Sakura was sitting under the old cherry tree. the sky looked like an openwork mosaic because of fragile black branches, and the sun's gleam seeped on the sleepy girl through translucent petals like gentle pastel light.
little flower buds and leaves intertwined in her bright pink hair, the light wind was plucking blossoms, and her eyelashes were fluttering as she looked at the clouds.
Sakura held a wreath Ino had presented to her.
in the beginning, when Ino had gotten close to Sai, she had started drawing too, but drawing had given nothing to her, only taking up her time.
and then Ino picked up a needle.
one of the best ninja military reconnaissance agents, Ino had made wreaths, stuffed toys, pillowcases, and other cute stuff.
this tender and lush wreath was made of small rose and cherry petals. Ino had sewed them together with a thin silk thread. of course it was a wonderful wreath, because Ino had done it.
today everything around Sakura was gentle, soft, and blooming, as she was. everything, that is, but her thoughts. her sleepy thoughts were confused.
we lost too many, she thought. thousands, tens of thousands of shinobi. the cherry blossom has lost its petals as people have lost their lives. little, little war. who are we now? where are we now without them?
otherwise, now all is quiet. poor Tenten.
can she be happy without Neji? hmm, yes, she can, because⦠because it is she.
and can we all be happy? now the sky is still blue, the grass is still green, and the cherry tree is still pastel pink. we are still alive.
no war, no death, no emptiness, no hatred.
its wreath is so delicate.
Sakura managed to become not only strong, but happy.
