It was the end of November, the cold weather had invaded the country as an indication that winter was very close now. Sakura and Naruto were returning from a mission with a new teammate, Sai.
Sai was a quiet person with a closed character and seemed very sincere in the way he said the things he thought bluntly, without worrying too much about what others would think. They had known this new person in their midst for three weeks now, and it seemed like it had been the funnest three weeks Sakura had spent in the past two years. Naruto was getting irritated with everything Sai said while Sai just kept talking with a smile on his face.
As they walked back through the village, the air was crisp and filled with the scent of roasted chestnuts from a nearby vendor. Naruto, animated as always, recounted the mission's highlights, his laughter ringing through the chilly air. Sakura smiled, letting the warmth of their friendship momentarily distract her from her lingering thoughts of a certain someone.
Seeing Sai's figure, his dark hair, his fine features, the way he and Naruto were arguing, she began to think of a friend. A friend who was supposed to return from his training in Oto in October, but there was still no news from him.
Ever since Sakura found out that he had kept his communications with everyone but her, she hadn't asked anything about his letters. Naruto would tell her something here and there about his training but he hadn't mentioned anything about when he would be back. Sakura's brain kept thinking, how would she react when she saw him? Should she keep some attitude about his cold behavior or act like nothing happened?
As soon as they entered Ichiraku, they saw three familiar figures also approaching the restaurant. It was Itachi, Shisui and Izumi. Just as Sakura opened her mouth to speak, Naruto's voice boomed, "Hey, guys! Come join us for ramen!" His enthusiasm was infectious, but Sakura's stomach twisted at the sight of Itachi, a reminder of the brother she'd been worried about.
The warm glow of Ichiraku Ramen enveloped the group as they settled into their usual spot. The comforting aroma of ramen and grilled pork wafted through the air, drawing smiles from everyone—except Sakura, who sat quietly between them, her smile faint but present.
Naruto dove into his bowl with enthusiasm. "This ramen is the best! I could eat it for breakfast, lunch, and dinner!" He slurped a long noodle, and the sound echoed across the small shop.
"Please don't. I'm not sure Ichiraku would appreciate your early morning visits," Izumi teased, nudging him playfully.
Itachi took a moment to savor his ramen before speaking, his tone even. "Seriously, Naruto, you might want to consider diversifying your diet."
"Why? It's perfect!" Naruto replied, waving a hand dismissively. "Besides, why eat anything else when this is right in front of me?"
As they bantered, Izumi caught sight of Sakura, who was still poking at her bowl, lost in thought. "Sakura-chan, you're awfully quiet tonight. Is the ramen not to your taste?" she asked, concern creeping into her voice.
Sakura looked up, her smile softening. "No, it's great. I just… I'm a little tired from the mission," she replied, her voice barely above a whisper.
Itachi knew these two now grown children so well before his eyes that he could easily tell what each was thinking. Seeing Sakura lost, he said, "I received a letter from Sasuke today."
Naruto's eyes widened. "Sasuke? Is he back already? I can't wait to see him!" He slammed his hands on the table, causing a few nearby patrons to glance over.
Itachi nodded, maintaining his calm demeanor. "He'll be back in Konoha in three days."
"Three days!" Naruto exclaimed, practically bouncing in his seat. "That's amazing!"
Sakura's heart fluttered at the mention of Sasuke, her thoughts momentarily breaking through her quiet facade. She allowed herself a genuine smile, though her mind still raced with questions about how she would face him.
"Actually I was looking forward to meeting him too, Naruto and Sakura-chan have been talking a lot about him," Sai said with his characteristic smile.
"I think you two will get along, from what I've seen you and Sasuke's character match quite well in some cases," Itachi said with a smile.
As the laughter and chatter continued around her, Sakura felt the weight of those words echoing in her mind: 'Three days. Three days. Three more days.'
The days go faster than Sakura thought, maybe because she had been working in the hospital for 2 days without a break. After a day full of operations and another day locked alone in the laboratory in front of the microscope, now Sakura had collapsed at her work table. The sterile scent of antiseptic filled the air, mingling with the faint hum of the fluorescent lights above, making her head spin after hours in the lab.
Sakura rubbed her eyes, exhausted after hours at the microscope. "Shizune-san, I feel like I'm seeing blood cells in my sleep."
Shizune laughed softly, her tone warm but teasing. "I get it, Sakura. Just take a break and get ready."
Sakura nodded, stretching her stiff limbs. "You're right. Sasuke-kun is coming back today."
Sakura began to stretch her muscles, feeling numb after sitting for so long. She was not used to having a quiet day, to sit without moving for more than 5 or 10 minutes.
Sakura raised her head and her gaze fell on the clock hanging on the wall. It was 6 o'clock, she should be at the gate of Konoha at 6:30 to wait for Sasuke. At that moment she started to experience many feelings at once. Her heart raced, pounding against her ribcage as if it were trying to escape. A flutter of anxiety gripped her chest, leaving her breathless.
"Looks like you're a little late, go get ready. I know you're looking forward to meeting someone after so long, I'll do the final arrangements," Shizune said as she smiled at him and rubbed his shoulder.
"Thank you, Shizune-san!" Sakura said and started running towards her office.
She took off her coat and hung it in her closet and went in front of the mirror to adjust her dress and hair before heading to the gate. Sakura didn't bother to go down the stairs and walk, she flung open the window, a determined glint in her eyes. Without a second thought, she leaped onto the nearest rooftop, her heart pounding with each graceful jump toward the gate.
She was approaching the gate when she began to notice familiar figures in front of her. There were Sasuke's parents, Itachi, Shisui, Izumi and of course Naruto who seemed to not be sitting still. He was walking from one corner of the gate to the other when he turned his gaze to Sakura. With a smile he raised his hand and greeted her.
As soon as Sakura sat down, Naruto sprang in front of her, grabbing her by the shoulders, "Sakura-chan you're late, look at your watch!"
"I'm not late Naruto, can you calm down a bit? He still hasn't arrived," Sakura said as she made an annoyed face.
"Yes, but he could show up any minute! You never know when he'll arrive!"
Shisui laughed louder and leaning against one of the gates as he said, "Don't mind him Sakura-san. Naruto has been here since 3 o'clock."
Everyone started laughing and Naruto turned towards Shisui, "First, it wasn't 3 but 3 and a quarter, to be exact. Second, I- HEY TEME!" Naruto shouted and everyone turned their gaze from the road in front of them.
Sakura's eyes looked at Sasuke as he walked towards them. Her breath caught in her throat as Sasuke drew closer, her heart racing wildly against her ribs. As Sasuke closed the distance between them, a whirlwind of emotions flooded Sakura—excitement, anxiety, and a longing she had tried to suppress.
She could not believe how much a person could change in 2 years. As Sasuke approached, there was a quiet intensity in his stride, every step sure and measured. The cocky grin he used to wear was absent, replaced with something more grounded—something earned. When he met Sakura's eyes, there was no hesitation, no sign of the boy who'd left two years ago. He stood tall, his presence commanding the attention of the group without a word.
Even Naruto, who never shied away from an argument, seemed to pause for a moment, taking in the change in his once-boyish features had sharpened, the contours of his jawline more defined and his posture exuding a newfound confidence. His hair, still dark and slightly unruly, fell into his eyes, giving him a brooding allure that drew attention wherever he went. The trademark Uchiha clan fan symbol was prominently displayed on the back of his high-collared black shirt.
His intense onyx eyes held a deeper wisdom, reflecting the experiences he had endured and the struggles he had faced. There was a flicker of something softer beneath the surface—a hint of the boy who once laughed and teased his friends, now tempered by maturity and purpose.
Sasuke moved with an ease that spoke of countless hours spent training, his muscles lean yet powerful. He wore dark, fitted pants that complemented his athletic build, and his forearms were wrapped in the familiar black cloth, a nod to his days as a shinobi.
"Is that really you, Sasuke?" Mikoto asked, her voice a blend of disbelief and joy. "My little baby you've become a man now, look how much you've grown!"
She reached over and gave her son a warm hug, and Sasuke hugged his mom longingly after so long.
"I may have changed, but it looks like you haven't," Sasuke said as he bowed his head and gave his mom a kiss on her head, whose smell he had missed so much all this time.
"We missed you every day, you know. The house hasn't felt the same without you."
"It's been... a long time, Mother," Sasuke said, his voice soft, just above a whisper. His arms tightened around her for a moment longer, as though trying to make up for all the lost time. "I missed you too."
"Yeah, it's hard to believe it's been two years already," Fugaku added, his tone warm yet authoritative. He looked Sasuke up and down, taking in his son's taller frame and the confidence that radiated from him.
"You're not a boy anymore. You've become a man," Fugaku said and walked up to him patting his shoulders proudly.
Sasuke nodded, feeling a rush of emotion at their words. "I've learned a lot."
"Wow, Sasuke! Look at you! You're even taller than everyone now!" Naruto said as he gave her a hug and straightened his body to see who was the taller of the two.
Sasuke smirked slightly, brushing off the comment. "I've been training hard Dobe," he replied, his voice steady.
"Training hard? More like training obsessively," Itachi said with a playful smirk. He crossed his arms, a glimmer of pride in his eyes. "You've finally caught up to Naruto's height. Maybe now he'll stop complaining about being the tallest."
Naruto shot Itachi an incredulous look. "Hey! I was the tallest first! Sasuke's just catching up."
"Looks like you'll have to step up your game, Naruto," Shisui chimed in, leaning against the gate with a grin. "But I'm still not sure if Sasuke's height is going to help him win any more fights with you."
"Height doesn't make the ninja," Izumi added, giving Sasuke a warm smile. "But it's good to see you looking strong. Your training really paid off."
Sasuke nodded, trying to mask the warmth spreading in his chest at their compliments. "Thanks. It was tough, but I'm glad to be back."
"Not just taller, but you've changed a lot too," Fugaku, Sasuke's father, said, his tone serious yet affectionate. "You carry yourself differently now. There's a sense of maturity about you."
Sasuke felt a pull toward one person in particular. His gaze found Sakura, who stood a few steps away, her expression a mix of excitement and apprehension. She seemed lost in thought, her green eyes wide as she took in the changes in him.
Taking a deep breath, Sasuke stepped forward, his heart pounding. The moment their eyes met, time seemed to slow. He could see the emotions flicker across her face—surprise, joy, and something deeper that made his chest tighten.
"Sakura," he said, his voice barely above a whisper, yet it carried a weight that hung in the air between them.
Her breath caught, and for a moment, she just stared at him, taking in his height, the sharper lines of his face, the newfound confidence that radiated from him. "Sasuke-kun," she finally replied, her voice trembling slightly. "You look… different."
He nodded, unsure of what to say. "I've changed," he admitted, feeling vulnerable under her gaze.
"I can see that," she said, a soft smile breaking through her initial shock. "You look strong."
"Thanks." He hesitated, a thousand unspoken words swirling in his mind.
Sakura's hands trembled at her sides as she stood a little straighter, feeling the weight of his presence more than she'd expected. The smile on her face felt fragile, a thin veil over the storm of emotions threatening to spill out. Her breath caught as she looked up at him, and for a moment, she couldn't quite find the words. This is it, she thought. He's back. But... am I ready for this?
Her throat tightened, but she forced the words out, her voice steady despite everything. "Welcome back, Sasuke-kun." The words felt both too much and not enough.
1001 feelings surrounded Sakura who was preventing her from reacting properly. She wanted to be cold, after all, just like he was for about 2 years. She was surprised when Sasuke moved closer to her and wrapped his right arm around her shoulder in a hug. Sakura reached up and patted his shoulder lightly.
As Sasuke stepped back from the brief, awkward hug, he noticed the cool distance between them, even after all this time. Sakura had pulled away slightly, her posture stiff, and though her smile was still there, it felt forced. She kept her gaze steady, but there was something in her eyes—something guarded.
'Sakura...' Sasuke's brow furrowed. The two years they'd been apart had changed them both, but somehow, this felt like something deeper. It wasn't just time or distance—it was her. There was something between them now that hadn't been there before.
'She's acting like I'm a stranger,' Sasuke thought, a dull ache forming in his chest.
He watched her carefully. The way she had responded, her hesitation, the tightness in her smile—it wasn't the greeting he had expected. The rest of the group was busy talking, laughing even, but the air around him and Sakura felt different, heavy. As if an invisible barrier was rising between them.
His mind raced. 'Could it be because of the letters?'
Sasuke took a deep breath. He had spent the last few days mentally preparing himself for this moment, but now, standing before her, it felt like all those carefully crafted words had evaporated. Before he could even open his mouth, his brother's voice cut through the silence.
"Sasuke, mind introducing us to these people at the gate?"
Sasuke frowned, turning his gaze toward the trio who had accompanied him here. Juugo, Suigetsu, and Karin stood a few steps behind, still awkwardly shifting on their feet. They had been hesitant to come this far, but Sasuke had insisted. And now, they were standing under the scrutinizing eyes of his family.
"Ah... right." Sasuke cleared his throat, eyes lingering on his old team for a moment. He still couldn't shake the discomfort that settled in his chest every time he looked at them. "These are my... fellow students from Orochimaru's. We trained together for two years, and they decided to accompany me back to Konoha."
Sakura's eyes immediately fell on Karin, the redhead who seemed so composed, standing confidently with a subtle smirk that made something inside Sakura twist uncomfortably. As the three stepped forward, Sasuke motioned for them to introduce themselves.
"Hey! I'm Suigetsu," the silver-haired boy grinned, bowing his head to Sasuke's parents. "This is Juugo," he said, pointing to the tall, silent figure beside him, "And Karin." He gestured to the girl beside him, who adjusted her glasses with a casual, almost too-knowing smile.
"Nice to meet you all," Fugaku said, his tone warm but formal. "Thank you for accompanying Sasuke all this way."
Mikoto stepped forward, her smile radiant. "Indeed, we've been looking forward to having Sasuke back home. I've prepared a large dinner for everyone. You're all invited to join us."
"Thank you, Uchiha-san! We feel honored," Juugo said, bowing his head deeply, while Suigetsu gave a wide grin.
Naruto clapped his hands together, bouncing on his heels. "Alright, sounds like a plan! We're all gonna eat like kings!" He grinned at Sasuke, then at his new companions.
"Why don't we head inside and let the kids catch up?" Fugaku said with a small smile to Mikoto. "We'll join you soon."
Izumi and Shisui nodded. "We'll help with the preparations," Shisui said, his hand on Izumi's shoulder.
Sasuke's team stood awkwardly for a moment as the older Uchiha family members left. Only the younger generation remained.
"Well," Naruto said, flashing his trademark grin, "Welcome to Konoha, you guys! I'm Naruto Uzumaki, future Hokage! Nice to meet you!" He stuck out a hand toward Suigetsu, who eyed it before shaking.
"Oh, you're that Uzumaki kid. I thought I'd heard your name," Suigetsu said, smirking. "Karin here's an Uzumaki too, just like you," he added, pointing at her.
Karin raised an eyebrow and smirked back at Naruto. "I've heard about you," she said coolly, adjusting her glasses, but her eyes were sharp, studying him with interest.
Sasuke had barely registered the interaction when Suigetsu's voice cut through again. "Sasuke," he said with a grin that could only be described as mischievous, "I didn't know you hung out with such a beautiful girl." His eyes flicked over to Sakura, appraising her with a little too much attention for Sasuke's liking. "Aren't you gonna introduce yourself to us, pretty star?" he said with a wink, clearly amused by his own joke.
Sakura's eyebrow twitched. She forced a tight-lipped smile, trying to keep her composure. "Sakura Haruno," she said flatly, "Sasuke's teammate." Her voice didn't hide her irritation, but she refused to let Suigetsu see how much his comment was getting under her skin.
The whole time Sasuke was studying Sakura with his eyes and now she had taken on a completely different look. Plus what was this presentation? She was not only his teammate but something more. At least that's what Sasuke had thought, with what happened that night before they left it was pretty clear that they were more than friends now wasn't it? At least he had not seen 2 friends kiss on the lips the way they kissed.
Karin, ever perceptive, adjusted her glasses again and looked between Sasuke and Sakura with a knowing look. "Pleasure to meet you, Sakura-san," she said with an almost playful tone. "Surprisingly, Sasi-kun hasn't mentioned you much. Though he talks about this Uzumaki guy all the time," she added, tilting her head toward Naruto. "But you—nothing."
Now yes, Sakura was at the last level of irritation. This bastard, not only didn't send them letters, but he didn't even mention it to the new company. It was as if he had completely crossed Sakura off his list.
Sakura's face tightened. 'Sasi-kun?' The words stung more than she expected. She could feel her heart rate quicken in irritation. That wasn't just a nickname—she had always called him that. No one else had ever dared. The one time Ino Pig had tried many years ago at the academy when they were just 8 years old, Sasuke had given him a death glare and Ino didn't even think about calling him that way. And now this girl was shortening his name so casually, like she had a claim on it.
'Are there any more irritations for today?' Sakura thought to herself as she looked back at Sasuke. Their eyes met and that's when Sasuke realized that his Sharingan wasn't nearly as deadly compared to the look Sakura just gave him.
Sasuke felt his throat tighten. The heat in Sakura's gaze was enough to make him swallow hard, but before he could even attempt to explain himself, he snapped.
"I didn't talk about it because it wasn't anyone's business," Sasuke said, his voice suddenly laced with coldness. "Sakura's my teammate. And... she's my girlfriend."
The words hung in the air, and for a moment, there was silence.
Suigetsu blinked, clearly thrown off by the sudden revelation. Naruto's eyes widened, and then his face broke into a wide grin, his laughter barely contained. "Whoa, Sasuke! You finally admit it, huh? Took you long enough to tell us!"
Sakura froze, her face flushing a deep crimson. It wasn't exactly the way she'd imagined this moment playing out, but something about the whole situation felt right—Sasuke had acknowledged it, and even if it was awkward, it was real.
"Girlfriend?" Karin repeated, voice soft with surprise. "Sasuke, you never said a word."
"Didn't have to," Sasuke muttered, though he shot a quick glance at Sakura. "Now that it's out, can we get to that dinner?"
As they walked toward the Uchiha Compound, the sun dipped low, casting long shadows over the village's new construction. The streets, once familiar, now seemed almost foreign to Sasuke. The buildings were taller, sleeker, and more... modern than anything he remembered.
Naruto, bouncing on his heels, was practically buzzing with energy. Sasuke, on the other hand, was silently taking it all in, his face impassive but his thoughts racing. Sakura walked behind them, arms crossed, her expression cool, the distance between them growing with each step. Her silence wasn't just from the walk—it was a cold wall, a stark contrast to Naruto's enthusiasm.
"So," Naruto said, glancing back at Sasuke with that wide grin of his, "Konoha's changed a lot since we left, huh? It's practically unrecognizable!"
Sasuke raised an eyebrow, still looking around the village. The streets were lined with sleek shops and glowing signs, and the buildings had been designed with a mix of stone and steel that felt… off to him. "I can tell," Sasuke muttered, his voice flat.
Naruto ignored Sasuke's dry tone and pressed on. "No kidding! They totally redesigned the whole place while you were gone! The Uchiha Compound? You won't even believe it! It's got this totally modern vibe now—old school meets new school."
Sasuke's eyes flickered toward the direction of the compound. "Modern vibe?" he repeated, his voice skeptical. "The Uchiha Compound was always traditional. It was never meant to be… modernized."
"That's the thing!" Naruto said, practically bouncing in place. "They mixed the old with the new! It's like they took the Uchiha style and then added all this cool new tech. And, get this…" Naruto paused for dramatic effect, "There's Wi-Fi everywhere now."
Sasuke looked at Naruto, slightly unnerved by how giddy he was over such mundane things. "Wi-Fi? You're excited about Wi-Fi?"
"Yeah!" Naruto said, grinning. "Now everything is faster! No more waiting around for things. You just press a button, and boom, instant ramen! You'll love it!"
Juugo, who had been walking silently beside Suigetsu, looked over at Sasuke and added in his deep, calm voice, "I don't see the problem with that. It sounds efficient." He looked to Suigetsu for approval.
Suigetsu rolled his eyes. "Efficient? Please. I can't even get Wi-Fi at some of the inns we stay in! If that's the future, we're all screwed." He grinned, enjoying the thought of Sasuke's potential reaction. "But hey, maybe you'll get some good ramen out of it. Nothing like the authentic kind."
"Wait, you don't know the funniest part yet, Teme."
Sasuke gave him a look. "What now?"
"We're neighbors!" Naruto grinned, clearly enjoying the idea of being so close to Sasuke. "Right across from you, in fact. You're gonna love it."
Sasuke's face was unreadable. "I don't know if 'love' is the word I'd use."
"Now let me explain... The Uchiha compound moved to the hill near the center of the village," Naruto explained as he pointed his hand down the hill. "You see, the one on the left that we are looking at now is your area, while the modern villas on the right is a completely new neighborhood, which can be inhabited by everyone."
Sasuke frowned and gave Naruto a confused look. "And? What does that have to do with it?"
"God how ignorant you are! The new neighborhood to the right of the Uchiha compound is mine and Sakura's neighborhood, Idiot!" Naruto shouted as he shot Sasuke in the neck. "It's a new neighborhood full of modern 2-story, 3-story villas. My dad and Sakura's dad sold their houses, invested some other savings, and now we have a 2-story villa in that neighborhood."
Sasuke widened his eyes. He couldn't lie, he liked this idea. Being close to each other was a good thing, especially for him and Sakura. Maybe in the future when she moved to the compound to live with him, she would be very close to her parents as well, and as she was looking at the hospital as well.
Sasuke just shook his head slightly, glancing sideways at Sakura. She was still walking behind them, her arms crossed tightly over her chest, her face unreadable. Her silence hadn't gone unnoticed, but Sasuke hadn't found the right time—or the right words—to address it.
"Interesting..." Sasuke said, his voice dry. "I like the idea."
Naruto smiled and turned his head back to look at Sakura. "Look Sakura-chan, you told me he would like this idea."
"Hm," Sakura said more coldly with her eyes on the road.
"That means we'll be visiting you at home more often now. By the way Fugaku-san built a super house, you'll be amazed when you see Teme, won't we Sakura-chan?" Naruto said turning to Sakura again.
"Hm," Sakura said again and Sasuke was now thinking that they had switched roles.
Sasuke glanced at Sakura one more time, and this time, she was staring at him—really staring, her eyes narrowing. He could feel the tension rising.
They approached the Uchiha Compound, Sasuke's eyes narrowed. The familiar old compound had been reimagined, transformed into something new, sleek, and almost unrecognizable. Gone were the old stone walls and ancient, slightly worn-down buildings he remembered. In their place stood a massive, modern structure—a fusion of traditional Uchiha architecture and cutting-edge technology. It was... unsettling.
He couldn't help but feel a slight discomfort at the sight. The old, familiar Uchiha had been swept away by a tide of modernity, replaced with shiny, polished surfaces and high-tech amenities. His family's crest adorned the glass doors in a subtle nod to tradition, but the house itself felt more like an office building than the home he remembered.
The two-story villa that awaited him was imposing and grand. Towering windows, framed in black steel, glinted in the fading sunlight, and the sleek stone path leading to the entrance felt more like the entrance to a palace than a family home. The building stood tall, with minimalist lines and modern furnishings that seemed almost too perfect, too polished. It felt like a display of wealth and power, a far cry from the quiet, understated comfort of the old Uchiha Compound.
Sasuke blinked, his confusion sharp as he scanned the modernized compound. This wasn't the place he'd grown up in. The cold stone walls, the heavy silence of the old compound—gone. He turned to Sakura, frustration rising in his chest.
"This is my house?" he asked Sakura in an innocent way.
Everyone started to laugh out loud except for Sakura who raised an eyebrow, completely serious. Sasuke looked around, still confused. His eyes flicked to Sakura, and he felt a strange twist in his gut. She had barely spoken since they'd arrived. But when she finally spoke, it was dry—almost biting.
"Are you asking me about your house Sasuke?" She raised an eyebrow, her tone sharp with irony.
Sasuke frowned. He didn't know what it was, but Sasuke wasn't liking Sakura's behavior at all. 'I must talk to her tonight. What is this cold behavior? And who is she calling Sasuke like she's talking to a stranger on the street?'
They approached the door of the house where Itachi greeted them warmly and accompanied them to the kitchen to sit down to eat. Sasuke was still haunted, everything seemed foreign to him and not like he was at home.
The grand dining table was a masterpiece of Uchiha craftsmanship, a long, dark wood table flanked by intricately designed chairs. Fugaku was sitting at the head of the table and to his right were Mikoto, Itachi Izumi and Shisui. While on his left side were the trio of Oto, Sasuke, Naruto and seemingly facing Fugaku was Sakura.
Karin was sitting next to Sasuke and it seemed that her caresses towards him had no end, which was becoming very annoying especially for two people at the table who were Fugaku and Sakura. Both of them had straightened their bodies, crossed their hands in front of them and with the same stoic face they were analyzing every action of the girl with red hair.
Itachi leaned back in his chair, watching Sakura with a half-smile. "You know, Mother," he said with a slight chuckle, "I think Sakura would fit in just fine with the Uchiha family." He glanced at Fugaku before adding, "They say the best partners are those who share the same... discipline."
Mikoto laughed, clearly enjoying Itachi's dry humor, while Fugaku simply raised an eyebrow, unfazed.
After seeing them, Mikoto laughed and playfully shot her son. Itachi liked to tease his parents with little jokes.
"So, Sasuke!" Naruto started, looking at him eagerly. "How about you tell everyone what you've been up to all these years in Oto? I'm dying to know. Were you fighting Orochimaru's snakes? Or maybe you were doing some crazy secret ninja training no one else knows about?"
Sasuke's face remained impassive as he took a bite of his food, his eyes flickering to the others at the table. The teasing was nothing new, but he didn't have much to offer.
"We trained," he said shortly, his tone dismissive. "That's all that matters."
Suigetsu grinned mischievously, his voice louder than usual as he leaned toward Sasuke. "Come on, Sasuke, tell us the real story! I heard you got some 'extra training' from Orochimaru himself!"
Sasuke's eyes narrowed, his calm exterior starting to slip. But before he could respond, Karin's hand brushed his arm again, this time lingering with a soft touch that was just enough to make everyone notice.
"Enough Suigetsu." Karin said as she placed a light caress on Sasuke's arm. "You just keep teasing, let Sasi-kun eat in peace."
Sasuke glanced at Karin with annoyance, his usual indifference slipping just slightly. He could feel her hand brushing against his arm again, lingering just a little too long. It was getting harder to ignore, and he could sense the eyes of the table turning toward him.
Itachi's amused glance met Mikoto's, and they exchanged a brief look—one that held an unspoken understanding. Shisui, barely holding back a laugh, elbowed Izumi, who sighed in exasperation.
But it was Sakura's reaction that everyone was waiting for. The sound of her glass slamming down on the table was loud enough to make everyone freeze.
"Oh god," Shisui whispered. "It's comedy night, just look at Sakura," he said and started laughing.
"Stop laughing, you'll irritate her more. After all, she's not to blame, this girl's behavior is very annoying. Look what she's doing in Sakura's eyes, oh my god," said Izumi, throwing a critical look at her.
Sakura's fingers tightened around her chopsticks, her knuckles whitening. She could feel her chest tighten as Karin's hand brushed Sasuke's arm again. Was she just letting this happen? Or was Sasuke so absorbed in his world that he hadn't even noticed? The thought stung more than she expected.
"I'm sure Sasuke-kun learned plenty of advanced techniques, right?" she said, trying to keep her voice steady. "Like how to survive by depending on someone else for everything?"
Karin's eyes flickered toward Sasuke with a knowing smile. "Oh, Sakura-san, you have no idea. Sasi-kun is a fast learner. And I've made sure to teach him the things he needed to know—like medical ninjutsu," she said with a small, teasing smirk, her eyes lingering on Sasuke. "I'm sure he learned a lot from me."
The words hit Sakura harder than she expected. She forced a smile, but it was tight and hollow, the feeling of being displaced stirring uneasily in her chest. She had wanted to be the one to teach him these things—after all, they had made promises to each other. She had always wanted to teach him medical ninjutsu, just the basics for safety, but focused on other things Sasuke thought she would be able to learn it another moment.
"I see," Sakura said, her voice still calm, but her grip on her chopsticks had tightened. "I suppose that makes sense. I mean, if you're in Oto long enough, you get to learn some pretty interesting things, I bet." She gave a small, clipped laugh, her gaze drifting back to her plate.
Sasuke, sensing the shift in the atmosphere, glanced sideways at Sakura, but she didn't meet his eyes. He could feel the familiar tension building in the air between the two of them, but he couldn't figure out how to break it. He didn't know how to explain his growing discomfort with the teasing, nor did he want to.
"I'm sure you all had a lot of fun in Oto," Naruto said, leaning forward with a grin. He was feeling the tension of jealousy in the air and he didn't know how to ease it.
As the laughter and teasing continued around the table, the warmth of the meal settled in, and the mood shifted. The clink of chopsticks against bowls and the quiet murmur of voices began to soften. Sakura had stopped glaring at Karin and Sasuke's casual touches, though she couldn't hide the occasional tightness in her jaw whenever Karin leaned a little too close.
Sasuke, despite the chaos swirling around him, remained distant, his gaze drifting toward the windows where the last remnants of daylight clung to the horizon. His parents continued their quiet conversation, while Itachi and Shisui exchanged glances, clearly amused by the situation but wisely choosing not to intervene.
"Alright, alright, that's enough teasing for one night," Mikoto said with a soft smile, placing her hands on the table as she looked at everyone. "It's been a long day, and I think it's time we call it."
Everyone nodded, though Naruto shot one last mischievous glance at Sasuke.
"Well, I think we've got enough material to tease Sasuke for a while," he said, his grin wide and unrepentant. "But no worries, Teme, we'll save some of it for tomorrow."
The atmosphere had softened considerably, the tension of the earlier moments fading into the background, replaced by the warmth of family and friends in the familiar space of the Uchiha home.
Sakura shifted slightly in her seat, her gaze lingering on Sasuke for a moment before she quickly turned to the others. She stood up abruptly, her movements almost too swift, as if she had already made up her mind.
"I'm sorry, but I need to leave now," she said, her voice polite but strained. "I'm already running late, and I have to get up early for work tomorrow. Thank you for the dinner Mikoto-san, Fugaku-san!"
Her words were rushed, the explanation half-hearted, as though she were making an excuse, but it didn't escape Sasuke's notice. She was avoiding something—avoiding him.
He stood up as well, glancing at her quickly. "I'll take the others to an inn for the night," he said, his voice calm, though it carried an unspoken intention beneath the words. He had meant to speak with Sakura privately, but the last thing he wanted was for her to leave without saying anything.
Naruto, who had been listening quietly, immediately stood as well, his usual grin back in place. "No need for that, Sasuke," he said with a light chuckle, clapping Sasuke on the back. "I'll go with them to the inn. You should rest here. You've been on the move for days. You deserve it."
Sasuke turned toward him, brow furrowed slightly. "I'm fine, Naruto. It's no trouble."
But Naruto waved him off, his grin widening. "It's no big deal. I'm sure you've got a lot of catching up to do with everyone here, anyway." His tone was casual, but there was a soft edge of concern behind it. "You don't need to worry about us. We'll be fine."
Sasuke hesitated, the words on the tip of his tongue, but the look in Naruto's eyes was firm—this wasn't a discussion. It was clear that Naruto had already made up his mind for him.
With a resigned sigh, Sasuke nodded, though a small part of him still wanted to insist. "Fine," he muttered, his voice quiet. "Thanks, Naruto."
Meanwhile, Sakura, who had been preparing to leave, paused by the door, her back to the room. She glanced over her shoulder, catching Sasuke's eye for just a moment before quickly looking away. "Goodnight," she said softly, though her voice was tight, like the words were slipping out against her will.
Her eyes flickered back to the door. "Take care, everyone," she added, forcing a smile before quickly exiting, her footsteps fading down the hallway.
Sasuke watched her leave, his chest heavy with the unspoken words he didn't know how to say. There was so much he wanted to ask her, so much he wanted to understand—but she had already closed herself off from him again. And he, despite all his strength, didn't know how to break through that wall she had built.
Naruto, noticing the slight tension in the room, gave Sasuke one last look, his expression softening. "You okay, Teme?" Naruto asked, his voice light, though there was a hint of concern in his eyes.
Sasuke didn't answer immediately. He couldn't. His chest felt tight, like something was lodged in his throat, and the words he wanted to say were stuck, tangled up with the frustration and confusion he had been carrying for so long. He had wanted to talk to Sakura tonight, wanted to break through the wall she had built around herself, but she had slipped away too quickly.
"I don't get it," Sasuke muttered after a long silence. "I've just came back, and she's already acting like… like she's not even glad to see me." His tone was flat, but there was an underlying frustration in his voice that Naruto could hear all too clearly.
Naruto paused for a moment, his brow furrowing as he considered Sasuke's words. He knew better than anyone that Sasuke had a tendency to close off his feelings, to internalize everything, but this situation was different. It had been two years. Two years without so much as a real conversation, two years where Sasuke had been consumed by training, by his mission—and by everything that came with trying to get stronger.
Naruto finally spoke, his voice quieter, almost sympathetic. "Sasuke, I get that you've been focused on your training and all… but you've gotta realize, it's not just about you coming back and picking up where you left off. It's been two years, man. Two years."
Sasuke turned to Naruto, eyes narrowing. "What are you talking about?"
Naruto let out a sigh, his gaze softening as he looked at his old friend. "You really think she doesn't have her reasons for pulling away? You haven't heard from her in almost two years, Sasuke. You've sent letters to everyone—me, your family, even to Kakashi. But you never sent one to Sakura-chan, not a single one. You said you didn't want to be distracted, but…" Naruto shook his head. "Do you think she didn't notice?"
Sasuke's jaw tightened, a pang of guilt rising in his chest. He had told himself that it was easier to avoid distractions, to not let his emotions cloud his judgment. But hearing Naruto say it out loud hit him harder than he'd anticipated.
"I sent her letters for the first four months," Sasuke said quietly, though it felt like an excuse even as he said it. "After that, I didn't want to risk distracting myself with her... with my feelings."
Naruto looked at Sasuke as if he'd just revealed something critical, his eyes widening slightly. "I'm not saying you did it on purpose, Sasuke, but Sakura's been holding on all this time. She's been waiting for you to write, to acknowledge her. She waited."
Sasuke stayed silent, the realization dawning on him. How had he not seen this? How had he not understood how much his absence—his silence—had affected her?
"Two years, Sasuke," Naruto continued, his voice gentle but firm. "But that doesn't mean you can't fix it. You just need to give her time—and maybe, a little more effort." Naruto grinned, though it was a softer, more knowing grin than usual. "She still loves you, man. But she needs to know that you still care."
Sasuke clenched his fists, his thoughts a whirlwind. Two years. Two years of silence, of being consumed by his training and his need for strength, and in the process, he had let the most important person slip away.
"I've always cared," Sasuke said quietly, almost to himself. He looked over at Naruto, his eyes hard. "I didn't want to hurt her, Naruto."
Naruto let out a small, knowing laugh, but it wasn't his usual boisterous one. He placed a hand on Sasuke's shoulder, a rare gesture of understanding. "Tomorrow, Teme. Tonight, you rest. Everything will be fine," he said, his tone softer than usual.
Sasuke took a deep breath, his chest heavy with a mix of guilt and frustration. "Yeah. Go now. The three of them are waiting for you."
"Yeah, goodnight, Teme. Don't worry, okay? We'll fix things together," Naruto said, giving Sasuke a light pat on the back, his grin returning despite the seriousness of the moment.
Sasuke gave a small, almost imperceptible nod. "Good night, Dobe."
As Naruto turned and walked off toward the inn with the rest of his new team , Sasuke remained standing there for a moment longer, staring into the night. The cool air brushed against his face, but it did little to calm the storm inside him.
'I never meant for things to turn out like this,' Sasuke thought, his gaze drifting toward the direction Sakura had disappeared. 'I thought I was doing the right thing... pushing my feelings aside, focusing on what needed to be done. But maybe... maybe I was wrong.'
He clenched his fists at his sides, the guilt gnawing at him again. He'd spent so long thinking that he had to be alone to become stronger, that showing weakness or vulnerability would drag him back. But now that he was back, it felt like he'd distanced himself from everyone—Sakura especially.
'I'll fix this,' Sasuke promised himself, though he wasn't sure how yet. 'I'll find a way to show her that I'm here… that I never stopped caring.'
Sasuke took one last deep breath before turning to head inside, the weight of the night and the quiet resolution settling on his shoulders.