Author's Note: Early Morning (well not really), so I decided to write a couple more chapters. R+R+ enjoy!

Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto; All that stuff belongs to Kishimoto! This is just a fan fiction.

It was a good hour or two before noon when Team 7 finally reached the village despite beginning the mission early in the morning. Even though the hike down really wasn't that long or treacherous (it was actually quite nice, Sarada thought), they spent a while on checking the area for any still lingering traps and defences as a precaution. Like predicted, there were none, so Sarada reasoned that the traps were probably triggered or deactivated by the enemy or the Konoha investigation squad sent out after the raid.

The group spent quite some time exploring the Rift village. Looking at her surroundings, Sarada concluded that the village probably once held a proud, powerful history, and was greatly feared and revered. Then, they shockingly lost everything due to some unfortunate events, and all that was left were scraps of what they used to be, now spoken only in legends, disappearing and crumbling into the flow of time.

The village reminded Sarada of her clan, the Uchiha clan, or at least she thought it did, for she yet had to ask her father about the details he stubbornly wouldn't reveal. It also made her think: would someone ever build this ruined village up from its ashes and continue its legacy, like Sarada's how parents started doing so for the Uchiha clan's revival by having her, or will it just rest and gradually rot away?

Lost in thoughts, Sarada's foot caught on a loose stone, causing her to stumble. She would've fell if it weren't for Mitsuki, who caught her at the last second. His eyes were wide with concern, and before he could voice his thoughts, Sarada pushed him off and grumbled, "I'm fine," and in a kinder tone, she hastily added a thank you. Boruto was snickering besides her, and she shot a warning glare at him, which very effectively ceased his laughter.

Sarada backtracked and picked up the stone she had kicked and turned it around, examining it. The rock seemed to be semi-transparent, for when she tilted it in the light, some sunlight filtered through even though there were no visible holes in it. It was also quite warm, and the heat seemed to pulsate in the rock every few seconds. Curious little rock. It was beautiful, so she slipped it inside her kunai pouch and quickly caught up with her team, where she found her teammates discussing things in hushed voices. To her surprise, Konohamaru sensei also joined in the conversation. Boruto then leaned over and whispered, "Hey Sarada."

"What?"

"Do you like anyone in particular?"

"Ehhhh!?"

For a moment, Sarada was taken aback at the question. It was never something she'd seriously given thought to. But then, one look at Boruto's face told her that the question would better be left unanswered. So instead, she let a wide smirk replace her shock and said slyly, "Why do you ask? Is it because you know that nobody likes you, and you need some love? Awww…."

To Sarada's satisfaction, Boruto's face was burning red, redder than the Uchiha crest on her back. Konohamaru sensei and Mitsuki were both laughing, and Boruto dipped his head in embarrassment. Sarada let a laugh ring out, leaned into Boruto and whispered something, making his head suddenly pop up like one of Kankuro's puppets. Boruto's face was paling to a paper white tone, which only made them laugh harder. Oh well. He deserved it once in a while, that little no-good idiot obsessed with other people's lives. Cha!

Perhaps Sarada didn't whack Boruto as often as Sakura did Naruto when they were the same age, but she definitely had her own ways.