As the sun began to rise, Boruto stirred awake, his body still heavy with fatigue from a night of restless slumber. He let out a long yawn, stretching his arms overhead and rubbing his eyes to clear away the sleep. Turning his head, he took in the peaceful sight of Sarada beside him, her chest rising and falling in a steady rhythm.
Boruto smiled to himself as he watched Sarada dozing peacefully next to him. "She seems to be resting well," he thought, relieved that she didn't have any nightmares. He took a moment to admire her beauty and strength, thinking back to the three years he spent away from Konoha.
He couldn't deny that she had grown up and looked stunning. He knew she was pretty since their late academy days when they were around 11. He recalled how the young Uchiha would always ask him for advice on turning down guys who confessed to her because she believed he had a better understanding of male feelings. Witnessing numerous boys confessing to her, he couldn't help but acknowledge that he also found her pretty. However, he kept this to himself, particularly since there were already rumours about them being a couple, and he didn't want to fuel the gossip mill.
As he gazed at her, he couldn't help but notice how she had grown into an even more stunning young woman in the past three years. Her hair had grown slightly longer, reaching just past her shoulders. Now she was wearing a pyjama to sleep, but her daily outfit was the same she had in the past, but obviously adapted to her grown body: a stunning red sleeveless qipao shirt with the Uchiha crest emblazoned on the back, paired with lilac-coloured shorts, dark purple thigh-length stockings, black shinobi sandals, and long dark purple arm warmers.
The shirt hugged her figure in all the right places, showcasing her curves, while the stylish lilac-coloured shorts, ending mid-thigh, showcased her powerful legs. Her dark purple thigh-length stockings added an extra layer of protection and gave her an edgy, ninja look. The black shinobi sandals complemented her overall outfit and allowed her to move around freely, while the long dark purple arm warmers matched her stockings, adding a pop of colour to her outfit while also providing warmth and protection.
Together, her outfit exuded a sense of confidence and sophistication, befitting of a skilled kunoichi like herself. Her mesmerising eyes and smile, which had always captivated him, had also become more beautiful with age.
As Boruto lay there lost in thought, he noticed Sarada stir slightly in her sleep. He reached out and gently brushed a strand of hair away from her face, hoping he hadn't disturbed her. The sensation of her soft hair under his fingertips made his heart flutter.
To his surprise, Sarada reacted by stirring more and grabbing his hand. "Boruto," she whispered in her sleep, seemingly having a dream about him. He felt his cheeks flush as he wondered what she could be dreaming about.
"If I told someone in Konoha that Sarada could be this cute, no one would believe me at all!" he thought, feeling a mix of amusement and affection. But his thoughts quickly turned to his friends and their lost memories.
"Speaking of the others, I hope they're well. Sooner or later, I will make them remember how things really are!" he thought, determined to restore his friends' memories and reverse the effects of Omnipotence.
Sasuke peered into the tent, his sharp eyes immediately catching sight of his daughter's hand intertwined with Boruto's. He couldn't help but feel a sense of protectiveness wash over him, though he had suspected something was brewing between them for a while now. As he observed Boruto's blissful expression, he couldn't help but chuckle to himself. "Like father, like son… he really is that dobe son," he mused.
Despite his protective instincts, Sasuke respected his daughter's independence and knew that if she didn't want something, she would make it clear. He had always trusted her judgment, and her growing relationship with Boruto was no exception.
"Boruto. Wake Sarada up, we need to eat and discuss what to do next," Sasuke said, his low voice pulling Boruto out of his reverie.
"Uncle Sasuke?!… O-Okay, will do it," Boruto stammered, quickly withdrawing his hand from Sarada's and sitting up straight.
"I'll wait for you at the bonfire," Sasuke said, making his way towards the campfire.
Boruto turned his attention back to Sarada, who was just starting to stir from her sleep. "Huh… Boruto? What time is it?" she asked groggily.
"Oh, you're already awake?" Boruto replied.
"Yeah. Thanks to your loud voice," the raven-haired girl said teasingly, with a mischievous glint in her eye. Boruto couldn't help but feel his cheeks flush at her playful tone, but he quickly shook it off.
"Come on, sleepyhead. Time to get up and face the day," he said with a grin, reaching out to help her up.
Sarada's sleepy voice, accompanied by a pout with puppy eyes, pulled Boruto closer to her. "But I was having such a good dream…" she murmured, taking Boruto's hand to help her rise.
Boruto's cheeks turned pink as he processed her words. Not only did he find her pout adorable, but her dream had also involved him, evident from the way she had whispered his name before while she was asleep. This gave him hope that his feelings for her weren't one-sided, but he didn't want to get his hopes up too high just yet.
As Sarada stretched her arms above her head, the fabric of her red tank top hugged her curves in all the right places, and Boruto couldn't help but gaze at her with admiration. "She's grown up to be stunning," he thought, unable to take his eyes off her. However, he quickly shook his head, trying to push away any inappropriate thoughts that came to mind.
"Sorry, Sarada, your dad said it's time to eat and discuss our next move," Boruto said apologetically.
The young Uchiha rolled her eyes and let out a soft chuckle. "You've now become the serious one, Boruto. Must be my dad's influence. But I'm hungry too, so let's go," she said, grabbing Boruto's hand with a playful tug and leading him out of the tent.
Sarada's heart raced as they walked towards the bonfire, fingers intertwined. She couldn't help but wonder if Boruto felt the same way. "Does he see me as more than just a friend? Or am I just imagining things?" Her mind raced, searching for any clues to his true feelings.
Since their battle with Code ended, she had noticed Boruto's longing glances in her direction. Though he tried to be subtle, her keen senses picked up on his gaze. However, she knew that being a sixteen-year-old boy, hormones played a significant role in his behaviour, so she couldn't rely solely on that as proof of his serious attraction to her.
Sarada was on cloud nine, revelling in the attention that Boruto was showering on her. It wasn't just any attention – it was the kind that sent shivers down her spine and made her heart race. Only with him could she tolerate such a level of adoration; anyone else would have had her rolling her eyes. But with Boruto, it was different. Not only she loved him, but he also had always been able to ignite her competitive side, and knowing that he was stealing glances at her was a sweet victory.
However, amidst all the excitement, there was a tinge of conflict that gnawed at her. As much as she enjoyed their flirtatious game, she couldn't help but yearn for something more. She longed for Boruto to finally pick up on her subtle hints and make a move, but the thought of confessing her true feelings and risking their cherished friendship was too daunting. The tightrope walk between their playful banter and unspoken desires was a delicate balance, and Sarada couldn't help but hope that someday soon, fate would tip the scales in her favour, and they would finally have a shot at love.
As they approached the bonfire, Sasuke was already hard at work setting up breakfast. She felt a sense of pride as she watched him work.
As Sarada sat down to eat, the tantalising smell of grilled fish and roasted vegetables filled her nostrils, making her mouth water with anticipation. Sasuke had outdone himself again with their breakfast, using the natural ingredients available in the forest to create a delicious meal. The fish was cooked to perfection, flaky and moist with a smoky flavour that only a wood fire could impart. The vegetables were tender and slightly charred, bringing out their natural sweetness. Sasuke had also added a handful of wild berries, which added a burst of tangy sweetness to the savoury meal.
"So, Sarada, what's going on in Konoha?" Sasuke asked, breaking the silence and prompting Sarada to begin her briefing. As she spoke, Boruto listened intently, realising that he had been too caught up in his own problems to notice the larger issues affecting their village. Sasuke nodded in agreement while Sarada told them about the dire state the village is in, acknowledging the gravity of the situation.
Boruto took a bite of his breakfast and then looked up at Sarada with concern. "So, that's what happened in the three years we were gone? That's really bad news. Do other people know about this besides you and the class rep?" he asked, his brow furrowed.
Sarada's solemn nod conveyed the gravity of the situation. "Mitsuki is the only other person who knows the truth and is unaffected by Omnipotence. The rest of the village, and probably the world, is under its influence. Only me and the class rep are immune. But I managed to convince some people to believe me, like Mama, the Sixth Hokage Kakashi, Shikamaru, and Team 10," she explained, taking a bite of the grilled fish.
Boruto's curiosity was piqued. "How did you manage to convince them? Sasuke said that Omnipotence forces everyone to not doubt what it wants them to think," he said, sipping on the hot tea that Sasuke had brewed.
Sarada wiped her mouth with a napkin before answering. "It wasn't easy, but I used evidence and logic to make them see the truth. With Chocho and Inojin, I presented them with facts that even Omnipotence couldn't alter, and eventually, they started to believe me, also thanks to Shikadai helping me, since I had convinced him beforehand," she replied. Sasuke looked at her with a mix of pride and curiosity.
"But how did you convince Shikamaru and his son? They're the smartest guys in the village," Sasuke chimed in, cutting into the roasted vegetables.
Sarada smiled. "I knew they wouldn't believe me easily, so I challenged the two of them to prove me wrong. I gave them a hypothetical scenario where the information I had was wrong, and they couldn't find any evidence to prove me wrong. That's when they both started to consider that what I was saying might be true," she said, popping a wild berry into her mouth.
"Did you make them see things from your perspective and then show him proof of my true identity while they were still sceptical?" Boruto asked, curious about how Sarada convinced the two of them, that were known for their sharp intellect. He had firsthand experience with how difficult it was to win an argument against Shikadai, and he assumed his father was no different.
"Exactly. It's good to see your mind hasn't deteriorated over these three years," Sarada chuckled before continuing, "Once I made him understand my perspective, I presented him with various pieces of evidence that proved your and Kawaki's true identities. This included documents that listed you as the Seventh Hokage's son and the fact that Kawaki never used the Rasengan on missions with me and Mitsuki."
"Well done. One question though. Technically, you could have done this to anyone. So there must be some sort of difference in how Omnipotence's suppression of doubts works individually, that's the only explanation, and I'm sure you came to the same conclusion. Did you manage to understand what differentiates me, Shikamaru, and his kid, that are able to resist more the doubts suppression thing, from other people? And also why you and that class-rep girl are the only ones completely immune to this, except Eida and the Otsutsukis?" her father asked, presenting the two major doubts he had.
Sarada leaned forward, her eyes bright with curiosity and determination. "Dad, that's actually a really interesting question," she said, her mind already racing with possible explanations. "I've been thinking about it a lot, and I have a speculation, but I need to do more research to confirm it. I think that the key to your resistance lies in the affinity to Yin chakra that you, Shikamaru, and Shikadai share. It could be that Yin chakra somehow slightly counteracts the effects of Omnipotence, but I'm not entirely sure how. It's just a hypothesis for now, but I'm determined to find out the truth."
She leaned back, taking a deep breath. "As for why Sumire and I are completely immune, that's a mystery. I've been trying to come up with a theory, but I haven't found anything yet. It's like we have some sort of natural defence against it. But I won't stop until I figure it out."
Boruto's curious mind was eager for answers. "Do you have any clues about why you and Sumire are immune?" he asked Sarada.
Sarada's eyes lit up with excitement. "Yeah, there are some elements to start. Hold on tight, because this is some wild stuff," she exclaimed, leaning forward. "Regarding my immunity, it's a total mystery. My Yin chakra affinity is about the same as Dad's so that alone can't explain my immunity to Omnipotence. There must be some other unknown factor at play, and I'm still trying to figure out what that could be."
Sarada continued, "And that's not even the craziest part. I did some digging into Sumire, and it turns out her summon, the Nue, has ties to none other than Kaguya, the ancient Otsutsuki ancestor of both our families. If you remember our history classes at the academy, or if your dad has told you, Kaguya was fought during the Fourth Great Shinobi War by Dad, Mama, your father, the Sixth Hokage, and another Uchiha member named Obito. Then she got sealed away by our dads after Mama had destroyed her horn. So, it's possible that Sumire's mystical connection to Kaguya could explain her immunity to Omnipotence. I know it sounds insane, but given everything we've seen in this world, it's not out of the realm of possibility."
Boruto listened attentively, his mind racing with thoughts. "Wow, that's really something. I never would have guessed that the Nue could have connections to Kaguya," he said, impressed with Sarada's research. "It's amazing how much we still have to learn about our own history and the powers that exist in this world."
He paused for a moment, lost in thought. "Do you think there could be other factors at play that we haven't considered yet? Like maybe something in your genetics or bloodline that makes you immune?" he asked, curious to explore all possibilities.
"I don't think it's just the Otsutsuki genetics that explain my immunity. My father has more Otsutsuki genes than me and yet he isn't immune. He's also the reincarnation of one of the Sage of Six Paths' sons, along with your father being the other. So it can't only be that," Sarada explained.
Sasuke confirmed, "Yes, that's correct. It's a long story that I'll tell you both one day. But you're right, Sarada, it can't only be that."
"I remember Dad telling me something about that, but he didn't go into details. So there must be more to it," the young Uzumaki agreed.
"You never cease to amaze me, Sarada. Keep up the great work and don't hesitate to ask for help with your research," Sasuke said, praising his daughter.
The raven-haired girl acknowledged, "Thanks, Dad. You have more knowledge about the Otsutsuki than I do. I've only been able to gather information from the books in Konoha's library and from the secret room in the Uchiha's compound. And Boruto, feel free to share any wild theories that come to mind. I need as much information as possible to properly understand how Omnipotence works."
Boruto's defeated tone was unmistakable as he asked, "Sure, I'll let you know if I come up with anything. One last question, is Himawari affected then?"
Sarada's reply was just as disheartened, "Yes, unfortunately so. I tried to convince her but to no avail. At least she now is aware of the fact that the Seventh and your mum aren't dead. But she still thinks you sealed them away and that Kawaki is you. I'm really sorry, but I think you're the only one who can convince her."
Boruto's determination, however, was unwavering as he reassured Sarada, "I'll take care of it. She's my sister, after all. You're doing more than enough."
He then launched into an impassioned speech, his voice filled with conviction, "And listen, Sarada, don't even think for a single picosecond that you're useless for this. You were my last anchor of hope when I could have 'lost everything' like that bastard of Momoshiki liked to phrase it. Without you, Sasuke would've killed me without second thoughts. You were the sole reason I was able to turn his prophecy upside down. You're incredible, and together, we can turn the tables upside down. And last but not least, don't worry, I've learned my lesson. I won't die before seeing my old man pass the Hokage's hat to you. That was my promise, and we'll do anything to make your dream come true."
Sarada blushed heavily at his words, feeling her spirits lifted by Boruto's determination. Overwhelmed with emotion, she hugged him tightly, "Thanks, Boruto… you're right. We're gonna make them realise how strong we can be together!"
Sasuke watched their interaction from a distance, smiling to himself at how much Boruto was able to lighten up his daughter's spirits. "He really is his son," Sasuke thought to himself.
Suddenly, Boruto's tone turned playful as he teased Sarada, "But don't get too cocky Salad. You still can't beat me in a fight."
Sarada rolled her eyes, playfully punching him in the arm, "Dream on, Bolt."
Sasuke chuckled at their playful banter, "Looks like you two are as close as ever."
Sarada nodded in agreement, "We've got each other's back, always."
Sasuke smiled at their bond, knowing that together, they were unstoppable.
Then Sasuke asked her, "One last question. How did you convince Kakashi and Sakura?"
Sarada replied, "For Kakashi, I used the same strategy I used with Shikamaru and Shikadai. And Shikamaru had already been convinced, so he helped me with Kakashi. With Mama, it was pretty easy. When she calmed down, she sensed that something was off and didn't understand why you would go rogue again, especially with the person who she thought had killed your best friend. When I noticed that, I showed her that I had awakened the Mangekyo Sharingan and explained the reality of the situation."
Sasuke understood the situation and said, "Okay, we need to leave for the nearest town to get some Ryo. Sarada, make sure to hide the Uchiha crest."
Sarada acknowledged and asked, "Do we need to use transformation jutsu and chakra suppression jutsu?"
"Transformation jutsu will be our strategy," Sasuke said, his eyes scanning the group. "We don't need to use chakra suppression jutsu in a small town like the one we'll go into. It's unlikely anyone will look into our chakra signature. If we get caught, we can always use Boruto's Jōgan to escape to another dimension."
"I remember Boruto telling me about using his Dojutsu to travel to the Nue's dimension," Sarada chimed in, her mind wandering back to that conversation.
Boruto chuckled, "You still remember that? I only told you because I knew you wouldn't think I was crazy for having a Dojutsu, you were the only one that believed me."
Sarada smiled, "Of course I remember. It was the first major threat the village faced since I was born. And after bonding with Sumire over the past three years, we talked a lot about those days. About why she did what she did, and her father's twisted plans to turn her into a human bomb as revenge for the Root, an organisation created within the Anbu Black Ops by a man named Danzo. He was killed by Dad during his rogue days, not that I can blame him for this, from what I could gather, Danzo was really a piece of crap."
Sasuke's eyes were like ice as he spoke, "Yes, that's right. I killed him during my rogue days. The only person I killed during those days that I don't regret having killed. People like him deserve to rot in their graves. He was behind many of the shadiest affairs of Konoha at the time, for example, he once plotted to kill the Third Hokage, failing in doing so. And he's believed to be behind the Sunagakure's invasion of Konoha 23 years ago, which actually led to the death of Hiruzen."
Sarada's face twisted in disgust. "How could anyone justify something like that?" she spat out, her voice thick with anger. "And to think that Danzo was supposed to be one of Konoha's leaders."
Boruto decided to stay silent and listen to them, he understood that this was a topic they had to talk about themselves.
Sasuke's face twisted with anger as he spoke. "Because he thought he was doing it for Konoha's sake. He thought Hiruzen was too soft-hearted as a Hokage, and was damaging Konoha. There's no need to say that he was talking bullshit," he said, his voice dripping with disdain. "He also ruined Naruto's childhood, exposing the fact that he had Kurama inside of him, which led the village to treat him like a monster for the entirety of his childhood. So much for the good of Konoha… Good of Konoha my ass," Sasuke finished, his eyes blazing with fury as he recalled the injustice done to his best friend.
Sarada and Boruto sat there, a heavy silence hanging over them as they listened to Sasuke's words. Sarada's eyes were wide with shock, her mind reeling with the revelation of the man who had caused so much pain and suffering.
"That's just terrible," Sarada said softly, her voice trembling with emotion. "I can't even imagine how difficult that must have been for the Seventh to live through."
Boruto's fists were clenched tightly, his face twisted in anger. "Wait, what? You mean to tell me that my dad's horrible childhood was because of that guy?" he exploded, his voice rising with each word.
Sarada could see the confusion in Boruto's eyes and the anger still bubbling within him. She knew her friend well and knew that he needed an outlet for his emotions. Without thinking twice, she decided to offer herself as a target.
"Punch my hand. With all your force," she commanded, raising her open hand and positioning it.
Boruto stared at her in disbelief. "What do you mean?" he asked, his voice thick with confusion.
"Rant your anger. Punch my hand with all the force you have. We need you level-headed if we're going to stay covert," Sarada explained, her tone supportive.
"But won't it hurt you?" Boruto protested.
Sarada laughed. "Don't be ridiculous," she said, "In these three years, I've trained fighting both Mama and the Fifth Hokage together, 1v2, sometimes with their Byakugo Seals activated. There's no way your punches alone can be stronger than theirs."
Sasuke gave a solemn nod, understanding that Sarada's unorthodox approach was necessary for them to stay focused on their mission. "Do it," he said, his voice firm and commanding.
He was also interested in seeing how much his daughter had improved in her Taijutsu. He was suspecting that the Otsutsuki clan would act soon, and he knew that Taijutsu was fundamental to fight them.
Boruto took a deep breath and activated his Karma Seal. He clenched his fists, channelling all of his anger and frustration into each punch he threw at Sarada's outstretched hand. The impact was so powerful that the air around them seemed to ripple with each blow, and even the nearby trees flew off in response.
But Sarada didn't flinch. She stood her ground, her face set in a determined expression, absorbing each of Boruto's blows without even a hint of pain or discomfort. Boruto was amazed by her incredible strength and resilience. "Damn, she's a beast," he thought, as he continued to pour all his energy into his punches.
Sarada's face was a mask of concentration as she felt the impact of Boruto's punches reverberate through her arm. She closed her eyes, focusing on the rhythmic sound of his knuckles hitting her palm, letting it fuel her determination to help her friend. She knew that Boruto needed an outlet for his rage and frustration, and she was more than happy to offer her hand as a target.
Despite the force behind his punches, Sarada remained steadfast, her arm steady and unwavering. She had been training tirelessly for years, and her hard work was paying off. She was now strong enough to withstand even the most powerful blows.
Boruto continued to punch, his eyes blazing with fury as he unleashed his pent-up anger. He felt the sweat dripping down his face, his muscles straining with the effort, but he refused to stop. He had to get it all out, to release the anger and frustration that had been building up inside him.
As he punched, he couldn't help but marvel at Sarada's strength. She was like a rock, unmovable and unbreakable, absorbing every punch he threw with ease. He had always known that she was strong, but this was something else entirely.
Boruto was impressed by Sarada's strength and resilience. "What kind of sheer determination drove her to reach this level?" he wondered to himself, feeling a sense of admiration mixed with curiosity. He gazed at Sarada, who was still standing firm, seemingly unfazed by his powerful punches.
Finally, after what felt like an eternity, Boruto's fists began to slow, his anger and frustration beginning to dissipate. He took a deep breath, feeling the calm settle over him once more.
"Thanks, Sarada," he said, with a hint of gratitude in his voice. "I needed that."
Sarada flashed a gentle smile, her features softening. "That's what teammates are for, Boruto. Anytime," she reassured him, her tone soothing. "But now, let's get dressed and start moving."
Sasuke rose to his feet and announced, "I'll be heading to the nearest town. I need to scout the area. I'll meet you both there."
"Okay, Dad," Sarada waved goodbye as Sasuke walked away, her voice slightly wistful. Boruto trailed after him, giving a wave over his shoulder.
As they stepped inside the small tent, Sarada's keen eyes scanned the cramped space. She noticed their two sleeping bags taking up most of the room, and she couldn't help but feel her heart flutter. She was aware of the awkwardness that came with sharing such a small space with a boy she had grown up with, but now looked at him with different eyes.
Boruto's widening eyes made her aware of his realisation of their clothing situation. His cheeks flushed pink as he looked at her, and Sarada couldn't help but feel a nervous giggle bubble up inside of her. It wasn't the first time they had to change in front of each other, but it was the first time they had to share such a small space, making it even more uncomfortable.
"You can dress first," Boruto offered politely, trying to be a gentleman.
Sarada shook her head, "No need for that, Boruto. We don't have much time to waste," she said, trying to sound nonchalant, but inwardly feeling her cheeks warm up as well. She knew that it was going to be awkward, but she had to keep a brave face. She didn't want to seem like a weak link in their team.
"We used to change in the same room all the time when we were younger, remember?" she said, turning to him with a playful smile, hoping to ease the tension. But the memory of those innocent times made Boruto's face turn red, and Sarada felt a pang of regret for bringing it up.
"Yeah, but that was when we were kids. We've grown up since then," Boruto protested weakly, his gaze drifting to her curves. Sarada could tell he was uncomfortable, but she couldn't let that stop them.
"Boruto, we're shinobi. We could end up in situations where we have no choice but to change in front of each other. It's better if we get accustomed to it again," she reasoned, trying to convince him. "And besides, I don't have a problem with it now. I actually like that you're not a pervert and are considerate of other people's privacy."
She softened her voice, hoping to reassure him, "But being a shinobi means we need to be prepared for anything. We can't be too self-aware of our presence." She knew she had won the argument when Boruto nodded.
"I guess you're right. Okay, let's just get changed," he said, averting his gaze, and Sarada began to undress.
Sarada's heart pounded as she unfastened her clothes. She had always been aware of her curves, but now, as she undressed in front of Boruto, she couldn't help but feel self-conscious. She tried to remain composed and professional, as she always did, but her hands trembled slightly as she slipped out of her clothes.
She felt Boruto's eyes on her, furtive glances that sent a thrill through her. She couldn't deny the excitement that stirred within her at the thought of him looking at her that way. He was the only one that could make her feel like this. But she didn't want to let that show. She was a kunoichi, a warrior, and she needed to maintain her external composure.
As she finished changing, she turned to see Boruto already dressed, his back turned towards her. She felt a twinge of disappointment. Part of her had hoped that he would still be changing, giving her the chance to steal a quick glance at him. But she pushed those thoughts away, trying to convince herself that they were inappropriate.
"Ready to go?" Boruto asked, turning around to face her.
Sarada nodded, her smile as bright as ever, but inside, she couldn't help but wonder what Boruto thought of her. She had seen him as a friend in the past, but now, as they stood in such close proximity, she couldn't help but be reminded of her attraction to him. She wondered if he felt the same way.
Boruto's thoughts were a jumbled mess as he tried to keep his eyes averted from Sarada. He had always thought of her as just a friend, but after yesterday, when he saw her after years, he couldn't help but feel a stirring within him. He tried to focus on getting dressed, on not letting his mind wander, but he couldn't help stealing glances at her whenever he could.
When she turned around, he felt a sense of relief. He didn't trust himself to keep his eyes off her if she was still changing. But he couldn't help feeling a little disappointed as well. He wondered if she had noticed his furtive glances, if she knew how he felt. He tried to push those thoughts away, to focus on the mission at hand, but they lingered in the back of his mind, taunting him.
"Let's go," he said, leading the way out of the tent. But as they ran towards the small village where Sasuke was waiting, he couldn't help but feel a sense of tension between them. He wondered if she felt it too, if she knew how much he struggled to keep his thoughts in check.