This story was inspired by one of Naruto Shippuden's closing theme "Utakata Hanabi". My own version of the story behind Sakura's walk by the beach.

Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto.


Chapter One

It Started With The Hat

It was the last night of the Fireworks Festival. Numerous people have gathered at the Konoha Park near the beach to watch the traditional 15-minute fireworks display.

Seven-year-old Sakura ran to a vacant space in the grass facing the beach and turned to her parents, bouncing excitedly.

"Papa, Mama, hurry! I've got the perfect place! The firework's about to start!" Sakura called to her parents, waving her right hand at them while the other was holding her wide-brimmed straw hat to her head. Her knee-length white dress was flowing along the wind.

"Sakura, honey, why did you have to bring that hat? It might get carried away by the wind," her mother said as they sat on the soft grass.

"But Mama, Papa said he bought it for me because I look pretty with it. Right, Papa?" she

turned to the red-haired man beside her, her wide innocent green eyes pleading to him to agree with her.

He chuckled softly. "Of course, hime. It suits you beautifully."

She beamed at him, while her mother was mumbling something like "daddy's girl."

"Wow, looks like we've got bigger turn out this year than the last. Look at the number of people here," her father observed, looking at the populated area around them.

"Well, they added more food stalls and other activities so a lot of tourists were enticed to come." her mother replied, her jade eyes watching her daughter as she was flattening her dress to the ground and taking off her red doll shoes. Her one hand still on top of her head to keep her beloved hat from flying.

Mr. Haruno agreed. "Yeah, I noticed that on our way here." Then he turned to his little girl on his side. "Sakura-hime, where do you wanna eat after this?"

"Ooh, Papa, I wanna try the one I saw there!" she pointed her hand to her left, just as a strong wind passed them, blowing her hat in the air.

"My hat!"

Ignoring the fact that she was on her bare feet, she stood up immediately and followed her hat as it floated on air and flew to another direction.

"Sakura! Come back here!" her father ran after her, worried that he might lose her through the thick crowd. His wife wanted to follow him but he motioned for her to stay put and wait.

But Sakura didn't hear him as her attention was focused entirely at her hat, squeezing herself through the crowd. It was a gift from her father on her last birthday and she was determined to have it back whatever happens.

Just then, a small pale hand caught the edge of her hat. She stopped as soon as she saw her hat on land again.

"Is this yours?" asked the boy in front of her, holding out her hat. He looks the same age as her with jet black hair that matched his eyes. He was wearing a round-neck navy blue shirt and khaki shorts.

She took her hat from him and clutched it to her chest. "Yes, this is my hat. Thank you," she replied softly, before bowing her head in gratitude. She was still panting from her chase but relieved.

The boy smirked at her. "My name is Sasuke. I'm new here." He held out his hand to her.

Little Sakura looked up at his offered hand then back to his face. Then she smiled adoringly at him before taking his hand for a firm handshake.

"I'm Sakura."

Suddenly, bright light filled the park as fireworks started flying one by one, painting the sky with different colors as it explodes.

"Look, it's so pretty!" Sakura exclaimed as she and Sasuke lifted their heads and watched the fireworks above, fascination and amazement in their eyes. "They seem to go higher and higher!"

It was as if time had stopped in the park. No movement was seen as everyone continued to watch the on-going display, except for one man who was still running among the crowd. He halted once he spotted the object of his search. He was still catching his breath from his run, yet relieved to see his daughter safe and unharmed.

Then he raised his right eyebrow.

Sasuke then turned to look at Sakura, who was still gazing up in the sky, then lowered his head, a small smile forming on his lips.

She still hasn't let go of his hand.

o0o0o0o

The festival at the end of August flooded with people

Wearing yukata and geta, making sounds of click clack ring

As the fireworks suddenly went off, we looked up

And I stole a glance at your enraptured face

o0o0o0o

tbc…


This short fic was supposed to be a very long one shot but I decided on making it at least a five-part drabble. Please please review after reading. Thanks and God bless..