Hidden Leaf Gate
"Could you let go of my arm?" Sakumo said as the new official couple walked towards the center of the village. As soon as they entered the gate, Wasabi wrapped her arms around his right arm, causing everyone around to stare, making him a bit uncomfortable. Aomaru walked next to them, panting and wiggling its tail.
"No" she simply answered as she kept clinging to him.
"Why not" he insisted.
"Because" she started as she tightened her grip "you're my boyfriend and this is what girls always do, I guess I now understand why" she smirked "besides" she said as she glared back at yet another girl who was glaring at her "gotta let all these bitches know you're taken" she explained as it looked like that woman got the message "god, I feel like one of my mother's cats marking its territory or something"
"I see..." Sakumo nodded as he noticed that most stares did in fact come from women "I didn't know you were the jealous type" he teased.
"It's not jealousy" Wasabi defended herself "it's just that you're a very handsome man you know, and I have to fend off any woman that dares to even think about making a move on my boyfriend you see?"
"You have nothing to worry about, I only have eyes for you, let them stare, I don't give a rat's ass about them" he stated.
"Oh..." she purred as laid her head on his shoulder "I know that. It's not you I'm worried about, it's them. It's important social stuff. But well, since you don't give a rat's ass about pretty much anything, you wouldn't get it"
"I do, actually"
"Is that so?"
"Yeah. Let me confess something to you" he started "you're a beautiful woman yourself, you also have your fair share of... admirers. The reason you're not constantly being hit on is because I've used some... intimidation tactics on idiots that so much as looked at you the wrong way"
"Sakumo Uchiha" Wasabi gasped "have you been scaring boys away from me behind my back all this time?"
"Yeah..." he embarrassingly admitted "I know it might have been selfish... but I get what you meant before. The mere thought of you with someone else just drives me nuts"
"It's okay" she laughed "I only have eyes for you too... saving me the trouble of rejecting boys that I'm not interested in? I can only be thankful for that" she said as she invaded his personal space even more by wrapping her arms around his torso "it's so you, though. Cold, preemptive strikes"
"I'm sure you've done the same for me" he answered.
"Oh yeah, definitely" she admitted. They both laughed. Wasabi couldn't help but notice Sakumo's laughter. And the smiles he had flashed before. This was all new to her "Sakumo... you're different today" she stated.
"Well yeah... I'm your boyfriend now" he replied.
"Well I'm sure that the fact that we're together now is making you as happy as it's making me" she arrogantly proclaimed with a smirk "but it's not just that" she said as she went back to a serious expression "I fell for you a long time ago, I've been paying attention, and you are just, different today. I can feel it. Since I saw you looking for me with Aomaru. Like more carefree, more... relaxed. I don't know how to put it exactly..." she explained.
"I guess that's true..." he nodded.
"Not that there's anything wrong with that. The opposite. I guess I'm just trying to say... I like this side of you" she clarified. Sakumo smiled in return. "what happened to you these 3 days? It has made you happier and it's made you ask me out, you can share good news with me you know..."
"It wasn't exactly good news..." he started as he thought of a way to put it without saying too much "long story short, I learned about my clan's history. Some of it hit too close to home you know? I've seen that my dad, my uncle and a lot of my ancestors had something in common with me. And it was that edgy antisocial attitude. That has led to a lot of problems in the clan, bad things happened... and not just to them, but to me, too. It has made me miserable for the longest time. And I've seen I have to change that. I want to be different. More social. More happy"
"I see..." Wasabi nodded "I know that the history of the Uchiha clan is a very secretive and delicate topic. I can never get anything from my mom, Sarada or you... so I won't press you to tell me about it. I understand that... but I'm happy it made you take this decision" she smiled "looking forward to the new Sakumo. I'm already falling hard for him, even harder than the old one" she smiled as both stopped walking and hugged each other "happy to help you be more social, anytime" she said as she looked up to him.
"Thank you Wasabi, really" Sakumo smiled as he moved his head down to kiss her.
"Biiiiig broooootheeeerrrr!" a boy's yell interrupted them. Sakumo turned around and he was instantly greeted by his baby brother who hugged his leg.
"Hey squirt" he greeted. Part of him was happy to see him, he had missed him. But part of him was very annoyed. He picked the worst time.
"Well well, if it isn't my favorite couple" Suigetsu appeared behind Shisui, his son Namigetsu by his side.
"Suigetsu" Sakumo nodded.
"What, you're not going to deny my little tease this time?" he grinned.
"We don't have to deny it anymore" Wasabi answered.
"What?" Suigetsu's jaw dropped. He stared at Sakumo, whose blush confirmed it. "Oh my god it has finally happened" he started laughing "took you long enough" he playfully punched Sakumo in the chest "I don't know why you had to beat around the bush for so long, like father like son I guess" he turned his attention to Wasabi "congrats on locking him down girl, I'm sure both your moms are just itching to throw a party and celebrate" Wasabi blushed.
"A party?" Namigetsu excitedly asked "what are we celebrating daddy?"
"That Sakumo and Wasabi are officially a couple"
"A couple, what does that mean?" Shisui titled his head.
"That Wasabi is Sakumo's girlfriend!"
"Girlfriend!? Sakumo!" Namigetsu confronted his best friend's brother "girls are yucky!" he disapproved.
"That's my boy. Enjoy hating girls while you still can" Suigetsu grinned as he crouched and rubbed his son's head. Namigetsu grinned back, taking the compliment, but not understanding what his father meant by the last part.
"Your son can be pretty adorable Suigetsu, don't raise him to be a pig like you" Wasabi folded her arms. Both stuck their tongues out at her in response, causing her to huff and look away.
"Stop teasing my girl, idiots" Sakumo spoke up as he felt the need to stand up for her.
"Look at him getting all defensive!" Suigetsu laughed.
"Your brother's gonna get cooties Shisui!" Namigetsu laughed as well.
"Nuh-uh!" Shisui countered.
"Yuh-uh!" Namigetsu insisted.
"Wait!" Shisui ignored him as he looked at his brother "This means Wasabi is going to be my big sister too right?" Shisui asked with a big smile from ear to ear, staring at her.
"Not exactly..." Wasabi blushed.
"I like Wasabi, big brother! Please make her my sister! Please?" he asked him. It was Sakumo's turn to blush now. "Pretty please?"
"Knock that off Shisui!" he yelled as it was clear he was making Wasabi uncomfortable as well.
"I'm sorry big brother..." Shisui pouted, scared of his outburst, hiding himself behind Wasabi's leg.
"Hey don't worry Shisui, your big brother is just embarrassed" Wasabi crouched and talked to him, trying to comfort him.
"I like you Wasabi, you like me too right?" Shisui smiled as he hugged her.
"Of course I do" she smiled as she hugged him back.
"Be careful, he might steal her from you" Suigetsu teased Sakumo. Sakumo sweatdropped. "Anyway since he's better with you guys, I'm leaving him with you, I've been taking care of him all day"
"Hey! We're on a date here!" Sakumo yelled as Suigetsu picked up Namigetsu and attempted to leave.
"Just drop him off home, it's getting late, anyway"
"You do that"
"He's your brother!" Suigetsu countered before disappearing.
"That son of a..." he interrupted himself as he remembered his little brother was listening "I guess we're making a stop by my place before dinner"
"Shouldn't be too much of a problem" Wasabi said as she stood up and Shisui started playing with Aomaru. Her phone beeped. She took it out and read a text she received from Chocho "Oh my god..." she said aloud as she finished reading it.
"What's wrong?" Sakumo asked.
"Boruto is going out with Sumire..." she explained.
"What? Who the hell is Sumire?"
"I told you about her, I'm sure, Sumire is my former teammate" she rolled her eyes "she's with Boruto? Where did that come from? I would have known if she had a thing for him, this can't be right..." she talked more to herself than Sakumo.
"Why should I care about this?" Sakumo raised an eyebrow.
"Because your sister obviously has feelings for him and this will devastate her?"
"Are you sure this Sumire girl is Boruto's girlfriend? I feel like we would know if he had one, even me"
"I don't know... listen, I have to find out what's going on. Take your little brother home and we'll resume our date later okay?"
"Sure..." Sakumo said as she disappeared.
"Hey doggy! Wait!" Shisui yelled as Aomaru ran after her "aw..." he complained "what happened, big brother?" he asked.
"I have no idea..." he answered "anyway, let's get you home"
"Wasabi said something about big sister... she's sad..."
"Sad?"
"Yeah... I saw her crying before... big sister is sad. We have to go cheer her up"
"Crying? Where did you see her?" Sakumo asked. Suddenly, he was hit by an emotion of sadness. He just knew Sarada knew about this Boruto thing, and just like Wasabi said, it devastated her. It was like a sixth sense, which told him his sister needed him right now, and he would act accordingly.
"That way" Shisui pointed as Sakumo picked him up and both brothers looked for their sister.
Uchiha Clan Area
Sarada was nowhere to be found, they didn't find her where Shisui said he saw her or anywhere around the area. It was already night time, so Sakumo figured he should take his little brother home, as it was too late for him, and he would look for her on his own afterwards.
"Big brother, look! She's right there!" Shisui pointed his finger up from Sakumo's shoulders. She was sitting in a roof of a building close to their house. They could already tell something was wrong with her from that distance, she was looking down, with a very melancholic expression on her face, like she was there only in body and not in spirit.
"Alright, let's see what's wrong with her, hold tight" Sakumo said as he made his way up "let me do the talking okay? This is grown up stuff and you probably won't understand much"
"Okay" Shisui nodded. They arrived to where Sarada was, who was so deep in her own thoughts that she didn't even notice her brothers were right next to her, she continued to stare at the ground.
"Hey" Sakumo spoke up. Sarada's eyes snapped up and instantly looked at her right, seeing her brother sitting next to her.
"Oh, hey..." she faked a smile as she saw Shisui as well, sitting on Sakumo's lap.
"What are you doing here?" Sakumo awkwardly asked after some seconds of silence, he just sucked at cheering people up, but he would try his best.
"Nothing special... just, you know, thinking" Sarada answered, still faking her usual attitude.
"About..." Sakumo pressed.
"About what we just saw, of course" she replied. He knew she was lying, but he didn't call her out on it, he didn't see it appropriate just yet. Shisui just quietly observed, he was very good at doing that, the very few times he wanted to.
"And what do you think about it?"
"Well..." she started "it was... hard to see you know? I guess we'll discuss the details when we're alone..." she said as she looked at Shisui, still offering a smile to not make him feel bad or left out "but long story short, my previous dreams and convictions aren't going to change, if anything, they have made them stronger" she explained. Sakumo nodded "what about you?" she asked, Sarada decided she should put her own personal drama aside and help her brother, she knew that had to have a big impact on him, and the most important thing to her right now was him.
"Well... I guess I have learned from all of it" he answered "don't worry about me, it has also changed me for the best, in case that troubled you" he reassured.
"How so?"
"Like I talked with dad before... I guess that unlike you, I have inherited that dark part about the Uchiha. But I see it. And I won't let it get out of control you know? I have decided to be less like dad and more like you, if that makes sense"
"I understand what you mean..." Sarada nodded "did you just call him dad by the way?"
"Yeah... after all that, and after spending all this time with you as well, I now feel like part of this family 100%, even if I grew up with another one"
"I'm happy to hear that" Sarada flashed the first genuine smile in the conversation.
"And that of course means that I'm your brother, and I'm here to help you too you know" Sakumo decided to address the elephant in the room.
"Thank you..." Sarada answered. She just knew where he was going, but she tried to evade it with a dismissive response. Silence reigned again for about a minute. Sakumo used the time to think about how to tackle it, and was unable to come up with a strategy that convinced him, again, he just sucked at this.
"So..." Sakumo spoke up, he would just wing it "Boruto, huh..."
"What about him?" Sarada looked away.
"I just heard he's apparently going out with... Sumire, was it?"
"Yes, our former class rep. Again, what about it? You hate gossiping"
"Look" he sighed "it's not a coincidence that you're here, sulking, after that. Even a socially clueless idiot like me can tell what's going on here"
"Are you saying I'm jealous or something?" Sarada huffed with an arrogant tone.
"Well... yeah"
"And why would I be?"
"Sarada just drop the cool act okay? You're talking to the wrong cowboy here"
"I..." Sarada tried to answer. She did just think about what she was doing and she felt like an idiot. If there was one person that could see through the act she planned to use when asked about Boruto, the too cool for you act, it was her brother.
"I'm aware I'm not good at this, but I can tell you're hurt right now and as your brother, I'm more than happy to be the shoulder you need to cry on" he said with full conviction. Sarada just stared at her brother, and crying on his shoulder felt like the best offer in the world at that moment, so she took up his offer.
"You're right Sakumo... you're... right..." she said as she did just that and sobbed on his shoulder. Sakumo was a bit taken aback that his sister took his words quite literally, but he completely understood and let her. Shisui got down from Sakumo's lap and went around so he could be by his sister, rubbing her back and crying a bit himself, seeing his sister cry devastated him, even if he didn't understand what they were talking about, he understood that his sister was sad and neede dhim to comfort her. "I just feel like such an idiot you know?" she said between sobs, Sakumo limited himself to wrap his arm around her and comfort her with a hug "and I'm sorry you have to see this... both of you"
"It's okay Sarada, as a veteran in keeping up appearances, if there is someone you can lower your guard with, it's your family" he smiled.
"Big sister... stop crying... please..." Shisui sobbed as well.
"Let her cry, squirt" Sakumo said "sometimes people need to vent out, let all their emotions out crying, it happens to you too doesn't it?" he asked. Shisui simply nodded in response.
"Look who's talking..." Sarada muffled in his shoulder, joking as she now did feel better after crying again. She was frustrated that she needed to cry so much today, though.
"I know... like I said, working on it" he smiled back.
"Thank you... both of you... I'm sorry I'm such an emotional wreck today..." she said as she wiped her tears.
"It's okay... that's what we're here for" Sakumo reassured.
"Are brothers supposed to help sisters with their boy dramas and broken hearts though..."
"Yes, we are"
"I'll fix your broken heart big sister!" Shisui proclaimed as he sat on her lap.
"I know you will" she said as she hugged her baby brother.
"So I guess that cat's out of the bag..." Sarada spoke up after the hug "I know it may be difficult for you to understand Sakumo, I don't even understand it myself but... I'm in love with him"
"I don't understand it... but I get it, I guess" Sakumo replied "you are my sister and I'll support you no matter what, I'll even kick that idiot's... you know what, for you" he said avoiding foul language in front of Shisui "I do have plenty of reasons to do that, I've been restraining myself, but if it's for you, the gloves are off"
"I don't need you to kick anyone's you know what for me... stop being so protective of me, I'm your twin sister, not your baby sister"
"I was born first" he claimed.
"You know what... I don't know why... but I somehow know that's true as well" she thought aloud.
"See? It is my duty to protect you from boys, especially no good losers such as that idiot who did this to you"
"Will you let me have a boyfriend if it's corresponded love though?"
"Only if he's good enough"
"And who are you to judge that? You don't have a say in who I happen to be in love with. I can clearly see that you have something going on with Wasabi and know that you have nothing but respect and support from my part"
"Oh, about that..."
"What?"
"Wasabi and big brother are a couple!" Shisui exclaimed.
"Seriously!? You're official!?" Sarada gasped.
"Yeah..." Sakumo nodded with a blush.
"Since when?"
"A couple of hours ago..."
"And Shisui found out?"
"Yeah... And Suigetsu. And Namigetsu..."
"Well I'll get the details later, congratulations"
"Thanks... but we don't have to talk about it... since you were unlucky... I imagine this is not comfortable for you"
"Nonsense!" Sarada exclaimed as she hugged him "It's a good distraction, I'm so happy for you! So was asking her out part of this change you were talking about?"
"Yeah, you could say so"
"It was about time... you guys were so obvious, I knew it was your silly behavior what was preventing it from happening" she grinned.
"I know..." Sakumo admitted.
"So you're not sad anymore big sister?" Shisui practically yelled at her.
"I'm much better Shisui" she smiled "you forget all about it"
"Yay!" he cheered as he hugged her.
"It is quite rare to see all of you three together outside of the house" a voice spoke behind them.
"Daddy!" Shisui yelled as they all turned around.
"What are you doing here? It's getting late and it's almost bedtime for you" Sasuke said as he picked his son up.
"It's been 3 days dad, of course we wanted to spend some time together, we're siblings" Sarada explained.
"That makes sense I guess..." Sasuke shrugged.
"Were you spying on us?" she asked, horrified he might have overheard, her dad hearing all that was something that made her very uncomfortable.
"Tch" he huffed "when have I ever done that? Why? Talking about teenage drama? I seriously couldn't care less"
"Happy to know you don't care about our personal lives dad..." Sarada sighed, but deep down very relieved to know her dad didn't hear all that.
"Big brother and Wasabi are a couple!" Shisui exclaimed, thinking he needed to make that clear.
"Really now..." Sasuke smirked as he looked at his eldest son, who was as red as a tomato "you wasted no time at all, didn't you" he teased.
"Yeah... I took your advice" he confessed.
"Congratulations then... your mother will be very happy to hear that. If you want more of my advice, don't show up home tonight or you'll never hear the end of it from her" he told him "anyway you were talking about teenage drama. I'll leave both of you to it and take this little one home, I don't want you poisoning him with this silly stuff anymore" Sasuke put Shisui on his shoulders "but in all seriousness... I'm very proud and happy for you both" he said as he felt the need to say that again to them.
"Thanks" the twins said in unison.
"By the way, I was worried about other things and I forgot to ask you both earlier..." Sasuke said as he remembered "did you see anything... unusual in the memories of that day?" he asked. The twins embarrassingly shook their heads "nothing? Really? You're a genjutsu master Sarada, not even you?"
"Nothing dad... I even paid extra attention, but... nothing..." she answered.
"It's okay" Sasuke nodded "don't worry, we will figure it out soon enough" he reassured "anyway... we're going home, Shisui"
"Can I stay with big brother and big sister a little bit more? Please?" Shisui whined.
"No. You're having dinner and going straight to bed. It's really late" Sasuke commanded.
"Okay" Shisui sighed in defeat. And with that, Sasuke and Shisui were gone.
"By the way..." Sarada spoke up "here, your phone, I swung by to get mine and got yours while I was at it" she said as she handed it to him.
"Oh, thanks" he said as he took it.
"Might want to go on a date with your girlfriend tonight..." she smiled.
"Nah... I think my sister needs me more right now" he said as he saw he had a recent missed call from Wasabi, but he was sure she would understand.
"I don't need you to-" she complained.
"Yes, you do" he interrupted "let me call and tell her though" he said as he called her "Hey" he spoke as she picked up "Yeah, I'm with her... I'm sorry but I should spend some time with her tonight... Oh, I see... What?... Are you serious?... Yeah, I guess I could do that... Why?... I'm listening... Huh... Sounds retarded... Okay okay, I'll do it... Yes, I trust you... I said I'll do it... Yes... Okay, see you later... Bye" he hung up.
"What the hell was that about?" Sarada asked.
"Nothing" Sakumo sighed.
"Listen, it sounded like I'm ruining a big date or something, and I don't want to-" Sarada insisted.
"Don't worry about it" he interrupted her again "we're going to get some dumplings, your favorite, my treat" he said as he stood up.
"You don't have to do this"
"But I want to. Come on, sis" he made her stand up with him.
"Fine. Okay, bro" Sarada sighed in defeat.
Uchiha Clan House
"Sasuke, you have to go back to Karin's and get Shisui, it's super late" Sakura said as she heard the front door open and close.
"Already taken care of" Sasuke said as he made his way to the dining table and sat Shisui down on his stool.
"Huh?" Sakura said as she came out of the kitchen "my baby!" she exclaimed as she ran to the table hugged her youngest son "I was so worried about you!"
"Stop it, mommy!" Shisui laughed.
"Here, eat you dinner and we'll get you tucked in right after this, it's your bedtime already!" she said as she gave him his dinner "where was he?" she asked Sasuke.
"He was right there in that rooftop with his brother and sister" Sasuke pointed through the window as he sat down.
"So he was with Sakumo? Sarada was just here, but she just got her phone and went straight back out" Sakura said as she served her and Sasuke's dinner.
"Must have been, didn't get the details" Sasuke shrugged.
"So you don't care where your 2 year old son was, you weren't worried"
"He's fine isn't he"
"I'm done telling you how to be a responsible father" Sakura huffed.
"Thank you for the heads up before, both times, by the way" Sasuke retorted.
"Don't complain, they were wonderful surprises, weren't they?" Sakura winked as both ate dinner.
"I'll let you off the hook with Sarada. But not with Sakumo, you have no idea of the anxiety I felt those hours, woman" Sasuke complained "but yeah... they were" he admitted.
"Sakumo has matured so much in so little time, hasn't he..." Sakura smiled "well, I'm not saying it because of that, but, you know what I mean..."
"Mommy! Did you know big brother and Wasabi are a couple?" Shisui told her, partly because he thought she needed to know, partly to boast about the new concept he learned.
"And where did you get that from?" Sakura laughed.
"He's serious. The boy confirmed it to me just now" Sasuke informed while he ate.
"What!? It's official!? Oh my god does Tamaki know?" she said as she stood up and ran back to the kitchen.
"And this is why we don't tell your mom about these things, Shisui" Sasuke sighed while Shisui laughed.
Dumpling restaurant
"Mom's a total hypocrite though, always giving me shit for the bangs when she had ones herself as a kid" Sakumo said between bites.
"No she's not" Sarada defended her "that's exactly why she wants to help you. It was a reflection of her shyness, and she broke through it, while you still hide yourself underneath them"
"That's a nice theory you have there. Too bad it's totally wrong because I'm not shy" he rolled his eyes.
"Yes, you are"
"No, I'm not"
"I thought you decided to work on this stuff" Sarada shrugged.
"And I am, but I'm not shy"
"Still stuck in denial there. Well, that's stage 1, I guess"
"Whatever" Sakumo huffed as he took another bite.
"Anger, we're making progress" she smiled. The smile on her face completely disappeared as she saw Boruto and Sumire walking on the street. And whatever good mood she felt at the movement completely vanished.
"What's wrong?" Sakumo asked as he noticed Sarada's radical change of expression. He looked in the same direction where her eyes looked at, and he got the explanation "you know..." he said "the offer of kicking his ass is still on the table"
"Stop that" Sarada answered "you know what" she said as she stood up "I'll confront him myself" she announced.
"Sarada" Sakumo said as he grabbed her arm "you don't have to-"
"Yes. I have to" she said "I have to get this over with. Closure. For my own well being"
"Are you sure?"
"Yes. Completely sure..."
"Alright then..." Sakumo said as he let her go.
Sarada took a couple of deep breaths as she walked behind them. She heard them talk, but she couldn't make out what they were saying. She wasn't trying to, anyway. A lot of emotions ran through her. Anger, fear, sadness, anxiety... she took another deep breath. She was doing this. She had to. She gathered all the courage she could.
"Boruto" she said as she was a couple of feet behind them. She saw them turn around.
"S- Sarada..." Boruto nervously said as he hid his arms behind his back "I though you were out these days..."
"I was, just came back, as a matter of fact..." she explained " Sumire" she greeted.
"Sarada..." Sumire greeted back, she appeared to be nervous as well.
"What are you two doing?" she asked.
"Oh, nothing, you know... Sumire is back in town, and just walking around, showing her the things that are new and stuff..." Boruto explained, or tried to.
"Are you 2 on a date?" Sarada directly asked, she was not in the mood of beating around the bush.
"What? No..." Sumire blushed.
"You don't have to lie to me... you 2 look pretty... cozy"
"Sarada I swear, that's not what's happening here..." Boruto held his hands up.
"Oh really? Then what are you hiding there?" Sarada pointed at Boruto's pcket in his jacket, where he saw him hide something, even if he did it too fast or the human eye to see.
"I... can't say..."
"Look, I know why you would feel the need to lie to me about this" Sarada poked his chest with her finger "you might have gotten the impression, or information, that I have feelings for you. So you might think I'm jealous or something" she was practically yelling by this point "and guess what?" she said as she felt some tears coming out of her eyes "it's all true! I do have feelings for you, there! I said it!" she confessed, Boruto just stared with his mouth wide open "don't look like you're shocked or something you asshole! You knew! You fucking knew! And instead of ever talking to me, letting me down with some class or something you're going out with another girl! A friend of ours nonetheless! You've broken my heart! How could you! How could you!" she said as she hot his chest with her hands "even if we can't be more... I thought we could always be friends..." she cried. Boruto remained silent "say something you asshole! Say something!" she hit him again.
"Sarada. Stop" he held her wrists with his hands.
"No!" she yelled as she tried to break free.
"Again, you have the wrong idea here. Look at me" he said, Sarada refused to look up "Look at me, please" Sarada looked up this time, and was surprised to see him with the warmest smile she had ever seen on him "I... have feelings for you too... ya know"
"What..." was all Sarada could say.
"This..." he said as he picked what he was hiding outside of his pocket "this is a present for your birthday, for you. I was planning to confess then... but well, you've beaten me to it"
"And what... is it..." she asked as her tears had completely stopped now.
"I'd rather keep it a secret until then" Boruto grinned.
"But what about her?" Sarada asked looking at Sumire.
"I helped him" Sumire explained "helped him picking something you would like... what he could say to confess to you... he's not going out with me Sarada. I've been helping him going out with you all along"
"How long?" Sarada blinked, everything sounded too good to be true.
"I..." Boruto blushed.
"Months... he has been years waiting for this. Making up his mind"
"And what kept you?" Sarada demanded.
"I was afraid Sarada..." Boruto admitted "I've been in love with you for the longest time. But our friendship is my greatest treasure. I was terrified of ruining that... but I guess my feelings for you were too big..."
"Boruto... you..."
"I'm sorry you got the wrong idea Sarada... I'm so sorry. But know this. I feel the same way about you" he said as he took her hand and looked deep into her eyes.
"But I saw you get too close to her before... I can't believe this" she took her hand away.
"I'm an idiot when it comes to this stuff..." Boruto blushed "she was giving me pointers on how to be... close with you... and all that. Sumire is like my sister, I've never seen her that way before. So she felt like the right one to... ask. We've never kissed though!" he threw his hands up while yelling "Please believe me! And I'm so sorry for this too! I can see why you would see it that way. But please believe me, it's not like that. I only feel that way about you. It has always been only you and it will always be only you" suddenly, his eyes were looking at a side. His face was sideways. Sarada had given him an extremely fast slap that he didn't even notice at first.
"Boruto Uzumaki" Sarada said "you good for nothing, absolutely moronic, fucking helpless idiot..." she said as she put her arms around his neck "just shut up and kiss me" and with that, Boruto did exactly as instructed, wrapped his arms around her waist and kissed her. All the people on the street who stared quietly at the scene suddenly started clapping and cheering. Both broke the kiss in embarrassment, but were cheered on by the crowd to do it again, to what they gave into and kissed again, this time forgetting about the fact that they were being watched, and purely focusing on a very passionate kiss that had been building up for years.
"Ugh..." Sakumo grimaced, it was not a sight he was comfortable with, to put it lightly. He was instantly hugged by Wasabi, who came out of hiding and instantly ran to him.
"You pulled it off flawlessly, handsome" she said as she gave him a peck on his cheek.
"Yeah well it wasn't exactly an act... I did want to kick his ass" he stared as Boruto and Sarada kissed again "come to think of it, I still do"
"Come on" Wasabi laughed "we both know that you did this for your sister and that deep down, you're very happy for her"
"If you say so..." he sighed "I can't believe this stupid plan worked, I kind of hoped it would backfire"
"You don't mean that..." Wasabi said "Sumire!" she let him go as she turned her attention to her former teammate, they hugged each other "mission accomplished!"
"Damn right!" Sumire laughed "and we put it together in minutes, we're still the best"
"Sumire" Wasabi smiled as she broke the embrace "meet my boyfriend, Sakumo. Sakumo, this is Sumire, my best friend and former teammate!"
"Nice to finally meet you" Sumire bowed.
"Likewise" Sakumo nodded.
"Well I have to go now... I'll leave both of you couples to each other" Sumire smiled as she left.
"I'll have you guys actually meet one of these days" Wasabi smiled "for now, let's continue our date shall we?" she said as she took Sakumo's hand.
"Sure..." Sakumo smiled as he followed.
Boruto and Sarada took each other's hands and walked away as well.
Days later. Hokage Rock
"So is this your idea of a romantic date? Taking me to the same place we've been meeting on for years?" Sarada said as she and Boruto sat down on top of the monument.
"I though it was pretty romantic... did I fuck up?" Boruto embarrassingly asked.
"You're lucky you know" Sarada laughed "I actually do find it romantic... but I'm sure other girls wouldn't"
"Oof" Boruto sighed in relief "well I don't care about other girls, just you, princess"
"Shut up" Sarada blushed.
"It's funny how teasing you is... different, now. Now I find your blushes adorable, not amusing" he grinned.
"Yeah well slapping you is still the same for me, if you want to keep pushing your luck" Sarada snapped back.
"Okay..." Boruto nodded in fear.
"Bit things are different now..." she said as she rested her head on his shoulder "and dare I say, better"
"I agree" Boruto said as he put his head over hers "you also seem different... somehow. What did you do these days that you were out?"
"Can't lie to you..." Sarada started "I was on a genjutsu trip. Learning the history of my clan"
"Oh... I assume you can't tell me the specifics..."
"No..."
"I can't lie to you either. I don't know those specifics and I won't ask for them. But I do know... some of it..."
"I know" Sarada answered, to Boruto's shock.
"And what do you know that I know?"
"You told me how your dad has told you everything about his past... I'm sure that saving my father is something that he has told you about"
"Yeah..." Boruto sighed as he admitted it.
"You knew about my father's... dark past, and you never told me"
"Sarada... I-"
"You were trying to protect me, I know" Sarada finished for him "I'm telling you the same as my dad and my brother, I'm a big girl, I can take care of myself and I can make my own decisions, don't protect me by keeping things from me anymore" she looked at him intensely.
"It wasn't exactly like that" Boruto started explaining "I gave my word that I would never tell you. That was pretty much it. I never doubted you. I knew you could handle it. I will be 100% honest with you from now on... but even back then, I still respect and count on you, I always will" he reassured.
"I didn't know that" Sarada smiled.
"Are you kidding me? You're more mature and overall awesome than I am" he laughed "I'm happy you know about that now... I'm shocked it took uncle Sasuke this long..."
"Boruto"
"Yeah?"
"Is that why you stopped training with my father? Because you found out he was not who you thought he was?"
"Like I said, 100% honest. That had something to do with it. I get your dad's motives. I now understand his point of view, respect it, even. But that's not how I would do things ya know? I guess I really am more like my dad than yours... I've come to accept that. Is that what people call maturing?" he joked, Sarada smiled and nodded "I once told you I want to be like Sasuke in the future... I guess that's not true anymore. But Sasuke Uchiha is still one of my biggest influences as a shinobi. I admire who he is now and am very grateful for his training. But I need other people to look up to... different paths, my path. I'm still trying to find it..."
"You're getting off rail" Sarada interrupted.
"Sorry about that" Boruto sweatdropped "well, the most important reason I stopped training with Sasuke is because I was developing a major crush on his daughter, and that was kind of a big deal"
"Boruto..."
"I'm serious"
"Oh... I'm sorry then?"
"Don't be" both laughed.
"But there is something else... I know you have an issue that you're not telling me..."
"Yeah..." Boruto sighed "there was this thing that dad mentioned. This thing that your dad, Madara, Indra had... the curse of hatred"
"And you think my brother has it"
"Yes" Boruto nodded "why didn't you just say that from the start?"
"I don't know... I just have to make people say things out loud" Sarada pondered "do you think my brother is evil?"
"No" Boruto shook his head "the opposite, actually" Sarada gave him a confused stare "look we've been through the same things together. The scariest evil is the justified evil. The evil that makes sense and can be seen as good from other points of view... not just your dad and Madara, but Obito and Pain as well... all of them had it. And look how far they came... it's scary. Because it makes sense and anyone can fall into that. And I can see your brother going there... and let me be honest. It might not seem like it, but I respect your brother. I even admire him in some ways. I can see us becoming great friends someday... and that's the scary part you see? I'm not like my dad. I don;t think I could save him. It wouldn't be like our dads. It would be more like Jiraiya and Orochimaru. And that... is just depressing and terrifying at the same time"
"I see what you mean..." Sarada nodded "but Boruto. My brother is different. He saw the same things as me. And it's changed him for the best. He's closer to the will of fire than the curse of hatred you know..."
"I want to believe you..."
"Please do. I just wish you 2 could get along you know..." she said "and believe it or not, both of you have a lot in common. Conflicted feelings about morality, evil making too much sense, fear of loss, failure to live up to your fathers' expectations..."
"What do you mean with the last part?"
"Well... Sakumo is not my dad either you know. People expect him to just show up and chidori his way to victory and authority. But that's just not him, I think you would get that"
"Yeah... especially since he can't use the chidori right?" he joked. She slapped his hand.
"I'm serious..."
"I think I could make that effort..."
"Good" Sarada smiled "that's all that I needed to hear"
Meters Below. Hokage's Office.
"So..." Naruto Uzumaki, the 7th Hokage, started "I've gathered all of you team leaders here for a simple reason. Jonin promotions are coming up, and we have to decide the future of our chunin"
"Yes sir" Hanabi Hyuga, Konohamaru Sarutobi and Moegi Kazamatsuri nodded.
"How about you start, Moegi?" Naruto asked.
"Of course, Lord 7th" Moegi stepped in front "I'm afraid no one in my squad is quite ready to become a jonin just yet. Shikadai and Inojin don't have their futures clear... as for Chocho, her calling is definitely becoming a jonin and eventually a genin leader, but like I said, she's not ready yet..."
"I see..." Naruto observed.
"Well, Shikadai and Inokin's short term futures are set as well. Since they're lacking serious discipline, both Sai and I have agreed that they will get it in ANBU Black Ops" Shikamaru spoke up.
"But they need to become jonin to join ANBU" Naruto said.
"They'll start off as interns. It's all been settled" Shikamaru insisted.
"Well, you guys know best, being their fathers..." Naruto nodded "so, no jonin promotions here yet. Yours, Hanabi?"
"Sakumo is a force to be reckoned with, ridiculously strong sharingan, fire style prodigy... but still too reckless and independent. He's definitely not jonin material yet. Not much of a problem since he's been years destined to the police force. Metal is also coming along nicely. Taijutsu beast, and can even use clone jutsu to magnify it... but needs to learn more confidence and leadership. Not up for promotion either. Wasabi is the closest one, her calling is definitely assassination and spying missions with black ops thanks to her stealth and man beast transformation jutsu. Really mature as well. Although in my personal opinion, I would wait a bit longer to make her a jonin as well" Hanabi reported.
"Really? I really thought Sakumo and Wasabi would be ready..." Naruto thought.
"They were ready alright, just for some other things..." Konohamaru couldn't help it.
"What?" Naruto asked. Hanabi's eyebrow twitched, but she had to inform of this as well.
"Sakumo Uchiha and Wasabi Inuzuka have developed a romantic relationship, therefore, our team is no longer fit to go on A+ missions anymore" she finished.
"Oh... ooohhhh" Naruto caught on. He had heard things, but he was nonetheless surprised.
"I guess team 9 is breaking up?" Konohamaru teased.
"You shut up, you're not one to talk" Hanabi barked.
"Yes, I'm aware of the other romantic relationship as well... we have a perfect solution here, but first, let's hear your report, Konohamaru" Naruto interrupted.
"Yes, Lord 7th" Konohamaru stepped forward "Your son has gotten ridiculously strong. Master of wind, water and lightning style, even developing some sage jutsu but... we both know he needs more time to improve his other skills, such as leadership and teamwork. Mitsuki is very similar... wind and earth style powerhouse, sage jutsu that could rival yours Lord Hokage, but still far too independent. Both of them could definitely join Black Ops... although, becoming genin leaders is another option for them if they get their act together... as for Sarada... I can recommend her to become a jonin without any doubt. Genjutsu, taijutsu and ninjutsu expert. All the social skills required are met perfectly. Sarada Uchiha is definitely ready to become a jonin"
"I see..." Naruto thought "so we're making Sarada a jonin. Any last minute additions? Are your answers final?" he asked. The three team leaders nodded. "Perfect, I was expecting 1 or 2 more, but just Sarada will do just fine"
"So what's going to happen? Is Sarada going to be a leader of team 7 as well now?" Shikamaru asked.
"Oh I don't think so" Hanabi folded her arms "team 7 needs to be broken up" she glared at Konohamaru "as well"
"I know" Naruto raised his hand "I have the perfect solution here"
"Which is?" Shikamaru asked.
"Simple, Sarada and Sakumo will swap teams. Starting from today, Sakumo is part of team 7 and Sarada is part of team 9" he declared.
"Are you sure you're not letting any personal biases influence here, Naruto?" Shikamaru asked again. Naruto sweatdropped.
"Yes, I'm sure" Naruto insisted "any objections?"
"No" Hanabi answered. She was finally getting to work with Sarada like she always wanted.
"Not here either" Konohamaru said as well, even if he knew deep down that he had a huge challenge to meet.
"Perfect. Dismissed" Naruto smiled.
"Ha, can't wait to see you fail" Hanabi teased Konohamaru as they exited the office.
"Let me remind you that you get Sarada pretty much as an equal, not a subordinate" Konohamaru snapped back.
"Bite me" Hanabi huffed. Moegi observed the exchange with amusement.
"Konohamaru, wait, I'd like to discuss something with you" Naruto halted him. Konohamaru nodded and stayed put. "Alone" Naruto said looking at Shikamaru "you have to make the team changes official"
"Fine" Shikamaru sighed as he left the room, muttering something about it being a drag.
"Konohamaru... I'm aware getting those two on the same page is going to be very difficult, but I know that if there's someone that can do it, it's you" Naruto said.
"You honor me, Naruto" Konohamaru grinned. Naruto grinned back.
"So speaking of romantic relationships..." Naruto brought up "is that old flame rekindling?" he asked.
"Hanabi? No... we tried... but, it didn't work..."
"Really? You guys have started bickering like in the old days"
"We never stopped as far as I'm concerned... I don't know. It's just not the right match. Besides... I need another kind of wife. Someone to raise the next line of Sarutobis, I'll be too busy as the 8th Hokage. Hanabi will also be busy as the leader of the Hyugas, and being Hanabi, of course"
"Hah... fair enough... such a shame though. I just can't see a better match for my sister in law ya know..."
"I'm sorry..." Konohamaru bowed his head.
"Lord Hokage" the intercom spoke.
"Yes?" Naruto answered.
"Lord Kazekage wants to come in"
"Of course, send him through" he said. Gaara instantly entered the room.
"Gaara, I thought you left for Sand this morning" Naruto said.
"Naruto, something huge has happened" Gaara started "the hidden cloud shinobi have been expelled from their destinations in the other lands... The Hidden Frost, the Hidden Waterfall and the Hidden Valleys have declared war on the Hidden Cloud"
To be continued...