After two years of intense training with the tiger-nins and their teamwork, the trio have improved their skills in every aspect tremendously. They seek help from clans who fight alongside animal-nins to understand animals better and to fight efficiently with them. It's safe to say that they have surpassed the legendary Sannins or at least, are on par with them.

However, the people believe with their excellent teamwork and their fierce companions, they are an undefeatable trio. The variety of ninja art is a huge plus in their resume.

All three of them have gotten themselves specially designed weapons. Sasuke owns a twin blade because of his ability to use both hands; Neji owns a standard katana because his strongest point is still his clan's secret technique. Sakura has a large sword designed for her, a one of a kind sword that generates lightning in between the separated blades.

In a short span of two years, they have achieved the Jounin rank, elite Jounins. The 5th Hokage had offered them the position of an ANBU captain given their skills and leadership, plus their ability to keep calm and observe a battle in great detail. Although they are admired by everyone, the upper level ninjas were worried. Because at each stage of them becoming strong and known ninjas, it only further convince them to be the Trio Prodigies.

Along the years, Neji and Sasuke had hinted their feelings for the pinkette, but Sakura was confused about her feelings. She could not understand the feeling of love, she had no idea how it feels like. She enjoys their company and feels a warm happiness bubbling in her stomach in their presence. She could not tell apart love from appreciation. As long as the boys have yet to bring it up, or she is forced to choose, she will avoid the issue.

There were people who supports her relationship with Neji, but there were also people who wants to see her with Sasuke. Seeking advice from a third party would only push her deeper into her dilemma.

She sighed as she stared into the sky from her room. As much as she would like to not hurt her head with such an issue, she can't help but think about it all the time. She wants to sort out her feelings, so she wouldn't lead any of them on.

Among the trio, the heiress was the one who changed the most. She had matured, but she became someone who prioritises power and responsibility. Her father had pressured her and lecturers her about the appropriate behaviour of a noble clan's heiress. The experiences of being powerless back then acted as a catalyst which led her to become an ice cube. However, she loosens herself just a little bit around her teammates and Shikamaru.

The air around her spells elegance and nobility. Sometimes, it makes it hard for others to go close to her. She gives off an aura of superiority so strongly that even in the streets, the villagers would make way for her.

A pink-haired female alpha.

A Haruno knocked on her door. "Sakura-hime, your team is here to see you."

"Bring them to the guest room." She ordered before heading over to the door.

Before she arrived in the guest room, the heiress stopped by the kitchen and informed the house maid to prepare some tea. She entered the room with the aura of a true heiress, her stance was flawless in every way. Even though she is comfortable with her teammates, in her household where eyes and ears are everywhere, she must live up more strictly to her reputation.

Her teammates were already comfortably seated around the table. She joined them and asked, "Good morning. May I help you?"

Before Kakashi could reply, a maid entered the room after knocking on the door. She brought in a tray with a pot of freshly brewed cherry tea. She set up some tea cups and poured the tea for the guests and the heiress. The maid left the room without a word.

Kakashi was amazed at everything. "Wow, you certainly live like a princess. How ironic."

"It's my father's requirement. Anyway, what's your purpose here?" Sakura felt uneasy to have her close companions in her household where she felt confined. It was always to behave differently than she normally would.

She sipped on her tea to calm her nerves. It was refreshing and the fragrance warmed her insides.

"We have an urgent mission to accompany a newly appointed king of the Land of Honey to his palace." The silver-haired Jounin said.

A team of elite Jounins? Feels a bit extra. She thought.

"Alright, I'll be right back." Sakura stood up. "Please enjoy your tea, it's not sold anywhere else."

She left the room and headed to her quarters to pack her things, not forgetting to change into proper attire. Once she was done, she called for the men in her team and left the Haruno compound.

The team waited at the gates of Konohagakure for the king.

After a few moments, a carriage came and a young looking man stepped down. He has caramel blonde hair and honey coloured eyes, quite attractive. His facial features were prominent and sharp.

"You will be accompanying me, assume?" He said while facing Kakashi.

"Yes, Your Highness. My name is Kakashi Hatake." Kakashi bowed in respect.

"I'm the king of the Land of Honey. My name is Kazuki." He smiled and scanned the trio behind the older Jounin. His eyes stopped on the girl and walked towards her.

He took her hand and kissed it as a greeting. She gave him a smile and introduced herself, "Sakura Haruno. It's a pleasure to assist you."

"A beautiful name for a beautiful girl." He mused, "Suits you perfectly." A tiger purred from her shoulders and the king was a bit alarmed by it. "Don't worry, this is my companion in battles. All three of us have one." He turned his attention to the two men beside her.

"Neji Hyuga."

"Sasuke Uchiha."

The King did not miss the fiery emotion in their eyes, it only amused him. He nodded and entered the carriage with grace. Neji and Sasuke's glare followed his figure. It pisses them off that Kazuki showed no sign of flaw in every moment.

The team got into a defensive position with the team leader in the front, Neji at the back of the carriage and the other two on either sides.

The journey was somewhat peaceful until they left the borders of the Land of Fire. The bush rustled and the presence of about twenty shinobis were sensed.

The three tiger-nins hopped out of their owner's shoulders. Sakura and Sasuke unsheathed their weapons, ready to attack and heightened their senses. The back of Sakura's neck tingled and she looked back, catching a pair of honey coloured eyes. Thinking that he was worried, she reassured him with a smile which he returned.

Masked shinobis stepped out from the bushes and aimed for the carriage.

The pinkette's sword buzzed with electricity, it glowed a brilliant blue colour. She raised a sword and started to point the tip of her sword to the intruders. They were struck by it and collapsed onto the ground.

Those shinobis were from lower ranks, easily defeated by the Jounins. The rest had taken care of their side as well when Sakura turned to look.

The pack continued their journey calmly and the prince stared at the pinkette in amusement and interest. Sakura noticed it, but brushed it off. The King means nothing to her and this will be the last time they'll see each other.

==

Dedicated to Shipperfriend for adding this story to your reading list! I hope you enjoy reading this story!

First question: Who should Sakura end up with? Neji or Sasuke?

Initially when I wrote this story, Sakura was intended to end up with Neji; thus why Neji was in the team in the first place. However, I thought more people would read this story if it's SasuSaku, so please give me your opinions! I'm not sure how to continue it without deciding who she should end up with because I need to build up her relationship with them.

~Joelle

Published: December 2014
Rewritten: 15 May 2018