Disclaimer: I don't own any of my characters

Soulmates

By SuzukaAzumi

Chapter 3 Birthday Gifts

Aunt Tsunade was waiting for her at breakfast. She was supposed to be one from the legendary team who survived the war, but Sakura could not imagine her aunt in the battlefield. She had taught her many things, from controlling her spiritual energy to recognizing medicinal plants. Sakura may have been young, but she learned very quickly. She had mastered everything her aunt told her in a record time.

"Sakura," said Tsunade, "you are here."

Sakura apologized, "how much time are you staying here, Aunt Tsunade?"

"I only came to wish you a happy birthday, my child," she responded. "I have a gift for you; take good care of her, Sakura."

"Take care of her? Who is she?" Sakura asked.

The priestess took something from behind her and showed it to Sakura. The little girl saw a little kitten with red eyes and two tails. She had a strange mark similar to a diamond on her forehead and was licking her right paw.

"This is the cat demon Kirara," introduced Tsunade. "She will protect you and stay with you whenever you go."

"She's so lovely!" exclaimed Sakura, fascinated. "Can I pet her?"

"Of course! She's yours now," said Tsunade, handing the feline to the pink-haired girl. "I have to go now; I need to consult your parents about something."

"Alright, goodbye, Aunt Tsunade," Sakura said, the kitten on her shoulder. "Thank you very much!" She looked at her Aunt who had strangely a serious face. "Is there something wrong?" Sakura wondered.

"Sakura, no matter what happens, do not lose hope," Tsunade said, her voice grave. "Do not forget that. I'm sure you will make a wonderful priestess." She kissed the little girl's forehead and examined her face, as if she was looking at her for the last time. She smiled and with that, she turned around and left the room, leaving the child wondering about the meaning of those cryptic words.

"Sakura?" said a new voice.

It was her older brother, Naruto. He had been adopted by Kizashi and Mebuki since his parents died right after his birth to save him. Their parents were best friends and lords of the Haruno Castle loved him like a son. He had short bright blond hair and sapphire blond eyes and was always cheerful.

"Happy birthday, Sis! He said, ruffling her hair.

"Hey! You ruined my hair! Do you know how much time it took to do this?" She complained.

"I don't know why you women accord so much importance to this. It's just hair!"

Sakura rolled her eyes. "You didn't forget what you promised, right?"

"I'll keep my promise and spar with you. Take this," he said as he tossed her a wooden sword. "We'll do this in the backyard."

Two months ago, the children had had a bet. If Sakura obtained a double six three times with the dices, he would spar with her on her seventh birthday. Unsurprisingly, Sakura won. She had always been lucky with games like that. She smiled, remembering her brother's face after her victory. His jaw was hanging open and his eyes were wide.

"Let's go," he continued. "What's on your shoulder?" He inquired, looking at Kirara carefully. He approached and extended his hand, petting the kitten. "A cat? He's weird—OUCH! What was that for?" He exclaimed, glaring at the animal. Kirara had bitten his fingers.

"She's a female, stupid brother! And she's not weird at all!" Sakura said, laughing at him.

"It's bleeding," he said dramatically, showing her his hand. "I'm losing massive blood. Death could be imminent."

Sakura rolled her eyes another time. "The Great Naruto meets his end by a cat bite? Ridiculous! Let's go, big brother, I don't want to waste time."

Sakura went to the backyard, followed by her brother. She put what Tsunade said to her in the back of her mind, thinking about reflecting the meaning of those words another time. She put Kirara on the ground and lifted the sword Naruto gave her a moment ago.

"I'll go easy on you," said Naruto, lifting his own wooden sword.

Sakura frowned. "Alright, but don't complain afterwards if you lose."

They looked at each other and Sakura gave the first blow. She was immediately stopped by her brother. She continued, trying to break Naruto's guard but to no avail. Naruto only defended himself at the beginning but began attacking after a while. Sakura was strong but not strong enough to defeat the blond-haired boy, who had been training with their father for a long time. He finally ended the battle by giving a finish blow. Sakura fell on buttocks.

"I won," he said teasingly.

"Humpf!" Sakura growled, looking at him. "Again!"

"Are you sure? It will always be the same result, you know."

The girl pulled out her tongue. "Again!" She repeated.

"Alright! Alright!" Naruto said. And they continued to spar all morning until a servant called them for dinner.

The children went inside. Lady Mebuki was waiting for them with two towels. "You did well," she said, giving one to each of them. "Don't force yourself."

"I'll win next time, Naruto. Prepare yourself!"

"You'll need to practice a lot more to catch up to me! Good luck!" He exclaimed, walking with his hands behind his head. "Ah! I had nearly forgotten!" He said, stopping suddenly. He took a small black box from his pocked and tossed it to Sakura. "Birthday gift," he explained.

Sakura opened the box and looked inside. It was a beautiful necklace. A blue crystal gem was in the middle, and by his sides, were two white pearls on a silver chain.

She smiled. "Thank you!"

Author's note: Kirara is a cat demon from the manga InuYasha.

Thank you for reading! I'll update the next one quickly! Please review!