Ace got up as he was back home from the mission. It hadn't been a particularly difficult one, but it was significant for his family, especially for his father, who had come back with a renewed sense of purpose. He knew his adopted father, Ryota, and his adopted mother, Tia, had been up late the night before discussing everything. The two of them were the ideal couple, always supporting each other. Ace went out to get the early morning chores done, finding Kaza already at work cleaning the shrine. Kaza was sweeping, and Ace walked up with a cloth in hand to help clean the statues.

"How are you doing this morning, brother?" Ace asked as he started to clean the statues. "I think we're going to be busy the next few days if Dad takes over the village. He's going to be way more busy if he ends up with the job."

"Yeah, I think he'll do a great job. He's the best ninja I've ever known," Kaza replied as he swept the stone floor of the shrine. "I believe in him and know that he can handle it if he wants it. I don't want him to avoid it because he's afraid of not being there for us either. He's just as good as anyone else, and I think he's just as worthy."

Ace nodded in agreement. "Yeah, he treated me as his son. He is my father, and I wouldn't trade him for anything. The way he treats people in the village who come to the shrine, how he can lead, educate, and fight—he has it all. He has everything needed to be the leader. I'm very proud of him, and I know that he'll do well."

"Brotherly talk, I see. Let me guess the topic: Ryota becoming the Hokage," Sakura said, walking up as she looked at her two teammates. Aoba wasn't too far behind her, nodding his head.

"Yes, I have known Ryota for a long time, and he has always been the most impressive of fighters, tacticians, and his work in the last war was the stuff of legends. The village, especially Iwagakure, knows just how scary of a ninja he can be," Aoba commented, knowing the record of the jounin. "Plus, I have heard that Amon has already recommended him to the village elders, and Lady Tsunade has deferred to him as well. She will take up leadership over the hospital, but she too believes it is time for a new generation to take leadership of the village. With Minato gone, your father is the best choice. Shikaku also put his support behind him in the council."

Ace's face brightened with pride. "That's great to hear. If even Lady Tsunade and Shikaku believe in him, that's a huge deal. Dad's got the skills and the heart for it. He's been a rock for our family and for the village."

Sakura nodded. "Ryota-sensei is the right choice. The village needs someone who can bring everyone together, and he's perfect for that. He's always been someone we can look up to."

Kaza added, "Yeah, and it's about time people see what we've always known. He's more than capable of leading the village. He's been leading us all along."

Aoba smiled. "It's settled then. We'll support him just like he's always supported us. Ryota becoming Hokage will be the best thing for the village."

Tia walked up and smiled at the gathered group. "Now, I see my boys, Sakura, and Aoba. It's good to see you this morning. Are you here to help out, to pray, or both?" she asked, her tone ever soft and calm. "I had a talk with Ryota last night, and he is going over to talk and most likely accept the job as Hokage. So, I will need your help more in the days ahead when you have time, boys."

Ace straightened up, a determined look on his face. "Of course, Mom. We'll be here to help out with anything you need."

Kaza nodded in agreement. "Yeah, we'll make sure everything runs smoothly here. Dad's going to need our support more than ever."

Sakura stepped forward, a gentle smile on her face. "I'm happy to help out as well, Tia. Anything you need, just let me know."

Aoba added, "I'll do what I can, too. Ryota's going to be busy, and he'll need to know things are taken care of here."

Tia's smile widened as she looked at the four of them. "Thank you all. Your support means the world to Ryota and me. We're a family, and we'll get through this together. Now, let's get to work. There's a lot to do, and I'm sure Ryota will appreciate knowing everything is under control here."

After finishing their work at the shrine, Team Aoba gathered for their next task. "Now, you all have been rather busy, but we can't avoid taking missions, even D-ranked ones. Today we are just going to be doing some clean-up, construction, and repair work around the village. The goal is to help out wherever we are needed and support the rebuilding efforts," Aoba instructed.

Sakura nodded. "Sounds good. I think I'll go with Ace to help move goods. Kaza, while you help with the rebuilding, I'm sure Aoba-sensei will assist you."

"Sure, I don't mind. I think it'll be a good bit of work hammering some boards into place," Kaza said with a nod, spotting an area where he could help. He took his leave to get to work.

"So, Ace, let's get to work, just the two of us," Sakura said, wanting to help but also hoping to spend some time with Ace. Their personal relationship had slowly been developing.

Aoba smiled at the pair and then went to help Kaza, knowing that Ace and Sakura hadn't had much time alone since the battle with Gaara and their subsequent mission.

Ace looked at Sakura with a knowing smile. "So, what's on your mind, Sakura?"

Sakura paused as she picked up a bag, and Ace picked up one of his own. They were simple bags, filled with supplies to be carried to the orphanage. "I'm just glad I've gotten to spend more time with you, and I wanted to...just spend time with you. I mean, um..." she trailed off, unsure how to express her feelings clearly. She felt her feelings slowly growing and walked with Ace, thinking of the best way to say something but feeling the words leave her.

Ace, sensing her hesitation, gave her a reassuring smile. "You know, Sakura, I'm glad too. We've all been through a lot lately, and it's nice to have some normalcy. Plus, spending time with you is always a good thing."

Sakura blushed slightly, grateful for his understanding. "Thanks, Ace. I just...I feel like we've become closer, and I really appreciate you being there for me."

Ace nodded. "Of course, Sakura. We're a team, and more than that, we're friends. I'm always here for you."

Ace paused as he noticed Sakura's slight deflation at being called a friend. He made a mental note of that as they walked to the orphanage, handing over the bags of rice for the children.

Looking over at Sakura, he mused, "Well, if you want to go out with me tonight after this D-ranked mission, I'd be up for it. We can go get something to eat together. If you don't want to, that's fine too."

Sakura hadn't seen him asking this, him asking her out for dinner just the two of them. She smiled happily about the idea. She nodded her head quickly, "That sounds great, I look forward to it."

Ace grinned, feeling a sense of relief and excitement. "Great! Let's finish this up and then we can decide where to go."

Ace, Sakura, Kaza, and Aoba focused on their work, spending the day helping out around the village. Ace and Sakura delivered goods to the orphanage, while Kaza and Aoba assisted with the reconstruction of a building destroyed in the attack. The four of them worked efficiently, completing their mission before sunset. Aoba and Kaza went their own ways afterward, with Kaza heading home to help his mother.

Ace, however, didn't return home. Instead, he motioned for Sakura to follow him. "I want to try this curry place. I heard it's really spicy. You don't have to get the spicy stuff, of course," Ace said with a smile, glancing at his pink-haired teammate. A meal together seemed like the perfect way to unwind after their hard work.

Sakura nodded, walking shoulder to shoulder with Ace as they headed to the cozy curry restaurant. The aroma of spices wafted through the air, greeting them even before they stepped inside.

The small, inviting eatery had a warm, bustling atmosphere. They found a table by the window, and after perusing the menu, Ace enthusiastically ordered the spiciest curry, while Sakura opted for a milder version.

As they settled into their seats, Ace glanced around the lively restaurant, filled with laughter and conversation. He then turned to Sakura, his expression sincere. "Now, Sakura, let me be frank with you," Ace began, looking her directly in the eyes. "I am happy with my life. I have a good family, good friends, and each and every person in my family is important to me, Sakura. You are as important to me. You are one of those key people in my life Sakura. Seeing you grow into an awesome kunoichi and an even better person. Getting to know you has been a real blessing for me."

Sakura's heart skipped a beat as she heard this. She smiled as she looked at Ace, feeling a sense of joy wash over her as she blushed looking at Ace. "Now, thank you, Ace, um you are also very important to me. I also like getting to do things with you too, these one on one times we have mean a lot to me."

Ace nodded his head, "Good, cause I hope that we all get to spend a lot of time together growing up. You, Kaza, Aoba, my team are like family and getting to spend time with you means a lot to me," As said as he was interrupted by the waiter who came with their food. He also wanted to put the next part better into words. As he had a feeling it was going to be important.

As the curry was placed in front of them, Ace took a bite of his spicy dish and immediately reached for a big drink of water, his eyes widening from the heat. Despite the intensity, he looked over at Sakura with determination. "Now, Sakura, I want to um... well, this is not what I was expecting but I want you to be my girlfriend," Ace said, his voice steady despite the nervous flutter in his chest. This was a big step for him, but he felt confident that he wasn't misreading the situation.

Sakura, in the midst of enjoying her milder curry, paused and blinked in surprise. Her cheeks flushed a deeper shade of pink as she looked at Ace, her heart skipping a beat. "Ace, I..." She took a deep breath, her eyes softening with genuine affection. "I'd love that. I really would."

Ace's face broke into a wide, relieved smile. "Great! I was worried I might have been reading things wrong."

Sakura shook her head, her own smile growing. "No, you weren't. I've been feeling the same way."

"That is good," Ace said, starting to eat with a smile, enjoying the new status of their relationship. The two of them ate mostly in comfortable silence, savoring the moment and the delicious curry.

After their meal, Ace walked Sakura home, the evening air cool and refreshing. They reached her doorstep a bit later, and Ace turned to her. "Now, I'm sure tomorrow will be busy with helping Ryota and the ceremony when Dad becomes Hokage. Thanks again for tonight," he said boldly, leaning in to give Sakura a gentle kiss on her cheek.

Sakura's eyes widened slightly in surprise, but then she smiled warmly, touching the spot where he had kissed her. "Thank you, Ace. I had a great time too. See you tomorrow."

Ace walked home and discovered that the approval for his dad to become Hokage had been granted. He knew that the ceremony for the transition of power would be significant and grand the following day, and in the days to come. Ace smiled, excited for the future.