"Sakura Haruno, Neji Hyuga, and Sasuke Uchiha, you three are selected to be the Trio Prodigies so you are all required to meet the Hokage soon."

Everybody in class expected this, but instead of Sasuke, they thought it would be Shikamaru because of his high intelligence. Sakura was disappointed to say the least, she really hoped to be in the same team as he. He was the only person she is comfortable with aside from her mother and Hinata. She glanced at Shikamaru and found him yielding a relieved sigh, his shoulders released it's tension as the corner of his lips curved up into the tiniest smile. Although she is quite upset about the arrangement, she was happy for him because he could escape the burden that she and her team have to bear.

The room erupted in whispers, each having their own displeasure upon their favourites being taken away. Boys wanted to take Neji and Sasuke's place; girls wanted to take Sakura's place. Even Naruto and Lee cried in dismay; their fantasy in their minds were quickly crushed to hear Sakura being in a different group as they. The arrangement was not beyond their expectations, but it is no lie that there is a tiny fire of hope in their hearts—just like how Sakura hoped she would not be chosen.

Aside from their pleas, many of them were muttering about the prophecy which has been going on for decades, millenniums even. Nobody really knew. The class discussed if they were the Trio mentioned in the prophecy and many believed so. They may not be the first trio to originate from noble clans, but they are the first to all be the heirs and heiress of their own respective clans. This is very dangerous because if they make a wrong move, their entire clan will be at stake.

"Team 8: Shikamaru Nara, Ino Yamanaka, and Choji Akimichi." Iruka continued. This is the Konoha's signature team collaboration which typically consists the Nara clan, Yamanaka clan and the Akimichi clan. Their fathers as well are in the same team. This was probably why Shikamaru wasn't chosen. Sakura thought.

"Team 9: Kiba Inuzuka, Hinata Hyuga, and Shino Aburame."

Upon hearing this arrangement, Sakura grew suspicious. An elite group as trackers; each of them from noble clans again. This is the third group made from 100% nobles of the same year.

"Team 10: Naruto Nimekaze, Rock Lee, and TenTen."

As though having a number of teams made out of nobles were not odd enough, the Hokage's son was placed in a team of commoners. It does not seem like Naruto was aware of what happened because he was puzzled when the class gasped in surprised. Lucky for him, Lee was clueless as well as he stared at Naruto with a hateful look and they continued their staring competition until Iruka said his last goodbye as our teacher.

"That sums all of it." He said while arranged his books and papers. "Stay hear and wait patiently for your teachers, good luck and make the village proud."

The freshly graduated ninjas greeted him goodbye, they started moving around to meet their group mates and some of them huddled the newly announced Trio Prodigies also known as Team TP. After awhile, most of the students left with their teachers. Only two groups were left which are Team TP and Team 10. It was a pleasure to Sakura because TenTen gave both Naruto and Lee no chance to annoy her. She was compassionate towards the poor cherry blossom. It did not take long for them to be picked up by their ridiculous-looking teacher who made a grand entrance in which nobody provided a positive reaction to—except Lee who fawned over his antics. As much as Sakura would like to let down her guard and drop her act as a noble, she could not; she was in the presence of two heirs from very powerful clans. At this, a thought stroke at her. The Uchiha clan, Hyuga clan and the Haruno clan are all top 3 clans in Konoha. Yet another factor which seemed to be the sign of them being the Trio Prodigies. Her heart raced as she grew pressured by it.

"You know Sakura..you can relax now. If we are teammates, we have to be comfortable around each other." Neji suddenly spoke, successful breaking her bubble of stress.

She turned to the back and looked at her lilac eyed teammate, then she smiled,"Yeah, sure". She heaved sigh and reluctantly let her body fall limp. "It feels good to be myself again." Neji chuckled at her bluntness; in return, she shot him him a glare.

"I just thought you look adorable behind that placid mask of yours." He teased.

A strong emotion bubbled beneath a chest; whether or not it is anger or embarrassment, she did not know. You asshole! She furiously yelled in her mind, how ungraceful of her to use such a term. In reaction to her fury, she stood up from her seat and her hand unconsciously raised itself to land a smack on his mocking face. But Neji's hand was quick to catch it before it could touch his face.

He gave her a mocking look as they challenged each other with their eyes, her hand still in his grasp. Sasuke being the bystander only rolled his eyes at their childishness, he was still not comfortable to put down his facade. Finally, Sakura huffed and crossed her arms as she placed herself comfortably on her seat.

After what felt like forever, especially with Neji testing Sakura's patience, their teacher finally made an appearance. The moment he entered the classroom, they immediately reverted back to their usual act—a noble pride.

"I'm sorry.. I was lo-" Before he could end his pathetic excuses, they simply nodded to save him for wasting his efforts. All three of them knew him, he is a skilled and famous across the world as well. They have also heard about his habits of being late and reading perverted books. His only visible eye slanted, showing that he was upset at how unenthusiastic his students were. "Meet me on the rooftop." Was all he said before poofing away.

Following his gesture, Sakura disappeared in a whirlwind of cherry blossoms to transport herself onto the rooftop where she successfully startled Kakashi who was leaning on the railing.

"Ah..the Haruno prodigy, also known as the heiress and the infamous legacy of the Haruno clan, Sakura Haruno."

Suddenly feeling challenged, she replied,"Good day Kakashi-sensei, son of the White Fang, the Copy-nin who copied over 1000 jutsus and also the only Sharingan user who is not related to the Uchiha clan."

"I see you did research." He acknowledged.

"These are simply common knowledge, Kakashi-sensei."

Soon, Neji and Sasuke were seen walking towards the other two. Sakura headed towards them and caught Neji's eyes by accident. He smirked and whispered, "The beauty who disappeared in a whirlwind of cherry blossoms". He sat down on the steps which left Sakura standing still. An irk grew on her forehead, but she kept her emotions in and sat next to him. Sasuke was seated on Neji's left. Who knew the heir to the Hyuga clan is so.. Annoying. Sakura wondered.

"Alright, I would like you to introduce yourselves. State your name, likes, dislikes, hobbies, and dreams. I'll start with myself since all of you don't look quite...sociable." He scratched the back of his neck as he said so and continued,"I'm Kakashi Hatake. My likes and dislikes are not necessary for any of you to know. My hobbies? None of your concern. My dreams..you can say that I hope all of you will be comfortable around me, knowing you are all prodigies. Be yourself, I would like that."

At the beginning of his introduction, they were all irritated at his lack of information; however, they were shocked when he told them to act comfortably around him and be their true selves. They appreciated his efforts, but it would not be easy to put down their facade just like that; they were not...used to it. Especially him beim an adult, it reminds them of their families.

Kakashi nodded to Sakura as a gesture for her to start first and said,"Ladies first."

Sakura nodded at him before beginning,"Name is Sakura Haruno. No significant likes and dislikes. I have no time for hobbies. Dream...my future is already made out for me." She muttered sadly.

Next, it was the Hyuga's turn.

"My name is Neji Hyuga. I don't have many likes and there isn't any worthy dislikes to be mentioned about. No hobbies to be spoken of and my dreams are none of your concern."

"Sasuke Uchiha. None likes and dislikes, as well as hobbies. My dream which will become a reality is to find a certain someone and beat him in a spar to prove myself worthy as the heir of the Uchiha clan."

The atmosphere was really gloomy, even Kakashi felt awkward. He could not help but relate to them though, when he was at their age, he was lifeless as well and unenthusiastic; not that he ever was. In his mind, he began brainstorming on how to guide this group into the right path. Deep down, he as well has the feeling that this particular trio is the mentioned trio prodigies in the prophecy.

"Okay.. Please come to the special training ground at 3 o'clock tomorrow. I would like to spar with all of you." He left in a puff of smoke.

The first between then to get up was Neji. He completely ignored the presence of Sasuke as he bid Sakura good bye.

"See you tomorrow, Haruno-san."

"Like wise, Hyuga-san and farewell to you too, Uchiha-san." Sakura was quite puzzled at his change in attitude, just a few minutes ago he was being a total jerk, but now he is back to formalities.

"Hn."

==

Dedicated to girliedark13 for your votes and comments that motivated me to continue this story!

~Joelle

Published: November 2014
Rewritten: 25 February 2017