Days turned into weeks, and Sakura's routine remained the same—working as a medical ninja during the day and eagerly awaiting news of Itachi's return. The village buzzed with life, but for Sakura, time seemed to slow down.
Then, one sunny afternoon, word spread through the village like wildfire: Uchiha Itachi had returned.
Sakura, who was just finished treating a patient, dropped everything and rushed to the village gates. There, standing tall and composed, was Itachi. His gaze found Sakura's, and a small smile played on his lips.
The moment felt surreal as Sakura ran into his arms. The silver ring on her finger glinted in the sunlight as she held him tightly.
"Itachi-kun, you're back!" she exclaimed, her voice a mix of joy and relief. She didn't want to end the hug as it is the proof that Itachi returned to her safe.
Itachi hugged her back, the weight of his absence lifted in that embrace. "I promised, didn't I?" he said, his voice low.
Sakura pulled back, looking up at him with sparkling emerald eyes. "You did. And you kept your promise."
He reached for her hand, fingers tracing the silver ring. "And now, it's time to fulfill another promise."
Itachi took out a small box from his pocket, opening it to reveal a matching silver band. He slid it onto Sakura's finger, completing the promise they had made beneath the cherry blossoms.
Sakura looked at the simple silver ring that he placed on her finger. Her eyes filled with tears. She doesn't need a ceremony, just Itachi's affirmation that he loves her is enough. She took the matching ring in the box and slide it in Itachi's left ring finger. She looked at their hands, the rings glinting in the light of setting sun.
And just like that, she married the man she loved for two years.
"I'm back, Sakura. For good," Itachi said, his eyes holding a depth of emotion.
Sakura felt tears of happiness welling up. "Welcome back, Itachi-kun. I've been waiting."
The village witnessed the heartfelt reunion of Itachi and Sakura, and the air was filled with a sense of joy and relief. The cherry blossoms seemed to dance in celebration, petals swirling around the couple as they stood hand in hand.