As the days passed, each sunrise was a testament to a love that deepened with every heartbeat. Days passed and Sasuke and Sakura's feelings seemed to grow stronger.
Training, training, training.
That was what Team 7 knew for 4 months straight, they were preparing for the chunin exam. Fatigue, sleeplessness, wounds, but not only that, it seemed that between these things, a part of their time was occupied by love. An innocent little love that was blooming so beautifully.
It all started with seemingly small things for others, but for both of them, these things were very significant. Sasuke would walk Sakura home every day after training. Sakura would always bring something for Sasuke to eat for lunch, and he would buy her her favorite dessert for dinner. Every evening, as the sun dipped below the horizon, their laughter mingled with the sounds of the village, an unspoken promise hanging in the air.
They succeeded in the exams, and all three were now Chunin. A wave of pride washed over them, but it was especially evident in Sasuke. He couldn't help but feel a rush of warmth as he watched the joy radiate from Sakura's face, her eyes sparkling with excitement.
At that moment, it was as if the world around them faded away, leaving just the two of them. The happiness she exuded wrapped around him like a comforting embrace, and he felt a flutter in his chest, a soft realization that her smile lit up more than just the day—it illuminated his heart. As their eyes met, he knew this was a moment they would always cherish, forever binding their paths together in a way that felt both exhilarating and intimate.
And as the months passed, the responsibilities increased, and these responsibilities made team 7 not see each other that often. Of course, they met every day, but there were no long meetings from morning to dinner. The weight of new responsibilities pressed down on them, and both Sasuke and Sakura found themselves pulled in different directions, a shift that left a quiet ache in their hearts.
As their bond grew stronger, the world around them shifted, with new responsibilities looming on the horizon. Because of his absence in his son's life, Minato ended his career as a 'Hokage'. It was time for a change and everyone proposed Kakashi as a new Hokage, but he abstained. According to him, he needed several years of study and training for this job, but always according to him.
Everyone knew that Kakashi didn't want to start this job at this young age, he wanted to enjoy life a bit until he was locked in an office with a ton of documents in front of him, so until he was ready for a while Tsunade would took the place of Hokage.
Tsunade Senju was the one who immediately caught Sakura's attention. Sakura had endlessly read her medical books and dreamed of being trained by her, and who wouldn't want to be trained by a Sannin? She didn't know how, but she filled Tsunade's mind with the idea of becoming her apprentice. Sakura began her training with Tsunade which did not seem to be an easy journey. Sakura's dedication to her training sparked a newfound confidence, making her wonder if Sasuke saw her as more than just his teammate. Did he notice the way she carried herself now?
Sasuke saw everything, every day he would leave his training for a bit to see how Sakura was doing in her training. Tsunade was very hard when it came to training and in his eyes, it looked like she was torturing Sakura. Even though many of Sakura's bones may have been broken she stood there, healing her wounds with a defiant look, confident in what she was doing.
He felt a flutter of something he couldn't quite name—a mix of pride and a hint of vulnerability. 'Does she know how incredible she is?' he thought. Sasuke felt that he should tell her more about how wonderful she was, she should know his thoughts on her. Although he was not good at expressing his feelings, he would dare.
Sasuke had also begun to train intensively, not only from Itachi and Shisui but also from his father. He could not believe that his dream was coming true. His father was finally paying attention. Fugaku hadn't noticed how much Sasuke was like him. He was just the perfect mix between him and Mikoto. Itachi looked more like his mother, in appearance as well as in character, He was gentle. While Sasuke's features were a complete copy of Mikoto's, a handsome boy and his character and behavior shouted the name FUGAKU louder.
Like his father, Sasuke's dream was to work in the police force, which pleased him beyond measure. Fugaku had begun to take Sasuke to his work, in addition to training as a ninja, he should also practice at the station if he wanted to be an even better chef than his father.
While Naruto ... well Minato had come to the conclusion that the job as Hokage was much easier than making Naruto focus on training. However, he and his friends had progressed well in his training which was just as intense... so much so that he would be yelled at by his mother to be correct in training and lessons if he wanted to become a Hokage.
They were now 17 years old, full of adrenaline and ideas for the future. Very happy next to each other but they didn't know that very soon their paths would part and Sasuke and Naruto would be faced with an important decision for their future.
It was a crisp morning, the bright sun making the trees look like they were clothed in gold, a perfect indication that autumn had knocked in the village of hidden leaves. Team 7 would meet to have breakfast together, they had made it a tradition that every Tuesday they would have breakfast together at Ichiraku's.
Why every Tuesday? Naruto had formed an idea that on Tuesday morning ramen tasted better than other days... typical Naruto, for him ramen was delicious every meal of the day and every day of the week. If it was for Sasuke and Sakura, they each used to eat ramen for breakfast, who ate ramen for breakfast? But once they could make an exception for their friend.
"Okay, but I'm telling you, the secret to making the perfect ramen is in the broth!" Naruto declared, slurping loudly from his bowl, his enthusiasm palpable.
He gestured dramatically, almost spilling his food. "If you don't let it simmer long enough, it just won't taste right!"
Sakura rolled her eyes, a playful smile on her face. "Naruto, you've never even cooked ramen before! How would you know?"
"Hey! I have a very refined palate!" he shot back, feigning offense. "Besides, I've watched Mom and Teuchi make it like a hundred times!"
Sasuke sat between them, a small smirk tugging at his lips. "Right. And how many times have you burned your instant ramen in the microwave?"
Naruto's face turned red as he stammered, "That was one time! And it was just a minor mishap!"
Sakura laughed, the sound brightening the morning. "Minor? You nearly set the kitchen on fire! I still remember how much it took Minato-san to calm Kushina-san's nerves that day."
Just as Naruto was about to retaliate with another exaggerated story of his culinary prowess, the familiar sound of the shop's sliding door chimed. Teuchi, the owner, greeted them with a broad smile, setting down a fresh bowl in front of each of them.
"Good morning, my favorite team! What can I get you today?"
"The usual, extra noodles for me please!" Naruto shouted, grinning.
"I'll take the same," Sakura added, glancing at Sasuke. "What about you, Sasuke-kun?"
Sasuke shrugged, his usual calm demeanor intact. "Just the usual for me as well, thank you."
They resumed their playful banter, their laughter mingling with the clatter of dishes and the sizzling of ingredients from the kitchen. It was a moment of warmth and familiarity, the kind that made the burdens of their ninja lives feel a little lighter.
Suddenly, the door swung open again, and Kakashi stepped in, his trademark mask hiding most of his face. "Sorry to interrupt, but the Hokage wants to see you Sasuke and you Naruto," he said, looking at them with his usual nonchalance.
The playful atmosphere shifted instantly, a mix of curiosity and concern flickering in their eyes. "Now?" Naruto asked, his excitement dampened. "Can't we finish breakfast first?"
"Of course you can but don't be late," Kakashi replied, his tone casual yet serious.
"Do we have a mission? What is this call at the break of dawn?" Naruto said as he ate.
"It's not a mission, but I can tell it's a more important meeting as far as your future is concerned guys," Kakashi said as he sat on Sasuke's side.
"Our future? How so?" Sasuke asked with a raised eyebrow.
"You'll see for yourself, it's a good thing, not something to worry about. It's something that many ninjas would like to have as a possibility, trust me on this." Kakashi said.
Hearing this they hastened and finished their breakfast. Sasuke and Naruto immediately headed to the Hokage's tower, while Sakura had to go to the hospital. 'Why would the Hokage want to see us? I hope it's not bad news.' Sasuke thought. 'This better not be about more training! I want to enjoy my ramen in peace!' thought also Naruto.
The room was filled with the scent of ink and parchment, the walls lined with scrolls that held the weight of history, making the moment feel all the more significant. When they entered, they both saw that Minato and Fugaku were also in the room.
"Hey, granny Tsunade we're here!" Naruto greeted as Minato bit him on the arm.
"Naruto, how many times have I told you that you don't talk to a Hokage like that!"
"Ouch! Okay dad slow down! This hurts you know." Naruto complained as he rubbed his arm.
Tsunade let out a light laugh. "Some things never change it seems."
"What did you call us for Hokage-sama?" Sasuke asked seriously.
"Straight to the point as always, my pleasure," Tsunade said as she leaned back in her chair and crossed her arms in front of her.
"Guys, it's not a secret that among all the teams, you, team 7, have exceeded expectations. You have a high number of successfully completed missions, and you also have special abilities that require special people to train you in the right way."
"Is there a more special person than my father to train me? Cool!" Naruto said excitedly as Minato looked at him with furrowed brows.
"That's where I'm going Naruto. So, to cut this discussion short, Master Jiraiya and Orochimaru have seen your abilities and want to train you. Since Sakura has been under my training for a few years I think you both deserve it too to be thoroughly trained by one of the 3 legendary sannins," Tsunade said as she got to her feet and clasped her hands behind her back.
"If you want and agree, you can start this training right away." A heavy silence settled in the room, the weight of Tsunade's words hanging in the air as Naruto's brow furrowed in thought.
Sasuke thought for a moment and raised an eyebrow. "That's not all, is it?" seeing that Tsunade had also called their fathers Sasuke suspected that there was something more than that.
"Yes there is still, if you agree to go you will be leaving Konoha for 2 years. This is why your fathers are here, you are still under age. Without their approval I will not be able to deliver this news to you," Tsunade said glaring at them.
"What?! 2 years! That's a lot! And you dad accepted?" Naruto shouted.
"Naruto quiet down a bit," Fugaku said as he turned his gaze to him. "2 years is not long, you are not going to take a cooking course but to train. Who knows how many other ninjas would like to be in your position now? To be trained by the legendary sannin is something big."
"Even Sakura was trained by a sannin but she didn't leave her village and family behind," Naruto said crossing his arms in annoyance.
"It's because I came to live here and I'm a Hokage," Tsunade said leaning down to rest her hands on the table. "Master Jiraiya and Orochimaru don't live here and besides they have other jobs on their hands, this prevents them from living here to train you."
"Where are we going and when can we leave?" Sasuke asked curiously.
"You Sasuke will travel to Oto, one of the other students of orochimarus will accompany you there. As for you Naruto, well I don't know, master Jiraiya likes to travel to many places so maybe you won't have a specific place since he has come to get you personally."
"We have nothing to discuss more, it's not that they are forced to go, everything is optional. So guys, what do you think?" asked Minato.
"I agree," Sasuke said. To be even stronger was his greatest desire, to prove himself in front of his father and not only. This could make Sakura happy as a matter of fact.
Despite the fact that he was now feeling a pain in his chest since he wouldn't seen Sakura for 2 years, he thought he should make this sacrifice. 'This is my chance to grow stronger, but will Sakura understand? Will she wait for me?'
"What can I say, I agree too," Naruto said looking less than enthusiastic about this news.
"Settled then, you guys will be leaving before sunrise tomorrow," said Tsunade.
"2 years?!" Sakura asked in a shocked voice that came out involuntarily, the cafeteria nurses turned to glance at her in surprise. With an apologetic look toward them, she then continued to look at both Naruto and Sasuke.
She never wanted to react badly and upset her two friends, but she couldn't help it. A wave of pride washed over her at the thought of Naruto and Sasuke training under a sannin. She remembered the incredible transformation she'd undergone, knowing they would experience something similar.
Sakura knew very well what benefits they would have from this, she experienced the drastic change in her character and her talent as a doctor and as a kunoichi. But, 2 years were a lot in her eyes, she would be alone without them...and Sasuke. How could her heart bear to stay 2 years without seeing him? She had not separated for a second from him since when they were in the academy. The feelings that Sakura had for this boy were very deep, feelings that she had never dared to tell him, maybe because she was content with the fact that he was around every day.
Now a new feeling took the place of the first one, worry and jealousy. Sakura had heard that Orochimaru had other students from other villages, but what if a beautiful and strong girl caught Sasuke's attention and made him her own?
No... Sakura couldn't be so immature now, damn she was 17 years old. Instead of worrying about her things, she should encourage her 2 friends. At the end of the day, they would leave their families behind, this was difficult for them too.
"Sakura-chan that reaction of yours was on point today," Naruto said with a sad face.
Sakura's eyes widened in surprise and she shook her head slightly. Sakura reached across the table, placing a reassuring hand on Naruto's arm. "Look, don't take it like that. Two years isn't long. You're going to come back stronger!' Her voice was firm, though her heart ached at the thought of their absence.
"Yes, easy to say, but not to practice," said Naruto.
"Don't be such a jerk," Sasuke said as he took a slow sip of his tea, his gaze steady.
"The time will pass quickly, and we will return. It's not like we're leaving forever." His tone was calm, but the slight furrow of his brow betrayed his unease."
"Sometimes I love this coldness of yours, but deep down I know it's a facade since you don't like the fact of leaving either," said Naruto leaning on the table.
"No one likes to leave their family and loved ones Naruto, but it's for our good," Sasuke said quietly looking Naruto in the eye.
"That's true, but we will write to each other sometimes. I will try to put all the details of village activities in the letter Naruto," Sakura said laughing.
"Yeah, that's what we're going to do, we're going to send each other letters every week. That way it'll seem like we're still together," Sasuke said, trying to cheer up his friend.
"Alright, decided. Now I think we should leave, lunch break ends in a few minutes right Sakura-chan? After we have dinner with our families let's spend 1 or 2 hours together before we leave in the morning" he said Naruto as he stood up from his chair.
"Fine by me," Sasuke said getting up and adjusting the chair to its proper place.
"Okay, see you at the training grounds as usual?" Sakura asked.
"Yeah there, wherever, it doesn't matter," Naruto said as he raised his hand to greet his friends. "See you later!"
"See you later, Sakura," Sasuke said as he poked Sakura's nose with his index finger.
"Hey, why do you do that? It makes me feel like a child," Sakura said as she rubbed her nose and forced herself not to blush.
Sasuke smiled. "I like it and I will never stop doing it. Bye now."
"Bye Sasuke-kun!" Sakura greeted as a smile grew on her face.
The Uchiha house was filled with the aroma of Sasuke's favorite dishes, but the usual lively chatter was replaced by a heavy silence. Mikoto's hands trembled slightly as she placed the last dish on the table, glancing at Sasuke with a mix of pride and worry. Mikoto had filled the table to the brim with Sasuke's favorite foods, a feast that felt both celebratory and bittersweet.
"Please Sasuke, just eat well. Don't neglect yourself, you are at a tender age, you are growing and your body needs every vitamin," Mikoto said as she ate her food.
" I'll try, Mother. Don't worry—I'll be fine." Sasuke forced a smile, though the uncertainty in his eyes betrayed his confidence.
"Don't stress yourself too much, and write to us about everything. I've prepared a bag of papers and pens, I want to know every detail about you and your health," Itachi told him in a slightly strict tone. Sasuke thought that his departure would be more difficult for Mom and Dad, but it turned out that Itachi's heart was going out of place because of the worry that he would not have his little brother in front of his eyes for 2 years in a row.
"Definitely Itachi, calm down you are pale. Sasuke is not with a child, he is now becoming a man. He will be a strong shinobi for himself, his family, and the village," Fugaku said with a very proud look at Sasuke.
"Ah I know," Itachi said as he picked up the glass of sake and held it up. "For you little brother, for your success. I hope to see you up and up in every field of life."
They toasted and Sasuke's spirit was filled, the fact that his mother, his father, and his big brother that he loved so much were looking at him with such love and pride made Sasuke a little emotional. It even seemed to him that for a moment he saw tears in his father's eyes, something that had never happened before.
"You should lie down and rest, you have a long way to go and you'll be leaving early," Mikoto said with her signature smile.
"Actually, after this, I will go to meet up with Sakura and Naruto. We'll spend 1 hour with each other before we leave, maybe we can pay Kakashi a visit," Sasuke said and his gaze darkened.
A tightness gripped Sasuke's chest at the thought of leaving Sakura behind. What if she needed him? The image of her smile faded into worry, twisting his stomach.
"Good idea," Fugaku said as he scanned his son. He didn't know how, but Fugaku understood what his son was thinking at that moment. Maybe it was time to have a short chat before he left.
"Sasuke, before you go out, can we have a chat just the two of us?" asked Fugaku.
"Okay, when?" asked Sasuke.
"Well if you're done let's continue to the room opposite," said Fugaku as he got up and headed towards the room where his office was.
Sasuke took off and followed his father while Mikoto and Itachi remained in the kitchen.
"Is there something wrong?" Itachi asked curiously.
"Oh no, I believe your father would like to enlighten Sasuke a little more about matters of the heart," Mikoto said as she winked at Itachi and went to put the dishes in the sink.
"Matters of the heart huh," Itachi said with a smirk. "I believe that you are a very ardent fan of Sakura-chan as a girl, but also as a bride-to-be."
"Please, who wouldn't be? You've seen how sweet she is, how polite she is, just smiling no matter how tired she is. It's been years since they were positioned in a team that I dream of them being together. It's obvious that they both have feelings for each other," said Mikoto looking very happy about this fact for her little son.
"True, but does father think the same as you?" asked Itachi, curious about the fact that the Uchiha appreciated the rules. The rule said that they should not marry outside their clan.
"Look, it may not be obvious but your father loves this more than all of us put together. Trust me. He never shows himself but I've seen how interested he is, he praises Sakura a lot and appreciates her character. that she has," Mikoto said smiling.
"Interesting, don't think I won't tease Father a bit about this," Itachi said and thus they both started laughing.
In the other room, Sasuke sat as he watched his father take something from one of his secret boxes on the library shelf. Curiosity kept growing inside the young boy. "What did you want to talk about father?"
"Tonight I want to teach you how to leave the village like a grown man," Fugaku said with a smile on his face.
"What does that mean?" asked Sasuke now even more curious as he saw his father sitting in front of him with a black box in his hand with the clan symbol on it.
Fugaku opened it and took out a kunai, which he gave to his son. Sasuke widened his eyes, he had never seen anything so special. The kunai was handmade, it looked very carefully crafted. His holster was full of carving details that could take years to perfect, it also had small seemingly precious stones in the colors of their clan symbol.
"This kunai was made by my grandfather Sasuke. It's all handmade. He made this as a gift for my grandmother, after giving him an important mission my grandfather gave her the gift as a sign of promise that he would come back again for him and he wouldn't forget it," Fugaku said calmly.
"My grandmother gave it to my father who gave it to my mother, she gave it to me and I gave it to your mother on our engagement day. This is more than just a weapon. It is like a bridge between past and future, a promise woven with hope and legacy."
Sasuke was confused. "Why are you giving this to me, why not to Itachi? He can give it to Izumi and carry on the tradition."
"Why don't you continue the tradition?" Fugaku asked smiling as he placed a hand on his son's shoulder.
"Son, I have realized that you have feelings for Sakura-san. I have come to realize this since the first days when you became a team. It is time to stop harboring these feelings and tonight more than ever it's the right time."
"How so?"
"You're a teenager, you're going to be gone for 2 years Sasuke, who knows what could happen in that time? Maybe a handsome shinobi can come to the village and steal Sakura's heart," Fugaku said with a smirk.
Sasuke felt a tightness in his heart.
Until now he had thought of everything but this, it had not even occurred to him. Could a boy take Sakura's heart in his absence? Of course, yes. He hadn't even told Sakura what he really felt for her. He had seen signs in her that proved that she also had something against him, that's what everyone said, but he hadn't bothered to say openly that he loved her. He didn't even know why, he was ashamed, afraid that maybe she would reject him.
And at that moment something hit Sasuke. "Do you allow this, father?" he asked as he looked up at Fugaku.
"What do I allow?" he asked in surprise.
" If Sakura and I become a couple, would you accept it, even though she isn't a Uchiha?" His voice was tentative, laden with the weight of unspoken fears.
"The rules of the clan are important things that each one of us respects closely. But the Uchihas value something else more than the rules, and that is love," said Fugaku closing his eyes and crossing his hands in front of him.
"When a Uchiha loves, he loves with his heart, with his mind, with his whole soul. No one can feel love as much as we do, Sasuke. Now tell me, knowing that you have feelings for Sakura, do you really think that I would put the rules before your love? To break your heart by taking you away from your love to marry a Uchiha according to the rules, not only would that make me a bad father but also a traitor to my clan, breaking such a great value," he continued as Sasuke's eyes widened, listening to his every word intently.
His heart was beating so fast and happiness took over his soul. Until now he hadn't thought about these things he just discussed with his father because Sasuke didn't care. If he knew that Sakura loved him, there would be no rules and no one who could separate him from her, but listening to his father today. He had never thought that he would have this support from him.
All these years Fugaku had raised him by teaching him the rules of the clan, how important they were, and how precisely they should respect them. Knowing that his father was ready to break this by going against the elders of the tribe to protect his son's wishes was another level of satisfaction.
"Father, I don't know what to say, Sasuke said as he shot an emotional look at him.
There's nothing more to say, Sasuke," Fugaku said, his voice steady. But in that moment, Sasuke felt a rush of determination. He realized that his father's support meant he could face his fears, not just for himself, but for Sakura too.
"I'm proud of you for everything you've done and I'll always support you. Sakura-san is a great girl and most of all she seems to love and value you too. Now go to her and do what needs to be done," Fugaku said as he held out his kunai to Sasuke and then stroked his head.
"I will Father, thank you, for everything," Sasuke said as he gave his father a hug, leaving him stunned.
Sasuke finally opens the door, stepping outside with renewed resolve. He knows that this journey will challenge him, but it will also bring him closer to his true self—and to Sakura. As he walks away, the weight of his fears transforms into a sense of purpose, ready to embrace whatever comes next.
Tonight, more than ever, he had the courage to finally express everything he felt to Sakura. He knew that he was not the best in this field, but he would do everything so that this night would not be easily forgotten by Sakura. And he also hoped that she would also feel a little something towards him.*
The streets of Konoha were loud and full of joy, but that didn't seem to attract Sakura's attention at all. She had gone out that night for a walk around the village until it was time to meet her dear friends. Her mind was flying with thoughts, from the moment she received the news until now time had passed very quickly. She couldn't help but wonder if time would fly by so quickly even when they were gone.
"Sakura," she heard someone call her. Turning her head she saw that Kakashi was behind her.
"Oh Kakashi-sensei what a coincidence, I was looking for you. We thought we'd spend some time together tonight before the boys left," Sakura said as the two started walking side by side.
"I see, that's a good idea," Kakashi said as he scanned Sakura who didn't seem calm.
"You know, you should tell him tonight," Kakashi said with his gaze down the road.
"Excuse me sensei, what do I say to whom?" Sakura asked curiously as she eyed Kakashi.
"You should tell Sasuke how you feel," Kakashi said bluntly.
"How do I feel? I- I don't understand what you're talking about," Sakura said as her cheeks warmed up and turned pink.
"Maybe it should have been more appropriate for him to say it first but knowing how shy and insecure he is then why not you tell him? It would be a nice way to say goodbye to each other."
Tired of hiding her feelings from everyone, she felt a sense of security, that she could open up freely and discuss this with her sensei. "The problem is not who tells whom first, the problem lies in the rejection. What if he doesn't feel what I feel?"
"All these years of my life I've been alone. I may not have the right experience but I'm not stupid. That guy has feelings for you, and you have feelings for him. You don't have to torture yourself by keeping it a secret from each other." Kakashi said as he rubbed Sakura's shoulder with his hand.
As they walked in silence, the lights of Konoha twinkled like stars fallen to earth. Sakura's mind was a whirlpool of emotions, each thought crashing into the next. She remembered the countless times Sasuke had stood by her, the way he always seemed to know when she needed support.
"Sakura," Kakashi's voice broke her reverie. "You know, it's okay to be afraid of rejection. But what's worse is not saying anything at all."
"Yeah, but…" she hesitated, her heart racing. "What if I ruin everything?"
Kakashi chuckled softly. "Sometimes, it's the risk that makes it worthwhile. Besides, would you rather look back years from now and wonder 'what if' ?"
As they turned the corner toward the training grounds, Sakura felt a flicker of determination rise within her. She was tired of hiding, tired of letting fear dictate her actions. Tonight was the night.
When they reached the training grounds, the familiar sight of Naruto's boisterous laughter and Sasuke's quieter demeanor grounded her. She took a deep breath, her heart pounding as she realized this was it. She was going to confess her feelings tonight.
The training grounds are softly illuminated by lanterns, casting a warm glow around Naruto, Sasuke, Sakura, and Kakashi, who sit in a circle on the grass. A picnic of snacks and drinks spreads before them, creating a cozy atmosphere filled with laughter and nostalgia.
Time passed quickly, remembering every happy and funny moment and trying to forget the fact that they would not see each other for 2 years.
"My ribs are hurting, I've been laughing so much tonight I don't even have the energy to walk," Naruto said as he got to his feet and straightened his clothes.
"True, there's no end to your stupidity Naruto," Kakashi said.
"You know Kakashi-sensei, to make this night even more beautiful you could have surprised us by removing that famous mask of yours," Naruto said with a playful chuckle. "It's not too late, you can take it off now."
"Naruto, grow up boy," Kakashi said as his gaze fell on the two young men. Sasuke and Sakura did not miss any opportunity they had to look each other in the eye. It seemed like they both wanted to talk about something in private and if the future couple needed help, Kakashi-sensei was always there for them!
"I think it's time to go, come on Naruto I'll walk you home, Sasuke you can walk Sakura in the meantime," Kakashi said walking towards Naruto.
"What? Kakashi-sensei I'm not a child, I can go home by myself then the four of us can move together," Naruto said and at that time Kakashi grabbed his arm, gesturing to the pair with his eyes.
Naruto analyzed the situation and smiled slightly, he understood Kakashi's intent. "Oh, you know what? Come on, let's go as soon as possible, good night guys, I believe we will meet in the morning at the village gate."
"I'll definitely be there, good night Naruto, Kakashi-sensei!" Sakura said as both she and Sasuke waved at the boys. 'What got these two running away like that?'
"How about we take a walk along the lake near here before we leave?" Sasuke asked and Sakura noticed that his cheeks turned a little pink.
"Sure Sasuke-kun, let's go," she said as she felt her heartbeat increase.
While they were walking Sakura crossed her hands behind her back and started playing with her fingers. She was thinking about how to start the conversation, and how to tell him what she felt without making Sasuke uncomfortable. She easily turned her head in his direction.
"You know, I've always loved nights like this. They make everything feel... possible," she said.
"Yeah. It's peaceful… but also kind of sad knowing we'll be apart for so long," Sasuke said as he studied Sakura out of the corner of his eye.
"It's been hard for me to think about you leaving. I will miss you both so much."
Raising an eyebrow, curiosity piqued Sasuke. "You'll be okay, right? You're strong, Sakura."
Sakura smiled lightly. "I know, but it's not just about being strong. It's about… being without you. I've realized how much I rely on having you around.
Sasuke shifts slightly, his heart pounding in his chest. He takes a step closer, the distance between them shrinking. "I've felt it too. It's different now. You mean more to me than I ever admitted."
Sakura's eyes widened, she felt the warmth of his gaze upon her. "What do you mean?"
Sasuke took a deep breath, reaching up he grabbed Sakura's wrist lightly and turned her towards him making their eyes meet. "I care about you, Sakura. More than just a teammate or a friend. You've always been there for me."
Sakura blushed and felt like her heart was pounding inside her chest. "Sasuke-kun I wanted to tell you something. I've actually been wanting to say it for a while, but I haven't had the courage."
Sasuke raised an eyebrow more curious than ever. "What are you going to tell me?"
Sakura gulped, her throat now dry and looking like she was going to gasp at any moment. "I- I love you Sasuke-kun!" she said as she looked down at the ground.
"I wanted to say before you leave, I've loved you for a long time. It's terrifying to admit it, but I can't hide it anymore," with these words Sasuke's heart was filled with happiness.
He smiled and coming a little closer to her, he bent down and took her hand. "You're not alone in this. I've been scared to admit how I feel. I've kept it all bottled up because I thought it would make things easier... but it hasn't. I love you too, Sakura."
Sakura felt a tear slip, she was so happy now. It seemed like her biggest dream had come true, she couldn't believe that what she just heard was true.
"No one could ever take your place. Not in my heart. I want you to know that you're the one I think about. You're the reason I fight to become stronger," he said as he wiped the teardrop from Sakura's cheek with his thumb.
Now Sakura began to cry even more. Tears of happiness burst out uncontrollably. "Sasuke-kun… I—"
"Tonight, before I leave, I want you to have something," he interrupted her gently.
He reaches into his pocket and pulls out the kunai his father, Fugaku, gave him earlier. Its craftsmanship glints in the moonlight as he holds it out to her, his expression serious.
"This kunai was made by my grandfather. It symbolizes strength and protection. I want you to have it as a promise. No matter where I go, you'll always be with me and I with you. I'll always protect you."
Filled with emotions Sakura took the kunai next to her with trembling hands. "Sasuke-kun this is the most precious gift anyone could have given me, thank you very much! I promise I will keep it very carefully. I'll keep it safe. Just like I'll keep you in my heart."
At that moment, Sasuke takes a deep breath, and as if drawn together by an invisible force, they lean in closer. Their lips meet softly, a tentative kiss that holds all the promises and feelings they've kept hidden for so long. It feels both electrifying and soothing as if everything else has faded away, leaving only the two of them and their connection.
As they pull away, both breathless and slightly dazed, Sasuke can't help but smile."I'll always remember this moment. You're my strength, Sakura."
"And you're mine. I love you, Sasuke."
They stand under the night sky, hearts full, knowing their bond has deepened. Ready to face whatever challenges lie ahead, together in spirit even when apart.
The sun is just beginning to rise over Konoha, casting a golden glow on the village. The air is filled with a bittersweet energy as friends and family gather at the village entrance to say their farewells to Sasuke and Naruto, who are about to embark on their training journey.
"Hey, this isn't goodbye! It's just a 'see you later!'" Naruto exclaimed, a wide grin plastered on his face. He tried to lighten the mood despite the heavy atmosphere. "I'll be back stronger than ever, and I'll make you all proud!"
Sasuke stood beside him, arms crossed, attempting to maintain his cool demeanor. "Yeah, and I'll finally be able to prove myself and to kick your ass too," he added, a hint of determination in his voice.
Sakura felt tears welling in her eyes. "You both better come back safe! I'll miss you both," she said, stepping closer to them. She gave Naruto a tight hug before turning to Sasuke.
"You'll write, right? I want to hear everything about your training!" she insisted, her voice trembling slightly.
Sasuke nodded, a soft smile breaking through his usually stoic expression. "I will. Don't worry."
Izumi approached, holding a small bundle of food. "I made you both some food for the journey. It's not much, but I hope it helps!" she said, her cheeks flushed with embarrassment.
Naruto's eyes lit up. "Food? You're the best, Izumi-san! Thanks!" he said, his excitement infectious.
Sasuke smirked. "Yeah, thanks. I appreciate it," he replied, feeling a warmth in his chest. Smiling he approached Izumi and said whispering, "take care of my big brother as well."
Izumi blushed a little and laughed awkwardly. "I definitely will, I'll even take care of Sakura-chan too," she whispered, elbowing Sasuke.
Shisui clapped Sasuke on the back, his smile encouraging. "You've got this, little rabbit . Just remember to keep your focus and work hard. I'll be waiting to hear about your progress."
Sasuke felt the weight of his cousin's words. "I will, thank you."
Mikoto, holding back tears, stepped forward to Sasuke. "Promise me you'll take care of yourself. Don't neglect your health, and remember to write home," she urged, her voice filled with concern.
"I promise, Mother," Sasuke said, feeling the love radiating from her.
Fugaku placed a reassuring hand on Sasuke's shoulder. "You carry the Uchiha name with pride. Make the most of this opportunity, and remember that family will always be your strength."
Itachi stepped forward, his expression serious but proud. "You both have a lot ahead of you. Remember, strength comes not just from training but from your bonds with others. Keep those close," he advised, placing a hand on Sasuke's shoulder.
Kushina, tears glistening in her eyes, hugged Naruto tightly. "I'm so proud of you, Naruto. Just remember to stay out of trouble!" she said, her voice a mixture of joy and worry.
Naruto laughed, trying to ease her tension. "No promises, Mom! But I'll be careful," he assured her.
Minato stepped forward, a proud smile on his face. "Train hard and keep pushing your limits. We believe in you both," he said, his voice steady.
Kakashi leaned against a nearby tree, a rare seriousness in his gaze. "Don't forget everything you've learned. And if you need advice, don't hesitate to ask," he added, looking directly at both of them.
While the others were talking Sasuke took advantage of the situation and approached Sakura. He gently cupped her right cheek and kissed her lightly there. Then with his index and middle finger he lightly touched her forehead, the same way his older brother used to do with him.
"Take care of yourself, promise me you won't torture yourself with long hours at the hospital," he said in a low voice, smiling at her.
"I promise, be careful and don't let another girl get close to you, or I'll come to Oto and take you back here," Sakura said as she laughed playfully.
"I have no complaints about that," Sasuke said as he looked at Sakura who looked like the most beautiful person in the world with those sparkling green eyes.
This scene could not be missed by others and why were they acting as if they did not have the mind to give them privacy. This could not be said for Mikoto, who had grabbed her husband's arm while giving him a few light strokes out of joy.
With one last look at their friends and family, Naruto and Sasuke turned to leave, stepping onto the path that led them away from Konoha. As they walked away, the sun rose higher, illuminating the path ahead, filled with both challenges and promise. Behind them, their loved ones stood together, hearts united in hope, knowing this was not the end but merely the beginning of a new chapter.
"Good luck Teme, I'm going to miss you."
"Good luck to you too Dobe, see you soon."