The New Sakura - Chapter 1

Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto.
Summary: One-Shot about Sakura's feelings as she reflects on the past, the present, and the future.
Warnings: Slight spoilers for the end of Part 1 (set in Part 2)
Nettie's Note: This One-Shot is dedicated to all Sakura fans. There is entirely too much immature Sakura-bashing, in my opinion. Sakura doesn't deserve to be bashed; she's a kind and brave character, who develops beautifully throughout the story.
 

When I remember how I used to be, I feel as though I am borrowing someone else's memories, the memories of someone rather mean and ignorant. How could that have been me? I've changed so much since then. Since the beginning of Team Seven.
 

That foolish girl I used to be... Gods, now I realise why Sasuke-kun found me so annoying! It's a wonder he put up with me for so long. I was so happy when I was assigned to the same team as Sasuke-kun.
 

I'm ashamed to admit that I had wanted nothing to do with Naruto...
 

In reality, I hadn't known anything about either of them. I was foolish to think that I was so smart. I had always been useless to the team. I learned that early on, during the Chuunin exams, when I cut away my hair, my vanity, for the sake of my friends, and swore to protect them.
 

However, I was only ever a burden. I was not strong or brave. I always needed to be rescued by others.
 

Seeing Naruto fight... He fought his battles with all that he had, never giving up, and never running away in fear. I saw this when he fought against Zabuza, against Orochimaru in the Forest of Death, and again in his match against Hyuuga Neji. He made me want to try my best. He made me want to become strong, like him, to protect my precious people.
 

At first, I thought that Naruto's dream of becoming Hokage was foolish. Much like many children wish to become 'the most powerful'. It took me a long time to realise that Naruto didn't necessarily wish for the power. He wanted the acknowledgement that came with the name of Hokage. All his life he had been alone, brushed aside callously... Even by me.
 

He wanted to be acknowledged. To be seen as someone great, and not just as 'that moron'. I respect his dream now; I want to help him accomplish his goal. I want to be there with him, always.
 

But Sasuke-kun ... all he wanted was power. He wanted, desperately, the strength to kill his brother, and avenge his family.
 

All I did was get in his way, from beginning to end, when, on that night, I openly confessed my feelings for him. He did not feel the same. If he did, the feeling wasn't strong enough to prevent him from leaving...
 

His top priority ... His ambition was not to be with us; Team Seven.
 

I felt pain like never before when I saw him leave us behind. He was my friend. He had grown to be my friend. And, like any friend, I did not want to see him hurt, I did not want to see him descend into darkness. I wanted him to stay, and I was willing to do anything to make that a reality.
 

Back then, I did not succeed. So I sent Naruto instead. Naruto, who I had come to see as a friend. I made him promise to bring Sasuke-kun back home. I recognised the pain in his eyes even then, though I did not know its significance...
 

Naruto loved me. He loved me enough to protect me with everything he had, to risk his life to save mine against Sabaku no Gaara. And though it caused him pain to see me cry, to see me 'in love' with another, he acted selflessly. He promised to bring Sasuke-kun back, he said it was 'a promise of a lifetime'.
 

And I knew... I knew that he hadn't only made the promise because Sasuke-kun was his friend. No. He had made that promise, because he wanted me to be happy.
 

He made that promise from his heart. Even now, three years on, I remember his face as he made that promise. His grin and 'nice-guy pose' had clearly been an act to cover up his pain. He told not to be disheartened, because he would do everything within his power to make me happy again.
 

Naruto...
 

My feelings for Naruto have changed since then. Since Sasuke-kun left and didn't return.
 

My feelings for Sasuke-kun have not changed. I feel the same about him as I did three years ago. He's still a precious friend who I wish to protect ... even with my life.
 

And Naruto; I want to protect him also.
 

Those people, Akatsuki, want the Kyuubi within him. They want to kill Naruto. But I will not let them. This time, it's different. This time, I will protect them both. Naruto and Sasuke-kun. Because now, after three years of training under Tsunade-sama, I am finally ready.
 

Sakura has finally bloomed.