Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Sakura Haruno woke up to the sound of what could only be described as the apocalypse outside her window. Explosions, yelling, and the faint but distinct sound of someone screaming “I NEED HELP OVER HERE!” echoed through the early morning air.

“...Guess the war’s really going downhill today,” she muttered, dragging her blanket over her head.

The doorbell rang.

At four-thirty in the morning.

“Who in Kami’s name has the audacity—” Sakura groaned into her pillow.

Ugh, this is a nightmare.

Ha! Tell me about it.

Sakura froze, eyes snapping open. “…Wait. Inner? You… you haven’t spoken to me in literal years. Why are you suddenly back now?”

I dunno, outer. Call it intuition. Feels like something chaotic and potentially life-threatening is about to happen today. Thought I’d tag along for commentary.

“Oh joy. Just what I needed. A running commentary from my own brain.”

You’re welcome.

Grumbling, Sakura shuffled downstairs, hair messy, pajamas halfway falling off her shoulder. She yanked the door open and found a frazzled messenger chunin standing there, sweat dripping down his forehead like he’d run a marathon.

“U-uh, this is Sakura Haruno’s residence, right?”

Sakura rubbed her eyes. “Unfortunately, yes.”

“The Hokage needs you to report to the tower immediately!” he squeaked before disappearing in a puff of smoke.

“…Well. That wasn’t suspicious at all.”

Obviously. What did you expect? A social call at 4:30 in the morning? Maybe someone selling you door-to-door kunai sets?

“…Honestly, I would’ve preferred that.”

With a sigh, Sakura dragged herself back inside, got dressed, and tied her hair up in her usual ponytail. For some reason, when she stepped outside, all the booming and chaos from earlier had stopped.

“…Okay. Weird. Where’d all the yelling go?”

Maybe everyone died while you were brushing your teeth.

“INNER!”

What? You were thinking it too.

Sakura ignored her inner voice and started leaping across rooftops toward the Hokage tower. By the time she slipped through Tsunade’s office window, she was fully awake and suspicious.

“Tsunade-shishou?” she asked, narrowing her eyes. “Why do you look so… excited?”

Yeah, why does she look like a cat that found an entire crate of sake bottles?

“SAKURA!” Tsunade cheered, grinning ear to ear. “You’re here!”

“…I suddenly have a very bad feeling about this,” Sakura muttered.

“I have a mission for you!”

“Yup. Very bad feeling confirmed.”

Tsunade’s grin widened, looking way too pleased for someone giving an urgent assignment during wartime. Sakura glanced at the paperwork scattered across the desk—half-filled sake cups, mission scrolls tossed aside like confetti, and what looked suspiciously like a game of tic-tac-toe scratched into an official mission request.

“…Shishou… are you drunk?”

“Nope!” Tsunade said with suspicious confidence. Then she leaned forward, eyes glinting. “Listen carefully, Sakura. This mission… is unlike any other.”

“…Oh no.”

“You…” Tsunade paused dramatically, “…are going to go back to the past and stop everything from going wrong!”

Sakura blinked. Once. Twice.

“…What.”

“Yep!” Tsunade slammed a scroll onto the desk with so much force that a nearby sake cup rattled dangerously close to spilling. “With this, you’ll fix everything before it happens! Orochimaru, Akatsuki, Ahem… which may be impossible so just try your best, the war—all of it! Imagine it, Sakura. One clean sweep!”

“…You’re definitely drunk.”

Yep. She’s plastered. 100%.

“Shishou,” Sakura said carefully, like she was talking to a very volatile patient. “You can’t just throw around phrases like ‘go back to the past.’ That’s… that’s not how time works.”

“Eh, details,” Tsunade said, waving her hand. “Just take this scroll, open it, and BOOM—you’re in the past. Easy.”

“…Easy?!” Sakura sputtered. “That’s your explanation? No safety briefing? No instructions? Not even a warning label?!”

“Warning label says: don’t die,” Tsunade said cheerfully, pushing the scroll into Sakura’s hands.

Sakura stared at it like it was about to explode. “…This is a terrible idea.”

Correction: this is the BEST terrible idea I’ve ever heard.

Sakura groaned. I hate both of you.

Still, curiosity and that tiny reckless part of her brain won over. She unrolled the scroll cautiously.

Nothing happened.

“…See? I knew it wouldn’t—”

The scroll began to glow.

“Oh no.”

“Oh YES,” Inner cackled.

“What the fu—”

And everything went black.

Chapter Text

And then suddenly, Sakura was walking down the familiar streets of Konoha. The bustling energy of the village was comforting yet surreal—seeing it so intact, untouched by war, was something she hadn’t realized she missed.

Her thoughts were interrupted by a loud, unmistakable voice.

"HEY, BILLBOARD BROW!"

Oh… fuck.

Sakura turned just in time to see Ino Yamanaka striding toward her, a competitive smirk plastered across her face. "Today is the day, Billboard Brow! Let’s see who can win Sasuke-kun over first!"

Sakura resisted the urge to roll her eyes. How did she ever have the energy for this? "I don’t care about Sasuke. You can have him for all I care," she said coldly, her voice more detached than she intended.

Damn. That sounded cringe as hell.

"WHAT?!" Ino practically shrieked, her expression morphing from determination to sheer disbelief.

Sakura sighed, deciding to just rip off the bandage. "I said, I don’t care about Sasuke. Friendship is more important," she repeated, softening her tone. "That being said... I’m sorry for what I said when we were younger. Can we just go back to being friends?"

Ino blinked at her, thrown off by the sudden maturity in Sakura’s words. For a moment, Sakura feared she had said too much too fast, but then Ino let out a dramatic huff and crossed her arms. "Well... I guess I’m sorry too. Friendship is more important than boys anyway!"

A small smile crept onto Sakura’s lips. "Yeah."

Why does this feel so awkward?

"Okay, uhm... I’m gonna go now," Sakura said, stepping back.

"Okay, see ya!" Ino called after her, waving enthusiastically.

_____________________

The next few days passed in a blur, and before she knew it, the Genin Exams were over.

"Ugh, finally, that’s done with," Sakura groaned, stretching her arms.

Obviously.

I swear I will kill myself one day just so you will disappear.

Bitch.

Idiot.

Ughhh, I’m so done with you.

Good.

Sakura sighed as she listened to Inner’s usual antics. Even after all these years, Inner Sakura never changed.

____

|The Next Day|

Sakura sat with the other students in the classroom, waiting for Iruka to announce the team assignments. She already knew how this would go, but she couldn’t help but feel a strange anticipation anyway.

"Okay, Team 7 consists of Sakura Haruno, Naruto Uzumaki, and... Sasuke Uchiha," Iruka announced.

Naruto immediately cheered when he heard Sakura’s name but groaned when Sasuke’s followed. "BUT IRUKA-SENSEI! WHY DOES A GREAT NINJA LIKE ME HAVE TO BE ON A TEAM WITH A LOSER LIKE HIM?!"

Sakura shook her head, amused at how little had changed. Seeing Naruto and Sasuke bicker again felt... comforting in a way she hadn’t expected. I really miss when we were twelve... she thought wistfully.

Yeah, Inner muttered. Its way better then the shit that’s happening in the future.

Sakura exhaled deeply. Well, technically, it won’t be the future. Not if I can change it.

——————————————————————

Sakura, Sasuke, and Naruto sat on the stone steps of the academy rooftop, each lost in their thoughts. Naruto was impatient, constantly tapping his feet and grumbling.

"Where is he?" Naruto whined, looking down at the ground. "What’s taking so long?! He literally just told us to meet him here back in the classroom!”

Sasuke, arms crossed, didn’t even look up. "You’d think he would be here," he muttered, unfazed.

Sakura let out a soft sigh, staring at the sky. I swear, if I hear one more of Naruto’s complaints, I’ll lose it. Stay calm Inner, I missed this. Focus on the mission. Don’t let your temper get the better of you...

"Hey, do you think he’ll be any different than Iruka-sensei?" Naruto asked loudly, his voice bouncing off the walls.

Sakura smiled softly at Naruto, trying to ease his impatience. "Don’t worry, Naruto. I’m sure he’ll be great. Just give him a chance.”

Okay, that seemed nice to say.  Don’t be sarcastic, I’ve always regretted what I was like to him back before Sasuke-kun went rouge.

Just as Sakura was about to sigh, the sound of a puff of smoke would get their attention. Standing in front of them was none other than Kakashi Hatake, his silver hair ruffled in the breeze. He strolled over to stand directly infront of them, his face hidden behind his usual mask.

Oh, he’s finally here, ughhh, he’ll never change. Hey! I’ve missed him… especially since Kakashi-sensei is dead in our original timeline… I’ve really missed him… it honestly makes me want to cry. Inner Sakura snickered. Well we will change that! And also, he looks like a scarecrow.

Naruto leaped to his feet, his enthusiasm obvious. "Finally! He’s here!" He pointed dramatically at Kakashi. "Hey! You should introduce yourself! Tell us about yourself!"

Sakura chuckled softly to herself, almost feeling a bit bad for Naruto. Eh, always so eager. But, whatever. You’re annoying. Shut up, inner.

Kakashi glanced at Naruto, then sighed. "I’m Kakashi Hatake," he said lazily, his tone as uninterested as always. "And that’s all you need to know."

Naruto’s face twisted into a confused frown. "What? That’s it?!"

Sakura couldn’t help but smile. Ive missed this… in our original timeline, I have not seen Naruto in over three years…

"Get over it," Kakashi added, not even bothering to meet their gazes. He dropped casually onto the stairs and stretched. "Now, introductions. Go."

Naruto grinned widely and puffed out his chest, eager to give his introduction. "My name’s Naruto Uzumaki! I like instant ramen, but what I like more is the ramen from Ichiraku that Iruka-sensei treats me to. What I dislike is the three minutes after pouring hot water in the instant ramen. My hobby is eating and comparing ramen! And my future dream… is to be the Hokage! And so I’m going to get the entire village to acknowledge my existence!"

Sakura’s smile widened. He’s got that determination, I can see it. He really is going to be Hokage one day. I know it.

Kakashi didn’t react, just lazily looking at him like he was no more important than the wind. Naruto didn’t seem to mind, beaming proudly at his teammates.

Sakura chuckled and stood up, her turn to speak. "My name’s Sakura Haruno," she said, her voice calm and steady. "I like learning new things, and I dislike feeling powerless. My dream is to be strong enough to protect my friends and my village."

I won’t back down. I’ll make my dream come true. And I will try my hardest to prevent the future! I wonder how I’ll start with that though… Inner Sakura’s voice rose up. Hell yeah, girl! Now go out there and kick some ass!

Sasuke stood next, his voice cold and indifferent. "My name’s... Sasuke Uchiha. I have lots of dislikes, and no likes in particular. And... what I have is not just a dream, but something I will make reality. That is to restore my clan... and kill a certain man."

Sakura felt a chill run down her spine at Sasuke’s words. That’s right. His whole life revolves around revenge. Guess we know what we should start with first. Yep… and why do you keep saying we? You’re inside my head. Anyways… I should probably prevent what happens in the Chuunin exams with Sasuke getting the curse mark from Orochimaru. I need to prevent Sasuke-kun from going rouge.

Kakashi would look at Sasuke with indifference as Naruto stared at Sasuke with a hint of nervousness while scooting away from him. "Alright," Kakashi said as he turned away. "We meet tomorrow morning at Training Ground 3. Don’t eat anything before you get there."

Naruto’s stomach growled loudly at the mention of food, and he clutched his midsection. "What?! How are we supposed to train if we’re starving?!"

Kakashi didn’t even spare him a second glance as he spoke. "You’ll figure it out. Just be there on time. And don’t keep me waiting." He’d poof away in a puff of smoke.

Sasuke didn’t waste any time getting up and walking off, his usual cold expression in place. Naruto, still clutching his stomach dramatically, groaned.

Sakura stayed on the stairs for a moment, taking a deep breath. Tomorrow... it starts tomorrow. No turning back now, since I’m already here.

Better be ready for the most annoying test of your life, Outer. Yeah, but I know what’s going to happen this time around.

Chapter Text

The next morning, Sakura stood at Training Ground Three, arms crossed and eyes sharp. The sun was barely peeking over the trees, and yet, she was already there. Early. Alert.

Because I know exactly what’s coming.

Yesss, queen! Early bird catches the bell! Or… whatever. Inner Sakura cheered, practically vibrating.

Naruto arrived a few minutes later, dragging his feet and holding his stomach. "Ugh… I’m starving…"

Sakura’s expression softened. "You didn’t eat, did you?"

Naruto groaned. "He said not to! But now I’m dying..."

Poor Naruto… if only you knew this was part of the test.

Should we tell him?
No… rules are rules. But I’ll make sure he doesn’t go down without backup this time.

Sasuke showed up next, as usual, silent and aloof. He barely spared them a glance before leaning against a post, arms crossed.

Naruto glared at him. "Hmph. Guess you didn’t eat either, huh, Sasuke?"

Sasuke didn’t even respond.

Broody as always. Somebody get this guy a therapy appointment. Inner Sakura muttered.

Before Naruto could complain more, a puff of smoke appeared — and Kakashi emerged, as late as ever, with his usual slouch and that tiny crinkle of an eye that might’ve been a smile. Or not. Hard to tell under that mask.

"You’re all here," Kakashi said. "Good. Let’s get started."

Naruto perked up. "Finally! So what are we doing, sensei? Something cool, right? Like fighting bad guys?!"

Kakashi tilted his head. "Hm? No. Today’s a survival exercise."

Naruto blinked. "Huh? Survival?"

Sakura let out a slow breath. Here it comes…

Cue the dramatic plot twist! Let’s gooo!

Kakashi reached into his pouch and pulled out two small, silver bells. They jingled softly as they caught the morning light.

"Your task," Kakashi said lazily, "is to take these bells from me. If you can’t get a bell by noon… you fail. And you’ll be sent back to the academy."

Naruto’s mouth fell open. "Whaaat?!"

Sasuke’s eyes narrowed, instantly sizing up the situation.

Sakura felt her fists tighten at her sides. Same as before. But this time… I’m ready.

We trained for this moment! Sort of. In another timeline. But still! We got this!

Kakashi continued, almost bored. "Also, there are only two bells… meaning one of you will definitely fail."

Naruto gasped. "That’s not fair!"

"Life’s not fair," Kakashi replied smoothly. "Oh, and… you’re allowed to use any weapons you have. You’re even allowed to try and kill me." His eye curved into what might’ve been a smile. "If you think you can."

Naruto visibly paled. "K-Kill you?!"

Lmao, this man is unbothered. Peak menace. Inner Sakura cackled.
And he’s not joking, either…

Kakashi tied the bells to his belt, letting them jingle mockingly. "One more thing. You were all told not to eat breakfast, right? Because if you do, you’ll throw up."

Naruto clutched his stomach again and groaned. "Urghhh…"

Sakura’s eyes softened once more. Hang in there, Naruto. This time… I won’t leave you behind.

Kakashi clapped his hands once. "Alright. You’ve got until noon. Come at me with the intent to kill… or you fail. Ready? Begin."

In a flash, Sasuke disappeared into the trees.

Sakura stayed still, watching carefully. Good. He’s using stealth right away.

Naruto, on the other hand, charged forward with a loud yell. "I’ll get those bells right now!!"

Kakashi sighed. "Rushing in headfirst… classic."

With almost no effort, Kakashi sidestepped Naruto’s punch and grabbed his wrist, flipping him into the dirt.

"Oww!!"

Baby boy’s already eating dirt. Someone get him a helmet. Inner Sakura said with a wince.

But Naruto wasn’t done. He bit his thumb, formed a quick sign, and shouted, "Shadow Clone Jutsu!"

Several clones popped into existence, charging Kakashi all at once.

Right… this is where Kakashi gets a little serious.

Sure enough, Kakashi danced between them with graceful, almost lazy movements. One by one, he popped Naruto’s clones until the real Naruto lunged from behind. But Kakashi caught him by the ankle and dangled him upside down.

"You’ve got spirit," Kakashi drawled. "But no strategy."

Then, with a plop, he stuffed a kunai bomb under Naruto and launched him into a trap—ropes flew from the trees, snaring Naruto and leaving him hanging from a post like a fish on a line.

"AAAAHHH—HELP! I’M STUCK!!"

From her hiding spot, Sakura winced.

This is going so well. 10 outta 10. No notes. Inner Sakura deadpanned.

Focus… Sasuke’s up next.

Sure enough, a volley of shuriken flew from the trees. Kakashi dodged, but Sasuke emerged from the shadows, his hand crackling with a basic fire jutsu.

"Fire Style: Fireball Jutsu!"

The blast tore through the clearing, but Kakashi vanished underground at the last second, grabbing Sasuke’s ankle and yanking him down until only his head poked from the earth.

Sasuke snarled, struggling. "Tch—!"

And there goes Sasuke…

Buried alive before lunch. Love that for him.

Kakashi dusted off his hands. "Two down. One to go."

Sakura’s breath hitched. My turn.

Showtime, baby! Let’s get those bells and flex on ‘em!

But then Kakashi played dirty. He whispered, loud enough for her to hear:

"Sasuke… killed by my trap. Too bad."

Sakura’s heart stuttered. Wait—what?

Oh no. Brain error. PANIC.

Visions flashed before her eyes—blood, a lifeless Sasuke—memories from a timeline that no longer existed. Her body locked up.

"No…"

And that’s when Kakashi appeared right behind her. "Too slow."

He poked her in the forehead, and everything went black for a second.

When she came to, Sakura found herself tied up next to Naruto. "Ugh…" Wait, why the hell am I dangling from a tree aswell? It was NOT like this last timeline… Wait, now that I think about it, this is kinda different…

"Welcome to the club," Naruto groaned.

Across the field, Sasuke finally broke free from the dirt, spitting out soil.

Kakashi stood in the center, arms crossed. "You’ve all failed so far. Noon is coming up quick. Better hurry if you want to pass."

Deep breaths, girl. Time to activate those big brain cells.

She looked over at Naruto, his stomach growling loudly.

It’s not about the bells… it’s about teamwork. That’s the real test just like last time. Duh. I forgot about that for a moment...

Yassss! Lightbulb moment! Future Sakura brain unlocked!

Untying her ropes with effort, Sakura glanced at Sasuke. He was already eyeing Kakashi with renewed focus, preparing for another round.

But Sakura turned to Naruto first.

She reached into her pouch and pulled out an energy bar she had hidden away, knowing this moment would come. "Here. Eat this."

Naruto blinked at her. "Sakura-chan…?"

"Just eat it, dummy. You can’t fight on an empty stomach." She smiled softly. I believe in you.

Mother Teresa WHO? Our girl is feeding the hungry and leading the weak. Queen behavior.

Across the field, Kakashi’s lone visible eye crinkled in amusement. "Well, well…"

Sasuke, seeing Sakura feed Naruto, finally caught on. His glare shifted from annoyed to thoughtful.

Kakashi-sensei said to come at him with the intent to kill, but… the real goal is teamwork. Sharing food. Helping each other.

Naruto swallowed the last bite and grinned, energy already returning to his face. "Thanks, Sakura-chan!"

Sakura stood up, determination burning in her chest.She’d throw a ration bar at Sasuke from across the field.

Bell test? More like slay test. And we’re about to ace it.

Kakashi clapped once. "Time’s up."

The bells jingled one last time.