Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto, the characters, or the story. They all belong to Kishimoto Masashi.
Chapter Three: The Festival
The first night of summer was when the festival opened. Many of the clans came on this night, revealing how important the celebration was. Of course, without the Hokage there to officially open the Summer Festival, nothing was allowed to begin. Luckily, there were two hours left to set up, leaving Naruto with plenty of time to get Sakura's kimono. That is, if she would tell him where she had it tailored!
"Ah, Sakura-sama, I believe you took it to Hoshiniki's Tailor Shop!" Akako offered, walking behind the adults before her. Sakura stopped, lost in thought at this suggestion. She probably did drop it off there.
"Alright. Let's check there."
As the three entered the tailor shop, a woman lifted her head from the counter, smiling at the sight of Naruto and Sakura (but mainly Naruto). Akako skipped forward to explain why they were there, while Sakura was trying on different flats. Naruto noted that she seemed a bit happier with the idea now. Was it his kiss that helped her, or was it the fact he was paying for everything? His face fell at the thought, yet somehow, he knew that wasn't the case. Hopefully.
Akakok suddenly returned to their side, holding a brown package. Sakura's eyes seemed to sparkle even more as she found the right pair of flats. Naruto handed her the correct amount of ryou with a smile upon his face. He was so glad that she didn't look depressed and lonely anymore. The only thing that made him worry was whether Akako would be with them the whole night. He really just wanted the night to be for him and Sakura. He was going to give her the most wonderful gift ever.
"Hokage-san! Sakura-sama! Let's go!"
"Akako-chan, why don't you go hang out with your friends tonight?" Sakura suggested.
Oh, thank Kami! She must have the same idea as me! Naruto thought with a goofy grin on his lips.
"Hokage-sama? I need to go back to my apartment to get ready," Sakura explained, standing in the doorway of the shop. Naruto, instantly shaken out of his thoughts, turned to the kunoichi with a smile. "Could you pick me up there at six?"
"Of course! Do you think I would make you walk to the festival?" Naruto left the shop alongside her, still smiling. "I will pick you up at six, Sakura-chan!"
Both went opposite ways, yet both were imagining the same thing: how the other would look in their festival clothes. Naruto was an exception, though. He would wear his orange coat with the black flames around the edges. Sakura sighed at the image. Of all the portraits she had seen of Yondaime, Naruto looked like every single one. She couldn't deny it any longer; Uzumaki Naruto had grown into the most handsome young man.
"Sakura and the Hokage are going as a couple this year."
"Well then, this will make the effect of kidnapping even greater! We'll just have to plan for something after the festival, when security is loosened up a bit."
Four masked and cloaked figures stood on top of the tailor shop. Two gazed at the retreating back of the Hokage, while the others watched Sakura. They went unnoticed, as if they were four normal shinobi. Yet, there was only one who sensed them:
Naruto.
Sakura stood in the living room of her apartment, trying to calm herself. She was extremely nervous; nothing could compare to this. At long last, a knock came to her door. Opening her fan as she went to answer it, she hid her face as if to surprise Naruto.
"Sakura-chan! Are you ready…" Naruto's eyes widened at the beauty standing before him. "S-S-Sakura…"
"Yes?"
Sakura's kimono was a bright red with light pink cherry blossoms scattered about. Her obi was a light pink as well, balancing the colors. Her hair was in a high ponytail, filled with curls. There was a butterfly clip at the base of the ponytail, finishing off her ensemble. Yes, Sakura was a vision of pure beauty. Even her eye shadow was red, making her seem even more radiant. Naruto could not believe his eyes.
"Y-You're gorgeous…" Naruto whispered, stepping forward. His eyes seemed to be glazed over as he brushed the back of his fingers against her cheek. "The most gorgeous woman in the world."
"Naruto…"
Naruto gave a gentle smile as the medic-nin finally said his name. Her fan closed as Naruto's lips brushed against hers. Sakura wasn't even pulling away; she was actually nudging her nose against his. Both began to close their eyes at the same time, prepared for what was to come. Their bodies moved closer, and as they did, Sakura gripped the infamous cloak tightly.
"Hokage-san! Sakura-sama!"
"AKAKO!"
"Arigatou, Naruto…for the cute kitsune plushie!" Sakura cooed. In her arms she held a stuffed red fox, which oddly resembled the Kyuubi in one-tailed form.
"Heh, it was nothing, 'ttebayo!"
"No! I'm going to keep it forever!"
The festival was crowded, but the Hokage and Head Medic-Nin were enjoying their time together. Naruto kept an arm about Sakura's shoulders, making sure no other man bothered her. He was overly protective, yes, but in such a large celebration, there was a need for it. Especially after those four ominous chakra signatures he felt earlier. Sakura wasn't even trying to pull away, which did raise a few eyebrows.
"Naruto, look! Sweet dumplings!" Sakura pointed towards a small stand, her eyes shining. "Oh, do you have enough money left to get me some!?"
"Of course, Sakura-chan. Come on, let's go!"
Sakura smiled happily. She loved sweet dumplings, and Naruto would buy her the whole stand if he could. As the two sat and ate in the park (more like Sakura was feeding Naruto), they gazed up at the stars, a pink head lying in Naruto's black lap. The Rokudaime was a bit surprised at the action, but he just leaned back on his hands, gazing up at the heavens with the one he loved. It seemed the picked the perfect spot; no one was around, and it was perfectly quiet.
"Naruto-kun…do you think you will ever find true love?" Sakura whispered softly, eyes closed as Naruto began to run his hand through her pink bangs.
"Eh? Of course I will, Sakura-chan. I've always dreamt of this one girl that's been by my side for thirteen years now…"
"Hinata?"
"No, not her. She's sweet and all, but I don't think her personality will fit mine so well, Sakura-chan," Naruto shook his head in disgust. "I was talking of a certain one with pink hair, beautiful rosy lips, and powerful strength. One that I can talk to and never have to deal with my worries."
Sakura's eyes widened. He was talking about her. She could not believe it. Her heart began to pound heavily, as if she were trying to tell herself it were true; she knew it was true. Of course it was true! She smiled, and sat up slowly, pressing her lips against Naruto's. Before they knew it, they were heading back to her apartment, and the lights remained off as two bodies joined together in a dark bedroom.
