Sakura clutched the reverse summon scroll tightly as she activated it, feeling the familiar pull of chakra whisking her away from her bedroom. In an instant, she found herself standing in the grand entrance hall of the Great Warren, the bustling underground city of the Rabbit Clan.

Queen Joousa stood waiting for her, elegant as ever in her flowing kimono. The rabbit monarch's eyes darted behind Sakura, a flicker of disappointment crossing her face when she realized the young kunoichi had arrived alone.

"No Jiraiya this time?" Joousa asked, trying and failing to keep the disappointment from her voice.

Sakura couldn't help but roll her eyes. "Sorry, Your Majesty. The Toad Sage is off on some important mission for the village."

The queen let out a small sigh. "Pity. Well, no matter. Come along, dear. We have work to do."

As they made their way through the winding tunnels of the warren, Sakura couldn't help but marvel at how much Queen Joousa had changed over the past two years. While still unmistakably lapine in appearance, her proportions had become decidedly more human-like. Sakura had a pretty good idea where the lion's share of her siphoned human essence was going.

The queen's lab was a marvel of organized chaos, with bubbling beakers and whirring contraptions covering every available surface. Joousa gestured for Sakura to take a seat on a cushioned stool while she busied herself gathering various instruments.

"Now then," the queen said, picking up a strange, glowing device. "Let's see how you're progressing, shall we?"

As Joousa ran her tests, Sakura couldn't help but fidget. These examinations always made her a bit nervous, even after all this time.

"You know," Joousa mused as she jotted down some notes, "we could have been done with all this already if you'd taken that accelerated elixir I gave you."

Sakura winced, remembering the vial still hidden in her dresser drawer back home. "I know, I know. But after talking it over with Sasuke, I decided the slower route was better."

The queen clucked her tongue. "Well, I can't say I'm entirely displeased. The slower progression has given me some excellent data. Still, I hope you're happy with the results so far?"

Before Sakura could answer, the lab door swung open, and a familiar voice called out, "Yo, Sakura!"

She turned to see Mochi bounding into the room, grinning from ear to floppy ear. Sakura's eyes widened as she took in his appearance. The once tiny rabbit had grown considerably, now easily reaching her waist.

"Mochi!" she exclaimed. "Look at you! You're not in training anymore, are you?"

The rabbit puffed out his chest proudly. "Nope! Graduated to full summoning status last month. Pretty cool, huh?"

As Sakura and Mochi chatted, catching up on the latest warren gossip, Queen Joousa continued her work, muttering to herself as she mixed various concoctions.

Their conversation was interrupted by another arrival. Carrot, Hinata's personal summon, poked her head into the lab. "Sorry to interrupt," she said, "but Serena wants to speak with Sakura before she leaves."

Joousa grumbled half-heartedly. "Caerbannog, you great lump! I told you not to let the youngsters in while I'm working."

Sakura glanced over to see the massive battle rabbit looking thoroughly chastised. She'd grown so used to his presence that she sometimes forgot just how imposing he truly was.

"Oh, don't be too hard on him," Sakura said, hopping up onto Caerbannog's enormous head. She began scratching him right behind the ears, exactly where he loved it. The giant rabbit's foot began to thump rhythmically against the ground, causing the entire lab to shake.

"Caerbannog!" Joousa snapped, more seriously this time. "You're rattling my equipment!"

The thumping stopped abruptly, and Sakura patted the dejected rabbit's head. "Sorry, big guy. I promise we'll continue later, okay?"

As Sakura climbed down, she couldn't help but ask, "You know, I've always wondered. Why is Caerbannog so much bigger than the other rabbits?"

Queen Joousa sighed, setting down her instruments. "It's quite the tale, actually. Caerbannog here was the runt of his litter, if you can believe it. He desperately wanted to be big and strong."

The queen's eyes took on a faraway look. "The previous queen was experimenting with ways to make individual summons stronger, rather than relying on our usual wave attacks. The elixirs she fed Caerbannog... well, you can see the results."

Sakura frowned. "Is there something wrong with him?"

At Caerbannog's hurt look, she quickly added, "I'm sorry! I didn't mean it like that. You're amazing!"

The giant rabbit sulked, turning away slightly. Queen Joousa shook her head. "There's nothing wrong with him, per se. Caerbannog is quite combat-capable. The issue is that the area where the Great Warren is located can't easily sustain beings of his size. Not like the domains of the Toads or Snakes."

She stroked her chin thoughtfully. "Making more rabbits like him would simply be too resource-intensive. At least... currently."

Sakura's ears perked up at that last word, her curiosity piqued. "Currently? What do you mean by that?"

The queen merely chuckled, waving a paw dismissively. "Oh, nothing for you to worry about, dear. Now then, let's get you your elixir, shall we?"

As Joousa bustled about, preparing the latest batch, Sakura couldn't shake the feeling that the queen was hiding something. But before she could press the issue, Joousa returned with a small, ornate vial filled with a shimmering liquid.

"Here we are," the queen said, handing it to Sakura. "I don't foresee any more major changes for at least several years. We're focusing more on refinement now."

Sakura accepted the vial gratefully. "Thank you, Your Majesty. For everything you've done to help me."

Queen Joousa's expression softened. "Think nothing of it, my dear. Oh! Before I forget, there's something else we need to discuss."

The rabbit monarch's tone grew more serious. "I know you'll be taking on missions once you graduate from the academy. With that in mind, I'm granting you permission to summon rabbits for combat purposes."

Sakura's eyes widened in shock. "R-really? Are you sure?"

Joousa nodded. "Quite sure. I know Mochi and Carrot would appreciate the combat experience. And if things get truly dire..." She glanced over at Caerbannog. "Well, you have my permission to summon our resident behemoth. But only if things are truly desperate, understood?"

Sakura nodded vigorously, though she couldn't help but voice her doubts. "I appreciate the offer, Your Majesty, but I'm not sure I have the chakra reserves to summon someone Caerbannog's size."

The queen's eyes twinkled mischievously. "Ah, but that's where this comes in." She grasped Sakura's arm gently, examining the summoning tattoo that covered it. With a few quick gestures and a pulse of chakra, the design shifted slightly.

"There," Joousa said, looking satisfied. "I've altered your tattoo. This will allow you to summon Caerbannog once with minimal cost to your reserves. However," she added, her tone growing stern, "if you use it, either you or the Leaf Village will need to reimburse us. Understood?"

Sakura nodded, a bit overwhelmed by the responsibility. Then, unable to resist, she grinned impishly at the queen. "So... would a date with Jiraiya be enough to cover it?"

Queen Joousa let out an indignant squawk, her ears standing straight up in surprise. "Why, you cheeky little...!" She turned to Mochi and Carrot, who were barely containing their laughter. "You two! Take this impertinent girl away before I decide to turn her into a full rabbit!"

As Mochi and Carrot ushered a giggling Sakura out of the lab, she called back over her shoulder, "Don't worry, Your Majesty! I'll put in a good word for you next time I see him!"

The sound of Queen Joousa's flustered sputtering followed them down the tunnel, mixing with the laughter of the two younger rabbits.

Once they were a safe distance away, Mochi wiped a tear from his eye. "Oh man, Sakura. You really know how to push her buttons!"

Carrot nodded in agreement. "I haven't seen Her Majesty that flustered in ages. Though I have to admit, her pursuit of the Toad Sage is... unexpected."

Sakura shrugged, her own giggles subsiding. "Hey, even rabbit queens need love, I guess. Though I'm not sure Jiraiya knows what he's in for."

As they made their way through the warren, Sakura couldn't help but marvel at how much had changed in the two years since she'd first signed the summoning contract. The once unfamiliar tunnels now felt like a second home, and the rabbits she passed greeted her warmly.

"So," Mochi said, breaking into her thoughts, "how are things going back in Konoha? Ready for graduation?"

Sakura nodded, a mix of excitement and nervousness fluttering in her stomach. "As ready as I'll ever be, I suppose. It's hard to believe we'll be full-fledged genin soon."

As Sakura, Mochi, and Carrot made their way through the winding tunnels of the Great Warren, a familiar voice called out from behind them.

"And just where do you think you're going, young lady?"

Sakura turned to see Serena, her rabbit taijutsu instructor, standing with her paws on her hips. The elderly rabbit's fur was graying around the edges, but her eyes still held a sharp, mischievous glint.

"Serena-sensei!" Sakura exclaimed, bowing respectfully. "I was just on my way to see you, actually."

Serena's whiskers twitched in amusement. "Is that so? Well then, I suppose we'd better get started. I hear you're about to graduate from that ninja academy of yours."

Sakura nodded eagerly. "That's right! I'm at the top of my class among the girls, and second overall. Only Sasuke-kun is ahead of me."

"Is that so?" Serena mused, her tone neutral. "Well, that remains to be seen."

Confusion furrowed Sakura's brow. "What do you mean? I've worked incredibly hard these past two years. My grades—"

Serena waved a paw dismissively. "Grades, schmades. Book learning is all well and good, but it's not everything. No, my dear, if you want to prove you're ready to be a real ninja, you'll need to pass a test from me."

Sakura's eyes widened as the elderly rabbit dropped into a fighting stance, her long ears twitching in anticipation. "Wait, what? But I haven't prepared! I'm not dressed for combat, and—"

"Life doesn't always let you be perfectly prepared, girl!" Serena barked, her voice taking on a drill sergeant's tone. "A true ninja must be ready for anything, at any time. Now, defend yourself!"

Before Sakura could protest further, Serena was upon her. The elderly rabbit moved with a speed that belied her age, launching a flurry of kicks at Sakura's midsection.

Instinct took over, and Sakura found herself falling into the Rabbit Style stance she'd been drilling for the past two years. She twisted her body, allowing Serena's kicks to whistle past her by mere centimeters.

"Good!" Serena called out, not letting up for a moment. "But evasion alone won't win you any battles!"

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Sakura gritted her teeth, knowing her instructor was right. As Serena's next kick came in, Sakura dropped low, sweeping her leg out in an attempt to knock the rabbit off balance.

Serena easily hopped over the sweep, but Sakura was already moving. She planted her hands on the ground and pushed off, sending both of her feet straight up towards Serena's chin.

The elderly rabbit's eyes widened in surprise, and she was forced to lean back to avoid the strike. "Not bad!" she called out, a hint of pride in her voice. "But you'll have to do better than that!"

As Sakura's feet touched back down, she immediately sprang forward, closing the distance between them. She unleashed a series of rapid-fire punches, each one carefully aimed at Serena's vital points.

The rabbit instructor weaved and bobbed, avoiding each strike with practiced ease. But Sakura wasn't finished. As Serena dodged the last punch, Sakura suddenly dropped low, planting her hands on the ground once more.

With a grunt of effort, she pushed off, sending both feet straight into Serena's chest. The rabbit's eyes widened in genuine surprise this time, and she was sent tumbling backward.

For a moment, Sakura thought she might have actually landed a solid hit. But as Serena rolled, she suddenly sprang up, twisting in midair to land gracefully on her feet.

"Clever girl," Serena said, a hint of approval in her voice. "But you'll need more than clever tricks to beat me!"

The elderly rabbit's counterattack was swift and merciless. She bounded forward, using her powerful legs to launch herself into the air. Sakura barely had time to cross her arms in front of her face before Serena's feet slammed into her guard.

The force of the impact sent Sakura skidding backward, her heels digging furrows in the earthen floor of the warren. She managed to keep her footing, but her arms throbbed from the power of the blow.

"Come on, girl!" Serena taunted, already moving in for another attack. "Show me what you've really learned these past two years!"

Sakura's mind raced, trying to recall every lesson, every drill, every piece of advice Serena had given her. As the rabbit instructor closed in, Sakura made a split-second decision.

Instead of trying to dodge or block, she met Serena's charge head-on. At the last possible moment, Sakura dropped into a low crouch, her muscles coiling like springs.

Serena's eyes widened in surprise, but it was too late to change course. As the rabbit passed over her, Sakura exploded upward, driving her shoulder into Serena's midsection.

The force of the impact sent both of them tumbling through the air. They hit the ground hard, rolling end over end in a tangle of limbs and pink hair.

When they finally came to a stop, Sakura found herself flat on her back, gasping for air. Her entire body ached, and she could already feel bruises forming.

Serena stood over her, breathing lightly and only looking slightly mused. The elderly rabbit regarded her student with a critical eye, before finally nodding.

"Acceptable," Serena declared, offering a paw to help Sakura up. "Not perfect, mind you, but acceptable."

Sakura groaned as she accepted the help, her muscles protesting as she climbed to her feet. "Thank you, Serena-sensei," she managed between breaths.

The rabbit instructor's whiskers twitched in amusement. "Don't thank me yet, girl. You becoming an active genin means we'll need to intensify your training."

Sakura couldn't help but let out another groan at the thought. Serena's current training regimen was already brutal. The idea of it becoming even more intense was almost too much to bear.

"Oh, don't give me that," Serena chided, though there was a hint of fondness in her voice. "You've come a long way these past two years, but you've still got a lot to learn."

Sakura nodded, wincing slightly as she rolled her shoulders. "I know, Serena-sensei. It's just... I thought I was doing so well in the academy. But this fight... it really showed me how much further I have to go."

Serena's expression softened slightly. "That's not necessarily a bad thing, you know. Recognizing your own limitations is the first step towards surpassing them."

The elderly rabbit began to pace back and forth, her ears twitching thoughtfully. "You've got potential, girl. More than most humans I've trained over the years. But potential alone isn't enough."

She stopped, fixing Sakura with a stern gaze. "The ninja world is harsh and unforgiving. It won't care about your grades or your class ranking. All that matters out there is whether you can complete the mission and keep yourself and your teammates alive."

Sakura nodded solemnly, understanding the weight of Serena's words. "I know, Sensei. I promise I'll work even harder from now on."

A small smile tugged at Serena's whiskers. "Good. Because once you're a full-fledged genin, we're going to kick your training into high gear. I hope you're ready for some long nights and sore muscles."

Despite her exhaustion, Sakura couldn't help but feel a surge of determination. "I'm ready, Sensei. Whatever it takes to become stronger."

Serena nodded approvingly. "That's what I like to hear. Now then, let's go over that last exchange. Your form was sloppy when you went for that shoulder tackle..."

As Serena launched into a detailed critique of the fight, Sakura listened intently, committing every word to memory. She knew the road ahead would be difficult, but she was more determined than ever to prove herself worthy of being a Konoha ninja.

Mochi and Carrot, who had been watching the entire exchange from the sidelines, exchanged impressed glances.

"She's come a long way," Carrot whispered, careful not to interrupt Serena's lecture.

Mochi nodded in agreement. "Yeah, she has. But Serena-sensei is right. The real challenges are just beginning."

As they watched Sakura absorb Serena's lessons, both rabbits couldn't help but wonder what the future held for their human summoner. Whatever lay ahead, they knew one thing for certain: it was bound to be interesting.

The impromptu training session with Serena lasted for another hour, with the elderly rabbit putting Sakura through her paces. By the time they finished, Sakura was drenched in sweat, her muscles screaming in protest with every movement.

"Alright, that's enough for today," Serena finally declared, much to Sakura's relief. "You did well, girl. But remember, this is just the beginning."

Sakura nodded, too out of breath to form a proper response. She gratefully accepted a water bottle that Mochi offered her, gulping down its contents.

As she caught her breath, Sakura couldn't help but reflect on how far she'd come since first signing the summoning contract. The Rabbit Style taijutsu had become an integral part of her fighting style, complementing the academy teachings in ways she never would have imagined.

"Sensei," Sakura said, once she'd regained her composure, "I was wondering... how does the Rabbit Style compare to other taijutsu forms? I mean, I know it's effective, but..."

Serena's whiskers twitched thoughtfully. "Ah, curious about the competition, are we? Well, I suppose that's only natural."

The elderly rabbit settled into a more comfortable position, her tone taking on a lecturing quality. "The Rabbit Style, as you've learned, focuses on quick, evasive movements and powerful kicks. It's designed to let you avoid damage while striking hard and fast."

Sakura nodded, having experienced this firsthand during their sparring sessions.

"Compared to some other styles," Serena continued, "we might seem... well, a bit unorthodox. The Hyuuga clan's Gentle Fist, for instance, is all about precision strikes to the chakra network. The Strong Fist style favored by some of your Leaf ninja is more about overwhelming power."

"So... is the Rabbit Style weaker than those?" Sakura asked, a hint of worry in her voice.

Serena snorted. "Weaker? Hardly. Different, yes. But not weaker. Every style has its strengths and weaknesses. The key is knowing how to play to your strengths and minimize your weaknesses."

The elderly rabbit's eyes took on a mischievous glint. "Besides, most ninja won't be expecting to face someone trained in our style. The element of surprise can be a powerful weapon in itself."

Sakura nodded, feeling a bit more reassured. Still, a nagging doubt lingered in her mind. "But what about when I'm on a team? How will the Rabbit Style work with other fighting styles?"

"An excellent question," Serena said approvingly. "And one that shows you're thinking like a true ninja. No shinobi fights alone, after all."

The rabbit instructor began to pace as she explained. "The Rabbit Style's emphasis on mobility and quick strikes makes it well-suited for support roles. You can dart in to create openings for your teammates, or use your evasive skills to draw enemy attention away from your allies."

Sakura's mind raced with possibilities. She could already imagine how her style might complement Sasuke's more aggressive approach, Hinata's precision strikes, or even Naruto's unpredictable fighting method.

"Of course," Serena added, interrupting Sakura's thoughts, "that's not to say you can't be effective on your own. As you grow stronger and refine your techniques, you'll find the Rabbit Style can be quite devastating in one-on-one combat as well."

The elderly rabbit fixed Sakura with a stern gaze. "But remember, girl. The style is just a tool. It's how you use it that matters. Even the most powerful technique is useless if you don't know when and how to apply it."

Sakura nodded solemnly, taking the words to heart. "I understand, Sensei. Thank you for explaining all this to me."

Serena's expression softened slightly. "You're welcome, girl. Now then, I think it's about time you headed back to your village. You've got a big day ahead of you tomorrow, if I'm not mistaken."

Sakura's eyes widened as she realized how much time had passed. "Oh no! You're right, I need to get home and rest up for the graduation exam!"

As Sakura hurriedly gathered her things, Mochi and Carrot approached, looking concerned.

"Are you sure you're okay to travel back on your own?" Mochi asked. "That was a pretty intense workout."

Carrot nodded in agreement. "We could always escort you back to Konoha, just to be safe."

Sakura smiled at her rabbit friends' concern. "I'll be fine, really. Besides, I need to get used to pushing through exhaustion if I'm going to be a real ninja, right?"

Serena nodded approvingly. "Well said, girl. But don't push yourself too hard. A tired ninja is a dead ninja, after all."

With final goodbyes and promises to update them on her graduation results, Sakura activated the reverse summoning scroll. In a puff of smoke, she found herself back in her bedroom in Konoha.

As she collapsed onto her bed, every muscle in her body aching, Sakura couldn't help but smile. Tomorrow would bring new challenges, but she felt more prepared than ever to face them head-on.