Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto and Boruto nor its characters.
NOTE: READ AUTHOR'S NOTES BELOW TO KNOW NEXT UPDATE.
"You two make a good couple." Mitsuki cut in, smiling a little more when he noticed both of their cheeks reddening. Even after two years… that opinion of his had always remained the same. And neither Sarada nor Boruto could think of the reason why. However, before either one retort or dispute, he continued, "Anyway, Boruto and I were going to visit Konohamaru-sensei. Since you're here, you should come along—you're a part of Team 7 after all."
Sarada's cheeks were fast to fade back to its original skin colour when Mitsuki brought up Konohamaru-sensei. She managed to not express her earlier distressed look when she had been thinking of how Konohamaru would react to this new news. "Sure." She managed to reply, a smile forcing its way to her lips.
She had to tell Konohamaru-sensei sooner or later anyway, should he be unaware of Kakashi being her new personal mentor—sensei. Plus, she did want to check on him and how he was recovering. "Let's go then."
"You guys didn't have to come..." Konohamaru sighed. "What if you get sick too? Your parents will—"
"Don't worry so much Konohamaru nii-chan!" Boruto exclaimed with a bright smile as he patted his back. "My immune system isn't that weak 'ttebasa! What kind of Ninja would I be if I let a little flu overcome me?" Boruto scoffed.
His proud and confident remark resulted in a brow raised by Konohamaru, which was followed by an insulted look. It was only then did Boruto realise how much insult was in his words, and his regret definitely showed from the way he suddenly broke in a nervous sweat when Konohamaru shot a glare right at him. "Kore… are you calling me weak—"
"Hey Konohamaru-sensei, remember this?" Sarada immediately interjected as her hands quickly raised up the box full of daifuku strawberries that the three of them had purchased on the way to his house. The last thing she wanted was for a fight to break out, which could have led to his health worsening. "It's the limited edition strawberry daifuku from that popular store!" Sarada said, before passing the box over to him. "This time we didn't eat all of them before we got here… so once you fully recover, you can finally get a taste of them." And just like that, he was placated the moment he got his hands on the goodies.
"Thank you for saving me there…" Boruto whispered to the Uchiha while Konohamaru was distracted by the sweets. However before Sarada could issue a response, Konohamaru had cut her off.
"In any case…" Konohamaru spoke, before forcing himself to place the box of sweets down before he could get any more distracted, or have his mouth water any further. "I'm sorry for getting sick, the three of you were really looking forward to our next mission, right?"
"Gee, it's not that big of a deal Konohamaru nii-chan!" Boruto assured, with Sarada and Mitsuki nodding in agreement. "There's always other missions anyway, dattebasa. Besides, it just gives me more time with Sasuke-san to train and get stronger for our next mission!"
"Is that so?" Konohamaru said, and Sarada noticed something that seemed to have gone past the other two of her teammates who continued the conversation with him. She noticed the look in his eyes when Boruto brought up her father being his other mentor. It was hard to describe the emotion she saw swelling in them. But more or less, she could tell it wasn't a happy thing.
She wondered how he had felt deep down when he had found out her father was going to take Boruto under his wing. Of course, she knew that as long as it improved Boruto's strength as a whole, Konohamaru would be okay with that. If anything, he'd be happy and proud even if it wasn't just him that contributed to Boruto's development.
He was a kind man like that.
But then, how would he feel when he'd find out that yet another one of his students was taken under someone else's wing?
She didn't want him to feel like his students and team members were looking elsewhere for help and training because he was useless. He was far from useless. She just needed guidance for a particular thing that could only be given by a few specific people. And one of those people just happened to be Kakashi Hatake.
"Sarada?" Konohamaru called. "Is something wrong?" He asked, a concerned look now expressing itself in both his eyes and face upon noticing the Uchiha's withdrawal from the conversation.
"Ah, no. It's just…" Her eyes searched around for an excuse and a reason to talk to him privately. She didn't want Boruto nor Mitsuki to be around, just in case she let any of her vulnerabilities slip. She didn't want them to see any of that. Fortunately enough for her, she found an excuse. Her hands reached out for the box of daifuku strawberries and passed it over to Boruto. "It's best to quickly store these in the fridge after purchase." She said, "And while you're at it, maybe you could help make some tea for Konohamaru-sensei."
"Huh?" Boruto groaned, "Why me—"
"Mitsuki, you follow just in case he messes up the kitchen." She added before Boruto could finish his protest, which now continued as a defensive remark. "Do you have no faith in me, Sarad—"
"Come on, Boruto." Mitsuki urged with a smile as he stood up, "It's the least you could do for hinting that Konohamaru-sensei was weak." He said before beginning to make his way to his kitchen.
"O-Oi! Don't remind him!" Boruto spoke, trying to hush him. "And I didn't mean it like that!" He added on, as if to clarify his earlier words as he followed after him.
Once Boruto and Mitsuki left the room and to Konohamaru's kitchen, Sarada looked towards him, and took a deep breath. She had to tell him sooner or later—about Kakashi becoming her personal mentor. It's now or neve—
"Kakashi came by earlier, albeit his visit was quite short." Konohamaru started off, cutting off her thoughts. Sarada froze in place. He already knew…? She thought. "If that was what you wanted to talk to me alone about, don't worry, I've already been informed…"
Even without her Sharingan, Sarada could tell from the sorrowfulness brimming in his eyes which he had failed to hide, that it was bothering him. She could tell he was filled with disappointment, but not towards Sarada who went to another Shinobi to seek guidance. It was towards himself. Two of his team members, his own assigned students, sought help for their abilities elsewhere—and not with him. It was indisputable and reasonable that he would feel a little upset, maybe even guilty of the fact that maybe he wasn't a competent sensei. Of course, Sarada disagreed with that.
She found herself clenching her fists, and the next thing she knew she found herself retorting to Konohamaru, regarding his unspoken self-disappointment. "You're not a bad sensei. If anything, you're a great leader and teacher for Team 7." Sarada said firmly, with a tone so earnest that even Konohamaru couldn't deny that it was the truth and not some made-up lies for the sake of comfort. "It's just… if I want to master my Sharingan, it would be best if I ask someone who has… or at least, had the Sharingan. After all, that person would be more knowledgeable and more experienced." She explained. "So don't think any less about yourself sensei, and as for Boruto and—" The abrupt sound of Konohamaru's chuckle interrupted her and had perplexed her as well. What was so funny?
"To think I'd have made you worry this much kore... I didn't think you'd have noticed how I felt... but I guess even with or without your Sharingan, you're as sharp as ever." He smiled, and she saw the despondency clearing from his eye, replaced by something… brighter. "The fact that you and Boruto, and maybe even Mitsuki one day will turn to someone else for guidance as opposed to me regarding your abilities does sadden me… but as Team 7's leader and your sensei, I am and will always be happy for you even if your improvement isn't because of me. There's nothing wrong with that. But you know, Kore, if you ever need any help, I'll be here too." And Sarada could tell that this was his truth.
There was no envy nor anger in his tone. It was undeniable that he, as Team 7's leader, just wanted the best for them. He was indeed a kind man.
"Sensei…" Sarada murmured, a smile of her own appearing. More than anything, she was relieved that at least he wasn't as upset as she had thought. She was happy and thankful for his support and help throughout the few years they had together as Team 7. "Thank you, Konohamaru-sensei… even if Kakashi-sensei is my personal mentor and sensei now… you are still our best and irreplaceable Team 7 leader! Nothing will ever change that."
"Gee Sarada, what did you say back there that got Konohamaru nii-chan so emotional?" Boruto grumbled as he rested his hands behind his head, recalling how Konohamaru started tearfully going on about how happy he was with Team 7 the moment he and Mitsuki walked back in with a cup of tea for him. "Or maybe that's how he is when he's sick… Ahh whatever! I hope he recovers sooner than expected, I really want to go on another mission soon…an S-rank one at that!" He beamed and Sarada shook her head, adjusting her glasses. "We're not even Chunin yet, Boruto."
Boruto and Sarada were making their way home after their visit to Konohamaru's. Mitsuki had left the duo earlier, with an excuse that he had to make a quick stop somewhere before returning home. The Uchiha took a glimpse at the sky above them to see that the faint shades of blue were slowly taking over the orange of the sky brought by the sunset, it wouldn't take long for the moon to finally rise and cast its glow over Konoha.
Sarada hoped that she wouldn't be too late for dinner, but then again she had heard that her mother would be busy with work today which meant that she might be late. And for all she knew her father might be having a meeting with Naruto that'd end late as well. So being home a little late wasn't bothering her all too much, considering that it wasn't likely that a ready-made dinner was waiting for her at home going cold.
"A Ninja can dream!" He countered, and then huffed in frustration the moment he saw Sarada roll her eyes at his remark. He didn't even need to hear her retaliation to know what she was thinking of his over-ambition. He had already heard it many times whenever they'd be assigned a mission, with Boruto afterwards complaining of wanting something more exciting and difficult.
There was a temptation within him to retort snidely to her equally snide eye-roll, but the image of the destructed forest from before flashed in his mind to caution him of the consequences. And instead, he held back a gulp and asked, "Anyway… what were you doing in the forest?"
"Oh, that?" Sarada said, recalling her earlier spar with Kakashi—which frankly, despite having somewhat rested at Konohamaru's for a bit, she still felt exhaustion tugging at her from the battle before. It won't hurt to tell Boruto about it, it isn't a secret or anything after all. Sarada thought before answering, "Kakashi-sensei will be taking me under his wing now, so I was training with him."
In an instant, Boruto's eyes widened in surprise. "Ehhh?! That old-man Kakashi?! No way!" He gasped, seeming to be in disbelief. "Since when? And did you beat him?"
"Just today. And no, I didn't. He's a Jonin, Boruto. You've fought him before during our graduation exam right? You should know his strength." Sarada sighed, her eyes trailing towards her hand, which closed in itself in a familiar sort of frustration. Dissatisfaction. "I couldn't have beaten him, not the way I am now…" She uttered softly, with another disappointed sigh leaving her lips. If anything, she was shocked at the fact that she didn't sustain any serious injuries from the fight she had with Kakashi. Perhaps he was being kind. That or he didn't want her to get any harsh wounds that'd affect her performance the next day when she was supposed to train with him.
"Ehh…really? That tree punch would've killed anyone." Boruto joked light-heartedly, albeit a part of him was wondering how Kakashi managed to avoid or counter Sarada's deadly punches. He wanted to know, just in case he would one day be in the same position as that tree. "Why did you decide to ask that Old man Kakashi anyway? You and your Sharingan seem to be fine."
"For the same or at least similar reasons as you. I want to become Hokage, so having the Sixth Hokage's guidance would be helpful." What she said wasn't necessarily a lie, but it wasn't the full truth either. She didn't expect Boruto nor Mitsuki to understand how left behind she felt. Granted, a part of her did want to tell them. Bottling things up wasn't the best. However, there was another bigger part of her that refused to let her guard down and let them be aware of her vulnerabilities and insecurities. Was it pride? She wondered, but was unable to find the answer in the moment.
There were many reasons why she accepted Kakashi's help, but all of which she decided to keep to herself as of now. It wasn't that big of a deal anyway, right?
"I mean, you want to follow my Papa's footsteps right?" She asked, faintly recalling the time he enthusiastically and proudly exclaimed that when—not if, but when she became the Hokage, he would be her aid. He would be by her side. Whenever those words crossed her mind, there was a certain fluttery feeling spluttering inside of her which she was unable to discern, and instead decided to believe it was gratitude. Or something like that. What else could that feeling be?
"Well…" Boruto said. "I do want to be a strong Shinobi like him but… not exactly all his footsteps… y'know?" As for Boruto, he recalled back the time when he travelled back in time with Sasuke. And inevitably he had found out about some things about him that he probably shouldn't have. He didn't know the full story, nor did he wish to pry too much even if his curiosity was begging him to do so. It seemed like a touchy topic after all. And he wasn't sure how to approach it either. In the first place, he didn't even know how sensitive the topic was. Or how bad the situation was regarding his past. All he knew was that he deserted the village, for reasons that seemed too sensitive for him to touch as of now.
Even if he did feel a little upset upon knowing about the dark side of Sasuke's past, he came to understand that that Sasuke of the past was what made the Sasuke in the present, who in his eyes was still a great Shinobi who now served the village. People can change for both the better and worse—that much Boruto was aware of. And he was sure Sarada knew of this too, right? She was his daughter after all. Although, he wasn't sure if her father's past was a touchy topic to her.
To say the least, his assumption of Sarada knowing of Sasuke's past was soon to be proven false. And he soon came to regret ever opening his mouth.
"Huh? What do you mean by that?" asked Sarada, confused. Her eyes looked up and focused on Boruto's, which seemed to be shifting a little nervously and uncomfortably. "Did you… change your goals?"
"No I didn't change my gaols dattebasa! I mean… Y'know… that…thing…" As Boruto struggled to bring it up, it didn't take long for him to realise the cluelessness written all over the young Uchiha's expression. It didn't take him long to connect the dots either. The sudden silence of the blonde amplified the concern Sarada felt, along with the confusion.
"Did—"
Did he not tell you?
"Sarada!" Boruto was interrupted before he could finish, and never in his life did he ever feel as relieved as he was now.
"Mama?" Sarada turned around, seeing her pink-haired mother carrying a few grocery bags as she approached them. Instinctively, she went forward to offer a hand. "I managed to finish all my work earlier than I expected." She said, before noticing Boruto. "Oh, Boruto, you're here too?" Sakura asked while Sarada took some of the grocery bags off her hands, wanting to assist her. She gave a nod of thanks to her daughter before looking back to Boruto who waved towards them. "Hello Auntie Sakura!" He greeted, sounding more thankful than polite. Sakura had taken notice, but before she could even question why he seemed to be full of gratitude, he was already wishing them a goodbye.
"I ought to go before my own mom kills me haha. The sky is turning dark after all!" Boruto chuckled nervously, before giving a wave to the two. "Bye then!" He spoke before zooming off.
"Did something happen with Boruto?" Sakura asked as she watched him rushing off, "He seemed odd." She added, before turning back to Sarada who only offered a shrug after she was done waving him a goodbye. "Who knows?" She sighed. "Some boys can be just so…weird." She didn't know how else to put Boruto's nervous behaviour into words. She decided to not look too much into it, it probably wasn't anything important, right? It was just… Boruto being Boruto. Nothing more, nothing less.
…
As Boruto sped off towards a different path that led him to his house, thoughts of why Sasuke hadn't told Sarada circled in his mind. He was her father and she was his daughter after all. So why didn't he tell her?
After considering it a little more, he decided to brush it off for the night. It was the Uchiha's business and not his. Although it would be a lie to say he wasn't curious about it.
It didn't take long for Sakura and Sarada to reach home. And just as Sarada had expected, her father wasn't back yet. Her eyes glance towards the clock to see that it was half past seven. Will he be back late again today…? She pondered.
"He's probably having a meeting with Naruto. But he should be back anytime soon, I heard from Hinata that Naruto would be back early too after all." Sakura said as she took off her shoes.
It was scary sometimes, a mother's intuition. And at this point of Sarada's life, it wouldn't come to her as a surprise if her mother admitted to being a mind reader. She always managed to sense her worries. "If you're too tired from training today, you can go ahead and rest fir—"
"No, its fine." Sarada smiled slightly. "I'll help make dinner."
As the two females of the Uchiha household began to make dinner, it was unavoidable for the topic of Sarada's training with Kakashi to come up in the midst of their conversation.
Sarada relayed everything to her mother as they cooked, about the mini tests that Kakashi gave her and the final one-on-one spar. The only thing that she didn't tell her and chose to keep to herself was how her father's secrecy regarding his past and their clan had troubled and affected her during those tests.
As much as she loved her father, she found him so unfair. She was born into the Uchiha clan, so why can't he tell her everything?
Once again, she found those uneasy thoughts beginning to settle back in, clouding her mind. And the sound of the door opening, followed by a familiar sounding, "I'm home" didn't make it any better.
"Ah! Welcome home, Anata." Sakura greeted as she began to take out the plates, having finished preparing dinner. "You're just on time. How was the meeting with Naruto?" She queried.
"The usual." Said Sasuke, and that was the end of that. Both of them knew not to talk too much about the things he would discuss with Naruto regarding the safety of the village in front of their daughter. They didn't want her to worry nor to be involved, and it was for the higher-ranked Ninjas to deal with anyway. "You didn't have to make dinner. You had a busy day today, right?"
Whatever Sakura responded with next, Sarada didn't hear. As the thoughts about the unanswered questions about her clan came barging back in, she found her eyes wandering towards her father, settling its gaze towards his left eye that was showing just slightly between the several strands of his hair that hid it.
A purple-in-colour eye with circular spirals as its pattern, coupled along with more than three tomoes. It was a unique eye. An eye that she couldn't even find in the library book she read about the Uchiha Clan. Then again, that book did have a continuation that was unfortunately restricted.
Albeit, she later came to know that it was called a Rinnegan—however, whether or not an Uchiha like herself could get it, she was unsure. She didn't even know how her father got it, or why it wouldn't deactivate like any other regular Sharingan. She remembering asking about it once, and he only answered with, "it's… complicated."
"Sarada?" Her mother called her the third time which was also accompanied by a nudge. It was only then did she became aware of the concern in her father's eyes when she had been spacing out. "Sorry!" She forced a chuckle. "Today's training was just… exhausting." It was a convenient excuse that wasn't really a lie.
She made her way towards the table where her mother had finished laying out the food. Once the three of them finally settled down, Sasuke was the first to speak. "What training did you do today with Kakashi?" He asked before taking a bite of his spoonful of rice which was paired with some stir-fried vegetables that Sakura made.
So he knows? Sarada thought. Ah, Mama or Kakashi-sensei probably told him already…
"Kunai and shuriken throwing… he wanted to test my current abilities." Sarada murmured, and instead of eating she found her eyes trailing down and away from the spirals in his eyes to the missing arm. "We also… sparred." Did he lose his arm in a battle? She pondered. She never really asked about it, she didn't see a need to when she first reunited with her father—she was already contented with knowing how much he treasured both her and her mother.
But as time went by, it was only natural for a child's curiosity to grow, especially when it was left with several unanswered and avoided questions. Sarada just happened to be one of them.
I wonder when he lost his arm... Thought Sarada. And i wonder how...
"Sarada?" This time it was her father's turn to call her once he swallowed down his fist bite of the food. "Is something wrong?" Sarada knew that her father wasn't as expressive as her mother, and if anything he'd more often wear a stern look outside. But at home, and right now, there was both a softness in his eyes and tone that contradicted those appearances he showed to the public. It was a side of him that only a few people got to see.
"Are you sick?" Sakura asked, a similar tone of softness and worry showing itself. However, before she could place down her chopsticks to take Sarada's temperature, Sarada quickly reassured both of them. "No, no it's not that!"
"Then what is it?" Sasuke asked, the concern not leaving his tone. "Did Kakashi push you too much?"
"No, it's not that either! It's just…" Her voice became quieter, she didn't want to tell, or rather ask. "It's just…" She didn't want to ask because she knew she wouldn't get an answer.
But you never asked much about his arm or Rinnegan before. A voice chimed in her head. There might be a chance for you to know more about your Papa…
But then again, to bring such a… distasteful topic onto the table while we're eating it's...
"It's just I'm… worn out. I ended up destroying a part of the forest with my fist during the spar with Kakashi." She laughed lightly, making the decision to suppress her curiosity. She wanted to treasure the moments she shared with both her parents, as opposed to ruining it with a supposedly uncomfortable topic. It's not like he'd answer now, anyway… She thought.
"Hn." Sasuke remarked as he took a glance towards Sakura, his concerned look dissipating itself away while a small smirk found its way to his lips. "That's not surprising."
"H-Hey! What's that look for?" Sakura responded with a small pout following after.
Sarada then smiled as she watched her parents engaged in a playful conversation. The mood around the table was still merry. She felt lucky of the fact that it didn't seem like her parents noticed anything wrong. Perhaps it was because their weariness was finally getting the best of them, who knows?
Either way… thank goodness I decided not to bring it up. Sarada thought as she finally took a bite of her and her mother's cooking. I shouldn't ruin any more moments like these, even if… ah whatever.
One could only wonder, though. Just how much more could Sarada contain her curiosity during moments like these?
"I guess I'll be going now." Sarada announced once she finished drying her cleaned breakfast plate. "I don't want to be late." She added as she dried her hands before making her way towards the door.
The following day had finally came, and just as instructed by Kakashi, she was to meet him at the bridge before their training would commence. And being the good student she was, the last thing she wanted to do on her first day of official training was to be late.
"Ehh? This early?" Sakura commented, making her way to the couch where Sasuke sat. She took a quick glimpse at the clock before taking a seat next to him. "It's only nine in the morning…"
"I have to meet him there in thirty minutes… it's a ten to fifteen minute walk but it's better to go early in case." Sarada explained.
Sakura and Sasuke exchanged glances, but before they could say anything, their daughter was already leaving. "Bye Mama, Papa! I'll see you later!" Even if she didn't say it out loud, it was obvious to both her parents that she was rather excited about her first official lesson with Kakashi. They only hoped Kakashi's old habits wouldn't dampen on her excitement.
"Should we catch up to her and tell her?" Sakura queried. "About… that."
"Well, it's probably too late." Sasuke sighed, "And I think it's better if she found out about it by herself. She probably wouldn't believe us."
"You're right." She chuckled lightly as she rested her head on his shoulder. "But then again, it's been a long time… perhaps Kakashi-sensei finally cut his habit of being late."
Sasuke scoffed, "Something tells me otherwise…" He spoke, remembering the lame excuses for his tardiness that he had given to them when they were genin and under his care. "Well, we'll find out soon enough…"
Thirty minutes had passed since the instructed meeting time by Kakashi.
And then an hour went by.
Soon enough, a total of exactly an hour and forty eight minutes went by. Sarada would know, she was counting.
The young Uchiha untangled her crossed arms, one of them reaching up to adjust her glasses. And once she did, a menacing look that Boruto was all too familiar with (for he had been late on certain important missions and occasions, too) began to show on her darkening face.
"He's late." She said under her breath, in an ever so vexing way.
Author's notes: Sorry for the late update. And due to circumstances/busy life/school, updates may be more irregular. I'll TRY my best to make the NEXT UPDATE: END JUNE-END JULY. Or even earlier, if possible. My tumblr is: Rosaline-kei ; message me there if I ever ghost this fic haha T_T
I don't really like this chapter? I don't know, something feels missing but I don't know, and I don't want to prolong this update any longer. This chapter seems more… informative?boring? I feel like maybe I didn't express Sarada's emotions that well, I don't know. Originally, I did want Sarada to ask about Sasuke's Rinnegan at dinner, but after considering several other factors I chose not to. I don't know if that was the right decision though, haha.
I'm not really sure how much Sarada even knows about her father canonically/officially since it's not really explicitly stated, and I hope I'm not making her unawareness or lack of knowledge overly extreme.
Also, as each new chapter/episode of Boruto goes live, new information about the characters are given, and because of that, some information in this fanfic may be incorrect once that episode or manga chapter is released. So apologies for that in advance if I'm unable to keep up! Even if this is just a fanfiction, I do want to stay true to the character to some extent.
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