The days felt brighter back then.
Back when the colors were vivid, and the world felt much bigger. The atmosphere felt lighter than it is now, the air breezy and calm. The scene was perfect, a memory that outshines all the others. Sasuke can recall that day vividly, his first day at the academy.
The sky was bright that day, but the smile on his face put the sun to shame.
"Slow down, Sasuke. We still have half an hour!"
His older brother agreed to accompany him to the entrance ceremony, despite his duties. The walk through the compounds, out onto the busy streets, was achingly long. Every second the younger boy was filled with even more excitement. Today was his first big step to becoming a shinobi.
Running through the town, Sasuke finally made his way through the academy doors. Children of all backgrounds, including civilians, were lined up outside. Some were struck with fear, others crying, and few were just as excited as he was. He may have only been four years old, but Sasuke Uchiha was fierce. He was not going to be caught crying!
And... He cried.
But only a couple tears okay!
There was something about the moment, encountering unfamiliar faces, starting a new journey... It was a bit overwhelming, jeez! Itachi chuckled, patting his silly little brother's head.
"Do not worry Ototo. Talk to the other kids, make friends. Being a shinobi is not only about fighting but protecting and creating meaningful connections too."
With that, he made his way in. The other kids buzzed with chatter. Even in his younger days, Sasuke was not social. He kept to himself, standing off to the side until he suddenly felt overwhelmed with emotions. He missed his older brother.
Looking around, Sasuke decided he would take Itachis advice. There had to be at least one person in here that was approachable! Scoping out his surroundings, a couple of people caught his eye.
A boy with a spiked ponytail that was in the corner, dozing off. Really? It's the afternoon!
Another boy holding a small puppy, he was arguing with some blonde kid with whiskers. Maybe not them...
A girl with short, purple hair. Her eyes identify her as a Hyūga. I would rather not...
A brunette boy with glasses, surrounded by an aroma of insects. What a weirdo...
It wasn't until his eyes finally landed on petal pink hair, that Sasuke thought he finally found someone intriguing. The girl's hair resembled a cherry blossom tree, the ones his mother dearly adored. He was captivated by her, and stared until her eyes met his.
Emerald. She had pink hair and emerald eyes. A fascinating yet fitting combo, the epitome of spring. It was not until months later, when he and the lovely stranger became classmates, did he find out her name. Sakura, Haruno Sakura.
And it was not until years later that he spoke to her for the first time.
Despite that, he knew from the day she caught his eye, and he knew to the day he left her on a stone-cold bench in the middle of the night, that Sakura Haruno would be his.
His meaningful connection, one that he would protect for as long as he was a shinobi.