A few days had passed since Sasuke arrived in Tokyo. He was lying on a futon as a makeshift bed until the furniture arrived in the new apartment. His parents insisted on helping to afford the furniture while his brother helped him look for an apartment that had at least three rooms, one for his office, Sarada's room and his own. It is a high cost that, thanks to the good condition of Sasuke's family, he could afford to pay. Sasuke had planned well before returning to Japan.

Sasuke had just seen the college campus a few days earlier, today he would only go and deliver the documentation to get started. The assistant director of the biology department, Kabuto, gave him a short tour of the department, showing where the most used classrooms and laboratories were. Sasuke thought the behavior of the assistant, who was also the deputy director, strange. For some reason, he felt he was being threatened because of his résumé, even though he had no interest in that position. His concern was to move on with his life alongside his daughter.

Sasuke got up to get ready to go to the institution. He took a hot shower, letting the water fall over his black hair, which was long and smooth. He dressed quickly, anxious for an espresso, ideal for that cold morning. He served himself in a coffee cup he got as a farewell gift from his California co-workers. While distracted, enjoying his coffee, his phone rang, giving him a little fright. Upon seeing the cell phone screen, Sakura's name appeared in bold letters. He answered the call almost immediately.

"Sasuke", he answered with his serious tone of voice, it was a custom that he picked up at work, because he was always asked for in the calls.

"Hi, Sasuke! Good morning! Look; I need a favor", Sakura asked.

Sasuke took a long sip of coffee, worried. It had been some time since he first got to the city, but he still hadn't seen Sarada. Since arriving in the country, he'd had many commitments: documentation, validation of the diploma and visits to his parents and brother, all eager for his attention. The least he could do for her was deal with her little princess.

"You can talk, Sakura", said Sasuke finishing his coffee and putting the cup over the sink.

"I needed to go to Sarada's school, but I had an unforeseen event at work. I need to help a surgeon remove a cancer tumor. Could you stop by the school?", she asked in a supplicant tone over the phone.

"Sakura, you know you don't have to beg. She's our daughter, I'm always available", Sasuke said warmly.

"I'm trying to get used to it, Sasuke", laughed Sakura, embarassed, but happy to hear those words.

"Better get used to it. Send me the address of the school; I'm going to stop by right after I leave college", Sasuke replied a little impatiently.

"Sure, I'm going to hang up and I'll message you. Sarada will be happy to see you", Sakura assured, smiling.

"Sakura, one thing...", interrupted Sasuke. "Why did you tell Itachi about Naruto? What's your intention?"

Sakura was silent, she did not expect Sasuke to ask about it so soon and had forgotten about it, even. Sakura took a deep breath and responded. This matter was delicate, but it needed an ending.

"Because I have no choice anymore, Sasuke", Sakura admitted, sadly. "I didn't want to involve you two, but it's been so many years... You've changed, so I thought maybe you can work it out. And Naruto really needs you right now, and even if it doesn't look like it, you need him, too."

Sasuke listened to Sakura, annoyed, his heart beating at a different pace, which bothered him. He didn't want to admit it to himself, but there was one thing that needed to be solved.

"Don't get into my life anymore Sakura... I don't want to hear that name again", replied Sasuke, coldly.

"You need to solve this one way or another. Our daughter is Naruto's son's classmate, eventually, you'll meet. Do it for Sarada, if you're not going to do it for yourself", asked Sakura firmly.

That damn girl knew how to play dirty. Sasuke growled, he knew Sakura was right for a change. He could not avoid this reunion; one way or another, they would meet. Not only in Tokyo but in Osaka, when he visits Iruka, his childhood teacher, or Kakashi, who is an old family friend - he was the policeman who pursued him to avoid trouble in the Uchiha family and also scolded Naruto for his rebelliousness on the street. Because of this, Kakashi eventually became a close friend of Iruka's. For some reason, he's always thought his sudden closeness to his former teacher was weird.

He took a deep breath, trying to contain his anger, and hung up the phone without saying goodbye. He got out of the apartment after leaving some messages asking Itachi to receive the furniture in his apartment.

/-/-/-/

~~flashback~~

The bell rang once more, in an impatient manner. Sakura, with a tired expression, walked with difficulties toward the door because of her pregnant belly. It was only a few months before the baby was born, who did not yet have a definite name.

Sakura did an internship to complete the hours she needed to graduate. However, the child could be born at any time. She had refused leave at the beginning of the following semester because she wanted to use all the time she would be away to be able to complete the disciplines remotely. It would be difficult, but she had to work hard to get her independence to raise her daughter. Despite the circumstances, she was grateful for the support of her parents. Without that help, she could never get far. In a few days, they would move into a new apartment near the hospital. It was small and would be even more so with two elderly people and a baby, but nothing that would affect her studies.

That almost weekend night, the doorbell rang out through her apartment. Sakura answered, surprised by who was at her door.

"Naruto?", called Sakura, surprised.

"Sakura, help me!", he pleaded, entering the apartment because they already had intimacy. "I betrayed Hinata", he let out, with his guilt-laden voice, sitting on the living room couch.

Naruto was a recent graduate of culinary college, working as a chef's assistant at a busy downtown restaurant. As he was at the beginning of his career, he still depended on his father to pay for his life in Tokyo. Hinata was his girlfriend, also a recent graduate in psychology, she had just been hired at a clinic, and she lived with her parents near Tokyo. A few months after they met, they made their relationship public. Which almost was lost due to Naruto's mistake.

He was at the bar and wanted to go out to rest his head due to the latest development in his life. However, the beverage dominated his emotions and filled Naruto with guilt. Not knowing what to do, he ran to his friend's house, only she could hear him at that time.

"N-Naruto! How could you? She trusts you!", argued Sakura, punching Naruto's arm, which made him grunt. "And on top of that she's pregnant!"

Sakura's words crossed Naruto, causing the guilt to consume him even more. Naruto scratched himself anxiously and regretfully. He'd have to marry her because of Hinata's conservative family, not that it was a problem, but how could he share a love with her, having cheated on her like that? He did not feel worthy of receiving her love and her child. Sakura, without changing her disappointed face, was curious about the details.

"When was it? " asked Sakura, crossing her arms over her immense pregnant belly.

"It was a few days ago", Naruto replied, letting out a sigh with his eyes watered.

"Why didn't you tell me?", questioned Sakura, frustrated, hitting her fingertips over her crossed arm.

"I was afraid... I don't understand why this happened, I love Hinata and I would die if she grew apart from me. I'd understand too if she wanted to walk away from me for what I did. I really failed her", cried Naruto, biting his lower lip to hold back the tears.

Sakura blinked a few times, confused, she wanted to understand her friend's intentions and feelings. She didn't understand Naruto's attitude towards cheating on Hinata, and it intrigued her. Why did Naruto resort to this momentary involvement?

"Naruto, I know you're in a bad state, but I want to know who you cheated on her with", asked Sakura, looking at Naruto's blue eyes, showing concern in her tone of voice.

"It's something that only I should know, along with the feeling of guilt," Naruto replied, looking away by lowering his head.

Sakura nodded and preferred not to press Naruto on this matter anymore. She chose not to judge. She was pregnant because of said "moment", different consequences even though they put themselves in similar situations. Both were silent and Sakura relaxed, leaning her back on the couch and Naruto, with his hands intertwined, was pensive. They were both looking for what to do, but they didn't get any answers. This whole situation was terrible and they didn't know how to help each other.

"Sometimes I regret trying to force Sasuke to stay...", shared Sakura, sadly, allowing the guilt to spread in an attempt to comfort him.

"You were not to blame, Sakura", he said, in an attempt to comfort her. "Sasuke and I had a big quarrel. And well... I don't want to see him anymore."

Sakura turned her eyes, surprised. Their friendship, despite being quite bumpy due to the fights, was true and mutual. Of course, as Naruto was more emotional, he naturally gave 110% of himself to assist his friends and with Sasuke, he would do no differently.

A thousand and one reasons passed in Sakura's mind, who tried to understand and connect the reason behind him running away and they fighting, but nothing came up. Naruto always ignored it and kept to himself many secrets to be able to move on. It gave the impression that he was punishing himself for not having close contact with anyone who could open this box of secrets. Which was ironic, since he was a chatterer on duty and liked to talk about his life, leaving the person comfortable enough to open up to him.

"Too bad you made that decision", Sakura said sadly, looking down trying to hide her face. "Our daughter will be born and her father fought with his best friend. Why is he like this? If it's not for our daughter, neither for you nor your family, who's to say he's coming back?"

Naruto blinked a few times, holding Sakura's hand, offering her safety and comfort at this difficult time.

"We don't need him, Sakura! We have each other, and that's all that matters!", said Naruto, now smiling warmly, putting his hand on Sakura's belly, feeling the baby move, making him smile even more. "I can't wait for Boruto to be born and be friends with your child."

Sakura smiled back, affected by her friend's excitement and support. She put her hand next to him, feeling her baby's movements along with Naruto.

"Thank you Naruto...", said Sakura with a tearful voice, laughing lightly afterwards. "You've come to vent and I'm the one who's crying."

"I was an idiot", Naruto admitted, laughing back and passing his hands through his hair, a little anxious. "I think... The best thing to do is tell Hinata."

"Yes", Sakura said. "Wait for things to go well in her pregnancy and talk to her before you make it official.

"I'm afraid, Sakura...", let out Naruto apprehensively, getting anxious again. "I don't want her to leave me. I love her."

Sakura slapped lightly on his back and smiled wistfully at him.

"Those are the consequences." Sakura looked at her womb, hinting at her situation. "Isn't it?"

*~*~*Flash Back*~*~*

It was another busy day at lunchtime at Suki's restaurant. Naruto screamed and ran from one side to another to help his employees deliver the food as quickly as possible. He had to deliver the perfect food for everyone to return to work satisfied and happy; just like his mother when she cooked for him and his father.

When the movement subsided at the end of lunch time, Naruto recalled his conversation with Sakura after Sasuke left for the United States. She, a single mother, pregnant and going to college, had no emotional support to be able to move on with Sarada in her womb. Thanks to her parents, Sasuke's parents and friends, she was able to finish even ahead of time. And thanks to her efforts, surprising even her teachers, she managed to finish college with good grades and got a job in an excellent hospital.

He, on the other hand, still felt disoriented and guilty for betraying his love. Sakura supported him even on his biggest mess-ups. She knew her friend more than anyone, with the exception of the box of secrets he refused to open. As a result, Sasuke returned and did not know how to act near him, and the constant questions about his quarrel with him would return and an answer would be required. After all, it's been ten years since they stopped talking. Something must have changed, and everyone deserved an explanation of the end of this relationship. This weight had been making him anxious for days. As he remembered Sasuke, he remembered all the past he swore to forget and pile upon his heart. Unfortunately, he couldn't hide this problem anymore, he needed to deal with Sasuke one way or another.

He also recalled that, in recent weeks, Iruka had stayed more in his apartment to help with the children. At the end of the previous week, Iruka returned to Osaka to see his home, so he could no longer count on his help. With this, Naruto struggled to maintain some family activity between him and his children, but Boruto locked himself in the room and Himawari responded little to his father's social stimuli, always shy and closed.

Naruto didn't know what to do to solve this situation, but his wife sure would. Which made him think he wasn't born to be a father. To think so would be unfair to Iruka himself, who adopted him and raised him alone, being a teacher, dealing with other people's children and Naruto himself, who was also not an easy child. Maybe that's why Boruto is so complicated. He never believed in karma, however, he believed faithfully that Boruto pulled this rebellious and stubborn side from him.

Before going to Osaka, Iruka insisted that the blonde go out more and try to distract himself from activities other than work and staying at home with the children. The former teacher knew Naruto was exhausted by the pace of the week and needed to rest.

Knowing that Naruto would not strive for this, he and Shikamaru organized their calendar to force him to stay at least a week off. Naruto was trying to get excited about the idea, but just imagining himself inside his home made him anxious. He could sense his dead wife in every room, and that distressed him.

So he made sure to get organized to try to go out with Sakura and her friends to a bar. He needed to get out of here, forget a little bit about work and his depression. Thinking about it, his days off couldn't be so bad. He forced his best smile for the concern and affection of his employee and friend.

Naruto found himself in the kitchen, sautéing a few pieces of pork. Although his specialty was pasta, he was very good at preparing other dishes. Choji, his sub-chef, was by his side while he was cooking. Relaxed, he spoke, drawing the chef's attention:

"Hey, Naruto, Shikamaru commented that you're about to go on vacation. Have you already thought about what you're going to do?

"Of course", he replied enthusiastically, "I can't wait to sleep late every day", he joked, grunting in pain while stretching his back, making Choji laugh.

"I hope it happens soon. It's going to be the first time I'm going to be a chef", he admitted, smiling a little nervously, getting slaps from his boss.

"You are more than fit for it, Choji. I trust you! And don't be soft on Shika, put him up to work, that lazy one", complained Naruto, making them both laugh.

"Count on me , Naruto-kun!", Choji folded the sleeves of his tunic with enthusiasm, giving him a slight slap on the arm.

Before he could recover from the conversation with Choji, Shikamaru appeared with a serious expression, ignoring the conversation, causing both of them to become concerned.

"Naruto, it's Karin. I transferred the call to your office, she needs to talk to you", said Shikamaru with both hands in his pocket.

Naruto didn't wait until Shikamaru finished talking and went off in a hurry to his office.

"I miss Karin. I miss our after-school outings", Choji said, taking Naruto's place to sauté the pig.

"She's insane. How she got a job at this school, I don't know", Shikamaru said laughing, recalling their misbehavior when they were young. "She takes everything very seriously. It's very easy to piss her off."

"I remember it. It seems to run in the family. Naruto is naive and Karin takes everything very seriously", compared Choji, giving a nostalgic smile.

In the office, Naruto pressed a few buttons on the landline and answered the call.

"Karin? Is everything alright?", Naruto began the conversation without many formalities, as Karin called him directly when it came to urgent business.

"Naruto, I hope you're not too busy. I need you to come to the school so we can discuss Boruto's performance", Karin said seriously on the phone, almost in a threatening tone.

Karin was his second cousin. He met her in college, as he was adopted without knowing her family. She is a few years older than him, and also studied Biology, the same course as Sasuke's.

She followed the academic path and consequently became not only a biologist, but also a teacher. She specialized in Education and took her work very seriously, because according to her: "education has been sloppy because of the students' guardians". She wanted to work with kids who had difficulties in school. She faithfully believed that it was possible to overcome the worst of their difficulties in life with the help of their parents and the school, working side by side.

The problem is she took everything very seriously. And because of her strong personality, she was very direct and sometimes rude in dealing with certain situations regarding parents and students. As they were related, Karin sounded impatient on the phone, leaving Naruto eager to hang up as soon as possible, before being scolded.

"All right, Karin, but can I not even bring a Lámen to calm you down?", asked Naruto a little embarrassed, he always felt awkward when trying to talk to Karin.

"Don't waste my time, Uzumaki. Come immediately", replied Karin, impatiently. "I want it with a lot of meat, please."

Naruto was embarrassed, trying to calm the Karin beast with the lámen, but without much success. As he hung up, the smile turned into a frown. His blue eyes shone brighter than normal and he closed his fist tightly. He leaned over the table, closed his eyes hard and whispered.

" Hinata ... I'm trying... ", vented Naruto in a melancholic tone, his head down.

/-/-/-/

With the arrival of autumn, some signs of the season appeared: the change of leaves to a more orange tone, an icy breeze reaching a minimum of 16º and a warm afternoon. It's amazing how friendly and threatening nature could be in different seasons, autumn and spring demonstrate well these transitions.

In a neighborhood outside central Tokyo, Sasuke followed the directions indicated by the GPS to reach Sarada's school. It was naïve to imagine that, in ten years outside the country, he would still know how to walk around the city and its surroundings. However, ten years in Japan are years of many changes and development. Nothing was the same anymore.

Not even himself.

Stopping to think of Sakura's rare words of wisdom, Naruto also couldn't be the same. He had a family, a renowned job and many loved ones around him. Why would he get back in touch with him? His brain insisted it was better that way. It was his decision to give up everything and his past to move on. Including his old friendships... and Naruto. His chest tightened thinking about the possibility of never talking to him again.

Why did he feel that way? He was in Japan for Sarada. Why did this matter with Naruto return when he set foot in the country?

That nosy fore-headed girl.

Sasuke took a deep breath and tried to focus on the present: Sarada. He'd see her after many years, not only in video calls now. He was anxious and excited, he felt he could be a present father. He'd like to present everything he had studied and what he knew about marine animals on a visit to the aquarium. Sarada was fascinated by sea stars and seahorses, always mentioning them. Now, they could talk about it in the car, in a diner or at his house. This routine got him excited.

Sasuke parked his car and left wearing a black overcoat. He walked towards a huge building; it wasn't too busy, there were few children. He changed his shoes and climbed the stairs slowly, analyzing the structure of the place. It was well done, with many classrooms and extracurricular clubs. A huge sports court behind the building could be seen on the first floor, which is where it was. He was on his way to the administration. Despite being very busy, he never underestimated Sakura in taking care of Sarada's education and health. He had always trusted and supported her in these decisions, because it would be the best.

As he slid the door open, Sasuke was greeted by a look of surprise from a child with black glasses and dark hair. Upon recognizing him, her eyes filled with water and she ran in a somewhat clumsy way towards him. Sasuke crouched down to get to Sarada's height and return her hug, holding back tears as well. And to think that one day he had so much resentment for this child... today he lived and breathed for her sake.

"I'm sorry I didn't visit you when I arrived, little star", whispered Sasuke, calling her by an affectionate nickname. He pulled away from the embrace and then wiped her damp face.

"All right, Daddy," Sarada said, smiling heartily. "Mom says you're busy tidying up my room."

"And she is right. Once it's ready, you can come visit me whenever you want", Sasuke said, smiling from ear to ear, affected by Sarada's joy.

"Can I choose my things for the room?", asked Sarada, holding firmly Sasuke's hands, anxious.

"Whatever you want, little star," Sasuke said.

"Sasuke?!"; a different voice echoed in the room.

Analyzing a little, Sasuke recognized the voice almost immediately. He stood up to the owner of the voice just to be sure. With the serious countenance, he replied.

"Karin, it's been a long time", greeted Sasuke in a more serious tone.

Despite the surprise of this reunion, Karin showed no reaction to seeing him there. She crossed her arms with a clipboard in her hand and a disdainful look on her face.

"So Haruno Sarada is your daughter with Sakura", asked Karin with a tone of disdain.

"I thought everyone knew," Sasuke replied indifferently, keeping Sarada embraced at his waist.

"You're still the same know it all", Karin said, smiling devilishly and entering his office. "Come with me, Sasuke."

Sasuke lightly stroked Sarada's hair and followed Karin into the room. She sat in the chair behind the table, more at ease and without many manners, since they knew each other outside the school. He left his overcoat hanging from the clothes rack behind the door and closed it. He sat in the comfortable armchair facing the table.

"So? What did you think of the school? " asked Karin, smiling proudly.

"Nothing that was outside your standards. I'm really impressed ", admitted Sasuke, noticing the pride in Karin's voice, but needing to be modest. The school was within the standards he imagined.

"I am very happy that my administration meets your expectations. I want all my children to have all the best there is, so they can grow up to be good citizens", Karin said, focusing on the computer, without losing sight of the conversation. "With the parents' help, of course."

Karin was demanding and very strict, committed and dedicated to her work. Karin was his senior, but his first contact with her was because of her second cousin: Naruto. After a few years he learned that she became a competent coordinator through Sakura; thus the reason why his princess was in that school, which could offer all the best.

"How can I help? Sakura could not come because of an unexpected problem in the hospital", Sasuke spoke with all the calm of the world, but she did not change her expression of impatience.

"Well, she rarely gets to come. Working in a big hospital like that requires a lot of her", Karin replied in a harsh tone. She didn't like dealing with absent parents, but it wasn't her fault that she lived intensely because of her job, and she knew it. "I'm really glad you're going to be able to reconcile with Sakura. The fore-headed girl always insisted on bringing Sai in her place, but I work with the biological parents. Sai doesn't have the same connection you have with Sarada.

Sasuke blinked a few times surprised, but without changing his expression of indifference. He wanted more than ever to be a part of his daughter's life, he was away for years and Sakura made a point of omitting many important things about the life of their daughter. Just so she doesn't have to hear him complain from the other side of the world.

Now, she wouldn't have to go through this situation. He'd be side by side with the doctor to offer Sarada the best they can.

"Well, indeed. Sai is her stepfather", Sasuke commented, agreeing with Karin's logic.

"This is the bulletin of her evaluations," Karin said, picking up a piece of paper from the printer, delivering it to Sasuke.

Sasuke widened his eyes, surprised. The subjects were listed alongside the low grades, with several observations and comments from teachers. "Very distracted" and "melancholic behavior" were common for several teachers. The redhead was silent, giving him time to finish reading Sarada's bulletin. Sasuke wasn't satisfied at all.

"Karin, what does that mean?", complained Sasuke, now looking at Karin.

Karin rested her back on the chair, raising her eyebrow, agreeing with Sasuke's indignation. She collected his clipboard, placing it in her lap.

"That's what I'm trying to figure out," Karin admitted in a heartfelt tone of voice, flipping through her notes on the drawing board. "A teacher came to talk to me the other day, explaining that she is distracted and melancholic in class, but she refuses to talk. And today I can understand who she got all that pride from."

Sasuke sighed, angry. Although an excellent professional, Karin was able to get in his nerves through mockery, especially when she was right. The Uchiha family had always had the reputation of being very proud and hard-headed. Which was reinforced even more in Sarada.

"I began to suspect that it was the lack of a present father that is making her get these low grades. It's good you're back," Karin admitted, writing something else on her drawing board. Exchanging a serious look with Uchiha.

"Is there anything I can do to help? ", asked Sasuke apprehensively.

"Well, make her talk and tell you about what's bothering her. It would help us figure out where so much melancholy and distraction come from, according to her teachers", Karin asked.

"I understand. I will do what I can", Sasuke replied, determined and committed to helping.

"Sasuke, I hope that's it, for this is also a sign of a serious problem", Karin said, intertwining her hands, looking into Sasuke's eyes.

"Which would it be, Karin? What kind of trouble can she have?", asked Sasuke, worried.

Karin took a deep breath again, leaning against her comfortable chair, feeling defeated. In fact, it was a challenge, but Sasuke's love and commitment to Sarada gave her an energy not to give up her office and what she believes in.

"It can be a lot of things, because she had to live with separated parents", Karin said in a serious tone. "She can be depressed."