Chapter 3

Seven and a half years later, Kumiko was an ANBU captain, and highly respected. She became a Genin at five, a Chuunin at seven, almost eight, and became an ANBU captain at twelve. Her father was proud, having been just as strong at her age. One day, nostalgia seemed to hit her hard. Of course…it was her birthday…She was walking through the streets, not particularly enjoying her day off, when she saw Kakashi buying a new copy of Icha Icha Paradise. "Dad…do you really have to get MORE?" "Of course I do! Why?" "Oh…it's nothing…" her usually bright voice was depressed, and he started cursing Sasuke for leaving as he tried to cheer her up. Nothing he tried worked, and she eventually got away from him, but bumped into Sakura and Naruto. "Hey guys…" "Kumiko!!" Naruto said happily, hugging her.

"Why aren't you happy? It's your birthday!" "Oh…sorry. I've just had a lot of stuff on my mind…" Sakura smiled, saying, "Then we'll just have to cheer you up!" Kumiko ended up being dragged to Ichiraku. After escaping a hyperactive Naruto and a very worried Sakura, Kumiko sighed with relief. She went to her apartment, and changed from her ANBU outfit into a white tube top and jean shorts, sighing contently as she flopped onto her couch. "They're trying too hard…I just want to be alone…" she closed her eyes, when she heard something like a window opening. She opened her eyes, narrowing them as she looked around. She saw a shadow, and kept her eye on it as she inconspicuously reached for a kunai. She threw it, and a sword flashed as it was knocked away.

"Who are you?" she questioned seriously, holding a shuriken. When the shinobi stepped out of the shadows, her heart stopped. "Sasuke…"
She stood up, still shocked, but she kept a wary eye on his blade. "Sasuke…why are you here? Are you coming back?" He didn't answer, and his face didn't show any emotion. "Sasuke…" He put away his sword, staying silent, when she felt like her heart was going to explode. "I came back…to see you…" She blushed, asking, "Why would you want to see me?" he stared at her. "I'm nothing special…the only thing I'm good at is fighting…" The next moment, she was on her back on the couch, Sasuke holding her wrists down, straddling her sides.

Her blush deepened as he said, "You don't understand…you're the most beautiful girl I've ever met…" she gave him a hopeful look, and he leaned in, capturing her lips in a kiss.

"You're beautiful just the way you are…"