As Sarada made her way to the lab, she ran into Chocho.

"Ah, Sarada, what are you doing here? Shouldn't you be at the lab?" she asked as she snacked on potato chips.

"Heh… yeah…" she tried to hide her grief. "I'm going there now." She was not looking forward to see Kawaki.

"Ooh, you're so lucky you get to work with that hot outsider." Sarada flinched and tried to hide her dread. "It's like these potato chips. I don't normally like spicy, but it's something different from the other chips. It's inspired from some far off country where people put a lot of spices in their food. I normally like bold flavors, and these really have a strong hot flavor! Mmm. I like something different once in a while and these are perfect for that."

Sarada looked at her with cynicism. 'Something different…'

Sarada walked into the lab dreading to see Kawaki. "Oh, hello Akita-san."

"Ah, Sarada hello. Did something happen? You're late today."

"I just… overslept a bit."

"Well good thing you made it here. Kawaki's last day is today."

"Wh-what? I thought it wasn't for at least another month?"

"Hmm, yes… but Katasuke decided he needs to do the next round of testing sooner. We just can't get the data we need at this lab."

"Is that so…"

"Well look who decided to show up." Sarada turned to see Kawaki's usual apathetic expression. She tried to act as normal as possible.

"You should've come in that little dress from yesterday." He looked her up and down.

Sarada hoped he didn't notice her cheeks flush. She tried to keep her gaze away from him.

"NARUTO…" Sasuke sternly called. "Where is Bolt? You need to set him straight, or I will. He made a promise to Sarada and now he's gone missing?"

"He's on a mission right now, Sasuke. Let me explain."

Sarada felt relief on the way home. She quickly apologized to Katasuke for being late and found herself feeling better knowing that Kawaki would leave town.

She caught up again with Chocho on the way home.

"I'm actually getting sick of these chips. Want to get some anmitsu?"

Sarada sighed. "I'd rather just go home." The village just feels so small lately.

"What? You never turn down anmitsu. Well here, take the rest of my chips. You've been talking about how you're sick of routine lately. Try something new once in a while. You'll enjoy it. This brand comes out with something new and limited every so often and I can never get enough. It always keeps it exciting, even if the flavor isn't so good."

Sarada looked at the bag and hesitantly took it. She didn't want them but took them anyway.

"How did it go at the lab today? Maybe I should volunteer too so I can be around that hot stranger. Those tattoos and piercings are so hot. And he's dark and brooding. He kind of reminds me of your dad."

Sarada thought for a moment. He is a lot like Papa…