first class.

Sakura shrugged as she dodged the running freshmans who obviously didn't know where their classes were. Kinda happy Temari's here to show me at least.

"Well I have always been good at math even though i hate it with my whole soul." Sakura explained as Temari slid open a classroom's door. Temari let out a laugh as she took a seat in the back of the already full classroom. Sakura slid in next to Temari and began to pull out notebooks.

"Well you can't count on me to explain stuff for you if you miss class. Hey! Maybe we can be study buddies. 'Sides, if i'm planning on making Basketball, i need to keep up my grades." Temari said with a wink before turning to her own backpack.

"Yeah. I don't mind. As long as you come and support me if i make the team." Sakura whispered as a teacher began to talk about what she planned to get done throughout the school year.

"You can call me Anko-sensei and that's it." The teacher explained after she finished her lesson plan.

They stayed quiet for the rest of the period up until the Anko-sensei was called out of the classroom.

Temari leaned over with a serious look. "So how exactly do you plan on actually surviving the tryouts?"

Sakura giggled as she held a finger to her chin. "With my awesome ninja skills of course!"

"Oh, you have them too?" A voice ahead of them said. The body in front of Sakura turned around to reveal it was the girl who had signed up for the karate club in homeroom.

Sakura smiled secretly and said, "You know it!"

"My name's Tenten Momochi. I'm rooting for you. I thought you were really awesome this morning." Tenten smiled as she twisted herself around to sit in the chair backwards.

"Thanks, but just know i was completely serious. I'm going to the try outs... Wait, when are the try outs?" Sakura exclaimed in confusion.

Temari laughed at Sakura's red beat face. "I knew it. You weren't paying attention in the beginning. Itachi-sempai said try out were after school. He also said not to be late." She had explained tauntingly. Sakura pouted and faced the other way as if to hide she was feeling embarrassed.

Anko-sensei came in a few minutes later. She had let the class talk for the rest of the period, even though there was twenty minutes left. The whole twenty minutes were used by the new three friends for exchanging numbers, and getting to know one another. Sakura had learned that while Temari had two younger brothers, Tenten had two older brothers.

The rest of the day passed with Tenten in History, and Temari in Gym. Sakura was quite pleased with herself for finding her other classes on her own easily. Tenten and Temari had promised to meet up with Sakura outside of the girls locker room so they could all walk out together.

"So you nervous?" Tenten asked as they had begun to walk to the fields.

Sakura nodded her head slightly. "To be honest, I am a little nervous."

"You'd be crazy not to be. Heck I'm nervous for you. Don't worry though, I'll be there if anything happens." Temari said as the field goals came into sight.

"Thanks Temari, you're really boosting my confidence." Sakura stuck her tongue out childishly.

"Awe, I can't help it though! I just can't see anything good coming out of this." Temari whined throwing her arms around Sakura's shoulders. Tenten giggled and pulled on one of Temari's ponytails.

"Let's go Temari. We can cheer on Sakura from the bleachers. She might actually surprise us." Tenten said as she led the other two girls closer to the football fields. Temari pouted before turning to Sakura once more.

"Fine, but i swear, if any of them hurt you permanently, I'm going to kill them." Temari hissed in a whisper before they approached a table that had two football players behind it. The two guys looked up at the approaching girls and smiled.

"Hello ladies. What brings you to the football tryouts?" One of the two guys smirked as he leaned back into his seat.

Sakura could feel Tenten and Temari roll their eyes along with her. This was obviously one of the few guys who only did football to flirt with girls. "Try outs."

"Oh. Didn't anyone tell you? Manager position isn't open" Temari snickered at Sakura's flushed face. Before she could tell the guy off, someone yelled, "Hey Pinky!" Sakura turned in the direction of the voice and saw a familiar face. Hey it's the bluenette guy who helped me this morning.

As he jogged over, Sakura was able to actually take a good look at him. He had dark blue eyes and a nice muscular build that was covered by his uniform. Wow, he's surprisingly very good looking.

"Hey, and my name isn't pinky. It's Sakura."

The tall bluenette smiled sheepishly and rubbed the back of his head. "Sorry. I'm Kisame Hosigaki, Linebacker. Nice to meet you." Kisame held out his hand. Sakura couldn't help but blush at Kisame's dazzling smile.

"Uh-hem." Temari cleared her throat and gestured towards Kisame.

"Kisame, these are my friends, Tenten and Temari. They're here for moral support." Sakura explained. Both girls smiled up at Kisame, or at least Tenten did. Temari was pretty close to his height.

"Nice to meet you Temari. What's up Tenten? How's Haku and Zabuza. Mangetsu and Suigetsu are asking about practices even though their season hasn't started yet." Kisame grinned. Temari blushed as Kisame had turned to face her slightly.

Kisame nodded his head to Temari before facing Sakura again. "Try outs are about to start. We'd better get going." Sakura nodded and told the girls she'd meet up with them afterwards.

"Okay, Sakura. Do your best! We'll be on the bleachers." Tenten hollered as they began to jog away. Temari froze and turned around smiling like a lunatic. Holding up both hands to her mouth, Temari prepared to yell.

"Remember Sakura, if any of them hurt you, I'll kill them!" With that, Temari took off running after Tenten up the bleachers.

Sakura face-palmed in embarrassment. Snickering, Kisame pushed Sakura slightly towards the other boys waiting on the field.

"You've got great friends."

"Yeah, actually i just met them this morning." Sakura laughed as she pushed Kisame's hand off her shoulder. Kisame sputtered at Sakura's statement.

"Seriously? You guys act like you've been friends for years." Kisame asked in disbelief. Sakura merely shrugged in response.

"Alright, just go sign in over there and wait for your name to be called. Good luck." Kisame said as they reached the crowd. Sakura thanked him and did as she was told. After signing in, Sakura had followed the next set of instructions given to her and waited with the others who were trying out.

Crossing her arms, Sakura just stood there feeling a bit awkward in the middle of a crowd of guys. Most of the guys were either ignoring her presence while the rest were staring at her. Quite frankly, it was making her nerves scream. It didn't help that before she had come to the fields that she had changed into a black tank top and a pair of dark blue spandex shorts.

Why are they staring at me? Stop it!

"Alright everyone listen up." Everyone in the crowd, including Sakura, looked up at the man who spoke. Whoa this guy looks scary as hell! I wonder who he is.

The man that had spoken was at least 5'9 feet. Spikey orange hair, purplish eyes and three piercings on each side of his nose stood out the most to Sakura.

"My name is Pein Nagato. I am the captain and the Quarterback. I alone will ultimately decide if you have what it takes to be a part of this team. The first part of the try outs will be split up into two sections, endurance and speed. If you managed to get pass that stage, you will have to complete stage two. Stage two consists of you actually doing the position you're trying out for. If you show promise then you're on the team." Pein explained as he crossed his arms.

I can actually do this. Sakura thought in confidence.

"Alright. You'll be split into groups of four; each group will have one person from the team to instruct you on what you're supposed to do."

Sakura's group consisted of a tall boy named Kiba, a smaller chubbier boy Chouji, and a smoke looking guy with gravity defying hair who went by Zaku. Their instructor was none other than Itachi, the guy from her homeroom incident.

"My name is Itachi Uchiha. We'll begin by testing your endurance. Endurance is a must have to being a member of the Akatsuki. First, I want you to do 100 sit ups, 50 pushups, and 75 jumping jacks. After that, you are to run 5 laps around the field." Sakura nearly fell over in shock, while the others just groaned in complaint.

"Do not complain. If by some miracle you do make the team, the numbers will increase. We're not called the champions for nothing." Itachi tsked in return to the other complaint.

Well i can see why they're able to keep the title. These exercises are insane! Sakura was impressed.

"Now get going." With that said, Hell began. Well that's what Sakura called it at least.

Man, i'm really out of shape. I guess i should've worked out more during the summer. Might've helped if i laid off the Twinkies.

Sakura thought on her fifth lap around the field. It had been a full hour and half since they began. The situps were a breeze as well as the jumping jacks. The pushups were the only exercise that had caused a little trouble for her. Her upper body didn't begin to compare to her powerful legs.

I guess playing soccer and basketball for so long made me focus on my legs instead of my arms. God i'm so glad this is my last lap. Sakura thought as she saw the finish line. Behind her ran the three boys; Zaku just a foot away, Kiba a yard or so behind him, and Chouji about 20 yards from kiba.

To see Chouji pushing through, Sakura was impressed. He had stuck it through it all without a single complaint and he never gave up. Sakura started to slow down and run with Chouji the rest of the way. When he caught up to her, he was huffing hard and his face a blotchy red.

"You okay?" Sakura asked as they slowed to a stop. Sitting down on the grass, Chouji barely nodded in response as he tried to regain his breathing.

Sakura smiled as she held out her hand to help Chouji back up. "Good. I just want to say I'm really impressed with your determination. You were awesome."

"T-thanks."

"Alright, good job. Now to test your strengths." Itachi said as he calmly walked to where they were resting briefly.

"W-what? How about a break?" Kiba nearly screeched as he wheezed.

Itachi smirked sadistically. "Akatsuki's don't take breaks." I have a feeling he's enjoying this a little too much.

"Alright, for speed, we'll be doing simple short distance runs. Kiba, since you so clearly volunteered, you get to go first. Followed by Zaku, Chouji, and lastly Skaura."

All four began to walk to the end zone where they were supposed to start.

Itachi didn't quite react when his best pal, Kisame, came up behind him to observe the trainees.

"How are they doing?" Kisame mused as he shifted feet, anticipating that something good was about to happen.

"Don't you mean, How is Sakrua doing?" Itachi smirked in Kisame's direction. Turning back to his little group, Itachi turned back to see them stretching quickly.

"To answer your question, she's doing the best out of all four."

"Heh, I knew she'd do well. Did you see that body? Her legs are sculpt to perfection." Kisame gazed over at Sakura from the 50 yard line. Itachi chuckled softly before turning to his friend again.

"I agree, you pervert." Itachi confessed as he pulled out a stop watch.

"Alright Kiba. Get ready. Set. Go!" As soon as Kiba passed the 50, Itachi marked down the time.

"Time is 7.1. Not too bad. Zaku. Get ready." The process repeated itself for Zaku and Chouji. Zaku had earned 8.9 and Chouji a 9.5. Their times weren't good enough according to Itachi, which meant they hadn't made it. Not seeing a point in staying, both left after hearing their times.

Sakura was the last to run in her group. She got into position and waited. She couldn't help but smile; This is what she was waiting for. At Itachi's command, She bolted down the field. It was like a roadrunner running. No one was able to see her except for a pink blur which came from her unique hair color.

When she had passed the line, both Itachi and Kisame looked down at the stopwatch to see the time. Kisame whistled in surprise while Itachi smirked.

"6.4.." Sakura smiled up at both boys.

"So did i pass?"