"I can do this," said seven-year-old Haruno Sakura to herself as she looked at the ground below her. She was sitting above the age-old cherry blossom tree in the courtyard since morning, but until now she couldn't jump off.
Ino had earlier helped her climb up the tree, but she was fetched by Shikamaru, saying that her father wanted to see her. Ino promised to return; however, that promise was yet to materialize.
It was already late in the afternoon, and she was very hungry. Her only breakfast was a glass of warm milk and a ham sandwich. Her stomach was crying out for rice, or maybe even ramen.
If she would opt to wait up for Ino (who probably was grounded by her father again for not attending her classes with Kurenai-sensei), she knew that dinnertime would pass and she would still be up on the cherry blossom tree. Her eyes went to the darkening sky. It was about to rain—the drizzle was even starting to fall—so she had no choice but to rely on herself.
"I can do this," she told herself once more as she prepared to leap from the branch. She tried her best not to feel dizzy with the height. If she wanted to get out of here, she must conquer all her fears, including this one. "One, two…"
The count of three finished, but she was still holding on to the branch as if it was a lifesaver. She couldn't; she simply couldn't. Her tears of frustration and fear mixed with the falling rain. Was she going to die here of hunger or chill before she could finally get down?
"Since when had the courtyard became a public bathroom?" asked a voice from below.
Her eyes widened. It was the crown prince, Uchiha Sasuke! She turned to her left, and then to her right. She also checked her behind just to make sure that she was not dreaming that he was talking to her.
"Yes, you," he said wryly. "It's only the two of us out here."
She nodded dumbly. "I-I…can't get down from here."
He looked at her in disbelief. "You were able to go up that tree but you don't know how to get down from it?"
"Ino-chan was with me awhile ago, and she helped me up," she said somewhat defensively.
"So you're crying now because you can't get down from there?" he asked.
She quickly rubbed her eyes with the back of her hand. "I-I'm not crying…"
"You're not laughing either," he said dryly, adjusting his hold on the black umbrella. "If you're waiting for me to rescue you there, well, tough luck. I'm not in the mood to get wet."
She met his gaze, determined not to let him insult her more. "I can get down here without your help!" She readied herself to jump. "I can do this," she repeated to herself over and over like a mantra. She mustn't embarrass herself in front of the crown prince.
"It's no use," he said, shaking his head. "No matter how many times you say that, it will not help you. Unless you truly believe, what you are doing is futile."
"Truly believe…" she echoed.
"If you yourself don't believe in your own capabilities, then you are just wasting your time." He looked at her expectantly. "Jump. Now."
It was an order, but she found herself involuntarily tensing her muscles to move. The command was able to jumpstart her system, and she felt all her fears subside. She was going to jump, no matter what happens afterwards. The important thing was she was able to get down with relying only at herself.
She let go of the branch she was holding on to and threw herself down. Just as she was going to land on the ground however, a pair of strong, warm arms caught her.
She looked up and found Sasuke holding her, the umbrella precariously balanced between his neck and his shoulder. "I don't like seeing girls dirty," he reasoned as he pointed at the muddy ground beneath them.
She withdrew herself from his arms, blushing faintly. "Anou…" She stopped when Sasuke handed her his umbrella. "Uh…this is…" she said slowly, wondering why he was doing this.
"An umbrella. It's a thing with a button you push, and then it pops open so you can shield yourself from the rain."
She blinked. The crown prince sure knew how to be sarcastic.
"But this is yours—"
"Take it. It's yours." He shrugged. "You already look pathetic the way you are now. I thought my umbrella could help you look less dismal." With that, he turned his back on the girl. Sakura, on the other hand, held the umbrella close to her heart. Even if this encounter barely lasted a minute, she knew she would forever cherish this incident—the first act of kindness that the Ice Prince did to her.
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Chapter 8
Since our TV turned cranky on us again, we had an idiot box-less existence for three days. And within those three days, I had no idea that the constant rain outside the house was because of a storm. Just goes to show how updated I am with the outside world (in my dictionary, it is an area not anymore covered by the computer table, monobloc chair, piles of bond paper, critically damaged diskettes, and a coleman of water).
Nweiz, I missed the chapter update yesterday because my cough turned to a full-blown fever (actually, a relapse ;;) so I had to crawl back to bed if I was to preserve my well-being lol But to make up for it, I made this chapter extra long, just as one reviewer requested.
This chapter is dedicated to xXxLIQuiD FaNtAsYxXx because it's "masarap matulog" (deliciously good to sleep) and yet your requests to update soon keeps my keyboard busy. Rain or shine (except when there's power failure and fever relapses ), you guys will HAVE a chapter.
(Zzzzzzzzzzz….ngooork…..)
Oh btw, if you've noticed, I had gotten around to changing the summary and the rating of the fanfic. I changed it to PG as suggested by someone who emailed me (profanity …and the kisses :D. Should I hit the PG-13 mark?)
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"…So that's what happened," said Naruto as he finished his narration to Sasuke about how he was able to see Orochimaru.
"I see. It is unfortunate that you were not able to see where he went, or what his intentions were for Hidden Leaf," replied the prince, nodding solemnly. "But Naruto, what exactly is the curse that the devil serpent planted on you?"
"Er…" The blond boy didn't know what to do. If he would tell Sasuke about the frog-girl-boy morphosis that he was doomed to have, the prince would remember the naked girl incident, and he had a feeling that he might get guillotined in savage glory in front of his adoring public.
Fortunately, he was saved from talking when Asuma appeared in front of the throne, bowing respectfully. "We found Ebisu, and he is currently being cured by our doctors. According to the investigation, he and Iruka must have been ambushed by the Mist soldiers.
"Also the Mist?" Sasuke's forehead creased. "Have you found out whether this is a grand conspiracy against Hidden Leaf?"
"It is still being studied and investigated."
"Hasten the process then." Sasuke's eyes turned back at Naruto. "Your mentors talked about your untapped potential in battles. I will have Kakashi train you so you would be able to help the kingdom locate the menace."
"Eh? Sure…but can I eat first?" asked the boy.
The prince groaned. "Asuma, take Uzumaki Naruto to the kitchen and entertain him."
"Thank you, man!" Naruto grinned at him before following the Starlet out of the throne room.
Sasuke's eyes followed the walking figure of Naruto quietly, whatever on his mind was left unknown.
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Naruto excitedly took his seat in the dirty kitchen as the cooks and chefs prepared his three-page food orders after sorting the menu. He clapped excitedly when the different aroma of the food began to perfume the air.
"Aaah…I can get used to this," he told himself smilingly. "I don't mind being cursed again and again AND AGAIN by that snake if it means I will have this kind of meal in the everyday of my life. Tee-hee!"
Just then, a raven-haired girl entered the kitchen, carrying an empty food tray. "Lady Haruno sends the kitchen staff her message. 'The lunch was superb as always, Chef!', that's what she said."
"Ah, thank you, Hinata. You came all the way down here just to say that," laughed one of the cooks.
Hinata? He turned around and waved at her. "Hey! Hinata, over here!"
She turned to him suddenly, eyes wide. Just as sudden was the colors that flooded her face, and her abrupt exit from the kitchen as if the devil was chasing her.
He frowned, and then exhaled on his palm. He smelled his breath. It wasn't that disturbing.
So now, why did she run away from him all of a sudden?
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Hinata leaned on the wall, panting heavily from her sprint out of the kitchen. For the life of her, she couldn't understand why she suddenly fled when he only called her name.
Her hands slowly reached for her cheeks and discovered that they were still warm. Very warm, in fact. She shut her eyes, trying to calm her racing heartbeat.
In her mind she could still see those laughing blue eyes and boyish grin. The way he turned to her and waved, calling her name cheerfully.
"Uzumaki-kun…" she whispered.
"Yep?"
She nearly fainted. Behind her stood Naruto, arms propped behind his head casually. She didn't dare turn around to face him; she didn't know if she could look at him long enough without melting.
"What is it that you want to tell me?" he asked, genuine question in his voice.
She shook her head vehemently. Now it was her larynx that lost its power! Ah, why was she falling into pieces whenever he was around?
"Um…am I that ugly that you don't want to even look at me?" he asked, laughing good-naturedly.
"I-Iie!" She whirled around to face him, aware of her face containing all the possible hues of red. "I-It's not that…really…" She looked down at her shoes, wondering what to say next.
She gasped when his hand went out towards her. She looked up and saw his smiling face.
"My name is Uzumaki Naruto." And then he grinned.
When after a few moments she still didn't take his hand, he withdrew it, just as Hinata mustered her guts to stretch her right hand out. Thus, her hand was left hanging on the air. She blushed embarrassedly.
Naruto chuckled, and then with both hands, shook her trembling own.
"H-Hinata…" she squeaked, finally finding her voice that played hide and seek with her.
"I know," he said, nodding. "But your family name is…?"
She looked down. Ever since that fateful incident between her and her father, she had tried to conceal her surname. However, with this boy, she felt like she could talk about this casually. "H-Hyuuga."
She expected him to look surprised, or to ask questions about her relation to the great Hyuuga court, but he didn't. He just nodded, and then grinned again.
"Hyuuga Hinata. OK, now that we're not strangers anymore, maybe you can feel more relaxed when we're together, ne? Especially since we're going to work together in the royal ranch," he informed her.
Her eyes widened. "Y-You will work here, Uzumaki-kun?"
He nodded. "Yup. And oh, one more thing, you have to call me 'Naruto' from now on. I have nothing against my surname, except that it's too long. I don't want you saying my name like a tongue twister every time…and all my friends call me by my name."
"F-Friends…" She felt her cheeks turn warmer. "A-Alright then, Uzu…N-Naruto-kun…"
"There, that's better." He snapped his fingers. "Oh yeah, have you taken breakfast already?'
"N-Not yet…"
"Then join me!" He excitedly grabbed her hand and pulled her with him into the dirty kitchen once again. "Eating without a companion is boring."
"A-Ah, Naruto-kun…wait…"
"Hmm?" He turned to her expectantly,
"H-How did you…" She cleared her throat nervously. "How did you know my name? H-Have we met already?"
Naruto blinked, and then grinned. "Does it matter?"
She automatically shook her head, eyes wide.
"So we'll just have to make that one my little secret, ok?" He winked at her playfully, and now she was sure her face was really burning. "Yay, burgers, sushi, and pizza! Yummy!!!"
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Hyuuga Hinata.
Neji leaned against the wall, face grave. So what was the clan princess doing here? He vaguely remembered his decree ordering the main family to be exiled in the northernmost part of the kingdom.
So why was she here?
But now that he knew who she was in full confirmation, he was going to make her wish that she didn't even set foot in the Hidden Leaf palace.
He was walking back towards the Hyuuga wing when he heard some noises in the magic laboratory. In spite of himself, he found himself smiling for no specific reason.
The witch was back in her cove, brewing up potions.
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"Ino, be careful in placing the net over those shrubs. They're very delicate!" Lady Yamanaka told her daughter who was busy securing their garden for the coming winter.
"Yes, Mother!" she called out in a sing-songy voice. She placed the last of the covers on the plants, and then turned to Shikamaru and Choji. The latter was busy with the potting of plants. The indolent friend of hers though was nowhere to be seen. She placed her hands on her hips irritated. Don't tell me Shikamaru was able to escape this chore again. Oooh, that bum!
She marched towards her father to report to him about Shika when she caught his figure kneeling by the corner of the garden, planting something. This made her cock an eyebrow. Winter was no season to plant.
Overwhelmed by curiosity, she went towards him. "Shika?"
He looked up at her, surprised, "Ino?"
She cleared her throat loudly.
"Lady Ino," he amended before turning his attention back to his work.
"Slacking off already when it's not the hibernation period yet, Nara Shikamaru? This is not the garden job you're supposed to be doing—oh!" Her eyes went wide. "Weeds? You're planting the weeds?" She remembered that her mother instructed Shikamaru to burn them.
"Yes," he said simply.
"But why?" She crouched down beside him and looked at the wild flowers that he was planting some distances away from the garden.
"Because I pity them," he said quietly. "They're not as beautiful as the blooms your garden has, but that doesn't mean they don't deserve space in the soil too. After all, they have their own loveliness, only much simpler,"
"Shika," she said gently. "You know that weeds compete with the plants for sun, water, and nutrients, that's why they have to die."
"They compete for those things because they need those too," he countered. "It's not only beautiful things who have the right to survive, Ino."
"If we let the weeds live, the blooms will die," she said.
"They don't have to. The weeds should just be given their own space to live," he persisted. "And this is what I am giving them."
"Oh Shika…" Her eyes were troubled. Her father told her that her playmate's mind was above ordinary, and although she often takes that for granted, there were times that she would remember it when he acts this reflective. He could be a little too sensitive sometimes, even though he didn't show it.
"I admire the weeds. No matter how often they get stepped on, they are strong plants that will always grow back." He took the net and secured it around the small garden. "I want to be like them."
"You've got to be kidding!" she laughed. "Who steps on someone like you?" she asked. "You're so strong and unaffected! Who could ever make you feel like that?"
He turned to her, and for a moment, he was just looking at her meaningfully. She felt nervousness creep within her heart.
Suddenly, he got up. "It's getting chilly. Tell Lady Yamanaka and Choji to go into the house already."
"Uh-huh." She looked up, smiling. "By the way, I heard Father forgave you for the speech because you researched well on the topic."
"God, I'm so talented," he said, grinning back.
"Conceited Nara Shikamaru." She smiled at him tenderly.
"Stubborn Yamanaka Ino." Fondness was undeniable in his face.
Comfortable silence as the two enjoyed the peaceful feeling between them.
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"Aw, why do you have to leave so early?" asked Naruto when Hinata waved goodbye.
"I still have to check on Lady Sakura," she explained.
He nodded. "Oh…'kay! But maybe one of these days you can introduce me to her, eh?"
She tried not to wince visibly. It was no shocker that he said that—he wasn't the first boy she knew that fell for the attractive cherry blossom-namesake court lady. However, he was the first boy she admired that said that.
"O-Of course," she managed to choke out. "I-I will tell Lady Sakura."
"Great! Thanks, Hinata!" He waved goodbye at last. "See you later in the ranch! I'll look for Sir Kakashi first. Um, do you happen to know where he is?"
"Sir Kakashi?" She looked puzzled as to why he would look for the Starlet mascot.
"Yup. Sasuke told me to look for him."
If she was surprised by his casual reference to the Hidden Leaf crown prince as plain 'Sasuke', she had the tact not to show it. She paused. "Hmm…he may be talking with the other Starlets. You can see them in the courtyard, taking their snacks."
"Oh, alright." After giving a final wave, he sauntered towards the direction the maid gave.
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Naruto blinked when he saw a white-haired man with one eye partially covered by a forehead protector holding a red hardbound novel and a cigarette-smoking guy talking under the trees. He excitedly rushed towards them. "Hey! Hey, you two!"
The two looked up, surprised.
He saluted. "Hi!"
"Yo!" the two replied cheerfully, and Naruto decided that he liked both already. His grin widened.
"I was wondering…you guys are Starlets, right?"
"You want us to sign autographs?" asked the cigarette man.
"No…but you guys can tell me where to find Sir Kakashi," he said.
"Sir Kakashi?" The cigarette man looked at the white-haired man, who shrugged back. "Hmm…I don't know. That Sir Kakashi is a vagabond in every sense, you see."
"A vagabond?" echoed the boy.
The white-haired man nodded. "Yes. Sir Kakashi—his whole name is Hatake Kakashi, by the way—is a drifter. He does not linger in one place only. Anyway, why would you look for him?"
"Sasuke told me to look for him."
"Sasuke?" Both men looked at each other. The white-haired man looked down at him curiously. "Let me guess…you're a student of Iruka, aren't you?"
"Uh-huh!" He nodded proudly. He didn't know his sensei was that popular in the Uchiha court!
"Then you must be Uzumaki Naruto." The man kept his book inside his vest before turning to him. "Here. Why don't I help you find that Sir Kakashi, what do you say?"
"Thank you, man!" Naruto smiled eagerly. Finally, a helpful soul that could make things easy for him.
"I'm warning you though. That Hatake Kakashi is pretty slippery. We have to go to a lot of places before we can spot him."
"No problem!"
"Alright, since you are so enthusiastic about it…let's go!"
Naruto eagerly followed the man.
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"Have you seen Sir Kakashi?" asked the man as Naruto watched behind his shoulders, grinning. Earlier, the man proposed that he would be the one to interrogate the castle people to make sure that they wouldn't try to hide Hatake Kakashi or lie about their knowledge on his whereabouts.
The attractive female ninja who introduced herself as Kurenai shook her head. "If you do find that guy though, tell him that he still owes me a lunch treat for the vase he broke in my classroom."
"Will do!" said the man cheerfully, and then turned back to Naruto. "You're not yet tired from all the walking, lad?"
Naruto quickly shook his head. "I can still walk some more!"
Their next stop was on the noodle house where the man said Kakashi often hangs out to eat.
"Hi old man! Two super duper ultra-electromagnetic ramen bowls for me and the boy here," said the white-haired male as soon as they sat down the stools.
"Sure." He motioned for the young woman servant to fetch the extra large bowls from the kitchen, and then sat down in front of them. "You look like you're going to do something big, eh? What are you two up to?"
Naruto grinned. "We're looking for a certain Sir Kakashi, you see."
"Kakashi, huh?" The owner of the ramen house smiled mysteriously. "You'll have a hard time locating that guy."
"Why?" It seemed to the boy that all the people he talked to practically said the same thing!
"That guy is always sneaking out of his duties as one of the premier Starlets," confided the old man to the two as if it was a big secret of the universe. "He's a bum, you see. He may be the best that the Kingdom Hidden Leaf has, but he is also the most laidback." He served them their hot, steaming meal, which the two accepted with much gusto. "That's why I can only bid you good luck. If you catch the guy, I'll give you a free meal, since he still owes me one super duper ultra-electromagnetic ramen bowl."
"So why won't Sasuke fire him?" asked Naruto innocently, making the man beside him spit his noodles out.
The proprietor laughed out loud. "Why don't you ask Prince Sasuke himself later?"
"Right!" The boy began to wolf down the extra large ramen.
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"One, two, three!" Little Sakura leapt down from the tree branch and landed on her rear. "Oucccchhh!!!"
After massaging her body, she prepared herself to climb up again. She was not going to stop perfecting her jumping skills until she finally learned how to land on the ground on both of her feet.
"Is that suicide?"
It was Prince Sasuke again, only now he was wearing his winter coat and a bonnet.
She stuck her tongue out at him and proceeded with her climbing.
"Why are you doing that?" he asked after a moment.
"So I won't look pathetic next time!" she said, face flushed. She didn't dare turn his way, afraid that he would see her burning face.
The young prince had no idea how his presence started to affect her so ever since that rainy afternoon in the same place.
Little Sasuke, on the other hand, was amused. This was the first time that someone showed obvious anger at him. He was tired of people trying to please him in any way that it started to irritate him. He sat down and watched her push off from the tree branch, landing on the ground in several ways that made him want to laugh. Sometimes, she slipped on the ice and landed on her face. Yet determination was visible on her face. He knew fortitude when he sees one, and it was fascinating to see a warrior's grit clearly carved in the face of a teary-eyed seven-year-old girl.
"Your name?" he suddenly asked.
She turned to him, flustered. "H-Huh?"
"I want your name," he said, the authority of a future kingdom ruler evident in his curt voice.
"W-Well, you can't have it! Get your own name!"
He paused, startled by her response, and then he smiled slowly. "Idiot."
It was only at that point did the little girl realize what the boy meant. "S-Sakura. Haruno Sakura," she said, embarrassed.
"Spring's cherry blossom." The young prince nodded. "If you want to land on your feet, gather all your chakra in your toes and use them to cushion your landing. Concentrate on maintaining your body's gravity."
His instructions barely reached her comprehension. Spring's cherry blossom. It sounded so endearing coming from the usually silent prince.
"I want to see you jump, following my instructions," he ordered.
She got up, shaking her head as if ridding her mind with the uncomfortable warmth he was bringing to her very heart. She concentrated on following what he said about the perfect landing.
Seconds after she pushed off the branch, she felt her toes hit the ground. She opened her eyes and found herself looking at the standing Sasuke in eye level.
Then she realized she was standing when she set down.
Her eyes lit up as the prince nodded, as if quietly congratulating her.
"Perfect landing," he said, now smiling fully for the first time ever since they met.
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"Sir Kakashi, you say?" The earl Rock Lee grinned. The two went straight back to the palace to check if Hatake Kakashi had already returned. "Hmm, you might want to check out the court garden. He hangs out there sometimes when he reads…sometimes he unwinds there too."
Naruto nodded. "That Sir Kakashi is so lazy. Why don't people guess that he's out training or something?"
The white-haired man beside him smiled. "If they learn that Kakashi is training, they will have an epileptic fit."
At that juncture, mage Tenten arrived, exhausted from her morning sorcery workshop. She did a double take when she saw the two guests in the training room.
"They're looking for Sir Kakashi," explained Lee smilingly.
"Ooooh," said the sorceress, smiling too. "Well, tough luck, kid. Sir Kakashi will only talk to the people he deems worthy of his time."
"What a snob! And I thought Sasuke was the worst!" snorted Naruto, making both ninjas laugh.
The pallid-haired man grinned. "Actually, Mage Tenten here means that Kakashi will only talk to sensible people."
"I am sensible!" insisted the blond.
"No doubt about it," nodded the man cheerfully.
"I heard you are looking for Kakashi, boy."
Naruto whirled around and was met by a grinning man with coconut shell-like hair dyed black. He was also wearing a toothpaste killer smile that in his opinion was capable of literal killing.
"Sir Gai!" greeted Lee excitedly.
"That's our sensei, Sir Maito Gai," introduced Tenten for the benefit of the gaping boy.
"How are you, lad?" Gai offered his hand towards Naruto. The boy eagerly took it and replied, "Well, I'm—"
"Good, good," interrupted the Bruce Lee-like sensei, nodding. "You look well, indeed. Now what's this I heard that you are looking for Kakashi?"
"Yes. Sir," said Naruto. "Sasuke wants me to find him—"
"Ah, the prince. I therefore conclude that you are a new apprentice of Kakashi." He crossed his arms smugly. "He's not as good as I am in taijutsu, but then, I'm sure he will suffice."
"Sir Kakashi is his biggest rival since Jacky Chan," explained the mage again, eyes laughing.
"No one can be compared to my Sir Gai!" gushed Lee, eyes shining in pride for his hero. "Taijutsu, Ninjutsu, genjutsu…he excels in all of them!"
"Aw shucks. You're only saying that because it's true!" said Gai, thrilled. Suddenly, he pumped his fists, fire roaring in his eyes. "But remember, Lee, we mustn't let this air of pride inflate our minds, hearts, and egos. Bloated souls are not worth to be called true ninjas, do you understand?"
"With all my heart, Sir Gai!" nodded the boy, tears welling up in his eyes.
Gai then rubbed his jaw, smiling charmingly. "But indeed, I am so good. Unbeatable too."
Silence.
"So that's why you were the one who went to the market and bought the castle's menu for the day," said the white-haired guy after a while, chuckling.
"Huh?" Naruto looked at the man blankly.
Tenten giggled. "Actually, they had a match three days ago. It's a paperboat race on the river. Sir Gai lost, so as consequence, he went down the town market to shop."
Naruto sweatdropped.
"Hah! But that's beside the point." Gai regained his composure once more. "Child, drop by the garden. You might chance upon that little sneak if you hurry."
"Right!" The blond boy grinned. "Thanks for all your help!" He turned to the man. "Let's go?"
The guy nodded smilingly.
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Sasuke was unwinding in the court garden when he saw a familiar backside standing in front of the legendary cherry blossom tree. He walked towards her quietly, careful not to disturb the girl who seemed to be in the middle of her walk in the memory lane.
He was right; the girl didn't even notice her. The faraway look was in her eyes, as if she was reaching for some distant memories.
He let her be as he stood beside her, unnoticed.
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Eight-year-old Sakura was crying in the cherry blossom tree as she held her cheek. It was her first time to be slapped, and by her own doting father even! She was scolded harshly after she tried to run away from the castle. If only Sasuke didn't find her, she could be already outside the Hidden Leaf kingdom gates instead of grounded inside the castle, crying and hating everyone around her.
She only ran away because her father told her that she was being groomed for a man already, and that she had to grow up into a finesse lady already.
Finesse lady? And give up her exciting outdoor adventures for ladylike arts like embroidery? No way!
"That was stupid of you," said Ino, joining her in her seat. "You shouldn't have angered Uncle like that."
"But I don't want to get married," she said softly. "I want to play outside."
"We can't be kids forever," said her best friend maturedly. "We court ladies are reared to become wives…good and proper wives at that."
"I'm a proper girl! Can't that mean that I can be a proper wife too?" she asked, sniffling.
Ino smiled sadly. "Oh Sakura-chan…"
"I don't want to marry anyone!" she whimpered.
"Oh, but did you ask who that guy your father wants you to be with possibly?" she asked.
Sakura shrugged. "I don't care…"
"It's Prince Sasuke."
"Oh!" Her eyes widened.
Ino adjusted her seat to become more comfortable. "I know that you feel ill about this, but that's ok. I like Prince Sasuke a lot. And you know what? I feel better now knowing that you are not really interested with him." Her cheeks turned pink faintly. "Because I like him…a lot."
Sakura bit her lip. She did too, and if her father only said earlier that it was Sasuke that she was to prepare for then she wouldn't have went through the trouble of running away. She liked the prince a lot.
"Ino-chan?"
"Hmm?"
Sakura shook her head. "N-Nothing." She tucked her knees underneath her chin. "I'm sorry for worrying you all when I ran away."
Ino laughingly hugged her head. "Sakura-chan, we're just glad that you're safe with us now."
They talked for a few more minutes until Choji arrived, announcing that it was bedtime for Ino.
"Won't you come in yet?" Her best friend's eyes were begging her to reconsider sneaking away from the palace again tonight.
To this, Sakura smiled comfortingly. "I'm not going anywhere."
"Alright, but go right into bed afterwards."
"Hai, don't worry!"
Ino waved at her and she waved back, bidding their good nights.
At last, she was alone again. Her face crumpled. Now Ino, her only friend in the court, would become her rival too. She touched her swollen cheek. Suddenly, she wished that her father could have just slapped her a thousand and one times, then told her that she was going to be exiled in the wasted land near the border of the Mist kingdom. She could have wanted that more instead of having to compete with her best friend for Uchiha Sasuke's affections, especially when she knew that with the beauty, talent, and confidence of Yamanaka Ino, she was just going to lose.
She felt someone sit down beside her. Ino-chan might be really worried about me, she thought. Rubbing her eyes dry, she looked up with a smile. "Don't worry, I won't run away—"
Sasuke was frowning at her. "You better not. You proved to be enough trouble for the kingdom."
She looked away suddenly, face pink. "Sasuke-kun!"
He exhaled audibly. "Look, court ladies are obliged to try the race for the queen's throne. Even if you don't like it, it's an obligation. And obligations are like shadows that will chase you wherever you go, so don't even think you can run away from it."
"I'm not a court lady! I'll never become one!"
"I know," he agreed. If it was a good thing or bad, he didn't say anymore.
A moment of silence passed again between them.
"It's your fault. You looked for me."
"I was passing by the forest when they told me that your parents are worried, so I helped," he said, shrugging.
"But still…"
"D-Does your cheek still hurt?" he asked, and she swore she felt concern in his usually emotionally devoid voice.
"W-Why do you ask?" she asked. "Because you enjoy seeing other people miserable?"
"You talk too loud...too much. I just asked a yes or no question, for crying out loud!" Now he sounded his usual irritable self again.
"Because you're not supposed to be concerned! You're made of ice! You're the ice prince!" she sobbed.
Stillness filled the air once more.
"I'm that bad?" he asked inaudibly.
She was too busy sniffling to reply.
"Ok." He tucked his knee. "Now stop crying. It's already late in the evening to make stupid noise."
She trembled at his unusual gentleness. She looked back at him, and under the Konoha moonlight, she came into one realization.
She wanted the prince. She loved Uchiha Sasuke dearly. Even with her young heart, she understood how deep her fondness for him ran.
And there and then, she vowed that she would not lose in the competition, even if it meant she would lose her dear friend in the process too.
.
.
.
Sakura smiled sadly. The next day, she summoned all her guts to announce in public her intention to get the prince's heart. In the middle of the dance floor while everyone was preparing for Sasuke's ninth birthday, she proudly declared to all present that she would become the wife of Uchiha Sasuke someday. She could never forget the look of shock and betrayal that registered on Yamanaka Ino's face, as well as the look of disbelief and disgust on Sasuke's face.
She had pondered many times if what she did was right afterwards, but she remembered what Sasuke said long ago. If she wouldn't believe herself, no one would. That same faith keeps her going with this fight, with the hope of that mellowing the ice that covered the heart of the prince who started to avoid her like a contagious disease after the incident.
If her unconditional love and faith was not enough to win Sasuke's heart, she knew nothing would.
She turned to go when she suddenly slammed on something that felt too warm to be a wall. She looked up and found Uchiha Sasuke looking down at her, a blank look on his face.
She tried to smile unaffectedly. "Your Highness, it's a surprise to see you!"
He shrugged. "Likewise."
"Ah, I was just relaxing… the ladies' meeting took too long." She looked down at her feet, wondering what to say next.
"Now this is a surprise," he said. "You ran out of words to say."
"Your presence is intimidating," she said, laughing her embarrassment out. Her eyes went to the autumn sky. "It's nearly winter."
"I hope you're not planning to do those branch jumping escapades of yours again," he said.
She blinked. "Y-You…remember?"
"Who wouldn't remember such stupidity?" he asked back.
"Nevertheless, knowing that I take up a small part of your mind…"
"Stupid."
She laughed softly. "So what are you doing here?"
"I was walking in the yard when I saw you—" He halted when he saw her eyes light up hopefully.
"And?" she prompted.
"Sasuke!!!"
The prince turned around, grateful for the interruption. Sakura, on the other hand, felt her jaw drop.
Naruto was walking towards them excitedly as the white-haired Starlet waved at them apologetically.
"Hey Sasuke, I couldn't find that Sir Kakashi, but this guy helped me out." He proudly gestured to the smiling male.
Sasuke found himself nodding slowly as he eyed the Starlet. "Very…helpful."
Sakura scratched her head. "W-Wait a minute—"
Naruto's eyes darted towards the girl, and instantly, his face lit up. "Lady Sakuraaaaa!!!"
Her face contorted. "W-Wha—" Naruto was about to leap on her when Sasuke's fist landed on his nose.
"Idiot," muttered the prince. He turned his eyes at the tall ninja. "That was really nice of you to help him out, but you should have just introduced yourself earlier to him, Kakashi."
Naruto blinked. "Nani?"
"Ah, party pooper." The ashen-haired man grinned at the blond cheerfully. "How do you do, man? I am Hatake Kakashi, but they call me Sir Kakashi."
Silence.
"GAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!" Naruto's holler reverberated in the whole courtyard.
………………..
to be continued
