Chapter 8: Love

Several years later…

"Good morning Hinata-chan!" Naruto's voice rings across the classroom, but even with his tone, the class resident doesn't even mind him, as they minding their own business.

Naruto strode towards his own seat. As he passed the once painfully shy girl who had gradually become more comfortable around him over the years. Naruto had managed to make a real impact on her life. Slowly but it adds up over time.

"G-good morning, Naruto-kun" Hinata fidgeted in her seat.

"Jeez Naruto can you not yell first thing in the morning?" the pink-haired girl beside Hinata annoyed at his early morning antics.

"Anyway, Good morning to you too, Sakura-chan"

Sakura sighed, "…Morning".

Naruto walks towards his seat and have a little chat with his seatmate.

The class chatter died down as Iruka walk into the classroom.

"Well class, I have a piece of bad news. Today you will have your own study session at home because all of us teachers have something important to do" Iruka announced.

The class turns into a cheer. But that cheer didn't last for that long.

"-But I will give you some homework, you can do with your seatmate, oh yeah… you are free to do it at home." he placed a pile of paperwork almost as tall as him even without counting the table it was sitting on.

The Class turns into a massive groan.

"No complaining! I'll expect everyone put it on my table tomorrow early in the morning." Iruka started to hand out the homework to each table and leave them for the day.

Ino's eye twitches while looking at the pile of work in front of her. Her eyes move towards her left.

"I guess we are stuck with homework for the rest of the day" Naruto mused.

"Where should we go?" Shino chimed in.

Ino raised her hand "Oh! We can go to my family's flower shop. It is closed for the day so we can use it!"

As the trio walked down the street, they arrived at a charming little shop with the name 'Yamanaka flowers' playfully etched on top of the entrance.

The shop was a cozy haven filled with countless floral arrangements, ranging from delicate roses to vibrant sunflowers, and the sweet fragrance of flowers was almost intoxicating.

As they walk through the door, they take their seat at the front desk, just beside the cashier's register, and begin their tasks for the day.

After struggling for what seemed like an eternity, they were eventually able to finish their tasks four painful hours later. Books, pens and paper are scattered all over the table.

"Alright, that's finally doneee!" Ino squealed stretching her limbs in the air. "Now that our work is done… what should we do?"

"Actually, I'll be going now, I have some errands to do." Shino got up from his seat after packing all his stuff.

"Really? then it can be helped errand boy" Ino snickered.

"Careful on your way" Shino nods at Naruto's words.

"Well, I'll be going now."

The door closed, leaving Naruto and Ino alone in her flower shop.

"He really is gone" Ino sigh. "Well, whatever anyway what should we do now Naruto-kun?"

"We could have a chat I guess? We still have some time before lunch." Naruto said.

Ino's eye sparkled at his suggestion "Ooh I know let's talk about our hobbies and likes!"

"Well, I'm fine with that… uh… "Naruto rolled his eyes, trying to think of something "Why do you like flowers Ino?" he asks.

Looking at her curiously. She was known for her popularity at the academy and the fact that she loved flowers. However, no one seemed to know the reason behind her obsession with them. It remained a mystery, and he couldn't help but wonder what the story was behind it all.

Perhaps it was something deeper than just an appreciation for their beauty?

"Well… they are beautiful and colorful, but I think that's not what the main thing I like about them" She tilts her head to the side "I mean, they are cute and all, but I think what I like the most is their flower language."

"Flower language? "

"uh-huh, kaa-san tells me some of them. But I learn more in this kind of book" Ino opens the drawer on her desk and pulls out a book. "Do you want to try and read it? Oh, you are not the type who likes to read I suppose."

"Uh, I read sometimes." Scratch his hair that doesn't even feel itchy.

"Yeah, I bet only when Iruka-sensei forces you" she giggled.

"Well, what's that book about?"

"Ooh you interested? It's actually a romance book. it's about a prince and a florist-"

Ino starts to describe the content of the book to Naruto. She takes her time, explaining the details intricately, while Naruto listens closely. She recites the plot and the themes of the book, providing a little summary to Naruto.

The enthusiasm in her voice doesn't escape him.

"-and then they fall in love with each other. Using flowers as their means of communication. It's the most romantic book I have ever read."

"I didn't know you like romance books."

"What? It's like something almost all girls dying to experience" she hugs her book closely.

Huh, I've never seen Satsuki-chan read any of this book, he pondered to himself.

Her voice turned soft, eyes looking at him "Say Naruto-kun, what do you think love is?"

Naruto paused for a second "I… I'm not sure."

"Hmm, these books always define what love is. but each book… they never have the same definitions." She sighs casting her gaze downward.

"Book huh… that is not something a book can tell you." His word catches her attention, looking at him closely. "You might understand it when you experience it yourself."

Naruto's eyes turn to his hand which playing with his pencil. "I also question what love is back then, always thought that love is being okay with ripping yourself apart so the other person can stay whole..."

Ino's body moves forward unconsciously, completely immersed in the words escaping from his lips.

"A sacrifice, in short."

Her eyes open wide as she hears his statement.

"But I come to a conclusion… that is not the case. When you think that loving someone will subject yourself to a sacrifice you must commit… Then that is no longer love."

His hand stops playing with his pen.

"When love is brought to light, no longer you think of any action you took as a sacrifice. All those actions… come naturally."

She was taken aback by Naruto's unexpected words. It was a side of him that she had never seen before. She always thought of him as a carefree and cheerful person who was always looking out for his friends.

But now, she saw another side in him that she never knew existed.

"…Naruto-kun" her voice snaps him from his train of thought.

Realizing he has run his mouth. He panicked "Wh-what? Even I gotta speak my mind sometimes you know…"

"I know. You are pretty cool Naruto-kun… And I think that's why I'm not afraid to be honest with you…" Ino chuckled softly. "I always thought of you as a happy-go-lucky boy. but you also have this side… well I guess it's given with how you are very caring to people around you."

"You give me too much credits." He shrugged.

"No, I'm serious… you really help me a bunch. Do you know how hard it is to improve Sakura's confidence? I've been with her for years, she was bullied back in the day because of her forehead, and from that day she has been quiet, shy and kinda awkward" Ino smiles reminiscing of her old days.

"But when you come around, your teasing slowly makes her return to her old self. Well, I guess it's given with how you are constantly in her face." She chuckles.

"A-Anyway, let's talk about something else…" he tried to think of another topic.

"Your hobby! It's your turn!" she points out.

"Hobby huh?" he pondered to himself. Obviously, he can't say that he likes training and reading books, that will contradict with how he behaved all this time at the academy.

"…Fuinjutsu, I guess?"

His fellow troublemaker already knows of his interest in fuinjutsu so having another one won't be hurt.

"Fuinjutsu? Is that even a hobby?" Ino rolled her eye. "isn't it kinda boring?"

"Well if you stick with the academy book, it will get boring very fast. But if you know the principle behind it, you can modify it to your liking. And I guess that flexibility plus the step of trial and error is what makes me like it."

"I don't know. It sounded like you said 'I like math because of how two plus two equals four' it's not a hobby" she sweat-dropped. "Oh, does that mean you are good with fuinjutsu?" her eyes bright with eagerness.

"Well, I guess. Funnily speaking, it's the only lesson that Iruka-sensei never call me forward." He chuckled.

"Alright, That's it! I'm so bad at fuinjutsu, can you teach me? Please?" she looked at him full of hope.

"Sure… if you are fine with me" he smiles.

Overjoyed by his response, Ino smiled, pulled out Academy fuinjutsu book, and asked him more questions. Making him teach her every stuff she doesn't understand.

Next Day…

"Naruto-kun is kinda cool, isn't he?"

"Huh? How can you think like that, Ino" Sakura asks.

Currently, Ino, Sakura, Hinata, and Satsuki are seated under the shade of a tree, breathing in the refreshing breeze that cools their flushed faces after a vigorous run in the field.

As they relax, they observe the rest of their classmates on the training field, still running laps around the field.

The male populace is currently whipped by Iruka to run more laps around the field.

"You know, I never knew he is very good with Fuinjutsu, I can't understand anything when Iruka-sensei teaches me. But Naruto's explanation is very easy to understand." Ino said.

"Realy?" Sakura asks can't believe Ino's words.

"Well, I guess he has some talent for teaching other people" Satsuki smiles.

Satsuki recalls the time when she witnessed Naruto teaching the young grandson of the Third Hokage and his friends. It was a refreshing and new sight for her as she saw Naruto imparting his knowledge by performing some amazing and cool ninja tricks that the kids asked for.

And she also still remembers when she deliberately talks some sense to him, with a fist, when Naruto teaches Konohamaru some indecent Jutsu.

"Nee, Satsuki-chan, are you and Naruto dating?" Ino asked.

Satsuki almost choked on her water when Ino ask her. "H-Huh? No, w-we are not."

"I see, thank God. Say, do you think he and I can get closer?"

"I-I don't have any say in that." Satsuki smiled bitterly.

"You wouldn't care if he and I get close?"

"Yeah… but"

"Alright I'll go talk to him after school"

Suddenly Satsuki stand up and half yelled, "No, you can't-!" before she closes her own mouth with her palms.

It was a rather unusual sight that caught the attention of all the other girls present, and by extension other students on the field who hears her.

Throughout the course of the year, Satsuki gradually reverted back to her former self, which was an unexpected and surprising transformation to witness. The subtle changes in her demeanor, behavior, and outlook on life relieved everyone around her.

As the conversation shifted towards a particular topic, displaying behavior that was somewhat unusual for her. There was a hint of hesitation and she appeared to be somewhat uncomfortable.

Something that seemed out of line with her usual demeanor and behavior.

"A-anyway-" Sakura who is sitting between the two trying to mend the situation.

"Sorry…" Satsuki sigh. "I guess the heat got into me."

Ino who didn't expect such a reaction from her, just stare blankly at her.

"Can we forget about this? I think I got a headache" Satsuki rubs her temple feeling the headache that slowly crept up on her head.

"O-oh I'll go with you to the infirmary" Hinata who has been silent for the time finally decides to join in.

"Thank you" Satsuki sighs.

I'm so stupid, Naruto doesn't belong to anyone.

Ever since that day, Satsuki has been going through a continuous emotional conflict, struggling to reconcile with her conflicting emotions, and being unable to come to a clear conclusion on how she really feels.

Even though she had already made amends, she felt the need to apologize to Ino for yelling at her, in order to maintain a relationship with her. She understood the value of having a good relationship with people and didn't want to let a misunderstanding or disagreement create a rift between them.

And when Naruto asked her out, she attempted to avoid him by explaining that she needed to assist her friend with their studies or help their teachers. Running away from him until she can make up her feelings inside.

Helping everyone around her, it just feels like something she naturally does. So, Naruto never questions her further.

Her apartment is lacking its usual vibrancy and warmth since Naruto is not around. Over the course of the years, Naruto has come to visit her almost every day. The space seems to have lost its spark without his lively presence.

As Satsuki sat in her living room, alone, her mind raced with thoughts of Naruto, her clan, and the upcoming responsibilities that awaited her as the future clan head. In the midst of her deep reflections, she couldn't help but ponder on the things that mattered most to her, like the bond she shared with Naruto or the mounting pressure she felt as her next birthday fast approached.

Her alone time gave her the opportunity to delve into these thoughts and make sense of them in a world that could at times feel overwhelming.

Days by days gone by.

Her birthday is coming closer. And she had to make up her mind when that time comes.

"Happy Birthday Satsuki-chan! Naruto's excitement shone brightly.

Naruto and Satsuki are currently lounging in her cozy living room. On the coffee table, there sits a mouth-watering strawberry cake, the sweet aroma filling the room. Satsuki had just blown out the candles on the cake moments ago.

"Thank you Naruto-kun" she smiled.

They start to cut the strawberry cake and eat it as they chat beside each other.

"How does it feel to be old?" Naruto laughs.

"Horrible" she replied with a bitter smile.

"Aw, c'mon it's not gonna be that bad."

"Yeah, I know, it's just that. Now… I'm old enough to manage my clan now. And I bet other clans head are expecting me to attend when they are having a meeting" she sighed.

"Don't worry I'll help you when something comes up." reassuring her once more.

She smiled "yeah I know."

As Satsuki gazed out of the window, "you know sometimes I feel burdened by my clan status. But even so I still love it".

She acknowledges that the thing she cherished the most in life, her clan, had become a source of burden for her. It was not until she realized that her worth goes beyond just being a part of her clan that she was able to fully love and appreciate her clan once more.

She came to the understanding that using her clan as an excuse for her personal problems was holding her down.

But by removing this limiting belief, she was able to start anew and create a deeper love for her clan that was not based on her personal issues.

"Whenever I lend a helping hand to others, it serves as a reminder to me. It makes me reflect on my upcoming role as the leader of my clan and whether I can live up to their expectations."

Satsuki wonder, if this act of kindness is meant to demonstrate her capabilities as the future clan head. Perhaps, by showing empathy and offering support, she can prove that she has the qualities necessary.

She has the desire to lend a hand to others. However, it's unfortunate that she often found herself doing it for the wrong person or simply those who only sought her attention.

Despite her good intentions, her actions were often not reciprocated, leading her to feel dejected and unappreciated.

"I keep thinking about this, and it's beginning to weigh me down, I..." she breathed out a sigh of frustration.

Satsuki cuts the cake into a big chunks and hands it to Naruto. Receiving it with a smile on his face.

"Satsuki chan… you don't need to please anyone at all. I'm sure even your clan doesn't want to burden you" He understands the pressure Satsuki may be feeling.

A gentle smile graces Satsuki's face as she indulges in a delectable slice of strawberry cake, savoring each bite, relishing the dessert's sweetness slowly.

She discovers a person who will embrace her for her true self, without trying to change her. The one who sees her for who she is.

She does many things to help and please others. She feels that if she were to do more for the boy who is always by her side, it would bring her even more joy. Maybe it's because he has been there through thick and thin, or maybe it's because he has a special place in her heart.

Whatever the reason may be, she knows that doing more for him will make her feel good about herself.

So, she needs to go out on a limb, and personally bring up what was within her own consent and boundaries. Rather than conforming to the expectations of those who don't accept her for who she is.

Instead, she desires to adapt herself to the people who genuinely love and appreciate her for being herself.

As her gaze fixed on his, she asked "Naruto-kun, do you think I should look more feminine?" her eyes look into his eyes expectantly.

Her question stops him from putting another spoonful of cake into his mouth.

"Huh? It's up to you, I guess. But you know…" Naruto averted his eyes sheepishly "I do kinda curious."

"Do you remember the entrance exam? Back then, me and kaa-san got into argument because I don't want to look like a girl. I think even at that time I already running from myself."

Satsuki, a young girl, finds herself surrounded by boys, including Naruto and her brother. However, their indifferent treatment towards her starts affecting her in some way. if not for Izumi and her mother's influences that help keep her feminine side.

"I... never thought I would consider it now. I guess people do change with time. I think I'll grow to like myself for who I really am."

Regardless of who she is. It's another means of accepting herself. Not from insecurity, but from an earnest will to change and prove how much she cares for him and how much he cares for her,

"Wait here" she got up from the cozy sofa and walked to her bedroom, leaving the confused boy sitting all alone.

As he waits, a few minutes pass before he sees her approaching in a new outfit, no longer dressed in her usual boyish white shorts and high-collared shirt. Instead, she's wearing a knee-length dark blue skirt and a more feminine blouse that shows her collarbone.

This significant change in attire catches his attention and causes him to examine her appearance more closely, noting the subtle details of the new outfit. The way the skirt flows as she walks, the fabric of the blouse, and the way it enhances her features all contribute to her beauty.

"How is it? does the skirt too short? Should I let down my hair?" She nervously links her hands behind her back, feeling a deep blush spread across her cheeks. Looking up at him, she turns in a circle, adjusting the hem of her skirt. She hoped her movements would give him a better view of her outfit, but in reality, she just waiting for his opinion.

His eyes linger on her, captivated by her beauty. He stutters, "Y-You...you look so cute." His voice trails off as he realizes how helpless he is to resist her charms.

"Really? I'm glad. But… I think I will stick to my regular outfit when we are at the academy." she chuckled.

"Uh… y-yeah… whatever you are comfortable with."

He feels a little let down as he responds to her. Although, he also feels quite happy at the same time, being the only one to witness her hidden side. She returns back to her seat beside him.

It seems as though the moment has left a certain mark on their eventful evening.

As he sits there lost in thought, he ponders upon the vulnerability that she had just displayed, and how his own reaction may have affected her. The air between them feels heavy, but he can't quite put his finger on why.

"I used to take my eyes and my clan for granted, without considering the things that really matter. I failed to appreciate the people who care about me, my self-worth, my clan and being a woman. It wasn't until later that I realized how much they all truly mean to me."

Satsuki let a deep sigh.

"I am ashamed to say that I never truly realized who I was before them, but now I understand the importance of being true to myself. Accepting myself has been a difficult one, but I am proud of the person that I have become and the relationships that I have built. I swear to never take my clan, my eyes, or those who love and support me for granted again."

Her eyes move towards the pair of eyes that have been watching her the entire time.

"I have to grow up, maybe if I was born a boy my problem with my clan matter would be easier… with that way of thinking, I was running away from myself."

"You only need to have faith on yourself" Naruto said.

"Yeah, I finally think… that I can accept myself. That I am a woman. A woman… of the Uchiha clan" she smiled.

"Naruto-kun… I'm glad to have met you, you gave me a reason, you give me a place to stay." She can feel her eyes getting heavier with every word she spoke out.

"Also… I think I finally figure out something… when I'm with you, I become scared. There is something I want to say to you. but I was afraid, that once I said it out loud, when everything I spill out…" she let out a heavy sigh, gathering the courage to speak out loud.

In this world, it is clear to her that a majority of things exhibit a dualistic nature. Meaning that they have two opposite or contrasting with each other.

While most people are aware that snake venom can be deadly to humans, what many people do not realize is that the venom can also be used to create its antidote.

Although it is possible to survive for an extended period of time without food, the absence of hope can make life unbearable. Hope gives her a reason to keep going, even during the toughest of times.

However, hope also exposes her to the possibility of disappointment. When she invests her emotions in a particular outcome, she risk the pain of failure.

Yet, it is precisely this vulnerability that makes hope so powerful. It allows her to persevere through difficult times and gives her the strength to keep pushing forward.

And then there is love.

After that day with Ino, she was able to understand her emotions. It was a moment of realization for her, as she came to terms with her feeling.

"But I need to say it… Naruto-kun… I think… I love you."

She can feel her face turning red with the sudden rush of blood as she looks away, avoiding making eye contact with him. The feeling of embarrassment is so overwhelming that she cannot even bear to face him properly. She is left feeling completely exposed and vulnerable.

Love.

The feeling that she's been holding back is slowly but surely taking a toll on her, yet despite the pain, her life has become more vibrant as she begins to fully embrace it.

"Hmrmh, this is embarrassing…" she muttered.

Naruto's heartbeat skyrocketed as he hear her confessions.

He wanted her to see herself through his eyes, the aura that surrounds her is so bright that nothing has ever emitted such radiance before. The way her smile illuminates even the darkest corners of the room, and the way her presence fills him with warmth.

He is the kind of person who is full of faults and has a lot of flaws, even with all these years, he still makes more and more mistakes. But despite that, she expressed her love for him.

He wanted to tell her that his feelings for her are mutual. He felt the same way about her, and every fiber of his being yearned to express his emotions to her. He wanted to tell her how much he loves her, how much she means to him, and how he cannot imagine his life without her.

But his lips, for the moment, didn't comply with his brain.

Naruto swears on his mind. His gaze met hers. She returned his gaze with unwavering patience, in anticipation of his response. The intensity in the room grows as they locked eyes.

Naruto finally breaks the silence with his action.

His palm gently slides up towards her face, and he softly caresses her rosy cheek, holding it tenderly. He moves his face towards hers, slowly pulling her close.

He notices that she doesn't resist. Instead, she closes her eyes, allowing him to come closer. It's as if time has come to a standstill, and they are the only two individuals in the world.

Their lips hovered mere inches from each other's for a brief moment before finally making contact, a moment that was filled with hesitancy and nervousness on both of them.

As their lips met for the very first time, it was a touch that sparked a flame throughout their entire bodies that couldn't be ignored.

They intertwined their fingers as they shared their first kiss, savoring the sweet taste of strawberries that lingered on their lips.

As they slowly part their lips, their eyes opened to behold each other, and a gentle smile curved on their lips. The feeling of their lips missing on their touch is both tantalizing and bittersweet.

"I love you too, Satsuki-chan."

A/N

And done! Ship sailed. I don't plan on making a slow burn fic, it was my initial plan to make Naruto and Satsuki go through every arc already realizing their feeling.

This chapter is focused on Satsuki as this is her character development, next chapters I will back to naruto and a little summary of what he has been doing on the time skip, and his major character development.

Let's address some PMs and reviews I got:

Yes, Ino would be in the harem, I guess the tag already explains it. she will be the driving factor in the future.

Naruto's skillset would most likely be the same, shadow clone and Rasengan plus some stuff that I planned to give him, I don't know all jutsu in Narutoverse so I might made up some names, and I will describe them of course. and some other fuinjutsu made by him.

Damn Thank you for the very thorough review. it helps me realize all my mistakes. I'll try to be more consistent with stuff. As for the character tone, i don't really get it but ill try to do it. I'm sorry if the pacing to slow, but the prologue should wrap up before chapter 15. The coma I'll keep that in mind.

I remember that filler episode and fuma was supposed to be close with Uchiha, I think it was told somewhere by Sasuke having fuma shuriken. and my friend just confirm to me that there is Fuma clan in Konoha in the Boruto era, so I just go along with that :).

Thats all folks, I await your review Ciao!